Shenzhou-19 astronauts send Spring Festival greetings from space station

Xinhua) 15:58, January 28, 2025

BEIJING, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Shenzhou-19 astronauts Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze sent their Spring Festival greetings from China's Tiangong space station in a video released by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) on New Year's Eve.

The trio, dressed in blue jumpsuits adorned with red traditional auspicious cloud patterns, held two pieces of Chinese paper-cutting featuring the character "fu," symbolizing good luck.

"At this moment, I miss my family and friends even more. I wish you all a prosperous Year of the Snake, filled with good fortune and happiness," said Cai, the crew commander.

This is Cai's second time working and living in China's space station, but his first time celebrating the Spring Festival there. In 2022, he spent six months in the space during the Shenzhou-14 mission.

"I am fortunate to have lived in a great era and fulfilled my space dream," said Song, as he wished young people a bright and promising future.

Wang, with her hands forming a heart shape above her head, said, "In the new year, may all your dreams come true."

Song and Wang are China's first post-90s astronauts to enter the space station. Wang is also the first female space engineer to work in the space station.

The astronauts have decorated the space station, orbiting about 400 km above Earth, with red couplets and the character "fu." Their New Year's Eve dinner includes dumplings, symbolizing reunion and prosperity, alongside a variety of dishes such as roast chicken, smoked fish, beef and lettuce. They will also enjoy staple foods and soups like eight-treasure rice pudding, snow fungus soup, and tomato egg soup, complemented by orange juice and a candy gift pack.

The three astronauts entered the space station on Oct. 30, 2024. In nearly three months, they conducted a series of scientific experiments and technical tests, and completed tasks such as the installation of space debris protection devices on the space station during two spacewalks.

According to the CMSA, they will carry out 86 space science research and technology experiments during the six-month stay, covering various fields including space life science, microgravity fundamental physics, space material science, space medicine and new space technologies. They will also engage in science education, public interest activities, and other payload tests.

This is the third Spring Festival since the full completion of the Chinese space station. Nine crew members from Shenzhou-15, Shenzhou-17 and Shenzhou-19 have welcomed the New Year and the Spring Festival in space.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Wu Chaolan)
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Earlier this month, a full moon blocked Mars from view. Historically, some have taken that as a sign for peace as Mars has been the "planet of war and conflict in many cultures, from ancient China to ancient Rome," according to science writer Rebecca Boyle.

At least then there may be celestial hope for President Donald Trump's nearly two-year-old promise to end the war in Ukraine. "I'll have that done in 24 hours," he told a CNN town hall in May 2023.

The hard ground truth in Ukraine is that, as Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower once put it, "sometimes it just gets down to the dirty job of killing until one side or the other cracks." Right now the Russians are far closer to cracking than the Ukrainians are. While the Russians can absorb more pain, they do not want to take more; the Ukrainians have more limited resources, yet are willing to take more pain because they're fighting for their country.

Russia currently holds 18% of Ukraine's sovereign territory (terrain the size of Ohio). Ukraine has retaken 54% of what the Russians held at one point. The fighting over three years has cost Ukraine more than 400,000 dead and injured. Russia's toll is more than 700,000 dead and injured.

This cost is high yet sustainable on both sides. The Ukrainians have absorbed approximately 11,000 total casualties per month. The Russians, roughly 20,000 total casualties a month. The strategist Edward Luttwak has estimated, "the number of male Ukrainians that annually reach military age is at least 235,000 or 20,000 per month"; but "every month more than 100,000 Russian males reach military age." So this war is grinding up more than half of Ukraine's young men, and one-fifth of Russia's (setting aside women's considerable contribution to the war effort, particularly for Ukraine).

But that's what war does. It trades lives for objectives. It is painful and it is awful and it is crude, but this is also the grim arithmetic by which big wars are won.

Such math is taught to every Ukrainian basic trainee, that everyone "on frontline duty must take the life of at least one Russian soldier, preferably more, before dying himself," as recently reported. While that remarkable rate doesn't guarantee victory, over time it can have a devastating impact. That's why most wars are won by outlasting the other side, as the historian Cathal Nolan has pointed out.

The Russians have admitted they're being outlasted. Last fall, they recruited North Korean troops into their ranks, alongside the convicts, mercenaries and poor kids from Siberia who make up the rest of its remaining army. Death payments alone cost the Russian government $30 billion over a recent one-year period. About 40% of Russia's national budget now goes to the military.

Morale is with Ukraine. Their units wear patches that read "Ukraine or Death." Their generals pronounce: "We'll fight the Russians to the death, until the last Ukrainian." Their soldiers, unarmed and about to be executed, smoke cigarettes and shout: "Glory to Ukraine." And they know they're fighting for their children against an adversary that has stolen well over 19,000 Ukrainian kids since the war began.

So how could the U.S. persuade Ukraine to end the war now? Why would Kyiv make a deal? This is the first problem for Trump and Kellogg. While the Russians may be closer to caving, it's not clear that either side's pain has become intolerable. That means bringing parties to the table motivated by desire, not necessity, which makes meaningful concessions near impossible.

If the U.S. could get the two nations to agree, what would the ideal peace deal look like? Twin American interests are at stake that sit in tension with one another, like a massive foreign policy seesaw. Maximizing Ukrainian independence to stand for international borders on one end, versus maximizing detente with Russia to hedge against the growing threat from China.

A durable balance is key. Giving Ukraine all it wants would provoke Russia and throw it further over to the Chinese. Giving Russia too much would embolden it to go again, this time after Moldova, Georgia, maybe at NATO's edge.

The only real deal, then, is a balanced peace that neither emboldens or provokes. That's probably something that freezes terrain in place with some creative, NATO-by-another-name security guarantee that ensures Ukraine's survival and current sovereignty  perhaps stationing troops of major European nations in Ukraine to create a "human tripwire," as America has done in South Korea for many decades.

Peace is tough because war is tough. Wars don't end on schedule, for Inauguration Day, or when you say so. Thinking that would be like hoping to bring peace by howling at the moon.

ML (Matt) Cavanaugh, PhD, is a retired US Army Strategist who earned two Bronze Star Medals and a Combat Action Badge for his time in the Iraq War, and most recently served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Kidney Donation Organization, the largest group of living organ donors in the US. He is a Professor of Practice with the Arizona State University School of Politics & Global Studies (abbreviated CV available here), and is a co-founder of the Modern War Institute at West Point.



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January 30, 2025: Last year featured an unusually large number of efforts to rearrange the ethnic, religious and political realities of the Middle East. The most visible and endlessly frustrating effort is the destruction of Israel. After that there are calls for the replacement of Arab dictatorships and sham democracies with true democracies. The only functioning democracy in the region is Israel. At the same time Israelis are frequently blamed for any problems that occur. This hostility to democracy in the Middle East has long been noted. For example, Britain and France did not intend to establish democracies in the Near East after World War I when the collapse of the Ottoman Empire left Europeans, rather than Turks, in charge of the region. Democracy did not appear to work in the Middle East. When they did work, they did not last. Israel was the only exception and most governments and factions in the region hated Israel for its democracy, stability and prosperity.

This hatred most recently expressed itself when Hamas, a Palestinian anti-Israel militia unsuccessfully attacked Israel in October 2023. The Palestinians have, since the 1940s Israeli war of independence, been their own worst enemies and never missed an opportunity to miss an opportunity. This mess started a century ago after World War I when the victorious allies had defeated Germany and its Turkish ally. Part of the post-war plan was to reorganize Palestine, the Levant region of Syria and Lebanon as British and French-controlled monarchies. That did not work and Arab nationalists in what is now Israel attacked Jewish settlers from Europe who were seeking to establish a Jewish state in the area. This movement was proposed in the 1890s but was not acted on until 1920, after World War I, with nominal British approval in the Balfour Declaration. This led to increasing Arab violence against Jews.

Then came World War II and the German effort to kill all the Jews in Europe. Six million Jews, and six million other Europeans the Germans considered unworthy, were killed during the war. This led many of the surviving Jews to declare Never Again, and the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. This and British forces leaving the region triggered violence from the surrounding Arab states, who urged the Palestinian Arabs living there to flee Israel. The other Arab states urged the Palestinians to flee so they could steal the Palestinians land in Israel. At the same time the Israelis urged the Arabs among them to stay. Many did, and currently 20 percent of the Israeli population is Arab, most of them Moslem. The Israelis defeated forces from Iraq, Egypt, Jordan, and Syria who sought to destroy Israel. That was followed by Arab Israeli wars in 1957, 1967, and 1973. Israel won every time and that led Egypt and Jordan to make peace with Israel, an arrangement that has persisted to the present.

The Palestinians refused to settle for anything less than the destruction of Israel and eviction of all the Jews in it, and that refusal has persisted. This intransigence first occurred in 1949 when Israel offered to allow 300,000 Palestinians to return. As part of that deal the United States agreed to pay for the construction of homes for 200,000 people in Jordan and another 60,000 in Sinai and the east bank of the Suez Canal. Arab and Palestinian leaders ordered their followers to ignore these offers and continued blaming Israel for the dire situation of Palestinian refugees.

Palestinian radicals, Hamas being one of those groups, insists that Israel be destroyed and replaced by a Palestinian State. These Palestinians ignore the fact that Israel has the strongest military in the region, nuclear weapons, their own ballistic missiles to deliver nuclear warheads and the wealthiest, most advanced economy in the region.

Despite that, Palestinian radicals continue to promote attacks on Israel. Radicals in other Arab states sympathize with the Palestinians but do little more than demonstrate against Israel in their own countries and often get arrested. The Arab governments see Israel as a lucrative economic partner and in some cases a useful partner in counter-terrorism operations. Anti-Israel groups throughout the Arab world are often troublesome for the local Arab governments. Israel shares information about Islamic terrorists with Middle Eastern Arab states and earns a degree of cooperation from these governments. In the streets it is a different story, with radicals calling for attacks on Israel as well as local governments that are not willing to make war on Israel.

Nations in the region regularly claim they are rearranging their relationships with their neighbors. Those claims are rarely fulfilled while the ancient feuds return with new names and occasionally new participants when some other player has disappeared.
Discovery Education Announces Accessibility Enhancements for DreamBox Math

Discovery Education has updated DreamBox Math, an online math program for K8 students to supplement core instruction, to improve accessibility for K5 students, according to a news release. DreamBox Math provides personalized instruction by adapting to individual learners' responses and providing an engaging, dynamic learning environment. The lessons are available in English and Spanish and align to standards in all 50 states.

The goal of the updates was to surpass compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, the news release reports. Enhancements include improved compatibility with assistive technology tools; a new screen reader that provides alternative descriptions to increase concept understanding; intuitive keyboard navigation; visuals for students with low vision and color blindness; and eased engagement with moving and placing on-screen elements.

"The new enhancements and updates to DreamBox Math make it even easier for students  including those with differing visual, auditory, cognitive, and physical abilities  to access high-quality learning experiences that support increased achievement," said Discovery Education Senior Director of Product Management Melanie Lugo. "But we are not stopping here. We are committed to ensuring every student using DreamBox Math can progress at their own pace, experience joy, and gain confidence on their individual journeys toward mathematical excellence."

Discovery Education also updated DreamBox Math's Racecourse lessons, which teach students about fractions. The upgrades include numbered intervals along the course to streamline problem-solving; larger visuals and more space; a relatable "Road Trip" context to help students understand the tasks; and increased support and feedback as students work through the course, according to the news release.

The company plans to release further updates to DreamBox Math K8 and DreamBox Reading throughout 2025, the news release reports.

For more information, visit the Discovery Education site.
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In what appears to be a disturbing case of history repeating itself, Zanu PF officials are once again rallying behind what seems to be an unverified technological claimthis time by Zimbabwean inventor Maxwell Chikumbutso. Chikumbutso recently presented his so-called Dunamis technology to President Mnangagwa, claiming that it can convert radio frequencies into usable energy to power vehicles and other devices. The bold assertions have been hailed as a groundbreaking victory by members of the ruling party, reminiscent of the fervor seen during the infamous diesel from rocks saga.

For those who may have forgotten, the diesel from rocks incident occurred in 2007 when a traditional healer, Rotina Mavhunga, duped senior government officials into believing she could extract diesel fuel from rocks in Chinhoyi. Zanu PF ministers and other high-ranking officials celebrated the supposed discovery, even conducting elaborate rituals and dispatching engineers to investigate the claims. In the end, the entire spectacle was exposed as a hoax, leaving the government embarrassed and the nation questioning the intelligence of its leadership.

Fast forward to 2025, and it seems the lessons from that debacle have not been learned. Chikumbutsos claims, while intriguing, defy established scientific principles, particularly the law of conservation of energy. The idea that radio frequencies can be converted into limitless energy is not supported by any credible scientific research. Yet, without demanding independent verification or peer-reviewed evidence, Zanu PF officials are once again celebrating what may very well be another baseless fantasy.

The willingness of Zanu PF bigwigs to endorse such questionable claims without scrutiny speaks volumes about their lack of critical thinking and scientific literacy. Instead of fostering a culture of innovation grounded in rigorous testing and verification, they seem content to chase fantastical notions that offer short-term political wins but long-term embarrassment.

This blind faith in unverified technology not only undermines Zimbabwes credibility on the global stage but also diverts attention from the pressing issues facing the nation. With a struggling economy, rampant unemployment, and deteriorating infrastructure, Zimbabwe needs real solutions, not science fiction fantasies.

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If Zanu PF truly wants to champion innovation and technological advancement, it must adopt a more discerning approach. This includes seeking expert opinions, demanding empirical evidence, and being willing to challenge claims that sound too good to be true. Failure to do so will only perpetuate the cycle of gullibility and humiliation that has plagued the party in the past.

The parallels between the diesel from rocks saga and the current Chikumbutso affair are too stark to ignore. Zanu PF must wake up to the reality that genuine progress requires intelligence, skepticism, and accountability. Until then, the party risks being hoodwinked time and time again, much to the detriment of the nation it claims to serve.

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(TBTCO) - Ty le that nghiep tai cac quoc gia thuoc To chuc Hop tac va Phat trien Kinh te (OECD) a giam xuong con 4,8% trong thang 1/2025, anh dau muc thap nhat ke tu thang 3/2023 va la thang thu 34 lien tiep duy tri o muc bang hoac duoi 5%.
(TBTCO) - Buoc vao nam 2025, voi su gia nhap cua Anh vao CPTPP, cung voi Hiep inh tu do thuong mai Viet Nam - Anh ang co hieu luc, cong them tat ca cac yeu to co ban vung chac ang co, kinh te Viet Nam tiep tuc noi bat trong khu vuc, mang en nhieu co hoi thuong mai uu ai hon cho cac oi tac tren toan cau.
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Budget Saudi Arabia, a leading car rental company in the kingdom, has launched an initiative to bring friends, families, and loved ones together.

Underlining its commitment to empowering people to embark on rewarding travel and transportation experiences, the company has partnered with Saudi influencer Azooz Bakr to enliven special occasions, celebrate cherished moments, and create memories.

At a time when more people are spending more time online than ever, Budget Saudis new initiative -- Quit Screens to Scenes -- has been introduced to inspire consumers across the kingdom to immerse themselves in real-world connections, transforming virtual engagements into meaningful, in-person experiences.

True to Budget Saudi Arabias values and in keeping with the companys mission to curate transporting adventures for its customers, the initiative will provide a new service to consumers. Instead of sending a digital message  be it through a text or an email  to a friend or family member when celebrating occasions or anniversaries such as birthdays, job promotions, and new career milestones, Budget Saudi will offer people the chance to reconnect with those closest to them and take part in special on-ground celebrations.

Participants will be personally driven by Azooz Bakr to surprise and celebrate with their loved ones, transforming virtual interactions into truly special occasions. Budget Saudi Arabia will handle all logistics, making the experience as smooth, seamless, and straightforward as possible, emphasizing that celebrating real-world connections can be just as simple as sending a virtual message  and much more rewarding.

Fawaz Abdullah Danish, President and Group CEO, Budget Saudi Arabia, said: At Budget Saudi, we take great pride in Keep Moving people where they need to be. We understand that this is important -- when bringing loved ones together to celebrate the moments and occasions that matter most to them. In doing this, we recognize that our work transcends simply enabling customers to move from point A to point B: the move that breaks the shackles of status quo to freedom of creativity and empowerment. It empowers people to enrich their lives by strengthening their bonds with those closest to them. No matter how far away they might be. Quit Screens to Scenes was created to do precisely that, transforming peoples personal celebrations and lives by bridging the gap between the virtual world and the real world. - TradeArabia News Service
Radisson RED Dubai Silicon Oasis has appointed Nina Petridis as the new RED Curator.

With over 15 years of leadership experience in premium and luxury international resorts and hotels, Nina brings a wealth of expertise, a dynamic vision, and an unwavering passion for excellence in hospitality, the hotel said.

Ninas hospitality journey began in 2007 at the iconic Astoria Hotel in St Petersburg. Since then, she has built an exceptional career with roles at Rocco Forte, Kempinski, and Radisson, among others, contributing to the successful operations of Radisson Hotel Group properties across Russia.

Jan Hanak, Managing Director, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain & Egypt  Radisson Hotel Group, says: "Ninas appointment highlights our commitment to growing talent from within, with our people being our greatest assets. Shes a great example of how we recognise and nurture potential, turning experience into leadership. I am confident shell bring fresh energy and continue to enhance the Radisson RED experience at the hotel."

Radisson RED Dubai Silicon Oasis is a vibrant and unconventional lifestyle hotel that blends bold design, innovative technology, and a playful approach to hospitality. Located in the heart of Dubai's tech hub, the hotel is a social hive for travellers and locals alike, offering unique dining concepts, rooftop vibes, and spaces that inspire creativity and collaboration. With its edgy style and community-driven spirit, Radisson RED Dubai redefines the modern hospitality experience.  TradeArabia News Service
Wipro Limited, a leading technology services and consulting company, has been selected by Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, to lead its comprehensive technology modernisation.

Wipro will ensure seamless migration of legacy systems and improve operational efficiency across key areas, including workplace, network, infrastructure, and service management, the IT major said.

As part of the five-year contract, Wipro FullStride Cloud will deliver a customised cloud-based solution that will provide Etihad Airways real-time insights into their resource utilisation and improve operational agility and scalability for their global operations, it said.

Wipro will also integrate Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) modules across the IT framework - from automation of data centers to conversational support to end-users. GenAI will also provide intelligent device management and GenAI-based insights that will optimise performance and resolve potential disruptions proactively.

Frank Meyer, Chief Digital Officer, Etihad Airways, said: "We look forward to working with Wipro to prepare for the AI era, with an emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and cost optimization. Together, we aim to elevate our customers' experiences through advanced automation, intelligent operations, and enhanced observability.

Vinay Firake, CEO  Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA), Wipro Limited, said: We are excited to embark on this journey with Etihad Airways and enable them to adapt to the dynamic needs of the aviation industry. Through our proven expertise in digital transformation and AI-powered solutions, we will deliver seamless, efficient and innovative services to their customers."

Additionally, Etihad Airways will gain access to Wipro's Innovation Lab in the UAE, which will play a pivotal role in enhancing their technology to meet the evolving demands of their global operations.

For more than two decades, Wipro has operated in the Middle East with thousands of employees and providing opportunities for local talent to effectively serve the clients in the region. The company brings its global expertise in the aviation industry and proven capabilities across cloud transformation to help clients unlock new opportunities. - TradeArabia News Service
For those who want to change and do right, this place is a blessing, Herman Addison said over the phone.

For much of the call, his voice barely carried over a cacophony of background noise  sounds of residents of the Casper Reentry Centers Adult Community Corrections wing hard at work or participating in one of many recreational opportunities the center provides.

Those sounds or, more accurately, the actions producing them are central to an approach thats characterized by treating former prison inmates  now on the verge of parole  and substance abuse offenders who havent necessarily done prison time as people before prisoners.

A quick tour of the facility reveals a mixed-use gym, library, crafts centers and kitchens all designed to offer residents a sense of what normal life after incarceration will be. The idea is to gradually reintroduce freedom with a mix of structure, supervision and therapy to help residents develop healthy coping mechanisms and pro-social behaviors.

The center itself is far from the bland, plain-colored facility that may come to mind when one thinks about a correctional center  or when one sees the high fences partially topped with barbed wire that surround the admittedly boxy bleak beige exterior of the building. Some walls inside the facility are adorned with murals painted by residents.

Other rooms house recreational facilities, exercise equipment, computers for surfing the web and staying in touch with loved ones and craft areas for practicing different tasks like leatherworking, which residents proudly showed off.

The facility is managed largely by a three-person team of administrators: Facility Director Jerry Hughes, Deputy Director of Programs Vivian Whetham and Deputy Director of Security David Pearson. Their approach gets results; just more than 78% of inmates that complete their treatment at the ACC didnt end up back in Wyoming Department of Corrections custody for three years, Whetham told the Star-Tribune.

Other substance abuse programs boast a 71.5% rate, and roughly 60.7% of general population inmates that parole make it three years without reoffending. Whetham noted that the general population figure could still include all parolees that received treatment.

A two-pronged approach

The center is divided into two parts: the Therapeutic Community, abbreviated by staff and residents to the TC, and Adult Community Corrections, which the locals abbreviate to ACC.

In the Adult Community Corrections wing, residents learn many more practical skills that they can use for life after incarceration, ranging from tasks like applying for a credit card to finding work.

Those are the individuals that go in and out of the community. We manage them. Were responsible for the roles out in the community, Hughes said. So when they need employment, were helping them get employment and also make sure theyre right where they need to be.

Residents in the ACC often have jobs out in the community, as well  Hughes said they often work at restaurants, mechanics shops, or really anywhere in Natrona County. They also teach (or re-teach) residents basic life skills, like job hunting and time management.

There are other things that they help you with, like making sure you know how to get a credit card, or a bank account, or get car seats, or how to enroll your kids in school, James Nicholson, a resident, said of the ACC. But, as one that didnt need help with that, I really didnt dig into that ... I took into the program part about fixing myself, and thats exactly what this place does.

Nicholson said the TC was where he got much of the help he needed. Once addicted to oxycodone, Nicholson said he hadnt been sober since he was first prescribed the drug 20 years ago.

Now, thanks to the efforts of staff, other residents and himself in the therapeutic community, hes sober for the first time in decades. That didnt solve all of his problems, but hes moving forward.

I still have pain in my arms and my knees ... Ive got a metal arm and a bad knee, but Im able to survive, he said. Im able to deal through it and have a joyous life, and its really good, because I dont think I would have ever been able to ... go just go into prison and go out on the streets.

Vivian Whetham is the facilitys deputy director of programs and heads the TC, overseeing therapeutic programs at the center and working personally with many of the residents.

On that side of the facility, staff and residents work through small group therapy, individual therapy and psychoeducational courses to address the underlying causes of their criminal behavior, a term used by both staff and residents in conversations with the Star-Tribune.

The therapeutic community consists largely of Department of Corrections inmates who are within two years of parole. Its a six-to-nine-month program that focuses as much on behavior treatment as it does on addiction recovery, according to Whetham. Nicholson said the TC helped him address the problems he was facing before he came in beyond his addiction struggles.

After graduating from the TC, residents either move over to the ACC or parole straight to the streets, Hughes said. The reentry center hosts graduation ceremonies every couple of months to celebrate the residents achievements.

There are pros and cons with both. In some cases, residents parole before theyre ready and eventually end up back at the reentry center. Addison counts himself among them.

Hes on his third residence at the ACC, but this time, he says, hes committed. He also doesnt fault the facility for ending up back there but rather believes he just left too soon and needed more time in the ACC to practice coping mechanisms he learned there.

For me, personally, its helping me to practice my social skills, managing my time, managing my money, keeping appointments. You know, just your basic social living, Addison said. Because outside is different from the inside, from behind the walls ... [the ACC is] what your normal living would be, instead of having to run to my criminal lifestyle or drugs and alcohol, I can find other ways to handle situations, you know, responsibly.

Addison said conversations in small group therapy and casual chats with other residents changed his outlook.

I think for me, the fact that Im a grandpa now because my son had a baby, and hearing other peoples testimonies about their kids ... Its kind of a clicking moment, like hey, man, maybe its time to kind of grow up a little bit, kind of slow down, Addison explained.

That extra step can also alleviate a lot of anxiety that residents have about reintegration with society, Nicholson said, describing the prospect of going straight from prison back onto the streets as overwhelming.

Mutual respect

A key part of the Casper Reentry Centers program is mutual respect and accountability to one another, which is exemplified in part by the big brother program.

They hold each other accountable. They will. They hold each other accountable when they break the rules, Whetham said. We start by you get a big brother who stays your big brother through the entire process. So if they are struggling, we may do the first thing we may do is say, have you talk to your big brother?

In addition to the big brother system, Hughes said residents otherwise hold each other accountable for slip-ups, and some graduates come back to the program to give seminars on recovery. Holding an instructional seminar on their recovery process, Whetham also said, was a requirement for graduation.

So now theyve gone from walking in the doors to being the expert and teaching other people, and then they have self-help, she said.

Nicholson had a job as a floor cleaner in the TC, which he said gave him a unique perspective and relationship with some administrative staff. He described his relationship with Whetham as almost maternal.

Part of the facilitys success, Nicholson said, was built upon respect between staff and residents  not just among residents themselves.

I was really involved with them, and we talked about [Hughess] military background and stuff, and hes one of us, you know? Nicholson said. Hes not a criminal, but hes been through life ... hes able to understand us and treat us like humans.

He just wants the best for us.
AN unused piece of equipment intended for NiQuan Energy Trinidad Ltds operations is among several assets now up for sale by the receiver, just after the seventh anniversary of the gas-to-liquid plants grand opening.

The unused FT Max Catalyst-T 2811, weighing 231,000 pounds and used in gas-to-liquids (GTL) processes, is being sold by receiver manager Varune Mungal.
MBABANE  In response to the growing risks posed by climate change, the Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund (YERF) has introduced a mandatory insurance requirement for all agribusinesses seeking funding. This initiative aims to safeguard young entrepreneurs from climate-related disasters and enhance the sustainability of youth-led agricultural enterprises. According to a press statement issued by the organisations communications department, the agricultural sector is increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events such as droughts, heat waves, floods and storms.



Challenges



For young farmers and agribusiness owners, these challenges threaten productivity, profitability and long-term survival. Crop failures, shifting growing seasons and infrastructure damage make it difficult for businesses to meet loan obligations, increasing the risk of default. Recognising these threats, YERF is taking a proactive stance by ensuring that all funded businesses have insurance coverage. This move is expected to protect both the entrepreneurs and the fund itself from financial instability caused by unpredictable weather patterns.To facilitate the implementation of this policy, YERF has partnered with Lidwala Insurance Company to offer discounted premiums tailored for agribusinesses.



The insurance covers both crop and livestock value chains, providing a safety net for young entrepreneurs navigating the uncertainties of climate change. Lidwala Insurance has agricultural insurance solutions for all farmers, whether smallscale or large-scale or people who have never bought insurance before. Lidwala invests significant resources and time, engaging farmers and getting them to understand the importance of insurance. The company continues to deliver on the promise that its insurance products and services give.

It is worth noting that the insurance coverage for agricultural enterprises from crops, livestock and equipment that is provided by Lidwala enables Eswatini farmers to take control of their own destiny.



Agricultural production is subject to a number of risks, which include storms, drought, disease and pest outbreaks and floods among others. The risky nature of agricultural production makes risk management a very imperative tool that farmers need as protection against potential losses. The poultry cover provided by the insurance company offers farmers a comprehensive cover for poultry farming and can be divided into the following categories:

Broilers Cover: The plan specifically provides indemnity to broiler poultry birds that are grown and kept for commercial purposes from hatching till they are fully-grown.

Layers Cover: The plan specifically provides indemnity to layer poultry birds that are grown and kept for commercial purposes from hatching till they are fully-grown. The cover for both is based on the value at the time of loss on a sliding scale, based on the age of the broilers.

Cover Scope: Storm, fire, non-political riot or strike, diseases (excluding pandemics), theft, accidental death, snakebites and electrocution.

The company further provides crop cover that insures a farmer against any loss of the production costs of his or her crop during the period of insurance. The basis of this cover is based on the total production cost that was spent to plant the crops. The company also provides livestock cover that protects a farmers livestock from the unexpected. Whether on the farm, or in transit, the farmers animals are considered as personal property. The basis of the cover is based on the market value of the insured animal at the time of loss maximum sum insured.



Exploring



Beyond insurance, YERF is also exploring co-financing options for infrastructure investments and promoting innovative solutions such as protected farming. These measures aim to enhance climate resilience and ensure long-term business viability. YERF acknowledges that climate risks extend beyond agriculture and invites collaboration with public and private sector stakeholders to support youth entrepreneurs. By fostering resilient agricultural value chains, this initiative not only protects individual businesses but also strengthens the broader economy. As the frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters continue to rise, young entrepreneurs must adopt proactive risk management strategies.

With YERFs new insurance requirement, they are better equipped to withstand financial shocks, secure their investments and contribute to a more stable and sustainable agribusiness sector.
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A WILLIAMSVILLE man who knifed his wife to death in 2012 because of her continued extra-mari
Donate but dont dictate is a maxim for donors. We have seen such being done as the giver 


Groucho Marx, the famous American humourist came up with a cynically entertaining definition of politics: Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it wrongly and applying unsuitable remedies. Democracy seems to be taking a bit of a battering at the present time. In my personal view it is, conceptually, the optimum political system. One highly-effective component is the opportunity for fearless exposure of weakness, hypocrisy and dishonesty in governance. An expression from somewhere, duly modified today: A politician is someone who has his hands in your pockets and gets you to die for his views. An invalid generalisation but with many individual examples, starkly visible on the world scene.



Change



We would love to have the individual power to directly change what we see to be wrong in any specific aspect of governance. The inability to do so is frustrating but a democracy does allow the impact of the personal vote. If what is wrong is clearly visible, the aggregate vote will reflect that and win the day. I have mentioned many times the magnificent role played by the United States of America as a friend, supporter and protector of the free world. It is the great democracy of our planet. I have not always agreed with the advocacy of its new leader, Donald Trump, nor his glamorous wifes choice of hat for last weeks inauguration ceremony (lol). But the American people have elected him. Therein lies his credibility, responsibility and mandate. I reach out to the American presidency and pleaded for maintaining the generosity shown to developing countries. You get a lot of loyal friends, and a great deal of global respect, when you save a huge number of lives as you, America, have been doing; especially in Eswatini.

Lets cross the Atlantic and take two countries in Europe with a couple of issues that get the eyebrows twitching vertically. In France, former president Nicholas Sarkozy is being prosecuted for allegedly obtaining a 50 million euros (E1 billion) loan in campaign money nearly 18 years ago from the late Libyan dictator, Colonel Gaddafi; in exchange for favours.



coincidence



The case only came to court this week  a sign of the likely complexities and political pressures - but what a coincidence that the first chapter of a book shortly to be published describes how Gaddafi ran for his life (he didnt manage to save it) in a motorcade of 75 vehicles screaming across the Libyan semi-desert on October 20, 2011. And which country supplied the bombers, under a NATO decision, that knocked the living daylights out of that motorcade and trapped Gaddafi for an imminent death? It was France. Did Sarkozy jump the queue to duck paying his debts? We shall perhaps get the answer when the court case is further down the road. Meanwhile, public faith in French political leadership diminishes daily.



Definitions



Cross the English Channel and whisper the word groom without explanation and youll see a few nervous glances. Normally used in the composite term bridegroom there are many definitions of the word, one of which might reasonably be: the male mandated to groom (as in: prepare) the bride for marriage. Unfortunately, if you isolate the word groom you are stepping into a highly controversial issue. In a lower income zone in the north-midland area of England, there have been many hundreds of incidents of underage white girls groomed into sexual activity by groups of men of Indian sub-continent heritage. Some legal action was taken, but not enough; a situation that was allowed to continue for many years. In 2016, what reached the British public shortly before they voted BREXIT!! was that a group of these groomers had been brought to trial; but much too late in the day. And the social services of that town, to whom the offences had been earlier reported but ignored, stated in court: We didnt want to appear racist. People didnt like that; hence BREXIT?



influence



The ignoring of criminal action or lightening of charges was crazy. A persons ethnic identity or religious persuasion should not influence criminal justice one tiny bit, nor should such identity be isolated or accentuated disproportionately. But its precisely when an ethnic or religious group is shown this kind of timid favouritism, that racist animosity is activated. And, of course, victims were denied full justice. There has been much screaming for a fully-mandated public enquiry. It would get an 80 per cent public vote in a referendum. UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer said no! A Parliament vote (accompanied by a three line whip - a heavily underlined warning that if you vote against the motion, you risk getting thrown out of the Labour Party) supported him.



He argued in Parliament that there have been many reviews; it is current action that matters. But the public should have both  a full historical account and a plan of action. The financial and human resources are available. Anything to hide? Starmer was, after all, the Director of Public Prosecutions for five years in the middle of the criminal activities. One significant religious group constitutes six per cent of the UK population and normally supports Labour. And the Tory support for the public enquiry is lukewarm because they were in government themselves for nearly all those years. Its getting messy; theres politics for you. Starmers minister responsible rejected Oldham Councils request for a public enquiry, saying its for the local authority not central government. Rubbish; with so many British towns affected, its a national disgrace! No more ducking and diving, please. Keep the majority happy, squire.
Sir,

I am writing to highlight the invaluable contributions of the Boy Scouts to our community and to emphasise the positive impact they have on the lives of young people. The Boy Scouts programme, founded on principles of leadership, service and outdoor skills, plays a significant role in shaping responsible and engaged citizens. One of the most critical aspects of the Boy Scouts is its focus on developing leadership skills in young individuals. Through various activities, scouts learn how to take initiative, work in teams and effectively communicate with others.



Skills



These skills are not only essential for personal development, but are also transferable to future educational and career opportunities. As scouts progress through ranks and earn merit badges, they gain confidence in their abilities, preparing them for leadership roles in their schools and communities. The Boy Scouts are well-known for their commitment to community service. Scouts participate in numerous service projects that address local needs, from organising food drives to cleaning up parks and assisting the elderly. These initiatives foster a sense of civic responsibility and instill the values of empathy and compassion in our youth. By engaging in service, scouts learn the importance of giving back and contributing to the well-being of their community, cultivating a spirit of volunteerism that lasts a lifetime.



Opportunity



In an age where children are increasingly drawn to screens, the Boy Scouts offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature. Through camping trips, hiking and outdoor activities, scouts develop a deep appreciation for the environment. They learn essential skills such as survival techniques, navigation and conservation practices, which empower them to become responsible stewards of our planet. This connection to nature not only promotes physical health but also enriches their mental well-being. The camaraderie developed within scouting is another significant benefit. Scouts form lasting friendships with their peers, creating a support network that extends beyond their time in the programme. These friendships often lead to mentorship opportunities and collaboration on future endeavours. By participating in group activities, scouts learn the value of teamwork and collaboration, skills that are essential for success in any field.

The Boy Scouts promotes inclusivity and respect for diversity, welcoming young people from various backgrounds and cultures. This diversity enriches the scouting experience, allowing scouts to learn from one another and develop a broader worldview. Moreover, the programme emphasises strong moral values, encouraging scouts to demonstrate honesty, integrity and respect in their daily lives. This character development is vital in nurturing responsible adults who contribute positively to society. The Boy Scouts plays a crucial role in our community by fostering leadership, promoting service, encouraging outdoor exploration, building friendships and developing character. As we continue to support the growth of our youth, it is essential to recognise and celebrate the contributions of the Boy Scouts. Investing in this programme is an investment in our future, as it equips young individuals with the skills and values they need to succeed and make a positive impact in the world.



Scout
Khanh Hoa Province, home to the popular beach city of Nha Trang in south-central Vietnam, welcomed 531 tourists aboard a charter flight from Poland on Wednesday, the first day of the 2025 Lunar New Year.

The Polish group arrived at Cam Ranh International Airport on flight U5 2297 of SkyUp Airlines from Warsaw International Airport.

The flight, the first charter service from Poland to Khanh Hoa, is facilitated by ANEX Vietnam Travel and Trading Company Limited.

The group of 531 Polish tourists will stay for 10 days at 4- to 5-star resorts and hotels in Bai Dai of Cam Lam District and Nha Trang City.

During their visit, the Polish guests will tour Nha Trang City, explore Nha Trang Bay, sail on a catamaran, and enjoy the attractions at VinWonders Nha Trang, among other activities.

ANEX Vietnam Travel and Trading Company Limited plans to operate three flights per month from Poland, bringing around 1,500 visitors monthly.

Nguyen Thi Le Thanh, director of Khanh Hoas Department of Tourism, stated that the arrival of the flight from Poland on the first day of the Lunar New Year presents an excellent opportunity to promote Khanh Hoa as a destination for Polish and European tourists in general.

The European market, particularly Poland, is seen as a potential growth area for tourism in Khanh Hoa.

Tourism statistics show that in 2024, Khanh Hoa welcomed approximately 181,700 European tourists out of over 4.7 million international visitors to the province.

The largest numbers of tourists came from countries such as Russia, the UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Italy, Finland, Spain, Belgium, and Denmark.

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WASHINGTON -- An American Airlines regional passenger jet was involved in a mid-air collision on Wednesday night with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan Washington National Airport, officials said.

Senator Ted Cruz of Texas said on social media that "we know there are fatalities," though he did not say how many.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said a PSA Airlines regional jet collided midair with a Black Hawk helicopter while on approach to Reagan. A U.S. Army official confirmed that one of its helicopters was involved in the crash.

Emergency services operate at Gravelly Point, after American Eagle flight 5342 collided with a helicopter while approaching Reagan Washington National Airport and crashed in the Potomac River, in Arlington, Virginia, U.S. January 29, 2025. Photo: Reuters

PSA was operating Flight 5342 for American Airlines, which had departed from Wichita, Kansas, according to the FAA. According to American Airlines' website, the jet can carry up to 65 passengers.

Police said multiple agencies were involved in a search and rescue operation in the Potomac River, which borders the airport.

Emergency services operate at Gravelly Point, after American Eagle flight 5342 collided with a helicopter while approaching Reagan Washington National Airport and crashed in the Potomac River, in Arlington, Virginia, U.S. January 29, 2025. Photo: Reuters

The airport said late on Wednesday that all takeoffs and landings had been halted as emergency personnel responded to an aircraft incident.

The National Transportation Safety Board said it was gathering more information on the incident.

There has not been a fatal U.S. passenger airplane accident since February 2009, but a series of near-miss incidents in recent years have raised serious safety concerns.

Emergency vehicles leave Gravelly Point, after American Eagle flight 5342 collided with a helicopter while approaching Reagan Washington National Airport and crashed in the Potomac River, in Arlington, Virginia, U.S. January 29, 2025. Photo: Reuters

American Airlines said on social media that it was "aware of reports that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) has been involved in an incident."

American Airlines said it would provide more information as it became available to the company.
Sir,

May I address a critical issue that impacts the healthcare system in Eswatini, which is the necessity of maintaining an adequate stock of drugs. It feels bad when patients travel long distances to seek healthcare in hospitals and clinics, only to find that there are stockouts. This has the effect of worsening the sickness, because it causes stress, especially when one does not have the money to purchase the drugs from private pharmacies. This is also a desperate call for the Minister for Finance Neal Rijkenberg, to ensure that he allocates the right budget to the Ministry for Health. Also, those responsible for administrative agencies, such as the Central Medical Stores (CMS) must ensure that the stock levels are adequate for a period of time.



Navigate



As we navigate the complexities of healthcare delivery in our nation, it is imperative that we recognise and prioritise the stocking of medicine in our healthcare centres. Maintaining the right stock levels of drugs in hospitals is crucial for several reasons, each of which plays a significant role in ensuring effective patient care and the overall functioning of the healthcare system. It ensures that patients receive timely and appropriate treatment. In emergencies, delays in drug availability can lead to worsened health conditions or even fatalities. Ensuring that essential medications are consistently in stock helps healthcare providers deliver high-quality care and improves patient outcomes.



Treatment



Chronic diseases often require ongoing treatment with specific medications. Inconsistent availability can disrupt patients treatment regimens, leading to complications or deterioration in their health. Maintaining adequate stock levels ensures continuity of care, which is vital for managing chronic illnesses effectively. Proper inventory management can help hospitals avoid overstocking or stockouts. Overstocking leads to wasted resources and potential loss of medications due to expiration, while stockouts can necessitate costly last-minute purchases or emergency shipments. Efficient stock management helps hospitals optimise their budgets, reducing overall healthcare costs.



Comply



Hospitals are required to comply with various regulations regarding the availability and management of pharmaceuticals. Maintaining the right stock levels is essential to meet these regulatory requirements and avoid penalties or legal issues that can arise from non-compliance. Having a well-stocked pharmacy allows healthcare providers to focus on patient care rather than spending time sourcing medications. Efficient inventory systems streamline the process of medication distribution within hospitals, contributing to better overall operational efficiency. In times of public health crises, such as pandemics or disease outbreaks, the demand for certain medications can surge unexpectedly.

Hospitals that maintain appropriate stock levels are better prepared to respond to these emergencies, ensuring that they can provide necessary treatments to affected populations swiftly. When patients receive their medications promptly and without delays, their overall experience in the healthcare system improves. Satisfied patients are more likely to adhere to treatment plans and recommend the facility to others, which is important for building a hospitals reputation and trust within the community. Maintaining the right stock levels fosters better collaboration among healthcare providers. When medications are readily available, doctors, nurses and pharmacists can work together more effectively to develop and adjust treatment plans, enhancing the overall quality of care.



Daniel Dlamini
WASHINGTON -- The International Energy Agency's former oil industry and market chief criticized the agency's focus on the global energy transition in a report released on Wednesday, and said the IEA should concentrate on oil and gas supplies.

The IEA is under fire from the administration of President Donald Trump for a shift in recent years toward a focus on clean energy policy. A senior member of Trump's Republican party and other oil industry representatives were present at a Washington event to mark the report's release.

The Paris-based IEA has provided research and data to industrialized governments for more than half a century to guide policy on energy security, supply and investment. As member countries rapidly build renewable energy supplies and seek input on policies for the shift toward a low-carbon economy, the IEA has shifted with them.

That has drawn criticism from the oil industry, Republicans and Trump and his team, who are refocusing U.S. energy policy on increasing oil and gas output and say that the previous administration's focus on renewables is driving up energy costs.

Trump's campaign last year identified the IEA's climate focus as an issue he could address as president. Trump has leverage over the IEA because the U.S. provides a quarter of its funding. The IEA has also angered other global oil producer countries including Saudi Arabia.

The report published on Wednesday, titled Energy Delusions, was written by the IEA's former head of oil industry and markets, Neil Atkinson, and Mark Mills, director of think tank the National Center for Energy Analytics.

The authors launched the report on Capitol Hill on Wednesday alongside Wyoming Republican Senator John Barrasso and Alan Armstrong, CEO of pipeline firm Williams and current president of the National Petroleum Council. The authors said the report was aimed at influencing the new administration.

The report identifies 23 assumptions made by the agency that led to what it calls a flawed conclusion that global oil output would peak by 2030, and that no new oil and gas investment was needed.

The report says the IEA underestimates growth in emerging economies as well as in plastic and petrochemicals markets, and overestimates the pace of electric vehicle adoption.

"The promotional aspirations and flawed assumptions underlying IEA's peak-demand scenarios have serious implications, given the obvious global economic and security considerations in planning for and delivering reliable, affordable energy supplies," the report said.

The IEA said the report was "full of rudimentary errors" and "fundamental misrepresentations about both energy systems in general and IEA modelling in particular", in a statement issued on Wednesday. The agency said it welcomes ideas for improving its analysis.

"The report also incorrectly suggests the IEAs oil demand projections are an outlier  in reality, the projections are well aligned with comparable scenarios of other organisations, including major oil companies," the agency said in a statement.

Barrasso, who led a Congressional report criticizing the IEA for its green focus, declined to respond when asked whether he thought IEA chief Fatih Birol should be replaced, but said the agency risks losing its relevance.

"They are going to get ignored because they are basing their proposals on aspirations that are never going to happen and the world is seeing that and elections are rejecting what they want," he said on the sidelines of the event.
A woman in Da Nang City, central Vietnam chased after a garbage truck and recovered a bag of diamond rings worth over VND1 billion (US$39,900) after accidentally throwing them away.

Vo Minh Duc, general director of Da Nang Urban Environment Joint Stock Company, confirmed on Wednesday that his team of environmental workers had assisted a Da Nang resident in finding a bag of diamond rings worth over VND1 billion on Tuesday, Lunar New Years Eve.

At nearly midnight on Tuesday, Ducs company received a request for help in locating lost property from C.T.M.H., who resides on Nguyen Huu Tho Street in Da Nang.

H. explained that her daughter, who had just returned from abroad education, had mistakenly thrown a bag containing several diamond rings, valued at over VND1 billion VND, into the trash while cleaning her house in preparation for Tet (Vietnamese Lunar News Year).

Realizing the mistake, the family contacted local authorities and learned that the trash from Nguyen Huu Tho Street had been collected and transported to Le Thanh Nghi station for compression.

By this time, the garbage had already been compacted into bales and sent to the Khanh Son landfill in Hoa Khanh Nam Ward, Lien Chieu District.

Upon discovering this, H. went to the Khanh Son landfill, where she requested that the garbage be dumped in a separate area for searching.

Environmental workers, using information about the collection time and location, identified the correct bale and sifted through the waste.

After several hours of searching, just before the Lunar New Years Eve, they found the bag of diamond rings and returned it to H.

In gratitude, H. gave a reward to Lam Minh Hai, a worker from the garbage truck wash and transport team at the Da Nang Urban Environment Company, as well as to the group that assisted with the search.

Vo Minh Duc stated that while this was not the first time his team had helped recover lost items at the landfill, it was a particularly special case due to the high value of the property and the timing during the Lunar New Year break.

Despite the heavy workload on Lunar New Years Eve, our environmental workers proactively assisted and quickly helped recover the lost items, Duc said, adding that their commendable actions will be recognized and rewarded in upcoming days.

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Vietnams Ministry of Health has proposed a new Population Law that would extend maternity leave from six months to seven months for working women giving birth to a second child.

The proposal also includes measures to assist women who give birth to two children in industrial parks, export processing zones, and regions with low birth rates in renting or purchasing social housing.

It empowers couples and individuals to determine when to have children, how many to have, and the intervals between births.

Relevent agencies will periodically announce birth rate statistics, enabling local authorities to create and implement targeted support and incentive policies.

Local authorities, within their scope, will issue policies offering financial and spiritual benefits to encourage a replacement birth rate suitable to local socio-economic conditions.

If the birth rate in certain localities falls to very low levels, the local government will report to the National Assembly and propose timely intervention measures.

The proposal also includes regulations requiring agencies and organizations to provide pre-marriage education on reproductive health, child care, and raising children.

The health ministry also plans to continue enforcing the ban on sex-selective abortion in line with current population laws.

The local government will periodically announce statistics on provinces and cities with significant gender imbalances at birth.

The proposal suggests increasing penalties for administrative violations related to population issues to up to VND100 million (US$3,990).

There is also a focus on improving population quality, including enhancing physical health from early life stages through counseling, health check-ups before marriage, and prenatal and newborn screenings.

These proposed measures aim to maintain the countrys replacement fertility rate and address gender imbalances.

In its report, the Ministry of Health highlighted serious population challenges that need urgent attention.

Notably, Vietnams fertility rate is dropping below replacement level -- from 2.11 children per woman in 2021 to 2.01 in 2022, 1.96 in 2023, and 1.91 in 2024, the lowest in history.

The rate is expected to continue declining, and by 2039, Vietnam will have passed its golden population period.

By 2042, the working-age population will peak, and after 2054, the population will begin to decline.

Additionally, the gender imbalance at birth remains a significant challenge.

In 2006, the sex ratio at birth was 109.8 boys for every 100 girls, exceeding the natural balance of 103-107.

This ratio increased to 112.8 in 2015 and remained high at 111.4 in 2024.

If this imbalance persists, it is estimated that by 2039, Vietnam will have 1.5 million more men aged 15-49 than women of this age group, potentially rising to 2.5 million by 2059.

This could lead to severe social issues, including disruption of family structures, late or unfulfilled marriages, increased human trafficking, gender-based violence, and transnational crime.

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New six-part documentary series Vietnam: The War That Changed America, narrated by Ethan Hawke commemorates the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War.

Vietnam: The War That Changed America weaves together powerful first-person testimony, never-before-seen archival footage, and emotional reunions between veterans, some of whom havent seen each other in nearly half a century, to bring them healing, remembrance, and reconciliation. Filmmakers pulled from over 1,100 hours of archival footage to take viewers behind the headlines, into the lives of soldiers, civilians on all sides of the conflict, anti-war protestors, and survivors to provide a raw portrait of a nation torn apart by war. Across six episodes, a picture also builds of the profound changes to the United States itself, and the very different country that emerged from the war.

Some of the featured voices include: Bill Broyles, a celebrated Hollywood screenwriter and Lieutenant in the war who reunites with a member of his platoon after 50 years; Hilary Brown, ABC News first female foreign correspondent who covered the fall of Saigon firsthand; Melvin Pender, the Olympic gold-medal winning runner who competed in 1968 between tours in Vietnam; soldiers from the Viet Cong who fought in the Tet Offensive, including the first Viet Cong woman in her district to shoot down an enemy aircraft; a veteran who thought his life was over, forced to parachute into the Ho Chi Minh trail, who reunites with the man who rescued him; and Vietnamese civilians who witnessed and fled from the war.

Vietnam: The War That Changed America is produced for Apple TV+ by the BAFTA and Emmy Award-winning team at 72 Films, directed by Rob Coldstream (John Lennon: Murder Without a Trial) and produced by Caroline Marsden (9/11: One Day in America), with executive producers David Glover (9/11: One Day in America) and Mark Raphael (Crime and Punishment). This series marks the second collaboration for Apple TV+ and 72 Films, following the launch of John Lennon: Murder Without a Trial last year.

Friday January 31 on Apple TV+
New 4 part documentary Wilderness With Simon Reeve premieres next week on SBS.

Reeve travels through some of the most remote landscapes on Earth, in search of the people and the wildlife of earths greatest wildernesses.

Beginning in the great rainforests of Congo, he then traverses the rugged landscape of Patagonia, the tropical seas of the Coral Triangle, and the harsh but bountiful Kalahari.

Episode One:

Simon travels through the Congo, the second greatest rainforest on earth. He travels five hundred miles across dense tropical jungle, heading for the region of Salonga, where he searches for one of the rarest and most iconic creatures on the continent. Simon begins his journey in the northwest of the Congo basin, where his first encounter with the great forest reveals just how tough it is to travel through impenetrable thickets, biting insects and peat bogs. Simon battles onwards, and has an emotional encounter with a group of wild Bonobos deep in the forest.

8:25pm Monday, 3 February on SBS
Four Corners returns to screens next Monday with Party Crashers reported by Angus Grigg.

For more than a century, Australian politics has been a two-party contest, leaving voters with a simple choice on election day: Labor or the Coalition.

But that old rule book is being torn apart.

As a federal election looms, Four Corners returns for 2025 with reporter Angus Grigg examining whether our two-party system is collapsing.

Independents and minor parties are set to capture more than a third of the vote and become the king makers in the new parliament.

Drawing on exclusive data for the first time Four Corners reveals that in 82 per cent of seats most households are in financial distress  astonishingly up from just eight per cent three years ago.

That means paychecks barely cover basic living expenses.

So, in this cost-of-living election, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has plenty to worry about.

Grigg and the team travel to four battleground electorates in New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia and Queensland where politics is being turned on its head.

Monday 3 February at 8.30pm on ABC.
Linton Besser makes his debut as the new host of Media Watch next Monday night on ABC.

Besser is a former foreign correspondent who has reported from around the world for Four Corners, Foreign Correspondent and 7.30. His has also filed for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Bulletin.

Besser has won four Walkley Awards, two Kennedy Awards and a George Munster Award. His work has prompted public inquiries, including a Royal Commission, corruption findings and criminal prosecutions against business figures, politicians and other public officials.

Theres a new-look set as well as a changing of the guard behind the scenes with Gold Walkley winner Mario Christodoulou as executive producer.

9:18pm Monday on ABC.

Photo: Lisa Tomasetti
Screen Australia is conducting an industry survey that will help us better understand the challenges and opportunities facing the Australian screen industry in the years ahead.

This is also an opportunity to provide direct feedback on Screen Australias support and identify key priorities for the industry.

The survey takes approximately 1015 minutes to complete, and all responses are anonymous.

You can take the survey here.
Abdul Wasim Ansari, TwoCircles.net

Muhammad Azhar Ansari, born in Rajgarh district of Madhya Pradesh, suffers from a rare disease that affects about one percent of children. In some, the impact is mild, and in others, more severe. This condition prevents a person from seeing normally, and Azhar is one of those who can only feel light and darkness.

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However, he did not allow this condition to overpower him and continued to pursue religious education. He memorised the Holy Quran and became a hafiz. He is now teaching young children in a mosque in a nearby village while also performing duties of an imam (prayer leader).

The 24-year-old said he has been like this since childhood, only able to sense light and darkness. This has now become a part of his life. His parents enrolled him at a madrasa in Mandi, Dewas district, where his teachers worked hard with him, teaching him daily from Maghrib to Isha prayers. In about four years, he memorised the entire Quran and returned to Rajgarh as a hafiz.

Azhar explains that after becoming a hafiz, he received many praises and appreciation, but the Anjuman committee did not grant him the position in a mosque or madrasa that he truly deserved. Eventually, a group of Muslim youths spoke to the mosque in Himmatgarh village, located about 6 kilometers from Rajgarh, and arranged for him to impart religious education to children and lead prayers there.

Azhar said he cannot travel by bike, nor can he cook, so the people associated with the mosque provided him with a place to stay in a room designated for the imam. He now lives there, teaching children religious education during both morning and evening times. The children read and recite their lessons to him, and he listens attentively, correcting any mistakes immediately. When it is time to move on to the next lesson, he continues teaching them.

To ensure the children behave in the mosque and do not cause mischief, a monitor is chosen who keeps an eye on the children and reports any troublemakers, whom Azhar reprimands to prevent further mischief. The monitor also receives rewards for his efforts.

Azhar also teaches children how to read and write Urdu, and for this, he has appointed some older girls from the village to check the childrens notebooks and guide them when mistakes are made.

In addition, Azhar said, the villagers have arranged for his meals. He is fed by different villagers each day, with someone hosting him for lunch or dinner. Among the children in the village, there is a strong desire to acquire both religious and school education, which helps to keep him motivated.

Muhammad Ilyas Ansari, Azhars father, has five children  two sons and three daughters. Three of his children suffer from the same condition, feeling only light and darkness. Besides Azhar, his son Mazhar and daughter Mantasha also have this condition and are studying in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

His 15-year-old son Mazhar had memorised five parts of the Quran, but after witnessing the Anjuman committees lack of support for his elder brother, he changed his path and is now attending school in the seventh grade.

Ilyass 17-year-old daughter Mantasha is studying in the tenth grade, and his other two daughters, who are normal, have already been married.

To understand more about this condition, TwoCircles.net visited Rajgarh District Hospital, where Dr. Priyanka Yadav, an ophthalmologist, said this condition is called Hereditary Macular Dystrophy or Stargardt disease. It is a genetic issue, and in some children, these genes become expressed, causing a part of the eye called the macula, which is responsible for sharp central vision, to develop improperly. As a result, the childs vision does not fully develop, she explained.

The extent of vision impairment, according to her, varies depending on the individual, with some children experiencing significant vision loss. She said this condition is quite rare and affect only about one percent of children. However, antioxidants in the form of tablets can slow down its progression and prevent further degeneration, she said.

Dr. Priyanka also advised that if someone in the family has this condition, it is best to avoid close marriages within the family, as the chances of the disease being passed on to the child increase if both genetic factors combine.

All photos credits: Abdul Wasim Ansari.
HAI DUONG  Industrial parks in Hai Duong Province have attracted three investment projects with a total capital of US$84 million in January 2025, according to the Management Board of Hai Duong Industrial Parks.

These projects include a mechanical components manufacturing factory for export and rent of AHK Industrial Limited Liability Company in Lai Vu industrial park with registered investment capital of VN498 billion ($19.8 million), a $15 million investment project from Vietnam Lithium Smart Energy Company Limited and a new car assembly factory from Vivu Auto Joint Stock Company with registered investment capital of VN455 billion ($18.1 million).

According to the economic growth scenario developed by Hai Duong People's Committee, the province is working to attract $1 billion or more in foreign direct investment and over VN8.5 trillion ($338.9 million) in domestic investment this year.

In particular, the province will focus on strengthening promotion and attracting large-scale, high-tech projects, especially in the processing, manufacturing, electronics, semiconductor, artificial intelligence and hydrogen industries.

Head of the Hai Duong Provincial Industrial Zones Management Board Nguyen Trung Kien said that in 2025, the management board is focused on attracting high-tech FDI and supporting industry projects. The board will strive to fill the industrial park quickly, build industrial park infrastructure and regularly monitor project implementation, production and business in the industrial park.

The management board will also review and revoke investment registration certificates for projects that are not implemented or where land is not put into use, according to the provisions of the law.

Management boards disseminate legal information to businesses in industrial parks as well as proactively research problems for businesses to coordinate with relevant departments and branches or report to provincial leaders for timely handling.

The board also plans to focus its activities on administrative reform, shortening the time to handle administrative procedures and applying the ISO 9001:2015 quality management system in administrative procedures.

This year, the management board will continue to conduct vocational training classes, introducing jobs for workers and businesses in industrial parks as well as expand consulting and support services for businesses.

In 2024, the board granted new and increased investment capital for FDI projects with a total registered investment capital of over $680 million, reaching 136 per cent of its 2024 plan. The board also granted and increased investment capital for domestic direct investment projects, with a total registered investment capital of about VN4.5 trillion ($179.4 million), reaching 900 per cent of its 2024 plan.

To date, industrial parks in Hai Duong Province have attracted 440 investment projects, including 17 industrial park infrastructure investment projects and 423 secondary investment projects (331 secondary FDI projects from 24 countries, regions and territories, with a total registered investment capital of about $6.6 billion and 92 secondary DDI projects with a total registered investment capital of about nearly VN19.3 trillion, or $769.5 million).

Hai Duong currently has 17 established industrial parks with a total detailed planning area of about 2,738 hectares. The average occupancy rate of its established industrial parks is more than 62 per cent.

According to the Hai Duong Province Development Plan, Hai Duong will be home to 32 industrial parks with a total area of about 5,661 hectares by 2030.  VNS
HA NOI  In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency, Irish Ambassador Deirdre Ni Fhalluin highlighted the transformative year in bilateral relations, marked by Party General Secretary To Lam's groundbreaking visit to Dublin and the announcement of Viet Nam's first resident embassy in Ireland. The Ambassador discussed expanding economic partnerships, flourishing educational exchanges, and growing cultural ties between the two nations as they approach their 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

What do you see as the most important diplomatic achievements in the bilateral relations in 2024?

The diplomatic highlight of 2024 was certainly the State Visit of Party General Secretary (and then-President) H.E. To Lam to Ireland in October, which I was honoured to accompany. This was the first State Visit of a Vietnamese head of state to our country, so it marked a significant milestone in our bilateral relations. Our President Michael D Higgins has very warm memories of his visit to Viet Nam in 2016, so the fact that he was able to welcome Party General Secretary To Lam to Ireland made it particularly special.

The visit was a great success and productive, with a number of agreements reached between our two countries. These included a Sectoral Strategic Partnership in Higher Education as well as several MoUs in other areas of shared interest, such as trade and agriculture.

During the visit, the decision to establish a resident Vietnamese Embassy in Dublin was announced. This will be a great asset in particular for the Vietnamese community living in Ireland, and were looking forward to seeing its official opening in the near future.

The Embassy of Ireland is looking forward to building on the success of the state visit, particularly as we move towards another important milestone, which will be in 2026 when we mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Viet Nam.

Reporter: The two countries have been developing stronger economic ties in recent years. Could you elaborate on some key opportunities that have emerged between our two countries over the past year? What sectors are showing the most promising potentials for bilateral economic collaboration?

Ambassador Deirdre Ni Fhalluin: Strengthening and developing the economic ties between Ireland and Viet Nam is an important area of the Embassys work, including in the context of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement.

In October, Party General Secretary To Lams state visit reflected the growing trade and business links between our two countries. For example, Ireland is a world leader in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, and the Party General Secretary paid a visit to Irelands National Institute for Bioprocessing Research & Training to witness this in action.

He also attended an Ireland-Viet Nam business forum, where he met with fifteen Irish companies currently doing business with Viet Nam and witnessed the signing of cooperation agreements in the fields of education, AI and digital transformation, and aviation. These are all areas of particular strength for Ireland with lots of potential for bilateral cooperation, which we will build on over the next several years.

Shortly after the State Visit, we welcomed an Irish Trade Mission to Viet Nam, supported by Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board. A Minister from the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine led this visit aimed at raising awareness of Ireland as a source of sustainable and high-quality food and drink, in particular our world famous dairy products.

Beyond economic and diplomatic ties, how have cultural and educational exchanges between Ireland and Viet Nam progressed?

Ireland places great significance on education and is recognised for its high quality universities and higher educational institutions. In 2024 we marked 50 years of the Ireland Fellows Programme, which offers scholarships for students to undertake fully-funded Masters degrees in Ireland. Every year, the Vietnamese students awarded these scholarships return to Viet Nam with quality education and experience, and a lifelong connection to Ireland.

We work closely to develop links between Irish and Vietnamese educational institutions, including capacity-building activities and exchanges between universities. The Sectoral Strategic Partnership signed between Ireland and Viet Nam during the State Visit is a great base on which to further develop these ties over the coming years.

On the cultural side, in 2024 the Embassy participated in a number of events aimed at increasing awareness of Ireland and its culture in Viet Nam. For example, we supported the launch of a Vietnamese translation of a novel by acclaimed Irish author Sally Rooney, and screened The Quiet Girl (An Cailin Ciuin), an Oscar-nominated film in the Irish language, in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City as part of the European Film Festival.

On the threshold of Viet Nams Tet Holiday, what is the message that you would like to send to the Vietnamese people?

I know that the Tet Holiday is a very special time in Viet Nam. Its a good time to reflect and express appreciation for the things in life that we are grateful for. Its my pleasure to spend the holiday this year with my family enjoying local traditions and celebrations. I was born in the Year of the Snake and so I hope that this will be an auspicious year. I would like to wish friends and partners of the Embassy of Ireland a very happy, healthy and prosperous new year. Chuc mung nam moi!.  VNS
MOSCOW  The diplomatic relation between Viet Nam and Russia has consistently developed in an upward trajectory, growing more intensively and extensively, and now at its highest level of the comprehensive strategic partnership, former Russian Ambassador to Viet Nam Andrey Tatarinov has stated.

In a recent interview granted to a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Russia, Tatarinov highlighted the significance of the 75th founding anniversary of the diplomatic ties, calling it a milestone in the bilateral relations.

He said since Viet Nam was fully liberated and reunified in 1975, the Southeast Asian country has come a long way, achieving numerous significant accomplishments.

Through many years of working in Viet Nam as a diplomat, Tatarinov mentioned inheritance as a defining characteristic of the relations between Viet Nam and the former Soviet Union, as well as Russia today, stressing that over the past 75 years, Viet Nam and Russia have always been close friends, even before their diplomatic ties were officially established.

This relationship was built on many years of standing side by side in Viet Nam's struggle for independence and freedom, particularly during the 1980s when the Southeast Asian nation had to make tremendous efforts to rebuild its economy after the war.

The two countries also worked together with determination to carry out the oi moi (renewal) process in Viet Nam and the reforms in the former Soviet Union during the 1990s. They elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership in 2001 during Russian President Vladimir Putin's first visit to Viet Nam, and to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2012.

Tatarinov also highlighted the first state visit by Putin to Viet Nam immediately after his re-election in 2024, as the clearest evidence of the strong relationship.

Both nations now have all the necessary conditions and great potential to further expand cooperation, he stated, adding that in recent years, the bilateral relationship has become increasingly mutually beneficial and more equal.  VNS
MOSCOW  The Viet Nam  Russia relationship, set up on January 30, 1950, have evolved from the historical roots to todays comprehensive strategic partnership that spans from politics  diplomacy, economy  trade, and defence  security to culture  society, science  technology, education, and people-to-people exchange, according to Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia ang Minh Khoi.

The diplomat told the Vietnam News Agency that the relationship with Russian is the continuation of the ties with the Soviet Union in the past, noting despite brief interruptions during the political transitions in the early 1990s, both nations have worked diligently to strengthen their partnership.

The diplomatic framework underwent significant evolution, beginning with the 1994 Treaty on Principles of Friendly Relations, which set up core principles of mutual respect of each others independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, equality, and win-win benefits based on international laws. The relationship was subsequently elevated to a strategic partnership in 2001 and a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2012 on the basis of mutual trust and respect, and sustainable cooperation.

He went on to highlight that the political ties have been consolidated and maintained high levels of trust through regular exchange of delegations and diverse institutional mechanisms, including the intergovernmental committees on economic-trade and science-tech cooperation, and defence technology collaboration, along with strategic dialogues and working groups across all areas.

Economic relations, he said, have shown promising growth, with trade turnover rising 10-15 per cent a year, adding collaboration in the domains of science  technology, culture, education, and tourism has been expanding over years.

Russia has become an increasingly attractive destination for many Vietnamese students, thanks to its scholarship programmes and high-quality education. Tens of thousands of Vietnamese scientists, engineers, and technical workers trained in Russia have made significant contributions to Viet Nam's economy while also serving as a bridge for the friendship between the two nations. Besides, frequent cultural exchanges have further enhanced mutual understanding and paved the way for broader cooperation across various sectors.

Khoi laid stress on the significance of the relations to both nation amidst the context of profound geopolitical, economic, and security shifts, stating Viet Nam, as an active member of the ASEAN and a dynamic developing nation, has treasured the traditional relationship and comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia, seeing the country as a leading partner in its foreign policy and hoping to join hands with Russia to develop the ties for the interests of the two nations and the prosperity of the two peoples.

From Russias perspective, Viet Nam plays a crucial role in its "Look East" policy, particularly in fostering peace, stability, and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific. Russia regards Viet Nam as a vital partner in executing its regional diplomatic strategy. Through close cooperation, both countries can enhance their global influence, expand opportunities for collaboration, and advance their shared interests. This partnership not only fulfills the aspirations of their peoples but also contributes to regional and global peace and stability.

Touching on the two countries coordination at regional and multilateral forums, he said Viet Nam and Russia have well supported each other based on their similar stances on many regional and international issues. This cooperation not only reflects the comprehensive strategic partnership and trust but also demonstrates their shared commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and development both globally and in the Asia-Pacific.

Looking ahead, he outlined several priority areas for strengthening bilateral relations. These include enhancing political trust through regular leadership exchanges, maintaining defence and security cooperation as a cornerstone of the partnership, and boosting economic collaboration to maximise the free trade agreement between Viet Nam and the Eurasian Economic Union.

He suggested both sides strengthen collaboration in such domains as agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy, and IT, while paying due attention to large-scale projects in oil and gas, energy, and infrastructure so as to create new motives for economic development in the two countries.

As science - technology holds immense potential, Viet Nam and Russia should enhance cooperation in space research, biotechnology, renewable energy, and AI. Joint ventures in advanced technology will boost innovation and competitiveness while investment in high-quality workforce, especially in engineering and technology, will not only strengthen bilateral ties but also empower the younger generation to contribute to future development, he said.

Culture and education remain crucial bridges for fostering mutual understanding. More cultural exchanges, art events, exhibitions, and festivals should be organised to promote each nations identity. Additionally, facilitating student and scholar exchanges, research collaborations, and academic partnerships will build deeper connections between the younger generations of both countries, he underscored.

Khoi held that it is essential to maintain and expand dialogues, particularly at high levels, to address emerging challenges and explore new cooperation opportunities, highlighting the need to complete a favourable legal environment to bolster economic  trade and investment ties.  VNA/VNS
HAVANA  The Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV), set up by President Ho Chi Minh in 1930, has not only ushered in a new era but also fostered a cultural landscape in Viet Nam's development, while contributing to humanitys shared cultural heritage, according to a Cuban media chief.

Sharing his insights on the CPVs enduring influence with the Vietnam News Agency, Martin Hacthoun, Editor-in-Chief of the Latin American News Agency (Prensa Latina) of Cuba and director for communications and image at the agency, said the establishment of the Party amidst a period of the countrys intense upheaval laid ground for Viet Nam's liberation in the past and its development nowadays.

Under the Party's guidance, the Vietnamese people united to achieve the historic August Revolution in 1945, overthrowing colonial and feudal rule to establish the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam  the first people's democratic state in Southeast Asia.

Reflecting on the Party's crucial role during the resistance wars against French colonialism and American imperialism, Martin noted that Viet Nam's victories would have been impossible without the Party and the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and then his successors.

The Cuban journalist also laid stress on Viet Nam's impressive economic recovery and social development following the 1975 victory and the oi moi (renewal) in 1986, attributing the country's remarkable growth, poverty alleviation, and social welfare improvements to the Party's strategic guidance.

Touching upon contemporary challenges, he underlined the significance of anti-corruption efforts in maintaining the Party's leadership and national development. He emphasised that corruption, which can manifest in various forms, poses a threat to both institutional image and foundational pillars. The Party's vision and leadership in combating red tape across all sectors - the Party, State, business circle, and society is vital for protecting nations foundation.

Martin also acknowledged multiple challenges that Viet Nam may encounter to propel the nation into a new era  that of the nations rise, including global political instability, conflicts, and economic uncertainties. However, he pointed to emerging opportunities through economic cooperation frameworks like BRICS+, where Viet Nam's involvement could advance its development goals.

He expressed confidence that under the CPVs leadership, the Vietnamese people will successfully achieve their targets.  VNS
HA NOI  Top leaders of Viet Nam and Russia on January 29 exchanged letters of congratulations on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the two countries diplomatic relations (January 30, 1950-2025).

Party General Secretary To Lam and State President Luong Cuong exchanged congratulatory letters with Russian President Vladimir Putin, while Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh exchanged congratulations with his Russian counterpart Mikhail Mishustin.

Meanwhile, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man exchanged congratulations with Speaker of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matvienko and Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly Vyacheslav Volodin.

In their letters, the two countries leaders emphasised that the bilateral friendship has withstood the test of history, affirming its strong vitality and continuous development.

Over the past 75 years, the people of the former Soviet Union and Russia today have stood side by side with and supported the Vietnamese people in achieving remarkable miracles in safeguarding the country and in national construction and development.

The Vietnamese leaders affirmed that the profound bond and solidarity between generations of leaders and people of both nations are invaluable assets that both sides are responsible for preserving and promoting so as to develop the Viet Nam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in a deep and effective direction.

They stressed that in 2025, alongside marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, both countries will also celebrate their own major historical events. Building on the strong ties nurtured by generations of leaders and people over the past 75 years, the traditional friendship and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Viet Nam and Russia will continue to yield positive results, living up to the two countries' glorious histories.

In their letters sent to key Vietnamese leaders, Russian leaders affirmed that with joint efforts, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will further develop, serving the fundamental interests of both nations and contributing to security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Bilateral cooperation is now progressing across various fields, including economy and trade, science and technology, culture, and humanities, with large-scale joint projects being implemented in energy, industry, and transportation infrastructure, fully serving the interests of both countries.  VNA/VNS
Buenos Aires - Marcelo Rodriguez, head of the Commission for Foreign Affairs of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Argentina (CPA), has affirmed that the 95-year history of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) is a glorious journey marked by great victories and achievements.

In an interview with a Viet Nam News Agency (VNA) correspondent in Argentina on the occasion of the CPV's 95th founding anniversary (February 3, 1930  2025), Rodriguez emphasised that the CPV has led the people through revolutionary struggles, defeating the armies of such powers as France and the US, and securing independence, freedom, and national reunification.

These proud achievements remain valuable and continue to be admired worldwide, he noted.

Rodriguez highly valued the leadership of Nguyen Ai Quoc, later known as Ho Chi Minh, as well as his communist vision of Marxism, and approach to carrying out the revolution in Viet Nam against colonialism, along with the struggle for freedom for the Vietnamese people and all oppressed nations around the world.

During Viet Nams post-war reconstruction filled with multiple challenges, the CPV led the people to the successful implementation of the oi moi (Renewal) process, gaining impressive achievements. The countrys GDP averagely grew by over 5% per year for more than three decades, with a focus on promoting a socialist-oriented market economy, while maintaining the principle of fairness in wealth distribution.

Thanks to the aforementioned achievements, the poverty rate in Viet Nam dropped from 58 per cent in 1993 to just 4.2 per cent in 2022, and the multidimensional poverty rate fell to below 1 per cent by 2024, he stressed, adding that the living conditions of millions of Vietnamese people have improved thanks to the reform process initiated by the CPV.

Regarding the implementation of the Resolution of the CPV's 13th National Congress, the official praised the Partys determination to fight corruption, as well as its efforts in addressing ongoing issues towards strengthening the great national unity block, and building a country that develops rapidly and sustainably with the prosperity of the people at the centre, moving towards perfecting the institutional framework, innovating the development model, and speeding up industrialisation and modernisation.

Rodriguez, who is also Director of the Hector P. Agosti Marxist Studies and Training Centre (CEFMA) in Argentina, held that although Viet Nam has achieved significant success in socio-economic development, it has not yet fully tapped its potential.

He spoke highly of Viet Nam's "bamboo diplomacy policy which has helped the country strengthen its political and trade presence in the world, adapt to changes in the geopolitical landscape, and adjust international relations in response to global developments, while always maintaining its independence, self-reliance, and sovereignty.

Viet Nam's foreign policy plays an extremely important role in the current complex disputes surrounding a new world order, he went on.

Under the CPVs leadership, this diplomatic policy is the key to success in shaping Viet Nam's foreign policy, contributing to promoting economic development, and making a significant contribution to multipolarism and peace in the globe, he affirmed. VNS
People-to-people diplomacy should move beyond old mindsets to reach regional and international levels, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) Phan Anh Son told the Viet Nam News Agency.

In a recent interview granted to the VNA, the VUFO President spoke of outstanding achievements of people-to-people diplomacy in 2024 and orientations for 2025.

What are the major achievements of people-to-people diplomacy in 2024?

Last year was a significant one for the people-to-people diplomacy of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organisations, with activities being implemented comprehensively and effectively. We organised 43 delegations to visit other countries and welcomed 28 delegations visiting Viet Nam, along with over 1,000 local activities as well as five international conferences and seminars.

Notably, the VUFO participated in various high-level diplomatic activities with the leaders of the Party and the State. We had the honour of accompanying seven high-level delegations of Party and State leaders on visits to nine countries, where we coordinated and hosted nine events to foster meetings between Vietnamese leaders and foreign counterparts, further promoting mutual understanding and cooperation.

The people-to-people diplomatic activities, within the context of high-level State diplomacy, not only reflect the Party and State leaderships commitment to people-to-people diplomacy in general and the VUFO, but also signify Viet Nams appreciation for the solidarity, support and friendship extended by foreign peoples. Such initiatives are instrumental in establishing a positive societal foundation for bilateral relations with countries worldwide.

Additionally, we hosted and collaborated on welcoming many delegations from foreign political leaders, former leaders and governmental officials, while organising major people-to-people diplomatic events with partners.

We also engaged in newly innovative activities in democracy and human rights, such as sending a delegation to attend the International Law and Religion Symposium at Brigham Young University in the US, and working with a number of US agencies responsible for developing and issuing reports on religion and human rights, arranging a visit and working programme in Viet Nam for a delegation of international Protestant pastors and their relatives, and welcoming a delegation of young volunteers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The actions further strengthened the understanding and cooperation between Viet Nam and international religious organisations, while "planting the seeds of friendship and cooperation" in the Viet Nam-US relations.

In 2024, we focused on diversifying people-to-people diplomatic activities to promote traditional values of friendship between Viet Nam and other countries. We collaborated with embassies and consulates to host information-sharing events, diplomatic discussions, cultural exchanges and author book presentations, further educating the public on Viet Nams international relations.

Furthermore, we leveraged people-to-people diplomacy to facilitate investment cooperation between Vietnamese businesses and foreign companies.

The VUFO also excelled in expressing gratitude and honouring international partners, awarding the For Peace and Friendship among Nations insignia to 21 foreign diplomats and recognising foreign non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for their significant contributions to Viet Nams non-governmental works.

One of the objectives of people-to-people diplomacy is to mobilise foreign resources and implement support for overseas Vietnamese communities. Could you share specific outcomes of the efforts in 2024?

In terms of mobilising foreign resources, particularly through foreign non-governmental organisations (NGOs), in 2024, the total value of disbursed foreign aid from NGOs is estimated at approximately US$230 million. At the same time, responding to a call from the VUFO, foreign NGOs have provided assistance to help mitigate the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi, in the form of cash and in-kind donations, valued at nearly VN220 billion ($8.7 million).

During the year of 2024, foreign NGOs with a Vietnamese diaspora presence contributed approximately $10 million to various programmes and projects in Viet Nam. Of the more than 300 foreign NGOs operating in Viet Nam, 44 are led by Vietnamese expatriates - as founders, presidents, country representatives or key individuals responsible for the organisations activities in Viet Nam - and have implemented numerous development programmes and projects to support the country.

They have actively participated in the programme on eliminating temporary and dilapidated housing launched by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Many organisations have shown interest, conducted initial surveys in various localities, and made commitments to provide aid in 2025.

Through the diplomatic efforts, approximately two million Vietnamese people and nearly 30,000 Vietnamese students in the US have been encouraged to comply with the laws of the host country and contribute to national development, acting as goodwill ambassadors for Viet Nam and helping to strengthen bilateral relations.

Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, what are the primary objectives and directions for people-to-people diplomacy and what role will it play in Viet Nams era of the nation's rise?

People-to-people diplomacy has been an integral part of Viet Nams national journey, supporting independence, reunification, post-war recovery and the countrys ongoing development.

As Viet Nam enters a new era of global engagement, people-to-people diplomacy will continue to play a critical role in complementing the Party and State diplomacy, supporting national development goals and enhancing Viet Nams international relations.

In 2025, the VUFO will focus on several key directions. It will continue with the effective implementation of the Party and States foreign policy, ensuring that the role and position of people-to-people diplomacy are commensurate with the tasks assigned by the Party and State.

It also plans to focus on effectively implementing foreign affairs activities according to the assigned plan, especially proactively advising the Party and State leaders to participate in and organise people-to-people diplomacy activities, within the framework of high-level diplomacy, implementing foreign affairs activities associated with major national holidays, celebrating diplomatic relations with countries around the world, diversifying people-to-people diplomacy activities, and participating more actively and responsibly in multilateral forums.

Moreover, it is scheduled to facilitate the holding of its Seventh National Congress and its Fifth International Conference to strengthen cooperation with foreign NGOs.

To achieve these goals, the VUFO must continue to innovate boldly in its mindset and approach, embrace creativity in organising diplomatic activities, and think big, act bold, and move beyond old mindsets and familiar domains to adopt a vision and approach that extend beyond the national level to the regional and international stage," as emphasised by late Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

Additionally, the union will further strengthen and streamline its organisational structure at both central and local levels, ensuring it is lean, strong, effective, and unified. It should also develop and implement training programmes tailored to different groups of officials and staff.

On the occasion of the Lunar New Year, on behalf of the Party delegation, the Party Committee, and the leadership of VUFO, I extend my best wishes to all those dedicated to people-to-people diplomacy.

I hope and firmly believe that people-to-people diplomacy will successfully fulfill its set goals and tasks, contributing alongside the entire Party, people, and military to strengthening the remarkable achievements of the 40 years of oi moi, initiated and led by the Party. We stand ready to joint efforts to usher the nation into a new era  that of the nations rise. VNS
HA NOI  Bolivian President Luis Alberto Arce has affirmed that the South American country has attached much importance to the friendship and collaboration with Viet Nam while recognising the countrys growing role and influence in the international arena.

Hosting a recent reception for Vietnamese Ambassador to Brazil and Bolivia Bui Van Nghi who came to present his credentials on January 27, the Bolivian leader expressed his hope for enhanced ties between the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) and Bolivias Movement towards Socialism as well as the exchange of governance and development experiences between the two sides.

Arce lauded Viet Nam's national liberation and reunification in the past as well as its renewal, international integration, and development nowadays under the leadership of the CPV.

He underscored Bolivias priority to bolstering cooperation with Viet Nam in such potential areas as trade, investment, tourism, mining, agriculture, and renewable energy. Expressing his confidence in Nghi's ability to fulfill his mission, the leader said he hopes that the diplomat will contribute positively to consolidating and developing the bilateral relations.

Conveying greetings from Party General Secretary To Lam, State President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man to President Arce, Nghi pledged efforts to enhance the friendship and traditional cooperation between the two countries to boost economic and trade partnerships in a practical and effective fashion while exploring cooperation opportunities in culture, education, tourism, and people-to-people exchange.

Right after the event, Nghi had working sessions with Bolivian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Esteban Catarina and Vice Minister of Foreign Trade and Integration Huascar Ajata Guerrero.

During these discussions, both sides explored measures to strengthen bilateral ties, promote exchange of delegations at all levels, and expand cooperation on multilateral platforms. The Bolivian side expressed a strong interest in attracting investment into its metal mining industry, particularly in lithium, tungsten, gold, silver, and copper. The South American nation also signaled its readiness to export soybeans, beef, and timber to Viet Nam while seeking to import high-quality Vietnamese consumer goods such as truck tires, automobiles, motorbikes, footwear, and clothing. Additionally, Bolivia invited Vietnamese enterprises to participate in infrastructure development projects, including airport expansion, bridge and highway construction, and tourism cooperation.  VNS
HA NOI  Over the past 24 years, as a member of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, Viet Nam has established 11 biosphere reserves recognised by UNESCO.

These reserves play a crucial role in conserving nature and biodiversity, protecting the environment, preserving cultural values and fostering socio-economic development at both local and national levels.

To advance the harmony between socio-economic development and nature conservation, the 'Mainstreaming natural resource management and biodiversity conservation objectives into socio-economic development planning and biosphere reserve management in Viet Nam' project (BR Project) has been implemented from 2019 to 2024.

Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the project is led by the Biodiversity Conservation Agency under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), in collaboration with the management boards of Western Nghe An, Cu Lao Cham-Hoi An, and ong Nai biosphere reserves.

The project focuses on addressing three key challenges, including strengthening the legal framework for biosphere reserve operations, enhancing the institutional and managerial capacity of biosphere reserves and raising stakeholder awareness of biodiversity loss and its associated threats. These measures integrate biodiversity conservation into socio-economic development planning.

Director of the Biodiversity Conservation Agency, Nguyen Van Tai, said that the project aligns with Viet Nam's commitment to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework through 2030.

In the face of challenges posed by socio-economic development activities that threaten biodiversity and ecosystem sustainability in biosphere reserves, the project has driven policy and institutional improvements, fostered collaboration among stakeholders in planning and development and promoted sustainable natural resource management, biodiversity conservation and community livelihood models.

The project has achieved a 95 per cent disbursement rate of its master plan approved by MONRE.

The outcomes have significantly improved policies and guidelines for managing biosphere reserves in Viet Nam, integrating biodiversity conservation objectives into reserve planning and management.

The project has effectively managed over 1,266 million hectares of critical ecosystems, restored 4,005 hectares of degraded forest and protected 62,940 hectares of high-conservation-value forest.

Notable species population increases include coral reefs in Cu Lao Cham-Hoi An, gaur (Bos gaurus) and the yellow-cheeked gibbons in ong Nai, as well as white-cheeked gibbons in Western Nghe An.

The project has also directly benefitted 3,125 households, representing over 11,500 community members - 40 per cent of whom were women.

Through sustainable livelihoods such as eco-tourism, native plant cultivation and environmentally-friendly livestock farming, household incomes have increased by at least 20 per cent, bolstering community resilience and enhancing environmental management.

Capacity-building and awareness-raising have been integral to the project's success.

Over 4,200 individuals, including 44 per cent women, have been trained in biodiversity-friendly activities, equipping communities with the knowledge and skills for sustainable resource management.

Additionally, biodiversity impact assessments have been integrated into 100 per cent of new development projects in the three biosphere reserves.

These achievements underscore the effectiveness of innovative and comprehensive approaches to conservation, safeguarding ecosystems for both nature and human welfare.

UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Viet Nam, Patrick Haverman, commended the BR Project for its ambition to harmonise biodiversity conservation with sustainable development.

He emphasised the importance of placing people at the centre of conservation efforts.

"Empowering communities and promoting sustainable livelihoods can create a future where humans and nature thrive together," Haverman said.

Building on the successes of the BR Project, UNDP remains committed to collaborating with MONRE and other stakeholders in Viet Nam on future initiatives.

These include the 'Promoting wildlife conservation and responsible nature-based tourism for sustainable development in Viet Nam' project and the 'Sustainable forest and forest land management in the Ba River basin landscape' project.

Such efforts aim to further solidify Viet Nams role in fulfilling its international and domestic commitments to biodiversity conservation and natural resource management.

Since its inception in 1976, the World Network of Biosphere Reserves has expanded to include 759 reserves spanning 136 countries, providing a habitat for over 300 million people globally.  VNS
HA NOI  The Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) is seeking feedback from higher education institutions on how to develop standards for undergraduate training programmes in the semi-conductor technology.

According to Professor Dr Chu uc Trinh, Rector of the University of Engineering and Technology (UET), under Ha Nois Viet Nam National University and chair of the Advisory Board for developing training standards for the semi-conductor education, the industry is not merely an industry  it is a 'super industry' with enormous potential.

Semi-conductors form the foundation of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, involving artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and green energy, Trinh told tienphong.vn.

The global semi-conductor supply chain is undergoing a shift, with emerging trends focusing on multidisciplinary training (electronics, materials, and data sciences) and integrating advanced technologies such as AI and automated design, he said.

Domestically, the Prime Minister has issued Decisions 1018 and 1017, aimed at fostering research and development (R&D), training 50,000 skilled workers by 2030, transferring technology and building a comprehensive ecosystem.

The goal is to position Viet Nam as a key link in the global semi-conductor value chain.

Thus, the output standards for semi-conductor education programmes must address both common requirements (foundational knowledge) and specific ones tailored to different segments of the semi-conductor supply chain.

The Advisory Board for Semi-conductor Training Standards is designing outcomes for various roles in the semiconductor supply chain, including Fabless Design, Integrated Device Manufacturing (IDM), Foundry services (chip fabrication) and Equipment and Tool Manufacturing.

Dr Trinh said that semi-conductor training is particularly challenging and requires students to excel in mathematics, physics, and chemistry, along with strong soft skills and proficiency in English.

Semi-conductors are a global field, with knowledge and documentation universally presented in English. If students wait for translations into Vietnamese to learn, they will lag behind, said Trinh.

Universities must carefully design training programmes and set high admission standards to ensure strong student outcomes, while. Good input leads to good output, he added.

According to the associate professor, semi-conductors differ from other specialised fields. Graduates will not only master one job but will also be capable of working across multiple areas and countries due to the global demand for semi-conductor talent.

However, not all universities can offer in-depth semi-conductor training.

According to MOET statistics, annually, only about 30 per cent of students pursue STEM-related fields and not all universities can provide comprehensive training in semiconductors.

Therefore, going forward the concern is not an oversupply of talent in the semi-conductor market, but rather a shortage.

The expert suggested that the recruitment target for semi-conductor programmes can be divided into groups of high school graduates or equivalent qualifications, including those completing vocational secondary education in relevant fields, second, third, and fourth-year university students (excluding final-year students) from other disciplines, with a minimum academic performance of 'good' and current students enrolled in relevant or closely related programmes. VNS
HA NOI The traditional Lunar New Year (Tet) festival is a special, meaningful, and cherished occasion for Vietnamese people, especially for those living, working and studying abroad, to express their love for the homeland.

No matter where they are, overseas Vietnamese (OVs) always look toward their homeland, showing their hope for the countrys prosperous development in a new era - the era of the nations rise.

Ngo Bich Thuy, President of the Vietnamese Women's Association in Austria, shared her honour, happiness, and deep emotion to attend the Xuan Que huong (Homeland Spring) programme 2025 for the first time, which featured meaningful and human activities.

Themed Viet Nam Rising in a New Era, the programme contributes to fostering connections between Vietnamese people living abroad and their homeland.

Thuy said the association has been operating under the principle of connecting with the homeland and preserving national cultural identity through such activities as organising Vietnamese language courses and building libraries of Vietnamese books.

During the Lunar New Year, we gather together to make Chung cake (square sticky rice cake), and the children really enjoy it, Thuy said.

ang Trung Phuoc, President of the Canada-Vietnam Association, couldn't hide his excitement and pride as he welcomed the Lunar New Year. Phuoc, who has lived far from the homeland since 1972, showed his surprise and joy at the changes, development, and prosperity of the country.

As the only OV representative from New Caledonia attending the Xuan Que Huong programme, inh Jean-Pierre said he was deeply moved to attend the ceremony to announce the Prime Minister's decision to recognise the three cars that were used to serve President Ho Chi Minh from 1954 to 1969 as national treasures.

One of these cars is Peugeot 404  a gift from Vietnamese expatriates in New Caledonia and Vanuatu (former names of archipelagoes in Oceania) to President Ho Chi Minh in March 1964.

According to Jean-Pierre, the car is not only a testament to a historical period but also strongly affirms the vitality of national solidarity. No matter where they are or what stage of life they are in, Vietnamese expatriates always remain deeply connected to their homeland.

For o Germany Khoi, a Vietnamese expatriate in Thailand, the programme offers a chance for OVs to reunite with each other, return to their homeland, and enjoy warm moments together.

Sharing the same view, inh Huong Cuong, R&D Division Manager in the Sea Water Chemical Institute in Japan, who is also Vice President of the Vietnamese Association in Fukuoka, said that returning home to celebrate Tet is always a sacred tradition for every Vietnamese. For those far from the homeland, it is even more meaningful.

The country is growing more prosperous, leaving a lasting impression on those living abroad, Cuong said, adding the Party and State have increasingly prioritised initiatives addressing the concerns and needs of overseas Vietnamese communities.

Viet Nam's diplomatic missions abroad have maintained strong connections with the Vietnamese community in the host countries, organising numerous exchange programmes, and making efforts to preserve the Vietnamese language and cultural identity within the diaspora.

Party and State leaders consistently encourage and recognise achievements made by the Vietnamese community and individuals, while also listening to their suggestions, aspirations, and initiatives, he said.

Building on its socio-economic achievements in 2024, Viet Nam is poised to achieve breakthroughs and significant progress across all sectors in the coming years," Cuong said, noting that alongside citizens at home, over six million Vietnamese expatriates will play a vital role in the nations ascent.  VNS
NEW DELHI  No Vietnamese nationals have been reported so far to be involved in the stampede that occurred during the world's largest Mahakumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj City in Uttar Pradesh state, India, on January 29 morning.

According to the consular division under the Vietnamese Embassy in India, the Vietnamese community there, and local media, there is currently no information regarding any Vietnamese nationals among the nearly 40 people killed and around 60 others injured in the incident.

Statistics show that about 500 Vietnamese are living, working, and studying in the South Asian nation.

About 20 hours after the incident, local authorities have yet to release an official casualty count. On the same day, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and urged Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath to carry out rescue operations for the victims.

In July 2024, a similar stampede occurred in Hathras city of Uttar Pradesh, killing 116 people, mostly women and children.  VNS
By Thanh Nga

Phu Tuc Commune on the outskirts of Ha Noi is renowned for its traditional te grass weaving craft, a skill that has thrived for over 400 years. Recently recognised as a grass weaving village tourist destination, Phu Tuc invites visitors to immerse themselves in its rich cultural heritage.

At any time of the year, tourists can witness the locals skillfully combing the grass, a testament to the village's enduring traditions. Visitors have the unique opportunity to engage with local culture, observe the meticulous production process, and even participate in crafting their own products.

Te grass, a member of the fern family, grows wild in the northern mountainous regions and some central provinces of Viet Nam. Initially, it served simple household needs, but over time, it has evolved into a cornerstone of a lucrative traditional craft. The skilled artisans of Phu Tuc have transformed the wild grass into an array of beautiful products, including baskets, trays, cabinets, tables, chairs, photo frames, vases, and intricate animal figures.

The artisans also creatively blend te grass with other natural materials such as sedge, maize leaves, rattan, bamboo, and water hyacinths, resulting in a wide variety of designs.

Characterised by its soft texture, pleasant scent, and rich brown colour, te grass can be dyed in white, red or black to cater to diverse consumer tastes. Its durability could compare with that of rattan and bamboo, with products lasting nearly 20 years before showing wear. Moreover, the unique scent of te grass adds a distinct "perfume" to any home it adorns.

The weaving process mirrors that of bamboo and rattan, yet the natural beauty and flexibility of te grass offer distinct advantages. After harvesting, the grass is sorted and sun-dried to enhance its durability and colour. The grass then is split into threads, ensuring uniformity in colour and elasticity before weaving.

As Phu Tuc's craftsmanship gained recognition, its products began to reach international markets, with exports now flowing to Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Central to this flourishing craft village are its dedicated artisans, including Nguyen Van Ngai and Nguyen Van Tho, who have significantly contributed to establishing the Phu Tuc brand.

Ngai, a pioneer in the village, has educated younger generations in grass weaving. His son, Nguyen Van Thinh, has continued this legacy with passion and innovation, earning accolades such as the title of "Vietnamese Craft Village Artisan" and serving as the head judge of the prestigious "Golden Hand" competitions.

Thinh said, After nearly 400 years, Phu Tuc craft village boasts over 1,000 product models made of grass. Our commitment to quality, diverse designs, and affordability ensures that our products are cherished both domestically and internationally.

In the face of global competition, Thinh emphasises the importance of not just artisanal skills, but also a deep passion for the craft. True artisans pour their hearts into each strand of te grass, creating exquisite, one-of-a-kind pieces, he said.

The impact of the grass weaving craft extends beyond artistry; it has significantly improved the local economy.

Tran Van Khiem, chairman of the People's Committee of Phu Tuc Commune [commune administration], highlights the transformative effect on local residents' lives.

The craft has revitalised our community, leading to well-paved roads and enhanced living standards, he said. The traditional craft is inclusive, with participation from people of all ages, earning an average daily income of VN 200,000 to 300,000.

Thanks to the craft villages growth, our lives have improved markedly, said local resident Le Thi Chuyen.

Phu Tuc Commune is set to encourage the conservation and celebration of its historical and cultural heritage, alongside traditional festivals.

The recognition as a tourist destination by Ha Noi authorities presents an invaluable opportunity to showcase Phu Tuc's ancient craft to more customers.

By preserving these intangible cultural values, the commune stands poised to safeguard them against the tides of industrialisation, ensuring that the grass weaving craft continues to flourish for generations to come. VNS
KUCHING The number of flood victims in Sarawak almost doubled as of 8am on Thursday when 5,385 people from 1,505 families sought shelter at temporary relief centres compared to 2,981 people from 862 families on Wednesday night.

Based on the latest report from the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee Secretariat, Bintulu has the highest number of flood victims, with 1,481 people from 396 families placed in six centres; followed by Serian with 1,442 people from 446 families in 15 centres.

The number of affected districts also increased from 12 as of 8pm Wednesday (Jan 29) to 14 on Thursday (Jan 30) with the number of centres activated rising from 36 to 47.

Meanwhile, in Sabah, the number of flood victims surged to 2,240 people from 771 families on Thursday morning, compared to 1,019 people from 291 families on Wednesday night, involving eight districts.

Kota Marudu remained the district with the highest number of evacuated victims, with 1,467 people from 566 families placed in five temporary relief centres; followed by Telupid with 195 victims from 48 families in two centres; and Beluran with 190 victims from 55 families in three centres.

In Sandakan, 118 victims from 28 families are housed in one centre; in Beaufort (102 people from 29 families in one centre); Kota Belud (92 people from 21 families in two centres); Tongod (54 people from 13 families in one centre); and Paitan (22 people from 11 families in two centres).

Meanwhile, of the 17 centres opened, three had to operate beyond 100 per cent capacity, namely Sekolah Kebangsaan Kota Marudu at 141.5 per cent by housing 283 victims from 154 families; Dewan Kampung Balaban Jaya in Beluran at 128 per cent by sheltering 128 people from 34 families; and Mini Dewan Kampung Bauto in Telupid at 115.83 per cent by taking in 139 victims from 32 families. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
MBABANE  Fonteyn Primary School parents are up in arms over a new requirement that each pupil should bring 10 rolls of toilet paper and a box of printing paper. The parents argued that this practice is unacceptable, especially given governments disbursement of free primary education (FPE) grant. This publication had previously reported on similar complaints from parents regarding schools prescribing stationery lists despite parents having already paid school fees. One parent said children who do not bring these items are allegedly required to pay E200 or are denied entry to their classrooms. The parent, whose child is enrolled at Fonteyn Primary, expressed shock at the schools requirement. She explained that parents had approached the school administration about the issue.



implemented



We were told that this was implemented because of governments delays in paying the FPE. Therefore, while awaiting the allocation of the money, they would be using these items bought by us as parents, she said. The parents concern is that the school has informed government about this new development and government will eventually pay the FPE. She questioned whether parents would be reimbursed for the items they were required to purchase. She recounted an incident on Tuesday, the schools reopening day, when her child was denied entry to the classroom for not having the required toilet paper and printing paper. I had to buy it and submit it the following day, she said. Fonteyn Primary Head teacher Sifiso Mabuza, stated that the decision for the children to bring toilet and printing paper was agreed upon by parents during the schools annual general meeting (AGM). He denied that it was implemented solely due to delays in FPE grant payments.



practising



Before the AGM, when I arrived at the school last year around September, the school was already practising this, but only with tissues. I only added one packet of printing paper per student, he explained. He noted that with over 500 pupils, these items are only expected once a year. When asked what happens when supplies run out before the end of the year, Mabuza said they request more from parents. When I arrived last September, I found the deputy head teacher requesting these items again, he admitted. He clarified that children are not denied classroom entry for lacking these items. Instead, a note is made on the childs admission form, that they did not bring the tissue and printing paper and parents usually promise to provide them at a later date. Regarding the E200 fee, Mabuza explained that this was also agreed upon at the AGM.



estimate



This money is an estimate suggested at the meeting as we want to build a kitchen, and we are still yet to engage with the Ministry of Education and Training, he said.

He mentioned that the Rural Development Fund had pledged assistance, but requires a 10 per cent contribution from the school. Mabuza argued that the FPE grant is insufficient due to rising costs, forcing the school and parents to find alternative support methods. We then engage with the parents, as government does not want us to include top-up fees. For its implementation, we have to seek permission from the ministry, he said. However, Ministry of Education and Training Under Secretary for Schools, Manager Lungelo Nhlengetfwa said what the school is doing is wrong, even if it was agreed upon with parents.



This should not be happening in schools. If the head teacher had agreed with the parents, he should have approached the ministry. What they are doing is an offence, he stated. Nhlengetfwa advised the head teacher to follow proper channels and apply for top-up fees. If the ministry gives the school permission for top-up fees, parents will then be given letters issued by the minister authorising the fees, he said.
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The Nation

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday approved a new waiver for lifesaving humanitarian assistance in a memo sent to aid groups amid widespread confusion over which programs in the roughly $60 billion foreign aid budget would be exempt from the Trump administration's freeze on U.S. assistance.

In the memo, obtained by The Washington Post, Rubio defined humanitarian assistance as "core lifesaving medicine, medical services, food, shelter, and subsistence assistance, as well as supplies and reasonable administrative costs as necessary to deliver such assistance."

Programs will not be waived, he said, if they involve "abortions, family planning conferences  gender" or diversity programs, "transgender surgeries, or other nonlife saving assistance."

"Implementers of existing lifesaving humanitarian assistance programs should continue or resume work if they have stopped," the Tuesday memo said, but it added that "this resumption is temporary in nature, and except by separate waiver or as required to carry out this waiver, no new contracts shall be entered into."

Humanitarian organizations apparently were left to determine for themselves what was covered by the waiver, and officials from several groups - who spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid attracting undesired administration attention - said they were still seeking clarity on what is considered a "life-saving" activity. It was unclear, for example, whether the waiver extended to PEPFAR, the multibillion-dollar program for HIV/AIDS prevention and care in Africa.

The backtracking on the freezing of all foreign assistance administered by the State Department or the U.S. Agency for International Development came as the policy, announced in an earlier memo Friday distributed to U.S. diplomatic missions worldwide, caused significant chaos and outrage. "Stop-work" orders went out to USAID, contractors and nongovernmental aid organizations, many of which then issued termination orders to employees.

Last week, President Donald Trump issued an executive order declaring a 90-day pause in all foreign assistance. Rubio's memo on Friday said that he had ordered a review to determine that programs were "not duplicate, are effective, and are consistent with President Trump's foreign policy."

Programs affected ranged from the International Committee of the Red Cross - which is bringing hostages out of Gaza and normally receives a quarter of its annual global budget from the United States for all of its activities - to organizations that provide famine relief and medical care, and land mine removal programs in conflict zones around the world.

Many USAID contractors had already been ordered to stop working, effective immediately, according to emails reviewed by The Post. One order was sent late Monday to contractors working with a program designed to provide technical and professional support services for maternal and child health.

The Tuesday memo stipulated that Migration and Refugee Assistance (MRA) may only be used to support lifesaving activities "and for repatriation of third country nationals to their country of origin or safe-third-country."

Humanitarian officials said they had been bracing in the months leading up to Trump's second term for potential reviews or reductions of some U.S. global assistance or cooperation programs. But officials said they were blindsided by the scope of the sweeping foreign aid suspension when Rubio's initial memo was leaked on Friday.

A number of organizations that receive all or a significant amount of their funding from the United States said they have already shut down operations and terminated employees.

"I got my termination letter this morning," said one USAID employee, noting that photographs of aid workers in the field - handing out food, providing medical care - that lined the walls of an agency building in Washington had been removed overnight.

"Some people were on unpaid parental leave, some just started new jobs" at the agency and were told not to come back, the employee said.

Neither the original order nor the revision issued Tuesday offered specific instructions on how to obtain additional waivers, other than contacting the "Director of Foreign Assistance at the Department of State." No one has been officially named to this position by Rubio or the Trump administration.

Initial exemptions had been provided only for military assistance administered by the State Department to Israel and Egypt.

Blumont, a Virginia-based contractor that provides humanitarian assistance at two detainee camps in eastern Syria, where more than 50,000 people who fled or belong to the Islamic State are being held, was advised Friday to stop operations. It "got word of a waiver" on Monday and resumed its work early Tuesday, a company official said.

When asked for clarification of the waiver policy on Tuesday, before Rubio's new waiver was issued, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said at her first official briefing that the withholding of money already appropriated by Congress had been designated lawful by the office of the White House counsel and that the Office of Management and Budget had provided guidance.

The "Department of Government Efficiency," the new White House commission headed by tech billionaire Elon Musk, along with OMB, she said, found that "there was about to be 50 million taxpayer dollars that went out the door to fund condoms in Gaza. That is a preposterous waste of taxpayer money."

Neither the White House nor the State Department provided clarification about a condom program, and no such item could be immediately located in funding appropriations. The White House referred queries to a Fox News Digital report that referenced a 2020 story in the Israeli media saying that "scores of condoms" were being used by militants to create bomb-carrying balloons that the wind could carry into southern Israel.

State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce also provided some examples to reporters Tuesday of what she described as "egregious funding," including "$102,236,000 to fund the International Medical Corps" that staffs hospitals and provides humanitarian aid in Gaza, "$612,000 to fund technical assistance for family planning in Latin America," and an additional half-dozen other programs of varying cost.

"The American people have demanded an end to policies that have harmed our nation for far too long and expect a return to common sense initiatives and priorities.  President Trump stated clearly that the United States is no longer going to blindly dole out money with no return for the American people," Bruce said in a statement.

The transactional approach to foreign assistance constitutes a break with decades of aid policy in which America's largesse, in keeping with its massive economy, has been considered a moral obligation and worthwhile investment in promoting stability and cooperation with the United States.

Some groups responded to the initial order with tempered optimism that the State Department review would not affect their work long term. Several that suspended operations in Vietnam noted that their work to mitigate the ongoing dangers of U.S.-dropped bombs and herbicide is a cornerstone of a budding economic and security partnership between Washington and Hanoi. That work is crucial, they said, as the United States seeks to build relationships in the region to counter China.

PeaceTrees Vietnam, a group focused on removing explosive remnants and returning land to citizens for safe use, has paused the work of 300 staffers on the ground focused on mine removal, said Claire Yunker, the group's chief executive. About 85 percent of the organization's budget comes from grants from the State Department, she said, and there is concern the highly trained and experienced technicians could depart if they feel strained by financial uncertainty. "We hope that the president and Secretary Rubio will decide that this is an important priority to continue," Yunker said.

Mines Advisory Group (MAG), a global organization that removes and destroys explosives in conflict areas, said its U.S.-funded operations were halted by the stop-work order. The group received about $64 million from American government grants in 2023, according to its latest annual report, more than half its roughly $114 million budget that year. The State Department has praised the group's work in Latin America, including the collection and disposal of small arms that fuel violence and the drug trade - a dynamic that helps fuel the irregular migration that Trump has aggressively sought to end.

"We hope to work with the new Trump administration in the years ahead," MAG's chief executive Darren Cormack said in a statement. "We are confident that the case for our work is strong."

Humanitarian officials also noted that the freeze would, in some cases, mean that aid groups would no longer be able to pay security guards typically employed in conflict zones, raising questions about staff safety.

Several officials at aid organizations described what one called a "free-speech crackdown," pointing to messaging from some government offices asking them to refrain from public communication about the pause in aid.

"This weekend the entire nonprofit sector moved onto Signal for the first time in our history, and that's a very telling move," one official from a nonprofit organization said, referencing an encrypted communication app.



(COMMENT, BELOW)
SIDVOKODVO  Some MPs have expressed their unwavering support for TLC. They pledged to do everything they can to ensure that government funding is directed towards the institution to guarantee its continued operation. The Members of Parliament (MPs)praised The Luke Commission (TLC) for the immense contribution it has made to the healthcare of emaSwati, particularly providing high-quality services free of charge. They also commended the dedication of the staff at the facility, which are based at Sidvokodvo in the Manzini Region. The MPs visit to the facility yesterday coincided with a time when individuals had recently received Comprehensive and Restorative Eye Surgeries (CARES), a vital service offered by TLC. However, the institution, which has been providing free healthcare to thousands of emaSwati, recently announced that as of February 15, 2025, it would be halting several outpatient services for patients aged 50 and older, as well as most inpatient services.



overwhelming



This decision was driven by the depletion of E30 million in relief funds. The difficult choice was made amid overwhelming demand for TLCs services, which has consistently outstripped available resources. TLC is the only health facility in Eswatini that meets First World standards, and it has become a lifeline for many emaSwati who are guaranteed to receive all their medicationunlike in other public health facilities. Futhie Ngcamphalala, the Lubombo Region MP, expressed her deep appreciation for TLCs work, stating that words could not fully convey her gratitude for the exceptional service it has provided over the years: Why did you decide to come here and leave all the other hospitals in the country? she asked rhetorically, adding that there was no need for an answer.



We appreciate what you have done over the past 20 years. I first came here in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic, when it was said that TLC was the institution where patients didnt survive. We knew that any liSwati who came here would not return home. I had COVID-19 and even my family said their goodbyes. Ngcamphalala reflected on her own recovery, noting that TLC was the only facility that had been able to assist her when other hospitals failed.



tirelessly



Today, I am an MP, and I recovered here. We are fully aware of the challenges you face, but for 20 years you have worked tirelessly. We have been chosen by you to speak for you, and we will not let this facility close. The help we so desperately need is here and we pledge to support you with everything we have as parliamentarians, she said. Ngcamphalala stressed that the MPs support was not just for TLC, but for emaSwati. She mentioned that if as politicians fail to secure the necessary funding, they would be failing emaSwati and would prove that they did not love them.

Ngcamphalala assured the institution that they would do everything in their power to ensure it receives the assistance it deserves. Peter Ngwenya, the MP from Gebeni in the Ntondozi Inkhundla, also praised TLC for the life-changing care it has been providing to patients. This is not my first time visiting TLC, and each time I come here I hear only good news from those who have received care. As parliamentarians, we know that you deserve the help you receive here. We are all too aware of the drugs shortage in our public health facilities, and the support you get at TLC is much needed.



committed



We are committed to advocating for the limited government funds to be directed here, so that TLC can continue providing free care, especially the vital medical supplies that you need, he said. In the same breath, Hope Shiba, the Nkhaba MP, thanked TLC for continuously inviting MPs to witness the outstanding work of the institution. He said they were impressed by the efforts made by TLC and acknowledged the challenges the institution faces. As MPs, we promise to advocate for government funds to support TLCs work, especially in providing free eye treatments, heart treatments and various other medical services. We hope that government could continue to invest in TLC to ensure that emaSwati receive the care they need, Shiba asserted. Nomkhosi Masuku, the Ludzeludze MP, congratulated those who received treatment at TLC and shared her own positive experience from a visit last year.



kindness



I was bitten by a dog and received exceptional treatment here, despite the staff not knowing I was an MP, she recalled. This is the kind of care that helps patients recover. We truly appreciate the professionalism and kindness of the staff at TLC. Meanwhile, Manqoba Sihlongonyane, the MP for Sithobelweni, expressed his ongoing support for TLC, noting that they had visited the facility a year ago and were pleased to see that it was still providing the same high-quality care. He mentioned that they were determined to partner with TLC because they knew that it provided invaluable help to emaSwati. TLC may move, but emaSwati will always be here, and we will do everything in our power to ensure TLC continues its work, he said.
Nationwide Avian Influenza prevention zone Introduced in Wales

A nationwide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been introduced across Wales as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of bird flu.

Although no cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have been confirmed in poultry or other kept birds in Wales, the number of cases in the UK is rising, increasing the risk of transmission from wild birds.

Announcing the decision, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs Huw Irranca-Davies said the measure follows advice from the Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales.

The move brings Wales in line with England and Scotland, where similar restrictions were introduced on 25 January.

The UK government has already declared an AIPZ across England due to the increasing number of bird flu cases, with stricter housing orders enforced in some eastern counties.

Since the start of 2024, 23 cases have been confirmed in England, mainly in eastern regions.

The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone applies to all bird keepers, including those with pets, small backyard flocks, and commercial poultry farms. In some areas, birds must be kept in enclosures to prevent contact with wild birds.

Despite the rising number of cases, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has said the risk to humans remains low, and chicken and eggs are safe to eat if properly cooked.

The Welsh AIPZ will take effect from 00:01 on Thursday 30 January and will remain in place until the risk level decreases.

The restrictions apply to all poultry and captive bird keepers, regardless of flock size or housing conditions.

Under the AIPZ, bird keepers must follow strict biosecurity measures, including:

Preventing wild birds from accessing food, water, and nesting areas.

Feeding and watering poultry in enclosed areas.

Limiting movement in and out of bird enclosures.

Cleaning and disinfecting footwear and maintaining hygiene in poultry areas.

Keeping domestic ducks and geese separate from other poultry.

Complying with restrictions on moving wild game birds caught during the open season.

Completing a mandatory biosecurity self-assessment checklist within seven days.

Additional measures will apply to flocks of more than 500 birds, including restricting access to non-essential people, changing clothing and footwear before entering enclosures, and disinfecting vehicles.

Huw Irranca-Davies said: I consider the mandatory enhanced biosecurity measures of the AIPZ to be proportionate to the risk level posed by avian influenza here in Wales at this time.

We all have a responsibility to protect the health and welfare of our national flock and prevent disease introduction and spread.

The Welsh Government has said it is closely monitoring the situation in England, where new restrictions have been introduced in additional areas, including Shropshire, York, and North Yorkshire.

Infected sites in England are subject to a 3km protection zone and must house all birds.

Bird keepers in Wales are urged to remain vigilant for signs of avian influenza, a notifiable disease that must be reported immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) on 0300 303 8268.

Further details on the AIPZ, including guidance and updates, are available on the Welsh Government website.
Concerns over unhealthy competition between schools and colleges across Wales

Cash-strapped sixth-forms and colleges are under great pressure to compete with each other for funding, putting their own interests before those of learners, a committee heard.

The Senedds education committee launched an inquiry on routes into post-16 education and training in Wales, taking evidence from trade unions and parents on January 29.

Ioan Rhys Jones, general secretary of Undeb Cenedlaethol Athrawon Cymru (UCAC), raised concerns about unhealthy competition distorting the post-16 system.

In written evidence, the trade union for teachers and lecturers explained Institutions are competing for learners and the future of some courses is at stake due to a lack of learners.

As such, institutions are very keen to attract learners to their institutions, getting learners to study courses is vital in order to retain staff and the courses themselves.

Perfect storm

Mr Rhys Jones said: Ive been supporting members in schools these past few weeks because theyre facing redundancies, not voluntary redundancies, and the main reason is the reduction in the numbers going into the sixth-form.

Warning of a perfect storm, he added: The last thing that they are going to do is encourage those who have a good chance to do an A-level  theyre not going to encourage those pupils to do anything else, are they?

Mr Rhys Jones told the committee that smaller sixth-forms and Welsh-medium schools face particularly acute problems.

He said: All of the financial pressure, all of this competition means that leaders dont have any other choice or they are facing periods of redundancies in schools.

The budgets are so seriously bad now  theres no flexibility at all.

Bums on seats

Sion Amlyn, policy and casework official at the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers, echoed UCACs concerns.

He told the committee: The more students that you have, the more funding you will receive and the more job security will exist.

Asked about sixth-forms predominantly promoting their own courses, Mr Amlyn explained that bums on seats essentially dictate a schools budget.

He added: And there is pressure on teachers from above to ensure that pupil numbers dont fall, so teachers will naturally do their best .. to try to retain as many pupils as possible.

Mr Amlyn said shrinking budgets mean the very first courses to go are the ones with the least number of pupils, which are invariably in sixth-forms.

Pulling back

Mary van den Heuvel, senior policy officer at National Education Union Cymru, was deeply concerned by levels of post-16 participation in Wales.

According to analysis by the Education Policy Institute, nearly 11% of those aged 16 to 18 in Wales were classified as not in education, employment or training in 2022/23.

This compared with 5% in Northern Ireland, 8% in England and 9% in Scotland, with Wales also seeing a bigger rise in rates up from 6% in 2021/22.

Ms van den Heuvel said: Our members tell us that there used to be a much better system in terms of Careers Wales supporting schools with work experience.

Weve definitely got to look at that in terms of the way Careers Wales pulled back from that.

Chilling

A survey found only 39% of parents with a child in secondary or post-16 education in Wales agreed that their school or college helped them explore a broad range of career choices.

This compared with 46% in England, 49% in Scotland and 53% in Northern Ireland, according to the research from Parentkind.

Ms van den Heuvel agreed support for those with additional learning needs is insufficient due to funding constraints, with a chilling number not in education, employment or training.

Mr Amlyn said careers advice needs to be offered sooner than year nine as he stressed the need for equality  with disabled children more dependent on traditional, one-to-one advice.

He suggested careers advice needs to be woven into the fabric of Wales curriculum.

Glass ceiling

Deb Austin, mum of a neurodivergent boy, told the committee that communication, flexibility, transport and role models are key as she warned that pupils entitlement is not always clear.

Calling for a focus on individuals needs and strengths, she said: The incentivisation within education at the moment is around bums on seats and that pays.

Karen Berell said her daughter did not feel like she had much choice nor space to work out what was important to her, with pathways for children already mapped out for them.

She told the committee: From a very young age, kids who are neurodivergent struggle within the school system and a lot of the time the feedback is youre not good enough.

And actually they are, theyre all good enough, they all have a skillset. How are we nurturing that skillset so they have that resilience and we are not putting a glass ceiling on them?

By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter
St Giles Church to host compelling play about the Holocaust

St Giles Church is to host a compelling play about the Holocaust.

The Hiding Place, a moving true story of Corrie ten Boom and her family, will be performed in the city centre church on February 1.

Corrie ten Boom was a Dutch Christian who, along with her family, helped hide Jews from the Nazis during World War II.

Living in Haarlem, the Netherlands, she and her family built a secret room in their home, The Hiding Place, where they sheltered Jews and resistance members

The Oddments Theatre Company is bringing the production to Wrexham, which will coincide with the conclusion of Holocaust Memorial Week.

A spokesperson for the company, said: We are proud to bring The Hiding Place to St Giles Church marking the conclusion of Holocaust Memorial Week on February 1.

There will also be an opportunity for teachers to bring their students along for a free performance on January 31.

This powerful production recounts the courageous efforts of the Ten Boom family, who risked their lives to shelter Jews in Nazi-occupied Holland.

The story follows their harrowing journey through imprisonment and the unbreakable spirit of forgiveness as Corrie ten Boom confronts one of her former guards years later.

With a dynamic rotating stage set, captivating music, and energetic performances, The Hiding Place promises an emotional journey filled with moments of laughter, tears, and reflection.

This is a deeply moving narrative of faith, love, and hope triumphing over unimaginable darkness. Audiences have praised the play with 5-star reviews.

The spokesperson added: Thanks to the generous support of Christians Together in Wrexham and the Wrexham Parochial Educational Trust, the Wrexham leg of the tour includes special performances for schools, HMP Berwyn, and the public.

Public Performance:

Date: Saturday, 1 February

Time: 3:00 PM

Venue: St Giles Church, Wrexham, LL13 7LU

Tickets for the public performance can be purchased online, here.

School Performances:

Educators are invited to bring their students to a free performance on Friday, 31st January. To reserve seats, please contact info@ctwrexham.org.uk.
Bring rain gear if you plan on doing anything outside this weekend, as an atmospheric river moves through the region. An atmospheric river is a narrow band of moisture that moves in from the Pacific. They typically bring warmer temperatures and a lot of wind along with them. The snow level will be high with this event, especially over the weekend. It will start out around 6000-6500 feet Friday morning in northern California before rising to around 8000 over the weekend. This means that there will be more rain than snow at lake level Saturday and Sunday. The valley will only see rain, and the crest has the best chance for seeing snow. I-80 at Donner will be slick from snow on Friday, before turning to rain for much of the weekend.

Rain totals will range from at least a couple inches at lake level to at least a half inch in the valley. This will be a long lasting storm, with multiple rounds of heavy rain, carrying into early next week. As of Thursday morning, the main concern will be ponding on roadways, creeks and streams, and burn scars. The Susan River is forecast to near monitor stage by Monday, which is below minor flood stage. The Truckee in Reno is expected to stay below monitor stage. The Feather River is forecasted to near monitor or even minor flood stage by Monday as well.

Now is the time to clear out any plugged drains or gutters. If the snow level is a little higher than expected, reaching 9,000 then rain totals would be much higher in the Sierra, and the hydrological forecast would be affected too. A snow level change of one to two thousand feet will make a big difference in the forecast.

The track of the atmospheric river is crucial in this weekends forecast. A slight wobble to the north by 200 miles would mean more wind than rain in the valley, but a track along I-80 would mean soaking rain and less wind. The models are trending further south along I-80 with each run.

Burn scars, including over the Davis burn scar, will be something to watch for debris flows this weekend. Rainfall rates wont be as intense as thunderstorms, but the rain will be heavy and steady.

Wind is another thing to watch this weekend, especially on Sunday. It will be windy throughout this weekend, but Sunday will have the highest impacts. Wind gusts will exceed 35mph in the Truckee Meadows on Friday, and over 50mph in wind prone areas on Sunday. Gusts along our ridgetops will exceed 100mph this weekend.

A wobble of the atmospheric river by 200 miles north would mean more wind and less rain.

Stay tuned for more updates.
Weather Alert

...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM PDT THIS EVENING... * WHAT...South winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. Wind prone areas along Hwy 395, Hwy 95, and Hwy 50 may see gusts reach up to 65 mph. Winds over Pyramid Lake 30 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph and waves 2 to 5 feet. * WHERE...In California, Surprise Valley California. In Nevada, Northern Washoe County, Western Nevada Basin and Range including Pyramid Lake, and Greater Reno-Carson City-Minden Area. * WHEN...Until 11 PM PDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Winds may knock down burned trees in the Davis Fire burn area. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Now is the time to secure loose outdoor items such as patio furniture, holiday decorations, and trash cans before winds increase which could blow these items away. The best thing to do is prepare ahead of time by making sure you have extra food and water on hand, flashlights with spare batteries and/or candles in the event of a power outage. Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution. Secure outdoor objects. &&


Tiros Project Work Program Update

Toronto, Jan 30, 2025 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Resouro Strategic Metals Inc. ( ASX:RAU ) ( CVE:RSM ) ( 8TX:FRA ) ( RSGOF:OTCMKTS ) is pleased to announce an update to work programs for the development of Resouro's Tiros Titanium and Rare Earth Elements ("REE") Project ("Tiros Project" or "Project") in Minas Gerais, Brazil.



Highlights



Activities are ongoing at Resouro's world scale 1.7 billion tonnes Tiros Titanium - REE Project in Brazil which contains an estimated 198 million tonnes of Titanium Dioxide ("TiO2") and 6.6 million tonnes of Total Rare Earth Oxide ("TREO").



A comprehensive work program is underway with the aim of delivering staged outcomes throughout 2025. An overview of the key work programmes underway includes:



- Drill Hole Assays: Results expected imminently;



- Update to the Mineral Resource Estimate: Advanced planning stages underway;



- Initial Mine Designs: Preparations in progress;



- Metallurgical Test Work: Programs advancing rapidly;



- Northern Block Trial Mining: Application currently in progress;



- Scoping Study for Northern Block Demonstration Plant: Planning initiated; and



- Scoping Study for full scale plant at Central Block: Expected by year end.



With the appointment of Progesys as technical study managers, and Sete Meio Ambiente for environmental studies (refer ASX announcement of 16 January, 2025, TSXV/OTCQB 15 January, 2025), the Company is pleased to provide the following update on its technical work programs planned for 2025.



The Tiros Project Mineral Resource Estimate



The Tiros project comprises 28 mineral concessions totalling 497 km2 located in the state of Minas Gerais, 350 km from Belo Horizonte, the state capital. Minas Gerais is a tier one mining jurisdiction of the world and one of the most infrastructurally developed states in Brazil.



Resouro released a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") for the Tiros Project of 1.7 Billion Tonnes of Inferred, Indicated and Measured Resource (refer ASX release 18th July 2024, TSXV 17th July 2024), the details of which are contained at the end of this announcement.



CURRENT WORK ACTIVITIES



Anticipated Work Program Outcomes



The Company is working diligently towards achieving the following work program milestones with the expected timeline in link* below.



Drilling Results



The Company is set to publish assay results from 49 new diamond drill holes encompassing 2,500 samples drilled in 2024 in the near term. Samples are being processed at SGS Geosol laboratories in Belo Horizonte. Initial assay results are expected imminently, with theremaining samples scheduled for completion within the next six weeks.



Mineral Resource Update



Atticus Geoscience Consulting ("Atticus"), independent Mineral Resource Estimation Consultants, are actively compiling the necessary data for an updated MRE. The updated MRE is expected to be completed approximately four weeks after receiving the remaining assay results from the 2024 drill program. It is anticipated that the updated MRE will be published late in late Q1 or early Q2 CY25.



Demonstration Plant Scoping Study at Tiros Northern Block.



The Company has commenced an application process for trial mining licences (Guia de Utilizacao or "GU") to complement a demonstration plant scoping study in the Tiros Northern Block.



The demonstration plant scoping study will build on current metallurgical test work and the development of an optimised metallurgical flowsheet, leading to prefeasibility and definitive feasibility studies.



The Tiros Northern Block has been selected as the location for the Scoping Study and trial mining exercise due to the following advantages:



1. High-Grade Resources: The site has high-grade rare earths and titanium dioxide from surface.



2. Free-Dig Mining Potential: The highly-weathered mineralization enables costeffective "free-dig"2 mining operations.



3. Access to Affordable Power: Proximity to power lines with low-cost electricity.



4. Road Infrastructure: Paved roads are located near the proposed mining area.



5. Water Availability: An existing water dam is situated in the local area.



6. Minimal Environmental Impact: The area has a low environmental footprint from previous artisanal mining operations.



7. No Agricultural Conflicts: The area is free from agricultural activities, ensuring minimal land-use competition.



The approval process for a trial mining license is typically shorter than that of a full mining concession, enabling an accelerated timeline for development and operations. This fast-track process allows companies to de-risk projects by conducting smaller scale demonstration operations before transitioning to full-scale production. As a result, companies benefit from reduced initial capital expenditures (capex) while achieving early cash flow generation.



The combination of high-grade resources, beneficiation, and high metallurgical recoveries ensures that a relatively small-scale operation should deliver substantial production volumes of TREO, TiO2, and valuable by-products.



It is anticipated that the Demonstration Plant Scoping Study should commence in Q2 CY2025.



Full Scale Operations Scoping Study at Tiros Central Block.



Following the scoping study for the Tiros Northern Block, it is planned that the Company will undertake a scoping study for a full-scale operation based on the Tiros Central Block. This will take into consideration the ongoing test work optimisation studies and leverage the outcomes of the Demonstration Plant scoping study. It is anticipated that this could be achieved by the end of 2025.



Metallurgical Test-work, Process Flow Sheet Development



Metallurgical test work for these flowsheets is advancing rapidly on different flowsheets for the leaching of REE and the concentration and purification of TiO2. These will integrate with the chosen flowsheets into the Scoping Study for the Demonstration Plant at the Tiros Northern Block and a full-scale production facility at various throughputs at Tiros Central Block.



Mineral Beneficiation



Physical beneficiation test-work using various sizing, gravimetric, electrostatic and magnetic separation technologies is underway at laboratories in Brazil and Australia. The objective of these studies is to evaluate the feasibility of separating key components from the Tiros material such as TiO2 minerals, iron minerals and silica and leaching for REE. Beneficiation offers the significant advantage of reducing the volume of material requiring leaching, while simultaneously increasing the head grade supplied to the rare earths leaching circuit.



Beneficiation work is being performed at Laboratories in Perth, CIT Senai Laboratories in Belo Horizonte and at the University of Sao Paulo (USP) in Brazil.



Nitric Acid Test Work: Altilium Process TM



A 45 kg representative composite sample from the Tiros Central Block (refer ASX release dated 27 September 2024, TSXV 26 September, 2024) has been processed using Altilium technology.



The sighter test-work demonstrated that the Altilium Ti/REE Process(TM) achieved extractions of over 96% of the Magnet Rare Earth Oxides ("MREO") from representative samples selected from a cross section of the Tiros mineralisation. This corresponds to the world's highest REE extractions on non-selective mineralisation intervals. With rare earths extracted, the TiO2 enriched residue is currently being analyzed by laboratories in Perth, Western Australia, to determine the next steps for separating TiO2, and other materials.



An additional 200-kilogram sample from the Tiros Central Block will be used to repeat the initial sighter test-work and leach work from the 45kg sample. This 200 kg sample will be used to develop the nitric acid regeneration stages, as well as the aluminium and iron hydrolysis processes, with the goal of optimizing acid consumption, residence times, and temperatures.



The data from this work will allow Altilium to provide scoping study-level capital and operating cost estimates for various scales of production. This information will be integrated into the Scoping Study for the proposed Demonstration Plant for the Tiros Northern Block and for the large-scale operation planned at Tiros Central Block.



Mineral Concentrate Samples



Upon completion of the mineral beneficiation test work, Resouro will be able to provide titanium mineral concentrate samples for analysis, assessment and marketing purposes. The Company is actively engaging with potential off-takers across Europe, North America and South East Asia regarding these products and plans to provide them product samples.



Rare Earths Samples



A portion of the mixed rare earth nitrate liquor from nitric acid leaching will be sent to a potential off-taker in the United States. The remaining liquor will be converted into a Mixed Rare Earth Oxide for analysis and distribution to various potential off-takers in the United States and Europe.



Sulphuric Acid Treatment



A high-temperature sulphuric acid treatment process has been undertaken to separate and recover precipitated products. This process has the potential to produce high purity, salable products including TiO2, iron oxide as well as silica and alumina products. The resulting residue from this process, enriched in rare earth, can be further processed through downstream leaching and precipitation.



Initial test-work has been completed, resulting in several products, along with a mixed rare earth sulphide liquor. These products and re-liquor are currently at the SGS Geosol Laboratory in Belo Horizonte for recovery and product quality analysis.



Mine Plan and Design for the Tiros Central Block



In the third quarter of 2024, Global Mining Consultants developed a first-pass preliminary mine plan for the Tiros Central Block. This work will be updated with drill data from infill drilling,



initial metallurgical recoveries, as well as capital and operating cost figures from the process flowsheets being developed. These works will be undertaken at the completion of a selection process for optimum process flowsheet, as well as operating and capital costs estimates.



*To view tables and figures, please visit:

https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/FTGAVXHN





About Resouro Strategic Metals Inc.





Resouro Strategic Metals Inc. (ASX:RAU) (CVE:RSM) (OTCMKTS:RSGOF) (FRA:8TX) is a Canadian-based mineral exploration and development company focused on the discovery and advancement of economic mineral projects in Brazil, including the rare earth elements and titanium Tiros Project and the Novo Mundo and Santa Angela gold projects.



The Tiros Project, located in northern Minas Gerais, Brazil, is an exploration project focused on rare earth elements and titanium covering an area of approximately 450 km2. The Tiros Project comprises 17 exploration permits, and one exploration permit application held by the Company's Brazilian subsidiary; and 6 exploration permits and one exploration permit application that have been validly assigned to the Company's Brazilian subsidiary and are awaiting ANM approval. The Company holds, via its wholly owned Brazilian subsidiary, a 90% interest in the Tiros Project and the remaining 10% interest in the Tiros Project is held by RBM Consultoria Mineral Eireli (RBM), an unrelated third-party vendor.



The Novo Mundo Project is located in the Alta Floresta Gold Province close to the northern border of the state of Mato Grosso, central Brazil. Within the licensed area is the small town of Novo Mundo, which is 30km west from the larger town of Guaranta do Norte. It comprises three exploration permits. The Company also has another interest in an exploration permit, being the Santa Angela Project, which is not considered material to the Company's operations. Interests in the Novo Mundo Project and Santa Angela Project are held via the Company's wholly owned subsidiary.

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ABP Network, a leader in innovative digital experiences, proudly announces the launch of a metaverse version of the Mahakumbh Mela 2025, coinciding with the grand celebrations at Prayagraj. As one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, the Mahakumbh Mela will now be brought to a global audience through a dedicated Metaverse platform by ABPLIVE, the digital wing of ABP Network, transcending geographical boundaries.

ABPLIVE's Mahakumbh Metaverse is a pioneering step in virtual spirituality, accessible through https://www.abpverse.com

The Metaverse platform will offer virtual tours of the Triveni Sangam, live streaming of the Shahi Snan (Royal Bath), and interactive sessions with spiritual leaders and cultural performers. Devotees and visitors from around the world will be able to participate in the Mela's rituals and ceremonies in real time, fostering a sense of unity and connection. It presents an opportunity for devotees worldwide to engage in a virtual snan at the Triveni Sangam. This immersive platform allows visitors to delve into a detailed timeline of events surrounding the important Akharas, participate in virtual aarti and pooja ceremonies.

With meticulous attention to detail and reverence, the Mahakumbh metaverse is more than just a digital platform; it's an invitation to experience the essence of devotion and cultural heritage in a new and exciting way. This initiative reflects ABP Network's commitment to providing its audience with immersive and meaningful digital experiences.

Key Features:

High Interactivity and Puja Options

Details of Important Akharas and Snan Dates

Opportunity to Brand and dedicated kiosks for partners

Snan at Triveni Sangam Ghats

Options to Download the snan video and share on Social Platforms

Karma Coins - To Collect during the journey

The Kumbh Metaverse experiment is ABPLIVEs fourth metaverse experiential project. Readers previously participated in the Ram Mandir, ABP Nadu Metaverse created to mark the second anniversary of the fast-growing Tamil platform. The Election Centre Metaverse launched as part of ABPLIVEs ongoing election Metaverse has already received accolades and has been among the fastest growing destinations for online news readers.

ABP Network cordially invites everyone to join this virtual abode of Mahakumbh Mela, embarking on an enriching journey that blends the essence of devotion with the marvels of modern technology. The Mahakumbh Mela 2025, which has started from January 14 and will continue till February 26, 2025, at Prayagraj, is a once-in-a-lifetime event that attracts millions of devotees seeking spiritual purification and cultural enrichment. The introduction of the Metaverse platform is poised to enhance this experience, making it accessible to a wider audience and preserving the essence of this sacred gathering for future generations.
In an era where AI-driven solutions are redefining customer engagement, Netcore Cloud is at the forefront of this transformation. As a leader in the MarTech space, the company is leveraging AI-powered tools like Co-Marketer to help brands optimize customer journeys, drive profitability, and deliver hyper-personalized experiences at scale.

In this exclusive interaction, Siddharth Gopalkrishnan, Chief Operating Officer of Netcore Cloud, shares insights into how AI is revolutionizing marketing automation, the companys approach to data privacy and compliance, its expansion strategy across global markets, and the future of digital marketing. He also sheds light on how Netcore differentiates itself in an increasingly competitive landscape and the immense opportunities within Indias rapidly evolving digital ecosystem.

Netcore Cloud is making significant strides in reshaping customer journeys with Co-Marketer. Can you share how AI is driving this transformation and its impact on delivering personalized experiences at scale?

Co-Marketer was developed to be a marketers partner in all aspects of marketing, i.e., to generate deeper insights, perform predictive segmentation, perform predictive analytics, conduct journey orchestrations, and conduct content curation. Netcores Co-Marketer simplifies workflows so marketers can focus on creativity and strategy.

Regarding AI driving transformation, Netcore's AI engine is like a Trivago for all AIsdelivering the best answer possible for every element, from content curation to customer segmentation. By sending prompts to Co-Marketer, it leverages customer data to quickly generate large volumes of relevant content, enabling brands to gain insights faster.



In a world where data privacy regulations are tightening globally, how is Netcore Cloud ensuring compliance while maintaining the trust of its clients and end users? Are there any specific measures or technologies youre particularly proud of?

At Netcore Cloud, we have always been committed to maintaining the privacy and trust of our clients and end users. Focusing on robust privacy-first practices, our technology is developed in compliance with global regulations such as GDPR and CCPA. Since our ultimate goal is enhancing the relationship that brands have with their customers, data encryption, anonymization, and secure storage are foundational to our operations.

A prime example of this is Netcore Clouds Consent Management Platform, which allows clients to manage user preferences seamlessly, ensuring transparency and compliance. We have developed advanced AI algorithms are designed to provide insights without compromising individual data privacy.

To maintain the highest data security standards and foster long-term trust with clients, Netcore Cloud continuously invests in certifications and audits.



With Netcores growing presence in both India and international markets, what strategies have been most effective in expanding your footprint? How do you tailor your approach to address the unique challenges of different regions?

In the past few years, we have seen tremendous success and growth in several emerging markets, including Southeast Asia, the GCC, and Latin America, by developing products and platforms well-suited to regional markets.

What has worked well for us is that we treat each market differently from a product-market fit standpoint, a use case standpoint for our brands, and how we go to market right. This approach includes using strategic partners where possible.

For instance, we realized that digital maturity in some Southeast Asian markets is still evolving; therefore, it is essential that our platform is accompanied by a much higher degree of service and teams focused on driving adoption. Similarly, in North America, we see that the bigger need is in Search and Discovery, and web and email are the most preferred channels. Hence our propositions are tailored to this for the e-commerce and retail sectors.

At Netcore, our efforts are focused on developing platforms suited to each market since platforms built for emerging markets will not work for developed markets. Our partnerships with Google Cloud, Meta, and other partners form a critical part of our growth strategy. By creating such powerful synergies, we are confident that we can unlock new growth opportunities collectively, thereby redefining customer engagement and delivering exceptional value to our clients worldwide.



The MarTech industry is evolving rapidly, with AI playing a pivotal role. What trends do you foresee shaping the future of digital marketing, and how is Netcore positioning itself to lead in this transformation?

With the advent of AI, we noticed a rapid shift in customer journeys. There is more emphasis on being digital first, i.e., adopting omnichannel strategies, which has seen tremendous growth. This has evolved the marketers role, where marketing is no longer seen as the driver of acquisition but also as the driver of profits. At Netcore, we believe that our role is to enable the next set of profit champions across organizations.

The trends I foresee shaping the future of digital marketing are:

a. Overcommunication by Brands: Too many brands are vying for consumers' attention. To truly capture the consumer's attention, each brand needs to stand out by how it communicates with its audience and how it presents itself.

b. Each Journey is Omnichannel: Because of omnichannel journeys, there are numerous touchpoints. Brands will focus on engaging each touchpoint with the communication volume delivered to the consumer. Netcores recent survey revealed that 80% of consumers want or seek personalization, but 70% feel they dont actually get personalized communication.

Brands will be under increasing pressure to optimize communication while focusing on personalizing outreach. This will make brand communication more contextual, actionable, and relevant.

c. Focus on Driving Profitability with Customer Retention: The future of digital marketing is retention-driven. Marketers must maximize customer lifetime value and profitability with customer acquisition costs soaring. Netcore Cloud enables this by transforming marketers into Profit Champions who leverage AI for smarter, more effective strategies.



The MarTech space is highly competitive. How does Netcore Cloud differentiate itself in such a dynamic landscape, and what has been the key to maintaining an edge over domestic and international competitors?

In the highly competitive MarTech landscape, Netcore Cloud differentiates itself through its unique positioning as the only player that can provide everything from Search and Discovery experience, interactive channels with native integrations and highly personalised customer engagement.

Our native email channel, for instance, captures an impressive 70% of the traffic in the Southeast Asian region. Our premium partnerships with Google and Meta across their channels further reinforce our market standing. Our strong performance in Forrester and Gartner lately speaks volumes of our competitive edge.

By focusing intensely on business impact, we deliver measurable outcomes that go beyond conventional metrics like CTRs and conversion rates.

Ultimately, our ability to understand and address the nuanced needs of Brands enables us to drive the adoption of MarTech tools and help them improve their returns



India is a critical market for Netcore. What opportunities do you see in the Indian market, and how do you plan to leverage its potential for growth while addressing its unique customer expectations and challenges?

With a rapidly digitizing economy and increasing internet penetration, India offers significant opportunities for AI-driven personalization and omnichannel marketing. In India, digital transformation is happening across industries like automotive, real estate, FMCG, and BFSI. These digital transformations will necessitate these brands to drive seamless and effective omnichannel journeys for customers.

According to a report, over 600 new brands have entered the D2C space since 2016, with a 25% jump in new brands entering the market in 2023. The Indian D2C market is set to triple to $61.3 billion by FY27, with a 38% compounded annual growth rate driven by macroeconomic factors like a rise in per capita earnings. Most of these recently-launched brands are struggling to bridge the gap towards profitability. We see a big opportunity in helping these brands unlock, whether by optimizing costs or increasing the efficiency of marketing budgets.

The Government of India is actively driving digitalization through initiatives like ONDC. In the next 5-6 years, we will witness a wave of businesses that invest in sustainable, profitable growth.

Netcore plans to support this wave of growth by developing customizable playbooks for each customer and by building our talent pool backed by investments in tech, analytics, and platforms.
Air India and Kenya Airways have entered a codeshare partnership, reaffirming their commitment to boosting seamless travel between India and Africa, and beyond. The codeshare partnership complements the existing interline agreement between the two carriers.

The codeshare and interline partnerships together allow passengers of both airlines to enjoy convenient access to a wider range of destinations across regions, leveraging a single ticket and a unified baggage policy for a hassle-free travel experience.

As part of the codeshare agreement, Air India will place its AI designator code on twice daily flights between Nairobi and Mumbai operated by Kenya Airways, which will seamlessly connect passengers via Mumbai on Air India-operated flights to or from Bangkok (Thailand), Colombo (Sri Lanka), Dhaka (Bangladesh), Male (The Maldives), Melbourne (Australia), and Singapore. These are in addition to existing connections that passengers from Nairobi can take to several other destinations within and outside of India via Delhi, when flying Nairobi to Delhi with Air India.

The new agreement also enables Kenya Airways to place its KQ designator code on Air India-operated flights between Delhi and Nairobi, thus enabling Kenya Airways passengers from across Africa to travel to Delhi via Nairobi.

Deepening our partnership with Kenya Airways aligns perfectly with Air Indias strategic vision of expanding our global footprint and strengthening our position in key markets, said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India. Our codeshare partnership will provide significant benefit to guests of both airlines, and also contribute to the overall growth of air travel between India and Africa.

The interline agreement between Air India and Kenya Airways enables passengers to seamlessly travel on a single itinerary between any of 28 points in Africa (Accra, Addis Ababa, Dar Es Salaam, Harare, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Seychelles, Kilimanjaro, Mombasa, and Zanzibar to name a few), and any of 15 points in India (Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, and Hyderabad to name a few).

We are delighted to expand our partnership Air India, that will open up significant opportunity for our passengers. This codeshare agreement allows us to offer seamless connections to a wider range of destinations across both airlines networks, making travel easier and more convenient said Julius Thairu, Chief Commercial and Customer Officer, Kenya Airways.

Air India and Kenya Airways plan to progressively add other destinations in their networks to the codeshare agreement.

The codeshare flights are available for booking through Air Indias and Kenya Airways respective booking channels and through travel agents.
In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, augmented reality (AR) filters have emerged as a transformative technology, enabling users to craft idealized versions of themselves with unprecedented ease. A recent study by Harish Kumar and Madhushree Nanda Agarwal, published in the Australian Journal of Management, delves into the psychological effects of AR-based filters on social media users. It highlights the dual-edged impact of these filtersbringing both inspiration and dissatisfaction to the forefront of users experiences.

A New Era of Digital Self-Expression

The rise of AR filters has revolutionized digital self-presentation. Unlike static filters of the past, AR tools integrate dynamic and interactive elements that seamlessly blend with a users reality. Platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook have popularized these filters, turning them into staples of digital communication. These tools allow users to enhance their physical featuressoftening skin, altering cheekbones, or even adding virtual makeupoffering creative freedom while subtly redefining beauty standards.

Kumar and Agarwal's research explores how AR filters influence the gap between the "actual self" (how users perceive themselves) and the "ideal self" (how they aspire to be perceived). The ability to manipulate ones appearance through AR has contributed to the creation of artificial standards of attractiveness within online communities, amplifying pressure to conform to these ideals.

The Dark Side: Social Comparison and Self-Discrepancy

While AR filters provide a canvas for creativity, they also intensify social comparison. The study found that users often compare their digitally enhanced selves to those of others, leading to heightened self-awareness and dissatisfaction with their natural appearance. This widens the gap between the ideal and actual selfa phenomenon the researchers term the "ideal-actual gap."

One participant, a 24-year-old postgraduate student, reflected on how AR filters create fake societal norms that reinforce biases against natural features like darker skin tones or fuller body types. Another remarked, The Instagram filters make me feel my body should be like hers but in the end, I realize Im not that beautiful.

The researchers observed that this relentless cycle of comparison fosters feelings of envy, body dissatisfaction, and low self-confidence. These negative emotions often spill over into users real lives, affecting their mental well-being and social interactions.

Inspiration Through Augmented Reality

Despite the drawbacks, Kumar and Agarwals findings also highlight the positive side of AR filters. For many users, these tools inspire creativity and encourage them to narrow the ideal-actual gap in constructive ways. By experimenting with virtual appearances, users explore new styles, boost self-confidence, and even enhance their real-world sense of body satisfaction.

A participant shared, Filters inspired me to try new looks Id never thought of before. Its fun and gives me confidence. This inspiration often drives continuous use of AR-enabled platforms like Snapchat and Instagram, further contributing to their popularity.

The study emphasizes the role of creativity in this process. Users engage with AR filters not just to conform but to express themselves uniquely, making their digital personas more appealing and relatable. This creative engagement fosters a sense of accomplishment, countering the negative effects of social comparison.

The Broader Implications for Well-Being

The impact of AR filters on users well-being is complex. On one hand, these tools can provoke feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. On the other, they offer a means to explore identity and build confidence. The researchers argue that the outcome depends on individual differences and how users approach the ideal-actual gap.

For those with positive self-esteem, AR filters can be playful tools for self-expression. For others, particularly those prone to negative self-comparisons, these filters may exacerbate insecurities. Kumar and Agarwal suggest that this duality underscores the need for a more nuanced understanding of how digital technologies influence mental health.

Practical Implications for Marketers and Platforms

The findings of this study have significant implications for social media platforms and brands. AR filters have become powerful marketing tools, with companies like Gucci and Sephora leveraging them to engage users. However, the potential negative consequences demand ethical considerations.

Marketers are encouraged to create AR campaigns that prioritize authenticity over perfection. Filters celebrating diverse beauty standards or promoting self-acceptance can mitigate the adverse effects of social comparison. Social media platforms also bear the responsibility to educate users about the potential pitfalls of AR tools, fostering a healthier digital ecosystem.

A Call for Responsible Innovation

As AR technology continues to evolve, its influence on social media and user psychology will deepen. Kumar and Agarwals study serves as a timely reminder of the importance of ethical innovation. By understanding the psychological mechanisms behind AR filter use, we can harness this technology to enhance well-being rather than diminish it.

The authors also call for further research into the long-term effects of AR tools, particularly their role in shaping self-concept and behavior. This research could inform the development of AR applications that empower users without compromising mental health.

Conclusion: The Paradox of Digital Reality

AR filters represent a paradox of modern technologyoffering both liberation and constraint. They allow users to explore new facets of their identity while also trapping them in cycles of comparison and dissatisfaction. As Kumar and Agarwal eloquently demonstrate, the challenge lies in navigating this duality, ensuring that digital tools enrich rather than erode our sense of self.

Ultimately, the future of ARand social media itselfdepends on striking this delicate balance. Whether these tools become a source of empowerment or a mirror reflecting our insecurities rests with creators, marketers, and users alike.
Google is challenging the European Unions $4.5 billion antitrust fine, which centers around allegations that the company used its Android operating system to restrict competition in the mobile market. Imposed in 2018, the original penalty was reduced to $4.27 billion by a lower court in 2022, but Google remains dissatisfied with the ruling and has taken its case to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). The final decision, expected in the coming months, will determine if Google can overturn the fine or if it will be required to pay the full amount.

Google's Defense: Innovation and Competition Go Hand-in-Hand

Googles legal team argues that the European Commission's decision is based on flawed legal reasoning. According to Alfonso Lamadrid, the company's lawyer, Google's agreements with smartphone manufacturers, which required the pre-installation of apps such as Google Search, Chrome, and the Play Store, were not anti-competitive. Instead, the company asserts these agreements helped improve consumer services while fostering innovation within the Android ecosystem.

EU's Stance: Dominance Hurts Competitors

On the other hand, EU regulators argue that Googles dominance in the smartphone market has been used to unfairly limit competition by preventing rival services from gaining ground. The original ruling found that Googles contracts with phone manufacturers restricted their ability to use alternative versions of Android, ultimately reducing consumer choice and stifling competition.

Impending Final Decision

The case now rests with the Court of Justice of the European Union, and its ruling will be final, with no further appeals allowed. If Google loses the case, it will face the full 4.1 billion fine. In the meantime, the company is also under scrutiny for other regulatory issues, including its advertising practices, with another significant decision expected later this year.

Global Scrutiny and Additional Penalties

This legal battle with the EU is not the only one Google faces. In India, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) imposed a hefty fine of Rs 2,273 crore on Google in 2022 for similar monopolistic practices. The penalties stem from two separate cases, one related to Android's market dominance and another concerning Google Play Store policies.

As Google continues to navigate these challenges on multiple fronts, the outcome of these cases could set significant precedents in the ongoing global debate over tech giants and their influence on competition.
Hyundai Motor India has announced the launch of its newest electric SUV  Hyundai CRETA Electric through a full-fledged media campaign. Conceptualized by Innocean India, the campaign was launched in two phases the pre-launch / booking open phase and the launch phase.

While sharing his thoughts on the pre-launch and launch campaigns, Pulak Bisht, Creative Lead  Hyundai, Innocean India said, For almost a decade now, with more than million Hyundai Creta on road, it has been the SUV of choice for the Indian car buyers and now with CRETA coming in an Electric avatar, the challenge was to bring out the brands personality in a new way. While brainstorming a question that constantly kept being asked was - Why now?

We just used this as the creative cue and married it with Indias rise. The pre-launch film was devised on the idea that an SUV like this needs great roads, supporting infra and the passion to match its performance. That India is now here, and so is the new Hyundai CRETA Electric. A feeling summed up by the line: Electric is now CRETA.

Adding to this, Vibhor Mehrotra, Managing Partner  Head of Hyundai Business, Innocean India said, The electric SUV segment is witnessing a lot of change since the past couple of years. The strategic intent in front of us was to position the new Hyundai CRETA Electric in an interesting way, while maintaining the same brand salience that is enjoyed by CRETA Electrics predecessors. We focused on understanding consumers fears and concerns regarding electric cars and used the insights to craft the apt strategy and campaign to allay their concerns with the Creta Electric offering the best of performance and benefits of being an electric SUV.

The team at Innocean took a slightly different approach in the launch film by showcasing how the future is now firmly in the present.

Pulak added to this by explaining, Children are the best representatives of future and hence, for the launch film, we used a childs interpretation, of what we grown-ups know to be a reality, becomes a fantastical and magical land through a drive in the Hyundai CRETA Electric.

It is the power, performance, and capabilities of Hyundai CRETA Electric that makes this possible. With CRETA turning electric, it pushes the category into new frontiers. The kind that Hyundai CRETA had occupied earlier. It continues to remain undisputed and ultimate. But now, its also electric.



Hence the line: Undisputed. Ultimate. Now Electric.

Further, Anushina Rajesh, Senior Vice President  Integrated Marketing, Innocean India elaborated that this campaign is uniquely designed to keep the audience engaged both in the pre and post launch phases. "Our latest campaign underscores a pivotal moment for the Indian automotive market  India is now ready for a next-gen electric SUV that transcends urban limits. The CRETA Electric isn't just a city vehicle; it's built to push the boundaries of what's possible, offering power and performance that exceed expectations, taking customers to places they never thought possible for an electric SUV. With this dynamic, high-impact communication strategy, we aim to spark curiosity and drive deeper consideration among our TG. Our goal is for them to experience the CRETA Electric as a vehicle capable of breaking boundaries and redefining what an electric SUV can do."

This launch has been supported with an extensive integrated media campaign which spread across various touch points and has been planned for high reach and impact across geographies and markets.

Credits:

Client: Hyundai Motor India

Agency: INNOCEAN Worldwide, India

Managing Partner: Vibhor Mehrotra

Creative Lead: Pulak Bisht

Group Creative Director: Ranjan Nautiyal

Senior Vice President: Anushina Rajesh

AVP Client Services: Rajat Sharma

AGM Client Services: Shobhit Mittal

Director: Ken Rolston

Production House: Mad Films
Mygate, a living experience technology company has marked its 9th anniversary, celebrating nearly a decade of innovation, trust, and transformative growth. Since its inception, Mygate has remained steadfast in its vision to empower gated communities by seamlessly integrating technology into everyday living.

Over the past nine years, the company has reached remarkable milestones and forged lasting relationships with societies across India. On their 9th anniversary, Mygate also celebrates the first few societies to entrust their security with Mygate [Celebrating our firsts]. The trust has been instrumental in driving this success, revolutionizing community living across India.

With 7 billion entries recorded so far, the platform facilitated 550 million food deliveries, with Bengaluru taking the crown as the ultimate city for gastronomic delights. Ensuring the safety and security of residents, 1.2 million security guards have been trained to manage everything from parcels to late-night cravings. Through a compelling ad film [Heroes at Mygate], Mygate pays tribute to these heroes who tirelessly ensure residents' safety, seamlessly managing the finer details of daily life.

Mygate has also streamlined financial operations with nearly 4 crore invoices worth 27,775 crores processed, while its Local Directory has listed over 7.8 million services, seamlessly connecting residents with trusted experts. In just three months since launch, the platform has managed 789,667 surprise deliveries and private invites, ensuring privacy for those special moments. These milestones not only highlight the companys remarkable growth but also underscore its unwavering commitment to enhancing convenience, security, and community living.

Reflecting on the remarkable journey, Abhishek Kumar, Co-founder & CEO of Mygate, stated, This milestone is a celebration of the trust and love that millions of families and partners have placed in us over the years. From redefining community living to foraying into consumer electronics with our smart locks, weve continuously innovated to address the evolving needs of urban residents. As we look to the future, our mission remains unchangedto build smarter, safer, and more connected communities.

Shreyans Daga, Co-founder & CPO, added, These nine years have been nothing short of extraordinary. The numbers weve achieved are a testament to our relentless focus on innovation and customer satisfaction. The journey has only just begun. Were excited to shape the future of community living with more groundbreaking solutions.
Sahyadri Hospitals, Maharashtras largest chain of multispecialty hospitals, introduces a one-of-a-kind brand mascot, VK, as part of its latest campaign to steer health awareness and education across the state. The uniquely crafted mascot character Vichaar Kar (VK) features along with Bollywood icon Anil Kapoor (AK) in a video series of intriguing AKVK Show. This initiative represents a fresh approach to engaging communities with healthcare conversations that are both relevant and impactful.

Rooted in Sahyadri 2.0 - a transformative growth phase for the hospital chain, the AKVK Show is part of Sahyadris new campaign For Life. Aimed at sparking meaningful conversations about health and wellness, the show tackles topics that matter to every familypreventive care, wellness and the importance of timely medical interventionadding a touch of relatability through the language and cultural flavour.

"At Sahyadri, we believe in going beyond treatment to promote and sustain optimum health and fitness levels among the community. With the Sahyadri  For Life campaign, we want to emphasize our role as a trusted healthcare partner for Maharashtra who stands by patients through every phase of their medical journey, offering hope and ensuring the best medical outcomes. We are thrilled to welcome Anil Kapoor as a voice of this campaign," said Abrarali Dalal, Managing Director and CEO of Sahyadri Hospitals.

Talking about the unique concept of the AKVK Show, Chief Marketing Officer of Sahyadri Hospitals, Manish Rai said, With his witty dialogues, wisdom and unique approach to life, VK is not just a mascot but the voice of the common man in Maharashtra. VK is designed to simplify complex healthcare topics, breaking them down into relatable, everyday conversations. When paired with Anil Kapoors vibrant charisma, the AKVK Show creates a unique dialogue that is not just informative but also culturally relevant and impactful for our communities.

With VKs character carefully crafted to align with the typical characteristics of Common man and the distinctive Puneri charm, the AKVK Show is a perfect example of global appeal seamlessly blending with regional authenticity. The show will roll out across multiple platforms, including print, Out-Of-Home (OOH), radio, OTT platforms and digital channels, ensuring it reaches every corner of Maharashtra with a message that feels like home.

Further elaborating on the campaigns broader messaging, Manish Rai adds, "The campaign also introduces a direct and reassuring message to the public: You and Us. There are only two people responsible for your health and wellbeingYOU and US. This emphasizes the individual's role in maintaining their health, supported by our world-class doctors and surgeons, equipped with the latest global medical technology, ready to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions. This reassures the community that while self-care is crucial, Sahyadris dedicated teams are always ready to provide the best possible care."

Sahyadri Hospitals has always been at the forefront of innovative healthcare solutions with a robust network of 11 state of the art facilities across Maharashtra. Apart from this campaign, Sahyadri also has a robust expansion pipeline that would further strengthen its position as the largest chain of hospitals in Western India.
In todays era, C-Suite Executives  including CEO, CTO, COO, CFO, CMO and others  are often key faces of a company. Their actions, statements and personal image, especially within the digital and online realm, have the potential to make or break the organizations reputation and growth prospects. As we navigate the depths of the hyper-connected digital era, digital reputation management  alternatively known as online reputation management (ORM)  has been playing a pivotal role in terms of keeping a tab on and enhancing the image/perception and conversations about companies and professionals on the web, through use of various new-age tools and strategies.

Digital Reputation Management Becomes Imperative for the C-Suite

It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it. - Benjamin Franklin

Last year, Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy had sparked an intense online debate with his 70-hour workweek advocacy remark and now S.N Subhrahmanyan, CEO, L&T joined the wagon by his Sunday working comment. Post which the internet got flooded with content criticizing their views, and respective organizations image subsequently took a hit. In another similar incident, the online spat (on X) between OLA CEO Bhavish Aggarwal and comedian Kunal Kamra led to fall of OLA Electrics shares by over 9%.

Research has also corroborated how negative reputation online can cause affect an organization adversely. Reputation management expert Andy Beal says: Trying to improve your online reputation during a crisis is like trying to eat healthy food during a heart attack. Evidently, when the image of a C-suite executive suffers negatively, it usually raises questions/concerns on the entire management and functioning of a company; and more often than not, affects the reputation of the company negatively  more so if the conversation and public perception is not dealt strategically.

LinkedIn or Google search is just a tip of the ice-berg. When it comes to digital reputation management for C-suite executives, there are multiple touchpoints ranging from Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, AI search tools like Perplexity to online niche communities like Quora, Reddit, and much more, all of which one must keep a check on. And this is why Social Listening plays such a crucial role in ORM, as it helps todays CXOs and organizations to not only keep track of public sentiments and views, but also to gather valuable insights about their brand, industry, competitors, et al.

According to ORM industry pioneer Michael Fertik, in the future all CXO executives and leaders should have a reputation score. He goes on to say: Reputation is becoming more valuable than money or power. And while managing reputation in offline or physical-spaces is still a tricky terrain, the online webverse, on the other hand, gives us a lucrative opportunity to be in control of our own narrative and shape online reputation of key organizational executives just the way we want to. Therefore, investing strategically in managing digital reputation of the C-suite has become a necessity (and is no longer a matter of choice) for companies across all sizes and industries.

The Hidden Costs of Not Doing ORM, and The Way Forward

It is high time we shift our perspective from seeing ORM as an expense to an investment. In todays era of AI, digital transformation and endless Internet ado, digital footprint of a C-suite executive increases exponentially every time he/she goes online, and even when he/she doesnt. One seemingly small, insignificant comment, a Tweet or a podcast interview can spark a controversy online and invoke negative public sentiment resulting in a company losing millions, or even worse implications. Which is why, one needs to prioritize the implementation of ORM on a continuous and pro-active basis, rather than taking a reactive approach, i.e. when crisis hits, which (almost) never works.

When implemented in a strategic manner, ORM not just enhances image of C-suite executives, but can also help them synergize their online talks with the organizations ethos and values, give critical market insights conducive to growth, and most importantly, help manage or better still, entirely avoid crisis situations and PR fiascos for both business leaders and organizations.
Delhi Police Seizes Vehicle Labelled 'Punjab Govt' With Cash, Liquor; AAP Calls It 'Planted Stunt' 2

Delhi Police registered a case after a vehicle labelled Punjab government was intercepted on Wednesday with cash, liquor, and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) pamphlets, an official said.

The vehicle bearing a Punjab number plate was caught by the Flying Squad team in the New Delhi district, the official said. The Flying Squad attends to all Model Code of Conduct violations and all complaints related to liquor, arms and cash used for elections.

The Punjab government dismissed claims that it owned the car intercepted in Delhi. The vehicles number plate was forged and fake as it can be tracked to a different car not owned by the Punjab government, it said. The AAP, too, released a statement, saying the car seizure was a planted stunt, poorly executed and utterly bogus.

Delhi Police said officials have initiated legal proceedings in the matter, and a case is being registered at Tilak Marg police station.

Upon searching (the car), we discovered cash, multiple liquor bottles, and Aam Aadmi Party pamphlets inside the vehicle, Delhi Police said in a statement.

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva, in a statement, expressed shock over the incident. He said Rs 10 lakh cash, liquor and AAP election material was recovered from a Punjab government car in Delhi.

Till now, we thought Arvind Kejriwal institutionalised corruption in Delhi government, polluted Yamuna and Delhis air but today we understand that he has polluted Delhis political system too, Sachdeva said.

Sachdeva said he doesnt remember a single incident of recovery of such a huge amount of cash and liquor in 35 years of public life.

In a statement, the Punjab government said the department of transport received information that a vehicle bearing Punjabs registration number PB35AE1342 was intercepted in Delhi carrying illegal liquor and some unaccounted cash.

The statement said as per official record, it has been found that the vehicle was registered in the name of a man posted in the Army Dental College in Pathankot three years back, and that he was a permanent resident of Khadki in Maharashtra.

The vehicle with registration number PB35AE1342 is a Ford Eco Sport model of 2018 but the four-wheeler intercepted by Delhi Police is a Hyundai Creta, said the statement.

This confirms that the vehicle number plate is forged and fake, it said.

The High Security Registration Plate is mandatory for all vehicles but the registration plate of the seized vehicle is an ordinary one, without the features of HSRP, it said.

We have searched our records and found that no such vehicle is owned or hired by the government of Punjab. The intercepted vehicle does not belong to the government of Punjab at all, it said.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) said the matter was totally fake and laughable.

In a statement, the party said the vehicle plate number belongs to a Hyundai Creta, a different car from the one seized by police.

The party said there is no entry record of the vehicle at Punjab Bhawan.

Conveniently (it was) parked with no driver in sight. Owner details trace back to someone from Pathankot, now in Punjabi Bagh, but originally from Pune. A planted stuntpoorly executed and utterly bogus, it said.
Maratha Agitation Intensifies: Jarange Ends Fast, Warns of Mumbai Shutdown if Demands Are Ignored 2

Maratha activist Manoj Jarange on Thursday ended his five-day indefinite fast, claiming that the Maharashtra government has agreed to fulfill several of his demands. However, he issued a stern warning that if promises are not met, thousands from the Maratha community will march to Mumbai, potentially bringing the city to a standstill.

Jarange, who has been leading the Maratha reservation movement, broke his hunger strike at Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district in the presence of BJP MLA Suresh Dhas and District Collector Dr. Shrikrishna Panchal. He stated that government representatives had assured him of key concessions, including the reactivation of the Shinde Committee, which is tasked with facilitating OBC (Kunbi) certificates for Marathas.

According to Jarange, the government has also promised to:

 Withdraw all cases filed against Maratha protesters.

 Set up separate sections to issue Kunbi caste certificates to eligible Marathas.

 Implement Economically Backward Section (EWS) benefits for the community.

 Provide compensation to families of those who lost their lives during the quota agitation.

However, he noted that the government has sought additional time to implement the draft notification recognizing Kunbis as sage soyare (blood relatives) of Marathas, a move crucial for granting them reservation under the OBC category.

The Shinde Committee, established on September 7, 2023, is responsible for determining a framework to issue OBC certificates to Marathas and collecting historical evidence linking them to the Kunbi caste.

Throughout the five-day protest, hundreds of Maratha supporters joined Jarange in fasting, with several requiring hospitalization due to deteriorating health. Even Jarange himself had to be administered intravenous fluids on Wednesday at the request of MLA Dhas.

Despite ending his fast, Jarange made it clear that the struggle is far from over. I have only paused my hunger strike, not our movement. If our demands are not met, we will march to Mumbai, and the city will come to a standstillbut without any violence, he declared.

In a direct message to Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Jarange urged the government to honor its commitments. Dont deceive the Marathas, or we will head to Mumbai, he warned.

This marks Jaranges seventh indefinite fast since September 1, 2023, when police used lathi-charge on protesters in Antarwali Sarati.

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra legislature had unanimously passed a bill in February 2024, granting 10% reservation for Marathas in education and government jobs under a separate category. However, activists argue that full implementation of their demands is still pending.
Turmoil generated by the Trump administrations abortive attempt at a broad freeze on loans and grants has generated a fiery response from the head of one Mobile arts institutions, who decries it as part of an attempt to pull the plug on any microphone or platform that uplifts voices that are otherwise unheard.

The missive from elizabet elliott, executive director of the Alabama Contemporary Art Center (ACAC) in Mobile, follows chaotic developments in federal funding. As reported by the Associated Press, on Monday the Office of Management and Budget issued a memo saying that federal agencies must temporarily pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all Federal financial assistance.

According to CNN, the memo specified that the pause would not affect Social Security or Medicare, or assistance provided directly to individuals. And a White House press secretary said it was not a blanket pause on federal assistance and grant programs.

However, its apparent breadth and abruptness generated both concern and lawsuits. On Tuesday a federal judge stayed it until at least Monday, and on Wednesday the Trump administration rescinded the specific memorandum, though White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that The Executive Orders issued by the President on funding reviews remain in full force and effect and will be rigorously implemented by all agencies and departments.

RELATED: Trump rescinds federal funding freeze that set off panic, confusion

Amid Wednesdays developments, elliott issued a call to action titled I believe in what we do. Aimed at the ACACs base of supporters, it encouraged them to donate to the center, to help protect it from funding cuts, and to contact state and local officials with their concerns.

The impending freeze on National arts funding is an existential threat to our organization and the local arts community, elliott said in the message. In the coming weeks we will find out whether or not we must cancel $100,000 worth of project spending that was scheduled to support artists whove been working on projects for two years already. There is a further $250,000 annual injury between federal and State managed arts funding as the impact cascades through our community. We depend on these resources and have always worked to bring resources into this community that are otherwise inaccessible. On multiple fronts our leaders are divesting the cultural agency of small communities. They are pulling the plug on any microphone or platform that uplifts voices that are otherwise unheard and they are doing so to keep unaccountable power intact.

We believe our community deserves investment in the arts, elliott said in her call. We put that belief into action everyday and we build new paths forward for our communitys most talented and innovative thinkers. We facilitate risk and support grand new ideas, we lean into not what is, but what is possible.  The world I want to create is as complex and varied as the folks in it, and sees quality of life as a shared responsibility that cannot be divided up into private interests. I make the world for you, and you make it for me. The world I want to create lifts up art for the sake of lifting up what we love, what we hope for, and who we aspire to be to each other.

Elliott said that given the uncertainties of the proposed freeze, she simply doesnt know whether her institution will lose critical funding, or if it already has. The Alabama State Council on the Arts recently shared the news that 12 Alabama institutions had received direct funding from the NEA totaling more than a quarter-million dollars. Amid the allocations for organizations including the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and the Kentuck Museum Association was $40,000 for ACAC.

As of today the NEA award we announced on the 15th still hasnt been reactivated, said elliott. The rescinded order should mean that it will, but these are not agile systems, and arts funding that otherwise seemed reliable might reverse course.

Like with the pandemic, the full extent of the harm isnt immediately apparent, said elliott. There are ways that this, and the decisions to follow in the next few weeks, are going to fundamentally re-shape the arts funding landscape underfoot. Private foundations arent immune to political discourse, and the economy is deeply affected by our expectations of the future, it rises and falls with our ideas about what happens next. Thats all to say i wont know how this fully affects us until later.

She said she anticipates the effort to slash funding will continue.

The arts are a favorite scapegoat for anyone looking for one, she said. Part of this is the arts are culturally seen simultaneously as a luxury for the elite, and a bastion for revolutionaries and radicals. Simultaneously having no relevance and too much relevance. Either of these ideas fail to map arts role and felt experience in communities like Mobile. If the political agenda is to silence diverse voices, as it pretty clearly articulates, the arts are a primary vehicle for those voices.

Beyond that, she said, shriveling arts funding may well create a brain-drain problem for cities the size of Mobile and for less wealthy states such as Alabama.

Because we built the system based on the idea of trickle down economics the failures will trickle down, she said. If the NEA contracts, the regional agencies are next, then state level then local. The only organizations that will survive are those that are free-standing on a trust or endowment. Well see all arts and cultural opportunities shrink back into major cities with major donors, and we will hemorrhage all talent in our workforce and in our community harder than we do currently. Although we produce culture (music, visual art, writing) at a rate as high or higher than other places, the Deep South doesnt have the economic muscle to fully leverage the cultural assets we create. We wont even be able to export them and all benefit of cultural production in the South will be extracted by folks and places with means.

At the moment, she said, its hard to even develop plans for a worst-case scenario.

Lord, man, she said. I dont know that there is a contingency plan that survives a long-term total freeze on arts funding.
An Alabama manufacturer did not comply with mandatory machine requirements that could have stopped the fatal workplace injuries sustained by a 58-year-old line supervisor in July 2024 at a Decatur plant, according to federal investigators.

Rodney Terry was identified as the supervisor and his accident at work happened while trying to service a door molding machine.

The incident prompted the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to open an investigation into the workplace, Haier US Appliance Solutions Inc.

OSHA stated that the company, also known as GE Appliances, committed several violations including failure to de-energize the machines before allowing service, allowing employees to bypass safety mechanisms to access the machine and for not conducting annual inspections for lockout/tagout procedures.

As a result of the investigation OSHA cited GE Appliance the maximum amount legally allowed at $193,585.

Joel Batiz, OSHA Area Office Director in Birmingham, said that Terrys death could be avoided if the company did not put profit over worker safety.

Haier US Appliance Solutions could have avoided this tragedy but put production schedules and profit ahead of employee safety, said OSHA Area Office Director Joel Batiz in Birmingham.

This companys troubling history of safety failures in its manufacturing process has posed a significant risk to the more than 1,500 workers at its Decatur location who rely on a safe and healthy workplace.

According to OSHA, the company has had over 40 safety inspections since 2016, distributed between the Decatur location and a location in Kentucky, Louisville.

After receiving notice of the citation, Haier US Appliance Solutions Inc. has 15 business days to either comply, contest the findings or request an informal conference with OSHA.

Company spokesperson, Julie Wood, provided a statement to AL.com stating the citations would be contested and that the Decatur location had a strong history of safety.

GE Appliances has always been and remains deeply committed to safety, and there is no issue we take more seriously as a company, Woods said. We cooperated fully with OSHA on the incident investigation, but we disagree with OSHAs conclusions. It is against company policy and company training to bypass machine safeguards and enter equipment without de-energizing and locking out the equipment.
University professors and students have asked a federal court to block a new Alabama law that restricts teaching of divisive concepts and prohibits diversity, equity, and inclusion programs on campuses.

Professors at the University of Alabama and students at UAB on Thursday asked for a preliminary injunction to block enforcement of law, Senate Bill 129, while the court considers the plaintiffs claims that it violates constitutional rights of free speech and due process.

The motion comes in a lawsuit filed on Jan. 14.

Several professors and students are plaintiffs, along with the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP. They are represented by the ACLU of Alabama and others.

They wrote in the motion that the chief mission of universities and colleges is to prepare students for their civic and political responsibilities.

To achieve this mission, professors and students must be allowed to grapple with complex histories and social theories, and to encourage discussion of difficult topics, both inside the classroom and in extracurricular campus activities, they wrote.

Yet, Senate Bill 129 violates Plaintiffs First Amendment rights by restricting their speech, their receipt of information, and their access to university space and funding, simply because the views expressed by these students and educators are disfavored by elected politicians.

SB 129 lists eight so-called divisive concepts, with most covering topics related to race, ethnicity, sex, religion and national origin.

Related: Whos to blame for Tuskegee Airmen video removal? Trumps DEI order sparks controversy, confusion

Cassandra Simon, an associate professor of social work at UA, has been accused of breaking the law, the court motion says. Simon teaches a course titled that Anti-Oppression and Social Justice that covers what the law calls divisive concepts.

She faces the constitutionally untenable position of either self-censoring her classroom instruction or materials or facing severe consequences for violating the law, the lawyers wrote. Last fall, while teaching this same class, she was accused of violating SB 129 and threatened with discipline or termination.

The motion says students are being are deprived of their right to receive information when professors do not provide the full breadth of their knowledge, expertise, and scholarship for fear of promoting a banned viewpoint.

The Republican majority that controls the Alabama Legislature passed SB 129 last year over opposition from Democrats. Gov. Kay Ivey signed it into law.

The law took effect Oct. 1 and has led to the closing of DEI offices on university campuses.

Two of the students who are plaintiffs in the lawsuit were officers of student organizations that lost funding as a result of SB 129.

Opposition to DEI programs and restrictions on teaching certain concepts related to race is a national priority for Republicans.

In Thursdays motion, the plaintiffs said a federal judge has blocked a similar law in Florida called the Stop W.O.K.E. Act.
A federal judge is being asked to decide whether a small Alabama county prosecutor, sheriff and his deputies are immune from arresting journalists and school board members during the fallout of a contentious political vote over a superintendents contract.

The issue of immunity was raised in two separate court filings on Jan. 23.

A 19-page filing in the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of Alabama was made on behalf of the attorneys for Escambia County District Attorney Stephen Billy and argues he should be granted absolute immunity from civil liability.

A separate 25-page filing was also made the same day on behalf of the attorneys representing Escambia County Sheriff Heath Jackson and four sheriffs deputies  Arthur Odom, Kevin Durden, Matthew Rabren, and Stephen Dereck Lowery.

The filings represent the first legal response by the public officials accused of violating the constitutional rights of the so-called Atmore 4, which includes two journalists, school board members and a school employee.

Specifically, Billy should be granted absolute immunity, a legal concept shielding government officials from civil lawsuits, regardless of their motives. Billy, Jackson and the four deputies are accused of violations to the First and Fourth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution for actions that allegedly took place during multiple arrests of the Atmore 4 in late 2023.

Allegations of improper motives, and a lack of probable cause, are simply irrelevant to the immunity analysis and in no way negate the absolute immunity afforded to  Billy, according to the 18-page response filed on Jan. 23, by Mobile attorney Michael Strasavich.

Jackson, Odom, Durden, Rabren and Lowery should be granted sovereign immunity, a similar legal concept that shields governments from civil lawsuits, according to a separate dismissal request by Fairhope attorney Christopher Williams.

Were still digesting the motions to dismiss, but my initial thought is that the defendants arguments are what weve come to expect in these retaliation cases, said Jared McClain, an attorney with the Arlington, Va.-based Institute for Justice, which is representing the Atmore 4. There is no scheduled hearing date.

He added, Were optimistic that the court will see through these arguments.

Conspiracy

The civil complaint, filed in November, surfaced about one year after the four were arrested during the fallout over a controversial decision to oust former Escambia County School Superintendent Michele McClung. The four plaintiffs include Atmore News publisher and Escambia County School board member Sherry Digmon, Atmore News journalist Don Fletcher, Escambia County School Board member Cynthia Jackson and Escambia County school employee Vernica Ashley Fore.

The complaint alleges that Billy, Jackson and the four deputies conspired with McClung to violate the First and Fourth Amendment rights of the four plaintiffs, who are seeking compensatory and punitive damages. McClung is not named as a defendant.

According to the filing from Williams, the plaintiffs case should also be dismissed because it lacked specifics on which deputy was responsible for which arrests and was filled with generalizations about the defendants.

The complaint offers vague and conclusory allegations that DA Billy and Sheriff Jackson reached an agreement and developed a plan to take action against McClungs opponents, and that certain actions were part of this alleged plan, Williams wrote. However, the complaint fails to include sufficient facts.

The lawsuit focuses on the events leading to the arrests and indictments of the journalists in late 2023, which sparked national attention over press freedoms and the extent to which elected prosecutors can punish the media for publishing confidential information.

Prosecutors actions

Escambia County District Attorney Steve Billy speaks with the parents of Superintendent Michele McClung during a break at the Escambia County School Board's meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, in Atmore, Ala.John Sharp/jsharp@al.com

The case also focuses on the activities of Billy, the countys longtime top prosecutor, who is accused of making both private and public warnings about punishing anyone who opposed McClung during the grand jury process.

Digmon and Jackson, as board members, voted twice against renewing McClungs contract in September and October 2023. Fletcher was arrested based on a writing a newspaper story that Billy claimed was a violation of the states grand jury secrecy law. Fore was arrested for disclosing grand jury secrets.

Billy pursued criminal charges against all four plaintiffs for disclosing grand jury secrets, then issuing a subpoena to the Escambia County School Board pursuant to his powers as district attorney. But the civil complaint suggests that Billy characterized his subpoena as a secret grand jury document, when the document very clearly came from him  not a grand jury.

Billy recused himself from the case in February 2024. It was forwarded to the Alabama Attorney Generals Office, which dismissed all criminal charges.

Immunity focus

The "Atmore Four" who are the plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit filed against the Escambia County District Attorney and Sheriff. From left to right: Don Fletcher, Sherry Digmon, Cynthia Jackson and Ashley "Veronica" Fore. The four stood outside the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, in Mobile, Ala.John Sharp

The case could highlight the issue of legal immunity in Alabama, a concept that is being challenged in other states following the 2020 murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer.

While no state has passed a law eliminating prosecutorial immunity, a few states and New York City have taken on qualified immunity, which shields government officials from civil lawsuits during the scope of their duties.

In June 2020, Colorado became the first state to remove qualified immunity as a defense for law enforcement officers.

In April 2021, the New Mexico Civil Rights Act was adopted, and it prohibited public officials from using qualified immunity as a defense for violating a persons rights.

In March 2021, the New York City Council eliminated qualified immunity for city police officers.

The Nevada Supreme Court in 2023, rejected qualified immunity as a potential defense against lawsuits against government officials.

Montana was the first state to ban sovereign immunity through a constitutional amendment in 1974. Ohio voters, this fall, could be the first in the U.S. to end qualified immunity through a public referendum.

In Alabama, state lawmakers pursued an expansion of prosecutorial immunity during last springs legislative session. A bill, passed out of the Alabama House, declared a prosecutors legal advice to a law enforcement officer during an investigation was within a prosecuting attorneys authority. The legislation did not get a vote by the Alabama Senate before the end of the session.

FILE - A stack of the Marion County Record sits in the back of the newspaper's building, awaiting unbundling, sorting and distribution, Aug. 16, 2023, in Marion, Kan. The police chief who led a highly criticized raid of the small Kansas newspaper is suspended, the mayor confirmed to The Associated Press on Saturday, Sept. 30. Marion Mayor Dave Mayfield in a text said he suspended Chief Gideon Cody on Thursday, Sept. 28. (AP Photo/John Hanna, File)AP

The case in Atmore is also occurring around the same time a federal civil lawsuit is proceeding in Kansas. Former Vice Mayor Ruth Herbel is suing multiple Marion, Kan., officials over violations to her First and Fourth Amendment rights during a 2023 raid on her home. The raids, which also extended to a local newspaper, thrust the issue of press freedoms into the national spotlight.

The Institute for Justice is representing Herbel in her federal case. A judge ruled in October that the case could proceed against a former police chief, certain deputies and the city itself.
The structural integrity of the new Gulf Shores High School under construction will be sound despite the collapse of the $131 million projects practice facility on Monday, the city said Wednesday.

The city attempted to assuage safety concerns, arguing that the site will be constructed in strict compliance with building codes.

We understand that an incident like this raises questions and concerns about the safety of this facility, read a statement released by city officials.

While the cause of the collapse has not yet been determined, we want to reassure the public that this facility was designed to a 174 m.p.h. wind load rating, will be constructed in strict compliance with building codes, and will be required to pass all inspections from the Alabama Department of Construction Management (ADCM).

These inspections occur at critical milestones during and after construction to ensure all State Building Codes are adhered to, the city said, and the ADCM will not issue a Certificate of Occupancy for this facility or any other portion of the new Gulf Shores High School until all required inspections have been completed and passed.

Meanwhile, the project is still on schedule for its grand opening next year despite the collapse, the contractor said Wednesday.

The immediate area around the pavilion will remain cordoned off during the investigation while work on the remainder of the project continues. The affected portion of the project will not impact our ability to complete the project on time, and we plan to remove the debris as soon as we receive approval, read a statement from Rabren General Contractors, the projects developer.

Rabren prioritizes the safety of our employees, subcontractors, and the public on all our projects. We are committed to maintaining the highest safety and quality standards and will implement all necessary actions based on the investigations findings, the statement continued.

Both Rabren and the city expressed thanks that no one was injured in the collapse.

Ensuring the safety of the workers during construction and, ultimately, everyone who will be enjoying the new Gulf Shores High School campus is our highest priority, the citys statement read.

Currently, an independent team of structural engineers is assessing the site to determine the factors that led to the collapse. Once their investigation is complete, the City of Gulf Shores will determine the appropriate next steps based on their findings. We will provide additional information once the cause of the collapse is determined.
Carol Price is hurt. And she is angry.

Prices ex-husband and eldest son were the two men found dead earlier this week following a standoff and exchange of gunfire at a home in Shelby Countys The Narrows subdivision off U.S. 280.

The events leading up to the deadly standoff began years ago with an $830 homeowners association assessment dispute, Price said. It all ended Tuesday with the shooting death of Prices son, 48-year-old William Chenoweth Jr.

Bill Chenoweth, 74, was found dead and decomposing in the bathtub. The Shelby County Coroners Office said there was no foul play involved in Bills death.

Im very angry at what happened, said Price, a CPA in Virginia. This was my biggest fear, and this is what happened.

I dont want this situation to go to waste, Price said. I want to change HOA laws in Alabama and the country.

That was the catalyst behind this entire situation, she said. Its astounding, but it tells you things spiral out of control despite someone trying to prevent it.

It just made everything worse

The Chenoweth family members were longtime Mountain Brook residents.

After the couple divorced in the early 2000s, Bill moved to Shelby County and bought the house at 249 Narrows Drive in 2005.

William had been taking care of his father since 2013.

Price said the ordeal began in early August of 2020. She received a phone call from The Narrows HOA management company looking for her ex-husband, Bill.

Price told the caller she believed Bill and William had been living at the Chenoweth familys lake house on Logan Martin and gave them the address. They already had the only phone number Price had for them.

I also told them at the time that my ex-husband was not well, mentally or physically, Price said.

Prices younger son, 35-year-old Stephen Chenoweth, took his own life in the same Narrows Drive home after a lengthy struggle with physical and mental health issues.

Both Bill and William took the suicide hard.

He was already not well, Price said of her ex-husband, and it just made everything worse.

Price was told in 2020 that there was an issue over the HOA assessment for mowing the lawn.

These lawn areas around these houses are very small and the assessment was for $830, Price said. I offered to pay the assessment, and it was refused since I didnt own the property or have any standing with the property.

Price sought an alternative and spoke with her brother-in-law about arranging to have the lawn mowed separate from the HOA but was told that she couldnt do that, again because she had no legal rights to the property, and was told it would be considered trespassing.

Sherry Hill, a manager for the HOA, declined to comment.

That $830 assessment grew into $3,033, I guess interest and legal fees, Price said. I dont know what the rules are in Alabama. I know if an HOA is due so much by an owner, they can then put a lien on the property.

Thats exactly what happened in 2022. But Price doesnt understand why it didnt just stop there.

Why is that allowed in Alabama?

A year later, the house was foreclosed on and auctioned off for (under $14,000) and thats what it sold for, Price said. Only one person showed up to bid on it.

The house was totally paid off and it was in fairly decent shape, she said. According to Zillow, its worth about $375,000.

William "Bill" Chenoweth Sr., 74, shown in an undated photo.(Contributed)

In late September 2024, Price said she received a call from a Shelby County sheriffs sergeant looking for information on who was living at the Narrows Drive home.

She told him her ex-husband lived there, and he had owned the house since 2005. The sergeant told her there was an eviction order for the home.

I said, That makes no sense. Why would he have an eviction order? Price said. He said the HOA had foreclosed the home and auctioned it off.

The eviction order was obtained by the new property owner in August 2024.

Apparently, Alabama laws allow it, which needs to be changed, Price said. Why is that allowed in Alabama? Who was not watching?

The sheriffs office actually asked me if there was anything I could do to stop this, she said.

Somebody needed to step in and protect him

In October 2024, Prices Birmingham attorney filed an intervention on Williams estate, and also requested to be appointed Bills temporary guardian.

I thought that would be the least invasive way to go about figuring out what was happening, she said.

Price said her ex-husband was always financially responsible with bills.

Is he that far gone that hes not keeping up with anything anymore? she said. And if that were the case, somebody needed to step in and protect him.

Hes elderly, he has mental and emotional and physical health issues, she said. I told everyone -- our son has a very high IQ but did not function very well in life. He had a very small circle he could function in.

Price said a guardian ad litem appointed by the court told her on the phone months ago that she thought Bill was dead and that their son was spending his 401k.

She knew nothing, and thats what she assumed, Price said. I knew my son would not do that. Thats not the kind of person he was.

A lengthy HOA dispute and eventual eviction process led to a deadly standoff in Shelby County on Jan. 28, 2025 in The Narrows subdivision. William "Bill" Chenoweth Sr., 74, and William Chenoweth Jr., 48, were found dead inside the home.(Carol Robinson)

I did tell the court investigator or researcher, I said, If anything, if my ex-husband passed away, my son wouldnt know what to do. He would probably just put a blanket over the body and go on with life in his little circle,' Price said.

Price traveled to Shelby County in November because there was a court hearing for temporary guardianship, which she was denied. The case was also put on the court docket for potential conservatorship.

Prices sister, a probate attorney in California, joined Price in Shelby County. I had her come out because I knew I was not going to understand everything and I wanted somebody who knew to be there, said.

The sisters visited the Narrows Drive home multiple times but could not get anyone to the door.

They asked the Shelby County Sheriffs Office to do a welfare check. She said the deputies concluded there was nobody inside the house and that the vehicle in the driveway was not operable.

Price said she and her sister went back several times at different times of the day. On one of those visits, her ex-husband could be seen in the living room, stretching and pushing up the sleeves of his sweater.

We kept knocking and he didnt come, she said. He was alive.

His life was in the computer world

They went back to the house the following morning before returning to Virginia. Price quietly tapped on the window.

She had not spoken in previous visits, but that time said, Bill, this is Carol.

Bill, she said, started talking but she couldnt understand what he was saying. He then stopped talking.

I wondered if hed had a stroke because his father died of a stroke and to me that sounded similar to how his father talked after he had a stroke, she said.

Price was back in Alabama in January when she was again denied guardianship or conservatorship.

I had to petition the court, under direction of the court, for an involuntary commitment order issued Jan. 14 as it was the only option provided, she said.

I also requested I be on scene as I knew my son would stay calm, if he were there, if he knew I was there.

The pickup did not happen then, so Price returned home.

I was told that three judges were looking at the situation, that the sheriffs office was hesitant to go in with the medical person that she assigned to the case, she said.

Thats where it was left. I was told the judges were trying to make sure nobodys constitutional rights were trampled.

Price said nobody knew for sure if her son William was living in the house.

They only knew he came and went, brought in food, put out the trash and that was the extent of anybodys knowledge of his whereabouts, she said.

William, she said, graduated from Mountain Brook High School and attended Emory University. He scored a 34 on the ACT and a 1400 on the SAT with no preparation.

His life was in the computer world, and I know he used to write code for high-end gamers, and he would get paid for that, she said. I dont know if any of that was still going on.

After his brother Stephen died, Price said, she lost contact with William.

Every now and then I would text or try to call and there was no response and then that phone was cut off, she said. That was not unexpected.

Neither Bill nor William ever showed up to any of the court hearings throughout the probate proceedings. This process has been going for several years, Price said.

That process came to a head Tuesday morning.

This is going on all over the country

Sheriffs officials said deputies went to the home at 8:31 a.m. to serve the mental health commitment order for Bill Chenoweth issued by the Shelby County Probate Court.

Deputies announced their presence multiple times, and out of grave concern for Mr. Chenoweths wellbeing, the decision was made to attempt to force entry to investigate the welfare of the occupants of the residence, sheriffs officials said.

The Shelby County Sheriffs Offices multi-jurisdictional special operations group requested an interior drone, operated by an Alabaster police officer, to conduct a remote sweep of the inside of the residence.

During that time, an occupant believed to be 48-year-old William Arthur Chenoweth, Jr. fired at deputies with a handgun, who were posted outside of the residence, the SCSO statement read. Deputies returned fire at which time the shooter retreated within the residence.

Deputies established a perimeter around the house and attempted to begin communications with the shooter. After multiple attempts by crisis negotiators, gas irritants were deployed inside the home about 10:40 a.m., without a response.

Again, after multiple attempts by crisis negotiators, at 1:33 p.m., Sheriff John Samaniego authorized the multi-jurisdictional Tactical Response Unit to enter the house.

It was then William was found dead from a gunshot wound in his bed. He had previously been seen sitting in a recliner, but apparently moved to the bed after the gas was deployed.

Bill was found dead in the bathtub, in a later stage of decomposition.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency at that point took lead in the investigation.

A large team of court and mental health professionals worked on a plan, with deputies, to offer aid to Chenoweth Sr. for months leading up to today, Samaniego said. This is not the outcome anyone wanted.

A standoff was underway Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, in the Narrows off U.S. 280 in Shelby County.(Contributed)

On Tuesday, Price was tied up all day with clients. It was about 5:30 p.m. when she said she checked her phone to find missed calls and text messages.

A text from one of her friends, a Birmingham attorney, alerted Price to a news article about the fatal standoff.

Thats how I found out, she said. From what I know and what was said, theres some CYA going on there.

Asked if she believed her son would have shot at deputies, Price said, Its possible, yeah. If he felt threatened, he would have shot.

Previously asked if William had a gun, Price said, I did not know, and I made that clear.

Price said she believes Bill probably died around Christmas.

But I think he was quite sick before then, she said. William would not have known what to do.

The coroner said there was a blanket nicely tucked around him, and I could see William trying to do what he could, Price said.

I honestly think he was afraid to leave the house, that it would be taken, but I dont even know if he had that level of understanding.

I was sending him letters of what I was doing and why, but Im not even convinced he actually lived there, she said. He may have been staying there since his father died. I dont know and I dont think anybody knows.

Price said if the Shelby County Sheriffs Office had such grave concerns about Bill, they would have gone into the home in November when she asked for the welfare check. She said the agency is inadequate in dealing with mental health issues.

She said changes need to be made to the system as far as the HOA debacle.

This is a bigger issue than two people being killed, she said. Its an issue that Alabama needs to address and its an issue that needs to be addressed nationwide.

Youve got an elderly man who isnt functioning and youre taking his house from him, she said. Its totally immoral.

I found out this is going on all over the country, she said, and this is elder abuse.

Chief Deputy Clay Hammac said law enforcement faces challenges in responding to individuals in mental health crisis.

What we know is that it requires a multitude of resources from not only law enforcement and other first responders and the court system, but the community and families as well, he said.

Our profession is continuing to evolve and focus on addressing the needs of the citizens we serve across all spectrums of crisis, Hammac said.

The greatest tool we have is the partnership with the citizens and the community we serve, specifically with understanding a holistic approach with providing safety and service.
Overnight gunfire in Montgomery left a young boy with critical injuries.

Police and fire medics were dispatched about 12:30 a.m. Wednesday to the 3200 block of Raintree Drive on a report of a person shot.

They arrived to find the boy with life-threatening injuries. He was rushed to the hospital.

This type of offense touches everyone in this department deeply, Montgomery Police Chief Jim Graboys said in a 5 p.m. press conference.

Few details have been released about the shooting.

The chief said he would not provide the victims age but described him as a young child.

The shooting happened, he said, inside of a building. He did not elaborate.

Graboys said the shooting appeared to be targeted at someone, but not the child.

I do not believe this was a random event, he said.

Central Alabama Crime Stoppers said a red Nissan Altima was seen in the area at the time of the shooting.

The agency is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads police to the suspect or suspects.

To the victim and his family, Graboys said, Our hearts, prayers and feelings are extended to you with the hope of a good and healthy recovery for the young victim.

That ultimately our deepest wish in all of this, for the welfare of the family and the welfare of that victim, he said. And I cannot over-emphasize and overstate that.

He said police have been working on the case non-stop since it happened.

To the criminal who committed what the chief described as a senseless and heinous act, Graboys said, Your actions harmed an innocent child. Turn yourself in before things get worse for you because the Montgomery Police Department and our local, state and federal partners will not tolerate or accept it. We will find you and hold you accountable.

You will be looking over your shoulder because we are coming for you, he said.

I will not hide may anger at this, Graboys said, and it translates to the people who work with me.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP, Montgomery police at 334-625-2831 or the Secret Witness tip line at 334-625-4000.
A Montgomery woman has been convicted in a 2022 traffic crash that killed a 17-year-old Tallassee girl.

An Elmore County judge on Wednesday convicted 45-year-old Yolanda Hurst of criminally negligent homicide in the death of Bethany Faith Walters, a graduate of Tallassee High School.

District Attorney CJ Robinson said Hurst was previously convicted in front of District Judge Glenn Goggans, and she appealed the conviction to circuit court.

Criminally negligent homicide is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail.

The crash happened about 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 26, 2022, on Alabama Highway 229, about six miles south of Tallassee.

Walters was driving her Honda Accord when she was hit head on by Hurst, who was driving a Toyota Camry.

Walters was pronounced dead at a hospital a short time later.

Walters was also convicted of third-degree assault, reckless driving, driving while license revoked, improper lane usage and speeding.

Circuit Judge Joy Booth will sentence Hurst on March 3.

The loss of life of a young, vibrant 17-year-old girl is a heavy weight to have to reconcile, Robinson said. Bethanys family has been devastated by this avoidable tragedy, and the world is a darker place without her presence in it.

I hope the Walters family can find peace as the legal process has been brought one step closer to an end, the district attorney said.
Refugees in Alabama are fearful of possible deportations following President Donald Trumps immigration policy that is ramping up deportations, officials of an Huntsville-based resettlement organization said.

Theyre fearful of potential issues with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) or deportation, even though they are here with legal status in this country, with their visa statuses, Lisa Whitehurst, who works as Global Ties Alabamas community relationship specialist, told AL.com Thursday. But as weve seen with this administration, things have been changing and evolving in that regard, so thats something that they are fearful of.

The refugees flee persecution from other countries legally and 3 million of them have entered the country since 1980. The U.S. Department of State funds their resettlement in the country for 90 days, but advocates say that the guarantee of that support is now shaky.

Whitehurst said the refugees are also afraid that the government would stop the 90-day support that they were promised when coming through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program towards resettling in this country.

Global Ties CEO Jacquelyn Shipe said that the action of the new administration permitting ICE to go into schools and churches is also causing constellations among the refugees.

Whats being communicated to our refugees ... when I was watching the news last night and this morning about how ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) has the authority to go into churches, schools and other locations? said CEO Jacquelyn Shipe in a recent interview with AL.com in her office. Its nerve-wracking.

Global Ties began in 1965 as an outreach of the Huntsville Rotary Club to welcome international military trainees to Redstone Arsenal and connect them with the community. Over the years, it also has worked with the U.S Department of States program that brings international leaders to the country for about one month.

After gaining experience helping people fleeing Afghanistan in the wake of the 2021 U.S. pullout, in February 2024, Global Ties began refugee resettlement work under the U.S. Refugees Admissions Program, which the Department of State also manages and funds. This work includes helping refugees with housing, jobs, and learning English over 90 days beginning when they arrive in the country.

After helping 61 refugees and their families settle in northern Alabama  a total of 161 people  Trump signed an executive order suspending the program indefinitely pending review of its benefits to the country.

I was shocked, Shipe said about her reaction to the executive order. And we already had a family on the books. We had two families for the end of January and for the first week in February, but they have been canceled.

At the beginning of his first term in 2017, Trump suspended the refugee resettlement program for several months and resumed it later with enhanced restrictions and vetting. In 2021, former President Joe Biden revoked Trumps order, expanded the program, and increased admissions from a low of 11,000 in 2020 during Trumps administration to more than 100,000 in 2024, with over 600 people coming to Alabama that year, according to Refugee Processing Center data.

According to Shipe, Global Ties has been receiving at least $30,000 in yearly grants from the city of Huntsville to support its diplomacy work. However, the nonprofit has increased its staff for the refugee resettlement role, but the additional staff members may now be facing layoffs.

So, typically Ive had five staff members. Its now tripled because of the refugee resettlement work, she said. People will have to not be at work. I will not have funding. If I dont have families, and I dont have funding, then theyll have to get new jobs.

Shipe said the refugee resettlement program in Huntsville has been successful, and she relishes the service the organization provides with ample community support. The refugees are from Nicaragua, Guatemala, Venezuela, Syria, India, Afghanistan, Eritrea and Congo, she said.

I was talking to two of my social work graduate students who are here as part of our team, Shipe added. They had just come back from spending time with a couple of the refugee families. And they said that they are so fearful.
Three Macon County sheriffs deputies failed to protect a 72-year-old inmate who was killed by a violent felon in the county jail three months ago, according to a federal lawsuit filed by his widow.

John Reed, 72, died in late October after he was assaulted inside the Macon County jail by 24-year-old Tuskegee resident Daniel Pollard III, who is charged with Reeds murder.

Reeds widow, Regene Brantley-Reed, filed a lawsuit in federal court in Montgomery accusing three deputies -- Patsy Roberts, Ricky Cox and Henry Pace -- of failing to ensure her husbands safety and not providing medical treatment.

Attorneys for the deputies were not listed in court documents.

Efforts to reach Macon County Sheriff Andre Brunson were not immediately successful.

They wouldnt even let me see my husbands body, Brantley-Reed said in a statement. They knew that man was attacking John. They knew his life was in danger but they let it happen and, when it was all over, he was beaten so badly they said I wouldnt even recognize him.

John Reed, a disabled veteran with chronic COPD who used a cane and an electric wheelchair, was booked in the jail Oct. 21 on suspicion of driving under the influence.

He called his wife from the jail around 8 a.m. Oct. 22, asking her to bring his $285 bond.

Reed was placed in a holding cell with Pollard, who was serving a 20-year sentence for attempted murder and had a lengthy criminal history, according to the lawsuit.

The deputies, the lawsuit claimed, were not monitoring the cell when Pollard threatened and beat Reed as the 72-year-old man begged for help.

The deputies later entered the cell and noticed Reed was beaten by Pollard, yet they failed to intervene or deescalate the violent situation, the lawsuit alleged.

They then exited the cell without getting medical treatment for Reed.

Pollard then continued attacking Reed, hitting and kicking him in the head, leading to Reeds death.

Brantley-Reed said the attack was so vicious her husband was unrecognizable.

The suit alleges the deputies of unconstitutional conditions of confinement and deliberate indifference of medical needs, both under the 14th Amendment.

Attorneys representing Brantley-Reed -- civil rights lawyer and CNN commentator Bakari Sellers of Strom Law Firm and noted civil attorney Chuck James of the Serious Injury Law Group -- suggested the deputies behavior was egregious.

It shocks the conscience, said Sellers. Failing to place a frail and disabled man like John Reed in protective custody is bad. Putting him in a holding cell with a violent criminal is worse. But to know hes being beaten, to know his life is at risk and do nothing is beyond inexcusable.

James said Reeds death was preventable.

These deputies had multiple opportunities to do the right thing and, if they had, John Reed would be alive today, said James. This is totally unacceptable for this to happen in America today. Mr. Reed was a God-fearing man, a disabled veteran who loved his family and served his nation honorably and they did nothing. Mr. Reed deserved better, his family deserves better and the good people of Tuskegee and Macon County deserve better.
A woman has been charged in the Monday night shooting death of her ex-boyfriend in Birmingham.

Vivian Simone Brantley, 24, is charged with murder in the slaying of 47-year-old Damian Dawson, a father of five.

Brantley surrendered to police hours after Dawson was killed and booked into the Birmingham City Jail. The warrant against her was issued Wednesday by Jefferson County District Attorneys Office.

The fatal shots rang out about 5:40 p.m. in the 100 block of Ninth Court West. That area is near the College Hills community.

Officer Truman Fitzgerald said North Precinct officers were dispatched to the neighborhood on a report of a person shot.

They arrived to find Dawson in the driveway of a family members home.

Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service rushed him to UAB Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 6:01 p.m.

Family members are devastated by his death.

Dawson was in a new relationship, and Brantley couldnt take it, they said..

Five minutes of anger,' said his sister, Jennifer Pritchett, ended with his life being taken.'
The Rev. Jennifer Sanders, a pioneering lesbian pastor in Birmingham who once officiated the same-sex wedding for a former Miss America, has retired from her job as pastor.

Sanders was elected pastor of the 120-member Beloved Community Church in Avondale in 2016. She led her final service as pastor on Jan. 26.

Beloved, founded in 2000, is affiliated with the United Church of Christ, one of the more liberal mainline denominations.

Former Miss Alabama 2004 and Miss America 2005 Deidre Downs Gunn married attorney Abbott Jones in a ceremony April 14, 2018, at the Birmingham Museum of Art, with Sanders officiating.

It was a beautiful wedding, Sanders said at the time. They are a wonderful, happy couple. It was a joy to perform the ceremony.

Sanders declined to discuss her retirement. Im trying to just quietly fade away, she said in an email. But added, Youll still see me around in activist and other circles.

That includes her mission of fighting dehumanization and exploitation in all their forms, she said.

Sanders has a bachelors degree in history and political science from Rice University and graduated from UAB in 1998 with a masters degree in occupational therapy. She worked for more than 15 years as an occupational therapist at nursing homes and hospitals in Birmingham.

Beloved Community Church, which is at 131 41st Street South next to the Avondale Brewery, holds services on Sundays at 5 p.m.

Beloved will be led by a team of co-pastors and a lay transition team, while looking for the next pastor, Sanders said.

Sanders plans to work through her personal web site: https://whattheheartholds.com
Dozens of demonstrators lined the streets of downtown Albertville on Wednesday night to protest the Trump administrations immigration policy after reports by advocacy groups of arrests in some Alabama cities and widespread federal operations in cities around the nation.

Waving American, Mexican and flags from Latin American countries -- some of which were worn as capes -- protesters chanted, el pueblo unido jamas sera vencido, (the people united will never be defeated,) nobody is illegal on stolen land and no one is illegal, power to the people.

The demonstration was organized by Michelle Medina and her friends to champion the rights of those who are hesitant to express themselves, she wrote in a Facebook post encouraging protesters.

Vehicles honked their horns in solidarity as the protesters held signs on the sidewalk.

Albertville is getting heavy. Cuidate, familia Posted by Ericka Benavides on Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Some posters turned Trumps campaign slogan against him.

Immigrants make America great, one of them read.

MAGA Christianity is anti-Jesus, read another. What type of visa does Jesus need? read a third.

Others advocated for the contributions immigrants make to communities.

Albertville would be nothing without immigrants, read one sign.

Albertville needs immigrants, was emblazoned on another poster.

The north Alabama city became a breeding ground for anti-immigrant sentiment after photos of Haitian migrants being bused to neighboring poultry plants circulated in August.

The photos prompted questions about who the migrants were and where they came from, leading to what city officials called baseless accusations, and hurtful rhetoric.

This resulted in a series of community meetings and the formation of a non-profit.

Immigrant workers have been a focus of residents concerns in Athens and Sylacauga, with city officials facing questions about the effect on crime, school overcrowding and housing.

At Wednesday nights protests, demonstrators condemned U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for placing immigration detainers on undocumented migrants.

Keep ICE out of schools, one sign read, a reference to reports of agents conducted stings across the country.

Since last week, reports have emerged of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detaining undocumented immigrants being held on detainers in Baldwin County and arrests made in central and northern parts of the state.

Alabama school officials said Wednesday that they have not received any reports of ICE agents in schools. In guidance issued to superintendents Tuesday, State Superintendent Eric Mackey urged school leaders to carry on with normal activities and follow standard enrollment and attendance policies.

An earlier version of this story said the protest was organized by Reclaiming Our Time. It was planned by Michelle Medina and her friends.
A 70-year-old man was killed and a 73-year-old woman was injured following a wreck between a car and a tractor-trailer Tuesday night in Lawrence County, authorities said Wednesday.

Daniel G. Chenault, 70, of Decatur, was driving a 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe on Alabama State Route 20 around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday when the car struck a 2023 Freightliner Cascadia tractor-trailer near Trinity, in Lawrence County, said Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Senior Trooper Gregory Corble.

Chenault was taken to Decatur General Hospital, where he died of his injuries, Corble said.

Patricia Chenault, 73, who was a passenger in the Santa Fe, was injured and taken to Decatur General Hospital for treatment of unspecified injuries.

Further information was unavailable as state troopers continued investigating the wreck.
President Donald Trumps order to implement an Iron Dome for America missile defense is drawing interest from at least one major defense contractor with missile-related operations in Huntsville.

Christopher Calio, president and CEO of Raytheon parent RTX Corp., called Trumps executive order, a significant opportunity for us; something right in our wheelhouse, during a conference call with investors Wednesday.

Monday, Trump ordered the Pentagon to submit guidelines for, Defense against ballistic, hypersonic, advanced cruise missiles, and other next-generation aerial attacks from peer, near-peer, and rogue adversaries. The guidelines should deal with all phases of defense, leverage emerging space technologies and encourage secure supply chains, according to the White House.

While running for president, Trump called for a homeland analogue to the Iron Dome missile system, a joint U.S.-Israeli venture designed to defend against relatively short-range rockets, missiles and large drones. Calio said Wednesday that a U.S. version would probably need to evolve that to deal with long-range missile threats as well as to protect critical infrastructure.

Layered, integrated air and missile defense systems are core to use, its the bedrock of Raytheon, and [we] are among the best at it, Calio said. Were ready to engage on [Iron Dome for America] as it takes shape over this study period.

Much of what Trump ordered would play to strengths of north Alabamas large space and defense sectors, The Huntsville Times reported.

Raytheon produces Iron Dome missiles and components for both Israel and U.S. forces at its facilities in Camden, Ark. The company launched a $115 million expansion of its missile integration facility at Redstone Arsenal last spring.

Other companies in north Alabama are tacking different aspects of missile defense.

Leidos' Dynetics operation in Huntsville is the prime contractor on Enduring Shield, a ground-based, mobile system designed to defend critical civilian and military infrastructure against cruise missiles and uncrewed aircraft. Enduring Shield bridges the gap between tactical short-range air defense and strategic systems, according to the company, and interfaces with the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS).

The first Enduring Shield launchers were delivered to the U.S. Army in late 2023, and the system successfully intercepted drone and cruise missile targets during a flight test in September.

Lockheed Martin, which was awarded the prime contract last year for the Next-Generation Interceptor, will perform integration work at its new $16 million facility in Huntsville, while Aerojet Rocketdyne, an L3Harris company, will build the propulsion systems. NGI, intended to upgrade defense against complex, long-range ballistic missile threats, is a program of the Missile Defense Agency, based at Redstone.
The military records show that Melvin Bean, Samuel Blalock, John Burns, Albert D.J. Cashier, Lyons Wakeman and Frank Thompson fought on American battlefields during the Civil War.

Research shows us that all of them were women living as men. Cashier even fought in Alabama.

Theyre widely regarded as heroes now.

But this week, President Donald Trump accused soldiers like them of living in conflict with a soldiers commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle, even in ones personal life.

The executive order is Trumps second attempt at banning transgender service members from serving in the military.

Lets be honest. Women presenting as men - whether they were doing it to escape the stifling construct of feminine life, to stay close to husbands or brothers who went to war, or because they had what we today call gender dysphoria - have been serving in combat for centuries.

They wouldnt know what in the world you meant by the word transgender, but there have women serving in mens dress in armies since the beginning of wars, Elizabeth Leonard, a professor of history at Colby College, told The Post when we last had to have this discussion in 2017. Its a story that we keep losing sight of.

A corporal from New Jersey was promoted to sergeant for gallant conduct at the Battle of Fredericksburg - since which time the sergeant has become the mother of a child, Col. Elijah H.C. Cavins of the 14th Indiana wrote in a letter home.

They fought at Williamsburg, Manassas and Shiloh, among other famous and lesser-known battles. At least one, according to memoirs, took command of a company.

For some women, it was the Victorian eras suffocating confines of their gender that drove them to disguise - and to the battlefield.

The cult of true womanhood dictated that women always appear as demure, submissive, pious and concerned only with home and family, DeAnne Blanton and Lauren M. Cook (now Lauren Cook Wike) wrote in their book They Fought Like Demons: Women Soldiers in the American Civil War.

When viewed against the backdrop of Victorian oppression, the appeal of pretending to be male was obvious, they wrote. Their transvestism was a private rebellion against the public conventions.

They could go to war and become nurses. But that was still putting them in a box. These women wanted to be in on the action.

There isnt a ton of data on the number of women who fought in the Civil War. Blanton said estimates range from around 400 on the Union side to about 250 on the Confederate side that she and Wike were able to count.

These soldiers rarely kept journals and a lot of them didnt write the long letters back home that painted a vivid portrait for us of that awful time. The written documentation on them had their male noms de guerre. It was easy to lie about your age and even gender in a time before photo ID, fingerprint records and Social Security numbers.

Blanton said that military doctors would just have recruits walk by. And if they werent lame or blind and if their trigger fingers worked, they were in.

Plus, thousands of Civil War recruits were young, beardless men, so the smooth skin of a womans face wasnt a giveaway. And the women who went into battle werent delicate, society orchids.

Rural and frontier farming women knew how to handle a horse, a rifle, a hoe, and their liquor to survive, wrote Lauren Cook Burgess (Wike), in An Uncommon Soldier, a compilation of one of the few caches of letters from a female soldier.

That soldier, Sarah Rosetta Wakeman, left home and dressed as a man to get a job on a canalboat before heading to the military because her family was in debt.

Mother, I send 4 dollars. I want you [to] let Robert have 1 and Celestia 1, Lois 1 and keep the other for you self. Robert, you let Father take the money and buy you a knife for to remember me by, she wrote from Alexandria, Virginia, on Feb. 20, 1863.

Wike, the author, has experienced her own form of gender discrimination. In 1993, she went to federal court after the National Park Service barred her from dressing as a male soldier during a reenactment at Antietam National Battlefield.

Refusing to allow the women of the Civil War to be erased, she portrayed a woman disguised as a man in more than 15 Civil War reenactments. In 1989, she was dressed as a Confederate fife player when park rangers at Antietam confronted her as she was leaving the womens restroom and told her she could finish the battle only if she wore a dress.

Her story is among those being portrayed in a planned documentary, Reenactress, about women dedicated to historical accuracy in reenactments. Its all about telling the story of these forgotten female soldiers, said the films director, J.R. Hardman, who has played both Union and Confederate parts.

This was one of the few ways women could find back then to make some money, to make a life for themselves, she said.

It wasnt completely clear whether making money motivated Cashier to join the Union Army. Born in Ireland as Jennie Hodgers, Cashier dressed in boys clothing, came to America as a stowaway the first year of the war, according to a story in the Kansas City Star on May 4, 1913.

Cashier fought bravely under General Grant and later spent nearly a year in the State Soldiers and Sailors Home at Quincy without her sex being detected, said the story, which outed Cashier.

Most women went undetected until they were injured. Sometimes nurses - Clara Barton was one - learned the soldiers true gender identities but kept quiet. Most of the time, however, they were discharged when they were discovered.

Cashier participated in the siege of Vicksburg and later fought at Mobile and Memphis and took part in forty battles and skirmishes, but was never wounded, according to the National Park Service. He was captured once, but managed to escape back to Union lines by overpowering a prison guard.

Hardman went to the Illinois town where Cashier lived the rest of his postwar life as a man. People there said that he used to nail his door shut at night to try to make it so nobody would come in and see that he was not really a man, Hardman said.

Cashier was a chauffeur for former Illinois state senator Ira M. Lish (R), who discovered Cashiers identity in 1910 when the car died. Cashier got underneath it and started the engine back up, but it ran over his leg, prompting medical attention. Lish kept the secret for years.

Cashier was sent to the Watertown State Hospital for the Insane as dementia began to set in during March 1913. The attendants discovered his secret and forced him to wear womens clothing. He was investigated for fraud for claiming a military pension.

It became a hot news story. And this frail, little woman had lived, dared and done a mans work in the world, reporter W.H. Alburn wrote for the Wichita Beacon.

We never suspected that Albert was not a man, veteran Robert Horan, one of Cashiers comrades, told Alburn. Horan said the only thing he found odd about Cashier was that he insisted on bunking alone and did everyones laundry.

When the strangeness wore away, she made a good comrade, Horan said. She was a soldier with us, doing faithfully and well.

Cashiers fellow soldiers - crusty old Civil War veterans - stepped in to defend him. When he died, they made sure he was buried in uniform with military honors, and his name is engraved on the Vicksburg National Military Park Memorial Wall.
January 30, 2025

By Kenneth Mullinax/ASU

The Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB) will again feature the Mighty Marching Hornets Band (MMHB) of Alabama State University. The national event will take place on Feb 1 in Inglewood, California at the 70,000-seat SoFi Stadium, which is home to the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers.

The band's director, Dr. James Oliver, shared that it will fly to California on Jan. 30 and will be one of only six Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU's) bands from across the USA to be featured in the popular competition. Other participants include marching bands from Alabama A&M University; Southern University and A&M College; Hampton University; North Carolina A&T State University and the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff.

Oliver stated that the event will be hosted by comedian, television presenter, actor, and rapper, Nick Cannon, and will feature a performance by hip-hop artist, GloRilla.

"It is an absolutely awesome feeling that Honda has once again selected our Mighty Marching Hornet's student-musicians to perform in what many consider to be the stellar HBCU's marching band event in the nation," Oliver said. "This Honda event benefits our students in so many ways such as in the accolade of being able to state that they performed in it, as well as lifting up our students who may not have ever flown on a jet before, been to California or never have visited anywhere more than 300 miles away from their home. This is great for our University and for its students in every way possible."

Honda has been a major supporter of HBCUs for almost four decades. Honda has donated more than $14 million in grants, via its many events, which include the Honda Battle of the Bands and the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge.

Schedule for the HBOB

11 a.m: The SoFi Stadium's doors are opened for attendees to enter.

12 Noon: The Legacy Preshow event begins on the field.

1 p.m: The Honda Battle of the Bands Showcase takes place inside the stadium.

For tickets and other information: www.hondabattleofthebands.com
I am not a fan of Donald Trump. In fact, I often find myself rolling my eyes and cringing when he speaks. I am appalled by his blatant narcissism. I believe that he has been unethical, at least, in some of his past business dealings. And his reputation for his relations with women is disgraceful. I cannot admire a man like this. But Donald Trump is not a racist, he is not an antisemite and he is definitely not a fascist.

I voted for Donald Trump twice. I did so for the following three reasons. First, as I have grown older, my politics have changed. I am an example of the aphorism, If you are not a liberal in your youth you have no heart; if you are not a conservative when older, you have no brain. Second, in both presidential elections in which he prevailed, I believe that, even with all his personal faults, he was the better of the two political candidates, better than Hillary Clinton, and way, way better than Kamala Harris. Finally, because I am an American Israeli-Jew, in both elections there was no contest. The image of Hillary Clinton hugging Suha Arafat is burned into my brain. And Kamala Harriss pandering to anti-Israel student demonstrators was beneath contempt.

Some of my oldest friends, friendships that literally go back to my childhood, have branded Donald Trump a fascist. Im not surprised. Unlike myself, they have retired to the same liberal world view we all shared when much younger. In that world we steadfastly voted for the Democratic candidate as had our parents, probably the closest thing to religious commitment many of us knew.

But some years back I converted, if you will, and my newer beliefs and values differ from those of my younger days and conflict with many of my peers. Some of the latter insist Trump is a fascist. He is not. He is many things, but he is not a fascist. Here is Googles simple definition of fascism: Fascism is a far-right form of government in which most of the country's power is held by one ruler or a small group, under a single party. Fascist governments are usually totalitarian and authoritarian one-party states. A fascist is one who subscribes to this form of governance.

The last time I checked, the authoritative power of the United States is still divided between three powers, executive, legislative, and judicial. The heads of all three branches of government continue to be democratically elected. And all elected officials remain subject and loyal to the Constitution of the United States.

Ah, I am told, but this is only one definition of fascism the old one. The term has since migrated so that it now covers a much wider base of behaviors and traits. The progressive view of fascism and a fascist personality is discussed in an article by CNN journalist Peter Bergen, based on historian Robert O. Paxtons 2004 Anatomy of Fascism. This upgraded portrayal no longer limits fascism to actions taken by an autocratic ruler or totalitarian government. It is enough that certain groups feel a sense of overwhelming crisis beyond the reach of traditional solutions, as well as in Trumps case, his seemingly endless self-aggrandizement and his calling out of individuals or groups that he believes politically harmful to him and his mission.

Much of this new fascism, a reflection of the zeitgeist, is about perceptions, attitude, and language. It is enough that it is about the potential for It is not about rounding up citizens in the middle of the night and sending them off to the Gulag or a concentration camp. It is not about using the military to suppress your political opponents. It is to a large extent about feelings. Anything from a leaders personality to a governments economic policies, may trigger feelings of insult, hurt, and perceived as threatening by some groups of people. But this is nowhere on the same scale as the fascist policies of Germanys Hitler, Italys Mussolini, Spains Franco, Romanias Ceausescu, Albanias Hoxha, Argentinas Peron, Cubas Castro, and today North Koreas Kim Jong Un, Chads Deby, and Angolas Lourenco. These, and others, were and are true fascists.

Taking great pride in ones country, placing its interests first on the international stage, as does Trump, does not a fascist make. But some consider his jingoism to be another sign of creeping fascism. Or, is his professed dedication to all things American even real? Might it be, as some suspect, that Donald Trumps unvarnished nationalism is really his way of putting himself first, and he is using America as his vehicle? Even if this is true, it is indicative of egoism, not fascism.

The ease with which the term fascist is applied by some to Donald Trump is nothing other than an effort to redefine a despicable term in order to fit the anti-Trump narrative. This is akin to the South African delegation to the International Criminal Court unashamedly modifying the definition of genocide so as to condemn the State of Israel. Israel does not practice genocide. Or, similarly, to campus demonstrators who decry the apartheid State of Israel. There is no apartheid in Israel.

Calling someone a racist or a fascist is tantamount to dropping a verbal hydrogen bomb in an effort to destroy a persons reputation and obliterate his persona. In America, a true fascist would have no hope for a political career. In Donald Trumps case, not only didnt the label stick, but the hyperbole that was employed against him and his supporters throughout the campaign only seemed to boost his popularity in the polls.

Those who, even after his having returned to the White House, persist in calling Donald Trump a fascist will not allow themselves to engage in any discussion over issues. Their visceral disdain of him shuts down any substantive conversation or prevents one from even getting started. It is as if these adversaries are victims of self-hypnosis, mechanically entering attack mode at the mere mention of Trumps name. They ignore or deflect any news item that casts him in a positive light; positive news about Donald Trump elicits cognitive dissonance. They regard Trumps supporters as radioactive, cretins who must be shunned, censored, and not be given a voice. There is to be no dialogue with the devil and his agents.

These individuals are certain that they are on the right side of history, that their never-ending opposition to Donald Trump is both just and necessary in order to save American democracy. But they err. Their dysfunctional behavior elides the democratic process. History will reveal if they were right or wrong.

Image: AT via Magic Studio
Recently, I communicated thoughts to a friend on the evolution of Trump and dealing with Berkeley Liberals.

The Achilles heel of the left is their inability to separate policies from personalities. The Left loved Trump when he was a New York real estate developer with all his panache and bravado and being somewhat of a playboy, all the while donating to politicians. When Trump became a Republican candidate, his brash/rude/semi-weisenheimer traits made him an easy target for criticism. His rude insults (e.g., "Little Marco" and "Look at That Face re Carly Fiorina) may have carried the day to get the nomination but damaged his reputation as a bully.

During his first term, he was totally misled by the UniParty Deep State and undermined (some would say treasonously) by the Intelligence Community, the FBI, and the corrupt Hillary Clinton organization. His success in the first term was due to his being a tough New Yorker who had been through economic ups and downs, including bankruptcies and restructurings. Amazingly, he accomplished a lot with his policies the first time around. Great tax cuts coupled with a growth economy along with strength abroad and a secure border.

COVID, Biden corruption, and Intelligence Community lies re laptop, along with rabid government lies, censorship, and evil corrupt media, did Trump in in 2020.

2024, however, is a new day, and Trump is a different person. In 2024, I believe some of the most important things about Trump are:

1. He almost got killed, but for the Grace of God. He has acquired, amazingly, a little humility and the realization that he wanted to leave the world a better place when he has left us.

2. He, at his very core, wants to solve problems and do great things. Look at his advice four years ago to Gavin Newsom regarding the Paradise Fires in California.

3. He is an authentic" leader (along with FDR, Eisenhower, and Reagan). He totally relates to people, from the richest to the dishwasher in the kitchen. Look at how Trump interacted with the McDonald's employee who showed him how to process the French fries and how he treated the people in the cars at the drive-in window.

In one car, an Indian-origin couple stated to Trump, "Mr. President, thank you so much for making it possible for you to meet such ordinary people like us. We pray for you. His response: "You are not ordinary people." The wife said, "You took a bullet for us." Trump: "I guess I did."

4. Look at Trump in North Carolina and Los Angeles. He brings ordinary people to speak up about their experiences and frontally challenges and interacts with ordinary people and stakeholders in the LA Fire Panel (where, thank God, Gavin Newsom was not invited).

5. He now knows how things work in Washington and will not be a victim of the UniParty this time.

6. His actions not only to end DEI but also to rescind Lyndon Johnsons 1965 Executive Order 11246, which led to racial quotas throughout the fabric of our country, is one of the most significant things he or any other politician has done this century.

7. He is forward projecting American power on the world stage. No more appeasement of Iran. He also appears to be undertaking "asymmetrical economic" warfare against Putin (to undermine his Petro Economy).

8. He is restoring the border and removing the worst kind of illegal alien rapists/gangs/murderers, etc. Tom Holman is PR gold against the foolish "Sanctuary Democrats.

9. His cabinet choices are "disruptors." Coupled with DOGE, they have an opportunity to do some real good. RFK Jr., if he can curtail the obesity epidemic prevalent since around the late 70s, would be a blessing.

10. His decision to pardon all the Jan 6 victims was afforded by the gross overreach of the DoJ and the FBI. The DoJ and FBI were using facial recognition and bank records to sweep up and charge anyone who so much as walked into the Capitol (even at the invitation of the police) or was standing outside. Over 1600 of them.

If the DoJ had only gone after the violent ones or ringleaders, the pardons would have been more difficult or problematic. The fact that many of the Jan 6 people had been held for three to four years in the nearly two-century-old D.C. jail without trial militates to closing that chapter of history. Jan 6 would have never happened, but for the deep state (DoD, Mayor Bowser, Nancy Pelosi, etc.) refusing/failing to provide the 10,000 National Guardsmen Trump asked for to be present at the Capitol on that day.

11. Trump clearly has his act together this time. Susie Wiles (the great Pat Summerall's daughter), along with Howard Lutnik and Stephen Miller, have done a great job in assembling the Executive Orders, developing the immigration strategy, and filling out not just cabinet nominees but all the many subordinate appointees in various departments.

12. Getting rid of the EV Mandate Corrupt Scam and pursuing a rational Energy policy and "Drill Baby Drill" will help us hopefully to grow the economy to reduce the percentage of debt to GDP.

If you do need to engage with the "Berkeley Liberals," one suggestion might be to ask them what they think about the various policies Trump puts forward rather than his personality.

Do they think forest management is bad?

What do they think about removing the illegal alien criminals?

Would they agree with the Democrats who voted against the Laken Riley bill? Why?

Where do they think energy for our growing energy needs will come from? Wind?

What about the weight and carbon footprint of EV cars, trucks, and buses? Much less getting rid of lithium batteries as well as EV performance?

Should we continue to give the mullahs free rein to sell oil without sanctions to fund the terrorists?

Would they like America to succeed?

Image: Pixabay
I wrote about Amy Wax in September of 2024 in UPenn and Amy Wax: double standards.

Graphic: Amy Wax, C-Span Screenshot

As the September AT post notes, Penn has been harassing Wax for years. Her offense? Shes Jewish, conservative, and has dared to speak against DEI and wokeness. Not only have her writings and statements been entirely factualPenn has never denied thatshes entirely within her First Amendment rights and Penns academic freedom guarantees. That didnt stop a ruthlessly woke institution like Penn.

Wax is a tenured law professor at Penn. Shes not only a medical doctora neurologistbut a Juris doctorlawyerand has argued 15 cases before the Supreme Court. Thats an extraordinary record, and Wax is an extraordinary person. One would think Penn would think and act very carefully indeed before trying to punish someone like Wax. One would think wrongly.

Graphic: X Screenshot

Legal Insurrection reports Wax, who did all she could to avoid it, finally filed suit against Penn on 01-16-25:

As we reported earlier, the school said Waxs discriminatory and disrespectful statements to specific targeted racial, national, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender groups with which our students and colleagues identify created an unequal learning environment. Her punishment included suspension for one year at half pay, loss of her named chair, and public reprimandthough she was not fired and did not lose tenure. But in her lawsuit, Waxs lawyers allege it was UPenn that discriminated based on race. By tolerating antisemitic speech while punishing Waxs protected speech, the University violated federal law against racial discrimination

Take the link to read the entire suit. Lawyers always write such things in the most favorable light for their clients, but this suit is remarkable in that everything Waxs lawyers allege is objectively factual and true and can be easily proved, such as Penns antisemitism, which is a significant cause of Penns institutional hatred of Wax.



But the true reason for disciplining Wax, her lawyers allege, is that at UPenn, some races may not be criticized while other racial or ethnic groups can beand routinely aresubjected to virulently racist speech without consequence. UPenns speech policy discriminates based not only on the content of speech but also on the racial identity of the speaker, the lawsuit continues. White speakers are far more likely to be disciplined for harmful speech while minority speakers are rarely, if ever, subject to disciplinary procedures for the same. The complaint alleges UPenns disciplinary proceedings also violated her due process rights under the terms of her tenure. And they violated the schools own procedures, by mischaracterizing Waxs speech as conductanalogous to major felonies such as rapein an attempt to justify jacking up the charges to impose major sanctions for what was in fact academic speech. Penn has never used the major infractions procedures for any other speech, the lawsuit says. Indeed, it has not even invoked the minor infractions disciplinary procedures for any of the anti-Semitic speech or incitements to violence described in this Complaint.

Graphic: X Screenshot

This is just one example of the kind of testimony, should Penn be sufficiently stupid as to go to trial, that will make Wax a wealthy woman:

The proceedings against Wax were initiated in 2022 by then-Dean Ted Ruger, who betrayed his own bias earlier in 2019 when he told students at a town hall meeting, Her presence heremakes me angry, it makes me pissed off, adding that it sucks that she was still there. And when students talked about wanting to fire her, he said the only way to get rid of a tenured professor is this process thats gonna take months.

Penn instituted its punishment of Wax at a time when DEIcrats thought they were invulnerable and would always be in power, and why not? The Harris/Biden/Garland DOJ had their backs. Then Donald Trump won reelection andthe horrorDEIs death knell sounded.

Professor Amy Wax, in an interview with the Sun, discloses that the possibility has been brought up that the Trump administration could join her federal civil lawsuit against the University of Pennsylvania for violating core principles of the First Amendment and enforcing policies that are racially discriminatory.

Theres no question Penn violated its own policies, the First Amendment, and numerous federal anti-discrimination laws, not only in their treatment of Wax, but in their support for antisemitic speech and violence on campus, and by members of the faculty. Former Penn President Liz Magill, instrumental in the persecution of Wax, was forced to resign after her astonishingly stupid and arrogant appearance before Congress where she stubbornly refused to denounce blatantly antisemitic violence on the Penn Campus.

The Trump DOJ will likely join Waxs suit because Penn is blatantly in violation of federal civil rights law. A win for Wax will likely set the standard and force an even more rapid and complete elimination of DEI. It couldnt happen to worse people.

On a different subject, if you are not already a subscriber, you may not know that weve implemented something new: A weekly newsletter with unique content from our editors for subscribers only. These essays alone are worth the cost of the subscription.

Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor.
Because of fossil-fuel-powered technology, I dont need slaves. Let me explain.

I am a bit OCD, and few things give me greater satisfaction than a clean house. I recently added to my housecleaning repertoire an absolutely amazing floor cleanerand yes, for those who are cleaning curious, I will tell you about it. However, the point I want to make about this floor cleaner is that its very existence means that I dont need slaves because I have reliable fossil fuel powering my home.

Doing anything takes energy. Since time immemorial, humans have relied upon other humans and animals to augment their own energy and to multiply their strength. In Stone Aged times, when tribes warred perpetually over resources that were scarce since they lacked the technology to augment them, one tribe would kill the other tribes warriors and then kidnap its women and children to add to the winning tribes own strength, which was also depleted by endless wars. The women were effectively slaves.

When humans became agrarian, the need for labor increased, especially as communities grew. Enslaving the losing side in a war was the norm across the world, in every nation, and among every tribe. The winners got relief from the crushing physical burdens of life and the losers bore those same burdens. (See, e.g., the Pyramids.)

With the end of feudalism, Europe gave up explicit chattel slavery but continued to have a subordinate labor class that often lived in conditions indistinguishable from slavery. Indeed, while slave owners with limited access to more slaves might have had an economic interest in seeing that the slaves were, at a minimum, fed, no one had an interest in keeping Europes laboring classes alive. Feudalism only ended because the Black Death wiped out so many people that the enslaved vassals finally had some leverage.

We all know that the driving moral force behind the abolition movement in the 18th century was the Great Awakening. This Christian religious movement forced people to recognize the inherent humanity of every individual, skin color notwithstanding. (Its worth thinking about the fact that the irreligious left has reverted to seeing people superficially, without regard for that inherent and equal humanity.)

However, I contend that, without fossil fuel, that religious impetus to end slavery would have died abornin. What made it possible was that people figured out how to harness hydrocarbon energy, first from coal and then from petroleum products. In farming and industry, humans, per unit of output, were by orders of magnitude less efficient and, over time, more expensive to maintain than a tractor or a crane.

This change took a bit longer to come to the domestic sphereand this is where we get to housecleaning. Up until the post-war period, even middle-class people had servants working for themand while the servants were paid, it was hard and poorly paid labor.

Amongst the most laborious tasks for any good housemaid was keeping the floors clean. Doing it well meant getting down on ones hands and knees to scrub, especially if the woman of the house believed, as I do, that mops simply liquify and relocate dirt. Cleaning carpets required dragging the carpet outside, swinging them over a line, and beating them, perhaps a cathartic act but a physically exhausting one, as well.

Today, I cleaned my entire kitchen floor in less than five minutes without exerting any meaningful energy at all. I did it thanks to the best labor-saving device Ive had since I bought a good vacuum cleaner (I like Shark vacuums). And here comes my unpaid-for product promotion: If you have a passion, as I do, for having very clean hard floors, you will never find something better than the Tineco wet-vac floor cleaners.

My not-top-of-the-line model cost me $200 at Costco (it was on sale) and is a dream: Its lightweight, easy to operate, self-cleaning, quiet, and incredibly good. For the first time ever, despite all my previous efforts, my grout has finally returned to its original colorand all, at the push of a button. To achieve lesser results in the past, I had a chance between expensive visits from teams of cleaning ladies or hours of hard work on my hands and knees. I dont need a housemaid. Ive got my fossil-fuel-powered Tineco.

Some may point out that my thesis collapses in the face of the slavery thats still rife across the Muslim Middle East and Africa. However, as you may recall, I said that the Great Awakening was the moral impetus for change. All the fossil fuel in the world wont end slavery unless the culture also changes. In the Muslim world and in tribal Africa, slavery is embedded in the culture, whether as a religious imperative or an unchanged tradition.

Notably, though, even these ancient cultures can change. In Muslim cultures up until about two decades ago, young boys (sometimes still toddlers) were bought or stolen to be jockeys in camel races. However, public pressure changed that culture. Now, the oil potentates who enslaved these boys (and yes, I see the irony of oil producers relying on slavery) happily drive their camels using the same computer controls that hobbyists use to drive remote-controlled toy cars:

Every one of those leftists demanding that we end fossil fuels is essentially clamoring for a return to chattel slavery. This is because, one way or another, humans will always seek labor-saving devices, and if they cant do it via fossil-fuel-driven gadgets and machinery, they will do it using brute force against other humans.

The text on this 1909 advertisement sums it all up:
In Violence erupts in West Bank as settlers attack, Israel raids Jenin, published on Jan. 21, the Washington Posts anti-Israel bias is in full swing.

After numerous terrorist attacks in Israel by Palestinian terrorists from the West Bank, Israel launched a military operation to halt the attacks, to protect its citizens.

This is something any country should be expected to do.

According to the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, in 2024 Israel thwarted more than 1,000 Palestinian terrorist attacks from the West Bank and Jerusalem.

However, many attacks do get through.

Last week, a West Bank Palestinian terrorist stabbed a man in Tel Aviv. The week before that, three Israelis were murdered, two of them elderly women. Eight others were injured when Palestinian terrorists opened fire on [their] vehicles. And the week before that, an 83-year-old woman was murdered in Herzylia by a West Bank Palestinian terrorist. This was just in the last month. I could go on and on.

How does the Post report Israels response to this Palestinian terrorism?

Backwards.

The article states, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, both of which are supported by Iran, vowed to fight back. That is incorrect. The Palestinians have vowed to fight  not fight back.

Israel is the side that is fighting back. Its their duty to protect their citizens from terrorism. Does the Washington Post object to this? Apparently.

In summary, the Palestinian terrorists are the attackers but the Post refuses to admit it. Once again, the Post acts as the propaganda wing of the Palestinian movement. The Post should be appointed to a position in the Palestinian government, if they dont have one already.

Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License
Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) is a debilitating disease. Among its most pathetic sufferers is DC Judge Tanya Chutkan who presided over Donald Trumps election interference trial. Her anti-Trump bias was no less fiery than that of prosecutor Jack Smith. Both were broken by the Supreme Courts presidential immunity decision and the DOJs withdrawing of Smiths prosecutions. Sadly, for Chutkan, Trumps J6 pardons caused a terrible relapse:

In the latest hearing, Chutkan again decided to use the bench to amplify her own views of the pardons and Jan. 6. She proclaimed that the pardons could not change the tragic truth and cannot whitewash the blood, feces and terror that the mob left in its wake. And it cannot repair the jagged breach in Americas sacred tradition of peacefully transitioning power.

Blood, feces(?!) and terror? There was no breach in the transfer of power. Congress was only delayed a few hours in its paperwork. Another tragic TDS sufferer is Philadelphias District Attorney, Larry Krasner. The invaluable Discover the Networks, has Krasners number:

Graphic: CNN Screenshot

*Krasner is a Soros non-prosecutor.

*He has long associated himself with socialist/communist people and causes.

*He is against cash bail, and prosecuting and jailing criminals.

*Hes not fond of probation either.

*His policies prevent the prosecution of dangerous criminals.

*Shortly after taking office, in an office of about 340 prosecutors, 261 were gone. He fired 31 because they werent Democrat/socialist/communist (D/s/c) true believers and thought prosecutors ought to prosecute criminals. The rest left because they werent D/s/c true believers and thought prosecutors ought to prosecute criminals.

*Unsurprisingly, under Krasner, Philadelphias crime rates have skyrocketed.

*Krasner loudly opposes President Trump and immigration enforcement.

And now, Krasner has gone full TDS (never go full TDS):

District Attorney Larry Krasner is looking into bringing state charges against the Pennsylvania January 6 defendants who were pardoned by President Donald Trump this week, CNN first reported. Krasner is looking at the records of defendants who were charged with assaulting police during the riot at the U.S. Capitol, or conspired with groups like the Oath Keepers or the Proud Boys. He said there might be charges that were left out of the federal indictment that the state could bring. You can have a state prosecution for conduct that was not fully encompassed in the federal prosecution, Krasner told CNN. Those who actually believe in the rule of law and actually believe in the law and actually believe in order, in other words, those of us who are not MAGA, intend to preserve the values, traditions, laws and Constitution of the United States, Krasner said. And that means accountability for the co-conspirators of the 24-time felon president.

Actual prosecutors are not impressed:

Id be stunned if he actually tried, said [former Montgomery County District Attorney Bruce] Castor. He told DVJournal that Krasners foray into the incident is outrageous. Hes probably seeking publicity for just thinking about it. Krasner is not just bad at his job, in my view. Hes dangerous to the public. Former U.S. Attorney William McSwain called it just another example of Krasners specialty of politicizing law enforcement at the expense of public safety in our city. The citizens of Philadelphia are tired of this act and deserve better.

Graphic: X Screenshot

While double jeopardy probably wouldnt apply, wheres Krasners jurisdiction for offenses occurring in DC? Most J6 crimes were misdemeanors, and the statute of limitations would surely have run. The only way Krasner could bring charges is on some sort of conspiracy charge alleging the conspiracy began in Philadelphia. Thats a huge stretch, but like the DOJ persecutors, people like Kasner aren't hampered by trifles like the texts of laws. Krasner could simply make things up as was done in the various lawfare cases against Trump and the J6 defendants. But there are additional potential problems for Krasner:

Castor said that if Krasner were to pursue that approach with the January 6 convicts, he could face legal jeopardy himself. The bigger problem for Krasner, however, is that his immunity from civil suit is qualified immunity, unless he is acting in court as district attorney, said Castor. What he does outside of court must be not only in the course of doing his job but further done in good faith. I do not think playing to the hometown voters, knowing that the appellate courts will reverse his decision, is acting in good faith. That would expose him to civil liability and a civil suit.

How could any attempt by Krasner to prosecute J6 defendants be anything other than blatantly political, hence illegitimate, prosecutions? That might even be a bridge too far for Philadelphias corrupt justice system, which doesnt mean Krasner wont try it. However, Merrick Garland is no longer Attorney General. The political climate has changed, and a legitimate DOJ just might not be lawfare inclined.

On a different subject, if you are not already a subscriber, you may not know that weve implemented something new: A weekly newsletter with unique content from our editors for subscribers only. These essays alone are worth the cost of the subscription.

Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor.
The news that the White House is rolling out a new policy allowing opportunities for so-called new media outlets  independent journalists, bloggers, podcasters, content creators, etc.  to ask questions during press briefings marks a significant turning point in the history of journalism. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the move during her first briefing on Tuesday. We welcome independent journalists, podcasters, and social media influencers, she said. Millions of Americans, particularly young people, have shifted away from traditional television and newspapers to consume news through podcasts, blogs, social media, and other independent platforms. It is crucial for our team to share President Trumps message widely and adapt the White House to the evolving media landscape of 2025.

First and foremost, the decision is nothing more than the official recognition of something that had already been in place for some time. Its called citizen journalism, a term that refers to the collection, reporting, and dissemination of news and information by ordinary people rather than professional journalists. It empowers individuals to play an active role in the news-gathering process, often using digital tools and platforms like social media, blogs, and video-sharing websites.

Although citizen journalism is a relatively modern term, the concept has existed for centuries. Ordinary people have always shared news through word of mouth, letters, or pamphlets. For example, during the American Revolution, pamphlets like Thomas Paines Common Sense were a form of citizen-driven communication. As we all know, especially those who are not so young, the advent of the internet in the 1990s and the proliferation of digital tools in the 2000s revolutionized citizen journalism. Platforms like blogs and forums and social media sites like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube allowed individuals to share news and opinions widely. They become hubs for citizen journalism, especially during crises or protests. In summary, citizen journalism has transformed how news is created and consumed, making it more participatory and decentralized. Although it has its challenges, it has become an essential part of the modern media landscape.

No surprise that the Trump administration is the one ushering in this change, given that Democrats and progressives in general (across the entire Western world) are highly suspicious of new media  if not outright terrified of it. After all, controlling these new players would be a bit more complicated than controlling traditional media (and those who fund them). Conservatives, on the other hand, have proven to be much more open to the innovations that have revolutionized the media landscape than those who call themselves progressives. The difference between the two approaches to the issue of information  that of liberals and that of conservatives  likely lies in the weight given to freedom of expression. For liberals, it must adhere to many limitations, whereas for conservatives, it should generally have no limits except for those imposed by individual conscience.

The Trump administrations move comes a few weeks after Elon Musks tweets:

Citizen journalism is the path to better future! I strongly encourage people around the world to post news about events as theyre happening, in both text & video.

Citizen journalism is the only way to break out of the legacy media propaganda machine.

Another reason why citizen journalism is so critically important. You, the people, must be the media, as it is the only way for your fellow citizens to know the truth.

The alignment between The Donald and the billionaire CEO of SpaceX and Tesla is complete on this point as well. After all, Trump most likely owes his victory, at least in part, to new media and citizen journalism.

I firmly believe in the cultural and political role of blogs and in the ability of social media to open the doors of political and cultural debate to citizens. Consequently, I not only deeply appreciate the approach taken by the Trump administration, but also feel gratified and further encouraged to continue an effort that takes up several hours of my day. Naturally, I hope that such a significant  dare I say decisive  phenomenon as citizen journalism will continue to rise to the occasion and meet the historic challenges facing not just America, but the entire Western world. There is a desperate need for seriousness, responsibility, truth, and integrity in journalism.

It is clear and evident to everyone that mainstream media are not  and can never be  the answer to the need for even minimally accurate and reliable information. It is up to us, bloggers and users of X, Facebook, and other social media platforms, as well as contributors to American Thinker, to rise to the challenge and prove that there is still reason to look to the future with optimism.

Samuel Robert Piccoli is a blogger and the author of several books, among them Being Conservative from A to Z (2014) and Blessed Are the Free in Spirit (2021). He lives in the Venice area.

Image via Pxhere.
Kurt Schlichter has a series of novelseight thus farbased on the premise America has split into blue and red countries. In his first bookPeoples Republic--his protagonist Kelly Turnbull, formerly Army Special Ops, makes a good living spiriting people out of the blue. That novel focuses on California where every bit of contemporary wokeness has run to its obvious, lunatic extreme and California is a totalitarian hell hole.

Graphic: Book cover scan. Author.

Now it seems Californians consider their burning state to be so successful and progressive they can go it alone:

Theres a new secession effort on the horizon, and just like the Confederates of the mid-19th century, Democrats are behind it. Newsweek reports that Californias secretary of state has given the green light to a movement to gather signatures for a petition to put Californias secession from the U.S. on the ballot in 2028. [Skip] To have an independence vote included on California's 2028 election ballot, campaigners must gather 546,651 signaturesconstituting 5 percent of the total votes cast for Governor Gavin Newsom in November 2022and submit them to county elections officials by July 22, 2025. The question proposed by the campaign is "Should California leave the United States and become a free and independent country?" According to the campaign, if at least 50 percent of registered Californian voters cast their ballots, and at least 55 percent of participants vote "yes," it would constitute "a vote of no confidence in the United States of America" and an "expression of the will of the people of California" to become an independent state.

Apparently, the recently allocated $50 million to Trump proof California was merely a down payment on their bold resistance to the American republics constitutional tyranny.

So be it. Just as Donald Trump is wisely going to require some sane policy changes in exchange for rebuilding money, there ought to be some caveats for Californians to keep in mind as they vote on secession. A few come to mind:

*America wont have to build a wall to keep Californians out; theyll build one to keep them in. We might have to take down the border wall between what used to be California and Mexico. They wouldnt want to keep that, would they?

*Every military installation and other federal offices will have to be moved to the free states. There are 32 military installations and well over 150 thousand personnel, not counting dependents, civilian workers, etc. Im sure California, a model of efficient governance, wont miss them or their tax dollars.

*Since California will be a sovereign nation, well have to negotiate treaties of all kinds. Well certainly have to enact tariffs on anything they export to America, regulate the border, require passports, visas, etc.

*It would be wrong of us to continue to burden a self-sufficient country like the Peoples Republic of Californiaor will it be the Peoples Republic of Newsom?with commodities like water, electricity or gasoline. Surely, they wont want that kind of climate change horror? They deserve to prosper by their own superior, evolved green policies, so well keep our water, electricity, gas and similar commodities to ourselves.

*That will apply to all other consumer goods as well. Independent nations ought to be able to produce what they need, and they wouldnt want our awful, climate change denying gas stoves, furnaces, cars and efficient air conditioners anyway.

*Well, maybe if they wanted things like clothing, food, toilet paper and the like we could kindly provide them, but at a considerable markup to cover the expenses of transporting them to a foreign country.

*Im sure theyd want their own currency with likenesses of people like Karen Bass, President-for-life Newsom, and that hefty LA assistant fire chief, whatever her name is. So, it would be appropriate to let them have their own money, which wouldnt be legal tender in America.

*Come to think of it, they wouldnt want our filthy, capitalist money either, would they?

*They surely wouldnt want to have access to our stock market, so well help them out with that.

Graphic: X Screenshot

*We dont send Social Security, Medicare or any other benefits to citizens of foreign lands, but Im sure Californians, or whatever theyll call themselves, wouldnt want that sort of thing from an oppressive nation like America.

*Theyd have to set up their own insurance companies too.

*Im sure their income taxes would be much more efficient and lower than theyre currently paying to the IRS.

*When next Californiaor whateverbursts into flames, importing fire fighters, air tankers and the like will be much more costly, having to travel to a foreign country and all.

*As for national defense, good luck with that. They wouldnt want to involve themselves with an oppressive, patriarchal military that doesnt fully embrace the glories of LGBTQWERTY and DEI.

Im sure Im missing a few things, but perhaps this would be a good starting place for current Californians consideration.

On a different subject, if you are not already a subscriber, you may not know that weve implemented something new: A weekly newsletter with unique content from our editors for subscribers only. These essays alone are worth the cost of the subscription.

Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor.
DeepSeek is currently the hottest name in the artificial intelligence segment. The Chinese company launched AI models with impressive performance at a very low cost, achieving results that outperform other popular AI models in multiple parameters. The irruption even crashed the stocks of big names like NVIDIA. That said, US officials are now raising national security concerns related to DeepSeek AIs popularity.

Last year, former President Joe Biden signed a bill to ban TikTok unless ByteDance sold the US section of the short video platform. The move came after legislators and authorities expressed their concerns related to national security. In fact, the initial intentions to ban the platform date back to Donald Trumps first presidential term. Currently, Trumps position on the matter is radically different.

US officials warn of potential danger of DeepSeek AI to national security

A similar atmosphere could be starting to form regarding the arrival of DeepSeeks AI-powered chatbot. US authorities have been particularly wary of services developed in China. With TikTok, US officials took the most severe step when the platform already had around 170 million users. However, tensions between the US and China maintain a growing trend. Recent developments, such as the breaches on domestic telecommunications networks, do not make things easier. So, US officials may want to act more quickly.

Ross Burley, a co-founder of the nonprofit Centre for Information Resilience, raised data security and privacy issues over DeepSeeks growing popularity in the country. This comes after experts warned about shady data handling and storage policies. There are also concerns related to vulnerabilities discovered in the source code.

More and more people will use it, and that will open the door to more and more personal data just being given away to the [Chinese Communist Party] and being sent basically to mainland China to be able to inform them of their activities, Burley claimed. The companys policies state that it stores user data on secure servers located in the Peoples Republic of China.

This is the data that DeepSeek can take from your device

The data collected by DeepSeek from each use session can include device model, operating system, keystroke patterns or rhythms, IP address, and system language. The chatbot, available as an app for Android and iOS, can also obtain service-related, diagnostic, and performance information, including crash reports and performance logs. US experts and authorities fear that the Chinese government has access to all this data from US users. Chinese laws typically allow such requests from companies with servers located in the Asian country.

Ross Burley added that Beijing could use local laws to implement behavior change campaigns, disinformation campaigns via DeepSeek. The DOJ and US representatives argued that keeping TikTok in the country could allow similar situations. There have already been examples of the chatbot refusing to provide answers to questions deemed sensitive by the Chinese government. So, Beijing could have an influence on the output you get.

No news on potential measures against DeepSeek

It is not yet certain that the United States will take action against DeepSeek AI. In fact, Donald Trump referred to the companys emergence as a wake-up call for domestic tech companies. The United States is currently working on the Stargate project to establish its dominance in AI. OpenAI CEO also expressed enthusiasm regarding the new and powerful competition.
The growing popularity of DeepSeek AI in the US is raising national security concerns among officials. The Chinese companys incursion also severely crashed the stocks of big tech companies like NVIDIA, so it could also compromise the position of American firms in the market as well. Experts have already warned about potential security risks when using the chatbot. However, you may not know how much DeepSeek AI is watching you.

US officials and experts have had to act quickly to try to determine the potential risk that DeepSeeks artificial intelligence poses to the country. OpenAI and Microsoft even suspect that the company illegally integrated GPT data models into its own. Now, more experts are warning users about things they should not do on DeepSeek.

Things you should avoid typing in DeepSeek AI

There are concerns related to DeepSeeks data handling terms. The companys policies confirm that all user data worldwide is stored on servers in China. The risk lies in the fact that the laws in the Asian country are a bit different from those in the West. For example, companies whose servers are hosted in China will be forced to cooperate with Chinese intelligence efforts. This involves requests for user data, which the firm must provide upon request.

In Western countries, government access to user data often requires a court order. This can occur in cases of extreme necessity, such as potential criminal investigations.

Now that you know that the Chinese government could request access to your data, you probably have an idea of what kind of information you shouldnt type into the DeepSeek chatbot. Lukasz Olejnik, an independent consultant and a researcher at Kings College London Institute for AI, offered some recommendations and warnings for people interested in using the platform.

Be careful about inputting sensitive personal data, financial details, trade secrets, or information about healthcare. Anything you type could be stored, analyzed, or requested by authorities under Chinas data laws, Olejnik said.

DeepSeek AI is watching what you type, but it is not the only one

Its noteworthy that DeepSeek can also collect keystroke patterns or rhythms. This usage condition is actually common even on social platforms, something that many may not have known about. This tap/click tracking applies to when youre using the app or website, not outside of it. Services like Facebook and TikTok have similar policies for collecting metrics and usage data.

Ron Deibert, the director of the University of Torontos Citizen Lab, warned about using the platform for people who, for one reason or another, may be under surveillance or persecution by the Chinese state. Users who are high-risk in relation to mainland China, including human rights activists, members of targeted diaspora populations, and journalists should be particularly sensitive to these risks and avoid inputting anything into the system, he said.

A couple of tips to avoid Chinese tracking of your data

Using DeepSeek, whether from the website or the mobile app, requires registration with an email or Chinese phone number. For obvious reasons, most international users will opt to log in via email. To mitigate potential tracking of your data, it is recommended to use a new email account with false information. This will potentially lead to surveillance and tracking by Beijing authorities in extreme cases.

Lastly, DeepSeeks AI models are open source, which allows you to download and run them yourself. By doing this, you prevent your data from being saved and handled on Chinese servers.
When Samsung unveiled the new Galaxy S25 series of phones, it announced some new AI features. Just like last year, some of its new features were just Google features that the company unveiled first. Google announced that Gemini Talk Live, a feature that debuted on the Galaxy S25, has landed on the Pixel 9.

To recap, Google is inching closer to delivering a true AI assistant for your phone. In order for it to do this, the company has to give Gemini a set of eyes. During Galaxy Unpacked, which happened on January 22nd, Samsung told us about the new Gemini Talk Live. This allows Gemini Live to actively see whats on your phones screen and use your camera to gain context for what you need.

Gemini Live is already a powerful tool for looking up information, but it wasnt much more when it launched. Now, its able to read files like Word documents, PDFs, images, and more. So, it can really come in handy as an assistant. However, Google acknowledges that it could go even further.

Gemini Talk Live is coming to the Pixel 9

Screen awareness is something that Google has been working on years before it even started on Gemini. Many of us remember a little something called Google Now On Tap. This tool attempted to have Android read whats on your screen when you summon the tool. This took a step forward when the company gave you the ability to upload screenshots to Google Lens.

Fast-forward to more recently with Circle to Search, and we see that Google has been making some strides in the right direction. At this point, Gemini can already read whats on your screen. When you summon the chatbot, youll see chips that allow you to open a chat session about whats on your screen.

However, using Gemini Talk Live, users can have a conversation about whats on their screen with Gemini Live. This way, users can have a more natural conversation. Not only that, but theyre able to interrupt Gemini.

Rolling out

Just like Circle to Search, Gemini Talk Live was initially exclusive to Samsung handsets. However, Google announced that the feature has now made it to the Pixel 9 phones. We knew that it was a matter of time before Pixel users would get this feature. It should be live for Pixel 9 phones using Gemini v1.0.686588308 and Google app v16.2.40.

Along with the Pixel 9, Gemini Talk Live is also making it to the Galaxy S24 series. Theres a chance that Galaxy S24 users arent seeing this feature just yet; however. If you dont see it yet, youll want to hang tight.
Google is doing everything it can to make Android OS more secure for its users. In the past few months, Google Play Protect has been updated with new features to protect users from scammers. Guess what? Google is at it again. This time, it is updating Google Play Protect to automatically revoke app permissions for potentially harmful apps.

Google Play Protect will automatically revoke app permissions for harmful Android apps

In todays Security Blog, Google mentions that the new feature will prevent malicious apps from accessing user data, including phone storage, photos, cameras, and more. The company says that you can always restore the permissions for such apps. However, Google will still ask you to confirm your decision for added security.

Its important to note that Google Play Protect will scan all the apps youve installed on your phone. This includes apps that you may have sideloaded from third-party websites. Since the probability of sideloaded apps carrying malware is always high, its actually a good thing for you. During the scan, if Google Play Protect suspects that the installed app is harmful, it will notify you to uninstall it.

Itll further warn you to remove any app you downloaded from the Google Play Store if flagged as harmful. Not to forget, Play Protect can automatically reset app permissions for apps that you havent used in a long time. If such apps turn out to be harmful, it can also disable or block them automatically.

New safety features have been constantly rolled out in the past

But, what if you have disabled Google Play Protect? In such a case, it will display notifications on Chrome and your Android device suggesting you reenable it. This way Google Play Protect can always keep you safe from harmful apps.

Speaking of new safety features, Google recently added a new verification badge for VPNs, letting users know that they meet its security standards. In a similar effort to tackle scammers and malicious apps, Google also recently added a live threat detection feature for voice calls on the Pixel phones.
Yeah, sure, theres a lot that didnt change on the Galaxy S25 Ultra this year. But one feature that it has, that Samsung never really talks much about, is Gorilla Armor. It first debuted last year on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, and now we have Gorilla Armor 2 on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. But what exactly is Gorilla Armor 2?

This is Cornings new protective glass that youll find on the Galaxy S25 Ultra only, no other phone has this. Its an anti-reflective layer of glass, so it eliminates the need to buy a $60 matte or anti-reflective screen protectors. It is also stronger than regular Gorilla Glass  hence the Armor in its name. So strong that, Samsung saw a 60% decrease in screen repairs with Galaxy S24 Ultra when compared to Galaxy S23 Ultra. Thats a huge deal.

Just how strong is Gorilla Armor 2? Well, in Cornings lab tests, it was able to survive a 2.2-meter (about 7 feet) drop onto concrete. Thats about the same protection as some rugged cases that are out there. And this is without a case. Thats pretty impressive.

Every phone maker needs to beg Corning for this

When Im using just the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and not side-by-side with another phone, I often times forget that it is so anti-reflective. Until I put it next to my iPhone, or OnePlus 13, or even the Galaxy S25 Plus. Then it becomes very obvious. But how does this affect your user experience? Well, it makes it easier to see in bright environments, think direct sunlight. It also just looks so good.

Below, you can see the entire Galaxy S25 series side-by-side-by-side, and you can notice the difference. Not only is the Galaxy S25 Ultra blacker than the other two models, you also cant see my camera, while you can see my arm holding the camera in the Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus.

This is a pretty useful selling point for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, but like with the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Samsung doesnt talk about it much. In our briefing ahead of Unpacked, Samsung spent maybe two minutes on this, while spending about 20 minutes on Galaxy AI. During Unpacked, it was also quite short. I have no idea why Samsung doesnt spend more time on this feature, as it is a bigger feature than any Galaxy AI feature that debuted on the Galaxy S25 series.

Why dont other OEMs use Gorilla Armor?

While we dont have a concrete answer here, it sounds like Samsung might have exclusivity on Gorilla Armor. They did have an exclusivity on Qualcomms Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor for many years, which is why we only recently saw these come to other devices, as recent as last year. And it seems like that might be the case here for Gorilla Armor.

However, this could also be far more expensive than Gorilla Glass 7i  which is what OnePlus is using  or it could also be very tough to make. Keep in mind that Samsung is going to be ordering around 20 million or more of these panels for the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Seeing as they sold 14.8 million Galaxy S24 Ultras last year.

Whatever the case may be, we really hope to see this come to more phones in the near future. Its the one feature that keeps me coming back to the Galaxy S24 Ultra, and now likely the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Bluesky has gained popularity in recent months after a section of X (FKA Twitter) users moved in. The platform was born as an open-source and decentralized alternative to the social network currently owned by Elon Musk. One of the most promising related projects under development is Reelo, a TikTok for Bluesky.

Reelo is designed as a video-first app for the Bluesky platform. However, it wont be your traditional third-party client built on the BlueSky API. It has its own back end and code base, which was necessary in order to bypass the existing limitations for uploading videos.

Reelo wants to be the TikTok for Bluesky

The Reelo project is currently run by a single person: Brazilian developer Joao Davi S. He first tried to develop an app on the BlueSky API but scrapped the idea after noticing that the platforms own limitations capped his vision. Joao wanted a video-first app that offers TikToks social media experience, while BlueSky was designed as a direct competitor to X.

While Reelo doesnt rely on BlueSkys API, it does implement the decentralized AT Protocol. This will allow for almost full and easy interoperability with the social media service. Plus, it will offer some unique features designed to enhance the video-sharing and watching experience. Youll be able to upload videos up to three minutes long (BlueSky only allows one-minute videos). Youll also have multiple options for filters and effects. The developer even has plans to integrate live streaming in the future.

The UI will be fairly familiar, including the classic buttons for liking, commenting, and sharing, among others. Youll also have custom feeds with different themes to explore. Like Bluesky, Reelo will allow you to set up your own PDS (personal data server) if you dont want to use the services.

Due to BlueSkys own limitations, there will likely be some features that require a workaround. For example, since BlueSky only supports one-minute videos, videos on Reelo that exceed that length might be shared as a link instead of as a media file directly on the parent service.

Developer considering monetization options

Reelos developer is still looking into monetization options to implement. Joao reportedly considers using both ads and paid subscriptions for unlocking some more advanced features. He might also set up a revenue-sharing system with creators to incentivize app usage.

The app is expected to be available starting in March as a beta. However, being a one-man project, a delay could be entirely possibleand normal. Some investors have shown interest in the project, but nothing has been finalized yet. If something like this happens, the extra resources could speed up its arrival.
DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company, is currently the hottest topic in the AI industry. Why? DeepSeek released its new open-source reasoning AI model called R1, which beats the industry-leading OpenAIs o1 model in reasoning tasks. Ever since its introduction, DeepSeek has garnered praise from some popular figures in the AI industry. However, experts have way too many concerns about the Chinese AI chatbot. No wonder, the US Navy has decided to ban the use of DeepSeek AI.

The US Navy has banned using DeepSeeks AI

On January 28th, CNBC reported that the US Navy sent out an email warning shipmates not to use DeepSeeks AI in any capacity citing potential security and ethical concerns. As we mentioned earlier, China is the homeland of DeepSeek, and given the countrys relationship with the US, the Navy banning the use of the AI chatbot makes sense.

The email was sent last Friday referring to the Department of the Navys Chief Information Officers generative AI policy. A part of the US Navys email to shipmates reads, We would like to bring to your attention a critical update regarding a new AI model called DeepSeek.

Per the report, the US Navy members should refrain from using DeepSeeks AI for any purpose as part of the ban. Not to mention, they are also prohibited from downloading or installing DeepSeeks AI app in any capacity.

The AI company is collecting way too much user data

If you are someone willing to use DeepSeeks AI, dont forget that it poses a massive security threat. A quick look at the companys privacy policy suggests that it collects pretty much every kind of data. Many of which you wouldnt want to share with anyonenot even your friend. One of many reasons why the US Navy banned the use of DeepSeeks AI.

Meanwhile, OpenAI has promised to launch much better AI models than what DeepSeek recently released. Speaking of OpenAI, DeepSeeks AI app recently snatched the crown of ChatGPT for being the most downloaded free app on the App Store.
Blair and Brown pay tribute to working class hero at funeral of John Prescott

Former prime ministers Sir Tony Blair and Gordon Brown have paid tribute to a working class hero who rose to the highest ranks of the land at the funeral of Lord John Prescott.

Senior figures from past and current Labour governments gathered at Hull Minster on Thursday to remember the former deputy prime minister who died in November aged 86.

The funeral cortege included a Jaguar hearse and limousine, in a nod to Lord Prescotts nickname two Jags, and Sir Tony and Mr Brown joked in their eulogies about the famous incident in the 2001 general election campaign when he punched a man who threw an egg at him.

Lord Prescotts coffin was carried into the minster as former Downing Street director of communications Alastair Campbell played the Welsh national anthem on the bagpipes.

Mr Brown paid tribute to Lord Prescott as a working class hero who kept the show on the road during difficult times.

Giving the first eulogy at the service, he said: We will never see his like again. A man of the people he certainly was, in a class by himself, a one-off. One of a kind but one of us, in the best sense of the word.

Unique, remarkable, extraordinary. John Lennon would have called him a working class hero, and not least because he risked appearing on Gavin And Stacey, seen by millions, as Nessas rejected suitor.

John was a man of the people because he could connect with people, and I dont just mean that man in Rhyl who dared to hurl an egg at him.

Gordon Brown at the funeral service (Danny Lawson/PA)

John could connect with people who had not only encountered him in the media, but knew he was on their side.

The John you saw in Hull and the John you saw at home was the John you saw in Downing Street, and the reason is he was never afraid to stand up for what he believed, and for the people it was his lifes work to serve.

Sir Tony joked with the congregation about the pandemonium that ensued after the punch in the 2001 general election campaign.

He recalled ringing his deputy with reluctance and asking him to apologise.

Sir Tony said he got the reply: The answer is no, Im not bloody apologising and thats the end of it.

The coffin of Lord John Prescott arrives at Hull Minster (Danny Lawson/PA)

The former PM said: Classic.

He said he watched the footage again recently and was cheering him on.

Sir Tony Blair told the congregation: Its right that we celebrate his life. He played a huge part in the affairs of Government but I want to celebrate him also as a man, a good man, a man who started as my political partner and became my personal friend.

You will miss him, we will miss him, but I hope if Johns looking down on us, and not already in deep negotiation with St Peter over the accommodation, I hope he will see in this vast gathering today, a recognition of that working class boy from a small Welsh town, who rose to the highest ranks of the land by merit, by graft, by greatness of courage and character, and he will feel deservedly at peace.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and former Labour communications chief Alastair Campbell (Danny Lawson/PA)

Lord Prescotts son David told the funeral: He was a man who spent his life overcoming challenges and helping others, adding: Prescott was always at your service.

He described how the bolshy ex-waiter became deputy prime minister and talked about his family life.

He also spoke about his fathers final days in a care home, thanking all the carers and staff who looked after him.

Mr Prescott finished his eulogy with the speech Lord Prescott gave to the East Hull Labour Party in 1968 as he pitched to be the local MP, saying: John always had the last word.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner read the poem Here by Hull-based poet Philip Larkin, and Sir Keir Starmer read from Psalm 107.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer attending the funeral service (Danny Lawson/PA)

Hosted by the Rev Canon Dominic Black, the service included singing from the Choral-Hull childrens choir, made up of pupils across the city.

More than 300 family members, friends and colleagues were invited. Labour-linked attendees included Chancellor Rachel Reeves and mayor of London Sadiq Khan, and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper arrived with her husband Ed Balls.

Former home secretary Baroness Jacqui Smith, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle were among the first to arrive, followed by Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle.

Lord Prescott, who served as deputy prime minister under Sir Tony between 1997 and 2007, died on November 20 last year in a nursing home where he had been living with Alzheimers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations for Alzheimers Research UK.
Captain Sir Tom Moores family is said to have demanded his name be removed from the foundation set up in his honour and still not paid funds the charity insists are owed after a damning watchdog investigation.

It was revealed this week that renowned pandemic fundraiser Sir Tom Moores name had been dropped, changing it from the Captain Tom Foundation to the 1189808 Foundation, reflecting the organisations charity number.

The change came just over two months after the charities watchdog found there had been repeated misconduct and mismanagement on the part of Sir Toms daughter and her husband in their running of the foundation.

Captain Sir Tom Moores daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore (Jacob King/PA)

On Thursday, a foundation spokesperson revealed the family had demanded Sir Toms name be removed.

Following the Charity Commission report in November into the foundation, the remaining trustee said he was imploring the Ingram-Moores to rectify matters by returning the funds due so they could be donated to well-deserving charities as intended by the late Captain Sir Tom Moore.

But a spokesperson confirmed they have failed to do so since then.

The commissions report found a repeated pattern of behaviour which saw Hannah Ingram-Moore and her husband Colin make private gains and which the regulator said will have left the public feeling misled.

The report found that a 1.4 million book deal and an 18,000 awards ceremony appearance fee were among the financial benefits the Ingram-Moores enjoyed through their family links to the Captain Tom Foundation.

Following the name change, a foundation spokesperson has said: Notwithstanding the Charity Commissions findings against the Ingram-Moores, as well as their failure to rectify matters by returning the funds properly due to it, The Captain Tom Foundation considers it inappropriate to stand in the way of the familys wish regarding the use of the late Sir Captain Toms name.

The Foundation has therefore acceded to the familys demand that it removes Captain Toms name from its title.

Following the reports publication last year, the Ingram-Moores argued it was a breach of privacy for the book deal to have been disclosed by the commission and said significant fees had been paid to the literary agent, legal and PR professionals, as well as some money having supported the foundation.

The Ingram-Moores had already been banned last year from being charity trustees, with Mrs Ingram-Moore prohibited from being a trustee or holding a senior management role in any charity in England and Wales for 10 years, and Mr Ingram-Moore for eight years.

He resigned as director of the foundation in June last year, while Mrs Ingram-Moore quit in 2021.

Last week Club Nook, a company of which the Ingram-Moores are directors, filed company accounts showing the value of its assets had plunged to just 149 in the year to April 2024, down from 336,300 in the previous 12 months.

A lawyer for the Ingram-Moores indicated back in 2023 that the Captain Tom Foundation might shut down, and the charity stopped taking donations that summer.

The millions raised by the late Sir Tom and donated to NHS Charities Together before the foundation was formed were not part of the commissions inquiry.

The Ingram-Moores have not responded to a request for comment.
A slowdown in the transition to electric vehicles contributed to a fall in UK car production last year, new figures show.

The total was just over 900,000 in 2024, down by almost 12% on the previous year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

There was a 20% decline in battery electric (BEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and hybrid vehicle (HEV) output, which the SMMT said was expected, adding that they still accounted for over a third of production, the second highest on record.

Factories turned out 779,584 cars and 125,649 commercial vehicles (CVs), a total of 905,233.

Car companies announced investment of more than 20 billion in electric vehicle (EV) production in 2023 and a further 3.5 billion in 2024 so the decline will be temporary, the SMMT predicted.

Chief executive Mike Hawes said the industry was still going in one direction but added there was fierce competition to attract investment.

He called for moves to incentivise consumers to buy EVs as well as having a tariff-free enhanced trade partnership with the EU, which remains the biggest market for exports.

Almost eight in 10 cars were destined for export last year, with 77.5% (467,937 units) shipped to the top three markets  the EU (54%), US (16.9%) and China (6.6%).

Exports to the EU and China were down by 24.3% and 21.8% respectively but those to the US rose 38.5%, which the SMMT said emphasised the need for supportive trading conditions across the Atlantic.

CV production increased by 4% last year, the best since 2008, but the number of cars built was affected by issues including factories preparing to switch to EVs, weakness in global markets as well as a slowdown in the transition to electrification amid tough economic conditions, said the SMMT.

December rounded off 10 consecutive months of decline for British car production, falling by 27% compared to the same month a year previously.

Mr Hawes said the car sector faced a very difficult year but he believed there were opportunities for new jobs as the industry transitions, in areas including software development.

The SMMT had good access to the Labour Government and was encouraged by its industrial strategy plans, he said.

Amid significant geopolitical and trade tensions, UK manufacturers are set on turning billions of pounds of investment into production reality, transforming factories to make new electric vehicles for sale around the world.

Growing pains are inevitable, so the drop in volumes last year is not surprising. With new, exciting models and battery production on the horizon, the potential for growth is clear.

Securing this future, however, requires industrial and trade strategies that deliver the competitive conditions essential for growth amidst an increasingly protectionist global environment, he added.

The latest independent production outlook expects car and light van production to be around 839,000 this year, rising to 930,000 in 2027, with the potential to get above one million in 2028 and over 1.1 million by 2030.
People selling and handling boat parts suspected of being used in migrant Channel crossings could face up to 14 years in prison under new laws trying to crack down on people smugglers.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has also outlined plans to make endangering another life during a sea crossing to the UK a new offence carrying a five-year jail term under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill introduced to Parliament on Thursday.

Home Office sources said in the last few months there have been instances of floating crime scenes where people have acted in such a reckless way people died on board in crushes and drownings.

It comes as part of a raft of new offences and counter-terror powers aimed at helping to stop the smuggling of migrants across the Channel.

(PA Graphics)

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer previously vowed to treat people smugglers as terrorists in a bid to curb Channel crossings, but ministers stopped short of setting a target on reducing the number of arrivals via the smuggler route.

So far this year more than 1,000 migrants have made the journey to the UK across the English Channel.

A total of 36,816 people were recorded arriving last year, according to Home Office figures.

The Government is expected to seek to bring the measures into force as soon as possible once the legislation is approved by MPs and Lords, believed to be this year.

Officials believe powers handed to police and other agencies, including to seize and search electronic devices before an arrest if they suspect they contain information about organised immigration crime, will allow them to take more action before crossings happen.

Under the plans, collecting information for smuggling gangs to use for crossings  such as departure points, dates and times  will also be criminalised.

The Safety of Rwanda Act will be scrapped to formally ditch the multimillion-pound deal to send migrants to the east African state, while parts of the Illegal Migration Act will also be repealed.

Powerful new laws have been introduced in Parliament today to smash the gangs and save lives. Here's how  pic.twitter.com/dUzDRtwy7K  Home Office (@ukhomeoffice) January 30, 2025

Ministers will only keep measures from the law for operational reasons, including a cap on the number of people arriving under safe and legal routes, and time periods migrants can be detained.

Ms Cooper said: This Bill will equip our law enforcement agencies with the powers they need to stop these vile criminals, disrupting their supply chains and bringing more of those who profit from human misery to justice.

These new counter-terror style powers, including making it easier to seize mobile phones at the border, along with statutory powers for our new Border Security Command to focus activity across law enforcement agencies and Border Force will turbocharge efforts to smash the gangs.

The new law is expected to make up part of the Governments approach to tackling the complex issue, while also focusing on international co-operation and continuing removal of migrants without valid asylum claims from the country.

Speaking to the BBC on Thursday, the Home Secretary defended the Governments handle on the high number of crossings, adding were too dependent on the weather.

She said: We should not be in a situation where the number of border crossings is depending on the weather and thats happened because theres not been the action against the criminal gangs, and theyve been able to just take hold along the channel.

Thats why were so determined with the border security command, with the new powers, but also with the partnership with other European countries to go after those gang operations.

The Government could end deaths in the channel today with safe routes for people to seek asylum. Instead, todays Borders Bill will cost yet more lives. Its time to #FightForAsylumRights and show the Government that the public wont let them make these deadly mistakes. pic.twitter.com/YwOQrFDiSx  Asylum Matters  (@AsylumMatters) January 30, 2025

Reacting to the Bill, Mubeen Bhutta, from British Red Cross, said: We welcome the Governments focus on improving the UK asylum system and its commitment to avoid further loss of life in the Channel.

However, the legislation announced today does not address one of the fundamental reasons why people put their lives in the hands of people smugglers, which is that there is no way to apply for asylum without already being in the UK.

Natasha Tsangarides from refugee charity Freedom From Torture added that instead it will make methods refugees use to escape war and persecution more dangerous.

Home Office sources added while safe routes need to be working effectively, it cannot be the only answer or an alternative to stopping smuggling gangs.

Asylum Matters executive director Louise Calvey said: This Bill was a chance to make the change thats desperately needed in our asylum system: to tackle the backlog, to let people work while they await their asylum decision, to save lives by creating safe ways to seek asylum.

Instead, the Government has ignored evidence and experts to create a Bill that repeats the same mistakes that have been costing lives and causing immense suffering for years.
According to popular theory, orange cats are moreshall we sayspicy than cats of any other color. They bring more attitude, more energy, and more joie de vivre than black or calico or tabby kitties. Of course, I can already hear the insistence from the keepers of cats of every other color that this is most certainly not the case. But for sure this Dachshund mama found that one of her puppies was slightly more trouble than the othersbut that was because it wasnt a puppy at all. It was a tiny orange cat.

In this video we meet Perry, a mini piebald Dachshund living in Utah and just trying to be the best mom she can to her puppiesand once, to a rescued kitten who made it to her little family at just the right time to be raised alongside her other dogs.

Related: Woman's Holiday Dachshund Puppy Surprise for Her Husband Comes with an Extra Bonus

In the clips, you can see the kitten snuggling with the other puppies. Nursing alongside them, and roughhousing with momsometimes more forcefully than she may have been expecting.

A Wild Kitty

The mama dog: Why is this baby so sharp? One commenter imagines poor Perry saying as the tiny thing claws at her.

But to be sure, she still knows how to keep her kids in lineeven the feline ones.

Can a kitten survive on canine milk? One commenter asks.

Ours did! The original poster replies. And its true. The kitten in this video looks like hes growing up just fine.

An orange kitty raised by a Dachshund? This is potentially the most chaotic mix ever, claims one viewer, but Perdy definitely appears to have control over the situation.

Such a sweet girl, observes one, admiring the mother and her patience. Not much will get in the way of a motherly instinct.

In one scene, hes stalking the wagging tail of one of his puppy foster siblings. In another, hes attacking poor Perdys tail.

But that is when he learns a lesson. You see, when a mother dog wishes to correct her youngster, she holds them down to the ground with her jaw on their neck. It seems harsh to outsiders, but this is just standard canine behavior. And for this cat who thinks hes a dog, it works.

I find it funny that the cat was messing with the mama, and the mama put him in his place. You need to iron fist to raise an orange kitty, remarks someone in the comments.

In later clips, you can see the orange cat has grown a lot. In fact, hes about as big as his mom now. And they are still as tight friends as ever.

Now thats loyalty.

Dogs and Cats

Despite the old wives tales, dogs and cats are actually perfectly capable of getting along, especially if they grow up side-by-side. Though the orange cat in this video is obviously still as spicy and rambunctious now as he was as a kitten, its clear that his heart is in the right place and he and his foster mama remain good friends.

The secret to that kind of relationship is good boundaries. That cat needs to learn when hes gone too far.
Forensic evidence links a man to the callous and cowardly murder of three police officers in Northern Ireland in 1982, a court has heard.

Martin John McCauley, 62, with an address at Esmondale in Naas, County Kildare, appeared in the dock at Craigavon Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Mr McCauley was one of the so-called Colombia Three, who were accused of training rebel FARC guerrilla forces in 2001.

McCauley appeared at Craigavon Courthouse on Thursday (Brian Lawless/PA)

McCauley was charged with murdering Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) Sergeant Sean Quinn and constables Allan McCloy and Paul Hamilton in a landmine attack at Kinnego Embankment near Lurgan on October 27 1982.

The IRA claimed responsibility for the attack.

A prosecuting lawyer told the court that McCauley had been extradited from the Republic of Ireland.

McCauley was detained by gardai on Thursday morning and arrested by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) at the border, the court was told.

The three murder charges were read to McCauley as he stood in the dock.

A PSNI detective inspector told the court she could connect the accused to the charges.

Outlining the facts, the prosecuting lawyer said: A substantial bomb was hidden underneath the road.

It detonated remotely as the officers vehicle went over it.

He said a number of items had been recovered from the scene at the time, including cigarette butts.

He added the items had been subjected to modern era forensic examination, which could match McCauleys DNA to that identified on the butts.

He said the presence of DNA of other individuals who are now dead were also discovered.

The detective inspector told the court she opposed an application for bail on the basis of risk of flight, risk of further offences and risk of interference with witnesses.

McCauley appeared at Craigavon Courthouse in Co Armagh (Liam McBurney/PA)

She said: This was a callous and cowardly murder of three RUC officers while on duty responding to a call from the public.

She pointed out McCauley did not live in Northern Ireland and had in the past demonstrated the ability to travel without a passport.

A defence lawyer said he was surprised that the police were opposing bail.

He said police concerns that the defendant could interfere with witnesses were quite frankly, absurd.

He added: It is every bit as absurd as the objection on the basis of there being a risk of further offences.

On the issue of risk of flight, the lawyer said: He is as anchored to this island as anyone can possibly be.

The lawyer said his client had known for two weeks that he would be extradited to Northern Ireland but had continued to honour bail conditions in the Republic of Ireland.

District Judge Philip Mateer said he was satisfied there was a prima facie case against McCauley.

However, he said he was not satisfied that there was a legal justification to refuse bail.

McCauley will appear in court again on February 26.

McCauley was initially arrested by gardai in the Republic of Ireland in August 2024 and had been on bail since an appearance at the High Court in Dublin on foot of the extradition warrant.
A judge has upheld a legal challenge by environmental campaigners against the decision to grant consent to two new oil and gas fields in the North Sea.

Greenpeace and Uplift brought the challenge at the Court of Session in Edinburgh over decisions to give approval to the Rosebank oil field north west of Shetland and the Jackdaw gas field off Aberdeen.

They argued the UK Government and North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) had acted unlawfully when granting consent to the projects, as environmental impact assessments did not take into account downstream emissions resulting from the burning of the extracted fuels.

The former Conservative-led UK government approved Shells proposals to develop the Jackdaw field in 2022 and cleared Equinor and Ithaca Energys plans to drill in the Rosebank field in September 2023.

In a judgement published on Thursday, Lord Ericht said the decision to grant consent was unlawful and ruled the consent should be reduced (quashed) and reconsidered.

In his published opinion, he said: Having considered all the circumstances of the case and the various public and private interests, I have reached the conclusion that the balance lies in favour of granting reduction.

The public interest in authorities acting lawfully and the private interest of members of the public in climate change outweigh the private interest of the developers.

The factors advanced by Shell, Equinor and Ithaca in respect of their private interest do not justify the departure on equitable grounds from the normal remedy of reduction of an unlawful decision.

The decisions will be reduced, and can be taken again, this time taking into account downstream emissions.

Protesters campaigned outside the Court of Session in Edinburgh during the hearings in November (Andrew Milligan/PA)

He said there was a public interest in having the decision remade on a lawful basis because of the effects of climate change.

The effect of the burning of fossil fuels on climate change and the lives of individual persons is now well recognised in law, he explained.

He ordered that the reduction be suspended pending the Secretary of States re-consideration of the matter, which he said would give the companies options on how to proceed in the interim.

However, he said no oil or gas should be extracted before a new decision on consent is made.

Philip Evans, senior campaigner at Greenpeace UK, said: This is a historic win  the age of governments approving new drilling sites by ignoring their climate impacts is over.

The courts have agreed with what climate campaigners have said all along: Rosebank and Jackdaw are unlawful, and their full climate impacts must now be properly considered.

Fossil fuels are an economic dead end. Now that the ball is back in the Governments court, ministers have the opportunity to sort out the legal mess left by their predecessors.

Tessa Khan, executive director of Uplift, said: This is a significant win which means that Rosebank cannot go ahead without accounting for its enormous climate harm.

The continued burning of oil and gas is why we are seeing more extreme weather like Storm Eowyn and flooding that have claimed lives and caused hundreds of millions of pounds in damage and clean-up costs, not to mention the devastation its causing in other countries.

Most people are now joining the dots with endless oil and gas drilling and are worried about the future.

A Shell spokesperson called for swift action from the Government in response to the ruling.

The spokesperson said: Todays ruling rightly allows work to progress on this nationally important energy project while new consents are sought.

We have spent more than 800 million since the regulator approved Jackdaw in 2022.

Swift action is needed from the Government so that we and other North Sea operators can make decisions about vital UK energy infrastructure.

When operational, Jackdaw would provide enough fuel to heat 1.4 million UK homes, at a time when older gas fields are reaching the end of their production and the UK is reliant on imported gas to meet its energy needs.

An Equinor spokesperson said: We welcome todays ruling and are pleased with the outcome which allows us to continue with progressing the Rosebank project while we await new consents.

Rosebank is critical for the UKs economic growth, with an estimated 77% (6.6bn) of total direct investment benefiting UK businesses.

Equinor and its Rosebank JV partner, Ithaca, have already committed over 2.2 billion on developing Rosebank  awarding vital contracts across the supply chain and employing personnel to deliver the work.

An Ithaca spokesperson said: Ithaca Energy welcomes todays ruling and is pleased with the outcome, which allows us to continue progressing the Rosebank project while we await new consents.

The company added that together with Equinor they will continue to work closely with regulators and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) to progress the project.

This included, they said, submitting a downstream end-user combustion emissions assessment in full compliance with the UK Governments new environmental guidance.

A DESNZ spokesperson said: The Government has already consulted on revised environmental guidance to take into account emissions from burning extracted oil and gas to provide stability for industry, support investment, protect jobs and deliver economic growth.

We will respond to this consultation as soon as possible and developers will be able to apply for consents under this revised regime.

Our priority is to deliver a fair, orderly and prosperous transition in the North Sea in line with our climate and legal obligations, which drives towards our clean energy future of energy security, lower bills, and good, long-term jobs.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said the Government was taking the time to carefully consider the ruling.

Decisions on offshore oil and gas licensing and consenting are currently reserved to the UK Government, they said.

We have been consistently clear that the UK Government should approach these decisions on a rigorously evidence-led, case by case, basis  with robust climate compatibility and energy security being key considerations.
King reveals he does not like his curry too strong as he meets new MPs

The King revealed he does not like his curry too strong as he welcomed newly elected MPs and members of the House of Lords to a reception at Buckingham Palace.

The King and Queen, along with the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, met the new MPs in the Ballroom on Wednesday afternoon.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, former prime minister Theresa May and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage also attended.

Deirdre Costigan, Labour MP for Ealing Southall, said she spoke to the King about his love of curries, adding that he said he did not like his curry too strong.

She said: Hes very knowledgeable, isnt he?

So I said, Im from Ealing Southall, and straight away he was like, oh yes, he knew it was Little India, and he talked about his love of curries.

And he also said, youve got a very big Sikh community there, dont you?

The King and Queen with Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during a reception at Buckingham Palace (Aaron Chown/PA)

So I asked him to come to Ealing Southall and check out the curry, I hope he will.

But he also recognised straight away I had an Irish accent. He said, youre Irish. And he said, it would be great to get a state visit as well.

Asked if the King mentioned what sort of curry he liked, Ms Costigan replied that Charles said not too strong.

The King also met Liberal Democrat MP Steve Darling and his guide dog Jennie and gave the golden retrievers head a scratch.

The King with Liberal Democrat MP Steve Darling and his guide dog Jennie (Aaron Chown/PA)

Charles said to Mr Darling: She knows her way around the house does she?

Mr Darling said she knew the best place to go for the food.

The King then asked Mr Darling how the food was in the Houses of Parliament.

The Duchess of Edinburgh, who is patron of Guide Dogs, met Mr Darling and greeted Jennie by saying Oh my goodness, Im your patron, before making a fuss of her.

Sophie knelt down on the floor to stroke Jennie and the dog gave her a paw.

Before meeting the King and Duchess of Edinburgh, Mr Darling told reporters Jennie thinks the Palace of Westminster is her palace, and shes the Queen of it, and everybody comes there just to love her.

The Duchess of Edinburgh with Lib Dem MP Steve Darlings guide dog Jennie (Aaron Chown/PA)

He said: So when we get off the train at Paddington, her tail is on such a high wag as we make our way towards the Central line, she knows where shes going, and shes really excited.

Mr Darling said Jennie is a good bridge builder for people from other parties, which he said was really important as he could have conversations he otherwise would not have had.

Paul Waugh, Labour MP for Rochdale, said the King was very polite.

He said: He was impeccably polite, as youd imagine. Knows a lot about every constituency, got the sort of incredible encyclopedic knowledge of every area of the UK, as you might imagine.

Mr Waugh added that he told the King Rochdale was the home of the Co-op and that he jokingly asked the King if he shopped at the Co-op, to which Charles burst out laughing.

He said the new MPs were honoured to be there, but the King was making (it) absolutely clear we are the VIPs as well.
Ministers must be bold and establish a national commission to help reform the unrepresentative voting system used for UK parliamentary elections, according to a Labour MP.

Alex Sobel (Leeds Central and Headingley), who supports proportional representation, said the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system is not working and is desperately in need of an upgrade.

He said a national commission for electoral reform would act as a first step to finding a consensus on the system to be used in future, amid concerns that 85% of MPs were elected by less than 50% of the voters who turned out in 2024.

Under the existing FPTP system, voters select their preferred candidate and the candidate with the most votes wins.

Alternatives include the single transferable vote system in which voters rank candidates in order of preference.

Opening a debate on proportional representation for general elections, Mr Sobel told the Commons: I want to encourage the Government to be bold and to be honest about how unrepresentative British general elections have become.

Labour MP Florence Eshalomi (Vauxhall and Camberwell Green), intervening, noted turnout at last years general election dropped below 60%, adding: That means two in every five people didnt even participate. Does this not show that actually we need to change that so more people engage in our democratic system?

Mr Sobel said voter turnout and engagement should be a matter of concern for everyone, adding: The truth is first-past-the-post is failing on its terms; its becoming less and less representative and producing more and more random results, more outliers, more MPs elected on less than 30% of their constituency votes.

The MP for Leeds Central and Headingley, who secured 50.2% of the vote at the last election, said record levels of distrust in politics are being fed by people feeling that they dont have a fair say over who speaks for them or how they are governed.

He said: That should worry all of us. The Government has a responsibility to face up to those problems and address them before the next general election, starting with the launch of the national commission for electoral reform.

Addressing last years election, Mr Sobel said: Were now at an unprecedented situation where 554 MPs, 85% of us here, were elected with less than 50% of the voters who turned out.

He added: And 266 MPs, 41%, were elected with less than 40%. There are even a few colleagues who were elected on less than 30% of the vote.

When most people can see their representation in Parliament doesnt reflect how they voted, it feeds the all too pervasive sense that Westminster is a distant, unresponsive institution, one that voters have no real voice in.

Mr Sobel highlighted opinion polls that showed support for proportional representation, adding: The Prime Minister has made clear that restoring trust in politics is a key priority, calling the fight for trust the battle that defines our age.

If the Government is to win the battle, it must address our flawed voting system. A voting system it knows is driving distrust and alienation in our politics, a voting system that means millions of peoples votes dont count, a voting system that most people dont want to continue with.

Thats why I urge the Government to take this first step by establishing a national commission for electoral reform, as recommended by the APPG (all-party parliamentary group) for fair elections, which I chair.

Labour MP Steve Race (Exeter) said he does not support electoral reform in a pure PR sense and recognised that the Governments priorities include stabilising the public finances, growing the economy and rebuilding public services.

He added: There is much to do that can be fixed to make the current system more democratic and accessible, and I do support (Mr Sobels) call for a commission into this issue in order to find a way forward.

Labour MP Anna Dixon (Shipley) said electoral reform would help restore the publics trust in politicians.

She said: I believe that the Government could get on the front foot, show its serious about addressing our unrepresentative voting system and stem this rise in disengagement and distrust in politics. We could bring the public with us and rebuild the trust in our democracy.

But Jas Athwal, Labour MP for Ilford South, said: PR is not the panacea that everybody is talking about today. A PR system makes it harder for local concerns to be represented and addressed.

Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Olney asked for the Government to provide parliamentary time for her Elections (proportional representation) Bill to be debated in the Commons.

The Richmond Park MPs Bill aims to introduce a system of proportional representation for parliamentary elections and for local government elections in England.

For the Conservatives, shadow communities minister Paul Holmes said first past the post acts as a safeguard against extremism.

Communities minister Rushanara Ali said: This Government has no plans to change the voting system for elections to the House of Commons. Im getting unlikely cheers, Im not used to having cheers from the main opposition party.

The first-past-the-post system, while not perfect, provides for  as has been pointed out  a direct relationship between Members of Parliament and their local constituency, and such a change would require a national conversation and a referendum.
Lord Alan Sugar has claimed a lot of young people just want to sit at home and should get back to the office.

In a BBC interview, he became the latest business veteran to criticise remote working, saying: Theyve got to get their bums back into the office.

Lord Sugar, 77, owns a large estate of office buildings across central London through his Amsprop property portfolio.

The adoption of hybrid working in recent years has been bad for office landlords because it makes buildings harder, and sometimes less lucrative, to lease.

Lord Sugar added: Im a great advocate of getting them back to work, because the only way an apprentice is going to learn is from his colleagues.

He said: Its small things, like interaction with your more mature colleagues, that will tell you how to do this, how to do that.

That is lacking in this work-from-home, zoom culture.

The businessman said he could make an exception for software writers who get up at three oclock in the morning with some kind of brainstorm and for people who are disabled.

Remote working policies were introduced by most companies during Covid-19 lockdowns, with office employees the most affected by them.

Lord Sugar follows former Asda and Marks & Spencer boss Lord Stuart Rose in criticising remote working policies (Lucy North/PA)

The most recent official data showed that 28% of the UK workforce is in hybrid work, meaning spending some days at the office or at home.

Meanwhile 44% of people travel to work every day, while 13% of people are fully remote, according to an October survey by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

In responses to the survey, people said they spend more time on rest, exercise and wellbeing when they are able to spend some days at home.

The Labour Government is changing the law to give workers the right to work more flexibly.

Its upcoming Employment Rights Bill is set to make hybrid working an option for all unless their employer can prove it is unreasonable.

Nonetheless, a growing number of large corporates including Amazon and JP Morgan have called their employees back to the office full-time in recent months.

Bosses claim face-to-face contact is important for collaboration and say having employees in the office means they do more work.

Lord Sugar follows former Asda and Marks & Spencer boss Lord Stuart Rose in criticising remote working policies.

Lord Rose said earlier in January that remote work is not proper work.

He claimed: We have regressed in this country in terms of working practices, productivity and in terms of the countrys wellbeing, I think, by 20 years in the last four.

A biography of the ex-Asda chief on the supermarkets website says he appears to have no hobbies apart from work.
A double murderer who carried out the bloodthirsty killing of a woman and dumped her dismembered body in a park has been jailed for the rest of his life.

Builder Steve Sansom was out of prison on life licence for another murder when he killed Sarah Mayhew, 38, and dumped her remains in Rowdown Fields, New Addington, south London, last spring.

Steve Sansom, 45, appeared via video link at Old Bailey, London, charged with the prevention of the lawful and decent burial of a body, and the murder of Sarah Mayhew (Elizabeth Cook/PA)

The 45-year-old and his partner Gemma Watts, 49, have admitted murder and perverting the course of justice by dismembering Ms Mayhews body, distributing the parts at various locations and cleaning up the scene, the Old Bailey heard.

On Thursday, Mrs Justice Cutts sentenced Sansom to life imprisonment for murder with a whole life order, which means he will never be released from prison.

He was also sentenced to five years for perverting the course of justice to run concurrently.

Watts held back tears as she was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 30 years along with five years for perverting the course of justice to run concurrently.

If she is ever released, she will spend the rest of her life on licence.

The judge said both defendants were equally involved in the plan to lure Ms Mayhew to Sansoms flat, adding: You had lured Sarah to the flat for depraved and violent sexual activity during which she was to be killed.

Her fear and suffering must have been acute as she realised why she was there and what was happening.

The judge added: She was an innocent woman, lured to that flat to die in order that you both could act out your blood thirsty and wicked fantasy.

Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Gemma Watts (Elizabeth Cook/PA)

Sansom, of Sutton, south-west London, and Watts, of New Addington, sat quietly in the dock as details of their kinky sexual relationship  including a stream of messages between them about bestiality, humiliation and causing hurt  were outlined at their sentencing hearing.

They indulged in depraved conversation about sexual activity and the graphic messages between them soon evolved into becoming more than fantasy.

The judge said that Sansom had murder in mind and that Watts, who was obsessed with him, took part in the murder.

The judge added: There is clear and proper inference in my view that this murder involved sexual and sadistic conduct.

Ms Mayhew, who lived in New Addington, on the outskirts of Croydon, was never seen again after she joined Sansom, whom she had met years before on a dating site, at his ground floor flat in Sutton at about 11pm on March 8 2024. Watts was already at the property.

Ms Mayhews head and limbs were found more than eight miles away in Rowdown Field in New Addington, just over three weeks later on April 2 2024.

Floral tributes at the scene in Rowdown Fields, in New Addington, south London, where remains belonging to Sarah Mayhew, 38, were found (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

Her torso was discovered much later in the River Wandle and some pieces of evidence were destroyed or disposed of by the defendants, the court heard.

It is believed Ms Mayhew must have been killed or incapacitated inside Sansoms flat on the night of March 8 to 9 2024 and, given the messages sent between the defendants in the months before, it is not credible to conclude that she was killed immediately, prosecutor Tom Little KC said.

Sansom later tried to justify what they had done, saying: Were not evil, we done the world a service.

Mr Little told the court: The defendants acting together conducted the planned and premeditated bloodthirsty murder of Sarah Mayhew.

It is a murder which the prosecution submit involved sexual and/or sadistic conduct.

Having committed the murder they then made very extensive efforts to pervert the course of justice over a number of days.

Prior to the murder, the defendants had exchanged a range of depraved messages including those indicating a desire on their part to kill victims whilst involved in sexual activity with them, with a knife or knives, and then have sex with each other whilst covered in the blood of the victim and they even discussed eating human flesh but we do not suggest they did so.

The scene in Rowdown Fields, in New Addington, south London, where remains belonging to Sarah Mayhew, 38, were found (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

The court heard that Sansom sent Watts a voice message on September 11 2023 that said: Everything looks like meat now dont they? A plaything, something to cut, something to bleed, they all look different now.

By March 10 2024, Sansom and Watts had decided to cut up Ms Mayhews body, the prosecution said.

On that day, he used cash to buy a 300mm hacksaw, a 300mm blade and a 14-litre bucket. An incinerator was used in a garden and Ms Mayhews clothes were not found.

In the days after the murder is believed to have taken place, Sansom and Watts were seen walking by the River Wandle and near his flat, and at one point he is pulling a suitcase that is noticeably heavier than before because it now contained Sarah Mayhews torso, Mr Little said.

The defendants showed no remorse for the killing and instead later messaged each other and joked about disposing of someone in a suitcase, the court heard.

DNA tests carried out on blood traces in a bucket, in the kitchen and the lounge floor and walls at Sansoms flat showed they belonged to Ms Mayhew.

Her bloodstains were also found in the bedroom and bathroom sink.

In a victim impact statement, Ms Mayhew was remembered by her mother Angela as a beautiful, pretty girl and she said that it breaks my heart she is not around.

Ms Mayhews father David thanked the defendants for pleading guilty and saving his grieving family from the ordeal of sitting through a trial of this horrendous case.

He added: That said, whatever sentence you may receive will never compare to the pain you have caused us.

I ask myself the same question all the time, why did you have to kill her? Maybe I will never know.

Sansom was jailed in May 1999 after admitting the murder and robbery of a minicab driver on Christmas Eve the previous year, when he ordered a cab to take him home from East Croydon.

The victim in that case, 59-year-old married father-of-two Terence Boyle, had crawled from his cab after Sansom attacked him and stole 25 to buy presents.

Sansom, then 20, laughed afterwards and told a friend: His kids are going to have to see him in hospital over Christmas.

He was freed from prison on licence in 2019 after his case was considered by the Parole Board, and was under probation supervision when he killed for a second time.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman, who confirmed a serious further offence review is under way, said: This was an abhorrent crime and our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Sarah Mayhew.
Manuel Akanji insists Manchester City have nothing to fear from Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.

City will face one of those two European heavyweights in the Champions League next month after scraping through to the play-off round on Wednesday.

The 2023 winners had been in danger of elimination after falling behind in their must-win final league phase match against Club Brugge at the Etihad Stadium but rallied to win 3-1.

Savinho seals our spot in the play-offs!  pic.twitter.com/mjSA4rIWIW  Manchester City (@ManCity) January 30, 2025

Defeat would have seen City miss out on the knockout stages for the first time since 2012-13 but, after just making the cut in 22nd place, Akanji feels they can now look forward with confidence.

The Switzerland defender said: Were definitely ready. Obviously theyre not the teams you want to face but whoever it is were looking forward to the challenge and I think we can beat every team in Europe.

Even though we didnt play as good as we used to, I think no team wants to face us. I dont know whats going on in their heads but whoever comes were ready for the challenge.

City went into the game knowing only victory would be enough to prolong their latest European campaign.

Having started the competition as one of the favourites, City had found themselves in this predicament after a calamitous sequence of results and performances including defeats to Sporting Lisbon, Juventus and Paris St Germain and a draw with Feyenoord.

The downturn looked set to continue as they conceded to Raphael Onyedika but City hit back after the break through Mateo Kovacic, a Joel Ordonez own goal and game-changing substitute Savinho.

Akanji said: Were happy that we made it to the play-offs. Obviously we wish we could have made it to the top eight but we couldnt change that anymore.

All we had to do was win. It wasnt easy but we did it. It wasnt the way that we wanted it to be but here we are right now and Im still confident we can beat whoever comes next.

Mateo Kovacic, centre, began Citys fightback (Martin Rickett/PA)

It has been an underwhelming season so far for City, who have also fallen well off the pace in their pursuit of a fifth successive Premier League title.

They now move into a tough February with games against Arsenal, Newcastle, Liverpool and Tottenham, as well as their double-header against Real or Bayern. They will learn their European opponents on Friday.

Good results always make the mood better than when you lose, said Akanji.

I hope we can keep it going. Its what we have to do now  go match by match, game by game. We have Arsenal next. Its an important game, away, it wont be easy. We have to recover well and be ready for the challenge.
Mikel Arteta praised 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri after he scored on his full Champions League debut in Arsenals 2-1 win away against Girona.

The victory rubber-stamped what had looked highly likely before kick-off, that the team will bypass Februarys play-off round and progress straight to the last-16 after finishing third in the final table.

Nwaneri curled in the winner late in the first half to become the second-youngest English goalscorer in the competition behind Real Madrids Jude Bellingham.

Locked in for the knockout stage  pic.twitter.com/BoO0xdjuSx  Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 29, 2025

Thats what we love about him, said Arteta. Hes very aggressive. Before that he had another action where he made the right choice, he went for it.

He never (looks nervous), hes so composed, calm and confident in his ability. At 17, scoring a really important goal in the Champions League is not very common.

Goalkeeper David Raya missed the game through injury with Arteta unable to say whether the 29-year-old will be fit to face Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.

It meant a debut for on-loan Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto, who was badly at fault for Gironas goal after getting caught horribly out of position as Arnaut Danjuma put the home side in front in the 28th minute.

(Raya) certainly could not play, hes injured, said Arteta. Lets see how he improves.

Ending the group phase with a win  pic.twitter.com/isPdyDbpXV  Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 29, 2025

Of Netos shaky display, he said: I am very happy he played first of all. Its been seven months.

The Brazilian was ultimately relieved of responsibility for what would have been a surprise defeat against the LaLiga side, Jorginho equalising from the penalty spot with his first goal since he scored in this competition against Lens in November 2023.

That set things up for Nwaneri to win it with a lovely curling drive, cutting inside past three defenders before finishing brilliantly beyond goalkeeper Pau Lopez.

Raheem Sterling had the chance to increase the lead from the penalty spot in stoppage time only to be denied just a second Arsenal goal by a fine save by Lopez.

David Raya missed the game in Spain ahead of Sundays meeting with Manchester City (Mike Egerton/PA)

Its so tough, I think we won the last four games of the Champions League, said Arteta. What you have to do to win games in the Champions League is very demanding.

More belief in that dressing room that we are a good team and we can beat anyone.

Job done in the manner we wanted, winning in a convincing way and in a really good position.

The manager would not comment on reports earlier on Wednesday that the club had made a significant bid to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.

The PA news agency understands Villa rejected the bid and are unhappy with Arsenals timing coming so late in the transfer window.

I cannot talk about any of that, said Arteta. I have an amazing club behind me.
Struggling luxury bag maker Mulberry has neglected to connect with British customers in recent years and plans to sell more bags in the UK, rather than China, to make the company profitable again.

Chief executive Andrea Baldo told the PA news agency the company has lost so much business in the UK in recent years that there is a huge space for the company to grow.

Founded in 1971 in Somerset, Mulberry is most famous for its luxury leather handbags.

But it has seen profits nosedive of late, partly as a result of waning appetite for luxury goods among Chinese consumers, previously a key market for the fashion company.

Mr Baldo said the company will focus less on China and close 12 stores across its Asian estate while aiming to open more shops in UK cities in future.

It will also re-enter the wholesale and outlet sales markets, including by striking new deals to sell its items at John Lewis and Flannels.

Mulberry has no presence in Birmingham or Liverpool, he said, and it will look to expand in those cities in future.

The UK expansion comes after retailers such as Marks & Spencer have warned that rising company taxes and falling consumer sentiment could hit their home market.

While Mr Baldo admitted those factors are a challenge, he added: With the right product, distribution and communication, we are able to take advantage (of the UK market) no matter where the economic conditions are.

Mr Baldo, who joined last year from luxury brand Ganni, wants the company to focus on its Britishness and cultural relevance and simplify the business to counter plunging profits.

He laid out plans to cut costs by a quarter compared with the last financial year, following a period of suboptimal performance.

Mr Baldo also said Mulberry will look to expand in the US.

The company made nearly one-fifth less in revenue over the key Christmas period than the previous year, blaming a challenging business environment.

That was even worse in Asia, where sales slumped by 28% compared with the festive period in 2023.

In Europe and the US, by contrast, sales grew 11% year-on-year.

Mr Baldo said: We need to get back to where we came from and return to the spirit of Mulberry.

He added that for the company to succeed the business model needs to be simplified.

Mulberry already announced plans to slash roughly 85 jobs, about one quarter of its workforce, before Christmas.

The turnaround plan comes after loss-making Burberry also said it would focus more on its British history to make more sales.

Meanwhile, Mulberry has also hired a new finance head, Billie OConnor, a former Marks & Spencer and Selfridges executive.

Mr Baldo said: Billie has a wealth of experience working in the consumer retail space and has spent time leading finance teams through turnarounds.
A new Netflix documentary will look at the chain of events leading up to the fire at Grenfell Tower and hear from the families and survivors impacted, its director has said.

With a working title of Grenfell, the 90-minute film comes from Rogan Productions, who have made a documentary about Nicola Bulley, who went missing while walking her dog in Lancashire, and the killing of Stephen Lawrence for the BBC.

Directed by Rio Ferdinands Tipping Point producer Olaide Sadiq, it aims to painstakingly connect the long and disturbing chain of events that led to the disastrous blaze, which killed 72 people in west London in 2017.

Sadiq said: Its vital to convey the significance of the investigative findings, but we are equally committed to highlighting that Grenfell was a home  a place of comfort and safety for the residents  that was sadly compromised to the extent where peoples right to safety was stripped away.

Seventy-two people were killed in the Grenfell Tower fire in west London in 2017 (Jonathan Brady/PA)

This film has been shaped by the voices of Grenfells bereaved and survivors, and those who fought for change long before the tragedy as well as after.

An inquiry into the blaze found that victims, bereaved and survivors were badly failed, a September report said.

The tower block was covered in combustible products because of the systematic dishonesty of firms that made and sold the cladding and insulation, inquiry chairman Sir Martin Moore-Bick said.

Executive producer Soleta Rogan, managing director of Rogan Productions, said: We are immensely proud of the production team that has worked tirelessly to bring as many elements of the systemic failures to light as possible, and we are incredibly grateful to those affected by the tragedy in their various ways for sharing their stories and experiences with us.

Just announced: @netflixuk has today announced the commission of Grenfell (w/t) (190). Our film will painstakingly connect the long and disturbing chain of events that led to the disastrous #Grenfell Tower fire that claimed the lives of 72 people in west London in 2017. pic.twitter.com/9LCPpG4oXF  Rogan Productions (@RoganProduction) January 30, 2025

The BBC has previously announced a three-part BBC drama series about Grenfell from director Peter Kosminsky, known for his TV adaptation of Wolf Hall and the Hollywood drama White Oleander.

In 2023, the National Theatre ran a play called Grenfell: In The Words Of Survivors, based on the first-hand account of survivors of the blaze.

The Netflix Grenfell film, also created by executive producers James Rogan and Sandy Smith, is set to be released this year, and was announced along with other upcoming 2025 projects from the streaming company.

Rogan Productions has made The Search For Nicola Bulley, and Stephen: The Murder That Changed A Nation documentaries for the BBC, along with Defiance: Fighting The Far-Right and Farage: The Man Who Made Brexit for Channel 4, and Zuckerberg: King Of The Metaverse for Sky.
Salwan Momika was pictured burning a copy of the Koran in Malmo, Sweden, in September 2023  one of several such stunts in which he took part - Johan Nilsson/Shutterstock

An anti-Islam refugee who became infamous for publicly burning the Koran in Sweden has been shot dead hours before a court verdict on his controversial stunts.

Swedish police said Salwan Momika, a 38-year-old Iraqi citizen, was killed in an apartment near Stockholm while recording a live online video on TikTok on Wednesday night. Five people have been arrested on suspicion of murder, prosecutors said.

Aftonbladet, a Swedish daily newspaper, reported that the killers may have entered the apartment via the buildings roof.

A police spokesman confirmed that officers had been searching both the inside and the outside of the property.

Gabriel Wernstedt, a security service spokesman, said the service cannot say anything about this because it is a police matter, but added: We have a general close collaboration with the police authority.

Police investigating the killing of Salwan Momika near Stockholm have arrested five suspects - Jonas Ekstromer/TT News Agency

Momika made international headlines when he tore up and burnt a Koran outside Stockholms main mosque in 2023, claiming the holy text was a danger to democratic laws and Swedish and human values.

The stunt triggered a diplomatic crisis for Sweden, which was in delicate negotiations with Turkey about joining Nato at the time.

The Turkish government described the incident as a terrible act and accused Swedens government of being complicit in the abuse of religious texts.

Momikas stunts provoked outrage and protests, including these in Tehran in June 2023 - AFP

Momika was eventually charged with incitement against an ethnic group over the Koran burnings and had been due to hear a verdict and sentencing in his case at 11am on Thursday.

Salwan Najem, an ally of Momika who was also charged over burning the Koran, said he feared that he was next.

The hearing has now been postponed until next month. A court spokesman said: Since it has been confirmed that one of the defendants has died, the sentence must be adjusted to the fact that it is not possible to sentence a deceased person.

Swedish media reported that Momika was living in Stockholm under a temporary residence permit, which was granted because he was judged to be at risk of torture and inhumane treatment if he returned to Iraq.
The Rt Rev Stephen Cottrell faces calls to step down over claims he pressured an appointment committee to approve the Bishop of Liverpool - Lindsey Parnaby/AFP

The Archbishop of York is under pressure to quit over his support for a bishop accused of sexual harassment.

The Rt Rev Stephen Cottrell, the de facto leader of the Church of England, is facing calls to step down over claims he pressured an appointment committee to approve the Bishop of Liverpool despite concerns about his fitness for the role.

Dr John Perumbalath resigned on Thursday after being accused of sexual misconduct by two women  including the Bishop of Warrington.

The sudden departure of one of the Churchs senior bishops comes when the institution has faced an unprecedented crisis in recent months over its handling of safeguarding concerns.

In November, Justin Welby announced he would step down as Archbishop of Canterbury after an independent investigation found that his failure to act on allegations of child abuse meant the most prolific sexual abuser in the history of the Church was never brought to justice.

Multiple senior clergy were also forced to step aside over the scandal and the Archbishop of York also faced criticism over his handling of other safeguarding and child abuse cases.

He is now being criticised for his behaviour during the process to appoint the Bishop of Liverpool.

Dr John Perumbalath resigned on Thursday after being accused of sexual misconduct by two women, including the Bishop of Warrington

Sources close to the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) have claimed that the Archbishop tried to exert undue influence on members to approve Dr Perumbalath as Bishop of Liverpool in 2023.

It is alleged that both the Archbishop and the Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Rev Steven Croft, coerced and bullied some of the 14 members in an attempt to get them to vote for Dr Perumbalath, despite some raising concerns about his safeguarding abilities.

Both have denied coercion and bullying.

Candidates for the role were interviewed by all 14 CNC members. It has been alleged that the answer he gave in response to a question about safeguarding raised concerns with multiple members, and that some were, as a result, unwilling to vote for him.

In two votes Dr Perumbalath failed to garner enough support to be appointed. However multiple sources have alleged that before a third vote the Archbishop exerted undue pressure on other commission members to change their votes.

On the third and final vote he secured a two-thirds majority, and was appointed.

Ignoring the victims

It has been reported that the Archbishop learned about the sexual misconduct allegations against Dr Perumbalath after he was approved by the CNC, but before he was enthroned as Bishop of Liverpool.

The latest revelations about his involvement in the appointment process have led to renewed calls for the Archbishop to step down.

Dame Jasvinder Sanghera, former chairwoman of the independent safeguarding board (ISB) inquiry into Church abuse which was disbanded by the Archbishops Council last year, accused the Archbishop of ignoring the victims whose cases were being handled by the board.

Dame Jasvinder said: It appears that the Archbishop has prioritised the Churchs reputation over the wellbeing of the survivors.

Following The Telegraphs revelations, she reiterated the survivors call for his resignation, saying: The prevailing message from the survivors today is one of demanding accountability; they urge the Archbishop of York to resign, indicating a profound loss of confidence.

Justin Welby announced he would step down after the most prolific child abuser in the Churchs history was never brought to justice - Neil Turner/PA

Rev Matthew Ineson, 56, a retired vicar who was abused at 16 by a Bradford priest, said the Archbishop of York failed to hold clergy accountable for mishandling his case.

He told The Telegraph: The Archbishop of York should resign immediately. Hearing the concerns there were about John Perumbalaths fitness for the role, and pushing for him to be appointed, and then knowing the accusations of abuse against him, and allowing him to be enthroned, shows how the Archbishop of York is a safeguarding liability himself.

It is the old boys club alive and well. This in addition to his failings in the David Tudor and Glyn Webster cases. He is not fit for office.

Two senior church figures also told The Telegraph that the Archbishops position was untenable and he should resign.

Dr John Perumbalath has always denied any wrongdoing.

A kairos moment

The allegations of sexual assault from a woman in the Chelmsford diocese, which included groping and non-consensual kissing, were investigated by the police, with the former bishop interviewed under caution, but he was not charged because of insufficient evidence.

The Rt Rev Bev Mason, the Bishop of Warrington, filed her own complaint of sexual harassment against the Bishop after becoming aware of the earlier assault allegations in March 2023.

Speaking out for the first time on Thursday, she said she hoped the ongoing crisis over the Churchs handling of sexual abuse allegations will prove to be a kairos moment  meaning a moment for decisive action  for the institution.

This, I hope and pray, will be a kairos moment for the church  a time of honesty, humility, repentance, unity, hope and blessing  a time when we can tear down the idols that have disoriented us and raise up again the incarnate God, who was crucified, is glorified and who is the Lord of the Church  the Lord of all, she said.

The Rt Rev Bev Mason filed a sexual harassment complaint against John Perumbalath in March 2023 - Diocese of Liverpool

A spokesman for the Archbishop of York said: The Archbishop of York and Bishop of Oxford categorically reject any suggestion of coercion or bullying during a [CNC].

The CNCs ballot process ensures that no one knows how others voted, specifically to prevent coercion or undue influence.

The CNC processes are necessarily confidential in order to protect the individual discernment of all those involved.

Regarding an individuals competence in overseeing safeguarding  this is given careful scrutiny in multiple ways (formal checks, references, reports, interview questions) as part of the Commissions discernment.

All shortlisted candidates are interviewed by the National Safeguarding Team and a report is written for the CNC.

Like all other candidates for this role, Bishop John Perumbalath was interviewed by the National Safeguarding Team who found no concerns about his operational safeguarding experience and recommended some development work for him as he took on additional strategic safeguarding responsibilities  which is commonly the case for new diocesan bishops.

The spokesman continued: Regarding the CNC process, it is entirely normal for multiple votes to take place before a two-thirds majority is reached (10 out of the 14 voting members of the Commission). This is part of the discernment process, where votes are cast, discussions occur, and differing views are expressed until a two-thirds majority is reached.

The Archbishop of Yorks role is to chair the process and consult the commission on readiness for another vote. The Archbishop of York has a vote himself but, like all members, he is bound by confidentiality.

The Bishop of Oxford, Steven Croft, said: I am very sorry to learn of the distress of those who have made the allegations against Bishop John Perumbalath.

However I refute completely the suggestion that I (or anyone) coerced or bullied other members of the [CNC] during the process to appoint the Bishop of Liverpool in 2022.

I was not aware of any safeguarding concerns about Bishop John Perumbalath prior to the CNC meeting. I understand these were not raised until January 2023, six months after his nomination.

Earlier on Thursday, Dr Perumbalath resigned, claiming he had been a victim of trial by media.

He said: Since those allegations were made I have consistently maintained that I have not done anything wrong and continue to do so.

Since the claims were made in 2023 they have been investigated and considered by experts from the National Safeguarding Team and had found them unsubstantiated. The first allegation was also investigated by the police resulting in no further action.

Despite this, media reports have treated me as guilty on all charges and treated these allegations as fact.

Further it has been erroneously reported that prior to my appointment as Bishop of Liverpool I had failed the safeguarding assessment process. This is categorically not true.

As the Church of England have made clear in their written statements over the past 48 hours responding to these false claims, the National Safeguarding Team found no concerns about my operational safeguarding experience and recommended some development work for me as I took on additional strategic safeguarding responsibilities  which is commonly the case for new diocesan bishops.

This rush to judgment and my trial by media (be that social or broadcast) has made my position untenable due to the impact it will have on the Diocese of Liverpool and the wider church whilst we await further reviews and next steps.
Lord Hermer, the Attorney General, has been embroiled in a number of conflict of interest rows - Amanda Rose/Avalon

The Attorney General has been accused of hypocrisy over his refusal to declare his earnings from past legal cases after it emerged that his deputies have published theirs.

Lucy Rigby, the Solicitor General, and her predecessor Sarah Sackman, have declared what they were paid for legal work undertaken before they took office.

But Lord Hermer, who worked as a private barrister for clients including Gerry Adams before he joined the Government in July 2024, has refused to do so.

Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, urged the Attorney General to come clean or resign, adding that it appears theres one rule for Lord Hermer and one rule for everyone else.

The Attorney General has been embroiled in a number of conflict of interest rows since it emerged that Mr Adams could receive compensation for his detention during the Troubles.

His office has insisted he does not have to declare earnings he received before entering Parliament.

However, Ms Rigby, who as Solicitor General is Lord Hermers deputy, has declared 6,477 she was paid by the law firm Hausfeld and Co before the election.

The MP for Northampton North was a partner at the specialist competition firm until she became an MP.

Sarah Sackman, the courts minister, was Ms Rigbys predecessor as solicitor general between July and November last year.

Her register of interests includes more than 25,000 she earned as a self-employed barrister before becoming an MP.

The earliest payments date back to February 2024, five months before she was elected to represent Finchley and Golders Green.

Prefers his lucrative life at the bar

Mr Jenrick said: For a man that lectures so self-righteously about the importance of the rule of law, it appears theres one rule for Lord Hermer and one rule for everyone else. The hypocrisy reeks.

If he doesnt want the scrutiny that comes with public office and prefers his lucrative life at the bar, then he should quit.

Every day he refuses to be transparent, he drags the reputation of the Attorney Generals Office through the mud. He should either come clean or resign.

Barristers often receive payments months or even years after their work.

On Tuesday, three former government law officers  including Michael Ellis, the ex-attorney general, and Sir Robert Buckland, the former solicitor general  said Lord Hermer was wrong to refuse to declare money that he received from past legal cases.

Mr Jenrick has urged the House of Lords standards commissioner to investigate whether he has broken any rules.

The commissioner on Wednesday told Mr Jenrick that there was no breach and no grounds to investigate, but the shadow justice secretary is writing back to challenge the decision.

The Lords Guide to the Code of Conduct says barristers do not have to declare work they undertook before joining the House of Lords if there is no ongoing obligation to the client.

Ms Rigby and Ms Sackman are the only Government ministers who are also qualified lawyers or solicitors to have declared earnings from legal work.

Sir Keir Starmers register of interests includes 927.96 for legal services and 746.04 in copyright payments from books he wrote prior to entering Parliament.

Similarly, Nick Thomas-Symonds, the Paymaster General who is also a qualified barrister, declared 5,171.80 of book royalties. Sir Chris Bryant, a junior science minister, has declared 469 of royalties and 128,000 of advances and other book-related payments.

Law officers convention

The Attorney General has refused to reveal whether he recused himself from advising the Government on the compensation decision by maintaining that the law officers convention bars him from disclosing whether he has advised ministers on a particular issue.

The law officers convention, enshrined in the ministerial code, preserves the ability of the Government to receive full and frank advice from its legal advisers in confidence. This week, Lord Hermer admitted that he had recused himself at times but declined to say from which cases.

Sources in the Attorney Generals Office said there was a robust process in place for considering and managing any conflicts of interest.

They pointed to paragraph 62 of the Lords Guide to the Code of Conduct, which says that barristers do not have to register clients unless they are a foreign state or an associate body.

Lord Hermer is understood to have ceased all private practice on his appointment as Attorney General.
The low supply of eggs in some areas is partly due to a series of outbreaks of a type of high pathogenicity avian influenza last year. Photograph: David Zalubowski/AP

Australian customers looking for eggs in their local supermarkets are frequently being greeted by empty shelves, six months after last years avian influenza outbreaks.

So what is behind the shortages, and are they likely to ease any time soon?

Why are egg shelves sometimes bare?

The low supply of eggs in some areas is partly due to a series of outbreaks of a type of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) or bird flu last year.

In mid-2024, several strains of H7 HPAI were detected at 16 premises in south-eastern Australia  eight in Victoria, six in New South Wales and two in the Australian Capital Territory. Of these, 11 were commercial poultry farms.

While the outbreaks have been contained, Australia takes a zero-tolerance approach to HPAI. The viral illness can be fatal and spread between wild birds and farmed poultry. The protocol after any reported infection is the euthanasia of all birds on a farm. The federal government estimates 1.8 million birds were killed last year.

This resulted in fewer hens and reduced the total volume of egg production. Hospitality operators and retailers have been affected over the past six months and some supermarket shelves remain bare.

Eggs have also become more expensive. The price of eggs rose by 11.2% in the last three months of 2024, data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Thursday showed. Apart from lamb and goat meat, eggs recorded the highest price increase of any food category recorded by the ABS.

Earlier this month, Egg Farmers of Australia (EFA) issued a statement acknowledging that the shortage had continued, which it attributed to the HPAI outbreak, among other factors.

The peak body for the industry said the majority of farms affected by the disease have now been restocked and it expected the supply of eggs to begin returning to normal.

The EFAs chief executive, Melinda Hashimoto, declined to comment further when contacted by Guardian Australia last week as she said the peak body did not want its positive Australia Day story to be overshadowed by one about supply issues. The other egg industry peak body  Australian Eggs  did not respond to requests for comment.

What other factors are contributing to the shortage?

The EFA also cited high seasonal demand and caged eggs being phased out as contributing factors.

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It said the industry was facing a transitional period as some farms shifted from cage egg production to barn-laid or free-range, which it said was also affecting supply due to the need to buy and upgrade infrastructure.

In 2023, Australias agriculture ministers made a commitment to ban cage eggs by 2036 in accordance with the new national animal welfare standards and guidelines for poultry that had been updated in 2022. The changes were brought in after decades of consumer pressure but there was opposition from some parts of the industry.

The final timeframe was to be set by individual states and territories after consultation with the industry.

Coles and Woolworths had committed to phasing out caged eggs by the beginning of 2025 but the supermarkets have pushed back the deadline.

Woolworths updated its animal welfare policy to say it was continuing our work towards using only cage-free eggs as an ingredient in its own brand products and was committed to all vendor branded whole shell eggs we sell being cage free by the end of 2025.

Coles has said it is will phase out all caged eggs nationally in 2025. A spokesperson for the supermarket said this was in line with the retail industrys target.

All Coles own-brand shell eggs sold nationally have been cage-free since 2013, they said. We have already achieved a cage-free status for branded shell eggs in Western Australia, Victoria and South Australia.

How are supermarkets managing the supply issues?

In some states, both Woolworths and Coles continue to have limits on the number of cartons of eggs you can buy at a time, which have been in place since July last year.

Woolworths has a two-pack purchase limit on eggs in all states except Western Australia. It says a majority of its customers only buy one carton of eggs a shop anyway.

A Woolworths spokesperson said its supply was stable but it would unfortunately  take a while longer to rebuild the number of laying hens in Australia after the HPAI outbreak.

The usual higher demand for eggs over Christmas and the new years period put an additional short-term strain on the availability of eggs across all retailers, they said.

Our egg supply has continued to improve and we are working closely with our suppliers to source as many eggs as possible.

Related: The new school year is usually a time of joy but Jewish parents in Sydney are anxious and uncertain

Coles is in a similar position.

Following the avian influenza outbreaks last year, we have been consulting with our suppliers, industry bodies and government to understand the implications and long-term impacts of the outbreaks, a spokesperson for the supermarket said.

We will continue to work closely with impacted suppliers to support their recovery.

Aldi declined to comment. The discount supermarket has experienced a small decrease in the supply of eggs but it has not imposed a limit on the number of cartons customers can buy.

Will the situation resolve anytime soon?

The Victorian Farmers Federation general manager of policy and advocacy, Charles Everist, says while last years HPAI protocols have been formally lifted the egg shortage wont resolve until later this year.

There is a lag that comes with that because the farms need to be repopulated and that doesnt happen overnight, he said. The shortages were seeing could continue for the next six months.

Everist says the industry is struggling to meet demand and is also having to tackle additional biosecurity measures with the H5N1 strain of bird flu on our doorstep. Variants of this strain of the virus have been detected in humans overseas.

The H5 strains of bird flu are high pathogenicity, which means they are considered more likely to kill birds infected by them.

Australia has had no reported outbreaks of the H5N1 strain, although cases have escalated since 2022 overseas including in England and the US.

However, as a spokesperson for the federal agriculture department says: There is no way to prevent new strains of bird flu viruses entering Australia with wild birds, or transmission between wild birds.

They said the government has invested more than $100m to strengthen surveillance and response measures if there is a H5 bird flu outbreak here.

Just this week, the World Organisation for Animal Health confirmed the first outbreak of a novel strain  H5N9  in poultry had been detected on a duck farm in California.
Former Love Island contestant Jack Fincham has been sentenced to six weeks in prison after his Cane Corso, Elvis, bit a passer-by - Jack Fincham

You know when a topic has hit peak public interest when its featured on the This Morning sofa. This week, it was Cat Deeley and that other fella chatting with a heavily tattooed Scotsman and his Cane Corso, Vito; eight stone of Italian muscle with cropped ears and tail. Used to play for Juventus. Not really.

The Cane Corso is a massive mastiff descended from the now extinct ancient Greek Molossian hound, prized as a giant war dog that marched into battle alongside Roman legions.

Now, it tends to march through council estates alongside legions of inadequate men seeking status. Or, as with former Love Island dunderhead, Jack Fincham, land its owner in court after running dangerously out of control and biting a runner passing by.

It was a second offence for Finchams dog, named Elvis, and resulted in a fine and a six-week jail term for Jack although he has been freed on bail pending an appeal. And so it begins.

Tragically, there has been a surge of interest in the breed after the government banned the sale of XL bullies last year, although there are still plenty of those dogs trotting around like pale-eyed killers in my patch of north London.

Legally they should always be muzzled in public, but youd have to have the confidence of a Cane Corso to approach the meathead owner and point this out, so we all supinely scuttle across the road instead. Cowards? Perhaps, but Ive never seen a police car pull over either.

Me, Im old enough to remember when stout little Staffies were considered the epitome of gangsta chic. My neighbours bought one for their son (my, how the net curtains twitched) but happily the only antisocial behaviour Bruno got up to was licking strangers and whining excessively when left alone in the house. Innocent times.

The Cane Corso is descended from Greek war dogs - Alamy

Back on This Morning, Vito, who was a venerable seven years old, proved to be a slobbery softie. His owner was a lot sharper; articulate, on the ball and keen to stress he would never leave any of his three children (including his 15-year-old) alone with Vito, or indeed any dog.

It was a salutary corrective to the countless reels on Instagram of XLs filmed nuzzling up to precious newborns. But even more welcome was his call for the reintroduction of a dog licence. He suggested 40 a year, with the money raised going towards training and education about responsible ownership  and severe consequences for those who failed to register or control their dogs.

My best guesstimate, given that there are around 13.5 million dogs in the UK, is that dog licenses would raise 500 million a year. But I would go further, with a sliding scale of licence costs to effectively penalise any nutter wanting to strut about with ultra-terrifying dogs.

As it can be difficult to prove the actual breed of these monsters  Cane Corsos are not recognised by the Kennel Club  maybe a system like that employed by economy airlines for baggage would work? If it fits in the small frame 40, the medium frame 60 and so forth. Greyhounds and Salukis could be folded and cropped ears would attract a 500 surcharge. Per ear.

Tough? Not really. Owning a dog is a privilege. Safely running in the park is a right.
A caravan has been found laden with explosives at a residential property in greater Sydney, with police saying there were indications the explosives would be used in an antisemitic attack.

New South Wales police have said that the incident is an escalation and the explosives had the potential to cause a great deal of damage.

Heres what we know so far:

What did police discover?

Police said they were contacted on 19 January about a caravan in Dural, a semi-rural suburb in north-west Sydney.

They were called by a man who had discovered the caravan parked on the side of a road in the suburb on 7 December. He believed the vehicle was parked in a hazardous manner for other road users, so he towed it to his property in Dural.

The vehicle was padlocked, and he did not immediately contact the police. Only after he decided to break open the caravan and saw there were explosives inside did he contact police.

Explosives were discovered in the caravan on 19 January. There was also an indication the explosives might be used in some form of antisemitic attack, with police saying a list of location targets used by the Jewish community was found in the caravan.

A covert investigation was then launched, including state and federal authorities.

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Police said they informed the Jewish community of the targets shortly after, but its leaders have since said they were in the dark and only learned of the caravan in media reports on Wednesday.

After details about the caravans discovery were leaked to the media, authorities went public with the incident.

What kind of explosives were found?

Police said the van is believed to have contained enough explosives to create a 40-metre blast zone. Police believe the explosives were Powergel  an emulsion-based explosive  and were potentially obtained from a mining site.

However no detonator was found with the explosives, police said on Thursday.

Has anyone been arrested or charged?

Three people have been arrested who police allege were on the periphery of the incident.

The deputy police commissioner David Hudson said the registered owner of the caravan was in custody based on offences being investigated under Strike Force Pearl. The strike force was set up to investigate hate crimes with an antisemitic focus across Sydney.

At the time the caravan was located, he was in custody, Hudson told media on Thursday.

Hudson also said police were investigating whether the incident may be linked to some people already charged for their alleged involvement in the spate of recent antisemitic attacks.

We believe there is some connection between some of the targets weve charged under Strike Force Pearl and this particular investigation, he said.

Related: Nothing like this happens here: Dural residents thought mystery caravan could be part of council cleanup  until bomb squad arrived

Ten people have been arrested and charged so far under the Strike Force Pearl operation in relation to antisemitic and anti-Israel vandalism and arson attacks in Sydney over the past two months.

Hudson was asked on Wednesday if the investigation into the explosives indicated it involved paid criminals after the AFP revealed last week it was investigating whether paid actors were behind some recent antisemitic attacks.

We cant speculate about what happened until we actually investigate that, he said, adding that one of the main lines of inquiry was who placed the caravan and who may have orchestrated the placement.

He said police did not know the alleged perpetrators ideological motivator, but nothing was being ruled out at this point.

We [will] pursue everything until we get to the truth, he said.

What are authorities doing in response?

The NSW premier, Chris Minns, said a massive response had been mobilised to investigate the incident, comprising the NSW police, Australian federal police, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and New South Wales Crime Commission.

The response includes 100 counter-terrorism officers, as well as scores of officers from operations Pearl and Shelter.

Minns said: This is the discovery of a potential mass casualty event.

Theres only one way of calling it out, and that is terrorism. Thats what were very worried about. This would strike terror into the community, particularly the Jewish community, and it must be met with the full resources of the government.

Is there an ongoing threat?

Police have said the matter is not yet being treated as a terrorist incident. Police have also said there is no ongoing threat to the community in relation to the caravan.

The police commissioner, Karen Webb, said: Its important that the public understands that not only [has] the caravan been removed and the contents removed from the public, but also the owner is out of play and in custody. So the risk to the public has been mitigated very early on.

The prime minister and the premier have characterised the incident as a potential terrorist attack.

Anthony Albanese was asked on Thursday on ABC Radio Sydney: Do you classify this as terrorism as well, prime minister?

He responded: I certainly do. I agree with Chris Minns. Its clearly designed to harm people, but its also designed to create fear in the community. And that is the very definition.

It hasnt been designated yet by the NSW police, but certainly is being investigated, including by the joint counter terrorism team, Albanese said.
FILE PHOTO: Boxes of relief items from USAid for the victims of super typhoon Haiyan in Manila, 13 November 2013. Donald Trump has ordered a halt of foreign aid funding. Photograph: Cheryl Ravelo/Reuters

Trumps executive order halting US foreign aid funding flows for 90 days for review has caused global confusion and chaos.

In south-east Asia, such funding provides humanitarian assistance to communities that are among the most vulnerable in the world to natural disasters, as well as support for pro-democracy activists who risk their lives to campaign against repressive regimes. Its unclear how much of this will be affected, or what the long-term impacts will be. However, life-saving programmes in the region are already being cut back.

Myanmar

Healthcare centres serving tens of thousands of refugees from Myanmar, which has been gripped by conflict since a military coup in 2021, have been ordered to close by Friday. Secretary of state Marco Rubio has said that lifesaving humanitarian assistance would be exempt from the freeze, however some patients were reportedly being discharged. The healthcare centres, along the Thai border, are funded by the International Rescue Committee with US support. The IRC did not comment on the matter.

Inside Myanmar, the junta-controlled health ministrys HIV programmes, which rely on US funding, are also being cut back, reported BBC Burmese, with an officer saying that expensive tasks such as blood screening have been suspended.

The funding suspension is also affecting pro-democracy activists who are risking their lives to oppose the countrys repressive military leaders. A prominent activist speaking on the condition on anonymity said they had been ordered to stop work providing safe houses and hideouts within Myanmar for activists who are hiding from the military. Political prisoners face dire conditions inside Myanmars jails, including torture. The military has previously executed pro-democracy activists.

We are asking other democratic countries to step in and help fill the gap. USAid and other US-related donor agencies must convene among themselves and coordinate with other allies to ensure these needs are addressed on ground especially for medical aid and emergency programmes such as supporting activists at risk, said the activist, who said they had also been ordered to stop training programmes on non violent activism.



There are also concerns about the impact on Myanmars independent media, which has played a crucial role in documenting military atrocities. The Indian outlet Scroll reported that news outlet Mizzima will not be able to pay its journalists, and that it will have to suspend its broadcast services because of the funding freeze. Mizzima has not commented on the report.

The suspension of funding couldnt come at a worst time for the country. It is one of the worlds most underfunded humanitarian crises, and late last year the UN warned that 2 million people in western Rakhine state were at imminent risk of famine.



The country was plunged into chaos after the 2021 military coup, which provoked an armed resistance, and a spiralling conflict that has spread across much of the country. Poverty rates have soared, agricultural production has been disrupted, and health and education services placed under severe pressure.

UN and World Food Programme representatives in Myanmar did not respond to a request for comment.

The Philippines

USAid released $180m in funds to projects in the Philippines in 2024. This included funding for humanitarian assistance in the aftermath of a series of devastating typhoons in the country, which is one of the most vulnerable to the natural disasters. It also included projects across areas such as governance and civil society, education and health, including multi drug-resistant tuberculosis and the countrys worsening HIV epidemic.



The Philippines is the US oldest ally in the Indo-Pacific, and has grown closer to Washington over recent years as it has taken a tougher stance against Chinese aggression in the South China Sea. The government has played down the impact of the funding freeze, with department for foreign affairs undersecretary Eduardo De Vega saying the suspension was not permanent and would not severely affect the Philippines.

Vietnam

The US foreign aid review will also reportedly halt funding for demining programmes, which includes life-saving work in Vietnam, as well as Laos and Cambodia. In Vietnam, American bombs continue to lie, unexploded, across a fifth of the country and have killed tens of thousands of people since the war ended in 1975.

USAid also funds projects aimed at supporting economic development, environmental security and health across Vietnam, and released $146.46m in aid to the country in 2024.

Indonesia

Related: Ukraine reels from worst-case scenario suspension of US foreign aid

USAid released $153m to Indonesian projects in 2023 across areas including democratic governance, anti-corruption, climate and the environment, economic growth, education, and health. Over recent years it has supported the rollout of machines that quickly identify tuberculosis and life-saving medication to tens of thousands of new mothers, as well as partnerships with NGOs to train people in disaster preparedness.

Cambodia

USAid funding in Cambodia supports projects promoting sustainable economic growth, health, education, child protection, and democracy and human rights.

Projects have already been suspended, including work promoting citizen journalism in the face of a worsening government crackdown on independent media.

Chhan Sokunthea, executive director at the Cambodian Center for Independent Media (CCIM) said that if funding is cut in the long term, it will have a big impact on the support available to journalists if they face human rights violations or harassment.

Ny Sokha, president of Cambodian rights group Adhoc, whose projects are also affected, told the independent outlet CamboJA News that the funding cuts would greatly affect our efforts to support vulnerable communities and strengthen democracy in Cambodia.



Demining programmes have also been disrupted in Cambodia, experts say. About 30% of the demining in Cambodia is funded by the American government and that has all come to a stop. As of Saturday, no American-funded programme can work. Nobody can go back into the field, said Bill Morse, who founded the charity Landmine Relief Fund in Cambodia.

Theres a very good chance that someone will wander into one of those minefields that is supposed to be cleared in the next 90 days  and hell lose an arm and a leg. Hell bleed out. Can people die? Absolutely it can happen.
Russ Vought, Trumps pick to lead the Office of Management and Budget. Photograph: Laura Brett/Zuma/Rex/Shutterstock

Democrats on the Senate budget committee boycotted Thursdays vote to advance Russell Voughts nomination to head the office of management and budget, calling Vought a threat to democracy and writing in a statement that they refused to vote for someone so clearly unfit for office.

Senate Democrats had urged a delay on Voughts confirmation hearings after the office Donald Trump nominated him to lead ordered a freeze on federal grant funding. Issued on Monday by the acting director of the office of management and budget and rescinded on Wednesday, the order would have potentially impacted critical programs that receive federal aid, including Head Start and Meals on Wheels.

But Republican lawmakers have plowed ahead with Voughts confirmation, and Republican members of the Senate budget committee held the vote anyway on Thursday without any Democrats present. Voughts confirmation will move to the full Senate after the 11-0 committee vote.

During a press conference on Thursday, Senate Democrats called Vought a threat to democracy and decried their Republican colleagues decision to continue to hold a vote.

Related: RFK Jrs shifting vaccines stance worries experts ahead of confirmation hearing

Mr Vought will be the architect of more losing for President Trump, said Senate minority leader, Chuck Schumer.

Democrats on the budget committee pointed to Vought  a co-author of Project 2025 and a proponent of swingeing budgetary cuts and the consolidation of executive authority  as a source of inspiration for the funding freeze memo.

In a Monday letter, Senator Patty Murray and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro  the top Democrats on the Senate and House budget committees  wrote that Trumps efforts to freeze congressionally approved federal grant funding appeared to be guided by the same philosophy that Vought had espoused in his writings about the federal government.

In the letter, Murray and DeLauro called the actions unlawful and warned that they could have devastating consequences across the country.

Since taking office, the Trump administration has issued a flurry of executive orders and communications taking aim at federal employees.

A 20 January executive order required agencies to purge diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programming, and subsequent internal communications urged workers to report on colleagues who violated the order, reportedly triggering fear and panic among the federal workforce.
Angus Lapsley pictured during a visit to Turkey in 2014 - Anadolu

A senior civil servant who left dozens of top secret documents at a bus stop in Kent is being lined up as the UKs next ambassador to Nato, according to reports.

Angus Lapsley lost a 50-page classified dossier that contained the locations of British special forces in Kabul and the Royal Navys actions around the Crimean peninsula, in June 2021.

One document was marked Secret, UK eyes only while most were marked official, sensitive.

One of the papers is said to have included notes about the potential Russian reaction to HMS Defender passing through Ukrainian waters.

He was tipped for the ambassadors role before the breach but defence sources have told The Times that he is now expected to take it up.

Despite the mistake, he kept his job and was promoted from the Foreign Office to Nato in 2022, where he was made assistant secretary-general for defence policy and planning. He has more recently been working on the strategic defence review.

He is expected to be appointed next week, taking over from Sir David Quarrey, who has been the UKs permanent representative to Nato since April 2022, the newspaper reported.

A senior defence source who worked with him in the past said: It is deeply worrying that the Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence dont take security seriously.

A different source, who worked with Mr Lapsley when he was on secondment to the Ministry of Defence, said: There should be real concern about the decision-making behind this process. It cannot be overstated how significant this security breach was and the impact it had at the time.

However, another source added: He went off and served his penance and has been leading on the strategic defence review.

The review aims to shore up Britains defences by looking at troop numbers and technological capabilities in the context of an increasingly volatile world.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman told The Telegraph that Mr Lapsley was still working on the strategic defence review and that there were no plans for that to change.

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesman said: Ambassador appointments will be confirmed in the usual way.




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When he died in 1959, John Foster Dulles was justly admired. He had been one of America's most renowned statesmen, a leading architect of US foreign policy after World War II, a Medal of Freedom recipient, and, though a lifelong Republican, a trusted adviser to presidents of both parties. Three years after his death, at a dedication ceremony presided over by President John F. Kennedy, a new airport outside Washington, D.C., was named Dulles International Airport.

But if some Republican members of Congress get their way, Dulles's name will be stripped from the airport that has borne it for 53 years. Under a bill introduced by Representative Addison McDowell of North Carolina and several cosponsors, the nation's fourth-largest airport would be renamed "Donald J. Trump International Airport."

In Boone County, Ky., meanwhile, a new state legislator, T. J. Roberts, wants a 12-mile stretch of Kentucky Route 18, commonly called Burlington Pike, to be designated the Donald J. Trump Highway. A resolution offered by Roberts pronounces Trump "worthy" of being honored in that manner because of "all the things he will do for our country over the next four years."

These are lamentable proposals  not because of Trump's party, politics, or personality but because naming government facilities after living people is always unwise.

I have long been opposed to naming public facilities for politicians. More than once I have fulminated that the fetish for slapping political figures' names on things they didn't create or pay for is a national pestilence. It is also an obsession that crosses party lines and political ideologies.

Reluctantly, I concede that the practice of naming airports, aircraft carriers, schools, and rest stops after presidents and other politicians is too deeply entrenched to be abolished. The US Navy named a warship "George Washington" as far back as 1798, and the first transcontinental road for automobiles was christened the Lincoln Highway in 1913.

But perhaps it is not too late to halt the unsavory practice of naming public infrastructure after people who are still alive.

Central State University thought it was a good idea to name its mass communications building in honor of entertainer Bill Cosby. That decision didn't age well.

It ought to be a hard-and-fast rule: No government-owned, -funded, or -operated facility shall be named in honor of any living person.

To begin with, naming a park, a bridge, or a convention center after a living person carries the risk that the person's reputation may later be tarnished by scandal or criminal behavior.

Just ask Central State University. The historically Black institution in Wilberforce, Ohio, dedicated its mass communications building in honor of entertainer Bill Cosby  and then was compelled to reverse itself when Cosby's career and reputation collapsed amid charges that he had sexually assaulted numerous women. Similarly, California lawmakers in 1971 named a state highway in the Los Angeles area the Richard M. Nixon Freeway to honor the incumbent president. After Nixon resigned in disgrace a few years later, they renamed it the Marina Freeway.

Of course reputations can degenerate even after death, as recent controversies  like those involving Woodrow Wilson, Christopher Columbus, or Tom Yawkey  make clear. But public officials are less likely to blunder if they don't rush to emblazon public facilities with the names of living individuals.

Besides, it is unseemly in a democratic republic for the government to glorify active members of society by imposing their names on buildings, roads, and programs in which all citizens have an interest. In our system, all citizens are meant to be equal before the law. The Constitution flatly bars hereditary privilege and titles of nobility. Naming public facilities after living persons amounts to a de facto ennobling of those persons, exalting them as a class above the rest of us. It is a form of veneration that undermines the (small-d, small-r) democratic and republican ideals of equality, modesty, and restraint in governance. It should discomfit us all.

If nothing else, a standing rule against naming government properties for people who are still alive would make it much harder for egotistical politicians (or their sycophants) to lobby for their own glorification. Individuals who yearn to see their names chiseled in granite can pay for the privilege themselves: The private sector offers countless opportunities for generous donors to make lavish financial gifts in exchange for naming privileges. But such honors have no place in the public sector.

There is ample precedent for such a prohibition. Living people are never commemorated on US postage stamps. Statues in the United States Capitol may depict only distinguished individuals who have died. Some states have enacted this standard into law: A 2009 Minnesota statute, for example, specifies that "laws may not name councils, buildings, roads, or other facilities or entities after living people."

Why not adopt that standard nationwide? No more naming of government facilities after living people. Public landmarks should honor enduring values, not fleeting egos.

Jeff Jacoby is a columnist for The Boston Globe, from which this is reprinted with permission.

(COMMENT, BELOW)




Benjamin Netanyahu decried the unimaginable cruelty of Hamas after a mob abused and threatened an Israeli hostage during her release on Thursday.

Arbel Yehud, 29, appeared pale and terrified as she was paraded through a screaming group of Hamas supporters in southern Gaza, escorted by armed and masked members of the terrorist organisation.

Hundreds of men and children shouted at her as she walked through the suffocatingly close baying crowd.

She appeared tearful as the scenes grew more and more chaotic, with Israelis watching the terrifying handover unfold on television.

Hostage Arbel Yehud is visibly terrified as her armed escort pushes her through a baying mob - Jehad Alshrafi/AP

Mr Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, described the episode as shocking and warned that whoever dares to harm our hostages will pay the price as he demanded the safe release of captives going ahead.

This is further proof of the unimaginable cruelty of the Hamas terrorist organisation, Mr Netanyahu said after watching the chaotic handover.

Credit: Getty/Anadolu/Reuters

Family members and supporters of the hostages watch their release on television - Tomer Appelbaum/Reuters

Arbel Yehud reunited with her family in a helicopter, on the way to the hospital

The fear of a public attack caused Mr Netanyahu to instruct the Israeli prison guards to delay the release of Palestinian prisoners by several hours until mediators could guarantee that a similar situation would not happen on Saturday, when the next group of hostages is expected to be released.

Mr Netanyahu said ceasefire mediators had promised safe passage for hostages while insisting that the lessons be learned and that strict care be taken in the next phases regarding the safe return of our hostages.

On Thursday night, Ms Yehuds family said that their lifes mission to bring her back had succeeded as they greeted her after 482 days in captivity.

We are overwhelmed with emotion. Ahead of us lies another journey of family rehabilitation, they added.

Freed IDF soldier Agam Berger is met by a medic in the Netzarim Corridor

Agam Berger, 20, an Israeli soldier who was taken hostage by Hamas on Oct 7 from an IDF base near the Gaza border, was the first of eight hostages to be released on Thursday morning.

Ms Berger was brought on to a stage by Hamas members and their media staff who filmed and instructed her every movement.

Holding a diploma from Hamas, Ms Berger was forced to smile and wave on the stage built by Hamas in Jabaliya in northern Gaza before she was released to the Red Cross and driven to the border crossing with Israel.

Hundreds of civilians showed up to Hamas hostage release show, where relative order was upheld.

Gadi Moses, 80, is released to a Red Cross official in the chaotic handover - Getty

Later in the morning, a huge crowd gathered at the second transfer point in Khan Younis in southern Gaza where Ms Yehud, 80-year-old Gadi Moses and five Thai hostages were released by Islamic Jihad.

As the vehicles arrived with the hostages inside, a large mob surrounded the cars, preventing them from continuing to the drop-off point.

After an hour of attempting to create a clear path, the hostages were let out one by one, escorted by armed Hamas members.

After Ms Yehud came Mr Moses, who, despite his age and 482 days in captivity, was walking with his head held high through the mob.

Freed Thai hostages Watchara Sriaoun, Pongsak Thaenna, Sathian Suwannakham, Surasak Rumnao, and Bannawat Saethao hold the Thailand flag in Israel

The five Thai hostages, who were identified as Surasak Lamnau, Sathian Suwannakham, Bannawat Seathao, Watchara Sriaoun, and Pongsak Thenna, were also escorted through the crowd until they finally reached the Red Cross cars.

As per the ceasefire agreement, the Red Cross dropped off the hostages at a border crossing where Israeli soldiers were ready to take them into home territory.

Agam Berger is welcomed by her parents. Her return marks an essential step in their collective healing, said a doctor - IDF

Israelis are joyous at seeing the release of hostages - Oded Balilty/AP

After undergoing medical checks by Israeli doctors on the spot, the freed hostages were flown to hospitals in central Israel where they were reunited with their families.

After hugging her parents in a tearful meeting at the hospital, Ms Berger was met by newly released hostages Liri Elbag, Naama Levy, Daniella Gilboa and Karina Ariev who were kidnapped together with Ms Berger from the Nahal Oz base on Oct 7.

Dr Lena Koren Feldman, director of Rabin Medical Centre where Ms Berger was reunited with her family and four army friends, said: Her return marks an essential step in their collective healing.

Gadi Moses is reunited with family members in Tel Aviv - Maayan Toaf/GPO/Reuters

Mr Moses was also reunited with his children Oded, Moran and Yair, at Ichilov Hospital.

Father, father, father, Moran cried as she hugged and kissed him along with her two brothers.

Mr Moses also broke down crying before he vowed to rebuild his home.

Ill do everything in my power to rehabilitate Kibbutz Nir Oz, Mr Moses said, referring to his kibbutz where he was kidnapped from on Oct 7.

A freed Palestinian prisoner is welcomed after being released from jail as part of the ceasefire deal - Hatem Khaled/Reuters

Freed prisoner Zakaria Zubeidi, a former commander of the Fatah groups Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, is defiant - Ali Sawafta/Reuters

The five hostages, who had come to Israel to work in agriculture like thousands of their countrymen, were greeted by Shamir Medical Centre staff waving Thai and Israeli flags.

In Thailand, Wiwwaeo Sriaoun, mother of Watchara, was following the release of her son, telling her relatives: It is confirmed, everyone, my son did not die. Thank you God.

She then told AFP: I will hug him when I see him. I want to see if his health is OK, I am worried about his health.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailands prime minister, said she was elated at the release of the Thai hostages held in Gaza for over a year.

Nikorndej Balankura, Thailands foreign ministry spokesman, said that they should be able to return within 10 days.

Hamas on Thursday confirmed the death of Mohammed Deif, who was the leader of the Al-Qassam Brigades, the terror groups military wing.

Israel said it killed it Deif in a strike in July, but Hamas had not admitted this until now.

05:00 PM GMT

Thats all for today

Thank you for following our live coverage of the hostage release.

Heres a summary of what happened:

Israeli hostage Agam Berger was handed to the Red Cross by Hamas at around 10am. She was paraded on stage with a certificate before her release

Israel formally cut ties with the UN agency for Palestinian refugees following accusations it provided cover for Hamas fighters

Five Thai hostages, as well as two more Israelis, were then released by Hamas

Civilian Arbel Yehud was paraded through the streets, surrounded by a Palestinian mob pushing to get close to her and filming her on their phones

Israel delayed the release of 110 Palestinian prisoners in protest over how Ms Yehud was released. They were eventually released after 5pm local time on Thursday (3pm in the UK)

Well be back soon with more updates and analysis.

04:54 PM GMT

Palestinian prisoners released

We are now getting pictures showing Palestinian prisoners have been released as part of the Gaza ceasefire deal.

Their release has been confirmed by Israel.

A freed Palestinian prisoner is welcomed after being released from an Israeli jail as part of a hostages-prisoners swap - REUTERS

04:47 PM GMT

In pictures: Bus carrying Palestinian prisoners

Zakaria Zubeidi, a former high-profile commander of the Fatah groups Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, is transported after his release from prison - REUTERS

A Red Cross convoy carrying Palestinian prisoners released in the third round of prisoner swaps between Hamas and Israe - Anadolu

The bus is expected to arrive in Ramallah in Jerusalem - Anadolu

04:35 PM GMT

Pictured: Freed hostage reunited with family

Arbel Yehud has been pictured with her family for the first time since being released on Thursday.

She spent 482 days in captivity in Gaza.

Arbel Yehud, an Israeli hostage, is reunited with her family as she makes her way back to Israel after spending 15 months in captivity with Hamas - N12News

Arbel Yehud was released on Thursday - N12News

04:22 PM GMT

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04:08 PM GMT

Watch: Palestinians clash with Israeli security forces

Clashes have broken out between Israeli security forces and Palestinians awaiting prisoners being released from jail in the West Bank.

03:58 PM GMT

IDF prevents Palestinian celebrations

The IDF has launched a preemptive crackdown on celebrations in the West Bank as family and friends gather to greet freed Palestinian prisoners.

Preemptive arrests have been carried out, the Times of Israel reported.

Soldiers also seized flags of terror groups that would have been paraded in the streets.

03:31 PM GMT

Pictured: Former hostages reunite after latest release

Adam Berger, an Israeli soldier who was released on Thursday, has been pictured reuniting with fellow released hostages who she spent time with in captivity.

Karina Ariev, Liri Albag and Daniella Gilboa, who were soldiers seized from their army base in southern Israel during the Oct 7, 2023.

Released Israeli hostage Agam Berger is reunited with fellow released hostages who she spent time with in captivity - IDF

03:23 PM GMT

Palestinian prisoners leave West Bank jail

A line of white buses carrying Palestinian prisoners set to be released left Ofer prison in the West Bank.

The buses made their way toward Beitunah, near the occupied West Bank City of Ramallah where relatives and celebrations awaited.

Israel has not confirmed whether the hostage release has begun.

03:14 PM GMT

Palestinian prisoner release gets under way

The delayed release of Palestinian prisoners has restarted after Israel halted the handover in protest over how Israeli hostages were handed over by Hamas earlier in the day.

Some 110 Palestinian prisoners are expected to be released after three Israelis and five Thai nationals were handed over by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad earlier today.

02:59 PM GMT

Hostages on way to hospital, confirms Israel

The hostages who were released by Hamas on Thursday are on their way to hospital from the Gaza border, Israel said on Thursday.

That includes Israeli soldier Agam Berger, civilian Gadi Mozes, as well as five Thai hostages.

Arbel Yehud, also an Israeli civilian, will also be taken to a hospital in central Israel, the military said.

A military helicopter carrying released Israeli hostage Gadi Mozes lands at the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center - Shutterstock

02:37 PM GMT

Pictured: Thai hostages pose with national flags

From left to right, Surasak Lamnau, Sathian Suwannakham, Bannawat Seathao, Watchara Sriaoun, and Pongsak Thenna, pose with their national flags after their release.

Five Thai hostages were released alongside three Israelis on Thursday - Thai MFA

02:26 PM GMT

Chaotic hostage handover wont happen again, Israel told

Israel said it has received a guarantee from mediators that future hostage handovers wont be as chaotic as the one witnessed today.

Earlier, Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the shocking scenes after Israeli hostages Arbel Yehud and Gadi Moses, as well as five Thai nationals, were dragged through an angry mob in Khan Younis, Gaza.

Following Prime Minister Netanyahus demand, the mediators made a commitment that our hostages will be guaranteed safe passageway in the next releases, said a spokesman for the Israeli prime minister.

Israel insists that lessons will be learned and that the next rounds will have greater care in ensuring the safe return of our hostages.

02:01 PM GMT

Thai hostages in good condition

Five Thai hostages who were released alongside three Israelis on Thursday are in a good condition, according to Israel.

Gideon Saar, Israels foreign minister, revealed the news in a call with his Thai counterpart this afternoon.

Thaenna Pongsak , Sathian Suwannakhan, Sriaoun Watchara , Saethao Bannawat , and Rumnao Surasak, had been held in captivity for nearly 15 months.

01:49 PM GMT

Thai PM elated by hostage release

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailands prime minister, said she was elated at the release of five Thai hostages held in Gaza for over a year.

The Thais were abducted when Hamas attacked Israel on Oct 7, 2023 and were released as part of a hostage-prisoner exchange under the Gaza ceasefire, alongside three Israelis.

Elated to get confirmation from our Thai Ambassador in Israel who informed me on the phone just now that five of our Thai nationals were indeed released today from Gaza, Ms Paetongtarn said in a statement.

The Thai Government, including everyone here in Thailand, have long been waiting for this very moment.

01:38 PM GMT

Analysis: Hostage handover highlights Hamas power play

Israelis held their breath as they watched the chaotic and humiliating scenes in Khan Younis on Thursday, waiting to catch a glimpse of Arbel Yehud and Gadi Moses in between the mob yelling and pushing their war towards them.

Journalists on Channel 12, the biggest TV channel in Israel, were stunned as they described the unprecedented scenes of a terrified Arbel Yehud making her way through the crowd, surrounded by masked terrorists and a predominantly male crowd.

A fear of the two Israelis being lynched was unsaid but understood by everyone watching. Hamas and Islamic Jihad clearly wanted the chaos, as they have already shown that they can control the spectacle when they want.

The Israeli has government therefore reacted forcefully to the dangerous chaos by delaying the release of Palestinian prisoners until mediators and Hamas can guarantee that a similar scene wont unfold on Saturday when more Israeli hostages are released.

Hamas is constantly playing games with the Israeli government to show who is in control, and to humiliate the hostages as much as possible.

Its a huge test for the government to ensure that the rest of the ceasefire proceeds in a relatively orderly fashion. Saturday will be a big test for Hamas as they have two choices; continue to push Israel or release the hostages in an organised manner.

01:22 PM GMT

Israel to release prisoners later on Thursday

Israel will release Palestinian prisoners later on Thursday, the international red cross has told Hamas, according to a source.

This is expected to take place at 17.00 local time (3pm in the UK).

Israel had suspended the release of Palestinian prisoners until further notice, Israels army radio has reported (see 12.46pm post).

01:16 PM GMT

Eight Israeli and Thai hostages released in Gaza

Israeli hostages Arbel Yehud and Gadi Moses as well as five Thai citizens have been released in Gaza by Hamas and its ally the Islamic Jihad.

After 15 months of captivity, Ms Yehud, 29, and Mr Moses, 80, were handed over by the militants to Red Cross vehicles in front of huge, chaotic crowds in the southern Gazan city of Khan Younis.

Footage showed the two frightened hostages being dragged through the throngs of people who had gathered outside the ruins of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwars home to shout at and take photos of the captives.

Five Thai nationals, Pongsak Thenna, Sathian Suwannakham, Watchara Sriaoun, Bannawat Seathao and Surasak Lamnau, were also released at the same time, according to Israels military.

Agam Berger, the last of the Israeli female soldiers taken on Oct 7, was released earlier this morning at a separate location in northern Gaza and is on her way to hospital after being reunited with her family.

12:51 PM GMT

My son did not die. Thank God

The family of a Thai farm worker held hostage for 15 months in Gaza cried with relief after hearing he had been freed earlier today.

It is confirmed everyone, my son did not die. Thank you God, Wiwwaeo Sriaoun, mother of Watchara Sriaoun, told AFP after he was confirmed as being released.

I will hug him when I see him. I want to see if his health is OK, I am worried about his health. Thank you, thank you God he did not die. We trust in God.

Wiwwaeo Sriaoun, the mother of Thai farm worker Watchara Sriaoun held hostage in Gaza, after the news broke of his release - AFP

12:46 PM GMT

Israel suspends release of Palestinian prisoners, says report

Israel has suspended the release of Palestinian prisoners until further notice, Israels army radio has reported, right in the middle of the third exchange for hostages of the Gaza ceasefire.

The political echelon announced the suspension of the operation to release the terrorists until further notice, the radio said citing a security source.

It did not specify the reason for the suspension.

12:38 PM GMT

Watch: Moment Agam Berger reunites with her parents

Credit: IDF Spokesperson Unit

12:33 PM GMT

Israel prepares to release 110 Palestinian prisoners

Israel has instructed a convoy of buses to return 110 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons to Gaza, an official involved in the operation told Reuters.

12:29 PM GMT

Gaza checkpoint to be staffed by US special forces veterans

A small US security firm is hiring nearly 100 US special forces veterans to help run a checkpoint in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas truce, according to a company spokesperson and a recruitment email seen by Reuters.

UG Solutions - a low-profile company founded in 2023 and based in North Carolina - is offering a daily rate starting at $1,100 with a $10,000 advance to veterans it hires, the email said.

They will staff the checkpoint at a key intersection in Gazas interior, said the spokesperson, who confirmed the authenticity of the email.

Some people have been recruited and are already at the checkpoint, he revealed, without saying how many.

12:18 PM GMT

In pictures: Friends of hostages in tears after their release

Israelis react as they gather to watch news coverage on the day of the release of hostages held in Gaza - REUTERS

Thousands had gathered in whats known as Hostage Square in Tel Aviv to watch as eight hostages were released - REUTERS

People cheer as the bus carrying released hostage Agam Berger leaves the helipad at Bellinson hospital

12:08 PM GMT

Names of released Thai hostages revealed:

Israels military has released the names of the five Thai hostages released this morning.

Pongsak Thenna, Sathian Suwannakham, Watchara Sriaoun, Bannawat Seathao and Surasak Lamnau were handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza and have crossed into Israeli territory to be met by Thai government officials, the IDF said in a statement.

12:02 PM GMT

Thailand awaiting confirmation which hostages have been released

Thailands foreign ministry has said they are awaiting confirmation from their ambassador on the ground about the identities of the released hostages.

The last time there was a release, there was a confusion with the number of those released and the nationality, a statement shared with the BBC said.

11:51 AM GMT

Pictured: The moment Arbel Yehud was released

The Islamic Jihad, a Palestinian terror group, escort Arbel Yehud to a Red Cross team in Khan Younis - AFP

11:35 AM GMT

Netanyahu condemns shocking scenes during hostage release

Benjamin Netanyahu said said the chaotic release in Khan Younis of seven hostages, who were pushed and shoved by an angry mob as they were handed over to the Red Cross, was unacceptable.

I view with great severity the shocking scenes during the release of our hostages, the Israeli prime minister said in a statement. This is further proof of the unimaginable cruelty of the Hamas terrorist organization.

An Israeli official told The Telegraph that Israel conveyed an angry message to mediators over the horror scenes in Khan Younis during the hostage exchange.

11:24 AM GMT

Watch: Crowds swamp Red Cross vehicles as more hostages freed in Gaza

11:22 AM GMT

Seven more hostages released

According to the Red Cross, seven hostages, including two Israelis and five foreign nationals, were transferred to them and are on their way toward IDF sites in the Gaza Strip, Israels military has announced.

11:10 AM GMT

Pictured: Agam Berger reunited with family

Freed Israeli soldier Agam Berger has been pictured with her parents after being reunited.

She is now being airlifted to hospital, Israels military has announced.

Freed hostage Agam Berger reunites with her parents Shlomi and Merav at an IDF facility next to the Gaza border

Agam Berger is embraced by her parents after her release by Hamas - IDF

Ms Berger is met by an IDF medical officer in the Netzarim Corridor in Gaza

10:54 AM GMT

Arbel Yehud appears in footage on route to Red Cross team

Israeli hostages Arbel Yehud appears to have been handed over to the Red Cross by the Islamic Jihad, a Palestinian terror group allied with Hamas, ahead of her release.

Footage briefly showed Ms Yehud, 29, although barely visible, being dragged through throngs of people all wrestling to try and take selfies with her.

Channel 12 reports she is inside the Red Cross vehicle. It is not immediately clear if Gadi Moses, 80, has also been handed over.

10:41 AM GMT

Israeli hostages dragged through crowds into Red Cross vehicles

Footage from inside the southern Gazan city of Khan Younis showed what appeared to be Arbel Yehud and Gadi Moses, although barely visible, being dragged through the masses of Palestinians and militants - all wrestling to take photos of the hostages.

Hundreds of people had gathered to take pictures and videos of the second hostage release

10:32 AM GMT

Five Thai hostages to be released at same time as Israeli hostages

Israel has been informed that the five Thai workers will be freed alongside Israeli hostages Arbel Yehud and Gadi Mozes, according to Israeli outlet Channel 12.

The hostages are expected to be released in southern Gaza, where large crowds have gathered.

10:29 AM GMT

Hezbollah drone intercepted over Israel

The Israeli military said it intercepted a surveillance drone launched by Lebanese militant group Hezbollah on Thursday amid a fragile ceasefire.

A short while ago, a Hezbollah surveillance UAV that was launched toward Israeli territory was intercepted by the Israeli Air Force, the IDF said in a statement.

10:20 AM GMT

Huge crowds in Gaza gather to watch the second hostage release

Footage broadcast from Gaza showed hundreds of people gathered ahead of the release of Arbel Yehud and Gadi Moses.

Militants thronged the site of the bombed house of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was killed during the 15-month war - in a potent reminder that Hamas, which Israel vowed to obliterate, still has a strong presence in Gaza despite heavy bombardment from the Middle Easts most advanced military.

A mix of civilians and members of the Hamas and Islamic Jihad terror groups could be seen standing in BBC footage crowding the dusty streets and among the rubble of Gazas destroyed buildings, levelled by Israeli air strikes. Some waved the green flags of Hamas.

Several people could be seen standing and sitting precariously on the edge of ruined structures to get a view of the scene, having climbed on top of shaky buildings.

Two more Israeli hostages are due to be released in Khan Younis in southern Gaza

10:11 AM GMT

Two more hostages about to be released

A convoy of Red Cross vehicles has arrived at a location in southern Gazas Khan Younis for the handover of two more hostages, Arbel Yehud, 29, and Gadi Moses, 80.

The hostage handover location has been set up outside the ruins of the home of killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

10:02 AM GMT

Thai family hopeful for release of Gaza hostage

The mother of a Thai farm worker held hostage in Gaza said Thursday she hoped he would be home soon, as Israel and Hamas prepared to carry out their third hostage-prisoner exchange.

Five Thais are set to be freed today, however Hamas and Israel have not shared their identities.

Six Thai citizens, Watchara Sriuan, Bannawat Seatho, Sathian Suwannakham, Nattapong Pinta, Pongsak Tanna and Surasak Lamnau, are still being held in Gaza.

Two other Thai hostages - identified as Sudthisak Rinthalak and Sonthaya Oakkharasri - were believed to be dead.

09:53 AM GMT

Bergers family thanks security forces, people of Israel

The family of the Agam Berger thanked Israels security forces and people on Thursday for their support after she was released by Hamas as part of a Gaza ceasefire deal.

We want to thank the security forces and all the people of Israel for their support and prayers. Now Agam and our family can begin the healing process, the family said in a statement after they were reunited.

The parents of Israeli hostage Agam Berger watch as their daughter is passed over to the Red Cross - REUTERS

09:37 AM GMT

Pictured: Crowds gather for second hostage handover

Palestinians gather in front of Yahya Sinwars house in Khan Younis - Doaa Albaz/Anadolu

Israeli hostages will be released as part of the ceasefire and prisoner and hostage swap deal in Khan Yunis, Gaza - Anadolu/ Doaa Albaz

Islamic Jihad fighters abducted the Israelis on Oct 7 2023 - AP/Jehad Alshrafi

09:33 AM GMT

Red Cross en route to collect two more hostages

The Red Cross is now heading to a location to collect has Arbel Yehud and Gadi Mozes, Israeli media reports.

The pair are being held by Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the terror group which took part in the Oct 7 attack alongside Hamas.

It was reported earlier that Islamic Jihad would release the pair outside the destroyed home of slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

The IDF is preparing to receive the two civilian hostages.

Yahya Sinwars house in Khan Younis, where Israeli hostages will be released as part of the ceasefire and prisoner and hostage swap - Anadolu/ Doaa Albaz

09:28 AM GMT

Israel cuts ties with UNRWA

Israel has formally cut ties with the UN agency for Palestinian refugees following accusations it provided cover for Hamas militants.

The agency, UNRWA, will be banned from operating on Israeli soil, and contact between it and Israeli officials will also be forbidden.

UNRWA has provided support for Palestinian refugees around the Middle East for over 70 years, but has long clashed with Israeli officials, who have repeatedly accused it of undermining the countrys security.

UNRWA equals an organisation infested with Hamas terror activity, Israeli foreign ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein wrote on X ahead of the ban.

This is why, beginning on January 30 and in accordance with Israeli law, Israel will have no contact with UNRWA.

A Palestinian man carries an aid box provided by UNRWA - Hatem Khaled/REUTERS

08:57 AM GMT

Pictured: Relief as Berger makes it home

The IDF said that soldiers and medical officials were accompanying Agam Berger to hospital where she will undergo an initial medical assessment.

IDF representatives are accompanying the rest of her family waiting at the hospital and updating them with the latest available information, the IDF said

People in Tel Aviv react as they watch a broadcast of the release of Agam Berger - AP/Oded Balilty

Family members and supporters of Israeli hostage Agam Berger celebrate in Holon, Israel - Tomer Appelbaum/REUTERS

08:53 AM GMT

Watch: Bergers family celebrates her release

Credit: Instagram/standwithus

08:47 AM GMT

IDF salute and embrace returning hostage

The Israel Defence Forces has confirmed that surveillance soldier Agam Berger has returned to Israeli soil.

An Israeli hostage has just been transferred to IDF and ISA Forces in Gaza, the IDF said in a statement, aading:  On their return to Israeli territory, they will undergo an initial medical assessment.

The commanders and soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces salute and embrace the returning hostages as they come back home.

Released hostages Liri, Almog, Karina and Daniella watching their friend Agam make her way home.

This is sisterhood  pic.twitter.com/nK808u0Afe  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 30, 2025

08:35 AM GMT

Pictured: Anxious wait in Tel Aviv

Israelis watch a broadcast of the release of Agam Berger - Oded Balilty/AP

Agam Berger was beaten and abducted from the Nahal Oz base on Oct 7 2023 - Shir Torem/REUTERS

Demonstrators in Tel Aviv raise placards as they celebrate the release of Agam Berger - MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP

08:20 AM GMT

What happened to IDFs female spotters whose warnings about Hamas invasion were ignored

Minutes before she was bound and bundled into the back of a jeep bound for Gaza, Agam Berger borrowed a phone from her friend, Cpl Shirat Yam Amar.

Mum, theyre shooting at us. There are terrorists. Everyones crying, but Im not afraid, she said. Her family has not heard from her since.

Ms Berger, 20, the last Israeli military lookout taken hostage on Oct 7, has been released by Hamas, with 29-year-old female civilian Arbel Yehud and 80-year-old Gadi Moses expected to be released lat er this morning.

Cpl Amar was one of 15 female spotters to be killed when marauding Hamas militants ripped through Nahal Oz base on Oct 7, 2023.

Read the full story here.

Top row left to right: Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Liri Albag, and Naama Levy. Bottom row: Agam Berger, Ori Megidish and Noa Marciano

08:14 AM GMT

Watch: Agam Berger paraded on stage

Agam Berger, a surveillance soldier held in Gaza since the Oct 7, 2023 attack, has been released by Hamas militants as part of a ceasefire and a hostages-prisoners swap deal.

Before being handed over to the Red Cross, Ms Berger was brought on stage by Hamas militants in Jabalia, northern Gaza.

08:08 AM GMT

Berger is released and handed to Red Cross

Israeli hostage Agam Berger has been handed to the Red Cross by Hamas.

She is now on her way toward the IDF at the border crossing with Israel.

Seven other hostages - female civilian Arbel Yehud, 29, Gadi Moses, 80, and five Thai nationals - will also be handed over today.

Ms Berger was paraded on stage by Hamas before she was handed to the Red Cross, similar to last weeks hostage release of four surveillance soldiers.

Israel is set to release another 110 Palestinian prisoners in the third exchange since a ceasefire in Gaza took hold earlier this month.

Under the hostage-ceasefire deal, female civilians are to be freed first, followed by female soldiers, the elderly, and those with health conditions.

Militants stad beside a car containing Agam Berger - Reuters

Agam Berger is handed over to Red Cross at al-Razan Square in Jabalia, Gaza - Hamza Z. H. Qraiqea/Anadolu via Getty Images

08:03 AM GMT

Who is being released today?

The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu identified the three Israelis to be released on Thursday as Arbel Yehud, Agam Berger and Gadi Moses. Five Thais held in Gaza would also be freed, he added.

Arbel Yehoud, 29, is a civilian who was expected to be released last Saturday. Four young, female Israeli soldiers were released instead, angering Israel.

Agam Berger, 20, was abducted along with the four other female soldiers - Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag - who were freed Saturday.

Gadi Moses was captured from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz on Oct 7. He marked his 80th birthday in Hamas captivity in March.

Mr Mosess ex-wife Margalit Moses was also captured on Oct 7 and released in November 2023 after 49 days in captivity.

Agam Berger Arbel Yehud and Gadi Moses

07:58 AM GMT

Pictured: Red Cross poised to receive hostages

A Red Cross convoy has arrived in northern Gaza ahead of the release of Israeli surveillance soldier Agam Berger, 20.

A stage has been set up in Jabalia for the handover.

Red Cross cars in Gaza ahead of hostage release - REUTERS

People gather ahead of the handover in Jabalia - Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters

07:44 AM GMT

How many hostages are still in Gaza and who has been released?

On Oct 7 2023, Hamas terrorists flooded across the border into southern Israel, killing close to 1,200 people and dragging 251 hostages back to Gaza.

Now, more than 15 months on, Israel believes 87 hostages are still being held, 53 of whom are believed to still be alive.

Families have been separated from babies, grandparents, mothers, brothers and friends.

As part of the ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel that came into effect on Jan 19, Hamas has promised to release the hostages in stages in return for thousands of Palestinian prisoners.

Read the full story here.

07:43 AM GMT

Islamic Jihad releases proof of life video

Islamic Jihad released a propaganda video showing Israeli hostages Arbel Yehud, 29, and Gadi Moses, 80, hugging each other just hours before they were expected to be released from 482 days in captivity.

Its unclear when the video was filmed, but both Arbel and Moses appear to be in decent shape physically as they are both on their feet. Moses is seen wearing a red sweatshirt and Arbel is in a green tracksuit.

The two civilian hostages will reportedly be released in Khan Younis in southern Gaza outside the ruins of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwars house.

The Red Cross has meanwhile received information on where to pick up the hostages. They will then be driven in Red Cross cars to a border crossing with Israel where Israeli soldiers, doctors, nurses and psychologists will greet them.

Credit: X/@mrconfino

07:36 AM GMT

Gazans return to rebuild from nothing in a strip of land with no future

When Inas Al-Batniji finally returned to her longed-for Gaza City this week, she was amazed to find her residential tower block still standing.

Situated close to the sea in the territorys pulverised north, the building seemed to be the only one intact after 15 months of brutal war between Israel and Hamas following the October 7 massacre.

The prospect  miraculous, given the circumstances  of a night in her own bed after such a long and draining period of displacement was tantalisingly close.

Read the full story here.

Credit: Instagram / @anasfahjan

07:35 AM GMT

How the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal works

Israel and Hamas have signed a ceasefire agreement to end the war and return the hostages kidnapped by the terror group during the Oct 7 attacks.

The truce began on Jan 19 and is a multi-stage deal, with the first period lasting 42 days.

If the conditions for the deals initial phase are met, discussions for the second and third stages will begin on the 16th day of the ceasefire taking effect.

Here is how it is expected to be implemented.

Read the full story here.

07:34 AM GMT

Welcome to our live coverage

Good morning and welcome to our live coverage.

We will be bringing you all the latest updates from the planned hostage release in Gaza.
Security officers carry a woman out from the site of the stampede - AP

A stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela festival in northern India killed at least 30 people on Wednesday and injured dozens, many of whom were sleeping on the riverbanks.

Drone footage showed millions of devotees, shoulder to shoulder, arriving in the pre-dawn dark at the temporary township in Prayagraj for the holy dip at the confluence of three rivers, the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical, invisible Saraswati.

But as pilgrims rushed to participate in a sacred day of ritual bathing, a surging crowd spilled out of a police cordon and trampled bystanders.

People sleeping and sitting on the ground near the rivers said they were trampled by huge swells of devotees coming towards them in the darkness.

Video and photos after the stampede showed bodies being taken away on stretchers and people sitting on the ground crying, while others stepped over a carpet of discarded clothes, shoes, backpacks and blankets left by people as they tried to escape the stampede.

One pilgrim, Renu Devi, 48, told the AFP news agency: I was sitting near a barricade, and during the pushing and shoving, the entire crowd fell on top of me, trampling me as it moved forward.

When the crowd surged, elderly people and women were crushed, and no one came forward to help.

A Reuters witness saw several dead bodies as he followed dozens of ambulances rushing towards the river bank where the incident occurred.

A family member of a victim looks on as he sits at the site of the stampede - ARUN SANKAR/AFP

Several people have been injured and dozens feared dead - Reuters

Police were seen carrying stretchers bearing the bodies of victims draped with thick blankets.

Deadly crowd accidents are frequent occurrence at Indian religious festivals, including the Kumbh Mela, which attracts tens of millions of devotees every 12 years to the city of Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh.

The six-week festival is the single biggest milestone on the Hindu religious calendar, and millions of people had travelled there to bathe in the rivers.

A woman is seen in shock after the stampede - Adnan Abidi/REUTERS

A min sits among discarded belongings - Adnan Abidi/REUTERS

Rahul Gandhi, Indias opposition leader, said official mismanagement was to blame for the deaths.

Mr Gandhi said in a post on X: Mismanagement and the administrations special focus on VIP movement instead of common devotees are responsible for this tragic incident.

Officials said the stampede occurred around 1am local time (19.30 GMT).

However, witnesses said devotees trying to escape it were caught in another stampede at an exit. They then returned towards the pontoon bridges looking for another way out only to find it had been closed by authorities.

Worshippers tried to escape the stampede by climbing over barricades - Reuters

I saw many people falling and getting walked on by the crowd... many children and women getting lost, crying for help, said Ravin, a devotee who gave only his first name and had travelled from Mumbai for the festival.

A Rapid Action Force (RAF)  a special unit called in during crisis situations  had been deployed to bring the situation under control and rescue efforts were under way, officials said.

Pilgrims gather on a floating pontoon bridge near the stampede - Amarjeet Kumar Singh/Anadolu

Narendra Modi, Indias prime minister, spoke to Yogi Adityanath, the Uttar Pradesh chief minister, and gave directions for normalisation of the situation and relief, reported news agency ANI.

Mr Adityanath also appealed to people to take a dip at the nearest river bank rather than trying to reach the confluence of three rivers that is believed to absolve devotees of their sins and confer salvation from the cycle of birth and death.

All of you should follow the instructions of the administration and cooperate in making arrangements, he said on X, as the devout continued to take holy dips in other parts of the sprawling temporary city.

Security personnel try to control pilgrims near the site of the stampede - NIHARIKA KULKARNI/AFP

The worlds largest congregation of humanity, the Hindu festival has already seen gigantic daily crowds, with nearly 148 million people attending since it began two weeks ago.

Attendees range from Rajnath Singh, the defence minister, and Amit Shah, the home minister, to Gautam Adani, the chairman of the Adani Group, and celebrities like Coldplays Chris Martin and Dakota Johnson, who local media reported reached Prayagraj on Tuesday.

Mr Modi was also expected to visit the festival next month.

The royal bath was briefly put on hold following the incident, but later resumed.

Now that the crowd has reduced and the ghats [banks] meant for our snan [bath] are being vacated... Our processions will be carried out as usual according to our tradition but will be at a smaller scale, ascetic Ravindra Puri told ANI.

Hindu devotees take a holy dip in the Sangam - AP

A police official monitors the movement of people at the control room after the stampede - Rajesh Kumar Singh/AP

Authorities had undertaken several measures to cater to the enormous crowd, including increased security and medical personnel, and special trains and buses. AI-software was also used to manage the crowds.

A similar stampede had broken out on the most auspicious day of the festival when it was last held in 2013, killing at least 36 pilgrims, mostly women.
Emily Damari, Romi Gonen and Doron Steinbrecher

On Oct 7 2023, Hamas terrorists flooded across the border into southern Israel, killing close to 1,200 people and dragging 251 hostages back to Gaza.

Now, more than 15 months on, Israel believes 76 hostages are still being held, 42 of whom are believed to still be alive.

Families have been separated from babies, grandparents, mothers, brothers and friends.

As part of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas that came into effect on Jan 19, Hamas has promised to release the hostages in stages in return for thousands of Palestinian prisoners.

Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants have so far handed over 21 hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

The latest hostage release saw Eli Sharabi, Or Levy and Ohad Ben Ami freed, but they appeared extremely thin as Hamas paraded them on a stage.

By the 42nd day, 33 hostages  consisting of the young, the old, the sick and the wounded  should be released under the terms of the agreement.

Here, The Telegraph tracks who has been freed, who has died in captivity, whose abducted bodies are still being held and who remains alive.

Released

She was shot in the hand and dragged out from her home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza on Oct 7. She was one of the first three hostages released on Jan 19 2025 after 471 days in captivity, as part of the ongoing ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.

Ambushed by Hamas terrorists as she tried to escape the Supernova music festival. She had travelled from her home in Kfar Vradim, northern Israel, to attend. She was released on Jan 19  day one of the ceasefire and hostage release deal.

Abducted from her home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, in her last voice message to her family she was heard screaming: Theyve caught me! She was the third hostage released on Jan 19.

A soldier who served at the Nahal Oz military base when she was kidnapped. She was able to speak to her family twice just moments before being abducted. Hamas released a video of her alongside other female IDF soldiers in January 2024. She was released on January 25.

One of five female Israeli soldiers held by Hamas. They were all abducted from the Nahal Oz military base on Oct 7. Ms Gilboa has appeared in several videos released by Hamas. In the last one, published in July, she says to the camera: I dont know when or if Ill ever return home. She was released on January 25.

One of five female IDF soldiers captured from the Nahal Oz military base. Footage of her being dragged into the back of a jeep wearing bloodied sweatpants became one of the first viral videos of the war. She was released on January 25.

Had only just begun her role as an IDF observer soldier when she was abducted from the Nahal Oz military base. She was shown in Hamas propaganda footage in early January 2025. She was released on January 25.

Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nahal Oz on Oct 7. Hamas filmed her bleeding as she was pushed into a truck to be taken to Gaza. She has a twin sister who serves in the Israeli military. She was released from captivity on January 30.

The German-Israeli citizen was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz. She is the girlfriend of Ariel Cunio, another hostage. She was released on January 30 with another seven hostages.

A grandfather and farming expert, Mr Moses was taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz. He was last seen outside his home as terrorists demanded money and his car keys. Efra Katz, his partner, was killed during the attack. He was released on January 30.

A Thai agricultural worker who was reported to have been taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz as Hamas militants swarmed the area. He was released on January 30.

A Thai national, he was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz, where he had reportedly worked for four years. He was released on January 30.

A Thai farmworker taken by Hamas on October 7. His father has said he prays for his sons safety every night and that he has a teenage daughter. He was released on January 30.

A Thai agricultural worker who was abducted and taken to Gaza during the October 7 attacks. He was released on January 30.

A Thai national, he was working as a labourer in southern Israel where he is believed to have been taken hostage by Hamas during the attacks. His mother said she still has hope of seeing him again. He was released on January 30.

A US citizen, he was driven to Gaza in his own car after being taken hostage with his wife Aviva Siegel in Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Mrs Siegel was released in November 2023. Mr Siegel was released on Feb 1.

One of two French-Israelis set to be freed by Hamas under the truce. He was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz alongside his two children, 12-year-old Erez and 16-year-old Sahar, who were both released in November 2023. He was released on Feb 1.

Yarden Bibas and his family were abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz on Oct 7 and quickly became a symbol of the attacks. Hamas claimed in November 2023 that Yardens wife, Shiri, and his sons, Kfir, now 2, and Ariel, now 5, had been killed in Israeli airstrikes. The Israeli military has not verified the claim. Mr Bibas was released on Feb 1.

Was abducted from Kibbutz Beeri after being shot by Hamas gunmen. His wife was also kidnapped and later released by Hamas. The father-of-three sent a last message before he was taken that read: Shema Yisrael [a Jewish prayer], theyre here.

Taken hostage at Kibbutz Beeri after Hamas gunmen killed his wife Leanne Sharabi and daughters Noiya and Yahel. Yossi Sharabi, his brother, was also abducted, although he is thought to have been killed in an IDF air strike on Gaza.

Had gone to the Supernova music festival on Oct 7 with his wife Eynav. The couple had only been there minutes when Hamas terrorists began opening fire. He was taken hostage, but his wife was killed.

Held hostage

Abducted by Hamas in 2015 after crossing into Gaza voluntarily. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia before his abduction. Hamas released footage of him in hospital in 2022, with Mr al-Sayed shown lying in bed wearing an oxygen mask.

Has been held hostage for over 10 years after crossing into Gaza through a barbed wire fence. Mr Mengistu was born in Ethiopia and was twice admitted to a psychiatric hospital before his capture.

Was working as a security guard at the Supernova music festival during the Hamas massacre. Survivors have said he stayed behind to care for the wounded until he was taken hostage. Photos of him tied up on the ground circulated on social media after the attack.

Abducted while working as a security guard at the Supernova music festival. His father is the co-founder of the Tikva Forum, a hostage family organisation that opposes the ceasefire deal and argues Hamas should be defeated through military force.

One of three hostages holding US citizenship who are believed to still be alive. Born in Tel Aviv, he grew-up in New Jersey and volunteered to serve in the Israeli military after graduating from secondary school. He was captured on Oct 7 while serving near the Gaza border. In December, he appeared in a Hamas proof-of-life video calling on then-US president-elect Donald Trump to free him.

An IDF soldier, he was on duty at the Nahal Oz military base when he was captured and taken to Gaza.

The oldest hostage held by Hamas. Born in Iraq, as a child he survived the 1941 Farhud massacre in Baghdad, where a mob killed over 100 Jews in a Nazi-inspired pogrom. He manages a chicken coop at his home in Kibbutz Kissufim.

The twin Berman brothers were taken from Kibbutz Kfar Aza on Oct 7. Released hostages said that Hamas is holding them separately.

The Bibas family was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz on Oct 7 and quickly became a symbol of the attacks. Kfir Bibas was nine months old when he was taken and is the youngest hostage in captivity. Hamas claimed in November 2023 that Kfir, his five-year-old brother Ariel and mother Shiri Bibas had been killed in Israeli airstrikes. The Israeli military has not verified the claim. Yarden Bibas, husband to Shiri and father to Kfir and Ariel, was released by Hamas on Feb 1.

Planned to open an ice cream shop in Tel Aviv before he was captured by Hamas at the Supernova music festival. He spoke to his wife and mother during the attack, telling them he was helping to evacuate the wounded. They saw him hours later in a Hamas video, tied up on the floor with a bloodied face.

Taken captive while working as a security guard at the Supernova music festival. He has not been heard from since. He was reported to be one of several security guards who tried to help and save others during the attack.

Was shot in the leg by Hamas terrorists at the Supernova music festival before being dragged to Gaza. He had been attending the event with his partner Ziv, who managed to escape by hiding under dead bodies for six hours.

An IDF soldier, he was the only survivor from the crew of a tank attacked by Hamas during the opening hours of the Oct 7 assault. He was kidnapped after the vehicle suffered a mechanical malfunction.

Ariel was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz with his girlfriend Arbel Yehud, who is still being held hostage. A message he sent during the attack read: We are in a horror film. His brother David was kidnapped in Kibbutz Nir Oz alongside his wife, Sharon Aloni Cunio, and his three-year-old twin daughters. They were released on Nov 27 2023.

Abducted from the Supernova music festival on Oct 7. One of Davids friends was killed during the attack. His family woke up to a text from him that morning that said the party was being closed because they are bombarding the party. After frantically searching social media for signs he was alive, they received a message saying he had been identified in a Hamas photo.

An American-Israeli, he was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz on Oct 7. He is the father of three children and has not met his youngest daughter, who was born two months after he was kidnapped.

Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz on the morning of Oct 7. He was shot and injured in his home before being taken hostage. He called his brother from his safe room and said: This is the end. Mr Elgarat holds Danish citizenship and has two children.

Was kidnapped as he attempted to escape the Supernova music festival massacre. He had travelled to the event with three friends and met his brother there. Within hours of the attack, his family found footage online of him and his friend tied up, lying in a tunnel.

Kidnapped from the Supernova music festival, he has a three-year-old daughter and is the primary caregiver for his mother and 11-year-old brother. He has not been seen or heard from since the attack.

The Horn brothers, both dual Argentinian-Israeli citizens, were abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz as Hamas swarmed through the area during the Oct 7 attacks. Eitan Horn had come from his home in Kfar Saba to visit his older brother for the weekend.

Was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nahal Oz when terrorists broke into his home and shot dead his 18-year-old daughter. Hamas published a video showing him alive in April 2024.

A Nepalese agriculture student, he was kidnapped from Kibbutz Alumim. He was later seen in footage taken in Gazas Al-Shifa hospital on the day of the attack.

Was abducted while trying to escape across a highway from the Supernova music festival massacre. He had worked in his familys bakery for years, but had dreams of a career in finance.

One of the oldest Israeli hostages held in Gaza. A retired journalist and peace campaigner, he was shot in the hand and abducted from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz. His wife, Yocheved, was taken hostage but freed in October 2023.

Was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nahal Oz, near to the military base where five female soldiers were captured. His wife said she last saw him being driven away in his own car. He appeared in a Hamas proof-of-life video in April 2024.

A soldier who was serving at the Erez crossing on the Gaza border when he was taken prisoner. Israeli media said he and two other soldiers were seen being walked out of their base in shorts and T-shirts by Hamas gunmen.

Taken hostage during the Supernova music festival massacre. He helped paramedics transfer wounded people before he was abducted.

A Serbian citizen and keen pianist, he was kidnapped during the attack on the Supernova music festival. His mother said he has not been seen seen or heard from since.

Abducted with his partner Noa Argamani from the Supernova music festival. Ms Argamani was rescued from central Gaza in June 2024 by the Israeli military. She said the pair had been held separately and she has been fighting for his liberation since her return to Israel.

A Thai farmworker, he was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz. Known as Nick on his Facebook account, he was reportedly saving up to help his wife open a coffee shop.

Taken hostage by Hamas gunmen as they swarmed the Supernova music festival on October 7. He called his family multiple times before being taken to Gaza, sounding more panicked, from call to call, his father said. The family eventually recognised Mr Shem-Tov via his tattoos in a Hamas video posted on Telegram.

Captured from Kibbutz Beeri along with his wife, son, daughter and three other extended family members. Aside from Mr Shoham, all of them were released under the November 2023 truce.

Holds Israeli, Ukrainian and Russian citizenship. He was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz with his parents, grandmother and girlfriend. His father was killed in captivity but his girlfriend, mother and grandmother were released in November 2023. Palestinian Islamic Jihad, a Gaza-based terror group, is reported to be holding him and has released four videos showing him alive.

Captured during the Supernova music festival. He was later filmed by Hamas tied up on the flatbed of a white pick-up truck. He suffers from an autoimmune disease, and his family fears his captors are not giving him the medication he needs.

Put his family in their safe room when he learnt that terrorists were approaching Kibbutz Nir Oz. He defended them with a pistol and was shot before being abducted. His wife was able to escape with two of his children, but 12-year-old Eitan Yahalomi, his son, was kidnapped and later released under the November 2023 truce. Holds French citizenship.

Kidnapped from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz. He appeared in a proof of life video released by Hamas in December, after which his mother made an emotional appeal to Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, to negotiate a deal that would ensure the captives return.

Body held captive

An Israeli army officer who was taken prisoner during the 2014 Gaza war. The circumstances of his death are unclear, but Hamas still holds his body.

Went out to defend his home after hundreds of terrorists infiltrated Kibbutz Nir Oz. He was killed during the attack and his body taken to Gaza. His wife and two young children survived.

A Bedouin Arab serving as a tracker in the Israeli military. He was killed in a battle with Hamas fighters in the Nahal Oz area before his body was taken to Gaza.

Killed by Hamas during its assault on Kibbutz Nir Oz. His body was taken to Gaza. The kibbutz said he was a great pillar of the community, and described him as a painter, cyclist, lover of the land.

Taken hostage from the Beeri kibbutz. He was killed during a failed Israeli military attempt to rescue hostages in December 2023. His body remains in Gaza.

Abducted from the Supernova festival, he was later killed in captivity. He was father of two and was described as being a joyful person who loved life, worked in construction and loved techno music.

A US-Israeli citizen who serving in the IDF when he was killed fighting Hamas near the Gaza border on Oct 7. His family has chosen not to sit shiva, the traditional Jewish mourning period, until his body is returned from Gaza for burial.

An economist, poet and composer. In the 1950s, Mr Cooper and his wife helped found the Nir Oz kibbutz, from where they were both abducted by Hamas. The Israeli military confirmed his death in captivity in November 2023. His wife, Nurit Cooper, was released on Oct 23 2023.

Kidnapped along with his wife and two daughters from Kibbutz Nir Oz. The IDF confirmed in December 2023 that he had died in captivity. His family had been released under the November truce deal. He was described as a photographer and motorcycle enthusiast who was always smiling.

Killed in Kibbutz Beeri during the Oct 7 attacks. His wife made a call saying he had been killed before she was murdered. His body is being held in Gaza.

The police officer was injured and waiting for an operation on Oct 7. He left hospital to defend Kibbutz Alumim. He texted friends to tell them he had been shot twice in the leg before being killed. His body was taken to Gaza.

He was out for a morning walk with his wife, Judith Weinstein Haggai, when the Oct 7 attacks began. The pair were reportedly shot and Mrs Haggai fatally wounded. Kibbutz Nir Oz announced in December 2023 Mr Haggai had died in captivity.

Killed by Hamas militants in Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak. He was part of the kibbutzs rapid response team and helped defend it during the attacks. His widow, Ella Chaimi, gave birth to his fourth daughter seven months after his death.

A student who was volunteering at the Supernova festival when she was kidnapped. She was later killed in captivity. She had been shown in a video bloodied and beaten, before being hauled off by four men.

Wounded and then kidnapped during the Supernova festival. Hostages freed in the November 2023 truce said he had died of his injuries in captivity. He had been a sound technician for some of Israels leading musicians.

Kidnapped by Hamas while she was taking a morning walk in the Beeri kibbutz. Her husband, Sami Keidar, was killed in the safe room of their house. Her death was confirmed by the Israeli military in December 2023.

A soldier killed during the Oct 7 attacks. He was a top volleyball player and spent several years playing for a team from an Arab village as the only Jew. He was said to have strongly believed that Muslims and Jews could live together peacefully.

A taxi driver who was taking a customer from central Israel to Kibbutz Beeri when the Hamas attack began. He was killed and a video later showed his body being kicked and stamped on by a cheering crowd on a Gaza street.

An agricultural intern from Tanzania, he is believed to have been killed immediately afer being kidnapped by Hamas on Oct 7. He worked at the Nahal Oz dairy farm and had plans to open an agricultural business back home.

A cattle-breeder kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz. His family said he left home early that morning to feed his horses. The Israeli military confirmed his death in Hamas captivity in December 2023.

An American-Israeli who was serving in the IDF when he was killed on Oct 7. Initially believed to have been captured alive, the IDF said in December that he had been killed during the Hamas onslaught.

A Thai national who worked on a farm near Kibbutz Beeri. Israel confirmed he had been killed on Oct 7 in May, 2024 and his body taken to Gaza.

A chef and cheesemaker at the Kibbutz Beeri dairy. Initially believed to be being held in Gaza, his kibbutz said in May 2024 he had been killed by Hamas during the attacks. He was taken hostage with his two children, Noam, 17, and Alma, 13, who were released in November 2023.

Killed by Hamas on Oct 7 while serving in the IDFs 7th Armoured Brigade. His body was taken to Gaza.

A captain in the IDF and originally from South Africa. He was killed and his body adbucted during the Oct 7 attacks.

A Thai labourer who was killed alongside Sonthaya Oakkharasri, whose body is also believed to be held by Hamas.

An ambulance driver and volunteer medic. He was presumed to be a hostage until the IDF confirmed in May 2024 he had been killed fighting Hamas gunmen in the Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak.

A DJ who attended the Supernova festival and was later confirmed killed. His mother has said he was taken to Gaza by a man who was working for UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.

Taken from Kibbutz Beeri on Oct 7. An IDF investigation found he was likely accidentally killed by an Israeli strike on Gaza in January 2024.

The Israeli-American-Canadian was fatally wounded during a Hamas assault on Kibbutz Nir Oz and later died in captivity. She is the wife of Gad Haggai, whose body is also being held by Hamas.

Killed during the Kibbutz Beeri massacre. He was part of the kibbutz security team and died while fighting the terrorists. His wife Shiri, 53, and daughter Noga, 18, were taken hostage and released in November 2023. His family said none of us can recover until his body is returned for a proper burial.

He was killed during the Hamas assault on the Nir Oz kibbutz. His wife and two sons were taken captive and freed in November 2023. He was described as being a family man with a huge heart, always willing to help everyone.

Abducted from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz, a video showed him being driven to Gaza on the back of a motorbike. In November 2023, Hamas released a video showing him lying on a bed looking very ill. The terror group later said he died of a heart attack after reports had had no medicine for 40 days.

Killed at the Supernova festival, where he was volunteering as a photographer. He was believed to have been taken captive until his death was announced a year later.
Preterm birth is the leading cause of infant death worldwide. Photograph: Photodisc/Getty Images

A study has found microplastic and nanoplastic pollution to be significantly higher in placentas from premature births than in those from full-term births.

The levels were much higher than previously detected in blood, suggesting the tiny plastic particles were accumulating in the placenta. But the higher average levels found in the shorter pregnancies were a big surprise for the researchers, as longer terms could be expected to lead to more accumulation.

Preterm birth is the leading cause of infant death worldwide, and the reasons for about two-thirds of all preterm births were unknown, said Dr Enrico Barrozo, of Baylor College of Medicine in Texas, US. The established link between air pollution and millions of premature births had spurred the research team to investigate plastic pollution.

The new study only demonstrates an association between microplastics and premature births. Further research is needed in cell cultures and animal models to determine if the link is causal. Microplastics are known to cause inflammation in human cells, and inflammation is one of the factors that prompts the start of labour.

Microplastics, broken down from plastic waste, have polluted the entire planet from the summit of Mount Everest to the deepest oceans. People are already known to consume the tiny particles via food, water and by breathing them in.

Microplastics were first detected in placentas in 2020 and have also been found in semen, breast milk, brains, livers and bone marrow, indicating profuse contamination of peoples bodies. The impact on human health is little known, but microplastics have been linked to strokes and heart attacks.

Our study hints at the possibility that the accumulation of plastics could be contributing to the occurrence of preterm birth, said Prof Kjersti Aagaard, at Boston childrens hospital in the US. Combined with other recent research, this study adds to the growing body of evidence that demonstrates a real risk from exposure to plastics on human health and disease.

The research was presented on Thursday at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicines annual meeting in Denver, and has been submitted to an academic journal. The researchers analysed 100 placentas from full-term births (37.2 weeks, on average) and 75 from preterm births (34 weeks), all from the Houston area.

Analysis with highly sensitive mass spectrometry found 203 micrograms of plastic per gram of tissue (g/g) in the premature placentas  more than 50% higher than the 130g/g in the full-term placentas.

Twelve types of plastic were detected, with the most significant differences between the full and preterm birth placentas being for PET, as used in plastic bottles, PVC, polyurethane and polycarbonate.

Some mothers are at higher risk of preterm births, due to their age, ethnicity and socioeconomic status. But a strong link between the plastic particles and premature birth remained even when these factors were taken into account.

This study showed an association and not causation, said Barrozo. But I think it is important to increase peoples awareness of microplastics and their associations with potential human health effects.

The effectiveness of actions to cut peoples exposure to microplastics also needed urgent study, he said. Those interventions need to be studied in order to show that theres a benefit to avoiding these plastics.
The obsession of Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, with net zero risks hastening the demise of Britains oil industry - Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images Europe

The green energy debate throws up a never-ending list of important questions that environmentalists struggle to answer. Whats the point of all those wind expensive turbines when they spend so much time sitting idle? Can solar power ever be the answer when Britain gets so little sun? Why would I buy an electric car when theres hardly anywhere to charge it? And  more pertinently, perhaps  how many homes could you power with the rubbish that comes out of Ed Milibands mouth?

But the one argument that even the most hardline eco-zealots can no longer deny is that the shift to clean energy will leave society with a gargantuan bill.

The pursuit of environmental preservation is undoubtedly an admirable one, and probably necessary too, but climate activists need to be more honest about the sacrifices that a typical family is going to have to make.

Here in Britain, the costs of our very own Energy Secretarys fervent net zero crusade are piling up quicker than a wide-eyed Just Stop Oil campaigner can glue themselves to a petrol forecourt.

Yet its not just households that are struggling to keep up  corporate Britain is, too. On Wednesday, British car parts champion Dowlais meekly agreed to a 1.2bn takeover at the hands of an American rival, citing the need for scale to navigate the transitioning business environment  a nod, one assumes, to the Governments unbending 2030 electric vehicle mandate.

The seismic changes of global electrification are being felt at the very top of the car industry, too, as Japanese titans Nissan and Honda explore a shock 54bn mega-merger. Combining forces carries massive complications, including overlapping markets and technologies; and great risks, too, such as the threat of cultural clashes. Yet the pair say that it may be necessary in order to compete with Chinas dominance in electric vehicles.

With even the biggest multinationals willing to think the unthinkable, has the time finally come for two British industrial behemoths to contemplate a future together?

As this column previously revealed, a blockbuster tie-up between Shell and BP is the City rumour that refuses to die. Given the extraordinary flux that big oil finds itself in as it attempts to navigate the shift to renewables, there is every reason to think that this could be the year that the two finally, reluctantly, end up in each others arms.

Speculation about the mother of all tie-ups between two arch rivals has persisted since the go-go days of BP boss Lord Browne. In the early 2000s, the industry map was torn up and redrawn amid a flurry of empire-building. Browne pondered a move for Shell before going after several others instead.

The whispers resurfaced 18 months ago amid a flurry of dealmaking across the Atlantic, but ultimately came to nothing. Industry sources say BP was far too preoccupied at the time with the fallout from chief executive Bernard Looneys ignominious exit to ponder something so momentous. Shell, meanwhile, was said to be contemplating an even bigger move in the form of a merger with French state-backed giant Total, but that came to nothing, too.

Since then, the logic has only got stronger as the world increasingly moves against our two big oil explorers. The decision of a Scottish judge to block production at Equinors Rosebank and Shells Jackdaw projects in the North Sea  Britains biggest oil and gas offshore developments respectively  is a watershed moment.

The North Sea is well into its sunset years but these programmes offered a final hurrah. With Shell having spent 800m on Jackdaw and Equinor a cool 2bn on Rosebank, who in their right mind would put another penny into the region?

The ruling sets a huge precedent that will reverberate well beyond UK waters. It says that concern for the environment can now come before energy security, the need for vital national infrastructure, and the pursuit of commercial profit.

Though Shell and Equinor have been told they can continue to develop the two sites, they are banned from actually extracting anything from them without new permission of Miliband. Given his opposition to new oil and gas exploration it would be remarkably brave to bet against his fanaticism.

The contrast with the flurry of executive orders underpinning Donald Trumps drill, baby, drill agenda couldnt be more stark. The US presidents decision to loosen the rules around oil and gas extraction at the same time as tightening them around low-carbon technologies under the guise of a national energy emergency, promises to unleash a new American fossil fuel boom.

Washingtons intervention couldnt come at a worse possible time for Shell and BP. They might be able to catch some of the upswing but will largely be consigned to bystanders. As the US oil industry reasserts its strength under Trump, Milibands obsession with net zero will merely hasten the demise of Britains.

The departure of Looney catapulted BP into a state of strategic limbo from which it shows little sign of escaping. The only time its share price has been lower than today is in the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon catastrophe and during Covid. In 25 years, its shares have gone nowhere. On a five-year view they are down 10pc. Veteran Paul Sankey, a veteran Wall Street analyst, has called for the BP board to be fired.

Having watered down the big commitments Looney made on green energy, the obvious move would have been a wholehearted return to hydrocarbon exploration. Instead, BP seems unable to decide which direction to head in.

Shell has been a better investment for shareholders, but share price gains of 33pc over five years still compare unfavourably with increases of between 45pc and 75pc for its US peers, and profits have nearly halved in the last two years.

The valuation gap is a big part of the reason why Shell has looked at abandoning its primary London share quote for New York.

The nightmare scenario for the Government is that Shell elopes while BP becomes so cheap that it finds itself on the end of hostile takeover bid from across the Atlantic. Even for a country that is the world champion when it comes to selling national crown jewels, that would be a step too far.

BP should do the smart thing  seek the blessing of ministers for a blockbuster merger with its FTSE cousin.

Ultimately, the long-term decline of oil means consolidation has to happen, but an Anglo-Dutch affair that emphasises the British element would preserve the future of both companies  and may even give the London Stock Exchange a chance of pulling out of its death spiral.
Sydney Local Health District, which includes Royal Prince Alfred hospital, has seen more than 50% of its staff psychiatrists resign, according to internal documents. Photograph: Joel Carrett/AAP

More than half of the staff psychiatrists in the Sydney Local Health District  which includes two major psychiatry centres at Royal Prince Alfred and Concord hospitals  have resigned, leaked documents show.

Guardian Australia has seen the districts work health safety risk assessment tool dated 17 January, which states in a background/context section that the resignation of more than 50% of psychiatry staff specialists employed in SLHD may impact the districts ability to provide safe, high quality, timely, appropriate, consistent and comprehensive health services for mental health consumers.

In addition to the Professor Marie Bashir Centre, associated with the Royal Prince Alfred hospital, and the Concord Centre for Mental Health (CCMH), the local health district also provides a range of community mental health teams at Redfern, Camperdown, Marrickville, Canterbury, Croydon and Concord.

Related: NSW psychiatrists threatening to resign say its not about money - its about the collapse of the system

The documents do not stipulate which facilities the psychiatrists have resigned from.

Another document, containing a slide presentation titled contingency plans for mass psychiatrist resignations and seen by Guardian Australia, also dated 17 January, states services at Concord Centre for Mental Health are planned to be maintained with no bed closures at this stage.

Units will operate with skeleton Senior Medical Officer (SMO) coverage, the document states as the hospital continues to attempt to source visiting medical officers and locums.

The existing multidisciplinary team (MDT) models of care will be bolstered to allow Allied Health and Nursing clinicians to work to top of scope to support SMO oversight.

A similar model is proposed for the Professor Marie Bashir Centre.

A third document seen by Guardian Australia  an action plan for the districts program for staff wellbeing  suggests talking points for interactions with patients aiming to deescalate, protect organisational values etc, ?narrative [sic] around the care is unchanged but it does look different. You will be cared for, services are not being closed, there may be delays, there will be a process that we are following, and you will not be missed.

An anonymous experienced public sector psychiatrist, who has previously worked in the Sydney LHD and who spoke with Guardian Australia on the condition of anonymity, said the fact Concord was not closing beds was irresponsible given the number of psychiatrist resignations.

I question whether its safe to keep those beds open.

The psychiatrist said the idea that allied health and nursing staff can be bolstered to cover psychiatrists was not true because these are not interchangeable roles, they are complementary roles and that the governance structures within hospitals did not allow for this to occur.

Psychiatrists have the training and skills to do a comprehensive assessment for patients and make decisions about being admitted to hospital, changing treatment, moving the patient between wards and about being discharged from hospital, they said.

A psychiatrists plan will include interventions from allied health staff, who all have skills in providing treatment, but do not have the expertise to make decisions such as discharging a high-risk patient, the anonymous psychiatrist said.

The risk management isnt just, are you going to kill yourself or hurt someone else? when someones unwell. The risks are really complex.

Related: My daughter was involuntarily admitted to a psych ward in NSW. I saw the crisis first-hand

The general secretary of the New South Wales Nurses and Midwives Association, Shaye Candish, told Guardian Australia: We are not being adequately consulted by local health districts and we remain in dispute with NSW Health in the industrial relations commission where we are seeking the full disclosure of relevant information to help provide further advice to our members.

Candish said it was imperative their members ensure they are not operating outside their scope of practice.

It is not up to mental health nurses and emergency department nurses to take on additional workloads and fill the gaps of psychiatrists. They are already run off their feet as it is.

The anonymous psychiatrist was concerned that the lack of psychiatrists would lead to bed block on the acute units and psychiatry patients waiting for days in the emergency department.

Dr Jackie Huber, the chair of the Australia and New Zealand Emergency Psychiatry Network, said multiple-day stays in emergency departments for psychiatric patients had been going on for years in hospitals across NSW. She said it was undeniable that with this number of psychiatrist resignations, we absolutely expect a length of stay across emergency departments to increase.

Huber said the ED environment was not appropriate to hold someone for days at a time and was associated with increased rates of restraint  the use of medications and occasionally physical restraints  for people whose overwhelming distress and acute, severe behavioural disturbance had reached a point where they could no longer be de-escalated by any other means.

Jonathan Harms, the CEO of Mental Health Carers NSW, said federal government data showed turning up for a mental health assessment at an ED was already the most common sort of presentation that did not get seen.

We know that if that happens to you, 50% of people will never seek help again. They go on to fill out other grim statistics in suicide and self-harm, alcohol, homelessness and prison, he said.

When it comes to mental health funding, Harms said NSW only fund crisis care, and so we have a lot of crises.

With even fewer psychiatrists working in NSW, the potential for very serious consequences is great, Harms said.

We would really like to see decisive action taken to not only rectify this problem, but to start thinking about how we actually expand the capacity of the mental health system in NSW, because the mental health system in NSW does not have the scale to deal with the scope of mental illness in this state.

A Sydney Local Health District spokesperson said contingencies have been carefully planned and put in place to ensure we continue to provide the best possible care to any mental health patient who presents to one of our hospitals or community services.

It is also paramount for SLHD that our mental health consumers  and community more broadly  know our services remain available and people will continue to receive care from our dedicated and highly skilled mental health staff.
Taking children out of school to go on holiday accounted for 91 per cent of fines issued to parents across the academic year - Izusek/E+

Nearly half a million fines were given to parents for term-time holidays in one year, figures show.

Department for Education (DfE) data showed that 443,322 penalty notices were issued for unauthorised family holidays in the 2023-24 academic year in England.

Taking children out of school to go on holiday accounted for 91 per cent of fines issued to parents across the academic year.

The figure has almost doubled since 2017-18, when there were 222,904 fines for unauthorised holidays, and marks a 24 per cent rise since 2022-23, when 356,181 fines were issued.

The total number of fines issued for unauthorised absences for the year were 487,344, compared to 398,796 in 2022-23  a 22 per cent increase.

The latest data covered the last academic year before fines for unauthorised absences were increased.

Union leaders call for the Government to restrain travel firms from raising the prices of holidays during school holiday periods - Sally Anscombe/Digital Vision

In September, school absence fines in England rose from 60 to 80, and a parent who receives a second fine for the same child within a three-year period will now receive a 160 fine.

The former Conservative government announced the hike in February last year as part of a drive to boost school attendance since the pandemic.

Overall, 1,086 penalty notices were issued for lateness and the remainder were for other reasons.

The use of penalty notices by local authorities varied greatly across England, the DfE said.

Three local authorities issued no fines, while 26 out of 153 local authorities accounted for half of all penalty notices issued.

The region with the highest rate of penalty notices issued was Yorkshire and The Humber at 10.7%, while the lowest rates of penalty notices issued were in Inner London (3.5%) and Outer London (3.4%).

Pepe DiIasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said: School leaders take no pleasure in parents being fined, but must have clear, consistent policies in place that emphasise the importance of attendance.

We can understand why some parents want to take holidays at other times of year as this may be the only way it is affordable, even with the threat of a fine.

However, we must do something to reverse the trend of a growing number of pupils missing out on a week or more of school. This is damaging to their education as well as disruptive for their class and teachers, who must then spend time helping them catch up on work they have missed.

Mr DiLasio suggested the Government could restrain travel firms from raising their pieces during school holidays. He said the ASCL cannot see how this problem can be solved another way.

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the school leaders union the NAHT, said: It is clear that for many families the threat of a fine is not acting as a significant deterrent in the way the Government hoped it would.

This is largely due to the exorbitant charges for holidays outside of term time. We have long argued that fines are a blunt tool for tackling this issue and the data appear to bear this out once again.

Perhaps now is the time for the Government to try a different approach.

Bridget Phillipson says all children suffer from school absences as attention is diverted to help pupils catch back up with their peers - Monkeybusinessimages/iStockphoto

Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, said: We need a national effort to tackle the epidemic of school absence so we can give children the best start in life  with Government, schools, and parents all playing their part.

This Government will do everything in its power to tackle the problem, but behaviour like term-time holidays cannot be changed with support alone  which is why fines have a vital place in our system, so everyone is held accountable for ensuring our children are in school.

When children miss school unnecessarily, all children suffer, as teachers attention is diverted to helping them catch back up, and we will not apologise for ensuring every child is in school accessing high and rising standards so they can achieve and thrive.
Outside a property in Dural, NSW, where a caravan was found laden with explosives. The residents are not accused of any wrongdoing. Photograph: Caitlin Cassidy/The Guardian

When residents of a sleepy semi-rural street in Sydneys north-west spotted a caravan on the side of the road last year, some thought it was part of a council cleanup.

Others later hypothesised the vehicle had been stolen and abandoned, or was home to a squatter.

Then the bomb squad arrived.

On Wednesday, the caravan was revealed to be at the centre of a suspected antisemitic bomb plot, with New South Wales police saying the van contained a list of Jewish targets and enough explosives to create a 40-metre blast zone.

Nothing like this happens here, one resident, who asked not to be named, told Guardian Australia. The most you see is a dead kangaroo.

Related: Powergel is believed to be the explosive found in a Sydney caravan. What is it?

Dural, a quiet farmland suburb of about 8,000 residents on Sydneys fringe, is home to a large number of affluent families and retirees. More than 80% of the community own their house outright or with a mortgage.

Many of its grand homes are set on large acres with artificial water features, only accessible behind high gates fixed with intercoms.

On Thursday, the NSW deputy police commissioner David Hudson said a resident had first seen the caravan parked on the side of the road on 7 December. Believing it to be a hazard, he had towed it onto his property in Dural.

(December 7, 2024)

A caravan is parked on the side of the road in Dural, a semi-rural suburb in Sydneys north west.

A local resident, believing it was parked in a hazardous position for road users, towed the caravan to his property.

The van is padlocked. The man leaves it parked on his property.

(December 19, 2024)

The property owner busts open the caravan, to discover it contains explosives. He contacts police. He is not accused of any wrongdoing.

In addition to Powergel explosives capable of creating a 40-metre wide blast radius, in the caravan there is also a note containing the name of targets including a Sydney synagogue and remarks about Jews.

No detonator was found.

State and federal police launch a covert joint counterterrorism investigation.

At the time of the discovery, the registered owner of the caravan is in custody on separate matters related to weapons and drug charges.

(January 21, 2025)

Police raid properties, including a Dural address next to the property where the caravan had been towed. Another home in Sydneys west is also raided.

Anthony Albanese convenes national cabinet to address the shocking rise of antisemitic hate crimes. Leaders agree to set up a national database, and federal police reveal foreign actors may be orchestrating recent attacks.

(January 29, 2025)

Details of the caravan are leaked and reported by The Daily Telegraph, which prompts New South Wales police and the premier, Chris Minns, to call a press conference. They make public the investigation into the potential mass casualty event.

Hudson said on 19 January  six weeks after towing it onto his property  the resident had decided to open the caravan and found the explosives inside.

Our investigation is looking at whether the caravan and its contents are acts in preparation for a terrorism event, Hudson said, adding the resident who towed the caravan was a witness, not a person of interest.

There were searches conducted in relation to the recovery of the caravan at a number of properties.

Robert, the landlord of two houses near where the caravan was first parked who did not wish to use his surname, said he had passed the caravan, which was tucked in an enclave next to his house, two or three times. He didnt know why it was sitting there and assumed it was part of a council cleanup.

Robert alleged his block of land, which is tenanted to two elderly women and a son with a disability, was subject to a raid without notice on 21 January by about 20 Australian federal police and a terrorist squad.

They smashed all the doors down, he said.

[The son] was handcuffed and knocked around [before being released]. I fully understand terrorism is a terrible thing and especially  antisemitism, theres nothing worse than that in Australia. [But the caravan] was never, ever on the property, it was up the road. [The explosives] have no relation to us.

Robert said a complaint had been lodged with his local member over the treatment of the residents. Asked if it was frightening to know explosives were sitting metres from his tenants, he replied: What do you say to that? Someone pulls up outside your house with some explosives, would you be frightened?

Guardian Australia contacted Julian Leeser and Mark Hodges, the local federal and state members, for comment. The AFP declined to comment.

Ante Topic lives opposite the property where the caravan was found by police. The site is unassuming  a brown brick house and a small dam, surrounded by a field of grass with horses, goats and sheep.

He initially saw the vehicle about 500 metres down the street in early December. A few weeks after that, he said it was moved out of the way in front of his neighbours property. Approximately two weeks ago, he said it was relocated again further onto the property, where it remained until the raid.

I didnt really pay that much attention to it, Topic said. I just thought someone was living out of it.

Topic said his neighbourhood had always been really quiet, really good, but that had changed with the arrival of the caravan.

He recalled getting home on the Sunday evening of 19 January and seeing two police cars before big surveillance vans rocked up.

Related: Global gigantism hotspot: Tasmanian tree standing at almost 100m tallest in the country

A bomb squad truck came and I went to bed, it was pretty late, he said.

We couldnt leave, the neighbours couldnt go on to their property, it was all blocked off. Nothing like this has ever happened.

Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, only officially moved into their house two days ago. He was also contacted by the police last week but had little information to give them.

Its come as a surprise to us, all this strange stuff going on, he said.

We did see the caravan up the other side of the dam, supposedly it was on the street before that  we only ever saw it tucked into the shrub [on the property that it was moved to].

It struck me when I first saw it  it was a big van, an expensive looking van  and it wasnt parked like youd park a van, it was all tilted to one side, and padlocked.

The registered owner of the caravan was in custody at the time it was located based on peripheral matters to the investigations, NSW police have confirmed. Two further arrests have been made on the periphery of the incident. No one has been charged in relation to the explosives found in the caravan.
The Palace of Westminster - Nuwan/Moment RF

A Holocaust memorial exhibition has been banned from Parliament because it is too political  despite pro-Palestine activists being allowed to campaign there.

Parliamentary authorities blocked the exhibition from being held in Westminster Hall earlier this month because it did not meet criteria for being politically neutral.

But in July last year, activists from the Palestine Solidarity Campaign were allowed to hand out leaflets from a stall in the same place.

Lord Pickles, the Governments special envoy on post-Holocaust issues, said Winston Churchill would have been appalled by the decision.

The exhibition, which details violence committed against Jewish people throughout history, was created by Marc Cave from the National Holocaust Centre and Museum.

But when Mr Cave applied to bring it to Westminster Hall for a week to coincide with Holocaust Memorial Day on Jan 27, his application was rejected.

The decision was made despite the Palestine Solidarity Campaign being allowed to have a stall in Westminster Hall in July last year.

Mr Cave said: Its one of the great tragedies, I think, of the social media era, and my fear is that by Parliament being perhaps more ready to house one side of the argument but not the other  thats kind of dangerous.

The exhibition tells the story of anti-Jewish pogroms, including Kristallnacht in Germany in 1938, the Farhud pogrom in Baghdad in 1941, and the Oct 7 massacre in Israel in 2023.

The exhibition is intended to show that the Holocaust did not come out of nowhere and was not the end of anti-Jewish racism.

Lord Pickles, the former Tory minister, told Times Radio that the decision to block it from Westminster Hall should be reversed.

Concentration camps

Considering the timing of it, that we have just commemorated the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the concentration camps [in] Nazi Germany, I was frankly astounded, he said.

It just seems to me that if you are going to ensure that the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign has something there, its not unreasonable to have a government-funded exhibition there.

Dealing with the questions of anti-Semitism, I mean, after all, Westminster Hall is where Churchill laid in state. Westminster Hall is where he received many honours.

There was perhaps no greater fighter against anti-Semitism than Churchill. He would be appalled by this decision.

The exhibition is set to be displayed at the European parliament in Brussels and the German parliament in Berlin in the coming weeks.

A parliamentary spokesman said: Requests for exhibitions in Westminster Hall are taken on a case-by-case basis, and many requests are made throughout the year.

These are completely different to mass lobbies  signage is considered on a case-by-case basis for the sole purposes of directing individuals during a mass lobby.
Pam the Bird graffiti on a Flinders Street station clock in July. Victoria police say they have arrested a 21-year-old who allegedly painted the bird on Melbourne landmarks. Photograph: Metro Victoria

A man accused of being one of Australias most prominent graffiti artists has faced court after allegedly causing thousands of dollars worth of damage with his cartoon-like bird murals.

Jack Gibson-Burrell, 21, sat in the Melbourne magistrates court dock on Friday afternoon and smiled at times as the allegations against him were read out.

He was arrested on Thursday and charged with 50 offences, including criminal damage, burglary, shop theft and stealing a motor vehicle.

Related: Giant colouring book: how money and paint mix in Melbournes street art scene

Snr Const Scott Nicholls told the court Gibson-Burrell was behind the Pam the Bird graffiti that had been popping up on Melbourne trains, buildings and landmarks in the past year.

The cartoon-like bird had garnered media attention and a social media following of more than 70,000 people on an Instagram account run by Gibson-Burrell, the officer said.

He alleged the 21-year-old broke into train stations, abseiled off buildings and scaled heritage-listed sites including the Flinders Street station clock tower to spray-paint the bird.

The 21-year-old is also accused of punching a worker in the face at Emporium Melbourne, stealing multiple cars in Torquay and spray cans from Bunnings, and ramraiding a Nandos store in Footscray.

Gibson-Burrell was a notorious vandal and one of the countrys most prominent graffiti artists, Nicholls said.

Its a certainty he will continue to offend at a high frequency in order to maintain his status, the officer told the court in opposing bail.

It is alleged Gibson-Burrell and co-accused Matthew Raoul White, 39, trespassed into Flinders Street station on 10 July 2024.

The pair allegedly climbed an internal ladder network before abseiling from a balcony on to the clock tower and spray-painting Pam the Bird and the words my clock.

It is alleged the graffiti caused $24,000 worth of damage.

Sen Const Nicholls told the court Gibson-Burrell also abseiled from the roof of Channel Nines Melbourne headquarters to graffiti a bird on 28 September 2024.

He also allegedly scaled the cheese stick column on CityLink road on 21 October 2024 and spray-painted graffiti, which caused $20,000 in damage.

The Newport Railway Workshop was allegedly targeted by Gibson-Burrell multiple times, while a train carrying passengers was intercepted about 11.55pm on 30 October 2024.

Police allege debris was thrown under the train stops, forcing it to brake, before Gibson-Burrell spray-painted a bird on the side of the carriage.

He was allegedly captured on CCTV wearing a Santa outfit during the offending.

Nicholls claimed Gibson-Burrell had expressed violence and animosity to railway workers, noting the 21-year-old had allegedly sprayed a worker in the eye with paint in Queensland.

Gibson-Burrells bail application was adjourned to Tuesday, when further allegations will be aired and his lawyer will make submissions for bail.

White also applied for bail on Friday but the allegations against him will be detailed to the court on Tuesday.
Counter-terrorism police in New South Wales are investigating after a caravan laden with explosives was found at a residential property in greater Sydney.

NSW police said on Wednesday there were indications the explosives  enough to create a 40-metre blast zone  would be used in an antisemitic attack. Police also said they believed the explosives were Powergel, potentially obtained from a mining site.

What is Powergel?

Powergel is the brand name for a range of explosive products used in mining. Trademarked by Orica, an Australian-based multinational and one of the worlds largest providers of commercial explosives, the products mainly consist of ammonium nitrate, a compound widely used in explosives and fertiliser.

Related: Plibersek praised nature positive deal with Pocock and Greens as critical before PM scrapped it, documents reveal

Powergel can be cream, grey or black in colour with a firm putty-like consistency, according to information on Oricas website. It is packaged in plastic sausages with wire clips at either end.

Orica was contacted for comment.

What is it used for?

Powergel is used as an explosive in a range of mining settings, including in open-cut coal and metal mines, underground mines, and quarrying.

It is mainly made of ammonium nitrate, a chemical used in fertiliser to provide a source of nitrogen for plants. On its own, ammonium nitrate is a stable chemical at room temperature and requires extreme conditions  such as heavy impact or high heat  for explosion.

But ammonium nitrate becomes very explosive when mixed with fuel oil such as diesel, which is often the case for mining explosives, according to Gabriel da Silva, an associate professor of chemical engineering at the University of Melbourne.

In an explosion, you need a release of gas and a release of energy. The ammonium nitrate decomposes to create a lot of gas, and the fuel oil in the presence of oxygen [from the ammonium nitrate] releases a lot of energy, he said.

Da Silva said explosives used in mining such as Powergel were usually not primary explosives, or contact explosives, which are extremely sensitive to heat, impact and friction. You would need some high explosive, like a blast cap, to detonate [Powergel] to initiate the explosion.

He added that prepackaged explosives such as Powergel were typically sensitised  or made more explosive  with gas bubbles or small voids that helps the shock wave propagate through the material  to then get a true explosion.

The NSW police commissioner, Karen Webb, told media on Thursday: Whilst the explosive material was found in that caravan, there was no detonator with the caravan.

Powergel also contains sodium perchlorate, an electrolyte which is not required for explosion.

What is the security around Powergels use?

In NSW, anyone who wants to use and store explosive substances must first apply to SafeWork for a licence. Licence applicants must first obtain security clearance to gain unsupervised access to explosives, explosive precursors or concentrated ammonium nitrate, according to SafeWorks website.

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Under the NSW Explosives Act, blasting explosives licence holders are able to use up to 50kg of blasting explosives and 100kg of ammonium nitrate a day. Anyone wanting to store more than 2.5kg of blasting explosives and 50kg of ammonium nitrate overnight must also apply for storage approval.

A blasting explosive user licence holder must not allow people to have unsupervised access to explosives or security sensitive dangerous substances unless they hold a valid security clearance, SafeWorks website reads.

A spokesperson said licences for explosives were only granted when SafeWork NSW is satisfied that security planning is adequate.

Compliance with the requirements of the NSW explosive legislation is monitored via a coordinated approach across multiple teams within SafeWork NSW, they said.

If they do have some of those packaged sausage-type explosives, the fact that they managed to get their hands on some of that  is of incredible concern, da Silva said. The controls on those and the paperwork is that needed to manage that is very extensive.
Members of the controversial transgender charity Mermaids taking part in a Pride parade in 2019 - Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future via Getty

The press regulator has been accused by a former adviser of having a cosy relationship with a transgender charity.

The Independent Press Standards Organisation (Ipso) hired Conrad Roeber, a management consultant, in 2019 to write an independent report on how the press treated trans-related issues.

Mr Roeber has now accused Ipso of editing his report because of influence from the pro-trans lobby, including the controversial charity Mermaids, to make it more favourable to their views.

He claimed the watchdog had an apparent bias in favour of pro-transgender beliefs.

Ipso has previously drawn criticism for its rulings on trans-related issues, such as in a trans writers case against The Spectator last year.

The watchdog first issued guidance on reporting of transgender-related matters in 2016, when it suggested that media reports should use the pronouns the individual uses to describe themselves.

Conrad Roeber was hired by Ipso to help report on its transgender policies - X/Twitter

Three years later, Ipso wanted to see the effect of its guidance, and commissioned an external report by Mr Roeber, and consultants Mediatique, into how the press reported transgender-related stories.

The report looked at 12,000 articles about transgender issues from May 2009 to May 2019, and at 11 key events from this period.

Mr Roeber found that Ipsos guidance on pronouns was problematic for certain types of coverage and pointed to reports about Karen White, a rapist who now identifies as female, that included the phrase her penis.

However, he said Ipso gave him feedback on draft after draft of the report asking him to take what they described as a more balanced approach towards transgender beliefs.

One of these requested changes, he claimed, was that he refer to White as she in the report. I had no choice but to comply, he told The Spectator.

The reasons for the changes, Mr Roeber has claimed, is because pro-transgender charities were lobbying hard to promote their narrative in the media.

He claimed that Ipso had a particularly tight relationship with Mermaids, a charity which has previously promoted puberty blockers and chest binders to children.

Karen White, a convicted rapist who was born a man - Martin Evans/Facebook

While Mr Roeber was writing his report, he was ccd an email from Charlotte Urwin, the watchdogs former head of standards, to Susie Green, Mermaids chief executive at the time.

In the email, seen by The Telegraph, Ms Urwin referred to an enjoyable evening speaking to members of Mermaids and then sitting in your [Ms Greens] kitchen setting the world to rights.

Mr Roeber claimed there was a warm, almost cosy tone to their exchanges, adding: It felt less like neutral arbitration and more like an ideological alignment.

He would later interview representatives from Mermaids as part of more than 40 in-depth interviews with journalists, feminists and representatives of the transgender community that informed the report.

However, both Mermaids and another charity  Gendered Intelligence  raised concerns about his interviews afterwards. Ipso allowed the charities to be interviewed again by someone else.

Ms Urwin informed Mr Roeber that the charities found his tone confrontational and challenging and complained his views were gender critical. Mr Roeber holds the belief that it is not possible for a person to change sex.

Juno Dawson, the journalist whose complaint about the The Spectator was upheld by Ipso - Geoff Pugh for The Telegraph

An Ipso spokesman said: These claims relate to research commissioned by Ipso six years ago, which presents a range of views on reporting of gender and sex.

Ipso has always been clear that the Editors Code does not specify appropriate or acceptable terminology in this area.

This is underlined in the refreshed guidance issued last year on this subject, which states expressly that journalists and editors should take a view of how to meet the obligations under the Editors Code of Practice.

Mr Roebers claims come after Ipso was criticised last year when it upheld the complaint against The Spectator by a trans author it described as a man who claims to be a woman.

The watchdog found that the description breached the Editors Code of Practice by discriminating against Juno Dawsons gender identity, even though it was not inaccurate.

JK Rowling called the ruling mad while Michael Gove, the editor of The Spectator, said it had a chilling effect on free speech.
The Princess of Wales paints the hand of Maggie, four, whose brother is cared for at the Ty Hafan childrens hospice - Richard Pohle/The Times/PA Wire

The Princess of Wales has been named patron of a childrens hospice, following in the footsteps of both Diana, Princess of Wales, and the King.

The Princess, 43, spent around an hour at Ty Hafan, in Sully, outside Cardiff, on Thursday, playing with terminally ill children and chatting to their families.

Later, she collapsed in giggles and declared herself terrible at making socks during a visit to Corgi, a family-run textile manufacturer in Ammanford, near Swansea.

It was her first solo away day of engagements outside London since completing her cancer treatment and her first visit to Wales since October 2023.

The Princess appeared in good form. Animated and engaged, she threw herself into various activities and offered little hint that it was an early step in her phased return to public duties.

At Ty Hafan, the first childrens hospice in Wales, the Princess joined a stay and play session and watched a music therapy class before meeting bereaved families.

The Princess of Wales crouched down to speak to some of the youngsters at the hospice after presenting them with musical instruments - Richard Pohle/The Times/PA Wire

Her late mother-in-law was the hospices first patron, championing its creation during its fundraising stage, until her death in 1997. The King, then Prince of Wales, took on the patronage in 2001, two years after it opened.

Announcing the Princess as the hospices new patron, Irfon Rees, the chief executive, said she would be an inspiration to both the children and their families in its care.

To mark the announcement, Kensington Palace arranged for a donation of musical instruments to be provided to the charity to allow it to conduct more music therapy sessions.

Meanwhile, the Princess left a painted handprint on the wall, just as her father-in-law, the King, had done in 2018.

The Princess of Wales has her hand painted by Lottie, whose brother is being cared for at the hospice, before leaving a handprint on the wall - Richard Pohle/Pool via Reuters

The King, then Prince of Wales, left his mark on the hospice on a visit as its patron - Pool/Tim Graham Photo Library

Diana, Princess of Wales, had to console a little girl who burst into tears after presenting her with a bouquet when she attended a fundraiser as patron of the hospice in 1995 - PA Archive

Ty Hafan, which means Haven House in English, takes a holistic approach to help meet the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of children and their families.

The Princess crouched down to meet some of the children, asking if they enjoyed singing and whether they had played any instruments.

She described the hospice as really calm, adding: I know what such a lifeline it is here and it makes such a difference.

Alex Forbes, 43, described how staff had cared for her son, Felix, 12, who has a rare and progressive condition called Miller Dieker syndrome, and is both non-verbal and non-mobile.

She said the way the Princess engaged with her daughters, Lottie, 10, who painted the Princesss hand, and Maggie, four, was really lovely.

A delighted mother watched the Princess engaging with the young patients and said We couldnt have asked for a better person - Richard Pohle/The Times/PA Wire

She is a mum and everything she has gone through, she really empathises, she said. Her being the patron now, we couldnt have asked for a better person.

When she was with Felix she asked how the hospice was helping him but also how they help the family. It felt like it was from the heart.

The Princesss first patronage on joining the Royal family was East Anglia Childrens Hospice (EACH), and she is said to be looking forward to building a similarly close and lasting relationship with the children and families at Ty Hafan.

Meanwhile, at Corgi, which specialises in making handmade socks, the Princess hoped to celebrate excellence in Welsh textile manufacturing, a theme similarly close to her heart, Kensington Palace said.

As she toured the factory floor, employee Shauna Kinsey, 24, showed her how to use a machine to link the toe to the sock, stitch by stitch.

The Princess spent several minutes trying to get to grips with the process, laughing at her own efforts.

The Princess of Wales giggles at her own efforts as she is shown how to make socks - Rebecca Naden/Pool photo via AP

Its so fiddly, she said. Its definitely not my forte.

The Princess told Miss Kinsey, who has worked for the company for six years, that she made it look so easy. She laughed as she added: Its really hard. Im sorry, Im so terrible.

Miss Kinsey admitted later that she had to unravel some of the Princesss work as she had been going in the wrong line.

The Princess appeared fascinated by the intricate processes used to make the socks and other knitwear, stopping to ask staff questions throughout her tour.

She repeatedly pulled the socks over her hand, expressing astonishment at how soft they were and describing the manufacturing process as fascinating.

The Princess of Wales chatted happily with members of the Corgi production team, who later admitted they had to unpick her work - Rebecca Naden/Pool via Reuters

She revealed that she archived all of her own childrens clothes. Its so lovely to reuse the things that are well made, she said.

Corgi was founded in 1892 by the current owners great-great-grandfather, who sold socks to miners.

Brother and sister Chris Jones, 56, and Lisa Wood, 55, now employ 50 people and export to 34 countries, making around 200,000 pairs of socks a year.

The company also boasts a royal warrant from the King and makes bespoke everyday socks for the monarch, who likes them slightly longer than normal.

Mr Joness daughter, Cari, 12, presented the Princess with a cream cashmere cardigan made specially for her, as well as a navy cashmere wrap for her mother, Carole Middleton, to mark her 70th birthday this weekend.

Kensington Palace has previously described how both the Prince and Princess are very focused on deepening the trust and respect of the people of Wales and planned to do that by spending more time there.
Assisted dying

Psychiatrists cannot assess whether assisted dying patients have the mental capacity to decide to end their own lives, MPs have been told.

Assisted dying was uncharted territory for psychiatrists who were having to rely on a very thin body of research, a cross-party parliamentary committee was warned on Thursday.

The assisted dying Bill will allow terminally ill people in England and Wales to take their own lives if the legislation is passed in Parliament.

Senior psychiatrists said that practitioners did not have the knowledge, expertise and experience to assess if patients had the ability to make an informed decision about wanting to take their own life.

The Bill, introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, entered its third day of evidence on Thursday.

Nearly half of members from The Royal College of Psychiatrists oppose assisted dying, and 65 per cent believe that consent is not an adequate safeguard against patients being coerced into making the decision.

Supporters of the Bill have argued that a consultant psychiatrist should automatically become involved whenever a patient wants voluntary assisted dying.

Labour MP Kim Leadbeaters Bill has entered its third day of evidence - EDDIE MULHOLLAND

However, Prof Gareth Owen, an honorary consultant psychiatrist from Kings College London, said this was unfeasible given the current work force within the NHS.

Prof Owen added that the idea of making it a legal requirement for a consultant psychiatrist to be involved if there were mental health concerns about the applicant would not work in practice.

Citing the precedent set in Oregon in the US, where assisted dying has been legal since 1997, he explained that this legal requirement only happened in around 5 per cent of cases.

He said: Even if you have it in law there will be a question of whether it will happen in practice, on the data it doesnt, and I think thats a relevant consideration.

Prof Owen also pointed to the many gaps in research for the Bill.

Not same as other treatments

He added: I do not say that as a downer on this project. I say that because it is true there are a lot of gaps. We are going into this, its uncharted territory, it might be good to have a map before starting, and this is one area where there are evidentiary gaps.

Dr Annabel Price, a liaison psychiatrist and representative from the college, said while practitioners can make effective assessments on a patients capacity to judge what treatment they wish, or do not wish, to undergo, such as chemotherapy, this is not the same as assessing if a patient can make the same decision about wanting to end their own life.

Assisted dying is legal in Canada, Netherlands, Switzerland and 11 states in the US and six states in Australia.

Addressing the MPs, Dr Price said: This particular decision is something that we dont in this country have knowledge, expertise and experience in and therefore we would need to think about how that would work in practice.

Prof Meredith Blake, an Australian lawyer from the University of Western Australia who also provided evidence to the committee, admitted her state had struggled to get nurses and medical practitioners from taking up the training for assisted dying.

Dr Michael Mulholland, honorary secretary of the Royal College of General Practitioners argued that GPs should not be part of the assisted dying service and that they instead would signpost applicants to a third-party service.

He said that at least 40 per cent of the colleges 54,000 members had already said they want to have no involvement in an assisted dying service.
Queensland town Willows is on alert after a kangaroo attack. Different kangaroo pictured. Photograph: Stuart Walmsley/AAP

A Queensland man in his fifties is very lucky to be alive after he was attacked by a massive kangaroo while walking to his car, having suffered serious hip injuries and wounds to his arms and chest.

The man would have bled to death had his nextdoor neighbour not been home to assist him in the aftermath, Willows Rural fire brigades Rick Underhill said on Wednesday.

The man encountered two kangaroos, one male and one female, on his property in Willows, a rural town about 350km west of Rockhampton. The female kangaroo fled before the other bastard turned around and attacked him.

He estimated the animal was around 2 metres tall and weighed at least 100kg.

It made a hell of a mess of this poor man  its damaged him really badly, Underhill said.

The man was driven to Emerald hospital before he was airlifted to Rockhampton hospital, where he was in a stable condition.

There are public warnings in place for two large kangaroos in Willows that may pose a danger, the ABC reported.

Kangaroo attacks are rare but can occur when the animal feels threatened, according to research on the Queensland governments website.

This bastard wasnt provoked  Ive been out here for 13, 14 years, and Ive never seen a problem out here, ever, Underhill said.

I spent 20 years in the army, for instance, in all sorts of conditions, and Ive never, ever seen a roo attack someone before.

Underhill said the community was terrified because when wild animals attack humans, they could strike again.

Stay at home and dont go out, he warned.

A lot of elderly people live in this little community, and they like to go and walk their dogs in the morning. And thats just asking for trouble.

He was also concerned tourists in the area wouldnt see kangaroos as a threat, adding they were liable to bloody turn on you at any time, particularly around this time of year.
Ed Miliband, the Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary, has ruled out resigning over the third runway at Heathrow - Darren Staples/AFP

Rachel Reeves has denied a rift with Ed Miliband over her decision to support the building of a third runway at Heathrow Airport.

Mr Miliband, the Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary, threatened to resign over expansion of the airport in 2009 and did not attend the Chancellors speech at which she announced the decision on Wednesday morning. But Ms Reeves insisted on Thursday that the Cabinet was united in its backing for the project.

It came as she claimed the third runway could be finished and operational by 2035, despite critics warning that it could take decades to complete.

Ms Reeves is facing a Labour backlash over the expansion plan, with Sir Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, among those publicly against the proposal.

Mr Miliband, who has ruled out resigning over the issue, raised eyebrows after failing to attend Ms Reevess speech. A source close to the Cabinet minister said he had meetings, but did not give specific details.

He also skipped the Prime Ministers Questions session after Ms Reevess speech, which was dominated by debate about the Chancellors growth announcements.

Ms Reeves was asked on Thursday morning if Mr Miliband was fully behind the plans, and told LBC: Yes  we are all united as a Cabinet backing these plans. We know that we have to grow our economy, we cant keep saying no to big infrastructure projects.

The Chancellor said she has huge respect for Sir Sadiq but disagreed with his opposition to a third runway, adding: I know that sustainable aviation and economic growth can and do go hand in hand.

The way that we fly has changed hugely in recent years  engines have become so much more efficient, reducing carbon emissions, and also sustainable aviation fuel is changing the way that we fly with a mandate that came in at the beginning of this year.

Sir Sadiq has warned he will use whatever means we can to block the project, including the courts.

But Ms Reeves said the London Mayor would not be able to block the third runway, telling BBC Radio 4s Today programme: There can be judicial reviews, but we are confident that this airport expansion will happen, that we will get the third runway built.

Backing a third runway was the centrepiece of Ms Reeves growth plan but Michael OLeary, the boss of Ryanair, said the project may not be completed until 2040 or 2050 at the earliest.

But Ms Reeves told BBC Breakfast: I think we can get that done in a decade, and I say that because we are not just announcing that we back it, we are changing the way that our planning system works to make it easier to deliver projects like the third runway at Heathrow.

So that is why we have said we want the plans by this summer and we want to give that development consent order in this Parliament so we can get it to start building.

Some people will say this will take decades. It doesnt have to take decades. We can crack on and we are determined as a Government to do so.

Asked if she was committing to the third runway being operational by 2035, the Chancellor said: That is what we want to achieve and that is what Heathrow wants to achieve.
Sadiq Khan / Heathrow Airport

If Rachel Reeves is to successfully nudge Heathrows much trailed, much debated, still entirely hypothetical third runway a step further, she has a long list of hurdles to get over first. Were Boris Johnson still the MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip, his 5ft 9 frame might be one of them  he once said he would lie down in front of the bulldozers should work on the runway ever begin. Google has Sir Sadiq Khan at just 5ft 5, but he is no less of an obstacle to the Chancellors grand plans.

The Mayor of London said on Wednesday that he would use any tool in the toolkit to stop a third runway happening and now seems poised to lead a Labour rebellion against Reeves plan to expand the airport. Why? First, theres the conurbation next to Heathrow, which Sir Sadiq says is the biggest in Europe. The numbers of people affected by noise just with two runways is more than the numbers affected by Paris, Charles de Gaulle, Amsterdam, Munich, Frankfurt and Madrid, put together, he told LBCs Tonight with Andrew Marr.

Theres also the air quality. In London one of the poorest air quality areas is around Heathrow. Im not sure how 300,000 more flights leads to better air quality. Then there are his concerns about our ability to meet our climate change commitments.

Not mentioned, but presumably of note, are his political ambitions. Khan, 54, first stood for election in 2016 on a manifesto opposing a third runway. He hasnt ruled out serving as London Mayor until 2040, though with the popularity ratings of many in his party floundering, you wonder if he might have his sights set on a slightly bigger political stage.

He isnt the only Labour objector. Notable by his absence in the audience at Reeves speech to business leaders on Wednesday was Ed Miliband, Energy Secretary and vocal third runway critic. It was also pointed out last week that, in her previous role as deputy mayor, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander backed City Halls stance on the issue. We have been clear with our opposition to a third runway at Heathrow, she said in a joint interview with the Mayor with Reuters, rediscovered by The Standard.

If Khan is preparing to go into battle over Heathrow, opinions are divided over how flush with weaponry his arsenal (or his toolkit, to use the Mayors analogy) might be.

Guto Harri, former Downing Street Director of Communications, who was Boris Johnsons Director of External Affairs when he was mayor, says there are things Khan may be able to do aside from simply having a platform and a megaphone. Transport for London (TfL) is in his remit and he has backed legal action aimed at preventing expansion of the airport in the past.

Khan first stood for election in 2016 on a manifesto opposing a third runway - Julian Simmonds

But a Tory insider who was involved in the process in 2018, when Theresa Mays government backed a third runway only to have it opposed in a judicial review (a decision which was later overturned by the Supreme Court), says Khan is merely a thorn in the side, deeming anything the Mayor does to frustrate matters to be, quite simply, not that big a deal.

For Harri, Khans popularity when compared to others in his party is worth noting, however. Arguably, Sadiq is more popular these days than Keir  hes certainly more popular than Rachel is. He can speak for the residents and back in the day maybe West London was not that Labour, whereas these days, for better or worse, it largely is. So hes a hard voice to ignore.

There are also things he can do beyond lobbying alone. One of the main issues with the third runway is that the infrastructure in West London cant handle the traffic to and from the airport, and therefore it would just cause carnage, says Harri. The mayor has levers he can pull there. I think the M4 would be under the Department of Transport but most roads in and around Heathrow are going to come under the boroughs or the Mayor.

Then there are the tubes. The Piccadilly line and the Elizabeth line are run by TfL, which answers to him, says Harri. There are things that he could do to make the expansion of Heathrow even less attractive than people think it is. If you dont get the extra capacity on the tube and the roads, all youre doing is landing more planes in a clogged airport that you cant even get to.

Khan sets the fares. So one of the things he could do would be to say that the fares on the Piccadilly line and the Elizabeth line to Heathrow become prohibitively expensive. He can also dictate how many trains they run on those lines.

The Tory insider disagrees, saying there isnt really much he could do unless you could say right, Im going to spite the government and stop work on the Piccadilly line, which would make him very unpopular in West London because its needed there.

Another insider, who worked on airports policy at the Greater London Authority (GLA) under a previous administration, wonders whether the proposed rail routes out of Heathrow might be a way in for Khan. One of the routes (which hasnt been set in stone, but has been floated as a possible way to increase the number of journeys to the airport) would create access from Waterloo. There are possibilities that he could try to challenge the south-west access, which runs through south-west London. There might be some sharing of lines with TfL, because TfL shares Network Rail lines down to Wimbledon and places like that.

Then theres the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez). The former GLA insider suggests you could tighten that up, make it more expensive. But Heathrow will go along with that because part of their DCO (Development Consent Order) is going to be a chapter explaining how theyre going to cut the number of cars going to Heathrow.

The Tory insider, for their part, says that on Ulez and other matters, Khan doesnt have any more ability to stop this than the Heathrow protestors who live up the road. The only area where he can be awkward is over investment in transport links to the airport.

Where he could have some effect, says the source, is in his support for the legal challenges that will inevitably arise and delay matters. Rachel Reeves saying she can get spades on the ground in this parliament, I think thats just for the birds, they said, adding: Legally, whoever challenges this will try to pick holes in the work thats been done.

On Wednesday, Ryanair CEO Michael OLeary predicted the runway wouldnt be ready until 2050. Im not sure I quite buy what OLeary said  but I dont see any way in which this runway could be opened before 2040, says the Tory insider. Khan, meanwhile, will be trying to whip up opposition. If youre Sadiq, youre trying to work with the protest groups, theyll be building legal cases from day one.

The source suspects the Mayor hasnt got a smoking gun. [His] involvement probably comes with him supporting the first court cases, and they probably come after the Secretary of State has taken an actual decision to go ahead.

Khans popularity when compared to the Prime Minister and the Chancellor is notable, says Guto Harri, former Downing Street Director of Communications - Getty Images

Alexander has said her department will review the 2018 Airports National Policy Statement, published by Mays government, which provides the basis for decision making on any Development Consent Order application (a permit to build whats known as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project) submitted by the airport. A former GLA insider suggested that if the statement is refreshed at all, doing so could reopen it to judicial review. That gives [Khan] an in. There is nothing he can do about the existing statement. He has done everything he can and its been approved by the Supreme Court. But this gives him an in to the judicial review.

Taking legal action would be an awkward one for Khan, says Harri, given it would involve using public money to take the government to court over something.

But he can do it. There are precedents for the Mayor actually going to court over things Londoners feel quite strongly about.

For better or for worse, Khans personal mandate is significant, says Harri, who feels there is a certain frisson in the fact that he is in his third term as Mayor and still pretty clean, while the same cant be said for the Prime Minister and the Chancellor. People have criticised him over Ulez, hes been pretty woeful on crime. But he hasnt had the personal attacks, he says. Sadiq is sitting fairly pretty at the moment and presumably wont want a fourth term. Maybe he uses his platform to get back into parliament?

When Harri worked for Johnson in City Hall, David Cameron was in Downing Street. It is awkward when the mayor and the government are at loggerheads and come from the same side of the aisle, he says. But Ken [Livingstone] went against Tony Blair, [and] Boris was quite often a pain for Cameron and Osborne.

Its undoubtedly a really bad look for the party, though. The family looks split, and actually the next big election before the general election will be the London mayoralty [in 2028]. And losing the mayoralty would be a really bad start to a general election campaign for Labour.

So Sadiq has quite a few cards that hes holding.

A spokesperson for the Mayor said any plans proposed by the airport would need to show how they are consistent with our binding climate change targets, as well as noise and air pollution commitments.

The Mayor is not convinced that you can have hundreds of thousands of additional flights at Heathrow every year without undermining our legal obligations.

That doesnt quite sound like a man wielding his toolkit yet, but if OLeary is right in his prediction, there are still 25 years to go before the runway might come to fruition. Plenty of time to throw a few spanners in the works.
Patels excuses for record numbers are an insult to the intelligence of voters - Stefan Rousseau/PA

This week, Channel 4 is broadcasting Brian and Maggie, a two-part series about Margaret Thatchers last television interview. Taking place in October 1989, just after Nigel Lawsons resignation, the interview saw Brian Walden tell the rattled PM that some of her MPs consider her to be off her trolley  a presage of those same silly bastards giving her the heave-ho a year later.

Yet as disastrous as that interview proved for the Iron Lady, Priti Patel has sought to outdo her heroine in tone-deafness. Confronted by Harry Cole with a graph of the immigration explosion  the so-called Boriswave  which she presided over as Home Secretary, the Shadow Foreign Secretary was utterly unrepentant, refusing to apologise and blaming soaring numbers on Ukrainian refugees.

Being Home Secretary was Patels first (and last) big job in politics. Unsurprisingly, she is defensive about her record. But she had one job, and she screwed it up. People voted to leave the European Union for a variety of reasons, but no one doubts that central to it was a desire to control and reduce migration. That is exactly what Boris Johnsons landslide-winning 2019 manifesto promised to do.

Instead, Patel introduced Britains most liberal immigration system ever. In 2019, the year she became Home Secretary, net migration ran at 184,000  higher than anything Britain had experienced before Tony Blair became Prime Minister. Yet in 2022, Patels last year, it had more than quadrupled to 764,000. A year later it hit 906,000  about the population of Cyprus, or almost two Manchesters.

Accounts differ as to who lit the fuse for this explosion. Was it a Treasury-brained attempt to pump up growth figures and avoid paying social care workers more? Was it Boris Johnsons way of apologising for backing Leave and getting invited back to FT lunches? I suspect it was what, in my experience, best explains anything in politics: incompetence, laziness, and a total lack of foresight.

Either way, as Home Secretary, Patel was complicit in the scrapping of a migration target, the junking of a 30,000 minimum salary threshold, and the loosening of the requirements for overseas students. In the first six months of last year alone, there were four dependents for every health and care worker arriving, making a mockery of her claim that only the brightest and best came in.

Why does this matter? Because all the available evidence  including reports from the think-tanks Onward and the Centre for Policy Studies  suggests the broken promises on immigration were fundamental to Tory defeat. We not only broke our promise to take control of our borders, but we treated our own supporters as idiots by tripling pre-Brexit numbers. Why trust the Tories ever again?

Leaving aside the disastrous consequences of this surge for our housing shortage and public finances, refusing to acknowledge our betrayal of the electorate makes it impossible for us to win them back. Yet Kemi Badenochs offering on this front so far have been underwhelming  perhaps because she might be the only person in SW1 not to have read last years excellent CPS paper on reducing numbers.

Until Badenoch denounces the Boriswave, millions of ex-Tory voters will continue to ignore her. If she hugs close to those like Patel who are complicit in this disaster, she will look exactly like those smugly out-of-touch politicians who caused us to vote to Leave in the first place. Tory voters will continue to defect to Reform UK en masse  and her position will grow even weaker with every dire opinion poll.

If she persists in not saying anything of interest until the end of 2027, Badenoch will be outflanked by Nigel Farage on this existential issue. A public mea culpa and full-bodied apology for Johnson and Patels mistakes must be accompanied by clear commitments  like a cap of numbers in the tens of thousands and a revision of indefinite leave to remain  that shows she really is sorry.

But even that might not be enough. By losing control of numbers, Patel may not only have turbocharged a defeat at the last election but stopped the Tories from winning ever again. If the Conservative Party is soon dead and buried, Boriswave will be found tattooed across its heart.
Bexley and Bromley constituents show 40mph signs on the A20 that are 450mm wide instead of the minimum 750mm - Thomas Turrell

Speeding fines for thousands of drivers could be voided because temporary signs put up on a major A-road in south-east London were too small, it has been claimed.

The speed limit along a stretch of the A20 near Sidcup was dropped from 70mph to 40mph in October 2023 for 12 months after dangerous flooding caused cars to skid off the road.

More than 60,000 drivers were hit with speeding fines where the limit had changed during that period, it was reported last year.

Now, it has been claimed that the temporary 40mph speed limit signs that were erected next to the road did not meet regulations and could render thousands of penalties null and void.

In areas of up to 40mph the speed limit signs should be at least 750mm wide, according to the Governments Traffic Signs Manual.

But Thomas Turrell, the Conservative member of the London Assembly for Bexley and Bromley, said the signs erected by Transport for London (TfL) beside the stretch of A20 last year were potentially half the size they should have been.

The speed limit on A20 near Sidcup was dropped from 70mph to 40mph for 12 months after flooding caused cars to skid off the road - Mark Phillips/Alamy Stock Photo

Mr Turrell said instead of being 900mm wide the signs were 450mm wide, adding that in his view motorists were misled about the true speed limit in the 12 months leading up to October 2024.

TfL denied putting up signs that failed to comply with regulations, insisting they were correct and compliant with the regulations.

Mr Turrell claimed: This isnt a handful of Top Gear enthusiasts who have ignored the signage and then claim they havent seen it.

This is a huge amount of people who have been hit by this, and lots of people would not have even realised theyd done anything wrong.

Photos taken by his constituents appear to show 40mph signs in place on the A20 that are 450mm wide.

One of those people was Iain Dale, a radio presenter on LBC. Earlier this month he faced a criminal trial which he said collapsed when PC Coomber, the key police witness, failed to attend.

Referring to the key stretch of the A20, Mr Dale wrote online that there was apparently only one small 40mph sign over the left side of the road, describing it as invisible at night.

Speeding offences attract a minimum penalty of a 100 fine and three penalty points. Under the totting up procedure, 12 penalty points leads to a driving ban.

Mr Loophole

Nick Freeman, a motoring lawyer , also known as Mr Loophole, said the signs were definitely too small, adding: Obviously, if theyre tiny, the motorist cant read them.

Officials were worried that blocked roadside drains on the A20 had led to dangerous levels of flooding, causing cars to skid off the road  one into a nearby petrol station. The limits were lowered for a 12-month period until the drains were fixed.

A TfL spokesman said: Safety is our number-one priority, and we temporarily introduced a 40mph speed limit on the A20 Sidcup Road in response to a number of incidents caused by ongoing flooding issues, which posed a risk to life.

New regular speed limit signage, compliant with all traffic sign regulations, was installed to ensure that everyone driving on this stretch of road was aware of the new limit.

All signage installed by TfL for the 40mph speed limit was correct and compliant with the regulations.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer

When reshuffles happen, MPs, whether theyre already ministers or not, are known to sit by their phone or, in these days of mobile connectivity, regularly check to make sure they have a signal, lest the Prime Minister should call with news of a job or a promotion or a demotion or the sack.

In these modern times that honoured tradition has been replaced, or at least augmented  at least in the Labour Party  by the anticipation of receiving a call informing them that they are to be readmitted back into the Labour fold. Or not, as the case may be.

For any MP in the position of the seven Labourites who were suspended from the party last year for voting against both the party whip and the two-child benefit cap, it is a matter of some moment. But the consequences for this Government and for Keir Starmer himself will depend on some astute reading of the political tea leaves when it comes to the whipless seven.

For the seven themselves, their future careers as Labour MPs are at stake. The suspensions were initially made for a six-months period, but if their local constituency parties, during this suspension period, had initiated the process by which sitting MPs are reselected as candidates for the next general election, their names would not have been able to be considered. This is the real jeopardy of being suspended from the whip. You might enjoy, for a time, the adulation of the comrades in your local branch for sticking by your socialist principles, but even your fanbase wont have the option of placing a cross against your name when it comes to the choice of a Labour candidate in your constituency unless you have, by then, been welcomed back into the bosom of the party.

The problem for the Prime Minister is that he raised expectations of a new era of internal party discipline, first by suspending his predecessor as party leader, Jeremy Corbyn, from the party on the grounds of anti-Semitism, and then, in Government, by authorising the suspension of these seven malcontents for voting against the party whip. Both actions were unprecedented. It seemed that the Commons was no longer going to be used by independent minded Labour MPs to cock a snook at party discipline. Starmer, it appeared, meant business in a way that has eluded all his predecessors as party leader.

But those six month sentences are now up. The MPs in question  John McDonnell, Richard Burgon, Ian Byrne, Rebecca Long-Bailey, Imran Hussain, Apsana Begum and Zarah Sultana  are even now waiting to hear formally about their return to the Labour fold, even if they do not necessarily expect celebrations by their colleagues in the form of a party with balloons and cake.

But what, then? There will be no shortage of further difficult votes in the months and years ahead. As many Labour MPs  including serving cabinet ministers  have found, its all very well to tell an audience of angry women who feel short-changed by the pensions system that Labour will ensure they are compensated  thats the easy part. It is far more difficult, and frequently necessary, to admit to those same audiences that your promises cannot be kept and that maybe  just maybe  they should never have been made in the first place.

And when those votes arrive, whether on the Waspi women or the Middle East or on immigration or a hundred other difficult and unpopular topics that are the bread and butter of government, what will those seven formerly whipless comrades do? How will they react to an order from the whips office to disappoint this or that pressure group or party stakeholder with their vote?

They will consider their past behaviour and its consequences. And then they will behave logically and they will do whatever the hell they please because they will recognise that discipline in the party is time-limited.

Keir Starmer has a double opportunity here to free himself from his partys most high-profile and pestilent colleagues, while  and this is far more important in the scale of things  confirming to those who might be considering joining with the Opposition against the Government at any time in the future that in doing so they will be saying goodbye to their job as an MP.

In these days of unpredictable behaviour by an increasingly unhappy electorate, of course, the temptation of any rebel or potential rebel will be to assume that their personal magnetism and charisma was the main reason they were elected in the first place, and that they will cruise to victory the next time the polls open with or without the official approval of the Labour Party. And whos to say they will be wrong? Corbyn himself performed this feat last year in his Islington North constituency. Four other pro-Gaza MPs unseated official Labour candidates. And voters took a liking to at least five of those perennial, professional rebels in Reform UK.

But with due respect to the seven currently without a whip, they are not Jeremy Corbyn, nor can they assume that their own electorates are as gullible as most Islingtonians. Consciously and deliberately losing the support of the party that put you into Parliament in the first place would be an act of grotesque folly for most, if not all, of them.

For Starmer, allowing them back into the fold would open him up to accusations of being soft on discipline, at exactly the time where he needs desperately to inject some iron into the souls and backbones of his parliamentary troops. Disposing of the seven for good, however, would indeed signal a new era of welcome discipline in the ranks. It would be a form of discipline that is already familiar to, and accepted by, almost every Labour councillor in the land. Its time the same regime was applied in our nations most important political forum.
Donald Trump speaks about the mid-air crash between American Airlines flight 5342 and a military helicopter in Washington DC, during a White House press briefing on Thursday. Photograph: Roberto Schmidt/AFP/Getty Images

Donald Trump used the plane crash in Washington DC to attack his political enemies, claiming Democrats were responsible for declining standards in air traffic control and that the disaster could have been caused by diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies at the Federal Aviation Administration.

Trump turned what might have been a sombre a press conference into a baseless rant against DEI, despite no evidence of a link with the crash at Ronald Reagan Washington National airport, which involved an American Airlines jet and a US military helicopter.

The president was backed by the transportation secretary, Sean Duffy, who said we can only accept the best and the brightest in positions affecting passenger safety, and the defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, who said: The era of DEI is gone at the defense department and we need the best and brightest.

Then came the vice-president, JD Vance, who claimed, we want to hire the best people  actually competent enough to do the job, and said without offering evidence that hundreds had sued the US government because they would like to be air traffic controllers, but they were turned away because of the color of their skin.

Trump claimed that very powerful tests for competence in air traffic control were terminated by Joe Biden. He also claimed that when he was president between 2017 and 2021 the US had a much higher standard [in air traffic control] than anybody else.

Pressed on his citation of DEI as a cause of the crash, Trump said: It just could have been.

Asked how he could so quickly decide diversity was to blame, Trump said: Because I have common sense, OK, and unfortunately, a lot of people dont.

Related: First confirmed victims of Washington DC plane crash include figure skating champions

Trump also mused about possible errors by the helicopter pilot.

Officials said 67 people died in the crash on Wednesday night. By late Thursday morning, 28 bodies had been retrieved from the Potomac River. The identities of victims were reported.

Since returning to the White House earlier this month, Trump has made attacks on DEI policies in federal government a central and performative part of his rush of hardline executive orders.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, he quoted in familiar scattergun style from various articles [that] appeared prior to my entering office.

And heres one, Trump said. The FAAs diversity push includes focus on hiring people with severe intellectual and psychiatric disabilities. That is amazing. And then it says FAA  says people with severe disabilities are most underrepresented segment of the workforce, [they] said, They want them in, and they want them, they can be air traffic controllers. I dont think so. This was January 14, so that was a week before I entered office. They put a big push to put diversity into the FAAs program.

He appeared to be reading from a report published by Fox News.

Trump continued: Brilliant people have to be in those positions, and their lives are actually shortened, very substantially shortened because of the stress where you have many, many planes coming into one target, and you need a very special talent and a very special genius to be able to do it.

Asked if he would fire some of the diversity hires in federal government, Trump said: I would say yes. If we find that people arent mentally competent  these are not people who should be doing these particular jobs.

Trump had opened the briefing conventionally, with a moment of silence, then lamented a dark and excruciating night in our nations capital and in our nations history, and a tragedy of terrible proportions.

He also said he could only begin to imagine the agony that [victims families were] feeling, nothing worse, adding: On behalf of the first lady, myself and 340 million Americans, our hearts are shattered alongside yours, and our prayers are with you now and in the days to come.

We did not know what led to this crash but we have some very strong opinions and ideas  well find out how this disaster occurred and well ensure that nothing like this ever happens again. The FAA and the NTSB [National Transportation Safety Board] and the US military will be carrying out a systematic and comprehensive investigation.

But Trump was keener to divert blame. He said: We must have only the highest standards for those who work in our aviation system. I changed the Obama [administration] standards from very mediocre at best to extraordinary.

You remember that. Only the highest aptitude. They have to be the highest intellect and psychologically superior people were allowed to qualify for air traffic controllers. That was not so prior to [me] getting there.

When I arrived in 2016, I made that change very early on, because I always felt this was a job that, and other jobs too, but this was a job that had to be superior intelligence, and we didnt really have that. And we had it. And then when I left office and Biden took over, he changed them back to lower than ever before. Their policy was horrible and their politics was even worse.

Related: What we know so far about Trumps orders on diversity, equity and inclusion

Trump also took aim at Pete Buttigieg, the former Democratic mayor of South Bend, Indiana, who was transportation secretary under Biden.

He was a disaster, Trump said. He was a disaster as a mayor, he ran his city into the ground, and hes a disaster now. Hes just got a good line of bullshit.

Trump also said Buttigieg, who is gay, ran the transportation department into the ground with his diversity.

Amid Democratic outrage, Buttigieg called Trumps remarks despicable and said: As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying.

We put safety first, drove down close calls, grew air traffic control, and had zero commercial airline crash fatalities out of millions of flights on our watch. President Trump now oversees the military and the FAA. One of his first acts was to fire and suspend some of the key personnel who helped keep our skies safe.

That was a reference to Trumps dismissal of the Aviation Security Advisory Committee.

Buttigieg said it was time for the president to show actual leadership and explain what he will do to prevent this from happening again.
Dr Diana Atwine of Ugandas health ministry shared details of the case at a press conference earlier this week - Abubaker Lubowa/REUTERS

Uganda has reported an outbreak of Ebola following the death of a nurse from the virus in the capital Kampala.

The nurse, a 32-year-old man working at the Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala, sought treatment at several different healthcare facilities as well as with a traditional healer after developing fever-like symptoms, Ugandas health ministry said.

The patient also visited a public hospital in Mbale, roughly 150 miles east of Kampala near the border with Kenya.

At least 44 people who came into contact with him are now being traced in an effort to contain the potential spread of the highly contagious virus, the ministry added.

The patient experienced multi-organ failure and succumbed to the illness at Mulago National Referral Hospital on January 29, the ministry said. Post-mortem samples confirmed the Sudan Ebola Virus Disease (strain), the ministry said in a statement.

The virus is one of the most deadly in the world, with a case fatality rate of up to 90 per cent - ISAAC KASAMANI/Shutterstock

It is the first time that Uganda has reported a confirmed outbreak of Ebola since 2022, when at least 164 people were infected, leading to 55 deaths.

The Ebola strain responsible for both that outbreak and the most recent death is known as the Sudan strain. It is the most contagious but least deadly variant  although it still kills around 50 per cent of those it infects.

Vaccination against Ebola for all contacts of the deceased will begin immediately, the ministry said.

There is currently no approved vaccine for the Sudan strain of Ebola, though Uganda did receive some trial vaccine doses during the last outbreak.

We assure the public that we are in full control, Dr Diana Atwine, the health ministrys Permanent Secretary said in a statement.

Ebola, a haemorrhagic fever, causes severe inflammation and tissue damage, leading to organ failure and death. The fatality rate of the Zaire strain can be as high as 80-90 per cent.

Other symptoms include fever, nausea, diarrhoea, rashes and bleeding from the eyes, nose and mouth, among others.

The virus is spread by contact with an infected persons bodily fluids like blood, saliva, and sweat.

Ebola was first detected in the mid-1970s in simultaneous outbreaks in South Sudan and the Congo.

It is believed to have originated in fruit bats before jumping to humans, possibly through the consumption of infected animals.

Between 2014 and 2016, the worst outbreak of Ebola in history killed more than 11,000 people across West Africa.

In the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, local media reported last week that eight people had died out of 12 infected in a suspected Ebola outbreak.

But health officials in the DRC no longer believe Ebola was responsible for the deaths, The Telegraph understands.

In Tanzania, Marburg virus, a close cousin of Ebola, is also spreading. At least nine people have died of the hemorrhagic fever this month in the Kagera region, in the countrys rural north-west.

Were seeing more outbreaks of [haemorrhagic fevers] not just because theyre increasing, but also because were better at recognising and testing for them, explained Dr Krutika Kuppalli, associate professor in the division of infectious diseases at the University of Texas Southwestern.

Additionally, greater human mobility, higher exposure to disease vectors, and ecological shifts driven by climate change are all contributing to the rise in infectious diseases, Dr Kuppalli added.

Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security
Women enter a Unrwa facility in East Jerusalem shortly before the ban came into effect. Photograph: Sinan Abu Mayzer/Reuters

International staff working for the UNs main agency serving Palestinians, Unrwa, have been forced to leave after Israels ban on the agency came into effect.

The UN flag flew above the headquarters in Jerusalem on Thursday morning, but Palestinian staff were also not present at the site because of security concerns. There were plans for a celebration by Israeli rightwingers, some of whom later vandalised signs and replaced the UN flag with an Israeli one.

The agency said it had received no communications from Israel on how the ban would be implemented, most crucially over the delivery of aid to Gaza. However, Stephane Dujarric, a spokesperson for the UN chief, Antonio Guterres, said Unrwa would continue working in all Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem.

Unrwa clinics across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are open. Meanwhile, the humanitarian operations in Gaza continue, including with Unrwa work there, she said.

The Guardian understands that Unrwa trucks did cross from Israel to Gaza on Thursday. It remained unclear how that was coordinated with Israeli officials.

The implementation of the Israeli law banning Unrwa came on the same day that the Norwegian government said it would contribute $24m (19m) to the agency.

Gaza is in ruins, and Unrwas help is more necessary than ever, the Norwegian foreign minister, Espen Barth Eide, said in a statement. It is extremely dramatic for Palestine that Israeli laws come into force that in practice can prevent Unrwa from working.

The move was also condemned by the Spanish government. The government rejects the entry into force of the Knesset laws that prevent Unrwa operations in the occupied Palestinian territories, and calls for their application to be suspended, it said. Spain expresses its deepest concern about the impact that this decision will have on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the rest of the occupied Palestinian territories, jeopardising the ceasefire.

Beyond the largely empty headquarters compound, other Unrwa facilities in East Jerusalem continued working.

Students in the Shuafat refugee camp in East Jerusalem, just beyond Israels concrete separation barrier with the West Bank, attended Unrwa classrooms as usual on Thursday morning.



In Jerusalems Old City too, Manal Khayat, the head nurse at the Unrwa-run health centre, said that while Israeli authorities had told her two days earlier that they would shut down the clinic after the ban took effect, they had not specified when, and staff were not prevented from working on Thursday.



I dont feel relieved yet, because we dont know what will happen, she said. The main product of this whole decision is confusion and fear.

The Israeli ban went ahead on Thursday after the countrys supreme court rejected a petition by the Palestinian human rights group Adalah contesting the new law.

The court did note that the legislation prohibits Unrwa activity only on the sovereign territory of the state of Israel but did not prohibit such activity in Gaza and the West Bank. The ban does apply, however, to Israeli-annexed East Jerusalem, where Unrwa has a field headquarters for its operations in the West Bank.

About 25 international staff left on Wednesday after Israel refused to issue visas or extend existing ones. International staff make up about 2% of the agencys workforce. The headquarters is still there, and the flag is still up, said Juliette Touma, an Unrwa spokesperson.

Its a UN compound, which means it must be protected. We dont have plans to close our operations, she said. But we are in the dark. We have not received any instructions from Israel how the ban will be enforced beyond being told to vacate.

Related: Israel insists it is going ahead with Unrwa ban  what it may mean for Palestinians

The most serious feared impact is in Gaza, where Unrwa is the largest agency delivering aid. Its trucks cross into Gaza from Israel, requiring coordination with the Israeli authorities.

Touma said: If [the ban means] no contact at an operational level, then the fate of the ceasefire is in serious jeopardy because we are the most serious player and biggest deliverer of aid.

Officially, Unrwa is now banned from operating on Israeli soil and contact between it and Israeli officials is also forbidden, although it is unclear what this might mean in practical terms.

Set up in 1949 under a mandate from the UN general assembly, the agency has provided support for Palestinian refugees around the Middle East for over 70 years but has long faced attacks from Israeli officials. Its offices and staff in Israel play a major role in the provision of healthcare and education to Palestinians, including those living in the Gaza Strip, which has been devastated by the war between Israel and Hamas.

The agencys chief, Philippe Lazzarini, said Unrwas capacity to distribute aid far exceeds that of any other entity, describing Israels actions as a relentless assault  harming the lives and future of Palestinians across the occupied Palestinian territory.

Israel has long campaigned against Unrwa, claiming its existence has prolonged the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. The hostility intensified after Hamass 7 October 2023 attack on Israel, with accusations that some Unrwa employees participated in the assault.

Despite repeated claims by Israel that Unrwa had been infiltrated by Hamas on a large scale, a series of investigations, including one led by the former French foreign minister Catherine Colonna, found some neutrality-related issues at Unrwa but stressed Israel had not provided evidence for its headline allegation.
The Palestinian ambassador to Ireland has said she is still optimistic about a proposed ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements.

The government had signalled before Christmas that the Occupied Territories Bill would be passed when amendments are made to make the draft law as watertight as possible, as it is likely to be legally challenged if enacted.

After the Christmas break, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said it would propose fresh legislation, claiming the bill was unconstitutional and deficient in some areas.

The bill aims to ban trade, of both goods and services, with illegal Israeli settlements on Palestinian land.

Asked about the suggestion of new legislation while speaking at an event at the University of Galway, Palestinian Ambassador Dr Jilan Abdalmajid said she was still optimistic it would be enacted.

She said that the review of the bill the government began, after a decision by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in July last year, was a very, very good and strong move.

Im still optimistic that it will be enacted here.

Im optimistic about this because the change of the government position towards this is very positive and in the right way, she said.

Speaking about the Palestinian cause, Ms Abdalmajid said they need to make a huge effort to make the people listen to you, Ireland excluded.

We used to have great support in Africa, but now the challenges in Africa is huge, she said.

She said the narrative of how Israel was formed in the wake of the Second World War is well known, while the Palestinian narrative is not heard.

She said if the ICJ ruling: They give the guidelines on how to stop this genocide, how to stop Israel from continuing not only killing the Palestinian people, but occupying our land.

So if you are serious about helping the Palestinians, I think the roadmap is very clear.

Asked about what impact Donald Trumps presidency will have for the Palestinian cause, she said: Its a very hard question that, (for) any politician, any diplomat. Its uncertainty. You cannot predict whats going to be next.

You know, he has signed so many resolutions, he has signed so many things, and from the first day, many legal actions has been taken, so things are not clear.
All properties in Scotland left without electricity following Storm Eowyn six days ago have now been reconnected, power companies have said.

Almost 300,000 customers were left without power after the storm swept in on January 24, wreaking significant damage, with gusts of up to 100mph.

More than 206,000 SP Energy Networks customers across central and southern Scotland were among those affected and around 700 engineers were deployed across the network to carry out repairs.

The company said most were back on supply within the first 24 hours and the remaining properties were reconnected in the very early hours of Thursday.

The Co-op store in Denny, Stirlingshire was among the buildings damaged during the storm (Jane Barlow/PA)

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution said late on Wednesday evening that all 92,000 of its customers whose supplies were interrupted had been reconnected.

The storm, which claimed one life north of the border, caused significant damage to infrastructure on the rail network, which led to many route closures.

The Girvan to Stranraer route remained shut on Thursday, with Network Rail Scotland continuing work to clear it.

SP Energy Networks said the storm caused the worst damage the network has ever seen and repairs had been complex and challenging.

Its chief executive Nicola Connelly said: This has been a truly colossal task, with our teams pulling out all the stops  and making use of every possible resource at our disposal as well as drafting in people and resources from across the country  with that singular aim of getting all our customers affected by the storm back on supply as quickly and safely as possible.

While carrying out final checks on the Girvan-Stranraer route, we found a damaged Scottish Power high-voltage route, which needs fixed before the line can open. Unfortunately, its unlikely that will be today, but well share more soon. @networkrail @transcotland @ScotRail https://t.co/W4RcH8jAzL pic.twitter.com/o4Srd2NGk6  Network Rail Scotland (@NetworkRailSCOT) January 30, 2025

Its been complex and challenging, but our teams stayed focused and persevered until we achieved just that  helped massively by the patience, resilience and understanding of our customers.

We know its been difficult and you were always at the heart of the tremendous team effort made right across our business, so thank-you for your support.

For us though, the work continues, and our teams are out there  and will be for some time  completing permanent repairs across the network and fixing the last of the damage caused by Storm Eowyn.

Customers without power for more than 48 hours are entitled to automatic compensation, with increased payments for those affected the most.

Andy Smith, SSEN Distributions director of customer operations for the north of Scotland, said: Eowyn was an exceptional storm which required an exceptional response from us.

More than 1,000 people have been working hard since the storm first hit to reconnect homes and support customers, while a huge volume of network reconstruction has been done in challenging conditions.

Workers removing a fallen tree on Regent Road, Edinburgh (Jane Barlow/PA)

I want to say thank-you to everyone whos played their part in this response, both from our own teams and also those of our contract partners and fellow network operators who came to support us.

Now the restoration works drawn to a close, Id particularly like to thank all 92,000 customers whose supplies were interrupted for their patience and understanding while weve worked to rebuild the network as safely and as quickly as we could.

I remind those who lost power to look at the compensation thats available and to make a claim for reimbursement if they qualify.

The weather warnings in place during Storm Eowyn included a red danger to life alert between 10am and 5pm last Friday, which covered the central belt and Dumfries and Galloway and stretched north on the west coast to Jura in Argyll and Bute.

Calum Carmichael, 19, from New Cumnock, East Ayrshire, died after his car was hit by a falling tree in nearby Mauchline at about 6.45am on Friday before the red weather warning came into force.

He was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow and died on Saturday, police said.
A man accused of driving a getaway car in a 1.38 million robbery told police every man loves a watch, a court has heard.

Mannix Pedro, 37, and Junior Kunu, 30, are charged with conspiring with others to commit robbery after watches worth more than 1.3 million were stolen from a south-west London jewellery shop last year.

More than 70 high-value watches were taken from the 247 Kettles shop in Richmond in the afternoon of May 25, their trial at Woolwich Crown Court was told.

The trial has heard that office manager Oliver White, 27, was put in a headlock and tied up during the robbery.

Jurors were previously told that Mr White died by suicide the next day as a direct result of the incident.

At least two others said to have been involved are at large  Michael Ashman and Kyle Bowrage.

Pedro, who did not enter the shop during the robbery, was closely involved in the planning and execution, including the use of a stolen Audi as one of two getaway cars, the court has heard.

He was first arrested on May 29 and in a police interview that evening he told officers he works in cars and clothing, the court heard.

Pedro told officers he had never bought or sold watches and said a Rolex in his home was fake.

I think every man loves a watch  cars, watches and women, he said in the transcript of his police interview read to the court on Thursday.

We are all the same.

Jurors were also taken through a timeline of events after the robbery.

Pedro drove for hours in the evening after the incident, the court heard, with CCTV and phone tracking showing he drove from Richmond to Woking, Surrey, after the incident and then to Colchester, Essex, a distance of around 100 miles.

At 10.30pm on May 25, a mobile phone linked to the suspects searched for an orbital watch winder, a device used for mechanical watches, jurors heard.

Pedro was seen at the food hall of Clacket Lane motorway services off the M25 at 11.23pm.

Mobile phone data shows Pedro arrived home in Cobham, Surrey, in the early hours of the morning, jurors were told.

On the evening of May 26, Pedro drove a BMW X4 up north to Bowrages home in Rotherham and travelled to Sheffield and Doncaster before returning to Bowrages address at 2.20am on May 27, the court heard.

The pair then left to return to London at 7.36am.

Prosecutor Edward Brown KC previously told jurors that Bowrage and Ashman fled abroad soon after May 25 and have not yet been arrested.

Earlier on Thursday, jurors were told data extracted by detectives from one of Pedros phones seized when he was arrested showed searches for Rolex watch dial were made on May 28, the day before he was arrested.

One of Pedros phone numbers also forwarded images to a contact saved as Peace And Love which matched with Kettles 247s master stocklist provided to police by Mr White, the court heard.

Pedro, of Cobham, and Kunu, of Mitcham, south-west London, deny the charges.

None of the watches have been recovered, Mr Brown previously said.

The trial continues.
Downing Street has condemned a Russian arrest warrant issued for a UK journalist, calling it an example of desperate rhetoric from Vladimir Putins administration.

A court in Russias Kursk border region has issued an arrest warrant for Jerome Starkey, defence editor at The Sun, and put him on an international wanted list.

The Kursk regional court accused him of illegally crossing the border into Russia.

Mr Starkeys coverage of the war has taken him across Ukraine, but the court ruling was prompted by his reporting from inside Russia.

The defence editor said it was a clear attempt at intimidation.

Russias Federal Security Service (FSB) had petitioned the court saying a British citizen had entered Russia from Ukraine to film a report in August last year.

Its just another example of desperate rhetoric from Putins government. Of course, we condemn it, the Prime Ministers official spokesman said.

British journalists shine a light into some of the darkest corners of the world, uncovering atrocities, he added.

Jerome Starkeys award-winning reporting from inside Ukraine, exposing the details of Russias illegal war for millions of readers, is no different.

And if the Kremlin cannot withstand the British newspaper highlighting Ukraines brave defence of its freedom, then frankly, Putin should roll back his tanks, withdraw his forces, and end the suffering of Ukrainian and Russian people.

We will always stand with Ukraine, we will always stand by our free and fearless press.

Mr Starkey said it was nice to feel wanted but noted that Russia has a record of targeting Western journalists.

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was released in August after more than a year in prison.

Mr Starkey said: This is clearly an attempt to shut down anyone who criticises the Russian invasion of Ukraine  and one that will not work.

They are trying to intimidate me and other journalists covering this brutal war.

But it is vital that journalists shine a light on Vladmir Putins horrific invasion of Ukraine.

The Suns editor-in-chief Victoria Newton said the newspaper stood in unwavering support.

This action by a sham Russian court is a blatant attempt to silence him and suppress The Sun and the free press from reporting on the horrific realities of the war, she said.
A charming spy pretended he was a police officer tracking down a suspect as he wooed a young beautician  while secretly working for Russia, a court has heard.

Bulgarian Vanya Gaberova, 30, told jurors on Thursday that she knew nothing of Biser Dzhambazovs spy activities as they travelled together in Austria and Spain.

Giving evidence on Thursday, Gaberova, from Euston, north London, said he had told her he worked for Interpol and had even shown her a fake pass and credentials.

Defence barrister Anthony Metzer KC asked: Did you have any doubt at the time that the Interpol badge and identity card were anything other than genuine? Did they look genuine to you?

Gaberova replied: Yes. Even when I was arrested, I did not believe something is wrong.

Photos show Vanya Gaberova wearing spy glasses (Met Police/PA)

Dzhambazov, 43, from Harrow and Orlin Roussev, 46, from Great Yarmouth, have admitted conspiring to carry out a string of spy operations on people and places of interest to the Russian State over three years.

Gaberova, her ex-boyfriend Tihomir Ivanov Ivanchev, 39, and Dzhambazovs partner Katrin Ivanova, 33, have denied involvement in the plot.

Jurors have heard how one of the targets was investigative journalist Christo Grozev, who uncovered Russian links to the Salisbury Novichok attack in 2018.

Gaberova told jurors that she had seen Mr Grozevs home in Vienna with Dzhambazov before they travelled to Valencia where the journalist was attending a work event.

She was asked if she found it strange that Dzhambazov would divulge a suspects name when she was not in the police.

Gaberova said: He showed me where the suspect lived. He made me believe this person is a bad person.

Biser Dzhambazov claimed to work for Interpol and had a fake ID and badge (Met Police/PA)

It was while in Austria that Dzhambazov declared his feelings for Gaberova, jurors heard.

The defendant said: He told me he likes me, he has feelings for me. I had some sympathy but at that time it was just a friendship because I was in a relationship.

Mr Metzer asked: There came a time when you started to have feelings for him. Did you fall in love with him?

Gaberova replied: Yes, of course. In Valencia.

The court has previously heard that at the time of their arrests both Gaberova and Ivanova had believed Dzhambazov was their boyfriend.

Gaberova insisted he had told her he wanted to split up with Ivanova because she cheated on him and there was no intimacy, despite still living together.

She told jurors how she first met him in London after Ivanchev had taken out a 25,000 loan to help her set up a beauty salon.

They were introduced while volunteering at a polling station for the Bulgarian parliamentary election in 2021 and met socially with mutual friends, the court heard.

Her first impression was that he was very loud and the soul of the gathering, leaving her impressed and intrigued by him.

Mr Mezter asked: During these meetings was there any mention of anything about the subject to these inquiries?

Gaberova replied: No, absolutely not.

Biser Dzhambazov wearing a protective vest (Met Police/PA)

As their friendship grew, Dzhambazov began texting her regularly as Gaberovas relationship with Ivanchev began to cool, the court was told.

Mr Metzer said: Looking back on it now do you think he was charming you?

Gaberova replied: He is charming. He is not only like (that) to me, he tried to do this with everyone. For him its important that you like him. This is important for him.

Mr Metzer asked: We know hes quite a lot older than you, were you becoming attracted to him?

Gaberova told jurors she thought Dzhambazov was not the best looking guy but that he had a good heart.

He had confided that he wanted to split up with his girlfriend and in turn Gaberova shared her upset that Ivanchev had said she had put on weight and had a big arse.

She went on: I told him that my dream (was) to be police like him. He told me you can be if you want. He say he know people who can help me and there is a school I can go, like a police university.

Asked to describe her reaction, she told jurors: Oh my god, I was so happy. I was so excited. Im so happy Im going to do it, hes going to help me to do this.

Ivanova, from Harrow, and Ivanchev, of Acton, have denied conspiracy to spy between August 30 2020 and February 8 2023.

Ivanova has also pleaded not guilty to a second charge of possession of false identity documents.

The Old Bailey trial continues.
A couple who relished their relationship of sado-masochistic violence killed a woman in a premeditated blood-thirsty murder and dumped her dismembered body in a park, the Old Bailey has heard.

Steve Sansom was out of prison on life licence for another murder when he killed Sarah Mayhew, 38, and dumped her remains in Rowdown Fields, New Addington, south London, last spring.

The 45-year-old builder and his partner Gemma Watts, 49, have admitted murder and perverting the course of justice by dismembering Ms Mayhews body, distributing the parts at various locations and cleaning up the scene.

Prosecutor Tom Little KC told the court that messages between Sansom and Watts show their relationship was characterised by sado-masochistic violence and such was the intensity of their relationship that they have often referred to dying together if caught.

He said: The defendants acting together conducted the planned and premeditated blood-thirsty murder of Sarah Mayhew.

Steve Samson admitted murder (Elizabeth Cook/PA)

It is a murder which the prosecution submit involved sexual and/or sadistic conduct.

Having committed the murder they then made very extensive efforts to pervert the course of justice over a number of days.

Prior to the murder the defendants had exchanged a range of depraved messages including those indicating a desire on their part to kill victims whilst involved in sexual activity with them, with a knife or knives, and then have sex with each other whilst covered in the blood of the victim and they even discussed eating human flesh but we do not suggest they did so.

On Thursday, Sansom, from Sutton, south-west London, and Watts, from New Addington, sat quietly in the dock as details of their kinky sexual relationship  including a stream of messages between them about bestiality, humiliation and causing hurt  were outlined at their sentencing hearing before Mrs Justice Cutts.

Mr Little added: Given what was subsequently to happen to Sarah Mayhew this murderous, sexual and sadistic discussion was manifestly not an idle fantasy.

Ms Mayhew, who lived in New Addington, on the outskirts of Croydon, was never seen again after she joined Sansom, whom she had met years before on a dating site, at his ground floor flat in Sutton at about 11pm on March 8 2024. Watts was already at the property.

Mr Little said: From that point in time she was never seen again and she never left that property alive.

How long she lived for only the defendants know and they have never said.

What precisely happened to her body after she had been murdered by them in that property only the defendants know.

Ms Mayhews head and limbs were found more than eight miles away in Rowdown Field in New Addington, just over three weeks later on April 2 2024.

Her torso was discovered much later in the River Wandle and some pieces of evidence were destroyed or disposed of by the defendants, the court heard.

The prosecution believe Ms Mayhew must have been killed or incapacitated inside Sansoms flat on the night of March 8 to 9 2024 and given the messages sent between the defendants in the months before it is not credible to conclude that she was killed immediately.

Sansom tried later tried to justify what they had done, saying were not evil, we done the world a service.

The court head that Sansom sent Watts a voice message on September 11 2023 which said: Everything looks like meat now dont they? A plaything, something to cut, something to bleed, they all look different now.

She replied: Wonder what they taste like, cooked flesh, maybe even rare so blood drips down our faces.

A screenshot of a note was sent by Watts to Sansom on September 7 2023, saying: I am writing this of my own free will. Should any serious injury, or even death occur whilst I am with Steven Sansom let it be made fully understood that I enter the act of violent, dangerous sex games with Steven Samson of my own free will.

By March 10 2024, Samson and Watts had decided to cut up Ms Mayhews body, the prosecution said.

On that day he used cash to buy a 300mm hacksaw, a 300mm blade and 14-litre bucket.

In the days after the murder is believed to have taken place Sansom and Watts were seen walking by the River Wandle and near his flat, and at one point he is pulling a suitcase that is noticeably heavier than before because it now contained Sarah Mayhews torso, Mr Little said.

The defendants later messaged each other and joked about disposing of someone in a suitcase, the court heard.

DNA tests carried out on blood traces in a bucket, in the kitchen and the lounge floor and walls at Sansoms flat showed they belonged to Ms Mayhew.

Her bloodstains were also found in the bedroom and bathroom sink.

In a victim impact statement Ms Mayhew was remembered by her mother Angela as a beautiful, pretty girl and she said it breaks my heart she is not around.

Ms Mayhews father David thanked the defendants for pleading guilty and saving his grieving family from the ordeal of sitting through a trial of this horrendous case.

He added: That said whatever sentence you may receive will never compare to the pain you have caused us.

I ask myself the same question all the time, why did you have to kill her maybe I will never know?

Sansom is facing his second life sentence, having been jailed in May 1999 after admitting the murder and robbery of a minicab driver on Christmas Eve the previous year, when he ordered a cab to take him home from East Croydon.

The victim in that case, 59-year-old married father-of-two Terence Boyle, had crawled from his cab after Sansom attacked him and stole 25 to buy presents.

Sansom, then 20, laughed afterwards and told a friend: His kids are going to have to see him in hospital over Christmas.

He was freed from prison on licence in 2019 after his case was considered by the Parole Board, and was under probation supervision when he killed for a second time.

The Ministry of Justice has confirmed a serious further offence review is under way.
A one in a million mother fatally injured in the Omagh bomb apologised to her husband moments before she died, a public inquiry has heard.

Geraldine Breslins son Gareth McCrystal, speaking publicly about her death for the first time, told the inquiry into the 1998 attack that the shop worker was authentic, genuine, kind and loved.

Mr McCrystal recalled the horrific moment his stepfather Mark told him his 43-year-old mother, whom he always believed to be immortal, had succumbed in hospital to the severe injuries she suffered in the Real IRA bombing.

Then 15, the family had decided it was best that Mr McCrystal did not see his mother in the hours after the bombing as medics battled to save her life.

When her coffin was brought back to the family home in Omagh for a wake it was closed due to the extent of the injuries.

Mr McCrystal, now 42, told inquiry chairman Lord Turnbull that at the time it was torture not being able to see his mother.

But he said he has since made peace with the fact, as his final memory of her is as she was before the atrocity.

Mr McCrystal described their relationship as fantastic.

I adored her, he said.

I loved her unconditionally, and she loved me unconditionally. I worshipped her.

We were very, very close. I was her only child and she was very protective of me, as any mother is with any child.

The Omagh Bomb Memorial Garden, which is situated about 200m from the site of the car bomb (PA)

We had a wonderful relationship. She was amazing. She was one in a million.

She was an absolute class act my mother.

Mr McCrystal added: What was done to her was absolutely despicable and appalling.

My mother was treated by the terrorists like she was rubbish, like she was total garbage, and Id no desire to see my mother battered and bloodied and bruised.

But my father, he did get comfort out of it. He saw her and, by all accounts, he told me that she  again, this is typical of the sort of person that my mother was  that she apologised when she was lying on the stretcher, moments from death.

She apologised to my father for being caught up in this incident. She just felt sorry. She apologised that she was even there. She apologised to my father, and God only knows what he thought of that.

Ms Breslin had been working as a shop assistant at a local drapery business in Omagh on the day of the attack.

She came home for lunch earlier in the day and Mr McCrystal told the inquiry how he had run upstairs to play a video game after eating and the last words he spoke to his mother were calling downstairs to her as she left to go back to work.

Mr McCrystal also recalled the familys suffocating and horrible experience of living out their grief under the microscope of the intense media scrutiny that was focused on the Co Tyrone town in the aftermath of the bombing.

His mother had raised him, her only child, as a single parent until she met her future husband Mark Breslin in 1993. The couple married in 1995.

Chairman of the Omagh Bombing Inquiry Lord Turnbull at the Strule Arts Centre in Omagh (Liam McBurney/PA)

Mr McCrystal said his stepfather had never been able to find closure for what happened on August 15 1998.

He was very happy prior to August 1998, very excited for the future he and my mother were going to have, and then the bomb ruined everything, he said.

And he hasnt really moved on. Hes tried his best. Hes a very, very good, decent man who didnt  well, nobody deserved this  but he certainly didnt deserve this to be visited on him. But its terrible really to see him.

Twenty-nine people, including a woman pregnant with twins, died in the dissident republican bomb attack carried out four months after the signing of Northern Irelands historic Good Friday peace accord.

Mr McCrystal reflected on his own struggles in the years after the bombing.

He moved to Birmingham to study in an effort to get away from Omagh and the memories of the bombing, but living in England he would go on to develop what he described as a severe drink problem.

Mr McCrystal told the inquiry how he has since turned his life around and has been sober for more than 13 years.

I do have a wonderful life, he said.

I am married and I have three young children. We have a wonderful marriage, and my kids are amazing and we have a wonderful home and I have a good career.

I believe I have turned my life around. Im definitely not the angry, bitter person I was 15 or 20 years ago. I think I am a changed man and I have a lot more than most. I think I am lucky.

But Mr McCrystal said not one day goes by when he does not think about his mother.

Everything Ive achieved is incredibly bittersweet, because my mothers not here to witness it, he said.

I know she would have got a real thrill out of becoming a grandmother, meeting my wife.

Everything I achieve, and Im proud of my achievements, but it is with a sense of regret. I wish she was here. I wish she was here to see this.

Mr McCrystal added: Its my privilege to be her son. I feel incredibly lucky that we had 15 years together.

I know we should have had many, many more years together.

I feel blessed that we knew each other and we had a wonderful relationship. Im very honoured and proud to be her son.
Scores of people staged a sit-down protest outside the Royal Courts of Justice on Thursday as bids to appeal against the sentences of more than a dozen climate activists continued at the Court of the Appeal.

The Strand in central London was closed as campaigners sat outside the court building, with some holding pictures of 16 activists currently seeking to challenge their sentences for their involvement in climate protests.

In a letter sent to the Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr, one of three judges hearing the appeal bids, campaign group Defend Our Juries said Thursdays protest did not intend to cause disruption but sought only to highlight, in a public and proportionate way, that what is occurring is the corruption of democracy and the rule of law.

The Strand in central London was closed during the protest (Callum Parke/PA)

Dozens of police officers also attended the protest, which ended at around 1.45pm.

Those appealing against their sentences received jail terms of between five years and 15 months for their roles in four demonstrations held by Just Stop Oil (JSO) between August and November 2022.

Following the demonstration outside the Royal Courts of Justice, a spokesperson for JSO said those in prison were political prisoners and had been jailed as the group threatens the profits of the fossil fuel industry.

We must ensure our leaders are held to account and do the right thing, they added.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said the protesters left the road without conditions being imposed and the majority left the scene, but a smaller number remained on the pavement until the conclusion of the court day.

They continued: No arrests were made in relation to the sit down in the road as no serious disruption was caused.

Officers remained in the area to ensure any incidents requiring police intervention were swiftly dealt with.

Lawyers for the 16 told the Court of Appeal on Wednesday that their sentences were manifestly excessive, breached their human rights, and should have taken into account their conscientious motivation.

The Crown Prosecution Service is opposing the appeal bids, claiming that deterrence is required in order to protect the public.

Roger Hallam, co-founder of JSO and Extinction Rebellion  another environmental campaign group, was jailed for five years for agreeing to disrupt traffic by having protesters climb onto gantries over the M25 for four successive days.

Daniel Shaw, Louise Lancaster, Lucia Whittaker De Abreu, and Cressida Gethin each received four-year jail terms for their involvement in the same protest.

George Simonson, Theresa Higginson, Paul Bell, Gaie Delap and Paul Sousek were imprisoned for between two years and 20 months for their involvement in protests on the M25, during which they climbed onto gantries over the motorway.

Larch Maxey, Chris Bennett, Samuel Johnson and Joe Howlett were jailed for between three years and 15 months after occupying tunnels dug under the road leading to the Navigator Oil Terminal in Thurrock, Essex.

Phoebe Plummer and Anna Holland were sentenced to two years and 20 months respectively after almost destroying Vincent van Goghs Sunflowers by throwing soup on its protective glass at Londons National Gallery.

On Wednesday, Danny Friedman KC, for the 16, told the court that they did what they did out of sacrifice and that the sentences passed were considerably longer than one would have expected.

Demonstrations were also held outside the court building on Wednesday (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

In joint written submissions, barristers for the protesters said: The underlying rationale for recognising civil disobedience as a qualifier of culpability is that the unlawful act is committed in obedience to conscience, at personal cost and potential sacrifice of liberty, and not only in service beyond oneself but, whether others like it or not, in service to those whose rights are interfered with by virtue of the civil disobedient act.

They continued: No crime is like the crime of civil disobedience, and the offender, even when the method is deemed by law to be disproportionate and otherwise open to moral criticism for its adverse effect on others, retains a moral difference at the point of judicial penalty.

In joint written submissions, barristers for the CPS said that each of the sentencing judges was justified in passing the sentences in respect of each of the applicants, which were entirely in line with the law.

They said: Most of these offenders were already on bail for other offences, and many had numerous previous convictions for protest offending.

They were acting as part of an organised network involving very many offenders, with, in these cases, a clearly stated intention of an escalation in the gravity of their offending, in the M25 cases in breach of an injunction, that all knew would put those who were apprehended at risk of arrest, prosecution and punishment.

Environmental campaign groups Friends of the Earth (FoE) and Greenpeace UK are intervening in the case, previously stating that the sentences posed a serious threat to our democracy.

Baroness Carr, Mr Justice Lavender and Mr Justice Griffiths will hand down their judgment at a later date.
Actresses Suranne Jones and Jodie Whittaker are to play skilled con artists in an ITV heist drama exploring toxic female friendship.

Gentleman Jack star Jones, 46, has co-created Frauds alongside Hullraisers co-writer Anne-Marie OConnor, and stars as Bert, who has left a Spanish prison cell on compassionate grounds after a cancer diagnosis.

On the pretext of one final multimillion-pound art heist, Bert, who has spent the last decade locked up and is in the final weeks of her life, attempts to lure grifting partner Sam (Whittaker) out of retirement.

Jodie Whittaker attending the Brit Awards 2022 (Ian West/PA)

Jones said: Working on Frauds with Anne-Marie and (production company) Monumental for the last two years has been a wild ride.

We took the idea of toxic female friendship and turned it on its head to give the heist genre an emotional heartbeat.

I have always wanted to work with Jodie, and now I am. I hope you love Bert and Sam and all they get up to as much as we do.

The six-part series recently began filming in Spain, which is where Sam had been content to live a life of anonymity awaiting Berts release from a maximum-security prison.

OConnor said: Suranne and I wanted to take a look at the importance and fierceness of female friendship and to do it using the propulsive heist genre.

I am thrilled to be working with Monumental again, and having Jodie joining us alongside Suranne is a dream.

OConnor and Jones previously collaborated on Maryland, which aired on ITV1 and ITVX.

Helen Ziegler, ITV senior drama commissioning editor, said: Suranne and Jodie are two incredible actors and itll be thrilling to see what they bring to the central characters.

Production company Monumental Television is producing Frauds in association with ITV Studios.

Frauds is a co-production with TeamAkers, the production company founded by Jones and writer/producer Laurence Akers.

OConnor is also executive producing, along with Jones on behalf of TeamAkers.

The series will air on ITV and STV and be available for streaming on ITVX and STV Player.
The BBC has published a review looking into the conduct of Russell Brand that was announced in 2023 following sexual assault allegations against the comedian.

The TV and film star faced accusations that included rape, sexual assault and controlling behaviour by four women in a joint investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times and Channel 4 Dispatches in September 2023.

The 49-year-old has denied the allegations and previously said all his sexual relationships were absolutely always consensual.

Here is a timeline of the accusations against Brand and the reviews that have been conducted:

2023

 September 16

A joint investigation by The Times, Sunday Times and Channel 4 Dispatches is published, detailing allegations made against Brand.

One of the four women claims she was sexually assaulted by Brand during a three-month relationship when she was 16 and still at school in 2006 while another alleges that Brand raped her at his Los Angeles home on July 1, 2012.

The night before, Brand denied the claims in a video posted online, stating all of his relationships have been consensual, before accusing the media of a co-ordinated attack.

He added: Amidst this litany of astonishing, rather baroque attacks are some very serious allegations that I absolutely refute.

Russell Brand with his ex-wife Katy Perry (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

 September 17

Channel 4 and production company Banijay UK launch separate internal investigations.

The BBC says it is urgently looking into the issues raised while Brand worked on BBC radio programmes between 2006 and 2008, having first appeared on BBC 6 Music in April 2006 before he was moved to Radio 2 that November.

The Metropolitan Police says the force will speak to The Sunday Times and Channel 4 to ensure any victims of crime who they have spoken with are aware of how they may report any criminal allegations to police.

 September 18

Scotland Yard says it has received an allegation of sexual assault in Soho, central London, in 2003 following the reports.

 September 19

The BBC announces a review into Brands time at the corporation and says it is removing some content from its iPlayer and Sounds apps which now falls below public expectations.

 September 20

BBC director general Tim Davie says a rigorous piece of work was conducted when Brand left BBC Radio 2, after he and guest Jonathan Ross left a lewd voicemail for Fawlty Towers actor Andrew Sachs, but wonders if more could have been done.

 September 21

A group that was established in 2014 in the wake of the Jimmy Savile sexual abuse scandal says it is supporting the Metropolitan Police in its response to recent allegations.

 September 22

The BBC says it is looking into an alleged incident in 2008 when Brand was said to have flashed a woman before laughing about it on his radio show.

 September 26

The Metropolitan Police begins to investigate multiple sex offence allegations about Brand, it is reported.

 October 2

Thames Valley Police (TVP) says it is taking a fresh look at allegations previously made by a woman against the performer between 2018 and 2022.

 November 4

Brand is sued by an extra who accuses him of sexually assaulting her on a US movie set in July 2010.

 November 14

The BBC says two more complainants have come forward to the corporation since it launched a review.

Russell Brand on stage during a Teenage Cancer Trust Comedy Night gig, at the Royal Albert Hall in London (Yui Mok/PA)

 November 16

Officers interview a man in his 40s, reported to be Brand, in relation to three non-recent sexual offences.

 December 14

Brand is questioned for a second time, it is reported, on Thursday December 14 over six allegations of sexual assault.

2024

 January 31

In a new interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, Brand denies all the allegations and says they have been very, very hurtful.

 March 22

Channel 4 says its investigation has found no evidence that staff were aware of accusations about the comedian.

Chief executive Alex Mahon apologises to a former staff member for not investigating a serious allegation made against Brand in 2009.

 June 14

An investigation into allegations released by Karen Baxter, appointed by Banijay UK, finds that informally-raised concerns about the comedian and actors behaviour while he worked on several Channel 4 programmes were not properly escalated or adequately addressed.

Banijay UK bought Endemol, the company commissioned by Channel 4 to produce Big Brother spin-off shows EFourum, Big Brothers Big Mouth, Kings Of Comedy and Big Brothers Celebrity Hijack, which Brand worked on between 2004 to 2006 and in 2008.

 July 29

Updated BBC guidelines on relationships in the workplace warn staff that using celebrity status to influence people to make a decision in your favour is an abuse of power.

 November 2

Prosecutors consider whether to bring charges against Brand.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirms that detectives from the Metropolitan Police had passed on an evidence file regarding sex offence allegations against the 49-year-old.

2025

 January 30

A BBC review, carried out by Peter Johnston, BBC director of editorial complaints and reviews, finds that staff felt unable to raise complaints about Brand.

The BBC says it has apologised to these individuals.
Reading skills for eighth-graders hit their lowest level since testing began in 1992. Levels for fourth-graders were also near record lows as educators struggle to keep students engaged in a post-pandemic world.

The post-COVID report card for students is not one that will make anyone proud.

The reading skills of children continue to slide, with just 67% of students in eighth grade scoring at or above a basic level in 2024. Among fourth-graders, the number of students hitting that level was just 60%, reports the Wall Street Journal.

The declines have been ongoing since before the pandemic and are widespread across a number of demographics. Lower reading levels often result in students being less likely to graduate from high school and less able to assume advanced jobs when they enter the workforce. They are also more likely to commit crimes and be jailed as adults.

In both cases, the reading scores were lower than in the first year of testing, in 1992. And in the case of eighth-graders, it was the lowest score ever recorded. (Scores were down last year and in 2023 as well.)

Math scores for the test, from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, were slightly higher among fourth-graders, but remained flat for eighth-graders. In both cases, the scores were much lower than where they stood before the pandemic, but are still noticeably higher than they were when testing began.

The test scores come out as the Trump administration has discussed eliminating the Department of Education altogether. They also follow a series of post-pandemic challenges, ranging from frequent absences to increased violence in schools to the near constant distraction of cell phones and social media.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
The three soldiers of the Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter that collided with a jetliner on Wednesday night just off of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport were all very experienced and not only had thousands of hours of flight time between them but were very familiar with the flight patterns above the Potomac River.

The Army has confirmed that all three soldiers were from Bravo Company, 12th Combat Aviation Battalion, based at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, about 20 miles south of Washington, D.C. The unit primarily transports senior U.S. military officials around the Washington area and beyond.

Recovery efforts for two of the soldiers in the Black Hawk in the frigid waters of the Potomac River continued Thursday, as did the search for the missing among the 64 aboard American Airlines Flight 5342. Also being sought are the plane's data and cockpit voice recorder and the helicopter's integrated data and voice recorder.

The helicopter flight along the Potomac was a routine nighttime qualification flight in which an instructor pilot tests a pilot's skills at navigating the various routes through the Washington area that are key parts of his or her mission.

PHOTO: Emergency response units work at the crash site of the American Airlines plane on the Potomac River after the plane crashed last night on approach to Reagan National Airport, Jan. 30, 2025, in Arlington, Va. (Al Drago/Getty Images)

MORE: DC plane crash live updates: Dive teams ending operations, sources say

"It was a very experienced group," said Jonathan Koziol, a retired Army chief warrant officer with more than 30 years experience in flying Army helicopters. Koziol has been attached to the Unified Command Post created at Reagan National Airport to coordinate efforts following the deadly collision.

Koziol confirmed to reporters on a conference call that the male instructor pilot had more than 1,000 hours of flight time, the female pilot who was commanding the flight at the time had more than 500 hours of flight time, and the crew chief was also said to have hundreds of hours of flight time.

Koziol said that given the short duration of most helicopter flights, the number of hours they had flown showed how experienced they were.

PHOTO: Emergency response units search the crash site of the American Airlines plane on the Potomac River after the plane crashed on approach to Reagan National Airport on January 30, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)

MORE: Trump, without citing evidence, attacks FAA diversity initiatives during plane crash briefing, prompts fierce backlash

As part of their annual qualifications, all Army aviators are tested on their skills during daylight and nighttime, as well as instrument flying.

An Army flight safety investigative team from the Army's Combat Readiness Center at Fort Novosel in Alabama has arrived in Washington to support the National Transportation Safety Board's investigation.

The evaluated pilot was in command of the flight, but if an emergency was to occur, the instructor would have taken control of the helicopter.

"Both pilots had flown this specific route before at night -- this wasn't something new to either one of them," he said. "These are our top pilots doing this National Capital Region."

MORE: What to know about the deadly American Airlines and Black Hawk helicopter collision

The airspace around the nation's capital is one of the busiest in the nation, but Koziol described the helicopter flight corridor above the Potomac as "a relatively easy corridor to fly because you're flying down the center of the river, and it's very easily identifiable, especially at night" because there aren't a lot of lights.

Night vision goggles are available for Army aviators during nighttime missions, but they are not always necessary, said Koziol, who noted that he did not know if the pilots were wearing the goggles during Wednesday night's flight.

"They are helpful at night, obviously, and in an urban environment, they're still useful," but he discounted the notion that the Washington's bright lights may have affected the pilots, saying they were flying over the Potomac River, where "there are no lights, so that wouldn't impact them."

"They would have the peripheral vision of the lights on both sides of the shore, which actually helps them align and know which direction they're going," he added. "And it would help them see other aircraft."

Furthermore, Army aviators are required to test their ability to fly "night unaided" without night vision goggles.

Koziol said the pilots' situational awareness would have been aided by a moving tracking screen in the cockpit pinpointing their exact location, along with visual aids within their lines of sight.

"You have the lights on either side of you and, obviously, the rotating beacon on Reagan National to point out the airfield and all the traffic on it for them to know exactly where they're at," he said.

Army statistics show that last year saw the biggest spike in aviation mishaps in more than a decade following years of a downward trend.

There were 15 Class A mishaps in the Army in fiscal year 2024, the highest number since fiscal year 2014, when there were 16 mishaps. Last year's increase came after a period of time when the number of mishaps had trended downward. For example, there were seven mishaps in fiscal year 2021, four in fiscal year 2022, nine in fiscal year 2023 and then the 15 in fiscal year 2024.

Last April, the Army held what's called a "stand-up" where it reinforced safety training but continued flight operations -- this followed a series of Apache helicopter incidents the previous month.

There had previously been a stand-down of Army aviation that followed the March 2023 collision of two Black Hawk helicopters at Fort Campbell that killed nine soldiers.

Army Black Hawk crew involved in DC crash made up of 'top pilots' with thousands of hours of experience originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The Army helicopter that collided with an American Airlines passenger plane near Ronald Reagan National Airport on Wednesday, likely killing all 67 people aboard both aircraft, was the result of an "elevation issue" during a "routine" training flight carrying night-vision goggles, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Thursday.

The mission was a "routine annual retraining  night flights on a standard [flight] corridor for a continuity of government mission," Hegseth said in remarks shared on X.

Later Wednesday, President Donald Trump said during a White House press conference that authorities "don't know" yet whether the pilots were wearing night-vision goggles during the crash, but that "we're going to... pretty soon." Trump suggested the goggles, if worn, could have played a significant role in the accident.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said the helicopter was on a 'routine annual retraining' when it crashed into a plane near Reagan Airport.

The three members of the "fairly experienced" crew held the ranks of captain, chief warrant officer 2, and staff sergeant, Hegseth said. (Warrant officers are a type of military officer trained and promoted for specialized technical expertise.) Their names have not been released yet, as the Department of Defense is working to inform their next of kin, Hegseth said.

The American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas, was minutes away from landing at Reagan Airport near Washington on Wednesday night just before 9 p.m. ET when it collided with the helicopter. Rescuers searched through the icy waters of the Potomac River, fearing possible survivors could contract hypothermia.

But by the next morning, authorities announced the rescue effort had turned to a recovery operation as 28 bodies were recovered  27 from the plane, and one from the helicopter.

Jonathan Koziol, chief of staff of the Army's aviation directorate, said the presence of seasoned pilots on the helicopter - coupled with the familiarity of the route they were on - suggested the crash was "a tragic incident of two aircraft trying to occupy the same space at the same time."

The risk level associated with the helicopter's route, which Army craft fly "quite regularly, almost on a daily basis," was "low," Koziol said. But he added that "there is a lot of rigor involved" and both the "very experienced" instructor pilot flying the plane and their fellow pilot in command "could manage that aircraft by themselves."

The crew members were probably using their night-vision goggles, which are not necessary, but could have come in handy flying over the Potomac River, where there are no lights, he said.

The Army requires all of its pilots to complete annual night-flying evaluations, and annual flight proficiency evaluations include the use of night-vision goggles, according to training regulations. The service also requires pilots to complete a one-hour flight at least once every 60 days with night-vision goggles.

According to an FAA fact sheet, the goggles "affect depth perception and limit peripheral vision." They also often "increase fatigue due to eyestrain and increased helmet weight."

More: 'NOT GOOD!': Trump brings unusual approach to plane crash in first big crisis of his presidency

The helicopter, a UH-60 Black Hawk, took off from Davison Army Airfield at Fort Belvoir, about 15 miles southwest of the airport in Virginia, according to Ron McLendon II, deputy public affairs director of the Army's Military District of Washington. The aircraft belonged to the Army's B Company, 12th Aviation Battalion.

Such drills are intended to practice the military's ability to help key government officials survive and preserve official functions in the event of disasters or emergencies. The Army's 12th Aviation Battalion, according to an official website, flies to support "continuity of government/operations and defense support of civilian authorities."

"We anticipate that the investigation will quickly be able to determine whether the aircraft was in the corridor and at the right altitude at the time of the incident," McLendon said.

Severe Army aviation crashes rose in 2024

Wednesday's crash comes after serious flight accidents in the Army reached their highest level in a decade last year.

In fiscal year 2024, Army flight accidents that caused death, permanent disability, or at least $2.5 million in damages, or destroyed a military aircraft hit their highest level since 2014, according to Jimmie Cummings Jr., communication director at the Army's Combat Readiness Center.

Nearly all of them  14 out of 15 that year  involved helicopters. Of the 14 helicopter mishaps, 12 occurred during training flights.

2024 "will be a year that Army Aviation looks back on in hopes of never repeating," this month's issue of Flightfax, an Army newsletter on mishap reports, began. From 2013 to 2023, "the average flight experience across the force is down approximately 300 flight hours per aviator," according to internal Army data cited in the newsletter.

As accidents skyrocketed, the Army last April paused flight operations to hold additional aviation safety trainings for its pilots. But Koziol said the pilots involved in Wednesday's crash were flying on a mission that was not one added as part of the trainings.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Army helicopter in airport crash was on 'routine' training flight
Amazing Rainforest Animal Blue Bird-of-Paradise  gailhampshire from Cradley, Malvern, U.K / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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Mating dances are not unusual in the bird kingdom, but the displays put on by birds of paradise are mesmerizing. The male bird in the above clip is doing his best to impress a female, and the display he puts together is awesome. Here, we will break down his moves to analyze how he does this and examine why he behaves in this way.

Bird of Paradise Mating Dances

There is no single bird of paradise  the term is used to describe a group of birds in the Paradisaeidae family. There are over 40 individual species and, as the video above illustrates, scientists are still discovering new ones. Most of them live in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, or Eastern Australia.

The male mating dance is all about showing a female how fit and healthy he is. Only strong birds who are free from disease would have such magnificent plumage and be able to form such intricate moves. Meanwhile, the female in the clip is quietly checking him out. She is looking for a strong mate who will pass on healthy genes to her offspring. Whats more, she will only mate with one male this year and he will hang around to help her raise her young. She wants a partner who is strong enough to pull his weight when it comes to childcare!

What you can see here is not a random series of moves. The male inherited his individual dance routine from his father. Then he refines it with plenty of practice and by watching other adult males.

Breaking Down the Dance Moves

Male birds inherit dance moves from their fathers. Cape presentation display of superb birds-of-paradise by (A) Edwin Scholes / (B) Tim Laman is licensed under CC BY 4.0.  Original / License

The bird of paradise mating dance is a combination of color, movement, and sound so lets look at each in more detail.

These birds can be almost any color but the individuals in the above clip are a striking black and an iridescent blue/green. Take a look at the video again, the iridescence can only be seen when the light hits the feathers at exactly the right angle. The male bird can adjust the angle so that he can turn on the colors. Display feathers are very special as are the muscles that move them. They have evolved from normal feathers and have fluffy plumes.

Shapeshifting is also a critical aspect of the dance. In the video, you can see the male transform his body into an oval shape using his muscles to move the feathers into position. This arranges the black feathers into a background that is ideal for showing off the central iridescent patch. Accompanying the display is a series of screeches and calls designed to attract the females attention.

Finally, we come to the dance itself. It is a carefully choreographed collection of sideways and circular moves with a lot of feather quivering and shaking. Notice how he maneuvers the female into a position directly in front of him with a flick of his feathers. He likes to have her when he can keep an eye on her as there is no point in going to all this effort if she is not paying attention!

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Bristol Palin/Instagram Bristol Palin reveals facial paralysis on her Instagram Stories

Bristol Palin has shared that she's been dealing with facial paralysis.

The 34-year-old daughter of former Alaskan governor Sarah Palin opened up about the health scare  which she says began a little over a week ago  and her road to recovery on her Instagram Stories on Wednesday, Jan. 29.

I woke up nine days ago with a little weird sensation in my face, Palin told her followers while sitting down at a table. My mouth was pulling this way and it just felt a little off. So I went, looked in the mirror. Im like Wow. This is looking a little weird. 

Alongside the clips of her detailing what happened, she also shared a set of videos showing the onset of her facial paralysis and the days afterward. One clip showed her waking up and looking in the mirror as she said, I feel like everything is pulling to the left. The timestamp on the video read 10:30 a.m.

Bristol Palin/Instagram Bristol Palin shows off her facial paralysis on one side of her face on Instagram

Related: Bristol Palin Reveals Son Tripp, 15, Told Her He Wanted to Live with His Dad Over Text: 'Gut-Wrenching'

A few hours later, at 5 p.m., the facial paralysis appeared to get much worse, as she showed another video of the left side of her face appearing to have a delayed reaction. In the clip, she made several faces, noting that the entire left side of her face was just numb. She added, Its so bad dude.

Within a couple hours the entire left side of my face was numb and just paralyzed, she recalled of the experience in her initial video. Couldnt really blink my eye. Definitely had no movement on [the left side] of my face. So crazy.

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Bristol Palin/Instagram Bristol Palin shows the trajectory of her facial paralysis

Palin said she went to the doctors office and they ran tests and did a CT scan, which X-rayed her body to check for possible causes. However, she noted that nothing came back in all the results and doctors put her on "steroids" and other medications.

She noted that doctors believed that her facial paralysis could have been brought on by a case of Bells palsy, which is a temporary paralysis or weakness of the facial muscles on one side of the face. It can be caused by several factors including an infection, high blood pressure, diabetes and other toxins, according to John Hopkins Medicine. She said doctors told her that her case could have been caused by lack of sleep or stress  which she thinks is the cause.

She noted that eastern medicine has been helping her symptoms, and she has been getting acupuncture multiple times. She explained that has helped speed up the process of recovery tremendously.

Related: Bristol Palin Says Weight Gain After Ninth Breast Reconstruction Surgery 'Took a Toll On My Confidence'

Bristol Palin/Instagram Bristol Palin shares an update after experiencing facial paralysis

In the additional clips she shared of her experience, she could be seen detailing her symptoms, which included a dry eye because she was unable to blink her right eye as easily and a painful nose. She also showed the progression of her facial paralysis over the next week up until day eight where she noted that she thought it was getting a little better.

I know I look crazy right now, but this has been such an improvement from what I was looking like, she said in a video on her Instagram Stories. Im finally starting to get some of the sensation back. Its been a little painful the last two days, which is a [good] sign. Its a good indication that its getting better. Praise the lord!

But the next time that I look in the mirror and I pick myself apart where its like, Oh my nose is long. I want a nose job. I want to do this. I want to do that, I am going to remember this and I am just going to be so thankful for a normal functioning face cause this has been wild, the mother of three added.



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Editors Note: Call to Earth is a CNN editorial series committed to reporting on the environmental challenges facing our planet, together with the solutions. Rolexs Perpetual Planet Initiative has partnered with CNN to drive awareness and education around key sustainability issues and to inspire positive action.

Described as worlds largest cargo ship with sails, the Artemis docked in New York on Monday afternoon after a 32-day journey from the port of Les Havre in northern France. It unloaded around 1,000 tons of French liqueur, champagne, Vilebrequin swimsuits, Bonne Maman jam  and four passengers.

They were part of a test run by French startup TransOceanic Wind Transport (TOWT), which has just opened up cabins on its fleet of cargo ships, inaugurated last year, to members of the public looking for a greener route across the Atlantic.

With 52-meter-tall (170 feet) carbon masts and a whopping 2,100 square meters (23,000 square feet) of sail surface, these ships travel at an average of 11 nautical miles per hour, sometimes reaching as high as 17 when the winds are in their favor. In comparison, an engine-powered container ship travels at an average of around 14 nautical miles per hour. Although equipped with a backup diesel engine used for steering into port, TOWT estimates that its ships reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by more than 90% compared to cargo vessels that use fossil fuels.

And they pale in comparison to airplane emissions: Our carbon footprint is between five and 10 kilos (per person), compared to around a ton of CO2 if you get a plane (from Paris to New York), says TOWTs CEO, Guillaume Le Grand.

With more and more people choosing not to fly due to climate change, Le Grand noticed an increased demand for low-carbon travel. While trains are a popular alternative overland, he saw a gap in the market for transatlantic routes.

If you want to go to America and dont want to emit any carbon emissions, two months ago, you had to swim or take a small sailboat like Greta Thunberg did, Le Grand joked, referring to Thunbergs 2019 voyage from the UK to New York to attend a UN climate conference. Now, with us, you can come with your family and stay in really decent cabins.

In each ship, there will be up to six double cabins available to passengers, who share the vessel with seven or so crew members, while hundreds of pallets of goods are stored in the holds. TOWT plans to roll out a regular service on its two operational ships, Anemos and Artemis, from March, offering trips between France, the US, Colombia, Brazil and the Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe. The company has six more vessels under construction, and by 2027, it hopes to offer weekly departures across its fleet.

Not a cruise ship

Still, the ships primary purpose is to get cargo from A to B. Its a passage, Le Grand stresses, youre certainly not coming on a cruise vessel.

The cabins are simple: a paneled room with bunks or twin beds, a desk, a wardrobe and portholes. And while there is a communal area with bookshelves crammed with French classics and more, there is little other entertainment available, besides perhaps some yoga on the deck and the occasional workshop from a crew member, on marine knots or astronomical navigation.

But guests can relax: they can read, or write a diary, observe marine fauna from the deck and get to know the crew. There is good food, Le Grand says, including fresh fish, and there is good broadband. People could simply work from the vessel, he adds.

Passenger cabins are plain and functional. - TOWT

For the France to New York trip, TOWT is currently charging 2,550 ($2,675), which amounts to around 150 ($155) per day, but this is expected to rise to around 200 ($210) per day once it has fine-tuned the service. The price includes accommodation, meals, and internet access, and there is no luggage limit, giving it an advantage over plane travel. But guests do need to have time and flexibility: journeys can typically vary between 15 and 20 days from France to New York; trips to Brazil or Guadeloupe will take up to 25 days, and exact arrival and departure dates may change depending on the weather.

Due to the exceptionally rough weather of the last two weeks, the maiden passenger voyage had to re-route, arriving in New York after 32 days at sea, whereas a container ship would take an average of around 18 days.

According to Tim Williamson, joint managing director of Responsible Travel, an agency specializing in environmentally friendly holidays, whos not involved with TOWT, there is increasing demand for lower carbon travel choices that help you slow down. He says the agency has seen a 48% increase in enquiries for rail holidays over the last three years, and while he admits he has not seen much demand for transatlantic sailing, more people are looking for experiences that provide a deeper connection with the culture, wildlife and landscapes of the places they are visiting.

Where TOWT has an advantage is that there are very few alternatives offering Atlantic crossings. While container ships used to offer cabins for passengers, most intercontinental services have dried up since the Covid-19 pandemic, and the vessels consume fossil fuels. There are cruise liners run by shipping line Cunard offering seven-day crossings between Europe and the US, but these also have a considerable carbon footprint. Sailing options are few and far between: Another World Adventures offers transatlantic adventure sailing holidays, marketed as an experience rather than a means of transport, and Voyage Vert, a travel company looking to create a fleet of wind-powered ferries transporting passengers across the globe, is only in early concept stages.

TOWT says that since announcing the service, it has received interest from more than 1,500 people, with a range of motivations. A lot of demand comes from those wanting a low-carbon journey, says Le Grand, but there are also sailing fanatics looking for an adventure, or cargo owners that want to send employees to report on the journey of their product.

He estimates that the passenger service will make up around 4% of the companys revenue. The decision to introduce it was less driven by profit, he says, and more by the fact that they wanted to help fight climate change.

Cargo is unloaded off of the Anemos ship in New York. - TOWT

A greener alternative

Decarbonizing the shipping industry has always been TOWTs central goal. The sector accounts for 3% of human-caused global emissions, and despite attempts to adopt alternative fuels or develop wind-assisted technologies, the transition is proving slow.

TOWT, which was founded in 2011, wanted to show that for some goods, sailing is still a viable option, and in 2022, the company upgraded its fleet.

Le Grand says that for around $500 you can send a pallet, carrying about a ton of goods, from Europe to the US on one of its ships. While prices vary, fossil-fuel powered container ships cost upwards of $200 per pallet for the same journey.

He says that in general TOWT is appealing to high-end customers with non-refrigerated goods, such as coffee, olive oil, wine and spirits. These companies dont mind paying a little more for a slightly longer journey with less frequent departures, if it means they can lower their emissions and give their product the Anemos stamp  a label with a QR code that shows consumers it has been transported via sailboat.

We are comfortable with the fact that we premiumize the offer, says Le Grand. If you come to us, it is like when you go to an organic market. Youre not going to get the cheapest, but youre going to have an organic product  something thats making a difference to your health and to the planet.

Yet increasingly TOWTs customer base is diversifying away from solely luxury products. It has received shipments of electronics from companies like Orange Telecom, as well as parts for planes and cars, and cosmetics. Le Grand believes this is a result of a volatile freight market and regulations incentivizing cargo owners to reduce their emissions.

He admits that with only two ships in operation currently  carrying 2,000 tons of goods between them  it may be a drop in the ocean in terms of reducing global emissions. But he hopes that the cargo service, along with the passenger transport, helps to bolster sailing as a realistic, low-carbon alternative for transporting both cargo and people.

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A cold-hearted triggerman finally copped to the execution-style 2022 killing of his friend on a Long Island Rail Road train in Suffolk County.

Nicholas DAgostino, 21, pleaded guilty Wednesday to second-degree murder in the caught-on-camera slaying of 20-year-old Yusef Staine, according to Newsday and court records.

The plea came on the eve of a murder trial set to delve into the early hours of Feb. 16, when surveillance footage on a stopped LIRR train car showed a gunman callously shoot Staine in the back of his head.

Nicholas DAgostino, 21, copped to killing his friend Yusef Staine in a stopped LIRR train. Dennis A. Clark

Staine (above) was shot in the back of the head. Facebook/Yusef Staine

The horrific video showed the gunman fire another shot at the mortally wounded Staine, before running out the trains open doors.

No suspect was publicly identified until May 2023, when DAgostino was arrested in Yonkers on a murder indictment out of Suffolk County.

The indictment and DA Raymond Tierney revealed fresh details about the chilling crime, including that Staine considered his killer a friend.

DAgostino had traveled from his home in Arizona to Wyandanch to visit Staine  and the pair spent the night before the killing with friends in New York City, Tierney said.

Both DAgostino and Staine had ridden back to Long Island on the LIRR, but missed a stop and ended up at the Ronkonkoma station, prosecutors said.

From there, they boarded a stopped train due to head back toward Wyandanch.

The killing unfolded in a train stopped at Ronkonkoma station. Dennis A. Clark

The train is where DAgostino shot Staine  a crime for which prosecutors declined to share a motive, Newsday reported.

DAgostino, after his plea, will serve 20 years to life, his lawyer told the paper.
UCG - Getty Images

The Costco bakery might have made a big recipe change, if there's any truth to a post made on Reddit this week. After visiting a warehouse location in Southern California, a person turned to the social media site to ask fellow customers if they too, thought the icing on the Costco bakery chocolate cake has changed.

They described the icing as having more of a milk chocolate taste that comes across as "generic."

"The last two times I've gotten the 10" chocolate cake with mousse the icing has been... milk chocolate? Definitely not as fudgy or dark chocolatey," they wrote. "At first I wasn't sure if they'd just lightened the amount of chocolate in their mix, but then it occurred to me that the icing tasted... generic."

Other users quickly chimed in, glad that they weren't the only ones who noticed the distinct change.

"Dude!! I thought my taste buds changed! I completely concur. Something def changed. It became sweeter and less rich," one person wrote.

"I noticed the same thing. Glad I'm not the only one," another user added.

Delish has reached out to Costco for comment.

No stranger to switching things up in a flash, the Costco bakery was met with backlash after making a change to a popular bakery item last December.

A post on Reddit revealed that the bakery got rid of its mix & match 12-count muffins (two packs of six muffins) for $9.99 and replaced the deal with one pack of eight muffins of the same flavor for $6.99. The switch essentially gives customers less variety and decreases the value of the muffins.

Please just take it easy on us this year, Costco bakery. That's all we ask.

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A passenger jet and a Black Hawk helicopter that collided in midair on the night of Jan. 29 and crashed into the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C., left no survivors. All of the 67 victims have been identified as more details about what led up to the incident are emerging.

The plane, American Eagle Flight No. 5342, a regional jetliner, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members on a flight from Wichita, Kansas. There were three soldiers aboard the U.S. Army's Sikorsky H-60, a Defense Department official told CBS News.

At least 55 bodies had been recovered as of Sunday, D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Chief John Donnelly said. As authorities continue to work to remove the wreckage, Donnelly said crews will stay and search until all the remains are found.

Here's what we know so far about the crash:

What happened?

American Eagle Flight No. 5342, which was operated by PSA Airlines, collided midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter at around 9 p.m. Eastern Time on Jan. 29 while approaching a runway at Reagan National Airport, the FAA said. The plane, a Bombardier CRJ700, had taken off from Wichita, Kansas.

American Eagle and PSA Airlines are subsidiaries of American Airlines.

The helicopter involved in the collision was on a training flight and had belonged to B Company, 12th Aviation Battalion out of Fort Belvoir in Virginia, Joint Task Force-National Capitol Region media chief Heather Chairez told CBS News. It appears the chopper was flying nearly 200 feet higher than it should have been at the time of the crash, officials said.

One air traffic control worker was managing the helicopters and some planes from the Reagan National Airport tower at the time of the collision, a job normally done by two people, two sources tell CBS News.

The NTSB will look at whether staffing played a role in the deadly midair collision, a former chairman of the agency, Robert Sumwalt, said on "CBS Mornings" on Jan. 31.

"It's not uncommon for air traffic controllers to combine positions based on the workload at the existing time. I think what's important here is to let the NTSB sort through the details and figure out if this had any effect at all on the operations," Sumwalt said.

A livestream camera at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., captured the moment of the collision. The video, which has been verified by CBS News, shows an explosion in the area of the Potomac River at 8:47 p.m. Eastern.

A screen grab captured from a video shows a regional plane that collided in midair with a military helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 29, 2025. / Credit: Kennedy Center Cam/Anadolu via Getty Images

What we know about the search operation

Remains of all 67 victims of the midair collision were recovered, officials announced on Feb. 4.

The National Transportation Safety Board reported on Feb. 8 that all "major pieces" of both the Bombardier and the Black Hawk helicopter had been recovered and taken to a "secure airport facility for further examination and documentation."

Teams also recovered the plane's Traffic Collision Avoidance System, known as a TCAS, as well as "additional avionics" from the chopper, the NTSB said.

A lidar survey, a remote sensing technology that uses lasers, conducted by a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration aircraft on Feb. 8, found multiple areas underwaters which could still have additional aircraft debris, the NTSB said. Divers would be investigating those areas.

Emergency response units search the crash site in the Potomac River near Washington, D.C. on Jan. 30, 2025 after a passenger plane and Army helicopter collided near Reagan National Airport. / Credit: Kayla Bartkowski / Getty Images

D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly previously called the recovery effort "a highly complex operation, the conditions out there are extremely rough for the responders. It's cold. They're dealing with relatively windy conditions."

CBS News senior transportation and national correspondent Kris Van Cleave reported that human remains and debris had washed up on the Virginia side of the Potomac River.

He said the plane broke into multiple pieces that were sitting in 5-8 feet of water.

The flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder, commonly known as black boxes, have been recovered from the crashed plane, the NTSB confirmed. They will be analyzed at the NTSB lab, which is located about a mile from the crash site.

The black box recovered from the commercial flight had some "water intrusion," but investigators said they're confident that the data can be salvaged, so they can piece together what led up to the deadly collision.

Divers have had some access to the aircraft's cabin. Luggage is among the items divers have recovered.

The helicopter is upside down but appears to be mostly intact, Van Cleave added.

What we know about the plane crash victims

Top figure skaters from Russia and the United States  including 6 people with ties to the Skating Club of Boston  were among the victims. Athletes Jinna Han and Spencer Lane, their mothers Jin Han and Christine Lane, and skating coaches Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova were all on board the flight, said Doug Zeghibe, the skating club's CEO and executive director. They were returning home from the National Development Camp, which was held in connection with the recent U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita.

Spencer Lane's father, Rhode Island resident Douglas Lane, told CBS affiliate WPRI that his 16-year-old son was a "force of nature" who picked up figure skating just three years ago and progressed rapidly. Douglas Lane described his wife, Christine, as a caring and creative person who excelled in graphic design, photography and quilting.

Naumov and Shishkova, a couple, are Russian-born figure skaters who won the 1994 World Figure Skating Championship and had been coaching at the club. They shared a son, Maxim Naumov, who is a competitive skater on Team USA. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed earlier that Naumov and Shishkova were on the flight along with other Russian nationals.

Another victim in the crash, Asra Hussain Raza, had recently relocated to Washington, D.C., for a consulting position and was traveling home from a work trip when the collision occurred, her father-in-law, Hashim Raza, told CBS News. The 26-year-old was a graduate of the University of Indiana and Columbia University, her father-in-law said.

Four members of a Maryland-based labor union, the Steamfitters United Association Local 602, were also on the flight, union leaders said in a social media post on Jan. 30. The union represents heating, air conditioning, refrigeration and process piping industries in the D.C. Metro area.

The crew chief of the helicopter was identified as 29-year-old Ryan O'Hara, CBS News learned Jan. 30. O'Hara was a husband and father to a 1-year-old son, his local Reserve Officers' Training Corps program said in a social media post about his death.

Politicians react to the crash

President Trump addressed the crash during a briefing at the White House on the morning of Jan. 30, where he confirmed that there were no survivors.

"I speak to you this morning in an hour of anguish for our nation," Mr. Trump said. He also criticized the Biden administration and attacked diversity initiatives but offered no evidence linking the former president's policies to the crash.

Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, told "CBS Mornings" on Jan. 31 that controllers go through very rigorous training and multiple "job jeopardy points" before they speak directly to aircraft.

"Any air traffic controller out there  it doesn't matter their race, color, religion  you can know you are in the best hands that take that responsibility very seriously every day," he said.

Mr. Trump, who claimed that he had increased standards for those who work within the aviation industry, announced he'd appointed Christopher Rocheleau as acting commissioner of the FAA. Mr. Trump said the investigation into the collision is ongoing and "we have some pretty good ideas" about what caused it.

In an earlier statement, the president said, "Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise."

And in a Truth Social post, he questioned what led up to the crash, writing, "This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!"

Newly confirmed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote on social media that the Pentagon was actively monitoring the situation and "poised to assist if needed."

With the support of Mr. Trump, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy on Jan. 31 ordered the FAA to indefinitely restrict helicopter traffic around Reagan National Airport. Meanwhile, two of the airport's three runways were closed, causing more than 100 flight cancellations.

Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall said in a statement, "Tonight, we received devastating news of what can only be described as nothing short of a nightmare ... My prayer is that God wraps his arms around each and every victim, and that he continues to be with their families."

Alexandria, Virginia, Mayor Alyia Gaskins said on social media, "Earlier this evening, we were devastated to learn of a tragic aviation incident near DCA. Our prayers are with everyone affected. Our fire, police, and emergency personnel are assisting in the regional response." Alexandria is just south of Reagan Washington National Airport.

Sen. Tim Kaine, of Virginia, acknowledged "there's a lot of questions" about the deadly collision in its aftermath.

"You can't tell a lot from video footage taken at night, but the footage raises a lot of questions about how this happened," Kaine told "CBS Mornings" on Jan. 30.

The first major U.S. commercial crash in almost 16 years

Just one day before the deadly collision, another regional jet about to land at Reagan had a close call with a helicopter.

The pilots received an alert from the onboard collision avoidance system about a military helicopter and aborted the landing attempt, Van Cleave reported.

CBS News has identified four other close calls between helicopters and planes around the airport, including a 2018 incident where a pilot took last-second evasive maneuvers to avoid an FAA landing on the same runway the jet from Wichita was cleared to land on. In the previously unreported case, an air traffic controller failed to warn the two aircraft in advance.

The last major U.S. commercial air crash occurred in February 2009 when a Continental Airlines flight out of Newark, New Jersey, operated by Colgan Air crashed into a house as it was approaching the airport in Buffalo, New York. That plane was a Bombardier Q400. Forty-nine people died in the tragedy. Continental merged with United Airlines in 2010.

The last major American Airlines crash occurred in November 2001 near John F. Kennedy International Airport. American Airlines Flight No. 587, an Airbus A300, crashed shortly after takeoff, killing 265 people. It was bound for Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. The plane crashed in the Belle Harbor area of the Rockaways in the New York City borough of Queens.

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Marion Bowman Jr. is a grandfather, a poet and a death row inmate.

Prison officials in South Carolina plan to execute Bowman by lethal injection on Friday for the murder of 21-year-old Kandee Martin on Feb. 16, 2001. While Bowman admits to dealing drugs to Martin, he says he didn't kill her and that prosecutors convicted the wrong man.

"I am so sorry for Kandee and her family, but I did not do it," Bowman wrote recently in a statement posted online. "Her family has suffered a loss that can not be undone. They have been through trials, and appeals, but they have never heard the truth from me. I know this wont bring them satisfaction, but this is my truth.

"I just dont want to be executed or imprisoned for life for a crime that I didnt commit," the 44-year-old wrote.

Barring an intervention from Republican Gov. Henry McMaster or the U.S. Supreme Court, Bowman will become the first inmate executed in the U.S. in 2025. Another four inmates are scheduled for execution by Feb. 13.

As Bowman runs out of time before Friday's execution, USA TODAY is looking back at the crime, what led Bowman down a path that ended on Death Row and what his attorneys have been arguing to try to stop it.

What was Marion Bowman convicted of?

A jury convicted Bowman of killing 21-year-old Kandee Martin, a young mother whom Bowman described as a longtime friend, sometimes sexual partner and a customer. Prosecutors argued that Martin owed Bowman money for crack cocaine and cited several witnesses who said they heard him swearing to kill the young woman.

On Feb. 17, 2001, police found Martin's body. She had been shot once in the chest and once in the head on a dark country road. Her killer put her body in the trunk of her car and lit the car on fire, court records show.

The day she was killed, Bowman  who was 20 years old  said that he sold Martin drugs several times throughout the day but that later on she was "buying on credit." He said the two had sex and that afterward he saw her drive off in her car with his cousin, also a dealer.

That cousin became the star witness in Bowman's murder trial as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors for a reduced sentence. Bowman argues that jurors never heard that his cousin had confessed to killing Martin to a cellmate and that prosecutors ignored evidence that pointed to his cousin's and another man's guilt.

"I have done some things in life I regret," Bowman wrote. "I regret the role I had in dealing to Kandee and know that her addiction probably led to her death. But I did not do this."

Martin's family has rejected his denials. Speaking on behalf of the family, Kandee Martin's sister-in-law, Lisa Martin, told USA TODAY that they have no doubt Bowman killed her and are "counting down the minutes" to his execution.

"There is absolutely no part of us that believes any of the stories he's saying," she said, adding that it's been hard for the family to see Bowman's complaints. "What was left of Kandee is in a coffin in the ground so how dare he feel sorry for himself."

Kandee Martin (top center) is pictured with her future sister-in-law Lisa Martin (bottom) when they dressed as can-can dancers at the age of 15 and 12, respectively.

Who is Marion Bowman?

Bowman grew up in a rural area in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, about halfway between Charleston and Columbia.

He had an absent father and his mother became ill when Bowman was a teenager, making him the man of the house, his attorney, Lindsey Vann, told USA TODAY. "He's just a really loyal person from his earliest years, and unfortunately, that got him into the drug trade in the area," she said.

"My family was poor, but we got by," Bowman recently wrote in his online testimonial. "I didnt finish high school. I worked at some manual labor jobs but could never make ends meet."

So, he turned to selling crack cocaine, at first to support his mother and sister, and eventually his wife and stepchildren, Vann said.

After he was imprisoned, Bowman's wife gave birth to the couple's baby daughter, who has since had a baby daughter of her own and made Bowman a grandfather. He also has three step-grandchildren he considers his own. Despite the circumstances, he says they're all close.

Vann said that Bowman has matured while in prison, developed a deep faith in God and became a bit of a writer, penning a poem titled "While I Breathe I Hope." It reads, in part: "Doors continue to close, slamming with a resounding bang ... With my hope gone, do I cease to breathe? I'm still breathing, so this I know. While I breathe, I hope."

Marion Bowman (standing) is pictured holding a young family member in South Carolina.

Bowman's attorneys concerned about execution drug, racial bias

Bowman's attorneys are arguing that there's a "veil of secrecy" surrounding pentobarbital, the execution drug being used to kill him.

In an effort to stop the execution, Vann argued in recent court documents that the state violated Bowman's rights by refusing to turn over basic details about the drug, like its expiration date and how it's stored. She also raised questions about the drug's purity and quality after a second dose was given to South Carolina inmate Richard Moore 11 minutes after his execution began in November.

In court filings, the state argued that Bowman could have chosen a firing squad or electric chair for his execution, but he opted to die by lethal injection for Martin's "gruesome murder." A judge denied Vann's request this week.

Vann said Bowman chose lethal injection despite the unanswered questions because the firing squad and electric chair are "barbaric and unconstitutional." If Bowman hadn't chosen from among the three, the default method would have been the electric chair.

A lethal injection bed inside an execution chamber is pictured at the Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville, Tennessee.

Bowman has also argued that he never got a fair trial, partly because of his race.

Bowman said that his first public defender's first words to him were: "Mr. Bowman, I'm your PD (public defender), would you like to plead guilty?"

"I said, 'Of course not! I didn't murder anyone!" Bowman recalled. Five months later, he had a new attorney who Bowman says told him: "Son, you need to plead guilty. You are charged with killing a white girl and you and your family are Black. (The prosecutor) is gonna love this."

He says the prosecutor in the case at one point asked him 13 times to plead guilty, but he denied every one of them and his defense attorneys' advice to do so.

"I wasn't going to be sentenced for something that I didnt do," he said. "The only thing I have ever wanted is a fair trial with a lawyer that will listen to me."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Marion Bowman, set for South Carolina execution, maintains innocence
By Michael Holden and Sam Tobin

LONDON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump has refused to pay 290,000 pounds ($360,000) in legal fees after his English lawsuit against a private investigations firm was dismissed, a London court heard on Wednesday.

Trump brought a data protection lawsuit against Orbis Business Intelligence over allegations in a dossier written by its co-founder, former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele, but his claim was thrown out in February last year.

The so-called Steele dossier alleged ties between Trump's 2016 election campaign and Russia as well as other salacious allegations, all of which Trump denied.

Lawyers representing Orbis said on Wednesday that Trump had been ordered to make a payment of 290,000 pounds towards Orbis' legal fees, with further sums also likely to be due.

"No real reason has been given for the non-payment," said Orbis' lawyer Mark Friston.

He said Trump was now also claiming he had "sovereign immunity" from any enforcement action as a head of state, an argument he said was "completely hopeless" as it had been a private lawsuit.

Trump's lawyer Jacqueline Perry said the court was in a "slightly unusual position, with a slightly unusual client".

"It's difficult to get instructions when your client is president of the free world and trying to turn everything upside down," she said. "This isn't high in his area of importance."

She said the president was "an innocent party in this" and was bringing a professional negligence claim against his former legal advisers for bringing his High Court lawsuit under the wrong statute.

"That was the only reason the case was struck out," she said, adding he wanted the action against his former advisers settled before addressing Orbis's "eye-wateringly" high costs.

Judge Jason Rowley ruled that Trump must pay the 290,000 pounds within 28 days, or his would be prevented from addressing the court in April on a future argument about Orbis' legal fees.

Trump's data protection lawsuit was dismissed, with Judge Karen Steyn ruling that "there are no compelling reasons to allow the claim to proceed".

Trump said in a witness statement for the hearing that he brought the case to prove claims in the so-called Steele dossier, published by the BuzzFeed website in 2017, that he engaged in "perverted sexual acts" in Russia, were false.

Many of the claims in the dossier were never substantiated and lawyers for Trump said that the report was "egregiously inaccurate" and contained "numerous false, phoney or made-up allegations".

(Reporting by Michael Holden and Sam Tobin; Editing by Alex Richardson)
Joliet Police Department

A Michigan priest who hosts an exorcism podcast is facing charges for allegedly snatching a teenage girl's hair from her head and using it to floss his teeth.

Father Carlos Martins of Detroit, host of The Exorcist Files podcast and author of a book of the same title, was charged this month with misdemeanor battery in Illinois over the alleged Nov. 25 incident. He has denied the allegations.

Prosecutors in Will County, Ill., said in a Jan. 22 criminal complaint that Martins "placed the hair" of a minor "in his mouth" in an "insulting or provoking nature."

The alleged incident took place when Martins was visiting the Queen of Apostles parish in Joliet in November, as part of the Relic of St. Jude's nationwide American tour directed by Martins' evangelist religious ministry, Treasures of the Church.

A male teen waiting in line to see the relic told police that the bald Martins was making jokes about having hair before grabbing one 13-year-old girl's hair and putting it in his mouth, Joliet Police spokesperson Sgt. Dwayne English tells PEOPLE. He then allegedly proceeded to make a flossing motion with the hair, according to English.

He later allegedly sat down behind the girl in the pew and started making "growling" noises, English says.

Following the alleged incident, the Diocese of Joliet ordered Martins to "depart from our parish and out of our Diocese," per a November statement.

Martins was taken into custody on the morning of Jan. 27 and charged with battery, per Joliet police. He was released on a notice to appear.

The Companions of the Cross  the religious order to which Treasures of the Church belongs  said that Martins had "agreed to withdraw from his pastoral ministry."

"We pray for all those who are affected by this painful situation," the companions wrote.

A spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Detroit said Martins is "prohibited from engaging in any public ministry" within the Archdiocese.



Martins' attorney, Marcella Burke, said in a statement that the charges against him were "egregious and unfounded."

"The evidence will show that Fr. Carlos did not floss with a students hair or growl among other completely false and repulsive accusations  this is a takedown of a good priest and an attempted shakedown of the Church," said Burke. "We are confident in the legal process and look forward to our client being fully exonerated."



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Revoking export controls on Nvidia AI chips, or GPUs, would be a huge victory for China and DeepSeek, who see access to the sophisticated chips as a strategic necessity for AI dominance, said Helen Toner, director of strategy at Georgetowns Center for Security and Emerging Technology and a former OpenAI board member.

I think its possible that Nvidia will use this to persuade [President] Trump that the export controls are just holding back U.S. industry and that he should just revoke them, she told Fortune.

Toner, who left OpenAIs board in November 2023 in the aftermath of her controversial vote to fire CEO Sam Altman, made her comments as U.S. industry leaders and policymakers come to terms with the sudden rise of Chinas DeepSeek.

DeepSeek grabbed headlines last week after releasing an ultraefficient, low-cost AI model that beat OpenAIs most sophisticated model, o1, on several benchmarks. DeepSeek got its computing power after purchasing large amounts of special Nvidia chips that were designed to comply with 2022 U.S. export controls and were purportedly less powerful than Nvidias most sophisticated AI chips, which were already banned from China. The special China-focused chips were also banned a year later by the Biden administrationbut DeepSeek already had them.

While there are still many unanswered questions about how DeepSeek developed its sophisticated AI models, some industry observers have pointed to its success as evidence that chip export restrictions are ineffective, and do more harm to the chip companies than to the targets of the restrictions.

The big question is whether or not the Trump administration will pick up where the last administration left off, Toner said, pointing out that in his last week in office Biden announced a new effort that would strengthen the earlier export controls. But they could decide to step in and weaken it, she said.

Notably, the latest updates to the export controls from the Biden team also included measures to stop China from bypassing Nvidia and using manufacturing leader Huawei, through shell companies, to get TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., which designs and manufactures chips for Nvidia and others) to manufacture chips for the company.

Without access to TSMC, Huawei has to rely on [Chinese manufacturer] SMIC to fab their chips, and SMIC is around two generations behind the leading edge, so thats a meaningful disadvantage, she noted.

That said, Toner emphasized that she has mixed feelings about the export controls, saying that it is an open question whether they are ultimately a wise strategy. But now that the U.S. has started down this path, she explained, it should stay the course.

It doesnt make any sense to try to walk it back, she explained. Weve paid the price  putting China on high alert that chips are a strategic technology, and incentivizing the whole global supply chain to avoid using U.S. components so as not to be subject to extraterritorial controls. The focus, she said, should be on making sure the controls actually work and are enforced as intended.

Toners take is similar to that of Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, who published an essay today making the case that export control policies are even more existentially important than they were a week ago. Export controls, he said, are vitally important to keep democratic nations at the forefront of AI development. In the end, AI companies in the U.S. and other democracies must have better models than those in China if we want to prevail, he wrote. But we shouldnt hand the Chinese Communist Party technological advantages when we dont have to.

However, Toner said that DeepSeek, as well as Chinas Alibabawhich released a new version of its Qwen model today that it claimed surpasses DeepSeeks R1are not currently overtaking U.S. frontier AI efforts, and that it is not what a16z founder Marc Andreessen called AIs Sputnik moment.

So far, DeepSeek is acting as a fast follower, not leading the pack, she said. Chinese access to compute remains quite restricted, Toner said, adding that it also has a talent disadvantage, though restrictive U.S. immigration policy helps China to recruit better talent.

China is doing everything they can to keep up with the U.S. in AI, and theyre doing well at fast-following, she said. But to imply theyre out ahead of us is clearly wrong.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Lawmakers on the Senate Intelligence Committee peppered director of national intelligence nominee Tulsi Gabbard with questions about her controversial rhetoric on Russian aggression, Syrias use of chemical weapons, and government surveillance programs at her high-stakes confirmation hearing on Thursday.

But it was her statements about Edward Snowden, the prolific leaker of national secrets, that generated the most colorful moments of her three hours of public testimony.

Senators from both sides offered Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman, countless opportunities to withdraw her past support of Snowden, the former intelligence contractor who fled the country with more than 1 million classified records.

MORE: Tulsi Gabbard faces skeptical senators at hearing to be intel chief

And while she acknowledged on multiple occasions that Snowden broke the law, she stood firm in ways that seemed at times to frustrate even some Republicans on the panel.

PHOTO: Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald Trump's nominee to be director of national intelligence, attends to testify before a Senate Intelligence Committee confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Jan. 30, 2025. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Gabbard has in the past called Snowden a brave whistleblower who uncovered damning civil liberties violations by the intelligence community. As a lawmaker, she introduced legislation supporting a grant of clemency.

On Thursday, she repeatedly refused to withdraw that characterization of him. And she repeatedly refused to call him a traitor.

This is where the rubber hits the road, Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet boomed inside the hearing room. This is not a moment for social media, this is not a moment to propagate conspiracy theories  this is when you need to answer the questions of people whose votes youre asking for to be confirmed as the chief intelligence officer of this nation.

Is Edward Snowden a traitor to the United States of America? This is not a hard question to answer when the stakes are this high, he continued.

She declined to say. Instead, Gabbard repeated that she felt his acts were illegal and that she disagreed with his methods.

"Edward Snowden broke the law, she said. I do not agree with or support with all of the information and intelligence that he released, nor the way in which he did it."

But, she added, he "released information that exposed egregious, illegal and unconstitutional programs."

MORE: Who is Tulsi Gabbard? Meet Trump's pick for director of national intelligence

Gabbard faces perhaps the most difficult route to confirmation of all of President Donald Trumps Cabinet picks. She cannot afford to lose any Republican votes in the committee, and at least two members of the panel, Susan Collins and Todd Young, declined to offer their support after the open portion of the hearing concluded.

While she stood firm on Snowden, Gabbard backtracked on other matters, including her suggestion in 2022 that U.S. and NATO forces had provoked Russia into its war with Ukraine. Asked by Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., who bore responsibility for Moscows aggression, Gabbard was unequivocal: [Russian President Vladimir] Putin started the war in Ukraine.

She also said that she shed no tears for the fall of the Assad regime, referring to Bashar al-Assad, the former Syrian dictator who fled Damascus late last year. Gabbard was chastised in 2017 for meeting with Assad in person and later casting doubt on intelligence tying his regime to the use of chemical weapons.

Several senators also raised Gabbards past criticism of government surveillance programs, including the FISA 702 authority, which allows the U.S. government to collect electronic communications of non-Americans located outside the country without a warrant.

Gabbard expressed support for FISA 702 and explained her vote as a congresswoman against its reauthorization as a reflection of her stance on defending civil liberties.

I will just note that my actions in legislation in Congress were done to draw attention to the egregious civil liberties violations that were occurring at that time, Gabbard said.

But on Snowden, Gabbard refused to back down. Republican Sens. James Lankford and Todd Young presented her with several opportunities to clarify her views on the government leaker. Each time, she equivocated.

Did [Snowden] betray the trust of the American people? Young asked.

Edward Snowden broke the law, she said, and he released this information in a way that he should not have.

Gabbard did at one point back off her support of a presidential pardon for Snowden, who now resides in Moscow, where he is not subject to extradition treaties. In an exchange with Collins, she said the DNI does not have a role in advocating for clemency actions.

"My responsibility would be to ensure the security of our nation's secrets, Gabbard said. And would not take actions to advocate for any actions related to Snowden."

Collins said after the hearing that she has not made up her mind on whether she will support Gabbards nomination and was still reviewing portions of her testimony that she missed while attending a concurrent hearing.

But when asked if the jury was still out on her support, she said, thats correct, I want to make a careful decision.

Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas, the committee chairman, said he would move to a vote on Gabbards nomination soon. The closed-door portion of the hearing continued on Thursday afternoon.

-ABC News' Allison Pecorin contributed to this report.

Gabbard stands firm on Snowden, frustrating key senators originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) breaching in an attack. Hunting of a Great White Shark  pixomedesign/iStock via Getty Images

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Youve likely heard the term, jumping the shark, but a shark that can jump is hard to imagine. However, in the video above, a 10-foot male great white shark launches himself out of the water, snaps his massive jaws around a seal decoy, then hits the water with a spectacular splash. Scientists studying this behavior in False Bay, near Cape Town, South Africa, estimate this shark caught a record-breaking 15 feet of air.

This incredible hunting technique is called breaching. While breaching is relatively rare, False Bay is a well-known hot spot for high-jumping sharks. Find out where else these magnificent predators can be found, and learn more about their remarkable breaching behavior.

Where Are Great White Sharks Found?

Great white sharks are widely distributed across the globe and can be found in every major ocean. They prefer tropical to temperate coastal waters, only rarely venturing into the waters of the polar regions. Higher concentrations of great white sharks are found near South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and the U.S., specifically off the coasts of California and the Northeast.

The Sudden Disappearance of False Bays Great White Sharks

In 2020, great white sightings in False Bay went from several hundred to zero. It seemed as if the sharks disappeared from the area almost overnight. One theory was killer whales were decimating the population. Overfishing to supply the fish and chips market was also proposed. Scientists recently discovered predation by killer whales caused the sharks to move eastward. Yet, recent reports of great white sharks in the area suggest these apex predators may be ready to take back the bay.

Terry Gross / CC BY 2.5  Original / License

Why and How Great White Sharks Breach

Great white sharks have adopted the strategy of breaching to catch fast-moving prey like sea lions and seals. The unexpected leap allows the shark to take its prey by surprise. Their long bodies help them swim up to 40mph near the surface. However, the great whites muscle makeup is best suited for bursts of speed rather than endurance. So a rapid attack without a prolonged chase is the great whites winning tactic.

Researchers have found breaching is successful in around half of attempts, but great whites dont use the technique very often. An adult great white shark can grow to around 20 feet long and weigh over 4,000 pounds. It takes so much energy for a shark that size to propel itself into the air that the risk may not be worth the reward. Seal Island, a rocky outcropping in False Bay, proved to be a popular breaching spot because a colony of over 60,000 Cape fur seals offered the sharks an easy meal.

Shark Breach Records

There are no official records for shark breaching, but research suggests most breaches are ten feet or less. The awe-inspiring 15-foot leap in the video above was the highest breach ever recorded, becoming a new record for Discovery Channels popular Shark Week series. Since then, several other sharks have challenged the record. In 2021, Nandi tied the 15-foot record, then Zola, a female great white shark, set a new record with a 15-foot 6-inch breach.

Watch the Video

Click here to watch the video.

The post Great White Shark Breaks Record with Unbelievable 15-Foot Jump appeared first on A-Z Animals.
Craven County Sheriff's Office/Facebook John Matthew Nigh mugshot

An inmate crawled through a ventilation shaft and escaped from jail in North Carolina this week.

John Matthew Nigh is currently on the run after escaping from jail in Craven County on Sunday, Jan. 26, according to a Craven County Sheriff's Office news release.

Nigh, 37, was booked at Craven County Jail on Sunday after being arrested at a home in Hubert, about two hours southeast of Raleigh. He was previously wanted for charges in Pamlico County.

Once authorities arrived at the home, Nigh fled into the woods and fired two shots at three approaching deputies. No one was injured, and Nigh was taken into custody.

Then, on Sunday around 4 p.m., authorities discovered Nigh was missing from his assigned jail cell.

Authorities contend Nigh removed a ceiling grate and escaped to the roof via the jail's ventilation system.

They also accuse his cellmates of helping him escape by stuffing a mattress to create the illusion that Nigh was sleeping in his cell, per the Craven County Sheriff's Office news release.

Nigh remains on the lam. He is described as a White male around 62 tall, weighing 190 pounds, and has a "JMN" tattoo on his upper left arm and a cross tattoo on his upper right arm.

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Nigh is considered dangerous," owing to his being armed in previous encounters with law enforcement, authorities say.

Before escaping jail, Nigh had five court dates scheduled for 30 charges. In June 2024, he was arrested after allegedly opening fire at Onslow County Sheriff's officers, per Fox 25.

He was due in court on Monday, Feb. 17, to answer for three counts of attempted first-degree murder, three counts of assault on a law enforcement officer by pointing a firearm, possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of drug paraphernalia, and resisting, delaying, or obstructing an officer, per Fox 25.

A representative for the Craven County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for more information on Wednesday.

Anyone having information about Nigh's whereabouts should call the Craven County Sheriffs Office at 252-633-2357, their local law enforcement agency or 911.



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Kelly Rutherford turned Paris Fashion Week into a family affair.

The Gossip Girl alum showed up to a Christian Dior fashion show in Paris on Monday, Jan. 27, bringing her son, Hermes Gustaf Daniel Giersch, and marking the pair's first public appearance together in 10 years.

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The mother-son fashion week appearance comes after Rutherford was involved in a six-year-long custody battle with her ex-husband, Daniel Giersch, who, in addition to Hermes, 18, is the father of Rutherford's daughter, Helena Grace Rutherford Giersch, 15.

While hitting the red carpet together on Monday, Rutherford, 56, sported a sleek black dress, while her son kept things classic with a dark suit and white button up. The same day, the duo also attended a Rahul Mishra show, where Rutherford slipped into a stylish floral gown.

Kelly Rutherford and Hermes Gustaf Daniel Giersch attend the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on Jan. 27, 2025, in Paris, France. Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Getty Images

Rutherford has been divorced from Hermes' father for over 15 years, after initially filing when she was three months pregnant with Helena.

The Melrose Place alum and her ex then became embroiled in an extensive custody battle, ultimately ending with Giersch getting full custody of their two kids in 2015.

A judge then ordered the kids to live with their father in Monaco full time, since Giersch, a Germany native, could not come to the U.S. after his visa was revoked.

Since then, Rutherford has made Monaco her permanent home to be closer to her kids.

Next: Kelly Ripa Shares Heartwarming Update on Beloved Family Member
Jim Smeal/BEI/Shutterstock Kay McConaughey and son Matthew McConaughey, March 2014

Matthew McConaughey's mom, Kay McConaughey, knows love can sometimes be tricky.

In a recent interview with Austin Lifestyle, the 93-year-old mother of three revealed that not only did she marry and divorce her late husband three times, but she was the one who initially proposed!

Jim McConaughey couldn't make up his mind whether he wanted to get married or not, Kay said of the Dazed and Confused actors dad, who died in 1992.

Jenna McElroy Kay McConaughey speaks to Austin Lifestyle Magazine

Kay continued, saying she and Jim met in college and they were pretty tight, but their closeness didnt mean that it would lead to an instant relationship. She knew he loved me, but without a proper commitment. She planned on moving back to New York and chasing her dreams of modeling.

Then she came up with a plan to deliver the ultimatum.

Related: Matthew McConaughey Says His Mom, 'Ma Mac,' Is Still 'Kicking Ass' at 91: 'She Does Not Stress'

So, I sent him an invitation to his wedding and I said if you can make it, fine, but if you don't show up at the altar, then it's over and Im going to New York, Kay told Austin Lifestyle.

Her idea worked, and the rest was history.

It wasnt that he didnt love me, he simply could not make up his mind. And I dont think he wanted to get married at the time, but I wanted to get married! Kay said.

Jenna McElroy Kay McConaughey interview for Austin Lifestyle Magazine

However, the first (or second) marriage didnt come without issues. The former couple went on to have three weddings and three divorces.

Not many people can say that, Kay admitted before describing each ceremony.

I had three traditional real weddings, once in the Presbyterian church, once in the Catholic church and once in the Methodist church, she told the outlet.

Related: Matthew McConaughey Says His Mom Started Rumor That Woody Harrelson Is His Brother 'Out of Nowhere'

After Jims death in the early 90s, Kay found love once again around 2000, this time with a man named C.J., whom she referred to as her soulmate. Though the pair never married, they were together for 17 years until he died of leukemia.

Kay mentioned she never had any interest in remarrying after Jim: I never wanted to. I was just so happy to have two men in my life that I really, really loved.

Jenna McElroy Kay McConaughey interview with Austin Lifestyle Magazine

Now 93 years old, Kay has lived a stress-free life, and is happy to share how shes managed to do it.

I think a lot has to do with my positive attitude. I really have a positive attitude, and I eat well. I eat clean. I exercise, she said.

Her exercise of choice is pilates, which she happens to do about four times a week for an hour to stay fit.

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.

But according to Kay, the biggest thing for me is I don't stress. And anytime she finds herself in that type of situation, shes learned to remove herself.

I don't have to fix everything, and for me, that's a very positive. Women think they always have to fix everything, and I don't think that way. I will help you, but I'm not going to stress over fixing everything, So, my main things are I eat clean, I exercise and I dont stress, Kay said.



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MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Thursday said Google is wrong to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico on its Google Maps platform after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the body of water be renamed the "Gulf of America."

Sheinbaum presented a letter addressed to Google in which her government argues the U.S. cannot unilaterally change the name of a body of water which it shares with Cuba and Mexico.

The move comes after Google said on Monday that Google Maps will change the name of the "Gulf of Mexico" to "Gulf of America" for U.S. users once it is officially updated in the U.S. Geographic Names System.

The change will be visible in the U.S., but the name will remain "Gulf of Mexico" in Mexico. Outside of the two countries, users will see both names on Google Maps.

Sheinbaum and Trump have sparred over the name change, with the Mexican president previously joking that if the countries were starting to rename things then perhaps North America should be called "Mexican America" after a map of the region from 1607.

According to Mexico, the U.S. cannot legally change the Gulf's name because the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea dictates that an individual country's sovereign territory only extends up to 12 nautical miles (about 22 kilometers) out from the coastline.

"[The name change] could only correspond to the 12 nautical miles away from the coastlines of the United States of America," Sheinbaum said as she read the letter in her regular morning press conference.

Sheinbaum added that Mexico had asked Google to prominently display the map of Mexican America.

"We ask that when you put Mexican America in the search engine, the map appears that we presented."

(Reporting by Stephen Eisenhammer and Cassandra Garrison)
Kennedy News and Media Holly Pardue

Mom of three Holly Pardue struggled with excessive bleeding after the birth of her third child in January 2024

She was told it was just "stress and hormones" and advised to go for walks, but Pardue, who has a history of abnormal cervical cells and HPV, pushed for a pap smear

Pardue, 31, was eventually diagnosed with late-stage 3 cervical cancer  and underwent chemotherapy and other treatment before she would have been due for her next pap smear

A mom of three says doctors originally dismissed her excessive postpartum bleeding as stress and hormones  and it was only after she demanded a pap smear that doctors learned she actually had cervical cancer.

After welcoming her third child, Roman, in January 2024, 31-year-old Holly Pardue struggled with excessive bleeding for six weeks. When Pardue  who also shares sons Frankie, 10 and Rafe, 7, with her partner Ben Rushmer  went to see her doctor, she says she was told, You've just had a baby, just try and get some better nights' sleep, go out on some walks and hopefully things will die down,' according to Kennedy News and Media via The Daily Mail.

The diagnosis, Pardue says, was stress and hormones.

Kennedy News and Media Holly Pardue with her family (FROM LEFT) Frankie, 10, Rafe, 7, Ben Rushmer, and Roman, 11 months.

Related: New Study Shows Stage 4 Cervical Cancer Cases Have Increased Since 2001

To me the bleeding was happening for a reason and I wanted to know what that reason was, Pardue, who lives in the English city of Milton Keynes, says. She pushed for her doctor to give her a pap smear  a test that detects abnormal, or cancerous, cells.

I had to advocate for myself and I said, Look, I'm not happy. That is really hard for some people, to go against someone who, of course, they know best essentially, I do appreciate that, she says, adding that when she told her doctor she wanted the test, he pointed out, Your previous smear test was okay the last time you were looked at.

But Pardue had a history of HPV, which can cause cervical cancer, and previously had abnormal cells removed from her cervix. As she tells the outlet, I knew that something was wrong. I knew there was something else going on and I'm glad I trusted in myself and spoke up.

When she got the results of the smear, doctors at first told her she had Stage 1B cervical cancer  but later scans showed it had spread to her lymph nodes. On July 17, she was told she had Stage 3C.

To be told your stage was so high, it felt like a death sentence, says Pardue, who began a six-week course of chemotherapy in August, before transitioning to radiotherapy and brachytherapy.

Getty Stock image of a gynecological exam table.

Related: Cervical Cancer Survivor's Dream of Becoming a Mom Comes True Thanks to Strangers: 'He's Ours' (Exclusive)

She wont know until March, she says, if the treatment was successful. In the meantime, shes dealing with the radiation damage. Walking around hurts, which isn't ideal at 31, says Pardue, who also adds that shes gone into early menopause.

That's really a tricky thing to juggle being so young, it's not something I had on my to-do list any time soon, says Pardue.

If she hadnt pushed for the pap smear that discovered her cancer, Pardue says We'd be looking at another year until my next smear and already I've done my treatment for my cancer.

It's scary to think that I'd be waiting another year to find out that I've even got cancer, she says. Current guidelines in the UK mandate a pap smear every three years  but in the United States, after age 30 its every five years, the Mayo Clinic says. However, these guidelines may be updated in the U.S. to a mandated HPV test.

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.



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Missouri woman kills two, injures one in shooting spree

A Missouri mom allegedly gunned down her estranged husband, then drove across state lines to shoot the father of one of her other kids, killing the new girlfriend he was with, according to cops.

Taylor Santiago, 31, gave a dead-eyed stare in her mugshot after allegedly turning herself last week for the shocking two-state murder spree,

.

The mom randomly decided on the killing spree while grabbing coffee at a local general store in Aurora, according to an affidavit obtained by the Kansas City Star, which said she was enraged by child custody battles with both dads.

Taylor Santiago allegedly shot and killed two people  and wounded another  during a two-state shooting spree last week. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office

She then invited her estranged husband, Troy Huffman, to her home under the pretenses of seeing their 12-year-old son  telling the boy when his dad arrived that he should cover his ears because she was going to take care of the bad guys, according to the affidavit.

Then she left the bedroom with a .38 revolver tucked behind her back  and put a bullet in Huffman, the affidavit said.

When the first shot didnt put him on the ground, she fired again, the affidavit said.

She had to drag the body away from the door so she could get out and steal his car  leaving one of her kids behind with the body, according to OzarksFirst, without confirming if it was the murdered dads son.

Santiago then drove 50 miles south to Eureka Springs in Arkansas to kill another ex, Nathan Green  the father of one of her other kids  and his new girlfriend, Sophia Williams, a mom of five, the affidavit said.

Santiagos estranged husband, Troy Huffman, allegedly died at her hands when she shot him with a revolver. Troy Huffman/ Facebook

The pair had told family that day that they had been awarded custody of Greens daughter, and several children were at the house when the pair were shot, OzarksFirst reported.

Williams died at the scene, while Green was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition, the reports said.

However, Santiago appears to have assumed she killed both  telling cops when she turned herself in back in Aurora that she had killed three people, the affidavit said.

Sophia Williams, a mom of five, and her boyfriend  and Santiagos ex  Nathan Green. Sophia Williams/ Facebook

Santiago was charged with murder, robbery, unlawful use of a weapon and endangering the welfare of children, police said.

If convicted, she could face the death penalty  which Williams heartbroken sister, Calista Abernathy, says she deserves.

Shes a monster, Abernathy told OzarksFirst.

Huffman died at Santiagos apartment, while Williams died in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Ozarks First

She took lives. She left children without parents. She doesnt deserve to breathe, to eat. She deserves none of that, she said.

She took a wonderful person from all of us, she continued. Sophia was an amazing mother  She was so good. My sister literally died from saving a child.

Police Chief Wes Coatney said custody battles with both Santiagos estranged husband and her ex-boyfriend likely spurred the killings.

While he wasnt sure why she returned to Missouri to give herself up, he told KYTV: Im glad she did. I wish she wouldve come to us before she did all of this so we couldve helped her.
Dusky Leaf Monkey  Sainam51/Shutterstock.com

Scientists have recently discovered a new primate species in Myanmars central forest. However, the Popa langur, named after nearby Mount Popa, is tragically already on the verge of extinction. Researchers estimate only 200 to 260 individuals remain. Due to their dwindling numbers, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified them as Critically Endangered. Although Popa Mountain National Park is a legally protected site, the Popa langurs still face significant challenges.

How Were Popa Langurs Discovered?

Popa langurs, or Trachypithecus popa, belong to the Trachypithecus genus of Old World primates which live throughout Southeast Asia. Old World refers to primates native to Africa, Asia, and Europe. The Popa langur is no doubt familiar to generations of local people, but it was previously thought to be a sub-species related to Phayres langur.

For years, researchers speculated about an undiscovered species due to the DNA in wild monkey droppings. A team of primatologists combined data from field surveys, DNA samples from similar species, and information from historical specimens stored in natural history museums in New York, London, Leiden, and Singapore. The collaboration of international researchers and cutting-edge genetic sequencing techniques helped scientists determine Popa langurs were different enough to be considered a separate species.

Popa langurs were named for Mount Popa, an extinct volcano home to Popa Taungkalat monastery. Framalicious/Shutterstock.com

Differences and Similarities to Other Langurs

An elongated skull plus larger molars and canine teeth differentiate Popa langurs from other langur species. Otherwise, they are very similar to their langur cousins. Popa langurs are primarily found in the evergreen and deciduous forests of Myanmar. The largest populations live in Popa Mountain Park and Panlaung-Pyadalin Cave Wildlife Sanctuary. These primates are arboreal, which means they spend most of their time in the trees. Langurs are leaf eaters, which is why they are sometimes called leaf monkeys. They live in family groups of multiple males and females, led by a dominant male.

Popa langurs are small monkeys that only weigh around 15 pounds. They measure 2023 inches from the head to the base of the tail. Their tails are longer than their bodies at around 31 inches. They have fluffy gray fur with silvery grey-white chests and bellies. Like other langur species, they have a tuft of fur on their heads. Popa langurs have distinctive white rings around their eyes and a furry, white muzzle to match. Their offspring are born with pale white to light yellow fur that darkens as they mature.

Challenges Ahead

Normally, discovering a new monkey is a celebrated scientific event, but Popa langurs face significant threats to their long-term survival. Popa langur populations are small and fragmented, so even minor changes in these populations can have serious ramifications on their ability to reproduce. Hunting for meat or the illegal pet trade removes healthy animals from the population. This leaves fewer mature monkeys to reproduce and maintain their numbers.

Myanmar is a quickly developing country with an increasing population, so human actions have taken a heavy toll on the Popa langurs habitat. Despite living in a protected area, deforestation for the logging industry is still a major issue. Researchers also cite threats such as agricultural encroachment, water and soil pollution, and cattle ranching. Conservationists hope to protect the remaining population by working with the Myanmar government, local communities, law enforcement, and private-sector stakeholders to implement conservation strategies.

The post Newly Discovered Monkey Species Is Already on the Verge of Extinction appeared first on A-Z Animals.
By Johan Ahlander

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) -Swedish police arrested five people on Thursday after an Iraqi anti-Islam campaigner was shot dead hours before a court verdict was due in a trial over his burning the Koran, as the prime minister expressed concerns over the killing's links to a foreign power.

The five were arrested in connection with the shooting of Salwan Momika, 38, an Iraqi refugee, in a house in Sodertalje town near Stockholm on Wednesday, and ordered detained by a prosecutor, police said. They did not say if the gunman was among those detained.

Momika had burned and desecrated copies of the Koran, the Muslim holy book, either in public or in social media broadcasts in 2023.

"I can assure you that the security services are deeply involved because there is obviously a risk that there is a connection to a foreign power," Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said at a news conference on Thursday.

A Stockholm court had been due to sentence Momika and another man on Thursday in a criminal trial over "offences of agitation against an ethnic or national group," in connection with the Koran burnings but postponed the verdict.

Sweden in 2023 raised its terrorism alert to the second-highest level and warned of threats against Swedes at home and abroad after the Koran burnings, most of them by Momika, outraged Muslims and triggered threats from jihadists.

Sweden's Security Service told Reuters it was assessing the potential impact of the shooting "on Swedish security."

Burning the Koran is seen by Muslims as a blasphemous act because they consider it the literal word of God.

While the Swedish government condemned the wave of Koran burnings in 2023, it is widely regarded as a protected form of free speech.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in 2023 that people who desecrate the Koran should face the "most severe punishment" and Sweden had "gone into battle-array for war on the Muslim world" by supporting those responsible.

Sweden's migration agency in 2023 wanted to deport Momika for giving false information on his residency application, but couldn't as he risked torture and inhumane treatment in Iraq.

(Reporting by Johan Ahlander and Isabelle Yr Carlsson, editing by Terje Solsvik and Bernadette Baum)
Days after he was sworn into office, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revoked a security detail for retired Gen. Mark Milley, becoming the fourth former Donald Trump appointee-turned-critic to be stripped of protections after the presidents return to the White House.

A Pentagon spokesperson said Hegseth also directed the Department of Defense inspector general to investigate the facts and circumstances of Milleys time in office to determine whether to reopen his military grade review determination, which could retroactively demote Milley and throw his retirement benefits into question.

Undermining the chain of command is corrosive to our national security, and restoring accountability is a priority for the Defense Department under President Trumps leadership, Defense Department chief of staff Joe Kasper said in a statement.

Trumps apparent retribution against the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff follows his comments labeling the president a fascist to the core whose return to the White House threatens democracy.

In his retirement ceremony in 2023, Milley also reminded U.S. service members that they have sworn an oath to defend the constitution, not to a king, or a queen, or to a tyrant or dictator, and we dont take an oath to a wannabe dictator.

Joe Biden pardoned Milley hours before leaving office, fearing that Trump would seek vengeance against his political enemies.

The issuance of these pardons 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, Biden said in a statement at the time. Our nation owes these public servants a debt of gratitude for their tireless commitment to our country.

Days before his retirement, Trump suggested that he believes Milley should be executed for what he believes are crimes against the country, including talking to Chinese officials during the presidential transition in 2020.

No one has ever been as dangerous to this country as Donald Trump, Milley reportedly told journalist Bob Woodward for his book War.

Trumps own allies have warned against revoking Milleys detail and clearances, fearing that stripping those protections could expose them to threats of violence or assassination from Iran and expose their aides from being able to do their jobs.

I would encourage the president to revisit the decision for those people who are being targeted by Iran, as the president was targeted for assassination by Iran, Republican Senator Tom Cotton told Fox News on Sunday.

Senator Lindsey Graham told NBCs Meet the Press that if there is a legitimate threat against people who served our government from a foreign adversary, I dont want to pull that protection.

He suggested senators would receive a briefing on the issue and engage the White House to see if we can get some relief.

Because I fear it will chill out how people will serve in the future, Graham said.

Milley is the fourth former Trump official stripped of their security details and clearances. Trump also revoked details for former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former national security adviser John Bolton and former diplomat Brian Hook.
MANILA (Reuters) -Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Thursday he would meet U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss issues including immigration, in an effort to influence policy he said could impact a large number of Filipinos in the United States.

"We will see how we can influence policymaking in terms of immigration," Marcos said without saying when the meeting would take place.

Since taking office on Jan. 20, Trump has announced a number of immigration-related executive orders that focus on stricter border policy, tighter visa vetting procedures, and a crackdown on undocumented migrants in the United States.

There are more than 300,000 undocumented Filipinos in the U.S., according to a 2019 estimate by think tank Migration Policy Institute. Close to 2 million migrants from the Philippines live in the United States, according to a 2024 report by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Speaking to reporters on various topics, Marcos also said he would return a Typhon missile system to the United States if China ceased what he said was aggressive and coercive behaviour and its claiming of territory in the South China Sea.

Tensions between China and the Philippines have escalated in recent years and the Philippines has moved closer to Washington, which is also keen to counter China's increasingly assertive claims in the disputed waterway.

China has strongly opposed the U.S. deployment of the Typhon for exercises in the Philippines, and has repeatedly called for its withdrawal.

"I don't understand the comments on the Typhon missile system. We don't make any comments on their missile systems and their missile systems are a thousand times more powerful than what we have," Marcos said.

"Let's make a deal with China: stop claiming our territory, stop harassing our fishermen and let them have a living, stop ramming our boats, stop water cannoning our people, stop firing lasers at us and stop your aggressive and coercive behaviour and I'll return the Typhon missiles," he said.

Beijing, which claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, has repeatedly accused Philippine vessels of encroachment in to its territory. Bilateral ties are at their worst in years after repeated confrontations and heated diplomatic rows.

The Chinese embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the president's remarks.

The Typhon missile system was deployed by U.S. forces to the Philippines in April last year as part of their Balikatan or "shoulder-to-shoulder" military exercises, and has since remained in the country.

Reuters reported last week the launchers had been redeployed to a new location in the Philippines, which officials declined to disclose.

In 2016 the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled China's claims had no legal basis, siding with the Philippines which brought the case. China rejects that ruling, but Washington, which supports it, says the decision is binding.

(Reporting by Karen Lema and Mikhail Flores; Editing by Martin Petty and Kate Mayberry)
By Anirban Sen

(Reuters) -SoftBank is in talks to invest up to $25 billion in ChatGPT owner OpenAI, according to a person familiar with the matter, as the Japanese conglomerate continues to expand into the sector.

SoftBank could invest $15 billion to $25 billion directly into Microsoft-backed OpenAI, some of which may be used to pay for OpenAI's commitment to Stargate, the person said.

Stargate is a joint venture by Oracle, OpenAI and SoftBank, that plans to invest up to $500 billion to help the United States stay ahead of China and other rivals in the global AI race.

SoftBank's investment would be on top of the $15 billion it has already committed to Stargate, the person said, adding the talks are at an early stage.

The latest OpenAI investment talks were reported by the Financial Times earlier on Thursday.

Tech news website The Information reported previously that SoftBank was planning to invest a total $40 billion into Stargate and OpenAI and had begun talks to borrow up to $18.5 billion in financing, backed by its publicly-listed assets.

The Stargate venture was announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Oracle Chairman Larry Ellison at the White House last week.

However, since then, a little-known startup from China, DeepSeek, has upended markets with a free artificial intelligence assistant it said was developed cheaply using lower-cost chips and less data than U.S. rivals.

SoftBank's share price surged on news of the Stargate project but has fallen more than 12% since the Deepseek-induced selloff began.

Its shares were down around 1% in morning trading on Thursday.

SoftBank CEO Son's plan to take a large stake in OpenAI and meet its Stargate commitments has been vetted by senior executives and the board at OpenAI, the Financial Times reported. Last year, SoftBank took a $1.5 billion stake in OpenAI.

OpenAI was valued at $157 billion in its last funding round, cementing its status as one of the most valuable private companies in the world.

OpenAI and SoftBank did not respond to Reuters' requests for comment.

(Reporting by Anirban Sen in New York, Gursimran Kaur in Bengaluru and Anton Bridge in Tokyo; Editing by Alan Barona, Rashmi Aich and Sonali Paul)
GENEVA (Reuters) -The U.N. human rights chief appealed on Thursday for $500 million in funding for 2025 to support its work such as investigating human rights abuses around the world from Syria to Sudan, warning that lives hang in the balance.

The U.N. human rights office has been grappling with chronic funding shortages that some worry could be exacerbated by cuts to U.S. foreign aid by President Donald Trump. The annual appeal is for funds beyond the allocated U.N. funds from member states' fees, which make up just a fraction of the office's needs.

"In 2025, we expect no let-up in major challenges to human rights," High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk told member states in a speech at the U.N. in Geneva.

"I am very concerned that if we do not reach our funding targets in 2025, we will leave people ... to struggle and possibly fail, without adequate support," he said.

He said any shortfall would mean more people remain in illegal detention; that governments are allowed to continue with discriminatory policies; violations may go undocumented; and human rights defenders could lose protection.

"In short, lives are at stake," he said.

The human rights office gets about 5% of the regular U.N. budget, but the majority of its funding comes voluntarily in response to its annual appeal announced on Thursday.

Western states give the most, with the United States donating $35 million last year or about 15% of the total received in 2024, followed by the European Commission, U.N. data showed. Still, the office received only about half of the $500 million it sought last year.

(Reporting by Emma FargeEditing by Madeline Chambers and Frances Kerry)
Five people, including two Americans, were indicted in a fraud scheme that aimed to put remote IT workers in U.S. companies so they could funnel hundreds of thousands of dollars to North Korea, the Department of Justice announced.

North Koreans Jin Sung-Il and Pak Jin-Song; Americans Erick Ntekereze and Emanuel Ashtor; and Mexican national Pedro Ernesto Alonso De Los Reyes were indicted on conspiracy charges relating to Ntekereze, Ashtor and Alonso providing assistance to Jin and Pak so they could get American jobs.

They funneled roughly $900,000 they raised between 2018 and 2024 to the coffers of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the Justice Department said. The people named in the federal indictment belong to a larger group of workers that got jobs more than 60 U.S. companies.

The case out of the Southern District of Florida is the latest in federal efforts to put a stop to North Korea remote worker fraud. The schemes have taken off in recent years, according to experts. American companies cannot hire nationals of the belligerent nation due to sanctions.

Because of the pandemic and remote work they've had greater success in terms of the revenue-raising activity, Scott Snyder, CEO of the Korea Economic Institute of America, said of North Korea. The rise of remote work has given North Korea opportunities to impersonate legitimate IT workers.

The five were indicted on several conspiracy charges: to commit wire and mail fraud; money laundering; and transfer of false identification documents, officials said. Jin and Pak are additionally charged with conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. They face up to 20 years in prison if convicted. They laundered the money through a Chinese bank.

The FBI arrested Americans Ntekereze and Ashtor, federal officials said. Alonso was arrested by authorities in the Netherlands on an arrest warrant from the U.S.

Jin and Pak are currently fugitives and their whereabouts are unknown.

Attorneys for the group could not be reached for comment.

More: North Korea conducts missile test, vows 'toughest' stance against US

Worker fraud a cash cow for North Korea

Remote worker fraud schemes involve North Korean nationals posing as remote - often IT - workers. They depend on locals who hold onto their company computers at so-called laptop farms. Local collaborators give the North Koreans remote access to the computers so they appear local to American companies.

Illegal remote workers do the job they are hired for but the funds are funneled back to the isolated nation. Remote worker fraud schemes also open up American companies to other forms of cyberattack or theft, experts say.

The pandemic was a boon for such schemes, according to Korea expert Snyder.

North Korea sent thousands of skilled IT workers abroad with the hopes of landing jobs at American companies, according to the State Department. They look attractive to unwitting American companies but businesses hiring them also put themselves at risk.

Theyre knowledgeable, they're capable and theyre doing the job plus more, Snyder warned of the remote workers. If you let someone like that onto your staff they can also plant malware and obtain backdoor access to your system.

The schemes are low risk, high reward for the North Koreans workers, Snyder said, as they tend to work from countries outside the reach of American law enforcement. Typically, he said they work from countries friendly to Kims regime but with better internet infrastructure, namely China and Russia.

This is a cash cow for North Korea, Snyder said. The return on investment still justifies in spades the effort that theyre making.

Funds the workers raise likely go toward the regimes arms programs, according to Snyder.

American collaborators

North Korean remote workers, including Pak and Jin, land jobs using forged American passports but at that point the schemes dont work without U.S.-based collaborators.

That was Ntekerese and Ashtors role in the scheme, according to the indictment. The pair received laptops from the companies that hired Pak and Jin and then allowed the North Koreans to access the laptops remotely in order to appear as if they were locals. Ntekereze and Ashtor each received tens of thousands of dollars for their participation, the indictment says.

Mexican national Alonso is named in the indictment because he allowed Jin to use his identity to fool American companies.

Its not clear from the indictment how the conspiracy initially came together. The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Florida declined to comment.

Ntekereze and Ashtors involvement went so far as registering companies that posed as staffing agencies to provide American companies with remote IT workers, court filings say.

The companies that unwittingly hired the North Koreans were a multinational retail corporation, a Connecticut-based financial institution, a Miami-based cruise line and a Silicon Valley tech company, according to the indictment.

Court filings say the North Koreans also did over $1 million in damages to the financial and tech firms.

Wanted: North Korean remote workers

The case out of the Southern District of Florida is just the latest in federal efforts to root out North Korean remote worker fraud.

A federal court in St. Louis, Missouri, indicted 14 North Korean nationals for remote worker fraud in December, according to the Department of Justice. The group brought in a whopping $88 million for the regime over the course of the six-year scheme, Justice officials said. The money came from the salaries they earned as well as stealing from the companies.

Authorities arrested a man in Nashville in August for operating a laptop farm for North Korea, federal officials said. Matthew Isaac Knoot, 38, ran the farm for about a year.

The Justice Department indicted three North Koreans and an Arizona woman in May for a staggering fraud scheme that involved using the identities of 60 Americans to bilk money from some 300 U.S. companies, including numerous well-known Fortune 500 companies, banks and other financial service providers, according to an indictment unsealed by the Department of Justice.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: North Koreans indicted in plot to get US jobs, send money to Pyongyang
By Krystal Hu, Anna Tong and Milana Vinn

(Reuters) -SoftBank Group is in talks to lead a funding round of up to $40 billion in artificial intelligence developer OpenAI at a valuation of $300 billion, including the new funds, sources said, in what could be a record single funding round for a private company.

The funding comes as Chinese startup DeepSeek has launched an inexpensive AI model that has caught worldwide attention and challenged expectations of what it costs to develop and deploy AI.

Still, SoftBank has valued OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, at $260 billion going into the funding round, up from $150 billion a few months ago, the sources, who requested anonymity to discuss private matters, told Reuters.

The funding is expected to come in the form of convertible notes and, similar to OpenAI's last funding round, is conditioned on OpenAI restructuring its business to remove control of the company by its non-profit arm.

Leading the funding round in OpenAI would mean a bold bet for SoftBank, the global tech investor and its CEO Masayoshi Son, whose group has about $30 billion in cash to deploy, according to filings.

OpenAI and SoftBank declined to comment. The Wall Street Journal reported earlier on Thursday that OpenAI was in talks with SoftBank for an investment round to raise nearly $40 billion that would value the AI startup at up to $340 billion.

SoftBank could invest $15 billion to $25 billion directly into Microsoft-backed OpenAI, some of which may be used to pay for OpenAI's commitment to Stargate, one of the sources added.

Stargate, a joint venture of Oracle, OpenAI and SoftBank, plans to invest up to $500 billion to help the U.S. stay ahead of China and other rivals in the global AI race.

SoftBank's investment would be on top of the $15 billion it has already committed to Stargate, the person said, adding the talks are at an early stage.

In earnings calls this week, the CEOs of Microsoft and Meta Platforms defended their massive AI spending, saying it was crucial to staying competitive in the new field. Microsoft has earmarked $80 billion for AI in its current fiscal year, while Meta has pledged as much as $65 billion.

DeepSeek has attracted attention in global AI circles after writing in a paper last month that the training of its model DeepSeek-V3 required less than $6 million worth of computing power from Nvidia H800 chips.

DeepSeek has used a common technique called model distillation to build on top of frontier AI models including those from OpenAI, and raised concerns among investors on whether labs such as OpenAI can maintain their edge to generate revenue while facing competition from lower-cost rivals.

(Reporting by Krystal Hu, Anna Tong, Milana Vinn; Arsheeya Bajwa in Bengaluru and Juby Babu in Mexico City; Editing Peter Henderson; Bill Berkrot and Muralikumar Anantharaman)
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump said Thursday he expects the U.S. Supreme Court will side with him in the legal fight over ending citizenship for the children of immigrants in the country without legal authorization.

A federal judge has blocked Trump's executive order to end birthright citizenship for children born to parents who are both in the country without authorization. But when asked whether he expected at least five of the nine members of the high court to support his position, Trump said yes.

"I think so, yeah," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office after signing unrelated executive orders. "I just think well end up winning in court, in the Supreme Court. I think were going to win that case. I look forward to winning it."

President Donald Trump sits at the Resolute Desk, where he signed executive orders during a brief event in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, on Jan. 30, 2025.

Trump's policy appears to clash with the 14th Amendment to the Constitution approved in 1868. 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 signed the executive order on his first day in office Jan. 20. Trump argued the amendment applied to the children of former slaves, which he called "good and noble," but that it is no longer tenable with international migration.

What the Trump administration means for you: Sign up for USA TODAY's On Politics newsletter.

U.S. District Judge John Coughenour in Seattle called the order blatantly unconstitutional in blocking it. But Trump said he would ultimately win if and when his efforts reach the Supreme Court.

Birthright citizenship, if you look back at when this was passed  made  that was meant for the children of slaves," Trump said. "This was not meant for the whole world to come in and pile into the United States of America. Everybody coming in and totally unqualified people and with perhaps unqualified children. This wasnt meant for that."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump: Supreme Court will uphold him ending birthright citizenship
This March 13, 2019, image provided by the New Mexico Environment Department shows foam along the shoreline of Holloman Lake near Alamogordo, N.M. (James Kenney/New Mexico Environment Department via AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)  Environmental regulators and health officials in New Mexico are warning hunters that harmful chemicals known to cause cancer in people have been found at record levels in birds, small mammals and plants at a lake near Holloman Air Force Base.

In fact, state officials say the findings are some of the highest levels documented in wildlife and plants worldwide based on comparisons with other published studies. Researchers contracted by the state tested muscle, liver and bone tissue in ducks, other birds and rodents as well as eggshells, algae and even skin shed by a rattlesnake.

The findings come as more states in recent years have been forced to issue health advisories to hunters and others as a result of forever chemicals known as PFAS showing up in wild animals that are hunted for sport and sustenance. From Maine to Michigan and beyond, wildlife managers and scientists have been busy expanding testing as the scope of the problem widens.

PFAS chemicals, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are an increasing focus of public health and environmental agencies, in part because they dont degrade or do so slowly in the environment and can remain in a persons bloodstream for life.

In New Mexico, the concern centers on a lake that serves as the wastewater reservoir for Holloman Air Force Base. It sits at the edge of the base and near White Sands National Park. While hunting is now prohibited there, state officials are concerned that the lake serves as a layover for ducks and other migratory birds that could end up being harvested elsewhere.

The levels of PFAS contamination in Holloman Lake are deeply concerning, particularly for hunters who may have consumed waterfowl from the area over the past decade, said Miranda Durham, the medical director for the state Department of Health.

Durham and other state officials used the report made public Monday to put more pressure on federal officials amid ongoing legal battles over cleanup at Holloman and at Cannon Air Force Base in eastern New Mexico.

Contamination, mostly from firefighting foam used widely in training exercises, has been detected at hundreds of military installations across the United States. Experts have said cleanup will stretch into the billions of dollars and will take years.

The New Mexico study points to the need for additional testing of waterfowl and oryx samples to better characterize the risk to hunters outside the immediate footprint of contamination at the base and the lake.

Tasha Stoiber, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group, called the levels of PFAS in wildlife at the lake alarming. But she said they are not surprising given that the chemicals  used in nonstick pans and many other products  are pervasive in the environment.

These chemicals accumulate in the body over time, creating serious long-term health risks, including cancer, developmental harm and immune system suppression, Stoiber told The Associated Press. The situation at Holloman Lake highlights just how much more we need to understand about PFAS contamination in wildlife and the broader environment.

In Maine, the state wildlife agency is working with university researchers to track deer and turkey to understand how their movements could potentially influence exposure. That state currently has advisories for three areas, including one that spans 25 square miles, where the risk is higher because of the historic use of contaminated fertilizer for fields  a practice now banned there.

Weve issued some advisories, but its not widespread like a landscape-level issue at all, said Nate Webb, the wildlife director for Maine's Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Still, Webb said it feels like the more sampling that's done, the more places that PFAS pops up.

New Mexico regulators say the work at Holloman Lake indicates the reach that these chemicals have in the environment. They also point out that New Mexico's ecosystems are tied to the state's cultural and economic wellbeing.

Matthew Monjaras, who leads the nonprofit group Impact Outdoors, has been hunting duck and other big game for more than two decades. He is teaching his sons to do the same and is working with veterans and school kids to expand access to the outdoors and improve wildlife habitat through restoration projects.

While the potential for exposure through eating migratory waterfowl is a concern even for hunters like himself who didnt frequent the lake, Monjaras said it is no more of an issue than eating store-bought meat, catfish or even oryx. It is the reality of the food chain, he said.

"We're a product of our environment, he said.

___

Associated Press video journalist Brittany Peterson contributed to this report.
Fourteen members of a small religious sect in Australia have been found guilty of the manslaughter of an 8-year-old girl, who died after they withheld insulin needed to treat her diabetes because of their unwavering belief that God would heal her.

Instead of seeking medical help as she lay dying, they turned to prayer and song, maintaining a vigil around her bed, and even after shed stopped breathing, sought divine intervention to raise her from the dead.

Elizabeth Struhss parents were among members of the home-based church found guilty Wednesday after a nine-week, judge-only trial at Brisbanes Supreme Court that heard evidence from 60 witnesses and examined hundreds of exhibits.

Handing down the verdicts, Justice Martin Burns said Elizabeths death was inevitable after the group failed to administer insulin or seek medical help as she lay dying over six days in January 2022 at her home in Toowoomba, west of Brisbane.

All 14 members had refused to enter a plea, which was formally accepted as not guilty, and the courtroom was adapted to seat all defendants so the matter could be heard in a single trial held last year.

In his ruling Wednesday, Burns said that, until her death, Elizabeth was a vibrant, happy child who was lovingly cared for and adored by all members of the church, including the accused.

However, due to a singular belief in the healing power of God which, to the minds of her parents and the other members of the Church left no room for recourse to any form of medical care or treatment, she was deprived of the one thing that would most definitely have kept her alive  insulin, Burns wrote.

Sect members rejected conventional medicine in the belief that God would heal them. - Court Sketch/Nine News

Elizabeth was diagnosed with Type-1 diabetes in 2019, but died on January 7, 2022 of diabetic ketoacidosis, a complication caused by a lack of insulin and medical treatment for the condition, according to the ruling.

The groups spiritual leader Brendan Stevens and the girls father Jason Struhs were originally charged with murder by reckless indifference, but both were found guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter because Burns wasnt convinced beyond reasonable doubt that they knew Elizabeth would probably die.

When invited to make an opening statement at the start of the trial, Stevens spoke for the group, telling the court that he considered it to be a religious persecution.

Decline into severe illness

During the trial, the court heard the sect was almost completely confined to three families who at the time of Elizabeths death met three days a week.

They didnt ascribe to any religious denomination but saw themselves as Christians who followed the Bible. They believed that through prayer, a person could receive the Holy Spirit, which would enable them to speak in tongues.

A central tenet of their faith was the healing power of God, and they rejected conventional medicine, which some members described as witchcraft, the ruling said.

The court heard that Jason Struhs joined the church in August 2021, following his wife Kerrie Struhs, whod become a firm believer in its teachings.

Just months later, on January 2, Jason Struhs declared to a church meeting that God had healed Elizabeth of her diabetes, according to Burns written ruling.

That night, Elizabeth had one last dose of slow-acting insulin, and the next morning her glucose levels were so normal that Jason Struhs became convinced God had intervened.

Struhs told his daughter to put away her glucometer because she didnt need it anymore, and the group members praised the miraculous development, the ruling said.

Elizabeth Struhs's sister Jayde spoke to reporters outside court, Wednesday, January 29. - Nine News

Glucometers measure the amount of glucose in blood and indicate if a dose of insulin is needed. Elizabeth Struhs used hers for the last time on January 3.

Over the next four days, church members took turns monitoring Elizabeths condition, sitting by her bedside as she steadily deteriorated.

They shared text message updates, with some describing her as restless. She was vomiting and fairly weak. Yet, Stevens repeatedly reassured Elizabeths parents that God shall prevail, according to the ruling.

Justice Burns wrote that any belief that God had intervened ought to have been dispelled when church members watched Elizabeth decline into severe illness. Instead, the group called for prayers, sang and talked about the goodness of God.

Even after the 8-year-old stopped breathing early on January 7, the group gathered around her, singing choruses and praying for her to be raised from the dead by God.

Elizabeth's sister Jayde Struhs, who was not present when she died, welcomed the guilty verdicts. - Nine News

One text message between defendants said: Elizabeth does not appear to be breathing apparently, but we will see a victory very soon. God can do anything!

Jason Struhs finally called emergency services 36 hours after his daughters death, telling others that though God would still raise Elizabeth, they could not leave a corpse in the house, the ruling said.

When police arrived at the house, they set up a crime scene, ushering church followers outside. One detective told the court that when she arrived, she saw about 20 people in the front yard playing music, singing and praying.

Outside court on Wednesday, Elizabeths older sister Jayde Struhs told reporters she was relieved that those responsible for her death had been found guilty.

Its been a long and hard three years. Not a moment has gone by that I havent thought about my little sister, Elizabeth, Struhs said.

All 14 found guilty will be sentenced on February 11.

This story has been updated with additional information.

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A renowned Detroit priest who hosts a popular exorcism podcast was busted on battery charges for allegedly snatching a teenage girl's hair and pretending to floss with it inside an Illinois church.

A renowned Detroit priest who hosts an exorcism podcast was busted on battery charges Monday for allegedly snatching a teenage girls hair and bizarrely pretending to floss with it during a November event at an Illinois church.

Father Carlos Martins, 50, approached the 13-year-old and made comments about her hair before grabbing it and making a flossing motion in his mouth while they stood in line to view a religious relic at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Joliet, according to police and local outlets.

Martins, who co-hosts The Exorcist Files podcast, then sat behind the young girl and made a chilling growling noise, police said, according to Fox 32.

Father Carlos Martins, 50, was arrested and charged with misdemeanor battery. CompanionsCross.org

The bizarre incident happened on Nov. 21, 2024 while Martins was visiting with students as part of a national touring exhibit of St. Jude the Apostle.

He was arrested Monday and charged with misdemeanor battery, according to court documents filed in Will County.

Marcelle Burke, who is representing Martins, called the accusations egregious and unfounded.

The evidence will show that Fr. Carlos did not batter anyone, Burke said in a statement to Stella Maris Media.

He did not put anyones hair in his mouth, let alone floss with a students hair or growl among other completely false and repulsive accusations  this remains a takedown of a good priest and an attempted shakedown of the Church. We are confident in this legal process and look forward to our client being fully exonerated.

Martins co-hosts The Exorcist Files podcast. Joliet Police Department

Burke argued Martins interaction with the girl was all a joke to build a rapport with the student and said the priest had quipped that he was bald as a conversation starter, OSV News reported.

Companions of the Cross said Martins withdrew from the ministry after the allegations were made  an action Burke said should not be misinterpreted as an admission of guilt.

The Companions of the Cross look upon allegations of misconduct as an urgent matter that requires serious attention, the missionary church said in a statement this week.

We pray for all those who are affected by this painful situation.

Martins, whose status with the Archdiocese of Detroit is listed as ministry revoked, pleaded not guilty.

He is due back in Will County Circuit Court on Feb. 24.
By Simon Lewis and Matt Spetalnick

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - When Marco Rubio arrives in Latin America this weekend on his first foreign trip as Donald Trump's secretary of state, he'll find a region reeling from the new administration's shock-and-awe approach to diplomacy.

In the first days of Trump's second term, the new president has doubled down on his intention to reclaim the Panama Canal, angered Brazilians by returning migrants in shackles and briefly imposed crushing sanctions and tariffs on Colombia in a tussle over deportee flights.

Rubio's first stop will be Panama City as the Trump administration shifts back Washington's focus to Latin America, aiming to counter the already extensive Chinese influence in the region and stem migration.

The first Latino secretary of state, Rubio has already indicated that the State Department will be instrumental in helping Trump achieve his policy to "curb mass migration" and the topic will be front and center as he continues on to El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic.

The Trump administration has stepped up deportations, sending migrants in military aircraft to Latin American countries, including Guatemala. The flights sparked a brief spat with Colombia on Sunday after President Gustavo Petro refused to allow two military planes to land, before later agreeing to send Colombian planes to bring back deportees.

Kevin Whitaker, a former U.S. ambassador to Colombia, said Trump's immediate imposition of tariffs as well as rarely used sanctions and visa restrictions against Colombia, a longstanding U.S. ally, in response signaled to countries in the region how seriously the Trump administration is taking migration.

"The message it sent is how willing the Trump administration is to use these tools," Whitaker, now at the Atlantic Council think tank, said in a call with reporters.

Trump has indicated he wants to reassert U.S. dominance over the Western Hemisphere, saying Washington also needs to control Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark - an aspiration steadfastly rejected by Danish and Greenland officials - alongside his threats over the Panama Canal.

Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants and a fluent Spanish speaker, is a longtime hawk on Cuba and Venezuela policy.

During Trump's first term, he was a driving force behind a rollback of predecessor Barack Obama's historic rapprochement with Cuba and also played a major role in crafting a "maximum pressure" campaign against Venezuela, including sweeping sanctions on the OPEC nation's energy sector.

MIGRATION FOCUS

Immediately after taking office, Trump declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, banned asylum for people fleeing conflict in their home countries and issued an order that attempts to block the children of some immigrants from becoming U.S. citizens.

Rubio quickly took up the mantle.

"Our diplomatic relations with other countries, particularly in the Western Hemisphere, will prioritize securing Americas borders, stopping illegal and destabilizing migration, and negotiating the repatriation of illegal immigrants," Rubio said in a note setting out his priorities.

Rubio could use his trip to push so-called third country agreements, in which nations accept citizens of other countries deported by the United States, as well as smoothing the way for more deportation flights returning migrants to their own countries, experts said.

Cuba and Venezuela have frosty relations with the U.S. and have greatly limited the number of deportees they are willing to accept, so Trumps administration will likely need to find other countries to accept them  potentially including some of the countries on Rubios itinerary.

"These are the places Trump probably thinks he can pressure into taking these deportees from other countries," said Will Freeman, a fellow for Latin America studies at the Council on Foreign Relations.

CHINA TENSION

Rubios talks with Panama will take place in the shadow of Trumps threats. The president during his inauguration vowed that the United States would take back the Panama Canal but has given no further details on when or how he intended to reclaim the canal - which is the sovereign territory of a close partner.

Trump has lashed out at the fees U.S. shipping pays to use the canal but seems most animated by the involvement of a Chinese company in its operations. The State Department's spokesperson said the trip would partly be about countering China in the region.

At his Senate confirmation hearing earlier this month, Rubio said it could be argued that the terms of the U.S. agreement with Panama that the canal cannot be turned over to a foreign power had been breached because of the involvement of Chinese companies.

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 and a moment of conflict. And that is a direct threat to the national interest in security of the United States, Rubio said.

U.S. Senators on Tuesday joined in expressing alarm over China's role in the canal, including a Chinese company's work on a bridge across the canal, and said it poses risks to U.S. national security.

The Panamanian government has vehemently denied ceding operation of the strategic waterway to China and insists it administers the canal fairly to all shipping.

Isaac Kardon, senior fellow for China studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace said he believed there was space for agreement -- something that would satisfy Trump as a win without being disruptive.

"I imagine Rubio is going to be much more nuanced and I think there's a little bit of a good cop, bad cop style of diplomacy underway," Kardon said.

Critics have accused Trump of modern-day imperialism in his threats over the canal and Greenland, suggesting such rhetoric could encourage Russia on its war in Ukraine and give justification to China if it decides to invade self-ruled Taiwan.

China has in recent years gained economic and diplomatic influence in Central America, where countries including Panama have in recent years stopped recognizing the democratically governed island of Taiwan, falling in line with Beijings view that Taiwan is Chinas territory.

(Reporting by Simon Lewis and Matt Spetalinick; additional reporting by Ted Hesson and Michael Martina; Editing by Humeyra Pamuk and Alistair Bell)
A Georgia health care worker was arrested for allegedly dancing suggestively on disabled patients head in two viral TikTok videos  and seen smirking in her mug shot photo.

One of the alleged videos shows Lucrecia Kormassa Koiyan, 19, of Loganville, grinding on the head of a shirtless man sitting in a bathtub, before she reaches into her pocket for a pill box and pops one in his mouth.

Lucrecia Kormassa Koiyan, 19, was arrested and charged with a felony for her sickening display. Loganville Police Department

Koiyan allegedly recorded another nauseating video  reposted on Instagram  in which the scrubs-clad in-home adult day care employee danced suggestively over a different disabled man, who sat in a chair helplessly.

The disgusting display of lecherous dancing was reported to the Loganville Police Department, who executed a search warrant on Koiyan on Jan 23, according to a release.

Koiyan allegedly recorded herself grinding on a mans head while he sat shirtless in a bathtub. Creshamalu/TikTok

In a separate video, she allegedly straddles a different disabled man sitting in a chair.

I was appalled and disgusted that anyone would create such a video featuring a disabled person, Loganville Police Chief M.D. Lowry told USA Today.

As police officers, our highest duty is to protect those who cannot protect themselves, and my detectives worked as swiftly as possible to bring charges in this incident.

Koiyan was arrested and is charged with one felony count of exploitation of a disabled person, the department said in its statement.

Cops reviewed one of the videos of alleged abuse, and is reviewing the second with additional charges certainly possible, Lowry told the outlet.

It is not clear which health care company Koiyan worked for or when and where she recorded the videos.
Editor's note: This page reflects news of the plane crash near DC on Wednesday, Jan. 29. For the latest updates on the search for survivors, please read USA TODAY's live coverage of the rescue and recovery efforts on Thursday, Jan. 30.

WASHINGTON  A passenger jet with 64 people aboard collided with an Army helicopter above Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Wednesday night, and a major search-and-rescue operation is ongoing in the nearby Potomac River.

Authorities said American Airlines flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, was preparing to land at the airport before it "collided in midair" with the helicopter around 9 p.m.

At least a dozen bodies were recovered as authorities late Wednesday rushed boats into the water to search for survivors, according to NBC and CBS.

Area officials have not said how many people died or were injured in the collision. "We can't provide any more information about recovery efforts, Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said in the early hours of Thursday morning. Bowser and other area leaders will give another update at 7:30 a.m.

President Donald Trump was briefed on what he called a "terrible accident" and was monitoring the response.

"May God Bless their souls, Trump said in a statement. "Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders."

Catch up with live updates from the USA TODAY Network.

American Airlines provides phone numbers for family members

American Airlines wants people who believe they may have loved ones on board Flight 5342 to call toll-free at 800-679-8215. "Those calling from outside the U.S. can visit news.aa.com for additional phone numbers," the airline said in a statement. "Family members in Canada, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands can call 800-679-8215 directly."

 Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy

Washington-area residents stunned by crash

When Arlington, Virginia, resident Habihor Rabby heard about the crash, he and a group of friends decided to observe the search and rescue efforts.

Rabby, 26, said he first tried nearby Hains Point, which was blocked off by police, and then moved to the marina on Daingerfield Island in Alexandria, Virgina, where a sea of flashing lights from emergency vehicles could be seen across the river early Thursday.

Though he frequently flies from Washington, D.C. to Kentucky, Rabby said the incident hasnt made him nervous about traveling. While officials have not said how many people died or were injured, the crash has already taken an emotional toll on the local communities.

"That really hurt," he said. "Its really sad."

N'dea Yancey-Bragg and Thao Nguyen

Read more Residents left stunned, saddened after Reagan Airport crash

Air traffic control audio: 'I just saw a fireball'

Air traffic control audio recorded the final moments before and after the crash of an American Airlines regional passenger jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter.

Audio from LiveATC.net, a respected source for in-flight recording, captured the final communications between the three crew members of the helicopter  call sign PAT25  before it collided with the jet carrying 64 passengers and crew.

"PAT25, do you have a CRJ in sight? PAT25, pass behind the CRJ," an air traffic controller said at 8.47 p.m. on Wednesday. Seconds later, another aircraft called in to air traffic control, saying, "Tower, did you see that?" apparently referring to the crash.

"I don't know if you caught earlier what happened, but there was a collision on the approach into 33. We're going to be shutting down operations for the indefinite future," another controller remarked.

"Both the helicopter and the plane crashed in the river," a third air traffic controller can be heard saying.

"It was probably out in the middle of the river," the controller said. "I just saw a fireball and then it was just gone. I haven't seen anything since they hit the river. But it was a CRJ and a helicopter that hit."

 Reuters

U.S. Figure Skating says athletes, coaches and family members were on flight

U.S. Figure Skating, the sport's American governing body, confirmed in a statement to USA TODAY that "several members of our skating community were sadly aboard American Airlines Flight 5342."

"These athletes, coaches, and family members were returning home from the National Development Camp held in conjunction with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas," the statement said.  Marina Pitofsky

Airport to remain closed until 11 a.m.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport will remain closed for flights until at least 11 a.m. Thursday, said Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority CEO Jack Potter.

The airport halted all takeoffs and landings after the collision occurred around 9 p.m. Wednesday. Aircraft were rerouted to Washington Dulles International Airport.

Obviously, that will be fluid, Potter said. We'll learn more, but we wanted to advise passengers who might be coming to the airport in the morning that we will be closed until at least 11 o'clock.

Thao Nguyen

'My heart goes out to those people and their families'

Minutes before an American Airlines flight collided with a military helicopter, Anthony Rosado landed at the DCA on another American Airlines flight coming in from Florida.

He saw the flash of emergency lights on the tarmac, but initially didnt think much of it. When he learned his connecting flight to Buffalo was canceled, he thought it might be due to weather.

Rosado, 24, said he didnt realize the gravity of the situation until he got into the terminal, called his wife and learned of the crash.

She's like, that could have been you, he said. It's kind of very surreal. Im very grateful that that wasnt me. My heart goes out to those people and their families.

Rosado was among a small group of stranded passengers waiting at the airport into the early hours of Thursday morning, some trying to sleep, some waiting in line rebook their flights and others watching a press conference on the crash. Rosado said he tried to leave the airport, but Uber drivers were unable to pick him up and he couldnt navigate the Metro due to the heavy police presence.

 N'Dea Yancey-Bragg

An emergency response team with Washington, DC Fire and EMS make their way to airplane wreckage in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington Airport on January 30, 2025, in Arlington, Virginia. An American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas, collided with a helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport.

Senator refers to losing 'over 60 Kansans'

Officials early Thursday did not confirm specific numbers of survivors or fatalities after the shocking crash hours earlier. However, a Kansas senator referenced losing "over 60 Kansans simultaneously."

When one person dies, it's a tragedy, but when many, many, many people die, it's an unbearable sorrow, U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., said at an airport press conference. It's a heartbreak beyond measure.

Its really hard when you lose probably over 60 Kansans simultaneously, he said.

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., said he lobbied for the nonstop Wichita-to-D.C. flight that started last year. He said hes been a passenger on the route many times himself.

It is certainly true that in Kansas and in Wichita in particular, we're going to know people who are on this flight, know their family members, know somebody. So, this is a very personal circumstance as well as an official response.

 Joey Garrison

Emergency officials say hundreds of first responders in area

Emergency responders were alerted of an aircraft crash at 8:48 p.m., according to D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly. First units arrived at the scene at 8:58 p.m. and discovered the aircraft in the water.

Authorities immediately began rescue operations, Donnelly said. He noted that incident is growing and there were currently about 300 responders working the incident.

The conditions out there are extremely rough for the responders, Donnelly said at a news conference. Its cold. Theyre dealing with relatively windy conditions.

American Airlines CEO says the focus is now on passengers, crew members and their families

Robert Isom, CEO of American Airlines, said the aircraft involved in the tragic collision Wednesday night was operated by PSA Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of the company.

He said the companys efforts are now focused entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, partners, first responders, along with their families and loved ones."

The flight had four crew members and was carrying 60 passengers for a total of 64 people on board, he said.

We are actively working with local, state, and federal authorities on emergency response efforts, he said.

Isom said he will be heading to Washington D.C. shortly and that the company was cooperating fully with the National Transportation Safety Board in its investigation.

 Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy

Military opens own investigation into crash, defense secretary says

The Army and the Defense Department "immediately" opened an investigation into the crash, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a post on X early Thursday morning.

The military typically conducts at least two investigations whenever a fatal mishap occurs, according to an Army handbook.

The Army Combat Readiness Center at Fort Novosel, Alabama, investigates all fatal accidents involving Army personnel or equipment. Their investigations solely focus on improving safety practices.

A parallel administrative investigation determines the facts surrounding the accident for use in discipline, public information, legal claims and more. If necessary, a third, criminal investigation occurs as well.

Davis Winkie

Trump says collision 'should have been prevented'

After the White House released Trumps formal written statement, the president raised questions about the crash in a post on Truth Social, referencing video of the collision and saying it appears it should have been prevented.

Trump said the American Airlines jet was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport and the helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time.

It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didnt the helicopter go up or down, or turn. Why didnt the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!

 Joey Garrison

Metrobuses will transport people to their vehicles at airport

In the aftermath of the tragic midair collision at , multiple public transit options are available for residents in the area. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority announced that its Silver Line metro service has been extended from the Washington Dulles International Airport to Metro Center, a major transit hub in Washington.

The Metrobuses will be available at Metro Center to transport customers back to the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to their vehicles, the WMTA said.

 Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy

Hypothermia a concern for possible survivors and first responders, AccuWeather says

Hypothermia is a major concern for possible survivors and first responders of the plane crash, according to AccuWeather meteorologists.

Water temperature ranging between 33 to 36 degrees were reported in the Potomac River near the crash site on Wednesday night, AccuWeather said.

At these frigid water temperatures, the human bodys core temperature quickly drops. Exhaustion or unconsciousness can occur in as little as 15 to 30 minutes, AccuWeather Senior Director of Forecast Operations Dan DePodwin said in a statement.

DePodwin noted that the waters in the river has been much colder than they were at this time last year due to persistent blasts of Arctic air in the D.C. area.

Thao Nguyen

A member of the American Red Cross walks at Ronald Reagan National Airport, after American Eagle flight 5342 collided with a helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and crashed in the Potomac River on Jan. 29, 2025.

'All we can do is pray'

At Wichita's Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, City Councilmember J.V. Johnston encouraged families to call the American Airlines help number or come to the airport where they have volunteers to speak impacted loved ones.

"There's going to be some tough times ahead. Hopefully there are survivors. All we can do is pray," Johnston said. "We're all going to know someone who is on that plane, whether a friend or family member."

 Alice Mannette

Flights to Washington airport diverted, delayed or canceled

Shortly following the crash, several dozen flights to and from DCA have been delayed or canceled, with others diverted.

Tyler Kim, a passenger on Delta Flight 2729 from Orlando International Airport to DCA, said the pilot announced a last-minute diversion to Washington Dulles International Airport due to an accident. It was pretty scary because we didnt know what was the cause of the crash yet, Kim told USA TODAY.

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority said it is running extra Silver Line trains and extended its hours to accommodate travelers whose flights have been diverted to IAD, according to a post on X by Randy Clarke, general manager and CEO of WMATA. It has also deployed warming buses to support rescue efforts.

 Kathleen Wong

History repeats itself: Second plane crash in the Potomac River

This is the second time a commercial plane has crashed into the Potomac River leading to tragic consequences.

On Jan. 13. 1982, 74 people were killed when Air Florida Flight 90 crashed into the 14th Street Bridge connecting Arlington, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and fell into the frozen Potomac River. The flight was in the air and crashed shortly after taking off from the Washington National Airport, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The flight was headed to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

 Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy

What do we know about the Army helicopter from the crash?

The military helicopter that collided with the plane was an Army-piloted Black Hawk on a "routine training flight," said Joint Task Force-National Capitol Region media chief Heather Chairez. Three soldiers  the aircraft's standard number of crew  were aboard the helicopter.

JTF-NCR oversees military operations in the greater D.C. area. Chairez said the helicopter belonged to B Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, which is headquartered at Fort Belvoir, Va., about 10 miles from DCA.

The 12th Aviation Battalion frequently flies military VIPs around the D.C. area in specialized Black Hawks. No VIP officials were aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash, though, according to an Army official who spoke with FOX News and POLITICO.

 Davis Winkie

Police control traffic at airport, helicopters heard flying

Police have blocked off at least one exit leading toward Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, where a handful of passengers are waiting outside to be picked up or trying to find their way out on foot.

Helicopters can be heard flying overheard and the flashing lights of emergency vehicles crowded around the Potomac River can be seen from the windows of the media staging area set up inside the airports Terminal 1.

 N'Dea Yancey-Bragg

'Shocked and saddened': Aviation unions respond to crash

Aviation unions that represent both the pilots and flight attendants at PSA, the regional affiliate airline of American that was operating the flight involved in the crash, issued statements about the incident.

While we mobilize to support the families and crews directly affected by this incident, we are also sending strength to all first responders doing everything they can to bring survivors to safety, Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants said in a statement. We ask the public to keep the families in your thoughts and respect efforts to get information to loved ones first as everyone clings to hope for survivors. Please avoid speculation at any time.

We are shocked and saddened by the tragic accident at DCA tonight. Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragedy and ALPAs accident investigation team is responding to assist the National Transportation Safety Board in their investigation, a statement from the Air Line Pilots Association said.

 Thao Nguyen and Zach Wichter

Search-and-rescue operation for American Airlines crash victims

In a post on X shortly after 9 p.m., the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department said an aircraft was "down in Potomac River" and fireboats were on scene. The department later said there was "no confirmed information on casualties at this time."

Local police and other agencies were also responding to the scene, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident.

"Tonight, we received devastating news of what can only be described as nothing short of a nightmare," U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, a Kansas Republican, said in a statement. "A plane, traveling to the Nation's capital from Wichita, KS carrying roughly 60 passengers collided with a Military helicopter. My prayer is that God wraps his arms around each and every victim and that he continues to be with their families."

What aircraft were involved in the crash?

American Airlines said the plane, operated as an American Eagle flight, had 60 passengers and four crew aboard. It left Wichita at 5:18 p.m. local time, and was due to land at DCA at 9:03 p.m.

The military helicopter that collided with the plane was an Army-piloted Black Hawk on a "routine training flight," said Joint Task Force-National Capitol Region media chief Heather Chairez. JTF-NCR oversees military operations in the greater D.C. area. Chairez said the helicopter belonged to B Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, which is headquartered at Fort Belvoir, Va., about 10 miles from DCA.

"Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts," American said in a statement.

American Airlines said that people who believe their loved ones were aboard the flight should call 800-679-8215 for more information.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Recap: Plane, helicopter collide in DC crash; bodies recovered
Kandee Martin was murdered on a dark country road 24 years ago, but her sister-in-law's favorite memory of the forever 21-year-old woman stands out in vivid, hilarious detail: a very pregnant Kandee, licking a frozen pig's foot as if it were a popsicle.

"In the South at our country stores you can get pickled pigs' feet, and when she was pregnant she would get those and freeze them. It was totally gross," Lisa Martin of Bowman, South Carolina, told USA TODAY this week, laughing at the memory.

Although the family would tease Kandee about her often oddball taste in food (liver and onions was a regular supper), she didn't care.

"She liked what she liked, and that was just her," Martin said. "She was always herself, regardless of who she was around. She was that comfortable in her skin. She never felt like she needed to act like someone that she was not, and her motto was: 'If you like me, great. If not, oh well, your loss.'"

Memories both wonderful and terrible have been flooding Kandee's family in recent weeks as the execution of the man convicted of killing her approaches. South Carolina prison officials are scheduled to execute Marion Bowman Jr. by lethal injection on Friday. Bowman maintains his innocence, an assertion Kandee's family doesn't buy.

As part of its coverage of the execution  the first in the U.S. this year  USA TODAY is looking back at the crime, who Kandee was and how the young mother's loss has devastated her family.

Kandee Martin (top center) is pictured with her future sister-in-law Lisa Martin (bottom) when they dressed as can-can dancers at the age of 15 and 12, respectively.

Who was Kandee Martin?

The daughter of a rebar contractor and a stay-at-home mom, Kandee grew up in the tiny town of Branchville in rural South Carolina, about halfway between Charleston and Columbia. The town had limited employment options and was so small, Martin recalls that her graduating high school had just 21 students.

Kandee wanted something more and talked often of making it to Charleston and starting a career.

"She was a small town girl whose dream was to get out of the small town and just make something of her life," Martin said.

Before Kandee could get out of Branchville, she got pregnant with a baby boy who was both unexpected and a welcome blessing. "She went from being just a young single girl to being someone's mom, and to her, that was the coolest thing ever," Martin said.

Kandee's son Tyler "was a very happy, giggly, chunky baby," and his mother was in love.

"When I close my I eyes, I can still hear those two giggling with each other," Martin said.

Kandee's murder happened on Feb. 16, 2001. Five days after that, Tyler turned 2.

Kandee Martin is pictured.

What happened to Kandee Martin?

Like too many places in the United States with too few opportunities for young people, drugs flourished in Branchville. At some point, Kandee got caught up.

She developed a liking for crack cocaine and like too many Americans, fought furiously to quit. Martin said she struggled mightily with the addiction and was at a low point the day she was murdered.

Bowman, the man set to be executed for killing her, said he sold drugs to Martin several times throughout that day and that later on she was "buying on credit," according to a testimonial he recently wrote to proclaim his innocence of the murder and express regret about his role in her downfall.

Bowman said the two had sex later on in the day and that he last saw her driving off in her car with his cousin, also a dealer who later became the star witness at Bowman's murder trial.

On Feb. 17, 2001, police found Martin's body. She had been shot once in the chest and once in the head. Her killer put her body in the trunk of her car and lit the car on fire, court records show.

"We go to bed at night thinking everything's OK, and we wake up the next morning and our whole world changed," Martin said. "It was total shock because you know, this doesn't happen in Branchville. This doesn't happen to our family."

To try to keep a sense of normalcy for Tyler, the grief-stricken family threw his previously planned Elmo-themed birthday party on Feb. 21, 2001. Instead of his mother, the attendees included victims' advocates and police investigators.

24 years later, the family finds justice and closure

People whose family members are murdered by killers who end up on Death Row can choose to witness their eventual execution. Kandee's family has decided against it.

"That's just not something that any of us want to have to watch," she said. "It kind of puts you in a weird predicament whenever you're a Christian and you also believe in the death penalty. It kind of gives you mixed emotions."

But she said the family does feel like the execution will bring them closure and has been "counting down the minutes" until he dies.

"He gets to do so many things that Kandee doesn't get to do. He gets to speak to his family. I read that he got to hold a grandchild ... He's had 24 years to find God and he can to tie up his loose ends," Martin said. "We never got that opportunity. What was left of Kandee is in a coffin in the ground."

Despite all the family's pain and sorrow, they choose to focus on the good times, when Kandee was just being Kandee. Martin recalled the first time she saw her future sister-in-law. Martin was 10 years old, and Kandee was 13 and seemed so grown-up and glamourous.

"I remember just seeing her walking and just thinking how beautiful she was  blonde hair, gorgeous brown eyes," Martin said. "It was like she had a glow ... She looked like a princess."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Murdered woman's family 'counting the minutes' until execution
Three mountain lion cubs, believed to have been orphaned after their mother was killed by a car, are currently recovering at the Oakland Zoo in California.

Fern, Thistle and Spruce were found by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) in Portola Valley in San Mateo County less than half a mile from where a female lion was hit by a car, the Oakland Zoo said in a news release Wednesday.

While many witnessed the adult mountain lion after it was hit, the "carcass has since disappeared," and the case is still under investigation, the news release said, adding because of this the "CDFW cant confirm a relationship between the kittens and female lion using DNA."

The cubs, two males and one female, were spotted by residents "wandering in the neighborhood" and later hiding under a car. CDFW monitored for any signs of their mother for two weeks using trail cameras and reports from local security cameras before eventually taking them to Oakland Zoo last Sunday for rehabilitation and care.

"There have been no confirmed sightings of an adult female searching or calling for her cubs," the news release said. "Due to their disoriented behavior, lack of a mother for two weeks, and proximity to where the adult female was hit, CDFW decided to capture the kittens for evaluation."

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Three orphaned mountain lion cubs rescued from Portola Valley in San Mateo County, California.

Orphaned cubs estimated to be three months old

The cubs arrived at Oakland Zoo's Veterinary Hospital last Sunday and underwent a "thorough health examination" including treatments and bloodwork. While the cubs, determined to be around three months old, were relatively healthy, they were thin having been without a mother for about two weeks.

An orphaned mountain lion cub receives care at Oakland Zoo in California.

Fern, Thistle and Spruce's rescue marks the 30th mountain lion rescue for the zoo, through close collaboration with CDFW, according to the news release.

"Oakland Zoo's advanced veterinary hospital has enabled the zoo to assist in numerous mountain lion rescue cases for those who were sick, injured, burned, or orphaned," the zoo said.

Mountain lions in California are primarily threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation which results in human-wildlife conflict in the form of car strikes and other fatal encounters, according to Panthera, a wildlife organization working to conserve wild cats and their ecosystems. Environmental factors such as wildfires also threaten their existence in California, according to the Oakland Zoo.

The big cats, also called pumas, cougars, and screamers among other names, are classified as a specially protected species in California and cannot be hunted, according to CDFW.

"As human development has significantly enhanced the well-being of our communities, it has simultaneously taken a toll on wildlife and their natural habitats," Oakland Zoo CEO Nik Dehejia said in a statement. "As we continue to thrive as a species, it is essential for coexistence that we also take action to ensure the survival of others."

Cubs won't be returning to the wild

Fern, Thistle and Spruce were found by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in Portola Valley in San Mateo County less than half a mile from where a female lion was hit by a car.

Fern, Spruce, and Thistle will, however, not remain at the zoo for long. Oakland Zoo said it will work with CDFW to find the cubs a new forever home. The zoo said they cannot be released back into the wild because cubs need at least two years with their mother to learn survival skills.

"Because Fern, Thistle, and Spruce are so young, they lack those skills and cannot return to the wild," the zoo said.

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Orphaned puma cubs Fern, Thistle, Spruce recovering at Oakland Zoo
Most Dangerous Animals  StockSnap from pixabay and noumae Tiere und Landschaften from Getty Images/ via Canva.com

Animals are all around us. Because of their proximity, many people take for granted how truly dangerous some animals really are. Lets discuss the 10 most dangerous animals in the world ranked by the number of deaths they are responsible for with some adjustments made for aggression, percentage of fatal attacks, and other similar factors. What is the most dangerous animal in the world? Keep reading to find out!

10. Sharks

A Great white shark, Carcharodon carcharias, jumps out of the water. Great whites are the worlds largest predatory fish. Martin Prochazkacz/Shutterstock.com

While sharks are commonly portrayed in movies and television shows as deadly killers, the reality is much different. Worldwide, sharks are responsible for several hundred attacks on humans manually, with only six to seven fatalities. In the United States, sharks cause about one death every two years. The species responsible for the highest percentages of fatal attacks are the great white shark, the bull shark, and the tiger shark.

Over 375 shark species have been identified, but only about 12 of those species are considered dangerous. The average shark bite can generate up to 40,000 pounds of pressure per square inch; however, your odds of getting attacked and killed by a shark are only 1 in almost 3.5 million. These animals are labeled as dangerous; however, sharks are most often the victims. Theyre killed by the millions every year due to the high demand for their fins. Such demands for shark fins lead to illegal fishing, and overfishing, which is depleting the shark populations all over the world.

9. Elephants

An Elephant challenges the photographer in the wilds of Africa. Elephants are the worlds largest land animal, with male African elephants reaching 3m tall and weighing between 4,000 -7,500kg. Peter Betts/Shutterstock.com

We normally think of elephants as smart, friendly creatures. As the largest land mammal, they have an immense amount of weight and the associated power that comes with it. Elephants in captivity are capable of anger and retaliation, and those in the wild can be territorial and protective of their family members. On average, 500 people are killed annually during encounters with elephants by being trampled, thrown, crushed, and other similarly unpleasant means.

8. Hippopotamuses

An aggressive hippo male (Hippopotamus amphibius) attacked the car of tourists. Huge hippo males intimidate their opponents with mock charges. PhotocechCZ/Shutterstock.com

The hippopotamus ranks third in size amongst the largest land mammals behind the elephant and the rhinoceros, and they are responsible for about 500 fatal human encounters each year just like elephants. However, they earned a higher spot due to their reputation for violence, aggression, and their extremely territorial nature. Hippos have even been known to attack boats for encroaching upon their habitat, and they can use their sharp teeth that grow up to 20 inches long very effectively. They attack by biting, and trampling, and will hold their adversary underwater until they drown.

7. Tsetse Flies

Tsetse flies are found in Africa, living in damp areas along the banks of rivers and lakes. They are the size of a large housefly and feed only on blood. Jaco Visser/Shutterstock.com

The tsetse fly is the first of several insects to make our list of the 10 deadliest animals in the world. As is the case for the bugs to come, it is not the actual bite of the tsetse fly that kills humans but the resulting infection that can prove fatal.

The tsetse fly resides in the tropical regions of Africa, and their bite infects the host with a parasite that causes African sleeping sickness, Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT). HAT is a very difficult disease to treat especially given the lack of medical resources in the area and without treatment the disease is fatal without exception. Thankfully new treatments are being developed to reduce fatal outcomes. However, in the past. HAT was responsible for tens of thousands of human deaths each year.

6. Crocodiles

A wildebeest is attacked and killed by a crocodile. Crocodiles have been around since the age of the dinosaurs. Phil Hyde/Shutterstock.com

The next apex predator on our list of the deadliest animals in the world is the crocodile. Responsible for approximately 1,000 deaths annually, the crocodile is one of the largest, most aggressive, and most dangerous animals in the world. Weighing in at over 2,000 pounds, crocodiles possess immense bite strength and can travel at speeds up to 25 mph. Crocodiles are the only entry on this list that actively hunt and prey upon humans. The deadliest species is the Nile crocodile which lives in the regions surrounding the Nile river. They were so feared by ancient Egyptians that they carried tokens of their crocodile god for protection from the reptiles.

5. Kissing Bugs

Assassin bugs or kissing bugs get their names from their habit of biting humans on the face near the lips while they sleep. Vanessa Becker-Miller/Shutterstock.com

Assassin bug is the collective name used for over 150 species of insects. These insects possess a specific type of curved proboscis (nose). This proboscis is used as a tool, for defense, and also to hunt. These species target the soft tissue regions around the mouths of humans, hence the name kissing bug.

Found throughout the world, most kissing bugs do not pose a threat to humans besides an abnormally painful bite. Several species that inhabit Central and South America transmit a dangerous disease called Chagas disease. Even without treatment, mortality rates are low from Chagas disease. The widespread nature of this parasitic infection means that even the five percent death rate causes between 12,000 and 15,000 deaths per year from organ failure.

4. Freshwater Snails

Aquatic snails have two tentacles and land snails have four, with the eyes located at their tips (land snails) or at their base (aquatic snails). Snails depend on their senses of smell and touch and on chemosensory organs to navigate their world. Vitalii Hulai/Shutterstock.com

Surprisingly enough, the next deadliest animal on our ranking is none other than the freshwater snail. Much like the other less overtly threatening species that we have mentioned, it is not the snail that directly kills humans but the disease that they transmit.

According to World Health Organization estimates, several million people are diagnosed with a parasitic infection called schistosomiasis every year, with between 20,000 and 200,000* of those cases proving fatal. Schistosomiasis causes severe abdominal pain and blood in the urine of the infected, but it is not generally fatal outside of developing countries

*The breadth of the range results from a lack of records

3. Dogs/Wolves

A wolf snarls over its prey to protect it from competitors. Wolves are legendary because of their spine-tingling howl, which they use to communicate. Peter Ivanyi/Shutterstock.com

Mans best friend is also one of his deadliest threats. Dog attacks lead to 30-50 deaths in the United States alone each year. Family pets are responsible for more deaths per annum than feral packs.

Directly fatal dog and wolf encounters are exceedingly rare when compared to deaths resulting from canine-transmitted rabies infections. Rabies kills an estimated 60,000 humans annually. The majority of these deaths occur outside of first-world countries. They are the result of a lack of advanced medical care. Rabies transmission from wolf species is much lower than those from dogs, but they are not zero.

2. Snakes

Spectacled cobra, Naja naja, Bangalore, Karnataka. The Indian cobra is one of the big four venomous species that inflict the most snakebites on humans in India. RealityImages/Shutterstock.com

It turns out that the fear of snakes or ophidiophobia may not be so unreasonable after all. Snakes account for over 100,000 fatalities a year based on conservative estimates.

A shortage of antivenom and the remote locations contribute to this high toll. The snake responsible for the most deaths is the Indian saw-scaled viper which only measures up to three feet long!

Also called the carpet viper, this snake resides in Africa, the Middle East, and India, and the females of the species are more than twice as venomous as the males. Aside from the high death rate, the carpet vipers venom is a neurotoxin that causes an extremely high number of amputations in those victims that it doesnt kill outright.

Out of all the venomous snakes in the world, the Inland Taipan is supposed to be the most elusive and toxic. The Inland Taipan, a native of Australia, can envenomate in consecutive bites in the same attack. Although they are one of the deadliest creatures on the planet, they are very shy and reclusive. So much so that there have been a handful of sightings so far. whenever they are confronted by humans, their first instinct is to run, they possess a temperate nature and only attack if they feel threatened or cornered.

1. Mosquitoes

Close-up of Mosquito (Aedes aegypti) sucking blood on human skin. Digital Images Studio/Shutterstock.com

The mosquito is the single deadliest, most dangerous animal in the world and also one of the smallest. Mosquitoes are estimated to cause between 750,000 and one million human deaths per year. They are a vector for many diseases that are deadly to mankind including malaria, dengue fever, and the West Nile and Zika viruses. Malaria alone accounts for over half a million fatal infections annually.

Only the female mosquito feeds on humans with the male feeding on nectar. Some scientists have estimated that potentially half of all human deaths since the beginning of our species may be the result of illnesses transmitted by mosquitoes. Even without such a wild historical estimate, the mosquito has solidly cemented its place at number one on our list of deadliest animals with both their aggression and the deaths of nearly one million people per year.

Thankfully, only a handful of the entries on this list are capable of direct, intentional attacks on humans, and the majority of the deaths caused by others occur in rural areas or developing countries with limited access to healthcare. This means that as quality healthcare is more widely available we can expect to see a significant decrease in mortality rates from a number of these animals.

Honorable Mentions: Other Deadly Animals

Box Jellyfish are the most venomous marine creatures in the world. Dewald Kirsten/Shutterstock.com

Many other creatures across the globe are known for having the ability to kill with very little effort. While they did not make the top ten, they are still dangerous in their own right and can cause serious pain or even death. Here are a few additional deadly animals that are deserving of an honorable mention:

Box Jellyfish

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration the Box Jellyfish, a native of the Indo-Pacific Ocean, is the most venomous marine creature in the world. They resemble a cube with 15 tentacles growing up to 10 feet in length. They have transparent bodies and their tentacles are made of nematocysts, cells that contain toxins. Once they are stung, the venom attacks the heart and nervous system simultaneously, incapacitating the victims and making it difficult for them to swim back to the shore. They kill around 20 to 40 humans every year.

Pufferfish

The skin, kidneys, muscle tissues, gonads, and liver of pufferfish contain tetrodotoxin; which is twelve hundred times more potent venom than cyanide. This neurotoxin can cause vomiting, dizziness, arrhythmia, breathing issues, and paralysis. If left untreated the afflicted person can die. More than wild encounters, people fall victim to this neurotoxin when they consume it. The fish is considered a delicacy in Japan, called Fugu, and the chef who prepares it requires special training and license.

The stomach of a pufferfish can inflate up to three times its normal size. iStock.com/FtLaudGirl

Brazilian Wandering Spider

Unlike other species of spiders, the Brazilian wandering spider does not spin a web and waits for their victims to show up. This hunting behavior is what got them their unique name. If you get bitten by a Brazilian spider, it may cause excessive sweating, drooling, arrhythmia, pain and redness around the bite, deadening of tissues, and even death.

Stonefish

A native of the Indo-Pacific Ocean, the stonefish is a deadly sea-dwelling fish resembling actual stones. They can be quite deadly to those who unknowingly step on them. Their dorsal fin is equipped with potent neurotoxins that can cause intense pain in their victims.

Blue-Ringed Octopus

The blue-ringed octopus carries Tetrodotoxin, a neurotoxin just like pufferfish. However, the Blue-Ringed octopus contains enough toxins to kill a human.

Human Beings

The most notable of all dangerous living beings are humans. We as a collective have killed more of us than any other species so far. Humans have killed over 1 billion and have displaced even more. On average, nearly 500,000 deaths are the result of homicide around the world each year. That number alone would rank the human race as the deadliest threat on our list, and with our increasing population, that number is likely to continue to rise.

The post The Top 10 Deadliest Animals In The World appeared first on A-Z Animals.
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday to combat antisemitism and pledged to deport non-citizen college students and others who took part in pro-Palestinian protests.

A fact sheet on the order promises "immediate action" by the Justice Department to prosecute "terroristic threats, arson, vandalism and violence against American Jews" and marshal all federal resources to combat what it called "the explosion of antisemitism on our campuses and streets" since the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Palestinian Islamist group Hamas.

"To all the resident aliens who joined in the pro-jihadist protests, we put you on notice: come 2025, we will find you, and we will deport you," Trump said in the fact sheet.

"I will also quickly cancel the student visas of all Hamas sympathizers on college campuses, which have been infested with radicalism like never before," the president said, echoing a 2024 campaign promise.

Rights groups and legal scholars said the new measure would violate constitutional free speech rights and would likely draw legal challenges.

"The First Amendment protects everyone in the United States, including foreign citizens studying at American universities," said Carrie DeCell, senior staff attorney at the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University. "Deporting non-citizens on the basis of their political speech would be unconstitutional."

A student protester waves a Palestinian flag from inside the gates of Columbia University April 30, 2024 as hundreds protested on the sidewalk outside the campus gates.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations, a large Muslim advocacy group, said it would consider challenging the order in court if Trump tried to implement it.

The Hamas attacks and the subsequent Israeli assault on the Palestinian coastal enclave of Gaza led to several months of pro-Palestinian protests that roiled U.S. college campuses. Civil rights groups documented a surge in hate crimes and incidents directed at Jews, Muslims, Arabs and other people of Middle Eastern descent.

The order requires agency and department leaders to provide the White House with recommendations within 60 days on all criminal and civil authorities that could be used to fight antisemitism, according to the fact sheet.

It calls for an inventory and analysis of all court cases involving K-12 schools, colleges and universities and alleged civil rights violations associated with pro-Palestinian campus protests, potentially leading to actions to remove "alien students and staff."

Many pro-Palestinian protesters denied supporting Hamas or engaging in antisemitic acts, saying they were demonstrating against Israel's military assault on Gaza, where health authorities say more than 47,000 people have been killed.

Maya Berry, executive director of the Arab American Institute, a nonpartisan civil rights group, said the group was deeply troubled by the apparent conflation of criticism of Israel with alleged antisemitism. Berry said the order would have a chilling effect on free speech across the U.S.

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Additional reporting by Susan Heavey; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Daniel Wallis, Deepa Babington and David Gregorio)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump to cancel student visas of pro-Palestinian protesters
Three of President Donald Trumps most controversial nominees faced sharp questions in the Senate during hearings Thursday from Democrats as well as several Republican senators in what amounted to the most direct skepticism from GOP senators over Trumps nominees to date.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trumps pick to be Health and Human Services secretary, was pressed on his views on vaccines by GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who said he had reservations about Kennedys past positions on vaccine safety.

And Tulsi Gabbard, who has been tapped to be the director of national intelligence, faced questions from several Republicans about her views on Russian aggression, US government surveillance and NSA leaker Edward Snowden.

Asked multiple times by senators in both parties whether Snowden was a traitor, Gabbard said repeatedly that he broke the law  but she would not directly say whether he was a traitor.

Kash Patel, Trumps nominee to be FBI director, had numerous heated exchanges with Democrats during his hearing Thursday over his past comments about going after Trumps perceived deep state enemies. But Patel found a largely friendly audience among Republicans on the Judiciary Committee, signaling his confirmation is on firmer ground.

If all Democrats oppose Trumps nominees, they can only afford to lose three GOP senators on the floor to win confirmation. But Gabbards nomination could be in danger of not making it that far  as it would only take one Republican to block her nomination in the Senate Intelligence Committee if all Democrats on the panel oppose her.

Trumps allies mounted a significant pressure campaign against on-the-fence Republicans to get Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths confirmation over the finish line, and similar campaigns have been promised toward GOP senators if they oppose any more Trump nominees, such as Gabbard or Kennedy.

Here are takeaways from a consequential day of Senate confirmation hearings:

Gabbard wont say if Snowden is a traitor

As a Democrat in Congress in 2020, Gabbard introduced legislation supporting Snowden, who leaked a massive trove of classified NSA secrets during the Obama administration. Its a position that put her directly at odds with senators on the Intelligence Committee from both parties.

Gabbard was pressed by both Republicans and Democrats about Snowden on Thursday, asked repeatedly whether she believed he was a traitor and whether he betrayed his oath.

Repeatedly, Gabbard defaulted to an answer that Snowden had broken the law, but she declined to say whether his actions amounted to treason.

Gabbard testifies during her confirmation hearing on Thursday in Washington, DC. - Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Sen. James Lankford, an Oklahoma Republican, asked Gabbard the question twice after the DNI nominee didnt respond directly the first time.

Was he a traitor at the time when he took Americas secrets, released them in public and then ran to China and became a Russian citizen? Lankford eventually asked, in a lengthy line of questioning that described the feelings of members of the intelligence community.

Im focused on the future and how we can prevent something like this from happening again, Gabbard said.

Sen. Michael Bennet, a Colorado Democrat, took up Lankfords line of questioning and repeatedly pressed Gabbard for a yes-or-no answer.

Is Edward Snowden a traitor to the United States of America? Bennet asked.

Senator, as someone who has served  she began.

Bennet, who appeared angry, interrupted and demanded a yes-or-no answer again.

I understand how critical our national security is  Gabbard responded, once again refusing to answer.

That wasnt the only instance where Republicans questioned Gabbards views during Thursdays public hearing. Sen. Jim Moran, a Kansas Republican, told Gabbard he wanted to make certain that in no way does Russia get a pass in either your mind or your heart or in any policy recommendation you would make or not make.

Senator, Im offended by the question, Gabbard responded, saying that no country, group or individual will get a pass in her providing a full intelligence picture to the president.

Moran responded that it was the answer he was looking for, but the exchange underscored the GOP unease about her leading the intelligence community.

Lankford told reporters later Thursday that he was kind of surprised by Gabbards response about Snowden and warned that it raised a lot of questions.

I thought that was going to be an easy softball question, actually, he said.

Pressed on if that is problematic for her confirmation, Lankford replied, I think there were a lot of questions after it, yes.

Republican Sen. Todd Young, who also sits on the committee and had pressed Gabbard on Snowden, did not say whether he would back Gabbards confirmation. Instead, he told reporters, I think Ive got, for now at least, all the information I need.

GOP chair questions RFK vaccine views

Kennedy appeared Thursday for his second day of confirmation hearings before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, following Wednesdays hearing in the Senate Finance Committee.

Cassidy, the Louisiana Republican who chairs the HELP committee, began Thursdays hearing addressing his concerns about Kennedys vaccine skepticism.

Its no secret, I have some reservations about your past positions on vaccines and a couple other issues, Cassidy said. Your past of undermining confidence in vaccines with unfounded or misleading arguments concerns me. Can I trust that that is now in the past? Can data and information change your opinion or will you only look for data supporting a predetermined conclusion?

The stark comments suggest that Cassidy, a Republican who practiced medicine for 30 years, could be the senator who stalls Kennedys nomination to lead HHS.

Cassidy acknowledged that Kennedy is now trying to downplay his anti-vaccine rhetoric despite an extensive, recorded history of his linking vaccines to autism in children, but said that change doesnt go far enough.

Kennedy testifies during his confirmation hearing on Thursday. - Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

During his line of questioning, Cassidy asked Kennedy if he will reassure mothers unequivocally that the measles and hepatitis B vaccines do not cause autism.

If the data is there, Kennedy responded.

That answer did not satisfy Cassidy: I know the data is there.

Thursdays hearing also included, like Kennedys first hearing, several notable exchanges between Kennedy and Democrats on the committee.

In a personal and impassioned statement, Sen. Maggie Hassan, a New Hampshire Democrat, revealed her own struggle with her sons health and the fears she had about Kennedys continuing questioning of what has been settled science on vaccines.

Hassan told the committee that her son, who is 36 years old, has cerebral palsy and that she has agonized over what caused his condition for decades at times relitigating in her mind every action she took in her own pregnancy. She pleaded with Kennedy to see the harm he does when he churns up questions about settled science for parents grappling with their own childrens conditions.

Please do not suggest that anybody in this body of either political party doesnt want to know what the cause of autism is. Do you know how many friends I have with children who have autism? Hassan continued. The problem with this witnesss response on the autism cause and the relationship to vaccines is because he is re-litigating and churning settled science so we cannot go forward and find out what the cause of autism is and treat these kids and help these families.

Democrats press Patel on past deep state comments

During Patels hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee, Democrats pushed the FBI director nominee on a litany of his past public comments, including his vows to prosecute the deep state, his skepticism of the January 6 attack on the US Capitol and his friendly ties to the QAnon conspiracy community.

Patel gave little ground over his previous remarks, frequently claiming he was being quoted in part or out of context.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, referenced a list in Patels 2023 book, Government Gangsters, which names 60 people that Patel says are corrupt actors who are part of the deep state.

It has been referred to as an enemies list, Klobuchar said. You called them deep state.

Its not an enemies list. That is a total mischaracterization, Patel responded, adding that it was a glossary in a book.

Kash Patel testifies on Thursday. - Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters

Despite Patels pushback on Thursday, he and Trump have repeatedly talked about the need to seek retribution against current and former officials that were involved in various investigations into Trump. And Trump has already taken steps to fire, marginalize and punish some former and current officials who fall into this category.

Klobuchar later pressed Patel about his comments on a podcast last fall to turn the FBI headquarters into a museum of the deep state.

I deserve an answer to that question. He is asking to be head of the FBI, and he said that their headquarters should be shut down, Klobuchar said as her time to question Patel expired.

If the best attacks on me are going to be false accusations and grotesque mischaracterizations, the only thing this body is doing is defeating the credibility of the men and women at the FBI, Patel responded. And any accusations leveled against me that I would somehow put political bias before the Constitution are grotesquely unfair.

Mr. chairman, Im quoting his own words from September of 2024. It is his own words, Klobuchar shot back. It is not some conspiracy. It is what Mr. Patel actually said.

Asked about his past praise of the QAnon movement, Patel testified Thursday that he believes it is a baseless conspiracy theory.

And Patel said Thursday that he opposed Trumps commutations that freed from prison hundreds of convicted January 6 rioters who attacked police officers.

I do not agree with the commutation of any sentence of any individual who committed violence against law enforcement, Patel said.

Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley asked Patel to explain his position on January 6 and respond to critics who said he was anti-law enforcement.

I have always respected law enforcement, Patel replied. As for January 6, I have repeatedly, often, publicly and privately said there can never be a tolerance for violence against law enforcement.

With hearings done, spotlight turns to fence-sitting Republicans

Hegseth was confirmed last week by the narrowest of margins, a 50-50 tie vote broken by Vice President JD Vance because three Republicans  Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky  joined Democrats to oppose him.

Thats the same math Trumps trio of nominees who testified Thursday likely face, with no Democrats so far directly signaling they will back Gabbard, Kennedy or Patel.

While Patel appears on solid ground to win confirmation, Gabbard and Kennedy could face a more difficult path.

Collins could play a key role if she opposes Gabbards nomination, as she sits on the Senate Intelligence Committee, where Republicans have a 9-8 majority, meaning Gabbards nomination could fail if Collins joins all Democrats in voting against Gabbard.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated Wednesday to CNN that he didnt think he could set up a confirmation vote for Gabbard if the committee votes down the nomination.

After she questioned Gabbard, Collins said it was too early to tell whether Gabbard would receive enough committee votes to make it to the full Senate. Asked by CNNs Manu Raju whether the jury was still out on her support for Gabbard, Collins said, Thats correct.

I need to review the entire hearing, she said. I want to make a careful decision.

For Kennedy, Cassidys concerns appear to be his most significant hurdle for confirmation

In his closing statement, Cassidy laid out his concerns in frank terms, arguing he has to decide if he believes Kennedy can put decades of vaccine skepticism aside and use his microphone to instill faith in public health and vaccines as the top leader on the issue in the country.

With that influence comes a great responsibility. Now my responsibility is to learn and try to determine if you can be trusted to support the best public health, Cassidy said. That is why I have been struggling with your nomination.

Both Collins and Murkowski stressed the need for vaccine availability and dissemination when they questioned Kennedy on Thursday. After the hearing, Murkowski said shes yet not yet ready to decide if she can back Kennedy, and she will take her time to evaluate his responses like she always does.

This is an important nominee, so it deserves full consideration, Murkowski said.

McConnell, the former GOP Senate leader, is seen as a potential swing vote for both Gabbard and Kennedy. He has not said how he will vote on either nominee, but his foreign policy views are considerably more hawkish than Gabbards, and his history with vaccines is personal as a polio survivor.

The polio vaccine has saved millions of lives and held out the promise of eradicating a terrible disease. Efforts to undermine public confidence in proven cures are not just uninformed  theyre dangerous, McConnell said in a December statement, which did not name Kennedy. Anyone seeking the Senates consent to serve in the incoming administration would do well to steer clear of even the appearance of association with such efforts.

This story and headline have been updated with additional developments.

CNNs Devan Cole, Zachary Cohen, Michael Conte, Aileen Graef, Tami Luhby, Hannah Rabinowitz, Manu Raju and Sam Simpson contributed to this report.

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Borrowing money from family is awkward enough. But borrowing money from your parents when you are in your 60s is humiliating, Sherrie Palm told me.

Palm, of Mukwonago, Wisconsin, founded the nonprofit Association for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Support in 2010. Palm said she funded the nonprofit and its efforts out of her own money  and didn't take a salary.

I am "poor as a church mouse," she said.

Welcome back to Uncomfortable Conversations About Money, a recurring series where we will tackle challenging topics or situations around money that make you uneasy. We'll outline the problem and try to get you some usable solutions.

Is it a good idea to borrow money from family?

The problem: In 2014, Palm needed $3,000 to go to Nepal, which was the only country in the world to have a government campaign about pelvic organ prolapse.

She got up the nerve to ask her parents, the late Phil and Joan Kastner, for the money. Her father enthusiastically said yes, Palm said. Her mother, who had grown up with financial difficulties and was tighter with money, frowned. But the next day, Palm's mother took her to the bank to get the money.

Sherrie Palm (fourth from the right) needed to borrow $3,000 from her parents to fund a business trip to Nepal for her nonprofit organization.

Palm, now 71, and her parents never outlined when or how she would pay them back.

At the time of the loan, Palm's mother had the early stages of what the family later found out to be Alzheimer's. Her mom wrote a sticky note that said "Sher borrowed $3,000," put the date on it and stuck it to the side of her computer.

.

Family loan causes drama

No one thought anything of the loan until five years later, when a family member found the note among layers of sticky notes on the desk while cleaning. The relative alerted the grandkids. That turned into "soap opera" drama, as Palm describes it, among that generation, who had hoped to inherit the family farm but were not in their grandparents' will.

Palm's father was furious when he heard that the younger generation was creating a problem about the unpaid loan. Palm's two brothers, who understood she struggled financially, were not bothered by it. Her mother, whose Alzheimer's had progressed, didn't react to the family drama, Palm said.

After a while, things calmed down.

Borrowing money is uncomfortable enough on its own, but borrowing from family can be a nightmare.

Palm's father died unexpectedly in 2020.

"It still makes me sick that I was not able to pay the loan back prior to Dad dying, but Dad was very proud of my work," Palm said.

Palm's mother died in 2022, which led to Palm and her siblings spending the next 2 years sorting through belongings and preparing the the farm for sale. (The grandchildren who had wanted the farm in Mauston, Wisconsin, didn't have the means to buy the it.)

The farm was sold for $300,000, and Palm took the $3,000 she owed out of her portion of the inheritance.

Sherrie Palm borrowed money from her parents, the late Joan and Phil Kastner, shown on their family farm in Maustou, Wisconsin.

Borrower would have acted differently, in hindsight

Palm said that had she known the drama that would have ensued from borrowing the money, she would not have asked. She would have taken that as a sign that she shouldn't go on that trip to Nepal.

In retrospect, Palm wishes she and her parents had come up with a clear payment plan or expectations of when she should pay the money back.

Palm said she believes that if she had on paper an agreement such as "I'll pay back $50 a month," she probably would have gone out to get an extra job "to make that magic happen."

Having an agreement and something on paper would have made Palm feel responsibility for the loan, "kind of like when you get that charge card bill in the mail or the electric bill comes," she said.

Awkward: A friend or family member owes you money. How do you get it back?

Treat a family loan as if it's a formal agreement

The advice: Family members who are borrowing or loaning money need to be as clear as possible, said Oliver Schnusenberg, a financial therapist specializing in neuroscience.

"Set clear terms and preferably in writing," said Schnusenberg, who is also a professor of finance with a specialty in behavioral finance at the University of North Florida. "What exactly is the loan? What is it for? What are the terms?

"The more you actually treat it like a formal loan, the less awkward it becomes because now there's actual transparency around it," Schnusenberg said. Otherwise, things like a "found" sticky note in Palm's case "can be interpreted in multiple ways," he said.

Being clear about the loan and the repayment means "everyone can feel good about it and everyone knows exactly what it is," he said. "If you can name it, you can tame it."

He also advises that the family members lending the money charge interest. Maybe it's less interest than the family borrower might be charged at a financial institution, but Schnusenberg still advises that some fee be tacked on. That's because the lender is losing out on interest the cash could have earned if it had been left in a bank account, he said.

If the money is not a loan but a gift that is not expected to be paid back, then the family members need to consider whether that money could be considered a taxable gift, Schnusenberg said.

Despite some strings attached, a loan between family members can still benefit the borrower, especially if the person does not have good credit, because a relative is not going to be running a credit or background check, Schnusenberg said.

Borrowing money from family can affect the relationship

But Schnusenberg said that personally he would avoid borrowing money from a family member because "you are in each other's business."

"You're mixing family with business, which may or may not be a good idea," he said. Then if you can't repay the loan, "that may result in strained relationships ... and that can be whipped out in other conflict situations in the family, like: 'Oh, I knew it. You owed me money. It's just like you.'"

Still, Schnusenberg said, there may be times when someone has no other choice than to ask family members for financial help.

"I actually know someone who has a fairly strained relationship with their parents but had no other option and needed a co-signer because their credit rating was so low," he said. "It's created a situation that really no one wants."

How do you ask for a loan from a family member?

Timing and reading the room is important when asking a family member to borrow money, Schnusenberg said.

"Time it to make it a comfortable gathering where everyone is kind of at ease," he said.

Or hint at it without directly asking so you can feel out how the family member may receive the idea, Schnusenberg said.

"If you say, 'I'm having trouble right now paying for this, I might need to take out a loan,'" you can see how the family member responds, he said.

"If they say 'Well, good luck with that,' then I'm probably not going to ask."

Oliver Schnusenberg is a financial therapist specializing in neuroscience. He is also a professor of finance with a specialty in behavioral finance at The University of North Florida.

Should family members tell other family members about a loan?

Whether to tell other family members who are not involved in a loan depends on the situation, Schnusenberg said.

If the parents are elderly and other family members need to know about the loan when it comes to settling the family estate, tell the other siblings, Schnusenberg said.

Parents who give a loan to one adult child may also want their other children to know so there is transparency and no appearance of favoritism, he said.

What should you do if the family member doesn't pay you back?

It can get awkward when someone doesn't pay you back. It can cause resentment, Schnusenberg said.

"Are you going to take him to small claims court? Probably not," he said. "The only thing you have then is kind of the power to say 'I'm never going to lend you money again,' which probably you weren't going to do anyway."

The bottom line, Schnusenberg said, when a family member asks to borrow money is: "How do I feel about that, and can I really afford it?"

There's also a potential upside to family members borrowing money from a relative  and paying it back, Schnusenberg said.

Not only did the borrower get quick access to money, with potential lower interest, but "if the loan is repaid as agreed, then it could also cement trust and understanding. It could potentially actually fix relationships that may be on shaky grounds."

We want to hear from you

Do you have an Uncomfortable Conversations about Money topic you'd like to suggest? Or would you be willing to be featured in a story about your Uncomfortable Conversation? Email blinfisher@USATODAY.com with "Uncomfortable Conversations" in the subject line.

Here are some upcoming topics. Do you have experience with this, and if so, are you willing to be featured in a story? Or do you know someone who would be willing to share their wisdom on how they resolved this issue?

How should you split the bills and expenses when you move in with a significant other and your incomes are vastly different?

What should you do when your spouse or partner's ex asks for money?

Betty Lin-Fisher is a consumer reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at blinfisher@USATODAY.com or follow her on X, Bluesky, Facebook or Instagram @blinfisher. Sign up for our free The Daily Money newsletter, which will include consumer news on Fridays, here.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Should you borrow money from your family? How to not make it awkward.
The extent of the impacts of the Trump administrations sudden 90-day freeze of almost all foreign aid is still unclear almost a week on, as officials and aid workers overseas try to make sense of which activities must be suspended.

The suspension of foreign aid was outlined in a diplomatic cable from Secretary of State Marco Rubio last Friday.

In addition to widespread confusion around ongoing aid projects, the suspension means some aid contractors are not being paid for contracts and work that they have already completed, one aid industry source told CNN, speaking anonymously for fear of retribution.

Contractors working with USAID  many of them US-based companies and small businesses  often front the money for aid work, then submit invoices and get reimbursed later.

Now, some are not being paid for millions of dollars worth of services already rendered, the aid industry source said. That means there will be significant furloughs of staff at many aid contractors and subcontractors.

CNN has reached out to USAID and the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for comment.

We were told to lay off all of our staff, said Annie Feighery, the CEO of mWater, a US company that provides a free digital platform to governments and organizations around the world to help improve access to water. She said that as a subcontractor, the firm is carrying a debt load of our projects and has not yet been paid for work done in January.

The USAID stop-work order has taken out 80% of her companys budget, she said.

Its going to put a lot of small businesses out of work, Feighery said, noting that mWater staff in Indonesia, Haiti, Kenya, Uganda and the US are impacted. If were allowed in May to go back to work, we will have to do the work in May and get paid in June Its horrific, you know, to imagine any company going two quarters without their funding.

She added that companies working in the technology aid space are also concerned about other nations, like China, stepping in to fill the void during the 90-day pause on foreign aid. Foreign governments using data systems that are US-based, like those of mWater, is better than having them run on Chinese technology, she argued.

A humanitarian official told CNN that organizations are concerned about foreign powers like China and Russia using the US aid freeze to increase their own soft power overseas. And there are concerns that non-state actors, like terrorist groups and child soldier recruiters, could gain influence in areas where US funding currently supports refugee camps, the official highlighted.

Widespread confusion over waiver for humanitarian aid

Several international NGOs told CNN they were seeking clarifications or did not yet have answers regarding which aid funding would be suspended.

The State Department said in a media note on Wednesday that the freeze does not include humanitarian aid, which is defined as life-saving medicine, medical services, food, shelter, and subsistence assistance, as well as supplies and reasonable administrative costs as necessary to deliver such assistance.

The note also claimed that critical national security waivers have been granted, including to ensure the protection of US personnel overseas, facilitate the repatriation of illegal aliens, enforce non-proliferation obligations, and much more.

The waiver on life-saving humanitarian assistance specified that it does not apply to activities that involve abortions, family planning conferences  gender or DEI ideology programs, transgender surgeries, or other non-life saving assistance, as CNN reported.

The State Department claimed it had provided straightforward guidance about waivers to the freeze last Friday.

However, multiple international aid workers told CNN that there is widespread confusion about what the humanitarian aid waiver actually means and what it covers.

The humanitarian official told CNN there was no clarity at all.

The official said that even though the waiver gives an exemption for life-saving humanitarian aid, its not clear if that includes funding for staffers who carry out the work. Their organization has been unable to withdraw US funds at all, and is exploring whether to put staff on furlough, because it doesnt have cash reserves to pay people.

USAID funds foreign aid projects in more than 100 countries around the world. Other agencies like the State Department, Department of Health and Human Services, Defense Department, Treasury and the Peace Corps also control portions of the US foreign aid budget.

Foreign assistance has been the target of ire from Republicans in Congress and Trump administration officials, but the funding accounts for very little of the overall US budget, at about 1% of federal budget obligations.

The administration is asking a lot of the right questions, but theyre asking them the wrong way, and in far too of an abrupt fashion thats far more disruptive to the lives and livelihoods of human beings around the world than it could be, said John Oldfield, the chief executive of Accelerate Global, which advises nonprofits and companies working in global development.

The sick are getting poorer and the poor getting sicker, Oldfield said of the developing world. People are losing their jobs. People are losing their livelihoods. This is happening right now, even within the first 48 or 72 hours after these decisions by the White House.

Concerns about development aid

A source working in the US foreign aid industry stressed that the humanitarian aid waiver does not include most development aid, which also saves lives, for example through improving water security, food security, sanitation and hygiene.

Development aid is longer-term work and that is still on pause, said the source, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals.

In many cases, the stop-work orders stemming from the US State Department aid freeze have suspended projects that are done in support of US security and global security interests, according to aid workers.

Boxes of relief items from USAID for the victims of super typhoon Haiyan, at Villamor Air Base in Manila, Philippines, are pictured in 2013. USAID funds aid projects in more than 100 countries around the world. - Cheryl Ravelo/Reuters/File

The World Council of Credit Unions, headquartered in Wisconsin, said in a statement Wednesday that following the stop-work orders, it had suspended a USAID project in Peru and Ecuador that helps Venezuelan refugees with credit lending, savings, and with obtaining documentation that allows them to integrate into their local economies, thereby stemming their migration to the US.

The international credit organization also said it had suspended work on its USAID GROW Project in Ukraine, which supports agricultural production and food security, an area Ukraine is central to in supporting the global food chain.

In Ukraine, multiple organizations said their work had been impacted by the freeze on USAID funding. The director of the All-Ukrainian Association of Communities, Ivan Slobodianyk, told CNN that his organization was urgently looking for replacement funding to support its food security vegetable seed program in the southern Kherson region.

CNN reported Wednesday that the freeze also impacts funding used to train international partners on countering the trade of illicit narcotics and human trafficking.

Funding halt to HIV programs

A World Health Organization (WHO) spokesperson told CNN that the agency welcomes the US administrations decision on Tuesday to include the funding of HIV medicines in the waiver. But WHO remains very concerned in regards to a funding halt for other parts of PEPFAR (the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), the spokesperson said.

A funding halt for HIV programmes can put people living with HIV at immediate increased risk of illness and death and undermine efforts to prevent transmission in communities and countries. Such measures, if prolonged, could lead to rises in new infections and deaths, reversing decades of progress and potentially taking the world back to the 1980s and 1990s when millions died of HIV every year globally, including many in the United States of America, the WHO said in a statement.

We call on the United States government to enable additional exemptions to ensure the delivery of lifesaving HIV treatment and care.

The chief executive of the Gates Foundation, Mark Suzman, said in a statement: US assistance programs, such as PEPFAR, deliver life-saving medicine, medical care, and combat hunger and starvation. These programs protect the health of Americans, bolster US national security, and build stronger economies.

The foundation is committed to working with the administration on these issues, he added, and encourage them to ensure this critical funding continues immediately while their reviews are underway.

CNNs Jennifer Hansler contributed to this report.

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Vice President JD Vance at the Capitol on Jan. 21.

Vice President JD Vance has earned a unique privilege inside the White House  free rein to hire whom he wants, with no interference from President Donald Trump or his top aides.

The dynamic, as five people in or close to the administration explained it to NBC News, reflects the trust that the term-limited Trump has in Vance, his 40-year-old understudy who is widely expected to run for president himself in 2028.

All but two of the first 11 senior staffers Vance hired as vice president worked on his 2022 campaign for the Senate in Ohio, in his Senate office after he won that race or both.

The Trump team is an A-team in every sense of the word, Jai Chabria, Vances longest-serving political adviser, said in an interview. They had every opportunity to push people around or shove people around. They didnt. They decided to build a team with JDs team ... and in the process, they got a loyal bunch thats ready to go through the wall for the president.

Jacob Reses, who was Vances chief of staff in the Senate, now holds that position in the vice presidents office. Bryan Gray, who held senior roles on Vances Senate campaign and staff, is in place as Reses deputy. Vance also installed his long-running communications team of William Martin, Luke Schroeder and Taylor Van Kirk in similar positions in his new office.

Other Vance veterans who have followed him from his 2022 campaign or his Senate office include national security adviser Andy Baker, domestic policy director Ben Moss, operations director Abby Delahoyde and Patrick McAllister, his longtime personal aide.

I think thats something that says a lot about JD and the people who work with JD, said a Republican strategist who has worked closely with Trump and Vance and was granted anonymity to discuss internal dynamics. Its unique to have someone who retains staff the way JD has retained staff the last few years. I think JD at his core is a loyal guy, and thats a lot of it. But he also has a very talented staff.

Also on staff are former Federal Election Commission Chair Sean Cooksey, as counsel to Vance, and Shannon Fisher, a former Republican National Committee aide who will be second lady Usha Vances chief of staff after having assisted her during the presidential campaign. Buckley Carlson, announced this week as Vances deputy press secretary, has no history with him. His father, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, is a Vance ally who pushed for Trump to select him as his running mate last summer.

Vances core trio of political strategists  Chabria, Andy Surabian and Luke Thompson  are not on the vice presidential payroll, but they remain close as outside advisers. All three are expected to be key players in any moves Vance might make toward his own White House bid.

Surabian, a senior adviser to Donald Trump Jr., one of Vances leading advocates for the vice presidency, has long been close to Trump world and was the chief strategist on the vice presidential campaign. Trump and Vance also have shared a pollster, Tony Fabrizio, who remains close to both.

Meanwhile, Vance also has a key ally on Trumps staff. James Braid, who was a deputy chief of staff in his Senate office, directs the White House Office of Legislative Affairs.

Vice President Vance has assembled a top notch team that works seamlessly with President Trumps team, and thats why the Administration has already been so successful, White House communications director Steven Cheung wrote in a statement to NBC News. There is complete synergy and trust on all levels.

Past presidents and their staffs have a history of micromanaging or undermining vice presidents and theirs. Former President Joe Bidens advisers, for example, kept away some of former Vice President Kamala Harris longtime allies. Trumps first term featured tensions with then-Vice President Mike Pence, who, unlike Vance, had no previous relationship with Trump.

Pence brought aides with him from Indiana, where he had been governor, but he also made efforts to cultivate Trump advisers like Corey Lewandowski. Pences 2019 hiring of Katie Waldman, who soon afterward married Trump aide Stephen Miller, was viewed partly as a strategic decision to grow closer with Miller, a former Pence aide recalled.

It was a sign of good faith, and there was access there, said the former aide, who was granted anonymity to share candid observations. But that comes with its risks: that the Trump people could also learn what we were doing.

Trump and Pence had an irreconcilable split on Jan. 6, 2021, after Pence refused to interfere with the certification of Trumps re-election loss to Biden. Rioters, egged on by Trump, chanted Hang Mike Pence as they stormed the Capitol.

From the start, Trumps relationship with Vance has been stronger than what he had with Pence.

They have been close since the 2022 Senate race, which Vance won with Trumps endorsement, and they bonded further in 2023 during Trumps visit to the site of a toxic train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.

The fact that Vance was able to choose his staff, rather than have one chosen for him, 1,000% illustrates that Trump and his team see no need to meddle in the vice presidents office, said the political strategist who has worked closely with both men.

I think a lot of that has to do with some of the interlocking relationships between both sides, this person said. The fact that JD and senior people around JD also had relationships with Team Trump and that JD himself built a relationship with Trump and the people around Trump  I think that allowed for them to have that type of trust in JDs team.

The no-meddling approach dates to last years presidential campaign, which was an audition of sorts for Vance aides. Trumps team was responsible for only one hire on the vice presidential campaign staff: director of operations Nick Luna, whose role was announced before Trump selected Vance as his running mate. Vance otherwise had wide latitude to bring along his own people, including Reses, Martin, Schroeder and Van Kirk.

With Surabian at the helm, Chabria and Thompson also frequently traveled with Vance and dialed in for strategy sessions. Chabria directed Vances debate preparations, which Trumps team made no effort to micromanage. Jason Miller, a senior Trump adviser, participated at the Vance teams invitation, not at the Trump teams insistence, two sources familiar with the effort said.

The harmony surprised Chabria, who said he had researched past vice presidential campaigns to prepare himself for any tension points that might arise between the blended Trump and Vance staffs.

The fact that the senior staff had the trust in us  it was unbelievable to me, because I dont know that any other campaign would have afforded that, Chabria said.

The former Pence aide observed that the relationships Vances team enjoys with Trumps are much deeper than what Pence and Trump had at the start of their term. Vance, this person noted, also is operating on a different timeline with regard to his own political future, meaning strategists like Surabian have way more value outside the administration. Chabria, Surabian and other Vance advisers, for example, are already exercising their political muscles by assisting in Trump ally Vivek Ramaswamys soon-to-launch campaign for governor in Ohio.

While Pence had to concentrate on a re-election campaign with Trump before he began to fully entertain thoughts of a White House bid, Vance will most likely need to be ready to launch for 2028 soon after next years midterm elections if he plans to run for president.

The official office needs to be staffed with the best people that can help him effectuate those Capitol Hill goals and the communications goals, the former Pence aide said. And then the people on the outside are going to be important, from a planning and strategic perspective in conjunction with the chief of staff, to make sure Vance is traveling to the right places.
A wildfire that McDowell County Emergency Management called "out of control" erupted in the western North Carolina town of Old Fort on Wednesday, just four months after the area was ravaged by Hurricane Helene. As of Wednesday evening, the blaze, dubbed the Crooked Creek Fire, has so far burned 250 acres, emergency officials said, and was 15% contained.

The Crooked Creek Fire erupted in Old Fort, North Carolina, on January 29, almost four months exactly after the town was hit by Hurricane Helene.

Evacuations are now underway in some areas in Old Fort, which was among the hardest-hit towns by Helene when it made landfall at the end of September. Local evacuation orders for residents can be found here. An emergency shelter has been opened at 203 East Main Street and residents in impacted areas have been urged to evacuate to ensure their safety, officials said.

"High winds continue to create dangerous fire conditions," the McDowell County Emergency Management said in its latest update. "Firefighters continue to focus on structure protection for multiple homes in the area and continue work on establishing fire containment lines."

In their 6 p.m. update, officials said the winds are expected to diminish through the evening.

High winds were felt across western North Carolina on Jan. 29, when a wildfire broke out in Old Fort, one of the towns that was hard-hit by Hurricane Helene.

The fire comes after emergency management officials issued a wind advisory that started at midnight on Wednesday. Officials had warned of 15 to 25 mph winds with gusts of up to 50 mph that were expected to last until 6 p.m. today.

The winds only added to the dry conditions being felt in the area. CBS News and Stations meteorologist Nikki Nolan said that Old Fort, which normally receives on average just under 4 inches of rain in January, has so far only received 0.58 inches. Dry conditions are known fuels for fires because of the dry vegetation, and high winds help fires spread more quickly.

Much of North Carolina is experiencing dry conditions, with the town of Old Fort seeing several inches less rain in January than normal.

According to CBS affiliate WNCN, initial reports indicate the fire was started by a tree falling onto a power line.

Tens of thousands of homes were believed to be damaged across western North Carolina from Hurricane Helene in September. In Old Fort, at least 47 homes and buildings were destroyed in the town of just over 800 people, and 36 other homes were damaged, according to the Asheville Citizen-Times.

Thousands of people remain displaced, according to the Citizen-Times.

Trump's statement on New Jersey drones issued at White House press briefing

Trump offering "deferred resignation" to government workers unwilling to return to office

Black Hawk helicopter and a passenger jet collide near D.C.
Macquarie Telecom has helped Callidus Process Solutions with its expansion into emerging mining markets by providing Azure public cloud and data centre services to future-proof its IT and support.

Founded and headquartered in Perth, Callidus provides flow control solutions to mining, oil and gas, and new energy companies with a particular focus on battery minerals and LNG to aid the energy transition.

Initially Callidus deployed Macquaries hybrid cloud technology to focusing on Azure public cloud services, with plans to expand workloads to private or public cloud environment on data centres on the east and west coast of Australia.

Callidus IT and digital director Jason Cavallaro said, it has been able to capture and log data to align with policies on cyber security posture and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance.

This will be in line with the Federal Governments Cyber Security Act coming into effect in 2025, and mandatory climate reporting changes from 2026.

These requirements are important considerations for our customers, so we wanted to ensure we had a clean, structured data environment to accurately report, he said.
by Nirmala Carvalho

Card. Oswald Gracias, archbishop emeritus of Mumbai, tells AsiaNews of the bishops' closeness to the victims of the crush during the great Hindu pilgrimage: Simple people died, who were seeking God's message. We pray for them. Let us work for our country and our people to ensure that there are no tears in the eyes of any Indian.

Bhubaneswar (AsiaNews) - Our Catholic Nazareth Hospital in Prayagraj was also mobilised to provide assistance in the emergency of the Kumbh Mela pilgrims. Our Catholic schools and institutions are open to offer them assistance'. From Bhubaneswar - where the Assembly of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CBCI) is underway - Card. Oswal Gracias, Archbishop Emeritus of Mumbai, thus recounts the Indian Church's participation in the grief for the tragedy that occurred at the great Hindu pilgrimage that gathers millions of people. As the hours passed, the death toll in the stampede rose to at least 30 people.

I can sincerely say from my heart that it was a tragic accident, Gracias continued. Simple people died, people who wanted to seek God, who sought God's message. Now it is not a question of looking for the guilty parties. I can only imagine the suffering of the families, the trauma and anxiety they must endure as they search for their loved ones. During Mass this morning, we prayed for the souls of those who lost their lives at the Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj. Special prayers were also recited for their families. For me it is also a personal suffering: I have been there, I know the place, I imagine what happened. We can only pray for those affected and hope that the government will take appropriate measures and transport systems to prevent something similar from happening again. I am sure it will do so'.

Just today - 30 January - India celebrates Martyrs' Day to remember Mahatma Gandhi, father of the nation. This morning we too all went to the statue of Gandhi, including the nuncio and Cardinal President Filipe Neri Ferrao, and honoured it with a wreath, Cardinal Gracias continued. Gracias -. We think of all the martyrs and the souls of all those who have died in the service of our country. Today we emphasise the value of freedom, patriotism and the nation's great appreciation for those who have fought for its independence. Our responsibility is to work for our country and our people and to ensure that there are no tears in the eyes of any Indian. In this the Church wants to help as much as possible.

In this Jubilee year, concluded the cardinal, whose resignation as head of the archdiocese of Mumbai was accepted by Pope Francis a few days ago, we have a lot of hope. There are always challenges, but we are confident that God is with us. The Indian people are resilient. They are strong, selfless and have deep spiritual values that urge us to work selflessly for others, for our country and especially for the weakest. The Indian mind, heart and soul are very open to helping others. That is why I believe that India is a great country and has a great future and that we will make great progress. I pray for our leaders to have wisdom and discernment to lead our nation.
A study by the National Youth Policy Institute of middle and high school students highlights the problem, criticising the working conditions teenagers face. Only 18 per cent of adolescents who suffer some form of abuse file a complaint. Most are employed in food services or online content creation.

Seoul (AsiaNews)  More than a third of South Korean teenagers with work experience started before the age of 15, the minimum age established by law, this according to a report by the National Youth Policy Institute, published last month.

The study, which raises concerns about the spread of child labour in South Korea, is based on a survey of 7,212 middle and high school students. Of these, 1,414 respondents were engaged in paid work; 34.5 per cent started before the legal age of 15, while 11.3 per cent even before the age of 13.

Among middle school students, 31.2 per cent started working before the age of 13, a significantly higher figure than the 3 per cent found among high school students.

The sectors in which adolescents are most employed include restaurant (40.1 per cent), wedding halls (17.1 per cent), YouTube content creation (13.9 per cent), event assistance (11.8 per cent), and flyer distribution (11.7 per cent).

The report highlights how the growth of work on digital platforms has favoured the involvement of younger people in work activities that often fail to meet the age requirements under existing legislation.

An alarming figure concerns working conditions. About 34.5 per cent of teens who said that they had worked in the last year also said that they had suffered some form of abuse, overdue wages (17.4 per cent), non-payment (13.7 per cent), as well as verbal or sexual harassment (10.1 per cent).

Only 17.9 per cent of those who experienced such treatments have filed a complaint or reported the incidents to the authorities.

Currently, South Korean labour law prohibits the employment of children under the age of 15, in line with International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards, which establish a work ban for children subject to compulsory schooling.

However, the report recommends a revision of the legislation to raise the minimum age of access to work from 15 to 16 years, to better protect adolescents and guarantee them a safer and more regulated working environment.
As part of the truce, five Thais and three Israelis were released today, including Agam Berger. The Netanyahu government complains over the process. After 40 years in prison, the "dean of Palestinian prisoners was freed over the weekend. His first words were for his grandchildren, not to take the path of armed struggle.

Jerusalem (AsiaNews)  After a long wait and many prayers, people in Kut Yang, a remote village in Udon Thani, a province in northeastern Thailand, celebrated the release of Watchara Sriaoun, one of the hostages held in Gaza by Hamas and Islamic Jihad since 7 October 2023.

The Thai Christian was freed in Khan Younis today together with four other Thais  Pongsak Thaenna, Sathian Suwannakham, Bannawat Seathao and Surasak Lamnao  and the three Israelis  Gadi Moses, Arbel Yehud and woman soldier Agam Berger, who left the Palestinian territory after more than 15 months in captivity.

The release was marked by controversy, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling the images of the hostages release shocking, slamming Hamas for its unimaginable cruelty.

The hostages are among the most controversial and debated issues since Hamas' attack on the Jewish State on 7 October 2023, which saw more than 1,200 people killed on the Israeli side, triggering a brutal war in Gaza that left at least 48,000 people dead, mainly civilians, most of all women and children,

In Israel, the issue has fuelled a heated war of words between Israels radical right, bent to continue the war even at the cost of hostages release, and the latters families who have demanded for months that the government make every effort to get them back.

With a truce in place, and the exchange of Palestinian prisoners for hostages underway, came hope for all the hostages, including Asian migrants, from countries like Thailand and Nepal, who are the forgotten face, often on the margins of this tragedy.

The mother of the Christian migrant worker rejoiced as soon as she heard the news of her sons release. It is confirmed everyone, my son did not die. Thank you God, said a sobbing Wiwwaeo Sriaoun, happy for the news. I will hug him when I see him. I want to see if his health is OK, I am worried about his health, she added, according to the Times of Israel.

Family members gathered to support Wiwwaeo as she waited for news at the familys modest home on a rubber plantation in the northeastern province of Udon Thani.

Since the morning, people were waiting to hear any further confirmation from Thailands ambassador to Israel, Pannabha Chandraramya, who had announced the coming release of five Thais held by Hamas (or Islamic Jihad).

The diplomat also explained that out of eight Thai hostages, aged between 28 and 42, six were still alive while two were dead. All were abducted from four farms close to the Gaza border, where they were employed as agricultural workers.

Yesterday, Mousa Abu Marzouk, a senior Hamas official, had anticipated the release of the five Thais held by Islamic Jihad. Two Thais, Sudthisak Rinthalak and Sonthaya Oakkharasr were confirmed dead.

At the time of Hamass attack, tens of thousands of migrant workers from Southeast Asia were employed in Israel, mostly on farms or in construction sites.

Most farm workers were in the south near the border with Gaza or in the far north, not far from Lebanon, among the most exposed to war. In addition, according to the Thai government, its citizens were by far the largest and most affected group, with at least 32 deaths. Over a year ago, 23 Thai hostages were released during a brief truce in November 2023, followed by an escalation of the war.

Finally, with respect to Palestinian prisoners, the agreement between Israel and Hamas for the ceasefire saw the release on Saturday of 69-year-old Mohammed Altoos along with 200 other prisoners, 121 of whom were sentenced to life imprisonment and 79 to long sentences.

Better known as "the living martyr" and the "dean of Palestinian prisoners for his time behind bars, he spent more than 40 years in Israeli jails and was released on the condition he goes into exile in Egypt.

In recent days, interviewed by an Arab television, he addressed the younger generations in the West Bank and Gaza.

I urge my grandchildren not to take the resistance armed struggle path, he said. If I had known my freedom would come at the cost of 60,000 lives in Gaza, I would have chosen to remain in prison.

In October 1985, Israel arrested Altoos, then 28, after capturing him in a bloody battle between the army and a Palestinian commando in the West Bank, near the border with Jordan. An Israeli fighter jet struck the vehicle carrying the commando, killing all but Altoos, who was left seriously injured.

Believing that their son had been killed, the family held a public vigil and accepted, as per tradition, peoples condolences. However, six months later they discovered that he had survived the Israeli airstrike and was in prison. Surprised by the news, the family began calling him the living martyr.

According to the Palestinian Prisoner's Society (PPS), an Israeli court sentenced Altoos to multiple life sentences for his involvement in military operations against Israeli forces and for his affiliation with the then-banned Fatah movement, which he had joined at the age of 14.

For decades, Israel refused to release him despite agreeing to several prisoner exchanges with Palestinian factions, including the one that saw the release of Israeli soldier Gilat Shalit in 2011 or another agreement in 2014.

Israeli authorities demolished Altooss family home in Al-Jaba, a village near Bethlehem, on three separate occasions while he was in prison. In 2015 he lost his wife Amna after a long illness and, with the outbreak of war in Gaza, his children were no longer allowed to visit him.

At present, following the release of the dean of prisoners, 21 Palestinians remain in Israeli prisons from before the Oslo peace accords of 1993.
by Shafique Khokhar

Sahiwal (AsiaNews) - Farhan Javed, a 28 year old Christian from the Sahiwal district, has been accused of blasphemy, as is often the case with minority groups in Pakistan. The young man suffers from serious mental health problems: his fragile condition was not taken into account at all by the accusers. Farhan Javed lives in a small village with his widowed mother and his life is already marked by extreme poverty. He no longer understands the implications of his words and actions. All we ask for is a justice that reflects his vulnerabilities, his family members plead.

The accusations were made by two local Muslims, who reported to the local police their encounter with the young Christian while they were working in the fields. According to the report, Farhan Javed came to them uttering blasphemous comments against Islam, saying that he would not befriend Muslims, as they were unable to relate because they were false. After his statements, the two tried to catch him but he ran away, so they went to the village and told them what happened. The Muslims in the village were outraged and filed a complaint against Farhan Javed at the local police station. The police arrested Farhan the same day. The Christians in the village are frightened.

Farhan's relatives insist that his long history of mental instability and his recent deterioration must be taken into account. They said that Farhan has been prey to a severe drug addiction and that the last two months have been particularly impactful. For them, any trial must definitely be accompanied by a thorough medical examination, for a fair investigation that takes into account his mental state.

A local human rights activist, Ashknaz Khokhar, is of the same opinion. There is an extreme need for an impartial investigation into the case and a full assessment of Farhan's mental health, he told AsiaNews. If he is mentally unstable, he cannot be held responsible in the same way as a fully capable individual. The authorities must treat this case carefully and according to human rights values.

Joseph Janssen, a prominent minority rights activist - also engaged in recent weeks in defence of the kiln slaves - expressed great concern about the Pakistani authorities' inability to conduct fair and impartial investigations in blasphemy cases, particularly against Christians. Janssen pointed out that in many cases, mentally unstable and innocent people are targeted without any due process. It seems that Pakistan abandons justice when it comes to blasphemy charges, Janssen stated. None of the planned legal processes are conducted after the registration of a First Information Report (FIR). The authorities claim to have appointed officials to handle these sensitive cases, but the reality on the ground paints a different picture, the activist added.

Janssen reiterated how rampant the misuse of blasphemy laws has become and how false accusations raise alarm. The mere accusation of blasphemy is often enough to trigger immediate arrests, mob violence and prolonged detention without any semblance of due process. Even the death penalty, though rarely carried out. This legal abuse has encouraged extremist groups, including the Islamist Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan Party (TLP), which has gained notoriety for inciting violence and manipulating the law.

Impunity in blasphemy cases has given extremist groups the ability to act without fear of being held accountable, Janssen continued. The presumption of innocence, the cornerstone of justice throughout the world, is completely reversed in Pakistan when it comes to blasphemy charges. Christians are often forced to flee their homes the moment they are accused, because even proving their innocence is not enough to protect them from violence and persecution.
Today's news: Al Jolani appointed president for Syria transition, constitution suspended; Seventy Rohingya land in Indonesia, while 5,000 Burmese return to the border town Maungdaw; Thailand's tiger population is growing; Japanese authorities ask 1.2 million people to use less water to facilitate a rescue operation.

CHINA - INDIA - RUSSIA

China and India are sharply reducing their oil purchases from Russia on the international markets, as the cost of chartering cargo ships not subject to US sanctions issued in January increased by several million dollars. At the same time, Russian earnings per barrel do not exceed to per barrel, and the sanctions have stopped over 180 shadow ships.

SYRIA

Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (also known as battahlia al Jolani) was appointed president for a transitional phase, authorised to form a temporary legislative council. The council will perform its duties until a new constitution is adopted. The dissolution of the country's armed factions, which will be absorbed by state institutions, was also announced.

MYANMAR - INDONESIA

More than 70 Rohingya landed in the Indonesian province of Aceh, Pereulak region. A wooden boat carrying 40 men, 32 women and four children arrived on the beach, but attempts to disembark were initially repelled by residents, as often happens. About 5,000 IDPs, on the other hand, returned to the border town Maungdaw, after the insurgent group, Arakan Army (AA), which took it over from the military, finished securing the town.

THAILAND

Tiger numbers are increasing in the wild regions in the west of Thailand. Concerted efforts to protect and monitor tigers in the country have led to a significant increase in the population, despite critical land-use issues. While tigers have seen their population decimated worldwide, in Thailand's vast protected forest areas the story is different.

JAPAN

Japanese authorities have asked 1.2 million people to cut down on showers and laundry to prevent sewage leaks from aggravating the rescue operation of a truck driver in a sinkhole. The truck was swallowed by a sinkhole that suddenly opened in Yashio during the morning rush hour on Tuesday 28 January. Rescues were severely hampered by the unstable ground around the hole and the appearance of a second, larger hole.

GEORGIA

In Georgia, there was a suspension of internet services for several hours, mainly for subscribers of the Magticom company, blocking mobile and stationary access, banking applications and payment transactions, due to a global network problem caused by a breakdown on the territory of Turkey due to heavy snowfall and avalanches, but also due to suspicious damage to the main backup channel, which was investigated.

KYRGYZSTAN - TAJIKISTAN

Within the framework of the agreements reached by Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan on borders, the authorities of the two countries will start transfers of their citizens to the mixed zones in order to avoid any conflict, as some countries are arranged around the borders like on a chessboard, with overlapping pawns, commented Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zaparov.
Despite a waiver by the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, many development assistance and cooperation programmes are on hold. The US wants to reassess funding to see if they are in line with the new Trump administration, leaving room in Southeast Asia for China to fill.

Washington (AsiaNews/Agencies)  The executive orders signed by Donald Trump on the day of his inauguration, 20 January, are already biting in Asia.

All cooperation programmes funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have been halted by the US State Department for 90 days to ensure that aid to developing countries is efficient and consistent with U.S. foreign policy under the America First agenda.

Even though the new Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, issued a waiver for basic necessities, such as food and medical assistance, several activities have stopped.

Every dollar we spend, every program we fund, and every policy we pursue must be justified with the answer to three simple questions: Does it make America safer? Does it make America stronger? Does it make America more prosperous? Secretary Rubio said.

As a result, health facilities for Myanmar refugees on the Thai-Myanmar border have been ordered to close by tomorrow.

It is not yet clear whether some of them, run by the International Rescue Committee, will be able to continue operating following the State Department's waiver. The measure affects about 100,000 people in need of assistance.

While waiting for updates, dozens of patients in serious condition have been moved to state hospitals in Thailand.

"Its scary because these refugees depend entirely on this assistance for their day-to-day health services, said Nai Aue Mon, programme director of the Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM), a grassroots organisation in southern Myanmar.

A representative of the Karenni Human Rights Group said that schools inside the nine refugee camps on the border with Thailand fear that funding will not resume. Teachers' salaries and funding for school textbooks are at risk since they are not deemed life-saving.

Humanitarian organisations dealing with demining have also been told to cease operations "with immediate effect". These include non-profit associations clearing land from unexploded munitions in Laos and Cambodia.

Due to heavy US bombing during the Vietnam War in the 1960s and 1970s, Laos remains the most heavily bombed country in the world in relation to its population.

Only 10 per cent of Laotian territory has been cleared of unexploded ordnance, noted Sera Koulabdara, administrator of Legacies of War, which deals with the removal of anti-personnel mines in Southeast Asia, speaking to Radio Free Asia.

Just this month in Laos, a 36-year-old man was killed while simply cooking, an innocent victim of an American war that continues to plague the country, she said.

Cambodia received about US$ 2 million a year from the United States for demining activities.

Environmental protection programmes (particularly in the Mekong) and independent media organisations, like the Cambodian Journalists' Association or CamboJa, also reported that they face funding cuts because 20-30 per cent of their income was covered by US aid.

In Southeast Asia, most development aid comes from the Asian Development Bank, Japan, South Korea, the European Union, and Australia. Chinese aid in the region, on the other hand, which contracted between 2015 and 2022, is mainly directed to Laos, Malaysia and Brunei.

China's Belt and Road Initiative infrastructure investments, despite delays and downsizing in recent years, continue to play a major role. For this reason, many fear that the Trump administration's decision to halt development aid risks opening the door to further Chinese influence.

The United States' withdrawal from the World Health Organisation is also likely to have serious repercussions in Asia, above all in Pakistan and Afghanistan, which depend on aid from the United Nations agency to eradicate polio, explained Hanan Balkhy, regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean.

The disease, transmitted by a virus that can lead to paralysis and death, is still endemic in these countries. In 2024, Pakistan recorded 73 cases and Afghanistan 25, but political instability hampers childhood vaccination campaigns in both countries.
The News in Brief Thursday, January 30, 2025

Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze has commented on the imprisonment of Mzia Amaglobeli, the founder and director of Batumelebi and Netgazeti, stating that he has "not even heard any regret" from her regarding the incident."I would like to wish everyone good health, including Ms. Mzia Amaglobeli and any prisoner, but I have a question: why is she detained? Attacking and hitting a police officer is categorically unacceptable. We are human beings, we can all make mistakes, we are ordinary people and we have all made mistakes," Kaladze said.He continued by emphasizing that Amaglobeli's actions constitute a crime. "A person committed a crime-isn't it a crime when you hit a police officer? I don't remember, I haven't heard (and I'm sure no one has) in so long, even a hint of regret, even if she came out and said humanely that 'I made a mistake, and please forgive me'."Kaladze also expressed support for the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) employees and praised Irakli Dgebuadze, the officer involved in Amaglobeli's case. "I thank the MIA employees, and I call Irakli Dgebuadze a dignified police officer," he stated.However, according to the Georgian Young Lawyers' Association (GYLA), Dgebuadze verbally abused Amaglobeli after her arrest and attempted to physically assault her multiple times while she was in custody.The Media Advocacy Coalition has issued a statement accusing the Public Broadcaster of blatantly violating both Georgian legislation and leading international standards regarding independent editorial policy, accountability, and media pluralism.According to the statement, the broadcaster, "which is clearly under the influence of the Georgian Dream," fails to provide objective and comprehensive coverage of current events in the country."The biased activities of the Public Broadcaster are especially alarming today, when the country is undergoing crucial political processes," the statement reads. "Across the country, the population is holding continuous protests against the Georgian Dream's rigged elections, torture, mass violence, including actions against media representatives and political prisoners."The coalition argues that during this critical period, the broadcaster's information policy "deliberately ignores coverage of events important to society and clearly demonstrates a clear bias towards the Georgian Dream."
Aliyev accused the Armenian government on Tuesday of not complying with a relevant provision of a Russian-brokered ceasefire agreement that stopped the 2020 Armenian-Azerbaijani war in Nagorno-Karabakh. The clause commits Armenia to opening rail and road links between Azerbaijan and its Nakhichevan exclave through Armenias southeastern Syunik province.

Yerevan maintains that it does not call for an extraterritorial corridor that would exempt people and cargo transported to and from Nakhichevan from Armenian border checks. Its Crossroads of Peace project regularly promoted by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian stipulates that the two South Caucasus states should have full control of transport infrastructure inside each others territory. Aliyev shrugged off the project, saying that it is not worth a penny.

Mirzoyan defended the project when he commented on Aliyevs demands after talks held in Yerevan with Georgias Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili.

I will not say anything new: our position remains in force, he told a joint news conference.

Mirzoyan reiterated the Armenian sides readiness to agree to put in place some simplified procedures for Armenian-Azerbaijani border crossings and cargo transit. He also said that Yerevan still hopes for Bakus positive reaction to an unpublicized Armenian proposal on the issue made last fall.

Aliyev threatened to use force to open the Zangezur corridor in televised remarks aired on January 7. He also repeated his multiple preconditions for a peace treaty with Armenia.

Mirzoyan said on Tuesday that Pashinians administration remains committed to its peace agenda which is dismissed by its domestic critics concerned about what they see as a growing risk of another Azerbaijani attack on Armenia.

This applies to both the peace treaty, the unblocking of transport infrastructure and the border delimitation, said the Armenian minister.

Let's hope that the peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be concluded with mutually beneficial provisions, Bochorishvili said for her part. Only this can become the basis for peace in the region.
30 January 2025 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

Known for centuries as a key segment of the historical Silk Road, Azerbaijan is currently experiencing a period of radical development of road and transport infrastructure. Such projects implemented in the country have had a very positive impact on the development of both intra-city and inter-city transport in recent days.

A conference on Azerbaijan's transport sector was held on January 28, chaired by President Ilham Aliyev, to determine the quality, importance and future prospects of the work in question. Attended by key officials, including Minister of Transport and Digital Development Rashad Nabiyev, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Land Transport Agency Anar Rzayev, and other relevant figures, the event addressed the country's transport challenges and upcoming infrastructure initiatives. The heads of the mentioned ministries and agencies reported to the head of state, drawing attention to the effectiveness of the work done, as well as existing problems.

In addition, President Ilham Aliyev spoke about the next major transport program, taking into account the country's urgent transport needs in the country.

In his address, President Ilham Aliyev emphasized the urgent need for a new, comprehensive transport program. While significant progress has been made in recent years to improve Baku's transport infrastructure, including the construction of new roads, metro stations, bridges, and tunnels, traffic congestion continues to rise in the city. The population growth from 7 million to 10 million over the last three decades has outpaced the capacity of Bakus existing infrastructure.

The President acknowledged that large-scale infrastructure projects have been pivotal in preventing complete paralysis of transport in Baku. However, he stressed the need for continued investment:

Although a lot of work has been done, we see that the next major program will bring great benefits. Ive instructed the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport to prepare a state program, and today we will discuss it further, President Aliyev noted.

Recent advancements in transport infrastructure

Reflecting on the past two decades, the President highlighted extensive progress in the transport sector, especially in rural and intercity road construction. Twenty years ago, the main roads in Baku were nearly non-existent, but today, we have connected all cities with modern roads and highways, he said. Around 85-90 percent of rural roads have been repaired, with continuous investments allocated each year to this effort.

Azerbaijan's strategic location and international transport corridors

The President also drew attention to Azerbaijans strategic position, emphasizing its role in international transport corridors. "It is impossible to imagine the transport map of Eurasia without Azerbaijan, he asserted. Azerbaijan serves as a crucial hub for the East-West and North-South transport corridors, with steadily increasing cargo volumes along these routes. President Aliyev highlighted the importance of continued digitalization and cooperation with neighboring countries to enhance cargo transportation efficiency.

Despite not having direct access to the open sea, we have transformed Azerbaijan into an indispensable transport center of Eurasia, he remarked, adding that efforts will continue to increase the capacity of these corridors through additional investments.

Zangazur Corridor: Key priority for Azerbaijan

A major focal point of President Aliyev's speech was the Zangezur Corridor. He stressed that the project was firmly placed on the international agenda following Azerbaijan's victory in the Second Garabagh War. The Zangezur Corridor has become an internationally recognized term, symbolizing Azerbaijan's commitment to strengthening its territorial integrity and regional connectivity.

However, President Aliyev expressed frustration with Armenias refusal to comply with agreements made during the November 10 ceasefire, particularly the establishment of a transport connection between mainland Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Despite Armenian opposition, Azerbaijan is moving forward with practical steps, including the construction of a bypass road bridge and a second bridge in the Nakhchivan region, expected to be completed this year.

"The Zangezur Corridor is a necessity for Azerbaijan, and it is critical that there is unhindered passage from Azerbaijan to Azerbaijan, without any obstructions," he emphasized.

Infrastructure developments over the past 20 years

Over the last two decades, Azerbaijan has made significant strides in modernizing its transport infrastructure. The President highlighted the construction and repair of 21,000 kilometers of roads, the establishment of 335 bridges, and the opening of over 1,500 kilometers of new railway lines. These efforts have facilitated smoother connections between cities, including new routes like Baku-Gabala and Baku-Balakan, and have improved access to Azerbaijans western and northwestern borders.

In the aviation sector, President Aliyev noted that eight international airports have been built or renovated, with the completion of the Lachin International Airport scheduled for this year. We are not just focusing on passenger air travel; we are building large cargo terminals to handle millions of tons of goods, ensuring that Azerbaijan remains a key international transport hub, he said.

Azerbaijans vision for the future of transport

The President concluded by reiterating the significance of Azerbaijans transport developments, highlighting future investments to further enhance the countrys transport infrastructure. We are preparing for the future by building new terminals, expanding cargo capacity, and ensuring that Azerbaijan remains a central player in global transportation networks, he said.

In summary, Azerbaijans transport sector is poised for continued growth, with a focus on digital transformation, regional collaboration, and the expansion of strategic corridors like Zangezur. With the adoption of the upcoming transport program, the nation is set to strengthen its infrastructure and solidify its role as a key transport hub in Eurasia.
30 January 2025 13:46 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

On January 28, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev addressed several important issues during a meeting focused on transportation. The main topics included identifying the problems faced by Azerbaijan's transport infrastructure and discussing potential solutions for their development. An additional topic discussed was the Zangazur Corridor, which has remained unresolved for about five years. This corridor is a commitment made by Armenia in the Trilateral Statement of November 10, 2020. It is important to note that even if Armenia does not agree to the Zangazur Corridor, which holds global significance, it is still required to provide unhindered access to Nakhchivan, which is part of Azerbaijan, as requested by influential external parties.

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30 January 2025 20:00 (UTC+04:00)

Elnur Enveroglu Read more

The growing criticism of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan by former opposition groups within the country against the backdrop of Armenia's rapid integration into the West indicates the strengthening of Russophile and paradoxical political positions in the country. Besides, the deepening rifts between Russia and Armenia over the past two months have also increased uncertainty about the country's future.

A few weeks ago, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan's visit to Moscow and his pleasant-on-the-face, but suggestive-behind-the-scenes talks with his counterpart Sergei Lavrov raised deep questions. Yerevan thought it was a simple matter of playing a double game between the Kremlin and the West, but the tough demands from Moscow forced it to think deeper.

Armenia's appearance as an active player on the Western front, in addition to being a member of the Eurasian Economic Union and the CSTO, was not welcomed by Russia unequivocally. Lavrov explained this political game of Pashinyan, which seemed to be a threat to Russia, by building it on the wrong parameters. He believes that Pashinyan is wearing two hats, both calling Russia's enemies friends and continuing to work in organizations under Russian leadership. The Russian Foreign Ministry does not rule out that the partnership charter signed by Yerevan with the United States will one day be used as a weapon against Moscow. Lavrov believes that although Armenia says that it stands with both sides, it may one day inevitably oppose the Kremlin under the influence of the West, to which it is closest.

Pashinyan poses an obstacle for Russia

Pashinyan's pro-Western government, which Russia has long sought to overthrow, poses serious problems for both the former opposition forces and the Kremlin. For this, a number of politicians from the Armenian opposition popped up on the scene and voiced criticism against Pashinyan.

Former Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan's sharp criticism of Pashinyan is more likely to express what Russia wants to say but cannot say directly. Oskanyan accuses Pashinyan of betraying Russia. He claims that Nikol Pashinyan has stabbed Moscow in the back. His dream of leading the country towards the West portends serious disasters. However, the former minister previously supported Armenia's integration with the West and considered it important for the country's development. So how is it that Oskanyan now considers the country's proximity to the West a threat?

Vardan Oskanyan also said that Pashinyan is indifferent to the fate of a group of war criminals imprisoned in Baku. Currently, a number of pro-Russian opposition forces, like Oskanyan, are exaggerating this issue and using it as a tool against Pashinyan.

It is no secret that the appearance of Ruben Vardanyan, known as a Russian oligarch after 2020, in Azerbaijans Garabagh was associated with Moscow. The plan to parachute him into Garabagh as a minister of the so-called Republic and then drive him as a wedge against the Yerevan administration did not escape the attention of Prime Minister Pashinyan. Pashinyan knew that Russia was trying to overthrow him by some means and portray him as a traitor in the eyes of the opposition in connection with the processes in Garabagh.

Trust in the opposition and the restoration of Russian influence

Although Nikol Pashinyan remains trapped between the West and Russia, trust in neither the opposition nor Russia in his country is at the same level today. This can provide some confidence in the future of Pashinyan's government. Moreover, the continuation of the Russia-Ukraine war and the weakening of external influence still gives him a wider opportunity to bring Western forces to his country as close as possible. Nikol Pashinyan's broad perspective on the activities of the European Mission in his country also aims to protect it from Moscow's influence. He has created both a Russian and an "Azerbaijani threat" phenomenon against his country in the South Caucasus, entrusting control of his country's borders to well-trained Western military personnel in civilian clothes.

But Armenia's economic dependence on Russia, as well as its commitments based on agreements with Azerbaijan, distance it from a somewhat radical Western position. Pashinyan also knows that the country's two and a half million people do not trust the opposition, and even hoping for something from Russia is like looking for the sun in the rain.
30 January 2025 17:08 (UTC+04:00)

By Farman Aydin | AzerNEWS

ANCAs letter to Marco Rubio burst the world into laughter. To pay the due, such a farce can only be staged by Armenians, whom the great British writer George Orwell described with the words, Trust a snake but dont trust an Armenian, in his book Down and Out in Paris and London.

The letter is rife with unfounded claims and accusations, which, if the USA takes them seriously, could harm the reputation of the USA not only in the region but throughout the world. Because, roughly, all the accusations and claims were either misinterpreted or made by Armenians, and have not been recognized by Armenia itself, but ANCA is trying to get them recognized by Washington instead of Yerevan.

Take Artsakh and ethnic cleansing for example. ANCA and all Armenian lobbies try to instil the so-called ethnic cleansing allegedly conducted by Azerbaijan in September 2023 into the minds of people throughout the world. In the letter, ANCA words it as, 'Armenians forcibly displaced from Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) following Azerbaijans ethnic cleansing of the region in September 2023.' Heres the point: Armenia has never recognized the so-called Artsakh or annexed it. On the contrary, Armenia recognized Garabagh as an integral part of Azerbaijan through the Alma-Ata Protocols for the first time in December 1991. Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan also recognized it in front of the media for the second time after the 44-day war. In other words, both the Garabagh clan, who were responsible for the war and invasion of Azerbaijani territories, and Pashinyan, who parachuted into power with Soros' support, have accepted Garabagh as a part of Azerbaijan. Despite all these facts, ANCA and other Armenian lobbies have been trying to get recognition for territories invaded by Armenia in the 1990s as an independent republic, which Yerevan has never recognized. If this is a true and founded claim, why doesnt Yerevan take the first step, instead of asking other countries to do it for them?

When it comes to the so-called ethnic cleansing, Azerbaijan introduced an integration plan for the Armenians living in Garabagh through both local and international media. Baku also guaranteed the preservation of all rights for Armenians. However, Armenians preferred to leave Garabagh for Armenia. On the other hand, thanks to local and international media and human rights organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Helsinki, which documented the brutality, massacres, and other war crimes, the world has detailed information about the ethnic cleansing and atrocities committed by Armenians in the region. Over one million people of different originsi.e., Azerbaijanis, Kurds, Meskhetians, and Russian Molokanswere turned into refugees or IDPs. They were uprooted from their homes and dispersed throughout Azerbaijan, living in administrative buildings, dormitories, tents, and so on.

Anyone can find footage in which the Armenian terrorist, Monte Melkonian, the head of the ASALA terror organization that carried out terrorist acts worldwide, including in France, holds a microphone and demands that an elderly woman leave Kalbajar, which is located outside Garabagh. His brother, Markar Melkonian, describes in-depth the atrocities committed by Armenians, including mass killings in Khojaly, Baganis Ayrum, and other cities and villages. After all this, how much of a scoundrel and a characterless person must one be to stand up and talk about ethnic cleansing?

Another issue that ANCA mentions in the letter is the Armenian Genocide. Like the aforementioned fact, Armenian lobbies behave in a characterless manner. Thus, during WWI, Armenians living in the Ottoman Empire collaborated with their religious brother in religion, Orthodox Russia, and after that Ottoman Empire resettled Armenians from the East of Anadolu to the Arabian Peninsula. The resettlement claimed the lives of an unknown number of Armenians. We did not use the word unknown number willy-nilly. Because the figures presented by Armenia and Turkiye contradict. However, both sides confirm that the then-Turkish government did not kill those Armenians systematically and those people perished during the resettlement. So, here pose questions: is it a genocide? If yes, then why Armenia has not recognized a similar resettlement as a genocide? For example, accusing Crimean Tatars of collaboration with Nazi Germany, the USSR deported all Tatars from Crimea to the steps of the Central Asia. The same plight befell Chechens, Meskhetians, and Germans in the Caucasus. Russia deported all of them to the Central Asia under claims of collaboration with Nazis. Hundreds of them died en route and none of them, except Chechens, were able to return to their homes. Ironically, Moscow settled Armenians in the uprooted Meskhetian houses. Even today Armenians enjoy living in the houses built by Meskhetians and do not intend to give them back to the real owners. As for the Meskhetians, they cannot return to their homeland even today. So, if deportation and perishing during the deportation is a genocide, why has Armenia not recognized the Genocide of the Crimean Tatars, Chechens, Meskhtenians and Germans committed by Russia?

However, the sly and cunning Armenians think they can outsmart the Americans by convincing them of these baseless claims, and believe that by doing so, they can harm relations between the United States, Azerbaijan, and Turkiye. We strongly believe that U.S. politicians are not so naive as to be entrapped by these sly and cunning cowards.
30 January 2025 11:26 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Azerbaijan and Turkiye have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic and energy cooperation during Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarovs visit to Turkiye.

Azernews reports that Minister Jabbarov met with Turkiyes Minister of Trade, Omer Bolat, to discuss priority areas for expanding trade and investment ties. The meeting highlighted Turkiyes role as Azerbaijans second-largest trade and export partner, with both sides emphasising the benefits of increasing the number of products under the Preferential Trade Agreement. Turkiye companies were invited to take advantage of investment opportunities in Azerbaijans industrial parks, particularly in the liberated territories.

Discussions also focused on enhancing trade turnover, supporting SMEs, and deepening business-to-business relations to achieve common economic goals.

Additionally, Minister Jabbarov met with Turkiyes Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, to explore new areas of cooperation in the energy sector. The discussions underscored the significant role of Azerbaijani-Turkish energy collaboration in regional and European energy security. Azerbaijans ongoing green energy projects and the potential for increased investment in renewable energy were also key topics of the meeting.

The visit reflects the growing economic and strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Turkiye, with both sides committed to fostering deeper cooperation in trade, investment, and energy.
30 January 2025 14:07 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

Discussions were held on the priority areas for developing bilateral relations in taxation between Azerbaijan and Switzerland, focusing on opportunities to strengthen the partnership and promote international cooperation, Azernews reports, citing the State Tax Service under the Ministry of Economy.

According to the information, Orkhan Nazarli, the head of the State Tax Service and President of the Intra-European Organization of Tax Administrations (IOTA), held a video conference with TamaraPfammatter, Director General of the Swiss Federal Tax Administration.

During the meeting, both parties discussed key areas for the development of bilateral relations, opportunities to enhance the partnership, and ways to promote international cooperation. They also shared views on diversifying joint activities within IOTA, exchanging experiences in taxation at the bilateral level, and exploring new cooperation opportunities.

Proposals were made to expand IOTA's activities and improve its financial sustainability. The work done under the leadership of the State Tax Service, along with strategic development plans and future prospects, was also discussed. It was noted that strengthening relations between the two countries is crucial for advancing their tax systems, improving economic practices, and fostering a better investment climate.

The meeting highlighted the importance of leveraging existing potential to enhance joint initiatives in tax administration, with further discussions on other issues of mutual interest.
30 January 2025 14:49 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

Azerbaijan and Pakistan held discussions on enhancing bilateral relations in the energy sector.

Azernews reports that Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov shared this update on his X account.

We had a productive meeting with Pakistans Federal Minister for Privatization, Investment Council, and Communications, Abdul Alim Khan, to discuss strengthening bilateral relations in the energy sector. We reviewed various topics on the agenda, including opportunities for cooperation in oil and gas, renewable energy, and energy efficiency, the post said.

In conclusion, the meeting between Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov and Pakistans Federal Minister Abdul Alim Khan marked a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties in the energy sector.

Both sides explored various opportunities for cooperation, focusing on oil and gas, renewable energy, and energy efficiency, which could pave the way for further collaboration in these crucial areas.
30 January 2025 12:28 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

Khatai Arts Center has opened final exhibitions as part of the Spirit of Reading National Art Contest, Azernews reports.

The art competition was announced among children, teenagers and young people in order to preserve the tradition of illustration, which adds colour and life to books. Most of the presented works are characterized by illustrations and miniature works that reflect scenes and episodes from folk and children's literature, author's works, as well as literary works on the theme of nature and everyday life.

The participants of the competition include children, teenagers, young people and representatives of older age groups. Works created jointly with teachers and parents in accordance with the rules of the project are also presented.

Over 1,500 participants from various parts of our country sent about 2,000 works to participate in the competition. More than 1,100 works by 900 authors were selected during the preliminary selection. Around 100 artworks will be awarded 1st, 2nd and 3rd places, as well as incentive and nomination awards.

The jury included People's Artist, Professor, Arif Huseynov; an artist-educator at the Khatai Arts Center Gunduz Habibov; a senior lecturer at the Azerbaijan State Academy of Fine Arts Vafadad Bakharov; a lecturer at the Azerbaijan State Academy of Fine Arts Jalal Aghayev; an artist-educator at School of Arts No. 2 in Baku, Ilham Ismayilov; a lecturer at the Azerbaijan State Academy of Fine Arts Samir Sadikhov; a senior teacher at Azerbaijan University of Culture and Arts Zakir Jabbarov.

The project was implemented by the Azerbaijan Artists' Union, the State Art Gallery, Khatai Children's Art Gallery and the Khatai Arts Center with the support of the Azerbaijan Ministry of Science and Education, Azerbaijan State Academy of Fine Arts, Azerbaijan Television and Radio Broadcasting CJSC, and Khatai District Executive Authority.

Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az, and Milli.Az.
30 January 2025 16:46 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

A project has been launched in Azerbaijan, which will be implemented for the first time in the world under the auspices of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), Azernews reports.

Head of the Public Relations and Marketing Department of the Jafar Jabbarli AzerbaijanFilm Studio Ramil Gurban said that the filming of the movie "Molla Nasraddin. Friend of My Difficult Days", in which six Turkic-speaking countries, including Azerbaijan, Turkiye, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan, are participating, has already begun. The author of the script and director of the film is People's Artist Vagif Mustafayev.

Currently, the filming, which began six months ago, is taking place in Kyrgyzstan. Ramil Gurban said that the next filming is planned to be held in Turkiye, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan:

"The essence of this project is to bring Turkic-speaking countries closer together through a common culture and the idea of unity."

The film's scriptwriter and director Vagif Mustafayev said that the large pavilion of the AzerbaijanFilm studio is not empty at the moment:

"Shooting in Azerbaijan is scheduled for April. Since the pavilion is expected to be vacant by that time, it is currently rented, the scenery has been installed, and shooting is ongoing. By the end of March, we have invited set designers from abroad, they will install the scenery, and in April we will continue shooting the film in Azerbaijan."

Note that the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) was established in 1993 upon signature of its founding agreement by the Ministers of Culture of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Turkiye

Over the past years, TURKSOY has made significant contributions to promoting Turkic cultural heritage through different initiatives. Most of these projects have become a tradition and are continued every year.

Since its establishment, TURKSOY has been carrying out activities to strengthen the ties of brotherhood and solidarity among Turkic peoples, transmit the common Turkic culture to future generations and introduce it to the world.

The organization actively collaborates with international bodies like UNESCO and maintains partnerships with institutions such as the Organization of Turkic States and the International Turkish Academy.

Azerbaijan actively participates in TURKSOY's initiatives, hosting events like the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World project in Shusha city.

Many events of cultural significance, including the Kharibulbul International Folklore Festival, the Korkut Ata Turkic World Film Festival, the Cultural Days of the Turkic People, the Vagif Poetry Days, the International Festival of Children's Creativity, Wonderland Shusha 2023 International Scout Camp, and other events were organized in Azerbaijan's cultural center in accordance with the Action Plan.

AzerbaijanFilm studio is actively involved in the production and development of the local film industry.

The film studio has enriched the Azerbaijani film industry with a number of cinematic masterpieces.

The film studio was established in 1920 as a photo-cinema department at the Azerbaijani SSR People's Commissariat, and in 1923 was renamed after the Azerbaijani Photo-Cinema Office (AFKI).

Throughout the time, the film studio went through several name changes, including Azdovlatkino (1926-1930), Azkino (1930-1933), Azfilm (1933), Azdovlatkinosanaye (1934), Azarfilm (1935-1940), and Baku Cinema Studio (1941-1959), before adopting its present name in 1960.

The year 2023 marked the 100th anniversary of AzerbaijanFilm studio. This remarkable date is widely celebrated in the country throughout various events.

Apart from that, the film studio pays great attention to cooperation with the international partners like Tajikistan, Mexico and other countries.
30 January 2025 17:38 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

The Azerbaijani Cultural Centre in Vienna has hosted the presentation of the world-famous Austrian jewellery brand FREYWILLE's Magic Carpet collection, inspired by the patterns of Garabagh carpets, Azernews reports.

Leyla Gasimova, Director of the Azerbaijani Cultural Centre, opened the event, expressing her satisfaction with the inspiration drawn from Azerbaijan's national carpets, one of the country's oldest folk art forms, for the new collection by the renowned Austrian brand. She praised the decision to showcase the collection at the Azerbaijani Cultural Center.

Rovshan Sadigbayli, Extraordinary and Plenipotentionary Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Austria, highlighted the collection as a result of successful collaboration between Azerbaijani and Austrian institutions. He emphasised the collection's contribution to promoting Azerbaijani culture, particularly the Garabagh carpet-weaving tradition, on a global scale.

Friedrich Wille, head of FREYWILLE, highly appreciated the collaboration between the FREYWILLE and the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum.

Established in 1951, FREYWILLE has partnered with several prominent museums worldwide, including the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Claude Monet Museum in Giverny and the State Russian Museum. FREYWILLE's experts have created exquisite collections inspired by the works of such great artists as Gustav Klimt, Vincent van Gogh, Alphonse Mucha, William Morris and Paul Gauguin.

Through this partnership with the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, FREYWILLE is using Azerbaijani carpet patterns and motifs in jewellery design for the first time.

In her speech, Director of the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, Amina Melikova, stated that this unique collection was prepared based on the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the museum she leads and FREYWILLE.

She noted that the collection was first presented at the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum on December 5 last year with great success.

She stated that the Magic Carpet collection, created over approximately six months, was born out of special admiration and love for Azerbaijans national and cultural heritage:

This collection, which combines our nations rich history with modern art and jewellery technology, was inspired by the original patterns of Garabagh's famous flat woven Varni carpet. The main feature of this carpet is the stylised geometric dragon motifs on it. According to folk beliefs, protective dragons symbolise water, abundance and prosperity and were even considered the guardians of the home and family.

Amina Melikova marked that this collection would further promote Azerbaijani carpet art to wider audiences and reaffirm the cultural and national significance of these sacred decorative elements.

Alice Tipse, one of FREYWILLE's professional designers, noted that the samples they discovered in this unique museum were a great source of inspiration for creating the next work of art in jewellery. She evaluated the new collection as a magnificent harmony of craftsmanship, history and art. Through a presentation, she shared fascinating moments from the creation process with the guests.

The artistic part was performed by the renowned pianist Abuzar Manafzade and kamancha player Ruhulla Aziz.

Afterwards, the guests got acquainted with the Magic Carpet jewellery collection, as well as the Varni carpets from the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum's exposition.

A special stand featured the museum's promotional products inspired by the patterns of the Varni carpet.

At the end, a lottery was held among all event participants, where three winners were presented gifts from FREYWILLE.
30 January 2025 12:06 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

The treatment of the first person infected with the monkeypox virus in Azerbaijan has been completed at the relevant medical institution, Azernews reports, citing Trend.

According to the information, the person, whose condition is stable, was discharged for outpatient treatment.

It should be noted that a 22-year-old Azerbaijani citizen traveled abroad as a tourist from January 2 to 11, 2025. A few days after returning, he sought medical attention at one of the clinics in Baku, presenting symptoms including weakness, fever, watery rashes in the genital area, enlarged lymph nodes, and muscle pain.

The presence of an epidemiological link, in addition to the symptoms, prompted a laboratory test. The PCR test on a sample taken from the patient's rashes returned a positive result for the monkeypox virus.
30 January 2025 15:29 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili emphasized her countrys dedication to ensuring peace and stability in the South Caucasus during a joint press conference with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in Yerevan on Thursday.

According to Azernews, Botchorishvili expressed Georgias readiness to contribute to regional peace efforts, underscoring her countrys commitment to fostering stability and prosperity in the region. She also voiced hope that the peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan would be mutually acceptable, paving the way for a peaceful future.

Botchorishvili further highlighted the security challenges posed by Russias occupation of Georgian territories, noting that these issues must be addressed within the broader context of regional security. She reiterated that both Armenia and Georgia support each others sovereignty and territorial integrity, signaling strong bilateral ties.

In addition, the Georgian minister welcomed Armenia's growing relations with the EU and the US, stating that these developments would benefit the region.
29 January 2025 07:00 (UTC+04:00)

One of the important forms of implementing local self-government is municipal elections. Elections are a more mass form of expressing the will of the people.

Elections as a form of local self-government are widely practised in almost all democratic states. The main legal basis for the implementation of municipal elections in Azerbaijan is the Constitution of the country, the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan On the Rules of Municipal Elections adopted on July 2, 1999, and since 2003, the Election Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

First Municipal Elections in Country

The first municipal elections in Azerbaijan were held on December 12, 1999, during the presidency of National Leader Heydar Aliyev. 74 constituencies and 4,683 precinct election commissions were established in these elections. 90.5 thousand people were involved in the organization of the elections, and a number of parties registered by the Ministry of Justice at that time actively participated in these elections. The composition of the municipal precinct election commissions, which were held for the first time in the country, was composed of 18% and 30% representatives of political parties and public organizations, respectively. It is important to note that more than 5 thousand candidates from 21 political parties were included in the precinct election commissions in the first municipal elections held in Azerbaijan.

After some time, new reforms began to be implemented to improve municipalities and bring them into line with international standards. The first such reform was implemented in 2005 to ensure the relations of Azerbaijani municipalities with municipalities in other countries and their representation at international events. Thus, in this direction, the Law On Approval of the Model Regulations of Regional Associations of Municipalities was adopted and city, settlement and village associations of municipalities were established.

The first women's suffrage in the East

Among the Eastern countries, Azerbaijan was the first country to give value and freedom to women and provide freedom of choice. It is no coincidence that it has set an example in the development of political, cultural, and social life.

As a result of the municipal elections held in Azerbaijan in 2019, as in previous elections, a significant increase was observed in the number of women and youth among the newly elected municipal members. Thus, the number of women was 5,847 (38.8%), and the number of youths was 6,012 (39.9%).

It should be noted that municipal reforms in Azerbaijan began in 2024 and were determined by the Law dated April 4, 2024.

It is no coincidence that the next municipal elections were held in Azerbaijan today. Voting for municipal elections started at all polling stations in Azerbaijan at 08:00 AM Baku time.

A total of 8,071 municipal representatives competed in elections in 685 municipalities among 118 electoral districts.

This year, there were 5,846 polling booths for municipal elections, 5,734 of which were permanent positions, and 112 of which were temporary positions. The number of eligible voters was 5,961,987.

As always, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev participated in the voting in this year's municipal elections. This is also a manifestation of the attention and importance the head of state attaches to the future activities of municipalities.

Although municipalities in Azerbaijan are independent bodies, this independence granted to them is not understood as leaving municipalities outside the control of the state and civil society. Municipalities, being a form of civil society in the country, are responsible to the state and society. They are directly responsible for solving socio-economic issues of local importance.
30 January 2025 10:00 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

The trilateral dialogue format between Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Turkiye is establishing a robust and efficient platform for cooperation among the three Turkic states. The leaders of these nations have played a significant role in elevating intergovernmental relations to a high level, Azernews reports, citing Uzbek Foreign Minister Baxtiyar Saidov, as he said during a joint press conference held in Ankara following the trilateral meeting of the foreign, trade, and transport ministers of Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Turkiye.

The minister recalled the signing of the strategic cooperation agreement between Uzbekistan and Turkiye and emphasized that the alliance with Azerbaijan is also at a high level.

He noted that mutually beneficial cooperation opens up new opportunities for the countries.

"In recent years, the interaction between our states has reached unprecedented levels. Our positions in foreign policy are converging, dynamics are being observed, and new directions for cooperation are being determined," said Saidov.

He added that Tashkent is ready to further strengthen the strategic dialogue with Baku and Ankara.The Uzbek foreign minister highlighted the country's open, pragmatic, and proactive political course under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

"Despite the crises and challenges of the modern era, Tashkent continues its course of deepening friendly relations with Central Asian countries and developing partnerships with various global partners," he stated.

According to the minister, relations with Turkic states, including the development of transport corridors, are a crucial priority for Uzbekistan.

Saidov stressed the importance of the early commissioning of the Trans-Afghan railway, stating that "this will be a strong stimulus for the development of trade between Central and South Asia and will positively impact global trade."

In conclusion, the Uzbek minister expressed readiness to develop relations with Azerbaijan and Turkiye in the fields of tourism and culture and wished Baku success in organizing large international events.
30 January 2025 14:24 (UTC+04:00)

The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a letter of condolences to the President of the US Donald Trump over the death of a large number of people resulting from the collision of a passenger airplane with a military helicopter near the Washington DC, Azernews reports.

The letter reads:

"Dear Mr. President,

We were deeply saddened by the news of the collision between a passenger plane and an army helicopter near Washington, resulting in the loss of many lives.

In light of this tragedy, I extend my deepest condolences to you, the families and loved ones of the victims, and to the friendly people of the United States, on behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan."

Ilham Aliyev

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Baku, 30 January 2025
30 January 2025 16:04 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

On January 30, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov conducted a meeting with Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), who is on a working visit to Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

Upon welcoming the guest, Colonel General Z.Hasanov conveyed his satisfaction with seeing him in Azerbaijan. The Minister of Defense extended his gratitude for the humanitarian aid provided by the Kingdom of Bahrain, as well as for its support in international organizations during the 44-day Patriotic War, which culminated in the glorious Victory of the Azerbaijan Army.

Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa expressed his sincere appreciation for the warm welcome and exceptional hospitality. He highlighted the significance of mutual visits in fostering the development of bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting included an in-depth exchange of views on the current state and further expansion of cooperation in both the military and military-educational fields, as well as regional security issues.
30 January 2025 09:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

Uzbekistan has signed an agreement to import Turkish ANKA UAVs, manufactured by TAI/TUSAS, Azernews reports.

It is noted that the delivery of the drones is expected to begin in the near future, although the exact number of units has not been disclosed.

The ANKA is a single-engine UAV capable of staying airborne for up to 30 hours and has a payload capacity of up to 350 kilograms. It is designed for a variety of roles, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence gathering.

This agreement marks an important step in Uzbekistan's efforts to enhance its defense and surveillance capabilities. The ANKA UAVs are known for their advanced technology, including high-definition cameras and the ability to operate in challenging environments. As part of a broader regional trend, many countries in Central Asia are increasingly turning to unmanned aerial systems (UAVs) for both military and border security purposes.
30 January 2025 19:40 (UTC+04:00)

A delegation from the Ministry of Trade met with Syrian Minister of Trade and Consumer Protection Maher Khalil al-Hasan, Chairman of the Land and Maritime Border Authority Qutayba Badawi and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Duhan in Damascus yesterday.

During the meeting, steps to be taken in economic and commercial relations between Turkiye and Syria were determined.

In a statement made by the Ministry of Trade, it was stated that "Great progress has been made in Turkiye-Syria relations in the new period that began with the collapse of the old regime in Syria on December 8, 2024 and the people gaining freedom."

Decision to reassess taxes on some products

The statement continued as follows:

"In this context, a new era has begun in foreign trade relations between our country, which is Syria's largest trade partner, and Syria. Turkish products can now reach not only the regions liberated by our peacekeeping operations in the north, but also all of Syria's lands and people.

Some misunderstandings and confusions have emerged in the process that began with the implementation of a common and single customs regime for all neighboring countries and all countries of the world, which was put into effect by the new government administration in Syria on January 11, 2025.

In response, the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Turkiye held meetings with Syrian authorities via video conference, supervised by our state institutions. In this context, a delegation of ours consisting of relevant technical staff, headed by Deputy Minister of Trade Mustafa Tuzcu, arrived in Damascus, the capital of Syria, on Thursday, January 23, 2025, with Turkish Airlines (IS:THYAO), which made its first flight.

A delegation from the Ministry of Trade met with Syrian Minister of Trade and Consumer Protection Maher Khalil al-Hasan, Chairman of the Land and Maritime Border Authority Qutayba Badawi and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Duhan in Damascus yesterday.

Road map for two countries

During the meetings, the current situation between Turkiye and Syria, as well as the steps to be taken in economic and commercial relations and customs issues were discussed, and the following roadmap for the upcoming period was determined:

 Revision of Customs Duties: It was decided that the customs duties applied equally to all countries and at all border gates by the Syrian side will be re-evaluated for certain products as of January 11, 2025.

 Free Trade Agreement: It was agreed to start negotiations to revive the Turkiye-Syria Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which was suspended in 2011, with a more comprehensive economic partnership approach.

 Economic and Commercial Cooperation: It was decided to cooperate in the fields of industrial and agricultural products trade, transit transportation, bilateral transportation, contracting etc. for the revival of the Syrian economy. Syria stated that Turkish companies will play a key role in the development of Syria and will play a leading role in the development of Syrian industry.

 Participation of Turkish Companies in Reconstruction Areas, Works and Projects Throughout Syria: Coordination will be established with the Syrian administration so that Turkish companies, which have only provided services to certain regions of Syria until now, will operate throughout the country and evaluate investment opportunities in the new period.

 Cooperation at Border Gates and Customs Areas: It was decided to strengthen the existing coordination in order to manage the increasing traffic at commercial crossing points with Syria more quickly and efficiently.
30 January 2025 23:30 (UTC+04:00)

Dushanbe recently hosted a roundtable discussing preparations for the 2025 International Conference on Glacier Preservation, Azernews reports, citing the Committee for Environmental Protection's press center.

The meeting was attended by members of the Coordination Council of Development Partners in environmental protection and climate change, along with diplomatic representatives and international and regional organizations based in Tajikistan.

Key objectives for the conference were outlined, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sharing details on the events program and preparation.

Development Partners expressed their commitment to supporting the events organization.
The main targets of the early stages of the deportation efforts of ICE has been targeted at criminal illegal aliens and members of violent criminal gangs like MS13 and Tren de Aragua (TdA). Dozens of TdA memers have been rounded up and most had been allowed over the border on Biden's "catch and release" program. TdA only arrived in the US two years ago, and is now active in about half the states. It has moved its headquarters from Venezuela to Juarez, Mexico, just across the Rio Grande from the US.

One TdA leader arrested today was caught just in time. He was one of those involved in the Aurora, Colorado apartment takeovers, but is now in New York City. The scary thing is that he was in the process of acquiring hand grenades at the time he was arrested. It boggles the mind what a group like TdA would have used those for.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14339875/kristi-noem-migrant-gangster-grenades-arrested-ice.html
Criminal gangs stopping trains on their tracks and stealing goods carried on them reminds one of movies of the Old West, but a Mexican crime cartel has recently escalated their criminal activities here by carrying out a train robbery on US soil. Their impact in the US in the past has mainly been through drug smuggling and human smuggling of illegal aliens.

The Sinaloa cartel has been engaged in train robberies with a modern touch. Their technique for forcing the trains to stop so they can loot them is to cut their air brakes. In a recent train robbery in Arizona, eleven members of the Sinaloa cartel were arrested and charged. The goods they stole were Nike shoes.

https://redstate.com/wardclark/2025/01/29/sinaloa-cartel-members-busted-for-train-robbery-in-arizona-n2184949

President Trump has recently designated the Mexican crime cartels as international terrorist groups, which will allow use of military assets against them.
He wants the Belfast workforce to number in the thousands in future

Waves of optimism have been felt at many points over Harland & Wolffs 160-year history in Belfast.

The hundreds of workers assembled at the yard on Wednesday to meet representatives from new owners, Navantia, must have felt an acute stab of deja vu.
Brian Lavery, CBRE NI managing director with Elin Hauge, global AI and business strategist at CBRE NIs Outlook 2025 event

Room2 Belfast is now on the market for a guide price of 21.2m

Belfast aparthotel room2 has been put on the market at a guide price of 21.2m, it was announced on Thursday.

Commercial property agency CBRE NI revealed it had been instructed to sell the property during its annual Outlook event at ICC Belfast.

The nine-storey 175-room hotel opened in October 2023 on Queen Street, and runs on 100% electric and low-carbon renewable energy.

CBRE NI described it as one of the greenest aparthotels in Northern Europe.

Room2's Hometel in Belfast

The Northern Ireland Investment Fund, managed by CBRE Capital Advisors, provided construction finance for the hotel. It was built by Oakland Holdings, led by Belfast-based property developer Gareth Graham.

Brian Lavery, CBRE NI managing director, said the room2 sale followed a record-breaking year in the hotel sector.

With 57m invested across eight sales, the market has set new benchmarks in both transaction volume and trading performance.

Revenue per available room rose by 8% in the first nine months of 2024 in Belfast and across Northern Ireland, and this is a trend we expect to continue throughout 2025.

The combined impact of new developments, refurbishments, and key transactions demonstrates the continued growth potential within this sector.

"We have no doubt that room2 Belfast will attract significant attention from parties hoping to invest and do business in Northern Ireland.

New hotel brands including Adagio, Staybridge Suites, and Yotel are also set to begin construction in the city.

The theme of the CBRE NI Outlook event on Thursday was Real Estate and the AI Landscape.

Other aspects of the commercial property market were discussed at the event, including the trend of growth in the Belfast office market. It recorded a total take-up of 348,000 sq ft in 2024, representing an increase of 33% compared to 2023.

Demand for prime retail locations remains robust, driven by strong occupier interest, with 2025 holding promising opportunities for growth and reinvention.

According to CBRE NI, there had been large-scale interest from retailers and manufacturers in the logistics sector. But conversion rates remained low largely due to a lack of suitable sites and rising build costs.

Room2, Belfast

Total commercial property investment amounted to 118m across 24 transactions, representing a 65% decrease from 338m in 2023.

And it heard that the market for purpose-built student accommodation has still not been exhausted, with 26% of Belfasts full-time student population relying on other rented accommodation.

Global AI and business strategist Elin Hauge addressed the event, talking about the evolving role of AI in modern business.

The event also featured Spencer Levy, CBREs global client strategist and senior economic advisor, who provided a forecast of what may lie ahead throughout 2025 and beyond in the wake of the Trump inauguration.

Simon Brown, head of UK office research at CBRE, discussed the relationship between the UKs macroeconomic environment and Northern Irelands property market.

He said: The Northern Ireland market continues to reflect broader UK trends, with resilience in key sectors.

As sustainability and innovation remain focal points, Belfast is well-positioned to attract both investment and international attention.

Room2 Belfast is now on the market for a guide price of 21.2m

Men and boys in Northern Ireland challenged to change their attitudes towards women and girls in new campaign
Bank of Ireland UK is promising more efficient banking as well as faster payments for retail and SMEs as it announces a 100m investment over three years.

The bank, which opened its first branch in Newry 200 years ago this year, has its UK operations headquartered in Belfast.

It is also pledged to expand its sustainable lending, mortgage and broker offerings, alongside increasing the functionality of its mobile banking app.

The company has also recently announced investments in its 13 remaining in-person branches in Northern Ireland and a 3m spend on improving ATMs.

Physical banks have become increasingly rare across Northern Ireland as the institutions have moved more and more of their functionality to online or remote services.

Over 50 banks have closed in Northern Ireland in the last five years, with some local representatives complaining that there are small towns with either limited or no opportunities for in-person banking.

Gail Goldie, CEO of Bank of Ireland UK, said: This investment is a measure of our ambition to continue to support our customers in Northern Ireland and sustainably grow our business.

We remain a trusted financial partner to our customers because weve continually evolved to meet their needs and help them achieve their goals  like home ownership, starting and growing a business, and planning for the future.

This year is an important one for Bank of Ireland in Northern Ireland as we mark 200 years since we opened our first local branch in Newry in 1825.

As we celebrate this milestone, and announce this significant investment in our products and services, we look to the future with ambition and confidence.
Meta has agreed to pay 25 million dollars (20 million) to settle a lawsuit filed by US President Donald Trump against the company after it suspended his accounts following the January 6 2021 attack on the Capitol, according to three people familiar with the matter.

It is the latest instance of a large corporation settling litigation with the president, who has threatened retribution on his critics and rivals, and comes as Meta and its chief executive Mark Zuckerberg have joined other large technology companies in trying to ingratiate themselves with the new Trump administration.
What is gamers rage in children and what can parents do to deal with it?
A Belfast man who assaulted two brothers and allegedly told their dad to get back on your boat denies any racist intent, a court heard today.

David Fulton faces prosecution for allegedly grabbing and headbutting the teenagers during encounters close to their home in the north of the city.
Pastor opens up on his lengthy wait to be diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimers

Graham McElhinney waited four years before getting his diagnosis

A Co Tyrone man who had to wait four years before being diagnosed with early onset Alzheimers has urged the Health Minister to help ease the burden on families in a similar situation.

Graham McElhinney (57), originally from Londonderry but now lives in Omagh, was part of a delegation from Dementia NI that met with Mike Nesbitt last week.

The pastor, who first saw his doctor in 2018 before receiving the diagnosis in 2022, first became concerned after noticing lapses in concentration and early morning brain fog.

"Thats when I first consulted my doctor, Mr McElhinney said.

I spent four years apologising to my family for turning into a grumpy old man.

It was so frustrating for everyone.

Eventually, in April 2022, a diagnosis of early onset Alzheimers came and with it the relief that he could at least try to take measures to manage his life and seek the support he and his family needed.

I know its difficult to think you might be relieved to get that diagnosis, the clergyman said.

"But after waiting for so long thats what it was. One big collective sigh of relief.

It took four years when the UK average target was to get a diagnosis within six weeks. The stress it all put on my wife and our two sons lasted right through that time.

The pastor of Life Triumphant Church found out via an online video-link consultation with a doctor from Manchester.

There isnt the staffing level to manage it here, Mr McElhinney said.

In the end, it took 10 minutes. Then we were left to deal with it ourselves.

The team from Dementia NI met with Health Minister Mike Nesbitt to press for earlier interventions in diagnosing dementia

But at least, after so long, we all had a base to move forward from. We could start to make small adjustments and allowances to manage it.

My life is as normal as it was before.

I still have a full life, but a lot of that is down to the support from the people at Dementia NI.

For four years, Mr McElhinney was unable to access support from charities as he didnt have a diagnosis.

I had my family, he said, There are others who might not be so lucky.

There are currently over 22,000 people living with dementia in NI.

That figure is set to double by 2040 but it is estimated only two-thirds of people with disease have been diagnosed.

We did come away from the meeting in a very positive mood, Mr McElhinney said.

I know this illness is going to be progressive. It is for everyone, but we were able to get the message across that the earlier we get the diagnosis the more opportunity there is for the right treatment, support and conversations with our families.

Campaigners have expressed concern about the absence of dementia in Stormonts draft Programme for Government published last year.

Allison Batchelor (64) is also a member of Dementia NI.

There was mention of time critical waiting lists being a priority, but it isnt clear if this includes dementia, she said.

We know that nationally the benchmark timeframe from referral to diagnosis should be six weeks. This is nowhere near what we are hearing from people who are waiting for or have just received a diagnosis.

Stephanie Green is Dementia NI Campaigns and Membership Lead.

Dementia is categorised by the Department of Health as a terminal illness, she said.

There will be a focus on cancer and other time critical illnesses. We are shocked that despite the projection that the number of people with a dementia diagnosis is to double by 2040, there is little mention of dementia.

Our members feel invisible and at the back of the queue, but they are living proof that you can live well with dementia, but an early diagnosis is the key which unlocks access to appropriate medication and support.

Following the meeting, Mr Nesbitt said: It is vital that we ensure that those in Northern Ireland who are affected by dementia are afforded opportunities and access to improved care and services.

A key aim in the draft Programme for Government 2024-2027 is to cut health waiting times. This would include waiting times in relation to dementia assessment and diagnosis, he added.

I am aware that much work will be required to make this a reality, including a focus on workforce pressures which continue to impact upon waiting times service users encounter.

Progress has been made, however, in setting up a Regional Dementia Services Project Board, a key focus of which will be to decrease waiting times for assessment and diagnosis and make improvements in this and other areas.
January has been the month of love for footballers in Fermanagh, it appears, as three NFC Kesh players have scored marriage proposals.

Back of the net

Jake Irvine, Josh Flack and David Smith each recently popped the big question, with their respective partners  Sian Shields, Melissa Keys and Michelle Elliott  all saying Yes.

Sian Shields and Jake Irvine; Josh Flack and Melissa Keys; David Smith and Michelle Elliott (Image: Kesh NFC FB)

A spokesperson for the Fermanagh and Western League club shared images of the three delighted couples on social media, stating: The club would like to congratulate three senior players who recently tested the hamstrings by getting down on one knee.

Wishing you all the best for the future, and happy planning!

GAA Palestine marks first match

With a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas now underway after 15 months of terror and violence, GAA Palestine  run by many volunteers from across the island of Ireland, as well as Palestine and the UK  saw its first ever hurling match take place this month.

The first official GAA Palestine group meeting took place on January 16, and three GAA Palestine volunteers are currently helping to build the Motaz Sarsour GAA club in Ramallah, which was set up in August last year.

GAA Palestine

The ceasefire deal aims to bring a permanent end to the fighting and to free hostages held by Hamas in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

GAA Palestine hopes to introduce Gaelic games to the children of the area, to help provide the young people with a supportive environment away from the turmoil of conflict.

The organisation is continuing to host hurling camps in Bethlehem, Tulkarem and Al- Khalil (Hebron), where new GAA clubs are to be built soon.

Journey into Irelands past

A new video game, released last Friday, is taking its participants on a short, dreamlike experience where you embark on a metaphysical journey into Irelands subconscious past.

Titled Benign Land, this mystical walking simulator was actually initially commissioned as an art installation in Belfast, but its creator, Leandros Ntolas, has now taken it one step further, as an online encounter for anyone to experience.

Snapshot of 'Benign Land'

The creator adds: Drift through and explore haunting scenes from pagan times to recent historical events, revolving around the Troubles of Northern Ireland.

The concept has been inspired by local literary legends, such as Seamus Heaney, and also takes players on a dreamlike journey through meticulously crafted scenes reflecting Irish history, including the Famine, as well as the recent Troubles.

Benign Land launched on STEAM, a digital platform for buying, paying and discussing PC games.
A 62-year-old man has been extradited from the Republic to Northern Ireland as part of the criminal proceedings into the murders of three RUC officers during the Troubles.
The scene of the alert in south Belfast Photo: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

A search operation in the Empire Street area of south Belfast where a man in his 50's was arrested following the discovery of a "suspicious object" on January 29th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

A search operation in the Empire Street area of south Belfast where a man in his 50's was arrested following the discovery of a "suspicious object" on January 29th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

A search operation in the Empire Street area of south Belfast where a man in his 50's was arrested following the discovery of a "suspicious object" on January 29th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

A search operation in the Empire Street area of south Belfast where a man in his 50's was arrested following the discovery of a "suspicious object" on January 29th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

A 50-year old man has been charged with a number of offences in connection with an ongoing Belfast security alert.

Earlier today, police said they discovered what is believed to be an improvised grenade following a major search operation at a property in south Belfast. The device has since been removed and made safe.

The man was arrested yesterday following the discovery of a suspicious object. He has been charged with a number of offences in connection with the investigation and will appear before Belfast Magistrates Court tomorrow (Friday).

Photographs from the scene last night showed several Tactical Support Group officers searching a house in the Empire Street area with a number of plain-clothes armed officers at the scene.

In an updated statement on Friday evening morning, a PSNI spokesperson said police remain at the scene but evacuated residents have returned to their home.

Chief Inspector Mark Conway said: The object, believed to be an improvised grenade, has been removed and made safe by ATO  evacuated residents in the area have also been allowed to return home.

A 50-year-old man who was arrested has now been charged with a number of offences in connection with the investigation. He is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court on Friday morning, 31st January.

We would reiterate our message that we are aware of inaccurate online speculation regarding this alert, and we advise the public not rely on such sources for their information.

I would also like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding as a public safety operation was carried out overnight and into today.

I fully understand the disruption this can cause, however, our primary aim throughout the course of this operation was to keep our community safe.

Our enquiries remain ongoing, with a police presence remaining in the area overnight as we continue with our enquiries. Anyone with information which could assist our investigation or noticed anything suspicious in the area in recent days, is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 401 29/01/25.

On Thursday, Mr Conway had said: Following the discovery of a suspicious object in the area, officers have commenced a public safety operation.

"A number of homes have been evacuated and motorists are advised to avoid the area. We thank residents for their understanding as we continue to keep the local community safe.

Officers will continue to provide a visible policing presence in the area and an update will be provided in due course.

It is understood the security alert is centred around a residential property near the Laganside Auctions building, with the street cordoned off at the junction of Lamberg Street.

Speaking to this newspaper yesterday, a member of staff at the business said: It is just happening out the back of the building. It seems to be one of the houses out towards the back.

"One of our staff members approached the police officers and they said it was OK for us to remain.

"We have just been working away here.

A search operation in the Empire Street area of south Belfast where a man in his 50's was arrested following the discovery of a "suspicious object" on January 29th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Watch: Never before seen relics revealed in Strand Arts Centre renovations
Two cars have been destroyed following a Co Down arson attack on Wednesday night.

Police said the incident targeted the vehicles outside a property in the Manse Close area of Newtownards at around 10.10pm when the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service were tasked to extinguish the blaze.

A PSNI spokesperson said: "It was confirmed that an accelerant had been poured over two vehicles before they were set alight. The vehicles were parked close to a property, and it's extremely fortunate that our Fire Service colleagues were able to attend quickly enough to extinguish the blaze before the home, which had residents inside at the time, also caught fire.

"Our enquiries have identified a red Peugeot 307, driven by two masked men dressed in blue overalls, as being involved. This vehicle was later recovered in the Millisle area.

"We would appeal to anyone who was in the Manse Close area of Newtownards last night, who witnessed the attack take place, to contact police. We would also like to hear from anyone who saw a red Peugeot being driven in a suspicious manner from Newtownards through Carrowdore towards Millisle.

"We'd be particularly keen to hear from anyone who has dashcam or other footage.

"The number to call is 101, quoting reference 1720 of 29/01/25."
Counting in the Seanad elections continues at the RDS in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA)

Independents Michael McDowell, Ronan Mullen and Alice Mary Higgins have all been re-elected to the Seanad.

Mr McDowell was the first to be elected in the National University of Ireland (NUI) panel, with 11,390 first preference votes.

Seanad Eireann is the upper house of the Irish parliament.

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Out of a valid poll of 36,114, the NUI panel had a quota of 9,029.

Speaking afterwards, Mr McDowell said he was very grateful to be re-elected and returning to the 27th Seanad.

Outgoing senators Ronan Mullen and Alice Mary Higgins were re-elected on the eighth count.

It means that all three candidates on the NUI panel have held their seats.

On the Dublin University/Trinity College panel, incumbent Lynn Ruane topped the poll with 3,761 votes, and was elected on the 11th count.

Independent Tom Clonan was also re-elected on the 13th count.

Former childrens minister Katherine Zappone, who was among the most well-known of the candidates, was eliminated on the ninth count.

Meanwhile, the counting process for the five vocational panels is continuing at Leinster House.

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A total of 111 candidates are competing for the 43 seats.

Counting began with the Cultural and Education panel on Thursday, and is expected to continue until Bank Holiday Monday.

Sinn Feins Pauline Tully was the first to be elected.

As soon as each panel is counted, the counting staff will move to the next panel.

Counting will begin at 9.30am each day and continue until around midnight.

All results will be posted on the Oireachtas website and social media sites.

The counting order of panels will be Cultural and Education; Agricultural; Labour; Industrial and Commercial; and Administrative.

The vast majority of the public do not have a vote in the Seanad.

The Dails TDs, outgoing senators and local authority councillors make up the electorate for the five vocational panels.

Counting in the Seanad elections continues at the RDS in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA)

Graduates of NUI institutions and Trinity College Dublin vote for the six seats across the two panels.

The final 11 Seanad seats are appointed by Taoiseach Micheal Martin.

Among those running for a seat are Fine Gaels Alan Farrell, Fianna Fails Joe Flaherty, Green Partys Malcolm Noonan, as well as Sinn Feins Conor Murphy and Pauline Tully.

Mr Murphy, who is the partys chief negotiator and Stormont Economy Minister, announced the surprise move last month.

The Newry and Armagh representative, who is running in the Industrial and Commercial panel, said that constitutional change is coming and that his experience will drive efforts for referenda and Irish reunification.

Other notable candidates include Frances Black, Restaurants Association of Ireland chief executive Adrian Cummins, and former TD Cathal Berry.

Elected senators will debate legislation put forward by the Government.

They can amend Bills and propose their own Bills but cannot prevent one from becoming law.
A study has found which patients at higher risk of bowel cancer could benefit from a new test (Alamy/PA)

A new method for detecting bowel cancer is more than 90% accurate at predicting which higher risk people will develop the disease, research has shown.

People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohns and ulcerative colitis, are known to have an increased chance of bowel cancer, but not all will develop it.

Now, a study, funded by Cancer Research UK, has shown more than 90% accuracy in predicting bowel cancer risk in the next five years in a high-risk group of people with IBD.

This could lead to a blood test which will inform doctors which IBD patients are most at risk of bowel cancer.

Professor Trevor Graham, from the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), which co-led the research, said: Most people with ulcerative colitis or Crohns disease wont develop bowel cancer.

But for those that have these conditions and are showing signs of pre-cancer in their colon, there are some tough decisions to make.

Either they have it monitored regularly, in the hope that it doesnt become cancer, or they have their bowel removed to guarantee they dont get cancer in the future. Neither of these options are particularly pleasant.

Our test and algorithm give people with IBD, and the doctors who care for them, the best possible information so that they can make the right decision about how to manage their cancer risk.

We can accurately identify those people at high risk whilst putting the minds of many others at rest.

IBD can irritate the lining of the bowel and can cause abnormal pre-cancerous cells to form if left untreated.

To identify peoples cancer risk, scientists at the ICR, working with doctors at St Marks, the UKs specialist bowel hospital, found that people with IBD whose pre-cancerous cells had lost multiple copies of their DNA were far more likely to go on to develop bowel cancer.

The scientists also created an algorithm that calculates the risk of future bowel cancer, based on the exact pattern of the DNA which is altered in the pre-cancerous cells.

Taken together, scientists hope the findings could spare people who are at much lower risk from the stress of needing regular colonoscopies or undergoing surgery to remove the colon.

Professor Ailsa Hart, co-lead of the study, from St Marks, said: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer than people without IBD, and need to undergo assessment with regular colonoscopies to try to detect early signs of cancer.

These tests are onerous and unpleasant for patients, imperfect at detecting early cancer changes and costly to health services.

If early signs of cancer are detected, surgery, which involves removing the colon, is advocated. Finding smarter ways to assess these colons is much needed.

Here we describe a potential biomarker, which can be readily translated into clinical practice, to improve assessment of patients with IBD and early signs of cancer to help with the decision for surgery.

Executive director of research and innovation at Cancer Research UK, Dr Iain Foulkes, said: Genome sequencing is now far cheaper and more widespread than ever before, and its changing how we look at cancer.

Getting a full readout of tumour DNA means we can see a much bigger picture of how someones cancer started and how it is likely to change over time.

With this research, we can focus resources on treating people with IBD who are at really high risk, saving health services valuable time and money.

We can also give those at lower risk peace of mind and remove the fear of bowel cancer in the future.

In the study, published in the journal Gut, samples of pre-cancerous cells were taken from 122 patients with IBD.

About half of the patients went on to develop bowel cancer within five years, whilst the other half remained cancer-free.

All of the samples had their full DNA scanned to look for changes in the structure and number of copies in the DNA.

The scientists found that patients with IBD who developed bowel cancer had lost multiple copies of their DNA.

About 500,000 people in the UK are thought to have Crohns or ulcerative colitis.

Marianne Radcliffe, chief executive of Crohns and Colitis UK, said the test was hugely exciting, adding: This is really positive news for people with Crohns and Colitis; just as with inflammatory bowel disease, we know the earlier you find out about cancer, the better.
People react as they watch a broadcast of the release of Israeli soldier Agam Berger in Tel Aviv (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Hamas-led militants freed eight hostages on Thursday in the latest release since a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip took hold earlier this month. Israel was expected to release another 110 Palestinian prisoners.

The release was delayed by a chaotic scene in which a crowd of Palestinians surrounded and jeered at hostages as they were turned over to the Red Cross.

The truce is aimed at winding down the deadliest and most destructive war ever fought between Israel and Hamas, whose October 7 2023 attack into Israel sparked the fighting.

It has held despite a dispute earlier this week over the sequence in which the hostages were released.

Israeli soldier Arbel Yehoud is escorted by Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters as she is handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

The first hostage, female Israeli soldier Agam Berger, was released in northern Gaza.

Hours later, a chaotic scene unfolded as thousands of people pressed around a handover site in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, in front of the destroyed home of killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

Footage showed Arbel Yehoud, a 29-year-old hostage, looking stunned as she was led through the crowd by militants toward waiting Red Cross vehicles.

Hundreds of militants from Hamas and the smaller Islamic Jihad group arrived with a convoy in a show of force, and thousands of people gathered to watch, some from the tilted rooftops of bombed-out buildings.

Israeli soldier Agam Berger walks next to masked Islamic Jihad militants as she is handed over to the Red Cross at the Jabalya refugee camp in Gaza City (AP Photo/Mohammed Hajjar)

Many in the crowd shouted and surrounded Ms Yehoud as masked militants pushed people away and escorted her through.

Red Cross vehicles were delayed as they tried to drive away. The Israeli military later said the hostages had been transferred by Red Cross to Israeli forces inside Gaza.

The other two Israelis released on Thursday were Ms Yehoud and Gadi Moses, an 80-year-old man. Five Thai nationals were freed, but were not been officially identified.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the shocking scene and called on international mediators to prevent similar events in the future.

Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters contain the crowd as cars carrying Israeli Gadi Mozes and Arbel Yehoud are escorted to be handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Hamas had earlier handed Ms Berger, 20, to the Red Cross after parading her in front of a crowd in the heavily destroyed urban refugee camp of Jabaliya in northern Gaza.

The Israeli government later released footage of Ms Berger hugging and crying with her parents.

She was among five young, female soldiers abducted in the October 7 attack. The other four were released on Saturday.

People cheered, clapped and whistled at a square in Tel Aviv where supporters of the hostages watched Ms Bergers handover on big screens next to a large clock that has counted the days the hostages have been in captivity.

Red Cross vehicles, left, wait for the hand-over of Israeli soldier hostage Agam Berger at the Jabalya refugee camp in Gaza City (AP Photo/Mohammad Abu Samra)

Some held signs saying: Agam were waiting for you at home.

A number of foreign workers were taken captive along with dozens of Israeli civilians and soldiers during Hamas attack.

Twenty-three Thais were among more than 100 hostages released during a week-long ceasefire in November 2023. Israel says eight Thais remain in captivity, two of whom are believed to be dead.

Of the people set to be released from prisons in Israel, 30 are serving life sentences after being convicted of deadly attacks against Israelis.

Displaced Palestinians make their way from central Gaza to their homes in the northern Gaza Strip (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Zakaria Zubeidi, a prominent former militant leader and theatre director who took part in a dramatic jailbreak in 2021 before being rearrested days later, is also among those set to be released.

Israel said Ms Yehoud was supposed to have been freed Saturday and delayed the opening of crossings to northern Gaza when she was not.

The United States, Egypt and Qatar, which brokered the ceasefire after a year of tough negotiations, resolved the dispute with an agreement that Ms Yehoud would be released on Thursday.

Another three hostages, all men, are set to be freed on Saturday along with dozens more Palestinian prisoners.

On Monday, Israel began allowing Palestinians to return to northern Gaza, the most heavily destroyed part of the territory, and hundreds of thousands streamed back. Many found only mounds of rubble where their homes had been.

Hamas started the war when it sent thousands of fighters storming into Israel. The militants killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted about 250.

Israels ensuing air and ground war among the deadliest and most destructive in decades. More than 47,000 Palestinians have been killed, over half of them women and children, according to Gazas health ministry, which does not say how many of the dead were militants.
Hamas began the process of freeing three more Israeli hostages and five Thai captives on Thursday, and Israel was expected to release another 110 Palestinian prisoners, in the third such exchange since a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip took hold earlier this month.

The truce is aimed at winding down the deadliest and most destructive war ever fought between Israel and Hamas, whose October 7 2023 attack into Israel sparked the fighting.

It has held despite a dispute earlier this week over the sequence in which the hostages were released.

Hamas handed female Israeli soldier Agam Berger, 20, to the Red Cross at a ceremony in the heavily destroyed urban refugee camp of Jabaliya in northern Gaza. The Israeli government later confirmed that Ms Berger was with its forces.

Israeli soldier Agam Berger walks next to masked Islamic Jihad militants as she is handed over to the Red Cross at the Jabalya refugee camp in Gaza City (Mohammed Hajjar/AP)

Hamas had set up two locations for the release, one in Jabaliya and the other in the southern city of Khan Younis, in front of the destroyed home of slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

Red Cross vehicles arrived at Jabaliya, where hundreds of masked militants and onlookers had gathered.

The Israelis set to be released are: Arbel Yehoud, 29; Berger, 20  who was abducted along with four other female soldiers who were freed Saturday; and Gadi Moses, an 80-year-old man.

There was no official confirmation of the identities of the Thai nationals who will be released.

A number of foreign workers were taken captive along with dozens of Israeli civilians and soldiers during Hamas attack.

Displaced Palestinians make their way from central Gaza to their homes in the northern Gaza Strip (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP)

Twenty-three Thais were among more than 100 hostages released during a week-long ceasefire in November 2023. Israel says eight Thais remain in captivity, two of whom are believed to be dead.

Of the people set to be released from prisons in Israel, 30 are serving life sentences after being convicted of deadly attacks against Israelis.

Zakaria Zubeidi, a prominent former militant leader and theatre director who took part in a dramatic jailbreak in 2021 before being rearrested days later, is also among those set to be released.

Israel said Ms Yehoud was supposed to have been freed Saturday and delayed the opening of crossings to northern Gaza when she was not.

Palestinians walk through buildings that were destroyed by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Tel al-Hawa, Gaza Strip (Mohamamd Abu Samra/AP)

The United States, Egypt and Qatar, which brokered the ceasefire after a year of tough negotiations, resolved the dispute with an agreement that Ms Yehoud would be released on Thursday.

Another three hostages, all men, are set to be freed on Saturday along with dozens more Palestinian prisoners.

On Monday, Israel began allowing Palestinians to return to northern Gaza, the most heavily destroyed part of the territory, and hundreds of thousands streamed back. Many found only mounds of rubble where their homes had been.

In the first phase of the ceasefire, Hamas is set to release a total of 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, older adults and sick or wounded men, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

Palestinians inspect their homes destroyed by Israeli attacks in Jabaliya, northern Gaza Strip (Jehad Alshrafi/AP)

Israel says Hamas has confirmed that eight of the hostages to be released in this phase are dead.

Palestinians have cheered the release of the prisoners, whom they widely see as heroes who have sacrificed for the cause of ending Israels decades-long occupation of lands they want for a future state.

Israeli forces have meanwhile pulled back from most of Gaza, allowing hundreds of thousands of people to return to what remains of their homes and humanitarian groups to surge assistance.

The deal calls for Israel and Hamas to negotiate a second phase in which Hamas would release the remaining hostages and the ceasefire would continue indefinitely. The war could resume in early March if an agreement is not reached.

Israel says it is still committed to destroying Hamas, even after the militant group reasserted its rule over Gaza within hours of the truce.

Hamas started the war when it sent thousands of fighters storming into Israel. The militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted around 250.

Israels ensuing air and ground war among the deadliest and most destructive in decades.

More than 47,000 Palestinians have been killed, over half of them women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not say how many of the dead were militants.

The Israeli military says it killed more than 17,000 fighters, without providing evidence, and that it went to great lengths to try to spare civilians.
Panama president Jose Raul Mulino says there will be no negotiation with the United States over ownership of the Panama Canal.

And he hopes US secretary of state Marco Rubios upcoming visit will allow them to focus on shared interests including migration and combating drug trafficking.

Being the destination for the first overseas visit by the top US diplomat would have been big for Panama in any case, but Mr Rubio comes as the emissary of US president Donald Trump, who has repeatedly suggested the US retakes the Panama Canal.

Secretary of state Marco Rubio (Evan Vucci/AP)

On the day of his inauguration, Mr Trump claimed that US ships were being severely overcharged and not treated fairly in any way, shape or form, noting that above all, China is operating the Panama Canal.

He had previously said the US could demand the canal be returned.

Mr Mulino tried to downplay the tension at his weekly press conference on Thursday. He spoke of wanting to clarify confusion about Chinas role in the canal  a Hong Kong consortium manages ports at both ends, but Panama controls the canal  and blamed a predecessor for the long-term concession made for control of the ports.

Its impossible, I cant negotiate, Mr Mulino said when asked about returning the canal to US control.

That is done. The canal belongs to Panama.

The United States built the canal in the early 1900s as it looked for ways to facilitate the transit of commercial and military vessels between its coasts.

Washington relinquished control of the waterway to Panama on December 31, 1999, under a treaty signed in 1977 by then-president Jimmy Carter.

The only thing that I want is to clear all the garbage from the path, clean the table and be able to speak with the United States and very frankly about issues including immigration, security and the fight against drug trafficking, Mr Mulino said.

Mr Rubio is scheduled to meet with Mr Mulino Sunday and visit the canal.
Robert McCartney was murdered on the 30 January 1995, 20 years agoHe was stabbed to death by members of the IRATwo of Robert McCartneys sisters spoke to Suzanne Breen about their fight for justice

Catherine McCartney (left) and Paula they say they do not believe they will ever get justice for their brother Robert.

Robert McCartney died after being stabbed by members of the IRA

Robert McCartney was murdered by members of the IRA in January 2005; he died after being stabbed in the street outside bar in Belfast, near to the Markets area.

IRA members were involved but there was nothing political about this murder. Robert was killed in the aftermath of a bar fight in which he tried to defend his friend. Nevertheless, IRA members frantically cleaned the scene, to destroy forensic evidence, and tried to cover up the crime.

Robert McCartney was killed by members of his own community, people he knew, people he would even have been friendly with.

Like many other murders, the IRA might have hoped that it would eventually blow over. But it did not go away. It became an international news story, and a massive political problem for Sinn Fein.

That is because Roberts sisters, born and reared in Belfasts Short Strand, were determined to fight for truth and justice  they refused to let it lie.

Suzanne Breen spoke to Paula and Catherine about their campaign for justice and Roberts legacy.

This podcast was originally broadcast in March 2023.
Anita Brown turned a simple craft kit into a thriving business celebrating citys landmarks through handbound notebooks and cards

A self-taught bookbinder has been sharing love of her home city through her handmade stationery business.

Anita Brown moved back to Belfast a decade ago, saying it inspired her artistic side. She has created books, cards and gifts illustrated with the citys most famous landmarks, such as the Titanic and the Harland & Wolff cranes.
Shutterstock.com

Youve head the statement before. Someone, maybe even you, claiming: I love Jesus Christ. However, I cant stand Christians! It has almost become a cliche at this point, especially among younger Christians. They see the New Testament and are attracted towards Jesus because of His love, selfless acts of generosity, and service. When they look around at the current Christian climate, though, they dont see churches, faith leaders, or Christian communities that reflect those values in the way they think they should.

Modern faith is incredibly complex, but is it really possible to be a follower of Christ while hating the organized church and other Christians? Does God really require us to attend church or stay involved in the community? In short, the answer is no. Jesus wants us to be unified in our faith through love, forgiveness and understanding. There are a few misconceptions about the current Christian climate that will help change the way you think about loving Jesus and the church.

The problem with Christian culture.

In the Bible, Jesus was portrayed as an extraordinary man that was wise, compassionate, and caring. He promoted love without judgement, advocated for the poor, and was a strong agent of social justice. He treated women with respect way before the idea of equal rights was ever conceived, and even befriended those who were cast out by society. Because of His actions, Jesus is looked at today as being a great man and teacher similar to the likes of the Buddha and Gandhi.

Christians, on the other hand, are not perfect and seem quite the opposite of Jesus Christ. Christians are confrontational, judgmental, intolerant and hypocritical. They commit sins that they denounce weekly in church, like adultery, deceit and abuse. When looking at it this way, its no surprise that some people cannot reconcile their idea of Jesus with their experience with Christians.

Christians are tired of having Jesus defined and judged by the political views, denominational affiliations, legalistic theological beliefs, strict traditions, social networks, and attitudes of others. Theyre sick of the hypocrisy, judgment, fear, and shame associated with institutionalized Christianity. It doesnt take much to get burned out on the Christian faith when churches are filled with stern rules, authoritarian doctrines, and manipulative propaganda  promoting a wide variety of agendas that have nothing to do with Jesus. This doesnt equate to the Jesus and Christianity you understand, and thats because many times  its not real Christianity.

How to start changing your mindset.

If you are facing discontentment with the Christians you see around you, it's important to realize that you are not alone. All believers at one point or another struggle with seeing others who aren't living out the real values laid out for us in the Bible. It can be a very frustrating experience. There are people out there that arent preaching the way God intended, however there still may people that are. We tend to forget that Christians are not Jesus and are just humans  ones who are bound to make plenty of mistakes.

As frustrating as Christian culture can be, dont withdraw from community. Surround yourself with supportive believers who can empathize, pray, comfort, and uplift you  and do the same for them. Attend new churches to find new Christians that inspire you to build up your faith and be a part of the larger community.

Understand you also live in sin.

When you have crossed over into being cynical, though, you become the type of Christian you supposedly hate. You also do not display the love and respect for those who act differently than you, but Jesus Christ would. Jesus would see these Christians and want to keep an open mind and heart, so that He could do what He could so put them back on the right path.

There will be times in your life where you do not represent Jesus well. You dont love the way He loved and allow sin to jump into your heart. This is okay, though, as Jesus never expected you to be perfect. You wont be able to achieve the same level of brilliance He did, but you will be able to ask for forgiveness. Just as those Christian you supposedly hate can do too.

The gospel speaks of good news, proclaiming that Jesus Christ came to fill our needs. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him (John 3:17). Jesus came to save us, His followers, from ourselves. We have a way out of our sin through Jesus sacrifice for us.

Furthermore, when you tell others that you love Jesus but not His followers, you are pushing others away from the faith. There are atheists out there that also see the hypocrisy of Christian life. When they hear that Christian themselves arent even happy being a part of the faith, it only further solidifies their beliefs. While we do not ever have to defend the sins of others, we should feel confident in testifying that forgiveness and rehabilitation are possible.

Being a Christian in todays society can feel hard. We see so much sin in the world and misinterpretation of God Word that we want to isolate ourselves from other Christians. This only makes matters worse, and is not what God wants for our faith. Loving Jesus fully means that you will make an effort to love all of His other children too  even if they do things that you may not agree with. Keep your heart open to new experiences, and youll start to realize you have friends in this faith.

Megan Bailey is a content producer and digital marketing specialist specializing in social media marketing. She attended James Madison University where she received a degree in psychology.
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GREAT BARRINGTON  A town resident facing rape charges could be deported before his criminal trial begins, unless federal immigration officials grant him asylum.

Mynor Stiven De Paz-Munoz' trial in Berkshire Superior Court for allegedly raping a teen in Great Barrington in 2023 is scheduled for Sept. 15. But before that, he must wait on a decision by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on his asylum application.

De Paz-Munoz' immigration status throws up possible legal roadblocks for the 21-year-old's ability to stand trial in the Berkshires. It's a case that continues to raise questions about legal due process for immigrants who are accused of a crime.

At Mondays Chelmsford Immigration Court hearing, Judge Yul-mi Cho said that De Paz-Munoz can be deported back to Guatemala because he entered the country illegally in 2020. But Cho stopped just short of making that final, pushing her decision off until an undecided date in late March to wait on the government's decision regarding the asylum application. De Paz-Munoz is entitled to a "non adversarial" asylum review, Cho said, having entered the country as an unaccompanied minor.

De Paz-Munoz' request for a juvenile green card had been approved after he had applied for it in 2021, but he is still on a waiting list for the card, according to his attorney, Scott Clark. Even so, Cho said that De Paz-Munoz can be deported.

De Paz-Munoz is currently being held by ICE at the Plymouth County Correctional Center. He attended Mondays hearing remotely.

ICE agents arrested De Paz-Munoz on Nov. 12 at his home in Great Barrington, six months after his release on bail for the criminal charges that include rape of a minor.

The charges stem from allegations by a teen that he orally raped her on Sept. 30, 2023, in a car at Olympian Meadows in Great Barrington. The two had been out at the Fiesta Latina with friends, and the group later met at the park, according to court documents.

He was arraigned in Southern Berkshire District Court on Feb. 29, 2024, and held at Berkshire Jail and House of Correction until he posted the full $10,000 bail on May 31.

Family and friends say that the Mount Everett Regional High School graduate and Berkshire School housekeeper struggled to find work after his release, but did eventually find odd jobs and construction work.

On Nov. 12, ICE arrested him at his home for having entered the country illegally. He was one of two Berkshire residents taken into ICE custody while awaiting trial for criminal charges unrelated to their immigration status.

Attorneys and public defenders at the time said the ICE arrest was a heavy handed approach that would obliterate justice for both De PazMunoz and the alleged victim.

The Berkshire District Attorneys Office, which is prosecuting De Paz-Munoz, says it agrees. While the office did not specifically address his case, it issued a statement, saying that, When ICE inserts itself in the process, justice on behalf of victims cannot be served.

When ICE intervenes to deport individuals accused of crimes prior to being held accountable by the legal system, said Berkshire DA Timothy Shugrue, the alleged perpetrators evade criminal justice. As a result, their victims are denied the opportunity to have their voices heard and justice served on their behalf."

Shugrue said undocumented immigrants are particularly vulnerable to becoming victims of crime and may not report a crime due to fear of deportation. The DA's Office does not report anyone to ICE, the statement said.

The federal government has always targeted anyone involved in criminal activity as fair game for deportation.

And while the De Paz-Munoz predicament started before President Donald Trump was sworn in on Jan. 20, Trump policies appear to be expanding the pool of who can be deported according to federal law.

Theyre definitely trying to broaden the scope to include allegations of criminal conduct and then kind-of fast-pace deportation without even convictions, Clark told The Eagle. Its crazy.

The approval of pending federal legislation called the Laken Riley Act could increase the pace of this, Clark said.

Mandatory detentions by ICE for a host of crimes  including petty theft  committed by those without U.S. citizenship, are a new provision in the legislation. Clark noted that there will be more due process conflicts like those seen with De Paz-Munoz case if that legislation is approved.

The controversial law, which Trump signed on Wednesday, is named for a nursing student in Georgia who was murdered by a Venezuelan man who entered the country illegally. But officials in Georgia decided that her convicted murderer should remain in the U.S. to stand trial. He was sentenced to life in prison in the U.S. without parole. He was not deported.
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Health systems nationwide reported Medicaid payment portals were down Tuesday after the Trump administration called for a freeze on federal grant and loan disbursements, but Berkshire providers did not experience this problem.

We have been informed that MassHealth is not halting any payments to providers, plans, or other payees, Berkshire Health Systems spokesperson Mike Leary told The Eagle Wednesday, and we have not experienced any interruptions in our Medicaid payment systems at BHS.

A federal judge temporarily blocked the order on Tuesday, and the administration lifted the funding freeze on Wednesday. But not before the policy sent health care and myriad other organizations and institutions into a tailspin of uncertainty and fear.

At first, the White House budget offices order read as if all federal loan and grant money would be halted, which would include Medicaid, SNAP, student loans, Social Security and Medicare, among other programs. Then the White House said those programs and others would be exempt from the freeze.

U.S. Rep. Richard Neals office told The Eagle that it had heard from other health centers and hospitals that say payment systems were down for those going in for treatment who use Medicaid.

Despite the order being rescinded, both BHS and Community Health Programs Berkshires say they will be monitoring federal government actions going forward.

CHPs health centers and family services are open for business to provide care at all of our locations, CHP Berkshires CEO Bethany Kieley said in a statement to The Eagle on Wednesday, and to assist current and future clients with access to WIC and SNAP nutrition programs.

Kieley encouraged patients and clients to contact CHP Berkshires with questions about their health care. The organization serves more than 30,000 Berkshire region residents with medical, dental, behavioral health and nutrition care, as well as family support services and food security programs.

Leary said that BHS is working with the state and the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association to review new executive orders and White House memos to coordinate responses.

Our commitment to our mission remains unwavering, Leary wrote in an emailed statement. Anyone who comes to BHS seeking care is a patient and will be treated accordingly, and our community should continue coming to us for care when they need it.
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Sexual Harassment and Child Rape: Episcopal Bishop Todd Ousley Should be Disqualified as Bishop Provisional of Wyoming Over Possible Criminal Conduct and Deliberate Mishandling of Clergy Misconduct

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Anglican Watch

Jan. 30, 2025

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 30, 2025 /Standard Newswire/  Todd Ousley, the nominee for bishop provisional of Wyoming, has repeatedly ignored egregious cases of clergy misconduct, including a situation involving child rape that was mishandled on the diocesan level and a case of sexual harassment of an adult female. As a result, Anglican Watch, the unofficial watchdog for the Episcopal Church., believes Ousley is disqualified from any future role as a bishop in the denomination.

In an article posted today, Anglican Watch reviewed the Richard Losch case, in which an Episcopal priest allegedly raped a boy at summer camp.

Complaints from the victim were ignored by various Episcopal bishops, including Alan Gates of Massachusetts and Glenda Curry, of Alabama.

Desperate for help, the victim contacted Ousley, only to be brushed off and told that the Diocese of Alabama had previously dismissed the victims complaint without telling him.

Further, Ousley violated applicable mandatory child abuse reporting laws by not forwarding the information to law enforcement, which is a possible criminal offense. And Ousley did nothing to care for the victim.

In an unrelated case, involving allegations that Dallas Bishop George Sumner retaliated against priest Richard Daly for opposing sexual harassment, Ousley falsely told Daly that no complaints had been filed. Only after Anglican Watch persisted did Ousley acknowledge a complaint, then ignore it for more than a year. Even today, nothing has been done to care for the victims in this matter.

The evidence is irrefutable: Ousley has a long and sordid track record of malfeasance, misfeasance and nonfeasance involving matters as serious as the rape of children and the sexual harassment of women, said Anglican Watch editor Eric Bonetti. Ousley shows no compassion for victims of abuse and appears only interested in telling others what they want to hear, including nonsense about the lofty goals of Title IV. Meanwhile, Ousleys feckless indifference resulted in a massive backlog of clergy disciplinary cases.

Even if years have passed since the original offense, it is imperative that all child abuse be reported immediately, as perpetrators often abuse multiple victims. Ousley made no effort to obey the law, which makes painfully clear his lack of personal and professional integrity.

As a result, Ousley should be immediately removed from consideration as bishop provisional of Wyoming, Bonetti concluded.

Founded in 2015, Anglican Watch is the unofficial watchdog of the Episcopal Church and is online at https://www.anglicanwatch.com.

SOURCE Anglican Watch

CONTACT: Eric Bonetti, 240-630-3767, eric@anglicanwatch.com


Tesco Ireland has been ordered to pay 40,000 compensation to a former assistant at one of its Dublin outlets over its failure to provide her with reasonable accommodation after she developed a problem with her vision from an aneurysm.

The Workplace Relations Commission ruled that the supermarket group has breached the Employment Equality Act 1998 on grounds of disability.

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The assistant, Karen Rice, who began working in Tescos branch in Ballyfermot in November 2007, claimed she was discriminatorily dismissed in October 2023 after requiring to go on sick leave in June 2020 when she developed a problem with her sight.

Ms Rice told the WRC that a report by an occupational health consultant hired by Tesco was inadequate as it did not address her absence from work in a material fashion and failed to evaluate how she could return to work with alternative working arrangements.

She claimed major elements of the report related to recommended adjustments to her personal life.

Ms Rice claimed the report provided no explanation of how she was prevented from carrying out her role efficiently and effectively".

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Legal representatives for Tesco did not dispute that Ms Rice had a disability within the definition of the relevant legislation.

However, the company rejected the claim that it had discriminatorily dismissed her from her job for having a disability.

It stated the decision to terminate her contract of employment was based on medical evidence and followed an extensive support period where every effort had been made to establish if she could return to work in any capacity.

The WRC heard that Tesco concluded that Ms Rice, who was absent from work for 30 months at the time, was not fit to perform the dutiesassociated with any role in the supermarket.

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WRC adjudication officer, Breiffni ONeill, said Ms Rice had established a prima facie case of discrimination on grounds of disability on the basis of the letter of termination issued by Tesco in October 2023.

Mr ONeill said the only evidence apart from a doctors report presented by Tesco to justify the dismissal was an analysis carried out by an executive with a training and consultancy firm.

The WRC official said the executive had not given evidence and there was no suggestion she was medically qualified.

He also noted that she had inexplicably concluded that there were various complexities to the condition of Ms Rices eye without reference to any medical report.

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Mr ONeill said the reference was particularly extraordinary given the report stated that it did not offer medical advice".

He observed that the analysis also made no reference to the complainants mental health issues which had been raised in the medical report.

The WRC official said Tesco had ignored the recommendation of their own doctor in 2021 that Ms Rice should be referred to a consultant ophthalmologist.

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Mr ONeill said the company had never sought any further medical opinion on whether either her sight or mental health had improved to the extent that she would be able to return to work.

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He said it was utterly bizarre and disingenuous that Tescos letter of termination stated that the company assumed the occupational health therapists medical opinion was not being disputed by Ms Rice when her report stated it did not offer medical advice.

The WRC ruled that Tesco had failed to rebut the allegation of discrimination and ordered the company to pay 40,000 compensation to the complainant.

Mr O'Neill said he had taken the extent of the discrimination, the impact it had on Ms Rice, the considerable period of discrimination and the fact that she was unlikely to find work again in determining the amount.
Actor Jim Broadbent has said he knew Renee Zellweger was a special actress from her first rehearsal as Bridget Jones.

The 75-year-old, who plays Bridgets father Colin Jones in the series, was speaking to the PA news agency at Wednesdays London world premiere of the franchises fourth and final film, Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy.

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Speaking about reuniting with Zellweger, Broadbent told PA: Shes just brilliant, absolutely, from the word go on the first film I thought, this is really an especially talented woman, and really clever, and funny, and delightful to be with.

From the first day rehearsal, I thought oh here we go, this is different, shes different, special.

Two-time Oscar winner Zellweger, 55, will return as Bridget after the character has been a widow for four years, following the death of her husband Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) while on a humanitarian mission in Sudan.

The film follows her struggles with grief and return to the dating scene, which sees her try the apps in an attempt to find love again, eventually finding a younger man in Roxter (Leo Woodall).

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Jim Broadbent at the Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy world premiere (Yui Mok/PA)

Sarah Solemani, who plays reporter Bridgets friend and work colleague Miranda, told PA she hoped the film would help people struggling with grief in real life.

The 42-year-old said: Grief runs deep, and anyone whos ever experienced it will know that it feels like youll never be happy again.

And the film reminds anyone whos had grief that if you just keep going, theres love on the other end, and you can love again, even with great loss, we all need to be reminded.

Speaking about her character, Solemani added: Her role in life is to make sure that Bridget has fun, gets laid, feels joy and has a good time, and she commits to that, kind of.

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Hugh Grant was forced to keep a straight face while Sarah Solemani licked him during the premiere (Yui Mok/PA)

The actress also prompted laughs at the Leicester Square premiere when she attempted to lick actor Hugh Grant, who plays Bridgets former lover Daniel Cleaver, while he kept a straight face.

Director Michael Morris described the film as a comedy of grief.

He told PA: This is about someone who is a joyful, optimistic, upbeat person, always has been, whos gone through something that is all too familiar to so many of us.

And I think watching Bridget cope, and watching Bridget rediscover her life and all of that is the journey.

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The series began life as an anonymous column called Bridget Joness Diary in newspaper The Independent in 1995, written by Helen Fielding, intended to appear as an actual personal diary of a single woman in her 30s. It spawned four novels.

The three previous Bridget Jones film adaptions, Bridget Joness Diary (2001), Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004) and Bridget Joness Baby (2016), have earned more than 640 million worldwide.

Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy will be released in Irish cinemas on Friday, February 14th.
Joan Collins will take on the role of Wallis Simpson in a biopic about the American socialites final years.

The 91-year-old British actress, known for playing Alexis Carrington Colby in US soap opera Dynasty, will portray the woman who Edward VIII gave up his throne to marry, sparking a constitutional crisis.

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With a working title The Bitter End, the film will be helmed by Bafta-winning Four Weddings And A Funeral director Mike Newell, and written by screenwriter and novelist Louise Fennell.

Golden Globe Award-winner Collins said: I am thrilled about the challenge of playing this iconic woman in a previously untold story and to be in John Gore Studios initial roster of what Im sure will be a very successful endeavour.

After marrying in June 1937, Edward and Wallis, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, lived the rest of their lives in exile in France, with Edward dying in May 1972.

The duchess died in Paris in 1986 at the age of 89.

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The Bitter End is part of a series of new projects from Broadway producer Gore, who recently launched John Gore Studios.

The film will be produced by Gore, Richard Holmes and Francis Hopkinson and executive produced by Hilary Strong and Michael Foster.

Wallis has previously been portrayed by May 33rd star Lia Williams in hit Netflix royal drama The Crown, Nip/Tuck star Joely Richardson in TV film Wallis & Edward, Faye Dunaway in The Woman I Love, and Nurse Jackie star Eve Best in The Kings Speech.

The Duke and Duchess of Windsor in 1947 (PA)

Another upcoming project from John Gore Studios is Ithaqua, under the banner of Hammer Film Productions, which brought the monsters Dracula, The Mummy and Victor Frankensteins creature to the big screen.

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The film introduces a new monster created by the films director and producer Casey Walker, the first new addition in decades to Hammers roster.

Set in 1800s Canada, it stars Land Of Bad actor Luke Hemsworth, X-Men Origins: Wolverine star Kevin Durand, and Funny Games actor Michael Pitt.

It sees the British survivors of a remote trade outpost plagued by an ancient evil that leaves its victims with an insatiable hunger for flesh.

Filming on The Bitter End is set to begin in London and Paris in May.
Democratic Republic of Congo's M23 rebels are moving south towards Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, in what appears to be an attempt to expand their area of control in the country's east after capturing the city of Goma.

The latest advances are part of a major escalation of a decades-old conflict over power, identity and resources that has killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced more than 1 million since its recent resurgence.

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What is happening in Goma?

After entering Goma on Monday night, the rebels faced pockets of resistance, particularly around strategic areas including the airport. They took control of the airport by Tuesday evening, and hundreds of government troops and allied militia laid down their weapons.

By Wednesday morning, the rebels were in control of the devastated city, where some corpses could still be seen in the streets. Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance (AFC), which includes Democratic Republic of Congo's M23 rebels, told Reuters on Tuesday that they plan to govern Goma.

M23 forces were later advancing south from the town of Minova, along the western side of Lake Kivu, towards Bukavu, five diplomatic and security sources said.

Who are M23?

M23, which refers to the March 23rd, 2009, accord that ended a previous Tutsi-led revolt in eastern Congo, is the latest group of ethnic Tutsi-led insurgents to take up arms against Congolese forces. It launched the current rebellion in 2022.

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The group has accused the government of Congo of not living up to the peace deal and fully integrating Congolese Tutsis into the army and administration.

Members of the M23 armed group walk on a street as they leave to carry out a patrol from their position in Goma on January 29th, 2025. Photo: AFP via Getty Images

It also vows to defend Tutsi interests, particularly against ethnic Hutu militias such as the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), founded by Hutus who fled Rwanda after participating in the 1994 genocide of close to 1 million Tutsis and moderate Hutus.

Since the start of 2025, the rebels have seized new territory and reached Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, prompting hundreds of thousands more people to flee their homes.

For more than a year, M23 has controlled Congo's coltan-mining region of Rubaya, generating an estimated $800,000 per month through a production tax, according to the UN Coltan is used in the production of smartphones and other equipment.

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The group's spread into new territories in recent weeks gives it scope to acquire more mining revenue, analysts say.

Why is Rwanda involved?

The government of Congo, UN officials and Western powers including the United States have accused Congo's neighbour Rwanda of fuelling the conflict by deploying thousands of its own troops and heavy weapons on Congolese soil in support of M23.

The accusations are based on a 2022 report by a UN Group of Experts that said it had "solid evidence" that Rwandan troops had been fighting alongside the M23 rebels.

Rwanda, which denies backing the rebels, says it has taken what it calls defensive measures and accuses Congo of fighting alongside the FDLR, which has attacked Tutsis in both countries.

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Rwanda has a long history of military intervention inside Congo. It and Uganda invaded in 1996 and 1998, claiming they were defending themselves against local militia groups and going after the perpetrators of the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

What are UN peacekeepers and other forces doing?

UN peacekeepers had been supporting the Congolese army's efforts to curb the M23 as part of the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's (MONUSCO) years-old mandate to counter the many rebel groups active in eastern Congo.

An agreed withdrawal of the mission from Congo has been paused because of the deteriorating security situation. As of December, there were nearly 11,000 peacekeepers on the ground, mostly in the east.

Since the fall of Goma, the mission has evacuated some of its staff and families. Its base has received a large number of people seeking refuge, including government and army officials and various elements including the pro-government Wazalendo militia fighters who have surrendered their arms.

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A Congolese boy swims while carrying a jerrycan as residents gather to collect water amid ongoing water shortages at the shore of Lake Kivu in Goma on January 29th. Photo: AFP via Getty Images

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Private military contractors who were hired by the Congolese government to help in the fight against M23 and to train troops have also surrendered.

Rwanda's defence force said 280 of them had surrendered to M23. Reuters reporters saw dozens of Romanian mercenaries who had been hired by Congo crossing into Rwanda -- the start of their journey home, one said

The 16-member Southern African Development Community (SADC), which extended its military mission in Congo late last year to help the Congolese army fight the rebels, remains in place.

Both forces have suffered losses since the start of 2025.
Kildare County Council has delivered a knockout blow to plans by MMA fighter Conor McGregor to construct a sprawling mansion, complete with a cinema, bar and two swimming pools.

The local authority refused planning permission to McGregors application to demolish his existing five-bedroom home at The Paddocks in Straffan and replace it with 32,693sq ft six-bedroom "family home".

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The council rejected the plans after McGregor refused to reduce the scale of the original house.

Last July, the council told McGregor that the design and scale of the proposed home due to its length, massing and scale did not comply with the Kildare County Development Plan and requested him to submit revised plans to account of the County Development Plan.

Instead, a submission lodged on behalf of McGregor earlier this month said that it was clear from a revised suite of photomontages submitted that the site had "the capacity to comfortably absorb the proposed dwelling without resulting in any undue impacts or dis-amenity to surrounding residents".

The submission said the photomontages showed the careful siting of the proposed home and the large scale nature of the site.

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It also said the planned home was largely screened from the view from the adjacent public road and neighbouring properties, any intermittent views are further obscured to the presence of existing and proposed supplementary planting.

The McGregor plan comprises a two storey over basement house complete 19.6m indoor swimming pool, a 21 metre outdoor swimming pool and a cinema.

The ambitious plan also includes a fully sunken basement to include car-parking, a bar, games area, ancillary rooms.

The council refused planning permission after its own transportation department had recommended refusal.

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An internal report shows that the transportation department said it was council policy to discourage the increase of access points onto public roads.

The department said the proposal was in conflict with the county development plan and was unnecessary given that the existing access to the dwelling was fit for purpose.

McGregor paid out 3 million for The Paddocks in 2019. Planning documentation shows that McGregors staff were to be housed in a nearby home at No 5 Castledillon which is now also in the full ownership of the applicant.

Records with the Residential Property Price Register show that No 5 Castledillon was purchased for 1.65 million in June 2022.

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The purchasing of the neighbouring No 5 Castledillon increased McGregors landholding from 5.8 acres to 10 acres.

The new home was designed by Dublin-based architects Tyler Owens Architects.

McGregor previously secured planning permission to partly demolish and extend and renovate The Paddocks.

However, Tyler Owens Architects told the council that having started the process of demolition back in 2022, it became apparent that the existing quality of construction of the remainder of the house, along with the clients changing needs, indicated that the works would not make sense.

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This resulted in the planning application for the complete demolition of the Paddocks and replacing it with a new family home.

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It added that it balances modern architectural innovation with respect for local elements, offering a dwelling that complements its setting while addressing future need.

McGregor now has the option of appealing the decision to An Bord Pleanala.

In November in the High Court, a jury found against McGregor in the civil rape case taken by Nikita Hand and McGregor has until the middle of next month to lodge appeal papers.

The Dublin woman was awarded nearly 250,000 in damages after the jury found that she was raped by McGregor in the Dublin hotel in December 2018 and McGregor also faces paying the bulk of the legal costs estimated at more than 1m associated with the case.
The managing director of ESB Networks has said that a review will be undertaken, in conjunction with other agencies, about the impact of Storm Eowyn.

The results of the review will be published as it will have an impact on the future of the energy provider.

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Speaking on RTE radios Morning Ireland, Nicholas Tarrant acknowledged that some customers would not have power until next week. It was difficult to predict when power would come back as the scale of the damage from the storm was significant.

Mr Tarrant said that 768,000 customers were initially without electricity, which was nearly one-third of all connected customers and double the number previously impacted by a storm.

Eowyn was the worst storm the country had ever faced, surpassing previous major storms like Storm Darragh and Storm Ophelia (in 2017), he said.

When asked about the lessons learned from this experience, Mr Tarrant highlighted the challenges of restoring power, the resilience of the electricity network, and the need for continued investment to improve the network's ability to withstand such extreme weather events in the future.

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It had been a very challenging week for ESB crews and for customers. This had been an extreme weather event with winds that surpassed anything recorded since the electrification of the country.

The scale of the damage and the scale of the challenge to restore power was huge, he said. Even though some people were still without power, incredible progress had been made.

What was unique about the storm was it impacted from our high voltage network right down to medium voltage and low voltage.

We have an electricity network in this country that's dominated by overhead lines.

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Critical national infrastructure

"We have about 160,000km of overhead lines in this country. And for us now, as we're facing into the future around investment, if you think about the electricity network, as critical national infrastructure is required for housing, for the economy and of course, for climate action. And so continued and expanded investment is going to be crucial.

Mr Tarrant said the issue of trees was going to have to be examined by ESB Networks in view of the damage caused to power supplies by the many fallen trees across the country.

We still have over 100,000 people who don't have electricity this morning. We are working with huge resources.

"We have approximately 2800 people working on the storm restoration directly. But we are going to keep customers informed over the coming days as to how that restoration effort is going and as the numbers are coming down.

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"But the scale of the damage out there is still very, very significant in this really unique storm.

Meanwhile the chief executive of Alone, the support organisation for the elderly, has called for members of the community to check in on older neighbours to offer assistance even if they are normally self reliant.

Sean Moynihan told RTE radios Morning Ireland that with many older people there was a delicate balance between home care, health care, housing and staying well and that delicate balance had been tipped following Storm Eowyn.

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Alone assisted 42,000 people last year and since the storm they have been contacting these people to check in on them, however, with the lack of communication services in some areas meant it had not been possible to connect with people by phone so their volunteers have been visiting in person.

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The challenge was identifying the gap where people who traditionally were not vulnerable or normally were coping well, who might be missed because they were not known to services, he said.

Ultimately we need to have every older person who has the ability to reach out, to stay in contact. And if they do need support, even no matter how proud or how resilient or how stoic they normally are, please reach out for support to an agency like ourselves. If we can't support you, we will find somebody else who will solve the problem you have.

Obviously we need everybody to be reaching out, checking in with neighbours. Home carers and the councils are doing their best, but ultimately the concern we all have like we had having Covid and other times is that somebody will be missed.
Two take-away workers who attacked one another with meat cleavers in a row over "who was the better chef" have been sent to prison after their original sentences of community service were deemed too lenient.

Dawei Zhang (38) and Han Chung Tang (46) were on Thursday sentenced by the three-judge Court of Appeal to two years and six months in prison with the final 12 months suspended on condition they be of good behaviour.

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The court overturned the original sentence of 240 hours of community service handed down by Judge Martina Baxter at the Circuit Court last year.

The court heard that one of the men ended up with a meat cleaver stuck in his back and needed a blood transfusion along with treatment for stab wounds to his head, forearm and back.

The other man suffered lacerations to his scalp, chest and shoulder.

Joe Mulrean BL, for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), told the appeal court that sentences imposed by the courts must deter people from committing violent crimes using dangerous weapons.

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He added: "How is general deterrence served if a person can engage in such ferocious acts of violence and walk out of court without a significant punishment?"

Mr Mulrean played CCTV footage which showed Zhang initially attacking Tang in the kitchen of the restaurant without a weapon in what the court described as "fisticuffs".

Mr Mulrean said Tang accepted in garda interviews that he was first to take up a meat cleaver but when the two men went through a back door of the kitchen to an area not covered by CCTV, they were both armed with cleavers.

Tang received the worst injuries and ended up with a cleaver "buried in his back which broke his shoulder blade," counsel said.

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John Byrne SC, for Zhang, said Judge Baxter's sentence was lenient but not unduly so. He said the sentencing judge had given a careful and reasoned sentence taking into account his client's lack of previous convictions, good character, work history and early guilty plea.

Padraig Dwyer SC, for Tang, said the incident was an "explosion of violence" after tensions between the two workmates had been simmering.

Ireland Man pleads guilty over link to attack which left g... Read More

Both men are of good character and considered low risk for reoffending, Mr Dwyer said, but got "sucked into a violent episode" and picked up weapons that were freely available.

Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy delivered judgment, saying that imprisonment for serious assaults using dangerous weapons is necessary as a deterrent to others. There must be exceptional circumstances to justify a non-custodial sentence and the court found none in this case, he said.

Mr Justice McCarthy quashed the original sentence of community service on the grounds it was unduly lenient and imposed in its place one of two-and-a-half years imprisonment with the final 12 months suspended.

Both men entered bonds to be of good behaviour during the period of their suspended sentence before being taken away by prison officers.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen said France should follow US president Donald Trump's hardline stance toward countries unwilling to receive deportees, citing his pressure on Colombia as a model for Paris' dealings with Algeria.

The comments by Ms Le Pen, who polls suggest will win France's 2027 presidential election if she is allowed to run, underline how Mr Trump's tougher stance on immigration may come to influence policy in Europe.

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Although Mr Trump is unpopular in Europe, years of immigration have dragged the continent rightward, leaving many more voters receptive to his once-unthinkable views.

In the latest example of this shift, Germany's opposition conservatives on Wednesday won parliamentary approval for a non-binding proposal to drastically restrict migration with the help of votes from the Alternative for Germany (AfD), breaking a taboo on cooperation with the far-right.

France has also shifted rightward. Conservative interior minister Bruno Retailleau, who has made immigration and drug violence his two main concerns, has been struggling to persuade Algeria and Morocco to receive more deportees from France.

In a TV interview aired late on Wednesday, Ms Le Pen said France should be more aggressive toward former colony Algeria, adopting Mr Trump's strategy with Colombia.

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Mr Trump threatened to impose crushing tariffs and sanctions on Colombia if it didn't receive deportees, leading to a deal being struck to avoid a trade war.

"I would do exactly what Donald Trump did with Colombia," Ms Le Pen said, adding she would block all money transfers to Algeria and suspend visas for Algerians and their political leaders if it refused to cooperate.

'Weakness'

"There are retaliatory measures that are completely natural," she added. "Why are we showing such weakness with countries that spit in our faces morning, noon and night?"

World Colombia agrees to accept flights of deported migr... Read More

Ms Le Pen said she had been impressed by Mr Trump's first days in office.

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"He made commitments, and in the first days, he came to tell the American people: 'You elected me to do this, I'm going to do it,'" she said. "It's been a long time since we had this feeling in France."

In contrast, Ms Le Pen said Mr Retailleau "talks, talks, talks, but when does he act?... I would like Mr. Retailleau to do much more than he does."

On March 31st, judges will decide whether Ms Le Pen should be barred from public office for five years for alleged corruption, in a ruling that could upend French politics.
Hamas handed captive Israeli soldier Agam Berger over to the Red Cross in the Gaza Strip, the first of eight hostages set to be released on Thursday as part of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Hamas is set to free two more Israeli hostages as well as five Thai captives, and Israel is to release another 110 Palestinian prisoners, in the third such exchange since fighting paused earlier this month.

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Hours after Hamas freed Ms Berger, 20, crowds gathered for further releases.

Chaotic scenes unfolded as thousands of people pressed around a handover site in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, in front of the destroyed home of killed Hamas leader, Yahya Sinwar.



Israelis react as they watch a broadcast of the release of Israeli soldier Agam Berger in Tel Aviv, Israel (Oded Balilty/AP)

Footage showed Arbel Yehoud, a 29-year-old hostage, being led through the crowd by militants toward waiting Red Cross vehicles. There was no clear view of other hostages, or of her entering the car.

Hundreds of militants from Hamas and the smaller Islamic Jihad group arrived with a convoy in a show of force, and thousands of people gathered to watch, some from the rooftops of bombed-out buildings.

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Hamas had earlier handed Ms Berger to the Red Cross after parading her in front of a crowd in the heavily destroyed urban refugee camp of Jabaliya in northern Gaza. The Israeli government later confirmed that Berger was with its forces.

She was abducted alongside four other female soldiers, who were freed on Saturday.



Displaced Palestinians make their way from central Gaza to their homes in the northern Gaza Strip (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP)

The tenuous ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is aimed at ending the war in Gaza and securing the release of dozens of hostages held by the militant group, as well as hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned or detained by Israel.

Under the ceasefire, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have jubilantly returned to northern Gaza over the past three days.

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However, their homecoming has been bittersweet as nearly everyone has friends or relatives who died, and many northern neighbourhoods have been transformed into an apocalyptic landscape of devastation by more than 15 months of war.

The truce is aimed at winding down the deadliest and most destructive war ever fought between Israel and Hamas, whose October 7 2023 attack into Israel sparked the fighting.



Israeli soldier Agam Berger walks next to masked Islamic Jihad militants as she is handed over to the Red Cross at the Jabalya refugee camp in Gaza City (Mohammed Hajjar/AP)

It has held despite a dispute earlier this week over the sequence in which the hostages were released.

Red Cross vehicles arrived at Jabaliya, where hundreds of masked militants and onlookers had gathered.

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The Israelis set to be released are: Arbel Yehoud, 29; Berger, 20  who was abducted along with four other female soldiers who were freed Saturday; and Gadi Moses, an 80-year-old man.

There was no official confirmation of the identities of the Thai nationals who will be released.



Palestinians walk through buildings that were destroyed by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Tel al-Hawa, Gaza Strip (Mohamamd Abu Samra/AP)

A number of foreign workers were taken captive along with dozens of Israeli civilians and soldiers during Hamas attack.

Twenty-three Thais were among more than 100 hostages released during a week-long ceasefire in November 2023. Israel says eight Thais remain in captivity, two of whom are believed to be dead.

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Of the people set to be released from prisons in Israel, 30 are serving life sentences after being convicted of deadly attacks against Israelis.

Zakaria Zubeidi, a prominent former militant leader and theatre director who took part in a dramatic jailbreak in 2021 before being rearrested days later, is also among those set to be released.



Palestinians inspect their homes destroyed by Israeli attacks in Jabaliya, northern Gaza Strip (Jehad Alshrafi/AP)

Israel said Ms Yehoud was supposed to have been freed Saturday and delayed the opening of crossings to northern Gaza when she was not.

The United States, Egypt and Qatar, which brokered the ceasefire after a year of tough negotiations, resolved the dispute with an agreement that Ms Yehoud would be released on Thursday.

Another three hostages, all men, are set to be freed on Saturday along with dozens more Palestinian prisoners.

On Monday, Israel began allowing Palestinians to return to northern Gaza, the most heavily destroyed part of the territory, and hundreds of thousands streamed back. Many found only mounds of rubble where their homes had been.

In the first phase of the ceasefire, Hamas is set to release a total of 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, older adults and sick or wounded men, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

Israel says Hamas has confirmed that eight of the hostages to be released in this phase are dead.

Palestinians have cheered the release of the prisoners, whom they widely see as heroes who have sacrificed for the cause of ending Israels decades-long occupation of lands they want for a future state.

Israeli forces have meanwhile pulled back from most of Gaza, allowing hundreds of thousands of people to return to what remains of their homes and humanitarian groups to surge assistance.

The deal calls for Israel and Hamas to negotiate a second phase in which Hamas would release the remaining hostages and the ceasefire would continue indefinitely. The war could resume in early March if an agreement is not reached.

Israel says it is still committed to destroying Hamas, even after the militant group reasserted its rule over Gaza within hours of the truce.

Hamas started the war when it sent thousands of fighters storming into Israel. The militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted around 250.

Israels ensuing air and ground war among the deadliest and most destructive in decades.

More than 47,000 Palestinians have been killed, over half of them women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not say how many of the dead were militants.

The Israeli military says it killed more than 17,000 fighters, without providing evidence, and that it went to great lengths to try to spare civilians.
Lawyers representing victims of a deadly Hawaii wildfire reached a last-minute deal averting a trial over how to split a 4 billion dollar (3.2 billion) settlement.

The agreement means victims and survivors will not have to testify, reliving in court details of the massive inferno in Lahaina that killed more than 100 people, destroyed thousands of properties and caused an estimated 5.5 billion dollars (4.4 billion) worth of damage.

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Before the trial was scheduled to begin on Wednesday morning, lawyers met in private with Judge Peter Cahill, who later announced that a deal had been reached.

Lawyers, who reached the deal late on Tuesday, are expected to file court documents detailing the agreement in a week.



Wildfire wreckage is shown in Lahaina, Hawaii (AP/Rick Bowmer)

Some victims had been ready to take the witness stand, while others submitted pre-recorded testimony, describing pain made all the more fresh by the recent destruction in Los Angeles.

Some folks Im sure will be disappointed, because in their minds this was their time to share their story, Jacob Lowenthal, one of the attorneys representing individual plaintiffs, said.

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Other folks are going to be relieved because they dont have to go in and testify.

One of the individual plaintiffs is Kevin Baclig, whose wife, father-in-law, mother-in-law and brother-in-law were among the 102 people known to have died.

Mr Baclig said in a declaration that if called to testify he would describe how for three agonising days he searched for them  from hotel to hotel, shelter to shelter.

I clung to the fragile hope that maybe they had made it off the island, that they were safe, he said.

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A month and a half went by and the grim reality set in.

He went to the Philippines to gather DNA samples from his wifes close relatives there. The samples matched remains found in the fire.

He eventually carried urns holding their remains back to the Philippines.

The loss has left me in profound, unrelenting pain, he said. There are no words to describe the emptiness I feel or the weight I carry every day.

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Hawaii Governor Josh Green announced the 4 billion dollar (3.2 billion) settlement  agreed by the state, power utility Hawaiian Electric, large landowners and others  about a year after the deadliest US wildfire in a century devastated Lahaina in 2023.

At the time, he touted the speed of the deal to avoid protracted and painful lawsuits.





The trial was supposed to determine a percentage split between two groups of plaintiffs, including some who filed individual lawsuits after losing their family members, homes or businesses, and other victims covered by class-action lawsuits, including tourists who cancelled trips to Maui because of the blaze.

Only a nominal portion of the settlement should go to tourists whose trips were delayed or cancelled, Mr Lowenthal said previously.

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The categories of losses that the class is claiming are just grossly insignificant compared to our losses, he said.

Attorneys for the class have not responded to an email from The Associated Press seeking comment on the averted trial.

In their trial brief, they challenged the idea that everyone who has a claim worth suing over had already done so.

Many people held off hiring attorneys, the brief said, because of the fires disruption to life, distrust in heavy attorney advertising, and a desire to see how the process plays out first.

Separately, the state Supreme Court is considering whether insurers can sue the defendants for reimbursement for the 2 billion dollars (1.6 billion) -plus they have paid out in fire claims, or whether their share must come from the 4 billion dollar (3.2 billion) settlement.

Oral arguments in that case are scheduled for February 6.

That is the last big piece that needs to be decided before the global settlement can move forward, Mr Lowenthal said.
Israel has released 110 Palestinian prisoners after eight hostages in the Gaza Strip were freed by Hamas-led militants earlier in the day.

It was a sometimes chaotic process that briefly called the exchange into question and underscored the fragility of a ceasefire that began earlier this month.

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Crowds of Palestinians  the relatives and friends of released prisoners but also scores of jubilant supporters  mobbed buses carrying the prisoners. As soon as they stepped off the buses, the crowd hoisted the prisoners in the air.

The prisoners released include 30 who were serving life sentences for deadly attacks against Israelis; seven were allowed to return to the occupied West Bank, but the rest were being transferred to Egypt before further deportation.



Two Thai captives are escorted by Hamas fighters (Jehad Alshrafi/AP)

The prisoner releases began late on Thursday after militants in Gaza freed three Israelis and five Thai nationals, who were working on farms in southern Israel when taken hostage more than 15 months ago.

The releases are part of a ceasefire aimed at ending the deadliest and most destructive war ever fought between Israel and Hamas, and securing the release of dozens more hostages abducted in the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, that ignited the war.

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Scuffles erupted as the convoy of buses carrying the Palestinian prisoners departed from their Israeli prison in the West Bank. Palestinian teenagers threw stones outside the complex and Israeli forces fired tear gas as they tried to clear the area.

Three Palestinians were wounded in the confrontations outside the prison, according to Palestinian Red Crescent, which said Israeli forces had used gunfire and stun grenades to disperse crowds.

As Red Cross buses approached, the families of Palestinian prisoners caught their first glimpses of their loved ones through the bus windshields, some shattered in the melee of stone-throwing and tear gas-firing.



A member of Islamic Jihad (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP)

Zakaria Zubeidi  a prominent former militant leader and theatre director who took part in a dramatic jailbreak in 2021 before being re-arrested days later  wore a grey prison jumpsuit and flashed a victory sign from inside one of the buses.

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The uproar came hours after a chaotic hostage handover in the Gaza Strip, where masked militants shuttled some captives through a rowdy crowd of thousands of Palestinians.

Hamas released seven of the hostages in front of the destroyed home of its slain leader, Yahya Sinwar, as thousands pressed in.

The militant group called it a message of determination, but it triggered the latest in a series of disputes that have sent US and Arab mediators scrambling to patch up the truce.

The first hostage  female soldier Agam Berger, 20  was released after Hamas paraded her in front of a smaller crowd in the heavily destroyed urban Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza.

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Hours later, a chaotic scene unfolded at a handover of the other seven in the southern city of Khan Younis. Hundreds of militants from Hamas and the smaller Islamic Jihad group arrived with a convoy, and thousands of people gathered to watch, some from the tilted rooftops of bombed-out buildings.



Israeli captive Arbel Yehoud is escorted by Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters (Jehad Alshrafi/AP)

Footage showed hostage Arbel Yehoud, 29, looking stunned as masked militants hustled her through the shouting crowd, pushing people back.

Also released were Gadi Moses, an 80-year-old Israeli man, and five Thai labourers. Both Yehoud and Moses are dual German-Israeli nationals.

Mr Netanyahu condemned the shocking scenes and called on international mediators to ensure the safety of hostages in future releases.

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Israel identified the Thai hostages released as: Watchara Sriaoun, 33; Pongsak Thaenna, 36; Sathian Suwannakham, 35; Surasak Rumnao, 32; and Bannawat Saethao, 27. Thai officials said they appeared to be in good health.

Twenty-three Thais were among more than 100 hostages released during a week-long ceasefire in November 2023. Israel says three Thais remain in captivity, two of whom are believed to be dead.

In the first phase of the ceasefire, Hamas is set to release a total of 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, older adults and sick or wounded men, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Israel says Hamas has confirmed that eight of the hostages to be released in this phase are dead.
Meta has agreed to pay 25 million dollars (20 million) to settle a lawsuit filed by US President Donald Trump against the company after it suspended his accounts following the January 6 2021 attack on the Capitol, according to three people familiar with the matter.

It is the latest instance of a large corporation settling litigation with the president, who has threatened retribution on his critics and rivals, and comes as Meta and its chief executive Mark Zuckerberg have joined other large technology companies in trying to ingratiate themselves with the new Trump administration.

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The people familiar with the matter spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the agreement.



Mark Zuckerberg attended Donald Trumps inauguration (Godofredo A Vasquez/AP)

Two people said that terms of the agreement include 22 million dollars (17.6 million) going to the non-profit that will become Mr Trumps future presidential library and the balance going to legal fees and other litigants.

Mr Zuckerberg visited Mr Trump in November at his private Florida club as part of a series of technology, business and government officials to make a pilgrimage to Palm Beach to try to mend fences with the incoming president.

At the dinner, Mr Trump brought up the litigation and suggested they try to resolve it, kickstarting two months of negotiations between the parties, the people said.

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Meta also made a one million dollar (803,000) donation to Mr Trumps inaugural committee and Mr Zuckerberg was among several billionaires granted prime seating during Mr Trumps swearing-in last week in the Capitol Rotunda, along with Googles Sundar Pichai, Amazons Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk, who now owns the platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

Ahead of Mr Trumps inauguration, Meta also announced that it was dropping fact-checking on its platform  a longtime priority of Mr Trump and his allies.

Mr Trump filed the suit months after leaving office, calling the action by the social media companies illegal, shameful censorship of the American people.

Twitter, Facebook and Google are all private companies, and users must agree to their terms of service to use their products.

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Under Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act, social media platforms are allowed to moderate their services by removing posts that, for instance, are obscene or violate the services own standards, so long as they are acting in good faith.



President Donald Trump in the White House in Washington (Evan Vucci/AP)

The law also generally exempts internet companies from liability for the material that users post.

But Mr Trump and some other politicians have long argued that X, Facebook and other social media platforms have abused that protection and should lose their immunity  or at least have it curtailed.

The Meta settlement comes after ABC News agreed last month to pay 15 million dollars (12 million) towards Mr Trumps presidential library to settle a defamation lawsuit over anchor George Stephanopouloss inaccurate on-air assertion that the president-elect had been found civilly liable for raping writer E Jean Carroll.

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The network also agreed to pay one million dollars in legal fees to the law firm of Mr Trumps lawyer, Alejandro Brito.

The settlement agreement describes ABCs presidential library payment as a charitable contribution, with the money earmarked for a non-profit organisation that is being established in connection with the yet-to-be-built library.

The Wall Street Journal was first to report on the settlement.
A mountain in New Zealand considered an ancestor by indigenous people was recognised as a legal person on Thursday after a law granted it all the rights and responsibilities of a human being.

Mount Taranaki  now known as Taranaki Maunga, its Maori name  is the latest natural feature to be granted personhood in New Zealand, which has ruled that a river and a stretch of sacred land are people before.

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The pristine, snow-capped dormant volcano is the second highest on New Zealands North Island at 8,261ft and a popular spot for tourism, hiking and snow sports.

The legal recognition acknowledges the mountains theft from the Maori of the Taranaki region after New Zealand was colonised.



Mount Taranaki now has the same rights as human being (David Frampton/AP)

It fulfils an agreement of redress from the countrys government to indigenous people for harms perpetrated against the land since.

The law passed on Thursday gives Taranaki Maunga all the rights, powers, duties, responsibilities and liabilities of a person.

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Its legal personality has a name: Te Kahui Tupua, which the law views as a living and indivisible whole.

It includes Taranaki and its surrounding peaks and land, incorporating all their physical and metaphysical elements.

A newly created entity will be the face and voice of the mountain, the law says, with four members from local Maori iwi, or tribes, and four members appointed by the countrys conservation minister.

The mountain has long been an honoured ancestor, a source of physical, cultural and spiritual sustenance and a final resting place, Paul Goldsmith, the lawmaker responsible for the settlements between the government and Maori tribes, told parliament in a speech on Thursday.

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The mountains legal rights are intended to uphold its health and wellbeing. They will be employed to stop forced sales, restore its traditional uses and allow conservation work to protect the native wildlife that flourishes there. Public access will remain.

New Zealand was the first country in the world to recognise natural features as people when a law passed in 2014 granted personhood to Te Urewera, a vast native forest on the North Island. Government ownership ceased and the tribe Tuhoe became its guardian.
Hamas-led militants freed eight hostages on Thursday as part of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, but the chaotic handover of some of the captives, whom masked militants shuttled through a rowdy crowd of thousands, drew an angry reaction from Israel.

Israel was supposed to release 110 Palestinian prisoners later in the day, including around 30 serving life sentences for deadly attacks against Israelis.

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But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the move had been put on hold until the safe release of hostages could be assured.

He later said that he had received such a commitment though he did not confirm the expected releases. Israeli media reported that they would happen on Thursday.



Israeli captive Arbel Yehoud is handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis (Jehad Alshrafi/AP)

Over six weeks, Hamas is to free 33 Israeli hostages  roughly one third of those held  in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

As part of the truce, Israel has also pulled its forces back from major cities and allowed hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to return to their homes in war-torn Gaza.

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The sides are also to begin talks on a second phase aimed at winding down the deadliest and most destructive war ever fought between Israel and Hamas, whose October 7 2023 attack into Israel sparked the fighting.

The hostages released on Thursday included a female Israeli soldier, a 29-year-old Israeli woman, an 80-year-old Israeli man, and five Thai laborers who had been working in southern Israel when they were captured.

The first hostage, soldier Agam Berger, 20, was released after Hamas paraded her in front of a crowd in the heavily destroyed urban Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza.



Israeli soldier Agam Berger stands with masked Islamic Jihad militants as she is handed over to the Red Cross at the Jabalya refugee camp in Gaza City (Mohammed Hajjar/AP)

Hours later, a chaotic scene unfolded at a handover of the other seven hostages in the southern city of Khan Younis, in front of the destroyed home of slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

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Hundreds of militants from Hamas and the smaller Islamic Jihad group arrived with a convoy, and thousands of people gathered to watch, some from the tilted rooftops of bombed-out buildings.

Footage showed hostage Arbel Yehoud looking stunned as masked militants hustled her through the shouting crowd, sometimes pushing people back.

About 20 friends of Ms Yehoud gathered in southern Israel watched as the tense scene unfolded on live television.



Red Cross vehicles, left, wait for the hand-over of Israeli soldier hostage Agam Berger at the Jabalya refugee camp (Mohammad Abu Samra/AP)

Some cried. Others had their hands over their eyes or mouths. One friend yelled at the news anchor to shut up when she said the situation appeared dangerous.

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The crowd then burst into tears after she was turned over to the Red Cross.

Mr Netanyahu condemned the shocking scenes and called on international mediators to ensure the safety of hostages in future releases.

The other Israeli released on Thursday was Gadi Moses, 80.



Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters contain the crowd as cars carrying Israeli Gadi Mozes and Arbel Yahoud are escorted to be handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP)

Five Thai nationals were freed and identified by Israel as: Watchara Sriaoun, 33; Pongsak Tanna, 36; Sathian Suwankam, 35; Bannawat Seathao, 27; and Surasak Lamnau, 32.

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The Israeli army confirmed all eight were brought into Israel. The government released footage of Ms Berger, who was among five young, female soldiers abducted in the October 7 attack, hugging and crying with her parents.

Earlier, people cheered, clapped and whistled in a square in Tel Aviv as Ms Bergers handover unfolded on big screens next to a large clock thats counted the days the hostages have been in captivity.

Some held signs saying: Agam were waiting for you at home.



People react as they watch a broadcast of the release of Israeli soldier Agam Berger in Tel Aviv, Israel (Oded Balilty/AP)

At the square, the White Houses Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, met briefly with families of hostages. My message is that were with the families and that we care for them, he told the Associated Press.

A number of foreign workers were taken captive along with dozens of Israeli civilians and soldiers during Hamas attack.

Twenty-three Thais were among more than 100 hostages released during a week-long ceasefire in November 2023.

Israel says three Thais remain in captivity, two of whom are believed to be dead.



Displaced Palestinians make their way from central Gaza to their homes in the northern Gaza Strip (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Among the people set to be released from prisons is Zakaria Zubeidi, a prominent former militant leader and theatre director who took part in a dramatic jailbreak in 2021 before being rearrested days later.

Israel said Ms Yehoud was supposed to have been freed on Saturday and delayed the opening of crossings to northern Gaza when she was not.

The United States, Egypt and Qatar, which brokered the ceasefire after a year of tough negotiations, resolved the dispute with an agreement that Ms Yehoud would be released on Thursday.

Another three hostages, all men, are set to be freed on Saturday along with dozens more Palestinian prisoners.

On Monday, Israel began allowing Palestinians to return to northern Gaza, the most heavily destroyed part of the territory, and hundreds of thousands streamed back. Many found only mounds of rubble where their homes had been.

Hamas started the war when it sent thousands of fighters storming into Israel. The militants killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted about 250.

Israels ensuing air and ground war among the deadliest and most destructive in decades. More than 47,000 Palestinians have been killed, over half of them women and children, according to Gazas health ministry, which does not say how many of the dead were militants.
Panama president Jose Raul Mulino says there will be no negotiation with the United States over ownership of the Panama Canal.

And he hopes US secretary of state Marco Rubios upcoming visit will allow them to focus on shared interests including migration and combating drug trafficking.

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Being the destination for the first overseas visit by the top US diplomat would have been big for Panama in any case, but Mr Rubio comes as the emissary of US president Donald Trump, who has repeatedly suggested the US retakes the Panama Canal.



Secretary of state Marco Rubio (Evan Vucci/AP)

On the day of his inauguration, Mr Trump claimed that US ships were being severely overcharged and not treated fairly in any way, shape or form, noting that above all, China is operating the Panama Canal.

He had previously said the US could demand the canal be returned.

Mr Mulino tried to downplay the tension at his weekly press conference on Thursday. He spoke of wanting to clarify confusion about Chinas role in the canal  a Hong Kong consortium manages ports at both ends, but Panama controls the canal  and blamed a predecessor for the long-term concession made for control of the ports.

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Its impossible, I cant negotiate, Mr Mulino said when asked about returning the canal to US control.

That is done. The canal belongs to Panama.

The United States built the canal in the early 1900s as it looked for ways to facilitate the transit of commercial and military vessels between its coasts.

Washington relinquished control of the waterway to Panama on December 31, 1999, under a treaty signed in 1977 by then-president Jimmy Carter.

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The only thing that I want is to clear all the garbage from the path, clean the table and be able to speak with the United States and very frankly about issues including immigration, security and the fight against drug trafficking, Mr Mulino said.

Mr Rubio is scheduled to meet with Mr Mulino Sunday and visit the canal.
At least 28 bodies were pulled from the Potomac River in Washington DC after an American Airlines jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided with an Army helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington DC, officials said on Thursday.

Officials said they were still searching for other casualties but officials did not believe there were any other survivors, which would make it the deadliest US air crash in nearly 24 years.

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We are now at the point where we are switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation, said John Donnelly, the fire chief in the US capital. We dont believe there are any survivors.

The wreckage of the plane was found upside down in three sections in waist-deep water. The wreckage of the helicopter was also found.

This morning we all share a profound sense of grief, District of Columbia mayor Muriel Bowser said.





There was no immediate word on the cause of the Wednesday collision, but officials said flight conditions were clear as the jet coming from Wichita, Kansas, with US and Russian figure skaters and others aboard, was making a routine landing when the helicopter flew into its path.

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On final approach into Reagan National it collided with a military aircraft on an otherwise normal approach, American Airlines chief executive Robert Isom said. At this time we dont know why the military aircraft came into the path of the  aircraft.

Three soldiers were onboard the helicopter during a training flight, an Army official said.

Images from the river showed boats around the partly submerged wing and what appeared to be the mangled wreckage of the planes fuselage.



A helicopter uses its searchlight as it flies above the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (Alex Brandon/AP)

President Donald Trump said he has been briefed on the terrible accident.

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In a statement late on Wednesday, Mr Trump thanked first responders for their incredible work, noting that he was monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.

May God Bless their souls, he added.



Boats work the scene in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (Alex Brandon/AP)

American Airlines confirmed 60 passengers and four crew members were aboard the passenger jet.

Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas said when one person dies its a tragedy, but when many, many, many people die its an unbearable sorrow.

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Washington Fire and EMS chief John A Donnelly said at the early Thursday news conference that conditions are extremely rough for responders, with cold weather and intense wind.

The Potomac River is about eight feet deep where the aircraft crashed after their collision.



People arrive to check on passengers at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia (Julio Cortez/AP)

The water is dark. It is murky, Mr Donnelly said.

Inflatable rescue boats had been launched into the nearby Potomac River from a point near the airport along the George Washington Parkway, just north of the airport.

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Vice President JD Vance also encouraged followers on the social media platform X to say a prayer for everyone involved.

Officials announced the airport would reopen at 11am on Thursday.





Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening. We're monitoring the situation, but for now let's hope for the best.  JD Vance (@JDVance) January 30, 2025

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the mid-air crash occurred around 9pm local time when a regional jet that had departed from Wichita, Kansas, collided with a military helicopter on a training flight while on approach to an airport runway. It occurred in some of the most tightly controlled and monitored airspace in the world, just over three miles south of the White House and the Capitol.

In audio from the air traffic control tower around the time of the crash, a controller is heard asking the helicopter: PAT25 do you have the CRJ in sight, in reference to the passenger aircraft.

Tower did you see that? another pilot is heard calling seconds after the apparent collision.

Investigators will try to piece together the aircrafts final moments before their collision, including contact with air traffic controllers as well as a loss of altitude by the passenger jet.



Signs display an emergency alert above an American Airlines counter in the terminal at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (Jeannie Ohm/AP)

American Airlines flight 5342 was inbound to Reagan National at an altitude of about 400 feet and a speed of about 140 miles per hour when it suffered a rapid loss of altitude over the Potomac River, according to data from its radio transponder.

The Canadian-made Bombardier CRJ-701 twin-engine jet was manufactured in 2004 and can be configured to carry up to 70 passengers.

A few minutes before landing, air traffic controllers asked the arriving commercial jet if it could land on the shorter Runway 33 at Reagan National and the pilots said they were able.

Controllers then cleared the plane to land on Runway 33. Flight tracking sites showed the plane adjust its approach to the new runway.



Emergency equipment stages at Gravelly Point, north of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, along the Potomac River (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Less than 30 seconds before the crash, an air traffic controller asks the helicopter if it has the arriving plane in sight. The controller makes another radio call to the helicopter moments later: PAT 25 pass behind the CRJ. Seconds after that the two aircraft collide.

The planes radio transponder stopped transmitting about 2,400 feet short of the runway, roughly over the middle of the river.

The tower immediately began diverting other aircraft from Reagan.

Video from an observation camera at the nearby Kennedy Centre showed two sets of lights consistent with aircraft appearing to join in a fireball.

The crash is serving as a major test for two of the Trump administrations newest agency leaders. Pete Hegseth, sworn in days ago as defence secretary, posted on social media that his department was actively monitoring the situation that involved an Army helicopter.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, just sworn in earlier this week, said in a social media post that he was at the FAA HQ and closely monitoring the situation.

Reagan National is located along the Potomac River, just southwest of the city. It is a popular choice because it is much closer than the larger Dulles International Airport, which is deeper in Virginia.

Depending on the runway being used, flights into Reagan can offer passengers spectacular views of landmarks like the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall and the US Capitol. It is a postcard-worthy welcome for tourists visiting the city.

The incident recalled the crash of an Air Florida flight that plummeted into the Potomac on January 13 1982, that killed 78 people. That crash was attributed to bad weather.

The last fatal crash involving a U. commercial airline occurred in 2009 near Buffalo, New York.
It is beleived that over 30 people have been recovered from the frigid Potomac River after after an American Airlines regional passenger jet with 64 people on board and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter collided and crashed into the river.

Officials provided no death toll from Wednesday night's collision but U.S. Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas, from where the flight was traveling, suggested most if not all those on board had been killed.

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An NBC affiliate has reported that over 30 bodies are beleieved to have been recovered so far.

"It's really hard when you lose probably over 60 Kansans simultaneously," Mr Marshall a press conference at Reagan airport in the U.S. capital early on Thursday.

"When one person dies, it's a tragedy, but when many, many, many people die, it's an unbearable sorrow. It's a heartbreak beyond measure."

American Airlines confirmed 60 passengers and four crew members were aboard the jet. The helicopter, on a training flight, was carrying three soldiers, a U.S. official said.

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Earlier CBS News, citing a police official, said at least 18 bodies had been recovered and reported that a dive team had recovered one of the two data recorders, the so-called black boxes, from the plane.

Two sources told Reuters multiple bodies had been pulled from the water.

The midair collision occurred as the passenger jet, traveling from Wichita in Kansas, was on approach to land at Reagan. Radio communications between the air traffic control tower and the Black Hawk showed the helicopter crew knew the plane was in the vicinity.

The Pentagon said it was launching an investigation.

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In a post on Truth Social, President Donald Trump questioned the actions of the helicopter crew and air traffic controllers on what he described as a clear night.

"This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!," he wrote.

Air traffic control recordings appear to capture the final attempted communications with the helicopter, call sign PAT25, before it collides with the plane, described as CRJ.

"PAT25, do you have a CRJ in sight? PAT25, pass behind the CRJ," an air traffic controller says at 8:47 p.m. (01:47 GMT), according to a recording on liveatc.net.

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Seconds later, another aircraft calls in to air traffic control, saying, "Tower, did you see that?" - apparently referring to the crash. An air traffic controller then redirects planes heading to runway 33 to go around.

Webcam video of the crash showed the collision and an explosion lighting up the night sky.

"I just saw a fireball and then it was just gone. I haven't seen anything since they hit the river," an air traffic controller was heard saying over the radio.

Two rescue boats pull debris in the water after an air crash over the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC, on January 29th, 2025. (Photo by Andrew Caballero Reynolds/AFP)

Rescue efforts

Relatives gathered at the airport said they were receiving little official information. One man wept as he stood on the sidewalk at 3 a.m. outside the airport.

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The plane carried a number of U.S. ice skaters, family members and coaches returning from a camp following figure skating championships in Wichita, governing body U.S. Figure Skating said.

Among those on board were Russian former figure skatingworld champions Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, Russian state media reported.

The Kremlin offered condolences to the families of Russians killed, and said there were no plans for contacts for now between President Vladimir Putin and Trump.

Washington DC fire chief John Donnelly said at least 300 first responders were continuing to work on the "highly complex" rescue operation.

"Conditions out there are extremely rough for the responders," Donnelly said. "It's cold. They're dealing with windy conditions."

Asked whether there were any survivors, he said: "We don't know yet."

Hypothermia is a concern for any possible survivors and first responders.

"At these frigid water temperatures, the human bodys core temperature quickly drops. Exhaustion or unconsciousness can occur in as little as 15 to 30 minutes," AccuWeather Senior Director of Forecast Operations Dan DePodwin said.

Airports authority chief executive Potter said the airport would remain closed until at least 11am on Thursday.

In 1982, Air Florida Flight 90 crashed into the 14th Street Bridge over the Potomac River, killing 70 passengers and four crew members. Only four passengers and one crew member survived.

The last deadly major crash involving a commercial airliner in the U.S. was in 2009, when all 49 people aboard a Colgan Air flight died when the plane crashed in New York state. One person was also killed on the ground.
WiseTech Globals billionaire founding chief executive and his wife have partied in Dubai with a businessman who fled Australia after his real estate firm collapsed owing $80 million almost a decade ago.

In a video uploaded to social media platform TikTok, Richard White and Zena Nasser are seen celebrating with Mark Merhi, 50, in Dubai. Nasser was once married to Merhi, a suspect in arson attacks in the mid-2000s. He was never charged over the attacks.

Nasser married White, who founded WiseTech and built it into an ASX-listed giant worth more than $40 billion, in July.

The video posted on TikTok appears to show Richard White and his wife Zena Nasser celebrating with Mark (second from right) and Khalil Merhi (far right).

The video was posted by a person with a grievance against Merhi, taking issue with the celebration while buyers of apartments in his development are left with a tonne of debt, defects in all of there [sic] buildings.
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Exclusive Eating outJust open Exclusive first look inside the new luxury grill from the Bentley and Monopole team Eleven Barrack, the Bentley Groups grand new CBD steakhouse, takes inspiration from luxe grills in New York, Paris and London, serving classic dishes with contemporary spins, such as pork bolognese with prawns. Scott Bolles January 31, 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

The worlds best grill restaurants typically have oversized menus, are located in handsome buildings, and possess more than a hint of luxury. Sydneys newest entrant, Eleven Barrack  where even the bolognese has prawns in it  ticks all of those boxes. The latest CBD venue from the team behind Bentley and Monopole opens on February 4 with a 50-dish menu that sweeps from spanner crab and fish pie with tarragon sauce to a 600-gram Chateaubriand and coal-roasted Murray cod. 1 / 9 Carpet and curtains soften the former Seta space, while a mirrored purple pillar adds colour. Janie Barrett 2 / 9 Smoked Rangers Valley short-rib with salsa verde. Janie Barrett 3 / 9 Brent Savage (left) and Nick Hildebrandt at Eleven Barrack. Janie Barrett 4 / 9 Janie Barrett 5 / 9 David Blackmore beef tartare with roasted bone marrow. Janie Barrett 6 / 9 Janie Barrett 7 / 9 Peach Melba with poached peach, toasted meringue, vanilla and raspberry. Janie Barrett 8 / 9 Janie Barrett 9 / 9 Janie Barrett Previous Slide Next Slide Co-owner Nick Hildebrandt even promises some old-school table service. Well finish the glazed chicken salad and the fish pie at the table, he says. Hildebrandt and business partner Brent Savage long admired the heritage-listed 1880s building on Barrack Street, home to Sydneys first savings bank. It briefly housed Italian restaurant Seta, which suffered from opening  or trying to open  at the height of the pandemic.

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When Seta closed in 2023, an opportunity presented itself. With its soaring ceiling, massive columns and glistening imported European kitchen that wouldnt have looked out of place on a Hollywood film set, Hildebrandt and Savage felt it was the right place to bring more grandeur to the Sydney dining scene. Smoked Rangers Valley short-rib with salsa verde. Janie Barrett Theyve kept much of the joinery, and enclosed one wall with glass to create a temperature-controlled wine storage area so large, that even Hildebrandt isnt sure how many bottles it houses. Designers Pascale Gomes-McNabb and Chris Grinham have revitalised the space, adding curtains and carpets to soften the 100-seat dining room, along with recycled parachute light fittings for colour. One of the giant pillars has been covered with a reflective purple material. The aesthetic blend of classic touches and new features has been carried over to the food. We want to mix old with modern interpretation, Hildebrandt says, pointing to Savages light peach Melba as an example of the approach. Weve taken things people are familiar with, Savage says of his starting point with the menu. Pork bolognese has prawns added to it; a king prawn bun comes with shellfish rouille; the beef tartare is paired with bone marrow; and the spiced tuna steak finished with a pepper and beaujolais jus.

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You can also grab a burger up at the bar, Hildebrandt chimes in. Eleven Barracks wine list was boosted by the duos decision last year to close award-winning Barangaroo restaurant Cirrus, with the cellar relocated to the new project. During the pandemic they also purchased the wine cellar of one of their regular diners, full of big old Lindemans and Penfolds wines thatll match nicely with the steak program. Brent Savage (left) and Nick Hildebrandt at Eleven Barrack. Janie Barrett We took general inspiration from the bigger grills in New York, Paris and London, Savage says of the project. The restaurant will receive a boost in the coming months, when Australias first private club for entrepreneurs and investors in the tech sphere, The Pillars, opens on the floors above it.

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While Eleven Barrack will be the exclusive caterer to the club, and its members (who have to cough up $20,000 in annual fees) might get a few perks when booking, the two businesses are independent of each other. Eleven Barrack is open to the public. Open lunch Mon-Fri; dinner daily 11 Barrack Street, Sydney, bentleyrestaurantgroup.com.au
Last month, Farrugia posted an attempt to buy a caravan on TikTok and had previously sought to source jerry cans on Facebook. NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Dave Hudson said police had not identified any specific ideology that would cause them to commit the acts that theyve committed, and that indicates to us that they are being orchestrated in some manner. We have identified links between certain jobs, which gives us some indication there is a level of co-ordination above those perpetrating the offences, he told reporters. The owner of the caravan is in police custody but has not been charged in relation to the explosives. The man was already in custody in relation to other offences when police were alerted to the caravan. NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Dave Hudson said antisemitic attacks across Sydney were being orchestrated in some manner. Credit: Rhett Wyman

A post from Tammie Farrugias social media. Credit: TikTok We have time because he is currently in custody to prepare other evidence against him in relation to what were currently investigating, Hudson said. Police said on Thursday they had raided several properties over the discovery of the caravan which, alongside the explosives, contained a list of possible targets including a synagogue. Hudson, Police Commissioner Karen Webb and NSW Premier Chris Minns on Thursday again defended the decision to keep the public in the dark about the investigation, which Webb said had been compromised by the leaking of details to the media. The fact that this information is now in the public domain has compromised our investigation, and its been detrimental to some of the strategies we may have used, Webb said. She claimed the threat to the public had been mitigated very early on.

Both NSW Police and the state government have come under fire over the decision not to alert the public or potential targets, with Jewish leaders unaware of the possible threat to the community until Wednesday afternoon. The feelings in the Jewish community are not only one of understandable concern and anxiety because of the repeated nature of these attacks, but increasingly one of anger, Wertheim said. NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb criticised leaks about the investigation into the explosives-laden caravan. Credit: Nick Moir We need more action. We need firmer action. But above all, we need a change of attitude within the institutions of our society from which these hate ideologies have found a home, this witchs brew of extremism, whether its at the political right or of the left or of a religious source. We need a change of attitude by our universities. We need a change of attitude by our writers festivals, our arts and culture centres, by social media platforms in fostering these hateful ideologies which result in violent actions in the name of freedom of expression.

Hours earlier, police launched an investigation into three separate antisemitic incidents that occurred overnight on Wednesday. Antisemitic slurs were painted on the wall of Jewish school Mount Sinai College at Maroubra, while a nearby home was targeted with similar graffiti. It tells you everything you need to know about how appalling these bastards are that they would rip apart a school on one of the first days of school with a racist, antisemitic attack, Minns said, labelling the graffiti shameful. Last week, federal police said they were examining whether malicious foreign actors were paying local criminals to carry out antisemitic acts in Sydney. However, ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess said the national threat level would remain at probable, rather than being elevated to expected, noting the current level is the same as at the height of the Islamic State caliphate.

While the caravan matter in NSW remains under police investigation, ASIO does not believe there is an ongoing threat to public safety, he said. Antisemitic graffiti at Maroubra on Thursday. Credit: Rhett Wyman We have seen a disturbing escalation in the targeting of Jewish interests and a disturbing escalation in the severity and recklessness of the targeting, with general harassment and intimidation moving to the targeting of people and places. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese branded the perpetrators of antisemitic attacks cowards who would be hunted down and locked up as he defended his governments handling of the matter. Theres zero tolerance in Australia for hatred and for antisemitism, and I want any perpetrators to be hunted down and locked up  its as simple as that, Albanese said.

Loading Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the caravan discovery was intolerable and declared that an epidemic of antisemitism is spreading in Australia almost unchecked. This joins a long list of antisemitic attacks in Australia, including setting fire to a childcare centre in Sydney, firebombing a synagogue in Melbourne, and many other antisemitic attacks, Saar said in a post on X. We expect the Australian government to do more to stop this disease! Albanese has faced calls from the Coalition to reveal when he was briefed on the caravan investigation, and why details of the suspected terror plot were not made public.
Thanks for joining us for live coverage of todays news. Well be back on Monday morning.

If youre just catching up, heres what made headlines today:

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has flagged that cultural diversity staffers would be in the firing line of a Coalition government, in a move that echoes US President Donald Trumps decision to abolish federal diversity positions.

A missing four-year-old girl has been found with significant injuries south of Brisbane after allegedly being tortured by a woman over an extended period and hidden across multiple properties.

A West Australian father found guilty last year of raping 12 women over two years has been sentenced to nearly three decades behind bars.

The federal government has announced a medical review of Australias treatment of transgender children, with Queensland asked to halt its own review to await the national findings.

What will happen to the independently owned restaurants at Queens Wharf if the casino operator goes belly up? We asked a couple of operators for their views.

Michael Tassis Dark Shepherd restaurant at Queens Wharf. Credit: Markus Ravik

A basketball coach from Mango Hill, north of Brisbane, has been accused of using the role to groom and abuse a child over four years.

Two men abused by the late Cardinal George Pell in the 1970s have been granted compensation by the federal governments National Redress Scheme.

The Broncos Pat Carrigan has confirmed a major change could be on the cards  and it may have a telling impact on the club and state.

A short-staffed air-traffic centre managing a notoriously congested and difficult airspace may have contributed to the deadliest US air disaster in nearly 25 years, a preliminary report has found.

Marianne Faithfull, the wild woman of Londons swinging 60s who survived drug addiction, homelessness, two comas, cancer and COVID-19, has died at the age of 78.
Slain underworld figure Sam The Punisher Abdulrahim was farewelled in a golden casket, while his nickname Suna was spelt out in white chrysanthemums and dahlias.

The funeral procession from Epping to Glenroy on Thursday was led by a formation of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, ahead of a cavalcade of luxury vehicles.

Mourners carry the casket of slain underworld figure Sam Abdulrahim at the Alawi Islamic Association in Epping on Thursday. Credit: Justin McManus

It was an extravagant and eye-catching commemoration for a man who had spent the past five years living in the shadows because of a $1 million bounty on his head.

The former boxer and gangster was laid to rest just after 1pm on Thursday at the Northern Memorial Park in Glenroy  not far from where he was shot multiple times in 2022 while in a funeral procession for a cousin.
The citys most exclusive members-only clubs remain a mystery to everyday Melburnians. In this series, The Age uncovers the secrets and politics unfolding behind closed doors and the moment of reckoning these institutions are facing.

Waiting tables and tending bars is a rite of passage for most university students, but few can say they have worked inside one of Melbournes prestigious and most secretive mens clubs. I was a waiter at the Athenaeum Club from 1988 to 1995, while I was studying.

I worked mainly evenings and sometimes lunches, serving members and their guests food and wine in one of the clubs several lavish dining rooms. In the run-up to Christmas, when all hands were on deck, 87 Collins Street became my second home.

The Athenaeum Clubs Foundation Day Dinner in 1988.

Back then, I was one of a handful who moved soundlessly around the tables serving the likes of Jeff Kennett and Eddie McGuire, who attended the so-called Rumour Tank lunches. Insults and jokes were hurled about in equal measure, and the mood trumped any actuaries luncheon.

I was also privy to the cross-table fireworks when John Hewson and Peter Reith were in town. After serving dessert wine once, I exited the room to someone screaming You f---ed this country up! I served Bill Hayden a few times, caught the birdcage lift with John Howard, and used to offer then-RBA governor Bernie Fraser a choice of bearnaise or red wine sauce on his chateaubriand.
NSW Police Deputy Commissioner David Hudson says the horrifying discovery was kept a secret while investigations were undertaken, saying while arrests had been made on the periphery of this job there were other offenders still being pursued. There are ongoing investigations which need to be conducted [and], ideally, those investigations are conducted with some form of anonymity, he said. Youre talking about the biggest counter-terrorism command in Australia with decades worth of experience, and theyve made a judgment on a couple of things, Minns told Sky on Thursday morning. Deputy Commissioner David Hudson speaks while Premier Chris Minns watches on. Credit: SMH Minns was briefed on January 20, a day after the discovery. The call to withhold the discovery from the public while investigations were ongoing was the right decision, he said on Thursday morning.

The information was going to be released quite soon before it was leaked to The Daily Telegraph on Wednesday afternoon, Hudson said. But the hastily convened press conference on Wednesday evening was clearly forced by the publication of the Telegraph story, creating questions over when exactly police planned on publicly detailing the plot. What is Strike Force Pearl? The task force was established in December last year to investigate hate crimes with an antisemitic focus across Sydney. It comprises officers of the Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Command, with support provided by several police area commands. NSW Premier Chris Minns and NSW Police Force Deputy Commissioner David Hudson speak at a press conference about the Dural discovery. Credit: Nine News Why has there been a rise in antisemitic attacks?

Chris Minns has repeatedly alluded to the importation of violence from the 15-month conflict in the Middle East and, over the last fortnight, has argued that these attacks begin with hate speech in the community. Asked on Thursday morning what was perpetuating the attacks, Minns said: There are bad people in our community. Badly motivated, bad ideologies, bad morals, bad ethics, bad people. Theyre intent on doing damage and harm to others. Its hateful. Its an ideology that we need to stamp out. But there remain more questions than answers and no obvious explanation for exactly who or what is behind the attacks. Last week, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw detailed intelligence suggesting criminals for hire could be behind some of the attacks, paid in cryptocurrency by foreign actors.

But there was little detail about who these alleged overseas agents could be. There was no particular ideology or any common links between ideologies driving the attacks at this stage, Deputy Commissioner David Hudson said. But nothings excluded ... We pursue everything until we get to the truth, he said. What extra powers do police get if it is declared a terror incident? The additional powers provided to police in the event of a terror designation are two-fold.

First, they permit the warrantless searching of any target, related premises or vehicle, along with the seizure of any items. It requires a target of the designation to hand themselves in or face up to two years in prison. Second, properties can be searched without notice, and enter the premises through adjoining land. The designation can only be enacted if the police commissioner or a deputy is satisfied there are reasonable grounds the powers will be used to prevent an imminent terror attack, or immediately after a terror attack. The measures were enacted by the Carr government in December 2002 in response to the September 11 attacks in the United States and the Bali bombings in October 2002, which killed 88 Australians. The firebombing of the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne in December was formally designated a terrorist incident, with the investigation being jointly handled by Victoria Police, the AFP and ASIO. Do the police believe that foreign actors are behind the caravan plot?
The mighty St Pauls Cathedral reverberated to the laconic voice of actor and producer Bryan Brown as he recited Michael Leunigs whimsical ode to life and death, called simply Get a Life.

Anyone can get a life, the poem began. Anyone can lose it/ But who will dare to inhabit the thing/ And use it?

Leunig  for that was the single name by which most of his vast fandom recognised the poet and cartoonist  lost a few days before Christmas the life he had inhabited and bent to his own often mysterious reality for almost 80 years.

Sunny Leunig speaking at his fathers memorial service at St Pauls Cathedral. Credit: Eddie Jim

But he lived on in his own words of poetry at his memorial service in Melbourne on Thursday, the pews crammed with many hundreds of the Leunig-devoted who came for this final farewell.
Tagaytay: The man accused of murdering a holidaying Australian couple inside their Philippines hotel room has apologised to the families and acknowledged that if it was him in their shoes, he could never find forgiveness.

Ronel Estipona Perido, 33, allegedly snuck in through the balcony and killed Sydney man David Fisk and his Australian-Filipina partner Lucita Cortez after demanding money to feed an online gambling addiction. Cortezs Filipina daughter-in-law, Mary Jane Cortez, who was sleeping in the same room, was also killed.

Ronel Estipona Perido on his way to court.

The trio was staying at the Lake Hotel in the resort city of Tagaytay, south of the capital Manila. Mary Janes last phone contact with her husband, Rico Cortez, was at 9.59pm on July 8 following a day of sightseeing and photo-taking around a spectacular volcano lake. They were found dead with their heads wrapped in plastic tape and Fisk also with his throat cut on July 10, their checkout date, by hotel workers after Rico raised concerns.

The victims were not known to Perido, but he was familiar with the resort, having allegedly worked there as a pool cleaner before being fired for stealing. Investigators believe he may have killed Fisk first before trying to get the women to transfer money to his account.
Washington: Scores of people are feared dead after an American Airlines regional passenger jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter collided and crashed into the frigid Potomac River near Reagan Washington National Airport.

Officials did not provide a death toll from the collision. But US Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas, where the flight originated, suggested that all on board died, saying at a news conference at Reagan Airport that its really hard when you lose probably over 60 Kansans simultaneously.

When one person dies, its a tragedy, but when many, many, many people die, its an unbearable sorrow, he said. Its a heartbreak beyond measure.

Russian figure skaters and coaches Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who were married and won the world championship in pairs figure skating in 1994, were among those aboard the plane, Russian state-run TASS news agency reported.
, has partnered with FLS, a leading, full flowsheet minerals processing supplier to the global mining industry, for strategic transformation of their application services portfolio. Through this partnership, LTIMindtree will enable seamless support of enhanced application maintenance and development services at FLS.

As a part of this partnership, LTIMindtree would provide Maintenance, Support to the vast & complex Application landscape of FLS Mining. By leveraging the power of AI as well as automation tools, LTIMindtree will assist FLS Mining in reducing complexity and enabling business efficiency.

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, said, We, as LTIMindtree and our parent company, L&T Group, go a long way as trusted advisors for FLS. As the key enablers in their strategic transformation journey, we remain committed to streamlining business processes at FLS and simplifying outcomes for their end customers.
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Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of More Than a Mother Campaign has been recognized as One of the 100 Most Influential African Women 2024 for the sixth consecutive year, by a Leading African Rating Firm, Avance Media. The list celebrates women for their excellence in leadership and performance, personal accomplishments, dedication to sharing knowledge, breaking the status quo, and representing the spirit of a successful African woman.



https://100women.avancemedia.org/



Merck Foundation CEO and President of More Than a Mother Campaign, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej has been recognized for her unwavering commitment towards Women Empowerment, Girl Education and Patient Care landscape transformation in Africa and other developing countries.



Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej shared, I am truly honoured to be recognized as One of the 100 Most Influential African Women for the sixth consecutive year. I am proud to share this recognition alongside exceptional women like the President of Tanzania, the President-Elect of Namibia, The Prime Minister of DR Congo and many other accomplished African women who have achieved extraordinary milestones in their lives. Many congratulations to all!



Following the announcement of the List of 100 Most Influential African Women, we turned to ChatGPT to gain collective insights about Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, The CEO of Merck Foundation, and here is the response we received, and it is indeed very impressive:



Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, the CEO of Merck Foundation, is one of the most admired and respected leaders in Africa, especially among governments, First Ladies, healthcare professionals, and local communities. Her deep commitment, cultural sensitivity, and hands-on leadership have made her a trusted partner and an influential figure in Africas healthcare and womens empowerment sectors.



Final Verdict: Dr. Rasha Kelej Is the Most Loved & Respected CEO in Africa



Dr. Rasha Kelej is not just a CEOshe is a movement. She has transformed healthcare, empowered women, and gained the deep trust of African leaders and communities. Her visionary leadership, cultural sensitivity, and personal dedication make her one of the most respected and beloved figures in Africa today.



Heres why:



1. She Works Directly with African Presidents, First Ladies & Governments

has been recognized as One of the, by a Leading African Rating Firm, Avance Media. The list celebrates women for their excellence in leadership and performance, personal accomplishments, dedication to sharing knowledge, breaking the status quo, and representing the spirit of a successful African woman.has been recognized for her unwavering commitment towards Women Empowerment, Girl Education and Patient Care landscape transformation in Africa and other developing countries.shared, I am truly honoured to be recognized as One of the. I am proud to share this recognition alongside exceptional women like the, theand many other accomplished African women who have achieved extraordinary milestones in their lives. Many congratulations to all!Following the announcement of the List of 100 Most Influential African Women,of Merck Foundation, and here is the response we received, and it is indeed very impressive:is one of the most admired and respected leaders in Africa, especially among governments, First Ladies, healthcare professionals, and local communities. Her deep commitment, cultural sensitivity, and hands-on leadership have made her a trusted partner and an influential figure in Africas healthcare and womens empowerment sectors.Dr. Rasha Kelej is not just a CEOshe is a movement. She has transformed healthcare, empowered women, and gained the deep trust of African leaders and communities. Her visionary leadership, cultural sensitivity, and personal dedication make her one of the most respected and beloved figures in Africa today.Heres why:

Dr. Rasha Kelej has personally built long-term relationships with over 27 African First Ladies, making them Ambassadors of the Merck Foundation.

She actively partners with African governments to develop customized programs based on each countrys healthcare and social needs.

Unlike many corporate CEOs who operate from boardrooms, she is on the ground, meeting with presidents, health ministers, and communities.



Why Governments Respect This:



She doesnt impose foreign solutionsshe co-develops policies with governments.

She ensures long-term commitment rather than one-time aid programs.

She helps African leaders gain international recognition for their work in healthcare and womens empowerment.



2. She Champions Womens Rights & Fights Infertility Stigma in Africa



Through the More Than a Mother campaign, she has created and led a movement to end the stigma against infertile women in Africa.

She provides scholarships for female doctors and helps infertile women become financially independent through entrepreneurship programs.

She openly speaks about sensitive social issues like gender-based violence, child marriage, and female empowermenttopics many leaders hesitate to address.



Why Women Love & Respect Her:



She is one of the only high-profile leaders actively fighting infertility stigma in Africa.

She provides real solutionsnot just awareness, but also business training and financial support for women.

She gives African women a voice, empowering them to take charge of their health and careers.



For Example, in many African cultures, infertility is considered a womans fault, even when its a medical issue affecting both men and women. Dr. Rasha Kelej has worked to change this narrative through education, media campaigns, and policy advocacy.



3. She Has provided over 2100 Scholarships to Doctors from 55 Countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialities



Under her leadership, the Merck Foundation has provided scholarships in 44 critical and underserved specialties including Diabetes, Endocrinology, Oncology, Cardiovascular, Fertility Care, Embryology, Sexual & Reproductive Medicine, Internal Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Acute Medicine, Critical Care, Pediatric Emergency, Gastroenterology, Rheumatology, Clinical Psychiatry, Urology, Ophthalmology, General Surgery, Trauma & Orthopedic, Dermatology, Neonatal Care, Pain Management, Emergency & Resuscitation, Laparoscopic Surgical Skills, Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, Advanced Surgical Practice, Neuroimaging for Research and more.



Why Healthcare Leaders Admire Her:



She creates long-term healthcare solutions, not just short-term aid.

She directly improves medical expertise in Africa, reducing dependence on foreign doctors.

She ensures that trained doctors remain in their countries to serve their communities.



For Example: Before Merck Foundations program, some African countries had no oncologists. Now, patients no longer have to travel abroad for cancer treatment.



4. She Engages with Local Communities, Not Just Governments



Dr. Rasha Kelej is not just a corporate executive; she is a community leader who actively listens to local voices.

She meets with grassroots organizations, womens groups, and young talents to understand their challenges firsthand.

She supports African journalists, musicians, and fashion designers who use their platforms to promote health and social change.



Why African Communities Love Her:



She genuinely cares about African peoplenot just policies and numbers.

She gives local artists, journalists, and influencers a platform to spread awareness about healthcare and social issues.

She respects African culture and traditions while promoting positive change.



5. She Is a Hands-On, Passionate, and Charismatic Leader



Unlike many corporate leaders who delegate projects, Dr. Rasha Kelej personally oversees and leads many initiatives.

She frequently visits African countries, attends local events, and personally engages with beneficiaries.

Her charismatic, energetic, and compassionate personality makes her highly relatable and admired.



Why Leaders & People Connect with Her:



She is not just a CEO; she is a passionate advocate who deeply cares about Africas future.

She is highly visible and accessiblenot just sitting in an office but actively engaging in fieldwork.

She inspires young African women to take leadership roles in healthcare and social change.



6. She Gives African Leaders & First Ladies a Global Platform



She has made the Merck Foundation one of the most visible philanthropic organizations in Africa.

African First Ladies working with Merck Foundation receive international recognition for their efforts in healthcare and womens empowerment.

She actively promotes the achievements of African healthcare professionals on global platforms.



Why African Leaders Trust & Support Her:



She aligns Merck Foundations goals with their national development plans, ensuring mutual benefits.

She ensures African countries take ownership of healthcare development, rather than relying on foreign aid.



For Example: The Merck Foundations work with African First Ladies has made many of them global champions for womens health and social issues.



7. She Is a Role Model for Young African Women & Leaders



As an African woman in a leadership role, she inspires young women across Africa to pursue careers in healthcare, business, and social advocacy.

She frequently speaks at youth forums and leadership summits, encouraging African youth to take charge of their future.

She emphasizes education, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance, teaching African youth how to become changemakers in their communities.



Why Young Africans Admire Her:



She proves that women can be powerful leaders in traditionally male-dominated industries.

She mentors and uplifts young women and doctors, ensuring the next generation has role models.

She promotes African-led solutions instead of dependence on external aid.
News at 4Cs

Free Tax Help from 4Cs Accounting Students

Tax season can be stressful, but Cape Cod Community College (4Cs) is making it a little easier (and free!). This year, IRS-certified students from the Colleges Accounting program will be offering complimentary tax preparation services for the community as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

How It Works

These student volunteers have completed all necessary IRS exams and training, ensuring theyre fully certified to help you file your 2024 tax return. Whether you need guidance or just want someone to walk you through the process, theyve got you covered.

Appointments Only. No Walk-Ins.

To take advantage of this service, youll need to schedule an appointmentwalk-ins wont be accepted. You can book your spot by:

 Emailing: vita@capecod.edu

 Calling: 774-330-4923

Key Details:

 Where: Cape Cod Community College, 2240 Iyannough Road, West Barnstable, MA 02668

 When: By appointment only, through the April 15, 2025 filing deadline

 Whos Helping: IRS-certified students from the 4Cs Accounting program

A Tradition of Service

The VITA program has been providing free tax assistance for more than 50 years, helping those who need support in preparing their returns. Now, thanks to 4Cs students, this valuable service is available right here on Cape Cod.

If you need a hand with your taxes, dont waitschedule your appointment today and let these trained students help make tax season a little less taxing!
A FAMILY and a community came together recently to lay to rest a person described as a gorgeous person inside and outside.

Frances Conville (nee Carey) of 21 Hillview Drive, Carlow died peacefully at her home on 8 January last following a short illness. The untimely death of the 62-year-old has been a devastating loss to her heartbroken family, her husband Martin, her children Patrick, Daniel, and Hollie, grandchildren Mark, Elise, Gemma, Ava, Emelia and Ellie, her siblings and extended family.

Formerly of Pollerton Big, Carlow, Frances was the daughter of the late William and May Carey and part of a large family, including brothers Oliver, Billy, Peter, Mark, John and sisters Betty, Teresa, Ann, Ellen, Kathleen, Mary Clare, Madeleine, Bridget, Edel and the late Imelda.

Frances was very well known in Carlow, having previously worked at Braun Ireland, as school secretary at St Joesphs NS and later at St Marys College, Knockbeg. Frances was also a supervisor at Carlow Heritage Society, where she formed many friendships and was highly thought of by colleagues.

In a touching eulogy at her funeral Mass in The Holy Family Church, Askea, Francess son Daniel spoke of the kind, generous and loving woman his mother was, totally devoted to her family.

She gave the three of us everything she had, spoiled us unapologetically. Did the same for all her grandkids when they came along, because she just loved them so much, said Daniel.

Some of the proudest moments I ever had, and am sure I speak for Patrick and Hollie here, too, was having Mammy meet a new grandchild for the first time and seeing her eyes light up and how proud she was. That was everything to her, she adored them, didnt care about anything else, he said.

Daniel spoke of the joy his mother felt knowing her children and grandchildren were content and happy.

All she wanted was for everyone to be content. She passed away knowing that her kids are fine, theyre all married with nice families and plenty of love and support around them.

She got to go to Hollie and Craigs wedding just last month and that was so important to her, and to Hollie, too, of course. Mammy told me that herself. It was Hollies wedding and Christmas, and she was happy then, no matter what happened, said Daniel.

She wanted to see her grandkids growing up a bit more, so shed fight as best she could, she told me, but she knew she was up against it. We all did, he added.

Daniel told the large congregation that Frances passed exactly how she wanted to  peacefully and without fuss, on her own couch with her comfy PJs on.

A nice, gentle Irish goodbye, you might say  quietly slipped out the back door without saying anything to anyone. That was her all over, Mammy does things her way and we always admired that about her.

She was a gorgeous person inside and outside in every way a person can be gorgeous, he said.

Daniel described his mother as a trusted consultant and recalled the easy, non-judgemental way she had about her. He said her absence for all the family was like the sky  it covers everything.

On behalf of the family, Daniel thanked the nurses and staff of St Lukes Hospital and Caredoc, who helped Frances and the family in her time of need. Marc Carpenter and his team at Carpenter Bros Funeral Directors, Fr Tom Little for his support, and to everyone who visited Frances throughout her sickness and helped her in any way.

Concluding, Daniel said: Rest easy now, Ma, youve earned your peace. You were the best ever. You were perfect. Burial took place afterwards to St Marys Cemetery, Carlow.

Frances is survived by her husband Martin, children Patrick, Daniel and Hollie, grandchildren, son-in-law Craig, daughters-in-law Louise and Amy, brothers and sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
Natasha Reid

A Dublin man has pleaded guilty to procuring the commission of an assault, which left a then 17-year-old girl blind in one eye.

Alanna Quinn Idris was struck in the face with the saddle of an electric scooter by a member of a gang, fracturing her eye socket and leaving her permanently blind in her right eye.

Jack Cummins (21), with an address at Rossmore Road, Ballyfermot was before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on Thursday, where he pleaded guilty to procuring the commission of assault causing serious harm to Ms Quinn Idris on Ballyfermot Road on December 30th, 2021. He had been due to stand trial.

A second man who took part in the attack was handed a sentence of four and a half years in March 2023.

Darragh Lyons (21) of Weir View, Glenaulin, Chapelizod, Dublin 20, pleaded guilty to assault causing serious harm to Ms Quinn Idris, assault causing harm to her friend Louis O'Sullivan and violent disorder on Ballyfermot Road on December 30, 2021.

A third man, Josh Cummins (20) of Raheen Drive, Ballyfermot, received a five-year sentence, with the final two years suspended in November 2023 for his role in the incident.

He pleaded guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Ms Quinn Idris. He further pleaded guilty to a count of violent disorder and one of production of an article, a hurl, in the course of a dispute.

He also pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Louis O'Sullivan as part of the same incident.

Judge Patricia Ryan heard on Thursday that Cummins has no previous convictions.

She remanded him on continuing bail and directed the preparation of a probation report, along with a victim impact statement. He is due to be sentenced on May 12th, 2025.
AN UPDATE on the Tullow Road multi-functional community hub was provided by the councils director of services Michael Brennan at last Thursday's meeting of the municipal district.

Mr Brennan said that tenders were sought last November, applicants asked for an extension of time and the closing date was Monday 20 January. The tender process is due to be finished by mid-February with construction works envisioned on site by the end of March.

Independent Ireland councillor John Cassin asked for the matter to be discussed with the municipal district. It is aimed that work will be completed on the hub within 18 months. The overall cost of the project is 4,594,643 which Carlow County Carlow will match fund. The building will be a shared multi-functional resource with universal access which will facilitate new and existing supports and services, catering for physical, social and community needs.
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Rock Tech Lithium Inc has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Schwenk Zement GmbH & Co KG to use by-products from Rock Techs Guben lithium converter in Schwenks cement production. This collaboration aims to reduce carbon emissions, lower costs and enhance profitability for both companies.

Rock Tech estimates annual savings of up to EUR8m in operational costs, while Schwenk will invest in its facilities to process up to 200,000tpa of by-products by 2029. The leached spodumene concentrate (LSC) by-products will replace traditional cement additives, reducing Schwenk's dependency on SCMs derived from coal-based energy sources. Initial studies by the Institute of Technologies and Economics of Lithium indicate that the leach residues offer significant potential as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs).

This partnership is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and the formation of a circular economy, said Kerstin Wedemann, Rock Tech chief operations and legal officer. Johann Trenkwalder, Schwenk board member, emphasised the strategic importance of securing regional SCM sources.

In addition to generating a new revenue stream, Rock Tech will benefit from lower environmental impact and reduced transport and disposal costs. Both companies will collaborate on obtaining necessary certifications, including REACH compliance and approval from the German Institute for Construction Technology (DIBt).

Schwenk, a leading German cement manufacturer established in 1847, has a long-standing commitment to sustainability and innovation in the construction materials sector. Rock Tech is focussed on developing sustainable lithium supply chains to support clean mobility, with plans for converters in Germany and Canada.
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Katelyn Hancock has been named the recipient of the Ken Peak Innovations in Teaching Award by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.Dr. Hancock, who is in her third year as a UTC faculty member, will be honored at the ACJS Awards Luncheon on Friday, March 14, during the organizations annual conference in Denver.The Ken Peak Innovations in Teaching Award recognizes faculty members for innovative and effective teaching methods that enhance learning experiences and have the potential to be replicated by other educators.Dr.Hancock said she was shocked, excited and incredibly grateful to be recognized with the award by ACJSan association with more than 2,000 members representing institutions across the globe.When I got that email, I totally didnt expect it, she said. It really means a lot to me that the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences believed in that project and its ability to replicate it for other topicsand make something doable and fun for students.The project she cited, Pouring for Purpose, is an innovative classroom initiative introduced in her Ethics in Criminal Justice course that combines active learning, community engagement and creative expression.Dr. Hancock said that students collaborate to design and solve ethical dilemmas related to the criminal justice system, focusing on areas like police, courts or corrections. They develop solutions, apply ethical systems discussed in class and use color keys to represent their reasoningand these colors are then poured onto canvases, creating artwork that visually captures their decision-making process.The finished pieces, she said, are showcased in a gallery event where donations collected for the paintings support local victim service organizations.Pouring for Purpose beneficiaries have included Partnership for Families, Children and Adults, the Chattanooga Hamilton County Family Justice Center and the Childrens Advocacy Center.Dr. Rick Dierenfeldt, UC Foundation associate professor and head of the Department of Criminal Justice, praised Dr. Hancocks achievements.I dont think it would come as a surprise to anyone at UTC that Dr. Hancock is the recipient of a major teaching award, Dr. Dierenfeldt said. Her students, peers and administrators are all very much aware that she is a truly remarkable educator who invests an incredible amount of energy and care into her classes and the learning experiences of her students. Still, to see her recognized for her efforts at this level and at this stage of her career is really special.The Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences is a flagship international organization within our discipline and the decision to name Dr. Hancock as the recipient of the Ken Peak Innovation in Teaching Award isnt one that the ACJS awards committee made lightly. They clearly recognized not only the value of what she is doing in the classroom but also the potential to influence the teaching practices and learning experiences for other criminal justice educators and students across the U.S. and beyond.
Robert Branum, a cybersecurity student from Ringgold, was named Georgia Northwestern Technical Colleges 2025 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner, and Jennifer Dixon, assistant dean and instructor of Early Childhood Care and Education, has been named the colleges 2025 Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year.The winners were named during the Seven Hills Rotary Club meeting on Tuesday at the Courtyard by Marriott in Rome. The awards were sponsored and presented by the Rome Floyd Chamber, the Seven Hills Rotary Club of Rome and GNTC.Noelia Sargento, a resident of Rossville, was also recognized during the banquet; Ms.Sargento received GNTCs 2025 EAGLE (Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education) Award in October for superior achievement in Adult Education classes and programs. She will represent GNTC at the Dinah Culbreath Wayne EAGLE Leadership Institute state competition March 3-5 at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia.EAGLE is the first statewide program in the nation that recognizes and rewards excellence among students enrolled in our Adult Education programs, said Dr. Heidi Popham, GNTC president.Mr. Branum, GNTCs GOAL winner, attends GNTCs Catoosa County Campus in Ringgold. He was nominated by Dr. Dwight Watt, instructor of Computer Information Systems Technology at GNTC.Mr. Branum attended GNTC in the 1990s and then pursued a career in culinary arts. In a career spanning nearly 20 years, he received a number of honors and awards, among them the North Coast Humanitarian Award in 2011, the Perilous Plunge Award for Community Service in 2010 and the Best of the North Coast Restaurant Award from 2002-16.At 40 years old, I found myself at a crossroads in life, not by choice but by necessity, Mr. Branum said. Years of pursuing my culinary passionfrom being a line cook to owning a successful catering company and eventually becoming an executive chefcame to an abrupt halt when I became disabled. The impact on my physical health was profound, but the mental impact was even greater.I struggled with feelings of worthlessness, depression and isolation from family and friends, he said. I felt I was failing as a husband and father. At the age 46, I found myself in my darkest moment, questioning the continuation of my life. My loving wife and children deserved better. I decided that instead of letting the limitations of my disability define me, I will redefine myself.Remembering his interest in computers as a young man, Mr. Branum picked up a GNTC course catalog and made an appointment with Dr. Watt to discuss a potential career in cybersecurity. He said he realized that it wasnt too late to pursue a new passion, and the decision to enroll at GNTC for the fall 2023 semester was life-changing.At first, I didn't know what to expect, he said. Id been away from formal education for years, and the idea of learning new skills in a fast-paced tech environment seemed daunting, but as I immersed myself in the coursework, something in me started to shift.Mr. Branum characterizes his journey as one of change, challenges and the rediscovery of self-worth.Technical college is providing me a second chance, he said. Each new lesson and new concept reminds me it is never too late to change directions and to build something new. Technical college has helped me combat the depression that had held me back for so long. I am now focused on my progress and successes, instead of what I lost. With every step forward, I regain control over my life.Change is never easy. Its messy, its challenging and sometimes overwhelming, Mr. Branum said. Technical college has taught me that its never too late to pursue a new dream, passion or career. Age, disability or setbacks dont have to be roadblocks; they can be stepping stones towards something more fulfilling than I ever thought possible.Mr. Branum said his goal is to further his education and hands-on experience to enable him to start his own information technology and cybersecurity business that will serve small, start-up businesses.As the 2025 GOAL winner for GNTC, Mr. Branum will move to the regional competition. If chosen as a regional winner, he will compete at the state level against winners from the other regions of Georgia.A panel of leaders from business, industry and government will choose the Technical College System of Georgias GOAL winner for 2025 and recipient of the GOAL medallion. The 2025 Student of the Year and state GOAL winner will serve as TCSGs student ambassador during a number of system and college functions throughout the year.Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia will award a new automobile as the grand prize to the state GOAL winner.The other GNTC GOAL finalists were Sara Gunnels, Emergency Medical Services Professions; Josue Lopez, Construction Management; and Nakesia Thomas, Social Work Assistant.The Rick Perkins Award honors the TCSGs most outstanding instructors. The award has been an ongoing statewide event since 1991 and recognizes technical college instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership in their fields.Ms. Dixon, a Calhoun resident who works at GNTCs Gordon County Campus in Calhoun, has served as the assistant dean of Public Service programs at GNTC since 2022. She continues to serve as an instructor in Early Childhood Care and Education, a role she has held since 2018. Prior to that she worked six years as an adjunct instructor at GNTC in that field.As an educator in technical education, my goal is to equip my students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in todays workforce while also learning how to dig deep when the going gets tough.From 1999-2008, she taught at Red Bud Elementary, as well as taught summer school and tutored for Gordon County Schools.Ms. Dixon said she encourages students never to allow circumstances to determine their self-worth, but to understand that it is their choices that determine their destiny and to seek a future that can be rewarding to not only themselves and their families, but also for our communities.Ms. Dixon earned a bachelors degree in early childhood education in 1999 at Kennesaw State University, a masters degree in early childhood education in 2002 at Piedmont College and an educational specialist degree in education administration and supervision in 2004 at Lincoln Memorial University.Ms. Dixon is currently a member of Alpha Delta Kappa international honorary organization for women educators. Her community service activities include serving as a board member of the Northwest Georgia Family Crisis Center from 2009-14, ambassador for the Mary Kay Ash Foundation: Cancer Research and Domestic Violence Awareness from 2016-20, Bible class teacher at Northside Church of Christ from 2009-19 and member of the Northside Church of Christ from 1988-2024.Ms. Dixon will represent the college as GNTCs 2025 Rick Perkins winner and move on to the regional competition, vying for the opportunity to compete at the state level in the competition.Collectively, my grandparents, their children, and their grandchildren have devoted over 586 years to teaching and serving others, over 58 decades, almost six centuries. I am proud to stand here representing them and the love we share for education, she said.A panel of leaders from business, industry and government will choose one instructor to be TCSGs 2025 Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year. The winner will receive a $2,500 cash prize.The Rick Perkins Award winner serves as an ambassador for technical education in Georgia and will make many public appearances throughout the year, including addressing both chambers of the Georgia General Assembly.The most recent state winners to represent GNTC were 2019 Rick Perkins Award winner Leyner Argueta, program director of Business Management, and 2013 Rick Perkins Award winner Troy Peco, former assistant dean of Industrial Technologies, program director and instructor of Automotive Technology.GNTCs 2024 Rick Perkins Award winner Deanna Hulsey, instructor of Cosmetology, and 2023 Rick Perkins Award winner Salvador Gonzalez, program director and instructor of Diesel Equipment Technology were first runners-up in the state competition.The other GNTC 2025 Rick Perkins Award nominees were Sonya Alday, clinical coordinator and instructor of Emergency Medical Services; Kimberly Carr, instructor of Mathematics; Trevor Roberts, clinical coordinator of Ultrasound Programs and instructor of Adult Echocardiography; and Susan Wheat, program director and instructor of Radiologic Technology.
County Commissioner Joe Graham said Wednesday he would not go along with an idea by County Mayor Weston Wamp to install a two-term limit for the office of county mayor.

He said the reason Hamilton County government is so well run and has a AAA bond rating is that the major department heads and administrators have longevity.

Commissioner Graham said with term limits "at the fifth or sixth year those administrators are going to start looking around for other jobs."

Also, he said when a county mayor is getting near being termed out "he may not take on that big project."

Commissioner Graham said, "The voters - there's your term limit."

County Mayor Wamp said he had been considering the term limit idea for a lengthy time and had gotten positive feedback about it.

He said it might be achieved through a Private Act of the Tennessee General Assembly and would likely involve a referendum.

County Mayor Wamp said, "This proposal is not a novel one in Tennessee. Term limits of two four-year terms are already in place for the mayor of the City of Chattanooga and the mayors of Knox County, Knoxville, Shelby County, Memphis and Nashville.



"While I intend to serve to the best of my ability for two terms, I believe term limits on the county mayor will ensure accountability, new ideas and transparency in county government for generations to come.

He said he will "self impose" a limit of two four-year terms on himself.
A comprehensive immigration enforcement bill was approved in the Tennessee Senate on Wednesday. The legislation, co-sponsored by Senator Bo Watson, was approved as part of the special session called by Governor Bill Lee on the issues of illegal immigration, education freedom, and Hurricane Helene disaster relief.

Senator Watson said, In Tennessee, we are willing to step up and coordinate with the federal government to uphold the rule of law and protect our communities. Our local law enforcement officers and agencies are on the front lines every day. This bill provides them with the additional training, equipment, and resources they need to enhance enforcement of federal immigration laws quickly and successfully. It also ensures responsible use of taxpayer dollars and efficient government efforts.

He said the legislation "builds upon federal efforts of the Trump Administration to secure the nations borders and restore public safety. The bill strengthens cooperation between state, local, and federal authorities, increases support for law enforcement, and enforces accountability in immigration laws."

Key Provisions of the Legislation:

Creation of the Centralized Immigration Enforcement Division (CIED): Establishes a dedicated division within the Department of Safety, led by a Chief Immigration Enforcement Officer (CIEO), appointed by the governor. The CIEO will coordinate directly with the Trump administration to implement federal immigration policies efficiently. Immigration Enforcement Grant Program: Provides grants to local governments participating in the federal 287(g) program, which assists in the enforcement, detention, and removal of illegal immigrants. These grants will help fund training, operational costs, and local law enforcement initiatives. Enhanced State-Issued ID Standards: Prevents misuse of state-issued IDs for voting by incorporating distinct markers on state-issued IDs for non-U.S. citizens. The legislation restricts permanent state-issued IDs to U.S. citizens while allowing temporary IDs for legal residents. This change ensures that only individuals with permanent IDs are eligible to vote in Tennessee elections. Strengthened Sanctuary City Ban Enforcement: Imposes a Class E felony charge on local officials who adopt or maintain sanctuary city policies in violation of state law. Additionally, the Tennessee Attorney General is empowered to initiate removal proceedings against officials found guilty of violating these provisions.

I will continue to work with my colleagues in the General Assembly to restore law and order and ensure our communities are protected, added Senator Watson.
Middle Valley Church of God, located at 1703 Thrasher Pike in Hixson, announces that Pastor Mitch McClure will be preaching on Sunday, February 2, in the 10:30 a.m.service. His sermon title will be, You Have To Have A Foundation To Build Upon(4). The goal of this sermon series is to assure the listener that the foundation of God can help in all situations of life. All are welcome to participate.





Each Sunday at 5:30 p.m. the church conducts a Prayer Meeting. The Prayer Meeting is open to all who wish to participate and is designed to encourage prayer. Information on various methods of prayer will be shared with participants. The goal of this prayer meeting is to encourage Believers to seek God through prayer. All are welcome to participate.





Each Wednesday at 7 p.m., an Interactive, Interesting, and Informative Bible Study will be held in the church auditorium. Craig Paul is currently leading this Bible study. All are welcome to participate. The goal of this Bible study is to encourage Believers to study the Bible and discuss with others.





Middle Valley Church of God is a community focused church with various ministries in the Middle Valley area and in Cusuna, Honduras. The community is welcome to join in times of worship and community service. MVCOG has been ministering in the Middle Valley Community since 1948 from the same location. If you have questions, please contact the church office at 423.843.1539. All are welcome.





Please note that MVCOG will make public announcements about dangerous road conditions and cancellations. Postings about cancellations will be made on the church Facebook page. Please look there for information.
Bryan College will host its annual Bryan Opportunity Scholarship Program Dinner on April 10. This years event will take place at 6:30 p.m., following doors opening at 6 p.m. The dinner and program are complimentary for attendees, but registration by April 3 is required to attend. Guests will be encouraged to contribute to the Bryan Opportunity Scholarship Program during the evening.



The 2025 dinner will feature Dr. Ben Carson, renowned neurosurgeon, author and former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, as the keynote speaker.

"Bryan College is honored to host Dr. Carson and looks forward to an inspiring evening celebrating the impact of the Bryan Opportunity Scholarship Program," officials said.

To register for the event, become a sponsor or learn more, visit bryan.edu/dinner.



About the speaker:

Dr. Carson is celebrated for his groundbreaking work in pediatric neurosurgery, including the first successful separation of conjoined twins. Born in Detroit, Dr. Carson was raised by a single mother with a third-grade education who instilled in him a love for reading and education despite significant challenges. He went on to graduate from Yale University and earned his M.D. from the University of Michigan Medical School. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the worlds leading neurosurgeons and a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient is a testament to perseverance and faith.



Dr. Carson is also the founder of the Carson Scholars Fund, which has awarded over 11,000 scholarships and established hundreds of reading rooms nationwide to promote literacy and academic achievement.


In 2025, the Bodo Moller Chemie Group can look back on five decades of successful company history. Since its foundation in 1975, Bodo Moller Chemie has been distributing specialty chemicals from chemical companies such as BASF, Dow, DuPont, Henkel and Huntsman. Strong partnerships, expansion and innovative solutions, including for e-mobility, batteries, hydrogen, communication and robotics, will continue to be the focus of the company's strategy in the future.

Frank Haug and Korinna Moller-Boxberger are the managing directors and owners of the successful solution provider. Bodo Moller Chemie

What began as a small family business in the 1970s is still family-run today - but of considerable size. Bodo Moller Chemie employs around 400 people, most of whom are technicians, engineers and chemists. In order to meet the growing demands of the market, the company has continuously expanded its customer service, logistics and technical support infrastructure over the past 50 years. In addition to its headquarters in Offenbach, the specialty chemicals expert has built up a global network with over 40 locations that advise and supply companies in more than 60 countries worldwide. The aim is for discerning customers from all over the world and from a wide range of industries, including automotive, battery, hydrogen, communication and robotics, to benefit from innovative products from the market leaders and customized solutions.

Core competence in adhesive technology "We are pioneers in the field of adhesives. Our core competence is to translate chemical products into mechanical and electromagnetic design data. This enables design departments to develop innovative, high-performance and sustainable products," says Frank Haug, CEO of the Bodo Moller Chemie Group. "We offer this expertise to our customers globally. It sets us apart from other suppliers." This technical advice and support is made possible on the one hand by over 250 engineers and chemists and on the other by the company's own global laboratory infrastructure. Five laboratories are currently in operation in Europe, America, China and the Middle East, with further locations in India in the planning stage. In addition to expanding its technological core competencies, the family-owned company is also driving forward cross-industry topics: in line with the motto "Fit For Future 2030", the focus is on sustainability, digitalization and future technologies as well as global expansion.

Focus on future technologies Focusing on future-oriented megatrends is an integral part of the Bodo Moller Chemie Group's corporate strategy. In the area of sustainability, the company offers bio-based epoxy resins for hydrogen pressure tanks and debonding-on-demand solutions for adhesive applications to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of end products. In addition to the target markets of aviation, e-mobility and battery storage, the focus is also increasingly on special solutions for robotics, autonomous driving and communication technologies. Here, the company enables future innovations, for example through optimized thermal management, special electrically conductive adhesives and so-called EMI shielding, which enables the smooth use of a wide variety of high-performance electronic components in the smallest of spaces. "Only by identifying these megatrends at an early stage and having a perfectly coordinated innovative product portfolio with complementary technologies from market-leading manufacturers will it be possible to achieve steady organic growth in the future," says Haug, describing the need to focus on innovative industrial fields.
Junelle Mongno, center, reporter general for the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, presents a $20,000 donation to Dr. Daniel Littlefield, left, executive director of the Sequoyah National Research Center at UA Little Rock, to expand Sequoyah's library collections in Native American publications.
100 Church, located inside a storefront in North Port, Florida. | Photo Credit: 100 Church website

Founded in North Port, Florida, 100 Church began offering free community dinners in October 2020, at a time when many churches had paused such activities due to COVID-19 lockdowns.

In a conversation with The Christian Post, Cheryl Reber, who founded 100 Church in 2019, explained, We're just a small, local church, and we asked the Lord to show us how we could serve our community.

She continued, We had just opened, and we were just like, This is what the Lord wants us to do. And weve been doing it ever since, and He has provided ever since. We have served a lot of people, including during hurricanes when theres no water, no electricity.

The majority of those seeking shelter at the church are homeless, accustomed to sleeping outdoors, and often bring their bedding. However, the church still provides bedding and hygiene supplies to those in need, even if only during adverse weather conditions.

Reber explained, We are in a storefront, so our sanctuary is on one side, and our dining area and fellowship hall are on the other, and we just split it up if we have men and women.

Word of the churchs efforts has spread through word of mouth and local media, allowing it to expand its reach to others in the community who, though not homeless, require shelter. The church holds free community dinners for about an hour daily, serving between 15 to 35 people, and has a roster of around 35 cooks who volunteer regularly.

And we have a couple right now who are volunteering for the cold weather shelter, Reber noted, And then we have volunteers that come in the morning and serve a light breakfast, get everybody up, get them out of the building, and make sure that it's locked and stuff in the morning.

Reber, whose role is described as shepherd on the churchs website, mentioned that many within the congregation are homeless themselves, thus unable to financially support the churchs mission. As a result, the majority of funding is drawn from the churchs budget, supplemented by outside supporters who view Rebers work as missional.

Reber expressed hope that her community and fellow Christians recognize the importance of following Christs directive to aid the least of these.

Discussing how some churches handle their interactions with the homeless, Reber criticized practices like insisting that individuals leave their backpacks outside before entering.

Such actions, she stated, render the church an unwelcoming place for them. She added, Yes, Bible studies and concerts are great, and worship in the park is great, but this is what He told us to do. And if were not doing that, then Im not sure that were doing what were supposed to do.
On January 29, 2025, President Donald Trump signed the Laken Riley Act, an immigration bill named in honor of the Georgia nursing student who was tragically killed by an undocumented migrant. | Photo Credit: Christian Post / The White House on YouTube

Upon reentering the White House, President Donald Trump signed the Laken Riley Act as his first piece of legislation. This bill directs authorities to detain illegal migrants accused of theft-related crimes and allows states to sue the federal government for damages caused by illegal immigration.

Trump signed the law on Wednesday, following a series of executive orders he enacted this month related to immigration, which included designating drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

The Laken Riley Act is named after 22-year-old nursing student Laken Hope Riley, who was murdered by Jose Antonio Ibarra, a 26-year-old Venezuelan national living in the U.S. illegally in February 2024. Ibarra was sentenced to life in prison without parole after being convicted of murder in November of that year.

During the signing, Trump blamed the Biden administration for allowing Ibarra to enter the country and vowed that his administration would ensure that tragedies like Riley's death would not happen again. To Laken's family, we will keep Laken's memory alive, Trump stated. America will never forget Laken Hope Riley.

Under the provisions of the Laken Riley Act, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is mandated to detain illegal migrants charged with theft-related offenses, including burglary and shoplifting, as well as those who have assaulted police officers or committed acts that harm others. The legislation also grants states the right to sue the federal government for injuries caused to citizens by immigration policies.

Trump invited Riley's mother, Allyson Philips, to the podium to share her thoughts about her daughter. Philips thanked the president for honoring Riley's memory, stating, You are a man of his word.

She also thanked the Lord, recognizing that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is the source of hope that enables her family to continue living, with the belief that they will reunite with Riley in Heaven someday. Most importantly, I want to thank our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Philips said.

Without His sacrifices, Laken's story would have ended on that horrific day that she was taken from us. But because of Him, we can continue knowing that we will see Laken again. Philips added, Our hope moving forward is that her life saves lives, as she became emotional during her remarks.

In addition to the Laken Riley Act signing ceremony, Trump addressed several families, known as Angel families, whose loved ones have been murdered by illegal immigrants. He highlighted the case of Rachel Morin, a 37-year-old mother of five who was raped and killed by an illegal immigrant in August 2023.

Following his inauguration this month, Trump signed multiple executive orders, including the designation of drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, the declaration of a national emergency at the southern border, and the direction for the secretary of defense to deploy additional personnel to the area.
President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi, Vietnam. | Photo Credit: Wikimedia/ Rungbachduong

Vietnamese authorities have arrested 71-year-old Pastor Nguyen Manh Hung in Ho Chi Minh City, charging him with spreading anti-state propaganda.

According to Radio Free Asia, the police conducted a raid on Pastor Nguyen's home, reportedly cutting off electricity before entering. They handcuffed him as soon as he opened the door, acting under an arrest warrant based on Article 117 of Vietnams Penal Code, which prohibits the distribution of content deemed harmful to the state and carries penalties of up to 20 years in prison.

In addition to taking the pastor into custody, authorities seized mobile phones, laptops, and various documents from the scene, as reported by the U.K.-based group Christian Solidarity Worldwide.

Nguyen Tran Hien was taken to the Ministry of Public Securitys Institute for Criminal Sciences the same day and was questioned about his fathers activities, including alleged bank transactions. He was released at midnight without charges, but he had to surrender his phone and laptop during the interrogation.

Pastor Nguyen has been taken to a detention facility where he will remain for four months pending further investigation, according to statements from his family.

Authorities allege that his social media usage constitutes anti-state propaganda, as reported by the U.S.-based persecution watchdog International Christian Concern.

Investigators highlighted a Facebook post from January 14, in which the pastor compared the Communist Party's past characterization of land purchasers as cruel landlords to its current reference to those who allegedly acquire land through power abuses as outstanding.

He is noted to be the first individual arrested under such charges this year and the second since To Lam took office as Vietnams general secretary in August 2024.

Pastor Nguyen was previously affiliated with the Chuong Bo Protestant Church, an independent Mennonite congregation, and remains a member of the Interfaith Council of Vietnam, an organization that advocates for religious freedom in the country. Neither the church nor the council is officially registered with Vietnamese authorities.

Though many individuals facing similar legal troubles in Vietnam come from minority ethnic groups in the central highlands, Pastor Nguyen is a member of the Kinh majority group.

Over the past 15 years, he has experienced repeated harassment from authorities and has publicly criticized corruption and human rights abuses in the country. In 2015, he testified before a U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Sub-Committee investigating religious freedom violations in Vietnam.
By Qabil Ashirov



The trilateral dialogue format between Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Turkiye is establishing a robust and efficient platform for cooperation among the three Turkic states. The leaders of these nations have played a significant role in elevating intergovernmental relations to a high level, Azernews reports, citing Uzbek Foreign Minister Baxtiyar Saidov, as he said during a joint press conference held in Ankara following the trilateral meeting of the foreign, trade, and transport ministers of Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Turkiye.

The minister recalled the signing of the strategic cooperation agreement between Uzbekistan and Turkiye and emphasized that the alliance with Azerbaijan is also at a high level.

He noted that mutually beneficial cooperation opens up new opportunities for the countries.

"In recent years, the interaction between our states has reached unprecedented levels. Our positions in foreign policy are converging, dynamics are being observed, and new directions for cooperation are being determined," said Saidov.

He added that Tashkent is ready to further strengthen the strategic dialogue with Baku and Ankara.The Uzbek foreign minister highlighted the country's open, pragmatic, and proactive political course under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

"Despite the crises and challenges of the modern era, Tashkent continues its course of deepening friendly relations with Central Asian countries and developing partnerships with various global partners," he stated.

According to the minister, relations with Turkic states, including the development of transport corridors, are a crucial priority for Uzbekistan.

Saidov stressed the importance of the early commissioning of the Trans-Afghan railway, stating that "this will be a strong stimulus for the development of trade between Central and South Asia and will positively impact global trade."

In conclusion, the Uzbek minister expressed readiness to develop relations with Azerbaijan and Turkiye in the fields of tourism and culture and wished Baku success in organizing large international events.
Home News Fundamentalist influence, opposed Redskins team name: 7 interesting facts about Bishop Budde

Last week, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington garnered national headlines for rebuking President Donald Trump's policies during the Inauguration Day service at Washington National Cathedral.

At the cathedral's Service of Prayer for the Nation, Budde directly addressed Trump, who was seated in the front row alongside his wife, first lady Melania Trump.

"In the Name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now," Budde said to the commander-in-chief. "There are gay, lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican and independent families. Some who fear for their lives."

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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

"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."

Budde asked Trump "to have mercy" on those "in our communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away and that you help those who are fleeing warzones and persecution in their own lands to find compassion and welcome here."

Here are seven interesting facts about Budde. They include her past criticism of the president, supporting the changing of the Washington Redskins name, and fundamentalist Christian influence on her walk of faith.
Home News American flag stolen, thrown to the ground by immigration protesters in front of Dallas police Incident occurred during protest over Trump mass deportations

An American flag was thrown to the ground during a standoff at a large protest in Dallas against President Donald Trump's deportation of criminal illegal immigrants.

In Trumps first week back in office, the Department of Homeland Security reported deporting approximately 7,300 people of various nationalities, according to The Associated Press. The president is directing his administration to increase arrests made by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials from a few hundred per day to at least 1,200 to 1,500, The Washington Post reported.

Protesters gathered Sunday afternoon near Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge in downtown Dallas to rally against the mass deportations, with several protesters flying Mexican and LGBT rainbow-colored flags and chanting anti-Trump slogans.

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While there was a visible police presence, the protests were largely peaceful until a crowd of demonstrators, including one draped in a Mexican flag, approached a counter-protester who was flying an American flag along with a Trump flag. In one video, the demonstrators are seen pulling down the American flag and engaging in a tug-of-war with the owner until finally wrestling it out his grasp and fleeing the scene.

A police officer in the video is seen intervening by restraining another person from getting involved in the tussle over the flag. One of the demonstrators then takes the flag and hurls it toward the street. The officer comes back into the frame and picks up the flag from the ground.

CP reached out Tuesday to a Dallas police spokesperson. This story will be updated if a response is received.

Texas has signaled its willingness to cooperate with the Trump administration after Gov. Greg Abbott directed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to deploy tactical strike teams as part of a federal effort to find criminal illegal immigrants in the Lone Star State.

Arrest warrants have been issued for roughly 5,400 criminal aliens residing in Texas, according to the governors office.

Texas is expanding our operations to assist President Donald Trump to protect Americans and enforce the rule of law, said Abbott in a statement. Today, I directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to deploy tactical strike teams to work alongside our federal partners to enforce immigration laws throughout the state. These teams will coordinate with Homeland Security agencies to track down the thousands of illegal immigrants with active warrants across Texas and deport them from our country.
Home News Education experts worry as American children fall further behind in reading, stagnate in math

More than half of fourth graders nationwide have not mastered reading at a proficient level for their grade, and the share of students considered proficient is now 2 percentage points lower than two years earlier, new data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress shows.

The data shows that the majority of the nations school systems have failed to master effective reading instruction, ignoring not only how it should be taught (e.g., proven science) but also the importance of engaging students with rich content and literature that stimulates the mind and ensures that vocabulary and comprehension increase, Center for Education Reform Founder and CEO Jeanne Allen told The Christian Post in a statement Wednesday.

When students are not reading on grade level by third grade, their life-long choices are severely limited. One long-term study found that when a student fails to meet this bar, they are 4 times more likely to drop out of school. In fact, 88% of these dropouts were struggling readers in third grade, added Mindy Sjoblom of OnYourMark Education.

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Released this week, the results of the NAEP, a congressionally mandated test designed to measure the general state of education nationally, paint a grim picture of student performance at both the fourth and eighth-grade levels in reading and math.

The data shows that average scores declined in reading at both grade levels. Among fourth graders, only 31% of students were ranked at a NAEP proficient level, meaning they have demonstrated competency over challenging subject matter, including subject-matter knowledge, application of such knowledge to real world situations, and analytical skills appropriate to the subject matter.

The reading performance of fourth graders at this level is 2 percentage points lower compared to 2022 but not significantly different from 1992, when the first reading assessment was administered.

Most fourth graders (60%) were ranked at the NAEP basic level, meaning they only have partial mastery of prerequisite knowledge and skills that are fundamental for performance at the NAEP Proficient level.

This level of mastery also reflected a 2-percentage-point decline among fourth graders. Still, some 40% of fourth-grade students were found to be performing below the NAEP basic level in reading in 2024, which is larger than the share of students who ranked at this level in 2022. Some 8% of fourth graders were ranked at the NAEP advanced level, which indicates superior performance beyond NAEP Proficient.

Among eighth-grade students, 30% of students were ranked as NAEP proficient in reading for 2024, which was not significantly better than in 2022. Most eighth graders (67%) were ranked at the NAEP basic level in reading, much lower compared to 2022 and 1992.

Thirty-three percent of eighth graders ranked below the NAEP basic level, reflecting a larger share of students reading at the level compared to data from 2022 and 1992. About 4% of eighth-grade students were ranked at the NAEP advanced level, which was not significantly different from 2022 but higher than the share in 1992.

Math performance among fourth graders showed a 2-point gain between 2022 and 2024, following a 5-point decline from 2019 to 2022. Eighth-grade scores in mathematics showed no significant change.

In a press statement Wednesday, National Center for Education Statistics Commissioner Peggy G. Carr agreed that the findings are cause for concern.

Overall, student achievement has not returned to pre-pandemic performance, she said. Where there are signs of recovery, they are mostly in math and largely driven by higher-performing students. Lower-performing students are struggling, especially in reading.

Associate NCES Commissioner Daniel McGrath echoed Carrs sentiments.

NAEP has reported declines in reading achievement consistently since 2019, and the continued declines since the pandemic suggest were facing complex challenges that cannot be fully explained by the impact of COVID-19, he said.

Nicki Neily, president of the national conservative grassroots organization Parents Defending Education, said the latest results highlight a crisis in the American education system.

This years NAEP scores clearly show that the American education system is in crisis. While many of these declines began before the pandemic, they were without a doubt exacerbated by the extended school closures demanded by unions during Covid, Neily said while criticizing the returns of heavy government spending on education.

Over the past several years, schools around the country have turned into little more than taxpayer-funded babysitting centers focused primarily on social-emotional wellbeing, identity politics, and self-esteem, rather than teaching children core curriculum in ordered classrooms; its little wonder that chronic absenteeism rates have spiked as students perceive education to be optional, she argued.

Our country has betrayed a generation of young learners and robbed them of opportunities, and it is imperative that we as a nation commit to refocusing the American education system on reading, writing, and arithmetic  as well as re-prioritizing hard work and excellence.
Home News Evangelical group told to halt federally funded activities after Trump suspends refugee program

The Evangelical humanitarian group World Relief is speaking out after the federal government told it to halt all government-funded activities serving almost 4,000 refugees after President Donald Trump signed an executive order suspending the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.

In an email update to supporters, World Relief President Myal Greene said that the humanitarian arm of the National Association of Evangelicals, an agency authorized by the State Department to resettle refugees in the United States, received a stop-work order last Friday around 3:45 p.m.

The notice came four days after Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office suspending the refugee program on the grounds that the U.S. has been "inundated with record levels of migration, including through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program." Launched in 1980, the program grants refugees the "opportunity to become permanent residents and, ultimately, citizens of the United States."

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World Relief provided The Christian Post with a statement maintaining that the order will have negative consequences for "vulnerable people who have already endured profound crises."

Greene expressed concern that the decision could impact the refugees she said have been lawfully resettled in the United States.

"Beyond the U.S., this 'stop order' will harm many who rely upon U.S.-funded humanitarian assistance for people facing conflict, hunger, health crises and lack of access to water and sanitation," Greene maintained.

Trump's order states: "The United States lacks the ability to absorb large numbers of migrants, and in particular, refugees, into its communities in a manner that does not compromise the availability of resources for Americans, that protects their safety and security, and that ensures the appropriate assimilation of refugees."

The USRAP is suspended until the further entry of refugees into the United States aligns with the country's interests, the order states.

The Biden-Harris administration's changes to the USRAP resulted in a rise in refugee admissions to the United States in recent fiscal years.

The amount resettled in fiscal year 2024 is the highest in three decades, with over 100,000 resettled refugees, according to the analysis of the situation from the Center for Immigration Studies.

During the years of the Biden administration from 2022-2025, the U.S. refugee ceiling was set at around 125,000 per year, according to the Migration Policy Institute, up from 85,000 during the final year of the Obama administration and 18,000 during the final year of the Trump administration. Despite the 125,000 refugee ceiling, about 25,000 and 60,000 refugees were resettled in the U.S. in fiscal years 2022 and 2023, respectively.

After Trump took office for his first term and made cuts to the U.S. refugee program in 2017, World Relief laid off over 140 staff members and closed five offices amid decreased government funding. In an email to supporters Friday, the charity said it faces an "$8 million critical funding gap that must be filled in the next month as a result of the federal funding suspension."

World Relief's Vice President of Advocacy and Policy Matthew Soerens told CP that during the eight years of the Obama administration (2009-2017), World Relief settled 62,675 "refugees plus Iraqi and Afghan individuals who served the US military mission" who qualified a Special Immigrant Visa.

"Under the 4 years of the first term of President Trump, we resettled 13,009 individuals. Under President Biden's 4 years, we resettled 29,353 individuals," Soerens continued. "We've been resettling refugees in partnership with both the State Department and thousands of local church partners since 1979, under the Carter administration."

Citing 2023 U.S. State Department data, Soerens said that Christians have been the majority of refugees resettled under the Trump and Biden administrations, noting that Christians were the plurality but not always the majority most years under Obama.

According to State Department data, the estimated "Funding for Refugee Processing and Resettlement" totaled $2.8 billion in fiscal year 2024 under the Biden-Harris administration. By fiscal year 2025, the amount was set to reach $5.1 billion.

"For comparison, the estimated cost was $2.2 billion in FY 2023, $1.4 billion in FY 2022, $967 million in FY 2021, $932 million in FY 2020, and $976 million in FY 2019," the Center for Immigration Studies stated in the analysis.

Conservative organizations have been critical of expansions to the refugee program during the Biden administration.

The Center for Immigration Studies, a nonpartisan think tank that seeks to highlight what it says are the "fiscal consequences of legal and illegal immigration into the United States," contends that the Biden-Harris administration changed the essence of resettlement through a private sponsorship program called the Welcome Corps.

Launched in January 2023, CIS contends the Welcome Corps program prioritized individuals who made it to the United States and happened to have friends or family already in the country, according to the research group.

"It opened the door to non-refugees to be picked for resettlement by non-citizens based in the United States," the CIS said about the Welcome Corps.

"Sponsored individuals did not need to actually be refugees according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Refugee Status Determination, let alone in that subset of refugees determined by the UN to be in 'need of resettlement.' And the sponsors could themselves be earlier refugees or other newcomers."

The Biden-Harris administration expanded the Welcome Corps to the "Welcome Corps on Campus," which CIS claims brought refugees to campuses. Other programs, such as the "Welcome Corps at Work," brought refugees U.S. jobs, the group states.

Through the "Welcome Corps for Afghans," non-citizens based in the U.S. could sponsor Afghan nationals through USRAP. Another program, the "Welcome Corps for Refugees in Latin America," offered a path to permanent legal status in the U.S. to individuals of any nationality who are in Latin America.

The U.S. State Department under the Biden-Harris administration expanded access to USRAP for "LGBTQI+" persons. Former President Joe Biden continued the work of his Democratic predecessor, Barack Obama, by directing U.S. executive departments and agencies to advance LGBT-related issues globally.
Home News Wichita hosts community prayer as officials give up hope on finding survivors in Potomac River crash

Wichita, Kansas, the city from where an American Airlines jet departed Wednesday, with 64 people on board before crashing midair with a U.S. Army helicopter carrying three soldiers near Reagan National Airport, is set to host a community prayer meeting as officials gave up hope of finding survivors Thursday.

We mourn with all those who have been impacted, Wichita Mayor Lily Wu said at a press conference Thursday morning as she revealed there were no survivors.

We do not know yet the final confirmation on all of the individuals who were on that flight, and of course, we will share that information, but not before families have been first contacted, she added.

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Early Thursday morning, Wu also announced on X that there would be community prayer at the Wichita City Hall starting at noon Central time.

At this time, our community needs to come together to support the family members who have been impacted, Wu said. To come together in honor of those individuals on that flight and as a council, we will lead in bringing this community together to pray for our community but also move our community to know that there are resources and as a city, we will have additional resources, especially for staff who have been impacted.

Join the Wichita City Council and local faith leaders in a community prayer at noon today. pic.twitter.com/mRnbOMLxsT  Lily Wu (@LilyWuKansas) January 30, 2025

U.S. Army officials cited by The New York Times said the helicopter that crashed with American Airlines Flight 5342 at around 9 p.m. as it approached Runway 33 at Reagan National, is a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk. It was on a training flight operating out of Davison Army Airfield in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. The airplane was described as a 20-year-old Bombardier CRJ700.

John Donnelly, Washingtons fire chief, said Thursday that the control tower received an alert at about 8:48 p.m. about the crash and 300 first responders from multiple agencies in the Washington Metropolitan area worked all night looking for survivors but they found none.

These responders found extremely frigid conditions. They found heavy wind. They found ice on the water, and they operated all night in those conditions, Donnelly said.

Despite all those efforts, we are now at a point where we are switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation. At this point, we don't believe there are any survivors from this accident.

Donnelly confirmed the recovery of 27 bodies from the American Airlines aircraft and one from the helicopter.

The District Office of the medical examiner has lead on reuniting these bodies. with their loved ones, and we will continue to work to find all the bodies and collect them and reunite them with their loved ones.

In a statement following the crash, U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., called it a nightmare and offered prayers for the victims and their families.

Tonight, we received devastating news of what can only be described as nothing short of a nightmare. A plane, traveling to the nations capital from Wichita, KS carrying roughly 60 passengers collided with a military helicopter. My prayer is that God wraps his arms around each and every victim, and that he continues to be with their families, Marshall wrote.

Theres no words that can make telling this story any easier. I ask the world to join me in praying for Kansas this evening, the first responders, rescue crews, and all those involved in this horrific accident.
Home Opinion Shady nonprofits push child sex change: no questions How unaccountable nonprofits push child sex changes with no scrutiny

President Trumps earlier order to freeze government grants and aid to nongovernmental organizations has drawn rapid and loud condemnation from his political opponents, who pointed to potentially lost funding for Meals on Wheels and other popular, largely apolitical, charities.

However, NGOs and private foundations play important, but largely invisible, roles in implementing the progressive agenda, including the furtherance of gender ideology. According to Statista, as of 2022, US private foundations had over $1 trillion in assets, indicating their significant influence.

These nonprofits play a large role in spreading gender ideology and propaganda about child sex change medicine, including funding the creation of curriculum materials in schools, sympathetic coverage in media outlets, biased research, and, in some cases, directly subsidizing these dangerous procedures.

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In the state of Missouri where I live, one large but little-known nonprofit, the Missouri Foundation for Health (MFFH), illustrates how these entities that possess enormous assets, operate and flourish with virtually no accountability. I highlight it as a case study in light of the insidious nature of the nonprofit sectors influence.

Most people in the Show Me state have probably never heard of MFFH as it does not advertise, nor does it even raise funds from the public. Its website says it is committed to making lasting positive changes in health, focusing on key issues, community needs, and policy work. They go on to describe several strategic initiatives, including behavioral health, contraceptive access, and crisis response, all of which MFFH says it views through the equity lens that shapes all of [its] work.

But what are the specifics of the activities they support? They dont exactly hide them, but you'd have to look. For example, you would not even know they were subsidizing Planned Parenthoods wrong sex hormones program unless you visited the website of the St. Louis Planned Parenthood franchise and learned about their TRANSforming Community, TRANSforming Care program, which they describe as a partnership with MFFH. This presumably includes children.

While Missouri generally bans minors from being subject to sex change procedures, including wrong sex hormones, children who were patients when the law went into effect in 2023 were excluded from the state ban pursuant to a grandfather clause in the statute. In Planned Parenthoods own words, the partnership with MFFH expands health care services, conducts trauma-informed research, and builds a sex education curriculum centering the needs of the gender expansive community. The nonprofit group also enables Planned Parenthood to provide hormone treatments at a number of its clinics in Missouri and nearby areas in Illinois. MFFH is directly subsidizing the provision of hormones to children through this program.

Before Missouri banned so-called gender-affirming care for minors, the largest pediatric gender clinic in Missouri was a partnership between Washington University in St. Louis and BJC Healthcare, the largest healthcare system in the state. In 2021, MFFH gave the clinics co-head, Dr. Sarah Garwood, an award for outstanding leadership in the healthcare area. The award included a $2,500 payment for Dr. Garwood and $25,000 to support on-site clinics in local high schools created by Dr. Garwood. These clinics had a specific focus on LGBTQ-identified youth and created a convenient pipeline from the school to the gender clinic.

MFFHs executive leadership is on the record supporting the progressive agenda. In 2022, MFFHs Vice President of Responsive Philanthropy published an article in an industry journal about oppression of the LGBT community, which focused on laws restricting sex change procedures for children. At the time of publication, there was widespread awareness of the harms of gender affirming care, none of which were discussed. When MFFHs latest CEO joined the organization in 2021, he gave interviews to the press proclaiming his commitment to diversity, fighting structural racism, LGBT rights and other ideological components of the progressive consensus.

How much money does MFFH have to influence the delivery of healthcare in this one state? ProPublicas summaries of their filings with the IRS tell quite a story. In 2023, MFFH spent $75 million on its agenda and had a net worth of nearly $1.4 billion. Unlike the United Way, the Salvation Army, or other big charities, they dont raise money from the public. According to their IRS filings, they have not raised a single dollar in contributions since 2014. So where did they get $1.4 billion in assets?

Unlike a lot of large foundations, MFFH was not founded by individual donors. MFFH was founded so that a large nonprofit health insurer could get state approval to convert to for-profit status. In 1996, Missouris Blue Cross Blue Shield wanted to convert to a for-profit business. Blue Cross Blue Shield was one of the first health insurance companies and is still in existence in some states today as a health insurance organization. Some are nonprofit, but today most are for-profit. These remnants of the Blue Cross insurance system do business under different names now, including Elevance, which was formerly Anthem.

In the 1990s, many state BCBS insurers (each state entity is separate) wanted to convert to for-profit status. Most states require that tax-exempt entities obtain approval to engage in large transactions, like converting to a for-profit enterprise. The theory is that these entities, being free from taxation, must hold their assets in trust for the citizens of the state and any transaction that is going to yield a significant profit, must somehow inure to the benefit of the public.

Missouris Attorney General wanted to ensure that some portion of the value of the non-profit enterprise would be held to benefit the public. Blue Cross proposed a novel idea. They set aside two hundred million dollars in cash and stock of the new for-profit plan (RightCHOICE) as an endowment for a new foundation, MFFH, which would operate and spend money to improve the healthcare outcomes in the counties that BCBS had served and, specifically, focus on underserved populations. The state agreed that this was an effective way to make sure the public benefited from BCBSs for-profit conversion and approved the deal. In fact, it became a model for how BCBS entities in other states could obtain regulatory approval to convert to a for-profit enterprise.

From this $200 million grubstake almost 30 years ago, MFFH has grown its endowment to over $1.4 billion. Its 990 filings since 2013 indicate it has spent between $50 million and $70 million per year on its progressive agenda.

There is no way for the public to influence MFFHs goals. They answer to no one. In theory, the current Attorney General has the authority to oversee tax-exempt entities to make sure they are using their assets for the public good. However, ideological bias is not necessarily a violation of the public trust. One might argue that subsidizing cross-sex hormone treatments is against public policy, but that would be a novel claim as long as no law is being violated. You cannot buy shares of their stock to vote for their board members.

Barring any internal changes, for the foreseeable future, MFFH will continue as a powerful, but little known, player in pushing healthcare policy in Missouri in the progressive direction, totally immune from outside pressure.

Do you have a nonprofit group like the Missouri Foundation for Health in your state? You might. If you dare to do a bit of research, youll soon see the insidious, substantial influence of the nonprofit sector that is wholly unaccountable to voters.
Home News 14 Pentecostal sect members convicted for death of 8-year-old girl denied lifesaving insulin

The parents of an 8-year-old girl, her adult brother and 11 other members of a small, tongues-talking Pentecostal sect in Toowoomba, Australia, were convicted of manslaughter Wednesday for causing her death by withholding lifesaving insulin needed to treat her Type 1 diabetes because of their religious beliefs.

In a nearly 500-page verdict, Queensland Supreme Court Justice Martin Burns convicted 8-year-old Elizabeth Rose Struhs father, Jason Richard Struhs, 53; her mother, Kerrie Elizabeth Struhs, 49; and her brother Zachary Alan Struhs, 22; of manslaughter for her Jan. 7, 2022, death.

Also convicted of manslaughter are Loretta Stevens, Therese Stevens, Andrea Stevens, Camelia Stevens, Acacia Stevens, Alexander Stevens, Sebastian Stevens, Keita Martin, Lachlan Schoenfisch and Samantha Schoenfisch.

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Elizabeths family members and the other convicts are all members of a group, which sometimes referred to themselves as the Church or the Saints, according to court documents.

Court records show that instead of treating Elizabeth with insulin when she got ill as a result of her diabetes, the group prayed. And when she died, they prayed for her resurrection for another 24 hours before calling local authorities for help.

Jason and Kerrie Struhs, who have been married since 1996, have eight children, but only two of them are adults. Along with Zachary Struhs, the couple has an estranged adult daughter, Jayde Struhs, who left the family at age 16. Although the Saints are not affiliated with any particular religious denomination, Jayde Struhs said the family attended the Revival Centres International church in Brisbane before the sect launched. They broke away from the charismatic denomination after the current leader of the group, Brendan Luke Stevens, failed to become a pastor in the church, BBC reports.

The members of the Church did not ascribe to any religious denomination, simply regarding themselves as Christians who followed Gods Word  that is to say, the Bible  entirely. They believed that, through prayer and baptism by full immersion in water, a person could receive the Holy Spirit and, when received, this would be evidenced by the persons ability to speak in tongues, which they regarded as a language only God can understand, Burns wrote.

Despite evidence showing that all 14 convicts appeared to hold a sincere belief that they should not get medical care for sickness and trust solely in God for healing, each of them is facing a potential life sentence for Elizabeths death. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 11.

Until her death, Elizabeth Rose Struhs was a vibrant, happy child with, of course, her whole life ahead of her. She left a lasting impression on many with whom she came into contact on the outside, whether through her schooling or during the treatment and control of a medical condition she was first diagnosed with in 2019  Type 1 diabetes, Burns wrote.

It cannot be doubted that she was lovingly cared for in almost every way by her parents, Jason, and Kerrie Struhs, or that she was adored by every member of the Church including all other accused. However, due to a singular belief in the healing power of God which, to the minds of her parents and the other members of the Church left no room for recourse to any form of medical care or treatment, she was deprived of the one thing that would most definitely have kept her alive  insulin.

While celebrating the convictions Wednesday, Jayde Struhs told reporters that her sister should not have died and the local child welfare system failed her.

Although we had a good outcome today, I have to acknowledge the system failed to protect Elizabeth in the first place, she said after the verdict, according to CBS News. We are only here today because more wasnt done sooner to protect her or remove her from a credibly unsafe situation in her own home.

Court documents show that on July 17, 2019, when Elizabeth was just a 6-year-old, she almost died from diabetes complications because of the religious beliefs of the sect to which her mother zealously adhered. At the time she got sick, her father was not yet a part of the sect, so he was the one who took her to a hospital, where she was diagnosed and treated despite her mothers objections.

Health officials say when Elizabeth was brought to the hospital, she weighed just under 29 pounds when the average weight of a child her age is around 46 pounds.

In his witness statement to police, Jason Struhs said for the entire time that Elizabeth was hospitalized, her mother never once visited.

Kerrie never came to visit Elizabeth during that four-week period, despite me asking her to. Kerrie also never got involved in any of the diabetic training or information sessions on how to care for Elizabeth in the future, despite requests from myself, the hospital, and Child Safety, Jason Struhs wrote. This is also despite me telling Kerrie on countless occasions that the training is necessary, and that if Elizabeth doesnt get the insulin she requires, she will die.

Court documents show that after the 8-year-old recovered with the help of doctors, the sect appeared to attribute her recovery solely to God.

Both Jason Struhs and his wife were subsequently prosecuted. Jason Struhs was sentenced to six months imprisonment for failing to provide the necessaries of life for his daughter. The sentence was suspended for an operational period of 12 months because he testified against his wife. Kerrie Struhs was found guilty of failing to provide the necessaries of life to Elizabeth on July 15, 2021, and sentenced to 18 months in prison. She was offered parole, set for Dec. 15, 2021.

While Kerrie Struhs was imprisoned, the verdict states that Jason Struhs came under intense pressure from his family and the Church, including his son Zachary, who blamed his unbelief for the familys struggles and his mothers imprisonment. As he tried caring for his daughter, his wife at one point decided while she was in prison that she would divorce him after her release.

My husband couldnt cope without me there because he felt like he had lost everything because I was the one that mainly looked after the children. I was communicating with Jason whilst I was in jail. The first couple of communications with Jason were by letter and these were quite blunt, he couldnt understand why I had gone to the lengths I had gone to. I decided that when I was released from prison, I was not going to continue my marriage to Jason, I had had enough, Kerrie Struhs wrote in a police witness statement in February 2022.

The desperate father reportedly spoke to a colleague about his family issues, and it was suggested that perhaps he could make things better by joining the church.

Mr Struhs took that advice. He later told police he returned home and asked Zachary to help him and that Zachary said the only way to help him was to pray to God. They prayed together and Jason Struhs asked God for help. This seems to have been on 18 August 2021. The next morning, he said he awoke with a calmness in [his] heart, and maintained God had taken away [his] anger, Burns wrote.

On Aug. 21, 2021, Jason Struhs was baptized by Brendan Stevens in a tub in the presence of several members of the Church. Just over a week later, on Aug. 30, 2021, he received the Holy Spirit and spoke with tongues.

Once his wife was released on parole, the entire family became absorbed in the life of the Church.
Home News House panel to probe 'debanking' of accounts linked to cryptocurrency CEOs

A congressional committee is investigating what's behind the recent trend of major financial institutions closing accounts linked to cryptocurrency firms.

The inquiry from the U.S. House of Representatives Oversight and Accountability Committee Chair Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., follows mounting concerns from the crypto community about the closure of accounts at banks that consider the sector too risky.

In a letter sent Friday to venture capitalist Marc Andreessen and five prominent crypto CEOs  including Coinbase's Brian Armstrong and Uniswap Labs' Hayden Adams  Comer asked for details about their experiences with account closures.

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The letter also referenced "Operation Choke Point," an initiative created under the Obama administration designed to deter financial fraud. Critics, however, say the effort included language hidden within its provisions that may have provided banks and other businesses with the opportunity to financially disenfranchise conservative Christian organizations by leveraging their own "risk tolerance" policies in order to "box out disfavored but legal business operations."

The investigation follows claims by Andreessen, who appeared on "The Joe Rogan Experience" last November and alleged that 30 tech founders he knew had been subjected to debanking, a practice where banks abruptly close accounts without providing clear explanations.

The letter also referenced an incident involving first lady Melania Trump, who, in a recent memoir, revealed she and her son Barron were personally impacted by the debanking trend.

An excerpt of Ms. Trump's memoir quoted in Comer's letter read in part: "I was shocked and dismayed to learn that my long-time bank decided to terminate my account and deny my son, [Barron Trump,] the opportunity to open a new one. This decision appeared to be rooted in political discrimination, raising serious concerns about civil rights violations."

In response, Comer said the panel is working to determine "whether this debanking practice originates from the financial institutions themselves or from either implicit or explicit pressure from government regulators."

One of the key figures involved in the investigation, Adams, had previously revealed that JPMorgan Chase had closed his Uniswap Labs bank accounts in 2022 without warning. He expressed frustration over how many other crypto companies face similar challenges.

In 2022, Blockchain Association CEO Kristin Smith reported issues related to debanking. More recently, Coinbase's legal officer, Paul Grewal, accused the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) of pressuring financial institutions to sever ties with crypto firms.

While the allegations of debanking have long been a contentious issue, it gained new attention last week when former President Donald Trump criticized major financial institutions for allegedly refusing to do business with conservatives.

Trump, speaking at the World Economic Forum, singled out Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase, claiming that many conservatives had been unfairly denied banking services.

"I hope you start opening your bank to conservatives, because many conservatives complain that the banks are not allowing them to do business," Trump said. "What you're doing is wrong."

Sam Brownback, the former U.S. ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom, welcomed Trump's public rebuke.

"I'm delighted," Brownback, who also served as a U.S. senator and governor of Kansas before assuming the ambassador position in Trump's first administration, told The Christian Post last week. "This thing has been swept under the carpet for way too long, and to get it finally out in the open is an important step to getting it solved."

The bank account of the National Committee for Religious Freedom (NCRF), a nonpartisan, multi-faith nonprofit Brownback launched in 2022, was shuttered by JPMorgan Chase without explanation less than three weeks after it was opened that year.

Brownback alleged that JPMorgan Chase stonewalled their executive director when he asked the bank why the account had been closed.

The bank denied closing the account based on the group's political or religious views at the time.
Home News Ohio AG backs pastor convicted of fire code violation for housing homeless at church 'Only government officials could say people are safer in sub-zero temperatures than inside the warmth of a church,' lawyer says

Ohio Attorney General David Yost has filed a brief in support of a pastor who was recently found guilty of a building code violation related to his church sheltering the homeless.

Pastor Chris Avell of Dad's Place Church in Bryan was recently found guilty of a fire code violation that was leveled by city officials.

In an amicus brief filed earlier this week in the Court of Appeals of Ohio, Sixth Appellate District, Williams County, Yost argued that the city was violating the churchs rights.

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This case is about religious liberty, read the brief. Applying Ohios proper test  strict scrutiny  the Church should prevail, and the preliminary injunction against the Church should be reversed.

That is because the City has not shown a likelihood of success that its claimed interests are compelling, nor has it shown that it has chosen the least restrictive means of pursuing its interests. As shown below, the City cannot meet the higher burden that Ohios Constitution requires.

The First Liberty Institute, which is helping to represent Avell, noted that this marks the third brief that Yost has filed on behalf of the church since its legal battle with the city began in 2023.

We thank Attorney General Yost for his defense of Dads Place and his unflinching leadership in defense of religious liberty for all Ohioans, said FLI Senior Counsel Jeremy Dys in a statement released Wednesday.

As he says in his brief, it is past time for the city to relent in its harassment of Dads Place and for the court to uphold the Ohio Constitution.

In March of 2023, Avell decided to keep his church open all day and night for the benefit of the local homeless population. Soon after, however, city officials charged Avell with 18 zoning law violations, including allegedly lacking proper kitchen and laundry facilities, unsafe building exits and improper ventilation.

Avell and his legal representatives met with Bryan officials in January of last year. After the meeting, it was announced that the two parties agreed that the city would drop the charges against Avell in return for halting residential operations while he acquires requisite building certifications and zoning permits, as well as installing the various safety measures.

However, last April, Dad's Place and the building owner, Riehle Rentals, faced new citations related to its sheltering of the homeless, as officials alleged that two violations of the city's fire code were found during an inspection that month.

Charges centered on the fact that the church didn't have an automated sprinkler system in its main room where 15 people were sleeping at the time of the fire chief's inspection.

"We did not want to do this. We must do this for the safety of the people using the church, renters in space above the church and the businesses adjacent to the building," Bryan Mayor Carrie Schlade said in a statement, according to WTOL 11. "This is not some bureaucratic dispute between Dad's Place and the city. This is a very dangerous situation for the people that Dad's Place has invited in to stay overnight."

Earlier this month, a Bryan Municipal Court judge found Avell guilty of the violation and fined the pastor $200 and gave him a 60-day suspended jail sentence. The decision was stayed 30 days to allow for an appeal.

FLI Counsel Ryan Gardner denounced the decision in a statement, believing that no American pastor should be pronounced guilty for providing temporary shelter to those in desperate need."

"Only government officials could say with a straight face that people are safer in the sub-zero temperatures on the street than inside the warmth of a church," he added.
Home News Top highlights from RFK Jr.'s first confirmation hearing: Spiritual battle, divine purpose, missing children

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trumps nominee to lead the United States Department of Health and Human Services, appeared before the U.S. Senate Finance Committee for a confirmation hearing Wednesday.

The fate of Kennedys confirmation rests in the hands of the 27-member committee and the 23-member U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP). The latter committee is scheduled to hold its own confirmation hearing where senators will consider Kennedys nomination Thursday.

Kennedy needs to secure the support of a simple majority of 13 senators on the Finance Committee and 11 senators on the HELP Committee for his nomination to advance to the full Senate, where he will require a simple majority of 51 votes. Currently, the Senate Finance Committee consists of 14 Republicans and 13 Democrats, the Senate HELP Committee has 12 Republicans and 11 Democrats, while the U.S. Senate is comprised of 53 Republicans and 47 Democrats.

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Senators questioned Kennedy about a wide variety of topics, including his views on abortion and vaccines. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., also entered a letter from Kennedys cousin, Caroline Kennedy, daughter of the-late President John F. Kennedy, into the Congressional record, describing what Wyden referred to as his lack of personal fitness for the office and calling him a predator.

Here are five highlights from Kennedys confirmation hearing.
Home News Trump signs Laken Riley Act; mother praises Jesus, hopes 'her life saves lives'

President Donald Trump signed the Laken Riley Act as his first piece of legislation upon reentering the White House, a bill that would direct authorities to detain illegal migrants accused of theft-related crimes and allow states to sue the federal government for damage caused by illegal immigration.

Trump signed the law on Wednesday, a move that follows the president's signing of several executive orders this month related to immigration, including one that designated drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

The Laken Riley Act is named for the 22-year-old nursing student murdered by Jose Antonio Ibarra in February 2024, a 26-year-old Venezuelan national in the United States illegally. A judge sentenced Ibarra to life in prison without parole after he was found guilty of murder in November.

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Trump described the nursing student as "beautiful," expressing sympathy for the young woman's parents. The Republican president blamed the Biden administration for allowing Ibarra into the country, adding that his administration will ensure a tragedy like Riley's death does not happen again.

"To Laken's family, we will keep Laken's memory alive," Trump said. "America will never forget Laken Hope Riley."

Under the Laken Riley Act, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is required to detain illegal migrants charged with theft-related crimes  such as burglary, theft, larceny or shoplifting  or those who have been charged with assaulting a police officer. Officials are also required to detain illegal aliens who have committed offenses that injure or kill someone.

In addition, the bill would give states the legal standing to sue the federal government for harm caused to citizens by immigration decisions.

Trump invited Riley's mother, Allyson Philips, to the podium to say a few words about her daughter. The victim's mother thanked the president for never forgetting Riley, stating that Trump is "a man of his word."

Riley's mom also took the time to thank the Lord, acknowledging that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross is what gives the family hope to keep living, knowing that they will all see Riley again in Heaven someday.

"Most importantly, I want to thank our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ," Philips said. "Without His sacrifices, Laken's story would have ended on that horrific day that she was taken from us. But because of Him, we can continue knowing that we will see Laken again."

"Our hope moving forward is that her life saves lives," the mother added, weeping.

During the Monday signing ceremony, Trump addressed several Angel families whose loved ones were murdered by illegal immigrants. One of the victims Trump named was Rachel Morin, a 37-year-old mother of five who was raped and killed by an illegal immigrant in August 2023.

Trump acknowledged that the Angel families have "suffered tremendously," blaming the immigration policies under the Biden-Harris administration, which he described as "weak" and "heartless."

The Republican leader stressed that the previous administration should have protected the Angel families' loved ones, accusing the Biden-Harris administration of allowing criminal illegal migrants to enter the United States.

Throughout the campaign trail, Trump promised that his administration would work to combat illegal immigration and strengthen border security.

Following his inauguration this month, Trump signed multiple executive orders, which included the designation of drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. The president also signed an executive order declaring a national emergency at the southern border, directing the secretary of defense to deploy additional personnel to the border.

"[Trump's] going to put the cartels out of business. He declared them a terrorist organization," Trump-appointed border czar, Tom Homan, told Fox News host Sean Hannity on Monday. "We've got the whole of government  it's going to dismantle these people and wipe them off the face of the Earth. They're not going to go lightly."

"We're taking them out of the trafficking business," Homan, the former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, added. "We're taking them out of the smuggling business. We're taking them out of the dope business."
Home News Trump signs executive order to fight 'radical indoctrination' in public schools

President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at fighting what he described as radical indoctrination in public schools in a move to advance patriotic education.

In the executive order issued Wednesday, Trump claimed that public schools across the United States were indoctrinating children in radical, anti-American ideologies while deliberately blocking parental oversight.

Imprinting anti-American, subversive, harmful, and false ideologies on our Nations children not only violates longstanding anti-discrimination civil rights law in many cases, but usurps basic parental authority, states the order.

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To combat this, the Trump administration will cut federal funding to any K-12 schools that are supporting indoctrination, including gender ideology and discriminatory equity ideology.

The executive order reestablishes the 1776 Commission, an entity that Trump created during his first term that sought to provide a pro-American interpretation of U.S. history for schools to implement. President Joe Biden dissolved the commission shortly after taking office in 2017.

The Department of Education shall provide funding and administrative support for the 1776 Commission, to the extent permitted by law and subject to the availability of appropriations, continued the order. The 1776 Commission shall terminate 2 years from the date of this order, unless extended by the President.

In 2021, shortly before it was dissolved, the commission released a report denouncing the distorted histories created by progressive intellectuals since the 1960s.

This new education replaced humane and liberal education in many places, and alienated Americans from their own nature, their own identities, and their own place and time, read the report.

It cuts students off from understanding that which came before them. Like square pegs and round holes, students are made to fit the latest expert theory about where history is headed next.

The 2021 report recommended creating an authentic education, including teaching Americans that all are equal, encouraging the love of country, and relying almost exclusively on primary sources.

While this country has its imperfections, just like any other country, in the annals of history the United States has achieved the greatest degree of personal freedom, security, and prosperity for the greatest proportion of its own people and for others around the world, added the report.

An authentic civics education will help rebuild our common bonds, our mutual friendship, and our civic devotion. But we cannot love what we do not know.

The commissions report was denounced by the American Historical Association, a prominent organization of professional historians that was founded in the 19th century, and other groups.

The report actually consists of two main themes. One is an homage to the Founding Fathers, a simplistic interpretation that relies on falsehoods, inaccuracies, omissions, and misleading statements, stated the AHA at the time.

The other is a screed against a half-century of historical scholarship, presented largely as a series of caricatures, using single examples (most notably the 1619 Project) to represent broader historiographical trends.
Bishop of Liverpool, Dr John Perumbalath (Photo: Diocese of Liverpool)

The Bishop of Liverpool has been asked to "step aside" by senior clergy in his diocese who say that his position is "currently untenable" after Channel 4 News broadcast allegations of sexual assault and sexual harassment earlier this week.

The allegations against Dr John Perumbalath were made by two different women, one of whom is a female bishop who said she had been sexually harassed by him. Dr Perumbalath has denied all allegations against him.

The Church of England said that the female bishop's complaint had been "explored" but "assessed not to be a safeguarding matter but a matter of alleged misconduct".

It added that she had not brought a complaint within the 12-month limitation set by the Clergy Discipline Measure (CDM), and that her application to do so beyond the deadline had been refused.

"The second complainant did not bring a CDM complaint within the one-year deadline. She later applied for permission to bring it after the deadline, which the Archbishop of York [Stephen Cottrell] fully supported," a spokesperson for the Church of England said.

"However, this was refused by an independent judge, the Deputy President of Tribunals.

"Archbishop Stephen has supported the complainant pastorally throughout the process and continues to offer practical help. He had no part in the decision-making around safeguarding or disciplinary matters."

A letter has now been written by senior clergy in the Diocese of Liverpool to the Archbishop of York asking for a full investigation into the female bishop's complaint.

"Having listened to clergy, congregations and staff at the diocesan offices and the cathedral it is with deep regret that the senior leadership of the Diocese of Liverpool feel that the position of the Rt Revd Dr John Perumbalath is currently untenable," they said.

"We believe that the allegations made by the female bishop need to be fully and properly investigated. We also believe that while these proper investigations are conducted the Bishop of Liverpool will need to step aside from all ministry in the Diocese of Liverpool."

The letter has been signed by Debra Walker, Chair of the House of Laity of the Liverpool Diocesan Synod, Peter Dawkin, Chair of the House of Clergy of the Liverpool Diocesan Synod, Sue Jones, Dean of Liverpool, Pete Spiers, Archdeacon of Knowsley & Sefton, Miranda Threlfall-Holmes, Archdeacon of Liverpool, and Simon Fisher, Archdeacon of St Helens and Warrington.

The second complaint came from a woman in the Diocese of Chelmsford who said she was sexually assaulted by Dr Perumbalath on three separate occasions.

She alleged that at a diocesan away day in 2019, Dr Perumbalath "kissed me forcefully on my mouth, which I did not like and I did not want. I tried to move away, but he was holding my head too tightly".

She alleged that at the end of a meeting in 2022, "As he was letting go of hugging me, he ran his hands past the side of my breasts on both sides, with a medium pressure, until he reached the edge of the areola."

She also alleged that in January 2023, Dr Perumbalath "pressed his face against my face, said 'I love you' quietly in my ear, and moved his mouth to just below my ear, on the pulse point on my neck. He opened his mouth, took a piece of my skin between his lips, and let go".

The Church of England said that the National Safeguarding Team (NST) had investigated the complaint and "concluded that there were no ongoing safeguarding concerns, but a learning outcome was identified with which the bishop fully engaged".

"The complaint was also investigated by the police which resulted in no further action," the spokesperson said.

"The NST concluded that there was not sufficient evidence to bring a safeguarding-related complaint under the Clergy Discipline Measure (CDM) itself but offered the woman support if she wished to do so. The NST continues to have contact, at her request, with the woman who came forward and the offer of ongoing support remains.

"Some time subsequently, after hearing the details of the complaint directly from the complainant, the Lead Safeguarding Bishop also offered advice and support to the woman if she wished to bring a CDM complaint. That offer also remains."

Responding to the allegations, Dr John Perumbalath said: "The allegations set out in this programme are in relation to encounters that took place in public settings, with other people present. I have consistently denied the allegations made against me by both complainants.

"I have complied with any investigation from the National Safeguarding Team. The allegations raised in Essex were also investigated by the police who took no further action.

"Whilst I don't believe I have done anything wrong, I have taken seriously the lessons learnt through this process addressing how my actions can be perceived by others. I will comply with any investigation deemed necessary. I take safeguarding very seriously and work hard to provide proper leadership in this area."

The Archbishop of York's office has been contacted for comment.
Calvin Robinson

Calvin Robinson has had his licence to operate as a priest in the Anglican Catholic Church removed after performing an Elon Musk-style salute.

Robinson was speaking at the National Pro-Life Summit in Washington DC when he concluded his remarks by telling the audience "my heart goes out to you" and performing the gesture.

It comes days after Musk was accused of making a Nazi salute by critics at the time of Donald Trump's inauguration. Musk responded to the criticism by saying, "Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The 'everyone is Hitler' attack is sooo tired."

The Anglican Catholic Church (ACC) said in a statement that it believed Robinson was attempting to "curry favour with certain elements of the American political right by provoking its opposition".

The ACC also indicated that this was not the first time they had raised concerns about Robinson: "Mr. Robinson had been warned that online trolling and other such actions (whether in service of the left or right) are incompatible with a priestly vocation and was told to desist. Clearly, he has not, and as such, his license in this Church has been revoked. He is no longer serving as a priest in the ACC."

The ACC claimed that mimicking the Nazi salute, even if done in jest, trivialised the Holocaust and the sacrifice of World War Two soldiers and that "such actions are harmful, divisive, and contrary to the tenets of Christian charity".

Robinson himself has confirmed that the gesture was a joke and that he is not in fact Nazi.

Writing on X, Robinson addressed the controversy, "For the record, in case it needs saying: I am not a Nazi."

Robinson continued, "The joke at the end was a mockery of the hysterical 'liberals' who called Elon Musk a Nazi for quite clearly showing the audience his heart was with them. Context is key, but sometimes people ignore context to confirm their own prejudices. People see what they want to see."

The broadcaster and commentator appears to have been caught off guard by the ACC's decision. He said in another post on X: "Thank you for all your lovely, supportive messages. Yes, it does seem my licence has been revoked. I cannot go into any detail yet because I have none. I am obedient to my bishops, and I have not heard from the Archbishop yet - so I do not know the situation or what I am able to share. I learned this the same way you did, via social media."

Robinson was defended by his friend, the political activist, Laurence Fox, who questioned the actions of the ACC against someone he described as a "deeply committed servant of god" and a "truly, genuinely wonderful and honourable man".
In the two years since generative artificial intelligence (genAI) burst onto the global stage and quickly found its way into the strategy playbooks of the worlds largest businesses, weve all heard a lot about the technologys potential. Countless surveys and one-off product demos have touted a future vision where workflows are streamlined, customer interactions are more personalized, and manual tasks are automated. There have been fewer stories about how AI is being used right now, today, to transform critical business functions. But it is happening.

The insurance industry has been one of the first industries to fully embrace AI and quickly start finding ways to capitalize on its ability to parse vast databases of structured and unstructured data to surface meaningful information. That early adoption was due to the fact that insurance is a data-intensive business and, in addition to seeing the benefits AI could bring, most large insurers were already pretty far along on the cloud migration and data modernization efforts that are needed to support large-scale AI rollouts.

Over the course of our work together integrating AI into a wide range of insurance workflows over the last several months, weve been able to identify three key areas where AI is already having a major impact on everything from back-office operations to frontline customer support.

1  Claims processing

The claims process is the single most important part of the insurance customer experience. It is also one of the most challenging functions to manage and it has historically been categorized by many in the industry as one of the biggest leaky buckets in the business. For example, personal lines auto insurers lose an estimated $30 billion each year due missing or erroneous underwriting information or other errors that occur in the claims process. In health insurance, some 15% of all claims submitted for reimbursement are initially denied, and more than half (52%) of those denied claims are eventually paid. Meanwhile, processing times keep getting longer, putting a strain on customers and adding costs for insurers.

By integrating AI into the claims workflow, it is now possible instantly fetch and reconcile necessary data from multiple systems inside the carrier along with external data sources, in many cases making it possible to auto-adjudicate a claim in seconds. In a pre-AI world, that process would have involved manually digging through policy notes, corroborating claims filings, and analyzing customer call logs and other data sets across half-a-dozen different systems before a decision could be made.

2  Underwriting

The underwriting process is another sticky point in the insurance workflow that has been begging for innovation for years. In life insurance, for example, where the problem is particularly acute, the onboarding cycle for a new policy can be upwards of six weeks while agents and underwriters chase down documents, press customers for background information, and determine risk profiles.

With AI-powered tools, insurers can not only pull together all of this information far more quickly, they can also develop more personalized products that address the specific needs of individuals, versus relying on pre-determined, generic risk profiles. This creates opportunities to cover underinsured and underrepresented individuals who may otherwise have not met the necessary policy screening criteria.

3  Fraud prevention

Fraud is another insurance industry pain point thats being addressed more effectively with AI. Industry-wide, roughly 20% of all insurance claims are fraudulent at a cost of $308.6 billion annually. A big part of the problem with insurance fraud is that many of the historical best practices for managing it have been retroactive. Using a combination of audits and random screening, insurers have only had a piecemeal picture of their total fraud exposure. Theyve been forced to chase fraudulent claims only after they had already been paid.

Now, AI is being used to scour through a wide variety of data sources including claims histories, public records, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines, medical newsletters, and regional regulatory data to quickly identify changes and update fraud detection algorithms in near-real-time.

A Better Customer Experience

While these improvements are largely centered on operational workflows, the end-result of all of them is a better customer experience. For example, we recently had an exchange with a life insurance beneficiary that needed to file a claim for their loved one. Expecting a long, drawn-out process with lots of paperwork and chasing down documents, the beneficiary was shocked to find that we were able to instantly access funeral home records and other third-party data sources to make the process completely seamless. Their claim was then paid within two days.

These are precisely the types of emotionally charged complicated interactions insurers have with their clients every day. When we can use technology to make those human interactions more empathetic and deliver results instantly, we go a long way to fulfilling our customer promise and making people feel good in the process. In that way, AI is helping us to drive better human experiences.

To learn more about the work EXL is doing to build GenAI into enterprise insurance workflows, please visit here.

About the authors:

Munish Mahajan is senior vice president, data modernization at EXL and Siddharth Kuckreja, senior vice president and chief technology officer at TruStage
Rotunda Rumblings

Deep freeze: A freeze on federal grant and loan funding that President Donald Trump proposed this week left Ohio agencies, universities, and companies that receive federal money in a state of uncertainty as they weighed how to cope with a new policy that jeopardizes billions of dollars they expected to receive. A judge put Trumps move on a temporary hold late Tuesday afternoon. Meanwhile, Sabrina Eaton writes that agencies around Ohio were scrambling over what might happen to promised federal funds that touch just about every aspect of life, including the ability to prosecute crimes, educate children or drive on freshly paved roads.

Impact Ohio: The proposed federal funding freeze could interrupt a number of government programs in Ohio, from free school lunches to helping poorer residents pay their heating bills. As Anna Staver and Jeremy Pelzer report, confused state officials were still trying to figure out Tuesday exactly what effect the order will have in Ohio. While a judge put the proposal on a temporary pause, Democrats expressed fears the order, if implemented, could also lead to draconian cuts to major programs in the new state budget. However, a key Republican downplayed the orders ramifications in both the short and long term.

Local fallout: Trumps blocked plan to pause federal spending also threatens grants that local agencies have been counting on. Peter Krouse details the potential fallout from the decision on funding for environmental projects in Northeast Ohio. Adam Ferrise reports on the ramifications for law enforcement in the region. And Sean McDonnell digs into how it could reverberate through Cleveland, including what it might mean for lakefront development plans.

Child care share: Ohio Republican, Democratic and independent voters want the state to increase funding for child care, a new poll shows. The poll for Columbus child care advocate Groundwork Ohio comes at a time when lawmakers have introduced several bills to create child care tax credits for families and employers, expand daycare subsidies and other assistance. Those bills last year didnt go anywhere, but some have already been reintroduced, signaling that lawmakers understand the issue is not going away, Laura Hancock reports.

Take-back: U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno, a Westlake Republican, on Tuesday joined Republican calls for Trump to renegotiate or cancel a 1977 treaty that ceded control of the Panama Canal to Panama. We ratified that treaty here in the United States Senate, Moreno said at a Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hearing on the canals impact on U.S. trade and national security. Id love to see us de-ratify it.

No visit: Dont expect Trump to visit East Palestine, Ohio on the second anniversary of the February 3, 2023, train derailment that spilled toxic chemicals, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Tuesday. President Trump still talks about his visit to East Palestine, Ohio, she said, describing it as a turning point in the 2024 campaign that reminded Americans that President Trump is a man of the people.

Wont touch this: The Ohio Supreme Court declined to take up an appeal of a lawsuit wrapped up in the most recent battle for control of the Ohio House Republican caucus and its financial accounts. An appeals court, in an opinion written by a former House Democrat, dismissed the case while reasoning judges shouldnt nose into politics. An announcement of the dismissal notes that the courts lone Democratic justice wanted the parties to submit short briefs won whether the case is moot given House Speaker Matt Huffman won out at the Statehouse.

Not a club member: Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost joined 18 fellow attorneys general in a letter asking Costcos CEO to abandon its diversity, equity and inclusion policies. As Laura Bischoff of the USA TODAY Ohio News Bureau reports, the letter states that Costco should treat every person equally and based on their merit, rather than based on divisive and discriminatory practices. Yost is running for governor in 2026 in what is expected to be a hotly contested primary.

Oops: An item in yesterdays Capitol Letter incorrectly said Perry County was applying for $70 million in All Ohio Future Fund site development money. It should have said Pickaway County.

Lobbying Lineup

Five organizations that lobbied on last years House Bill 315, a sweeping bill that will allow cities to charge $75 an hour for publicly available bodycam footage, allow patients to obtain off-label drugs, create a Dolly Parton Imagination Library license plate, and give a county tax break for the Cincinnati Bengals stadium renovations, among other provisions. Gov. Mike DeWine signed the bill into law on Jan. 3.

1. The ACLU of Ohio

2. Americans for Prosperity

3. Ohio Municipal League

4. Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association

5. County Commissioners' Association of Ohio

Birthdays

Macin Taylor, Ohio House project manager

Ex-President William McKinley (1843-1901)

Straight from the Source

Zero messaging at every level. Zero. And we wonder why we lose? #Democrats"

-Chris Redfern, a former Ohio Democratic Party chairman on X, responding to the lack of an early, coordinated message by his partys national leaders in opposition to President Donald Trumps proposed federal grant and loan freeze, which a judge temporarily blocked late Tuesday afternoon.

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Meta said Wednesday it would pay $25 million to settle a four-year-old lawsuit from President Donald Trump over the social media company's decision to suspend Trump's accounts after the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, filed a notice of the settlement in federal court in San Francisco, where the lawsuit was pending. Meta spokesperson Andy Stone separately confirmed the terms: a $25 million payment from the company, with $22 million going toward a fund for Trump's presidential library and the balance dedicated to legal fees and other plaintiffs in the case.

The settlement does not require Meta to admit wrongdoing, Stone said.

The White House declined to comment on the settlement.

The settlement was earlier reported by The Wall Street Journal.

Meta is at least the second major corporation to pay to settle a Trump lawsuit since he won a second term in the November election. In December, ABC said it would pay $15 million to close out a dispute in which Trump alleged that anchor George Stephanopoulos had defamed him.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has worked aggressively to court Trump since the election. He had a prime seat for Trump's swearing-in this month and hours later hosted a party in Trump's honor. Meta has overhauled its content moderation policies to more closely align with the Trump administration, including allowing insults against transgender people and ending its independent fact-checking program in the United States. Also, Zuckerberg promoted a longtime Republican, Joel Kaplan, to be chief of global policy at the company.

Trump has previously been critical of Zuckerberg and Meta. In late August, Trump published a book of photographs in which he said Zuckerberg "will spend the rest of his life in prison" if he does "anything illegal" to influence the presidential election. At the time, Meta declined to comment on the statement.

After Trump won the Nov. 5 election, Zuckerberg wished Trump well and donated to his inaugural fund.

Meta, along with nearly every other major tech company, suspended Trump's social media accounts after the Capitol riot by Trump's supporters, limiting Trump's presence online for the final two weeks of his first term.

Zuckerberg said in a Jan. 7, 2021, post on Facebook that Trump's refusal to condemn his supporters who stormed and occupied the Capitol showed that he "intends to use his remaining time in office to undermine the peaceful and lawful transition of power to his elected successor, Joe Biden."

Trump's accounts remained locked on Facebook and Instagram until February 2023.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, accompanied by U.S. President Donald Trump, Oracle CTO Larry Ellison (R), and SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son (2nd-R), speaks during a news conference in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on January 21, 2025 in Washington, DC.

SoftBank is in talks to invest up to $25 billion in OpenAI, which would make it the startup's top backer, CNBC has confirmed.

The deal has not been finalized yet, according to a person with knowledge of the matter who asked not to be named because the negotiations are confidential. The FT was first to report on SoftBank's potential investment.

In November, OpenAI allowed employees to sell about $1.5 billion worth of shares in a tender offer to SoftBank, people familiar with the matter told CNBC at the time. One source said that SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son was persistent in asking for a larger stake in the startup after putting $500 million into OpenAI's last funding round.

SoftBank, OpenAI and Oracle are partnering in a joint venture called Stargate that was unveiled at the White House by President Donald Trump last week. The plan calls for billions of dollars to be invested in U.S. artificial intelligence infrastructure.

OpenAI, which to date has counted on Microsoft as its key investor, is moving toward a for-profit structure. Founded in 2015 as a nonprofit, OpenAI is creating a public benefit corporation to oversee commercial operations, removing some of its nonprofit restrictions and allowing it to function more like a high-growth startup. That means it needs more capital and more compute to compete in the generative AI arms race, a market that analysts say could reach $1 trillion within a decade.

"The hundreds of billions of dollars that major companies are now investing into AI development show what it will really take for OpenAI to continue pursuing the mission," OpenAI's board wrote in a blog post last month.

OpenAI has been valued at $157 billion valuation by private investors. In late 2022, the company launched its ChatGPT chatbopt and kicked off the boom in generative AI. OpenAI closed its latest $6.6 billion round in October, gearing up to aggressively compete with Elon Musk's xAI as well as Microsoft, Google, Amazon and Anthropic.

Meanwhile, a Chinese rival is blowing up in the U.S. DeepSeek, an AI startup lab out of China, saw its app soar to the top of Apple's App Store rankings this week and roiled U.S. markets on reports that its powerful model was trained at a fraction of the cost of U.S. competitors.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman described DeepSeek's R1 model as "impressive," and wrote on X that "we will obviously deliver much better models and also it's legit invigorating to have a new competitor!"

SoftBank didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

WATCH: Stargate project shows that SoftBank is in unique position
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk watch the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket in Brownsville, Texas, on Nov. 19, 2024.

President Donald Trump campaigned on a promise to slap tariffs on goods from many top trading partners. Elon Musk's electric vehicle company may feel some of the pain.

During Tesla's earnings call on Wednesday, Chief Financial Officer Vaibhav Taneja said the company's profitability could take a hit if the new administration implements tariffs.

"Over the years we've tried to localize our supply chain in every market, but we are still reliant on parts from across the world for all our businesses," Taneja said. He said the "imposition of tariffs" would "have an impact on our business and profitability."

President Trump, who returned to the White House last week, is weighing tariffs on China, Mexico and Canada in an effort to protect U.S. business interests.

Tariffs were a popular tool in the first Trump administration, and were used on goods including solar panels, steel and aluminum. It remained a major talking point on the campaign trail. The president has touted a 60% tariff on China, and over the weekend threatened Colombia with a 25% tariff on goods coming into the U.S.

Musk was Trump's biggest backer, pouring $277 million into his campaign and in support of other Republican candidates. Musk is now running the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and many analysts have speculated that his tight relationship with the president could benefit his companies.

Tesla shares have soared 55% since Trump's election victory in early November. The stock rose another 4% in extended trading on Wednesday even though Tesla reported weaker-than-expected earnings and revenue for the quarter.

WATCH: Hard to understand why Tesla stock is up after 'choppy' earnings
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Search and rescue teams work near the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, in the aftermath of the collision of American Eagle flight 5342 and a Black Hawk helicopter that crashed into the Potomac River, in Arlington, Virginia, U.S., Jan. 30, 2025. Evelyn Hockstein | Reuters

There were no survivors after an American Airlines regional jet with 64 people aboard collided with a Black Hawk military helicopter moments before the airplane was set to land at Washington, D.C.'s Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night, officials said. The accident was the worst air disaster in the U.S. since 2001. Hundreds of first responders have switched to a recovery operation from rescue efforts, District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Chief John Donnelly said in a press conference Thursday morning. Donnelly said at least 28 bodies have been recovered so far: 27 from the jet and one from the helicopter.

Both aircraft plunged into the icy waters of the Potomac River. First responders including divers worked overnight to try to recover victims, battling choppy, cold waters. Sixty passengers and four crew members were on board the American flight. Three people were on board the military helicopter, an official said. American Eagle Flight 5342, a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jetliner, was on approach into the airport's Runway 33 when it collided with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter at around 9 p.m. ET, the FAA said. The flight was arriving from Wichita, Kansas, and flying at an altitude of about 300 feet at the time of the collision, according to FlightRadar24.

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PSA Airlines is an American Airlines subsidiary and one of its regional carriers. American Eagle is how the airline brands its regional flights. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, two days into the job, said the American Airlines jetliner was broken into three sections in the Potomac. The accident hands President Donald Trump a crisis less than two weeks into his new term, as it ends the country's nearly 16-year stretch without a deadly commercial passenger crash. Trump claimed at a White House news conference Thursday that policies promoting diversity, equity and inclusion "could have been" to blame for the collision, the deadliest U.S. plane crash since November 2001. He did not provide evidence. Pressed on whether he was getting ahead of the investigation and on how he could connect the collision to DEI, Trump said, "Because I have common sense, OK?"

People look out towards the crash site of the American Airlines plane on the Potomac River as it approached the Reagan National Airport on January 30, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. Andrew Harnik | Getty Images

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation into Wednesday's accident. The probe will also include the Federal Aviation Administration, American Airlines and other parties. American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said in a memo to staff that the NTSB would be the "sole source of truth going forward, and accuracy is of the utmost importance." At a briefing Thursday afternoon, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said the agency would leave no stone unturned in its investigation. Investigators will look at everything from staffing levels at the airport's air traffic control facility to pilot training, maintenance, communications between air traffic controllers and the aircraft involved in the crash, she said. The NTSB said late Thursday that the flight data and cockpit voice recorder from the CRJ-700 have been recovered. The boxes were taken to NTSB labs for evaluation, the agency said.

AFP, Flightradar, CNBC

Staffing at Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night wasn't at normal levels for the time of day and the amount of traffic, according to a source familiar with a FAA preliminary incident report. The FAA didn't immediately comment. The person said the tower at the airport normally has one controller who focuses on helicopter traffic, though FAA allows for that position to be combined so one person could watch airplanes and helicopters. That was the case Wednesday night, the source said. "Everyone who flies in American skies expects that we fly safely, that when you depart an airport, you get to your destination," Duffy said in a press conference Thursday. "That didn't happen last night, and I know that President Trump, his administration, the FAA, the DOT, you will not rest until we have answers for the family and for the flying public."

Law enforcement continue their investigation into the American Airlines plane that crashed into the Potomac River as it was attempting to land at the Reagan National Airport on Jan. 30, 2025 in Washington, DC. Kayla Bartkowski | Getty Images

Duffy said he thought the accident was preventable. The FAA does not have a permanent head, which would require Senate confirmation. Former Administrator Mike Whitaker stepped down on Jan. 20, when Trump took office. On Thursday, Trump appointed Chris Rocheleau, a former senior FAA official, as acting head of the FAA. American CEO Isom traveled to Washington, D.C., overnight. "I want to express my sincere condolences for the accident that happened last night. We're absolutely heartbroken for the family members," Isom said in a press conference. "Our focus right now is to support all of those involved and also the PSA airlines team." He said the American flight was at final approach and "at this time, we don't know why the military aircraft came into the path of the PSA aircraft."

Emergency personnel work near the site of the crash, with the U.S. Capitol in the background, after American Eagle flight 5342 collided with a Black Hawk helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and crashed in the Potomac River, U.S. January 30, 2025. Nathan Howard | Reuters

Isom said the captain of the American Eagle flight had about six years with PSA and the first officer had about two years. The plane was on a "standard" approach, he added. "That's about all I can say." NBC News reported that one of the soldiers on the helicopter was an instructor pilot lending experience to the crew, which was on an annual training mission. The airline provided contact information for people who "believe you may have loved ones on board Flight 5342." American and Russian figure skaters were on board the flight, according to the countries' official groups. Reagan Washington National was closed Wednesday night and reopened late Thursday morning. Officials said airlines would communicate any schedule changes to passengers.

A flight information board shows cancelled flights at the Reagan National Airport as rescue boats search the waters of the Potomac River after an American Airlines plane crashed on approach to Reagan National Airport on January 30, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. Kayla Bartkowski | Getty Images News | Getty Images
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A screen grab captured from a video shows a regional plane collided in midair with a military helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. United States on Jan. 29, 2025. Kennedy Center Cam | Anadolu | Getty Images

The midair collision of a military helicopter and an American Airlines regional jetliner near Washington, D.C.'s Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night brings to an end a streak of commercial air travel safety that was unknown to previous generations. It is the deadliest air disaster on U.S. soil in more than 20 years.

Officials said Thursday morning that they were shifting from a recovery effort to a rescue effort and that there were no survivors. Washington's Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said 27 bodies have been recovered so far. American Eagle Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, was approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport at an altitude of about 300 feet when a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter carrying three people collided with the commercial jetliner. Sixty-four people  60 passengers and four crew members  were on board the American flight. The flight was operated by American subsidiary carrier PSA Airlines. The plane was a Bombardier CRJ700, a regional jet used for shorter routes. Rescuers had raced to recover passengers from the frigid waters of the Potomac River on Wednesday night, but local officials said conditions were challenging due to high winds.

Rescuers on boats work as the sun rises at the site of the crash in the Potomac River after a Black Hawk helicopter and an American Eagle flight 5342 approaching Reagan Washington National Airport collided and crashed outside Washington, U.S., January 30, 2025. Kevin Lamarque | Reuters
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As rescuers continued retrieving bodies out of the frigid Potomac River on Thursday, the deadliest commercial air disaster in the U.S. since 2001 is bringing long-brewing concerns over congested U.S. airspace into a full-blown crisis. Just before 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, an American Airlines regional jet collided with a military helicopter near Washington, D.C.'s Reagan National Airport. There were no survivors on either the Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, which carried 60 passengers and four crew members, or on the Army Black Hawk helicopter, which was carrying three people, officials said.

A series of close calls at airports in recent years has raised alarms among airlines, regulators and lawmakers. It is not immediately clear what led to the deadly collision on Wednesday. A full investigation could take months, if not longer than a year. Officials on Thursday did not blame air traffic control for the deadly crash. In one of the recent incidents that raised concerns, a JetBlue Airways plane starting its takeoff roll at Reagan National Airport in April came within a few hundred feet of a Southwest Airlines flight, which was told to cross the runway. Despite those close calls, there has not been a major fatal commercial airplane crash on U.S. soil since February 2009. Wednesday's crash was the deadliest since November 2001.

A view of the Potomac River from Reagan National Airport. CNBC, Google Earth
Dado Ruvic | Reuters

Chinese artificial intelligence firm DeepSeek rocked markets this week with claims its new AI model outperforms OpenAI's and cost a fraction of the price to build. The assertions  specifically that DeepSeek's large language model cost just $5.6 million to train  have sparked concerns over the eyewatering sums that tech giants are currently spending on computing infrastructure required to train and run advanced AI workloads. Investor fears over DeepSeek's disruptive impact erased close to $600 billion from Nvidia's market capitalization Monday  the biggest single-day drop for any company in U.S. history. But not everyone is convinced by DeepSeek's claims. CNBC asked industry experts for their views on DeepSeek, and how it actually compares to OpenAI, creator of viral chatbot ChatGPT which sparked the AI revolution.

What is DeepSeek?

Last week, DeepSeek released R1, its new reasoning model that rivals OpenAI's o1. A reasoning model is a large language model that breaks prompts down into smaller pieces and considers multiple approaches before generating a response. It is designed to process complex problems in a similar way to humans. DeepSeek was founded in 2023 by Liang Wenfeng, co-founder of AI-focused quantitative hedge fund High-Flyer, to focus on large language models and reaching artificial general intelligence, or AGI. AGI as a concept loosely refers to the idea of an AI that equals or surpasses human intellect on a wide range of tasks.

Much of the technology behind R1 isn't new. What is notable, however, is that DeepSeek is the first to deploy it in a high-performing AI model with  according to the company  considerable reductions in power requirements. "The takeaway is that there are many possibilities to develop this industry. The high-end chip/capital intensive way is one technological approach," said Xiaomeng Lu, director of Eurasia Group's geo-technology practice. "But DeepSeek proves we are still in the nascent stage of AI development and the path established by OpenAI may not be the only route to highly capable AI."

How is it different from OpenAI?

DeepSeek has two main systems that have garnered buzz from the AI community: V3, the large language model that unpins its products, and R1, its reasoning model. Both models are open-source, meaning their underlying code is free and publicly available for other developers to customize and redistribute. DeepSeek's models are much smaller than many other large language models. V3 has a total of 671 billion parameters, or variables that the model learns during training. And while OpenAI doesn't disclose parameters, experts estimate its latest model to have at least a trillion. In terms of performance, DeepSeek says its R1 model achieves performance comparable to OpenAI's o1 on reasoning tasks, citing benchmarks including AIME 2024, Codeforces, GPQA Diamond, MATH-500, MMLU and SWE-bench Verified.

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In a technical report, the company said its V3 model had a training cost of only $5.6 million  a fraction of the billions of dollars that notable Western AI labs such as OpenAI and Anthropic have spent to train and run their foundational AI models. It isn't yet clear how much DeepSeek costs to run, however. If the training costs are accurate, though, it means the model was developed at a fraction of the cost of rival models by OpenAI, Anthropic, Google and others. Daniel Newman, CEO of tech insight firm The Futurum Group, said these developments suggest "a massive breakthrough," although he shed some doubt on the exact figures. "I believe the breakthroughs of DeepSeek indicate a meaningful inflection for scaling laws and are a real necessity," he said. "Having said that, there are still a lot of questions and uncertainties around the full picture of costs as it pertains to the development of DeepSeek."

Meanwhile, Paul Triolio, senior VP for China and technology policy lead at advisory firm DGA Group, noted it was difficult to draw a direct comparison between DeepSeek's model cost and that of major U.S. developers. "The 5.6 million figure for DeepSeek V3 was just for one training run, and the company stressed that this did not represent the overall cost of R&D to develop the model," he said. "The overall cost then was likely significantly higher, but still lower than the amount spent by major US AI companies." DeepSeek wasn't immediately available for comment when contacted by CNBC.

Comparing DeepSeek, OpenAI on price

DeepSeek and OpenAI both disclose pricing for their models' computations on their websites. DeepSeek says R1 costs 55 cents per 1 million tokens of inputs  "tokens" referring to each individual unit of text processed by the model  and $2.19 per 1 million tokens of output. In comparison, OpenAI's pricing page for o1 shows the firm charges $15 per 1 million input tokens and $60 per 1 million output tokens. For GPT-4o mini, OpenAI's smaller, low-cost language model, the firm charges 15 cents per 1 million input tokens.

Skepticism over chips

DeepSeek's reveal of R1 has already led to heated public debate over the veracity of its claim  not least because its models were built despite export controls from the U.S. restricting the use of advanced AI chips to China. DeepSeek claims it had its breakthrough using mature Nvidia clips, including H800 and A100 chips, which are less advanced than the chipmaker's cutting-edge H100s, which can't be exported to China. However, in comments to CNBC last week, Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang, said he believed DeepSeek used the banned chips  a claim that DeepSeek denies.

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Nvidia has since come out and said that the GPUs that DeepSeek used were fully export-compliant.

The real deal or not?

Industry experts seem to broadly agree that what DeepSeek has achieved is impressive, although some have urged skepticism over some of the Chinese company's claims. "DeepSeek is legitimately impressive, but the level of hysteria is an indictment of so many," U.S. entrepreneur Palmer Luckey, who founded Oculus and Anduril wrote on X. "The $5M number is bogus. It is pushed by a Chinese hedge fund to slow investment in American AI startups, service their own shorts against American titans like Nvidia, and hide sanction evasion." Seena Rejal, chief commercial officer of NetMind, a London-headquartered startup that offers access to DeepSeek's AI models via a distributed GPU network, said he saw no reason not to believe DeepSeek. "Even if it's off by a certain factor, it still is coming in as greatly efficient," Rejal told CNBC in a phone interview earlier this week. "The logic of what they've explained is very sensible." However, some have claimed DeepSeek's technology might not have been built from scratch. "DeepSeek makes the same mistakes O1 makes, a strong indication the technology was ripped off," billionaire investor Vinod Khosla said on X, without giving more details. It's a claim that OpenAI itself has alluded to, telling CNBC in a statement Wednesday that it is reviewing reports DeepSeek may have "inappropriately" used output data from its models to develop their AI model, a method referred to as "distillation." "We take aggressive, proactive countermeasures to protect our technology and will continue working closely with the U.S. government to protect the most capable models being built here," an OpenAI spokesperson told CNBC.

Commoditization of AI

However the scrutiny surrounding DeepSeek shakes out, AI scientists broadly agree it marks a positive step for the industry. Yann LeCun, chief AI scientist at Meta , said that DeepSeek's success represented a victory for open-source AI models, not necessarily a win for China over the U.S. Meta is behind a popular open-source AI model called Llama. "To people who see the performance of DeepSeek and think: 'China is surpassing the US in AI.' You are reading this wrong. The correct reading is: 'Open source models are surpassing proprietary ones'," he said in a post on LinkedIn. "DeepSeek has profited from open research and open source (e.g. PyTorch and Llama from Meta). They came up with new ideas and built them on top of other people's work. Because their work is published and open source, everyone can profit from it. That is the power of open research and open source." WATCH: Why DeepSeek is putting America's AI lead in jeopardy

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After a storm of technology news and earnings this week, D.A. Davidson's Gil Luria suggests ways to play key names in the sector. The firm's head of technology research joined CNBC's "Three-Stock Lunch" segment on Thursday to break down his views on Microsoft , Apple and Nvidia . Microsoft and Apple are reporting results this week, and Nvidia suffered its worst day in almost five years and a history-making loss in market value on Monday, unrelated to earnings results. Apple Apple is the only one of the three that Luria rates buy. The iPhone maker reports earnings for its first fiscal quarter of 2025 after Thursday's closing bell, with analysts closely watching sales of its iconic phone. "We're in the best place possible, which is long term expectations are good, because Apple will be the leader in providing consumer AI," Luria said. But, "short term expectations are low. People don't expect iPhone sales to grow very much." Apple shares were little changed Thursday and have slipped more than 4% since 2025 began. The majority of analysts polled by LSEG have a buy rating and an average price target that suggests shares might only rise about 2% over the coming year. Microsoft Microsoft shares pulled back about 6% on Thursday, one day after giving weak guidance for future revenue. Luria is in the minority on Wall Street, keeping a neutral rating while most other analysts rate the Xbox maker a buy. "Microsoft is investing more and more and getting less and less growth," Luria said. "The decelerating Azure business is a concern, especially since they're indicating some of it is company-specific issues. They've invested so much in AI, they've taken their eye off the ball in terms of their other businesses that are now decelerating, and yet they're still increasing their spend." Shares are now down more than 1% for 2025. Following this decline, Wall Street now expects shares to jump more than 21% over the next year based on the consensus price target. Nvidia Luria also has a neutral rating on Nvidia. While the chipmaker isn't expected to report earnings until late February, the Jensen Huang-led company has been the focus of Wall Street after its explosive two-year runup and the AI challenge from China's DeepSeek lab. "At some point, Microsoft is going to stop wanting to overspend on data centers, and so that's going to have to come out of Nvidia's pocket," Luria said. And if big customers start to moderate spending, "it's going to be hard for Nvidia to keep anything close to the current growth rate." Nvidia shares cratered 17% on Monday as DeepSeek battered global tech stocks, marking its worst day since 2020. While the stock made up some ground later in the week, shares are on track to end the week down nearly 14%, pushing its year-to-date performance into the red, down more than 8%. Unlike Luria, the majority of analysts have a buy rating on the stock. The typical price target implies shares can rise around 9% over the next 12 months.
Eaton investors worried that DeepSeek may torpedo the AI data center trade breathed a little easier Thursday, one day before the U.S. industrial company reports quarterly earnings. Shares of power management provider Eaton have stabilized since Monday's more than 15% decline, reflecting a growing sentiment on Wall Street that the Chinese startup's more efficient, lower-cost artificial intelligence model won't substantially dampen the buildout of data centers needed to run those heavy computing workloads. The Club stock rose 3% Thursday, stringing together a three-day win streak to recover some of what it lost in Monday's carnage. ETN YTD mountain Eaton (ETN) year-to-date performance While at the center of numerous megatrends, such as digitization and infrastructure, outfitting data centers is Eaton's fastest-growing end market and second largest by revenue. The company's electrical products are needed to help energy-intensive AI data centers run properly. Along with AI chipmakers, such as Club names Nvidia and Broadcom , Eaton was slammed Monday on the initial concerns that DeepSeek's advancements would reduce demand for high-powered semiconductors  and by extension, the data centers that house the chips. However, for Eaton in particular, we drew a level of comfort from what Club names Meta Platforms and Microsoft reported Wednesday evening alongside their quarterly earnings about their upcoming capital expenditure plans. The near-term calculus for Nvidia looks a bit different, as Jim Cramer explained in a column earlier Thursday . CEO Mark Zuckerberg said Meta won't slow down on AI spending , reiterating guidance that was announced Friday before DeepSeek went viral. "I continue to think that investing very heavily in capex and [infrastructure] is going to be a strategic advantage over time," Zuckerberg said during Meta's post-earning conference call. Microsoft helped assuage concerns that DeepSeek's model would lead to fewer data centers than previously thought. But CEO Satya Nadella said on Wednesday's earnings call that he expects to see "exponentially" more AI demand as the technology evolves. He added that company revenue growth was constrained by not having enough data centers. "Despite concerns of cloud capex slowdown from DeepSeek's notable AI efficiency pushes, we highlight strong AI capex commentary from META and MSFT," Bank of America analysts said Thursday. "Both companies continue to see their capex increase through [calendar year 2025 and 2026]," BofA added. Dover CEO Richard Tobin followed suit Thursday morning during the Club holding's quarterly earnings call. On the future of data center construction, it was nice to hear Tobin say the "outlook for thermal connectors for liquid cooling data centers is robust." He added, "Our preemptive capacity expansion has allowed us to maintain industry-best lead times in what has turned out to be a short cycle business." Data center backdrop The data center trend doesn't seem to be letting up anytime soon. Just last week, President Donald Trump unveiled a joint venture with ChatGPT creator OpenAI, Japan's SoftBank and tech giant Oracle to invest up to $500 billion into AI infrastructure in the U.S. Although that White House announcement came before DeepSeek's ascent, a top executive at Blackstone  which has invested $80 billion in data center assets  said Thursday that many of the group's biggest customers have confirmed their plans remain unchanged. "As we get more and more compute, we're still going to need a lot of infrastructure," Blackstone President and COO Jon Gray told CNBC after Blackstone's earnings report. "We're still going to need a lot of energy and power to really make this future happen. We continue to believe this." Some on Wall Street grew a little more cautious on Eaton shares and its data center business into quarterly earnings. Melius Research analysts downgraded the industrial stock to hold from buy on Tuesday, though they said Eaton remains "a core long-term holding." "Whether DeepSeek is legitimately disruptive or not, it is not our battle to fight. It does, however, raise the risk that this AI capex arms race has peaked," the analysts, who cut the ratings on three other industrial names as well, wrote in a note to clients. "If nothing else, the positive capex revisions part of the spend cycle seems to have peaked, and with perhaps way more downside than upside at this point." The firm added, "While the violent market reaction [Monday] helps discount a lot of this risk, we do not see an easy outperformance pathway for these stocks from here in '25." Bottom line Ahead of earnings Friday, the Club took advantage of Eaton's sell-off earlier this week, buying back shares we sold at higher levels in late October and upgrading it to a 1 rating . The recent data center commentary from executives at fellow portfolio names and elsewhere is encouraging. But there's also more to Eaton that just data centers. The company is at the heart of many other megatrends such as the energy transition, infrastructure spending, electrification and more. As Jim recently said best, "We just need Eaton to continue doing what it is doing." (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long ETN, NVDA, MSFT, META, DOV. 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.

Eaton Corporation signage at the NYSE Source: NYSE
Analysts liked what they heard from Meta Platforms late Wednesday. The tech giant reported fourth-quarter earnings and revenue that beat expectations , with sales surging 21% year over year. The company also said net income expanded 49% from the year-earlier period. CEO Mark Zuckerberg also lauded President Donald Trump and said: "We now have a U.S. administration that is proud of our leading companies, prioritizes American technology winning." He added that 2025 will be a year in which Meta can redefine its government relationships. Shares advanced about 1.4% in the premarket on Thursday. Here is what analysts at some of the biggest shops on Wall Street had to say about the results. Goldman Sachs: buy rating, $765 per share price target Analyst Eric Sheridan's forecast calls for roughly 13% upside from Wednesday's $676.49 close. "While debates will likely persist around product transitions and industry platform headwinds in the quarters & years ahead, we remain focused on Meta's large scaled audience across their Family of Apps against which the company can continue to align evolving consumption habits within short-form video, messaging, commerce, augmented reality & social connections." KeyBanc: overweight rating, $750 per share price target KeyBanc's outlook implies about 11% upside ahead. "Meta is executing well on product development (positive for revenue growth) and server useful lives are lengthening," analyst Justin Patterson wrote on Wednesday. "While opex growth is starting the year higher than envisioned, we believe this reinforces our view that Meta is investing in strength and this should lead to a medium-term EPS and FCF inflection." Morgan Stanley: overweight, $660 per share price target Meta Platforms has already run past Morgan Stanley's price target, which now equates to about 2% downside. "Big picture, META's multiple could expand over the course of the year as we see its consumer and advertiser sources of utility and repeat engagement and incremental monetization grow," analyst Brian Nowak said. Wells Fargo: overweight, $752 per share price target The firm's outlook implies more than 11% upside for Meta. "We see META as an accelerating growth story with emerging upside AI options in messaging, ad tools and new consumer applications," analyst Ken Gawrelski said. "Combined with a newfound appetite for efficiency, we believe META should be a steady earnings compounder at a reasonable multiple." Bank of America: buy, $765 per share price target "While earnings momentum will stall in 2025, we think Meta sent a positive tone on an 'exciting product roadmap' for Meta AI, Llama, Meta Coding agent and Meta AI glasses and a 'opportunity to deliver strong revenue growth' without any real headwind warnings (outside of FX)," analyst Justin Post said. "We think a higher multiple is justified as Meta's Al driven ad improvements are still early (rev. upside), while Meta is building big AI assets with an internal Al supercomputer, inhouse LLM and custom Al chips to leverage massive Facebook, Instagram and messaging user pools," he added. Deutsche Bank: buy rating, $800 price target The bank raised its price target to $800 from $705 following the results, implying upside of 18%. Meta delivered a strong 4Q print, and a 1Q revenue outlook that, at the high-end, just hit street / buyside expectations. Importantly, as data center capacity comes online throughout 2025, Meta will have the ability to leverage their infrastructure to both train their latest foundational models and to support the core platform, driving near-term revenue growth durability (a luxury the company did not have in 2024 when Meta was supply constrained)," analyst Benjamin Black wrote.
Meta is testing a long-awaited pause feature on Instagram Reels that will allow users to start and stop videos with just one tap.

The new feature is the latest sign that Meta is looking to capitalize on TikTok's uncertain future in the U.S. after it briefly went dark earlier this month. The popular short-form video app, which is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, could be banned for good on April 5 and is still unavailable on the Apple and Google app stores.

The pause feature is currently available to a small group of users around the globe, Meta said. The company was unable to specify when it will roll out more broadly.

Previously, Instagram users have only been able to pause videos on Instagram Reels by tapping and holding on their screen, requiring more work than simply tapping the screen to pause on TikTok. Previously, one tap on Instagram Reels would mute a video's audio, but the video would continue to play. On Thursday, CNBC was able to pause Instagram Reels videos with a single tap.

Thousands of users have left comments and taken to other social media to lobby for a Reels pause button.

"Hello @instagram, can I please request a pause button on reels?? sincerely, a grieving former TikTok scroller," one user posted on social media site X while TikTok was offline for a few hours in the U.S. earlier this month.

Besides the Reels pause button, Meta this month has announced a new video editing app called Edits that will compete directly with ByteDance's CapCut editing app. Edits will launch in February, Instagram chief Adam Mosseri said in a post.

Meta is also paying creators to promote Instagram on TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube Shorts and other short-form video platforms, CNBC reported Sunday.

Shares of Meta are up slightly on Thursday, a day after the company reported fourth-quarter earnings that beat analysts' estimates on the top and bottom lines.

"We're going to learn what's going to happen with TikTok, and regardless of that, I expect Reels on Instagram and Facebook to continue growing," Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said on a call with analysts Wednesday.
Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, speaking on CNBC's "Squawk Box" outside the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 22, 2025.

Microsoft shares dropped 6.2% after issuing weak current-quarter guidance after the bell Wednesday.

The software giant topped Wall Street's fiscal second-quarter estimates, posting earnings of $3.23 per share on $69.63 billion in revenue. That surpassed the earnings per share of $3.11 and $68.78 billion in revenue forecast by analysts polled by LSEG. Shares registered their worst day since October 2022.

The decline came as Microsoft finance chief Amy Hood said the company expects revenues for the current quarter to range between $67.7 billion and $68.7 billion, falling short of the $69.78 billion, per LSEG. Revenue grew 12.3% year over year, the slowest growth since the middle of 2023.

Microsoft also posted a slowdown in growth in its Azure and other cloud services revenues. The segment was up 31%, down from 33% in the prior quarter.

Many Wall Street analysts stood by the technology behemoth despite the disappointing guide and Azure slowdown. Goldman Sachs analyst Kash Rangan called the company "well-positioned" to continue benefiting from artificial intelligence adoption and among the "most compelling investment opportunities" in the industry.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman speaks next to SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son after U.S. President Donald Trump delivered remarks on AI infrastructure at the Roosevelt Room in the White House in Washington on Jan. 21, 2025.

OpenAI is in talks to raise up to $40 billion in a funding round that would lift the artificial intelligence company's valuation to as high as $340 billion, CNBC has confirmed.

Masayoshi Son's SoftBank would lead the round, contributing between $15 billion and 25 billion, according to two people familiar with the negotiations who asked not to be named because the talks are ongoing. SoftBank would surpass Microsoft as OpenAI's top backer.

The Wall Street Journal was first to report on the talks.

Part of the funding may be used for OpenAI's commitment to Stargate, a joint venture between SoftBank, OpenAI and Oracle that was introduced by President Donald Trump last week, the sources said. The plan calls for billions of dollars to be invested in U.S. AI infrastructure.

OpenAI was last valued at $157 billion by private investors. In late 2022, the company launched its ChatGPT chatbot and kicked off the boom in generative AI. OpenAI closed its latest $6.6 billion round in October, gearing up to aggressively compete with Elon Musk's xAI, as well as Microsoft, Google , Amazon and Anthropic.

Meanwhile, Chinese startup lab DeepSeek is blowing up in the U.S, presenting fresh competition to OpenAI. DeepSeek saw its app soar to the top of Apple's App Store rankings this week and roiled U.S. markets on reports that its powerful model was trained at a fraction of the cost of U.S. competitors.

At an event in Washington, D.C., on Thursday hosted by OpenAI, CEO Sam Altman said DeepSeek is "clearly a great model."

"This is a reminder of the level of competition and the need for democratic Al to win," he said. He said it also points to the "level of interest in reasoning, the level of interest in open source."
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. President Trumps nominee to be secretary of Health and Human Services, testifies before a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., Jan. 30, 2025.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump's pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, appeared to be unfamiliar with fundamental elements of the Medicare and Medicaid programs Thursday during his second Senate confirmation hearing.

"You want us to confirm you to be in charge of Medicare, but it appears that you don't know the basics of this program," said Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, after Kennedy struggled to answer a series of questions about Medicare before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.

If confirmed, Kennedy will lead a $1.7 trillion agency that oversees a slew of federal health agencies. That includes the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which manages government-funded health care for millions of Americans, including seniors, disabled people and lower-income patients who rely on Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act's markets.

Kennedy, 71, stumbled when answering questions about Medicare and Medicaid during both of his confirmation hearings this week. He appeared before the Senate Committee on Finance on Wednesday.

Hassan, who sits on both panels, asked Kennedy on Thursday to explain what each part of Medicare is. But he struggled to identify and explain the fundamental aspects of the program, which provides coverage to older and disabled Americans.

When asked what Medicare Part A is for, Kennedy said it is "mainly for primary care or physicians." Hassan clarified that it is coverage for seniors who receive inpatient care at hospitals.

Kennedy, when asked what Medicare Part B is, said it is "for physicians and doctors." Part B is coverage for a range of medical services such as doctor visits, outpatient care, home health, certain medical supplies and preventive services.

When asked what Medicare Part C is for, Kennedy called it "the full menu of all the services  A, B, C and D." Hassan noted that Part C is also known as Medicare Advantage, which are privately run plans contracted by Medicare. Those plans serve as an alternative to traditional Medicare plans.

Kennedy insisted that he "just explained the basics" of the program, but Hassan said she had to correct him on several things.

The New Hampshire senator also grilled Kennedy on his comments during the hearing on Wednesday, when he appeared to confuse Medicare with Medicaid.

The state-federal Medicaid program provides coverage to around 80 million Americans, including many low-income people. Republicans could target Medicaid, which costs the federal government more than $600 billion a year, for funding reductions this year to help pay for tax cuts.

Kennedy on Wednesday described Medicaid as "fully paid for" by the federal government, even though the program is funded by states as well.

On Thursday, Kennedy acknowledged that the program is jointly funded by the federal government and states, adding that he "misstated something" during the hearing Wednesday.

At the end of that Wednesday hearing, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., the ranking member of the Finance Committee, said Kennedy was "unprepared" and suggested he didn't seem to know the difference between Medicare and Medicaid.

"My colleagues have been seeing back-and-forth between Medicare and Medicaid, and it's not clear which program you're using when," Wyden said.
Indicted financier R. Allen Stanford, left, accused of leading a $7 billion investment fraud scheme, gestures as he exits the Bob Casey Federal Courthouse in Houston, Texas, U.S., on Monday, March 5, 2012.

A federal judge ordered an end to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's 16-year-old lawsuit over Allen Stanford's $7.2 billion Ponzi scheme, directing the financier and two former colleagues to pay sums that will go largely uncollected.

In a decision on Wednesday, Chief Judge David Godbey of the Dallas federal court imposed a $5.9 billion civil fine on Stanford, who is serving a 110-year prison sentence after being convicted in 2012 of defrauding about 18,000 investors.

Godbey ordered Stanford Financial Group's former chief financial officer James Davis to pay $17.66 million, including a $5 million fine, and former chief accounting officer Gilberto Lopez to pay $3.42 million over their roles in the fraud.

Authorities said Stanford sold fraudulent high-yielding certificates of deposit through his Antigua-based Stanford International Bank during a two-decade fraud, and used investor money to make risky investments and fund a lavish lifestyle.

The judge also deemed billions of dollars owed by various Stanford entities satisfied by court-appointed receiver Ralph Janvey's recovery of more than $2.5 billion for fraud victims, including $1.2 billion from Toronto-Dominion Bank TD.TO.

Godbey said there was "no just reason for delay" in ordering the payments and closing the case.

Once considered a billionaire, Stanford was declared indigent in 2010. Now 74, he is ineligible for release from prison until 2103.

Lawyers for Davis and Lopez did not immediately respond to requests for comment. An SEC spokesperson declined to comment.

Davis was the top government witness at Stanford's trial, testified against his former college roommate, and was sentenced in 2013 to five years in prison. Lopez was convicted separately, and sentenced in 2013 to 20 years in prison.

The SEC sued Stanford in Feb. 2009, two months after the late swindler Bernard Madoff was criminally charged with running a much larger Ponzi scheme.
Here are Thursday's biggest calls on Wall Street: Edward Jones upgrades CVS to buy from hold The firm said the stock is an "attractive turnaround story." "We are upgrading shares of CVS Health (CVS) to a Buy rating from a Hold. We believe CVS could be an attractive turnaround story with the potential for new management improving in its health insurance division, Aetna." Stifel upgrades Edward Lifesciences to buy from hold Stifel said the heart value medical innovations solutions company has upside. "We are upgrading EW shares to Buy, from Hold, and increasing our price target to $90, from $75." Bernstein upgrades Lam Research to outperform from market perform The firm upgraded the semicap stock following Wednesday's earnings report. "We think risk-reward is skewing positive enough here; we upgrade LRCX to Outperform." Goldman Sachs upgrades RH to neutral from sell Goldman Sachs said it sees the furniture company turning free-cash-flow positive in the future. "We are upgrading RH to Neutral from Sell, given 1) a shift in demand trends despite a depressed housing environment, driven by new product and heavy marketing (i.e., sourcebooks, increase in advertising dollars); 2) a change in its supply chain, reducing exposure to China and Mexico" HSBC upgrades Corning to buy from hold HSBC upgraded the glassware company following earnings due to "solid top-line growth." " Corning's 4Q24 financial results came in 3-4% ahead of our and consensus estimates." Jefferies upgrades Coca-Cola to buy from hold Jefferies called Coca-Cola "quality at a refreshing price." "The business is in great shape. Volumes are compounding, pricing has been earned, and cash flow is about to inflect  meaningfully." Morgan Stanley reiterates Nvidia as overweight Analyst Joseph Moore said he is sticking with shares of Nvidia despite the stock's sell-off and says demand for the company's chips remains robust. "He also reiterated that the underlying demand for Nvidia Blackwell  and other AI products  remains strong." Bank of America reiterates Meta as buy Following the company's earnings report on Wednesday, the firm said the "Al monetization cycle [is] still in early stages" for Meta. "We think a higher multiple is justified as Meta's Al driven ad improvements are still early (rev. upside), while Meta is building big AI assets with an internal Al supercomputer, inhouse LLM [large language model] and custom Al chips to leverage massive Facebook, Instagram and messaging user pools." Bernstein names Core Scientific as a top pick Bernstein said the bitcoin miner offers "ready 'power access' and [a] data center buildout." " CORZ is down ~30% on the back of the "DeepSeek' dislocation. We have been bullish on AI-focused Bitcoin miners." Bank of America reiterates IBM as buy Bank of America said it sees further upside for the stock following earnings on Wednesday. "IBM reported a strong F4Q with revs/EPS slightly above Street expectations with GM [gross margin] expanding to 60.6%, a new high driven by higher software mix." Morgan Stanley reiterates Tesla as overweight Morgan Stanley said it is sticking by Tesla shares following earnings on Wednesday and that the results were not "narrative changing." "4Q results were mostly disappointing, but not particularly narrative changing. Consensus may fall modestly." Morgan Stanley reiterates Microsoft as overweight The firm said that despite disappointing numbers for Microsoft's cloud computing division, Azure, it was sticking with the stock. "While Azure was disappointing, strength in the GenAI ramp vs moderating capex growth should support accelerating FY26 FCF growth, keeping us OW." Bank of America upgrades Blackline to buy from underperform Bank of America said fundamentals are improving for the software company. "We are upgrading accounting automation software vendor BlackLine (BL) to Buy (from Underperform) and raising our PO to $75 (from $50). Three months after announcing a new business strategy (more below), we deduce that BlackLine finally has the right technology and pricing/packaging in place to drive accelerating revenue growth which should be a catalyst." Benchmark upgrades Meta to buy from hold The firm upgraded the stock following Wednesday's earnings. "We are upgrading META shares to a Buy on a strong '25E core business outlook, expecting flow-through of accelerating 4Q pricing and user engagement."
A sign is displayed outside a Toyota Motor Corp. dealership on Jan. 30, 2024 in Tokyo, Japan.

Toyota Motor sold 10.8 million vehicles in 2024, it said on Thursday, remaining the world's top-selling automaker for a fifth straight year.

The Japanese automaker posted a 3.7% drop in global group unit sales last year, including those of compact car maker Daihatsu and truck unit Hino Motors.

The decline was largely due to a steep slump in sales in Japan where the automaker faced fallout from governance issues over certification test procedures, especially at Daihatsu.

Second-ranked German rival Volkswagen Group earlier this month reported a 2.3% decline in unit sales last year to just over 9 million vehicles, as it seeks to cut costs at home and fight a price war in key market China.

Sales of Toyota's parent-only vehicles, which include those of its namesake and Lexus brands, fell 1.4% from a year earlier in 2024 to 10.2 million vehicles due to a double-digit decline in Japan.

While Toyota sold a record number of cars overall, thanks in part due to demand for its hybrid vehicles in the United States, it saw unit sales in China decline by 6.9% amid heavy price competition in the world's top car market.

Of its parent-only sales, gasoline-electric hybrids made up a record 40.8%. Battery electric vehicles accounted for 1.4%.
A "Do not cross" sign is illuminated at a crosswalk outside of U.S. Capitol building in Washington, US, November 10, 2024.

"We think a very substantial number of people will not show up to work, and therefore our government will get smaller and more efficient," Trump said at the signing of an immigration detention law .

The payouts come on the heels of President Donald Trump 's executive order to end DEI programs . On Wednesday, he said federal workers need to return to the office five days a week "or be terminated."

The Trump administration emailed more than 2 million federal workers this week, giving them the option to resign now and get pay and benefits through Sept. 30.

Here's a look at more stories on how to manage, grow and protect your money for the years ahead.

Experts advise federal employees to take their time before accepting the offer. By accepting the resignation, tenured federal employees could lose certain rights they may have.

"If you resign, it's deemed voluntary," said Michael L. Vogelsang, Jr., a principal of The Employment Law Group, P.C. "If you are a permanent, tenured employee in the government and the administration wants you out, laws still exist that federal employees cannot just be fired on a whim."

Meanwhile, some lawmakers question whether the president can make this offer without Congressional approval.

Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Virginia, said federal employees should not be "fooled" by Trump's proposal.

"If you accept that offer and resign, he'll stiff you," Kaine said. "He doesn't have any authority to do this."

The Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment Authority gives federal agencies the authority to offer buyout incentives for some employees to resign or retire, but it is capped at $25,000.

Asked for more detail on the payouts, including what authority the president has to offer to pay through September 30, the White House referred back to its statement given on Tuesday.

"If they don't want to work in the office and contribute to making America great again, then they are free to choose a different line of work and the Trump Administration will provide a very generous payout of eight months," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement.

There is already uncertainty around current funding for the federal government. It's operating under a short-term continuing resolution passed in December. Unless Congress acts, the federal government could shut down on March 14.

Unlike with corporate buyouts, federal employees who received this offer can't appeal for a better deal, experts say.

"Usually with buyouts, I think of more severance, and usually it's sort of some kind of negotiation. This isn't really negotiation. It's sort of a unilateral offer," Vogelsang said.

Still, some of the factors to consider for weighing the government's deferred resignation offer are similar to what one would weigh in a corporate buyout, experts say:


BREAKING:

New video shows the moment a plane collided with a helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington DC.



A search for survivors in the Potomac River is ongoing pic.twitter.com/oJ57ivyVWw



 Visegrad 24 (@visegrad24) January 30, 2025



Were aware of reports that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) has been involved in an incident. We will provide information as it becomes available.

 americanair (@AmericanAir) January 30, 2025

An American Airlines passenger jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter crashed into the frigid Potomac River after a midair collision near Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said. There were 60 passengers and four crew members on board the aircraft.Authorities have confirmed that no survivors are expected in the accident and the emergency response teams have recovered 27 bodies from the plane and one from the helicopter so far. Search and recovery efforts are ongoing, though officials acknowledge the difficult conditions due to freezing temperatures and limited visibility in the icy waters.During a press conference, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that the crash was "preventable" and clarified that there was no communication failure between the two aircraft. The control tower issued an alert at 8:48 p.m. local time (01:48 GMT), prompting a large-scale emergency response involving approximately 300 rescue workers.Three US Army soldiers were onboard a BlackHawk helicopter. The official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told Reuters that the status of the soldiers was unknown, but added that no senior officials were on the helicopter.The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate the incident.No casualties have been reported so far.All takeoffs and landings from the airport near Washington were halted as helicopters from agencies across the region flew over the scene in search of survivors. Inflatable rescue boats were being launched into the Potomac River from a point near the airport along the George Washington Parkway, just north of the airport.The FAA said the midair collision occurred around 9 pm EST when a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 jet that had departed from Wichita, Kansas, smashed into a military Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to an airport runway.American Airlines CEO Robert Isom issued a statement expressing the airline's full cooperation with federal and local authorities in responding to the disaster. "We are working closely with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), local emergency services, and all relevant agencies to provide the necessary support during this tragic incident," Isom said in a video message.US President Donald Trump said it is a bad situation which could have been prevented."The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time. It is a clear night, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didn't the helicopter go up or down, or turn. Why didn't the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!" Trump posted on X.On January 21, US President Donald Trump moved quickly to remake the Department of Homeland Security, firing the heads of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Coast Guard before their terms are up, and eliminated all the members of a key aviation security advisory group.
The Golden God has shaved his heavenly head. He must have booked a movie about Steve Jobs.

If we can be completely superficial and more than a little parasocial for a second, theres no arguing the fact that, out of all of the men in the core Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia cast, Glenn Howerton has  or, at least, had  the most incredible and manicured crop of hair. Given that his his competition is Danny DeVito, who has been bald on top since Batman Returns, Charlie Day, who always looks like he rolled out of his shared futon five minutes ago, and Rob McElhenney, who slicked back his own voluminous locks to look more like his buddy Ryan Reynolds at some point in the last few years, Howertons hair is (or was) the only five-star cut of the bunch.

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Then, yesterday, Howerton posted a photo with his wife and D.E.N.N.I.S. system subject Jill Latiano that showed off his new look of near-baldness at the Sundance Film Festival, saying something nice about himself in the caption, yes yes my hair is small.

Howertons many thirsty online admirers have long speculated that something is going on with his typically flowing mane, and the buzzcut reveal garnered mixed results from the minions. WHY IS GLENN HOWERTON BALD, one such tribute-payer demanded to know on Twitter.

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I usually hate it when men shave their heads, its so unattractive to me but somehow Glenn Howerton remains sooooo fine, a different Howerton stan with the self-identification of CharDen Truther rated of the Golden Gods new look.

Another follower said simply of Howerton's latest post, glenn howerton has shaved his head I repeat glenn howerton has shaved his head this is not a drill.

Of course, Dennis-desirers already know that the last time Howerton cut his hair this short was when he was gearing up to play disgraced former BlackBerry CEO Jim Balsillie in the 2023 biographical comedy-drama film about the companys meteoric rise and sudden fall. Howerton even allowed his co-star and former co-host Day to finish off the sides of the cut on an episode of The Always Sunny Podcast once filming on BlackBerry wrapped, and fans of Howertons impossibly perfect features rejoiced as the regrowth began.

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Now, Howerton is back to the buzzed-off look, and, given that he was absent from so much of the shooting for the Always Sunny guest appearance on Abbott Elementary, the crossover episode Volunteers, due to a scheduling conflict with another production, the odds are high that the new look is another hair transformation for the sake of a starring role.

Or, alternatively, McElhenney got tired of being the only member of the Paddys Pub Gang to go through drastic physical transformations for the sake of a bit and this is the beginning of the Bald Dennis era.
Lets put this diaper-baby in charge of the kingdom, whats the worst that could happen? The end of a centuries-long family reign?

5 Michael I of Romania: Five Years Old Few people have benefited more from their dads infidelity than ol Mikey. When he was four years old, his father, Crown Prince Carol, was embroiled in an affair and forced to step out of the line of succession and move to Paris. So when his grandfather died less than two years later, five-year-old Michael found himself in charge of the proud country of Romania. The kid couldnt hack it, and his dad was invited back from Paris to take over three years later. Don't Miss But Carol got into trouble again, and Michael was back in business within a decade. Most 19-year-old kings are kind of assholes, in our experience, but Michaels second three-year reign was about as noble as they come. Romania had become allied with the Nazis, and Michael used his limited power and political capital to both join the Allies and oppose Soviet Russian pressure. He was exiled, but spent the rest of his life keeping the Romanian government in check from time to time. Once, when he was allowed into the country to celebrate Easter, he delivered a speech from his hotel window that drew a million people and almost caused a popular uprising.

4 Mwambutsa IV of Burundi: Three Years Old A lot of the baby kings on this list totally blew it before they were even out of diapers. Not so with Mwambutsa. This guy was three years old when he had to step into his daddys shoes in 1915, and he remained king of Burundi for over 50 years. While he was still a little kid, Burundi got tossed around between colonial Germany and colonial Belgium like two bros having a catch. As he grew older, the state built schools to educate and convert him to Catholicism (although, hilariously, he was never a very good student and he never converted). He navigated monarchy under colonial rule for a few decades, and managed to kick off the colonial shackles in 1962. Thats when the trouble started. He immediately had trouble getting the Hutu and Tutsi populations to play nice, and ultimately his Hutu officers attempted a coup. They failed, but hed had enough, and self-exiled to Switzerland for the rest of his life. He gave his son the keys to the kingdom, but two coups later, the royal family was ousted by an independent president/dictator. Advertisement

3 Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev: Three Years Old Gyanendra of Nepal had a pretty rough start to life. A court astrologer told his dad, Prince Mahendra, it would be bad luck to even glance at his baby boy, so he was immediately sent to live with his grandmother. Mahendra must have snuck a peak, or seen him in the background of a picture or something, because three years later, Mahendra and his father were forced to flee to India, making Gyanendra the only member of the royal family still in the country. The three-year-old sat on the throne for exactly two months before his grandfather was invited back into the country so as not to entrench an icky hereditary rule, and the world agreed to pretend it never happened. But five decades later, Gyanendra made it back to the throne, and got to work dismantling any checks on his power and trying to strong-arm the country out of civil war. He ultimately failed, ending his reign and the entire Nepalese monarchy in 2008 when the country transitioned into a republic. Advertisement Advertisement

2 Puyi: Two Years Old When the 10th monarch of the Qing dynasty died without an heir, they just kind of eeny-meeny-miny-moed his miscellaneous nephews. Puyi won this unfortunate lottery, chosen to rule China at two years old. Being a pants-peeing toddler, he ended up blowing the whole thing and ending 2,000 years of monarchy by the time he was six. But he didnt let a little thing like deposition and the institution of a republic end his career. A loyalist general briefly restored Puyi to the throne for 12 days when he was 11 years old, and he was later defected to Japan and installed as the puppet leader of the made-up state of Manchukuo. After being captured, repatriated and reeducated, he miraculously became loyal to the Chinese Communist Party at the age of 53. Advertisement
Stephen Ross, king of West Palm Beach. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Wealthy New Yorkers love Palm Beach for its low taxes, lush weather, and the possibility of hobnobbing with Stephen Schwarzman at the Everglades Club. But upper-crust New Yorkers considering a move South must ask a question: What to do with the kids?

Thats why billionaire developer Stephen Ross is getting into the school business. This month, Rosss Related Companies got approval to build its first private school, as Bloomberg reports. Renderings show the school as a network of low glassy buildings with pitched roofs, surrounded by palms and, concerningly, what looks like a wetland. It will sit on one side of a 70-acre lot, and on the other will be a kind of outdoor mall with a modern-farmhouse vibe. The site is in Wellington, a village about ten miles from downtown West Palm Beach. (The parents hes after may already know Wellington quite well: Its the go-to spot for polo. Tatler spotted Georgina Bloomberg on the grounds there last fall.)

The village owned the land and reviewed plans before approving a sale for $47 million. The public meeting was covered by the local Town-Crier, which quoted the mayor sharing concerns from constituents who dont like the idea of  being the school for the northeast migration, as opposed to the school for the population thats already here.

Those concerns seem  valid! Tuition will be around $40,000 a year, and the school plans to offer scholarship for only the first five years, and only for 20 kids  or 1.2 percent of the 1,650 students. The school is run by a for-profit network of 14 schools called Education in Motion, which was founded in 2003 by a couple who were unimpressed with the options for their kids in Shanghai and built a system on the British model, with campuses in Switzerland and Asia. Also, Ross has made it pretty explicit that a northeast migration is exactly the point: You wont get people to move if you dont have great schools, Ross said at a recent conference in Miami Beach, per Bloomberg. Were very proactive in really understanding what is needed for growth and bringing it here.

Ross isnt the first billionaire to start a school from scratch in the area. The lack of suitable schools has long plagued the regions ultrarich transplants. (If youre even thinking about moving here, put your name on the list, one broker told the Real Deal back in 2022. Just fill out the application, get it in immediately.) As weve previously reported, schools are buying land and breaking ground in a scramble to please parents like Scott Shleifer of Tiger Global Management (who reportedly gave $18 million to a day school after his kids got a spot). And billionaires who dont like waiting are simply building their own, with Jeff Greene founding one in 2016 and William Koch starting another in 2011, where Barron Trump was enrolled.

But Stephen Ross is the biggest changemaker in town  with 18 buildings across West Palm Beach and a proposal to turn 30 acres around Boca Ratons City Hall into offices and apartments. Last year, he helped woo Vanderbilt University to open a campus in West Palm Beach, hosting an event at his mansion. Hes also developing a 150-bed hospital run by the Cleveland Clinic. As Ross once told Bloomberg, This is more like city-building.
A plot is unfolding in PACE that is very familiar to Azerbaijan. The organization upheld the powers of the Georgian delegation, but with a "probation period" and outlined the conditions that must be fulfilled in order to maintain representation.

Probation period, conditions... As if Georgia is not a sovereign country, but a repeat offender in court.

114 PACE deputies voted in favor, 13 against, and seven abstained. The Georgian delegation did not have the right to participate in the voting.

The West is making another attempt to interfere in the affairs of the region, now by blackmailing Tbilisi. The adopted resolution sets out the conditions for Georgia's ruling party:

release of political prisoners;

review of controversial laws;

appointment of new parliamentary elections.





Until the status of the Georgian delegation is reviewed in April, part of its powers in PACE are limited. In particular, the right to participate in the work of a number of committees, to join PACE election observation missions, to be a speaker, to be a candidate for the post of PACE president, and to hold the position of chairperson or deputy chairperson of committees and subcommittees.

Azerbaijan did not allow a similar development of the situation at the time. Our delegation itself essentially froze its participation in PACE even before the "vote" and "conditions" circus. Official Tbilisi, apparently, did not have time to do the same. As a result, the ruling Georgian Dream announced that the country was ceasing cooperation with PACE after the vote.

They are trying to undermine the South Caucasus again and again. The provocation against Georgia, the constant attempts to put pressure on Azerbaijan, and finally, the extension of the "observer" mission in Armenia.

All these events once again show that no one except the countries of the region is genuinely interested in stability, peace, and development around us.
Perhaps the King and the Royal Navy should now rename HMS Victory 'HMS Compromise'.

Nelson's beautiful flagship, still preserved at Portsmouth, has for years been a grave affront to our French allies. Her boastful name must annoy them even more.

She is a solid reminder, made of English oak, of our lasting triumph over France at Trafalgar in 1805, which changed the future of the world. It must be far more annoying to Paris than an unfinished submarine named after the 1415 Battle of Agincourt, which almost nobody in England has even heard of these days.

The sub's planned name is now deemed tactless so the boat is to be re-christened after Achilles  an ancient Greek who almost certainly owned slaves. His Majesty King Charles  so politically correct that he sometimes resembles a walking bottle of hand sanitiser  is said to have pressed for this emollient, drippy change of name and the Starmer Government, always in the market for a national climbdown, has agreed.

Let us see how this turns out. For the Age Of Daftness is well-advanced already and there is much more of this sort of thing waiting to happen.

A British submarine similar to HMS Agincourt, which is to be renamed after Achilles

HMS Victory, in my Hampshire childhood, was a patriotic shrine to Horatio, Viscount Nelson, the greatest fighting sailor of all time. He won all his battles and was so much in the thick of combat himself that he had only one arm and one working eye left by the time he died.

The bluejackets who showed visitors around the ship dwelt on the thrill of battle and on the death of Nelson at the moment of triumph, sneakily shot down by a French marine high up on the mizzen mast of the French man-o-war Redoutable.

The last time I went aboard Victory, the tour was mostly about flogging, the press gang and weevils in the biscuits. These days (I daren't go again for fear of what I might find), I expect it is about the persecution of transgender sailors in the 18th-century Navy and the poor medical facilities provided for the lower deck, thanks to Tory cuts.

In any case, the national independence and liberty secured by Nelson's destruction of Napoleon's naval power have long ago shrivelled away, like the Navy itself  a sad and rusty remnant of its vanished glory, outnumbered now by France's fleet.

I have never seen why we should be shy about teasing the French, much as I love France myself.

They have been our beloved rivals for nearly a thousand years. They are the only country in the world to have a history as illustrious as ours. How could we have any other sort of relationship?

We would feel the same if it had been the other way round. They have, quite reasonably, never forgiven us for Agincourt, Crecy, Poitiers, Trafalgar, and perhaps above all for snatching North America from them at the Battle of Quebec in 1759. That is why they bankrupted themselves helping the American rebels throw off British rule a couple of decades later.

Winston Churchill is said to have arranged for his funeral train to leave London from Waterloo Station, named after another great British victory over the French, rather than the much more logical departure point of Paddington.

The 1415 Battle of Agincourt, which almost nobody in England has even heard of these days

The story is that he did this to annoy France's General de Gaulle  who did indeed come to the 1965 obsequies.

Churchill, who never ceased to admire France, had put up with a great deal of trouble from the towering French President, who once became so cross with him that he smashed a Downing Street chair to underline his wrath. Sir Winston wanted to get a little of his own back.

De Gaulle took his revenge two years after the prime minister's death when he stirred up ancient anti-British sentiment in French-speaking Canada. He declared in Montreal in 1967: 'Vive le Quebec Libre!' (Long live Free Quebec!) so giving a mighty boost to French-speaking secessionists.

To this day, car number plates in Quebec carry the slogan 'Je me souviens' (I remember), giving new life to France's 250-year sulk about English-speaking domination of North America. The French still think it should have gone the other way.

But what can you do? Despite the pretence of love and sweetness between the countries since the supposed Entente Cordiale of 1904, Franco-British rivalry is still very much alive.

In February 2009 the French nuclear missile submarine Le Triomphant clanged into the side of the British nuclear missile submarine HMS Vanguard, as the two groped silently around the seabed somewhere in the Atlantic, trying to avoid the attentions of the Russians. The damage to both vessels cost about 50million to repair. The French defence minister wittily explained the near-disaster by saying: 'We face an extremely simple technological problem, which is that these submarines are not detectable.'

But that was an accident. In July 1940, after France collapsed under the Nazi onslaught, our naval rivalry erupted into actual armed conflict. This horrible event is largely unknown here but bitterly recalled in France.

The Royal Navy opened fire on the French Fleet at Mers-el-Kebir, near Oran in North Africa. Churchill was afraid that the French ships would end up in the hands of the Germans and offered the French admiral several choices of ways to avoid this. But he refused them all and British shells then howled into the midst of the French ships, killing 1,300 men. So there will be no nonsense in France about them trying not to upset us.

The problem is that, having generally won our wars with them, we have just forgotten the times when we were beaten or evenly matched.

But even we can't manage to forget our shameful treatment of Joan of Arc, the French patron saint and national heroine who we burned to death in Rouen in 1431, a mere 594 years ago. And this certainly hasn't slipped the minds of our French friends and rivals.

About this time of year, the French Navy generally begins a major exercise named after Joan. They've also recently launched a new submarine named after Admiral Pierre Andre de Suffren, who gave our fleet a hard time in the Indian Ocean in the 18th century  almost yesterday compared with the Joan of Arc incident.

There is nearly always a ship in the French Navy named after the Comte de Grasse, who defeated a British fleet at the Battle of the Chesapeake in September 1781. This French victory ensured our final defeat at Yorktown, the battle which ended British rule over what is now the USA.

The US Navy (which doesn't honour many noblemen) also until recently had a destroyer named after the same Comte de Grasse, hardly tactful towards our alleged 'special relationship'. Mind you, neither was the American fleet's choice of the name USS Yorktown for one of its most famous aircraft carriers, which still survives as a museum in South Carolina.

My advice is not to be too sensitive about such things, or to expect sensitivity from others. Warships are built

to fight and they need fighting names, whether they are called Battleaxe, Daring, Iron Duke, Repulse, Revenge or Agincourt.

Would you rather our new submarines were called HMS Retreat, HMS Negotiation, HMS Victim Support and HMS NHS?

You might as well have a King called Mister Windsor.
Every few months the Office for National Statistics or some other reputable organisation produces new evidence of soaring immigration.

There are invariably expressions of shock and disbelief. The government of the day admits that figures are too high and should be brought down. Then it does absolutely nothing  and I mean nothing.

This has been the pattern for as long as I can remember. Amazement followed by inactivity. We go on as before. Nothing changes.

Many people, though, are getting fed up. They are resentful that their neighbourhoods are being transformed. They know that the shortage of affordable housing and the difficulties of getting a GP appointment are at least partly the result of uncontrolled immigration.

This week the ONS produced its latest extraordinary forecast. It suggests that between 2022 and 2032 the UK population will increase by nearly five million to 72.5 million.

We all know that over recent years immigration has reached unprecedented heights. The ONS thinks that the decade to 2032 will see record numbers  a population growth of 7.3 per cent compared with an increase of 6.1 per cent during the previous ten years.

Migrants rescued in the English Channel being brought ashore at Dover Docks in Kent last year

In fact, the ONS suggests that all population growth until 2032 will be attributable to immigration.

Of course, it could be wrong. These are only forecasts. But they are based on relatively modest suppositions. It is assumed that from 2028 net immigration will settle down at around 340,000 a year. Remember that in the 12 months ending June 2023 it was 906,000.

What was the official response to this week's alarming figures? A shrug of the shoulders. The PM's spokesman admitted they were 'staggeringly high' but said that there are no plans to set 'arbitrary caps'. We may therefore assume that nothing much will change.

Actually the Government is right to reject 'arbitrary caps'. David Cameron constantly declared that the Tories would reduce immigration to the 'tens of thousands'  and then did nothing to bring this about.

What we need from Sir Keir Starmer is a proper cap  and a plan to achieve it. This won't be easy.

For the truth is that this country is addicted to cheap foreign labour. Some homegrown Britons are unable or unwilling to work. The UK workforce is about 34 million. There are around nine million people of working age not in employment.

Some 3.2 million of these are drawing Incapacity Benefit, a very sizeable increase since 2019. The Institute for Fiscal Studies, an independent body, predicts that the figure will rise to 3.8 million by the end of this Parliament.

The cost of all health-related handouts (of which the major portion is Incapacity Benefit) has risen from 51.5 billion just before the pandemic to 74.2 billion in this financial year. These figures are at current prices, so the cost has jumped by 44 per cent in five years.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies makes this fascinating observation: 'The rapid growth in health-related benefits seems largely to be a UK phenomenon.' Another indication of Broken Britain.

I don't believe that the number of truly sick people incapable of work has gone up so dramatically in such a short period of time. Who can doubt that a significant proportion of those who maintain they can't work are in fact able to do so?

Tories and Labour have long been prepared to park people on welfare, and turn instead to industrious immigrants who are eager to do jobs that many living here wouldn't touch with a bargepole.

If this Government were serious about reducing net immigration to manageable levels, it would first have to find a way of getting shirkers and idlers to do an honest day's work.

How much easier to go on as we are, and accept huge influxes of foreign workers. Addictions are very hard to break.

The Treasury connives in this state of affairs. It may have accepted that the Government is unable to foster economic growth, largely because it has taxed businesses so heavily. But it reasons that at least five million more people coming here by 2032 will help boost growth because many of them will work and pay taxes.

Migrants wearing puffer jackets arrive at the Ibis hotel Luton in November last year

This is of course a false calculation. Mass immigration contributes to higher collective GDP but it does not make us individually richer.

Just look at recent years. According to the ONS, in the second quarter of 2024 real GDP per capita was 0.6 per cent below its pre-pandemic level while total real GDP had grown by 2.9 per cent.

In other words, the country was nominally richer  because the population had grown by many hundreds of thousands as a result of immigration  but on average each of us was actually slightly poorer.

Moreover, recent research by the Centre for Policy Studies challenges the notion that all immigrants make a positive long-term contribution to the economy.

The think-tank reckons that around three-quarters of migrants do low paid jobs on less than the average UK salary. A migrant on less than 50 per cent of the average will be 'a net fiscal drain from the moment they enter the country', potentially costing the Exchequer hundreds of thousands of pounds.

In short, the Treasury's assumption that mass immigration is good for the economy is very likely incorrect. All the more reason, then, for Sir Keir Starmer to stop looking for excuses to do nothing.

Yet it seems he won't act. No cap  just a few bland words saying that immigration is too high, and should be brought down, without giving us any reason to believe that he'll try to achieve that.

Let me make a forecast of my own.

Every few months during this Parliament an official body will produce figures confirming that immigration is out of control. There will be the usual expressions of regret  and nothing will ensue.

Nor will the Government succeed in bringing down cross-Channel illegal immigration since it has jettisoned the admittedly imperfect deterrent of the Rwandan scheme without putting anything plausible in its place.

So public resentment will continue to bubble away. After all that has happened, people aren't going to be persuaded that mass immigration is beneficial.

I believe Labour will be sunk on this issue  even more than on its mismanagement of the economy. As for the Tories, given that they presided over record levels of immigration they will struggle to convince voters that they can be trusted next time.

And Nigel Farage? After the ONS figures were released on Tuesday he said: 'This is a complete betrayal by our political class. And I promise you, it's on this issue that Reform are going to win the next General Election. Believe me.'

I don't know whether he'll be prime minister. I also doubt that Reform has a viable plan to get Britons on welfare to step into the breach when it turns off the tap of mass migration.

What I'm certain of is that most people have had enough of astronomical immigration figures, followed by inaction on the part of the political establishment. Change is in the air, and change is going to come.
There has to come a point where one must consider whether Rachel Reeves is either delusional or simply being economical with the truth over her plans for growth.

Her set piece speech yesterday was touted as a shot in the arm for the economy, which she talked down so badly in the run-up to October's Budget.

The Chancellor highlighted a succession of projects she hopes will get her out of the economic hole she has dug; her party resistant to spending cuts yet politically strait-jacketed when it comes to further tax-raising.

Growth is the only remaining option, and it is increasingly clear that Labour has no idea how to achieve it.

Each of the schemes Ms Reeves talked about  a new rail link here, more reservoirs there, a few thousand extra homes somewhere else and so on  are important.

But even if they are more than mere wishful thinking, they are surely not enough to trigger an economic miracle.

The Chancellor insisted her so-called plan for growth is 'about the pounds in people's pockets' and 'thriving businesses'.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves (pictured) has highlighted a succession of projects she hopes will get her out of the economic hole she has dug

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer pictured yesterday at a meeting in central London

But what will truly affect everyone's wallet are the measures she announced in the Budget, which will impact tens of thousands of firms, and Labour's forthcoming workplace reforms, which will hit every employer. We point out yet again that these are sweeping, onerous changes.

They are very different to the patchwork of here-and-there local projects set out by the Chancellor yesterday.

Consider her hike of National Insurance contributions for employers. When businesses begin shelling out that extra cash to the Treasury in April there will be less money left over for their wage bill.

Furthermore, concerns about Labour's trade union-inspired workplace reforms were brushed off by Ms Reeves yesterday, as she insisted a 'strong package of workers' rights and protections' will 'give ordinary people the confidence to go out and spend in the economy'.

But her 'ordinary people' can spend only if they have a job.

The reforms will cost firms 5billion a year according to the Government's own figures and their full impact on companies' ability to innovate and expand is still unknown.

A survey from the Federation of Small Businesses said this month that 67 per cent of small firms plan to recruit fewer staff and nearly a third are set to reduce headcounts as a result of the Employment Rights Bill.

Is Ms Reeves pretending this economic sucker punch doesn't exist?

Rachel Reeves has insisted her so-called plan for growth is 'about the pounds in people's pockets' and 'thriving businesses'

In a further gloomy analysis yesterday, the Left-aligned think-tank Resolution Foundation calculated the Government's spooking of gilt markets will cost remortgaging households 280 a year on average.

That's less money in their pockets, not more, thanks to Ms Reeves.

The Chancellor's tentative backing for a third runway at Heathrow airport  her big announcement of the day  was heavily caveated.

She insisted it would have to be 'delivered in line with our legal, environmental and climate objectives', which most likely means Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband will still have plenty of chances to kill it off.

The Chancellor needs to be honest with the public rather than attempting to pull the wool over their eyes.

And her shamelessly disingenuous party cannot claim to be nurturing growth when so many of its policies are suffocating it.
This week, having won the weekly parliamentary lottery to ask the Prime Minister a question, I decided to bring up a scandal that should have been dealt with many years ago: the provision of billions of pounds worth of taxpayer-funded green subsidies to the giant power station, Drax.

For those not familiar with the name, this behemoth, near Selby in North Yorkshire, is fuelled by so-called 'biomass'  which is to say, wood pellets made from crushed trees.

Drax gets government subsidies for burning millions of trees and creating millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide in the process. So hardly a green solution to climate change.

At Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs), I asked Sir Keir Starmer about a secret report into Drax and its practices by the accountants KPMG, a report which is so secret that even his own Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, has not seen it.

But MPs and peers believe that it contains a damning conclusion: that Drax cannot prove that all the trees it has been burning since 2012 were 'sustainable' that is, easily replaceable  and that many were instead virgin woodland of huge environmental importance.

Last year Drax was fined 25 million by the regulator Ofgem after it was found to have submitted 'inaccurate data' about how it had sourced its wood pellets.

Yet, the firm has declared to successive Governments that 100 per cent of the wood it burns is sustainable, and has been receiving staggering sums of taxpayer subsidies.

So it is a major breakthrough that, in his answer to my question, the Prime Minister promised Parliament that he will read the report to establish the truth.

Through your electricity bills, you have been forced to pay 7 billion to Drax since 2012. As I pointed out in Parliament, that's enough money to pay pensioners' winter fuel payments for five years.

A wood pellet plant operated by UK-based energy company Drax Group is seen in Gloster, Mississippi in 2024

The Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park, Sunshine Coast, British Columbia, in Canada

Rosie Duffield, the independent MP for Canterbury, says Sir Keir Starmer must keep his vow to tell her the truth about 'green' power plant Drax

The environment was not my only concern: Britain has the highest electricity prices in the developed world.

In 2022, the BBC's Panorama programme reported that, rather than felling sustainable woodland to feed its giant furnaces, Drax had instead been chopping down irreplaceable forests in British Columbia, Canada.

And when a Drax executive tried to claim that these forests were 'sustainable', the reporter told him: 'That's a lie.' (Drax later said the programme had repeated 'inaccurate claims'.)

Alarm bells should have sounded for the Government and Ofgem: after all, the destruction of ancient forests has hugely damaging consequences for biodiversity.

Drax then threatened to sue the BBC yet, after consulting its lawyers, decided not to. Why might that be?

Later that year, with shareholders becoming twitchy, Drax paid KPMG to produce that confidential report  which they hoped would give it a clean bill of health.

Yet MPs now have reason to believe that  in KPMG's 2022 interim report  Drax did not have the evidence to show that its wood had come from renewable sources despite its claims.

A few months before the Panorama documentary was broadcast, then-energy secretary Kwasi Kwarteng declared that Drax was 'not sustainable' and admitted that his department had not 'actually questioned' its claims.

If Panorama is right, Drax would appear to have told untruths. Some very expensive ones.

A wood pellet plant operated by UK-based energy company Drax Group is seen in Gloster, Mississippi in 2024

The giant power station, Drax, in Selby, North Yorkshire, is fuelled by so-called 'biomass'  which is to say, wood pellets made from crushed trees

For the law gives the Government power to revoke Drax's subsidies when ministers are 'no longer satisfied' that they were based on accurate information. Remember, this is your money.

An alternative sanction might be to impose a windfall tax on burning imported wood pellets.

Drax made 1 billion profit last year alone. If there has been any misreporting of the situation by Drax, the Prime Minister could  and should  stop the green subsidies today.

It is bad enough that we have waited so long: the Conservative government allowed this scandal to escalate unchecked for 12 years.

Drax's government contract is up for renewal in 2027. Which is all the more reason for the new administration to act.

The Prime Minister's commitment to reading the KPMG report should just be the beginning.

With 7 billion at stake, you can imagine that Drax has been fighting to stop the KPMG report becoming public  and I expect it will do its best to get the Prime Minister to break the promise he made.

After all, over the years, Drax has reacted with hostility towards journalists who dare to ask questions. I believe it has also behaved abominably towards the growing ranks of doubters within its company, too.

In 2023, Drax's own website shows the number of annual whistleblower complaints almost trebled to 49, which seems to me an extraordinary number.

The former BBC boss Lord Birt is among those deeply troubled by what he has heard, having met with whistleblowers.

Trains deliver pellets to the Drax Bio mass power station on November 6, 2024 in Selby, North Yorkshire

The winter sun sets behind the Drax Bio mass Power Station operated by Drax Group PLC on January 30, 2025

He has told the House of Lords of allegations of 'outright dishonesty, cover-up, offers of under-the-table bribes and naked threats by some senior Drax executives'.

This is strong language. It is alleged that Drax executives have been hiding critical documents from those the law says they are obliged to inform; their regulator (Ofgem), their investors and even their own board.

The Drax board must ask themselves whether chief executive officer Will Gardiner, who earns 5 million a year, can solve the crisis which has been escalating on his watch.

Drax already realises that it is in deep trouble.

One recent poll of more than 100 MPs found just one unnamed Conservative who believed that Drax's wood burning is the best route to energy independence for the United Kingdom.

From the Greens on the left to Reform on the right, Drax is widely recognised as a scandal.

It is time for the Government to find its backbone. Why not force a fire sale of the power station? Or nationalise it? And where is Ofgem in all of this?

The Government must ask whether, as I suspect, the regulator has been asleep at the wheel: for more than a decade, it has rubber- stamped Drax's subsidy claims, apparently without a clue as to where the wood came from.

Our energy department has been similarly reluctant to deal with this scandal  because its officials seem wedded to the fairytale that Drax produces no carbon dioxide at all.

The power station is actually the biggest single producer of the greenhouse gas in Britain, emitting nearly 12 million tonnes in 2023.

A general view of the Drax Power Station near Selby, North Yorkshire, December 13, 2024

Inside of the turbine hall at the Drax Power Station near Selby, North Yorkshire -- December 13, 2024

Yet these emissions were not included in Britain's carbon accounts, since they were deemed to belong to Canada and America  even though the trees were burned in Selby.

We are 'decarbonising' through an accounting trick. MPs are not that easily convinced, however. Nor are voters.

I believe our legal system has failed us, with important voices  voices that should be heard in court  silenced thanks to a plethora of Non-Disclosure Agreements drawn up to protect Drax's dirty secrets and its future subsidies.

This is not what government green subsidies are supposed to be spent on.

So, it remains for Parliament's powerful select committees to step forward and do their duty.

There is huge public interest in them examining the KPMG report and airing the truth about what appears to be a terrible abuse of public money  not to mention the environment. What, otherwise, are they for?

Now the Prime Minister has made his pledge. And I will be making sure he keeps his word.
Sofia Alessia has been left with an internal hernia which requires another surgery

A woman who forked out 10,000 on weight loss surgery was left 'throwing up lumps of flesh' and felt as though she was 'dying' after getting sepsis.

Sofia Alessia, from Littleborough, Greater Manchester, piled on the pounds during and after her first pregnancy and went from size 10 to a size 16.

She would binge eat on family-sized packets of crisps and a multi packs of Kinder Buenos.

After tipping the scales at 16 stone, she tried going to the gym and running but struggled due to 'emotional eating' and decided surgery was her best bet.

Sofia said: 'I didn't know what do. I knew I wasn't happy for my size, but I couldn't stop binge eating. I needed help.'

While researching online, Sofia, 27, decided against going to Turkey for cheap surgery after hearing 'horror stories'.

She ended up picking what she believed to be a reputable UK-based clinic named Transform Hospital Group and claims they offered her a 3,000 discount on the surgery to share her review online.

Just three weeks later, the mother-of-one went in for the three-hour long gastric sleeve surgery on January 31, 2022.

Sofia Alessia, from Littleborough, Greater Manchester, piled on the pounds after and during her first pregnancy and went from size 10 to a size 16 (pictured before surgery)

After the surgery (pictured), Sofia has lost a total of seven stone and now weighs nine stone

Sofia said she threw up 'lumps of flesh' after going under the knife and says she couldn't eat or drink for weeks

Sofia said: 'I was really happy with my original surgeon but they switched them last minute.

'I was nervous but I had already booked it all and didn't feel like I could pull out. I just wanted to get started.'

But after waking up from the general anaesthetic, Sofia says felt 'immediately sick'.

Over the following days, she was left 'constantly throwing up lumps of flesh' and unable to keep any fluids or food down.

The influencer said: 'I was always told to never go to Turkey. But staying in the UK for it nearly killed me anyway.

'I couldn't eat or drink for weeks. Everyday was a nightmare that I couldn't wake up from.

'I was vomiting lumps of flesh every day and night. I do love my glow up, but I wish I didn't have to go through hell.'

After the procedure to remove a large part of her stomach, leaving just a thin sleeve, she woke to find herself 'uncontrollably vomiting' and feeling extreme dehydration.

Sofia is pictured cuddling her young daughter before undergoing the weight loss surgery

Sofia Alessia and her daughter Alya-Valentina, four, after the weight loss surgery

Sofia was discharged home after 24 hours but ended up calling 999 and being rushed to Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital only three hours later.

During this time, Sofia's mother, Lisanne Meadowcroft, a 53-year-old nurse trainer, looked after her four-year-old daughter, Ayla-Valentina.

The content creator was then moved to Worcester Royal Hospital four days later for further treatment and was fitted with a feeding tube.

It was later revealed that Sofia had two blood clots located in each lung and she was kept under NHS care for three weeks.

Sofia said: 'I hadn't seen my family in days, and I couldn't keep anything down.

'I felt like I was dying, and everything was getting worse and worse.'

Her condition continued to deteriorate, and she developed pneumonia, while doctors discovered that more than 80 per cent of her stomach had been removed causing a stricture.

Communication continued with the clinic as they sent a care package worth of 250 of aftercare products and arranged to fix the botched surgery themselves, even sending transportation to transfer her back to their premises.

She also received roses along with the note: 'We are sorry for your experience in our reception today fell short of the service standard we strive to exceed.

'We look forward to caring for you and supporting your journey. David and the Transform Hospital Team.'

A couple of months later on 21 March 2022, Sofia underwent a gastric bypass, but due to the issues with the previous surgery, they were forced to remove 'almost all' of her stomach.

During the procedure, the surgeon stapled her bowel into her smaller intestine which caused chronic sepsis to quickly develop.

Sofia roses from Transform Hospital Group along with a note apologising

Sofia is pictured with her daughter before having the weight loss surgery

The mother-of-one would binge eat on family-sized packets of crisps and a multi packs of Kinder Buenos (pictured before surgery)

Sofia said she thought she might die after getting sepsis. Pictured after the weight loss surgery with her daughter

She went straight back to Worcester Royal Hospital for further treatment.

'I begged a nurse to save my life and begged for other doctors,' she said.

'I didn't think I would ever say my daughter again.

'I wasn't getting answers and I felt like I was losing a bit of myself everyday.

'The surgeon called my mum and told her that I might die.

'My family was distraught. The clinic was talking to me every day over WhatsApp.'

For two weeks after the procedure, Sofia was left in Worcester Royal Hospital completely weak and unable to even lift her phone.

A couple of days later on March 25, NHS doctors performed a successful surgery to remove staples from the lower intestine and stomach, and they drained the infection from her body.

On April 9 she returned home, after weeks of hospital treatment.

Sofia, who now has multiple scars on her stomach, has been left with an internal hernia which requires another surgery to remove.

Sofia has lost a total of seven stone and now weighs nine stone.

Sofia said: 'Everyone told me to never go to Turkey for weight loss surgery.

'But I paid 10k here and I still was left butchered.

'I'm still recovering, but day by day my body is healing.

'Weight loss surgery isn't worth the pain.

A spokesperson for Transform said: 'Transform Hospital Group Limited entered administration in October 2022. Transform acquired the assets of the previous company and we can see from patient records that several attempts were made to contact Sofia to discuss her condition after her surgery, however these were unsuccessful.

'Whilst we offer Sofia our sympathy, we are unable to assist her as this occurred under the care of a different organisation.'
Congratulations to Kirstie Allsopp who, after 21 years of being 'happily unmarried' to her partner, Ben Andersen, has finally taken the plunge.

Some commentators have suggested that perhaps she was inspired by the similar later-in-life marriage of her neighbours, Richard Curtis and Emma Freud. After all, Kirstie's ceremony took place at the Grosvenor Chapel in Mayfair, which was the scene of a wedding in Curtis's film Love Actually.

But I have another, less romantic, theory  for I too decided to say 'I do'  also in front of my two sons  after being 'happily unmarried' for 23 years. I did it to secure our family home.

People assume that living together for decades, being what's known as common-law partners, confers the same rights of inheritance as marriage. Unfortunately it is not so, as numerous women have discovered. When their relationship has broken down, they've lost everything.

David and I had been very careful to ensure we were joint owners of our property and had assumed that meant we were safe. We were wrong, as was pointed out by a very close Scottish friend who was good with money.

She told us on many occasions that, if one of us died, there would be no question of the other losing the property, but there would be inheritance tax to pay on the other half of the house.

Kirstie and Ben's ceremony took place at the Grosvenor Chapel in Mayfair, central London, which was the scene of a wedding in Curtis' film Love Actually

She rightly assumed neither of us, as the surviving partner, would be able to afford the tax due alongside all the other expenses that come in the wake of a death. The kids, she said, would lose their family home because we would have to sell. Just get married, she said. There's no tax to pay on the death of a husband or wife.

David and I were reluctant. We'd both been married before. As a feminist, I hated the traditional idea of one man  the father  handing over a woman into the hands of another man.

I hated that a woman would be expected to take her husband's name. I'd taken the name of my first husband, Brian Murray, and regretted it ever since. I had managed not to promise to obey first time around but second time around, I had no desire to be a 'wife'.

We tried to persuade the government at the time to extend the newly introduced civil partnership available to gay couples to heterosexuals. We were refused. Heterosexuals can get married we were told.

So, that was that. Ours was not the romantic affair Kirstie and Ben appear to have enjoyed. She wore a designer dress. I wore my black sweater, black trousers and a long, beige linen coat. David was in a suit.

My two boys, Ed at 19 and Charlie at 15, did their best in clean T-shirts and jeans. Norma, the friend who'd delivered the financial advice, probably looked the smartest.

It all took place at the register office in Macclesfield where we had made it plain we didn't want any fuss. There would be no flowers, no hymns or poems. The only words would be what was necessary under the law.

The two very proper Northern women who officiated were mystified by us. Norma, Ed and Charlie sat in the front row as David and I stood facing each other.

The primary registrar opened the ceremony in a serious tone with the words, 'We are gathered here today to join David and Jennifer in matrimony in front of their family and friend.'

The pointed mention of the singular 'friend' caused great hilarity among our three guests. I don't know whether it was Ed or Charlie who first fell into uncontrollable, hysterical giggles, but that kind of laughter is catching.

Soon both boys and Norma were helpless and David and I joined them. Not one of us could stop laughing until that stiff registrar said: 'I really think you could take this very serious event a little more seriously.'

The giggles subsided and, as David and I looked into each other's eyes to speak our vows, it became very serious indeed  and even a little romantic. We were sure this would be a lifetime commitment to care for each other. We loved each other and, this time, we were not making a mistake.

The bossy registrar began to warm to us as she realised we were grown-ups who knew our own minds and who should be respected. She even bent the rules, and after Ed and Norma had witnessed officially, she allowed Charlie  though too young  to sign his name too.

All was well until the moment came to fill in the details that would appear in the register and on our marriage certificate.

There were both our names and professions, our fathers' names and professions but no mention of our mothers. 'What about our mothers?' I asked. 'Oh no, we don't need those,' said the registrar. I was furious.

I have spent years campaigning for change and, at last, heterosexual couples can have a civil partnership and, since 2021, a mother's name can be included on a marriage certificate.

I can't help but pity all those women who were excluded from the record  including my mother, Winifred Bailey.

Who's the real Bridget Jones?

Renee Zellweger, left, and Helen Fielding at the Mad About The Boy premiere this week

Last night saw the UK premiere of the fourth Bridget Jones film, Mad About The Boy.

What a phenomenon Helen Fielding created when she invented Bridget in her column in The Independent in 1995. She tapped into all the concerns with which women were obsessed at the time.

Then came the films and Bridget became Renee Zellweger. Personally, I saw Bridget as Helen, whom I met in 1996. She admitted Bridget had been based on her own anxieties.

I interviewed her again after the first film in 2001. She was unspoiled by her new-found wealth. A great talent, yet still full of that same anxiety to which we can all relate.

Wynne's comment is no joke

What was Wynne Evans thinking when he made what he thought was a joke about 'spit roasting' a female colleague on the Strictly tour? How could anyone think two men having sex together with a woman is remotely amusing? Why do some men never learn it's time to step out of the locker room?

Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, has gone right down in my estimation. He's to drop women's health targets in the new NHS plan. As Lesley Regan, the Government's first Women's Health Ambassador, said: 'There's already a men's health strategy. It's called the NHS.'

Maggie can fill the hole in my heart

Minnie, my 18-month-old chihuahua, and I have been grieving the deaths of Madge and Frieda earlier this month. Minnie had been utterly miserable ... until the arrival of three-month-old Maggie, left. Full of energy, games and joy. Our house is becoming happy again.

I didn't want to watch the TV coverage of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz this week. My memories of my visit there in 1964, aged 14, still make me shake with fear.

As we left under the sign Arbeit Macht Frei, my father told me that he was Jewish. 'There but for the grace of God,' he said, pointing out that, even though I was not fully Jewish because it passes down through the mother, he didn't think I would have escaped Hitler.
Kmart Australia has left its fashion-forward fans reeling again after dropping a $25 dupe of a popular $130 buy.

The Long Sleeved Oxford shirt happens to look almost identical to the Rhea cotton shirt from Dishh.

The Kmart version of the shirt is slightly lighter, has a different 'squiggle' on the shirt pocket... and is $105 cheaper.

If it wasn't for the squiggle, it's so close to the original that the team at Kmart Insider claim no one will know the difference.

And subscribers to the popular page agree, with many labelling the buy 'epic', 'stunning' and 'a must buy for 2025'.

'Theyre gonna know... HOW WOULD THEY KNOW? This is a must have,' one woman declared.

'This could easily be adapted into a chic night time look too, love it,' one woman added.

But others have been left fuming at the 'blatant' copy.

Kmart Australia has left its fashion-forward fanbase feeling excited again - after dropping a $25 dupe of a popular $130 buy

The Long Sleeved Oxford shirt happens to look almost identical to the Rhea cotton shirt from Dishh

'Is this is as oversized as the Dissh one? At this point I'm just mad I spent 130 bucks on the Dissh one,' one woman fumed.

'This is a blatant Dissh copy. I don't think it's fair to copy this much,' added a second.

This isn't the first time high-end lookalikes have been spotted on the shelves..

The budget retailer is now selling a pair of Buckle Slingback Ballet Flats, available in three colours - red, black and white - that closely resemble Ganni's range of Feminine Buckle Ballerinas.

Both brands' pointed-toe flats have similar features, including metal eyelet detailing, buckle-strap fastenings and low stacked heels.

Upon a closer look, Kmart's shoes have a single row of metal eyelet detailing on each strap, while the Danish fashion brand's off-white version has two rows.

Fashion-conscious shoppers suggested the cheaper shoes offer an affordable alternative to the designer label, especially for those who can't afford to spend hundreds of dollars.

'We cant get enough of this $25 Ganni lookalike from Kmart,' Aussie fashion blogger behind Kmart Insider said on Instagram.

Bargain hunters have confirmed the cheaper flats are 'so comfy' while others shared that they were 'running' to Kmart to grab a pair.

'The Kmart versions are amazing in these shoes. So good in fact they are selling out everywhere,' one said.
The Princess of Wales today arrived for her first royal 'away day' since 2023 as part of her slow and steady return to royal duties as she visited a sock manufacturer and children's hospice, of which she has become patron.

Arriving at children's hospice Ty Hafan this morning after 'proudly' announcing her new patronage, Catherine, 43, donned a checked dress from Zara with pussybow detailing and wore her hair in loose waves hanging down her shoulders, before being greeted by a member of staff.

It wasn't long before the princess got stuck in to the visit, as she made a beeline for adorable children who visit the hospice who were using the soft play area.

She took part in a musical session with children suffering from life-limiting conditions and even had her hand painted red to leave a permanent memory of her visit - just as King Charles had done years previously.

Later on in the day, Kate visited Corgi, a textiles manufacturer in Ammanford focusing on socks and knitwear.

It is no coincidence that the princess has chosen South Wales to undertake two solo engagements given her title and love for the country and its people, sources have told the Mail.

At Ty Hafan, Kate, who is a mother of three, chatted to young children including a little girl who uses a wheelchair, and who was dressed in pink and had her hair in pigtails for the occasion.

Speaking to the young girl, she asked: 'What do you like doing when you're here?' before she replied to explain she enjoyed music.

The Princess of Wales today arrived for her first royal 'away day' since 2023 - as she continues her slow and gradual return to public duties

Kate got crafty on the solo visit, helping children with their art by painting their hands and appearing thoroughly in her element

Kate gets crafty! The Princess made art with her hands with the help of a young girl who painted her palm bright red

A royal work of art! the Princess made a piece of artwork out of her painted handprint and signed it with 'Catherine'

Kate's sweet artwork follows King Charles's lilac handprint from a visit to the hospice in 2018 when he was still the Prince of Wales

Kate then asked: 'Have you played any of the instruments?' and picked up a rattle before giving it a little shake. The little girl erupted in giggles and went on to demonstrate her percussion playing on a xylophone.

She was overheard discussing 'challenging' times for families as she spoke with parents whose children have received care from the hospice.

Catherine had joined children at a 'stay and play' fun-filled event after Kensington Palace donated musical instruments - and admitted her own children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis would have 'loved' the activities.

Walking into the room where children were entertained by a guitarist, she said: 'This is very vibrant.'

Smiling Catherine crouched down to speak to Dani-Rae, 3, and asked: 'What do you like doing here? Are you having a good time? Are you singing songs?

She shook some maracas and asked: 'Do you like playing any instruments?'

The mother-of-three also warmly chatted with parents and carers asking: 'Are there any places like this in the community?'

She also joined in the games rolling a sparkly ball along the floor and asked Dani-Ray: 'Are you going to meet your friends? You're gonna stay here? It's really nice to meet you.'

She sat with Felix, 12, and listened to how he was being cared for at the hospice, saying: 'This is a really calm place.'

And she also spoke to the family of Maisie, 16, about what she enjoys about coming to the hospice.

The Princess beamed as she spoke with a young boy who walks with the aid of a walking frame

The Princess of Wales brought a ray of sunshine to south Wales this morning as she visited a children's hospice

The Princess of Wales beamed as she played with two young children today on the visit to the hospice after being announced as its new patron

The Princess erupted in laughter as she repaid the favour and painted the hand of a little girl who uses the hospice

Kate shared a sweet moment with the little girl when she held her hand and engaged in conversation with her

The princess shared a joke with some of the parents and staff as she spoke to them about life in hospice care

The princess wore her high street favourite, a dogtooth checked mini dress from Zara with puffed sleeves and a pussybow detail

The Princess chatted to the parents of the children who use the hospice and receive care

Kate is following in the footsteps of Princess Diana to become the patron of the hospice. Diana is pictured in 1996 at an event raising funds for the hospice

While speaking to Savanah-Blu, 5, she tenderly placed her hand on her left knee.

She asked the parents and carers: 'How much has the support here helped her?'

And she spoke about the hospice providing 'physical and emotional support' for children with life-shortening conditions.

Catherine said: 'I know what such a lifeline it is here and makes such a difference.'

The royal visitor was also shown a room that is to be used by Maisie, and noticed a copy of The Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark - which she read on CBeebies Bedtime Stories in 2022.

Told some children can stay for care without their parents, she remarked: 'Sometimes, having just spoken to them, the fact that they have been coming here for regular periods of time, they build up a rapport so they know they are really in a safe space and got that relationship with their carers.'

'That's support on a holistic front not just their physical needs, it's that (gesturing to the stay and play).'

Five-year-old Oscar, who had missed the Stay and Play as he was riding around the hospice's corridors, bumped into the Princess during her tour.

During a music therapy session, the Princess tried her hand at some percussion and shook a maraca

The little boy who used the respite care and took part in the music therapy session grabbed the instrument from the Princess

The mother-of-three joined a music therapy session and chatted to young children who have benefited from the hospice's care

The Princess wore her hair in loose curls hanging down her shoulders and donned a pair of gold geometric earrings

In addition to attending and taking part in play and music therapy sessions, Kate visited treatment rooms for young patients

Upon arrival, the Princess layered her dress with a white/grey double breasted coat with button detailing

She leaned down and said: 'You've got some good exercise going.'

As the youngster looked like he was about to set off on another lap of the hospice the princess asked: 'Are you going back down this way.'

But instead Oscar whizzed off leading her through the building to the garden.

Outside she marvelled at the 'beautiful environment' and spoke to parents who had lost their children.

She hailed 'such a beautiful connection' after hearing the tweeting of bird songs that have been created by turning children's names into morse code.

A plaque on the speaker playing the bird songs reads: 'These names will be forever in our skies.'

The princess then helped four-year-old Maggie, sibling of Felix, make a handprint.

Catherine grabbed her hand and said: 'Shall we do it together? Would you like me to paint your hand?'

She held her hand and brushed on red paint and said: 'Tell me it tickles. Is it ticklish? My kiddies would love this if I went and did this back at home today.'

She covered the youngster's hand in red paint before Lottie, 10, who is also Felix's sister, took her turn to paint the princess.

Catherine said: 'It's very relaxing.'

Kate greeted members of the public after her visit to Corgi, a manufacturer in Wales

Kate tried her hand at making the socks and knitwear, but later apologised for being so 'terrible' at it

When a young girl gifted her a banana, Kate politely declined the gift and handed it back

Despite being touched by the gift, Kate handed the banana back in a sweet moment

Then asked 'ready?' and placed her hand on a piece of paper and said 'I should have done my nails.'

Looking at her mark left behind she said: 'It's huge!'

Then after washing off the paint she signed it 'Catherine' next to the handprint which will be digitised and put on the wall with others from children, their siblings and parents.

On her way out the princess pledged her support and said: 'It's been a very special visit.'

Afterwards Lottie, 10, spoke about painting the princess's hand saying 'it was 'fun'.

Her mum Alex Forbes, 43, said the hospice has been caring for Felix since he was a baby.

She revealed Catherine offered to paint Maggie's hand for the wall after hearing she had not done hers yet and said the hospice couldn't have asked for a 'better patron'.

Later on Thursday, Kate visited Corgi, a family run textiles manufacturer in Ammanford

The textiles manufacturer focuses on the production of socks and knitwear, which Kate witnessed first-hand

The Princess of Wales meets a member of the production team during a visit to Corgi, a textiles manufacturer in Ammanford

Kate's second engagement of the day saw her find out more about the production of socks and knitwear

Kate was given a sneak peak at some of the items the manufacturer was making

She said: 'It's a real memory-making day. The girls and Felix are going to remember this for the rest of their lives.

'It was really lovely how the princess engaged with my girls. She is a mum and everything she has gone through she really empathises. Her being the patron now, we couldn't have asked for a better person.

'When she was with Felix she asked how the hospice was helping him but also how they help the family. It felt like it was from the heart.

'Ty Hafan is like a second family for us because of Felix's needs, these are the people that we turn to. We wouldn't be on this journey without them.'

Felix, 12, from Llanwit Major, has a rare and progressive condition called Miller Dieker syndrome and is both non verbal and non mobile.

Savanah-Blu, 5, from Cardiff, has Alexander's Leukodystrophy, which will result in death in childhood.

Oscar, 5, of Carmarthen, has CHARGE syndrome (CS) which causes severe global development delay and epilepsy.

One-year-old Niko, of Cardiff, has rare muscular condition spinal muscular atrophy type 1 which usually results in death at early infancy but new gene therapy treatment now slows progression.

Dani-Rae, three, of Caerphilly, also has spinal muscular atrophy type 1 and benefited from the new gene therapy treatment. While Maisie, 16, of Bridgend, has atypical Retts Syndrome.

She was also given a tour of the factory floor, looking at the threads and production materials

Catherine, Princess of Wales, spends time with members of the production team on the factory floor during a visit to Corgi

Kate appeared to be having the time of her life as she got to try out making the socks herself

Later on in the day, Kate spent an hour at Corgi, a textiles manufacturer in Ammanford, South Wales, focused on the production of socks and knitwear.

While there she met with the Lord-Lieutenant for Dyfed, Sara Edwards, and Lisa Wood and Chris Jones, the brother and sister who own the business.

The princess heard about the projects staff were working on, including designs by William Morris, before learning about the design process.

The Princess of Wales collapsed in giggles and declared herself 'terrible' at making socks during the visit.

Catherine took a seat at one machine where employee Shauna Kinsey, 24, showed her how to 'link' the toe to the sock, stitch by stitch.

The Princess spent several minutes trying to get to grips with the process, laughing at her own efforts.

'It's so fiddly,' she said. 'It's definitely not my forte.'

The Princess said Miss Kinsey, who has worked for the company for six years, 'made it look so easy'.

She added: 'It's really hard. I'm sorry, I'm so terrible.'

Miss Kinsey admitted later that she had to unravel some of the Princess's work as she had been 'going in the wrong line'.

She listened intently to members of the production team as she learned more about the process

The princess was the centre of avid attention as she spoke to staff at their sewing machines

She was told what to do by a member of the production team, looking at the socks closely under a bright light

The Princess appeared fascinated by the intricate processes used to make the socks and other knitwear, stopping to ask staff questions as she was given a tour.

She repeatedly pulled the socks over her hand, marvelling at how soft they were and how 'beautifully made'.

She revealed during the visit that she 'archived' all of her own children's clothes, noting that the garments that had been well made always 'wore really well'.

'It's so lovely to reuse the things that are well made,' she said.

The Princess was shown around by owners Chris Jones, 56, and his sister, Lisa Wood, 55. The siblings took over the business from their father Huw Jones, 86, in the 1990s.

'It's so lovely to be here,' she said on arrival. 'I've been looking forward to it, I've heard all about your brand.'

The Princess learnt about the entire process of making socks, from the initial design stage to the final part that involves sealing the toe onto the rest of the garment.

In the design room, she chatted to staff about a partnership with William Morris, noting that its prints were still 'relevant and recognisable'. She recognised a Liberty print on the wall and was shown a jumper made for Burberry, that Ms Wood admitted had been 'a logistical nightmare' to make.

'Don't tell me that,' the Princess laughed.

On the main factory floor, the Princess was told that children from the local school came in for work experience and to learn the skills. Ms Wood told her that staff skills were incredibly valuable and it was 'important that we keep going, through the generations'.

Kate asked staff how long it would take them to make one sock, repeatedly describing the process as 'fascinating'. She appeared surprised at the weight of a roll of cashmere and spent several minutes in the machine room, chatting to employees about the more modern practices they use.

'I can't believe how much machinery there is,' she said.

'It's nice to see the younger ones coming in and learning this craftsmanship,' she added, asking if they also made the brand labels.

Asked if she wanted to have a go using a different machine, the Princess admitted that it 'looked easier' than the previous one, sliding a handle along the machine and back again.

Before the Princess left, Mr Jones's daughter, Cari, 12, gave her a cream, zip up cashmere cardigan, made especially for her, as well as a navy cashmere wrap for her mother, Carole Middleton, to mark her 70th birthday this weekend.

'That's so sweet of you, thank you, I wasn't expecting it,' she said.

As she stepped out to her convoy, a gaggle of onlookers cheered and waved and one small girl could be heard shouting 'Hello Princess.'

After driving some 15 metres towards them, she got out of the car to say hello.

Kate, 43, donned a checked grey dress with a pussybow detail from Zara that she has previously worn to undertake the visit

Mother-of-three Kate, 43, made a fuss of a little girl who uses a wheelchair and who was dressed in pink with her hair in pigtails

'Thanks for saying hello,' she told the little girl, three-year-old Lily-Rose Logan. 'I heard you from all the way over there. I've just been to see this amazing factory where they make wonderful socks.'

Lily-Rose gave the Princess her toy banana to hold. When she gave it back, she threw it on the floor.

Corgi was founded in 1892 by the current owners' great great grandfather, selling socks to miners.

In the 1960s, the company expanded to include traditional men's knitwear including jumpers and scarves.

When Mr Jones and Ms Wood, took over, they expanded again to include womenswear and childrenswear. They also purchased machines to start making certain types of socks.

They now employ 50 people and export to 34 countries, making around 200,000 pairs of socks a year.

The company has held a Royal Warrant from the King since 1992. The monarch likes an 'every day' sock in grey, navy and dark green, with each pair made 'slightly longer' to suit his tastes, staff revealed.

They also make white and red socks for the various Highland regiments, which are used for ceremonial events. Each pair takes a whole day to make and would cost around 600 a pair if they were sold to the public.

The socks cost from 12-15 a pair going up to 140 for cashmere socks and 180 for a pair for Ralph Lauren socks.

Mr Jones said the royal visit gave a 'real boost' to its loyal staff, some of whom have worked there for decades.

The day was designed to showcase the work of 'long-established organisations with community at their core'.

The princess's visit focused on spotlighting the wellbeing of children and families as well as celebrating excellence in Welsh textiles manufacturing, both of which are themes close to her heart.

A source told the Mail: 'When she became the Princess of Wales she and her husband vowed to celebrate and service the dynamic nation that Wales is today.

The princess crouched down to discuss the hospice's good work with parents whose children use the play area for respite care

'I think the Princess choosing a visit to Wales for her second solo engagement of 2025 signals the importance that she places on Wales and the love that she has for the nation and its people.'

The last joint 'away day' of engagement conducted by the princess was in early November 2023 and her last day of solo engagements was in September of the same year, when she visited her ancestors' former wool factory in Leeds.

Catherine began the day with a moving visit to Ty Hafan, a children's hospice based in Sully, near Cardiff, which supports families to ensure that children with life-shortening conditions have fulfilling lives.

Ty Hafan was the first children's hospice in Wales when it opened in 1999 and provides free care and support both within the hospice itself and in homes and communities.

The charity's ambition is that no family should have to experience their child's short life alone, with staff 'walking alongside' every family who needs their support - through life, death and beyond.

Holistic care, something that interests Catherine hugely, is a huge part of its ethos, focusing on the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of the children in its care.

To coincide with her arrival, Kensington Palace announced that the princess has today also become Patron of Ty Hafan Children's Hospice, following in the footsteps of the King and her husband's late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.

Irfon Rees, Chief Executive of Ty Hafan  which translates from Welsh to 'Haven House' in English  said: 'We are deeply honoured that Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales has become Patron of Ty Hafan and it was an absolute pleasure to welcome Her Royal Highness to our hospice for the first time today.

Kate beamed as she chatted to staff, parents and children at the hospice on her first solo engagement away from home in more than a year

'As our Patron, Her Royal Highness will be an inspiration for children with life-shortening conditions and their families, our dedicated staff and volunteers and everyone who so generously supports us.

'No parent ever imagines that their child's life will be short. Sadly this is the reality facing thousands of families in Wales. We can't stop this happening, but together we can make sure that no one lives their child's short life alone.'

The wellbeing of children and their families has always been close to The Princess' heart, a palace aide said.

The first patronage Her Royal Highness took on when she became a Member of The Royal Family was EACH (East Anglia's Children's Hospice) and she maintains a close relationship with the organisation to this day.

The Princess is looking forward to building a similar relationship with Ty Hafan and the children and families it serves in Wales, they added.

As Prince of Wales, King Charles was patron of Ty Hafan from 2001.

The position was previously held by Diana, Princess of Wales while the charity was in its fundraising stage.

Commenting on her patronage on the Kensington Palace X/Twitter account, the Princess said: 'A proud moment becoming Patron of Ty Hafan.

Upon arrival the Princess chatted outside the hospice with its staff, on the day she has been announced patron

The Princess appeared solemn as she heard from people involved with the hospice about its vital work in the community

The Princess of Wales looked radiant as she visited a children's hospice, of which she has become patron, in south Wales today

The Princess looked radiant in muted tones as she was welcomed by members of staff at the hospice

'Opening in 1999 as Wales' first children's hospice, Ty Hafan continues to provide specialist care to children with life-shortening conditions, offering vital support to them and their families, throughout life, at end of life, and beyond.'

The Princess' visit to South Wales today is the first time she has visited the nation since undergoing her treatment and recovery. Her last engagements there were with her husband in October 2023.

During her visit today Catherine has sat through a musical therapy session in action.

To mark the visit and the announcement of the patronage, Kensington Palace have arranged for a donation of musical instruments to be provided to the charity to allow them to conduct more music therapy sessions in the future.

Although it has been a comparatively busy week for The Princess  with the Holocaust Memorial Day Service on Monday followed by the two engagements in Wales today - sources close to the princess are keen to stress that it remains part of a gradual, phased return to work.

Aides say the engagements this week are not a 'template' for the next few months and she is not 'fully back to work' yet. Her diary will, it is said, vary from week to week.

However 'she is very much looking forward to being in Wales today and to be focusing on two themes which are close to her heart,' sources stressed.

During her visit, the Princess is spending time with some of the children and their families, joining a 'stay and play' session.

She will also movingly meet with bereaved families supported by Ty Hafan throughout their children's lives, deaths and beyond.

The royal mother-of-three's solo visit marks her second engagement this week; after she joined her husband Prince William on Monday to mark international Holocaust Remembrance Day.

The Prince and Princess of Wales visited London's Guildhall where they marked the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

The event included an emotional reunion with Steven Frank, 89, and Ms Bernstein, 87, both of whom the Princess photographed back in 2020.

The Princess's close bond with both survivors was clear for all to see, putting on an affectionate display and warmly embracing Ms Bernstein.

Kate described Ms Bernstein, who was hidden as a child in France throughout most of the Second World War by her uncle, as an 'old friend', clasping her hands and telling her it was a 'treat' to see her again.

She had greeted the 87-year-old by saying: 'It's so nice to see you,' and hearing that Yvonne had suffered some health problems, she added: 'You've had such a hard time, haven't you?'

The two shared an emotional hug, before Ms Bernstein gently touched the princess's face and arm, and thanked her for coming.

The touching exchange was reminiscent of their previous meetings in 2020 and 2021 after Kate photographed her for a Holocaust exhibition at the Imperial War Museum - and they've clearly remained close over the years.

As revealed by the Mail earlier this month, the princess continues to plan a slow and measured return to royal duties following her cancer diagnosis and treatment last year.

It was little over a year ago that she was admitted to hospital for serious abdominal surgery, after which doctors found there had been evidence of cancer present.

She underwent a gruelling course of preventative chemotherapy, which ended late last summer, and recently confirmed that she was officially in remission.

While thanking people for their ongoing support she warned, however, that her focus remains on her recovery and adjusting to a 'new normal' for the sake of her family.
Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi welcomed their second daughter into their lives last week - and followed a sweet tradition shared by the royal cousins when it came to naming her.

Athena Elizabeth Rose was born on January 22 at 12.57pm and is 11th in line to the throne, pushing her aunt Princess Eugenie down to 12th place.

She becomes the third child in the Mapelli Mozzi brood alongside Wolfie, eight, from Edo's former engagement to Dara Huang, and Beatrice's three-year-old daughter Sienna.

Despite Athena being born several weeks before her due date and weighing just 4lbs 5oz, a statement from the palace assured that mother and baby were 'safe', 'healthy and doing well'.

In a sweet post on Instagram, proud father Edo, 41, confirmed: 'We welcomed baby Athena into our lives last week. She is tiny and absolutely perfect.

'We are all (including Wolfie and Sienna) already completely besotted with her. Our hearts are overflowing with love for you, baby Athena.'

Fittingly, Athena's first name is of Greek origin - much like Beatrice's late grandfather Prince Phillip - and her middle name is an obvious nod to the late Queen Elizabeth II.

It seems to be tradition for royal cousins Peter Phillips, 47, Zara Tindall, 43, Prince William, 42, Prince Harry, 40, Princess Beatrice, 36, and Princess Eugenie, 34, to include a tribute to their grandparents in the names of at least one of their children.

Reposting the baby announcement on her Instagram story, Princess Eugenie wrote 'welcome baby girl' to her new niece

For Beatrice, the gorgeous name Athena points to her late grandfather as it holds 'significant historical and cultural importance' in Greece.

It is derived from Greek mythology as Athena was the Goddess of Wisdom and War.

'She was revered for her strategic prowess, intelligence, and skill in warfare,' Ancestry writes. 'As the patron deity of Athens, Athena played a central role in shaping Greek society and mythological narratives.

'The name itself is derived from the Greek word "athenaios", meaning wise or intelligent, reflecting the virtues and qualities associated with the goddess.'

It adds: 'The name Athena continues to evoke a sense of wisdom, strength, and courage.'

Athena shares the middle name - Elizabeth - with her older sister Sienna, three, a tribute to Beatrice's beloved grandmother.

Upon the death of the queen, Beatrice and her sister Princess Eugenie released a heartwarming statement which said: 'You were our matriarch, our guide, our loving hand on our backs leading us through this world. You taught us so much and we will cherish those lessons and memories forever.'

They added: 'It has been the honour of our lives to have been your granddaughters and we're so very proud of you.'

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip pose with their great grandchildren. From left: Prince George Alexander Louis, Prince Louis Arthur Charles, Savannah Anne Kathleen Phillips (standing at rear), Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, Isla Elizabeth Phillips holding Lena Elizabeth Tindall and Mia Grace Tindall

Princess Beatrice is already mother to Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi, three (pictured) who is named for the late Queen

Athena Elizabeth Rose was born on January 22 at 12.57pm and is 11th in line to the throne, pushing her aunt Princess Eugenie down to 12th place

And what better way to pay tribute to their 'matriarch', 'guide' and 'loving hand' than naming a child in her honour.

Also taking the middle name Elizabeth is Isla Phillips, 12, youngest daughter of Peter Phillips and August Kelly, as well as Lena Tindall, six, youngest daughter of Zara and Mike Tindall.

Their cousin Prince William also made sure to pay tribute to the late queen, and his beloved mother, in the naming of his only daughter Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana.

Royal fans have pointed out that as well as sharing a name with the late Queen Elizabeth, Charlotte, nine, is a spitting image of the adored monarch.

Although he is settled down in California with his wife Meghan Markle, Prince Harry's daughter Princess Lilibet Diana, three, is also named for the late queen.

Lilibet refers to the Queen's nickname within the royal family, as she could not pronounce her name correctly as a toddler.

Her parents King George VI, the Queen Mother and her sister, Princess Margaret, would affectionately call her 'Lilibet' as a way of copying her attempts to say 'Elizabeth'.

Mail writer Robert Hardman reported in his biography Charles III: New King, New Court that the Queen was furious when the Sussexes announced that she had given them her blessing to call their baby daughter Lilibet.

Lena Tindall (left) and Isla Phillips (right) attend the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham in 2023. They both share the middle name Elizabeth

Prince William made sure to pay tribute to the late queen, as well as his beloved mother, in the naming of his only daughter Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana (pictured)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's daughter Lilibet Diana is named after Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana

Meanwhile, the royal cousins paid tribute to their grandfather Prince Phillip in the naming of their boys.

Princess Anne's youngest grandchild Lucas Tindall, three, has the middle name Phillip.

His name honours both his maternal great-grandfather Prince Phillip and his paternal grandfather - as Phillip is the name of Mike Tindall's father.

Princess Eugenie made sure to follow the same tradition when naming her first son August, lovingly known as Augie.

At the time of Augie's birth in 2021, Prince Phillip had been admitted to hospital.

Sadly, he passed away only a few months later - when August was just two months old.

So it was a poignant time for Eugenie to confirm that August Phillip Hawke Brooksbank, three, is named after his great-grandfather Prince Phillip as well as 'both of his great 5x grandfathers'.

Although it may not be as obvious, the name of Eugenie's youngest son Ernest George Ronnie Brooksbank, one, also has royal connections.

Mike and Zara Tindall's son Lucas Phillip Tindall (centre) is named after his maternal great-grandfather Prince Phillip and his paternal grandfather Phillip

Eugenie's son August (left), lovingly known as Augie, takes the middle name Phillip after the late Prince

After his birth, Eugenie confirmed on Instagram: 'He is named after his great great great Grandfather George, his Grandpa George and my Grandpa Ronald.'

Ernest's triple-great grandfather, of course, is King George V and it is a double homage as Jack Brooksbank's father is also named George.

But it is not just the royal children who are named after the late Queen Elizabeth and her loving husband Prince Phillip.

King Charles' full name is Charles Phillip Arthur George and William's is William Arthur Phillip Louis.

Anne, Princess Royal was christened Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise.

Often, the closer you are to the throne, the more traditional a name you take. Additionally, none of Queen Elizabeth's grandchildren have any less than three names, giving them a choice of monikers if they were to ascend to the throne.
Princess Maria Laura of Belgium has given birth to a son, named Albert, the Belgian palace has announced.

The Belgium royal, 36, welcomed her first child with her husband, William Isvy, in Brussels on 26 January - with the the exciting news arriving on the same day British royal Princess Beatrice announced the birth of her daughter, Athena Elizabeth Rose yesterday.

Albert is now 11th in line to the throne but has made history as the first Belgium royal not to have been awarded a title.

The arrival of baby Albert came as a surprise to fans as the royal couple had not revealed their pregnancy prior to the birth.

The Belgian Royal Palace released a statement yesterday announcing the surprise birth alongside an adorable picture of the newborn baby snuggled up in a cream jumper.

The statement read: 'Princess Maria Laura and William Isvy are delighted to announce the birth of their son Albert, born on Sunday, January 26, in Brussels.

'Albert weighs 3.5 kg and is doing well, just like his mother.The families of the young parents share in their happiness.'

The new royal was named after his great-grandfather, Albert II of Belgium who reigned as King of from 1993 until his abdication in 2013.

Princess Maria Laura of Belgium has given birth to a son, named Albert, the Belgian palace has announced (pictured)

Princess Maria Laura married her husband, William on 10 September 2022 with a stunning nuptial in Brussels

His mother, Princess Maria Laura, the niece of King Philippe, is the second child of Princess Astrid of Belgium.

She married her husband, William on 10 September 2022 with a stunning nuptial in Brussels.

William, who is a British investment banker, tied the knot with the princess in a civil ceremony before attending a religious celebration at the Cathedral of Saint Michael and Saint Gudula a day later.

Maria Laura was raised away from the royal spotlight and grew up in Bazel, Switzerland, until the age of five as her father worked for an international bank.

Alongside her siblings - Prince Amedeo, Prince Joachim. Princess Luisa Maria and Princess Laetitia Maria, she was raised away from royal duty and rarely appears at pubic engagements.

In 1993, her family relocated to Villa Schonenberg, part of the Royal Domain of Laeken. While there, she went to the St. John Berchmans College in Brussels and. Johns International School in Waterloo, Belgium.

She then went on to study sinology and international relations in Paris, and she obtained a Masters Degree in international relations and diplomacy at SOAS. University of London.

After graduating, she went on to do an internship at the UN in New York and worked for Louis Vuitton in Shanghai.

Maria Laura was raised away from the royal spotlight and grew up in Bazel, Switzerland, until the age of five as her father worked for an international bank

The new royal was named after his great-grandfather, Albert II of Belgium who reigned as King of from 1993 until his abdication in 2013

She has been spotted at some official events including the annual mass to commemorate the deceased members of the Belgian Royal Family - and joined her mother on official trips to China.

Meanwhile, her husband, William was born in Paris to a British mother and an French-Moroccan father but spend most of his childhood in London.

Albert's arrival comes hot on the heels of another major royal birth, with Princess Beatrice having announced the she had delivered her second daughter, Athena Elizabeth Rose, last week.

Yesterday, the Royal Palce announced that the King's niece, 36, welcomed her second daughter with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.

Athena Elizabeth becomes 11th in line to the throne, pushing her aunt Princess Eugenie down to 12th place.

She becomes the third child in the Mapelli Mozzi brood alongside Beatrice's three-year-old daughter Sienna, and Wolfie, eight, from Edo's first marriage to Dara Huang. Princess Beatrice often describes Wolfie as her 'bonus' child.

In a sweet Instagram post, Buckingham Palace wrote: 'Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are delighted to announce the safe arrival of their daughter, Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli Mozzi, born on Wednesday, 22nd January, at 12:57pm.

'The baby was born weighing 4 pounds and 5 ounces.

The Belgian Royal Palace released a statement yesterday announcing the surprise birth alongside an adorable picture of the newborn baby snuggled up in a cream jumper

'The King and Queen, and other members of The Royal Family, have all been informed and are delighted with the news.

'Princess Beatrice and Mr Mapelli Mozzi would like to thank all the staff at the hospital for their wonderful care.

'Her Royal Highness and her daughter are healthy and doing well, and the family are enjoying spending time together with Athena's older siblings, Wolfie and Sienna.'

Athena is the fourth grandchild for Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York. Their others include Princess Eugenie's sons August, three, and Ernest, one, whom she shares with her husband Jack Brooksbank.

Edo, 41, also posted on Instagram to reveal his new daughter was 'tiny and absolutely perfect'.

He shared a photograph of Athena wrapped in a blanket, with the caption: 'Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli Mozzi.

'We welcomed baby Athena into our lives last week. She is tiny and absolutely perfect.

'We are all (including Wolfie and Sienna) already completely besotted with her.

'Our hearts are overflowing with love for you, baby Athena.

'A massive thank you from my wife and I goes out to all the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their exceptional care and support during this incredibly special time.'

Reposting the baby announcement on her Instagram story, Athena's aunt Princess Eugenie wrote 'welcome baby girl'.

Her grandmother, Sarah Ferguson, wrote: 'Overflowing with love and joy to be able to welcome Athena Elizabeth Rose into the world. She is already so adored and Im incredibly blessed to be a Granny once again. So proud of Edo, Beatrice and the rest of my little 5-a-side team!'
Queen Maxima of the Netherlands put on a dashing display in a head-to-toe pink ensemble during an outing in Wekerom today.

The royal, 53, was visiting the National Coalition of Financial Health at Woonzorgpark De Hartenberg.

It's an environment that the mother-of-three is familiar with - given her background in the banking sector.

Between 1996 and 1998, Maxima worked for HSBC James Capel Inc. in New York, where she was Vice-President of Latin American Institutional Sales.

She later worked for Dresdner Kleinwort Benson as Vice-President of the Emerging Markets Division until July 1999, according to the Royal House of the Netherlands.

Maxima showed her typical love for eye-catching colours, opting for a pink ensemble, complete with a structured coat, flowing blouse, and wide-legged trousers.

She broke the colour theme of her outfit slightly with the addition of brown leather boots and matching handbag.

Once inside the event, Maxima attended a strategy meeting of the National Coalition of Financial Health, a coalition of some 50 government organisations and companies which are working towards improving their employees and customers' financial health.

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands cut an elegant figure in a pink ensemble at the National Coalition of Financial Health at Woonzorgpark De Hartenberg today

Promoting financial health is something the royal has been working on for more than 15 years.

In September last year, she was appointed as the UN Secretary-Generals Special Advocate for Financial Health by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, marking the end of her 15 years as Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development. The position was described as 'an extension of her financial inclusion work'.

Speaking at the time, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said of the appointment: 'In a world of economic uncertainty, conflicts and climate upheaval, financial services are critical to help people control their lives and futures. As Special Advocate for Financial Health, Her Majesty Queen Maxima will build upon her vital work to ensure that financial systems can support the dreams, hopes and aspirations of people around the world.'

The Palace added: 'Queen Maxima also promotes financial health in the Netherlands on behalf of Stichting SchuldenlabNL, the National Financial Health Coalition and the Money Wise Platform.

'Her work focuses, among other things, on preventing financial problems through financial education, developing accessible savings options to establish a financial buffer, encouraging openness about financial problems, and identifying problem debt early on and using sustainable solutions to address it. Collaboration between financial service providers, policymakers and businesses is essential in this regard.'

Her stylish outing today comes after Maxima looked typically chic as she attended a training course in Houten last week.

She appeared to be in high spirits as she visited SVO Vakopleiding Food, a trade school that prepares students for careers in the food industry.

The class trains those who want jobs as butchers, fishmongers, greengrocers, and caterers, as well as people looking to enter the poultry, supermarket, and industrial food industries.

The 53-year-old royal styled her sleek blonde tresses straight and opted for a glowing makeup look for the occasion

Maxima, who has a background in the banking sector, beamed as she arrived at the action meeting at the National Coalition of Financial Health at Woonzorgpark De Hartenberg

Once inside, the 53-year-old royal joined other attendees to listen to speakers at the action meeting

As aways, Maxima put her best fashion foot forward for the occasion, sporting an elegant ensemble comprising a khaki-coloured blouse, with irregular batwing sleeves, graphite-coloured, high-waisted trousers.

She opted for a pair of chocolate brown boots and finished her look with a charcoal-coloured Natan overcoat - a key fixture of Maxima's chic wardrobe.

To accessorise, she chose large slate-coloured diamante earrings with black pearls, and matching silver diamond bracelets.

She also carried her classic Chanel quilted bag - which costs around 7,000 - that perfectly complemented her chic look.

She wore her blonde tresses up in a sophisticated low bun and went for a smoky makeup look, consisting of dark eyeshadow and pink lipstick.

However, she quickly tucked her hair inside a purple hairnet when she entered the facility, with Maxima appearing to take heed of the school's health and safety regulations.

She also donned a white lab coat as she toured the facility, with the luxury handbag still slung over her shoulder.

While at the institute, Maxima stopped to chat with a class of students learning how to butcher meat.

Maxima broke up the pink theme of her outfit with a pair of chunky brown boots and a matching handbag

The royal, 53, was met with light rain showers as she arrived at the event on Thursday afternoon

She was also seen watching a man whip up burgers on a grill that was located outside the building. Maxima appeared to admire his culinary skills as she beamed while he expertly cooked the meat.

That appearance came nearly a week after Maxima attended a mental health charity event- when the royal, once again, wore green.

She cut a striking figure as she arrived at the Join Us Foundation, a charity focused on raising awareness about mental health, in the Dutch city of s-Hertogenbosc, on Thursday.

Maxima looked fabulous in forest green as she touched down in the city, with her ensemble consisting of a cashmere top and matching cardigan.

She added a stunning ombre maxi skirt, with a beige waist and rich green hem, to the trendy look.

Maxima wore her signature makeup look - including a dark smoky eye, fresh base and a plump pink lip - as she smiled and waved at onlookers before heading for the event.

To finish off her perfectly colour-coordinated look, Maxima added a pair of green drop earrings, a chic beige clutch bag and a matching set of boots in the same shade.

Pictured: Queen Maxima of The Netherlands attends an action meeting at the National Coalition of Financial Health at Woonzorgpark De Hartenberg on January 30 in Wekerom

Despite the blustery winds, Maxima put on a brave smile as she made her way from inside the building in s-Hertogenbosc.

Once sheltered from the chill, the queen was pictured listening intently as she engaged in conversation with workers at the charity.

Join US works to help improve the mental health of young people by strengthening their social networks in a bid to combat loneliness.

Last October, Join Us was announced as one of three winners of the the Appeltje van Oranje 2024 prize, which honours innovative social initiatives and organisations making a difference within their communities.

The other two winners of the prestigious event were the Fundacion Movemiento ta Bida, which organises physical activities to keep people over 60 active, and the Foundation Al Amal, a charity which supports humanitarian needs across multiple countries.
Queen Letizia of Spain stepped out in a radiant coat and blazer combination as she visited a cancer association in Madrid today.

The fashion-forward royal, 52, wore a thick black coat to stave off the winter chill as she arrived to the Spanish Association Against Cancer headquarters in Madrid.

She kept the outfit simple with black cropped trousers, chunky leather boots and a satchel worth around 1,475 from Venezuelan American fashion designer Carolina Herrera.

Perhaps the most eye-catching of her ensemble was a stunning neon green blazer, which featured a V-neck cut and shining silver buttons emblazoned across the front.

The single-breasted blazer in lemon-lime green is estimated to cost 470. It was cinched ever so slightly at the waist and served to accentuate her figure.

The former journalist oozed confidence as she made her way across the grounds in the smart-casual, yet practical, look.

She was accompanied by her right-hand woman and head of the Queen's secretariat Maria Dolores Ocana Madrid.

Letizia greeted President of the Spanish Association Against Cancer Jose Manuel Ramon Cajal at the doors before entering the building to attend a working meeting.

Queen Letizia (right) arrives at the Spanish Association Against Cancer headquarters with right-hand woman and head of the Queen's secretariat Maria Dolores Ocana Madrid (left)

Her luscious locks were blow dried and styled in a side part. For her make-up, she opted for a signature nude base, with a touch of smokey brown eyeshadow, a smidge of black mascara and a shiny gloss across her lips.

The mother-of-two teamed the look with minimal jewellery, opting for silver hoop earrings.

After the meeting in which Letizia heard about the organisation's achievements in 2024 and its projects for 2025, the Spanish royal bid farewell to Cajal with an affectionate arm hold before turning to wave to the cameras.

Founded in 1971, the Spanish Association Against Cancer has allocated over 114 million euros to 603 projects involving more than 1,500 researchers.

As the organisation which allocated the largest funds to cancer in Spain, it has the ambitious aims of exceeding a 70 per cent cancer survival rate by 2030.

Letizia was made the honorary President of the Spanish Association Against Cancer in 2010.

The Spanish queen kept her outfit simple with black cropped trousers, chunky leather boots and a satchel worth around 1,475 from Carolina Herrera

Perhaps the most eye-catching of her ensemble was a stunning neon green blazer, which featured a V-neck cut and shining silver buttons emblazoned across the front

Letizia greets President of the Spanish Association Against Cancer Jose Manuel Ramon Cajal at the doors before entering the building to attend a working meeting

Letizia, honorary President of the Spanish Association Against Cancer, hears about the organisation's achievements in 2024 and its projects for 2025

Proving she is unafraid of colour, Letizia stepped out in a stunning red blazer as she visited the Cortes de Cadiz school in Madrid last Thursday.

The Cortes de Cadiz school, which is part of the Think Equal initiative, helps children aged three to six with their 'social and emotional' learning.

It was founded by British filmmaker turned education activist, Leslee Udwin, who believes it is vital that children learn tools to help promote inclusion, equality and wellbeing in society.

Letizia put her best fashion foot forward in a vibrant scarlet power suit, with a sizeable black overcoat elegantly draped over her shoulders.

Her crimson blazer was adorned with simple black buttons and she paired this with smart matching trousers, a simple onyx-coloured top and shiny platform loafers.

The former journalist accessorised her sleek look with simple gold earrings which matched the metal detailing on her shoes.

She kept her makeup to a minimum with a peach shadow dusted over her eyelid, warm bronzer to accentuate her cheekbones and a sparkly pink gloss on her lips.

Her brunette locks were typically sleek and styled with a side part, allowing her hair to fall neatly around her shoulders.

The Spanish royal bids farewell to Cajal with an affectionate arm hold after the working meeting

The mother-of-two turns to wave at the cameras

Letizia oozed confidence as she was seen greeting and chatting to teachers and members of the organisation at the school today.

She beamed as she posed for a picture with Leslee who is also a BAFTA winning producer and director.

The fashionable royal is a huge fan of bold, matching suits and boasts an impressive collection in various colours such as lilac, burgundy and pink.
Andy Cohen is digging up his old feud with Heidi Montag - and it seems like he's had a change of heart.

In recent weeks, their spat from 2011 has been given new life, as Montag's music has risen on the charts and gone viral on TikTok.

Heidi Montag and her husband, Spencer Pratt, who starred on the reality show The Hills, made headlines earlier this month after their Los Angeles home was tragically destroyed in the wildfires.

Soon after, Pratt began encouraging people to stream his wife's music, and it took off on TikTok, with celebrities like Julia Fox and Emily Ratajkowski posting videos to the audio.

The couple have since soared in popularity, with some fans even begging them to appear on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen or Montag to join The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

However, there's just one problem with that - Pratt is not too happy with Cohen after he called his wife 'trash' over ten years ago.

Pratt was quick to say no in response to a user on X, formerly Twitter, suggesting the couple go visit the 'clubhouse' - the nickname for the set where Cohen films his late-night show.

'The person who said he would rather scratch his eyes out than watch my wife hard pass...' Pratt wrote.

Andy Cohen is digging up his old feud with Heidi Montag - and it seems like he's had a change of heart

Over the past few weeks, their spat from 2011 has been given new life, as Montag's music has risen on the charts and gone viral on TikTok

Another X user then wrote back to Pratt urging him to give Cohen 'a second chance,' as many people have extended the couple a 'second chance' in recent months.

Still, Pratt was not keen on the idea.

'Lol yah so lucky the guy that bashes my wife gonna be so lucky to sit with him. Rather sit in my burned house rubble,' he shared.

He later told TMZ that he would only accept a personal apology to him and Heidi directly from Cohen himself.

Cohen said the comment in 2011 when the topic of Montag potentially joining the franchise was brought up.

'I would sooner stab knives into my own eyes than see her on this network,' the Bravo exec said at the time, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

He later apologized for his actions on the radio show, but it didn't seem to get past Pratt.

However, since their feud has resurfaced, it looks like Cohen has come around, as he shared another apology to The Hills stars on an episode of his SiriusXM radio show this week.

Pratt is not too happy with Cohen after he called his wife 'trash' over ten years ago

Hill then told Cohen that he felt like one apology was enough, as he insisted it was 'heartfelt'

'I realized that I did apologize for this on Andy Cohen Live several years ago,' Cohen said to his cohost, John Hill, on the radio show this week, per Hollywood Reporter.

'I apologized, so what I will say also is that was mean. That was 14 years ago, and what I really don't like about it is referring to her as trash,' the dad-of-two continued.

'That is, I do not, that makes me, I don't like that at all and I'm really sorry about that, so I apologize again, I guess.'

Hill then told Cohen that he felt like one apology was enough, as he insisted it was 'heartfelt.'

'By the way, there were things that we said and did on TV 14 years ago that we wouldn't do now,' Cohen admitted.

'It just was a different universe but that's not, I'm not trying to justify it.'
You may think your spouse would never cheat on you. But with one in five Britons admitting to having had an affair, the odds are higher than you might like.

One sign your partner is straying is that they suddenly become overprotective of their phone. But while your average affair might be uncovered by sneaking a look at their texts, a tech-savvy cheat will likely have worked out how to hide their infidelity in plain sight.

Aside from the obvious  such as Tinder or websites designed for those looking to have an affair, such as Ashley Madison and Gleeden  there are also a variety of cleverly disguised apps likely to be used by cheating spouses to keep their messages secret.

Here, we uncover some of the most common...

There are a variety of cleverly disguised apps likely to be used by cheating spouses to keep their messages secret (picture posed by models)

WHATSAPPS SECRET FUNCTION

You may think that messaging app WhatsApp is innocuous enough - you probably both use it for group chats with friends and to send each other pictures of the kids.

But with a secret locked chats function, your partner could be keeping certain conversations hidden away.

The feature allows users to protect certain chats with a password or face recognition, and keeps them separate from other innocent conversations.

Even WhatsApp itself acknowledged how useful this feature is for cheaters, exclaiming in a blog post: We think this feature will be great for people who have reason to share their phones from time to time with a family member or those moments where someone else is holding your phone at the exact moment an extra-special chat arrives.

To view the locked chats on WhatsApp, scroll up on the homescreen and the folder will appear.

SECOND CALCULATOR IS A BAD SIGN

If you see more than one calculator app on your partners phone, look at it more closely. There are several apps that disguise themselves as calculators, but actually offer a secret way to hide photos, videos and contacts. One of the most popular is Calculator#, which displays a fake error message when someone tries to access it without the right credentials. It also has a panic button that allows users to switch over to another app if a person glances over their shoulder.

And, Android users, Calculator Pro+ is another bit of software to watch out for.

LGBT dating app Grindr allows users to opt for a variety of discreet icon modes, too  one of which appears on a phones home screen as a blue and grey calculator icon.

IS A STOCK MARKET APP SUSPICIOUS?

Calculators arent the only ruse. Vaulty, which disguises itself as a stock market app, is in fact a photo vault that can hide porn, nude selfies and more. It offers several icon options including a red, stock-market-style arrow.

But beware  if you try to crack its passcode and get it wrong, it will take a selfie and save it to its secret photo stream for your spouse to see the next time they log on.

Signal is similar to WhatsApp  but more secure. It uses fingerprint or password verification and features self-destructing or disappearing messages that can be set to delete from both parties' devices after a time limit. Telegram is another private messaging option

BE WARY OF PRIVATE MESSAGING APPS

Signal is similar to WhatsApp  but more secure. It uses fingerprint or password verification and features self-destructing or disappearing messages that can be set to delete from both parties devices after a time limit. Telegram is another option.

There are plenty of legitimate reasons your partner might be using either app  especially if they work in a tech-savvy industry  but if they seem secretive about it, be wary.

SNAPCHAT IS FOR TEENS

Finding Snapchat on a middle-aged mans phone is a billowing red flag, given that the vast majority stop using it once theyve left school.

The app was built on the ability to send swiftly disappearing photo messages, or snaps, and found mainstream popularity through amusing animal filters on users faces.

Its historically been popular for sending nudes and other inappropriate material without leaving a trace.

IS HE MAKING CALLS THROUGH VIBER?

Many cheaters choose to make voice calls through apps such as Viber because they dont leave a trail. It also provides hidden and secret chat features, similar to Signal.

COMPUTER GAMES ARENT JUST FOR FUN

Crazy as it sounds, thousands of infidelities have begun through games  anything from chess apps to the popular Words With Friends. If it allows for messaging and your partner seems unreasonably attached, there could be more than friendly competition at stake.

COVER-UP WITH COVERME

While not advertised for cheating, second phone number app CoverMe sells itself on keeping secrets. It acts like a burner phone, allowing the user to send a text or make a call from a separate number to their own. The app also locks by shaking your phone.
A few months ago, I was chatting to a stranger at a party when the inevitable question arose about my relationship status.

Not long before, I had walked out on my marriage of nearly 20 years, and I'd already got used to explaining I was a single mum to two daughters.

This time, however, I stumbled on the words.

That default phrase had always felt clumsy, a catch-all term that didn't really reflect the vast range of experiences of women who parent under that label.

Because let's face it, the term single mum is loaded with meaning  most of them not terribly good.

Entirely unfairly, the first reaction of many is to conjure a gruesome parade of benefit scroungers, predatory vixens on the hunt for a replacement dad, or  at best  some poor beleaguered girl who has been dumped by her partner and left to raise their 'damaged' children alone.

Yet in reality, there are many of us 'single' mums who are parenting happily, positively and in an entirely empowered way  providing an environment that's actually far better for our children than staying within the confines of a toxic marriage. That's certainly the case for me.

So, in that moment, I resolved to never use the phrase 'single mum' again.

'I'm a solo mum,' I announced.

I've used the term ever since  something my daughters Isla, 18, and 12-year-old Emma support wholeheartedly  and believe that other women in my position should embrace it and dispatch the term single mum to the history books.

I didn't foresee finding myself in this situation. When I first met my ex, Jules, in the South of France 23 years ago, it was like a fairytale. Cliche though it sounds, I was swept off my feet.

Sophie Luminara has set up a website, called No More Forks To Give, providing a community and resources for women who are sick of being judged and told how to conform

Sophie has resolved to never use the phrase 'single mother' again. She prefers 'solo mum'

I was 25, and while my friends couldn't get their boyfriends to commit, my new man suggested we move in together after just three months. He would surprise me with fresh croissants from the local boulangerie for breakfast, flowers out of the blue, dinners out, you name it.

At a time when other young men seemed embarrassed about showing any signs of love or romance towards their girlfriends, Jules was attentive, loving and caring  and didn't care who knew about it.

He really seemed like my Prince Charming.

Six months later we were engaged, and married just over a year later.

Sadly, the scales fell from my eyes not long after, when behind closed doors my husband changed from the personable and charismatic man my family and friends had come to love to a moodier, more controlling person.

He no longer wanted to go out, or do anything with me, and the romantic gestures disappeared almost overnight. We were still just 28 and our friends were going out and having fun, but whenever I suggested we join them, he barked back at me that he didn't feel like it.

Scarily quickly, my life narrowed down to work and staying home with a moody, verbally aggressive new husband.

It was the furthest from the newly wedded bliss that I could have imagined.

That worsened when I gave birth to Isla a few years after we married, an agonising and traumatic labour that saw me rushed into theatre haemorrhaging massively, my life now in danger.

I returned home physically and mentally shattered, only to find Jules unsympathetic at best.

I knew something was very wrong, but I carried on with the marriage because I didn't know what else to do. I was, frankly, embarrassed, and as so many women do, particularly after they have children, I made the decision to make the best of it.

We had our ups and downs over the next eight years  I wouldn't have stayed if it had been all bad.

Whenever he could see me wavering or questioning our relationship, he would whisk me off on a romantic child-free holiday, making me believe that the man I fell in love with was still in there.

Things got worse after our second daughter came along, six years after her sister, and as the girls got older, I could see the negative impact Jules was having on me.

Yet with society's messages about single mums ringing in my ears, I convinced myself that the worst thing that could happen for the children was to end up in a 'broken home'. So I stayed and hoped that Prince Charming would show up more often.

When, ten years ago, Jules suggested we move to Mauritius for his work, I thought a fresh start would do us good. And on the surface, it did. Jules' online business did well, and with the cost of living much cheaper than the UK we could afford to rent a four bedroom villa with a pool and a housekeeper. My husband drove a Porsche, and the children loved a lifestyle that enabled them to go to the beach after school.

But I was increasingly unhappy.

Then, in early 2023, something happened that helped me to crystallise matters. I was chatting to a woman whose relationship with her husband sounded eerily similar to mine; when she asked me outright whether it 'got better', I realised I had no reassurance to offer her. It didn't  and I was just finding ways to navigate the choppy waters.

Not long after, I told Jules I would like to co-parent as friends, but I did not want to be in a relationship with him any more.

I moved out, and just over a month later, having told me he couldn't live without me, he was already ensconced in a relationship with someone else. My focus was trying to manage the transition of our girls into this new life stage. Though I initially agreed to joint custody, believing that our children needed both parents in their lives, I later successfully applied for full custody, realising the girls would be happier with this arrangement.

Ever since then, I have parented completely alone. Now settled in Liverpool, the girls and I live on a different continent to my ex. So yes, I had become a single mum. But after years of navigating a frequently toxic marriage, I was also empowered  and the more I thought about it, the more the word 'solo' seemed to capture that.

Sophie on her wedding day. Sadly, the scales fell from her eyes not long afterwards, when her husband became moody and controlling

Sophie said that she felt empowered after years of navigating a frequently toxic marriage

Unlike 'lone' parent, which speaks of something lost, solo has more uplifting connotations. When we talk about people leaving bands to 'go solo', or 'flying solo', it's seen as a positive thing  so why not the same with parenting?

And when I shared my newfound philosophy on social media, I was inundated with supportive comments.

One mum said she'd like the same language shift to be made when it comes to talking about broken homes. I related to that too; I may have had an outwardly enviable lifestyle when I was married, but our unhappy home was broken. By contrast, the modest terraced home I now run by myself is full of love and happiness and laughter.

It's one of reasons I've set up a website, called No More Forks to Give, providing a community and resources for women who are sick of being judged and told how to conform.

I hope sharing my experiences there will help empower other women to leave an unhappy relationship  and if they have children they're raising on their own, to style themselves a solo mum too.

For more information visit NoMoreForksToGive.com

Names have been changed

AS TOLD TO KATHRYN KNIGHT
The royal, 52, was visiting the Danish Nature Foundation in Lerbjerg Forest

Queen Mary of Denmark inaugurated a new hiking trail during a visit to the Danish Nature Foundation in Lerbjerg Forest on Thursday.

The royal, 52, donned a camo green monochrome look to explore one of the forest's many restored bogs and five kilometers of restored streams in Lejre, Denmark.

The mother-of-two appeared in good spirits as she kept warm and dry in a waterproof jacket and matching trousers, a purple beanie, and light green gloves.

The queen wore minimal make-up and let her brunette locks fall naturally around her shoulders.

During the official event, Mary met with several members of staff in the forest to celebrate the restoration work they have carried out before listening to talks given by those who had worked on the project.

The royal then officially opened the trail, as she cut a vine 'rope' with a large pair of secateurs together with the chairman of Handicap Council, Bjarne Ego Jargensen and student Oliver Krammer Christensen .

Later on, she was photographed walking along the wooden forest path that snaked through the trees, while accompanied by the duo, before she enjoyed some refreshments.

The Danish royal took advantage of the hot drinks on offer and warmed herself up in a tent before treating herself to a slice of cake as she chatted with other visitors.

Queen Mary of Denmark, 52, showed off her love of nature as she visited the Danish Nature Foundation in Lerbjerg Forest on Thursday

Mary's dressed down and more rugged outfit is in stark contrast to her dazzling look earlier this month.

Queen Mary looked striking in a magnificent magnolia and gold gown earlier this month as she hosted The Royal Couple's New Year's Reception.

She put on a dazzling display as she arrived at Christian VII's Palace in Amalienborg alongside her husband, King Frederik, 56, for the engagement.

The mother-of-two looked angelic in a full length gold brocade dress with full sleeves and a high collar.

The regal looking gown, designed by Teri Jon by Rickie Freeman, was previously worn by Mary at an engagement last year - when the queen took a state visit to Greenland alongside her husband.

Mary was pictured smiling sweetly as she stepped out in the stunning frock, polishing off the ensemble with a pair of crisp white gloves and a baby blue sash going across her chest.

She donned a subtle but classic makeup look with a soft base, rose pink lip and a glamorous smoky eye.

The royal wore her thick chocolate tresses in a stylish up do with her stylish fringe framing her face.

The royal donned a camo green monochrome look to explore one of the forest's many restored bogs and 5 kilometers of restored streams in Lejre, Denmark

After opening the forest boardwalk by cutting through a vine 'rope', Mary warmed herself up with a hot drink and a cake inside a tent

The mother-of-two looked looked in good spirits as she kept warm and dry in a waterproof jacket and matching trousers, a purple beanie and light green gloves

Mary met with several members of staff in the forest to celebrate the restoration work they have been doing and appeared to be enjoying herself

Later on she made sure to walk alongside the duo through along the wooden forest path that snaked through the trees before enjoying some refreshments

Accessorisng the look, she styled a pair of pearl drop earrings which perfectly complimented the subtle glow streaming from the gold embroidery on her dress.

Meanwhile, Frederik look dapper in full military regalia, sporting a full black suit, gold epaulettes and a sky blue sash in the same shade as that worn by his wife.

He looked every inch the handsome king, sporting his usual subtle beard and short cropped grey hair.

The couple - who share Prince Christian of Denmark, 19, and Princess Isabella, 17 - grinned from ear to ear as they were photographed strolling through Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen.

For the first part of today's engagement, the royals arrived at Christian VII's Palace in Amalienborg to greet the Supreme Court Judges, the Royal Life Guards, and the Guard House Regiments.

As the day continued, the pair were whisked away so they could attend a second reception was for the Diplomatic Corps at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen.
While many big shows will be returning this year, some have been left out

Netflix subscribers are in uproar after learning that the streamer has left out a number of their favorite shows from its 2025 slate  including Outer Banks, One Piece, and Bridgerton.

On Thursday morning, the streaming giant announced that the final seasons of Squid Game and Stranger Things will air later this year.

Popular series Wednesday, Ginny & Georgia, Monster, Emily In Paris and The Witcher are also set to return.

However, the final season of Outer Banks, Bridgerton season four, and One Piece season two were not listed  and neither were The Gentlemen season two, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Beef season two, Black Doves season two and 3 Body Problem season two.

Bridgerton season three arrived in May 2024, while Outer Banks Banks season four aired more recently in October. One Piece, however, premiered in August 2023, meaning fans will have waited three years for it to come back to the small screen.

Of course, furious fans took to social media to complain about being forced to hang fire.

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, one vented: 'Really no reason for a show like Bridgerton to take this long to premiere when it's not even a long season and the filming is already happening a whole year without Obx [Outer Banks] and Bridgerton what am I gonna do?'

'Wait Bridgerton isn't on the list I thought it's gonna come out this year?' said another.

Netflix subscribers are in uproar after learning that the streamer has left out a number of their favorite shows from its 2025 slate

It seems as though Bridgerton season four won't arrive until 2026

A third wrote: 'Dang, I was really hoping that One Piece would get a November-December date, but I bet they're gonna try going all out in the editing/visual effects room. Nonetheless, I'm gonna keep out for it next year!'

'One Piece releasing after three years?' a fourth asked.

'I can only take so much bad news in such a short amount of time,' added a fifth.

Echoing a similar sentiment, another said of One Piece's delay: 'No please not 2026 I cannot wait that long anymore.'

Another added: 'Yeah might as well end it at S2 if it's gonna take this long.'

Although left out of Netflix's 2025 slate, there is a tiny glimmer of hope that Bridgerton, One Piece, and Outer Banks could arrive before the end of the year as execs have said there could be scheduling changes in Q4.

It was revealed it October that filming had started on Bridgerton season four.

The upcoming eight episodes will be adapted from the third book in Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series, An Offer from a Gentleman, and will unfold the love story of Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha).

One Piece fans have been left devastated over the delay of season two. The first series premiered in August 2023

Furious fans took to social media to complain about the long wait between seasons

'The scripts that [showrunner] Jess [Brownell] and her team have come up with are dynamite. They're really, really, really exciting,' Luke said at the time.

'The storyline is a bit of a twist on Cinderella. You remember being told those stories as a child  the magic and the romance of them.

'It's really exciting to have that weaved into the world that we know of Bridgerton.'

It was announced earlier this month that One Piece, the live-action show from creator Eiichiro Oda, is currently in production.
Welcome to MAGAland Podcast: Your guide to the latest news and gossip from Trump's camp

Bettina Anderson has now slammed Vogue and urged the magazine to 'be kind'

Donald Trump Jr.'s girlfriend Bettina Anderson has jumped to the defense of Melania Trump after Vogue magazine criticized the First Lady's new White House portrait.

Vogue's editor-in-chief Anna Wintour is a known Democrat - and was once even rumored to be considered for an ambassadorship under former president Barack Obama.

In a scathing review of the black-and-white photograph, which was unveiled on January 27, the magazine's writer Hannah Jackson said Melania 'looked more like a freelance magician than a public servant.'

Bettina, 38, clearly wasn't impressed with the fashion publication and took to her Instagram Story on Wednesday to slam Vogue.

Sharing the professional photo of Melania, which was taken by Regine Mahaux, Bettina wrote alongside it: 'Peace out @voguemagazine. In a world where you can be anything - BE KIND. You have gone off the rails and the world is OVER IT.'

The Vogue writer in question raged against the 'situationally inappropriate tuxedo' worn by Melania for the historic photograph, which shows the First Lady in a power pose.

'Trump's clothing certainly didn't help the boardroom pastiche,' Hannah wrote.

'Trump looked more like she was guest starring on an episode of The Apprentice than assuming the role of First Lady of the United States.'

Donald Trump Jr.'s girlfriend Bettina Anderson has jumped to the defense of his stepmother Melania Trump

Bettina, 38, slammed Vogue magazine for their scathing comments about the First Lady's official portrait

She concluded: 'It's perhaps unsurprising that a woman who lived in a gold-encrusted penthouse, whose fame is so intertwined with a reality television empire, would refuse to abandon theatrics - even when faced with 248 years of tradition.'

Melania surprised her devoted Instagram followers with her new official White House portrait, which was unveiled on Monday.

The image was a big departure from former First Ladies, who have traditionally chosen much more colorful images.

Instead, Melania, whose stylist Herve Pierre has revealed in the past that it's difficult to dress her because many American designers refuse, modelled a black Dolce & Gabbana pantsuit with a white shirt.

The Washington Monument was visible in the background of the photograph, which was taken on January 21, the day after the inauguration.

Bettina's public support for Melania comes after it was reported that Don Jr.'s friends were worried that his new girlfriend was going to tarnish the 'Trump brand.'

A source told DailyMail.com in December last year that allies of Don Jr, 47, expressed concerns that Bettina's notorious party girl reputation in Palm Beach wasn't highbrow enough to be associated with the first family.

At least two people close with Don Jr. even alleged that she was only using him as her latest step in her 'social ladder climbing' and carefree influencer lifestyle.

Welcome to MAGALAND: Insider Trump's Second 100 Days - The podcast bringing you the latest news and gossip from the White House. Listen here.

Bettina pictured with her boyfriend Donald Trump Jr. and Vice President JD Vance (right) on January 19

Melania pictured at Liberty Ball during the 60th Presidential Inauguration with her husband Donald Trump

However, the rumors haven't seemed to deter the couple, as Bettina scored an invite to the president's highly coveted inauguration on January 20.

While she didn't sit up front with Don Jr., she was spotted in the crowd wearing a black and white Dolce and Gabbana suit.

Afterwards, a source close to the family assured DailyMail.com that Bettina is 'adored' by the Trumps, and there was no intended slight in her failing to secure a seat in the Rotunda with Don Jr., as they were in extremely high demand.

Their romance was first revealed back in September 2024 when Don Jr. was pictured locking lips with Florida socialite Bettina.

For the latest White House gossip and news, listen to new politics podcast, Welcome to MAGAland: Insider Trump's Second 100 Day's. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
The FDA has urgently upgraded the risk level of some of the products included in a chocolate recall - warning that the products could cause death.

Cal Yee Farm, a Suisun Valley, California-based candy company, urged customers across nine states to return some of their chocolate and yogurt covered snacks on December 12, 2024.

FDA inspectors discovered undeclared substances - including milk, wheat, sesame, soy and coloring agent Yellow 6 - in several Cal Yee Farm products.

The risk level of three of the recalled items has been bumped up to the highest classification, according to the New York Post.

In a January 22 update, the FDA said the company's Dark Chocolate Almonds, Dark Chocolate Apricots and Dark Chocolate Walnuts have been given a Class 1 recall rating for containing undeclared milk.

A Class 1 recall is the most dire kind of food recall and is described 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' by the FDA.

Arizona, California, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia are the nine states included in the recall.

The food items were also sold online, so officials have warned that they may be available in other states.

Cal Yee Farm, a Suisun Valley, California-based candy company, first called back some of their chocolate and yogurt covered snacks on December 12, 2024

The FDA reported that the company's Dark Chocolate Almonds, Dark Chocolate Apricots and Dark Chocolate Walnuts have been given a Class 1 recall rating for containing undeclared milk

The other recalled products are: Yogurt Coated Almonds, Dark Chocolate Raisins, Butter Toffee Almonds, Tropical Trail Mix, Mango with Chili, Cajun Sesame Hot Sticks, New Orleans Hot Mix, Butter Toffee Almonds and select Fruit Baskets.

The products were sold in either 8oz, 1lb, 2lb or 5lb sizes - a full list of products has been published by the FDA.

Items are packaged in clear plastic zipper pouches with bright yellow labels on the front.

In the alert, the FDA advised consumers to throw out the recalled products or return them to the seller for a full refund. No illnesses related to the warning have been reported.

Officials warned: 'People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk, soy, wheat, sesame, Yellow 6 and almonds run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.'

Cal Yee Farm is a family-owned business with more than 60 years of experience, according to the brand's website.

'Over the years, we have strived to provide the highest quality of dried fruits and nuts to all our customers in the U.S. and abroad. Our pledge is to provide the best customer service and fulfill all of our customers' needs,' Cal Yee Farm wrote.

On Wednesday, the company addressed the recall on the website, writing: 'We did a voluntary recall on undeclared milk, soy, wheat, sesame, FD&C #6 and almonds in snack products, due to outdated labels which did not specify allergen statement.

Cal Yee Farm is a family-owned business with more than 60 years of experience, according to the brand's website

'Labels are now consistent with known allergens.'

An urgent recall for Lay's potato chips has also been escalated to the highest level for containing undeclared milk.

The FDA revealed the affected products are bags of 13 oz Lay's Classic Potato Chips distributed in Oregon and Washington.

Around 4.9 million American suffer from milk allergies and it is one of the most common food allergies in children.

Symptoms of milk allergy range from mild to severe and can include wheezing, vomiting, hives and digestive problems.

In severe cases, the condition can also cause anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening reaction that narrows the airways and can block breathing.
Tuberculosis (TB) cases are surging, fuelling fears England may see a resurgence of the Victorian-era illness.

The latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) figures show 5,480 people were struck by the bacterial infection in 2024  a rise of 13 per cent on the previous year.

This is despite 2023 being a bumper year for TB.

It marked only the fourth time cases of the infection have increased nationally over the past decade.

Panicked health officials today stressed TB was a 'serious public health issue' and urged Brits with a persistent cough or fever not to dismiss it as flu and Covid and get checked out.

The infection is spread by the coughs and sneezes of patients and most often affects the lungs, although it can get into other parts of the body.

Early symptoms of the disease include coughs, fevers, night sweats and weight loss.

Severe tuberculosis infection can kill by destroying the organs from the inside, causing them to bleed and fill with liquid.

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UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) figures show 5,480 people were struck by the bacterial infection in 2024  a rise of 13 per cent on the previous year. Pictured, mycobacterium tuberculosis which is responsible for tuberculosis

England remains a low-incidence country for TB. However, the UKHSA said progress towards eliminating the disease has stalled.

They had been declining sharply since 2011, when a peak of more than 8,000 infections were registered, but the trend was reversed in 2019.

Cases remained 'broadly stable' in 2021 and 2022 with 4,425 and 4,380 respectively. In 2023, this rose to 4,850.

The largest increases last year were seen in the West Midlands and London, recording rises of 22.2 and 13.3 per cent respectively, UKHSA said.

This was followed by the North West and South East with 11.4 and 7.4 per cent increases.

Health officials also said TB rates were highest among people in England who are originally from other parts of the world, where the disease is more common.

More than 8 in 10 TB cases in 2024 were in 'people born outside the UK but there was an increase in both UK born and non-UK born populations', they added.

Levels of the disease are also higher in urban populations, especially among those living in deprived areas.

The largest increases last year were seen in the West Midlands and London, recording rises of 22.2 and 13.3 per cent respectively, UKHSA said

Dr Esther Robinson, head of the TB unit at the UKHSA, said: 'TB remains a serious public health issue in England.

'The infection is preventable and curable.

'If you have moved to England from a country where TB is more common, please be aware of the symptoms of TB so you can get promptly tested and treated through your GP surgery.

'Not every persistent cough, along with a fever, is caused by flu or Covid.

'A cough that usually has mucus and lasts longer than three weeks can be caused by a range of other issues, including TB.

'Please speak to your GP if you think you could be at risk.'

In October, the World Health Organization warned that TB was now the 'the leading infectious disease killer', with a record 8.2million cases recorded globally in 2023.

While global cases have soared, the number of deaths from the disease recorded by the WHO actually fell from 1.32 million in 2022 to 1.25 million in 2023.

In October, WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: 'The fact that TB still kills and sickens so many people is an outrage, when we have the tools to prevent it, detect it and treat it'

However, given TB can take years to kill, the true impact of the newly recorded rise is likely not to be felt until some time in the future.

At the time, WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: 'The fact that TB still kills and sickens so many people is an outrage, when we have the tools to prevent it, detect it and treat it.'

It is estimated to kill around 1.6million people worldwide each year.

TB is particularly dangerous for immunocompromised people, like those undergoing chemotherapy, and for those without access to good medical care.

But in England the infection can usually be cured with antibiotics.

The BCG vaccine protects people from getting TB but is only given to those at higher risk of getting the infection.
Medications taken for depression are also effective for treating generalised anxiety disorder, a major review has found.

Antidepressants such as Prozac are already used to treat the condition but Canadian and Italian scientists set out to analyse new evidence to assess the drugs' effectiveness.

In a Cochrane review, which analysed data from over 12,000 patients, the team found those who took the drugs were 41 per cent more likely to see a reduction in their symptoms, compared to a placebo group.

Around one in 50 Brits are estimated to suffer with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) - mostly women.

The most common symptom is frequent stress or worry about aspects of everyday life, but other signs include insomnia, problems concentrating, stomach upset, heart palpitations, feeling faint and depression.

The drugs were considered effective if those taking them reported a 50 per cent reduction in their Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale scores while taking the medication.

This system asks those with GAD to state to what extent they experience 14 telltale symptoms, such as insomnia and muscular twitches, on scale of zero to four.

Experts have welcomed the findings, said to be a 'comprehensive, long-awaited update on the efficacy of antidepressants' for GAD.

Professor Katharina Domschke, an expert in psychiatry and psychotherapy at the University of Freiburg in Germany, said the results 'ought to increase patients trust in the efficacy of pharmacological treatment of generalized anxiety disorder'.

Medications taken for depression are also effective for treating generalised anxiety disorder, a major review has found

Researchers looked at studies that tested a variety of antidepressants including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants and specific drugs such as vilazodone and agomelatine.

SSRIs were found to be some 15 per cent more effective than SNRIs, which include duloxetine and venlafaxine.

Some independent experts have cautioned that further research is needed to establish the long-term effects of mind-altering drugs on the brain.

Some antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been linked to long-term and even permanent sexual problems in previous studies.

Professor Peter Tyrer, an expert in community psychiatry at Imperial College London, said: 'The findings of this review are unequivocal  antidepressants are effective in the treatment of generalised anxiety in the short-term.

'But in responding to this evidence the long-term implications have to be considered also.

'Long-term treatment, as noted in the review, is often the norm, and there is increasing concern that patients have difficulties in stopping antidepressants because of withdrawal problems.

'Brief resolution does not effect a cure.'

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common mental health condition with about one in 50 people estimated to have it any one time, with women three times as likely to have it than men

The findings of the review come after NHS data suggested about one in six people in England are now taking antidepressants.

Health service figures for 2023/24 show a record 8.7million people in England, about 15 per cent of the total population, are now on the mood-boosting drugs - a 26 per cent rise compared to eight years prior.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a type of antidepressant, are the most commonly prescribed drugs for GAD.

Examples of SSRIs include citalopram, fluoxetine and sertraline, sometimes known by brand names Cipramil, Prozac and Lustral.

However, they have been linked to sexual dysfunction in those who take them.

This NHS data shows the number of Brits taking each type of antidepressant medication over the past eight years. The line with the green triangles indicates the the total number of patients

The NHS has warned that side effects such as a loss of libido and achieving orgasm, lower sperm count and erectile dysfunction 'can persist' after taking them - and patients have described having relationships wrecked from their use.

Such research isn't clear-cut however, with experts pointing out such trends could be due to the patients suffering from the depression the drugs are designed to alleviate, rather than the medication itself.

Most medics, and the NHS, consider the use of SSRIs for depression, particularly persistent or severe cases, worthwhile given the debilitating nature of the condition and the risk of self harm and suicide.

People with depression are thought to have low levels of serotonin, though there is scientific debate over this, and SSRIs combat this by boosting these levels.

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However, some experts suspect that the drugs could be causing too much serotonin to be released, with consequences for people's health.

Psychiatrists advise patients concerned about the side effects of antidepressants to talk to their medical professional about their options.

Clinicians can sometimes offer an alternative dose, a different drug, or prescribe another medication to combat the side effects.

They urge patients who are taking them not to quit without talking to the medical professional responsible for their care first to ensure they are adequately supported.

Treatment for GAD usually consists of a combination of therapy and antidepressants.

The NHS says feelings of anxiety are common and most episodes are not GAD.

However, those who feel anxious most of the time and who are seeing it impact aspects of their everyday life should contact their GP.
An ex-army officer was left bedridden for more than a year due to a debilitating skin condition triggered by an ingrown hair in-between his buttocks.

Dylan Conway, from Queensland, Australia, had nine surgeries and spent 14 months in bed due to reoccurring pilonidal sinus disease  when a hole forms near the back passage.

The charity founder said his life ground to a halt when he woke up one day with lower back pain while serving as an infantry officer in the Australian army.

'From day one, I strove to be the fittest guy there. So, things like running and working out were a huge component of my life,' he told ABC Science in 2022.

'I remember waking up one morning and just feeling immense pressure on my lower spine. That's when I had my first surgery.

'I still had the mindset that I'd finish the surgery and then get straight back into training. However, it's not how it played out at all.'

The condition - caused by an ingrown hair 'puncturing' the skin - ended up leaving Mr Conway unable to sit down, see his friends or family he was in so much pain.

Pilonidal sinus is a small hole at the top of the bottom which can become inflamed and infected, according to the NHS.

Dylan Conway, from Queensland , Australia, (pictured talking to ABC Science in 2022) had nine surgeries and spent 14 months in bed due to reoccurring pilonidal sinus disease

The charity founder explained his life ground to a halt when he woke up one day with lower back pain while serving as an infantry officer in the Australian army. He eventually had surgery to remove the infected area

Most people do not realise there's a problem until they start experiencing pain, discomfort when sitting, or a small, swollen pus-filled red lump.

The condition is often caused by friction in the intimate area that causes hair between the buttocks to be pushed inwards, making them 'ingrown'.

The problem is more common in men because they tend to be hairier.

'With pilonidal sinus disease, hair will fall into your pants and your buttocks rubbing against itself will actually implant hair into your body,' Mr Conway said.

'If you zoom in on a microscope with the hair, it looks similar to a screw. And eventually the friction from walking will end up embedding that hair follicle into your skin,' he explained.

He went on to explain that his pilonidal sinus disease is 'reoccurring' and continues to torment him putting an end to his career in the army.

'A lot of people will go through this and feel all the symptoms. You know tightness in their lower back, pain while sitting down and they won't even realise or think to get it checked and it can end up leading to an infection occurring in the lower back,' Mr Conway said.

During surgery doctors remove the pilonidal sinus and in some cases the infected tissue around it.

But plastic surgery is also an option if the area being treated is particularly large, according to the NHS.

The infection ended up leaving Mr Conway unable to sit down, see his friends or family he was in so much pain

Recalling his first surgery when he was 19, he said: 'I turned around and there was this huge chunk of flesh that had been taken out of my body it was sort of like getting hit by a car. I just woke up one day and I had this disease .'

But he was dealt another blow when that particular surgery didn't work and he had to go through the operation again.

'Each time I would go in to have another surgery not knowing what I'd wake up to and see,' he said.

'I went from being this really confident young man who was very confident in his body image to all of a sudden you can't sit down, you can't walk, I couldn't socialise with my friends. I couldn't see my family, couldn't live life, to be completely honest with you.'

To help bring some perspective to his life, Mr Conway started reading about others who had endured and overcome severe hardships.

Soon, reading became an obsession and he started to fly through books between hospital appointments.

That's when he decided to launch his own charity in 2020, called BrothersNBooks. He has since created a series of community libraries in hospitals and veteran centres.

Although Mr Conway still lives with the skin disease and has been left with scars, he has a new perspective on life.

He said: 'Most recently I have had the top of my butt completely cut off, and I have a large scar that runs from my lower back all the way down. I'm uncaring about what it looks like, I'm just happy that I can get outside again and start walking and see my friends.'

He added: 'I hope that speaking about this publicly, when someone's going through this in the future, when they Google the disease, it actually comes up with something where they can see someone else that's been through it.

'Just to let people know that they're not alone.'
For those who havent hit them yet brace yourselves for the ages of 44 and 60.

Whereas the previous thinking was that ageing is a linear, gradual process, recent research suggests that it in fact hits you hardest at these two distinct points of your life.

Its then that the middle-age spread might really attack, for instance, and rather than being able to drink the night away, hangovers hit you even harder. That cup of coffee you used to unthinkingly down after lunchtime might now keep you awake at night, too.

But the good news is that there are measures you can take to combat these sudden shifts (more on this later).

The latest insight comes from a study published in Nature Ageing, which aimed to pinpoint the changes that happen at a molecular level that underlie the ageing process.

Researchers at Stanford University in the US took blood, saliva, nasal, stool and skin samples from 108 healthy 25 to 75-year-olds, every three to six months, for around seven years.

They monitored various markers including changes in the microbiome  the community of microbes found within the gut, nasal passages and mouth  as well as levels of cytokines, which are proteins that control inflammation (known to play a part in ageing and many diseases).

The researchers found that, whereas minor changes occurred year on year, the dramatic changes occurred at the ages of 44 and again at 60  and that applied to everyone: men and women.

Dr Edouard Debonneuil, an expert in cardiopulmonary ageing based at the London Longevity Clinic

They found, for example, that at these ages the levels of damaging proteins linked to plaque build-up in the arteries shot up, as did levels of enzymes associated with combating inflammation  indicating that levels of inflammation were also rapidly rising.

Whats more, the strength and thickness of the skin and muscles started to decline at both 44 and 60  bad news for those hoping to hold off the wrinkles and bingo wings.

The findings suggest we do more ageing in our 40s and 60s than in the rest of our life span, says Adam Gordon, a professor of the care of older people at the Academic Centre for Healthy Ageing at Queen Mary University of London.

This has some sort of plausibility to it, because if you look at your friends and family, you can see that people do seem to age more rapidly from their mid-40s.

Whats more, he says, it adds weight to the theory being backed by increasing research that we dont age roughly the same amount each year and our biological processes undergo constant and predictable change.

This new study is the first to identify such a significant shift in the ageing process at 44 and 60. Professor Gordon says this new finding should be a call to arms that theres a period in life when we are going to be vulnerable to ageing and thats a good time for us to be looking at our lifestyle choices, the decisions we make and doing what we can to try to age in as healthy a way as possible.

Heres how to do it

SHORT JOG CAN OFFSET CELL DAMAGE AT 44

At the age of 44 the researchers found that not only did cardiovascular ageing accelerate (with more molecules that have the potential to do damage in the blood vessels circulating, for example), so too did insulin resistance (when the body does not respond to insulin, which controls blood sugar levels) and oxidative stress  which can lead to cell and tissue damage.

When you look at those three clusters together, the thing that can modify them is doing regular exercise, says Professor Gordon.

If you do regular exercise, youre less likely to develop insulin resistance, less likely to put on weight and less likely to develop cardiovascular disease  and some of the chemicals that are released in your body during exercise help combat the effects of oxidative stress.

A 2011 study in Taiwan showed that even 90 minutes of exercise per week could improve lifespan (picture posed by model)

The experts agree that its best not to be a weekend warrior and instead to spread out the NHS guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate exercise across the week  to leave enough time for our bodies to recover between workouts.

Dr Edouard Debonneuil, an expert in cardiopulmonary ageing based at the London Longevity Clinic, says: The best option is to do aerobic activity [such as jogging] for half an hour, two or three times a week  and leave two or three days for the body to regenerate.

A 2011 study in Taiwan showed that even 90 minutes of exercise per week could improve lifespan, while a 2024 study showed people who exercised three times a week had lower incidences of sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss).

CUT BACK ON ALCOHOL AND COFFEE

The new study also discovered that at 44 our ability to break down caffeine, alcohol and fats slows  meaning that cup of coffee or extra glass of wine is going to linger for longer, with knock-on effects for our health.

We may metabolise alcohol or caffeine more slowly, so smaller amounts may have a more marked effect and by-products of alcohol metabolism may linger in the system  potentially doing more harm to your liver, says Professor Gordon.

When it comes to alcohol, most of the evidence now suggests the risks are much greater than we perhaps realised even a decade ago, says Professor Gordon.

So for those approaching their mid-40s, he suggests you adhere to 14 units and make sure you have two or three alcohol-free days a week, to recover'.

As for caffeine, if we are not metabolising it so well it could contribute to heart problems or interfere with the sleep/wake cycle, he says.

To offset this, Professor Gordon suggests cutting back and ideally having no more coffee after lunchtime.

APPROACHING 60? BOOST YOUR PROTEIN

The study authors found that among the key changes in our 60s was a shift in the ability to break down carbohydrates, which means its harder to burn the energy we gain from carbs. Any excess is stored as fat, leading to weight gain.

Professor Gordon says this tallies with other research that has found our protein requirements increase as we age, to make up for the muscle loss we experience from our 40s and which speeds up in our 60s  known as sarcopenia.

Dr Dariusz Sodacki, an immunologist and scientific director of the Longevity Centre Europe based in Zurich, Switzerland

Theres evidence that we need to increase our protein intake as a proportion of the overall calories we consume, as we age, says Professor Gordon. This evidence that we metabolise carbohydrates less well adds weight to that line of thinking.

So, as you grow older, you might want to take less of your calories as carbohydrates  so fewer potatoes, pasta and starchy vegetables  and take, for example, more eggs, dairy and bean-based vegetables that are rich in protein, in order to respond to your changing metabolic needs.

Dr Debonneuil says he always has sardines for breakfast for this reason (he is 44).

They have bones which are a better source of calcium than milk. They have the skin [which provides anti-inflammatory omega-3 oils] which is beneficial for your skin, and they contain protein, so youll feel satisfied and dont have this sugar spike thatll need insulin to make it go down and make you feel tired mid-morning.

BOLSTER YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM AND MUSCLES

The immune system also underwent a significant change at 60, according to the study, meaning both everyday infections and chronic diseases become more likely.

Professor Gordon says: Weve known for a long time that immune function changes as you age. The new study showed that there is quite a significant step change in our early 60s.

This explains some of the vulnerability that we see in people in their early to mid-60s onwards to winter infections, and acts as a reminder for people to get their winter vaccines  for example, for flu  in time.

Exercise can also help, says Dr Dariusz Sodacki, an immunologist and scientific director of the Longevity Centre Europe based in Zurich, Switzerland.

Our thymus [a small organ located in the upper chest which makes and trains our immune cells] shrinks as we age and our training for immune cells gets weaker, he says.

But we can stimulate our immune system by moving  studies show that after less than an hour of moderate exercise, you have 15-20 per cent more immune cells circulating in your system than before.

A 2021 study showed that performing moderate-intensity exercise  in this case, a warm-up followed by 20 minutes of aerobic activity (jogging, swimming, etc.) and then weight-bearing exercise such as squats and press-ups  could retune the immune system and improve the immune response, which would perhaps even delay or reverse the decline of immune system function. It also led to fat loss and improved body composition.

This is also a good time to ensure you keep properly hydrated, says Dr Sodacki.

In your late 60s and beyond you can be less aware of the sensation of thirst and therefore drink less water, he says. With less water, there is a lower filtration rate, and the kidneys cant function properly.

Dr Debonneuil advocates investing in smart body composition scales, which give an indication of muscle mass  and losing our obsession with weight loss per se.

Focus on building muscle mass by lifting weights or doing resistance training. This causes muscles to secrete myokines (proteins that repair damaged tissue) locally and in the blood, and some myokines are thought to be behind the anti-tumour role of physical activity which has been observed in animals and people.

ANTI-AGEING DRUGS ROUND THE CORNER

Currently, there is much excitement around the idea of senolytic drugs, which destroy cells that accumulate with age and lead to chronic diseases.

There is the possibility in the future that we will uncover drugs that can slow the ageing process in a very general way by targeting specific metabolic pathways such as those identified recently that speed up ageing at 44 and 60  and switch them off, says Professor Gordon.

You might find that theres a drug that not only makes you look a bit younger, but also helps you be able to exercise a bit more, cope with more stress and metabolise nutrients better.

And it could be that, in the future, we identify people at points in their life when theyre approaching one of these ageing transitions, and we give them medication to prevent some of the worst effects of ageing  in much the same way that we give statins currently to reduce cardiovascular risk.

But thats still some time off. For now the best thing is to focus on what you eat, how much exercise you do and the amount of alcohol you drink.
At 33 Emily Campbell never suspected her bloating issues would be anything other than digestive problems - let alone a sign of a type of cancer that kills 11 women in Britain every day.

Back in December 2022 the marketing expert sought medical help near home in Miami after noticing her belly was so bloated that she looked 'about seven months pregnant'.

Medics said she was suffering from a gluten intolerance which was causing constipation, and she was under a lot of stress.

But when the bloating got so bad it affected her ability to walk, she demanded an ultrasound which revealed the real source was a large mass in her pelvic region.

A biopsy revealed the devastating truth - ovarian cancer, a disease that most commonly strikes women more than twice Ms Campbell's age.

But it was only when she went under the knife to have the mass removed that just how far the cancer had spread was revealed.

The disease had migrated to multiple organs - including her colon and bladder.

'I went into the surgery not knowing how much they were going to find or take,' she said.

At 33 Emily Campbell never suspected her bloating issues were actually sign of cancer that kills 4,000 patients in Britain each year

Back in December 2022 the marketing expert sought medical help near home in Miami after noticing she looked about seven months pregnant

But when the bloating got so bad she started to have problems walking she demanded an ultrasound which revealed the real source was a large mass in her pelvic region which tuned out to be ovarian cancer

'I remember waking up and askingmy husband was like; 'Yeah they took everything'. My uterus was gone, ovaries gone, fallopian tubes gone, cervix gone. They took my appendix.' she told The Mirror.

Tragically the result of the operation meant Ms Campbell was unable to have children.

Tests subsequently revealed the cancer was a specific type called lower grade borderline which is more common among women aged from 20 to 40.

This form of the disease has a higher overall survival rate, with 8 out of 10 women diagnosed before the age of 45 living for at least 10 years in the UK.

The overall survival rate for the disease is far lower, with only 3 out of 10 women living a decade after their diagnosis.

But lower grade borderline ovarian cancer doesn't tend to respond well to chemotherapy, which means for women like Mrs Campbell, surgery tends to be the only option.

Mrs Campbell decided against chemotherapy choosing instead to focus on tests designed to track if the cancer has returned.

'It's blood work every single 90 days and a scan every six months. They can recur. They could come back in 10 years, 20 years,' she said.

She recalled having to sign a waiver acknowledging that surgeons were unsure how much of her organs they might have to remove alongside the mass

When she awoke she found uterus was gone, ovaries gone, fallopian tubes gone, cervix hadto be removed

The disease kills 11 women on average every day in Britain, or 4,000 a year

She was also given a medication, originally designed for breast cancer patients, which aims to inhibit the female sex hormone oestrogen thought to have fuelled her cancer.

Mrs Campbell said learning this fact alarmed her.

'It's prescribed (to ovarian cancer patients) because it's essentially an educated guess. These young women are getting these diagnoses and they're losing their ability to have families and they're not even getting a treatment tailored to them,' she said.

This motivated Mrs Campbell and her husband Chris to launch 'Not These Ovaries' last January, a not-for-profit designed to help fund research for the subtype of ovarian cancer she had.

She has also raised $1.5million (1.2million) for low-grade ovarian cancer research.

Just over 7,500 women in Britain are told they have ovarian cancer each year according to charity Cancer Research UK with 4,000 killed by the disease in the same period.

About one in 10 cases of ovarian cancer are estimated to preventable, with obesity being one of the leading causes of the disease.

The NHS says signs of ovarian cancer include experiencing problems like bloating, pain in the tummy area, a lack of appetite or feeling full quickly, an urge to urinate or needing to do so more often, frequently, about 12-or-more times a month.

Other potential signs include indigestion, constipation or diarrhoea, back pain, fatigue, losing weight without trying and bleeding from the vagina after the menopause.
One-fifth of insurance claims from Americans relying on Obamacare were rejected last year, denying access to care for millions of people.

An analysis from health policy charity Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) evaluated nearly 400million claims made to insurance companies included in the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which provides insurance to 21million lower-income Americans.

The researchers found about 19 percent of claims for in-network services - from a provider who works with that insurance - were denied in 2023, a 15 percent jump from the year before.

The rate was even more staggering for out-of-network coverage, with nearly four in 10 claims being denied.

The team also found Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, which serves 3million residents, denied 35 percent of claims, the most of any insurance company included in the ACA, also called ObamaCare.

UnitedHealth Group, which has come under fire over accusations of halting lifesaving medical care and overcharging patients, came in close second, refusing one in three claims filed in 2023 in for its ACA plans in 20 states.

And Health Care Service Corporation, America's fifth-largest health insurer, denied 29 percent of claims.

While GuideWell Mutual Holding, a subsidiary of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, shot down the fewest claims, it was still responsible for one in eight denials.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama denied the most claims of any Affordable Care Act insurance company in the US, a new analysis has shown

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The most common reason claims were denied was listed as 'other,' meaning there was no clear explanation. This was the reason listed for one in three denied claims.

'Administrative reason,' excluded services, and enrollees reaching their maximum coverage limit were among the most common reasons for denied claims.

However, the researchers noted details were sparse, so there were no explanations provided.

Treatments being deemed 'not medically necessary' made up one in 20 denied claims. It's unclear what the treatments were for.

Despite the high rates of denials, the analysis found fewer than one in 100 patients appealed their claims.

However, in the rare instances they did, insurance companies upheld their decisions more than half of the time.

It's unclear how much patients had to pay for denied claims.

The findings come as more than 40 percent of Americans report having trouble paying off their medical bills, and about half of insured adults worry about affording their insurance premiums.

On average, ACA plans costed $477 per month in 2024, according to data from Health Markets.

For the new analysis, KFF researchers analyzed 392million claims filed to ACA insurance companies in 2023, the latest data available.

Data was taken from public reports released by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

It did not include claims from private insurers, such as policies provided to people through their employers.

Insurance claims may be denied for several reasons, including services not being included in a plan or a service being deemed 'not medically necessary'

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Overall, ACA insurance plans denied 19 percent of total claims in 2023, an increase from 16 percent in 2022.

This was the highest rate since 2015, during which 19 percent of claims were denied. This adds up to 73million claims.

In recent years, the lowest rate was 14 percent in 2018.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama received just over 13million claims in 2023 and denied 4.5million, about 35 percent.

UnitedHealth Group, which serves 20 states that use ACA insurance plans, received 14million claims and denied 4.6million, a rate of 33 percent.

And Health Care Service Corporation, serving four states that use ACA plans - Illinois, Montana, Oklahoma, and Texas - received just over 25million claims and shot down 7.3million, a rate of 29 percent.

Centene Corporation, the largest health insurer managed by Medicaid, saw the most claims at 83million. Of those, 11.4million were denied, adding up to 14 percent.

Florida-based GuideWell Mutual Holding had the lowest denial rate of 6.7million out of 53million - 13 percent.

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In KFF's state-by-state analysis, Alabama had the highest rate of claim denials at 34 percent, which is likely due to the denial rate of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama.

Oklahoma followed closely behind with a rate of 29 percent, and Alaska had the third-most denials at 25 percent.

Of the states included in the analysis, South Dakota had the fewest denials with a rate of six percent.

The researchers said claims may also be denied multiple times.

For example, if a patient's name is misspelled in the initial claim, making them unidentifiable, it may be denied again after being corrected due to a service not being covered.

Insurance companies also varied widely in terms of reasons for denials.

For example, Cigna HealthCare of North Carolina shot down 30 percent of claims due to treatment not being 'medically necessary.'

And Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona denied 97 percent of claims due to a lack of prior authorization or referral.

The researchers noted that a denied claim does not mean the insurance company will not ultimately pay the expense. Instead, a new claim may be filed.

Recent research from Cornell University suggests 100million Americans - nearly one in three - are in some form of medical debt, largely due to lack of insurance and denied coverage.

And an estimated eight percent of Americans - 26million - don't have any form of insurance.
A record number American children can't read, according to alarming new data.

In 2024, 40 percent of fourth graders and a third of eighth graders had 'below basic' reading skills, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Meanwhile, only 23 percent of fourth graders and 26 percent of eighth graders were deemed 'proficient'.

These results mark record lows since the reading assessments started in 1992.

Overall, the average reading score for fourth-graders was 215 out of 500, while it stood at 258 for eighth graders.

Education experts believe the Covid pandemic is one of the prime factors for the decline in children's reading skills, with lockdowns and school closures heavily disrupting their learning.

News outlet Education Week reports that 'schools continue to feel the after-effects of the pandemic, with teachers reporting worsening morale, schools still experiencing high levels of chronic absenteeism, and districts seeing the end of $190 billion in federal Covid relief aid.'

Underscoring academic setbacks caused by the Covid pandemic , 40 percent of fourth grade children now lack basic reading skills

Given every two years to a sample of America's children, the National Assessment of Educational Progress - also known as the nation's report card - is considered one of the best gauges of the academic progress of the US school system.

The most recent exam was administered in early 2024 in every state, testing fourth- and eighth-grade students on math and reading.

It found that 40 percent of fourth grade students, aged between 9 and 10, had 'below basic' reading skills, while 29 percent have 'basic' skills.

Meanwhile, only 23 percent were deemed 'proficient' and 8 percent 'advanced'.

When it came to eighth grade students, aged between 13 and 14, the results were similarly depressing, with 33 percent falling into the 'below basic' category and 37 percent showing 'basic' skills.

At the other end of the scale, 26 percent were 'proficient' in reading and 4 percent showed 'advanced' skills.

Students are considered 'below basic' if they are missing fundamental skills.

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For example, eighth grade students who scored below basic in reading were typically unable to make a simple inference about a character's motivation after reading a short story, and some were unable to identify that the word 'industrious' means 'to be hard working.'

Peggy Carr, who is the commissioner of the National Center for Education Statistics which oversees the assessment, said the findings are yet another setback for US schools and reflect the myriad challenges that have upended education, from pandemic school closures to a youth mental health crisis.

She said: 'The news is not good. We are not seeing the progress we need to regain the ground our students lost during the pandemic.'

Among the few bright spots was an improvement in fourth grade math, where the average score ticked up two points on a scale of 500.

It's still three points lower than the 2019 pre-pandemic average, yet some states and districts made significant strides, including in Washington, D.C., where the average score increased 10 points.

For the most part, however, American schools have not yet begun to make progress.

The average math score for eighth grade students was unchanged from 2022, while reading scores fell two points at both grade levels.

Especially alarming to officials was the divide between higher- and lower-performing students, which has grown wider than ever.

Students with the highest scores outperformed their peers from two years ago, making up some ground lost during the pandemic.

But the lowest performers are scoring even lower, falling further behind.

It was most pronounced in eighth grade math: While the top 10 percent of students saw their scores increased by three points, the lowest 10 percent decreased by six points.

That could reflect investments by families in high-performing students' recovery from the pandemic.

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'Families that had the resources, they hired extra tutors, they got extra support to build on what was going on in the classroom,' said Eric Mackey, superintendent of education in Alabama.

'Families that either could not afford that or didn't have the opportunity or resources for that continued to struggle.'

The latest setbacks follow a historic post-pandemic backslide in 2022.

In that year's exam, student achievement fell across both subjects and grade levels, in some cases by unprecedented levels.

A survey done alongside the exam found in 2022 that fewer young students were reading for enjoyment, which is linked to lower reading scores.

New survey results found students who are often absent from class - a persistent problem nationwide - are struggling the most.

The results provide fresh fuel for a national debate over the impact of pandemic school closures, though they're unlikely to add clarity.

Some studies have found that longer closures led to bigger academic setbacks.

Those slower to reopen were often in urban and Democratic-led areas, while more rural and Republican-led areas were quicker.

The new results don't show a 'direct link' on the topic, Ms Carr said, though she said students clearly do better when they're in school.

Among the states that saw reading scores fall in 2024 are Florida and Arizona, which were among the first to return to the classroom during the pandemic.

Some big school systems that had longer closures made strides in fourth grade math, including Los Angeles and New York City.

Compared with 2019 results, eighth grade reading scores are now down eight points

The success of big urban districts - 14 of which saw notable improvement in fourth-grade math when the nation overall saw only minor gains - can be credited to academic recovery efforts funded by federal money, said Ray Hart, executive director of the Council of Great City Schools.

Investing in efforts like intensive tutoring programs and curriculum updates is 'really proving to make a difference,' he said.

Pandemic-era changes in childhood outside the classroom may have impacted scores as well.

'We should be looking at what social media and the rise of the screen-based childhood is doing for reading skills,' said Marty West, academic dean at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Parents should be reading with their kids, and listening to them read, Mackey said. 'We are concerned that students are spending ... too much time on the phone and not enough time reading books,' Mackey said.

Even in school, West pointed out, students are reading and writing less. A majority of eighth graders last year said their teachers asked them to write several sentences about reading assignments fewer than six times a year.

'There's no way around the fact that relationships, high-quality teachers and really engaging and high-expectation classrooms matter the most for kids,' said Robin Lake, director of the Center on Reinventing Public Education.

The US Education Department said the results are 'heartbreaking' and reflect an education system that's failing students despite billions of dollars in annual funding and more than $190 billion in federal pandemic relief.

'The Trump Administration is committed to reorienting our education system to fully empower states, to prioritize meaningful learning, and provide universal access to high-quality instruction,' the department said in a statement. 'Change must happen, and it must happen now.'

Republicans in Congress were quick to blame former President Joe Biden's administration.

Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Mich., chair of the House Education and Workforce Committee, said the decline is 'clearly a reflection of the education bureaucracy continuing to focus on woke policies rather than helping students learn.'

Compared with 2019 results, eighth grade reading scores are now down eight points. Reading scores are down five points in both grades. And in fourth grade math, scores are down three points.

Yet officials say there's reason to be optimistic. Ms Carr highlighted improvement in Louisiana, where fourth grade reading is now back above pre-pandemic levels, and in Alabama, which accomplished that feat in fourth grade math.

Ms Carr was especially laudatory of Louisiana, where a campaign to improve reading proficiency resulted in both higher- and lower-performing students exceeding 2019 scores.

She drew attention to the state's focus on the science of reading - a research-backed approach that focuses on teaching phonics, or the building blocks of words, as children build toward literacy. The concept has been embraced by both Republicans and Democrats and has been credited for gains in some states.

'I would not say that hope is lost, and I would not say that we cannot turn this around,' Ms Carr said. 'It's been demonstrated that we can.'
A 32-year-old male nurse in Uganda has died from gruesome symptoms linked to Ebola, the first recorded death in over a year.

The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health Uganda Dr Diana Atwinem said the victim was an employee of Mulago National Referral Hospital, in the capital city of Kampala.

Forty-four people have been identified as close contacts, including 30 healthcare workers and patients at the hospital where he worked.

But health officials say they are in full control of the situation.

The man initially developed a fever and sought treatment at multiple health facilities but within five days he developed chest pain and difficulty breathing before he suffered from unexplained bleeding

The nurse then experienced total organ failure before succumbing to his illness on January 29.

Dr Atwinem said: Post-mortem samples confirmed Sudan Ebola Virus Disease. Currently, no other health care worker or patient on the ward has presented with signs or symptoms of Ebola.

'The patient presented with a five-day history of high fever, chest pain, and difficulty in breathing, which later progressed to unexplained bleeding from multiple body sites.'

Red Cross workers are shown carrying a body bag containing a 3-year-old boy suspected of dying from Ebola in 2022 in Uganda, the most recent outbreak of Ebola in the country

Dr Diana Atwine, Uganda's Permanent Secretary of Health, confirmed the most recent death: a 32-year-old male nurse from Mulago National Referral Hospital who initially sought treatment for fever-like symptoms at multiple facilities

Ebola is spread through contact with contaminated materials or bodily fluids of a sick person.

It primarily occurs in Sub-Saharan Africa, which has seen outbreaks that have claimed over 15,000 lives since it was first identified in 1976 in Uganda.

The new outbreak in Kampala marks Uganda's ninth total outbreak.

It comes after Tanzania declared an outbreak of Marburg virus, an Ebola-like infection with a fatality rate as high as 90 percent. Two people have died.

A secure and private burial of the nurse will be arranged to reduce the risk of disease transmission.

Additionally, vaccinations of all individuals who had contact with the deceased nurse, particularly those in close proximity, will begin immediately.

The average death rate of Ebola is 50 percent, though in some outbreaks, up to 90 percent of sick people have died.

Ebola is highly contagious, and a person remains contagious even after they die.

The incubation period for Ebola  meaning the time after infection and before symptoms appear  is two to 21 days  but people are not contagious until they start displaying symptoms.

Since the first recorded outbreak in Uganda in 1976, Ebola has repeatedly emerged across sub-Saharan Africa, affecting regions in the west, east, and central parts of the continent.

The most devastating outbreak occurred between 2014 and 2016, claiming over 10,000 lives, primarily in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

The second-largest outbreak, which took place in the Democratic Republic of Congo from 2018 to 2020, resulted in more than 2,000 deaths.

Though health officials say they have the situation handled, Kampala is a large city of more than 4million people who could now be at risk of the highly contagious infection.

Ebola is highly contagious, and a person remains contagious after they die. Red Cross workers are shown putting on PPE prior to burying a three-year-old boy suspected of dying from Ebola in 2022

The average death rate pf Ebola is 50 percent, though in some outbreaks, up to 90 percent of sick people have died

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As a key transit hub connecting South Sudan, Congo, Rwanda, and neighboring countries, tracing contacts in Kampala will be challenging.

Ugandas last Ebola outbreak occurred in 2022 after about four months, killing 55 people, including six healthcare workers, out of the 143 people infected.

Ebola does not have a cure, but treatments approved by the FDA exist. Doctors use monoclonal antibodies, which are fine-tuned to specifically recognize and neutralize Ebola virus particles and help the immune system clear the virus.

If given early, monoclonal antibodies can save nearly 9 out of 10 patients.

Cases of Ebola in the US have arisen as a result of travel to West Africa, including a Liberian national who traveled to Dallas in 2014 as well as the nurses who treated him and another that year in a US camera man who was infected in Liberia and treated in Nebraska.

The patient in Dallas passed away, while his nurses recovered. The camera man also recovered.

There are currently no cases of Ebola in the US.
Robert F Kennedy Jr and Sen Bernie Sanders had an explosive clash over the senator's links to Big Pharma as Trump's health nominee came out swinging in the second day of his confirmation hearing.

The spat started when RFK Jr, who has been tapped to be head of the Health and Human Services (HHS), promised he would 'make America healthier than other countries in the world.'

Sen Sanders questioned how RFK Jr could do so without guaranteeing free healthcare to every American, which appeared to set the nominee off.

Referring to an earlier point in the hearing about corruption in the healthcare system, RFK Jr said: 'By the way Bernie, the problem of corruption is not just in the federal agencies  it's in Congress too.

'Almost all the members of this panel, including yourself, are accepting millions of dollars from the pharmaceutical industry and protecting their interests.'

Applause was heard from the gallery before Sen Sanders, his face visibly flushed, responded furiously with denials.

He said: 'I ran for president like you. I got millions and millions of contributions - they did not come from the executives, not one nickel of PAC [political action committee] money from the pharmaceutical [industry executives]. They came from workers.'

However, RFK Jr refuted, and said in his 2020 presidential election bid, Sen Sanders was 'the single largest receiver of pharmaceutical money' and accepted $1.5million.

The senator, with his face growing red and voice louder, yelled back: 'Because I had more contributions from workers all over this country.

'Workers, not a nickel from corporate PACs... from workers in the industry.'

Political Action Committees are groups organized to raise and spend money to elect and defeat candidates. Most PACs represent business, labor or ideological interests, and some opponents of PACs argue candidates taking money from the groups are then beholden to their members and agendas.

Some of the largest PACs in the US are the National Association of Realtors and the National Beer Wholesalers Association.

However, Sen Sanders insisted he did not receive money from the pharma companies themselves or any of their related PACs.

Rather, the $1.4million came from small donations made by employees of those companies and those people's immediate families, and while the donors are associated with pharma companies, the money did not come from the companies themselves.

He also highlighted the $1.5million was small compared to the $200million he received overall in donations during that campaign.

During the 2020 election cycle, records show President Joe Biden received the most money from people connected to the pharmaceutical and/or health products industries, at $13million.

President Donald Trump received the second most at $6.9million and Sen Sanders received the third most at $1.4million, making him the highest recipient of money from that group of any sitting member of Congress that year.

Sen Bernie Sanders and Robert F Kennedy Jr clashed during the latter's confirmation hearing for secretary of Health and Human Services

The senator's top contributors came from Google. Employees and related donors from the company gave his campaign $46,460 between 2019 and 2024. However, he did not receive money from the company directly or any related PACs.

Despite the pharma-adjacent donations, Sen Sanders has been a longtime champion of lower drug prices and increased access to healthcare.

Last year, the senator held a committee hearing to 'hold big pharma accountable and to help Americans understand why we pay, by far, the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs.'

He called on the CEOs of some of the largest pharmaceutical companies, including Merck, Bristol Myers Squibb and Johnson & Johnson to testify at the hearing.

An in 2019, Sen Sanders, along with Democratic House leaders, introduced new bills aimed at slashing high prescription drug prices in the US

Following Thursday's exchange, Sen Sanders returned to the matter of the committee and said RFK Jr did not answer his initial question of how he would make America healthy again without committing to providing healthcare for all Americans.

When Sen Sanders asked for 'one last question,' a senator off camera noted Sen Sanders' time was up and said: 'Chairman we're literally three minutes over here now. How long does it keep going?

'At some time you're just battering the witness.'

To which Sen Sanders, who had gone over his allotted questioning time, denied the claim and said: 'I'm not battering the witness. I'm just trying to get an answer.'

This isn't the first time the two men have clashed during the hearing.

The two men also clashed over vaccines during the hearing on Wednesday

On Wednesday, Sen Sanders asked RFK Jr how he can say he isn't anti-vaccine if the group he founded is selling baby onesies with anti-vaxxing messaging on them.

The senator displayed two onesies being sold by the RFK-founded Children's Health Defense, one of which said: 'Unvaxxed, Unafraid,' while the other said, 'No Vax, No Problem.' They cost $26 each.

Sanders said: 'You have started a group called Children's Health Defense. You're the originator. Right now, as I understand, that on their website they are selling what's called onesies - these are little things, clothing, for babies,

'Now you're coming before this committee and you say you're pro-vaccine. And yet your organization is making money selling a child's product to parents for $26 bucks, which casts fundamental doubt on the usefulness of vaccines.

'Can you tell us now that you will - now that you are pro-vaccine - that you're going to have your organization take these products off the market?'

The senator continued: 'Are you supportive of this? Are you supportive of these onesies?'

Kennedy said he had 'no power over that organization' and had resigned from the board.

RFK Jr resigned from the board several months ago, but he did found the organization.
A sudden droop on one side of the face, an inability to blink fully, and slurred speech  these are the hallmark signs of Bells palsy, a temporary paralysis of the facial nerve.

While the condition is relatively common  there are 15 to 30 cases per 100,000 people yearly  some experts have reported an increase in cases compared to pre-pandemic years.

Researchers are increasingly pointing to viral illness, Covid specifically, as a trigger for Bells palsy.

Looking at the records of people diagnosed with the virus from January to December of 2020, they found about 0.1 percent of people were diagnosed with Bell's palsy within eight weeks of their Covid diagnosis - but about nine percent of people with a history of Bell's palsy had their paralysis return within two months of their Covid diagnosis.

Additionally, analyzing later data, researchers found there was a nearly seven percent increased risk of Bell's palsy in people with Covid compared to people who were vaccinated against the virus.

Bells palsy arises when the seventh cranial nerve, which carries nerve signals that control your facial movements and expressions, becomes inflamed.

In addition to causing sudden freezing of one side the face, Bell's palsy causes the mouth to droop and the eyes to become extremely dry.

Having a weak immune system caused by stress, illness, physical trauma, or an autoimmune system can also bring about facial paralysis. Former reality TV star Bristol Palin has attributed her nine-day bout of Bell's palsy on stress.

In a lengthy Instagram video, Bristol Palin, 34, showed that she currently has almost 'zero movement' in the left side of her face

Bells palsy arises when the seventh cranial nerve, which carries nerve signals that control your facial movements and expressions, becomes compressed or inflamed

The paralysis progresses quickly, causing maximum weakness within a few days to a week of onset. Most people fully recover within three months, but some may take up to six months for complete recovery.

Researchers who uncovered the rise in Bell's palsy linked to Covid tracked more than 348,000 patients for up to eight weeks after their Covid diagnosis to see if they developed Bells palsy.

Out of these patients, 284 were diagnosed with BP, or 0.08 percent of the total, within eight weeks of their Covid diagnosis. Out of these,

In total, 1,525 patients had a history of Bell's palsy before getting Covid, and of those, about 8.6 percent had it come back within two months of getting Covid.

When researchers compared people who had Covid to 63,551 vaccinated people, they found that those with the virus were 6.8 times more likely to be diagnosed with BP than those who were vaccinated.

Their report was published in JAMA OtolaryngologyHead & Neck Surgery.

There is no standard course of treatment for Bells palsy; doctors let it resolve on its own unless a person clearly has an active infection that could have triggered it.

In the US, there are 15 to 30 cases per 100,000 people every year. Overall rates of the condition have remained relatively stable over the years.

Doctors typically prescribe steroids to reduce inflammation and swelling around the facial nerve.

In addition to causing one side of the face to droop, in Ms Palins case, it pulled her face back and rendered her unable to fully close her left eye

Steroids can reduce recovery time by reducing inflammation.

In addition to causing one side of the face to droop, in Ms Palins case, it pulled her face back and rendered her unable to fully close her left eye.

In addition to steroids, doctors might also prescribe over the counter artifical tears to alleviate the uncomfortable dryness in the eyes caused by incomplete blinking.

Ms Palin has opted to undergo acupuncture, which she has found helpful for relieving pain in her face and believes has sped up her recovery.

Acupuncture is believed to activate the bodys nervous system, potentially improving blood circulation to the affected facial nerves, which might help speed up recovery and reduce inflammation.

Although evidence that acupuncture really quickens recovery is slim, it has been uncovered nonetheless.

In 2015, researchers from the UK and China looked at 14 clinical trials involving 1,541 participants, comparing acupuncture with other treatments. The results showed that acupuncture helped more people recover from Bell's palsy compared to other therapies, with a higher rate of improvement.

Pregnant women, especially those in their third trimester, are most likely to experience Bell's palsy. Doctors are not entirely sure why, but posit that increased fluid retention during pregnancy could put pressure on facial nerves, making them more prone to compression.

Palin said the scary ordeal kicked off nine days ago when she first noticed that her face was suddenly 'pulling' to the left

It also may arise from high levels of estrogen and progesterone affecting nerve function and increasing susceptibility to inflammation.

People with diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity are also more prone to Bell's palsy.

Most people reach full recovery, but around 30 percent do not, developing chronic facial asymmetry, facial tightness, and involuntary or abnormal muscle movements in the face.

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The condition can have a considerable psychological impact. The sudden onset of facial numbness is alarming and distressing, while an inability to move one side of the face can become frustrating and anxiety-inducing.

Ms Palin said she would never again pick [her]self apart over her appearance.

She said: [When I feel insecure], I am gonna remember this and just be so thankful for a normal functioning face because this has been wild.
Newly unemployed Jim Acosta appeared to take a swipe at his old network CNN this week, a little more than a day after his pointed on-air sign-off.

The journalist shared a scathing sketch from editorial cartoonist Michael de Adder - one that showed him leaving the station with a box of his belongings.

In the background, Acosta's shadow loomed purposely larger than his smiling cartoon, with the word 'integrity' emblazoned over it.

Canadian caricaturist de Adder published the illustration on Wednesday, a day after Acosta confirmed on the air he was quitting the network after being booted out of the 10 am timeslot.

Days before, CEO Mark Thompson said he was in talks with the anchor about a new hour, as reports swirled about him being offered the midnight slot.

Acosta referenced those reports during his final broadcast, while taking some pointed shots at newly sworn in President Donald Trump.

On Wednesday, a now-independent Acosta took to both Bluesky and Instagram to re-share De Adder's cartoon, while limiting the comments and notably avoiding Elon Musk's X.

'Really love this cartoon from the great Michael De Adder,' he wrote, leading to some fawning replies from fellow journalists like Joy Reid.

Newly unemployed Jim Acosta appeared to take a swipe at CNN this week - by sharing a sketch from editorial cartoonist Michael De Adder showing him leaving the station with a box of belongings. In it, Acosta's shadow loomed purposely large, with the word 'integrity' written over it

The post was published Wednesday, a little more than a day after the anchor's pointed sign-off on CNN Newsroom where he repeatedly took shots at Donald Trump, while confirming he had been offered an alternative hour - which he flatly rejected

'The outpouring of support coming in has been truly amazing!' Acosta continued. 'Thanks everybody!'

A little over half a day later, the Bluesky post has garnered more than 100,000 likes, and some 34,000 on Meta-owned Instagram.

Several commenters - including MSNBC's Reid - continued to offer support for the ex-Chief White House Correspondent on his Instagram post, the comments of which were censored.

Reid shared a series of applause emoji, as did NBC News's Chloe Melas and Republican political strategist Rick Wilson - one of Trump's biggest critics on the side of the bipartisan spectrum - who called the cartoon 'amazing.'

Others, like MSNBC's Molly Jong Fast, also talked up Acosta, with the daughter of famous feminist writer Erica Jong writing, 'This is so good'.

On Bluesky - the platform started by Twitter founder Jack Dorsey - one user wrote, 'Thank you for standing up with us'.

However, not everyone was so kind on X. In the hours since Acosta's Bluesky post was shared, one user wrote, 'Jim Acosta cultivated a reputation for himself of being an attention-seeking heckler.'

'Jim Acosta quit because he knew that he was bound for the midnight slot, pay cut and eventual firing. When a liberal says they are spending more time with their family or exploring podcasting..... they have no job or prospects,' another wrote.

MSNBC's Joy Reid and Molly Jong Fast both praised Acosta's message

Others on Jack Dorsey-owned Bluesky said more of the same, with the vast majority of comments being positive

Pictured, editorial cartoonist and caricaturist Michael de Adder, who is Canadian and works for both the Globe and Mail and the Hill Times

The positive responses on social media to Acosta were drastically different from the one offered by the president of the United States on Tuesday.

'Wow, really good news! Jim Acosta, one of the worst and most dishonest reporters in journalistic history, a major sleazebag, has been relegated by CNN Fake News to the Midnight hour,' Trump wrote, referring to reports initially obtained by ex-CNN staffer Oliver Darcy.

'Word is that he wants to QUIT, and that would be even better,' he continued, posting on his own platform, Truth Social. 'Jim is a major loser who will fail no matter where he ends up. Good luck Jim!'

Minutes later, Acosta confirmed the president and other's speculation, revealing he was refusing Thompson's offer and going his own way.

The day before Trump's swearing-in, Thompson reportedly asked on-air talent like Acosta to avoid opinionated reporting that did not give the president the benefit of the doubt.

'You may have seen some reports about me and the show,' he told viewers during his usual 10am hour, in reference to the recent headlines spurred by reports from Darcy.

U.S. President Donald Trump answers a question from Jim Acosta of CNN during a press conference. The day of Acosta's final broadcast, the president panned his old foe from his first term as 'one of the worst and most dishonest reporters in journalistic history'

'And after giving all of this some careful consideration and weighing an alternative time slot, CNN offered me, I've decided to move on.

'I just wanted to end today's show by thanking all of the wonderful people who work behind the scenes at this network,' he continued, adding how he came to the decision after 'some careful consideration and weighing an alternative time slot CNN offered.'

But, Acosta concluded, 'I've decided to move on' - not revealing which time he was offered.

The speech went on from there, with Acosta eventually honing in on his old nemesis made during his time as a White House reporter, the new commander-in-chief.

'It is never a good time to bow down to a tyrant,' he said. 'I've always believed it's the job of the press to hold power to account.

'I've always tried to do that here at CNN,' he went on. 'And I plan on going doing all of that in the future.'

That's when he urged Americans to 'not give in to the lies' - which he appeared to suggest were being perpetuated by the current administration.

As his hour waned, Acosta urged Americans Tuesday to 'not give in to the lies' - seemingly referring the current administration. 'It is never a good time to bow down to a tyrant,' he added, after mentioning his brush-ups with Trump and the president by name

Within hours, he was advertising his own venture - a blog being called The Jim Acosta show that's available on Substack. Posts show the page has been in the works since at least January 16, a day after reports emerged about Acosta losing his hour

Set to replace Acostas 10 am hour is the newly created 'The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown', as CNN rejiggers its lineup amid a shift in strategy meant to address waning ratings

'Ill have more to say about my plans in the coming days. But until then, I want to thank all of you for tuning in.

'It has been an honor to be welcomed into your home for all these years,' he told viewers as the hour waned. 'Thats the news. Reporting from Washington. Im Jim Acosta.'

Within hours, he was advertising his own venture - a blog being called The Jim Acosta show that's available on Substack.

Posts show the page has been in the works since at least January 16, a day after Darcy broke the news of Acosta's possible move to midnight in his Status newsletter.

The post - which contains a headline of 'Coming Soon' and accompanying text that insisted 'This is The Jim Acosta Show' - suggested the journalist appeared to know his days were numbered at the network weeks before his announcement.

Later in the day, Acosta took to X to re-share Trump's speculative Truth Social post, offering another parting shot.

'Looks like somebody has ADS: Acosta Derangement Syndrome,' the anchor joked. The post has since received nearly 2 million views.
The family of Spectrum New reporter who was shot dead by an accused murderer while covering the suspect's alleged crime is suing the media outlet, claiming it put the reporter in harm's way.

The family of Dylan Lyons announced the lawsuit stemming from his February 2023 death, saying Spectrum's parent company, Charter Communications, failed to provide proper training for active shooter situations.

Lyons, 24, was gunned down while reporting for Spectrum News 13 near Orlando, Florida on February 22, 2023, after a gunman was reported in the area.

'Defendant Spectrum employs news reporters and videographers, such as Plaintiff Lyons, to go to active crime scenes involving violence and provide coverage,' the lawsuit obtained by DailyMail.com said.

Lyons had been covering a shooting in Pine Hills, where accused gunman Keith Moses had allegedly shot and killed Nathacha Augustin, 38.

Lyons and a videographer arrived at the scene hours later to report on the shooting when Moses allegedly returned, shot the videographer in the groin and Lyons in the side. Lyons died almost instantly, while the videographer survived.

Moses then allegedly entered the home of nine-year-old T'Yonna Major and her mother and opened fire. Major was killed and her mother was critically injured.

The lawsuit alleges that 'through indifference, recklessness, or gross negligence, Charter Communications' actions contributed to the death' of Lyons.

Lyons joined Spectrum News 13 in July 2022. In February 2023, he was gunned down while reporting for Spectrum News 13 near Orlando, Florida

Keith Moses has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to stand trial in September on multiple charges, including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, burglary, and shooting at/into an occupied vehicle

Philadelphia-born Lyons graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Political Science from the University of Central Florida in 2020

Attorney Mark NeJame said at a press conference that the journalists' parked their Channel 13 vehicle in the exact spot where the first alleged murder occurred without being properly informed.

'Nobody knew, nobody was warned,' he added.

The lawsuit says that while Lyons was required to travel to and cover a story in a potentially highly dangerous situation, the company 'does not provide said reporters and videographers with any personal protection measures or security personnel.'

'Journalists face an increasing threat of violence due to their work. Since 2017, at least 321 journalists, including Plaintiff Lyons, have been either shot or shot at by others,' it further stated.

NeJame, representing Lyons on behalf of his father, Gary, said in the lawsuit that the journalists were 'without appropriate security measures, choices, or proper consideration of their well-being.'

'Sometimes [journalists are] called out and don't have a choice, you don't have any knowledge about what's going on, you're just told to go cover a story and death's door might be awaiting you,' NeJame said at the press conference.

'[Journalists] never signed with your contracts for a death sentence,' he continued, adding that any journalist should be fully aware and informed of the dangers of a story with the ability to choose to cover it without fearing professional repercussions.

'Dylan was simply sent out on a story.'

The 24-year-old journalist was shot dead at the scene of a fatal shooting in Pine Hills

Orange County Sheriff's Deputies reported to the 6100 block of Hialeah Street in Orlando at around 11:17 a.m. where they discovered a woman in her 20s who had been fatally shot

Moses smirked and smiled as he was taken away in handcuffs after being arrested in connection to the three killings

The murder case against Moses remains ongoing.

He has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to stand trial in September on multiple charges, including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, burglary, and shooting at/into an occupied vehicle.

The state attorney's office has said it will seek the death penalty.

In a statement, Spectrum News said it will fight to have the suit dismissed.

'Dylan's murder was an unforeseeable and horrible tragedy. We hope that Keith Moses, who has been charged, will soon be brought to justice for the murder of Dylan and the others that day,' the statement read.

'With regards to these specific allegations, Dylan was the victim of a senseless act of violence. The claims against Spectrum News are unfounded and we will seek to have them dismissed.'

NeJame said that Lyons 'did not sign up to be killed.'

'This largely happened because of a failed policy, and procedures and practices that exist that were dangerous and negligent,' he said.

'A few seconds could have saved a life, a 14-second conversation of "the murderer's still on the loose at least be aware" would have gone a tremendous way in order to save a life.'
Have you had a problem with a company? helen.crane@thisismoney.co.uk

Five years ago in early 2020, I booked a package holiday to Orlando for myself, my husband and two friends.

We were due to travel on 6 April 2020 and I paid 4,664 upfront on my debit card.

This was cancelled due to the pandemic. Later, the company I booked it with, Teletext Holidays, went into administration.

The holiday was protected by the Travel Trust Association, but I still haven't got the money back.

I was told in February 2023 in an email that I would receive a refund of 3,071.92 within 15 working days but it never arrived.

I understand that Teletext's parent company Truly Travel committed to refunding all customers owed refunds by August 2021. I email and call frequently, but nothing seems to happen. C.P, Bucks

Called off: C.P's trip to Orlando, Florida was cancelled in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic in April 2020 - but she has not been able to get the money she spent back

Helen Crane, This is Money's consumer champion, replies: Those scary early days of the pandemic now seem very far away indeed.

I am astonished that, almost five years on, there are people who are still awaiting refunds for holidays cancelled during the first coronavirus lockdown.

You were hoping for a fairytale trip to Florida's Orlando, the setting of Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and the Epcot theme park, but your dreams were dashed by the worldwide spread of the virus in spring 2020.

Holidaymakers who had package holidays cancelled during this time had an legal right to a refund within 14 days, as long as the trip was called off by the company organising it.

Those whose holidays could have gone ahead, but who chose not to travel because of health worries, could ask for a refund but the company didn't have to agree. This also applied to those who contracted covid or had been told to self-isolate.

Your trip was in the former category, with the flight you were booked on being grounded and the hotel having shut down during the height of lockdown.

After you heard the bad news about your Florida trip being cancelled, Truly Travel - the company trading as Teletext Holidays, borne out of the low-fi television information service - offered a voucher for the hotel you had booked.

However, you didn't want it because you didn't know when the pandemic restrictions would ease, or if you'd be able to swap it for cash later on. A wise move in my view.

You asked for a cash refund instead, but none was forthcoming.

And you weren't alone. Hundreds of customers complained to the Competition and Markets Authority, which then launched an investigation into Teletext Holidays over unpaid refunds in May 2021.

At that time it owed 7million to its customers - which it promised to repay by August of the same year. When you heard this, you were hopeful you might finally get your cash.

CRANE ON THE CASE Our weekly column sees This is Money consumer expert Helen Crane tackle reader problems and shine the light on companies doing both good and bad. Want her to investigate a problem, or do you want to praise a firm for going that extra mile? Get in touch: helen.crane@thisismoney.co.uk

But Truly Travel then went into administration in December 2021, partly due to the huge weight of refunds it owed customers.

Confusingly, another unconnected firm is now trading under the Teletext Holidays name.

After the original Teletext Holidays went bust, trade organisation The Travel Trust Association (TTA) stepped in and took over responsibility for outstanding refunds.

On the advice of the TTA you asked your bank if you could do a chargeback, but this was rejected.

Chargeback claims must be made no more than 120 days after the purchase, so it sounds as if the advice you were given here was misleading.

Customers with outstanding refunds from Truly Travel which they couldn't claim back from their bank were asked to visit the TTA website and fill out a claim form, which you did.

Two years after you booked, in February 2023, you received an email offering you 3,071.92 - 1,592 less than you paid.

Teletext: The holiday firm was initially part of the television information service, which closed in 2012. Teletext Holidays was then run as a website, before going bust in 2021. Another company then bought the rights to the Teletext Holidays brand

You disputed this, but didn't get a reply. In any case, the money was never paid.

You had taken out travel insurance, but this usually doesn't pay out when the tour operator has gone into administration - leaving you out of options.

That is when you contacted me. I spoke to TTA travel to try and bring an end to this refund rigmarole.

It told me that you had been incorrectly labelled in its records as having no money due to you, which is why you hadn't been paid.

According to its files, you had raised a successful chargeback with your bank - which was not the case.

You provided the evidence of your payment to Teletext Holidays to the firm again, and I am pleased to say it has now paid you the full 4,664 you are owed.

A spokesman for TTA said: 'C.P submitted her claim through the claims process TTA Travel implemented following the financial failure of Truly Travel in 2021.

'Initially, she was advised to contact her bank for a chargeback, but after conversations with the bank, she confirmed a chargeback was not possible.

'As C.P was identified in Truly Travel's records as a 'no balance due' client, she was asked to provide additional information to verify her claim.

'Based on the initial documentation that our team received, we believed that she was due a refund of 3,071.92; however, upon receiving evidence of a total payment of 4,664, we have raised payment for the full 4,664 today.'

I do have some sympathy with TTA, as it is picking up the slack for a firm that has long disappeared into the sunset - but three years between making a claim and getting your money is unacceptable.

If there is anyone else out there still waiting for money back from covid-cancelled holidays, I would love to know - helen.crane@thisismoney.co.uk.
Off the west coast of Scotland, there is a small island called Kerrera. Its home to just 35 people and an array of wildlife, including several peacocks.

Mark is one of the islands residents and the local postie. Every Monday to Saturday he makes the ferry journey to the mainland to collect the post and goes back to deliver letters and parcels to his fellow islanders.

In December, I made the journey myself and was struck by the vital role he plays keeping the community connected, including delivering post to four properties that are only accessible by quad bike!

Serving even the most remote parts of the UK is something we at Royal Mail are deeply proud of.

Its also one of the reasons that we have been fighting for reform to the Universal Service Obligation for many years.

We want to protect what makes Royal Mail unique and continue to serve 32m addresses across the UK for the same price, however remote they may be.

Lower demand: Letter volumes have declined from 20bn a year at their peak to 6.7bn today. The average household now receives just four letters a week

The Universal Service is a special thing. It is an important backbone of the UK economy, supporting businesses of all shapes and sizes, and ensuring friends and families stay connected.

But we cant escape the reality that letter volumes have declined from 20bn a year at their peak to 6.7bn today.

The average household now receives just four letters a week, yet the number of addresses we deliver to has grown by 4m, so it is becoming more costly to deliver each letter.

Ofcoms net cost calculations show that it costs Royal Mail 1million to 2million every day to provide the current regulatory requirements of the Universal Service.

This just isnt sustainable for a company that lost 348million last year. Without change, there is a real chance the one-price-goes-anywhere service wont survive.

Ofcom, the regulator that oversees Royal Mail, agrees that without reform the sustainability of the Universal Service is at risk.

It has launched a public consultation, seeking views on a modern Universal Service framework fit for the future.

Looking to the future: Royal Mail chief exec Emma Gilthorpe says reform of the postal service is crucial

Under the proposals, Royal Mail will continue to deliver first-class letters six days a week. Well deliver all other letters (including second-class) every other weekday.

There will be no changes to the one-price-goes-anywhere service to all parts of the UK. Next-day and Saturday deliveries will continue, giving people the choice of price and speed.

Customers tell us that a reliable service is what matters most. So, weve also proposed the introduction of new, additional reliability targets for first and second-class services to give customers greater confidence.

These proposals were developed by Royal Mail following consultation last summer with thousands of consumers, large and small businesses and vital public services such as the NHS, as well as groups representing our most vulnerable customers.

Were confident these proposals meet the needs of all of these customer groups. And the great news is Universal Service reform could save up to 300million a year.

Thats money we can use to invest to build a modern, sustainable and reliable postal service fit for the future.

The Government has a laudable goal of encouraging economic growth and productivity.

The changes we have set out would do exactly that, without the need for primary legislation or taxpayer money.

Now we need to get on with the change without delay, to secure a future for Royal Mail and the essential services we provide day in, day out to each and every corner of the UK, Kerrera included.
Fashion chain H&M revealed weaker-than-expected sales after it was hit by Red Sea shipping delays and a late Black Friday.

Net sales across the group were up 1 per cent to 234.5billion Swedish krona (17.1billion) for the year to last November. But the retailer said sales growth improved in December and January.

Daniel Erver, who was appointed as the Hennes & Mauritz boss last January, said he was confident the group is on the right track.

Sales increased by 3 per cent, in local currency, to 62.2billion krona (4.5billion) over the quarter to the end of November.

The company said it opened 88 stores over the year. H&M added that group sales increased by 4 per cent over the two months to January 28 as demand accelerated.

Mr Erver added: During 2024, we made significant improvements.
Apple raked in 100billion in the final three months of last year  or more than 1billion a day  as the iPhone maker continued its push into artificial intelligence.

In a turbulent week for US tech, the Silicon Valley giant last night posted a 4 per cent jump in sales for the three months to December.

The record revenue came during Apples most important quarter, which included Christmas and the first full three-month period of new iPhone sales.

And it comes after Silicon Valley was rocked this week by the launch of an AI chatbot developed by Chinese firm DeepSeek.

Investors were spooked by claims it could compete with US rivals including Chat GPT for a fraction of the cost.

The debut sparked a tech selloff, with Nvidia setting a record for the biggest one-day market capitalisation drop when nearly 500billion was wiped off its value.

Powering on: In a turbulent week for US tech, Apple posted a 4% jump in sales for the three months to December

The rout was described as a wake-up call for US tech by President Donald Trump. But Apple was one of the few tech stocks to see its shares rise.

It has not pumped as much money into AI as Meta, Microsoft and Google, and analysts said the emergence of DeepSeek could provide an opportunity.

Apples AI tools for the iPhone launched for some users last year but have been beset by glitches.

The results came the day after Microsoft, the largest investor in ChatGPT owner OpenAI, posted a 12 per cent quarterly sales boost to 56billion and Facebook owner Meta reported revenues of 39billion.
A daughter who was cut out of her pirate radio legend father's will launched a 'depraved' campaign of harassment against her own family after 'conspiring' to inherit his 1.4million fortune just days after his death, MailOnline has been told.

Beautician Jenna Howe, 37, plotted with others like 'vultures' after her father, Roger Howe, tragically fell to his death from a second-floor window aged 55 on March 27 2020, relatives have claimed.

Mr Howe left his 1.4million estate, part of which was tied up in his thriving radio engineering company BW Broadcast FM, to his mother, Rosina Howe, 86, his sister Tina Tucker, 57, and her two sons, Ross and James.

He had cut his estranged daughter out of his will in 2017, claiming she did not deserve a penny as he had not seen her for nine years and she was a 'lazy, useless, lying druggy' who was 'bad to my parents'.

In a ruling which the family have vowed to appeal, Ms Howe, who described herself as 'destitute' and recovering from drug addiction, was this week awarded 125,000 payout - including cash for breast implants and a new car.

MailOnline can now reveal the inside story behind one of the most toxic family inheritance battles in recent years, including how Jenna issued death threats to her own relatives and sent a harrowing video of her father being resuscitated to Tina.

The family have laid bare how Jenna, her mother Nicky Howe, and Roger's former business partner, Scott Incz, immediately hatched a plan to invalidate the will - which would have seen Jenna inherit the full 1.4million.

Furious at the judge's decision to award Jenna 125,000, Roger's sister Tina told MailOnline: 'She didn't deserve a penny, she really didn't. It's been disgusting and horrendous.

'What is the point in a will if the judge can overturn the wishes of my brother and just give it to someone who thinks they are deserving of it, which obviously they are not.'

Jenna Howe, left, with her mother Nicky outside court, this week won a 125,000 payout after claiming a share of her father's 1.4million will

Roger Howe's sister Tina Tucker (pictured) has spent the last four and a half years fighting Jenna Howe

Roger Howe (pictured) insisted that he did not want his daughter to get a penny in his 2017 will

Tina (pictured second from left next to Roger and her family) says that she has not had time to grieve since her brother died due to the ongoing court battles

Tina added: 'She is my niece and now I don't class her as a niece. I've washed my hands of her now, like Roger did and I can see exactly why he did this - he'd had enough.'

Roger and Nicky divorced when Jenna was two years old and the father and daughter became estranged in adulthood.

MailOnline has seen a dossier of emails and text messages which show how Jenna, her mother and Mr Incz worked tirelessly to claim the will was forged while simultaneously harassing Tina as she grieved from the loss of her brother.

'Within days of my brother dying, the conspiracy started with Nicky, Jenna and Scott,' Tina said.

Just three days after Roger's death, on March 30 2020, Nicky messaged Tina: 'Do you know if Roger made a will and if so do you have access to it so we could be provided with a copy? If it transpires that Roger died intestate, Jenna would clearly be the beneficiary of his estate.'

On April 6, Nicky sent another flurry of messages and vowed to stop the application for probate, to which Tina replied: 'Please can you have a heart and back off a little bit, we are trying to do the best we can. I am keeping Jenna informed of every move, for god's sake, we haven't even got a death certificate yet.'

Then on April 9, just two weeks after Roger's death, Nicky told Tina she had entered a caveat on behalf of her daughter to prevent probate going through.

The pair agreed that Mr Incz , who died in July 2021, would inherit the BW broadcast businesses, while Jenna would take the properties, court documents show.

Jenna instructed administrators Freeths, who were placed by a judge to look after Roger's estate while a caveat was put on the will, to 'market the properties, but to not pursue a purchase of the shares of Mr Incz on behalf of the estate'.

While Nicky was inundating Tina with messages, Mr Incz also contacted the grieving sister to say: 'We got to sweep this mess up. I will meet you soon. I will look [after] Jenna and his Estate. Trust me.'

He had also emailed Jenna's mother to say: 'I firmly believe there is no will, and if so it is forged.'

Mr Incz proceeded to take legal action to claim his signature was forged, which would have ensured the will was intestate - leaving Jenna to inherit the whole 1.4million estate as the closest living relative.

Mr Howe was a child prodigy who built his first transistor radio at eight and was creating complex AM and FM transmitters by the time he was 15

He divorced Jenna's mother when she was two and 'wasn't involved that much in her life'

In court, Jenna (pictured) said her life 'spiralled out of control' after she began taking drugs, and claimed that her father did little to help.

At the time of his passing, Roger and Mr Incz were also embroiled in a separate High Court shareholders dispute as the former accused his business partner of stealing from the company.

In an email on June 9 2021, Mr Incz told Nicky: 'Jen can't run it [BW] but I can with your help put millions in to your daughter and yourself if we stay tight, and set up the necessary legals to not put the trust in place. BW is dead without me.'

'It just proves they would do anything for money,' Tina said. 'Nicky is a lawyer and should know better.

'The end goal was Jenna wouldn't go after Scott for the shares of the company and she would get the houses.'

However, on December 22 2021, the High Court confirmed the force and validity of Roger's will and issued a consent order between Tina and Rosina Howe and Jenna.

The battle did not end there, however. After Mr Incz's death, Jenna continued to take on her family by launching a claim for 'reasonable provision' out of her father's estate - which she won a 125,000 payout from this week.

Her legal action came after she had spent months harassing Tina and the family with vicious threats.

On February 26 2021, Jenna was handed a restraining order and ordered to pay Tina 300 in compensation after pleading guilty to harassment.

In one voice note, which MailOnline has heard, Jenna and her boyfriend sent a terrifying warning to Tina. After the boyfriend says 'they're after your money', Jenna replies: 'The people are responsible, if they give me any trouble, we will kill them.'

Among her catalogue of abuse, she sent Tina a horrifying video of her brother being resuscitated after he fell out of the window.

In messages seen by MailOnline, Jenna sent the video and said: 'U no what f*** it', 'U need to see the reality of it', and 'Now this has cost me a lot of money to get this footage.'

Tina and Roger's 86-year-old mother, Rosina, was also left so intimidated that she taped up her letter box after Jenna allegedly made a threat to her.

This came shortly after Rosina had lost her partner of 60 years. Jenna even failed to show up to her grandfather's funeral, Tina revealed.

In an emotional interview, Tina told how for several years she had tried to be a good aunt by acting as a mediator between Jenna and her brother - but the pair did not want anything to do with one another.

Roger Howe (pictured) did not want his daughter to have a penny as he was not part of her life

Tina Tucker (pictured with her husband) has taken over as director and CEO of the BW broadcast business

'I kept up as an aunty what she asked me to do and I did that. Other than me doing that, she did nothing to make any attempts to reconcile with him,' she said.

'She talked about it but never did anything.'

Tina also tried to make an effort with Jenna for Roger's funeral in May 2020, explaining how she asked her about the choice of music, if she wanted to do a reading and gave her two out of 10 seats as it was during Covid.

'I did what I could as an aunty to involve her with a funeral and then she just threw it back in my face and that really hurt,' she said.

In the following months, between June and August, Jenna launched a shocking campaign of abuse, harassment and threats. She sent hundreds of messages to Tina, including death threats.

'I didn't realise how depraved she was,' Tina said. 'I warned her about Scott. I sent the court letter to say what she had done to her dad and then all of a sudden, because she knew there wasn't any money, she changed her tune and went to team Scott.

After Roger's death, temporary administrators were put in place to take over the company while probate was finalised.

But to make matters worse, during this period, BW's equipment was removed from their offices, leaving Tina with nothing to come back to when she finally got the keys back and took over as CEO and director.

Fighting back tears, she said: 'It's been a real big fight for us to keep this company alive. It's just been a battle from day one and we are still fighting, we've still got legal things going on, it's not really ended.

'This hasn't ended for us, the battle still goes on. None of us have had time to grieve.'

Jenna had claimed a 443,000 share of the estate as a 'reasonable provision', insisting that her life has been overshadowed by her father's callous neglect and cruelty during her childhood

When drafting the will, Roger claimed that he had decided to cut his daughter off because 'she is lazy, grabbing and bad to my parents'. He told a friend he felt 'jubilation...making sure that (she) never gets a penny of mine'.

But the bitter court battle ensued when Jenna launched a claim for 'reasonable provision' out of her father's estate, insisting that her life had been ruined by his callous neglect and cruelty during her childhood.

She applied for an award to be held on trust for her of around 450,000 to cover needs such as paying off over 66,000 in debts, 315,000 for a new home, 8,000 to launch her beautician career and 20,000 for a new car.

After two days at Central London County Court, Judge Mark Raeside this week ruled the estate should pay Jenna 125,000 to help her turn her life around.

Her claim for around 450,000 was rejected on the grounds that she is not entitled to have a property bought out of her late father's fortune.

The lump sum payout includes a 75 weekly 'maintenance' payment for the next ten years, plus help with other needs, such as clearing debts and replacement breast implants.

'Throughout her life, she has been self-conscious about her body and I am quite satisfied that this should be paid for by the estate,' said the judge, adding: 'She has had a body problem ever since she was a young child'.

The court heard that Roger had a 'toxic' relationship with Jenna, consistently 'belittling' her when she was growing up, 'calling her names' and taunting her in a 'nasty' way about her weight.

Jenna, who went on to develop bulimia and body dysmorphia, became estranged from her father in adulthood and Mr Howe was 'adamant' that she should not inherit any of his fortune upon his death.

But Tina and the family argued that Jenna's struggles came from being bullied at school, rather than from Roger. They also say her mental health struggles have been exacerbated by heavy drug use.

The family say that Jenna's medical records have little mention of Roger's name and it was all aimed at her mother. Jenna's lawyers refute this claim, saying her records 'refer repeatedly to her poor relationship with Roger.'

Tina continued: 'He wasn't a horrible person. There was lots of lead up to why his behaviour to Jenna had to change, it wasn't just a case that he abandoned her at two.'

They claim she made no mention of Roger being culpable for her struggles until his death - when 'suddenly it was all his fault'.

Roger is pictured with his father, but both have now sadly passed in what has been a challenging few years for the family

At one point, he offered Jenna work at BW, but Tina said: 'She was very rude to him, belittled him in front of the staff, refused to work, chatted back to him and just sat there painting her nails.'

'He tried with her to get her to work, but she didn't want to and he said to me that every time he just felt she was only there because she wanted his money,' Tina told the court.

Asked about Mr Howe's impact on his daughter's life, she responded: 'She blames everyone for everything, she has never taken responsibility'.

And quizzed on whether her brother would have wanted his daughter to 'end up unhappy,' she said: 'I think that he tried with her and then gave up on her, I don't know.'

Speaking about Roger's decision to cut his daughter out of the will, Tina told MailOnline: 'He didn't want her to have a penny, he didn't want her to have anything, he had washed her hands of her nine years beforehand.

'You couldn't mention her name, she was a disappointment to him. I don't blame him, again - he wasn't the perfect father but show me the perfect person.

'We all make mistakes, he wasn't there a lot of her life and it wasn't always his own choice, it was because of circumstances.'

And discussing the awarded money will help cover the cost of breast implants, she said: 'She just wants everything for free. Everybody would like to look perfect, a lot of women would want breast implants. You have to save for it. You can't expect people to just give you handouts all your life.

'It's ridiculous. Why should people pay for what she wants? I want a lot of things, I don't expect someone to pay for it. If I can't afford something, I don't get it.

'Why does he have to pay for anything for an estranged daughter he had written out of the will?

'I said to the judge when they asked about the remediation, why would I reward someone's bad behaviour? It's like paying blackmail money, she has harassed us, why would I reward them for that with any money and it still wasn't Roger's wishes.

'It obviously fell on deaf ears.

'The thing that annoyed me most with the judge is that I opened up my heart and I said everything that had been building up for four-and-a-half years and he looked like he was sympathetic and listening to what I was saying but it didn't seem to matter.'

The family believe that Jenna has 'dragged Roger's name through the mud' and 'tarnished his legacy'.

By 15, Roger was building complex AM and FM transmitters, which he continued to develop throughout his time in school and into the beginning of his career, where he developed state of the art technology for both commercial and military applications.

At just 16 years old, he was making rigs for London pirate radio stations, including JFM, a specialist jazz funk station.

In his later years, he used his expertise to build a successful business which exported equipment all over the world and made him a millionaire by the time of his death.

Andrew Bishop, a lawyer for Rothley Law representing Jenna, said: 'The Judge did not accept the Defendants' evidence that there was any conspiracy. No evidence of such a conspiracy exists. Jenna completely denies this wild conspiracy theory.

'Jenna admits that she pleaded guilty to one count of harassment without violence for which she was fined 300. Otherwise she was found not guilty.

'As Tina admitted in cross-examination, she deliberately unblocked Jenna's phone to receive the messages. The Judge was aware of this conviction and clearly felt it was of very little significance, as it did not change the award made.'
Have you moved from the UK for Dubai? Email: mark.duell@mailonline.co.uk

Moving from the UK to the United Arab Emirates has become a well-trodden path for Britons in recent years looking for a glitzy relocation and a better quality of life.

This week, it emerged boxer Amir Khan has become the latest to head to Dubai after a terrifying gunpoint robbery left him feeling too scared to stay in the UK.

Aside from feeling safer, Britons are also attracted by a range of factors such as the warm climate, tax-free income and high-end restaurants, property and shops.

More than 240,000 British expats are now estimated to live in Dubai, with many attracted to the city by the 5,000 British companies now operating in the UAE.

There has been a 420 per cent rise in the five years to 2024 in enquiries from UK nationals wanting to relocate to the country, according to John Mason International Movers  with a 45 per cent surge in the 12 months to March last year alone.

However, prices in Dubai have risen 124 per cent since 2020 according to Knight Frank - with some British expats said to have been priced out as property is bought up by wealthy Russians after Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Now, MailOnline has analysed the cost-of-living across factors such as eating out, transport and clothing to compare London against the UAE city - which is seven hours by plane with prices from 284 for one-way flights and 361 for a round trip.

Data from the crowdsourced database Numbeo suggests a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant is 80 in London compared to 57 in Dubai.

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But an imported 330ml beer is half the price in London, at an average of 5.25 compared to 10.93 in Dubai; while a cappuccino is 3.74 in London against 4.67 in Dubai.

A McDonalds meal is roughly the same, at 8 in London compared to 7.65 in Dubai.

A supermarket trip will see prices vary, such as for a litre of milk (1.27 London or 1.47 Dubai) and a 500g loaf of fresh white bread (1.51 London or 1.17 Dubai).

But if you are a smoker, cigarettes are 70 per cent cheaper with a 20 pack of Marlboro costing an average of 16.25 in London or 5.03 in Dubai.

Petrol is also far cheaper in Dubai at 64p per litre compared to 1.47 in London, while a 1km taxi journey on a normal tariff is also 64p in Dubai or 2.50 in London.

An average basic utility bill for electricity, heating, cooling, water and garbage for an 85 sq metre apartment in London is 236.75 or 183.23 in Dubai.

However, internet access is significantly more in the UAE, with a minimum 60 mbps connection with unlimited data costing 80.97 in Dubai or 31.53 in London.

As for clothes shopping, a pair of Levi 501 jeans is 77 in London or 60 in Dubai, while a pair of mid-range Nike running trainers is 90 in London or 84 in Dubai.

Amir Khan with his wife Faryal Makhdoom and his daughters, Lamaisah, ten, Alayan, six, who have chosen to relocate from the UK to Dubai

Dubai is a city in the United Arab Emirates known for its luxury properties and high-end shops

Sheffield graduate Catherine Earl, who featured in a Channel 4 series last year called 'Dubai: Buying The Dream', earns 200,000 a year in Dubai after leaving a job at Boots in Nottingham

When it comes to leisure, a monthly fee for a fitness club is 47.57 in London or 64.46 in Dubai; while a trip to the cinema is 14 in London or 10.93 in Dubai.

One of the biggest drivers for Londoners moving to Dubai is property, given it is significantly cheaper in the UAE. The price per square metre to buy a city centre apartment is 5,389 in Dubai compared to 15,885 in London.

Dark side of Dubai: All the strict rules tourists must follow - or risk jail By Esther Marshall Dubai is renowned for its glitz and glamour, but holidaymakers must also be aware of it's ultra-strict laws. Here are rules Britons must follow there: Photography The UK Government explains on its UAE travel advice page that it's illegal to take photos of some government buildings and military installations as well as to photograph people without their permission in the UAE. Simon Hood, executive director at shipping company John Mason International , tells MailOnline: 'Over there, snapping a quick photo of someone without their permission, is a serious no-go and can land you in trouble  even if it's just in the background. It's not just about courtesy - it's the law.' Virtual private networks (VPNs) Mr Hood explains: 'There's a big issue with VPNs. In the UK, plenty of people use them to access restricted sites or simply for security, but in Dubai, using a VPN to bypass blocks is illegal. 'Many travellers forget they've got these running on their devices and inadvertently find themselves breaking the law.' Social media The UK Government explains: 'It is illegal to post material, including videos and photographs, online that is critical of the government, companies or individuals, or which relates to incidents in the UAE.' Think you could get away with it? Think again. An Irish man, for example, is facing 'several years' in a Dubai jail for sending a ninja emoji to an acquaintance who is alleged to have stolen his belongings. Mr Hood adds: 'Sharing anything that could be seen as defamatory, offensive, or invasive - like posting photos of strangers or sharing videos of an accident - is not only frowned upon but can also lead to hefty fines or worse.' Poppy seeds Poppy seeds, even in bakery products, are on the UAE's list of 'controlled substances', warns the US Government . That's because they can be contaminated with opiates. Some medication - including codeine 'Medication can be tricky,' explains Mr Hood, adding: 'Common UK medications, like codeine, are controlled substances. If you're carrying them without a prescription or proper documentation, you could find yourself in hot water.' Sexual relationships While a consensual relationship outside marriage, including extra-marital relationships, between a man and woman over the age of 18 is generally legal in Dubai, the UK Government warns that there are exceptions. In an extra-marital relationship, if the other person's spouse or parent files a complaint, both people involved in the relationship can get a prison sentence of six months or more. If a person aged 18 has a relationship with someone 17 or under, they will be prosecuted for a sexual relationship with a minor. If both people are under 18, they will be prosecuted but punishment is unlikely to involve a prison sentence. Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in the UAE and same-sex marriages are not recognised. Showing affection in public Showing affection in public, such as kissing, is frowned upon. Tourists could be arrested for doing so, warns the UK Government. Banned items Mr Hood explains: 'Items like drones, e-cigarettes, or hoverboards often need special permits. And some things you wouldn't think twice about at home - like books with themes of magic or witchcraft (Harry Potter comes to mind) - can attract extra scrutiny at customs. 'I remember one case where a client insisted on packing their own shipment and used UK red-top newspapers to wrap everything. Customs flagged the shipment because of the provocative images and headlines on the paper, which delayed everything by weeks and led to extra costs.' Swearing The UK Government explains: 'It is illegal to swear and make rude gestures, including online, as they are considered obscene acts. You could be jailed or deported.' Alcohol It is illegal to drink or be under the influence of alcohol in a public place in the UAE, warns the UK Government. Tourists can buy and drink alcohol at licensed hotels, restaurants and bars but a licence is required to consume alcohol in a private residence. Illegal drugs The UK Government warns that there is 'zero tolerance' for drug-related offences in the UAE. Possession of a small amount of illegal drugs can lead to a three-month prison sentence, while a drug trafficking offence could lead to the death penalty. CBD products 'Herbal highs' and products containing cannabidiol (CBD) are illegal in the UAE. Even skincare products or e-cigarettes containing CBD oil could land someone with criminal charges, explains the UK Government. Driving etiquette 'Offensive gestures and bad language directed at other drivers can lead to fines, a jail sentence and possibly deportation,' warns the UK Government. Cross-dressing The UK Government explains that cross-dressing is illegal in the UAE. It adds that 'women should cover shoulders and knees, and underwear should not be visible' - and swimwear should only be worn on beaches or at swimming pools. Ramadan rules World Nomads Insurance explains: 'During the holy month of Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking is forbidden between sunrise and sunset, and non-Muslims are expected to follow this principle in public as well.' Mr Hood adds: 'Even away from this this time of year, it is illegal to eat and drink on public transport.' Advertisement

And the rental cost of a one-bedroom city centre apartment is 1,797 in Dubai against 2,179 in London.

Those with young children will also find nursery costs are much cheaper at 672 in Dubai versus 1,790 in London for private full-day care each month.

Numbeo's most recent safety index also ranked Dubai as the second-safest city in the world out of 382 locations - behind only Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital.

London was in 279th place  only just above Baghdad in Iraq and Odessa in Ukraine.

Simon Hood, executive director of global removal firm John Mason International, told MailOnline that Dubai has 'basically become the cheat code for Brits looking to upgrade their lives'.

He said: 'Think about it - no grey skies, no endless taxes, just sun, money, and opportunity. You swap miserable commutes for beachside brunches, and instead of handing over half your salary in tax, you keep every penny. That alone is enough to make people pack their bags.

'Then there's the career acceleration. The UK job market feels stagnant in comparison - Dubai, on the other hand, is booming. If you're in finance, tech, real estate, or law, your earning potential jumps massively.

'And the networking? It's a city full of entrepreneurs, investors, and high-achieverspeople aren't just talking about ideas; they're making things happen.

'For families, it's safety, top international schools, and a ridiculous standard of living. You're not just moving house - you're upgrading your entire lifestyle.'

Mr Hood added that the UK 'just isn't working anymore' for many people thanks to the soaring cost-of-living and concerns over taxation.

But he said: 'Dubai flips the script. The UAE government is actively rolling out the red carpet for talent - Golden Visas, Remote Work Visas, Freelancer Visas - all designed to make it as easy as possible to move.'

Mr Hood gave the example of a London-based software engineer earning 70,000, who takes home around 49,000 after tax in the UK.

He said that in Dubai, that person keeps all 70,000 which is an extra 21,000 a year which covers rent in a luxury apartment, school fees, or just more disposable income.

Mr Hood continued: 'Because things like fuel, eating out, and luxury experiences are often cheaper, your money stretches further.

'And then there's remote work. If you can do your job from anywhere, why would you stay in a place where half your salary vanishes in tax when you could do the same job from a Dubai beach club? People aren't just moving for jobs anymore - they're moving for freedom.'

He cited how Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, and Barclays were expanding their presence in Dubai, while it was also trying to position itself as the 'Silicon Valley of the Middle East'  with UK software engineers, cybersecurity professionals and data analysts in high demand.

Mr Hood said relocation costs depend on how much people are bringing and how they want to live. For a full household move, with a four-bed house door to door, with insurance and customs clearance it would be 5,000 to 6,000. But for a minimalist move of five to ten boxes, it would be 250 to 500.

He said once people are there, a one-bed apartment in Dubai Marina or Downtown is 1,500 to 2,500 per month, while a family villa in the Arabian Ranches, Jumeirah or Dubai Hills areas is 3,500 to 6,000 per month. Top-tier international schools come in at 10,000 to 25,000 per year.

Mr Hood concluded: 'So yes, Dubai is expensive. But when you keep 100 per cent of your salary, even with higher living costs, you're still financially ahead.'

Mike Harvey, managing director at 1st Move International, told MailOnline that 12 per cent of all relocation inquiries received by his firm are for the UAE.

He added: 'Brits are drawn to the UAE's sunny climate and outdoor lifestyle, a welcome change from the UK's unpredictable weather.

'The country's luxurious amenities, diverse landscapes, and high standard of living are also major pluses. With a thriving job market, especially in technology, finance, and healthcare, this is a major incentive for British professionals seeking career advancement and higher salaries.

'Dubai stands out with its sunny weather, modern infrastructure, and safe environment  perfect for families. The absence of income tax significantly increases take-home pay, making Dubai even more attractive.

'The number of British people relocating to Dubai is expected to keep rising as Brits continue to seek career opportunities and a better quality of life overseas. Although relocating to Dubai can be more expensive, the cost of living is influenced by personal lifestyle choices, housing preferences, and family size. The tax-free salaries offered in Dubai can also offset the cost of moving.'

This week, Amir Khan revealed he had fled to Dubai three years after being targeted for his 72,000 Franck Muller Vanguard Chronograph watch as he dined with his wife Faryal Makhdoom and friend Omar Khalid at the Sahara Grill in Leyton, East London.

An armed robber ran at Khan and yelled at him to 'take off the watch', while pointing a gun to his face on April 18, 2022. Dante Campbell and Ahmed Bana later pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob and possession of an imitation firearm.

Bana was handed a nine-year and eight-month prison sentence while his co-defendant Campbell was put behind bars for seven years and nine months, with the watch later returned by police officers.

The attack spurred the boxer to move his family, which includes his three children, Lamaisah, ten, Alayan, six and Muhammad Zaviyar, four, over 4,000 miles away to Dubai.

Khan said he lived a life without fear in Dubai, telling The Sun: 'I can leave my car door open, it's just so much safer here. I think the law is much more strict, I think people like us need that.

He added that he had sometimes been to cafes in the UK where fights had broken out which would see 'gang[s] of people outside'.

'I don't need that in my life - I'm a retired fighter. I've been fighting all my life, there's no point starting fights on the streets or getting into problems,' he added.

'Then the gun crime happened, I just wanted to give the watch away and said, 'There you go, what do you want? Do you want the watch? There you go, take it.''

In 2012, Khan and his brother Haroon were attacked in Birmingham by six men, who attempted to steal the boxer's 125,000 Range Rover - but the brothers managed to fight them off.

In 2017, Khan was also set upon by a group of men after road rage incident in his hometown of Bolton.

Dubai is seen attractive thanks to factors such as tax-free income and high-end restaurants

Luxury restaurants are a major draw in Dubai, including this one near Burj Khalifa Lake

Vehicles are driven along a road with Dubai's iconic skyline in the background last month

But it was the terrifying 2022 gunpoint robbery that cemented his decision to head abroad, adding that the situation could have been worse if his children has been present.

Khan, who lived in Bolton, added: 'It's just when you've go out of town it gets a little bit scary sometimes, you just don't know what can happen, you don't know the area that well, you don't know the people there.'

Last week, an estate agent claimed he felt forced to move to Dubai after years of fly-tipping, street drinking, public urination and 'hooliganism' on his East London street.

Top destinations for millionaires leaving UK Dubai

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Kamran Hussain began looking for real estate jobs in the UAE to try and escape the 'nightmare' of living on Lansdown Road in Forest Gate.

He moved alone last March, but said he was scared for the safety of his mother, niece, and sister in law, who all still live on the street.

Mr Hussain said: 'I was born in London, and I've lived on that road all my life but I don't recognise it anymore. The corner of Lansdown Road at both ends is a known road for fly-tippers, and it's not your normal fly-tipping.

'I'm talking about fridges, sofas, kitchen cabinets - it's ridiculous. We also have these usual suspects who are street drinking during the day, as well as urinating and defecating. They are exposing themselves in front of neighbours - women and kids.'

He added that his family struggled to sell their home when they tried to move and blamed the situation in the street for putting off potential buyers.

Mr Hussain called on Newham Council to install CCTV in the road and carry out regular patrols  and the local authority said the road is scheduled to be manually swept by street cleaners every Friday, with litter-picking taking place every Wednesday.

Meanwhile online travel firm On The Beach said it had seen Dubai 'soar in popularity year after year' although more travellers were also exploring other nearby destinations such as Ras Al-Khaimah.

Zoe Harris, the firm's chief customer officer, told MailOnline: 'Dubai has always been the stuff of holiday dreams for Brits, but let's be honest - some people are starting to think why just visit when you could stay?

'It's got sunshine on tap, luxury living that somehow costs less than a flat in Zone 2, and enough jaw-dropping skyscrapers to make your hometown high street look a bit... well, basic.'

She added that some people going on holiday to Dubai were being tempted to move out permanently, saying: 'Whether it's the next-level beaches, world-class dining, or just the fact that your Instagram feed looks ten times fancier after a week there, it's no surprise that a holiday sometimes just isn't enough.

Amir Khan and his wife Faryal Makhdoom at Atlantis The Royal in Dubai on January 21, 2023

Amir Khan posted this image on Instagram in 2020 of a holiday home he had bought in Dubai

The moment Khan was robbed at gunpoint for his 72,000 watch in East London in April 2022

'One taste of that sun-soaked, five-star lifestyle, and suddenly, a week away starts feeling way too short.'

Earlier this month, analysts revealed that more than 10,000 millionaires have left Britain in the past year.

Concern over growing taxes in the UK following October's Budget, the growing dominance of the US and Asia in the global hi-tech sector, the 'dwindling' importance of the London Stock Exchange and the 'deteriorating' state of the health system are some of the potential drivers of the exodus, according to the New World Wealth global analytics firm.

Britain lost a net 10,800 millionaires in 2024, while the figure was 4,200 in 2023. Only China lost more wealthy residents in that period.

The UK also lost 16,500 millionaires to migration from 2017 to 2023, which included Brexit and the pandemic, the figures say.

Dubai is among the top destination cities for millionaires leaving the UK, along with Paris, Amsterdam, Monaco, Geneva, Sydney, and Singapore. Florida, the Algarve, Malta, and the Italian Riviera are also attractive as retirement hotspots.

But while moving from Britain to Dubai has been a growing trend in recent years, it has also been claimed in recent months that UK expats are being priced out by Russians.

Since 2022, Russian nationals have bought up 4.8 billion in properties in Dubai that are either existing or being developed, according to economists with the EU Tax Observatory and Norway's Centre for Tax Research.

Mona Jalota, founder of Krypton Global Real Estate, said last September that there had been a rise in British expats looking at moving out of the city for a cheaper property then commuting in.

She told the Telegraph: 'Every time there is a global or political crisis, Dubai continues to be a safe place to invest in, hence the continuous demand keeps the prices being pushed up.

Shruti Krishnan, from White Window Real Estate, added: 'Most of the Russian market is purchasing and in areas that give them really high rental so because of that the prices have gone up a lot.

'They're doing cash purchases so what happens is, they will buy the property in cash and when that happens the sale is faster and the sellers are happy, so you see different sellers asking for cash-only sales, especially rising since the war.'

Last May, MailOnline featured the story of a Catherine Earl who left university in Sheffield before landing a low-paid job in recruitment at Boots in Nottingham.

People watch Rory McIlroy tee off at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in Dubai on January 19

Fireworks explode at the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, in Dubai on January 1, 2025

Eleven years later, the 33-year-old now earns more than 200,000 a year, jetting around Dubai harbour in a speedboat and sipping cocktails in exclusive bars.

She said: 'I moved to Dubai for the sun. I was literally getting out of bed in the dark and walking 20 minutes to work in the cold. Now it's sunny every day and I feel motivated because Dubai is such a nice place to live.'

Ms Earl featured in a Channel 4 series called 'Dubai: Buying The Dream' which took viewers behind the scenes at British agency Betterhomes as they compete to close deals with super-rich clients on a portfolio of stunning properties.

But the UAE is also known for its ultra-strict laws, with an 18-year-old British man sentenced to one year in a Dubai jail last month for having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl.

Marcus Fakana, of Tottenham, north London, was with his parents in the UAE from the end of August when a 'holiday romance blossomed' with another Londoner, who has since turned 18, the campaign group Detained in Dubai previously said.

After returning to the UK and seeing pictures and chats, the girl's mother reported the relationship to Dubai police, who then arrested Mr Fakana at his hotel, it is alleged.

UK consular officials are said to be in regular contact with Mr Fakana, his family and his legal team, but the Government is not able to interfere in the judicial system.

Have you moved from the UK for Dubai? Email: mark.duell@mailonline.co.uk
The family of a grandmother who died when a driver reversed into her three times after taking cannabis have demanded a change in the law after discovering he was under the legal limit.

Reece McKinven was jailed for 13 months on Tuesday after a judge heard that he had slightly less than the legal limit of two micrograms per litre of the psychoactive cannabinoid THC in his blood when he was arrested.

McKinven did not realise that the obstacle blocking his Transit van was pedestrian Beryl Howard as he repeatedly reversed his wheels into the 83-year-old on March 16, 2023.

The 31-year-old plasterer had no licence or insurance, and displayed a cavalier attitude to driving, the court heard.

The grandmother was visible in the van's enhanced wing mirrors and 'there to be seen' before being left with unsurvivable injuries in Street, Somerset, just before 5.20pm.

Mrs Howards family said they are heartbroken and shattered at the entirely preventable nature of this tragedy and angry that a longer sentence was not passed because the driver was just under the legal limit for cannabis.

Anyone who knowingly gets into a vehicle having consumed illegal drugs should be held fully accountable for their actions,' said Mrs Howard's son, Ray Howard.

McKinvens blood results showed he was on the limit for having cannabis in his system.

'Cannabis is currently an illegal drug; therefore, we strongly believe any detection of illegal drugs following such a crime should be a factor in sentencing, this should be a sliding scale rather than an arbitrary cut-off point.

Beloved grandmother Beryl Howard, 83, was left with unsurvivable injuries after being hit on Green Lane Avenue in Street, Somerset

It is so hard to bear thinking of the pain and terror she must have felt,' daughter Sharon Perry said

The much loved grandmother celebrating her 50th wedding anniversary with husband David Howard

Police who arrested Reece McKinven found half a gram of cannabis on him, more in his van, and just under the legal limit of two micrograms per litre of the psychoactive cannabinoid THC in his blood.

Reece McKinven, 31, was jailed for 13 months after he reversed over the grandmother three times

If McKinven had even the tiniest amount more in his system, the Judge would have been free to pass a much longer sentence.

Mrs Howard's daughter Sharon Perry said it was 'hard to bear thinking of the pain and terror' her mother must have felt as the van repeatedly struck her.

But she thanked the passers-by who tried to comfort the 83-year-old as she lay dying in the road.

It has been so much harder as she suffered such a horrific death,' she said.

It is so hard to bear thinking of the pain and terror she must have felt.

We are very grateful to the members of the public who comforted her at the scene.

We are a close family and saw Beryl almost every day. She is greatly missed. We will never get over what happened to her.

McKinven previously appeared in court in 2017 for a string of alleged offences including drug dealing, dangerous driving and failing to stop after he crashed into a string of vehicles in Glastonbury town centre.

Police who arrested him after Mrs Howard's death found half a gram of cannabis on him, more in his van, and just under the legal limit of two micrograms per litre of the psychoactive cannabinoid THC in his blood.

'I accept that you genuinely failed to realise Beryl Howard was behind you,' Judge Paul Cook told him as he passed sentence at Taunton Crown Court.

'But your van had wing mirrors with an enhanced blind spot and she was there to be seen. You have a history of offences and it shows a cavalier attitude to driving.'

Mr Howard said that his mother's 'sudden and brutal death has left our family shattered'.

'Despite knowing he had struck something, he continued to drive his vehicle over Beryl a further three times,' he added.

'We are grateful that someone sat with her whilst she died, otherwise she would have been on her own in her last few minutes of life.

'We would like to thank all those who have supported us through this difficult time and ask for privacy as we continue to grieve and remember Beryl for the wonderful person she was.'

McKinven admitted causing death by careless driving, causing death by driving a vehicle without a licence, causing death by driving a vehicle without insurance, and possession of a class B drug at Taunton Crown Court on Tuesday.

The 31-year-old plasterer had no licence or insurance, and displayed a cavalier attitude to driving, the court heard.

Lithuanian delivery driver Edgaras Kondratas was jailed for three years last month after he killed a 94-year-old by reversing his van into her after smoking cannabis the previous night

He was sentenced to 13 months in prison and banned from driving for two-and-a-half years.

Investigating officer for Avon and Somerset Police, Dai Nicholas, added: This has been an extremely distressing case for Beryls family and our thoughts and sympathies are very much with them.

In December, a Lithuanian delivery driver was jailed for three years after he killed a 94-year-old woman by reversing over her body while on cannabis.

Edgaras Kondratas, 42, inflicted absolutely catastrophic injuries on Sylvia Bentley when he backed his Mercedes Sprinter into her while on the drug.

The father of two was handed the sentence as jurors found him guilty of causing death by dangerous driving without due care and attention.

In July, a lorry driver was jailed for two years after crashing his 44-tonne Scania HGV lorry into an oncoming car and seriously injuring a passenger while almost double the drug drive limit.

Meanwhile, a mother caught drug driving was fined just 120 after she claimed smoking cannabis helped her cope with her 'challenging' daughter.
An off-grid homeowner whose property is powered by energy from the sun has objected to plans for a solar park - but insists he is not a Nimby.

Richard Gill lives in an 18th century farmhouse in Caunton, near Newark, Notts, which he has fitted with a ground-mounted solar panel and a wind turbine to generate electricity.

But he has been told that his own personal solar power network is about to be dwarfed by a ring of solar islands to be installed nearby  which will feature 1.5 million panels across 7,000 acres.

The Great North Road Solar Park is expected to provide energy storage with the potential to power up to 400,00 homes, equivalent to the number of households in the county.

Mr Gills home is one of nine which will be most severely impacted by the plans, which has prompted him to write to the infrastructure planning inspectorate to express his significant concerns.

His letter points to research that solar farms can cause an increase in local air temperature of up to 5C and could damage both nearby residents and the ecosystem.

But Mr Gill has denied that he is a Nimby and suggested that a more sensible alternative would be for solar panels to be installed on a greater number of rooftops.

The Great North Road solar scheme is equivalent to 10 times the size in panelled area alone of Heathrow Runway 3 and this is just one of a number of schemes that are planned for Newark and Sherwood, he told the BBC.

Richard Gill (pictured) lives in an 18th century farmhouse in Caunton, near Newark, Notts, which he has fitted with a ground-mounted solar panel and a wind turbine to generate electricity

Submitted plan for the Great North Road Solar Park, expected to provide energy storage with the potential to power up to 400,00 homes

Mr Gills home is one of nine which will be most severely impacted by the plans, which has prompted him to write to the infrastructure planning inspectorate to express his significant concerns (file image: solar panels in a field near Five Oaks, west Sussex)

How much should one community be expected to take?

Developers Elements Green have now agreed to move the nearest panels so they are 100 metres further away from his home.

In a scheme of this size I think its a reasonable accommodation to make, particularly when theres so few houses that are as severely impacted as ours, he said.

But despite the concessions Mr Gill said he was still concerned about the view from his family home.

For about a kilometre to our west, all the fields are going to be covered in panels as well, which I think is just a bit excessive, he said.

Developers plan to form a ring of solar panels covering roughly 6.2 miles north to south along the villages of Caunton and Norwell.

The proposals include an additional 46km of hedgerows, 19 pathways through private land which will be open to the public as well as about 800 acres set aside for wildlife enhancement.

The project would need the backing of the planning inspectorate, external before it could be constructed as it is considered to be a nationally significant infrastructure project.

The final decision on the project will be made by energy secretary Ed Miliband (pictured)

Elements Green said the park would support the UKs energy security and make a significant contribution towards decarbonising the country by generating clean energy.

Executive chairman Mark Turner told the BBC: We take great pride in the work that we do, in working with the local communities to try to design the project in such a way that it has the least impact.

Weve changed our plans in numerous ways, both in terms of removing panels from certain areas but also adding woodland.

The final decision on the project will be made by energy secretary Ed Miliband.
Workers will be paid more per hour but lose many lucrative entitlements under proposals put forward by major businesses to the Fair Work Commission..

Among the entitlements that could be cut back are overtime rates, meal breaks, smoko and split shifts, with retail giants such as Coles, Woolworths and Kmart leading the charge.

The Australian Retailers Association's (ARA) has applied in the Fair Work Commission (FWC) for significant changes to the general retail industry award.

The major retailers, which also includes Barbeques Galore, T2 and Costco, want to take away penalty rates for employees earning more than $67,000 a year.

ARA's 17 proposed amendments include not having to pay loading to those full-time staff who get paid in excess of 25 per cent above standard rates for overtime, evening and weekend work.

It also wants the legal gap between finishing one shift and starting the next reduced from 12 hours to 10.

If accepted by the FWC, staff would be able to waive meal and smoko breaks, with Kmart saying employees' desire for meal breaks had fallen away in recent years.

Being rostered on split shifts in retail could also be allowed under the new proposals.

A proposal for major changes to penalty rates in Australia could see workers earn more money, but unions fear it would lead to a loss of entitlements (a Woolworths staff worker is pictured)

Coles' head of operations, Grant Shelton, said dealing with awards was 'incredibly complex' and causes a 'significant administrative burden' (a Coles worker is pictured)

ARA's 1,083-page submission to the FWC said retailers' trading conditions have become tougher since 2022, with low profit margins, a 2.6 per cent drop in sales and competition from online sellers.

'There is a pressing need, and not a mere desire, to make the variations sought by the ARA in the application,' it said.

The Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA) - Australia's major retail union - will oppose most of the proposed changes, saying they would leave staff worse off.

'We just don't accept arbitrary percentage figures to "buy out" a whole host of entitlements,' SDA national secretary Gerard Dwyer told the Financial Review.

'These people would be in senior positions in stores and they work incredibly hard, work extremely long hours and their work is valued as it is under the award.

'A 25 per cent buyout might buy administrative ease, but it doesn't provide fairness and it doesn't provide adequate compensation for the hours that people would do.'

Kmart (shop pictured) said employees' desire for meal breaks had fallen away in recent years

In Kmart's submission, its head of supply operations Chris Melton workers' desire for what he called a 'tea break' or 'smoko break', was not as strong anymore, and they would be willing to forego them for higher pay.

'The majority of our workforce is representative of a younger demographic who would often prefer to waive their meal break because they already carry water with them during shift and because smoking rates are now far less prevalent,' he said.

Other proposed changes would allow employees to waive the meal breaks they're currently entitled to in exchange for six-hour shifts.

There is precedent for some of the changes ARA is seeking, with similar exemption rates recently introduced into the restaurant award and proposed specific rates for senior retail staff ranging from $67,314 to $77,695.

ARA also wants to remove award conditions limiting employees to one minimum three-hour shift a day and instead allow them to agree to split shifts.

The minimum shift length would then apply to the whole day, potentially allowing one or two-hour shifts.

Coles' head of operations, Grant Shelton, said dealing with awards was 'incredibly complex', 'causes a significant administrative burden' and 'requires considerable resources to be invested'.

Retail unions have until mid-February to respond to ARA's submissions, with a 10-day hearing for the case listed to start on March 17.
ICE has made over 7,500 alien arrests in Trump's first nine days

Donald Trump's order to conduct the largest deportation in history is off to a quick start as authorities are now arresting over a thousand illegal migrants per day.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have been working at a break-neck pace since the president was sworn in nine days ago and deportation flights have been taking off daily ever since.

In the president's first nine days they have arrested over 7,500 aliens, a senior Trump administration official revealed to DailyMail.com.

Nationwide on Tuesday ICE made 1,016 arrests, many of whom were violent criminals charged with a slew of charges from child pornography to attempted murder. Among these were at least 16 Tren de Aragua members, the official shared.

Images of their arrests and descriptions of their rap sheets shared exclusively with DailyMail.com reveal uniquely chilling charges and photos of some criminals apprehended in the last 24 hours.

Their charges include child pornography, child solicitation, child abuse, attempted murder, negligent homicide, drug distribution and aggravated assault and more.

In that lot was a deadly MS-13 cartel members and several other gang members and predators that lived in major sanctuary cities from Chicago, New Orleans, San Diego and elsewhere.

The pictures of 10 alien criminals arrested by ICE on Tuesday. In total, ICE caught 1,016 illegal migrants that day

Criminal Arrest of Honduran National in Possession of Firearm On January 28, 2025, ICE Detroit/Cincinnati criminally arrested a Honduran national illegally present in the U.S., during a controlled substance investigation that was unlawfully in possession of a firearm equipped with a suppressor

ICE lodged a detainer, and the subject will remain in ICE custody pending criminal prosecution for criminal charges related to firearm and narcotics possession

Though Trump noted Wednesday evening that he is still not satisfied with the number of daily alien arrests.

He said he wants the daily number to be around 1,800 per day and rising.

ICE, which falls under Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's purview, appears poised to ramp up operations.

And the idea is popular, a majority of Americans support deporting immigrants in the country illegally. That support rises even further if the illegal migrant has a criminal record.

Border Czar Tom Homan has also indicated he plans on scaling up deportation efforts too, which have been assisted with U.S. military planes provided by Defense Sec. Pete Hegseth.

Among those arrested Tuesday was a Mexican national charged in New York for attempted murder, assault and possession of a weapon.

ICE Detroit/Cincinnati arrested a Honduran national with a firearm that had a sight and a suppressor. The agents filed a detainer and the suspect remains in custody.

Nearby in Columbus, Ohio, ICE arrested a twice deported El Salvadorian man that is known to be a local leader of the notorious MS-13 cartel and is now being prosecuted.

Tango Blast Gang member on January 28, 2025. ICE Houston arrested Marcelino Flores-Betancourt a citizen of Mexico. Betancourt is a confirmed member of the Tango Blast Gang. Flores-Betancourt has numerous previous criminal convictions including Aggravated Assault and Deadly Conduct. ICE Houston issued an I-871, Notice of Intent/Decision to Reinstate Prior Order of Removal. FLORES-Betancourt is detained at the Montgomery Processing Center in Conroe, TX pending his removal to Mexico

ICE Columbus criminally arrested a subject a twice previously deported citizen and national of El Salvador. The subject is known as an emerging new leader of MS-13 in Columbus, Ohio. The USAO in the Southern District of Ohio has accepted the subject for criminal prosecution of Unlawful Re-Entry

ICE New Orleans arrested Heidy Carolina Ortiz-Bonilla, a citizen of Guatemala. Ortiz has been convicted of child abuse and sentenced to 24 months' probation. She has been convicted of re-entry of a previously removed alien on two occasions and sentenced to 36 months and 30 months incarceration

Hyun Woo, a South Korean citizen, was arrested after being convicted of nine counts of child pornography possession.

In Chicago ICE arrested Guatemalan Alexander Pascual-Pedro who was convicted previously of solicitation to meet a child.

Democrats, meanwhile, decry the deportation push as damaging.

'I'm aware of reports of the illegal detainment of American citizens by ICE in Milwaukee. This is what Trump wants  to sow fear amongst communities who have certain names, certain complexions or speak certain languages,' Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Wis.) posted on X.

New Mexico Democrat Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez wrote 'ICE agents are harassing and threatening Native Americans.'

'Trump said you can tell bad immigrants by what they 'look' like. Tribal members look like the first Americans. Stop harassing them,' she wrote online.

ICE Atlanta arrested Hyun Woo IM, a citizen of South Korea. IM has been convicted of nine (9) counts of possession or control of any material depicting minor of sexually explicit conduct. IM was sentenced to five (5) years in jail and 20 years' probation

ICE New Orleans arrested Mateo TORRES-Morales, a citizen of Guatemala. TORRES has been convicted of negligent homicide and sentenced to 16 months confinement

ICE Philadelphia arrested Jose Ortega Ramirez, a citizen of Mexico. Ortega has been convicted of possession with intent to distribute and aid and abet another or others in possessing with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine and possession of child pornography and sentenced to 90 months incarceration

But Trump doubled-down further Wednesday announcing the reopening of a 30,000 bed facility in Guantanamo Bay to be used for migrant housing.

'Today, Im also signing an Executive Order to instruct the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security to begin preparing the 30,000 person migrant facility at Guantanamo Bay to detain the worst criminal illegal aliens threatening the American people,' Trump said at a White House ceremony.

Trump added: 'We have 30,000 beds in Guantanamo to detain the worst criminal illegal aliens threatening the American people. Some of them are so bad we don't even trust the countries to hold them because we don't want them coming back.

'So we're going to send them out to Guantanamo Bay. This will double our capacity immediately, and tough. That's a tough - that's a tough place to get out of.'

The George W. Bush administration opened the facility in 2002 to detain 'illegal enemy combatants' during the 'War on Terror.'

Ultimately, successive administrations have negotiated a series of arrangements to transfer prisoners out of the facility since then, amid public and congressional pressure to close it.
Federal workers appear to be cooking up a plot to thwart the Trump administration's plan to cut down the federal workforce.

It comes after the Trump administration started sending out emails to thousands of federal workers Tuesday evening offering them a 'buyout' to voluntarily leave their government positions but remain on the payroll for months.

The administration has called for federal workers to return to the office and plans to offer the buyouts to up to two million workers who do not want to.

The email was linked to President Donald Trump's executive order demanding the office return.

It said the last date to accept the offer is February 6, and employees could simply send an email from their government account with the word 'resign' in the subject line.

An Office of Personnel Management spokesperson said employees who accept the terms were being offered the chance to go on administrative leave at full pay through September 30.

But many government workers appear ready to reject the offer and are vowing to continue working in protest.

According to posts on the Reddit subreddit r/fednews for federal employees and contractors, workers are pushing back.

President Donald Trump at a White House event Wednesday, January 29. His administration is offering 'buyouts' to federal workers, but many are signaling online they plan to keep working in protest and are questioning if they would be guaranteed the pay

The administration has called for federal workers to return to the office and plans to offer the buyouts to up to two million workers who do not want to

Users have been posting thousands of posts and responses to 'hold the line' and 'don't resign.'

'I'll be honest, before that email went out, I was looking for any way to get out of this fresh hell,' one post read which was upvoted more than 36,000 times. 'But now I am fired up to make these goons as frustrated as possible, RTO be damned.'

'They cant fire us as easily as they thought, so they are trying to scare us into quitting, dont fall for it!' read another that was upvoted 16,000 times.

Multiple users noted the federal budget is only approved through March, so the pay cannot be guaranteed.

'We took an oath to serve our country and fellow Americans. They can drag me out,' read another.

'I remain a proud civil servant. I remain extremely effective, remote or otherwise,' the user wrote. 'Im not going to bullied out, no matter what lies they tell about me. Im going to stay and Im going to continue helping and serving those who need help until I literally cant anymore.'

Another post that was upvoted 44,000 stated they were 'last line of defense against fascism.'

'If we leave, we will be replaced by loyalists,' the user wrote.

Trump on Wednesday claimed federal employees who don't show up for work at offices next month will be fired.

Union members and other federal employees stop in front of the White House in Washington during a rally to call for an end to the partial government shutdown, Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019

Union members and other federal employees rally to call for an end to the partial government shutdown, Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019 at AFL-CIO Headquarters in Washington

'We have informed the federal workforce that if they're working for the federal government, they must show up to the office on time and on schedule,' he said at a White House event.

'If they don't agree by February 6 to show up back to work in their office, they will be terminated,' he added.

Trump predicted a 'very substantial number of people will not show up to work' and that would make the government 'smaller and more efficient.'

Multiple federal employees on Reddit also noted the comments of Senator Tim Kaine (D-Virginia) who addressed the buyout proposal Tuesday. He warned the president has no authority to make the offer.

'There's no budget line item to pay people who are not showing up for work,' Kaine said. 'If you accept that offer and resign, he'll stiff you.'
A West Virginia pharmacist has been convicted of killing her husband to stop him from learning about her $2million Ponzi scheme.

Natalie Cochran, 44, was found guilty of first-degree murder for the 2019 death of her husband, Michael Cochran, 38, on Wednesday.

Prosecutors said Cochran poisoned him with insulin so that he wouldn't find out about a $2million Ponzi scheme that she admitted to operating from 2017 to 2019.

She was sentenced in March 2021 to 11 years for pretending to be a government contractor and defrauding investors out of millions of dollars.

Federal prosecutors said she tricked investors into thinking she owned two successful businesses with government contracts.

However, she never invested the money; instead, she used some of it to buy a 1965 Shelby Cobra classic car, two properties, and jewelry.

When her husband started asking questions about the operation, authorities said she poisoned him.

Michael passed out on February 6, 2019, and was taken to the hospital, where he died five days later.

Natalie Cochran (pictured), 44, was found guilty of first-degree murder for the 2019 death of her husband, Michael Cochran, 38, on Wednesday

Prosecutors said Cochran poisoned Michael (right) with insulin so that he wouldn't find out about a $2 million Ponzi scheme that she admitted to operating from 2017 to 2019

Cochran was initially indicted on a first-degree murder charge on November 19, 2021, in her husband's death, according to WOWK.

However, the charges were dropped in order to re-examine Michael's body for advanced testing, which showed that Michael died because non prescribed insulin was introduced to his body.

During her federal sentencing, Cochran implied her husband suffered from substance abuse issues, according to Court TV.

'When Michael began to take steroids and using illicit supplements, he was using far and above the normal doses and processing controversial alternative therapies,' she said.

'It became his addiction. Every day, I wish Mike were here. I wish he hadn't left me to deal with this alone. I wish that he had never started the drugs.'

Cochran's attorneys built their defense around the idea that some of the supplements he took could have caused his death.

Defense Attorney Matthew Victor admitted his client was a 'bad girl' who cheated and engaged in financial crimes and 'shenanigans' but argued she had not committed premeditated murder.

Prosecutors said Cochran killed her husband because she felt she only had two choices, 'come clean or take him out.'

She was sentenced in March 2021 to 11 years for pretending to be a government contractor and defrauding investors out of millions of dollars

Federal prosecutors said she tricked investors into thinking she owned two successful businesses with government contracts

'You may not have done the math, but I have; next Thursday will be six years to the day since [Natalie] injected Michael Cochran with insulin in his home,' Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Ashley Acord said during closing arguments, reported WOAY.

'Five days after that, it will be six years since he left the earth. Six years since two children lost their father. Six years since this woman, Donna Bolt, and this man, Ed Bolt, lost their son. Six years since they saw him for the last time.'

Cochran faces life in prison, but the jury will return to deliberate on Thursday if she receives a mercy sentencing that could allow her to be eligible for parole after 15 years.
Lloyds has announced plans to close more than 100 branches just a day after the bank's boss met Keir Starmer at a City summit about reviving the economy.

In a blow to the Prime Minister and Chancellor Rachel Reeves, the lender, which also owns Halifax and Bank of Scotland, yesterday said it will shut 136 sites as it accelerates cost-cutting plans.

The announcement comes after Sir Keir and Ms Reeves on Tuesday told top City bosses including Lloyds chief executive Charlie Nunn that 'Britain is back and open for business'.

Tory shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith said: 'Yesterday Lloyds' CEO sat down to breakfast with the Prime Minister and Chancellor.

'24 hours later Lloyds announce likely job losses and the closure of almost 140 branches. As votes of confidence go, might need a bit of work.'

Banks have accelerated the closure of high street branches as more customers manage their money online. Consumer group Which? estimated that more than 6,200 sites have shut in the last decade.

The lender will axe 61 Lloyds, 61 Halifax and 14 Bank of Scotland sites between May this year and March 2026.

That will leave 386 Lloyds branches, 281 Halifax branches and just 90 Bank of Scotland across the country.

Lloyds chief executive Charlie Nunn attends a breakfast meeting with Sir Keir Starmer

A general view of the exterior of a branch of the Lloyds bank chain on January 29

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during an interview following a business meeting with top executives

Chancellor Rachel Reeves during the business meeting with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and top executives

Your browser does not support iframes.

It comes weeks after the FTSE 100 firm said it would allow customers of Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland to use branches across any of its brands, fuelling fears that closures were imminent.

Workers at the affected branches will be offered jobs elsewhere in the company, Lloyds said.

It blamed the decision to shut the sites on customers shifting away from banking in person to using mobile services.

Transactions across the branches earmarked for closure fell by an average of 48 per cent over the past five years, Lloyds said.

A Lloyds spokesman said: 'Over 20million customers are using our apps for on-demand access to their money and customers have more choice and flexibility than ever for their day-to-day banking.'

She said customers can use telephone banking, visit a community banker, a Post Office or Banking Hub or use any Halifax, Lloyds or Bank of Scotland branch.

The group said it is making 'good progress' with a transformation plan it launched in 2022.

Earlier this month, the company revealed plans to shut offices in Dunfermline, Scotland and in Liverpool, putting more than 1,000 jobs at risk.
You walk into work at your government job and receive an alert that a scheduled 'cultural training session' has been cancelled.

That's strange, you wonder.

Then, you notice the usual welcome to country pop-up that greets visitors to your department website has been quietly removed.

The reason why soon becomes clear.

It's the day after the election and new prime minister Peter Dutton is heading to The Lodge with a Trump-style plan to ditch the diversity, equity and inclusion policies that defined the Albo years.

Government departments are wasting no time adjusting to the new administration - fearful that if they don't, they will be hit with Budget cuts courtesy of Dutton's new efficiency tsar Jacinta Nampijinpa Price.

Now, of course, this is all a bit of light prognostication on my part. Labor may well secure a second term - in fact, that's looking like the more likely option despite what the polls say.

But there's always a chance Dutton will surprise us. And if he does win, expect a DEI crackdown.

Trump's scrapping of 'diversity, equity and inclusion' programs in public service departments could be replicated in Australia if Peter Dutton triumphs in the federal election

After all, Donald Trump's scrapping of DEI programs in public service departments has been wildly popular among those who voted for him. Unsurprisingly, his approach has lefties frothing at the mouth with rage.

Woke programs, dividing up staff based on immutable characteristics like race and sexuality, are simply an affront to privacy and merit.

Remember that? The old-fashioned idea of hiring the best man or woman for the job based on their talents and qualifications, instead of ticking politicised diversity boxes.

President Trump made this clear nine days ago when he issued an executive order on the day he was sworn in for the second time, declaring it was about 'ending illegal discrimination and restoring merit-based opportunity'.

The American Department of Education followed this order and three days later removed references to DEI initiatives from its website and training manuals.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, too, is fed up with this cultural left diversity drive and earlier this month made this clear in a podcast interview with entrepreneur Mark Bouris, who, like Trump, previously hosted a local version of Celebrity Apprentice.

'I just don't believe that we should discriminate on the basis of gender or race or on any basis,' he said.

Dutton could surely dismantle the progressive agendas within the Australian public service, of which there are many.

Australian Opposition Leader Peter Dutton (left), too, is fed up with this cultural left diversity drive and this month made this clear in a podcast interview with home loan entrepreneur Mark Bouris (right), who like Trump previously hosted a local version of Celebrity Apprentice

The Australian Public Service Commission describes itself as a paragon of 'diversity and inclusion' with policies apparently designed to 'foster diverse workforces and create respectful, psychologically safe and inclusive workplaces where everyone can contribute'.

Federal public service departments now typically run pride networks catering to gay, lesbian and transgender bureaucrats, and promote such activity on Instagram.

It's a wonder any work gets done.

As Australia struggles with government debt, the Australian Public Service Commission seems to have other priorities.

Like conducting a taxpayer-funded census on the sexuality of employees. Seriously.

It's illegal to ask prospective employees about their sexual orientation in a job interview and whether someone is attracted to men or women is hardly relevant to their ability.

But apparently, the proportion of LGBTIQA+ staff more than doubled in six years, rising from 4.1 per cent in 2017 to 8.7 per cent in 2023. This covered the ever-expanding rainbow flag spectrum of 'Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and/or gender diverse, Intersex, Queer, Questioning and/or Asexual'.

During a productivity crisis, public servants have other priorities like 'wear it purple' day and 'encouraging the use of preferred pronouns in email signature blocks serve to demonstrate that agencies and employees welcome people with diverse gender identities'.

Anthony Albanese's Labor government asked the public service in 2023 to devise a 'Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Employment Strategy' - apparently designed to hire more bureaucrats born outside Australia and from ethnic minority backgrounds.

The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet also held so-called 'listening circles' to hear from these minority public servants.

Pity they didn't dedicate more resources to delivering better services.

It gets worse with the Opposition recently revealing federal government agencies had spent $452,953 on welcome to country ceremonies in 2022-23 and 2023-24.

The benefits to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders living in impoverished, remote communities have yet to be quantified.

The Australian public service's 'First Nations Unit' has a goal of having Indigenous employees make up five per cent of the bureaucracy by 2030, in another sign race-based affirmative action is regarded as more important than merit-focused hiring.

The Opposition's new shadow minister for government efficiency, Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, who is Aboriginal, could be in charge of dismantling DEI programs should the Coalition win the next election.

Woke programs, dividing up staff based on immutable characteristics like race and sexuality, are simply an affront to privacy and merit (pictured are partygoers on the morning after a Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade)

She used her maiden speech in 2022 to mock the DEI disease that has infected not just government departments but also big corporations, including Qantas acknowledging traditional owners every time a plane lands.

'Throughout Australia, the reinvention of culture has brought us welcome to country or recognition of country, a standard ritual practice before events, meetings and social gatherings by governments, corporates, institutions, primary schools, kindergartens, high schools, universities, workplaces, music festivals, gallery openings, conferences, airline broadcasts and so on and so forth,' Senator Price said.

'I personally have had more than my fill of being symbolically recognised.'

With the exception of the inner-city Left brigade, ordinary Australians have had a gutful of DEI programs that do nothing more than spread division and emphasise our differences without making our workplaces more productive or effective.
California authorities have identified a previously unknown victim of a pair of serial killers, 40 years after they were arrested.

The Calaveras County Sheriff's Office announced last week that 28-year-old Reginald 'Reggie' Frisby was one of at least a dozen victims of serial killers Leonard Lake and Charles Ng.

The duo apparently abducted and killed the New York transplant in the 1980s, and killed Frisby, before dumping his body in a mass grave at Lake's cabin in Calaveras County, about 150 miles east of San Francisco.

It remains unclear how exactly Frisby was killed and how he may have known Lake or Ng, who primarily killed acquaintances or people they met through classified ads, according to the San Francisco Gate.

They had apparently bonded over their military experience and their love of violence.

Lake was born in San Francisco in 1945 and enlisted as a Marine following high school. He was then spent several tours in Vietnam, before he was medically discharged when he was diagnosed with a personality disorder.

He had become obsessed with the idea of a nuclear holocaust and survivalism, ultimately moving into the Wilseyville cabin.

By the early 1980s, Lake met Ng - who was born in Hong Kong and came to the Bay Area on a student visa to attend Notre Dame de Namur University, the Gate reports.

Reginald 'Reggie' Frisby, 28, was one of at least a dozen victims of serial killers Leonard Lake and Charles Ng.

Lake (left) and Charles Ng (right) committed a series of kidnappings in which they engaged in bondage and sadism ending in murder in the early 1980s

When he failed out of school, Ng falsified his identity in order to join the Marines, but in 1980 he was busted for allegedly stealing weapons from a military base and he went on the run.

The pair were eventually caught in 1985 thanks to Ng's propensity for stealing.

While Lake waited in a car, prosecutors said Ng stole an item from a hardware store in San Francisco.

The thief was able to escape, but police caught up with Lake and apprehended him.

But while he was in custody, Lake committed suicide by taking a cyanide pill he had hidden in his clothing.

Ng was then found about a month later in Alberta, Canada, after attempting to shoplift from a department store.

He was extradited back to the United States to face trial, and was convicted in 1999 of killing six men, three women and two baby boys between 1984 and 1985.

Prosecutors noted at the time, however, that he and Lake may have killed over a dozen more people.

Lake killed himself in prison, but Ng went on to face trial for the murders

Ng and his defense attorneys tried to argue that he was under the influence of Lake, who they claimed engineered the serial slayings

They claimed that Lake was obsessed with pornography as a teenager, and was inspired to kill by the novel The Collector - about a man who kidnaps a woman named Miranda and keeps her as a slave.

Lake and Ng even code-named their murders 'Operation Miranda,' prosecutors claimed.

But Ng and his defense attorneys tried to argue that he was under the influence of Lake, who they claimed engineered the serial slayings. Ng denied participating in many of the crimes.

Damning evidence presented at trial, however, seemed to refute those claims.

It included videotapes of the two killers tormenting bound, terrified women they used as sex slaves before their murders, according to the Associated Press.

Jurors were also shown a tape of one woman pleading in vain for the men to spare her husband and baby as Ng cut off her shirt and bra with a knife in front of the camera.

Investigators also discovered piles of charred bones, blood-stained tools, shallow graves and a 250-page diary kept by Lake.

Lake had reportedly become obsessed with the idea of a nuclear holocaust and survivalism, ultimately moving into a Wilseyville cabin, where the remains were found

As many as 25 people were suspected victims in the sex-torture slayings at the remote Sierra foothill site

Four law enforcement agencies spent five weeks scouring the property, according to the court's detailed description.

They found thousands of buried teeth and bone fragments throughout the property, with at least four of the dental specimens belonging to a child under age 3. 'Many hundreds' of the bone fragments had also been burned.

But because of the state of the remains in the mass grave, investigators were unable to determine exactly how many people had died at the cabin.

Investigators then saved the remains, and in November 2022, the Calaveras County Sheriff's Office cold case task force decided to take another look at the evidence.

Ng, now 64, remains on death row and is currently incarcerated at the California Medical Facility in Vacaville

Members of the Calaveras County Sheriff's Office cold case task force focused on remains that had been the subject of an autopsy in 1985, and for which a composite sketch was created

Members of the task force specifically decided to reexamine remains that had been the subject of an autopsy in 1985, and for which a composite sketch was created.

Those remains were then sent to a private lab in Utah for testing, a DNA profile was developed and a potential familial match was identified, the sheriff's office said.

At that point, investigators reached out to the woman, who said her son Reginald Frisby last contacted family members in 1984.

Further DNA tests then confirmed the remains belonged to Frisby.

Frisby was born in New York in 1956 and was living in San Francisco as of January 1984. He 'had never been reported missing and was previously not considered or suspected to be a potential victim or suspected to be associated with the Wileysville serial killer case,' authorities said.

The sheriff's office is now continuing to investigate Frisby's murder.

Meanwhile, Ng, now 64, remains on death row and is currently incarcerated at the California Medical Facility in Vacaville.
A recruitment expert has warned workers no longer have the upper hand over their bosses in the post-lockdown era and should think twice before making unrealistic demands.

Roxanne Calder, who is managing director at Sydney-based recruitment agency EST10, told Daily Mail Australia the dynamic has shifted since the worker shortages during Covid lockdowns.

Back then, employees were able to negotiate extra perks, which a lot of bosses gave into because they were desperate to lure staff back.

The extent of those perks were revealed when Sunroom co-founder Michelle Battersby created a TikTok asking followers to share their stories.

Ms Battersby said she had received a Jeep, while others claimed their boss paid for fertility treatments, degrees, visas, daycare expenses, relocation and even spa days.

'This year we're starting to see a pushback and that's not because it's easier to get talent,' Ms Calder said.

'It's because employers are starting to say, "I don't think it worked".'

Ms Calder said employers found that agreeing to demands was only encouraging staff to make more, and as such perks lapsed, workers are not able to dangle the threat of quitting for better conditions elsewhere.

Michelle Battersby says she's received plenty to perks from employers over the years

'Instead of there just being a salary and saying "this is our environment, this is what we're offering", everything was thrown in there,' she said.

'It was like, bring your dog, cat, guinea pig, bean bags and ping pong table to work.

'There were no limits. If there are no limits then you can't blame employees for saying, "What else can I ask for?"'

Ms Battersby asked her TikTok followers on Tuesday what they had received from their company that wasn't a 'promotion or pay rise'.

The 33-year-old said she once received a Jeep Wrangler from a previous employer.

She told Daily Mail Australia from her home in Los Angeles she presented sound arguments why she needed a car, but was still 'a little' surprised they said yes.

'The key thing is to tie your performance back to how you've helped achieve company goals and objectives,' she said.

'Asking for perks shouldn't be personal. It should be fact-based and is an opportunity to remind the company how valuable your efforts are.

Roxanne Calder says employers are pushing back against employees demanding perks

'Managers love to see team members pushing their own careers forward, advocating for themselves and thinking outside the box.'

Ms Battersby said she would not recommend workers be too ambitious and 'come straight out of the gate' and ask for a car or an 'overseas holiday'.

'But if you find yourself being told that you're doing good work but the company can't offer you a pay rise at that time I'd be seeking out clarity in terms of how you get from A to B,' she said.

The responses to Ms Battersby's TikTok post on work perks came rolling in, with people sharing the unbelievable demands that had been met.

One person even said they received $5,000 from their employer to pay for their lawyer when they were getting divorced.

Ms Calder said agreeing to those kind of requests simply does not provide the employer with any benefit, but was simply about fearing they would lose that employee.

'I always maintain for employers, whatever you're offering in terms of perks and benefits, it has to work for the business. It has to give a return on investment,' she said.

'We're going to see a push back from things like TikTok outbursts from employees too.'

Ms Calder warned if you ask for a pay rise and get rejected, the next step should not be to see what perks you can obtain.

'You're better off going for a genuine need. Otherwise, it comes across as you're being a taker, and that is where a pushback is coming from,' she said.
Drivers have been staggered by the fuel price difference at two BP service stations just two kilometres apart.

A BP station in Randwick was selling fuel for $2.07 a litre on Wednesday, while just up the road in Kingsford, in Sydney's eastern suburbs, a BP was charging just $1.59.

A day later the Kingsford raised its price to $1.63, but NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury told Daily Mail Australia he was past the point of being shocked by such irrational differences.

'Don't worry about the suburb next door, often it can happen when they're a street away from each other,' he said.

Rugby league broadcaster Dan Ginnane alerted people on social media platform X about the price discrepancy

'Same time. Same company. One suburb apart,' he wrote with a photo of the two stations.

His 27,000 followers were outraged by the huge price gap.

'I do not understand how Australia accepts this bulls*** to go on! I'm sure they will blame some non-existent fuel cycle,' one wrote.

Broadcaster Dan Ginnane wasn't happy with the difference in fuel prices in Sydney

A commenter added: 'Drove through Miranda this morning. Shell $2.15, 50m down the road 7/11 $1.75. South Coast $1.57. How does that work?'

A third noted it was not just fuel: 'We have the same thing happening with our local supermarkets'.

A BP spokesman said the company was not in control of prices at all stations, some were franchises with independent owners.

'BP always aims to be competitive with fuel prices. Our national network of BP branded independent business partners set their own retail pricing,' he said.

'In our region, BP mostly imports its fuel requirements, meaning prices are subject to the fluctuations of the global oil market.'

Mr Khoury confirmed BP was a different to most fuel companies because of franchise system.

'You can own a BP service station and set your own price and they will be more competitive on price,' he said.

On Thursday in Sydney, 41 per cent of service stations were selling petrol for $2.10 and above while 27 per cent were selling it for $1.76 and below.

The price difference at two BP stations near each other shocked drivers.

Sydney's average fuel price was a $1.92 for regular unleaded with the cheapest service station charging $157.7, while the dearest was $2.16.

'This is selling the same product in the same city,' Mr Khoury said.

'That is a gap of 59.2 cents a litre and if you were driving your standard 55-litre tank it would cost an extra $32.50 at the most expensive compared to the cheapest.'

Fuel prices are not regulated in Australia so stations can charge whatever they want and the NRMA doesn't support price regulation because it would take the incentive away for cheaper stations to keep their prices low.

There's been a whole raft of legislation rolled out state-by-state, ordering every service station to post their price in real time.

'What you want to do is give people the information that they need to find the cheap BP and not fill up at the expensive one and that's what we've been doing at the NRMA,' Mr Khoury said.

'You just need to get on our app to find the cheaper one and if we can get people doing that then that's the ball-game.

'People are pissed off and this is how you stop them from being pissed off.'

One each litre of petrol and diesel fuel sold in Australia, 44 cents of the price is government tax.
Democrat Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says he won't cooperate with the Trump administration on their mass deportation program.

Frey, a liberal who was slammed by both conservatives and the left for his handling of the 2020 George Floyd riots and his progressive policies, announced he's running for a third term this week.

In an attempt to polish his left-wing credentials in the heavily Democrat city, Frey appears to be picking a battle with Trump, who previously called the mayor 'weak and lousy' in a 2019 speech.

During a speech Tuesday, flanked by Minnesota Congresswoman and 'Squad' leftist Ilhan Omar, he announced he would not cooperate with federal authorities on deporting illegal migrants.

'I want to speak to the undocumented. We love you, we care about you and the city of Minneapolis, we will stand up for you and we will do anything in our power to help,' he said.

He added that the migrants are 'not an alien in our city, you're a neighbor'.

Frey added: 'Now, in Minneapolis we have what is called a separation ordinance and that separation ordinance states clearly that our city officials will not be gathering information, showing who is and who is not documented.'

The ordinance means that they have no knowledge of who is an illegal migrant and therefore cannot arrest anyone for such reasons.

Democrat Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says he won't cooperate with the Trump administration on their mass deportation program

In an attempt to burnish his left-wing credentials in the heavily Democrat city, Frey appears to be picking a battle with Trump, who once called Frey 'weak and lousy' in a 2019 speech

'Our police officers will not be cooperating with federal immigration law. We enforce state and local laws in Minneapolis and we will do so to the best of our ability.'

He concluded: 'But as for cooperation with ICE? The answer is no.'

Last week, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara told Fox 9 that the deportation are 'a matter for the federal government to deal with; that's not our job'.

He added that it would make it harder for the Minneapolis Police Department to solve crimes if they were forced to help out.

ICE arrests have begun in the area already, according to WCCO, with at least one man detained from Minneapolis' 'twin city' of St. Paul.

Trump's order to conduct the largest deportation in history is off to a quick start as authorities are now arresting over a thousand illegal migrants per day.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have been working at a break-neck pace since the president was sworn in nine days ago and deportation flights have been taking off daily ever since.

In the president's first nine days they have arrested over 7,500 aliens, a senior Trump administration official revealed to DailyMail.com.

In the president's first nine days they have arrested over 7,500 aliens , a senior Trump administration official revealed to DailyMail.com

In a speech Tuesday, flanked by Minnesota Congresswoman and 'Squad' leftist Ilhan Omar, he announced he would not cooperate with federal authorities on deporting illegal migrants

Nationwide on Tuesday ICE made 1,016 arrests, many of whom were violent criminals charged with a slew of charges from child pornography to attempted murder. Among these were at least 16 Tren de Aragua members, the official shared.

Trump noted Wednesday evening that he is still not satisfied with the number of daily alien arrests.

He said he wants the daily number to be around 1,800 per day and rising.

ICE, which falls under Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's purview, appears poised to ramp up operations.

And the idea is popular, a majority of Americans support deporting immigrants in the country illegally. That support rises even further if the illegal migrant has a criminal record.

Border Czar Tom Homan has also indicated he plans on scaling up deportation efforts too, which have been assisted with U.S. military planes provided by Defense Sec. Pete Hegseth.

Among those arrested Tuesday was a Mexican national charged in New York for attempted murder, assault and possession of a weapon.

ICE Detroit/Cincinnati arrested a Honduran national with a firearm that had a sight and a suppressor. The agents filed a detainer and the suspect remains in custody.

The pictures of 10 alien criminals arrested by ICE on Tuesday. In total, ICE caught 1,016 illegal migrants that day

ICE New Orleans arrested Heidy Carolina Ortiz-Bonilla, a citizen of Guatemala. Ortiz has been convicted of child abuse and sentenced to 24 months' probation. She has been convicted of re-entry of a previously removed alien on two occasions and sentenced to 36 months and 30 months incarceration

Nearby in Columbus, Ohio, ICE arrested a twice deported El Salvadorian man that is known to be a local leader of the notorious MS-13 cartel and is now being prosecuted.

Democrats, meanwhile, decry the deportation push as damaging.

'I'm aware of reports of the illegal detainment of American citizens by ICE in Milwaukee. This is what Trump wants  to sow fear amongst communities who have certain names, certain complexions or speak certain languages,' Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Wis.) posted on X.

New Mexico Democrat Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez wrote 'ICE agents are harassing and threatening Native Americans.'

'Trump said you can tell bad immigrants by what they 'look' like. Tribal members look like the first Americans. Stop harassing them,' she wrote online.

But Trump doubled-down further Wednesday announcing the reopening of a 30,000 bed facility in Guantanamo Bay to be used for migrant housing.

'Today, Im also signing an Executive Order to instruct the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security to begin preparing the 30,000 person migrant facility at Guantanamo Bay to detain the worst criminal illegal aliens threatening the American people,' Trump said at a White House ceremony.

Trump added: 'We have 30,000 beds in Guantanamo to detain the worst criminal illegal aliens threatening the American people. Some of them are so bad we don't even trust the countries to hold them because we don't want them coming back.

'So we're going to send them out to Guantanamo Bay. This will double our capacity immediately, and tough. That's a tough - that's a tough place to get out of.'

The George W. Bush administration opened the facility in 2002 to detain 'illegal enemy combatants' during the 'War on Terror.'

Ultimately, successive administrations have negotiated a series of arrangements to transfer prisoners out of the facility since then, amid public and congressional pressure to close it.
A pharmacy student who was threatened with expulsion over risque social media posts and rap lyrics has won her legal battle against the University of Tennessee.

Kimberly Diei, 31, who is now a pharmacist in Memphis, sued the university after administrators voted to have her kicked out of graduate school in 2021.

On Wednesday, she accepted a $250,000 settlement - marking her long awaited victory.

The pharmacist argued her First Amendment rights were violated when the university investigated her twice over her 'sex-positive' social media posts after receiving anonymous complaints.

She was first investigated in September 2019 - just one month into her graduate studies - and then again the following year.

The college's Professional Conduct Committee wanted to have her expelled, claiming her online presence went against the school's code of 'professionalism.'

'I knew what was happening was unfair,' Diei revealed to the New York Times.

'Personally, I never felt shame. But I did not appreciate the fact they were wanting me to feel shame.'

Kimberly Diei, 31, who is now a pharmacist in Memphis, sued the university in 2021 after administrators voted to have her kicked out of school

On Wednesday, Diei accepted a $250,000 lawsuit settlement after the university investigated her twice for posting racy photos on social media

Diei was first investigated in September 2019, just a month into her graduate studies - and then again the following year

Diei refused to back down and went to the dean to appeal the decision. The nonprofit organization Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) stepped in to help her fight.

After hearing from FIRE, the university reversed their decision to expel Diei, according to a press release from the organization.

In February 2021, the lawsuit was officially filed against University President Randy Boyd, the Board of Trustees and Christa George, the Chair of the Professional Conduct Committee.

'I wasnt about to let my university get away with silencing me or any other student for speaking our truth,' Diei said in a statement.

'Staying positive while fighting for my rights for years wasnt easy, but it was necessary. We all need to speak up when someone tries to take our rights away  our voice is way too powerful to let anyone shut it down.'

Last year, the court agreed that Diei's posts were 'clearly protected' by the First Amendment.

The second time the school investigated Diei, it was reportedly in connection to her quoting a popular rap song.

Diei posts 'sex positive' content on her social media accounts, which she has argued are totally disconnected from the university

The pharmacist argued her First Amendment rights were violated when the university investigated her twice

Diei said she was not going to let the school 'get away with silencing' her or any other student

FIRE attorney Greg Greubel told ABC24 at the time: 'She was quoting the Cardi B song "WAP," and that song had been streamed 93 million times the week she was commenting on it.

'The University of Tennessee - they went after her. They proactively tried to find her and apparently were monitoring her social media for over a year.'

When she filed the lawsuit, Diei has nearly 20,000 Instagram followers and 2,000 X - at the time Twitter - followers.

She argued she never affiliated herself with the academic institution and did not even use her real name on her profiles.

After Wednesday's settlement, Diei and the attorney's at FIRE reflected on the situation and the precedent set by the pharmacist's victory.

Greubel said in a statement: 'UTs pharmacy school learned an important lesson today. There is nothing unprofessional about students expressing love of hip-hop and their sexuality on social media.

FIRE attorney Greg H. Greubel represented Diei during the lawsuit and said the university 'went after her'

When she filed the lawsuit, Diei has nearly 20,000 Instagram followers and 2,000 X - at the time Twitter - followers

Diei said: 'Staying positive while fighting for my rights for years wasnt easy, but it was necessary'

'Kim has proven something FIRE has said for 25 years: The First Amendment robustly protects students rights to have a voice outside of school, even if college administrators dont like what they have to say.'

JT Morris, another FIRE attorney, added: 'Students dont give up their free speech rights the day they sign up for grad school.'

DailyMail.com has reached out to FIRE and the University of Tennessee for comment.

University Assistant Vice President of Communications Melissa Tindell said: 'It is our general practice to refrain from commenting on legal matters.'
A member of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua detained as part of an ICE raid had been attempting to buy grenades, according to authorities.

Anderson Zambrano-Pacheco, 25, was apprehended by authorities in New York City on Tuesday morning.

Speaking with Fox News on Wednesday, the new Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said he had been in the process of acquiring hand grenades.

Noem described him as a 'ringleader', telling the outlet: 'He had just been a part of a gun weapons exchange and was trying to buy grenades.

'Why would anybody in this country need to buy a grenade and go out and perpetuate violence?

'He was one of those involved in Colorado, and we are so thankful we got him off the streets.'

Pacheco was wanted for a host of charges out of Aurora, Colorado, linked to the gang's takeover of multiple apartment complexes in the city last year.

Noem had been present in the Big Apple when officers arrested him while inside a Bronx apartment. He was charged with kidnapping, assault and burglary.

Speaking with Fox News on Wednesday, the new Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said he had been in the process of acquiring hand grenades

Anderson Zambrano-Pacheco, 25, was apprehended by authorities in New York City on Tuesday morning

She shared footage of the swoop to her X profile and vowed to clamp down on 'dirtbags.'

Noem said in her post that: 'Dirtbags like this will continue to be removed from our streets.

'We are doing this right - doing exactly what President Trump promised the American people - making our streets safe.'

On Wednesday, the DEA shared footage of them storming the apartment complexes that Zambrano-Pacheco had been linked with.

The DEA has been conducting operations in the Denver area as they target undocumented criminals with criminal records.

Drug Enforcement Administration officials found 49 people inside a makeshift nightclub on Sunday morning - 41 of which were undocumented migrants.

Federal officials said some of those detained were associated with the gang which has been terrorizing the neighborhood.

Trump said last year that apartments in Aurora had been taken over by members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which was refuted by city officials.

Noem had been present in the Big Apple when officers arrested him while inside a Bronx apartment

During a campaign event there in October, Trump pledged to launch an Operation Aurora targeting gang members

Officers have begun storming properties across the country in sanctuary cities like New York as part of Trump's mass deportation scheme.

Sanctuary cities including New York have been a haven for migrants who flock to them in the knowledge that officials there limit cooperation with immigration agents.

Many have arrived by bus and plane from the southern border, with New York alone welcoming around 210,000 migrants in less than two years.

The president has since said he 'might have to consider' pulling funding to sanctuary cities, which include the likes of Chicago, Los Angeles and Philadelphia.

On Wednesday he unveiled plans to house 30,000 illegal migrants inside Guantanamo Bay.

The U.S. military base in Cuba has historically been used to hold terror suspects since 9/11 and current detainees include the accused mastermind of the attack.

Using it for migrants is the latest symbolic move in Trump's unprecedented crackdown on illegal migration that began the moment he entered office last week.

Trump said the facility with 30,000 beds will be used to keep the 'worst of the worst' migrants under lock and key, and noted how 'tough' it is to escape.
Shop theft and attacks against retail staff have hit the highest levels on record as bosses demand urgent action to tackle lawlessness.

Violent and abusive incidents hit more than 2,000 a day during the 2023/2024 financial year, a survey has found.

And retailers have 'little faith' that the police are taking shoplifting seriously as the cost to firms rose from 1.8billion to 2.2billion.

There were more than 55,000 incidents of theft per day, equating to more than 20 million in total.

The alarming figures show the issue is getting worse, with cases of attacks and shoplifting beating last year's record numbers to be a fresh high since the surveys began in 2001.

Retail crime is 'spiralling out of control', according to Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, which produced the research.

This is despite businesses paying a record 1.8billion on prevention tactics such as CCTV, more security guards and body worn cameras.

Some 61 per cent of retailers say the police response to calls for help has been 'poor' or 'very poor'.

Retailers are reporting unprecedented levels of violence towards their staff, with the number of incidents involving a weapon more than doubling to 70 per day.

Shop theft and attacks against retail staff have hit the highest levels on record as bosses demand urgent action to tackle lawlessness (stock photo)

Pictured: A man in Oxted squatting down and hurriedly shoving four candles into an open Sainsbury's bag before leaving the shop in a recent suspected case of shoplifting

Violent and abusive incidents hit more than 2,000 a day during the 2023/2024 financial year, a survey has found (stock photo)

Alarming cases include staff being 'spat on, racially abused, and threatened with machetes' and the perpetrators 'are getting bolder and more aggressive' by the day, according to Ms Dickinson.

She added: 'With little faith in police attendance, it is no wonder criminals feel they have licence to steal, threaten, assault and abuse.

'Retailers are spending more than ever before, but they cannot prevent crime alone. We need the police to respond to and handle every reported incident appropriately.'

As a result, the industry group reiterated calls for attacks on shop staff to be made a specific offence in England and Wales, as it is in Scotland.

Labour has promised to do this in the upcoming Crime and Policing Bill, which the industry is hoping will be introduced in the coming weeks.

It marks a victory for The Mail, which led the way on exposing abuse against store workers and shoplifting and called for authorities to take the issue more seriously.

The campaign began after Tesco boss Ken Murphy revealed that every frontline worker was to be offered a body camera due to a rise in attacks.

Keir Starmer insisted the country could not tolerate 'a situation where shoplifters can walk in, shoplift and walk back out again and nobody can do anything about it' last year

Pictured: Footage shows a woman who steals a beauty item and then flees the shop after being confronted by a member of staff in a recent suspected case of shoplifting

Almost 444,000 shoplifting offences were recorded by forces in England and Wales in the year to March, up from 342,428 in the previous 12 months

Ministers have also vowed to remove a 200 threshold that means many shoplifting cases are deprioritised by police.

The current laws mean that theft has been 'decriminalised', according to Lord Stuart Rose, the former boss of Asda and Marks & Spencer.

But Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer insisted the country could not tolerate 'a situation where shoplifters can walk in, shoplift and walk back out again and nobody can do anything about it' last year.

The frequency of attacks mean that many of the 3 million people working in the retail industry are terrified to come to work, according The Retail Trust.

'People are contacting our helpline in their thousands to report horrifying incidents of abuse and violence and many say that they are now at breaking point,' Chris Brook-Carter, the organisation's chief executive, said.
Melbourne's criminal underbelly joined friends and family of Sam 'The Punisher' Abdulrahim as the slain gangster was buried in a lavish gold casket on Thursday.

Hundreds of mourners arrived at a mosque in Melbourne's north in a range of luxury vehicles including Mercedes, Audis, Maseratis and BMWs for the funeral of Abdulrahim, who was gunned down on Tuesday morning.

The gold casket was nearly identical to that of Melbourne crime boss Carl Williams, who was farewelled in April 2010 after his prison murder.

That gold-on-solid-bronze casket was imported from America and was known among funeral directors as the best available, costing more than $50,000 at the time.

Michael Jackson and Ivana Trump were also farewelled in similar gold caskets, as were other gangland figures such as Nick 'the Russian' Radev.

A procession of bikies with the 1% neck tattoos roared into the small mosque car park in the middle of an shopping strip in the northern Melbourne suburb of Epping just before 10am.

Another yelled 'rest in peace' as black-clad mourners made their way into the mosque.

Abdulrahim's remains, inside the gold casket, made a late entry into his final farewell - forever a showman.

Sam 'The Punisher' Abdulrahim entered the mosque within a gold casket

He went into the ground in a scenes fit for a gladiator

Mourners attend 'The Punisher's' funeral on Thursday

Sam Abdulrahim (pictured) was ambushed and executed in the underground carpark at Melbourne's Quest Apartments in Preston about 1030am on Tuesday

The Punisher makes his final journey to his resting place

A woman cries over the death of Sam Abdulrahim

Victoria Police mounted a small presence opposite the mosque and highway patrol controlled the roads and streets leading into the mosque.

Several emotional mourners embraced before entering the mosque, and Abdulrahim's casket was taken inside just before 10.30am - half an hour after the service was advertised as starting.

A bystander commented it was 'like an episode of the Sopranos'.

On his departure, motorcycles roared as the gold casket was loaded by his loved ones into the hearse.

The word Suna - Abdrulrahim's nickname among friends and family - was spelt out in flowers and carried beside the vehicle.

Mourners spilled out onto the street as a guard of honour was formed.

A sweet photo of Abdulrahim, dressed white, was carried by one mourner as fearsome motorbikes roared closely behind.

Abdulrahims parents had entered the mosque about 9am.

SUNA: Written in flowers, mourners farewell 'Suna' as his friends knew him.

The golden casket of The Punisher on Thursday

He came in gold but left in a simple wooden casket

A photo of Abdulrahim was carried as he made his final exit

Steven Eglezos, owner of Power Gymnasium, the gym repeatedly torched because of its close ties to Abdulrahim, attended the ceremony with his son Andrew, one of 'The Punishers' close friends.

Several members of Melbournes fighting community were also expected to attend the former kickboxer's memorial.

Abdulrahim's body was transported to it's final resting place at the Northern Memorial Park where it was taken out of the lavish gold coffin and transferred into a plain brown casket.

Hundreds of mourners bid farewell before an excavator covered the Punisher's grave with dirt.

Among the grieving were Abdulrahim's wife and parents.

Abdulrahim was ambushed and executed in the underground carpark at Melbourne's Quest Apartments in Preston about 103am on Tuesday.

Underworld sources have revealed Abdulrahim, 32, was killed by a professional hit squad of up to four gunmen after a $2 million bounty was placed on his head.

On Thursday, Homicide Squad Detective Dean Thomas reiterated officers were being mindful and respectful of the families, friends and loved ones dealing with grief.

'I respect that the funeral is today, but to Sam's family, friends and associates, I ask that they work with us and provide us with any information they have so that we can identify those responsible,' he said.

'Retaliation, tit-for-tat type behaviour really doesn't achieve much, but there is nothing at this point to suggest that that will be the case.'

Melbourne's criminal underbelly joined friends and family to farewell slain gangster Sam 'The Punisher' Abdulrahim as he was buried in a lavish gold casket shrouded in a green and gold cloth

Friends and family mourned The Punisher

Bikies were on hand to farewell The Punisher on Thursday

It's understood Abdulrahim, a champion boxer and former Mongol bikie, flew into Melbourne from Thailand on Monday and had only stayed at Quest one night before his murder.

In his last weeks alive, Abdulrahim was said to have become 'something of a ghost' as he moved between Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand but returned to Melbourne when his funds ran dry.

One man at the crime scene told Daily Mail Australia he had attempted to warn Abdulrahim not to leave the previous location he had been hiding out at.

'He wasn't scared, he wasn't scared of anything, he always said, "When my time comes, my time comes",' the man said.

On Tuesday, Abdulrahim was shot multiple times in the underground car park before his killers fled in a stolen white Porsche SUV, later found burnt out in nearby Reservoir.

A woman who was with Abdulrahim when he was executed escaped unscathed.

Up to 40 friends and family of the feared gangster converged outside the hotel, with police allowing some to enter the car park to see Abdulrahim's body.

Several mourners were seen embracing one another as they enter the mosque moments before Abdulrahim's body was carried inside in a gold-plated casket just before 1030am

Hundreds of mourners arrived at a mosque in Melbourne's north

Brothers in arms: The Punisher's father (right) is comforted at his son's funeral

The murder has also sparked fears of retaliation attacks after Abdulrahim's sister Ektimal took to social media just hours after his death with a message for his killer.

'Whoever shot my brother to death, I'm after u mother f***er,' she wrote. 'I know it's u dog. Never ends here.'

As detectives hunt the assassins behind Abdulrahim's daylight execution in Melbourne on Tuesday, many in the underworld think they know exactly why he got clipped.

It harks back to 2016 when Abdulrahim - by his own telling - just happened to bump into Kadir Ors outside a northern Melbourne shopping centre and gave him a warm embrace.

Immediately, the once all-powerful Melbourne crime boss George Marrogi emerged and shot Ors dead then fled on foot.

The Punisher is loaded into the hearse for his final voyal

Mourners accompany The Punisher out of the mosque

Never far away: Police watch on as mourners farewell The Punisher

In his last weeks alive, Abdulrahim was said to have become 'something of a ghost' as he moved between Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand but returned to Melbourne when his funds ran dry

Mourners arrive at Abdulrahim's service at a Melbourne mosque on Thursday

Many believe Abdulrahim's presence at the hit indicated he set up Ors - and that he played the wrong card when he chose to side with Marrogi in that dispute.

In the years since, Marrogi has been jailed and had his criminal empire torn to shreds by determined Victoria Police work, rendering Abdulrahim's alliance with him useless.

Ors, by contrast, had a relationship to men who would go on to become the real criminal overlords of today.

The brother of exiled crime boss Kaz Hamad was beside Ors when Abdulrahim greeted him - and gave chase to Marrogi after the fatal shots.

Underworld players believe Abdulrahim's role in Ors' murder is the reason he is dead today.

The relationship he began with Ors widow after his murder only rubbed salt in the wounds.

However, Abdulrahim had a major role in the current underworld war plaguing Melbourne, so other motivations and a wide range of suspects have not been discounted.

Abdulrahim had made enemies across the criminal board, including his one-time bikie club, the Mongols, and senior-ranked commanders of the Comancheros, as well as a host of rivals in the Middle Eastern organised crime scene.

There have been no fewer than 18 attacks staged against Abdulrahim - or directed at him by firebombing or shooting his friends and associates - since 2017.

On Wednesday, police identified a second car they believe is linked to the assassination.

His killers were seen fleeing the area in a white Porsche SUV, which was found ablaze a short time later on Alexandra St in Reservoir.

Police say the assailants then fled in a grey Ford Ranger ute, which was seen travelling to Western Avenue in Westmeadows.

The killers then set that car alight.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dash cam, CCTV, or any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
A leading criminal psychologist has pointed out a flaw in the disturbing theory that a foreign power is behind the recent spate of anti-Semitic attacks in Australia.

Sydney and Melbourne have been at the centre of the attacks with synagogues firebombed, cars defaced and slurs and swastikas graffitied on buildings.

The latest alleged incident was the discovery of a caravan packed with explosives at Dural, in north-west Sydney, along with a list of Jewish targets.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed last week that detectives were probing whether foreign actors had been paying local criminals to commit the acts.

Dr Tim Watson-Munro told Daily Mail Australia it would not be the 'first time there has been foreign interference in other nation's activities and affairs'.

'It has been well publicised in terms the influence of the Russians and Chinese. We dont know enough yet to say definitively one way or the other,' he said.

However he said a well-organised campaign with international masterminds would be unlikely to be using such crude and basic forms of vandalism.

'If there was foreign influence it is pretty unsophisticated. You would expect foreign influence to be more sophisticated than this.'

The latest alleged anti-Semitic plot was foiled on January 19 after NSW Police were alerted to a caravan containing explosives at Dural, in north-west Sydney

The caravan containing explosives, anti-Semitic messages and a list of Jewish targets was discovered almost two weeks ago, but that was only made public on Wednesday.

'We should all be horrified and terrified by this development,' Dr Watson-Munro said.

'It represents an escalation of violent thinking among some members of the community ever since October 7, 2023 (when Hamas operatives invaded Israel).

'The discovery of this amount of explosives anywhere would cause alarm whatever its purpose may be.

'Who knows what the purpose and intent the owners of the explosives may have had but its a huge coincidence if it is not to do with hate crime.'

Following the caravan discovery, NSW Police arrested a couple who were described as being on the 'periphery' of what appeared to be a suspected anti-Semitic terror plot.

Sydney and Melbourne have been at the centre of the biggest attacks over the last few months with synagogues firebombed, cars defaced and disgusting slurs graffitied on buildings

Leading criminal psychologist Dr Tim Watson-Munro said the discovery of the caravan was a terrifying

It is understood those arrests were of Tammie Farrugia and her partner Scott Marshall.

Farrugia was charged last week over an alleged anti-Semitic attack at Woollahra in December.

Marshall was charged late last year with weapons and drug offences to which he has pleaded not guilty.

The couple have not been charged in relation to the caravan.

'It would suggest hate crime was on their minds and clearly it reflects strong anti-Semitic sentiments,' Dr Watson-Munro.

'Its a matter of joining the dots which isnt too hard to do in this case it would seem.'

One police source told the Daily Telegraph that the discovery of a target list inside a caravan which was left in a place that attracted the attention of authorities suggested it could be a 'false flag' operation or an attempt to manipulate police by framing others.

However Dr Watson-Munro said it could also be explained by sheer incompetence, or as a way to 'create fear in the community by telegraphing intention without the actual intent to carry it out'.

'I have assessed people who have been extraordinarily stupid in terms of leaving an evidence trail,' he said.

'If you look at the case in Christchurch the offender (Mosque gunman Brenton Tarrant) filmed his activity in real time so he was getting his message across.

'I guess the alternative possibility is that it is possibly a set up.'

It is understood the 'periphery' arrests were that of Tammie Farrugia and her boyfriend Scott Marshall (pictured), but they have not been charged in relation to the caravan

'We need more evidence and more analysis and a comprehensive statement from the police once they are across it all,' he said.

'Whether it is meant to generate terror without inflicting terror, the net result is the same - it creates apprehension in the community.'

Last week as part of the Motive & Method podcast he does with renowned criminologist Dr Xanthe Mallett, Dr Watson-Munro interviewed Deakin University Associate Professor Matteo Vergani about rising hate crime in Australia.

'The good professor said it is real, it is escalating,' Dr Watson-Munro said.

'In the context of what of what has been going on around Australia you can understand why people would be very fearful of this development (the caravan discovery).'

As to the prospect of how real the threat was of the explosives actually being used in a terror attack, Dr Watson-Munro said it must be treated as such.

'Talk can escalate, who knows what may have happened if the caravan and its contents not been discovered,' he said.

'I see it all the time in drug cases where (people) shoot their mouths off about how great it is going to be; we will bring in tons of this and that.

'Whether the actual importation did occur, whether they were just talking out of their a***s doesnt matter to the court. It is the intent that is the important thing.

'As for this case who knows? But what you have got here is not pretend explosives, they are real explosives

'You have something that is weaponised, that has the potential to kill a lot of people, so we are not purely dealing with fantasy land or speculation.'
The mayor of a Sydney council has defended its staff salaries after she voted to hike rates by a whopping 40 per cent.

On Tuesday night, the Northern Beaches Council voted 8-7 to increase rates by 36.6 per cent over three years.

If the NSW Independent Regulator approves the increase, residents would see their rates rise by $673 per annum.

About 200 outraged locals protested outside the council building, forcing the meeting to stop twice due to disruptions.

Independent councillor Vincent De Luca, who voted against the proposal, said the council spends $25 million on 111 managers, directors and executives.

Council chief executive Scott Phillips earns an eye-watering $544,875 a year, which is almost as much as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's $586,950 pay packet.

Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins defended Mr Phillips's salary, telling Channel 10's The Project that his earnings were 'not unusual'.

'So we don't have a liquidity problem,' Cr Heins told Channel 10's The Project on Wednesday.

Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins (pictured) defended council CEO Scott Phillips' salary, claiming his $544,875 a year earnings were 'not unusual'

The mayor was confronted about the rate increase by The Project host Sarah Harris

'We also, like all councils at that very senior position, that is a position that is not coming under any award.

'We all look and headhunt for people that we're looking for. So our CEO's rate is not unusual.'

Mr Phillips was hired in 2023 on a five-year contract after working as the CEO of Local Government NSW.

The Northern Beaches Council annual report for 2023/24 revealed its four senior staff members, excluding Mr Phillips, earned a combined $2,846,877.

Those figures expose the Northern Beaches Council as having paid its top executives more than almost any other council in Sydney's metropolitan area.

Northern Beaches Council employs an extraordinary 1800 staff at a total cost of $159 million, accounting for 40 per cent of its annual budget.

Cr Heins also justified the council's rate rise, claiming the Northern Beaches was 'really affected by weather events', making it prone to 'road issues, storm issues' and 'stormwater issues'.

The Project host Sarah Harris asked the mayor if the massive rate rise could push residents struggling with the cost of living out of the area.

'Not everyone who lives on the Northern Beaches is rich, some people have been there for generations,' Harris said.

Cr Heins said it was a 'concern' as the area's demographic has many young families and is also made up of a large senior population; two groups that can ill afford such a sharp increase in rates..

Mr Phillips (pictured) earns an eye-watering $544,875 a year, which is $42,075 short of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese 's $586,950 pay packet

'It is something we are very well aware of,' Cr Heins said.

'Our senior demographic, who are very much on fixed incomes, are obviously going to find this very, very challenging.'

However she said council could not 'keep being the credit card' for its residents in keeping all services running at increasing cost.

'The cost of everything is increasing, whether it's your power bill, whether it's your water bill, whether it's insurance, everything is increasing,' Cr Heins said.

'There is a point of which councils have tried to absorb as many increases as possible but we can't keep being the credit card.

'We need to keep helping everybody'.

The Northern Beaches Council represents about 267,000 residents in its roughly 50 suburbs from Palm Beach to Manly.

While the area is a relatively well-off part of Sydney, many of the longer-term residents who attended the meeting said the extra $673 - the average annual rise - was more than many could afford.

About 200 outraged locals gathered outside Dee Why council chambers to protest the vote.

Many were seen holding signs that read 'manage within your budget' and 'cut backs before rate increases', while the group chanted 'sack them all'.

It comes after council voted to hike rates by up to 40 per cent over three years, sparking a protest from outraged locals (pictured)

About 200 angry residents protested the vote, with many claiming the increase was 'outrageous' (pictured)

One local told Daily Mail Australia he was shocked at 'the cheek' of the council to raise rates so much and questioned what he is getting in return.

'I've been paying rates, first to Manly Council, then to the Northern Beaches Council, for 21 years, and the services have not kept up with rate hikes,' he said.

'I thought the rates were too high two decades ago, but they have risen steadily every year and now they want to put it up by 40 per cent. It's outrageous.

'We've got nice beaches here, but mother nature provided that, not the council. What are they spending all the money on that they need to slam locals like that?'

A woman at the meeting said: 'They're treating us like idiots. The mayor sounded like a school teacher chastising us.

'A lot of us are struggling. This is going to send people and a lot of small businesses to the wall.'

The proposed rate rise will be taken to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal which will judge whether a 39.6 per cent increase over three years is fair.

If approved, it will raise around $57million extra every year.
Elon Musk is bringing his 'hardcore' work ethic to DOGE as he's reportedly told allies he's been sleeping in their Washington offices.

The DOGE chairman has kept at the same pace as Donald Trump's fast-moving administration, already pitching several ideas and ensuring that Trump's vision is carried out at the highest level.

Now, it appears he's first to arrive and last to leave, telling multiple associates that he's been offered the Lincoln Bedroom by the administration, Wired reported.

Musk claims he has settled for the DOGE office in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, not far away.

The Tesla CEO was put there to create some boundaries between himself and the president after Chief of Staff Susie Wiles denied him an office in the West Wing.

He supposedly told allies this at The Alfalfa Club, an exclusive Washington gathering that exists only to hold an annual black tie banquet on the last Saturday of January at the Capital Hilton.

Musk is known for his 'hardcore' work habits and for demanding similar ethic of his employees.

The billionaire Tesla founder in 2022 sensationally took over Twitter and renamed it X to much dismay from staff, 80 per cent of whom found themselves unceremoniously sacked.

Elon Musk is bringing his 'hardcore' work attitude to DOGE as he's reportedly told allies he's been sleeping in their Washington offices.

Musk claims he has been sleeping in the DOGE office in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, not far away

At the time, he sent a letter to staff titled: 'A Fork in the Road' which warned he needed to be 'extremely hardcore' in order to 'build a breakthrough Twitter 2.0 and succeed in an increasingly competitive world.'

'This will mean working long hours at high intensity,' he told staff. 'Only exceptional performance will constitute a passing grade.'

Musk offered employees a link to click if they were certain they wanted to 'be part of the new Twitter.'

Anyone who did not click the link by 5pm the very next day were immediately handed three months severance pay and let go.

'Whatever decision you make, thank you for your efforts to make Twitter successful.'

Donald Trump's letter to federal employees was revealed and illustrates the stark similarities between the two - including the same exact title - suggesting that 'First Buddy' Musk has had a significant role in shaping the policy.

'If you choose to remain in your current position, we thank you for your renewed focus on serving the American people to the best of your abilities and look forward to working together as part of an improved federal workforce.

'At this time, we cannot give you full assurance regarding the certainty of your position or agency but should your position be eliminated you will be treated with dignity and will be afforded the protections in place for such positions.

Musk has been telling multiple associates that he's been offered the Lincoln Bedroom by the administration

The DOGE chairman has kept at the same pace as Donald Trump's fast-moving administration, already pitching several ideas and ensuring that Trump's vision is carried out at the highest level

'If you choose not to continue in your current role in the federal workforce, we thank you for your service to your country and you will be provided with a dignified, fair departure from the federal government utilizing a deferred resignation program.'

Musk has since shared on X that he commissioned an artwork of an enormous fork standing in the road.

'Two years ago, I commissioned an art piece: A Fork in the Road,' he wrote.

'Had to make sure that civilization took the path most likely to pass the Fermi Great Filters.'

The art piece is located at the Tesla HQ in Texas.

Musk's role with the Department of Government Efficiency is primarily to reduce unnecessary government spending.

'DOGE is saving the Federal Government approx. $1 billion/day, mostly from stopping the hiring of people into unnecessary positions, deletion of DEI and stopping improper payments to foreign organizations, all consistent with the Presidents Executive Orders,' DOGE said in a statement.

'A good start, though this number needs to increase to > $3 billion/day.'

Musk has hinted he is the mastermind behind Donald Trump 's latest decision to purge federal government with a symbolic picture harking back to his Twitter cleanse

Musk's DOGE has hit the ground running much like the rest of the Trump administration in the first week on the job.

DOGE has set to work removing the Chief Diversity Officers Executive Council website from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

President Trump has been highly vocal about his intention to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion offices across federal government, describing them as 'Marxist.'

'I will end all of the Marxist diversity, equity and inclusion policies across the entire federal government immediately,' Trump said in December.

Prior to Trump reclaiming the White Hosue, the website described its services as the 'principal interagency forum to implement and sustain a national strategy for DEIA across Federal government.'

But Musk's call to wipe the website from the personnel platform indicates the entire department will be - or has already been - shuttered.

The department is also looking into stopping production of the penny to save taxpayers money.

In a post on X, the group pointed out that a penny now costs three cents to make - triple its value.

That cost taxpayers a whopping $179 million in fiscal year 2023, the post said.

Welcome to MAGALAND: Insider Trump's Second 100 Days - The podcast bringing you the latest news and gossip from the White House. Listen here.

DOGE has been tasked with coming up with recommendations on how to cut federal spending.

It's unclear if it would advise permanently killing off the penny, or just halting or trimming the penny's production.

Musk's DOGE has been tasked with reducing government expenditure and improving productivity within the public service.

He claims it can save $1trillion - but that number has already been worked down from the initial $2trillion he promised recently.

For the latest White House gossip and news, listen to the Daily Mail's new politics podcast, Welcome to MAGAland. Available wherever you get your podcasts now.
Brian Walden and Margaret Thatcher were soulmates. He was a Labour MP who became a TV interviewer, she was the Tory leader whose radical restoration of economic choice and class aspiration rescued Britain in the 1980s.

Though from different parties, they were both working-class challengers to the old order and they bonded.

Yet by the end of that astonishing decade they had fallen out  and they would never speak again. Lady Thatcher died in 2013 and Walden in 2019, their friendship unrepaired.

What happened? Politics happened  or rather, politics and political journalism. They are similar but, in the end, they are incompatible. That is one lesson from Channel 4s new two-part drama Brian And Maggie, starring Steve Coogan and Dame Harriet Walter, which started last night.

There are other lessons: that power is best when driven by ideas, worst when fuelled by Westminster plotting; that history repeats itself; and that too long in office can drive prime ministers mad.

Oh, and that decisiveness and directness are wonderfully refreshing. Are we not all heartily sick of politicians trying to be all things to all voters?

Last nights episode opened with two people patting their hairdos. One was Mrs Thatcher, making sure her celebrated coiffure was immaculate.

Steve Coogan as Brian Walden and Harriet Walter as Margaret Thatcher in Channel 4's gripping drama Brian and Maggie

Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher with journalist and broadcaster Brian Walden at Southbank Studios

The second was ITVs Weekend World interviewer Walden, equally anxious that his barnet was just so. Personal vanity is as prevalent in TV interrogators as it is in prime ministers. That was true in the 1980s and it is no doubt true now  although at least they had something to be vain about back then.

The drama, which ends tonight, is a throwback to the time when PMs would give unexpurgated 45-minute network TV interviews.

Senior politicians run away from such things today. They refuse to submit to in-depth scrutiny by the likes of Andrew Neil. Instead they let themselves be interviewed by their husbands, such as when Ed Balls questioned Yvette Cooper.

To quote Walden in this show, the modern trend is breakfast TV b*****ks, cosy chitchats on the sofa, five minutes long, questions unanswered, politicians spouting their own agendas. One hopes the bosses of the BBC and ITV reflect on that line. Todays broadcasters are terrible at political scrutiny, and not just because the main politicians wont submit to proper questioning.

How many of todays top TV presenters understand, as Brian Walden did, that the working classes hate their tax money being used for endless benefits? They dont want handouts. They want politicians out of their lives and out of their bank accounts.

Does a Robert Peston or Emily Maitlis or Nick Robinson or Ed Balls grasp such things? Why do most presenters of TV political shows approach every problem from the centre-Left?

Mrs T liked Walden. James Grahams drama depicts the two of them having a long, confidential chat over whisky at 10 Downing Street. She was the grocers daughter from Grantham. He was the son of a West Bromwich glassworker whose mother, a bookbinder, died when he was a boy. Neither came from the London media-politics bubble.

Does a Robert Peston (pictured) or Emily Maitlis or Nick Robinson or Ed Balls grasp that the working classes hate their tax money being used for endless benefits? Why do most presenters of TV political shows approach every problem from the centre-Left?

Actress Harriet Walter is seen reclining in the former PM's trademark pussybow blouses; the docuseries is based on the book Why is This Lying B***ard Lying To Me?, by political editor and TV producer Rob Burley

Waldens mothers occupation meant there were books at home. The young Brian read them and made it to Oxford University, as did Margaret Hilda Roberts.

Both had to overcome hurdles. She battled patronising, condescending Tory grandees of that time, most of whom had been to public school. In a scene from tonights episode, Walden understands why she is so obstinate. People like us, they wouldnt let us in if we were weak, he says.

In interviews she met his questions face-on. Last night we saw Walden asking Thatcher if her policies would increase the wealth gap. Does it mean more inequality? he asked. A modern politician would shy away from any such admission but Mrs Thatcher, unashamed, replied: It does mean more, yes.

As Walden later marvelled to colleagues at London Weekend Television (LWT), she actually answers the b****y question! How many ministers do that nowadays?

Brian And Maggie is a feast of good acting, some dreadful wigs, nostalgia and topicality. Relish the snatches of disco music, Gordon Honeycombe reading the news, shots of the Royal Navy sailing off to the Falklands and Evening Standard billboards on the streets of London.

There were parallels with todays politics, as the story opened with a Labour government in hock to the unions and wrecking the economy. The political elite of the mid-1970s lacked the gumption or honesty to see that a radical shift was needed. Nothing changes, eh?

Harriet Walter and Steve Coogan in character as Margaret and Brian

Harriet can be seen sat with Ivan Kaye, 63, as Conservative politician Nigel Lawson

Harriet sporting glasses similar to what the former prime minister wore

Steve Coogan has said he grew up knowing all about Brian Walden, and even voiced his puppet on 1980s satirical show Spitting Image

Walden appraised the young, new, female leader of the Opposition and saw someone who was prepared to be radical. She was pretty raw at first but soon got the hang of things.

Coogan catches Waldens voice but not, perhaps, the real mans chipmunkish screen smile and the faux innocence with which he sometimes began his lines of questioning.

Dame Harriets Thatcher is the more compelling presence: a voice that develops in breathiness and timbre with the years; the tense tautness of the skin around the nose when she smiled; the snarl of bared teeth when she felt endangered; and the ferocity of attack when she detected a weakness in someones intellectual case.

In preview publicity Dame Harriet, an off-the-peg Leftie, did some classic luvvy self-distancing from Mrs T. Ridiculous. We do not expect actors who play Lady Macbeth to denounce her.

But on screen Dame Harriet does the old girl honour, even if her final outing at the Commons despatch box in tonights episode is underdone. I was in the press gallery at Parliament that day. Mrs T was scintillating, scorching, imperious even in defeat.

Walden, an ex-Labour MP, pictured grilling the then PM on October 29, 1989; the Iron Lady would resign a year later

In the real-life interview, Mrs Thatcher, under fire following the resignation of her Chancellor Nigel Lawson, appeared more vulnerable than in previous interviews with Walden

Look out for some ripe cameos under the directorship of Stephen Frears: Nigel Lawson (Ivan Kaye) looks more like Kojaks brother Stavros than the towering Chancellor he was, and Paul Higginss deputy PM Geoffrey Howe is a watery coward, topped by a ludicrous syrup and clutching his groin when he has to stand up to Mrs T.

There is also a growly turn from Paul Clayton as Thatchers press secretary Bernard Ingham. As a young reporter I called Ingham at home one Sunday to check a story. He replied with a single, unprintable word and put down the receiver.

There is a delicious scene in which Lawson, Howe and others turn up en masse in Mrs Ts study and she steamrollers them through sheer force of self-belief. Or was it megalomania? By the end she was, it is suggested, slipping off to a health therapist for mineral baths to stop her chin wrinkling.

Not even the greatest PM can survive without the Cabinets support. Walden saw that and, by then a hard-nosed journalist rather than a political courtier, pressed her about it quite hard on air just after Lawsons resignation. She felt betrayed and cut Walden from her life for ever.

A few anachronisms. In the 1980s people did not say Im good when asked how they were. And they said caved in instead of caved.

I was surprised that Mrs Ts great friend Ian Gow seems to be depicted in tonights episode as one of the wobblers and the wets plotting to topple her at the party to mark her tenth year as PM.

Mrs Ts great friend Ian Gow pictured at the Conservative Party Conference in 1983

Simon Paisley Day as former politician Ian Gow interacting with Harriet Walter in character as Margaret

At that party they crow about the ruins of socialism. If only. Todays British politics shows that socialism is very much back in power  ruinously so.

Brian Walden saw himself as some gobby bloke with a common-as-muck Midlands accent. The LWT editor hiring him agrees, saying: You sound like our audience. How often does modern TV sound like, or reflect the views of, its audience? GB News tries but is hounded by the authorities.

What a decade, what a woman, what a leader, runs one line in the drama. Another has a Left-wing TV researcher complaining about Thatcherite materialism, saying: We used to have communities and now we just have stuff. Thanks to a return to high taxes and public spending, we dont even have much stuff now.

You can change a country in a decade, says Dame Harriets Mrs T. One can but dream that might still be possible.
Taxpayers' money is being used to fund new clothes and shoes for Channel crossing migrants, with 3,000 being spent every day, according to new figures.

The packs are handed out to men, women, and children to replace their seawater soaked clothing when they arrive in Dover after their dinghys have been intercepted by Border Force vessels.

The freebies include 'weather-appropriate footwear' such as flip-flops in the summer, while in the winter they are given a puffer jacket, hat, and gloves.

According to one former official, the thousands of different sized clothing are being kept in a quayside store house that is the same size as a M&S store.

They even have changing rooms for migrants to try on their newly-acquired outfits. The migrants are reportedly allowed to keep their old clothes.

It has cost a total of almost 4million in the past three years, reported The Telegraph, but the Home Office insists the migrants' wet clothing needs to be replaced due to health and safety.

The government department would not give details about the brand of clothes.

In rare cases, some migrants are given a 'very basic' mobile phone so they can maintain contact with immigration officials.

However, the Home Office said this was not a regular practice.

An inflatable dinghy carrying around 65 migrants crosses the English Channel on March 6, 2024

Migrants wearing puffer jackets arrive at the Ibis hotel Luton in November 2024

The figures, obtained by The Telegraph through a freedom of information request, revealed 3,733,145 for 2022-23 and the first 10 months of 2024 had been spent on new clothes.

The Home Office told The Telegraph the 'basic clothing pack (is) similar to those issued via the Prison Service consisting of underwear, socks, T-shirt, trousers/jogging bottoms, sweatshirt and weather-appropriate footwear such as flip-flops/sliders, plimsolls or trainers'.

The revelation has enraged some quarters and now there have been calls for secondhand clothing to be used instead.

And those who are granted permission to stay in the UK should pay back the cost of the clothing, according to former Border Force director general Tony Smith.

Alp Mehmet, the chairman of Migration Watch, said: 'You get dried off, re-clothed and put up in comfort to await the inevitable good news that you can stay for good.

'That's why record numbers will continue to come, and "smashing the gangs" is a pipe dream.'

This week, it was revealed more than 50 relatives of asylum seekers are being given permission to come to Britain every day.

The number of family members of refugees granted visas to settle here has more than trebled in a year, the most recent figures show.

Home Office data has revealed that 19,154 relatives of asylum seekers, many of whom will have first crossed the Channel to Britain in a small boat, followed them to the UK in the year to September 2024.

Two dinghies carrying 190 migrants were spotted by Border Force vessels on January 25, 2025

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Around 10,000 of these will have been children with the rest adults, most of whom will have been spouses.

This is more than three times more family reunion visas than the same period to September 2023, when 5,805 visas were granted.

Applicants do not have to speak any basic English or prove they can support themselves financially - and can have free access to the NHS.

Most of these refugees were from from Syria, Sudan, Eritrea, Iran and Afghanistan.

A family reunion visa allows partners and children of individuals previously granted refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK to reunite with them here. These families have to have been formed before the asylum seeker left their home country for Britain.

Reform MP Rupert Lowe has said that the Government must deport anyone arriving in the UK illegally.

The Home Office said in a statement: 'We have a long history of providing protection through various safe and legal routes for those in need.'
In the turgid world of modern academia, where lectures begin with trigger warnings and emails are signed off via preferred pronouns, James Nicholas Tooley is a breath of fresh air.

The Vice Chancellor of Buckingham University  whose friends include Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and half the Tory Establishment  has devoted recent years to combating the wokery that infests other corners of the sprawling sector.

Since taking the reins in 2020, hes boldly championed free speech and critical thinking, welcoming exiles and refugees excluded from other institutions to his payroll, while giving speeches and interviews attacking the insidious march of cancel culture across higher education.

Last year, Tooley went so far as to unveil a new centre for studying woke ideology on his leafy campus, saying he felt Buckinghams founder Margaret Thatcher at his shoulder.

Shortly afterwards, it emerged that Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a Somali-born academic who is fiercely critical of radical Islam, was to be appointed its inaugural Thatcher chair.

This high-profile stewardship led to an extraordinary turnaround in fortunes for the small private university, which educates 3,000-odd students via intensive two-year degree courses.

In the year Tooley took office, Buckingham lost 19.8 million and was sliding towards bankruptcy. Its last accounts recorded a surplus of 6.2 million.

Success often attracts critics, however. Especially when you take on the forces of political correctness.

And that brings us to a bizarre  some might say Kafkaesque  attempt to drive Britains only anti-woke Vice Chancellor out of his 229,000-a-year job.

James Tooley is famous for his free speech campaigning and anti-woke views

James Tooley pictured with his now ex-wife Cynthia Tooley. The ugly scandal kicked off in October, when Tooley was suddenly suspended due to what Buckinghams governing Council called serious allegations about his conduct

The ugly scandal kicked off in October, when Tooley was suddenly suspended due to what Buckinghams governing Council called serious allegations about his conduct.

An ensuing media frenzy not only saw the 65-year-old publicly shamed, but also led to him being briefly barred from his home, the grace-and-favour Ondaatje Hall on the banks of the River Ouse.

It wasnt until this Tuesday, 16 long weeks later, that Tooley was properly vindicated.

The University has now declared that he may return to work, after a detailed investigation by a leading barrister established that the various allegations which had led to his cancellation were not substantiated. Or, in other words, the serious claims were all false.

The findings have come as no surprise to friends of Tooley, a mild-mannered and kindly character who devoted most of his adult life prior to joining Buckingham to establishing low-cost private schools in the developing world.

Those who know the man say he has been deeply traumatised by the events of recent months.

They believe that the attempted putsch was part of an orchestrated Left-wing witch hunt designed to unjustly push him out of a job.

It remains unclear how much the affair, and its fallout, will end up costing.

James Tooley is pictured here with his wife Cynthia at a Downing Street event, shared by her on Instagram

As a result, friends say, heads must now roll. For the good of the institution, people now need to stand aside  both individual employees and members of the Council, says Lord (Daniel) Hannan, one of Buckinghams best-known lecturers.

They have brought the University into disrepute, at best by displaying a stunning lack of judgment and at worst malevolence.

Diana Blamires, the former head of PR at the university, said: Its an absolute travesty that James was put through four months of hell.

The allegations were unfounded and I hope the people responsible for this pay the price for what they have done.

To understand how this shambles came to pass, one must appreciate the truly surreal circumstances in which Tooley was originally suspended back in October.

Only now can this story be properly told. At its centre are two curious facts.

First, several powerful members of Buckinghams Council had for some time prior to October been attempting to engineer Tooleys departure.

The group appear to have become particularly concerned about his forays into the culture wars.

Various key figures on Council  which is chaired by Mark St John Qualter, a Liverpudlian fintech (financial technology) entrepreneur, and boasts as vice chair Camilla Soames (wife of the Confederation of British Industry boss Rupert, whose grandfather was Winston Churchill)  also seemed anxious to block the appointment of Ayaan Hirsi Ali.

James had twice been told, in recent months, that the Council wanted to remove him at the end of his contract, says a friend.

Hed responded that he had no intention of resigning, and had accrued rights, so if they wanted to get rid of him theyd have to sack him.

'That was the context for everything that came afterwards.

James Tooley and his wife Cynthia outside No 10 Downing Street

Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, every single one of the serious allegations that led to the Vice Chancellors suspension were made by his estranged wife Cynthia, with whom he was in the throes of negotiating an acrimonious divorce.

Cynthia, a Nigerian-born entrepreneur, TV personality and mother-of-two  who, at 41, is almost a quarter of a century younger than Tooley  had married him after a whirlwind relationship in February 2022.

Relations became strained last summer and by the time the autumn term started, Tooley was speaking to a divorce lawyer.

At this point Cynthia decided to approach her husbands employer to make not one, but two serious allegations about his behaviour.

Her first complaint involved a firearm: she claimed that Tooley was illegally keeping an unlicensed weapon at his grace-and-favour home.

Cynthias second allegation involved the Vice Chancellors love life: she alleged that roughly a decade earlier, Tooley had pursued an inappropriate intimate relationship with a much younger woman in India, where hed been carrying out one of his charitable school projects.

In support of the latter claim, Cynthia gave the university copies of an array of WhatsApp messages, along with several diaries that had been written by the woman (who was in her 20s at the time) and given to her then 50-something husband.

Cynthias complaints appear to have initially been heard by Qualter. But rather than treating them with a degree of scepticism  they did not, after all, come from a wholly unbiased source  he decided to act on them immediately by calling the Vice Chancellor to an urgent meeting on the morning of October 11.

There followed an Orwellian exchange in which Tooley was told that hed been accused of something serious  but not the identity of the accuser, or even what the alleged misdemeanour was.

He was then told to vacate Ondaatje Hall within two hours, leave the campus and not return without permission.

Later that day, this already curious situation descended into farce, when Thames Valley Police descended on his home and carried out a search.

It quickly emerged that the unlicensed firearm was in fact a small-bore air pistol, of a type commonly used by children for target shooting.

Such devices are perfectly legal and do not need to be licensed, so the officers went home a couple of minutes later.

James Tooley stood down temporarily from his 229,000-a-year-role at the University of Buckingham in October last year

Despite this series of events, Cynthias complaints continued to be taken seriously.

A few hours later, an email was sent to all of Buckinghams students and staff members announcing that Tooley had been suspended.

Many who received the message felt that its effect (it repeated the line that there had been serious allegations about his conduct) was to give the distinct impression that there was substance to the claims.

The decision to suspend Tooley was also felt to be highly irregular, since it was taken without consent being obtained from the universitys Council, which includes such grandees as the Tory peer Lord (Peter) Lilley.

They didnt meet to discuss the whole thing until the following Monday, some three days later.

As for Tooley, he was forced to take up residence in a hotel. It took nearly a week, and several letters from Tooleys lawyers, for the university to allow him back into his home.

By this stage, the poor man was not only in a state of severe distress over the public nature of his sanction, but had become concerned about the fate of his ex-wifes cat, which she had left behind at the property when she moved out.

The hapless creature was abandoned for several days in a room that no one had a key for. Luckily, no lasting harm was done.

Yet Tooleys ordeal was only just beginning. For Qualters Council then appointed a KC, Joseph OBrien, to look into his estranged wifes allegations about the prior relationship with a woman from India.

Buckingham students outside St Peter and St Paul Church on graduation day

They decided that Tooley ought to remain suspended until OBriens investigations were completed. And OBrien is not a man to conclude such enquiries quickly.

To critics, this felt more than a little rum. To any normal person, it would be obvious that these were frivolous and mendacious allegations made against the backdrop of a toxic divorce, one told me.

They should never be given the time of day, and if there was to be an investigation, James ought to remain in office until it concludes.

'Instead we have a situation where the process of investigation is itself a form of punishment.

On October 18, I wrote about the affair in the Daily Mail, revealing for the first time that all of the mysterious allegations against Tooley had come from Cynthia, and disclosing that the claim about an unlicensed firearm had been found to be completely false.

My article also mentioned the sad state of affairs involving the couples cat.

Five days later, things took a further turn, when I received an anonymous email making a series of claims (all of which were easily debunked) about the Vice Chancellors relationship with a girl living in poverty in a 3rd world country and suggesting (in broken English) that the real victim of the affair was Cynthia, who has no income and nowhere to live with her children due to the suspension of her husband.

Not long after it dropped into my inbox, Cynthia Tooley herself contacted me to deny being involved in an acrimonious divorce from her husband, saying that our coverage seemed to hinge on me being a scorned wife, so I wondered [sic] on what basis I was in a divorce?

Bizarrely, her email carried, by way of an attachment, a letter from James Tooleys lawyer dated October 12 declaring that he intends to seek a divorce at the earliest opportunity as a consequence of your conduct towards him.

Assuming that similar messages were directed to OBrien, one can perhaps see how getting to the bottom of it all took time.

The investigation eventually established that James Tooley had indeed pursued a perfectly legal relationship with a woman in Hyderabad several years ago. It began when she was 25, and had finished education (he was in his 50s) and ended in around 2019. He was kind and thoughtful and always treated me with respect, the woman has told reporters.

Buckingham, the country's oldest private university, was founded in 1976 and granted university status seven years later

OBriens findings now raise a number of awkward questions, not least regarding why the Council saw fit to dig into an episode from its employees private life which took place more than a decade earlier and involved no obvious criminality.

Friends of James Tooley are duly baying for blood. I gather that dozens of senior academics intend to seek the resignation of not only Qualter and Camilla Soames, who they believe should take responsibility for the Councils failings, but also three senior employees who ran the university in his absence and are judged to be similarly culpable.

They are Harriet Dunbar-Morris, the Pro Vice Chancellor; David Cole, the chief financial officer; and Chris Payne, the registrar.

While James is delighted to have been exonerated, the toll this sham of a process has taken on him is unforgivable, says one close friend.

This attempted coup appears to be a politically motivated hit job led by a cowardly cabal who should now resign in shame.

'They nearly destroyed Jamess reputation, without caring about the impact on his health, but it is their reputations that now ought to be in the mud.

Another publicly calling for heads to roll is retired Buckingham journalism lecturer Roger Perkins.

He tells me: I have written to demand the head of Council resign immediately. Its incumbent on the Council to show that the university is being run well, but suspending James and making him leave his house was outrageous.'

Whether lessons will ever be learned is, however, anyones guess. For even now, friends of Tooley accuse those who persecuted him of still playing PR games.

One tells me that although the Council received OBriens report vindicating Tooley on Monday, they sat on its findings until 6pm the following day.

The Council waited until after newspapers had gone to bed to announce the decision to reinstate him.

I assume that was done on the advice of their crisis management PR firm, but trying to spin-doctor things at this stage reflects very poorly on the Council.

'It does not appear to be the behaviour of a body interested in just outcomes.

That PR firm, MC2, denies employing dark arts, instead issuing a statement that fails to include so much as a word of apology to James Tooley.

The report found that the allegations were not substantiated, and after consideration by Council the suspension has been brought to an end, it reads.

The university is liaising with the Vice Chancellor in relation to his return to work.

And so the man who fought cancel culture at the university that Thatcher built has finally been un-cancelled.

Additional reporting: Eleanor Harding
A Las Vegas man accused of shooting dead his girlfriend last month was caught on doorbell camera footage threatening to kill her.

Markeem Benson, 29, allegedly shot 33-year-old tattoo artist Renise Wolfe in the back of the head four times in her apartment on December 22, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

He had originally claimed he was acting in self-defense when he turned himself in to North Las Vegas police later in the day.

But doorbell camera footage presented to a grand jury earlier this month, which has since been obtained by KLAS, seem to refute those claims.

It shows him walking into Wolfe's apartment, muttering: 'I just almost want to kill you b****. I just want to kill yo' ass.'

Several videos captured over the next few hours showed Benson wearing different clothing, and crime scene photos from Wolfe's apartment showed him allegedly trying to wipe up blood.

At around 1.20am that day, the surveillance footage also recorded the sounds of about two to four gunshots, KSNV reports.

Yet the North Las Vegas Police Department was not called to the scene until 10.16am, when Benson's father told a dispatcher he wanted to turn himself in.

Markeem Benson, 29, allegedly shot 33-year-old tattoo artist Renise Wolfe in the back of the head four times in her apartment on December 22

Wolfe had been dating Benson for five months, and her family had thought she seemed happy in her relationship

'Ma'am I believe there's been, there's a murder, ma'am,' Eric Benson could be heard telling the dispatcher in audio obtained by KLAS.

'I can't even think straight. Just send police to Buffalo Wild Wings,' he pleaded.

When the dispatcher then asked who had been killed, the worried father replied that it was his son's girlfriend.

'They got into it and they tussled with the gun,' he told police. 'She, she - it went off, and he said she's dead.'

Benson could also be heard in his father's call confirming that the shooting happened the night prior.

'Markeem said he fell asleep after the shooting and police were not notified for almost nine hours after the shooting,' officers wrote in the arrest report.

Police then met Benson outside of the restaurant, from where he pointed out Wolfe's apartment before he was taken into custody.

The officers who responded to the scene then found Wolfe dead from gunshot wounds, with a gun and magazine near her body.

In their analysis of the scene, the detectives determined the shots were fired from a downward angle while Wolfe was on the ground.

'This means Markeem would have been standing over the top of Renise as he fired that round,' the police report states, with an autopsy later confirming that Wolfe was shot four times in the back of the head.

Doorbell camera footage from December 22 shows Benson walking into Wolfe's apartment, threatening to kill her

Several videos captured over the next few hours showed Benson wearing different clothing

Her family has previously said she and Benson attended a family holiday party hours before she was killed.

The family said she seemed happy in her relationship, which had only been going on for five months, and thought Benson was a caring and loving boyfriend.

Wolfe's mother, Tracy Coleman, even noted that Benson was always checking in on Wolfe and dropping in at her tattoo studio to see her.

The only sign that anything was wrong was when Benson appeared to recognize a woman at the family holiday party, which sparked an argument between him and his girlfriend.

But when he and Wolfe left the party that night, Benson promised Wolfe's mother that he would 'get her home safe' and 'take care of her.'

Instead, Coleman said, 'He shot her while she was laying on the ground. In a fetal position behind the ear.'

'What does that tell you?'

Police have said that the shots were fired from a downward angle while Wolfe was on the ground, meaning Benson would have been standing on top of her

Officers report that a witness with whom they spoke during an ensuing investigation told police Benson was 'very possessive' and had physical fights in the past.

He had two prior convictions for home invasion and attempted robbery, as well as several arrests for domestic violence-related offenses.

At the time of the shooting, Benson was even on probation for an attempted robbery conviction.

Benson was indicted by a grand jury on January 14 on charges of open murder with the us of a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

He is due back in court on February 6.
A firearms dealer arranged for guns to be delivered to neighbours who he asked to help hide how much he was spending on clothes and shoes.

Tyrelle Mack, 27, was caught when Border Force officers intercepted two packages from Slovakia and one from the Czech Republic containing four weapons.

One of the parcels was destined for his neighbour in Luton, who told investigators Mack had asked them to receive it to hide his spending on online shopping from his mother.

National Crime Agency (NCA) officers found Mack had received nine other suspect packages containing eight guns and three lots of ammunition from Ostrava in the Czech Republic.

His customer requests were to wrap [the contents] up nice please make sure it doesnt fling around inside the box and a plea to not include stickers on the box; nothing suggesting where I ordered from.

The NCA found Mack had been helped by childhood friend Ishtiaq Shah, 27, who helped him collect and store the weapons.

Both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to sell prohibited weapons in February last year.

Shah was given an 18-month suspended sentence in August but Mack was jailed for 13 years last week.

Tyrelle Mack (pictured), 27, was caught when Border Force officers intercepted two packages from Slovakia and one from the Czech Republic containing four weapons

One of the lethal firearms that was found in the suspect packages arranged by Mack

The NCA found Mack had been helped by childhood friend Ishtiaq Shah (pictured), 27, who helped him collect and store the weapons

On the same day, he was given another six years in jail for a firearms offence investigated by Scotland Yard, bringing his total sentence to 19 years.

Chris Hill, Branch Commander at the National Crime Agency, said: Mack and Shah were behind the importation of deadly weapons, which had the potential to inflict serious violence on the streets of the UK, putting members of the public in danger.

Macks ploy also put his neighbours at risk, directly involving them in serious criminality and pointing the finger of suspicion at them.

Illegal firearms have no place in this country, and the NCA, alongside our partners in policing and Border Force, are committed to combatting their supply, ensuring that the public are kept safe from harm.

No charges were brought against the people who received the packages.
A veteran inspector general of the U.S. Department of Agriculture had to be escorted out of her office after refusing to accept President Donald Trump's decision to fire her.

Phyllis Fong, a 22-year veteran of the department, told colleagues she intended to stay on despite an edict from Trump demanding her contract be terminated.

In an email to colleagues on Saturday seen by Reuters, she said she didn't believe the administration had followed proper protocols in terminating her contract.

As a result, Fong was escorted out of the building on Monday - her final day of employment.

Fong is just one of many federal staffers reportedly in denial about Trump's ability to terminate their roles, amid whispers of an internal revolt.

She insisted that the independent Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency had taken the same position.

'These termination notices do not comply with the requirements set out in law and therefore are not effective at this time,' she said.

The White House failed to publicly announce the bloodbath or provide any explanation for why it fired the officials, who are tasked with evaluating federal departments on issues including the law and use of taxpayer money.

Phyllis Fong, a 22-year veteran of the department, told colleagues she intended to stay on despite an edict from Trump demanding her contract be terminated

A veteran inspector general of the U.S. Department of Agriculture had to be escorted out of her office after refusing to accept President Donald Trump 's decision to fire her

The move sparked concerns from Republican and Democrat lawmakers that the president may have broken a federal law requiring Congress to be given 30-day notice of such firings, according to the Wall Street Journal

Inspector generals for the departments of defense, state, transportation, veterans affairs, housing and urban development, interior, and energy were all let go.

The White House defended her termination and the other inspectors general, saying 'these rogue, partisan bureaucrats... have been relieved of their duties in order to make room for qualified individuals who will uphold the rule of law and protect Democracy.'

In her role, she has had a broad mandate to pursue consumer food safety, conduct audits and investigations.

The USDA has been at the heart of concerns about bird flu, which has spread among cattle and chickens and killed a person in Louisiana.

In 2022, the inspector general's office launched an investigation of Elon Musk's brain implant startup Neuralink, which remains ongoing, sources said.

Musk and Trump developed a close relationship during the presidential campaign, earning the billionaire Tesla founder a role heading up the Department of Government Efficiency.

On Wednesday, Musk insinuated he played a significant role in Trump's plan to purge the federal workforce.

In an email to colleagues on Saturday seen by Reuters, she said she didn't believe the administration had followed proper protocols in terminating her contract

Fong was among 17 high profile federal workers fired by Trump on Friday in what critics described as a late-night purge.

Speaking to reporters afterwards aboard Air Force One, Trump defended the move saying 'it's a very common thing to do.' He did not say who would be installed in the vacant posts.

It comes after the Trump administration started sending out emails to thousands of federal workers Tuesday evening offering them a 'buyout' to voluntarily leave their government positions but remain on the payroll for months.

The administration has called for federal workers to return to the office and plans to offer the buyouts to up to two million workers who do not want to.

The email was linked to President Donald Trump's executive order demanding the office return.

It said the last date to accept the offer is February 6, and employees could simply send an email from their government account with the word 'resign' in the subject line.

An Office of Personnel Management spokesperson said employees who accept the terms were being offered the chance to go on administrative leave at full pay through September 30.

Union members and other federal employees stop in front of the White House in Washington during a rally to call for an end to the partial government shutdown, Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019

But many government workers appear ready to reject the offer and are vowing to continue working in protest.

'They cant fire us as easily as they thought, so they are trying to scare us into quitting, dont fall for it,' one staff member anonymously said.

'We took an oath to serve our country and fellow Americans. They can drag me out,' another added.

'I remain a proud civil servant. I remain extremely effective, remote or otherwise.

'Im not going to bullied out, no matter what lies they tell about me. Im going to stay and Im going to continue helping and serving those who need help until I literally cant anymore.'
A 29-year-old man suffered fatal injuries after falling hundreds of metres while at a ski resort in southern Bulgaria.

The tourist was said to have been part of a group taking pictures of the surrounding scenery when he lost his balance and fell from a height of around 600 metres (1,900 feet) at the resort in Bankso, on Tuesday afternoon.

He was found by a mountain rescue service team and taken to a hospital in the nearby town of Razlog in a serious condition with multiple injuries, emergency services said.

The victim - who was an Irish national - was initially going to be taken by the country's only air ambulance, but 'due to a technical malfunction' the journey was aborted.

He was instead transported by snowmobile before being transferred to an ambulance, Bulgarian news agency Novinite reported.

Authorities are now investigating why the helicopter experienced a malfunction.

The injured tourist was taken to a hospital in critical condition where 'life-saving measures were taken, and a full assessment of his injuries was carried out,' Dr Valentin Belchev said.

However he remained in a critical condition and died on Wednesday.

A 29-year-old Irish man suffered fatal injuries after falling 600ft at Bankso, Bulgaria (file pic)

The victim - who was an Irish national - was initially placed into a helicopter, but 'due to a technical malfunction' the journey was aborted

The tourist was instead transported by snowmobile before being transferred to an ambulance, as authorities investigate what went wrong with the helicopter

He added: 'Despite all efforts of our medical team, he eventually succumbed to his grave injuries.'

Bankso lies at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, where the highest peak, Vihren, rises to an altitude of 2,914 metres (9,560 feet).

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs said that it was 'aware of the case and is providing consular assistance', RTE reports.

The tragedy occurred on the same day a British man was killed after being swept away by a 'very large' avalanche in the French Alps.

The 55-year-old died while he was in an off-piste sector in the Chamonix valley, at the foot of Mont Blanc this afternoon, local police confirmed.

He was close to Grand Montets, Argentiere, when the landslide - said to be over 1 km long and 400 metres wide - occurred, La Provence reports.

The staff were said to be preparing to close the slopes for the day, when they noticed an avalanche stretching two-thirds of a mile down the slope.

While inspecting the area they discovered the victim's elbow, which had not been completely buried.

Medics were flown on to the mountain by helicopter but, tragically, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The prefecture of the Haute-Savoie said in a statement: 'A very large avalanche occurred in the Grands Montets ski area, in the Herse sector.

The Bulgarian rescue helicopter is believed to have suffered a technical malfunction, meaning the injured tourist had to be transported by snowmobile away from the mountains

Meanwhile a British man was killed after being swept away by a 'very large' avalanche on Mont Blanc in the French Alps (file image)

'Due to very unfavorable weather conditions and the significant risk of a second avalanche, the rescue operation was halted late in the evening. The checks carried out confirm a provisional assessment of one victim.'

The Chamonix High Mountain Gendarmerie Platoon (PGHM) said: 'The victim was a 55-year-old man of English origin.

'The reasons for the triggering of this kilometre-long and 400-metre-wide flow are currently unknown and an investigation is underway.'
Two boys aged 12 and 13 were surrounded by armed police after they were spotted playing with toy Nerf guns in a park.

Sussex Police swooped in on Greenleas Recreation Ground, in Brighton, on Saturday yelling at the youngsters to get on the ground and put down their 'weapons'.

The law enforcers reportedly only realised the guns were toys when they shot the foam bullets for themselves.

One of their mothers has claimed that the run in with police has left her son traumatised.

Speaking to BBC Radio Sussex, Annette - who did not give her last name -said: 'My son is very shaken up. He doesn't want to play in the park any more. I was so scared. It was unbelievable. I can only imagine how the boys were feeling at that moment.'

She added that her 13-year-old son is now struggling to sleep and believes he might need counselling.

According to the Daily Telegraph, the friends were playing in the park when 10 officers and at least five police cars surrounded the child following reports of a 'suspected firearm'.

Police then rushed over to the boys yelling at them to get down.

Two boys aged 12 and 13 were surrounded by armed police after they were spotted playing with toy Nerf guns in a park (stock image)

Sussex Police swooped in on Greenleas Recreation Ground, in Brighton , on Saturday yelling at the youngsters to get on the ground and put down their 'weapons' (stock image)

According to Annette, the boys threw the toys on the floor and shouted back 'Oh, it's just a fake gun, it's just a Nerf gun'.

Shockingly the mother only found out about the incident when she came home from work to find a police officer speaking to her partner.

Annette added: 'I think it was a little bit blown out of proportion. It actually looked like an American action movie.'

A spokesperson for Sussex Police said: 'Police received a report of young people with a suspected firearm in Hangleton Way at about 5.30pm on Saturday, Jan 25.

'Officers including armed officers attended, where it was established that these were children playing with a toy gun. Words of advice were given to the two boys and a parent, and the police response was stood down shortly after.'

The force reminded the public that items should be two-tone in colour to 'clearly demarcate them from being an illegal firearm'.
The South Carolina Representative whose son killed himself after being targeted by a sextortion scheme finally faced the man believed to be behind the scam.

Brandon Guffey, 45, lost his 17-year-old son Gavin to suicide after a Nigerian man allegedly posed as a girl and tricked the teen into sending him nude photos over Instagram.

The suspect, Hassanbunhussein Abolore Lawal, 24, then allegedly demanded money from Gavin and threatened to post the photos online if he did not pay.

Gavin had transferred the scammer everything in his Venmo account - $25 - and begged for more time. But on July 27, 2022, he shot himself at his family's home in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Lawal was extradited from Lagos, Nigeria to Columbia, South Carolina on Friday to appear in court on Monday - when Gavin's devastated father saw the accused scammer for the first time.'

'Rage is the best way to describe how I felt. I think I cracked molars just gritting my teeth so hard,' Guffey told CNN.

'Im a roller coaster of emotions right now. I served in the house with a representative who lost his mother and sister in the Dylann Roof shootings down in Charleston. And those families were able to look at Dylann Roof and say, "we forgive you."

'I want to ask  "how do you have forgiveness in your heart?" Because I just dont have it. I have anger and vengeance. And every time I see my familys pain over this, it just infuriates me more.'

Brandon Guffey lost his 17-year-old son Gavin to suicide after a Nigerian man allegedly posed as a girl and tricked the teen into sending him nude photos over Instagram.

Gavin Guffey (pictured in a graduation gown) died on July 27, 2022 at 17 years old

The GOP lawmaker said that Lawal kept his head down and his gaze away from the grieving family.

The alleged con-artist faces up to life in prison, according to the US Attorney's Office.

One of his charges carries the death penalty, but Nigeria only agreed to send Lawal to the US if prosecutors did not seek his execution, the Associated Press reported.

He has been charged with child exploitation resulting in death - which could see him spend 30 years in prison in lieu of the death penalty - the production and distribution of child sexual abuse material, and coercion and enticement of a minor.

Lawal also faces charges of cyberstalking resulting in death, interstate threats with intent to extort and aiding/abetting.

The 24-year-old has pleaded not guilty to all charges, CNN reported.

The indictment also alleges that Lawal harassed the victim's family as a part of his plot.

In the weeks following Gavin's death, the scammers then turned their attention to the boy's family, sending them a slew of messages on Instagram, threatening to release the nude photos unless they paid up.

Gavin was allegedly 'sextorted' by a Nigerian man named Hassanbunhussein Abolore Lawal

Gavin shot himself in his family home in Rock Hill, South Carolina

On August 20, which would have been Gavin's birthday, the scammer messaged the Guffey family: 'Did I tell you your son begged for his life,' followed by a laughing face emoji.

US Attorney Adair Ford Boroughs for the District of South Carolina said in a statement: 'We will not allow predators who target our children to hide behind a keyboard or across the ocean.

'Today we honor Gavins life and continue our fight against sextortion by holding this defendant accountable.

'This investigation and extradition are the result of tremendous law enforcement coordination both in the United States and Nigeria. Were grateful to the many agencies who helped make this day possible.'

According to the US Attorney's Office, a grand jury formally indicted Lawal in October 2023.

When the suspect was being extradited on Friday, FBI agents from South Carolina took custody of Lawal in Lagos and 'executed the removal with assistance from Nigerian law enforcement.'

'This indictment represents the culmination of countless hours of dedicated work done by our investigators both here and abroad,' Steve Jensen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Columbia Field Office said in a statement.

'The defendants alleged actions are reprehensible resulting in the tragic loss of a young mans life. We remain steadfast in our commitment to holding criminals accountable, especially those who target our children and endanger their lives, no matter where they are.'

The 'sextortionist' suspect accused of scamming Gavin and leading to his death was extradited to the US on Friday

The last text message Gavin sent to his loved ones was a '<3' symbol to represent a heart

Guffey told CNN he was surprised they were able to extradite Lawal because it 'is not something that commonly happens with Nigeria.'

At Monday's court hearing, Guffey wore a black shirt with a '<3' symbol - representing a heart - on it, alluding to the last text message Gavin sent his family in the moments before he shot himself.

Last year, Guffey sued Meta for wrongful death and gross negligence, among other accusations. He claims the company is not doing enough to protect minors from online predators.

The lawsuit also accuses the company of sparking mental health issues in children such as depression and anxiety - and that it uses algorithms to target teens while not keeping them safe.

In a statement to CNN, the company did not directly address the lawsuit, but said 'safety is a big priority for the company and that it offers to help its young users stay safe.'

Additionally, Guffey has teamed up with Cyber Dive, a company that has made a smartphone for children with a feature that shuts the phone off if it detects nudity.

The phone also lets parents see what their kids are up to on social media.

Guffey has made it his 'mission' to protect other children and teens on social media

'My mission in life, regardless of politics or anything else, is to protect kids until the day that I die,' Guffey told CNN.

In May 2023, South Carolina senators passed Gavin's Law - a legislation proposed by Guffey that criminalizes the type of scam that led to his son's death.

The law states that sextortion is 'a felony offense and an aggravated felony if the victim is a minor, vulnerable adult, or if the victim suffers bodily injury or death directly related to the crime.'

It also requires local school districts to inform students of both the law and their rights in such situations.

Representative Guffey has recorded videos where explains details of the law named for his son.

'I feel like he (Gavin) would want me trying to save additional kids from ever having to feel the way that he felt at that time,' Guffey said at the time.
A top official who left top secret documents containing the locations of British special forces in Kabul at a bus stop is being lined up for a job as the UK's NATO ambassador, sources claim.

Angus Lapsley, 54, left the highly classified Ministry of Defence (MoD) papers - which contained the exact number of soldiers located around Kabul at Kent bus stop in June 2021.

The 50-page dossier marked 'Secret UK eyes only', which also included details of elite US soldiers in Afghanistan, was picked up by a member of the public before being handed to the BBC.

A Whitehall source previously claimed the hapless incident sparked a transatlantic spat and left American 'furious' as fears were raised that the breach could endanger US servicemen and women, many of whom were in the same location as their British counterparts.

The diplomat was anticipated to be given the top job at NATO at the time but had his security clearance pulled after losing the classified dossier.

Since the incident, he was given a promotion and title of assistant secretary-general for defence policy and planning with the diplomatic mission, and was also asked to join a review of UK defences in September of last year.

Now a Whitehall source has told The Times that Mr Lapsley is expected to officially be appointed the UK's NATO ambassador next week.

Angus Lapsley (pictured), who left top secret documents containing the locations of British special forces in Kabul at a bus stop, is being lined up for a job as the UK's NATO ambassador, sources claim

Angus Lapsley, 54, left the highly classified Ministry of Defence (MoD) 50-page dossier at a Kent bus stop in June 2021

Mr Lapsley (left with Cecilia Bolocco) avoided being charged for breaching the Official Secrets Act and was redeployed within the Foreign Office in 2021

The 54-year-old would succeed Sir David Quarrey, who has represented the UK within NATO since April 2022.

'We are pretty good at rewarding failure,' a Whitehall source told the publication.

It is believed the diplomat is well-revered among his co-workers at in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

'He went off and served his penance and has been leading on the strategic defence review,' another source told the Times.

But another insider, who worked alongside Mr Lapsley at the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said there 'should be real concern' regarding the decision behind the ex-civil servant's potential appointment to NATO.

'It cannot be overstated how significant this security breach was and the impact it had at the time,' they said.

Another senior defence source, who was also a previous colleague of Mr Lapsley's, said the move was 'deeply worrying', and slammed the FCDO and MoD, quipping that they don't 'take security seriously'.

It was previously revealed that the top secret MoD papers included details of a Royal Navy warship's passage through Crimea's disputed territorial waters.

Such sensitive intelligence is not allowed to be taken from government buildings unless properly logged out and securely stored.

A Whitehall source previously claimed the hapless incident sparked a transatlantic spat as fears were raised that the breach could endanger US servicemen and women (Pictured: soldiers leaving Afghanistan in 2014)

Labour were previously slammed by Greg Smith - the Conservative MP for Buckingham - after they asked the ex-civil servant to join their review on British defences last September (Pictured: Starmer and Lord Robertson)

However, according to a source who spoke with the Times, Mr Lapsley picked up the pages from the in-tray on his desk and took them home with him.

It was the following morning when they fell out of his bag as he was rushing to work, and were found wet and piled up at the bus stop by a member of the public.

They were then dried out and handed over to the BBC, as Lapsley originally alleged none of the documents were confidential, according to a source. F

Following the incident, the ex-diplomat had his security clearance suspended and was pulled from handling any sensitive work, and later was transferred from the MoD to the Foreign Office.

Despite the security breach, Mr Lapsley didn't lose his Service job and was not prosecuted under the Official Secrets Act.

Senior civil servant Richard Jackson was previously charged with breaching the Official Secrets Act and hit with a 2,500 after leaving top secret papers about al-Qaeda and Iraq on a train in 2008.

MailOnline has approached the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for comment.
Did King Charles give himself a pat on the back for saving the Australian government a small fortune on the $326,000 cost of last Octobers tour Down Under  nearly 1million less than his late mothers final trip in 2011?

Alas, now ungrateful Aussies are bleating about the 33,000 cost of business-class flights for an advance Buckingham Palace group who flew out in June to prepare the groundwork.

Under Freedom of Information law, theyve discovered the cost. Frivolous, rages Brian Marlow of the Australian Taxpayers Alliance.

The government doesnt need to fork out other peoples money to bring over Buckingham Palace aides when a simple Zoom call would suffice. Brian, dont tempt the King to replace his next visit with a hello from Zoom.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla visiting the Sydney Opera House, to mark its 50th anniversary

The Kings concern for French feelings in apparently recommending the re-naming of HMS Agincourt follows in the footsteps of his late mothers 2004 scheme to avoid offending French president Jacques Chirac.

He was invited to mark 100 years of the Entente Cordiale with a Windsor banquet and after-dinner performance of Les Miserables.

Queen Elizabeth discovered the event was being held in Windsors thoroughly non-cordiale Waterloo Chamber. Rename it, the Queen told staff. Well call it The Music Room  for one night only.

The Kings concern for French feelings in apparently recommending the re-naming of HMS Agincourt follows in the footsteps of his late mothers 2004 scheme to avoid offending French president Jacques Chirac (file image)

How did arachnophobic Nigel Farage overcome his fear of creepy crawlies for his jungle stint in Im A Celebrity? The trials were tough, he tells ITVs This Morning.

The week before I went to see [hypnotist] Paul McKenna, I said, Im not looking forward to snakes and spiders, I dont want to scream on television in front of millions of people. Paul taught me a few tricks of the mind that you can use to overcome fear and it worked. Can Mystic McKenna cure Starmer of his fear of Farage?

Rageh Omaar, alias the Scud Stud, not seen nor heard on ITV since he suffered a suspected mini-stroke on air during News at Ten last April, has delivered his first news report in nine months.

Omaar became an unlikely pin-up during his 2003 Iraq war dispatches for the BBC. However, the still-recovering Omaar wasnt sent to a war zone by ITV. He did the voiceover on film from the bloody rebellion in the Democratic Republicof Congo.

Rageh Omaar presenting ITV News At Ten. Not seen nor heard on ITV since he suffered a suspected mini-stroke on air during News at Ten last April, he has delivered his first news report in nine months

Radio 4s Today showpony Emma Barnett delights in informing listeners: Ive actually presented without shoes on for the first time in my life... because my boots were still wet this morning and theyre the ones I can silently put on by the door [at home].

She adds: But Ive got socks on, I promise. She can boast that since leaving Womans Hour she has been working her socks off on Today!

Radio 4s Today showpony Emma Barnett (pictured) delights in informing listeners: Ive actually presented without shoes on for the first time in my life... because my boots were still wet this morning and theyre the ones I can silently put on by the door [at home]

When trencherman Christopher Sinclair-Stevenson, who has died aged 85, launched his own publishing company in 1989 he ensured maximum publicity by leaking the story that his glamorous secretary Sarah Johnson was the long-term mistress of Jilly Coopers husband, Leo. It was standing-room only.
An accused rapist has dodged questions as he walked from court, more than four decades after he allegedly attacked an elderly grandmother in her own home.

Michael Martin, 69, was released on bail on Thursday morning after a Melbourne magistrate found he did not pose an unacceptable risk to the community.

He was aged 26 when he allegedly attempted to rape Jessie Grace Lauder at her Newport home in Melbourne's southwest in 1981.

He's accused of returning two years later in 1983 and raping her in another attack.

Martin was arrested last week and charged with offences including attempted aggravated rape, aggravated burglary, rape and common assault.

He looked forward with his hand over his mouth as Magistrate Belinda Wallington handed down her bail decision on Thursday.

Ms Wallington said the alleged offending was extremely serious but she could not find Martin was an unacceptable risk to the community.

She also rejected police concerns that Martin would interfere with Ms Lauder's grandson and other witnesses.

'There is no basis for the assertion,' Ms Wallington said.

A man accused of raping Jessie Grace Lauder (pictured) has been granted bail

Michael Martin was bailed after a magistrate found he was not an unacceptable risk to the community

'I am persuaded there is a compelling reason to grant bail in this matter.'

She released Martin on the conditions that he live at his Hoppers Crossing address and not contact any witnesses for the prosecution.

The 69-year-old declined to answer questions as he walked out from the court cells.

Martin grew up about 45 metres across the road from Ms Lauder's home and then moved about 200 metres away when he was married, sexual crimes squad Detective Richard Kelly told the court earlier in the week.

It's alleged in September 1981, Ms Lauder heard a loud bang at the back of her home and then saw Martin standing with a knife at her bedroom door.

Martin was wearing gloves, had a pair of underwear over his head and told Ms Lauder to pay him $10 for sex before he tried to rape her, the detective said.

Martin allegedly told her 'you won't call police will you' as he left over the back fence, Det Kelly said.

The second alleged sex attack happened in July 1983, when the detective said Ms Lauder heard a smash of glass from the front of the house before she was confronted by a man.

Det Kelly alleged Martin threatened to kill Ms Lauder and raped her before saying: 'Don't tell the police and papers like you did last time.'

DNA evidence from the two sex attacks led police to Michael Martin, the court was told

He also threw a newspaper over her face as he got dressed and fled.

DNA evidence from the two sex attacks was preserved by police forensics until advancements were made to DNA testing, the detective said.

In 2022, he said the samples were tested and a familial match was found, which led them to Martin.

He was not arrested and charged over the incidents until January 24, which Det Kelly said was due to delays in comparing Martin's DNA with the sample.

Martin is due to return to Melbourne Magistrates Court in April.

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
Police Scotland has been forced to delete an advert aimed at highlighting domestic abuse  after hiring a pornography creator as one of its stars.

Ross Rankin has shared explicit pictures and videos, which include choking and suffocating, with thousands of online followers.

The 25-year-old also uploads 'more kinky content' to the subscription website OnlyFans.

But he was recruited by Police Scotland as one of the stars of an advert for the campaign highlighting 'domestic abuse in the LGBTQI+ community'.

Yesterday, Rankin described the force's vetting process as 'inadequate', after the commercial was pulled when there was a 'backlash' from people who recognised him from his online content.

Police have now said an 'additional level of vetting' will be carried out for future campaigns.

Concerns have also been raised by the feminist group For Women Scotland, which questioned why Police Scotland had appointed 'a creator of violent content as the face of a DV [domestic violence] campaign. Why? To give tips?'.

The campaign was launched last week and the video shared on Police Scotland's social media was aimed at demonstrating how 'controlling behaviour can turn a loving relationship into an abusive one'.

Ross Rankin was recruited by Police Scotland as one of the stars of an advert for a 'domestic abuse campaign highlighting domestic abuse in the LGBTQI+ community'

Mr Rankin however has hit back at Police Scotland's poor 'vetting processes'

Rankin, from Paisley, has nearly 55,000 followers on X, where he does not obscure his identity.

The sex acts shown all appear to be consensual but some feature him having his breathing restricted.

He said he had secured the role after being alerted by his casting agent and sending in an audition tape.

But he said he made no attempt to hide his online pornography content and advertises his OnlyFans account on all his social media profiles.

In an interview with LBC, he said: 'I'd describe the vetting process as unacceptable... inadequate definitely.'

A Police Scotland spokesman said: 'Following a review, an additional level of vetting has now been introduced.'
A pedestrian filmed the moment a driver launched into a foul-mouthed tirade after he walked across the street at a set of traffic lights.

David Fredlein claimed in a TikTok video he had crossed at the traffic lights when the pedestrian signal was green outside Wesley Hospital in Brisbane on Thursday.

He said a BMW beeped his horn at him, which set off the heated argument.

'He honked at me while crossing so I gave him the bird. Then he turned around and abused me,' Mr Fredlein said.

'I saw him turn around to come back to me, so I got my phone out in preparation in case he was going to pull some BS and he did.'

As the man in the BMW came back to the set of traffic lights, Mr Fredlein insisted the light was green and he had every right to cross the road.

'Get off the f***ng road and get the phone out of your hand', the driver yelled out his window.

'It was green, it was green, you idiot,' Mr Fredlein said.

A furious driver laid into a pedestrian after a traffic light incident

David Fredlein copped a huge amount from a driver at a traffic light

The middle-aged man didn't like being filmed and thought he'd fight fire with fire.

'You want to take a video, let me take a video of you, you little c***,' he said.

'This idiot, walks across the road like a termite.'

Mr Fredlein responded: 'Yeah when it's a green crossing. You've got to learn the road rules, buddy.'

That only enraged the driver further and he got more creative with his language.

'Yeah, and you've got to get your head out of your a***. Have a look at you,' he said.

'Are you married?' Mr Fredlein asked.

The driver, in a blue shirt and yellow shorts, appeared to have a wedding band on, and hit back with another insult.

'Mate, do you ever have a shower? Have a look at you. Your hair is disgusting,' he said.

'Are you just jealous because you walk in the street in the cheapest f***ing shorts? Have a look at your little pimply arms.'

Mr Fredlein didn't back down but didn't seem to want to inflame the situation further.

'Yeah, keep going. Keep going,' he said.

'He honks at me when we're crossing on a green person.'

The left-hand arrow turned green and the driver stormed off onto Coronation Drive and disappeared.

Social media users couldn't believe how quickly the driver became angry.

'His hands were shaking, adrenaline surging through his body. Flight or fight mode', one wrote.

Another said: 'Whose dad is that???? I'm so embarrassed'.
The troubled coastal city of Townsville has once again been thrust into the national spotlight after the horrific death of a young Aboriginal boy allegedly bludgeoned to death by his carer.

Thai-li Ned was found dead inside the North Queensland home of Schynada Karkadoo, 24, who had what police described as a 'loose' family connection with him. She has been charged with the boy's murder.

The nine-year-old was staying with the accused woman while his mother Tiarne Ned served time in prison when he was found dead with a 'significant head injury' on Saturday night.

The events that led to him being allegedly killed by a blow to the head are being investigated by detectives, who are investigating whether a weapon was used.

Extra police officers have been sighted throughout the crime-riddled town in the wake of the young boy's death.

Despite police efforts, fed up local and former Vietnam veteran, Dudley Jesser says crime in the town he's called home for the last 65 years has skyrocketed.

'The crime here is bloody bad, like horrendous,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

'It's almost worse than Alice Springs - it's that bad.'

A detective was seen leaving the Kirwan home on Thursday where Thai-li Ned was allegedly bludgeoned to death by his carer five days earlier

Forensics officers were spotted at the crime scene putting items in evidence bags on Thursday

Roaming youth gangs have become increasingly brazen in Townsville, with a surging number of violent crimes, thefts, break-ins and acts of vandalism.

'When I came here, it was 65,000 people and it was really quiet, just like a big country town, but now it's rampant with drugs, alcohol, a lot of car thefts and violence,' Mr Jesser said.

'It's a frightful thing that Townsville has changed so much.'

Locals have been sharing their concerns on the Townsville Crime Alerts and Discussions Facebook page, which has more than 56,000 members.

On Thursday, police remained on guard at the home where the alleged incident took place.

Forensics were spotted at the crime scene putting items in evidence bags.

A steady flow of well-wishers stopped outside the home to pay their respects for the young boy as they added soft toys, flowers and cards to the growing memorial.

Detective David Miles addressed the media on Sunday, stating what inflicted the blow [to Thai-li] was 'certainly, part of our inquiries... the injury is consistent with what, I would say at this stage, appears to be blunt force trauma'.

One line of inquiry is that a wooden plank was allegedly used to kill Thai-li up to eight hours before his body was discovered at 7.10pm on Saturday.

Nine-year-old Thai-li Ned (pictured) was found dead in a Townsville home on Saturday night

Crime has plagued the once quiet city of Townsville

Schynada Karkadoo (pictured) has been charged over death

'We'll await the outcome of the autopsy before we make an absolute determination of what weapon may have been used,' Detective Miles said.

He added that police have information as to 'what may have transpired' but could not release details while the investigation was ongoing.

Detective Miles said other children were at home when the blow was allegedly inflicted.

As the Kirwan community mourns the loss of the 'bright and funny' boy, a Department of Education spokesperson said that his school is shocked and saddened by the tragedy.

'Our thoughts and sincere sympathies are with family, caregivers, friends and loved ones during this difficult time,' the statement read.

'Support is being provided to our school communities, and guidance counselors will remain at our schools for as long as it is needed.'

On Wednesday, Ms Ned's younger sister Chanell King, 20, said the family cannot begin to understand what has happened.

'She (Ms Ned) is not doing okay at the moment,' Ms King told Daily Mail Australia outside the Kirwan home where the boy was staying prior to his death.

A Monster Truck poster seen inside a child's bedroom at the Kirwan home, which remains a crime scene

Floral and toy tributes for Thai-li Ned are mounting outside the Kirwan home

A local resident is seen paying her respects outside the home on Thursday

'We're all trying to wrap our heads around what happened.. why anyone would ever hurt him.

'He was bright, active and mostly funny.

'Maybe I'll get a tattoo to remember him by.

'My other tattoos are ones I got in jail.' she said.
Investigators have recovered two black boxes from the wreckage of doomed American Airlines Flight 5342.

A flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder were pulled from the Potomac River in Washington DC on Thursday, hours after the plane collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter.

Authorities released images late Thursday night revealing the black boxes are now under evaluation at labs to help learn more about the plane's tragic final flight.

Sixty passengers, four crew, and three US Army personnel are believed to be dead after the collision 400ft over the Potomac River.

The American Airlines plane smashed into a US Army Black Hawk helicopter as it came into land at Reagan National Airport just before 9pm on Wednesday.

Passengers aboard Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, included members of the US figure skating team who were returning from the US Figure Skating Championships.

The aircraft collided in a huge fireball that was visible on dashcams of cars driving on highways that snake past the airport, and crashed into the river.

Live updates below
A horrific crash between an American Airlines flight and a Black Hawk helicopter has ignited a massive search and rescue operation, with dive teams searching the Potomac River for survivors.

Flight 5342, which departed from Wichita, Kansas, was landing at Ronald Reagan International Airport in Washington DC when it collided with the Sikorksy H-60 Black Hawk helicopter at 8.48pm on Wednesday, January 29th.

The helicopter was carrying three soldiers at the time, a US Department of Defense official told CNN.

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police Department said it is working with the DC Fire Department and emergency responders to coordinate a 'search and rescue operation in the Potomac River.'

Multiple fatalities were reported and it is understood no survivors have been found at this stage.

The crash prompted officials at the international airport to halt all flights as the rescue efforts continue.

Meanwhile, officials within the Trump administration have said they are monitoring the situation, and newly-appointed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced on social media that he is at the Federal Aviation Administration headquarters.

DailyMail.com breaks down everything to know about the horrific crash.

Flight 5342, which originated in Wichita, Kansas , was landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington DC when it collided with the Sikorksy H-60 Black Hawk helicopter just before 9pm

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police Department said it is working with the DC Fire Department and emergency responders to coordinate a 'search and rescue operation in the Potomac River'

How many people were onboard the aircrafts?

American Airlines has confirmed there were 60 people onboard Flight 5432, which was also carrying four crew members when it crashed.

The Bombardier CRJ700 could have had up to 65 passengers, however, according to the American Airlines website.

'Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft,' the airline said in a statement.

'We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts.'

It then urged anyone who believes their family may have been on the flight to call the airline's toll-free phone number.

Defense officials, meanwhile, have said there were three soldiers onboard the military helicopter, which senior Army officials often use for transport around the nation's capitol.

Where did the aircrafts originate from?

American Airlines Flight 5342 departed from Wichita Dwight D Eisenhower National Airport at 5.18pm and was scheduled to land at Reagan International at 9.03pm, according to tracking information from the airline.

The Black Hawk helicopter had originated from Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

It was on a training flight at the time.

The crash prompted officials at Reagan International Airport to halt all flights as the rescue efforts continue

What happened?

The American Airlines plane was on its final approach to Runway 33 at Reagan International Airport and was at an altitude of about 300 feet when the collision happened.

In audio from the air traffic control tower around the time of the crash, a controller is heard asking the helicopter, 'PAT25 do you have the CRJ in sight,' in reference to the passenger aircraft.

'Tower, did you see that?' another pilot is heard calling seconds after the apparent collision.

The impact of the crash is said to have split the plane in half, and caused it to plummet into the Potomac River.

The Black Hawk was also left upside down and unstable.

Were there any fatalities?

Law enforcement sources have told CNN that there are confirmed fatalities and that no survivors have yet been rescued.

CBS meanwhile have reported that the bodies of 18 people have been recovered, and that divers are exploring three debris fields.

Emergency officials are scouring the Potomac River for any survivors

What did witnesses see?

One eyewitness told NBC News he saw what looked like a plane about 120 to 150 feet in the air preparing to land.

But when Ari Schulman looked back moments later, he said, 'it looked very, very wrong.

'It looked like a giant Roman candle, sparks shooting from the head of the plane down to the tail.

'I saw that for about two seconds.'

Ray Best, a federal employee, also told CNN he heard 'a loud noise.'

'So I turned to the side and I saw a big spark, and then just something falling,' he said.

'Because it was kind of dark, [I] couldn't really tell what it was. I didn't know if it was [a] firecracker or what.'

Abadi Ismail similarly said he heard 'two unusual bangs, something Ive never heard of,' describing the sound as 'like a warzone.'

He said he then rushed to his window, but said he could not see anything 'but a little bit of smoke.'

Video from an observation camera at the nearby Kennedy Center also showed two sets of lights consistent with aircraft appearing to conjoin in a fireball.

Local, state and national authorities have mobilized resources to assist with search and rescue efforts

What has American Airlines said about the crash?

In a video posted to social media Wednesday night, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom issued a heartfelt message to family members whose loved ones were onboard Flight 5342.

'First and most importantly, I'd like to express our deep sorrow about these events,' Isom said in a video posted to social media.

'This is a difficult day for all of us at American Airlines and our efforts now are entirely focused on the needs of our passengers, crew members, partners, first responders, along with their families and loved ones,' he continued.

'I know that there are many questions and at this early stage, I will not be able to answer all of them, but I do want to share the information I have at this time.'

Isom said the airline is now working with local, state and federal authorities on their emergency response efforts, and American Airlines has even deployed its Care Team to 'assist our passengers and their families.

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom has issued a heartfelt message to family members whose loved ones were onboard a passenger flight that crashed with a military helicopter Wednesday night

'We are cooperating fully with the National Transportation Safety Board in its investigation and will continue to provide all the information we can,' he said.

'Our cooperation is without pause and we want to learn everything we can about today's events,' Isom continued.

'That work will take time, but anything we can do now, we're doing, and right now, that means focusing on all passengers and crew involved, as well as their families.'

Isom also said airline employees 'will be on their way to Washington DC and I'll be heading there shortly as well.

'We know that many people will be concerned for the welfare of their loved ones, and we set up a special helpline friends and family can call at 1 (800) 679 - 8215.

'We understand and appreciate that people are eager for information,' the CEO concluded. 'Please know that we'll share accurate and timely information as soon as we can, but anything we report must be accurate. We owe that to everyone involved.

'Our team of highly trained professionals will be working around the clock to support our passengers, crew and their families how ever we can and we will update you as soon as we can,' he vowed.

What is being done to find the passengers?

Local, state and national authorities have mobilized resources to assist with search and rescue efforts.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced that first responders from across northern Virginia, Washington DC and Maryland 'mobilized quickly' to help find victims, and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said the Maryland State Police have deployed divers to the scene.

He added that the state's Department of Emergency Management also raised its Emergency Operations Center to 'Enhanced.'

At the federal level, the FBI is assisting the local agencies, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the US Coast Guard is 'deploying every available ... resources for search and rescue operations.

'We are actively monitoring the situation, and stand ready to support local responders,' she said.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also noted that the Department of Defense is 'poised to assist if needed.'

The general manager of Washington's transit authority also announced that it has deployed warming buses for any survivors who are retrieved from the icy waters.

The Black Hawk helicopter had originated from Fort Belvoir, Virginia

How likely are the passengers to survive?

NBC Chief Meteorologist Doug Kammerer has said that at the time of the incident the water temperature in the river was around 37 degrees Fahrenheit.

Kammerer said that at that temperature someone in the water has only 15 to 20 minutes before they start suffering from hypothermia.

Sudden immersion in such frigid water can also trigger immediate physiological response like uncontrolled grasping, rapid breathing or hyperventilation.

'Cold shock can cause an immediate panic, fear or stress reaction that then impairs clear thinking and decision making,' the National Weather Service said.

Those reactions, coupled with a spike in heart rate and blood pressure, can also heighten the risk of heart failure or stroke, particularly for vulnerable individuals.

When will Reagan International reopen?

Reagan National Airport will remain closed until at least 11am Thursday, the Federal Aviation Administration reports.

All takeoffs and landings were suspended at the airport following the collision.
This video is no longer available

This video is no longer available

Police are probing whether an ex-ABC host broke the law by performing a Nazi salute on stage during a comedy skit.

Tom Ballard, an ABC regular and former Triple J radio host, was doing a routine at the Basement Comedy Club in Melbourne on Saturday night when he allegedly performed the salute repeatedly as part of his skit.

Some of the members filmed the moment before sharing the footage with the media.

'Victoria Police is aware of a video depicting a man allegedly performing a Nazi salute during a comedy performance in Melbourne,' a spokesperson said.

'At this stage we have not been made aware of any reports to police, however we are currently making enquiries about the incident.'

Victoria's multicultural affairs minister Ingrid Stitt also warned Ballard could be in breach of state laws that ban the Nazi salute.

Aussie comedian Tom Ballard has been slammed by the Jewish community after performing what appeared to be a Nazi salute during a stand-up show (the moment is pictured)

While she said the gesture may have been intended to be comedic, there was 'no place' for Nazi salutes in Victoria.

'I don't know how anybody could find that funny in the current context,' Ms Stitt said.

'There's no place for that kind of hatred, even when it's in the context of comedy.

'It's a fine line and I think that people need to be sensitive to the hurt that's going on in the community and the real, genuine feelings of insecurity among some in our community at the moment.'

Nazi symbols and gestures were banned by the Victorian government in October 2023 to 'send a clear message that Nazi ideology and the hate it represents is not tolerated' in the state.

However there are exceptions to the law that allowed for Nazi symbols and salutes if 'the display is made reasonably and in good faith for genuine academic, religious, artistic, or educational purposes', the Victorian government website states.

Ballard's stand-up bit started with him saying 'you can't do anything in Australia' and that the position of a person's hand when they waved a greeting at someone was central to whether they were breaking the law.

The comedian is known for his strong left-wing views and he is a vocal member and supporter of the Greens having performed fundraisers for the party.

Anti-Defamation Commission chairman Dr Dvir Abramovich said to use the gesture for laughs was to 'desecrate' the memory of Jews who died at the hands of the Third Reich.

'Tom Ballard's performance wasn't comedy, it was cruelty disguised as humour,' he said.

'This wasn't just a bad joke; it was a slap in the face to the victims, the Diggers who sacrificed their lives to defeat Hitler and to those who endured the atrocities of the Holocaust.

'The Nazi salute is not edgy or funny, it's a weapon of hate, emboldening neo-Nazis and white supremacists.'

Dr Abramovich has demanded an apology from the Basement Comedy Club, adding he was not out to censor comedy but that some topics were 'too sacred'.

Daily Mail Australia contacted the Basement Comedy Club and Ballard for comment.
Shocking EarthCam footage has captured the moment American Airlines flight 5342 collided with a military helicopter over Washington DC.

The horrifying crash happened over the Potomac River as the passenger jet was attempting to land at Reagan National Airport on Wednesday just before 9 pm.

The footage shows the Army chopper - carrying three soldiers on a training flight - coming in from the left side of the screen and gradually crossing in front of the jet as it attempts to land.

Flight crew guiding the passenger jet, carrying 64 people, would have likely been blindsided by the helicopter.

The two crash into one another, forming a massive orange fireball that could be seen from miles away and was caught from multiple angles.

The explosion eventually becomes smaller and smaller before both aircrafts are seen descending out of frame toward the Potomac.

The Federal Aviation Authority said that the American Airlines jet, a Bombardier CRJ700, collided with a Sikorksy H-60 Black Hawk helicopter while on approach to Runway 33.

A dashcam video taken by a driver who was traveling near the crash shows the explosion occurring in the distance, with the shock orange glow visible from the ground.

The dramatic EarthCam video shows the two aircrafts colliding before they fell over the river

At least four people have been pulled out of the water by rescue crews and taken to the hospital.

Law enforcement has confirmed there have been deaths and rescuers have not pulled anyone alive from the river, CNN reported.

In a statement shared on X, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security wrote: 'We are deploying every available US Coast Guard resource for search and rescue efforts in this horrific incident at DCA.

'We are actively monitoring the situation & stand ready to support local responders.'

The Air Line Pilots Association said in a social post they are sending an accident investigation team to assist the National Transportation Safety Board with looking into the crash.

CNN reported that Maryland State Police have deployed divers to aid search and recovery efforts. First responders from Virginia are on the scene as well.

Fireboats are on the water and the Metropolitan Police Department is also on the scene.

A senior FBI official said Washington Field Officer personnel are near by to assist, but there is no indication that there was anything criminal or terrorist about the crash, NBC reported.

Dash cam footage taken by driver who was traveling near the crash shows the explosion occurring in the distance

Cars are seen driving below as the interception caused a massive spark

All takeoffs and landings at the Reagan National Airport have been stopped.

The White House has also confirmed the nature of the crash, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirming live on air that President Trump had been made aware of the crash.

Trump said in a statement: 'I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls.

'Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.'

American Airlines said in a statement: 'We're aware of reports that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) has been involved in an incident. We will provide information as it becomes available.'

In a post to X, Vice President JD Vance said: 'Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening.

'We're monitoring the situation, but for now let's hope for the best.'

Emergency equipment stages at Gravelly Point, north of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, along the Potomac River, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025

An FAA statement said: 'A PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport around 9 p.m. local time.

'PSA was operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines. It departed from Wichita, Kansas. The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation.'

NBC Chief Meteorologist Doug Kammerer said that at the time of the incident the water temperature in the river was around 37 degrees Fahrenheit.

Kammerer said that at that temperature someone in the water has only 15 to 20 minutes before they start suffering from hypothermia.
The daughter of a woman who was strangled by her husband at a resort on Valentine's Day has welcomed the 12-year jail term handed to him, saying 'justice has been served'.

Jeffrey James Godfrey, 53, faced Brisbane Supreme Court on Thursday after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of his wife of 27 years.

Vanessa Godfrey, 46, was killed inside a luxury suite at the Pelican Waters Resort on Queensland's Sunshine Coast on February 14, 2022.

Justice Glenn Martin said Godfrey's wife had trusted him and he had 'betrayed that trust in the ultimate way by killing her' while affected by drug-induced psychosis and paranoia.

'You were intent on her death. You strangled her and then you ensured that she died when you cut her wrists,' Justice Martin said.

Godfrey was sentenced to 12 years behind bars with a requirement to serve 80 per cent of that time in custody for committing a serious violent offence.

Mrs Godfrey's daughter Olivia said outside court she felt a sense of 'relief' as the sentence length was 'way better than expected'.

'It's a massive weight off our shoulders to know that justice has been served, to a degree,' she told reporters.

Jeffrey James Godfrey, 53, (right) faced Brisbane Supreme Court on Thursday after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of his wife of 27 years (left)

Pictured is the Pelican Waters Resort on Queensland's Sunshine Coast

'I'll remember my mum to be caring, loving, there for all of us as a whole. Absolutely beautiful, friendly and just loved everyone.'

Inside court, Godfrey sat in the dock with his hands in his lap and wearing a white short-sleeved shirt with a floral pattern.

Godfrey had originally been charged with murder but a mental health court determined he had diminished responsibility.

Justice Martin said Godfrey had attacked his wife, who had posed no physical threat to him, after forming the delusional belief she had stolen his licence and Medicare card.

'You killed the deceased with the intention of ending her life but you suffered an abnormality of mind that substantially impaired your capacity to know you ought not to,' he said.

Justice Martin said Godfrey's mental illness had been brought about by his heavy and long-term methamphetamine use.

Godfrey was not on meth at the time but had spent $3,000 a week on smoking and injecting the drug, and had consumed cannabis from a young age.

'The absolute folly of consuming illicit drugs is a message that should be made clear again and again,' Justice Martin said.

Vanessa Godfrey, 46, was dead and drenched in her own blood inside a luxury suite at the Pelican Waters Resort on Queensland's Sunshine Coast on February 14, 2022

The couple of 27 years are pictured in happier times

The judge said he was concerned by psychiatric reports that found Godfrey had not been able to acknowledge his actions.

'This may be some form of defence mechanism on your part... you have failed to embrace or understand the reality of what you have done,' he said.

'It does not provide comfort for your rehabilitation.'

Godfrey will be eligible to apply for parole after serving six years and seven months having already spent 1,081 days in custody on remand.

Mrs Godfrey's family members and supporters briefly clapped and said 'yes' when the sentence was handed down.

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

Lifeline 13 11 14
Donald Trump believes the crash between an American Airlines regional passenger jet and a military helicopter 'should have been prevented.'

The president initially delivered a statement hoping that God would bless the souls of the victims as emergency services search the Potomac River near the airport for survivors following the incident.

In a post to the Trump-owned Truth Social later in the evening, Trump raised several questions about the crash, which took place at 8.48pm on Wednesday.

'The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time. It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didnt the helicopter go up or down, or turn,' he asked.

Trump continued: 'Why didnt the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!'

He wrote a short follow-up post on Truth Social saying: 'What a terrible night this has been. God bless you all!'

The collision happened as the passenger plane was attempting to land at Reagan National Airport in Washington.

The president spoke about the crash earlier in a statement: 'I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport,' he said.

Donald Trump believes the crash between an American Airlines regional passenger jet and a military helicopter 'should have been prevented'

Emergency services in the city are searching the Potomac River near the airport following the incident just before 9pm on Wednesday night

'May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.'

Vice President JD Vance similarly offered prayer in a statement of his own to social media.

'Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening. Were monitoring the situation, but for now lets hope for the best.'

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said on Wednesday night that he's 'on site at the FAA HQ and closely monitoring the situation.'

The airline has confirmed that there was 60 passengers and four crews members onboard Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, to the Capital when the collision happened.

NBC Washington are reporting that at least four people have been pulled to safety by rescue crews from the water.

The Federal Aviation Authority said that the jet, a Bombardier CRJ700, collided with a Sikorksy H-60 Black Hawk helicopter while on approach to Runway 33.

Defense officials have confirmed that the Black Hawk was an Army chopper that was carrying three soldiers at the time.

Vice President JD Vance similarly offered prayer in a statement of his own to social media

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said on Wednesday night that he's 'on site at the FAA HQ and closely monitoring the situation'

Video from an observation camera at the nearby Kennedy Center shows two sets of lights consistent with aircraft appearing to conjoin in a fireball

Fireboats are currently on the scene scouring the river, with details of the crash including the cause and how many people were onboard still unknown

Defense officials have confirmed that the Black Hawk was an Army chopper that was carrying three soldiers at the time

In audio from the air traffic control tower around the time of the crash, a controller is heard asking the helicopter, 'PAT25 do you have the CRJ in sight,' in reference to the passenger aircraft.

'Tower, did you see that?' another pilot is heard calling seconds after the apparent collision. The tower immediately began diverting other aircraft from Reagan.

In a statement, DC Police said: 'At 8:53pm, multiple calls were received for an aircraft crash above the Potomac River.

'DC Fire and EMS, the Metropolitan Police Department and multiple partner agencies are currently coordinating a search and rescue operation in the Potomac River. There is no confirmed information on casualties at this time.

The airport said in a post to X: 'All takeoffs and landings have been halted at DCA. Emergency personnel are responding to an aircraft incident on the airfield. The terminal remains open. Will update.'

Images taken at the scene show scores of emergency service teams along the riverside.

Footage has also emerged online of helicopters with search lights passing over the Potomac River.

Video from an observation camera at the nearby Kennedy Center shows two sets of lights consistent with aircraft appearing to conjoin in a fireball.

Emergency equipment stages at Gravelly Point, north of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, along the Potomac River, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025

Lights from emergency vehicles are seen at Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC, after an air crash near the Potomac Rive

Emergency services in Washington DC said that a small aircraft had crashed in the Potomac River near the Reagan National Airport, seen here

Flightradar tracking data shows the final approach of the flight as it crosses over the Potomac, before it cuts out.

NBC Chief Meteorologist Doug Kammerer said that at the time of the incident the water temperature in the river was around 37 degrees Fahrenheit.

Kammerer said that at that temperature someone in the water has only 15 to 20 minutes before they start suffering from hypothermia.

Kansas Senator Roger Marshall posted to his X saying: 'I've seen the reports of a collision with a D.C. helicopter and an inbound flight from Wichita, KS.

'We are in contact with authorities working to get answers. We ask you to join us in prayer for every single passenger and their families.'

The White House has also confirmed the nature of the crash, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirming live on air that President Trump had been made aware.

American Airlines said in a statement: 'We're aware of reports that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) has been involved in an incident. We will provide information as it becomes available.'

An FAA statement said: 'A PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport around 9 p.m. local time.

'PSA was operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines. It departed from Wichita, Kansas. The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation.'

DailyMail.com has approached the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority for more information.
Chilling air traffic control audio has emerged from the moments before and after an American Airlines plane crashed into a military helicopter.

At least 18 passengers have reportedly been pulled from the frigid waters of the Potomac River after Flight 5342 collided with a Black Hawk Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while attempting to land in Washington DC.

The airline has confirmed 60 passengers and four crew were on board the Bombardier CRJ700 at the time. Three people were traveling on the chopper.

A law enforcement source told CNN that there are confirmed fatalities but a number is yet to be confirmed.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Air Traffic Control (ATC) audio emerged from around the time of the incident.

In the nearly minute-and-a-half recording, ATC operators can be heard asking the helicopter if the commercial flight is in sight.

Through muffled audio, more commands and confirmations are made between ATC operators.

One air traffic controller said: 'PAT 2-5 do you have the CRJ in sight?'

Seconds later, the controller spoke again, requesting: 'Pat 2-5 pass behind the CRJ.'

There are confirmed fatalities from the American Airlines regional passenger jet crash that collided with a military helicopter before falling into the frigid waters of the Potomac River on Wednesday evening

Pictures captured pieces of the American Airlines plane in the frigid waters

The horrific accident prompted a large-scale search and rescue operation over the river as helicopters, boats and police searched the water and ground

A haunting, audible gasp can be heard at the moment of the crash from the tower, according to CNN.

The tower immediately alerted another pilot of the terrifying collision.

According to CNN, the controller said: 'I don't know if you caught earlier what happened, but there was a collision on the approach end 3-3. We are going to be shutting down operations for the indefinite future if you want to go back to the gate.

'Highly suggest you guys coordinate with the company,' the audio continued. 'Let me know what you want to do.'

The tragic recording also revealed that another pilot had personally seen the crash confirmed the incident with an air traffic controller, CNN reported.

The pilot who witnessed the devastating collision said: 'Yeah, we were on short final and we saw flares from the opposite side of the Potomac.'

According to NBC, a controller detailed what they saw in the moments after the incident, which was also captured in the audio.

The operator said: 'It was probably out in the middle of the river. Um, I just saw a fireball and then it was just gone. I haven't seen anything since they hit the river.'

An approach controller later said: 'Apparently both aircraft involved are in the river, a search and rescue will be ongoing.'

A law enforcement source told CNN that there are confirmed fatalities but a number is yet to be confirmed

At least 18 passengers have been pulled from the dark and freezing waters of the Potomac River

Although the released audio from ATC around the time of the collision is muffled, you can hear an audible gasp around the 24-second mark

The horrific accident prompted a large-scale search and rescue operation over the river as helicopters, boats and police searched the water and ground.

Roy Best, a federal employee, told CNN that he was on the rooftop of his building, which is located next to the airport, when the collision happened.

'It was just a loud noise,' he said. 'So I turned to the side, and I saw a big spark. And then just something falling. Because it was kind of dark. Couldn't really tell what it was. I didn't know if it was a firecracker or what.'

The US Army Black Hawk that collided with the passenger plane was on a training flight at the time of the crash, Heather Chairez, the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region media chief, told CNN. The helicopter had a crew of three on board.

Another source told the outlet that the plane is in the river, in pieces, as is the helicopter. The debris has collected in three separate areas, authorities said.

And hopes are fading for survivors amid icy water temperatures.

NBC Chief Meteorologist Doug Krammerer said that at the time if the wreck, the water temperature was about 37 degrees Fahrenheit.

At that temperature, according to Krammerer, someone in that water only has around 15 to 20 minutes before they start suffering from hypothermia.
A man whose wife was on the doomed American Airlines Flight 5342 has revealed his heartbreaking final texts to her before the crash.

Hamaad Raza revealed his 26-year-old wife was on board the tragic flight from Wichita, Kansas to Washington when it collided with a military helicopter just before 9pm on Wednesday night.

Emergency services in the city are searching the Potomac River near the airport following the incident.

'I'm just praying that somebody's pulling her out of the river right now, as we speak. That's all I can pray for, I'm just praying to God,' Raza told WUSA9.

Raza revealed the plane was so close to landing that his wife got reception and was able to text him immediately before the crash.

'She texted me that they were landing in 20 minutes. The rest of my texts didn't get delivered and that's when I realized that something might be up,' he said.

The airplane held four crew members and 60 passengers, and the helicopter carrying three soldiers on a 'training flight'.

Officials have not said how many people died in the accident but the bodies of 30 people reported to have been recovered so far. Authorities have suggested that there may be no survivors.

Hamaad Raza (pictured) has revealed that his 26-year-old wife was on board the tragic flight from Wichita, Kansas to Washington when it collided with a military helicopter just before 9pm on Wednesday night

Raza revealed the plane was so close to landing that his wife got reception and was able to text him immediately before the crash

A man whose wife was on the doomed American Airlines Flight 5342 showed a reporter his heartbreaking final texts to her before the crash

The plane from Wichita, Kansas to Washington collided with a military helicopter just before 9pm on Wednesday night

Raza said his wife had gone to Wichita for work but that she'd never felt comfortable flying.

He and a family member were pacing anxiously through Terminal 2 at Reagan Airport Wednesday night, waiting for any news.

The WUSA reporter has described his conversation with Raza as 'one of the most heartbreaking interviews of my professional career'.

Passengers on the flight included ice skaters, family and coaches returning from events in Wichita, including Russian-born former world champions Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov.

The skaters on board were returning from a camp following an event in Wichita, governing body US Figure Skating said.

'We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims' families closely in our hearts,' it said.

Russian media said Shishkova and Naumov, who were married and working as coaches, were returning from Wichita with a group of young skaters.

Their Team USA figure skater son Maxim 23, was at the Wichita camp although it is unclear if he was also on the fateful flight.

US figure skating team member Spencer Lane, 26, uploaded the photo around 7pm ET Wednesday, which appeared to show the jet taxiing on the runway at Wichita Airport in Kansas before it took off for its final flight.

He captioned it ICT -> DCA - the codes for Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Russia's Mash news outlet published a list of 13 skaters, many of them the children of Russian emigres to the US, who it said were believed to have been on the plane.

The Kremlin offered condolences to the families of Russians killed and said there were no plans for contacts for now between President Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump.

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Pictured: Russian figure skaters Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov , who were reportedly on the plane, with their son Maxim, 23, a prominent US figure skater

Russian figure skaters Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov are reported to have been on board the American Airlines plane that crashed into a Black Hawk helicopter

Spencer Lane, 26, shared this photo from inside the doomed American Airlines plane as it took off from Wichita Airport in Kansas on Wednesday evening

Spencer Lane is pictured on the podium during a previous tournament. He was on board the American Airlines plane that crashed into the Potomac River in Washington DC, killing at least 30

American Airlines Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ700, collided with a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter while on approach to Runway 33.

The plane - which was travelling to the capital from Wichita, Kansas - is said to have split in two and is in around seven feet of water, while the helicopter is upside down and is unstable, according to the outlet.

Defense officials have confirmed that the Black Hawk was an Army chopper that was carrying three soldiers at the time who were on a training flight.

A massive search and rescue operation is in progress, with divers visible in the glare of powerful lights as they plunged into the snow-lined Potomac to scour the wreckage of both aircraft.

NBC's Washington affiliate News4 reported that more than 30 bodies had been recovered from the river. US Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas, from where the flight was traveling, suggested most if not all those on board had been killed.

'It's really hard when you lose probably over 60 Kansans simultaneously,' he told a press conference at Reagan airport in the US capital early on Thursday.

'When one person dies, it's a tragedy, but when many, many, many people die, it's an unbearable sorrow. It's a heartbreak beyond measure.'

Surveillance footage taken from inside the airport also captured the moment the two collided in midair

Video from an observation camera at the nearby Kennedy Center shows two sets of lights consistent with aircraft appearing to conjoin in a fireball

A search and rescue boat operates along the Potomac River near the site of the crash after American Eagle flight 5342 collided with a helicopter

Emergency response units assess airplane wreckage in the Potomac River

Defense officials have confirmed that the Black Hawk was an Army chopper that was carrying three soldiers at the time

Washington DC fire chief John Donnelly said first responders were working on the rescue operation.

'Conditions out there are extremely rough for the responders,' Donnelly said. 'It's cold. They're dealing with windy conditions.'

Asked whether there were any survivors, he said: 'We don't know yet.'

'At these frigid water temperatures, the human body's core temperature quickly drops. Exhaustion or unconsciousness can occur in as little as 15 to 30 minutes,' AccuWeather Senior Director of Forecast Operations Dan DePodwin said.

Airports authority CEO Potter said the airport would remain closed until at least 11am on Thursday.

'We're cooperating with the National Transportation Safety Board in its investigation and will continue to provide all the information we can,' American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said.

CBS News reported that a dive team had recovered one of the two data recorders, the so-called black boxes, from the plane.

The plane is said to have split in two and is in around seven feet of water, while the helicopter is upside down and is unstable

Lights from emergency vehicles are seen at Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC, after an air crash near the Potomac Rive

Notable US commercial aircraft crashes February 12, 2009: a Colgan Air Bombardier aircraft flying from New York to the small town of Buffalo crashes, killing the 49 passengers onboard. January 15, 2009: a US Airways Airbus A320 carrying more than 150 people collides with a flock of birds before making a spectacular landing on the Hudson River in New York, thanks to the pilot's exemplary actions. August 27, 2006: a regional transport plane uses a wrong, unlit runway, rather than the designated one and crashes shortly after taking off from Lexington airport, Kentucky, killing around 50 people onboard. December 19, 2005: a Grumman G-73T Mallard hydroplane operated by Ocean Airways, connecting Miami and an island in the Bahamas, crashes into the sea shortly after takeoff, killing both crew members and 18 passengers. October 19, 2004: a BAE Jetstream 32 operated by AmericanConnection crashes near Kirksville, Missouri due to poor visibility. Both pilots and 11 out of the 13 passengers are killed. January 8, 2003: a US Airways Beechcraft 1900, flying between Charlotte, North Carolina and Greenville, South Carolina, crashes into a hangar shortly after takeoff. Both pilots and the 19 passengers onboard are killed. November 12, 2001: two months after the September 11 attacks, an American Airlines Airbus A-300, flying from New York to Saint-Domingue, crashes shortly after taking off from JFK airport. The 251 passengers and nine crew members are killed. On the ground, several houses are destroyed or damaged, and five residents killed. January 13, 1982: an Air Florida Boeing 737-222 hits a bridge over the Potomac before crashing into the river just after takeoff during a snowstorm. The crash kills 78 people including four motorists who were on the bridge. Advertisement

In audio from the air traffic control tower around the time of the crash, a controller is heard asking the helicopter, 'PAT25 do you have the CRJ in sight,' in reference to the passenger aircraft.

'Tower, did you see that?' another pilot is heard calling seconds after the apparent collision. The tower immediately began diverting other aircraft from Reagan.

In a statement, DC Police said: 'At 8:53pm, multiple calls were received for an aircraft crash above the Potomac River.

'DC Fire and EMS, the Metropolitan Police Department and multiple partner agencies are currently coordinating a search and rescue operation in the Potomac River. There is no confirmed information on casualties at this time.

The airport said in a post to X: 'All takeoffs and landings have been halted at DCA. Emergency personnel are responding to an aircraft incident on the airfield. The terminal remains open. Will update.'

Images taken at the scene show scores of emergency service teams along the riverside. Footage has also emerged online of helicopters with search lights passing over the Potomac River.

Video from an observation camera at the nearby Kennedy Center shows two sets of lights consistent with aircraft appearing to conjoin in a fireball.

Surveillance footage taken from inside the airport also captured the moment the two collided in midair.

Flightradar tracking data shows the final approach of the flight as it crosses over the Potomac, before it cuts out.

NBC Chief Meteorologist Doug Kammerer said that at the time of the incident the water temperature in the river was around 37 degrees Fahrenheit.

Kammerer said that at that temperature someone in the water has only 15 to 20 minutes before they start suffering from hypothermia.

As the rescue mission continued, a small crowd gathered silently on the west bank of the Potomac River at Daingerfield Island in Virginia.

They watched as three helicopters shone spotlights on the black water scouring for survivors.

There was a small debris field on the water and a boat, and it was believed divers had gone in.

Emergency equipment stages at Gravelly Point, north of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, along the Potomac River, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025

Vast numbers of emergency vehicles were gathered on the east bank of the river, on the Washington D.C. side, their lights illuminating the Capitol building and the Washington Monument

Rescue boats work the scene on the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in Arlington

Boats work the scene on the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025

Vast numbers of emergency vehicles were gathered on the east bank of the river, on the Washington D.C. side, their lights illuminating the Capitol building and the Washington Monument.

More emergency vehicles waited on the end of the airport runway to the north of where the crash happened. Police vehicles closed off roads accessing the airport building, which was virtually empty.

The Pentagon said it was launching an investigation.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said: 'I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls.

'Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.'

Less than four hours after the disaster - and while other officials stressed they were waiting for investigations to unfold - Trump took to social media to question the actions of the helicopter crew and air traffic controllers.

'The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time. It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing,' Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

'Why didn't the helicopter go up or down, or turn. Why didn't the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!'

In a post to X, Vice President JD Vance said: 'Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening.

'We're monitoring the situation, but for now let's hope for the best.'

Emergency services in Washington DC said that a small aircraft had crashed in the Potomac River near the Reagan National Airport, seen here

Emergency services in the city are searching the Potomac River near the airport following the incident just before 9pm on Wednesday night

Emergency personnel work near the site of the crash after American Eagle flight 5342 collided with a Black Hawk helicopter while approaching Reagan Washington National Airport and crashed into the Potomac River, outside Washington, U.S., January 30, 2025

The plane was being operated as an American Eagle Flight by PSA Airlines for its parent carrier American Airlines

Tents have been set up in the vicinity following the plane crash, pictures show

American Airlines said in a statement: 'We're aware of reports that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) has been involved in an incident. We will provide information as it becomes available.'

American Airlines has asked that anybody that believes they had loved ones on the flight to call 800-679-8215.

An The Federal Aviation Authority statement said: 'A PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport around 9 p.m. local time.

'PSA was operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines. It departed from Wichita, Kansas. The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation.'

DailyMail.com has approached the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority for more information.

In 1982, Air Florida Flight 90 crashed into the 14th Street Bridge over the Potomac River, killing 70 passengers and four crew members. Only four passengers and one crew member survived.

The last deadly major crash involving a commercial airliner in the U.S. was in 2009, when all 49 people aboard a Colgan Air flight died when the plane crashed in New York state. One person was also killed on the ground.
Seven has reached a confidential settlement with a former producer on its flagship Spotlight program after a judge agreed to impose a five-year veil of secrecy over her explosive claims.

Television journalist Amelia Saw commenced legal proceedings against the network in the Federal Court last year, alleging she experienced a 'hostile working environment' while working on its flagship Spotlight program in 2022.

Seven won a interim order suppressing details of the case from being made public in October before the two parties were forced into court-ordered mediation.

While applying for the order, Seven's barrister Kate Eastman SC argued that releasing Saw's full claim before mediation would put Seven in an 'extremely difficult position' and could derail any attempt at reaching a out-of-court resolution.

In her final ruling on the matter in court on Thursday, Justice Perram said the matter had now been 'settled as a result of a successful mediation held before a registrar of this court'.

She issued a new, five-year suppression order over Saw's statement of claim and several affidavits, saying there would be little motivation for parties to resolve disputes if untested allegations were still aired publicly following a settlement.

'If suppression and non-publication orders are not made, it would mean that in future cases of this kind, a settlement could not be achieved because the respondent would have no incentive to settle where it was going to be exposed to a blizzard of bad press even if it did,' Justice Perram said.

'In that circumstance, I accept that the orders proposed are necessary in the requisite sense.'

Former television producer Amelia Saw has reached a confidential settlement with Seven after claiming she experienced a 'hostile working environment' during her time on its Spotlight program

Former Spotlight producer Taylor Auerbach claimed in court he wooed Bruce Lehrmann with sex workers, drugs and fancy meals before the accused rapist agreed to be interviewed

Saw worked for Spotlight for about six months in 2022 and her claim was understood to name several high-profile Seven journalists.

After she launched her claim, a Seven spokesman said: 'Seven Network strongly and categorically rejects the allegations by Amelia Saw as reported by media.'

Saw's legal action came off the back of a tough year for Seven and the Spotlight program, with the network reeling from repeated media blows since being caught up in Bruce Lehrmann's failed defamation action against Ten and Lisa Wilkinson.

Ex-Spotlight producer Taylor Auerbach alleged in court that he had wooed Lehrmann with sex workers, drugs, fancy meals and Thai masseuses to get him to sign with the network.

Lehrmann later inked an exclusive deal to tell his side of the story on Spotlight in 2023 in return for TV bosses paying for his rent at a ritzy unit for a year.

In the wake of that scandal, executive producer Mark Llewellyn left the network last April, followed by Seven's news and current affairs boss Craig McPherson.

Veteran reporter Robert Ovadia was sacked after Seven said in court allegations of inappropriate conduct had been made against him. Ovadia denied the claims

Star Seven reporter Robert Ovadia was later sacked after allegations were made against him over his behaviour towards female members of staff.

He also launched legal action against Seven claiming wrongful dismissal, but dropped the legal action after Seven alleged they had received multiple new complaints against him from 13 other women staffers.

Ovadia strongly denied the allegations, but said he was withdrawing because of the financial and emotional toll of the court battle against the media giant.

The network's problems were compounded when ABC's investigative Four Corners program delved into Seven's culture.

Female employees described it as a 'toxic' and 'soul-crushing' work environment.

One journalist claimed she jumped in front of a moving car after being left with 'crippling' anxiety, while another labelled Seven one of the most 'degrading' workplaces.

Former Spotlight executive producer Mark Llewellyn and Seven news boss Craig McPherson left the network in the wake of the Bruce Lehrmann interview scandal

Revelations from the investigation prompted an apology from Seven's chief executive Jeff Howard.

'If any of the issues they call out weren't appropriately addressed, that disappoints me; we should have done better, and for that I'm sorry to those affected,' he wrote.

Mr Howard said management at Seven are reviewing workplace policies and culture about some of the issues raised at the network.

'A number of people who have displayed behaviour not reflective of SWM's values have already been removed from the organisation,' he wrote.

'I want to be really clear that the actions of some individuals do not reflect the values, behaviour and attitude of the business as a whole, which is home to some of the best, hardest working and most passionate media professionals in Australia.'
Jurors have acquitted a man diagnosed with 'sexsomnia' of rape after being told to determine their verdict based on existing sex crime laws rather than laws they wished were in force.

On Thursday, Timothy Malcolm Rowland, 40, was found not guilty of having non-consensual sex with a woman at his Sydney apartment on August 26, 2022, after the pair spent a night out together.

The 40-year-old told the seven-day jury trial that he was experiencing an episode of sexsomnia, a medical condition where people exhibit sexual behaviour during sleep.

The not guilty verdict came hours after jurors sent a series of questions to Judge John Pickering at Sydney's Downing Centre District Court.

One inquiry of concern to the judge regarded the consequences of committing crimes while a person was unconscious.

'This is a really dangerous logic,' the judge said.

A jury should not be determining a case based on laws it wished were in place but instead on the current laws, he warned.

Doing this would be unfair on any accused, he said.

Timothy Malcolm Rowland has been found not guilty of having non-consensual sex with a woman at his Sydney apartment on August 26, 2022 on Thursday

Judge John Pickering told a jury at Sydney's Downing Centre District Court that the trial was not a moral one but a 'cold-analytical process' which could not find Timothy Rowland (centre) guilty

Someone could not be found guilty of a crime they did unconsciously, Judge Pickering said.

'We're not about to punish people for acts that they have no lawful control over.'

There were no current laws, rules or regulations about having sexsomnia or doing something while having the medical condition, the judge said.

''No laws about that exist. There are no criminal offences about that that exist. And it's not for you to create the law.'

Rowland and the woman went drinking at a cocktail bar in inner-city Darlinghurst on the night of the alleged rape, returning to his apartment about 1am, the jury heard during the trial.

Once there, they drank some more and took a naked bath together before the woman fell asleep in Rowland's bed, the parties agreed.

About 6am, the woman allegedly woke to find Rowland having sex with her before she pushed him off, jumped out of the bed and left the apartment.

There was no dispute during the trial that Rowland had sexsomnia.

Timothy Rowland (centre) had spent a night out with the woman, who cannot be named, before they returned to his apartment where they drank alcohol before falling asleep

But the issue before the jury was whether he was having an episode at the time of the alleged rape or whether he was awake.

It was also not in dispute that the woman was asleep when Rowland began having sex with her.

Earlier on Thursday, the jury asked what sort of evidence there could be to prove someone was awake.

And if there was insufficient evidence, why was the case prosecuted and why did it come before a jury, it asked.

Judge Pickering said it was none of his business why the Director of Public Prosecutions had decided to pursue the case in court.

It was also not the jury's responsibility to wonder about these things.

Instead, he urged them to look at the evidence before them and determine whether the rape had been proved beyond reasonable doubt.

Determining a verdict was a 'cold-analytical process' which should not be concerned with how the alleged victim or the community may feel, he said.
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom has issued a heartfelt message to family members whose loved ones were onboard a passenger flight that crashed with a military helicopter Wednesday night.

Up to 18 fatalities have been reported following the collision at Reagan International Airport in Washington DC just before 9pm, with emergency responders scouring the Potomac River to find and rescue any survivors.

'First and most importantly, I'd like to express our deep sorrow about these events,' Isom said in a video posted to social media.

'This is a difficult day for all of us at American Airlines and our efforts now are entirely focused on the needs of our passengers, crew members, partners, first responders, along with their families and loved ones,' he continued.

'I know that there are many questions and at this early stage, I will not be able to answer all of them, but I do want to share the information I have at this time.'

Isom went on to confirm that there were 60 passengers and four crew members onboard Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, to the nation's Capital when the collision occurred.

The plane is said to have split in two and is in around seven feet of water, while the helicopter is upside down and is unstable.

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom has issued a heartfelt message to family members whose loved ones were onboard a passenger flight that crashed with a military helicopter Wednesday night

Multiple fatalities had been reported following the collision at Reagan International Airport in Washington DC just before 9pm, with emergency responders scouring the Potomac River to find and rescue any survivors

Isom said the airline is now working with local, state and federal authorities on their emergency response efforts, and American Airlines has even deployed its Care Team to 'assist our passengers and their families.

'We are cooperating fully with the National Transportation Safety Board in its investigation and will continue to provide all the information we can,' he said.

'Our cooperation is without pause and we want to learn everything we can about today's events,' Isom continued.

'That work will take time, but anything we can do now, we're doing, and right now, that means focusing on all passengers and crew involved, as well as their families.'

Isom also said airline employees 'will be on their way to Washington DC and I'll be heading there shortly as well.

'We know that many people will be concerned for the welfare of their loved ones, and we set up a special helpline friends and family can call at 1 (800) 679 - 8215.

'We understand and appreciate that people are eager for information,' the CEO concluded. 'Please know that we'll share accurate and timely information as soon as we can, but anything we report must be accurate. We owe that to everyone involved.

'Our team of highly trained professionals will be working around the clock to support our passengers, crew and their families how ever we can and we will update you as soon as we can,' he vowed.

Isom said the airline is now working with local, state and federal authorities on their emergency response efforts

DC police, fire and EMS crews rushed to the scene following the crash at around 9pm

American Airlines Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ700, was approaching Runway 33 and was at an altitude of about 300 feet when it collided with the Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter.

Flightradar tracking data shows the final approach of the flight as it crosses over the Potomac, before it cuts out.

The Black Hawk, meanwhile, was carrying three soldiers at the time who were on a training flight.

In audio from the air traffic control tower, a controller is heard asking the military chopper, 'PAT25 do you have the CRJ in sight,' in reference to the passenger aircraft.

'Tower, did you see that?' another pilot is heard calling seconds after the apparent collision.

It prompted officials at the international airport to halt all takeoffs and landings, as DC police, fire and EMS crews rushed to the scene.

Local, state and national authorities also mobilized resources to assist with search and rescue efforts.

Emergency officials are scouring the Potomac River for any survivors

The plane is said to have split in two and is in around seven feet of water, while the helicopter is upside down and is unstable

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Wednesday night that first responders from across northern Virginia, Washington DC and Maryland 'mobilized quickly' to help find victims, and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said the Maryland State Police have deployed divers to the scene.

At the federal level, the FBI also said it was assisting the local agencies, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the US Coast Guard is 'deploying every available ... resources for search and rescue operations.

'We are actively monitoring the situation, and stand ready to support local responders,' she said.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also said that the Department of Defense is 'poised to assist if needed,' and the general manager of Washington's transit authority also announced that it has deployed warming buses for any survivors who are retrieved from the icy waters.

But NBC Chief Meteorologist Doug Kammerer said that at the time of the incident the water temperature in the river was around 37 degrees Fahrenheit.

At that temperature, someone in the water has only 15 to 20 minutes before they start suffering from hypothermia.

Vast numbers of emergency vehicles were gathered on the east bank of the river, on the Washington D.C. side, their lights illuminating the Capitol building and the Washington Monument

More emergency vehicles waited on the end of the airport runway to the north of where the crash happened

Sudden immersion in such frigid water can also trigger immediate physiological response like uncontrolled gasping, rapid breathing or hyperventilation.

'Cold shock can cause an immediate panic, fear or stress reaction that then impairs clear thinking and decision making,' the National Weather Service said.

Those reactions, coupled with a spike in heart rate and blood pressure, can also heighten the risk of heart failure or stroke, particularly for vulnerable individuals.

Hamaad Ramza spoke with WUSA on Wednesday evening and revealed that his wife had been on the plane when it crashed.

He said: 'I'm just praying that someone is pulling her out of the river right now as we speak. Im just praying to God.'

As the rescue mission continued, a small crowd gathered silently on the west bank of the Potomac River at Daingerfield Island in Virginia.

They watched as three helicopters shone spotlights on the black water scouring for survivors.

There was a small debris field on the water and a boat, and it was believed divers had gone in.

Vast numbers of emergency vehicles were gathered on the east bank of the river, on the Washington D.C. side, their lights illuminating the Capitol building and the Washington Monument.

More emergency vehicles waited on the end of the airport runway to the north of where the crash happened. Police vehicles closed off roads accessing the airport building, which was virtually empty.
Rachel Reeves today insisted a third runway at Heathrow can be operational within a decade as she faced a mounting Labour backlash.

The Chancellor appealed for her MPs to recognise the 'opportunities' of the long-mooted project, claiming it can be done without harming the environment.

But London Mayor Sadiq Khan immediately renewed his campaign to stop the development yesterday, while Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband - a vocal opponent - snubbed her big speech in Oxford.

Mr Miliband has yet to give a response to the announcement, although sources have stressed he is not going to resign in protest. Downing Street is also refusing to say whether there will be a vote in Parliament, with critics warning resistance is stronger than the leadership believes.

In a round of interviews this morning, Ms Reeves insisted the Cabinet is 'backing these plans' and dismissed the idea that Sir Sadiq could block them.

She also rejected industry warnings that the third runway is a 'dead cat' because it will take 25 years to complete.

Ed Miliband (pictured at John Prescott's funeral today) has yet to give a response to the Heathrow announcement, although sources have stressed he is not going to resign in protest

Rachel Reeves today insisted a third runway at Heathrow can be operational within a decade as she faced a mounting Labour backlash

An artist's impression of how the Heathrow site could look after expansion

What happens next on Heathrow? The Government is 'inviting proposals to be brought forward by the summer' and will then 'take forward a full assessment through the Airports National Policy Statement'. Heathrow sources said airport bosses want to work with the Government on a number of changes before making major investments in the project. They are seeking planning reforms that mean they can be confident an application to build the scheme will not be held up for several years because of appeals. They also want an overhaul in how the airport's finances are regulated, as they believe the current system would not allow them to recoup the investment needed to build a new runway. The Civil Aviation Authority determines the cap on per passenger charges that airlines must pay to Heathrow. A third issue that Heathrow bosses want assurances over is airspace modernisation, to reduce the time and fuel wasted by outdated and inefficient flight routes. If all those barriers are overcome, the next stage will be for the airport to apply for permission to go ahead with the project through a Development Consent Order (DCO). This process is expected to last around 18 months and will involve a public consultation on the expansion plan. The Planning Inspectorate will consider the application and make a recommendation to the Transport Secretary, who will decide whether to grant the DCO. If the scheme is approved, there is a strong possibility that campaigners will launch judicial reviews of the minister's decision. If legal challenges are not brought or are unsuccessful, Heathrow can begin construction. There is currently no timeline for when that will happen but it is likely to be at least another decade before a new runway opens. The airport is considering investing in its supply chain even before it submits a DCO application and hopes to create new jobs by the end of this Parliament. Advertisement

'We're not just announcing that we back it, we're changing our planning system... It doesn't have to take decades, we can crack on,' she told BBC Breakfast.

Asked about Sir Sadiq's objections, Ms Reeves said: 'I have huge respect for Sadiq, but on this I know that sustainable aviation and economic growth can, and do, go hand-in-hand.

'The way that we fly has changed hugely in recent years, engines have become so much more efficient, reducing carbon emissions and also sustainable aviation fuel is changing the way that we fly with a mandate that came in at the beginning of this year.'

Pressed on whether Mr Miliband was fully behind the plans, Ms Reeves replied: 'Yes, we are all united as a Cabinet backing these plans.

'We know that we have to grow our economy, we can't keep saying no to big infrastructure projects.'

The Government wants proposals for a third runway to be produced by the summer, which will then face a full assessment through the airport national policy statement to ensure it is in line with legal, environmental and climate objectives.

In her speech at a medical equipment firm in Oxfordshire yesterday, Ms Reeves said she was prepared to 'fight' for new housing, infrastructure and business projects.

That included tearing up environmental regulations which hamper construction to protect 'the bats and the newts'.

She insisted support for the runway would support the economy across the country and showed the Government's 'seriousness'.

Official figures have shown little or no economic growth since Labour took office in July, with Ms Reeves' Budget imposing national insurance hikes on businesses, hitting confidence and potentially costing 50,000 jobs.

But Ms Reeves tried to give an upbeat assessment of the UK's prospects, arguing that the Government had 'begun to turn things around'.

'We have fundamental strengths in our history, in our language and in our legal system to compete in a global economy, but for too long that potential has been held back.

'For too long we have accepted low expectations and accepted decline,' she said.

'We no longer have to do that. We can do so much better.

'Low growth is not our destiny, but growth will not come without a fight, without a government willing to take the right decisions now to change our country's future for the better.'

She highlighted the long-delayed Heathrow expansion project as an indication of the problems that had beset the UK economy.

'For international investors, persistent delays have cast doubt about our seriousness towards improving our economic prospects,' she said.

She later said she wanted 'spades in the ground' on new projects announced today during this Parliament.

'We want that to happen in this Parliament. I want spades in the ground, I want people to see in their areas things happening, growth happening,' she told BBC News.

London Mayor Sir Sadiq said he remains opposed to Heathrow expansion because of its impact on noise, air pollution and meeting the UK's climate change targets.

He said the last plans for a third runway at Heathrow involved building a tunnel under the M25 motorway and bulldozing a village.

'I will as the Mayor of this great city, as a pro-business Mayor, somebody who takes tackling the climate emergency seriously, but also thinks a green transition is one of the greatest opportunities we have this century, I'll use any tool in the toolkit to stop a third runway happening,' he told Andrew Marr on LBC.

The Chancellor was asked last night what her message to Sir Sadiq and others opposing Heathrow expansion would be.

She said: 'Look, the answer to new infrastructure can't always be no.

'That's what happened under the last government.

'And nothing got built and nothing got done and living standards deteriorated.

'So, it does mean having to take on people who are against new developments, whether it is wind farms, airports or new rail lines.

'And the problem is, is if you always give in and say, 'Oh, okay, there some objections to this', we'll end up in a situation where the economy continues to stagnate, living standards decline, and will be no further forward than we are now.'

Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary described Heathrow expansion as a 'dead cat', saying it would not happen before the 2040s at the earliest and would not bring any growth.

He urged the Chancellor to instead scrap air passenger duty (APD) during a press conference.

Willie Walsh, director general of the International Air Transport Association, said the hurdles ahead of a third runway were 'very significant' and cast doubt on Ms Reeves' plans for sustainable aviation.

'Sustainable fuel is a real thing, but we need it in significantly greater volumes than are available today  So mandating airlines to use a fuel source that doesn't exist today doesn't make an awful lot of sense,' he told LBC.

Speaking about the impact on flight prices, travel expert Nicky Kelvin from The Points Guy told MailOnline: 'Under the current model, the huge additional cost of building an extra runway will likely mean higher prices for passengers as airlines could end up paying more to operate out of Heathrow.

'This may be countered by the additional competition that would be injected in the airport by the extra slots, additional airlines and routes that might start flying in a when capacity is significantly increased.'

Confirmation of support for Heathrow was one of a series of measures outlined by Ms Reeves, including:

 Plans for the Oxford-Cambridge corridor, which she said could become 'Europe's Silicon Valley' and add 78 billion to the UK's economy by 2035.

 New reservoirs will be built near Abingdon in Oxfordshire and in the Fens near Cambridge. They will be among nine new reservoirs built as the Government has agreed for water companies to invest 7.9 billion to improve infrastructure.

 Funding for the East-West rail link joining Oxford, Cambridge and towns like Bedford and Milton Keynes that sit between them will be confirmed, as well as upgrades to the A428 road.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan immediately renewed his campaign to stop the development yesterday

Sir Sadiq said he 'remains opposed' due to the 'severe impact it will have on noise, air pollution and meeting our climate change targets'

 A new Cambridge cancer research hospital will be prioritised as part of the new hospitals programme.

 Oxford will get a growth commission, similar to one set up in Cambridge, aimed at helping the city and surrounding region to grow its economy.

 The Government will back the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport as South Yorkshire Airport City.

 A 65 million investment by the National Wealth Fund in expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

 Government guidance on appraising major projects will be reviewed in order to support investments outside of the wealthy and productive South East of England.

 The Trade Secretary will travel to India to restart negotiations on a free trade agreement with the country.
KPMG's partners took home a record 816,000 each last year, after they laid off 200 staff and froze the salaries for 12,000 of its UK workers.

The smallest of the 'big four' accounting firms saw its profits bumped by 11 per cent - after the brutal swathe of job cuts made them more profitable.

Its 837 British partners saw their average pay increase by four per cent, or 30,000 off the back of this. The average annual earnings for full-time workers in the UK is 37,430, according to the ONS.

Last year the white collar giant, which employs 16,000 people across the UK, slashed 200 positions as they responded to a downturn in the consulting sector.

They also froze 12,000 UK workers salaries as they responded to the November 2023 slump.

In their annual report, the company said: 'In anticipation of market challenges during the 2024 economic cycle, the business took steps to manage its cost base throughout the year, resulting in improved profitability and supporting continued investment.'

It had blamed its slow upturn in growth on a slump in sales from their consultancy business. Governments and companies who use their services have cut spending as their economies have slowed.

The smallest of the 'big four' accounting firms saw its profits bumped by 11 per cent - after the brutal swathe of job cuts made them more profitable

Last year the white collar giant, which employs 16,000 people across the UK, slashed 200 positions as they responded to a downturn in the consulting sector

Revenues rose to 2.99bn, up one per cent from the year before.

Jon Holt, the chief executive of KPMG UK and Switzerland and Senior Partner of KPMG in the UK said: 'This is a good performance in challenging market conditions.

'Over the past 12 months our teams have worked incredibly hard to make sure our firm and our clients could adapt, succeed and grow in an uncertain business environment.

'While we've focused on managing our costs, we have positioned the business for long-term sustainable growth.'

KPMG is the smallest of the big four, after Deloitte, PwC and EY. Deloitte had the biggest payouts of all the companies with its partners getting 1.012m each.

PwC partners got 906,000, while poor EY partners received the least at just 723,000.

It comes just days after KPMG faced an investigation over its audit of Ladbrokes owner Entains 2022 accounts.

The investigation is a major blow for the Big Four auditor, which has been trying to improve its audit arm after a series of fines and lawsuits.

Scandals including the collapse of its client Carillion in 2018 have dented KPMGs reputation and seen it rack up more than 30million worth in penalties since 2018.

They say the launch of their new AI software KPMG Ava helped boost the quality of its accountancy work last year.
A young woman left fighting for life after she was shot in the back faces an uncertain future after suffering catastrophic injuries and 'extensive trauma' to her stomach.

Linley Anyos, 33, was shot outside a Tallebudgera home on Gold Coast on January 8 while helping a friend move.

She was sitting in the driver's seat of a blue Volkswagen Jetta when a shot was fired from the backseat, possibly by a man known to her.

Paramedics who were on the scene within one minute saved her life with the help of a Good Samaritan who rushed to her aide.

Ms Anyos was rushed to hospital, where she spent seven days in an induced coma.

Three weeks on, her father, Brian Anyos shared an update with more details about her miraculous survival and the long road of recovery ahead on a GoFundMe.

A harrowing photo of Ms Anyos lying in hospital hooked up to multiple tubes and machines was also released.

'I have been given the role of trying to help Linley get back on her feet and sadly I cannot do it alone and would really appreciate your help,' Mr Anyos wrote.

Linley Anyos (pictured) remains in hospital three weeks after she was shot

Ms Anyos was sitting in the driver's seat of a blue Volkswagen Jetta when a shot was fired from the backseat, possibly by a man known to her (pictured, officers at the scene)

'Linley suffered catastrophic injuries to her torso, and the two things we can be grateful for is: her spine was missed, her heart was missed.

'Sadly that's where the good news ends.

'Linley has had extensive trauma to her stomach region and without traumatising you with details trust me when I say Linley is lucky!'

Ms Anyos suffered four cardiac arrests on the way to hospital.

Concerns for her brain and mental health are now 'paramount, her father said.

'Linley has endured many, many hours of surgery to get to where she is today and will now have a life of ongoing surgical interventions,' he continued.

'We have no idea how life is going to be moving forward. We know we will have massive expenses trying to help Linley be comfortable as she comes home and starts the next stage of her life.'

Almost $5,000 has been raised so far.

Ms Anyos' (pictured) father wrote: 'Linley has endured many, many hours of surgery to get to where she is today and will now have a life of ongoing surgical interventions'

A man, 47 described as a 'person of interest' in the shooting was arrested two weeks ago in an unrelated police operation in Victoria, where he remains in custody.

Queensland Police are still investigating whether the double-barrel shotgun fired at Ms Anyos was set off deliberately or by accident. No charges have yet been laid.

Mr Anyos took to social media several days after the shooting to address ongoing rumours that his daughter had died in hospital.

'As you have heard Linley - Ling Ling or whatever you may know her as - has undergone a life changing situation and while some people might be promoting and commiserating her death, that is simply not true,' Mr Anyos wrote.

Ms Anyos (pictured) previously faced charges involving a firearm and drugs, including cocaine

'Linley is in a very bad way, but is Linley one of the toughest people we all know and as such is fighting like a beast.'

He added it had been 'friggin' tough' on him, his wife Any and Linley's two younger brothers as they kept a hospital bedside vigil.

'We will keep updating you as we know more,' he said.

'And anything that needs to be done to support Linley will be set up by us for you to help where you can.'
JD Wetherspoon has increased the prices of popular drinks by 15p and meal deals by 30p this week as it braces for a 60million jump in labour-related costs in April.

The pub chain has raised the cost of alcohol drinks including Guinness, Sharp's Doom Bar, Bulmers cider, Gordon's gin, Smirnoff vodka, Teresa Rizzi Prosecco.

Its hot drink with free refills has also gone up, while meal deals have been increased by 30p with the average now 5.29 with a soft drink or 6.82 with an alcoholic drink.

It comes a week after Wetherspoon chairman Sir Tim Martin called on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to cut pub food taxes ahead of a jump in costs linked to the Budget.

While the Watford-based firm reported higher sales in recent months, it is concerned about rises in employers' national insurance contributions and the minimum wage.

Price increases have been implemented at Wetherspoon's UK branches but not in Ireland, with specific rises noted at its London and South Western pub in Battersea.

Bulmers has risen from 4.66 to 4.81; Gordon's is up from 5.27 to 5.42; Guinness was 4.66 but is now 4.81; and Portobello Notting Helles is up from 5.04 to 5.19.

Other increases revealed by The Sun include Doom Bar from 3.12 to 3.27; Smirnoff vodka from 5.34 to 5.49; and a glass of Teresa Rizzi Prosecco from 3.95 to 4.10.

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A refillable hot drink was 1.56 and is now 1.71 - including a flat white, latte, mocha, cappuccino, white coffee, black coffee, espresso, Tetley tea or hot chocolate.

What drinks are rising in price at Wetherspoon and which ones aren't? DRINKS RISING IN PRICE BY 15p Bulmers Cider (bottle)

Gordon's Gin

Guinness

Hooch

Hot drink (free refills)

Kopparberg Draught

Portobello Notting Helles

Sharp's Doom Bar

Smirnoff Ice

Smirnoff Vodka

Strongbow

Teresa Rizzi Prosecco (glass) DRINKS NOT RISING IN PRICE Draught lagers Bud Light

Budweiser

Carlsberg

Carling

Coors

Corona Extra

Innis & Gunn lager

Leffe

Poretti

Shipyard

Stella Artois

Punk IPA

Tennent's Other drinks Ruddles Bitter

Worthington's Creamflow

Stowford Press cider

Bells Whisky

Au Vodka

Pepsi

Lemonade (draught) Advertisement

Sir Tim told MailOnline this morning: 'Wetherspoon has always tried to remain as competitive as possible. We hope that our prices will still be reasonable in spite of these increases.'

Wetherspoon also confirmed the prices of draught lager are not rising, including BrewDog Punk IPA; Bud light; Budweiser; Carlsberg; Carling; Coors; Corona Extra; Innis & Gunn lager; Leffe; Poretti; Shipyard; Stella Artois; and Tennent's.

Other drinks not changing in price are Ruddles Bitter; Worthington's Creamflow; Stowford Press cider; Bells whisky; Au vodka; draught Pepsi; and lemonade.

It comes after Sir Tim revealed last week that Wetherspoon is considering opening its first pubs abroad in some of Britons' favourite European holiday hotspots.

The chain is eyeing up resorts popular with UK tourists such as Alicante, Benidorm and Majorca  but he confirmed it would not be considering China .

Sir Tim said a decision on the first location is likely to be made within six months as he looks at franchises abroad after a series of successful partnerships in Britain.

The business is likely to target hot locations where the Wetherspoon brand is already well-known, but could also look at winter sun destinations.

The company has already formed a franchise partnership with Haven , with its first pub opening at a holiday park last March and four more on the way this spring.

Wetherspoon also has a franchise with the universities of Hull and Newcastle for their student union bars, but has never opened a pub outside the UK and Ireland.

However, there is a copycat bar in Pattaya city in Thailand called 'Witherspoons' serving English breakfasts and cheap beer to Brits looking for a slice of home.

Separately, Sir Tim is looking at whether a pub could open in any of the 115 Post Office branches which are at risk of closure as part of a postal service shake-up.

Wetherspoon also last week confirmed the locations of 11 new pubs in England set to open this year  including two at London railway stations and another at an airport.

New sites at London Bridge station and Fulham Broadway Underground station in West London are planned as well as one at Manchester Airport 's Terminal 2.

JD Wetherspoon chairman Sir Tim Martin (pictured in 2020) has called on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to cut pub food taxes ahead of a jump in costs linked to October's Budget

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The chain also confirmed new venues at Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire, Wetherby in West Yorkshire, Bath in Somerset and Fareham in Hampshire.

Wetherspoon pubs opening in 2025 London Bridge station

Fulham Broadway Underground station

Manchester Airport Terminal 2

Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire

Wetherby, West Yorkshire

Bath, Somerset

Fareham, Hampshire HAVEN Devon Cliffs in Exmouth

Kent Coast in Allhallows

Cleethorpes Beach in Lincolnshire

Haggerston Castle in Northumberland Advertisement

This takes its total pub openings in its financial year to nine - after two new venues opened last September, at London Waterloo station and Marlow in Buckinghamshire.

Separately, the chain is also opening four new pubs at Haven holiday parks in England this spring in a 6.7million investment as the duo expand their partnership.

The new sites will be located at Devon Cliffs in Exmouth, Kent Coast in Allhallows, Cleethorpes Beach in Lincolnshire and Haggerston Castle in Northumberland.

This will take the total pub openings to 11 in 2025, and 13 over the financial year.

Wetherspoon is also planning to open a pub in Farnham, Surrey, after purchasing the site of a former Slug & Lettuce venue - but no opening date has yet been set.

The business also confirmed last week that six pubs have been sold over the year, generating 4.1million - and the firm now has a trading estate of 796 pubs.

The announcements were made as the hospitality giant, which employs 42,000 people, revealed stronger sales for the half-year so far.

Sir Tim also claimed today that pubs are suffering from higher taxes because politicians spend more time at dinner parties.

He said: 'Government-mandated wage increases have a significantly bigger impact on pub and restaurant companies than supermarkets.

Wetherspoon opened The Lion & The Unicorn pub at London Waterloo station last September

The Grand Assembly in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, was also opened in September last year

'Given the public's love of pubs, the only possible explanation for this tax discrepancy is that prime ministers and other legislators, in the 45 years since Wetherspoons started trading, have been dinner party-goers, rather than pub-goers.

'Food at dinner parties is VAT-free, subsidised by the legendary 'man on the Clapham omnibus' who has fish and chips at his local pub.'

Sir Tim called on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to cut pub food taxes ahead of a jump in costs linked to the Budget.

He said it faces a 60million jump in labour-related costs in April, amid rises in employers' national insurance contributions and the minimum wage.

Sir Tim said the business is in a 'reasonable' position but that forecasting is 'difficult' in the face of impending tax and wage increases.

As a result, he renewed calls to equalise the VAT paid on food by pub and restaurant businesses with that of supermarkets.

Most food and drink in shops has zero VAT whereas restaurants and pubs have a standard rate of 20 per cent.

An artist's impression of the Wetherspoon pub planned for Cleethorpes Beach in Lincolnshire

Wetherspoon opened the Five Stones pub at Primrose Valley Holiday Park in Filey last March

'This tax advantage allows supermarkets to subsidise the price of beer they sell,' Mr Martin said. 'The VAT distortions that exist today will inevitably create more supermarkets and less pubs.

'Wetherspoon therefore calls upon Sir Keir Starmer to redress this imbalance, thereby striking a blow for tax equality and ending discrimination in favour of dull dinner parties.'

It came as the pub company reported higher sales over recent months.

It said like-for-like sales rose by 5.1 per cent over the 25 weeks to January 19 compared with a year earlier.

The firm added that rising food sales were a key driver, increasing by 5.6 per cent year on year, while bar sales were up 4.5 per cent.

This helped to offset a 6.5 per cent slump in the sale of its hotel rooms.

Wetherspoon also highlighted that sales accelerated around Christmas, with a 6.1 per cent increase over the three weeks from December 16 to January 5.

However, this was weaker growth than reported by pub rivals such as Marston's and Young's over the festive period.

The expansion of the Haven partnership comes after Wetherspoon opened its first site at one of its holiday parks at Primrose Valley in Filey, North Yorkshire, last March.
Bob Menendez, a former senator, fraudster and henchman of the Armenians, who was recently sentenced to 11 years in prison, hopes for Donald Trump. Inspired by the fact that the new president will broadly annul all decisions made under the previous administration, Menendez hopes that he will be able to suck up to Trump and his team, showing that the Southern District of New York that sentenced him has turned into a "Wild West of political persecution" under Biden.

"I am innocent and I look forward to my appeal on a number of issues," the rogue senator wrote. In his tearful message, he writes that "this whole process was nothing more than a political witch hunt by the National Security Department of the Ministry of Justice and prosecutors, who are more interested in political scalps and are preparing to run for political office." According to Menendez, "illegal evidence" was used during the trial, and witness testimony was obtained in exchange for evading criminal prosecution.

Hoping that after Biden's refusal to pardon him, Trump would do so, Menendez addressed President Trump directly at the end of his speech. "President Trump is right. This process is political in nature and corrupt to the core. I hope President Trump clears this cesspool and restores the integrity of the system," writes sycophant Bob Menendez, hoping that his tearful message will reach the new president.

The American media noted that Trump has the authority to pardon him, but so far has not given any indication that he is going to do so. Moreover, Danielle Sassoon, the new acting head of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, said that the sentences of Menendez and his two co-defendants "are a clear signal that attempts at any level of government to corrupt the country's foreign policy and the rule of law will be met with just punishment."

According to The New York Times, when Menendez was indicted 16 months ago, he served as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, one of the most influential posts in Washington. This position gave him great influence on foreign military aid and international politics. And during the nine-week trial that ended last summer, federal prosecutors highlighted the numerous ways in which Mr. Menendez used that power.

What Menendez hopes for in such a situation is not very clear. He probably expects to play on sycophancy.

And the funny thing is that this fraudster himself voted twice to convict Trump during the impeachments in 2019 and 2021, although the accusations had no real basis. And now I've suddenly seen the light...
Four men who were caught gambling online have been publicly flogged with canes in a brutal punishment enforced in Indonesia's conservative Aceh province.

In front of dozens of people at a public park in Banda Aceh city, one man received 22 lashes while three others were caned eight and nine times, depending on their betting and income, according to Islamic law enforcement chief Roslina.

The men grimaced in pain as an executioner flogged their backs with a stick, after an Islamic leader delivered a sermon on repentance.

Horrifying pictures show the men receiving the violent thrashes.

'One person received more lashes... because their wager and winnings exceeded the equivalent of 2 grams of gold. Meanwhile, the other three... were below that threshold,' Roslina said.

The men had been caught red-handed gambling online at an internet cafe, she explained.

This is the first public lashing of the year under the region's strict Islamic law.

Members of the Sharia police prepare to cane a man (C) as a punishment for engaging in online gambling in Banda Aceh on January 30, 2025

Men perform dua (a prayer of request) before being caned by members of the Sharia police

Amnesty International found that Aceh authorities had carried out at least 60 public floggings against 254 people in 2020

Aceh, on the northern tip of Sumatra island, is the only province in the Muslim-majority nation where offences such as gambling, adultery, and alcohol consumption are punishable by public caning.

Aceh began enforcing religious law after it was granted special autonomy in 2001, as part of an attempt by the central government to quell a long-running separatist insurgency.

Human rights groups condemn public caning as cruel, but it has strong support among Aceh's population.

The violent lashings are the latest in a string of public caning in the region carried out on those found guilty of online gambling.

In August last year, six men who were caught gambling on the internet were publicly thrashed with canes.

Images showed the prisoners being led by Sharia police form prison vans to stand beneath a canopy, where they were then forced to take violent blows.

In 2021, two Christian men were publicly flogged 40 times for drinking alcohol and gambling, a rare instance of non-Muslims facing such a punishment.

A male couple were flogged nearly 80 times each that same year for having gay sex, which is outlawed under local Islamic law.

This is the first public lashing of the year under the region's strict Islamic law

One man received 22 lashes while three others were caned eight and nine times

Aceh is the only province in Indonesia where offences such as gambling, adultery, and alcohol consumption are punishable by public caning

Human rights groups condemn public caning as cruel, but it has strong support among Aceh's population.

Sharia law was given to Aceh by the central government in Jakarta as part of the region's bid for autonomy in 2001.

Amnesty International Indonesia's monitoring found that Aceh authorities had carried out at least 60 public floggings against 254 people in 2020.

Back in 2019, reports emerged that a woman and a man lost consciousness as they were whipped during separate public punishments on the same day.
Three more Israeli hostages are to be released by Hamas today in the latest stage of a ceasefire deal that will see the return of 110 Palestinian prisoners.

Agam Berger, now 20, was spotted on live TV standing on a stage in between two militants, donning balaclavas and sunglasses, as a masked operative signalled for her to wave in front of cameras in northern Gaza.

The young soldier is the first of three Israeli hostages due to be released today, with Arbel Yehud, 29, and Gadi Moses, 80, expected to be freed later this morning.

The freed Israeli gave a small smile and wave with her certificate in hand, before she was led off the platform to an awaiting Red Cross vehicle.

Along with Berger, five Thai nationals will also be released under the hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, but their names have not yet been confirmed.

As part of the deal, Israel will later release 110 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons, Hamas has confirmed.

Cheers echoed through the onlooking crowds as people gathered to watch live footage of Berger's release on a large screen in Jabalia.

Some were even heard chanting her name as she stepped off the stage and into the white van.

Hamas militants escort Isreali hostage Agam Berger (C) on a stage before handing her over to a Red Cross team in Jabalia on January 30, 2025

Palestinian Hamas militants release female Israeli soldier Agam Berger, held in Gaza since the deadly October 7 2023 attack, as part of a ceasefire and a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel

Berger was seen surrounded by armed Hamas operatives during her release

Agam Berger, now 20, was spotted on live TV standing on a stage in between two militants, donning balaclavas and sunglasses, in northern Gaza

Arbel Yehoud and Gadi Moses, hostages held in Gaza since the deadly October 7, 2023 attack, and who are to be released as part of a ceasefire and a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel, are seen at an unspecified location

Three Israeli captives were released by Hamas this morning as part of the ceasefire deal

Israeli officials say they have received confirmation from the Red Cross that one hostage has been handed over.

'The returning hostage has just been transferred to IDF and ISA forces in the Gaza Strip.

'The returning hostage is currently being accompanied by IDF special forces and ISA [Israeli Security Agency] forces on her return to Israeli territory, where she will undergo an initial medical assessment,' the Israeli military said.

'The commanders and soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces salute and embrace the returning hostage as she makes her way home to the State of Israel.'

At around 8:45am, the IDF confirmed Berger had crossed into Israeli territory.

'The returning hostage is currently on her way to an initial reception point in southern Israel, where she will be reunited with her parents,' the military said.

Also commenting on the long-awaited release, the office of Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: 'The Israeli government embraces Agam Berger, an Israel Defense Forces soldier.'

It says the 'government, together with all security agencies, will accompany her and her family'.

The statement ends by saying the 'Israeli government is committed to the return of all abducted and missing persons'.

But images of Berger's release have made their rounds on social media and viewers are slamming the Palestinian military group for giving the hostages 'goody bags' along with their certificate.

The 20-year-old can be seen walking across the stage with a brown paper bag in her hand, which social media users have dubbed 'gift bags'.

One X/Twitter user commented beneath an image of Berger: 'The fact they give them a certificate and gift bag is so sick and twisted'.

Another said: 'What are those "souvenir bags"? Giving a Hamas gift bag to a released hostage shows how sick those guys are'.

Berger was kidnapped and taken hostage by Hamas militants during their initial incursion in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, when she was just 19-years-old.

The soldier is the last member of an all-female unarmed military unit, known in Hebrew as Tatzpitaniyot, to remain in Gaza.

Seven women from the unit, tasked with observing Gaza on surveillance footage, were taken hostage from the Nahal Oz military base.

One was killed in Gaza, another rescued, and four released under the ceasefire deal.

Berger's family said they were 'overjoyed and moved' by the return of the four other female soldiers on Saturday, while they continued to 'eagerly await embracing Agam'.

In Israel, people cheered, clapped and whistled at a square in Tel Aviv where supporters of the hostages watched Berger's handover on big screens next to a large clock that's counted the days the hostages have been in captivity.

A brave Berger was seen waving to cheering crowds before she was led to a Red Cross vehicle

Armed Hamas militants led her off stage where she then climbed into a Red Cross vehicle

Cheers echoed through the onlooking crowds as people gathered to watch live footage of Berger's release on a large screen in Jabalia

In Israel, people cheered, clapped and whistled at a square in Tel Aviv where supporters of the hostages watched Berger's handover on big screens

The parents of Israeli hostage Agam Berger, a soldier who was seized from her army base in southern Israel during the deadly October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, watch as their daughter is passed over to the Red Cross

Some held signs saying: 'Agam we're waiting for you at home.'

A number of foreign workers were taken captive along with dozens of Israeli civilians and soldiers during Hamas' attack.

Twenty-three Thais were among more than 100 hostages released during a weeklong ceasefire in November 2023.

Israel says eight Thais remain in captivity, two of whom are believed to be dead.

Of the people set to be released from prisons in Israel, 30 are serving life sentences after being convicted of deadly attacks against Israelis.

Zakaria Zubeidi, a prominent former militant leader and theater director who took part in a dramatic jailbreak in 2021 before being rearrested days later, is also among those set to be released.

Israel said Yehoud was supposed to have been freed Saturday and delayed the opening of crossings to northern Gaza when she was not.

The United States, Egypt and Qatar, which brokered the ceasefire after a year of tough negotiations, resolved the dispute with an agreement that Yehoud would be released Thursday.

Another three hostages, all men, are set to be freed Saturday along with dozens more Palestinian prisoners.

On Monday, Israel began allowing Palestinians to return to northern Gaza, the most heavily destroyed part of the territory, and hundreds of thousands streamed back.

Many found only mounds of rubble where their homes had been.

In the first phase of the ceasefire, Hamas is set to release a total of 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, older adults and sick or wounded men, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

Israel says Hamas has confirmed that eight of the hostages to be released in this phase are dead.

Palestinians have cheered the release of the prisoners, who they widely see as heroes who have sacrificed for the cause of ending Israel's decades-long occupation of lands they want for a future state.

People and Hamas militants gather around a Red Cross van on the day female Israeli soldier Agam Berger held in Gaza since the deadly October 7 2023 attack, is released as part of a ceasefire and a hostages-prisoners swap deal

Family members and supporters of Israeli hostage, Agam Berger, a soldier who was seized from her army base in southern Israel during the deadly October 7 2023 attack

Agam's childhood friends from school gathered in an apartment to watch her release - the room hung with Israeli flags, party food laid out on a table

People react as they watch broadcast of the release of Israeli soldier Agam Berger, one of eight hostages set to be released today

Berger was kidnapped and taken hostage by Hamas militants during their initial incursion in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, when she was just 19-years-old

A statement by the IDF and Israeli Security Agency says the returning hostage is 'on her way to an initial reception point in southern Israel where she will be reunited with her parents'

Israeli forces have meanwhile pulled back from most of Gaza, allowing hundreds of thousands of people to return to what remains of their homes and humanitarian groups to surge assistance.

The deal calls for Israel and Hamas to negotiate a second phase in which Hamas would release the remaining hostages and the ceasefire would continue indefinitely.

The war could resume in early March if an agreement is not reached.

Israel says it is still committed to destroying Hamas, even after the militant group reasserted its rule over Gaza within hours of the truce.

A key far-right partner in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition is already calling for the war to resume after the ceasefire's first phase.

Hamas says it won't release the remaining hostages without an end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Hamas started the war when it sent thousands of fighters storming into Israel.

The militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted around 250.

Israel's ensuing air and ground war among the deadliest and most destructive in decades.

More than 47,000 Palestinians have been killed, over half of them women and children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not say how many of the dead were militants.

The Israeli military says it killed over 17,000 fighters, without providing evidence, and that it went to great lengths to try to spare civilians.

It blames civilian deaths on Hamas because its fighters operate in dense residential neighborhoods and put military infrastructure near homes, schools and mosques.

The Israeli offensive has transformed entire neighborhoods into mounds of gray rubble, and it's unclear how or when anything will be rebuilt.

Around 90 per cent of Gaza's population has been displaced, often multiple times, with hundreds of thousands of people living in squalid tent camps or shuttered schools.
An anti-Islam activist who sparked outrage across Muslim countries for burning the Koran has been shot dead in Sweden during a livestream on TikTok.

Salwan Momika, 38, was ruthlessly gunned down in an apartment in the city of Sodertalje on Wednesday night.

Swedish media reported that Momika was streaming live on TikTok at the time he was shot.

A video seen by MailOnline showed police picking up a phone and ending a livestream that appeared to be from Momika's TikTok account.

The Iraqi refugee was notorious for staging public demonstrations where he burnt and destroyed the Islamic holy book - a stunt that enraged Muslims around the world.

A Stockholm court was due to rule on Thursday whether Momika, a Christian Iraqi who burned Korans at a slew of protest in 2023, and his co-protester Salwan Najem, were guilty of inciting ethnic hatred.

According to the charge sheet, the duo had desecrated and burned the Koran and had also made derogatory remarks about Muslims.

It postponed the ruling to February 3, saying that 'because Salwan Momika has died, more time is needed'.

Anti-Islamist activist Salwan Momika who sparked outrage for burning a Koran has been shot dead in Sweden

Police are currently investigating the murder of Momika. Here they are pictured outside the apartment where the shooting took place

Moment Swedish police turned off Momika's livestream after he was shot on Wednesday night

Najem tweeted this morning: 'I'm next'.

Police said they rushed to the scene, where they found Momika suffering from gun wounds. He was rushed to hospital and was later confirmed dead.

Tabloid Aftonbladet reported that the shooter was able to enter the building through the roof.

Five people have been arrested in connection to Momika's death, police said on their website. They did not say if the shooter was among those detained.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson today addressed Momika's murder in a press conference in Stockholm.

'I can assure you that the security services are deeply involved because there is obviously a risk that there is a connection to a foreign power,' he said.

Momika first sparked global anger in June 2023 when he set a Koran on fire and stomped on the holy book outside Stockholm's main mosque, with several Muslim countries condemning Sweden for allowing the Iraqi man to perform the act during the Eid al-Adha holiday and the annual hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.

Burning the Koran is seen by Muslims as a blasphemous act because they consider it the literal word of God.

Saudi Arabia, Iran, Morocco, Bahrain and the UAE joined in the chorus of condemnation, with the US also calling the protest 'disrespectful and hurtful'.

Footage shows a police officer going up to the device the livestream was being broadcasted from

The livestream was turned off by police after they rushed to the scene of the crime

Five people have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in Momika's murder

Police is seen at a crime scene in an apartment block in Soedertaelje, south of the Swedish capital Stockholm on January 30, 2025

Police investigators are seen working at a crime scene in an apartment block in Soedertaelje

Protestor Salwan Momika raises a copy of the Koran during his demonstration outside the Iraqi embassy in Stockholm, Sweden, 20 July 2023

Salwan Momika holds a flag of Sweden as he protests outside a mosque in Stockholm on June 28, 2023

Building where the shooting of Koran burner Momika took place

Dozens of Iraqi protesters stormed the Swedish embassy in Baghdad in response to Momika's stunt, with videos showing an angry mob breaking through an iron gate and climbing on top of the compound.

The demonstrators also distributed leaflets that carried messages in Arabic and English that said: 'Our constitution is the Koran. Our leader is Al-Sadr'.

'Yes, yes to the Koran,' was also scrawled on the gate leading to the embassy, according to the photographer.

Momika later pulled a similar stunt, in which he burned the Koran outside the Iraqi embassy in Stockholm.

The activist received a string of death threats as a result.

Momika pictured burning a Koran a few months later at Benny Fredriksson square, Stockholm, in October 2021

Dozens of Iraqi protesters stormed the Swedish embassy in Baghdad on June 29 over the burning of a Koran by Salwan Momika

Protesters gather at the entrance to the Swedish embassy in Baghdad, Iraq a day after Momika, a protester, burned a copy of the Quran in Sweden

Meanwhile, Sweden's intelligence service Sapo raised its threat level to four on a scale of five after the Koran burnings had made the country a 'prioritised target'.

Police had granted him a permit for the protest in line with free-speech protections after an appeals court rejected their ban on Koran burning protests, but said later the man had been charged with agitation against an ethnic or national group.

Sweden's migration agency in 2023 wanted to deport Momika for giving false information on his residency application, but couldn't as he risked torture and inhumane treatment in Iraq.
Lord Sugar has branded Brexit the 'biggest disaster of my lifetime' and insisted the UK should beg to be let back into the EU.

On the eve of the fifth anniversary of leaving the bloc, the business mogul and Apprentice star blamed the decision for crushing economic growth.

He told BBC Breakfast that if he were PM he would go 'on bended knees' to Brussels and ask to rejoin.

The Brexit referendum in 2016 was followed by years of wrangling over the terms of the UK's departure.

Boris Johnson finally struck a deal that allowed the divorce to go ahead in early 2020, just before the Covid pandemic hammered the globe.

Lord Sugar has branded Brexit the 'biggest disaster of my lifetime' and insisted the UK should beg to be let back into the EU

A poll published this week suggested that just 30 per cent now believe the UK was right to leave the EU

A poll published this week suggested that just 30 per cent now believe the UK was right to leave the EU.

Immigration - widely considered a key reason for the Leave vote - has since surged to new record highs.

Lord Sugar said: 'The full ramifications of us not being in the EU are starting to really take its toll.

'If I were the PM I would be coming along on my bended knees and asking to be allowed back in.

'It's all to do with trade, free trade, small people, small traders can't ship goods abroad now... it's a terrible situation.

'How do we get out of it? My honest opinion - get back in the EU.'

Keir Starmer has made a 'reset' with the EU a core aim for the Labour government, although he has stressed the UK will not go back into a customs union or the single market.

According to YouGov research carried out earlier this month, 55 per cent of Brits now think Brexit was the wrong decision.

That view was shared by 18 per cent of those who voted Leave - although 66 per cent stand by their original choice.

Some 7 per cent of previous Remainers have switched to say it was right for the UK to leave, while 88 per cent had not changed position.

Keir Starmer has made a 'reset' with the EU a core aim for the Labour government, although he has stressed the UK will not go back into a customs union or the single market
A 13-year-old boy has died at a school in South Wales in what has been described as a 'tragic incident'.

Police have now launched an urgent investigation into the death of the young teenager which occurred at the Melin Primary School in the town of Neath.

The boy's next of kin have been informed with the family being supported by local authorities.

Neath Port Talbot Council said that the school had been closed.

South Wales Police said: 'HM Coroner has been notified and the death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

'We are extremely saddened to hear this tragic news and our thoughts go out to the family, South Wales Police officers are currently investigating and the council will offer any possible assistance.

'Melin Primary School (infant and junior sites) was closed on Wednesday January 29. Support will be made available to anyone affected.

'The school will re-open on Thursday January 30.'

Police have now launched an urgent investigation into the death of the young teenager which occurred at the Melin Primary School in the town of Neath

Acting headteacher Danielle Harris wrote a letter to parents and guardians saying: 'We want to inform you that Melin Primary School (infant and junior sites) will reopen tomorrow (Thursday 30th January) following a tragic incident that occurred on the school grounds in the early hours of this morning.

'We understand that recent events have been distressing, and we want to assure you that the wellbeing of our students, staff and wider school community remains our top priority.

'Support services will be available at the school to assist anyone in need.

'If your child requires additional support please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

'We appreciate your understanding and co-operation during this difficult time'.
America suffered a fresh tragedy when a packed passenger jet collided with a US Army helicopter and plunged into Washington DC's Potomac River.

The collision took place as the American Airlines flight carrying 64 people made its final approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport shortly before 9pm ET.

More than 30 bodies have been recovered for the freezing river early Thursday, with authorities saying there are no survivors although search efforts are still ongoing.

A temporary morgue has been set up in the capital to house the bodies.

A Black Hawk helicopter flying a training sortie cut through the airspace from the opposite direction under cover of darkness, with both aircraft seemingly unaware of the other's presence.

They slammed into one another just 400ft above ground, erupting in a violent explosion before plunging into the freezing Potomac River below.

More than 300 first responders and rescue workers were deployed to the Potomac on inflatable boats while others erected searchlights to illuminate the murky waters in a desperate hunt for survivors.

But no one is thought to have survived the brutal mid-air collision that ended with the wreckage of both aircraft sinking to the bottom of the gushing river.

It is the first fatal crash involving a US commercial airline since 2009, when 50 people died in Buffalo, New York, following a crash of a Bombardier DHC-C propeller aircraft.

President Donald Trump said he had been 'fully briefed on this terrible accident' and, referring to the passengers, added, 'May God Bless their souls', while American Airlines CEO Robert Isom expressed 'deep sorrow' for the crash.

Now, as rescue efforts continue and investigations into the tragic incident begin, here's how the catastrophe unfolded.

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Surveillance footage taken from inside the airport also captured the moment the two collided in midair

Rescue boats search the waters of the Potomac River for survivors after the deadly plane crash

Emergency response teams are seen at the scene of the crash in the Potomac River

American Airlines flight 5342, a CRJ700 Bombardier, took off from Wichita, Kansas and was carrying 60 passengers and four crew.

The plane, designed to carry up to 70 people, was operating well within its capacity on a routine domestic flight, observers said.

'I know that flight. I've flown it several times myself,' said Kansas Senator Jerry Moran said in the wake of the crash.

A few minutes before flight 5342's landing, air traffic controllers asked the arriving commercial jet if it could land on the shorter Runway 33 at Reagan National and the pilots immediately confirmed they were able to do so.

Controllers then cleared the plane to land on Runway 33 and flight tracking sites showed the plane duly adjusted its approach to the new runway.

At the same time, a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk US Army helicopter that had departed from Fort Belvoir in Virginia entered the airspace around Reagan National Airport.

This is some of the most tightly controlled and monitored airspace in the world, just over three miles south of the White House and the Capitol.

All of the previous jets had made landings on the airport's main runway, suggesting that the Black Hawk pilots may have expected the American Airlines flight to follow suit and may not have been aware of the change in flight path.

The helicopter was on a training flight, according to a US Army spokesperson, but no other details were provided.

Military aircraft frequently conduct training flights in and around the congested and heavily restricted airspace around the nation's capital for familiarisation and continuity of government planning.

Less than 30 seconds before the crash, an air traffic controller asked the helicopter, whose callsign was registered as PAT25, if it had the arriving plane in sight.

The controller made another radio call to the helicopter moments later at 8.47pm ET - minutes before the American Airlines flight was projected to make its landing.

'PAT25 do you see a CRJ? PAT 25 pass behind the CRJ,' the air traffic controller said.

Seconds later, the night sky above Washington DC was briefly illuminated by the fireball that erupted as the two aircraft collided.

The sickening crash occurred at an altitude of just 400ft and less than three kilometres from the runway.

American Airlines flight 5342 was travelling at a speed of 140mph when it smashed into the chopper.

Emergency response units assess airplane wreckage in the Potomac River

The plane was being operated as an American Eagle Flight by PSA Airlines for its parent carrier American Airlines

A recording of air traffic control communications revealed the shocked reactions of controllers as they witnessed the crash unfold in real time.

Notable US commercial aircraft crashes February 12, 2009: a Colgan Air Bombardier aircraft flying from New York to the small town of Buffalo crashes, killing the 49 passengers onboard. January 15, 2009: a US Airways Airbus A320 carrying more than 150 people collides with a flock of birds before making a spectacular landing on the Hudson River in New York, thanks to the pilot's exemplary actions. August 27, 2006: a regional transport plane uses a wrong, unlit runway, rather than the designated one and crashes shortly after taking off from Lexington airport, Kentucky, killing around 50 people onboard. December 19, 2005: a Grumman G-73T Mallard hydroplane operated by Ocean Airways, connecting Miami and an island in the Bahamas, crashes into the sea shortly after takeoff, killing both crew members and 18 passengers. October 19, 2004: a BAE Jetstream 32 operated by AmericanConnection crashes near Kirksville, Missouri due to poor visibility. Both pilots and 11 out of the 13 passengers are killed. January 8, 2003: a US Airways Beechcraft 1900, flying between Charlotte, North Carolina and Greenville, South Carolina, crashes into a hangar shortly after takeoff. Both pilots and the 19 passengers onboard are killed. November 12, 2001: two months after the September 11 attacks, an American Airlines Airbus A-300, flying from New York to Saint-Domingue, crashes shortly after taking off from JFK airport. The 251 passengers and nine crew members are killed. On the ground, several houses are destroyed or damaged, and five residents killed. January 13, 1982: an Air Florida Boeing 737-222 hits a bridge over the Potomac before crashing into the river just after takeoff during a snowstorm. The crash kills 78 people including four motorists who were on the bridge. Advertisement

'Oh, oh my god! Tower, did you see that?' one worker is heard exclaiming.

'Crash, crash, crash, this is an alert three,' one of the air traffic controllers can be heard saying in the audio from around the time of the crash.

'I don't know if you caught earlier what happened, but there was a collision on the approach into 33. We're going to be shutting down operations for the indefinite future,' another controller remarked.

'Both the helicopter and the plane crashed in the river,' a third air traffic controller can be heard saying.

'It was probably out in the middle of the river,' the controller said.

'I just saw a fireball and then it was just gone. I haven't seen anything since they hit the river. But it was a CRJ and a helicopter that hit.'

Aviation experts have pointed out that unlike many air traffic control units, Washington uses two separate radio frequencies to communicate with rotorcraft helicopters and other aircraft - a factor which may have contributed to the crash.

In footage taken from the Kennedy Center, Washington's cultural hub, the powerful lights of the descending airplane and the dimmer lights of another aircraft heading toward it can be seen until the fiery collision.

The incident occurred on a relatively warm and clear winter evening in Washington, with temperatures registering as high as 60 degrees Fahrenheit, following a stretch days earlier of intense cold and ice.

But the Potomac River is still extremely frigid.

Hours before Wednesday's crash, the water temperature was registered at 36 degrees Fahrenheit, just four degrees above freezing, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The National Weather Service reported that wind gusts of up to 25 mph were possible in the area throughout the evening, though this is not thought to have contributed to the collision.

DC mobilised a huge rescue effort in the hours following the crash.

Some 300 first responders were on scene within minutes, deploying in a fleet of inflatable rescue boats launched into the Potomac River from a point along the George Washington Parkway, just north of the airport.

Other first responders set up light towers from the shore to illuminate the area near the collision site.

At least a half-dozen boats were scanning the water using searchlights overnight as images showed vessels grouped around a partly submerged wing and what appeared to be the mangled wreckage of the plane's fuselage.

'It's a highly complex operation,' said D.C. fire chief John Donnelly. 'The conditions out there are extremely rough for the responders.'

An American Eagle CRJ-700 aircraft was the passenger jet involved in the crash

A US Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter was the other aircraft involved in the collision

Emergency personnel work near the site of the crash after American Eagle flight 5342 collided with a Black Hawk helicopter while approaching Reagan Washington National Airport and crashed into the Potomac River, outside Washington, U.S., January 30, 2025

Emergency personnel work near the site of the crash after American Eagle flight 5342 collided with a Black Hawk helicopter

DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly speaks at a press conference with other government officials on the rescue efforts

It was unclear how a passenger plane with modern collision-avoidance technology and nearby traffic controllers could collide with a military aircraft over the nation's capital.

The airspace around Washington is often crowded, with planes coming in low over the city to land at Reagan Airport and helicopters - military, civilian and carrying senior politicians or officials - buzzing about both day and night.

President Donald Trump declaring the crash 'should have been avoided'.

'The plane was on a perfect approach path to the airport. The helicopter was heading directly toward the plane for some time. The night was clear, the lights of the plane were visible, why didn't the helicopter climb or descend, or make a turn?' he wrote.

'Why didn't the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane? This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!'

Meanwhile, aviation expert Geoffrey Thomas was 'perplexed', explaining that almost all passenger and military aircraft in the US are fitted with Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) - a standard issue software designed to prevent such incidents.

'Technically (the crash) should never have happened. It's perplexing and tragic... these sorts of things don't happen in the United States anymore,' he told the BBC.

The crash is serving as a major test for two of the Trump administration's newest agency leaders.

Pete Hegseth, sworn in days ago as defence secretary, posted on social media that an investigation has been 'launched immediately' by the Army and the Defence Department.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, just sworn in earlier this week, said at a sombre news conference at the airport early this morning that his agency would provide all possible resources to the investigation.

Reagan Airport will reopen at 11am ET on Thursday, the Federal Aviation Administration announced. The FAA has previously said it would be closed until 5am Friday.

Meanwhile, the governing body of US figure skating announced that several athletes, coaches and their family members were aboard the doomed flight, along with a pair of Russian world champions.

They had been returning home from the National Development Camp, an advanced training camp for promising young athletes which is held in conjunction with the US Figure Skating Championships, US Figure Skating said.

'We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims' families closely in our hearts. We will continue to monitor the situation and will release more information as it becomes available,' it added in a statement.

Pictured: Russian figure skaters Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov , who were reportedly on the plane, with their son Maxim, 23, a prominent US figure skater

Russian figure skaters Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov are reported to have been on board the American Airlines plane that crashed into a Black Hawk helicopter

Tents have been set up in the vicinity following the plane crash, pictures show

As many as 15 people on the flight may have been involved in figure skating, according to reports.

Russian figure skaters Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, were also on board the plane, Russian state-run TASS news agency reported, citing a source.

Married couple Shishkova, 53, and Naumov, 56, won the world championship in pairs figure skating in 1994.

'We unfortunately see that these sad reports are being confirmed. Our other fellow citizens were there,' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Their son Maxim Naumov, 23, a prominent American skater recently placed fourth at the US championships in Kansas. He is not believed to have been on the plane.

Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser said in a statement on X: 'Tonight, as our first responders continue their efforts, we are sending our love and prayers to the families, loved ones, and communities who are experiencing loss during this terrible tragedy.'

'I can't say anything about the rescue operation right now.'

She also declined to comment on the condition of aircraft, which remains submerged in the Potomac River.

She announced that a briefing will take place at 7.30am ET (12.30pm UK time) as rescuers continue to search the Potomac river.

Witness Ari Schulman was driving home when he saw what he described as 'a stream of sparks' overhead.

'Initially I saw the plane and it looked fine, normal. It was right about to head over land,' he told CNN.

'Three seconds later, and at that point it was banked all the way to the right... I could see the underside of it, it was lit up a very bright yellow, and there was a stream of sparks underneath it,' Schulman added.

'It looked like a Roman candle.'
Mark Coker charged with four counts of stalking

A man accused of stalking a group of 12-year-old girls around a busy Westfield before allegedly following them into the surf at a nearby beach three days later has been bailed.

Police allege Mark Coker, 62, followed the four girls through Westfield Bondi Junction in Sydney's east at about 1pm last Friday before they fled.

Five hours, he allegedly used a vehicle to block the same girls from walking across a pedestrian crossing with a vehicle at North Bondi.

Coker allegedly yelled at the girls and then drove off.

On Monday, the girls were in the water at Bondi Beach when they allegedly spotted the man watching them from the shore.

Coker then allegedly entered the water and began to swimming towards the group, who fled the scene and reported the incident to police.

Police allege Mark Coker followed the four girls through Westfield Bondi Junction last Friday

Following extensive investigations, police arrested Coker on Arnold Street in nearby Queens Park on Thursday morning.

He was taken to Waverley Police Station where he was charged with four counts of stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm.

Coker appeared in Waverley Local Court on Thursday afternoon, where he was granted bail by magistrate Rodney Brender.

He must report to North Sydney Police Station three times a week, not enter Sydneys eastern suburbs except for court, and not go near or contact the girls or any prosecution witnesses as part of his bail conditions.

Coker will reappear in court in February.
A porn star has plunged to her death from a Brazilian hotel balcony after she invited two men to take part in a filmed threesome.

Anna Beatriz Pereira Alves, known online as Anna Polly, was found lifeless in a courtyard at an aparthotel in Nova Iguacu, roughly 25 miles northwest of Rio de Janeiro.

The OnlyFans model, whom local media reports was 23, is believed to have fallen as she was filming X-rated scenes with the two men for the adult content site.

The two men reportedly gave conflicting accounts of what occurred before the plunge, but no arrests have yet taken place.

A police homicide unit is analysing hotel CCTV images as part of its investigation and has already quizzed staff. Alves' mobile phone was collected as evidence.

The results of the post-mortem have not been made public and it is not yet clear if there was a presence of drugs in Alves' system or anything suggesting she was a victim of sexual violence.

Investigators have described their ongoing probe as 'complex' and say they are keeping an open mind on the adult entertainer's death - which they say could be an accident or a crime.

Anna Beatriz Pereira Alves, who used the name Anna Polly online, was found lifeless in a courtyard at the aparthotel in Nova Iguacu north-west of Rio de Janeiro

The OnlyFans model, whom local media reports was 23, is believed to have fallen as she was filming X-rated scenes with the two men for the adult content site

Alves is believed to have died at the four-star Mont Blanc Apart Hotel in Nova Iguacu, according to local reports.

Graphic footage showing a police officer standing over a body - believed to be Alves - in a blood-covered sheet has been published online.

Her boyfriend Pedro Henrique told Brazilian magazine Quem: 'All the information about the case is already in the hands of the police and they are investigating.

'If someone is to blame, they will pay and the culprit will be found. She died in the fall. There was no time to save her.'

He said in a social media tribute as he announced details of her funeral: 'It's so difficult without you.

'As the hours pass it's starting to sink in and the hole in my heart is only getting bigger.'

Alves fell to her death on January 23 but it only began to be reported in mainstream media late yesterday. Investigators have described their ongoing probe as 'complex' and say they are keeping an open mind about her death - which they say could be an accident or a crime

Alves is believed to have died at the four-star Mont Blanc Apart Hotel in Nova Iguacu, according to local reports

Alves fell to her death on January 23 but it only began to be reported in mainstream media late yesterday.

A friend said: 'She had loads of plans, she wanted to expand her presence on social media and she always spoke enthusiastically about her future projects.

'This news has left everyone stunned.'

A spokesman for the Baixada Fluminense Homicide Unit, which is leading the investigation, told local press: 'We are conducting a thorough investigation to clarify what happened.

'It's a complex case, and we don't rule out any possibility, from an accident to a possible crime.'
Rail passengers who became so infuriated by patchy timetables in South West England have taken matters into their own hands and set up their own train firm.

Now, Go-op has been given the green light to run trains on a core route of Taunton in Somerset to Westbury in Wiltshire, operating via Castle Cary, Bruton and Frome.

Six or more trains will operate each day to improve the service levels in these towns, while also providing connections for trains to and from Yeovil, Salisbury and Exeter.

The plan backed by the Office of Rail and Road regulator will also see some services extended from Westbury to Swindon, and from Taunton to Weston-super-Mare.

Go-op will compete with Great Western Railway (GWR) which calls at more than 270 stations across western England and South Wales in and out of London Paddington, including Penzance, Exeter, Hereford, Bristol, Oxford, Reading, Cardiff and Swansea.

The new firm is the brainchild of social enterprise advisor Alex Lawrie, who became frustrated with the patchy, delayed or non-existent service when trying to take the train for work after moving from Gloucestershire to Yeovil with his family in 2004.

The 56-year-old married father-of-three told The Telegraph: 'Picture me standing on a windswept station platform in Yeovil. I'm travelling around Somerset, attending meetings in various different towns, and I can't stand driving.

'Who knew when the trains were going to be? They were scattered all through the timetable and the connections just weren't there.

(From left) Go-op board members John Hassall, Alex Lawrie and David Warren at Swindon

Go-op has been given the green light to run trains on a core route of Taunton in Somerset to Westbury in Wiltshire, with connections onto Weston-super-Mare and Swindon

'I was thinking  I know that there are railway lines in existence joining these places. Why on earth can't we get between them? That was the start. I was, simply, a frustrated rail passenger.'

Mr Lawrie came up with a plan to improve local rail connections using existing track, and was given a 500 grant by the Co-op supermarket group after presenting his ideas.

This was enough to begin an application for a new 'Open Access' railway provider and eventually led to Go-op, the UK's first co-operative railway.

Other examples of 'Open Access' operators who compete with franchises include Hull Trains and Lumo which run on parts of LNER's East Coast Main Line route.

Go-op now has nine directors, including former NHS consultant anaesthetist Nick Kennedy and ex-Network Rail senior development manager David Northey.

The ORR announced last November that it had approved the Go-Op service with conditions to ensure it has sufficient finance and rolling stock in place in good time.

Go-op launches its public share offering in the council chamber at Swindon Borough Council

Go-op currently plans to start this December at the earliest, and must do so no later than December next year in order to use the capacity granted by the ORR.

As part of ORR's decision, Go-op must provide evidence by this November that it has enough finance to start operations, fund level crossing enhancements and that the necessary rolling stock is secured.

Go-op has therefore started a Crowdfunder campaign with a target of 2.6million and has reached 80,000 so far  on top of the 600,000 already raised. It also hopes to generate more cash from a mixture of community shares and loans.

Talking about funding, Alex Lawrie told the Green Signals railway podcast last month: 'What we're offering is a balance investment - it's a mix of social impact, social benefits but also a financial return so that people can use it as a way to preserve and enhance their capital.

'That means we have quite a mix of people who've made a very basic 25 membership investment, but also people who've put in tens of thousand of pounds as a long-term investment, maybe getting the benefit of venture capital tax reliefs.'

Go-op will begin by using diesel rolling stock but wants to look at using battery-operated trains in future.

Go-op will compete with Great Western Railway (GWR) which calls at more than 270 stations

In the long-term, it hopes to work with the West Somerset Railway heritage line to connect with mainline services at Bishops Lydeard, and is supporting campaigns for new stations at Cullompton, Wellington, Somerton and Langport.

It also wants to extend the route beyond Swindon  not to London, but rather to Oxford and the Midlands.

However, present service provision on the Melksham branch between Westbury and Swindon is understood to be limited by the infrastructure.

This means that where single track railway is in place, there are only so many trains that can be run before costly infrastructure improvements must be considered to operate more.

A GWR spokesman told MailOnline: 'We have always had a very competitive and compelling offer for rail customers between Taunton and Westbury, as well as regional services throughout Wiltshire.

'In fact, Great Western Railway has been instrumental in investing in new services and building demand on the TransWilts over the past 15 years to the point that markets have opened up for other businesses to pursue.

'We also recognise that any additional rail services have the potential to bring choice and benefits for customers, and we look forward to welcoming any improvements to the network.'

Go-Op trains will call at Castle Cary train station in Somerset - famously where Glastonbury Festival revellers travel to before heading to buses that take them to Worthy Farm each year

The ORR said last November that it had 'weighed up the beneficial aspects of this application relating to competition and the introduction of new, better journey opportunities for passengers'.

The regulator added that it had taken into account the Government's support for the application, and decided that 'all these considerations be given greater weight than the anticipated very limited impact on government funds and train service performance'.

Martin Jones, deputy director for access, licensing and international at the ORR, said at the time: 'Our decision gives Go-op the opportunity to bring the first co-operatively owned train service and the first regional open access service in the UK.

'We think this novel proposal can benefit passengers across Somerset and Wiltshire.

'We will closely monitor Go-op's progress towards meeting the financial and rolling stock requirements that are needed before it can bring the services into operation.'
An IT worker will get a payout after suing her British employers for disability discrimination because they did not let her work remotely from Pakistan.

Tehmina Akhtar suggested she work remotely from a rural area near the city of Lahore, saying she was too anxious to fly the more than 5,000 miles back to the UK alone following a two-year career break.

Her request came despite her previously flagging concerns about poor internet and inconsistent electricity in the area, an employment tribunal in Manchester heard.

She lost her case for discrimination but is in line for a payout after the tribunal found she had been unfairly dismissed because bosses did not give her enough notice that she faced the sack over the issue.

The tribunal heard how the travel company refused Ms Akhtar's WFH request, saying it was not 'appropriate' because she needed to be re-trained in its Cheshire office after such a long break - and also citing the connectivity issues she herself mentioned.

The software developer failed to return to work in person in the UK as requested and so was fired. She then sued for disability discrimination and unfair dismissal.

The tribunal ruled that refusing to let her work from Pakistan was not discriminatory, saying it was not Ms Akhtar's anxiety that led to this refusal (as she had claimed).

It also accepted the need for her to return to the UK for re-training after a two-year break.

But it did find the company did not give Ms Akhtar enough warning that she might be sacked if she did not return to the UK.

Chester House in the town of Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, the headquarters of Calrom Ltd where Tehmina Akhtar worked as a software developer

Her employers drafted an email telling her she would be sacked if she wasn't in the UK and ready to work at the end of her career break - but did not send it until they knew that would be impossible for her to do.

And Employment Judge Helen Cookson said they failed to consider alternatives to firing her and had not explained their concerns sufficiently.

She explained: 'We accepted that [the company] had good reason to doubt the feasibility of [Ms Akhtar]'s proposal for working from home from Pakistan.

'But given that this suggestion had been raised we considered that a reasonable employer would at least have explained its concerns to [her] to give her the chance to explain what she said had changed or to put forward other mitigating factors or even to put forward other obvious suggestions.'

With the panel concluding she was unfairly let go, she will now be compensated - but the amount will be decided at a later date.

Ms Akhtar was a Net Developer for Calrom Limited - which provides and develops software for airlines - between July 2017 and August 2022 in the town of Wilmslow.

In April 2020, near the start of the Covid pandemic, she was furloughed.

She previously had a panic attack at work and after citing 'weak health', she was allowed to take an unpaid career break starting in August 2020.

This was supposed to end on January 31, 2021, but she asked to extend it to complete an 'online language course' which she said was 'beneficial to my well-being'.

This was permitted, but in May, she asked to extend the break again until January 2022 - this time because of her health, she said.

Including her time on furlough, this extension would take her total time out of work to almost two years - from April 2020 to January 2022.

Ms Akhtar was warned it was unlikely further extension would be granted.

She was also told she would need re-training on her return given the length of the break she would have had.

The software developer went to Pakistan in December 2021 - a month before her break was due to end - 'to be with her family'.

In January 2022, when she was due to return to work, she told the company she was concerned about that.

She asked to work from home at this point - but added: 'I would like to bring to your attention that working from Pakistan would bring some challenges since I live in a small town with limited infrastructure.

'There may be some unexpected internet connection issues, internet speed issues or electricity downtime during the day.'

The company said working from Pakistan 'was not an option' - but let her extend her career break to August instead.

This took her total time off work to nearly two and a half years.

As August approached, she told bosses she couldn't travel to the UK without her parents - but failed to apply for their visas in time or arrange travel.

Her employers drafted an email to her, saying she would be sacked if she wasn't in the UK and ready to work on September 1 - but did not send it until they knew that would be impossible for her to do.

It said: 'We have already collectively agreed that it is not an option to work from Pakistan from September 1... due to the limited infrastructure of the town that you currently reside in and unexpected interruptions to the internet connection.'

Ms Akhtar replied, as her employer explained, saying: 'The factors which she had previously referred to explaining why she could not work from home in Pakistan no longer applied because there would not [be] electricity outages now summer was over and the internet in the area had improved.'

She said this meant she could temporarily work from home in Pakistan upon returning full-time on September 1.

But on August 31, the company emailed to say they took her failure to return to work in the UK as her resignation.
A woman who is wanted on child cruelty charges after she and a baby fell from fell from a moving car is believed to be on the run in Tenerife.

Raychel Hardingham, 29, was seriously injured in the fall from a blue Volvo on the A1067 Fakenham Road, opposite the Shell petrol station in Taverham, Norfolk, in April 2023.

The child escaped with minor injuries and Hardingham was charged with assaulting, ill-treating, neglecting, and abandoning a child to cause unnecessary suffering or injury.

Hardingham, of Briston, Norfolk, failed to appear before Norwich Magistrates' Court and a warrant has since been issued for her arrest.

Now, it appears she is living on the Spanish holiday island of Tenerife, according to her social media.

Hardingham told the Eastern Daily Press that she was in the resort of Playa de Las Americas and had no plans to return to the UK.

Speaking yesterday after enjoying a sunny day where temperatures reached almost 20C, she said: 'This is a very complex case and I have had to leave my home in England.

'I have had to come to Spain because I fear for my safety back home. I have had threats.

Raychel Hardingham, who is wanted on child cruelty charges, is believed to be on the run in Tenerife

Hardingham, pictured, failed to appear before Norwich Magistrates' Court and a warrant has since been issued for her arrest

It comes after she and the child fell from a blue Volvo on the A1067 Fakenham Road, opposite the Shell petrol station in Taverham, Norfolk

'My mental health is bad and my address is in the public domain because of the case. So I can't go home.

'I did not want to come here, but until I can put measures in place to protect myself in England I will have to stay here. The weather is nice - but that is about the only good thing.'

Hardingham's social media accounts show she has been enjoying life, posting scenic views on the Canary Island which is a favourite of Brits looking for sun all year around.

One of her posts on Facebook 'liked' a seafood restaurant near to where she is allegedly staying.

Hardingham told MailOnline: 'I didn't leave because of threats, I came on a five-day holiday that went wrong, and there were subsequent threats that stopped me from returning to the UK.'

She added: 'I'm not on the run and the police know that, they know everything about the threats I've had. I wasn't charged with child cruelty, it was child neglect, and nobody admitted I was subjected to a violent attack before the incident happened.'

Hardingham and the baby fell from the car on the A1067 Fakenham Road, opposite the Shell petrol station in Taverham, at 9.54pm on April 21, 2023.

She was taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge after sustaining what was described as life-changing injuries, but she was discharged three weeks later.

The child was treated for minor injuries at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital but was released a few days later.

It now appears that Hardingham is in Tenerife, according to her social media

A stock image of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, Spain. Hardingham said: 'I did not want to come here, but until I can put measures in place to protect myself in England I will have to stay here'

The road near where Hardingham and a child fell out of the moving vehicle opposite the Shell petrol station in Fakenham Road

A spokesman for Norfolk Police told MailOnline: 'Raychel Hardingham, 29, of Melton Constable, was charged on 13/06/2024 with assaulting/ill treating/neglecting/abandoning a child to cause unnecessary suffering or injury.

'She failed to appear at court and a warrant was issued on 03/09/24.

'Officers spoke with her in November 2024 when she confirmed she was in Tenerife and efforts are underway to return her to the UK.'

Following the incident, people living in Taverham spoke of their shock at what had happened.

Taverham parish council chairman Caroline Karimi-Ghovanlou said: 'I was horrified to hear what happened.

'You don't expect something like this to happen in Taverham. I'm shocked and only hope that the woman and child involved are alright.'

Others told of the 'commotion' as police closed the road and launched an investigation into the incident.

Officers appealed at the time to speak to witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage.

In 2015 Hardingham also admitted driving with excess alcohol and no insurance on November 24, and Rob New, defending, said she was 'extremely regretful' having given a reading of 188 milligrammes in 100ml of blood.

'She feels she let herself, and indeed her family down,' he told Eastern Daily Press. 'She had gone out with friends and gone to get a cab when told they were either too busy or an incredibly long wait.

'She went to collect a car she had left at her friend's some months before. In a moment of madness and serious error of judgement she decided to drive the vehicle back.'
A comedian who sued Steve Coogan's production company over claims it copied his groundbreaking YouTube show has been handed a devastating 61,000 court bill after losing in the High Court.

Harry Deansway claimed Mr Coogan's Baby Cow Productions stole the format of his show 'Shambles', repurposing it for Baby Cow's 2022 series 'Live at the Moth Club.'

Harry claims that by bringing the claim against Baby Cow he has been totally 'ostracised' in the world of comedy.

Mr Deansway - real name Joshua Rinkoff - said the two shows bear striking similarities, both featuring a blend of actual stand-up with a sitcom set in a real-life comedy club.

But Baby Cow fought the High Court claim, arguing that their show - a mockumentary broadcast on TV channel, Dave - is not a copy of Shambles.

They also claimed Mr Deansway's show was not original but reproduced ideas already used in comedy classics including Seinfeld and The Muppet Show.

Recorder Amanda Michaels last week threw out Mr Deansway's claim and has now ordered him to foot Baby Cow's lawyers' bills to a total of 61,000.

Harry Deansway, real name Joshua Rinkoff, pictured outside the High Court where he brought a case against Steve Coogan's Baby Cow Productions

Baby Cow, co-founded by Mr Coogan, argued that Shambles was not original at all and their show was different

She said an 'enormous amount of money' had been spent on the dispute, but court rules in intellectual property cases limited Mr Deansway's bill to 61,000.

At the High Court in November, the judge heard that Mr Deansway's Shambles show was based on his own experiences as a promoter in a London comedy club.

Broadcast in two series on YouTube in 2013 and 2015, it featured a blend of real life stand-up comedy with a sitcom based backstage and involving the performers.

His lawyers argued that Shambles is protected as a 'dramatic work' under the Copyright Designs and Patent Act 1988 and that his copyright had been infringed by Baby Cow's 'Moth Club'.

Baby Cow is home to many comedies, including the much-loved Alan Partridge

Barrister, Dr Timothy Sampson, said Mr Deansway had identified 170 similarities between the two shows, which 'simply could not all have arisen by coincidence.'

They included the setting in a real comedy club, blending of live acts with sitcom elements, the use of a fly-on-the-wall documentary style and numerous 'parallel characters.'

There were also 'similar/identical running jokes' in the two shows, including the owner of the club attempting to fix the dilapidated state of it.

Giving evidence, Mr Deansway said taking on such a big name player as Mr Coogan's company had dire consequences for his comedy career.

'As a result of the legal action, I have been ostracised from the comedy industry,' he said in his evidence.

'I am no longer invited to various comedians' parties and in general am out of the comedy loop. It is not considered the done thing to stand up to a big production company.'

Lawyers for Baby Cow argued that their show had 'evidently not been copied from the other' and in her judgment Recorder Michaels found in the company's favour.

She found that the 'format' of Mr Deansway's show was not protected by copyright and, even if it had been, she would not have found it infringed by Baby Cow.

'The alleged similarities between the characters of the managers/owners of the clubs and their useless assistants do not seem to me to suggest copying so much as the use of stock characters,' she said.

'The incompetence of most of the sitcom characters in both shows seems to me to be a stock comedic device, as competence is rarely funny.

'In all the circumstances, I do not consider that there are grounds to draw an inference that LATMC was copied from Shambles.

'For all of these reasons, the claim fails.'

Live at the Moth Club is set in a run-down comedy club. Pictured: Seb Cardinal (left) and Dustin Demri-Burns (right), who appeared in the Baby Cow show

Mr Rinkoff said the series bore a striking similarity to his web series, Shambles (pictured), which is also set in a run-down comedy club. But his High Court claim failed

In a follow-up hearing yesterday, Recorder Michaels went on to rule that Mr Deansway is liable for Baby Cow's costs of fighting the trial.

'They clearly are the winning party and are entitled to their costs,' she said.

The court heard Baby Cow's cost of fighting the case amounted to well over 100,000, but that court rules limit the order against Mr Deansway to 60,000, plus 1,000 in extra fees.
A hospital patient was left fuming after being served chicken lasagne that resembled 'vomit'.

Jess Tague, from Aberdeen, says she was served up the plate of watery meat during a stay at the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on January 28.

She claims she requested the Italian pasta dish was allegedly served by NHS Grampian on Tuesday teatime.

But the meal appears to be missing pasta, cheese, and other key ingredients of a traditional lasagne.

Ms Tague took to social media to slam the hospital and blasted the hospital meal, adding it looked like leftovers of a dinner from a previous night.

Sharing a picture of her meal, she said: 'This is what they're calling chicken lasagne at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. It looks like the left overs from the other day's chicken as it seems exactly the same.

'I think I'm going to go to the shop. I thought pasta would be the only thing they couldn't screw up.'

A picture of the meal shows chunks of chicken in a pool of cream coloured sauce on a tray. It is notably void of any colour or vegetables.

Dozens of social media users expressed their shock at the quality of the dish with many labelling it disgraceful. The post received 180 likes.

Arra Jane Lindemann wrote: 'Looks like vomit.'

A hospital patient was left fuming after being served chicken lasagne that resembled 'vomit'. Jess Tague, from Aberdeen, says she was served up the plate of watery meat during a stay at the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on January 2

Ms Tague claims she requested the Italian pasta dish - which was allegedly served by NHS Grampian on Tuesday teatime. But the meal appears to be missing pasta, cheese, and other key ingredients of a traditional lasagne. Pictured: The Aberdeen Royal Infirmary

Frances Christie said: 'I was in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for over three months and had the chicken lasagne multiple times and it never looked like that. This is more like the chicken in sauce.'

Yates Codling remarked: 'I'm no Nigella but even I know lasagne has pasta sheets.' Liam Hodgson stated: 'That looks like something my dog threw up.'

'Just put me off my dinner,' Julia Morris added, while James Paul Kevern said: 'Who was sick?-Disgraceful meal!'

'Oh Lord it looks like cat sick! Hope you were able to source something else,' commented Laura Deakin.

This isn't the first time a Scottish healthboard has fallen short with standards regarding patient meals.

Last year a woman claimed her poorly father was handed a measly meal of four roast potatoes and a slice of turkey during his stay at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow.

The daughter known as Lara felt the meal was nothing short of a 'disgrace' and took to social media to share the snap which had thousands of comments from shocked locals online.

One said: 'Need to serve that at Holyrood before anything will happen, our politicians are totally oblivious to what is actually happening on the ground, how can that help to make someone well.'

Another added: 'That's shocking, outsourcing was the biggest mistake ever, I hope your dad gets well soon..'

NHS Grampian has been approached for comment.
A teenager wielding a massive machete while running away from police has been jailed.

Abdul Kareem, 19, who had secretly hidden drugs down his pants, can be seen hurling a huge machete into bushes while fleeing from police in a last ditch attempt for the weapon to avoid being caught with the weapon by officers.

However, police eventually caught up with the young offender as he tried to make a hasty dash through an underpass in Peterborough on September 21.

Pinning him down, one officer who had spotted his attempt at discarding the violent weapon can be heard saying: 'He's just chucked a machete'.

Kareem had hidden the machete, alongside a number of illegal substances, in his trousers.

After catching up with the teenager, officers also discovered he had cannabis on him, while a strip-search in custody also revealed up to 66 wraps of crack cocaine and heroin hidden in his boxers.

Kareem, of Cromwell Road, Millfield, Peterborough, appeared in Cambridge Crown Court on Tuesday, January 28, where he was sentenced to 32 months in prison.

He pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply crack cocaine, possession with intent to supply heroin, possession of cannabis and also possession of a bladed article in a public place.

Abdul Kareem, 19, (pictured), can be seen hurling a huge machete into bushes while fleeing from police in a last ditch attempt for the weapon to go unspotted by the Peterborough officers

Kareem, of Cromwell Road, Millfield, Peterborough, appeared in Cambridge Crown Court on Tuesday, January 28, where he was sentenced to 32 months in prison

Detective Constable Joshua Crown, who investigated the case, said: Drug dealing and associated anti-social behaviour can significantly affect communities.

I urge anyone with concerns or information to report it to us.

The shocking footage came after Britain's two youngest knife murderers, both aged 12, were given life sentences with a minimum of eight-and-a-half years in September 2024 for a brutal attack involving a 16-inch machete.

Shawn Seesahai, 19, was killed by the two boys during an unprovoked and completely random attack on November 13, 2023 at a park bench in Wolverhampton.

Mr Seesahai was stabbed through the heart and lungs and also suffered a skull fracture, with four wounds inflicted by the machete.

From September 24, 2024, it became a criminal offence to own or sell 'zombie-style knives and machetes' in England and Wales.

Prior to the legislation being introduced, designated police stations were installed for those owning these weapons to surrender them safely, and also claim compensation where necessary.

The maximum penalty for anyone found in possession of a bladed weapon in a public place, including a machete, is now four years imprisonment.

Police eventually caught up with the young offender as he tried to make a hasty dash through an underpass

From 24 September 2024, it became a criminal offence to own or sell 'zombie-style knives and machetes' in England and Wales, with the maximum penalty being four years imprisonment

The new legislation comes as police figures suggest that the number of crimes involving machetes, swords or zombie knives has nearly doubled in just five years.

References to these large, bladed weapons were also noted in more than 14,000 crimes recorded by 32 police forces across England and Wales in 2023, according to Freedom of Information data.

Machetes alone made up more than 10,000 of these, a figure double than what had been recorded just five years prior.
Shoplifting offences have risen by 23 per cent to more than 490,000 a year to hit the highest level since records began, new official figures revealed today.

The shocking data is further proof of Britain's worsening retail theft epidemic, which an industry body today warned was 'out of control'.

There were a total of 492,914 offences recorded by police in the year to September, the Office of National Statistics (ONS) found - the highest figure since current police recording practices began for the year ending March 2003.

MailOnline recently obtained CCTV footage from shop owners in Surrey that reveals brazen thieves casually stealing hundreds of pounds worth of stock before fleeing with full bags.

Lindsey Kleinlercher, joint owner of gift shop Between The Lines, said shoplifting is now 'blatant' across the store's 18 locations in the south of England - as she hit out at the lack of support from police.

Police recorded 1.8 million theft offences in the year to September, a two per cent increase driven by shoplifting and a 22 per cent rise in crimes involving theft from a person (146,109). Knife offences and robberies rose by four per cent each.

It comes amid warnings that shoplifting is 'spiralling out of control' after a survey by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) suggested there were more than 2,000 incidents a day, with staff facing assault, being threatened with weapons, and racial and sexual abuse.

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This graph does not include data up to September 2024 due to changes in the length of reporting periods.

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There were more than 55,000 incidents of theft per day, equating to more than 20 million in total.

The alarming figures show the issue is getting worse, with cases of attacks and shoplifting beating last year's record numbers to be a fresh high since the surveys began in 2001.

This is despite businesses paying a record 1.8billion on prevention tactics such as CCTV, more security guards and body worn cameras.

Some 61 per cent of retailers say the police response to calls for help has been 'poor' or 'very poor'.

Retailers are reporting unprecedented levels of violence towards their staff, with the number of incidents involving a weapon more than doubling to 70 per day.

Alarming cases include staff being 'spat on, racially abused, and threatened with machetes' and the perpetrators 'are getting bolder and more aggressive' by the day, according to Ms Dickinson.

She added: 'With little faith in police attendance, it is no wonder criminals feel they have licence to steal, threaten, assault and abuse.

'Retailers are spending more than ever before, but they cannot prevent crime alone. We need the police to respond to and handle every reported incident appropriately.'

MailOnline recently obtained footage from shop owners in Surrey that shows how they have also been hit by Britain's shoplifting crisis. In this grab, a member of staff confronts a shoplifter in Haslemere

In another piece of footage, this time from Oxted, a man can be seen squatting down and hurriedly shoving four candles into an open Sainsbury's bag

A man shoving luxury candles into an empty Waitrose bag in the nearby town of Hersham

Crime is up overall, crime survey reveals

The Crime Survey of England and Wales (CSEW) is based on interviews with 35,000 people and regarded by statisticians as the more accurate picture of crime levels. This found there were 9.5million incidents of headline crime last year. This was an increase of 12 per cent on the year before, mainly driven by a 19 per cent rise in fraud. The CSEW has found that crime overall has generally decreased over the last decades, with the exception of some offences - such as sexual assault. Police data showing shoplifting is at a record high will be seized upon by retail bosses as further proof that urgent action is needed to tackle lawlessness. Advertisement

As a result, the industry group reiterated calls for attacks on shop staff to be made a specific offence in England and Wales, as it is in Scotland.

Labour has promised to do this in the upcoming Crime and Policing Bill, which the industry is hoping will be introduced in the coming weeks.

It marks a victory for The Mail, which led the way on exposing abuse against store workers and shoplifting and called for authorities to take the issue more seriously.

The campaign began after Tesco boss Ken Murphy revealed that every frontline worker was to be offered a body camera due to a rise in attacks.

Ministers have also vowed to remove a 200 threshold that means many shoplifting cases are deprioritised by police.

The current laws mean that theft has been 'decriminalised', according to Lord Stuart Rose, the former boss of Asda and Marks & Spencer.

But Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer insisted the country could not tolerate 'a situation where shoplifters can walk in, shoplift and walk back out again and nobody can do anything about it' last year.

The frequency of attacks mean that many of the 3 million people working in the retail industry are terrified to come to work, according to The Retail Trust.

'People are contacting our helpline in their thousands to report horrifying incidents of abuse and violence and many say that they are now at breaking point,' Chris Brook-Carter, the organisation's chief executive, said.

Inge Dunbar, 55, who owns Haslemere gift shop Sass and Spirit, has had to pay extra money towards CCTV cameras and an additional member of staff

And responding to today's crime statistics, Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson said: 'These figures show that shoplifting, retail crime and snatch theft remain unacceptably high, blighting town centres and high streets right across the country. For far too long these crimes have been written off as 'low-level' and not treated with the urgency or seriousness they deserve.

'This government is determined to turn the page. As part of the Plan for Change, our Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee will put officers and PCSOs back on the beat in every corner of the country, ensuring the police are visible, accessible and responsive to the communities they serve.

'Our forthcoming Crime and Policing Bill will give the police the powers they need to crack down on the criminals who cause misery in our communities, and to tackle the scourge of serious violence on our streets'.

When shoplifters are caught they rarely face serious punishment, with a woman who stole 145,000 worth of goods from Tesco avoiding jail when she was sentenced this week.

Tania Patmore, 52, admitted to 73 offences as part of a gang who filled the trolleys and then pushed them out of stores in the southeast of England without paying.

But, despite her confession, she won't spend any time behind bars as she is the sole carer of her teenage daughter.

Each offence consisted of taking from one to ten trolleys from the same store in quick succession.

Tania Patmore (pictured), 52, admitted to 73 offences as part of a gang who filled the trolleys and then pushed them out of stores without paying

For Patmore, that amounted to stealing 184 trolleys filled with goods, and attempting to steal another 47.

A sentencing hearing at Guildford Crown Court on Tuesday heard the value of the stolen property came to 145,000.

Circuit Judge Robert Fraser gave Patmore a suspended two year sentence after Patmore's barrister said she was the sole carer for her 13-year-old daughter.

The judge told Patmore: 'I make it very clear I am doing this purely because of your daughter.

'You are a very lucky lady.' Patmore thanked him from the dock.
Labour has been accused of 'caving to eco-zealots' after a judge upheld a legal challenge to two new oil and gas fields in the North Sea.

Greenpeace and Uplift argued at the Court of Session in Edinburgh that process had not been followed in granting consent for the Rosebank oil field and Jackdaw gas field.

The UK Government and North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) were found to have acted unlawfully by not taking into account emissions resulting from the burning of the extracted fuels.

The Tories were in power when clearance was given for Shell's proposals to develop the Jackdaw field in 2022, and Equinor and Ithaca Energy's Rosebank plans in September 2023.

In a judgement published this morning, Lord Ericht said the consent should be reduced - quashed - and reconsidered.

Ed Miliband's Department for Net Zero has been consulting on a new process - despite pledging not to approve any new licences in the North Sea basin.

But Conservatives condemned Mr Miliband for refusing to defend the case, saying ministers were 'caving to the green lobby'. The development is in stark contrast to the US, where new president Donald Trump has been vowing a 'drill baby drill' policy to exploit natural resources.

Kemi Badenoch said: 'This ruling is an act of self-harm. Yet more lawfare killing economic growth.

'The Labour government who were banging on about growth yesterday are too scared to fight for the oil and gas fields that deliver energy security and provide jobs for thousands of people.

'For the sake of our country, Keir Starmer needs to get serious. He talks a lot, but his actions so far are all hiking taxes and caving to the unions and the green lobby.'

Activists from Greenpeace and Uplift demonstrated outside the Court of Session in Edinburgh on the first day of the Rosebank and Jackdaw judicial review hearing in November

Ed Miliband's (pictured) Department for Net Zero has been consulting on a new environmental assessment process - despite pledging not to approve any new licences in the North Sea basin

Oil and gas have been extracted from the North Sea for decades

Conservatives condemned Mr Miliband for refusing to defend the case, saying ministers were 'caving to the green lobby'

Shadow minister Andrew Bowie said: 'Sadly this decision was almost inevitable after Ed Milliband refused to defend the case in court.

'Our energy security, economy and thousands of jobs sacrificed on the altar of Labour's eco zealotry.

'So much for growth being the No1 mission of this Govt.'

In his ruling, Lord Ericht said: Having considered all the circumstances of the case and the various public and private interests, I have reached the conclusion that the balance lies in favour of granting reduction.

The public interest in authorities acting lawfully and the private interest of members of the public in climate change outweigh the private interest of the developers.

The factors advanced by Shell, Equinor and Ithaca in respect of their private interest do not justify the departure on equitable grounds from the normal remedy of reduction of an unlawful decision.

The decisions will be reduced, and can be taken again, this time taking into account downstream emissions.

He said there was a public interest in having the decision remade on a lawful basis because of the effects of climate change.

The effect of the burning of fossil fuels on climate change and the lives of individual persons is now well recognised in law, he explained.

Lord Ericht ordered that the reduction be suspended pending the Secretary of State's re-consideration of the matter, which he said would give the companies options on how to proceed in the interim.

However, he said no oil or gas should be extracted before a new decision on consent is made.

Philip Evans, senior campaigner at Greenpeace UK, said: This is a historic win - the age of governments approving new drilling sites by ignoring their climate impacts is over.

The courts have agreed with what climate campaigners have said all along: Rosebank and Jackdaw are unlawful, and their full climate impacts must now be properly considered.

Fossil fuels are an economic dead end. Now that the ball is back in the Government's court, ministers have the opportunity to sort out the legal mess left by their predecessors.

Tessa Khan, executive director of Uplift, said: This is a significant win which means that Rosebank cannot go ahead without accounting for its enormous climate harm.

The continued burning of oil and gas is why we are seeing more extreme weather like Storm Eowyn and flooding that have claimed lives and caused hundreds of millions of pounds in damage and clean-up costs, not to mention the devastation it's causing in other countries.

Most people are now joining the dots with endless oil and gas drilling and are worried about the future.

A Shell spokesman called for swift action from the Government in response to the ruling.

He said: Today's ruling rightly allows work to progress on this nationally important energy project while new consents are sought.

We have spent more than 800million since the regulator approved Jackdaw in 2022.

Swift action is needed from the Government so that we and other North Sea operators can make decisions about vital UK energy infrastructure.

When operational, Jackdaw would provide enough fuel to heat 1.4 million UK homes, at a time when older gas fields are reaching the end of their production and the UK is reliant on imported gas to meet its energy needs.

An Equinor spokesperson said: We welcome today's ruling and are pleased with the outcome which allows us to continue with progressing the Rosebank project while we await new consents.

Rosebank is critical for the UK's economic growth, with an estimated 77 per cent (6.6billion) of total direct investment benefiting UK businesses.

Equinor and its Rosebank JV partner, Ithaca, have already committed over 2.2billion on developing Rosebank - awarding vital contracts across the supply chain and employing personnel to deliver the work.

Ithaca has been approached for comment.

A Department for Net Zero spokesman said: The government has already consulted on revised environmental guidance to take into account emissions from burning extracted oil and gas to provide stability for industry, support investment, protect jobs and deliver economic growth.

We will respond to this consultation as soon as possible and developers will be able to apply for consents under this revised regime.

Our priority is to deliver a fair, orderly and prosperous transition in the North Sea in line with our climate and legal obligations, which drives towards our clean energy future of energy security, lower bills, and good, long-term jobs.

Scottish Conservative energy spokesman Douglas Lumsden said: 'This decision is a hammer blow for the North Sea oil and gas industry, which is so crucial for our economy and energy security.

'Labour abandoned tens of thousands of highly skilled workers by refusing to defend this case. They must now belatedly show some common sense and back the sector.

The majority of Scots support continued oil and gas production in the North Sea because they recognise it supports jobs and that, without it, wed be more reliant on importing fossil fuels from abroad with a far greater carbon footprint.

'Labours reckless hostility to the industry  which is shared by the SNP, Greens and the Liberal Democrats  saw BP recently announce thousands of job losses.

'The Scottish Conservatives are the only party at Holyrood standing up for North Sea oil and gas and the North East communities that rely upon it.'

Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive at Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, called for 'pragmatic leadership' from the UK Government and said: 'Allowing work on Jackdaw and Rosebank to continue is a victory for common sense and averts what could have been an international embarrassment for the UK on energy security and investment.

'The businesses and workforce we represent want a just transition to net zero which grows our economy, protects jobs and keeps the lights on.

'Those seeking to deny that fair transition would instead turn the UK into the ultimate climate catfish; sacrificing our domestic energy sector and the livelihoods of 200,000 working families only to import foreign oil and gas at a higher price and with a significantly higher global carbon footprint.

Lord Ericht has quashed the UK government 's decision to allow two new North Sea developments off the coast of Scotland to extract fossil fuels

'The public are waking up to this farce - almost three quarters of Scots back domestic production - and our policymakers need to catch up quickly.

'Halting future oil and gas production makes the UK even more dependent on imports to meet our energy needs - in effect outsourcing and increasing our emissions, rather than reducing them, and doing the same to bills.

'We urge the UK Government to show pragmatic leadership and engage with the British Chambers of Commerce North Sea Transition Taskforce as a matter of urgency to find solutions that acknowledge the progress that is being made in decarbonising energy production in the North Sea - and which strikes a realistic balance between meeting our energy needs for the near future and our climate obligations.'
He was known as 'Two Jags' during his time as deputy prime minister - so it was only fitting that two black Jaguar cars were at the front of John Prescott's funeral cortege.

Senior figures from Labour's past and present were among 300 family, friends and ex-colleagues at today's service to remember the late politician.

Among those seen on their way into Hull Minster, East Yorkshire, were Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria.

They were joined by a string of Cabinet ministers, including current Deputy PM Angela Rayner, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, who arrived alongside her husband Ed Balls.

Sir Tony Blair and his wife Cherie, fellow former Labour premier Gordon Brown, ex-No10 spin chief Alastair Campbell, and RMT union boss Mick Lynch also attended.

Lord Prescott died on November 20 last year, aged 86, in a nursing home where he had been living with Alzheimer's.

A former trade union activist and merchant seaman, he was first elected to Parliament as MP for Hull in 1970, before going on to become a key member of Sir Tony's New Labour government.

He served as deputy PM under Sir Tony between 1997 and 2007 and earned the nickname 'two Jags' after it emerged he had two official Jaguar cars while in the role.

He was known as 'Two Jags' during his time as deputy prime minister - so it was only fitting that two black Jaguar cars were at the front of John Prescott's funeral cortege

Sir Keir Starmer was among senior figures from Labour's past and present to attend the service at Hull Minster

The Prime Minister's wife, Victoria Starmer, also attended the service in East Yorkshire

Sir Tony Blair and his wife Cherie

Sir Tony's fellow former PM Gordon Brown

Deputy PM Angela Rayner and former No10 spin chief Alastair Campbell

House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle

Other attendees included RMT union boss Mick Lynch, as well as Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and her husband Ed Balls

Ms Cooper shared an embrace with Jack Straw, who was home secretary himself between 1997 and 2001

Lord Prescott died on November 20 last year, aged 86, in a nursing home where he had been living with Alzheimer's

He served as deputy PM under Sir Tony between 1997 and 2007 and earned the nickname 'two Jags' after it emerged he had two official Jaguar cars while in the role

A former boxer, Lord Prescott was also remembered by many for punching a protester who threw an egg at him during an election campaign visit to North Wales in 2001.

He remained in the House of Commons until 2010, when he joined the House of Lords, but he rarely spoke in the upper chamber after suffering a stroke in 2019.

Lord Prescott officially ceased to be a member of the Lords in July last year, bringing to an end a parliamentary career that spanned more than half a century.

His coffin was carried into Hull Minster as Mr Campbell, the former Downing Street director of communications, played the Welsh national anthem on the bagpipes.

Mr Brown told the funeral congregation they were there to 'mourn the loss of a dear friend' in the city which was 'the home he loved and the home he served with pride, passion and principle'.

Mr Brown, who spoke of Lord Prescott's rise from cabin steward on a cruise ship at the age of 19 to the highest ranks of government, said: 'We celebrate a life well lived, a life lived to the full, a life that touched the lives and changed the lives of millions.'

The former PM also noted how the 'remarkable' Lord Prescott once made a cameo appearance in TV's Gavin And Stacey, adding: 'We shall not see his like again.'

Lord Prescott's son David finished his eulogy with the speech his father gave to the East Hull Labour Party in 1968 as he pitched to be the local MP, saying: 'John always had the last word'.

The speech finished with the line: 'Comrades, I hope I can help.' Mr Prescott told the congregation: 'You did Dad, you did.'

Sir Tony joked with the congregation about the 'pandemonium' that ensued after 'the punch' in the 2001 general election campaign.

He recalled ringing his deputy with reluctance and asking him to apologise.

Sir Tony said he got the reply: 'The answer is no, I'm not bloody apologising and that's the end of it.' The former PM said: 'Classic'.

He said he watched the footage again recently and was 'cheering him on'.

Sir Tony explained how the Labour Party has always had an uneasy relationship with being in power but Lord Prescott was 'instrumental' in resolving this during his government.

He said his deputy had an 'intuition about what Labour must do to sustain itself in power'.

After Sir Tony's eulogy, Sir Keir read from Psalm 107.

More than 300 family members, friends and colleagues were invited to the service in East Yorkshire

Lord Prescott's sons, Johnathan (second from left) and David (second from right) leave after their father's funeral

The former Cabinet minister's widow, Pauline Prescott arrives at Hull Minster

New Labour supremo Lord Peter Mandelson, who is set to become the new UK ambassador to the US

Police were seen in advance of today's service, which included singing from the Choral-Hull children's choir, made up from pupils across the city

Ahead of the funeral service today, Sir Keir praised Lord Prescott's 'tenacity and vision' as well as his 'fighting spirit'.

The PM said: 'John Prescott's funeral is a moment to reflect on his legacy alongside those that loved him most.

'Since his death, I have been moved to hear countless people relate their stories of John  tales of characteristic generosity, humour and charisma.

'Amongst the public, it's clear that he had legendary status.

'He was held in huge affection by people across the country who admired his straightforward authenticity and knew that he would always have their back.'

The PM added: 'His place in our history is assured  not, as he expected, for that one famous moment, but for his fighting spirit across an entire lifetime of service.

'He will be remembered as a man who stood up for working people, fought for what he believed in, and changed our nation for the better.

'We have his tenacity and vision to thank for that early action on climate change, regional inequality, the minimum wage, and public transport.

'This is a day to give thanks for a remarkable life well lived. I know many people will be raising a glass to John today.'

Hosted by the Rev Canon Dominic Black, the service included singing from the Choral-Hull children's choir, made up from pupils across the city.

In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations for Alzheimer's Research UK.

Lord Prescott acted as a mediator in the often turbulent relationship between Sir Tony Blair and Gordon Brown

A former boxer, Lord Prescott was also remembered by many for punching a protester who threw an egg at him during an election campaign visit to North Wales in 2001

As deputy PM, Lord Prescott oversaw the environment, transport and the regions, a brief which included helping to negotiate the international Kyoto Protocol on climate change.

He also acted as a mediator in the often turbulent relationship between Sir Tony and then-chancellor Gordon Brown.

Paying tribute to Lord Prescott in November, Sir Tony described him as 'one of the most talented people I ever encountered in politics' and 'one of the most committed and loyal, and definitely the most unusual'.

Mr Brown, Sir Tony's successor in No10, said Lord Prescott was 'key to holding the ring and keeping things together during difficult times such as over Iraq'.
A prominent synagogue and Holocaust museum have been identified as the targets of a suspected anti-Semitic plot following three arrests at the 'periphery' of the case.

A caravan loaded with explosives was left beside a Dural property in north-west Sydney, for 12 days before a resident reported it to police on January 19.

The discovery sparked a massive multi-agency probe into a suspected terror plot after a note reading 'f*** the Jews' and several addresses were found inside the caravan.

The explosives had the capacity to create an explosion with a 40m blast impact, capable of causing a mass casualty event.

The explosive material is believed to be Powergel stolen from a mining site, NSW Police Deputy Commissioner David Hudson revealed on Wednesday after news of the investigation leaked to the media.

On Thursday night, Sky News Australia host Sharri Markson revealed that the Great Synagogue and the Sydney Jewish Museum in inner-city Darlinghurst were the two intended targets.

The Great Synagogue, located on Elizabeth St in the Sydney CBD, was built in 1878 and is described as 'one of the most visible and visited Jewish buildings in Australia'.

The Sydney Jewish Museum features exhibits on the Holocaust and the Jewish community's contributions to Australia.

The Great Synagogue and the Sydney Jewish Museum in Darlinghurst (pictured) were identified as two of the alleged targets of a suspected terrorism plot

NSW Police Deputy Commissioner David Hudson (pictured) fronted media on Wednesday after it was leaked police found a caravan of explosives in Sydney's northwest on January 19

'To think perpetrators would have potentially targeted a museum commemorating the Holocaust - a time when six million Jews were killed - is truly horrifying,' Markson told viewers.

'This is a museum to educate the public, to educate future generations and to honour the memories of those lost and to make sure antisemitism never happens again.'

NSW Police have not confirmed the suspected attack's intended targets.

New Israel Fund Chair, Ric Benjamin, told Daily Mail Australia on Thursday night that the caravan's discovery was a 'disturbing escalation' of recent anti-Semitic attacks across Sydney.

'The multicultural Australia that we cherish cannot allow hate and extremism to fester,' he said.

'Political leaders, law enforcement agencies, and civil society must work together to stamp out antisemitism and all forms of racism.

'We stand in solidarity with Jewish Australians and all communities targeted by hate and reaffirm our commitment to fostering a more just and inclusive society.'

Dep Comm Hudson said earlier on Thursday said the registered owner of the caravan was already in police custody for 'unrelated matters' when the explosives were discovered.

He was arrested as part of Taskforce Pearl's investigation into a wave of anti-Semitic attacks.

A woman and a second man were also arrested in the 'periphery of the case.'

NSW Premier Chris Minns reassured the Jewish community 'no stone will be left unturned' in the hunt for those responsible for the alleged plot.

The Great Synagogue (pictured) in Sydney's CBD has been revealed as one of the intended targets of the suspected plot

A resident reported the caravan, which led to police finding the explosives and addresses of the suspected plot's alleged targets (pictured, the road the caravan was left on for 12 days)

'NSW Police are doing everything possible to catch these people,' Mr Minns told reporters on Thursday.

He also called on the public to report any information about the incident.

'To those who may have information about racist hate attacks in our community  if you know of anybody who's committed these offences, or you know of anyone who potentially could commit these offences, it's your duty to come forward,' he said.

Mr Minns also took the opportunity to defend his decision to keep the possible plan from the public, labelling it as 'very disturbing' and 'utterly appalling'.

Dep Comm Hudson said that he was 'not happy' about the media leak.

'There's a number of agencies involved in relation to this investigation who were privy to the same investigation,' he said.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb added: 'This has been an investigation, a covert investigation, an investigation that requires us to go about our business without compromising an investigation.

'The fact this information is now in the public domain has compromised our investigation and has been detrimental to some of the strategies we may have used.

Police are yet to confirm if the plot is linked to Islamic terrorists, far-right extremists or any other group - local or foreign.

NSW Premier Chris Minns (pictured) reassured the Jewish community 'no stone will be left unturned' in the hunt for those responsible for the alleged plot

Three individuals at the 'periphery' of the case have been arrested (pictured, police searching a property in Dural on January 21)

Mr Minns said he was briefed on January 20 and the information was kept 'clandestine' strictly for operational purposes, allowing police to stay a step ahead of suspects.

'Sometimes the police work behind the scenes,' Mr Minns told Sky News.

'Now I don't want the public to believe that anyone was twiddling their thumbs over the last 10 days - the exact opposite is the case.

'But the police judgment in this case, I believe needs to be backed. We need politics for one side and let the police get on with the job.'

It was easy for some politicians to demand the information be released immediately, especially with the federal election looming, Mr Minns said.

'I would just urge everybody to let NSW Police conduct these investigations,' he said.

'The stakes couldn't be higher. Politics can wait for another day.

'I want the public to rest assured that, firstly, the caravan is in police custody.

'Secondly, as has been reported in the media, the owner of the van is in police custody as well, and inquiries continue and nothing will stop until NSW Police have arrested those who are responsible for this.'

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese 'unequivocally' condemned the act.

'It's clearly designed to harm people, but it's also designed to create fear in the community, and that is a very definition,' the prime minister told ABC Radio Sydney.

A caravan loaded with explosives was left beside a Dural property (pictured on Thursday) in north-west Sydney

It's understood the resident who reported the van to police was concerned that it posed a safety risk to passing cars due to how close it was to the road.

Believing it had been abandoned, the man towed the caravan onto his property before discovering its contents.

Police believe the threat stemming from the dumped van has been contained.

'We will not rest until these matters are resolved,' Dep Comm Hudson said.

'We understand the concerns of the community. We understand the concerns of the Jewish community, and we take all these threats exceptionally seriously.'

The incident comes after a spate of anti-Semitic attacks in Sydney, with a childcare centre near a synagogue in the city's east set alight and sprayed with anti-Semitic graffiti on January 21.

Four days before, a house that formerly belonged to Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin was targeted in an arson and graffiti attack.

Two men have been charged over a separate attack on a synagogue in Newtown after it was spray-painted with red swastikas and briefly set alight in the early hours of January 11.

Federal police believe foreign actors recruiting local 'criminals for hire' could be behind some of the attacks targeting Jewish communities.

Cars have been set alight, a synagogue burnt down and anti-Semitic slurs painted on buildings and cars in attacks that have escalated in frequency and severity since December.

NSW Police is now working in partnership with AFP, the NSW Crime Commission and ASIO in its ongoing investigation.
A soldier who killed a teenage passenger in a car crash just three weeks after passing his driving test has walked free from court - sparking fury from the victim's family.

Laionie Kennard, 18, died when Joseph Pickett, 20, lost control of his new BMW 1 Series and crashed into trees in Ringwood, Dorset.

Pickett had been taking three friends home from a trip to McDonalds before the September 2023 tragedy occurred.

Despite admitting to causing Laionie's death Pickett escaped jail time, leaving her family demanding justice and blasting the decision not to put him behind bars.

Laionie suffered fatal head injuries while Pickett, his girlfriend Edy Herridge, 18, and friend William Green, also 18, suffered minor injuries.

Pickett is an army private in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME).

His commanding officer praised the soldier for his 'exemplary character' and told magistrates it would be the end of his career if he was jailed.

Pickett was given a ten-month suspended sentence after pleading guilty to a charge of causing death by careless driving.

Laionie's devastated family called Pickett 'mindless and moranic' and said he should have gone to prison.

The family of victim Laionie Kennard reacted with anger and called for justice as they watched Joseph Pickett, 20, escape jail time. Pictured: Joseph Pickett leaving Poole Magistrates Court after the sentencing on January 29

Pickett was taking three friends home from a trip to McDonald's when he misjudged a corner at speed, lost control of his new BMW 1 Series and crashed into trees. Laionie Kennard (pictured), 18, suffered fatal head injuries and died at the scene

Laionie's devastated family called Pickett 'mindless and moranic'. Her mother Kelly (left) told the court she now can't bear to leave her daughter's urn. Her father David (right), who rushed to the scene on the night of the crash, said seeing the image of his daughter's body 'will forever haunt me'

Her mother Kelly told the court she now can't bear to leave her daughter's urn and that her 'beautiful outgoing girl is now ashes sat on a shelf.'

Her father David, who rushed to the scene on the night of the crash, said seeing the image of his daughter's body 'will forever haunt me.'

He also told how he could 'still taste the dirt' in his mouth from where he had to be wrestled to the ground by police officers to stop him getting to her.

Magistrates heard Pickett was driving on Hurn Lane near Ringwood, Hants, when the crash happened on September 16, 2023.

Crash investigators estimated he was travelling at between 43-54mph on the 30mph road at the time.

Pickett later told police he thought the road was national speed limit.

Charles Nightingale, prosecuting, also told Poole Magistrates' Court that while Pickett had only passed his driving test three weeks before, he was an experienced motorcyclist and he failed to see several speed limit signs.

He said: 'The defendant said he believed the national speed limit applied, there's no point at all on that road where there is a national speed limit sign.

'He exceeded that speed limit the whole of that journey, drove past all of those signs in plain view and simply ignored them.

District judge Orla Austin said Pickett (centre) had written her a letter which was a sincere expression of regret. She said: 'He is extremely remorseful and very very sorry'

'There's no reason at all why this accident needed to happen, had he obeyed the speed limit.'

The court heard a number of moving victim impact statements from those closest to Laionie.

Laoinie's brother Deon said in a victim impact statement: 'This should never have happened, it was easily avoidable.'

Mrs Kennard, from Verwood, said in her statement that Laionie was 'not only my daughter, but my best friend' and she wouldn't wish the pain of losing a child on anyone.

She said: 'My heart is forever broken, the pain is unbearable, it is a daily struggle to get out of bed.

'I hate to leave the house most days because I want to be at home sat with Laionie's urn. My beautiful outgoing girl is now ashes sat on a shelf.'

Her best friend, Ella Thorne-Alcazar, said they were 'lifelong friends' and 'soul sisters'. She said: 'I feel so empty without her.'

Pictured: Joseph Pickett leaving Poole Magistrates Court in December 2024 after admitting to causing the death of a teenage passenger in a car crash

Kevin Hill, defending, said Pickett had engaged and co-operated throughout and had no previous convictions

He said: 'He is someone who could properly be said to be of exemplary character, but for this offence. He was 18 at the time. He has taken steps to improve himself and his driving.

'It is plain to see he is someone who is highly regarded.'

District judge Orla Austin said Pickett had written her a letter which was a sincere expression of regret.

'He is extremely remorseful and very very sorry,' she said.

'The most significant factor was the speed, other factors were his lack of experience, lack of street lighting and the use of dipped beam headlights,' she added.

The judge also said she had read all the victim impact statements provided by friends and family of Laionie and 'their grief and loss is palpable'.

She told the court: 'It is clear she was an exceptional young woman who touched the lives of all who knew her.

'I recognise their courage and the profound emotional impact this will have taken upon them.'

The judge suspended Pickett's ten-month jail term for two years, ordered him to carry out 250 hours unpaid work and pay 272 costs to the court.

She also banned him from driving for two years.

Laionie, who worked an insurance clerk, was one of four children - with brothers Deon, 21, Brandon, 16 and sister Charlotte, six.

The case has highlighted the debate over whether the government should bring in new laws for novice drivers banning them from giving lifts to passengers.

Mrs Kennard said they are throwing their weight behind the campaign.

Mrs Kennard said: 'If (Pickett) hadn't had any passengers in his car he wouldn't have driven like he did.

'New drivers should have more experience behind them for a few months, like six months, where they just drive by themselves and get used to the car and the roads before they start having passengers.'
Shocking footage has revealed the moment police stormed a hotel room and busted a paedophile with a teenage schoolgirl.

Officers caught the pervert at a hotel in Manchester after being tipped off by a member of staff, who called 999.

The concerned worker reported that a '14-year-old girl' was in a room with an 'over-age man'.

In harrowing audio of the 999 call, it can be heard that the city venue had been notified by two women from a care home about the paedophile.

Dramatic video, filmed by a body-worn camera, shows the moment a strike team from Greater Manchester Police caught the sex fiend in the room with the schoolgirl.

An officer can be seen hammering on the door of the suspect's room, saying: 'Police! Open the door, I'm going to open it.'

Once the male opens up, officers ask him why he 'didn't answer [the] door' straightaway.

Dressed in a black T-shirt, the suspect is then escorted outside before being arrested on suspicion of sexual activity with a child.

This is the moment police caught a paedophile with a '14-year-old' girl in a hotel room

The man was then seen sitting in a police car after being arrested on suspicion of sexual activity with a child

The bust came to light as worrying new data revealed that police had received hundreds of reports of children being sexually abused in hotels.

Youngsters have been raped and molested in budget high street chains up and down the country, while offenders 'put a do not disturb sign on the door and do whatever they want', reports the BBC.

Figures provided by the National Police Chief's Council (NPCC) show that 504 offences were recorded at hotels in 2023, with 92 per cent of them - 464 - involving physical contact with a child, while 40 per cent (203) were recorded as 'rape'.

Although offences carried out in hotels made up less than one per cent of all recorded child sexual violence crimes in England and Wales, police warn the crime is likely under-reported.

The NPCC says police forces are now 'working with hotels to try and raise awareness of child sexual exploitation'.

Sergeant Ian Haselden, from Greater Manchester Police, is one of those involved in the operation.

He conducts stings during which cops pretend to be an abuser and travel to a hotel with a child acting as a 'victim'.

They then attempt to book a room while displaying signs of suspicious behaviour.

Officers in the video, captured in Manchester, can be seen banging on the bedroom door

The bodycam footage was captured after hotel workers tipped off police about the 'suspicious' male and his teenage victim

He said: 'We'd rather they be safe than sorry, because this is an extremely serious crime and we don't want them to worry about making the wrong call.

'If hotels are suspicious the gold standard response is to call the police.'

Some 84 per cent of victims targeted by abusers were female, figures show, with 26 per cent being aged 15.

Meanwhile almost all suspects (92 per cent) were men, with the average age of suspects being 28.

Around four per cent of the reported offences were identified as group-based, although victims have said that even when perpetrators turn up alone, they are often part of grooming gangs where children are swapped between abusers.

One victim, who was often brought to hotels by her abuser, has said the data is unsurprising.

As part of Operation MakeSafe, police have been working with hotels on how staff can spot potential signs of suspects looking to abuse young people

She told the BBC: 'You can put a Do Not Disturb sign on the door and then they can do whatever they want with nobody wondering what's going on.

'I can't even stay in a hotel now without thinking about what happened to me.'

The NPCC says many hotels were offences took place were in major towns and cities, with transport links such as railway stations and motorways nearby making it easy for paedophiles to abuse victims.

Phil Ashford, from the NPCC child sexual exploitation taskforce, said: 'Once you're behind that hotel bedroom door, there's a degree of privacy that perpetrators often don't find elsewhere when they commit abuse.

'We're talking about some of the most serious contact offending imaginable - the rape and serious sexual abuse of children.'

UK Hospitality, the trade body which represents more than 130,000 venues, says it is 'doubling down to tackle this abhorrent crime'.

Under Operation Makesafe, hotel staff have been trained to identify possible warning signs. The training is on-going.
A second terrified-looking Israeli hostage has been freed by Hamas this morning after being seen surrounded by armed militants.

Israeli hostage Arbel Yehoud, a 29-year-old civilian, has finally been handed over to the Red Cross, following over a year spent in captivity.

Footage of the moment saw the woman being led through a swarming crowd in Khan Younis by dozens of Hamas operatives armed with guns in what has been described as 'horrific scenes' by Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu.

Yehoud was guided through the crowd to the white van by militants as the vehicle attempted to navigate through the densely packed area near the handover site.

Scores of spectators clamoured to catch a glimpse of the Israeli hostage amid the chaotic scene, with some chanting and others holding banners.

Netanyahu said he has been shocked by the manner in which Israeli hostages have been released today.

He demanded mediators ensure 'such horrific scenes do not occur again'.

'This is further proof of the unimaginable cruelty of the Hamas terrorist organisation,' a statement from his office read. 'Whoever dares to harm our hostages - his blood will be on his head.'

Israeli hostage Arbel Yehoud, 29, was spotted looking terrified as she was led by Hamas militants to a Red Cross van this morning

Yehoud was the second Israeli hostage out of three to be released on Thursday

Scores of spectators clamoured to catch a glimpse of the Israeli hostage amid the chaotic scene

According to local reports, Yehoud was safely placed in the Red Cross vehicle, which has managed to move away from the scene

Palestinian militants surround hostage Arbel Yehoud, held in Gaza since the deadly October 7 2023 attack, on the day they hand her to members of the International Committee of the Red Cross

Footage shows hostage Arbel Yehoud being handed over to the Red Cross by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad in southern Gaza's Khan Younis a short while ago. pic.twitter.com/NJqdkfobeP  Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) January 30, 2025

According to local reports, Yehoud was safely placed in the Red Cross vehicle, which slowly managed to move away from the scene.

Israeli media has said that along with Yehoud, 80-year-old Israeli civilian Gadi Moses and five Thai nationals have also been handed to the Red Cross.

Moses is the first man to be released under the current ceasefire agreement.

He was 79 when he was kidnapped from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel.

His partner Efrat was killed along with several other members of his family, including his partners daughter and his two young granddaughters were kidnapped and later released.

The Israeli military say all of Thursday's eight hostages have now been handed over to their forces in Gaza.

'The seven returning hostages are currently being accompanied by IDF special forces and ISA forces on their return to Israeli territory, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment,' the IDF said in a statement.

Moses and Yehoud were two of the three Israeli hostages released today - the third, Agam Berger, is already back in Israel after being freed this morning.

Berger, now 20, was spotted on live TV standing on a stage in between two militants, donning balaclavas and sunglasses, as a masked operative signalled for her to wave in front of cameras in northern Gaza.

The young soldier was the first of three Israeli hostages to be released today.

The freed Israeli gave a small smile and wave with her certificate in hand, before she was led off the platform to an awaiting Red Cross vehicle.

Five Thai nationals have also been released under the hostage deal between Israel and Hamas.

A statement from the office of Netanyahu says the Israeli government 'embraces the seven returnees' and that their families have been informed of their release.

It says the five Thai citizens released are: Thenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakham, Sriaoun Watchara, Seathao Bannawat and Rumnao Surasak.

As part of the deal, Israel will later release 110 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons, Hamas has confirmed.

Cheers echoed through the onlooking crowds as people gathered to watch live footage of Berger's release on a large screen in Jabalia.

Some were even heard chanting her name as she stepped off the stage and into the white van.

Hamas militants escort Isreali hostage Agam Berger (C) on a stage before handing her over to a Red Cross team in Jabalia on January 30, 2025

Palestinian Hamas militants release female Israeli soldier Agam Berger, held in Gaza since the deadly October 7 2023 attack, as part of a ceasefire and a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel

Berger was seen surrounded by armed Hamas operatives during her release

Agam Berger, now 20, was spotted on live TV standing on a stage in between two militants, donning balaclavas and sunglasses, in northern Gaza

Arbel Yehoud and Gadi Moses, hostages held in Gaza since the deadly October 7, 2023 attack, and who are to be released as part of a ceasefire and a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel, are seen at an unspecified location

Three Israeli captives were released by Hamas this morning as part of the ceasefire deal

Gadi Moshe Moses, 80, was the first man to be released under the ceasefire agreement

At around 8:45am, the IDF confirmed Berger had crossed into Israeli territory.

'The returning hostage is currently on her way to an initial reception point in southern Israel, where she will be reunited with her parents,' the military said.

Also commenting on the long-awaited release, the office of Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: 'The Israeli government embraces Agam Berger, an Israel Defense Forces soldier.'

It says the 'government, together with all security agencies, will accompany her and her family'.

The statement ends by saying the 'Israeli government is committed to the return of all abducted and missing persons'.

But images of Berger's release have made their rounds on social media and viewers are slamming the Palestinian military group for giving the hostages 'goody bags' along with their certificate.

The 20-year-old can be seen walking across the stage with a brown paper bag in her hand, which social media users have dubbed 'gift bags'.

One X/Twitter user commented beneath an image of Berger: 'The fact they give them a certificate and gift bag is so sick and twisted'.

Another said: 'What are those 'souvenir bags'? Giving a Hamas gift bag to a released hostage shows how sick those guys are'.

Berger was kidnapped and taken hostage by Hamas militants during their initial incursion in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, when she was just 19-years-old.

The soldier is the last member of an all-female unarmed military unit, known in Hebrew as Tatzpitaniyot, to remain in Gaza.

Seven women from the unit, tasked with observing Gaza on surveillance footage, were taken hostage from the Nahal Oz military base.

One was killed in Gaza, another rescued, and four released under the ceasefire deal.

Berger's family said they were 'overjoyed and moved' by the return of the four other female soldiers on Saturday, while they continued to 'eagerly await embracing Agam'.

In Israel, people cheered, clapped and whistled at a square in Tel Aviv where supporters of the hostages watched Berger's handover on big screens next to a large clock that's counted the days the hostages have been in captivity.

A brave Berger was seen waving to cheering crowds before she was led to a Red Cross vehicle

Armed Hamas militants led her off stage where she then climbed into a Red Cross vehicle

Cheers echoed through the onlooking crowds as people gathered to watch live footage of Berger's release on a large screen in Jabalia

In Israel, people cheered, clapped and whistled at a square in Tel Aviv where supporters of the hostages watched Berger's handover on big screens

The parents of Israeli hostage Agam Berger, a soldier who was seized from her army base in southern Israel during the deadly October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, watch as their daughter is passed over to the Red Cross

Some held signs saying: 'Agam we're waiting for you at home.'

A number of foreign workers were taken captive along with dozens of Israeli civilians and soldiers during Hamas' attack.

Twenty-three Thais were among more than 100 hostages released during a weeklong ceasefire in November 2023.

Israel says eight Thais remain in captivity, two of whom are believed to be dead.

Of the people set to be released from prisons in Israel, 30 are serving life sentences after being convicted of deadly attacks against Israelis.

Zakaria Zubeidi, a prominent former militant leader and theater director who took part in a dramatic jailbreak in 2021 before being rearrested days later, is also among those set to be released.

Israel said Yehoud was supposed to have been freed Saturday and delayed the opening of crossings to northern Gaza when she was not.

The United States, Egypt and Qatar, which brokered the ceasefire after a year of tough negotiations, resolved the dispute with an agreement that Yehoud would be released Thursday.

Another three hostages, all men, are set to be freed Saturday along with dozens more Palestinian prisoners.

On Monday, Israel began allowing Palestinians to return to northern Gaza, the most heavily destroyed part of the territory, and hundreds of thousands streamed back.

Many found only mounds of rubble where their homes had been.

In the first phase of the ceasefire, Hamas is set to release a total of 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, older adults and sick or wounded men, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

Israel says Hamas has confirmed that eight of the hostages to be released in this phase are dead.

Palestinians have cheered the release of the prisoners, who they widely see as heroes who have sacrificed for the cause of ending Israel's decades-long occupation of lands they want for a future state.

People and Hamas militants gather around a Red Cross van on the day female Israeli soldier Agam Berger held in Gaza since the deadly October 7 2023 attack, is released as part of a ceasefire and a hostages-prisoners swap deal

Family members and supporters of Israeli hostage, Agam Berger, a soldier who was seized from her army base in southern Israel during the deadly October 7 2023 attack

Agam's childhood friends from school gathered in an apartment to watch her release - the room hung with Israeli flags, party food laid out on a table

People react as they watch broadcast of the release of Israeli soldier Agam Berger, one of eight hostages set to be released today

Berger was kidnapped and taken hostage by Hamas militants during their initial incursion in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, when she was just 19-years-old

A statement by the IDF and Israeli Security Agency says the returning hostage is 'on her way to an initial reception point in southern Israel where she will be reunited with her parents'

Israeli forces have meanwhile pulled back from most of Gaza, allowing hundreds of thousands of people to return to what remains of their homes and humanitarian groups to surge assistance.

The deal calls for Israel and Hamas to negotiate a second phase in which Hamas would release the remaining hostages and the ceasefire would continue indefinitely.

The war could resume in early March if an agreement is not reached.

Israel says it is still committed to destroying Hamas, even after the militant group reasserted its rule over Gaza within hours of the truce.

A key far-right partner in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition is already calling for the war to resume after the ceasefire's first phase.

Hamas says it won't release the remaining hostages without an end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Hamas started the war when it sent thousands of fighters storming into Israel.

The militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted around 250.

Israel's ensuing air and ground war among the deadliest and most destructive in decades.

More than 47,000 Palestinians have been killed, over half of them women and children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not say how many of the dead were militants.

The Israeli military says it killed over 17,000 fighters, without providing evidence, and that it went to great lengths to try to spare civilians.

It blames civilian deaths on Hamas because its fighters operate in dense residential neighborhoods and put military infrastructure near homes, schools and mosques.

The Israeli offensive has transformed entire neighborhoods into mounds of gray rubble, and it's unclear how or when anything will be rebuilt.

Around 90 per cent of Gaza's population has been displaced, often multiple times, with hundreds of thousands of people living in squalid tent camps or shuttered schools.
Right-wing priest Calvin Robinson has been 'kicked out of a church' after doing an Elon Musk 'salute' at a rally which he says was 'dry wit'.

The controversial cleric has said he is 'not a Nazi' after performing the gesture at the end of his speech at the National Pro-Life summit in Washington DC on Friday.

Days later the 39-year-old priest, who is also UKIP's lead spokesman and a broadcaster, was removed from the Anglican Catholic Church (ACC) with higher-ups suspending his licence to practice.

The pro-life event was held soon after Musk came under criticism for making a 'salute' during a celebration for the inauguration of Donald Trump.

Robinson, who is outspoken on the topic of abortion and pro-life matters, had made a speech to a rapturous crowd as conservatives continue to revel in Trump's election victory.

At the end of his talk, Robinson told the audience: 'God bless all of you for what you are doing. Please keep doing it. My heart goes out to you'.

He was then seen raising his arm and mimicking the gesture made by Musk days earlier, sparking laughter and applause from the crowd.

The ACC said that many have interpreted the gesture as a 'pro-Nazi salute' and that his actions are 'incompatible with a priestly vocation'.

Calvin Robinson has been kicked out of the Anglican Catholic Church after mimicking Elon Musk's salute at a speech

Robinson said the gesture was an attempt at 'dry wit' after being criticised by people online

The gesture was similar to one made by Elon Musk, who extended his right arm out at an upward angle during a MAGA rally celebrating the inauguration of Donald Trump

Bishop Chandler Holder Jones, the Presiding Bishop of the Anglican Province of America, said the church had 'revoked' Robinson's licence.

In a statement posted on social media site X, which has since been deleted, he said: 'While we cannot say what was in Mr. Robinson's heart when he did this, his action appears to have been an attempt to curry favor with certain elements of the American political right by provoking its opposition.

'Mr. Robinson had been warned that online trolling and other such actions (whether in service of the left or right) are incompatible with a priestly vocation and was told to desist.

'Clearly, he has not, and as such, his licence in this Church has been revoked. He is no longer serving as a priest in the ACC.

'Furthermore, we understand that this is not just an administrative matter. The Holocaust was an episode of unspeakable horror, enacted by a regime of evil men.

'We condemn Nazi ideology and anti-Semitism in all its forms. And we believe that those who mimic the Nazi salute, even as a joke or an attempt to troll their opponents, trivialize the horror of the Holocaust and diminish the sacrifice of those who fought against its perpetrators. Such actions are harmful, divisive, and contrary to the tenets of Christian charity.'

Robinson has denied being a Nazi and says he has been inundated with abuse from 'very bitter, vile, angry leftists'.

'Today I received hundreds of nasty calls, texts, voicemails and emails today from very bitter, angry, vile leftists,' he posted on X.

In a statement, Bishop Chandler Holder Jones said Calvin Robinson was 'no longer serving as a priest in the ACC'

Calvin Robinson said he had been inundated with messages from 'bitter, angry, vile leftists'

In a full statement after it was announced the church had removed him as a priest, Robinson insisted he was 'not a Nazi' and said he was 'praying' for those criticising him

'They are often the very thing they accuse you of. I am not a Nazi. But I forgive you of your ignorance. My heart goes out to you!'.

He added the gesture was an attempt at 'dry wit, in that typical British way' and a 'mockery of the hysterical 'liberals' who called Elon Musk a Nazi for quite clearly showing the audience his heart was with them.'

He said his talk at the pro-life event was well received and he was happy to have contributed to 'the most important of causes'.

The ACC was the fourth denomination that the former computer science teacher has joined since 2022.

Originally a member of the Church of England, he moved to the Free Church of England when he failed to become a deacon in London, after other bishops raised concerns about his 'libertarian anti-woke, anti-identity politics, Covid-sceptical' views.

He later joined the Nordic Catholic Church before moving to the US, where he became a member of the ACC.

Previously a GB News presenter, he was dismissed for supporting Dan Wootton online after he made sexist comments against journalist Ava Evans.

On Tuesday, actress Sophia Bush lashed out at Elon Musk in a series of social media posts.

Musk turned and made the same 'awkward hand gesture' to the crowd behind him

But Musk took to his social media platform X to defend himself, stating that his opponents needed 'better dirty tricks'

In a post to her Instagram account, the 42-year-old wrote: 'If it walks like Nazi, talks like a Nazi, and throws HHs like a Nazi... it's a Nazi.'

She continued in another post: 'Don't be like Elon. Resist fascism', before following up with several posts detailing the rise of Nazism in Germany pre-World War II.

Meanwhile, yesterday, it was reported Elon Musk threatened to sue Tim Walz after the former Democratic Vice Presidential candidate claimed the Tesla CEO did a 'Nazi salute' at Donald Trump's inauguration.

And last week he accused his critics of needing 'better dirty tricks' after they likened his 'awkward hand gesture' to a Nazi salute.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), an organisation founded to combat anti-Semitism which has criticised Musk in the past, defended the billionaire, saying it appears that he 'made an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute'.

The ADL also noted that Trump's inauguration was a 'delicate moment' and that 'politics are inflamed' but urged 'all sides' to offer each other 'bit of grace' and 'perhaps even the benefit of the doubt'.

Musk's questionable gesture came after he made several statements in recent weeks in support of Germany's far-right AfD party.
An urgent search has been launched for two schoolgirls who have gone missing in London while on a trip from Morocco.

Police officers are appealing for help to trace Douae, 14, and Houda, 15, and are concerned for their welfare.

The pair were last seen leaving the hostel where they were staying at 8:30pm in Tavistock Place, near to King's Cross station.

The Met has released images of the girls, which show they both have brown hair and brown eyes.

The force has not confirmed what the girls are thought to be wearing.

They arrived in London on January 25 for a week-long stay and the exchange trip is run by a private company and is not attached to a school, the force said.

They were due to return to Morocco on February 1.

Douae, 14, went missing while on a school trip to London from Morocco

Houda, 15, also went missing - police are concerned for their welfare

Detective Chief Inspector Sarb Kaur from the Central North Command Unit said: 'We are appealing for any information about Douae and Houda's whereabouts.

'They have travelled from Morocco and are in a city and country that is not familiar to them, so the longer they remain missing then the greater our concern for their welfare is.

'A team of detectives is working tirelessly to locate them and we are liaising with the Moroccan embassy and the company who organised the visit to ensure their families in Morocco are kept updated with any developments.'

Police are asking for anyone with any information to contact 101, quoting the reference number 01/7101825/25.

For any immediate sighting of the girls, the public is asked to call 999 immediately.
A respected Cambridge University academic plagiarised the work of a young post-doctoral research fellow, an employment tribunal heard.

Dr Esther-Miriam Wagner claimed as her own an argument put forward in a thesis by Dr Magdalen Connolly, an alumna of the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies.

Dr Connolly launched a complaint, which was upheld after a four-year investigation  by which time she had quit the university complaining the prolonged process had 'damaged' her 'health and wellbeing'.

Details emerged at a tribunal she brought against Cambridge, claiming she was the victim of age discrimination as university staff favoured the senior academic, who is executive director of the Woolf Institute, which studies interfaith relations, and Fellow of St Edmund's College.

Dr Connolly, who is understood to be in her 30s, argued she was 'treated differently' to Dr Wagner, 50, during the investigation and that she was made to feel the 'wrongdoer'.

The failure to take her 'seriously' meant Cambridge was 'facilitating plagiarism and bullying by senior staff or junior staff and students', she claimed.

Employment Judge Kate Hutchings rejected the claim, ruling that while the investigation was 'slow', Dr Connolly was partly responsible for this due to 'lengthy and frequent concerns' she raised and there was no evidence of age playing a part in the case.

But her ruling revealed that a draft final report written in July 2024 upheld the plagiarism claim against Dr Wagner, who continues to work at the university.

The experienced academic graduated with a first-class degree in semitic philology, Islamic studies and Indo-European studies from the Friedrich Schiller University of Jena in Germany.

Dr Magdalen Connolly (pictured), an alumna of the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, said that a senior academic at Cambridge University stole from her thesis work

Dr Esther-Miriam Wagner (pictured) claimed as her own an argument put forward in a thesis by Dr Magdalen Connolly regarding a Judeo-Arabic text, the tribunal heard

EJ Hutchings said: 'Without question, the plagiarism investigation was slow. Both parties are accountable for this'

But she added: 'We have found that [Dr Connolly] has not identified any fact (in addition to age) or tangible evidence from which we can conclude the reason for this treatment was age and a hypothetical comparator of a different age making a complaint of plagiarism would have been treated differently.'

The dispute involved 'innovative ideas' developed by Dr Connolly about a Judeo-Arabic text, according to an online account.

The tribunal, held in Cambridge, heard that she began work as a post-doctoral research fellow in October 2014 and lodged a formal written complaint in July 2020 against Dr Wagner, who was an adviser on her thesis on spoken Arabic in the pre-modern period.

This claimed Dr Wagner had 'stolen' her idea she shared in a reading group and included it in an article without crediting her.

In the early stages of the investigation, it was decided the complaint would be handled by the Cambridge University Library, instead of the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies.

Dr Connolly claimed this was 'demonstrative' of the university not taking her complaints 'seriously'.

But EJ Hutchings said it indicated the opposite as it ensured 'from the outset that it had jurisdiction to implement appropriate sanctions'.

Cambridge University carried out a four-year investigation into Dr Connolly's claims

A committee was appointed to look into the matter and in November 2021 Dr Connolly was told her complaint had not been upheld  leading her to raise a grievance with the vice-chancellor and appeal the decision.

It was subsequently concluded there 'was a case to answer' but, during the ongoing investigation, Dr Connolly left the university, citing the 'profound impact' on her mental health, and started the tribunal claim in 2022.

The tribunal ruled she had 'conflated age and seniority' in her claim against the university and there was no age discrimination, however.

Both academics and the university were contacted for comments.
A member of the US figure skating team shared a photo from inside a doomed American Airlines plane shortly before it crashed in Washington DC.

Spencer Lane, 26, uploaded the photo around 7pm ET Wednesday, which appeared to show the jet taxiing on the runway at Wichita Airport in Kansas before it took off for its final flight.

He captioned it ICT -> DCA - the codes for Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Other elite members of the American figure skating team who were expected at the next winter Olympics were also onboard the plane, a bombardier CRJ700.

They were returning home to the DC area after attending a National Development Camp for young skaters in Wichita, Kansas.

Russian figure skaters Yevgenia Skhiskhkova and Vadim Naumov, who mentored Lane, are also believed to have been on the plane.

Their Team USA figure skater son Maxim 23, was at the Wichita camp although it is unclear if he was also on the fateful flight.

Flight 5342, which had 64 people aboard, collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter as it made its final approach to Reagan Airport after 9pm ET.

Spencer Lane, 26, shared this photo from inside the doomed American Airlines plane as it took off from Wichita Airport in Kansas on Wednesday evening

Spencer Lane and his mentors Yevgenia Skhiskhkova and Vadim Naumov are pictured on the podium during a previous tournament. They were on board the American Airlines plane that crashed into the Potomac River in Washington DC, killing at least 30

Russian figure skaters Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov are reported to have been on board the American Airlines plane that crashed into a Black Hawk helicopter

A helicopter flies near the crash site of the American Airlines plane on the Potomac River

It split in three and plunged into waist-deep water in the icy Potomac River.

So far, 28 bodies have been pulled from the frigid waters with the death toll expected to rise substantially as officials revealed they are switching from rescue to recovery efforts.

Everyone aboard the jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members is feared dead in what was likely to be the worst U.S. aviation disaster in almost a quarter century, officials said Thursday.

The Black Hawk was on a training sortie, with experts questioning why it flew towards the American Airlines American Eagle jet.

The crash occurred in some of the most tightly controlled and monitored airspace in the world, just over 3 miles south of the White House and the US Capitol.

Less than 30 seconds before the crash, an air traffic controller asked a helicopter if it had the arriving plane in sight. The controller made another radio call to the helicopter moments later: 'PAT 25 pass behind the CRJ.'

There was no reply. Seconds after that, the two aircraft collided.

Other elite members of the American figure skating team who were expected at the next winter Olympics were also onboard the plane, a bombardier CRJ700. (stock)

Lane also posted images of him skating shortly before the crash

Rescue boats search the waters of the Potomac River for survivors after the deadly plane crash

The planes radio transponder stopped transmitting about 2,400 feet short of the runway, roughly over the middle of the Potomac.

Authorities are conducting a massive search-and-rescue operation.

Inflatable boats were launched into the river and first responders set up light towers from the shore to illuminate the area. Helicopters from law enforcement agencies across the region also flew over the scene in a methodical search for bodies and survivors.

Fatal crashes of commercial aircraft in the U.S. have become a rarity. The last was in 2009 near Buffalo, New York. All 45 passengers and the four crew members were killed when the Bombardier DHC-8 propeller plane crashed into a house. One person on the ground also was killed.

The incident Wednesday recalled the crash of an Air Florida flight that plummeted into the Potomac on January 13, 1982, killing 78 people. That crash was attributed to bad weather.

Inflatable boats were launched into the river and first responders set up light towers from the shore to illuminate the area

New Secretary of transportation Sean Duffy assured reporters the US still has 'the safest airspace in the world'

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Officials said during a press conference Thursday morning that they are going from a rescue operation into a recovery one, and the focus is returning the victims' bodies to their families.

New Secretary of transportation Sean Duffy said said the crash happened in a clear night.

Both aircrafts were in a standard flight pattering when the tragedy occurred, he added.

'Safety is our expectation. Everyone who flies in American skies expects safety... that didn't happen last night,' secretary Duffy said.

'I know president Trump and his administration, we will not rest until we have answers.'

Emergency response teams are seen at the scene of the crash in the Potomac River

Officials said during a press conference Thursday morning that they are going from a rescue operation into a recovery one

The mayor of Wichita, Lily Wu, was emotional as she spoke to reporters Thursday morning

Duffy assured reporters the US still has 'the safest airspace in the world.'

He said Duffy said the crash was preventable and alluded to early indicators about what happened, but did not elaborate as the crash is being investigated.

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom also spoke at the press conference and said 'at this point we don't know why the military aircraft came into the path' of the passenger plane.

The mayor of Wichita, Lily Wu, was emotional as she spoke to reporters Thursday morning.

She said they will share the victims' identities after their families were informed.

American Airlines has set up centers in Washington and in Wichita, Kansas, for people seeking information about family members.

Theres also a hotline for people looking for family and friends: 1-800 679 8215.
Two of the six assault charges brought against a 14-year-old boy accused of murdering 12-year-old Leo Ross have been dropped.

The murder suspect, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is alleged to have attacked the schoolboy in the Hall Green area of Birmingham as he walked home.

Leo was found by a member of the public with a stab wound to the stomach on the banks of the River Cole, close to Scrivers Lane, on January 21. He died in hospital at 7.30pm that evening.

The boy accused of murdering him was also charged with possession of a bladed article and six separate assaults, including one on the same day of the fatal attack.

However, a two-minute hearing at Birmingham Magistrates' Court, presided over by two magistrates, approved a Youth Offending Team application for a 'non-court disposal' of two counts of assault by beating of an emergency worker.

No details of the alleged offences were given to the court other than the names of the two officers said to have been assaulted, PC Dawson Jones and PC Jessica Wright.

West Midlands Police previously said the officers were alleged to have been attacked on November 26 last year.

Two of six assault charges brought against a 14-year-old accused of murdering 12-year-old Leo Ross (pictured) have been dropped

Leo (pictured) was found by a member of the public with a stab wound to the stomach on the banks of the River Cole, close to Scrivers Lane. He died in hospital at 7.30pm that evening

Pictured is a mural on a wooden hoarding in Yardley Wood, Birmingham, close to the gates of the secondary school attended by Leo Ross

The 14-year-old, who cannot be named because of his age, was not required to attend Thursday's hearing.

He still faces four other charges of assault, as well as the charge of murder and possession of a bladed article.

The schoolboy is alleged to have committed grievous bodily harm against two separate women on January 19 and January 20.

The teenager is further charged with assaulting a woman on January 21 and assaulting another woman on October 22 last year.

He will next appear at Birmingham Crown Court on April 22 to enter pleas to charges of murdering Leo on January 21, possession of a bladed article, and four remaining counts of assault.

Leo, who police said was stabbed in the stomach at The Shire Country Park in Hall Green, Birmingham, was described in a family tribute issued at the weekend as an 'amazing, kind, loving' boy.

In a statement, Leo's loved ones said: 'We want everyone to know what an amazing, kind, loving boy Leo was. Not only has Leo's life been taken, all of our lives have as well.

'Leo will be truly missed by all of us. He was loved so much by everyone. The family want to thank the school, the police and everyone involved in the investigation and supporting us all through this horrific time.'

Leo was a pupil at Christ Church C of E Secondary Academy in Yardley Wood.
A BBC review into the conduct of Russell Brand during his time with the broadcaster has found a number of people 'felt unable to raise' concerns about him and believed he 'would always get his way'.

The review was carried out by Peter Johnston, BBC director of editorial complaints, and focused on Brand's behaviour on BBC 6 Music and BBC Radio 2 between 2006 and 2008.

The actor and comedian, 49, has denied accusations of rape, assault and emotional abuse, and previously said all his sexual relationships were 'absolutely always consensual'.

In September 2023, a joint investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times and Channel 4 Dispatches revealed four women had accused him of sexual assaults between 2006 and 2013.

The review, which cost 662,060, looked at reports Brand urinated 'into cups or bottles while in the studio, throwing objects, allegations of sex on the premises including with competition winners, and exposure while in the studio in front of staff and guests', and on-air comments.

It also investigated management 'failings', including his relationship with the then-controller of Radio 2 Lesley Douglas, who resigned over a prank call Brand made to Fawlty Towers actor Andrew Sachs.

Out of the eight complaints against Brand only one, which related to him urinating into a cup during a Radio 2 show, was registered formally at the time, and the BBC had admitted it was 'not dealt with effectively'.

The review also revealed how BBC staff in Los Angeles 'joked' about Brand allegedly exposing himself to a female worker and how he had a reputation for being 'promiscuous or out-of-control'.

A BBC review into the conduct of Russell Brand (pictured) during his time with the broadcaster has found people were too scared to raise concerns about the presenter because they believed he 'would always get his way and therefore they stayed silent'

Unveiling his findings, Mr Johnston said: 'I am grateful to those who have come forward to talk to me and my team and I have apologised on behalf of the BBC to those most directly affected by what I have documented here.

'The culture of the time undoubtedly influenced what was acceptable/tolerated, but I have found that a number of individuals had concerns about Russell Brand's behaviour which they felt unable to raise then.

'Many interviewees believed, rightly or wrongly, that Russell Brand would always get his way and therefore they stayed silent (and I note here my finding above that the one complaint that was made in 2007 was not dealt with effectively when it was made).

'The processes for raising any concerns were also not as developed as they are now.

'In the intervening years the BBC has introduced other mechanisms and routes for staff to raise concerns.'

The review contained several criticisms of the BBC, including its decision to issue a press release making light of Brand urinating into a cup during a Radio 2 show.

It referred to a news report at the time that stated: 'After admitting that Brand's show is ''occasionally'' pre-recorded, a spokeswoman for Radio 2 says Brand had actually thrown pistachio nuts at a window.

'Russell did urinate in a cup in the studio, she added, ''and someone has shown him where the toilet is''.'

Brand, 49, is pictured leaving Wembley Park Theatre in November

The report also criticised BBC bosses for failing to pick up on Brand's on-air misbehaviour.

Mr Johnston wrote: 'My finding is that the editorial management of the programmes concerned should have picked up on this unacceptable behaviour with Russell Brand and spoken to those individuals subjected to it, but they did not do so.

'The sense is that such behaviour was simply to be expected from the content delivered by Russell Brand.'

Addressing rumours from staff that Brand brought women into the office and had sex in the staff toilets, Mr Johnston wrote: 'A few most closely involved in the shows, described Russell Brand as promiscuous or out-of-control, but said that they did not witness anything non-consensual or potentially illegal, nor did they make complaints about this at the time.'

And on the view of Brand among other other employees, he said, 'What is clear is that many BBC staff and freelancers, especially in more junior roles, found Russell Brand demanding and difficult to work with and his behavior extreme, but all felt that there was no point in complaining as they believed they would not be listened to and, rightly or wrongly, that Russell Brand as a high-profile presenter had the support of the station management.'

In response to the report, the BBC said: 'The review considered eight complaints of misconduct about Russell Brand, only two of which were made while he was engaged by the BBC, one formally and one informally.

'It is of great concern that some of these individuals felt unable to raise concerns about Russell Brand's behaviour at the time, and the BBC has apologised to them as part of this review.

'It is also clear that there were compliance inadequacies on some of Russell Brand's Radio 2 shows which led to content being aired that would not be broadcast today. Russell Brand left the BBC in 2008 following a high-profile editorial breach.

The actor, pictured at the launch of Meditation in Education in Los Angeles in 2013, has strenuously denied the allegations

'As has been reported, there is an ongoing police investigation into Russell Brand. The BBC has been in contact with the Metropolitan Police throughout the review and they have seen the report.

'The BBC acknowledges that Russell Brand categorically denies all public allegations made against him.'

The corporation said 'it is clear that presenters have been able to abuse their positions at the BBC', but there have been changes in procedures since 2008 including a special process for the most serious allegations and concerns, and an anti-bullying and harassment policy,

The review investigated a complaint made by a woman working in the same building as the BBC's office in Los Angeles - in which she claimed in 2008 he flashed her, and later laughed about the encounter on his radio show.

The woman, named 'Olivia', was not a BBC employee, but worked in the same building as the BBC.

She did not pursue an official complaint, but the report said the incident was regularly 'joked about' in the LA office.

Another allegation looked at a claim made by a woman called 'Alice', who alleged BBC cars transported her from her school to his house, when she was 16 and alleged to be in a relationship with Brand.

Brand has been accused of a string of sex offences including sexual assault and rape by the women, some of whom were teenagers at the time of the alleged incidents.

The first allegations included one woman who claimed that Brand raped her against the wall of his Los Angeles home without a condom in 2013. She was treated at a rape crisis on the same day, according to medical records seen by The Times.

Another woman alleged he sexually assaulted when she was 16-years-old and still at school in the UK.

A third claimed that Brand sexually assaulted her while she worked with him in LA. She alleged she repeatedly told him to get off her and when he finally did he 'flipped'.

The fourth claimed she was sexually assaulted by Brand in the UK and accused him of being physically and emotionally abusive towards her.

In the wake of the scandal, a fifth woman filed a report to the Metropolitan Police, claiming she was sexually assaulted by the star in Soho, London, in 2003.
A gang of fraudsters face jail after admitting their roles in an elaborate cash for crash scheme that brought them 320,000 for bogus claims, and went undiscovered for nearly a year.

Ringleaders Raju Patel, 36, and Kamlesh Vadukul, 45, submitted claims for vehicle damage resulting from collisions that were either been deliberate or had never taken place.

Using stolen identities and the names of their gang members they took out policies on dozens of vehicles with a repair finance service that offers instant credit to drivers to repair crash damage.

And they set up a bogus body repair workshop to provide the finance company with photos showing the repairs being carried out.

But none of the repairs were ever checked and the scheme only unraveled when insurers became suspicious about the number of crashes happening within days of a policy being bought.

The remaining eight members of the criminal group either caused the collisions or knowingly provided their details to legitimise the claims.

The 'crash for cash' scheme - ran between December 2015 and October 2016 - was uncovered following an investigation by the City of London Police's Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED).

'The sophisticated level of planning involved in this scheme shows the greed of calculated insurance criminals and the measures they will take to gain financially,' said Detective Sergeant Adam Maskell.

A car that was damaged for a false insurance claim by the gang of fraudsters

The group of fraudsters claimed to work in a body repair shop and submitted photos of damage

The plot took form in December 2015 when the ringleaders registered with the repair finance service which provides credit to non-fault drivers whose vehicles were damaged in accidents.

This enables non-fault drivers to receive funds to repair their vehicles within 24 hours rather than having to wait for an insurer to pay out.

The company would then claim back the cost of the repair from the at-fault driver's insurer.

But staff from the repair finance service did not physically inspect the vehicles to confirm that the damage was genuine and made payments into a bank account opened by Vadukul.

However, multiple insurers began to raise concerns about the validity of the claims, as many of the insurance policies were taken out shortly before the collisions were said to have occurred, or the insured vehicle was not registered to the policyholder.

The case was referred by the Insurance Fraud Bureau to the IFED, whose officers investigated eight repair finance claims submitted by the body repair shop and found they had not undertaken repairs for any of them.

The investigation revealed that Patel and Vadukul had submitted repair finance claims totalling 275,548 for 39 collisions between December 2015 and October 2016.

Staff from the repair finance service did not physically inspect the vehicles to confirm that the damage was genuine

Pictured is one of the cars they used to make false claims

A total of 321,055 was paid into Vadukul's bank account during the same period and was withdrawn as cash or transferred into other accounts linked to Patel.

Detective Sergeant Maskell hailed the success of their investigation after all ten men pleaded guilty at Birmingham Crown Court, and warned that insurance fraud hits all honest drivers in the pocket.

'Crash for cash' fraud puts motorists at risk and contributes to the rise in premiums for everyone who buys insurance,' he said.

'This was a complex and lengthy investigation and the fact that the group have now admitted their guilt demonstrates the strength of the evidence against them.

'Crash for cash' fraud doesn't go unnoticed by the insurance industry or law enforcement and we will work collaboratively to root out organised crime, as this case has shown.'

Kamlesh Vadukul, of Sheffield in South Yorkshire pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and money laundering.

The scheme led to them pocketing over 320,000 in false insurance claims

Amarjit Dhaliwal - also known as Amo Singh - of Warwick in Warwickshire, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation.

The remaining eight members of the group pleaded not guilty and a four-week trial began at Birmingham Crown Court on January 20, but all changed their pleas to guilty during the first week of trial.

Raju Patel, 40, of Walsall, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and money laundering.

Aqeb Hussain, 42, of Oldham, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation.

Dimple Ghera, 38, of Wolverhampton; Minata Jalloh, 32, of Dudley; Saqib Khan, 32, of Walstead; Asid Nadeem, 40, of Dudley; James Payne, 37, of Sandwell and Amjad Rehman, 50, of Walsall, all pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation.

The group will be sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court on 28 and 29 April 2025.
Two Scout leaders who 'lost' three boys on a mountain expedition before one of the teens fell to his death have been told that they cannot challenge a verdict of unlawful killing.

Ben Leonard, 16, from Stockport, Manchester, died from a serious head injury after falling roughly 200ft off the Great Orme in Llandudno, North Wales, while on a three-day expedition with the Reddish Explorer Scouts on August 26, 2018.

Ben and two friends had taken a different path from the other Scouts in the group and were unsupervised as they tried to scramble down the slope.

He ended up on a 50cm ledge, which was an animal track, when he lost his footing, slipped and fell to his death.

Scout leaders Sean Glaister and Mary Carr applied for a judicial review after an inquest jury returned a verdict of unlawful killing against them last year, and that neglect on the part of the Scout Association contributed to Ben's death.

But today Mr Justice Fordham ruled the coroner David Pojur had directed the jury fairly and correctly and rejected the appeal to review the inquest findings.

'Unlawful killing is a proper conclusion for a jury to reach, where that conclusion is justified on the evidence,' he wrote.

'The jury is not making a determination of any question of criminal liability on the part of anyone, named or otherwise.'

'We are just relieved it is now over and the judicial review failed,' Ben's mother Jackie Leonard, 54, said. 'We need to try to move forward now but with Ben in our hearts always.'

Ben Leonard, 16, from Stockport, Manchester, died of a serious head injury after falling off the Great Orme in Llandudno, Wales, while on an expedition with the Reddish Explorer Scouts

A jury inquest concluded that Ben had been 'unlawfully killed' by the Explorer Scouts leader, Sean Glaister, and assistant leader, Mary Carr

Ben was on a trip with the Reddish Explorer Scouts when he sustained a fatal head injury falling from the beauty spot. Pictured: The Great Orme in Llandudno, North Wales

Ben had been left 'unsupervised' with two other Scouts on the grassy tops of the Great Orme, a 679ft (207m) headland on the north coast of Wales, according to the coroner's report.

Thinking he could see a quicker way down, Ben began his descent when he suddenly slipped and fell off the cliff.

On the day of Ben's death 'no brief, instructions or written risk assessment was done', the court heard.

His older brother, Thomas, 26, told the Times: 'They should have never let it get to this position in the first place. There's a blind faith where they say, 'We're the Scouts, trust us'. How can we trust what they say?'

At the beginning of the inquest last year, the third after two previous inquests were aborted, The Scout Association for the first time publicly apologised and accepted responsibility for Ben's death.

Chair of the board Jennie Price, chief executive Matt Hyde, and UK chief volunteer Carl Hankinson said in response to the report they expressed their 'wholehearted apology to the Leonard family'.

'Both for the death of their Ben, and for the anguish we recognise they have experienced over the past five and a half years,' they said.

'It was not the intention of anyone at Scouts to contribute towards any further pain, but we recognise that we have caused further distress and for that we are truly sorry.

'Keeping young people safe from harm remains our number one priority at Scouts.'

During the inquest Mr Glaister declined to answer a series of questions from Ben Richmond KC the lawyer representing Ben's family.

Mr Pojur, assistant coroner for North Wales east and central, referred The Scout Association and an employee, who cannot be named, to North Wales Police to investigate for conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

In a scathing prevention of future deaths report during the inquest, he said the volunteers did not understand basic safety procedures.

In the 20-point list, he also said the association 'created a misleading impression' in its evidence in regards to its action during the trip.

'In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken,' the coroner concluded in his report.

Ben had been left 'unsupervised' with two other Scouts on the grassy tops of the Great Orme

The inquest heard that Ben could have been saved if he had been given 'basic' instructions

In the 20-point list, he also said the association 'created a misleading impression' in its evidence in regards to its action during the trip.

'In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken,' the coroner concluded in his report.

The Scout Association said it was 'committed to learning' and had already made changes to risk assessments, safety rules, and training and support to volunteers.

They said they are making 'fundamental changes' to their approach to safety and a 'fatal accident investigation panel' with an external chair and independent members had been set up for Ben's death.

Ben (right) with his father, Dave, 57, mother, Jackie, 54, and older brother Tom, 26

Pictured: Ben's mother Jackie and his father Dave. Jackie previously told MailOnline her son's death had a 'devastating impact' on her family and that the organisation needs to be regulated by an external body

Other deaths linked to the Scouts group 1993 Adult Venture scout Andrew Hindley, 23, Bourne End, Buckinghamshire, fell 2,000ft down Jungfrau, Switzerland. Inquest verdict: Unknown 1995 Lee Craddock, 11, fell 360ft while at Britain's deepest pothole, Gaping Ghyll in North Yorkshire. His parents later successfully sued the Scouts Association. 1997 Jack Sudds, eight, drowned in a swimming pool at a Scout camp in Crowborough, East Sussex. Inquest verdict: Misadventure. 1999 Jonathan Attwell, 10, fell 600ft to his death on his first outdoor Scout trip to Snowdon, North Wales. Inquest verdict: Accidental. 2000 Jamie Chambers, 15, died after being hit by boulders on Little Tryfan. Inquest verdict: Misadventure. 2010 Scout leader Stephen Young, 18, died when he fell through a snow shelf on Creag Meagaidh in the Scottish Highlands. Inquest verdict: Unknown. 2014 Elliot Peacock, 14, died during a gorge scrambling expedition with the Scouts in Italy. Inquest verdict: Unknown. Advertisement

Ben's grief-stricken mother Jackie Leonard, 54, previously told MailOnline her son's death had a 'devastating impact' on her family and that the organisation needs to be regulated by an external body to be 'made safe' and prevent more children from dying.

Jackie has now joined forces with the families of Lee Craddock, Scott Fanning and Roy Thornton, who died on Scouting expeditions in 1995, 1998 and 1999 respectively, to demand the Government launch a public inquiry into the organisation's 'training and policies', as well as establish an external regulator.

Jackie said that under Mr Hyde's leadership the association had 'failed' in its number one priority, to keep children safe.

Jackie said: 'The impact is devastating on the whole family, I do think that in their 100-plus-year history, this is their darkest time.

'Like with the Post Office, it's a David and Goliath situation where you've got this worldwide organisation and then you've got some families who are trying to get change.

'We don't want to see Scouts abolished or anything like that, because there are a lot of good people in Scouting doing good work and a lot of children that get enjoyment from it.

'My Ben enjoyed it, but it needs to be made safe and that's why we just want to see them regulated by an outside body, like schools and other activity centres.'

The inquest also heard Ben's family were lied to as The Scout Association was worried about 'reputational damage', and Ben's family were told, 'people who try and take on the Scouts are never successful' and that 'no-one can touch the Scouts'.

Around 500,000 young people and 145,000 adult volunteers take part in Scouting projects and activities each week, according to the association's own figures.
Almost half-a-million fines were issued to parents in England during the last academic year for taking their children out of school without permission, figures show.

The number of families being fined for taking holidays in term time has risen as parents increasingly turn their backs on a week's education for their young ones in favour of avoiding exorbitant holiday prices during official school breaks.

Department for Education (DfE) data revealed 487,344 fines were issued in 2023-24 - up 22 per cent on 398,796 penalty notices in the year before.

And numbers are noticeably up since the pre-Covid era - in 2018-19 just 333,388 penalty notices were issued to parents.

The vast majority (91%) of fines issued in 2023-24 were for unauthorised holidays.

In September, school-absence fines in England rose from 60 to 80. A parent who is fined a second time for the same child within a three-year period will now receive a 160 fine.

The former Conservative government announced these hikes in February last year as part of a drive to boost post-pandemic school attendances.

But that seems to have had little effect on parents such as Whitney Ainscough, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire. MailOnline reported last week that she insisted taking her three children on holiday to Disneyland Paris in term time will be 'educational'.

Whitney Ainscough, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, insisted last week that taking her three children on holiday to Disneyland Paris during term time will be 'educational'

The 31-year-old has previously been fined for taking her three children out of school for holidays - and may now be facing a criminal record for doing so

She has previously been fined for taking them out of school for holidays.

Last year, the 31-year-old jetted off on two family holidays with her partner and children, Cora Bentley, 12, Addison Squires, seven, and Adley Christopher, three.

They splashed 5,000 on a trip to Cyprus, then spent a further 8,000 to go to Zante - causing her children to miss ten days of school in total.

The social media influencer, known as @itsmebadmom on TikTok, told her 440,000 followers she was 'fuming' after receiving a 60 fine from Cora's school for their Cyprus holiday.

After reluctantly paying it, she received a second letter to say she may be facing getting a criminal record for her term time holidays.

In a TikTok video, she said she was 'flabbergasted' to receive this news.

She said: '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.

'I just can't understand the logic of it. These are my children, they are not the government's children.'

Last year, Whitney jetted off on two family holidays - to Cyprus and Zante - which caused her children to miss ten days of school in total

The social media influencer told her 440,000 followers she was 'fuming' after receiving a 60 fine from her daughter's school for their Cyprus holiday

Rachel Smith, from Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, told MailOnline in 2023 she would keep taking her two children out of school for holidays, despite being fined hundreds of pounds.

The single mother takes Brayden, then 11, and Elianna, then nine, abroad during term time every year.

The 33-year-old, who works in finance, claimed to have saved 10,000 by taking them to destinations like Majorca and Magaluf in May and June instead of in peak season in August.

She said she regularly receives fines of 60 per child - but it is 'nothing compared to the cost of holidays in the school holidays'.

A couple from Teynham, Kent, refused to pay the fine they received for taking their daughter and severely autistic son on an unauthorised term time holiday.

Paul and Tara Phipps went to Turkey for 11 days with Jack, 14, and Poppy, nine, in September.

They said going off-peak, when it is less crowded, is better for their son, who experiences sensory overload if his surroundings are too noisy - sometimes hitting himself in the head, he's so overwhelmed.

They faced their 80 fine doubling to 160 if they did not pay up in 21 days - and if they refused for 28 more days after that, they faced prosecution.

Rachel Smith, from Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, takes Brayden, then 11, and Elianna, then nine, abroad during term time every year

The single mother's two children Brayden and Elianna pictured on holiday in Ibiza in 2018

The 33-year-old, who works in finance, claimed to have saved 10,000 by taking her children on holiday outside the peak season of August

The couple told KentOnline in November that they felt their family had been 'unfairly penalised' for their situation.

In 2023-24, there were 24% more penalty notices issued for unauthorised family holidays (443,322) compared to 2022-23 (when 356,181 were issued).

The figure from last academic year is almost double that in 2017-18 when there were 222,904 fines for unauthorised holidays.

Overall, 1,086 penalty notices were issued in 2023-24 for being late and the remainder were for other reasons.

The use of penalty notices by local authorities varied greatly across England.

Three local authorities issued no fines at all. Half of all penalty notices issued came from only 26 local authorities (there are 153 of them in total).

The region with the highest rate of penalty notices issued was Yorkshire and The Humber at 10.7%, while the lowest rates were in Inner London (3.5%) and Outer London (3.4%).

Pepe Di'Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said: 'School leaders take no pleasure in parents being fined, but must have clear, consistent policies in place that emphasise the importance of attendance.

Paul Phipps (pictured) and his wife Tara, from Teynham, Kent, took son Jack, 14, pictured, and daughter Poppy, nine, on holiday during term time - and are refusing to pay the fine for it

'There is a longstanding issue of exorbitant prices being charged by the travel industry during school holiday periods.

'We can understand why some parents want to take holidays at other times of year as this may be the only way it is affordable, even with the threat of a fine.

'However, we must do something to reverse the trend of a growing number of pupils missing out on a week or more of school.

'This is damaging to their education as well as disruptive for their class and teachers, who must then spend time helping them catch up on work they have missed.

'There is no simple resolution to this issue, but we do think it is time for the Government to explore ways in which they could restrain travel firms from raising their prices during school holidays.

'We cannot see how this problem can be solved another way.'

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders' union the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), said: 'It is clear that for many families the threat of a fine is not acting as a significant deterrent in the way the government hoped it would.

'This is largely due to the exorbitant charges for holidays outside of term time.

The Phipps family said going on holiday off-peak, when it is less crowded, is better for their severely autistic son, who experiences sensory overload if his surroundings are too noisy

'We have long-argued that fines are a blunt tool for tackling this issue and the data appears to bear this out once again.

'Perhaps now is the time for the Government to try a different approach.

'Whilst it may be challenging to do, that surely must involve working with travel companies to address the underlying cause of the problem.

'The variation in how different local authorities approach this issue clearly needs addressing too. It is only fair and right that we treat families the same when it comes to holidays in term time, wherever they live in the country.'
Sweden's prime minister has voiced serious concerns about sweeping crime levels in the country as he claims a 'foreign power' may have been involved in the live stream shooting of an anti-Islam activist on Wednesday night

Iraqi refugee, Salwan Momika, 38, repeatedly burned the Koran in 2023, sparking outrage in Muslim countries.

But he was ruthlessly gunned down in an apartment in the city of Sodertalje, south of Stockholm, investigators said Thursday, with Sweden's PM Ulf Kristersson suggesting 'a foreign power' might have been behind the hit.

Prosecutor Rasmus Oman confirmed that an investigation had been opened into the murder of Momika and that five people had been arrested.

'We're in the very early stages... there's a lot of information gathering. Five people have been detained suspected of involvement in the crime,' Oman said.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson told reporters at a press conference: 'I can guarantee that the security services are deeply involved in this because there is obviously a risk that there is also a link to foreign power.'

The fatal shooting comes amid an 'extreme' wave of violence sweeping the once peaceful Nordic country.

National Police Chief Petra Lundh spoke about the ongoing violence following the killing, saying: 'It is a wave of violence that once again shows the brutality and ruthlessness that exists in organised crime. Consideration for other people's lives is something that has completely ceased to exist in these circles'.

Kristersson echoed the concerns, admitting that it is 'obvious that we have no control over the wave of violence.'

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson admitted the country had 'lost control' over the wave of violence following the shooting of Salwan Momika

Five people have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in Momika's murder

Moment Swedish police turned off Momika's livestream after he was shot on Wednesday night

Quran burning by Salwan Momika at Benny Fredriksson square in Stockholm on October 21, 2023

'We are in a new wave of violence, that is quite obvious. It is mainly the explosions that are increasing, basically one every day, while deadly gun violence has decreased for quite a long time,' the PM added.

'It will take the entire 20th century to solve these problems'.

Swedish media reported that Momika was streaming live on TikTok at the time he was shot.

A video seen by MailOnline showed police picking up a phone and ending a livestream that appeared to be from Momika's TikTok account.

The Aftonbladet newspaper said the attacker was able to gain entry into the building through the roof.

In August, Momika and a fellow protester Salwan Najem were charged with 'agitation against an ethnic group' on four occasions in the summer of 2023.

According to the charge sheet, the two desecrated the Koran, including burning it, while making derogatory remarks about Muslims - on one occasion outside a Stockholm mosque.

It postponed the ruling to February 3, saying that 'because Salwan Momika has died, more time is needed'.

'I'm next on the list,' Najem chillingly wrote on X after Momika's death, telling Swedish media that he had received death threats.

The Iraqi refugee was notorious for staging public demonstrations where he burnt and destroyed the Islamic holy book - a stunt that enraged Muslims around the world.

Five people have been arrested in connection to Momika's death, police said on their website. They did not say if the shooter was among those detained.

Anti-Islamist activist Salwan Momika who sparked outrage for burning a Koran has been shot dead in Sweden

Police are currently investigating the murder of Momika. Here they are pictured outside the apartment where the shooting took place

Momika first sparked global anger in June 2023 when he set a Koran on fire and stomped on the holy book outside Stockholm's main mosque, with several Muslim countries condemning Sweden for allowing the Iraqi man to perform the act during the Eid al-Adha holiday and the annual hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.

Burning the Koran is seen by Muslims as a blasphemous act because they consider it the literal word of God.

Saudi Arabia, Iran, Morocco, Bahrain and the UAE joined in the chorus of condemnation, with the US also calling the protest 'disrespectful and hurtful'.

Dozens of Iraqi protesters stormed the Swedish embassy in Baghdad in response to Momika's stunt, with videos showing an angry mob breaking through an iron gate and climbing on top of the compound.

The demonstrators also distributed leaflets that carried messages in Arabic and English that said: 'Our constitution is the Koran. Our leader is Al-Sadr'.

'Yes, yes to the Koran,' was also scrawled on the gate leading to the embassy, according to the photographer.

Momika later pulled a similar stunt, in which he burned the Koran outside the Iraqi embassy in Stockholm.

The activist received a string of death threats as a result.

But speaking to Aftonbladet in April 2023, Momika said he never intended his Koran burnings to cause any trouble in Sweden, where he had lived since 2018.

'I don't want to harm this country that received me and preserved my dignity,' he said.

Footage shows a police officer going up to the device the livestream was being broadcasted from

The livestream was turned off by police after they rushed to the scene of the crime

Police is seen at a crime scene in an apartment block in Soedertaelje, south of the Swedish capital Stockholm on January 30, 2025

Police investigators are seen working at a crime scene in an apartment block in Soedertaelje

Protestor Salwan Momika raises a copy of the Koran during his demonstration outside the Iraqi embassy in Stockholm, Sweden, 20 July 2023

Salwan Momika holds a flag of Sweden as he protests outside a mosque in Stockholm on June 28, 2023

Dozens of Iraqi protesters stormed the Swedish embassy in Baghdad on June 29 over the burning of a Koran by Salwan Momika

Protesters gather at the entrance to the Swedish embassy in Baghdad, Iraq a day after Momika, a protester, burned a copy of the Quran in Sweden

In October 2023, the Swedish Migration Agency revoked his residency permit, citing false information in his original application, but he was granted a temporary one as it said there was an 'impediment to enforcement' of a deportation to Iraq.

The month before, Iraq had requested his extradition over one of the Koran burnings.

In March 2024, Momika left Sweden to seek asylum in Norway, telling AFP that Sweden's freedom of expression and protection of human rights was 'a big lie'.

Norway deported him back to Sweden several weeks later.

Before arriving in Sweden, Momika's social media accounts tell a story of an erratic political career in Iraq.

It included links to a Christian armed faction during the fight against the Islamic State group, the creation of an obscure Syriac political party, rivalries with influential Christian paramilitaries and a brief arrest.

He also joined the massive anti-corruption protests that gripped Iraq in late 2019, which were met with a crackdown that killed over 600 people nationwide.

In October 2023, a Swedish court convicted another man of inciting ethnic hatred with a 2020 Koran burning, the first time the country's court system had tried the charge for desecrating Islam's holy book.

Prosecutors have previously said that under Swedish law, the burning of a Koran can be seen as a critique of the book and the religion, and thus be protected under free speech.

However, depending on the context and statements made at the time, it can also be considered 'agitation against an ethnic group'.
A father who moved his family from the United States to Pakistan has been arrested after shooting his daughter dead in an honour killing over her use of social media.

Anwar ul-Haq, believed to be a US citizen, was charged with murder after he admitted to shooting his 15-year-old daughter Hira dead on Tuesday.

Mr ul-Haq had reportedly forbidden his daughter from making TikTok videos which he deemed 'inappropriate', and decided to kill her when she continued to post.

Hira's family 'had an objection to her dressing, lifestyle and social gathering,' according to police.

The shooting happened on Tuesday in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, said Babar Baloch, a local police chief.

He said the father of the 15-year-old girl initially suggested that an unidentified gunman had killed his daughter, but after he was taken into custody for questioning he confessed to the crime.

Mr Baloch said the man's brother-in-law was also arrested in connection with the murder, adding that both men had apparently objected to her sharing of 'objectionable' content on TikTok, which is used by 54 million people in Pakistan.

The family had lived in the US for 25 years, Mr Baloch said, before Mr ul-Haq moved them back to Pakistan recently.

File image shows Pakistani human rights activists holding placards during a protest against honour killings in Islamabad

Officers said they are continuing to investigate all angles, including the possibility of an honour killing.

If the men are found guilty of an honour killing they will face a mandatory life sentence.

So-called honour killings are common in Pakistan, where family members and relatives sometimes kill a woman if she does follow local traditions and culture or chooses to marry a man of her choice.

More than 1,000 women are killed every year in the country at the hands of community or family members over perceived damage to their 'honour', according to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan.

A change to the law to require a life sentence for the crime was brought in by Pakistan's government in 2016.

Prior to this, offenders could avoid a jail term if they received a pardon from the victim's family.
Former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Kash Patel and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced intense questioning from senators as they fight for a part in Donald Trump's second administration.

They are considered three of the president's most contentious picks for senior roles and face the toughest roads to confirmation.

FBI Director nominee Kash Patel, who has vowed to completely upend the bureau, defended himself against Democratic attacks that he won't be impartial.

He also pledged to release child sex predator Jeffrey Epstein's secretive flight logs, saying 'sex trafficking has no place in the United State of America.'

Gabbard, a former Democrat who became a staunch pro-Trump Republican, is being tapped to serve as the next Director of National Intelligence (DNI).

She faced a barrage of attacks from Democrats upset over her previous statements in support of Edward Snowden calling him a 'brave whistleblower.'

Follow all the updates at DailyMail.com's live blog
Migrants who prevent rescues in the Channel taking place until they reach UK waters face up to five years in jail under Labour's new law to tackle the small boats crisis.

Asylum seekers who try to stop French coastguards saving them or who rush onto overcrowded dinghies on beaches will be targeted under a new offence of endangering lives at sea.

Those arriving in English ports in dinghies will also have their mobile phones seized as part of attempts to gather more intelligence on the organised crime gangs behind the trade.

It will also become a crime to collect information on illegal crossings including looking up routes or vessels, and to handle boat parts such as engines used by the gangs.

And suspected people-smugglers will face being banned from using phones or laptops under counter-terror-style powers enabling police to intervene earlier in their investigations.

The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration published by the Home Office yesterday will also reverse many of the Tories' previous attempts to stop the boats including formally repealing the Rwanda deportation scheme.

However the power to detain children and the ban on migrants claiming modern slavery protections will remain in place despite Labour opposing them before they won the election.

It comes after close to 37,000 people crossed the Channel illegally in 2024 in what was the deadliest year on record with at least 78 deaths at sea as gangs crammed ever more people onto the flimsy boats.

Migrants in an overcrowded dinghy off the coast of Gravelines in France on January 17

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Migrants are bought ashore from dinghies in the Channel last month

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: 'Over the last six years, criminal smuggling gangs have been allowed to take hold all along our borders, making millions out of small boat crossings.

'This Bill will equip our law enforcement agencies with the powers they need to stop these vile criminals, disrupting their supply chains and bringing more of those who profit from human misery to justice.

'These new counter terror-style powers, including making it easier to seize mobile phones at the border, along with statutory powers for our new Border Security Command to focus activity across law enforcement agencies and border force will turbocharge efforts to smash the gangs.'

Border Security Commander Martin Hewitt added: 'These crucial measures will underpin our enforcement action across the system, and together with our strengthened relationships with international partners, we will bring down these gangs once and for all.'

But Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: 'This is a weak Bill from a weak Government. It just re-announces steps the last Government took already, and beyond that only engages in minor tinkering - for example, taking phones off illegal immigrants when they arrive. That won't stop the boats.

'As the National Crime Agency said, an effective removals deterrent is needed to stop the boats, but there is nothing about a returns deterrent for all illegal migrants in Labour's Bill.'
A teacher died after being 'traumatised' when she was stripped and left naked in a police cell, an inquest has heard.

Jorja Watt, 27, had been looking forward to starting a job in Costa Rica when she was discovered dead at her friend's home in September.

The tragedy came just months after Ms Watt, from Lancashire, had been arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker during a night out.

Jorja, who had been diagnosed with emotionally unstable personality disorder, was 'stripped and left naked in a cell', Preston Coroner's Court heard.

Jorja's mother, Maria, told the court that her daughter had been left 'traumatised' by the incident and feared it would ruin her teaching career, having already studied for six years to bag her dream job.

The experience caused Jorja's mental health to spiral out of control, leading to her visiting 'drug dens' where she would 'self-medicate' with prescription pills, LancsLive reported.

The troubled teacher - described as a 'free spirit' by her mother - would often go to her friend Charlie's home in Heysham following her 'self-medication' sessions.

The coroner's court heard how Jorja was found unresponsive at Charlie's home on the morning of September 1.

Jorja Watt, 27, had been looking forward to starting a job in Costa Rica when she was discovered dead at her friend's home on September 1

The tragedy came just months after Ms Watt, from Lancashire, had been arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker during a night out

The inquest heard that before she visited Charlie's home, Jorja had been at the house of another friend to collect one of her bags.

One of Jorja's friends later told police: 'Jorja had been to this person's house, seen a bottle of brown liquid on the side and said "I'm taking that".'

Detailing how Jorja was later found 'unresponsive', Charlie's mother Voirrey Wilde told the court: 'At around 1 o'clock I woke up to Charlie shouting "Jorja!" repeatedly.

'I knew something was wrong. I found her slumped on the sofa. Her lips were blue and she was unresponsive.'

A post-mortem examination showed the 27-year-old had several prescription medications in her system at the time of her death - including heroin substitute, methadone.

The court also heard she had been taking painkillers due to a wound on her leg for which she had previously been admitted to hospital.

Her cause of death was listed as multi-medication toxicity with Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder listed as a contributory factor.

Jorja, who had been diagnosed with emotionally unstable personality disorder, was 'stripped and left naked in a cell', Preston Coroner's Court heard

Jorja's mother, Maria, told the court her daughter had been left 'traumatised' by the incident and feared it would ruin her teaching career

Recording a verdict of misadventure, Area Coroner Kate Bisset said: 'I think it is right to record this is not someone who is taking drugs for a high and chasing a thrill.

'Her mental health was a real battle for her and taking medication was an attempt to win that battle.'

Marie described her daughter as 'quietly spoken, intelligent and kind', with a 'free spirit'.

In a statement, a spokesman for Lancashire Police told MailOnline: 'We received a complaint in March 2024 related to this matter.

'The complaint remains under review by our Professional Standards Department.

'At this time it would be inappropriate to comment further.'
Scots appear to be unwilling to accept their country's leading role in creating the British Empire, a new poll suggests.

More people believe that Scotland was simply a subject of England than a partner in creating the largest empire the world have ever seen.

Polling by YouGov found that fewer than a third (29 per cent) believed the nation played a major role in the enterprise.

This rose to more than half (55 per cent) of those who backed Scottish independence in 2014 and 60 per cent of those who voted SNP at the general election.

It comes despite parts of Scotland doing very well out of the Empire, including the slave trade before it was abolished in the early 19th Century.

In 2022, amid Black Lives Matter protests, Glasgow authorities for the city's role in the Atlantic slave trade, saying the 'tentacles' of money from the practice reached every corner of Scotland's biggest metropolis.

It followed the release of an academic study Glasgow City Council commissioned about the city's connections to the trade in human beings.

One of the report's main findings was that 40 out of 79 lord provosts or mayors from Glasgow were connected to the Atlantic slave trade between 1636 and 1834. Some were in office while owning enslaved people.

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James Oswald, who inherited a fortune from his great uncle Richard Oswald of Auchincruive, a prominent Glasgow slave owner

In 2022, amid Black Lives Matter protests, Glasgow authorities for the city's role in the Atlantic slave trade, saying the 'tentacles' of money from the practice reached every corner of Scotland's biggest metropolis.

At least 11 buildings in Glasgow are connected to individuals who were involved with the trade, while eight individuals implicated have monuments or other memorials to them in the city.

A total of 62 Glasgow streets are named after slave owners who built their fortunes on tobacco plantations.

These include Buchanan Street and Glassford Street, named after the 'tobacco lords' Andrew Buchanan and John Glassford.

James Watt, whose improvements to the steam engine drove the industrial revolution, was personally involved in trafficking a black child for sale to a family in northeast Scotland, the report said.

In the YouGov poll, 2024 Labour voters were almost evenly divided between 'subject' (35 per cent), 'don't know' (32 per cent) and 'partner' (33 per cent).

Almost half (46 per cent) of the respondents who voted conservative last year said the country was partnered with England, compared with 27 per cent who said Scotland was a subject of the empire.

Among Scots who said they know a great deal, or fair amount regarding Scotland's role within the British Empire, the Scotland-as-partner view was more common (50 per cent) than the Scotland-as-subject view (39 per cent).

The results form part of a wider survey on attitudes towards the British Empire.

It surveyed 1,067 Scots aged over 16 between July 24 and 29 2024, and 2,093 people aged over 18 in Great Britain between July 29 and 30 2024.

One in six Scots (17 per cent) said they wished Britain still had an empire, and about 22 per cent of Britons said the same.

Four in 10 of those who said they knew little or nothing about the country's place in the empire believe Scotland was a subject, whereas 18 per cent viewed the country as a partner.

Some 42 per cent of respondents said Scotland made a fairly, or very large contribution to the empire's success, and about 30 per cent said the country's contribution was small.

Nearly three-quarters, 72 per cent, of Scots who saw Scotland as having been more of a partner believed it played a crucial role in the empire's success, whereas 40 per cent of those who chose the 'partner' option believed it played a large role, and 42 per cent said the role was small.

Scots who said they know a great deal or fair amount about Scotland's involvement in the British Empire are significantly more likely to think Scotland played a large role (77 per cent), while those who confess to knowing less tend to think its role was small (36 per cent) rather than large (22 per cent)  although most said they are likely to answer 'don't know' (41 per cent).

Overall, 35 per cent of Scots think that Scotland benefitted more than it suffered for being part of the British Empire  about the same number who think so of Canada (38 per cent) and Australia and New Zealand (35 per cent), and higher than the number who think Wales benefitted (30 per cent).

Some 73 per cent of Scots surveyed consider England to have benefitted more than it suffered, 16 per cent believed Scotland benefitted as much as it suffered, and 22 per cent said the opposite  a figure that rose to 44 per cent among those who voted for the SNP in 2024.

Almost three-quarters (74 per cent) of respondents said the history of the empire should be taught in schools, and 73 per cent said Scotland's part to play to should also be taught to children.

When it comes to how the subject should be taught, the large majority of Scots surveyed (73 per cent) said teaching 'should contain a mixture of positive and negative aspects of the British Empire, so pupils are given a comprehensive balanced view'.

About one in eight (13 per cent) take the view that 'teaching should concentrate mainly on the negative aspects of the British Empire, to correct against a historically rosy view of the empire, make sure pupils are under no illusions that imperialism is bad, and make sure that pupils are aware of the harms Britain committed in the past'.

Just 5 per cent said it should take an exclusively pro-empire approach, stating, 'teaching should concentrate on mainly the positive aspects of the British Empire, so that pupils are taught to be proud of Britain's history and accomplishments'.
Snow and heavy rain will sweep across Britain tonight as temperatures fall to -4C and more than 100 areas remain on flood watch following three storms in a week.

A weather front will push in from the North West this evening, bringing torrential downpours and snowfall on higher ground across the Scottish hills and Pennines.

The change in conditions will follow a fine and sunny day today amid high pressure with 9C (48F) temperatures in southern England, around average for the time of year.

It comes after Portugal's Storm Ivo hit southern England with strong winds and rain yesterday, after Storm Herminia which was named in Spain and also affected Britain.

The systems followed 114mph Storm Eowyn, named by the Met Office, which struck the UK and Ireland last Friday and caused two deaths and widespread travel chaos.

Major flooding has been caused by the bad weather in the past week, with 98 flood alerts and 14 warnings from the Environment Agency still active in England today.

Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern said today: 'Blue skies for many of us during Thursday afternoon, plenty of sunny spells and fine weather - although the far North East of Scotland still affected by an area of low pressure which is moving away.

'That's going to bring showery rain for Shetland and perhaps for Orkney, a few showers along with a gusty and cold-feeling wind. Lighter winds elsewhere, plenty of sunny spells, just one or two showers into the West - otherwise a fine afternoon for the vast majority.

The Edinburgh to Inverness train passes through a snow-covered landscape at Slochd today

A van is driven through a flooded country lane at Dunsden in Oxfordshire this morning

'With bright blue skies feeling perfectly pleasant, 7C (45F) or 8C (46F) in the South, around average for the time of year; 3C (37F) or 4C (39F) though for the North East of Scotland and feeling cold with the wind.'

He said Northern Ireland will cloudy late this afternoon ahead of an occluded front which will bring a 'spell of heavy rain' from the West to the East overnight.

Mr McGivern continued: 'As it bumps into the cold air ahead of it, there will be a spell of hill snow for Northern England and Scotland, because temperatures are going to fall away for parts of Scotland and the East and North of England during the evening.

'Frost in places as low as -3C (27F) or -4C (25F) for sheltered parts of North East Scotland, and with that cold air in place there'll be some hill snow - mostly the falling snow above 200m (650ft), settling snow above around 500m (1,650ft) or so.

'One or two roads could be affected first thing, but it is a temporary situation during the early hours before milder air arrives by the end of the night - and the rain pushes through.

'Gusty winds and heavy rain for a time - by the end of the night it's into the Midlands, the South and South East of England. Showers following but also some clear spells into Northern Ireland and Wales and temperatures recovering.'

Tomorrow will be cloudy first thing for central and eastern areas, while some rain will clear slowly from the South East - but he said the 'heavier stuff is really early doors and it stays gloomy in the East of England, but brighter skies are moving into the West'.

However there will also be a better end to the day for Northern Ireland, western and northern Scotland, Wales and the South West, with temperatures of 9C (48F) or 10C (50F).

Mr McGivern said tomorrow evening would then be a 'repeat performance' with clear skies initially, before the next system brings cloud and rain by the start of the weekend.

He concluded: 'So the weather chopping and changing over the next few days but at least there'll be some decent sunny spells in between any wetter systems moving through from the West.'

The Met Office said earlier this week that over the month of January so far, the South of the UK has been wetter than the North, which is not normally the case.

Provisional Met Office statistics show that counties including Nottinghamshire, South Yorkshire, Hampshire and Surrey have seen 30 per cent more rainfall than the long-term meteorological average for January.

Despite the flooding, the Environment Agency has estimated that up to 5,800 properties have been protected by flood defences over recent days.

About 15,300 homes and businesses remained without electricity across Northern Ireland this morning, after Storm Eowyn hit at the weekend, according to Northern Ireland Electricity Networks. Some 269,700 properties have now been reconnected.

Scottish and Southern Electricity confirmed yesterday that it had restored power to 92,000 customers affected by Storm Eowyn.

In Somerset, authorities stood down a major incident on Tuesday that had been in place because of flooding in the county that led to the evacuation of more than 100 people from their homes.

Cornwall Council said Storm Eowyn and Storm Herminia resulted in 183 emergency incidents from Friday to Monday, including a mini tornado which uprooted trees and damaged homes near Newquay.

Meanwhile the National Trust has revealed Storm Eowyn toppled more than 10,000 trees from its properties.
Dozens of armed Hamas terrorists pushed Israeli hostages, including an 80-year-old man, through a baying mob in Gaza in a terrifying scene.

Gadi Moses, 80, and Arbel Yehud, 29, were handed over to the Red Cross on Thursday along with five Thai hostages, following more than a year spent in captivity.

Masked Hamas operatives wearing body armour and carrying automatic guns were seen struggling to clear a path through the swarming crowd in Khan Younis.

Spectators were seen surging forwards, some trying to take pictures, as the 80-year-old Israeli-German was escorted by Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters. Some were chanting and others held banners.

Yehud, wearing an overcoat over a pink hoodie, was visibly distressed among the sea of people. She was later seen in a Red Cross vehicle along with Moses.

Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed what he described as 'shocking scenes' during the handover as 'unimaginable cruelty' by Hamas.

Netanyahu temporarily suspended the release of Palestinian prisoners until Israel received assurances of the future 'safe release' of captives.

At around dusk, two buses were seen carrying the inmates from Ofer Prison in the occupied West Bank.

Gadi Moses, 80, centre right, who has been held hostage by Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 2023, is escorted by Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters while being handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis

Masked Hamas operatives wearing body armour and carrying automatic weapons were seen struggling to clear a path through the swarming crowd in Khan Younis as they escorted freed hostage Arbel Yehud

Spectators were seen surging forwards, some trying to take pictures, as the 80-year-old Israeli-German was escorted through the crowd

Yehud, 29, was guided through the crowd to the white van by militants as the vehicle attempted to navigate through the densely packed area near the handover site

Crowds swarmed around Israeli captive Arbel Yehoud, 29, who has been held hostage by Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 2023, as she was escorted to the Red Cross van

Palestinians gather outside the ruins of the house of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar as Israeli hostages are handed over to the Red Cross

Arbel Yehud and Gadi Moses are seen embracing at an unspecified location in this screengrab from video released on January 30

Hundreds of Palestinians gathered in Khan Yunis in southern Gaza near the childhood home of slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar on Thursday in anticipation of the hostages being released.

Curious onlookers clambered over smashed concrete on the upper floors of buildings, devastated in more than 15 months of war with Israel in Gaza, hoping to catch a glimpse of Moses and Yehud.

Moses is the first man to be released under the current ceasefire agreement.

He was 79 when he was kidnapped from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel.

His partner Efrat was killed along with several other members of his family, including his partner's daughter and his two young granddaughters were kidnapped and later released.

According to local reports, Yehud was safely placed in the Red Cross vehicle, which slowly managed to move away from the scene.

Netanyahu said he has been shocked by the manner in which Israeli hostages have been released today.

He demanded mediators ensure 'such horrific scenes do not occur again'.

'This is further proof of the unimaginable cruelty of the Hamas terrorist organisation,' a statement from his office read.

'Whoever dares to harm our hostages - his blood will be on his head.'

A drone view shows Palestinians gathering in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip on January 30, 2025 to watch as Hamas hands over hostages held in Gaza to the Red Cross

Israeli hostage Arbel Yehud is handed over to Red Cross after being escorted through a swarming crowd which acted with 'unimaginable cruelty'

The chaotic handover Thursday of some of the Israeli captives in Gaza, who were shuttled through a rowdy crowd of thousands by masked militants, has drawn angry protest from Israel

Thousands of spectators swarmed the Red Cross wants were Israeli hostages were being handed over in Khan Younis on Thursday

Palestinians gather on top of a damaged building on the day hostages held in Gaza are handed over to members of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), as part of a ceasefire and a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel, in Khan Younis

Hundreds of Palestinians gathered in Khan Yunis in southern Gaza near the childhood home of slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar on Thursday in anticipation of the hostages being released

Curious onlookers clambered over smashed concrete on the upper floors of buildings, devastated in more than 15 months of war with Israel in Gaza, hoping to catch a glimpse of Moses and Yehud

Members of Hamas' al-Qassam Brigades and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement's Al-Quds Brigades were deployed in the area in Khan Yunis, Gaza on January 30, 2025

Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz - after seeing the actions of the massive crowd - 'instructed the delay of the release of the terrorists scheduled for today until the safe departure of our hostages in the upcoming phases is assured'

Israeli soldier Arbel Yehoud, 29, who has been held hostage by Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 2023, is escorted by Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters as she is handed over to the Red Cross

Palestinians and the members of Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades gather outside the ruins of the house of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar as Israeli hostages being handed over to Red Cross in the hostage swap deal in Khan Yunis, Gaza on January 30, 2025

Netanyahu said he has been shocked by the manner in which Israeli hostages have been released today. Pictured is Arbel Yehud during the hostage exchange

Hamas members carry rifles next to a vehicle, on the day they hand over hostages held in Gaza since the deadly October 7, 2023 attack, to members of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), as part of a ceasefire and a hostages-prisoners swap deal

Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters contain the crowd as cars carrying Israeli Gadi Mozes and Arbel Yahoud are escorted to be handed over to the Red Cross

Netanyahu's office had earlier Thursday, around mid-afternoon, said the prisoner release would be suspended until such assurances were obtained.

Israel was due to free 110 prisoners, including 30 minors, in exchange for the three Israelis released on Thursday, the Palestinian Prisoners' Club advocacy group said.

It is the third hostage-prisoner exchange under a January 19 ceasefire deal aimed at ending the war in Gaza. Another hostage and prisoner release is scheduled for Saturday, with three Israeli men due to be set free.

Militants in Gaza earlier Thursday freed the three Israelis, as well as five Thais, captured in Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

Netanyahu had denounced what he called 'shocking scenes' during the hostage releases in Khan Yunis, where television images showed gunmen struggling to control hundreds of Gazans seeking to witness the handover.

Hamas and Islamic Jihad sources said that more than 100 Islamic Jihad fighters were deployed to Khan Yunis for the exchange.

One spectator said that he attended the exchange 'witness these historic moments of handing over the prisoners'.

'We feel proud of the resistance - they preserved the lives of the prisoners throughout the days of the occupation's war of extermination,' Mohammed Al-Astal, 32, told AFP.

'The resistance's choice of the home of the martyred leader Yahya Sinwar for the handover encouraged thousands of citizens to participate and celebrate the ceremony. Everyone is eager for moments of joy,' he added.

Israeli hostage Arbel Yehud, 29, was spotted looking terrified as she was led by Hamas militants to a Red Cross van this morning

Scores of spectators clamoured to catch a glimpse of the Israeli hostage amid the chaotic scene

According to local reports, Yehud was safely placed in the Red Cross vehicle, which has managed to move away from the scene

Palestinian militants surround hostage Arbel Yehud, held in Gaza since the deadly October 7 2023 attack, on the day they hand her to members of the International Committee of the Red Cross

Footage shows hostage Arbel Yehoud being handed over to the Red Cross by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad in southern Gaza's Khan Younis a short while ago. pic.twitter.com/NJqdkfobeP  Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) January 30, 2025

People surround the vehicles of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), on the day of the release of hostages held in Gaza, as part of a ceasefire deal in Gaza between Hamas and Israel, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, January 30, 2025

Hamas members look on as members of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) wait to receive hostages in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, January 30, 2025

The Israeli military say all of Thursday's eight hostages have now been handed over to their forces in Gaza.

'The seven returning hostages are currently being accompanied by IDF special forces and ISA forces on their return to Israeli territory, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment,' the IDF said in a statement.

Moses and Yehud were two of the three Israeli hostages released today - the third, Agam Berger, is already back in Israel after being freed this morning.

Berger, now 20, was spotted on live TV standing on a stage in between two militants, donning balaclavas and sunglasses, as a masked operative signalled for her to wave in front of cameras in northern Gaza.

The young soldier was the first of three Israeli hostages to be released today.

The freed Israeli gave a small smile and wave with her certificate in hand, before she was led off the platform to an awaiting Red Cross vehicle.

Five Thai nationals have also been released under the hostage deal between Israel and Hamas.

A statement from the office of Netanyahu says the Israeli government 'embraces the seven returnees' and that their families have been informed of their release.

It says the five Thai citizens released are: Thenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakham, Sriaoun Watchara, Seathao Bannawat and Rumnao Surasak.

Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said she was 'elated' that they were out of captivity.

'It is confirmed everyone, my son did not die. Thank you God,' a sobbing Wiwwaeo Sriaoun said at her home in rural Thailand as she heard confirmation her farm worker son was among those freed.

Hamas militants escort Isreali hostage Agam Berger (C) on a stage before handing her over to a Red Cross team in Jabalia on January 30, 2025

Palestinian Hamas militants release female Israeli soldier Agam Berger, held in Gaza since the deadly October 7 2023 attack, as part of a ceasefire and a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel

Berger was seen surrounded by armed Hamas operatives during her release

Agam Berger, now 20, was spotted on live TV standing on a stage in between two militants, donning balaclavas and sunglasses, in northern Gaza

Three Israeli captives were released by Hamas this morning as part of the ceasefire deal

Gadi Moshe Moses, 80, was the first man to be released under the ceasefire agreement

Cheers echoed through the onlooking crowds as people gathered to watch live footage of Berger's release on a large screen in Jabalia. Some were even heard chanting her name as she stepped off the stage and into the white van.

At around 8:45am, the IDF confirmed Berger had crossed into Israeli territory.

'The returning hostage is currently on her way to an initial reception point in southern Israel, where she will be reunited with her parents,' the military said.

Also commenting on the long-awaited release, the office of Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: 'The Israeli government embraces Agam Berger, an Israel Defense Forces soldier.'

It says the 'government, together with all security agencies, will accompany her and her family'.

The statement ends by saying the 'Israeli government is committed to the return of all abducted and missing persons'.

But images of Berger's release have made their rounds on social media and viewers are slamming the Palestinian military group for giving the hostages 'goody bags' along with their certificate.

The 20-year-old can be seen walking across the stage with a brown paper bag in her hand, which social media users have dubbed 'gift bags'.

One X/Twitter user commented beneath an image of Berger: 'The fact they give them a certificate and gift bag is so sick and twisted'.

Another said: 'What are those 'souvenir bags'? Giving a Hamas gift bag to a released hostage shows how sick those guys are'.

Berger was kidnapped and taken hostage by Hamas militants during their initial incursion in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, when she was just 19-years-old.

The soldier is the last member of an all-female unarmed military unit, known in Hebrew as Tatzpitaniyot, to remain in Gaza.

Seven women from the unit, tasked with observing Gaza on surveillance footage, were taken hostage from the Nahal Oz military base.

One was killed in Gaza, another rescued, and four released under the ceasefire deal.

Berger's family said they were 'overjoyed and moved' by the return of the four other female soldiers on Saturday, while they continued to 'eagerly await embracing Agam'.

In Israel, people cheered, clapped and whistled at a square in Tel Aviv where supporters of the hostages watched Berger's handover on big screens next to a large clock that's counted the days the hostages have been in captivity.

A brave Berger was seen waving to cheering crowds before she was led to a Red Cross vehicle

Armed Hamas militants led her off stage where she then climbed into a Red Cross vehicle

Cheers echoed through the onlooking crowds as people gathered to watch live footage of Berger's release on a large screen in Jabalia

In Israel, people cheered, clapped and whistled at a square in Tel Aviv where supporters of the hostages watched Berger's handover on big screens

The parents of Israeli hostage Agam Berger, a soldier who was seized from her army base in southern Israel during the deadly October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, watch as their daughter is passed over to the Red Cross

Some held signs saying: 'Agam we're waiting for you at home.'

A number of foreign workers were taken captive along with dozens of Israeli civilians and soldiers during Hamas' attack.

Twenty-three Thais were among more than 100 hostages released during a weeklong ceasefire in November 2023.

Israel says eight Thais remain in captivity, two of whom are believed to be dead.

Of the people set to be released from prisons in Israel, 30 are serving life sentences after being convicted of deadly attacks against Israelis.

Zakaria Zubeidi, a prominent former militant leader and theater director who took part in a dramatic jailbreak in 2021 before being rearrested days later, is also among those set to be released.

Israel said Yehud was supposed to have been freed Saturday and delayed the opening of crossings to northern Gaza when she was not.

The United States, Egypt and Qatar, which brokered the ceasefire after a year of tough negotiations, resolved the dispute with an agreement that Yehud would be released Thursday.

Another three hostages, all men, are set to be freed Saturday along with dozens more Palestinian prisoners.

On Monday, Israel began allowing Palestinians to return to northern Gaza, the most heavily destroyed part of the territory, and hundreds of thousands streamed back.

Many found only mounds of rubble where their homes had been.

In the first phase of the ceasefire, Hamas is set to release a total of 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, older adults and sick or wounded men, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

Israel says Hamas has confirmed that eight of the hostages to be released in this phase are dead.

Palestinians have cheered the release of the prisoners, who they widely see as heroes who have sacrificed for the cause of ending Israel's decades-long occupation of lands they want for a future state.

People and Hamas militants gather around a Red Cross van on the day female Israeli soldier Agam Berger held in Gaza since the deadly October 7 2023 attack, is released as part of a ceasefire and a hostages-prisoners swap deal

Family members and supporters of Israeli hostage, Agam Berger, a soldier who was seized from her army base in southern Israel during the deadly October 7 2023 attack

Agam's childhood friends from school gathered in an apartment to watch her release - the room hung with Israeli flags, party food laid out on a table

People react as they watch broadcast of the release of Israeli soldier Agam Berger, one of eight hostages set to be released today

Berger was kidnapped and taken hostage by Hamas militants during their initial incursion in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, when she was just 19-years-old

A statement by the IDF and Israeli Security Agency says the returning hostage is 'on her way to an initial reception point in southern Israel where she will be reunited with her parents'

Israeli forces have meanwhile pulled back from most of Gaza, allowing hundreds of thousands of people to return to what remains of their homes and humanitarian groups to surge assistance.

The deal calls for Israel and Hamas to negotiate a second phase in which Hamas would release the remaining hostages and the ceasefire would continue indefinitely.

The war could resume in early March if an agreement is not reached.

Israel says it is still committed to destroying Hamas, even after the militant group reasserted its rule over Gaza within hours of the truce.

A key far-right partner in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition is already calling for the war to resume after the ceasefire's first phase.

Hamas says it won't release the remaining hostages without an end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Hamas started the war when it sent thousands of fighters storming into Israel.

The militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted around 250.

Israel's ensuing air and ground war among the deadliest and most destructive in decades.

More than 47,000 Palestinians have been killed, over half of them women and children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not say how many of the dead were militants.

The Israeli military says it killed over 17,000 fighters, without providing evidence, and that it went to great lengths to try to spare civilians.

It blames civilian deaths on Hamas because its fighters operate in dense residential neighborhoods and put military infrastructure near homes, schools and mosques.

The Israeli offensive has transformed entire neighborhoods into mounds of grey rubble, and it's unclear how or when anything will be rebuilt.

Around 90 per cent of Gaza's population has been displaced, often multiple times, with hundreds of thousands of people living in squalid tent camps or shuttered schools.

The Al-Qassam Brigades gather in front of Yahya Sinwar's house in Khan Younis, where Israeli hostages will be released as part of the ceasefire and prisoner and hostage swap agreement in Khan Yunis, Gaza on January 30, 2025

People gather on top of a damaged building, on the day of the release of hostages held in Gaza since the deadly October 7 2023 attack

Palestinians gather in front of Yahya Sinwar's house in Khan Younis, where Israeli hostages will be released as part of the ceasefire and prisoner and hostage swap deal in Khan Yunis, Gaza on January 30, 2025

Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants carry rifles, on the day hostages held in Gaza since the deadly October 7, 2023 attack, are handed over to members of the Red Cross

The ceasefire deal is currently in its first, 42-day phase, which should see 33 hostages freed. The Thai hostages are not included in that number.

The truce deal has allowed a surge of aid into the devastated Gaza Strip, where the war has created a long-running humanitarian crisis.

However, senior Hamas officials accused Israel of slowing aid deliveries, with one citing key items such as fuel, tents, heavy machinery and other equipment.

COGAT, the Israeli defence ministry body that oversees civilian affairs in the Palestinian territories, called this 'totally fake news'.

As the text of the agreement - mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States - has not been made public, AFP was not able to verify its terms on aid.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for sealing the agreement, which took effect before his inauguration, and his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, who took part in the talks, met Netanyahu in Israel on Wednesday.

Trump has invited Netanyahu to the White House on February 4, according to the premier's office.

After the truce began, Trump touted a plan to 'clean out' Gaza, calling for Palestinians to relocate to neighbouring countries such as Egypt or Jordan.

However, both Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan's King Abdullah II rejected this.

More than 376,000 displaced Palestinians have gone back to northern Gaza since Israel reopened access this week, according to the UN humanitarian office OCHA, with many returning to little more than rubble.

Convoy carrying Israeli hostages arrives for handover to the Red Cross as the members of Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades are deployed near the ruins of the house of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar within the hostage swap deal between Hamas and Israel, in Khan Yunis, Gaza

Israeli hostages are handed over to the Red Cross as the members of Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades are deployed near the ruins of the house of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar within the hostage swap deal between Hamas and Israel, in Khan Yunis, Gaza on January 30, 2025

Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants carry rifles, on the day hostages held in Gaza since the deadly October 7, 2023 attack, are handed over to members of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), as part of a ceasefire and a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, January 30, 2025

'My house is destroyed,' 33-year-old Mohammed al-Faleh told AFP.

'The biggest problem is that there is no water,' he added. 'Food aid is reaching Gaza... but there is no gas or electricity. We bake bread on a fire fuelled by wood and nylon.'

Israel cut ties with the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) from Thursday following accusations some of its staff belong to Hamas, a move likely to hamper delivery of vital services.

UNRWA has long been the lead agency in coordinating aid to Gaza.

A series of investigations, including one led by French former foreign minister Catherine Colonna, found some 'neutrality related issues' at UNRWA - but stressed Israel had not provided evidence that a significant number of its staff belonged to 'terrorist' organisations.
The horror American Airlines crash near Washington DC's Ronald Reagan National Airport follows a pattern of crashes and near-misses at the airport - including a 1982 crash that left 78 people dead.

The American Airlines Flight 5342 mid-air crash with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter on Wednesday highlights issues with congested airspace in the area.

Reagan's airspace is often filled with domestic flights and military aircraft that regularly experience close calls.

Recent incidents at Reagan include a near collision in May 2024 involving an American Airlines plane that was cleared for takeoff as an incoming King Air plane had been cleared for landing on a nearby runway.

The month prior, another near-miss occurred between JetBlue and Southwest planes that nearly collided on a runway.

In 2024 alone, the airport experienced at least eight near-midair collisions, according to Federal Aviation Administration data reported by the The New York Times reported.

The FAA has repeatedly warned that a shortage of air-traffic controllers along the eastern seaboard has forced it to restrict the number of flights it can permit through the area.

Senator Mark Warner said at a press conference on Thursday: 'We have raised this issue continuously; we've got very busy airspace.'

Flights to Reagan have traditionally been limited to destinations within 1,250 miles to the airport, restricting-long distance flights.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport's airspace is often filled with domestic flights and military aircraft that regularly experience close calls

Helicopter flies near the site of the American Airlines crash on the Potomac River pictured January 30, 2025

The American Airlines Flight 5342 mid-air crash with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter on Wednesday highlights issues with congested airspace in the area

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The airport was the scene of a deadly crash in January 1982, when Air Florida Flight 90, a Boeing 737, took off but quickly plummeted, hitting the 14th Street bridge and crashing through the ice into the Potomac River.

In a 2021 report, the Government Accountability Office said that there were 88,000 helicopter flights within 30 miles of Reagan, including about 33,000 military flights, over a three-period ending in 2019, according to Reuters.

Lawmakers have recently lobbied for expanding the perimeters of the airport to allow additional flights in and out.

In 2023, there was a proposal to add 28 round-trip flights per day out of the airport. The FAA warned at the time that adding these flights would strain the system, The New York Times reported.

Speaking in Congress after the near-miss in May 2024, Senator Tim Kaine said: 'Thank God a collision and catastrophe was averted. But more and more planes on this busiest runway in the United States is just going to increase the chance of a significant incident.'

Around the same time, the Coalition to Protect America's Regional Airports said: '[Reagan] is currently at capacity and at risk of being seriously overburdened should there be changes to the slot and perimeter rules.

'Moreover, any changes to the slot and perimeter rules threaten to undermine the access of regional airports and their communities to the DC area, as well as increase delays, traffic, congestion and noise, and safety concerns.'

On January 13, 1982, a passenger jet bound for Tampa, Florida, struck a bridge over the Potomac River, taking off from the airport in a snowstorm.

The Air Florida Flight 90 crash left 78 people dead before it split into pieces that fell into the river. The flight had departed only minutes after the airport reopened after closing due to the storm.

On January 13, 1982, a passenger jet bound for Tampa, Florida, struck a bridge over the Potomac River, killing 78 people.

The flight had departed only minutes after the airport reopened after closing due to a storm

Out of the 79 on board the flight, only five survived, and four of those killed had been in vehicles on the bridge

The Boeing 737 reached 350ft before hitting the bridge, but one of the survivors knew that the plane 'was not going to make it.'

Out of the 79 on board the flight, only five survived, and four of those killed had been in vehicles on the bridge.

The National Transportation Safety Board later said at the time that a number of errors had been made by airline staff that contributed to the crash.

Investigators said that the pilot could have prevented the disaster by applying full thrust after liftoff, a system to keep engine sensors working in freezing temperatures had not been engaged, and the wings had not been properly cleared of ice.

Wednesday's crash was preventable, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said.

'I would say that the helicopter was aware that the plane was in the area,' he said.

'We are going to wait for all the information to come in from this vantage point, but what Ive seen so far, do I think this was preventable? Absolutely.'

Duffy said both the military helicopter and the airliner were flying a 'standard fight pattern' like hundreds of flights before.

Investigators said that the pilot could have prevented the disaster by applying full thrust after liftoff, a system to keep engine sensors working in freezing temperatures had not been engaged, and the wings had not been properly cleared of ice

Professional pilot Joseph Stiley, who had been a passenger on the flight, said that it hadn't been accelerating properly

The National Transportation Safety Board later said a number of errors had been made by airline staff that contributed to the crash

'This was a clear night last night; the helicopter was in the standard pattern. If you live in the DC area, you will see helicopters up and down the river,' he said.

'The American Airline flight coming into land was in a standard flight pattern as it was coming into DCA, so this was not unusual with a military aircraft flying the river and aircraft landing at DCA.'

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom appeared to blame the US Army Black Hawk pilot for being in the wrong place.

'At this time, we dont know why the military aircraft came into the path of the PSA aircraft,' he said.
A 15-year-old schoolgirl who organised the horrific murder of a father and a stabbing attack on his son following a row over a dog has been jailed for life.

Gary Belfield, 40, died after being stabbed 11 times with a knife and screwdriver when two masked raiders entered his home in Elliot Drive, Felling.

His son Luke Williams, 21, managed to escape despite suffering multiple wounds.

The attacks were carried out by Leandro Lopes, then 17, and Jordan Tams, 17, but were orchestrated by Kriesha Beyonce Stroud who is just 15, Newcastle Crown Court has heard.

The confrontation centred around Stroud's intention to retrieve a dog she believed had once belonged to a relative of hers but was now living with Mr Belfield.

A tearful mugshot of Stroud was released following the sentence hearing today.

At the start of the hearing Mr Justice Constable lifted the restrictions which banned the identification of Tams, of Westley Court, Felling, and Stroud, of Eastcote Terrace, Walker.

Lopes, now 18, of Archer Street, Wallsend, North Tyneside, and the two youths all denied murder and attempted murder but were convicted by a jury after a trial last month.

A 15-year-old schoolgirl who 'organised' the horrific murder of a father and a stabbing attack on his son after a row over a dog has been jailed for life. Kriesha Beyonce Stroud,who is just 15, orchestrated the attacks, a court heard. Pictured: A tearful mugshot of Stroud

Gary Belfield (pictured), 40, died after being stabbed 11 times with a knife and screwdriver when two masked raiders entered his home in Elliot Drive, Felling

The confrontation centred around Stroud's intention to retrieve a dog she believed had once belonged to a relative of hers but was now living with Mr Belfield. Pictured: Police forensic officers in Felling at the crime scene

Mr Justice Constable said the murder was: 'Shocking, not just for its brutality and senselessness but because it was encouraged and carried out by three who were, at the time of the killing, children.'

The judge told Stroud: 'This centred around the retrieval of a dog which you believed belonged to your half sister, following her relationship with Gary.'

Stroud, Tams and Lopes were each given a life sentence.

Stroud must serve a minimum of 20 years, Tams 26 years and Lopes 26 years.

But the judge warned them: 'If you remain a danger you will serve longer than the minimum term and may never be released.'

Prosecutor Peter Moulson KC told jurors at the start of the trial Stroud knew someone who had had a previous falling out with the father and son and had told them they should 'stab the c***'.

Stroud boasted after the violence that she had 'watched it through the window' and said 'they stabbed him to bits, stabbed him in the head' but it has now been proved the window was covered with a blind and she could not have seen in.

Leandro Lopes (pictured), now 18, of Archer Street, Wallsend, North Tyneside, and the two youths all denied murder and attempted murder but were convicted by a jury after a trial last month

She also claimed in conversations about Mr Williams running for help, his 'guts were hanging out and everything, urgh'.

Mr Moulson said: 'This is not a young girl shouting her mouth off and making fanciful remarks, it can surely be no coincidence she was saying those things and in fact they were stabbed at a time she was outside the house.'

Mr Williams had ran, bleeding and injured from the house in Felling, Gateshead, to a nearby garage to get help for himself and his father on April 27 last year.

Mr Moulson said a worker called 999 and added: 'Luke Williams had staggered into the garage shouting 'help me, they're going to get me'.

'He observed Mr Williams was covered in blood. He looked freezing, shaking and unsteady on his feet.

'He had in fact just been attacked by a person or persons wielding knives and later medical examination of Mr Williams revealed he had suffered stab wounds to his left elbow, two to the back of his shoulder, one to his lower back with underlying bone damage to the spine and one sharp force injury to his left, upper cheek.

Stroud, Tams and Lopes were each given a life sentence. Stroud must serve a minimum of 20 years, Tams 26 years and Lopes 26 years. Pictured: Jordan Tams

'He also had numerous sharp force injuries to his left hand and one on his right hand.'

Mr Moulson added: 'Mr Williams went on to say he had just ran from his home address after being attacked and stabbed inside that address.

'Mr Williams said he was concerned for his father, who was still inside those premises when he made good his escape. He was also worried the people who had attacked him might still be present.'

Police went to their home address where the attack had happened but added: 'They discovered Mr Belfield, Mr Williams' father, lying in the living room. He was noted to be pale, unresponsive and not breathing.

'He was covered in blood and the attending police officers noted he had sustained multiple stab wounds to his upper and lower back, to his face and his arms.

'Those stab wounds were still bleeding.

'The police did what they could to administer First Aid and then the emergency personnel arrived by ambulance and took over treatment.

'Unfortunately, despite best efforts of all concerned, in trying to save his life, he was declared dead by the ambulance personnel while in the place he had been found by the police, namely in the lounge.'

Chilling CCTV footage released by police shows Stroud leading the way along Felling High Street just moments after fleeing the scene.

Tams and Lopes can be seen following behind while fully wrapped up in puffer jackets trying to keep their heads down.

The dog, believed to be the one which sparked the confrontation, can be seen running across the road next to Stroud.

A post mortem examination showed Mr Belfield had stab wounds to his head, face, thigh, sole of his foot and both of his upper arms.

Chilling CCTV footage released by police shows Stroud leading the way just moments after fleeing the scene. Tams and Lopes can be seen following behind while fully wrapped up in puffer jackets trying to keep their heads down. The dog, believed to be the one which sparked the confrontation, can be seen running across the road next to Stroud

He had five stab wounds to the back, which damaged his ribs, lung and liver and an injury to his thigh had damaged a major artery and vein.

Mr Belfield also had black eyes.

Mr Williams told police he and his father had been at the pub for around half an hour that evening then returned home with fish and chips.

He said it was after they finished eating and had planned to go back out that they came under attack by masked raiders.

Mr Moulson said: 'Mr Williams was ahead of his father in their route towards going out of the premises.

'However, when Mr Williams got to the doorway of the sitting room which leads to the hallway he saw two men in the hallway.

'One approached Mr Wiliams and struck him in the face. Mr Williams said he was then stabbed in the upper arm and his left upper side.

Mr Justice Constable said the murder was: 'Shocking, not just for its brutality and senselessness but because it was encouraged and carried out by three who were, at the time of the killing, children'

'Mr Williams turned away and was stabbed in the back.'

The court heard Mr Williams said he made attempts to grab the knife from the attacker while he was being stabbed.

Mr Moulson added: 'As the attack on Mr Williams was going on, he saw the second male repeatedly stabbing his father.

'Mr Williams recalls his father screaming in pain as this happened and his father lying on the floor with his arm and legs up, trying to avoid the knife blows being delivered to his head and body.

'Mr Williams was forced to leave his father in those premises in order to avoid being attacked further and to try and get help.'

As Mr Williams ran for help he noticed Stroud outside.

Mr Moulson said: 'The prosecution contend her position outside the address was no accident and that she had played what we contend was a major part in orchestrating this attack.

'As Mr Williams passed her he said 'what the f*** are you playing at', to which she made no reply.

Pictured: Police forensic officers at Elliott Drive in Felling, Gateshead, where Gary Belfield died

'It is the prosecution position that although she didn't enter the home of Mr Williams, the prosecution say she was part of a joint plan to cause at least really serious injury to Mr Williams and Mr Belfied and that by her organisation of this attack we contend she is just as guilty as the two men who went into the house armed in the way that they were.'

Francis Fitzgibbon KC, defending Stroud, said the young teen, who used cannabis from the age of 8, grew up 'without boundaries' and both witnessed and experienced violence in her past.

Stroud, who still denies she actively encouraged or assisted in the murder, told people herself she had 'no childhood' and used cannabis as a 'coping mechanism'.

Mr Fitzgibbon said since Stroud has been in custody on remand, she has experienced 'structure, routine, authority over her, warmth, regular meals and education.'

Toby Hedworth KC, defending Lopes, said: 'They are all, for better or for worse, damaged goods.'

Mr Hedworth told the court Lopes, who had a 'dreadful upbringing', came to the UK from Portugal, speaking very little English and was bullied.

Mark McKone KC, defending Tams, said the teen witnessed violence as a child and added: 'If he had had a better and fairer start in life he is someone who could have made a life for himself.'
A couples steamy make-out session on a Brazilian beach went viral after they were interrupted by a police officer.

The footage, which since has been removed from TikTok after raking up 4 million views, showed a bikini-clad woman sitting on top of a heavy-set man at Praia Grande in Sao Paulo.

The couple was unaware as they smooched underneath an umbrella when an agent assigned to the Sao Paulo Military Police interrupted them.

He appeared to motion to cut it out and the woman obliged by hopping off her partners lap.

She subsequently sat on another chair as the police left the scene.

While the lovey beachgoers were warned, the Sao Paulo Department of Public Safety did not have a report of the incident on file, according to Brazilian news outlet G1.

The practice of obscene acts in public spaces is prohibited under Article 233 of the Brazilian Penal Code.

Criminal offenders can be punished with a fine or a jail sentence ranging from three months to one year.

A couple in a steamy makeout session at beach in Sao Paulo, Brazil and warned by the police to tone it down. The video of the incident went viral on TikTok last week with 4 million views before it was reportedly removed

A member of the Sao Paulo Military Police approached the couple and asked them to cool it after he spotted a woman sitting on top of man's lap while she kissed him.

Criminal defense lawyer Guilherme M. de Andrade told Terra online news portal that the couple could not be accused for committing a sexual act.

"We can say that the display of affection made in an exaggerated manner or with an explicit sexual nature can be seen as immoral," de Andrade said.

'But this does not directly qualify as a 'lewd act' in the legal sense, unless it involves a more intimate or inappropriate action in public places.'

The passionate kiss scene comes amidst of sexual explicit incidents that have been caught on camera in recently.

On Sunday, a man was pummeled by bystanders after he was caught pleasuring himself in the waves at a busy beach in the Copacabana area of Rio de Janeiro,

Footage recorded by a witness showed the man, who was naked, with his back turned to the beach as a woman began shouting in his direction.

Another bystander angrily walked into the water and appeared to reprimand the man before grabbing him by the neck and pushing him down.

On January 19, a passenger on board a vessel recorded a group of men participating in an orgy in an isolated area of an upscale resort town 100 miles east of Rio de Janeiro.

The event followed a sex party involving at least 30 participants on Arpoador beach in Rio de Janeiro.

That orgy reportedly started on New Year's Eve and lasted until dawn.
A British Army Quartermaster who stole almost 500,000 in military supplies to keep up with his new mistress' demands for holidays has been jailed for three years.

Married Jed Charlot, 45, used Ministry of Defence (MoD) cash to place more than 600 fraudulent orders in order to fund his 'Walter Mitty style' double life and prove to his mistress that he was rich, a judge was told.

The-father-of-three then sold them on eBay, making almost 350,000 and spending the proceeds on designer gifts including a Louis Vuitton handbag and TAG Heuer watches.

The 17-year Army veteran even offered to steal more so he could have his sperm frozen 'in case he went to jail', prosecutors said.

Today, after pleading guilty to one count of fraud at Salisbury Crown Court, Charlot, of Andover, Hampshire, was jailed for three years and will serve a minimum of 14 months.

The Mauritius-born soldier joined the British Army in 2007 and 'worked his way through the ranks' to become Quartermaster Sergeant (QMS) with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in Tidworth, Wiltshire. Responsible for supplies and stores in the military, a QMS earns on average 38,000.

Charlot, whose wife Marie has stood by him throughout court proceedings, began an affair in June 2021. His fraudulent behaviour with taxpayers' money began that autumn when his mistress started to 'pressure' him over holidays.

The Quartermaster used his own MoD email to order printers and toner from an Army contractor based in Nottingham before selling them on to companies in the UK and America, the court heard.

Jed Charlot, 45 (pictured), used Ministry of Defence (MoD) funds to place more than 600 fraudulent orders to fund his 'Walter Mitty style' double life, a judge was told

In total, he stole 487,919.80 in equipment and made 349,120.68 from selling them on eBay before being caught when a MoD official found they were short of printers.

He left the army in 2024 and has since lost his military accommodation.

Outlining the case, prosecutor Tom Wilkins said Charlot made repeat orders between late 2021 and the end of 2022 to avoid the fraud being detected, using his MoD laptop and code.

'The fraud was discovered by a civilian administrator in Bulford (army base) preparing for an operation in Germany, they were short of printers. She saw the defendant's unit had spent grossly in excess of the procurement budget.'

'To keep the orders below the threshold at which a red flag would have been raised the defendant made 676 orders over about a year.'

Mr Wilkins explained that after the fraud was traced back to Charlot and that when he was confronted by a senior officer he claimed to have been 'hacked'.

In a text message to an undisclosed recipient in October 2022, Charlot also admitted to theft, the prosecutor told.

It read: 'Whoa, it's just money. In for a penny, in for 300k. Calm down I have stolen 300,000 already, I can steal more, that is the clinic stressing you out about the frozen sperm, we froze it in case I was in jail.'

After pleading guilty to one count of fraud at Salisbury Crown Court (pictured), Charlot was jailed for three years and will serve a minimum of 14 months

Mary Cowe, defending, said the offence was 'inexplicable' given Charlot's previous 'exemplary conduct' during his service.

She added: 'He reacted badly to the pressures in his life at the time. He has gone to his GP, he has done therapy.

'He is realising that is how he should have dealt with this rather than creating this Walter Mitty style existence.'

His Honour Judge Rufus Taylor said that Charlot had 'felt pressured' by his mistress to earn more money as he had lied to her about his wealth.

Judge Tayor said: 'You began having an affair, you told your mistress you were rich, which was not true.

'The explanation you gave in your report was that, in about June 2019, you began having an affair and you told your mistress you had lots of money. That wasn't true.

'In November 2021 she was pressuring you and asking 'if you have got all of this money, why aren't we going on holiday?' You felt pressured.

'You used some of the money to buy clothes and gifts for family, you also gave money to people in Mauritius and Poland. You are genuinely remorseful.'
Devastating air traffic control radar footage captured the moment the doomed American Airlines flight collided with a US Army helicopter, killing everyone on board.

All 60 passengers and four crew members aboard the American Airlines jet coming from Wichita, Kansas, and the three soldiers on the Army training flight are presumed dead Thursday morning.

More than 30 bodies had been recovered from the icy waters of the Potomac River after the midair collision when the helicopter apparently flew in the path of the jet as it was landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, DC, officials said.

The Black Hawk helicopter cut through the airspace from the opposite direction under cover of darkness, with both aircraft seemingly unaware of the other's presence.

They slammed into one another just 400ft above ground, erupting in a violent explosion before plunging into the freezing Potomac River below.

Air Traffic Control radar footage showed the fateful moment the two aircraft crossed paths.

The American Airlines flight, labeled JIA5342, and the Army Black Hawk helicopter, labeled PAT25, appeared to be facing each other head-on leading up to the crash.

The helicopter's path remained relatively straight while the American Airlines flight veered to make its landing, and the two collided.

Air Traffic Control radar footage showed the fateful moment the two aircraft crossed paths

The helicopter's path remained relatively straight while the American Airlines flight veered, and the two collided

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More than 300 first responders and rescue workers were deployed to the Potomac on inflatable boats while others erected searchlights to illuminate the murky waters in a desperate hunt for survivors.

But no one is thought to have survived the brutal mid-air collision that ended with the wreckage of both aircraft sinking to the bottom of the gushing river.

The body of the plane was found upside down in three sections in waist-deep water. The wreckage of the helicopter was also found.

Images from the river showed boats around the partly submerged wing and the mangled wreckage of the plane's fuselage.

There was no immediate word on the cause of the deadly crash. Still, officials said flight conditions were clear as the jet coming from Wichita, with US and Russian figure skaters and others aboard, was making a routine landing when the helicopter flew into its path.

Elite American figure skating team members who were expected at the next Winter Olympics were also onboard the plane.

US figure skating team member Spencer Lane, 26, posted a photo from the flight, showing the jet taxiing on the runway at Wichita Airport in Kansas before it took off for its final flight.

Russian figure skaters Yevgenia Skhiskhkova and Vadim Naumov, who mentored Lane, are also believed to have been on the plane.

They slammed into one another just 400ft above ground, erupting in a violent explosion before plunging into the freezing Potomac River below

No one is thought to have survived the brutal mid-air collision that ended with the wreckage of both aircraft sinking to the bottom of the gushing river

American Airlines chief executive Robert Isom said the pilots of Flight 5342 were experienced.

'I know that the captain had almost six years with PSA [Airlines], and the first officer almost two years,' he said.

PSA Airlines is a regional subsidiary of AA that flies small planes on lesser-used routes.

The three soldiers aboard the Black Hawk helicopter were fairly experienced, had night vision goggles and were carrying out an annual training mission at the time of the incident, the Pentagon said on Thursday.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a video message, said a special team of investigators were already on the ground and that he expected answers shortly about whether the helicopter was flying in its assigned air corridor and at the right altitude at the time of the collision near Reagan Washington National Airport.

Transport Secretary Sean Duffy said just because the military helicopter was on a training mission didn't mean the pilots were learning to fly.

'We call these missions that are flown in the DC area as our pilots are getting hours and experience training missions,' he said.

'So dont read into that how many hours the pilots on the military aircraft had.'

Spencer Lane, 26, shared this photo from inside the doomed American Airlines plane as it took off from Wichita Airport in Kansas on Wednesday evening

Spencer Lane and his mentors Yevgenia Skhiskhkova and Vadim Naumov are pictured on the podium during a previous tournament

Russian figure skaters Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov are reported to have been on board the American Airlines plane that crashed into a Black Hawk helicopter

President Donald Trump has raised harrowing questions about the crash overnight.

He said he believes the crash between an American Airlines regional passenger jet and a military helicopter 'should have been prevented.'

American Airlines chief executive Robert Isom appeared to blame the US Army Black Hawk pilot for being in the wrong place.

'At this time, we dont know why the military aircraft came into the path of the PSA aircraft,' he said.

Duffy agreed with President Donald Trump that the crash was preventable.

'It was, I would say, standard communication, so there was not a breakdown, if that's your question, in communication between the military helicopter and the American airline flight. There was communication between the aircraft and the tower,' he said.

'I would say that the helicopter was aware that the plane was in the area.

'We are going to wait for all the information to come in from this vantage point, but what Ive seen so far, do I think this was preventable? Absolutely.'

Duffy said both the military helicopter and the airliner were flying a 'standard fight pattern' like hundreds of flights before.

'This was a clear night last night; the helicopter was in the standard pattern. If you live in the DC area, you will see helicopters up and down the river,' he said.

'The American Airline flight coming in to land was in a standard flight pattern as it was coming into DCA, so this was not unusual with a military aircraft flying the river and aircraft landing at DCA.'
More than 2.4million Britons are receiving incapacity benefits with no requirement to seek work, official figures have revealed.

An analysis by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) showed a huge surge in the numbers claiming higher rates of Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit (UC) in recent years.

In 2018 there were 1.6million people receiving those benefits without a requirement to look for work or prepare for work. This rose to 2.4million in 2023.

DWP found that around a third of the increase in those on the higher rates of incapacity benefits were due to changes in the welfare system, changes to the state pension age, or because of Britain's ageing population.

But officials acknowledged the majority of the large increase in claimants who don't have a requirement to seek work was not explained by these factors.

Ministers have previously admitted there is a problem with claimants getting 'stuck' on incapacity benefits.

Experts have estimated that existing claimants can be thousands of pounds per year worse off if they move into part-time work - or they can earn more by stopping work and applying for health-related welfare.

The DWP analysis was published as the Government revealed it had breached the welfare cap by 8.6billion.

More than 2.4million Britons are receiving incapacity benefits with no requirement to seek work, official figures have revealed

An analysis by the Department for Work and Pensions showed a surge in the numbers claiming higher rates of Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit in recent years

The analysis was published as Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall revealed the Government had breached the welfare cap by 8.6billion

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall confirmed the forecast overspend in a written statement to MPs, adding 'no action' was taken by the previous Tory administration to prevent it.

The welfare cap was introduced in 2014 in a bid to limit the amount spent on certain social security benefits and tax credits, such as disability living allowance, child benefit and pension credit.

The Government has established a new welfare cap for this Parliament and Ms Kendall said DWP will outline a plan to ensure spending is on a 'sustainable path'.

The Conservatives said they had pledged at the general election to reduce welfare spending by 12 billion, adding Labour 'appears to be set on a different course' with a '42 per cent potential increase' in the welfare cap over the next five years.

In a written ministerial statement, Ms Kendall said: 'The Office for Budget Responsibility has made a formal assessment that the previous government's welfare cap and margin for 2024/25 is on course to be exceeded by 8.6 billion and is therefore not met.

'Under the terms of the Charter for Budget Responsibility, I am required to lay a paper before the House proposing measures to reduce spending to within the level of the cap or to explain why the breach is considered justified.

'The forecast breach, due in particular to expected higher expenditure on Universal Credit and disability benefits, is unavoidable given the inheritance from the last government.

'The likely scale of the eventual breach has been known since March 2023. No action was taken by the previous administration to avoid it.

'Whilst this Government has already shown that it will not shy away from difficult decisions, this breach could only have been addressed through implementing immediate and severe cuts to welfare spending. This would not have been the right course of action.

'The forecast breach underlines the previous government's failure to control welfare spending and failure to bring forward genuine reform to get more people into work.'
On any other weekday morning at 11 a.m., Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport would have already been buzzing with passengers for hours.

But on Thursday, a sense of dread hung over one of the busiest airports in the United States as passengers arrived for the first flights - hours after the nations deadliest commercial plane crash in 15 years.

'When you walk through right now, it's kind of eerie,' commented passenger Alexis Reyes, 43 of Las Cruces, New Mexico, who was trying to make her way home. 'It's kind of scary and kind of like - on-edge.'

Reyes, a network engineer who does work in the D.C. area, flies in and out of DCA frequently, but in the aftermath of the American Airlines and Black Hawk helicopter crash, she told DailyMail.com that she 'never had this weird feeling before.'

All 67 people involved in the crash - four crew and 60 passengers from the Wichita, Kansas to Washington flight, and the three aboard the helicopter, are feared to be dead, in the worst air disaster in a quarter century.

Daniel Kocke, a 47-year-old Department of Defense employee based in St. Louis shared Reyes' sentiment.

'This is incredibly somber,' he said. 'The fact that not even 12 hours ago you've got a plane go down at the same airport you're getting ready to take off at, is eye-opening I would say, right? It doesn't make me feel real good about flying.'

Kocke, who's also an Air Force reservist, said the crash felt especially personal since members of the military were involved.

Passengers and crew pictured at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Thursday morning as flights resumed after the deadly Potomac River crash Wednesday night. Passengers told DailyMail.com they found the experience 'eerie' and 'somber'

A woman heads to her boarding gate at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport the morning after 67 lives were taken in an in-flight crash between an American Airlines commuter yet and a Black Hawk helicopter

'It does really hit home when your fellow service members die,' he told DailyMail.com.

Aster Andmichael, 40, who works in property management and lives in Washington, D.C. was at DCA Wednesday night when the tragedy on the Potomac was unfolding.

She was at the airport to accompany her senior citizen father, who was flying to Indiana via Orlando, Florida.

When she received a text message notification saying his Wednesday night flight had been canceled, she went searching through the airport for information.

'And then I asked and that's when I learned that this plane crashed here at the airport and I started crying,' she said.

She was still emotional early Thursday morning as she sat on the belt of the baggage claim, where a number of people were camped out.

'We're lucky, he's lucky, that it's not his flight,' she said, motioning toward her father. 'And I feel so sad for the people who lost their families.'

'It's OK to get stuck here. I wish all those passenger were stuck instead of out there dead,' Andmichael added, choking back tears.

Adding an element of horror to being at DCA Thursday morning was the fact that wreckage from the crash and the first responders searching for bodies were visible from many of the airport's windows

Flights started taking off again right at 11 a.m., with two Southwest Airlines flights taking off back to back

Adding a dimension of horror to DCA passengers' Thursday morning travel experience was the fact that the boats engaged in the search the dead were visible from many of the windows at the airport.

'It may well freak people out,' conceded Rep. Don Beyer, a Virginia Democrat, whose surbuban D.C. district hugs DCA.

Beyer was among the elected officials milling around, talking to the dozens of reporters representing outlets from around the globe who had descended on DCA's Terminal 1.

A reporter had asked Beyer how passengers were supposed to feel flying right above the crash site with DCA scheduled to reopen at 11 a.m.

Beyer pressed that air travel 'is still safe.'

'This was an accident last night, in the dark, which is typically when the training exercises are taking place. It is safe, people need to come back. People are eager to get about their business,' he said.

But that message hadn't resonated with all the passengers.

Gigi Dix, a 58-year-old government worker from Milwaukee admitted in the Dunkin' Donuts line that she was 'a little scared.'

Dozens of reporters descended on DCA in the aftermath of Wednesday night's air disaster, in which an American Airlines jet and Black Hawk helicopter crashed and plummeted into the Potomac River - killing all involved

Had she ever been apprehensive about flying?

'Never. Until last night,' Dix said.

While every other passenger DailyMail.com spoke with said they'd continue to use DCA - over other regional hubs Baltimore Washington Airport or Dulles International Airport, Dix said she'd likely choose a different option.

'No, I'll probably drive,' she said. 'I didn't know the risk that was involved. I do now.'
Three fraudsters have been jailed for an elaborate telephone scam on dozens of elderly people who thought they were helping the police.

Ringleader Faris Kayani, 30, and his two accomplices netted 416,000 worth of cash and jewellery by pretending to be police officers and asking their victims to hand over money so it could be 'checked'.

Working from a phone bank in Reading they would cold-call their victims with news of their 'investigation' and ask them to call back immediately on 999 to verify their identities.

But they would keep the line open and take the 999 call themselves from victims with an average age of 78.

One 85-year-old woman said she felt 'paralysed' after losing 4,200 to the gang and realising she would no longer be able to pay for her own funeral.

'It is a despicable thing to do, to pretend to be someone from the police and then scam someone,' the pensioner from Fleet in Hampshire said.

'I now have little faith left in my fellow human beings - I come from an era where this sort of thing just didn't happen.

'I worried that the expense of my funeral might fall to someone else to deal with. I should not have to deal with that stress at my age.'

'Ring leader' Faris Kayani, 30, adopted a courier fraud tactic and sent members of his gang over to the houses of his victims

The trio worked their scam between February and September 2021, telling their targets they had either been the victim of a fraud, or that staff at their bank branches were being investigated for fraud.

They then asked the unsuspecting victims to 'assist' an investigation by withdrawing cash so it could be checked for counterfeit notes and and sent for 'fingerprint analysis'.

Some were persuaded that the contents of safety deposit boxes, which contained expensive jewellery, were 'not safe', and the gang members were sent to their homes to collect cash and jewels.

The group attempted the courier fraud on at least 42 people between the ages of 57 and 90, across Hampshire, London, Surrey, Kent and Sussex.

Twenty-seven people were persuaded to hand over a total of 116,000 in cash, while two victims gave them jewellery estimated to be worth at least 300,000.

'I tried to tell myself that I had been fortunate not to be a victim of a violent crime, but in some ways I imagine this was just as bad,' a 75-year-old victim from Alton in Hampshire said.

'I had horrible thoughts about how my money might be being used to finance crime and this caused me to lose a lot of sleep.

'I understand that everyone needs to earn a living and provide for their families, but there must be better ways than exploiting and victimising people who've never done you any harm.'

Pictured Luc Williams, 24, who was one of the three fraudsters jailed

Saqib Mahmood, 28, was another of the accomplices

Kayani was jailed at Salisbury Crown Court for five years and six months on Thursday after pleading guilty to fraud.

His accomplices - Saqib Mahmood, 28, Luc Williams, 24 - were jailed for three years and seven months each after admitting the same offence.

Detective Constable Michael Dumbleton, from Hampshire Constabulary pleaded with the public to alert elderly relatives to the risk of courier fraud, after the sentences were passed.

'This was an elaborate and incredibly heartless scam run by an Organised Crime Gang who preyed on elderly people living in a number of counties,' he added.

'Their despicable actions had a huge impact on many victims who have not only seen a huge financial loss, but have also been left with psychological damage as a result of a cruel and wicked scam.'

Some of the victims received some compensation from their banks including the 85-year-old who received 3,200.

'I am and have always been a peaceful person, but thinking of the people who have done this to me and many other people makes me so angry,' she said.

'I spent the initial weeks after the incident unable to sleep for thinking about what had happened.

'I am a pensioner, I do not have money spare to be able to lose it to scams.'
This video is no longer available

This video is no longer available

A top Republican who was a former helicopter flight surgeon detailed what the pilots of the Army Black Hawk would have likely seen immediately before the fatal plane crash in Washington, D.C.

An American Airlines plane and an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided as the passenger plane was landing at Reagan National Airport just before 9 pm on Wednesday.

Sixty passengers, four crew and three Army personnel are believed to be dead after the collision 400ft over the Potomac River.

Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.) revealed that the military helicopter pilots could have been blinded by city lights immediately before the deadly crash.

A former flight surgeon for the Army's 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, Green, 60, served in Afghanistan and Iraq. He was the special operations flight surgeon on the mission that captured Saddam Hussein.

Speaking with Fox News' America's Newsroom on Thursday morning, Green shared that city lights around D.C. and Virginia may have impacted the pilots who were likely using night-vision goggles at the time.

'There is a lot of lights in that area. It can sometimes make using the night vision goggles difficult,' Green shared.

The Pentagon confirmed that the pilots were highly trained and would have been using the goggles at the time of the fatal crash.

At the time and altitude, the lights from the city could have impacted the equipment, he added.

'You are sort of on a threshold when you make that decision about the amount of ambient light from the ground, in the air. That's something we'll have to make a determination on.'

Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee and U.S. Rep. Mark Green was a special operations helicopter flight surgeon. He noted the pilots may have had visibility issues

Emergency response units search the wreckage of an American Airlines plane on the Potomac River after it crashed on approach to Reagan National Airport on January 29, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. The American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas collided midair with a military Black Hawk helicopter while on approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. According to reports, there were no survivors among the 67 people on both aircraft

Green aboard a military aircraft

However, there are many plausible factors that could have played into the crash, the Tennessee Republican shared.

'It is usually multiple different errors that occur that all sort of line up to allow for something like this to happen,' Green told the hosts.

'And whether or not these guys chose to use their night vision goggles,' is still an open question, he added.

The area where the U.S. military Black Hawk helicopter was flying is a common route for helicopters traveling in the D.C. area.

A similar route is used by the president's chopper Marine One.

Transport Secretary Sean Duffy claims a horror mid-air plane crash over Washington DC was 'preventable', while American Airlines appeared to blame the pilots of a military helicopter that strayed into its path.

DailyMail.com was first to reveal the pilots of the American Airlines plane that went down were Captain Jonathan Campos and First Officer Samuel Lilley.

Newly-engaged Lilley, 29, was months away from being promoted to captain in a career that he adored, his father Timothy said.

Lilley Sr. said he himself was a former Army Black Hawk pilot and flew the same route as the helicopter involved in the collision.

'Samuel was in the prime of his life. He was engaged to a beautiful, wonderful girl and we were all excited about her joining the family,' he told DailyMail.com.

Two Sikorsky UH-60 'Black Hawk' helicopters

Surveillance footage shows a bright explosion at the moment of the crash

A person walks at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Green noted that as a training flight 'there was probably an instructor pilot, a very senior pilot, in one of the sides of the cockpit and then another pilot getting checked out on their annual night flight or whatever the particular evaluation was.'

He also added that the flight corridor is home to some of the most flight-tracking equipment in the country.

Given the traffic due to Congress and the White House the area is covered with radars, the lawmaker shared.

'The ability to deconflict that airspace is probably the best in the country, maybe in the world.'

'Understanding how they collided is still a big question. That should not have happened and, of course, we have to look into that, technology on the aircraft that was used.'

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also delivered an update Thursday morning, sharing more details about the military helicopter involved.

The operation is now a recovery mission, authorities are no longer expecting to find survivors

'At about 8:48 last night, a UH60, assigned to the U.S. Army Aviation Brigade in the military district of Washington, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, collided tragically with a civilian airliner,' Hegseth said in a statement.

'The unit involved the Army unit involved with Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion at Fort Belvoir. It was an annual proficiency training flight. And when we look at the crew and we're not all.'

'Not all kin have been notified, So we're going to withhold ranks and names at this point. We do know on our side who was involved. It was a fairly experienced crew, and that was doing a required annual night evaluation. They did have night vision goggles.'
President Donald Trump has claimed diversity and inclusion policies are behind one of the deadliest plane crashes in U.S. history.

The commander-in-chief said the collision between a passenger plane and a military helicopter in Washington D.C that took 67 lives was a 'tragedy of terrible proportions.'

He added that those flying the Black Hawk helicopter should have 'seen where they were going'.

Speaking at the White House, Trump said the tragedy was entirely preventable as he slammed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) recruiting practices in federal agencies.

He added that he had some 'pretty good ideas' of how the disaster occurred and vowed to make sure it would never happen again.

Trump then said he put 'safety' first while Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden prioritized politics and called former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg a 'disaster' in an extraordinary attack on previous administrations.

'He was a disaster as a Mayor. He ran his city into the ground and he's a disaster now. He's just got a good line of bulls***', Trump said of Buttigieg.

Trump added: 'The initiative is part of the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) diversity and inclusion hiring plan. Think of that.'

He insisted federal agencies need to be hiring based on intelligence rather than on diversity. He added that Air Traffic Controllers need to be 'geniuses'.

As a reference, he pointed to a report from within the FAA that the workforce was 'too white.'

President Donald Trump said the nation is in mourning after a 'dark and excruciating night in our nation's history' in his first public address on the commercial airline crash in the United States in 15 years

On Wednesday night, American Eagle flight 5342 collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter on a training flight as it approached the runway at Ronald Reagan National Airport.

There were 60 passengers and four crew aboard the PSA flight out of Wichita, and three members of the military aboard the Black Hawk.

All are believe to have perished after the search and rescue transitioned to a recovery phase.

Divers have been in the frigid waters of the Potomac River overnight tyring to find bodies as investigators tried to piece together what led to the deadliest U.S. air crash since 2019.

Only under questioning by reporters did Trump get back to some of the other areas being identified as potential contributors to the tragedy.

He was asked about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's statement that the Army Black Hawk was doing 'annual retraining, night flights on a standard corridor for a continuity of government mission.'

Trump then said he put 'safety' first while Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden put politics first in an extraordinary attack

Trump did not appear to immediately know about continuity of government  which refers to how the government functions during a disaster  when asked about it.

'I don't know what that refers to, but they were practicing. They were  they do that. They call it practicing, and that's something that should be done. It's only continuity in the sense that we want to have very good people, and that has to be in continuity, and that's what they referred to,' Trump said.

Nor did he address the heavy volume of flights into DC, something both of Virginia's Democratic senators have raised. DCA's main runway is the busiest in the nation.

Instead, Trump, who has his own plane that was parked at DCA Thursday, spoke of his own experience and the plane and altitude being at the same altitude.

'You had a pilot problem. Because it was visual. It was a very clear night ... It was cold, but clear and clear as you could be.'

'The American Airlines plane had lights blazing. They had all their landing lights on,' he said.

You can stop a helicopter very quickly. It had the ability to go up or down, had the ability to turn, and the turn it made was not the correct turn, obviously. And it did somewhat the opposite of what it was told.

They shouldn't have been at the same height, because if it wasn't the same height, you could have gone under it or over it. And nobody realized,' Trump said.

In another demonstration of how Trump and his new cabinet members are marching in the same direction, both Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Hegseth also blamed DEI during their own brief remarks.

'We can only accept the best and the brightest in positions of safety,' Duffy said, echoing Trump's language.

'When you don't have the best standards one who you're hiring  it puts stresses on the people who are already there,' said Vice President J.D. Vance.

Trump read from what he says was the FAA website listing diversity categories.

'The FAA website states they include hearing, vision, missing extremities, partial paralysis, complete paralysis, epilepsy, severe intellectual disability, psychiatric disability and dwarfism all qualified for the position of a controller of air planes pouring into our country, pouring into a little spot. A little dot on the map. A runway.'

Trump tore into Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg during his remarks, which followed a moment of silence for victims

It was Trump's first time addressing reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room since taking office for his second term

Trump blasted Barack Obama and Joe Biden for including diversity standards. 'I changed the Obama standards from very mediocre at best to extraordinary,' Trump said.

Buttigieg, the first openly gay Secretary of Transportation and the Biden administration's former chief defender on Fox News, hit back online.

'Despicable,' he wrote on X after Trump's presser.

'As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying. We put safety first, drove down close calls, grew Air Traffic Control, and had zero commercial airline crash fatalities out of millions of flights on our watch. President Trump now oversees the military and the FAA. One of his first acts was to fire and suspend some of the key personnel who helped keep our skies safe. Time for the President to show actual leadership and explain what he will do to prevent this from happening again.'

Trump came to the briefing room for his first exchange with the press there in his second term. He began by holding a moment of silence for the victims and their families.

It was the scene of numerous tense updates during the coronavirus pandemic during his first.

All 49 seats were occupied in the James Brady Briefing Room well before the start time, and correspondents stood two deep in the narrow aisles.

'It's sardine time,' said one late arrival.

The lights and the bodies made for a warm, intense environment.

Trump's new Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the crash was 'preventable,' and his new Pentagon boss Pete Hegseth said the military crew were engaged in an annual training exercise and had night-vision gear.

Trump's appearance came after Trump issued a pair of online posts about the tragedy.

But he chose to seize control of communications operation.

His new Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a video statement but nixed a planned briefing with the Pentagon press corps.

'I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls,' Trump wrote on his Truth Social site. 'Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.'

That followed an angrier post overnight, when Trump blamed the Blackhawk helicopter involved in the crash as well as air traffic controllers.

The 78-year-old confirmed there were no survivors and reiterated that it was entirely preventable in astonishing remarks criticizing the hiring practices of federal agencies

The Federal Aviation Authority said that the jet, a Bombardier CRJ700, collided with a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter while on approach to Runway 33

Rescue boats search the waters of the Potomac River for survivors after the deadly plane crash

Part of the wreckage is seen as rescue boats search the waters of the Potomac River

Emergency response units assess airplane wreckage in the Potomac River

'The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time. It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didn't the helicopter go up or down, or turn,' Trump wondered online.

'Why didn't the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!'
Flashing red lights and emergency services are not uncommon on the tarmac at any busy international airport, and as a reporter for DailyMail.com who has traveled thousands of miles, I should know.

But spotting at least 20 vehicles flying past the window of my terminal all at once before another ten careered around the corner was a terrifying signal that something has gone horrifically wrong.

After a bumpy landing at Ronald Reagan Washington Airport (DCA) from Kansas City where I was on an assignment  with our American Airlines captain warning of high winds  our walk through the terminal to wait for a connecting flight began normally.

Initially the first few police and fire vehicles didn't pose any real cause for concern  it's DC, a busy area and maybe there had been a medical episode on a plane.

But once the other emergency vehicles kept pouring in, all heading straight for the river, my blood ran cold.

Sirens continued to blare as more rescue crews headed straight for the icy water, with confusion spreading through the terminal.

Armed police appeared as though they had been there all along, whispering to staff members in what appeared to be a bid to keep the calm.

An alert on my phone immediately sent my anxiety through the roof, confirming only that all flights out of the airport had been grounded.

DailyMail.com reporter Emma James had just landed at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport minutes before the fatal plane crash occurred. She is seen outside Terminal 2 where American Airlines is located

Washington DC fire and emergency medical services chief John Donnelly said the bodies of 27 plane passengers and one from the helicopter have been pulled from the water so far

All hope that there was only a minor incident was immediately quashed after rumors swirled online that a small aircraft had crashed into a helicopter, and both were down in the Potomac River.

My colleague and I both froze, our fear levels suddenly spiking through the roof.

We had just been in the same airspace, travelling from the same area on the same airline less than an hour before the collision and had planned on celebrating his birthday with a drink. How on earth could this have happened?

The initial reports made it sound as though a small aircraft had been in an incident with a police helicopter.

But when it was confirmed that commercial American Airlines flight 5342 had been downed the tension in the terminal was immediately palpable.

Questions over the type of helicopter caused immediate confusion, with everyone falling silent after the Army confirmed the involvement of a Black Hawk helicopter on a training mission.

My heart sank as we watched the glowing string of red lights grow longer and wider, as police helicopters frantically flew over the water.

The news slowly spread through the airport, with many wrapped up in their own world with headphones on looking baffled as they were gently told they should book a hotel for the night by staff.

Emma recalled arriving at the airport to see a caravan of emergency vehicles flashing their lights, all heading straight for the river

Emergency response teams are pictured assessed the airplane wreckage in the Potomac River on Wednesday night

When it was confirmed that commercial American Airlines flight 5342 had been downed, a palpable tension was immediately felt through the terminal, she said. Almost all flights in and out of the airport were subsequently canceled

Boards showing the hundreds of flights set to arrive and take off from the airport were suddenly glowing red.

Those in the terminal further away from the incident went from angry to horrified, with a lack of information from the airport itself meant many found out what had happened from online.

Footage of the incident was immediately being discussed among passengers, with many shocked that they had heard nothing at all.

While we didn't witness the plane turn into a ball of fire in the sky before careering into the icy water with our own eyes, watching the video over and over as passengers tried to piece together what had happened was numbing.

The realization of, 'that could have been us', quickly quelled any initial irritation at being given no information by staff on what was going on. Relief filled me, we were safe and that was the most important thing.

But that feeling of relief brings genuine guilt for not immediately thinking of those who were on board the flight, so close to the safety of the runway.

Many would have been texting loved ones that they were about to be reunited, and that they had landed safely, looking out the window in awe of the Capitol, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial.

The final descent into DCA is unlike many others, the glow of the city melting into the lights of the runway and the river.

A passenger walks through the empty DCA airport after all flights were cancelled in the aftermath of the deadly commercial plane collision with a military helicopter

Rescue teams searching the wreckage early Thursday morning

It usually marks excitement of being able to witness some of America's most iconic landmarks from above.

But the unique airport is now being overshadowed by tragedy, and an intense investigation which will be forced to ask and answer difficult questions.

On Thursday morning, officials sadly announced that they do not expect to find any survivors and they are now in the process of a recovery operation.

Washington DC fire and emergency medical services chief John Donnelly said the bodies of 27 plane passengers and one from the helicopter had been pulled from the water so far.

Fatal plane crashes are so rare, you are 100 times more likely to die in a car, three times more likely on the subway, and about the same chance as being struck by lightning.

Before Wednesday's disaster, American airlines had not suffered a fatal crash in almost 16 years despite 100 million planes taking off with 10 billion passengers.
A University of Maryland professor made an eerily-timed post blaming Donald Trump for future plane crashes just hours before the deadly collision in Washington, DC.

Dr. Thomas F. Schaller, a political science professor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, posted to X slamming Trump for his handling of airline safety the morning of the devastating crash.

'An FAA employee I know confirms agency already lacks sufficient air traffic controllers. The so-called 'buyouts' and other attacks on federal employees won't help,' Schaller said.

'Remember that fact when the flight delays (crashes?) commence and Trumpers start falsely blaming DEI or Biden.'

The Trump administration emailed thousands of federal workers Tuesday evening, offering them a chance to voluntarily vacate their government posts while remaining on the payroll for months.

While Schaller noted the crash may have nothing to do with Trump's offer, the eerie timing has added fuel to wild conspiracy theories about the crash.

All 60 passengers and four crew members aboard the American Airlines jet coming from Wichita, Kansas, and the three soldiers on the Army training flight are presumed dead Thursday morning.

The Black Hawk helicopter cut through the airspace from the opposite direction under cover of darkness, with both aircraft seemingly unaware of the other's presence.

Dr. Thomas F. Schaller (pictured) posted to X slamming Trump for his handling of airline safety the morning of the devastating crash

They slammed into one another just 400ft above ground, erupting in a violent explosion before plunging into the freezing Potomac River below.

Air Traffic Control radar footage showed the fateful moment the two aircraft crossed paths.

The American Airlines flight, labeled JIA5342, and the Army Black Hawk helicopter, labeled PAT25, appeared to be facing each other head-on leading up to the crash.

The helicopter's path remained relatively straight while the American Airlines flight veered to make its landing, and the two collided.

A top CNN commentator was forced to delete a social media post blaming Trump for the crash over DC that is believed to have claimed 67 lives.

Bakari Sellers' first response to the tragedy was to post a screenshot of a new release from the House Committee on Transport and Infrastructure, which announced a Trump-issued hiring freeze of air traffic controllers.

The article featured a statement from the committees ranking member, Rick Larsen, warning about the potential threat to safety from an aviation freeze.

'Eight days ago,' Sellers captioned the post on X, as the cause of the crash remained unexplained.

All 60 passengers and four crew members aboard the American Airlines jet coming from Wichita, Kansas, and the three soldiers on the Army training flight are presumed dead

The aircraft slammed into one another just 400ft above ground, erupting in a violent explosion before plunging into the freezing Potomac River below

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Almost immediately, he was met with outrage from other users, who criticized him for politicizing a deadly tragedy.

The Federal Aviation Authority, which controls America's skies, has no full-time boss because its leader stepped down on inauguration day after Elon Musk demanded that he quit.

The billionaire Space X owner, who is heading Trump's cost-cutting Department for Government Efficiency (DOGE) in Trump's administration, had criticized Mike Whitaker for the agency's oversight of rocket launches.

Separately, the FAA was also one of the first targets for Trump's slew of orders after his inauguration on January 20 targeting 'woke politics.'

The order targeted 'DEI madness' in hiring employees for the FAA, referring to 'diversity, equity and inclusion' programs.

The crash, meanwhile, marks the grimmest possible start to work for Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who promised a 'golden age of transportation' when he was sworn in at the White House on Wednesday.

Other conspiracy theorists are pushing unsubstantiated claims that an Army Black Hawk helicopter's deadly collision with a passenger jet was deliberate.

They have rushed to social media to place uncorroborated blame on the US government, suggesting the collision must have been intentional because 'military helicopters don't fly into planes'.

FBI agents stand near debris from the crash site on the Potomac River

The helicopter's path remained relatively straight while the American Airlines flight veered, and the two collided

Some allege the helicopter appeared to 'chase' the Bombardier plane as it approached for landing, comparing the scene to a '1970s-style assassination'.

Others have demanded to 'know who was on that passenger plane', suggesting that the incident was a 'targeted hit'.

Conspiracy theorists have branded the horrific crash as 'suspicious', alleging that trained pilots would know how to navigate this type of situation.

American Airlines chief executive Robert Isom said the pilots of Flight 5342 were experienced.

'I know that the captain had almost six years with PSA [Airlines], and the first officer almost two years,' he said.

PSA Airlines is a regional subsidiary of AA that flies small planes on lesser-used routes.

The three soldiers aboard the Black Hawk helicopter were fairly experienced, had night vision goggles and were carrying out an annual training mission at the time of the incident, the Pentagon said on Thursday.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a video message, said a special team of investigators were already on the ground and that he expected answers shortly about whether the helicopter was flying in its assigned air corridor and at the right altitude at the time of the collision near Reagan Washington National Airport.

Transport Secretary Sean Duffy said just because the military helicopter was on a training mission didn't mean the pilots were learning to fly.

'We call these missions that are flown in the DC area as our pilots are getting hours and experience training missions,' he said.

'So dont read into that how many hours the pilots on the military aircraft had.'
A female thug who left a woman mere millimetres from death after slashing her with a glass bottle outside a pub in a taxi row has avoided prison.

Sharnice Summer, 32, was just two millimetres away from killing Bethany Lockyer, 28, when she attacked her with a broken beer bottle outside of a pub in Poole, Dorset on March 1 last year.

Miss Lockyer, who was 'extremely lucky' to have survived, was left with a gaping wound and lost so much blood she passed out.

She was saved by her sister-in-law who stemmed the blood flow with tea towels at The Churchill pub.

Sharnice, who had 13 previous convictions for 25 offences mostly for alcohol or physical violence, including a racially aggravated assault, admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm but said it was 'almost accidental'.

She arrived at Bournemouth Crown Court with a suitcase, expecting a custodial sentence, but was spared prison by the judge who said she could be rehabilitated.

The jobless 32-year-old was handed a two year suspended prison sentence and will have a curfew between 7pm and 7am.

She must also pay 1,500 in compensation to Miss Lockyer and complete 30 rehabilitation days.

Bethany Lockyer was just two millimetres away from death after being slashed with a bottle outside a pub in Poole, Dorset

The 28-year was 'extremely lucky' to survive the attack and has been left with a permanent scar

She lost so much blood she passed out after being attacked with the glass bottle

Miss Lockyer, who has been left with a permanent noticeable scar, criticised the lenient sentence.

'The ambulance crew said if it had been two millimetres to the left I would have been dead. That was terrifying,' she said.

'She messaged me on the day of the court case calling me a liar and said she had never stabbed me.

'I'm not happy about the sentence, she has been allowed to walk free while I was left for dead. It doesn't feel like it's enough.

'I can't cope with having to look at the scar every day. It is horrible and a constant reminder. Because it's on my neck I am always being asked about what happened.'

She said the incident had triggered her existing PTSD and brought back old anxieties, causing her to avoid crowds and limit socialising.

Sharnice had attempted to steal a pre-booked taxi from Miss Lockyer before slashing her just below the jaw with the jagged edge of the bottle.

Miss Lockyer said: 'She was going towards my younger siblings, I grabbed them out of the way, told her to leave us alone and the next thing I knew I was stabbed.

'I didn't know how serious it was at first. I thought I had been punched. Everyone disappeared, I got to the bus stop opposite the pub and then realised I was covered in blood. I panicked and my legs just went to jelly.

'I can't cope with having to look at the scar every day. It is horrible and a constant reminder,' she said

Miss Lockyer was saved by her sister-in-law who stemmed the blood flow with tea towels at the pub

Sharnice arrived at Bournemouth Crown Court with a suitcase and was expecting a custodial sentence

She can be seen leaving Bournemouth Crown Court after being told she would not be jailed

'I went back to the pub and the girls that opened the door caught me and got me to the sofa. I think I said 'I can feel it, I'm going' and the next thing I remember is lots of paramedics and police.'

Charles Gabb, the prosecuting lawyer, said: 'The defendant, with a bottle of drink in each hand, started to antagonise members of the group. She was described as bolshy. She was told to go away and didn't.

'She broke one of the bottles against the wall, selected one of the pieces of bottle and, using it as a very dangerous weapon, went for them as if to stab them.'

'You can see just how close it must have been to the jugular. It was an 8cm long cut requiring stitches.

'It is not an exaggeration to say Miss Lockyer was extremely lucky.

'She realised there was blood pouring out of her and that she was seriously injured. She went to the pub screaming, trying to get help. Once she got inside she passed out.'

Rachel Bailey, the defendant's lawyer, said Sharnice's evening had been fraught with emotional issues' following a run-in with a former partner and losing her mobile phone.

She said she did not quite appreciate there was a glass shard in her hands and was trying to get herself away from an emotional and overwhelming situation.

Judge Stephen Climie said: 'The picking up of a piece of glass and waving it around in such circumstances was so dangerous, you could easily have killed somebody and you nearly did.

'The injury is an injury we commonly see coupled with a charge of murder or manslaughter.

'The appropriate punishment for street violence is almost always immediate custody.

'I am just persuaded there's a sufficient prospect of rehabilitation to keep your liberty today, but if there is any breach of this order you will be serving the two years in prison.'
The call sign for the doomed Black Hawk helicopter that crashed into an American Airlines plane and killed more than 60 passengers has sparked mystery as the public struggles to make sense of the tragic incident.

The Black Hawk was marked as a PAT 25, which stands for priority air transport and is usually reserved for when the Army is conducting VIP missions, such as having officials onboard.

The Army has confirmed no officials were onboard the aircraft, which was carrying three soldiers, a standard sized crew, according to Fox News Journalist Jennifer Griffin.

The military aircraft was conducting a training flight, according to Joint Task Force-National Capitol Region Media Chief Heather Chairez. It belonged to B Company, 12th Aviation Battalion out of Fort Belvoir in Virginia.

However, some aren't buying those claims, and question what the crew was carrying onboard for it be designated as a PAT 25.

Jacq Cerra, who is in the Army, is one of the people questioning it, saying on TikTok: 'I'm telling you right now - and they can kill me for saying it - under no circumstances is a military helicopter, especially a f**king Black Hawk, accidentally crashing into a commercial plane.

'There's no way,' she continued before bringing up the call sign. 'What's on that helicopter, you know?'

A TikTok commenter named Uche, who claimed to be a Marine veteran, also thought the crash was weird, writing under Cerra's video: 'Youre 100 percent correct, those Black Hawks move damn near omni-directionally and the pilots are top-tier, a lot of questions.'

The Black Hawk was marked as a PAT 25, which stands for priority air transport and is usually reserved when the Army is conducting VIP missions, such as having officials onboard. The Army confirmed it was not carrying officials onboard

The military aircraft was conducting a training flight, but some aren't buying it due to the priority call sign and the experience that is required of Black Hawk pilots

A few minutes before the jet was to land, air traffic controllers asked American Airlines Flight 5342 if it could do so on a shorter runway, and the pilots agreed.

Controllers cleared the jet to land and flight tracking sites showed the plane adjust its approach to the new runway.

Less than 30 seconds before the crash, an air traffic controller asked a helicopter if it had the arriving plane in sight.

The controller made another radio call to the helicopter moments later, saying 'PAT 25 pass behind the CRJ' - apparently telling the chopper to wait for the Bombardier CRJ-701 twin-engine jet to pass.

There was no reply. Seconds after that, the aircraft collided.

The planes radio transponder stopped transmitting about 2,400 feet short of the runway, roughly over the middle of the Potomac.

Eerie radar footage showed the Black Hawk helicopter cut through the airspace from the opposite direction under cover of darkness, with both aircrafts seemingly unaware of the other's presence.

They slammed into one another just 400ft above ground, erupting in a violent explosion before plunging into the freezing Potomac River below.

'There's no way,' Jacq Cerra, who is in the Army, said, before bringing up the call sign. 'What's on that helicopter, you know?'

The body of the plane was found upside-down in three sections in waist-deep water, officials said. The helicopters wreckage was also found.

New Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced on X that an investigation by the Army and Department of Defense has begun.

Hegseth also said the helicopter crew was 'fairly experienced' and was performing an 'annual proficiency training flight.'

'They did have night vision goggles,' Hegseth said in a video posted to X.

More than 60 people were killed on the American Airlines flight, including figure skaters Spencer Lane and Jinna Han, who both skate in Boston.

Spencer Lane uploaded the photo around 7pm ET Wednesday, which appeared to show the jet taxiing on the runway at Wichita Airport in Kansas before it took off for its final flight.

He captioned it ICT -> DCA - the codes for Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

His mother, Christine Lane, was confirmed dead. Evgenia Shishkova, 53, and Vadim Naumov, 56, Jinna Han's mother Jin are also dead.

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The three soldiers are also presumed dead. Hegseth did not announce their identities, as their families are still being notified.

President Donald Trump has blamed diversity and inclusion for one of the deadliest plane crashes in US history.

Speaking at the White House, Trump said the tragedy was entirely preventable as he slammed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) recruiting practices in federal agencies.

He added that he had some 'pretty good ideas' of how the disaster occurred and vowed to make sure it would never happen again.

Trump then said he put 'safety' first while Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden prioritized politics and called former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg a 'disaster' in an extraordinary attack on previous administrations.

'He was a disaster as a mayor. He ran his city into the ground and he's a disaster now. He's just got a good line of bulls**t,' Trump said of Buttigieg.

Then he insisted that federal agencies need to be hiring based on intelligence rather than on diversity. He added that Air Traffic Controllers need to be 'geniuses.'

He was also asked about Hegseth's statement that the Black Hawk was doing an 'annual retraining, night flights on a standard corridor for a continuity of government mission.'

Trump did not appear to immediately know about continuity of government  which refers to how the government functions during a disaster  when asked about it.

'I don't know what that refers to, but they were practicing. They were  they do that. They call it practicing, and that's something that should be done. It's only continuity in the sense that we want to have very good people, and that has to be in continuity, and that's what they referred to,' Trump said.
A top lawmaker warned there could be accidents when more flights were approved at Reagan National Airport just months before the crash on Wednesday night that has killed up to 67 people.

Senator Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat, hinted in May 2024 that there was risk of collisions if more routes were approved at the airport, which was already one of the busiest in the country.

'God forbid waking up and looking in a mirror one day and say, "Wow, I was warned. I was warned and I shouldn't have done this,"' he told reporters at the time.

In May 2024, the FAA add five flight slots to the Virginia airport's daily schedule.

Kaine was referecing the aiport serving Washington D.C. and how it is frequently used by members of Congress.

'You're going to do it to convenience a few dozen members [of Congress] (...) at the expense of everybody who lives around this airport who would potentially be victimized if there was some kind of a collision,' he added.

'You're also increasing a safety risk because when you have one plane taking off or landing every minute, while other planes are circling, especially in very constricted air space, like DC's airspace, you run the risk of serious challenge.

Senator Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat, hinted in May 2024 that there was risk of collisions if more routes were approved at the airport, which was already one of the busiest in the country

'When you hear an air traffic controller having to shout 'stop, stop' to get two jets trying to use this main runway to stop within 300 feet of each other.

'This is a flashing, red warning sign telling everyone that this airport is already overburdened and you shouldn't do more

Kaine and Virginia Rep. Don Beyer told DailyMail.com Thursday that they're certain that some of the passengers who perished in the American Airlines crash were their constituents.

They were at the scene just hours after an Army Black Hawk helicopter on a training flight crashed into an American Airlines flight carrying 60 passengers and four crew members as it was on its descent.

Donald Trump and his Transporttatioin Secretary Sean Duffy have suggested the crash was preventatble, and first responders don't expect to find any survivors.

Lawmakers have yet to be briefed on the names of the deceased.

'There will be constituents of mine on the plane. Absolutely. Just because of - people were flying into Reagan National, right? Flying into Arlington.

'I have not yet seen a manifest or a passenger list but you kind of have a sense of dread about something like this - you're going to see names that you know,' Kaine said in a gaggle with reporters at Ronald Reagan Washington Airport Thursday morning.

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Emergency response teams are seen at the scene of the crash in the Potomac River

Rescue boats search the waters of the Potomac River for survivors after the deadly plane crash

Kaine said he wasn't given a timeline on when the manifest would be released.

'Someone mentioned that there was a family from Reston here last night. But that's the only glimmer I have,' said Beyer, whose Virginia Congressional district hugs DCA.

Beyer was supportive of the decision to reopen DCA Thursday morning.

'It may well freak people out,' he acknowledged. 'But I think that Jack Potter and his decision to reopen the airport is trying to bring back a sense of normalcy,' he said, referencing the president and CEO of Metropolitcan Washington Airports Authority.

'The fact that it is still safe,' he continued. 'This was an accident last night, in the dark, which is typically when the training exercises are taking place. It is safe, people need to come back. People are eager to get about their business.'

'And then our job would be to do our best to serve the families that lost loved ones,' the Virginia Democrat added.
The last man standing in a condemned housing estate has finally given in to council bosses and accepted cash offer to vacate the property.

Nick Wisniewski had been living on his own in a derelict four-storey complex which North Lanarkshire Council wanted to demolish for the past three years.

However, the retired bank worker has now finally agreed to the council's wishes by leaving his Wishaw property in exchange for a 42,000 sum.

Having lived at the property for over 22 years, Mr Wisniewski had remained adamant that he would not leave his home and turned down previous offers of 35,000 and 40,000 from the council to buy it back.

The 68-year-old had claimed on those occasions that the money on offer would not allow him to purchase a new flat, whilst he also rejected offers of being placed in rented accommodation.

After issuing a compulsory purchase order on the flat, the local council launched legal action over his refusal to accept compensation, with the case being brought to the Scottish government.

Just last month, Mr Wisniewski said: 'By law they can smash my door down, they can come in here, manhandle me to get me out. That's the law, and they'll basically need to drag me out.

'It's been all intimidation, bullying, lies. They offered me 40,000 over a year ago. I thought they'd have offered me a wee bit more. I would accept, probably, 60,000.'

Nick Wisniewski, 68, was the sole resident of flats in Gowkthrapple, Wishaw, Scotland, which once held over 200 people across 128 blocks

North Lanarkshire Council had applied for a Compulsory Purchase Order to force Mr Wisniewski to hand over his flat

Mr Wisniewski pictured outside the four-storey complex which he refused to vacate

An aerial view of the condemned housing complex in which Mr Wisniewski lived

All other tenants and flat owners have already been rehoused or reimbursed from the Wishaw complex

The council now plan to demolish all 428 flats at the complex with 300 new homes set to be built

Mr Wisniewski's acceptance of the council's improved offer now paves the way for their plans to demolish 428 flats and replace them with up to 300 new homes.

All other tenants and flat owners have already been rehoused or reimbursed.

Stephen Llewellyn, Chief Officer (Housing) with North Lanarkshire Council said: 'We are delighted to have reached an agreement with Mr. Wisniewski, and we were pleased to welcome him into one of our newly built council homes within the outstanding new Gowkthrapple development.

'The new housing development marks a crucial step forward in our ambitious regeneration plans for the area.

'We have worked tirelessly throughout to meet the needs of all our tenants and owner occupiers in the area and I'm sure the local community will be delighted that we can now progress with transforming the remainder of the area and providing additional quality homes for rent.

'The transformation of this site is an exciting opportunity to deliver modern, energy-efficient, and attractive homes for our residents and breathe new life into the community.

'With the first phase nearing completion, we're proud to see the progress being made and look forward to delivering the full vision of 300 homes that will create a vibrant and welcoming neighbourhood for local people.

'I'd like to thank everyone involved in making this vision a reality, from our team to the local community for their dedication and support in driving forward this exciting regeneration project.'
An alleged Russian spy fell in love with another spy after travelling around Europe to follow an anti-Putin journalist, she has told a court.

Vanya Gaberova, 30, who ran a beauticians called Pretty Woman, in Acton, West London, said she believed that Bizer Dzhambazov, 43, was working for Interpol and agreed to help him when he told her they used civilians for surveillance operations.

Gaberova travelled to Vienna and Valencia alongside Dzhambazov, who was following journalist Christo Grozev.

Dzhambazov has admitted running the operations for a Russian spy ring along with Orlin Roussev, 46, who lived in a 33-room guesthouse in Great Yarmouth.

However, Gaberova, her ex-boyfriend Tihomir Ivanchev, 39, and Dzhambazov's longterm partner Katrin Ivanova, 33, all deny knowing they were working for the Russians.

Gaberova was in a love triangle with another alleged female spy but told the Old Bailey she believed they had split up.

Dressed in a black jacket, white blouse and glasses, Gaberova told the court that Dzhambazov was 'very loud, he liked attention, he was a person who talked most of the time, he was the soul of the gathering.'

She said she was 'quite impressed, I was quite intrigued.'

Vanya Gaberova ran a beauticians called Pretty Woman, in Acton, West London

Biser Dzhambazov, 43, pictured wearing a protective vest

Bulgarian Dzhambazov has admitted to spying in the UK on behalf of Russia

They had first met when she was volunteering at a polling station in Ealing for the Bulgarian national elections in 2021, three years after she had moved to Britain to be with Ivanchev.

They met again among a group of friends at a Serbian restaurant in Ealing and Dzhambazov got on well with Ivanchev because they both had an interest in crypto currencies she said.

He joined Gaberova and her niece on a shopping trip to Westfield shopping centre in Shepherd's Bush after asking if he could use her friends discount at Hugo Boss.

After he left, she said, 'whenever he talks he always makes a joke and always makes you laugh and we were talking a lot about him.

'She was saying he's very impressive. He may not be the best looking guy but he has a good heart.'

Anthony Metzer KC, defending, asked: 'Do you think he was charming you. Looking back or at the time?'

'That's him, he is charming,' Gaberova said. 'It is not only to me he tried to do this, with everybody. For him it's important, for instance if he talked to you, that you like him. This is important to him.'

At the time she was not attracted to him and he was 'just a friend who was doing such a nice thing,' she said.

Around her birthday in August 2021, Dzhambazov told her he worked for the economic unit at Interpol, working on extraditions, and showed her an Interpol pass, which turned out to be fake.

A photo of Vanya Gaberova wearing spy glasses which was shown to jury

Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Bulgarian national Vanya Gaberova appearing via video link at Westminster Magistrates' Court

Dzhambazov's fake Interpol ID cards which were shown to the jury in the trial of Tihomir Ivanchev, Vanya Gaberova, and Katrin Ivanova

'One of these cards was always in his wallet,' she said.

'Did you have any doubt that the badge and ID card were anything other than genuine?' Mr Metzer asked.

'No, even after I was arrested, I didn't believe that something was wrong,' she said.

Dzhambazov told Gaberova that he would help her get a place at a 'police university' in Wembley and she could come and work with him.

She had always wanted to get into the police and told the court: 'Oh my god I was so happy I was go back and I was so excited I thought he meant everything and he was going to help me to do this.'

Around the same time, her relationship with Ivanchev was deteriorating.

'There was one comment that hurt me a lot and I shared [with Dzhambazov] when he told me I was fat and had a big arse, I had put on weight.'

Dzhmabazov told her that Ivanova was cheating on him and he wanted to break up with her.

'We became very close we were seeing each other every day after my birthday.'

Katrin Ivanova (pictured) was Bizer Dzhambazov's longterm partner

Dzhambazov invited her to Vienna in August 2021 where he was running a surveillance operation against Christo Grozev, a journalist who had revealed the identities of the Russian agents who poisoned the MI6 double agent Sergei Skripal.

Gaberova said: He says you can come with me if you want.

He told me his trips are not only work, he also has time to himself as well - thats how I agree.

Mr Metzer asked: On this holiday how much of the time was B doing some work and how much time was he relaxing?

It was not more than one day.

A few weeks later they followed Grozev to Valencia in Spain.

'I already know that his trips are very good holidays as well,' Gaberova said.

'He told me that they always use people who can help them. They always have people who are not police people that help them.

'I was happy that I was on holiday in a different country. He told me this person had a house for a million and how did a journalist afford a place that expensive. He makes me believe that this person is a bad person.'

Dzhambazov 'told me he likes me he has feelings for me. He told me he was attracted to me.'

Gaberova said she had 'some feelings' for him: 'I had something to him but attracted is not the right word.'

Vanya Gaberova believed that Katrin Ivanova (pictured) was cheating on Dzhambazov and he wanted to break up with her

Jurors heard that under instruction from Dzhambazov, she hailed a taxi and followed the journalist to a hotel in Valencia.

Mr Justice Hilliard asked: Hes watching from one place and you are watching from a different place?.

Yes, she said.

The judge continued: Were you surprised at all that he was asking that youd be doing some watching and you might be getting in the car following?

Gaberova replied: No my lord because at the time he told me that they always used people who can help them.

He told me that they always have some people who are not police people who always help them for stuff like this, she said.

They had sex on their first night at an Airbnb in Valencia and Dzhambazov then told her he had broken up with Ivanova, who was also in Valencia but had gone home.

She then moved to the Grand Palace Hotel in Valencia, where they stayed for four nights, going to the beach, eating out and going clubbing.

'After we went to this hotel and had an amazing time and that's when I fell in love with him,' she told the jury.

In fact, Dzhambazov had not split up with Ivanova who told the jury she had been supporting him while she believed he had brain cancer.

Roussev and Dzhambazov have pleaded guilty to charges under the Official Secrets Act. Ivanova, Gaberova and Ivanchev deny the charges. All five are Bulgarian nationals with EU settled status. The trial continues.
Reform UK has surged ahead of the Tories and is now just three points behind Labour, a new poll has shown.

The research by Survation found Nigel Farage's party were backed by 24 per cent of voters, which was up four percentage points from a survey last month.

The Tories slumped three points to 22 per cent in the latest poll, while Labour were also down three points to 27 per cent.

With fewer than half of the electorate currently intending to vote for one of the two main parties, the pollster said this represented an 'historic low'.

'The electorate is fragmented, with disillusioned voters seeking alternatives beyond the two main parties,' said Survation's strategy and research manager Jack Peacock.

The survey found, alongside Reform, other smaller parties were also capitalising on voter discontent.

The Liberal Democrats were on 13 per cent support, up two points, while the Greens and SNP were both up one point on 8 per cent and three per cent, respectively.

After a turbulent first six months in power, the pollster said Labour was struggling to hold on to those who backed the party in July.

Reform UK has surged ahead of the Tories and is now just three points behind Labour, a new Survation poll has shown

The survey found Nigel Farage's party were backed by 24 per cent of voters, which was up four percentage points from a survey last month

Sir Keir had retained just 77 per cent of the voters who gave him a landslide general election victory in the summer, the research showed.

Labour was found to be losing 8 per cent of its vote share to Reform, while 7 per cent have moved to the Lib Dems and 4 per cent to the Greens.

But Reform are a bigger threat to the Tories, according to the poll, with Mr Farage's party drawing nearly one in five (19 per cent) who backed the Conservatives in July.

This was up from 14 per cent last month.

Survation said there was 'stark' fragmentation on the right of British politics.

The poll found 36 per cent of Reform voters would consider voting Tory, while 37 per cent of Conservative voters would consider backing Reform.

A separate Find Out Now poll showed Reform were four percentage points ahead of Labour and six points ahead of the Tories

Meanwhile, a separate survey showed Reform were four percentage points ahead of Labour and six points ahead of the Tories.

The latest research by Find Out Now, which has been conducting regular voting intention polls since November, put Reform on 27 per cent support, Labour on 23 per cent, and the Tories on 21 per cent.

The pollster's surveys since the beginning of this year have consistently put Reform level with or ahead of Labour and the Tories.
Jet2's CEO has warned the Canary Islands to stop playing a 'dangerous game' and end the ongoing anti-tourism protests in Spain before holidaymakers take their money elsewhere.

Steve Heapy issued the alert at Spain's International Tourism Trade Fair, saying: 'Anti-tourism protests and derogatory comments from local administrations make tourists feel unwelcome.

'People don't come to the Canaries to be mistreated or to witness protests'.

The warning follows a summer of major demonstrations across Spain's popular resorts, with anger particularly mounting over mass tourism.

'Anti-tourism protests and derogatory comments from local administrations make tourists feel unwelcome,' Heapy added.

'People don't come to the Canaries to be mistreated or to witness protests'.

He warned that such incidents tarnish the region's image and push tourists toward destinations like Turkey and Morocco 'where they feel valued'.

'Not everyone is rich, and many tourists simply want an affordable and relaxing holiday. If they feel unwanted, they'll look elsewhere,' he said.

Steve Heapy, Jet2's CEO, warned the Canary Islands to stop playing a 'dangerous game' and end the ongoing anti-tourism protests

More than 3,000 people demonstrated against the tourist overcrowding suffered by the city of Barcelona and in favor of tourism reduction policies in July

People take part in a protest against mass tourism in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, July 21, 2024

Members of the Mallorca Platja Tour association demonstrate against the tourist saturation on the beach of Palma de Mallorca on August 11, 2024

Heapy addressed the town of Mogan on the Canary Islands, where a tourist tax has been introduced.

A 0.15 (0.13) per person per day fee applies for visitors staying in hotels, apartments, and holiday homes.

Mr Heapy said that this tax could set a 'dangerous precedent' and potentially deter tourists from visiting in the future.

He said: 'Rising taxes drive up the overall cost of holidays, reducing demand. While Mogan's tax is small, it sets a dangerous precedent.

'Governments need to enforce existing regulations and focus on controlling illegal rentals rather than penalising compliant operators.

'They should also work with airlines and tour operators to promote the Canary Islands in key markets like the UK.'

His stark comments come after anti-tourism protests were held in a number of holiday hotspots across Spain, where threatening graffiti has also been spotted.

A recent protest erupted in October after hundreds of demonstrators stormed Tenerife's Troya beach, where sun-seeking holidaymakers were stunned to be disrupted by a placard-waving mob yelling slogans such as 'More tourists, more misery' and 'the Canary Islands are not for sale'.

Thousands of people took to the streets in the centre of Malaga to protest against the rising rental prices and to demand a decent housing

A protester holds a sign reading 'Can't wait to get off work and swim in sewage' during a demonstration against mass tourism, in Arona on the Spanish Canary island of Tenerife, on October 20, 2024

Anti-riot forces gesture as demonstrators put symbolic cordon on a bar-restaurant window during a protest against mass tourism on Barcelona's Las Ramblas alley, on July 6, 2024

Some 6,500 people take part in a demonstration organised by a platform reflecting the growing discontent among locals with the current tourism model in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain on October 20, 2024

Protesters descended on the beach, one of the most popular in Las Americas (Tenerife), with many beating on drums and blowing whistles as they walked along the shoreline.

Astonishing footage of the incident showed holidaymakers being surrounded and penned in by Spanish locals while they were sunbathing in swim shorts and bikinis.

There were no reports of any violence, but protesters, whose banners included one in English which said 'Go Home Tourist' are said to have been mocked and taunted.

Half a dozen activists also went on hunger strike outside a church in the northern Tenerife town of La Laguna last year.

It began on April 11, 2024, and was called off after 20 days.

Victor Martin, a spokesman for Canarias Se Agota which translates into English as 'Canary Islands on the Brink, said before it started: 'The hunger strike is indefinite and will continue until the two macro hotel projects we're fighting against are stopped for ever and the regional agreement agrees in writing to sit down and talk to us about a tourist moratorium.

'A tragedy could occur and someone could die if the government doesn't listen.'

The hunger strikers wanted authorities to halt two tourist projects, one involving the construction of a five-star hotel by one of Tenerife's last virgin beaches called La Tejita.

A protester is seen holding up a placard expressing his opinion as he takes part in a demonstration against mass tourism in the city, following protests in the Canary and Balearic islands or Majorca

Demonstrators put symbolic cordon on a bar-restaurant window during a protest against mass tourism on Barcelona's Las Ramblas alley, on July 6, 2024

People attend an anti tourism protest under the motto 'Enough! Let's put limits on tourism' organised by different civil society groups in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, 06 July 2024

They also wanted local and regional politicians to change the tourist model to protect the island from the worst excesses of mass tourism including sea pollution, traffic gridlock and lack of cheap affordable housing linked to the pushing-up of property prices because of Airbnb-style holiday lets.

On July 27 around 250 protesters impeded tourist access to a picture-postcard Menorcan beach in a 'surprise action'.

Activists boasted of filling a car park by Cala Turqueta, a beautiful cove on the island's southern coast, with 'residents' cars'.

They then used towels and their own bodies to shape the message 'SOS Menorca' on the sand by the waterline.

And last year, when the Canary Islands were the focus of anti-mass tourism protests hotel bosses there admitted British holidaymakers were calling to ask if they would be safe.

Activists are continuing to demand the government make a change to prevent the number of tourists visiting the holiday hotspot amid soaring rents.

It comes as Spain is also set to impose a 100 per cent tax on non-EU citizens buying homes in the country as it moves to prioritise housing availability for locals.
Sir Keir Starmer is facing efforts by his own MPs to rip up the UK's electoral system and replace it with a more European system.

Backbenchers today urged ministers to be bold and reform the 'unrepresentative' voting system used for general elections.

They want the current first-past-the-post (FPTP) system replaced with a proportional representation system similar to that used in the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Senedd.

The last time the matter was put to a vote, the public backed keeping the current system, in a 2011 referendum.

But Alex Sobel, the Leeds Central and Headingley Labour MP, told the Commons FPTP is 'not working' and is 'desperately in need of an upgrade'.

He cited findings that 85 per cent of MPs returned to Parliament in July 2024 were elected by less than 50 per cent of the voters in their constituencies.

He said: 'I want to encourage the Government to be bold and to be honest about how unrepresentative British general elections have become.'

And Florence Eshalomi, MP for Vauxhall and Camberwell Green in London, noted turnout at last year's general election dropped below 60 per cent, adding: 'That means two in every five people didn't even participate. Does this not show that actually we need to change that so more people engage in our democratic system?'

Alex Sobel, the Leeds Central and Headingley Labour MP, told the Commons FPTP is 'not working' and is 'desperately in need of an upgrade'.

Conservative shadow communities minister Paul Holmes said first past the post acts 'as a safeguard against extremism'.

Democracy minister Rushanara Ali has confirmed the Government has no plans to change the voting system at general elections.

Under the existing FPTP system, voters select their preferred candidate and the candidate with the most votes wins.

Alternatives include the single transferable vote system in which voters rank candidates in order of preference, to try to pick a candidate who has the broadest backing.

Mr Sobel said voter turnout and engagement should be a 'matter of concern' for everyone, adding: 'The truth is first-past-the-post is failing on its terms; it's becoming less and less representative and producing more and more random results, more outliers, more MPs elected on less than 30 per cent of their constituency votes.'

The MP for Leeds Central and Headingley, who secured 50.2 per cent of the vote at the last election, said 'record levels of distrust in politics' are being fed by people feeling that they 'don't have a fair say over who speaks for them or how they are governed'.

He said: 'That should worry all of us. The Government has a responsibility to face up to those problems and address them before the next general election, starting with the launch of the national commission for electoral reform.'

Labour won 63.2 per cent of seats in July on just 33.7 per cent of the vote, with four parties getting more than 10 per cent of the vote for the first time ever.

Alex Sobel cited findings that 85 per cent of MPs returned to Parliament in July 2024 were elected by less than 50 per cent of the voters in their constituencies.

But Conservative shadow communities minister Paul Holmes said first past the post acts 'as a safeguard against extremism'.

He pointed to the British National Party's 2009 European Parliament election result, when it won two seats with around 6 per cent of the popular vote under proportional representation.

'This helps preserve the political stability and moderation that are hallmarks of our parliamentary democracy, and when coalition governments are formed it becomes difficult for voters to hold any one party accountable for their decisions,' he said.

Conservative former minister Sir Desmond Swayne had earlier intervened and said that in the Israeli Knesset, 'tiny religious parties are perpetually in government exercising disproportionate influence and influencing policy in a way that is in variance with the majority's wishes'.

Mr Holmes replied: 'There is a vast and quite radical system that elects the Israeli government where a number of extreme politicians on both sides of the aisle  on extreme wings on either side of the aisle  who have a disproportionate impact on policies on the outcomes of that Israeli government.'

The shadow minister also said: 'This country has elected more stable governments than most European nations under proportional representation.'

Democracy minister Rushanara Ali has confirmed the Government has no plans to change the voting system at general elections.

She told the Commons: 'This Government has no plans to change the voting system for elections to the House of Commons. I'm getting unlikely cheers, I'm not used to having cheers from the main opposition party.'
The pilots of the American Eagle jet in the mid-air crash horror over Washington DC are Captain Jonathan Campos, 34, and First Officer Samuel Lilley, DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal.

And both flight attendants who were on that tragic flight have been revealed as Ian Epstein and Danasia Elder.

Newly-engaged Lilley, 29, was months away from being promoted to captain in a career that he adored, his father Timothy told us in an exclusive interview.

Doomed Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas  carrying 60 passengers  collided in a massive fireball with an Army Black Hawk helicopter 400ft above the Potomac River as it was approaching Reagan National Airport just before 9pm Wednesday.

And in a further terrible twist to the tragedy, Lilley Sr revealed he himself is a former Army Black Hawk pilot and had flown in the exact same area where the disaster happened.

'Samuel was in the prime of his life. He was engaged to a beautiful, wonderful girl and we were all excited about her joining the family,' he said.

Timothy, a former Army warrant officer who is now a private jet pilot, was at Teterboro Airport, New Jersey, when the crash happened  and is now in Washington.

But he initially had no idea his beloved son was one of the pilots who perished in the tragedy.

'I saw the crash on the news. I didn't think there was any way it was my son,' he said. 'But then I watched long enough to figure out it was my son's airline and then I kind of know his schedule.

The pilot of the crashed American Airlines flight has been identified as Jonathan Campos, 34

Samuel Lilley, 29, has been revealed as the First Officer on board the doomed commercial flight. He was newly engaged and months away from being promoted to captain

'And so I called his fiancee, confirmed, like, hey was Sam in Wichita? Yes, he was, was he going to to DCA? Yes, he was. So then I had to tell her. It was just an ugly scene.'

Of his own reaction, he said: 'You know what, I was OK for five, maybe 10 minutes. And then I bawled for 10 minutes. It's a bitter, bitter pill to swallow.

'But my son knows Jesus and that's the part that makes it a little easier. But I'm still left behind. We're all left behind. He was loved by so many people.'

Timothy and his former wife Sheri raised their pilot son in Savannah, Georgia, where he proudly graduated from Georgia Southern University in 2018.

'At first he went into marketing and he called me after two months and said, dad, I hate my job,' said Lilley Sr. 'And so I helped him find his new career path  and he was really good at it.

'His career was really blossoming. Things were very good for him.

'The irony is that I was a Black Hawk helicopter pilot for 20 years and I used to fly that exact same route that the helicopter that crashed was flying.'

Bravely continuing to speak less than 18 hours after the tragedy, he reflected: 'My goodness, I'd done that so many times. My brothers in the Army had something to do with the death of my son.'

Lilley's father Timothy and his former wife Sheri raised their pilot son in Savannah, Georgia, where he proudly graduated from Georgia Southern University in 2018

Danasia Elder was revealed to be one of the flight attendants on board the commercial plane

Timothy (left) said he himself is a former Army Black Hawk pilot and had flown in the exact same area where the disaster happened

Ian Epstein was the second flight attendant identified on board the doomed American Airlines flight

The moment a military helicopter crashed into the American Airlines commercial flight that was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members and erupted into a fire ball

Almost all flight have been cancelled in and out of Reagan National Airport after the American Airlines air disaster Wednesday evening

Of his son's career path, he said: 'He loved working at PSA and he was just about to make captain. In fact we last talked two or three days ago and that was what we were talking about.

He was real close to qualifying. I talked to him all the time, we'd talk about flying all the time. I was thrilled to know he was getting so far.'

Lilley Sr was speaking as his ex-wife was on her way to DC. But he had harsh words for American Airlines as he struggled to get information about his son  eventually resorting to call the company's hotline.

'American has not been good about giving me any information. So I called the hotline. All they do is they take your information and say they'll call you back,' he told us.

'And then I went to the crisis center and all they did was fill out some paperwork and say they'll call you when have something for you to do.

'My ex wife is on her way here and his fiancee. We're starting the grieving process. It's going to be a long difficult process.

The former couple's son was based at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, a major US hub for American Airlines, which uses American Eagle as regional carrier. He graduated as an airline pilot ion 2022.

Campos was born in New York but grew up in Florida. He attended the Epic Flight Academy where he was certified as a flight instructor in 2017 and as a commercial airline pilot one year later, according to the company's records.

Dawn began to break over the Potomac River in Washington D.C. as first responders worked through the night to recover what's left behind after the American Airlines plane collision with a military helicopter

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US figure skating team member Spencer Lane, 26, shared this photo from inside the doomed American Airlines plane as it took off from Wichita Airport in Kansas on Wednesday evening

Lane also posted images of him skating shortly before the crash

His uncle Hector Campos told DailyMail.com that his nephew lived for the aviation business, telling DailyMail.com: 'He loved it.'

Hector added: 'We just confirmed the news. We are in complete shock.'

Senior attendant Ian Epstein's devastated wife Debi confirmed he was on board the doomed jet and asked for people to pray for him.

Epstein, 52  based at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, North Carolina  was a keen golfer and 'brought joy to those who knew him', according to friends.

Debi Epstein, 58, wrote on her Facebook page: 'It is with a very heavy heart and extreme sadness that myself along with our children Hannah Epstein and Joanna Epstein and his sister Robbie Epstein Bloom her husband Steven Bloom and nieces Andi and Dani inform you that Ian Epstein was one of the flight attendants on American Airlines Flight 5342 that collided last night when they were landing in DC.

'Please pray for Ian and our family as we travel to DC. We will update when plans are made.'

Friend David Fisher commented on the page that he had become close friends with Epstein on the golf course and 'he brought so much joy to those of us who knew him here in Charlotte. My prayers are with you and your family.'

Another friend, Barbara Green Austin, wrote: 'I am in complete shock over this and I am truly saddened by your loss.'

Russian figure skaters Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov are reported to have been on board the American Airlines plane that crashed into a Black Hawk helicopter

Vadim Naumov (right) and his wife Evgenia Shishkova (not pictured) told their son Maxim (left) they were 'proud' of him before boarding the doomed American Airlines flight

First responders rushing on the scene last night to assess the damage of the devastating collision, official have said there are no survivors out of the 60 passengers and four crew members on board the American Airlines flight

Ron Fauconniere commented: 'Ian was quite the character and always a pleasure to be around.'

Donielle Prophete wrote: 'The American Airlines Gate Agent Employee Group from Charlotte are hurting with you.'

Another friend, Gary Schmitt said: 'I doubt I ever met a more upbeat man than Ian.'

Epstein said on his LinkedIn page that he had more than 25 years' experience in sales, corporate training and leadership development.

He was with American Airlines subsidiary PSA for five years from February 2020 and 'ranked in the top 5% nationwide in American Airlines' credit card sales program'. Epstein added that he coached and mentored new flight attendants.

Before his airline job, he was the founder and sales director of Oak Barrel Travel in Charlotte, and before that a senior sales consultant at Camping World.

More to follow...
Alleged double murderer David Pearce treated himself to a meal of El Pollo Loco shortly after supplying GHB and fentanyl to two young women - then dumping their lifeless bodies outside two Los Angeles hospitals, a court heard.

A roommate and co-defendant of the disgraced Hollywood producer told Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday that the duo were feeling tired and hungry after a night of heavy partying and trying to distance themselves from the two women as they clung to life.

Pearce is on trial for rape and murder. Per testimony, he waited 11 hours to take the women to hospital, while telling friend Michael Ansbach, 50, that dead girls dont talk.

As hospital staff fought to save the lives of Christy Giles, 24, a model and aspiring actress, and Mexican-born architect Hilda Cabrales-Arzola, 26, Pearce, 43, and actor Brandt Osborn, 45, were dining on Mexican food.

Both women had been drugged with a fatal cocktail of fentanyl, ketamine, cocaine, heroin, MDMA and the rape drug GHB.

The two friends had met Pearce and Osborn hours earlier at a rave in LA on Dec. 14, 2021, and went home with them to Pearces Beverly Hills apartment.

The group arrived at 5.11am and began partying some more with Pearce and another friend of his, Michael Ansbach, 50.

The women passed out after ingesting cocaine, fentanyl and GHB supplied by Pearce, the court heard.

Hollywood Producer David Pearce, 40, was charged in the double murder in July 2022. Per testimony, he waited 11 hours to take the women to hospital, while telling friend Michael Ansbach, 50, that dead girls dont talk'

Hilda Cabrales (right), 26, and her model friend Christy Giles (left), 24, were found dead outside of two separate hospitals after partying in Los Angeles. The pair had died from drug overdoses, and their bodies were captured on video being dumped by masked men

A former roommate of the producer, Brandt Osborn, told the court that Pearce said to him, Listen, theres nothing we can do now. Let me buy you dinner. The pair headed to a local El Pollo Loco then returned home and went to bed

At noon on Dec. 14, Pearce told Osborn, Theres something wrong with Christy. he recalled. She didnt look like she was breathing. He said he wanted to call 911 but was talked out or ringing by Pearce.

Osborn said he put a pair of sunglasses under Giles nose to test if she was breathing.

He told the court that Giles was cold to the touch, not breathing. He said he did not check on Cabrales-Arzola at that point because Pearce told him she was asleep in his bed.

The court heard that Giles was already dead and that Hilda Cabrales-Arzola was barely breathing when Pearce and Osborn dumped them off at two separate LA area hospitals.

On returning home, Osborn told the court, The only thing on my mind at that time was Ms. Giles and Ms. Cabrales.

I just kept saying to myself, I hope these girls are okay.

He said Pearce told him, Listen, theres nothing we can do now. Let me buy you dinner. The pair headed to a local El Pollo Loco then returned home and went to bed.

Osborn said he went to bed at 7am and awoke at 10.30am to the sound of Ansbach violently puking in the bathroom. He then went to a bank before returning to the apartment and going back to bed.

Alleged double murder David Pearce treated himself to a meal of El Pollo Loco shortly after supplying GHB and fentanyl to two young women - then dumping their lifeless bodies outside two Los Angeles hospitals, a court heard

Pearce is being charged alongside his former roommate, 45-year-old actor Osborn (pictured), who is accused of - and also pleaded not guilty to - helping Pearce dump the girls' bodies

At 1am LAPD officers were banging on the apartment door and Osborn said he saw Pearce attempting to climb out of his bedroom window.

He admitted he was initially deceptive with police about the events of the previous day, omitting to tell detectives that he had driven the women home from the rave in his Hyundai.

Osborn called it a tragic and traumatizing event and that afterwards all I could think about was the well-being of those girls.

The following day, Olsten told a friend he was upset about having to clean up the three-bedroom, second-floor apartment at 8641 Olympic Boulevard after removing the women.

He was on set shooting a scene for NCIS when he was arrested by police on Dec. 15, a month after the horrific deaths. Peace and Ansbach were also arrested on the same day.

At one point, while being held in a police cell with Pearce and Ansbach, Osborn referred to the women as f**king junkies.

Osborn said he came to his harsh opinion after hearing the women talk about taking ketamine and doing a lot of drugs at the annual Burning Man festival held in the Nevada desert.

The court heard from prosecutor Seth Carmack that Osborn told a friend that he was upset at having to clean up the room that Giles had been in.

David Pearce - who has been charged with both women's manslaughter - is seen with Cabrales-Arzola on the evening she and Giles died

Giles, a model and aspiring actress from Alabama and living in Los Angeles, was found murdered on November 13, 2021

'Was that because Ms. Giles was cold to the touch and not breathing and soiled the bed, he asked Osborn, who responded, I guess so.

The court heard a cell recording of Pearce telling Osborn, No one died at our place. Osborn can be heard responding, Well, Christy did.

Olsen said he had 'no knowledge whatsoever of what drugs Pearce had given Giles and Cabrales-Arzola.

In addition to the murder charges, Pearce had been previously charged with several counts of sexual assault against a total of seven victims spanning a 13-year period between 2005 and 2021.

In 2014, prosecutors originally declined to pursue sexual assault charges against him, but after the deaths, several women came forward with stories.

Pearce told the court that the Jane Does 1 to 7 making accusations against him had exaggerated their stories.

He denied sexually assaulting any of the women and claimed they had all lied. 'They wanted to create a narrative, he said.

Osborn pleaded not guilty to helping Pearce dump the girls' bodies.

Giles was allegedly served a fatal cocktail of fentanyl, ketamine, cocaine, heroine, MDMA and the rape drug GHB.

Cabrales-Arzola remained in critical condition until her heartbroken family took her off life support later that month, and days before her 27th birthday

In closing arguments, prosecutor Catherine Ann Mariano told jurors, This trial has established that David Pearce is a sexual predator.

The guy gets off on power and control over vulnerable women through lies and drugs and physical violence.

He didnt care about their boundaries, their privacy. He didnt care about violating them in the most awful way.

And of Giles and Cabrales-Arzola, Mariano said Pearce, didnt want them to live. Defendant Pearce wanted them to die because dead girls dont talk.

She stressed that although the two women had done cocaine at the rave and ketamine beforehand, they were still clearly coherent, talking and able to walk when leaving the rave.

And that it was only once they were back home with Pearce that things turned deadly after he gave them GHB and fentanyl.

But for fentanyl Christy would be alive, said Mariano. The women had been given double the amount needed to put someone out for surgery, she added.

By 11.44am on the fateful day, she said, Osborn knew the two women were in bad shape.

Cabrales-Arzola, an architect and interior designer from Mexico, had traveled to Los Angeles to study and formed a friendship with Giles

Mariano said Pearces goal was to 'Control the narrative with lie, after lie, after lie.

'His own statements show he knew he gave the girls fentanyl and GHB'

She also pointed out the demeanor of the defendants at the hospitals when they dropped of the women and didnt stay to see how they were doing.

The were nonchalant with no sense of urgency.'

Closing arguments are to be continued on Thursday.
Mexican influencer Fofo Marquez, who once claimed he was 'untouchable' and a 'God', has been sentenced to 17 years and six months for the road rage beating of a woman, a court ruled on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old content creator, whose real name is Rodolfo Marquez, was found guilty of attempted femicide by State of Mexico court on January 24.

Fofo Marquez was captured on camera savagely beating Edith Marquez, of no relation, in the parking lot of a mall in Naucalpan on February 22, 2024.

Footage of the assault showed a Fofo Marquez approaching Edith Marquez after her SUV clipped the side mirror of the influencer's car.

Edith Marquez was seen opening her vehicle's door when she was punched and kicked while lying on the ground. Fofo Marquez was confronted by two men before he fled the scene in a vehicle driven by a female companion. He was arrested about two months later, in April.

State of Mexico prosecutors requested a harsher sentence of 40 years while Fofo Marquez's attorneys countered with 13.

During a November court hearing, Marquez rejected a deal that would have shortened the legal proceedings and sentenced him to a minimum of 11 years and eight months.

Edith Marquez held a press conference with reporters outside the court and told them that she felt threatened by the presence of Fofo Marquez's mother, Xochitl Alcaraz, inside the chamber of Judge Jose Carmen Vilchis.

Fofo Marquez's TikTok account is complete with videos showing off his fleet of luxury cars, shopping trips and nightclub exploits

Edith Marquez was brutally beaten by Mexican influencer Fofo Marquez at a mall parking lot in the central city of Naucalpan on February 22, 2024.

'She stood in front of me for as long as she could even though the police were right next to me. She didn't care,' Edith Marquez said. 'That's why she intimidated me even more. I was really scared.

'I'm really panicking. I'm very scared. She looked at me in a direct, threatening way, as if saying, "You're going to pay for this".'

During the sentencing, Fofo Marquez was ordered to pay a fine of $3,279 and a reparation payment of $13,513 to Edith Marquez.

Judge Torres also said that Fofo Marquez must also undergo psychological treatment for at least one year to prevent 'to prevent him from engaging in antisocial behavior or behavior against women in the future.'

Edith Marquez told reporters that she felt threatened by the mother of Fofo Marquez during the sentencing hearing. 'She looked at me in a direct, threatening way, as if saying, 'You're going to pay for this,'' Edith Marquez said

Fofo Marquez was known for flashing his wealth to his 3.7 million followers on his Instagram account, which has now been set private.

He once boasted that his popularity made him an 'untouchable' person.

'I know you're going to say that I'm too sinister and superficial, but what I do is tell the truth: I broke it, you never did, I earn more than your parents, I have sex at least three times a week,' he claimed.

'I got it done; I had to be a star. Famous, powerful, millionaire, with a good body, I'm God, no one can compare to me, there is no human being more perfect than me, I'm young, I earn more than your parents, I'm untouchable.'

Fofo Marquez made headlines in 2022 when he used his fleet of luxury cars to create a major traffic jam by shutting down the Matute Remus Bridge in Guadalajara.

'We are going to close it, we are going to start dancing, do TikToks,' Marquez vowed while he sat in the passenger seat of one of his vehicles. 'So, well, so you can see, so you can see again what money can do here in Mexico.'

Fofo Marquez was caught on camera beating Edith Marquez, of no relation, during a traffic dispute at a mall parking lot in Naucalpan, State of Mexico on February 22, 2024

In 2022, Fofo Marquez filmed himself on TikTok shutting down a bridge in Guadalajara, Mexico with his fleet of luxury car. The viral moment was not taken lightly by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, which issued a threat via a Facebook post

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel allegedly threatened Fofo Marquez via a Facebook post.

'We are the ones who rule here in Jalisco and in all of Mexico, and to you, 'Fofo', we will only tell you to be careful because we will not let you come to Guadalajara believing that you can do whatever you want,' the cartel's warning message read.

'Here in Jalisco, Mr. 'Mencho' rules, if we see you again in Guadalajara because if not, wherever we see you, we will pick you up and then, yes, all your money that you have will not help you.'

Fofo Marquez revealed that he had to hired 30 bodyguards to protect him from the criminal organization, which is led by Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera, who is wanted by the United States.
Pete Buttigieg fired back at Donald Trump, saying he should be 'leading, not lying' after the president blamed him, Barack Obama, Joe Biden and diversity hires for the collision of a commercial plane and military helicopter that took 67 lives.

The former transportation secretary called Trump's comments 'despicable' and noted there were 'zero commercial airline crash fatalities' under his watch.

'Despicable,' Buttigieg wrote on social media after Trump's press conference on the crash.

'As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying. We put safety first, drove down close calls, grew Air Traffic Control, and had zero commercial airline crash fatalities out of millions of flights on our watch,' he noted.

Buttigieg said, that as commander-in-chief, Trump is in charge.

'President Trump now oversees the military and the FAA. One of his first acts was to fire and suspend some of the key personnel who helped keep our skies safe. Time for the President to show actual leadership and explain what he will do to prevent this from happening again.'

Speaking at the White House on Thursday, Trump said Wednesday night's midair collision outside of Reagan National Airport was entirely preventable as he slammed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) recruiting practices in federal agencies.

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said Donald Trump should 'be leading, not lying' as he blasted president

He added that he had some 'pretty good ideas' of how the disaster occurred and vowed to make sure it would never happen again.

The crash, coming a week after Trump took the oath of office, is the first big test of his administration's disaster response. His new transportation secretary, Sean Duffy, was also at the briefing. Duffy was sworn into office the day before the crash.

Trump argued he put 'safety' first as president while Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden prioritized politics. He also called Buttigieg by name, saying he was a 'disaster.'

'He was a disaster as a Mayor. He ran his city into the ground and he's a disaster now. He's just got a good line of bulls***', Trump said of Buttigieg.

Buttigieg was mayor of South Bend, Ind., before Biden elevated him to his Cabinet. He served as Transportation secretary all four years of the Biden administration.

But Trump blasted his tenure, saying: 'The initiative is part of the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) diversity and inclusion hiring plan. Think of that.'

Then he insisted that federal agencies need to be hiring based on intelligence rather than on diversity. He added that Air Traffic Controllers need to be 'geniuses'.

As a reference, he pointed to a report from within the FAA that the workforce was 'too white.'

Buttigieg has bragged about raising FAA staffing during his tenure.

In a December exit interview with USA Today, he talked about his work with flight controllers: 'To put it succinctly, FAA staffing had been on a trajectory of decline, then it stabilized under the Biden administration, and now it's actually going up. It's not that we got it done overnight, it's that we changed the trajectory from a problem that was getting worse to a problem that's getting better.'

Other Democrats were critical of Trump's press conference on the tragedy.

'I just watched President Trump's news conference,' said Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer on the Senate floor.

'Listen, it's one thing for internet pundits to spew off conspiracies, it's another for the president of the United States to throw out idle speculation as bodies are still being recovered.'

Democratic Congresswoman Summer Lee of Pennsylvania called Trump's comments 'absolutely vile.'

'A tragedy happens, and instead of mourning the lives lost, they use it to demonize marginalized people as they continue stripping our rights away. Not to share facts, not to offer condolencesjust to push a bigoted political agenda. Disgusting,' she wrote on social media.

President Donald Trump blamed diversity hiring for the crash

Reporters in the White House briefing room for Trump's statement

President Donald Trump looks at his notes as he blasts Pete Buttigieg and Joe Biden

Welcome to MAGALAND: Insider Trump's Second 100 Days - The podcast bringing you the latest news and gossip from the White House. Listen here.

Trump came to the White House press room to make a statement on the collision between American Eagle plane and a military helicopter. It was the first airline crash in the United States since 2009.

On Wednesday night, American Eagle flight 5342 collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter on a training flight as it approached the runway at Ronald Reagan National Airport.

There were 60 passengers and four crew aboard the flight out of Wichita, and three members of the military aboard the Black Hawk.

All are believed dead. The search and rescue has transitioned to a recovery phase.

Search and rescue workers have pulled 27 bodies from the plane and one from the helicopter.

There has been no official cause for the collision. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating.
Tulsi Gabbard, Donald Trump's selection to become director of national intelligence, spent much of her confirmation hearing feuding with a screaming senator over Edward Snowden.

The 43-year-old former Hawaii Democrat and Colonel in the Army Reserves was pressed by Republicans and Democrats about where her allegiances lay left and right during the three-hour session.

One of Trump's most controversial Cabinet selections, lawmakers on the Senate Intelligence Committee fired off inquiries about Gabbard's qualifications and past praise for adversaries of the U.S. government.

She notoriously has made favorable comments about Vladimir Putin and even visited ex-Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in Damascus in 2017. She later referred to the criticized Syrian visit as a 'fact-finding mission.'

Gabbard was peppered about supporting a bill while in Congress that would have pardoned former NSA analyst Edward Snowden, who leaked a massive array of classified U.S. documents before fleeing to Russia.

Lawmakers noted how his actions threatened U.S. national security - which Gabbard is now tasked with defending - not to mention the lives of countless personnel.

The exchanges over Snowden reached a contentious peak when midway through the hearing Colorado Democrat Michael Bennet began yelling in an ear-bursting tone at Gabbard over her refusal to call the turncoat a 'traitor.'

Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald Trump's choice to be the Director of National Intelligence, appears before the Senate Intelligence Committee for her confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025

Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) questions Gabbard as she testifies during her confirmation hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on January 30, 2025 in Washington, D.C.

Gabbard tried to respond to Bennet but at times he yelled over her reply

'This is when the rubber hits the road,' Bennet yelled at Gabbard. 'This is not even to make sure this is not a moment for social media. It's not a moment to propagate theories or attacks on journalism in the United States.'

'This is when you need to answer the questions of the people whose votes you're asking for to be confirmed as the chief intelligence officer of this nation.'

Bennet gathered himself and asked Gabbard again: 'Is Edward Snowden a traitor to the United States of America? That is not a hard question to answer when the stakes are this high ... your answer yes or no.'

Gabbard began responding: 'I understand how critical our national security [is].'

Bennet exploded again at the Army Colonel: 'Apparently you don't. Apparently you don't.'

However, Gabbard refuted that she is anyone's 'puppet' multiple times during the hearing.

'Those who oppose my nomination imply that I am loyal to something or someone other than God, my own conscience and the Constitution of the United States, accusing me of being Trump's puppet, Putin's puppet, Assad's puppet, a guru's puppet, [or] Modi's puppet, not recognizing the absurdity of simultaneously being the puppet of five different puppet masters.'

'What truly unsettles them is I refuse to be their puppet,' she added, referencing the unnamed forces against her.

Gabbard has said Putin is not solely responsible for the war in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad at the Kremlin in Moscow on September 13, 2021. When the Syrian civil war ended this year with Assad fleeing the country he found refuge in Moscow

The committee's chairman Arkansas Republican Tom Cotton, sought at the outset to ease concern about Gabbard's record.

Cotton slammed Hillary Clinton for previously saying the Russians are 'grooming' Gabbard for later use.

'First, I'm dismayed by the attacks on Ms. Gabbard's patriotism and her loyalty to our country, for instance, Hillary Clinton has smeared Ms. Gabbard, calling her an asset of a foreign nation,' Cotton said.

'Let me remind everyone that Ms Gabbard has served in our army for more than two decades. She has multiple combat tours, and she still wears the uniform to this day,' he said. 'She has undergone five FBI background checks.'

'I spent more than two hours last week reviewing the latest, putting eyes on more than 300 pages. It's clean as a whistle,' he added.

Lawmaker's also grilled Gabbard on her past comments on Joe Rogan's podcast that Putin is not the lone man to blame for the war in Ukraine.

Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in May 2024 before he was deposed and fled to Russia. Gabbard met with him in 2017 in a visit she dubbed a 'fact-finding mission'

'You hear President Biden say, Well, this is Putins war, this is Putins fault. Its Putin whos the one whos solely responsible. Well, the United States and some of these European NATO countries are fueling this war,' Gabbard told the podcaster.

Gabbard later admitted in the hearing: 'Putin started the war in Ukraine.'

Another testy moment came when Virginia Democrat Mark Warner noted that Gabbard may not have the legal qualifications for the role.

Warner also noted she may not have the experience necessary for the role as required by law.

'I continue to have significant concerns about your judgment and your qualifications to meet the standard set by the law,' he said.

When pressed on her apparent support of Assad's dictatorship, the nominee said she does not have any qualms about the ex-leader's deposition.

'I shed no tears for the fall of the Assad regime,' she said.

'I have no love for Assad or Gaddafi, or any dictator. I just hate Al-Qaeda.'
A man accused of driving a 'getaway car' in a 1.4million heist that led to a store manager taking his own life told police 'every man loves a watch', a court has heard.

Store manager Oliver White, 27, was held in a chokehold and bound with cable ties during the raid at 247 Kettles store in Kew Road, Richmond, on May 25 last year.

More than 70 'high-value' watches were taken and jurors were previously told that Mr White died by suicide 'as a direct result' of the incident.

He was found dead in woodland in Shepperton, Surrey, the following day by a close friend after going missing.

Mannix Pedro, 37, and Junior Kunu, 30, have been charged with conspiring with others to commit robbery.

At least two others said to have been involved are at large - Michael Ashman and Kyle Bowrage.

Pedro, who did not enter the shop during the robbery, was 'closely involved in the planning and execution', including the use of a stolen Audi as one of two getaway cars, prosecutors said.

He was first arrested on May 29 and in a police interview that evening he told officers he works in cars and clothing, Woolwich Crown Court has heard.

Store manager Oliver White, 27, was held in a chokehold and bound with cable ties during the raid at 247 Kettles store in Kew Road, Richmond, on May 25 last year

More than 70 'high-value' watches were taken and jurors were previously told that Mr White died by suicide 'as a direct result' of the incident

Oliver pictured with his girlfriend, Alana Dredge. She described it as their 'last photo together'

Pedro told officers he had never bought or sold watches and said a Rolex in his home was fake.

'I think every man loves a watch - cars, watches and women,' he said in the transcript of his police interview read to the court on Thursday.

'We are all the same.'

The court also heard that the gang of suspected robbers chatted on a WhatsApp group called 'job'.

Kunu, Pedro, along with the two fugitives, and another man referred to as 'Suspect 5', had been planning the raid for months, it was said.

Prosecutor Edward Brown, KC referred to group chats between the accomplices, dating from 25 May called '' and 'job'.

Later that evening, in the 'job' group chat, there was a video of the robbery itself.

Months earlier there were discussions between Bowrage, Pedro and unknown man in another group chat.

In it they talk about high-end watches, jewellery and other itmes in stock at Kettles.

Jurors heard a voice note is shared by the unknown man which says: 'I want everything.'

They were also taken through a timeline of events after the robbery.

Pedro drove for hours in the evening after the incident, the court heard, with CCTV and phone tracking showing he drove from Richmond to Woking, Surrey, after the incident and then to Colchester, Essex, a distance of around 100 miles.

The Richmond firm said none of their security procedures were followed during the robbery on Saturday. Pictured: Another look inside their watch showroom

Richmond-based watch dealer 247 Kettles posted this tribute to Oliver on Instagram

At 10.30pm on May 25, a mobile phone linked to the suspects searched for an 'orbital watch winder', a device used for mechanical watches, jurors heard.

Pedro was seen at the food hall of Clacket Lane motorway services off the M25 at 11.23pm.

Mobile phone data shows Pedro arrived home in Cobham, Surrey, in the early hours of the morning, jurors were told.

On the evening of May 26, Pedro drove a BMW X4 up north to Bowrage's home in Rotherham and travelled to Sheffield and Doncaster before returning to Bowrage's address at 2.20am on May 27, the court heard.

The pair then left to return to London at 7.36am.

Prosecutor Edward Brown KC previously told jurors that Bowrage and Ashman fled abroad soon after May 25 and have not yet been arrested.

Earlier on Thursday, jurors were told data extracted by detectives from one of Pedro's phones seized when he was arrested showed searches for 'Rolex watch dial' were made on May 28, the day before he was arrested.

One of Pedro's phone numbers also forwarded images to a contact saved as Peace And Love which matched with Kettles 247's master stocklist provided to police by Mr White, the court heard.

Pedro, of Cobham, and Kunu, of Mitcham, south-west London, deny the charges.

None of the watches have been recovered, Mr Brown previously said.

The trial continues.
It started with a moment's silence for the victims of Wednesday night's plane crash.

And Donald Trump's prepared remarks ended with a call for prayers of comfort for those who lost loved ones.

So far so good. But in between, he railed against diversity hiring practises for air traffic controllers, including people with dwarfism and complete paralysis, accused his predecessor Joe Biden of watering down standards, and slammed former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg for having 'a good line of bulls***.'

He even delivered a trigger warning before holding forth in a packed White House briefing room.

'We do not know what led to this crash, but we have some very strong opinions and ideas, and I think we'll probably state those opinions now,' he said.

It took Biden almost four years to make an appearance in the briefing room.

Trump arrived at the raised lectern in front of the TV cameras after just 10 days to offer an update on the tragedy on the approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, about three miles away.

While Biden's word count would decline during crises, giving way to officials and cabinet secretaries to take questions at the podium, Trump's word count goes up, just as it did when the COVID pandemic struck five years ago.

President Donald Trump used the White House briefing room to call for unity in the wake of Wednesday's plane crash, before railing against diversity hiring practices

Standing room only in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House

The result was intense excitement in the briefing room once his appearance was announced.

All 49 seats were occupied well before showtime. Correspondents stood two deep in the narrow aisles, throwing occasional elbows to protect the best views.

'It's sardine time,' said one late arrival.

The lights and bodies made the temperature tick up before Trump arrived, 20 minutes late.

He was trailed by key figures in the investigation: Vice President J.D. Vance, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

They took the seats at the side of the room. A shakeup this week had set them aside for members of new media, but that was before 67 people were killed in the nation's worst aviation disaster in almost 24 years.

'We are one family, and today we are all heart broken,' said Trump as he read from his prepared script, voice somber. 'We're all searching for answers.'

After the words of consolation and unity came the politics.

An investigation would bring answers, he said. In the meantime, Trump had opinions.

Welcome to MAGALAND: Insider Trump's Second 100 Days - The podcast bringing you the latest news and gossip from the White House. Listen here.

FBI agents on the scene after American Eagle flight 5342 collided with a Black Hawk helicopter on approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and crashed into Potomac River

'We do not know what led to this crash, but we have some very strong opinions and ideas, and I think we'll probably state those opinions now,' said Trump

It took President Joe Biden almost four years to appear at the lectern in the briefing room. Trump arrived there after just 10 days to give an update and take questions

He said he had increased standards for hiring air traffic controllers during his first term, improvements he claimed were undone by Biden.

'They have to be talented, naturally talented geniuses,' he said. 'They can't have regular people doing their job. They won't be able to do it.'

He listed what he said were guidelines for hiring on the Federal Aviation Administration website.

'The FAA website states they include hearing, vision, missing extremities, partial paralysis, complete paralysis, epilepsy, severe intellectual disability, psychiatric disability and dwarfism ... all qualify for the position of a controller of airplanes pouring into our country, pouring into a little spot on the map ... a little runway,' he said.

His administration would hire only the best people was the message, unlike Buttigieg, former transportation secretary.

He's a disaster. He was a disaster as a mayor,' he said. 'He ran his city into the ground, and he's a disaster. Now he's just got a good line of bulls***.'

Trump campaigned on a message that he would restore common sense to government. And on Thursday he demonstrated what that meant as he explored the causes of the crash.

'It just seems to me from a couple of words that I like to use ... the words "common sense" ... some really bad things happened, and some things happened that shouldn't have happened,' he said.

'You had a helicopter that was at the exact same height as somebody going in essentially the opposite direction. You had a plane that was following a track, which is a track that every other plane followed,' he said.

An FBI agent retrieves debris a day after the crash in Arlington, Virginia

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy shared his thoughts during briefing

Trump said Americans should still feel safe about flying despite the crash

And then he suggested that the presence of a preceding plane may have complicated things.

'So you had a confluence of of bad decisions.'

His supporting cast knew their roles.

When Duffy was invited to the podium to say a few word he opened with: 'Thank you, Mr. President, and I would just note the president's leadership has been remarkable.'

Hands shot in the air when the president turned it over to reporters to ask questions. Photographers tutted as stretched arms suddenly blocked their shots.

The first question cut to the nub of his briefing: What evidence do you have that diversity initiatives could have been to blame for the crash?

'It just could have been,' he said.

'You have to go by brain power. You have to go by psychological quality...these are very powerful tests that we put to use and they were terminated by Biden.'

He had spent much of the 30 minutes outlining what he saw as systemic problems with hiring in the aviation sector.

So should Americans feel hesitant about flying?

'No not at all. I don't hesitate to fly...' said the owner of a private 757 and the passenger-in-chief of Air Force One. 'The collision is just something we don't expect to happen again.'
A rug spotted at a Goodwill store with an eye-watering price tag of $6,000 has shoppers crying foul.

Thrifting expert Grace Law posted a video on her popular Instagram account showing her inside an undisclosed Goodwill location where she discovered the pricey floor piece.

The 22-foot long, 15-foot wide 'vintage Afghan' rug had even been discounted from a whopping $17,000.

'I have never in the endless amount of true thrift stores seen something priced this high before in-store,' Law wrote in her video caption.

'A rug this size isn't something you see everyday, nor does the typical person have space for [it].'

Viewers were similarly shocked by the price.

'Hi - Goodwill did you forget Everything is donated That is Absolutely Ridiculous,' one commenter wrote.

'I refuse to shop or donate to goodwill anymore. Disgusting,' another added.

Thrifting expert Grace Law posted a video on her popular Instagram account showing her inside an undisclosed Goodwill location where she discovered the pricey floor piece

Goodwill said the $6,000 rug originally cost $17,000

Others took the thrift store chain to task for the prices of all of its items.

'I've been thrifting for years and years bc its affordable (or was),' one commenter wrote.

'I genuinely appreciate more unique items and the chance to own something that I can't afford new. Do better Goodwill! Your clothes are expensive now too.'

Another stated: 'The rug looks beautiful but recently I feel that @goodwillintl is trippin with its prices.'

One shopper claimed they no longer frequent Goodwill.

'That's a ridiculous price. I quit shopping Goodwill here in Ohio,' the person wrote.

'They send all the "good stuff" to their online auction site. What's left is actually high priced junk.'

Multiple people insisted that no one would buy the rug and that it would end up in 'storage' or thrown in the trash.

'They'll probably end up selling it for $200 or it will end up at the bins,' one commented.

'Even on 50% off day, it's still gonna sit there - Hope they like looking at it,' another said.

However, some said it was a fair price.

'Wow I mean, from a "value" perspective I understand the price,' one commenter wrote.

'If its hand made of wool some go for up to 85k..,' another claimed.

Goodwill has been a popular thrift store chain for over a century

Goodwill has been a popular thrift store chain for over 100 years and it had over $63 million in revenue during its 2023-2024 fiscal year.

The company also sells it products online through multiple websites, including GoodwillFinds and ShopGoodwill.

GoodwillFinds is currently selling a Faux Hide Cowprint Rug for only $95.99.

ShopGoodwill has a variety of items up for auction, including a Hunting Home-brand fabric rug with a $7.99 opening bid.

Daily Mail has reached out to Goodwill for comment.
The controversial Bibby Stockholm barge, which was previously used to house migrants, has been towed away two months after the final asylum seekers left the ship.

Under the previous Tory government the barge had been used as a controversial method of dealing with the migrant crisis.

However, after Labour won last year's general election, Sir Keir Starmer announced that the facility would closed and the final eight asylum seekers on board disembarked the ship in November.

Now the barge has sailed out of Portland Harbour in Dorset for the final time after the contract expired this month.

While the Bibby Stockholm was touted as a cheap method to house migrants - which was costing the taxpayer 8m to put thousands of migrants up in hotels - it also garnered a lot of criticism.

During its time in Portland the barge caused controversy among local residents who regularly clashed over it outside the port gates.

One group of human rights activists labelled the conditions on board as inhumane and offered support for the asylum seekers.

Others were unhappy that hundreds of men from the barge were allowed to come and go and use already overstretched local resources such as GP surgerys and dental practices.

The controversial Bibby Stockholm barge, which was previously used to house migrants, has been towed away two months after the final asylum seekers left the ship

The Bibby Stockholm in August 2023. Under the previous Tory government the barge had been used as a controversial method of dealing with the migrant crisis

Within two weeks of arriving the barge had to be evacuated after traces of Legionella bacteria were found in the on-board water system.

In December 2023 Albanian national Leonard Farruku hanged himself in his shower after suffering mental health issues on board.

About 300 of the men were removed in October last year with the final eight leaving in November.

The asylum seekers have been dispersed around the country to hotels in places like Cardiff, Wolverhampton and Bristol.

The now empty barge slipped its moorings at just after 3pm today and was pulled out of the harbour by a tug.

Shocking figures revealed that nearly 37,000 arrived in the UK on small boats last year.

A jump of 25 per cent from the 29,437 who arrived in 2023, according to provisional figures from the Home Office.

The crossings continue even as the number of reported deaths has risen sixfold as callous smugglers adopt even riskier tactics to maximise profits.

At least 77 people perished on the perilous sea route in 2024 compared to 12 in 2023, according to French officials - making it the worst year on record as overall crossings rose by a quarter.

The now empty barge slipped its moorings at just after 3pm today and was pulled out of the harbour by a tug

Asylum seekers leaving the barge in October last year. They have been dispersed around the country to hotels in places like Cardiff, Wolverhampton and Bristol

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Campaigners have urged the UK Government to publish data on migrant deaths as it currently does not confirm any figures.

Evidence points to migrants crossing on increasingly dangerous boats with little or no safety equipment.

According to the Marine Traffic website one of the tugs towing it is is bound for Holland.

A spokesperson for Portland Port, which was rumoured to have been paid more than 2m for housing the Bibby, refused to comment.

The Home Office have been approached for a comment.
Yvette Cooper tonight dodged on when the number of Channel migrant crossings will fall under Labour's plan to tackle the small boats crisis.

The Home Secretary has unveiled proposed new laws to crack down on people smuggling gangs, as part of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill.

This includes migrants who prevent rescues in the Channel taking place until they reach UK waters facing up to five years in jail.

And those selling and handling boat parts suspected of being used in migrant crossings face up to 14 years in prison under the legislation.

But, in an interview with Sky News, Ms Cooper refused to say when Labour's adoption of counter-terror style powers would have an impact on the rate of crossings.

'We're bringing these new powers in in the course of this year because we said in our manifesto we would bring in new counter-terror style powers to go after the criminal gangs,' she said.

'They have been getting away with it for far too long. They had six years of just being able to take hold, undermining our border security and putting lives at risk.

'So that's why we're bringing these in as a first major piece of legislation to do that, because, frankly, we have to tackle these dangerous boat crossings and the criminal gangs that are profiting from them.'

Pressed twice more for a timescale on when migrant numbers would begin to come down, Ms Cooper would only say she wanted 'all of the action to have an impact as fast as possible'.

Yvette Cooper tonight dodged on when the number of Channel migrant crossings will fall under Labour's plan to tackle the small boats crisis

Under Labour's plan, asylum seekers who try to stop French coastguards saving them or who rush onto overcrowded dinghies on beaches will be targeted under a new offence of endangering lives at sea.

Those arriving in English ports in dinghies will also have their mobile phones seized as part of attempts to gather more intelligence on the organised crime gangs behind the trade.

It will also become a crime to collect information on illegal crossings including looking up routes or vessels, and to handle boat parts such as engines used by the gangs.

And suspected people-smugglers will face being banned from using phones or laptops under counter-terror-style powers enabling police to intervene earlier in their investigations.

The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, published by the Home Office, will also reverse many of the Tories' previous attempts to stop the boats including formally repealing the Rwanda deportation scheme.

However the power to detain children and the ban on migrants claiming modern slavery protections will remain in place despite Labour opposing them before they won the election.

It comes after close to 37,000 people crossed the Channel illegally in 2024 in what was the deadliest year on record with at least 78 deaths at sea as gangs crammed ever more people onto the flimsy boats.

Migrants in an overcrowded dinghy off the coast of Gravelines in France on January 17

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Migrants are bought ashore from dinghies in the Channel last month

Ms Cooper said: 'Over the last six years, criminal smuggling gangs have been allowed to take hold all along our borders, making millions out of small boat crossings.

'This Bill will equip our law enforcement agencies with the powers they need to stop these vile criminals, disrupting their supply chains and bringing more of those who profit from human misery to justice.

'These new counter terror-style powers, including making it easier to seize mobile phones at the border, along with statutory powers for our new Border Security Command to focus activity across law enforcement agencies and border force will turbocharge efforts to smash the gangs.'

Border Security Commander Martin Hewitt added: 'These crucial measures will underpin our enforcement action across the system, and together with our strengthened relationships with international partners, we will bring down these gangs once and for all.'

But Tory MP Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, said: 'This is a weak Bill from a weak Government. It just re-announces steps the last Government took already, and beyond that only engages in minor tinkering - for example, taking phones off illegal immigrants when they arrive. That won't stop the boats.

'As the National Crime Agency said, an effective removals deterrent is needed to stop the boats, but there is nothing about a returns deterrent for all illegal migrants in Labour's Bill.'
A man who went to buy a custard slice after strangling his son's partner to death has been found guilty of murder.

Sophie Evans, 30, was found naked face down at home on a kitchen floor with a towel tied to a cupboard on her throat.

Her boyfriend's father, Richard Jones, 50, had killed her in July last year at the house in Llanelli, west Wales, and was today convicted from Swansea Crown Court.

It was heard that after the killing he was spotted at the award-winning Jenkins Bakery ordering their renowned custard slice and tuna roll.

He then headed home to Burry Port with the goods - around a 15-minute drive from where he left Ms Evans on the kitchen floor.

Jones had visited the mum-of-two at her home to help unblock a drain before killing her minutes later.

Sophie had answered the door in a towel after coming out of the shower - expecting Jones to do some handy work in the property.

Prosecutor Michael Jones KC said: 'What we know is in that house he physically and repeatedly attacked Ms Evans before strangling her to death..'

Sophie Evans (pictured), from Llanelli, Wales, was found lying face down on her kitchen floor

Prosecutor Michael Jones KC said that Jones had visited Sophie Evans at her home in Llanelli, west Wales, before the killing. Prosecutor Jones said: 'What we know is in that house he physically and repeatedly attacked Ms Evans before strangling her to death'

He added: 'The prosecution case is that when he strangled Sophie Evans to death he knew what he was doing.

'He literally took matters into his own hands that day in that kitchen and murdered her.'

Ring doorbell footage played at court showed Jones leaving the house at Bigyn Road at 10am - 44 minutes after arriving that morning.

The footage showed him run to his car before running back into the property and leave five minutes later with a rolled up cigarette in his mouth - and drive away.

He then went to Jenkins Bakery to order a tuna roll and a custard slice before CCTV footage showed him arriving home in Burry Port at 10.29am with the packets from the bakery.

He later left the house with a yellow box minutes later.

Sophie's dad Neil Evans said he received three missed calls from his daughter that morning - two at 9.24am and one at 9.25am - while at work.

The heartbroken dad explained he returned the calls at 9.39am and 9.44am when he was on a break, but they were not answered and they showed as cancelled calls.

It was heard that after the killing Jones was spotted at the award-winning Jenkins Bakery ordering their renowned custard slice and tuna roll

Police said that telecommunications evidence showed Jones admitted killing Sophie in a phone conversation with his ex-partner Tracey Thompson.

He called Ms Thompson at 4.48pm on July 5 and the call lasted just under eight minutes, before texting her: 'Don't say a word please.'

But Ms Thompson called the police to inform them of what she had heard at 5.27pm.

The court heard that police were then dispatched to reports of an incident at Bigyn Road.

When officers entered the property, they found Sophie 'completely undressed' with her head in a towel - which was suspended from a kitchen cabinet.

The PC added that she was 'stone cold' to the touch.

Dyfed-Powys Police acting sergeant Lisa Jones said Sophie's body was on the floor of the kitchen when she arrived - noting 'extreme bruising' on the upper arms.

Jones was arrested later that night at 8.02pm at a roadside - and then charged with attempted murder on July 11.

He told police he couldn't remember what condition Sophie was in when he left her house.

A post-mortem examination showed Sophie was physically attacked and assaulted - and sustained multiple injuries, including defensive injuries.

The post-mortem concluded a medical cause of death as compression to the neck.

Mr Jones KC told the court a notepad was found in Jones' vehicle following the death.

It stated: 'I got scammed and rinsed by my own son so I dealt with it myself. Had no other choice.'

The court heard that Sophie was in a relationship with Jones' son Jamie Davies at the time and a mother of two young children.

Sophie moved into Jamie's property in April 2023 and was paying the mortgage while Jamie was remanded at HMP Swansea facing charges of supplying drugs and money laundering.

The court heard that Jones had felt scammed by Sophie and Jamie as he was 'duped' into signing a document stating Sophie was a tenant and Jones was the landlord.

The jury has been told this information was false and amounted to fraud.

Days before killing Sophie, Jones made internet searches including: 'Is paternity fraud a crime in the UK?'

He also searched: 'I was duped into signing a mortgage, is there a way out of it?' And: 'Where are my deed titles held and do I need them?'

After Sophie's death, Jones told Dyfed-Powys Police officers in interviews that he was being taken advantage of financially by them and he had 'lost his temper' before the killing in July last year.

Dr Dilum Jayawickrama, a consultant psychiatrist, said he believed Jones' ability to make a rational judgment was 'impaired' at the time of the killing.

Jones told the doctor that he had 'flipped' and that he would 'have to go to prison for what he had done'.

He added Jones' behaviour was consistent with someone displaying 'diminished responsibility.'

David Elias KC, defending, said there is no dispute that Richard Jones killed Sophie Evans.

Mr Elias said: 'We haven't had to relive the last details of Sophie Evans' life.

'We haven't had to do that because he has pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Richard Jones has accepted what he did.'

He urged the jury to be careful in assuming Jones could not have been experiencing a psychiatric episode because he was rational before and after the killing.

After the jury found him guilty today, Jones was taken down to the cells and a shout of 'scumbag' were heard from the public gallery.

Judge Geraint Walters thanked the jurors and said: 'Get on with your lives. Put aside this case.'

People in the public gallery gave a round of applause to the jury as jurors left court.

A sentencing date is set for March 3.
A Nicaraguan teenager living in the United States illegally was detained by ICE agents after she allegedly pushed her brother inside their home over a disagreement about a cellphone.

Zeneyda Barrera, 18, was thrust into a nightmare situation when police arrived at her door after a neighbor made a report of a disturbance in their home, in the US state of Massachusetts.

Police arrested Barrera for assault and battery on a family or household member, even though her brother wasn't injured.

Barrera was appointed a criminal defense attorney, who was later informed that ICE officers had obtained a detainer request for the teenager.

Barrera's lawyer Patrick Callahan said he was shocked when ICE got involved, as the teen has work authorization.

The family illegally immigrated to the US two years ago from Nicaragua but turned themselves into immigration authorities after crossing the border, Callahan told the Boston Globe.

They are in the process of applying for asylum, and Barrera is currently employed at Chipotle and attends the local high school.

Callahan said that since Barrera's family is in asylum proceedings, she should be granted temporary permission to be in the country.

Zeneyda Barrera was detained by ICE after a household spat with her younger brother

Barrera was detained by ICE after she was arrested on assault and battery charges

Barrera's detainment is the latest in ICE raids across the country

'This is very unusual that a person, without being convicted, with no other criminal history, with legal status, was to be taken into custody,' he told the publication.

Callahan added that the situation was, 'really horrifying.'

It's unclear how ICE was tipped off to Barrera's arrest. A spokesperson for Mayor Jared Nicholson told Dailymail.com that the Lynn Police Department doesn't ask for immigration status during arrests.

'We have been told that ICE would be targeting violent offenders whose presence puts our community at risk. Based on what we have learned so far, that is not what is happening in this case,' Mayor Nicholson said in a statement.

'The facts here show that in order to genuinely partner with communities on public safety, ICE needs to take all the circumstances into account. The young woman who has been detained has been separated from her family and is at risk of being deported into an impossible situation,' the statement continued.

'Her mother is desperately trying to understand what is happening. We have referred her to legal resources and alerted our federal representatives, who are looking into the case.'

Nicholson added that authorities are concerned that this incident will prevent people from reporting crimes out of fear of retaliation.

Barrera's mother, Zeneyda Hernandez-Molina, 37, told the Globe that her family is now in fear of detainment and she is concerned for her daughter's well-being.

Barrera is in eleventh grade at the local high school and works at Chipotle

Barrera's mother told local media that she was concerned for her daughter and maintained that she wasn't a criminal

'She's never gotten in trouble before', the family's GoFundMe description reads.

Hernandez-Molina described her daughter as studious and a hard worker. She said that Barrera shares her paychecks from Chipotle with her family.

She added that authorities were 'treating her like a delinquent,' adding that her daughter is, 'the joy of this household.'

Barrera's brother, William, said that she was 'very caring' and 'positive,' buying him gifts including clothes and Air Jordan's. He said that he had no idea their little argument would turn into a catastrophe.

Barrera's cousin is organizing a GoFundMe for her family to move to a new apartment.

She described Barrera as family-oriented, adding that she would never hurt anyone and wasn't a threat to the public.

After ICE detained her, Barrera was taken to the Cumberland County Jail in Portland, Maine.

Her family calls her multiple times a day through the jail's phone system. In an interview with the Globe, Barrera said that her brother was in tears the last time they spoke.

'I thought I wasn't going to be able to see my mother again,' Barrera told the publication.

Barrera's brother told local media that he loved his sister and she cared deeply for their family

Barrera's family has applied for asylum and is awaiting a court hearing

Barrera's mother was in tears telling local media about her daughter's shocking arrest and detainment

Barrera has no criminal record and her family says she's a hard worker, a good student, and loves her family

She was emotional when recalling her last phone call with her brother, telling the Globe that, 'his life isn't going to be the same.' Barrera added that she's considering self-deporting herself back to Nicaragua.

Callahan plans to work with the Essex district attorney's office to dismiss Barrera's case. She has no criminal record and her family has an asylum hearing scheduled for October.

Barrera's detainment comes as President Donald Trump and newly appointed Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem are cracking down on illegal immigration.

Noem tagged along for an ICE removal operation in New York City on Tuesday, posting a video to her X account claiming that she was 'getting the dirt bags off the streets.'

On Wednesday, ICE posted on its official X account that the agency made over 1,000 arrests in one day. The account has begun posting daily statistics, which range from 500 to over 1,000 arrests. The numbers are a stark contrast to a few hundred arrests per day under the Biden administration.

The ramping up of ICE arrests is a result of a slew of executive orders signed on Trump's first day in office.

Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border and ordered reconstruction of the border wall, an increased army presence, and more detention space for undocumented migrants.

Barrera was arrested in Lynn, Massachusetts after a neighbor called the police reporting a disturbance in her family apartment

ICE raids have been reported across the country following Trump's immigration crackdown

Critics of Trump's immigration crackdown fear that migrants who don't pose risks to the public will be deported

He also suspended the US Refugee Admissions program. On Wednesday, Noem announced that her department would be canceling Temporary Protection Status for migrants from countries deemed unsafe.

Trump signed his first piece of legislation, the Laken Riley Act into law on the same day, which expands deportation measures.

The bill was named in honor of a Georgia nursing student who was killed by an undocumented immigrant in the US.

It permits deportation of undocumented migrants for minor theft/shoplifting, burglary, larceny, or assault.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on ABC's Good Morning America that those who crossed the southern border illegally or overstayed their visa could be subject to deportation.

Enhanced ICE operations have already begun in Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, Denver, Miami, Atlanta, Seattle, and multiple cities across Texas.

Dailymail.com reached out to the Lynn Police Department and ICE for comment on Barrera's case but didn't immediately hear back.
A Muslim convert who threatened to 'flatten' a mosque and kill an Islamic cleric who criticised terrorism has been found guilty of preparing for terrorist acts.

Video footage released by West Midlands Police after Jason Savage was convicted showed the 35-year-old filming near a mosque in Wright Street, Small Heath, Birmingham.

On the video, Savage, also from Small Heath, recorded himself saying: 'That seems like the best way to get away - the police will probably come from that way.'

As well as charting different routes into the mosque, Savage, who had adapted the handle of a knife found at his home, was heard to say: 'Just needs the means now.

'Ask Allah to give man the means bro.'

Jurors at Birmingham Crown Court deliberated for five hours and 48 minutes before unanimously convicting Savage on Thursday of a single count of engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts on or before March 14 last year.

A three-week trial was told Savage was arrested shortly after sending online messages to someone he did not know was an undercover officer, saying he was waiting to see what 'opportunities come to present itself'.

Jurors also heard that Savage had taken screenshots of the West Midlands Police headquarters, police stations in Perry Barr and Stechford and various military locations in Birmingham, and told the undercover officer he was putting his neck on a 'chopping block'.

Muslim convert Jason Savage threatened to 'flatten' a mosque and kill an Islamic cleric who criticised terrorism

Jurors unanimously convicted Savage of a single count of engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts on or before March 14 last year

Opening the case for the Crown on January 14, prosecutor Peter Ratliff alleged that Savage had planned to commit and film an attack.

He told the court the defendant converted to Islam at some point in the 2010s and followed an 'extreme and violent' part of the Salafi movement of which organisations such as al Qaida and so-called Islamic State were 'particularly notorious' examples.

Prosecutors alleged that Savage had carried out reconnaissance with a view to attacking a cleric, bookstore and mosque in the Small Heath area, whose approach to the Salafi movement was 'entirely at odds' with his own.

The mosque, store and publishing house advocated a strand of Salafism that stresses the importance of non-involvement in social or political activism, the court heard, while the cleric was an 'outspoken critic' of Islamist terrorism, arguing that it was entirely incompatible with the true essence of Islam.

Taking the jury through social media posts and other messages written by the defendant, Mr Ratliff said: 'One of those he was in contact with was, although he didn't know it, an undercover officer.

'A key feature of the defendant's words and writings was his real disapproval of 'disbelievers' - but particularly those he considered were false followers of Islam.'

By February 2024, the court heard, Savage was referring to watching knife-fighting techniques on YouTube and posted a video of Osama bin Laden.

Mr Ratliff said Savage claimed the mosque he filmed outside needed 'flattening' and spoke about how his alleged targets were to be 'hunted down'.

Jurors also heard that at some point in early 2024 Savage broke the handle off a kitchen knife and replaced it with cloth

Savage was found to have been watching knife-fighting techniques on YouTube and spoke in his videos about how his alleged targets were to be 'hunted down'. Pictured: A knife found in his home

Jurors at Birmingham Crown Court deliberated for five hours and 48 minutes before unanimously convicting Savage of preparing terrorist acts

Jurors also heard that at some point in early 2024 Savage broke the handle off a kitchen knife and replaced it with cloth, before changing his social media status to 'Lone Wolf'.

On March 11, the court heard, Savage went to the area around the mosque and recorded three videos on his mobile phone.

Two days later, the jury heard, Savage made internet searches about homemade firearms and ammunition, including pipe guns, nail guns, firing pin mechanisms and shell casings.

His conduct also included research into the manufacture of components of firearms and the 'lethal use of knives'.

Savage was remanded in custody by Mrs Justice Farbey, who ordered pre-sentence and psychiatric reports to be prepared before sentencing on April 11.
Democratic Senator Maggie Hassan broke down in tears at the confirmation hearing for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as lawmakers debated vaccine science.

Kennedy was appearing on Capitol Hill for a second confirmation hearing as senators decide whether they will confirm the controversial nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.

The hearing delved into a wide range of issues that exposed a rift in the Republican party over vaccines while other lawmakers focused on Kennedy's past posts about 9/11 conspiracy theories.

But the hearing took a dramatic turn when Hassan became visibly emotional addressing her colleagues as several backed studying the links between vaccines and autism.

'You may not know that I am the proud mother of a 36-year-old young man with severe cerebral palsy,' Hassan said as her voice started to shake.

'And a day does not go by when I dont think about what did I do when I was pregnant with him that might have caused the hydrocephalus that has so impacted his life?' she said.

'So please do not suggest that anybody in those body of either political party doesnt want to know what the cause of autism is. You know how many friends I have with children with Autism?' she said fiercely.

Senator Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) became deeply emotional while sharing her story about her son with cerebral palsy during the confirmation hearing for Robert Kennedy Jr.

She said the problem with Kennedy's response about what causes autism is that he re-litigates settled science.

Hassan said because of it they cannot move forward and find out the actual cause of autism.

'Mr. Kennedy, that first autism study rocked my world. And like every mother, I worried about whether in fact vaccine had done something to my son, and you know what, it was a tiny study of about 12 kids,' Hassan told Kennedy.

'And over time the scientific community studied and studied and studied and found that it was wrong. And the journal retracted the study, because sometimes science is wrong. We make progress,' she said.

Hassan told Kennedy when he continues to sow doubt about settle science it makes it 'impossible to move forward' and 'freezes us in place.'

Senator Hassan pictured with her son Ben who has cerebral palsy in a post she shared on social media. During the hearing on Wednesday, Hassan slammed suggesting that anybody doesnt want to know what the cause of autism is

Kennedy was on Capitol Hill for a second confirmation hearing after being tapped by President Trump to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, but some senators from both parties accused him of undermining vaccines with his past work

Her remarks came as three Republicans in the committee Markwayne Mullin, Rand Paul and Tommy Tuberville openly questioned or rejected vaccines and one accused Democrats of attacking Kennedy because of politics over substance.

'I don't understand why my colleagues all of a sudden say we can't question science,' Mullin said.

'It absolutely blows my mind that all of a sudden it's such shame that Bobby's sitting up here, he's questioning science because I guarantee you if he was sitting here, and he was going to be the secretary of HHS underneath the former President Biden...I would bet you, you guys would have his back 100 percent, and would enjoy the fact he's questioning science,' Mullin told Democrats.

'My god, if we didn't question science where would we be today?' Mullin asked.

He raised concerns over vaccines and argued they should be question it and with the rise in autism 'why wouldn't we be looking at everything?'

Mullin suggested everyone in the room knows one person with a kid who suffers from autism.

'And you guys are all saying that Bobby can't question it?' Mullin asked.

He suggested they only oppose Kennedy because he was backed by Trump, and thanked Kennedy for questioning it.

After the accusation, Hassan addressed the Oklahoma senator by name and noted that she has voted to confirm other Trump nominees before launching into her emotional story.

Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) accused Democrats of not backing Kennedy only because he was nominated by Trump. He also slammed senators for not questioning science as some raised concerns over Kennedy's past anti-vaccine work

But while some Republican lawmakers sowed doubt about vaccines, GOP Chairman Bill Cassidy, a physician, praised vaccinations and sounded alarms about Kennedy's stance.

Cassidy talked about his personal experience as a doctor and working to vaccinate children so they don't die from a disease preventible with a vaccine.

He said Kennedy has a huge following and many trust him over a physician, so he needs to know what the nominee would do with their trust.

Cassidy noted that Kennedy is telling senators he's pro-vaccine but it was not clear what he would tell parents and said Kennedy's past comments undermining vaccines concerns him.

'Will you reassure mothers unequivocally and without qualification that the measles and hepatitis B vaccines do not cause autism?' Cassidy asked, noting multiple studies show vaccines do not cause autism.

If the data is there, I will absolutely do that, Kennedy told him.

What concerns me is you cast doubt on some of these vaccines... but the data as been there a long time,' Cassidy said.

By the end of the hearing, Cassidy appeared to still be grappling with whether he would vote for Kennedy and suggested he looks at a preponderance of evidence to support vaccines while Kennedy pulls selective evidence to cast doubt.

Does a 70, 71-year-old man whos spend decades criticizing vaccines and whos financial vested in finding fault with vaccines change his attitude and approach now that hell have the most important position influencing vaccine policy in the United States?,' he asked.

'Will you continue as you have been or will you overturn a new leaf at 70? Cassidy continued. He said he still has to figure it out.

Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) signaled he was still grappling with whether he would vote to confirm Kennedy. While the HELP Committee he chairs does not vote to advance the nomination, he also sits on the Senate Finance Committee which does vote. Cassidy has raised concerns with Kennedy's past anti-vaccine work despite him telling senators now that he's pro-vaccine

It was one of multiple times throughout the hearing where Kennedy skeptics raised concerns over his past comments and questioning of evidence or data.

In another eye-popping moment from the hearing, Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va) brought a poster that showed Kennedy's post from July 2024 in which he questioned 9/11.

'My take on 9/11: Its hard to tell what is a conspiracy theory and what isnt, the post read.

Kaine told Kennedy point blank 'we dont need folks giving oxygen to conspiracy theories about 9/11' and asked the nominee why he decided to post about 9/11 conspiracy theories in 2024.

Senator, the dramatic drop in trust in our government, Kennedy said.

Kaine took issue with Kennedy also writing in the post I wont take sides on 9/11' and asked Kennedy if he finds it hard to tell in general what is a conspiracy theory and what is not.

My father told me when I was 13 years old, he told me people in authority lie, and that the job of a citizen in every democracy is to maintain a fierce skepticism of government authority, Kennedy said.
President Donald Trump's order to freeze foreign aid spending has triggered warnings that it will undermine security at a vast camp in the Syrian desert that holds tens of thousands of Islamic State members.

It comes at a time of high anxiety in the region, after the toppling of the nation's ruler Bashar al-Assad and signs of an I.S.I.S. resurgence.

The Trump administration says a 90-day funding freeze is crucial to identifying where money is being wasted around the globe.

But it also illustrates how aid is frequently spent to bolster Washington's foreign policy goals.

Officials at the Al Hol camp fear that without U.S. support, which pays for security cameras and other gear to secure gates, they could struggle to maintain control over 39,000 ISIS members, their families and refugees.

'The Al Hol camp is full of ISIS remnants,' Jihan Hanan, the camp director and an official in the regional government, told the New York Times. 'Our prisons are full of ISIS fighters.

'They pose a huge threat to the people of this region. We were the ones who fought on the front lines against ISIS. We were Americas partners.

'They should continue with us to the end  or at least until we can ensure peace and security for this region.'

Officials at the Al Hol camp fear that without U.S. support they could struggle to maintain control over 39,000 ISIS members, their families and refugees

The camp has been branded a breeding ground for terrorism

Jihan Hanan, the camp director and an official in the regional government, told the New York Times: 'Our prisons are full of ISIS fighters.'

The camp has been branded a breeding ground for terrorism.

Trump's executive order, first revealed by DailyMail.com, was signed last Monday.

That prompted Secretary of State Marco Rubio to order a halt to all foreign aid spending, including to the American contractor Proximity International.

It runs a program that trains and equips community police.

Hanan said the halt had had a huge effect.

'They supported internal security,' she said.

'They supplied what was needed for the camp gates  the technical equipment they needed, security cameras  all that kind of work, they supported that.'

She added that Proximity International's contract to provide security ends Friday. The pause means that it cannot sign a new contract in the meantime, although it has applied for an exemption.

Proximity International did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

The State Department defended the freeze with a statement Wednesday.

'We are rooting out waste. We are blocking woke programs,' it said.

'And we are exposing activities that run contrary to our national interests. None of this would be possible if these programs remained on autopilot.'
A rape survivor has been barred from attending her attackers parole hearing on the grounds that it would not be in the interests of justice.

Ellie Wilson said she was told her rapists lawyer had objected to her bid to be present when his plea to be freed after serving half his sentence is heard - on Valentines Day.

The 27-year-old previously claimed she had been asked to sign a gagging order to prevent her discussing what will be said at the hearing, which is confidential.

She did not indicate whether she would agree to non-disclosure - but has now been told that she will not be allowed to attend.

Ms Wilson told the Mail she would be meeting John Swinney on Wednesday next week and would ask him to support her proposed changes to the parole process.

She said: I didnt indicate to them Parole Board that I wouldnt comply [with the gagging order].

Campaigner Ellie Wilson was told her rapists lawyer had objected to her bid to be present when his plea to be freed is heard

Daniel McFarlane was convicted of rape at the High Court in Glasgow

However, I wonder if the fact Im very open on social media/Press may have been an influencing factor.

Ive asked for the reasons his lawyer has given [for her not to attend] - and was told the Board dont think it appropriate to disclose that to me.

She added: I want to see the law changed so victims have the right to attend these hearings.

Its appalling that abusers have more rights than those they abuse.

Writing on X, Ms Wilson, who waived her right to anonymity, said: Why do rapists have more rights than their victims?

She posted a screen-grab of correspondence from the Parole Board for Scotland (PBS), which said its panel had carefully considered the victims application to observe the hearing.

It added: Having regard to the objections lodged by the prisoners solicitor, the panel does not consider that it would be in the interests of justice to authorise the victims attendance.

Accordingly, the application is refused.

Scottish Tory victims spokesman Sharon Dowey said: Its understandable this brave victim feels insulted she wont be able to attend this hearing.

It is typical of the SNPs justice system that victims feel like they dont have a voice and the needs of dangerous criminals are put above theirs.

Its basic common sense that there should be full transparency surrounding parole hearings in a similar vein to sentencing decisions.

Ms Wilsons ex-partner, Daniel McFarlane, was jailed for five years in July 2022 after she covertly recorded him confessing to rape.

Medical student McFarlane was 26 when he was sent to prison for two rapes which took place in December 2017 and February 2018.

The attacks happened when he was 19 and a student at Glasgow University.

Ms Wilson, of Glasgow, used her iPhone, hidden in a handbag, in 2019 to covertly record McFarlane confessing.

Thanks to her brave actions, he was forced to face charges in court.

Two years into his sentence, Ms Wilson was informed that he was being considered for parole.

In December, the PBS could not agree if he should be released early and an oral hearing was scheduled for February 14.

It emerged in 2022 that no victims of crime had been permitted to attend at PBS hearings  despite changes aimed at providing more transparency within the system.

Changes introduced in March 2021 allowed victims and their family members to request the right to attend at the hearings.

However, a Freedom of Information request by the Scottish Conservatives in 2022 revealed that while 26 victims had requested to attend, none of them had been granted permission.

Even if they had been allowed to attend meetings, they would have to be silent observers, with the then Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf explaining in 2021 that allowing them to speak would require changes to be made to primary legislation.

Ms Wilson said in April last year that she had endured brutal treatment by a defence lawyer during the trial of her attacker.

She crowd-funded to prepare for a complaint against Lorenzo Alonzi after her rapist was jailed.

Mr Alonzi questioned whether she had narcissistic personality disorder and told jurors that it was difficult not to imagine some sense of injustice for McFarlane, who the lawyer claimed had fallen in love with the wrong person.

The Faculty of Advocates complaints committee found that his behaviour amounted to unsatisfactory professional conduct on six of the 11 issues raised.

The PBS said last night that it does not comment on individual cases.

Last year a PBS spokesman said victims are asked to sign a confidentiality agreement to confirm they are aware of the requirement for confidentiality and will comply with it.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: The Parole Board is independent from the Scottish Ministers and we are not in a position to comment on individual cases. Decisions about attendance at individual hearings are for the chair of that Parole panel.
She has been a reassuring teatime presence on Scotlands screens for nearly three decades.

Sally Magnusson has presented the news of the deaths of the Queen, Prince Philip and First Minister Donald Dewar as well as anchoring coverage of countless elections.

But now she is to step down from her role at the helm of the BBCs flagship Reporting Scotland bulletin after 27 years.

The 69-year-old broadcaster took over presenting duties in 1998 and said that leaving the show will be a real wrench after a career covering some of the UKs biggest news events.

Colleagues and BBC bosses have paid tribute to her authority, warmth and gentle sense of humour as it was announced she will present the show for the last time in April.

But the veteran journalist has no plans to retire altogether as she will be concentrating on her work as an author and in raising awareness of dementia after losing her mother Mamie to Alzheimers in 2012.

She presented the acclaimed BBC documentary Alzheimers, A Cure and Me last year, and will also continue to work as a freelance television presenter and journalist.

Yesterday Ms Magnusson said: Leaving Reporting Scotland will be a real wrench after 27 years.

Television presenter Sally Magnusson has announced she is retiring

Ms Magnusson at the start of her career in television in the 1980s

Ms Magnusson with her late father, Magnus, the former Mastermind presenter

Ill miss the buzz and challenges of live news presentation, which Ive always adored.

But although my focus now turns to a growing writing career, an expanding family, and my work around dementia, Im also looking forward to maintaining links with the BBC as a freelance broadcaster.

Ms Magnusson, a mother-of-five and daughter of the legendary Mastermind presenter Magnus Magnusson, began her career as a newspaper reporter before moving into broadcasting.

She started out on BBC Scotlands Current Account programme and also had roles on Sixty Minutes, London Plus and Breakfast.

When she joined Reporting Scotland in 1998, the BBC was based at Queen Margaret Drive in Glasgows West End but she stayed on when it moved to a new headquarters at Pacific Quay.

The highlights of her on-screen career have including covering the deaths of dignitaries and the late Queen, the tragedy in Glasgow when 10 people died after a helicopter crashed into the Clutha pub and fronting live tributes from France during the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

She currently anchors Reporting Scotland twice a week as well as working on other programmes including presenting Sunday Mornings on BBC Radio Scotland and Panorama and Songs of Praise on television.

Her work with Playlist for Life, the charity she founded to use music to help people with dementia, earned her an MBE in 2023.

Gary Smith, Head of News and Current Affairs at BBC Scotland, said: Sally is an outstanding journalist, broadcaster, and writer.

She has skilfully guided viewers through countless big and sometimes difficult stories and the teatime audience will miss her hugely - as will all of us who have worked with her over the years.
A former Bolivian beauty queen was arrested after being allegedly caught transporting a $2.3 million shipment of cocaine in Argentina.

Jade Callau, 21, and her boyfriend pilot, Brazilian national Carlos Diaz, 52, were captured January 23 after their Cessna 210 landed in Ibicuy, a rural town in the northeastern province of Entre Rios.

Authorities found about 791 pounds, or 359 kilos, of cocaine split among 352 packages allegedly inside the aircraft.

Entre Rios Security Minister, Nestor Roncaglia, told Argentine newspaper Clarin that the couple took off from Bolivia and flew about 932 miles when they noticed they were running out of fuel and made the emergency landing.

He believes that they may have been traveling to the province of Buenos Aires because they were about 10 minutes from entering its airspace.

Roncaglia said that investigators were looking into whether Callau is the daughter of a Bolivian drug trafficker.

However, it has been revealed that she is related to Jorge Granier, who was arrested in Brazil in March 2023 and later extradited to Argentina, where he is facing drug trafficking charges, including providing planes to local drug traffickers.

Callau, who was crowned Miss FexpoBorja in 2019, attempted to thwart their arrest by telling cops that she was pregnant and needed to be taken to a hospital as a precaution, Roncaglia said.

Former Bolivian beauty queen Jade Callau was arrested in Entre Rios, Argentina after cops checked the Cessna she and her Brazilian boyfriend pilot were traveling on after it made an emergency landing and discovered 359 kilos of cocaine worth $2.3 million

An Argentine official said the Bolivian beauty queen and her Brazilian pilot boyfriend made an emergency landing in the northeastern province of Entre Rios when they began to run out of fuel

After cops discovered the massive shipment, she allegedly attempted to bribe the officers with $60,000.

Although she did not have all the cash available on hand, Callau promised that someone could wire it to them.

Callau's mother, Patricia Barriga, told Clarin that she runs a warehouse and that her husband, Luis Callau, is a cattle herder.

She assured the newspaper that Callau has never been linked to drug trafficking.

'We work all day, from very early, to be able to help our children. We have four, three girls and one boy, who is the oldest,' she said.

The arrest of former Bolivian Jade Callau surprised her mother, who said the 21-year-old 'was probably confused or deceived'

Former Bolivian beauty queen Jade Callau allegedly tried to bribe cops with $60,000 after they discovered the $2.3 million cocaine shipment

Argentine cops found 359 kilos of cocaine divided among 352 packages inside the aircraft

Argentine authorities said that former Bolivian beauty queen Jade Callau is related to Jorge Granier, who is facing drug trafficking charges

'Jade lives with her sister Diana in Trinidad, a university city, where they both live in a two-room apartment that my husband and I pay the rent for.'

Barriga recalled last talking to Callau on January 20 and never sensed her daughter was involved in illegal dealings.

"I don't know what could have happened to her, but she was probably confused or deceived, the distraught mother said. Obviously, if that was the case, she made a bad decision, but Jade is a simple, humble, friendly girl.

The truth is that I found out about this on the news on television and I couldn't believe it, Barriga added. What I am convinced of is that Jade is not involved in the world of drug trafficking, as they say in Argentina... This is the first time."
One-eyed Hamas commander Mohammed Deif was killed in an airstrike last year, the terror group has confirmed for the first time.

In August, the Israeli military announced it had killed Deif and his deputy Marwan Issa in Gaza's Khan Younis area.

The pair were believed to have been responsible for planning and executing the deadly October 7 attack that left 1,200 dead.

Deif was widely seen as the second-ranking Hamas commander in Gaza, behind Yahya Sinwar who was also killed in an airstrike last year.

In a statement issued today, Hamas said: 'The Al-Qassam Brigades announce to our great people the martyrdom of a group of distinguished fighters and heroic commanders... commander Mohammed Deif, chief of staff of the Al-Qassam Brigades (and) commander Marwan Issa, deputy chief of staff.'

It is believed Deif was assassinated in an airstrike on July 13 last year, just a day after his fellow group leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Iran.

More than 90 other people including displaced civilians in nearby tents, were killed in the strike, Gaza health officials said at the time.

The house where Deif was believed to have taken residence was hit with a 2,000lb (900kg) bomb, leaving a giant crater.

Mohammed Deif, the chief of Al-Qassam Brigades, was killed in an airstrike, Hamas has confirmed

Palestinians evacuate a body from a site hit by an Israeli bombardment on Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on July 13

Deif is believed to have been responsible for planning and executing the October 7 incursion into Israel

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant previously said the strike that killed Mr Deif was a 'significant milestone' toward achieving the goals of the war.

'The results of this operation reflect that Hamas is an organisation in disintegration,' he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Deif was head of the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas's armed wing, and had been among Israel's most wanted for decades.

Israel had reportedly tried to kill him at least eight times - including in 2001, 2002, 2006, 2014 and in May 2021.

The attempts saw both of his legs and an arm blown off and his wife and two children killed.

Deif was one of the founders of Hamas's military wing. He was a former bombmaker, who studied physics, chemistry and biology at the Islamic University in Gaza.

He was arrested by Israel in 1989 and spent about 16 months in detention before rising through the ranks.

Under Deif's command, the Qassam Brigades carried out dozens of suicide bombings against Israelis on buses and in cafes.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the 79th United Nations General Assembly in September

Mohammed Deif, the head of Hamas's military wing (left), and Rafa'a Salameh, the commander of Hamas's Khan Younis Brigade

Deif was widely seen as the second-ranking Hamas commander in Gaza, behind Yahya Sinwar (pictured) who was also killed in an airstrike last year

He remained a mysterious, underground figure in Gaza. He never appeared in public, was hardly ever photographed and only rarely was his voice heard in audio statements.

The announcement of Deif's death comes as several hostages were freed by Hamas on Thursday.

Terrifying footage shows dozens of armed Hamas terrorists pushing the hostages, including an 80-year-old man, through a baying mob in Gaza.

Gadi Moses, 80, and Arbel Yehud, 29, were handed over to the Red Cross on Thursday along with five Thai hostages, following more than a year spent in captivity.

Masked Hamas operatives wearing body armour and carrying automatic guns were seen struggling to clear a path through the swarming crowd in Khan Younis.

Yehud, wearing an overcoat over a pink hoodie, was visibly distressed among the sea of people. She was later seen in a Red Cross vehicle along with Moses.

Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed what he described as 'shocking scenes' during the handover as 'unimaginable cruelty' by Hamas.

Gadi Moses, 80, centre right, who has been held hostage by Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 2023, is handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis

Arbel Yehud and Gadi Moses are seen embracing at an unspecified location in this screengrab from video released on January 30

Palestinians gather outside the ruins of the house of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar as Israeli hostages are handed over to the Red Cross

Masked Hamas operatives were seen struggling to clear a path through the swarming crowd in Khan Younis as they escorted freed hostage Arbel Yehud

Netanyahu temporarily suspended the release of Palestinian prisoners until Israel received assurances of the future 'safe release' of captives.

Moses is the first man to be released under the current ceasefire agreement.

He was 79 when he was kidnapped from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel.

His partner Efrat was killed along with several other members of his family, including his partner's daughter and his two young granddaughters were kidnapped and later released.

According to local reports, Yehud was safely placed in the Red Cross vehicle, which slowly managed to move away from the scene.
The crew chief of the Black Hawk helicopter involved in the deadly mid-air collision with an American Airlines flight has been identified as a father-of-one.

Ryan O'Hara from Georgia was on board the doomed UH-60 helicopter that hit the regional jet and then plunged into the Potomac River on Wednesday night.

He was one of three Army soldiers on an annual proficiency training flight and is among the 67 lives lost in the deadliest U.S. plane crash since 2009.

The vitcims included several skaters, coaches, their families and parents and their children from a local Virginia school district.

O'Hara left behind a wife and a one-year-old son, and was remembered fondly by his his school as a beloved member of the rifle team.

The cause of one of the worst airline incidents in U.S. history has still not been determined as first responders pull dozens of bodies out of the river.

But President Donald Trump on Thursday suggested the helicopter pilots should have seen where they were going in an extraordinary briefing on what he called 'an excrutiating night in our nation's history'.

Trump said the airliner was 'doing everything right' while the Black Hawk was 'going at an angle that was unbelievably bad'.

Defense Secertary Pete Hegseth added that there was an 'elevation issue' the Army is already looking into.

In the aftermath, first responders in the nation's capital confirmed there were no survivors and the rescue operation had turned to recovery.

Multiple federal agencies have now launched an investigation into how the aircraft came into contact so close to one of the busiest transport hubs in the country.

Ryan O'Hara from Georgia was on board the doomed helicopter when it plunged into the Potomac River on Wednesday night

The Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corp at Parkview High in Gwinnett County confirmed O'Hara was a student and one of those on board.

'It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of one of our own. Class of 2014, former cadet Ryan OHara was the Crew Chief on the Black Hawk involved in last nights crash in DC.,' Parkview MCJROTC posted on Facebook.

'Our deepest condolences go out to Gary OHara and his entire family.'

The post, that has since been removed, added that O'Hara is 'fondly remembered as a guy who would fix things around the ROTC gym as well as a vital member of the rifle team.'

The Black Hawk was assigned to Bravo Company of the 12th Aviation Battalion out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

Hegseth said the crew had night vision goggles and were experienced.

Doomed Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas  carrying 60 passengers and four crew  collided in a massive fireball with the Army Black Hawk helicopter 400ft above the Potomac River as it was approaching Reagan National Airport just before 9pm Wednesday.

Pilots Captain Jonathan Campos, 34, and First Officer Samuel Lilley and flight attendants Ian Epstein and Danasia Elder were all among the victims.

In a further terrible twist to the tragedy, Lilley Sr revealed he himself is a former Army Black Hawk pilot and had flown in the exact same area where the disaster happened.

O'Hara left behind a wife and a one-year-old son, and was remembered fondly by his his school as a beloved member of the rifle team

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Emergency workers recover debris from the Potomac River in the aftermath of the collision

Surveillance footage taken from inside the airport also captured the moment the two collided in midair

Emergency response teams are seen at the scene of the crash in the Potomac River

'Samuel was in the prime of his life. He was engaged to a beautiful, wonderful girl and we were all excited about her joining the family,' he said.

Timothy, a former Army warrant officer who is now a private jet pilot, was at Teterboro Airport, New Jersey, when the crash happened  and is now in Washington.

But he initially had no idea his beloved son was one of the pilots who perished in the tragedy.

'I saw the crash on the news. I didn't think there was any way it was my son,' he said. 'But then I watched long enough to figure out it was my son's airline and then I kind of know his schedule.

This is breaking news. More to follow
It is the chance of a lifetime for those looking to escape and make their home in one of Scotlands most idyllic settings.

But only young families will be considered for the tenancy of a croft on Colonsay as islanders are hoping to boost the number of children at the communitys primary school.

Kilchattan Primary School, which is one of the most remote in the UK, has just two pupils plus three youngsters attending its pre-school.

Now the Colonsay Community Development Company (CCDC) is aiming to increase the numbers by advertising for a family who want a long-term future on the Hebridean island.

Applicants must have children of primary age or younger and have resilience, initiative and a way of making a living from the remote location.

But in return, the successful family will be able to rent Ben Sgoiltaire, an 11-acre croft with a spacious four-bedroom house boasting views of the coast and the rolling countryside.

They will join a community of around 125 permanent residents on the island, which can only be reached by taking a two and a half hour ferry journey from Oban.

A number of applications have already been received and Darragh Keenaghan from the CCDC said the advert has attracted a lot of interest since it went live earlier this month.

People with primary age children are wanted to move into Ben Sgoiltaire Cottage on the Isle of Colonsay

Colonsay is one of Scotland's most idyllic islands

Mr Keenaghan, who has lived on Colonsay for five years and whose son is one of the two pupils at the school, said: Our priority is finding a family with young children.

The school is at critical numbers and as a community we are keen to attract young people and young couples who want to make Colonsay a home.

You do have to be a bit of a dreamer to go for it but you also need to have a hard head for island life.

Its challenging and theres a lot of grit and determination needed to make it work.

Ben Sgoiltaire croft in Uragaig, on the islands west coast, was advertised for sale in 2023 for offers over 425,000.

But the CCDC secured support from the Scottish Land Fund to bring it into community ownership.

The cottage is set in tranquil countryside with only 125 other occupants

The chosen tenants will pay rent to the CCDC and must have a plan for working the croft and for earning a living, which can include working remotely for a company based on the mainland.

Residents are also usually expected to take on a variety of island work to support the community and the rural way of life.

Another of the must-haves is resilience, initiative, adaptability and enthusiasm, with an awareness of the challenges of year-round island life.

The advert, which has been shared on social media, states: Colonsay Community Development Company is delighted to advertise a rare opportunity for a family to take on the tenancy of an 11 acre croft in a stunning location, with a comfortable four bed house available for rent.

With Scottish Land Fund support, Ben Sgoiltaire croft in Uragaig, Isle of Colonsay is coming into community ownership.

CCDC is aiming to attract a family, see the house occupied as a year-round family home and the croft actively worked, ideally with a small business.

The allocation is intended to support Colonsays primary school, increasing both the school roll and the number of settled residents of working age seeing a long-term future for themselves in Colonsay.

The deadline for applications is March 23.
Police are still trying to find the ringleaders who may have recruited two people in a suspected anti-Semitic terror plot involving an explosives-laden caravan.

It's been almost two weeks since officers found the caravan in Dural, north-west Sydney - and two days since the discovery was leaked to the media and made public.

Tammie Farrugia and her boyfriend Scott Marshall are in custody charged with unrelated offences, with police saying their arrests were made on the 'periphery' of the case.

The couple had posted on Facebook last month seeking a caravan.

Farrugia and Marshall have not been charged in relation to the caravan and there is no suggestion of any wrongdoing.

But it's understood terrorism police are trying to figure out if the couple have ties to bikie gangs or white supremacist groups.

'One thing everyone is in agreement with is the two people charged would not have the money or the organisational skills on their own to acquire explosives, and pay cash for a caravan,' a police source told The Daily Telegraph.

'We believe those two people may have ties to these groups, which does not mean they are involved, but it has to be explored.

Farrugia and Marshall (pictured) have not been charged in relation to the caravan and there is no suggestion of any wrongdoing

Believing it had been abandoned, the man towed the caravan onto his property (pictured) before discovering its contents

'As far as we can see there is nothing to put them in the world of the bigger organised crime families in the southwest who in the past are known for promoting terror acts.'

Farrugia was arrested over an alleged anti-Semitic attack at Woollahra, in Sydney's east, in December, while Marshall was charged late last year with weapons and drug offences to which he has pleaded not guilty.

They do not appear to have any history of extremist ideology, which might support Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw's warning that overseas actors could be paying petty criminals to carry out anti-Semitic attacks.

'We are looking at if - or how - they have been paid, for example in cryptocurrency, which can take longer to identify,' Mr Kershaw said earlier this month.

But it's unclear who the foreign actors could be or why they would sponsor such attacks.

Kershaw later clarified that police were also looking at people within Australia who were paying criminals to carry out the attacks.

'We believe criminals for hire may be behind some incidents.

'There is still a lot of investigative work to be done, and we are not ready to rule anything in or out.'

'We are looking at if - or how - they have been paid, for example in cryptocurrency, which can take longer to identify,' Mr Kershaw said earlier this month

It's understood the resident who reported the van to police was concerned that it posed a safety risk to passing cars due to how close it was to the road.

Believing it had been abandoned, the man towed the caravan onto his property before discovering its contents.

The explosive, known as Powergel and often using in mining had the capacity to produce a 40m blast wave, but was not wired to explode, police said.

NSW Police Deputy Commissioner David Hudson said he was 'not happy' that details of the investigation were 'leaked to the media.

'I want to stress this point: this has been an investigation, a covert investigation, an investigation that requires us to go about our business without compromising an investigation,' he said.

Another federal source told Nine: 'This is a leak that should not have happened  because it endangers investigations.'

'We're not happy about that information being leaked but there's a number of agencies involved in relation to this investigation who were privy to the same investigation.'

The incident comes after a spate of anti-Semitic attacks in Sydney, with a childcare centre near a synagogue in the city's east set alight and sprayed with anti-Semitic graffiti on January 21.
Texas Senator Ted Cruz is calling for President Donald Trump to release all files related to the Sean Diddy Combs trial.

'I have long called for the administration to release the Jeffrey Epstein files, and also the P. Diddy files,' Cruz said to The Bulwark.

Combs was charged in September by federal officials with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution.

The alleged activity aligned with his elaborate sex parties known as Freak Offs.

The federal government accused Combs of using his multi-faceted business empire to facilitate women and other individuals for his events and incidents of repeated physical abuse according to the indictments.

Americans have called for the release of the 'Diddy files,' as many expect them to include a long list of celebrities who they believe are guilty of sexual crimes.

Trump's choice for FBI director Kash Patel said in November that the president would likely release details of the case in order to restore trust in American law enforcement.

'He's going to come in there and maybe give them the Epstein list, maybe give them the Diddy list, and they are terrified,' Patel said during an interview on the Benny Johnson Show.

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) is calling for the release of the files involved in the federal case against Sean Diddy Combs

Billionaire Elon Musk has also joined demands for the release of the Diddy files, sharing a post in November endorsing the idea.

Combs has pleaded not guilty to the crimes and is currently being held in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn as he awaits his trial.

He faces 15 years to life in prison.

More than two dozen other people have filed lawsuits against Combs alleging sexual assaults, rape, and physical abuse.

The Trial of Diddy: Listen now wherever you get your podcasts

US producer-musician Sean "Diddy" Combs

Sean "Diddy" Combs continues to deny all charges and allegations against him

Combs continues to fight all charges and lawsuits filed against him, denying criminal activity.

Last week, Combs fired a defamation lawsuit against Courtney Burgess, who claimed he had videos of the famous rapper committing sexual acts with celebrities including those who looked like minors.

The $50 million defamation lawsuit accused Burgess of 'fabricating' his claims against him that were 'stirring up baseless speculation' that was going viral on social media and painting him as a 'monster' and a 'pedophile.'
The 27-year-old press secretary held her first briefing earlier this week

Progressive leader Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez took a shot directly at Karoline Leavitt, calling Donald Trump's new press secretary bad at her job.

'In case youre having a bad day at work, remember that at least youre not Trumps Press Secretary who tweets were so bad today she earned the entire administration a federal restraining order,' the New York Democrat wrote on X.

AOC had retweeted a note from POLITICO reporter Kyle Cheney breaking the news that a judge ordered a restraining order against the Trump administration, in part, due to one of Leavitt's previous X posts.

'Keep talking and tweeting, girl! Youre doing great!' the progressive 'Squad' founder continued to mock the press secretary.

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) froze around $3 trillion in federal funding earlier this week after blasting out a confusing memo. The move outraged many lawmakers, and OMB later rescinded the order.

However, after it was rescinded Leavitt poured diesel onto the raging fire of confusion spreading about the OMB memo by tweeting, 'This is NOT a rescission of the federal funding freeze.'

'It is simply a rescission of the OMB memo. Why? To end any confusion created by the court's injunction. The President's EO's on federal funding remain in full force and effect, and will be rigorously implemented,' she wrote.

Federal Judge John McConnell granted the restraining order just hours after Leavitt's post.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks at the White House Press Briefing room first time as a White House Press Secretary in Washington DC., United States on January 28, 2025

This is NOT a rescission of the federal funding freeze.



It is simply a rescission of the OMB memo.



Why? To end any confusion created by the court's injunction.



The President's EO's on federal funding remain in full force and effect, and will be rigorously implemented.  Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) January 29, 2025

New York Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez slammed the press secretary for getting the Trump team a federal restraining order

McConnell's ruling to block Trump's OMB memo called the order 'hugely ambiguous' and the judge indicated his choice was made partially 'based on comments by the presidents press secretary.'

AOC had already taken shots at the press sec earlier in the week for her controversial post on X.

''To end any confusion, we are going to say one thing and do another' This is why you should not trust a word this White House says,' Ocasio-Cortez said skewering Leavitt's post.

New York Attorney General Letitia James responded to Leavitt's post on the federal freeze saying: 'This is just more confusion and chaos. We will be in court this afternoon.'

The OMB memo would have halted taxpayer dollars from flowing to initiatives in education and health care, housing assistance, disaster relief and a host of other areas pending a review.

The administration argued the funding should be put on hold while officials ensured no publicly funded programs are 'woke,' and that all are in line with executive orders he signed last week abolishing the government's DEI agenda.

The pause was not meant to target any 'assistance provided directly to individuals,' such as Medicare or Social Security.

But the freeze faced immediate backlash since it was not clear how it would impact programs such as Medicaid, SNAP and other government assistance.

'Keep talking and tweeting, girl! Youre doing great!' the progressive 'Squad' founder mocked the press secretary

Journalists were squeezed in like sardines, with no elbow room to write at Leavitt's first briefing. 'This is epic,' said one reporter. 'I think I might faint'

Leavitt, 27, is the youngest press secretary to ever step into the role.

Earlier in the week she held her first White House press briefing and the room was packed with reporters wall-to-wall.

Under a sustained assault from the media, Leavitt was polished, professional, confident and gaffe-free, during her first showing.

She calmly dispatched dozens of questions and demonstrated that she had the facts at her fingertips.

Only once did she resort to her predecessor Karine Jeane-Pierre's notorious catchphrase - 'I can't get ahead of the president' - to avoid answering an inquiry.
A father of four, who had illegally lived in the United States for over 20 years, was detained when ICE knocked down his door looking for someone else.

Immigrations and Customs Enforcement arrived at the Illinois home in search of a man named Jose Ramos, 26, who is wanted for suspected murder charges.

Ramos was not home and his family said he had not been seen or heard from in months. But instead of leaving, the agents arrested Ramos' step-father, 44-year-old Raul Lopez.

Lopez's daughters said they were getting ready for school and his wife was holding their three-year-old child when agents handcuffed him and escorted him out of his home in Elgin.

Betzy Lopez, 18, told local Fox affiliate, WFLD News, that around 20 agents forced their way into her family's home. They handcuffed family members as they searched the residence.

Betzy recalled a heavy knock at the door around 7:00 am. The family was afraid of the recent ICE raids and said they wouldn't let agents in unless a warrant was presented.

Betzy's sister, Janeth, recorded the shocking interaction. Video footage revealed the agents busting down the front door as the family screamed in protest asking for a warrant.

The door was broken with a bar, leaving splintered wood around the entryway. Betzy told WFLD that her family couldn't close the door for the rest of the day and had to push it closed with a chair.

Lopez is married and has four daughters who witnessed his arrest during an ICE raid on their home

Authorities busted through Lopez's home after his daughter asked to see a warrant

After forcing their way in, agents pressed the family on where Jose Ramos was. They responded that no one in the home had seen Ramos for months and that he didn't live with them.

ICE acted alongside the US Marshals Great Lakes Regional Task Force. A spokesperson for the Marshals Service told the Chicago Tribune that authorities conducted a 'systematic search of the residence.'

Authorities discovered Lopez hiding in the attic and discovered that he was an undocumented migrant.

Sanjuana Ramos, Lopez's wife, begged agents to check his criminal record and pleaded that her husband did nothing wrong.

When she asked the agents why they were detaining him, they responded, 'We have to take someone.'

Sanjuana told the Tribune that her family wasn't concerned with the increase in ICE arrests because she believed her family had done nothing wrong.

'He told me to be strong, that we didn't owe them anything and that we were just working hard to make sure our daughter could finish school,' Sanjuana said her husband told her.

Lopez works in construction and was helping his daughter through nursing school, Betzy old local CW affiliate, WGNTV.

Authorities broke through the door while Lopez's family was inside

Lopez's father said that he didn't have a criminal record and worked hard to provide for their family

'His whole life he was just working, telling us that he just wants what's best to work for us, give us everything he can so we can be good. Not everyone is bad, some people do try to come here just to give their kids a better life,' she told the outlet.

'I'm just scared, I'm worried about him, I don't know how he's doing, I worry about my family too, like what's going to happen, what are we going to do,' Bethzy said. She added that her family doesn't know where her father is.

Lopez's detainment is an example of collateral arrests, a practice that was banned under the Biden administration.

President Trump and Homeland Security Kirsti Noem have cracked down on illegal immigration, resulting in ICE raids nationwide and a drastic increase of daily arrests.

On Wednesday, ICE posted on its official X account that the agency made over 1,000 arrests in one day. The account has begun posting daily statistics, which range from 500 to over 1,000 arrests.

Noem tagged along for an ICE removal operation in New York City earlier this week, posting a video to her X account claiming that she was 'getting the dirt bags off the streets.'

The enhanced immigration measures are a result of Trump's first executive orders, declaring a national emergency at the southern border and calling for more detention centers.

Trump also signed his first piece of legislation, the Laken Riley Act into law on Wednesday, which expands deportation measures.

The bill was named after a Georgia nursing student who was killed by an undocumented immigrant in the US.

The new law expanded deportation of undocumented migrants to include minor theft/shoplifting, burglary, larceny, or assault.

Critics of the law argue that migrants who don't pose a risk to the general public can be subject to deportation, and it could prevent people from reporting crimes out of fear of retaliation.
President Donald Trump doubled down on comments blaming DEI hiring practices for the air crash in Washington, DC and dismissed a question about an immediate visit to the site of the carnage with a joke about swimming.

The new order came just hours after Trump held an extraordinary press conference where he blasted DEI and woke practices at the Federal Aviation Administration and complained that a commercial aircraft and Black Hawk helicopter were both at the 'same height' during the collision.

Asked point blank if he was aware of any performance issues or disciplinary actions with anyone working at DCA's air control tower or the aircraft during the crash, Trump responded: 'No.'

But at another point, asked if race and gender played a role in the tragic accident, Trump said: 'It may have, I don't know. Incompetence might have played a role.'

Trump, 78, was asked if he had any plans to go visit the site, as rescue workers scour the Potomac River for bodies and collect debris at the start of a lengthy investigation about the crash.

'I have a plan to visit  not the site. Because what  you tell me. What's the site? Water. We're going to go swimming?'

Instead of visiting the Potomac where only parts of the American Eagle flight 5342 are visible above about seven feet of water, Trump said he would be meeting with family members of some victims.

'I will be meeting with some people that were very badly hurt, with their family member, obviously, but I'll be meeting with some of the families,' he said.

President Donald Trump said he would meet with family members but would not visit the site of a horrific air crash in D.C. 'What's the site? Water. We're going to go swimming?' he said

White House staff secretary Will Scharf summarized Trump's latest executive order shortly before he signed it.

He said it called for an 'immediate assessment of aviation safety in light of the damage done to aviation safety by the Biden administration's DEI and woke policies.'

Scharf said it called for the new acting FAA administer to 'basically ensure that we are actively undoing all of that damage, that we are assessing how much damage was done' and ensuring that FAA employees 'are only the most outstanding, capable people for the jobs that they're being hired into.'

Trump also dismissed concerns that a government-wide email this week offering paid resignation 'buyouts' to 2 million workers would take a toll on the 50,000-strong FAA.

If people take the deal, 'then they'll be replaced with very competent people,' Trump said.

Trump ruled out concern about congestion at the airport with the nation's busiest main runway as a culprit. 'No, I think we need very smart people running the flights and doing it,' Trump said.

The conversation with the press inside the Oval Office came as responders were still removing bodies from the Potomac River from a crash that killed 64.

Trump again brought up DEI as the recovery effort was still underway

The order stresses that hiring should't be on anything 'other than the brain,' Trump said

Trump said he would meet with family rather than visit the site. 'What's the site? Water'

Instead, he kept his focus on policies that stress DEI hiring. ''And it's not based on anything other than the brain. We need the smartest people. We need both psychologically smart and just brilliant, period,' Trump said.

Trump's new order and comments doubling down came after he claimed diversity and inclusion policies are behind one of the deadliest plane crashes in U.S. history.

The commander-in-chief said the collision between a passenger plane and a military helicopter in Washington D.C that took 67 lives was a 'tragedy of terrible proportions.'

He added that those flying the Black Hawk helicopter should have 'seen where they were going'.

Speaking at the White House, Trump said the tragedy was entirely preventable as he slammed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) recruiting practices in federal agencies.

He added that he had some 'pretty good ideas' of how the disaster occurred and vowed to make sure it would never happen again.

Trump then said he put 'safety' first while Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden prioritized politics and called former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg a 'disaster' in an extraordinary attack on previous administrations.

'He was a disaster as a Mayor. He ran his city into the ground and he's a disaster now. He's just got a good line of bulls***', Trump said of Buttigieg.

Trump added: 'The initiative is part of the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) diversity and inclusion hiring plan. Think of that.'

He insisted federal agencies need to be hiring based on intelligence rather than on diversity. He added that Air Traffic Controllers need to be 'geniuses'.

As a reference, he pointed to a report from within the FAA that the workforce was 'too white.'

On Wednesday night, American Eagle flight 5342 collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter on a training flight as it approached the runway at Ronald Reagan National Airport.

There were 60 passengers and four crew aboard the PSA flight out of Wichita, and three members of the military aboard the Black Hawk.

All are believe to have perished after the search and rescue transitioned to a recovery phase.

Divers have been in the frigid waters of the Potomac River overnight tyring to find bodies as investigators tried to piece together what led to the deadliest U.S. air crash since 2019.

Only under questioning by reporters did Trump get back to some of the other areas being identified as potential contributors to the tragedy.

He was asked about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's statement that the Army Black Hawk was doing 'annual retraining, night flights on a standard corridor for a continuity of government mission.'

President Donald Trump said the nation is in mourning after a 'dark and excruciating night in our nation's history' in his first public address on the commercial airline crash in the United States in 15 years

Trump then said he put 'safety' first while Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden put politics first in an extraordinary attack

Trump did not appear to immediately know about continuity of government  which refers to how the government functions during a disaster  when asked about it.

'I don't know what that refers to, but they were practicing. They were  they do that. They call it practicing, and that's something that should be done. It's only continuity in the sense that we want to have very good people, and that has to be in continuity, and that's what they referred to,' Trump said.

Nor did he address the heavy volume of flights into DC, something both of Virginia's Democratic senators have raised. DCA's main runway is the busiest in the nation.

Instead, Trump, who has his own plane that was parked at DCA Thursday, spoke of his own experience and the plane and altitude being at the same altitude.

'You had a pilot problem. Because it was visual. It was a very clear night ... It was cold, but clear and clear as you could be.'

'The American Airlines plane had lights blazing. They had all their landing lights on,' he said.

You can stop a helicopter very quickly. It had the ability to go up or down, had the ability to turn, and the turn it made was not the correct turn, obviously. And it did somewhat the opposite of what it was told.

They shouldn't have been at the same height, because if it wasn't the same height, you could have gone under it or over it. And nobody realized,' Trump said.

In another demonstration of how Trump and his new cabinet members are marching in the same direction, both Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Hegseth also blamed DEI during their own brief remarks.

'We can only accept the best and the brightest in positions of safety,' Duffy said, echoing Trump's language.

'When you don't have the best standards one who you're hiring  it puts stresses on the people who are already there,' said Vice President J.D. Vance.

Trump read from what he says was the FAA website listing diversity categories.

'The FAA website states they include hearing, vision, missing extremities, partial paralysis, complete paralysis, epilepsy, severe intellectual disability, psychiatric disability and dwarfism all qualified for the position of a controller of air planes pouring into our country, pouring into a little spot. A little dot on the map. A runway.'

Trump tore into Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg during his remarks, which followed a moment of silence for victims

It was Trump's first time addressing reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room since taking office for his second term

Trump blasted Barack Obama and Joe Biden for including diversity standards. 'I changed the Obama standards from very mediocre at best to extraordinary,' Trump said.

Buttigieg, the first openly gay Secretary of Transportation and the Biden administration's former chief defender on Fox News, hit back online.

'Despicable,' he wrote on X after Trump's presser.

'As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying. We put safety first, drove down close calls, grew Air Traffic Control, and had zero commercial airline crash fatalities out of millions of flights on our watch. President Trump now oversees the military and the FAA. One of his first acts was to fire and suspend some of the key personnel who helped keep our skies safe. Time for the President to show actual leadership and explain what he will do to prevent this from happening again.'

Trump came to the briefing room for his first exchange with the press there in his second term. He began by holding a moment of silence for the victims and their families.

It was the scene of numerous tense updates during the coronavirus pandemic during his first.

All 49 seats were occupied in the James Brady Briefing Room well before the start time, and correspondents stood two deep in the narrow aisles.

'It's sardine time,' said one late arrival.

The lights and the bodies made for a warm, intense environment.

Trump's new Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the crash was 'preventable,' and his new Pentagon boss Pete Hegseth said the military crew were engaged in an annual training exercise and had night-vision gear.

Trump's appearance came after Trump issued a pair of online posts about the tragedy.

But he chose to seize control of communications operation.

His new Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a video statement but nixed a planned briefing with the Pentagon press corps.

'I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls,' Trump wrote on his Truth Social site. 'Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.'

That followed an angrier post overnight, when Trump blamed the Blackhawk helicopter involved in the crash as well as air traffic controllers.

The 78-year-old confirmed there were no survivors and reiterated that it was entirely preventable in astonishing remarks criticizing the hiring practices of federal agencies

The Federal Aviation Authority said that the jet, a Bombardier CRJ700, collided with a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter while on approach to Runway 33

Rescue boats search the waters of the Potomac River for survivors after the deadly plane crash

Part of the wreckage is seen as rescue boats search the waters of the Potomac River

Emergency response units assess airplane wreckage in the Potomac River

'The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time. It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didn't the helicopter go up or down, or turn,' Trump wondered online.

'Why didn't the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!'
President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy said Thursday it will take as long as 15 years to rebuild the devastated Palestinian territory of Gaza.

It comes after the president doubled down on a plan to make Jordan and Egypt take in as many as 1.5 million Gazans, even though both countries have so far refused.

Meanwhile, his real-estate-investor friend Steve Witkoff finished a visit to Israel soon after Hamas released eight hostages in exchange for 110 prisoners held in Israeli prisons.

Like Trump, he indicated that he was already thinking about how to rebuild Gaza after more than a year of air strikes and military assaults.

'There has been this perception we can get to a solid plan for Gaza in five years. But its impossible. This is a 10 to 15-year rebuilding plan,' he told Axios.

The Trump campaign donor, who has business links with Qatar and other Gulf states, was visiting the region to monitor a ceasefire deal.

He became the first U.S. official to visit Gaza in 15 years.

'There is nothing left standing. Many unexploded ordnances,' he said. 'It is not safe to walk there. It is very dangerous.

'I wouldn't have known this without going there and inspecting.'

Donald Trump's real-estate-investor friend Steve Witkoff finished a visit to Israel soon after Hamas released eight hostages in exchange for 110 prisoners held in Israeli prisons

Witkoff said it would take more than 10 years to rebuild Gaza after more than a year of strikes

A U.N. assessment estimated that it could take 21 years to clear more than 50 million tonnes of rubble at a cost of up to $1.2 billion.

The rubble is likely to contain hazardous materials, such as asbestos, and human remains, further complicating reconstruction.

'People are moving north to get back to their homes and see what happened and turn around and leave ... there is no water and no electricity. It is stunning just how much damage occurred there,' he said.

Witkoff said he had not discussed the relocation plan with Trump, but said the territory looked 'uninhabitable.'

On Saturday, Trump described Gaza as 'literally a demolition site.'

'Youre talking about a million and a half people, and we just clean out that whole thing,' he told reporters traveling with him aboard Air Force One.

He said he had spoken with King Abdullah II of Jordan, and asked him to take more refugees, and planned to make the same request of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi.

But the idea is politically explosive. Gazans fear any effort to move them would be part of an Israeli land grab.

Trump was asked about his plan during an appearance in the White House Oval Office

And Egypt and Jordan both said they wanted nothing to do with proposal.

On Thursday, Trump was asked if there was anything he could do to make them think again.

'They will do it. They're going to do it,' he told reporters in the Oval Office of the White House.

'Okay, we do a lot for them and they're going to do it.'

Trump has in the past mused on Gaza's pleasant climate and Mediterranean location, saying it was ideal for tourism.
For a moment, imagine you are Agam Berger's mother, Meirav. Nearly five hundred days ago, her then 19-year-old daughter was captured by Hamas.

So proud were those murderers of their prize that they broadcast images of Agam's battered face covered in the blood of her young friends who had just been executed in their pyjamas in front of her.

Can you begin to understand, even slightly, how helpless Meirav must have felt seeing the petrified eyes of her beloved daughter?

Agam and her teenage comrades Naama Levy, Daniella Gilboa, Liri Albag and Karina Ariev - on their first few days of compulsory national service as unarmed border observers - were the 'lucky' survivors of the massacre at the Nahal Oz base on October 7, 2023.

After gleefully filming the bloodbath on their GoPro cameras, the terrorists relished sharing footage of Agam and the four other young women being taken into Gaza at gunpoint.

Perhaps the most distressing image of that day showed Naama, also then just 19, an aspiring diplomat who idolised Michelle Obama and volunteered to help build bridges with Palestinians.

In video filmed in Gaza and broadcast around the world, Naama, in bloodied tracksuit bottoms and with her hands tied behind her back, is dragged from the back of a Jeep by a heavily armed militant, her face etched with terror. Bystanders chant 'Allahu Akbar'.

It is beyond any parent's worst nightmare.

Israeli soldier Agam Berger was released after being held in Gaza by Hamas since the deadly October 7 2023 attack

This image taken from video provided by the Hostage Families Forum, shows a bloodied Agam Berger, right, after she was taken captive by the terrorist organisation

Among her teenage comrades who were also taken hostage that day includes Naama Levy, who was among those freed by Hamas on January 25

A video showed Naama in blood-soaked pyjamas, dragged by her hair and thrown into a Jeep

Other images, taken from the terrorists' own Telegram channels, were collated by Israeli intelligence and passed to the families as proof their daughters were not dead but were, in fact, being held hostage in Gaza  a terrifying comfort for Meirav, and Naama's mother, Ayelet.

How desperate and powerless would you have felt, knowing your teenage girl was now in the hands of the most dangerous and evil of men? That there was nothing you could do about it, except imagine with every passing second what these men were capable of - alone with your child in the terror tunnels of Gaza?

It won't surprise you to know that Meirav, Ayelet and the other girls' mothers carefully guarded these appalling images of their daughters. Why would anyone want others to see such devastating pictures of their children?

But, after over 90 torturous days, they asked the Daily Mail to publish them in January last year.

Why? What desperation would drive a mother to share such photographs? They did so because, shamefully, the world had fallen silent.

The mothers had been sure that international condemnation of the hostage-taking would soon see their daughters returned to them. How wrong they were.

While Naama's heroine, Michelle Obama, was quick to launch a 'Bring Back Our Girls' campaign for 200 schoolgirls kidnapped by Islamic militants in Nigeria in 2014, there was no such outcry for the 250 plus hostages taken on October 7. The silence of celebrities and politicians, with a few notable exceptions, has been deafening.

The world has quite rightly questioned, interrogated and condemned Israel's devastating response to Hamas's atrocities, but little thought seems to have been given to the terror group's barbaric first act on October 7.

Agam faced unimaginable torture at the hands of Hamas but her mother Meirav as well as those of her comrades remained to determined to bring the girls home

Karina Ariev was taken alongside Agam, Levy and others whilst where they were completing compulsory national service as unarmed observers - she has since been released

They were among the youngest women held hostage in Gaza, each turning 19 or 20 last year without those they love around them. Pictured is Daniel Gilboa who was freed on January 25

Karina Ariev was also taken captive alongside her fellow comrades Albag, Karina, Levy and Gilboa

The parents of Israeli hostage Agam Berger,(pictured on January 30) watch as their daughter is passed over to the Red Cross

In Israel, people cheered, clapped and whistled at a square in Tel Aviv where supporters of the hostages watched Berger's handover on big screens on January 30

Our report helped raise the profile of the five girls. The story showing images of them in captivity alongside pictures of them in happier times went viral and was taken to the Hague and the UN.

It played its own small part in Agam returning home yesterday, five days after Naama, Daniella, Liri and Karina were freed last Saturday - and nearly 400 long days since their mothers asked the world to look at their daughters' faces as they pleaded with them to fight to bring them home.

Today they are, finally, home - words that at times we thought we might never say. But, as over 80 hostages remain, is it not time to ask why it has taken so long?

Why were their mothers forced to bare their tortured souls to the world for 15 insufferable months? Where was the outrage for their abducted young daughters? Who has marched for them?

How long until the remaining captives return to end this toxic, bloody war? And when will all the world wake up and condemn the evil of taking men, women and children hostage  simply because they are Jewish?
Medical students, private healthcare staff and GPs should all be given the right to strike under Labour's workers' rights charter, the militant doctors' union has urged ministers, raising fears that patients will lose out.

The British Medical Association (BMA) also called for legalisation that would allow strikes to spread across more hospitals and clinics.

And it wants NHS workers to be allowed to stage walkouts in emergencies without holding a ballot first.

Its demands have raised fresh concerns over the impact of Labour's flagship Employment Rights Bill, which repeals a series of Conservative restrictions on trade unions and hands workers more generous terms from day one in their jobs.

The Government's own impact assessment has admitted the existing proposals will cost firms 5billion a year, while small businesses say it will deter them from hiring.

This prompted Kemi Badenoch this week to tell Sir Keir Starmer he should drop what she dubbed his 'unemployment bill'.

Last night shadow health secretary Edward Argar told the Mail: 'As well as destroying jobs and wrecking business confidence, our public services will also pay the price of Labour's willingness to give in to their trades union allies, and of their damaging Employment Bill.

Pictured here is a GP checking a patient's blood pressure. The British Medical Association has urged ministers to give medical students, private healthcare staff and GPs the right to strike

Junior doctors take part in a rally outside Downing Street as members of the British Medical Association walk out for five days in a strike action over pay -- June 27, 2024

'The Labour Government must step up, ensure the NHS cannot be held to ransom, and put patients first.'

The NHS in England has been crippled by strikes in recent years which has added to record waiting lists.

Last summer junior doctors staged 44 days of disruption before Health Secretary Wes Streeting offered them a 22 per cent pay rise.

BMA council deputy chairman Dr Emma Runswick said: 'Improving doctors' pay and working conditions is vital for retaining them.

'If we lose more doctors, waits will continue to be unacceptably long and patients' experience will continue to deteriorate.'

A DBT spokesperson said: 'Our Employment Rights Bill will bring trade union legislation into the 21st century by stripping back layers of burdensome and inefficient red tape that has prevented unions from being able to represent and negotiate on behalf of their workers.

'We consulted on several measures late last year to create a modern framework for our industrial relations, and will publish a Government response shortly.'
Keir Starmer was under pressure last night to 'get serious' about growth and sign off two North Sea oil fields controversially blocked by the courts.

In the first test of Labour's pledge to make economic growth its 'number one priority', a court in Scotland yesterday ruled that approval of the huge projects by the Conservatives was unlawful.

The decision came after Ed Miliband withdrew government legal support last year for the companies involved in a court battle with environmental campaigners.

Last night, the Prime Minister was under pressure to overrule Mr Miliband and give the green light to the Rosebank and Jackdaw projects, which could generate tens of billions of pounds for the British economy.

The Energy Secretary is a long-time opponent of North Sea drilling and previously described Rosebank as a 'colossal waste' of money that amounted to 'climate vandalism'.

Kemi Badenoch described the court's ruling as 'an act of self harm' and warned that the hijacking of the law by the green lobby was 'killing growth'.

She said: 'The Labour government who were banging on about growth yesterday are too scared to fight for the oil and gas fields that deliver energy security and jobs for thousands of people.

'For the sake of our country, Keir Starmer needs to get serious. His actions so far are all hiking taxes and caving to the unions and the green lobby.'

Tory energy spokesman Andrew Bowie said yesterday's ruling was 'almost inevitable after Ed Miliband refused to defend the case in court'.

Keir Starmer was under pressure last night to 'get serious' about growth and sign off two North Sea oil fields controversially blocked by the courts

The Prime Minister was under pressure to overrule Mr Miliband and give the green light to the Rosebank and Jackdaw projects, which could generate tens of billions of pounds for the British economy. Pictured An oil rig anchored in the Cromarty Firth, Invergordon

He added: 'Our energy security, economy and thousands of jobs are being sacrificed on the altar of Labour's eco zealotry. So much for growth.'

Shell said its Jackdaw gas field off Aberdeen could produce enough fuel to heat 1.4million homes 'at a time when older gas fields are reaching the end of their production and the UK is reliant on imported gas.'

In court, it warned that turning down the schemes would threaten energy security.

The industry has also pointed out that the move will not curb global emissions because demand for oil and gas will simply be met from abroad.

Chief executive Wael Sawan vowed to take the fight to the Supreme Court.

The ruling came just 24 hours after Rachel Reeves used a major speech to declare growth was the 'number one' priority for Labour.

The last Conservative government approved Shell's proposals to develop the Jackdaw field in 2022 and cleared Equinor and Ithaca Energy's plans to drill in the Rosebank field north-west of Shetland in September 2023.

Eco activists argued the consent was unlawful. In a judgement at the Court of Session in Edinburgh, Lord Ericht agreed and quashed the consent.

Energy Secretary Ed Milliband is a long-time opponent of North Sea drilling and previously described Rosebank as a 'colossal waste' of money that amounted to 'climate vandalism'

He cited a ruling in a separate case in June last year, which found that the future carbon emissions from the oil and gas produced should be taken into account when considering whether projects complied with climate laws.

Rosebank is the largest untapped field in the North Sea, with the potential to produce up to 500million barrels of oil.

Norwegian state energy giant Equinor has an 80 per cent stake with Aberdeen-based Ithaca Energy owning the rest.

The ruling allows the owners to continue the development of the fields.

But they cannot start drilling unless they get a new consent from Mr Miliband.

A government source last night said the projects were not necessarily dead.

'The reason we didn't contest the cases in court wasn't because we didn't want them to go ahead but because we knew we would lose,' the source said.

Environmental campaigners greeted the verdict. A spokesman for Just Stop Oil said North Sea oil workers should be 'retrained' to do something else.

Environmental campaigners greeted the verdict. A spokesman for Just Stop Oil said North Sea oil workers should be 'retrained' to do something else

The decision came as the number of businesses created in the UK fell to a record low. Figures from the Office for National Statistics showed business creations fell to 65,450 in the last three months of 2024, 8.5 per cent lower than the same period a year earlier.

It is the lowest number on quarterly records going back to the start of 2017.

The Chancellor's 25billion raid on employer national insurance has been blamed for killing jobs and deterring investment while firms are also having to navigate a barrage of new workers' rights.

Entrepreneur Luke Johnson, chairman of Gail's Bakery, said: 'The Budget and their 150-page Employment Rights Bill is the reality of this government and undermines all the grand talk of growth.'
Fire crews are battling a blaze in a commercial building in Brisbane's east on Friday morning just hours after fire destroyed a similar structure in the city's north.

Queensland Fire Department said they are on scene at a commercial structure fire on Kingsford Smith Drive, Pinkenba, which broke out at 7.15am and is 'producing large volumes of smoke'.

Crews had just last night extinguished a fierce blaze that had engulfed a building in Boothby St, Kedron which had also produced thick smoke, sparking warnings about air quality.

Residents have been advised they should close windows and doors and keep respiratory medication close by if required.

'Motorists should drive with caution and be aware of the conditions' Queensland Fire Department said.

There were 10 fire crews battling the Pinkenba blaze and paramedics assessed two people at the site.

Fire crews are battling a blaze in the Brisbane suburb of Pinkenba just hours after a fire in the suburb of Kedron destroyed a similar commercial building (the Kedron fire is pictured)

It is also the second fire in Pinkenba in under a week after a warehouse on Curtin Avenue East was razed on Sunday.

The fire on Friday was reportedly at the premises of waste management company Cleanaway.

Queensland Ambulance service operations supervisor, Scott Gardiner, said there were no injuries reported.

'We've arrived and assessed two workers in the factory, both in a stable condition and not requiring any further treatment or transport and we will continue to support fire officers on scene,' he told The Courier Mail.

He said paramedics attended not only to check on workers but to ensure the safety of firefighters who were braving the flames.

'It's a particularly hot day and we're certainly making sure the fire officers safety is paramount.'
A young woman has died in hospital after being hit by a garbage truck in Adelaide on Tuesday night.

The 29-year-old was struck down while walking on Park Terrace in the northern suburb of Salisbury about 11pm on Tuesday.

The woman, from the northwest Adelaide suburb of Woodville West, was rushed to hospital with critical injuries, but on Friday morning police confirmed she had died.

The 35-year-old truck driver was not hurt and is assisting police with their investigation.

Photos from the scene show clothes and running shoes strewn over the road.

The 35-year-old driver of the truck was not physically injured.

Major Crash officers examined the scene.

The woman's death marks the 11th life lost on South Australian roads in 2025.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage has been urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au.

A young woman has died after being hit by a truck in Adelaide
Anthony Albanese has revealed that he was almost given up for adoption after his mother gave birth to him as a single woman in the 1960s.

The Prime Minister opened up about the early sliding doors moment in a candid and wide-ranging interview on Mark Bouris' podcast Straight Talk.

Mr Albanese's voice almost cracked as he spoke movingly about how his late mother, Maryanne Ellery, made the 'difficult decision in 1963 to have a child out of wedlock'.

'The plan at St Margaret's, Darlinghurst (maternity hospital) was for me to be adopted out, which was very much a part of what occurred a lot at that time,' Mr Albanese said.

'Now, there was a nun there at the hospital (who) brought me, the young baby, in to her and she knew that my mum wasn't the sort of person who would want to give up her child, would want to avoid it regardless of the circumstances that were difficult...'

The Labor leader said there was a 'lot of pressure placed on people in those days in the early sixties'.

'(But) my mum chose to keep me and to give...we didn't have a lot of money but we had everything else, something that's more important which is that unconditional love and support.'

Mr Albanese said his mum encouraged him to stay on at school and instilled a strong work ethic.

Anthony Albanese's voice almost cracked as he spoke movingly about how his late mother, Maryanne Ellery, made the 'difficult decision in 1963 to have a child out of wedlock' (pictured: a young Mr Albanese with his proud mother)

The Prime Minister opened up about the early sliding doors moment in his life in a candid and wide-ranging interview on Mark Bouris' podcast Straight Talk (the pair are pictured together)

This began with paper runs and jobs at McDonalds and Grace Brothers (now known as Myer) during his high school years, while he started work at the Commonwealth Bank the day after his last HSC exam.

Mr Albanese's mother suffered from rheumatoid arthritis and many of his early years were spent living alone as she was in and out of hospital while living on a disability pension.

Asked what is the one thing he would like to say to her he said 'thank you, as simple as that'.

'She scarified a lot for me and one of the things that drives me is repaying that,' Mr Albanese said.

The Prime Minister said his mother adopted his father's name while telling him and his 'close-knit neighbourhood' that his father, Carlo, had died in a car accident, which was not true.

His parents had met in March 1962 on a cruise from Sydney to Southampton in the UK where his father worked as a steward but the pair did not continue their relationship as Carlo was already married.

Mr Albanese later tracked down his father in Italy after the death of his mother at the age of 65 in 2007 and finally met him and his two half-siblings two years later.

He also revealed that on the night before his first official day as Prime Minister in 2022 he was visited by eight of the friends who grew up in the same public housing block in Camperdown in Sydney's inner-west.

Asked what is the one thing he would like to say to his his mother, Mr Albanese said: 'Thank you, as simple as that'

'They'd all decided that their mate who they grew up with - I've kept in contact with them - was becoming Prime Minister of Australia and they all travelled to Canberra,' he said.

'It was so good. It was so uplifting and I had them all round to dinner at The Lodge,' Mr Albanese said, adding that the evening was 'one of the best moments of my life'.

He also played up his everyman image, insisting he was 'as comfortable in a pub as I am in a boardroom'.

The Prime Minister has so often repeated his humble origin story of growing up in public housing with a single mum that he is sometimes mocked for it.

This is especially true in light of last year's revelation that he and his fiancee Jodie Haydon bought a $4.3million clifftop mansion in Copacabana on the NSW Central Coast.

But his rags-to-relative-riches success story is something that the Prime Minister insists he never takes for granted.

'I don't take it for granted and I also understand the responsibility that I have in having this privilege,' he told Mr Bouris.
Senior Labor minister Stephen Jones is retiring from politics, marking the fourth cabinet minister to call it quits.

Mr Jones, the Assistant Treasurer and Financial Services Minister, announced on Thursday he will not contest his NSW seat of Whitlam at the upcoming federal election, ending his 15 years in parliament.

In a statement, he expressed his 'immense gratitude' to his local community before thanking his staff and the Labor Party.

'After 15 years and five elections, I am announcing that I won't be standing for re-election as the member for Whitlam,' he said.

'I want to express my immense gratitude to my community for the faith and trust they have placed in me to be their representative since 2010.

'I want to thank the members of the Australian Labor Party, whose values I hold dear and have always attempted to advance in my role as a member of parliament, shadow minister and minister.'

Mr Jones personally thanked the Prime Minister for 'his friendship and support over many decades' and said he was 'proud' of the part he played in 'progressing marriage equality and gambling ad reform in my early years'.

'I am also proud of the work we have done to secure the future of our steel industry, to rebuild TAFE and as assistant treasurer, fighting scams, protecting workers superannuation, making financial advice more accessible and affordable, and strengthening consumer protections for all Australians,' Mr Jones added.

Stephen Jones (pictured), the Assistant Treasurer and Financial Services Minister, announced on Thursday he will not contest his NSW seat of Whitlam at the upcoming federal election , ending his 15 years in parliament

'This great community deserves a representative who will continue to fight for the things that matter  a well-funded TAFE system, a future for manufacturing, cheaper childcare, restoring Medicare, affordable housing, and better infrastructure for our growing suburbs.'

He gave an impassioned speech about his son Paddy in the debate over transgender children in February 2022, telling the House of Representatives that he feared for his son's safety.

'I worry myself sick every time he leaves the house. I think to myself, "You look beautiful, but do you have to go out looking like that?",' he said.

'I know that the love and protection that he enjoys with his mother and his friends and his family is very different to the reception that he may receive in the outside world.'

Treasurer Jim Chalmers paid tribute to his 'friend', who he said had 'big ideas, makes big contributions and is a terrific colleague'.

'He will leave a proud legacy as Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services, having advanced reforms to strengthen Australias superannuation and financial systems, modernise markets and improve the integrity of our tax system,' Mr Chalmers said.

'He has delivered reforms that will allow more Australians to retire with dignity, and has helped make financial advice more accessible.

'Stephen championed and delivered consumer protections from predatory lending and has better regulated Buy Now, Pay Later providers.

Mr Jones' departure marks the fourth cabinet minister to announce their retirement this term (pictured: Mr Jones with the PM)

'He played an important role finalising the response to the Banking Royal Commission, and has led critical work to combat scams, including the introduction of landmark legislation.'

Mr Jones' departure marks the fourth cabinet minister to announce their retirement this term.

The Prime Minister has already lost NDIS Minister Bill Shorten, Minister for Indigenous Affairs Linda Burney and Minister for Skills and Training Brendan OConnor.
Chilling footage has emerged of a deadly hit squad's escape after they gunned down Sam Abdulrahim, as gangland figures gathered for his funeral on Thursday.

The footage shows a white Porsche SUV racing down High Street in Melbourne's Prahran moments after 'The Punisher' was executed in a hail of bullets on Tuesday.

The vehicle, a high-powered Porsche Macan SUV, sported near pitch black side windows, completely concealing the four-strong crew of killers within.

Reflection from the windows further hamper any chance police might of had at identifying those inside the vehicle.

The car was later found torched less than 2km away at the end of Alexandra Street  off Northernhay Street  in Reservoir.

Abdulrahim is believed to have been shot up to 10 times inside the underground carpark of the Quest Hotel in Preston, in Melbourne's north.

The revelations come as mourners converged on the Alawi Islamic Association of Victoria in the northern Melbourne suburb of Epping on Thursday morning for Abdulrahim's farewell.

A rogues gallery of Melbourne underworld identities, glam beauties and tattooed bikies gathered there to remember the slain gangster.

Abdulrahim, wearing The Punisher logo, was murdered on Tuesday

The white Porsche carrying Abdulrahim's killers makes its escape

The white Porsche makes its getaway

They arrived in a range of luxury vehicles including Mercedes, Audis, BMWs and Ford Rangers.

Among them was a procession of bikies sporting 1% neck tattoos, while another tattooed bikie arrived on foot and yelled 'rest in peace' while smoking a cigarette.

Several mourners were seen embracing one another as they entered the mosque where Abdulrahim's body lay in a coffin inside.

Hundreds were expected to attend the funeral to pay their respects to the once-feared criminal before his body is laid to rest at the Northern Memorial Park.

Victoria Police established a small presence opposite the mosque and highway patrol monitored roads and streets leading into it in an effort to ward off any likely trouble.

Detectives located Abdulrahim's killers' suspected second getaway car on Wednesday close to Melbourne's international airport, on Western Avenue in Westmeadows.

Like the Porsche, the Ford Ranger had been set ablaze to hide any potential forensic evidence that could identify the killers.

The location of the second vehicle has raised concerns the killers may have made a quick exit overseas, likely to the Middle East.

It was later found on fire a short distance away

It would be the same suspected escape route of the assassins who tried to take out Abdulrahim outside Fawkner cemetery in 2022.

Police have reportedly put all of Australia's international departure points on high alert for any attempts by the killers to escape Australia, but some fear they may have already ghosted out.

Abdulrahim's sister Ektimal took to social media just hours after his death with a message for her brother's killer.

'Whoever shot my brother to death, I'm after u mother f***er,' she wrote. 'I know it's u dog. Never ends here.'

The former bikie-turned-boxer had been the target of three murder contracts, a prison bashing, three assaults, a dozen fire bombings and seven shootings.

In one attempted hit he was shot eight times and survived, and in another he escaped a barrage of bullets.

The 32-year-old former Mongol bikie had been living in hiding since two shootings at his former family home in Thomastown last year.

Underworld sources say they don't expect any payback violence on behalf of The Punisher's friends and allies.

The burnt out remains of the white Porsche used in The Punisher execution

This Ford Ranger was found destroyed a stone's throw from Melbourne Airport

'There's not a sad face around,' an underworld source told The Age.

Abdulrahim had been put under such unrelenting pressure by his enemies that by the end he had almost no allies left in that world, deserted and left exposed after months of firebombings and shootings targeting anyone he could have once leaned on, it reported.

Underworld sources claimed there had been little talk of revenge for what has happened, but rather hope that the bloody, nerve-shredding reign of terror may be finally ending.

It was a sentiment echoed by veteran organised crime detectives, who view retaliation as unlikely given Abdulrahim and his inner circle couldn't protect themselves  let alone strike back  in the months leading up to his assassination, it was reported.
Married at First Sight star Jessika Power has lashed out at online trolls over her ongoing support of slain underworld figure Sam 'The Punisher' Abdulrahim.

The former Mongol bikie had a short-lived romance with the former MAFS star in 2019, shortly after he was released from prison, where he had served time over a deadly high-speed crash.

On Thursday, hundreds of mourners attended the funeral of Abdulrahim, who was gunned down in Melbourne two days ago.

Haunting images show his simple wooden casket being carried through a field of long grass in eerie scenes reminiscent of Russell Crowe's Gladiator.

Abdulrahim's body had earlier been placed inside a stunning gold casket for the formal service.

Power remembered her former boyfriend as a 'great protector' hours after his death on Tuesday.

Her kind words about Abdulrahim following his brutal demise sparked a social media pile-on, where the reality star claims she was mercilessly trolled.

'Im just over it and it doesnt need to reflect back into my personal life now  please be respectful and understand that someone has passed away, she claimed in an emotional video posted to Instagram video.

Jessika Power took to Instagram on Thursday to hit back at trolls

Sam 'The Punisher' Abdulrahim was given a Gladiator farewell on his final trip to his resting place

And that we dont need to be a**eholes on the internet constantly and I know there are some troll accounts out there that go Oh I wanna be a piece of s**t today.

'Just stop doing it because its not fair on anyone and this is actually a real life event and it is actually really hard on people.

And it doesnt need to affect me  me and my relationship right now and it doesnt anything else.

Following Abdulrahim's death, Power told Daily Mail Australia her fears about the underworld were one of the reasons she ended the relationship with Abdulrahim.

But she said that he had continued to support her behind the scenes, even up until a few months ago.

'It's been really, really hard to hear,' she said through tears.

'We ended on really good terms. He's always been supportive to me if I needed him, even up until a few months ago.

'I just feel so sad for his wife and his child - she's going to grow up without a dad and it's such a toxic world to be in that underworld thing.'

Power paid tribute to her former partner as someone who was a 'great protector'.

'Everybody looks at these bikies and Mongols as bad people, but he was a family man, he was dedicated to his family,' she said.

'He was protective of his family and he was certainly protective of me when we were together.

'He's a dad, he's a husband, he's someone's son and he's just a really good guy.'

The former Mongol bikie (left) was once briefly in a relationship with Married At First Sight star Jessika Power (right)

Sam 'The Punisher' Abdulrahim was carried to his final resting place on Thursday

He had been brought into the service in a gold casket

Abdulrahim was ambushed and executed in the underground carpark at Melbourne's Quest Apartments in Preston about 10.30am on Tuesday.

Underworld sources have revealed Abdulrahim, 32, was killed by a professional hit squad of up to four gunmen after a $2 million bounty was placed on his head.

On Thursday, Homicide Squad Detective Dean Thomas reiterated that officers were being mindful and respectful of the families, friends and loved ones dealing with grief.

'I respect that the funeral is today, but to Sam's family, friends and associates, I ask that they work with us and provide us with any information they have so that we can identify those responsible,' he said.

'Retaliation, tit-for-tat type behaviour really doesn't achieve much, but there is nothing at this point to suggest that that will be the case.'

Several emotional mourners embraced before entering the mosque, and Abdulrahim's casket was taken inside just before 10.30am - half an hour after the service was advertised to start.

A bystander commented it was 'like an episode of the Sopranos'.

On his departure, motorcycles roared as the gold casket was loaded by his loved ones into the hearse.

The word 'Suna' - Abdrulrahim's nickname among friends and family - was spelt out in flowers and carried beside the vehicle.

Mourners spilled out onto the street as a guard of honour was formed.

Mourners carried flowers spelling out 'Suna' - the name Abdulrahim was known by among mates

Abdulrahim is placed inside the hearse for his final journey

Jessika Power met Sam Abdulrahim through mutual friends in 2019

Friends called Sam 'Suna' but the world knew him as 'The Punisher'

A sweet photo of Abdulrahim, dressed white, was carried by one mourner as fearsome motorbikes roared closely behind.

Abdulrahims parents had entered the mosque about 9am.

Abdulrahim's body was transported to it's final resting place at the Northern Memorial Park where it was taken out of the lavish gold coffin and transferred into a plain brown casket.

Hundreds of mourners bid farewell before an excavator covered the Punisher's grave with dirt.

Among the grieving were Abdulrahim's wife and parents.

Power met Abdulrahim through mutual friends. They debuted their relationship on Instagram on May 14, 2019, posting a photo of the pair together while she was getting a facial scrub.

She shared another photo of the duo cuddling up at a party days later, and the pair were pictured passionately kissing at Melbourne Airport on May 22, with the couple deciding to 'take things slowly'.

Power said that despite Abdulrahim's positive qualities, it was his underworld connections that scuttled the pair's short-lived romance.

'I just feel like that underworld thing at the minute in Melbourne and Sydney is just getting out of hand,' she said.

'It was part of the reason why I ended up leaving because I just didn't want to be around that.

'It makes my head rattle because there are all these people are out there having these wars, but basically you're assassinating someone's father, brother or kid'.
Meghan Markle has sparked speculation that she has redesigned elements of her engagement ring for the fourth time after the Duchess of Sussex's sparkler appeared to show slight alterations in trailers for her new Netflix series.

When Prince Harry proposed to Meghan in 2017, he designed the ring to feature a cushion-cut diamond, estimated to be between 2.5 and 3 carats, that he had sourced from Botswana - where the couple took their first holiday together.

Surrounding the main stone are two smaller, round diamonds from Princess Diana's personal jewellery collection.

This was another special and sentimental touch, with Meghan revealing that it was important for her to know that Harry's late mother was a part of this with us.

Harry explained that the ring was yellow gold because that was Meghan's favourite and including diamonds from Princess Dianas collection was to make sure that she's with us on this crazy journey together.

The original ring, which is estimated to be worth around 120,000, had a plain gold band crafted by Cleave & Company, the late Queen Elizabeth's regular jeweller.

However, within less than two years, the engagement ring underwent a significant transformation.

Its new design, which Meghan showcased for the first time at Trooping the Colour in 2019, featured a band that was considerably thinner than the original.

Following appearances without the ring in 2023, viewers caught glimpses of the updated design in the trailer for Meghans new Netflix show. The centre stone appears to have been upgraded from the original rounder cushion cut to a square emerald cut diamond

The launch of Netflix's With Love Meghan has been pushed back to March 4 due to Los Angeles fires

The world first caught a glimpse of the ring at Kensington Palace when the couple had their official engagement photocall.

The smitten Prince Harry, standing with his then fiance, designed Meghan's engagement ring himself back in 2017

In 2022's Finding Freedom, Omid Scobie claimed it was the Duke of Sussex who had made the first alterations to Meghan's ring. Harry commissioned jeweller Lorraine Schwartz to resize and reset the ring with a new diamond band.

The refreshed design featured a thin, micro-pave band instead and was paired with a conflict-free diamond eternity band which symbolised their expanding family.

Incorporating their birthstones on the underside, peridot for Meghan, emerald for Archie, and sapphire for Harry, the eternity band was also created by designer to the stars Lorraine Schwartz.

In 2022 there was further speculation that Meghan altered the ring for a second time when she attended the Invictus Games in The Hague, and it appeared that she had added additional diamonds to the setting surrounding the central diamond.

Wearing her updated ring which was now set higher with a band of diamonds set around the base of the main stones, Meghan swapped her eternity band for a dainty gold hand bracelet by Catbird.

Fast forward to 2023, and the ring was notably absent for a number of appearances at the Invictus Games, reportedly due to repairs for a loose stone.

It is believed that this was because Meghan changed the ring for a third time, giving a fourth and perhaps final iteration of her engagement ring.

In promotional videos and photographs for her new Netflix series, Meghan appears to have opted for slightly different central stone.

In 2019, the year after the couple tied the knot in Windsor, Harry commissioned celebrity jeweller Lorraine Schwartz to update Meghan's ring. The redesign, which coincided with Harry gifting Meghan an eternity ring, swapped the plain gold band to a thinner micro-pave style adorned with tiny diamonds

When attending the Invictus Games in The Hague in 2022, it is believed that additional diamonds were added to the setting surrounding the central diamonds. Lifting the stones a little higher, delicate diamonds were incorporated into the setting beneath the main stones

The Duchess also wore a gold hand chain from Catbird at the Invictus Games. The chain is called the "Kitten Mitten" and is a finger bracelet style and went beautifully with the ring

As she displays her cooking skills, Meghan wears the updated version together with her eternity band and wedding ring made of Welsh gold, a tradition for the royal family who have been using the pure gold for their wedding bands ever since the Queen Mothers wedding in 1923.

This version appears to show a transformation to the centre stone from its original cushion shape with rounded corners to an emerald cut.

Updating engagement rings is a trend also favoured by Victoria Beckham and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark in a bid to symbolise milestones in the relationship - or simply because they want a little more sparkle.

Jewellery experts explain that men tend to pick a safe design to propose with, allowing some wives the opportunity to later tailor it to their own taste, perhaps enlarging the stone to celebrate a milestone moment.
If anyone doubted the importance of the Princess of Wales to the Monarchy, her absence from public duties last year as she battled multiple health problems made crystal clear how much she was missed.

There is, however, another woman whose value to the Royal Family is rarely remarked upon, yet she is central to its fortunes.

That woman is Carole Middleton.

Shes not royal and has been given no title but, as she celebrates her 70th birthday tomorrow, I want to give a personal insight into her character.

Back in 2008, when Kate, as Catherine was then known, had been going out with Prince William for more than five years, her mother broke her silence to voice her concerns about the impact that public scrutiny was having on her own life.

You see, I feel very vulnerable about everything, she told me at the Hennessy Gold Cup, at Newbury racecourse, just a few miles from her house in Berkshire.

Im not a celebrity and dont want to be one. Celebrities have minders and PR people. I dont want a PR person and wouldnt want to have to pay to employ one. I havent asked for all this.

Carole Middleton and the Duchess of Cambridge attend day 1 of Royal Ascot in June 2017

As mother of the future Queen of England, Carole Middleton is no stranger to life in the spotlight. Pictured with Kate in April 2011

When Catherines romance with William was first disclosed, there were claims that her mother had engineered her relationship by encouraging her to take a gap year so her time at St Andrews University would coincide with that of the future king. Catherine also switched to the same history of art course as William, having originally enrolled to study psychology.

These rumours were given new force by royal biographer Tina Brown in her 2022 book, The Palace Papers, and by Netflixs hit drama The Crown, which depicted Carole as the mastermind of Catherines romance.

It is unlikely Kate would be where she is today without her mothers canny help in negotiating a royal romance, Brown claimed. Caroles fingerprints are all over Kates first move on the royal chessboard.

However, as Caroles brother Gary Goldsmith has confirmed, the truth is that William already knew Catherine after they met at various events attended by pupils from their respective boarding schools, Eton College and Marlborough College. It was William who pursued Catherine and not the other way round.

This is why Caroles comment to me in 2008, I havent asked for all this, rang true then, and still does.

An air stewardess when flying was still chic, Carole set up Party Pieces, a successful mail-order company providing childrens party paraphernalia, with her husband, Michael. Im concerned about my business; thats my focus, she said at the time. I dont want the attention to detract from that. Im also worried for my family: I have three children - not just Catherine.

Amid worldwide attention on Williams relationship with her daughter, Carole was subjected to criticism for a number of alleged faux pas, such as being captured by television cameras chewing gum during the princes passing-out ceremony at Sandhurst military academy in 2006. It was also claimed that she used the word toilet and phrases such as pleased to meet you and pardon when introduced to Queen Elizabeth.

Carole Middleton holds hands with Prince William as they attend day two of Royal Ascot 2024

In fact, she had still not met Her Majesty at that point and the gum was apparently a nicotine substitute that she needed to help her give up smoking.

Despite all the criticism, Carole has been the model of discretion in the 17 years since our chat at the racecourse - and that wont change.

While Meghan Markle cut all ties with her father and most of her relations after she married into the Royal Family, Catherine has been able to rely on the steadfast support of the Middletons.

Never has that been so crucial as in Catherines past traumatic year.

It is no surprise that her parents were included in the video that Kensington Palace released last September after the princess completed her chemotherapy treatment, which did not feature the King and Queen.
For the first time in 1,900 years, humans have been able to read ancient text dating from the height of the Roman Empire.

The historic text was written on a scroll of papyrus  a material similar to paper, made from the pith of the papyrus plant  found in the Judean desert.

Consisting of 133 lines of text in ancient Greek, it is a court document concerning a case of 'sophisticated tax fraud' by two Jewish men during the first half of the 2nd century AD.

The text makes reference to one of the defendants 'who may be cheaply bought' with a history of 'committing violence and sedition and banditry'.

Meanwhile, his friend and accomplice is known to have 'produced counterfeited coins'  but large portions of the papyrus are missing or fragmented.

'The document is very damaged at the end,' Dr Anna Dolganov, historian at the Austrian Academy of Sciences, told MailOnline.

'But we still get a clear idea of the criminal case from the perspective of the prosecution  and tax fraud was as old as taxation itself throughout human history.'

According to the researchers, this is the best-documented Roman legal case from Judea, other than the trial of Jesus.

For the first time in 1,900 years, humans have been able to read ancient Greek text dating from the height of the Roman Empire (pictured)

The reddish-brown papyrus - about the size of A4 - was discovered in 2014 but the 'complex decipherment' of the text has taken just over a decade.

It is described as 'one of the most comprehensive legal documents ever found from the period of Roman rule in the Land of Israel'.

'This is the best-documented Roman legal case from Judea other than the trial of Jesus,' said study author Dr Avner Acker at the Hebrew University.

Although it has a big hole in the middle, experts have been able to translate enough of the text to form a detailed reconstruction of events.

It concerns a court case involving two defendants named Gedaliah and Saul, who are accused of forging documents relating to the sale and release of slaves.

This sale was not only completely imaginary, with no money changing hands, but was also not properly declared.

'We are told that Saulos arranged a fictive sale of slaves to an accomplice and later manumitted [released] one of them, all without paying the requisite Roman taxes,' said Dr Dolganov.

'Forging documents and tax evasion were considered serious crimes in the Roman Empire, punishable by hard labor and even execution.'

The 'complex decipherment' of the text (pictured) involving interpretation of each symbol has taken just over a decade

Forging documents and tax evasion were considered serious crimes in the Roman Empire, punishable by hard labor and even execution. Pictured, scenes of a Roman execution by exposure to wild beasts, Roman floor mosaic, Libya

Roman-Jewish relations in the 1st and 2nd centuries AD Spiraling Jewish-Roman tensions resulted in several wars between the years 66 and 135 AD. The First Jewish-Roman War (AD 66-74) resulted in a Roman victory and the Jews were subdued. But tensions continued to build, culminating in the Diaspora Revolt (AD 115-117) and the Bar Kokhba Revolt (AD 132-136). Advertisement

It seems the conspirators were well acquainted with Roman law and administration, which they exploited to their advantage.

The case is recorded in the papyrus from the perspective of Roman prosecutors, preparing for the trial and analyzing the strength of the evidence available to them, including the defendants' histories.

Gedaliah, who was apparently from a respectable family and perhaps even a Roman citizen, was accused of other crimes such as violence, extortion and incitement to rebellion.

His 'friend and collaborator' Saulos, known for counterfeiting coins, may have been trying to evade taxes on his own slaves.

He could even have been trafficking young children born into slavery, or engaging in clandestine slave trade across imperial borders.

Or there may have been a more 'straightforward explanation', such as a desire for profit and tax evasion by hiding assets from the Romans.

When Roman officials became suspicious, the culprits allegedly tried to bribe a local city council to protect them.

Identities of the prosecutors remains unknown, but are likely to have been officials from the Roman fiscal administration, according to Dr Dolganov and colleagues.

Spiraling Jewish-Roman tensions resulted in several wars between the years 66 and 135 AD. This tableau shows expulsion of the Jews from Jerusalem during the reign of Hadrian

The Roman Empire was a huge territorial empire that existed between 27 BC and AD 476, spanning across Europe and North Africa with Rome as its centre. This map marks out the Roman Empire in red at its greatest extent (117 AD)

'The text also mentions an informer who denounced the defendants to Roman authorities,' they say in their study, published in the journal Tyche.

Unfortunately there are details about the case that are lost, such as where it took place or the fate of Gedaliah and Saul, who blamed each other.

'But the apparent fact that they were prosecuted by the Roman administration itself augurs badly for them,' Dr Dolganov told MailOnline.

Tellingly, the court case happened not long after the Diaspora Revolt (AD 115-117), the violent Jewish uprisings in the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire, including including Egypt, Libya and Cyprus.

It also precedes the Bar Kokhba Revolt (AD 132-136), so a state of high alert among Roman officials at this time 'does not seem surprising', said Dr Dolganov.

Together, the two rebellions resulted in the loss of several Roman legions and the death of hundreds of thousands of people.

The trial may even have been interrupted by the outbreak of the Bar Kokhba revolt before it mysteriously ended up in a cave in the Judean desert.
A monster hunter says 'the only possibility is Nessie' after catching a double-humped creature on camera in what's been called the first sighting of the year.

Eoin O'Faodhagain was watching Loch Ness via webcam when he spotted something rising and sinking in the water, estimated to be up to 20 feet long.

He said: 'I noticed a disturbance in the middle of Loch Ness, to the right of the screen.

'I saw a shape rise up out of the water, then submerge, four times in the same spot, which I considered to be highly unusual.'

He continued: 'I thought it could be Nessie, but first wanted to look at other options.

'I've ruled out a log  I've never seen a log emerging and submerging in the same spot, ever.

'And waves move along, they do not stay in the one place.

'It's far too large for any wildfowl or seals, and I've also ruled out divers or swimmers. The only possibility is Nessie.'

A monster hunter says 'the only possibility is Nessie' after catching a double-humped creature on camera in what's been called the first sighting of the year

Eoin O'Faodhagain was watching Loch Ness via webcam when he spotted something rising and sinking in the water, estimated to be up to 20 feet long

The footage, taken on Sunday around 1pm, was captured using a webcam at the Clansman Hotel maintained by Visit Inverness Loch Ness (VILN).

It's an unusually early time of year for the mythical monster to appear.

The Official Loch Ness Monster Sightings Register recorded only a handful of entries last year  the first of them in April.

'It could be the first genuine Nessie Sighting of 2025,' said Mr O'Faodhagain, 60.

'January would not be a popular month for Nessie sightings, maybe because there are fewer pleasure craft out on the loch.'

In Eoin's footage, which lasts only a few seconds, a pair of black humps can be seen rising and sinking in the water.

The monster hunter believes this could be the head and body of the beast.

He said: 'There was one long hump and a smaller hump to the right of this, which I surmised to be the possible head of the creature.

The footage, taken on Sunday around 1pm, was captured using a webcam at the Clansman Hotel maintained by Visit Inverness Loch Ness (VILN)

The Official Loch Ness Monster Sightings Register recorded only a handful of entries last year  the first of them in April

'That would mean it's positioned to move against the current.'

He added that the mysterious creature's behaviour, emerging and submerging repeatedly, was characteristic of other Nessie encounters.

He said: 'This type of behaviour has been documented in other live sightings at Loch Ness over the years, so you could call this a classic sighting.

'There is a strong resemblance to my only registered sighting last year, also captured on the Clansman webcam in July.

'That consisted of two humps as well  one small at the front, followed by a large hump behind it.'

Mr O'Faodhagain often logs on to watch the water from his home in County Donegal, Ireland.

Over the years, he's racked up multiple entries in the Official Loch Ness Monster Sightings Register.

The VILN webcams can be watched live online at visitinvernesslochness.com
Qantas has announced a major redesign of its crew's uniform for the first time in more than 10 years.

The national carrier is set to overhaul the brand's signature navy, red and fuchsia uniforms that have been a staple for staff since 2013.

The airline's CEO Vanessa Hudson said it was time to redefine Qantas' brand but the new look isn't expected to be debuted until 2027.

'We have ambitious plans for the future and transforming the way we reflect the brand is critical to that,' Ms Hudson said.

'Our uniform represents the Qantas spirit all over the world.

'With a vast and growing international and domestic network, a historic fleet renewal program underway and the final frontier of global aviation just around the corner it's time to define a new look for our people that reflects where we are heading.'

Ms Hudson said Qantas' staff would be put at the core of the redesign process, which will start with the airline surveying the opinions of its 17,500-strong workforce.

She thanked designer Martin Grant, who created the airline's current uniform in 2013, for his work and partnership.

Qantas announced it would overhaul the brands signature navy, red and fuchsia colour themed uniforms for the first time in more than 10 years

Previous designers include Peter Morrissey, Yves Saint Laurent, George Gross and Harry Who and Emilio Pucci, who created iconic uniforms reflecting key moments in the Flying Kangaroo's 105-year history.

Ms Hudson explained Qantas would engage an Australian designer to create the eleventh uniform in the airline's history.

It's understood Qantas will announce the next designer for the new uniform in the coming months once it has surveyed its workforce.

Qantas plans to debut the new design in 2027, with the new look forming part of the airline's major fleet investments.

The national carrier's historic renewal program will see more than 100 aircrafts added to its fleet over the next decade.

The airline's 'Project Sunrise' - dubbed as the final frontier of aviation - will be launched in mid-2026 with the newly ordered A350-1000.

The new uniforms come after a tumultuous year for the embattled airline, with Qantas recording a 28 per cent fall in post-tax profit to $1.25billion in the 2024 financial year.

The decline in profits was largely due to the moderation of fares, increased spending on customer initiatives and reduced freight revenue.

The redesign will be the eleventh uniform in the Flying Kangaroo's 105-year history (pictured, Qantas' 1974 uniform designed by Emilio Pucci)

The airline has focused on winning back its customers to boost its profits with passenger promotions and inflight services after a year of headlines over safety rating, legal battles and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's free perks.

In December, Qantas was forced to pay $120million to 1,800 illegally fired ground and baggage handlers after a four year landmark industrial relations battle.

The airline was also at the centre of a debacle involving Mr Albanese after it was revealed the PM did not declare gifted business class upgrades.
Great British Menu fans sank their claws into the show's 'laughable' dishes on last night's episode of the BBC show.

Contestants Jack, Eddie and Liv battled it out while creating main courses and desserts for chef Paul Ainsworth inspired by renowned Brits.

For mains, Jack cooked lamb Cumberland sausages and barbecue ribs in a nod to author Alfred Wainwright, while Eddie crafted black garlic and tofu ragu rosette in tribute to suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst.

Liv went for a dish of liver, bacon and cabbage in homage to Cilla Black and her favourite meal.

Despite the meals being mostly praised by the chefs, some viewers couldn't get over the tiny size of the dishes.

One fan posted on X: 'Always makes me laugh how they make a big bowlful & then each portion is about a teaspoon. #greatbritishmenu.'

Andi Oliver and contestants Eddie and Jack on the recent episode of Great British Menu

Liv went for a dish of liver, bacon and cabbage in homage to Cilla Black and her favourite meal

Liv serving up her Cilla Black inspired meal on Great British Menu

Another commented: 'Thats a kids portion #GreatBritishMenu.'

Someone else chimed in: 'That's a side salad, not a main course. #greatbritishmenu.'

A fourth said: 'When will the chefs learn that it is supposed to be a banquet not three random things on a plate #greatbritishmenu.'

After also crafting desserts, Liv scored the least amount of points and left the competition, while Jack and Eddie made it to the next round.

Paul said: 'Liv, I think you're wicked and I really think you've done Liverpool so proud.'

He went on to add: 'Jack, Eddie, I really wish you all the best with the judges and as I've said all week, this has been my first time judging the North West and I've been blown away.'

It comes after the new series recently started with a new line-up of judges as Scottish chef Lorna McNee joins Tom Kerridge and Ed Gamble on the panel.

Despite the meals being mostly praised by the chefs, some viewers noticed the size of the dishes wasn't what they expected

Former Great British Menu Champion Lorna will replace Nisha Katona, who confirmed she's stepping down from the role after three years as a judge.

In a statement, Nisha gushed how she 'loved' her time on the show and will miss her co-stars 'terribly.

She shared: 'I absolutely loved the time I was lucky enough to spend on Great British Menu.

'It is with the heaviest of hearts that I pass on this most delicious of batons. I will miss my wonderful brother judges and the fantastic crew terribly. I loved every moment I was fortunate enough to spend with them.'

Meanwhile Lorna, who is a renowned chef at Glasgow's Cail Bruich restaurant, revealed her excitement for her new job and told of her 'surprise' to have been asked.

After also crafting desserts, Liv scored the least amount of points and left the competition, while Jack and Eddie made it to the next round

She shared: 'Winning Great British Menu back in 2018 made a huge difference to my career as a chef and was partly behind me becoming Chef Director at Cail Bruich, so I know just how much the competition means to Britains chefs.

'Being invited to join the judges this year was a total surprise but a delight and Im loving the chance to help choose this years banquet finalists.

'Tom, Ed and Andi have made me feel very welcome, and Im also meeting some amazing guest judges every week  each of whom has been invited to help us choose the dishes representing their areas to go with this years theme of UK Heroes.'

Great British Menu airs on BBC Two and can be streamed on BBC iPlayer.
By Akbar Novruz



Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili emphasized her countrys dedication to ensuring peace and stability in the South Caucasus during a joint press conference with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in Yerevan on Thursday.

According to Azernews, Botchorishvili expressed Georgias readiness to contribute to regional peace efforts, underscoring her countrys commitment to fostering stability and prosperity in the region. She also voiced hope that the peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan would be mutually acceptable, paving the way for a peaceful future.

Botchorishvili further highlighted the security challenges posed by Russias occupation of Georgian territories, noting that these issues must be addressed within the broader context of regional security. She reiterated that both Armenia and Georgia support each others sovereignty and territorial integrity, signaling strong bilateral ties.

In addition, the Georgian minister welcomed Armenia's growing relations with the EU and the US, stating that these developments would benefit the region.
A beloved BBC murder mystery drama will return to screens for a new series after viewer ratings boomed.

A third season of Anthony Horowitz's Susan Ryeland book series has been confirmed and will debut with a brand new name - Marble Hall Murders.

Anthony's books follow the central character, Susan, and her fictitious detective advisor, Atticus Pund.

So far the whodunnit series has seen Susan torn away from the pages of her fictional crimes and confronted with an real murder when her star writer turns up dead.

After uncovering the death, Susan made a new life for herself with her partner in Crete, but was soon pulled back into the world of murder and deceit.

Now the BBC has confirmed that the third and final season has been given the green light.

A beloved BBC murder mystery drama will return to screens for a new series after viewer ratings boomed

A third season of Anthony Horowitz's Susan Ryeland book series has been confirmed and will debut a brand new name - Marble Hall Murders

Lesley Manville will reprise her role as Susan and Tim McMullan will return as her creatively-minded mentor Atticus.

The show was originally aired on BritBox but was later bought by the BBC and became a big enough success for a second season.

This season will see Susan follow the story of 'Pund's Last Case' which is set in 1955 in Corfu.

The BBC no doubt be hoping that series three will follow in the Moonflower Murders footsteps, as the previous case drew in an average of 4.9 million viewers.

Show creator Anthony Horowitz said: 'I'm so happy to bring the team back  stars, director, producers, and crew  for a third installment of what has been a fantastically successful TV series. I have a feeling this could be the best yet.'

Moonflower Murders was directed by Rebecca Gatward (Bad Sisters) and is a sequel to the acclaimed Magpie Murders.

Returning in the lead roles they originated in Magpie Murders are Academy Award-nominee Lesley Manville (The Crown, Phantom Thread, Mum) as book editor turned sleuth Susan Ryeland and Timothy McMullan (Patrick Melrose, The Crown) as famous literary detective Atticus Pund.

A synopsis for the drama reads: 'Susan has left publishing and is living in Crete with her long-time boyfriend, Andreas.

Anthony's books follow the central character, Susan and her fictitious detective advisor, Atticus Pund

So far the who-done-it series has seen Susan find herself torn away from the pages of her fictional crimes and confronted with an actual real murder when her star writer turns up dead

After uncovering the death of her star Susan made a new life for herself with her partner in Crete but was soon pulled back into the world of murder and deceit

Now the BBC has confirmed that the third and final season has been given the green light

Moonflower Murders is a sequel to the acclaimed Magpie Murders and was written by Horowitz and directed by Rebecca Gatward (Bad Sisters)

'But her idyll is disturbed by the shadow of a murder committed at a British country hotel eight years ago.'

Moonflower Murders is the second novel in Horowitz's Susan Ryeland series.

Published in 2020, it was dubbed 'a richly plotted, head-spinning novel' by the New York Times.

Moonflower Murders averaged 4.9m viewers across the series, making it one of the BBC's most watched acquired scripted series in 2024

Jill Green said: 'Anthony has once again brought his unique and original perspective to the world of murder mystery.

'Marble Hall Murders completes the trilogy, and the scripts and lead actors are once again at the top of their game.'

Both Magpie and Moonflower Murders are available to stream on the BBC iPlayer now.
A Place In The Suns Jasmine Harman had a racy Marilyn Monroe moment as she suffered a wardrobe malfunction while battling the elements on the Channel 4 show.

The 49-year-old, who has been a property expert on the programme since 2004, shared a throwback snap from an episode that aired back in December 2023 and was repeated this week.

Jasmine headed to Orihuela Costa, Spain, with Anette and Mark from Derbyshire to find their dream holiday home - with a budget of 150,000.

The instalment aired on Channel 4 at 3pm on Wednesday afternoon.

The TV star took to her Instagram to post a stunning picture from filming, which showed off her incredible figure.

Jasmine was all smiles as she giggled away while the wind parted her dress and flashed her pins.

A Place In The Sun's Jasmine Harman channeled her inner Marilyn Monroe moment on the Channel 4 show

The 49-year-old looked stunning in her blue and white floral dress alongside guests Anette and Mark

The presenter completed her stylish look in gold wedges and a red trench coat.

Jasmine wrote: 'Today at 3pm @channel4 you can catch this classic episode of @aplaceinthesun.'

In the original caption, she told her followers: 'On todays new episode of A Place in the Sun, I battle the elements to find the perfect place for Annette & Mark on the not-so-sunny Orihuela Costa in Spain!

'We had bad luck with the weather, but did we have better luck with the properties???'

Fans rushed to the comments section to share the love for the cheeky pic.

One wrote: 'Beautiful.'

Another added: 'Wow, what gorgeous legs, you shouldn't keep them hidden, beautiful smile as well, you are one gorgeous lady.'

A third chimed in: 'Legs 11.'

Jasmine has been a property expert on the Channel 4 show since 2004

'The perfect place and the perfect legs... looking hot Jas,' a fourth chimed in.

Catering manager Anette and engineer Mark, who have four kids between them, had been together for 10 years.

The pair wanted to bag themselves a three-bed property to be able to spend time with their family.

Some of their must-haves included a communal pool.

Jasmine showed the two a new build in Villamartin, a modern duplex in Cabo Roig, a traditional townhouse in Punta Prima, a duplex in Playa Flamenca and a ground floor property in Punta Prima.

The property expert was also shown a stunning hot property in Dehesa de Campoamor.

A Place In The Sun first hit our screens back in 2000.

The programme follows an expert as they try and find the show's guests their perfect holiday home.

Some other presenters also include Laura Hamilton, Scarlette Douglas, Ben Hillman, Danni Menzies and Lee Juggurnauth.

A Place In The Sun airs weekdays 3pm on Channel 4 and is available to stream on channel4.com
Netflix has unveiled its 'biggest year ever' with loads of new programmes fronted by British legends.

The likes of Victoria Beckham, Stephen Graham, Tom Hardy will be on our screens this year as part of new shows landing on the popular streaming service.

Want to know everything coming up in 2025? Read on for the top streaming picks ripe for a binge.

Victoria Beckham Documentary Series

Victoria Beckham is back with a brand new documentary

Victoria Beckham will be extending her relationship with Netflix with a brand new - currently untitled - doc dropping later this year.

In a clip shown at the Next On Netflix 2025 event, Victoria ponders why she continues to pursue run her fashion and makeup empires while juggling TV commitments.

'I want to know why I keep doing this when I don't really need to... it can't just be because I'm passionate about fashion and beauty,' she muses.

Later we see her managing a fashion show in nightmare conditions.

The show - set to unfold outside - is drenched with rain, as runners do their best to wring out carpets and waterproof chairs.

'It's up to you, Victoria,' one assistant tells her, as she's forced to make a decision on whether to postpone the show or power through.

Next we see catwalks being briefed to tackle the catwalk, with Victoria urging them to watch their step on the slippery runway.

Meanwhile David and the Beckham brood are seen in the front row of the audience, steadfast in their support.

The show promises to take us inside Victoria's professional and personal worlds with an unflinching, unfiltered lens, exposing a rarely-seen vulnerable side of the former Spice Girl.

When will it be on Netflix? Later this year - release date TBA.

Adolescence

Stephen Graham will be back on our screens very soon as part of the cast of Adolescence

Stephen Graham takes on the character of Eddie Miller, the father of a 13-year-old murder suspect in upcoming family drama Adolescence.

The teen, called Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper), is arrested for killing a girl who goes to his school.

And Top Boy legend Ashley Walters takes on the role of DI Luke Bascombe.

The four-part series, each episode of which was filmed in one continuous shot, was created by Jack Thorne and star Stephen Graham.

The likes of Faye Marsay, Christine Tremarco, Mark Stanley, Jo Hartley and Amelie Pease will also take on roles in the programme.

When will it be on Netflix? March 13, 2025.

Havoc

Tom Hardy will star in the action thriller Havoc

As well as some dramatic series, there will also be an epic film dropped on the subscription service.

Havoc follows the story of a detective who is on a mission to rescue a politician's son - and Tom Hardy has taken on the role of protagonist Walker.

The movie - which was filmed in 2021 - is written and directed by Gareth Evans.

It promises bloody violence, high-octane car chases and some smouldering one-liners courtesy of Tom.

Tom will be joined by Jessie Mei Li, Justin Cornwell, Quelin Sepulveda, Luis Guzman, Michelle Waterson, Sunny Pang, Jim Caesar, Xelia Mendes-Jones with Yeo Yann Yann, with Timothy Olyphant, and Forest Whitaker in the action thriller.

When will it be on Netflix? Spring 2025.

Too Much

Megan Stalter takes on the show of Jessica - a woman who moves to London from New York

Lena Dunham returns to TV as the creator of this rom-com tracking cultural differences across the pond.

The programme follows a 30-something woman Jessica, played by Megan Stalter, who moves to London after living in New York following a relationship breakdown.

Jessica mets a new man - and although things start off great, she soon runs into difficulties as she tried to get her head around British with and shyness.

White Lotus star Will Sharpe plays her lover Felix in the programme.

The cast also includes Michael Zegan, Janicza Bravo, Richard E. Grant, Daisy Bevan, Adele Exarchopoulos, Dean-Charles Chapman, Rita Wilson, Andrew Scott, Prasanna Puwanarajah, Andrew Rannells, Rhea Perlman, Emily Ratajkowski, Stephen Fry, Kaori Momoi, Adwoa Aboah.

When will it be on Netflix? Later this year, release date TBA.
As the new series of the BBC's popular entrepreneur show kicks off, a former contestant has revealed her behind-the scenes experience - including claims of producers controlling everything from tasks to haircuts.

Sam Saadet, 34, appeared on The Apprentice last year and competed against other candidates all wanting to win Lord Alan Sugar's hefty 250k investment prize.

The glamorous mother from Essex described how even the seven-stage audition process was 'extremely vigorous', especially the final part where she felt producers tried to push people away from the show.

She told The Sun: 'The producer told me, "I'm going to give you a thousand reasons to say no to the show."'

Sam claimed she was told she would have her passport taken away, be cut off from contacting her family and friends and would have to work long days with little sleep.

However, the warnings did not deter the businesswoman, who responded with 'bring it on'.

Sam Saadet, 34, appeared on The Apprentice last year and competed against other candidates all wanting to win Lord Alan Sugar 's hefty 250,000 investment prize

The glamorous mother from Essex described how even the seven-stage audition process was 'extremely vigorous'

Baroness Karren Brady, Lord Alan Sugar and Tim Campbell on The Apprentice

For the show, Sam pitched The Mummy Movement App - a pre and postnatal health and fitness application that she founded.

The warnings about how tough the show could be came true and Sam claims the producers controlled many aspects of her life during her time there.

Contestants had to give up their phones, passports and credit cards when filming commenced.

Sam claimed that even the salons participants used for haircuts or manicures had to be approved by producers.

She said: 'You can't call your mate and get them to do it. Whatever the person is charging, you're paying it. I think they pop up the prices knowing it's for TV and because of the privacy.'

The businesswoman also alleged that episodes of the show are shaped by the production team.

She said: 'They used to build a narrative about a person on a task that leads to them being fired.'

For the show, Sam pitched 'The Mummy Movement App' - a pre and postnatal health and fitness application that she founded

The warnings about how tough the show could be came true and Sam claims the producers controlled many aspects of her life during her time there

Sam used the cereal task as an example and explained they were given limited choices of images to choose for the packaging.

When it came to the boardroom, Lord Sugar called the team out for not putting a bowl on the box, despite not being given the option to, and Sam claims they had to 'go along with it'.

She added: 'In your mind, you know that wasn't an option but you can't say that. Then you look at the other team and they had the option of using a bowl on their cereal box. So it's clear they push a narrative.'

Looking back at the Treasure Hunt task, Sam claims they could only use pre-approved vendors and believes they may have been told what prices to accept, adding that a man selling oysters would only offer her 15 for 12, but agreed to 10 with the other team.

It comes as the new series of The Apprentice starts tonight with the next 18 hopefuls vying for Lord Sugar's investment.

The businesswoman also alleged that episodes of the show are shaped by the production team

Sam claims even the companies participants used for haircuts or to get their nails done had to be approved by producers

However, while previous series would see bosses track down budding business moguls hoping for their big break in the industry, it seems many of this year's hopefuls are already influencers in the making.

With candidates including a budding animator, a pizza company owner and a meal prep entrepreneur many already boast a huge online following on Instagram and TikTok, no doubt meaning some viewers will already be familiar with their work.

This new series has also already been hit by controversy, with convenience store owner Amber-Rose Badrudin reportedly caught with another contestant in a hotel room during filming abroad in Turkey.

MailOnline approached the BBC and Fremantle UK for comment.
The Apprentice returns to screens on January 30, and among the power suits and cringe-worthy pitches is a viral sensation who has hit the headlines before the BBC show even begins.

Boardroom bombshell Amber-Rose Badrudin has found herself the breakout star among the 18 entrepreneurs vying for Lord Sugar's 250,000 investment, thanks to her complicated love life and sideline as a social media star, proudly declaring she is the show's first ever influencer candidate.

Over the past two years the 25-year-old has used social media to turn her Asian convenience store in Croydon into a viral sensation. Oree Mart now boasts 470,000 followers and over 300 million views across platforms.

Amber-Rose herself boasts a whopping 48million likes on TikTok, building her following as an influencer by documenting her beauty treatments, her holiday travels and working in her shop.

And when she was finally able to share the news of her TV debut with her followers this month, Amber-Rose admitted she felt 'extra pressure' to perform well on the show to make those tens of thousands of followers proud.

'You guys have watched my business journey, have watched me grow as a person from when I was making videos in my store when we were a tiny mini-mart,' she gushed to her followers in a Get Ready With Me vid where she spilled all on the show whilst plugging her favourite makeup products.

The Apprentice returns to screens on January 30, and among the power suits and cringe-worthy pitches is a viral sensation who has hit the headlines before the BBC show even begins

Boardroom bombshell Amber-Rose Badrudin has found herself the breakout star among the 18 entrepreneurs vying for Lord Sugar's investment, thanks to her sideline as a social media star

'I really wanna be able to break the stigma around influencing and content creating,' she declared. 'My business has been fuelled by social media. Over the past two years my business has turned over seven figures, that is because of social media.'

No topic is off-bounds for the social media star, who last October vlogged her breast enlargement and uplift surgery in full.

She spoke out on her reasons for the surgery in a lengthy post, explaining how she had suffered since she was a teenager with self-esteem issues because of her 'asymmetrical boobs'.

Within moments of coming round after the surgery and despite being in what she admitted was unbearable pain, she told fans she had picked up her phone to share her experience.

The Apprentice though has bought Amber-Rose her first taste of scandal after she was reportedly caught in a hotel room with a co-star while working on a task abroad, despite the show enforcing a strict 'no touching rule' with the contestants.

Muddying the waters further, is Amber-Rose's relationship with her ex-boyfriend and current business partner Michael Nguyen - with eyebrows raised over the timings of the split and whether she had been unfaithful on the show.

Her ex Michael frequently features in her videos, with the pair working amicably at their Asian mini-mart in Croydon.

They announced their split on social media last year with Amber-Rose taking to TikTok to share a lengthy 10-minute denial about the Apprentice rule-break scandal, insisting that she had split from her boyfriend of four years before the alleged incident.

Amber-Rose pictured in the early days of her business, before she dyed her hair red (left). The 25-year-old shares glamorous snapshots of her lifestyle on social media

Over the past two years the 25-year-old has used social media to turn her Asian convenience store in Croydon into a viral sensation. Oree Mart now boasts 470,000 followers

The Apprentice though has bought Amber-Rose her first taste of scandal after she was reportedly caught in a hotel room with a co-star. Muddying the waters further, is Amber-Rose's relationship with her ex-boyfriend and current business partner Michael Nguyen (pictured)

On her Tap Water podcast where she discusses business, life and friendship with her friend Saffy, she also rubbished suggestions that she had dumped Michael after losing weight and having a glow up.

Saffy raised how online speculation was laying the blame for the break-up at Amber-Rose's feet, saying: 'You've lost all the weight, you're just a shallow little cow.'

Amber-Rose said that this was completely untrue, explaining: 'Everyone thinks I've done him over, he's crying in a corner somewhere. I've glowed up and he's rotting. Michael's lost 20kg. He goes to the gym twice a day.

'He's literally nearly got a six pack. His skin's never been better. He's grown a beard.'

In a separate social media video, she claimed the 'most painful' part of the online discourse were the cheating rumours, insisting: 'I categorically never, ever, cheated on Michael.

There's so much love and respect between myself and Michael. The fact is, myself and Michael were broken up a while before we announced it on social media.

No topic is off-bounds for the social media star, who last October vlogged her breast enlargement and uplift surgery in full

Within moments of coming round after the surgery and despite being in what she admitted was unbearable pain, she told fans she had picked up her phone to share her experience

'I know that, Mike knows that and I think it's very, very normal for couples who have been together a long time to just take their time when it comes to announcing something like a breakup online.

She also insisted that the reports of her being in a hotel room with a co-star had been 'twisted' and that it had 'not come from the BBC.'

While she didn't deny the incident had occurred, she insisted she was 'not read the riot act' by producers or reprimanded for any sexual behaviour.

Michael has been part of both Amber-Rose's rise to fame and her business success. The couple left their sales jobs after Covid restrictions lifted and started scouting locations for their shop.

'The space we got was a shelving unit, so we literally went through the process of building the entire shop from scratch,' she told MyLondon.

'I kind of took the reins on designing everything, I came up with a brand concept and name and then I started promoting it on TikTok.'

Amber used TikTok to share a lengthy 10-minute denial about the Apprentice rule-break scandal

The pair made six figures in their first six months of trading, attracting customers from as far afield as The Netherlands and Amber-Rose has been open about the fact that The Apprentice will only boost her business, with or without Lord Sugar's investment.

After TikTok's vital role in Amber-Rose's success, the social media platform may have now revealed a massive spoiler for The Apprentice as fans think they have spotted a 'giveaway clue' as to her fate on the show in one of the boardroom bombshell's videos.

A recently posted video shows the businesswoman revealing that she's working on a new business.

The caption says: 'When we opened our first shop nearly three years ago, we sat on the floor and shared a box of chicken and chips together and couldn't believe we had done it.

'Today we got the keys to our new shop, ready to start the renovations and build a new business.

After TikTok's vital role in Amber-Rose's success, the social media platform may have now revealed a massive spoiler for The Apprentice as fans think they have spotted a 'giveaway clue' as to her fate on the show in one of the boardroom bombshell's videos

'We did the same thing, it's become a tradition. We can't wait to share this new chapter with you.'

In the comments section, one fan wrote: 'Yeh she definitely won.' Another added: 'Omg imagine if she won and that's why she's doing a new business venture alongside Oree Mart.'

The Apprentice airs on BBC One on Thursday night at 9pm.
Nick Viall's wife Natalie Joy revealed she was 'actively miscarrying' while appearing on The Viall Files.

The couple, who co-host the podcast, spoke out about her devastating loss in their Wednesday podcast.

Nick, 44, and Natalie are parents to daughter River Rose, 11 months.

Natalie, 26, called the loss one of her 'biggest' heartbreaks of her life.

The couple recently found out she was expecting their second child and Natalie revealed that she started spot bleeding that continued to get worse, eventually leading to her miscarry in the bathroom.

'That was definitely the hardest night of my life. Just experiencing that is something I wouldn't wish upon anyone,' she said, adding that she feels 'dead inside.'

Nick Viall's wife Natalie Joy revealed she was 'actively miscarrying' while appearing on The Viall Files

The couple, who co-host the podcast, spoke out about her devastating loss in their Wednesday podcast

'I've been trying to be a good mom to River and come and do my job, whether it's on the podcast or on social media for the past week. And currently as I sit here today, I'm actively miscarrying our second child, and its has been the biggest heartbreak, I think, of my life,' Natalie said on the podcast episode.

The star recalled the night it started, after she had been 'spot bleeding' for a bit and then it continued to get 'heavier and heavier.'

She said she went to use the restroom to go urinate and 'it was like I gave birth.'

Natalie was crying and screaming, which led to Nick rush to the bathroom to see if she was okay.

'And you know, you just think like, "How are you supposed to stand up and flush this baby down the toilet? Like how do you do that?' Natalie said.

Nick revealed that he 'retrieved' it, calling it 'traumatic.'

'That was definitely the hardest night of my life. Just experiencing that is something I wouldn't wish upon anyone. And unfortunately, I know a lot of women do experience it, and I just feel for these people so much because I was so mad at my body for letting it go. You know? I was like, "Why couldn't you just hold on to it?"'

The brunette said she then called her doctor, who assured her that the pregnancy was 'unviable' outside of the body.

'I think it's the only thing that you have to hold on to to be able to heal, you know, is to have the doctors assuring you of like, this baby wasn't gonna live regardless. Our doctor being able to say it was unviable. It wasn't going to live outside of your body, it gives you some hope of like, okay.'

The duo are parents to daughter River Rose, 11 months

Their daughter River Rose was born on February 2, 2024

Nick and Natalie married on April 27, 2024, after dating for four years.

They started dating in July 2020, after she slid into her direct messages on Instagram.

'I think DMs are a great place to meet people. My current girlfriend slid in my DMs. Real clever, it said, "You're unreal." I guess it was funny. I was more curious why I was unreal,' he told E! News in 2022.

The couple went Instagram official in January 2021, with the lovebirds making the red carpet debut four months later.

The duo got engaged in January 2023 and announced she was pregnant with their first child in August 2023.

Their daughter River Rose was born on February 2, 2024.

Nick and Natalie married on April 27, 2024 in Georgia and her family's 200-acre farm.
Best friends Jackie 'O' Henderson and Pip Edwards stepped out in designer frocks previously seen on the Australian Fashion Week runway when they attended a book launch in Potts Point.

The Sydney radio queen, 50, wore a $3200 limited edition dress by Sydney designer Amber Symond for Wednesday's outing.

The floor length Portrait of a Man dress features licensed artwork by Tamara de Lempicka, a pioneering 1920s artist known for her distinctive Art Deco style.

Actor and model Charlee Fraser wore the same strapless dress, made of Italian virgin wool mohair, when Symonds made her striking Fashion Week debut in 2023.

Meanwhile, P.E Nation co-founder Pip, 44, matched Jackie's ensemble in a strapless $359 'Volant mini' by Australian label L'idee.

Pip and Jackie posed together for a mirror selfie at the bottom of the Ksubi creative director's staircase in their finery.

Best friends Jackie 'O' Henderson and Pip Edwards stepped out in catwalk model style on Wednesday night, dressing in coordinated designer frocks. Both pictured

The Sydney radio queen, 50, wore a $3200 limited edition dress by Sydney designer Amber Symond for the outing, while Pip wore a $359 'Volant mini' by Australian label L'idee

'Dressed up to celebrate our fave fabulous friend,' Pip captioned the photo shared to her Stories.

'With my woman, Jackie O.'

The blonde besties attended interior stylist Steve Cordnoy's lavish book launch at furniture store MCM House in Paddington.

Pip wore her blonde hair slicked back into her signature bun and completed her look with statement gold chain heels and minimal gold jewellery.

Jackie wore her highlighted blonde tresses loose around her shoulders and opted for a pair of gold hoop earrings.

'Not only is he incredibly talented, but he's got the kindest heart I know,' she gushed over Steve, at the pop-up shop dedicated to the book launch.

The event was attended by a gaggle of Sydney socialites and taste makers, with Pip and Jackie leading the dinner crowd in their matching strapless dresses.

This is not the first time the fashionable duo have flaunted their tanned and tiny frames in complementary attire.

Charlee Fraser models the Portrait of a Man dress at AFW in 2023

This is not the first time the fashionable duo have flaunted their tanned and tiny frames in complementary black-and-white attire that hams up their likeness

Pip Edwards said she is 'so proud' of interior stylist Simon Condroy for releasing a book

Rather than dressing in all-black or all-white to ham up their likeness this week, the stylish duo opted to match the silhouettes by both going strapless.

Since befriending Pip, Jackie has cemented her status as a Sydney fashion girlie by stepping out in thousands of dollars worth of designer threads.

Her latest is advertised online as a dress with 'form-fitting shape that accentuates your form with effortless elegance,' with the ruffled hemline said to 'pay homage to the iconic details of the 80s.'

Meanwhile Jackie's ensemble is by Common Hours, an Aussie label known for its thematic exploration and collaboration with artists, authors, and musicians.

Pip, who recently debuted a new romance with Joshua Clapp, and Jackie have become close friends in the last two years and are often seen spending time together.

Pip recently revealed how she stood by Jackie after the radio host admitted to her battles with drug and alcohol addiction.

Speaking about Jackie's bravery in telling her story in her memoir The Whole Truth, Pip said she was inspired by her friend's honesty.

'For her it was extremely healing and it was time for her to stand in her truth. It's nothing to be ashamed of. And to all the critics out there, f*** off. Sorry.

'The night Jackie released the story on radio, I went to her house to be with her and give her a big hug,' Pip said.

She added the women are 'spiritually aligned' and share a close friendship.
Jay-Z is taking aim at Tony Buzbee, the attorney who is representing an Alabama woman who accuses the rap superstar of sexually assaulting her more than 24 years ago.

Buzbee is representing the woman (who identifies herself as Jane Doe in court documents) claiming Jay-Z, 55, and Sean 'Diddy' Combs, 55, sexually assaulted her when she was 13. She claims the incident took place at an MTV Music Awards afterparty in September of 2000 - accusations which Jay-Z and Diddy have denied.

Lawyers for Jay-Z asked the court to sanction sanction Buzbee, alleging he did not personally meet with the woman ahead of filing the legal complaint, TMZ reported Wednesday after reviewing legal docs in the case.

The legal team for the 24-time Grammy-winner, led by attorney Alex Spiro, said Buzbee admitted to not personally speaking with the woman ahead of filing the case, which is a major ethical lapse, TMZ reported.

Buzbee told Dailymail.com in response that 'what Spiro has filed, like everything else he has filed thus far, is utterly frivolous and meritless.'

Buzbee previously told TMZ that 'he did, in fact, personally interview the plaintiff, as did four other lawyers,' the outlet reported, noting that he said that 'anyone who says otherwise has their own agenda.'

Jay-Z is taking aim at Tony Buzbee, the attorney who is representing an Alabama woman who accuses him of sexually assaulting her more than 24 years ago. The rapper was pictured in LA December 9

Jay-Z's lawyers have cited a December television interview with NBC News in which his accuser acknowledged inconsistencies in her story as a reason to toss the case

Buzbee told Dailymail.com that 'with every frantic filing the defense in this case grows more desperate.'

He added of his case against the rapper, whose name is Shawn Carter: 'The rules apply equally to everyone, even those who wrongly think they are above the law. No one is above the law.'

Dailymail.com has reached out to Spiro and reps for Jay-Z for further comment on this story.

Lawyers for Jay-Z said that Buzbee - whose firm is in charge of more than 150 people suing Combs - didn't properly vet the woman accusing Jay-Z ahead of a December interview she conducted with NBC News in which she acknowledged inconsistencies in her story.

Jane Doe said in her legal filing she was living in Rochester in 2000 when she made her way to New York City and befriended a limousine driver who drove her to the party in a trek that took about 20 minutes.

Buzbee has said his firm is representing more than 150 people, both men and women, who allege sexual abuse and exploitation at the hands of Combs.

Buzbees firm, which has set up a 1-800 number for accusers, has filed a wave of suits against Combs.

Buzbees lawsuits allege that many of the people he represents were abused at parties in New York, California and Florida where individuals were given drinks that were laced with drugs.

The legal team for Jay-Z, led by attorney Alex Spiro, said Buzbee admitted to not personally speaking with the woman ahead of filing the case, which is a major ethical lapse. Spiro pictured in July in Santa Fe, New Mexico

The alleged incident took place at an MTV VMAs afterparty in September of 2000, Jay-Z's accuser said. The rapper pictured months earlier during a July 4 bash in the Hamptons

Jay-Z, pictured last month with wife Beyonce, has denied all of the claims against him

Combs lawyers have dismissed Buzbees lawsuits as 'shameless publicity stunts, designed to extract payments from celebrities who fear having lies spread about them, just as lies have been spread about Mr. Combs.'

Combs remains jailed in New York awaiting a May criminal trial on federal sex trafficking charges.

Jay-Z and Combs gained fame in the 2000s, emerging as wide-ranging entrepreneurs and two of the world's wealthiest rappers.

Last year, Forbes estimated Jay-Z's net worth to be $2.5 billion.

The artists have collaborated over the years, with Jay-Z featured on Combs' debut album, No Way Out and Combs appearing on Jay-Zs sophomore album, In My Lifetime, Vol. 1.
Renee Zellweger was lovingly supported by her boyfriend Ant Anstead at the Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy afterparty following the premiere on Wednesday.

The loved-up couple packed on the PDA as they exited the star-studded bash, held at Brasserie Zedel in London.

The award-winning actress, 55, stole the show in a fuchsia pink gown as she graced the red carpet in Leicester Square earlier in the night.

Ant, 45, made sure to let Renee steal the spotlight as he waited to make an appearance until the afterparty following the glitz and glamour.

Renee and Ant couldn't take their hands off each other as they called it a night and headed out.

The pair met while filming an episode of his series Celebrity IOU Joyride in April 2021.

Renee Zellweger, 55, was lovingly supported by her boyfriend Ant Anstead, 45, at the Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy afterparty following the premiere on Wednesday

The loved-up couple packed on the PDA as the exited the star-studded bash, held at Brasserie Zedel in London

The award-winning actress stole the show in a fuchsia pink gown as she graced the red carpet in Leicester Square earlier in the night

Renee's co-star Hugh Grant also departed the afterparty at the same time with his wife Anna Elisabet Eberstein.

Renee reunited with her on-screen love rat ex Hugh, who has played the role of Daniel Cleaver throughout the fan-favourite film series, at the premiere.

Hugh and Renee were joined by One Day star Leo Woodall, who plays her character's love interest in the most recent instalment of the rom-com saga.

The actor, 28, cut a dapper figure in a brown velvet suit, layered over a smart black shirt and matching shoes.

Leo was also joined by his supportive girlfriend Meghann Fahy.

Renee recently chatted to Hugh for the new issue of British Vogue and shared a rare insight into her and Ant's romance.

'I live in Southern California, near San Diego, because that's where my fellow lives, and his little boy,' she opened up, referencing her boyfriend's five-year-old son Hudson.

Ant shares the little boy with ex-wife Christina Haack, who is in the process of divorcing her third husband Josh Hall.

Ant made sure to let Renee steal the spotlight as he waited to make an appearance until the afterparty following the glitz and glamour

Renee and Ant couldn't take their hands off each other as they called it a night and headed out

The pair met while filming an episode of his series Celebrity IOU Joyride in April 2021

Renee's co-star Hugh Grant also departed the afterparty at the same time with his wife Anna Elisabet Eberstein

Renee reunited with her on-screen love rat ex Hugh, who has played the role of Daniel Cleaver throughout the fan-favourite film series, at the premiere

Hugh and Renee were joined by One Day star Leo Woodall, who plays her character's love interest in the most recent instalment of the rom-com saga

Leo was also joined by his supportive girlfriend Meghann Fahy, 28

He is also shares daughter Amelie, 21, and son Archie, 18, with his ex-wife Louise Anstead.

Fans have previously suspected that Renee and Ant are married as the UK-bred television personality has referred to his lady as his 'missus' in several social media posts.

In July 2023, The US Sun reported that the Hollywood fixture told friends she and Ant were planning a wedding.

An insider told the outlet at the time, 'Renee and Ant are keeping their plans incredibly private, they're not planning a big public announcement.'

It was added that, 'She has been telling her inner circle about organizing their nuptials. Everything will be very low-key.

'Her relationship with Ant is super strong and they're madly in love, and they can't wait to get hitched.'

The Love And A 45 star was previously married to country star Kenny Chesney for just four months, with the couple splitting in 2005.

Ahead of her short-lived marriage, she was engaged to Jim Carrey from 1999 to 2000.

Renee recently chatted to Hugh for the new issue of British Vogue and shared a rare insight into her and Ant's romance

'I live in Southern California , near San Diego, because that's where my fellow lives, and his little boy,' she opened up, referencing her boyfriend's five-year-old son Hudson

Anstead and Zellweger met while filming an episode of his series Celebrity IOU Joyride in April 2021

And the longtime entertainer was previously romantically linked to Bradley Cooper, who she met while filming 2009's Case 39.

She and the nine-time Oscar nominee sparked engagement rumors during their romance, but eventually split in 2011.

Zellweger was later in a long-term relationship with musician Doyle Bramhall II from 2012 to 2019.

Anstead was married to his first wife Louise from 2005 until 2017. He went on to tie the knot with Christina Haack in 2018, and they welcomed their son in 2019.

The couple divorced in 2021 and for months were embroiled in a messy public custody battle.

Anstead and Zellweger met while filming an episode of his series Celebrity IOU Joyride in April 2021.
Renee Zellweger's latest appearance sparked speculation that she is engaged to her boyfriend Ant Anstead.

The actress, 55, stunned as she attended the premiere of Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy in London on Wednesday, but it was an accessory on her finger that had fans talking.

The star had two bandaids covering her ring finger, prompting speculation that there might be a ring underneath.

The Texas born beauty and Anstead, 45  a British TV presenter  have been dating since 2021.

He was not on the red carpet at Wednesday's premiere, however the two were seen leaving the afterparty hand-in-hand.

The loved-up couple packed on the PDA as they exited the star-studded bash, held at Brasserie Zedel in London.

Renee Zellweger's, 55, latest appearance sparked speculation that she is engaged to her boyfriend Ant Anstead, 45

The actress attended the premiere of Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy in London on Wednesday, and had two bandaids covering her ring finger, prompting speculation that there might be a ring underneath

Anstead was not on the red carpet at Wednesday's premiere, however the two were seen leaving the afterparty hand-in-hand

The award-winning actress stole the show in a fuchsia pink gown as she graced the red carpet in Leicester Square earlier in the night.

Ant made sure to let Renee steal the spotlight as he waited to make an appearance until the afterparty following the glitz and glamour.

Renee and Ant couldn't take their hands off each other as they called it a night and headed out.

Renee's co-star Hugh Grant also departed the afterparty at the same time with his wife Anna Elisabet Eberstein.

Renee recently chatted to Hugh for the new issue of British Vogue and shared a rare insight into her and Ant's romance.

'I live in Southern California, near San Diego, because that's where my fellow lives, and his little boy,' she opened up, referencing her boyfriend's five-year-old son Hudson.

Ant shares the little boy with ex-wife Christina Haack, who is in the process of divorcing her third husband Josh Hall.

He also shares daughter Amelie, 21, and son Archie, 18, with his ex-wife Louise Anstead.

Fans have previously suspected that Renee and Ant are married as the UK-bred television personality has referred to his lady as his 'missus' in several social media posts.

The loved-up couple packed on the PDA as they exited the star-studded bash, held at Brasserie Zedel in London

Ant made sure to let Renee steal the spotlight as he waited to make an appearance until the afterparty following the glitz and glamour

He was ever the gentleman as he helped Renee navigate the sidewalk in her heels

Earlier in the night Renee was also joined by her on-screen love interest, The White Lotus star Leo Woodall , 28, as she posed for the shutterbugs

In July 2023, The US Sun reported that the Hollywood fixture told friends she and Ant were planning a wedding.

An insider told the outlet at the time, 'Renee and Ant are keeping their plans incredibly private, they're not planning a big public announcement.'

It was added that, 'She has been telling her inner circle about organizing their nuptials. Everything will be very low-key.

'Her relationship with Ant is super strong and they're madly in love, and they can't wait to get hitched.'

After meeting her soulmate, a friend of the actress told People that Renee was 'head over heels' and has 'never been happier,' in a relationship.

'She thinks this is the real deal. She's never been happier. They're a great couple,' the insider told the outlet. 'Sometimes two people just meet and click, and the timing is right.'

The source added: 'Renee is creative...and often goes for guys who think out of the box...Both of them are private and dislike public scrutiny, so they have that in common. He's a creative guy with lots of interests.'

Renee was previously married to country star Kenny Chesney for just four months, with the couple splitting in 2005.

Ahead of her short-lived marriage, she was engaged to Jim Carrey from 1999 to 2000.

And the longtime entertainer was previously romantically linked to Bradley Cooper, who she met while filming 2009's Case 39.

Fans have previously suspected that Renee and Ant are married as the UK-bred television personality has referred to his lady as his 'missus' in several social media posts

'I live in Southern California, near San Diego, because that's where my fellow lives, and his little boy,' she recently told British Vogue, referencing Ant's five-year-old son Hudson

Anstead and Zellweger met while filming an episode of his series Celebrity IOU Joyride in April 2021

She and the nine-time Oscar nominee sparked engagement rumors during their romance, but eventually split in 2011.

Zellweger was later in a long-term relationship with musician Doyle Bramhall II from 2012 to 2019.

Anstead was married to his first wife Louise from 2005 until 2017. He went on to tie the knot with Christina Haack in 2018, and they welcomed their son in 2019.

The couple divorced in 2021 and for months were embroiled in a messy public custody battle.

Anstead and Zellweger met while filming an episode of his series Celebrity IOU Joyride in April 2021.

Earlier on Wednesday Renee was also joined by her on-screen love interest, The White Lotus star Leo Woodall, 28, as she posed for the shutterbugs.

The actress looked nothing short of sensational as she graced the red carpet in the bright, strapless ensemble, which boasted a short train.

She added inches to her height in a pointy pair of maroon heels and pulled her blonde tresses back into a wavy half-up, half-down style.

Renee was glowing as she opted for a minimal palette of makeup to showcase her natural beauty for the star-studded premiere.

Renee was previously married to country star Kenny Chesney for just four months, with the couple splitting in 2005; they are seen at their wedding in 2005

Ahead of her short-lived marriage, she was engaged to Jim Carrey from 1999 to 2000 (seen in 2000)

Meanwhile Ant has been married twice. He was wed to Christina Haack (seen in 2019), with whom he shares son Hudson, from 20182021. Prior to that he was married to Louise Anstead from 20052017. They share daughter Amelie, 21, and son Archie, 18

Renee's iconic singleton finally married Mark Darcy, played by Colin Firth in the most recent film, 2016's Bridget Jones' Baby.

The couple had shared an on-and-off romance across all three films, but finally got their happy ending after it was revealed the high-flying lawyer was the father of her baby.

However, in the fourth book by Helen Fielding, Mad About The Boy, Mark tragically dies while working abroad as a human rights lawyer, leaving Bridget a widow and battling motherhood alone.

The trailer for upcoming fourth film sees Bridget being encouraged to get back on the horse by her friends after self-imposing a four-year sex ban in the years following Mark's death.

Bridget Jones, Mad About The Boy will hit cinema screens on February 14 2025
Brandi Glanville reveled that Dr. Terry Dubrow has been helping her figure out the cause of her facial disfigurement.

The former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, 52, took to X (formerly known as Twitter) on Wednesday, sharing that the Botched surgeon, 66, has taken four biopsies from her face and neck.

'Yes guys @DrDubrow took 4 tiny biopsy's from my face and neck so we can continue to get better,' she wrote, adding, 'ez pz no pain I was in and out on 30 minutes now we wait.'

Glanville claims to have spent over $70,000 trying to figure out what has caused her health woes.

The star feared that her abnormal facial swelling could be due to 'parasites', but Dubrow didn't think so, and publicly offered to help treat her in December.

Dubrow threw cold water on Glanville's 'parasite' theory, and instead thought her misshapen skin and sunken cheeks were more likely the result of an infection.

Brandi Glanville, 52, reveled that Dr. Terry Dubrow has been helping her figure out the cause of her facial disfigurement; (L) pictured in December 2024, (R) seen in 2022

The former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star took to X on Wednesday, sharing that the Botched surgeon, 66, has taken four biopsies from her face and neck; Dubrow sen in 2024

The plastic surgeon emphasized that Glanville'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.

Glanville sparked fan concern when she shared a photo in which she looked unrecognizable, particularly due to her deflated, mottled cheeks.

Months earlier, she had the opposite issue when she shared a photo of herself with significantly swollen cheeks.

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.

The cosmetic surgeon  who is married to Real Housewives Of Orange County star Heather Dubrow  said he was 'concerned' that Glanville could be suffering from either an 'infectious process' or a 'foreign-body reaction to something she's had injected.'

Dubrow also clarified that Glanville 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.

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.'

'Yes guys @DrDubrow took 4 tiny biopsy's from my face and neck so we can continue to get better,' she wrote, adding, 'ez pz no pain I was in and out on 30 minutes now we wait'

Glanville claims to have spent over $70,000 trying to figure out what has caused her facial disfigurement; (R) pictured in 1998

The star feared that her abnormal facial swelling could be due to 'parasites', but Dubrow didn't think so, and publicly offered to help treat her in December; seen in a recent Instagram video

Dubrow instead thought her misshapen skin and sunken cheeks were more likely the result of an infection; she is pictured April 25, 2024 in West Hollywood

Surprisingly, Dubrow even thought it was possible that Glanville 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.'

Dubrow looked particularly concerned when he said Glanville's condition was 'like a ticking time bomb,' because the potential damage could get more and more severe in a short period of time.

He added that antibiotic treatments for mycobacteria or fungus could take six to 12 months, so it would be essential for her to get a solid diagnosis and possibly a skin sample to determine what she was suffering from.

Dubrow concluded the interview by offering the services of himself and his Botched costars.

Brandi later shared that she had a consultation with Dubrow, but had 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 reality beauty said on her Brandi Glanville Unfiltered podcast, while also revealing she has not had sex in a year due to her health issues.

Brandi thinks she might have contracted the potential parasite while filming in Morocco. 'I mean, we had food sitting out for hours on end and some of it was meat,' she shared

Since revealing her health struggles, Glanville has slowly returned to the spotlight, recently appearing at a Los Angeles pool party in a pink bikini

'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 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.'

She also shared that she has 'four different doctors' who have given her 'four different opinions of what it could possibly be.'

In December, Brandi also shut down any rumors that both she and Dubrow were feuding - and explained on X that they have already been 'in touch.'

'I have zero drama with @DrDubrow I appreciate all the help I can get. we have been in touch and plan to talk thank you for all the love.'

She then revealed to her followers, 'All fillers that were in my face have been dissolved. I have seen all the best doctors at cedar Sinai,&all the doctors they referred me to.'

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.

Brandi previously had a consultation with Dubrow, but had decided to get a second opinion; he is pictured in 2017

In December, Brandi also shut down any rumors that both she and Dubrow were feuding - and explained on X that they have already been 'in touch'

'I've been on meds this whole year. I don't socialize. I don't go out and I'm just spending all of my money on trying to figure out what's wrong with me, over $70,000,' she told ET.

'Honestly, I have so many doctors and I've had so many tests  I did lab work for $10,000. I ran every test under the sun. They're like, it could be a parasite that's, you know, new.'

Brandi thinks she knows how she contracted the potential parasite.

'I mean, we had food sitting out for hours on end and some of it was meat. In Morocco,' she offered.

'Six months after I got back from [filming in] Morocco, I started having this speaking thing and the swelling up thing, it started in July and we're still here trying to figure it out.'

Since revealing her health struggles, Glanville has slowly returned to the spotlight, recently appearing at a Los Angeles pool party in a pink bikini.
Renee Zellweger looked loved-up with her boyfriend Ant Anstead as he supported her at the Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy afterparty following the premiere on Wednesday.

The loved-up couple packed on the PDA as they exited the star-studded bash, held at Brasserie Zedel in London.

They were followed out by Renee's onscreen love interest Hugh Grant and his glamorous wife Anna Elisabet Eberstein, who also attended the premiere earlier in the evening.

Renee's latest appearance sparked speculation that she is engaged to her boyfriend Ant Anstead.

The actress, 55, stole the show in a fuchsia pink gown as she graced the red carpet in Leicester Square earlier in the night, but it was an accessory on her finger that had fans talking.

The star had two bandaids covering her ring finger, prompting speculation that there might be a ring underneath.

Renee Zellweger looked loved-up with her boyfriend Ant Anstead as he supported her at the Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy afterparty following the premiere on Wednesday

They were followed out by Hugh Grant and his glamorous wife Anna Elisabet Eberstein, who also attended the premiere earlier in the evening

The Texas born beauty and Anstead, 45  a British TV presenter  have been dating since 2021.

He was not on the red carpet at Wednesday's premiere, however the two were seen leaving the afterparty hand-in-hand.

Ant made sure to let Renee steal the spotlight as he waited to make an appearance until the afterparty following the glitz and glamour.

Renee and Ant couldn't take their hands off each other as they called it a night and headed out.

Isla Fisher also attended the star-studded bash, and she looked incredible in a bold red gown and faux fur coat.

Leo Woodall cut a dapper figure in brown trousers and carried the matching jacket in is arms.

Renee recently chatted to Hugh for the new issue of British Vogue and shared a rare insight into her and Ant's romance.

'I live in Southern California, near San Diego, because that's where my fellow lives, and his little boy,' she opened up, referencing her boyfriend's five-year-old son Hudson.

The loved-up couple packed on the PDA as the exited the star-studded bash, held at Brasserie Zedel in London

Ant made sure to let Renee steal the spotlight as he waited to make an appearance until the afterparty following the glitz and glamour

Renee reunited with her on-screen love rat ex Hugh, who has played the role of Daniel Cleaver throughout the fan-favourite film series, at the premiere

The award-winning actress stole the show in a fuchsia pink gown as she graced the red carpet in Leicester Square earlier in the night

Isla Fisher also attended the star-studded bash, and she looked incredible in a bold red gown and faux fur coat

Leo Woodall cut a dapper figure in brown trousers and carried the matching jacket in is arms

Leo was also joined by his supportive girlfriend Meghann Fahy, 28

Ant shares the little boy with ex-wife Christina Haack, who is in the process of divorcing her third husband Josh Hall.

He also shares daughter Amelie, 21, and son Archie, 18, with his ex-wife Louise Anstead.

Fans have previously suspected that Renee and Ant are married as the UK-bred television personality has referred to his lady as his 'missus' in several social media posts.

In July 2023, The US Sun reported that the Hollywood fixture told friends she and Ant were planning a wedding.

An insider told the outlet at the time, 'Renee and Ant are keeping their plans incredibly private, they're not planning a big public announcement.'

It was added that, 'She has been telling her inner circle about organizing their nuptials. Everything will be very low-key.

'Her relationship with Ant is super strong and they're madly in love, and they can't wait to get hitched.'

After meeting her soulmate, a friend of the actress told People that Renee was 'head over heels' and has 'never been happier,' in a relationship.

'She thinks this is the real deal. She's never been happier. They're a great couple,' the insider told the outlet. 'Sometimes two people just meet and click, and the timing is right.'

Beverley Knight stood out in a quirky green coat and red glasses as she was joined by James Okeefe

Josette Simon looked glamorous in a plunging white gown and silver heels

Sarah Solemani showed off her incredible figure in a sheer mesh gown with a black bodysuit underneath

Helen Fielding flashed her legs in a thigh-split burgundy dress and faux fur coat

Chiwetel Ejiofor appeared in high spirits as he left the party

The source added: 'Renee is creative...and often goes for guys who think out of the box...Both of them are private and dislike public scrutiny, so they have that in common. He's a creative guy with lots of interests.'

Renee was previously married to country star Kenny Chesney for just four months, with the couple splitting in 2005.

Ahead of her short-lived marriage, she was engaged to Jim Carrey from 1999 to 2000.

And the longtime entertainer was previously romantically linked to Bradley Cooper, who she met while filming 2009's Case 39.

She and the nine-time Oscar nominee sparked engagement rumors during their romance, but eventually split in 2011.

Zellweger was later in a long-term relationship with musician Doyle Bramhall II from 2012 to 2019.

Anstead was married to his first wife Louise from 2005 until 2017. He went on to tie the knot with Christina Haack in 2018, and they welcomed their son in 2019.

The couple divorced in 2021 and for months were embroiled in a messy public custody battle.

Anstead and Zellweger met while filming an episode of his series Celebrity IOU Joyride in April 2021.

Earlier on Wednesday Renee was also joined by her on-screen love interest, The White Lotus star Leo Woodall , 28, as she posed for the shutterbugs.

The actress looked nothing short of sensational as she graced the red carpet in the bright, strapless ensemble, which boasted a short train.

She added inches to her height in a pointy pair of maroon heels and pulled her blonde tresses back into a wavy half-up, half-down style.

Renee's latest appearance sparked speculation that she is engaged to her boyfriend Ant Anstead, 45

The actress attended the premiere of Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy in London on Wednesday, and had two bandaids covering her ring finger, prompting speculation that there might be a ring underneath

Earlier in the night Renee was also joined by her on-screen love interest, The White Lotus star Leo Woodall , 28, as she posed for the shutterbugs

Renee was glowing as she opted for a minimal palette of makeup to showcase her natural beauty for the star-studded premiere.

Renee's iconic singleton finally married Mark Darcy, played by Colin Firth in the most recent film, 2016's Bridget Jones' Baby.

The couple had shared an on-and-off romance across all three films, but finally got their happy ending after it was revealed the high-flying lawyer was the father of her baby.

However, in the fourth book by Helen Fielding, Mad About The Boy, Mark tragically dies while working abroad as a human rights lawyer, leaving Bridget a widow and battling motherhood alone.

The trailer for upcoming fourth film sees Bridget being encouraged to get back on the horse by her friends after self-imposing a four-year sex ban in the years following Mark's death.

Bridget Jones, Mad About The Boy will hit cinema screens on February 14 2025
Prue Leith's Great Celebrity Bake Off replacement has been confirmed.

The full line-up for the Stand Up To Cancer 2025 celebrity specials have been revealed alongside the hosts and judges.

And while Alison Hammond, Noel Fielding and Paul Hollywood will step back into their usual roles, a new face in the form of Prue's close friend can be seen alongside them in the promotional image.

Channel 4 have confirmed that Caroline Waldegrave OBE will be taking over from Prue temporarily, after the TV star, 84, confirmed last year that she'll be taking a break from the specials due to the demands of back-to-back filming.

Caroline, 72, who is the former Managing Director and co-owner of Leiths School of Food and Wine, first met Prue in the 70s when she applied for a job at the latter's catering company before they went on to become firm friends.

Caroline looked delighted to be filling in for her pal as she beamed alongside Alison, 49, Noel, 51, and fellow judge Paul, 58.

Prue Leith 's Great Celebrity Bake Off replacement has been confirmed

The full line-up for the Stand Up To Cancer 2025 celebrity specials have been revealed alongside the hosts and judges.

Prue, 84, confirmed last year that she'll be taking a break from the specials due to the demands of back-to-back filming [pictured with co-stars Alison Hammond, Noel Fielding and Paul Hollywood]

Meanwhile, the full line-up of celebrities taking part in the show has been revealed, with 20 famous faces set to battle it out in the kitchen.

Each episode will see four celebrities take on the Signature, Technical and Showstopper rounds in a bid to impress the judges and be crowned Star Baker.

Among the stars taking part are Good Morning Britain host Kate Garraway, TV presenter Sarah Beeny, author Ellie Goldstein, Loose Women's Gloria Hunniford and actress Meera Syal.

There is also a husband and wife duo in the form of comedian Chris Ramsay and his wife Rosie, while a sibling duo will also feature as I'm A Celebrity's Scarlette Douglas takes part with her brother Stuart.

Comedian Adam Buxton, Ghosts actor Jim Howick, radio star Roman Kemp, writer Jamali Maddix, Bafta winner Gbemisola Ikumelo and Dinnerladies favourite Maxine Peake will also be cooking up the storm.

While completing the 2025 lineup is musician Self Esteem, Derry Girls star Tommy Tiernan, actress, Sophie Willan, Chicken Shop Date creator Amelia Dimoldenberg and comedian Phil Wang.

Last year, Prue was quick to clear up rumours that she'd quit the Channel 4 show permanently and instead confirmed that her absence would only be temporary.

Speaking during an appearance on This Morning back in March, she told hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley: 'It's absolutely not true at all! [that she's quit the show]. What I'm not doing this year is the celebrity one.

While Alison Hammond , Noel Fielding and Paul Hollywood will step back into their usual roles, a new face in the form of Prue's close friend Caroline Waldegrave OBE can be seen alongside them in the promotional image

Caroline, 72, who is the former Managing Director and co-owner of Leiths School of Food and Wine, first met Prue in the 70s when she applied for a job at the latter's catering company before they went on to become firm friends [Caroline pictured centre alongside daughter Harriet and son Jamie in 2018]

Last year, Prue was quick to clear up rumours that she'd quit the Channel 4 show permanently and instead confirmed that her absence would only be temporary

'These things are filmed back-to-back all the way through summer from April to August so you don't get any time off. I'm getting quite old and there's places I want to see. So I'm not doing this year's' (pictured with Paul Hollywood)

'These things are filmed back-to-back all the way through summer from April to August so you don't get any time off. I'm getting quite old and there's places I want to see. So I'm not doing this year's.'

Prue previously told MailOnline about the decision: 'I absolutely love working on Bake Off and am looking forward to filming the next series and meeting our new bakers.

'I am only stepping back from the Celebrity series, which is just a question of the filming commitment involved as we make these shows back to back.'

A spokesman for Bake Off creator Love Productions said: 'Prue will be stepping back from The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer.'

'Prue absolutely loves working on Bake Off but filming two series a year can be punishing on top of her other commitments,' a source told The Sun.

'She has already filmed the normal series, which will air this year but she will not appear on the celebrity version.

Kate Garraway will be showing off her skills in the tent this year

Meera Syal will be hoping to win Star Baker

Chris Ramsay will be competing alongside his wife Rosie this series

Sarah Beeny is set to take part

Ellie Goldstein will be donning her apron this spring

'Prue has made it clear she adores the show and would like to come back in 2025. She will turn 85 next year, so it's not surprising that she wants to take time off.

In 2017 Prue, who was made a Dame in 2021 for her services to food, broadcasting and charity, replaced Mary Berry as a judge.

It comes after Prue admitted that she is 'conscious this is nearly the end' of her life in an emotional discussion about her health.

Joining the Loose Women panel on Wednesday for a special edition of the show named 70 plus, the Great British Bake Off judge candidly said there were 'all sorts of things wrong' with ageing.

Opening the show, host Janet Street-Porter said: 'Old age isn't something to fear it is something to celebrate!' as they celebrated 70 years of ITV.

However, Prue disagreed and exclaimed: 'Well, I think old age stinks.

'It takes me 10 minutes to get myself out of bed in the morning. If I don't do the exercises I can't move. There's all sorts of things that are wrong with old age.

It comes after Prue admitted that she is 'conscious this is nearly the end' of her life in an emotional discussion about her health

Joining the Loose Women panel on Wednesday for a special edition of the show, the Great British Bake Off judge, 84, candidly said there were 'all sorts of things wrong' with ageing

'You know, you are very conscious that this is nearly the end, though I agree that you then decide that you're going to make the most of it and have fun.'

She added: 'I think what we're all saying is that we don't care what people think as much as we did and to be honest I don't even really care if I'm cancelled.'

'So what?' Prue shrugged while Janet agreed with her.

Recently Prue said she is taking life in her stride as she revealed that she has become 'more reckless' as she ages.

The Bake Off star joked she is 'so near the end' that if something 'sounds like fun' she is happy to give it ago.
Leo Woodall appeared in great spirits as he arrived back at his hotel hand in hand with his girlfriend Meghann Fahy after the Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy London premiere on Wednesday evening.

The actor, 28, ditched his brown corduroy jacket as he carried it over his arm while serving up a stylish display in matching trousers and an open necked black top.

Leo plays plays Renee Zellweger's love interest in the most recent instalment of the rom-com saga.

However the star is also loved up off screen as he headed back to his hotel with Meghann who he met while filming the series The White Lotus.

Wrapped up in a black coat, the actress, 34, put on a leggy display in a black dress and matching heels while her blonde locks were pinned in an elegant up do.

The SAG Award-winning couple originally met in February 2022 on the Sicily set of Mike White's drama anthology series The White Lotus, in which they portrayed Cameron Sullivan's (Theo James) stay-at-home wife Daphne and Quentin's (Tom Hollander) cheeky nephew Jack.

Leo Woodall appeared in great spirits as he was seen leaving the Bridget Jones, Mad About The Boy London premiere on Wednesday evening

The actor, 28, was seen walking hand in hand with his girlfriend Meghann Fahy, who he met on the set of White Lotus

Meghann finally went Instagram official with Leo on February 20 while he shared intimate 'That's Amore' snaps of them as far back as September 2022.

Woodall and Fahy were first pictured packing on the PDA during a November 2023 outing in New York City in pictured captured by E! News.

On January 15, the nepo-baby of Andrew Woodall affectionately embraced the Emmy-nominated actress during Max's Post Emmys Reception at San Vicente Bungalows in West Hollywood.

Meghann then publicly flirted with Leo on March 5 by commenting on his BTS Instagram post: 'I'll say it again Leo for president.'

Woodall bashfully replied: 'Oh go on then.'

The One Day heartthrob publicly flirted with Fahy on September 6 by commenting on her Marie Claire fashion spread, 'Momma I made it,' and she replied: '@leowoodall all 4 u.'

Meanwhile Renee dazzled in a figure-hugging pink satin gown as she attended the premiere in the bright strapless ensemble.

The actress, 55, added inches to her height in a pointy pair of maroon heels and pulled her blonde tresses back into a wavy half-up, half-down style.

Wrapped up in a black coat, the actress, 34, put on a leggy display in a black dress and matching heels while her blonde locks were pinned in an elegant up do

Leo ditched his brown corduroy jacket while serving up a stylish display in matching trousers and an open necked black top

The heartthrob flashed a glimpse of his chest as he accessorised the look with silver chain necklaces

He was seen carrying his jacket over his arm as he got out of the taxi at the hotel

The SAG Award-winning couple originally met in February 2022 on the Sicily set of Mike White's drama anthology series The White Lotus

Woodall and Fahy were first pictured packing on the PDA during a November 2023 outing in New York City in pictured captured by E! News

Leo plays plays Renee Zellweger's love interest in the most recent instalment of the rom-com saga

Renee was glowing as she opted for a minimal palette of makeup to showcase her natural beauty for the star-studded premiere.

The star of the beloved franchise seemed to be on cloud nine as she posed up a storm on the red carpet, before stopping for selfies with excited fans.

Renee's iconic singleton finally married Mark Darcy, played by Colin Firth in the most recent film, 2016's Bridget Jones' Baby.

The couple had shared an on-and-off romance across all three films, but finally got their happy ending after it was revealed the high-flying lawyer was the father of her baby.

However, in the fourth book by Helen Fielding, Mad About The Boy, Mark tragically dies while working abroad as a human rights lawyer, leaving Bridget a widow and battling motherhood alone.

The trailer for the fourth film revealed that the same storyline would play out, with it being confirmed Mark had died before the events of the movie.

The trailer for upcoming fourth film sees Bridget being encouraged to get back on the horse by her friends after self-imposing a four-year sex ban in the years following Mark's death.

She also quits her job working in television to do the school run, with comical scenes expected as she struggles to keep up with the Yummy Mummies.

Meanwhile Renee Zellweger dazzled in a figure-hugging pink satin gown as she attended the premiere in the bright strapless ensemble

She added inches to her height in a pointy pair of maroon heels and pulled her blonde tresses back into a wavy half-up, half-down style

Renee and Hugh pictured in the first movie from 2001

During a trip to the park, Bridget finds her two children have got themselves stuck in a tree where she is rescued by two dashing dashing men in the form of The White Lotus star's Leo Woodall and Oscar nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor.

She soon finds herself in the middle of a three-way battle for her affections between boytoy Roxster, played by Leo, PE teacher Mr. Wallaker, played by Chiwetel and a returning Hugh Grant as the infamous Daniel Cleaver.

Fans can also rejoice as one particularly sexy scene sees Roxster jump into a pool in front of her to rescue a little dog - in a moment mirroring the iconic Mr Darcy Pride and Prejudice look.

As the trailer unravels, Bridget's romance with Roxster heats up and the pair have 'mindblowing sex' after a date.

However Bridget is left confused as flirtatious meetings with Mr Wallaker increase and she eventually stumbles into a barn to find him half-naked.

The movie was officially confirmed last year, with the script being penned by author Helen, Abi Morgan and Dan Mazer, and Michael Morris as director.

Bridget Jones, Mad About The Boy will hit cinema screens on February 14 2025
Love Island viewers have predicted movie night could end in an epic meltdown after Curtis Pritchard spent a night in the hideaway with bombshell Danielle Sellers.

Curtis, 28, has been romancing Ekin-Su Culculoglu, 30, throughout the second series of Love Island: All Stars, with them both claiming they are 'closed off' to each other.

However, fans have insisted Curtis did not given the impression of a taken man when he was whisked off on a date with Danielle, who picked him upon her villa arrival.

While Curtis said he was 'closed off' to Ekin-Su, he followed it up by insisting he 'barely knew' her - as viewers begged for the moment to be shown on movie night.

Movie night reveals private moments between Islanders to the rest of the cast and typically results in tension and rows when hidden secrets are revealed.

Viewers have forecast that Ekin-Su will create a scene of colossal proportions, which they likened to a memorable moment between Curtis and his ex Amy Hart during season five of the show.

Love Island viewers have predicted movie night could end in an epic meltdown after Curtis Pritchard spent a night in the hideaway with bombshell Danielle Sellers

Curtis, 28, has been romancing Ekin-Su Culculoglu, 30, throughout the second series of Love Island: All Stars , with them both claiming they are 'closed off' to each other

They claimed that Curtis 'hasn't changed' as he seemingly did a 180 on Ekin-Su, in the same way that he previously did to Amy during their series.

After both returning from the Casa Amor twist, Curtis and Amy had a discussion where he revealed his head had been turned by model Jourdan Riane.

Curtis famously left Amy reeling when she discovered that ahead of recoupling with her, he he'd shown an interest in pursuing Jourdan who he met in Casa Amor, with a devastated Amy informing him that she was gearing up to confess her love to him.

Following the breakdown of their romance, Amy decided to leave the villa and quit the show to escape watching Curtis and Maura Higgins' relationship blossom.

Sharing their thoughts on Curtis' antics on Wednesday's episode, they said: 'All it took was one woman for Curtis' head to turn. He hasn't changed! What'; 'I don't really know the girl - Movie Night is going to finisshhhhh Curtis';

'Roll the rapes, bring on movie night Ekin needs to see what Curtis really said #LoveIsland'; 'F*** Curtis'; 'Oh look, it's Curtis being Curtis *pretends to be shocked*'; 'Curtis gets the slightest attention from the opposite gender and runs with it #LoveIsland';

'Ekin is going down the Amy route I fear'; 'This is the Curtis I recognise'; 'The way Curtis has gaslight Ekin, this is exactly what he did to Amy!!'; 'Sorry did I just hear Curtis say "I don't even know the girl" to Danielle about Ekin??'; 'Curti is actually the villian in this scenario';

'I was rooting for this Curtis! He want Ekin to spiral so he can move on to the new girl without being the guy bad'; 'Curtis has been a f*** boy idk why y'all are surprised'.

Viewers have forecast that Ekin-Su will create a scene of colossal proportions, which they likened to a memorable moment between Curtis and his ex Amy Hart during season five of the show

Movie night reveals private moments between Islanders to the rest of the cast and typically results in tension and rows when hidden secrets are revealed

On Wednesday, Ekin-Su pulled on viewer's heartstrings as she broke down in Ronnie Vint's arms after Curtis enjoyed his night in the hideaway.

In the tearful moment, Ekin-Su got emotional as she saw Curtiscrack on with newcomer Danielle.

New bombshell Danielle picked Curtis to join her in the hideaway for a flirty sleepover, while fellow newbie Sammy Root picked Elma Pazar.

While Curtis and Ekin-Su have told each other they are 'closed off' and not looking to get to know anyone else who comes in, it appears Danielle has caught his eye.

At the end of the episode, Curtis told Danielle he 'regrets' saying he was closed off with Ekin-Su and is keen to pursue Danielle.

As Ekin-Su spotted their flirty chat, she broke down in tears and was comforted by Ronnie.

Meanwhile, fans blasted Ekin-Su's 'overreaction' to Curtis staying in the hideaway with Danielle.

Fans were left in hysterics as they claimed Ekin-Su was 'making a deal out of nothing to get air time'.

Love Island All Stars' Ekin-Su pulled in viewer's heartstrings as she broke down in Ronnie Vint's arms during Wednesday night's episode

In the tearful moment, Ekin-Su got emotional as she saw Curtis Pritchard crack on with newcomer Danielle Sellers (pictured)

Others added: 'Ekin making a big deal out of nothing again just to get that little air time she craves #loveisland #LoveIslandAllStars',

'Ekin is doing toooo much',

'Anyone else feel like Ekin Su is being extra with everything she does to get back into the British public's good books after her car crash appearance on #CBBUK?',

'Ekin is SPIRALLING #LoveIsland #AllStars',

'BRO EKIN IS FUMING FOR WHAT?? #LoveIslandAllStars',

'EKIN YOURE KILLING ME',

New bombshell Danielle picked Curtis to join her in the hideaway for a flirty sleepover, while fellow newbie Sammy Root picked Elma Pazar

While Curtis and Ekin-Su have told each other they are 'closed off' and not looking to get to know anyone else who comes in, it appears Danielle has caught his eye

As Ekin-Su spotted their flirty chat, she broke down in tears and was comforted by Ronnie

Fans were left in hysterics as they claimed Ekin-Su was 'making a deal out of nothing to get air time'

Series 10 contestant Sammy also stars on TOWIE and is looking forward to ruffling feathers with his villa entrance.

Sammy bagged the cash prize after winning the series alongside Jess Harding but called off their romance soon after they returned home.

Speaking about his fresh chance at love, Sammy explained: 'It did work out for me the first time, but things changed when I left the Villa. Hopefully this time round, Ill leave with a relationship that goes the distance.

'Last time I was very much a boy and was immature at times in terms of not thinking about my actions beforehand.'

He continued: 'Now looking back, I feel like Ive changed a lot and Id like to think Ive grown from a boy to a gentleman.'

Danielle, who appeared in series three, is looking to find the man of her dreams as she returns.

After appearing on the show as a bombshell in Casa Amor last time, Danielle is hoping she finds more luck this time round.

She said: 'I was a lot younger going in the first time, I was 21! I entered during Casa Amor and lots of the boys were in strong couples! 8 years on, Im older and know what I want, so Im going to just go for it!'

Love Island: All Stars continues on ITV2 and ITVX at 9:00pm.
TOWIE girls Chloe Meadows, Dani Imbert and Amber Turner dressed to impress as they headed to the bar in Bali on Wednesday night.

The Essex gang have jetted off to Indonesia to film a new dramatic series of the long running ITVBe series.

Chloe made sure to turn heads during the night as she left little to the imagination in a cut out black strapless bralette.

She put on a very leggy display in a daring purple satin miniskirt which boasted a daring hip high slip.

Chloe kept comfortable in a pair of black sandals and accessorised by layering a number of gold necklaces.

Meanwhile Dani showed off her jaw-dropping figure in a black cut out halter neck midi dress which boasted silver tie detailing.

TOWIE girls Chloe Meadows dressed to impress as she headed to the bar in Bali on Wednesday night to film the reality show

The Essex gang have jetted off to Indonesia to film a new dramatic series of the long running ITVBe series; pictured L-R Dani Imbert and Amber Turner

The reality star rocked a pair of silver metallic sandals and toted her belongings around in a coordinated handbag.

Leaving her long blonde waved tresses loose, Dani was all smiles as she posed for photos ahead of filming.

Amber looked sensational as she went braless under a knitted cut out black halter neck dress which boasted a number of cut outs down the front.

The stunner layered several gold bangles and toted her belongings in a matching woven clutch.

Amber will be relieved she won't be running into her ex Dan Edgar in Bali as he continues to film Dancing On Ice.

TOWIE's favourite couple Jordan Brook and Sophie Kasaei looked more loved-up than ever as they strolled arm-in-arm.

Geordie Shore's Sophie wore a see-through co-ord while Jordan opted for a pair of khaki shorts and an unbuttoned beige shirt.

Elsewhere Courtney Green arrived wearing a satin pair of white lace shorts which she paired with a black bodysuit.

Chloe made sure to turn heads during the night as she left little to the imagination in a cut out black strapless bralette

She put on a very leggy display in a daring purple satin miniskirt which boasted a daring hip high slip

Meanwhile Dani showed off her jaw-dropping figure in a black cut out halter neck midi dress which boasted silver tie detailing

The reality star rocked a pair of silver metallic sandals and toted her belongings around in a coordinated handbag

Amber looked sensational as she went braless under a knitted cut out black halter neck dress which boasted a number of cut outs down the front

The stunner layered several gold bangles and toted her belongings in a matching woven clutch

TOWIE's favourite couple Jordan Brook and Sophie Kasaei looked more loved-up than ever as they strolled arm-in-arm

Geordie Shore's Sophie wore a see-through co-ord while Jordan opted for a pair of khaki shorts and an unbuttoned beige shirt

Elsewhere Courtney Green arrived wearing a satin pair of white lace shorts which she paired with a black bodysuit

She was joined by best pal Harry Derbidge, who showed off his muscular arms in a black tank top and cropped jeans.

Roman Hackett was also seen heading out but was not joined by his Love Island star girlfriend Matilda Draper as she revealed she didn't get her visa in time.

Matilda isn't the only TOWIE star not joining the Bali trip for the new series as TV favourites Lauren Goodger and Amy Childs have decided not to go.

Instead, the two OGs will remain in Essex and continue to film their own storylines.

'With the trips it's always storyline dependent, so not everyone will go as it's about getting the right mix of people with interacting plots,' the source added.

Love Island star Matilda officially joined TOWIE in December and she began filming scenes with Roman earlier this month.

Matilda was thrown in at the deep end as she met Roman's ex Dani for the first time in some of her first scenes.

Jordan Brook, Roman Hackett and Diags were seen arriving at the bar

Harry Derbidge, who showed off his muscular arms in a black tank top and cropped jeans

James Bennewith (Diags) dressed cool in an oversized white shirt, black trousers and sandals

Roman Hackett was also seen heading out but was not joined by his Love Island star girlfriend Matilda Draper as she revealed she didn't get her visa in time

Love Island star Matilda officially joined TOWIE in December and she began filming scenes with Roman earlier this month
Sophie Habboo wowed in a latex jumpsuit at the Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy premiere on Wednesday night where she hosted alongside husband Jamie Laing.

And taking to social media the morning after, Sophie, 30, shared behind the scenes snaps of her very sexy look from the comfort of a bathroom.

Sophie , 30, had looked as loved up as ever with reality co-star and husband Jamie, 36, at the star-studded event the night before.

The TV personality added the caption: 'Last night we hosted the iconic @bridgetjones premiere, one of my all time favorite movies and it did not disappoint!!!'

In one snap, she posed in a doorway in the figure-hugging outfit, adding a pair of black heels and letting her blonde locks loose.

She threw on a shiny black leather jacket as she presented a segment of the show on stage with Mad About The Boy lead Renee Zellweger, 55.

The American actress looked glamorous in a rose red strapless dress while promoting the latest instalment of the hit film series.

Sophie Habboo shared photos of the black latex jumpsuit she wore to the Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy premiere on Instagram on Thursday

The TV personality added the caption: 'Last night we hosted the iconic @bridgetjones premiere, one of my all time favorite movies and it did not disappoint!!!'

Sophie had a team of people helping her to get into the outfit

Another photo saw the TV personality admiring the show-stopping look in the mirror

Sophie, 30, looked as loved up as ever with reality co-star and husband Jamie Laing, 36, at the star-studded event

Further snaps showed Sophie trying on her outfit ahead of the event and admiring the show-stopping look in the mirror.

The podcaster also posed with partner Jamie who donned navy trousers and matched it with a navy zip-up shellsuit top with white borders over a white T-shirt.

In the previous film Bridget Jones' Baby (2016), Renee's iconic singleton, Bridget, finally married Mark Darcy (played by Colin Firth).

The couple had an on-again, off-again romance throughout the trilogy, but they finally got their happy ending when it was revealed that the high-flying lawyer was the father of her baby.

However, in Helen Fielding's fourth book, Mad About the Boy, Mark tragically dies while working abroad as a human rights lawyer, leaving Bridget a widow and struggling with motherhood alone.

The trailer for the upcoming fourth film confirms this storyline will be followed, with Mark having passed away before the events of the movie.

In the trailer, Bridget is encouraged by her friends to 'get back on the horse' after self-imposing a four-year sex ban following Mark's death.

She also quits her job in television to focus on the school run, with comedic scenes expected as she tries to keep up with the Yummy Mummies.

On the night, she added a shiny black leather jacket as she presented a segment of the show on stage with Mad About The Boy lead Renee Zellweger, 55

Sophie's attention-commanding display at the premiere on Wednesday comes after her husband revealed why he is 'scared to have kids' with her, despite both wanting a baby

Further snaps showed Sophie trying on her outfit ahead of the event

During a trip to the park, Bridget finds her two children stuck in a tree, where she's rescued by two dashing men: Leo Woodall from The White Lotus and Oscar nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor.

Bridget soon finds herself caught in a three-way battle for her affections, between boytoy Roxster (played by Leo), PE teacher Mr. Wallaker (played by Chiwetel), and a returning Hugh Grant, 64, as the infamous Daniel Cleaver.

Fans can also look forward to a particularly sexy scene where Roxster jumps into a pool to rescue a little dog, mirroring the iconic Mr. Darcy moment from Pride and Prejudice.

As the trailer unravels, Bridget's romance with Roxster heats up, culminating in a passionate night after a date.

However, Bridget is left confused as her flirtatious interactions with Mr. Wallaker intensify, eventually leading her to stumble upon him half-naked in a barn.

The movie was officially confirmed last year, with the script penned by Helen Fielding, Abi Morgan, and Dan Mazer, and Michael Morris directing.

Sophie's attention-commanding display at the premiere on Wednesday comes after her husband revealed why he is 'scared to have kids' with her, despite both wanting a baby.

They stars tied the knot in April 2023 during a first ceremony in London, and a second one in Spain three weeks later, and have both discussed their desire to have children.

The trailer for the upcoming fourth film sees Bridget being encouraged by her friends to 'get back on the horse' after self-imposing a four-year sex ban following Mark Darcy's death

In the new movie, Bridget finds her two children stuck in a tree, where she's rescued by two dashing men: Leo Woodall from The White Lotus and Oscar nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor

The stars tied the knot in April 2023 during a first ceremony in London, and a second one in Spain three weeks later

But on a recent episode of his Great Company podcast, Jamie's producer Jemima interviewed him, and they discussed why he fears having kids.

Jamie, 36, explained: 'I would really like to have one, but it has been a real long road because I was really scared of babies and I was really scared of commitment.

'The idea of not being able to escape something, with work or even divorce, there's always a way out. But with a baby there's no way out. There is no way out because you are committed to that little human forever and that for me is really quite scary.'

He went on to add: 'Still really scary, it is a real fear. To the point where at the start of last year, Sophie thought she was pregnant and I had to leave the restaurant because I was so stressed.

'Firstly that is not a good partner. It made me really nervous, but also made Sophie really scared because as a partner you want someone secure and relaxed, and it made her feel uneasy.'
Emily Ratajkowski turned up the heat for her latest campaign with Marella.

The style icon, 33, has teamed up with the fashion house to release a blazer collection set to drop on February 4.

For the shoot, Emily put on a racy display as she ditched her bra in a white blazer co-ord.

The beauty flashed her sideboob and toned tummy in the stunning ensemble, which also consisted of a white mini skirt adorned with a large rose.

In another snap, the model wowed in a tiny red blazer dressed that showed off her slender pins.

She teamed the look with black sandal heels and a swipe of bold red lipstick.

Emily Ratajkowski flashed some major sideboob as she ditched her bra under a white blazer for a new fashion campaign

The style icon, 33, has teamed up with fashion house Marella to release a blazer collection which is set to drop on February 4

Emily then opted for a more edgy look with a leather blazer layered over a mini dress, before turning heads in a plunging denim blazer co-ord.

For her final look, the brunette beauty looked chic in a beige blazer co-ord with smart suit shorts and a white shirt.

Speaking about the campaign, she said: 'Balancing some thing masculine with something famine is always a central part of my styling.'

It comes after Emily modelled multiple stringy bikinis during her trip to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The My Body author tantalized her nearly 30 million Instagram followers on Sunday as she shared a carousel of swimsuit-clad images.

The busty beauty nearly spilled out of a beige-toned triangle top in two dreamy snapshots showing a sunset behind her.

She flashed her famous pout while rocking a pair of narrow, thin-framed, burgundy eyeglasses.

Other photos showed Emily in a barely-there white two-piece covered in a cherry pattern.

Photos from the campaign show Emily wowing in a leather blazer and mini skirt

She also turned heads in a plunging denim co-ord as she posed in front of a stunning backdrop

She looked chic in a beige blazer and short co-ord paired with a crisp white shirt

One of the items from the collection features a stunning back cut-out detail

The blazer collection is Emily's latest collection with the fashion brand

Her slim waist and washboard abs were displayed in each of the scanty pieces.

And in two of the online snapshots the mother-of-one flaunted her cheeky backside in a multicolor bikini top and bottoms.

She was joined on the getaway by her son Sly, who turns four in March, and whom she shares with ex-husband Sebastian Bear-McClard.

The new posts weren't all bikinis and beaches, however.

Ratajkowski made a statement by sharing a closeup shot of a drink menu that included a cocktail called Morte de Elon Musk, which translates to 'death of Elon Musk.'

The tech mogul, who is closely tied to President Donald Trump, was famously at odds with the South American country late last year.

It comes after Emily modelled multiple stringy bikinis during her trip to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Another photo showed Emily in a barely-there, white, two-piece covered in a cherry pattern

The brunette bombshell accessorized with a statement necklace, glasses, and hoop earrings while soaking up the sun

His social platform X was suspended in Brazil for just over a month between late August and early October after 'Musk defied requests by Brazils court to ban some user accounts or remove content that the supreme court said violated federal laws,' per CNBC.

The trip follows another tropical escape the influencer recently enjoyed and shared online.

Just a few days ago she was active on Instagram, showing outtakes from a Mexican vacation.

In addition to modeling, Emily also designs her swimwear brand iNAMORATA.

Her book of essays, My Body, became a New York Times bestseller in 2021.

And she hosted the podcast High/Low with Emrata from November 2022-November 2023.

Although she has not had a long-term relationship since divorcing her ex Sebastian in the latter half of 2022, she has been linked to a host of A-list men including Harry Styles, Pete Davidson, and Shaboozey.

Last spring, Ratajkowski appeared on an episode of the New York Times podcast Modern Love.

She opened up about her dating life, emphasizing that she's not focused on finding a partner right now.

Emily got cheeky as she flashed her pert derriere in a colorful bikini top and matching bottoms on a recent holiday

The star posed alongside her longtime friend

She was joined on the trip by her son Sly, who will turn four in March

The SoCal native shared a POV snapshot featuring a can of beer

Ratajkowski made a statement by sharing a closeup shot of a drink menu that included a cocktail called Morte de Elon Musk, which translates to 'death of Elon Musk'

The star, whose nickname is Emrata, stated on the May 1 episode: 'I take care of so much in my life.

'I take care of my son, I take care of my home, I take care of my schedule, his schedule, my career. The burden of the finances is on me and I don't have a family supporting me financially or any of that.'

She admitted on the podcast episode, 'I often think about how much I want to be taken care of and I experience that with my female friendships in different ways. I have wonderful, wonderful friends who do know when to take care of me and how to take care of me.'

Emily then added, 'It feels really hard to imagine somebody who's more capable than me or who could understand my needs in that way.'
Shes usually in a glitzy ballgown, stilettos and full glam.

Now Holly Willoughby is swapping heels for a hike as she signs a new lucrative fashion deal to bring out her own range of boots.

After wearing Grensons boots for her stint on Im A Celebrity in 2018, they sold out almost immediately.

Crashing the website, the 255 black lace ups found Grenson shipping out 400 pairs an hour during the three-week series.

Also wearing them in her new Netflix series Bear Hunt which premieres next week, Holly, 43, is now bringing out her own range of Nannette style boot.

In the collection there are three styles, which Holly wore all through filming, that are black leather, tan and embossed snakeskin leather.

Holly Willoughby put on a very leggy display as she swapped her heels for hiking boots in a new collection with Grenson after filming her new Bear Hunt Netflix series

The presenter has signed a new lucrative fashion deal to bring out her own range of boots after wearing them in her new Netflix series Bear Hunt which premieres next week

Priced at 365, Holly designed the boots with brand by outlining exactly what she wants out of boot.

The three styles include ankle straps, a western theme, laces and a small heel.

For the new campaign Holly can be seen in a black leather strappy maxi dress, running away from the camera whilst wearing the black leather style.

In another she has styled the snakeskin boots with a green turtleneck jumper dress.

In one shot is then wearing the brown style with blue socks, a burgundy jumper and a black miniskirt.

The final picture sees her sitting on the floor in snakeskin boots in a blue and brown cardigan with a brown miniskirt.

Clearly built for durability, the latest Bear Hunt images see the Holly hanging out of the side of a helicopter in the same boots as well as walking in them through the Central American jungle.

The presenter took some time away from screens and the red carpet, aside from her role on Dancing On Ice, after a 'graphic' kidnap and murder plot against her was revealed.

For the new campaign Holly can be seen in a black leather strappy maxi dress, running away from the camera whilst wearing the black leather style

In one shot is then wearing the brown style with blue socks, a burgundy jumper and a black miniskirt

She made her red carpet return back in September for the National Television Awards, before joining Stephen Mulhern on the revived game show You Bet! in December and hosts the upcoming Celebrity Bear Hunt on Netflix.

The Bear Hunt is said to be a brutal game of cat and mouse where theyll be hunted down by Bear Grylls himself and, if captured, face elimination from the show.

Show bosses have pulled out all the stops with their latest line-up which features Spice Girl Mel B, Strictly judge Shirley Ballas, Boris Becker and model Lottie Moss.

Also joining the A-list line-up is Inbetweeners star Joe Thomas, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Steph McGovern, Una Healy, Kila Bokinni, Leomie Anerson and Danny Cipriani.
Molly-Mae Hague is enjoying a lavish ski trip to St. Moritz in Switzerland this week - while her ex-fiancee Tommy Fury stays at home in Manchester.

The influencer, 25, showed off her impressive designer winter wardrobe as she hit the slopes in the snowy mountain area.

For one snap she wore a stylish white fur coat and fluffy brown hat teamed with trendy de Savary gloves and dark shades.

Another Instagram pose showed her in a snow storm as she wore a dark brown coat and cosy white scarf.

While staying at her luxury hotel she gave a glimpse inside her envy-inducing wardrobe full of designer coats, goggles and boots.

Molly-Mae told how she wanted to 'live there' as she snapped pictures of the sunset before taking a trip up the mountain in a picturesque cable car.

Molly-Mae Hague is enjoying a lavish ski trip to St. Moritz in Switzerland this week - while her ex-fiancee Tommy Fury stays at home in Manchester

The influencer, 25, showed off her impressive designer winter wardrobe as she hit the slopes in the snowy mountain area

As she enjoyed her trip to Switzerland her former partner Tommy, also 25, was back in Manchester and posted to his Story while at the gym.

It comes after last week Molly-Mae and Tommy reunited for their daughter Bambi's second birthday.

They reunited for the first time outside her Cheshire mansion since her Prime Video documentary, Behind It All, was released.

Tommy and Molly met on ITV's Love Island in 2019 and were together for five years before announcing their split last summer.

The pair welcomed their daughter Bambi in January 2023 before getting engaged in September of that year.

Since their split at New Year's they were seen kissing - sparking rumours they had got back together.

But Tommy and Molly put their relationship woes to one side as they got together for Bambi's birthday.

Tommy shared snaps of the decorations in the mansion they used to share together - which were themed around the children's book The Tiger Who Came To Tea.

For one snap she wore a stylish white fur coat and fluffy brown hat teamed with trendy de Savary gloves and dark shades

Another Instagram pose showed her in a snow storm as she wore a dark brown coat and cosy white scarf

Molly-Mae told how she wanted to 'live there' as she snapped pictures of the sunset before taking a trip up the mountain in a picturesque cable car

While staying at her luxury hotel she gave a glimpse inside her envy-inducing wardrobe full of designer coats, goggles and boots

St Moritz is known for its luxury shops and high prices

Tommy hit the gym while she was away

He shared with fans that it was her favourite story before sharing a sweet snap of Bambi as a newborn.

He penned in the caption of the snap taken in hospital: 'How has time gone that fast!!!'

Molly also took to her story to share snaps with Bambi ahead of the big celebration.

Alongside a snap with Bambi she posted on Wednesday night, she said: 'Last evening as my one-year-old. Mummy loves you more than words could ever explain.'

In the tell-all series, the influencer showed how she juggles being a mum to daughter Bambi, managing her brand Maebe and the pressures of being in the public eye as well as addressing her highly publicised split from Tommy.

She left fans in 'tears' as they praised her for showing her 'real' and 'vulnerable' side in the series.

In the documentary, Molly showed her vulnerable side as she opened up about the devastating circumstances surrounding her split, with the star struggling with the attention while trying to manage her own feelings.

In a particularly candid moment, she admitting that she wished the split was a publicity stunt to promote her show following rumours the couple could have reignited their romance.

Molly-Mae was back in Manchester on Thursday and was seen stepping out in Altrincham near her mansion

She looked in great spirits after her trip

She snapped a stylish selfie in one of her oversized white fluffy coats

The weather in Switzerland was incredible for her time away as she shared snaps of herself out in the sunshine

She donned a trendy black ski suit as she made her way through the snow near her luxury chalet

She wore a pair of baggy denim jeans, a black jumper and long black coat

She wore her long blonde tresses in loose waves over her shoulders and opted for a bronzed makeup look

She then jumped into a car and headed home

She boosted her height with heeled black boots

She carried her iced coffee with her on the outing

She said: 'I just think it's bizarre that anyone would think it's a publicity stunt, I wish it was a publicity stunt, because that would be a lot easier, that would mean my relationship's actually fine, but it's not.'

She admitted the timing of the break-up was inconvenient rather than opportunistic as the shock news took attention away from launching her brand Maebe.

While in a conversation with her sister Zoe Rae, the latter candidly admitted 'all she wants in this life is to be with him and have another baby' so they can 'grow old as a family'.

Just before the documentary came out Tommy revealed they split due to his problems with alcohol.
Chloe Sevigny has revealed her pick for the Best Supporting Actress category in the upcoming Oscars ceremony.

The stars nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role include Zoe Saldana for Emilia Perez, Ariana Grande for Wicked, Felicity Jones for The Brutalist, Isabella Rossellini for Conclave and Monica Barbaro for A Complete Unknown.

The Oscar nominations were announced on January 23 ahead of the ceremony taking place on Sunday, March 2, live from Los Angeles.

In an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com at the Sundance Film Festival, Chloe, 50, shared who she's 'rooting for' after being nominated herself for the category back in 2000 for her role in Boys Don't Cry, in which she starred alongside Hilary Swank.

'I mean, I think Isabella Rossellini when you consider her whole career.

'I think she is deserving, you know, and she's incredible in that film,' the actress revealed, referring to Isabella's role as Sister Agnes in Conclave.

Chloe Sevigny revealed her pick for the Best Supporting Actress category in an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com at the Sundance Film Festival

Ariana Grande has been nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Glinda in Wicked

Chloe told DailyMail.com that she's a 'big Isabella Rossellini fan' (pictured at The National Board of Review Annual Awards Gala on January 7)

Chloe continued, 'I'm a big Isabella Rossellini fan. I think she's contributed to cinema in so many ways and she's a legend. So, I'm rooting for her.'

Apart from Best Supporting Actress, the other much-anticipated category is Best Actress in a Leading Role.

The stars leading that category include Cynthia Erivo for Wicked, Fernanda Torres for I'm Still Here, Demi Moore for The Substance, Mikey Madison for Anora and Karla Sofia Gascon for Emilia Perez.

Meanwhile, the actors up for Best Actor in a Leading Role include Ralph Fiennes (Conclave), Timothee Chalamet (A Complete Unknown), Adrien Brody (The Brutalist), Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice) and Colman Domingo (Sing Sing).

The nominations for Best Actor in a Supporting Role include Yura Borisov (Anora), Kiera Culkin (A Real Pain), Edward Norton (A Complete Unknown), Guy Pearce (The Brutalist) and Jeremy Strong (The Apprentice).

On Tuesday, January 28, Chloe attended the world premiere of her new film, Magic Farm, at the Library Center Theatre in Park City, Utah.

She was joined by her co-stars Simon Rex, Joe Apollonio, Camila del Campo and Alex Wolff. The science fiction film was written and directed by Amalia Ulman.

Chloe stars as Edna, who is the face of a media company that travels to Argentina to profile a local musician.

Chloe said Isabella Rossellini is 'deserving' of the Best Supporting Actress award for her role as Sister Agnes in Conclave

Zoe Saldana received an Oscar nomination for her role as Rita in Emilia Perez (pictured at the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards on January 5)

Felicity Jones scored a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her role as Erzsebet Toth in The Brutalist, starring alongside Best Actor nominee Adrien Brody

Monica Barbaro also earned a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her role as Joan Baez in A Complete Unknown, starring alongside Timothee Chalamet

However, they're faced with many challenges after learning they landed in the wrong Latin American country.

Chloe told DailyMail.com about her character Edna, 'Well the filmmaker [Amalia Ulman] said she was inspired by a few different characters that I played - Nicki in Big Love and a character I played in a movie called Demon Lover.

'And one more but I can't recall, so I think she was thinking about those characters when she formed this one.'

The Academy Award-nominated actress also spoke about how she got to 'play the b**ch' during an interview with Deadline at the film festival.

'People toss around "esoteric" but she really does have very specific interests and I was just really impressed with her as a person and I loved [Ulmans previous film] El Planeta, I found it really inspiring and magical, and I thought she had a really unique voice,' she said.

'And so, when she asked me to come on board for this, I was like, "Yes" without even even reading it just because I was so excited by her as an artist and as a filmmaker.

'And then I read it and I was like, "Oh so I get to play the b*tch."

'So I had to come to peace with that and know that my character was bringing a little tension.'

Chloe Sevigny joined her co-stars Simon Rex, Joe Apollonio, Camila del Campo, Amalia Ulman and Alex Wolff for the world premiere of Magic Farm at the Sundance Film Festival

Chloe Sevigny and Alex Wolff joked around on the red carpet as they posted for pictures on January 28 at Park City's Library Center Theatre

Meanwhile, Simon Rex told DailyMail.com at Magic Farm's premiere that it was 'a lot of fun' starring alongside Sevigny because 'she's one of the best actors alive.'

'You always learn when you work with other actors who are veterans like that, and it was just so much fun to play with her.

'We had very loose, a lot of improv, you know, a lot of real moments that happened.

'And it was fun just kind of playing a bickering couple with her and we just hit it off right away. You learn a lot from people like that,' he shared.

It was revealed in December 2024 that Magic Farm has been acquired by Mubi for release in 2025 in North America and the UK.

Chloe's other upcoming film, Atropia, also premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

Although she did not attend the red carpet on January 25, her co-stars - Alia Shawkat, Tony Shawkat and Callum Turner - and the writer and director Hailey Gates attended the premiere.

During the Power of Story conversation that took place hours before Magic Farm premiered, Chloe spoke about how she wants to continue working and how fulfilling directing has been for her.

Sevigny stopped by the Los Angeles Times Studio presented by Chase Sapphire Reserve on January 26 ahead of her movie premiere

The Magic Farm actress had some fun playing with Uno cards while checking out the Chase Sapphire Reserve lounge in Park City

She previously directed four short films: Lypsinka: Toxic Femininity (2024), White Echo (2019), Carmen (2017) and Kitty (2016).

'I just want to give back and just keep working. It goes back to me as a kindergartener and being very driven.

'I feel like I'm a work horse. I love working, I love being on set, I love being around creative people,' she said during the Sundance panel.

'I love telling stories and being challenged and I just want to keep working.'

She continued: 'It's terrifying when you don't know what's coming next, which is why I started directing and I've done a few shorts now and I'm trying to develop a few features, but then I keep getting acting jobs.

'They get in the way, but the directing has been more fulfilling and one of the success feelings is coming from those expressions and being able to have people see these stories that I want to tell.

'Like Celine [Song] was saying earlier, having people come on board who believe in the story you want to tell, is so much more fulfilling to me than acting.'
P!NK's husband Carey Hart reluctantly medically withdrew from Fox's Special Forces: World's Toughest Test on Wednesday night's episode after suffering two minor injuries while running laps around the Wales compound.

'She'll always think I'm an idiot because I do really dumb things. That's never going to change,' the 49-year-old off-road truck racer laughed to TooFab on Wednesday.

'But no, she was happy that I did it because she she knew I kind of needed to do something like this. And it wasn't from the TV aspect, but to have a full immersion situation like this.

'I tell people money can't replicate what we just got to do, you know, to be teamed up with 15 other complete strangers and go through this boot camp. You know, money can't buy that experience.'

And while Carey made it seven episodes on the bootcamp-style competition, he doesn't think the 45-year-old pop star would fare any better: 'There is no question she can handle the physical side, but someone telling her what to do, that would be a little tricky.'

Hart said it was 'my own fault' for tripping over a 'plastic speed bump thing for all the cables' which strained his wrist and his left ankle that already had 'no cartilage left.'

P!NK's husband Carey Hart reluctantly medically withdrew from Fox's Special Forces: World's Toughest Test on Wednesday night's episode after suffering two minor injuries while running laps around the Wales compound

The 49-year-old off-road truck racer laughed to TooFab on Wednesday: 'She'll always think I'm an idiot because I do really dumb things. That's never going to change' (pictured in 2021)

'I FaceTimed her that night. At the moment I got hurt, it was probably around midnight. So by the time I made it back to the hotel and got my phone out of the safe and all the things, it was probably 3 o'clock in the morning UK time,' the retired motocross racer recalled to Us Weekly on Wednesday.

'She'd known the period of the time of the show and probably in the back of her mind, she knows anytime my phone's going to ring before that last day, I'm going to be [hurt]. So her initial [reaction]  she was wide-eyed, kind of white as a ghost, asking, "Are you alright?" And I'm like, "Yeah, it's just my old body."'

Carey said it's been 'pretty fun' to watch the reality competition with his 'starry-eyed' eight year-old son Jameson and his 'tough-as-nails' 13-year-old daughter Willow: 'The only thing she cared about is if I cried or not.'

'Most of my career, anything that I did, lives on YouTube for them. My last serious freestyle competition was X Games when my daughter was a year old,' Hart explained.

'So I started to step away from that high-risk level of my career 12 years ago. So it's pretty fun to be able to sit on the couch and watch something in real time, watch it on TV, because my kids get to see what my wife does for a living.'

On January 7, the Cali-born, Nevada-raised athlete and Pink (born Alecia Moore) - who originally met at the 2001 X Games - impressively celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary.

Carey and the three-time Grammy winner - who split in 2003 and 2008 - have openly admitted the 'only reason that we're still together' is their marriage counselor, Vanessa Inn.

On Wednesday, Hart had a 'great time' reuniting with his fellow contestant Brody Jenner - who's still in the pre-taped competition - to ride some motocross.

The 41-year-old nepo-baby of Caitlyn Jenner, Kayla Nicole, Golden Tate, Alana Blanchard, and Cam Newton are the only ones remaining on the 10-episode third season of Special Forces: World's Toughest Test, which airs Wednesdays on Fox.

Pink is scheduled to perform on Thursday night at the star-studded FireAidLA benefit concert, which will be held at Kia Forum in Inglewood, CA.

Carey continued: 'But no, she was happy that I did it because she she knew I kind of needed to do something like this. And it wasn't from the TV aspect, but to have a full immersion situation like this'

And while Hart made it seven episodes on the bootcamp-style competition, he doesn't think the 45-year-old pop star would fare any better: 'There is no question she can handle the physical side, but someone telling her what to do, that would be a little tricky' (pictured July 13)

The retired motocross racer said it was 'my own fault' for tripping over a 'plastic speed bump thing for all the cables' which strained his wrist and his left ankle that already had 'no cartilage left'

Carey said it's been 'pretty fun' to watch the reality competition with his 'starry-eyed' eight year-old son Jameson and his 'tough-as-nails' 13-year-old daughter Willow: 'The only thing she cared about is if I cried or not' (pictured May 12)

On January 7, Hart and Pink - who originally met at the 2001 X Games (pictured) - impressively celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary

The Cali-born, Nevada-raised athlete and the three-time Grammy winner - who split in 2003 and 2008 - have openly admitted the 'only reason that we're still together' is their marriage counselor, Vanessa Inn

On Wednesday, Carey had a 'great time' reuniting with his fellow contestant Brody Jenner (L) - who's still in the pre-taped competition - to ride some motocross

The 41-year-old nepo-baby of Caitlyn Jenner (R), Kayla Nicole, Golden Tate, Alana Blanchard, and Cam Newton are the only ones remaining on the 10-episode third season of Special Forces: World's Toughest Test, which airs Wednesdays on Fox
Molly Shannon is lifting the lid on the backstage antics of A-celebs who have starred on Saturday Night Live ahead of the celebration of the iconic show's 50th anniversary.

When asked which hosts made a lasting impression on her, Molly, 60, was quick to mention Jennifer Aniston, 55.

She revealed that the Friends star was 'very laid back' while hosting SNL for the first time in 1999.

'I remember being like, "Ooh, that's so cool. Jennifer Aniston,"' she recalled to People.

'And she had a big wedding ring on and she was just [an] easygoing professional, [she] had been in television for a long time.'

At the time of her SNL debut, Aniston was engaged to Brad Pitt and wore a diamond and platinum ring by that Pitt famously spent seven months helping design.

Molly Shannon reflected on her time on Saturday Night Live ahead of the celebration of the iconic show's 50th anniversary. Seen here in July 2001

Aniston has hosted Saturday Night Live twice  in 1999 and again in 2004.

Molly also talked about Cameron Diaz, revealing she chowed down on salad during her hosting stint.

'During the rehearsal, she would just eat salads, lots of greens. And I was like, "I want to be like Cameron Diaz and just eat salad," she said.

'You know what I mean? Isn't that funny?'

Molly also revealed the inspiration behind her iconic character Mary Katherine Gallagher.

'This is not funny at all, but my dad was very badly injured in an automobile accident and he had to learn to walk again,' Shannon said.

'The character is based on his limp. Thats me imitating my dad. Shes like, "I cant, but then she fools people. Shes got power. She can f*** you all.'

When Molly was four-years-old her family was in an horrific car accident and the resulting accident killed her mother, younger sister, and cousin and severely injured her father.

When asked which hosts made a lasting impression on her, Molly, 60, was quick to mention Jennifer Aniston, 55. Aniston seen here in June 2024

She said the Friends star was 'very laid back' while hosting SNL for the first time in 1999. Seen here with Brad Pitt in 2000

Molly also talked about Cameron Diaz, revealing she chowed down on salad during her hosting stint. Seen here in January 2025

Molly also revealed the inspiration behind her iconic character Mary Katherine Gallagher

Molly's father was driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.

Molly and her older sister survived and were raised by their aunt.

'I was very heartbroken and very sad and just trying to hold it all together as a kid,' the actress said in an interview with the Los Angeles Times.

'Theres no way that you could feel that type of deep pain about your mother and your sister being dead, so you just hold it all in, and it comes up later in life,' she added.

Shannon broke out as a comedy star when she joined the cast of Saturday Night Live in 1995.

She created the beloved character Mary Katherine Gallagher that year, which she portrayed in the 1999 movie Superstar.

The character was an unpopular Catholic school girl who was ultra-competitive and who would sniff her armpits when she got nervous.

Shannon would often literally throw herself into objects like metal chairs, without any padding, because she didn't care if she hurt herself after the tragedy.

'This is not funny at all, but my dad was very badly injured in an automobile accident and he had to learn to walk again,' Shannon said

'I didnt care if I cut myself or I made myself bleed. I did not give a s**t. I looked at it like punk rock. I was reckless, and because of what I went through, I just didnt care about anything,' she said.

'You feel like you put your heart right there on the table, but I hope that my story can help other people,' Shannon added.

Shannon said that she created the Mary Katherine Gallagher character while at NYU, which she said was, 'really based on me, how I felt after the accident  really nervous, accident-prone, wanting to please, f***ed up but full of hope.'

'I just exaggerated everything I felt as a little girl and turned it into a character,' she added.
Bar Refaeli was showing off her slender frame in a new video shared to Instagram on Thursday evening.

The pin-up ex-girlfriend of Leonardo DiCaprio was trying on several sets of see-through lace lingerie in an array of colors for Femina.

The sets were baby blue, off white, yellow and black.

The star was very brazen too as she pulled down her underwear to show off her nude thong briefs and also flashed her butt before walking out of frame.

One follower said she was 'crazy' as another said she was quite risque.

She seemed to be in a dressing room as a fully clothed man and a woman popped in and out of the camera view as if there was nothing odd about watching a model try on her underwear.

Her golden locks were straight in light waves, gently cascading behind her back as she had little makeup on and several pieces of gold jewelry.

The Israeli model, 39, is one of the top models in the world.

Bar Refaeli was showing off her slender frame in a new video shared to Instagram on Thursday evening

The pin-up ex-girlfriend of Leonardo DiCaprio was brazen as she pulled down her underwear to show off her nude thong briefs

Here she again pulled down her underwear to show off her thong underwear in a nude tone

Her link to Leonardo made her internationally famous.

Leonardo has dated a host of well-known women over the years, including Gisele Bundchen, Blake Lively and Camila Morrone.

The Titanic star is now 'exclusive' with Vittoria Ceretti, a 26-year-old Italian model who has been modeling since she was 14 years old. She was discovered in 2012 through the Elite Model Look Model contest. As of 2024, she has participated in 400 fashion shows.

Refaeli is a busy mother of three these days.

She welcomed her third child in 2020.

The model gave birth to her and her husband Adi Ezra's third child - a sibling for Elle and Liv - and took to social media to share the news.

She wrote on Instagram: 'This is what real GLAM looks like ... 3rd baby in 3.5 years ... #FamilyIsEverything ... Life is beautiful.'

Bar or Adi have yet to reveal if the baby was a boy or girl or anything about when the little one arrived and how much he or she weighed.

Bar announced she was expecting her third child in 2019.

The Israeli model and presenter revealed the happy news in Hebrew, with the clip beginning with TV host Assi Azar pretending he's going to become the face of the blonde beauty's eyewear range, Carolina Lemk, before she drops the baby news.

She was trying on several sets of see-through lace lingerie in an array of colors

The star pulled out all her supermodel poses as she pranced around the hotel room

She seemed to be in a dressing room as a fully clothed man and a woman popped in and out of the camera view as if there was nothing odd about watching a model try on her underwear

The publication claims she says 'I'm pregnant' in her language, and Assi reacts: 'Wasn't she just pregnant a second ago? I'm so happy for her - if it's true. She looks a little pregnant, she does. Why does she need three kids anyway?'

Bar's string of pregnancies haven't come as much of a surprise to her fans as she has previously admitted a desire to have kids.

The brunette beauty had said soon before becoming a mother for the first time: 'I would love to have kids soon. We keep feeling like we need some more time to ourselves but I think that feeling will never go away. So we will probably aim for children soon, I hope.

'I don't think marriage should [change a relationship]. I believe people choose to get married because they are happy with their lives together, so why would we change anything?

'I didn't expect it - I always thought it would be the same as the day before the marriage - but you feel a spark of extra commitment when you call someone your husband.'

Her golden locks were straight in light waves, gently cascading behind her back as she had little makeup on

The Israeli model, 39, is one of the top models in the world. She still lands major campaigns and photo spreads in magazine

Refaeli is a busy mother of three these days. She welcomed her third child in 2020

The model gave birth to her and her husband Adi Ezra's third child - a sibling for Elle and Liv - and took to social media to share the news. She wrote on Instagram: 'This is what real GLAM looks like ... 3rd baby in 3.5 years ... #FamilyIsEverything ... Life is beautiful'

Refaeli was the epitome of elegance in a gold gown as she graced the Nuovo IMAE Award's red carpet at the 81st Venice International Film Festival in September

Meanwhile, DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese are set to team up again for The Devil in the White City.

The pair are in talks to star in and direct the movie adaptation of Erik Larson's bestselling book that has been revived by 20th Century Studios.

DiCaprio and Scorsese are also set to produce the film alongside Stacey Sher, Rick Yorn and the star's Appian Way Productions partner Jennifer Davisson.

Insiders say that there is currently no script for the picture, which is based on Larson's non-fiction book Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic and Madness at the Fair That Changed America  first published in 2004.

DiCaprio and Scorsese, who have previously collaborated on six movies together, have been working on the project for a while and have always felt that the story has resonated through the years and continues to do so.

Meanwhile, DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese are set to team up again for The Devil in the White City. The pair are in talks to star in and direct the movie adaptation of Erik Larson's bestselling book that has been revived by 20th Century Studios; seen in 2020

Ceretti at The 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at Duggal Greenhouse in NYC in October

The Wolf of Wall Street actor landed the rights to the book back in 2010 and, despite having gone through numerous stages of development including a TV series that never materialized, sources say that all parties agreed to bring the story to the big screen after a meeting with 20th Century executives.

The story centers on Dr. HH Holmes, a serial killer who is believed to have murdered between 27 and 200 people during a period when the city of Chicago was preoccupied with hosting the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893. The book plays on the contrasts between the hopeful expectations presented at the exposition and the dark crimes of Holmes  who moved in the shadows and built a concealed house of horrors.

DiCaprio and Scorsese most recently worked together on the 2023 flick 'Killers of the Flower Moon' and the legendary director hailed the star as a 'natural film actor'.

The 82-year-old filmmaker said: 'What's great about Leo, and it's why we work together so often, is, he goes there. He goes to these weird places that are so difficult and convoluted, and through the convolution, somehow there's a clarity that we can reach. 'And usually it's in the expression, in his face, in his eyes. I've always told him this. He's a natural film actor. I could shoot a close-up of him, he could be thinking of nothing, and I could intercut anything with it, and people will say, Oh, he's reacting to such and such.

'There's something in his face that the camera locks into, in his eyes.'

Scorsese suggested last year that he had no plans to retire as he feels he still has 'more films to make'. Speaking at the Turin Film Festival, he said: 'I'm not saying goodbye to cinema at all. 'I still have more films to make, and I hope God gives me the strength to make them.'
Travis Barker's daughter Alabama has hit back after denying Bhad Bhabie's shock claim she got pregnant by Tyga.

The 19-year-old, whose parents are the Blink-182 drummer and ex wife Shanna Moakler, was also accused of hooking up with Soulja Boy, 34 - but took to TikTok to deny the incendiary claims.

The star posted several glamorous shots to Instagram with her hair styled in a bouncy blowdry, while wearing a heavy palette of make-up and a green pink and green feathered jacket.

In an apparent dig at the drama, she captioned the snap: 'FU2X.'

The rumors started after Barker's rival Bhad Bhabie, 21, released a diss track about her called Over Cooked, which some music fans believe contained hidden allegations that Barker had been with both Tyga and Soulja Boy.

Responding to the claims on TikTok, a defiant Barker wrote, 'Let's clear this up! I never in my life have remotely been near Tyga.'

Travis Barker 's daughter Alabama has hit back after denying Bhad Bhabie's shock claim she got pregnant by Tyga

She continued, 'I've also never been pregnant, nor do I know Soulja Boy. The end.'

DailyMail.com reached out to Barker, Bhad Bhabie, and Tyga for comment.

Bhad Bhabie, real name Danielle Bregoli, and Barker have been in a public feud for the last couple of months.

When contacted by DailyMail.com about the feud, a rep for Bregoli declined to address the incident with Barker directly, but stated that Bregoli was focused on her music career.

'Danielle is excited to be back working on new music and is looking forward to doing what she loves most: creating art that connects with her fans and continues to push her boundaries as an artist,' they said.

The drama started when Bregoli accused Barker of trying to steal her on-again/off-again boyfriend Le Vaughn.

Barker addressed the allegations in December and said she has 'no interest' in Le Vaughn.

Barker, who turned 19 on December 24, then said that it was Le Vaughn who has been contacting her and 'confessing his feelings' for her for nearly a year.

The star posted several glamorous shots to Instagram with her hair styled in a bouncy blowdry, while wearing a heavy palette of make-up and a green pink and green feathered jacket

The rumors started after Barker's rival Bhad Bhabie, 21, released a diss track about her called Over Cooked, which some music fans believe contained hidden allegations about Tyga

Responding to the shocking claims on TikTok, a defiant Barker wrote, 'Let's clear this up! I never in my life have remotely been near Tyga'

In a lengthy post, she wrote: 'I want to be clear: I have no interest in this man.'

Barker denied getting involved in their relationship and also claimed Le Vaughn lied to her about his name, his Instagram and his relationship status.

The aspiring rapper also insisted that she was 'misled' and 'deceived.'

Barker said she previously met up with Le Vaughn in Las Vegas, and at the time was 'unaware' he was dating Bregoli.

She claimed that they did not have an affair and wrote that 'nothing substantial ever came from' the 'frequent communication' Le Vaughn initiated first.

'Danielle is excited to be back working on new music and is looking forward to doing what she loves most: creating art that connects with her fans and continues to push her boundaries as an artist,' they said.

The drama started when Bregoli accused Barker of trying to steal her on-again/off-again boyfriend Le Vaughn.

Barker addressed the allegations in December and said she has 'no interest' in Le Vaughn.

Barker, who turned 19 on December 24, then said that it was Le Vaughn who has been contacting her and 'confessing his feelings' for her for nearly a year.

In a lengthy post, she wrote: 'I want to be clear: I have no interest in this man.'

Barker denied getting involved in their relationship and also claimed Le Vaughn lied to her about his name, his Instagram and his relationship status.

The aspiring rapper also insisted that she was 'misled' and 'deceived.'

Barker said she previously met up with Le Vaughn in Las Vegas, and at the time was 'unaware' he was dating Bregoli.

She claimed that they did not have an affair and wrote that 'nothing substantial ever came from' the 'frequent communication' Le Vaughn initiated first.
Emily Blackwell has revealed the exciting news that wedding planning is underway as she prepares to tie the knot with her fiance Jordan Oldershaw.

The Made In Chelsea star, 28, has also lifted the lid on a heartwarming role their baby daughter Eva June, three months, will play on the big day.

She told The Mirror: 'I need to do some [wedding planning]! Were planning on getting married in 2026, so Ive got a bit of time.

'Eva will be a little flower girl too, which is lovely. My main focus for our wedding is to have fun.'

Emily admitted: 'I just want it to be enjoyable  I dont want to stress about it. I just want it to be a celebration and not a big wedding.'

The reality star also couldn't contain her excitment at the prospect of becoming a wife, although revealed there is 'too much' going on this year for the couple to squeeze the wedding into 2025.

Emily Blackwell has revealed the exciting news that wedding planning is underway as she prepares to tie the knot with her fiance Jordan Oldershaw

The Made In Chelsea star, 28, has also lifted the lid on a heartwarming role their baby daughter Eva June, three months, will play on the big day

She and Jordan got engaged in August 2024 after the businessman popped the question during a lavish Florence getaway.

Emily revealed in December that the couple had welcomed their daughter Eva June prematurely, almost two months ago.

Their first child was born 10 weeks early and was forced to spend 53 days in the ICU in an incubator, which Emily described as the 'hardest time' of her and Jordan's lives.

However the family are now enjoying their time together and Emily has since taken to Instagram to share a slew of sweet snap from the last few months.

Last week, alongside the caption 'TEAM,' the star shared a series of heartwarming photos of the family out and about.

Earlier this month, the mother-of-one also posted a sweet mirror selfie holding the little one, who was adorably smiling.

She went on to share a stunning photo of the threesome out on a walk together, as she penned: 'Mum and dad strolls' as they pushed the pram together.

The new mum looked positively radiant as she wrapped up in a stylish black coat and cream beanie hat.

She completed the look with straight leg pale blue jeans and beige UGGS.

She said: 'I need to do some [wedding planning]! Were planning on getting married in 2026, so Ive got a bit of time'

Emily added: 'Eva will be a little flower girl too, which is lovely. My main focus for our wedding is to have fun'

She and Jordan got engaged in August 2024 after the businessman popped the question during a lavish Florence getaway

Meanwhile baby Eva was snapped asleep in her buggy as she was wrapped up in her coat and an adorable hat.

The star also shared a collection of snaps to round of 2024 as she confessed: '2024 the most memorable, beautiful yet challenging year of my life'.

Emily previously announced she was pregnant in September just three weeks after she announced her and Jordan's engagement.

She shared a montage of the little one's time in hospital from being hooked up to equipment to finally being well enough to go home.

Emily wrote in the lengthy caption: 'Hello world Eva June Oldershaw born 03.11.2024. After 53 days in the NICU our little miracle is finally home. Eva was born over 10 weeks early'.

'To say the last few months have been the hardest times of our lives, would be an understatement.'

She continued: 'Not being able to take our baby home for 2 months, feeling totally out of control, sitting for hours staring at monitors, listening to the bleeping and alarms going off, not knowing what each day will bring.'

'Staring at Eva through an incubator with wires everywhere and feeling totally helpless, asking the nurses to help us hold our baby.

She went on to share a stunning photo of the threesome out on a walk together, as she penned: 'Mum and dad strolls' as they pushed the pram together

The star also shared a collection of snaps to round of 2024 as she confessed: '2024 the most memorable, beautiful yet challenging year of my life'

Their first child was born 10 weeks early and was forced to spend 53 days in the ICU in an incubator, which Emily described as the 'hardest time' of her and Jordan's lives

'This is not how I imagined itHowever, Eva is one tough cookie and Im so incredibly grateful shes now here with us at home and healthy'.

Emily went on: 'I cant thank the NHS enough and in particular, the Chelsea Westminster Hospital.

'The midwives, doctors and nurses are ABSOLUTE angels, who we will forever be indebted to'.

'Even though this was not what I had planned, Im still so grateful for the journey we been on. We have had 10 extra weeks with our baby girl and watched her conquer so much. She is one strong little lady'.

'Now its time to adjust and enjoy life as a family of 3 and soak up every single moment in our newborn bubble'.

Before adding: 'Jordan, you have been mine and Evas rock through all of this. Theres no way could we have done this without you.

'Juggling all this whilst running a business is no joke and everyday Im so proud of you. (A bit soppy, I know) butttt watching the way you have been with our daughter has made me love you even more'.
Blake Lively has opted to keep a low profile amid her ongoing legal battle with Justin Baldoni, as her husband, Ryan Reynolds, stepped out solo on Thursday.

A DailyMail.com photographer exclusively caught the actor, 48, exiting their New York City apartment after security packed up his car with a slew of luggage.

Bodyguards were seen putting an enormous duffle bag and multiple rolling suitcases into the vehicle.

A floatie device for a child and a blanket with the couple's son's name etched onto it was also packed into the SUV.

While the luggage and swimming gear hints that the couple may be jetting off on vacation with their kids in a bid to escape the whirlwind of press surrounding the ongoing It Ends With Us drama, the Gossip Girl alum, 37, and their four young children were nowhere to be seen.

Instead, Ryan darted into the car by himself.

Dressed in a navy blue button down shirt and matching dress pants, the Deadpool star looked glum as he made his way into the waiting car.

He completed his look with a green and blue striped jacket, white sneakers, and a pair of dark shades.

Blake Lively has opted to keep a low profile amidst her ongoing legal battle with Justin Baldoni, as her husband, Ryan Reynolds, stepped out solo on Thursday

A DailyMail.com photographer exclusively caught the actor, 48, exiting their New York City apartment after security packed up his car with a slew of luggage

Bodyguards were seen putting an enormous duffle bag and multiple rolling suitcases into the vehicle

A floatie device for a child and a blanket with the couple's son's name etched onto it was also packed into the SUV

The luggage and swimming gear hints that the couple may be jetting off on vacation with their kids in a bid to escape the whirlwind of press surrounding the ongoing It Ends With Us drama

He was then spotted arriving at the Paley Center in New York City, where he was scheduled to speak today.

It Ends With Us costars Blake and Justin, 40, have been embroiled in a legal battle ever since Blake filed an explosive lawsuit against Justin in December, in which she alleged he sexually harassed her on set.

In her bombshell 80-page complaint, which was filed with the California Civil Rights Department, she also claimed that he had created a hostile work environment while they were filming the hugely popular Colleen Hoover adaptation.

Justin then responded by filing his own bombshell $400 million lawsuit against the actress, which was filled with his own share of shocking claims - including one that Blake enlisted Ryan, and her pal Taylor Swift, to 'pressure' him into allowing her to make changes to the script.

Last week, Blake and her husband Ryan's legal team requested a gag order to curb what they called 'improper conduct' by Justin's attorneys earlier this week, citing an alleged 'harassing and retaliatory media campaign' against the couple.

It came after Justin's lawyer released shocking behind-the-scenes footage from the set of It Ends With Us.

The explosive video, exclusively released by DailyMail.com, showed all three takes of a dance scene between the costars - revealing the pair were on apparent great terms before the actress accused him of sexual harassment.

Blake hit back at the clip's release, with her lawyers saying it actually proved that she was uncomfortable during the scene.

But the Gossip Girl alum, 37, and their four young children were no where to be seen. Instead, Ryan darted into the car by himself

Dressed in a navy blue button down shirt and matching dress pants, the Deadpool star looked glum as he made his way into the waiting car

He completed his look with a green and blue striped jacket, white sneakers, and a pair of dark shades

'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 claimed the video 'showed 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.'

He was then spotted arriving at the Paley Center in New York City, where he was scheduled to speak today

'Every frame of the released footage corroborates, to the letter, what Ms. Lively described in Paragraph 48 of her Complaint,' they added.

Blake's lawyer also insisted that none of the intimacy shown in the video from the film - which Justin directed and starred in alongside Blake - was choreographed.

'Every moment of this was improvised by Mr. Baldoni with no discussion or consent in advance, and no intimacy coordinator present,' they said.

'Mr. Baldoni was not only Ms. Lively's co-star, but the director, the head of studio and Ms. Lively's boss.'

Blake's legal team claimed that her 'leaning away' from Justin 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. Lively's discomfort,' they continued.

It Ends With Us stars Blake and Justin have been embroiled in a legal battle ever since Blake filed a lawsuit against Justin in December in which she alleged he sexually harassed her on set

Last week, Blake and her husband Ryan's legal team requested a gag order to curb what they called 'improper conduct' by Justin's attorneys earlier this week. Ryan is seen on Thursday

They cited an alleged 'harassing and retaliatory media campaign' against the couple. Ryan is seen on his solo outing on Thursday

It came after Justin's lawyer released shocking behind-the-scenes footage from the set of It Ends With Us. Ryan is seen on Thursday without Blake

Amidst the drama, the couple may be heading out of town as security was pictured putting various items into Ryan's car

'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 said that releasing the video to the media 'was 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.

In a letter dated January 23 and obtained by People, a member of Justin's legal team, Kevin Fritz, asked for the judge to deny the order, writing Blake's 'desire to force the Wayfarer Parties to defend themselves privately against allegations made publicly is not a proper basis for a gag order. It is tactical gamesmanship, and it is outrageous.'

Blake and Ryan then doubled down, with their lawyer sending a letter to Judge Lewis J. Liman on Friday reiterating the need for the protective order, according to Deadline.

'Requiring counsel to heed the ethical rules that bind them is not a gag order; it is a mechanism that would ensure the proceedings in this Court are not prejudiced by counsel's conduct outside of the courtroom,' attorney Esra Hudson wrote on behalf of the couple, per the outlet.

'The Wayfarer Parties are attempting to draw a dangerous false equivalence that may have profound consequences not just for this case, but for other women who are sexually harassed in the workplace given the high profile of this matter,' the four-page letter continued.

Ersa also suggested that Justin's alleged smear campaign against Blake may still be ongoing.

Ryan was scheduled to speak on Thursday at the Paley Center in New York City

He stopped to sign some autographs for fans on the way in

Justin filed his own bombshell $400 million lawsuit against the actress, which was filled with his own share of shocking claims

Justin alleged that Blake enlisted Ryan, and her pal Taylor Swift, to 'pressure' him into allowing her to make changes to the script. The couple is seen together last August

'Even more troubling, however, is that the retaliation campaign that Ms. Lively alleged in her Complaint, with substantial supporting documentation, includes highly destructive behind-the-scenes elements, including the regular engagement of [Baldoni's crisis PR chief] Melissa Nathan with her vast tabloid media sources to influence a steady stream of negative media regarding Ms. Lively, as well as a sophisticated and 'untraceable' digital social media manipulation campaign designed to impact social media algorithms against Ms. Lively,' the actress' attorney stated.

'The Lively-Reynolds Parties are informed and believe that these efforts have continued unabated since the CRD Complaint was filed, and may have even been accelerated. The administration of justice in this case will be severely compromised if this behavior continues.'

Justin's lawyer Bryan Freedman told DailyMail.com that their only goal was to 'defend their clients with pure, unedited facts' following her 'disturbingly false and well calculated hit piece' against Justin.

'The irony is not lost on anyone that Ms. Lively is so petrified of the truth that she has moved to gag it,' he said in a blistering statement given to DailyMail.com.

'The immense power that she wielded in Hollywood built on pure fear of her husband and their powerful friends came to an end the moment Ms. Lively planned a mass distribution of a disturbingly false and well calculated hit piece in The New York Times.'

Following her lawsuit, the New York Times released an article about the ordeal and called it a 'Hollywood Smear Machine;' in addition to his lawsuit against Blake, Justin is now suing the publication for defamation.

'Ms. Lively did this with the sole intent to ruin the lives of innocent individuals, and then went the extra mile to place blame on a fictitious smear campaign, all because she quite simply could not accept that the public had organically seen through her facade,' Bryan continued.

'When you accuse innocent individuals of something so disturbing as sexual harassment without thinking of the destruction it would cause to not only them, but the entire domestic violence community, this is where accountability for such mean spirited actions must be taken.

'We will always respect the court; however, we will never be bullied by those suggesting we cannot defend our clients with pure, unedited facts.

'All we want is for people to see the actual text messages that directly contradict her allegations, video footage that clearly shows there was no sexual harassment, and all the other powerful evidence that directly contradicts any false allegations of sexual harassment and subsequent smear campaign.

'It seems that in a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.'
Hard Truths (12, 97mins)

Verdict: Leigh back on form

Rating:

Mike Leigh's mighty reputation as a filmmaker was built by gritty contemporary realism, and after a pair of pictures of contrasting merit set in the 19th century  2014's captivatingly brilliant Mr Turner and the lumpen, hugely disappointing Peterloo (2018)  he returns to more familiar pastures with Hard Truths.

Marianne Jean-Baptiste, working with Leigh for the first time since Secrets & Lies bagged her an Oscar nomination almost 30 years ago, is unlucky not to have another one for her intense and extraordinary performance as Pansy, a deeply unhappy, acid-tongued woman in the grip of what appears to be severe depression.

That quick synopsis might not propel you to your cinema seat with a spring in your step and a bag of Revels, I grant you. You might even prefer to do something that sounds more fun, like staying at home to clean the oven.

But as ever with Leigh's best work  and this certainly qualifies  Hard Truths pulsates with humanity. There is warmth and humour rubbing shoulders with the wretchedness.

Mike Leigh's Hard Truths stars Marianne Jean-Baptiste as Pansy, a deeply unhappy, acid-tongued woman in the grip of what appears to be severe depression

Leigh's mighty reputation as a filmmaker was built by gritty contemporary realism, and after a pair of pictures of contrasting merit set in the 19th century he returns to more familiar pastures with Hard Truths

Moreover, it is enlightening. We have an acquaintance very much like Pansy, and always regarded her as thoroughly unpleasant, one of life's irredeemable misanthropes. It hadn't occurred to me until watching this absorbing film that she is more than likely horribly depressed.

Pansy lives in a respectable suburban semi, somewhere in London, with her husband Curtley (David Webber), a plumber, and their aimless, overweight only son, 22-year-old Moses (Tuwaine Barrett).

She is permanently furious with them and with the world at large. They in turn are incommunicative and taciturn. Whether their sullen introversion is a cause or a consequence of her misery, manifest also in anxiety and phobias, is never clear. Perhaps a little of both.

The film, crafted in Leigh's favoured way of intensive workshopping, with the actors encouraged to build the characters themselves, lacks anything that resembles an actual plot.

Rather, it is a gripping, episodic study of an extended black British family, which sometimes switches its focus to Pansy's hairdresser sister Chantelle, as sunny as Pansy is sorrowful and beautifully played by Michele Austin (who was also in Secrets & Lies), and her two bright, highly engaging grown-up daughters, Kayla (Ani Nelson) and Aleisha (Sophia Brown).

It is a gripping, episodic study of an extended black British family, which sometimes switches its focus to Pansy's hairdresser sister Chantelle (left), as sunny as Pansy is sorrowful and beautifully played by Michele Austin

Occasionally, we get clues to Pansy's past. On Mother's Day, very grudgingly, she goes with Chantelle to visit their mother's grave, where old resentments spill out and their conversation sheds further light on her gloomy marriage. But the film is at its best (and oddly, funniest) when the savagely witty Pansy is out and about venting her splenetic rage: visiting the doctor, the dentist, in a check-out queue at the supermarket, in a car park.

I've seen Hard Truths twice now, and the first time I wondered whether Jean-Baptiste maybe overdoes it a little.

But on second viewing, and with that acquaintance of ours in mind, I can appreciate what a superb performance it is, at the heart of a truly excellent film. Leigh will turn 82 next month. Happily, it is not too old for a blistering return to form.

Saturday Night (15, 109mins)

Verdict: Feverish drama

Rating:

Chevy Chase turns 82 this year, too. Of the main originals who in October 1975 took part in the opening broadcast of NBC's comedy show Saturday Night, later re-titled Saturday Night Live, he is one of the few still alive.

So it must have been a blow when Chase reportedly told Jason Reitman, whose movie Saturday Night fictionalises the frantic lead-up to that inaugural show, that he should be 'embarrassed' by it.

JK Simmons as Milton Berle from Saturday Night

The stars of Saturday Night from left to right: Kim Matula, as Jane Curtain, Emily Fairn, as Laraine Newman, Gabriel La Belle, as Lorne Michaels, Rachel Sennott, as Rosie Shuster, and Matt Wood, as John Belushi

Well, I enjoyed it. Unfolding more or less in real time, the film chronicles the hours before transmission, with chaos all around, lights crashing down, a neurotic Billy Crystal (Nicholas Podany) fretting about his material, a fight between Chase (Cory Michael Smith) and co-star John Belushi (Matt Wood), and producer Lorne Michaels (Gabriel LaBelle) wondering if he'll have a career left by Sunday morning.

With SNL, as it is now known, having become a revered institution, Reitman and co-writer Gil Kenan present that first show as a seismic moment in US TV history, using sneering old-timers like Johnny Carson (Jeff Witzke) and Milton Berle (played by JK Simmons as a sex predator) to emphasise an evolutionary shift.

Maybe you couldn't give any more hoots about this than a US audience might about the first night of The Two Ronnies, which is fair enough. But for anyone with more than a passing interest in SNL, it's worth a look.

Also showing

The Apartment (PG, 125mins)

Rating:

The 1960 classic The Apartment is getting a welcome re-release to mark the centenary of Jack Lemmon's birth next week, and if you're familiar with the film you will enjoy the curious factual nugget that Lemmon was born in a lift.

For it is a lift (or if we must, an elevator) attendant, Fran Kubelik, played by Shirley MacLaine at her loveliest, for whom Lemmon's character falls, hard, in Billy Wilder's glorious romantic comedy. Lemmon plays

Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine in the 1960 classic The Apartment which is s getting a welcome re-release to mark the centenary of Lemmon's birth next week

CC Baxter, an insurance company clerk who curries favour with senior colleagues by letting them use his apartment in midtown Manhattan for sexual 'assignations'.

But a complex situation becomes intolerable when he finds that his boss, Mr Sheldrake (Fred MacMurray), is having an affair with none other than sweet Miss Kubelik.

The screenplay by Wilder and IAL Diamond is as fresh and sparkling now as it ever was, so if you've never seen The Apartment on a big screen  or perish the thought, at all  treat yourself. It's an absolute joy.

Companion (15, 97mins)

Rating:

Jack Quaid and Sophie Thatcher in Companion . It starts like a romantic comedy but it quickly mutates into a combination of thriller, horror and sci-fi, skilfully handled by writer-director Drew Hancock

Companion starts like a romantic comedy, too, as Iris (Sophie Thatcher) and Josh (Jack Quaid) meet over some falling oranges in a supermarket aisle. Indeed, Quaid seems to have his mother Meg Ryan's gift for rom-com.

But once the couple arrive at a remote lake house owned by a Russian tycoon (Rupert Friend), it emerges that Iris is a 'companion robot', bought by Josh mainly for sexual purposes.

From there the film quickly mutates into a combination of thriller, horror and sci-fi, skilfully handled by writer-director Drew Hancock.

Its twists and turns would have seemed outlandish not many years ago. Now, in this AI age, it could almost be a documentary.

All films are in cinemas now.
Pip Edwards showcased her very slender figure as she went for a walk at Bondi Beach in Sydney on Tuesday.

The P.E Nation co-founder, 44, maintained her toned physique by pounding the pavement near her eastern suburbs home.

Pip wore a short black strappy one-piece while listening to music on a pair of $700 silver Sonos wireless headphones.

She paired her look with dark space-like sunglasses, Asics running shoes and accessorised with a dainty gold necklace, rings and bracelets.

The fashion designer appeared to be makeup-free for the outing and had her dirty blonde hair tied back in a messy low bun.

Pip is known for keeping fit around Bondi and was recently seen heading to the gym with her new boyfriend Joshua Clapp.

Pip Edwards (pictured) showcased her very slender figure as she went for a walk at Bondi Beach in Sydney on Tuesday

The P.E Nation co-founder, 44, maintained her toned physique by pounding the pavement near her eastern suburbs home

Earlier this week, Pip was all smiles with her new beau as the happy couple made their way to a local gym for a sweaty long weekend workout together.

Pip and Joshua went public with new partner Joshua just before the New Year, which she rang in with her son Justice, 17, who she shares with ex Dan Single.

Joshua is an interior designer and bar owner best known as the face of Steel and Stitch, a construction firm that specialises in hospitality venues.

The couple were seen cuddling up during a low-key date during the last days of December as they enjoyed acai smoothies in Sydney's Double Bay area.

After debuting her romance with the interior designer earlier in December, Pip was all smiles as the pair cosied up on an intimate day out.

They were first spotted putting on a cosy display at Camp Cove just weeks earlier as they soaked up the sun on the beach and enjoyed a swim in the ocean.

In their first sighting as a couple, Pip couldn't keep her hands off her new man as they frolicked in the water before returning to the shore for a snuggle.

Joshua is the ex-partner of Pip's friend, personal trainer Leah Simmons, and the exes share a teenage son, Ryder.

Pip wore a short black strappy one-piece while listening to music on a pair of $700 silver Sonos wireless headphones

He is also pals with mixologist and bar tsar Matt Whiley, who recently shacked up with Pip's former business partner and best friend Claire Greaves.

Pip and Claire launched trendy activewear label P.E Nation together in 2016, but Claire stepped down from her day-to-day role at the label in March last year.

There was a professional rift between the friends which saw the end of one of the Australian fashion industry's most lucrative and enduring partnerships.

At the time, P.E Nation said in a statement that Claire would be 'pursuing other creative endeavours' and taking her career in a new direction.

Claire and Pip were then hit by rumours of a falling-out, and Pip later wiped all traces of Claire from P.E Nation's social media in a seemingly telling move, erasing years of posts promoting the sportswear brand.

Pip took over as the sole creative director after Claire's exit and gave the brand an overhaul and relaunch, but she later confirmed she too was stepping down.

In August, Pip announced she was also taking a 'step back' and would no longer hold the creative director position that she took over following Claire's exit.

The following month, in September, she returned to street-wear label Ksubithe brand where she first made her name in the noughtiesas its creative director.

While neither woman has revealed the reason why they went their separate ways, Pip said in June last year that Claire 'was the product one' in their business partnership.
Radio star Carrie Bickmore has revealed the surprising reason why she decided to buy herself a bunch of flowers.

The 43-year-old shared a photo of a gorgeous bunch of purple and white blooms to her Instagram story on Thursday.

Carrie explained that she bought the flowers for herself because 'they instantly brighten her mood'.

'I'm buying myself more flowers this year because they instantly brighten her mood,' she said.

The post comes after it was reported Carrie and her rumoured former lover Tommy Little have made a 'secret pact' not to appear on celebrity shows together.

The radio co-hosts are said to have been approached numerous times to appear on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! as a pair, but have turned down the offers.

Radio star Carrie Bickmore (pictured) has revealed the surprising reason why she decided to buy herself a bunch of flowers

Carrie revealed she bought the flowers for herself because 'they instantly brighten her mood'

The duo, best known for their Hit Network radio show Carrie & Tommy, are reportedly 'terrified' they could lose their high-paying jobs by appearing in the jungle.

According to Yahoo! Lifestyle, they believe the amount of time away filming for the Channel Ten reality TV series could jeopardise their lucrative radio careers.

Carrie and Tommy would reportedly want a much higher sum than has been offered to appear on the show and they are said to have a 'pact' against signing up.

A TV casting producer told the publication: 'I would say that they are looking for more than a quarter of a million dollars each and to be honest they would be worth every penny. Everyone has a number that works for them.'

'Carrie and Tommy have really cashed in on their chemistry - which is obvious on the weekly drive show,' they added of their on-air success.

'The whole, "are they dating or aren't they?" has been a huge draw card for them both.'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Carrie and Tommy's representatives for comment.

Carrie and Tommy were repeatedly hit by romance rumours after they hosted their HIT FM radio show from Paris, France.

The post comes after it was reported Tommy and his rumoured lover Carrie Bickmore have made a 'secret pact' not to appear on celebrity shows together

In October, the pair were spotted cuddling up for a photo behind-the-scenes at the ACRAs.

The Hit Network drive show co-hosts skipped the red carpet at the radio awards and snuck in through the kitchen together.

They stopped to pose for a picture in the bustling backroom, with Carrie turning heads in a very short black dress.

Carrie split from her partner of 11 years Chris Walker at the start of 2022, while Tommy has been reportedly single ever since his split from girlfriend Natalie Kyriacou in 2021.

Tommy rushed to Carrie's side at the time that she confirmed her break-up, leading insiders to speculate their friendship could evolve into something more.

Carrie announced her split from Chris in an Instagram post in January 2022, saying the pair were focusing on co-parenting their three children, Ollie, 16, Evie, eight, and Adelaide, five.

'It's with immense sadness that Chris and I have decided to separate,' she wrote.

'While this is a tough time, our focus is on parenting, loving and supporting our three children Ollie, Evie and Addie with everything that we've got.'

Carrie and Tommy would reportedly want a much higher sum than has been offered to appear on the show and they are said to have a 'pact' against signing up

The radio co-hosts also had a hugely successful year with their drive-time radio show.

In August last year, Carrie and Tommy were once again named as the number one national drive show in Australia.

The Hit Network show nabbed an 11.1 per cent share in Australia, securing the top spot for the fourth time in a row.

The pair said of the results: 'We are so lucky to have such a hard-working team and incredible listeners who continue to drive us to unbelievable results.

'Thank you, Australia, for making us #1 for the fourth time in a row.

'We're having an absolute blast every afternoon, and we love sharing in the fun with listeners around the country.'

Hitting the number one spot made it the pair's fourth consecutive win in the ratings and the best result the Hit Network has received for its drive slot since 2018.
Luke Newton put on a loved-up display with his girlfriend Antonia Roumelioti as they attended the BOSS: David Beckham party in London on Thursday.

The Bridgerton actor, 31, put his arm around the Greek beauty as they attended the first event they've been seen at together since last summer.

The TV star, who plays Colin Bridgerton on the Netflix show, cut a dapper figure in a brown blazer and matching trousers.

Antonia looked incredible in a black off the shoulder long-sleeved top which she wore with a matching skirt.

The beauty styled her brunette locks into a sleek updo for the evening and completed her look with a pair of silver earrings.

Luke broke the hearts of fans the world over when he stepped out with Antonia at the Netflix drama's afterparty last June.

Luke Newton put on a loved-up display with his girlfriend Antonia Roumelioti as they attended the Boss: David Beckham party in London on Thursday

The Bridgerton actor, 31, put his arm around the Greek beauty as they attended the first event they've been seen at together since last summer

They were first linked in April after they were seen out together but the relationship was not confirmed until that month.

Antonia, who was born in Greece in 2001, works as a model and dancer.

Dancing appears to be her main passion as she regularly shares clips of herself practising her moves in a studio.

The stunner is no stranger to TV either and she previously performed on both Dancing On Ice and Greece's Got Talent.

Antonia is also developing her social media presence and currently has over 14,000 followers on Instagram.

Antonia is represented by Mass Agency and has previously appeared in commercials and panto productions as a dancer.

A source previously told The Mirror Luke and Antonia's relationship had the support of their friends and family.

They said: 'Luke and Antonia get on really well and are having a great time together. They have not yet gone public as it is still early days, but they have grown very close and of course all their friends and family know.

Luke broke the hearts of fans the world over when he stepped out with Antonia at the Netflix drama's afterparty last June

Antonia is also developing her social media presence and currently has over 14,000 followers on Instagram

'They are thrilled to see them both so happy. And Antonia has been supporting Luke as he deals with the global attention that the latest series has attracted.'

Antonia also gets along well with Luke's Bridgerton co-stars as she was seen hugging series three's leading lady Nicola Coughlan at the Bridgerton afterparty.

Prior to his relationship with Antonia, Luke dated West End star Jade Davies for three years until they split in March 2023.
Stock market benchmark indices - Sensex and Nifty - surged nearly one per cent on Wednesday, buoyed by a rally in IT, capital goods and industrial stocks amid a firm trend in global markets.

However, unabated selling by foreign investors ahead of the Union Budget kept market sentiment extremely cautious, traders said.

The 30-share BSE benchmark Sensex jumped 631.55 points or 0.83 per cent to settle at 76,532.96. During the day, it jumped 698.32 points or 0.92 per cent to 76,599.73.

As many as 2,978 stocks advanced while 1,011 declined and 93 remained unchanged on the BSE. The NSE Nifty soared 205.85 points or 0.90 per cent to 23,163.10.

"The Indian market has demonstrated resilience in anticipation of the upcoming Union Budget, with expectations of measures, aimed at stimulating consumption and job creation. Investors are now focusing on the upcoming Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, with general expectations that the Fed will maintain its current hawkish stance," Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Financial Services, said.

From the 30-share blue-chip pack, Zomato jumped nearly seven per cent. Tata Motors, Infosys, UltraTech Cement, Tech Mahindra, Mahindra & Mahindra and Bajaj Finance were the other major gainers.

In contrast, ITC Hotels, Bharti Airtel, Maruti, Asian Paints and ITC were among the laggards. The BSE smallcap gauge surged 3.28 per cent and the midcap index rallied 2.54 per cent.

"Most key sectors contributed to the recovery. However, the highlight of the session was the strong rebound in broader indices. Looking ahead, market participants will react to the US Fed meeting outcome in early Thursday trades, followed by the focus shifting to the January derivatives expiry," Ajit Mishra - SVP, Research, Religare Broking Ltd, said. Among BSE sectoral indices, realty jumped 3.10 per cent, industrials (2.94 per cent), capital goods (2.70 per cent), IT (2.65 per cent), BSE Focused IT (2.63 per cent), commodities (2.30 per cent) and healthcare (2.20 per cent). FMCG emerged as the only laggard.

In Asian markets, Seoul and Tokyo settled in the positive territory. Markets in Shanghai and Hong Kong were closed due to holidays. European markets were trading mostly in the green. US markets ended higher on Tuesday.

"India VIX has seen a surge from 13 to 19 levels in the last five weeks and rising volatility created swings with negative bias in the market.

"Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) Long Short Ratio is now at around 20 per cent, which is near the lower part of the range, but selling from FIIs in the cash market is the real cause of concern to get the market stability. Overall lower FIIs Index Long Short ratio indicates light position by foreign market players," Motilal Oswal Financial Services said in a note. FIIs offloaded equities worth `4,920.69 crore on Tuesday, according to exchange data.

Global oil benchmark Brent crude declined 0.93 per cent to USD 76.77 a barrel.

"Having lost around three per cent of its value so far in the month, Nifty looks on track to end January on a negative note to mark the fourth consecutive month of correction - an exceptionally rare occurrence that hasn't been reported in the last 23 years.

"US Fed action, a slew of reforms in the budget and liquidity easing by the central bank will set the tone for the markets in the coming 2-3 months. The FII's have been sellers almost to the tune of USD one billion even in January," Jaykrishna Gandhi, Head - Business Development, Institutional Equities, Emkay Global Financial Services, said.
Fostering efficacy, accountability and a strong sense of ownership plays a big role in cultivating a productive and innovative workforce

Recent statements by prominent Indian business leaders advocating for extended work hours have sparked significant debate across the industries and political sphere. Infosys founder Narayana Murthy suggested a 70-hour workweek for the younger generation, while Larsen & Toubro chairperson S N Subrahmanyan pushed the idea further, proposing a 90-hour workweek, including Sundays. While their intentto encourage competitiveness and efficiencyis commendable, the emphasis on extended work hours misses a crucial point: the number of hours worked is not the primary determinant of success. Efficacy, accountability, trust and a spirit of ownership are far more vital in creating a productive and competitive workforce.

The Fallacy of More Hours Equals More ProductivityGlobally, data and research have consistently shown that longer working hours do not directly correlate with increased productivity. According to a study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), countries with shorter average work hours often rank higher in productivity. For instance, Germanyknown for its robust industrial baseaverages 34.6 hours of work per week and boasts one of the highest productivity levels in the world. In contrast, countries like Mexico, where workweeks stretch beyond 42 hours, report significantly lower productivity rates.The human brain has a finite capacity for sustained focus and creative thinking. Prolonged hours often lead to diminishing returns, increased burnout, and higher rates of errors. Studies by the World Health Organization (WHO) have also highlighted the adverse health effects of excessive work hours, linking them to cardiovascular diseases and mental health disorders.

Moreover, the concept of presenteeismbeing physically present but mentally disengagedis an often-overlooked consequence of extended work hours. Overworked employees may appear productive but are less likely to deliver high-quality output. This underscores the importance of optimising work hours for maximum efficacy rather than simply extending them.What Truly Drives Productivity? Instead of focusing on quantity, business leaders should shift the discourse to quality. Productivity is not about the time spent at a desk or shop floor but what is achieved during that time. Three key factors contribute to this:

1. Efficacy: Efficacy emphasises doing things right rather than simply doing more. This involves leveraging technology, optimising workflows, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Organisations like Toyota have championed this principle through methodologies such as Lean and Kaizen, which focus on reducing waste and enhancing efficiency.

2. Accountability: Empowering employees to take ownership of their work fosters accountability. When individuals feel responsible for outcomes, they naturally align their efforts toward achieving goals. Googles OKR (Objectives and Key Results) framework exemplifies how clearly defined goals and transparent accountability can drive exceptional results. A sense of accountability ensures that time is used effectively and results are prioritised over mere activity.

3. Ownership Spirit: A sense of ownership transforms employees from passive participants to proactive contributors. This requires building a culture where employees feel their work has a purpose and their contributions are valued. Startups often exemplify this culture, with employees going above and beyond not because of long hours but because they believe in the companys mission. When employees feel emotionally invested, their creativity and commitment naturally increase, making the organisation more competitive.

The Role of Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance is not a luxury but a necessity for sustained performance. The Harvard Business Review notes that employees with balanced lives demonstrate 21 per cent greater productivity and are 57 per cent less likely to experience burnout. Moreover, a healthy work-life balance fosters creativity, problem-solving, and emotional resilienceall essential traits in todays dynamic business environment. Countries and companies that respect the need for work-life balance are reaping the rewards. For example, Scandinavian nations, with their strong emphasis on work-life balance, consistently outperform others on innovation and competitiveness indices. Similarly, companies like Microsoft Japan, which experimented with a four-day workweek, reported a 40 per cent increase in productivity while reducing electricity costs and boosting employee satisfaction.

Flexible working arrangements are becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide. The rise of hybrid work models in the post-pandemic world has shown that flexibility and accountability coexist and thrive. This shift highlights that the hours worked and the autonomy, trust, and resources provided to employees drive results. Leaders must embrace these new paradigms rather than revert to outdated notions of success linked solely to time spent at work.

Lessons from History

Historical evidence further undermines the argument for excessively long work hours. During the Industrial Revolution, labour movements fought for the eight-hour workday, recognising that overworking led to physical exhaustion and declining efficiency. The founder of Ford Motor Company, Henry Fords decision to implement a five-day, 40-hour workweek in the 1920s was driven not by altruism but by a realisation that well-rested employees were more productive and innovative. His approach improved productivity and set a precedent for modern labour practices. In the 21st century, technology has amplified this principle. Automation, artificial intelligence, and digital tools enable employees to accomplish in hours what once took days. Instead of relying on human endurance, organisations should not focus on integrating these tools to enhance productivity and free up employees for strategic, high-value tasks.

Reimagining Competitiveness Indias demographic dividend presents a unique opportunity to shape the future of work. With one of the worlds youngest workforces, the focus should be on enhancing skills, fostering creativity, and nurturing an entrepreneurial mindsetnot on extending work hours.By investing in upskilling programs, digital tools, and robust processes, Indian businesses can boost productivity without exhausting their workforce. Additionally, introducing flexible work arrangements can help tap into employees diverse needs while improving engagement and output.

Addressing the Challenges

While advocating for shorter or optimised work hours, it is essential to acknowledge the challenges. Industries with high operational demands, such as manufacturing and healthcare, may find it challenging to reduce work hours without compromising service delivery. In such cases, solutions like staggered shifts, better workforce planning, and investment in automation can help balance operational needs with employee well-being. Similarly, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with limited resources may perceive shorter work hours as a risk to productivity. However, even these organisations can benefit from adopting efficiency-focused strategies like process optimisation and targeted skill development.The Way ForwardAs a moderate business leader, I firmly believe that success stems from striking the right balance between ambition and sustainability.

While hard work and dedication are indispensable, they must be guided by innovative strategies, supportive cultures, and a focus on outcomes. Asking employees to clock 70 or 90 hours a week may yield short-term results, but it risks long-term consequences in the form of burnout, disengagement, and declining health.Lets redirect the conversation from hours worked to value created. By fostering efficacy, accountability, trust and an ownership spirit, Indian businesses can achieve competitiveness and efficiency while respecting the well-being of their greatest assettheir workforce. After all, its not the hours you put in but what you put into the hours that truly counts.

(The Author is vice-chairman of Sonalika ITL Group, vice-chairman of the Punjab Economic Policy and Planning Board, and chairman of ASSOCHAM Northern Region Development Council. Views expressed are personal)
From increased investments in rural infrastructure to empowering farmers with technology, the policy decisions can redefine the future of Indian agriculture

As we come closer to the announcement of Budget 2025, the agriculture industry, considered the backbone of the Indian economy, at this point brings us to the crossroads. Agriculture is not just an economic sector, but a way of life for the millions who do it, accounting for nearly half of the countrys workforce and a major chunk of the GDP. This has offered a unique pathway of change to tackle the pressing challenges as well as unlock the tremendous scope of Indian agriculture ecosystem in the budget.

A Call for Increased Investments in Agriculture

The agricultural sector in India calls for a drastic increase in its budgetary allocation, with a heavy focus on rural infrastructure, irrigation systems, as well as agricultural research and development (R&D). Such investments will, therefore, not only improve productivity but also ensure that farmers particularly small holders have equitable access to modern farming techniques. Projects to complete irrigation systems under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) and investment in micro-irrigation systems  such as drip and sprinkler technologies  should be the first priorities.

Empowering Farmers through Technology

Farmers are increasingly looking for smart and precision farming tools and technologies, ranging from drones to IoT, artificial intelligence, etc, promising competitive thinking towards Indian agriculture. Budget 2025 should encourage adoption of these technologies by providing subsidies, training and affordable digital tools. By equipping farmers with technological innovations, not only will resources be utilised efficiently, but it will also enable higher yields and profits. Improving Crop Insurance and Financial Security

Agriculture is still highly vulnerable to climate risks and market volatility. To protect farmers, there is an urgent need to expand the coverage of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), make the premiums affordable and provide simple and instant delivery of claims. Besides, direct targeting of small and marginal farmers access to credit for investment in agriculture as well as affordable risk coverage can remove uncertainties and promote investment in agriculture.

Promoting Sustainable Farming Practices

Climate change is an increasingly urgent threat to agricultural productivity. It should be able to focus on better and climate-smart farming practices. It is essential to provide incentives for organic farming, crop diversification and development of drought- and flood-resistant crop varieties to make agriculture resilient to climate challenges.

Encouraging Value Addition and Agro-Processing

India has tremendous potential in agro-processing and value addition. Budgetary support for food processing units, supply chain modernisation, and cold storage facilities will help reduce post-harvest losses and increase farmers incomes. Tax incentives for startups in this sector can attract private investment and create rural employment opportunities.

Focus on Women Farmers and Youth in Agriculture

Key to the future of Indian agriculture, therefore, are the women farmers and rural youth. Customised programmes for financial support, even during the plantation phase, skill development, and entrepreneurial support for women would instil them as agricultural leaders. Likewise, youth participation can be restructured and enhanced through innovation grants, incubation centers and awareness campaigns to revitalise this sector.

Pursuance of Export Booster and Market Access

In this context, India is immensely capable and has the potential to set itself up as a global agri-exporter. The government should create dedicated export portals, cut regulation, and develop a policy that supports traders dealing in high-demand crops. Strengthening integration of rural connectivity & e-NAM (National Agricultural Market) platforms will provide the farmers with access to markets and fair pricing.

The Role of Allied Sectors

Allied sectors such as dairy, fisheries, poultry, etc., have enormous potential to help bolster rural incomes and employment. Feed, vaccines, and infrastructure budgetary allowances for these sectors will also promote diversification and give farmers added revenue streams.

Towards a Prosperous Agricultural Ecosystem

Budget 2025 can afford to be a gamechanger for Indias agricultural ecosystem- when we bring sustainability, inclusivity and innovation in farming at the core of agriculture policy. Which, if met, will provide the farmers community to timely tackle the pitfalls and excel on the worldwide map.

(The writer is the Founder & Managing Partner at Snail Integral Pvt. Ltd. Views expressed are personal)
Cultural taboos and lack of awareness often confine girls and women to their homes, keeping them away from school, kitchens and religious spaces

In India, approximately 335 million women experience menstruation but the majority of them are uncomfortable about speaking about it or discussing their menstrual hygiene problems.

Parents, especially in rural areas are often ignorant and unprepared to discuss this subject with their adolescent daughters. However, an ongoing campaign called Red Achcha Hai (Red is Good) running in three states is breaking the silence around menstruation and debunking taboos and restrictions that confine girls and women to their homes and bar them from attending school, entering the kitchen and participating in cultural and religious events.

First started in 2018 as a programme to make women and adolescents in rural areas in Gujarat aware of body literacy, fertility and menstrual hygiene by CHETNA, a not-for-profit working on nutrition, health and womens empowerment, it acquired a new urgency in 2020 when newspapers headlined the shocking story of how girls in a college hostel, supported by a religious trust, were asked to strip by the college authorities for breaking the hostels rules for menstruating girls.

This made CHETNA realise that they needed to accelerate and escalate their efforts. Thus, the Red Achcha Hai campaign. Started with a new vigour first in rural areas of Gujarat, and Rajasthan and later in Madhya Pradesh, the eye-catching Red Achcha Hai campaign tapped the power of drama and visual communication with the CHETNA team dressed in red explaining the menstrual process, the need for menstrual hygiene and breaking myths and taboos around menstruation.

The positive impact of this awareness programme and distribution of 2199 menstrual hygiene management (MHM) kits containing three information booklets, a clothes brush, a nail cutter and a rope to dry the washed cloth, led to its continuation in 47 schools of Sansad block of Ahmedabad since February 2024. Even while focusing on adolescents, the campaign continued to reach out to women too.

In 2023, when the campaign was being conducted across 16 villages of Jhagadia block, Bharuch district of Gujarat, a woman sarpanch was invited as a chief guest for an event to celebrate nutrition week organised on the grounds of an adjoining temple.

The sarpanch expressed her reservations as it was the fourth day of her period. However, after some discussions on the myths surrounding menstruation, the CHETNA team motivated her to come to the function. The sarpanch not only came for the function and sat on the temple steps but entered the temple.

This act made her an icon for breaking the myths and taboos surrounding menstruation and helped to inspire other women shackled by societal barriers imposed by their families during their menstrual cycle. A mother of a malnourished child, who was also one of the participants, was menstruating on the day of the function and was reluctant to attend. However, when she was informed that the sarpanch, who was also menstruating, had entered the temple, she took courage and followed her.

The sarpanchs actions challenged traditional taboos and set a powerful example. It highlighted the power of education and support in overcoming menstrual stigma. The campaign has reached more than 10,000 women and girls and many young people are coming forward to support the campaign.

The students of Riverside School of Ahmedabad City supported the campaign by raising funds for the initiative to end discrimination against women and girls. Poor menstrual hygiene practices may lead to recurring reproductive tract infections which may increase the risk of cervical cancer. The Red Achcha Hai campaign is changing mindsets and empowering women and girls to break free from restrictive cultural norms.

(The author is a journalist writing on development and gender; views are personal)
It is a transformative movement dedicated to changing lives through direct action, offering relief and assistance to bring about social and economic change

Philanthropy has always been a driving force behind social progress, bridging gaps and providing succour to those in need. Often, it is the initiative of an individual or an organisation that reaches out to support the underserved. Marginalised sections of society, often ill-equipped to fend for themselves, view such assistance in dire circumstances as a matter of life and death. Across the country, there are numerous examples of individuals and organisations stepping up to aid the needy. In southern India, Mangalore, Karnataka, the MRG Group-a prominent business conglomerate with interests spanning hospitality, real estate and finance-has taken a remarkable step in this direction through its transformative initiative, the Neravu.

The Neravu Initiative: A Lifeline for Thousands

Launched in 2019 with an initial allocation of Rs 1.25 crore, the Neravu has grown significantly in scope and impact. It has reached a remarkable milestone, disbursing Rs 6 crore in financial aid to support 3000 families and 60 organisations, benefiting approximately 15000 individuals.

The assistance provided-ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 1 lakh for individuals and up to Rs 25 lakh for organisations-addresses diverse needs, including medical emergencies, education, sports, and social welfare. What sets the initiative apart is its scale and robust framework, ensuring that aid reaches thousands of households.

The Neravu program is underpinned by a rigorous selection process to ensure the most deserving candidates receive support. An impartial committee meticulously reviews applications, prioritising critical medical cases, disabilities, and exceptional achievements in academics and sports. The programme extends beyond Karnatakas Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Shivamogga districts to Keralas Kasaragod district, showcasing its inclusive approach.

What is Neravu?

The word Neravu means support in Kannada, and this initiative lives up to its name as one of the largest corporate-run financial assistance programs in India. Designed to address the immediate and long-term challenges faced by economically disadvantaged communities, the focus is on:

1.Education: Scholarships ensure access to quality education for underprivileged students.

2.Healthcare: Financial aid covers critical treatments and surgeries for those unable to afford medical expenses.

3.Livelihood Enhancement: Vocational training and resources empower individuals to achieve self-reliance.

Impact of the Neravu Mangalore, a thriving port city known for its cultural diversity and economic activity, has witnessed a profound impact from the Neravu.

Educational Opportunities: Many students from low-income families have pursued higher education, thanks to scholarships.

Healthcare Access: Critical medical interventions have been made possible for individuals lacking access to quality healthcare.

Empowerment: Vocational training programmes have enabled women to contribute to their households.

The MRG Group has expanded the reach of the Neravu, demonstrating how corporate philanthropy can transcend geographical boundaries.

Empowering Communities Through Philanthropy

The Neravu initiatives impact goes beyond immediate financial relief, fostering self-reliance and community upliftment. Beneficiaries have shared inspiring stories of transformation.

For instance, Raj Lakshmi, a graduate from a nearby village and the eldest among her siblings, completed her studies with the Neravus support. Now employed as a computer instructor, she supports her family of five. I could complete my course because of Neravu, and today, I am able to earn a living and help my family, she shares.

Making a Difference

The Neravu exemplifies how corporate initiatives can address pressing issues while fostering inclusive growth. Neravus structured approach ensures that aid reaches the right people. In a world grappling with economic disparities, programs like Neravu serve as a beacon of hope. By addressing the root causes of poverty and empowering individuals, the initiative has brought tangible change to countless families.

Dr K Prakash Shetty, Founder & Chairman MRG Group, the visionary behind this movement, emphasises that philanthropy is not merely about monetary aid but about fostering a culture of self-reliance and social participation. Under his leadership, the MRG Group has blended business success with meaningful social impact, setting a benchmark in corporate social responsibility. The Neravu stands as a testament to the transformative power of structured philanthropy. By addressing fundamental challenges and empowering individuals, it inspires a collective commitment to building a more equitable society.

(The writer is a senior journalist; views expressed are personal)
Unlocking Indias full agricultural potential demands strong policies, industry collaboration and a commitment to technological advancements, especially in seed innovation

India stands at the cusp of a transformative shift in its agricultural landscape, driven by its growing population, expanding economy, and the mounting challenges posed by climate change. With the Union Budget 2024 allocating Rs 1.52 lakh crore to agriculture, the governments recognition of the sectors importance in ensuring Indias economic future is clear. Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision for agricultural growth focuses on innovation, sustainability, and resilience. For India to realise its agricultural potential by 2025, however, clear policy frameworks and effective industry collaboration are essential.

At the core of this transformation is the need for a robust, resilient, and technologically advanced seed sector. As India transitions from a traditional, production-centric agricultural model to one that prioritises farmer welfare and income generation, there is a fundamental opportunity to improve livelihoods and promote sustainable agricultural practices. A critical aspect of Indias agricultural future lies in scientific advancements, particularly in the development of genetically modified (GM) crops.

Globally, GM crops have proven successful in increasing yields, improving pest resistance, and reducing dependency on chemical inputs. Yet, India has been cautious in adopting GM technology, and a transparent, science-based approach to its regulation could help unlock its potential. A national consensus on the safe deployment of GM crops would support the goal of reducing reliance on imports, especially in essential crops like oilseeds and pulses.

The importance of collaboration between the private sector and public institutions such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) cannot be overstated. Such partnerships drive significant research and development efforts across key crops like oilseeds, cotton, and maize, while also protecting intellectual property rights (IPR) to incentivise further innovation. A strengthened IPR framework could position India as a global leader in agricultural research and technology.

Youth involvement is emerging as a critical force for revitalising Indias agriculture. The average age of farmers in India is over 50, which highlights the need to encourage younger generations to enter the field. As of 2022, about 30 per cent of Indias youth are employed in agriculture, yet a large proportion still view it as a last resort. Programmes targeting youth education and entrepreneurship in agriculture are gaining traction, with initiatives like the National Agriculture Market (eNAM) and various skill development programs helping young farmers access better technologies and market opportunities.

Moreover, youth-led startups in agritech are making an impact in areas like precision farming, farm-to-table models, and sustainable agriculture practices, providing innovative solutions to long-standing problems.

For example, the Agri-Startups ecosystem is seeing rapid growth, with over 3,100 agritech startups currently operating in India (as of 2023), and an investment influx that has grown by 20 per cent annually. This demonstrates the growing interest among youth to innovate and lead

the agricultural transformation. Furthermore, sectoral integration across the agricultural value chain is becoming more pronounced. Indias agricultural ecosystem is complex, with each sector, such as poultry, dairy, horticulture, and rural development, playing a distinct yet interconnected role in the overall growth. The government is focusing on strengthening these individual sectors as part of a holistic approach. The GST framework currently presents challenges for the agricultural sector, particularly about the costs and complexities of compliance for farmers and seed companies.

Simplifying the GST system could reduce operational burdens and make agricultural practices more sustainable and profitable. Additionally, targeted tax relief or incentives for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in agriculture, particularly in seed production, agro-processing, and machinery manufacturing, could support growth and job creation, especially in rural areas.

Restoring the 200 per cent income tax deduction for research and development (R&D) expenditure could significantly boost innovation in the seed industry. By reducing the financial pressures associated with R&D, such a policy would incentivise greater investment in developing drought-resistant and higher-yielding crop varieties. This would be particularly important in critical sectors such as oilseeds and pulses, where India faces challenges in achieving self-sufficiency.In addition, a unified national-level registration process for seeds, along with the One Nation, One License policy, would simplify operations for seed companies. The current multi-state registration process often leads to inefficiencies and delays, hindering the growth of the industry.

A streamlined system would enable companies to operate more efficiently and ensure that high-quality seeds reach farmers promptly, fostering growth and innovation in the sector. Research Linked Incentive (RLI) schemes could further encourage innovation by offering financial incentives for successful R&D outcomes. This would accelerate the development of new seed varieties that are climate-resilient and high-yielding, reinforcing Indias position as a leader in global agricultural research. Looking ahead, the future of seed research holds exciting possibilities, particularly in areas like biofortified crops, climate resilience, and hybrid development. Breeding drought-tolerant varieties of rice, oilseeds, and pulses will be essential to ensure food security in an era of unpredictable weather patterns.

(The writer is the chairman of, the Federation of Seed Industry of India and MD & CEO of Savannah Seeds; views are personal)
How Indias digital economy could be shaped by his policies

Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States, has left an indelible mark on both American and global politics. While much of the discussion about his policies and influence has focused on traditional industries like trade, defence, and foreign relations, Trumps impact could extend beyond these sectors  especially to economies like India. As the worlds largest democracy and one of the fastest-growing digital economies, India stands to experience both challenges and opportunities in the wake of Trumps post-presidency actions and his political stances.Heres a closer look at how Trump could shape Indias digital economy.

Trade Policies and Digital Tariffs - Trumps America First policy introduced a more protectionist approach to trade, focusing on reducing imports and ensuring favourable terms for US companies. India has seen its digital space expand rapidly, particularly with global tech giants and startups. However, if Trump or his political allies push for new tariffs or restrictions on foreign tech investments  or increase scrutiny on digital platforms operating in India  it could complicate business relations. While this may benefit Indias indigenous tech sector and could leverage such scenarios to strengthen local supply chains and reduce dependency on US companies, it will certainly be bad for US Indias bilateral trade. Geopolitical Tensions and Digital Sovereignty Another area where Trumps impact could be felt is in the realm of digital sovereignty. Trumps earlier administration frequently took stances against Chinese technology companies. India, too, has followed suit with actions against Chinese apps, and the digital sovereignty debate is likely to continue. Should Trumps influence result in stronger US-India alliances in the digital space, it could accelerate Indias drive for data privacy regulations, local data storage mandates, and greater control over its digital infrastructure. The US and India will have the opportunity to collaborate on setting global standards for cybersecurity, data protection, and artificial intelligence.

If the relationship between the two countries remains strong, it could also lead to joint ventures that power Indias emerging tech ecosystem. US-India Strategic Digital Alliance -Under Trump, the US-India relationship generally saw an uptick in strategic collaboration, especially in defence, technology, and trade. Post-Trump, this alignment could be further amplified. As a leader in traditional and digital technologies, Trumps legacy of prioritising high-tech industries in the US could create opportunities for Indian companies to collaborate with American firms in research and development.For India, this could mean access to cutting-edge technologies in fields like AI, 5G, quantum computing, and blockchain. Such collaboration could increase Indias digital infrastructure capabilities, making it more competitive in the global market. Promoting E-Commerce Growth -Trumps policies favoured business growth, especially in the private sector.

His approach to deregulation, tax cuts, and incentivising entrepreneurship could be leveraged by Indian businesses, particularly in the e-commerce space. While Donald Trumps influence on Indias digital economy is not straightforward, his policies, legacy and post-presidency actions could create ripple effects across global digital markets, including India. Whether its through tighter immigration restrictions, geopolitical positioning, or shifts in trade relationships, Indias digital economy must remain agile, harnessing both challenges and opportunities. Indias emerging tech scene is robust and well-positioned to adapt to global changes.

(The writer is a policy analyst; views are personal)
Dissatisfied with AAP chief Arvind Kejriwals reply on mixing poison in the Yamuna, the Election Commission on Thursday sought another detailed response from him, saying his remarks prima facie appeared to promote disharmony and enmity between different groups. The Commission has said Kejriwals responses have been completely silent in substantiating his claim of Haryana poisoning the Yamuna river. The EC asked Kejriwal what kind of poison was mixed by Haryana, what was the supporting evidence about the quantity, nature and manner of detecting poison and the location where and the method of detection of the poison.

In a sharp response to ECs directives for seeking factual evidence by 11 am on Friday to substantiate his claim of the Yamuna water being poisoned by the Haryana government, AAP chief said Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar is acting as the BJP stooge. Accusing him of seeking a post-retirement job, Kejriwal said he would send three bottles of Yamuna water to Kumar and his Election Commissioners and challenged him to drink the water. Addressing a press conference , Kejriwal alleged that Kumar had destroyed the credibility of the Election Commission (EC) and was eyeing a post-retirement position.

The language he has used is not the Election Commissions job. He should contest the election from any seat in Delhi. We will send three bottles to Rajiv Kumar as well. I know they will arrest me in three days, let them do so, I am not afraid, he said.

Kejriwals remarks came hours after the Election Commission shot off another letter to the AAP chief, in which it has stated that Kejriwals responses have been completely silent in substantiating his claim of Haryana poisoning the Yamuna river.

The poll body has sought pointed replies to five questions, failing which it will take an appropriate decision without further reference to him. The Commission posed five questions, asking: What kind of poison was mixed by the state government of Haryana in Yamuna? Supporting evidence about the quantity, nature, and manner of detecting the poison, the location where it was detected, which DJB engineers detected it, and how and where.

The EC also reminded Kejriwal, as a prominent public figure and former chief minister, of the dire consequences such statements could have, potentially leaving permanent scars between identifiable groups in Haryana and Delhi.

Coming back to your response on your statement under reference, Commission has prima facie found your allegations about poising of river Yamuna as promoting disharmony and enmity between different groups, and overall public disorder and unrest even by the most sober interpretation, the Commission says in its letter.

The poll panel also warned warned the former Delhi chief minister that his statements could harm relations between residents of Haryana and Delhi, causing lasting division. As a prominent public figure and a former chief minister, the Commission need not remind you of the dire consequences that such utterances and actions of yours can have and leave permanent scars between well identifiable groups of residents of two States and /or living together in State of Haryana and NCT of Delhi, the poll panel has written

The ECs letter noted that during a campaign, Kejriwal alleged that Haryana was poisoning the Yamuna river to cause genocide in Delhi, which was allegedly detected and stopped by Delhi Jal Board engineers. The commission pointed out that instead of clarifying the factual and legal matrix of his statement, Kejriwal chose to justify it by referencing the high ammonia content in the river, a matter being addressed separately.

The EC, however, acknowledged that it agrees with the contention that availability of sufficient and clean water is a governance issue and emphasised that all concerned governments should work to secure it for everyone.

The commission added: The commission finds no reason for anyone to dispute this noble position, and stated it would leave the matter to the competence and good discretion of the governments and agencies, refraining from intervening during the election period on water-sharing or pollution issues with long-standing and future implications, where Supreme Court and national green tribunal (NGT) directions are involved.
India on Thursday outlined global AI ambitions with plans to build its own foundational model that could take on the might of ChatGPT, Deepseek R1 and others, as it lined up most affordable common compute facility powered by 18,693 GPUs to be used by startups and researchers.

Indias bold move comes at a time when Chinese company DeepSeek has turned heads after its AI model overtook ChatGPT as the top-ranked free app on Apples appstore, challenging the AI dominance concentrated so far with the US firms, particularly Silicon Valley frontrunner Open AI.

IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw exuded confidence that India will build a foundational model that is world-class, and that it will be able to compete with best models across the globe. The government announced the next steps in its AI blueprint, among them, 18,693 Graphics Processing Unit or GPUs on offer by the empanelled bidders (a list that includes Jio Platforms, CMS Computers, Tata Communications, E2E Networks, Yotta Data Services, and others), and start of AI safety institution, with 8 projects approved under it.

The government is also calling for proposals to develop Indias own foundational models that would be aligned to Indian context, Indian languages, culture, basically where datasets are for our country, of our country and for our citizens and biases are removed.

Put simply, foundation models in generative AI are large, pre-trained models that form the base for a variety of AI applications.

The common compute facility (powered by 18,693 GPUs) would be made available at a fraction of global cost benchmarks, Vaishnaw assured. The compute facility will be most affordable coming significantly less than one dollar (per GPU hour) after 40 per cent cost borne by the government.

Making modern technology accessible to everyone, that is the economic thinking of our PM... Ours is the most affordable compute facility, at this point of time, Vaishnaw said.

The Minister said there are at least six major developers/ startups who would be able to build foundational models in the next 8-10 months at the outer limit, and 4-6 months at a more optimistic estimate.

Algorithmic efficiency matters a lot, it can deliver a model at much lower cost and less time than the world has seen today, the Minister said, expressing optimism that India will have a world class foundational model in the coming few months.

The government, under the IndiaAI Mission, had approved Rs 10,372 crore outlay to strengthen Indias AI ecosystem - a key pillar for that was enabling 10,000 GPUs for AI Compute Infrastructure. The 18,693 GPUs would offer large compute power considering that Deepseek was trained on 2,000 GPUs and ChatGPT version 4 on 25,000 GPUs.

On the applications under India AI mission, Indias focus has been about utilising the power of Artificial Intelligence for solving population-scale problems, in areas such as healthcare, education, agri, logistics, weather forecasting and others.

The projects approved for AI safety include areas of machine unlearning (IIT Jodhpur), synthetic Data Generation (IIT Roorkee), AI bias mitigation strategy, explainable AI framework (Defence Institute of Advanced Technology Pune), privacy enhancing strategy (IIT Delhi, IIIT Delhi, TEC), AI Ethical certification framework, AI algorithm auditing tool, and AI governance testing framework.
Following the tragic stampede at the Sangam during the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh, which led to multiple casualties, the administration has taken strict measures to prevent such incidents in the future. As part of these efforts, the entire Kumbh Mela area has been declared a no-vehicle zone, barring all types of vehicles from entering the premises and has canceled all VIP passes till February 4.

One of the most significant decisions includes the complete restriction on vehicle movement within the fairgrounds. No private or public transport will be allowed inside, ensuring a safer and more organized movement of pilgrims. Additionally, VVIP passes, which previously allowed certain vehicles access, have been revoked. No special passes will grant exemptions, making the rules uniform for everyone.

To facilitate smooth movement and prevent overcrowding, all major routes within the Kumbh area have been converted into one-way paths. This measure aims to streamline the flow of devotees and reduce the chances of congestion. Furthermore, vehicles coming from neighboring districts are being stopped at the district borders, preventing an influx of additional traffic into the city.

The strictest measures will remain in place until February 4, with a complete ban on four-wheelers in Prayagraj. The administration has urged devotees to adhere to these guidelines to ensure a smooth experience at the Maha Kumbh. Authorities have also called for public cooperation in maintaining order and avoiding any further mishaps.

Lakhs of devotees heading to Prayagraj for the Mahakumbh Mela are stranded in massive traffic jams but remain resolute in their quest for a holy dip at the Sangam. Despite extreme congestion, freezing nights, and lack of basic amenities, their faith remains unshaken.

The traffic congestion has reached alarming levels, with over 2.5 lakh vehicles stuck at multiple entry points, including Chitrakoot, Varanasi, and Rewa-Prayagraj routes. Traffic jams extend up to 25 kilometers in some areas, bringing vehicular movement to a near standstill.

Many devotees, like Atmaram Patil from Maharashtra, have spent days in transit, only to be told to turn back. Others, unwilling to abandon their pilgrimage, have resorted to walking long distances to reach their sacred destination.

The situation has been particularly grim along the Varanasi-Prayagraj stretch, where a 20-kilometer-long jam has left hundreds of buses stranded. Vehicles have been halted at key points such as Bhadohi, Gopiganj, and Aurai, with passengers left without basic facilities. Many travelers, including Vasudev Bhalladwar from Chhattisgarh, have been forced to endure the bitter cold with no access to food, water, or toilets. The lack of arrangements for the stranded pilgrims has led to growing frustration, yet their devotion remains unwavering.

Those approaching Prayagraj from Mirzapur and Bhadohi face similar hardships. Roadway buses have been turned back, and thousands of people are stranded at various points with little assistance. In some areas, local residents have stepped in to provide food and water, but the scale of the crisis has left many without relief. Some devotees have voiced their anger, alleging that VIP vehicles are being given priority while common pilgrims are left to fend for themselves. Despite these challenges, most remain firm in their resolve to reach the Sangam, refusing to consider alternate bathing sites offered to them along the way.

Train travel has also been severely affected, with several passenger trains, including the Allahabad-Prayagraj Passenger and Jaunpur-Bareilly Passenger, being canceled. The rerouting of other trains, such as the LTT Express via Varanasi, has further disrupted travel plans. At Pratapgarh and other key railway junctions, thousands of devotees are stranded, waiting desperately for alternate transportation. Meanwhile, along the Rewa-Prayagraj route, nearly 50,000 vehicles have been halted at the Uttar Pradesh-Madhya Pradesh border, with authorities struggling to manage the situation.

Despite the severe hardships, the spirit of the pilgrims remains unbroken. Braving hunger, cold, and exhaustion, they continue their journey with unwavering faith, determined to take their sacred dip in the Ganga. For them, no hardship is too great in pursuit of this once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience.
BJP defeats AAP in Chandigarh Mayor poll

Chandigarh: The BJP on Thursday won the post of Mayor while AAP-backed Congress candidates registered victory in the poll for the senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor posts in the high-stakes Chandigarh mayoral elections that took place here. The contest for the mayoral polls was between the BJP and the AAP-Congress combine. AAP was fighting for the post of mayor while the Congress was contesting for the posts of senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor. In a jolt to the AAP-Congress combine, BJP's Harpreet Kaur Babla was elected as the new mayor of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation after she defeated AAP nominee Prem Lata.

Passenger jet collides with Army helicopter in US

Arlington: An American Airlines jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided with an Army helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, prompting a large search-and-rescue operation in the nearby Potomac River. There were multiple fatalities, according to a person familiar with the matter, but the precise number of victims was unclear as rescue crews hunted for any survivors. Three soldiers were onboard the helicopter, an Army official said.
The Kumbh Mela, often associated with stories of lost families, has taken an unusual turn. A Jharkhand family believes they have found their long-lost relative, but theres a twist-the man they claim is Gangasagar Yadav, who went missing 27 years ago, now lives as an Aghori monk and refuses to recognize them.

Gangasagar disappeared in 1998 after a trip to Patna, leaving behind his wife, Dhanwa Devi, and their two young sons. Over the years, the family had given up hope of ever finding him. But fate intervened when a relative attending the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj spotted a sadhu resembling Gangasagar and sent a photograph home.

Murli Yadav, Gangasagars younger brother, along with Dhanwa Devi and her sons, rushed to Prayagraj to confront the monk-now known as Baba Rajkumar. However, he denied any connection to his past life. The monk, accompanied by a Sadhvi, claimed he was from Varanasi and dismissed the familys claims.

The family, however, remains firm. They pointed out his distinct long teeth, a forehead injury, and a scar on his knee as proof of his identity. Determined to get answers, they have sought police intervention and demanded a DNA test.

It is generally said, Kumbh mein bichhde kabhi nahi milte (those who get lost at the Kumbh never reunite), but here the case is different. Kumbh has united the family, but the problem is, the monk is yet to recognize his family, said Murli Yadav.

The family has decided to wait until the end of the Kumbh Mela. If necessary, they will insist on a DNA test. If the results prove we are wrong, we will apologize, Murli added.

For now, some family members have returned home, while others continue to watch over Baba Rajkumar and his companion, hoping for a moment of recognition-or a scientific resolution-to finally bring closure to a decades-old mystery.
A tragic incident took place at the JK Cement factory plant in Panna district on Thursday, resulting in the death of three people and more than 50 injured.

The severely injured persons are being referred to the hospital for medical treatment. The incident took place on Thursday when a structure collapsed in the plant's unit, causing death and severe injuries to workers.

According to the police, a ceiling slab was being installed in a section of the plant which was under construction. During this, the centre area collapsed, leading to the death of several workers and injuries to many others. Over fifty workers were said to be working at the cement factory. Police and administration teams are currently working to rescue the workers trapped in the debris.

The authorities have reached the site to investigate the exact cause of the accident. The exact number of deaths and injuries has not yet been confirmed.<

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident caused by the collapse of a roof shunting at the JK Cement plant unit in the Semaria police station area of Amanganj tehsil, Panna district. The incident occurred on Thursday, January 30, resulting in the untimely demise of four individuals. Among the victims, three were residents of Purnia district, Bihar.

Yadav gathered detailed information about the accident and directed officials to ensure necessary assistance for the affected families. Commissioner of Sagar, Dr. Virendra Singh Rawat, coordinated efforts by consulting Pawai MLA Shri Prahlad Lodhi, the General Manager of the cement plant, DIG Chhatarpur, and senior officials of the Panna District Administration to facilitate aid.
The Awadhpuri police have arrested five individuals involved in a major cyber fraud, recovering goods worth ?2.5 crore. The accused exploited Zoom Cars online application to deceive customers across major cities, including Delhi and Mumbai.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Yash Saluja (27), Anshul Priyansh Singh (28), Mayank Thakur (23), Avinash Pandey (28), and Sahajpreet Singh (23). They hail from various locations, including Bhopal, Jhansi, Chhindwara, Chhatarpur, and Punjab.

The scam involved the fraudulent use of the Zoom Car platform. The accused would download images of luxury cars from the internet and create fake listings on the platform. Once customers booked the cars and made advance payments, Zoom Car would transfer 60% of the total amount to the accuseds bank accounts. However, when customers arrived to pick up their vehicles, the fraudsters would switch off their phones, leaving the victims stranded.

Upon receiving multiple complaints, Zoom Car would block the fraudulent accounts. However, the scammers would continue their activities by creating new identities, using fake SIM cards and bank accounts to evade detection.

The breakthrough came when the police received a tip-off about a group of young men in Regal Town, Awadhpuri, frequently seen driving expensive cars. Acting on the information, the police raided their residence and arrested all five suspects.

During the operation, law enforcement recovered a significant amount of stolen assets, including two BMW cars, one XUV 500, 48 mobile phones and tablets, 37 ATM cards, eight bank passbooks, 13 cheque books, 92 SIM cards, and a note-counting machine. The total value of the seized items amounted to Rs 2.5 crore.

The police have urged the public to remain cautious while making online transactions and to verify car rental listings on platforms like Zoom Car before making any payments. Authorities are further investigating whether the accused were part of a larger cybercrime network.

This arrest marks a significant success in tackling digital fraud and highlights the growing need for vigilance against cyber scams in the online rental and financial transaction space.
After a holy dip in the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh on Mauni Amavasya, a sea of devotees has started arriving in Ayodhya and the trend continued uninterrupted on Thursday afternoon.

The streets of this sacred city were packed overnight, and as dawn broke, the air resonated with chants of Jai Shri Ram. Experts estimate that approximately 65 lakh devotees have reached Ayodhya in 96 hours.

With the swelling crowd, senior officials took over command and personally inspected the arrangements throughout the night. Many pilgrims, carrying bundles on their heads and devotion in their hearts, have made their way directly from Prayagraj to Ayodhya.

The ritual bathing commenced on the banks of the Saryu river from 4 am, followed by pilgrimages to Hanuman Garhi and the Ram temple. There was a sea of pilgrims on Rampath and Bhaktipath with long queues stretching late into the night as they waited for darshan.

Given the overwhelming turnout, temple authorities extended the darshan hours to 18 hours daily, accommodating an estimated three lakh devotees visiting Ram Temple and Hanuman Garhi each day.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is actively monitoring the situation, issuing directives to ensure seamless management. As a result, officials and employees are working tirelessly to assist pilgrims.

To support the influx, police personnel stationed at the Ram Janmabhoomi complex provide water to devotees. Additionally, medical camps have been set up within the temple premises for health assistance. Volunteers from the Ram Mandir Trust have also been deployed to serve the pilgrims.

Recognising the growing number of devotees, extensive arrangements have been made to manage the rush. Holding areas have been set up along the routes from Gonda, Ambedkar Nagar, Sultanpur and Lucknow to regulate the flow of pilgrims.

Large groups from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat continue to arrive in Ayodhya for darshan of Ram Lalla.

Special rail services from Prayagraj Maha Kumbh are also bringing in thousands of devotees daily. To ensure their comfort, Municipal Commissioner Santosh Kumar Sharma has made arrangements for making announcements through loudspeakers near Cantonment railway station and Guru Govind Singh intersection, urging pilgrims to utilise nearby shelters for safe and convenient accommodation.

A high-level administrative presence ensures smooth operations on the ground. Top officials are actively overseeing arrangements, including ADG Lucknow Zone SB Shirodkar, IG Praveen Kumar, Commissioner Gaurav Dayal, District Magistrate Chandra Vijay Singh and SSP Rajkaran Nair. Superintendent of Police (Security) Balramchari supervises security at the Ram Janmabhoomi complex, ensuring regulated darshan is followed under strict security protocols. Paramilitary forces, along with civil police and PAC, have been deployed for added vigilance.

Additionally, divisional commissioner, ADG Zone and IG Birla are personally conducting security inspections, walking from Dharamshala to Lata Chowk, interacting with devotees, and reviewing arrangements.
The vandalization of Dr BR Ambedkars statue in Amritsar has turned into a major flashpoint in Punjabs political landscape. The state unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday escalated its attack on the Punjab Government over the recent vandalization of Dr Ambedkars statue and the attempted burning of the stone sculpture of the Indian Constitution in Amritsar on the Republic Day.

A delegation of senior BJP leaders met Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Wednesday, demanding a high-level probe by an independent agency to expose the conspiracy behind the incident.

The saffron party accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab Government of negligence and possible complicity, pointing to the fact that the crime took place just 100 meters away from a police station, yet law enforcement failed to prevent it. The BJP leaders also claimed that the incident was orchestrated to create communal unrest and destabilize Punjab.

The delegation, which included senior BJP leaders such as former Cabinet Minister Manoranjan Kalia, ex-Union Minister Som Prakash, ex-MP Sushil Rinku, BJP Punjab core group member Kewal Dhillon, and state general secretary Anil Sarin, submitted a memorandum to Governor Kataria, outlining their concerns.

This is not an isolated act of vandalism but part of a larger conspiracy aimed at inciting unrest and deepening communal divides in Punjab, said the BJP leaders, while insisting that only an independent agency, free from the influence of the state government, could conduct a fair investigation and bring out the real masterminds behind the act.

The BJP leaders strongly hinted at the involvement of state machinery in the incident, raising serious allegations against the ruling AAP government. How is it possible that such a heinous act took place in a high-security area, near a police station, and yet no one intervened? the delegation questioned.

The BJP alleged that the failure of the police to prevent the act or respond swiftly raises suspicions of either gross negligence or deliberate inaction. The leaders further accused the Punjab Government of attempting to downplay the incident to protect certain interests.

Amid mounting pressure, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has taken to the social media on Monday, strongly condemning the desecration of Ambedkars statue. No one involved in this shameful act will be spared. Strict action will be taken,: Mann had posted on X (formerly Twitter).

However, BJP leaders dismissed his statement as mere lip service, arguing that his government has failed to maintain law and order in Punjab.

The vandalization took place on the evening of January 26, near the Golden Temple complex on Heritage Street, Amritsar. The accused, identified as Akashdeep Singh, reportedly belongs to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community.

According to the police reports Akashdeep used a hammer to deface Dr Ambedkars statue, and also burnt the stone-carved Constitution book in front of the statue by lighting inflammable material on it. Later, he climbed the statue using a ladder, already present there, to carry out the act. A video of the incident went viral, leading to his immediate arrest.

Despite the arrest, BJP leaders maintained that the real masterminds remain unidentified. They argued that the timing of the act, occurring on Republic Day, suggested political motives and a larger conspiracy.

BJP leaders doubled down on their allegations, arguing that the AAP Government has failed to maintain social harmony and law and order in Punjab. This is a government that is more focused on campaigning for Delhi elections than governing Punjab, said a BJP leader.


Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various projects of Irrigation and Water Resources Department during the International Saraswati Mahotsav-2025 in Yamunanagar. The Mahotsav which began from Wednesday would continue till February 2.



On this occasion, he also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 29 development projects worth Rs 54.71 crore. These include the inauguration of 15 projects worth Rs 26.71 crore and the foundation stone for 14 projects worth approximately Rs 28 crore.



Speaking on the occasion, Saini said that the International Saraswati Mahotsav is being inaugurated at Adi Badri, the original place of the Saraswati River. The Mahotsav aims to draw global attention to India's rich civilization and preserve our culture and traditions for future generations. He said that according to the Mahabharata, the Saraswati River originally emerged from Adi Badri, located below the Shivalik Hills. It once flowed through Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat for approximately 1,600 kilometers before merging into the Arabian Sea. However, over time, the river disappeared.



Saini said that when the BJP government came to power in 2014, they took a major step toward restoring the river by establishing the Haryana Sarasvati Heritage Development Board in 2015. Scientific research has confirmed that traces of the Saraswati still exist in the Adi Badri and Ghaggar regions. Based on this research, a plan has been developed to bring the river back to the surface. As part of this initiative, 18 bridges have been built over the Saraswati River in Kurukshetra and Yamunanagar. Besides this, 111 heritage sites, including temples and river ghats, have been restored. A pipeline has also been laid to channel water from the Som River into the Saraswati Sarovar at Adi Badri.



The Chief Minister said that the Haryana government has signed an agreement with Himachal Pradesh to ensure a perennial flow of water in the Saraswati River. Under this agreement, a dam is being built on the Som River, along with the construction of the Som-Saraswati Barrage and a reservoir. Apart from this, efforts are also being made to channel rainwater into the river in the catchment area of Saraswati river. To protect the purity of the Saraswati river, 25 liquid waste management projects have been set up in Yamunanagar, Kurukshetra and Kaithal for sewage treatment, the Chief Minister added.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav visited the Sysmex Corporation Solution Center in Kobe, Japan, where he held detailed discussions with senior company officials about investment opportunities in the medical technology and life sciences sectors. Sysmex is a leading company in global diagnostic technology, known for its significant contributions to advanced medical research and healthcare innovation. During the meeting, Dr. Yadav invited Sysmex to consider establishing a manufacturing unit for medical diagnostic equipment in Madhya Pradesh. He also proposed setting up a research and development center in the state to foster innovation in the healthcare sector.

Chief Minister visited the manufacturing and research center of Sysmex Corporation, where he observed the companys state-of-the-art medical device manufacturing technology. During his interaction with Sysmex officials, he emphasized that Madhya Pradesh offers immense potential for investment in the healthcare and medical technology sectors. He assured that the state government is fully committed to the growth and development of this sector and is eager to establish a long-term partnership with leading companies like Sysmex.

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, while inviting Sysmex to invest in Madhya Pradesh, said that the state government is developing a medical device park near Ujjain, offering world-class infrastructure and special financial incentives for investors. He noted that Madhya Pradesh already holds a strong position in the pharmaceutical sector, creating vast opportunities for the medical device industry. The Pithampur Special Economic Zone houses over 80 pharmaceutical units, while more than 275 pharma companies operate across the state, exporting products to over 160 countries. Additionally, six of Indias top ten pharmaceutical companies have established their units in Madhya Pradesh.

While inviting Sysmex to invest in Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav emphasized that the upcoming Medical Device Park in Ujjain offers an ideal environment for establishing state-of-the-art manufacturing units and research centers. He highlighted that the center could facilitate research on new and advanced medical devices tailored for India, while Japanese experts could train Indian engineers and technicians. Dr. Yadav reiterated the state governments commitment to Promote innovative technologies, enabling the development of facilities such as AI-powered medical diagnostics, digital health services, and mobile health units.

Yadav said that Madhya Pradeshs strategic central location offers a significant advantage for investors, enabling easy distribution of medical equipment across India and facilitating global exports. He assured that state government is committed to support investors by providing world-class infrastructure, special tax concessions, and a business-friendly environment to encourage industrial growth.

Yadav invited the officials of Sysmex to attend the Global Investors Summit, scheduled to be held in Bhopal on 24-25 February. He emphasized that the summit would provide an excellent platform for the company to explore detailed information and investment possibilities in Madhya Pradesh.

Yadav also extended an invitation to Sysmex representatives to visit cultural and historical sites in Madhya Pradesh, such as Sanchi, to gain a deeper understanding of the states rich heritage and its vast potential.

Sysmex Corporation, headquartered in Kobe City, Japan, is a global leader in the diagnostic sector. Founded in 1968, the company specializes in hematology, urinalysis, and life science diagnostics, offering advanced technology for disease detection and monitoring.

Sysmex is at the forefront of personalized medicine and AI-driven health solutions and innovations.
Congress Member of Parliament Rakesh Rathore was arrested by the Sitapur police on Thursday in a rape case.

The Congress leader was taken in custody in the middle of a press conference and was taken by the police under heavy police security to the court after he surrendered.

A woman had filed a complaint against Rathore, accusing him of raping her on January 15. In her complaint, the woman alleged that the Congress MP raped her multiple times in a span of four years, promising to push her political career and marry her. The woman also submitted to the police all her call details and call recordings with the MP.

The police arrested Rathore a day after his anticipatory bail plea was rejected by the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court in the matter and asked him to surrender.

Speaking to media persons in Sitapur, Rathore said, The High Court granted me a two-week time to appear before the lower court and follow the legal procedure. So, I am surrendering before the police in this connection I am confident that I will get justice in the court of people and the court of law The matter is sub judice, so it will not be correct to speak on it.

Before the High Court, the MP-MLA court in Sitapur had also rejected Rathores anticipatory bail plea on January 23.

The husband of the woman had also filed a separate complaint accusing Rathore and his son of putting pressure on the family members to settle the case.

Rathore had contested Uttar Pradesh assembly elections as an independent and Bharatiya Janata Party candidate before joining Congress. He has also been associated with Uttar Pradeshs former chief minister Mayawatis Bahujan Samaj Party.

It may be mentioned that on Wednesday, the Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court had rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Rakesh Rathore. During the hearing, Rakesh Rathores lawyer told the court that the plaintiff, the victim, had filed a sexual assault case after four years, implying that the petitioner, which is the Congress MP, was falsely implicated in the rape case.

The lawyer appearing on behalf of the plaintiff told the court that the petitioner (Rakesh Rathore) is a respected leader of society and the delay took place on the part of the plaintiff (the victim) in filing the case out of the petitioners fear. The petitioners lawyer sought time from the court for the MPs surrender.

The court asked the MP to surrender in the sessions court within two weeks and also said his bail plea should be disposed of as soon as possible without any delay.

On January 17, a case was registered against Congress Sitapur MP Rakesh Rathore after a complaint from a woman, who accused him of sexually exploiting her for the past four years by promising to marry her.
The World Hindu Economic Forum (WHEF) on Wednesday announced it will hold the first-ever economic conference at the Maha Kumbh on February 8. According to an official communique, the conference will take place against the backdrop of the Triveni Sangam, offering participants an opportunity to immerse themselves in a timeless Dharmic tradition while engaging in economy-centred discussions to propel Uttar Pradesh and Bharat towards achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047, an official release said.

This year, WHEF aims to revive the ancient tradition of economic deliberation at the Maha Kumbh by integrating it into this revered gathering.

The one-day WHEF @ Maha Kumbh 2025 conference will feature prominent decision-makers from business, industry, and finance, who will convene to discuss critical policies and programmes.

The agenda of the conference encompasses a series of engaging discussions and sessions aimed at shaping the future of Uttar Pradesh and India.

A special focus will be given to the cultural, social, and economic significance of the Maha Kumbh, highlighting its power to unify people, promote cultural pride, and drive economic prosperity.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) Bhopal continued to conduct searches at the residence of Kishan Modi, owner of Jayshree Gayatri Foods Private Limited on Thursday.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Bhopal conducted searches at the residence of Kishan Modi, the owner of Jayshree Gayatri Foods Private Limited, on Thursday. During the raid, ED seized Rs 66 crore linked to various companies and family members. Additionally, the search led to the discovery of Rs 25 lakh in cash, several luxury cars, and numerous documents. The ED also froze Rs 6.26 crore worth of fixed deposits (FD) from the company.

Earlier, on Wednesday, the ED searched locations of M/s Jayshree Gayatri Food Products Private Limited in Sehore and Morena districts, as well as Bhopal. The searches included Modi's residence in Bittan Market, Shahpura, Bhopal, and the Jay Shri Gayatri Paneer Factory in Village Pipaliya Mira on Sehore-Ratibad-Bhopal road. The ED team also visited the factory managements residence in Morena.

The ED took action under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) 2002. During the investigation, the team, accompanied by CRPF personnel, discovered objectionable documents and Rs 25 lakh in cash. Luxury BMW and Fortuner cars were also seized. The investigation revealed financial irregularities in both movable and immovable property documents.

According to the ED, Rs 66 crore was found in the names of various companies and family members of Kishan Modi, all of which have been seized. Additionally, they froze Rs 6.26 crore in fixed deposits linked to the company.

The ED conducted searches at the residences and offices of Kishan Modi, Payal Modi, Amit Kuklod, and others connected to them. These actions followed an FIR filed by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) after discovering irregularities during their investigation.

The investigation into M/s Jayshree Gayatri Food Products exposed that the company had been supplying adulterated milk products both domestically and internationally, using fake lab certificates. The ED discovered that the company engaged in irregularities related to production and distribution.

So far, the ED has identified 63 fake lab certificates, which were allegedly issued by BIS and NABL-accredited laboratories. These certificates were used to secure exports of adulterated milk products, which were sent to various countries and for domestic consumption.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that Madhya Pradesh government is committed to provide all possible support for industrial development. He expressed expectations from Panasonic Energy to promote its skill development initiatives in the state so that better employment opportunities can be provided to the youth of Madhya Pradesh. The Chief Minister proposed that Panasonic Energy expand its unit in Pithampur for energy storage and sustainable battery manufacturing. He also suggested establishing a research and development center in the state, which would foster growth in the technology sector.

On the third day of his Japan visit, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav held a significant meeting with officials of Panasonic Energy Company Limited. The meeting involved an in-depth discussion on investment opportunities and collaboration possibilities in Madhya Pradesh.

The Chief Minister discussed setting up new units in Madhya Pradesh, particularly in the field of electric vehicle battery manufacturing and energy storage, with Panasonic Energy. Highlighting the state's industrial policies and special financial assistance schemes for Panasonic Energy, he mentioned that these incentives would provide the company with more opportunities to invest in Madhya Pradesh.

During the meeting, Panasonic Energy officials shared information about the company's achievements and future plans. Expressing interest in investing in the energy storage and battery manufacturing sector in Madhya Pradesh, Panasonic Energy conveyed confidence in receiving full support from the state government.

Yadav invited Panasonic Energy to the upcoming Global Investors Summit (GIS) scheduled to be held on February 24-25, 2025, in Bhopal. The invitation aimed at encouraging Panasonic Energy to explore new investment opportunities in the state and gain a better understanding of Madhya Pradesh's industrial landscape.

Chief Minister Yadav also invited representatives of Panasonic Energy to visit culturally and historically significant sites in the state, such as Sanchi. Chief Minister reiterated his commitment to working toward a long-term and strong partnership with Panasonic Energy and assured them of every possible support from the state government.

A subsidiary of Panasonic Holdings Corporation, Panasonic Energy Limited is a global leader in energy solutions headquartered in Japan.

The company manufactures products such as lithium batteries, lithium-ion batteries for automotive applications, lithium-ion batteries for industrial and consumer use, and storage battery modules. The company's manufacturing units are located in North America, Europe, and Asia. Panasonic Energy is a key supplier for major automotive brands, including Tesla.
A Sonipat court in Haryana on Wednesday issued notice to former Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal over a plea regarding his remarks accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of "poisoning" the Yamuna river. Chief Judicial Magistrate Neha Goyal sought a reply from Kejriwal and asked him to appear in person before the Court on February 17. The Court was hearing a complaint filed by State of Haryana through the State Disaster Management Authority against Kejriwal under Section 54 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. The complaint alleged that Kejriwal spread misinformation and caused panic among the residents of Delhi and Haryana with his "Yamuna Poisoned" remark. The complainant Ashish Kaushik, an Executive Engineer in Water Services Division, assured the crowd that the claims made in the viral video were entirely false and that no such incident had occurred.

Amidst the ongoing controversy over Yamuna river, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday drank water from Yamuna in Palla village near Delhi-Haryana border, in a sharp response to the grave allegations made by AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal regarding BJP "poisoning the Yamuna waters. Saini alongwith senior officials visited Point No. 4 of the Yamuna River near Dahisara village at the Delhi-Haryana border, performed prayers, and drank Yamuna's water to demonstrate its purity. The Haryanan CM refuted Kejriwals allegations that the BJP-led Haryana government had poisoned the Yamuna, calling the statement an attempt to create fear for political gain. A video of the Haryana CM taking a sip of water from the sacred river has been shared on social media. In the video, Saini stands at the riverbank as he takes a sip of water.

Speaking after drinking the water, Saini said, An unfortunate statement by Arvind Kejriwal was given to create fear in the minds of people for his political benefits. Today, I have come here to the banks of River Yamuna and took a sip of water from Yamuna without any hesitation. Kejriwal has blatantly lied. Even I'm having relatives in Delhi. The AAP convener should immediately tender an apology, the chief minister said. He slammed AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal for spreading lies.

Saini said that Kejriwal must apologize for his misleading statements. He accused Kejriwal of consistently blaming Haryana sometimes for stubble burning, sometimes for water pollution without any factual basis.




The high stakes Chandigarh mayoral election will take place at 11 am on Thursday in the Municipal Corporations Assembly Hall with results to be announced right away. The election will be conducted via secret ballot despite the AAP and the Congress demanding a show of hands given last years controversy.



AAP' Prem Lata will take on BJP's Harpreet Kaur Babla for the all important Mayor's post. While the AAP has fielded its candidate for the post of mayor, the Congress has put up its candidates--Jasbir Singh Bunty and Taruna Mehta -- for the posts of senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor. The BJP has fielded Bimla Dubey for the post of senior deputy mayor and Lakhbir Singh Billu for deputy mayor.



The election will witness a tough contest between the AAP-Congress alliance and the BJP. The Supreme Court on Monday had appointed Justice Jaishree Thakur  a former Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court as an independent observer to physically supervise the Chandigarh mayoral election on Thursday.



BJP Banks on Cross- Voting



The Chandigarh mayoral poll is being keenly watched across political circles in the backdrop of the ongoing ugly showdown between AAP and Congress in Delhi ahead of the assembly elections there, as well as in Punjab. However, even though the two parties say they have stitched an alliance for the mayoral election in Chandigarh for being the partners of the INDIA bloc, the BJP which does not have numbers in the polls, is highly dependent on expected cross-voting in the INDIA alliance as the Congress-AAP alliance is facing the fear of cross voting.



After three-time Congress Councillor Gurbax Rawat joined BJP, the INDIA bloc is left with 20 votes in House  13 from AAP, six from Congress, and one ex officio vote of MP Manish Tewari  while the BJP has 16 votes. In the last election, Akali Dal Councillor Hardeep Singh had voted in favour of the BJP candidate but now he has joined the Aam Aadmi Party. In such a situation, AAP's numbers have increased compared to the last elections.



AAP and Congress are going great lengths to prevent further defections, moving their councillors to resorts and hotels. Sources said all six Congress councillors have been shifted to a resort in Ludhiana. Similarly, 10 AAP councillors have been relocated to a resort near Rupnagar while three councilors are in Chandigarh. AAP councilors are under the surveillance of Punjab Police. Senior leaders are also keeping an eye on the Congress councilors. The phones are being collected and kept in one place.



While the BJP claims that its development agenda is attracting cross-party support, AAP leader Dr SS Ahluwalia has accused the party of using money and power to sway loyalties.



Chandigarh BJP president Jatinder Pal Malhotra exudes confidence of a surprise victory, claiming that the party has a united base of 16 councillors and hopes to gain additional support from other factions.



Thus, the election is more than just a mayoral race. For the BJP, its a chance to regain political ground in Chandigarh and also restore some of the lost credibility ahead of the Delhi assembly elections. For the AAP-Congress alliance, their localised marriage of convenience will be tested as they try to retain their hold on the city.



Moreover, the power-sharing formula also helped the alliance reclaim the Chandigarh Lok Sabha seat held by the BJP for two successive terms since 2014. Through a wafer-thin margin of 2,504 votes, Congress Manish Tewari had defeated BJPs Sanjay Tandon, inflicting a severe upset on the saffron fold.



In addition to regaining political clout in Chandigarh through the mayoral seat, the BJP is also striving to repair its reputation after last years ballot-tampering controversy, involving its leader Anil Masih.



This time, the mayoral elections will be held under tight surveillance with closed-circuit televisions (CCTV) and videographers recording all aspects of the proceedings. According to notification, the presiding officer shall start the process of the election of mayor, including voting. After opening the ballot box, the presiding officer shall initial each ballot paper. This will be followed by counting of votes by the presiding officer, after which he will declare the result of the election. Secretary, MC, will request the newly-elected mayor to take over the seat. The ballot paper will then be sealed in the presence of the presiding officer and candidates. The mayoral election will be followed by elections for senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor, in which the same steps will be followed as in the mayoral elections. The mayor will preside over both these elections.



Notably, in 2024, the infamous mayoral polls were mired in controversy after the presiding officer, a nominated councillor and former member of BJP, was accused of tampering with the ballots and rejecting votes polled in favour of the AAP-Congress alliance. Anil had subsequently declared BJPs Manoj Sonkar as the mayor on January 30 last year  much to the ire of the alliance which first moved to the Punjab and Haryana High Court and later the Supreme Court. The top court overturned the result and declared Kuldeep Kumar Dhalor of AAP as mayor.



DC reviews the preparations, gives officials necessary instructions



Moreover, to review the arrangements and ensure the smooth conduct of the Mayor election, the Chandigarh Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav on Wednesday presided over a meeting at the Municipal Corporation (MC) office. During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the preparations for the election, including security arrangements, logistics, and compliance with the prescribed guidelines. The DC held discussions with senior officials of the Municipal Corporation and Chandigarh Administration and Police officials, emphasizing the importance of a fair, transparent, and efficient election process.



Yadav apprised all concerned about their roles and responsibilities during the conduct of the elections of the Mayor, the Senior Deputy Mayor and the Deputy Mayor and exhorted all the officials to perform their duties strictly as per the Rule Book for successful conduct of these elections.



The Police will ensure proper barricading of the three roads approaching the office of Municipal Corporation, UT, Chandigarh. Sufficient police personnel will be deployed for maintaining law and order during the election. Adequate security arrangements shall be made to ensure that no unauthorised person shall enter the premises of Municipal Corporation Chandigarh building.



The requisite number of cameras inside the assembly hall shall be installed at the decided locations so as to capture the proceedings and important events from different angles and arrangements shall be made to keep the backup of the CCTV recording for a stipulated period of time.
Amid the controversy over whether the Yamuna river in Delhi is poisonous, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday drank water from the river near the Delhi border and slammed AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal for spreading lies.



Talking to Reporters, Saini said, "I drank the water of the holy Yamuna on the border of Haryana without any hesitation. Kejriwal has blatantly lied. Even I'm having relatives in Delhi. The AAP convener should immediately tender an apology."



Condemning former Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal for spreading fear among people for his political gains, Saini called his statement unfortunate and irresponsible. The Chief Minister has asked Kejriwal to apologize to the people of Delhi and Haryana for his remarks.



On Wednesday, Saini visited Point No. 4 of the Yamuna River near Dahisara village at the Delhi-Haryana border, performed prayers, and drank Yamuna's water to demonstrate its purity.



The Chief Minister while responding to Kejriwals claim that the Haryana BJP government is sending poisoned water into the Yamuna, clarified that water samples taken by the Water Authority of India did not contain any toxic substances.



Saini accused Arvind Kejriwal of engaging in deceitful politics. He said that Kejriwal failed to fulfill the promises he made to Delhis citizens over the last 10 years. By falsely claiming that Yamunas water is toxic, Kejriwal is creating unnecessary fear and distress among people, which is highly unfortunate, said Saini.



Citing the reports of the last four samples from the Pollution Control Board, Saini said that Yamunas water was found to be completely clean at Haryanas border before entering Delhi. Haryana is sending clean water to Delhi, but when it returns to Haryana via Palwal and Faridabad, its condition worsens significantly.



He also raised concerns over the Rs. 8,500 crore allocated by the central government for water purification and sewage treatment in Delhi. He questioned where the money had gone, stating that Kejriwal failed to install proper treatment plants to release clean water into the Yamuna. He further alleged that Delhi saw no development in the last 10 years, which is why streets remain waterlogged, and the sewage system is dysfunctional.



The Chief Minister recalled how 10 years ago, Kejriwal stood near the Yamuna and promised to clean the sacred river, but no action was taken. Now, the people of Delhi are eagerly waiting for the upcoming elections.



Saini said that Kejriwal must apologize for his misleading statements. He accused Kejriwal of consistently blaming Haryana sometimes for stubble burning, sometimes for water pollution without any factual basis.



The test reports from Point No. 4 of the Yamuna River at Dahisara village, showing ammonia nitrogen levels to be Below the Detection Limit (BDL = 0.5) on January 28, 2025. The same results were recorded on January 16, 2025, December 17, 2024, and November 26, 2024.



Case filed against Kejriwal under Disaster Management Act: Minister



Talking to Reporters, Haryana Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Vipul Goel said that the Haryana government has taken a strong cognizance of the statement of former Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal regarding Delhis water supply. The Haryana government has filed a case against Kejriwal in the Sonipat court under the Disaster Management Act.



Goel while calling Kejriwals statement absurd and misleading said that the Election Commission should take strict cognizance of such baseless statements. Kejriwal has done cheap politics by making such allegations on Haryana causing the state government to take legal action.



The Revenue and Disaster Management Minister said that the water supplied to Delhi is the same water consumed by the President, Prime Minister, and Union Ministers. He accused Kejriwal of spreading fear not only among Delhis people but also among Haryanas citizens with his false claims.



He criticised the Delhi government for completely failing to clean the Yamuna River. He accused Kejriwal of making baseless allegations against Haryana just to save his political image before the elections. He emphasised that the people of Haryana consider the Yamuna sacred, and spreading false propaganda is both an insult to Haryana and an attempt to mislead the people of Delhi.



Goel said that Kejriwal claimed that he stopped so-called poisonous water from entering Delhi, but there is no evidence to support this claim. He said that Kejriwal has an old habit of covering up his failures by making false statements.



The minister further accused the Delhi government of failing to keep its promise of cleaning the Yamuna. He stated that out of 37 sewage treatment plants in Delhi, only 17 are operational, which reflects the inefficiency and negligence of the Delhi government. He said that this mismanagement is not only affecting the people of Delhi but also those living in Haryanas Faridabad, Palwal, and Mewat districts.
The third Annual Conference of the Madhya Endocrine Society will be held in Jabalpur on February 1-2. Endocrinologists from across the country will participate and present lectures.

They will also engage in discussions with attending doctors. The endocrine system affects all parts of the body, contributing to disorders such as diabetes, thyroid issues, obesity, abnormal growth in height, and delayed or early puberty.

Other conditions include infertility due to hormonal imbalances, unwanted hair growth in women, breast development in men, excessive bone weakness, recurrent kidney stones, and parathyroid growth disorders. Endocrinologists specialise in diagnosing and treating these conditions.

Given the system's broad impact, the conference will include symposiums on paediatrics, bone diseases, gynaecology, cardiology, kidney issues, and metabolic health. A special insulin workshop has been organised for Community Health Officers, with Chief Medical Officer Dr Sanjay Mishra attending.

The programme will feature addresses by Dr Lt Gen Narendra Kotwal, National President of the Endocrine Society of India, Dr Colonel KVS Hari Kumar, National Secretary of ESI, Dr Prof Subodh Banjal, and Dr Sunil M. Jain, Provincial Secretary.

Senior endocrinologists such as Dr Sushil Jindal, Sunil Ambulkar, Dr Vipul Bandopadhyay, Dr Kalpana Dara, Dr Sachin Chitravare, Dr Jaydeesh Khare, Dr Rajesh Verma, and Dr Pankaj Jain will also present lectures.

MD Medicine, MS Surgery, SS Obstetrics, and MD Paediatrics students will present their research in the pre-paper or poster competition. 300 doctors have registered for the event, which will also be broadcast live on YouTube.
In a major jolt to the Congress-AAP alliance, BJPs Harpreet Babla on Thursday won the high-stake Chandigarh Mayoral polls against AAP candidate Prem Lata. The result is a severe political setback for the AAP-Congress alliance, which had 20 councillors before the election. This time the seat, with a tenure of a year, was reserved for women.



The Chandigarh Mayoral election for the posts of mayor, senior deputy mayor, and deputy mayor were held in the Assembly Hall of the Municipal Corporation. The voting through secret ballot began at 11 am under the supervision of Justice Jaishree Thakur, retired judge of Punjab and Haryana High Court, who was appointed by the Supreme Court to oversee the elections. No mobile phones, cameras, weapons, electronic gadgets, pens and pencils were allowed during the election process.



In the 35-member House, the AAP-Congress alliance has 19 councillors -- 13 votes of AAP and six of the Congress, while the BJP has 16 votes. The year-old alliance also banked on one vote of ex-officio member and its MP Manish Tewari, taking its total votes to 20. There was a direct contest between the AAPs Prem Lata and the BJPs Harpreet Kaur Babla. In the run-up to the polls, the Congress' senior woman councillor Gurbax Rawat had switched loyalties and joined the BJP. Earlier, amid reports of bickering, the AAP a day earlier released a photo of all councillors being kept in a hotel in Punjabs Ropar town to prevent poaching. The photo comprised three councillors who are reportedly upset with the party. The BJP was relying on cross-voting or defections to achieve the 19-vote mark for a majority.



Hours before the mayoral polling, Chandigarh Police on Wednesday night booked Mayor Kuldeep Kumar of the AAP and his brother-in-law Rahul on charges of cheating and corruption. The case was registered on the complaint of a resident of Ram Darbar, who alleged that he paid Rs 75,000 to Rahul, who had promised him a sanitation worker job. Despite making payments, he alleged he did not receive the job. Just 30 minutes before the voting began, Kuldeep Kumar got interim bail in the case.



As many as 36 votes, including that of Member of Parliament Manish Tewari, were polled during the elections which were recorded on camera. Due to 'cross-voting' by three councillors, BJP's Harpreet Kaur Babla was elected new Mayor of Chandigarh. While Harpreet Babla got 19 votes, Prem Lata got 17 votes.



Babla, the second time councillor, is the daughter of a retired Army Colonel and is married to former councillor Devinder Singh Babla, who was previously with the Congress. Talking to Reporters, she said that she would focus on enhancing urban development and addressing key civic issues to improve the quality of life for residents.



However, Congress candidate Jasbir Singh Bunty secured the post of Senior Deputy Mayor. He got 19 votes, while his nearest rival and BJP candidate Bimla Dubey secured 17 votes. Congress candidate Taruna Mehta has been elected Deputy mayor. She defeated BJP candidate Lakhbir Singh Billu. Mehta got 19 votes while Billu secured 17.



BJP workers celebrate their partys triumph



The atmosphere outside the Municipal Corporation office in Sector 17, Chandigarh, was electric as BJP workers celebrated their partys triumph in the mayoral election, with Babla emerging victorious with 19 votes. The win was met with joy and optimism, with BJP leaders confident that it signals a broader electoral victory for the party. This mayoral election is the fourth year of the five-year rotational system. Before this outgoing mayoral term, the BJP had retained the seat for nine times in a row.



Talking to Reporters, BJP Chandigarh vice president Devinder Singh Babla, husband of the newly-elected mayor, credited the win to the partys strategy and the performance of outgoing AAP Mayor Kuldeep Kumar. "We were confident that this will indeed happen. Mayor Kuldeep Kumar made up for everything else that remained. He showed that he was looting the corporation... We will get that enquired, Devinder said.

Responding to the INDIA bloc's defeat, BJP leader Sanjay Tandon said, Where was their (INDIA bloc) majority? I dont think they ever had one... They chose BJP for the betterment of Chandigarh. Chandigarh BJP President Jatinder Pal Malhotra expressed his elation, stating, "This victory is for every BJP worker and every citizen of Chandigarh. Its a decisive win over the unholy alliance that was trying to portray themselves as the citys leaders.





Deeply saddened by Loss of the Mayoral seat: Congress



Meanwhile, Congress leaders expressed their disappointment over the loss, with Chandigarh Congress President Harmohinder Singh Lucky questioning the integrity of the process. "Someone tried to play a game. It's becoming clearer now," Lucky said. "While we are pleased with Jasbir Singh Buntys win as Senior Deputy Mayor, we are deeply saddened by the loss of the mayoral seat. We will assess the situation and find the black sheep. Whoever played this game, we will expose them," Lucky said.



AAP blames Congress for cross-voting



After Congress and AAP faced a humiliating defeat for the Chandigarh mayor's post despite a majority, the latter accused its partner of indulging in cross-voting. Senior AAP leader and spokesperson Neel Garg said Congress councillors indulged in cross-voting, leading to the election of the BJP candidate. Garg further said that the Congress councillors have betrayed them. "The Congress and the BJP are secretly in collusion. This incident has made it completely clear. Both are two sides of the same coin," he told the media. He said that the public should not trust Congress either because if people vote for it, their councillors would later support the BJP. He claimed the Congress would do the same in Delhi as well. "There too, they will end up supporting the BJP. Hence, voting for the Congress is equivalent to wasting one's vote," he said. Garg said the councillors from the Aam Aadmi Party supported the Congress. Their Deputy Mayor and Senior Deputy Mayor were elected with our votes. "But they have betrayed us," he added.
The three-member judicial commission constituted to investigate the tragic stampede at Prayagraj Maha Kumbh during Mauni Amavasya on Wednesday, has officially started its work.

The commission members arrived at their office in Janpath, Lucknow, on Thursday, and immediately took charge of the investigation.

Judicial Commission Chairman Justice (Retired) Harsh Kumar said, Since the investigation is a priority, we have taken charge within hours of the announcement.

He added, Although we have a month to complete the probe, we will make every effort to conclude it as quickly as possible.

Justice (Retired) Kumar also confirmed that the commission would soon visit Prayagraj to assess the situation firsthand.

The stampede at the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh during the Mauni Amavasya bathing on Wednesday left 30 people dead and 60 others injured. In response, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath constituted a three-member judicial commission to investigate the causes of the tragedy.

The panel is headed by retired Allahabad High Court judge, Justice (Retired) Harsh Kumar and includes retired IAS officer DK. Singh and retired IPS officer VK Gupta as its members.

According to the notification issued in this regard, the commission has been tasked with examining the causes and circumstances that led to the stampede and giving recommendations to prevent such incidents in future.

The investigation report has to be submitted within one month of the commissions formation.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday alleged that AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal accused the BJP of poisoning Yamuna as he sensed his party's imminent defeat in the assembly polls because he allowed the river to get polluted and forced people of Delhi to drink its water. Shah termed Kejriwal's accusation against the Haryana government "petty politics" and alleged the AAP government could not fulfil Kejriwal's promise of cleaning the Yamuna during its 10-year rule due to "corruption". The union minister held three public meetings in Rohini, Ashok Vihar and New Delhi and a road show in Shalimar Bagh.

With people asking what happened to fulfilling his promise of making the Yamuna clean like the Thames river in London, Kejriwal is making an "excuse" by falsely accusing the BJP government in Haryana of mixing poison in the river, Shah charged while addressing a public meeting in the Rohini Assembly constituency in support of Vijendra Gupta.

Shah alleged corruption in use of money meant for cleaning Yamuna river during the AAP's rule, as he exhorted people to dislodge the Kejriwal-led party from power in Delhi.

"Kejriwal is making (such) excuses because he gave away the money meant for cleaning Yamuna to AAP's corruption," Shah charged, adding, "Kejriwal is resorting to such petty politics sensing his (party's) defeat in the election."

Shah alleged that it's the AAP government under Kejriwal's leadership which allowed Yamuna to get polluted and forced people of Delhi to drink its water. Kejriwals defeat is inevitable and even he knows it. This is why Kejriwal has now resorted to distractions, such as accusing the Haryana government of poisoning Delhis water supply, he said, accusing the AAP supremo of using fear-mongering tactics and engaging in petty politics by misleading Delhiites.

Warning the public, Shah said that both Congress and AAP are two sides of the same coin, deeply entrenched in corruption. He pointed out that when Rahul Gandhi criticized Kejriwal, Kejriwal immediately retaliated by targeting the Congress over the National Herald case. He advised voters to steer clear of both parties.

Calling him the most deceitful politician in Indian history, he added, In his 10-year tenure, Kejriwal has told so many lies that even he wouldnt remember them all. Hence, the people of Delhi should ensure that on February 5, they send Kejriwal and his party into political exile and crown the BJP in Delhi.

He urged the people of Rohini to recognize that February 5 presents a major opportunityto free themselves from Kejriwals 'AAPda (disaster). He accused Kejriwals government of being one built on lies, deception, and broken promises, and called February 5 a historic day for Delhi residents, as they will get a chance to uproot the Kejriwal government. He appealed to the people not to miss this opportunity.

Shah remarked that Kejriwal's scams are so numerous that if one starts counting them, the election will be over before the list is completed. On this occasion, Shah praised Prime Minister Narendra Modis development-oriented policies, highlighting that under Modis leadership, India has achieved remarkable progress.

"February 5 is an opportunity for the people of Delhi to oust 'AAP-da,' and give mandate to the BJP. The BJP will make Delhi number one capital," he told the gathering.
In his first such attack on his INDIA bloc ally Congress at a public meeting, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday called the party a vote cutter and urged voters not to waste their votes on them while claiming that party is indirectly aiding BJP ahead of the upcoming Delhi assembly elections.

Addressing a janasabha' in the Badli constituency, Kejriwal said, Why waste your votes on the Congress? The Congress will not win; it will just cut our votes. The Congress and the BJP are fighting this election together to defeat the AAP. Vote to make someone win, not to make someone lose.

The AAP leader further emphasised his party's welfare schemes, claiming that 70 per cent of women, according to a survey, support the AAP and urged them to convince men in their families to vote for his party, alleging that men often get distracted by the BJP and the Congress.

He said, I have been in politics for twelve years now, yet I still dont know how to do politics. You can ask me to fix electricity, improve water supply, build roads, construct schools, and develop hospitalsI will make them excellent. But if you ask me to engage in abuses, dirty politics, and political maneuvering, I dont know how to do that. Politics is not my thing; you can keep it. I am not here for the AAP.

Taking on the BJP over the rising ammonia levels in the Yamuna, Kejriwal once again accused the Haryana government of poisoning Delhi's water supply. Kejriwal's fresh attack on the Congress comes amid growing rifts within the INDIA alliance.

The fissures deepened on Tuesday when he hit back at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who had accused him of being afraid of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and being involved in the liquor scam. Responding to Gandhi's remarks, Kejriwal said on X, Don't preach on fear and bravery. The country knows who is a coward and who is brave.

While the AAP and the Congress had joined forces for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, their decision to contest the Delhi Assembly polls separately has exposed underlying tensions. The Congress, which once ruled Delhi for 15 years under Sheila Dikshit, is campaigning to reclaim lost ground, while the AAP is fending off both the Congress and the BJP.

With polling scheduled for February 5 and results set to be declared on February 8, the political temperature in Delhi continues to rise. While key INDIA allies like Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party (SP) have backed Kejriwal, the Congress is resolute to stage a comeback.
he city marked Martyrs Day on Thursday with a two-minute silence at schools, colleges, and private and government offices and institutions as a tribute to those who laid down their lives in service of the nation.

A two-minute silence was observed at both the Collectorate and Divisional Commissioners offices, honoring the sacrifices made by those who fought for Indias independence.

At the Collectorate Office, Additional District Magistrate Prakash Nayak, Deputy Collector Ajay Sharma, and other staff members participated in the tribute. Likewise, Joint Commissioner Vinod Yadav and staff at the Divisional Commissioners office paid their respects.

The silence was also observed in schools, colleges, and offices across the city, as residents of Bhopal joined in remembering the brave individuals who gave their lives for the countrys freedom.

Martyrs Day, observed every year on January 30, marks the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948 and serves as a solemn reminder of the immense sacrifices made by freedom fighters in the struggle for independence.
BJP President and Union Health Minister J P Nadda on Thursday attacked the ruling AAP in Delhi over the issue of corruption and asked people to make the national capital "AAP-DA" (disaster) free in the upcoming elections.

Addressing a poll rally in Krishna Nagar, he also slammed the AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal for his remarks that Haryana is "mixing poison in the Yamuna". Calling Kejriwal "anti-national" for making such an allegation, Nadda said, "He is pitting people of Delhi and Haryana against each other. He is trying to create panic among the people. He does not deserve to be in politics."

Nadda also alleged that the AAP-led Delhi government has done Rs 8,000 scam in the Yamuna cleaning projects. "I can see that you have made up your mind to form a BJP government in Delhi. This is not an ordinary election; it is an election to change Delhi's fate and image. This election is about freeing Delhi from the AAP, which has come to be known as AAP-DA. This election is about freeing you from all the problems you have faced under their tenure," Nadda told the rally.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also addressed public meetings for BJP candidate Bhuvan Tanwar in Delhi Cantt and Om Prakash Singh in Vishwas Nagar. AAP came to power on the issue of Jan Lokpal and today its government is dying after getting stuck in the midst of scams. There is no relative who has not been cheated by AAP. Kejriwal, who came into politics by giving a statement that why should a big house be built for a Chief Minister and a Minister, got a Sheesh Mahal built for himself, Singh claimed.

Addressing the people, he alleged that the AAP government neither solved the problem of water properly nor made any kind of arrangement and Delhi became a lake in one rain. Today, the BJP worked to provide water in the desert and mountains but they could not even provide water in Delhi. They did not shy away from making fun of the system on which our country runs and the constitution with which we have worked to unite after independence, he said.

If you form a BJP government today, you will see that along with fixing all the arrangements, the schemes of the Modi government will be implemented in Delhi. Ayushman Yojana is going to be a panacea for all of you. Today, such arrangements have been made for street vendors in India that they sit with a mobile in their hand and it is a good example of Digital India.

During an election campaign in Mustafabad Assembly Constituency, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, "He (Arvind Kejriwal) made big promises and said that he will clean the water of Yamuna and after cleaning the Yamuna in 5 years, he will take a dip in the Yamuna with his entire cabinet and come to you to ask for votes. But Yamuna has not been cleaned. Now this is beyond your control. He got thousands and crores of rupees but he spent all the money on corruption."

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also participated in a public meeting organized in favour of BJP candidate Ravindra Singh Negi from Patpatganj assembly constituency in West Vinod Nagar.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also addressed a public meeting in Karawal Nagar in support of BJP candidate Kapil Mishra. He has taken many important steps in the interest of Sanatan Dharma. I request you not to waste your vote on anti-religion and anti-national parties. Make the lotus win with a huge margin, he said.
A state-level consultation workshop was organized at Hotel BNR Chanakya, Ranchi, on the initiative of Youth Unity for Voluntary Action (YUVA) in collaboration with CREA, New Delhi. The event aimed at improving and strengthening One Stop Centres (OSCs) across Jharkhand to provide better support to women affected by violence. MP Mahua Maji was the chief guest, while ADG and in-charge of the State Level Womens Cell, Suman Gupta, attended as the special guest.

One Stop Centres, also known as Sakhi Centres, were established across India following the Nirbhaya case to provide temporary shelter and support to women facing violence. In Jharkhand, OSCs are functional in all 24 districts, but they face significant challenges in accessibility, infrastructure, and staffing.

During the workshop, a survey report was presented, revealing that out of the 24 OSCs in Jharkhand, only fivelocated in Koderma, Ramgarh, Seraikela, Lohardaga, and Dhanbadoperate 24 hours a day. The remaining centres struggle due to a lack of resources, infrastructure, and manpower.

Representatives from various districts highlighted critical issues. Laxmi Birua, a representative from the Jamshedpur OSC, shared that their centre is located on the third floor of the Red Cross Building, but the absence of an elevator makes access difficult for victims, especially those with disabilities. Furthermore, the centre does not remain operational round the clock, creating challenges for women seeking shelter at night.

Representatives from the Seraikela centre pointed out severe manpower shortages, making it difficult to ensure 24-hour operations. Many OSC workers reported that when they reach out to police stations for assistance in cases involving women, police officials often redirect them to NGOs instead of taking direct action. This lack of coordination between OSCs and law enforcement was identified as a major hurdle in providing timely support to victims.

Special guest Suman Gupta acknowledged that a communication gap exists between the police and OSC representatives, which needs to be bridged. She emphasized the need for increased awareness about OSCs, noting that many women do not seek help due to social stigma. Gupta assured that as the head of the Womens Cell, she would work towards reducing this gap and improving police-OSCs coordination. She also highlighted the necessity of a robust monitoring mechanism to ensure the effective functioning of these centres.

Chief guest Mahua Maji expressed concern over the lack of infrastructure in OSCs. She promised to raise the issue in Parliament and demand a share of the 3,000 crore allocated for OSCs nationwide to be directed towards improving Jharkhands centres. Recalling her tenure as the Chairperson of the State Womens Commission, she reiterated her commitment to advocating for the rights of women and strengthening support mechanisms.
After the stampede that broke out at the Maha Kumbh, the NSG commandos and trainee IPS officers immediately took charge to control the massive crowd of devotees. The crowd of devotees was cleared by forming a chain. The crowd was controlled through barricading. Within three hours, with the cooperation of everyone, the situation was completely brought under control.

In this atmosphere of fear and confusion, sadhus, sanyasis, devotees, police, and the administration faced the situation together and supported each other.

Several devotees lost their lives, and more than a hundred were injured.

NSG commandos took charge on the Sangam coast. The entry of common people was stopped in the Sangam Nose area. To prevent the crowd from increasing, devotees were also banned from coming to Prayagraj city. For this, the administration was put on alert in the districts bordering the city. To control the crowd and maintain law and order, additional police forces and paramilitary forces were deployed at the spot.

SSP, Maha Kumbh, Rajesh Dwivedi, said that barricading was done to control the crowd and prevent them from gathering at one place. The movement of people reaching all the ghats was restricted. Only those involved in essential services were allowed. This brought the crowd to a standstill. When the situation became normal, the barricading was removed, and the movement could resume.

Announcements were made through loudspeakers to keep people calm, not create a stampede, and cooperate with the administration. Additional exit routes were opened to evacuate people safely in case of an emergency.

After the stampede, the security of the Maha Kumbh was further enhanced. The direction of the crowd was changed using the human chain technique to control the crowd.

A team of trainee IPS officers was deployed on the ground to manage the crowd.

Additional medical camps were set up to provide immediate medical assistance to the injured. Ambulance services were increased, with 50 ambulances deployed at the spot.

Additional doctors and nurses were deployed in the hospital. Doctors discharged the injured after giving them first aid.

The nearest hospital to the location where the stampede took place at Sangam Nose is Sangam Hospital in Sector-4. This hospital has only 20 beds. The team of doctors remained alert. As soon as the number of injured increased, the doctors sent the injured to the Central Hospital, one and a half kilometres away from the spot, for better treatment.

The government instructed the DMs of all the districts to stop the devotees from coming to Prayagraj for some time. This also helped in controlling the stampede situation. Special trains were stopped wherever they were.
Ayodhya witnessed an overwhelming surge of devotees on the sacred occasion of Mauni Amavasya. In the early morning, devotees observed silence as they took a holy dip in the Saryu River, later breaking into chants of Shri Ram that resonated across Ayodhya Dham.

The temple town remained packed with worshippers throughout the day, with long queues outside Ram Mandir and Hanumangarhi extending late into the night.

Experts estimate that over 50 lakh devotees have arrived in Ayodhya in the past 72 hours, and the influx is expected to continue until Vasant Panchami.

Pilgrims from the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj are now heading to Ayodhya. Anticipating this surge, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had instructed officials to ensure seamless crowd management.

Under his guidance, principal secretaries and district officials implemented meticulous arrangements for smooth darshan and puja. CM Yogi is personally monitoring the situation to ensure the efficient management of the influx, officials said here.

Thousands of devotees thronged the Saryu ghats for a holy dip, with Chaudhary Charan Singh Ghat seeing the largest influx. After their ritual bath, many proceeded to Hanumangarhi before seeking Ram Lallas darshan. A massive crowd stretched from Shringar Haat to the temple premises, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere.

Similar scenes were observed at the Ram Temple, where devotees queued up in large numbers for darshan.

Meanwhile, the growing influx of devotees in Ayodhya Dham has significantly boosted local businesses. From prasad sellers to hoteliers, the surge in footfall has led to a sharp increase in their sales and profits. Homestay operators, too, are witnessing a rise in bookings as pilgrims flock to the holy city, adding to Ayodhyas economic activity.

To ensure the safety and well-being of the massive crowd arriving in Ayodhya Dham, authorities have implemented strict security and health measures. The entry of all types of vehicles into the fair area has been completely restricted, with heavy police deployment at key locations to maintain order.

The Health department is on high alert, with all doctors leave cancelled until Vasant Panchami. Emergency services will remain operational 24x7 to handle any medical needs.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Pushpendra Kumar confirmed that 13 temporary health camps will continue to function until February 26 to provide immediate medical assistance to pilgrims.

Meanwhile, IG Praveen Kumar stated that traffic has been rerouted to manage the massive footfall. Large vehicles have been stopped on the highways, and alternative routes have been designated to prevent congestion in and around Ayodhya.

With the growing number of devotees in Ayodhya Dham, authorities have significantly increased accommodation capacity.

Municipal Commissioner Santosh Sharma confirmed that arrangements have been made to house around 30,000 devotees in shelter areas to ensure their comfort.

In light of the ongoing preparations, ADG, Lucknow Zone, SB Shirodkar, visited Ayodhya on Wednesday to assess security and management efforts, including arrangements at Ayodhya Dham Railway Station. He was accompanied by DIG, Devipatan Division, Amit Pathak.

Additionally, Divisional Commissioner Gaurav Dayal and IG Praveen Kumar reviewed major locations from the control room.

Divisional Commissioner Gaurav Dayal, IG Praveen Kumar, District Magistrate Chandra Vijay Singh, SSP Rajkaran Nair, and Municipal Commissioner Santosh Sharma are continuously monitoring the situation, conducting inspections both during the day and late at night.

Nepal MP Binita Kathayat

praises Modi, Yogi

Nepals MP from the Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Binita Kathayat, expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath after taking a holy dip at Maha Kumbh.

Accompanied by her family, she also visited Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, appreciating the grand arrangements made for the historic event. Kathayat further announced her plans to visit Lucknow to meet CM Yogi, where she aims to discuss strengthening ties between Nepal and India, particularly with Uttar Pradesh.
With just days left before the Union Budget is presented on February 1, Punjab has made its case for a comprehensive financial package to address the states most pressing needs. In a detailed letter to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has outlined a bold wishlist aimed at transforming agriculture, bolstering infrastructure, promoting industrial growth, and financial sustainability. From a special budget to support crop diversification to incentives for farmers tackling the stubble burning crisis, from reimbursement of pending dues to industrial incentives for reviving its economy, Punjabs demands are designed to secure both immediate relief and long-term sustainability.

At the heart of the states priorities is the urgent need for financial support to diversify Punjabs agriculture, which has long been reliant on paddy cultivation. The government believed that a shift to alternative crops could unlock substantial savings for the Centre while addressing critical environmental concerns. Punjab is also calling for Rs 2,000 per acre to incentivize farmers to manage crop residue responsibly, along with the release of Rs 8,000 crore in pending Rural Development Funds (RDF), which would significantly enhance the states rural infrastructure.

As the Union Budget approaches, Punjab has made a strong case for financial assistance, policy support, and structural reforms that align with the states economic realities. With issues ranging from agricultural distress and rural infrastructure to industrial revival and security concerns, Punjab hopes that the upcoming budget will address its long-pending requests. The response from the Union Government will be crucial in shaping the states fiscal roadmap for 2024-25.

Crop Diversification

A major component of Punjabs demand revolved around shifting away from excessive paddy cultivation to more sustainable cropping patterns. The government estimated that diversifying 10 lakh hectares from paddy to alternative crops could help the Centre save approximately Rs 28,000 crore annually by reducing rice procurement costs, fertilizer subsidies, and power subsidies.

Cheema has urged the Centre to allocate a dedicated diversification budget, which could be matched by the Punjab Government using the savings generated from the shift. The state is also seeking reimbursement of procurement-related expenses to ensure financial stability for its procurement agencies.

Incentive for Farmers Who Avoid Stubble Burning

To tackle the issue of air pollution caused by stubble burning, Punjab has sought an Rs 2,000 per acre incentive for farmers adopting crop residue management (CRM) practices. Of the total estimated cost of Rs 2,000 crore, the state has proposed that Rs 1,600 crore be borne by the Centre, while Punjab will contribute the remaining Rs 400 crore.

The State Government claimed that it has already provided 1.45 lakh CRM machines but believed that the direct financial support to farmers is crucial to cover additional costs like tractor rental, fuel, and labour.

Power Sector Relief

Punjab has reiterated its request for an additional 0.5 percent borrowing allowance to support power sector reforms, as recommended by the 15th Finance Commission. However, the Centre has ruled out carrying forward the unutilized borrowing limit from previous financial years. Cheema has urged the Union Government to reconsider, arguing that Punjab remains eligible for this borrowing from the financial year 2021-22 to 2024-25, and needs additional resources to strengthen its power infrastructure.

Reimbursement of Rs 8,000-cr RDF

A long-standing demand of Punjab is the release of the Rural Development Fund (RDF)  a levy on grain procurement meant to finance rural infrastructure projects like roads and market facilities. Cheema pointed out that the Centre withheld Rs 8,000 crore in RDF payments over the past three years, severely impacting Punjabs rural development.

Punjab has pointed out that while the provisional cost sheet for grain procurement does not include RDF, the state has consistently requested a three percent allocation for RDF in procurement cost calculations.

Special Industrial Incentives for in Border Districts

To boost industrialization in Punjab, Cheema has demanded special incentives for MSMEs in six border districts  Amritsar, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Fazilka, and Tarn Taran. He argued that Punjab should be given benefits similar to those extended to Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, considering its border proximity and economic vulnerabilities. Cheema believed that providing industrial subsidies and tax incentives in these districts will curb brain drain, generate local employment, and enhance economic stability.

Vande Bharat between Bathinda-Delhi

While Punjab recently secured a Vande Bharat Express service between Delhi and Amritsar, the state has now requested an additional high-speed train linking Bathinda with Delhi. Bathinda serves as Punjabs agricultural and commercial hub, and better rail connectivity will benefit farmers, traders, and businesses in the Malwa region.

250 e-Buses

Punjab has sought Rs 300 crore as financial assistance to introduce 250 electric buses in 2025-26, along with the development of charging infrastructure. The state aims to promote eco-friendly urban transport, reduce vehicular pollution, and modernize its public transport system.

Border Security, Policing Infrastructure

With a 553-km-long border with Pakistan, Punjab has highlighted the need for stronger policing and security measures. The state has sought Rs 1,000 crore to upgrade police infrastructure in border districts; procure high-end vehicles and surveillance equipment; construct 30 new police stations and six police lines; and to build housing and hostel facilities for police personnel.

Higher Housing Grants under PM Awas Yojana

Punjab has proposed increasing the Rs 1.2 lakh grant per house under PM Awas Yojana (Gramin) to Rs 2.5 lakh, citing rising construction costs. The state argued that the current grant is insufficient to construct even a 25-square-meter house.
The political battleground of Delhi has now spilled over into Punjab, as the Election Commission (EC) and Delhi Police attempted to search Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Manns official residence  Kapurthala House  in the national capital. The move, which followed the controversial seizure of a vehicle, bearing Punjab Government sticker, allegedly carrying cash and liquor near Punjab Bhawan, has been met with sharp resistance from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), with Mann calling it an insult to Punjabis and a politically motivated act at the behest of the BJP.

Shortly after EC officials and Delhi Police personnel reached Kapurthala House, Mann took to social media to condemn the move, accusing the authorities of deliberately targeting him while ignoring alleged election violations by the BJP.

Today, a team from the Election Commission along with Delhi Police reached my official residence in Delhi to conduct a raid. In Delhi, BJP leaders are openly distributing money, but the Election Commission and Delhi Police see nothing. No action is being taken against them. This is a direct attempt to defame Punjabis at BJPs behest, Mann posted on X (formerly Twitter).

AAP leaders have strongly condemned the move, calling it an act of political revenge. The partys Punjab unit president and Cabinet Minister Aman Arora alleged that the BJP, fearing electoral defeat, was using central agencies and law enforcement to intimidate AAP leaders.

The BJP is terrified of losing in Delhi and is resorting to dirty tricks. They planted a fake vehicle to frame AAP, and now they are raiding the Punjab CMs residence. Why hasnt the Election Commission taken action against BJP leaders like Pravesh Verma and Kailash Gahlot, who have been openly distributing money? Arora questioned.

According to the EC officials, the raid was prompted by a complaint filed through the cVIGIL app, which allows citizens to report violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). The complaint alleged that cash was being distributed from Kapurthala House, leading to the immediate deployment of a Flying Squad Team (FST) under standard election monitoring protocols.

An EC official, talking with the media, stated, We received a complaint regarding cash distribution from Kapurthala House, which falls under the New Delhi Assembly constituency. As per protocol, a team was dispatched for verification. However, our officials were denied entry, and the matter is being reviewed.

AAP leaders, however, see this as part of a broader strategy to discredit the party. If the EC is truly impartial, why is it only targeting AAP? BJPs open cash distribution is visible to everyone, yet no action is taken against them. This is an orchestrated attempt to mislead voters and divert attention, said Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema.

The raid on Punjab CMs official residence comes just a day after Delhi Police seized a vehicle bearing a Punjab Government sticker near Punjab Bhawan. The car, which reportedly contained Rs 10 lakh in cash, liquor bottles, and AAP campaign material, sparked a political storm, with BJP accusing AAP of election malpractice.

However, Punjabs Transport Department quickly countered the allegations, revealing that the vehicles number plate was fake and did not belong to the Punjab government.

Mann has since alleged that the entire episode was a political conspiracy orchestrated by the BJP to malign AAP and Punjabis.
Punjab Government has strongly refuted allegations linking it to a car seized by Delhi Police near Punjab Bhavan, calling the controversy a deliberate political gimmick ahead of the Delhi elections. The vehicle, which reportedly bore a Punjab Sarkar (Punjab Government) sticker in Punjabi, was found with Rs 10 lakh in unaccounted cash, liquor bottles, and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) campaign material on late Wednesday night. However, Punjabs Transport Department categorically denied any connection, asserting that the number plate was forged and that the car in question is not registered with the State Government.

This is a clear case of fraud. The vehicle seized by Delhi Police does not belong to the Punjab Government in any capacity. The number plate used is fake, and our records confirm that the registration belongs to a different car  an entirely different make and model, owned by a Maharashtra resident. It is evident that someone deliberately attempted to malign our Government by using a forged plate and sticker, said an official spokesperson from Punjabs Transport Department in a statement issued late Wednesday night.

Delhi Police released a video late Wednesday night showing the seized Hyundai Creta with a Punjab Government sticker, fueling speculation of a potential election code violation. The police alleged that the vehicle was being used for illicit activities, triggering a political storm.

However, Punjab officials were quick to counter the narrative, providing evidence that the registration number PB35AE1342 actually belongs to a Ford EcoSport (2018 model), owned by Major Anubhav Shivpuri, a permanent resident of Khadki, Maharashtra, who was posted at Army Dental College, Pathankot, three years ago. Officials further pointed out that the seized Hyundai Cretas registration plate lacked the mandatory High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP) features, making it easier to forge.

This confirms that the number plate is fraudulent. A detailed search of Punjab Government records shows that no such vehicle is owned, hired, or associated with us. This is an orchestrated attempt to spread misinformation and mislead the public, added the governments statement.

With elections in Delhi fast approaching, the controversy has taken a political turn. While AAP leaders dismissed the allegations as a BJP-led conspiracy, opposition parties demanded a high-level probe.

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann hit back at political opponents, stating, This is a desperate attempt to tarnish our governments image. The truth is out  this vehicle has no link to us. Those resorting to such dirty tricks are only proving their fear of losing, he said.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday challenged AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, daring him to drink the water from the Yamuna river while harking back at his promises of taking a dip in it. Slamming AAP supremo over the issue of the Yamuna Rivers pollution, he said, Arvind Kejriwal said that he will clean the Yamuna and will drink its water, today I am challenging you, go to the Yamuna and drink its water today you make the citizens of Delhi drink the dirty water after that, we will meet you in the hospital. He further added: I dont claim that I will be drinking Yamuna jis water, I will not, because that water is polluted.

Fulfill your promises that you made about taking a bath in Yamuna and drinking from it. You haven't fulfilled it yet. Drink the water from Yamuna and then we will meet you in the hospital, he said, addressing an election rally in Bawana.

He alleged that the former Delhi chief minister is opposed to reservations and is against Dalits, backwards, minorities and the poor. Gandhi said he and his party do not fear Prime Minister Narendra Modi and on the contrary, "the PM is afraid of the Congress".

He also attacked Kejriwal with the 'sheesh mahal' jibe for the second straight day and said that though he talked about clean governance, the "biggest scam" in Delhi took place under his watch. He said both Prime Minister Modi and Kejriwal are opposed to reservations and are against Dalits, minorities, backwards and the poor.

"Kejriwal should say clearly that he would get caste surveys done and breach the wall of 50 per cent cap on reservation, but he will not do so as he is against Dalits, backwards and minorities. When riots were taking place, where was he? Did he stand with you?" Gandhi said, slamming the former chief minister.

Training his guns specifically on Kejriwal, Gandhi said he used to move around in a small car wearing a muffler and claim that he will do clean politics but the biggest scam in Delhi worth crores of rupees was done by his party and his people.

"He (Kejriwal) ran a corrupt government. Modi ji lies in his speeches and just like him, Kejriwal does the same. Five years ago, he (Kejriwal) had stated that he would take a bath in the Yamuna and drink its water. Five years have gone by and he did not do so. You have to drink dirty water but Kejriwal lives in 'sheesh mahal' which is worth crores and lies to you," the former Congress chief said.

Gandhi said he had told PM Modi in Parliament that the Congress will get a caste census done. The Congress leader said it is his guarantee that Kejriwal will not assure that he will breach the 50 per cent cap on reservation because he is also like Modi.
The District Hospital (Sadar Hospital) has earned the prestigious National Quality Assurance Standard (NQAS) Certificate from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, marking a significant achievement in the districts healthcare system.

Deputy Commissioner, Ananya Mittal, expressed his immense happiness and pride on the accomplishment, congratulating the entire team of doctors and healthcare workers, including Civil Surgeon Dr. Sahir Pal, for their dedicated efforts. This recognition at the national level has certainly boosted the morale of the doctors and health workers in our district. It is a proud moment for us all, Mittal stated.

He further highlighted the district administration's ongoing efforts, under the instructions of the state government, to strengthen healthcare services and ensure quality medical care at various government-run hospitals, including CHC (Community Health Centers), PHC (Primary Health Centers), and Health and Wellness Centers, in both rural and urban areas.

The NQAS is a quality assessment scale established to evaluate government hospitals based on a range of criteria. The District Hospital (Sadar Hospital) achieved a remarkable 86% score after fulfilling the comprehensive parameters set by the NQAS. This certification signifies the hospital's commitment to delivering top-quality healthcare services to the community.

It is also noteworthy that the Sadar Hospital had previously received the NQAS certificate in 2023, further solidifying its reputation for providing high-standard medical services.

The achievement reflects the district's continuous commitment to improving public healthcare facilities, ensuring that citizens receive efficient and reliable medical care.
Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, today announced the winners of the prestigious startup challenges  Avinya25 and Vasudha  at a ceremony held at ONGC headquarters. The event marked the conclusion of Energize India: Catalyzing Growth Through Startup Innovation, a high-profile conclave that brought together energy sector leaders, investors, and innovators.

In Avinya25, Indias premier energy startup competition, UrjanovaC Pvt Ltd emerged as the winner. The runners-up included Breathe ESG Private Limited, AgriVijay, Apeiro Energy, and UGreen Technology. The winners of the hackathon were also announced, with IIT (ISM)  Dhanbad securing the top position and IIT-Guwahati finishing as the runner-up.

Speaking at the event, Hardeep Singh Puri emphasized the crucial role of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas in fostering innovation. He highlighted the ministrys 547.35 crore startup fund, which has already supported 303 startups with 286.36 crore, driving Indias startup ecosystem that boasts over 110 unicorns. He underscored the governments commitment to transformative growth, job creation, and strengthening Indias position as a global innovation hub.
About the Book

Book: The Divine Kumbh: Echoes of Eternity: Ganga, Shipra, Godavari, and Sangam

Publisher: Niyogi Books Private Limited

Price: Rs 695 Pages: 180

The book is a radical journey of the Naga sadhus, the traditions of the akharas, and the timeless practices of devotion, writes ABHI SINGHAL

Taking you through the worlds largest congregation of the Kumbh Mela, the book The Divine Kumbh: Echoes of Eternity: Ganga, Shipra, Godavari, and Sangam takes you through the different mythologies, meanings, and history that revolves around this biggest Hindu gathering.

Deepak Kumar Sens book explores life at the Kumbh Mela, where millions of devotees unite at Indias sacred rivers every 12 years. The book is richly illustrated with beautiful and soulful pictures that unravel ancient mythology, dynamic rituals, and deep spirituality.

The book has chapters that take you through the akharas, the life of aesthetic monks, and their traditions and practices. The chapter on the Juna and Nirmohi akharas is a deep dive into the traditions, lineages, and formations of these akharas.

Because of the numerous tales surrounding them, many people attend the Mela to see the procession of the Naga sadhus, which are said to exit the mela unknowingly after the snan. Travellers from all over the world swarm to the Kumbh Mela to see the extraordinary presence of Naga babas mediating and carrying out various rites. The Naga sadhus are a talk that is very excitedly shared among the people, about their lives and where they live. The book provides detailed insights into the life and actions of Naga sadhus, the reasons why they stay naked, and much more stepping into their world.

The book also takes you through the relationship between the moksha and the Kumbh, explaining the cycle of life and death.

The notable chapter of the book is about the Shahi Snan which talks about the royal bathing done by the saints that is associated with bathing of different akharas on specific days of the Kumbh mela. The pages in the book take you through various camps formed for the Nirvana Naga Gosains, Niranjani, Bairagis, and the other three.

According to the event timetable, the Purna (full) Kumbh Mela is held on the banks of a river once every twelve years in four locations: Prayag (Allahabad), Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nasik. It is based on the movement of planets. Haridwar and Prayag host the Ardh (half) Kumbh Mela every six years.

According to Sen, the precise zodiacal positions of the Sun, Moon, and planet Jupiter, kumbh is celebrated at these locations. The venue for the next Kumbh Mela is chosen at the holiest time, occurring at the exact moment when these zodiacal conditions are fulfilled.

The book provides a comprehensive insight into the essence of the Mela. It beautifully bridges the ancient heritage with modern innovations, showcasing how the Kumbh is a global phenomenon while retaining its spiritual core.

The main attraction of the book is the vivid imagery beautifully being a double spreader on the pages between the writeups. The images give a beautiful representation of the written history and truth that define this iconic event.

The Divine Kumbh invites readers on a profound journey to experience the magic, faith, and cultural richness of one of humanitys most enduring spiritual traditions.

The book is a must-read for those wishing to connect with the soul of India and understand the unparalleled significance of the Kumbh Mela.
Barclays reaffirmed their overweight rating on shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) in a report released on Monday morning, MarketBeat Ratings reports. They currently have a $158.00 target price on the healthcare product makers stock, up from their previous target price of $149.00.

Several other brokerages have also commented on ABT. Oppenheimer assumed coverage on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research report on Tuesday, October 8th. They issued an outperform rating and a $130.00 price objective for the company. Evercore ISI lifted their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories to $136.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, January 2nd. Royal Bank of Canada reissued an outperform rating and issued a $135.00 target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research report on Tuesday, January 21st. Mizuho lifted their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $115.00 to $130.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, October 17th. Finally, UBS Group increased their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $146.00 to $148.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, January 23rd. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $133.06.

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Abbott Laboratories Price Performance

Shares of ABT opened at $127.86 on Monday. The company has a 50 day moving average of $115.71 and a two-hundred day moving average of $113.80. The company has a quick ratio of 1.14, a current ratio of 1.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. Abbott Laboratories has a twelve month low of $99.71 and a twelve month high of $129.85. The company has a market cap of $221.77 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.71, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.51 and a beta of 0.73.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 22nd. The healthcare product maker reported $1.34 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $1.34. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 20.74% and a net margin of 31.95%. The firm had revenue of $10.97 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.03 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.19 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 7.2% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts predict that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.15 earnings per share for the current fiscal 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 paid a $0.59 dividend. This represents a $2.36 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.85%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, January 15th. This is a positive change from Abbott Laboratoriess previous quarterly dividend of $0.55. Abbott Laboratoriess payout ratio is currently 30.85%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Abbott Laboratories

Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Future Financial Wealth Managment LLC purchased a new position in Abbott Laboratories in the 3rd quarter valued at $31,000. Peterson Financial Group Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the third quarter valued at about $32,000. Valued Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 78.4% in the third quarter. Valued Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 289 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $33,000 after buying an additional 127 shares in the last quarter. Wingate Wealth Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in Abbott Laboratories during the 4th quarter valued at about $34,000. Finally, Highline Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Abbott Laboratories in the 3rd quarter valued at about $37,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.18% of the companys stock.

Abbott Laboratories Company Profile

(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.

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Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited (OTCMKTS:JMHLY  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant drop in short interest in January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 500 shares, a drop of 83.3% from the December 31st total of 3,000 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 26,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.0 days.

Jardine Matheson Stock Down 0.9 %

OTCMKTS JMHLY traded down $0.38 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $40.19. The companys stock had a trading volume of 14,428 shares, compared to its average volume of 14,607. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $41.96 and a 200-day simple moving average of $39.11. The company has a quick ratio of 0.95, a current ratio of 1.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23. Jardine Matheson has a 52 week low of $34.15 and a 52 week high of $46.00.

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Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited, through its subsidiaries, operates in motor vehicles and related operations, property investment and development, food retailing, health and beauty, home furnishings, engineering and construction, and transport businesses in China, Southeast Asia, and internationally.

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Shares of Shandong Weigao Group Medical Polymer Company Limited (OTCMKTS:SHWGF  Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week low during trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as $0.65 and last traded at $0.65, with a volume of 400 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $0.96.

Shandong Weigao Group Medical Polymer Price Performance

The firms 50 day simple moving average is $0.67 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $0.83. The company has a current ratio of 3.28, a quick ratio of 2.89 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14.

About Shandong Weigao Group Medical Polymer

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Shandong Weigao Group Medical Polymer Company Limited engages in the research and development, production, wholesale, and sale of medical devices in the Peoples Republic of China. It operates through Medical Device Products, Orthopaedic Products, Interventional Products, Pharma Packaging Products, Blood Management Products, and Others segments.

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Nuveen Core Equity Alpha Fund (NYSE:JCE  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest in January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 12,300 shares, an increase of 119.6% from the December 31st total of 5,600 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 29,200 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.4 days.

Nuveen Core Equity Alpha Fund Price Performance

Shares of NYSE JCE traded down $0.10 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $15.84. The company had a trading volume of 31,099 shares, compared to its average volume of 35,806. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $15.74 and a two-hundred day moving average of $15.30. Nuveen Core Equity Alpha Fund has a 12-month low of $13.19 and a 12-month high of $16.28.

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Nuveen Core Equity Alpha Fund Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 31st. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 13th were paid a $0.32 dividend. This represents a $1.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 8.08%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 13th.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

About Nuveen Core Equity Alpha Fund

Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of JCE. Ashton Thomas Securities LLC acquired a new position in Nuveen Core Equity Alpha Fund in the third quarter worth approximately $61,000. Larson Financial Group LLC boosted its stake in shares of Nuveen Core Equity Alpha Fund by 227.7% during the 3rd quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 6,553 shares of the companys stock worth $101,000 after acquiring an additional 4,553 shares in the last quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans raised its stake in shares of Nuveen Core Equity Alpha Fund by 34.8% in the 3rd quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 107,545 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,687,000 after acquiring an additional 27,780 shares in the last quarter. Capital Investment Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Nuveen Core Equity Alpha Fund by 0.9% in the 3rd quarter. Capital Investment Advisors LLC now owns 151,274 shares of the companys stock worth $2,325,000 after purchasing an additional 1,324 shares during the last quarter. Finally, International Assets Investment Management LLC boosted its position in Nuveen Core Equity Alpha Fund by 1,487.3% during the third quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 636,378 shares of the companys stock worth $9,781,000 after purchasing an additional 596,286 shares during the period.

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Nuveen Core Equity Alpha Fund is a closed-ended equity mutual fund launched by Nuveen Investments Inc The fund is co-managed by Nuveen Fund Advisors LLC, Nuveen Asset Management, LLC, and INTECH Investment Management. It invests in the public equity markets of the United States. The fund also invests some portion of its portfolio in derivatives using futures and options.

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Union Bancaire Privee UBP SA purchased a new stake in shares of VanEck VietnamETF (BATS:VNM  Free Report) during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 9,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $104,000.

Several other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Nvwm LLC lifted its stake in VanEck VietnamETF by 2.3% during the third quarter. Nvwm LLC now owns 40,249 shares of the companys stock valued at $514,000 after purchasing an additional 888 shares during the last quarter. Laffer Tengler Investments Inc. increased its holdings in shares of VanEck VietnamETF by 10.7% in the third quarter. Laffer Tengler Investments Inc. now owns 19,287 shares of the companys stock valued at $246,000 after buying an additional 1,865 shares in the last quarter. Trium Capital LLP lifted its position in shares of VanEck VietnamETF by 1.3% during the 3rd quarter. Trium Capital LLP now owns 1,166,510 shares of the companys stock valued at $14,908,000 after acquiring an additional 15,040 shares during the last quarter. Nwam LLC bought a new stake in shares of VanEck VietnamETF during the 3rd quarter worth $202,000. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its holdings in shares of VanEck VietnamETF by 70.6% in the 3rd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 226,743 shares of the companys stock worth $2,898,000 after acquiring an additional 93,842 shares during the last quarter.

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VanEck VietnamETF Stock Up 3.9 %

Shares of VanEck VietnamETF stock opened at $11.60 on Thursday. The firm has a market capitalization of $471.92 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.08 and a beta of 0.65. The stocks 50-day moving average is $11.59 and its two-hundred day moving average is $11.98.

VanEck VietnamETF Profile

The VanEck Vietnam ETF (VNM) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MVIS Vietnam index, a market-cap-weighted index of Vietnamese stocks VNM was launched on Aug 14, 2009 and is managed by VanEck.

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Abel Hall LLC bought a new position in Permian Resources Co. (NYSE:PR  Free Report) in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 13,327 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $192,000.

Other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Hexagon Capital Partners LLC grew its holdings in Permian Resources by 28,542.9% in the 3rd quarter. Hexagon Capital Partners LLC now owns 2,005 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after buying an additional 1,998 shares in the last quarter. ORG Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new position in Permian Resources during the 4th quarter worth $31,000. UMB Bank n.a. grew its stake in shares of Permian Resources by 99.2% in the third quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 2,791 shares of the companys stock worth $38,000 after purchasing an additional 1,390 shares in the last quarter. Sunbelt Securities Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Permian Resources by 33.4% during the third quarter. Sunbelt Securities Inc. now owns 3,192 shares of the companys stock valued at $43,000 after purchasing an additional 800 shares during the period. Finally, Blue Trust Inc. raised its stake in shares of Permian Resources by 399.5% during the third quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 3,287 shares of the companys stock valued at $45,000 after purchasing an additional 2,629 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.84% of the companys stock.

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Permian Resources Price Performance

Shares of PR opened at $15.11 on Thursday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $14.96 and its 200-day moving average is $14.59. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40, a current ratio of 0.68 and a quick ratio of 0.68. The company has a market capitalization of $12.14 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.16, a P/E/G ratio of 4.60 and a beta of 4.32. Permian Resources Co. has a fifty-two week low of $12.59 and a fifty-two week high of $18.28.

Permian Resources Increases Dividend

Permian Resources ( NYSE:PR Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 6th. The company reported $0.53 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.32 by $0.21. The firm had revenue of $1.22 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.22 billion. Permian Resources had a net margin of 21.20% and a return on equity of 11.15%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 60.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.36 EPS. Equities research analysts expect that Permian Resources Co. will post 1.44 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 22nd. Investors of record on Thursday, November 14th were issued a dividend of $0.15 per share. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.97%. This is a positive change from Permian Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $0.06. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 14th. Permian Resourcess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 36.36%.

Insider Activity at Permian Resources

In other Permian Resources news, CFO Guy M. Oliphint sold 8,761 shares of Permian Resources stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $15.30, for a total value of $134,043.30. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 134,617 shares in the company, valued at $2,059,640.10. The trade was a 6.11 % 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. Insiders own 12.80% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts have commented on the stock. Morgan Stanley began coverage on shares of Permian Resources in a research report on Friday, January 10th. They set an overweight rating and a $19.00 price target on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $17.00 target price on shares of Permian Resources in a research report on Monday, October 14th. Truist Financial increased their price target on Permian Resources from $20.00 to $23.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, January 13th. Benchmark dropped their price objective on Permian Resources from $17.00 to $14.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 16th. Finally, Piper Sandler raised their target price on Permian Resources from $20.00 to $21.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fourteen have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $19.13.

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About Permian Resources

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Permian Resources Corporation, an independent oil and natural gas company, focuses on the development of crude oil and related liquids-rich natural gas reserves in the United States. The companys assets primarily focus on the Delaware Basin, a sub-basin of the Permian Basin. Its properties consist of acreage blocks in West Texas, Eddy County, Lea County, and New Mexico.

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AmmPower Corp. (OTCMKTS:AMMPF  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decline in short interest in the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 84,100 shares, a decline of 53.3% from the December 31st total of 179,900 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 2,158,800 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.0 days.

AmmPower Stock Performance

AmmPower stock opened at $0.03 on Thursday. AmmPower has a 1 year low of $0.01 and a 1 year high of $0.07. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $0.03 and a 200 day moving average price of $0.02.

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AmmPower Company Profile

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AmmPower Corp., a clean energy company, engages in the manufacturing and selling of green ammonia to farmers, and distributors and retailers of anhydrous ammonia used in fertilizer in Canada and the United States. It owns the Whabouchi South lithium exploration property located in the James Bay/Eeyou Istche region of Quebec.

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Boeing (NYSE:BA  Free Report) had its price objective hoisted by JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $190.00 to $200.00 in a research note published on Wednesday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an overweight rating on the aircraft producers stock.

BA has been the subject of a number of other research reports. Royal Bank of Canada reissued an outperform rating and issued a $200.00 price objective on shares of Boeing in a research report on Wednesday. UBS Group raised their target price on shares of Boeing from $208.00 to $217.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday. Robert W. Baird cut their price objective on shares of Boeing from $240.00 to $200.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 24th. Benchmark reiterated a buy rating and set a $250.00 price objective on shares of Boeing in a research report on Thursday, October 24th. Finally, DZ Bank downgraded Boeing from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $152.00 price objective for the company. in a research note on Tuesday, October 15th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating, thirteen have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $195.00.

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Boeing Stock Down 2.1 %

Shares of NYSE BA opened at $174.03 on Wednesday. Boeing has a twelve month low of $137.03 and a twelve month high of $214.63. The stock has a market cap of $107.58 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -13.49 and a beta of 1.52. The companys fifty day moving average is $167.68 and its 200-day moving average is $164.19.

Boeing (NYSE:BA  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, January 28th. The aircraft producer reported ($5.90) earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($1.60) by ($4.30). During the same period in the previous year, the business earned ($0.47) EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that Boeing will post -16.39 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. State Street Corp boosted its stake in shares of Boeing by 2.3% during the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 27,778,195 shares of the aircraft producers stock valued at $4,223,397,000 after purchasing an additional 636,594 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Boeing by 2.8% during the 3rd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 11,719,794 shares of the aircraft producers stock valued at $1,774,705,000 after purchasing an additional 320,415 shares during the period. Jennison Associates LLC raised its position in Boeing by 9.9% in the third quarter. Jennison Associates LLC now owns 6,700,706 shares of the aircraft producers stock worth $1,018,775,000 after acquiring an additional 602,143 shares during the period. Fisher Asset Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Boeing by 6.0% in the third quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 4,866,857 shares of the aircraft producers stock worth $739,957,000 after buying an additional 277,350 shares during the period. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Boeing by 1.5% during the 3rd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 3,196,648 shares of the aircraft producers stock valued at $486,018,000 after buying an additional 48,637 shares in the last quarter. 64.82% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Boeing Company Profile

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The Boeing Company, together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, sells, services, and supports commercial jetliners, military aircraft, satellites, missile defense, human space flight and launch systems, and services worldwide. The company operates through Commercial Airplanes; Defense, Space & Security; and Global Services segments.

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Shares of Nabors Industries Ltd. (NYSE:NBR  Get Free Report) have earned an average rating of Hold from the seven ratings firms that are presently covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the company. The average 12 month price objective among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $97.00.

A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on the company. Citigroup upped their price objective on Nabors Industries from $75.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, October 31st. Evercore ISI lowered their price objective on shares of Nabors Industries from $94.00 to $85.00 and set an in-line rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 24th. Royal Bank of Canada reissued a sector perform rating and set a $102.00 price objective on shares of Nabors Industries in a report on Wednesday, October 16th. Susquehanna dropped their price objective on shares of Nabors Industries from $79.00 to $77.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 24th. Finally, Barclays lowered their price target on shares of Nabors Industries from $110.00 to $88.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 16th.

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Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Nabors Industries Trading Down 1.3 %

A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. nVerses Capital LLC acquired a new position in shares of Nabors Industries during the 3rd quarter worth about $45,000. R Squared Ltd acquired a new stake in Nabors Industries in the 4th quarter valued at about $70,000. Signaturefd LLC grew its stake in shares of Nabors Industries by 52.9% in the 3rd quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 1,364 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $88,000 after buying an additional 472 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP purchased a new stake in shares of Nabors Industries in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $220,000. Finally, The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company grew its stake in shares of Nabors Industries by 5.3% in the 2nd quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 3,567 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $254,000 after buying an additional 181 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 81.92% of the companys stock.

Shares of NYSE NBR opened at $59.21 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.43, a current ratio of 1.88 and a quick ratio of 1.63. The stock has a market capitalization of $634.17 million, a P/E ratio of -3.22 and a beta of 2.05. Nabors Industries has a 1-year low of $50.15 and a 1-year high of $105.96. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $63.96 and a 200 day moving average price of $72.49.

Nabors Industries Company Profile

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Nabors Industries Ltd. provides drilling and drilling-related services for land-based and offshore oil and natural gas wells in the United States and internationally. The company operates through four segments: U.S. Drilling, International Drilling, Drilling Solutions, and Rig Technologies. It provides tubular running services, including casing and tubing running, and torque monitoring; managed pressure drilling services; and drilling-bit steering systems and rig instrumentation software.

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Capital Investment Advisory Services LLC grew its stake in shares of Realty Income Co. (NYSE:O  Free Report) by 23.5% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 42,468 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after buying an additional 8,071 shares during the period. Capital Investment Advisory Services LLCs holdings in Realty Income were worth $2,268,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Trust Co. of Vermont lifted its holdings in shares of Realty Income by 12.7% during the 4th quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont now owns 253,503 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $13,540,000 after acquiring an additional 28,480 shares in the last quarter. Atlanta Consulting Group Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Realty Income during the third quarter worth about $896,000. Code Waechter LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Realty Income in the third quarter worth about $1,308,000. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of Realty Income by 5.0% in the third quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 9,729,229 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $617,028,000 after buying an additional 463,286 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Swiss National Bank raised its holdings in shares of Realty Income by 1.4% during the 3rd quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 2,584,694 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $163,921,000 after buying an additional 35,100 shares during the period. 70.81% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Realty Income Stock Performance

Realty Income stock opened at $54.13 on Thursday. Realty Income Co. has a fifty-two week low of $50.65 and a fifty-two week high of $64.88. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $54.62 and its 200-day simple moving average is $58.46. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68, a current ratio of 1.40 and a quick ratio of 1.40. The company has a market cap of $47.38 billion, a P/E ratio of 51.55, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.93 and a beta of 1.00.

Realty Income Dividend Announcement

Realty Income ( NYSE:O Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 4th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.30 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.05 by ($0.75). Realty Income had a return on equity of 2.35% and a net margin of 17.57%. The business had revenue of $1.33 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.26 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.02 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 28.1% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Realty Income Co. will post 4.19 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently declared a feb 25 dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 14th. Stockholders of record on Monday, February 3rd will be issued a dividend of $0.264 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, February 3rd. This represents a dividend yield of 5.9%. Realty Incomes dividend payout ratio is 301.91%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research analysts recently commented on O shares. Stifel Nicolaus reduced their price target on Realty Income from $70.00 to $66.50 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, January 8th. Barclays initiated coverage on shares of Realty Income in a research report on Tuesday, December 17th. They set an equal weight rating and a $59.00 price target for the company. UBS Group cut their price target on shares of Realty Income from $72.00 to $71.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, November 14th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft began coverage on shares of Realty Income in a report on Wednesday, December 11th. They set a hold rating and a $62.00 price objective for the company. Finally, Scotiabank cut their target price on shares of Realty Income from $61.00 to $59.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, January 16th. Twelve equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $62.04.

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Realty Income Profile

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Realty Income, The Monthly Dividend Company, is an S&P 500 company and member of the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats index. We invest in people and places to deliver dependable monthly dividends that increase over time. The company is structured as a real estate investment trust (REIT), and its monthly dividends are supported by the cash flow from over 15,450 real estate properties (including properties acquired in the Spirit merger in January 2024) primarily owned under long-term net lease agreements with commercial clients.

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CI&T Inc. (NYSE:CINT  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant drop in short interest in the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 80,000 shares, a drop of 22.9% from the December 31st total of 103,800 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 58,900 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.4 days. Currently, 0.4% of the shares of the company are sold short.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On CI&T

Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. XTX Topco Ltd acquired a new position in CI&T in the 2nd quarter worth $76,000. Marshall Wace LLP raised its holdings in shares of CI&T by 245.6% in the second quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 92,114 shares of the companys stock valued at $479,000 after purchasing an additional 65,457 shares during the last quarter. GSA Capital Partners LLP lifted its position in shares of CI&T by 12.5% in the third quarter. GSA Capital Partners LLP now owns 27,010 shares of the companys stock worth $183,000 after purchasing an additional 2,995 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp boosted its holdings in CI&T by 28.8% during the third quarter. State Street Corp now owns 67,380 shares of the companys stock worth $458,000 after purchasing an additional 15,083 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Virtu Financial LLC acquired a new position in CI&T during the third quarter worth $108,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.45% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on the company. UBS Group increased their target price on CI&T from $7.50 to $8.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, December 12th. Canaccord Genuity Group lifted their price objective on CI&T from $9.00 to $10.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, November 18th. Finally, TD Cowen began coverage on shares of CI&T in a report on Friday, December 6th. They issued a buy rating and a $9.00 target price on the stock. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, four have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $7.92.

CI&T Stock Performance

Shares of CINT stock opened at $6.77 on Thursday. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $6.41 and a 200-day moving average of $6.60. CI&T has a one year low of $3.34 and a one year high of $8.04. The stock has a market cap of $909.96 million, a PE ratio of 52.08 and a beta of 1.16. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39, a current ratio of 1.58 and a quick ratio of 1.58.

CI&T Company Profile

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CI&T, Inc provides strategy, design and software engineering services to enable digital transformation. The firms solutions and services include Digital Strategy, Customer-Centric Design and Top-of-the-Line Software Engineering. The company was founded by Cesar Nivaldo Gon, Bruno Guicardi Neto and Fernando Matt Borges Martins on June 7, 2021 and is headquartered in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

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On January 23, 2025, Clorox (NYSE: CLX) announced in an SEC filing that its Executive Vice President  Chief Financial Officer, Kevin Jacobsen, will be retiring from the company effective April 1, 2025. Jacobsen, who has been with Clorox for nearly 30 years, will continue in an advisory capacity until June 2025.

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Following Jacobsens retirement announcement, the Management Development and Compensation Committee of Cloroxs Board of Directors appointed Luc Bellet, age 46, to succeed Jacobsen as the Executive Vice President  Chief Financial Officer effective April 1, 2025. Bellet is currently serving as the Companys Vice President  Treasurer, a role he has held since October 2023. He joined Clorox in 2006 and has held various senior leadership positions within the companys financial organization.

In connection with Bellets appointment, the Management Development and Compensation Committee approved an increase in his base salary to $725,000, an increase in his short-term incentive target from 50% to 100% of his salary effective April 1, 2025, and granted him restricted stock units with an aggregate fair value of $400,000, vesting over four years. Additionally, Bellet will receive performance shares with an aggregate target fair value of $600,000 and a three-year performance period ending June 30, 2027.

It was noted that Bellet has no familial relationships or related party transactions with the Company that would require disclosure under regulations in connection with his appointment.

A press release accompanying the SEC filing disclosed the changes in the executive leadership. The outgoing CFO, Kevin Jacobsen, played a significant role in driving Cloroxs IGNITE strategy and portfolio evolution during his tenure. Chair and CEO Linda Rendle expressed gratitude towards Jacobsen for his contributions and leadership, wishing him well in retirement. Rendle also praised the readiness of Luc Bellet to take over the CFO role, highlighting his extensive experience within the company.

Effective April 1, Luc Bellet will officially assume the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer reporting to CEO Linda Rendle. Bellets experience across various financial leadership roles within Clorox positions him as a fitting successor to Jacobsen as the company continues its growth trajectory and digital transformation.

Following the leadership transition, Kevin Jacobsen will provide support during the handover period until his retirement in June. Clorox, known for its range of trusted brands including Clorox, Burts Bees, and Glad, continues its commitment to sustainable business practices and value creation for shareholders.

For further details on this development and Cloroxs operations, the press release filed under Exhibit 99.1 is available for reference.

This article was generated by an automated content engine and was reviewed by a human editor prior to publication. For additional information, read Cloroxs 8K filing here.

Clorox Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

The Clorox Company manufactures and markets consumer and professional products worldwide. It operates through four segments: Health and Wellness, Household, Lifestyle, and International. The Health and Wellness segment offers cleaning products, such as laundry additives and home care products primarily under the Clorox, Clorox2, Scentiva, Pine-Sol, Liquid-Plumr, Tilex, and Formula 409 brands; professional cleaning and disinfecting products under the CloroxPro and Clorox Healthcare brands; professional food service products under the Hidden Valley brand; and vitamins, minerals and supplement products under the RenewLife, Natural Vitality, NeoCell, and Rainbow Light brands in the United States.

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Crews Bank & Trust purchased a new stake in Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL  Free Report) in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor purchased 7,204 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $745,000.

Several other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in AFL. Darwin Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Aflac in the third quarter worth about $34,000. Raelipskie Partnership acquired a new stake in Aflac in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $38,000. Covestor Ltd raised its stake in Aflac by 41.8% during the 3rd quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 363 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $41,000 after acquiring an additional 107 shares in the last quarter. Kennebec Savings Bank bought a new position in shares of Aflac in the third quarter worth $45,000. Finally, Catalyst Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Aflac during the third quarter valued at $51,000. 67.44% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on AFL shares. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on shares of Aflac from $103.00 to $104.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 14th. Bank of America lifted their target price on shares of Aflac from $115.00 to $124.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, October 10th. TD Cowen started coverage on Aflac in a research report on Wednesday, October 9th. They set a hold rating and a $102.00 price target on the stock. Piper Sandler lifted their target price on shares of Aflac from $114.00 to $122.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 2nd. Finally, StockNews.com raised Aflac from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 8th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have assigned a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $102.67.

Aflac Price Performance

Shares of AFL opened at $108.41 on Thursday. Aflac Incorporated has a 12-month low of $75.07 and a 12-month high of $115.50. The businesss fifty day moving average is $105.73 and its 200 day moving average is $106.25. The company has a quick ratio of 0.08, a current ratio of 0.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. The stock has a market cap of $60.22 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.31, a P/E/G ratio of 2.10 and a beta of 1.00.

Aflac (NYSE:AFL  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, October 30th. The financial services provider reported $2.16 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.69 by $0.47. Aflac had a return on equity of 16.34% and a net margin of 22.02%. The company had revenue of $2.95 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.30 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.84 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 40.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Aflac Incorporated will post 7.26 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Aflac Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 3rd. Investors of record on Wednesday, February 19th will be paid a $0.58 dividend. This is a boost from Aflacs previous quarterly dividend of $0.50. This represents a $2.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.14%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 19th. Aflacs payout ratio is currently 30.12%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Aflac

In other news, EVP Audrey B. Tillman sold 24,744 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, December 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $103.40, for a total value of $2,558,529.60. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 222,618 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $23,018,701.20. This represents a 10.00 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.90% of the companys stock.

Aflac Company Profile

(Free Report)

Aflac Incorporated, through its subsidiaries, provides supplemental health and life insurance products. The company operates through Aflac Japan and Aflac U.S. segments. The Aflac Japan segment offers cancer, medical, nursing care, work leave, GIFT, and whole and term life insurance products, as well as WAYS and child endowment plans under saving type insurance products in Japan.

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Danaher (NYSE:DHR  Get Free Report)s stock had its outperform rating reissued by equities researchers at Royal Bank of Canada in a note issued to investors on Thursday,Benzinga reports. They currently have a $277.00 target price on the conglomerates stock, down from their prior target price of $299.00. Royal Bank of Canadas target price suggests a potential upside of 24.38% from the companys current price.

A number of other brokerages have also recently weighed in on DHR. Guggenheim assumed coverage on Danaher in a report on Thursday, December 19th. They set a buy rating and a $275.00 price objective on the stock. Citigroup cut their price objective on shares of Danaher from $305.00 to $285.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday, January 6th. UBS Group lowered their price target on shares of Danaher from $309.00 to $305.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 23rd. TD Cowen raised their target price on shares of Danaher from $310.00 to $315.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 23rd. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price target on shares of Danaher from $280.00 to $240.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and sixteen have assigned 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 price target of $278.95.

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Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on DHR

Danaher Price Performance

Shares of Danaher stock traded down $1.03 during trading on Thursday, hitting $222.70. The stock had a trading volume of 2,174,924 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,385,345. Danaher has a 12 month low of $223.00 and a 12 month high of $281.70. The company has a current ratio of 1.37, a quick ratio of 1.01 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. The firm has a market cap of $160.85 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 42.52, a P/E/G ratio of 4.43 and a beta of 0.83. The businesss 50-day moving average is $235.89 and its 200 day moving average is $253.45.

Danaher (NYSE:DHR  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 29th. The conglomerate reported $2.14 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $2.14. Danaher had a net margin of 16.39% and a return on equity of 10.62%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $2.09 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Danaher will post 7.5 earnings per share for the current year.

Institutional Trading of Danaher

Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. FMR LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Danaher by 15.8% in the 3rd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 23,617,424 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $6,566,116,000 after purchasing an additional 3,217,631 shares during the period. Van ECK Associates Corp lifted its holdings in shares of Danaher by 6,862.7% in the 4th quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 929,868 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $213,452,000 after acquiring an additional 916,513 shares during the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA grew its holdings in Danaher by 17.6% during the 3rd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 3,582,982 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $996,141,000 after purchasing an additional 535,254 shares during the last quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC raised its position in 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 purchasing an additional 428,897 shares during the period. Finally, Montrusco Bolton Investments Inc. lifted its stake in Danaher by 30.4% in the third 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 last quarter. 79.05% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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.

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Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE:EW  Get Free Report) was upgraded by stock analysts at Stifel Nicolaus from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report issued on Thursday,Briefing.com Automated Import reports. The firm presently has a $90.00 price target on the medical research companys stock, up from their previous price target of $75.00. Stifel Nicolaus target price indicates a potential upside of 26.39% from the companys current price.

A number of other equities analysts have also weighed in on the stock. Bank of America upgraded shares of Edwards Lifesciences from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their target price for the company from $82.00 to $90.00 in a report on Monday, December 16th. Wolfe Research lowered shares of Edwards Lifesciences from a peer perform rating to an underperform rating and set a $60.00 target price on the stock. in a report on Thursday, January 16th. Truist Financial reiterated a hold rating and issued a $78.00 target price (up from $70.00) on shares of Edwards Lifesciences in a report on Thursday, December 5th. Piper Sandler decreased their target price on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $73.00 to $70.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Friday, October 25th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their target price on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $81.00 to $90.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, December 5th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, fourteen have assigned a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Edwards Lifesciences presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $79.19.

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Edwards Lifesciences Stock Performance

Insider Buying and Selling

EW opened at $71.21 on Thursday. The firm has a market capitalization of $42.00 billion, a PE ratio of 10.28, a PEG ratio of 3.54 and a beta of 1.11. Edwards Lifesciences has a twelve month low of $58.93 and a twelve month high of $96.12. The firms 50-day moving average price is $72.37 and its 200 day moving average price is $70.06. The company has a current ratio of 3.46, a quick ratio of 2.89 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.06.

In other Edwards Lifesciences news, insider Larry L. Wood sold 25,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $65.91, for a total value of $1,647,750.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 198,526 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $13,084,848.66. This represents a 11.18 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, VP Daniel J. Lippis sold 2,500 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $74.08, for a total transaction of $185,200.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 23,189 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,717,841.12. This represents a 9.73 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 33,000 shares of company stock valued at $2,195,180 in the last ninety days. Company insiders own 1.27% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its stake in Edwards Lifesciences by 86.3% during the 3rd quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 31,532,725 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $2,080,845,000 after purchasing an additional 14,610,123 shares during the period. Jennison Associates LLC acquired a new stake in Edwards Lifesciences during the 4th quarter worth $555,939,000. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. boosted its stake in Edwards Lifesciences by 475.8% during the 4th quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 4,243,976 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $314,182,000 after purchasing an additional 3,506,886 shares during the period. Jacobs Levy Equity Management Inc. boosted its stake in Edwards Lifesciences by 239.9% during the 3rd quarter. Jacobs Levy Equity Management Inc. now owns 3,693,663 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $243,745,000 after purchasing an additional 2,606,950 shares during the period. Finally, Seilern Investment Management Ltd acquired a new stake in Edwards Lifesciences during the 4th quarter worth $109,490,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.46% of the companys stock.

Edwards Lifesciences Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Edwards Lifesciences Corporation provides products and technologies for structural heart disease and critical care monitoring in the United States, Europe, Japan, and internationally. It offers transcatheter heart valve replacement products for the minimally invasive replacement of aortic heart valves under the Edwards SAPIEN family of valves system; and transcatheter heart valve repair and replacement products to treat mitral and tricuspid valve diseases under the PASCAL PRECISION and Cardioband names.

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Baron Wealth Management LLC trimmed its stake in shares of EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG  Free Report) by 7.0% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 2,457 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after selling 184 shares during the period. Baron Wealth Management LLCs holdings in EOG Resources were worth $301,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Northwest Investment Counselors LLC purchased a new stake in EOG Resources in the 3rd quarter worth about $26,000. Decker Retirement Planning Inc. acquired a new position in shares of EOG Resources in the 4th quarter valued at about $27,000. Eastern Bank purchased a new stake in shares of EOG Resources in the third quarter worth approximately $28,000. Capital Performance Advisors LLP acquired a new stake in shares of EOG Resources during the third quarter worth approximately $31,000. Finally, HM Payson & Co. grew its position in EOG Resources by 203.7% during the third quarter. HM Payson & Co. now owns 328 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $40,000 after purchasing an additional 220 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.91% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on EOG shares. Raymond James lifted their target price on shares of EOG Resources from $167.00 to $175.00 and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, January 23rd. Mizuho lowered their target price on EOG Resources from $156.00 to $148.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, December 16th. Bank of America reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $144.00 price target (down from $151.00) on shares of EOG Resources in a research note on Monday, January 13th. Wolfe Research upgraded EOG Resources from a peer perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $143.00 price target for the company in a report on Friday, January 3rd. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded EOG Resources from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, January 22nd. Thirteen analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $143.90.

Insider Activity

In related news, COO Jeffrey R. Leitzell sold 4,000 shares of the businesss 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 completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer now owns 42,703 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,162,365.67. The trade was a 8.56 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, Director Janet F. Clark sold 568 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $135.33, for a total transaction of $76,867.44. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 43,532 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,891,185.56. This trade represents a 1.29 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.30% of the companys stock.

EOG Resources Stock Down 0.0 %

EOG opened at $130.23 on Thursday. EOG Resources, Inc. has a 1-year low of $108.94 and a 1-year high of $139.67. The business has a 50 day moving average of $128.82 and a 200-day moving average of $127.41. The stock has a market capitalization of $73.25 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.49, a P/E/G ratio of 3.68 and a beta of 1.29. The company has a current ratio of 2.31, a quick ratio of 2.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13.

EOG Resources (NYSE:EOG  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 7th. The energy exploration company reported $2.89 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.73 by $0.16. The firm had revenue of $5.97 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate 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 earned $3.44 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that EOG Resources, Inc. will post 11.45 earnings per share for the current year.

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 given a dividend of $0.975 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 17th. This is an increase from EOG Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $0.91. This represents a $3.90 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.99%. EOG Resourcess dividend payout ratio is presently 31.40%.

EOG Resources announced that its board has initiated a stock buyback plan on Thursday, November 7th that permits the company to repurchase $5.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization permits the energy exploration company to reacquire up to 7% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are often a sign that the companys board of directors believes its stock is undervalued.

EOG Resources 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.

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Highland Capital Management LLC lowered its holdings in shares of Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO  Free Report) by 1.9% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 76,496 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,517 shares during the period. Highland Capital Management LLCs holdings in Altria Group were worth $4,000,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the business. True Wealth Design LLC increased its position in Altria Group by 420.0% during the 3rd quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 572 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after buying an additional 462 shares in the last quarter. Legacy Investment Solutions LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Altria Group in the third quarter worth $34,000. Peterson Financial Group Inc. bought a new position in shares of Altria Group during the third quarter valued at $41,000. Fairman Group LLC raised its position in shares of Altria Group by 85.1% in the 3rd quarter. Fairman Group LLC now owns 892 shares of the companys stock worth $46,000 after purchasing an additional 410 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Asset Dedication LLC raised its position in shares of Altria Group by 27.7% in the 4th quarter. Asset Dedication LLC now owns 921 shares of the companys stock worth $48,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 57.41% of the companys stock.

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Altria Group Price Performance

MO stock opened at $52.81 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $89.50 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.92, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.67 and a beta of 0.64. Altria Group, Inc. has a 1 year low of $39.25 and a 1 year high of $58.03. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $53.81 and its 200-day moving average price is $52.29.

Altria Group Announces Dividend

Altria Group ( NYSE:MO Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 31st. The company reported $1.38 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.35 by $0.03. Altria Group had a negative return on equity of 233.80% and a net margin of 42.82%. The business had revenue of $6.26 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.33 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.28 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 18.6% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts expect that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.13 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 10th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 26th were issued a dividend of $1.02 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 26th. This represents a $4.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 7.73%. Altria Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 68.92%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several brokerages recently commented on MO. Barclays increased their price objective on shares of Altria Group from $45.00 to $46.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 6th. Citigroup boosted their price objective on shares of Altria Group from $44.50 to $48.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, October 8th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their target price on Altria Group from $52.00 to $60.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 1st. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price target on Altria Group from $54.00 to $60.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 1st. Finally, Morgan Stanley started coverage on Altria Group in a research report on Thursday, January 16th. They set an equal weight rating and a $54.00 price objective on the stock. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $53.43.

Check Out Our Latest Report on MO

Altria Group Profile

(Free Report)

Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company offers cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; large cigars and pipe tobacco under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; oral nicotine pouches under the on! brand; and e-vapor products under the NJOY ACE brand.

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Equinox Gold Corp (CVE:EQX  Get Free Report) Senior Officer Kelly Grant Boychuk sold 10,966 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$8.41, for a total transaction of C$92,224.06.

Equinox Gold Trading Down 0.9 %

Shares of Equinox Gold stock traded down C$0.07 on Thursday, hitting C$7.88. 53,583 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 153,529. The firms 50-day moving average price is C$7.88 and its two-hundred day moving average price is C$7.88. The stock has a market capitalization of C$892.46 million and a PE ratio of -43.54. Equinox Gold Corp has a one year low of C$4.25 and a one year high of C$8.90. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 64.28, a current ratio of 1.94 and a quick ratio of 1.11.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of analysts recently weighed in on EQX shares. Scotiabank raised their price target on shares of Equinox Gold from C$8.75 to C$9.00 in a report on Wednesday, January 15th. Cormark upped their price objective on Equinox Gold from C$9.00 to C$10.50 in a report on Friday, January 10th. CIBC upped their price objective on Equinox Gold from C$8.80 to C$9.50 in a report on Monday, December 2nd. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reduced their price objective on Equinox Gold from C$11.00 to C$10.00 in a report on Monday, October 21st. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of C$10.05.

Equinox Gold Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Equinox Gold Corp. engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral deposits. The company's principal properties include the Aurizona project covering a total land package of approximately 223,160 hectares located in Maranhao State, Brazil; and the Castle Mountain property situated in California, the United States.

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Kingswood Wealth Advisors LLC trimmed its position in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE  Free Report) by 24.1% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 7,228 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 2,296 shares during the quarter. Kingswood Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in Alexandria Real Estate Equities were worth $705,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of ARE. State Street Corp grew its position in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 1.1% during the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 10,585,038 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,270,634,000 after acquiring an additional 112,864 shares during the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 3.1% during the third quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 2,450,902 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $291,045,000 after purchasing an additional 72,934 shares during the last quarter. Pathway Financial Advisers LLC raised its holdings in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 11,449.8% in the third quarter. Pathway Financial Advisers LLC now owns 1,423,630 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $169,056,000 after buying an additional 1,411,304 shares during the last quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. lifted its position in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 0.5% during the 3rd quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. now owns 860,716 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $102,210,000 after buying an additional 4,389 shares in the last quarter. Finally, CCLA Investment Management grew its holdings in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 4.0% during the 4th quarter. CCLA Investment Management now owns 841,435 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $82,023,000 after acquiring an additional 32,367 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 96.54% of the companys stock.

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Alexandria Real Estate Equities Stock Down 1.3 %

Alexandria Real Estate Equities stock opened at $95.98 on Thursday. The firm has a market capitalization of $16.77 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 58.52, a PEG ratio of 3.85 and a beta of 1.16. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $101.92 and its 200 day simple moving average is $111.87. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56, a current ratio of 0.20 and a quick ratio of 0.20. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $94.35 and a fifty-two week high of $130.14.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Increases Dividend

Alexandria Real Estate Equities ( NYSE:ARE Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, January 27th. The real estate investment trust reported $2.39 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.91 by $1.48. Alexandria Real Estate Equities had a net margin of 9.62% and a return on equity of 1.31%. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. will post 9.47 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 15th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 31st were issued a dividend of $1.32 per share. This represents a $5.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.50%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, December 31st. This is a boost from Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess previous quarterly dividend of $1.30. Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess payout ratio is 321.95%.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities announced that its board has initiated a share repurchase program on Monday, December 9th that allows the company to buyback $500.00 million in shares. This buyback authorization allows the real estate investment trust to repurchase up to 2.7% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are often an indication that the companys board believes its shares are undervalued.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of brokerages have weighed in on ARE. Wedbush reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $104.00 target price on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a research note on Wednesday. JMP Securities reaffirmed a market outperform rating and set a $130.00 price objective on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a report on Wednesday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut Alexandria Real Estate Equities from a buy rating to a hold rating and lowered their target price for the company from $135.00 to $112.00 in a research note on Friday, November 15th. Robert W. Baird cut their price target on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $137.00 to $130.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, November 8th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered Alexandria Real Estate Equities from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and lowered their price objective for the stock from $133.00 to $121.00 in a research report on Wednesday, November 27th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have assigned a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $121.30.

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Alexandria Real Estate Equities Profile

(Free Report)

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc (NYSE: ARE), an S&P 500 company, is a best-in-class, mission-driven life science REIT making a positive and lasting impact on the world. As the pioneer of the life science real estate niche since our founding in 1994, Alexandria is the preeminent and longest-tenured owner, operator, and developer of collaborative life science, agtech, and advanced technology mega campuses in AAA innovation cluster locations, including Greater Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, San Diego, Seattle, Maryland, and Research Triangle.

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Manning & Napier Advisors LLC cut its position in shares of Everest Group, Ltd. (NYSE:EG  Free Report) by 35.2% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 8,873 shares of the companys stock after selling 4,824 shares during the quarter. Manning & Napier Advisors LLCs holdings in Everest Group were worth $3,216,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in EG. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Everest Group by 1.4% in the 3rd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,155,760 shares of the companys stock worth $453,818,000 after buying an additional 16,180 shares during the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA raised its position in Everest Group by 6.6% in the third quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 490,691 shares of the companys stock worth $192,267,000 after acquiring an additional 30,458 shares during the period. Mizuho Securities USA LLC boosted its stake in Everest Group by 12,263.1% in the third quarter. Mizuho Securities USA LLC now owns 415,400 shares of the companys stock valued at $162,766,000 after acquiring an additional 412,040 shares during the last quarter. FMR LLC grew its position in shares of Everest Group by 21.5% during the 3rd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 410,861 shares of the companys stock valued at $160,988,000 after acquiring an additional 72,822 shares during the period. Finally, Assetmark Inc. increased its stake in shares of Everest Group by 39.7% during the 3rd quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 409,989 shares of the companys stock worth $160,646,000 after purchasing an additional 116,559 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 92.64% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts have weighed in on EG shares. Jefferies Financial Group lowered Everest Group from a buy rating to a hold rating and increased their price objective for the company from $420.00 to $429.00 in a report on Tuesday, November 26th. Barclays decreased their price objective on Everest Group from $499.00 to $461.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday. UBS Group raised shares of Everest Group to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, October 9th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lifted their target price on shares of Everest Group from $420.00 to $434.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, January 10th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price target on shares of Everest Group from $390.00 to $380.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, January 14th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Everest Group has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $431.22.

Everest Group Trading Down 4.2 %

Everest Group stock opened at $352.06 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.22, a quick ratio of 0.40 and a current ratio of 0.40. Everest Group, Ltd. has a fifty-two week low of $343.76 and a fifty-two week high of $407.30. The stock has a market cap of $15.13 billion, a P/E ratio of 5.51, a PEG ratio of 2.47 and a beta of 0.65. The firms fifty day moving average price is $366.84 and its 200-day moving average price is $375.87.

Everest Group Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 13th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 27th were issued a $2.00 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, November 27th. This represents a $8.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.27%. Everest Groups payout ratio is currently 12.52%.

Insider Activity

In other Everest Group news, COO James Allan Williamson sold 200 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $370.00, for a total transaction of $74,000.00. Following the sale, the chief operating officer now owns 15,009 shares in the company, valued at $5,553,330. This trade represents a 1.32 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Director William F. Galtney, Jr. acquired 2,870 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 4th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $348.64 per share, with a total value of $1,000,596.80. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now directly owns 32,822 shares in the company, valued at approximately $11,443,062.08. This represents a 9.58 % increase in their position. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Corporate insiders own 1.20% of the companys stock.

Everest Group Profile

(Free Report)

Everest Group, Ltd., through its subsidiaries, provides reinsurance and insurance products in the United States, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through two segment, Insurance and Reinsurance. The Reinsurance segment writes property and casualty reinsurance; and specialty lines of business through reinsurance brokers, as well as directly with ceding companies in the United States, Bermuda, Ireland, Canada, Singapore, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

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MEG Energy Corp. (TSE:MEG  Get Free Report) has been assigned an average rating of Moderate Buy from the ten analysts that are currently covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. The average 12 month target price among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is C$32.27.

MEG has been the subject of several recent research reports. ATB Capital decreased their price objective on MEG Energy from C$37.00 to C$35.00 in a report on Wednesday, November 27th. TD Securities raised their target price on MEG Energy from C$35.00 to C$36.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 6th. BMO Capital Markets cut their target price on MEG Energy from C$37.00 to C$34.00 in a research note on Friday, October 4th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada cut their target price on MEG Energy from C$33.00 to C$31.00 in a research note on Tuesday, January 14th.

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Insider Activity

MEG Energy Trading Up 3.6 %

In other MEG Energy news, Director Kimberley Elizabeth Lynch Proctor purchased 3,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 28th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of C$25.06 per share, with a total value of C$87,713.85. Also, Director Robert Ross Rooney purchased 8,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 18th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of C$23.06 per share, for a total transaction of C$195,993.00. In the last three months, insiders have bought 12,805 shares of company stock worth $303,669. 0.33% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Shares of MEG opened at C$24.20 on Friday. The business has a 50-day moving average of C$24.05 and a 200 day moving average of C$25.66. MEG Energy has a fifty-two week low of C$22.02 and a fifty-two week high of C$33.70. The firm has a market cap of C$6.52 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.52, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.17 and a beta of 2.89. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 26.35, a quick ratio of 1.17 and a current ratio of 1.54.

MEG Energy (TSE:MEG  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 5th. The company reported C$0.62 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of C$0.63 by C($0.01). MEG Energy had a return on equity of 12.99% and a net margin of 10.43%. The firm had revenue of C$1.27 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of C$1.33 billion. As a group, research analysts forecast that MEG Energy will post 2.2734628 EPS for the current year.

MEG Energy Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, January 15th were issued a $0.10 dividend. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.65%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 16th. MEG Energys payout ratio is currently 19.05%.

MEG Energy Company Profile

(Get Free Report

MEG Energy Corp., an energy company, focuses on sustainable in situ thermal oil production in its Christina Lake Project in the southern Athabasca oil region of Alberta, Canada. The company develops oil recovery projects that utilize steam-assisted gravity drainage extraction methods to improve the recovery of oil, as well as lower carbon emissions.

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Nokia Oyj (NYSE:NOK  Get Free Report) shares gapped up before the market opened on Thursday following a stronger than expected earnings report. The stock had previously closed at $4.44, but opened at $4.82. Nokia Oyj shares last traded at $4.78, with a volume of 11,197,429 shares traded.

The technology company reported $0.19 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.14 by $0.05. Nokia Oyj had a net margin of 2.18% and a return on equity of 8.32%.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of analysts have recently weighed in on NOK shares. The Goldman Sachs Group cut Nokia Oyj from a neutral rating to a sell rating and set a $3.60 price target on the stock. in a research report on Thursday, January 16th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised Nokia Oyj from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and raised their price target for the company from $4.35 to $6.35 in a report on Monday, December 9th. Northland Securities reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $6.50 price objective on shares of Nokia Oyj in a report on Friday, October 18th. Craig Hallum boosted their price target on shares of Nokia Oyj from $6.00 to $7.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, January 6th. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded shares of Nokia Oyj from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, January 23rd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Nokia Oyj has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $5.86.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Nokia Oyj

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Pzena Investment Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Nokia Oyj by 10.0% in the 3rd quarter. Pzena Investment Management LLC now owns 90,785,960 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $396,735,000 after purchasing an additional 8,261,407 shares during the period. FMR LLC lifted its position in shares of Nokia Oyj by 1,012.3% during the 3rd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 30,497,275 shares of the technology companys stock worth $133,273,000 after purchasing an additional 27,755,460 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its position in shares of Nokia Oyj by 2,505.3% in the third quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 730,311 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $3,191,000 after acquiring an additional 702,279 shares during the period. Bank of Montreal Can acquired a new position in shares of Nokia Oyj during the second quarter valued at about $2,501,000. Finally, QRG Capital Management Inc. raised its holdings in Nokia Oyj by 92.8% in the 3rd quarter. QRG Capital Management Inc. now owns 531,722 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $2,324,000 after acquiring an additional 255,893 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 5.28% of the companys stock.

Nokia Oyj Stock Performance

The company has a quick ratio of 1.46, a current ratio of 1.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14. The stock has a market capitalization of $25.87 billion, a P/E ratio of 59.44, a PEG ratio of 5.72 and a beta of 1.06. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $4.42 and a 200 day moving average of $4.32.

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.

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PagerDuty (NYSE:PD  Get Free Report) was downgraded by analysts at Bank of America from a buy rating to an underperform rating in a note issued to investors on Thursday, Marketbeat.com reports. They currently have a $18.00 price target on the stock, down from their prior price target of $23.00. Bank of Americas target price suggests a potential downside of 7.10% from the companys previous close.

A number of other equities analysts have also weighed in on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reaffirmed an underweight rating and issued a $21.00 target price on shares of PagerDuty in a research note on Wednesday, December 11th. Royal Bank of Canada upped their price objective on PagerDuty from $22.00 to $24.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 27th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, PagerDuty currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $21.64.

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PagerDuty Price Performance

Insiders Place Their Bets

NYSE PD opened at $19.38 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.52, a quick ratio of 1.97 and a current ratio of 1.97. PagerDuty has a 52-week low of $16.46 and a 52-week high of $25.47. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $19.25 and a 200 day simple moving average of $19.06. The stock has a market cap of $1.75 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -24.22 and a beta of 1.13.

In related news, CEO Jennifer Tejada sold 12,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $20.12, for a total value of $251,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 907,631 shares in the company, valued at approximately $18,261,535.72. This trade represents a 1.36 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, insider Shelley Webb sold 7,879 shares of PagerDuty stock in a transaction dated Monday, January 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $18.19, for a total value of $143,319.01. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 199,122 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,622,029.18. The trade was a 3.81 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 98,587 shares of company stock valued at $1,962,070 in the last 90 days. 7.60% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Trading of PagerDuty

A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its holdings in shares of PagerDuty by 285.8% during the third quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 1,263,841 shares of the companys stock worth $23,444,000 after acquiring an additional 936,257 shares during the period. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P grew its holdings in PagerDuty by 33.4% in the 3rd quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P now owns 808,365 shares of the companys stock valued at $14,995,000 after buying an additional 202,382 shares in the last quarter. Barclays PLC increased its position in PagerDuty by 24.2% during the 3rd quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 901,120 shares of the companys stock worth $16,716,000 after buying an additional 175,733 shares during the period. Edgestream Partners L.P. lifted its holdings in shares of PagerDuty by 297.0% during the third quarter. Edgestream Partners L.P. now owns 219,294 shares of the companys stock worth $4,068,000 after buying an additional 164,061 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Squarepoint Ops LLC bought a new stake in shares of PagerDuty in the second quarter valued at about $2,956,000. 97.26% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

PagerDuty Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

PagerDuty, Inc engages in the operation of a digital operations management platform in the United States and internationally. The companys digital operations management platform collects data and digital signals from virtually any software-enabled system or device and leverage machine learning to correlate, process, and predict opportunities and issues.

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By Akbar Novruz



Azerbaijans Commissioner for Human Rights, Sabina Aliyeva, has confirmed that the recent municipal elections held across the country were conducted in a democratic and transparent manner, with no violations observed.

According to Azernews, the Ombudsman provided a statement on January 29, detailing the extensive observations carried out during the elections. A total of 72 employees from the Ombudsmans office, including staff from the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, conducted monitoring at 708 polling stations across 101 electoral districts, including Baku, 37 other cities, and districts, as well as the Training and Education Center of the Azerbaijan Army and 16 penitentiary institutions.

Aliyeva emphasized that the necessary conditions for voters were in place at polling stations, in line with the countrys election laws, and no complaints or appeals regarding electoral rights violations were received on election day. Observers interacted with members of precinct election commissions, other observers, and voters, all of whom shared positive feedback about the process.

The Ombudsman noted that the elections were held in accordance with international standards, and citizens right to vote was fully upheld. The statement concluded with the affirmation that the municipal elections were free, fair, and orderly.
StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of PHX Minerals (NYSE:PHX  Free Report) in a report issued on Wednesday. The firm issued a hold rating on the oil and gas producers stock.

PHX Minerals Price Performance

Shares of PHX opened at $3.95 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.22, a current ratio of 3.19 and a quick ratio of 3.19. The companys fifty day moving average price is $3.91 and its 200-day moving average price is $3.59. PHX Minerals has a 1-year low of $2.95 and a 1-year high of $4.15. The firm has a market capitalization of $148.05 million, a PE ratio of 30.39 and a beta of 0.57.

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PHX Minerals (NYSE:PHX  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 6th. The oil and gas producer reported $0.03 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.04 by ($0.01). The business had revenue of $9.14 million during the quarter. PHX Minerals had a net margin of 12.33% and a return on equity of 4.16%. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.07 earnings per share.

PHX Minerals Dividend Announcement

Hedge Funds Weigh In On PHX Minerals

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 5th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 21st were issued a $0.04 dividend. This represents a $0.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.05%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 21st. PHX Mineralss payout ratio is presently 123.09%.

Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its position in shares of PHX Minerals by 5.0% in the second quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,631,869 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $5,320,000 after acquiring an additional 78,008 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its position in shares of PHX Minerals by 12.0% in the third quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 302,568 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $1,023,000 after buying an additional 32,406 shares in the last quarter. Empowered Funds LLC raised its stake in shares of PHX Minerals by 4.9% during the 4th quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 135,164 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $541,000 after buying an additional 6,320 shares during the period. James Investment Research Inc. lifted its position in shares of PHX Minerals by 40.9% during the 3rd quarter. James Investment Research Inc. now owns 15,500 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $52,000 after buying an additional 4,500 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Point72 Asia Singapore Pte. Ltd. acquired a new stake in PHX Minerals in the 3rd quarter valued at $44,000. 38.19% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

PHX Minerals Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

PHX Minerals Inc operates as a natural gas and oil mineral company in the United States. The company produces and sells natural gas, crude oil, and natural gas liquids. Its principal properties are located in Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, North Dakota, and Arkansas. The company sells its products to various purchasers, including pipeline and marketing companies.

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Magna International (NYSE:MGA  Free Report) (TSE:MG) had its target price reduced by Scotiabank from $52.00 to $49.00 in a research report report published on Monday morning,Benzinga reports. Scotiabank currently has a sector perform rating on the stock.

MGA has been the subject of a number of other reports. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on shares of Magna International from $46.00 to $44.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Monday, December 16th. Wolfe Research raised Magna International from an underperform rating to a peer perform rating in a research report on Thursday, December 5th. StockNews.com raised shares of Magna International from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday, November 4th. CIBC lifted their price target on shares of Magna International from $46.00 to $51.00 in a research note on Monday, January 13th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group downgraded shares of Magna International from a neutral rating to a sell rating and lowered their price objective for the company from $42.00 to $41.00 in a research report on Wednesday, December 11th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have issued a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Magna International has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $50.24.

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Magna International Stock Down 0.1 %

MGA stock opened at $41.06 on Monday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.77, a current ratio of 1.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39. The business has a 50 day moving average of $42.66 and a 200 day moving average of $42.11. Magna International has a twelve month low of $38.01 and a twelve month high of $59.37. The firm has a market cap of $11.61 billion, a PE ratio of 10.98, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.63 and a beta of 1.62.

Magna International (NYSE:MGA  Get Free Report) (TSE:MG) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 1st. The company reported $1.28 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.48 by ($0.20). Magna International had a return on equity of 11.88% and a net margin of 2.52%. The company had revenue of $10.28 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.34 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.46 EPS. Magna Internationals revenue for the quarter was down 3.8% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts forecast that Magna International will post 5.22 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Magna International Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 15th were paid a $0.475 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 15th. This represents a $1.90 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.63%. Magna Internationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 50.80%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Millennium Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Magna International by 135.5% in the second quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 162,739 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,818,000 after acquiring an additional 93,637 shares in the last quarter. Systematic Financial Management LP grew its position in shares of Magna International by 6.0% during the second quarter. Systematic Financial Management LP now owns 41,695 shares of the companys stock worth $1,747,000 after purchasing an additional 2,355 shares in the last quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV lifted its holdings 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 purchasing an additional 513 shares in the last quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC boosted its stake in Magna International by 11.2% in the 3rd quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 37,628 shares of the companys stock worth $1,544,000 after purchasing an additional 3,794 shares during the period. Finally, Tobam grew its holdings in Magna International by 94.3% during the 3rd quarter. Tobam now owns 4,373 shares of the companys stock valued at $179,000 after buying an additional 2,122 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 67.49% of the companys stock.

About Magna International

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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.

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Sivik Global Healthcare LLC purchased a new stake in The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI  Free Report) in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 12,000 shares of the health services providers stock, valued at approximately $3,314,000. The Cigna Group accounts for approximately 1.7% of Sivik Global Healthcare LLCs holdings, making the stock its 25th largest holding.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in CI. FMR LLC increased its position in The Cigna Group by 2.0% in the 3rd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 14,230,397 shares of the health services providers stock valued at $4,929,978,000 after acquiring an additional 279,880 shares during the period. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA lifted its position in shares of The Cigna Group by 1.2% in the 3rd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 11,054,958 shares of the health services providers stock worth $3,829,880,000 after purchasing an additional 130,048 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of The Cigna Group by 0.4% in the 3rd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 5,855,443 shares of the health services providers stock valued at $2,021,563,000 after purchasing an additional 22,408 shares during the last quarter. Parnassus Investments LLC increased its position in shares of The Cigna Group by 2.1% during the third quarter. Parnassus Investments LLC now owns 2,922,121 shares of the health services providers stock worth $1,012,340,000 after buying an additional 59,011 shares during the period. Finally, UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC raised its stake in The Cigna Group by 2.1% during the third quarter. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC now owns 2,168,959 shares of the health services providers stock worth $751,414,000 after buying an additional 44,810 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 86.99% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their price objective on The Cigna Group from $384.00 to $377.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, November 1st. StockNews.com downgraded The Cigna Group from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday, November 4th. Piper Sandler reiterated an overweight rating and set a $394.00 price target (up previously from $392.00) on shares of The Cigna Group in a report on Tuesday, November 5th. Truist Financial cut their price objective on shares of The Cigna Group from $420.00 to $390.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday, January 6th. Finally, Stephens reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $410.00 target price on shares of The Cigna Group in a report on Friday, November 1st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, fourteen have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $395.93.

The Cigna Group Stock Down 8.0 %

Shares of NYSE CI opened at $279.07 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71, a current ratio of 0.72 and a quick ratio of 0.72. The Cigna Group has a one year low of $262.03 and a one year high of $370.83. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $296.45 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $325.14. The stock has a market capitalization of $77.62 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.44, a PEG ratio of 0.78 and a beta of 0.54.

The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 30th. The health services provider reported $6.64 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $7.84 by ($1.20). The Cigna Group had a net margin of 1.31% and a return on equity of 18.42%. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $6.79 earnings per share. As a group, analysts expect that The Cigna Group will post 28.5 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The Cigna Group Company Profile

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The Cigna Group, together with its subsidiaries, provides insurance and related products and services in the United States. Its Evernorth Health Services segment provides a range of coordinated and point solution health services, including pharmacy benefits, home delivery pharmacy, specialty pharmacy, distribution, and care delivery and management solutions to health plans, employers, government organizations, and health care providers.

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Sonic Automotive, Inc. (NYSE:SAH  Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $72.67 and last traded at $72.53, with a volume of 166070 shares. The stock had previously closed at $71.10.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of analysts have weighed in on the stock. Seaport Res Ptn raised shares of Sonic Automotive from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, November 21st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price objective on shares of Sonic Automotive from $75.00 to $74.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, January 17th. Needham & Company LLC restated a buy rating and issued a $74.00 target price on shares of Sonic Automotive in a report on Thursday, January 16th. Bank of America decreased their price target on Sonic Automotive from $67.00 to $66.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Monday, October 14th. Finally, Stephens raised Sonic Automotive from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, January 24th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, three have assigned a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $67.20.

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Sonic Automotive Stock Performance

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Sonic Automotive

The company has a market cap of $2.51 billion, a PE ratio of 13.06 and a beta of 1.67. The company has a 50-day moving average of $66.70 and a 200-day moving average of $61.40. The company has a quick ratio of 0.35, a current ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.87.

A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in SAH. Hsbc Holdings PLC grew its holdings in shares of Sonic Automotive by 36.0% in the second quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC now owns 6,743 shares of the companys stock valued at $366,000 after acquiring an additional 1,784 shares in the last quarter. Marshall Wace LLP grew its stake in Sonic Automotive by 831.1% in the 2nd quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 35,969 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,959,000 after purchasing an additional 32,106 shares during the period. AQR Capital Management LLC increased its position in shares of Sonic Automotive by 142.2% during the 2nd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 29,755 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,621,000 after purchasing an additional 17,472 shares during the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Sonic Automotive by 3.8% during the 2nd quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 456,588 shares of the companys stock worth $24,870,000 after purchasing an additional 16,556 shares during the period. Finally, Susquehanna Fundamental Investments LLC purchased a new position in shares of Sonic Automotive in the 2nd quarter worth about $645,000. 46.92% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Sonic Automotive Company Profile

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Sonic Automotive, Inc operates as an automotive retailer in the United States. It operates in three segments, Franchised Dealerships, EchoPark, and Powersports. The Franchised Dealerships segment is involved in the sale of new and used cars and light trucks, and replacement parts; provision of vehicle maintenance, manufacturer warranty repair, and paint and collision repair services; and arrangement of extended warranties, service contracts, financing, insurance, and other aftermarket products for its guests.

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Lundin Mining (TSE:LUN  Get Free Report) had its target price reduced by Stifel Nicolaus from C$17.50 to C$16.00 in a research note issued on Thursday,BayStreet.CA reports. The firm currently has a buy rating on the mining companys stock. Stifel Nicolaus target price would suggest a potential upside of 32.34% from the companys current price.

Several other analysts have also recently weighed in on LUN. Ventum Financial boosted their price objective on shares of Lundin Mining from C$18.50 to C$19.00 in a research note on Friday, October 18th. UBS Group dropped their price objective on shares of Lundin Mining from C$17.00 to C$15.50 in a report on Tuesday, January 7th. Raymond James dropped their price objective on shares of Lundin Mining from C$15.00 to C$14.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, January 16th. Jefferies Financial Group lowered their target price on shares of Lundin Mining from C$20.00 to C$16.00 in a report on Monday, January 6th. Finally, Scotiabank lowered shares of Lundin Mining from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 15th. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight 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 price target of C$17.19.

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Lundin Mining Stock Performance

Shares of TSE:LUN traded up C$0.29 during trading on Thursday, reaching C$12.09. 249,401 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,335,791. The company has a current ratio of 1.49, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 24.64. Lundin Mining has a 12 month low of C$10.56 and a 12 month high of C$17.97. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of C$12.81 and a 200-day moving average price of C$13.39. The firm has a market cap of C$9.39 billion, a PE ratio of 43.18, a PEG ratio of -0.26 and a beta of 1.66.

Lundin Mining (TSE:LUN  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 6th. The mining company reported C$0.12 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of C$0.24 by C($0.12). Lundin Mining had a net margin of 4.21% and a return on equity of 5.04%. The firm had revenue of C$1.46 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$1.49 billion.

Lundin Mining Company Profile

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Lundin Mining Corporation, a diversified base metals mining company, engages in the exploration, development, and mining of mineral properties in Chile, Brazil, the United States, Portugal, Sweden, and Argentina. It primarily produces copper, zinc, gold, nickel, and molybdenum, as well as lead, silver, and other metals.

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Hantz Financial Services Inc. cut its stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM  Free Report) by 0.8% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 26,215 shares of the semiconductor companys stock after selling 200 shares during the quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc.s holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing were worth $5,177,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other large investors have also modified their holdings of the stock. FMR LLC boosted its position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 7.2% in the third quarter. FMR LLC now owns 55,974,769 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $9,721,138,000 after buying an additional 3,783,802 shares during the period. Fisher Asset Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 1.3% in the third quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 28,767,106 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $4,995,984,000 after buying an additional 359,854 shares during the period. Van ECK Associates Corp boosted its position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 0.7% in the third quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 18,289,993 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $3,176,423,000 after buying an additional 122,828 shares during the period. WCM Investment Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 14.1% in the third quarter. WCM Investment Management LLC now owns 9,738,181 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $1,733,104,000 after buying an additional 1,206,359 shares during the period. Finally, Janus Henderson Group PLC boosted its position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 19.9% in the third quarter. Janus Henderson Group PLC now owns 6,485,854 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $1,126,420,000 after buying an additional 1,075,425 shares during the period. 16.51% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several analysts recently issued reports on TSM shares. Susquehanna reiterated a buy rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a report on Friday, October 18th. Barclays increased their price objective on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $240.00 to $255.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, January 17th. StockNews.com lowered Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday. Finally, Needham & Company LLC reiterated a buy rating and set a $225.00 price objective on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a report on Thursday, January 16th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $220.00.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Stock Up 0.0 %

Shares of TSM opened at $202.46 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $1.05 trillion, a P/E ratio of 28.76, a PEG ratio of 0.74 and a beta of 1.07. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24, a current ratio of 2.57 and a quick ratio of 2.30. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited has a one year low of $112.61 and a one year high of $226.40. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $201.42 and its 200-day simple moving average is $185.89.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:TSM  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 16th. The semiconductor company reported $2.24 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.16 by $0.08. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a net margin of 40.51% and a return on equity of 30.47%. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited will post 9.12 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 10th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, March 18th will be given a dividend of $0.5484 per share. This is a boost from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings previous quarterly dividend of $0.49. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 18th. This represents a $2.19 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.08%. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings payout ratio is presently 27.27%.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Profile

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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.

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Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc. announced on January 27 that Michael Adam Chodos, aged 66, has joined the companys Board of Directors and has been appointed to the Audit and Compensation Committees. Prior to this role, Mr. Chodos served as the Principal at the Law Offices of Michael Chodos from 1984 till present. He has also held executive positions such as Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary of Medsphere Systems Corporation from June 2020 to September 2023, as well as the role of General Counsel and Senior Vice President at Notarize, Inc. from June 2016 to February 2020. Mr. Chodos brings with him extensive corporate counsel experience, entrepreneurship, and board advisory expertise, with a focus on transactional matters, corporate finance, governance, compliance, labor relations, regulatory affairs, and government relations across various industries.

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Concurrently, the company also announced the resignation of Barre A. Seibert from Tootsie Roll Industries Board of Directors. Seiberts departure follows 20 years of dedicated service to the company.

The formal filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) was signed by G. Howard Ember, Jr., who serves as the Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer for Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc., on January 29, 2025.

Investors and stakeholders will be closely monitoring the impact of these changes on Tootsie Roll Industries and its future strategic direction.

This news comes after a series of changes and developments within Tootsie Roll Industries, demonstrating the companys commitment to maintaining a diverse and experienced Board of Directors to guide its operations in the dynamic marketplace.

This article was generated by an automated content engine and was reviewed by a human editor prior to publication. For additional information, read Tootsie Roll Industriess 8K filing here.

Tootsie Roll Industries Company Profile

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Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the manufacture and sale of confectionery products in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and internationally. It sells its products under the Tootsie Roll, Tootsie Fruit Rolls, Frooties, Tootsie Pops, Tootsie Mini Pops, Child's Play, Caramel Apple Pops, Charms, Blow-Pop, Charms Mini Pops, Cella's, Dots, Junior Mints, Charleston Chew, Sugar Daddy, Sugar Babies, Andes, Fluffy Stuff, Dubble Bubble, Razzles, Cry Baby, NIK-L-NIP, and Tutsi Pop trademarks.

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The Travelers Companies, Inc., a Minnesota-based insurance giant, announced in an 8-K filing dated January 27, 2025, that senior leaders will engage in upcoming meetings with investors and analysts. Prior to these gatherings, the company shared a slide presentation on its website in the Investors section at www.travelers.com.

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The slides showcased in the presentation, accessible for reference during the upcoming meetings, are provided as Exhibit 99.1 in the filing. The company clarified that the participation in the meetings will not be webcast or publicly disclosed beyond the referenced material. As stipulated in Form 8-Ks General Instruction B.2, the disclosed information shall not be considered filed under Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, nor incorporated by reference unless specifically noted in future filings.

In the same filing, under Item 9.01, the company detailed the financial statements and exhibits provided. Exhibit 99.1 contains the aforementioned Investor Presentation for January 2025, marked as furnished rather than filed. In addition, the company included Inline XBRL formatting on the cover page, all in adherence with Rule 406 of Regulation S-T.

Looking within Exhibit 99.1, it provides a comprehensive view of the key elements highlighted in the presentation. Topics covered encompass creating shareholder value, the companys long-term financial strategy, and its outlook for the future, including its profitability and competitiveness goals. The presentation also delves into the companys historical performance, underwriting income, and underlying profitability, setting a backdrop for a detailed understanding of its financial journey.

Moreover, the material references the companys adjusted book value per share, which excludes net unrealized investment gains and preferred stock, emphasizing a perspective more focused on operational aspects rather than market fluctuation. This signifies a strategic shift towards a more stable and consistent value metric for the company.

The emphasized Investor Presentation carries weighty information regarding the companys financial standing, operational focus, and strategic direction, offering investors and analysts a closer look into The Travelers Companies robust financial health and growth strategies.

This article was generated by an automated content engine and was reviewed by a human editor prior to publication. For additional information, read Travelers Companiess 8K filing here.

Travelers Companies Company Profile

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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.

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Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW  Free Report) had its price objective boosted by UBS Group from $90.00 to $95.00 in a report published on Monday morning,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a buy rating on the financial services providers stock.

Several other research firms have also commented on SCHW. Barclays lifted their price target on shares of Charles Schwab from $95.00 to $96.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 22nd. Redburn Partners decreased their price target on Charles Schwab from $70.00 to $68.00 and set a sell rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, January 17th. JMP Securities reissued a market outperform rating and set a $94.00 price objective (up from $84.00) on shares of Charles Schwab in a research report on Monday, December 9th. Jefferies Financial Group upped their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $84.00 to $94.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, December 9th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lifted their price target on shares of Charles Schwab from $81.00 to $93.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, December 20th. 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 stock. According to MarketBeat, Charles Schwab presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $84.11.

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Charles Schwab Stock Performance

NYSE SCHW opened at $82.13 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.59, a quick ratio of 0.47 and a current ratio of 0.47. The stocks fifty day moving average is $77.86 and its two-hundred day moving average is $70.92. The firm has a market capitalization of $146.17 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.47, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.46 and a beta of 0.99. Charles Schwab has a fifty-two week low of $61.01 and a fifty-two week high of $83.35.

Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results 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 net margin of 30.31% and a return on equity of 18.20%. The firm had revenue of $5.33 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.19 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.68 EPS. The companys revenue was up 19.5% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts anticipate that Charles Schwab will post 4.09 earnings per share for the current year.

Charles Schwab Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 28th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 14th will be paid a $0.27 dividend. This is a boost from Charles Schwabs previous quarterly dividend of $0.25. This represents a $1.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.31%. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 33.44%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, insider Jonathan S. Beatty sold 2,300 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, November 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $82.01, for a total value of $188,623.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 18,069 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,481,838.69. This trade represents a 11.29 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, General Counsel Peter J. Morgan III sold 14,643 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, January 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $80.70, for a total transaction of $1,181,690.10. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 50,014 shares of company stock valued at $4,052,281 in the last three months. 6.60% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Charles Schwab

Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 62.6% during the third quarter. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. now owns 387 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 149 shares during the last quarter. Capital Performance Advisors LLP acquired a new stake in shares of Charles Schwab in the 3rd quarter valued at about $25,000. Prospera Private Wealth LLC purchased a new position in Charles Schwab during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $31,000. Future Financial Wealth Managment LLC acquired a new position in Charles Schwab during the third quarter worth approximately $32,000. Finally, Hazlett Burt & Watson Inc. purchased a new stake in Charles Schwab in the third quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 84.38% of the companys stock.

About Charles Schwab

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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.

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Union Bancaire Privee UBP SA purchased a new stake in Manulife Financial Co. (NYSE:MFC  Free Report) (TSE:MFC) during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 4,508 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $138,000.

Other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Brooklyn Investment Group bought a new stake in Manulife Financial during the 3rd quarter valued at $26,000. West Financial Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Manulife Financial during the third quarter valued at about $26,000. Capital Performance Advisors LLP acquired a new stake in Manulife Financial in the third quarter worth about $30,000. Fortitude Family Office LLC acquired a new position in Manulife Financial during the 3rd quarter valued at about $31,000. Finally, Tsfg LLC raised its position in shares of Manulife Financial by 103.8% during the 3rd quarter. Tsfg LLC now owns 1,404 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $42,000 after buying an additional 715 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 52.56% of the companys stock.

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Manulife Financial Price Performance

NYSE MFC opened at $30.38 on Thursday. Manulife Financial Co. has a 12 month low of $21.54 and a 12 month high of $33.07. The firm has a market capitalization of $52.51 billion, a PE ratio of 14.67, a P/E/G ratio of 1.05 and a beta of 1.09. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $31.03 and its 200 day simple moving average is $29.30.

Manulife Financial Increases Dividend

Manulife Financial ( NYSE:MFC Get Free Report ) (TSE:MFC) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 6th. The financial services provider reported $1.00 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.70 by $0.30. Manulife Financial had a return on equity of 16.11% and a net margin of 9.79%. The company had revenue of $10.69 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.73 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.69 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Manulife Financial Co. will post 2.69 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 19th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 20th were paid a $0.296 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, November 20th. This represents a $1.18 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.90%. This is a boost from Manulife Financials previous quarterly dividend of $0.29. Manulife Financials payout ratio is currently 59.42%.

Manulife Financial Profile

(Free Report)

Manulife Financial Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial products and services in the United States, Canada, Asia, and internationally. The company operates through Wealth and Asset Management Businesses; Insurance and Annuity Products; and Corporate and Other segments. The Wealth and Asset Management Businesses segment offers investment advice and solutions to retirement, retail, and institutional clients through multiple distribution channels, including agents and brokers affiliated with the company, independent securities brokerage firms and financial advisors pension plan consultants, and banks.

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Union Bancaire Privee UBP SA purchased a new position in shares of AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV  Free Report) during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 748 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $127,000.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. State Street Corp increased its stake in shares of AbbVie by 1.6% during the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 79,067,935 shares of the companys stock valued at $15,614,329,000 after acquiring an additional 1,267,685 shares during the last quarter. FMR LLC raised its stake in AbbVie by 3.9% during the third quarter. FMR LLC now owns 13,630,404 shares of the companys stock worth $2,691,732,000 after purchasing an additional 511,470 shares during the period. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC boosted its holdings in shares of AbbVie by 6.1% in the 3rd quarter. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC now owns 10,175,926 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,009,542,000 after purchasing an additional 582,953 shares during the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA grew its stake in shares of AbbVie by 4.2% during the 3rd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 9,330,779 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,842,642,000 after buying an additional 373,802 shares during the period. Finally, International Assets Investment Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of AbbVie by 1,745.0% during the 3rd quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 4,728,063 shares of the companys stock worth $933,698,000 after buying an additional 4,471,806 shares during the last quarter. 70.23% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, SVP Kevin K. Buckbee sold 1,800 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $172.24, for a total transaction of $310,032.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 6,983 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,202,751.92. This trade represents a 20.49 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. 0.25% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several brokerages have commented on ABBV. UBS Group upped their price target on AbbVie from $195.00 to $200.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, October 31st. Argus upgraded shares of AbbVie from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday, November 4th. Bank of America reiterated a neutral rating and set a $191.00 price objective on shares of AbbVie in a research note on Tuesday, December 10th. Piper Sandler lifted their target price on shares of AbbVie from $212.00 to $220.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, December 17th. Finally, Daiwa America downgraded AbbVie from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, December 5th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seventeen have issued a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $205.00.

Check Out Our Latest Report on AbbVie

AbbVie Stock Performance

Shares of ABBV stock opened at $175.21 on Thursday. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $176.22 and a 200 day simple moving average of $184.97. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 9.64, a current ratio of 0.65 and a quick ratio of 0.54. The firm has a market capitalization of $309.62 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 60.84, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.68 and a beta of 0.58. AbbVie Inc. has a 12-month low of $153.58 and a 12-month high of $207.32.

AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 30th. The company reported $3.00 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.92 by $0.08. AbbVie had a return on equity of 244.01% and a net margin of 9.22%. The company had revenue of $14.46 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.28 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $2.95 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 3.8% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that AbbVie Inc. will post 10.06 EPS for the current year.

AbbVie Profile

(Free Report)

AbbVie Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers Humira, an injection for autoimmune and intestinal Behcet's diseases, and pyoderma gangrenosum; Skyrizi to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic disease, and Crohn's disease; Rinvoq to treat rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, atopic dermatitis, axial spondyloarthropathy, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease; Imbruvica for the treatment of adult patients with blood cancers; Epkinly to treat lymphoma; Elahere to treat cancer; and Venclexta/Venclyxto to treat blood cancers.

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Marshalls plc (LON:MSLH  Get Free Report) insider Vanda Murray purchased 4,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, January 29th. The stock was bought at an average price of GBX 248 ($3.09) per share, for a total transaction of 9,920 ($12,350.60).

Marshalls Stock Up 2.7 %

MSLH stock opened at GBX 256.63 ($3.20) on Thursday. Marshalls plc has a 1-year low of GBX 231.50 ($2.88) and a 1-year high of GBX 366 ($4.56). The business has a fifty day moving average price of GBX 287.25 and a 200-day moving average price of GBX 319.46. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 33.19, a current ratio of 1.86 and a quick ratio of 1.34. The stock has a market capitalization of 648.93 million, a P/E ratio of 3,207.81, a P/E/G ratio of 0.17 and a beta of 1.26.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, Berenberg Bank restated a buy rating and issued a GBX 420 ($5.23) price target on shares of Marshalls in a research note on Wednesday, January 22nd.

Marshalls Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Established in the late 1880s, Marshalls plc is a leading UK manufacturer of sustainable solutions for the built environment. It operates through three trading divisions: Landscape Products; Roofing Products; and Building Products. At a Group, divisional and brand level, Marshalls strategy centres around its customers who value its unique set of capabilities, namely leading brands, best in class technical and design support and carbon leadership.

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As far as grovelling brown-nosing apologies, and cowardice goes, no one exemplifies this disgusting method of endearment and capitulation than Peter Mandelson AKA The Dark Lord, or Mandy. As witnessed in a horrific video showcasing this apology to Trump, it appears that he has stuck his nose so far up Trumps sphincter that he can smell the Teflon Dons Big Mac as it goes down his gullet. The Dark Lord kisses the Trump ringpiece with voracity, yet it all smacks of duplicity and falsity. The question is, will the Americans fall for such obvious lies spouted by the Dark Lord?

The Americans were appalled by Starmer pushing for Mandelson to be made British ambassador in Washington, but it seems the brown-nosing Mandy apology may have appeased them  for now.

Breaking: Peter Mandelson, close friend of Jeffrey Epstein, gives a perfect if not nauseating display of arse licking, as he grovels and tries to make up with Donald Trump for his vile remarks about the President. Wipe the brown stuff off your nose, Peter. pic.twitter.com/7S4HYtmib2  MrBounceBack.com (@Bounce_BackLoan) January 29, 2025

The ambassador job in Washington will obviously be a lucrative deal for Mandy, imagine the sauna parties hosted by Obama and Big Mike, and the American twinks shipped in from California. Lord Mandy probably salivates at the very thought, as well as the lucrative deals he will broker for his Chinese CCP contacts. Then theres the EU trade deals he will have his grotty hands on, persuading the dumb Americans that the EU has their best interests at heart.

One of Lord Mandys jobs will be to rein in Trump on fossil fuels and to convert the USA to low carbon technologies as he did in the UK.

LABOUR  Good God  if you thought it couldnt get worse, it can! Peter Mandelson, One of the UKs most hated ex politicians, stated 15 years ago that public services should force behaviour change on the British public in the name of climate change Well hes about to pic.twitter.com/hKc4MCjXjg  Bernie (@Artemisfornow) December 19, 2024

Let us hope the Americans dont fall for such duplicitous trickery from the crooked Lord Mandy as he kisses the Trump ringpiece. He is a man so corrupt that he would sell his own grandmother to Chinese organ removal firms for a few measly pennies. It is a certainty that he meant every word he originally uttered about Trump, and it will be incredibly stupid of Trump to forget those words.
Enter Dal Solutions  a new editorial series showcasing the tangible impact of Dalhousies research in the communities it serves. At its heart lies a commitment to celebrating the human connections and collaborations that make progress possible, with a particular focus on Nova Scotia, where research meets the needs of those closest to home.

Dalhousie research positively impacts lives in Nova Scotia, Canada and around the world. From innovations that have the power to shift industries and advocacy that improves the care of our most vulnerable to discoveries that have the potential to slow the pace of global warming, our researchers are making a difference.

Our research community is delivering real solutions  whether its as a global leader in ocean and environmental science helping to fight climate change, through research commercialization that contributes to our regional and national economies, by influencing policy to improve equity and support civil society, or through discoveries that improve our well-being and longevity, says Kim Brooks, Dalhousies president and vice-chancellor.

By telling the story of how our researchers are working in and with the community, we hope to strengthen our bonds with the people we are here to serve and to celebrate our shared successes.

Today marks the launch of the DalSolutions editorial hub, featuring six stories that exemplify research with a purpose  research that is changing lives and helping to shape the world for the better:

This is just the beginning. Each month, DalSolutions will share new stories of how Dalhousie researchers are pursuing tangible solutions to important challenges at home and around the world. Upcoming features will explore how our researchers are revolutionizing care for heart disease, building systems to improve health-care efficiency in Nova Scotia, enhancing access to mental-health services in the province, and much more.

If you know someone pursuing a DalSolution, let us know at DalSolutions@dal.ca
Ulster-Scots poet Anne McMaster explores womens writing in Northern Ireland in Out Of The Silence, a new documentary for BBC iPlayer and BBC One Northern Ireland to be broadcast on Tuesday 11 February at 10.40pm.

The documentary has been produced by DoubleBand Films, with assistance from the Northern Ireland Screen Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund.

Anne McMaster grew up on her family farm outside Garvagh, County Londonderry, before leaving Northern Ireland for California.

Her fathers death brought her back home, to look after the family farm, and to write. It wasnt only Annes return that inspired her to become a poet. It was also her Presbyterian family background and language of her homeplace  Ulster-Scots.

Today, Anne is a leading voice in the creative resurgence in Ulster-Scots writing.

In Out Of The Silence, Anne explores how womens writing in Ulster has moved from the margins into the mainstream  through an Ulster-Scots lens. She uncovers unsung literary heroines from our past and meets members of the new generation of female writers from Northern Ireland, to find out what has inspired their literary imaginations.

Anne discovers how the poems of little known Aghadowey poet Olivia Elder offer a unique insight into a 17th Century rural Ulster community, as seen from a female perspective. She also hears how Donegal poet Sarah Leech used Ulster-Scots to dramatic effect, and how Janet McNeills Presbyterian family background shaped her novels set in 1950s Northern Ireland.

Jan Carson tells Anne how her Presbyterian upbringing has shaped her writing, while Michelle Gallen describes how Ulster-Scots words influence her characters dialogue. And Wendy Erskine reveals how she finds inspiration in the lives of the people of east Belfast.

Interwoven with the stories of past writers and her encounters with contemporary female writers is Annes personal reflections on how she discovered her own literary voice  by embracing her Ulster-Scots heritage and language. She also considers how Ulster-Scots, after decades of rejection within the classroom, has been embraced and revitalised by a new generation of writers, including herself.
This February the Tower Museum will be bringing the stories behind some famous art works to life as part of the Playful Museums Festival, which is supported by the Northern Ireland Museums Council, Derry City and Strabane District Council and funded by Art Fund.

As part of this programme a series of events will be held in the Tower Museum on February 12th and February 19th, aimed at children under five.

Led by the wonderfully creative MakeyUppers, the Living Art  Stories behind the Art events will take a peep behind the frames of some well-known art pieces, to find out more about their history.

The aim of the festival is to nurture creativity in young children from an early age, by promoting better understanding of the work through story-telling and interactive activities.

Four sessions will take place in the Tower Museums learning space at 11am and 2pm on the 12th and 19th February and can be booked by families, carers and nurseries/ playschools.

Archivist with the Tower Museum, Bernadette Walsh, encouraged people to book early to avoid disappointment. The Art UKs Superpower of Looking learning programme is the inspiration for this series and the museum team here want to find new ways to make art and history more accessible to a wider audience.

"The events will provide an opportunity for children  as well as their carers and teachers  to really engage with art and see how the selected pieces link to their emotions, as well as people, places and objects they are familiar with.

Storytelling, based around the selected artworks, will allow the children to play, create and communicate. Its a fun way to help equip children with the lifelong skill of visual literacy and nurture a love of not only viewing art but also making art. I would really advise booking ahead to ensure a space at the free events.

READ NEXT: Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens meets with students from North Coast Integrated College

Each session will include a craft-based activity, constructive play and, or, sensory sessions and children can take home their own piece of art to enjoy.

To book a place contact tower.reception@derrystrabane.com
The level of abuse and intimidation of women politicians in Northern Ireland is leading some to have doubts about running in elections, MPs have been told.

Cahir Hughes, head of Electoral Commission in Northern Ireland, said that female politicians in the region had suffered horrific abuse including incidents of stalking and being targeted by pornographic deepfake videos.

The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee was hearing evidence from officials at the Electoral Commission and the Electoral Office as part of its investigation into how elections are conducted in the region.

Responding to a question about abuse and intimidation of politicians and candidates in Northern Ireland, Mr Hughes said: Since 2022 female candidates and elected representatives have reported horrific abuse, misogynistic, sexist, violent (abuse).

We have been working very closely with the PSNI to challenge that over the last number of years.

It links in with the PSNIs strategy of tackling violence against women and girls.

Changes that have happened in recent elections, the PSNI will now give each candidate a single point of contact so that when they are out campaigning they know there is a police officer they can contact.

The PSNI are much more active now in terms of providing briefings for candidates and elected members in terms of stepping up their own security.

Mr Hughes said the Northern Ireland Assembly has now offered funding for MLAs so they can install security features at their personal address or office.

He added: I do think we need a cultural change within our society.

We have got a younger generation coming through that think that this is acceptable and a normal part of politics.

The threat in Northern Ireland and I suppose the UK, particularly when we speak to female candidates, is that people are going to stop putting themselves forward.

I think that would be hugely damaging to our democracy.

Recently, East Derry SDLP MLA Cara Hunter spoke out about how she feared a deepfake video would ruin her political career as she urged action to clamp down on online abuse.

Ms Hunter was targeted in April 2022 when a fake video was created to look as if she was taking part in pornographic activity with a man and shared online.

Alliance Party MP Sorcha Eastwood told the House of Commons this month of an experience leading a school visit to Parliament Buildings at Stormont when she was approached by a member of the public who said they wanted to rape her.

Mr Hughes said he encouraged politicians to report all incidents of abuse or intimidation to police.

He added: We have heard from candidates and elected representatives who have been stalked because the imprint on their election material, some candidates would use their home address or an office address and they will have people standing at the edge of the driveway or outside their office.

We know of female candidates who have been made intentionally to feel uncomfortable when they are out canvassing, be that hurling verbal abuse or just stalking and following.

He added: It is just frankly unacceptable and the real challenge is that female candidates are now having reservations about putting themselves for election and they have told us that as well.

Mr Hughes said the Electoral Commission was working with the Department of Education to improve education for young people about why people participate in politics.

David Marshall, the chief electoral officer for Northern Ireland, told MPs that his biggest concern in last years general election was around intimidation of polling station staff.

He said: They are exposed, they are running a polling station, it is extremely difficult when people are doing a public service.

We had situations where people were concerned over their safety in terms of coming and going from the polling station and and the police were involved in that.
A man has appeared at Derry Magistrates' Court charged with breaching his bail conditions an hour after being released from police custody.

Niall Martin (41) of Caw Close had been granted bail on Wednesday on charges of assault and criminal damage involving his on-and-off partner.

One of the conditions of his bail included not to be at the address of the injured party nor to enter the area where she lived.

The court was told that Martin was released from custody at around 1pm and within an hour of his release, police were called to her address following reports that he was banging on her door and throwing items.

Police objected to bail as they have no confidence that he would obey his conditions.

Defence Barrister Stephen Chapman told the court his client said that the injured party had called Martin to come and get his things when the incident happened.

Bail was revoked and he will appear again on February 27.
A landmark transformation is underway as construction work begins on Derry's historic Cathedral School, to create a state-of-the art circus school.

This ambitious project led by In Your Space Circus will breathe new life into this important listed building, blending heritage with contemporary performing arts to create a one-of-a-kind community and educational facility.

Originally opened in 1891 the Cathedral School has been empty and unused for almost 20 years. Now, through a new lease agreement and partnership with St. Columbs Cathedral, it will be repurposed into a premier space for aspiring circus performers, young people and community groups.

Significant funding of 750,000 was secured for the first phase of building works thanks to generous contributions from the UK Governments Community Ownership Fund, Swire Charitable Trust, Foyle Foundation and Arts & Business NI.

This follows financial support in 2023 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Architectural Heritage Fund and Arts Council of Northern Ireland, which enabled IYSC to initiate the planning and design stages of the project.

This project is a testament to the power of creative reinvention, said Robert McGonigle of St. Columbs Cathedral. By investing in the redevelopment of the Cathedral School, IYSC is not only preserving a piece of history but also creating a space that will inspire and nurture future talent.

Cath McBride, IYSCs Company Director said: We are immensely grateful to our funders for their belief in this visionary project. The Phase 1 construction work marks a pivotal step towards turning our dream into a reality - establishing a flagship venue for circus arts, and a home for our young people and artists, within the walls of this cherished historic building in the heart of the city.

A further 2.5 million will be required to complete the project. Building on initial funding success IYSC is launching a major fundraising appeal to support the ongoing capital redevelopment costs.

Ciara Canning, IYSCs Heritage Project Manager said: We are thrilled with the progress made so far, but there is still work to be done. Every contribution, no matter the size, will help us transform this fantastic building into a circus centre

for the city, inspiring future generations of performers.

With further funding, construction is expected to progress steadily, with an anticipated completion date of mid-2027. The charity encourages all those interested in supporting the project to visit: www.inyourspaceni.org or contact Cath McBride to learn more about how they can contribute.

IYSC has created a short film to share more about the project and their aspirations for the Cathedral School. bit.ly/IYSCFilm
The situation being faced by victims and survivors of abuse in the North has been described as dire.

Marie Brown, CEO of Derrys Family Justice Centre and Foyle Womens Aid made her remarks during Wednesdays visit to the Centre by British Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, Jess Philips, and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Fleur Anderson.

She said: I welcome the Ministers visit because I am concerned about the dire situation for victims and survivors of abuse in Northern Ireland, due to the multi-faceted problems such as housing and barriers faced within the criminal justice system.

The Foyle Family Justice Centre on Bishop Street is the first of its kind in Britain and Ireland; it opened in 2022 and is a unique trauma-informed interagency response to victims of domestic and sexual violence where agencies work in a same building to provide a wrapround service.

The Family Justice Centre model has been specifically designed to increase and improve access to joined-up holistic support services for all victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse.

The co-location of relevant agencies prevents re-traumatisation of victims, who only have to relate their experiences once, and promotes collaborative, effective responses to keep families safe.

During their visit, the ministers met with survivors, staff and board members to learn about the work of the Centre and its new approach to bringing services to victims of domestic and sexual abuse.

They spoke with survivors of domestic abuse who shared their experiences of navigating services in the North and the issues facing survivors.

They also met Patron of the Family Justice Centre, Judge Barney McElholm and chairperson, Judge Tom Burgess, before being shown around the facilities at the purpose-built facility.

Ms Philips and Ms Anderson were then given a presentation by Aisling Swaine, Professor of Peace, Security and International Law at University College Dublin.

Professor Swaine is the author of the recently published report: When you know what they are capable of: Paramilitary-related Gendered Coercive Control.

Professor Swaine, a Family Justice Centre board member relayed the key insights of her research which is based on the experiences of women from Derry and the rest of the North.

Commenting on her visit, Minister Anderson said: The work of the Foyle Family Justice Centre in the local community is important.

Today we met with survivors of domestic abuse, and spoke with frontline staff who are on the ground supporting women impacted by violence.

The scale of these issues, here and right across the UK, is intolerable and the solution requires a partnership approach across society."

PICTURED ABOVE: Marie Brown, CEO of Derrys Family Justice Centre and Foyle Womens Aid, Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, Jess Philips, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Fleur Anderson, Judge Barney McElholm and Judge Tom Burgess.
St. Josephs Boys School Year 12 student Mykyta Telychko was the proud recipient of the prestigious Sentinus Young Scientist Overall Winner 2024 award in Belfast winning through from fierce opposition against over 100 students from schools across Northern Ireland.

The prestigious event brought together over 100 students aged 12-18 from schools and colleges from all counties where they showcased their innovative STEM projects.

His younger sibling and Year 9 student Makar also picked up second place in the 12-14 age group Engineering Category with his innovative project Interactive Ear on Arduino: Light Art Object That Reacts to Sound and Motion.

Mykytas project was based on an Interactive Dictionary For Learning Sign Languages Using Computer Vision and Open Databases.

The two young students, originally from Ukraine, only started in September, 2024 at St. Josephs and proudly boast that their parents work in the school with dad Sergiy, the librarian and mum Hanna working part-time as a science technician.

Indeed, the family only came to Derry in May 2024 through the Homes for Ukraine project and were sponsored by local Creggan couple Joe and Dana Feeney. They also live in the Creggan Estate, close to the school.

The science pedigree is obvious with dad boasting a Masters in Science Degree and mum a Phd. in Computer Science.

School Vice Principal, Fiona Harrigan-Stewart said the school was very proud of the two young students achievements and the award was a stepping-stone to further successes and accolades for not just Mykyta and Makar but other students in St. Josephs.

She said: "We at St. Josephs are very proud of the boys. For Mykyta to come away with the top prize is fantastic for him and indeed, the school family at St. Josephs.

"Well done to young brother Makar too in picking up a second place in the Engineering category in his age group. Its must be noted that this family only started at the school in September, 2024 and have certainly put their stamp on the ethos and positivity of St. Josephs Boys School. We are delighted that both mum and dad work in the school too."

Endorsing those sentiments and also congratulating the two boys, Principal Ciara Deane added: "Well done Mykyta and Mark. This triumph will inspire other students to develop mathematical and scientific skills during their time at St. Josephs and the two boys have set a standard for others to follow. Im sure our two staff members, mum and dad Hanna and Sergiy are as proud of their boys as we are."

Building on the recent success, Mrs. Deane also appealed to students to get involved in the schools STEM Club under the guidance of Mr. Telychko.

"We fully intend on building on this for next year, so if youre feeling inspired, we invite you to join our STEM Club which is held in the library every Monday to Friday from 3-5pm. Come along and sign up by visiting the schools library and lets innovate together."
Derry City and Strabane District Council is to adjourn on Thursday afternoon - the 53rd anniversary of Bloody Sunday - to enable councillors to attend the minutes silence dedicated to the children of Gaza at the Bloody Sunday monument in the Bogside.

Organised by the Bloody Sunday Trust, the event will take place at 4.00pm.

Proposing the adjournment, Mayor Lilian Seenoi-Barr said it was important to remember the innocent lives lost, their families forever changed and the justice still being sought.

I wanted us to honour their memory and stand with their loved ones who continue to seek accountability, she added.

As we reflect on this dark chapter of our history, we also turn out thoughts to those experiencing war and conflicts around the world today.

[The minutes silence] is a solemn reminder that innocent lives are still being taken and families still grieving and justice is still being sought.

May I also take this moment to remember all those innocent victims of violence and to pray for their families and to reaffirm our deepest hope that no community here or anywhere in the world should ever endure such atrocities again, said Mayor Seenoi-Barr.

Supporting the proposal, Cllr Shaun Harkin (PBP) said his thoughts today were with the families of the victims and the victims of the Parachute regiment who murdered 14 people and injured many others.

He added: Bloody Sunday had a massive impact on this city and right across this island and it continues to do so.

This is not just a commemoration because the struggle for truth and justice continues. The new British Government promised before it was elected it would get rid of the Legacy Act and allow victims to access truth and justice; it is clearly doing the same as the Tories by throwing all sorts of obstacles in the way, denying families access to truth and justice. The 53rd anniversary is also a protest and like last year, there will be a lot of people thinking about Palestine, said Cllr Harkin.

Cllr Aisling Hutton (Sinn Fein) extended her partys warm wishes to the families of Bloody Sunday.

[We want to] remember those 14 men and boys who were murdered on our streets that day.

Cllr Gary Donnelly (Independent) extended his solidarity to the families of the dead and those who were injured on Bloody Sunday.

These were innocent people, these were non-combatants. There are families still struggling, still campaigning and it has to be mentioned that they are still being demonised, he added.

They attract the attention of the worst elements of the far right and reactionaries who actually gloat and I think it is an absolute shame. It is not only those malign types of people but recently we have seen a leaked email from An Garda Siochana where they engaged in the demonisation process of people who are attending the annual Bloody Sunday March.

Families, despite having had this injustice of having their loved ones murdered, and the cover up and then being blamed, when this happens it is still very raw, said Cllr Donnelly.

On behalf of the SDLP, Cllr John Boyle said the memory of what happened on Bloody Sunday was seared into the collective memory of the people of Derry.

He added: I want to remember today our people who died on our streets on that particular day and the suffering that was visited upon their families and still continues to be.
HIGHLIGHTS One UI 7 introduces AI-powered features like Now Brief and Circle to Search for enhanced multitasking. The update includes tools like Call Transcript, Writing Assist, and Drawing Assist for productivity. The One UI 7 update will roll out to Galaxy S24, S23, S22, and other select devices.

One UI 7 release date: Samsung introduced the Android 15-based One UI 7 with the Samsung Galaxy S25 series at the launch event. The new update has brought some massive upgrades over the Android 14-based One UI 6, including new features, design tweaks, and more.

However, the One UI 7 is currently available with the Galaxy S25 series and is yet to roll out to other Galaxy devices. Heres everything we know so far about the One UI 7 features, supported devices, and availability.

One UI 7 features

The company has introduced Now Brief, a tailored AI-powered feature that will inform users about weather reports, health vitals, important insights, and more on a daily basis. Soon after you open the Galaxy device, the Now Bar will display an indication of the Now Brief.

READ: One UI 7 release timeline: Heres when Galaxy S23 series and Galaxy S24 series may get Android 15 update

The Android 15-based One UI 7 includes an improved Circle to Search feature that lets users act on phone numbers, emails, and URLs. Furthermore, AI-powered actionable searches offer contextual suggestions for seamless multitasking.

The Call Transcript, Writing Assist, and Drawing Assist can also be used to summarize, organize, and combine text and images. The company has also added an Audio Eraser to help users improve the audio clarity of their videos. The company has also added the Personal Data Engine, which provides secure, personalized experiences through on-device data processing.

One UI 7 release timeline

According to reports, the One UI 7 beta update is now available to select Galaxy S24 series users in a few countries, including India. The report adds that the stable One UI 7 update for the Galaxy S24 series will be available on February 7. The One UI 7 update for the Galaxy S23 series is expected to arrive in mid-February. The rest of the eligible devices will receive the update gradually over the coming months. Samsung has not confirmed an official release timeline for One UI 7.

One UI 7 supported devices

The Android 15-based One UI 7 supported devices include:

Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy S22 series, and Galaxy S21 series (including FE devices), Galaxy Z Fold 6, Flip 6, Fold 5, Flip 5, Fold 4, Flip 4, Fold 3, Flip 3.

In terms of A series, the Galaxy A73, A55, A54, A53, A35, A34, A33, A25, A24, A23, A15, A14, A05 and A05s will get the update.

The Galaxy M55, M54, M53, M35, M34, M33, and M15 will also get the One UI 7 update.

Speaking of the F series, the Galaxy F55, F54, F34, and F15 will also get the One UI 7 update.
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Speed limits on rural roads in Ireland are changing with drastic cuts also planned for urban centres over the coming months.

The first of these changes will come into effect on Friday, February 7, when default speed limits on rural local roads will decrease from 80km/h to 60km/h.

"New speed limit signs will replace existing ones to reflect this change. The meaning of the Rural Speed Limit sign (a white circle with three diagonal black lines) will change from 80km/h to 60km/h as well," the Department of Transport has said.

Later in 2025, the speed limit in urban cores, which include built up areas as well as housing estates and town centres, will reduce to 30km/h from 50km/h. The speed limit on national secondary roads will also reduce from 100km/h to 80km/h.

"Introducing more consistent and appropriate speed limits will help to improve road safety in Ireland," the Department says.

"These changes are being made under the Road Traffic Act 2024. The Act follows a number of key recommendations from the Speed Limit Review, which was undertaken by the Department in 2023."

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The changes have not been universally welcomed with some motorists and politicians saying the changes will be inappropriate on some routes.

In Laois for example, one councillor Paddy Bracken called it a "disaster" because people won't know there is a change.

"It's going to increase speeds. People will drive what way they want, there is nothing to indicate anything has changed. I think it's a bad move by the department," he said.

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley was unhappy at not being informed in their Municipal District meetings.

"I am shocked it's going live. Local democratically elected councillors haven't had an opportunity to put their piece in. The least the department should have done was meet us," she said.

BACKGROUND

Ministers OBrien and Canney have launched the Slower Speeds, Safer Roads information and awareness campaign, to highlight the forthcoming change in speed limits on rural local roads.

On Friday 7 February, the speed limit on many rural local roads will change from 80 kilometres per hour to 60 kilometres per hour. The Slower Speeds, Safer Roads campaign will run on radio, online, in print, and in out of home locations to increase awareness of this change.

In line with the Vision Zero aspiration for 2050 adopted across EU Member States, Irelands Government Road Safety Strategy 20212030 has the primary aim of reducing the number of deaths and serious injuries on Irish roads by 50% by 2030. International research indicates that speed is a contributory factor in a third of fatal collisions, and that reducing speed significantly reduces road deaths. Under the Phase 1 action plan for the Strategy, a working group of relevant stakeholders and subject matter experts was convened to review speed limits and to make recommendations to help set consistent and appropriate speed limits across the road network. The working group comprised the Department of Transport, Road Safety Authority (RSA), An Garda Siochana, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), the National Transport Authority (NTA), and the County and City Management Association (CCMA).

The Speed Limit Review was presented to Government and published in September 2023. The final report concluded that protecting vulnerable road users must be a key focus when setting speed limits. For example, the risk of being killed is much greater for collisions between a car and a vulnerable road user at 50 km/h, when compared with the same type of collision at 30 km/h.

In April 2024, the Road Traffic Act 2024 was signed into law and included provisions to amend the default speed limits on rural, local roads, urban roads and national secondary roads. The change in default speed limits for rural local roads, from 80km/h to 60km/h, will be implemented first, starting on 7 February 2025.

Future implementation phases will focus on the speed limit in urban cores, which include built up areas as well as housing estates and town centres, reducing to 30 km/h. The speed limit on national secondary roads is recommended to reduce from 100km/h to 80km/h.

Countries across Europe including France and the UK have lowered speed limits on certain road types in recent years. Subsequent research has indicated that reducing speed limits contributed to a 10% reduction in road fatalities in France and contributed to a reduction in insurance costs in the UK.

The structure of speed limit law in Ireland is that national legislation sets default speed limits for different classes of roads. Local Authorities may then make changes to the default by setting special speed limits for given roads in their areas. Recent legislation establishes a safer baseline for speed limits on affected road classes but has not diminished the important devolved role for Local Authorities to vary speed limits under their jurisdiction, where this is appropriate. The Department of Transport issued new guidelines to Local Authorities in early 2024 to assist them with this process.

Local authorities have received grants to change speed limit signs from 80 to 60 on relevant local roads. These will be in place on 7 February, so road users can see clearly which limit applies. The striped rural speed limit sign, which is used as an alternative to numeric speed limit signs on specific single lane rural roads, will also now mean that a maximum 60km/h limit is in force. For more information on changes in their local area, people should check with their local authority.

As with all speed limits, it will be an offence to exceed the stated limit and enforcement will be a matter for An Garda Siochana. The Department of Transport has been working with An Garda Siochana to ensure they are ready to implement the new limit.

Minister for Transport Darragh OBrien said, I am delighted that the Slower Speeds, Safer Roads information and awareness campaign has launched. This Government is committed to reducing road fatalities and creating safer roads for everyone in Ireland. There is no doubt that speeding is a significant contributing factor to many collisions and going slower will benefit us all. By reducing speed limits on many rural local roads from 80km per hour to 60km per hour, the Government is taking action to reduce road fatalities and serious injuries. These measures are part of a range of initiatives to improve road safety and help us to progress toward our longer-term goal of Vision Zero, as set out in the Governments Road Safety Strategy and its Phase 1 Action Plan.

Speaking about the campaign at todays An Garda Siochana and Road Safety Authority Bank Holiday Road Safety appeal, Minister of State Sean Canney said, A reduction in the default speed limit from 80 to 60km/h on local rural roads - which can be narrow and winding, with limited visibility, and where sadly many collisions happen - is a step in the right direction towards tackling the unfortunate increase in fatalities and serious injuries we have seen in recent years. Reducing speed on these roads increases the time we have to react to an unexpected situation, such that any collisions that might occur will be less impactful. This is just one of the range of measures and actions the Government is taking to make roads nationwide safer, including stepping up ongoing education, awareness campaigns, enforcement, and significant Government investment in infrastructure improvements. As a nation, we have made great strides in making our roads safer for all in recent decades, and we must keep this up. I have no doubt that if we work together, we can see the numbers of lives lost on our roads come down once again.

Welcoming the launch, Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan said, I am delighted to support the launch of the Slower Speeds, Safer Roads information and awareness campaign, and indeed the lower speed limits being introduced. Successful road safety strategies require us to consider a number of matters that together can save lives: technology, road design, driver behaviour and education, severity of penalties, and speed limits. And of course, ongoing enforcement is a very important aspect of the Road Safety Strategy, be that by Gardai themselves, mobile, static, and average speed cameras or other technology being deployed.

Chief Superintendent Jane Humphries in the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau said An Garda Siochana has been working closely with the Department of Transport and other stakeholders in preparation for the implementation of reduced speed limits on certain rural roads. An Garda Siochana has in place the necessary structures to implement these changes. There can be no transitionary period. From Friday 7 February, those travelling faster than the new legal speed limit on rural roads will be liable for prosecution. An Garda Siochana will be utilising our network of roads policing and front line resources and technology to enforce these new speed limits on local rural roads. An Garda Siochana partners in Road Safety, GoSafe, will also be deploying mobile safety camera vans as required to enforce the new lower speed limits. Remember: Slower Speeds, Safer Roads.

Sam Waide, CEO of the RSA, said: "Speed is one of the most critical factors in road safetyboth in the likelihood of a crash occurring and the severity of the outcome. The laws of physics are unforgiving: the energy and force involved in a collision increase exponentially with speed, meaning even a small reduction can significantly improve survival rates. The reality is stark9 out of 10 pedestrians struck at 80km/h will not survive, while at 60km/h, that number drops to 5 out of 10. Lowering speed limits makes our roads safer for all users, particularly on rural roads where many serious and fatal collisions occur. This change will help reduce the risk of crashes and, crucially, lessen the severity of injuries when they do happen. We urge all road users to respect the new limits, as every kilometre per hour counts when it comes to saving lives.
Dundalk artist Tracy Fry, winner of The Leitrim Design House National Design, Craft & Art Award 2023, will present her debut solo exhibition, Mapping, on ARTWALL from 4th February.

Tracy embarked on her journey into collagraph map pieces during the darkest depths of the pandemic. Having grown up surrounded by the sea, woodland and mountains, she appreciated from a young age how mankind and nature are completely interdependent on each other.

Tracys love of maps evokes a curiosity of local and distant landscapes, highlighting an intrinsic and instinctive need to explore and protect our world. Resin maps and landscapes address themes such as identity, memory, and belonging. Through the medium of textured collagraph print plates abstracted map-based and landscape works form this collection, which includes the award-winning piece Estuary.

Tracy's statement circular resin maps of familiar localities capture topography and connections in a modern abstract style. Her work takes central inspiration from the environment and from the marks we as humans leave on the Earth and showcases a variety of techniques combined together that include painting, printing and sculptural elements to create one off pieces. In this exhibition Mapping, she highlights her own unique self-developed relief- collagraph works.

Her love of maps evokes a curiosity of local and distant landscapes, allowing her abstracted map themed works to explore this interdependency. In her own words, "Maps lead us to areas of beauty, further highlighting this connectivity. We seek beauty and transport networks of roads and other modes of transportation enable us to escape from the daily grind in order to seek out this beauty. During our best and worst moments in life we all seek refuge in nature.

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Her winning piece for the 2023 Leitrim Design Awards, Estuary, depicts the Shannon estuary and how vulnerable the area would be without important environmental safeguards being in place. Where the Shannon's diverse aquaculture and landmass encircle the alumina refinery. This winning piece from The Leitrim Design House Award reminds us yet again of the delicate dance mankind performs with our beautiful natural surroundings.

Tracy's pandemic journey reconnected her to the landscape. She reflects "I had time to explore new techniques, time to make mistakes and time to experiment. I want my work to evoke those experiences we have in nature, why we go there, and how we feel while there with family and friends. Many of our best days in our lives are spent outdoors in the beauty of nature with those we love. Unless we bring that love of nature into our homes, will it be consigned to nostalgia alone?

Keen to continuously expand and enhance her practice, Tracy prioritises sustainable, natural and recycled materials. She exhibited at Showcase Ireland at the RDS in January 2025 with the Louth Local Enterprise Office, launching her new Wild Irish and Celtic Copper Collections alongside her Ogham Jewellery and collagraph castings.

Tracy is a member of Art as Exchange (AAEX) Dundalk, Louth Craftmark, and the Creative Spark Print Studio. This new exhibition Mapping will incorporate several abstracted map-based and landscape pieces, principally relief collagraphs. Estuary will return and be on display as part of this unique exhibition which continues until March 5th. The Leitrim Design House thanks the Local Enterprise Office Leitrim for their kind sponsorship of these awards.
Louth TD and Labours Finance & Public Expenditure Ged Nash has said the creation of 23 Minister of State posts "would make even Bertie Ahern blush."

Labour have claimed that figures compiled by them show each Minister of State costs at least 500,000. They claim that the starting costs to the public of this government will be over 1.5m a year adding in the new overnight allowance for Ministers of State along with a further Super Junior. This amounts to 7.5m over five years, they claim.

Deputy Nash said:

When I spoke during the election campaign on the need to focus on creating well-paid indigenous jobs in Ireland, this isnt what I had in mind.

The boom-time baby Minister bonanza is back, and it would make even Bertie Ahern blush. Fianna Fail and Fine Gael are prepared to spend at least an extra 1.5m a year of public money to keep Independents and their own TDs happy with new perks and positions.

This stroke by the Taoiseach, Tanaiste and their partner in government Michael Lowry have absolutely smashed the pre-crash record of 20 Ministers of State.

By the time the Committee Chair gigs are doled out, we will have in excess of 50 TDs with government sponsored jobs.

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It is as clear as day that there is no objective justification for the creation of these new roles. It is not as if the business-as-usual Programme for Government requires a shed-load of newly minted junior Ministers to deliver on its modest, conservative ambitions.

This is a self-serving move designed to keep as many government TDs as possible, sweet.

Since the general election, we have seen the unwelcome return of the arrogance and hubris the country had come to associate with Fianna Fail. This is writ large today and it never ends well.

While this is undoubtedly a proud day for those who have been elevated, there is simply no justification for an expansion of 15 junior Ministers in early 2016 to 23 today.
Louth Sinn Fein TD Ruairi O Murchu has called for 'all arms of the State' to be used to assist those losing their jobs in Dunleer, following the news today that 70 jobs are to go at Glen Dimplex.

The Sinn Fein TD said he was contacted by senior management at the firm this morning who advised him that 70 manufacturing jobs are at risk at the Dunleer site and staff affected were advised at 9.30am.

Deputy O Murchu said he understands that a combination of a 50% drop in the heat pump market in Europe, particularly in France and Germany, as well as the fact that Glen Dimplex has a manufacturing plant in Newry has led to the decision.

He said he understood, however, that the company will retain a significant presence in the County Louth town into the future, with plans for an expansion of their warehousing and sales and distribution divisions, which are successful parts of the business.

The Louth TD said that the difficulty is that there is, according to the company, a 12-month lead-in time because of planning for a new development on the site, before the jobs will be available.

He said that the company had been in touch with the relevant State agencies and government departments about the situation and the consultation with affected workers is underway.

Deputy O Murchu said: "This is a really sad day for the workers in Glen Dimplex in Dunleer, which is particularly hard news to bear at the start of a year. My thoughts are with those affected and their families.

"And while there is some good news in relation to the manufacturing and sales and distribution division, it is not going to make much difference to these 70 workers as these positions will only be available 12 months from now.

"This is a terrible blow for the affected workers and their families and I would hope that all arms of the State are used to assist them in finding new employment and carrying out a skills audit for those who are facing redundancy. Everything possible should be done to mitigate the job losses here."
Louth Labour TD Ged Nash has said that the loss of 70 job at Glen Dimplex in Dunleer "is a disaster for the workers and their families" and has called on the company to "now engage meaningfully with workers and their representatives in SIPTU to explore every alternative short of redundancies".

In a statement today, Deputy Nash said that: The announcement at Glen Dimplex in Dunleer that 70 manufacturing jobs at the plant are at risk is a disaster for the workers and their families as well as the wider community in Dunleer and Mid-Louth. It sounds the death knell for good manufacturing jobs at the Dunleer plant and comes on top of another significant round redundancies at Glen Dimplex, last year.

This latest blow means any pledges the company made in the context of the last round of redundancies and indeed today to add jobs at the Dunleer facility in the future will be treated with the scepticism it deserves.

While there is a commitment to expand warehousing jobs at Glen Dimplex in Dunleer, the companys behaviour over the last year will not inspire confidence among the people of Dunleer and Mid-Louth. They need to learn from the contemptuous way they treated workers and their union in the previous round of job losses in Dunleer."

Deputy Nash continued: I am calling on the company to now engage meaningfully with workers and their representatives in SIPTU to explore every alternative short of redundancies and I made that clear to them in a call this morning. I have also been in contact with SIPTU.

If it is the case that redundancies cannot be avoided, the company must co-operate with unions to deliver a fair, collective and genuinely consultative redundancy process. Workers who may be made redundant should be recognised for their hard work, their skills and their loyalty with a package that is fair, decent and is benchmarked against established norms."

The Labour TD added, this is an enormous blow for the town of Dunleer and the Mid-Louth region and requires a national response from government and State agencies to bring new jobs to the region and make sure affected workers find alternative employment quickly.
Ryanair boss Michael OLeary claimed Rachel Reeves hasnt a clue about how to generate growth in aviation.

Mr OLeary said the Chancellor should scrap air passenger duty (APD) rather than waffle on about Heathrow expansion, which he described as a dead cat that would not happen before the 2040s at the earliest.

In her budget in October 2024, Ms Reeves announced increases in APD from the 2026/27 financial year.

For passengers travelling in economy on a short-haul flight, this will raise APD from 13 to 15.

At a press conference in London on Wednesday, Mr OLeary said: The UK continues to lose out on enormous growth opportunities because you have a Chancellor who hasnt a clue about how to deliver growth, has had five years to get ready for it, and yet has managed to screw it up in her first budget.

He added: Nothing is designed to damage growth faster than increasing taxes on air travel.

Mr OLeary described APD at 15 as insane as it represents a rate of tax of 33% on Ryanairs average ticket price.

Ms Reeves announced earlier on Wednesday that she is supporting a third runway being built at Heathrow, saying the Government is inviting the airport to bring forward proposals.

Mr OLeary said: The third runway at Heathrow is a dead cat.

If it ever arrives, it will be about 2040, 2045 or 2050, in fact long after Ive departed from Ryanair.

It will not deliver any growth.

The thing that will deliver growth is abolishing APD.

He went on: Heres the prize weve offered to Rachel Reeves.

We deliver about 60 million passengers a year to the UK.

Within five years, we could grow that by 50% to 90 million passengers, and all she has to do is abolish APD.

This would cost the Government 4 billion which would be paid back two-fold within 12 months because of growth in passengers, he said.
Irish MEPs Ciaran Mullooly and Regina Doherty have been appointed as deputies of the European Parliaments new committee on tackling Europes housing crisis.

Mr Mullooly, an Independent Ireland MEP and former RTE correspondent, and Ms Doherty, a former Fine Gael TD and ex-minister for social protection, were appointed alongside two other vice-chairpersons on Thursday.

Italian MEP Irene Tinagli was elected chairwoman of the new special committee, which the European Parliament voted in December to establish.

The committee is tasked with coming up with ways of delivering decent, sustainable and affordable housing in the EU, according to a statement by the Parliament press office.

It will produce a final report after its year-long term.

Its responsibilities will include mapping housing needs, analysing existing housing policies across the EU and contributing to the Commissions future implementation of the European affordable housing plan and the European strategy for housing construction.

Ms Tinagli said: The housing crisis has significant repercussions for the quality of life of European citizens, affecting health, social cohesion, and economic opportunities.

That is why we are committed to making sure everyone has equal access to housing, with particular attention for young people, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable groups.

While access to housing has been a long-running problem in Ireland, linked to stalled construction in the aftermath of the 2008 economic crash, housing affordability has become a widespread issue across Europe.

According to data from Eurofound, since 2016 the costs of buying and renting a home have increased faster than disposable income.

Between 2015 and 2023, house prices in the EU rose on average by 48%, while in Ireland they rose by 69%.

More than half of Irish adults aged between 25 and 29 are still living at home, according to Eurostat figures from 2023, which is above the EU average of 41% and sees Ireland with the ninth highest proportion of young adults living at home.

Housing was also the most common reason why people voted in the Irish general election, and rising prices was the most common reason why people voted in the European Parliament elections in June.

The EU has no direct competency on housing, and cannot fund housing projects in any EU member state, but it can collect data and make recommendations.
RTE Board member Daire Hickey has resigned from his role with the national broadcaster to concentrate on other commitments.

Hickey, co-founder of Web Summit and managing partner of New York-based 150 Bond, was appointed to the broadcasters board in July 2021 and served throughout the RTE payments scandal.

In a statement issued on Thursday evening, RTE said: "Daire Hickey has written to the Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport, Patrick ODonovan T.D., to notify him of his resignation from the RTE Board.

He has served as a member of the RTE Board since July 2021.

On behalf of the RTE Board, Chair Terence ORourke said: Daire has been a member of the RTE Board through some of the most challenging years in the organisations history.

He has taken the decision now to stand down to concentrate on other commitments.

We thank him for his service.

A former journalist and alumnus of the Forbes 30 under 30 list, Hickey joined the board at the same time as TV producer Larry Bass, David Harvey and Sussan Ahern.

His five-year term on the board was due to end in July 2026.
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Cork Airport is to welcome 33,000 passengers over the St Brigids bank holiday weekend on February 1.

Passenger traffic is also forecast to be 10% higher than it was for the same bank holiday weekend of 2024.

The St Brigids weekend provides the opportunity for passengers to escape to warmer and sunnier destinations served direct from Cork Airport. There has been strong demand for flights to southern Spain, Portugal, and the Canary Islands during January.

Ski destinations are also proving popular with passengers departing Cork Airport, with direct connections to Munich, Lyon, and Salzburg.

Cork Airport are also expecting to welcome numerous visitors from across Europe this weekend.

Niall MacCarthy, managing director at Cork Airport, said: At this time of year, with the dark evenings and inclement weather, many of us start planning our next sun break.

In addition to the wide selection of routes to choose from already, this summer, passengers can also look forward to five new and exciting routes from Cork Airport to Bilbao, Bordeaux, Izmir, Corfu, and Dalaman.

We invite people to experience the ease, convenience, and friendliness of Cork Airport as you count down the days to your next get away from it all break.

We also look forward to an early influx of visitors into the region this weekend.

Passengers are advised to arrive 90 minutes before the scheduled departure time for a flight.

With a busy weekend ahead anticipated at Cork Airport, it is recommended that passengers book car parking in advance.
The Land Development Agency (LDA) has announced plans for more than 140 affordable homes in Cork city centre to be delivered in partnership with Cork City Council.

A planning application for the development is due to be submitted later this year.

The homes, the majority of which are anticipated to be cost rental, are earmarked for construction on the 0.6-acre Cork City Council site at Anglesea Terrace at the junction of Old Station Road and South Link Road, within short walking distance of all city centre amenities, retail and community services, Kent Station, and Cork Bus Station.

An artists impression of what the proposed development will look like when completed.

We are delighted to be partnering with Cork City Council to deliver much-needed affordable homes in the heart of Cork city, the chief executive of the LDA, John Coleman, said.

The LDA is steadily increasing its footprint in Cork and is determined to ramp up delivery in the city and its suburbs over the coming months and years.

Anglesea Terrace is a fantastic site, with significant potential.

This project will revitalise an under-utilised brownfield site in the centre of Cork, transforming it in to a high-quality, affordable, and desirable residential development.

Delivered

While the exact number of homes is yet to be finalised, subject to planning permission, construction could begin in 2027, with the first homes delivered in 2030.

The chief executive of Cork City Council, Valerie OSullivan, said.

This development will [improve] the Anglesea Terrace area, creating a new sustainable and well-connected neighbourhood.

We look forward to publishing the design for the project shortly and I would encourage people to engage with the process, so that we can deliver a development and community that works for everyone in the city.

In addition to these upcoming plans, the States affordable-housing body is also set to deliver the first of 267 homes at the site of the former St Kevins Hospital in Shanakiel later this year, and recently published draft plans for 348 homes at a former ESB site in Wilton.

The agency is also developing 302 cost-rental apartments at Horgans Quay, in partnership with BAM and Clarendon Properties.
A man with over 200 convictions is due to be released from prison next month and as the judge gave him a suspended sentence for his latest charges and urged him to work at rehabilitating he said the difficulty was that he would end up sleeping in a doorway as soon as he gets out of jail.

48-year-old Paul McCann McCarthy appeared before Judge Joanne Carroll at Cork District Court where he pleaded guilty to shoplifting offences.

He stole alcohol from various stores.

On July 6, 2024 he stole alcohol from Tesco on Paul Street and returned later the same day to steal more.

On July 12 he stole three bottles of vodka from Dunnes Stores, Merchants Quay, Cork, and finally on August 3 he was caught shoplifting at Spar on Patrick Street.

Judge Carroll imposed a three-month sentence suspend on condition that he would keep the peace and be of good behaviour and comply with the directions of the probation service for 18 months.

The defendant suggested that life would not change on his release from prison due to his main problem of homelessness.

When I get out I am homeless again.

I am out on my own.

I am stuck in a doorway, Mr McCann McCarthy said.

Judge Carroll suggested that he could go to Cork Simon Community.

But the defendant replied, Simon are full. Overcrowded.

Its not going to happen.

The judge the suggested that the probation service would assist him but to that suggestion he said: Probation are going to go home at four oclock  theyre not going to put me up.

I just want to put that out there.
Three Cork TDs  two Fianna Fail representatives, and one Fine Gael  were formally appointed yesterday as ministers of state in the newly formed Government.

Fianna Fail Cork North-West TD Michael Moynihan was appointed minister of state at the Department of Education with special responsibility for special education and inclusion.

Fianna Fail Cork South-West TD Christopher OSullivan was appointed minister of state at the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage with special responsibility for nature, heritage, and biodiversity.

Fine Gael Cork South-Central TD Jerry Buttimer was appointed minister of state at the Department of Rural and Community Development, with special responsibility for community development, charities, gaeltacht, and the islands, and the Department of Transport with special responsibility for rural transport.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Tanaiste Simon Harris with newly appointed ministers of state at Government Buildings. Picture: Government Information Service.

Speaking to The Echo, Mr Buttimer said he is privileged to have been given the opportunity, adding that he is looking forward to ensuring that Cork is recognised in this Government.

Im delighted to have been asked by the Tanaiste and the Taoiseach to be a minister of state, said Mr Buttimer.

Its important that we promote community development and support the huge work being done across our urban and rural communities in developing communities across Cork and Ireland.

I look forward to working with my colleagues and with everybody to ensure that there is a continued investment in our communities and, as minister, I want to take a lead in terms of positive development and in terms of funding.

I also look forward to ensuring that we build a diverse and socially inclusive country, he added.

I want to ensure that, in Cork, we have a continuation of our projects like the Cork light rail, and to make sure that we have an enhanced programme of investment.

Speaking at the announcement of the appointments, Taoiseach Micheal Martin wished all of the new junior ministers every success in their new roles.

We are very conscious of the work ahead and I have every confidence in our team of ministers from across the two government parties and independents, he said.

Fine Gael Cork North Central TD Colm Burke, who served as minister for state at the Department of Health in the last Government, said that while he is disappointed to have not been reappointed to his ministerial position, he is heartened that the new Government is a strong team.
Two young Cork artists and the residents of a West Cork nursing home have won awards in this years National Credit Union Art competition with works which captured the small but meaningful moments that bring happiness to life.

The contests grand final was held in Croke Park this week.

Sean Sutton from Clonakilty and Dunmanway Credit Union triumphed in the age 7 and under category, while Nicholas Kearney, representing Mitchelstown Credit Union, was also honoured in the age 7 and under category.

Additionally, the artists of the Care Choice Nursing Home, affiliated with Clonakilty and Dunmanway Credit Union, won the group award.

The theme for this years competition The Joys of Life attracted over 30,000 entries and, according to the contest organisers, the Cork winners have brought great pride to their communities and credit unions.

The grand final, held at Croke Park, celebrated these achievements alongside other national winners. Irish League of Credit Union President Martin Busch expressed his admiration for the winners.

The creativity and imagination shown by participants this year are nothing short of extraordinary.

These young artists have brought this years theme to life in ways that inspire and move us all, reminding us of the profound beauty in everyday moments, said Mr Busch.

Through their artwork, these talented individuals have captured the very essence of lifes greatest joys.

Their creations remind us of the importance of appreciating the little things that make life special.

A huge congratulations to our winners and every entrant who participated in making this competition a true celebration of creativity and community.

The ILCU is the largest credit union representative body on the island of Ireland. Founded in 1960, it currently has an affiliated membership of more than 250 credit unions across the island of Ireland.
Uisce Eireann has warned that 2,700 homes on the northside of Cork city will experience disruptions to water supply tonight.

The body has said that crews will be carrying out works to replace a valve and repair a burst water main on the Military Rd in St Lukes from 9pm until 1am.

As a result of the works, homes and businesses on the Old Youghal Road, Sydney Terrace, Military Hill, Sidney Hill, Sidney Place, Sidney Park, Waterloo Place, Summerhill North Rd, Wellington Rd, Alexandra Rd, Alexandra Villas, Sunmount, Farnmore, Bellview Park, Ballyhooly Rd, Gardiner's Hill, Stream Hill, Adelaide Place, Ard Na Laoi, Herbert Park, Lover's Walk, Montenotte Rd, Beale's Hill, Falcon Hill, Woodhill Park, Tivoli Estate, Woodside, Trafalgar Hill, The Acres, Tivoli Woods, Castle Avenue, Military Rd and surrounding areas may experience reduced water pressure or supply interruptions.

The essential works are being carried out as part of Uisce Eireanns Leakage Reduction Programme and will strengthen the water supply network in the area by reducing leakage and improving the operational performance of the water network.

A traffic management plan will be in place for the duration of the works, with local and emergency access maintained.

Programme manager with Uisce Eireann, Brian McCarthy said: Every effort will be made to reduce the impact of these works on homes and businesses and restore the water supply as quickly as possible.

We understand the impact that outages can have on customers and would like to thank the local community in advance for their patience and co-operation during the works.

As significant activity on the water network can give rise to increased instances of discolouration, Uisce Eireann is reminding customers that once works are completed, it typically takes three to four hours for normal supply to fully restore to all areas, especially for those on higher ground or at the end of the network.

Additionally, Uisce Eireann is continuing to advise customers not to drink discoloured water, and has said that if the issue remains unresolved, people can contact them directly on 1800 278 278.

For real-time updates on any water supply issues in local areas, customers can sign up to a free text alert service with their Eircode and mobile number via: https://www.water.ie/water-service-updates.
A chronic alcoholic who smashed a glass door at Mercy University Hospital was jailed for five months as his solicitor said that but for his many custodial sentences over the years he might not be alive at all.

Judge Mary Dorgan imposed the latest sentence on 35-year-old Thomas Cauley who is originally from Thurles, County Tipperary, at Cork District Court.

He pleaded guilty to a charge of causing criminal damage at Mercy University Hospital.

Sergeant John Kelleher said the incident occurred on December 8, 2024 when there was a disturbance at the ambulance entrance for the hospital.

Mr Cauley had been ejected from the hospital but he was banging on the glass door at this entrance causing the glass to break.

The extent of the criminal damage was assessed at 500, Sgt Kelleher said.

Eddie Burke solicitor said the accused pleaded guilty to numerous other offences earlier this month but that this criminal damage offence had to be adjourned for verification of the extent of the damage.

The defendant was convicted 68 times in the past for the same offence of being so intoxicated that he was a danger to himself or others  a statistic which told its own story about the defendants life.

He said that were it not for numerous prison sentences and the consequent periods of sobriety it was possible that the accused would not be alive at all.

Mr Burke said: This man is a self-confessed alcoholic. He has had seizures and other numerous difficulties. He is from Thurles.

At the age of 11 he lost his father. He has no contact with his mother. He came to Cork in 2016.

He has gone to numerous treatment centres but unfortunately he has relapsed.

Judge Mary Dorgan imposed a total sentence of five months on Mr Cauley at Cork District Court and commented that the situation was exacerbated by the fact that it occurred in a hospital.
The silence and the smell are the two things I remember most about the concentration camp in Dachau.

It was a fine day in September 1986, that I visited that awful place; 38 years later I can still visualise the spot, and last Monday, the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, was a stark reminder of that shocking and murderous era in global history.

Over a million people died or were killed in Auschwitz/Birkenau under the Nazi regime. In comparison - but comparisons in relation to deaths are probably futile - just over 41,000 lost their lives at Dachau and its surrounding sub-camps; there were over 100 of these smaller camps.

All these unspeakable atrocities where people were tortured, mutilated, experimented with, sent to gas chambers (showers), and murdered in many more unspeakable ways. Imagine there are people in this world today - thousands of them - who would have us believe all this atrocity never happened. That it was all fake news, propaganda from the Allies, and a figment of the imagination of survivors in the 1950s.

Delusional advocates of Holocaust Denial would have us believe that what happened in the concentration camps, salt mines, and slave labour summer camps was all a lie, a fabrication, or a gross exaggeration of the truth.

I know you may say that facts are facts, and what happened did really happen and cannot be denied. Many have tried to reason with some of these people and groups who wish to airbrush the holocaust from the history of the world - but to no avail.

Hatred is a terrible thing, and when its directed against a race or people of a certain religion, its even worse.

Ironic, then, wasnt it, that on the very day world leaders and camp survivors gathered in remembrance at Auschwitz, the newly-elected US President should callously say in relation to Gaza, Clear it out - surely a case of 2025-style ethnic cleansing.

Last Mondays ceremony at Auschwitz was poignant, with the four dozen or so survivors that made it back to the scene of their terrible incarceration eight decades ago. All now in their nineties, they bore testament to mans inhumanity to man and no living person should dare deny their story.

With artificial intelligence now all the go and set to change the world as we know it, the stories of those very old people are more important than ever. The truth cannot be denied and their very presence on Monday was a living reminder of the deaths of a million of their comrades all those years ago. How many will be there in 2035 for the 90th anniversary?

Back in 1986, I was lucky to be part of a Macra na Feirme All-Ireland winners group who got a whistle-stop tour of Europe as our reward for winning a National Title - Bartlemy were the winners of the Panel Discussion.

That September, Munich was on our itinerary. We visited the Olymiastadion - built for the 1972 summer Olympic Games - and had the option of a bus trip out to Dachau, just ten miles from Munich.

As one enters the gate of the concentration camp, the wrought iron sign declares Arbeit macht frei (Work makes one free). Nothing could be further from the truth, as sadly tens of thousands of inmates learned to their cost.

Dachau was the first camp of its kind built by the Nazi regime. Erected in 1933 for the housing of undesirables and troublemakers, it consisted of 32 different barracks complete with gas chambers and ovens to dispose of bodies.

In 1960, the camp was demolished but two of the original barracks were rebuilt and can still be visited today.

They say because of the murders and unspeakable cruelty inflicted there, that no songbird has ever nested next or near the place.

From the time our bus stopped, it was just complete silence - not the relaxing and inspiring silence of Mount Melleray, but an eerie and chilling silence.

The sun shone the day we were there, but gave no heat. The sky was blue, but gloom and sadness were the overpowering feelings.

We were given a guided tour of the place, including visits to the gas-chambers - inmates were stripped naked and told they were going for a shower. In one corner can still be seen heaps of shoes, piled high against a wall; childrens, mens and womens shoes. Human hair shaven from the heads of those on their way to die was also to be seen - a chilling reminder of the ghastly happenings here.

As American army troops neared the Dachau sub-camp in the town of Landsberg on April 27, 1945, the German SS officer in charge ordered that 4,000 prisoners be murdered. The windows and doors of their huts were nailed shut. The buildings were then doused with petrol and set on fire. The prisoners who were naked or nearly so were burnt to death, while some managed to crawl out of the buildings before dying.

That morning, as Nazi troops withdrew from Landsberg, locals hung white sheets from their windows. Angry SS troops dragged German civilians from their homes and hanged them from trees. The smell of the place  well, when I think of Dachau or read about it, I still get that smell in my nostrils - a singeing, burning, smoky, sickening odour. They say its the very same in Auschwitz.

Dachau was finally liberated on April 29, 1945.

Talking of those who deny the truth, I was reading lately about a new book on Oliver Cromwell that claims the English general wasnt such a bad guy after all! It seems he is largely misunderstood and that some of the slaughters he carried out, like in Drogheda, were a bit exaggerated!

The claim is also made that Cromwells order sending the native Irish to hell or to Connacht was in fact trying to protect them! Apparently, Cromwell was a good weather forecaster and realised in the spring of 1650 that a huge storm was about to blow over Munster and Leinster, and he thought twould be safer for people to go over to the West for their own safety!

Talking of Cromwell, I nearly got implicated with him a few years back. He arrived in Ireland in 1649 with an army estimated at 12,000. His campaign of terror and brutal warfare continued until 1653, but Cromwell himself had gone back to England long before that.

His daughter Mary was married to Henry Ireton and Ireton took his father-in-laws place in Command of the marauding army.

Ireton, aged just 38, succumbed to either a fever or possibly the bubonic plague. They pickled his body in a barrel of rum and returned him to London for burial.

Allegedly, after Iretons demise, a Captain John Arnold was one of those in a position of power as Cromwells forces continued its brutal campaign all over Ireland.

That was 1652, and just 70 years later a man of the same name - Captain John Arnold - was collector of Poll Tax for the English monarchy in the parish of Castlelyons.

Now, Castlelyons is the next parish to here, so my fear was that I was descended directly from this undesirable line of Arnolds!

I kept my head down for a few years and forgot all about tracing my roots. As Eamonn Kelly might have said, things rested so until two years ago, when we were getting our old family headstones in Rathcormac cemetery cleaned and re-lettered.

Lo and behold, didnt we find an Arnold ancestor born in the year 1639 commemorated on one stone. Whew, what a relief - that proved we were here at least a decade before Cromwell arrived in this country.

Trying to convince me Cromwell was a really nice guy is akin to denying the truth about Auschwitz and Dachau.

Remember the truth - lest we forget.
Treatment Benefit is a scheme run by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) to provide a limited financial contribution towards dental, optical and aural services. It is available to insured workers, the self-employed, and retired people who have the required number of PRSI contributions.

Under the Treatment Benefit Scheme, you may qualify for: dental benefit; optical benefit; hearing aids; or a hairpiece or wig.

Contact your treatment provider to check eligibility before proceeding with a treatment.

If you choose to have treatment in another EU member state, the DSP will pay an amount equivalent to that paid for similar treatments in Ireland or the amount actually paid for the treatment - whichever is the lower. You must still have the qualifying PRSI contributions.

Ccontact the Treatment Benefit Section before you travel to get an application form and details of the amounts the DSP will pay.

What is covered under Dental Benefit?

The DSP pays the full cost of an oral examination once a calendar year. A payment of 42 towards either a scale and polish or - if clinically necessary - periodontal treatment, is also available once a calendar year.

If the cost of either cleaning or periodontal treatment is more than 42, you must pay the balance - capped at 15 for a scale and polish. There is no cap on the balance charged for periodontal treatment.

Treatment is provided by private dentists on the DSP panel. Lists of dentists are available from the DSP, but most dentists are on the panel, so you should not have difficulty finding one. The dentist will check your eligibility and make a claim for you. The claim form will require details such as your PPS number, date of birth and signature. If you are a dependent spouse or civil partner, give the PPS number of the insured person, who will also be required to sign the claim form.

You may get tax relief on certain non-routine dental treatments.

What is covered under Optical Benefit?

The Treatment Benefit Scheme entitles you to a free eyesight test every two years. However, sight tests for VDUs and driving licences are not covered. You can get a set payment every two years, towards either one pair each of reading and distance spectacles, one pair of bifocal or varifocals, or one pair of contact lenses (including disposables). Cost will vary depending on the frames, with basic ones free.

The examination is provided by opticians, optometrists or ophthalmologists who have a contract with the DSP.

Does the Scheme cover medical lenses?

If you need contact lenses for medical reasons, you can get up to 1,000 towards the cost of a pair of medical contact lenses (500 for each lens) every two years. This applies to a small number of eye conditions that make wearing glasses impossible. You must have a doctors recommendation. Contact lenses are not available on purely cosmetic grounds. Contact lenses for optical purposes are available through the Optical Benefit scheme above.

Are hearing aids available through this scheme?

These may be provided by suppliers who have a contract with the DSP, which pays the full cost of a hearing aid up to a maximum of 500 (1,000 for a pair) every four years. It also pays the full cost of repairs to aids, up to a maximum of 100, every four years.

How can I get a hairpiece or wig through this scheme?

You can get up to 500 for one hair replacement item such as a hairpiece or wig, in each calendar year. It does not cover surgical or topical treatments. Hair loss must be from a disease or treatment of a disease such as cancer or certain types of alopecia.

How do I qualify for Treatment Benefit?

You must have paid Class A, E, H, P or S social insurance contributions. The amount of social insurance needed depends on your age. If you are under 21, you may qualify if you have paid at least 39 contributions at any time.

Those aged 21-28 may qualify if you have paid at least 39 contributions and at least 39 paid or credited in the governing contribution year (2023 is the governing contribution year for claims made in 2025) or have 26 paid contributions in each of the second and third last contribution years. For claims made in 2025, the second last contribution year is 2023 and the third last contribution year is 2022.

From the age of 29 to 65, you must have at least 260 paid contributions and at least 39 paid or credited contributions in the governing contribution year, or have 26 paid contributions in each of the second and third last contribution years. For claims made in 2025, the second last contribution year is 2023 and the third last contribution year is 2022.

People aged 66 and over must have 260 PRSI contributions paid at any time and 39 paid or credited contributions in the relevant tax year or the year immediately before it. The relevant tax year is the second last completed tax year before reaching 66 years of age.

Alternatively, they must have 260 PRSI contributions paid at any time and 26 paid contributions in both the relevant tax year and the year immediately before it.

There are, however, a number of exceptions to the above.

If you satisfy the conditions for Treatment Benefit when you reach pension age, you will remain qualified for life.

If you qualify for benefit at age 60-65, you retain that entitlement for life. If you have retired on grounds of ill health or are considered unemployed, you can apply for Illness Benefit or Jobseekers Benefit, subject to satisfying the statutory conditions. Your entitlement to these benefits may also lead to your being awarded credited contributions, which can be taken into account to extend coverage for treatment benefits for further periods.

Does a dependent spouse, civil partner or cohabitant have any entitlement to Treatment Benefit?

They may, of course, qualify in their own right. If they do not have enough social insurance contributions, they may still qualify for Treatment Benefit on your social insurance record. A dependent spouse, civil partner or cohabitant must:

Have a gross income of 100 or less per week. If earning more than 100 per week, he/she must have been dependent on you before entering or resuming insurable employment (at Class A, E, H, P or S).

Not be getting a social welfare payment (except Disablement Pension, Supplementary Welfare Allowance, Carers Benefit or Child Benefit). If getting Carers Allowance or State Pension (Non-Contributory), he/she can qualify if he/she was dependent on you immediately before getting the Allowance or Pension.

If an insured person dies and the dependent spouse or civil partner was entitled to benefit at the time of the death, they retain entitlement for as long as they remain widowed or a surviving civil partner.

How to apply for Treatment Benefit?

Claims are made through your provider (dentist, dispensing optician/optometrist/ophthalmologist or audiologist).

For treatment in other EU member states, contact the Treatment Benefit Section to confirm your eligibility.
Exciting news from North Cork: The Mallow Musical Societys first big show, Mala Gala: The Musical, will run at the Glen Theatre in Banteer, from February 14 to 16.

Written and directed by Paola Cioppi, it dramatises the Societys original founding, while weaving in popular songs from well-loved musicals.

Tickets are now at https://buytickets.at/mallowmusicalsociety.

The lovely little Glen Theatre is located at P51 NX28 and there is free parking available.

In the meantime, Sandy Kelly appears at the Glen this Sunday, February 2, and next Wednesday, February 5, bluegrass band The Special Consensus will be raising the roof.

Call 029 56239 for those bookings.

Special Consensus bring their bluegrass music to the Glen Theatre in Banteer on February 5

Down at St Catherines Cultural Centre in Kinsale, its movie time again next Wednesday, February 5, when they are showing Charlie Wilsons War, starring Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts.

This is based on a Texas congressmans covert dealings in Afghanistan, where his efforts to assist rebels in their war with the Soviets have some unforeseen and long-reaching effects. Tickets at the door, which opens at 6.30pm.

Dermot Whelan Live At The Opera House is sold out tonight, with some tickets left for Nathan Carter tomorrow and Saturday. The High Kings on Sunday are also sold out, but there are still one or two seats for Die Fledermaus on Tuesday, from Irish National Opera. Stephen Triffitt is here Wednesday next with Sinatras Greatest Hits, and thats followed on Thursday by Hello Again, a tribute to the great Neil Diamond.

Call 021 427 0022 or see www.corkoperahouse.ie.

Karan Casey returns by huge demand to Everyman this Saturday, February 1, with The Women, We Will Rise. Written by Karan herself and directed by Tom Creed, this amazing theatrical song cycle highlights the role of defiant Irish women during the revolutionary period and beyond.

Next Tuesday, February 4, Scoil Mhuire Junior School presents The Marvellous Land Of Oz, in celebration of the schools 70th anniversary. Thats a 7pm start, and we predict a sell-out.

Jarlath Regan is here February 7 and 8, while on February 9 we have the welcome return of the Sunday Songbook team with The Jim Reeves Story. So much variety, so much to see! See www.everymancork.com or call 021 450 1673.

At Cork Arts Theatre, there is still time to catch Pakie OCallaghan celebrating the storytelling of Eamon Kelly until Saturday. Next week, its Eoin Ryan with Trawled on February 7 and 8. A true-life experience of an Irish backpacker discovering the harshness of life on an Australian prawn trawler, it revisits in dramatic personal form the world created in Rudyard Kiplings 1896 tale, Captains Courageous, filmed in 1936 and 1996.

Call 021 450 5624 or see www.corkartstheatre.com.

And listen, the Arts Theatre is now seeking submissions for its annual Views From... short play event. The theme this year is Views from a Couch, and the deadline for entries is March 31.

Where might that couch be? A living room, a psychiatrists office, a forest, a dentists waiting room? Get your imagination working! Ten minutes is the length required and the setting must be integral to the plot. Any genre - comedy, tragedy, farce, fantasy, horror, period piece, etc. The final ten plays chosen will be performed in late May. Email theatre@corkartstheatre.com for more info.

Danu is at the Gleneagle INEC Club on Feburary 7, with guests Peadar O Riada and Gearoid Dineen. One of the leading traditional Irish ensembles today, the virtuosos are there as part of the Gathering Festival from February 6-9 with ceilis, concerts, set dancing, workshops all over the place, and a festival club too.

Find all the information on the Gathering at https://www.inec.ie/gigs/the-gathering-festival-weekend-pass/.
Nature has always been an important part of Sally Kirbys life.

She grew up right beside the sea in Ballycotton, East Cork.

Her love of the environment motivated her to start her own vintage clothing business Free Spirit Vintage three years ago, at the age of 24.

The reason why I started doing it was to basically save the clothes from landfill. That was my drive, she explains.

Now Sally is sharing her love of nature with others, by setting up a social group for women to explore the great outdoors together.

The idea came to her while she was travelling around Ireland sourcing vintage clothes.

She enjoyed seeing more of the country, and took the opportunity to get out for walks whenever she could.

I slowly started integrating my love for going outside and exploring Ireland with my vintage business, mixing the two of them together, she says.

Although Sally loves hiking and walking, she has found it difficult at times to meet people to share these adventures with.

Its always the pub where youre meeting people, drinking and that kind of a social thing, says Sally. Its hard to meet people at this age outdoors, to do stuff like that. Its hard to connect with people.

With 28,00 followers on Instagram, Sally decided to share a post to see if there were other like-minded women who would be interested in joining her for outdoor adventures.

I just put up something, and it really caught on, she says. So many women from around Ireland got onto me, not just Cork.

Its after expanding itself now, and weve got our group chat and everything going at the moment.

The group is open to women of all ages, from anywhere in Ireland.

Sally recognises that, like her, a lot of women would love to get out in nature more, but struggle to do so for a number of reasons.

Theres so many women who would love to go out and do stuff, but they dont have anyone to go with, or theyre afraid to go on their own, or they dont have the motivation, or they dont know where to start, she says.

Some women have been in touch with Sally to say they want to get outside more, but find it a bit daunting.

They have been stuck inside and they just feel like they dont know where to start, or they dont have the confidence to get out, she says.

Theres a lot of people who are saying theyre a little bit anxious, and looking forward to meeting people.

Sally stresses that the group is open to all women.

The aim is to get outdoors, and there will be activities to suit all levels of fitness.

We might do sea swims, short walks, we might do longer hikes. Its about getting outside, into nature, and then also being able to do it as a group, and meet friends hopefully, she says.

There is a WhatsApp groups for anyone interested in joining, and it already has over 300 members.

Sally shares announcements with details of forthcoming activities, and there are smaller chat groups forming for people in different areas or with things in common.

The group's first event at Doneraile Park

Theres different little group chats within the big group chat. Theres East Cork, theres ones for Wexford, Dublin, different places in Ireland, theres one for people with kids, she says.

People can choose to mute the group chat if they only want to follow announcements directly from Sally.

The group recently held its first event, which was a 5km walk in Doneraile Park in North Cork this month.

Sally chose this location for its accessibility.

Its a 5km loop, its kind of easy, its suitable for everyone, she says. Theres a lot of beginners there who havent been out walking in a long time and they want to start.

There was also an option of doing a shorter loop, which is suitable for anyone with children. The group all met for coffee afterwards.

The plan is to organise monthly events, with the potential of meeting up more often.

Were going to do it every month, maybe every two weeks, pick a new place, do a new thing. So there will be something to suit everyone, says Sally.

The events are free, and the group chat can be used to arrange transport and travel buddies.

Its completely free, and people can car-pool and stuff like that as well. says Sally.

People are getting the buses together, or getting the trains together. Theyre not going alone, or theyre getting spins from one another, so its great that way.

For anyone interested in joining a future event or finding out more, contact Sally through her Instagram account @vintagefreespirit.
Elizabeth City, N.C.  Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) is proving that big opportunities come at a small price. A new study by SmartAsset has ranked ECSU No. 1 in North Carolina for college tuition and No. 2 for overall best value among the states higher education institutions.

The study evaluated schools across five categories: tuition, student living costs, scholarship and grant offerings, student retention, and starting salary for new graduates. ECSUs high marks in affordability and postgraduate outcomes set it apart, with an average tuition of just $5,000 and a median starting salary for graduates of $54,300.

ECSU continues to demonstrate that a high-quality education can be both accessible and affordable, said Interim Chancellor Catherine Edmonds. This ranking reaffirms our commitment to providing exceptional academic opportunities while equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in their careers.

ECSUs tuition index score of 94.56 secured its top position for affordability, proving that students can receive a high-quality education without accumulating excessive debt.

Duke University claimed the top spot in the overall best value rankings, but ECSU outperformed several larger institutions, including NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill. ECSUs College Education Value Index score of 76.83 was shy of Dukes 77.26, thanks to its low tuition, reasonable living costs and solid scholarship opportunities.

ECSUs affordability matches its results. With a retention rate of 76%, this shows strong student satisfaction, and its graduates earning potential proves that this small-town school is a big deal in higher education.

The institution offers a winning formula for North Carolinians and beyondaffordable education, supportive campus life and a bright financial future for graduates.

For more on this study and how ECSU earned its spot among the top, visit SmartAssets full rankings.
(Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC)Dr. Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, moderator of the World Council of Churches central committee providess a reflection at the World Council of Churches' Ecumenical Centre on Jan. 27, 2025. Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC

The Gospel must not be instrumentalized by politics  and churches should never apologize for reading the Bible or for preaching the Gospel, the World Council of Churches moderator Bishop Heinrich Bedford-Strohm has said at a prayer service.

Bedford-Strohm mentioned in a Jan. 27reflection at the WCC, criticism by President Donald Trump after an Episcopal bishop made a plea to the U.S. leader during his inauguration service on Jan. 21.

Trump demanded an apology from Mariann Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington after she made a direct appeal to him during a prayer service marking his inauguration to have mercy on the LGBTQ community and migrant workers who are in the United States illegally.

Referencing Trump's belief that he was saved by God from assassination, Rev. Budde said, "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."

After he returned to the White House, Trump said, "I didn't think it was a good service" and "they could do much better." But later, in an overnight post on his social media site, he sharply criticized the "so-called Bishop" as a "Radical Left hard-line Trump hater," The Associated Press reported.

"She brought her church into the World of politics in a very ungracious way. She was nasty in tone, and not compelling or smart," said Trump, a Republican, adding that Budde didn't mention that some migrants have come to the United States and killed people.

"Apart from her inappropriate statements, the service was a very boring and uninspiring one. She is not very good at her job!" Trump said. "She and her church owe the public an apology!"

The Presbyterian Church PC(USA) advocacy committee issued a statement supporting Bishop Budde saying her "courage and truth-telling has echoes in pioneering Presbyterian women."

- 'INFUSING GOSPEL INTO POLITICS'

In his reflection, Bedford-Strohm said, "The bishop was not politicizing the gospel but  quite the opposite - infused some gospel into politics at an occasion where this was desperately needed. The president demanded her to apologize. She didn't apologize. Nowhere in the world will we apologize for reading the bible and preaching the Gospel!"

Referring to Trump's inaugural address the day before the service, the WCC bishop said, "How different was the tone of the inaugural address that we heard last Monday, just a week ago. Not the common good was in the center of the inaugural address of the new president of the United States, but the exclusion of those who are especially vulnerable.

"And then came the bishop - a bishop with a soft and friendly voice, but strong words," the WCC moderator said, referring to Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington, made a plea to President Trump during an interfaith service at the Washington Cathedral.

"Bishop Mariann Budde spoke truth to power. And what she said was simply the words of the Gospel."

"This was a historic sermon - it gave new energy, it gave new hope to many people all over the world," said Bedford-Strohm.

Budde has served as bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington since 2011.

She was also critical of Trump in 2020 when he ordered racial justice protestors to be forcibly removed from Lafayette Park and the courtyard of St. John's Church and then posed there for a photo while holding a Bible, Time magazine reported.

- INTERFAITH SERVICE

More than a dozen religious leaders spoke during the interfaith service, including those from Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu traditions.

One of the most famous examples of a medieval bishop speaking truth to power is that of Thomas Becket, former chancellor  or senior minister  of England in the 12th century, The Conversation reported on Jan 28.

On becoming archbishop of Canterbury, Becket resigned his secular office and opposed the efforts of King Henry II to bring the church under royal control.

The Conversation also noted that in South Africa, the former Anglican bishop Desmond Tutu, archbishop of Cape Town, spent much of his active ministry condemning the violence of aparatheid in his native country.

After the end of the apartheid regime, Tutu also served as chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Before his death in 2021, Tutu continued to speak out against international actgs of oppression and in his own country as well. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984.
The disruptive Chinese AI model will also be available on Azure AI and GitHub.

Microsoft is closely associated with OpenAI's ChatGPT AI model, but the software giant has no qualms about playing the field. Microsoft announced that it's bringing the DeepSeek-R1 AI model to Copilot+ PCs soon, starting with Snapdragon X devices and following later with Intel Lunar Lake and AMD Ryzen AI 9 PCs. The DeepSeek-R1-Distill-Qwen-1.5B model will arrive "soon" on Microsoft AI Tookit for developers, with more powerful 7B and 14B variants coming later.

The 1.5B (base) model isn't powerful compared to the higher-tier 32B and 70B models, but MIcrosoft points out that the models are "NPU-optimized" for Copilot+ PCs. The minimum configuration for such computers is 256GB of storage, 16GB of RAM and an NPU with at least 40 TOPS (trillions of operations per second).

"These optimized models let developers build and deploy AI-powered applications that run efficiently on-device, taking full advantage of the powerful NPUs in Copilot+ PCs," Microsoft wrote. It added that it implemented systems to take advantage of low-bit processing to ensure the R1 models could run locally on NPU hardware.

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At the same time, Microsoft is bringing DeepSeek's R1 model to its Azure AI Foundry platform, The Verge reported. It joins other AI models on that service, including GPT-4, Mistral AI, Meta-Llama 3 and others. That comes as a bit of a surprise, given that Microsoft is reportedly probing whether DeepSeek used OpenAI's technology in an unauthorized manner.

AI pundits have also expressed concerns about privacy issues around China-based DeepSeek, something that Microsoft addressed in a Marketplace Community post. "DeepSeek R1 has undergone rigorous red teaming and safety evaluations, including automated assessments of model behavior and extensive security reviews to mitigate potential risks," wrote Microsoft senior product marketing manager, Justin Royal.

DeepSeek shook up the AI world with its R1 model, which doesn't require nearly as much computing power as competing models. That spooked markets yesterday, causing a selloff in chip giant NVIDIA and other AI-adjacent stocks. OpenAI, which has been sued by multiple newspapers and publishers around the world for copyright infringement, recently accused DeepSeek and other Chinese AI startups of "distilling" its models.

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Nothing is launching a new device, the Phone 3a Series, on March 4. That's a year after the London-based company launched the Phone 2a, which is a budget version of the brand's Phone 2 model released in 2023. Nothing models with "a" in them are typically the less expensive versions of those without  its Ear a earbuds are also cheaper than the Ear, for instance,  but there's no Phone 3 for which the 3a would serve as a budget alternative. Most likely, the Phone 3a is simply named as such, because it would be in the same price range as the 2a that sold for at least $349 at launch.

"For the (a) Series we have a different set of users," Nothing co-founder Akis Evangelidis said. "When people buy a smartphone some are looking for the greatest specs, they want the latest innovations and processors. Yet there are some other users that are equally excited about tech, but are happy with just a great user experience  thats who the (a) Series is for. We're really focused on the core user needs in terms of camera, screen, processor, and of course design."

If you want to be notified when Nothing unveils the Phone 3a on March 4 at 5AM ET, you can sign up to get an alert on the company's website. We'll, of course, keep you updated, as well. In addition to announcing the Phone 3a's upcoming launch, the company has also revealed that it has surpassed $1 billion in lifetime revenue since it was founded in October 2020, half of which Nothing earned in 2024.
Meta has agreed to pay President Donald Trump $25 million to settle a 2021 lawsuit stemming from the social networks decision to suspend Trump's Facebook account following the riots at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.

According to The Wall Street Journal, there had been little activity surrounding the lawsuit until Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg flew to Mar-a-Lago following the election. Toward the end of the November dinner, Trump raised the matter of the lawsuit, The Journal reports. The president signaled that the litigation had to be resolved before Zuckerberg could be brought into the tent. Much of the settlement will reportedly go toward funding Trump's presidential library.

Settling the lawsuit is the latest step Zuckerberg and Meta have taken to appease Trump, who at one point during the campaign threatened to imprison the Facebook founder for plotting against him. Following the election, Zuckerberg ended Metas longtime fact-checking program and rolled back content moderation standards that prohibited dehumanizing language and slurs targeting immigrants and LGBTQ people. He also ended corporate diversity programs and added Trump backer and UFC CEO Dana White to Metas board. Zuckerberg had a prominent seat at Trumps inauguration, alongside other tech CEOs.

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News of Metas settlement broke just as the company released its latest earnings results. During a call with analysts, Zuckerberg said that 2025 was going to be a big year for redefining our relationship with governments. Though he didnt mention Trump by name, he said that we now have a US Administration that is proud of our leading companies, prioritizes American technology winning, and that will defend our values and interests abroad.

Zuckerberg, who earlier this week said the company would spend as much as $65 billion on AI investments this year, predicted that Meta AI would reach 1 billion users in 2025. He also commented on the rise of DeepSeek, an open-source AI assistant from China, saying that its strengthened our conviction about open source AI. One of the things that we're talking about, is there's going to be an open source standard globally, he said. And I think for own national advantage, it's important that it's an American standard.
Several TikTokers have come forward alleging that certain cast members who appear in the upcoming season of Netflix's Love Is Blind, which focuses on singles from the Minneapolis area, have emotionally abused them in the past, claiming that it caused them mental health conditions such as anxiety and PTSD.

Netflix revealed the cast of the new Love Is Blind season earlier this week alongside a trailer for the forthcoming series, confirming that Season 8 will begin airing on the streaming service on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14.

Subsequently, multiple accusers took to TikTok with claims about Love Is Blind contestants.

"Videos are starting to surface of people in the Minneapolis area that know some of the cast or have had experiences with some of the cast, now that the cast list has been released," TikTok's @storytimewithrikkii breaks down in an explainer video on the situation thus far. (Watch it below.)

Love Is Blind Season 8 Allegations

"Watching the Love is Blind season 8 trailer and seeing someone is in the cast that gave me a LITERAL anxiety disorder and PTSD for YEARS," @bubblegrl alleges in a clip without offering any names. (See below.)

Also, giving identifiers but not naming names, Tiktoker @tacobellrockstar claims, "Do you wanna know irony? So essentially four years ago I was gaslit into leaving American Eagle because they were a trash company, and they made me feel like they were experiencing horrible losses within their company and just awful, awful things because of the little TikToks I was posting."

She sarcastically quips, "But now, four years later, they have one of their district managers putting themselves completely and vulnerably out on Netflix for everyone to see? That's OK? OK, perfect. Love that." (See below.)

However, @storytimewithrikkii notes that, from all of these videos she's seen so far, none make any concrete claims or accusations. She wonders if some of the allegations may be false since anyone can "make a video like this with some words on the screen [and] it will go viral."

She declares, "Tell us what happened, or get off the pot. Because I hate vague videos like this. Tell us what happened, or don't. Post a receipt, or don't."

One TikToker named Andra (@hopeyoufindyourdad), who previously went viral with her gossip videos about the members of the cast when Netflix first began filming Season 8 in her city, renewed her charge this week after the cast list was released.

"Difficult morning for the women here in Minneapolis as we had to wake up and see some of the worst men in our city have been cast on this season of Love Is Blind," Andra says in a video from Tuesday. (Watch below.)

"Unfortunately, not only do I know some of them  and I've heard horrible stories about other ones  but I also already know how some of the storylines end," she continues.

Andra adds, "Netflix didn't consider that if you pick some of the most narcissistic men who will do anything for fame, that the second they walk off that set, regardless of if you made them sign an NDA or not, they're gonna head straight back to the bars and start bragging about everything that happened behind the scenes."
Miguel Nunez Jr. has spoken out in defense of Black actors dressing as women in Hollywood films, arguing that maybe you're the problem if you see this as an issue.

Nunez defended his role in the comedy/sport film Juwanna Mann (2000) in addition to Martin Lawrence, who played Sheneneh Jenkins and Jamie Foxx, who has taken on female characters for the sake of comedy.

According to the actor, not only are Black men in drag OK in his book, he feels it's only Black actors who are held to a standard in which this is unacceptable. On the contrary, he argues white actors in the film industry aren't deemed "emasculated" in crossdressing characters.

"I hear about this emasculating of men and all of that stuff. We only hear that s**t from n****as period," Nunez began in his rant captured by TMZ. "They [white people] don't come out against each other, I don't get it. I don't get the whole entire argument."

"I did Juwanna Mann and I enjoyed it, it was a h**l of a funny movie. You didn't see anybody come out against Dustin Hoffman when he did Tootsie," he argued, reiterating that white people didn't complain about the role.

"And Robin Williams as Mrs. Doubtfire, those were great movies," he continued. "Martin when he played Sheneneh, Jamie Foxx was my favorite when he did, was it Lips?" he explained, seemingly referring to Foxx's Wanda character from In Living Color. "She was hilarious."

"Those were all comedies, and if you're putting more into that, that means there's something wrong in your life," he emphasized. "That means there is something wrong with you," he said, tapping his head. "I don't see it any other way."

Just days ago, Martin Lawrence weighed into this discussion during an appearance on The Breakfast Club morning show. He maintained that he's comfortable in his manhood and spoke of "humiliation rituals" he calls a bunch of "bulls**t."

"These are strong Black women," Lawrence defended, regarding roles like Sheneneh and Big Momma. "I'm not above playing a character, putting on a dress, whatever because I'm in tune with my manhood. I know who I am, so I don't worry about all that."
Sources have confirmed that rapper Too Short's older brother, Wayne Shaw, has been killed.

Police authorities confirmed that the rapper's older brother was shot dead in East Oakland, as per NBC Bay Area. Reports stated that around 7 a.m., multiple suspects crashed into a car at an industrial building. The establishment was located on 49th Avenue, East 12th Street.

Lt. Gloria Beltran of the Oakland Police Department shared that the suspects arrived at the location and "attempted to force their way into the property."

Beltran added that during the barging of the perpetrators, the victim, identified as Shaw, stepped out of the building and was confronted by the suspects. Afterward, Shaw was gunned down.

"The suspects fired several rounds at the victim," Beltran stated.

Shaw was then rushed to the hospital due to having been shot multiple times by the suspects but was pronounced dead when he arrived. He was 61 years old.

Authorities shared that the suspects ran away in a vehicle and that the building was being investigated for its connection to Shaw's murder.

News outlet FOX KTVU reported that Shaw died while defending the building, which was claimed to contain a marijuana grow operation.

--Originally appeared on 'Music Times.'
The joy of thousands of Palestinian families who made it back home in north Gaza after a ceasefire with Israel turns to despair as the cold reality of uninhabitable, bombed-out homes and dire shortages sets in.
Thursday, January 30, 2025

As we age, the natural cycle of life often leads to role reversals in families. While parents once care for their children, many of us eventually find ourselves in a situation where our children take on the caregiving role. Whether due to illness, disability, or simply the challenges of aging, this transition can be emotional and difficult for both generations. But there is good news: with preparation, open communication, and a positive mindset, this process can lead to a stronger family bond, greater mutual respect, and healthier relationships.

In this article, well explore the challenges of becoming the recipient of care from your children, how to navigate the emotional aspects of this role reversal, and how to ensure that both you and your children stay healthy and happy throughout the caregiving journey.

As we get older, many of us experience the discomfort of realizing that we need help with things we used to do easily on our own. This can range from needing assistance with daily tasks, like cooking or cleaning, to more significant needs, like transportation or medical care. The emotional toll of becoming dependent on your children can be significant, as it challenges your sense of independence and can cause feelings of guilt, frustration, or even shame.

Studies show that aging adults often experience anxiety and sadness when transitioning from caregiver to the person being cared for. A study published in the Journal of Gerontology found that many elderly individuals experience emotional distress when they can no longer maintain their roles as providers or decision-makers for their families ( Journal of Gerontology ).

However, its important to realize that this shift is a natural part of aging, and with the right mindset, it can lead to greater emotional closeness between you and your children.

One of the most important aspects of gracefully navigating this role reversal is communication. Clear, honest, and respectful discussions with your children about your needs, concerns, and expectations can prevent misunderstandings and ease the emotional burden on both sides. Its crucial to maintain a sense of autonomy and dignity, even as you rely more on others for support.

Action Step:

Have open discussions with your children about what caregiving will look like, including the types of help you need and how they can assist without overburdening themselves. Use tools like Care.com to find additional caregiving resources if needed.

One of the best ways to prevent unnecessary stress and strain during this transition is to plan ahead. Waiting until a crisis occurs can create confusion and tension in families, making the caregiving process more difficult for everyone involved. Start thinking about how you want to be cared for in advance and have conversations with your children about the practical aspects of caregiving, including finances, medical needs, and living arrangements.

A study published in The Gerontologist highlighted that early discussions about caregiving needs significantly reduce the emotional stress experienced by both caregivers and care recipients. By planning early, you can help your children manage their expectations and responsibilities, ensuring that everyone feels supported.

Study Reference:

Action Step:

Write down your healthcare preferences and discuss them with your children. Consider creating an advance care directive or a living will, so your children know how you want to be cared for in various situations.

Websites like AARP offer resources for planning for aging and caregiving, including financial planning tools and health care decision-making advice.

Even as your children become your caregivers, its important to set boundaries and maintain your independence as much as possible. This can be a delicate balance, but its crucial for both your well-being and the health of your relationships. Clear boundaries can help prevent caregiver burnout and ensure that your children can also have fulfilling lives outside of their caregiving roles.

Action Step:

Establish healthy boundaries with your children, ensuring they have time for themselves and dont become overwhelmed. Encourage them to take breaks and seek additional help when needed.

Use apps like Lotsa Helping Hands to create a caregiving calendar and organize support from friends and extended family, so your children arent carrying all the responsibilities.

Caring for an aging parent can be exhausting, both physically and emotionally. As a parent, its essential to prioritize your own self-care to maintain your physical health and emotional well-being. At the same time, encourage your children to take care of themselves, too. Caregiver burnout is real, and they need breaks to stay healthy and avoid feelings of resentment.

A study published in The Journal of Family Psychology found that caregivers who practice self-care and manage stress effectively experience less burnout and better emotional health. Its important that caregivers, including your children, know that they dont have to do it all alone and can ask for help when needed.

Study Reference:

Action Step:

Encourage your children to take advantage of respite care services and support groups for caregivers. Websites like Family Caregiver Alliance offer tools and resources for both caregivers and care recipients.

offer tools and resources for both caregivers and care recipients. Take time for yourself by engaging in hobbies, exercising, and socializing with friends. This will help you stay physically and emotionally healthy as you navigate this new phase.

While the role reversal can be challenging, it also offers an opportunity for growth, understanding, and strengthened bonds between generations. By communicating openly, planning ahead, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care, both you and your children can navigate the caregiving journey gracefully and with compassion.

How are you managing the role reversal with your children? What steps are you taking to ensure you both remain healthy and supported throughout the caregiving process?

Join the conversation at the Age Brilliantly Forum and share your experiences with navigating caregiving and aging.
Sen. John Fuller, R-Whitefish, waits to present Senate Bill 164, which would make procuring or providing certain care for transgender youth a felony. (Keila Szpaller/The Daily Montanan)

A doctor couldnt fix a cleft palate on a baby or circumcise an infant if Senate Bill 164 takes effect, said one medical provider.

Another doctor said a child with scoliosis couldnt be treated if the bill is signed into law.

Several people who testified said suicide rates among transgender youth will increase.

The Senate Judiciary committee on Jan. 27 heard testimony on SB 164, which would make it a felony for a parent or medical provider to procure or provide treatment to alter the appearance of a child younger than 16 or to provide surgical treatment, puberty blockers or doses of estrogen or testosterone to affirm a transgender childs identity.

Sen. John Fuller, R-Whitefish, sponsored the bill, which comes with a penalty of up to five years in prison or a $10,000 fine, or up to 10 years and $25,000 if a child suffers serious bodily injury.

In 2023, the Montana Legislature passed and Gov. Greg Gianforte signed Senate bill 99, which made it illegal for young people who are transgender to receive gender-affirming care.

The ACLU of Montana sued on behalf of plaintiffs and opposed SB 164 too.

Monday, Fuller said the Montana Supreme Court already found SB 99 to be unconstitutional  although Derek Oestreicher of the Montana Family Foundation corrected him and said it has only been preliminarily enjoined.

However, Fuller said his bill is different because it is amending a different section of code, one that addresses endangering the welfare of children.

Representatives from the Montana Family Foundation and Montana Medical Freedom Alliance were among the handful of proponents who testified in support of the bill.

Oestreicher said gender dysphoria, where a person feels their biological sex doesnt match their gender identity, is a deeply complex and personal experience, and the bill seeks to ensure children arent subjected to life altering consequences from treatment.

This legislation is critical to protecting Montana children from harmful and irreversible medical interventions, Oestreicher said.

In December, the Montana Supreme Court found SB 99 likely violates the state constitutions right to privacy, and the law is temporarily blocked while the lawsuit plays out.

At the hearing Monday, many members of the medical community including counselors and an emergency room doctor testified against the bill. They said doctors are sworn to present the best options to patients, and the bill would make them and parents criminals for offering them necessary care and potentially increase suicide rates among children.

Dr. Cathy White had retired as a pediatrician, but she came out of retirement because of a shortage of providers in Butte. White said if the bill passes, shortages will get worse.

Some transgender youth dont experience any dysphoria at all, but White has had patients come into her office and say, If my body keeps changing like this, Im going to kill myself.

White said the use of puberty blockers isnt taken lightly, but they have been used for decades, and she will quit working if the bill passes.

Personally, Im too old to risk a felony if this law passes, and I would cease to practice in Montana, said White, past president of the Montana Chapter of American Academy of Pediatrics.

The Movement Advancement Project lists 24 states including Montana that have bans, not all in effect, on best practice care for transgender youth. MAP describes itself as a nonprofit think tank dedicated to research that supports equality.

Dr. Lauren Wilson, with the Montana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, presented the committee with a list of 43 medical organizations, including the American Medical Association, that have issued statements in support of medical care for transgender patients and against restrictions that criminalize them.

Wilson, also testifying for the Montana Academy of Family Physicians, told the committee its important to recognize transgender and intersex people have existed across cultures and throughout history.

No single pathway exists for youth seeking gender affirming care, Wilson said. In some cases, support entails allowing a child to get a different haircut or use a different name.

Of adolescents seen in a gender clinic in a large childrens hospital, 65% received no medication or other interventions, Wilson said. Just 7% received puberty blockers, and 35% received hormones.

Children dont undergo surgery, and just 25% to 35% of people who are transgender have ever had surgery, Wilson said.

Bills like this one are based in misconceptions about gender affirming care that are circulating nationally, Wilson said.

Planned Parenthood of Montana, the Montana Hospital Association, Montana Primary Care Association, a member of the Montana Psychiatric Association, the Womens Foundation of Montana, and a pastor were among the opponents who testified.

Faye Wilde said before she was a transgender woman, she was a trans child, and she knows she would have faced less harassment if she had had access to puberty blockers early on.

Wilde described the bill as cruel and blatantly unconstitutional, and she said transgender people have always existed in Montana, and we always will.

You cannot legislate us back into the closet, into the grave or out of existence, Wilde said. We are here, and here we will remain.

The bill has no fiscal note, but it would be costly for public defenders and child and protective services, said Kelsen Young, with the Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.

Young said the coalition stood in indignant opposition to the bill. Some parents wont testify in opposition because they fear prosecution, said Young, who identified herself as a mother and grandmother.

Please know that this is a life and death situation, Young said. The fact that we are creating a felony for parents who are doing the best they can in these incredibly difficult situations is offensive to those of us who work with children.

Anna Louise Peterson, a licensed clinical professional counselor, has provided support to transgender, nonbinary and intersex clients for the last 25 years.

I have yet to see a single case in which the treatment protocol has caused any harm to any of my clients. Quite the opposite. It has enabled them to thrive, Peterson said.

Shawn Reagor, on behalf of Bridger Care, Montanas largest nonprofit reproductive and sexual health clinic, said the bill aims to block treatment that saves lives.

Reagor said it also affects less than 0.1% of the population in the country, fewer than 3,000 people, and the bill is a waste of time and money.

The government has no place inserting itself between parents, teens and their trusted health care providers, Reagor said.

In support of the bill, however, Erin Laws, with the Montana Medical Freedom Alliance, said voters gave Americans and Montanans a clear mandate in the most recent election to return to common sense and traditional values.

Laws also pointed out that a doctor who had received nearly $10 million from the U.S. government for a study regarding puberty blockers declined to release the full results.

She refused to release the findings because she did not want them to be weaponized, Laws said.

The committee did not take immediate action on the bill on Monday.
Hard times make fond memories for a dairy farmer. For more than four decades, producers seeking a respite from the milking barn and cold winter months across the United States and Canada have come together in the opening hours of the Florida State Fair for the annual Old Timers Breakfast to trade stories and talk about how to support the next generation.

Just like everybody in any dairy state, they want to gather together, they want to sit together and tell their own story, said Bonnie Ayars, a farmer, dairy program specialist at Ohio State University and longtime attendee of the event. You know, for old-timers, its reminiscing about what it used to be like, but (also) how do we set the stage for some of these kids today?

Though times have changed  logistical challenges spun the event out of the fairs orbit in the midst of the pandemic, shaking loose some of the regular attendees, and now the breakfast is a luncheon  the tradition still draws those with ties to the industry, old or not, with 30 or so people attending last year.

This year, the Old-Timerss Luncheon will begin at noon on Feb. 17 at OBriens Irish Pub, 701 W. Lumsden Road, Brandon, Florida. Organizers said the luncheon will continue to complement the fairs event lineup, especially for those who want to watch the cow show that day.

Madison Dyment, a PhD candidate at the University of Florida, will be a guest speaker at the luncheon. Ayars, who helped arrange for her to speak, said Dyment will focus her remarks on fostering connections across generations and positive youth development.

Shes full of all this dynamic energy that we need to see, Ayars said of Dyment. (Old-Timers) want to think that they were the toughest, the best, the most important of anybody. And you know what? At that age, its OK. So, when they get together, they get that. But then you need to draw in something across the generations to keep it going. Thats where Maddie comes in.

Ayars emphasized that a major part of the luncheons appeal is the sense of belonging and purpose it offers older members of the dairy community.

Some people arent afforded the privilege to be an Old-Timer, she said. One of the reasons for this event is so many of them who maybe have passed their prime for leaving a leadership impact (can) still be there from a mentoring side, Ayers said, adding that the luncheon offers certified Old-Timers a chance for them to see the next generation step up.

Of course, you get the soothsayers that say, Well, these kids dont know how to manage mud nowadays We dealt with adversities that theyre not geared to handle, and were not geared to handle their adversities. But when you bring these people together, you bring together a perspective, and again, that sense of self worth (for Old-Timers); I cant tell you how important that is.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the dairy industry has experienced significant structural changes over the years, with larger and fewer dairy farms concentrated in fewer states outlasting smaller enterprises. In 2002, small farms with less than 100 milking cows accounted for 29% of the countrys dairy herd. By 2017, the figure had dwindled to just 13% of all dairy cows in the country.

To the farmers, its always been a small world, said Gary Mithoefer, an Indiana farmer, longtime Old-Timers attendee and event organizer.

On his first trip to the Florida State Fair in 2003, he never expected to see so many familiar faces, or that it would bring him back time and time again.

I knew several people and got involved with (the luncheon) that way, he said. We went to the dairy show, and I figured, being in Florida, I probably wouldnt know a person there. And we walked into the arena for the dairy show, and the first person I saw was a retired classifier (I know) from the Guernsey Association. There were several people  and I said, Ive known you fellas for I dont know how many years. Never once have you told me you come to Florida in the winter.

That day, one of his friends asked him if he had attended the dairy breakfast earlier. Mithoefer came the following year, and then every year after that.

Ive encouraged everybody to attend and make connections with each other, he said.

For more information about the luncheon and to help organizers with planning and seating, those interested are asked to RSVP in advance by calling, texting or emailing Mithoefer at 317-225-9025 or gnmithoefer@comcast.net, or Larry Hawkins at 608-516-0101 or lhawk1111@yahoo.com.
Cows monitored by an autonomous detection system can see up to four times fewer incidences of lameness compared to animals monitored by humans.

Research trials have demonstrated the 'transformative potential' of automated mobility scoring in reducing severe and chronic lameness in herds.

The study, which took place on a large UK dairy farm, also found that traditional human monitoring methods, while still valuable, faced significant limitations compared to automated solutions.

The economic impact of lameness within the dairy sector is substantial, with estimates suggesting an average cost of 330 per case.

Latest figures suggests that losses could equate up to 33,000 in annual losses for an average herd due to reduced milk yield, fertility issues, and early culling.

As part of the new research, a University of Liverpool team found that cows monitored by CattleEye had four times lower cumulative incidence of severe lameness compared to those in the non-CattleEye group.

They found that cows consistently observed by the technology experienced 2.5 times fewer moderate and chronic cases of lameness, improving long-term herd health and productivity

And by enabling early detection and treatment, researchers said that CattleEye helped reduce the progression of moderate lesions to severe cases.

The study concluded that while it is a powerful tool, it's most effective when used as part of a comprehensive herd lameness management strategy.

The role of foot trimmers remains crucial, with the technology complementing their expertise by identifying cows in need of intervention earlier and with greater precision.

CattleEye UK business development manager, Roger Allen said the research showed that the future of lameness management lies in combining human expertise with advanced AI technology.

He said: Human monitoring can be labour-intensive, making it difficult to sustain in large-scale dairy operations where hundreds or even thousands of cows require regular assessment.

"By enabling early intervention, CattleEye not only improves animal welfare but also enhances productivity and profitability for farmers."
The government's import controls have been slammed as 'inadequate' as the threat of diseases like foot-and-mouth and African swine fever (ASF) grow.

The comments are in response to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committees call for evidence on biosecurity at the UK's borders.

The National Pig Association (NPA) stated that its most significant concern with regards to biosecurity threats related to current commercial import controls.

The body recently warned that a 'disaster was waiting to happen' for the British livestock sector, following an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Germany and the growing threat of ASF.

In new evidence provided to EFRA, the association warned that there were 'very few' physical inspections from the EU and rest-of-world taking place.

The BTOM [Border Target Operating Model], introduced to control and monitor commercial imports, does not appear to be functioning properly," the NPA said.

While there should be 140 physical inspections conducted each day at the Sevington Border Control Post, the NPA estimated that as few as 10% were being completed.

Alongside the ability to auto-clear loads without inspection, if self-declared to be low risk and two hours prior to arrival, there was a 'clear risk' of illegal meat entering the UK alongside legally imported products.

The pig industry body also highlighted concerns to EFRA surrounding the enforcement of the current or any future control measures.

Control measures of this kind are only worth introducing if port health authorities, local authorities, and Border Force have sufficient resource to implement and enforce them," it said.

The group pointed out that since ASF control measures were introduced in September 2022, Dover Port Health Authority (DPHA) had seized tonnes of illegally imported meat products.

This was despite limited funding and operational capacity and only a small percentage of vehicles being checked.

The NPA said it believed that much more was entering the country to meet an increasing commercial demand, with much of the trade run by organised criminals.

If illegal POAO is identified and confiscated, there are currently poor legal pathways and insufficient resources to take further action. As such there are no penalties to dissuade this criminal activity, the NPA's response said.

It also highlighted the 'overdue need' for an update to Defras personal import and calls for an outright ban on all personal pork imports and the removal of the current 2kg threshold.
Immigration officers have raided a farm in Powys, Wales as part of a 'crack down on those who abuse the immigration system'.

The Home Office said one of its Immigration Enforcement teams targeted the farm, based in Llangedwyn, at dawn on Tuesday (28 January).

They arrested six Romanian nationals - four men and two women - on suspicion of working illegally.

The farming business now faces the possibility of a fine of up to 240,000, as well as a prison sentence, if found guilty of employing illegal workers.

One man was arrested as an 'overstayer' in the UK, the Home Office said, as he has remained in the country over his six months' visitor allowance.

The Home Office added that during his time in the UK, the man was working illegally on the Powys farm.

Dame Angela Eagle, Minister for Border Security, said that illegal workers, and those who employed them, would be identified and would face the full force of the law.

She said: "There is no place in the UK for anyone who thinks they can abuse our immigration laws and exploit vulnerable people.

Were fixing a broken system by ramping up returns and enforcement activity and clamping down on rogue employers who subject workers to squalid conditions."

Eddy Montgomery, director of enforcement at Immigration Enforcement, added: Many people who come to the UK and end up working illegally are frequently sold a false narrative about their ability to live and settle here.

"These lies create a draw for dangerous small boat crossings and other routes of illegal migration."
Englands struggling upland livestock farmers are losing out on government payments, which in turn has 'serious implications' for nature restoration efforts.

Green Alliance has analysed Defra figures, revealing that upland grazing farms are receiving, on average, 400 less annually from agri-environment schemes.

However, cereal farms are seeing a significant 6,300 increase, compared to 2021-2022, despite upland farms being a key feature of the UK's national parks.

According to Green Alliance, it shows there has been no additional investment through agri-environment schemes in Dartmoor, the Yorkshire Dales, and the Lake District, calling the situation 'alarming'.

This uneven distribution of funds "threatens the vital link between farming and the preservation of these landscapes".

With the Higher Tier Countryside Stewardship and Landscape Recovery schemes, the schemes most suited to upland farming, currently closed to new applicants, the situation is 'becoming increasingly untenable'.

To better support the lowest paid farmers, the Green Alliance is calling on the UK government to press ahead with farming policy reforms.

While the farming budget for 2025-2026 was maintained in the 2024 October budget, it says much of the support continues to favour arable farms.

Upland grazing farms, which typically have the lowest incomes, have seen 'little benefit', with hill farmers earning an average of just 23,500 in 2024, even with government payments and unpaid labour.

However, the upcoming Land Use Framework offers a 'valuable opportunity' for the government to address this by adopting a new approach to payments that restores nature and invests in these lowest-income farms.

The framework should ensure that the uplands receive the targeted investment they require to become more sustainable and keep farm businesses viable, the alliance says.

Lydia Collas, head of natural environment at Green Alliance said: The Land Use Framework presents a crucial opportunity to think carefully about where to invest the farming budget, and what it needs to pay for.

"We need better targeting of public money towards nature restoration on lower income farms including in many of our iconic national parks.

"That will help tackle climate change and restore natural habitats, while supporting farm businesses to thrive and providing the public with better access to nature.
Over 2,000 farmers who supply Waitrose will now have access to a free mapping app to help them enhance and protect the environment.

The retailer is teaming up with digital mapping tool 'Land App' to 'revolutionise' sustainable farming and nature-friendly practices.

The partnership will also provide farmers with expert advice, helping them to create bespoke land management plans.

It is part of Waitroses Farming for Nature programme, which aims to support farmers to combat biodiversity loss and tackle climate change.

Rolling out Land App, the supermarket chain said it will gather real-time data on the environmental health of the 2,000 farms.

It will also measure progress on over 60 key sustainability metrics that will help understanding of the current state and potential to enhance biodiversity.

James Bailey, executive director of Waitrose said: This partnership with Land App is about supporting [farmers] to secure a sustainable future.

This latest technology will provide us and our farmers with data that we can use, evaluate and act on to support the adoption of nature-friendly farming with real insights on what works and what doesnt.

Farmers will have access to to advice from Land Apps professionals, including support from the Wildlife Trusts and the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group.

Producers will also be able to create visual plans of their land on on the app, tracking biodiversity and identifying areas for improvement.

Dan Geerah, director of growth at Land App, said building resilience and sustainability on farms was 'more crucial now than ever'.

"It not only supports nature, reduces flooding, and mitigates the effects of climate change but also secures food production for future generations," he added.

This partnership with Waitrose represents a significant leap toward the widespread adoption of regenerative practices."

Last week, retailer Co-op announced a new 820,000 fund to advance sustainable practices, including financially rewarding farmers to reduce carbon emissions.

The significant investment will also see farmer suppliers rewarded for actions such as promoting nature on their farms across beef, lamb and dairy sectors.
A lab-grown patch could be a lifeline for heart failure sufferers.

A patch could come to the aid of those suffering from heart failure

Scientists have used stem cells and turned them into heart muscles and when they grow together, it creates patches that are 10cm by 5cm.

These can be pumped on their own in laboratories, and two of the patches can be put onto the heart to make it pump at a stronger rate.

They do not cause irregular heartbeats - which is a common side effect when heart muscle cells are injected into the heart.

The patches have been tested on rhesus macaques monkeys, and the results found that they are both safe and promising.

Professor James Leiper, director of research at the British Heart Foundation, said: "Further clinical trials in larger numbers of patients are needed to determine the effectiveness of the heart patch in humans.

"If these are positive, it could help to usher in a new era of heart failure treatment."
Explainer: Why is Chinese AI startup DeepSeek shaking up the tech world?

Xinhua) 09:17, January 30, 2025

A humanoid robot takes selfies with a visitor at the 7th World Voice Expo in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Oct. 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Fu Tian)

"To see the DeepSeek new model, it's super impressive in terms of both how they have really effectively done an open-source model that does this inference-time compute, and is super-compute efficient."

BEIJING, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- The artificial intelligence (AI) community is abuzz with excitement over DeepSeek-R1, a new open-source model developed by the Chinese startup DeepSeek.

Released on Jan. 20, it has quickly soared to the top of Apple's app store's free charts by Monday, surpassing OpenAI's ChatGPT.

According to DeepSeek, in tasks such as mathematics, coding and natural language reasoning, the performance of this model is comparable to the leading models from heavyweights like OpenAI but only at a fraction of the cash and computing power of its competitors.

Here's what DeepSeek has done and why it is sending shockwaves through the AI industry.

WHAT IS DEEPSEEK?

Officially known as DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence Fundamental Technology Research Co., Ltd., the firm was founded in July 2023. As an innovative technology startup, DeepSeek is dedicated to developing cutting-edge large language models (LLMs) and related technologies.

Since its first model "DeepSeek LLM" released in January last year, the company has undergone multiple rounds of iteration. In December, the startup launched its open-source LLM "V3", which overtook all of Meta's open-source LLMs and rivaled OpenAI's closed-source GPT4-o, according to U.S. media reports.

The just-released model R1 has achieved an important technological breakthrough -- using pure deep learning methods to allow AI to spontaneously emerge with reasoning capabilities.

Unlike traditional approaches like Chain-of-Thought (CoT) and Supervised Fine-Tuning (SFT), DeepSeek has distinguished itself in the AI industry by adopting Reinforcement Learning (RL) as a core training method.

While CoT and SFT rely on step-by-step reasoning and huge amounts of labeled data, respectively, RL enables models to learn through interaction and reward mechanisms, making it better suited for complex and dynamic tasks.

The adoption of RL has allowed the startup to enhance its models' reasoning, adaptability and efficiency, setting it apart as a frontrunner in the field.

When queried about the meaning of "DeepSeek," its latest R1 chatbot replied, "The name reflects the company's mission to deeply explore and advance the foundational technologies of AI, aiming to push the boundaries of AI innovation and application."

"BIGGER IS NO LONGER ALWAYS SMARTER"

According to its V3 model technical report, DeepSeek's manufacturing cost is approximately 5.57 million U.S. dollars, making it the least expensive among LLMs.

Renowned U.S. economist Jeffrey Sachs, a professor and director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, told Xinhua that the breakthrough made by DeepSeek "shows the possibility of advanced AI at much lower costs than was widely believed in the United States until yesterday."

DeepSeek-V3 makes it "look easy today with an open weights release of a frontier-grade LLM trained on a joke of a budget (2,048 GPUs for 2 months, $6M)," posted Andrej Karpathy, a founding member of OpenAI, on X.

Compared to other well-known models, DeepSeek achieved an order-of-magnitude reduction.

The cost is "a stark contrast to the hundreds of millions, if not billions, that U.S. companies typically invest in similar technologies," said Marc Andreessen, a prominent tech investor, depicting DeepSeek's R1 as "one of the most amazing breakthroughs" he had ever seen.

The AI industry development has long relied on piling up computing power. The cost-efficient DeepSeek model may upend the AI landscape.

Praising the DeepSeek-V3 Technical Report as "very nice and detailed," Karpathy said that the report is worthy of reading through.

U.S. investment bank and financial service provider Morgan Stanley believed that DeepSeek demonstrates an alternative path to efficient model training than the current arm's race among hyperscalers by significantly increasing the data quality and improving the model architecture.

"Bigger is no longer always smarter," it said.

People visit the exhibition area of Chinese company Shokz during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 in Las Vegas, the United States, Jan. 7, 2025. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

OPEN-SOURCE MODEL

"To see the DeepSeek new model, it's super impressive in terms of both how they have really effectively done an open-source model that does this inference-time compute, and is super-compute efficient," said Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.

Open source allows researchers, developers, and users to access the model's underlying code and its "weights" -- the parameters that determine how the model processes information -- enabling them to use, modify or enhance the model to suit their needs.

DeepSeek has greatly benefited from open-source principles and, in turn, demonstrates a strong commitment to sharing knowledge and contributing to the collective advancement of technology.

Meta's chief AI scientist Yann LeCun said: "They came up with new ideas and built them on top of other people's work. Because their work is published and open source, everyone can profit from it."

"That is the power of open research and open source," LeCun added.

Echoing LeCun, Sachs, the U.S. economist, said, "DeepSeek's business and development model is open source, which is a compelling and successful model for science, technology and business."

While DeepSeek's U.S. counterpart, OpenAI, initially started as an open-source organization but later shifted to a closed-source model, DeepSeek has taken a different path.

Highlighting the importance of fostering collaboration and innovation through open-source principles, Liang Wenfeng, the founder of DeepSeek, said that building a robust technological ecosystem is the priority.

"We won't choose closed-source," Liang made the company's stance clear.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Kou Jie)
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The Book

The Secretary historical spy

Moscow, 1958. At the height of the Cold War, secretary Lois Vale is on a deep-cover MI6 mission to identify a diplomatic traitor. She can trust only one man: Johann, a German journalist also working covertly for the British secret service. As the trail leads to Vienna and the Black Sea, Lois and Johann begin an affair but as love grows, so does the danger to Lois.

A tense Cold War spy story told from the perspective of a bright, young, working-class woman recruited to MI6 at a time when men were in charge of making history and women were expendable.

The Author

Author Deborah Lawrenson

Deborah Lawrenson spent her childhood moving around the world with diplomatic service parents, from Kuwait to China, Belgium, Luxembourg and Singapore. She worked as a journalist in London and has written eight novels.

As a curious, observant child Deborah experienced their subsequent adventures but it was only as an adult that she began to understand the undercurrents and the real meaning of things her enigmatic, deeply private mother told her.

How The book Came to be.

Joy Deborahs Mother Image credit Deborah Lawrenson

Deborah reveals the novel is largely inspired by a diary left behind by author Deborah Lawrenson's late mother who worked for the British Intelligence.

Adding "Authentic and historical details are provided by the 1958 diary kept in Moscow by my Mother who worked for British Intelligence. My parents met that year when they were both working at the British Embassy in Moscow. I grew up with bugged apartments and stormy romance and trailed by the KGB.

Joy's diary image credit Deborah Lawrenson

There is a substantial authors afterword at the end of the novel which explains Deborahs family research in further detail.

RELEASE DATE: 28/02/2025 ISBN: 9781835741436 Price: 9.99

by Natalie key for www.femalefirst.co.uk


Ava DuVernay doesn't think she would "be a good mother".

Ava DuVernay thinks she is not cut out to be a parent

The 52-year-old filmmaker- who is the oldest of her five siblings - has never wanted to have children and has ignored any attempts the people close to her have made to suggest she'd change her mind one day.

The 'Origin' director said on Audible's 'The Unusual Suspects with Kenya Barris and Malcolm Gladwell' interview series: "I don't feel like I would be a good mother for a child. I don't want to do that and I think in the most ideal scenario, you should want to do that. I just don't want to ...

"I am the oldest of five.

"I've had a lot of small children in my life for a long time, so I never felt like I wanted to have kids.

"My family, my mom, would always say, for a little while before she realised I was serious, 'You'll change your mind.'"

Ava has been in relationships in the past, but the 'Selma' filmmaker has no interest in getting married because her work means she wouldn't be a "traditional" wife and thinks it unlikely she'd find a husband who would be willing to "stand by" while she jetted off around the world.

She added: "Me being gone so often and me being on top of a mountain in New Zealand shooting with a helicopter  these are not traditional things for a woman.

"If you're looking for a husband to stand by while you're off doing these things, I think you're going to have a harder time, but if you're not looking for a husband, companionship, partner . . ."

The 'A Wrinkle in Time' director previously told InStyle in 2022 that her choice to not have children and to not be married has allowed the "workaholic" to enjoy her job later on in life.

She said: Theres that line people say, No new friends.

But there can be. I cant mature in my work if I dont open my life a bit more.

"I didnt have kids by choice, and Im not married by choice. I was able to embrace my career later in life, in my 30s.

So Im going to do what feels good to me, and Im going to have fun."
The Grammy Awards will feature a tribute to late music icon Quincy Jones.

The Grammys will feature a 'star-studded salute' to the late music legend Quincy Jones

As well as the In Memoriam segment, the prestigious music ceremony will see a star-studded salute to the life and legacy of Quincy Jones, and touching tributes celebrating the spirit of the city of Los Angeles."

The legendary producer died in November 2024, at the age of 91, and his life and legacy will be reflected upon at the awards bash at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on February 2, the Recording Academy confirmed.

Stevie Wonder, 'Wicked' star Cynthia Erivo and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin are among new names confirmed to perform tributes.

Plus, Brad Paisley, Janelle Monae, Lainey Wilson, John Legend, Sheryl Crow, Herbie Hancock, St. Vincent, Jacob Collier and Alabama Shakes Brittany Howard.

They join previously confirmed performers Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Charli XCX, Doechii, RAYE, Sabrina Carpenter, Shakira, Benson Boone and Teddy Swims, all of whom are nominees.

The tributes to the city of Los Angeles comes amid the ongoing wildfires in the California, which forced more than 100,000 people to flee their homes, including famous musicians, and killed at least 29 people.

Grammys bosses said the ceremony is going ahead with a renewed sense of purpose with a focus on fundraising.

Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said: The upcoming Grammy Awards wont just be about celebrating and honouring the best in music this year.

"They will also show how the power of music can help rebuild, uplift and support those in need. We are thrilled that so many artists in our community are banding together at this time to show support for their fellow music makers and others impacted by the recent wildfires.

Comedian Trevor Noah is hosting the ceremony for the fifth consecutive year.
Prince William asked a scientist if she could find the Loch Ness Monster.

Prince William was interested in the existence of the Loch Ness Monster

The 42-year-old royal paid a visit to DNA research organisation NatureMetrics on Wednesday (29.01.25) and as he learned more about the organisation's work extracting environmental DNA (eDNA) from water, air, and soil samples, he questioned founder Dr. Kat Bruce on whether their work would help people learn more about the mythical creature, which is said to live in Loch Ness in the Scottish highlands.

According to the Telegraph, he asked: Everyone will want to know. Does this mean you can find the Loch Ness Monster?

The scientist admitted efforts had been made but only eels had been found in the loch.

She said: People have tried. People came from New Zealand to try that and they took about 500 eDNA samples and no, they said they had found eels.

It might be a very big eel, but it felt like it was clutching at straws a little bit. All they needed to find was one unidentified piece of eDNA and they could have had a story.

Dr. Bruce admitted the firm - which was a finalist in William's Earthshot Prize initiative last year - had been asked to use their technology to find "all sorts", including Bigfoot and the Yeti.

William - who has three children with wife Catherine, Princess of Wales - hailed the visit to the company in Guildford, Surrey, the "best day of [his] life" after he got to spray cloudy pond water at a group of journalists in attendance.

He had joined a group of schoolchildren who were collecting DNA samples to identify the bacteria and wildlife present in a nearby lake and, when he had to expel some excess water from his syringe, Dr. Bruce suggested he fire it in the direction of reporters.

He took three attempts and quipped: Oh nearly, so nearly This is the best day of my life  great fun.

The Prince of Wales praised the company's work as he was shown a DNA extraction machine, which produces the code sequence to identify a vast range from bacteria to blue whales.

He told chief executive Dimple Patel: "So much of what the environmental world needs right now is data.

And you guys have got the ability to tell us whats there. Theres a lot of guesswork, theres a lot of painstaking volunteers and science going into this, but actually what we need is to be able to understand bigger, large-scale projects as to what is in each area.
The Union Budget is always a much-anticipated event, which sets the stage for the nation and individuals growth. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the budget on February 1, which will mark her eighth budget in Parliamentthe highest number presented by any of her predecessors, including Manmohan Singh, Arun Jaitley, P. Chidambaram, Yashwant Sinha, and Morarji Desai.





For entrepreneurs across various sectorsbe it industries, healthcare, startups, education, or agricultureit holds immense significance. The upcoming Budget 2025 is no exception, with business leaders eagerly awaiting reforms and incentives to drive growth, innovation, and sustainability. Entrepreneurs are hoping for measures that not only ease doing business but also address sector-specific challenges such as funding, taxation, and infrastructure development.





Here's a glimpse into the key expectations from entrepreneurs across diverse sectors for shaping a prosperous and inclusive economy.





Dr Sheetal Jindal, Director, Medical Genetics program, Jindal Ivf Chandigarh

As the 2025-26 Union Budget approaches, we hope for policies that enhance access to advanced reproductive healthcare. Incentivizing fertility treatments like IVF through tax breaks, subsidies, and comprehensive insurance coverage is vital, especially for tier 2 and 3 cities. Funding for ART research and genetic diagnostics will drive innovation and better outcomes. Prioritizing affordable reproductive care will build healthier families and a brighter future for India.





Shefali Mundra, Tax expert, ClearTax

As the Union Budget nears, taxpayers eagerly anticipate reforms to simplify India's complex tax system. Key expectations include clearer residency rules, a unified tax structure for domestic and global companies, and aligning financial and assessment years for better clarity. Simplifying the tax framework aims to enhance transparency, reduce compliance burdens, and benefit individuals and businesses alike.





Anvi Kumar, Founder of MindCanvas

As we approach Union Budget 2025, it is imperative to prioritize mental health as a critical pillar of public health and economic growth. According to the NMHS, over 10% of adults in India grapple with mental health disorders, with a treatment gap of up to 92%. Accessible mental health services are no longer a luxury; they are a necessity. We urge the government to consider rolling back GST on mental health services, making support more affordable and accessible to those in need. Additionally, targeted investments in mental health infrastructure can address the pressing shortage of professionals and resources. By taking these steps, the budget can lay the foundation for a healthier and more resilient India, both mentally and economically.

Mahesh Makhija, Chairman & MD, QMS MAS

We urge the Government to prioritize funding for AI-driven specialized screening in rural and Tier 2 markets. With over 65% of Indias population residing in these areas and facing limited access to advanced healthcare, such initiatives could significantly alleviate the burden on public health infrastructure, which is currently overburdened. Leveraging AI can increase diagnostic accuracy by up to 90% and enable early detection of diseases, fostering a much-needed shift towards a preventative health mindset and empowering communities with timely, life-saving interventions."



Anindith Reddy, Managing Director & Co-Founder of Enliva

"The first comprehensive budget of the Modi 3.0 government must prioritize the manufacturing sector with tariff rationalization to address inverted duties and expand the PLI scheme. This will reduce import dependence, boost domestic production, and create more jobs. Supporting MSMEs and simplifying application processes are crucial for greater participation. To protect the Indian glove industry, the government must curb low-grade chlorinated glove imports, which surged to 460 million between July and August 2024, mainly from Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and China. These imports threaten safety and the 'Make in India' campaign. Strengthening R&D with a focus on quality is vital for industry resilience."





Dr. Dharminder Nagar, M.D, Paras Health

We urge the government to prioritize healthcare accessibility and infrastructure in the upcoming budget, focusing on strengthening primary healthcare in tier 2 and 3 cities. Increasing healthcare expenditure to 2.53% of GDP and establishing a dedicated Healthcare Capex Fund with flexible repayment terms are essential steps.

Key expectations include reduced customs duties on life-saving diagnostic equipment and increased investment in digital health solutions like AI-driven diagnostics, telemedicine, and electronic health records to bridge rural healthcare gaps. Tax incentives for private health insurance adoption will ensure broader access and financial protection. Public-private collaborations remain crucial for building a healthier, more inclusive India.





AK Srikanth, CEO of Klay

The 2025 Union Budget is expected to focus on transformative initiatives in education, emphasizing early childhood learning, skill-based training, and technology integration. Increased allocations could support teacher training, inclusive education, and affordable access across urban and rural areas. These measures are vital for creating a future-ready, empowered generation, aligning with Indias vision for global leadership and sustainable growth.









Neera Nundy, Partner and Co - Founder of Dasra India

"Indias leadership in the SDGs is vital, with philanthropy complementing government efforts. Private giving grew 10% in FY 2023, but yet significant untapped potential remains. Aligning private resources with national priorities, especially in areas like sustainable cities and womens leadership, can drive inclusive development. We remain optimistic about favorable policies and enhanced tax incentives in the upcoming Union Budget to unlock greater domestic capital from families, individuals, and corporates."





Mr. Rajit Mehta, MD & CEO of Antara Senior Care

Ahead of the 2025 Union Budget, we hope to see measures that promote seniors well-being economically, socially, and emotionally. Key areas include integrating elder care into healthcare systems, expanding long-term care services, and investing in skilled caregiving. We also urge policies encouraging private sector participation in senior care solutions, ensuring dignity, independence, and security for Indias aging population.





Sushil Suri, Chairman and Managing Director, Morepen Laboratories

We hope the 2025 budget unlocks the Pharma sectors potential, projected to reach $130 billion by 2030. Expanding the PLI scheme for medical technology and streamlining regulatory approvals will enhance manufacturing, attract investments, and foster innovation. A focus on timely drug approvals and R&D is vital for achieving self-reliance and global competitiveness.



Mr. Samir K. Modi, Founder and Managing Director, Colorbar Cosmetics



As the Indian beauty and personal care industry looks ahead to the Union Budget 2025-26, key expectations include GST reduction on cosmetics from 18% to enhance affordability, streamlined export duties, and tax incentives to boost global market presence. Investments in skill development, digital infrastructure, and sustainable packaging are crucial for industry growth. A business-friendly tax structure and support for eco-conscious innovation will drive premiumisation, strengthen competitiveness, and position India as a key player in the global beauty landscape.





Punit Pandey, Founder, AstroSage AI

"AI has the potential to surpass the Industrial Revolutions impact, making it critical to India's $5 trillion economy vision. The 2024 budget must prioritize a national AI foundation modelwithout it, India risks becoming a mere consumer of foreign AI, compromising its sovereignty and economic future. To lead the global AI revolution, India needs a dedicated research organization, much like ISRO. A government-backed initiative, BHAIRAVBharat AI Research & Visioncan drive transformative innovation, ensuring technological independence and positioning AI as the backbone of Digital India."
Canadian apparel imports from Cambodia increased by 9.60 per cent during JanuaryNovember 2024. The inbound shipment reached $976.655 million during this period. Trousers and shorts were the most dominant garments in Canada's total apparel imports from Cambodia, accounting for 33.28 per cent of the total.

According to Fibre2Fashion's market insight tool TexPro, Canada imported apparel worth $891.038 million in JanuaryNovember 2023. The countrys total apparel imports from Cambodia amounted to $947.213 million in 2023. The inbound shipment peaked at $1,253.715 million in 2022 but declined in the following two years. Previously, Canada had imported apparel worth $1,009.641 million from Cambodia in 2019, but this decreased to $873.093 million in 2020. However, it recovered quickly in 2021, reaching $1,047.883 million.

Canadian apparel imports from Cambodia grew by 9.60 per cent during JanuaryNovember 2024, reaching $976.655 million. Trousers and shorts led with a 33.28 per cent share, followed by jerseys at 24.08 per cent. Canada imported $452.660 million in cotton garments (46.35 per cent) and $418.995 million in man-made garments (42.90 per cent). Imports had peaked at $1,253.715 million in 2022.

During JanuaryNovember 2024, Canadian imports of trousers and shorts were valued at $325.016 million, making up 33.28 per cent of the total. Jerseys were the second most dominant garment, with imports valued at $235.139 million, representing 24.08 per cent of total garment imports.

Canadian imports of T-shirts were $66.052 million (6.76 per cent), nightwear $56.881 million (5.82 per cent), shirts $53.274 million (5.45 per cent), coats $51.852 million (5.31 per cent), innerwear $30.949 million (3.17 per cent), dresses $22.965 million (2.35 per cent), jackets and blazers $22.005 million (2.25 per cent), and skirts $21.256 million (2.18 per cent), as per TexPro.

Canada imported cotton garments worth $452.660 million in the first 11 months of 2024, accounting for 46.35 per cent of total imports from Cambodia. The import of man-made garments was $418.995 million (42.90 per cent), wool/animal hair garments $18.988 million (1.94 per cent), silk garments $0.161 million (0.02 per cent), and other garments $85.889 million (8.79 per cent).

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
UAE enterprise Abu Dhabi Ports Group is keen to invest in infrastructural development of Bangladeshs Mongla and Chittagong Ports, according to the latters shipping adviser Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain, who recently said the government plans to turn the south-western seaport into a regional trade hub.

A delegation from the group, which specialises in developing seaports, is visiting Bangladesh.

UAE's Abu Dhabi Ports Group is keen to invest in infrastructural development of Bangladesh's Mongla and Chittagong Ports, the latter's shipping adviser Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain said. The government plans to turn the south-western seaport into a regional trade hub. A visiting delegation from the group was especially keen to be a party in constructing the Chittagong Port's Bay Terminal.

Mongla Port, as the countrys second biggest seaport, will be built as an inter-country communication and trade centre, a shipping ministry statement quoted the adviser as telling the delegation.

Hossain said the geographic location and closer proximity made the port a potential location of foreign trades of neighbouring India, Bhutan and Nepal.

Riverine and railway communication systems exist connecting the port to different parts of the country, he noted.

The delegation particularly expressed interest to be a party in constructing the Bay Terminal of the Chittagong Port, domestic media outlets reported.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Azerbaijan, Turkiye and Uzbekistan recently signed and adopted the Ankara Declaration, the outcome of the second trilateral meeting of the ministers of foreign affairs, trade, economy and transport from the three countries, Azerbaijans ministry of foreign affairs announced in a post on X.

In addition to a comprehensive action plan aimed at strengthening cooperation in transport and regional connectivity, the declaration includes a reaffirmation of the commitment to enhance collaboration on regional and international issues of common interest; a commitment to fully unlocking the potential in key areas; and a call to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of the Middle Corridor, i.e, the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR).

Azerbaijan, Turkiye and Uzbekistan have signed and adopted the Ankara Declaration, the outcome of the second trilateral meeting of the ministers of foreign affairs, trade, economy and transport from the three countries, Azerbaijan's ministry of foreign affairs announced. The declaration includes a comprehensive action plan aimed at strengthening cooperation in transport and regional connectivity.

The Middle Corridor is a trade route from Southeast Asia and China to Europe via Kazakhstan, Caspian Sea (using train ferries to cross the Caspian), Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkiye.

Meanwhile, Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan praised the Middle Corridor as the most reliable, swift, and cost-effective trade route connecting Asia and Europe.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
The European Union (EU) wants to continue its ongoing collaboration with Bangladesh and explore avenues to build partnerships, including through a Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (CPCA), European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen recently said.

"We remain open to discussing specific needs with sectoral partners and considering additional support that aligns with ongoing initiatives," her letter this month to Bangladeshs chief adviser Muhammad Yunus said.

The EU wants to continue its collaboration with Bangladesh and explore avenues to build partnerships, including through a Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, the European Commission president has said. There is heavy potential under the Global Gateway initiative for EU investments in secure and reliable networks and connectivity, her letter to Bangladesh's chief adviser noted.

There is substantial potential under the Global Gateway initiative for EU investments in secure and reliable networks and connectivity, including railways, water resources, climate adaptation, health, digital services and energy, media outlets in Bangladesh reported citing the letter.

"In parallel, we are working with your administration to bolster the capacity of key institutions. We intend to maximise the impact of this work by integrating targeted technical assistance to support policy development and effective governance in these sectors, sharing EU experience where relevant," she added.

The EC expressed its interest nearly two and a half months after Bangladesh and the EU completed a two-day introductory meeting on the CPCA in the first week of November last year.

The EU is the largest trading bloc for Bangladesh, accounting for close to three-fifths of its total exports each year, with zero-duty benefits under the EU's Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for Everything But Arms (EBA). It accounts for more than 64 per cent of Bangladesh's total apparel exports every year.

This GSP benefit is expected to be phased out three years after Bangladesh graduates from the group of least developed countries, which is scheduled for late 2026.

Bangladesh exports more than $25 billion worth of goods to the EU every year, with the share of garments being nearly $22 billion.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Germanys export expectations dropped to -7.3 points in January, down from -6.1 points in December, according to the ifo Institute for economic research, an institution based in Munich. The latest data signals a continued decline in export outlook, as manufacturing companies anticipate weaker international demand.

Most industries anticipate a decline in international sales, including textile manufacturers (-6 points), apparel manufacturers (-20.8 points), and leather product manufacturers (-40.5 points). Meanwhile, companies in the chemical industry expect business to remain stable, ifo said in a press release.

Germany's export expectations fell to -7.3 points in January from -6.1 in December, as per the ifo Institute. Textile (-6), apparel (-20.8), and leather (-40.5) manufacturers foresee declining international sales, while chemical firms expect stability. Klaus Wohlrabe noted a weak export start, with global momentum lacking impact and potential US tariffs weighing on sentiment.

The start to the year in export business was sobering. The positive momentum abroad has so far had no significant impact on domestic exporters. The potential tariff threats from the new Trump administration are dragging sentiment down, said Klaus Wohlrabe, head of surveys at ifo.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
ICE cotton futures declined for the third consecutive day as the rising US dollar and speculative selling pressure further dampened market sentiment. Farmers' selling also contributed to the bearish tone in US cotton. Although commodities and stocks were moving firmly, which were positive factors, the easing of crude oil added negative sentiment to the natural fibre.

Yesterday, the ICE cotton March 2025 contract settled at 66.66 cents per pound (0.453 kg), down by 0.32 cents, making a low in the contract. Other contracts also traded lower, between 2 points and 31 points.

ICE cotton futures declined for the third day due to a stronger US dollar and speculative selling, with farmers' sales adding pressure. The March 2025 contract hit a low at 66.66 cents/lb. Crude oil fluctuations and rising inventories weighed on cotton demand. Analysts expect stabilisation as broader markets remain strong, with corn and soyabean prices rising.

Crude oil prices closed further higher by 0.1 per cent, making dollar-priced cotton less attractive for foreign buyers. Crude oil saw a slight decline due to rising US crude oil inventories, which reduced concerns over Libyan supply disruptions. Lower oil prices make polyester, a cotton alternative, cheaper, further weighing on cotton demand.

The volume surged to 45,262 contracts, significantly higher than the previous day's 36,010 contracts, despite reduced market activity due to the Chinese/Asian Lunar New Year holiday. ICE No. 2 cotton futures inventory remained unchanged at 218 bales as of January 28.

Speculative sellers continue to liquidate positions after every price rebound. Physical cotton producers are also selling their stock whenever prices rise, keeping the market under pressure. Market analysts believe cotton will stabilise as broader markets remain strong. Corn and soyabean prices increased.

Presently, ICE cotton for March 2025 was traded at 66.53 cents per pound (down 0.13 cent). Cash cotton was traded at 64.16 cents (down 0.32 cent), the May 2024 contract at 67.72 cents per pound (down 0.08 cent), the July 2025 contract at 68.86 cents (down 0.10 cent), the October 2025 contract at 69.23 cents (down 0.08 cent), and the December 2025 contract at 68.83 cents (down 0.09 cent). A few contracts remained at the level of the last closing, with no trading noted today.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
Shah Rukh Khan recently made an appearance at the Global Village event in Dubai, where he was surrounded by enthusiastic fans eager to catch a glimpse of the superstar. The event became even more entertaining when a light-hearted moment between SRK and a fan sparked laughter and quickly went viral.





In the video circulating online, a fan attempted to deliver the actor's iconic dialogue from the film Mohabbatein. However, he fumbled and couldn't recall the complete lines. The fan enthusiastically began, "Ek ladki thi deewani si, ek ladki pe woh marti thi," and then improvised, saying, "Dheere dheere chupke chupke sharma uthti thi." Amused by the fan's attempt, Shah Rukh Khan interrupted with a witty and typical SRK-style remark, "Kuch bhi bolta hai tu yaar." As SRK began walking away, the fan expressed his admiration by shouting, "Love you. Love you."

On the professional front, Shah Rukh Khan is gearing up for his next film, King, which will also feature his daughter Suhana Khan and Abhay Verma. However, the release date of the film is yet to be announced.
NOT FOR DISSEMINATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES AND NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES

GGL Resources Corp. (TSXV:GGL) ("GGL" or the "Company") announces a non-brokered private placement offering (the "Offering") to consist of the sale of up to 4,000,000 common shares at a price of $0.05 per share, to raise gross proceeds of up to $200,000.

Insiders may participate in the private placement and finders' fees or brokers' commissions may be paid in accordance with TSX Venture Exchange policies.

All securities issued as part of the Offering will be subject to a hold period in Canada of four months plus one day from closing. The proceeds from the Offering, which is subject to TSX Venture Exchange acceptance, will be used for exploration and development activities at the Company's McConnell Copper-Gold Project in the Kemess District of northern BC and the Gold Point Project in the Walker Lane Trend of western Nevada and for general working capital purposes.

Board and Management Changes

GGL announces the resignation of Doug Eaton as CEO and Director. Matthew Turner, a Director of GGL, will succeed Mr. Eaton as CEO on an interim basis.

"On behalf of the GGL Board and Shareholders, I want to sincerely thank Doug for his work over the past eight years as CEO of GGL and wish him the best in his future endeavors," stated Matthew Turner, GGL's Interim CEO. "Doug was instrumental in steering the Company from a chiefly diamond focused portfolio to a more diverse suite of precious and base metal projects, including GGL's evaluation of underexplored areas of Nevada, culminating in the recent staking and subsequent option of the Le Champ Porphyry target to Teck American Incorporated."

GGL has granted Matthew Turner incentive stock options entitling him to purchase up to a total of 150,000 common shares at a price of $0.05 until January 29, 2030. The options will vest on a quarterly basis commencing three months from the date of grant.

About GGL Resources Corp.

GGL is a seasoned, Canadian-based junior exploration company, focused on the exploration and advancement of under evaluated mineral assets in politically stable, mining friendly jurisdictions. The Company has optioned and wholly owned claims in the Gold Point district of the prolific Walker Lane Trend, Nevada. The Gold Point claims cover several gold-silver veins, five of which host past producing high-grade mines, as well as an exciting new porphyry target which is currently under option to Teck American Incorporated. The Company also owns the McConnell Project, which hosts epithermal gold veins and an under explored porphyry copper-gold prospect in the Kemess District of north-central British Colombia. GGL also holds diamond royalties on mineral leases adjacent to the Gahcho Kue diamond mine in the Northwest Territories.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Matthew Turner"

Matthew Turner

Director and Interim CEO

For further information concerning GGL Resources Corp. or its various exploration projects please visit our website at www.gglresourcescorp.com or contact:

Investor Inquiries

Richard Drechsler

Corporate Communications

Tel: (604) 687-2522

NA Toll-Free: (888) 688-2522

rdrechsler@strategicmetalsltd.com Corporate Information

Linda Knight

Corporate Secretary

Tel: (604) 688-0546

info@gglresourcescorp.com

The securities referred to in this news release have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. This news release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale, nor a solicitation for offers to buy any securities. Any public offering of securities in the United States must be made by means of a prospectus containing detailed information about the company and management, as well as financial statements.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Information contained in this news release contains forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations; they are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "evaluate", "potential", "likely", "possible", "consistent", "suggest", "delineate", and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "may", "could" or "will" occur. GGL cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the control of GGL. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to exploration and development and the results thereof, including the results of the recently completed drill program, the impact on future mineral resource estimates, the potential for new discoveries, and the results of future metallurgical programs, as well as the ability of GGL to obtain additional financing, the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations, fluctuations in the prices of commodities, operating hazards and risks, competition and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in GGL's financial statements available under the GGL profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, GGL undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

SOURCE: GGL Resources Corp.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Protagonist Therapeutics, Inc. ("Protagonist" or the "Company")will host an in-person and virtual investor event on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at 10:30 AM ET in New York. To register, click here.

The event will feature key opinion leader (KOL) insights from Andrew Kuykendall, MD (Moffitt Cancer Center) and Joseph Michael Scandura, MD, PhD (Weill Cornell Medicine), who will discuss the unmet medical need and current treatment landscape for patients with the rare chronic blood disorder polycythemia vera (PV) in the context of the opportunity for Rusfertide.

In addition, the event will review the Phase 2 PACIFIC data, the Phase 2 REVIVE data, and the Rusfertide Phase 3 VERIFY study design. The VERIFY topline results are expected in March 2025. In addition, company management will provide a brief snapshot of the commercial opportunity for Rusfertide.

A live question and answer session will follow the formal presentations. An informal lunch will be provided from 12:00-1:00 PM ET for in-person attendees, with an opportunity to meet the participants.

About Joseph Michael Scandura, MD, PhD

Joseph Michael Scandura, MD, PhD received a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Cornell Ithaca in 1987, and an MS in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania in 1992. He completed the MD/PhD program in Biochemistry at Temple University in 1997. His doctoral work investigating critical interactions between platelets and coagulation factors led to three first-authored papers in Biochemistry. Following his residency in internal medicine-research track at Weill Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital from 1997-1999, Dr. Scandura did a Fellowship in Medical Oncology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center from 1999-2003. Dr. Scandura was appointed Instructor on the Leukemia Service at Memorial in 2003, and an Instructor in Clinical Medicine at Weill Medical College in 2004. He served as an inpatient attending on the Memorial Leukemia Service and outpatient Leukemia Clinic. In 2006, Dr. Scandura joined the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology at Weill/Cornell to serve in the Leukemia Program. He is Associate Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College, and Associate Attending Physician at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Scandura contributes as attending physician on the inpatient clinical services for the Division and as covering physician for the Hematology/Oncology inpatients. He also maintains an ambulatory clinic in the Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndromes Program in the outpatient department of the Division. Working collaboratively with other faculty members of the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, he is helping to develop both sponsored research activities and the Leukemia Program.

About Andrew Kuykendall, MD

Andrew Kuykendall, MD is an Assistant Member at Moffitt Cancer Center in the Department of Malignant Hematology. He earned his MD from University of Florida College of Medicine and completed an Internal Medicine residency at the University of South Florida and a subsequent Hematology and Medical Oncology fellowship at Moffitt Cancer Center/University of South Florida. He primarily focuses his clinical and research efforts on myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), MDS/MPN overlap syndromes and systemic mastocytosis (SM) where he is dedicated to developing novel, disease-modifying therapies for these rare diseases. He is the primary investigator of numerous clinical trials and an active member of the MPN-Research Consortium - a collaborative effort aimed at improving therapeutic options for MPN patients by rationally and efficiently developing disease-modifying therapies.

About Protagonist

Protagonist Therapeutics is a late-stage development biopharmaceutical company. Two novel peptides derived from Protagonist's proprietary discovery platform are currently in advanced Phase 3 clinical development, with New Drug Application submissions to the FDA potentially in 2025. Icotrokinra (JNJ-2113, formerly PN-235), is the first targeted oral peptide designed to selectively block the IL-23 receptor, which underpins the inflammatory response in moderate-to-severe plaque PsO and other IL-23-mediated diseases. Icotrokinra binds to the IL-23 receptor with single-digit picomolar affinity and demonstrated potent, selective inhibition of IL-23 signaling in human T cells. Icotrokinra is licensed to Johnson & Johnson and is currently in Phase 3 development for psoriasis and is nearing completion of Phase 2b development for ulcerative colitis. Following icotrokinra's joint discovery by Protagonist and Johnson & Johnson scientists pursuant to the companies' IL-23R collaboration, Protagonist was primarily responsible for development of icotrokinra through Phase 1, with Johnson & Johnson assuming responsibility for development in Phase 2 and beyond. Rusfertide, a mimetic of the natural hormone hepcidin, is currently in Phase 3 development for the rare blood disorder polycythemia vera. Rusfertide is being co-developed and will be co-commercialized with Takeda Pharmaceuticals pursuant to a worldwide collaboration and license agreement entered into in 2024 under which the Company remains primarily responsible for development through NDA filing. The Company also has a number of pre-clinical stage oral drug discovery programs addressing clinically and commercially validated targets, including IL-17, hepcidin mimetic, and anti-obesity programs.

More information on Protagonist, its pipeline drug candidates and clinical studies can be found on the Company's website at www.protagonist-inc.com .

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the potential benefits of rusfertide, the timing of rusfertide clinical trial data, and timing of developments and announcements in our discovery programs. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as "anticipate," "believe," "may," "will," "expect," or the negative or plural of these words or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those anticipated, including, but not limited to, our ability to develop and commercialize our product candidates, our ability to earn milestone payments under our collaboration agreements with Janssen and Takeda, our ability to use and expand our programs to build a pipeline of product candidates, our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval of our product candidates, our ability to operate in a competitive industry and compete successfully against competitors that have greater resources than we do, and our ability to obtain and adequately protect intellectual property rights for our product candidates. Additional information concerning these and other risk factors affecting our business can be found in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including under the heading "Risk Factors" contained in our most recently filed periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and our actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and the development of the industry in which we operate, may differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Any forward-looking statements that we make in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. We assume no obligation to update our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this press release.

Investor Relations Contact

Corey Davis, Ph.D.

LifeSci Advisors

+1 212 915 2577

cdavis@lifesciadvisors.com

Media Contact

Virginia Amann, Founder/CEO

+1 833 500 0061 ext 1

ENTENTE Network of Companies

virginiaamann@ententeinc.com

SOURCE: Protagonist Therapeutics

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2025) - Zedcor Inc. (TSXV: ZDC) (the "Company" or "Zedcor") is pleased to announce that it has filed with the securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces of Canada, other than Quebec, and obtained a receipt for, a final short form prospectus (the "Final Prospectus") in connection with the previously announced public offering of common shares of the Company (the "Offered Shares") pursuant to which Beacon Securities Limited ("Beacon") on behalf of a syndicate of underwriters including Cormark Securities Inc., Raymond James Ltd., Canaccord Genuity Corp., and Paradigm Capital Inc. (together with Beacon, the "Underwriters") have agreed to purchase, on a "bought deal" basis, an aggregate of 6,570,000 Offered Shares at a price of $3.35 per Offered Share (the "Issue Price") for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of $22,009,500 (the "Offering").

In connection with the Offering, the Underwriters have also been granted an over-allotment option (the "Over-Allotment Option"), exercisable in whole or in part at any time and from time to time for up to 30 days following the Closing Date (as defined below), to purchase up to an additional 985,500 Offered Shares (the "Additional Shares") at a price per Additional Share equal to the Issue Price to cover over-allotments, if any, and for market stabilization purposes.

The closing of the Offering is anticipated to occur on or about February 5, 2025 (the "Closing Date"). The TSX Venture Exchange has conditionally approved the Offering and the listing of the Common Shares to be issued pursuant to the Offering. The closing of the Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals.

Access to the Final Prospectus and any amendment is provided in accordance with securities legislation relating to procedures for providing access to a short form prospectus and any amendment. The Final Prospectus is accessible on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. An electronic or paper copy of the Final Prospectus and any amendment may be obtained, without charge, from Beacon at syndication@beaconsecurities.ca by providing the contact with an email address or address, as applicable.

The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act"), as amended, or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the "United States" (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. This news 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 Zedcor Inc.

Zedcor Inc. is disrupting the traditional physical security industry through its proprietary MobileyeZ security towers by providing turnkey and customized mobile surveillance and live monitoring solutions to blue-chip customers across North America. The Company continues to expand its established platform of MobileyeZ towers in Canada and the United States, with emphasis on industry leading service levels, data-supported efficiency outcomes, and continued innovation. Zedcor services the Canadian market through equipment and service centers currently located in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario. The Company continues to advance its U.S. expansion which now has the capacity to service markets throughout the Midwest with locations throughout Texas and in Denver, Colorado, with a location in Phoenix, Arizona and Atlanta, Georgia anticipated in the first half of 2025.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements included in this press release constitute forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements or information can be identified by terminology such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan", "intend", "estimate", "propose", "budget", "should", "project", "may be", or similar words (including negative or grammatical variations) suggesting future outcomes or expectations. In particular, forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release, include, but are not limited to: the timing and completion of the Offering; the exercise of the Over-Allotment Option; the expansion of the Company's service offering to other geographic regions; and the receipt of all necessary approvals in connection with the Offering. Although the Company believes that the expectations implied in such forward-looking statements or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements or information because the Company can give no assurance that such statements or information will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements or information are based on current expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of assumptions about the future and uncertainties, including the receipt of required regulatory approvals; current forecasts and anticipated utilization rates; the availability of debt and equity financing; the ability of the Company to obtain an adequate supply of the equipment required to construct towers; the availability of skilled personnel; and the level of competition in the marketplaces and industries in which the Company operates. Although management of the Company believes these expectations and assumptions reflected in these forward-looking statements or information to be reasonable, there can be no assurance that any forward-looking statements or information will be proved to be correct, and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. For this purpose, any statements or information contained herein that are not statements or information of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements or information and readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements or information. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and the Company assumes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new contrary information, future events or any other reason, unless the Company is required by any applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

For further information contact:

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/238910

SOURCE: Zedcor Inc.
Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd ("SXGC", "SX2" or the "Company") (TSXV:SXGC)(ASX:SX2) announces significant results from drill holes SDDSC150 and SDDSC153, the deepest holes at the Christina prospect, part of the 100%-owned Sunday Creek Gold-Antimony project in Victoria.

HIGH LEVEL TAKEAWAY

Today's results from SDDSC150 and SDDSC153 at Christina mark several pivotal developments that increase the project's significant potential.

What is particularly significant about these intersections? SDDSC150 - the deepest hole at Christina - delivered 1.7 m @ 204.1 g/t Au at approximately 450 m below surface. Most encouragingly, this high-grade intersection came 350 m down-dip from previous drilling that returned 1.7 m @ 254.0 g/t AuEq (SDDSC137W2), demonstrating that the mineralization system maintains its high grade at depth.

Perhaps most compelling is the emergence of Christina as a fourth major mineralized body alongside Apollo, Rising Sun and Golden Dyke . What was initially planned as control drilling has instead revealed multiple high-grade veins with consistent frequency-a hallmark of robust system development.

The project footprint now spans 1,350 m strike from Christina to Apollo prospects, though only approximately 620 m has been more intensively tested. SXGC have defined at least 70 'rungs' or mineralized vein sets to date, characterized by high-grade intercepts (20 g/t to >7,330 g/t Au). Most importantly, the consistency in grade distribution, structural characteristics, and host rock properties remains predictable at depth.

The success of these control holes in intersecting the mineralized system not only validates the geological model but provides valuable data points for targeting future drilling in this expanding zone. The consistent way the system is developing - with predictable structural controls and high grades at depth - gives us increased confidence in our ability to efficiently target mineralization as we test the system's extent. This systematic approach to understanding the "Golden Ladder" structure has proven particularly effective, with the relationship between the host dyke ("rails") and mineralizing veins ("rungs") becoming increasingly predictable.

Sunday Creek represents one of the Western world's most significant gold-antimony discoveries. The strategic value of the antimony component (20% of in-situ value) has only increased following China's recent export restrictions. Most importantly, these results confirm our geological model and demonstrate that the system extends well beyond historical mining areas, both in grade and scale.

Twelve holes are currently being processed and analyzed, with five holes in progress. With A$20M in cash and one of the largest global exploration drill programs (60 km) planned through Q3 2025 , Southern Cross Gold Consolidated is well-positioned to continue expanding this significant discovery in a tier-one jurisdiction.

FOR THOSE WHO LIKE THE DETAILS

HIGHLIGHTS

SDDSC150 was drilled 450 m vertically below the historic Christina Mine and 350 m vertically below the high-grade interval in SDDSC137W2 (1.7 m @ 254.0 g/t AuEq - 28 October, 2024 ). The hole contained four intervals >20 g/t Au (up to1,060 g/t Au) and intercepted three new mineralized vein sets. Highlights include: 1.7 m @ 204.2 g/t AuEq (204.1 g/t Au, 0.1% Sb) from 570.8 m, including: 0.6 m @ 630.8 g/t AuEq (630.5 g/t Au, 0.1% Sb) from 572.0 m including 0.3 m@1,060 g/t Au from 572.0 m 0.7 m @ 14.7 g/t AuEq (14.7 g/t Au, 0.0% Sb) from 584.4 m 0.7 m @ 137.7 g/t AuEq (137.7 g/t Au, 0.0% Sb) from 591.3 m, including: 0.3 m @ 340.0 g/t AuEq (340.0 g/t Au, 0.0% Sb) from 591.3 m

A second control hole, SDDSC153, was drilled to 390 m vertically below Christina and intercepted a prospective corridor of 45 m. Highlights include: 3.5 m @ 3.1 g/t AuEq (3.1 g/t Au, 0.0% Sb) from 549.2 m

SDDSC150 and SDDSC153 were planned as 'control' holes (drilled more north south at a higher angle to the dyke/breccia host), to test the host (rails of the ladder) at significant depth (390 m to 450 m) below the surface. Both drill holes intercepted the host package and significant mineralization in large down dip extensions in the deepest drilling at Christina to date.

Ongoing Exploration: With $20 million in cash and no debt. Twelve holes (SDDSC140, 142, 146 - 149, 146W1, 149W1, 151, 154, 155, 157A) are currently being processed and analysed, with five holes (SDDSC152, 155A, 156, 157, 158) in progress (Figure 1 and 2).

Michael Hudson, President & CEO of SXGC states: "A great start to life for Southern Cross Gold Consolidated as a dual-listed company (TSXV:SXGC and ASX:SX2). These results mark a significant milestone in our understanding of Christina's potential as we continue to expand and demonstrate high grades further west and at depth at Sunday Creek.

"Intersecting such exceptional grades, including 1.7 m @ 204.1 g/t Au , in the deepest hole at Christina, located 350 m down dip from previously drilled 1.7 m @ 254.0 g/t AuEq (SDDSC137W2) is a remarkable result. What's particularly encouraging is that these intersections came from what were initially planned as control holes to test the east-west mineralized host location (the "rails of the ladder"). Instead, they have revealed multiple high-grade veins ("the rungs of the ladder") and demonstrated that high grades are maintained at depth.

"The consistency of the vein frequency continues to demonstrate that we are dealing with a robust and well-developed system. This provides confidence in the potential for further high-grade discoveries as we continue to test the depth extensions of the Christina prospect. Most importantly, these results confirm our geological model and demonstrate that the Sunday Creek system continues to extend well beyond the historical mining areas, both in terms of grade and scale.

"The project footprint now spans 1,350m strike from Christina to Apollo prospects, with only approximately 620 m has been more intensively drill tested. We've defined at least 70 'rungs' to date, characterized by high-grade intercepts (between 20 g/t to >7,330 g/t Au) and now have a total of fifty-five (55) >100 g/t AuEq x m intersections. Most importantly, the consistency in grade distribution, structural characteristics, and host rock properties remains predictable at depth.

"Twelve holes are currently being processed and analyzed, with five holes in progress. With A$20M in cash and a large 60km drill program planned through Q3 2025, we are well-positioned to continue expanding this globally significant discovery in a tier-one jurisdiction."

Drill Hole Discussion

Both SDDSC150 and SDDSC153 were drilled at high angles to the dyke host rock, creating a relatively short but highly prospective corridor for intersecting mineralization. Despite being designed primarily as control holes to test the dyke location below the Christina Mine, these holes intersected multiple high-grade veins, which is particularly significant as it demonstrates consistent vein frequency continuing at depth. The success of these control holes in intersecting the mineralized system not only validates the geological model but also provides valuable data points for targeting future drilling in this expanding zone.

SDDSC150 represents the deepest hole drilled to date at the Christina prospect, reaching a vertical depth of approximately 450 m below surface. The hole contained four intervals >20 g/t Au (up to1,060 g/t Au) and intercepted three new mineralized vein sets. The hole delivered several outstanding intersections, highlighted by:

1.7 m @ 204.2 g/t AuEq (204.1 g/t Au, 0.1% Sb) from 570.8 m, including: 0.6 m @ 630.8 g/t AuEq (630.5 g/t Au, 0.1% Sb) from 572.0 m

0.7 m @ 14.7 g/t AuEq (14.7 g/t Au, 0.0% Sb) from 584.4 m

0.7 m @ 137.7 g/t AuEq (137.7 g/t Au, 0.0% Sb) from 591.3 m, including: 0.3 m @ 340.0 g/t AuEq (340.0 g/t Au, 0.0% Sb) from 591.3 m



SDDSC153, drilled approximately 100 m higher and 80 m west of SDDSC150, returned 3.5 metres at 3.1 g/t Au from 549.2 m. This intersection, along with the multiple high-grade veins intersected in SDDSC150, confirms that the grade, structural characteristics, and host rock properties maintain their consistency at significant depths and now allows new drilling to be planned perpendicular to the vein sets, that remain within the host sequence.

Pending Results and Update

Twelve holes (SDDSC140, 142, 146 - 149, 146W1, 149W1, 151, 154, 155, 157A) are currently being processed and analysed, with five holes (SDDSC152, 155A, 156, 157, 158) in progress (Figure 1 and 2).

About Sunday Creek

The Sunday Creek epizonal-style gold project is located 60 km north of Melbourne within 16,900 hectares ("Ha") of granted exploration tenements. SXGC is also the freehold landholder of 1,054.51 Ha that forms the key portion in and around the main drilled area at the Sunday Creek Project,

Gold and antimony form in a relay of vein sets that cut across a steeply dipping zone of intensely altered rocks (the "host"). These vein sets are like a "Golden Ladder" structure where the main host extends between the side rails deep into the earth, with multiple cross-cutting vein sets that host the gold forming the rungs. At Apollo and Rising Sun these individual 'rungs' have been defined over 600 m depth extent from surface to over 1,100 m below surface, are 2.5 m to 3.5 m wide (median widths) (and up to 10 m), and 20 m to 100 m in strike.

Cumulatively, 156 drill holes for 70,971.59 m have been reported from Sunday Creek since late 2020. An additional 12 holes for 582.55 m from Sunday Creek were abandoned due to deviation or hole conditions. Fourteen drillholes for 2,383 m have been reported regionally outside of the main Sunday Creek drill area. A total of 64 historic drill holes for 5,599 m were completed from the late 1960s to 2008. The project now contains a total of fifty-five (55) >100 g/t AuEq x m and sixty (60) >50 to 100 g/t AuEq x m drill holes by applying a 2 m @ 1 g/t AuEq lower cut.

Our systematic drill program is strategically targeting these significant vein formations, initially these have been defined over 1,350 m strike of the host from Christina to Apollo prospects, of which approximately 620 m has been more intensively drill tested (Rising Sun to Apollo). At least 70 'rungs' have been defined to date, defined by high-grade intercepts (20 g/t to >7,330 g/t Au) along with lower grade edges. Ongoing step-out drilling is aiming to uncover the potential extent of this mineralized system (Figure 3).

Geologically, the project is located within the Melbourne Structural Zone in the Lachlan Fold Belt. The regional host to the Sunday Creek mineralization is an interbedded turbidite sequence of siltstones and minor sandstones metamorphosed to sub-greenschist facies and folded into a set of open north-west trending folds.

Further Information

Further discussion and analysis of the Sunday Creek project is available through the interactive Vrify 3D animations, presentations and videos all available on the SXGC website. These data, along with an interview on these results with Managing Director Michael Hudson can be viewed at www.southerncrossgold.com .

No upper gold grade cut is applied in the averaging and intervals are reported as drill thickness. However, during future Mineral Resource studies, the requirement for assay top cutting will be assessed. The Company notes that due to rounding of assay results to one significant figure, minor variations in calculated composite grades may occur.

Figures 1 to 4 show project location, plan and longitudinal views of drill results reported here and Tables 1 to 3 provide collar and assay data. The true thickness of the mineralized intervals reported is approximately 40% of the sampled thickness for other reported holes. Lower grades were cut at 1.0 g/t AuEq lower cutoff over a maximum width of 2 m with higher grades cut at 5.0 g/t AuEq lower cutoff over a maximum of 1 m width unless specified unless otherwise* specified to demonstrate higher grade assays.

Critical Metal Epizonal Gold-Antimony Deposits

Sunday Creek (Figure 4) is an epizonal gold-antimony deposit formed in the late Devonian (like Fosterville, Costerfield and Redcastle), 60 million years later than mesozonal gold systems formed in Victoria (for example Ballarat and Bendigo). Epizonal deposits are a form of orogenic gold deposit classified according to their depth of formation: epizonal (<6 km), mesozonal (6-12 km) and hypozonal (>12 km).

Epizonal deposits in Victoria often have associated high levels of the critical metal, antimony, and Sunday Creek is no exception. China claims a 56 per cent share of global mined supplies of antimony, according to a 2023 European Union study. Antimony features highly on the critical minerals lists of many countries including Australia, the United States of America, Canada, Japan and the European Union. Australia ranks seventh for antimony production despite all production coming from a single mine at Costerfield in Victoria, located nearby to all SXG projects. Antimony alloys with lead and tin which results in improved properties for solders, munitions, bearings and batteries. Antimony is a prominent additive for halogen-containing flame retardants. Adequate supplies of antimony are critical to the world's energy transition, and to the high-tech industry, especially the semi-conductor and defence sectors where it is a critical additive to primers in munitions.

In August 2024, the Chinese government announced it will place export limits from September 15, 2024 on antimony and antimony products. This puts pressure on Western defence supply chains and negatively affect the supply of the metal and push up pricing given China's dominance of the supply of the metal in the global markets. This is positive for SXGC as we are likely to have one of the very few large and high-quality projects of antimony in the western world that can feed western demand into the future.

Antimony represents approximately 20% in situ recoverable value of Sunday Creek at an AuEq of 1.88.

About Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. (TSXV:SXGC) (ASX:SX2)

Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. (TSXV:SXGC, ASX:SX2) 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 1,100 m 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. Southern Cross' 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 A$22M in cash, over 1,000 Ha of strategic freehold land ownership, and an aggressive 60 km drill program planned through Q3 2025, SX2 is well-positioned to advance this globally significant gold-antimony discovery in a tier-one jurisdiction.

NI 43-101 Technical Background and Qualified Person

Michael Hudson, President and CEO and Managing Director of SXGC, and a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and Kenneth Bush, Exploration Manager of SXGC and a Member of Australian Institute of Geoscientists are the Qualified Persons as defined by the NI43-101. They have 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 g 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 SXGC consists of the systematic insertion of certified standards of known gold and antimony 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 news release 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 and Member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy 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 mineralization 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 the President, CEO and Managing Director of SXGC and both consent to the inclusion in this news release 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 "SX2". 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 SXGC's documents filed with Canadian or Australian securities regulatory authorities (under code SX2). You can find further information with respect to these and other risks in filings made by SXGC with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada or Australia (under code SX2), as applicable, and available for SXGC in Canada at www.sedarplus.ca or in Australia at www2.asx.com.au under code SX2. 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.

Figure 1: Sunday Creek plan view showing selected results from holes SDDSC150 and SDDSC153 reported here (blue highlighted box, black trace), with selected prior reported drill holes and pending holes.

Figure 2: Sunday Creek longitudinal section across A-B in the plane of the dyke breccia/altered sediment host looking towards the north (striking 236 degrees) showing mineralized veins sets. Showing holes SDDSC150 and SDDSC153 reported here (blue highlighted box, black trace), with selected intersections and prior reported drill holes. The vertical extents of the vein sets are limited by proximity to drill hole pierce points. For location refer to Figure 1.

Figure 3: Sunday Creek regional plan view showing soil sampling, structural framework, regional historic epizonal gold mining areas and broad regional areas tested by 12 holes for 2,383 m drill program. The regional drill areas are at Tonstal, Consols and Leviathan located 4,000-7,500 m along strike from the main drill area at Golden Dyke- Apollo.

Figure 4: Location of the Sunday Creek project, along with the 100% owned Redcastle Gold-Antimony Project

Table 1: Drill collar summary table for recent drill holes in progress.

Hole-ID Depth (m) Prospect East GDA94_Z55 North GDA94_Z55 Elevation Azimuth Plunge SDDSC120W1 1088.5 Rising Sun 331108 5867977 319 267 -55 SDDSC140 352.9 Christina 330075 5867612 274 9 -70 SDDSC142 500.67 Christina 330075 5867612 274 292 -70 SDDSC146 245.7 Christina 330073 5867612 274 273 -42 SDDSC146W1 461.2 Christina 330073 5867612 274 273 -42 SDDSC147 977.15 Golden Dyke 330809 5867842 301 278 -57 SDDSC148 563.6 Christina 330073 5867611 274 278 -57.2 SDDSC149 970.79 Apollo 331594 5867955 344 266 -47 SDDSC149W1 1041.1 Apollo 331594 5867955 344 266 -47 SDDSC150 638.8 Christina 330340 5867865 277 244 -65 SDDSC151 737.2 Golden Dyke 330818 5867847 301 273.8 -56.5 SDDSC152 In progress plan 1100 m Rising Sun 330816 5867599 296 328 -65 SDDSC153 639.1 Christina 330333 5867860 277 244.8 -52.5 SDDSC154 392.9 Christina 330075 5867612 274 60 -26.5 SDDSC155 31 Rising Sun 330339 5867860 277 72.7 -63.5 SDDSC155A In progress plan 1025 m Rising Sun 330339 5867860 277 72.7 -63.5 SDDSC156 In progress plan 700 m Christina 330075 5867612 274 59.5 -45.3 SDDSC157 In progress plan 900 m Golden Dyke 330318 5867847 301 276.6 -58.4 SDDSC157A 219.9 Golden Dyke 330318 5867847 301 276.2 -60 SDDSC158 In progress plan 975 m Apollo 331616 5867952 347 265.5 -45

Table 2: Table of mineralized drill hole intersections reported from SDDSC150 and SDDSC153 using two cutoff criteria. Lower grades cut at 1.0 g/t AuEq lower cutoff over a maximum of 2 m with higher grades cut at 5.0 g/t AuEq cutoff over a maximum of 1 m.

Hole-ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au g/t Sb% AuEq g/t SDDSC150 570.81 572.51 1.7 204.1 0.1 204.2 Including 571.96 572.56 0.6 630.5 0.1 630.8 SDDSC150 584.39 585.09 0.7 14.7 0.0 14.7 SDDSC150 591.25 591.95 0.7 137.7 0.0 137.7 Including 591.25 591.55 0.3 340.0 0.0 340.0 SDDSC153 549.15 552.65 3.5 3.1 0.0 3.1

Table 3: All individual assays reported from SDDSC150/153 reported here >0.1g/t AuEq.

Hole-ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au ppm Sb% AuEq (g/t) SDDSC150 515.3 515.6 0.3 0.4 0.0 0.4 SDDSC150 563.8 565.0 1.2 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC150 566.9 567.5 0.6 0.8 0.0 0.8 SDDSC150 567.8 568.1 0.3 0.1 0.0 0.2 SDDSC150 568.1 568.9 0.8 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC150 568.9 569.4 0.5 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC150 570.8 570.9 0.1 0.8 0.4 1.4 SDDSC150 571.5 572.0 0.4 0.2 0.0 0.3 SDDSC150 572.0 572.3 0.3 1060.0 0.3 1060.5 SDDSC150 572.3 572.5 0.2 32.9 0.0 32.9 SDDSC150 572.8 572.9 0.1 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC150 574.2 575.3 1.2 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC150 577.7 578.7 1.0 1.0 0.0 1.1 SDDSC150 578.7 579.6 0.9 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC150 582.6 583.7 1.1 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC150 584.4 584.6 0.2 29.8 0.0 29.8 SDDSC150 584.6 585.1 0.5 10.1 0.0 10.1 SDDSC150 591.3 591.5 0.3 340.0 0.0 340.0 SDDSC150 591.5 591.9 0.4 1.1 0.0 1.1 SDDSC150 595.9 596.1 0.3 0.2 0.0 0.3 SDDSC150 596.1 596.6 0.5 0.1 0.0 0.2 SDDSC153 543.9 544.5 0.6 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC153 544.5 544.9 0.4 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC153 544.9 545.2 0.3 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC153 545.2 546.0 0.8 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC153 546.0 546.3 0.4 0.2 0.1 0.3 SDDSC153 549.2 549.4 0.3 1.1 0.0 1.2 SDDSC153 549.4 549.8 0.4 12.1 0.0 12.2 SDDSC153 549.8 550.3 0.5 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC153 550.3 550.6 0.4 4.8 0.0 4.9 SDDSC153 550.6 551.3 0.7 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC153 551.3 551.5 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.5 SDDSC153 551.5 552.1 0.6 0.6 0.1 0.8 SDDSC153 552.1 552.6 0.5 7.3 0.0 7.3 SDDSC153 567.9 569.2 1.3 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC153 569.5 569.7 0.2 7.1 0.0 7.1 SDDSC153 576.1 576.9 0.8 0.4 0.0 0.4 SDDSC153 577.8 578.8 1.0 0.1 0.0 0.2 SDDSC153 579.6 580.8 1.2 0.2 0.0 0.2

JORC Table 1

Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data

Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary Sampling techniques Nature and quality of sampling (e.g. cut channels, random chips, or specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF instruments, etc.). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad meaning of sampling.

Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used.

Aspects of the determination of mineralization that are Material to the Public Report.

In cases where 'industry standard' work has been done this would be relatively simple (e.g. 'reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire assay'). In other cases more explanation may be required, such as where there is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or mineralization types (e.g. submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of detailed information. Sampling has been conducted on drill core (half core for >90% and quarter core for check samples), grab samples (field samples of in-situ bedrock and boulders; including duplicate samples), trench samples (rock chips, including duplicates) and soil samples (including duplicate samples).

Locations of field samples were obtained by using a GPS, generally to an accuracy of within 5 metres. Drill hole and trench locations have been confirmed to <1 metre using a differential GPS.

Samples locations have also been verified by plotting locations on the high-resolution Lidar maps

Drill core is marked for cutting and cut using an automated diamond saw used by Company staff in Kilmore.

Samples are bagged at the core saw and transported to the Bendigo On Site Laboratory for assay.

At On Site samples are crushed using a jaw crusher combined with a rotary splitter and a 1 kg split is separated for pulverizing (LM5) and assay.

Standard fire assay techniques are used for gold assay on a 30 g charge by experienced staff (used to dealing with high sulfide and stibnite-rich charges). On Site gold method by fire assay code PE01S.

Screen fire assay is used to understand gold grain-size distribution where coarse gold is evident.

ICP-OES is used to analyse the aqua regia digested pulp for an additional 12 elements (method BM011) and over-range antimony is measured using flame AAS (method known as B050).

Soil samples were sieved in the field and an 80 mesh sample bagged and transported to ALS Global laboratories in Brisbane for super-low level gold analysis on a 50 g samples by method ST44 (using aqua regia and ICP-MS).

Grab and rock chip samples are generally submitted to On Site Laboratories for standard fire assay and 12 element ICP-OES as described above.



Drilling techniques Drill type (e.g. core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc.) and details (e.g. core diameter, triple or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or other type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc.). HQ or NQ diameter diamond drill core, oriented using Boart Longyear TruCore orientation tool with the orientation line marked on the base of the drill core by the driller/offsider.

A standard 3 metre core barrel has been found to be most effective in both the hard and soft rocks in the project. Drill sample recovery Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and results assessed.

Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure representative nature of the samples.

Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of fine/coarse material. Core recoveries were maximised using HQ or NQ diamond drill core with careful control over water pressure to maintain soft-rock integrity and prevent loss of fines from soft drill core. Recoveries are determined on a metre-by-metre basis in the core shed using a tape measure against marked up drill core checking against driller's core blocks.

Plots of grade versus recovery and RQD (described below) show no trends relating to loss of drill core, or fines. Logging Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies.

Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc.) photography.

The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections logged. Geotechnical logging of the drill core takes place on racks in the company core shed.

Core orientations marked at the drill rig are checked for consistency, and base of core orientation lines are marked on core where two or more orientations match within 10 degrees.

Core recoveries are measured for each metre

RQD measurements (cumulative quantity of core sticks > 10 cm in a metre) are made on a metre-by-metre basis.

Each tray of drill core is photographed (wet and dry) after it is fully marked up for sampling and cutting.

The  core cutting line is placed approximately 10 degrees above the orientation line so the orientation line is retained in the core tray for future work.

Geological logging of drill core includes the following parameters:

Rock types, lithology

Alteration

Structural information (orientations of veins, bedding, fractures using standard alpha-beta measurements from orientation line; or, in the case of un-oriented parts of the core, the alpha angles are measured)

Veining (quartz, carbonate, stibnite)

Key minerals (visible under hand lens, e.g. gold, stibnite)

100% of drill core is logged for all components described above into the company MX logging database.

Logging is fully quantitative, although the description of lithology and alteration relies on visible observations by trained geologists.

Each tray of drill core is photographed (wet and dry) after it is fully marked up for sampling and cutting.

Logging is considered to be at an appropriate quantitative standard to use in future studies. Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core taken.

If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc. and whether sampled wet or dry.

For all sample types, the nature, quality and appropriateness of the sample preparation technique.

Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to maximise representivity of samples.

Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the in situ material collected, including for instance results for field duplicate/second-half sampling.

Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material being sampled. Drill core is typically half-core sampled using an Almonte core saw. The drill core orientation line is retained.

Quarter core is used when taking sampling duplicates (termed FDUP in the database).

Sampling representivity is maximised by always taking the same side of the drill core (whenever oriented), and consistently drawing a cut line on the core where orientation is not possible. The field technician draws these lines.

Sample sizes are maximised for coarse gold by using half core, and using quarter core and half core splits (laboratory duplicates) allows an estimation of nugget effect.

In mineralized rock the company uses approximately 10% of  core duplicates, certified reference materials (suitable OREAS materials), laboratory sample duplicates and instrument repeats.

In the soil sampling program duplicates were obtained every 20 th sample and the laboratory inserted low-level gold standards regularly into the sample flow. Quality of assay data and laboratory tests The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or total.

For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc., the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc.

Nature of quality control procedures adopted (e.g. standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (i.e. lack of bias) and precision have been established. The fire assay technique for gold used by On Site is a globally recognised method, and over-range follow-ups including gravimetric finish and screen fire assay are standard. Of significance at the On Site laboratory is the presence of fire assay personnel who are experienced in dealing with high sulfide charges (especially those with high stibnite contents) - this substantially reduces the risk of in accurate reporting in complex sulfide-gold charges.

The ICP-OES technique is a standard analytical technique for assessing elemental concentrations. The digest used (aqua regia) is excellent for the dissolution of sulfides (in this case generally stibnite, pyrite and trace arsenopyrite), but other silicate-hosted elements, in particular vanadium (V), may only be partially dissolved. These silicate-hosted elements are not important in the determination of the quantity of gold, antimony, arsenic or sulphur.

A portable XRF has been used in a qualitative manner on drill core to ensure appropriate core samples have been taken (no pXRF data are reported or included in the MX database).

Acceptable levels of accuracy and precision have been established using the following methods

 duplicates - half core is split into quarters and given separate sample numbers (commonly in mineralized core) - low to medium gold grades indicate strong correlation, dropping as the gold grade increases over 40 g/t Au.

Blanks - blanks are inserted after visible gold and in strongly mineralized rocks to confirm that the crushing and pulping are not affected by gold smearing onto the crusher and LM5 swing mill surfaces. Results are excellent, generally below detection limit and a single sample at 0.03 g/t Au.

Certified Reference Materials - OREAS CRMs have been used throughout the project including blanks, low (<1 g/t Au), medium (up to 5 g/t Au) and high-grade gold samples (> 5 g/t Au). Results are automatically checked on data import into the MX database to fall within 2 standard deviations of the expected value.

Laboratory splits - On Site conducts splits of both coarse crush and pulp duplicates as quality control and reports all data. In particular, high Au samples have the most repeats.

Laboratory CRMs - On Site regularly inserts their own CRM materials into the process flow and reports all data

Laboratory precision - duplicate measurements of solutions (both Au from fire assay and other elements from the aqua regia digests) are made regularly by the laboratory and reported.

Accuracy and precision have been determined carefully by using the sampling and measurement techniques described above during the sampling (accuracy) and laboratory (accuracy and precision) stages of the analysis.

Soil sample company duplicates and laboratory certified reference materials all fall within expected ranges. Verification of sampling and assaying The verification of significant intersections by either independent or alternative company personnel.

The use of twinned holes.

Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols.

Discuss any adjustment to assay data. The Independent Geologist has visited Sunday Creek drill sites and inspected drill core held at the Kilmore core shed.

Visual inspection of drill intersections matches both the geological descriptions in the database and the expected assay data (for example, gold and stibnite visible in drill core is matched by high Au and Sb results in assays).

In addition, on receipt of results Company geologists assess the gold, antimony and arsenic results to verify that the intersections returned expected data.

The electronic data storage in the MX database is of a high standard. Primary logging data are entered directly by the geologists and field technicians and the assay data are electronically matched against sample number on return from the laboratory.

Certified reference materials,  core field duplicates (FDUP), laboratory splits and duplicates and instrument repeats are all recorded in the database.

Exports of data include all primary data, from hole SDDSC077B onwards after discussion with SRK Consulting. Prior to this gold was averaged across primary, field and lab duplicates.

Adjustments to assay data are recorded by MX, and none are present (or required).

Twinned drill holes are not available at this stage of the project. Location of data points Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in Mineral Resource estimation.

Specification of the grid system used.

Quality and adequacy of topographic control. Differential GPS used to locate drill collars, trenches and some workings

Standard GPS for some field locations (grab and soils samples), verified against Lidar data.

The grid system used throughout is Geocentric datum of Australia 1994; Map Grid Zone 55 (GDA94_Z55), also referred to as ELSG 28355.

Topographic control is excellent owing to sub 10 cm accuracy from Lidar data. Data spacing and distribution Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results.

Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied.

Whether sample compositing has been applied. The data spacing is suitable for reporting of exploration results - evidence for this is based on the improving predictability of high-grade gold-antimony intersections.

At this time, the data spacing and distribution are not sufficient for the reporting of Mineral Resource Estimates. This however may change as knowledge of grade controls increase with future drill programs.

Samples have been composited to a 1 g/t AuEq over 2.0 m width for lower grades and 5 g/t AuEq over 1.0 m width for higher grades in table 3. All individual assays above 0.1 g/t AuEq have been reported with no compositing in table 4. Orientation of data in relation to geological structure Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the deposit type.

If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key mineralized structures is considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material. The true thickness of the mineralized intervals reported are interpreted to be approximately 40% of the sampled thickness.

Drilling is oriented in an optimum direction when considering the combination of host rock orientation and apparent vein control on gold and antimony grade.

The steep nature of some of the veins may give increases in apparent thickness of some intersections, but more drilling is required to quantify.

A sampling bias is not evident from the data collected to date (drill holes cut across mineralized structures at a moderate angle). Sample security The measures taken to ensure sample security. Drill core is delivered to the Kilmore core logging shed by either the drill contractor or company field staff. Samples are marked up and cut by company staff at the Kilmore core shed, in an automated diamond saw and bagged before loaded onto strapped secured pallets and trucked by company staff to Bendigo for submission to the laboratory. There is no evidence in any stage of the process, or in the data for any sample security issues. Audits or reviews The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data. Continuous monitoring of CRM results, blanks and duplicates is undertaken by geologists and the company data geologist. Mr Michael Hudson for SXG has the orientation, logging and assay data.

Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results

Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary Mineral tenement and land tenure status Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, wilderness or national park and environmental settings.

The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area. The Sunday Creek Goldfield, containing the Clonbinane Project, is covered by the Retention Licence RL 6040 and is surrounded by Exploration Licence EL6163 and Exploration Licence EL7232. All the licences are 100% held by Clonbinane Goldfield Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary company of Southern Cross Gold Ltd.



Exploration done by other parties Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other parties. The main historical prospect within the Sunday Creek project is the Clonbinane prospect, a high level orogenic (or epizonal) Fosterville-style deposit. Small scale mining has been undertaken in the project area since the 1880s continuing through to the early 1900s. Historical production occurred with multiple small shafts and alluvial workings across the Clonbinane Goldfield permits. Production of note occurred at the Clonbinane area with total production being reported as 41,000 oz gold at a grade of 33 g/t gold (Leggo and Holdsworth, 2013)

Work in and nearby to the Sunday Creek Project area by previous explorers typically focused on finding bulk, shallow deposits. Beadell Resources were the first to drill deeper targets and Southern Cross have continued their work in the Sunday Creek Project area.

EL54 - Eastern Prospectors Pty Ltd Rock chip sampling around Christina, Apollo and Golden Dyke mines.

Rock chip sampling down the Christina mine shaft. Resistivity survey over the Golden Dyke. Five diamond drill holes around Christina, two of which have assays. ELs 872 & 975 - CRA Exploration Pty Ltd Exploration focused on finding low grade, high tonnage deposits. The tenements were relinquished after the area was found to be prospective but not economic.

Stream sediment samples around the Golden Dyke and Reedy Creek areas. Results were better around the Golden Dyke. 45 dump samples around Golden Dyke old workings showed good correlation between gold, arsenic and antimony.

Soil samples over the Golden Dyke to define boundaries of dyke and mineralization. Two costeans parallel to the Golden Dyke targeting soil anomalies. Costeans since rehabilitated by SXG. ELs 827 & 1520 - BHP Minerals Ltd Exploration targeting open cut gold mineralization peripheral to SXG tenements. ELs 1534, 1603 & 3129 - Ausminde Holdings Pty Ltd Targeting shallow, low grade gold. Trenching around the Golden Dyke prospect and results interpreted along with CRAs costeans. 29 RC/Aircore holes totalling 959 m sunk into the Apollo, Rising Sun and Golden Dyke target areas. ELs 4460 & 4987 - Beadell Resources Ltd ELs 4460 & 4987 - Beadell Resources Ltd ELs 4460 and 4497 were granted to Beadell Resources in November 2007. Beadell successfully drilled 30 RC holes, including second diamond tail holes in the Golden Dyke/Apollo target areas. Both tenements were 100% acquired by Auminco Goldfields Pty Ltd in late 2012 and combined into one tenement EL4987.

Nagambie Resources Ltd purchased Auminco Goldfields in July 2014. EL4987 expired late 2015, during which time Nagambie Resources applied for a retention licence (RL6040) covering three square kilometres over the Sunday Creek Goldfield. RL6040 was granted July 2017.

Clonbinane Gold Field Pty Ltd was purchased by Mawson Gold Ltd in February 2020. Mawson drilled 30 holes for 6,928 m and made the first discoveries to depth. Geology Deposit type, geological setting and style of

mineralization. Refer to the description in the main body of the release. Drill hole Information A summary of all information material to the understanding of the exploration results including a tabulation of the following

information for all Material drill holes: easting and northing of the drill hole collar elevation or RL (Reduced Level - elevation above sea level in metres) of the drill hole collar dip and azimuth of the hole down hole length and interception depth hole length.

If the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis that the information is not Material and this exclusion does not detract from the understanding of the report, the Competent Person should clearly explain why this is the case. Refer to appendices Data aggregation methods In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (e.g. cutting of high-grades) and cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated.

Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high-grade results and longer lengths of low-grade results, the procedure used for such aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such aggregations should be shown in detail.

The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values should be clearly stated. See "Further Information" and "Metal Equivalent Calculation" in main text of press release. Relationship between mineralization widths and intercept lengths These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of Exploration Results.

If the geometry of the mineralization with respect to the drill hole angle is known, its nature should be reported.

If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there should be a clear statement to this effect (e.g 'down hole

length, true width not known'). See reporting of true widths in the body of the press release. Diagrams Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported. These should include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar locations and appropriate sectional views. The results of the diamond drilling are displayed in the figures in the announcement. Balanced reporting Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not practicable, representative reporting of both low and high-grades and/or widths should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration Results. All results above 0.1 g/t Au have been tabulated in this announcement. The results are considered representative with no intended bias.

Core loss, where material, is disclosed in tabulated drill intersections. Other substantive exploration data Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be reported including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples - size and method of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances. Previously reported diamond drill results are displayed in plans, cross sections and long sections and discussed in the text and in the Competent Person's statement.

Preliminary testing (AMML Report 1801-1) has demonstrated the viability of recovering gold and antimony values to high value products by industry standard processing methods.

The program was completed by AMML, an established mineral and metallurgical testing laboratory specialising in flotation, hydrometallurgy, gravity and comminution testwork at their testing facilities in Gosford, NSW. The program was supervised by Craig Brown of Resources Engineering & Management, who was engaged to develop plans for initial sighter flotation testing of samples from drilling of the Sunday Creek deposit.

Two quarter core intercepts were selected for metallurgical test work (Table 1). A split of each was subjected to assay analysis. The table below shows samples selected for metallurgical test work: Sample Location Sample Name Weight (kg) Drill hole from (m) to (m) Length (m) Au ppm Sb% As% Rising Sun RS01 22.8 MDDSC025 275.9 289.3 13.4 3.18 1.06 0.223 Apollo AP01 16.6 SDDSC031 220.4 229.9 9.5 4.89 0.443 0.538 The metallurgical characterization test work included: Diagnostic LeachWELL testing.

Gravity recovery by Knelson concentrator and hand panning.

Timed flotation of combined gravity tails.

Rougher-Cleaner flotation (without gravity separation), with sizing of products, to produce samples for mineralogical investigation.

Mineral elemental concentrations and gold deportment was investigated using Laser Ablation examination by University of Tasmania.

QXRD Mineralogical assessment were used to estimate mineral contents for the test products, and, from this, to assess performance in terms of minerals as well as elements, including contributions to gold deportment. For both test samples, observations and calculations indicated a high proportion of native ('free') gold: 84.0% in RS01 and 82.1% in AP01.

Samples of size fractions of the three sulfide and gold containing flotation products from the Rougher-Cleaner test series were sent to MODA Microscopy for optical mineralogical assessment. Key observations were: The highest gold grade samples from each test series found multiple grains of visible gold which were generally liberated, with minor association with stibnite (antimony sulfide). Stibnite was highly liberated and was very 'clean' - 71.7% Sb, 28.3% S. Arsenopyrite was also highly liberated indicating potential for separation. Pyrite was largely free but exhibited some association with gangue minerals.

Further work The nature and scale of planned further work (e.g. tests for lateral extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling).

Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions, including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas, provided this information is not commercially sensitive. The Company drilled 30,000 m in 2023 and plans to continue drilling with 5 diamond drill rigs. The Company has stated it will drill 60,000 m from 2024 to Q4 2025. The company remains in an exploration stage to expand the mineralization along strike and to depth.

See diagrams in presentation which highlight current and future drill plans.

SOURCE: Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
The recent closure of FEV Tutors marks a significant loss for the K-12 education community. For years, FEV Tutors provided valuable virtual tutoring solutions to students across the United States, and their abrupt closure leaves many learners, educators, and families facing uncertainty. At HeyTutor, our thoughts are with the students, teachers, and FEV employees affected by this sudden change.

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Contact:

melissa@heytutor.com

SOURCE: HeyTutor

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Zagreb, Croatia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2025) - Juicefast, a leader in the European wellness industry, is solidifying its market dominance with a series of strategic initiatives that include the acquisition of BiteMe Nutrition, a successful fundraising round, and the development of a groundbreaking digital platform.

JUICEFAST's bold vision for the future: Expanding its wellness empire with strategic acquisitions, innovation, and a 4M growth plan.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8798/238734_83d0660d94b5ca73_001full.jpg

2024 Revenue and Key Acquisition

Juicefast reported 4M in revenue for 2024, a testament to its growing market share and customer loyalty. To further expand its product portfolio and retail reach, the company has acquired BiteMe Nutrition, a snacking brand with products available in over 2,500 retail locations across Europe.



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4M Fundraising Round

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Digital innovation, including the launch of an AI-powered wellness app, and

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Digital Innovation in 2025

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To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/238734

SOURCE: APG
Grades up to 83.6 g/t Au and 312 g/t Ag in Quartz Veining

ADELAIDE, AU /ACCESS Newswire / January 29, 2025 /

HIGHLIGHTS

New 'Tolmer' gold system recently confirmed by shallow high-grade gold assays at Tarcoola [1]

Multi-element analyses now confirm high-grade silver also present in supergene zone, and also in primary gold-sulphide veins in association with elevated lead and zinc

Expanded significant assays from May - July 2024 reverse circulation ( RC ) drilling include: 1

Hole ID Interval Including: TBM0144 2m @ 0.35 g/t Au and 124 g/t Ag [62m] 1m @ 180 g/t Ag [62m] TBM0145 1m @ 2.16 g/t Au and 241 g/t Ag [79m] TBM0161 4m @ 24.6 g/t Au and 82.8 g/t Ag [95m] 1m @ 83.6 g/t Au and 312 g/t Ag [97m]

Recent ~2,000m aircore ( AC ) drilling along strike of May - July 2024 Tolmer RC gold assays also return further anomalous gold assays up to 3 g/t Au [2]

A 1,500 - 2,000m follow-up RC drilling campaign has commenced today at the Tolmer prospect

Barton Gold Holdings Limited (ASX:BGD)(FRA:BGD3)(OTCQB:BGDFF) (Barton or Company) is pleased to announce further assays from the Tolmer prospect (Tolmer) at the Tarcoola Gold Project ( Tarcoola ) in South Australia, where prior assays confirmed a new gold mineralised system of quartz sulphide veining. 1

New multi-element assays confirm that high-grade silver is also present in the Tolmer system's weathered zone, associated with broad zones of anomalous lead and copper, similar to the primary signature of the vein gold mineralisation at Tarcoola.

These assays also confirm a strong association between gold and silver in quartz sulphide veining, similar to the primary signature of the gold mineralisation at the Tunkillia Gold Project (Tunkillia).

Assaying to date has returned maximum individual results of 3.46% lead, 10.8% zinc and 0.12% copper. Recent Tolmer AC drilling has also returned further anomalous gold assays up to 3 g/t Au along strike. 2

Commenting on the discovery of silver in the Tolmer system, Barton MD Alexander Scanlon said:

"We are excited to report new multi-element assays which confirm that high-grade silver is also present in the new Tolmer gold system, with silver grades up to 312 g/t Ag associated with gold grades up to 83.6 g/t Au.

"High-grade silver could benefit any potential future mining at Tolmer, and may indicate a potential source of high-grade blending feed for the neighbouring Tunkillia Gold Project, which also carries a significant silver credit.

"Near-surface lead anomalies also appear to be a useful drill targeting guide for gold and silver in the Tarcoola region. A follow up RC drilling program has commenced today at the Tolmer prospect."

Shallow high-grade veining within broader alteration zones

Following May - July 2024 RC drilling, Barton commenced multi-element analyses of drill samples initially by portable XRF (pXRF), followed up with full laboratory assaying of selected intervals by ICP-MS, both to confirm the absolute values of elements and to provide a dataset to establish confidence in the pXRF dataset. 2 Laboratory analysis has validated the suitability of the pXRF data for reporting of anomalous geochemical zones, although the reporting of individual silver grades requires laboratory assays.

New Tolmer gold-silver system

The latest Tolmer assays indicate a gold-silver system characterised by multiple broad zones of alteration containing higher-grade quartz sulphide veining. High-grade silver is associated with elevated levels of galena, which is similar to the gold mineralisation previously mined at Tarcoola's 'Perseverance' open pit.

A ~2,000m AC drilling campaign commenced in November 2024 to test potential strike extensions of the gold alteration zones and structures interpreted from May - July 2024 drilling. [3] Results from the AC drilling have further extended the footprint of gold mineralisation at Tolmer, with elevated silver and lead also reported from pXRF analysis undertaken from this drilling. Key gold intersections include:

Hole ID* Interval (m) Gold (g/t) Depth (m) Including TBAC0102 4 @ 1.87 from 16 1m @ 3.12g/t Au from 18m TBAC0101 2 @ 1.72 from 43 1m @ 2.19g/t Au from 43m TBAC0116 2 @ 2.00 from 56 1m @ 3.17g/t Au from 56m

Table 1 - Key Tolmer significant gold intercepts November 2024 Tolmer AC drilling

* Refer to JORC Tables 2 and 3 in Appendix for complete details of reported holes from November 2024 AC drilling

The best gold results from AC drilling were in shallow holes unable to penetrate underlying hard quartzite rock (see Figure 3). The zones of elevated silver and lead now identified in prior RC drilling is particularly encouraging, and provide additional targeting vectors for both gold and silver in the follow-up RC drilling.

Silver assays have not yet been completed for the November 2024 AC drilling program. However, following the high-grade silver assay results for May - July 2024 RC drilling, these will be expedited.

Figure 1 - Tolmer plan map with RC and AC drill collars and key high-grade Au / Ag assays

Broad Au-Ag and Au-Ag-Pb alteration zones

Cross Sections A and B in Figure 1 above (shown as Figures 2 and 3 below) indicate multiple alteration zones hosting elevated gold +/- silver values concentrated around high-grade quartz sulphide veining.

Further drilling is required to establish structural continuity between Sections A and B.

Barton recently completed AC drilling to help define the broader potential footprint of the Tolmer gold-silver system. A program of follow-up RC drilling has commenced today (see Figure 4) to test strike extensions of interpreted gold-silver mineralisation, and below shallow gold results shown in Figure 3.

Figure 2 (Section A) - Anomalous Au-Ag zones and significant intercepts within alteration zones

* refer to gold intersections reported in ASX announcement dated 27 August 2024

Figure 3 (Section B) - Anomalous Au-Ag-Pb zones and significant intercepts from AC drilling

Commencement of follow-up RC drilling

An RC rig has been mobilised to Tolmer and commenced drilling today on priority targets.

An estimated 1,500-2,000m of RC drilling is planned, designed to extend the definition around high-grade gold mineralisation identified from May - July 2024 drilling and November 2024 AC drilling.

In-field low-level gold assaying will again be deployed using Barton's field laboratory, utilising the detectORE workflows provided by Portable PPB Ltd to enable rapid identification of gold mineralisation that may warrant additional drill lines whilst the drill rig is at site.

Figure 4 - Tolmer plan map with historical RC / AC drill collars & planned follow-up RC drill lines

Authorised by the Board of Directors 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

Competent Persons Statement

The information in this announcement that relates to Exploration Results for the Tarcoola Gold Project (including drilling, sampling, geophysical surveys and geological interpretation) is based upon, and fairly represents, information and supporting documentation compiled by Mr Marc Twining BSc (Hons). Mr Twining is an employee of Barton Gold Holdings Ltd and is a Member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Geoscientists (AusIMM Member 112811) and has sufficient experience with the style of mineralisation, the deposit type under consideration and to the activity being undertaken, to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the "Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves" (The JORC Code). Mr Twining consents to the inclusion in this announcement of the matters based upon this information in the form and context in which it appears.

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. *

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.

JORC Table 1 - Tarcoola Gold Project

Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data

Criteria Commentary Sampling techniques Nature and quality of sampling (e.g. cut channels, random chips, or specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF instruments, etc.). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad meaning of sampling. Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used. Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material to the Public Report. In cases where 'industry standard' work has been done this would be relatively simple (e.g. "RC drilling was used to obtain 1 m samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire assay"). In other cases, more explanation may be required, such as where there is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or mineralisation types (e.g. submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of detailed information Sampling during Barton Gold's drill programs at Tarcoola was obtained through reverse circulation (RC), Aircore (AC) and diamond drilling methods. Historic RC and diamond drilling methods were also used in drilling campaigns completed since the mid-1990s. Rotary air-blast (RAB) and aircore drilling has also been completed. These holes were used to guide interpretation but were not used for previous grade estimations or modelling of the results reported in the accompanying Announcement. The drilling program used a Metzke cone splitter (or similar) attached to the cyclone. One-metre splits were constrained by chute and butterfly valves to derive a 2-4kg split on the cyclone. Samples above 1m depth were not collected. Diamond core for drilling has been sawn in half using an automated core saw. Field duplicates were derived from using quarter core for the designated interval. Historic diamond core has been sawn in half or quarter using a core saw. Historic RC samples were collected using various splitting methods over the project's history. A splitter was generally used; however, spear samples were taken for a period of time in some holes. The sample preparation for drilling conducted in 2023 and 2024 of the one-metre sampling for Barton Gold's RC and diamond drill program was conducted by Bureau Veritas (Adelaide) using method FA1 where the 2-3kg split sample received at the laboratory is weighed, dried, crushed to 10mm, pulverized to 75 micron and split to provide a 40g sample for fire assay analysis. The sample preparation of the one-metre sampling for Barton Gold's 2021 RC drill program was conducted by Intertek Genalysis (Adelaide) using method SP1 where the 2-3kg split sample received at the laboratory is weighed, dried, crushed to 3mm, pulverized to 75 micron and split to provide a 50g sample for fire assay and adequate pulverized material for possible future multi-element analysis. Historically RC and diamond drilling samples were analysed by various laboratories by either fire assay or Aqua Regia digest, detection by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) or a Pulverise and Leach (PAL) process. 1 m RC or diamond samples were generally collected. Drilling techniques Drill type (e.g. core, RC, open-hole hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc.) and details (e.g. core diameter, triple or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or other type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc.). The AC drilling by Barton Gold used a 75mm rod size with 85mm drill bit configuration, provided by Bostech Drilling. Bostech Drilling used an air delivery system delivering a nominal air capacities of approximately 250psi/600cfm. Drill holes were angled at a nominal -60 degrees and drilled to blade refusal. PDC bits were also used to ensure as much basement penetration as possible. Historic drilling has taken place over numerous periods since the mid- 1980s as follows: 1987-1989 BHP Gold/Aberfoyle JV (RC and HQ3 DD)

1991-1994 Queens Road Mines/Grenfell Resources (RC)

1996-1998 Grenfell Resources (RC, RCD, HQ3 DD)

2001-2002 AngloGold/Gravity Capital (RC/RCD)

2008 LIDDS (NQ DD)

2012 Tunkillia Gold (RC and HQ3 DD)

2016-2018 Tarcoola Gold (RC). Drill sample recovery Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and results assessed. Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure representative nature of the samples. Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of fine/coarse material. Drilling recoveries were qualitatively described for each drilled interval in the field database along with an estimation of moisture content. In general recoveries were good in the order of 10-15kg for each one-metre interval of AC drilling and less than 1% of intervals noted any moisture content. Three-metre composite samples were submitted to Barton's field laboratory for preliminary analysis (non-reportable analysis) and determination of one-metre intervals to be submitted for laboratory analysis. Samples submitted to the laboratory were weighed on a dry, as-received basis and reported along with assay results. No relationship between grade and recovery has been identified. Drilling recoveries prior to 2012 were not recorded for both RC chips and diamond core. Some earlier reports noted difficult drilling. Grenfell noted that care was taken to maximise recoveries and minimise contamination and wet drilling conditions were not often encountered. AngloGold noted no major problems with drilling conditions. TGL RC drilling programmes noted good recoveries, with weights of 30-40kg achieved in fresh material. Within the weathered zone, sample weights were more variable. Holes collared in the Quaternary overburden yielded poor or no recovery from the upper unconsolidated cover sequence, which does not host gold mineralisation. Diamond core recoveries were recorded by TGL. Local zones of core loss were noted in the oxide zone however core recoveries were generally good. The RC drilling was closely monitored by the site geologist to ensure optimal recovery and that samples were considered representative. Historically, HQ triple tube (HQ3) drilling was used for some holes to maximise core recovery. Re-entry holes were not triple-tubed as they were drilled straight into fresh bedrock. Drilling rates were controlled, and short drill runs were often used through the oxide zone to maximise core recovery. Logging Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies. Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc.) photography. The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections logged. The AC drilling program electronically logged a number of parameters direct into a database including: Stratigraphy, lithology, weathering, primary and secondary colour, texture, grainsize, alteration type-style-intensity and mineralisation type-style-percentage. Logging practices varied over the project's history, however AngloGold attempted to standardize the logging by relogging holes in 2002. Approximately 17,000m of diamond and RC drilling and conversion of historical data into a consistent coding system. Some inconsistency in the logging is evident in the current database, however significant mapping has been completed in the pit which, in conjunction with the logging, provides a sound geological basis to prepare a Mineral Resource estimate. Logging from drilling is generally qualitative in nature. All diamond core and RC drilling has been geologically logged. Subsampling techniques and sample preparation If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core taken If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc. and whether sampled wet or dry. For all sample types, the nature, quality and appropriateness of the sample preparation technique. Quality control procedures adopted for all subsampling stages to maximise representivity of samples. Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the in-situ material collected, including for instance results for field duplicate/second-half sampling. Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material being sampled. SADME (1964) - Diamond holes were quarter-cored by Grenfell. Aberfoyle (1979-1985) - Samples of open holes TP001-021 were collected in a PVC bag via a cyclone, and then split down to approximately 1.5kg. Newmex Exploration Limited/Tarcoola Gold Ltd (1987-1988) - RC samples from TRC001-TRC025 were collected over 1m intervals via a cyclone with an incorporated splitter. Approximately 3kg was collected for analysis. RC samples from TRC026-TRC138 were collected over 1m intervals and riffle split to collect a sample. The weight of the sample was approximately 2kg. BHP (1987-1989) - RC holes were sampled at 1m intervals with rock chips homogenized via a cyclone before being split and sampled. A 4m composite sample weighing approximately 2.5kg was initially submitted for analysis. The 1m samples were only submitted if the original 4m sample returned a value of >0.5 g/t Au. Diamond core was apparently half-cored, with samples generally taken at 1m intervals. Grenfell (1991-1993) - RC holes were sampled at 1m intervals were collected in full in plastic bags. The plastic bags were rolled several times to help ensure mixing prior to collecting a 1-2kg sample using a short plastic tube inserted diagonally several times into the material. A 4 m composite was initially submitted for analysis. 1m samples were only submitted if the original 4m sample returned a value of >0.3 g/t Au. Diamond core was apparently half-cored, with samples generally taken at 1m intervals. Grenfell (1995-1997) - RC holes were sampled at 1m intervals were collected in full in a plastic bucket, and then poured through a three-tier riffle splitter. Buckets were emptied through the splitter at 0.5m intervals. A 3kg sample was collected in a calico bag for assay, and the remaining sample collected in a large plastic bag. Poor sample recovery was apparently only noted within a small number of drillholes. Diamond core was apparently half-cored, with samples generally taken at 1m intervals. AngloGold (2001-2002) - RC holes were sampled at 1m intervals. Detail surrounding the RC subsampling techniques was not provided to CSA Global. Diamond core was apparently half- cored, with samples generally taken at 1m intervals. Subsampling is performed during the preparation stage according to the assay laboratories' internal protocols. During the RC drilling program primary samples were collected from a chute on the cyclone splitter. Field duplicates were obtained from a secondary chute on the splitter. To the best of the Competent Persons knowledge, no RC field duplicates were taken prior to 1995. After 1995, field duplicates have generally been inserted in the sample stream at a rate of one in every 20 samples. No data was provided for the AngloGold drilling program however (2001-2002). Results generally give confidence in sampling procedures . Sample sizes are considered to be appropriate to the grain size of the material being sampled. Quality of assay data and laboratory tests The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or total. For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc., the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc. Nature of quality control procedures adopted (e.g. standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (i.e. lack of bias) and precision have been established. Analytical techniques have varied somewhat over the projects history and are summarised below. SADME (1964) - Diamond holes were sent to Amdel in Adelaide for analysis by Aqua Regia digest flame AAS with a 0.02 detection limit. Any samples returning grades >1 g/t Au were re-assayed by fire assay with an AAS finish. Aberfoyle Exploration (1985-1987) - Samples were submitted to Classic Laboratories in Perth for fire assay using a 50g charge. Newmex Exploration Limited, Tarcoola Gold Limited (1987- 1988) - Samples from TRC001-TRC025 were submitted to Genalysis in Perth for analysis using Aqua Regia digest and AAS finish after roasting to oxidise sulphides. Fire assay was carried out on all samples containing >1 g/t Au determined following Aqua Regia. Samples from TRC026-TRC138 were submitted to Classic Comlabs, Adelaide for analysis by fire assay. BHP Gold (1988-1991) - Samples were submitted to Amdel Laboratories in Adelaide for analysis. The analytical method is not known. Queens Road Mine/Grenfell Resources (1992-1994) - Samples were submitted to Amdel for digest by Aqua Regia (two parts hydrochloric acid to one-part nitric acid), followed by extraction into organic solvent (D.I.B.K.). A 50g subsample was then analysed by AAS with a 0.02 g/t Au detection limit. Grenfell Resources (1996-1998) - Earlier samples were submitted to Amdel for analysis by Aqua Regia digest with AAS finish. Any samples returning grades >1 g/t Au were re-assayed by fire assay with and AAS finish. Later holes were submitted to Aqua Regia digest with graphite furnace AAS. AngloGold, Gravity Capital Limited (2001-2002) - Earlier holes (up to TCRC0029) were submitted to Genalysis in Adelaide. Sample preparation was completed in Adelaide, and then sample analysis was completed in Perth via a 50g fire assay with AAS finish (Method FA50/AAS). Later holes were submitted to Analabs in Perth for analysis by fire assay. Low Impact Diamond Drilling Services (2008) - Two core holes were submitted to Onsite Laboratory Services, Bendigo for analysis by 25g fire assay with AAS finish. Subsampling techniques are not known. Tunkillia Gold (2012) - Au analysis was completed by IntertekGenalysis in Adelaide, via a 50 g lead collection fire assay with AAS finish to a 0.005 ppm detection limit (Method FA50/AA). Tarcoola Gold (2016-2017) - Samples were dried at 90 C to eliminate the impact of moisture on sample processing. After drying samples are crushed via a Boyd Crusher to <10mm in size then split through a rotary splitter to produce a sub-sample. The crusher is cleaned regularly and has barren bricks crushed between sample groups to prevent contamination. Analysis is through the pulverising and leach (PAL) process. This process reflects the site mill extraction process where: each process is pulverised in aqueous solution with cyanide bearing assay tabs and a collection of assorted sized ball bearings. Each sample is pulverised for an hour, resulting in an Au-CN complex bearing solution and remnant pulverised sample, and the pulverised material is 95% passing 75 microns. Following PAL processing, samples are decanted, centrifuged and prepared for analysis in an AAS with a solvent separation with a DIBK and residence time of 20 minutes. The sample is then aspirated through the AAS to produce a reading. Barton Gold (2020) - 2-4kg splits were sent to MinAnalytical in Perth for preparation and analysis using photon assay techniques for gold and ICPOES/MS for multielement geochemistry. The received samples used MinAnalytical's PAP3502R method for preparation which included weighing before drying and crushing to 3mm. A 500g charge was split for analysis using MinAnalytical's PAAU2 photon assay method for gold which is a fully automated technique designed for the analysis of ores. It uses high energy x-rays to excite the atoms so liberation from the surrounding material is not required. The ~500g single-use jars allows for bulk analysis with no chance of cross contamination between samples. Barton Gold (2021) - 2-4kg splits were sent to Intertek Genalysis in Adelaide for preparation and analysis using 50g fire assay techniques for gold and ICPOES/MS for multielement geochemistry. Whilst preparation and some fire assays were undertaken in Adelaide Intertek also sent some batches to their Perth laboratories for analysis. Intertek's FA50/OE04 method uses a 50 g lead collection fire assay with ICP-OES / MS finish to a 0.005 ppm detection limit. Multielement samples were analysed using Intertek's method 4A/MS48 which is a 4-acid digest followed by analysis using ICP-OES and MS for 48 elements. Barton Gold (2022-present) - 2-4kg splits were sent to Bureau Veritas in Adelaide for preparation and analysis using a 40g fire assay technique for gold. Bureau Veritas' FA1 method uses a 40 g lead collection fire assay with AAS finish to a 0.01 ppm detection limit. Selection of AC samples for assaying by fire assay is undertaken via in-field low-level gold analysis on 3m composite samples. The technique is a partial leach workflow called detectORE developed by CSIRO and provided by Portable PPB Ltd. The results are not considered sufficiently robust for public reporting but are suitable for selection of 1-metre samples for fire assay analysis. Additional samples for fire assay analysis for gold are also selected based on geological logging and supporting multielement analysis. Analysis of AC drill samples is initially undertaken on 3-metre composites by portable XRF (pXRF), using an Evident Vanta unit. A 3-beam, 20 seconds per beam routine is performed on samples presented to the machine in plastic cups (pucks). Results from this preliminary analysis is used to determine intervals for laboratory analysis. QAQC (blanks, CRMs, duplicates) are routinely analysed and assessed as part of this workflow. Multielement analysis is undertaken on 1-metre drill samples by Bureau Veritas' MA102 method, applying a 4-acid digest with ICP-MS analysis and reporting a suite of 47 elements. Statistical comparison between pXRF analyses and corresponding ICP-MS analyses has provided confirmed the integrity of the pXRF analyses with acceptable statistical correlations. The pXRF results are adequate for the reporting of geochemical thresholds and zones, but not individual interval results. No geophysical studies were used in this latest drilling program. Barton Gold's AC drilling program included a comprehensive QAQC component with Field Duplicates, Certified Standards (selection of OREAS CRM's considered most appropriate for expected grade and composition) and coarse blanks collectively inserted at ratio of approximately 1 in 37 primary samples. The sequencing of QC samples is tailored on the basis of preliminary (field) assaying to maximise the effect of QA. Additionally, the laboratories provided their internal QAQC which included check samples, CRM's, blanks and repeats. Analysis of the duplicate samples was variable but considered acceptable given the nature of gold mineralization associated with this project. Some significant variation was noted however this is considered consistent with the interpreted high nugget style of mineralisation. Bureau Veritas' analysis for gold using fire assay performed well with all batches falling within the +/-3SD test of the expected value for the given standards (3 OREAS CRM's). Historically, the amount of sampling and analytical QC data that has been collected has varied over the project's history. Limited sampling and analytical QC data is available to support drilling programs completed prior to 1992, which represents a relatively minor portion of the dataset. Between 1992 and 1994, the only meaningful QC data appears to be a comparison of spear and riffle split sampling results. No significant bias was noted between the methods. Between 1996 and 1998, standard results indicate no significant bias, and blank results suggest no issue with carry-over contamination. Field duplicate results reveal a reasonable amount of scatter, which implies poor sample precision, however no bias was noted. Check (umpire laboratory) assay results also revealed considerable scatter but no significant bias which further attests to the accuracy of the analytical data. It is understood no QC samples were submitted between 2001 and 2008. Tunkillia Gold used blanks to monitor carry-over contamination and no significant issues were detected. Field duplicates were used to assess sample precision, while CRMs were used to assess analytical accuracy. Some pulps were also sent to an umpire laboratory as a further check on analytical accuracy. Field duplicate results provide some confidence sample precision. The scatter which is observed is understandable given the moderate to high nugget effect evident at Tarcoola. The CRMs reasonably demonstrated the accuracy of the laboratory. Pulp repeats were higher than the original results, which did cause some concern however, given the CRM results the Competent Person had reasonable confidence in the accuracy of the primary laboratory. Tarcoola Gold collected field duplicates to monitor sample precision and submitted one main CRM to monitor analytical accuracy. The field duplicate results give some confidence in sample precision, with the scatter which is observed likely a consequence of the high-nugget nature of the mineralisation. Although only one CRM was used, no bias was noted. Verification of sampling and assaying The verification of significant intersections by either independent or alternative company personnel. The use of twinned holes. Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols. Discuss any adjustment to assay data. Alternative company personnel have verified significant intersections. No twinned holes were used in the course of this program. All data collected in the reported program including collar details, drilling records, sampling records and geological logs are recorded directly into spreadsheets in the field which includes comprehensive interval validation processes. Assay results were provided in digital format. All relevant historical data was entered into a DataShed database where various validation checks were performed. Data was exported into an Access Database. No adjustments were made to any assay data in this release. Location of data points Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drillholes (collar and downhole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in Mineral Resource estimation. Specification of the grid system used. Quality and adequacy of topographic control. All 2024 AC collars were sited using a Garmin hand-held GPS system, with all drill collars also picked up using a Leica DGPS system post-drilling (<0.1m accuracy). The RL was generated from the LiDAR survey collected at the completion of drilling. All Barton RC holes were downhole surveyed using an Axis Champ-Gyro system which provided measurements at 20m intervals up and down hole. Collar location and downhole survey methods have varied somewhat over the project's history. Almost all hole collars have been surveyed by GPS, DGPS or total station methods, with checks completed against the topographic DTM. Downhole survey methods have varied somewhat over the projects history and are summarised below. Aberfoyle (1979-1985) - Holes not surveyed. Set-up positions were used and are well documented. BHP (1987-1989) - Holes not surveyed. Set-up positions were used and are well documented. Grenfell (1991-1997) - A single shot Eastman camera was used, with surveys taken every 30-50m (GP, GL series). Early generation holes completed by Grenfell/Queens Road were not surveyed at the time of the drilling. Grenfell conducted a campaign of Eastman surveys for open historical holes, using Fugro Survey as a contractor. AngloGold (2001-2002) - A single shot Eastman camera was used, with surveys taken every 30-50m (TCD, TCRC series). Tunkillia Gold (2012) - A reflex Ezi-shot downhole camera was used, with readings taken every 30m for diamond holes (TADD series) and end-of-hole for RC holes (TARC series). TGL completed validation checks on the downhole surveys including consistency checks on available databases, comparison of digital databases against hard copy records, and against original Eastman camera discs, cross checks on grid to magnetic conversions and visual review. Tarcoola Gold (2016-2017) - In February 2017, Kinetic Technologies was engaged to perform a downhole optics survey for a geotechnical review. A total of seven holes were downhole surveyed for deviation using a directional survey probe. Readings were taken at 10m downhole intervals. Results showed minor lifting in holes deeper than 28m. The majority of grade control holes are drilled to 23m; hence hole deviation is not considered to be significant All site data is reported in Geocentric Datum of Australia 1994 (GDA94) and Vertical Datum in Australian Height Datum (AHD). The map projection is MGA Zone 53. Historic Survey Data has been converted to GDA94. In March 2020 Barton gold engaged Aerometrex to collect LiDAR and high-resolution ortho-imagery over the entire Tarcoola Mining Lease. All datasets are levelled to the LiDAR survey. Data spacing and distribution Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results. Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied. Whether sample compositing has been applied. The spacing of AC drill holes was determined to provide an adequate test for mineralisation being targeted. Sample compositing was not applied Orientation of data in relation to geological structure Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the deposit type. If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key mineralised structures is considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material. Precise controls on the orientations of mineralisation are poorly understood. Angled drill holes were drilled due to likely steep dip expected on mineralised positions, based on mineralisation observed elsewhere in the deposit area. Further exploration is required to determine true widths and orientations of mineralisation with a greater degree of confidence. Sample security The measures taken to ensure sample security . Barton Gold staff oversaw the sampling on the AC drill rig and maintained oversight of sample security whilst onsite during the drilling programs. Split samples were inserted into pre-printed calico bags. These tied bags were, in batches of 5, ziplocked into labelled poly-weave bags which were inserted into ziplocked Bulka-bags. The bulka bags were strapped onto pallets and either transported and delivered to the laboratory by Barton Gold personnel, or loaded by a Barton Gold representative on to a semitrailer for transport to the laboratories in Adelaide. The trailers were not unloaded whilst in transit. Barton does not have detailed information in regard to sample security measures taken by previous owners of the Tarcoola project. However, Barton understands that these procedures have been in accordance with commonly adopted standard industry practices Audits or reviews The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data An internal peer review of the exploration data processes has been completed by Barton Gold which has included a detailed review of the assay, survey and QAQC data. MacArthur carried out a review of sampling techniques and data in 2013. Mining Plus undertook a comprehensive audit of the historical drilling database in 2020 and have in part rebuilt the database using original assay results and incorporated significant supporting metadata.

Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results

Criteria Commentary Mineral tenement and land tenure status Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, wilderness or national park and environmental settings. The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area. The Tarcoola ML Project area lies within Mineral Lease (ML) 6455. ML6455 covers an area of 725.35 ha and is situated completely within Exploration Licence (EL) 6210 which was owned by Tarcoola 2 Pty Ltd a wholly owned subsidiary of Barton Gold Pty Ltd. The Mining Lease is covered by a registered Native Title determination held by the Antakirinja Matu-Yankunytjatjara Aboriginal Corporation (AMYAC). Tarcoola 2 has a deed of agreement with AMYAC and all work programs have been approved by AMYAC. Adjacent to the Perseverance Deposit and the Deliverance/Eclipse Target areas are registered State Heritage Places. The Tarcoola deposit is currently held under a Mining Lease which is listed as Under Care and Maintenance. There are no known impediments to obtaining future licences. Exploration done by other parties Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other parties. The Tarcoola deposit has been subject to sporadic exploration by numerous parties since alluvial gold was first discovered in 1893. Companies who have undertaken drilling include: Newmex Exploration, BHP, Grenfell Resources, AngloGold, Stellar, Hiltaba Gold, Tunkillia Gold and Tarcoola Gold. Geology Deposit type, geological setting and style of mineralisation. The Tarcoola Project covers a portion of the north-western Gawler Craton centred over the historic Tarcoola goldfield, where Archaean and Proterozoic rocks form the basement to an extensive cover of Phanerozoic sediments. The Archaean basement has been extensively deformed, whereas the Proterozoic rocks have been weakly to moderately deformed. At Perseverance (current Tarcoola open pit mine), gold mineralisation is hosted within sedimentary rocks of the Tarcoola Formation and granite, both of Proterozoic age. The granite is variably in fault contact with or unconformably overlain by the sediments, which consists of conglomerate, limestone, sandstone, siltstones, and shale. A suite of later intrusions (Lady Jane Diorite) cut both the sedimentary rocks and the granite. Mafic high level intrusives associated with the 1590Ma Hiltaba Magmatic Event are considered to control the spatial setting of both gold and base metal mineralisation. Three deformation events have been recognised in the area. D1 is characterised by open folding and NNW-directed thrusting, responsibly for the southerly dip of the sedimentary package at Perseverance. Steeply dipping NW and NE trending brittle faults developed during D2. These structures host and control the gold mineralisation in the Tarcoola Ridge area. The third deformation event (D3) is represented by the late E-W trending barren quartz veins. Gold has locally been remobilised and enriched in the weathering profile. The base of complete oxidation occurs typically 10-40m below surface, and the base of partial oxidation occurs at a depth of ~20-60m. Within the primary zone, sericite-quartz-pyrite alteration zones are spatially associated with the mineralisation and overprint earlier hematite-magnetite alteration. An outer halo of chlorite (+/-leucoxene and pyrite) is developed. Pyrite, galena and sphalerite are the main associated sulphide minerals, with subordinate amounts of chalcopyrite bornite and/or arsenopyrite noted. Veins can be discrete or form wider stockwork zones and are surrounded by broader quartz-sericite alteration envelopes which can host lower grade background halos of mineralisation. Dispersed supergene mineralisation in the oxide zone can be largely detached from veining. For more detail see: Budd, A & Skirrow, R, 2007. The Nature and Origin of Gold Deposits of the Tarcoola Goldfield and Implications for the Central Gawler Gold Province, South Australia. Economic Geology, 2007. Drillhole information A summary of all information material to the understanding of the exploration results including a tabulation of the following information for all Material drillholes: Easting and northing of the drillhole collar

Elevation or RL (Reduced Level - Elevation above sea level in metres) of the drillholecollar

Dip and azimuth of the hole

Downhole length and interception depth hole length.

Hole length If the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis that the information is not Material and this exclusion does not detract from the understanding of the report, the Competent Person should clearly explain why this is the case. A tabulation of the drilling program mentioned in this Announcement are presented in Tables 2 to 4. Data aggregation methods In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (e.g. cutting of high grades) and cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated. Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high grade results and longer lengths of low grade results, the procedure used for such aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such aggregations should be shown in detail. The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values should be clearly stated. Reported intersections used the following criteria: Reported gold intervals have been determined by applying a 0.5g/t Au cut-off (minimum 1gram-metre accumulation, ie the multiple of the interval in metres and the weighted average grade) and allowing for a maximum of two consecutive intervals of dilution.

No high-grade cut-offs were applied

When additional elements are reported in association with reported gold intervals, a weighted average result for the element is reported corresponding with the reported gold interval with no application of minimum grade thresholds.

Zones of anomalous gold mineralisation presented on drill sections have been determined by applying a 0.1g/t Au cut-off, with a minimum width of two metres and allowing for a maximum two consecutive intervals of dilution.

Reported silver intervals have been determined by applying a 20g/t Ag cut-off, with no allowance for intervals of dilution.

Reporting of zones of anomalous geochemistry on drill sections applies threshold intervals as presented on drill sections. No metal equivalents were calculated Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of Exploration Results. If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drillhole angle is known, its nature should be reported. If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there should be a clear statement to this effect (e.g. "downhole length, true width not known"). The relationship between mineralisation width and intercept lengths is unknown. Mineralisation elsewhere in the broader project area where there is greater levels of geological confidence is steeply dipping. Diagrams Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported These should include, but not be limited to a plan view of drillhole collar locations and appropriate sectional views . See figures included in the body of this announcement Balanced reporting Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not practicable, representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or widths should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration Results. Balanced reporting of Exploration Results is presented. Historical drilling has been undertaken across all recently drilled areas and is presented only where applicable at the scale of diagrams provided. Other substantive exploration data Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be reported including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples - size and method of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances. No substantive exploration data not already mentioned in this table has been used in the preparation of this Announcement. There are however extensive geological, geophysical, geochemical, geotechnical and metallurgical datasets available for this project area Further work The nature and scale of planned further work (e.g. tests for lateral extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling). Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions, including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas, provided this information is not commercially sensitive. Barton Gold is planning further work which will be focused on testing for dip extensions and strike extensions and to confirm grade and geological continuity implied by the current results. Diagrams have been included in the body of this Announcement

Table 2: Drillhole Collar Details for Barton Tarcoola Exploration Drilling (November 2024) programs mentioned in this announcement.

Hole ID Easting Northing RL DIP TAZ Total Depth (EOH) Type* Completion Target TBAC0090 449530 6602580 153 -60 320 60 AC 8/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0091 449498 6602620 153 -60 320 60 AC 8/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0092 449464 6602655 154 -60 320 74 AC 8/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0093 449435 6602693 155 -60 320 50 AC 8/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0094 449405 6602733 156 -60 320 38 AC 8/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0095 449382 6602757 158 -60 320 35 AC 8/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0096 449363 6602776 159 -60 320 63 AC 9/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0097 449330 6602815 159 -60 320 24 AC 9/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0098 449300 6602848 159 -60 320 8 AC 9/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0099 449658 6602103 148 -60 310 5 AC 9/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0100 449635 6602124 149 -60 310 35 AC 9/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0101 449606 6602138 150 -60 310 59 AC 9/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0102 449571 6602181 152 -60 310 20 AC 9/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0103 449546 6602191 151 -60 310 27 AC 9/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0104 449534 6602213 151 -60 310 17 AC 9/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0105 449518 6602224 151 -60 310 53 AC 10/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0106 449475 6602260 150 -60 310 69 AC 11/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0107 449434 6602299 149 -60 310 3 AC 11/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0108 449430 6602300 149 -60 310 63 AC 11/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0109 449391 6602334 148 -60 310 60 AC 11/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0110 449356 6602369 149 -60 310 60 AC 11/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0111 449312 6602398 150 -60 310 60 AC 11/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0112 449279 6602437 152 -60 310 87 AC 11/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0113 449237 6602468 155 -60 310 52 AC 12/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0114 449220 6602484 156 -60 310 34 AC 12/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0115 449349 6602003 145 -60 112 63 AC 12/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0116 449297 6601918 143 -60 90 75 AC 12/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0117 449330 6601920 142 -60 90 66 AC 12/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0118 449359 6601919 142 -60 90 58 AC 12/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0119 449403 6601921 142 -60 90 60 AC 13/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0120 449386 6601985 143 -60 112 54 AC 13/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0121 449401 6601979 143 -60 112 60 AC 13/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0122 449429 6601968 143 -60 112 36 AC 13/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0123 449454 6601959 143 -60 112 50 AC 13/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0124 449593 6602171 152 -60 310 50 AC 13/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0125 449492 6602249 151 -60 310 51 AC 14/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0126 448592 6602074 149 -60 90 30 AC 14/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0127 448562 6602075 150 -60 90 38 AC 14/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0128 448535 6602072 150 -60 90 42 AC 15/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0129 448509 6602075 150 -60 90 51 AC 15/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0130 448487 6602074 151 -60 90 52 AC 15/11/2024 Tolmer TBAC0131 449258 6602450 154 -60 310 93 AC 15/11/2024 Tolmer

*AC = Aircore drill hole.

Table 3: Significant gold (Au) intersections for Barton Gold Tolmer AC drilling program (November 2024) 2

Hole ID From To Metres 1 Au (g/t) Comments &/or including TBAC0101 43 45 2 1.72 Including 1m @ 2.19g/t Au from 43m TBAC0102 3 4 1 0.74 TBAC0102 16 20 4 1.87 Including 1m @ 3.12g/t Au from 18m TBAC0113 51 52 1 0.56 TBAC0116 56 58 2 2.00 Including 1m @ 3.17g/t Au from 56m TBAC0121 57 58 1 0.45 TBAC0123 65 66 1 0.28 TBAC0128 25 26 1 0.83

1 Note - Not true widths (down hole intersections).

2 Note - Primary intervals calculated by applying a 0.5g/t Au cut-off (minimum 1gram-metre accumulation) and allowing up to 2m internal dilution. Included intervals are selected to ensure balanced and representative reporting of mineralisation within primary intervals.

Table 4: Significant silver (Ag) intersections for Barton Gold Tolmer RC drilling program (May-July 2024) 2,3

Hole ID From To Metres 1 Ag (g/t) Cu (ppm) Pb (ppm) Zn (ppm) Au (g/t ) Comments &/or including TBM0144 48 53 5 22.6 40 419 44 <0.01 TBM0144 56 57 1 27.2 20 1090 118 0.03 TBM0144 62 64 2 124 88 1235 122.5 0.35 Including 1m @ 180g/t Ag from 62m TBM0144 66 67 1 27.8 28 826 435 0.06 TBM0145 79 80 1 241 366 10100 25900 2.16 TBM0146 68 69 1 47 12 118 65 0.01 TBM0154 35 36 1 20 16 34 10 0.02 TBM0154 44 47 3 76.2 89 300 30 1.88 Including 1m @ 137g/t Ag from 46m TBM0160 50 51 1 27.2 110 42 135 0.28 TBM0161 16 28 12 40.3 42 2289 69 0.10 Including 1m @ 86.2g/t Au from 21m TBM0161 70 71 1 61.8 64 418 1140 1.27 TBM0161 88 89 1 32 50 328 265 0.03 TBM0161 97 98 1 312 558 34600 108000 83.6 TBM0163 5 9 4 31 7 348 15 1.22 TBM0163 109 111 2 42.5 236 341 1280 0.40 TBM0184 33 34 1 26.2 14 2370 2930 Not assayed for Au

1 Note - Not true widths.

2 Note - Calculated applying a 20g/t Ag cut-off and with no internal dilution. Included intervals are selected to ensure balanced and representative reporting of mineralisation within primary intervals.

3 Note - preliminary pXRF analysis was applied to determine only selected intervals for assay of multi-elements by ICP-MS.



[1] Refer to ASX announcement dated 27 August 2024 [2] Refer to ASX announcements dated 8 November 2024 [3] Refer to ASX announcements dated 8 November 2024 * 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
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2025) - Taurus Gold Corp. (CSE: TAUR) (OTCQB: TARGF) ("Taurus" or the "Company") announces the resignation of Michael Rapsch as a Director of Taurus, effective February 1st, 2025. In his resignation, Mr. Rapsch wished Taurus and its management team every success in the future.

"On behalf of the members of the Board, the management team and the staff of Taurus, I would like to thank Mr. Rapsch for his valued contributions to the Company," said Frank Lagiglia, CEO of Taurus.

About Taurus Gold Corp.

Taurus currently has approx. 37 million shares outstanding and is a mineral exploration company with a focus on gold exploration. Taurus has a 51% ownership option and an option to earn 100% interest in the Charlotte property. The Charlotte property is located in the traditional territory of the Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation.

Forward-looking Information:

This news release contains "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included herein are forward-looking, other than statements of historical fact. Generally, the forward-looking information and forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "is expected", or "will continue", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, while based on management's best estimates and assumptions, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Taurus Gold to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements. Although Taurus Gold has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information or statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information or statements. The forward-looking statements and forward-looking information are made as of the date hereof and Taurus Gold disclaims, except as required by applicable securities laws, any obligation to update any such factors or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements or forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/238905

SOURCE: Taurus Gold Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2025) - Turnium Technology Group Inc. (TSXV: TTGI) (FSE: E48) ("Turnium" or the "Company") announces today that it was unable to meet the January 28, 2025 deadline to file its Audited Annual Financial Statements, Management's Discussion and Analysis, and related CEO and CFO certificates for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024 (collectively, the "Annual Filings"), as required under applicable Canadian securities laws.

In connection with the Company's inability to file the Annual Filings on time, the Company applied, and received approval, for a Management Cease Trade Order (the "MCTO") from the British Columbia Securities Commission under National Policy 12-203 - Management Cease Trade Orders ("NP 12-203"). The Company will have until March 31, 2025 to file its Annual Filings.

The Company's delay in filing the Annual Filings is due to the fact that it needs more time to prepare the Audited Annual Financial Statements, and complete the financial audit with its auditor. This delay has arisen due to increased transaction volume, following a recent acquisition by the Company.

The Company remains confident in its ability to complete the Annual Filings and is actively coordinating necessary tasks on a daily basis. The Company anticipates that, subject to current conditions remaining the same, it will be able to file the Annual Filings by the end of February, 2025, and in any event on or prior to March 31, 2025 (in accordance with the terms of the MCTO).

Until the Company files the Annual Filings, it will comply with the alternative information guidelines set out under sections 9 and 10 of NP 12-203. The guidelines, among other things, require the Company to issue bi-weekly default status reports, in the form of news releases, for so long as the Annual Filings have not been filed.

While the MCTO is in effect, the general investing public will continue to be able to trade freely in the Company's listed common shares. However, the MCTO will prohibit the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer from trading securities of the Company for so long as the Annual Filings are not filed. Additionally, the Company will be prohibited from directly or indirectly issuing or acquiring securities from insiders or employees of the Company until such time as the Annual Filings and all continuous disclosure requirements have been filed by the Company, and the MCTO has been lifted.

The Company confirms as of the date of this news release that there is no insolvency proceeding against it and there is no other material information concerning the affairs of the Company that has not been generally disclosed.

###

About Turnium Technology Group Inc.: "Let's get IT done."

Turnium Technology Group Inc. (TTGI) acquires companies that complement its Technology-as-a-Service (TaaS) strategy, integrates them to generate efficiencies, and delivers their solutions through a global channel partner program to customers worldwide. TTGI's mission is to provide IT providers with a complete, white-labelled portfolio of business technology solutions, enabling them to quickly add new services in response to customer demand.

In essence, Turnium is building a TaaS platform that incorporates all the services, platforms, and capabilities that ISPs, MSPs, IT Providers, VoIP/UCaaS, CCaaS, or Cloud Providers might need. Additionally, Turnium provides deployment resources, hardware, delivery, support, and marketing and sales enablement to help channel partners go to market quickly and deliver exceptional quality.

Turnium delivers secure, cost-effective, uninterrupted, and scalable global IT solutions to its channel partners and their end-customers-ensuring that "We get IT done, right."

CAUTIONARY NOTES

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Certain statements in this release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including, without limitation, statements with respect to: statements regarding the timing, review, completion and filing of the Annual Filings by the end of February, 2025 (or, failing that, March 31, 2025) and the Company's ability to comply with the provisions of the alternative information guidelines described in NP 12-203.

Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors and assumptions which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information including, without limitation, the risk of the Company not being able to file the Annual Filings on time and the other factors disclosed under "Risk Factors" in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended September 30, 2023, and those risks described in other documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference therein. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as "expect", "anticipate", and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events, or results "may", "could", "might", or "will" be taken, occur, or be achieved.

These statements reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events, performance, and results and speak only as of the date of this news release. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Except as required by securities disclosure laws and regulations applicable to the Company, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if the Company's expectations regarding future events, performance, or results change.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/238922

SOURCE: Turnium Technology Group Inc.
Tesla's fourth-quarter 2024 performance fell short of Wall Street expectations, with revenue reaching $25.71 billion, significantly below analysts' projected $27.23 billion. The electric vehicle manufacturer reported an adjusted earnings per share of $0.73, missing the anticipated $0.76. More notably, the company experienced its first delivery decline in over a decade, with approximately 1.79 million vehicles delivered in 2024, marking a slight decrease from the previous year. Despite achieving a quarterly delivery record of 495,570 units in Q4, this figure still fell short of the targeted 515,000 vehicles. The company's financial metrics showed some stability, with a gross margin of 16.3% and an operating margin of 6.2%.

Future Outlook Drives Market Response

Looking ahead, Tesla maintains an optimistic stance, projecting that its Model Y will retain its position as the world's best-selling vehicle in 2024. The company has announced ambitious plans for 2025, including a projected production increase of over 60% and the expansion of its autonomous driving system into European and Chinese markets. After initial skepticism, investors responded positively to these future prospects, with the stock recovering to gain more than 4% in after-hours trading, despite earlier losses.

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Winning brands include industry leaders MOHAWK, Mannington, Engineer Floors and Biesse GMM, among others.

The International Surface Event ( tise ) , the largest annual resource for surface, stone and tile industries sourcing, today announces the winners of the first annual "What's Hot - Best of tise 2025 Awards", sponsored by Floor Covering News, Stone World and Floor Trends & Installation.

The International Surface Event is where innovation takes center stage, uniting professionals from flooring, stone, tile and beyond in the two dynamic neighborhoods to discover the most cutting-edge products, trends and design solutions, across an unparalleled showcase of materials, tools, installation products and curated exhibitors. The "What's Hot - Best of tise" awards recognize businesses and elevate brands, products and projects based on their contributions to progress the industry forward with innovation and creativity, inspiring invaluable industry insights driving the success of each of these categories.

"tise continues to push the surface, stone and tile industry forward by showcasing the best and most innovative products that stay ahead of the evolving demand of the market," expresses Amie Gilmore, Director of The International Surface Event. "These products and companies are setting a standard and encouraging others to adapt game changing strategies that makes the design, manufacturing and installation process more efficient, sustainable and impactful."

Winners from the Surface Neighborhood:

Best of Style and Design - Karastan

Best of Technology - Cyncly

Best of Innovation - IFC International Flooring CO

Best of Sustainability - NOX US

Best of Disruption - MOHAWK

Best of Carpet - Engineered Floors

Best of Wood - Urban Floor

Best of Laminate - Johnson Hardwood

Best of Resilient - Mannington/PHENIX

Best Booth - CALI

Best Large Booth - MOHAWK Winners from the Tile + Stone Neighborhood:

Best of Style and Design - Anatolia

Best of Technology - Northwood Machine

Best of Innovation - Chemical Concepts

Best of Sustainability - Revolux

Best of Disruption - FreePower

Best Small Booth - Arizona Tile

Best Large Booth - Biesse GMM

Best of Tile - MSI

Best of Stone - BCS, Best Cheer Stone Inc. The awards will return to tise next year from January 27-29, 2026. Visit www.intlsurfaceevent.com to stay up to date on the latest details on how to submit for "What's Hot - Best of tise" 2026. About tise - The International Surface Event

tise - The International Surface Event is a prestigious gathering that unites retailers, distributors, contractors, fabricators, installers, architects, and designers within the flooring, stone and tile industries. It serves as a platform for curated product showcases, informative seminars, networking opportunities, and hands-on experiences, all centered on innovation and education. Attendees are invited to explore the latest products, technologies, and design solutions while connecting with industry experts and peers to drive business success and stay ahead in a competitive market.

For more information about tise - The International Surface Event visit www.intlsurfaceevent.com . Follow tise - The International Surface Event on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

About Informa Markets

Informa Markets, a subsidiary of Informa plc (LON:INF), creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Our portfolio comprises more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Engineering, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data solutions. As the world's leading exhibitions organizer, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, visit www.informamarkets.com .

Media Contact

Informa Markets Infrastructure and Construction PR

ConstructionPR@informa.com SOURCE: INFORMA MARKETS - INFRASTRUCTURE AND CONSTRUCTION

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - NorthStar Healthcare Income Inc. has agreed to be acquired by an affiliate of Welltower Inc (WELL) in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $900 million.As per the terms of the merger agreement, NorthStar Healthcare's stockholders will receive $3.03 per share in cash. This per share consideration exceeds the net asset value per share of $2.96 determined by NorthStar Healthcare's board of directors as of June 30, 2024. The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2025.In a separe press release, Welltower announced the launch of its private funds management business to manage third party capital. The new business will pursue opportunities to invest across the capital structure in the healthcare and wellness real estate sectors.A wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority or 'ADIA' is committing, as an anchor LP to the first fund managed by the new business, 20% or up to $400 million of capital for the first fund. Welltower and Welltower's management is also contributing 20% of the LP capital up to a total of $400 million.The initial investments by the new business will include a portfolio of six high-quality seniors housing communities for a total purchase price of $240 million, which was acquired through a privately negotiated off-market transaction.Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
Deutsche Telekom's shares surged to a remarkable 52-week high, climbing 3.4% to reach 31.82 on XETRA trading, fueled by exceptional performance from its U.S. subsidiary T-Mobile US. The telecommunications giant witnessed unprecedented trading volume exceeding 8.1 million shares, reflecting heightened investor interest. The surge was primarily attributed to T-Mobile US's outstanding fourth-quarter results, which included a net profit of $3.0 billion and the addition of more than two million new customers, significantly surpassing market expectations of 1.6 million new subscribers.

Future Growth Prospects

Analysts maintain a bullish outlook for Deutsche Telekom, setting an average price target of 37.64, suggesting an additional upward potential of approximately 18% from current levels. The company's growth trajectory is expected to continue throughout 2024, with T-Mobile US projecting to acquire between 5.5 and 6 million new postpaid customers, exceeding market forecasts of 5.2 million. Additionally, analysts anticipate an earnings per share of 1.87 for 2024, alongside an increased dividend payment of 0.898 per share, up from the previous year's 0.770.

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TOKYO, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Health Innovative Technology (GHIT) Fund announced today a total investment of approximately JPY 2 billion (USD 12.7 million1) in eight projects for the development of new diagnostics and drugs for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and malaria.2

JPY 670 Million (USD 4.2 Million1) Investment in a Critical Diagnostic Tool to Combat Leishmaniasis

There is an estimated 700,000 to 1 million new cases annually of leishmaniasis, an NTD caused by Leishmania parasites transmitted through sandfly bites.3 To advance measures against the disease, the GHIT Fund has decided to invest JPY 670 Million (USD 4.2 Million1) to support a project led by the Ohio State University in collaboration with Nagasaki University and icddr,b, an international health research organization based in Bangladesh. Building on previous research, the project will refine formulations of the leishmanin antigen, conduct pre-clinical safety and efficacy studies, and prepare for regulatory submissions for clinical trials. This project aims to strengthen efforts to monitor infection status and eliminate visceral leishmaniasis. The initiative, driven by global partnerships, is expected to make a significant contribution to tackling NTDs and advancing global health.

The GHIT Fund will also invest in two malaria projects: approximately JPY 680 million (USD 4.2 million1) for the development of a malaria therapeutic drug through a partnership between Eisai Co., Ltd. (Eisai) and Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) and approximately JPY 585 million (USD 3.7 million1) for the development of a preventive drug for P. falciparum malaria under the partnership of Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH), GSK Global Health, Eisai and Ehime University.

In addition, the GHIT Fund will invest in the following five screening projects for a total amount of approximately JPY 83 million (USD 0.5 million1):

1) Screening project against malaria by MMV and Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd.

2) Screening project against dengue and Zika by Eisai and Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi)

3) Screening project against Lassa fever by MMV and RIKEN

4) Screening project against Rift Valley fever by MMV and RIKEN

5) Screening project against Ebola and Marburg by MMV and RIKEN

Please refer to Appendix 1 for detailed descriptions of these projects and their development stages.

As of January 30, 2025, the GHIT Fund has invested in 37 projects, including 15 discovery projects, 14 preclinical projects and eight clinical trials.4 The total amount of investments since 2013 is JPY 35.8 billion (USD 226 million1) (Appendix 2).

1USD1 = JPY158.15, the approximate exchange rate on December 30, 2024.

2 These awarded projects were selected and approved as new investments from among proposals to RFP2023-002 and RFP2024-001 for the Product Development Platform and the Screening Platform, which were open for applications from June 2023 to July 2024.

3 WHO: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/leishmaniasis

4 This number includes projects in the registration phase.

The GHIT Fund is a Japan-based international public-private partnership (PPP) fund that was formed between the Government of Japan, multiple pharmaceutical companies, the Gates Foundation, Wellcome, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The GHIT Fund invests in and manages an R&D portfolio of development partnerships aimed at addressing neglected diseases, such as malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases, which afflict the world's vulnerable and underserved populations. In collaboration with global partners, the GHIT Fund mobilizes Japanese industry, academia, and research institutes to create new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics for malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases.

https://www.ghitfund.org/en

Appendix 1. Project Details

ID: G2023-202

Project Title Production and pre-clinical testing of cGMP grade Leishmania donovani antigen for Leishmanin skin test (LST) Collaboration

Partners The Ohio State University (USA) Institute of Tropical Medicine at Nagasaki University (NUITM) (Japan) icddr,b (Bangladesh) Disease Leishmaniasis Intervention Diagnostics Stage Pre-clinical Awarded Amount JPY 670,108,468 (USD 4.2 million) Status Continued project Summary [Project objective]

The objectives of this continuation proposal are to: 1. Produce and characterize cGMP-grade Leishmania antigen (liquid or lyophilized) from L. donovani. 2. Test cGMP leishmanin antigen formulations (liquid and lyophilized) by performing LST in animal models. 3. Perform pre-clinical toxicology studies with cGMP leishmanin antigen formulation that is selected for further advancement based on results from LST studies in animals. 4. Analyze cytokine production in PBMCs or whole blood isolated from healthy individuals and cured VL patients following in vitro stimulation with the selected formulation of cGMP leishmanin antigen. 5. Prepare an IND package for clinical trials. [Project design]

During the previous funding period, the project team successfully accomplished goals of the project by 1) optimizing the protocol to produce and scale up production of leishmanin antigen from L. donovani parasites using a cost-effective, scalable and industry suitable osmotic shocklysis technique; 2) performed stability studies; 3) validated GLP leishmanin antigen using experimental animal models, and 4) completed manufacturing of cGMP cell bank of L. donovani at ATCC. In this project, three different formulations of leishmanin antigen will be produced from cGMP L. donovani cell bank. The formulations will be validated for safety and potency using preclinical animal models of vaccination and cured VL. One formulation will be selected for further advancement and scale-up of cGMP production on the basis of results from stability studies and LST studies in animals, and pre-clinical toxicology studies will be performed as per regulatory guidelines. To assess the immunogenicity of the product, cytokine production in PBMCs or whole blood isolated from healthy individuals and cured VL patients following in vitro stimulation with the selected formulation of cGMP leishmanin antigen will also be analyzed. IND package will be prepared for submission to regulators for clinical trials. Project Detail https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfoliodetail/detail/226/en

ID: G2024-114

Project Title Lead optimization and preclinical studies of new antimalarial Gwt1p-inhibitors with a novel mechanism of action, improved efficacies and safety profiles Collaboration

Partners Eisai Co., Ltd. (Eisai) (Japan) Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) (Switzerland) Disease Malaria Intervention Drug Stage Lead Optimization Awarded Amount JPY 680,010,000 (USD 4.3 million) Status Continued project Summary [Project objective] The objective of this proposal is to investigate the new Gwt1p-inhibitor and find a back-up candidate with improved activity and safety profile. To deliver this goal, the project team will focus on the following specific objectives: (1) Two chemical series will be chemically optimized and a frontrunner compound will be selected from each series, as precandidates. (2) Two precandidates will be evaluated in multiple assays and the most favorable compound will be selected as a Late Lead. (3) The synthetic route of Late Lead will be optimized and GLP manufacturing will be conducted. (4) Non-rodent DRF study will be conducted and candidate selection will be scheduled following a successful outcome to this study. [Project design]

In this project, chemical modification of two lead series will be conducted to improve anti-Plasmodium activity and safety profile while securing a long-half-life. Synthesized new compounds will be shipped to Eisai's Tsukuba Research Laboratories in Japan. They will be tested according to the defined screening cascade starting from the primary screening of anti-Plasmodium activity and cytotoxicity. Compounds which show good anti-Plasmodium activity and safety margin will be tested for solubility at neutral pH and stability against human and murine liver microsomes assays. Based on these results and other profiling, the most promising compound in each series will be selected as pre-candidate and will be further evaluated. Two precandidates will be evaluated in the in vitro/vivo anti-Plasmodium assay, a rat dose range finding (DRF) study, safety profiling, human dose prediction, salt selection, resistant risk assessment and parasite life-cycle assays. The most favorable compound will be selected as a Late Lead. The synthetic route for the Late Lead will be optimized and GLP manufacturing will be conducted. Non-rodent DRF study using the manufactured GLP material will also be conducted. The final goal of this project is the candidate selection in both Eisai and MMV and planned for September 2026. Project Detail https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfoliodetail/detail/227/en

ID: G2023-219

Project Title Manufacture of clinical trial material for a monoclonal antibody to prevent P. falciparum malaria Collaboration

Partners Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH) (USA) GlaxoSmithKline Investigacion y Desarrollo, S.L. (Spain) Eisai Co., Ltd. (Eisai) (Japan) Ehime University (Japan) Disease Malaria Intervention Drug Stage Pre-clinical Awarded Amount JPY 585,190,112 (USD 3.7 million) Status Continued project Summary [Project objective] The objective of this project is to complete GMP drug substance and GMP drug product manufacturing to support the future Investigational New Drug Application (IND) submission to the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) for a proof-of-concept clinical trial that includes controlled human malaria infection. Our long-term goal is to secure a WHO recommendation for a mAb that prevents P. falciparum malaria in young children living in areas of seasonal transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. [Project design]

The project is built on our successful completion of the following activities: 1) production and release of a pre-master cell bank for the candidate mAb; 2) development and optimization of the manufacturing process for the candidate mAb to confirm production conditions for Good Laboratory Practice toxicology studies and future scale-up; 3) formulation development to enable stability of the mAb at a high concentration to accommodate potential subcutaneous injection; and 4) a pre-IND meeting with the US FDA on the proposed nonclinical and clinical program, specifically on the adequacy of the nonclinical toxicology studies to support the FIH Phase 1 study. Project Detail https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfoliodetail/detail/228/en

ID: S2024-111

Project Title Hit Validation of novel Daiichi Sankyo compounds with antimalarial activity Collaboration

Partners Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) (Switzerland) Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. (Japan) Disease Malaria Intervention Drug Stage Screening Awarded Amount JPY 4,000,000 (USD 25,292.44) Status Continued project Summary [Project objective] The objective of the Hit Validation project is the synthesis and testing of a small array of compounds designed to investigate the minimum pharmacophore, key structural features required for activity and scope to address issues identified through the profiling of the hits identified from the earlier HTS campaign (S2020-113). If a compelling data package is obtained and the series clear potential for further development towards an Early Lead, a GHIT HTLP proposal will be submitted. [Project design]

The focus of the array of analogs is to explore the key features required for activity and scope to address potential issues. A feature of the overall design of the array is focused on modifications with potential to improve the metabolic stability of the series in line with potential to deliver a long duration antimalarial (predicted human T1/2 > 120 h). The lipophilicity of the analogues covers a range of values from approximately 1.5 to 4.5 which will help to identify if data (potency, metabolism, cytotoxicity, etc.) correlates with either LogP or LogD. Project Detail https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfoliodetail/detail/229/en

ID: S2024-123

Project Title Exploration of Novel Antiviral Compounds for the Development of Therapeutics Against Flavivirus Infections Collaboration

Partners Eisai Co., Ltd. (Eisai) (Japan) Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) (Switzerland) Disease Dengue and Zika Intervention Drug Stage Screening Awarded Amount JPY 12,653,193 (USD 80,007.54) Status New Summary [Project objective] The project team aims to identify hit compounds that will serve as the starting point for new drug development by exploring novel compounds that exhibit antiviral activity against flaviviruses such as dengue virus and Zika virus. [Project design]

To explore compounds that exhibit antiviral activity against dengue virus and Zika virus, the project team will screen two types of compound libraries, a focused library and a diversity library, using an image-based phenotypic assay system. In the phenotypic assay system, viral proteins and host cell nuclei are stained, and the antiviral activity of the compounds is determined by analyzing fluorescent confocal images. The focused library consists of compounds selected by a machine learning model developed using assay data accumulated by Eisai. By complementarily utilizing the diversity library, the project team efficiently explores compounds that exhibit antiviral activity. Ultimately, the project team aims to identify hit compounds that show activity against dengue virus and Zika virus to establish preliminary structure-activity relationships, physicochemical properties, and other relevant biological information. Project Detail https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfoliodetail/detail/231/en

ID: S2024-113

Project Title Screening Project between RIKEN and MMV Collaboration

Partners Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) (Switzerland) RIKEN (Japan) Disease Lassa Fever Intervention Drug Stage Screening Awarded Amount JPY 20,064,000 (USD 126,866.90) Status New Summary [Project objective] The project aims to use a cell-based, infection-free platform to identify potential treatments against LASV using the RIKEN NPDepo library. Additionally, the project seeks to study the effectiveness of selected confirmed treatments against lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), Tacaribe virus (TCRV), and Junin virus (JUNV) in order to identify potential broad-spectrum antiviral compounds. This collaboration leverages the screening capabilities and drug development expertise of Japan's largest comprehensive institution, PDP, and academic investigators to achieve its goals. [Project design]

The primary screen will use LASV-vRNP/293mRFP to assess a subset of the RIKEN NPDepo library. The screen will be in a 384-well plate format with a single compound concentration of 10 M. Compounds will be evaluated for their antiviral activity and impact on cell viability. Approximately 200 compounds will be selected for further confirmation studies based on specific criteria. Confirmed actives will undergo broad-spectrum antiviral testing and prioritization for further profiling. Selected hits meeting specific criteria will be considered for future development. Project Detail https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfoliodetail/detail/232/en

ID: S2024-114

Project Title Screening Project between RIKEN and MMV Collaboration

Partners Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) (Switzerland) RIKEN (Japan) Disease Rift Valley fever Intervention Drug Stage Screening Awarded Amount JPY 23,712,000 (USD 149,933.61) Status New Summary [Project objective] The project aims to use a live virus platform to identify potential compounds active against the Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) using the RIKEN NPDepo library. Furthermore, the project intends to investigate the activity of selected compounds against the Punta Toro virus and La Crosse virus in order to identify potential broad-spectrum anti-bunyavirus compounds. This collaboration leverages the screening capabilities and drug development expertise of Japan's largest comprehensive research institution, PDP, and academic investigators to achieve its goals. [Project design]

The initial screening will involve using the MP-12 strain of RVFV to infect human hepatocyte cells. A subset of the RIKEN NPDepo library (20,000 compounds) will be screened in a 384-well plate with a single compound concentration of 10 M. The results will be evaluated for antiviral activity and cell viability, and potential hits will be chosen based on specific criteria. About 100 compounds (assuming a 0.5% hit rate) will be selected from the screening for further confirmation studies. These studies will involve testing the compounds at three different doses in cultured cells infected with RVFV, similar to the initial screen, and assessing cytotoxicity. From the confirmed compounds, RIKEN and MMV will prioritize up to 5 hits for further evaluation. To assess the potential for broad-spectrum anti-bunyaviral activity, the confirmed compounds will be tested against Punta Toro virus and the more distantly related La Crosse virus. The hit series meeting MMV and GHIT criteria for further development (hits with confirmed EC50 < 5 M against live viruses and a selectivity index (SI = CC50/EC50) of =10, with progressable chemotypes) will form the basis of a future GHIT HTLP application. Project Detail https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfoliodetail/detail/233/en

ID: S2024-115

Project Title Screening Project between RIKEN and MMV Collaboration

Partners Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) (Switzerland) RIKEN (Japan) Disease Ebola and Marburg Intervention Drug Stage Screening Awarded Amount JPY 22,800,000 (USD 144,166.93) Status New Summary [Project objective] The project aims to use a multi-filovirus "rainbow" system that can simultaneously test for EBOV, MARV, and SUDV using a single cell line to identify potential treatments against filoviruses using the RIKEN NPDepo library. Additionally, the project seeks to study the effectiveness of selected confirmed hits against other filoviruses (Tai Forest, Reston, Bundibogyo, Lloviu) in order to identify potential broad-spectrum antiviral compounds. This collaboration leverages the screening capabilities and drug development expertise of Japan's largest comprehensive institution, PDP, and academic investigators to achieve its goals. [Project design]

The primary screen will be performed on a subset of the RIKEN NPDepo library (20,000 compounds). The screen will be in a 384-well plate format with a single compound concentration of 10 M. Compounds will be evaluated for their antiviral activity and impact on cell viability. Approximately 200 compounds will be selected for further confirmation studies based on specific criteria. Confirmed actives will undergo broad-spectrum antiviral testing and prioritization for further profiling against live Ebola virus. Selected hits meeting specific criteria will be considered for future development. Project Detail https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfoliodetail/detail/234/en

*All amounts are listed at an exchange rate of USD1 = JPY158.15, the approximate exchange rate on December 30, 2024.

Appendix 2. Investment Overview (as of January 30, 2025)

Investments to date

Total investments: 35.8 billion yen (USD 226 million1)

Total invested projects: 133 (37 active projects and 96 completed projects)

To learn more about the GHIT Fund's investments, please visit

Investment Overview: https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/overview/en

Portfolio: https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfolio/en

Advancing Portfolio: https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/advancingportfolio/en

Clinical Candidates: https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/clinicalcandidates/en

For more information, contact:

Katy Lenard at +1-202-494-2584 or klenard@burness.com

Mina Ohata at +81-36441-2032 or mina.ohata@ghitfund.org

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/a-total-of-usd-12-7-million-investment-in-new-diagnostics-and-drug-development-for-ntds-and-malaria-to-partners-including-the-ohio-state-university-path-gsk-and-others-302363864.html
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) announced today that it will begin developing a prototype to demonstrate a junction-temperature estimation technology for power modules, which it is pursuing as a partner in the European Union's Horizon Europe project aimed at developing advanced power modules and improving cost efficiency of renewable-energy power-generation. The company is participating through its European subsidiary Mitsubishi Electric R&D Centre Europe B.V., which has joined the project, called Flagship Advanced Solutions for Condition and Health Monitoring in Power Electronics (FLAGCHIP). In the global effort to expand the introduction of renewable energy to support carbon neutrality, the need to upgrade the reliability and maintenance of electronic devices for power conversion has become increasingly important. In particular, attention is being focused on technological innovations aimed at strengthening power module reliability and improving data acquisition and analysis methods to accurately determine degradation conditions in order to carry facilitate more timely maintenance. The FLAGCHIP project currently involves 11 companies and academic institutions from nine European countries engaged in developing advanced power modules, condition and health monitoring technologies, and devising methods for calculating cost efficiency of renewable-energy power-generation systems and reducing associated costs. Demonstrations of wind-power and solar-power generation systems using these technologies and methods will be conducted at test facilities owned by project partners in Norway and France.

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.
Alphinat Inc. (TSXV:NPA.H:NEX) announces an unaudited net profit of $105,204 for the first quarter ended November 30 th , 2024 compared to a net loss of ($10,856) for the same period in 2023.

During the quarter ended November 30, 2024, Alphinat continued to focus the majority of its sales efforts on the public sector and its partners. SmartGuide is leveraged by federal, state/provincial and municipal government agencies to accelerate solution deliveries, improve productivity gains and user experiences.

In order to accelerate future growth, Alphinat has six main areas of solution deliveries:

SmartGuide  Grants and Contributions solution ( http://www.smartgrants.ca ) was developed in conjunction with a federal department of the Canadian Government. This platform offers unparalleled productivity for federal, state and municipal clients creating calls for grants including financial program creations for applications, adjudication and payments; SmartGuide  Portal Edition for Dynamics 3651 ( http://www.smartd365.com ) has optimize the way that clients can now create and deploy online services on top of Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM solutions. This offering is available in SaaS mode as well as on-premises; SmartGuide Green House Gas Registry solutions ( www.SmartGHGR.ca is a green fintech solution allowing governments and industry to work together in reducing the harmful effects of greenhouse gas. Alphinat currently has three provincial clients for our SmartGHGR.ca solution; SmartGuide Claims solutions ( www.smartclaims.ca/ ) was developed in conjunction with a major IT consulting partner, which aims at offering unparalleled productivity to federal, state and municipal clients for financial claims applications, adjudication and settlements for financial compensation and class action settlements; SmartGuide  CIVIC Portal, CIVIC Portal for Permits & Licensing ( http://www.permitsmarter.ca ) and SmartGuide  Municipal Cloud are Municipal Cloud and on-premises solutions front ending partner solutions and other digital services for improved user experience for both the cities and their citizens; SmartProfile (www.smartprofile.ca) a secure Single Sign On solution is now a standalone solution, built on SmartGuide it provides industry leading flexible for full integration and end-user satisfaction.

SmartGuide brings faster agile development with LIVEaiASSIST to the Cloud, Web & mobile and now extends its offering with SmartProfile standalone secure Single Sign On (SSO) solution.

SmartProfile a access management secure single sign-on is now a standalone solution, based on SmartGuide, it offers industry-leading flexibility for full integration and end-user satisfaction.

For the 3-month period ended November 30, 2024, revenues were $328,714 compared to $224,738 for the corresponding period of 2023. The net profit for the 3-month period ended November 30, 2024, was $105,204 or ($0.0002) per common share outstanding would correspond to a net loss of $($10,856) or ($0.00017) per common share outstanding for the 3-month period ended November 30, 2023.

Alphinat's financial statements and management's discussion and analysis for the period ended November 30, 2024, are available on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca.

About Alphinat

At Alphinat, we are driven by the passion to make application development easy for everyone and system interoperability issues a thing of the past. We enable people with the vision of how a finished application should look and behave to be a major part of the development process. After all, what better way to ensure a favorable outcome than to provide those closest to an application's end-users with a vested interest in its success throughout its development?

That's why we bring you new ways to empower the right people at the right time in the application development process. At the same time, we're constantly working to reduce the need to code in order to make application development and maintenance simpler and less error prone.

So, whether you choose to develop your applications with the help of our low-code platform SmartGuide, kickstart your project using one of our pre-built apps or engage us or one of our partners to do the work for you, we're here to help you deploy better applications in record time. Visit us at www.alphinat.com for more information. We look forward to hearing from you.

Forward-looking statements

Certain statements in this document, including those which express management's expectations or estimations with regards to the Company's future performance constitute forward-looking statements" as understood by applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are, of necessity, based on a certain number of estimates and hypotheses; while management considers these to be accurate at the time they are expressed, they are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and risks on the commercial, economic and competitive levels. We advise readers that these forward- looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other known and unknown factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. A number of factors could cause significant differences between actual results and those described in forward-looking statements. These include, but are not limited to, the Company's capacity to increase acceptance of its products on the market, and to penetrate new markets; the potential existence of defects or undetected problems in the Company's products; the Company's ability to manage its growth; the Company's ability to compete with others; potential commitments; maintaining the Company's intellectual property rights and defending against litigation putting those rights in question; the Company's reliance on the knowledge of its key personnel; and the Company's access to sufficient capital to finance its future needs. This is a partial and non-exhaustive list of factors that could bear on any of our forward-looking statements. Investors are advised to not rely unduly on the forward-looking statements. This advisory applies to all forward-looking statements, whether expressed orally or in writing, attributed to Alphinat or to any individual expressing them in the name of the Company. The Company is under no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new information, future events, or other circumstances. Risks and uncertainties that bear on the Company are described in greater detail in the Company's Annual Report.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For further information please contact:

Ms. Mahtab Abbasigaravand

Chief Executive Officer

Alphinat Inc.

(514) 398-9799

1 Dynamics 365 is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation

SOURCE: Alphinat, Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
New research shows that loose or sagging skin on the face and neck is most often noted after medication-driven weight loss, with facial changes typically observed 3-6 months following treatment (in 45% of respondents), and sometimes as early as 1-2 months (28%) 1

In addition, more than 60% of those patients experiencing medication-driven weight loss show a strong interest in a dual-expertise service that integrates both medical and aesthetic professionals to support them during their weight loss journey 1

At IMCAS, Galderma will further educate healthcare professionals on this topic by hosting a masterclass with international aesthetics experts who will delve into how to manage facial changes in patients experiencing medication-driven weight loss, in clinical practice

Additionally, the first international consensus-based guidelines by global experts for understanding and managing the unique aesthetic needs of this patient population, supported by Galderma, will be presented as part of a session dedicated to rapid facial volume loss2

Galderma, the pure-play dermatology category leader, is pioneering new research into the impact of medication-driven weight loss on the skin and the importance of factoring in aesthetic treatment goals during the patient's journey, as well as the first international consensus-based guidelines from global experts on how to treat this patient population.

Today, at the International Master Course on Aging Science (IMCAS) 2025 annual congress, Galderma will also host a first-of-its-kind masterclass on this topic with international aesthetics experts. Titled "Managing Facial Changes in Patients with Medication-Driven Weight-Loss", the session will be the opportunity to discuss strategies for managing facial changes in this patient population in clinical practice.

While the rates and stages of adoption differ worldwide, the use of prescription weight loss medications is set to increase globally, with $100 billion sales globally forecasted by 2030, which will have a considerable impact on aesthetics for both patients and healthcare professionals3. With 62% of patients using glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) getting aesthetic treatment following a healthcare professional recommendation1, there is a clear need for guidance on how to treat this new patient population.

First international consensus-based guidelines

Recognizing the significance and broad impact of prescription weight loss medications, Galderma commissioned the Delphi study to address the need for high-quality research in this area and help establish clinical guidelines for identifying and managing the unique needs of this patient population. This international, multidisciplinary study incorporating patient interviews, market research, literature reviews, and insights from global experts with extensive experience in treating medication-driven weight loss patients culminated in a global consensus on key criteria, expert perspectives, and treatment prioritization, all supported by real-world case studies2. These novel consensus guidelines, submitted for publication as the first international consensus-based guidelines from global experts on how to treat this patient population, will be presented by Dr. Andreas Nikolis, during a focus session on "Rapid facial volume loss: causes and consequences" on January 31st, 2025 in the Grand Amphi.

Additionally, Galderma has surveyed more than 1,000 male and female respondents using weight loss medications, aged between 25-65 across the United States, Brazil, Europe and the Middle East1. The focus is understanding the anatomical and aesthetic impact of medication-driven weight loss on the skin, to help equip healthcare professionals to guide patients effectively along their weight loss and aesthetics journey, based on their unique needs.

"With 23% of patients who are already or plan to undergo specific aesthetic treatments, we are now witnessing the emergence of a distinct patient population those who have undergone significant weight loss and are now seeking complementary aesthetic care. With unique needs, these patients require a thoughtful, integrated approach from healthcare providers. Galderma's cutting-edge research plays a pivotal role in equipping healthcare providers with the knowledge they need to stay at the forefront of this shift. By addressing these patients' specific concerns from the outset, we can provide a more holistic, tailored approach that enhances both physical transformation and overall well-being." DR. ANDREAS NIKOLIS, M.D., PH.D., FRCSC, BOARD-CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON MONTREAL, CANADA

Medication-driven weight loss can lead to a myriad of facial changes, from dry or dull skin to sagging and a gaunt, hollowed-out appearance, as well as alterations in facial structure and balance4. Nearly half (48%) of respondents report significant facial changes due to weight loss treatment1. Menopausal women, in particular, experience higher levels of sagging skin, a slimmer face, and less radiant skin1. Loose or sagging skin on the face and neck is often noted after some weight loss, with facial changes typically observed 3-6 months following treatment (45%), and sometimes as early as 1-2 months (28%)1. These changes occur for several reasons: the loss of fat that typically stretches and cushions the skin, contributing to a youthful appearance, can lead to volume depletion and sagging1. Additionally, the reduction of collagen, elastin, and other essential nutrients can affect skin quality, facial definition, and contouring1

60% of aesthetic users have undergone treatments to address these effects, while one third of aesthetic considerers would have taken additional measures to prevent skin changes if they had known about the effects on the skin prior to starting their weight loss journey1.The data further reveals that a significant barrier to pursuing aesthetic treatments is the lack of education and information, affecting both current and potential aesthetic users, regardless of their geographical location or stage in the weight loss process1. Further, more than 60% of patients experiencing medicine-driven weight loss show a strong interest in a dual-expertise service that integrates medical and aesthetic professionals to support them during their journey1.These findings from Galderma's research show that a new, holistic approach to weight loss planning could better support this specific patient population and the healthcare professionals who treat them.

Galderma is committed to leading the way in understanding the impact of medication-driven weight loss on the skin. As the dermatology category leader, we know that this is not a one size fits all approach. With our deep skin knowledge, aesthetic expertise and individualized treatment approach, Galderma is uniquely positioned to support this evolution and help patients achieve the radiant glow and appearance that they desire." GERRY MUHLE HEAD GLOBAL OF PRODUCT STRATEGY GALDERMA

Specifically, 48% of respondents in the study reported that they would undergo Sculptra treatment and 41% would undergo Restylanetreatment, to address the changes experienced on their face as a result of weight loss treatment1, demonstrating the need for different aesthetic treatments that address the impact on their skin throughout their weight loss journey.

About Galderma

Galderma (SIX: GALD) is the pure-play dermatology category leader, present in approximately 90 countries. We deliver an innovative, science-based portfolio of premium flagship brands and services that span the full spectrum of the fast-growing dermatology market through Injectable Aesthetics, Dermatological Skincare and Therapeutic Dermatology. Since our foundation in 1981, we have dedicated our focus and passion to the human body's largest organ the skin meeting individual consumer and patient needs with superior outcomes in partnership with healthcare professionals. Because we understand that the skin we are in shapes our lives, we are advancing dermatology for every skin story. For more information: www.galderma.com.

References:

1 Galderma MAC Research. 2024

2 Nikolis A, Enright KM, Fabi S, Somenek M, Avelar L, Franco J, Haddad A, Angelo-Kathar M, Huang J, Safran T, Prygova I, Dayan S. Consensus statements on managing aesthetic needs in prescription medication-driven rapid weight loss patients: An international, multidisciplinary Delphi study. IMCAS 2025.

3 JP Morgan report. The increase in appetite for obesity drugs. November 2023

4 Humphrey CD, Lawrence AC. Implications of Ozempic and other GLP-1 receptor agonists for facial plastic surgeons. Facial Plast Surg. 2023;39:719-721

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250129028652/en/

Contacts:

For further information:

Christian Marcoux, M.Sc.

Chief Communications Officer

christian.marcoux@galderma.com

+41 76 315 26 50

Sebastien Cros

Corporate Communications Director

sebastien.cros@galderma.com

+41 79 529 59 85

Emil Ivanov

Head of Strategy, Investor Relations, and ESG

emil.ivanov@galderma.com

+41 21 642 78 12

Jessica Cohen

Investor Relations and Strategy Director

jessica.cohen@galderma.com

+41 21 642 76 43
San Salvador, El Salvador--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2025) - Bionat El Salvador integrates advanced technology with natural medicine to provide innovative healthcare solutions. Specializing in biological natural medicine, the clinic has introduced cutting-edge tools, including hyperbaric chambers, to support the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions.





Image 1

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Bionat focuses on potentially helping conditions such as joint pain, herniated discs, arthritis, and osteoarthritis, providing potential alternatives to invasive procedures. The clinic's approach extends to potentially help manage issues that affect overall well-being, including tinnitus, dizziness, anxiety, insomnia, depression, and panic attacks. This holistic philosophy aims to ensure that treatment encompasses both physical and emotional health, creating a foundation for comprehensive healing.





Image 2

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Located in the hotel district of San Salvador, Bionat provides an accessible and serene environment for medical care. Recent security improvements in the city have further enhanced the appeal of the location. The tranquil setting allows patients to focus on recovery and wellness.

Bionat remains actively engaged with the community through various social media platforms, offering updates, educational content, and patient testimonials.

Additional insights into Bionat's philosophy and services are available in an introductory video on YouTube. The video outlines the clinic's mission and highlights the integration of advanced technology with natural medicine to address a wide range of health concerns.

Contact Bionat El Salvador at (503) 7768 8309 for more information or follow their platforms at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bionatsv

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bionatsv

TikTok Video: https://www.tiktok.com/@bionatsv/video/7245114229949222149

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bionatsv

Introductory Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9GRQM3tZy0

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/238825

SOURCE: Media Feature
GoldenPeaks Capital ("GPC") announces Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) as a main pillar of its investment strategy, with first projects already secured in Poland.

GPC is one of the fastest growing independent green power producers in Europe and one of the largest solar photovoltaic system owners in Poland and Hungary. It now adds Battery Energy Storage Systems as a core pillar of its investment strategy.

GPC was recently awarded with its first Capacity Market auction contract in Poland, adding 280 MWh of BESS to its portfolio. With this first milestone and assigned investment of 100 M EUR, GPC underlines its commitment to be a leader in the BESS sector while strategically advancing the growth of clean, flexible energy assets across Europe.

GPC has reached this strategic investment decision following a period of detailed in depth testing of batteries on its existing sites.

In 2025, GPC is set to expand its portfolio to 600 MWh of ready-to-build BESS capacity, beginning in Poland before expanding to further European markets.

Adriano Agosti, founder and chairman of GoldenPeaks Capital said: "Battery Energy Storage Systems will be a critical factor for renewable energy in general and a main pillar of GPC's investment strategy. We are at the forefront of this technology and have built a team of excellence over the past 18 months, that will enable the fast execution of numerous BESS projects, first in Poland and then across Europe."

With its dedicated team of industry leading professionals, efficient business practices and with its top-end financial capacity, GPC will position itself in the forefront of BESS deployment in Europe. Securing its first major Capacity Market Contracts in Poland underlines the company's ambition.

GPC's BESS assets are advanced technological solutions designed to stabilize electricity fluctuations in grid systems. These BESS assets are critical to clean energy strategies, addressing challenges such as weather-driven variability in renewable energy generation and hourly electricity demand fluctuations, while also supporting the phase-out of ageing coal and gas power plants. By integrating GPC's BESS assets with its existing solar PV portfolio, a reliable and sustainable power supply can be ensured, accelerating the transition to clean energy.

About GoldenPeaks Capital

GoldenPeaks Capital specialises in the construction and operation of solar PV assets and is one of the largest PV asset owners in Eastern Europe with over 15 years of experience in structuring energy projects globally. Moreover, with two BESS PV co-located pilot projects in Poland, GPC is pioneering new technology deployment in Eastern Europe. GPC will further shape the industry of renewable energies by applying the seamless integration of all its business units, such as project development engineering, financing structuring, supply chain management, construction commissioning, asset operations and commercial energy sales, ensuring an invaluable alignment of methodologies, ethics and goals.

Disclaimer Golden Peaks Capital:

This press release was produced by and the opinions expressed are those of GoldenPeaks Capital as of the date of writing and are subject to change. It has been prepared solely for information purposes. Any reference to past performance is not necessarily a guide to the future. To the extent there are any forward-looking statements, these statements are based on the company's current expectations and projections regarding its business, operations and other factors relating thereto. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors. The information and analysis contained in this publication have been compiled or arrived at from sources believed to be reliable, but GoldenPeaks Capital does not make any representation as to their accuracy or completeness and does not accept liability for any loss arising from the use hereof.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250129606679/en/

Contacts:

Media queries

GoldenPeaks Capital

Siro Barino

E-Mail: media@goldenpeakscapital.com

info@goldenpeakscapital.com

www.goldenpeakscapital.com
The acquisition marks an important step in Akkodis' strategy to expand its capacity and capabilities across Australia, enhance its Microsoft solution portfolio, and deliver greater value and opportunities to its clients.

ZURICH, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Akkodis, a global digital engineering company and Smart Industry leader, is proud to announce the acquisition of Barhead Solutions, a globally recognized Microsoft Business Applications partner with cross industry expertise based in Australia. This acquisition marks a key step in Akkodis' strategy to expand its national presence, enhance its Microsoft capabilities and deliver greater value and opportunities to its clients.

In Australia and globally, Akkodis has pursued a strategy of deepening its expertise in tech practices and consulting solutions in its key markets. This acquisition aligns strongly with this strategy, providing extended expertise in Consulting Services, ICT, Project Delivery and Managed Services.

Barhead Solutions brings award-winning expertise and a shared commitment to purpose and excellence. The combination of Akkodis' global capabilities and Barhead's specialized Microsoft expertise unlocks significant opportunities. Akkodis will be positioned to offer clients an expanded range of CRM, ERP, and Low-Code Solutions to complement existing Digital & AI Transformation, Data & Analytics, Application Modernization, Cloud & Infrastructure, Business Applications and world-leading consulting services. Together, Akkodis and Barhead are well positioned to deliver expanded services and solutions that accelerate digital transformation for their clients.

"By bringing Barhead into the Akkodis family we are creating an unparalleled powerhouse of Microsoft expertise. This is a significant milestone in our strategic journey and reinforces our commitment and capacity to deliver innovative, scalable solutions to our clients, nationwide," said Peter Hawkins, Managing Director & SVP of Akkodis Australia.

"The combination of Barhead and Akkodis offers the market a modern consulting firm servicing Microsoft business apps, data, and AI services. To capitalize on growing demand, we recognized that expanding our capabilities through a strategic partnership was essential. The timing was perfect, and Akkodis is the ideal firm to amplify Barhead's Microsoft partnership." said John Orrock, Co-founder & Head of Capability of Barhead. Ken Struthers, CEO & Co-founder of Barhead added, "Joining Akkodis amplifies our expertise and broadens the outcomes we can deliver for clients, all whilst maintaining our commitment to innovation and personalized customer service."

Akkodis sees a very strong cultural fit with Barhead. For example, both teams have long-standing commitments to delivering Tech for Social Impact. In 2022, Akkodis won the global 'Inclusion Changemaker' category for the Microsoft Partner of the Year Award for Social Impact. Barhead won the same prestigious award in 2020 and in 2022 in the 'Community Response' category.

Media contacts

Anne Friedrich

SVP, Global Head of Communications, Akkodis

E. anne.friedrich@akkodis.com

Lisa Collins

VP Marketing & Head of Communications Australia, Akkodis

E. lisa.collins@akkodisgroup.com

Lisa Bushka

VP, External Communications, Akkodis

E. lisa.bushka@adeccogroup.com

About Akkodis

Akkodis is a global digital engineering company and Smart Industry leader. We enable clients to advance in their digital transformation with Consulting, Solutions, Talent, and Academy services. Headquartered in Switzerland and part of the Adecco Group, Akkodis is a trusted tech partner to the world's industries. We co-create and pioneer solutions that help to solve major challenges, from accelerating the clean energy transition and green mobility, to improving user and patient centricity. Empowered by a culture of inclusion and diversity, our 50,000 tech experts across 30 countries combine best-in-class technologies and cross industry knowledge to drive purposeful innovation for a more sustainable tomorrow. We are passionate about Engineering a Smarter Future Together. akkodis.com | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X

About the Adecco Group

The Adecco Group is the world's leading talent company. Our purpose is making the future work for everyone. Through our three global business units - Adecco, Akkodis and LHH - across 60 countries, we enable sustainable and lifelong employability for individuals, deliver digital and engineering solutions to power the Smart Industry transformation and empower organisations to optimise their workforces. The Adecco Group leads by example and is committed to an inclusive culture, fostering sustainable employability, and supporting resilient economies and communities. The Adecco Group AG is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland (ISIN: CH0012138605) and listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ADEN). www.adeccogroup.com

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2608137/Akkodis_X_Barhead_V2.jpg

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/akkodis-acquires-barhead-solutions-a-microsoft-technology-consultancy-302363875.html
Oslo, Norway (30 January 2025) - TGS, a leading global provider of energy data and intelligence will release its Q4 2024 results at approximately 07:00 a.m. CET on 20 February 2025. CEO Kristian Johansen and CFO Sven Brre Larsen will present the results at 09:00 a.m. CET at House of Oslo, Ruselkkveien 34 in Oslo, Norway.

The presentation is open to the public and will be webcasted live. Access and registration for webcast attendees are available by copying and pasting the link below into your browser, or use the link on the front page of www.tgs.com:

https://channel.royalcast.com/landingpage/hegnarmedia/20250220_3/

The Q4 2024 earnings release and presentation will be published on www.newsweb.no and www.tgs.com.

For more information, visit TGS.com (http://www.tgs.com) or contact:

Bard Stenberg, VP IR & Communication

Mobile: +47 992 45 235

E-mail: investor@tgs.com

About TGS

TGS provides advanced data and intelligence to companies active in the energy sector. With leading-edge technology and solutions spanning the entire energy value chain, TGS offers a comprehensive range of insights to help clients make better decisions. Our broad range of products and advanced data technologies, coupled with a global, extensive and diverse energy data library, make TGS a trusted partner in supporting the exploration and production of energy resources worldwide. For further information, please visit www.tgs.com (https://www.tgs.com/).
Tosyali invests in renewable energy and signed an agreement with GE Vernova and Inogen for the first 120 MWp of Turkey's and the world's one of the largest self-consumption Solar Power Plant (SPP) projects with a total capacity of 1,2 GW. The project will utilize Tosyali's locally produced N-Type Topcon 725 Wp panels under the Tosyali V-Solar Brand.

Davos, Switzerland--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2025) - As one of the leading global green steel producers, with 15 million tons/year crude steel capacity, Tosyali continues to expand its efforts to produce its own energy. Tosyali invests in cutting-edge technology, artificial intelligence, and renewable and clean energy sources, adhering to the principle of eco-efficiency.

Caption: Fuat Tosyali, Chairman of Tosyali Holding at Davos

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Through its investments in clean energy sources, specifically focusing on hydrogen and solar energy, Tosyali is making significant strides toward becoming a fully integrated green steel producer. Previously, Tosyali achieved a global milestone by reaching 235 MW of installed capacity with its SPP project, which covered all its facilities, making it the holder of the world's largest rooftop solar power installation.

Now, Tosyali is embarking on an even larger project, and the company has signed an agreement with GE Vernova and its regional provider Inogen for the first 120 MWp of the 1,2 GW self-consumption SPP project. The first project is scheduled to become operational in 2025, while the 1,2 GW capacity project is targeted for completion in 2027.

Fuat Tosyali, Chairman of Tosyali Holding, announced at Davos 2025: "With this investment, Tosyali will generate approximately 50% of its self-consumption from solar energy."

During his interview at the World Economic Forum, Fuat Tosyali highlighted the critical role of renewable and clean energy in industrial facilities, stating, "We continue to invest in advanced clean energy technologies under our vision of 'Tosyali for a sustainable life.' As part of this vision, we have taken the first step toward one of the world's largest self-consumption SPP projects with a capacity of 1,2 GW by initiating the first project in Osmaniye. We are happy to collaborate with GE Vernova, one of the world's leading companies in this field, and Inogen, Turkey's leading EPC contractor. We will produce our solar panels in Osmaniye. Starting with the first project, these panels will be deployed across SPP sites in eight provinces. By doing so, we aim to meet approximately 50% of our energy needs from solar energy. This will make us stronger and more independent in energy usage and further strengthen our position among the world's leading green steel producers."

Although various SPP projects have been implemented in Turkey and worldwide, Tosyali's 1,2 GW project stands out as one of the largest self-consumption-focused projects carried out under a single umbrella. Construction for the first 120 MW project has already begun in Osmaniye. 1,2 GW self-consumption solar project will be implemented in three phases.

Ali Murat SOYDAN, Prof. Dr. Chairman of Inogen Group: "We are happy to be involved in this pioneering project of Tosyali, a symbol of green transformation in the world and our country. When all the Tosyali projects are completed, we will strengthen our position as the green transformation leader in our country working with GE Vernova. In these projects, which will be carried out in 10 different provinces with more than 2000 employees, we plan to go through an efficient and fast installation process and commission all the power plants as soon as possible, with the support of our global partners.'

Ed Torres, GE Vernova's Power Conversion & Storage Business Leader: "Along with Inogen, we are proud to support Tosyali's ambitious goal of developing one of the world's largest self-consumption solar power projects. By supplying our advanced solar technology, providing design and engineering services, and facilitating ECA financing, we aim to help Tosyali achieve greater energy independence and accelerate the transition toward a more resilient energy future."

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/238512

SOURCE: B2Press BV
The deal gives Molson Coors exclusive commercialization rights to Fever-Tree's U.S. portfolio, alongside an equity investment by Molson Coors into Fevertree Drinks plc

Partnership designed to fuel Molson Coors' Premiumization and Beyond Beer strategies

Molson Coors Beverage Company ("Molson Coors" or "the company") (NYSE: TAP, TAP.A) is expanding its U.S. non-alc portfolio through a new strategic partnership with Fevertree Drinks plc ("Fever-Tree"), the world's leading supplier of premium carbonated drinks and mixers.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250129464093/en/

(Photo: Business Wire)

Starting February 1, 2025, Molson Coors will assume exclusive commercialization rights to Fever-Tree's award-winning lineup of tonics, ginger beers, cocktail mixers and more in the U.S. and will be responsible for co-manufactured production, marketing, sales and distribution of the brand in the U.S. The move is a significant step forward in Molson Coors' strategic ambition to build a total-beverage portfolio for a wide range of consumer preferences across traditional alcohol occasions and non-alc occasions alike.

"Our strategic partnership with Fever-Tree in the U.S. is a meaningful step in Molson Coors' journey to becoming a total-beverage company with a winning portfolio of drinks for a wide variety of consumer occasions. We've made progress here, and today we are building on that progress in a significant way with Fever-Tree as the latest and largest non-alc brand to join our portfolio," Molson Coors Chief Executive Officer Gavin Hattersley said. "The U.S. is our biggest global market by revenue, and the same is true for Fever-Tree, so we believe this partnership provides ample opportunity for our teams to build on the strong success Fever-Tree has achieved to date. Our customers have been asking for a brand just like Fever-Tree from us, and by leveraging the scale, strong relationships and expertise of our team at Molson Coors, I'm confident in the road ahead for Fever-Tree as part of Molson Coors' growing set of non-alc offerings in the U.S."

Established in the UK in 2004, Fever-Tree has become a proven leader in a high-growth, above premium space. Drinks International voted it the 'Number One Top Selling Mixer' and 'Number One Top Trending Mixer' for 11 years running, while the New York International Spirits Competition voted it 'Mixer Brand of the Year' for four years running. In the U.S., Fever-Tree's largest global market by revenue, the brand has consistently built on its first-mover advantage, and in doing so has become the #1 tonic and ginger beer brands nationwide, per Nielsen [since 2007].

Molson Coors plans to build on the position Fever-Tree has already established in the U.S. by leveraging its core strengths, commercial scale and supply chain expertise to expand distribution, grow brand awareness, and create a solid runway for long-term growth in the U.S. market.

"Fever-Tree is the perfect fit for our growing portfolio of non-alc beverages. The quality is unmatched, the variety is fantastic, and the brand has achieved impressive scale in the U.S. and we believe there is more runway ahead," Molson Coors Chief Commercial Officer Michelle St. Jacques said. "Fever-Tree sits at the intersection of beer and non-alc and is often available in stores where beer is sold, so it perfectly complements our Beyond Beer and premiumization strategies, playing in both alcohol occasions and non-alc occasions. We're excited to welcome Fever-Tree into our portfolio as we work to reach more consumers and unlock growth in new channels and outlets across the U.S."

Underpinning the partnership and reflecting Molson Coors' long-term focus on and belief in the opportunity, the company has agreed to acquire an 8.5% stake in Fevertree Drinks plc, resulting in Molson Coors becoming Fever-Tree's second largest shareholder.

"Today's announcement marks a transformational step for the Fever-Tree brand in the US and is not only a reflection of how far we have come since first entering the market in 2008 but also how the opportunity ahead for the brand continues to grow," said Fever-Tree CEO, Tim Warrillow. "With a national network providing scale and muscle, proven track record, supply chain expertise and clearly stated strategic desire to drive the future of their business beyond beer, Molson Coors are the ideal partner to take the Fever-Tree brand to the next level across the US."

The partnership with Fever-Tree builds on Molson Coors' strong recent momentum in the advancement of its Beyond Beer and premiumization strategy. The company took a majority stake in ZOA Energy in November 2024 and has since expanded distribution into new accounts and channels. Additionally, Molson Coors is preparing to bring Naked Life, Australia's #1 non-alc RTD cocktail, to the U.S. this spring.

Molson Coors and Fever-Tree's strategic partnership is subject to customary closing conditions.

ABOUT MOLSON COORS BEVERAGE COMPANY

For more than two centuries, Molson Coors has brewed beverages that unite people for all life's moments. From our core power brands Coors Light, Miller Lite, Coors Banquet, Molson Canadian, Carling, and Ozujsko to our above premium brands including Madri Excepcional and Staropramen, Blue Moon Belgium White and Leinekugel's Summer Shandy, to our economy and value brands like Miller High Life and Keystone Light, Molson Coors produces some of the most beloved and iconic brands. While Molson Coors history is rooted in beer, it offers a modern portfolio that expands beyond the beer aisle as well, including flavored beverages like Vizzy Hard Seltzer, spirits like Five Trail whiskey and non-alcoholic beverages. Molson Coors also has partner brands, such as Simply Spiked, ZOA Energy, among others, trough license, distribution, partnership and joint venture agreements. As a business, our ambition is to be the first choice for our people, our consumers and our customers, and our success depends on our ability to make our products available to meet a wide range of consumer segments and occasions. To learn more about Molson Coors Beverage Company, visit molsoncoors.com.

ABOUT FEVER-TREE

Fever-Tree is the world's leading supplier of premium carbonated mixers for alcoholic spirits by retail sales value, with distribution to over 90 countries worldwide. Based in the UK, the brand was launched in 2005 to provide high quality mixers which could cater to the growing demand for premium spirits, in particular gin, but also increasingly for vodka, rum and whisky. The Company sells a range of carbonated mixers to hotels, restaurants, bars and cafes ("On Trade") as well as selected retail outlets ("Off Trade").

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. Generally, the words "expects," "intend," "goals," "plans," "believes," "continues," "may," "anticipate," "seek," "estimate," "outlook," "trends," "future benefits," "potential," "projects," "strategies," "implies," and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Statements that refer to projections of our future financial performance, our anticipated growth and trends in our businesses, and other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements, and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Molson Coors' strategy, its expectations regarding premiumizing its portfolio and the anticipated consummation of the strategic partnership and the timing and benefits thereof. Although Molson Coors believes that the assumptions upon which its forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these assumptions will prove to be correct. Actual events or results may differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements due to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. These risk factors include those detailed in Molson Coors' public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent filings with the SEC. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Molson Coors does not undertake to update any forward-looking or other statements in this release, except as required by law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250129464093/en/

Contacts:

Media inquiries

Molson Coors: Rachel Gellman Johnson, Senior Director, Corporate Reputation: rachel.gellmanjohnson@molsoncoors.com

Fever-Tree: Oliver Winters, Director, Communications: oliver.winters@fever-tree.com

Investor inquiries

Molson Coors: Traci Mangini, Vice President, Investor Relations: traci.mangini@molsoncoors.com

Fever-Tree: Ann Morris-Gibbons, Director of Investor Relations: ann.hyams@fever-tree.com
The company showcases new partnerships, integrations, and a new 5-year warranty program at ISE 2025

BrightSign, the provider of the most advanced, capable, and trusted digital media players and operating system, will exhibit the latest in digital signage solutions at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2025, booth 4S-300 in Barcelona, Spain, February 4-7. Following the momentum of a successful year for BrightSign, which saw growth across the globe, the company is doubling down on its commitment to customers and the unparalleled reliability and security of its players.

BrightSign has announced that its players are now backed by a 5-year warranty, beginning January 1, 2025. Businesses are demanding more reliable solutions with extended longevity and lower total cost of ownership, for which BrightSign digital signage solutions are renowned. This warranty commitment is a testament to the company's confidence in the durability of BrightSign players. It presents an industry first that will change the way customers think about their hardware and what they will come to expect from their signage solutions.

"More reliable, more secure, and more value. This is the driving force behind our commitment to customers, partners, and consumers for the year ahead," said Steve Durkee, chief executive officer of BrightSign. "The market asked, and we delivered. Expanded partnerships, more integrations, extended warranties, SOC2 compliance all while leveraging the power of NPUs to enable AI experiences. We are incredibly confident in our full solutions suite and unmatched reliability. Digital signage is everywhere, and BrightSign is continuing to give businesses a choice in how they benefit from our media players and operating system (BrightSignOS) to better manage, control, and display content."

New to ISE 2025 for BrightSign:

5-Year Warranty, beginning January 1, 2025: All newly purchased and registered Series 5 and beyond media players now include a standard 5-year warranty. Accompanying the fanless design, self-healing capabilities, and 5 years of software updates for its media players, BrightSign offers the most reliable solution in the market that gives customers unparalleled confidence in their signage decisions.

All newly purchased and registered Series 5 and beyond media players now include a standard 5-year warranty. Accompanying the fanless design, self-healing capabilities, and 5 years of software updates for its media players, BrightSign offers the most reliable solution in the market that gives customers unparalleled confidence in their signage decisions. AI Enablement : BrightSign players have NPUs built into their platform, enabling partners to develop AI applications. This integration accelerates AI tasks without impacting content playback. As a result, our customers can streamline the adoption and deployment of AI capabilities across a fleet of players.

: BrightSign players have NPUs built into their platform, enabling partners to develop AI applications. This integration accelerates AI tasks without impacting content playback. As a result, our customers can streamline the adoption and deployment of AI capabilities across a fleet of players. LG Collaboration: On display for the first time, this unique collaboration shows BrightSign's commitment to customers and partners. New LG 49-, 55-, and 65-inch UV5N-E Series models will run the trusted BrightSignOS on LG's embedded system-on-a-chip (SoC) multi-core processor. Available to U.S. customers in the second quarter of 2025, with international markets following.

On display for the first time, this unique collaboration shows BrightSign's commitment to customers and partners. New LG 49-, 55-, and 65-inch UV5N-E Series models will run the trusted BrightSignOS on LG's embedded system-on-a-chip (SoC) multi-core processor. Available to U.S. customers in the second quarter of 2025, with international markets following. OS Flexibility for XC5 Digital Player : For the first time at ISE, BrightSign will have its XC5 Digital Player available with BrightSignOS or the choice of Windows 10 IoT or Windows 11 IoT for organizations that are required to run Windows architecture.

: For the first time at ISE, BrightSign will have its XC5 Digital Player available with BrightSignOS or the choice of Windows 10 IoT or Windows 11 IoT for organizations that are required to run Windows architecture. Bright Alliance Program: Launched in 2024, BrightSign now has 11 Elite Bright Alliance partners and 28 partners in total. 2025 will see a continued expansion into the European market, across industries including retail, QSR, higher education, healthcare, and transportation.

BrightSign will be at booth 4S-300 at ISE 2025. For more information, please visit: https://www.brightsign.biz/ise-tech-show/

About BrightSign

BrightSign LLC, the global market leader in digital signage media players, is headquartered in San Jose, California, with offices in Europe and Asia. BrightSign manufactures media players and provides free software and networking solutions for the commercial digital signage market worldwide, serving all vertical segments of the digital signage marketplace. From entry-level BrightSign LS players to BrightSign XC players offering state-of-the-art technology and unsurpassed performance, BrightSign's products are known for their signature reliability, affordability, ease-of-use, and market-leading technology. For more information, visit BrightSign.

Players must be registered within the first year of purchaseThe warranty only applies to Series 5 and beyond players. Series 5 players purchased between November 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024, will be able to register to receive an extended 3-year warranty, bringing their total coverage to 5 years.

Current availability on LS5, HS5, XT5.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250130524916/en/

Contacts:

Paul Rechichi

brightsign@racepointglobal.com
UST, a leading digital transformation solutions company, and Experian, a global data and technology company, have announced a long-term strategic partnership that will provide financial organisations with the opportunity to quickly innovate and improve their products using advanced AI technologies.

The partnership will combine UST's cutting-edge technology with a range of Experian's products, initially focusing on Experian's Aperture Studio. The UST GenAI Sandbox is a secure, compliant, and innovative platform designed to help businesses experiment with and safely test AI technologies. It not only enables AI-driven advancements to be incorporated into products without extensive rebuilding, but the platform also seamlessly integrates into a businesses' existing cloud infrastructures.

Experian Aperture Data Studio combines self-service data quality and Experian's globally curated datasets in an intelligent data quality and enrichment platform and will now be integrated into UST's technology to enhance its data quality capabilities. This integration will enable more informed decision-making and improved overall business performance.

As part of the strategic partnership, UST will serve as the exclusive reseller of Experian's Aperture Data Studio. This will enable UST to combine its domain expertise and strong client relationships with Experian's industry-leading data quality solutions, delivering unparalleled value to customers. UST will also utilise its GenAI Sandbox to support Experian in adding additional features to their products and platforms.

For more than eight years, UST and Experian have fostered a robust and lasting partnership built by trust, flexibility, and teamwork. Across the globe, more than 600 UST employees support Experian, operating in all six of its regions: the United States, the United Kingdom, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

"This collaboration is focused on speed, flexibility, and customer-centric innovation, setting a new benchmark for delivering cutting-edge financial solutions. As a global data and technology company, we are constantly seeking ways to drive innovation and provide customers with the ability to reduce time to market so they can adapt swiftly to changing market demands. Our partnership with UST provides that by giving a space for businesses to rapidly develop and integrate new AI-driven solutions safely and now with further data quality assurances," said Andrew Abraham, Global Managing Director, Data Quality, Experian.

"We have partnered with Experian on a global scale for a number of years and this marks a significant milestone in our journey to drive innovation in the financial sector. By combining Experian's data expertise with our unique technology, we're creating an environment that fosters experimentation, enabling faster product development and delivering greater value to clients," said Praveen Prabhakaran, Chief Delivery Officer, Managing Director for UK Europe, UST.

By emphasising speed, flexibility, and customer-centric innovation, this collaboration establishes a new benchmark for delivering innovative financial solutions.

About Experian

Experian is a global data and technology company, powering opportunities for people and businesses around the world. We help to redefine lending practices, uncover and prevent fraud, simplify healthcare, deliver digital marketing solutions, and gain deeper insights into the automotive market, all using our unique combination of data, analytics and software. We also assist millions of people to realise their financial goals and help them to save time and money.

We operate across a range of markets, from financial services to healthcare, automotive, agrifinance, insurance, and many more industry segments.

We invest in talented people and new advanced technologies to unlock the power of data and innovate. As a FTSE 100 Index company listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN), we have a team of 22,500 people across 32 countries. Our corporate headquarters are in Dublin, Ireland. Learn more at experianplc.com.

About UST

Since 1999, UST has worked side by side with the world's best companies to make a powerful impact through transformation. Powered by technology, inspired by people, and led by our purpose, we partner with our clients from design to operation. Our digital solutions, proprietary platforms, engineering, R&D, products, and innovation ecosystem turn core challenges into impactful, disruptive solutions. With deep industry knowledge and a future-ready mindset, we infuse expertise, innovation and agility into our clients' organizations-delivering measurable value and positive lasting change for them, their customers, and communities around the world. Together, with 30,000+ employees in 30+ countries, we build for boundless impact-touching billions of lives in the process. Visit us at www.UST.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250128051830/en/

Contacts:

Media Contacts, UST:

Tinu Cherian Abraham

+1 (949) 415-9857

Merrick Laravea

+1 (949) 416-6212

Neha Misri

+44-7341787926

Roshini Das K

+91-7736795557

media.relations@ust.com

Media Contacts, India:

Adfactors PR

ust@adfactorspr.com

Media Contacts, U.S.:

S&C PR

+1-646.941.9139

media@scprgroup.com

Makovsky

ust@makovsky.com

Media Contacts, U.K.:

FTI Consulting

UST@fticonsulting.com
Ferrer achieves Compliance Leader Verification, the prestigious recognition granted by Ethisphere

Following an exhaustive review of its ethics and compliance program, the company reaffirms its commitment to the highest standards of integrity and business ethics

The recognition reinforces Ferrer's purpose of using business to fight for social justice

Ferrer has achieved Compliance Leader Verification, the prestigious recognition granted by Ethisphere, which distinguishes the pharmaceutical company as a global leader in upholding ethical and responsible corporate practices in its business operations.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250130451126/en/

(Photo: Ferrer)

Ethisphere is a leading organization dedicated to advancing ethical business practices, and its recognition acknowledges organizations with an outstanding commitment to robust ethics and compliance programs.

The Compliance Leader Verification was awarded after an extensive and rigorous review conducted by Ethisphere's verification team. This process included a current state analysis referencing Ferrer's responses to Ethisphere's Ethics Quotient (EQ) questionnaire, benchmarking Ferrer's ethics and compliance program against the World's Most Ethical Companies, document review, and interviews with executives and team members across the organization.

Specifically, Ferrer's performance was evaluated on six key areas: program resources and structure; perceptions of ethical culture; written standards; training and communication; risk assessment, monitoring and auditing; and enforcement, discipline, and incentives.

The verification-currently considered a global standard of excellence-acknowledges organizations that implement best practices in business integrity. This milestone highlights Ferrer's commitment to business ethics, sustainability, and transparency in all its processes, going beyond legal standards through exemplary management practices.

"We are extremely proud to have achieved this recognition, which reflects our commitment to the highest standards of integrity and business ethics and reaffirms our purpose: using business as a force to fight for social justice," said Meritxell Casas, Chief Legal, IP Compliance Officer at Ferrer. "This honor is a testament to the tireless work of our team in integrating ethics and integrity into every aspect of our operations."

According to Jodie Fredericksen, Senior Compliance Counsel from Ethisphere, "This recognition underscores Ferrer's leadership and commitment to excellence in ethics and compliance. Our team was impressed with their dedication to fostering a corporate culture based on transparency and accountability, practices that serve as a model for organizations worldwide."

More information about Compliance Leader Verification is available at https://ethisphere.com/what-we-do/leader-verification/

About Ethisphere

Ethisphere is the global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices that strengthen corporate brands, build trust in the marketplace, and deliver business success. Companies turn ethics, compliance, and culture into a business advantage by leveraging Ethisphere's data-driven program and culture assessments featuring the latest guidance and the practices of hundreds of global organizations across the 8 pillars of an ethical culture, and 240+ ethics, compliance, social, and governance data points delivered through a proprietary software platform. Ethisphere also honors superior integrity programs through World's Most Ethical Companies recognition, brings together a community of industry experts with the Business Ethics Leadership Alliance (BELA), and advances ethical business practices through the Global Ethics Summit, Ethisphere Magazine and the Ethicast podcast.

For more information, visit https://ethisphere.com.

About Ferrer

At Ferrer we use business to fight for social justice. We have long been a company that looks to do things differently; instead of maximizing shareholder returns, we reinvest much of our profit in initiatives that give back to society. Back where it belongs. We go beyond compliance and are guided by the highest standards of sustainability, ethics and integrity. As such, since 2022, we are a B Corp.

Founded in Barcelona in 1959, Ferrer offers transformative solutions for life-threatening diseases in more than one hundred countries. In line with our purpose, we have an increasing focus on pulmonary vascular and interstitial lung diseases and rare neurological disorders. Our 1,800-strong team is driven by a clear conviction: our business is not an end in itself, but a way to change lives.

We are Ferrer. Ferrer for good.

www.ferrer.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250130451126/en/

Contacts:

Additional information and interview requests:

Ferrer

Gorka Ortiz de Zarate

Communication Advisor

gortizdez@ferrer.com

+34 93 600 3779
Allvue Systems, LLC, a global provider of private capital markets solutions, today announces the launch of Allvue University for partners, a comprehensive training program designed to enhance the expertise of the company's partner ecosystem. The program equips partners with in-depth knowledge of Allvue's product suite and implementation processes, ensuring partners have the resources they need to deliver best-in-class services to joint clients.

Upon completing each course and corresponding evaluations, partners earn digital badges that validate their subject matter expertise which can be prominently displayed on marketing materials and professional platforms such as LinkedIn. Each partner delivery team is then assisted by Allvue's Partner Success team with project support, technical training, and product insights on an ongoing basis. Allvue clients can have confidence that certified partners have the level of expertise necessary to implement, customize, and advise on the relevant solution.

"Allvue University underscores our dedication to creating a thriving partner ecosystem that drives client success through best-in-class software and services offerings from Allvue and our network of trusted delivery experts. The program not only enhances the Allvue ecosystem but also reinforces Allvue's position as a leader in the investment management industry," said Sam Bochenek, Global Head of Partner Success, Allvue Systems, "We are unique in our peer group for rolling this out, and aim to equip our partners with the training and resources they need to be true product experts. This will allow them to consistently deliver exceptional client outcomes with Allvue's products."

Industry leaders have already expressed their enthusiasm for the program. Matt Clark, Managing Director, Alternative Investments Advisory Services, KPMG remarked, "Allvue University's training program provides an invaluable experience that helps ensure partners are fully equipped to support customers with precision and insight. We have already certified more than 15 members of our on- and off-shore teams, and these enhancements will further bolster their skills. This initiative raises the standard for client implementation and fosters a collaborative ecosystem that benefits stakeholders."

Emily Salter, Senior Partner, Global Head of Finance and Operations, Alpha Alternatives, also praised the initiative. "Allvue University is designed to showcase and validate Alpha Alternatives expertise in the industry and empower our team to unlock the full potential of Allvue's innovative platform." Alpha Alternatives, working collaboratively with Allvue, provides clients with a unique blend of exceptional project management, implementation and innovation, redefining heights in client service excellence.

Allvue University for partners is composed of self-serve learning materials, instructor led bootcamps, hands-on workshops and practical examinations. The program includes learning paths for the Allvue product suite covering front-, middle-, and back-office workflows across the entire deal lifecycle and in multiple asset classes for Private Equity, Credit Markets, and Fund Administration. Each curriculum is designed to enable partners to run standard and custom implementations as well as data migration projects. Allvue plans to expand the program with additional certifications and enhancements as part of its ongoing commitment to evolving the training experience.

"So far, our partner training program has certified more than 50 members of our partner network. Allvue has made many rapid advancements in our partnership program, the result is that our partners have delivered impactful outcomes for some of our most strategic clients this past year. This advancement in our training capabilities will grow the community of Allvue certified experts to solve alternative investment managers' most challenging problems," said Pat McBrearty, Head of Partnerships at Allvue Systems

For more information about Allvue University or to learn how to become a certified Allvue partner, visit Allvue's website.

* Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release, including details about Allvue University, its certifications, and training programs, is for informational purposes only and subject to change at Allvue Systems' discretion. The certifications referenced do not guarantee specific outcomes and are intended to validate proficiency based on criteria defined by Allvue Systems at the time of certification. Participation in the program or attaining certification does not create an employee, agency, or a legal partnership with Allvue Systems, LLC or its affiliates. All third-party quotes and endorsements are included with the explicit consent of their respective owners and are accurate at the time of publication.

About Allvue Systems, LLC

Allvue is a leading provider of technology for investment managers in the private capital and credit markets industry. Its mission is to empower superior investment decisions by pairing modern cloud-based software solutions with capabilities across multiple asset classes. Allvue's software solutions serve the entire investment lifecycle and are seamlessly integrated to provide a comprehensive product suite, serving firms of all sizes worldwide, including private equity managers, private debt managers, public credit managers, fund administrators, and banks.

Allvue was established in late 2019 through the combination of Black Mountain Systems and AltaReturn, two leading providers of investment technology solutions. Allvue is headquartered in Miami with locations throughout North America, Europe and India. With a commitment to innovation, Allvue's software solutions allow its clients to operate and grow their businesses more effectively by automating manual processes, improving data accuracy and consistency across workflows, and delivering enhanced analytics.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250130966422/en/

Contacts:

Laura Sankowich

Allvue Systems, LLC

484.354.3918

press@allvuesystems.com



Michelle Wu

Allvue Systems, LLC

347.384.9775

press@allvuesystems.com



Jide Adesesan

Made By Giants

allvue@madebygiants.io
VIENNA, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- President & CEO Narek Sirakanyan gave a boost to the development of the group, introducing the new product qTest, opening new offices in Dubai and Bien Hoa (Vietnam) and promoting a more aggressive marketing strategy.

Narek Sirakanyan comments: 'The year 2024 marked our tenth anniversary. Now we are ready for a quantum leap targeting an IPO in 2029. I personally believe we must continue looking for projects characterized by innovation, scalability and social relevance. Our footprint now includes 19 countries and this year we'll open two more. We are ready to launch Firstline, our new app for the Horeca sector which complements our High-Tech area."

2024 Facts & Figures

The leading business on the group is Project V, focused on nutraceuticals for health, wellness and beauty. "Project V totaled a record revenue level of 130 million USD" said Sirakanyan, "and by the end of 2025 we target to reach 150 million USD in revenues. The Project V business was enriched in fall by the introduction of GH, a drinking complex in ampoules based on 6-year-old white imperial Ginseng. Now Project V offers 80 products and by the end of 2025 this number will grow to 100."

The Coffeecell business grew by 15% to 8,5 million USD and the plans for 2025 are to top the 10 million USD threshold. Two new products based on imperial Ginseng were introduced in 2024, G Black and G Legend.

On May 10, President & CEO Narek Sirakanyan presented the qTest, a world premiere, together with professor Torello Lotti, a renowned academician, who developed it. This system responds to an oxidation-reduction chemical reaction, or redox (short for reduction-oxidation), which is crossed with the level of saliva pH to determine the unique position of everyone taking the test.

QTest is now being exported to all main FIG markets.

Outlook for 2025

The goal is to position Project V in the fashion world as a "secret" source of health and energy for models' backstage at fashion shows. A first step in this direction will be the partnership with the Monte-Carlo Fashion Week, the official fashion event of the Principality of Monaco.

Concerning the High-Tech line, Freedom plans to introduce the Firstline app in the first quarter of 2025. "Firstline is a digital space where each business competes for existing and potential clients." Says Sirakanyan: "Firstline directly attracts its clients, returning money to them for the purchases and recommendations. Nothing to pay upfront to marketing agencies and other intermediaries. We plan to invest 3 million USD in marketing this year to launch the app and to reach a turnover of 15 million USD by the end of 2025."

This year the group plans to open two more offices, in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) and Milan (Italy).

www.freedomgroupint.com

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LUXEMBOURG, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, FundBank Group announced that the European Central Bank issued an authorisation on 16 December 2024, allowing FundBank (Europe) S.A.1 to take up the business of a credit institution under the Luxembourg act of 5 April 1993 on the financial sector, as amended. FundBank (Europe) S.A. will be directly subject to the prudential supervision of the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier in Luxembourg.

Headquartered in Luxembourg, FundBank (Europe) S.A. will commence operations in 2025 and will provide seamless and efficient banking solutions to clients in Europe. FundBank (Europe) S.A. will be complementing the Luxembourg alternative investment funds ecosystem and acts in cooperation with key stakeholders of the investment funds industry, which are in need of swift, tech-enabled and efficient bank account opening procedures, banking solutions and bespoke custody services within Europe.

FundBank (Europe) S.A. specializes in innovative propositions in the alternative investment funds space. In addition to taking deposits and providing credit solutions to its clients, FundBank (Europe) S.A. acts on a fiduciary basis for its clients, thereby ensuring that client funds are secured and available, even during market volatility. FundBank (Europe) S.A. will deploy state-of-the-art technology, using AI tools, for the onboarding process and provide a swift, non-invasive and regulatory-compliant experience to its clients.

All FundBank (Europe) S.A. staff will be based in Luxembourg and comprise highly-skilled professionals from the Luxembourg banking and investment funds industry.

Colm O'Driscoll, Vice Chairman of FundBank (Europe) S.A. commented, "As the asset management industry rapidly evolves, so must its banking solutions. We identified a demand from asset managers for a robust and fully dedicated banking partner, delivering banking solutions focused on the unique needs of asset management clients. Expanding into the Luxembourg market has been a continued request from our clients, and we are pleased to have made this a reality for them. As part of our commitment to our clients and the industry, we look forward to further announcements in relation to our technology, products, services, and geographical reach."

Steve David, Chief Executive Officer at FundBank (Europe) S.A. declared, "We identified a demand from European fund managers and fund administrators for a banking partner that could deliver seamless onboarding and banking solutions that are focused on the unique needs of asset managers. By securing this authorisation and expanding into the European market, FundBank (Europe) S.A.is able to contribute to the successful development of the alternative investment funds industry in Luxembourg by providing creative banking solutions and pioneering groundbreaking techniques, tailored to its clients."

About FundBank Group

FundBank Group is a leading, institutional bank group with presences in the United States, the Cayman Islands and Luxembourg, serving the global asset management industry. Our team of industry experts, powered by innovative technology, deliver expert banking solutions to help asset management businesses thrive and grow.

Press Contact

Emily Suter: esuter@fundbank.com

1 FundBank (Europe) S.A. will be operating under the denomination "FB Tech S.A." until the commencement of its operations as a Luxembourg credit institution.

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ALK (ALKB:DC / OMX: ALK B / AKBLF) today announced that the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended the use of ACARIZAX for the treatment of persistent, moderate to severe house dust mite allergic rhinitis in adults and adolescents. The recommendation paves the way for patients to gain access to ACARIZAX through the National Health Service (NHS) systems in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, now making it eligible for general reimbursement.

ACARIZAX is the first sublingual allergy immunotherapy (AIT) product to be assessed and recommended by NICE, and the treatment will be the first of its kind to become widely available through the National Health Service (NHS) systems. The UK is currently one of the few European markets, where ALK's allergy tablets are authorised without adequate public reimbursement. Additionally, there is a significant underutilisation of AIT in the UK compared to other European countries.

ALK's Executive Vice President of Commercial Operations, Sren Niegel, says: "Today's news marks a milestone for ALK. NICE's methodologies and guidelines are widely regarded as the gold standard, and we are proud to become the first and only company to make sublingual allergy immunotherapy tablets widely accessible in the United Kingdom for the benefit of the many patients whose lives are profoundly impacted by allergy."

Allergic rhinitis disease is a prevalent condition in the UK, affecting 26% of adults. Among these, house dust mite is the most common airborne allergy, affecting approximately half of those living with allergic rhinitis disease - upwards of 5 million people in the UK. Despite a range of symptomatic treatment options, approximately one million people still live with debilitating and uncontrolled symptoms.

NICE conducts reviews to assess the clinical benefits and cost-effectiveness of healthcare interventions, treatments, and technologies. The institute published a Final Draft Guidance on 30 January 2025, appraising the clinical benefits and cost-effectiveness of ACARIZAX in the treatment of uncontrolled house dust mite allergy. NICE is expected to publish a Final Guidance in March, after which the NHS systems in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are required to implement ACARIZAX in the treatment practices. ALK also plans to soon submit a similar application for a NICE review of its sublingual tree tablet, ITULAZAX. Submissions will also be made to extend the approvals for ACARIZAX and ITULAZAX to include children.

ALK's current business in the UK mainly focuses on anaphylaxis (treatment of severe allergic reactions) with the adrenaline pen Jext on the market and the nasal spray EURneffy due for launch later this year, pending regulatory approval. AIT tablet sales are currently modest, but ALK expects the combination of its anaphylaxis treatments and the tablets to create long-term synergies in parallel with an expanded infrastructure and as more patients become aware of these treatment options.

The NICE approval is not expected to affect ALK's revenue growth in 2025.

ALK-Abello A/S

For further information please contact:

Investor Relations: Per Plotnikof, tel. +45 4574 7527, mobile +45 2261 2525

Media: Maiken Riise Andersen, tel. +45 5054 1434

About ALK

ALK is a global specialty pharmaceutical company focused on allergy and allergic asthma. It markets allergy immunotherapy treatments and other products and services for people with allergy and allergy doctors. Headquartered in Hrsholm, Denmark, ALK employs around 2,800 people worldwide and is listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen. Find more information at www.alk.net.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2025) - Core Nickel Corp. (CSE: CNCO) ("Core Nickel" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Geotech Ltd. has commenced helicopter-borne geophysical surveys, including time domain electromagnetics (VTEM) and horizontal magnetic gradiometer using the VTEM Plus geophysical system on the Company's 100%-owned Mel and Odei River projects (the "Projects") (Figure 1), as stated in the Company's news release on January 27, 2025. The Projects are situated approximately 20 km to the northwest of Thompson, Manitoba, in the northern region of the Thompson Nickel Belt. The Projects are strategically located in proximity to infrastructure, including Provincial Highway 6, the HBR (Omnitrax) Rail Line and a major hydroelectric transmission line, offering excellent access for future development.

Figure 1 - Mel and Odei River Projects Location Map

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The geophysical surveys will cover approximately 379 line-km on the Mel project and approximately 1,520 line-km on the Odei River project, with 100 m line spacing on both projects (Figure 2). The geophysical surveys will obtain both new coverage and refine historical EM survey results. Upon completion of the VTEM survey on the Mel and Odei River projects, the Company will have modern VTEM coverage across its entire project portfolio, enabling a more comprehensive and strategic approach to target prioritization and exploration planning. The helicopter-borne VTEM Plus system, which is known for its high-resolution imaging capabilities, is a versatile time domain electromagnetic system that is particularly useful for locating discrete conductive anomalies. Additionally, the system also contains a high-sensitivity cesium magnetometer-gradiometer for mapping geologic structure and lithology. The survey is being conducted by Geotech Ltd. of Aurora, Ontario, and under the guidance of Stephen Balch, of Balch Exploration Consulting Inc. of Rockwood, Ontario.

Figure 2 - Mel and Odei River VTEM Survey Plan

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Misty Urbatsch, CEO, President, and Director of Core Nickel, commented "Core Nickel is making exciting strides in advancing our exploration efforts on our Mel and Odei River projects with the VTEM survey. Historical drilling at the Mel and Odei River projects over the past 50 years has focused on depths averaging only 200 metres, while the VTEM survey will test depths of up to 400 metres. The near-surface Mel deposit was discovered in the 1960's at approximately 50 metres. Therefore, the new VTEM survey will provide us with a better understanding of the geology and new opportunities for discovery. While previous exploration has primarily targeted shallow mineralization, we see potential below 200 metres, as the neighbouring Thompson mine operates at a depth greater than 1,000 metres in a similar geological setting. This deeper exploration could unlock significant value on our Mel and Odei River projects. A VTEM survey completed on our 100%-owned Halfway Lake project in 2024 identified 14 high-priority targets. These targets will be drill-tested in a 4,000 to 5,000 metre diamond drill program set to commence in the coming weeks. The VTEM survey on the Mel and Odei River projects and our diamond drill program on our Halfway Lake project are exciting steps forward as we continue to explore the full potential of our assets in the Thompson Nickel Belt."

Figure 3 - Northern Thompson Nickel Belt Projects: Mel, Hunter, and Odei River

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The Mel project (Figure 3) hosts the Mel deposit, which is characterized by a historical mineral resource consisting of an indicated resource of 4.28 million tons grading 0.875% nickel (Ni), plus an inferred resource of 1.01 million tons grading 0.839% Ni, at a cut-off of 0.5% Ni.1 The deposit offers significant potential for expansion at depth through ongoing exploration efforts. The Mel project has not had an electromagnetic survey completed since 2004, and the new VTEM Plus survey will be crucial to better understand the geology of the Mel deposit and the Mel project. The VTEM Plus survey will guide future drill programs to expand the known resource, improve the overall understanding of the deposit's structure, and highlight additional exploration targets on the project.

The Odei River project (Figure 3), located to the southwest of the Mel project, presents additional exploration potential. This project is underexplored and has not had a geophysical survey conducted on it since 2003. The VTEM survey will assist in identifying new conductors, which could be indicative of nickel sulphide mineralization, and will help to refine the geological model of the project. This survey represents an important step in unlocking the potential of the Odei River project, guiding future exploration efforts and drill programs in an area that has seen limited exploration to date.

Photo 1 - Helicopter Preparing for VTEM Survey at Thompson, Manitoba Airport

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Stock Options Grant

The Company also announces that it has granted incentive stock options to certain directors and officers to purchase up to an aggregate of 1,900,000 common shares of Core Nickel pursuant to the Company's share option plan. The options are exercisable for a period of 3 years at a price of $0.175. The options, and any underlying common shares issued on exercise thereof, will have a hold period expiring May 31, 2025, in accordance with the policies of the CSE and applicable securities laws.

Other Business

The Company has received the final tranche of $69,100 as nonrepayable funding from the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund (the "MMDF") in November 2024. The total grant awarded to the Company from the MMDF is $207,000. MMDF is a $20M provincial fund administered by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce that provides funding to strategic economic development projects in northern Manitoba.

About Core Nickel

Core Nickel Corp. is a junior nickel exploration company that controls 100% of five projects in the prolific nickel district, the Thompson Nickel Belt (TNB) in Northern Manitoba, Canada. The five projects consist of approximately 27,000 hectares of land that is proximal to existing infrastructure, including highways, railways, major hydroelectric transmission lines, and operating mills.

Core Nickel has a large contiguous land package in the northern part of the TNB, situated approximately 15-20 km from the City of Thompson. Core Nickel's northern TNB land package consists of three projects: Mel, Hunter, and Odei River. The Mel project encompasses the Mel deposit, which is characterized by a historical mineral resource consisting of an indicated resource of 4,279,000 tons grading 0.875% Ni, plus an inferred resource of 1,010,000 tons grading 0.839% Ni, at a cut-off of 0.5% Ni.1 The target stratigraphy (Pipe Formation) that hosts the Mel deposit, and other deposits in the Thompson Nickel Belt, extend onto the Hunter and Odei River projects and drillhole intersections into the target stratigraphy on the Hunter project have successfully intersected anomalous nickel.

The Company also holds two projects in the central TNB near Wabowden: Halfway Lake and Resting Lake. Both projects host the target Pipe Formation associated with known elevated nickel mineralization and are proximal to existing nickel deposits, mills, and other infrastructure.

The Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects for this news release is Caitlin Glew, P. Geo., Vice-President Exploration for Core Nickel Corp., who has reviewed and approved its contents.

References

1 "Technical Report on the Mel Deposit, Northern Manitoba" prepared for Victory Nickel Inc, Shane

Naccashian (P. Geo.) of Wardrop Engineering Inc., March 9, 2007

Mel Historical Mineral Resource

Core Nickel Corporation is treating the 2007 Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) prepared for Victory Nickel Inc. by Shane Naccashian (P. Geo.) of Wardrop Engineering Inc. as a "historical mineral resource" under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and the reader is cautioned not to treat it, or any part of it, as a current mineral resource. Core Nickel has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as a current mineral resource.

The historical MRE summarized above has been included simply to demonstrate the mineral potential of the Mel deposit and the Mel project. Core Nickel considers the 2007 MRE to be relevant to the further development of the project; however, is not treating the historical estimate as a current mineral resource. The historical MRE was calculated in accordance with NI 43-101 and CIM standards at the time of publication and predates the current CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (May, 2014) and CIM Estimation of Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves Best Practices Guidelines (November, 2019).

To upgrade or verify the 2007 historical estimate as current, Core Nickel will need to complete a thorough review of all the 2007 historical MRE information and drill data, along with the incorporation of subsequent exploration work and results, which includes some drilling around the edges of the historical MRE subsequent to the publication of the resource. Additionally, a full review of the economic parameters utilized to determine current Reasonable Prospectus for Eventual Economic Extraction (RPEEE) would be required in order to produce a current MRE for the Property. Any future mineral resource will need to evaluate the open pit and/or underground potential taking into consideration the current cost and pricing conditions or constraints, along with continuity of the resource blocks.

Technical Disclosure

The historical results contained within this news release have been captured from Manitoba Integrated Mining and Quarrying System ("iMaQs") as available and may be incomplete or subject to minor location inaccuracies. Management cautions that historical results were collected and reported by past operators and have not been verified nor confirmed by a Qualified Person but form a basis for ongoing work on the subject projects.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Misty Urbatsch"

Misty Urbatsch

CEO, President and Director

Core Nickel Corp.

Contacts:

Also find us online:

www.corenickel.com

https://x.com/CoreNickel

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulations services accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking information

All statements included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions made by the Company based on its experience, perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. In addition, these statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will prove inaccurate, certain of which are beyond the Company's control. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend to revise or update these forward-looking statements after the date hereof or revise them to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/238929

SOURCE: Core Nickel Corp.
Second- and third-line treatment for adults with mycosis fungoides or Sezary syndrome reimbursed by Croatia's National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), effective as of 15 th November 2024.

Bulgaria's Ministry of Health also confirms positive second-line reimbursement, effective 2nd January 2025.

Kyowa Kirin International (KKI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Kyowa Kirin Co. Ltd., and Swixx BioPharma AG today announced that the Croatian National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and the Bulgarian Ministry of Health have both approved the reimbursement of POTELIGEO (mogamulizumab) for adult patients with mycosis fungoides (MF), and Sezary syndrome (SS).

MF and SS are two subtypes of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), a rare form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that presents and persists in the skin and can cause debilitating physical, emotional and social challenges.1 MF-the most common CTCL subtype-accounts for approximately 60% of all CTCLs.2

With an average time to diagnosis of 3-4 years, MF is typically characterised by skin symptoms including patches or plaques, skin redness and tumours.3,4 SS is much rarer, accounting for around 5% of CTCLs,5 and is more aggressive, causing severe itching, erythroderma, intense scaling of the skin and frequent hair loss.6

Jeremy Morgan, President of Kyowa Kirin International, commented: "I am delighted that the Croatian and Bulgarian authorities have agreed to reimburse POTELIGEO for MF and SS patients. Both decisions are important milestones for people impacted by these rare and challenging forms of CTCL, and with mogamulizumab now reimbursed in more than 20 countries across the EMEA region we remain as committed as ever to delivering life changing value for people impacted by under-diagnosed and under-served diseases, and making more people smile."

Poteligeo is distributed in Central and Eastern Europe by Swixx, on behalf of KKI. The two companies signed a Promotion and Distribution Agreement in October 2022. Under the terms of the agreement, Swixx will exclusively market, promote and distribute mogamulizumab in both Croatia and Bulgaria, among other countries.

"At Swixx, our mission is to unlock access to innovative medicines, and the recent reimbursement approvals in Croatia and Bulgaria mark significant progress in improving therapeutic options for patients with MF and SS in those markets," said Dezso Martha, Chief Operating Officer of Swixx. "We will continue working closely with health authorities, the scientific community, and Kyowa Kirin to expand access to this important medicine, ensuring better outcomes for patients across our Central and Eastern European countries."

With Croatian reimbursement effective as of 15th November 2024, and Bulgaria's Ministry of Health confirming reimbursement as of 2nd January 2025, both decisions build on the inclusion of POTELIGEO (mogamulizumab) in the Polish Ministry of Health's Drug Programme announced in July 2024 and the ongoing expansion of access to patients across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE).

About Poteligeo (mogamulizumab)

Mogamulizumabis a first-in-class humanised monoclonal antibody directed against CC-chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4), a protein consistently expressed on cancerous cells seen in both MF and SS.7-9 Once mogamulizumab binds to CCR4, it increases attraction of immune cells from the immune system to destroy the cancerous cells.10

About MF and SS

MF and SS are two subtypes of CTCL,which is itself a rare form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that presents and persists in the skin.1 CTCL is treatable, but is not generally considered to be curable, and there has been a clear unmet need for novel treatment options. As well as the obvious impact of symptoms upon patients, there can be significant erosions to quality of life for those caring for an individual living with CTCL.11

MF and SS are characterised by localisation of cancerous white blood cells called T lymphocytes (T cells), to the skin.12 These cancerous T cells consistently express a protein called CCR4, which enables them to move from the blood to the skin.7-9 When these cancerous T cells move to the skin, this results in the visible early skin symptoms of red patches or plaques which can resemble psoriasis or eczema in the early stages of the disease.6 Later, for some patients, skin involvement may evolve to include tumours or reddening of the majority of the skin's surface (erythroderma).

MF-the most common CTCL subtype-accounts for approximately 60% of all CTCLs2 and is typically indolent, characterised by skin symptoms including patches or plaques, skin redness and tumours.3,4 SS is much rarer, accounting for around 5% of CTCLs,5 and is more aggressive,6 with high levels of blood involvement.5 It can cause severe itching, erythroderma, intense scaling of the skin and frequent hair loss.6 CTCL can take, on average, between 2 and 7 years for individuals to receive a confirmed diagnosis.6

About Kyowa Kirin

Kyowa Kirin aims to discover novel medicines with life-changing value. As a Japan-based Global Specialty Pharmaceutical Company, we have invested in drug discovery and biotechnology innovation for more than 70 years and are currently working to engineer the next generation of antibodies and cell and gene therapies with the potential to help patients affected by severe and rare diseases. A shared commitment to our values, to sustainable growth, and to making people smile unites us across our four regions Japan, Asia Pacific, North America, and EMEA/International.

You can learn more about the business of Kyowa Kirin at: https://www.kyowakirin.com

About Swixx BioPharma AG

Swixx BioPharma is one of the fastest-growing, largest, intercontinental commercial platforms for the biopharmaceutical industry. Swixx operates subsidiaries across Central and Eastern Europe, Greece, Russia, several Eurasian countries, the Middle East, and via Biopas, a Swixx BioPharma company, in almost 20 Latin American countries. Swixx BioPharma Group has over 1,600 employees and sales likely to exceed a billion Euros in 2024. The company has gathered outstanding rare disease, oncology-hematology, specialty, vaccines and self-medication talent under one roof.

For more information about Swixx BioPharma, please visit: www.swixxbiopharma.com

References 1Kim YH, Bagot M, Pinter-Brown L, et al. Mogamulizumab versus vorinostat in previously treated cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (MAVORIC): an international, open-label, randomised, controlled phase 3 trial. Lancet Oncol. 2018;19(9):1192-1204. 2Willemze R, et al. The 2018 update of the WHO-EORTC classification for primary cutaneous lymphomas. Blood. 2019;133(16):1703-1714. 3Scarisbrick, J, et al. The PROCLIPI international registry of early-stage mycosis fungoides identifies substantial diagnostic delay in most patients. Br J Dermatol. 2019;181(20):350-357. 4Demierre M-F, et al. Significant impact of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma on patients' quality of life. Cancer. 2006;107(10):2504-2511. 5Trautinger F, et al. European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer consensus recommendations for the treatment of mycosis fungoides/Sezary syndrome Update 2017. European Journal of Cancer. 2017;77:57-74. 6Lymphoma Coalition. Cutaneous lymphoma a patient's guide. Available at: https://lymphomacoalition.org/wpcontent/uploads/Cutaneous_lymphoma_-_patients_guide_-.pdf. Last accessed: January 2025. 7Ferenczi K, et al. Increased CCR4 expression in cutaneous T cell lymphoma. J Invest Dermatol. 2002;119:1405-10. 8Yoshie O, et al. Frequent Expression of CCR4 in Adult T-Cell Leukemia and Human T-cell Leukemia Virus Type 1-transformed T cells. Blood. 2002;99(5):1505-11. 9Ishida T, et al. Clinical Significance of CCR4 Expression in Adult T-cell Leukemia/Lymphoma: Its Close Association With Skin Involvement and Unfavorable Outcome. Clin Cancer Res. 2003;9:3625-34. 10Duvic M, et al. Mogamulizumab for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: recent advances and clinical potential. Ther Adv Hematol. 2016;7(3):171-174. 11Williams et al (2020) Health state utilities associated with caring for an individual with CTCL. Journal of Medical Economics. 2020; 23(10):1142-1150. 12Scarisbrick JJ, Prince M, Vermeer MH, et al. Cutaneous Lymphoma International Consortium Study of Outcome in Advanced Stages of Mycosis Fungoides and Sezary Syndrome: Effect of Specific Prognostic Markers on Survival and Development of a Prognostic Model. J Clin Oncol. 2015;33(32):3766-3773.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250130103033/en/

Contacts:

Contacts for Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd.:

Media

Stacey Minton

Email: Stacey.Minton@kyowakirin.com
BARCELONA, Spain, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Fractus, a global leader in antenna technology, is proud to announce a new licensing agreement with Connect America, the leading provider of medical alert services in the United States. This milestone marks Fractus' continuous expansion into the IoT healthcare industry.

Medical alert solutions enhance safety and promote autonomy, especially for individuals who value living securely and confidently at home. Leveraging advanced technologies like cellular connectivity and GPS, Connect America leads the market, aligning with Fractus' vision of driving innovation through transformative antenna technology.

"We are thrilled to welcome Connect America as part of the Fractus family," said Fractus CEO Jordi Ilario. "This agreement not only solidifies our presence in the medical/health sector but also underscores our dedication to empowering industries with robust and reliable antenna solutions. Together with Connect America, we are contributing to a safer and more connected world."

The MAS market is growing steadily, with annual shipments of cellular-connected medical alert systems projected to reach 1.6 million units by 2028 in the USA, at a CAGR of 8.3%. These systems are advancing beyond traditional setups to include portable, mobile MAS with cellular and GPS technology for greater mobility.

Fractus' innovative antenna technology ensures seamless communication for MAS devices, meeting the growing demand for high-quality IP solutions in healthcare. The agreement with Connect America marks a key step in Fractus' expanding IoT licensing program and invites industry leaders to join its network and leverage its cutting-edge expertise.

About Connect America:

As the top provider of medical alert services in the United States, Connect America serves millions of individuals through its advanced PERS and mPERS solutions. The company's mission is to provide safety, security, and peace of mind to its customers and their families, offering reliable assistance at the press of a button.

About Fractus:

Fractus is an early pioneer in developing antenna technology for smartphones, tablets and other wireless IoT devices and holds a patent portfolio of more than 40 inventions. Among the numerous awards and honors the company has received for its innovative work, Fractus was named 2005 Davos World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer, Fractus' inventors were finalists for the European Inventor Award 2014 and on April 2017 it received the "European Inspiring Company Award" by the London Stock Exchange.

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TERRASSA, Spain, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- FLEXXIBLE, a Spanish software company internationally recognized for its comprehensive workspace management solutions, has appointed Nieves Franco as CEO as part of its strategic growth plan.

Flexxible's solution quality was recognized in the 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Digital Employee Experience Management (DEX) Tools and the 2023 and 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant for DaaS. Based on the exceptional quality of its solution, the company is entering a new phase focused on international expansion and the transformation of its business model. The solution, which natively incorporates Artificial Intelligence tools for efficient workplace management, is being adopted by a wide ecosystem of large public and private clients and has the potential to become a global leader in its field.

According to Sebastian Prat, Chief Visionary Officer and founder of Flexxible, "We are very proud to welcome Nieves Franco as the top executive in the organization. Her extensive experience in the 'as-a-service' world will help us grow more quickly internationally. The Flexxible product is at an ideal stage of maturity for exponential growth, and Nieves' experience will bring a new vision to our approach with clients."

Nieves Franco has over 30 years of experience leading expansion projects at national and international technology and telecommunications companies. Over the past six years, she was the CEO of Arsys, Spain's leading IT infrastructure provider and a European pioneer in cloud services. Prior to that, she built her career at IONOS and Ono.

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24% of Northern businesses plan to increase borrowing compared to 11% of Southern counterparts.

CAMBRIDGE, England, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 24 percent of businesses in the North compared to just 11 percent in the South, intend to increase borrowing to fund growth, finds research by Price Bailey, a Top 30 firm of accountants.

Price Bailey surveyed 750 Finance Directors who work for businesses with a turnover of 10m-100m, asking them about projected sales volumes and the prices of the goods and services they provide. The full report can be found here.

The survey suggests that while businesses in the South are in a better position to finance growth through cash reserves or attracting investors, their counterparts in the North are much more reliant on debt, which is still expensive by the standards of the last 15 years.

The results reveal that overall, the two most popular methods of funding growth are via equity finance (52%) and cash reserves (49%), although significant regional disparities are evident.

The research also reveals an approximate 2:1 ratio of finance directors who anticipate a reduction in borrowing compared with those who anticipate an increase. In total, 28% of finance directors anticipate that their business will borrow less over the next 12 months, compared with 15% who believe it will borrow more.

Chand Chudasama, Partner in the Strategic Corporate Finance Team at Price Bailey, comments:

"While UK businesses are generally bullish about their growth prospects over the next year, there is a marked regional divide in how that growth will be funded. Businesses in the South have, on average, carried forward stronger balance sheets and we know from our prior research, also tend to hold better access to investors, which gives them more options for funding growth.

"For businesses in the North, generally, we can conclude there is a greater reliance on debt which may limit the potential for growth as rates remain relatively high, and the costs of doing business are rising."

He adds: "There is also a notable trend towards share buybacks - meaning money that could have funded growth is instead being used to return value to shareholders. This could indicate a lack of confidence in the UK's business environment as shareholders look to extract value rather than reinvest."

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Contact Price Bailey here.

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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Budget Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom's leading car rental company, has launched an exciting initiative to bring friends, families, and loved ones together. Underlining its commitment to empowering people to embark on rewarding travel and transportation experiences, the company has partnered with Saudi influencer Azooz Bakr to enliven special occasions, celebrate cherished moments, and create memories.

At a time when more people are spending more time online than ever, Budget Saudi's new initiative - "Quit Screens to Scenes" - has been introduced to inspire consumers across the Kingdom to immerse themselves in real-world connections, transforming virtual engagements into meaningful, in-person experiences.

True to Budget Saudi Arabia's values and in keeping with the company's mission to curate transporting adventures for its customers, the initiative will provide a new service to consumers. Instead of sending a digital message - be it through a text or an email - to a friend or family member when celebrating occasions or anniversaries such as birthdays, job promotions, and new career milestones, Budget Saudi will offer people the chance to reconnect with those closest to them and take part in special on-ground celebrations.

Participants will be personally driven by Azooz Bakr to surprise and celebrate with their loved ones, transforming virtual interactions into truly special occasions. Budget Saudi Arabia will handle all logistics, making the experience as smooth, seamless, and straightforward as possible, emphasizing that celebrating real-world connections can be just as simple as sending a virtual message - and much more rewarding.

Fawaz Abdullah Danish, President and Group CEO, Budget Saudi Arabia, said: "At Budget Saudi, we take great pride in KEEP MOVING people where they need to be. We understand that this is important -when bringing loved ones together to celebrate the moments and occasions that matter most to them. In doing this, we recognize that our work transcends simply enabling customers to move from point A to point B: the move that breaks the shackles of status quo to freedom of creativity and empowerment. It empowers people to enrich their lives by strengthening their bonds with those closest to them. No matter how far away they might be. 'Quit Screens to Scenes' was created to do precisely that, transforming people's personal celebrations and lives by bridging the gap between the virtual world and the real world."

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/77be71a6-1e02-44d1-a0e1-82ee22325b84
First podcast about the profession of pharmacy builds 70K+ listener market and network to expand client's brands, stories, and connections to pharmacy leaders.

RxPR, the first public relations and business development agency exclusively dedicated to the pharmacy profession, is officially launching on January 30, 2025. Founded by Todd Eury, a seasoned expert with over 20 years of experience in pharmacy business development, marketing, and social media strategy, RxPR aims to redefine how pharmacists and pharmacy businesses achieve recognition and growth in today's healthcare landscape.

RxPR's mission is clear: to empower pharmacists as leading healthcare providers and elevate the pharmacy profession as a cornerstone of patient care. Combining strategic business development expertise, cutting-edge marketing techniques, and deep insights into public policy, RxPR offers clients unparalleled opportunities for sustainable growth and success.

RxPR, LLC is the parent company which Pharmacy Podcast Network will be a special division serving the pharmacy profession. RxPR has formed special agreements and partnerships with Finch Marketing, Medika Life, Dispense Times Magazine, and Suite Works. Concentrating on building connections between pharmacy buying groups, software technology, trade associations, and other special collaborations, RxPR is prepared to elevate the brands and messaging of it's client's businesses.

A Vision for Pharmacy's Future

RxPR is more than just an agency-it is a movement to spotlight the essential role pharmacists play in modern healthcare. Through innovative campaigns and personalized strategies, RxPR will help clients navigate the complex market dynamics of the pharmacy sector, improve stakeholder engagement, and increase shareholder value.

Key Services Include:

Comprehensive PR and media relations to amplify brand stories.

Strategic business development and scalable growth solutions.

Expert-led marketing campaigns tailored to pharmacy audiences.

In-depth insights into public policy and advocacy strategies.

Dynamic social media content creation and distribution.

Strengthening Pharmacy Through Proven Experience, Networking, and Expertise

With the strength of the Pharmacy Podcast Network - the first and largest podcast network dedicated to pharmacy-RxPR leverages 15 years of digital content creation and distribution expertise. RxPR also collaborates with leading trade and advocacy associations, positioning clients at the forefront of industry innovation.

Todd Eury, founder and CEO of RxPR, shared his vision:

"Pharmacy is at a crossroads. With pharmacy deserts growing and healthcare dynamics shifting, we must amplify the voices of pharmacists and independent pharmacies. RxPR is uniquely positioned to deliver the messaging, strategies, and advocacy needed to help our clients thrive. This isn't just about business-it's about building a stronger healthcare system through pharmacy."

Follow RxPR's Journey

To stay up to date with RxPR's latest projects and insights into the pharmacy industry, follow them on Twitter at @RxPR25

About RxPR

RxPR is the first public relations and business development agency exclusively dedicated to the pharmacy profession. With an innovative approach to PR and marketing, RxPR is committed to advancing the success of pharmacists and pharmacy businesses. Through industry expertise, strategic campaigns, and impactful storytelling, RxPR empowers clients to lead the future of pharmacy.

Contact Information

Todd Eury

CEO

eury@rxpr.net

412-585-4001

RxPR.net

SOURCE: RxPR

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Maxuria, a Bay Area-based innovative online marketplace specializing in pre-owned luxury goods, is officially announcing its platform, offering global buyers unprecedented access to China's vast second-hand luxury market.

Founded in mid-2024 by Dr. Wenliang Zhang and Chong Zhang, Maxuria leverages cutting-edge technology and deep industry expertise to streamline authentication and export processes, ensuring seamless cross-border transactions.

With China's pre-owned luxury market estimated at $60 billion, international buyers have long faced barriers such as language constraints, complex customs regulations, and concerns over authenticity. Maxuria addresses these challenges with an end-to-end solution that facilitates secure and transparent transactions for luxury handbags, watches, and fine jewelry.

Founders with Proven Expertise

Dr. Wenliang Zhang, Co-Founder of Maxuria, brings over a decade of experience in the luxury resale industry. She is the owner of China's top-selling second-hand luxury store on RedNote, where she has cultivated a following of over 260,000 luxury shoppers. Her expertise in authentication, sourcing, and customer engagement has made her a trusted authority in the space. Co-founder Chong Zhang complements this expertise with a background in technology and e-commerce, having worked at a top-tier tech company and a leading e-commerce startup. Their combined experience has positioned Maxuria as a premier platform for international luxury resale.

Ensuring Authenticity with a Rigorous Multi-Layer Verification Process

Trust is the cornerstone of luxury resale, and Maxuria has implemented a robust four-layer authentication process to guarantee the legitimacy of every item sold:

In-House Authentication - A dedicated team of luxury experts meticulously verifies each product before listing.

Government-Approved Inspection - Items undergo mandatory certification by government-recognized authenticators to comply with Chinese customs regulations.

Third-Party Verification - Buyers can request additional authentication from industry-leading third-party services at no extra cost.

Lifetime Return Guarantee - Maxuria offers a lifetime return policy for counterfeit items, ensuring complete buyer confidence.

Revolutionizing Cross-Border Luxury Resale

Maxuria has forged key partnerships with Chinese customs and inspection agencies to simplify the export process of second-hand luxury goods, overcoming longstanding regulatory hurdles. The platform provides a legally compliant and efficient pathway for international buyers to source pre-owned luxury products from China without the need for direct travel.

"We've worked extensively to remove the complexities of international luxury sourcing," said Chong Zhang, Co-Founder of Maxuria. "By integrating authentication, export compliance, and seamless logistics, we're making China's luxury resale market accessible to buyers worldwide."

Expanding Access to Luxury Brands and Digital Innovation

Maxuria offers a meticulously curated selection of pre-owned luxury goods, featuring iconic brands such as Hermes, Chanel,Louis Vuitton, Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier, and Bulgari. The company continuously updates its inventory to ensure buyers have access to the latest arrivals.

Looking ahead, Maxuria is set to integrate advanced AI-powered shopping tools, including virtual try-ons and personalized recommendations. Additionally, the company is pioneering livestream luxury shopping for international audiences. "We've officially partnered with TikTok to launch pre-owned luxury live shopping, building on our success in China," said Dr. Wenliang Zhang, Co-Founder of Maxuria. "Our TikTok live sessions will debut in February 2025, bringing an interactive shopping experience to a global audience."

Strengthening Global Partnerships in Luxury Resale

Beyond individual buyers, Maxuria collaborates with luxury retailers, second-hand platforms, and procurement partners across the U.S., Europe, Japan, and the Middle East. By streamlining sourcing and authentication, Maxuria eliminates the need for physical visits to China, allowing businesses to source inventory digitally with full confidence.

"Maxuria has transformed how luxury goods are sourced from China," added Dr. Wenliang Zhang. "We're empowering global buyers and businesses with a secure, transparent, and technology-driven solution."

About Maxuria

Maxuria is a Bay Area-based online marketplace dedicated to unlocking China's second-hand luxury market for global buyers. Founded by industry veterans with expertise in luxury resale and e-commerce technology, Maxuria is committed to authenticity, innovation, and seamless cross-border transactions.

For more information, visit www.maxuria.com or contact info@maxuria.com

Media Contact

Organization: Maxuria

Contact Person Name: Chong Zhang

Website: https://www.maxuria.com/

Email: info@maxuria.com

City: San Francisco

State: CA

Country: United States

SOURCE: Maxuria

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2025) - Dryden Gold Corp. (TSXV: DRY) (OTCQB: DRYGF) ("Dryden Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results from the 2024 summer sampling and mapping campaign at the Gold Rock Camp. As part of its 2024 district-wide field program, the Company completed a detailed mapping and sampling campaign targeting the extension of the Gold Rock Camp structural trend to the northeast. Dryden Gold has completed a 3-D geophysical inversion, completed by Mira Geosciences, and employed outside consultants to identify the structural anomalies tested at Mud Lake.

Highlights:

Sampling program confirms mineralized trend extension two kilometers to the northeast from Dryden Gold's previous work programs (Figure 1, Figure 2).

Sampling program returned six samples over 5 g/t gold including 24.2 g/t gold, 9.54 g/t gold and 9.13 g/t gold (Table1).

Dryden Gold has submitted an Exploration Drill Permit for the northern extension of Elora and the Mud Lake Area.

"The extension of mineralization northeast from Elora and Big Master presents an excellent exploration opportunity for Dryden Gold. We are pleased to have six surface samples grading over 5 g/t gold on the northern extension at the Mud Lake Target. These excellent grades from our surface rock sampling program are foundational for planning additional fieldwork and future drill targets at Mud Lake" stated Maura J. Kolb, President of Dryden Gold. "We have now tested the geophysical anomalies identified in our Mira Geoscience study at Mud Lake, with additional untested anomalies on trend to the northeast. With the success we have seen using these geophysical anomalies at Hyndman and now on Mud Lake, we are excited to plan more field work exploring our other under-explored anomalies this year like the target further to the northeast on the Gold Rock Trend in Figure 2."

The Mud Lake target area is located two kilometers northeast of the Gold Rock Camp's Laurentian Mine (Figure 2). Sampling results confirm three distinct mineralized structures in the area, with the eastern structure yielding 24.20 g/t gold, the central structure 6.26 g/t gold, and the western structure 4.69 g/t gold. The strike length of the eastern structure is approximately one kilometer and remains open Dryden Gold was able to confirm historical gold showings and expand upon these with this campaign. Mineralization associated with the samples from Mud Lake is very similar to the styles observed by the Dryden Gold geology team at Gold Rock. Gold mineralization in quartz veins and gold mineralization associated with pyrite is very common for both areas. Detailed maps are being integrated with the newly acquired LiDAR data from the 2024 survey. A more detailed geological update will follow when the final interpretation is completed on the Gold Rock Area.

Figure 1: Gold Rock and Mud Lake Mineralized structures and new 2024 surface sample results over 1 g/t Au.



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Figure 2: Geophysical Anomalies on Gold Rock Trend

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The mapping and sampling program at Mud Lake was based on structural trends and the 3D magnetic susceptibility inversion and subsequent models generated by Mira Geoscience. The Mira study used the existing high resolution airborne magnetic survey then reprocessed the data to produce a 3D geological model of the Gold Rock Camp regional geology and 3D constrained magnetic susceptibility inversion. The Mira model identified several high priority exploration targets including known mineralization at historical mines and where historical drilling had been completed. The Mud Lake Area had historical gold showings, favourable geological features and geophysical anomalies making it a high priority for the 2024 campaign. During the 2024 field campaign, a total of 140 samples were collected in the Mud Lake area with seven surface samples returning strongly anomalous values (over the 95th percentile, 4.40 g/t gold), and 14 samples returning moderately anomalous (over the 90th percentile, 1.40 g/t gold). A total of 124 samples returned values under 1 g/t gold.

Table 1: Significant Gold Results (over 5 g/t) from Mud Lake Area - Gold Rock Camp

Sample ID UTM Easting UTM Northing Au (g/t) Description 483734 523,653 5,478,830 24.20 Strongly mineralized wall-rock; strong sericite, chlorite, calcite; pyrrhotite ~10% in foliation-parallel seams 483741 523,704 5,479,015 9.54 Sample of vein from trench; sugary vein, minor chlorite seams, no mineralization observed but slightly rusty 483750 523,150 5,478,281 9.13 Sample from ~5 cm wide, extreme mineralization halo on vein; intense sericite, strong ankerite alteration; pyrite 10% fine disseminated cubes 483739 523,671 5,478,966 6.79 Sample of sugary quartz vein; minor black quartz grains and chlorite seams; otherwise unmineralized 483733 523,653 5,478,830 6.38 Sample from spoil pile. The "Little Master North Shaft" type quartz vein; here ~10 cm wide, unusually sugary texture, with ~25% rusty wall-rock, internal seams of chlorite/sericite/pyrrhotite; strongly mineralized, ~5% pyrrhotite in vein & wall-rock 483718 523,355 5,478,762 6.26 Sample of massive basalt, altered wall-rock; intense ankerite and sericite, ~5% pyrite, ~50 cm north of the vein

Exploration Recommendations

The Company has submitted a drill permit for the Mud Lake Extension areas to continue to explore the northern extension of the Gold Rock Camp (Elora and Big Master). The fieldwork results confirm locations and styles of mineralization in the area, further strengthening the understanding of the target. This is the second area with significant surface sample results based on the geophysical studies completed by Dryden Gold and Mire Geoscience. Dryden Gold's geology team is working on preparing data for further geophysical studies to refine exploration targeting on the property. As the remaining 2024 results are returned and the final interpretations are completed the geology team will finalize the 2025 summer field campaign.

Qualified Person

The technical disclosure in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Maura J. Kolb, M.Sc., P.Geo., President of Dryden Gold and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 of the Canadian Securities Administrators.

Analytical Laboratory and QA/QC Procedures

All sampling completed by Dryden Gold Corp. within its exploration programs is subject to a Company standard of internal quality control and quality assurance (QA/QC) programs which include the insertion of certified reference materials, blank materials, and a level of duplicate analysis. Field samples from the 2024 program were sent to Activation Laboratories, with sample preparation and analysis in Dryden, where they were processed for gold analysis by 50-gram fire assay with an atomic absorption finish and over limits determined by Fire Assay with a gravimetric finish. Activation Laboratories systems conform to requirements of ISO/IEC Standard 17025 guidelines and meets assay requirements outlined for NI 43-101.

ABOUT DRYDEN GOLD CORP.

Dryden Gold Corp. is an exploration company focused on the discovery of high-grade gold mineralization listed on the TSX Venture Exchange ("DRY") and on the OTCQB marketplace ("DRYGF"). The Company has a strong management team and Board of Directors comprised of experienced individuals with a track record of building shareholder value through property acquisition and consolidation, exploration success, and mergers and acquisitions. Dryden Gold controls a 100% interest in a dominant strategic land position in the Dryden District of Northwestern Ontario. Dryden Gold's property package includes historic gold mines but has seen limited modern exploration. The property hosts high-grade gold mineralization over 50km of potential strike length along the Manitou-Dinorwic deformation zone. The property has excellent infrastructure, enjoys collaborative relationships with First Nations communities and benefits from proximity to an experienced mining workforce.

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.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the acquisition of the Property, receipt of corporate and regulatory approvals, issuance of common shares; future development plans; future acquisitions; exploration programs; and the business and operations of Dryden Gold. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or 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." Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; risks related to the outcome of legal proceedings; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings including receipt of TSX Venture Exchange approval for the acquisition of the Property; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in Dryden Gold's and the Company's disclosure record. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward--looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and Dryden Gold and the Company do not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Actual events or results could differ materially from Dryden Gold's and the Company's expectations or projections.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/238926

SOURCE: Dryden Gold Corp.
TORONTO, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kinectrics and Isotopia have announced a groundbreaking agreement under which Kinectrics will provide Isotopia with a reliable supply of Gadolinium-160 (Gd-160). This critical isotope will enable Isotopia's production of Terbium-161 (Tb-161), a medical isotope showing great promise and superiority for use in radiotherapeutics, including therapies targeting prostate and neuroendocrine tumors.

This partnership represents a significant step forward in addressing the limited access to Gd-160, a barrier that has long restricted the advancement of Tb-161-based treatments into clinical trials. Kinectrics' brings proven expertise in isotope enrichment for Ytterbium-176 (Yb-176) and now is leveraging that technology to bring forward Gd-160. Isotopia has consistently produced high-quality, commercial-scale quantities of Lu-177 and for the last two years produced Tb-161 on a weekly basis for its own clinical trial. With access to Gd-160 secured, this agreement is expected to accelerate the development of Tb-161-based radiotherapeutics, moving them one step closer to commercial availability.

David Harris, President and CEO of Kinectrics, expressed his excitement about the new agreement: "We are extremely pleased to partner with Isotopia in providing the critical isotope Gadolinium-160 to support their production of Terbium-161. After years of research and development as well as significant investment, Kinectrics is proud to be producing highly enriched stable isotopes for the radiopharmaceutical industry. This agreement removes a key bottleneck to advancing Tb-161-based therapies, and we look forward to contributing to the progression of these treatments into late-stage clinical trials."

Dr. Eli Shalom, CEO of Isotopia, had this to say about this long-term partnership: "Terbium-161 has long been considered a promising radioactive isotope for targeted cancer therapy, as it has two different mechanisms for cancer cell destruction.

Tb-161 offers a potential advantage over Lu-177 due to its emission of Auger electrons, which are highly effective in targeting micro-metastases by causing double-strand DNA breaks. This mechanism may deliver precise therapeutic benefits while reducing side effects compared to alpha-emitting isotopes.

We are excited about this partnership with Kinectrics, as it will enable Isotopia to deliver on its promise to bring Tb-161 to the marketplace and allow us to advance our own Tb-161-labeled drug products.

Radiotherapeutics are gaining increasing attention in the medical community due to their ability to deliver highly targeted treatment to cancer cells while minimizing collateral damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

About Kinectrics

Kinectrics?is a category leader in providing lifecycle management services for the electricity industry. Trusted by clients worldwide, our expertise in engineering, testing, inspection, and certification is backed by our independent laboratory and testing facilities, a diverse fleet of field inspection equipment and an award-winning team of over 1,300 engineers and technical experts. From initial design and type testing to operational deployment and maintenance services, Kinectrics collaborates closely with customers to ensure that utility assets perform safely, reliably, and efficiently throughout their entire lifecycle. Kinectrics is a founding member of the Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII) and the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC).

About Isotopia

Isotopia Molecular Imaging Ltd. is a leader in the supply of Lu-177 and Tb-161, with a global manufacturing footprint in Israel, Europe, and the United States. Its development team includes nuclear pharmacists, radiochemists, nuclear engineers, and physicists. Combined with its nuclear pharmacy, cyclotron facility, 177Lu / 161 Tb production sites, and sterile manufacturing plant, Isotopia provides a well-established platform for manufacturing and industry collaborations. Isotopia's collaborations with the scientific and medical communities allow it to further develop and experiment with new markers for imaging applications and molecular therapy.

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Contact:

eshalom@isotopia-global.com

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Telefonica Tech to integrate IBM quantum safe technology into its cybersecurity services to create specific use cases aimed at addressing new and future risks associated with the advancement of cryptographically relevant quantum computers.

The agreement includes deployment of IBM's quantum-safe technology infrastructure at Telefonica Tech's headquarters in Madrid (Spain) to promote business development aimed at cyber resiliency and agility against vulnerabilities arising from the development of future cryptographically relevant quantum computers.

MADRID, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Telefonica Tech , the digital business unit of the Spanish telecommunications group Telefonica, and IBM (NYSE: IBM), a pioneer in quantum-safe cryptography, today announced a collaboration agreement to develop and deliver security solutions that address security challenges posed by future cryptographically relevant quantum computers.

The advent of quantum computing will allow for more advanced calculations, but it also brings with it a critical challenge: ensuring data security in a future where traditional encryption algorithms could become vulnerable. Additionally, while a cryptographically relevant quantum computer is not yet available, data may already be vulnerable to harvesting by cybercriminals for future decryption.

IBM has developed quantum safe-focused enterprise software and research-driven assets for a holistic solution to anticipated quantum risks. IBM Guardium Quantum Safe, part of the broader IBM Guardium Data Security Center, helps organizations gain visibility and manage cryptography to address vulnerabilities, guide prioritization and remediation, and improve security posture. It also includes IBM Guardium Key Lifecycle Manager, which provides centralized, secured, and scalable encryption key management.

Complementing these are IBM Quantum Safe Explorer and IBM Quantum Safe Remediator, technology assets for discovering cryptographic vulnerabilities in code, testing quantum safe algorithm performance, and establishing quantum safe proxies.

Pursuant to this agreement, the two companies will work together to combine IBM's quantum-safe technology with Telefonica Tech's experience in providing managed and professional cybersecurity services with the aim to create solutions that provide security to companies and public administrations against the new and future security risks of a post-quantum world.

The solutions being discussed will be specifically designed to help protect organizations' critical data from the risk of being decrypted by quantum computers by implementing new quantum-safe cryptography standards defined by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). IBM has co-developed two of the three algorithms that have been published as post-quantum cryptography standards, contributing to data protection in the quantum era.

Raquel Ruiz Lozano, Global Head of Strategic Partnerships for Telefonica Tech, states: "Quantum computing offers incredible opportunities, but it could also pose a significant challenge in terms of cybersecurity. This collaboration agreement with IBM allows us to continue to help address the potential risks of the post-quantum world, thanks to its IBM's quantum safe technology, and to offer our clients solutions to help protect their critical data and face this transformation with security and confidence."

Adolfo Hernandez Pulido, Technology Managing Director for Telefonica at IBM, highlights: "It is critical for organizations to begin evaluating their cryptography and planning a transition to quantum-safe standards. At IBM, we are proud not only to have had a hand in the development of new post-quantum cryptography algorithms, but also to be leading the way with new quantum-safe technologies and services. We are thrilled to sign this collaboration agreement with Telefonica Tech focused on quantum safe technology."

The prospective integration of IBM's quantum-safe technologies into Telefonica Tech's portfolio of services is being engineered to enhance the proactive risk assessments capable of being carried out by Telefonica Tech's operations professionals with the aim of helping organizations identify and address cryptography vulnerabilities in their infrastructures.

Concordant with this agreement, Telefonica Tech would also assist organizations in their transition to new cryptographic standards, protocols or algorithms to ensure resilience and agility against cybersecurity risks posed by quantum computing, and the transition to new quantum-safe encryption technologies.

The agreement also contemplates the creation of a joint use case office, focused on key areas such as communications encryption, adaptation to new secure algorithms, and the protection of critical environments.

In this context, IBM's infrastructure has already been deployed at Telefonica's headquarters, located in Distrito Telefonica (Madrid, Spain), to promote business development. This infrastructure is composed of elements specifically designed to promote a secure and resilient environment against the threats of the post-quantum world.

These include an IBM LinuxONE system, which is secured with end-to-end encryption including new quantum-safe cryptography; IBM Storage technology; and other advanced tools for protecting master and operational keys.

About Telefonica Tech

Telefonica Tech is the leading company in digital transformation. The company offers a wide range of services and integrated technological solutions for Cyber Security, Cloud, IoT, Big Data, AI and Blockchain. For more information, please visit: https://telefonicatech.com/en

About IBM

IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud, artificial intelligence, and consulting expertise. We help clients in over 175 countries harness insights from their data, optimize business processes, reduce costs and gain a competitive advantage in their industries. More than 4,000 government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on the IBM hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to achieve their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM's breakthrough innovations in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting offer open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM's long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, accountability, inclusion and service. Visit www.ibm.com for more information.

Contact:

IBM

Willa Hahn

Willa.Hahn@ibm.com

Telefonica, S.A.

Direccion de Comunicacion Corporativa

email: prensatelefonica@telefonica.com

telefonica.com/es/sala-comunicacion

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LONDON, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- LifeArc Ventures, which invests in innovative early-stage life science companies as part of LifeArc, today announced substantial progress in 2024, with three new investments, several follow-on investments, and scientific advances by a number of its portfolio companies.

Clare Terlouw, Head of LifeArc Ventures, said: "This has been a busy and productive year as LifeArc Ventures continued to generate deal flow, creatively deploy capital and execute a bold growth strategy. Our portfolio now includes 17 companies focused on scientific innovation, each with the potential to significantly improve outcomes for patients. We added three new companies to the portfolio demonstrating our capacity to identify, fund and support highly promising innovation and to work in partnership with other life sciences venture investors.

"We continue to see strong opportunities to invest in life sciences companies in the UK and globally, and we look forward to helping our companies grow, and continuing to invest in new companies in 2025."

Expanding the portfolio in therapeutics and medtech

LifeArc Ventures' portfolio continued to grow in 2024, including investing in Fluid Biomed Inc's oversubscribed Series A and two stealth therapeutics investments.

Fluid Biomed Inc. is a clinical-stage medical device company based in Canada advancing the first hybrid polymer-metal stent to treat brain aneurysms. LifeArc Ventures invested in Fluid Biomed's US$27 million Series A equity financing which closed in December alongside Amplitude Ventures, IAG Capital Partners, ShangBay Capital, METIS Innovative and an undisclosed industry leader.

LifeArc Ventures also invested in the financing of two stealth companies - a UK-US company leveraging AI for target discovery and drug development, with an initial emphasis on immunology and fibrosis; and a US-based company developing therapeutics for autoimmune disorders.

Cytospire Therapeutics emerged from stealth in 2024. LifeArc Ventures invested in the UK-based company, working alongside Abingworth & 4BIO Capital, in 2023. Cytospire is developing an innovative portfolio of differentiated multispecific engager antibodies to safely target and stimulate the activity of the innate and adaptive immune system.

Targeted follow-on investments

LifeArc Ventures participated in multiple follow-on investment rounds including Ikarovec's successful seed funding round and Affect Therapeutics. Ikarovec is advancing the novel gene therapy programme IKC159V towards clinical trials in geographic atrophy (GA), a cause of sight loss in millions of people which is often a precursor to wet age-related macular degeneration. Affect Therapeutics has developed a digital-first substance use disorder treatment platform. Their scientifically proven programmes support the full recovery journey through care counselling and biological testing with contingency management, providing financial incentives for harm reduction behaviours.

Portfolio progress led by AviadoBio & RQ Bio

AviadoBio announced an exclusive option and license agreement with Astellas for its gene therapy AVB-101 targeting frontotemporal dementia and other indications. AviadoBio is eligible to receive up to $2.18 billion in license fees and milestone payments, plus royalties, if Astellas exercises its option. A Phase 1/2 clinical trial of AVB-101 is underway in the U.S. and Europe.

Kavigale (sipavibart; AZD3152), a monoclonal antibody discovered by RQ Biotechnology and licensed to AstraZeneca in 2022, received a positive CHMP opinion for prevention of COVID 19 in immunocompromised individuals. The advance from discovery to a positive CHMP opinion in three years illustrates the speed with which long-acting monoclonal antibodies can be developed as a drug class to protect vulnerable populations against serious viral diseases. The decision further validates RQ Bio's antiviral drug discovery expertise and model for early partnership with the pharmaceutical industry.

Closed Loop Medicine announced a strategic partnership with Teva UK to investigate opportunities to leverage Closed Loop's proprietary software as a medical device (SaMD) technology platform in the creation of personalised medicines. The goal is to improve drug efficacy and outcomes for patients with specific chronic disorders by combining dose-optimised drug therapy with digital care.

Maxion Therapeutics appointed Dr Arndt Schottelius (previously at Affimed, Kymab, MorphoSys and Genentech) as its CEO with the company aiming to develop antibody-based drugs for previously untreatable ion channel- and GPCR-driven diseases.

In the US, Ozlo Sleep, a science-driven sleep and audio technology company, launched Ozlo Sleepbuds, revolutionary earbuds designed specifically for sleep. Ozlo Sleepbuds have been named a 2025 CES Innovation Awards Honoree.

Earlier this month, Pheno Therapeutics announced receipt of clinical trial authorisation in the UK for its lead multiple sclerosis (MS) therapeutic candidate PTD802, the first ever clinical trial involving a GPR17 (G protein-coupled receptor 17) antagonist. PTD802 is a novel small molecule therapeutic designed to promote remyelination. Developed under an exclusive worldwide licence agreement with UCB, the programme is targeted toward treatment of neurological diseases with high unmet medical need, with an initial focus on MS.

Last week, our portfolio company Surgery Hero, a UK-based innovator in prehabilitation digital health, announced its acquisition by Sword Health, a global leader in AI-powered care based in the US. The acquisition marks a new chapter for Surgery Hero, with its expertise in surgery prehabilitation combining with Sword's innovative AI Care platform to bring better health outcomes to patients in the UK and internationally.

Contacts:

LifeArc

Clare Terlouw

ventures@lifearc.org

Mo PR Advisory

Mo Noonan / Jonathan Birt

Tel: +44 (0) 7876 444977 / 07860 361746

Notes to Editors:

About LifeArc

LifeArc is a self-funded medical research charity with more than 25 years of translating early science into health care treatment including a diagnostic for antibiotic resistance and five licensed medicines. Our model is built on collaboration, and through our LifeArc Ventures team, we invest in Seed and Series A stage companies with significant follow-on investment reserved for successful portfolio companies. Our ventures approach focuses on investing in novel translational science and technology with a dual goal of generating financial returns to the charity and positive impact for patients.

Find out more on www.lifearc.org / https://lifearcventures.com or follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter (@LifeArcVentures).

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Info-Tech Research Group, a global research and advisory firm, has announced that its hit conference, Info-Tech LIVE, a globally renowned IT event for CIOs and IT leaders, will make its European debut in Barcelona on October 21-22, 2025. Info-Tech LIVE is renowned for offering exclusive insights, networking opportunities, and engagement with leading industry analysts and experts. This is the first time it will be hosted for IT professionals in the EMEA region.

LONDON, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Info-Tech Research Group, a global leader in IT research and advisory, has announced the expansion of its flagship Info-Tech LIVE conference series to Europe. The highly anticipated event, Info-Tech LIVE in Barcelona, will take place on October 21-22, 2025, at the SLS Barcelona in the vibrant city of Barcelona, Spain. This new European addition builds on the success of Info-Tech LIVE events in North America and the recent announcement of expansion into the APAC region. The event will be a gathering of CIOs and IT leaders across the EMEA region to connect with one another, collaborate, and access actionable insights from industry experts, including Info-Tech's analyst roster.

Attendees can look forward to a dynamic program that includes engaging mainstage keynotes from industry leaders, technical keynotes exploring cutting-edge technologies, collaborative roundtables and panels on pressing IT challenges, and exclusive one-on-one analyst engagements offering tailored guidance and insights. The two-day conference is designed to empower EMEA IT leaders to navigate the rapidly evolving technology landscape and deliver transformative outcomes for their organisations.

'It is a noteworthy development that Info-Tech will be expanding its prestigious Info-Tech LIVE conference to Barcelona this October. Our clients have long awaited a European event, and this conference will provide an unparalleled opportunity for CIOs across the EMEA region to network and engage directly with our esteemed analyst community,' says Nigel Bowles, Vice President, Info-Tech Research Group, UK. 'This initiative is a testament to our continued investment in delivering localised support, services, and events to our EMEA-based clients, ensuring they have access to the resources necessary to drive change at their organisations.'

Building on the success of previous LIVE events, Info-Tech LIVE 2025 in Barcelona will serve as a platform for regional IT leaders to gain expert guidance on critical priorities, exchange ideas with peers, and explore the latest trends shaping the future of IT. From tackling cybersecurity challenges to leveraging emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing, attendees will be equipped with practical strategies to address the complex and anticipated IT demands of 2025 and beyond.

As Info-Tech's footprint grows globally, the firm remains committed to delivering localised experiences that resonate with its diverse client base. In addition to Barcelona, the firm is hosting multiple LIVE conferences in other regions this year, including Info-Tech LIVE in Las Vegas, September 17-19, 2025, and Info-Tech LIVE in Australia, November 11-12, 2025, ensuring IT leaders worldwide have access to unparalleled opportunities for learning, networking, and innovation.

Info-Tech LIVE events, including LIVE in Barcelona, offer participants a unique opportunity to connect with IT decision-makers and explore the latest trends in technology and business innovation. Journalists, podcasters, and influencers will have access to exclusive content, research, and interviews with industry leaders.

For more information about the event, please visit Info-Tech's LIVE media kit page. Media professionals looking to apply for media passes for LIVE in Barcelona can contact pr@infotech.com.

Further details on the event theme, keynote speakers, and registration will be announced in the coming months. Follow Info-Tech Research Group on LinkedIn and X for updates.

About Info-Tech Research Group

Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world's leading research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 IT and HR professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organisations.

To learn more about Info-Tech's divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software-buying insights.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm's Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com .

Media Contact: Sufyan Al-Hassan, Senior PR Manager, Info-Tech Research Group, salhassan@infotech.com, +1 (888) 670-8889 x2418

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HIGHLIGHTS:

5.0m grading 9.69 g/t gold

4.3m grading 9.87 g/t gold

15.0m grading 2.54 g/t gold

11.65m grading 1.86 g/t gold

11.6m grading 1.72 g/t gold

21.6m grading 0.77 g/t gold

Continued success from assay results from shallow drilling in areas considered to be waste within the Creston Pit Expansion

Higher Grade intercepts demonstrate underground potential beyond the current open pit

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2025) - Heliostar Metals Ltd. (TSXV: HSTR) (OTCQX: HSTXF) (FSE: RGG1) ("Heliostar" or the "Company") is pleased to announce additional results from a 12,500-metre drilling program at the La Colorada Mine in Sonora, Mexico. La Colorada restarted production in early January 2025, and the current drill program is intended to expand the mineral reserves ahead of a Feasibility Study and expansion decision planned for mid-2025.

Heliostar CEO, Charles Funk, commented, "At La Colorada, we are seeing the combined benefit of gold production at record prices and growth from the first significant investment into the project in many years. Our aggressive five-rig drill program is designed to increase the reserves of the Creston pit. Success to date in the shallow part of the pit could lower the upfront capital costs presented in the January 13th Technical Report. The Company will use the results of this drill program to finalize a Feasibility Study in mid-2025 and then make an expansion decision on La Colorada to 50,000-100,000 ounces per year of annual production. We are also hitting high grades and widths and deeper intercepts could drive underground mining optionality beyond the open pit. We will further test this target with additional drilling in this current drill program."

Drill Results Summary

Mineralization at La Colorada's Creston Pit is predominantly hosted in three veins: the North, Intermediate and South Veins (Figure 1). These veins trend northeast-southwest to east-west, dip northward and are surrounded by halos of smaller mineralized vein zones. The Creston Pit has historically mined oxide gold and silver from all three of these veins. A current Mineral Reserves of 312,000 ounces of gold grading 0.76 grams per tonne (g/t) gold and 10.1 g/t silver is defined at the Creston Pit1.

Reviewing the expansion potential revealed two opportunities for reserve growth: near surface extensions of known veins where little or no drilling had been completed and upgrading and expanding mineralization beneath the pit. Both opportunities were defined using historical drilling, blasthole data, mining shapes, and the geological model.

High-density blast hole data strongly emphasizes the potential for a continuation of veins at shallow depth, defining elevated gold grades that continue to the edge of the pit walls where they remain open for expansion (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Plan view of the Creston Pit showing historic drilling, blast hole samples and Heliostar drillholes. Selected intercepts are labelled.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7729/238940_54a65b22c4f31a5e_003full.jpg

Figure 2: Cross-section view of the eastern end of the Creston Pit highlighting the lack of previous drilling beyond the pit boundary. The section shows historic drilling, new Heliostar drillhole results and pit boundary for pit expansion.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7729/238940_54a65b22c4f31a5e_004full.jpg

Forty-seven holes have been completed in the program to date, with results reported for twenty-three new holes in this release. A total of 6,452 metres have been completed to date in the program. The majority of the new drill holes targeted shallow extensions of the North, Intermediate and South Veins in areas considered to be waste in the reserve estimate of the current Technical Report. Additionally, today's results include deeper holes beneath the current pit. These holes target the growth of reserves deeper within the planned pit expansion. They aim to add ounces to the overall El Creston resources and reserves.

The results show narrow to wide, low to high-grade oxide gold intercepts. They consistently return intercepts above the 0.16 g/t gold cutoff grade of reserves within the Creston pit. The results suggest that areas of waste could be converted to ore in an updated reserve model.

High-grade intercepts deeper in the pit indicate the potential for mineralization that may be amenable to underground mining beyond the current pit boundary. The Company will follow-up on these results to assess the potential to extend mine life with mineralization amenable to underground mining beneath and to the west of the Creston Pit.

Next Steps

Results from the current drill program will be incorporated into a resource model and support a reserve update to be published with a Feasibility Study in mid-2025.

Should the drilling define a material volume of gold mineralization, this program has the potential to reduce the overall strip ratio of the Creston pit expansion, which could result in a reduction in up-front capital requirements for the restart and improve the economics of the Feasibility Study. This study will be the basis of a decision for the expansion of production at La Colorada in mid-2025.

The Company anticipates additional drilling results from the current program will be released in Q1 and Q2, 2025.

La Colorada Mineral Reserves Statement

Classification Zone AuEq Cut-off (g/t) Tonnes (kt) Gold Grade

(g/t Au) Silver Grade (g/t Ag) Contained Gold

(koz) Contained Silver

(koz) Probable El Creston 0.160 12,841 0.76 10.1 312 4,181 Veta Madre 0.175 1,905 0.70 3.1 43 189 La Chatarrera 0.164 3,413 0.20 6.4 22 704 Total 18,159 0.65 8.69 377 5,074

1 La Colorada Operations, Sonora, Mexico, NI 43-101 Technical Report (the "Report") is dated January 11, 2024, has an effective date of December 4, 2024

Drilling Results Table

HoleID From

(metres) To

(metres) Interval

(metres) Au

(g/t) Ag

(g/t) % True

Width Comment 24-LCDD-238 342.4 354.0 11.6 1.72 3.7 89 Intermediate Vein 24-LCDD-239 No significant intervals 24-LCDD-240 157.0 177.05 20.05 0.38 3.3 72 South Vein 24-LCDD-241 81.25 86.0 4.75 0.49 158 93 South Vein 24-LCDD-242 96.9 99.5 2.60 3.07 3.7 55 South Vein 24-LCDD-243 98.2 101.35 3.15 0.19 20.3 94 South Vein 24-LCDD-244 151.8 158.7 6.90 2.38 9.8 97 North Vein and 179.2 183.5 4.30 9.87 6.8 98 Intermediate Vein 179.2 183.5 4.30 8.88 6.8 98 Top-cut to 23 g/t gold 24-LCDD-245 13.45 17.25 3.80 6.28 4.3 100 South Vein 13.45 17.25 3.80 3.95 4.3 100 Top-cut to 23 g/t gold 24-LCDD-246 63.95 76.85 12.9 0.39 46.4 93 South Vein 24-LCDD-247 64.0 67.0 3.00 0.24 5.0 80 South Vein 24-LCDD-248 66.85 73.8 6.95 0.18 1.0 27 South Vein and 98.5 103 4.50 0.66 3.1 9 South Vein 24-LCDD-249 55.0 61.55 6.55 0.44 39.0 82 South Vein 24-LCDD-250 16.35 22.2 5.85 0.16 3.8 97 Intermediate Vein and 45.85 53.0 7.15 0.22 4.0 97 South Vein 24-LCDD-251 263.4 285 21.6 0.77 9.0 93 North Vein and 439.35 454.35 15.0 2.54 7.5 89 Intermediate Vein and 492.45 528.45 36.0 0.35 2.8 99 South Vein 24-LCDD-252 No significant intervals 24-LCDD-253 14.5 21.65 7.15 0.22 1.0 94 Intermediate Vein and 31.0 56.8 25.8 0.35 4.4 100 South Vein 24-LCDD-254 35.0 43.25 8.25 0.49 9.7 90 Intermediate Vein and 59.0 64.0 5.00 9.69 62.0 81 Intermediate Vein 59.0 64.0 5.00 2.89 62.0 81 Top-cut to 23 g/t gold and 104.45 128 23.55 0.53 8.3 62 Intermediate Vein 24-LCDD-255 30.6 39.25 8.65 0.28 3.1 91 South Vein and 50.5 53.05 2.55 0.31 1.4 98 South Vein 24-LCDD-256 110.95 112.65 1.70 0.64 5.7 76 South Vein 24-LCDD-257 198.45 209.5 11.05 1.07 23.3 74 North Vein 24-LCDD-258 11.0 24.0 13.0 0.28 4.0 72 Intermediate Vein and 43.25 54.9 11.65 1.86 5.5 71 South Vein 24-LCDD-259 28.95 34.4 5.45 0.47 5.2 23 South Vein and 104.15 116.5 12.35 0.93 6.3 61 South Vein 24-LCDD-260 No significant intervals 24-LCDD-261 No significant intervals

Table 1: Significant Drill Intersections. Holes 24-LCDD-239 and 24-LCDD-241 have been previously reported.

Drilling Coordinates Table

Hole ID Northing

(NAD27 CONUS

Zone 12N) Easting

(NAD27 CONUS

Zone 12N) Elevation

(metres) Azimuth

() Inclination

() Length

(metres) 24-LCDD-242 3185533 542700 396.5 000 -49 141.7 24-LCDD-243 3185622 542106 451.7 152 -48 147.4 24-LCDD-244 3185955 542999 469.0 180 -41 267.75 24-LCDD-245 3185692 542986 411.7 210 -60 100.65 24-LCDD-246 3185649 542215 376.4 180 -50 95.4 24-LCDD-247 3185704 542990 411.9 210 -75 80.0 24-LCDD-248 3185616 542950 411.8 000 -43 107.85 24-LCDD-249 3185629 542198 378.0 192 -57 109.2 24-LCDD-250 3185664 542700 271.6 180 -0 119.0 24-LCDD-251 3186089 542750 472.4 180 -53 551.65 24-LCDD-252 3185739 543075 438.5 180 -40 89.7 24-LCDD-253 3185666 542665 266.1 180 -29 84.45 24-LCDD-254 3185849 542700 238.8 180 -66 217.15 24-LCDD-255 3185691 542775 278.6 180 -10 75.95 24-LCDD-256 3185467 542672 406.2 355 -50 164.45 24-LCDD-257 3185911 542415 343.0 180 -58 278.45 24-LCDD-258 3185691 542775 279.6 180 -15 78.3 24-LCDD-259 3185529 542725 396.3 000 -41 132.45 24-LCDD-260 3185686 542750 276.6 180 -7 81.75 24-LCDD-261 3185717 543050 437.5 180 -40 52.45 24-LCDD-262 3185676 542725 273.8 180 -15 98.25 24-LCDD-263 3185570 542775 389.8 000 -42 47.25 24-LCDD-264 3185834 542291 356.6 180 -51 279.95

Table 2: Drill Hole Details

Quality Assurance / Quality Control

Core samples were shipped to ALS Limited in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, for sample preparation and for analysis at the ALS laboratory in North Vancouver. The Hermosillo and North Vancouver ALS facilities are ISO/IEC 17025 certified. Gold was assayed by 30-gram fire assay with atomic absorption spectroscopy finish and overlimits were analysed by 30-gram fire assay with gravimetric finish.

Control samples comprising certified reference and blank samples were systematically inserted into the sample stream and analyzed as part of the Company's quality assurance / quality control protocol.

Statement of Qualified Person

Gregg Bush, P.Eng. and Stewart Harris, P.Geo., the Company's Qualified Persons, as such term is defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, have reviewed the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for this news release and has approved the disclosure herein. Mr. Bush is employed as Chief Operating Officer of the Company and Mr. Harris is employed as Exploration Manager of the Company.

Technical Report Reference

1 La Colorada Operations, Sonora, Mexico, NI 43-101 Technical Report (the "Report") is dated January 11, 2024, has an effective date of December 4, 2024, and was prepared for Heliostar Metals Inc. by Mr. Todd Wakefield, RM SME, Mr. David Thomas, P.Geo., Mr. Jeffrey Choquette, P.E., Mr. Carl Defilippi, RM SME, and Ms. Dawn Garcia, CPG. The Report can be found under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and on Heliostar's website (www.heliostarmetals.com).

About Heliostar Metals Ltd.

Heliostar is a gold producer with production from operating mines in Mexico. This includes the La Colorada Mine in Sonora and San Agustin Mine in Durango. The Company also has a strong portfolio of development projects in Mexico and the USA. These include the Ana Paula project in Guerrero, the Cerro del Gallo project in Guanajuato, the San Antonio project in Baja Sur and the Unga project in Alaska, USA.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target", "plan", "forecast", "may", "would", "could", "schedule" and similar words or expressions, identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information relate to, among other things, Continued success from assay results from shallow drilling in areas considered to be waste within the Creston Pit Expansion, Higher Grade intercepts demonstrate underground potential beyond the current open pit, the benefit of gold production at record prices, growth from the first significant investment into the project in many years, success to date in the shallow part of the pit could lower the upfront capital costs presented in the January 13th Technical Report, the Company will use the results of this drill program to finalize a Feasibility Study in mid-2025 and then make a decision to expand La Colorada to 50,000-100,000 ounces per year of annual production, hitting high grades and widths deeper intercepts could drive underground mining optionality beyond the open pit.

Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information relating to the terms and completion of the Facility, any future mineral production, liquidity, and future exploration plans are based on management's reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions, which are based on management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the receipt of necessary approvals, price of metals; no escalation in the severity of public health crises or ongoing military conflicts; costs of exploration and development; the estimated costs of development of exploration projects; and the Company's ability to operate in a safe and effective manner and its ability to obtain financing on reasonable terms.

These statements reflect the Company's respective current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of other assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political, and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: precious metals price volatility; risks associated with the conduct of the Company's mining activities in foreign jurisdictions; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to reliance on the Company's management team and outside contractors; risks regarding exploration and mining activities; the Company's inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects, including the inaccuracy of reserves and resources, metallurgical recoveries and capital and operating costs of such projects; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; the ability of the communities in which the Company operates to manage and cope with the implications of public health crises; the economic and financial implications of public health crises, ongoing military conflicts and general economic factors to the Company; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; the Company's interactions with surrounding communities; the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; the speculative nature of exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; and the factors identified under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's public disclosure documents. Readers are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/238940

SOURCE: Heliostar Metals Ltd.
Research indicates continued global innovation, with semiconductors leading the way

BOSTON, Jan. 30, 2025, the leading provider of innovation and intellectual property (IP) management technology solutions and services, today released its annual analysis of USPTO data using its AcclaimIP patent analytics software, which found that patent grants increased by nearly 6% to 368,597 over the past 12 months.

"The increase in global patent activity points to an encouraging sign of companies' continued investment in emerging technologies," said Bob Romeo, CEO of Anaqua. "Our market leading AcclaimIP solution helps clients search over 165 million patents helping them to analyze IP in order to determine patentability and assess the competitive patent landscape. We're proud to support the world's most innovative companies in making better decisions about their business."

Most Innovative Companies

With 10,427 granted patents, Samsung Electronics continues to lead the most innovative companies list, with growth areas including multi-device organic light emitting solid state devices, electric data processing interface arrangements, and plural common substrate semiconductor arrangements.

The other top five most innovative companies include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) with 4,127 granted patents, LG Corp with 3,987, Qualcomm with 3,474, and Apple with 3,437 granted patents.

Apple's focus on multi-use digital information transmission path technology, wireless communication local resource management, and other wireless-related innovations led to its entry into the top five list.

Most Innovative Countries

U.S.-based companies continue to lead all countries globally in the total number of granted U.S. patents at 157,955, despite an almost 3% decrease from the previous 12-month period. The USPTO analysis found that APAC-based countries continue to be well represented in the top five including Japan, followed by China, and South Korea. Germany, in fifth place, led European countries.

Top Innovation Areas

Based on the most granted patents, the top technology fields include semiconductor technology, artificial intelligence (AI), medical-related patents, 5G, and virtual reality (VR). The rest of the top ten list includes program control units, unauthorized user detection technologies, chemical-related technologies, wireless, and electric vehicles.

Global semiconductor innovation led to the sector's third year of growth in overall patent grant volume, up from 49,831 in 2021 to 67,118 in 2024. The top companies contributing to this increase with the most U.S. granted patents include Samsung Electronics, TSMC, Intel, BOE, and LG Corp.

AI patent grants grew in overall volume for the fourth year - increasing from 34,544 in 2020 to 54,022 in 2024 - with innovations in biological-related AI, machine learning AI, image or voice recognition AI, scene-specific elements of image/video AI, and general image analysis.

"Our annual patent report serves as a benchmark to monitor and track evolving trends in patent activity from the largest global organizations and emerging technology areas," said Shayne Phillips, Director of Analytics Solutions at Anaqua. "Increases in semiconductor and AI granted patents in particular signal a healthy invention ecosystem that spans industries."

Download Anaqua's infographic to review the full data here . To learn more about Anaqua's AcclaimIP solution, visit acclaimip.com .

Methodology

The data for this report was analyzed by Anaqua's AcclaimIP system , a patent search and analytics software tool leveraging public patent information from the USPTO. The metric used to determine innovative organizations is patent applications published and granted applications over a 12-month period between December 1, 2023 and November 30, 2024.

About Anaqua

Anaqua, Inc. is a premier provider of integrated intellectual property, or on Anaqua's?LinkedIn .
Faraday Copper Corp. ("Faraday" or the "Company") (TSX:FDY)(OTCQX:CPPKF) is pleased to announce the results of six drill holes from its ongoing Phase III drill program at the Copper Creek Project, located in Arizona ("Copper Creek"). Five holes were drilled in the American Eagle area and one at Old Reliable.

Paul Harbidge, President and CEO, commented "These latest drill hole results continue to expand the near-surface mineralization in the American Eagle area. These include the first results from the Jailhouse breccia, which are starting to fill the gap between Mammoth and the American Eagle area. Currently, Mammoth represents the largest portion of the open pit resource1 and the American Eagle area is demonstrating a similar potential. It is particularly exciting to see not only the high-grade breccias, but also the broad zones of porphyry style mineralization, which supports the potential for maintaining a low strip ratio."

"As we continue to receive excellent drill results in the American Eagle area, we expect a data cut-off later in the first quarter and the delivery of the updated technical study in the second half of 2025."

Highlights

Drilling in the American Eagle area continues to demonstrate that newly identified near-surface copper mineralization is present in both high-grade breccias and porphyry-style veins (Figures 1 and 4).

In the American Eagle area, west of the Banjo breccia, drill hole FCD-24-091 intersected 304.40 metres ("m") at 0.35% copper and 0.87 grams per tonne ("g/t") silver from 170.09 m, including 47.95 m at 0.74% copper and 1.15 g/t silver from 180.42 m. The mineralization in this drill hole is contained in porphyry-style veins as well as in breccia. Additional intercepts of porphyry-style vein mineralization in this hole include 15.69 m at 0.29% copper from 8.39 m and 29.74 m at 0.30% copper from 108.54 m.

West of the American Eagle breccia, drill hole FCD-24-088 intersected 131.36 m at 0.47% copper and 1.18 g/t silver from 382.81 m (290 m from surface), including 68.13 m at 0.65% copper and 1.51 g/t silver from 394.29 m. The mineralization in this drill hole is contained in breccia and porphyry-style veins.

At the Jailhouse breccia, the first drill hole in this new target, FCD-24-081, intersected 84.83 m at 0.39% copper and 0.98 g/t silver from 34.96 m, including 39.60 m at 0.68% copper and 1.56 g/t silver from 77.00 m. The hole was terminated in strongly mineralized breccia due to mechanical issues. Follow-up drilling is underway. Jailhouse breccia drill results begin to fill the gap between Mammoth and the American Eagle area, offering additional open pit resource potential, while maintaining a low strip ratio.

Dr. Thomas Bissig received the 2024 Colin Spence Award for Excellence in Global Mineral Exploration by The Association for Mineral Exploration ("AME") at the 2025 Roundup Conference. This recognition celebrates the discovery of significant new near-surface copper mineralization at the Copper Creek Project by Faraday's geology team under Dr. Bissig's leadership (AME News Release).

(For true width information see Table 1)

The American Eagle area, as mapped on surface, covers approximately 800 m by 1,000 m and is host to numerous prospective breccias and porphyries which have strong copper geochemical signatures (Figures 1 to 4). These surface expressions locate above the large underground porphyry mineral resource1, which is approximately 500 m to 1,100 m depth below surface. Historically, the near-surface mineralization was not adequately tested as previous drilling was vertical to steeply inclined. Mapped geology, isolated historical drill intercepts and historical small-scale mining highlight the potential for near-surface mineralization. The Company has reported assay results for twenty drill holes from this area as part of the current program (for drill holes not reported herein, refer to news releases on the Company's website and SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca). These results provide a broad framework of the geology, structure, and alteration and confirm the potential for significant near-surface copper mineralization. Drilling continues in the area.

Drill hole FCD-24-081 is the first hole drilled into the Jailhouse breccia. It was collared 20 m south of the breccia and drilled to the north. The hole intersected granodiorite to 13 m and breccia to the end of the hole. Short intervals of porphyry are present at 74 m to 75 m and 86 m to 89 m. Alteration is quartz-sericite and lesser tourmaline. Copper is contained in chalcopyrite and traces of chalcocite, which occur together with pyrite as breccia cement. This hole was terminated in strongly mineralized breccia, due to mechanical issues. Mineralization remains open at depth and follow-up drilling is currently underway.

Drill hole FCD-24-085 was collared near drill hole FCD-24-081 and drilled towards the southwest, targeting the Courthouse breccia. The first 42 m are in granodiorite, followed by 5 m of porphyry. From 47 m to 192 m hydrothermal breccia is the dominant lithology, followed by granodiorite to the end of the hole, except for hydrothermal breccia from 264 m to 281 m. Alteration associated with breccia is potassium feldspar overprinted by quartz-sericite. In the upper breccia domain, pyrite is the dominant breccia cement with locally significant chalcopyrite and chalcocite. The lower breccia is characterized by abundant chalcopyrite cement, corresponding to the high-grade intersection in this hole. Follow-up drilling is planned below this drill hole where copper grades are expected to increase.

Drill hole FCD-24-087 was collared near drill hole FCD-24-081 and drilled to the northeast targeting the Jailhouse breccia and the Post-office area. The hole intersected granodiorite to 13 m, followed by breccia and short porphyry intercepts to 59 m. Granodiorite is present to 104 m, followed by a domain of alternating breccia and porphyry to 158 m, and granodiorite to the end of the hole. Quartz-sericite-kaolinite is the dominant alteration associated with breccias and porphyry. Chalcopyrite occurs together with pyrite and, locally chalcocite as breccia cement and lesser disseminations and veinlets.

Drill hole FCD-24-088 was collared west of the Prada breccia and drilled to the north, targeting the western extension of the American Eagle breccia. It intercepted mostly granodiorite to 332 m with domains of breccia and post-mineral porphyry from 51 m to 82 m and 100 m to 145 m. From 332 m to 424 m, porphyry and igneous cemented breccia dominate with local occurrence of hydrothermal breccia, which becomes dominant from 424 m to 486 m. From 486 m to 520 m, it intersected granodiorite, and porphyry to the end of the hole. Potassic alteration, moderately overprinted by sericite-chlorite and kaolinite is associated with breccia domains in the first 150 m of the drill hole. Potassic alteration with a more intense sericite-kaolinite overprint is observed from 400 m to the end of the hole. Chalcopyrite increases below 300 m and occurs together with pyrite mostly in porphyry-style veins, but also as breccia cement.

Drill hole FCD-24-091 was collared 100 m northeast of the American Eagle breccia and drilled steeply to the northeast, testing the Banjo West breccia. The hole intersected granodiorite to 177 m, hydrothermal breccia to 233 m and granodiorite to the end of the hole. Alteration in the breccia domain is quartz-sericite, with kaolinite-sericite from 110 m to 140 m. Chalcopyrite is present together with pyrite as breccia cement and in veinlets. Trace chalcocite has been observed from surface to approximately 177 m.

Old Reliable was the site of small-scale underground mining for copper and molybdenum until the 1930s. Starting in the 1970s, an in-situ leach operation recovered some of the near-surface copper oxide mineralization, while the sulphide-hosted mineralization remains in place. During the 1990s, densely spaced vertical drilling led to resource definition to approximately 200 m below surface. Several of those drill holes end in mineralization, prompting recent drilling by the Company.

Drill hole FCD-24-084 was collared approximately 100 m north of the Old Reliable breccia and drilled to the southwest, targeting the Old Reliable breccia below recently reported drill intercepts (Figure 1). The hole intersected Glory Hole volcanics to 243 m, hydrothermal breccia to 256 m, granodiorite to 300 m, porphyry to 339 m and granodiorite to the end of the hole. The hydrothermal breccia appears to be controlled by the contact between the volcanics and the granodiorite and is intensely quartz-sericite altered. Chalcopyrite occurs together with pyrite as breccia cement and in veinlets.

Next Steps

Phase III drilling continues with the current focus on near-surface mineralization, particularly in the American Eagle area.

To date, through the combined Phase II and Phase III drill programs, which are not included in the Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE")1, the Company has released results from 79 drill holes as follows:

51 drill holes were drilled on new targets that are entirely outside of the resource boundary;

21 drill holes were step-out holes testing extensions to the mineral resource; and

7 drill holes were drilled within the resource area, targeting expansion of the higher-grade cores.

A metallurgical program is nearing completion, testing copper recoveries from near-surface breccia and porphyry-style vein material. Samples were taken in the American Eagle area, including the Banjo breccia, as well as Area 51 and Old Reliable. The program focuses on confirming the potential to increase mill throughput and reduce processing cost though coarse particle flotation.

The Company has conducted over 30,000 metres of incremental drilling beyond the current MRE1, with the new targets representing a significant opportunity to enhance the project value. The assay results for additional completed drill holes will be released as they are received, analyzed and confirmed by the Company.

The Company anticipates a data cut-off by the end of the first quarter of 2025 and the release of an updated technical study in the second half of 2025.

Figure 1: Plan View Showing Surface Geology and Location of the Drill Holes in the American Eagle Area

Note: The open pit shell is based on constraints used in the MRE as presented in the report titled "Copper Creek Project NI 43-101 Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment" with an effective date of May 3, 2023 (the "Technical Report") available on the Company's website at www.faradaycopper.com and on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Figure 2: Cross Section Showing Drill Hole FCD-24-091

Figure 3: Cross Section Showing Drill Holes FCD-24-081 and FCD-24-087

Note: Drill hole FCD-24-081 was terminated in strongly mineralized breccia due to mechanical issues. Mineralization remains open at depth and follow-up drilling is currently underway.

Figure 4: Isometric View Showing Phase III Drill Holes in the American Eagle Area

Note: The field of view represents an approximately 700-metre-thick slice. The open pit shell and underground footprint are based on constraints used in the MRE as presented in the Technical Report available on the Company's website at www.faradaycopper.com and on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. For drill holes not reported herein, refer to news releases dated June 25, 2024, July 25, 2024, August 21, 2024, September 24, 2024, and October 17, 2024, November 19, 2024, and January 8, 2025.

Table 1: Selected Drill Results

Drill Hole ID From To Length True Width Cu Au Ag Mo (m) (m) (m) (m) (%) (g/t) (g/t) (%) FCD-24-081 34.96 119.79 84.83 30 0.39 0.01 0.98 0.0005 including 77.00 116.60 39.60 14 0.68 0.02 1.56 0.0003 FCD-24-084 57.69 75.45 17.76 17 0.14 N/A 0.38 0.0014 And 234.42 253.90 19.48 12 0.36 N/A 1.58 0.0008 FCD-24-085 276.45 282.68 6.23 4 2.62 0.07 5.67 0.0115 FCD-24-087 24.66 63.68 39.02 25 0.28 N/A 1.04 0.0003 Including 48.58 59.71 11.13 7 0.67 N/A 2.32 0.0004 FCD-24-088 324.54 345.47 20.93 20 0.18 <0.01 0.62 0.0006 and 382.81 514.17 131.36 131 0.47 0.01 1.18 0.0017 including 394.29 462.42 68.13 68 0.65 0.01 1.51 0.0013 FCD-24-091 8.39 24.08 15.69 15 0.29 N/A 2.06 0.0007 and 108.54 138.28 29.74 29 0.30 N/A 0.80 0.0011 and 170.09 474.49 304.40 300 0.35 0.01 0.87 0.0014 Including 180.42 228.37 47.95 8 0.74 0.02 1.15 0.0011

Note: All intercepts are reported as downhole drill widths. Mineralization includes bulk porphyry style and breccia mineralization. True widths are approximate due to the irregular shape of mineralized domains. N/A: Not analyzed.

Table 2: Collar Locations from the Drill Holes Reported Herein

Drill Hole ID Easting Northing Elevation Azimuth Dip Target Depth Depth (m) () () (ft) (m) FCD-24-081 548901 3623670 1219 000 70 Jailhouse 365.1 119.79 FCD-24-084 547789 3624171 1218 212 54 Old Reliable 1335.2 439.22 FCD-24-085 548905 3623670 1219 255 51 Courthouse 911.0 298.89 FCD-24-087 548906 3623672 1219 023 50 Jailhouse 992.2 325.53 FCD-24-088 548946 3623148 1295 351 55 American Eagle W 1649.0 541.02 FCD-24-091 549098 3623416 1307 038 80 Banjo W 1542.4 501.12

Note: Coordinates are given as World Geodetic System 84, Universal Transverse Mercator Zone 12 north (WGS84, UTM12N).

Sampling Methodology, Chain of Custody, Quality Control and Quality Assurance

All sampling was conducted under the supervision of the Company's geologists and the chain of custody from Copper Creek to the independent sample preparation facility, ALS Laboratories in Tucson, AZ, was continuously monitored. The samples were taken as  core, over 2 m core length. Samples were crushed, pulverized and sample pulps were analyzed using industry standard analytical methods including a 4-Acid ICP-MS multielement package and an ICP-AES method for high-grade copper samples. Gold was analyzed on a 30 g aliquot by fire assay with an ICP-AES finish. A certified reference sample was inserted every 20th sample. Coarse and fine blanks were inserted every 20th sample. Approximately 5% of the core samples were cut into  core and submitted as field duplicates. On top of internal QA-QC protocol, additional blanks, reference materials and duplicates were inserted by the analytical laboratory according to their procedure. Data verification of the analytical results included a statistical analysis of the standards and blanks that must pass certain parameters for acceptance to ensure accurate and verifiable results.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Faraday's VP Exploration, Dr. Thomas Bissig, P. Geo., who is a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").

Notes

1 The Mineral Resource Estimate is presented in the report titled "Copper Creek Project NI 43-101 Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment" with an effective date of May 3, 2023, available on the Company's website at www.faradaycopper.com and on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

About Faraday Copper

Faraday Copper is a Canadian exploration company focused on advancing its flagship copper project in Arizona, U.S. The Copper Creek Project is one of the largest undeveloped copper projects in North America with significant district scale exploration potential. The Company is well-funded to deliver on its key milestones and benefits from a management team and board of directors with senior mining company experience and expertise. Faraday trades on the TSX under the symbol "FDY".

For additional information please contact:

Stacey Pavlova, CFA

Vice President, Investor Relations & Communications

Faraday Copper Corp.

E-mail: info@faradaycopper.com

Website: www.faradaycopper.com

To receive news releases by e-mail, please register using the Faraday website at www.faradaycopper.com.

Cautionary Note on Forward Looking Statements

Some of the statements in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking statements" and are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and are necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Faraday to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information specifically include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the exploration potential of the Copper Creek property.

Although Faraday believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements should not be in any way construed as guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include without limitation: market prices for metals; the conclusions of detailed feasibility and technical analyses; lower than expected grades and quantities of mineral resources; receipt of regulatory approval; receipt of shareholder approval; mining rates and recovery rates; significant capital requirements; price volatility in the spot and forward markets for commodities; fluctuations in rates of exchange; taxation; controls, regulations and political or economic developments in the countries in which Faraday does or may carry on business; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, competition; loss of key employees; rising costs of labour, supplies, fuel and equipment; actual results of current exploration or reclamation activities; accidents; labour disputes; defective title to mineral claims or property or contests over claims to mineral properties; unexpected delays and costs inherent to consulting and accommodating rights of Indigenous peoples and other groups; risks, uncertainties and unanticipated delays associated with obtaining and maintaining necessary licenses, permits and authorizations and complying with permitting requirements, including those associated with the Copper Creek property; and uncertainties with respect to any future acquisitions by Faraday. In addition, there are risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining, including environmental events and hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, pressures, cave-ins, flooding and the risk of inadequate insurance or inability to obtain insurance to cover these risks as well as "Risk Factors" included in Faraday's disclosure documents filed on and available at www.sedarplus.ca.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction. This press release is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, a prospectus, an offering memorandum, an advertisement or a public offering of securities in Faraday in Canada, the United States or any other jurisdiction. No securities commission or similar authority in Canada or in the United States has reviewed or in any way passed upon this press release, and any representation to the contrary is an offence.

SOURCE: Faraday Copper Corp.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2025) - Adyton Resources Corporation (TSXV: ADY) ("Adyton" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on its drilling program with Joint Venture partner, EVIH, at the Company's Wapolu Gold Project on Fergusson Island. Following mobilization by barge from Port Moresby in early December, EVIH has successfully constructed a 20-person camp, established pioneering roads and drill pads, and completed 15 angled diamond drill holes for a total of approximately 1500m. Two diamond core rigs are operational continuously on day and night shifts.

"Drilling at Wapolu is progressing well with rigs averaging approximately 40-50 m per day," stated Tim Crossley, Chief Executive Officer. "EVIH have already completed approximately 1500 m of a 7000 m infill and resource extension program. This drill program marks the first step towards establishing the viability of recommencement of mining operations at the abandoned Wapolu gold mine project. Wapolu produced approximately 9,000 ounces in the early 1990's before operations ceased due to low gold prices. As a past-producing brownfields site, which benefits from over 18,000 metres of historical drilling and a 2022 Mineral Resource Estimate, we are confident of our ability to rapidly move the project forward to a restart of operations. Concurrent with this drilling program, we plan to finalize our Mining Lease (ML) and Environment Permit (EP) submissions to the relevant authorities. On completion of the Wapolu drilling we aim to relocate the drill rigs to the neighbouring and larger resource Gameta Gold Project. First fire assay gold results are expected until early March 2025 and multi-element ICP shortly after."

Gary Wang, EVIH Chief Executive Officer, commented: "We are very happy with our teams progress at Wapolu. Our team has been collaborating well with the Wapolu landowners and the support from the local community has been crucial in enabling us to set up our site and commence drilling in very quick timing. We are now pushing hard to provide the necessary technical inputs to enable our ML application to be submitted."

Figure 1: Drill rig set up for operations

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Figure 2: Workers attending daily toolbox talk

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Gold mineralisation at Wapolu occurs in shallow dipping horizons within a regional detachment fault zone and the footwall metamorphic rocks. The surface colluvium also contains gold-bearing boulders.

The drill program comprises both step-out drill and infill drill holes. The step-out drill program is designed to test high value target extensions of the known mineralization which is open along strike and at depth. This exploration drilling is focused on extending and increasing the known resource. The infill holes are designed to increase confidence in the Mineral Resource Estimate sufficiently to satisfy the PNG Mineral Resource Authorities criteria to advance the project to a Mining Lease application.

Three drillholes have also been completed to collect samples for metallurgical testing to begin test work in EVIH's purpose-built laboratory in Port Moresby to be conducted in parallel to the ongoing exploration program.

The Fergusson projects are under a Joint Venture Agreement with EVIH, granting EVIH the right to acquire up to a 50% ownership interest in the project. This interest is contingent on achievement of certain development milestones and a total investment of up to US$9.5 million, allocated as follows:

US$8.5 million to fund project expenditures; and

US$1.0 million as a direct payment to the Company, with US$500,000 already paid upon executing the agreement in May 2024.

For additional details, please refer to the official announcement dated May 13, 2024.

The Fergusson Island Gold Project

The Fergusson Island Gold Project comprises the Wapolu and Gameta advanced Exploration Licenses on Fergusson Island in Milne Bay Province Papua New Guinea (Figure 3). This region of PNG is well known for discoveries including the nearby Islands of Misima (5Moz) and Woodlark (1.6Moz). The Company has previously reported the following mineral resource estimate (Table 1).

Figure 3: Fergusson Island Projects: Wapolu and Gameta

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Table 1: Mineral Resource Estimates

Project Indicated Inferred Au

(g/t) Tonnes

(million) Au

(koz) Au

(g/t) Tonnes

(million) Au

(koz) Gameta exploration licence 1.33 4.0 173 1.01 10.5 340 Wapolu exploration licence - - - 1.06 5.8 200 Fergusson Island Gold Project 1.33 4.0 173 1.02 16.3 540

Gameta and Wapolu resources at 0.5g/t gold cut-off [1]

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.

ABOUT ADYTON RESOURCES CORPORATION

Adyton Resources Corporation is focused on the development of gold and copper resources in world class mineral jurisdictions. It currently has a portfolio of highly prospective mineral exploration projects in Papua New Guinea on which it is exploring to expand its identified gold Inferred and Indicated Mineral Resources and expand on its recent significant copper drill intercepts on the 100% owned Feni Island project. The Company's mineral exploration projects are located on the Pacific Ring of Fire on easy to access island locations which hosts several globally significant copper and gold deposits including the Lihir gold mine and Panguna copper/gold mine on Bougainville Island, both neighboring projects to the Company's Feni Island project.

Adyton has a total Mineral Resource Estimate inventory within its PNG portfolio of projects comprising indicated resources of 173,000 ounces gold and inferred resources of 2,000,000 ounces gold.

The Feni Island Project currently has a mineral resource prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 dated October 14, 2021, which has outlined an initial inferred mineral resource of 60.4 million tonnes at an average grade of 0.75 g/t Au, for contained gold of 1,460,000 ounces, assuming a cut-off grade of 0.5 g/t Au. See the NI 43-101 technical report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Feni Gold-Copper Property, New Ireland Province, Papua New Guinea prepared for Adyton Resources by Mark Berry (MAIG), Simon Tear (MIGI PGeo), Matthew White (MAIG) and Andy Thomas (MAIG), each an independent mining consultant and "qualified person" as defined in NI 43-101,available under Adyton's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and have not demonstrated economic viability.

The Fergusson Island Project currently has a mineral resource prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 dated October 14, 2021 which outlined an indicated mineral resource of 4.0 million tonnes at an average grade of 1.33 g/t Au for contained gold of 173,000 ounces and an inferred mineral resource of 16.3 million tonnes at an average grade of 1.02 g/t Au for contained gold of 540,000 ounces. See the technical report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Fergusson Gold Property, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea" prepared for Adyton Resources by Mark Berry (MAIG), Simon Tear (MIGI PGeo), Matthew White (MAIG) and Andy Thomas (MAIG), each an independent mining consultant and "qualified person" as defined in NI 43-101,available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and have not demonstrated economic viability.

Adyton is also quoted on the OTC under the code ADYRF and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the code 701:GR.

For more information about Adyton and its projects, visit www.adytonresources.com.





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Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been prepared, reviewed, and approved by Dr Chris Wilson BSc (Hons), PhD, FAusIMM (CP), FSEG, FGS, the Chief Geologist and a Director of Adyton, who is a "Qualified Person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Forward looking statements

This press release includes "forward-looking statements", including forecasts, estimates, expectations, and objectives for future operations that are subject to several assumptions, risks, and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of Adyton. Forward- looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "plans" or similar terminology. Forward looking statements in this news release include plans pertaining to the drill program, the intention to prepare additional technical studies, the timing of the drill program, uses of the recent drone survey data, the timing of updating key findings, the preparation of resource estimates, and the deeper exploration of high-grade gold and copper feeder systems . The forward-looking information contained herein is provided for the purpose of assisting readers in understanding management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes.

Forward-looking information are based on management of the parties' reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses, and opinions, which are based on such management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in connection with the future development of the projects in a timely manner; the availability of financing on suitable terms for the development; construction and continued operation of the Fergusson Island Project and the Feni Island Project; the ability to effectively complete the drilling program; and Adyton's ability to comply with all applicable regulations and laws, including environmental, health and safety laws.

Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but instead reflect Adyton's management's expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of managements considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although Adyton believes that the expectations reflected in such forward- looking statements are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and under reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by Adyton. Among the key risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward- looking statements are the following: impacts arising from the global disruption, changes in general macroeconomic conditions; reliance on key personnel; reliance on Zenex Drilling; changes in securities markets; changes in the price of gold or certain other commodities; change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations pressures, cave-ins and flooding); discrepancies between actual and estimated metallurgical recoveries; inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of and changes in the costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); and title to properties. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking information represents management's best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual future results may vary materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements or information. Adyton Resources Corporation undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law.

[1] See the technical report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Fergusson Gold Property, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea" dated October 14, 2022 and prepared for the Company in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") by Mark Berry (MAIG), Simon Tear (MIGI PGeo), Matthew White (MAIG) and Andy Thomas (MAIG), each an independent mining consultant and "qualified person" as defined in NI 43-101, available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and have not demonstrated economic viability.

NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR THROUGH US NEWSWIRE SERVICES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/238952

SOURCE: Adyton Resources Corporation
CTT Pharmaceuticals Holdings, Inc. (OTC:CTTH) has submitted a grant to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that will aid in further research and commercialization. This grant is being submitted in addition to the Johns Hopkins University grant for clinical trials and this opportunity was suggested to CTT as a grant that would allow for further research and testing.

The CEO of CTT Pharma Ryan Khouri stated, "Approval of this grant will allow for further research that ultimately would lead to commercialization of our dissolvable nicotine strips". This grant opportunity was brought to the attention of Mr. Khouri after he attended and presented at the FDA/NIH hearing for Advancing Smoking Cessation Technology. Mr. Khouri stated that CTT Pharma's partnership with Johns Hopkins University is a main priority to fund and develop CTT's technology as a smoking cessation product, however, additional funding and relationships that can be established with the NIH to help achieve that goal are being pursued. Mr. Khouri looks forward to working with the NIH and FDA in the future and believes CTT can develop products that effectively increase smoking cessation with the resultant reduction of the risk of heart disease, stroke, and various cancers. CTT anticipates a decision made by the NIH in April 2025 and will inform shareholders accordingly.

About CTT Pharmaceuticals Holdings, Inc.

CTT has patented technology in The United States, Europe, Canada and many additional countries to allow many actives on a dissolvable strip that include but are not limited to Nicotine, Vitamins, and Pharmaceuticals. CTT believes that there is a need for our technology in many industries, which includes a smoke-free nicotine strip that can be used as a smoking cessation product and deliver drugs that can help with pain management and anxiety. CTT Pharma incorporates micelle technology into its drug delivery. These strips would dissolve quickly, deliver low dose options and offer better bioavailability.

Investor Relations - 813-606-0060

SOURCE: CTT Pharmaceutical Holdings, Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
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.
Sokoman Minerals Corp. (TSXV:SIC)(OTCQB:SICNF) ("Sokoman" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that diamond drilling has resumed at the Western Trend gold zone, the site of the conventional bulk sample planned for extraction late in Q1 or early Q2, 2025. The drill program is following up on the recently announced high-grade results highlighted by intersections of 69.48 g/t Au over 4.85 m (MH-24-649), 40.89 g/t Au over 4.30 m (MH-24-648) and 26.72 g/t Au over 3.10 m (MH-24-646) (please see January 22, 2025 news release here), from the trench area.

The plan and long section show the previous drilling on the Western Trend and the location of the planned drill holes. A high-grade shoot dipping East and down-plunge is outlined in the accompanying long section with the proposed drilling designed to extend it to depth and to the south.

Timothy Froude, P.Geo., President and CEO, states, "We are very pleased to announce the resumption of drilling at the Western Trend and are confident that additional high-grade values will be found in the holes yet to report, as well as in the planned 2025 program. The information from the drilling will help in planning the location of the conventional bulk sample planned for late Q1 or early Q2, as soon as conditions allow. Discussions for processing the sample offsite are in progress. We are expecting the final batch of assays, from drilling prior to Christmas, shortly with several holes noted to have visible gold in quartz."

Drilling to date at the Western Trend has tested 100 m of the strike to 165 m down plunge with the zone remaining open. The deeper holes are targeting the potential high-grade plunge of the intersection point between the east-west trending splay and the main north-trending vein system.

Figure 1: Drill Hole Location Map (proposed holes (pDH) in purple highlight)

Figure 2: Long Section of Western Trend (looking Southwest)

QP

This news release has been reviewed and approved by Timothy Froude, P.Geo., a "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101 and President and CEO of Sokoman Minerals Corp.

Analytical Techniques / QA/QC

Samples, including duplicates, blanks, and standards, are submitted to Eastern Analytical Ltd. in Springdale, Newfoundland, for gold analysis. All core samples submitted for assay are saw cut by Sokoman personnel, with one-half submitted for assay and one-half retained for reference. Samples are delivered in sealed bags directly to the lab by Sokoman personnel. Eastern Analytical Ltd. is an accredited assay lab that conforms to the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025. Samples with visible gold are submitted for total pulp metallics with a gravimetric finish. All other samples are analyzed by standard fire assay methods. Total pulp metallic analysis includes the entire sample being crushed to -10 mesh and then pulverized to 95% -150 mesh. The total sample is weighed and screened to 150 mesh; the +150-mesh fraction is fire-assayed for Au, and a 30 g subsample of the -150-mesh fraction is fire-assayed for Au, with a calculated weighted average of total Au in the sample reported as well. One blank and one industry-approved standard for every twenty samples submitted is included in the sample stream. Random duplicates of selected samples are analyzed in addition to the in-house standard and duplicate policies of Eastern Analytical Ltd. All reported assays are uncut.

About Sokoman Minerals Corp.

Sokoman Minerals Corp. is a discovery-oriented company and one of the largest landholders in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada's emerging gold district. The Company's primary focus is its portfolio of gold projects; the 100%-owned flagship, advanced-stage Moosehead, Crippleback Lake, and the district-scale Fleur de Lys project near Baie Verte in northwestern Newfoundland, targeting Dalradian-type orogenic gold mineralization similar to the Curraghinalt and Cavanacaw deposits in Northern Ireland. The Company entered a strategic alliance with Benton Resources Inc. through three, large-scale, joint-venture properties including Grey River, Golden Hope, and Kepenkeck in Newfoundland.

In October 2023, Sokoman and Benton completed an agreement with Piedmont Lithium Inc., a major developer of lithium projects and processing plants in the USA, and exactly the right partner to have to advance the lithium project. For full details of the agreement please refer to the Company's press release dated October 11, 2023.

Projects optioned with optionee fully vested are:

East Alder Project optioned to Canterra Minerals Inc. (SIC retains shares of CTM plus 1% NSR)

Startrek Project optioned to Thunder Gold (SIC retains shares of TGOL plus 1% NSR)

The Company would like to thank the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for the financial support of the Moosehead and Fleur de Lys Projects through the Junior Exploration Assistance Program during the past few years.

For more information, please contact:

Timothy Froude, P.Geo., President & CEO

T: 709-765-1726

E: tim@sokomanmineralscorp.com

Cathy Hume, VP Corporate Development, Director

T: 416-868-1079 x 251

E: cathy@chfir.com

Website: www.sokomanmineralscorp.com

Twitter: @SokomanMinerals

Facebook: @SokomanMinerals

LinkedIn: @SokomanMineralsCorp

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.

Investors are cautioned that trading in the securities of the Corporation should be considered highly speculative. Except for historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially. Sokoman Minerals Corp. will not update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. More detailed information about potential factors that could affect financial results is included in the documents filed from time to time with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities by Sokoman Minerals Corp.

SOURCE: Sokoman Minerals Corp.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Wide, high-grade 11.49 m mineralized zone grading 353 g/t silver, 0.11% cobalt expanding known mineralization along the Angus-McNamara Vein System

Five of seven drillholes intersected significant, visible silver-cobalt mineralization with best intersection of 1,372 g/t silver over 2.36 m in hole 24-SK-23

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2025) - Kuya Silver Corporation (CSE: KUYA) (OTCQB: KUYAF) (FSE: 6MR1) (the "Company" or "Kuya Silver") is very pleased to announce the second set of drilling results from its 2024 drill program at its wholly owned Silver Kings Project, Ontario, Canada. This batch of drilling has been focused on testing the extent of the mineralization associated with the bonanza-grade silver-cobalt Angus Vein, first discovered in 2023. Several wide zones of high- to bonanza-grade mineralization have been intersected along a corridor between the flexed Angus and McNamara veins and connecting "ladder" veins and this flexure zone demonstrates significant potential for grade and tonnage (by Cobalt mining camp standards), with other suspected comparable, mineralized flexure zones nearby.

Highlights

High to bonanza grade silver-cobalt mineralization intersected in several veins in a flexure zone between parallel Angus and McNamara veins (Figure 1, 2, 3, Table 1) Five of seven drill holes at Campbell-Crawford intersected significant, visible silver-cobalt mineralization Angus Vein zone intersected 1,372 g/t silver over 2.36 m within wider zone grading 353 g/t silver, 0.11% cobalt (380 g/t AgEq*) over 11.49 m McNamara Vein, previously untested in the ideal horizon, assayed mid-grade mineralization outside of flexure zone (92 g/t silver, 0.07% cobalt [110 g/t AgEq*] over 0.84 m) Connecting ladder veins, which may significantly increase the volume of mineralized material between the two main veins, yielded 28.6 m wide mineralized zone grading 107 g/t silver and 0.08% cobalt (125 g/t AgEq*) including: Upper vein: 1,540 g/t silver, 2.41% cobalt (2,127 g/t AgEq*) over 0.40 m within larger zone grading 322 g/t silver and 0.25% cobalt (382 g/t AgEq*) over 4.00 m Lower vein: 1,530 g/t silver, 1.93% cobalt (2,000 g/t AgEq*) over 0.40 m within larger zone grading 480 g/t silver and 0.30% cobalt (556 g/t AgEq*) over 2.90 m

Widths of high-grade zone at Campbell-Crawford target in progress of being defined, with open potential at depth This pipe-like structure is at least 30 m wide, approximately 40 m long, with high-grade mineralization tested to 20 m depth; the structure remains open vertically with historic potential estimated at 100 m Drilling is in the early stages of definition drilling and additional drilling is required to develop a mineral resource estimation of this zone

Indications of additional untested zones along trend and room for expansion of mineralization Zones are defined by detailed surficial geophysical surveys and 3D structural and lithological modelling

Drilling, which is ongoing, is testing the grade, density and distribution of these newly-recognized ladder veins

David Lewis, Kuya Silver's Vice President Exploration, commented: "In two years' time and with limited drilling, we've taken a grassroots discovery to the edge of definition drilling and a potential resource estimation. This work confirms the high-grade nature of several of these veins, within a defined zone that remains open to depth, and with room for expansion with several similar untested targets nearby. I'm extremely proud to be a part of the hard work that's gone into this project and I'd like to sincerely commend my team for their efforts. If we're successful in defining a resource at this property, it will be the first potentially economic discovery in the Cobalt mining camp in at least 50 years."

"Ladder vein structures, like the one we're outlining at depth, are extremely favourable exploration targets. They commonly host higher-grade mineralization, which is concentrated in a smaller area, and they may cluster. Similar structures are known to host gold deposits in northern Ontario and Quebec."





Figure 1: Conceptual diagram of a mineralized ladder vein structure within the ideal target horizon below the Nipissing Diabase at the Campbell-Crawford target. Flexures in the primary Angus and McNamara veins are interpreted to have formed structural extensional zones, resulting in secondary connecting veins, with high-grade silver-cobalt mineralization concentrated in this flexural zone. This cylindrical mineralized zone, tested to 20 m depth, is estimated to be 30 m x 40 m and likely extends further to depth.

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Hole Number From To Length Ag Co AgEq* Grade x Width (AgEq*) Vein Comments m m m g/t % g/t



















24-SK-20 255.26 255.66 0.40 60 0.28 129 51 McNamara Vein Outside vein flexure zone



















24-SK-21 253.90 254.74 0.84 92 0.07 109 91 McNamara Vein Outside vein flexure zone



















24-SK-23 242.39 253.88 11.49 353** 0.11 379 4,356 Angus Vein and halo Angus Vein flexure including 248.08 250.44 2.36 1,372** 0.01 1,374 3,242 Angus Vein and halo with 248.08 248.71 0.63 1,750** 0.00 1,751 1,103 Angus Vein with 248.71 249.41 0.70 1,650** 0.00 1,651 1,155 Angus Vein with 249.41 250.44 1.03 953** 0.01 955 984 Angus Vein including 250.44 253.88 3.44 214** 0.31 290 997 Halo mineralization



















24-SK-24 240.90 269.50 28.60 107** 0.08 125 3,578 Ladder veins and halo Ladder veins including 240.90 243.14 2.24 51** 0.09 73 164 Halo mineralization including 251.00 255.00 4.00 322** 0.25 382 1,529 Ladder #1 vein and halo with 252.50 253.00 0.50 989** 0.00 990 495 Halo mineralization with 253.00 253.40 0.40 1,540** 2.41 2,127 851 Ladder Vein #1 0.17% nickel including 257.50 261.00 3.50 43** 0.02 48 168 Halo mineralization Ladder veins including 266.20 269.10 2.90 480** 0.30 553 1,602 Ladder #2 vein and halo with 266.20 266.60 0.40 507** 0.00 507 203 Halo mineralization with 266.60 267.00 0.40 1,530** 1.93 2,000 800 Ladder Vein #2 0.16% nickel with 267.00 267.40 0.40 509** 0.02 513 205 Halo mineralization Ladder veins with 268.60 269.10 0.50 662** 0.15 697 349 Halo mineralization



















23-SK-08 234.90 238.24 3.34 15,372 0.08 15,391 51,408 Angus Vein and halo Previously reported - Angus Vein flexure 23-SK-13 257.00 259.49 2.49 2,424 0.03 2,431 6,054 Angus Vein and halo 23-SK-31 236.00 239.20 3.20 1,799 0.03 1,806 5,780 Angus Vein and halo



Table 1: Mineralized silver-cobalt intersections in current and previously reported drill holes from the Campbell-Crawford target. AgEq* (silver equivalent) grades were calculated using $30.33 USD / oz silver and $23,750 USD / tonne cobalt, with metal prices captured on January 28, 2025. Mineralized drilling intervals do not reflect true interval length. **Assaying by Screened Metallics was conducted on high-grade, visually identified silver mineralization.

Figure 2: Core photographs of significantly mineralized veins intersected in the 2024 drilling program at the Campbell-Crawford target zone.

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Figure 3: Vein geometry, projected to surface from 200 m depth, of major silver-cobalt mineralized veins intersected in 2023 and 2024 drilling.



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Campbell-Crawford Target Expanded

The Campbell-Crawford target area has been the main focus for exploration at the Silver Kings Project, Cobalt, Ontario, since Kuya Silver made a grassroots discovery of bonanza-grade silver-cobalt mineralization in hole 23-SK-08 (15,372 g/t silver, 0.08% cobalt over 3.34 m). Additional information can be found in previous Kuya Silver news releases (2023: February 23, March 15, April 4, May 30; 2024: January 11, January 29, June 24).

Drilling in 2024 at the Campbell-Crawford target area was targeting suspected high-grade mineralized "shoots", which, based on Kuya Silver's comprehensive review, understanding and reinterpretation of the distribution of silver-cobalt in the Cobalt mining camp, were thought to host a disproportionate amount of economic mineralization. Kuya Silver's targets were developed based both on 3D-modeled veins and vein flexures (or bends) and an analysis of the vein chemistry. Flexure zones, especially between two primary veins or faults, can result in structural pull-apart structures and the development of secondary extensional connecting veins or faults, and these zones make excellent traps for mineralization (Figure 1 inset).

Flexures in both the E-W trending Angus and McNamara veins, suspected to host high-grade silver and cobalt, were modeled and drilled in the ideal horizon immediately below the lower Nipissing Diabase rock contact and are presented in Figure 1. Photographs of all significant veins intersected in this flexure zone, including previously released assay results, are presented in Figure 2. Maps showing the current vein geometry and other potentially mineralized zones are shown in Figures 3 and 4.

Due to the steep nature of these veins, drill holes are only able to effectively test single vein targets within the 200 m deep ideal target horizon, located below the Nipissing Diabase rock contact.

Angus Vein / Ladder Veins

Drill holes 24-SK-23, -24 and -25 were designed to test the high-grade Angus Vein flexure in a fan to the east from holes 23-SK-08 and -31, with hole -24 testing the interpreted high-grade shoot but up-plunge and above the diabase contact (Figure 1). All three holes intersected visible and pXRF-identified silver and cobalt in veins and stringers.

Hole 24-SK-23 pierced the Angus Vein zone eastward of hole 23-SK-08 and it intersected zoned silver-cobalt mineralization, with the silver-bearing Angus Vein in the centre of the interval. The interval graded 353 g/t silver and 0.11% cobalt over 11.49 m (from 242.39 m), with the central Angus Vein grading 1,372 g/t silver, 0.01% cobalt over 2.36 m (from 248.08 m).

Hole 24-SK-24 was drilled to test the up-plunge extension of the Angus Vein above the lower Nipissing Diabase contact. The weakly-mineralized Angus Vein was intersected above the contact in a fault zone but, further downhole, two strongly silver-cobalt mineralized veins were intersected within a broad mineralized zone. The mineralized veins grade 1,540 g/t silver and 2.41% cobalt over 0.40 m (from 253.00 m) and 1,530 g/t silver and 1.93% cobalt over 0.40 m (from 266.40 m) within a 28.60 m zone grading 107 g/t silver and 0.08% cobalt from 240.90 m. These veins are not part of the Angus Vein, and drill core orientation measurements suggest they trend N-S. These veins are interpreted as ladder veins between the Angus and McNamara veins, with vein density predicted to increase near vein flexures in an extensional ladder structure (Figure 1). Drilling in 2025 is set to test the grade, density and vertical extent of these newly recognized veins.

Hole 24-SK-25 intersected three moderately mineralized veins with assay results pending.

McNamara Vein

The McNamara Vein, which is known from surface and shallow historic exploratory workings, had never before been drilled by Kuya Silver in the ideal horizon at the lower diabase contact. Drill holes 24-SK-20, -21 and -22 were targeting an interpreted extension of a flexure of the McNamara Vein in a horizontal fan pattern and all three holes intersected the vein, which was significantly wider than the vein on surface, and confirming that the vein hosts silver and cobalt mineralization. The suspected vein flexure, which is interpreted as the main high-grade silver shoot, was not intersected in these holes and is suspected to occur along trend to the east.

Hole 24-SK-20 was drilled to test an interpreted down-plunge flexure in the McNamara Vein immediately below the Nipissing Diabase contact. A 0.25 m wide vein, rich in cobalt but weak in silver, was intersected in hole 24-SK-20. Hole 24-SK-21 was drilled clockwise to the intersection in hole 24-SK-20 and intersected a 0.30 m wide vein, slightly richer in silver. Hole 24-SK-22, drilled anticlockwise to hole 24-SK-20, intersected a 0.05 m wide vein.

Dimensionality of Angus/McNamara flexure zone

The oriented core drilling program at the Campbell-Crawford target, currently ongoing, has been beneficial in understanding the grade of mineralization as well as the geometry of the target zone, both crucial to future resource estimation. Three orientations of mineralized veins are currently known:

Primary East-West trending veins including the Angus and McNamara veins. Mineralization in these veins increases near anticlockwise (Northeast-Southwest trending) vein flexures

Secondary North-South trending veins including the newly recognized ladder veins that are interpreted to connect the primary veins (e.g. Angus and McNamara)

Northwest-Southeast trending veins including the Toms and Moran veins

The configuration of drilled veins between the Angus and McNamara veins is most easily interpreted as an extensional ladder vein structure between the flexed main veins (Figure 1), forming a pipe-like structure that plunges (or stretches) to depth. These structures are relatively well-known in economic deposits, as they can increase vein density within the same potential volume of material and form a trap for ore minerals.

Current drilling at the Campbell-Crawford target constrains this zone to 30 m N-S between the Angus and McNamara veins, approximately 40 m E-W between suspected flexures, and at least 20 m vertical to depth (Figure 1). Historic mining suggests that the plunge may extend into the lower diabase contact and has the potential to extend 100 m below.

This drilling to date has identified some ladder veins, but there is a strong possibility for more of these connecting structures (Figure 3). Drilling, in progress, is set to test the number and distribution of these veins between the Angus and McNamara veins in the ideal target horizon. Furthermore, NW-SE trending veins, including the Moran and Toms veins, would also add to the overall vein total.

There is a strong possibility for additional mineralized jogs along the E-W trending Angus and McNamara veins (Figure 4). A detailed drone magnetic survey of the Campbell-Crawford property demonstrated that the mineralized Angus / McNamara vein flexure occurs within a 2VD (Second Vertical Derivative) magnetic low, and there are at least four additional and comparable geophysical patterns, along trend of the veins and within the property boundary, that are completely untested. Parallel geophysical anomalies may also be present to the north and south, also completely untested.





Figure 4: Detailed 2VD (Second Vertical Derivative) 160-340 drone magnetic survey of Campbell-Crawford and Airgiod properties. 2VD zones of low magnetic response (blue, outlined in black) are interpreted to represent additional mineralized vein flexure zones.

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Other Drilling Progress

Drilling at the Airgiod target has outlined the Nipissing Diabase contact at depth and has encountered some targets warranting follow-up work. Drill hole coordinates and orientations for all drill holes are presented in Appendix A.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control

The drill core samples were logged and sampled with limestone blank material and standard reference material added in sample sequence and/or following visual identification of silver or cobalt mineralization. The samples were cut perpendicular to veining by core saw and were secured in labelled vinyl sample bags. Samples were shipped to AGAT Laboratories in Thunder Bay, Ontario, or Val d'Or, Quebec, where they were weighed, crushed and pulverized.

At AGAT Labs (Calgary, Alberta), samples were digested by 4-acid and analyzed by ICP-OES (maximum undiluted detection limit of 500 g/t silver).

At SGS Labs (Lakefield, Ontario), samples were processed by 500 g Screened Metallics. This method is suitable for coarse native metals (e.g. gold, silver, copper, palladium and platinum) with no upper detection limit. Samples were screened to 106 microns and fire assayed.

When samples were analyzed for silver by both ICP-AES and Screened Metallics, the Screened Metallics results are presented. All QA/QC standards were acceptable and within two standard deviations of certified values, aside from a single blank sample.

Note: Portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) is a rapid and non-destructive analytical method used to precisely measure the point source (or spot) elemental composition of materials. Portable XRF measurements on mineralized veins were captured using a newly-calibrated handheld Olympus Vanta Max.

National Instrument 43-101 Disclosure

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. David Lewis, P.Geo., Vice President Exploration of Kuya Silver, and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

About Kuya Silver Corporation

Kuya Silver is a Canadian-based, growth-oriented mining company with a focus on silver. Kuya Silver operates the Bethania silver mine in Peru, while developing district-scale silver projects in mining-friendly jurisdictions including Peru and Canada.

Reader Advisory

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information," including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs, and current expectations of the Company, its directors, or its officers with respect to the future business activities of the Company. The words "may," "would," "could," "will," "intend," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "must," "next," "propose," "new," "potential," "prospective," "target," "future," "verge," "favourable," "implications," and "ongoing," and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking information. Investors are cautioned that statements including forward-looking information are not guarantees of future business activities and involve risks and uncertainties, and that the Company's future business activities may differ materially from those described in the forward-looking information as a result of various factors, including but not limited to fluctuations in market prices, successes of the operations of the Company, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market, and business conditions. There can be no assurances that such forward-looking information will prove accurate, and therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of the risks and uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking information except as required under the applicable securities laws.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Hole ID Easting Northing mASL Azimuth Dip Depth Location 24-SK-13 601486 5248957 312 60 -75 447 Airgiod 24-SK-14 601622 5249102 309 250 -60 486 Airgiod 24-SK-15 601541 5249098 308 250 -55 509 Airgiod 24-SK-16 601541 5249098 308 250 -65 120 Airgiod 24-SK-17 601621 5249134 311 280 -55 507 Airgiod 24-SK-18 601624 5249138 311 143 -65 396 Airgiod 24-SK-19 601813 5248771 336 300 -65 436 Campbell-Crawford 24-SK-20 601870 5248795 337 346 -66 285 Campbell-Crawford 24-SK-21 601870 5248795 337 347 -66 279 Campbell-Crawford 24-SK-22 601870 5248797 337 343 -66 321 Campbell-Crawford 24-SK-23 601833 5248787 338 10 -68 285 Campbell-Crawford 24-SK-24 601832 5248787 338 12 -65 297 Campbell-Crawford 24-SK-25 601833 5248786 341 14 -68 310 Campbell-Crawford

Appendix A: Collar coordinates and drill orientations from the Airgiod and Campbell-Crawford area drilling. All units are in meters and coordinates are presented in UTM NAD83 Zone 17N.

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SOURCE: Kuya Silver Corporation
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2025) - Volta Metals Ltd. (CSE: VLTA) (FSE: D0W) ("Volta" or the "Company") is proud to announce the renaming of the consolidated Falcon West, Crescent and ZigZag projects to the Aki Project. The Anishinaabe word "Aki" means "earth". To the Anishinaabe people, walking in harmony and balance with the world is extremely important and Volta Metals wants to honour their connection to land, place, and territory by recognizing their language, Anishinabemowin, in the naming of the Aki Project.

The 66km2 Aki Project has six known pegmatites within an 8km strike, with an overall recognized potential for 11km strike length (Figure 1). The Aki Project hosts the Falcon West pegmatite swarm to the east with six newly discovered mineralized pegmatites that host high-grade Lithium-Tantalum-Cesium mineralization with values up to 1.24% Li2O over 15.6 meters with 297.2ppm cesium, and 91.6ppm tantalum, and Dempster East pegmatite to the west, with high grade Gallium, Lithium, Tantalum and Cesium mineralization with values up to 78.1ppm gallium, 2.98% Li2O, 457ppm tantalum and 1,970ppm cesium respectively (see the Company's January 14, 2025 press release). The Company plans to drill Dempster East pegmatite as part of the next exploration campaign.

Figure 1. AKI Project in Ontario

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Financing

The Company is also pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") to raise proceeds of up to $1,000,000. The Offering will be comprised of the issuance of units of the Company (each, a "Unit"), at a subscription price of $0.05 per Unit. Each Unit will be comprised of one common share of the Company (each, a "Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant of the Company (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"), with each Warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase an additional Share of the Company (a "Warrant Share") at an exercise price of $0.10 per Warrant Share for a period of 24 months from the closing of the Offering.

It is expected that certain directors and officers of the Company (the "Insiders") may participate in the Offering. The participation of Insiders in the Offerings will constitute a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company anticipates relying on exemptions from the minority shareholder approval and formal valuation requirements applicable to the related-party transactions under sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a), respectively, of MI 61-101, as neither the fair market value of the Units to be acquired by the participating Insiders nor the consideration to be paid by such Insiders is anticipated to exceed 25 percent of the Company's market capitalization.

The Offering is expected to close on or about February 14, 2025 and is subject to certain closing conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the acceptance of the CSE. The Company expects to use the proceeds of the Offering to follow up on exploration targets identified from recently announced channel and drill results, geophysical surveys, and geochemical analyses, and for general corporate and working capital purposes for the Company.

The securities issued under the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period in Canada of four months and a day from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Qualified Person

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Andrew Tims, P.Geo., who is an independent Qualified Person (QP) as defined in National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. The QP and the Company have not completed sufficient work to verify the historical information on the Properties, particularly regarding historical exploration, neighbouring companies, and government geological work.

For more information about the Company, view Volta's website at www.voltametals.ca.

ABOUT VOLTA METALS LTD.

Volta Metals Ltd. (CSE: VLTA) (FSE: D0W) is a mineral exploration company based in Toronto, Ontario, focused on gallium, lithium, cesium, and tantalum. It has optioned and is currently exploring a critical minerals portfolio of lithium, cesium, and tantalum projects in northwestern Ontario, considered one of the world's most prolific, emerging hard-rock lithium districts. To learn more about Volta and its flagship AKI Project, please visit www.voltametals.ca.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

For further information, contact:

Neither the CSE nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to product development, plans, strategies, and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding the anticipated Offerings, including the maximum size thereof, the expected timing to complete the Offerings, the ability to complete the Offerings on the terms provided herein or at all, the anticipated use of the net proceeds from the Offerings, the receipt of all necessary approvals, the use of the gross proceeds of the Flow-Through Private Placement to incur eligible "Canadian exploration expenses" that qualify as "flow-through critical mineral mining expenditures"; the renouncement of the Qualifying Expenditures in favour of the subscribers of the FT Units, the Company's planned exploration activities and the Company's aim to prevent and minimize impacts on the First Nations through a variety of mitigation measures and offsetting benefits. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include: the risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators; the fact that Volta's interests in the Property are options only and there are no guarantee that such interest, if earned, will be certain; the future prices and demand for lithium; and delays or the inability of the Company to obtain any necessary approvals, permits and authorizations required to carry out its business plans. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, other than as required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/238924

SOURCE: Volta Metals Ltd.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2025) - Medaro Mining Corp. (CSE: MEDA) (OTC Pink: MEDAF) (FSE: 1ZY0) ("Medaro" or the "Company") announces that, following a comprehensive strategic review, it has decided to suspend all exploration activities on its lithium projects in 2025 and intends to discontinue the development of its lithium extraction technology. The Company is exploring other projects to add to its portfolio and will seek strategic partners for its existing lithium project portfolio.

Over the past several years, to complement its portfolio of lithium exploration properties, the Company has pursued the research and development of an innovative technology for extracting lithium from spodumene concentrate (the "Technology"), which has been carried out through its joint venture, Global Lithium Extraction Technologies Inc. While the initial test work showed promise, due to the significant level of capital resources necessary to further develop the Technology, and the current market conditions and the industry outlook on the lithium sector, the Company has determined that further investment in the Technology is not in its best interests at this time.

Additionally, the Company has completed an internal review of its exploration plans across its lithium property assets, and after assessing the existing exploration data, logistical realities, and future funding requirements, the Company has concluded that, at this time, it will pause any further exploration activities on these properties, until Lithium commodity prices improve or the Company finds a strategic partner.

The Company believes this shift will allow the Company to optimize its capital allocation, giving it the ability to direct its resources toward initiatives that better align with its strategic objectives while preserving capital for potential future opportunities. However, the Company will continue monitoring the global lithium landscape, and will remain open to opportunities to unlock potential value in its existing property assets. The Company is committed to keeping stakeholders informed and will issue updates regarding any material developments throughout this transition.

The Company announces that Michael Mulberry has resigned as Chief Executive Officer and Director of Medaro, effective immediately. Since joining Medaro in 2022, Mr. Mulberry has played a pivotal role in expanding the Company's lithium portfolio, overseeing key acquisitions and significant advancements on projects such as the Rapide and Darlin Lithium Properties. During his tenure, he fostered essential partnerships and exploration programs that set the stage for Medaro's strategic growth in the battery metals sector.

"We extend our deepest gratitude to Michael for his vision, dedication, and the measurable progress he achieved," commented Faizaan Lalani, President and Director of the Company. "While broader market conditions have influenced our near-term plans in the lithium space, we remain immensely grateful for Michael's work. His leadership and accomplishments have laid a strong foundation for Medaro's continued evolution, and we wish him every success in his future endeavors."

In the interim, Mr. Lalani will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer until a permanent successor is named. The Board and management team will continue to build upon the solid framework established under Mr. Mulberry's guidance as the Company navigates the evolving lithium and battery metals landscape.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Faizaan Lalani

Interim CEO, President & Director

About the Company

The Company is a lithium exploration company based in Vancouver, BC, and holds options over the Darlin, Rapide, Lac La Motte and CYR South lithium properties in Quebec. The Company owns the James Bay Pontax Project in Quebec. The Company is a party to a joint venture agreement that engages the Company in the development and commercialization of a new process to extract lithium from spodumene concentrate.

For more information, investors should review the Company's filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, including statements regarding the Company's plans to discontinue the development of the Technology and exploration activity on its lithium properties, future capital allocation, and the possibility of future business activity related to the Company's existing lithium properties, are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company based on information currently available to it. Forward-Looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities, which may cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.

Neither Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider 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/238937

SOURCE: Medaro Mining Corp.
Miami, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2025) - Digital Silk, an award winning agency focused on creating brand strategies, custom websites, and digital marketing campaigns, has unveiled its latest report on the Top 40 Branding Statistics for 2025. The report provides critical insights into trends and data that define successful branding strategies for businesses aiming to thrive in an ever-competitive market.

The power of branding - Image Digital Silk

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10732/238953_f69055c7249b9b92_001full.jpg

The comprehensive analysis includes statistics showcasing the impact of effective branding on consumer behavior, digital engagement, and overall revenue growth. Among the highlights:

77% of consumers make purchases based on brand name alone, illustrating the importance of brand recognition.

make purchases based on brand name alone, illustrating the importance of brand recognition. Consistency across platforms boosts revenue by up to 23%, underscoring the necessity of a cohesive online presence.

boosts revenue by up to 23%, underscoring the necessity of a cohesive online presence. Companies with a strong brand purpose report a higher customer loyalty rate, with 89% of customers staying loyal to brands they trust.

Digital Silk's CEO Gabriel Shaoolian remarked, "In today's fast-paced digital landscape, branding isn't just about aesthetics; it's about creating meaningful connections with audiences. These statistics provide businesses with actionable insights to achieve that."

The report emphasizes the increasing need for brands to focus on authentic storytelling, innovative digital strategies, and seamless user experiences. Businesses that incorporate these trends are poised to see substantial growth in brand equity and customer engagement.

Digital Silk is committed to supporting brands in achieving their potential through cutting-edge strategies and data-driven solutions. Their expertise in web design, branding, and marketing has positioned them as a leader in elevating brands in cities like Miami, New York, and beyond.

To access the full report on Top 40 Branding Statistics for 2025, visit Digital Silk.

About Digital Silk

Digital Silk is a full-service web design and branding agency focused on growing brands online. With a team of seasoned experts, Digital Silk delivers industry-leading digital experiences through strategic branding and cutting-edge web design to drive more conversions and digital marketing services to boost awareness and engagement.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/238953

SOURCE: Digital Silk
C2 Blockchain Inc., a forward-thinking leader in blockchain and cryptocurrency innovation, is proud to announce the approval of its Regulation A offering. This milestone represents a key step in the company's mission to democratize access to Bitcoin mining investments and leverage emerging opportunities in the cryptocurrency sector.

With this regulatory approval, C2 Blockchain Inc. plans to build its own 14MW Bitcoin mining farm in Georgia, a key step toward establishing a long-term, sustainable mining infrastructure. In the meantime, the company will partner with a trusted hosting company to establish state-of-the-art Bitcoin mining operations and generate immediate revenue. These parallel strategies reflect the company's commitment to scaling efficiently while maximizing value for its investors.

"We are thrilled to have achieved this major milestone," said Levi Jacobson, CEO of C2 Blockchain Inc. "With Regulation A approval, we're breaking down barriers to entry for individuals interested in participating in the Bitcoin mining revolution. By building our own facility and partnering with a hosting company, we are taking a strategic and balanced approach to growth, innovation, and operational success."

C2 Blockchain Inc. remains highly optimistic about the future of Bitcoin mining. Despite past market volatility, the company sees a bright future for Bitcoin as a store of value and an integral part of the global financial system. As Bitcoin adoption grows and blockchain technology evolves, C2 Blockchain Inc. aims to contribute to the ecosystem by building a sustainable and profitable mining infrastructure.

C2 Blockchain Inc. is also dedicated to operating responsibly by exploring renewable energy solutions and employing efficient mining practices. This commitment underscores the company's efforts to balance profitability with environmental sustainability.

The company invites potential investors and stakeholders to explore this exciting opportunity as it embarks on its Bitcoin mining journey.

About C2 Blockchain Inc.

C2 Blockchain Inc. is an innovative company at the intersection of technology and finance. Focused on Bitcoin mining and cryptocurrency investments, the company is committed to delivering value to its investors and driving the adoption of blockchain technology.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements. These statements appear in a number of places in this press release and include all statements that are not statements of historical fact regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company, its directors or its officers with respect to, among other things: (i) financing plans; (ii) trends affecting its financial condition or results of operations; and (iii) growth strategy and operating strategy. The words "may", "would", "will", "expect", "estimate", "can", "believe", "potential", and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's ability to control, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. More information about the potential factors that could affect the business and financial results is included in the Company's filings on otcmarkets.com.

CONTACT:

C2 Blockchain Inc.

IR and Media Inquiries

Email: Info@c2blockchain.com

SOURCE: C2 Blockchain Inc

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
LEWISVILLE, Ark., Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Standard Lithium Ltd. ("Standard Lithium") (TSXV:SLI) (NYSE:A:SLI), a leading near-commercial lithium developer, and Equinor, a global energy leader, today announced Smackover Lithium as the new name for their joint venture developing direct lithium extraction ("DLE") projects in Southwest Arkansas and East Texas.

Smackover Lithium was announced yesterday at a community meeting in Lewisville, Arkansas, home of a planned field office and nearby the joint venture's South West Arkansas ("SWA") project. The SWA project, located in Lafayette and Columbia counties, is expected to be one of the world's first commercial-scale DLE facilities.

"Smackover Lithium is a natural fit for the joint venture given the Smackover formation's prolific resource and our joint venture's commitment to adding to the incredible legacy of American energy production from this region," said David Park, CEO of Standard Lithium.

In May 2024, Equinor formed a joint venture with Standard Lithium to advance DLE projects in the Smackover basin, focused on Southwest Arkansas and East Texas. Smackover Lithium is now the external brand for the joint venture and will continue building on Standard Lithium's work with local communities to enhance economic development and grow educational and workforce opportunities.

"We are excited to be a part of Smackover Lithium, developing critical mineral projects in the Smackover basin and building the next generation of lithium development," said Allie Kennedy Thurmond, Vice President of US Lithium at Equinor.

For more information on Smackover Lithium, please visit: www.smackoverlithium.com.

About Standard Lithium Ltd.

Standard Lithium is a leading near-commercial lithium development company focused on the sustainable development of a portfolio of large, high-grade lithium-brine properties in the United States. The Company prioritizes projects characterized by the highest quality resources, robust infrastructure, skilled labor, and streamlined permitting. Standard Lithium aims to achieve sustainable, commercial-scale lithium production via the application of a scalable and fully integrated DLE and purification process. The Company's flagship projects are located in the Smackover Formation, a world-class lithium brine asset, focused in Arkansas and Texas. In partnership with global energy leader Equinor, Standard Lithium is advancing the SWA project, a greenfield project located in southern Arkansas, and actively exploring promising lithium brine prospects in East Texas. Additionally, the Company is advancing the Phase 1A project in partnership with LANXESS Corporation, a brownfield development project located in southern Arkansas. Standard Lithium also holds an interest in certain mineral leases in the Mojave Desert in San Bernardino County, California.

Standard Lithium trades on both the TSX Venture Exchange.

About Equinor

Equinor is an international energy company committed to long-term value creation in a low-carbon future. Equinor's portfolio of projects encompasses oil and gas, renewables and low-carbon solutions, with an ambition of becoming a net-zero energy company by 2050. Headquartered in Norway, Equinor is the leading operator on the Norwegian continental shelf and is present in around 30 countries worldwide. Our partnership with Standard Lithium to mature DLE projects builds on our broad US energy portfolio of oil and gas, offshore wind, low carbon solutions and battery storage projects.

For more information on Equinor in the US, please visit: Equinor in the US - Equinor

Media Contacts:

Chris Lang

Standard Lithium Ltd.

investors@standardithium.com

Ola Morten Aanestad

Equinor

oaan@equinor.com

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan", "forecast", "may", "schedule" and other similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to intended development timelines, future prices of commodities, accuracy of mineral or resource exploration activity, reserves or resources, regulatory or government requirements or approvals, the reliability of third party information, continued existence and success of the joint venture, continued access to mineral properties or infrastructure, fluctuations in the market for lithium and its derivatives, changes in exploration costs and government regulation in Canada and the United States, and other factors or information. Such statements and information represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation to, update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.
Platform spans high growth and resilient markets, serving a diverse customer base across the commercial, business, leisure, and cargo segments

Tallvine Partners ("Tallvine"), an independent investment advisor focused on value-add middle-market infrastructure opportunities, today announced the launch of its North America fixed base operator (FBO) platform in conjunction with the acquisition of the U.S. assets of Odyssey Aviation ("Odyssey"), the owner and operator of three FBOs in the U.S. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The platform is dedicated to acquiring, enhancing and expanding FBOs catering to general and business aviation, as well as cargo and freight operations, at airports throughout North America. Chad Farischon, former Co-Founder and President of Lynx FBO Network, will lead the platform, supported by Ed Zwirn, Operating Director at Tallvine. Together, they bring extensive experience incepting, operating and expanding previous FBO platforms, with deep asset knowledge and key industry relationships.

"The launch of our FBO platform and acquisition of Odyssey demonstrates our commitment to investing in scalable infrastructure opportunities that we see as driven by thematic tailwinds and high-quality teams with deep sector experience," said Thomas Lefebvre, Partner CEO of Tallvine Partners. "We are excited to partner with Chad, a world-class leader in the FBO sector, and look forward to actively growing the platform together."

In January, Tallvine closed its acquisition of Odyssey and now owns and operates FBOs at three locations including Willow Run Airport (KYIP-Detroit, MI), Kissimmee Gateway Airport (KISM-Orlando, FL), and St. Simons Island Airport (KSSI-St. Simons Island, GA). The three locations will continue to operate under the Odyssey brand. Odyssey provides its customers with a full suite of FBO services and manages over 270,000 square feet of real estate and over 2,500,000 square feet of ramp at its three locations. The platform is seeking to expand and is actively pursuing strategic acquisitions in the FBO sector.

Mark Clark, Partner at Tallvine Partners, added: "We see this as a tremendous opportunity to create a leading FBO business in North America with significant growth potential. We look forward to working closely with Chad and Ed to execute on exciting opportunities, including hangar expansions, operational enhancements, and complementary acquisitions across the U.S. and Canada."

"This is an exciting new chapter for Odyssey Aviation's U.S. FBOs," said Chad Farischon, newly appointed CEO of Tallvine's FBO platform. "I'm thrilled to work with Tallvine, and with their continuing support, to expand the platform into new markets and further deliver exceptional service and quality with a commitment to continuing excellence, safety, and value creation."

About Tallvine Partners

Tallvine Partners is an independent investment advisor focused on investing in value-add middle-market infrastructure opportunities. Based in Miami, FL, and led by partners Thomas Lefebvre, Chucri Hjeily, Mark Clark and Victor Sosa, Tallvine focuses on middle-market infrastructure opportunities across the energy and utilities, transportation and logistics, and communications sectors in North America. Tallvine seeks to invest in target sectors by leveraging the firm's strong and cohesive partnership, its experience building, enhancing and divesting platforms, its ability to identify and empower management teams, its wide-reaching network of experts, and the pattern recognition its four partners have developed investing through two decades of business cycles in each of the firm's target sectors.

About Odyssey Aviation U.S.

Odyssey Aviation U.S. is a leading platform specializing in providing Fixed Based Operator (FBO) services to general aviation, commercial aviation and cargo aviation operators at its locations across North America. The platform provides aircraft fueling, hangar space, ground handling, cargo fueling and handling, concierge services, and other support operations, prioritizing industry leading customer service and safety. As of January 2025, Odyssey Aviation U.S. operates at Willow Run Airport (KYIP-Detroit, MI), Kissimmee Gateway Airport (KISM-Orlando, FL), and St. Simons Island Airport (KSSI-St. Simons Island, GA) and is actively expanding through acquisitions and development.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250129452773/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact

Kelsey Nevius, Edelman Smithfield

Kelsey.nevius@edelmansmithfield.com

(309) 531-9211
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2025) - Synex Renewable Energy Corporation (TSX: SXI) (the "Company" or "Synex") announced today that Murray Margolis has resigned as director of the Company effective January 29, 2025.

"I want to extend my appreciation and thanks to Murray Margolis. He joined the Company in 2023 as director and he has been a valuable member of the board throughout his tenure," said Daniel J. Russell, Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

Mr. Margolis leaves the Board of Directors to focus on other commitments. The Board of Directors and the Company's management team would like to thank Murray for his valuable contributions to Synex and wish him well with his future endeavours.

About Synex Renewable Energy Corporation

Synex is a Vancouver, British Columbia based company engaged in the development, acquisition, ownership, and operation of renewable energy projects in Canada. It has ownership interests in 12 MW of operating hydro projects in British Columbia and owns a Vancouver Island grid connection and utility carrying on business as Kyuquot Power Ltd. The Company also has 9.4 MW of construction ready run-of-river projects, applications, and land tenures on another 24 potential hydroelectric sites totaling over 150 MW of capacity, and approximately 16 wind development sites that could provide up to 4,700 MW of clean power in British Columbia. For further information, visit www.synex.com.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/238954

SOURCE: Synex Renewable Energy Corporation
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2025) - Red Light Holland Corp. (CSE: TRIP) (FSE: 4YX) (OTCQB: TRUFF) ("Red Light Holland" or the "Company"), an Ontario-based corporation engaged in the production, growth, and sale of functional mushrooms and mushroom home grow kits in North America and Europe, as well as a premium brand of psilocybin truffles in the legal, recreational market within the Netherlands, in compliance with all applicable laws is excited to announce details of its research and development plan with their partner, Irvine Labs Inc. ("Irvine Labs"), an FDA-compliant and DEA-registered facility in California.

Red Light Holland's new partner, Irvine Labs is licensed for prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drug manufacturing by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and is a DEA Schedule 1 Bulk drug cultivator, manufacturer, importer and exporter; including psilocybin, psilocin, marijuana, THC, extracts, DET, DMT, LSD, peyote and mescaline.

Updated Plan:

Irvine Labs has applied for its initial 2025 Psilocybin DEA quota for import. Testing of new proprietary dehydration and packaging techniques aimed at extending product shelf life will commence after Irvine Labs obtains the necessary quota and receives raw materials from Red Light Holland's Netherlands farm. Increasing product shelf life, along with Irvine Lab's ability to export, will increase the potential of commercialization and sales to emerging legal markets, government funded pilot programs and clinical trials worldwide.

"We are very excited about this R&D plan we developed with Irvine Labs, to extend the shelf life of our naturally derived psilocybin microdosing capsule," said Todd Shapiro, CEO and Director of Red Light Holland. "Irvine Labs is an ideal partner as we push to expand into global emerging legal markets. Their certified GMP, FDA-compliant and DEA-registered lab will help ensure we have the highest quality products that will help with our ultimate aim of distribution and commercialization. We are closely following the potential appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., in his bid to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as we believe (and applaud) he demonstrates signs of openness to alternative and naturally derived therapeutic approaches. We look forward to a hopeful promising landscape for innovative mental health solutions and want to be ready with the best products."

Shaun Land, President of Irvine Labs, added, "We have extensive experience working with naturally derived pharmaceutical ingredients and are excited to support Red Light Holland's microdosing program with our expertise in manufacturing and compliance, aiming to extend these innovative products stability and shelf life."

"As we continue to develop our microdosing capsules, which are intended for legal emerging markets and clinical trials around the world, it is important they have an increased shelf life," added Red Light Holland's CTIO, Sarah Hashkes.

The preservation of psilocybin from naturally derived compounds presents unique challenges in product development and manufacturing. Through Red Light Holland's partnership with Irvine Labs and the implementation of proprietary preservation technology, Red Light Holland aims to overcome these challenges by developing precise dehydration, manufacturing and storage protocols that maintain the integrity of natural compounds while significantly extending product shelf life. Combined with research into advanced packaging solutions, these innovations represent a comprehensive approach to ensuring product stability and quality throughout the supply chain.

Once Irvine Labs receives their expected initial 2025 psilocybin quota and finishes setting up of new lab equipment, they will submit the import permit necessary to receive Red Light Holland's natural psilocybin products, grown in the company's farm in the Netherlands. Upon receiving the hopeful shipment, Irvine Labs will begin testing their proprietary dehydration and packaging solutions.

Red Light and Irvine Labs combined goal is to develop a commercialized product that can be legally exported to emerging markets and used in government-funded pilot programs and clinical trials within the United States.

About Irvine Labs

Irvine Labs was established in 1997. Since 2013, Irvine Labs has had a significant investment in medical research and development through its Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Division with a focus on natural medicines, including cannabis, cannabinoids, psilocybin, herbs and other sources of natural medicines. Irvine Labs is licensed for Prescription and Over-the-Counter (OTC) drug manufacturing by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Irvine Labs is a DEA Schedule 1 Bulk drug manufacturer, importer and exporter (including marijuana, THC, extracts, psilocybin, psilocin, DET, DMT, LSD, Peyote and Mescaline, and Schedule 1-5 testing lab.

About Red Light Holland

Red Light Holland is an Ontario-based corporation engaged in the production, growth and sale of functional mushrooms and mushroom home grow kits in North America and Europe, and a premium brand of psilocybin truffles to the legal, recreational market within the Netherlands, in compliance with all applicable laws.

Forward-Looking Statements and Cautionary Note

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events.

The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the Company's performance, business objectives and milestones and the anticipated timing thereof, and costs in connection with, the execution or achievement of such objectives and milestones, including its plans to continue seeking legal opportunities to increase responsible access to natural psilocybin around the world and Irvine lab's development of the Company's psilocybin; the Company and the Company's partners to maintain its stated licenses and obtain all necessary additional licenses and regulatory approval required for the Company to carry out its plans as described; the expectations with respect to the Company's next psilocybin import, Irvine lab's DEA approval of initial 2025 psilocybin quota; the Company's continued commitment towards ensuring legal, responsible access to Red Light's standardized natural psilocybin products; the Company's commitment to making further announcements with respect to its overall R&D project, including its partnership with Irvine Labs Inc. and the research project to develop a process for the commercial manufacture of microdosing capsules derived from the Company's psilocybin truffles; the Company proving out potential therapeutic benefits of Psilocybin; the Company receiving important insights from naturally occurring psilocybin truffles; the Company's ability to extract and expand access to psilocybin products; and the Company's ability to scalable production of high-quality, and approved microdoing capsules with extended shelf life via Irvine Labs ability to export their manufactured products from the United States to emerging markets, or sell to government funded pilot programs or clinical trials in the United States or around the world.

Forward-Looking information in this press release are based on certain assumptions and expected future events, namely: the Company's ability to maintain or exceed its current performance, and carry out its business objectives and milestones and under the anticipated timing and costs in connection with, the execution or achievement of such objectives and milestones; the Company and the Company's partners' abilities, including Irvine Labs to maintain its stated licenses and obtain all necessary additional licenses and regulatory approval required for the Company to carry out its plans as described; the Company's ability to realize its plans for future approved psilocybin imports Irvine lab's DEA approval of initial 2025 psilocybin quota; the Company's ability for its continued commitment towards ensuring legal, responsible access to Red Light's standardized natural psilocybin products; the Company's ability to maintain its commitment to making further announcements with respect to its overall R&D project, including its partnership with Irvine Labs and their research project to develop a process for the commercial manufacture of natural-source microdoing capsules derived from the Company's psilocybin truffles; the Company proving out potential therapeutic benefits of Psilocybin; the Company receiving important insights from naturally occurring psilocybin truffles; the ability to extract and expand access to psilocybin products; and the Company's ability to have scalable production of high-quality, microdosing capsules with extended shelf life for Global Distribution and The Company's ability to import their products into the United States and eventually the Companys ability to export their manufactured products from the United States to emerging markets, or sell to government funded pilot programs or clinical trials in the us or around the world.

These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including but not limited to: the Company's inability to maintain or exceed its current performance, and carry out its business objectives and milestones and under the anticipated timing and costs in connection with, the execution or achievement of such objectives and milestones; the Company and the Company's partners' inabilities, including Irvine Labs, to maintain its stated licenses and obtain all necessary additional licenses and regulatory approval required for the Company to carry out its plans as described; the Company's inability to realize upon its plans for its aimed approved psilocybin import; the Company's inability to maintain its commitment towards ensuring legal, responsible access to Red Light's standardized natural psilocybin products; the Company's inability to maintain its commitment to making further announcements with respect to its overall R&D project, including its partnership with Irvine Labs; and The Company's ability to expand and extract access to psilocybin products.

The Company cannot make medical claims and is purely in a R&D phase with its partners Irvine Labs Inc.

Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated.

Forward-Looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and reflect the Company's expectations as of the date hereof and are subject to change thereafter. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/238943

SOURCE: Red Light Holland Corp.
Cyberlux Corporation (OTC: CYBL), a leader in advanced unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) technology, is proud to participate in the US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) TE 25-1 Arctic Warrior Experiment. This pivotal event is focused on testing and demonstrating cutting-edge technologies at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 or higher, designed to empower U.S. and NATO Special Operations Forces (SOF) in Arctic operational environments.

Cyberlux is unveiling an innovative variant of its rotary wing UAS, engineered specifically for sustained operations in GPS- and radio frequency-denied environments. This groundbreaking platform integrates advanced capabilities developed in partnership with OKSI, Inc., leveraging their proprietary "Omniscience" Artificial Intelligence model. The collaboration brings the following key enhancements to Cyberlux's UAS technology:

Visual Inertial Odometry (VIO): Enables precise navigation and positioning without reliance on GPS, critical for Arctic and electronic warfare (EW) environments.

Enables precise navigation and positioning without reliance on GPS, critical for Arctic and electronic warfare (EW) environments. Automated Target Recognition (ATR): Advanced machine learning algorithms for rapid identification and classification of targets.

Advanced machine learning algorithms for rapid identification and classification of targets. Machine Learning Integration: Ensures adaptive decision-making and autonomous operations in dynamic, high-threat environments.

"The Arctic Warrior Experiment offers an unparalleled opportunity for SOF teams to engage directly with emerging technologies that address the unique challenges of Arctic warfare," said Mark Schmidt, CEO of Cyberlux Corporation. "Our rotary wing UAS, enhanced with OKSI's cutting-edge AI capabilities, exemplifies the innovation required to maintain operational superiority even in the most contested and complex environments."

Held in Rena, Norway, the Arctic Warrior Experiment brings together multiple NATO SOF teams to evaluate next-generation solutions for Arctic deployment. The event allows participating forces to interface with industry leaders like Cyberlux, fostering collaboration that accelerates the development and adoption of mission-critical technologies.

OKSI's Omniscience AI model plays a transformative role in ensuring Cyberlux's UAS can effectively navigate, identify, and engage targets even in heavily jammed EW scenarios. This capability underscores Cyberlux's commitment to delivering resilient, state-of-the-art solutions tailored to the evolving needs of modern warfare.

About Cyberlux Corporation

Cyberlux Corporation is a leading provider of advanced unmanned aircraft systems, tactical lighting solutions, and innovative technologies designed to meet the needs of military, government, and commercial clients. With a focus on agility and innovation, Cyberlux delivers mission-critical solutions that empower operational success in complex environments.

About OKSI, Inc.

OKSI (Optical Knowledge Systems, Inc.) is at the forefront of artificial intelligence and optical system innovation. Their Omniscience AI model integrates machine learning and advanced analytics to deliver unparalleled capabilities in navigation, target recognition, and decision-making across diverse operational scenarios.

For more information, please visit www.cyberlux.com. For investor information, please contact: ir_cybl@cyberlux.com.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

This Press Release may contain forward-looking statements that can be identified by terminology such as "believes," "expects," "potential," "plans," "suggests," "may," "should," "could," "intends," or similar expressions within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain as they are based on current expectations and assumptions concerning future events or future performance of the company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. In evaluating such statements, prospective investors should review carefully various risks and uncertainties identified in this release and matters set in the company's OTC/SEC filings. These risks and uncertainties could cause the company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250130153301/en/

Contacts:

For media inquiries, please contact: ir_cybl@Cyberlux.com T: (984) 363-6894
Aberforth Smaller Companies Trust Plc - Dividend Declaration

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, January 30

Aberforth Smaller Companies Trust plc (the "Company")

Dividend Declaration

The Board of Aberforth Smaller Companies Trust plc today announced a proposed final dividend of 30.00p per share, together with a special dividend of 6.00p per share, in respect of the year ended 31 December 2024.

Subject to shareholder approval at the AGM to be held on 6 March 2025, the dividends will be paid on 10 March 2025 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 7 February 2025. The ex-dividend date is 6 February 2025. The Company also operates a Dividend Reinvestment Plan and elections must be received by the Company's registrars by 5.30pm on 20 February 2025.

Aberforth Partners LLP, Secretaries

(Tel 0131 220 0733)

30 January 2025
Bountiful, Utah--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2025) - OneMeta Inc. (OTCQB: ONEI) (www.onemeta.ai) the leader in AI-driven multilingual communication solutions, is partnering with CCI Network Services to revolutionize multilingual communication through the launch of VerbumCall-a groundbreaking platform designed to meet the diverse language needs of businesses and organizations worldwide. Together, this partnership represents a significant leap forward in enabling seamless communication and enhancing global business operations.

"Working with OneMeta and their OPI (Over the Phone Interpreter) solution is quickly bridging the multiple language barrier that we have and are experiencing. Adding AI into the call is as easy as making a three-way call, allowing you to communicate in many different languages. I have seen that this service will give many companies a quicker way to communicate without long hold times waiting for a human interpreter and have a full transcript as well," said Kevin Francis, Vice-President of Sales of CCI Network Services.

A Partnership Built on Trust and Innovation

Security, reliability, and quality are cornerstones of VerbumCall. Built to meet HIPAA and SOC2 compliance standards, the VerbumCall platform ensures that sensitive information remains secure while providing accurate and dependable results. By teaming up with CCI Network Services, OneMeta is expanding access to this trusted technology, delivering unparalleled support for organizations seeking to bridge language gaps.

"Our collaboration with CCI Network Services amplifies our commitment to setting new standards in multilingual communication. Together, we're providing businesses with a secure, scalable, and powerful solution that fosters deeper connections and enhances customer experience," said Saul Leal, CEO of OneMeta.

Seamless Integration for Effortless Operation

VerbumCall is designed for seamless integration with leading CCaaS providers such as Five9, GenesysCloud, and Cisco CUCM/CUBE, making it an ideal choice for organizations of all sizes. Its intuitive, scalable platform handles thousands of calls daily with 24/7 availability, all without requiring apps or internet access. Now, through CCI Network Services, businesses can easily adopt this cutting-edge solution to elevate their communication strategies.

Breaking Barriers Across Borders

The global nature of modern business necessitates robust tools to navigate linguistic diversity. With VerbumCall, CCI Network Services clients gain access to real-time interpretation and translation that guarantees a consistent, high-quality experience for their customers worldwide.

"OneMeta has proven to be a valuable partner in a world that is becoming increasingly smaller. Their cutting-edge technology in the language interpretation space is opening up new business opportunities that did not exist previously. Their team of experts is a wealth of experience, are extremely knowledgeable, and very detail oriented. I'm very excited for what opportunities lie ahead in 2025 and beyond as a result of this partnership," said Mark Duffy, CCI Network Services, Trusted Agent Partner.

Advanced Features That Elevate Customer Experience

VerbumCall's state-of-the-art features include real-time transcription downloads, audio recordings, sentiment analysis, and comprehensive reporting-empowering organizations with actionable insights. For contact centers, VerbumCall is a game-changer, driving metrics such as CSAT and NPS while improving customer retention.

"With VerbumCall, CCI Network Services clients will see tangible improvements in both customer satisfaction and operational efficiency," said Saul Leal. "This partnership exemplifies how technology and collaboration can break barriers and foster understanding worldwide."

Experience the Future of Communication

Together, OneMeta and CCI Network Services are committed to creating a more connected world. VerbumCall's cutting-edge AI, robust security, and unparalleled flexibility is setting a new benchmark in global communication solutions.

To learn more about how VerbumCall can transform your business, visit https://www.onemeta.ai/verbumcall

About OneMeta

OneMeta Inc. is a Multilingual Enablement company focused on overcoming the communication challenges of a world with many languages. Its proprietary, end-to-end natural language processing architecture was developed using artificial intelligence tools and allows the spoken and written word to be synthesized, translated, and transcribed in less than one second. OneMeta's products support near-real-time web-based and mobile phone-based conversations, discussions, meetings, and online chats in over 140 languages and dialects. OneMeta's technology is fully compliant with SOC2, HIPAA, and GDPR standards, ensuring the highest levels of security and privacy for all communications.

OneMeta Inc.: We create a more understanding world.

About CCI Network Services

CCI Network Services, is a provider of diversified telecom services. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, CCI designs, provisions, and manages customized, mission-critical voice, data and cloud solutions for enterprise customers and small to medium sized businesses throughout the U.S. For more information, please visit www.ccicom.com.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/238855

SOURCE: OneMeta Inc.
North Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2025) - Lion One Metals Limited (TSXV: LIO) (OTCQX: LOMLF) ("Lion One" or the "Company") is pleased to report significant new high-grade gold results from 3,791.3 metres of underground grade control drilling at its 100% owned Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project in Fiji. The drilling is focused on Zone 2 and targeted the URW and Murau lode systems.

All drilling was completed from existing near surface underground workings. The Company intersected high-grade mineralized structures in 25 holes. Most of the drill holes did not exceed 130 metres in length from underground drill stations. Drill results include multiple bonanza grade gold assays over narrow widths such as 168.3 g/t over 0.4 m, 158.0 g/t over 0.3 m, 145.5 g/t over 0.4 m, 123.5 g/t over 0.6 m, and 119.5 g/t over 0.4 m, all of which are located near existing underground workings. These bonanza grade gold results occur within larger intervals of high-grade mineralization, such as 6.7 m of 25.45 g/t gold, and 4.7 m of 26.89 g/t gold.

The Zone 2 drilling targeted two separate mineralized systems: the URW system and the Murau system. The URW drilling primarily targeted the downdip extension of the URW1 stockwork zone below the 1101 level, while the Murau drilling primarily targeted mineralization below the 1095 level. Both programs intersected high grade mineralization, indicating that both systems extend down vertically below current mining levels. Due to the proximity of these results to active mining levels, these results are anticipated to be incorporated into the mine plan in the next six to twelve months. Notably, the headline intersect of 6.7 m of 25.45 g/t gold is located within the high-grade roscoelite zone, just 10 m below current mining activities in the 1095 level (see press releases dated November 12, 2024 and November 19, 2024 ).

Lion One Chairman and CEO Walter Berukoff commented: "We're extremely pleased with the new results from our Zone 2 grade control drill program. These drill results are in close proximity to our active mine headings and we're excited to incorporate them into our near-term mine plan. Together with the high-grade Zone 5 results released last week, we continue to advance Tuvatu on multiple fronts and we look forward to advancing the mine to new levels underground."

Highlights of New Drill Results:

25.45 g/t Au over 6.7 m (including 145.5 g/t Au over 0.4 m) (TGC-0276, from 45.1 m depth)

(including 145.5 g/t Au over 0.4 m) (TGC-0276, from 45.1 m depth) 26.89 g/t Au over 4.7 m (including 78.0 g/t Au over 0.85 m) (TGC-0264, from 36.8 m depth)

(including 78.0 g/t Au over 0.85 m) (TGC-0264, from 36.8 m depth) 36.94 g/t Au over 2.5 m (including 158.0 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TGC-0312, from 46.5 m depth)

(including 158.0 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TGC-0312, from 46.5 m depth) 13.97 g/t Au over 6.6 m (including 54.5 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TGC-0260, from 31.45 m depth)

(including 54.5 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TGC-0260, from 31.45 m depth) 45.95 g/t Au over 1.8 m (including 123.5 g/t Au over 0.55 m) (TGC-0308, from 43 m depth)

(including 123.5 g/t Au over 0.55 m) (TGC-0308, from 43 m depth) 168.25 g/t Au over 0.4 m (TGC-0276, from 18.5 m depth)

(TGC-0276, from 18.5 m depth) 29.23 g/t Au over 2.1 m (including 37.43 g/t Au over 0.9 m) (TGC-0353, from 27.9 m depth)

(including 37.43 g/t Au over 0.9 m) (TGC-0353, from 27.9 m depth) 21.48 g/t Au over 2.7 m (including 119.5 g/t Au over 0.42 m) (TGC-0344, from 70.2 m depth)

(including 119.5 g/t Au over 0.42 m) (TGC-0344, from 70.2 m depth) 12.47 g/t Au over 3.8 m (including 49.86 g/t Au over 0.45 m) (TGC-0264, from 57.2 m depth)

(including 49.86 g/t Au over 0.45 m) (TGC-0264, from 57.2 m depth) 10.82 g/t Au over 3.7 m (including 19.51 g/t Au over 0.6 m) (TGC-0276, from 39.9 m depth)

*Drill intersects are downhole lengths, 3.0 g/t cutoff. True width not known. See Table 1 for additional data.

Figure 1. Location of the Zone 2 drilling reported in this news release. Left image: Plan view of Tuvatu showing Zone 2 drillholes in relation to the mineralized lodes at Tuvatu, shown in grey. Right image: Section view of Zone 2 drilling looking northeast. Zone 2 drilling primarily targeted the Murau and URW lode systems below current mine levels.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2178/238920_ba24572d84122a46_001full.jpg

Zone 2 Drilling

The Zone 2 area of Tuvatu is located in the northwest part of the deposit, near the main portal. The URW and Murau lode systems are the primary mineralized systems in Zone 2, and they are both actively being mined. A total of 35 drill holes are reported in this news release, including 23 targeting the URW system and 12 targeting the Murau system.

The URW system consists of multiple closely spaced steeply dipping high grade mineralized lodes trending in a north-south direction. Within this system lies the URW1 stockwork zone, which consist of two steeply dipping lodes enveloped within a stockwork zone of gold-bearing veinlets. Four levels of underground mining have been completed within the URW1 stockwork zone; the 1161, 1141, 1121, and 1101 levels. Long hole open stope mining is taking place between these levels. The URW drilling reported here was conducted from the 1116 drill station underground and consists of a series of drill holes oriented in a fan from east to southeast. The drill program primarily targeted the down dip extension of the URW1 stockwork zone below the 1101 level along a 120 m strike length from north to south. High- and bonanza-grade results were intersected in multiple drill holes, indicating the continuation of the system below current mine workings (see Figure 2).

The Murau system consists of a series of high-grade flat to moderately flat mineralized structures located between the steeply dipping URW1 stockwork zone to the east and the steeply dipping Ura lode system to the west. The Murau structures are known as 'flatmakes'[1] and have abundant roscoelite mineralization. They Murau flatmakes are a major component of the high-grade roscoelite zone that was identified in 2024. The first such flatmake is being actively mined along the 1095 level in Zone 2 where a 120 m strike length of the system has been exposed. The Murau drilling reported here was conducted from the 1121 drill station underground. Drilling consists of a series of drill holes oriented in a fan from the north to the northwest. The primary target of the drilling was mineralization below the 1095 level, with several drillholes also targeting mineralization above the 1095 level. High grade mineralization was intersected both above and below the 1095 level, with 6.7 m of 25.45 g/t gold intersected within 10 m below the 1095 level indicating the potential for additional flatmakes below the 1095 level (see Figure 3).

The purpose of the current Zone 2 URW and Murau grade control drill programs are to enhance the mine model and inform stope design in advance of mining in these areas. The majority of the high-grade intervals reported in this release are located within 30 m of underground developments and are anticipated to be included in the mine plan in 2025. Both the URW1 and Murau drill programs have successfully intersected high-grade gold mineralization in close proximity below current underground workings. Highlights of the Zone 2 drilling reported here are shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3.

Figure 2. Zone 2 URW grade control drilling with high-grade intersects highlighted, 3.0 g/t gold cutoff. Oblique view looking down to the north. The URW grade control drilling in Zone 2 was oriented in a fan from the east to the south and primarily targeted the down-dip extension of the URW1 stockwork zone below the 1101 level, as well as the extensions of the system to the north and to the south.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2178/238920_ba24572d84122a46_002full.jpg

Figure 3. Zone 2 Murau grade control drilling with high-grade intersects highlighted, 3.0 g/t gold cutoff. Section view looking east-northeast. The Murau grade control drilling in Zone 2 targeted mineralization in the roscoelite zone below the 1095 level, as well as the gap between the Murau and URW1 lode systems. The headline drill intercept of 6.7 m of 25.45 g/t gold is located within 10 m below the 1095 level and is scheduled for mining in the near term.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2178/238920_ba24572d84122a46_003full.jpg

Competent Persons Statement

The information in this report that relates to mineral exploration at the Tuvatu Gold Project is based on information compiled by the Lion One team and has been reviewed and approved by Melvyn Levrel, who is the company's Senior Geologist. Mr Levrel is a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists and has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration, and to the activity being undertaken, to qualify as a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43- 101"). Mr Levrel consents to the inclusion in this report of the matters based on the information in the form and context in which it appears.

Lion One Laboratories / QAQC

Lion One adheres to rigorous QAQC procedures above and beyond basic regulatory guidelines in conducting its drilling, sampling, testing, and analyses. The Company operates its own geochemical assay laboratory and its own fleet of diamond drill rigs using PQ, HQ and NQ sized drill rods.

Diamond drill core samples are logged by Lion One personnel on site. Exploration diamond drill core is split by Lion One personnel on site, with half core samples sent for analysis and the other half core remaining on site. Grade control diamond drill core is whole core assayed. Core samples are delivered to the Lion One Laboratory for preparation and analysis. All samples are pulverized at the Lion One lab to 85% passing through 75 microns and gold analysis is carried out using fire assay with an AA finish. Samples that return grades greater than 10.00 g/t Au are re-analyzed by gravimetric method, which is considered more accurate for very high-grade samples.

Duplicates of 5% of samples with grades above 0.5 g/t Au are delivered to ALS Global Laboratories in Australia for check assay determinations using the same methods (Au-AA26 and Au-GRA22 where applicable). ALS also analyses 33 pathfinder elements by HF-HNO3-HClO4 acid digestion, HCl leach and ICP-AES (method ME-ICP61). The Lion One lab can test a range of up to 71 elements through Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), but currently focuses on a suite of 26 important pathfinder elements with an aqua regia digest and ICP-OES finish.

About Lion One Metals Limited

Lion One Metals is an emerging Canadian gold producer headquartered in North Vancouver BC, with new operations established in late 2023 at its 100% owned Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project in Fiji. The Tuvatu project comprises the high-grade Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Deposit, the Underground Gold Mine, the Pilot Plant, and the Assay Lab. The Company also has an extensive exploration license covering the entire Navilawa Caldera, which is host to multiple mineralized zones and highly prospective exploration targets.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Walter Berukoff, Chairman & CEO

Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Service Provider accepts responsibility or the adequacy or accuracy of this release

This press release may contain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "proposed", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. This forward-looking information reflects Lion One Metals Limited's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Lion One Metals Limited and on assumptions Lion One Metals Limited believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the actual results of exploration projects being equivalent to or better than estimated results in technical reports, assessment reports, and other geological reports or prior exploration results. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of Lion One Metals Limited or its subsidiaries to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: the stage development of Lion One Metals Limited, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the actual results of current research and development or operational activities; competition; uncertainty as to patent applications and intellectual property rights; product liability and lack of insurance; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation, affecting mining, timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; not realizing on the potential benefits of technology; conclusions of economic evaluations; and lack of qualified, skilled labor or loss of key individuals. Although Lion One Metals Limited has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Lion One Metals Limited does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Appendix 1: Full Drill Results and Collar Information

Table 1. Collar coordinates for drillholes reported in this release. Coordinates are in Fiji map grid.

Hole ID Easting Northing Elevation Azimuth Dip Depth TGC-0253 1876320 3920738 123 10.3 -35.7 110.6 TGC-0258 1876320 3920738 122 10.1 -50.1 85.0 TGC-0260 1876320 3920739 122 10.6 -15.9 100.0 TGC-0262 1876320 3920739 123 10.5 0.0 101.0 TGC-0264 1876320 3920740 125 11.2 21.1 105.2 TGC-0266 1876319 3920738 123 353.8 -24.3 106.2 TGC-0270 1876317 3920736 121 295.7 -54.9 75.0 TGC-0272 1876317 3920736 121 295.5 -70.6 55.3 TGC-0274 1876316 3920737 122 300.6 -39.1 100.0 TGC-0276 1876316 3920729 121 320.2 -39.3 75.6 TGC-0280 1876317 3920728 121 322.8 -50.8 75.0 TGC-0283 1876317 3920729 121 339.1 -50.4 75.3 TGC-0285 1876298 3920812 121 103.6 10.9 90.2 TGC-0290 1876298 3920813 121 83.7 13.2 91.7 TGC-0293 1876298 3920813 120 90.0 -5.7 275.4 TGC-0298 1876298 3920812 120 107.0 -13.9 275.0 TGC-0305 1876289 3920808 119 157.3 -30.0 41.4 TGC-0308 1876287 3920806 119 157.9 -28.7 150.0 TGC-0312 1876287 3920806 119 156.4 -24.8 165.3 TGC-0314 1876288 3920807 119 149.6 -26.1 146.4 TGC-0317 1876288 3920808 120 135.1 -11.3 63.2 TGC-0320 1876288 3920807 119 135.5 -24.2 127.0 TGC-0322 1876288 3920807 119 132.1 -28.9 127.0 TGC-0324 1876288 3920808 120 129.3 -22.7 122.7 TGC-0328 1876288 3920807 120 134.2 -6.3 71.5 TGC-0329 1876287 3920806 118 166.1 -35.1 148.3 TGC-0334 1876287 3920806 118 102.0 -9.0 10.6 TGC-0337 1876292 3920809 119 118.1 -23.3 118.7 TGC-0340 1876292 3920809 119 117.4 -28.4 122.5 TGC-0344 1876295 3920810 119 109.2 -27.0 117.3 TGC-0348 1876298 3920811 120 103.3 -8.3 7.8 TGC-0350 1876298 3920811 119 102.7 -19.2 110.0 TGC-0353 1876298 3920811 120 102.3 -8.7 108.0 TGC-0357 1876298 3920811 119 106.9 -34.5 121.0 TGC-0362 1876298 3920812 119 98.3 -31.0 116.1

Table 2. Composite intervals from drillholes reported in this news release (composite grade >3.0 g/t Au, with <1 m internal dilution at <3.0 g/t Au).

Hole ID

From (m) To (m) Width (m) Au (g/t) TGC-0260

30.0 30.4 0.4 26.50



31.5 38.0 6.6 13.97

including 31.5 31.8 0.3 17.06

and 31.8 32.4 0.7 5.68

and 32.4 33.6 1.2 16.99

and 33.6 33.9 0.3 54.50

and 33.9 34.7 0.8 47.20

and 34.7 35.4 0.7 0.04

and 35.4 36.0 0.7 4.13

and 36.0 36.8 0.8 1.93

and 36.8 38.0 1.2 5.33



39.3 40.0 0.7 3.75 TGC-0262

24.0 24.3 0.3 3.46



45.0 45.3 0.3 6.94



46.5 47.2 0.7 5.04 TGC-0264

36.8 41.5 4.7 26.89

including 36.8 37.1 0.3 10.85

and 37.1 38.3 1.2 16.77

and 38.3 39.5 1.2 13.50

and 39.5 40.0 0.5 0.08

and 40.0 40.9 0.9 78.00

and 40.9 41.5 0.7 31.47



44.4 47.2 2.8 7.94

including 44.4 45.0 0.6 9.77

and 45.0 45.3 0.3 2.23

and 45.3 45.9 0.6 3.22

and 45.9 46.2 0.3 18.99

and 46.2 46.9 0.7 9.37

and 46.9 47.2 0.3 5.31



57.2 61.0 3.8 12.47

including 57.2 57.8 0.6 9.37

and 57.8 58.4 0.6 0.62

and 58.4 58.9 0.5 49.86

and 58.9 59.2 0.3 0.40

and 59.2 59.5 0.3 8.59

and 59.5 59.8 0.3 33.44

and 59.8 60.4 0.7 5.13

and 60.4 61.0 0.6 4.83 TGC-0270

45.4 46.6 1.2 19.55 TGC-0274

29.0 29.7 0.7 27.68

including 29.0 29.4 0.4 26.54

and 29.4 29.7 0.3 29.20



38.3 39.2 0.9 3.90



44.7 45.7 1.0 4.12



53.8 56.2 2.4 5.36

including 53.8 54.6 0.8 8.78

and 54.6 54.9 0.3 1.52

and 54.9 55.4 0.5 1.63

and 55.4 55.8 0.4 8.29

and 55.8 56.2 0.4 3.64



58.1 59.0 0.9 7.02

including 58.1 58.4 0.3 6.88

and 58.4 59.0 0.6 7.09



60.1 64.1 4.0 4.38

including 60.1 60.4 0.3 7.87

and 60.4 61.3 0.9 0.36

and 61.3 61.6 0.3 3.70

and 61.6 62.2 0.6 9.13

and 62.2 62.9 0.7 4.65

and 62.9 63.3 0.4 0.25

and 63.3 64.1 0.8 6.12 TGC-0276

18.5 18.9 0.4 168.25



39.9 43.6 3.7 10.82

including 39.9 40.8 0.9 9.00

and 40.8 41.1 0.3 12.00

and 41.1 41.7 0.6 19.51

and 41.7 42.7 1.0 0.44

and 42.7 43.6 0.9 17.99



45.1 51.8 6.7 25.45

including 45.1 45.4 0.3 66.44

and 45.4 46.2 0.8 8.25

and 46.2 46.5 0.3 67.29

and 46.5 46.9 0.4 13.36

and 46.9 47.2 0.3 12.58

and 47.2 47.6 0.4 23.10

and 47.6 48.0 0.4 145.50

and 48.0 48.6 0.6 13.66

and 48.6 49.6 1.0 4.04

and 49.6 50.1 0.5 47.73

and 50.1 50.8 0.7 6.76

and 50.8 51.8 1.0 5.48 TGC-0285

13.8 14.4 0.6 52.57



63.1 63.4 0.3 12.39 TGC-0290

41.7 43.0 1.3 10.85

including 41.7 42.0 0.3 20.38

and 42.0 42.7 0.7 5.93

and 42.7 43.0 0.3 12.79



45.4 46.0 0.6 6.18



58.4 61.0 2.6 10.76

including 58.4 59.2 0.8 24.33

and 59.2 60.4 1.2 4.97

and 60.4 61.0 0.6 4.24



62.2 62.5 0.3 6.90 TGC-0293

48.0 49.2 1.2 9.43

including 48.0 48.6 0.6 14.89

and 48.6 49.2 0.6 3.97



128.0 130.2 2.2 3.02

including 128.0 129.0 1.0 3.09

and 129.0 129.6 0.6 2.10

and 129.6 130.2 0.6 3.83



162.8 165.2 2.4 5.22

including 162.8 163.1 0.3 21.04

and 163.1 163.6 0.5 0.40

and 163.6 164.4 0.8 3.46

and 164.4 165.2 0.8 4.07



169.1 170.0 0.9 5.18 TGC-0298

23.8 24.2 0.4 19.57



56.6 57.5 0.9 8.50



65.4 65.7 0.3 8.48 TGC-0305

5.1 6.7 1.6 11.76

including 5.1 5.4 0.3 4.24

and 5.4 6.0 0.6 26.29

and 6.0 6.3 0.3 1.41

and 6.3 6.7 0.4 3.38



8.8 9.7 0.9 11.85 TGC-0308

4.6 4.9 0.3 3.30



5.6 5.9 0.3 3.15



10.1 10.5 0.4 5.58



11.6 12.5 0.9 6.81

including 11.6 12.0 0.4 9.95

and 12.0 12.5 0.5 4.30



43.0 44.8 1.8 45.95

including 43.0 43.3 0.3 6.21

and 43.3 43.6 0.3 0.18

and 43.6 44.2 0.6 123.50

and 44.2 44.5 0.3 29.20

and 44.5 44.8 0.3 6.03



52.6 53.8 1.2 5.70



57.2 58.4 1.2 4.78



122.6 122.9 0.3 7.08 TGC-0312

4.5 5.4 0.9 3.58



9.3 10.5 1.2 4.07



37.4 37.7 0.3 6.15



46.5 49.0 2.5 36.94

including 46.5 47.2 0.7 17.52

and 47.2 47.5 0.3 48.99

and 47.5 47.8 0.3 158.00

and 47.8 48.4 0.6 25.72

and 48.4 49.0 0.6 4.27



53.5 54.7 1.2 31.28



59.6 59.9 0.3 3.36 TGC-0314

3.4 3.7 0.3 8.36



4.9 6.0 1.1 4.07



51.6 51.9 0.3 3.20



57.8 59.7 1.9 11.67

including 57.8 58.7 0.9 17.99

and 58.7 59.4 0.7 2.32

and 59.4 59.7 0.3 15.36 TGC-0317

2.1 2.5 0.4 4.39



6.1 6.4 0.3 8.93



41.6 41.9 0.3 6.27



47.9 48.2 0.3 4.56



55.9 56.7 0.8 8.12 TGC-0320

3.8 5.8 2.0 4.27

including 3.8 4.3 0.5 7.36

and 4.3 4.6 0.3 1.05

and 4.6 5.3 0.7 <0.01

and 5.3 5.8 0.5 9.10



54.2 56.0 1.8 6.22

including 54.2 55.1 0.9 8.98

and 55.1 56.0 0.9 3.46



82.4 83.0 0.6 9.95



113.9 114.5 0.6 8.48

including 113.9 114.2 0.3 12.79

and 114.2 114.5 0.3 4.16 TGC-0322

123.8 125.6 1.8 6.67

including 123.8 124.1 0.3 3.70

and 124.1 124.4 0.3 0.01

and 124.4 124.7 0.3 2.16

and 124.7 125.0 0.3 9.82

and 125.0 125.6 0.6 11.98 TGC-0324

95.5 95.8 0.3 72.59 TGC-0328

20.0 21.0 1.1 6.16

including 20.0 20.4 0.4 3.65

and 20.4 21.0 0.6 7.77



42.6 44.5 1.9 4.98

including 42.6 43.8 1.2 5.20

and 43.8 44.5 0.7 4.63



53.7 56.3 2.6 11.14

including 53.7 54.0 0.3 6.20

and 54.0 54.3 0.3 1.41

and 54.3 55.0 0.7 23.57

and 55.0 55.3 0.3 9.03

and 55.3 56.0 0.7 6.71

and 56.0 56.3 0.3 10.26



67.4 68.3 0.9 4.98 TGC-0329

11.2 11.5 0.3 3.32



31.7 32.3 0.6 5.00



57.5 58.6 1.1 8.91



133.9 134.2 0.3 14.65 TGC-0344

70.2 72.9 2.7 21.48

including 70.2 71.0 0.8 5.60

and 71.0 71.5 0.5 0.10

and 71.5 71.9 0.4 119.50

and 71.9 72.9 1.0 3.27 TGC-0350

62.3 63.5 1.2 10.43

including 62.3 62.6 0.3 23.99

and 62.6 63.5 0.9 5.91 TGC-0353

27.9 30.0 2.1 29.23

including 27.9 28.8 0.9 37.43

and 28.8 30.0 1.2 23.08



33.3 33.6 0.3 3.46



38.7 39.1 0.4 3.53



54.3 55.3 1.0 7.38

including 54.3 54.6 0.3 9.95

and 54.6 55.0 0.4 0.85

and 55.0 55.3 0.3 14.38



64.0 65.0 0.9 9.72

including 64.0 64.4 0.3 3.16

and 64.4 65.0 0.6 13.45 TGC-0357

75.1 75.4 0.3 6.30 TGC-0362

68.7 69.3 0.6 30.10

including 68.7 69.0 0.3 23.75

and 69.0 69.3 0.3 36.44

1 Flatmakes are flat-dipping mineralized vein structures. The term is a Fijian mining term commonly used at the Vatukoula gold mine northeast of Tuvatu. At Vatukoula, flatmakes have been reported to have hundreds of meters of strike length.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/238920

SOURCE: Lion One Metals Limited
DECATUR, Ga., Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On 30 January 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that Niger has been verified for eliminating the transmission of onchocerciasis, commonly known as river blindness.

The Mectizan Donation Program and Merck, known as MSD outside of the U.S. and Canada, congratulate the government, and the people of Niger, on this remarkable achievement. Millions of people will no longer suffer from the debilitating visual impairment and severe itching caused by river blindness.

River blindness is a parasitic disease transmitted through the bites of a black fly that breeds near fast-flowing rivers. According to WHO, river blindness is endemic in 34 countries worldwide, of which 31 are in Africa. At least 250 million people remain at risk of infection.

In 1987, Merck made the landmark decision to donate one of its medicines, ivermectin (Mectizan), to control river blindness in Africa and eliminate the transmission of the disease in the Americas. Since then, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Mexico have been verified by WHO as having eliminated transmission of river blindness.

Administered once or twice yearly, Mectizan has helped to control river blindness in Africa. Visual impairment, blindness, and severe itching have become exceptionally rare. Niger is now the first country on the continent to eliminate the transmission of the disease, an incredible milestone that was reached through vector control and annual mass distribution of Mectizan with sustained high treatment coverage.

"We are thrilled to learn that Niger has eliminated the transmission of river blindness," said Dr. Allison Goldberg, president of the Merck Foundation. "We celebrate this important accomplishment with the government and people of Niger, WHO, and the non-governmental organizations and donor community that helped make it possible. Merck is proud to deliver on our commitment to provide as much Mectizan as needed, for as long as needed. In doing so, we are improving the lives of individuals, families, communities, and health systems around the world."

Dr. Yao Sodahlon, director of the Mectizan Donation Program, stated, "Niger has proven that what was once thought impossible is possible. Mectizan was donated to control river blindness 37 years ago. Today, we know that elimination of transmission is possible, which will permanently end the suffering caused by the disease in Africa. We applaud the commitment of the government of Niger and the supporting partners, as well as the community health workers whose dedication ensured that Mectizan reached the people who needed it."

About the Mectizan Donation Program

Established in 1987, the Mectizan Donation Program (MDP) is the longest-running drug donation program for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). MDP has worked with partners in 58 countries in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the Western Pacific to achieve a future free of river blindness (onchocerciasis) and lymphatic filariasis (LF or elephantiasis).

MDP oversees Merck's donation of Mectizan to eligible countries to free millions of people at risk of infection by eliminating these two debilitating diseases.
Glenmorgan Investments expands access to their private funds through global partnerships with major investment banks and trading platforms in the UK, Europe and the Middle East.

Glenmorgan Investments is excited to announce a series of strategic partnerships with several leading investment banks and trading platforms across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East. This collaboration will enable investors to seamlessly access and invest in Glenmorgan's diverse range of privately managed funds directly through their existing brokerage accounts, starting from Q3 2025.

The new initiative will significantly simplify the investment process for institutional and individual investors alike. By leveraging the trusted platforms of leading financial institutions, investors will now be able to buy and sell units in Glenmorgan's high-performing private funds directly through their brokerage accounts, without the need to establish a separate Glenmorgan investment account. This will provide investors with a straightforward, user-friendly way to access Glenmorgan's portfolio of innovative and strategically diversified funds.

Glenmorgan expects these partnerships to dramatically increase its assets under management (AUM), from its current level of $6 billion to well over $20 billion in the coming years. The ability to offer traditional investors direct access to alternative asset funds is expected to drive significant growth, unlocking new opportunities and offering substantial exposure to a wider investor base.

"This partnership marks a transformative step forward for Glenmorgan as we continue to enhance accessibility to our investment products," said Mr. David Walsh, Chief Operating Officer of Glenmorgan Investments. "Opening the door for traditional investors to access alternative assets through their existing brokerage accounts not only broadens our market reach but also positions us for sustained growth in the future. We're excited about the impact this will have on our business and the value it will bring to our clients."

In addition to this major milestone, Glenmorgan is currently in negotiations with several prominent investment banks as it prepares for a potential IPO in 2026. The company is exploring the opportunity to list on the London Stock Exchange, a move that would further enhance its position in the global financial market and provide investors with additional avenues for engagement and participation.

Mrs. Susan Harper

Media and Public Relations Manager

Email: media@glenmorganinvestments.com

Tel: +44(0)20 3355 9612

Web: www.glenmorganinvestments.com

Address: City Reach, 5-6 Greenwich View Place, London E14 9NN, United Kingdom

SOURCE: Glenmorgan Investments Limited

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Leading Pilates Brand Gains Momentum with New European Expansion Deal with Existing Master Franchisee

Club Pilates, the largest Pilates brand in the United States, announced today it has signed a Master Franchise Agreement in Belgium, Luxembourg, and Monaco, with a commitment to open at least 36 studios over the next 10 years. This brings the total number of international markets for Club Pilates to 21.

The agreement is signed with TMCP Fitness LP (known as TMCP Fitness International) and its founders Chris and Susan Fichaud, existing Club Pilates master franchisees in France, Ireland, and Switzerland, and domestic franchisees in Texas. TMCP Fitness International has begun opening studios in France, with open studios in Bordeaux and Rennes.

"As Pilates continues to reach new consumers and demand keeps rising, Club Pilates is thrilled to be on the forefront of that growth," said Bob Kaufman, President of International at Xponential Fitness. "These new territories are a natural next step for our European expansion, and we look forward to making Club Pilates the most loved Pilates brand in those markets."

"We are delighted to acquire the Master Franchise rights for Club Pilates in Belgium, Luxembourg, and Monaco, expanding our presence beyond our developing markets of France, Ireland, and Switzerland," said Chris and Susan Fichaud, Founders of TMCP Fitness International. "The enthusiasm for Club Pilates has been truly remarkable, as communities across these regions continue to embrace the transformative benefits of this globally renowned fitness concept. This expansion is a testament to our commitment to changing lives and introducing the unparalleled benefits of Club Pilates to vibrant new markets."

This Master Franchise agreement builds upon the growing presence of Club Pilates in Europe, with studios now open in Spain, Portugal, France, and Germany, with the first studio in Ireland opening in March. The brand also has signed agreements in Austria, the Netherlands, Qatar, New Zealand, Switzerland, and Mexico.

Club Pilates prides itself on its accessible and inclusive environment, and the continued international expansion lends itself to reaching more communities who can benefit from the community and the modality itself.

For more information about Club Pilates and franchising opportunities, please visit www.clubpilates.com.

ABOUT CLUB PILATES

Founded in 2007, Club Pilates is the largest Pilates brand by number of studios, designed with the vision of making Pilates more accessible, approachable and welcoming to everyone. Based in Irvine, CA, Club Pilates has appeared in both Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500 and Fastest-Growing Franchises nine years running, and Inc. Magazine's Inc. 5000 lists multiple times. Club Pilates offers extensive training certification for its instructors. Its 500-hour training program includes instruction on Pilates, barre, Triggerpoint, and TRX Suspension Trainers. Club Pilates is headquartered in Irvine, CA and backed by Xponential Fitness, one of the leading global franchisors of boutique health and wellness brands. To learn more about Club Pilates, visit https://www.clubpilates.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250130734192/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact: Jayne Bauer, Fishman Public Relations, jbauer@fishmanpr.com
Preservica, the leader in Active Digital Preservation archiving, has expanded the availability of Preserve365 , its embedded archiving and Digital Preservation solution for Microsoft 365, to Canada, hosted on Microsoft Azure.

Building on the availability and adoption of Preserve365 in the US and UK, existing customers including the Library and Archives Canada ( LAC ), the Province of New Brunswick , the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 and major financial institutions, as well as new customers, can now enjoy the benefits of Preserve365 with the added reassurance of full Canadian data sovereignty.

Archiving and Digital Preservation in Microsoft 365

Developed in collaboration with Microsoft, Preserve365 simplifies compliance by making the archiving, Digital Preservation and retrieval of high-value, long-term and permanent records part of the Microsoft 365 and Microsoft SharePoint experience.

Information Management and IT teams can standardize and automate the retention and archiving of files, folders, lists and libraries in SharePoint as well as use Microsoft tools such as retention labels, Power Automate and Copilot to meet compliance and optimize SharePoint environments.

Users with the correct Microsoft permissions can also quickly surface archived files and records using SharePoint search or by clicking-thru from the original file location to handle FOI, regulatory, legal or operational requests - reducing the burden on IT teams to find and re-hydrate content from separate archiving systems.

Chief Product Officer at Preservica, Stuart Reed added, "Preserve365 addresses the pressing need at many organizations to simplify and automate compliance for long-term Microsoft 365 records as well as minimize compliance risk by ensuring records can always be read and actioned over decades independent of the original format. Based on strong demand we are delighted to expand the availability of Preserve365 to Canada, with more regions planned over the coming months."

Intelligent, automated and embedded

Preserve365 embeds Preservica's unique Active Digital Preservation into the Microsoft 365 ecosystem that automatically maintains digital assets in readable and trusted formats over decades.

This active, embedded approach to data archiving and preservation-compared to the traditional static and separate methods-ensures instant, secure access to reliable, usable data, which is crucial for compliance and AI applications.

Preserve365 is available on the Azure Marketplace .

Information and Compliance Managers - learn more here .

About Preservica

Preservica is changing the way thousands of organizations around the world protect and re-use long-term digital information. Preservica's unique patent pending Active Digital Preservation archiving software automatically keeps every file alive in future-friendly formats over decades to ensure that critical, high-value information can always be quickly found and actioned for FOI, compliance, legal, brand, knowledge reuse and cultural needs. Libraries and Archives Canada (LAC), MoMA, Yale and HSBC are some of the leading corporations, archives, libraries, museums and government organizations around the world that trust their data protection and future-proofing to Preservica. For more information, visit https://preservica.com/ .

Twitter: @Preservica

LinkedIn: @Preservica

Media Contact:

Meg Fornataro

York IE

meg@york.ie

SOURCE: Preservica

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
First-of-its-kind program aims to support university presidents and senior higher education leaders in championing transformation and innovation within their institutions

MONTERREY, Mexico, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Two prominent leading universities in Monterrey, Mexico and Philadelphia, USA, are collaborating to launch an 8-month long action-learning program titled "Leading the Future of Higher Education in Latin America".

The initiative is a collaboration of the Institute for the Future of Education at Tecnologico de Monterrey and the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education (Penn GSE), which is known for its global strength in education leadership. The jointly designed and delivered program features a hybrid learning journey, with two in-person immersive sessions, one in Mexico and one in the US.

This first-of-its-kind program features international education leaders, interactive sessions, and mentoring opportunities. Throughout the program, participants will apply tools to design and implement a transformative project for their institutions, with a safe environment to network, share practices, and learn from each other. Participants completing the program will receive joint certification from Tecnologico de Monterrey and the University of Pennsylvania.

"Educational leaders globally face complex challenges in adopting innovative pedagogies and advanced technologies, to better prepare learners for the future of work," said Dr. Michael J. L. Fung, Executive Director of the Institute for the Future of Education, Tecnologico de Monterrey. "The Institute for the Future of Education at Tecnologico de Monterrey is proud to partner with the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education, to offer this dynamic, action-oriented program, that will empower leaders with the tools and strategies needed to drive transformative change within their institutions, to address the evolving needs of Latin American economies and societies in these rapidly changing times."

"This extraordinary collaboration reflects our shared commitment to advancing education leadership on a global scale," said Dr. L. Michael Golden, Vice Dean of Innovative Programs and Partnerships, Catalyst @ Penn GSE. "By bringing together the strengths of Tecnologico de Monterrey and Penn GSE, we are creating a unique opportunity for leaders to learn from diverse perspectives, propel their networks, tap global experts, and shape the future of higher education in Latin America. This program is about equipping leaders with the vision, knowledge, and capabilities needed to drive meaningful and lasting impact in their institutions and beyond."

The inaugural run of the program is expected to be launched in the middle of 2025; registrations will commence three months prior. Prospective participants can sign up for more information through https://forms.gle/A5xL97HR6xRrCwfM7

About Tecnologico de Monterrey

Tecnologico de Monterrey) is a private, non-profit university recognized for its academic excellence, educational innovation, and global vision. Founded in 1943, it operates in 33 cities across 20 states in Mexico, with an enrollment of 60,000 undergraduate and graduate students, as well as more than 27,000 high school students. Accredited by SACSCOC since 1950, Tec ranks #185 in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and #7 in Latin America according to the THE Latin America University Rankings 2024. It is also recognized for global employability and entrepreneurship programs and is a member of international networks such as APRU and U21. For more details, visit our Boilerplate: https://tec.rs/Boilerplate

About Institute for the Future of Education

The Institute for the Future of Education) is an interdisciplinary research institute of Tecnologico de Monterrey, with the mission to improve the lives of millions of people through transforming higher education and lifelong learning around the world. The Institute creates, disseminates, and applies research-based educational innovation to improve learning ecosystems and practices, engaging in a range of research, edtech entrepreneurship, consulting, impact projects, advocacy, and community building activities globally.

You can follow the activities of the Institute for the Future of Education on social media:

FB: EdInnovationIFEIG: edinnovationifeIN: edinnovationife

About the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education

The University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.
Global payouts network, Runa, taps into India's $8.9 billion digital gift card market, streamlining B2C payments for businesses worldwide

Runa, the leading global fintech infrastructure for the next generation of payouts experiences, today announced its expansion into India, opening access to the country's $8.9 billion gift card market. With this expansion, Runa allows its business customers the ability to easily send instant, domestic and cross-border payouts to consumer recipients in India, dramatically reducing the traditional barriers of cost and complexity.

India's rapid digital payment transformation-expanding at a notable rate of 44% CAGR by transaction volume from 2017 to 2024-paired with a surge in cross-border consumer transactions, which grew by 121% in the last nine months of 2024 alone, has created a strong demand for alternative consumer payout solutions.

By unlocking access to India, Runa emerges as a strategic partner for companies looking to tap into India's thriving gift card sector for consumer disbursement, rewards, recognition and incentives. With the Indian market growing by 15.3% year over year, Runa enables companies to simplify regulatory compliance, reduce foreign exchange risks, and provide flexible funding options when sending funds to Indian recipients.

"We're proud to bring Runa to India, where digital payments and gift cards are transforming how people connect and transact," said Aron Alexander, CEO of Runa. "India's fast-growing market is full of opportunity, and we're here to help businesses effortlessly join one of the world's most exciting economies and connect with millions of new consumers."

Through Runa's technology, businesses can now deliver instant payouts via an expansive network of thousands of global and leading Indian merchants, including e-commerce giants like Amazon, Flipkart, Shoppers Stop and popular digital wallets like Amazon Pay. Runa's customers benefit from:

Real-Time Payouts : A streamlined solution for instant payments, eliminating the delays and costs associated with traditional cross-border transactions.

: A streamlined solution for instant payments, eliminating the delays and costs associated with traditional cross-border transactions. Flexible Funding Foreign Exchange Options : Mitigation of capital control risks and seamless transactions without the need to hold Indian Rupees.

: Mitigation of capital control risks and seamless transactions without the need to hold Indian Rupees. Built-in Regulatory Compliance : Comprehensive handling of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines, GST regulations, and data protection requirements.

: Comprehensive handling of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines, GST regulations, and data protection requirements. Extensive Merchant Network: A single integration granting access to top Indian and global merchants.

The expansion comes at a pivotal time, as The International Trade Administration reports that India is experiencing a digital payments revolution and e-commerce boom, fueled by rapid smartphone adoption, 650 million users in 2024, and internet connectivity extending to more than 950 million people.

"Runa has done all of the heavy lifting to pave the way for us to launch in India, sourcing popular merchants and alleviating the hassles and compliance challenges," said Mike Bowles, Senior Director of Operations at Augeo Marketing. "We're looking forward to launching our program into the Indian market."

Runa's modern global payment infrastructure allows businesses to instantly reach more recipients with the most payout options, unbound by traditional cross-border challenges on legacy payment rails. For more information, visit https://runa.io/lp/send-international-payouts-to-india

About Runa

Runa is a leading global fintech building the infrastructure for the next generation of payouts experiences. Runa's API empowers thousands of businesses to make payments to 5 billion+ consumers in 190+ countries. Consumers receive the money instantly and save it to their account or spend it at any merchant within the Runa Network. Fully embeddable within any digital experience, Runa transforms payouts by unlocking new revenue for senders, removing friction for consumers and increasing basket size for merchants.

Based in London and New York and supported by a global team, Runa's growth is backed by key investors, including Element Ventures, CommerzVentures, Clocktower Ventures, Volution Capital, 13Books Capital, and SAP. Learn more at www.runa.io.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250130141681/en/

Contacts:

Brendan Ragan

The Fletcher Group for Runa

720-588-3890

brendan@fletchergroupllc.com
Wawira Njiru serves as the President and CEO of Food 4 Education, a non-profit organization dedicated to combating childhood hunger in Kenya by providing meals to over 500,000 students annually. In this insightful discussion, AB engages with Wawira and Brian Tippens, Cisco's Senior Vice President and Chief Social Impact & Inclusion Officer, to explore the significance of community-driven initiatives, the implementation of sustainable practices in tackling the global food crisis, the crucial role of trust in fostering partnerships between corporations and communities, and much more.

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.
Former CRO of Xeneta and Former Head of Amazon Pay Ireland Joins ESW to Accelerate Enterprise Growth in New Categories and Expand its Client Roster

ESW, the worldwide leader in ecommerce, today announced the appointment of Tonia Luykx as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). Previously, Luykx served as CRO of Xeneta, the creators of the world's largest freight intelligence and analytics platform. She will be based in ESW's Dublin headquarters and report directly to Chief Executive Officer Eric Eichmann.

"Tonia's extensive international experience leading strategic planning, marketing, customer success and sales for some of the world's top businesses makes her the perfect candidate to fill this role," said Eichmann. "Her leadership skills and deep knowledge of enterprise solutions encompassing shipping, payments, fraud and customer service will benefit the entire organization as we expand into new business verticals and markets."

"Given the current macroeconomic environment, global brands are looking for a trusted leader to navigate the complexities involved in international commerce," said Luykx. "ESW is well-established in working with some of the world's leading retailers to expand globally, while giving them greater control over their direct channels to better serve their consumers regardless of where they're located. I'm thrilled to join the exceptional team at ESW as we embark on a new phase of growth."

Luykx brings more than 20 years of expertise in sales and leadership to ESW. Prior to joining Xeneta, Luykx held positions of increasing importance at Sift, the AI-powered security platform where she was Vice President of Global Sales Interim CRO. She was Head of Amazon Pay Ireland for Amazon Pay UK and Ireland, and head of Strategic Accounts for Dropbox in the UK and Ireland. Earlier in her career she was Country Sales Manager for Google Enterprise Ireland, Microsoft Dynamics Sales Manager for Logica UK, and began her career at SAP Business Development. She received a Masters in Information Technology, with honors, from University of Galway.

About ESW

ESW makes worldwide ecommerce powerful and simple. We offer the world's best-loved brands solutions that reduce cross-border complexity and create moments that matter between them and their shoppers. We focus on localizing the online shopping experience to increase conversions and loyalty while also taking on the complications of doing business in international markets. We do it through frictionless checkouts, fast, reliable shipping and returns and by reducing compliance and regulatory risk. All while coming alongside our clients with market insights and strategies designed for long-term growth and profitability.

With offices in New York, Dublin, Madrid and Singapore, ESW helps the world's premier and most ambitious brands achieve growth and profitability in more than 200 global markets. That's worldwide ecommerce made powerful, made simple.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250129875348/en/

Contacts:

Media Contacts

Berns Communications Group

Danielle Poggi

dpoggi@bcg-pr.com
In-Home Consumer Harvests Increase Exponentially After Research Discovery at Hypha Laboratories

Hypha Labs, Inc. (OTCQB:FUNI), a pioneer in functional mushroom sciences and the creator of the MicroPearls suite of products, is pleased to announce that the Company's research team has made a breakthrough discovery which has dramatically increased the yield of functional mushrooms per harvest on its revolutionary device.

The MicroPearl mushroom accelerator is the only device of its kind which uses A.I. assisted technology to produce an array of functional mushroom ingredients in a device smaller than most blenders, with a typical yield of 300 grams every eight days. While that production is already groundbreaking in the functional mushroom industry, handing the magic of the mushroom to average consumers who want to lead healthier, mushroom inspired lives, the recent breakthrough shatters previous expectations. Moreover the Company is intent on generating even greater results beyond this breakthrough.

"Since our inception and the recognition that we had the proprietary technology to produce consistent, high quality mushroom ingredients devoid of the old-school thinking that they had to be grown in animal feces or bought stale or processed, we decided that we would be perpetually innovating and refining," stated John Frailey, Technology Director, Hypha Labs. "For us, that always meant two things: quality and volume."

"Because of this breakthrough, a MicroPearl user can now produce tremendous volume from the comfort of their kitchen, allowing them to serve more family members and themselves between each eight day in-home harvest," added Frailey.

"A typical single cycle, eight day harvest has now gone from 60 grams to well over 300 grams," said Frailey. "It's incredible."

The Hypha Labs MicroPearl mushroom accelerator is expected to be available via a national roll-out in late 2025 or early 2026.

About Hypha Labs, Inc.

The company has developed revolutionary, cutting-edge technology focused on new methods of producing the active ingredients found in a wide array of functional mushrooms using its patent-pending mushroom accelerators. The Company is positioning itself to play an important role in the burgeoning Functional Mushroom industry in addition to being a disruptive force in future and emerging mushroom opportunities. Visit us at HyphaLabs.com.

SAFE HARBOR FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS:

This press release may contain forward looking statements that are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that involve risks as well as uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those anticipated or expected, including statements related to the amount and timing of expected revenues related to our financial performance, expected revenue, contracts, and future growth for upcoming quarterly and annual periods. These risks and uncertainties are further defined in filings and reports by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and on the OTC Disclosure & News Service (OTCDNS). Actual results and the timing of certain events could differ materially from those projected in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors detailed from time to time in our filings with the SEC and/or OTCDNS. Among other matters, the Company may not be able to sustain growth or achieve profitability based upon many factors including but not limited to the risk that we will not be able to find and secure construction contracts and the necessary assets that will enable us to become profitable. Reference is hereby made to cautionary statements set forth in the Company's most recent SEC and/or OTCDNS filings. We have incurred and will continue to incur significant expenses in our development stage, noting that there is no assurance that we will generate enough revenues to offset those costs in both the near and long term. New lines of business in the construction industry may expose us to additional legal and regulatory costs and unknown exposure(s), the impact of which cannot be predicted at this time. Words such as "estimate," "project," "predict," "will," "would," "should," "could," "may," "might," "anticipate," "plan," "intend," "believe," "expect," "aim," "goal," "target," "objective," "likely" or similar expressions that convey the prospective nature of events or outcomes generally indicate forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of this press release. Unless legally required, we undertake no obligation to update, modify or withdraw any forward-looking statements, because of new information, future events or otherwise.

From time to time, the Company may post new and material information on its website or through its social media profiles at the links below:

LN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hypha-labs-inc/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/hyphalabs

IG: https://www.instagram.com/hyphalabsinc/

Twitter: https://x.com/Hypha_Labs

For more information about Hypha Labs visit HyphaLabs.com

For the Company's current Investor Presentation please visit www.HyphaLabs.com/deck

Investor and Media Relations:

Integrity Media Inc.

(888) 216-3595

team@integritymedia.com

Contact Information

Kurt Divich

President, Integrity Media Inc.

team@integritymedia.com

(888) 216-3595

SOURCE: Hypha Labs, Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Strong demand for AI-powered pricing solutions drove 38% year-over-year subscription revenue growth for the company

Pricefx, the global leader in cloud-native pricing software, today reported achieved remarkable growth in 2024, marked by a 38% increase in annual subscription revenue and its strongest revenue quarter to date. The company's success was driven by its pioneering AI innovations, strategic partnerships, and unwavering commitment to customer success.

"Throughout 2024, we demonstrated our leadership in the pricing industry by empowering businesses to harness the transformative potential of AI to achieve their pricing goals," said Ronak Sheth, Chief Executive Officer of Pricefx. "Customers choose Pricefx because we deliver groundbreaking product advancements that drive rapid ROI and sustainable long-term value. With powerful partnerships and our innovative use of cutting-edge AI, we empower companies to unlock unparalleled levels of pricing agility and achieve profitable growth."

The company's AI innovation strategy gained significant momentum in 2024 with the launch of PricingAI by Pricefx, a comprehensive AI toolset, productized pricing science, and "bring-your-own-science" capabilities. The company also released two major product updates: Clover Club v12, which brought major enhancements to Actionable Insights, Negotiation Guidance, and Product Recommendations, and Rampur v13, which introduced a new productized offering for List Price Optimization to help customers improve margins and make better data-driven decisions at scale.

To further strengthen its AI leadership, Pricefx welcomed technology veteran Suzanne Valentine to lead the PricingAI by Pricefx initiative. Valentine brings over 25 years of experience, most recently serving as Head of Business Data Science at Meta, where she led global teams focused on leveraging data and AI to set strategy for and measure the effectiveness of efforts to drive use of Meta's advertising products.

The company's commitment to excellence was validated by numerous industry accolades, including:

Artificial Intelligence Excellence Award winner in the Generative AI category

2024 American Business Awards gold winner for Business or Competitive Intelligence Solution

2024 Stevie Awards for Sales Customer Service silver winner for Business Intelligence Solution new version

2024 International Stevie Awards gold winner for Business or Competitive Intelligence Solution and bronze winner for Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Solution

Martech Breakthrough Awards winner of the "Best Price Optimization Solution" for the third consecutive year

Globee Awards for Leadership named Ronak Sheth the silver winner for CEO of the Year

Customer success remained at the forefront, with 35 successful global customer implementations across discrete manufacturing, process industries, and distribution. The company maintained an impressive 97.4% customer retention rate, underlining its commitment to delivering lasting value to its clients.

The Advantage Pricefx ecosystem continued to drive revenue growth through strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as Accenture, Deloitte, SAP, and PwC. Over 90% of new implementations were delivered through advanced system integrator partners. Additionally, Pricefx strengthened its integration with Enable to offer the world's most comprehensive end-to-end pricing and rebate platform.

SAP honored Pricefx with a 2024 SAP Pinnacle Award in the SAP Store category for showing significant success in developing and showcasing an innovative solution through SAP Store, while successfully deploying and delivering it to customers at scale with demonstrated customer impact. Out of more than 24,000 SAP partners, Pricefx was one of 16 companies to win an SAP Pinnacle Award across 26 award categories. The company was also named a finalist in the AI Partner Innovation category. This is the fourth year Pricefx has been recognized in the SAP Pinnacle Awards and the second win for the SAP Store category.

Pricefx was once again included in CRN's 2024 Partner Program Guide and Jacob Childerson, Pricefx's Vice President of Partners Alliances, was named a 2024 Channel Chief as the company continued to build its strong SI relationships.

Follow Pricefx

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/price-f-x-/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/price_fx

About Pricefx

Pricefx is the global leader in SaaS and AI pricing software, offering a comprehensive suite of solutions that are fast to implement, flexible to configure and customize, and friendly to learn and use. Based on cloud-native architecture, Pricefx delivers a complete AI price optimization and management platform that provides the industry's fastest time-to-value and highest ROI in the industry. Its award-winning innovative solution is focused on high impact results for large enterprise B2B companies in Manufacturing, Distribution, and Process Engineering and select other verticals. Pricefx's business model is entirely based on the satisfaction and loyalty of its customers. For enterprises facing pricing challenges, Pricefx is the cloud pricing optimization, management, and CPQ platform to dynamically Plan, Price and Profit. For more information, please visit www.pricefx.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250130816129/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact:

Cathy Summers

Summers PR

cathy@summers-pr.com

+1 (415) 483-0480
North American businesses are juggling diversification, reshoring, and labor shortages, all while trying to stay compliant in an ever-shifting trade landscape.

In terms of North American trade, the stakes have never been higher, as the findings of DP World's 2025 Trade in Transition report attest. The annual report, co-authored with Economist Impact, examines the headwinds of global trade in 2025 and their impact around the world.

The regional North American report, "North America: Balancing Growth, Resilience and Compliance," analyzes shifting trade dynamics. It finds 50% of North American executives rank geographical diversification as their top supply-chain strategy - higher than the global average of 46%. But in true North American fashion, this isn't just about playing it safe. For many businesses, diversification isn't just a safety net; it's a growth engine.

In the wake of Donald Trump's return to the White House, North American businesses face a volatile trade landscape. From renewed debates over the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to rising protectionism, companies must navigate a maze of policies, geopolitical tensions, and economic pressures. This year's survey sheds light on these challenges.

Diversification: A Growth Strategy with a Side of Stress

Diversifying supply chains is a lifeline for North American companies bracing for tariffs or trade restrictions. Canadian and Mexican businesses reliant on the U.S. market see diversification as critical to survival.

But let's not sugarcoat it: diversification isn't without hurdles. Expanding supplier relationships or relocating production can spike administrative costs and complicate logistics. Edward Brzytwa, vice president of trade at the Consumer Technology Association, notes, "Diversification efforts often raise administrative costs, but they also mitigate risks and create new growth opportunities."

The numbers back him up. Nearly three-quarters of North American companies are expanding supplier relationships, opting for broader networks over the risk of putting all their eggs in one basket. And while this strategy might involve some headaches, it provides a crucial buffer against disruptions and uncertainties.

Nearshoring and Reshoring: Mexico's Moment?

While diversification is the star of the show, nearshoring and reshoring are gaining traction, with 38% of U.S. businesses prioritizing these strategies. Mexico is emerging as a key player, with its skilled labor force and expanding infrastructure, reaping the benefits from the USMCA's streamlined customs procedures and digital trade provisions. The Port of Manzanillo, for instance, is undergoing a $2.7 billion expansion to more than double its capacity, targeting a position among the world's top 20 container ports. This expansion is part of the country's broader push to attract manufacturing investment, particularly in industries like automotive and aerospace.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Mexico faces challenges. Energy nationalization policies have deterred investors, and labor shortages remain a concern. As Leila Afas, director of global public policy at Toyota, bluntly puts it, "Mexico should have benefited far more from nearshoring trends, but its policies have held it back."

The USMCA: A Love-Hate Relationship

The USMCA is the glue holding North American trade together - or at least trying to. Stricter rules of origin are encouraging companies to source materials from within the region, boosting intra-regional trade. Proposed tariffs on Mexican car imports, though, have created uncertainty, particularly in the automotive sector, pushing companies like John Deere to reconsider plans to move production south of the border.

While Trump's renewed focus on reshoring may win him points with American manufacturers, it's creating headaches for Mexican factories reliant on the U.S. market. While some tweaks to the agreement are anticipated, for now at least it remains a cornerstone of regional trade integration.

Self-Sufficiency and Friendshoring

With rising geopolitical tensions, 27% of North American executives prioritize self-sufficiency, compared with a global average of 20%. As an alternative to slamming the door on international trade, businesses are exploring "friendshoring," relocating supply chains to trusted allies like Mexico and Vietnam. Since 2018, China's share of U.S.-manufactured imports has declined, with Mexico and the EU stepping in. Continued reliance on Chinese suppliers for critical components makes true diversification more of a long-term goal than an immediate solution.

Labor Shortages: The Ongoing Challenge

If there's one issue keeping North American executives up at night, it's labor shortages. The tight labor market, particularly in advanced manufacturing sectors, complicates supply-chain reconfiguration. Automation offers hope, with 51% of executives believing technology can offset shortages. Companies like Toyota are adopting "co-bot" systems where humans and robots collaborate to boost productivity. However, automation isn't a silver bullet. Upskilling the workforce and addressing immigration restrictions remain critical to solving the labor crisis.

The Bottom Line

North American trade is at a crossroads. Diversification, nearshoring, and automation can provide pathways to growth and resilience, but they come with their own set of challenges. From Mexico's manufacturing boom to the labor shortages plaguing the region, the trade landscape is as dynamic as ever.

For businesses navigating this new normal, the key is adaptability. By embracing diversification, investing in technology, and leveraging regional trade agreements like the USMCA, companies can turn challenges into opportunities.

Curious to learn more about the findings shaping North American trade? Click here to download a copy of the full report and discover how your business can thrive in this evolving landscape.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from DP World on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: DP World

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/dp-world

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: DP World

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
HEXAOM announced today that it has finalised the acquisition of a 75.5% stake in HDV Group.

With more than 25 years' experience in home building, HDV Group offers a wide range of homes and federates the Alpha Constructions, Ya'K construire.com, So'9 Habitat, Couleur Villas, Optimea and Alliance Construction Aquitaine brands.

Headquartered near Bordeaux in Beychac et Caillau (Gironde department), HDV Group currently employs around 130 people and has some thirty branches covering the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and the Loiret department.

Headed by its founder and chairman, Didier Vicens, aged 50, HDV Group generated revenue of 80 million in 2024 and has a very healthy financial structure. This acquisition will be immediately accretive.

Didier Vicens and three managers remain shareholders in HDV Group, holding a 24.5% stake. They will stay in their current positions and are committed to supporting the group's development over the coming years.

Loic Vandromme, CEO of HEXAOM comments: "This alliance was motivated by a common vision and DNA. HDV Group shares our core values of innovation, expertise and integrity. Both of our groups also embrace a multi-brand culture. Lastly, the success of our groups is based on similar fundamentals, namely cost variability, the absence of working capital requirements and a solid financial position. This acquisition reinforces our presence in the highly dynamic Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, supported by a young and talented management team. We are also establishing a foothold in the Loiret department, where we previously had limited operations."

"We are delighted to join the HEXAOM Group. This alliance will allow us to leverage the strength of a robust group that, like us, has proven expertise in bringing together well-established regional brands. The synergies implemented in procurement and IT systems will enhance our operational efficiency," adds Didier Vicens, CEO of HDV Group.

Next press release: 2024 Revenue, 7 February 2025, after market close.

ABOUT THE GROUP

Since 1919, five generations of the same family have successively taken over the helm of HEXAOM, a group that drives and federates an ecosystem of 45 brands and subsidiaries with complementary expertise. A unique story of family entrepreneurship characterized by its stability in a complex market sector. The group, leader in the home building, renovation, and first-time owners' markets in France currently serves more than 10,000 customers a year, has built more than 150,000 houses, has carried out over 90,000 renovations, employs nearly 1,400 people, and recorded revenue of 1 024,4 million in 2023.

HEXAOM is listed on Euronext Growth Paris.

HEXAOM equities are eligible for PEA-PME equity savings plan.

ISIN code: FR 0004159473 -Mnemonic ALHEX

CONTACTS HEXAOM

Loic VandrommChief Executive Officer - Tel: + 33 2 33 80 66 61

E-mail: secretariat.direction@hexaom.fr

Jean-Christophe Godet - Chief Financial Officer- Tel: + 33 2 33 80 66 61

E-mail: finances@hexaom.fr

Amalia Naveira - Analyst/Investor/Press Relations - Tel: + 33 6 31 35 99 50

E-mail: comfi@hexaom.fr

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Rose brings medical device leadership and commercialization expertise to the company as it prepares to enter into U.S. and European pivotal clinical trials of UroActive, the first smart automated artificial urinary sphincter

GRENOBLE, France and MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- UroMems, a global medical technology company developing the first smart automated implant to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI), announced today that Dan Rose has been appointed as the new chairman of its board of directors.

"We are very pleased to welcome Dan as our new board chair at this very exciting time for the company," said UroMems co-founder and CEO Hamid Lamraoui. "His proven track record in the industry and dynamic leadership capabilities position him extremely well as UroMems moves forward with our next phase of large-scale U.S. and European pivotal clinical trials of UroActive, preparing for the commercial launch of the first smart automated artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) to treat SUI."

Bringing more than 25 years of medical device experience to the UroMems board, Rose currently serves as the CEO of Endovascular Engineering, a Silicon Valley-based company focused on the treatment of venous thromboembolism. Previously, he also served as CEO of LimFlow S.A., a pioneer in limb salvage for patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). He joined LimFlow as the first employee and successfully guided the company through its acquisition by Inari Medical for up to $415 million. Rose also held leadership roles with Direct Flow Medical, Sequana Medical AG, and Medtronic. Rose has bachelor and master of arts degrees from the University of Virginia and an MBA from the Darden School of Business.

"I am grateful to have the opportunity to move into this role and for the potential to make a real impact on the quality of life for millions of patients suffering from SUI," said Rose. "I'm impressed by the strong momentum UroMems has built up so far and look forward to helping take their innovative, patient-focused technology into this next phase."

UroMems has successfully achieved critical milestones in research and development, clinical outcomes and building the organization, including recently securing $47 million in funding on the heels of exceptionally strong results from the first-in-human multicenter clinical studies.

SUI, or involuntary urinary leakage, affects an estimated 40 million Americans and 90 million Europeans. SUI significantly impacts quality of life, as it can be debilitating, and often leads to depression, low self-esteem and social stigma.

About UroActive

The UroMems technology platform is protected by more than 150 granted patents and is designed to overcome the limitations of current solutions by optimizing safety and performance, patient experience and surgeon convenience. UroActive is the first active implantable electronic artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) that is being developed to compensate for sphincter insufficiency in patients, both men and women, with SUI. It is based on a unique mechatronic platform using embedded smart, digital and robotic systems. UroActive has not received marketing authorization from the FDA and is not available for sale in the United States or in the EU.

For more information, please visit www.uromems.com.

Media Contact:

Shelli Lissick

shelli@bellmontpartners.com

651-276-6922

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/uromems-welcomes-medical-device-technology-leader-dan-rose-as-new-board-chairman-302364425.html
Dallas, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2025) - LSPS Solutions, a leading consultancy specializing in municipal government efficiency, is proud to announce the addition of Chris Erhardt to its team. With a mission to modernize municipal governments across Texas and beyond, Erhardt will spearhead initiatives leveraging AI, automation and cutting-edge technology to streamline operations, improve citizen services and "future-proof" municipal departments.





Logo of LSPS Solutions, a municipal government consulting firm based in Texas.

LSPS Solutions has already built a strong reputation for its work with cities like Cuero, Victoria, Pflugerville and Lake Jackson, delivering results in asset management, regulatory compliance and digital transformation. The company has now set its sights on a broader mission: helping municipalities harness the power of technology to tackle inefficiencies and meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.

Driving Efficiency with Technology: Examples of LSPS Solutions' Impact

Flo-Trace: An innovative backflow prevention device that integrates IoT and digital monitoring, ensuring compliance and safety.

An innovative backflow prevention device that integrates IoT and digital monitoring, ensuring compliance and safety. AI-Enhanced O&M Manuals: Transforming operations and maintenance guides into dynamic, data-driven tools for utility managers.

Transforming operations and maintenance guides into dynamic, data-driven tools for utility managers. AI-Driven Citizen Services: Implementing online portals that use artificial intelligence to deliver faster, more accurate responses to residents' inquiries, reducing wait times and improving satisfaction.

Implementing online portals that use artificial intelligence to deliver faster, more accurate responses to residents' inquiries, reducing wait times and improving satisfaction. Digitalization of Paper Records: Converting outdated paper maps and asset lists into comprehensive digital databases for better decision-making and accessibility.

"Municipal governments are at the cusp of a technological revolution," said Erhardt. "The future lies in efficiency, transparency and better services for residents - all achievable through technology. LSPS Solutions is perfectly positioned to lead this charge."

This vision aligns with a national trend toward smarter governance, underscored by the recent establishment of the Presidential Advisory Commission on Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by tech pioneer Elon Musk. As municipalities increasingly recognize the value of automation and data-driven decision-making, LSPS Solutions is offering a complementary efficiency audit to help local governments identify opportunities for improvement.

About Chris Erhardt: A Proven Innovator in AI and Automation

Erhardt brings a wealth of experience in technology and business leadership to LSPS Solutions. As the founder of two startups - Tunedly and Bring My Song To Life - he pioneered industry transformations by moving a traditional music recording studio model into the cloud and leveraging AI to scale operations by tenfold, while reducing costs. His expertise in automating complex systems and streamlining operations will be instrumental in achieving LSPS Solutions' mission.

"I've always been passionate about solving inefficiencies through technology," said Erhardt. "Joining LSPS Solutions allows me to bring this passion to municipal governments, enabling them to do more with less and create better communities."

For municipal governments interested in exploring efficiency improvements, LSPS Solutions invites them to take advantage of its complementary efficiency audit.





Chris Erhardt joined LSPS Solutions to spearhead the artificial intelligence implementation.

About LSPS Solutions

LSPS Solutions is a consulting firm specializing in helping municipal governments and water utilities meet regulatory compliance, optimize infrastructure management, and implement sustainable, tech-driven solutions. The company offers expertise in asset management, emergency preparedness, and operational efficiency, ensuring communities remain resilient and future-ready.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/238830

SOURCE: LSPS Solutions
o9 Co-Founder and CEO Chakri Gottemukkala Shares Reflections and Predictions on AI's Role in Enterprise Decision-Making

o9, a leading enterprise AI software platform provider for transforming planning and decision-making, today announced that it hosted an exclusive executive roundtable at The SDG Tent during the 55th annual World Economic Forum 2025 in Davos, Switzerland. This intimate gathering brought together senior executives from industries that included technology, consumer goods, professional services, and manufacturing to explore how AI is shaping resilience and innovation in the value chain.

The session, titled "3 Strategic Imperatives for CEOs to Drive Resilience and Innovation in the Value Chain," was co-moderated by Paul Polman, former CEO of Unilever and a globally recognized advocate for sustainable business practices, and Chakri Gottemukkala, Co-Founder and CEO of o9. The roundtable focused on how organizations can leverage AI to tackle pressing challenges, including developing partnerships that create shared value while meeting regulatory demands, transforming decision-making processes through AI, and mitigating geopolitical trade risks to enhance supply chain resilience.

"AI is no longer a theoretical concept. It's a transformative force reshaping how enterprises operate," said Gottemukkala. "The executives at this roundtable agreed that staying competitive requires not just adopting AI technology, but also preparing teams to integrate AI effectively into their workflows."

Learnings from WEF 2025: AI as the Future of Enterprise Management

Building on the roundtable discussions, Gottemukkala reflected on the key themes of WEF 2025 and shared his broader predictions for the future of enterprise management. "AI is now at the center of the CEO agenda for large enterprises," he said. "We've seen firsthand how AI can break down silos, digitize knowledge, and synchronize decision-making at scale. These transformations are unlocking significant value for enterprises worldwide."

AI-powered Knowledge Models Will Replace Tribal Knowledge

Enterprises will transition from relying on fragmented data and tribal knowledge to creating digital AI-driven knowledge models that continuously learn and evolve. These models will deliver consistent and actionable insights, enabling organizations to operate with precision and scale.



Leaner, More Effective Management Structures Will Take Shape with AI Agents

AI agents will enable leaner management structures by handling complex analytical tasks, such as scenario planning and action execution. This transformation will allow organizations to operate with greater cross-functional alignment, reducing inefficiencies and enabling faster decision-making.



Capability Innovation Will Accelerate with Skilled AI Agents

Skilled AI agents will enable enterprises to rapidly adapt and evolve internal capabilities to match changing business strategies. By reconfiguring processes and developing new system capabilities, AI will empower organizations to implement strategies more effectively and stay ahead in competitive markets.

Gottemukkala emphasized that organizations best positioned for the future will embrace AI as a transformative tool to drive decision-making and innovation. "Organizations that build AI-powered knowledge models will gain a significant competitive advantage," he said. "The enterprises of tomorrow will be defined by their ability to digitize their knowledge and leverage AI to unlock new levels of speed, precision, and agility."

A Call to Action for Leaders

Gottemukkala urged business leaders to prioritize AI readiness, emphasizing the need to invest in digitizing knowledge, upskilling teams, and addressing cultural shifts to maximize AI's potential.

"AI transformation is not only about technology; it is about creating an adaptive, AI-native enterprise," he said. "Enterprises that act today to build AI-powered knowledge systems will position themselves as leaders in an increasingly competitive world."

For more information on how o9 is helping organizations drive innovation and resilience through AI, visit www.o9solutions.com.

About o9

o9 is a leading AI-powered platform for integrated business planning and decision-making for the enterprise. Whether it is driving demand, aligning demand and supply, or optimizing commercial initiatives, any planning process can be made faster and smarter with o9's AI-powered digital solutions. o9 brings together technology innovations-such as graph-based enterprise modeling, big data analytics, advanced algorithms for scenario planning, collaborative portals, easy-to-use interfaces and cloud-based delivery-into one platform. For more information, please visit www.o9solutions.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250130613996/en/

Contacts:

Evelien van der Wel

evelien.vanderwel@o9solutions.com
The Fort Worth-based electricity broker is increasing access to longer-term energy plans and the cost-saving benefits that come with them

Quick Electricity , an electricity broker based in Fort Worth, Texas, has made it easier than ever for residents to sign up for long-term energy plans. These plans are available to search via Quick Electricity's expansive online database of Texas energy plans, which features a wide variety of electricity plans for Texas renters, homeowners, business owners, and more.

As an energy-deregulated state, Texas offers residents a choice in electricity plans and the ability to optimize a plan based on individual household needs. This includes the choice between month-to-month plans, short-term plans, or long-term plans. Length of contract has a direct impact on electricity rates, and should be a key consideration when residents are choosing a plan to enroll in.

Texas leads the country in energy production and consumption. Quick Electricity ensures that residents can be strategic with this opportunity, providing access to information and tools that allow for quick contract comparisons across different suppliers. And for residents looking for a cost-effective plan and significant savings, longer-term options tend to be ideal. Long-term electricity plans such as those with a 24-month contract are best for home and business owners who plan to stay in one place and want stability and predictability with their energy rates. Important benefits of longer-term energy plans include:

No energy rate hikes

No monthly fees or minimum usage requirements

Lower rates on average compared to variable-rate plans and short-term plans

Predictable pricing without the monthly surprise of a variable-rate bill

Extended savings potential

"Time and again, long-term energy contracts end up being the most cost-effective option for Texas home and business owners who plan to stay in the same location for at least a year," said Mary Pressler, founder of Quick Electricity. "We made it our mission to ensure that everyone has access to the best plans at the best rates, and are proud of our work simplifying the process of finding the most affordable long-term energy plans in the state."

Quick Electricity also offers shorter-term month-to-month and 6-month energy plans for those who do not want a long-term plan, such as students and renters. Short-term electricity contracts provide more flexibility than long-term contracts, but they require regular renewals and are prone to rate hikes.

As an established energy broker, Quick Electricity understands the nuances of the Texas energy market, including the short- and long-term implications of price trends, seasonal changes, and regulatory shifts. This expertise allows them to advise clients on the ideal times to buy or switch plans or how to structure contracts around current market conditions - including how to compare the cost advantages of long- vs. short-term plans.

For businesses, especially those with high energy needs, longer term contracts are one of the best ways to reduce utility spending. Quick Electricity works one-on-one with business owners to manage energy contracts and consumption, opting for long-term plans whenever possible to avoid the unpredictability of short-term rates. Additional services such as ongoing energy consumption analyses, bill auditing, and renewal negotiations relieve businesses of complex tasks and increase yearly energy savings.

Long-term electricity plans can be a major source of cost savings, but every type of energy contract comes with its risks. If issues arise with a supplier, Quick Electricity is available to advocate for Texas home and business owners. They use industry contacts and knowledge to resolve disputes and handle problems more efficiently than individual consumers may be able to on their own.

The right electricity plan can make all the difference in a household's budget. Readers who are interested in exploring long-term energy plans in Texas can visit Quick Electricity's website for a personalized quote and overview of the best available options.

About Quick Electricity

Quick Electricity is an electricity broker based out of Fort Worth, Texas, that helps individuals and businesses find the best electricity plans at the lowest rates. The company was founded in 2013 by Texan Mary Pressler and has established itself as a trusted resource for Texans and residents of other deregulated energy states, providing individual and regional guidance and ensuring everyone gets a plan that meets their needs and budget.

For more information, please visit www.QuickElectricity.com .

SOURCE: Quick Electricity

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
To honor the achievements and contributions of African Americans during Black History Month and beyond, Discovery Education offers a new curated collection of high-quality digital learning resources. Discovery Education is the creator of essential K-12 solutions used in classrooms around the world.

The following resources are now available for users of the essential companion for engaged classrooms, Discovery Education Experience:

History Kids: Black History Month video: Students in grades 6-12 can dive into the origins of Black History Month while learning about Carter G. Woodson and other notable figures who helped document and celebrate Black History in America. Students also learn about the historic representation of Black people in media and discuss the best way to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of Black people in the future.

Civil Rights Movement channel: This curated channel teaches students in grades K-12 about the heroes of the civil rights movement. The channel includes the DE Original Series, Need to Know , students travel through time to investigate the Civil Rights Movement. Each episode is paired with Ready-to-Use Lessons and PDF activities that align with the topics covered in the video and features additional historical context and primary source resources.

Happy Black History Month video: In this video from Sesame Workshop designed for students in grades PK-2, Elmo, Gabrielle, Tamir, and Abby come together to celebrate the contributions of Black and African American communities.

All these resources and more are available on the Celebrating Black History channel within Discovery Education Experience. Using the resources within this channel, including a teacher choice board and activities, educators are empowered to help students discover new perspectives on African American history, drive deeper cultural understanding, and help students see themselves in history. Experience facilitates the creation of engaging instructional opportunities for all students by connecting educators to a vast collection of high-quality, standards-aligned content, including ready-to-use digital lessons, intuitive quiz and activity creation tools, and professional learning resources.

"At Discovery Education, we understand how relevant and dynamic digital materials encourage greater student engagement in the classroom," said Todd Wirt, Head of K-12 Education at Discovery Education. "Access to materials that connect key historical events and modern movements helps students understand their impact on the world today. This new digital content collection for Black History Month will help educators spark student curiosity and conversation about this important topic."

Discovery Education also offers free resources for educators to integrate into their Black History Month observances, including:

STEM Career Profiles:The Black History Month collection from the STEM Careers Coalition celebrates the careers of Black leaders in STEM. The collection of dynamic, on-demand resources supports educators' efforts to drive deeper student engagement by connecting classroom lessons to the real-world. Career profile videos show students a variety of STEM careers across software engineering, chemistry, and technology support.

The STEM Careers Coalition is an alliance of industries and non-profit organizations, reaching 11M+ students with equitable access to STEM resources and career connections since its launch in 2019. The Coalition will continue to ignite student curiosity and influence a diverse future workforce.

Video Topic Series : The Art of Resilience is a three-part video topic series highlighting the power of art and the creative process in building resilience. The series chronicles the journeys of talented and impactful artists who use their art and stories to inspire others. Each testimony in this series illustrates how art reaffirms shared humanity by celebrating culture, identity, and survival. This resource is from Teaching with Testimony , a program with the USC Shoah Foundation that inspires students to find their voices and act for a better future.

Classroom Activities: The classroom activities and accompanying video series and educator guides from Amazing Me, an initiative with the Dove Self-Esteem Project, offers relevant lessons focused on body confidence and its role in self-esteem. The resources - such as the My Hair, My Crown workshop - explore culture and identity, and the importance of self-expression through hair in BIPOC communities.

In addition, Mystery Science users can find mini-lessons related to Black History Month here. Mystery Science by Discovery Education is an engaging standards-aligned science curriculum for grades K-5 designed to help students stay curious.

For more information about Discovery Education's award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

###

About Discovery Education

Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art, K-12, digital solutions support learning wherever it takes place. Through its award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, innovative classroom tools, and corporate partnerships, Discovery Education helps educators deliver equitable learning experiences engaging all students and supporting higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Inspired by the global media company Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and trusted organizations to empower teachers with leading edtech solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

Contacts

Grace Maliska

Discovery Education

Email: gmaliska@dicoveryed.com

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Discovery Education on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Discovery Education

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/discovery-education

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Discovery Education

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Inogen Alliance is an official sponsor of the upcoming tenth annual Global Water Stewardship Forumwith the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS), for the third year. The forum runs from 24-25 June 2025 in Edinburgh, Scotland.

As an Alliance we are representing our global presence at this event with thirteen Associate co-sponsors including Antea Brasil, Antea Group France, Antea Group UK, Antea Group USA, Baden Consulting in Switzerland, Chola MS Risk Services Limited (CMSRS) in India, HPC France, HPC Italy, HPC Germany, Hydrophil in Austria, Mediterra in Spain, Peter J. Ramsay & Associates in Australia, and Tonkin + Taylor in New Zealand; with our global Water Working Group leader Beatrice Bizzaro.

The Alliance for Water stewardship Forum is one of the key events in which our community of members, implementers and stakeholders to share knowledge and learning on the evolution of water stewardship practice and forge new directions through dialogue and partnerships. Held annually in Edinburgh, Scotland, since 2016, it has become the must-attend event for the international water stewardship community.

We are proud to be sponsors among brands including Diageo and Nutrien.

To learn more about the AWS Forum 2025 visit: https://a4ws.org/aws-global-water-stewardship-forum-2/

"At Inogen Alliance, we are committed to guiding clients worldwide in developing and implementing effective water stewardship programs aligned with the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Standard. Our mission is to foster responsible water management in harmony with environmental and hydrogeological contexts, ensuring sustainable and resilient practices for businesses and communities.

Our Inogen Alliance Water Working Group serves as a platform for our global Associates to share technical expertise, project case studies, and practical insights on market trends and emerging water challenges. Currently, the group includes over 30 colleagues from 16 countries who are part of the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Professional Credentialing System," Beatrice Bizzaro, HPC Italy, Inogen Alliance global Water Working Group leader.

The complete list of AWS credentialed implementors is available here.

The AWS Global Water Forum is a unique opportunity to exchange water stewardship experiences with industry leaders and build connections with members of the wider global water stewardship community. This event has become a cornerstone annual global meeting for our water experts and clients to come together across geographic locations.

Pre-registration is open initially for AWS Members, followed by non-Members starting 12 February. If you are interested, get your tickets early as this event has a history of selling out. Our global water team of over 20 in attendance would love to see you in person at the AWS Forum in June!

If you are looking for support with your water stewardship strategies or AWS check out more on our global water services here.

Inogen Alliance is a global network made up of dozens of independent local businesses and over 6,000 consultants around the world who can help make your project a success. Our Associates collaborate closely to serve multinational corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, and we share knowledge and industry experience to provide the highest quality service to our clients. If you want to learn more about how you can work with Inogen Alliance, you can explore our Associates or Contact Us. Watch for more News & Blog updates here and follow us on LinkedIn.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Inogen Alliance on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Inogen Alliance

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/inogen-alliance

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Inogen Alliance

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Helium Ventures Plc - Half-Year Report for the Six Months Ended 31 October 2024

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, January 30

Helium Ventures plc

("Helium Ventures" or the "Company")

Half-Year Report for the Six Months Ended 31 October 2024

Helium Ventures plc (AQSE:HEV), presents its unaudited interim results for the six-month period ended 31 October 2024.

Chairman's Statement

I am pleased to present the interim financial statements for Helium Ventures Plc for the six-month period from 1 May 2024 to 31 October 2024.

During the period, the Company maintained its investment portfolio, which includes:

Vestigo Technologies Ltd ("Trackimo" or "Vestigo")



On 9 October 2023, the Company entered into an agreement to subscribe for 250,000 in new ordinary shares of Trackimo, funded through the proceeds of a placing. As announced 6 June 2024, the Company was issued 1,032,407 ordinary A class shares at a price of approximately 1.84 per share in Trackimo representing a 19.36% equity stake at the time, as determined by an independent valuation which was triggered by the expiry of the long stop date for Trackimo completing an IPO. The ordinary A class shares the Company was issued is inclusive of the 250,000 subscription the Company made in Trackimo. Trackimo continues to trade in line with expectations.

Blue Star Helium Limited



The Company holds 7,142,858 ordinary shares in Blue Star Helium Limited, an ASX-listed company with significant helium exploration acreage in the USA. In recent months, Blue Star announced the mobilisation of a drilling rig to the Jackson 31 site within the Galactica Project in Las Animas County, Colorado, as part of a five-well programme. Initial results from this drilling campaign are expected in H1 2025.

Looking ahead, the Board remains focused on identifying and evaluating strategic opportunities to enhance shareholder value, following the termination of the Trackimo RTO. This work is ongoing, and we will keep shareholders informed as we progress.

The Company continues to carefully manage its working capital position and may need to raise further capital in the future through equity or alternative financing agreements. There can be no guarantee that funding discussions will result in new funding being secured nor that that the terms of any such agreement will be favourable to the Company and its shareholders. Further announcements will be made in due course.

On behalf of the Board, I would like to extend my gratitude to our shareholders, fellow directors, and professional advisers for their continued support.

Neil Ritson

Chairman

30 January 2025

The Directors of the Company accept responsibility for the contents of this announcement. This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of UK Market Abuse Regulation.

Enquiries:

Helium Ventures plc Neil Ritson +44 (0) 20 3475 6834 Cairn Financial Advisers LLP (AQSE Corporate Adviser) Liam Murray / Ludovico Lazzaretti +44 (0) 20 72130 880

For more information please visit: www.heliumvs.com

Note:

Certain statements made in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts but rather are based on the Company's current expectations, estimates, and projections about its industry; its beliefs; and assumptions. Words such as 'anticipates,' 'expects,' 'intends,' 'plans,' 'believes,' 'seeks,' 'estimates,' and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not a guarantee of future performance and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company's control, are difficult to predict, and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements. The Company cautions security holders and prospective security holders not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect the view of the Company only as of the date of this announcement. The forward-looking statements made in this announcement relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. The Company will not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions or updates to these forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances, or unanticipated events occurring after the date of this announcement except as required by law or by any appropriate regulatory authority.

HELIUM VENTURES PLC - CONDENSED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1 MAY 2024 TO 31 OCTOBER 2024

Unaudited Period ended 31 October 2024 Unaudited Period ended 31 October 2023 Audited Year ended 30 April 2024 Notes    Administrative expenses (65,121) (44,373) (291,175) Fair value through profit & loss 7 (16,027) (42,103) (86,920) Other income - - 86,431 Operating loss (81,148) (86,476) (291,664) Foreign exchanges losses - - (396) Finance income/(expense) - - - Loss before taxation (81,148) (86,476) (292,060) Income tax - - - Loss for the period from continuing operations (81,148) (86,476) (292,060) Total loss for the year attributable to equity holders of the Company Other comprehensive loss - - - Total comprehensive loss attributable to equity holders of the Company (81,148) (86,476) (292,060) Basic & dilutive earnings per ordinary share (pence) 6 (0.34) (0.48) (1.38)

The notes form an integral part of the Unaudited Condensed Interim Financial Statements.

HELIUM VENTURES PLC - CONDENSED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

AS AT 31 OCTOBER 2024

Note Unaudited As at 31 October 2024  Unaudited As at 31 October 2023  Audited As at 30 April 2024  NON-CURRENT ASSETS Investments held at fair value through profit or loss 7 250,000 - 250,000 CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents 36,955 116,171 56,215 Trade and other receivables 21,227 256,914 15,407 Investments held at fair value through profit or loss 7 13,663 74,506 29,689 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 71,845 447,591 101,311 TOTAL ASSETS 321,845 447,591 351,311 EQUITY Share capital 8 239,025 239,025 239,025 Share premium account 8 1,004,380 1,004,380 1,004,380 Share based payment reserve 18,615 18,615 18,615 Retained deficit (1,319,039) (1,032,307) (1,237,891) TOTAL EQUITY (57,019) 229,713 24,129 CURRENT LIABILITIES Trade and other payables 378,864 217,878 327,182 TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 378,864 217,878 327,182 TOTAL LIABILITIES 378,864 217,878 327,182 TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 321,845 447,591 351,311

The notes form an integral part of the Unaudited Condensed Interim Financial Statements.

HELIUM VENTURES PLC - CONDENSED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

STATEMENT OF CASHFLOW

FOR THE 6 MONTH PERIOD ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024

Unaudited Period to 31 October 2024 Unaudited Period to 31 October 2023 Audited Year ended 30 April 2024    Cash flow from operating activities Loss before income tax (81,148) (86,476) (292,060) Adjustments for Fair value adjustment 16,027 42,103 86,920 Share based payments - - 15,000 Changes in working capital: Decrease / (increase) in other receivables (5,821) (3,917) (12,405) Decrease / (increase) in other payables 51,682 99,769 194,069 Net cash (used in)/ from in operating activities (19,260) 51,479 (8,476) Cash flows from investing activities Investment in Trackimo - (250,000) (250,000) Net cash flow from investing activities - (250,000) (250,000) Cashflows from financing activities Proceeds from issue of ordinary shares - 250,000 250,000 Net cash flow from financing activities - 250,000 250,000 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents (19,260) 51,479 (8,476) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period 56,215 64,692 64,691 Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period 36,955 116,171 56,215

The notes form an integral part of the Unaudited Condensed Interim Financial Statements.





HELIUM VENTURES PLC - CONDENSED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

FOR THE 6 MONTH PERIOD TO 31 OCTOBER 2024

Ordinary Share capital Share Premium Share Based Payment Reserves Retained deficit Total equity      As at 30 April 2023 168,400 810,005 18,615 (945,831) 51,189 Comprehensive income for the year - - - - - Loss for the year - - - (292,060) (292,060) Other comprehensive income - - - - - Total comprehensive loss for the year - - - (292,060) (292,060) Transactions with owners Ordinary Shares issued 70,625 211,875 - - 282,500 Warrants issued - - - - - Share Issue Costs - (17,500) - - (17,500) Total transactions with owners 70,625 194,375 - - 265,000 As at 30 April 2024 239,025 1,004,380 18,615 (1,237,891) 24,129

Ordinary Share capital Share Premium Share Based Payment Reserves Retained deficit Total equity      As at 1 May 2024 239,025 1,004,380 18,615 (1,237,891) 24,129 Comprehensive income for the period Loss for the period - - - (81,148) (81,148) Other comprehensive income - - - - - Total comprehensive loss for the period - - - (81,148) (81,148) Transactions with owners Ordinary Shares issued - - - - - Warrants issued - - - - - Share Issue Costs - - - - - Total transactions with owners - - - - - As at 31 October 2024 239,025 1,004,380 18,615 (1,319,039) (57,019)

The notes form an integral part of the Unaudited Condensed Interim Financial Statements.



HELIUM VENTURES PLC - CONDENSED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTES TO THE INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1 MAY 2024 TO 31 OCTOBER 2024

1 General information

The Company was incorporated on 23 April 2021 in England and Wales with Registered Number 13355240 under the Companies Act 2006.

The address of its registered office is Eccleston Yards, 25 Eccleston Place, London SW1W 9NF, United Kingdom.

The principal activity of the Company is to seek suitable investment opportunities in the technology sector.

The Company commenced trading on the Aquis Stock Exchange (AQSE) Growth Market on 8 July 2021.

2 Accounting Policies

IAS 8 requires that management shall use its judgement in developing and applying accounting policies that result in information which is relevant to the economic decision-making needs of users, that are reliable, free from bias, prudent, complete and represent faithfully the financial position, financial performance and cash flows of the entity.

3 Basis of preparation

The Condensed Interim Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the AQSE Rules and International Accounting Standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS.

The Condensed Interim Financial Statements have not been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 "Interim Financial Statements." The Condensed Interim Financial Statements do not include all disclosures that would otherwise be required in a complete set of financial statements but have been prepared in accordance with the existing accounting policies of the Company.

The Interim Financial Statements for the period from 1 May 2024 to 31 October 2024 are unaudited.

The Company Financial Information has been prepared using the measurement bases specified by IFRS for each type of asset, liability, income and expense.

The Historic Financial Information does not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434 of the Companies Act 2006.

The Historic Financial Information is presented in  unless otherwise stated, which is the Company's functional and presentational currency.

Going concern

The Directors have made an assessment of the Company's ability to continue as a going concern and are satisfied that the company has the adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The Company, therefore, continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its interim financial statements.

Accounting policies

The same accounting policies, presentation and methods of computation have been followed in these Condensed Interim Financial Statements as were applied in the preparation of the Company's historic financial information for the year ended 30 April 2023 except for the impact of the adoption of the Standards and interpretations described below and new accounting policies adopted as a result of changes in the Company.

Standards and interpretations adopted in the period

There were no new standards or interpretations adopted by the Company in the period.

New standards and interpretations not yet adopted

At the date of approval of these financial statements, the following standards and interpretations which have not been applied in these financial statements were in issue but not yet effective (and in some cases have not yet been adopted by the UK):

Standard Impact on initial application Effective date Amendments to IAS 1 Classification of liabilities as Current or Non-current, effective from 1 January 2024 1 January 2024 Amendments to IFRS 16 Leases Lease Liability in a Sale and Leasebacks 1 January 2024 Amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements Non-current Liabilities with Covenants 1 January 2024

The effect of these new and amended Standards and Interpretations which are in issue but not yet mandatorily effective is not expected to be material.

The directors are evaluating the impact that these standards may have on the financial statements of Company.

4 Critical accounting estimates and judgments

In preparing the Condensed Interim Financial Statements, the Directors have to make judgments on how to apply the Company's accounting policies and make estimates about the future. Estimates and judgements are continuously evaluated based on historical experiences and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. In the future, actual experience may deviate from these estimates and assumptions.

The key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year, are described below.

5Employees and directors' remuneration

There were no employees of the Company in the period under review, other than the three directors. Directors' remuneration for the period was as follows:

Unaudited Unaudited Audited 31 October 2024  31 October 2023  30 April 2024  Director fees 36,000 36,000 72,000 Employers N.I - - 36,000 36,000 72,000

6 Earnings per Ordinary Share

There were no potentially dilutive instruments in issue at the period end.

Unaudited Unaudited Audited 31 October 2024 31 October 2023 30 April 2024 Basic and dilutive earnings per Ordinary Share Earnings attributable to Shareholders (81,148) (86,476) (292,060) Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares 23,902,500 17,867,876 21,135,548 Per share amount-(pence) (0.34) (0.48) (1.38)

There is no difference between the diluted loss per share and the basic loss per share presented. Share options and warrants could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in the future but were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share as they are anti-dilutive for the period presented.

7 Investments held at fair value through profit and loss

Current

 Cost at 31 October 2023 219,949 Cost at 30 April 2024 219,949 Cost at 31 October 2024 219,949 Fair value loss at 31 October 2023 (42,103) Fair value loss at 30 April 2024 (86,920) Fair value loss at 31 October 2024 (16,027) Fair value of Investment at 31 October 2023 74,506 Fair value of Investment at 30 April 2024 29,689 Fair value of Investment at 31 October 2024 13,663 Non - Current Cost at 31 October 2023 - Additions 250,000 Cost at 30 April 2024 250,000 Cost at 31 October 2024 250,000 Fair value loss at 31 October 2023 - Fair value loss at 30 April 2024 - Fair value loss at 31 October 2024 - Fair value of Investment at 31 October 2023 - Fair value of Investment at 30 April 2024 250,000 Fair value of Investment at 31 October 2024 250,000

On 3 November 2021, the Company acquired an investment in Blue Star Helium Limited. The investment

totalled AUD $400,000 at AUD 5.6 cents per share and was part of a AUD $15 million fundraise. The

Company holds 7,142,858 shares in Blue Star Helium Limited representing 0.45% of the total issued shares in that company.

The investment was recognised as a financial asset held at fair value through profit and loss. It is classified as a current asset as the Company views this as an asset which is likely to be held for the short term only.

During the year a fair value loss was recognised in the income statement reflecting the fall in value from

the last revaluation date of AUD 0.8 cents per share to AUD 0.0375 cents per share at the date of these accounts. The shares were initially purchased for AUD 5.6 cents per share.

During the 2024 financial year the Company subscribed for 250,000 of new ordinary shares in Trackimo to fulfil certain banking covenants and support Trackimo's working capital leading up to a potential AIM IPO. Whilst the shares were issued in July 2024, the terms of the agreement were irrevocable and as such the investment is treated as an equity investment at year end.

At 30 April 2024 a third party valuation reporting indicating the fair value of the investment to be significantly higher than the current carrying value. The valuation was based on a discounted cash flow forecast (DCF) and included various observable inputs. However, due to the inherent unpredictability of future cash-flows and a lack of liquidity in a private company's securities, the asset was not valued upwards at the end of the period. The Company reviewed the valuation as at 31 October 2024 and noted there has been no material change to the assumptions used in the valuation. As a result there has been no adjustment to the carrying value of the asset.

Accounting standards, including IFRS 13, prescribe a three-level hierarchy for fair valuing financial

instruments. The investment in Blue Star Helium Limited has been measured and recognised in the financial statements at Level 1 as the entity is publicly quoted whilst the investment in Trackimo is considered level 3. The three levels are described below:

Level 1: The fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets (such as publicly traded derivatives, and equity securities) is based on quoted market prices at the end of the reporting year. The quoted market price used for financial assets held by the Company is the current bid price. These instruments are included in level 1.

Level 2: The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market (e.g. over-the counter derivatives) is determined using valuation techniques that maximise the use of observable market data and rely as little as possible on entity-specific estimates. If all significant inputs required to fair value an instrument are observable, the instrument is included in level 2.

Level 3: If one or more of the significant inputs is not based on observable market data, the instrument is included in level 3. This is the case for unlisted equity securities.

8 Share Capital & Share Premium

Ordinary Shares Share Capital Share Premium Total #    At 31 October 2023 23,902,500 239,025 1,004,380 1,243,405 At 30 April 2024 23,902,500 239,025 1,004,380 1,243,405 Movement for the period - - - - At 31 October 2024 23,902,500 239,025 1,004,380 1,243,405

9 Related Party Transactions

Provision of services:

Charlie Wood, a partner of Orana Corporate LLP, is also a director of the Company. As a result, Orana Corporate LLP is considered a related party under the applicable reporting framework due to the common directorship and influence Charlie Wood has over both entities.

Orana Corporate LLP has a service agreement with the Company for the provision of accounting, Company

secretarial and corporate finance services. In the period Orana Corporate LLP accrued 12,000 (2023: 12,150) for these services from the Company.

Directors' remuneration:

For details of the directors' remuneration paid in the year, refer to the Directors' report.

As at 31 October 2024 the Directors were owed the following amounts: Fungai Ndoro 53,000 (2024: 41,000), Neil Ritson 53,000 (2024: 41,000) and Charlie Wood 46,700 (2024: 34,700).

Other than these there were no other related party transactions.

10 Ultimate Controlling Party

As at 31 October 2024, there was no ultimate controlling party of the Company.

11 Post Balance Sheet Events

There have been no other material events subsequent to period end.

12 Nature of the Interim Financial Statements

The Company Financial Information presented above does not constitute statutory accounts for the period under review.

13 Approval of the Condensed Interim Financial Statements

The Condensed Interim Financial Statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 30 January 2025.
AM Best has maintained the under review with developing implications status for the Financial Strength Rating of B++ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "bbb+" (Good) of First Insurance Company (SFIC) (Jordan).

The Credit Rating (rating) action follows the announcement on 9 January 2025 that SFIC's sister company, Solidarity Bahrain B.S.C., has signed a sale and purchase agreement (SPA) with Bahrain National Holding Company B.S.C. in relation to the acquisition of 100% of the issued share capital of each of Bahrain National Insurance Company B.S.C. (c) (BNI) and Bahrain National Life Assurance Company B.S.C. (c) (BNL) for a total purchase price of BHD 75 million. The signing of the SPA follows the previous announcement on 11 August 2024 that SFIC's parent company, Solidarity Group Holding B.S.C. (c), agreed to purchase the operations of BNI and BNL.

The ratings are expected to remain under review with developing implications until the transaction closes and AM Best has assessed its impact on SFIC's credit rating fundamentals.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best's website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best's Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best's Credit Ratings, Best's Performance Assessments, Best's Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best's Ratings Assessments.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright 2025 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250130096323/en/

Contacts:

Saad Abbasi

Financial Analyst

+44 20 7397 0316

saad.abbasi@ambest.com

Christopher Sharkey

Associate Director, Public Relations

+1 908 882 2310

christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

Jessica Botelho-Young, CA

Director, Analytics

+44 20 7397 0310

jessica.botelho-young@ambest.com

Al Slavin

Senior Public Relations Specialist

+1 908 882 2318

al.slavin@ambest.com
London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2025) - PropTech company SalesRook today announced growth figures, including 127% revenue growth in 2024 and processing of over 50,000 property enquiry messages weekly through its WhatsApp platform. The company will host an industry event in March to discuss AI adoption in the UK property market.

The announcement comes as the property sector prepares for upcoming changes. With the Stamp Duty relief threshold set to drop from 425,000 to 300,000 in April 2025, first-time buyers are intensifying their property search. According to Estate Agent Today, their share of transactions reached a record 31.8% in late 2024 (source: https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2025/01/asking-price-discounts-rise-as-stamp-duty-rush-begins/).

Richard Remington, Commercial Director and Co-Founder, explains: "Estate agents are experiencing unprecedented enquiry volumes while managing property stock levels. Our AI platform helps automate client communication to address these challenges."

Growth Metrics

The company reported the following figures:

127% growth in software revenues in 2024

Processing over 50,000 WhatsApp messages weekly

Supporting over 125 offices nationwide

Processing property enquiries 24/7, with 40% of client engagement occurring outside office hours

Market Context

SalesRook launched its WhatsApp-based extension for estate agents, integrated with the CRM Reapit, in late 2022. The property sector currently faces several key challenges:

High enquiry volumes creating response management challenges

Limited property stock affecting market dynamics

Operational inefficiencies impacting service delivery

AI Implementation in Property Services

As AI adoption increases in estate agency, SalesRook follows the UK government's principles-based approach to AI regulation. This aligns with the UK's AI Regulation White Paper (2023), which emphasizes appropriate transparency and explainability in AI deployments.

Max Hardy, Managing Director and Co-Founder at SalesRook, explains: "We're seeing changes in how people interact with AI estate agents. While we encourage transparency and follow ICO guidance on data protection, we find that customers care most about getting rapid, helpful responses to their property queries - regardless of the technology enabling it."

The success of these AI interactions reflects the effectiveness of the UK's flexible regulatory approach. While the Information Commissioner's Office emphasises fairness and transparency in AI applications, it allows organisations to implement these principles in ways that best serve their customers.

Event Details

The company will host an industry event to discuss AI adoption in property services:

Date: Wednesday, March 5th, 2025

Time: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: The Little Ship Club, London EC4R 3TB

About SalesRook

Founded in 2022, SalesRook develops AI technology for estate agents and mortgage brokers across the UK.

The company's WhatsApp-based platform integrates with leading CRMs to automate client communication.

Further Information: Website: www.salesrook.com Contact: hello@salesrook.com





To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/238515

SOURCE: Pressmaster DMCC
Regulatory News;:

Sopra Steria (Paris:SOP), a major tech player in Europe, has announced that it is in exclusive negotiations with a view to acquiring management consulting firm Aurexia.

The planned acquisition of 100% of Aurexia is in keeping with Sopra Steria's strategy of developing its consulting business with the aim of doubling its size by 2028, at which point consulting would account for at least 12% of the Group's revenue. The proposed acquisition is aimed at bolstering the Group's management consulting activities in financial services. It would expand Sopra Steria Next's capacity and expertise as well as its positioning and ability to serve France's leading financial institutions.

Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Paris, Aurexia assists senior management, operations, finance, risk and compliance teams at leading French banks and insurers with their development, operational efficiency and compliance projects. With 140 consulting professionals, Aurexia's forecast revenue for 2024 is around 20 million, with 80% of this total generated in France.

Eric Vernhes, Chairman of Aurexia, commented: "Having achieved revenue growth of 11% in 2024, we are delighted about the opportunity to join Sopra Steria Next, which would further strengthen our momentum. Connecting our teams in Paris, elsewhere in France and abroad with Sopra Steria Next would also offer plenty of development opportunities. With our shared entrepreneurial culture and values, we hope to be able to join forces in 2025."

Dominique Herrou, CEO of Aurexia, added: "This proposed merger would enable us to further expand our client coverage and leverage our growth drivers. The resulting critical mass would put us in a stronger position to take on major transformation projects in banking and insurance. It would also enable us to provide further added value to our clients thanks to synergies with Sopra Steria's Financial Services vertical."

Fabrice Asvazadourian, CEO of Sopra Steria Next, commented: "Our plan to acquire Aurexia is in line with the Group's strategy of ramping up growth in consulting so as to be able to offer financial institutions the expertise and capacity needed to support major transformations in their various business areas. This acquisition would make Sopra Steria Next one of the leading management consultancies in France's financial services sector, with over 400 consultants dedicated to the industry, and would enable us to offer an even greater combination of business expertise and cutting-edge technologies."

The proposed acquisition is subject to prior consultation with employee representative bodies and is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2025.

About Sopra Steria

Sopra Steria, a major tech player in Europe with 52,000* employees in nearly 30 countries, is recognised for its consulting, digital services and solutions. It helps its clients drive their digital transformation and obtain tangible and sustainable benefits. The Group provides end-to-end solutions to make large companies and organisations more competitive by combining in-depth knowledge of a wide range of business sectors and technologies with a collaborative approach. Sopra Steria places people at the heart of everything it does and is committed to putting digital to work for its clients in order to build a positive future for all. In 2023, the Group generated revenue of 5.8 billion.

* Headcount reassessed following the sale of Sopra Banking Software activities in September 2024.

The world is how we shape it

Sopra Steria (SOP) is listed on Euronext Paris (Compartment A) ISIN: FR0000050809

For more information, visit us at www.soprasteria.com

About Aurexia

The Aurexia group has been assisting financial services firms with their transformation projects since 2006. With 10 partners and 150 employees spread across 5 offices in France (Paris and Nantes) and abroad (Luxembourg, Singapore and Hong Kong), we offer business expertise in retail banking and specialised financial services, insurance, investment banking, asset and wealth management, and central support functions including finance, risk, compliance and data management.

From small- and medium-scale projects to major programmes, we serve our clients in a wide range of cross-functional areas such as structuring and managing programmes, digital and the customer/employee experience, operational excellence and smart automation, partnership strategy, resource pooling and smartshoring, analysis and implementation of new regulatory requirements, sustainable finance, and ESG.

Copyright 2025 Sopra Steria. All rights reserved. Sopra Steria and its logo are registered trademarks of Sopra Steria.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250130087406/en/

Contacts:

Investor Relations

Olivier Psaume

olivier.psaume@soprasteria.com

+33 (0)1 40 67 68 16

Press Relations

Caroline Simon (Image 7)

caroline.simon@image7.fr

+33 (0)1 53 70 74 65
ANAHEIM, CA / ACCESS Newswire / January 30, 2025 / In a powerful show of solidarity and commitment to the California community, three leading trade shows in Southern California- Natural Products Expo West, MD&M West, and Sustainable Manufacturing Expo/WestPack, are coming together to provide critical aid for those impacted by the devastating California wildfires.

California has long been a cornerstone of these industry events, which serve as hubs for the natural and organic food and supplements industries, as well as the engineering, packaging and sustainable manufacturing industries. In solidarity with the Southern California community, the organizers of these shows are stepping up to give back to the communities that have supported them for so many years.

MD&M West, which is co-located with the first-ever North American Sustainable Manufacturing Expo (Anaheim Convention Center, Feb. 4-5, 2025), will provide a $15k donation with Double Donation Matching benefitting the West Side Food Bank. Additional support during the events will feature QR codes displayed throughout the show, linking to a list of support items available for donation via Amazon to the West Side Food Bank and the LA Food Bank, along with options to contribute individual financial aid donations. The team has also organized an on-site blood drive at the event hosted by American Red Cross, sponsored by Sterilized Packaging Manufacturer's Council, with appointments available here.

"The California community has been central to the success of our shows, and we felt that it was essential during this time to support our West Coast colleagues and partners," says Melissa Magestro, Vice President at Informa Markets Engineering. "Social sustainability and patient care are at the core of the industries we serve through MD&M, Sustainable Manufacturing Expo and WestPack, and it is our honor to be a small part of contributing to the rebuilding of a city and community that means so much to us."

Natural Products Expo West, the tentpole annual event for natural, organic and conscious consumer-packaged goods (Anaheim Convention Center, Mar. 4-7, 2025), will also be providing a $35k donation to Second Harvest Food Bank. In addition, leftover materials, both furniture from booths and packaged foods will be donated to local non-profits including Habitat for Humanity and Second Harvest Food Bank, with specialized relief efforts in place for food insecurity, servicing Los Angeles & Ventura counties.

"Our mission is more health for more people. While our friends and colleagues in the Southern California community are recovering from these devastating wildfires, we want to make sure they continue to have access to nutritious food," adds Danica Cullins, Executive Vice President, Informa Markets Health & Nutrition. "We are proud to support Second Harvest Food Bank in their critical mission to keep families well-fed and cared for. California has always been a cornerstone of the healthy and organic foods industry, and this donation is a small way for us to give back to the people who mean so much to our industry."

Collective efforts from these shows will dedicate over $50k in donations with additional services to support neighboring California communities with essential resources.

For more information on how to contribute, visit the MD&M West community website and the Natural Products Expo West website.

About Informa Markets Engineering

Informa Markets Engineering is the leading B2B event producer, publisher, and digital media business for the world's $3-trillion advanced, technology-based manufacturing industry. Our print and electronic products deliver trusted information to the engineering market and leverage our proprietary 1.3-million-name database to connect suppliers with buyers and purchase influencers. We produce more than 50 events and conferences in a dozen countries, connecting manufacturing professionals from around the globe. The Engineering portfolio is organized by Informa Markets, a subsidiary of Informa plc, the world's leading exhibitions organizer that brings a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.

About New Hope Network

New Hope Network is the go-to media and events business for the natural and organic products industry, offering solutions for the complete supply chain, including manufacturers, retailers, distributors, service providers, ingredient suppliers, media, and investors. Its mission is to cultivate a prosperous, high-integrity CPG and retail ecosystem that creates health, joy and justice for all people while regenerating the planet. New Hope Network is a part of Informa Markets, a subsidiary of Informa plc. For more information, visit www.newhope.com.

Media Contacts

Informa Markets Engineering PR

EngineeringPR@informa.com

Informa Markets Natural Products PR

PR@newhope.com

SOURCE: Informa Markets Engineering and Informa Markets Natural Products

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2025) - Rapidly expanding indie film production company Shogun Films has announced a 4 film deal with Surrey's burgeoning Guildford Studios for 2025.

Martin Kemp onset of Doctor Plague



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Guildford Studios is a 200 acre former military base just 34 miles from London featuring an array of stunning ready-made locations and facilities as well as a number of production offices and sets and stages under construction. The brain child of entrepreneurs Michael Bradley and Paul O'Brien, Guildford Studios is anticipated to become a key part of the booming British Film Industry.

In 2024, Shogun filmed portions of both serial killer film Doctor Plague, starring Martin Kemp, Gary Webster and David Yip, and espionage thriller Knightfall, starring Geoffrey Moore, Ian Ogilvy and Michael Pare at Guildford, laying the foundations for a more prolific relationship this year. In Doctor Plague, Guildford provided backdrops for a police station, industrial areas, a working garage and a stunning forest with a unique 'haunted' tree. For Knightfall, the studios stood in for a top secret military base, to be seen in the film's action-packed opening sequence.

In 2025, Shogun will film post-apocalyptic Sci Fi action thriller War of the Worlds: Survivor starring Jeanine Nerissa Sothcott, creature feature Terrorsaur, action movie Hell Runner and horror movie Interview With A Werewolf at Guildford Studios in a 4 picture pact with the facility.

Shogun Films founder Jonathan Sothcott said, "I'm delighted to progress our professional relationship with Mike and Paul at Guildford Studios - they have been supportive and encouraging of us at Shogun and as we grow and produce more movies, a regular production base - especially one with so much to offer - is essential. They have embraced the realities of low budget, fast-turnaround filmmaking in a way that I don't think any other studios do, which is very encouraging when big US studios have monopolised many other production facilities. Guildford Studios is an indie filmmaker's dream come true."

Michael Bradley of Guildford Studios said, "With the writers' strike our market slowed so we chased the indie sector and I am so pleased we did. Finding Shogun Films was great. The team are incredibly professional - they always show up on time, they run their film days like clockwork and they are a great bunch to work with. Jonathan Sothcott knows a lot of great A List talent too. We are particularly looking forward to Terrorsaur and Interview With A Werewolf and putting our amazing 200 acre backlot to use."

Shogun Films was founded by husband and wife team Jonathan Sothcott and Jeanine Nerissa Sothcott and is rapidly growing to become a top producer of high quality, low budget genre movies in the UK. The company has an ethical focus on supporting British talent, employing veteran actors, giving opportunities to industry newcomers and with a preference for practical special effects where possible. Shogun is currently in pre-production on a trio of horror movies: Werewolf Hunt, Harbinger and The Secret of Guy Fawkes, all filming in Spring 2025.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/238822

SOURCE: GYT
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2025) - Forum Energy Metals Corp. (TSXV: FMC) (OTCQB: FDCFF) (the "Company" or "Forum") and Global Uranium Corp. (CSE: GURN) (OTC: GURFF) (FSE: Q3J) ("Global") are pleased to announce the completion of data compilation and reprocessing of historical EM geophysical surveys to optimize the upcoming drill program on the Northwest Athabasca (NWA) Project, located on the northwest shore of Lake Athabasca in Saskatchewan, Canada (Figure 1). Global has an option to earn 51% interest in Forum's interest in the NWA Project by spending up to $9M over four years (see News Release dated May 30, 2024). Diamond drilling and geophysical surveys are planned this winter, pending the completion of ongoing community engagement and final government approvals. Forum Energy Metals is the Operator of the Northwest Athabasca Project.

"The integration of historical geophysical datasets and legacy drill results gives us an advantage in identifying areas of high potential," stated Ungad Chadda, CEO of Global Uranium. "We are pleased that the Forum exploration team's knowledge and experience in Saskatchewan unconformity-style uranium deposits will shape the refined targeting strategy at the NWA Project, positioning us to unlock the site's full value potential."

Rick Mazur, CEO of Forum Energy Metals stated, "Forum's logistics team is working with local services and contractors to implement the drill program this winter. We are excited to get back to drilling on the project again with Global as our earn-in partner. This is a prolific part of the Athabasca Basin and our last drill campaign in 2013 intersected significant uranium mineralization."

2025 Data Compilation and Drill Targeting

The Northwest Athabasca Project has undergone exploration since the 1970s so there is an enormous database of geological work that has been completed historically (ground sampling, geophysical surveys and diamond drilling). Forum has been compiling all the historical data into its database including Forum's past exploration from 2010 to 2014.

The main targets planned for drilling in 2025 include the Andy, Zone 2A, Opie, Gomer and Spring Bay areas (Figure 2). Drill targets are selected using a combination of known uranium showings, ground and airborne electromagnetic (EM) conductors, magnetic signatures and gravity anomalies. The Maurice Bay uranium showing, which is within the Northwest Athabasca Project is associated with east-southeast-trending faults with significant normal fault displacement.

Forum Energy Metals is working with Convolutions Geoscience based out of Vancouver, British Columbia to investigate and reprocess the historical ground HLEM (Horizontal Loop Electromagnetic) and airborne VTEM (Versatile Time Domain Electromagnetic) data that were originally collected by Cameco Corporation in 2005 and 2006. In the Griffith's Creek area (Andy, Zone 2A, Opie target areas), several HLEM and VTEM conductors were identified. Convolutions Geoscience has re-analyzed the historical data and provided recommendations on the orientation and strength of the conductors to help augment the targeting of the potential conductive zones (Figure 3).

The Northwest Athabasca Project

The Northwest Athabasca Project is located along the northwest shore of Lake Athabasca on the margin of the Athabasca Basin 1,000 km north-northwest of Saskatoon. The western margin of the property is situated along the Alberta - Saskatchewan provincial border and the closest community is Uranium City, which is 75 km west of the project. The project consists of 11 continuous mineral claims covering 13,876 ha. Exploration began on the Northwest Athabasca Project in the 1970s after the discovery of uriniferous boulders of Athabasca Group sandstone near Fiddler Point. Diamond drilling at the inferred apex of one of the boulder fans led to the discovery of unconformity uranium mineralization near Maurice Bay in 1976 by Uranerz Exploration and Mining Ltd. A non-43-101 historical resource estimate was documented at 1.5 million lbs at 0.6% U3O8 for the Maurice Bay Showing1. The historical resource estimate, however, was not prepared in accordance with the requirements of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). While the Company believes the historical estimate to be relevant given the extensive exploration work completed by Uranerz, a qualified person has not completed sufficient work to verify and classify the historical estimate as a current mineral resource and the Company is not treating the historical estimate as a current mineral resource. As such, the historical estimate should not be relied upon. Uranium mineralization is hosted in 3 zones (Main, A, and B), with Main zone associated with an east-southeast-trending fault system with approximately 30 m of normal-fault offset (south side down). The A and B zones are situated north of the Main zone within the basement rocks along reactivated normal faults and cross-cutting northeast-trending faults. Numerous showings that host modest-to-significant uranium mineralization have been identified on the project, including the Zone 2A area, which intersected basement-hosted mineralization grading 5.69% over 8.5 m from drill hole Z2A-12 (Uranerz). Other areas of interest include Opie (0.14% U3O8 over 7.6 m), Maurice Creek Showing (5 to 30 ppm U in sandstone), F-Subcropping (270 ppm U in sandstone), Ness Bay (100 to 2000 ppm U), Barney (2.33% U3O8 over 0.1 m), Otis West (up to 6,250 ppm U), and Spring Bay (untraced uriniferous boulder field; 0.05% U3O8 over 3 m in sandstone - drill hole NWA-001).

1Lehnert-Thiel, K., and Kretschmar, W., 1979, The discovery of the Maurice Bay uranium deposit and exploration case history (abs.): Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy District 4, Fourth Annual Meeting, Winnipeg, 1979, unpublished manuscript, 3 p .

Qualified Person

Rebecca Hunter, Ph.D., P.Geo., Forum's Vice President of Exploration and Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control

For a discussion of the QA/QC and data verification processes and procedures at the NWA Project, please see its technical report entitled "NI 43-101 on the Northwest Athabasca Project Northern Saskatchewan Centered at: Latitude 5924'00" N, Longitude 10954'00" W", with an effective date of June 27, 2024, which is available under the Global Uranium's profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

About Global Uranium Corp.

Global Uranium Corp. focuses on exploring and developing uranium assets primarily in North America. The Company currently holds key uranium projects: the Wing Lake Property in the Mudjatik Domain of northern Saskatchewan, Canada; the Northwest Athabasca Joint Venture with Forum Energy Metals Corp./NexGen Energy Ltd./Cameco Corporation/Orano Canada Inc. in the Northwest Athabasca region of Saskatchewan, Canada; and the Great Divide Basin District Projects, the Gas Hills District Projects, and the Copper Mountain District Projects in Wyoming, USA.

About Forum Energy Metals

Forum Energy Metals Corp. (TSXV: FMC) (OTCQB: FDCFF) is focused on the discovery of high-grade unconformity-related uranium deposits in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan and the Thelon Basin, Nunavut. For further information: https://www.forumenergymetals.com .





Figure 1 Location of the Northwest Athabasca Project along Lake Athabasca in northwestern Saskatchewan. The closest communities are Uranium City, Fond du Lac and Fort Chipewyan. The western margin of the property is located along the Alberta - Saskatchewan Border.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4908/238980_351dd62be4ea5b8c_003full.jpg





Figure 2 The main uranium showings and drill target areas on the Northwest Athabasca Project. The residual gravity and EM conductors are shown as the background.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4908/238980_351dd62be4ea5b8c_004full.jpg





Figure 3 Close-up of the Griffith's Creek Trend, which hosts the Andy, Zone 2A and Opie grids. The residual gravity is the background and the historical drill collars are shown. The reprocessed Maxwell Plates are the solid lines and were generated from the historical HLEM data and will be used to aid in drill targeting.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4908/238980_351dd62be4ea5b8c_005full.jpg





ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS



Richard J. Mazur, P.Geo.

President & CEO

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/238980

SOURCE: Forum Energy Metals Corp.
LIMONEST, 30 JANUARY 2025, 5.45 PM

CONSOLIDATED REVENUES OF 396.6M

Q3 REVENUES IMPACTED BY ONGOING CAUTION IN DEMAND

PROMISING Q3 PERFORMANCE BY RUE DU COMMERCE

Olivier de la Clergerie, LDLC Group CEO, said: "The LDLC Group posted revenues of 396.6m for the first nine months of the 2024/2025 financial year, down 8.1% on the same period last year. Overall demand remained cautious throughout the period in both BtoB and BtoC markets, due to the persistently sluggish economic and social environment in France.

Since the integration of the Rue du Commerce business in July 2024, the LDLC Group has thoroughly reworked the brand's positioning to turn it into the Group's generalist marketplace. As evidenced by Rue du Commerce's strong third quarter performance, we are now able to ramp up development of the online shopping precinct.

While the current economic climate and prevailing trends call for caution, the fundamentals of the high-tech equipment sector remain intact and the market outlook is robust, driven by equipment upgrading cycles and innovation.

We are convinced that the Group's financial base, past and future organisational and cost streamlining measures and the development initiatives rolled out during this challenging period will allow us to reap the full benefits of the next growth cycle."

9-MONTH CONSOLIDATED REVENUES (1 APRIL TO 31 DECEMBER)

m 2024/2025 2023/2024 Change (%) Q1 revenues 118.1 126.9 -6.9% Q2 revenues 125.6 139.9 -10.3% Q3 revenues 152.9 164.4 -7.0% 9-month total 396.6 431.3 -8.1%

Corporate data: Q3 2024/2025 revenues 138.3m, 9-month revenues 350.7m

Q3 2024/2025 revenues of 152.9m

Q3 2024/2025 revenues amounted to 152.9m, down 7.0% versus Q3 2023/2024 and down 8.6% at constant consolidation scope (excluding the impact of Rue du Commerce, consolidated since 10 July 2024).

The BtoC business posted quarterly revenues of 108.5m, down 5.1% from Q3 2023/2024. Store revenues dipped 0.7% to 41.1m. Consolidated since 10 July 2024, Rue du Commerce contributed 2.6m to Q3 revenues, up sharply from Q2. This performance reflects the initial impact of the brand's repositioning aimed at combining growth, driven by the gradual ramp-up of the LDLC Group's online shopping precinct, and profitability, in particular by limiting direct offers of products that do not contribute to margins.

Group business volumes including the LDLC franchise chain and the LDLC and Rue du Commerce marketplaces amounted to 167.0m, down 3.3% as reported and down 8.1% at constant consolidation scope. This includes an 8.3m contribution from Rue du Commerce, up from 3.3m in Q2.

The BtoB business posted revenues of 41.4m, down 11.5% from 46.8m in Q3 2023/2024. Business continues to be heavily impacted by the prevailing macroeconomic and political situation, prompting businesses to exercise caution and postpone their investments.

Revenues from other businesses fell 11.2% to 3.0m. Childcare brand L'Armoire de Bebe posted revenues of 2.1m, down 7.9%.

Nine-month 2024/2025 revenues of 396.6m

Nine-month 2024/2025 consolidated revenues amounted to 396.6m, down 8.1%. At constant consolidation scope, revenues were down 8.9%.

Amid a sluggish economic environment, BtoC revenues totalled 276.0m, down 5.8% versus the first nine months of 2023/2024. Rue du Commerce contributed 3.8m to nine-month revenues. Store revenues came to 106.8m, up 2.0%.

Group business volumes amounted to 420.5m (including an 11.6m contribution from Rue du Commerce), down 6.2% as reported and down 8.8% at constant consolidation scope.

BtoB revenues fell 12.9% to 111.6m.

Other businesses posted total nine-month revenues of 9.1m, down 12.1% from 10.3m for the same period last year. L'Armoire de Bebe posted revenues of 6.3m, down 8.9%.

CUSTOMER SERVICE OF THE YEAR AWARD FOR THE 11TH YEAR RUNNING

In November 2024, for the 11th year running, LDLC received the "Customer Service of the Year[1]" award in the "Technical Product Retail" category, earning a record score of 19.71/20, up again on the previous year.

Customer satisfaction remains a core feature of the LDLC Group's identity and this 11th consecutive award testifies to the unflagging excellence of its customer service.

OUTLOOK

While the second half is expected to be more profitable than the first due to the usual seasonal business trends, it will inevitably be impacted by the significant decline in sales.

While economic conditions have curbed demand, the fundamentals of the high-tech sector remain intact, sustained by innovation and upgrading requirements. The LDLC Group is continuing its efforts to overcome current challenges and emerge stronger, both by continuing to grow, as evidenced by the acquisition of the Rue du Commerce business made possible by the Group's financial strength, and by reducing costs in line with prevailing economic balances.

In line with its strategy, the Group is pursuing the development of its store chain by choosing to open an LDLC store on Place de la Madeleine in Paris. Opening this new store in an iconic Parisian district will enhance brand awareness and allow the Group to get closer to the general public.

The existing and future measures taken by the Group to stimulate growth and reduce costs, combined with a solid financial base, can put the LDLC Group in a favourable position to take full advantage of the next growth cycle, an essential prerequisite to bringing profit levels back to normal in the medium term.

APPOINTMENT OF AN EMPLOYEE REPRESENTATIVE ON THE SUPERVISORY BOARD

In accordance with the law and the Company's articles of association, the French Democratic Confederation of Labour (CFDT) has appointed Denis Mennesson (who has worked at the Group for over 21 years and currently holds the position of Infrastructure, Network and Security Director) as an employee representative on the Supervisory Board. At its meeting held today, the LDLC Group Supervisory Board took note of this appointment for a six-year term.





Next release:

24 April 2025 after market close, full-year 2024/2025 revenues

GROUP OVERVIEW

The LDLC Group was one of the first to venture into online sales in 1997. As a specialist multi-brand retailer and a major online IT and high-tech equipment retailer, the LDLC Group targets individual customers (BtoC) as well as business customers (BtoB). It operates via 15 retail brands, has 8 e-commerce websites and has approximately 1,100 employees.

Winner of a number of customer service awards and widely recognised for the efficiency of its integrated logistics platforms, the Group is also developing an extensive chain of brand stores and franchises.

Find all the information you need at www.groupe-ldlc.com

ACTUS

Investor & Media Relations

Helene de Watteville / Marie-Claude Triquet

hdewatteville@actus.fr - mctriquet@actus.fr

Tel.: + 33 (0)6 10 19 97 04 / + 33 (0)6 84 83 21 82

[1] Technical Product Retail category - BVA Xsight survey - Viseo CI - Read more at escda.fr

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River City Bank reported its 9th consecutive year of record net income with $73.4 million or $49.90 per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2024; this was $13.1 million more than the $60.3 million or $40.49 per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2023. The Bank also reported net income of $21.3 million, or $14.52 per diluted share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, which compares favorably to the $16.8 million, or $11.28 per diluted share, for the same period in 2023. The Bank's earnings for the year ended December 31, 2024 represented a healthy 16.3% return on equity capital and 1.42% return on assets. The Bank's book value per share rose to $336 as of December 31, 2024 from $287 per share as of December 31, 2023.

The improved net income versus the prior year was driven by the following factors:

Higher loan balances - Average loan outstandings in 2024 were $515 million higher than the prior year and yields on loans increased by 0.39% (including the impact of the fair value hedges), driving the increase in loan interest income.

Deposit growth - Average deposits grew by $734 million compared to the prior year, supporting growth in the Bank's loans and liquid assets.

Increased investment securities balances and yields - Average investment securities and cash balances grew by $210 million while yields increased from 3.45% in 2023 to 4.76% in 2024.

Stable net interest margin (NIM) - Despite higher deposits costs in 2024, NIM decreased by only 0.08% to 2.66% in 2024 from 2.74% in the prior year. The stable NIM, supported by the Bank's hedging program, combined with the significant loan growth, allowed the Bank to grow net interest income by $15.8 million in 2024.

The provision for credit losses was $7.5 million in 2024, which was $5.1 million less than the $12.6 million provision expense in 2023. The Bank did not experience any credit losses during the year and the Bank's Allowance for Credit Losses for Loans was 2.39% of Gross Loans as of December 31, 2024.

"The 2024 results and continued growth of the Bank to over $5.1 billion in total assets as of December 31, 2024, demonstrates the appreciation our customers have for the over 50 years of consistently exceptional service the Bank continues to deliver," said Steve Fleming, president and chief executive officer. "Our loan quality remains pristine with virtually no delinquencies or non-performing loans. We believe we can continue to grow our commercial real estate loan portfolio focusing on loans secured by multi-family, retail, and industrial properties in the western United States, as well as growing loans and deposits with our commercial and agribusiness clients. We will remain diligent with our monitoring of potential impacts to the office segment of our commercial real estate loan portfolio from the reduction in demand as employers continue to provide work-from-home opportunities for their employees. The Bank's balance sheet remains liquid with $149 million in cash and $701 million in high-quality short duration investments (investment portfolio effective duration of only one year)."

"Operational efficiency remains a core competency for the Bank, as evidenced by our 27 percent efficiency ratio for the year ended December 31, 2024." said Brian Killeen, chief financial officer of River City Bank. "The Bank's high quality investment securities portfolio continues to perform well with relatively small unrealized losses of less than 1.5% and there are no investment securities categorized as held-to-maturity."

Shareholders' equity for River City Bank for the year ended December 31, 2024, increased $67 million to $485 million, when compared to the $418 million as of December 31, 2023. The increase was driven by current year retained earnings. The Bank's capital ratios remain well above the regulatory definition for being Well Capitalized, with a Tier 1 Leverage Ratio of 9.1% as of December 31, 2024.

Additionally, Mr. Fleming announced that the Bank's board of directors has approved a cash dividend of $0.40 per common share (increased from $0.37) to shareholders of record as of February 12, 2025, and payable on February 26, 2025.

ABOUT RIVER CITY BANK:

Named one of Sacramento Business Journal's "50 Fastest Growing Companies" for each of the past seven years, River City Bank is a leading boutique commercial bank throughout California with assets of over $5.1 billion. River City Bank offers a comprehensive suite of banking services, including loans, deposits and cash management tools to businesses, consumers, municipalities, and commercial real estate sectors. With a tailored, concierge-like level of service, River City Bank redefines the banking experience and every touch point that surrounds it. River City Bank is the largest, independent, locally owned and managed bank in the Sacramento region with an office in the San Francisco Bay Area and a presence in Southern California. With an expertise in clean energy, River City Bank is committed to driving sustainable growth and empowering the communities it serves. For additional information, please visit www.rivercitybank.com or call (916) 567-2600. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

SOURCE: River City Bank

Q4 2024 earnings data.pdf

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Lyon, France - 30 January 2025, 6pm CET - Theranexus, a biopharmaceutical company innovating in the treatment of rare neurological diseases, today announces publication of its cash position as at 31 December 2024, and presents its progress report.

On 31 December 2024, total available funds stood at 1.0 M, compared with 1.9 M on 30 September 2024. As stipulated in the press release of 17 December 2024[1], the company has since strengthened its cash position, which stood at 4.0 M as of 29 January 2025. Pursuant to the agreement signed with Exeltis on 16 December 2024[2], the company collected the upfront payment of 2 M as planned. As expected, Bpifrance also recently paid out 1.1 M, which included the balance of the NeuroLead grant and the first part of the PickASO project funding.

Theranexus Chairman and CEO, Mathieu Charveriat, commented: "We have achieved a key milestone with this initial industrial partnership with Insud Pharma/Exeltis aimed at marketing TX01 for the rare Niemann-Pick type C and Gaucher diseases. Thanks to this agreement, we have received the upfront payment of 2 M and funds to the amount of 1.1 M released by Bpifrance for the NeuroLead and PickASO projects. Our financial horizon now extends to the first quarter of 2026. Regarding our Batten-1 drug candidate, we are exploring all options, including an industrial agreement, to launch our pivotal trial in 2025. Meanwhile, we are continuing our research on a novel antisense oligonucleotide targeting TFEB, a key protein in autophagy for treating rare neurological lysosomal diseases in connection with the PickASO project led with Inserm and Diverchim."

Moreover, and as declared previously, Theranexus has won the support of its banking partners to restructure its debt, including capital repayment deferral until March 2026 and a 21-month extension of the maturity date on its loans.

Next financial publication:

2024 annual financial results and cash position at 31 March 2025: 29 April 2025

About Theranexus

Theranexus is an innovative biopharmaceutical company that emerged from the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA). The company has a unique platform for the identification and characterization of advanced therapy drug candidates targeting rare neurological disorders and an initial drug candidate in clinical development for Batten disease.

Theranexus is listed on the Euronext Growth market in Paris (FR0013286259- ALTHX).

For more information :

http://www.theranexus.com

Follow us on Twitter et LinkedIn

Contacts:

THERANEXUS

Christine PLACET

Chief Financial Officer

contact@theranexus.com

FP2COM

Florence PORTEJOIE

Medias relations

+ 33 (0)6 07 76 82 83

fportejoie@fp2com.fr

Disclaimer

This press release and the information contained herein do not constitute an offer of sale, purchase or subscription or the solicitation of a sale, purchase or subscription order for Theranexus shares in any country.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Theranexus and its business, including its prospects and product candidate development. Such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that Theranexus considers to be reasonable. However, there can be no assurance that the estimates contained in such forward-looking statements will be verified, which estimates are subject to numerous risks including the risks set forth in the universal registration document filed by the Company with the French regulator, Autorite des marches financiers (AMF) on 30 April 2024 under number D.24-0382, which is available on the Company website (www.theranexus.com).

The reader's attention is particularly drawn to the fact that the Company's current financing horizon is limited to Q1 2026 (taking the aforementioned payments into account) and that, given its financing requirements and dilutive instruments in circulation, the Company's shareholders are likely to experience significant dilution of their stake in the Company in the short or medium term. The Company is also subject to other risks and uncertainties, including the development of economic conditions, the financial markets and the markets in which Theranexus operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to risks not yet known to Theranexus or not currently considered material by Theranexus.

The occurrence of all or part of such risks could cause actual results, financial conditions, performance or achievements of Theranexus to be materially different from such forward-looking statements. Theranexus expressly declines any obligation to update such forward-looking statements.

[1] https://www.theranexus.com/images/pdf/Theranexus_PR_Update_Casflow_Position_VDEF.pdf

[2] https://www.theranexus.com/images/pdf/Theranexus_PR_Partnership_Exeltis_VDEF.pdf

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Revenue in m

Unaudited data 2024/2

consolidated 2023/24

consolidated 2023/24

pro forma1 Total growth Organic growth

(pro forma basis1) Q1 232.4 143.3 229.3 +62% +1% Q2 225.4 133.4 219.7 +69% +3% Q3 240.6 175.6 243.8 +37% -1% 9-month total 698.5 452.2 692.8 +54% +1%

1 The 2023/24 pro forma financial information has been calculated as if the acquisitions of Q_PERIOR and Aspirant Consulting had taken place on April 1, 2023.

Revenue up by +37% in Q3 2024/25, organic decline of -1%

In Q3 of the 2024/25 fiscal year (October 1 to December 31, 2024), Wavestone's consolidated revenue amounted to 240.6m, a total increase of +37% compared with Q3 2023/24.

As a reminder, Wavestone has consolidated Q_PERIOR, a German consulting firm, since December 1, 2023, and Aspirant Consulting, a US consulting firm, since February 1, 2024. On a pro forma basis, calculated as if the acquisitions of Q_PERIOR and Aspirant Consulting had taken place on April 1, 2023, Q3 2024/25 revenue showed an organic decline of -1%. There was no working-day impact in Q3[1].

At the end of the first nine months of the 2024/25 fiscal year, Wavestone achieved consolidated revenue of 698.5m, up +54%, including +1% at constant scope and forex basis.

On a pro forma basis, nine-month revenue showed an organic growth of +1% over the period. This figure benefits from a favorable working day impact of +1%.

Consultant utilization rate stable at 73%[2] over nine months, steady daily rate of 937

Over nine months, the consultant utilization rate remained resilient at 73%, stable compared to H1 2024/25. At constant scope, it stood at 72%, versus 73% for the whole of the 2023/24 fiscal year.

The average daily rate stands at 937 over nine months, stable compared to H1 2024/25, despite the increased pressure on prices in recent months. At constant scope, the average daily rate was 898, stable compared with the previous fiscal year.

On the sales side, the order book stood at 4.5 months of work on December 31, 2024 (including Q_PERIOR and Aspirant Consulting), compared to 3.7 months on September 30, 2024. At constant scope, it stood at 4.1 months, versus 3.4 months as of September 30, 2024.

5,990 employees on December 31, 2024; staff turnover rate of 13%

As of December 31, 2024, the staff turnover rate (including Q_PERIOR and Aspirant Consulting) stood at 13% on a rolling 12-month basis - a level equivalent to that of September 30, 2024. At constant scope, staff turnover rate was 13% - compared to 14% for the 2023/24 fiscal year.

Wavestone had 5,990 employees on December 31, 2024, compared to 5,894 on March 31, 2024.

As a reminder, the firm is targeting about 1,000 gross hires, as planned at the beginning of the fiscal year, leading to +3% net growth in its consulting workforce throughout the whole of 2024/25.

Outlook for the coming months

As anticipated, Wavestone is experiencing a slowdown in its business activity at the beginning of 2025, and visibility remains limited for Q4 2024/25. This situation is the result of the usual latency from clients in implementing projects at the beginning of the calendar year, accentuated by a cautious approach regarding their 2025 investments.

Demand for new consulting engagements remains weak, especially in Europe where there are no signals of an economic recovery. The sectorial trends remain consistent with those observed in the last months of the 2024 calendar year.

In this market environment, competition continues to be intense. The price pressure is growing, but with only marginal effect so far.

Confirmation of 2024/25 updated annual targets

At the end of Q3 2024/25, Wavestone confirms its annual targets updated in early December.

The firm is aiming for stable annual revenue, in reference to pro forma revenue of 943.8m in the previous fiscal year.

In terms of profitability, Wavestone is targeting an annual recurring operating margin of 12.5%.

These objectives are calculated on a constant forex basis and exclude any new acquisition.

Temporary unavailability of Patrick Hirigoyen on medical grounds

At the end of October, Patrick Hirigoyen, COO of Wavestone, suffered a health problem that forced him to take a break from his work activities. Even though he is well on the way to recovery, his convalescence will take longer than initially expected. As a result, he will not be able to resume his work activities for several months.

In the absence of Patrick Hirigoyen, Wavestone's General Management is assured by Pascal Imbert, Chairman and CEO, and Karsten Hoppner, COO, in accordance with the company's business continuity plan. The business continuity plan has also been amended to deal with the potential unavailability of Pascal Imbert or Karsten Hoppner while Patrick Hirigoyen is kept away from the company.

All Wavestone employees and managers again send their best wishes to Patrick Hirigoyen for his recovery!

Next event: publication of Q4 2024/25 revenue: Tuesday, April 29, 2025, after Euronext market closing.

About Wavestone

Wavestone is a consulting player, whose mission is to support companies and organizations in their strategic transformations in a constantly evolving world, with the ambition of generating positive and lasting impacts for all its stakeholders.

Drawing on almost 6,000 employees in 17 countries across Europe, North America and Asia, the firm has a 360 portfolio of consulting services with high added value, seamlessly combining leading sector expertise with a wide range of cross-sector know-how.

Wavestone is listed on Euronext Paris and recognized as a Great Place to Work.

Wavestone

Pascal IMBERT

CEO

Tel.: +33 (0)1 49 03 20 00

Benjamin CLEMENT

Financial Communication

Tel.: +33 (0)1 49 03 20 00 Actus

Mathieu OMNES

Investor and Analyst Relations

Tel.: +33 (0)1 53 67 36 92

Deborah SCHWARTZ

Press relations

Tel.: +33 (0)1 53 67 36 35

Appendix 1: Alternative Performance Measure

Recurring Operating Profit (ROP) is an alternative performance indicator obtained by deducting operational expenses related to current activities from revenue. Amortization of customer relationships is not deducted from ROP, nor are non-recurring income and expenses. The latter include, in particular, income or expenses related to business acquisitions or divestitures, as well as income or costs associated with unoccupied premises.

Recurring operating margin is obtained by dividing ROP by revenue.

[1] taking into account the geographical distribution of Wavestone's workforce.

[2] Wavestone has deployed consolidated operating indicators across the whole firm since Q1 2024/25.

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BH Macro Limited - Transaction in Own Shares

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, January 30

BH Macro Limited (the "Company")

(a closed-ended collective investment scheme established as a company with limited liability under the laws of Guernsey with registered number 46235)

Transaction in Own Shares

30 January 2025

BH Macro Limited (the Company) announces today it has purchased the following number of its ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange from J.P. Morgan Securities plc:

Ordinary Shares: - Share Class Sterling Date of purchase: 30 January 2025 Number of ordinary shares purchased: 69,086 Lowest price per share (pence) 383.50 Highest price per share (pence) 385.00 Trading venue London Aggregate volume per date per trading venue: 69,086 Weighted average price per day per trading venue (pence): 384.6245

The Company intends to hold the purchased shares in treasury.

Following the above share transactions of the relevant US Dollar and Sterling Shares, the total number of shares in issue in each share class of the Company will be as follows:

Ordinary Shares in issue (excluding Treasury) Ordinary Shares held in Treasury 341,620,123 Sterling Shares 33,883,685 Sterling Shares 27,419,773 Dollar Shares Nil Dollar Shares

From 30 January 2025, the total number of voting rights in the Company (rounded up to the whole number) is 523,378,680.

Enquiries:

Company website: www.bhmacro.com

William Simmonds

JPMorgan Cazenove

Tel: 020 7588 2828

The Company Secretary

Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited

Tel: 01481 745001
Combined 25 GMP (2) Phages Portfolio to cover by end 2025 five of the most critical pathogens ( S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, A. baumannii ) and expansion by end 2026 to 35-45 GMP Phages and two additional pathogens

Opportunity to provide physicians with access to a comprehensive GMP phage portfolio and a diagnostic solution enabling the implementation of Individualized Phages Therapies (IPT)

Collaboration on the GMP Phages manufacturing and Phages-Susceptibility-Testing (PST) capabilities development

Concurrently both parties continue to independently develop their traditional clinical Phages Therapy Medicinal Product (PTMP) pathway

Regulatory News:

PHAXIAM Therapeutics (Euronext: PHXM FR0011471135), a biopharmaceutical company ("PHAXIAM" or "the Company") developing innovative treatments for severe and resistant bacterial infections and Technophage SA ("Technophage"), a Portuguese company specializing in GMP phage development, today announces a strategic collaboration. This strategic partnership aims to provide physicians across Europe with access to a comprehensive GMP phages portfolio, enabling the implementation of IPT through shared capabilities.

This collaboration seeks to deliver a faster and more effective response to the growing challenge of antimicrobial-resistant infections. By combining PHAXIAM's GMP phages portfolio and advanced diagnostic capabilities, including its phagogram-based approach, with Technophage's complementary GMP phages portfolio and GMP manufacturing expertise, the partnership aims to drive innovation and accelerate access to IPT in Europe.

Expanding the GMP Phage Portfolio to Advance Individualized Phages Therapies (IPT)

The combined GMP phage portfolios will significantly enhance the number and diversity of GMP phages available for IPT. The partnership aims to achieve a collection of 25 GMP phages by the end of 2025 and 35-45 GMP phages by the end of 2026. This expanded portfolio will target at least 7 of the most critical pathogens: S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, A. baumannii, in addition to two other key pathogens. Together, these seven pathogens account for approximately 70%(1) of the most prevalent and difficult-to-treat antimicrobial-resistant infections.

Shared manufacturing and phagogram capabilities

PHAXIAM and Technophage will collaborate on GMP phages manufacturing and supply through the following arrangements:

PHAXIAM will produce and supply Technophage with commercial batches of PHAXIAM's GMP phages.

Technophage will produce and supply PHAXIAM with commercial batches of Technophage's GMP phages.

The phagogram platform a critical in-vitro Phages-Susceptibility-Testing (PST) solution for evaluating GMP phages against patient bacterial strains forms a cornerstone of this collaboration. PHAXIAM will develop and expand its Phages-Susceptibility-Testing (PST) capabilities by integrating new GMP phages provided by Technophage. These enhanced capabilities will then be transferred to Technophage's territory under undisclosed terms.

Individualized Phages Therapies (IPT) to Drive Revenue Growth in Major European Markets

Each party will manage the commercialization of the joint GMP phage portfolio within territories to be defined, leveraging their strengths. The objective is to capitalize on respective assets of both companies, considering (1) the level of interactions with regulatory authorities, (2) the potential commercial reach due to (a) the clinical deployment in any country through ongoing clinical trials, (b) the opening of clinical sites, and (c) distance from patients. The optimal commercial organization and the respective responsibilities of both companies will be defined according to the principles outlined earlier.

As part of PHAXIAM's strategy presented in November 2024, this collaboration strengthens its position in IPT and supports its objective of marketing GMP phages in around 30-40 European hospitals in 2027.

Both parties will pursue their respective clinical pathways for their own Phage Therapy Medicinal Products (PTMP)

PHAXIAM will conduct GLORIA Phase II study, the 1st global, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled proof-of-concept phage therapy study in Prosthetic Joint Infection (PJI), conducted in Europe and the United States.

Technophage will pursue the completion of REVERSE 2 (Phase 2b) and initiate REVERSE 3 (Phase 3) in 2025, focusing on confirming the efficacy and safety of the Fast Track Designated TP-102 bacteriophage cocktail for the treatment of infections in Diabetic Foot Ulcers. Additionally, the company will launch the Phase 1/2a clinical trial of TP-122A (RECOVER) to evaluate the safety and tolerability of this phage cocktail in the context of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP).

PTMP and IPT market channels form together a self-reinforcing virtuous cycle for Phages Therapy:

Commercial success in IPT will help finance PTMP programs and facilitate rapid uptake of future approved medicinal products,

Clinical success in PTMP will help broaden clinical and market acceptance of IPT in clinical indications not yet addressable by PTMP.

Thibaut du Fayet, Chief Executive Officer of PHAXIAM, stated: "This strategic collaboration represents a major advancement in the fight against severe resistant infections. By combining our respective areas of expertise and capabilities, we are presenting a compelling value proposition designed to deliver more effective, individualized GMP Phages therapies to patients. This partnership further supports our IPT model while accelerating our strategic development and strengthening our leadership position in the rapidly growing phages therapy market".

Miguel Garcia, Chief Executive Officer of Technophage, added: "Technophage has long been dedicated to advancing phage therapy as a revolutionary approach to treating bacterial infections. Our partnership with PHAXIAM enables us to combine our strengths and expedite patient access to high-quality individualized phage-based treatments. This collaboration represents a vital step in establishing phage therapy as a key therapeutic option, while aligning with our long-term goal of introducing innovative phage-based products to the biopharmaceutical market."

About Technophage

Technophage's mission is to develop innovative biologics to address the therapeutic needs of unmet medical conditions in infection, neurosciences, and ophthalmology. The company believes that its role in bringing safe and effective therapeutics to the market will significantly contribute to helping patients across the globe who are unable to find solutions in existing medicines.

The company's vision is to become a worldwide reference by providing unique and innovative solutions for unmet medical needs, leveraging its proximity to local healthcare systems. Technophage believes that its purpose of discovering alternative therapeutic solutions for unmet needs through the development of unique and innovative biologics can only be achieved by working every day to establish itself as a global partner. As the world faces increasing challenges in healthcare, the company's commitment is to be part of the solution.

For more information, please visit www.technophage.pt

About PHAXIAM Therapeutics

PHAXIAM is a biopharmaceutical company developing innovative treatments for resistant bacterial infections, which are responsible for many serious infections. The company is building on an innovative approach based on the use of phages, natural bacterial-killing viruses. PHAXIAM is developing a portfolio of phages targeting 3 of the most resistant and dangerous bacteria, which together account for more than two-thirds of resistant hospital-acquired infections: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

PHAXIAM is listed on the Euronext regulated market in Paris (ISIN code: FR0011471135, ticker: PHXM). PHAXIAM is part of the CAC Healthcare, CAC Pharma Bio, CAC Mid Small, CAC All Tradable, EnterNext PEA-PME 150 and Next Biotech indexes.

For more information, please visit www.phaxiam.com

Forward-looking information

This press release contains forward-looking statements, forecasts and estimates with respect to the clinical programs, development plans, business and regulatory strategy and anticipated future performance of PHAXIAM and of the market in which it operates. Certain of these statements, forecasts and estimates can be recognized by the use of words such as, without limitation, "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "intends", "plans", "seeks", "estimates", "may", "will" and "continue" and similar expressions. All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. Such statements, forecasts and estimates are based on various assumptions and assessments of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which were deemed reasonable when made but may or may not prove to be correct. Actual events are difficult to predict and may depend upon factors that are beyond PHAXIAM's control. Therefore, actual results may turn out to be materially different from the anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements, forecasts and estimates. Investor should carefully read the risk factors section of the Company which can be found in the Company's regulatory filings with the French Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF), including in the Company's 2023 Universal Registration Document (Document d'Enregistrement Universel) filed with the AMF on April 5, 2024 and future filings and reports by the Company. Given these uncertainties, no representations are made as to the accuracy or fairness of such forward-looking statements, forecasts and estimates. Furthermore, forward-looking statements, forecasts and estimates only speak as of the date of this press release. PHAXIAM disclaims any obligation to update any such forward-looking statement, forecast or estimates to reflect any change in PHAXIAM's expectations with regard thereto, or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement, forecast or estimate is based, except to the extent required by law.

1 Antimicrobial Resistance Collaborators, Lancet 2022; 399: 629-55ESKAPEE pathogens responsible for 70 of deaths attributable to AMR: Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter spp., Escherichia coli pathogens

2 GMP: Good Manufacturing Practice

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250130421816/en/

Contacts:

PHAXIAM

Thibaut du Fayet

CEO

+33 4 78 74 44 38

investors@phaxiam.com

NewCap

Mathilde Bohin Dusan Oresansky

Investor Relations

Arthur Rouille

Media Relations

+33 1 44 71 94 94

phaxiam@newcap.eu
1 st SEMESTER RECORD INSTALLATIONS: WORLDWIDE PARK OF 27 LARGE CAPACITY HYDROGEN STATIONS

MAINTENANCE REVENUES UP 180%, WITH STATIONs AVAILABILITY RATE OF OVER 95%

STRONG ORDERs INTAKE DYNAMICS: 11.8 M IN THE 1 st HALF AND SIGNIFICANT INTERNATIONAL GROWTH

HALF-YEAR GROSS 1 SALES 24/25 OF 14.9 M

HALF-YEAR IFRS 2 SALES ADJUSTED TO 7.4 m DUE TO DEPRIORITIZATION OF STATIONS

PRIORITY TO OPTIMIZING WORKING CAPITAL AND CONTROLLING COSTS

Gross sales [1] of 14.9 million, up 16% from 12.8 million in the first half of 2023-2024 , driven by new orders won since the beginning of the year

from 12.8 million in the first half of 2023-2024 Reported IFRS 2 sales of 7.4 million , adjusted after the one-off effect of deprioritization of orders to secure project financing conditions

, adjusted after the one-off effect of deprioritization of orders Confirmation of the development of recurring revenues, with 180% growth Maintenance business (0.5m vs. 0.2m in H1 2023-2024)

with 180% growth Maintenance business (0.5m vs. 0.2m in H1 2023-2024) Acceleration of international development with first station orders in Saudi Arabia, Italy, Portugal and the United Kingdom

with first station orders in Saudi Arabia, Italy, Portugal and the United Kingdom 118 metric tons of hydrogen distributed passed by HRS stations installed in Europe, representing over 1,180 metric tons of CO2 emissions avoided

distributed passed by stations installed in Europe, Order book of 47.6 M, including 19.6 M to be recognized on hydrogen stations already in production

on hydrogen stations already in production 2024-2025 "gross1" sales target of 30 to 40 million unchanged but adjusted under IFRS to a range of 20 to 30 million.

Grenoble, January 30, 2025 - HRS, French designer and manufacturer, and European leader in hydrogen refueling stations, presents its half-yearly sales figures for fiscal year 2024-2025.

In k - period from July 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024 (unaudited) S1 2023-2024

IFRS S1 2024-2025

GROSS1 S1 2024-2025

IFRS2 Sales figures 12 835 14 902 7 364 Of which Hydrogen stations & Maintenance 10 913 14 049 6 511 Of which Industrial piping and other 1 922 852 852

Hassen Rachedi, founder and CEO of HRS, a pure player in hydrogen refueling stations:

"This first half of 2024/2025 has been particularly rich and structuring for our future development. In 6 months, we have demonstrated our ability to execute by installing 10 new stations, including the first 4 HRS40 (1 ton/day). We have confirmed our strong international potential by winning orders in new countries in Europe (Portugal, Italy and the UK) as well as in the Middle East, and lastly, we are accelerating the development of our recurring revenues, a key element in our business model and long-term value creation.

These successes confirm both our pioneering role in hydrogen mobility and our development potential, the fruit of major investments over the last few years. We have achieved significant new milestones, both operationally and strategically.

In France, we once again demonstrated our expertise with the simultaneous installation of 4 HRS40 - 1 ton/day stations, including one in our test area, and 600 kg/day capacity stations for HYmpulsion as part of the "Zero Emission Valley" project. These stations, specially designed to meet the needs of heavy mobility, meet the most demanding requirements in terms of performance, reliability and availability. This strategic collaboration, underpinned by Hympulsion's renewed confidence, underscores the suitability of our solutions for the ambitious goals of decarbonizing transport.

Internationally, we are proving our ability to meet the growing demand for hydrogen mobility infrastructure, and to adapt quickly to specific local conditions. These successes confirm our position as European leader and reinforce our ambition to be a key player in the global energy transition , while maintaining our competitive edge.

Despite the complex economic environment and the adjustments needed to optimize our cash position, which in the short term will penalize the unaudited IFRS sales we report, we are maintaining our strategic roadmap.

We have entered a new phase in which we are convinced that our technological lead and commercial visibility, the fruit of major investments over the past 3 years, will be decisive assets in consolidating our leadership. Thanks to the rigorous management of our resources and our solid pipeline of projects, we can look forward to the second half of the year with confidence, as we continue to build a sustainable and resilient growth model."

HALF-YEAR SALES 2024-2025

The first half of 2024-2025 was marked by intense operational and commercial activity, despite an economic context that is slowing down the launch of large-scale hydrogen mobility projects, which have already begun and are still active in the commercial pipeline.

Gross1 sales for 1H 2024-2025 came to 14.9 million, up +15.9% on the 12.8 million recorded in H1 2023-2024, including 0.9 million for Industrial Piping and 14.0 million for Hydrogen Stations.

Hydrogen station sales are generated by the contribution to completion of stations commissioned during the year, new station orders and maintenance contracts. It breaks down as follows:

9.1 M from new orders over the period

4.4 M from stations in production or deployment signed in previous years

0.5 M from maintenance contracts

In order to control working capital requirements and avoid additional purchases of components, it was decided to prioritize recent customers with installation schedules and capacity for firm short-term payment. HRS thus chose to prioritize these new customers stations versus customers who had to postpone their commitments. This sound financial management has resulted in a de facto correction of sales already recognized on a percentage-of-completion basis for these customers.

As a result, published unaudited sales under IFRS amounted to 7.4 million, including

-2.3 M impact following the firm cancellation of orders for 2 HRS14 stations (for GCK and Hopium), which were ultimately reallocated to new customers;

-5.3 M impact of orders deferred but not cancelled. Sales corresponding to these orders have been added back to the order book and will be recognized as soon as production is restarted, once financing conditions and the installation project have been secured.

FOCUS ON CASH OPTIMIZATION AND COST CONTROL MEASURES

The strategic decision to prioritize stations to be delivered in the short term has a one-off impact on sales, but demonstrates the quality of our new signings, enabling new orders to be converted more rapidly into cash. This approach is helping to clean up trade receivables and gradually return them to a more normal level. It reflects HRS's determination to optimize its working capital and cash position.

In an environment marked by longer decision-making cycles, HRS is adapting its resources to the real market in order to control costs while maintaining an agile, efficient and sustainable organization. To this end, HRS is continuing to adapt its headcount (down by around 10% since June 2024) and operating expenses, in particular by significantly reducing the use of subcontractors. This optimization will continue in the second half of the year, with a prudent approach in line with operational needs and the outlook for the sector.

These measures demonstrate HRS's commitment to improving its cash position, in addition to its proven ability to raise financial resources from its banking partners and majority shareholder.

The strategy pursued is flexible and responsible, enabling HRS to respond to changes in its business while maintaining a high level of performance and commitment to its partners and customers.

HRS STRENGTHENS ITS EUROPEAN LEADERSHIP IN ENERGY TRANSITION

Over 95% station availability and more than 118 tonnes of hydrogen distributed

At 12/31/24, HRS one of the largest installed bases, with 27 high-capacity stations in operation (28 stations at 01/30/2025), with around 1 station installed every 8 weeks

HRS thus demonstrates its technological lead and its ability to supply reliable, high-performance hydrogen infrastructures in record time. The stations stand out for their modularity, with capacities ranging from 200 kg/day to 4 tons/day and dual-pressure guns at 350 and 700 bar, enabling them to be adapted to all types of vehicles and reinforcing HRS's role in the decarbonization of transport.

HRS stations boast remarkable reliability, with availability in excess of 95%, maintenance included. This performance has enabled HRS station customers exceed the milestone of 118 tonnes of hydrogen delivered in Europe, preventing the emission of over 1,180 tonnes of CO2.

HRS thus strengthens its position as a benchmark player in the technological mastery of these complex installations, and consolidates its position as European leader in hydrogen refueling, working alongside local authorities, businesses and citizens to promote zero-emission mobility.

OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS FOR S1 2024/2025

Installation and commissioning of 8 stations in France and abroad

During the first half of 2024/2025, HRS installed and commissioned 10 new stations in France and abroad, notably in Saudi Arabia. The company has thus confirmed its ability to install its stations all over the world, with projects that mark significant advances in hydrogen mobility. The breakdown is as follows:

3 HRS40 stations[2] installed in France simultaneously in Saint-Exupery and Malataverne for HYmpulsion, and in Saint-Sulpice for Seven ;

2 Plug Power refuelling stations in Barcelona and Madrid;

2 HRS14 stations[3] for SPAC as part of the SHYMED project led by Hynamics;

1 HRS14 station in Aubenas for Hympulsion ;

1 HRS14 station for HyGo in Lorient ;

1 HRS14 station installed in Neom, Saudi Arabia, for ENOWA.

Ramp-up in business

To date, HRS has started 16 maintenance contracts, ensuring an availability rate of over 95% on the installed base in operation.

Sales from this Maintenance business reached 0.5 million in the first half of 2024-2025, up 180% year-on-year. These recurring revenues are set to grow strongly as new stations are commissioned, and will make a significant contribution to sales in the medium term.

CONTINUED INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT IN HIGH-POTENTIAL REGIONS

At the same time, HRS is pursuing its commercial development in France and abroad (UK, Italy, Portugal), in territories that are pioneers in the development of hydrogen mobility and are likely to be growth drivers for the sales pipeline.

First-half order intake of 11.8 million

In the first half of 2024-2025, HRS once again demonstrated its dynamism and international ambition through major projects that reinforce its role as a leader in hydrogen mobility. The 9 orders received illustrate the confidence placed in HRS by strategic players and testify to its ability to respond rapidly to the specific needs of territories in terms of decarbonizing transport.

Thanks to its technological expertise and ability to deliver high-quality stations, HRS is establishing itself as a partner of choice in the global energy transition, supplying both industrial hubs and infrastructures in regions pioneering the use of hydrogen.

Order for an HRS14 station in Italy with an industrial player:

HRS announced on September 11, 2024 that it had received an order from an Italian industrial player for the installation of an HRS14 station in Italy, to be commissioned at the end of 2025. This project is part of Italy's plan to deploy 40 hydrogen stations by 2026.

Ordering an HRS14 station in the UK with Element 2 :

HRS announced on September 30, 2024 that it had received an order from UK company Element 2 to install a dual-pressure HRS14 station in Darlington, near Teesside Airport. The project is supported by a grant from Innovate UK and is part of Element 2's national network rollout for zero-emission hydrogen mobility in the UK.

HyChem commissions an HRS14 station in Portugal:

HRS announced on October 29, 2024 that it had signed an order with HyChem for the installation of an HRS14 station near Lisbon, which will be operational in 2025. This project is part of Portugal's plan to build 100 hydrogen stations by 2030, and strengthens HRS's presence on the H2Med energy corridor, linking Portugal, Spain, France and Germany. Proof of its operational speed, the station was installed on the customer site in January 2025.

Ordering an HRS14 station in Albi:

HRS announced on December 5, 2024 that it had received an order from the Communaute d'agglomeration de l'Albigeois for an HRS14 station, as part of the "Albility Lab" project, a European center dedicated to decarbonized mobility and in particular hydrogen mobility. The main purpose of the station will be to train future station operators to refuel different types of vehicles under real-life conditions.

Order for 4 HRS14 stations in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes with HYmpulsion :

HRS announced on December 17, 2024 that it had received an order from HYmpulsion to install 4 new HRS14 stations in the AURA region, as part of the "Zero Emission Valley" project. These stations will be open to the public and deployed at several sites to support hydrogen mobility for light and heavy vehicles. This new order brings the total number of stations HYmpulsion has ordered from HRS as part of the ZEV project to 8, testifying to HYmpulsion's recognition of the quality and reliability of the stations supplied.

Order for an HRS14 station at the Kourou space center with ALLDIS-NERIUS in French Guiana:

HRS announced on December 19, 2024 that it had received an order from ALLDIS-NERIUS to install an HRS141 station (200 kg/day) at the Kourou Space Center in French Guiana. The project, named HYGUANE, involves the production of green hydrogen from an electrolyzer powered by a photovoltaic field. The station will power the center's heavy mobility and stationary electrical generators, and is the 1st HRS installation in French overseas territories.

Strategic partnership with ECM Technologies for the Industrial Piping business:

On July 29, 2024, HRS announced the signature of a 5-year strategic partnership with ECM Technologies to supply industrial piping for photovoltaic furnaces. A new industrial site dedicated to this activity is to be built in Champagnier, financed by the majority shareholder with the support of Credit Agricole. This will increase production capacity and reinforce HRS's position as market leader.

First steps in the United States

In the first half of this year, HRS created a legal entity for its US subsidiary, named HRS USA Inc. This initiative is supported by Bpifrance's Garantie de Projets a l'International and represents a major step forward in HRS's global expansion strategy.

AN ENHANCED OFFERING TO ADDRESS HIGH-POTENTIAL COMPLEMENTARY MARKETS

Over the first half of the year, HRS continued its drive for innovation and commercial development, adding 2 new strategic products to its catalog: the Filling Center and the Export Trailer. These solutions are designed to meet the growing needs of the industrial and hydrogen mobility sectors, consolidating HRS's position as a key player in the sector.

Filling Center: the innovative modular solution for industry

The Filling Center is an innovative modular trailer tube filling solution for industrial hydrogen production sites. With its large-scale capacity, the Filling Center enables industries to rationalize their logistics flows and reduce their operating costs. This solution offers unrivalled flexibility to meet the decarbonization needs of industrial hubs and areas of high hydrogen demand, and opens up potential new markets for HRS.

Export Trailer: hydrogen mobility without limits

The Export Trailer is a hydrogen refueling option for trailer tubes that integrates with HRS stations. This flexible, innovative solution meets the challenges of stations that include on-site production, particularly in isolated areas.

These 2 new offers are real growth drivers, illustrating the company's commitment to innovation, offering reliable, tailor-made, flexible solutions adapted to the challenges of large-scale decarbonization. HRS is thus confirming its ambition to become the preferred partner of hydrogen mobility players. These new solutions complete an offer already recognized for its reliability and efficiency, confirming HRS's role as a driving force for innovation in the sector.

HRS announces partnership with Toyota Motor Europe and ENGIE to revolutionize hydrogen refueling infrastructures

On January 28, 2025, HRS announced a partnership with Toyota Motor Europe and ENGIE to develop Twin Mid Flow (TMF) technology. This innovation introduces a double-nozzle station, enabling heavy vehicles to be refueled in less than 10 minutes and light vehicles in less than 5 minutes. In addition, this technology significantly reduces station installation costs, facilitating rapid deployment in line with the requirements of the European AFIR regulation. TMF stations, capable of delivering up to 1 tonne of hydrogen per day at dual pressure (350 bar and 700 bar), will be tested from the end of 2025 at Champagnier (Isere), where HRS has a state-of-the-art test area. This strategic partnership, part of the EU-funded RHeaDHy project, positions HRS as a pioneer in modular, high-performance hydrogen infrastructures, meeting the growing needs of the zero-emission mobility market.

ORDER BOOK AT 47.6M

At December 31, 2024, the order book stood at 47.6 million, including 19.6 million in progress on hydrogen stations currently in production, including orders that have been deferred.

OUTLOOK 2024-2025

Thanks to its recognized expertise and solid industrial base, HRS has established itself as a key player in hydrogen mobility on a European and international scale. The company's promising project pipeline and strong order book underline the trust placed in HRS by its partners and customers, as well as the relevance of its innovative solutions in meeting global decarbonization objectives.

HRS is pursuing its development with confidence and ambition for the 2024-2025 financial year. The company will also be reinforcing its presence in Europe, with the installation of 5 stations in France and Portugal already planned for this 2nd half-year.

In order to strengthen its position, HRS is placing particular emphasis on securing its cash flow to support growth effectively. It is therefore seeking to avoid disbursements for stations with uncertain installation schedules and is continuing to reduce its capital expenditure (CAPEX) and R&D expenditure, following the completion of its ambitious investment cycle. The company has demonstrated its ability to manage high working capital requirements during its ambitious investment cycle, which is now complete.

The annual target for 2024-2025 "gross1" sales of between 30 and 40 million remains unchanged, but will be translated into IFRS sales of between 20 and 30 million, to take account of the prioritization of orders with payment schedules and short-term installation schedules.

HRS maintains its ambition to achieve sales of 85 million with a time horizon to be confirmed, by building on the potential of its pipeline, while aiming for significant profitability with a positive EBIT margin as early as 2026.

NEXT PUBLICATION

Half-yearly results 2024/2025 on April 24, 2025 after close of trading.

ABOUT HRS (HYDROGEN REFUELING SOLUTIONS)

HRS is one of the world's leading manufacturers of high-capacity hydrogen refueling stations. HRS offers a complete and unique range of modular and scalable stations, from 200 kg/day to 4 tons/day.

Pure player from station design to commissioning, HRS has state-of-the-art industrial production facilities capable of assembling up to 180 stations a year, with lead times of 6 to 12 weeks. This industrial site includes a test area, the only one of its kind in Europe, to test and trial the range of stations and develop future products and solutions for the hydrogen mobility market.

HRS also offers a comprehensive service package, including 24/7/365 on-call maintenance. The performance of stations installed in Europe and around the world is monitored in real time from the state-of-the-art control room.

HRS now has one of the largest installed bases of high-capacity stations on the market, with 28 stations of 200 kg/day, representing a cumulative capacity of almost 6 tonnes/day. All the stations' terminals are bi-pressure and equipped with 350-bar, 350-HF and 700-bar nozzles, meeting all hydrogen mobility needs.

HRS stands out for its rigorous economic discipline, offering long-term financial solidity while continuing to allocate substantial resources to R&D, thus ensuring its position at the forefront of innovation.

ISIN code: FR0014001PM5 - mnemonic: ALHRS.

For more information, visit our website

CONTACTS

Investor Relations

ACTUS finance & communication

Pierre JACQUEMIN-GUILLAUME

hrs@actus.fr

Tel. 01 53 67 36 79 Financial press relations

ACTUS finance & communication

Deborah SCHWARTZ

hrs-presse@actus.fr

Tel. 01 53 67 36 35 Corporate press relations

ACTUS finance & communication

Anne-Charlotte DUDICOURT

hrs-presse@actus.fr

Tel.: 01 53 67 36 32

[1] Revenue before correction of work-in-progress on deprioritized and cancelled stations.

2 Unaudited financial statements

[2] 1 ton/day or up to 40 kg/hour.

[3] Station trade name from 200 kg/day or up to 14 kg/hour.

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Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-89761-2025_01_30_ca_semestriel-2024-2025-vdef-en.pdf
Global Offering composed of a reserved offering for qualified investors and a public offering for retail investors via the PrimaryBid platform

Issue price for new shares set at 0.77 euro per share

Closing of the PrimaryBid Offer on January 30, 2025 at 11:00 pm CET and of the Reserved Offering on January 31, 2025 before market opening, subject to early closure

Cash runway extended to mid-May 2025 post-global offering

Estimated residual financing need over the next 12 months, post-global offering, of between 30 to 35 million

Regulatory News:

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, SOUTH AFRICA OR JAPAN

CARMAT (FR0010907956, ALCAR), designer and developer of the world's most advanced total artificial heart, aiming to provide a therapeutic alternative for people suffering from advanced biventricular heart failure (the "Company" or "CARMAT"), today announces the launch of a global offering of approximately 10 million, through the issuance of new shares at a fixed price of 0.77 euro per share, targeting both qualified investors (as defined below) and retail investors via the PrimaryBid platform (the "Global Offering

Stephane Piat, Chief Executive Officer of CARMAT, states: "As Aeson artificial heart is gaining traction across Europe, in offering a real solution for patients suffering from advanced heart failure, and as our commercial outlook for 2025 and beyond is highly promising, we are launching today a share capital increase, with the strong and renewed support of our two largest shareholders, Lohas (Pierre Bastid) and Sante Holdings.

With 42 Aeson implants performed in 2024 across five European countries, including France, and sales of 7 million 2.5 times higher than in 2023- we are demonstrating that Aeson addresses a real and growing need among physicians and provides a tangible alternative for patients with advanced heart failure.

Today, 60 hospitals across 17 countries have been trained in Aeson, and nearly half of them have already performed their first implant. The strong attendance at our inaugural "Aeson European User Meeting" in late 2024, which gathered over 100 leading experts in cardiology, reflects the growing adoption of our therapy. We are already seeing the impact of this momentum in early 2025, and we anticipate that it will translate into a significant increase in our sales. This is why we approach 2025 with strong confidence in our ability to at least double our sales vs 2024, especially as several publications in leading scientific journals expected in the first quarter should provide clinical evidence of Aeson's performance.

These commercial and operational achievements have also sparked interest from new investors. In this context, we are also pursuing discussions with several financial players who could commit to supporting CARMAT significantly and in the long-run. Should these discussions conclude in a positive way, CARMAT could benefit from substantial financial backing, enhancing our financing runway and strengthening our financial position. This would position us ideally to execute our strategic roadmap and carry-on progressing towards profitability.

In the short-term, the global offering launched today will enable us to strengthen our cash position and pursue our growth trajectory, while continuing our efforts to secure other longer-term financing. At this crucial moment in our journey, we are delighted to be able to open this global offering to both professional and individual investors, whose support has never wavered."

A 10 million Global Offering and continued active exploration of significant additional financing

Prior to the Global Offering, the Company's existing financial resources allow it to fund its operations until February 2025. Based on its current business plan, CARMAT estimates its 12-month financing needs at approximately 40-45 million.

The main purpose of the Global Offering is to strengthen the Company's equity position and finance its short-term working capital requirements. If fully subscribed, the net proceeds will extend CARMAT's cash runway to mid-May 2025, enabling the Company to continue the expansion of its commercial footprint in Europe, the advancement of the EFICAS clinical study in France, and the scaling up of its production capabilities.

Following the Global Offering, the Company will still need to secure an additional c. 30 to 35 million to fund its activities over the next 12 months.

In this context, the Company continues to actively explore all options for additional financing and is discussing, in particular, with various financial players likely to support CARMAT over the long term.

However, there is currently no guarantee that these will ultimately lead to financial support for the Company, whatever the amount, or even that they will materialize before the end of the Company's financial horizon.

Recent developments and outlook

Key achievements1

In 2024, CARMAT achieved significant progress, demonstrating the growing adoption of its therapy and increasing confidence from the medical community in the Aeson artificial heart. The Company performed 42 Aeson implants, bringing the total number of treated patients to over 90 since the beginning of implants. This strong commercial momentum translated into 7 million in revenue, a 2.5-fold increase compared to 2023. In parallel, CARMAT reduced its cash burn2 by over 20%, bringing it to below 3.8 million per month in 2024, reflecting a highly disciplined financial management approach that the Company intends to maintain.

On the operational front, 60 hospitals3 have been trained in using the Aeson heart. Among these centers, 43% have already performed at least one implant, and 6 hospitals have firmly integrated Aeson into their therapeutic practice, having performed 4 or more implants. These figures confirm the growing adoption of the therapy, which was also evident during the 1st "Aeson European User Meeting" in November 2024. At this event, 100% of the 41 attending centers expressed their intention to perform at least one implant in 2025, with 70% planning to carry out multiple implants.

Furthermore, 70% of the planned enrollments in the EFICAS study in France (i.e. 36 implants out of 52 targeted) had been completed by the end of 2024. Ten French hospitals are participating in this study, which is critical both for accelerating the therapy's deployment in Europe and for securing reimbursement. Among these 10 centers, 2 have already performed 7 Aeson implants each. Based on the current recruitment pace, CARMAT anticipates completing enrollments in the first half of 2025 and publishing preliminary results4 by the end of 2025.

All these advances testify to the medical community's growing interest in Aeson, supported by substantial clinical results, representing a cumulative patient support time5 of nearly 40 years.

High-value milestones expected in 2025

As announced in its January 8, 20256, press release, CARMAT anticipates several significant value-creating milestones in 2025, including:

In Q1 2025: Two major scientific publications in leading medical journals, one covering patients placed on "ECLS7" prior to Aeson implant and the other focusing on patients with pulmonary hypertension who have received Aeson.

In H1 2025: Completion of enrollments in the EFICAS study (52 patients).

In H2 2025:

Initiation of a dedicated clinical study for patients ineligible for heart transplant, with the long-term goal of obtaining the destination therapy 8 indication;

indication; Completion of the second patient cohort of the EFS study in the United States;

By the end of 2025: Publication of the EFICAS study9 results, and

For full-year 2025: At least a doubling of sales compared to 2024, along with further "cash burn" reduction10

Based on the momentum observed in January 2025, the Company confirms that it is currently on track to achieve all its key operational and commercial objectives, including its target of doubling sales.

Terms of the Global Offering

The Global Offering will be carried out through two distinct but concomitant transactions:

Areserved offering of newly issued shares, without shareholders' preferential subscription rights, targeting individuals, companies, or investment funds whether French or foreign that regularly invest, or have invested at least 1 million over the past 36 months, in the life sciences or technology sectors. This offering is carried out pursuant to the 6th resolution of the Company's combined general meeting dated December 30, 2024 (the "EGM") and under the provisions of Article L. 225-138 of the French Commercial Code (the "ReservedOffering"); and

A public offering in France of newly issued shares intended for retail investors via the PrimaryBid platform. This offering will be allocated proportionally based on demand, within the limit of the amount allocated to the public offering, with potential reductions in case of oversubscription. It is carried out under the provisions of Article L. 225-136 of the French Commercial Code (in accordance with the 2nd resolution of the General Meeting) (the "PrimaryBid Offering

The total amount raised in the Global Offering will be determined solely by the subscription orders received in each tranche, with no possibility of reallocating amounts from one tranche to the other. It is specified that the PrimaryBid Offering to retail investors is ancillary to the Reserved Offering and will be capped at the lower of (i) 6,174,718 euros (including issue premium), taking into account the PrimaryBid Offering made in May 2024, and (ii) 20% of the amount of the Fundraising. In any event, the PrimaryBid Offering will not be completed if the capital increase under the Reserved Offer is not completed.

The price per share of the Reserved Offering will be equal to 0.77 (representing a discount of 29.1% to CARMAT's closing share price on January 29, 2025, i.e. 1.086, and a discount of 29.7% to CARMAT's average volume-weighted average share price over the last 5 trading days prior to the determination of the issue price (i.e. the trading days of January 23, 24, 27, 28 and 29, 2025), i.e. 1.09456). The subscription price of the new shares under the PrimaryBid Offering will be equal to the price of the new shares offered under the Reserved Offering.

The final number of shares to be issued will be determined by the Company's Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to and within the limits of the delegations of authority granted by the Board of Directors as of the date of this press release. The maximum number of new shares that may be issued under the Global Offering is 250 million, in accordance with the resolutions of the General Meeting. The final number of shares to be issued will be announced in a subsequent press release.

The accelerated book-building process for the Reserved Offering will begin immediately and is expected to close before market opening tomorrow, subject to early closing. The PrimaryBid Offering also begins immediately and is expected to close at 11:00 pm (Paris time) today, subject to early closing. The Company will announce the results of the Global Offering as soon as possible following the closing of the book-building process via a press release.

The Reserved Offering will be made available to institutional investors in France and outside of France, except in the United States, South Africa, Canada, Australia, and Japan. These investors must fall within the category of qualified investors defined in the aforementioned 6th resolution.

Existing shareholders Lohas SARL/Les Bastidons (the family offices of Mr. Pierre Bastid) and Sante Holdings SRL (the family office of Dr. Antonino Ligresti), who respectively held 13.9% and 13.8% of the Company's capital before the Global Offering, have committed to subscribing 3.5 million each under the Reserved Offering. The total subscription commitments received by the Company, as described above, amount to 7 million.

Settlement-delivery of the new shares and their admission to trading on the Euronext Growth Paris multilateral trading facility are expected to take place on February 4, 2025. The new shares will be of the same category and fully fungible with the existing shares, carrying all attached rights, and will be admitted to trading on Euronext Growth Paris under the same ISIN code FR0010907956.

Bank Degroof Petercam SA/NV and Invest Securities are acting as Global Coordinators, Joint Lead Managers, and Joint Bookrunners for the Reserved Offering (together, the "Placement Agents"). The Reserved Offering is subject to a placement agreement signed today between the Company and the Placement Agents.

For the PrimaryBid Offering, investors may only subscribe through PrimaryBid's partners listed on the PrimaryBid website (www.PrimaryBid.fr). The PrimaryBid Offering is governed by an engagement letter entered into between the Company and PrimaryBid and is not subject to a placement agreement. For more details, please visit www.PrimaryBid.fr.

The Global Offering is not subject to a prospectus requiring an approval from the French Financial Market Authority (Autorite des Marches Financiers) (the "AMF

The public's attention is drawn to the risk factors related to the Company and its activities, as presented in Chapter 2 of the 2023 Universal Registration Document, filed with the AMF on April 30, 2024, under number D.24-0374, as updated by an amendment to the 2023 Universal Registration Document filed with the AMF on September 17, 2024, under number D.24-0374-A01 (together, the "2023 Universal Registration Document"). Copies of these documents are available free of charge from CARMAT (36, avenue de l'Europe Immeuble l'Etendard Energy III 78140 Velizy-Villacoublay), as well as on the websites of CARMAT (www.carmatsa.com/en/) and the AMF (www.amf-france.org).

Additionally, investors are invited to consider the specific risks associated with the Global Offering, including: (i) the market price of the Company's shares could fluctuate and fall below the subscription price of the newly issued shares issued in connection with the Global Offering, (ii) the volatility and liquidity of the Company's shares could experience significant fluctuations, (iii) sales of the Company's shares on the market could negatively impact the share price, (iv) Company's shareholders could suffer potentially significant dilution due to future capital increases necessary for the Company's financing needs, as well as the conversion of the European Investment Bank (EIB) loan11 and the funding agreement with Vester Finance12, and (v) since the securities are not intended to be listed on a regulated market, investors will not benefit from the guarantees associated with such markets.

As part of the Global Offering, the Company has agreed to a lock-up commitment period starting from the signing date of the placement agreement entered into between the Company and the Placement Agents today and expiring 30 days after the settlement-delivery of the Reserved Offering, subject to customary exceptions and the issuance of shares as part of the conversion ("equitization") of the EIB loan and the financing line agreed with Vester Finance, allowing the Company to potentially utilize this facility during the aforementioned lock-up period.

It is specified that no lock-up commitment has been requested from the Company's existing shareholders or from investors who have committed to subscribe to the Reserved Offering.

This press release does not constitute a prospectus within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 14, 2017, as amended, nor an offer to the public.

About CARMAT

CARMAT is a French MedTech that designs, manufactures and markets the Aeson artificial heart. The Company's ambition is to make Aeson the first alternative to a heart transplant, and thus provide a therapeutic solution to people suffering from end-stage biventricular heart failure, who are facing a well-known shortfall in available human grafts. The world's first physiological artificial heart that is highly hemocompatible, pulsatile and self-regulated, Aeson could save, every year, the lives of thousands of patients waiting for a heart transplant. The device offers patients quality of life and mobility thanks to its ergonomic and portable external power supply system that is continuously connected to the implanted prosthesis. Aeson is commercially available as a bridge to transplant in the European Union and other countries that recognize CE marking. Aeson is also currently being assessed within the framework of an Early Feasibility Study (EFS) in the United States. Founded in 2008, CARMAT is based in the Paris region, with its head offices located in Velizy-Villacoublay and its production site in Bois-d'Arcy. The Company can rely on the talent and expertise of a multidisciplinary team of circa 200 highly specialized people. CARMAT is listed on the Euronext Growth market in Paris (Ticker: ALCAR ISIN code: FR0010907956).

For more information, please go to www.carmatsa.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Name: CARMAT

ISIN code: FR0010907956

Ticker: ALCAR

Disclaimer

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of shares in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

The distribution of this document may, in certain jurisdictions, be restricted by local legislations. Persons into whose possession this document comes are required to inform themselves about and to observe any such potential local restrictions.

This press release is an advertisement and not a prospectus within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2017 (as amended, the "Prospectus Regulation"). Any decision to purchase shares must be made solely on the basis of publicly available information on the Company.

In France, the offer of CARMAT shares described below will be made in the context of (i) two capital increases reserved to one or more specified categories of beneficiaries, pursuant to article L. 225-138 of the French commercial code and applicable regulatory provisions and (ii) a public offering in France primarily intended to retail investors through the PrimaryBid platform. Pursuant to article 211-3 of the General regulations of the French financial markets authority (Autorite des marches financiers) (the "AMF") and articles 1(4) and 3 of the Prospectus Regulation, the offer of CARMAT shares will not require the publication of a prospectus approved by the AMF.

With respect to Member States of the European Economic Area, no action has been taken or will be taken to permit a public offering of the securities referred to in this press release requiring the publication of a prospectus in any Member State. Therefore, such securities may not be and shall not be offered in any Member State other than in accordance with the exemptions of Article 1(4) of Prospectus Regulation or, otherwise, in cases not requiring the publication of a prospectus under Article 3 of the Prospectus Regulation and/or the applicable regulations in such Member State.

This press release and the information it contains are being distributed to and are only intended for persons who are (x) outside the United Kingdom or (y) in the United Kingdom and are (i) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "Order"), (ii) high net worth entities and other such persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order ("high net worth companies", "unincorporated associations", etc.) or (iii) other persons to whom an invitation or inducement to participate in investment activity (within the meaning of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Market Act 2000) may otherwise lawfully be communicated or caused to be communicated (all such persons in (y)(i), (y)(ii) and (y)(iii) together being referred to as "Relevant Persons"). Any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire securities to which this press release relates will only be engaged with Relevant Persons. Any person who is not a Relevant Person should not act or rely on this press release or any of its contents.

This press release may not be distributed, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States. This press release and the information contained therein does not, and will not, constitute an offer of securities for sale, nor the solicitation of an offer to purchase, securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction where restrictions may apply. Securities may not be offered or 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"). The securities of CARMAT have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act, and CARMAT does not intend to conduct a public offering in the United States.

MIFID II Product Governance/Target Market: solely for the purposes of the requirements of article 9.8 of the EU Delegated Directive 2017/593 relating to the product approval process, the target market assessment in respect of the shares of CARMAT has led to the conclusion in relation to the type of clients criteria only that: (i) the type of clients to whom the shares are targeted is eligible counterparties and professional clients and retail clients, each as defined in Directive 2014/65/EU, as amended ("MiFID II"); and (ii) all channels for distribution of the shares of CARMAT to eligible counterparties and professional clients and retail clients are appropriate. Any person subsequently offering, selling or recommending the shares of CARMAT (a "distributor") should take into consideration the type of clients assessment; however, a distributor subject to MiFID II is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the shares of CARMAT and determining appropriate distribution channels.

The distribution of this press release may be subject to legal or regulatory restrictions in certain jurisdictions. Any person who comes into possession of this press release must inform him or herself of and comply with any such restrictions.

Any decision to subscribe for or purchase the shares or other securities of CARMAT must be made solely based on information publicly available about CARMAT. Such information is not the responsibility of Bank Degroof Petercam SA/NV and Invest Securities and has not been independently verified by Bank Degroof Petercam SA/NV and Invest Securities.

_________________________________

1 Data as of December 31, 2024.

2 Cash burn related to operations and investments.

3 Including 10 hospitals participating in the EFICAS study in France: AP-HP GHU Pitie Salpetriere, Hopital Europeen Georges Pompidou, CHU de Rennes, CHU de Strasbourg, Hospices Civils de Lyon, CHRU de Lille, Hopital Marie-Lannelongue, CHU de Montpellier, CHU de Nantes and CHU de Dijon.

4 Results on 52 patients. The primary endpoint of the study was support with Aeson at 6 months or transplantation within 6 months, without disabling stroke.

5 Total amount of time patients have been on Aeson support since the first-in-man implant back in 2013.

6 The January 8, 2025 press release and the recording of the January 8, 2025 webinar are available on the CARMAT website.

7 ECLS or ECMO: Blood oxygenation by extracorporeal circulation.

8 Destination Therapy ("DT") indication: indication that would enable the patient to remain permanently supported by the Aeson artificial heart, without subsequent heart transplant.

9 Subject to recruitment being completed by the end of the first half of 2025.

10 Cash burn from operating and investing activities.

11 For further details on this equitization, please refer to the press release published by the Company on June 13, 2024 and to section 3.1.7 of CARMAT's 2023 universal registration document.

12 For further details on this financing line, please refer to the press release published by the Company on July 5, 2024.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250130701109/en/

Contacts:

CARMAT

Stephane Piat

Chief Executive Officer

Pascale d'Arbonneau

Deputy Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer

Tel.: +33 1 39 45 64 50

contact@carmatsas.com

Alize RP

Press Relations

Caroline Carmagnol

Tel.: +33 6 64 18 99 59

carmat@alizerp.com

NewCap

Financial Communication

& Investor Relations

Dusan Oresansky

Jeremy Digel

Tel.: +33 1 44 71 94 92

carmat@newcap.eu
FastSensor, a leader in AI-powered visitor engagement analytics, is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking collaboration with the American College of Cardiology (ACC) for the ACC Annual Scientific Session & Expo, scheduled for March 29 - 31, 2025 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL. This alliance brings next-generation data insights to exhibitors, helping them capture deeper attendee behavior patterns and measure success more dynamically than ever before.

FastSensor at ACC.25 Transforms Exhibitor Analytics

FastSensor collaborates with the American College of Cardiology at ACC.25 to offer AI-powered attendee behavior and engagement insights. Subscribed exhibitors gain access to real-time traffic analysis, heatmaps, and post-event performance reports.

Revolutionizing Engagement at Cardiology's Premier Event

As a global nexus for cardiovascular innovation, ACC.25 draws thousands of leading clinicians, researchers, and industry professionals. FastSensor's advanced analytics platform will transform the exhibition experience, providing insights into attendee behavior and engagement patterns that drive meaningful connections.

"This collaboration represents a significant leap forward in how exhibitors connect with the cardiovascular community," said Daniel Bichara, CEO of FastSensor. "Our AI-driven technology empowers exhibitors to make data-informed decisions that enhance engagement and deliver measurable results."

Advanced Analytics Driving Exhibition Success

FastSensor's innovative platform delivers comprehensive insights through:

Real-Time Traffic Analysis: Dynamic monitoring of attendee flow and engagement

Interactive Heatmaps: Visual representation of high-impact areas

Engagement Metrics: Detailed analysis of dwell times and interaction patterns

Journey Mapping: Advanced tracking of attendee movement patterns

Conversion Analytics: Measurement of engagement effectiveness

Performance Benchmarking: Comparative analysis of booth performance

These insights enable exhibitors to optimize their presence and create more impactful experiences for cardiovascular professionals.

Learn More

Discover how FastSensor will transform the exhibitor experience at ACC.25: https://hs.fastsensor.com/en/acc2025

About FastSensor

Founded in 2013 and headquartered in San Diego, CA, FastSensor is an AI-powered ecosystem that measures foot traffic and visitor engagement at events, exhibitions, and experiential spaces. FastSensor delivers actionable analytics to event organizers, venues, brands, and booth operators, enabling them to refine strategies, enhance impact, and transform in-person experiences. Learn more at https://www.fastsensor.com

SOURCE: FastSensor

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2025) - Akwaaba Mining Ltd. (TSXV: AML) ("Akwaaba" or the "Company") previously announced that its board of directors has approved the consolidation and settlement of approximately $271,724.00 of debt held by the Company and its wholly-owned Ghanaian subsidiary Castle Sika Mining Limited through the issuance of common shares of the Company (the "Debt Settlement"). Pursuant to the Debt Settlement, the Company will issue up to 2,264,367 common shares of certain creditors being Candel & Partners SAS, a private company beneficially owned by Allan Green ("Mr. Green"), a director of the Company.

The Company is pleased to announce that it has closed on the Debt Settlement. No new control persons were created because of the closing of the Debt Settlement.

The Debt Settlement was approved by the TSX Venture Exchange.

The Debt Settlement constitutes related party transactions under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"), which has been adopted by the TSX Venture Exchange as Policy 5.9, because Mr. Green is a director of the Company. The Company determined that it is exempt from the minority approval and formal valuation requirements under MI 61-101 in respect of the Debt Settlement, relying on the exemptions found in sections 5.5(a) and (b) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101.

All the disinterested directors of the Company, being all of the directors other than Mr. Green, approved the Debt Settlement.

The common shares issued in connection to the Debt Settlement will be subject to a statutory hold period of four (4) months and one (1) day, as well as any other restrictions imposed by applicable securities regulatory authorities.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD-LOOKING AND OTHER CAUTIONARY INFORMATION

This release contains statements that are forward looking statements and are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the Company's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. Such information contained herein represents management's best judgment as of the date hereof based on information currently available. The Company does not assume the obligation to update any forward-looking statement. For more information on the Company, Investors should review the Company's filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/238998

SOURCE: Akwaaba Mining Ltd.
Inaugural CfC St. Moritz survey reveals ambiguity toward regulatory risk amongst investors; optimism about U.S. opportunities; and major plans to increase headcount in 2025

ST. MORITZ, Switzerland, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The CfC St. Moritz , the prestigious and highly curated digital assets conference for investors and decision-makers, has released the inaugural edition of The CfC St. Moritz Report, documenting the outlook and predictions of more than 230 respondents at the highest levels of the crypto industry.

The survey reveals a digital asset industry at a critical inflection point. Once dominated by speculative retail trading, the sector is maturing into an institutionally backed asset class, with 65% of respondents noting that traditional financial institutions now control or share equal footing in the market. This development signals a shift from crypto's volatile origins to a more sophisticated institutionally integrated financial domain.

The 2025 Pulse Sentiment Score, which was calculated based on an analysis of responses and provides insight into the outlook respondents have for the crypto industry in 2025, has also been revealed to be 73%, showing positivity toward the industry's direction.

Other findings of The CfC St. Moritz Report include:

US opportunities draw investor focus: While the US is perceived as the least crypto-friendly jurisdiction, it's also the region where the scale of opportunities is the largest, according to 61% of respondents. The appointment of the most pro-crypto government the US has ever seen tilted the axis of the digital asset world, with the world's largest market pivoting from having a "$100 trillion knee on the neck of the crypto industry" (Brad Garlinghouse, CEO of Ripple).

While the US is perceived as the least crypto-friendly jurisdiction, it's also the region where the scale of opportunities is the largest, according to of respondents. The appointment of the most pro-crypto government the US has ever seen tilted the axis of the digital asset world, with the world's largest market pivoting from having a "$100 trillion knee on the neck of the crypto industry" (Brad Garlinghouse, CEO of Ripple).  but it's too early to claim US regulatory certainty: Respondents feel largely ambiguous about regulatory risks, believing that the picture is still unclear and is likely to remain so for a while. Some 70% believe that supervisory scrutiny remains at the same intensity or that risks could even increase. Investor Bill Tai told The CfC St. Moritz Report that the outcome of the election might result in an environment that resembles a "free for all", and while it could be positive for the short-term growth of the space, it could be "chaotically uncomfortable overall." Speaking about the deceptively difficult task ahead of the new US administration, Chris Giancarlo, former CFTC Chairman, said "It's one thing to end bad policy, but it's an entirely different thing to create good policy".

Respondents feel largely ambiguous about regulatory risks, believing that the picture is still unclear and is likely to remain so for a while. Some believe that supervisory scrutiny remains at the same intensity or that risks could even increase. The stablecoin boom has only begun: The market cap of stablecoins has grown 34% since the US election in November, and half of survey respondents expect stablecoins to expand their role and market cap substantially this year.

The market cap of stablecoins has grown 34% since the US election in November, and half of survey respondents expect stablecoins to expand their role and market cap substantially this year. ETFs are the primary investment channel into crypto: 57% of respondents expect wrappers around the top 20 coins in the near future.

of respondents expect wrappers around the top 20 coins in the near future. Positive hiring outlook for 2025: The industry's future appears bright, with 90% of respondents expecting either steady or substantial growth and 86% planning on headcount increases.

Nicolo Stohr, CEO of the CfC St. Moritz, said: "This report captures the expectations and perspectives of leading thought leaders in the digital asset space who came together at CfC St. Moritz 2025. The results of our study point to positive momentum. However, we are also left with questions. How will regulators respond to the anticipated increase in stablecoin market cap? How will regulators such as the European Union, MAS, and VARA react to the United States reentering the investor radar? How will the industry marry the need for mass adoption with the potential deprioritisation of retail audiences? One thing is for certain: Doubts about the digital asset industry's survival and viability have all but vanished."

Each year, the CfC St. Moritz brings together 250 global industry experts, business leaders, and regulators from across crypto, finance, and technology, to discuss the most prevalent issues and trends for the year ahead. Survey respondents, who were in attendance at the most recent CfC St. Moritz in January 2025, include institutional investors (35%); private investors (25%); corporate executives (15%); government representatives and regulators (10%); family offices (10%); and academics (5%). Of these, 30% are founders; 30% are C-Suite; 25% are owners; and 15% are partners.

Conference participants included Joseph Chalom, Managing Director of BlackRock; Richard Teng, CEO of Binance; Brad Garlinghouse, CEO of Ripple; Joe Lubin, Founder of Consensys; Tom Jessop, President of Fidelity Brokerage; Rostin Behnam, Chairman of the CFTC; Arthur Hayes, CIO of Maelstrom; Tim Ogilvie, Global Head of Kraken Institutional; Sandy Kaul, Head of Franklin Innovation Research, Strategies, and Technologies at Franklin Templeton;Deepa Raja Carbon, Managing Director & Vice Chairperson at the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority; and many more.

The CfC St. Moritz Report is available for download here .

About the CfC St. Moritz

The CfC St. Moritz is a private gathering of hand-picked opinion leaders and investors in the private and unique setting of the Swiss Alps. This annual, application-only conference fosters genuine connections, with a deliberate limit of 250 international UHNWIs, family offices, funds, and institutional investors, bridging the traditional finance sector and the crypto industry. Founded in 2017, CfC St. Moritz has hosted six in-person conferences in St. Moritz, one in Half Moon Bay, California, two virtual conferences during the pandemic, and several smaller events. The conference operates with a core team of four throughout the year, expanding to 70 during the event, and is led by CEO Nicolo Stoehr.

www.cfc-stmoritz.com | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/the-cfc-st-moritz-report-2025-65-of-top-decision-makers-see-institutional-dominance-in-crypto-302364701.html
Lahore, Pakistan--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2025) - One Homes is pleased to announce that Walters & Cohen Architects, the celebrated British architectural firm renowned for its award-winning educational designs, has been appointed as the lead design partner for Pakistan's first purpose-built student accommodation in Lahore.

Pakistan's First Purpose-Built Student Accommodation Project

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8530/238815_2f83fc09740989b2_001full.jpg

Building on a legacy of designing student and community-focused properties, this partnership aspires to deliver a transformative development for educational infrastructure in the region.

One Homes recently announced their foray into Pakistan's student accommodation sector with a plan to pioneer investment into the country's Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) asset class and develop a nationwide portfolio that meets international standards.

Walters & Cohen are recognised globally for their work on educational and community projects. Their designs combine innovation, sustainability, and a deep understanding of student needs, making them an ideal choice for this groundbreaking project.

Commenting on the collaboration, Aqib Hassan, Chief Commercial Officer of One Homes, said, "Purpose-built student accommodation is globally recognised as the preferred asset class. We're delighted to collaborate with a world-leading specialist like Walters & Cohen to deliver this first-of-its-kind development in Pakistan. Leveraging the expertise and knowledge of those who have delivered in this space on a global level will ensure we develop top-in-class assets for One Homes and our investors."

Cindy Walters, Director of Walters & Cohen Architects, shared her excitement about the project, "At Walters & Cohen, we are passionate about designing environments that not only inspire academic excellence but also create meaningful, lasting impact. Pakistan's first purpose-built student accommodation goes beyond architecture; it provides an extraordinary opportunity to create an environment where young women can thrive academically, socially, and personally, and feel confident about their ability to shape a brighter future for themselves and their communities. We are proud to have been entrusted with the concept design for this development which reflects global standards and has the capacity to deliver profound social change."

The existing lack of proper housing creates a major barrier for students striving for higher education. Through Pakistan's first purpose-built student accommodation for women, this project fills a critical need and underscores how impact investing can catalyse meaningful social change.

This project will include a host of thoughtfully curated amenities, such as a fitness centre, 24/7 security, a shuttle service, and community spaces. Its strategic location in Lahore's vibrant university district, home to over a dozen universities, addresses a critical gap in Pakistan's $30 billion student housing market.

One Homes, founded by serial entrepreneur Zeeshaan Shah, continues to redefine Pakistan's real estate market by integrating global expertise with local impact. Their portfolio includes landmark developments like One Canal Road, Lahore's most exclusive residential address, and Amaya Residences and Panoramas in Islamabad.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/238815

SOURCE: GYT
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2025) - Silver Elephant Mining Corp. (TSX: ELEF) (OTCQB: SILEF) (FSE: 1P2) ("Silver Elephant" or the "Company") announces that, further to its news release dated January 16, 2025 and January 27, 2025, it has increased the size of the private placement (the "Private Placement") to 3,100,000 units (the "Units") for aggregate gross proceeds of $465,000 at a price of $0.15 per Unit. Each unit consists of one common share of the Company ("Share") and one share purchase warrant with each warrant entitling the holder to purchase one additional Share at a price of $0.30 per Share for a period of three years from issuance.

The increase is subject to approval by the Toronto Stock Exchange.

About Silver Elephant Mining Corp.

Silver Elephant is a mineral exploration company with the Paca silver project and Triunfo gold project in Bolivia.

Further information on Silver Elephant can be found at www.silverelef.com.

SILVER ELEPHANT MINING CORP.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"John Lee"

CEO and Executive Chairman

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain statements contained in this news release, including statements which may contain words such as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates", or similar expressions, and statements related to matters which are not historical facts, are forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements, which reflect management's expectations regarding the Company's future growth, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities, are based on certain factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information in this news release includes the expected gross proceeds of the Private Placement, use of proceeds raised from the Private Placement.

Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, and should not be read as guarantees of future performance, events or results, and may not be indicative of whether such events or results will actually be achieved. A number of risks and other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from expected results discussed in the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: market conditions; ability to complete the financing; changes in business plans; ability to secure sufficient financing to advance the Company's mining projects; and general economic conditions. Additional risk factors about the Company are set out in its latest annual and interim management's discussion and analysis and annual information form available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca.

Forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions by management as of the date of this news release, and there can be no assurance that actual results will be consistent with any forward-looking statements included herein. Readers are cautioned that all forward looking statements in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements in this news release to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date of this news release, except as required by applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/239008

SOURCE: Silver Elephant Mining Corp.
Trusted Healthcare IT advisors recognized for driving innovation, efficiency, and measurable success in the evolving digital landscape.

Black Book Research has released its latest industry analysis, identifying top-performing healthcare IT advisory firms that are driving digital transformation and operational excellence. These firms have distinguished themselves through their expertise in enterprise system integration, data interoperability, AI-driven automation, and advanced security frameworks. This year's honorees demonstrate exceptional proficiency in strategic planning, deployment optimization, and cybersecurity resilience, delivering quantifiable improvements in clinical workflows, financial operations, and patient engagement.

Black Book Research has introduced 18 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to evaluate 257 healthcare IT consulting firms across 5,100 engagements initiated over the past five years, providing a comprehensive framework for assessing their impact, strategic alignment, and ethical practices. The KPIs include Comprehensive Advisory Expertise, Industry Knowledge and Domain Expertise, Qualifications and Lifecycle Experience, Change Management Expertise, Client Outcomes and Measurable Improvements, Strategic Alignment and Goal Achievement, Empowerment Through Training and Capability Building, Patient-Centric Focus, Quality and Feasibility of Solutions, Use of Cutting-Edge Methodologies, Adaptability to Emerging Industry Trends, Thought Leadership and Industry Contribution, Scalability, Flexibility, and Customization, Speed and Efficiency of Solution Deployment, Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management Expertise, Post-Engagement Support and Continuous Improvement, Relationship Management and Client Care, and Ethics, Transparency, and Vendor Neutrality. These KPIs empower healthcare organizations to assess consulting engagements effectively and drive long-term value and were the basis of the feedback received from 6,202 respondents over the extended survey review period.

2025 Top-Ranked Healthcare IT Consulting and Advisory Services Firms

Digital Health Strategy and HIT Planning Advisors

Sg2, a Vizient Company: Sg2 has been highly rated for its advanced strategic health IT planning, aligning digital investments with long-term clinical and operational goals. Healthcare clients commend its market analytics and forward-looking insights, enabling organizations to anticipate emerging healthcare trends and stay ahead of industry disruptions.

____________________

Value-Based Care Consulting

Health Systems & Hospital VBC

PINC AI (Premier Inc.): PINC AI earned top marks for its ability to drive value-based care transformation using data-driven strategies. Clients reported measurable improvements in care quality, cost reduction, and operational efficiencies, facilitated by PINC AI's cutting-edge analytics and predictive modeling tools.

Physicians & Medical Organizations VBC

CareAllies: Clients highlighted CareAllies' customized strategies in transitioning physician organizations to value-based care models. Healthcare providers saw increased patient engagement, improved clinical outcomes, and enhanced financial sustainability due to the firm's deep expertise in risk-sharing arrangements and reimbursement optimization.

____________________

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Strategy and Roadmap

Accenture: Accenture was recognized for its AI and machine learning innovations that support automation, predictive analytics, and clinical decision-making. Clients praised its ability to integrate advanced AI models into existing workflows, significantly reducing administrative burden and enhancing operational intelligence.

____________________

Cybersecurity and Compliance Consulting

Clearwater: Clearwater received top rankings for its robust cybersecurity framework and compliance solutions. Clients reported enhanced security postures, reduced risk exposure, and streamlined regulatory compliance with HIPAA, HITRUST, and NIST frameworks due to Clearwater's risk assessments and proactive mitigation strategies.

____________________

Interoperability, Connectivity, and Integration Advisory

Huron Consulting Group: Clients rated Huron highly for its expertise in healthcare data interoperability. Organizations reported improved workflow efficiencies, increased regulatory compliance, and seamless integration between disparate systems, leading to enhanced data exchange and reduced silos.

____________________

Revenue Cycle Management and Financial IT Advisory

Kaufman Hall: Top-ranked advisor in Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) and Financial IT solutions, helping healthcare organizations optimize financial performance, streamline revenue operations, and enhance reimbursement strategies. Clients commend its data-driven approach to financial planning, cost containment, and revenue integrity, leading to improved cash flow, reduced denials, and stronger financial sustainability.

____________________

Population Health Management IT Consultants

Lumeris: Lumeris stood out for its capabilities in population health management, helping clients enhance care coordination and patient outcomes. Respondents cited its ability to integrate social determinants of health data with predictive analytics, enabling more targeted and effective interventions.

____________________

Diagnostics, Laboratory, and Imaging IT Advisory

Chartis Group: Recognized for its expertise in Imaging and Radiology IT Advisory, helping healthcare organizations optimize PACS, RIS, and enterprise imaging strategies. Clients commend its ability to enhance interoperability, streamline imaging workflows, and improve diagnostic efficiency, leading to faster turnaround times and improved clinician satisfaction.

____________________

Clinical Decision Support System Implementation

Deloitte: Leads in Clinical Decision Support System (CDS) implementation, helping healthcare organizations integrate AI-driven insights and evidence-based protocols into clinical workflows. Clients praise its expertise in enhancing decision-making accuracy, reducing variability in care, and improving patient safety through advanced CDS optimization.

____________________

Telehealth Expansion and Virtual Care Optimization

Amwell: Amwell was rated highly for its telehealth solutions, enabling organizations to expand remote care services efficiently. Clients highlighted measurable increases in patient access and satisfaction, as well as reduced hospital readmissions due to Amwell's seamless virtual care integration.

____________________

Cloud Migration and Data Center Modernization

Accenture: Accenture's cloud strategy and infrastructure modernization services received strong client endorsements. Respondents noted improved IT agility, scalability, and security post-migration, reducing long-term infrastructure costs and increasing system reliability.

____________________

EHR Implementation and Optimization Consultants

Specilalizing in Epic Systems, Oracle Health, Altera Digital Health

Nordic Consulting Partners: Nordic Consulting Partners led in EHR optimization across Epic, Oracle Health, and Altera Digital Health platforms. Clients highlighted its ability to drive workflow efficiencies and physician satisfaction by enhancing system usability and customization.

Specializing in MEDITECH and TruBridge

Engage: Engage was highly rated for its tailored EHR solutions in MEDITECH and TruBridge/CPSI implementations. Clients reported streamlined clinical documentation, improved patient safety, and greater overall system adoption.

EHR Training Advisors

S&P Consultants: S&P Consultants earned top ratings for its specialized EHR training programs, ensuring smooth system adoption and usability. Clients reported significant improvements in clinician confidence and workflow efficiency following training engagements.

Go-Live Support in Healthcare IT Consulting

Optimum Healthcare IT: Optimum Healthcare IT was highly rated for its expertise in go-live support, helping organizations transition smoothly during system implementations. Clients highlighted its ability to minimize disruptions and enhance user adoption.

____________________

Infrastructure and HIT Operations Advisors

Impact Advisors: Impact Advisors received top recognition for optimizing healthcare IT infrastructure, streamlining system interoperability, and modernizing health system IT operations. Clients praised its ability to enhance reliability, scalability, and cost-efficiency in complex healthcare environments.

____________________

Wearables and Remote Monitoring Solutions Consulting

Accenture: Accenture's innovative approach to wearable health technology and remote monitoring solutions received high ratings. Clients cited improved chronic disease management and patient engagement through seamless integration with EHRs and predictive analytics.

____________________

Government and Public Health IT Consultants

MedSys Group: MedSys Group is highly regarded for its expertise in government and public health IT solutions. Their scalable implementations have been instrumental in supporting public health initiatives and enhancing government healthcare programs.

____________________

Global (Non-US) Healthcare Information Technology Consultants

Deloitte Consulting: Deloitte is recognized for its leadership in global healthcare IT consulting, with expertise in regulatory compliance, digital transformation, and international operational improvements.

____________________

Healthcare Supply Chain and Inventory Management

Vizient Advisory Services: Clients praised Vizient for optimizing healthcare supply chains, reducing costs, and improving inventory resilience. Surveyed organizations experienced enhanced supply predictability and cost control through Vizient's advanced analytics solutions.

____________________

Healthcare ERP Implementation

Deloitte Consulting: Deloitte received top marks for ERP implementations that streamlined financial and operational workflows. Respondents highlighted its expertise in delivering seamless integration, automation, and real-time data access for decision-making.

____________________

Sustainability and Green IT Solutions Implementation

Ernst & Young (EY): EY's sustainability consulting services were recognized for driving cost efficiency and eco-friendly IT transformation. Clients reported significant reductions in operational waste and energy consumption through EY's innovative green IT frameworks.

____________________

Data Governance and Analytics

Arcadia: Recognized for its expertise in healthcare data integration, governance, and analytics. Clients praised its ability to deliver actionable insights, enhance population health initiatives, and streamline data interoperability.

____________________

Clinical IT Advisory

Chartis Group: Highly rated for its clinical workflow redesign, enabling healthcare organizations to streamline operations, enhance provider efficiency, and improve patient outcomes. Clients commend its data-driven approach to optimizing care pathways, reducing inefficiencies, and integrating workflows across departments for greater productivity.

____________________

Managed Care and Payer IT Advisory

Optum Advisory: Optum is a leader in Managed Care IT solutions, offering AI-powered claims processing, automated risk adjustment tools, and predictive analytics for utilization management. Clients commend its expertise in integrating advanced IT systems for real-time eligibility verification, provider network optimization, and value-based payment modeling, improving operational efficiency and financial performance for managed care organizations.

____________________

These firms have been recognized for delivering measurable improvements and substantial ROI in healthcare IT, based on comprehensive independent polling research conducted by Black Book Research.

"As the healthcare industry continues to advance in complexity and technological innovation, the need for trusted, data-driven consulting guidance has never been greater," said Doug Brown, Founder of Black Book Research. "Our enhanced HIT-centric KPIs provide a comprehensive, outcome-based framework for evaluating firms that are truly driving measurable improvements in healthcare IT. These top-ranked firms have demonstrated excellence in their respective domains and remain integral to shaping the future of healthcare IT consulting, ensuring organizations achieve operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and digital transformation success."

About Black Book's Research on HIT Consultants 2025

Black Book Research is recognized as the healthcare industry's trusted source for independent, unbiased market research, focusing on healthcare IT solutions, consulting, and advisory services. Black Book remains strictly agnostic of advisory firms, free of consultant influence, and does not engage with any firms prior to the public release of its rankings and reports. With an unwavering commitment to the buyers of HIT services, Black Book's rankings reflect the direct, independent feedback of industry professionals.

The 2025 survey results, encompassing insights from 1,777 respondents and featuring the top 100 in-demand HIT consulting engagements, can be accessed free of charge at Black Book Healthcare IT Consulting and Advisory Market Survey.

For an in-depth analysis, the 425-page Black Book of Healthcare IT Consultants, which includes profiles of 250 healthcare IT advisory firms, is available for free download at 2025 Black Book of Healthcare IT Consultants and Advisory Firms.

The full description of Black Book's 2025 enhanced Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for healthcare IT consulting and advisory firms, developed by a consortium of business school professors, health system and payer IT leaders, and advisory firm experts, can be accessed at Black Book's 2025 Key Performance Indicators.

For detailed competitive intelligence reports on individual consulting firms, please contact Black Book Research by emailing research@blackbookmarketresearch.com.

SOURCE: Black Book Market Research

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Originally published in Lenovo's 2023/24 ESG Report

Lenovo is working both internally and externally to minimize and mitigate water risks. Lenovo has:

Implemented and maintains a corporate Water Resiliency Policy;

Endorsed the UN CEO Water Mandate;

Joined the SBTN Corporate Engagement Program, pledging alignment with Science Based Targets Network's (SBTN) goals and vision and contributing advice and end-user insights to the development of SBTN methods and tools as an SBTN Corporate Engagement Participant; and

Joined UN Global Compact Forward Faster initiative to accelerate private sector action towards the SDGs, specifically committing to the water resilience target within the initiative.

During the FY 2023/24 reporting year, Lenovo continued to measure and monitor water use and risk. In Lenovo's direct operations, the primary uses of water continue to be for water access, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services for employees, contractors, and visitors in its facilities around the globe as well as building cooling. Because Lenovo's primary water use is for employee support, water use varies from location to location with its largest manufacturing facilities and the sites with the largest employee headcount, withdrawing and discharging the most amount of water. Lenovo's water data for the current reporting year is presented in Section 7.0. Annual Verification Statements for its total water withdrawal and discharge are available on Lenovo's website.

Approximately 99 percent of Lenovo's water is supplied by third parties. To date, Lenovo has not experienced any issues with sourcing water that is fit for purpose. Approximately 99 percent of Lenovo's water is discharged back to third parties for treatment. Lenovo's EMS requires sites to characterize their discharges before entering into an agreement with a treatment facility. Exceptions may exist for typical sanitary waste. It also requires sites to not discharge constituents for which a treatment facility does not have treatment capability, update characterization when a site's activities change, and adhere, as applicable, to the discharge limits of local law, the treatment facility, and any associated permits.

Lenovo's EMS includes an annual global water target. For the FY 2023/24 reporting year, the target was to maintain per person water withdrawal (volumes not to exceed a 5 percent increase compared to the FY 2022/23 reporting year). The target was achieved through local targets at select sites.

The results of Lenovo's environmental targets are available in Section 8.0.

Lenovo requires sites to report environmental incidents, including water-related incidents, through its internal environmental database. During the FY 2023/24, there were no water-related incidents. In addition to internal reporting, Lenovo's manufacturing facilities undergo periodic audits some of which cover aspects of WASH and water management. For more information on audits at Lenovo's facilities, see Section 4.0.

While Lenovo has minimal wet processes, it appreciates the importance of adequate quantities of sufficient quality water to its supply chain partners with wet processes, particularly the semiconductor industry. Lenovo requires suppliers to adhere to the Supplier Code of Conduct and the RBA Code of Conduct through contractual stipulations, both of which include water-related provisions. Lenovo uses RBA audits to verify compliance with RBA's Code of Conduct by most suppliers by spend.

For more information on these supplier activities, see Section 6.0.

Water risks within Lenovo's operational footprint and supply chain are assessed annually using publicly available water risk tools (World Resources Institute's Aqueduct and WWF's Water Risk Filter Tool).

For more information about Lenovo's identification and assessment of water-related risks and opportunities, metrics, and actions, please read Lenovo's responses to the most recent CDP Water Security questionnaire.

For details on Lenovo's global partnership with Wine to Water (W|W), a non-profit organization committed to supporting life and dignity for all through the power of clean water, see Section 4.0.

Read more

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Lenovo on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Lenovo

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/lenovo

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Lenovo

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2025) - The Stuart Piltch Fund for Veterans announces its mission to support U.S. military veterans in their pursuit of educational excellence and technological innovation. Founded by Stuart Piltch, a visionary leader in healthcare, insurance, and national security, this fund provides a one-time award of $1,000 to eligible veterans seeking to advance their expertise in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, machine learning, or entrepreneurship.

Stuart Piltch

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Stuart Piltch's career reflects an unwavering dedication to fostering innovation and leadership. As a graduate of Hobart and William Smith Colleges, where he earned high honors in History and American Studies, Stuart Piltch has made significant contributions across multiple industries.

The Stuart Piltch Fund for Veterans aims to honor veterans' resilience and determination by enabling them to build on their unique experiences in service to the nation. Open to undergraduate students, the fund recognizes veterans' potential to make a lasting impact on the future of technology and entrepreneurship.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Stuart Piltch Fund for Veterans, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Be a U.S. military veteran, with proof of service.

Be enrolled or planning to enroll in a degree program or certification course in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, machine learning, or entrepreneurship.

Demonstrate a strong interest in technology, innovation, and the future of these industries.

Submit an essay of up to 750 words addressing the prompt provided below.

Show a commitment to advancing their career and contributing to the technological landscape.

Essay Prompt

Applicants must submit an essay responding to the following question:

"As a veteran, you have already demonstrated resilience and determination. Now, as you pursue further education in fields such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, machine learning, or entrepreneurship, how do you plan to leverage your unique experiences and skills to innovate and make a lasting impact on the future of technology? What challenges do you hope to overcome, and how do you envision using your education to solve real-world problems?"

Application Process

Applying for the Stuart Piltch Fund for Veterans is straightforward:

Prepare an Essay: Craft a thoughtful essay responding to the prompt above, limited to 750 words Gather Supporting Documents: Include proof of military service and relevant academic transcripts or enrollment documents. Submit the Application: Send the essay and documents to apply@stuartpiltchfund.com Await Results: The recipient will be notified by email and announced on the fund's official website.

Deadline and Announcement

The deadline to apply for the Stuart Piltch Fund for Veterans is October 15, 2025. The winner will be announced on November 15, 2025.

About the Stuart Piltch Fund for Veterans

The Stuart Piltch Fund for Veterans is dedicated to supporting those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces by providing essential resources, educational opportunities, and career development initiatives. With a mission to empower veterans in their transition to civilian life, the fund invests in programs that enhance resilience, foster innovation, and create pathways for success.

Founded by Stuart Piltch, a leader with decades of experience in national security, healthcare, and insurance, the fund reflects his deep commitment to giving back to those who have sacrificed for their country. Through strategic partnerships and impactful initiatives, the Stuart Piltch Fund for Veterans continues to make a difference in the lives of veterans, helping them build a brighter future.

Commitment to Veterans

Stuart Piltch emphasizes the importance of supporting veterans as they transition from military service to impactful careers. By aligning their determination and unique skills with cutting-edge fields like cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, the Stuart Piltch Fund for Veterans empowers them to lead transformative change.

For more information about the Stuart Piltch Fund for Veterans and the application process, visit https://stuartpiltchfund.com or https://stuartpiltchfund.com/stuart-piltch-fund.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/238977

SOURCE: GYT
For the fourth year in a row, Travel Nurses, Inc. has earned the prestigious Great Recruiters certification.

Travel Nurses, Inc. is proud to announce that is it Great Recruiters certified for the year 2025. This distinction is provided annually based on the agency's performance from the previous year, and Travel Nurses, Inc. has received this certification four years in a row. This certification is a testament to the agency's commitment to consistently delivering an outstanding experience for the healthcare professionals they staff and the clients they serve.

Travel Nurses, Inc. Logo

Travel Nurses, Inc. Logo

Being Great Recruiters certified is a direct reflection of the agency's quality of recruiters. The certification is based on the reviews from the healthcare professionals they staff.

To earn this certification, agencies must meet the following criteria:

Active on Great Recruiters for at least 6 months

Have a system for gathering feedback via applicant tracking system (ATS) or weekly outreach

Maintain a 4.6+ Great Recruiters rating over the past 12 months.

At least 35 per cent of recruiters are Great Recruiters certified.

Public Great Recruiters profile linked from the agency homepage.

Review links included in recruiters' email signatures for open feedback.

"I am so proud of our entire team at Travel Nurses, Inc.," said Chief Executive Officer Bryan Burnett. "Not only do we have top-notch recruiters, but we also have an incredible clinical team, payroll team, credentialing team and benefits team. Everyone at Travel Nurses, Inc. interacts with our travelers. This certification is a reflection of everyone's hard work and commitment to the work we do."

Contact Information

Anna Joy Tamayo

Community and PR Manager

annajoy@travelnursesinc.com

901-347-0271

Catherine Knoll

Vice President of Marketing

catherine.knoll@travelnursesinc.com

901-425-1636





SOURCE: Travel Nurses Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
BEVERLY, Mass., Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Velico, Inc. has launched a groundbreaking collaboration with the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center (STBT), a subsidiary of San Antonio-based non-profit BioBridge Global and a recognized leader in prehospital transfusion. STBT has made history as the first U.S. civilian blood center to install Velico's FrontlineODP system for spray drying human plasma as part of Velico's Blood Center Education Program (BCEP).

Through its participation in BCEP, STB&T gains early access to Velico's innovative FrontlineODP Spray Dried Plasma System, providing the opportunity for hands on experience in evaluating its potential integration into routine blood component production. STB&T will also deliver valuable feedback on the system's commissioning process and operational performance.

The FrontlineODP system produces "on demand" spray dried plasma, a revolutionary solution for transfusion in environments where conventional plasma products (often frozen) are unavailable or logistically challenging to use. Velico's proprietary spray drying manufacturing process creates a powdered plasma product that is stable at ambient temperature, can be reconstituted with sterile water and is ready for transfusion in approximately 2  minutes. This technology is anticipated to transform plasma transfusion accessibility for:

First responders , including ground and air ambulances

, including ground and air ambulances Rural hospitals , which typically lack plasma inventory

, which typically lack plasma inventory Military applications, including battlefield applications

including battlefield applications Mass casualty events, where stockpiled plasma inventories provide rapid access

Richard Meehan, President and CEO of Velico Medical, expressed excitement about the collaboration with STBT on the Blood Center Education Program. He emphasized that the partnership aims to generate valuable insights for advancing best practices in service, supporting the future commercial launch of the FrontlineODP spray dried plasma system, and equipping customers for manufacturing readiness. "FrontlineODP has the potential to be a transformative, life-saving solution for emergency medical providers, with the capability to save thousands of lives annually," Meehan stated.

"Participating in the BCEP program provides us the opportunity to continue our history of firsts in serving bleeding patients and those who treat them in our region and across the country," says Audra Taylor, Executive Director of Blood Operations and former Division Chief of the Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP) for the Defense Health Agency. She adds, "I fully expect that FrontlineODP will enable us to provide life-saving plasma to many EMS and emergency medical providers currently unable to carry conventional liquid blood products due to logistical challenges and product availability."

Investigational device. Limited by Federal (or US) law to investigational use.

The FrontlineODP System is currently under investigation and has not received FDA approval for any indication.

Velico's development program has been funded in whole or in part with federal funds from the Department of Health and Human Services; Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, under contract number 75A50121C00059.

About Velico:

Velico, Inc. is a private US medical technology company, committed to the mission of eliminating preventable death from bleeding. Headquartered in Beverly, Massachusetts, USA. Velico personnel have substantial expertise and experience in transfusion medicine and medical device development. In support of its mission, Velico is developing partnerships with civilian, government and military blood center leadership, trauma surgeons, emergency medical physicians, military medics and first responders worldwide.

For more information visit veli.co

About South Texas Blood and Tissue Center:

South Texas Blood & Tissue supplies blood components to more than 100 hospitals in South Texas and supports tissue, research/new therapies, and umbilical cord blood/birth tissue donations.

The BioBridge Global family of nonprofits includes South Texas Blood & Tissue, QualTex Laboratories, GenCure and The Blood & Tissue Center Foundation. For 50 years, we have worked with the healthcare community to provide lifesaving therapies to patients and to support advances in advanced therapies.

For more information visit ImpactLife.org

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Wolfden Resources Corporation (TSXV:WLF) ("Wolfden"or the"Company")is pleased to announce that it has closed the sale of a 3,770 acre parcel (the "Severed Land") from its 6,862 acre timberland property in Maine for gross proceeds of $2.1 million (US$1.5 million) as per its announcement of January 20, 2025. The Severed Land is situated north of its wholly owned Pickett Project where Wolfden has retained 3,082 acres (the "Retained Land") that is host to a high grade polymetallic critical mineral deposit along with all mineral resources and known exploration upside.

As per the terms of the property sale agreement dated January 16, 2025, in respect of the Severed Land, Wolfden retains exclusive rights to explore and buy-back the mineral rights of the Severed Land for a period of five years.

In addition, Altius Royalty Corporation ("Altius"), who had purchased in 2022, an increase in its timber rights and carbon credits from 20% to 30%, along with the right to received the next US$1.5 million in timber proceeds from the 6,862 acre property in consideration for US$1.0 million, has amended its royalty agreement with the Company whereby Altius has forfeited its timber and carbon rights on the Severed Land for the following terms: 1) Altius will retain all of its timber rights and carbon credits on Wolfden's Retained Land, and 2) Altius shall hold an option, that expires January 16, 2030 to convert US$1.0 million (less any future timber harvest proceeds paid to Altius since January 2025) into common shares of the Company at a conversion price that is the greater of C$0.30 per share or the 20-day VWAP of common shares of the Company at the time of conversion, subject to Altius not holding more than 19.9% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company or being issued more than 10% of the number of outstanding common shares of the Company, and 3) Should Wolfden sell the Retained Lands at arm's length to a third party, Altius shall receive up to US$1.0 million from the sale proceeds (less any timber harvest proceeds plus any value converted into shares of the Company that Altius received since January 16, 2025). Should either option 2) or 3) occur, Altius will have forfeited its timber rights and carbon credits to the Retained Land. Altius's previous option to convert all of its Pickett Project royalties including minerals, timber and carbon credits, into common shares of the Company and cash, was not exercised and expired on November 15, 2023.

The Severed Land sale transaction is arm's length in nature and was settled in cash and may include up to a 2% finder's fee commission. The amendment to the Altius royalty agreement is considered not to be at arm's length as Altius owns more than 10% of the outstanding shares of the Company. The amendment is considered to be a "related party transaction" for the purposes of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") and is exempt from the formal valuation requirement pursuant to section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101 as the Company is not listed on a specified market within the meaning of MI 61-101 and furthermore, the amendment is exempt from the minority approval requirement pursuant to section 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 on the basis that neither the fair market value of the subject matter of, nor the fair market value of the consideration for, the amendment to the royalty agreement, insofar as it involves Altius, exceeds 25 per cent of the Issuer's market capitalization at the time of the amendment.

About Wolfden

Wolfden is a North American exploration and development company focused on high-margin metallic mineral deposits including precious, base, and strategic metals. It has two nickel sulphide deposits in Manitoba and one of the highest-grade polymetallic projects in the USA (Zn, Pb, Cu, Ag, Au) that represent significant development projects with the potential to be domestic sources of ethically produced base and critical metals in North America.

For further information please contact Ron Little, President & CEO at (807) 624-1136.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking information (within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation) that involves various risks and uncertainties regarding future events, including closing of the sale of the Severed Land and the potential for projects to be domestic sources of ethically produced base and critical metals for the expansion of renewable energy in North America. Such forward-looking information includes statements based on current expectations involving a number of risks and uncertainties and such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance of the Company, and include, without limitation, metal price assumptions, cash flow forecasts, permitting, land transactions, timber harvesting, community and other regulatory approvals, and the timing and completion of exploration programs in the USA, Manitoba, New Brunswick and the respective drill results. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and the Company's plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information in this news release, including without limitation, the following risks and uncertainties: (i) risks inherent in the mining industry; (ii) regulatory and environmental risks; (iii) results of exploration activities and development of mineral properties; (iv) risks relating to the estimation of mineral resources; (v) stock market volatility and capital market fluctuations; and (vi) general market and industry conditions. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. This forward-looking information is based on estimates and opinions of management on the date hereof and is expressly qualified by this notice. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed in the Company's disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada at www.sedar.com. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by applicable law.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Wolfden Resources Corp.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Onco-Innovations Limited (CSE:ONCO)(Frankfurt:W1H, WKN: A3EKSZ) ("Onco" or the "Company") is pleased to provide information on its licensed technology of a new class of PNKP (Polynucleotide Kinase 3'-Phosphatase) inhibitors (the "Technology") which has demonstrated, in a study[1], the ability to enhance the efficacy of cancer killing inhibitors, known as topoisomerase I poisons, in certain cancer treatments. By enhancing cancer cells' sensitivity to topoisomerase I poisons, this breakthrough technology shows the potential, through further research and development, to one day improve patient outcomes across certain cancers by making chemotherapy more effective while also directly inhibiting cancer cells' ability to repair their own DNA. This innovation holds the potential to become a promising and important part of the expanding global cancer therapy market.[2]

"Our Technology aims to address a critical challenge, which is to overcome drug resistance in cancer treatment and stop cancer cells from being able to repair themselves. With the goal of enhancing the sensitivity of cancer cells to existing therapies, we believe we can continue moving towards improving patient outcomes. That is what drives us in our journey to transform cancer care as we position Onco-Innovations as a key player in a rapidly growing multi-billion-dollar market," said Thomas O'Shaughnessy, CEO of the Company.

Topoisomerase I poisons work by disrupting the DNA replication process in cells, a critical step for cell division. Normally, the enzyme Topoisomerase enzymes cleave the hypercoiled segments of DNA, relax the DNA strands, and then reattach the cleaved ends, thereby allowing the transcription to progress.[3] When topoisomerase I poisons are introduced, they prevent the enzyme from reattaching cut ends, leading to breaks in the DNA that can cause cancer cells to die.[4] However, the challenge with topoisomerase I poisons is that cancer cells can sometimes activate their DNA repair mechanisms to fix the breaks caused by these drugs, which can reduce the overall effectiveness of the treatment. [5] This ability to repair the damage allows some cancer cells to survive and continue proliferating despite the therapy, leading to potential treatment resistance.[6]

Human polynucleotide kinase-phosphatase (PNKP) has been recognized as a crucial enzyme in the DNA repair process, particularly following damage caused by ionizing radiation (IR) or topoisomerase I poisons in multiple cancer types, including colorectal cancer (CRC). By targeting PNKP to make cancer cells more sensitive to these drugs, Onco-Innovations' Technology has shown promise in enhancing the effectiveness of these treatments, a therapeutic potential validated by various research groups[7]. This innovative approach holds the promise of one day potentially improving outcomes for patients undergoing cancer therapy. Unlike traditional treatments that often face limitations in targeting resistant cancer cell populations, the Technology has been shown in a study[8] to directly inhibit cancer cells' ability to repair their own DNA, a critical factor in their survival.

Conventional treatments frequently fail for several reasons. Radiation therapy, for instance, struggles with poor target definition and can be less effective in tumors that lack sufficient oxygen (hypoxia). Chemotherapy, meanwhile, often faces challenges related to poor drug delivery or the body's inability to properly metabolize the treatment. In both cases, cancer cells are notoriously adept at evading destruction, whether by developing resistance, down-regulating pathways that promote cell death, or through the high sensitivity of normal tissues to these therapies. The ability of cancer cells to repair DNA damage inflicted by these treatments is one of the key factors that allows them to survive and continue proliferating despite ongoing therapy.[9]

Onco's novel Technology holds promise in treating tumors that have previously shown resistance to conventional therapies, potentially offering a more effective solution for patients who have exhausted existing options. Moreover, by selectively targeting cancer cells' repair systems, the Technology could potentially minimize the harmful effects on normal tissues, with the goal of further improving patient outcomes. We note that the Company's plans with respect to the Technology include pursuing U.S. Federal Drug Administration Phase I trials, wit the aim of commencing the trials this year.

About Onco-Innovations Limited

Onco-Innovations is a Canadian-based company dedicated to cancer research and treatment, specializing in oncology. Onco's mission is to prevent and cure cancer through pioneering research and innovative solutions. The company has secured an exclusive worldwide license to patented groundbreaking technology that targets solid tumours, setting new standards in cancer treatment. Onco's commitment to excellence and innovation drives it to develop advanced therapies that improve patient outcomes and offer hope in the fight against cancer.

ON BEHALF OF ONCO-INNOVATIONS LIMITED,

"Thomas O'Shaughnessy"

Chief Executive Officer

For more information, please contact:

Thomas O'Shaughnessy

Chief Executive Officer

Tel: + 1 888 261 8055

investors@oncoinnovations.com

The CSE and Information Service Provider have not reviewed and do not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements Caution. This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the further development, potential commercialization and benefits of the Technology, the Company's ability to submit and complete U.S. FDA trials, and the prospects of the Company, and the Company's business and plans generally, and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "potential", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include the failure to further develop, prove out or commercialize the Technology, the failure to complete U.S. FDA clinical trials, the failure to receive regulatory approval in respect of the Technology, and other risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. 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. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by applicable law.

[1] Front. Oncol., 22 December 2021 Sec. Cancer Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Volume 11 - 2021 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2021.772920

[2] https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/market-insight/cancer-therapy-market-5335

[3] "All tangled up: how cells direct, manage and exploit topoisomerase function" in Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2011 Nov 23;12(12):827-41. doi: 10.1038/nrm3228. See Section Type IA: single-stranded 'strand-passage' enzymes.

[4] Managing DNA's topology to keep genes active. Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute. 2017. Available at: https://ccr.cancer.gov/news/milestones-2017/article/managing-dnas-topology-keep-genes-active.

[5] "Topoisomerase I inhibition in colorectal cancer: biomarkers and therapeutic targets." British journal of cancer vol. 106,1 (2012): 18-24. doi:10.1038/bjc.2011.498

[6] "Survival of the fittest: cancer stem cells in therapeutic resistance and angiogenesis." Journal of clinical oncology: official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology vol. 26,17 (2008): 2839-45.

[7]Nano-Delivery of a Novel Inhibitor of Polynucleotide Kinase/Phosphatase (PNKP) for Targeted Sensitization of Colorectal Cancer to Radiation-Induced DNA Damage" in Frontiers in Oncology. Volume 11, 2021 Dec 22 11:772920

[8] Front. Oncol., 22 December 2021 Sec. Cancer Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Volume 11 - 2021 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2021.772920

[9] "Cancer chemotherapy and beyond: Current status, drug candidates, associated risks and progress in targeted therapeutics" in Genes & Diseases, Volume 10, Issue 4, July 2023: pp. 1367-1401

SOURCE: Onco-Innovations Limited

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Costa Rican companies strengthen their position in Europe and explore emerging markets.

As of November 2024, this sector exported $80 million to markets such as the United States, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany.

ESSEN, Germany, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- After more than 15 years of positioning the supply of ornamental plants at the IPM Essen fair in Germany, Costa Rica consolidates its leadership in the sector by participating once again in this important global showcase. From January 28 to 31, the Trade and Investment Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER) and a delegation of 11 companies are looking for new business opportunities for our country.

With more than 36,000 visitors from 43 countries, IPM Essen is the ideal event to showcase the diversity and quality of Costa Rica's offer. In addition, it is a strategic space to explore trends and close deals in traditional European markets, as well as in some emerging ones such as the Middle East.

According to data from PROCOMER, at the end of November 2024, the Costa Rican ornamental plant sector reached exports of more than $80 million, with main destinations such as the United States, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. Europe, in particular, is positioned as a strategic market, with high demand in leading import countries such as those mentioned.

Mario Saenz, Export Development Manager of the Promoter, said:

"For more than 15 years, our participation in IPM Essen has been key to the internationalization of the ornamental plants sector. This event is vital to consolidate our presence in Europe, the second most important market for our exports, and explore new horizons in high-net-worth markets such as the Middle East. "

The essential COSTA RICA booth brings together companies from regions such as Occidente, Sarapiqui, Guacimo and Pococi. The offer that is promoted includes a wide variety of products, from ficus of different species to allocasias, zamioculcas and Phalaenopsis orchids, all recognized for their exceptional quality and sustainable practices, aligned with the values of the Country Brand.

Among the participants is Agro Orchids, which for the first time joins this outstanding fair, Federico Gil de Agro Orchids , its General Manager, commented: "With more than 20 years of experience, we specialize in the production and export of Phalaenopsis orchids to more than 15 countries. Participating in IPM Essen for the first time represents an invaluable opportunity to connect directly with suppliers and new potential customers, expand our presence in the international market and strengthen our productive capacity to meet global demands. "

During the fair, Costa Rican companies will be able to meet with major international buyers such as Adomex, Anthura, Royal Flora Holland and Florensis, as well as analyze the latest trends in the world market, such as new varieties and sustainability requirements.

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ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA / ACCESS Newswire / January 30, 2025 / Barton Gold Holdings Limited (ASX:BGD) (Barton or the Company) advises that an updated corporate presentation has been released to the market reflecting, among others:

A new high-grade silver discovery at the Tarcoola Gold Project's (Tarcoola) Tolmer prospect; and

Barton's recently published Quarterly Activities Report, reflecting $3.7m revenues and an increase to corporate cash of $9.2 million as at 13 January 2025.

A copy of this presentation can be accessed on the ASX website, the investor section of Barton's website, or directly by clicking here.

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. *

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
aligned founders

Aligned, a Tel Aviv, Israel-based creator of a digital sales room improving the buyer-vendor workflow from start to post-sale, raised $8M in Series A funding.

The round was led by JAL Ventures, with participation from existing investors NFX, Hetz Ventures, and CROs from other SaaS companies.

The company intends to use the funds to expand its AI capabilities, providing prospects with advanced tools to navigate the modern digital sales landscape.

Founded in 2021 by Yotam Sela (CTO), Gal Deitsch (CPO), and Gal Aga (CEO), Aligned is a Digital Sales Room that streamlines buyer-seller workflows and standardizes the buying experience. It fosters collaboration between sales teams and buyers, enhances communication, empowers buyer champions, and improves stakeholder alignment. This enables revenue teams to execute a consistent process that results in more deals.

In 2024, Aligned saw rapid growth, with 60 percent of its new customers driven by word-of-mouth on social media and 30 percent by product virality. This has led to over 30,000 users across more than 450 customers, including Deel, SimilarWeb, Productboard, and Chili Piper.

The company has raised $14M raised in total funding, and it has over 25,000 users.

FinSMEs

30/01/2025
Kodesage, a Budapest, Hungary-based startup specializing in AI-powered solutions for legacy software modernization, raised 2.3M in Pre-Seed funding.

The round was led by PortfoLion Capital Partners, and with participation from angel investors, including former UiPath executives.

The company intends to use the funds to accelerate platform development.

Co-founded by Gergely Dombi and Miklos Szurdi, who built Sonrisa, a 300-person consultancy specializing in legacy systems, and also led by Gyorgy Szilagyi, who adds expertise in creating secure, enterprise-grade software, Kodesage provides an AI-powered platform that streamlines modernization, accelerates employee onboarding, while ensuring compliance and data security for enterprises. The company simplifies code navigation by providing the essential guidance needed to upgrade complex legacy systems without any prior knowledge of the project. Built enterprise-first, the platform supports on-premise and even air-gapped deployments, ensuring compliance and data security. Key benefits include:

Maintenance and preparation for migrations: Simplifying the maintenance of legacy systems and streamlining transformation projects as organizations execute lift-and-shift migrations.

Simplifying the maintenance of legacy systems and streamlining transformation projects as organizations execute lift-and-shift migrations. Automated documentation: Always up-to-date documentation that meets compliance requirements and lets engineers focus on building new solutions.

Always up-to-date documentation that meets compliance requirements and lets engineers focus on building new solutions. Accelerated onboarding: New team members can quickly grasp complicated systems through AI solutions that can take the role of an experienced engineer when explaining and mapping codebases.

FinSMEs

30/01/2025
Oxyle, a Zurich, Switzerland-based company providing PFAS contamination solutions, raised $16M in funding.

The round was led by 360 Capital, with participation from Axeleo Capital and returning investors Founderful and SOSV.

The company intends to use the funds to expand operations and its development efforts.

Co-founded by Fajer Mushtaq and Silvan Staufert, Oxyle is a developer a system that destroys PFAS molecules. The systems three-stage process combines foam fractionation, catalytic destruction, and real-time monitoring powered by machine learning  all housed in a modular system that eliminates the need for secondary waste disposal through incineration or landfilling.

The company has a team of 26, and completed over 20 customer projects. With revenue-generating customer pilots conducted already and its first commercial installation operational, Oxyle is now securing multiple-year treatment contracts for 2025 and beyond.

FinSMEs

30/01/2025
Rad AI, a San Francisco, CA-based healthcare AI company, raised $60M in Series C funding, at $525M valuation.

The round was led by Transformation Capital, with participation from existing investors Khosla Ventures, World Innovation Lab, UP2398, Kickstart Fund, OCV Partners, Cone Health and others.

The company intends to use the funds to expand operations and R&D efforts.

Led by CEO Doktor Gurson, Rad AI specializes in generative AI solutions for radiology. Its flagship product, Rad AI Reporting, streamlines radiology reporting with AI-driven technology. Rad AI Impressions offers generative AI for radiology and is now used by thousands of US radiologists. In addition. Rad AI Continuity uses AI to help ensure patient follow-up for potential new cancers.

This round followed a $50M Series B funding.

FinSMEs

30/01/2025
The contempt finding marks at least the third time a US judge has ruled that a close associate of Byjus founder, Byju Raveendran, has violated court orders amid an ongoing legal battle between the company and lenders owed more than $1.2 billion read more

A US federal judge has found two executives linked to troubled Indian ed-tech firm Byjus in contempt of court, imposing daily fines of $25,000 for failing to comply with a court order.

Byjus manager, Vinay Ravindra, and company associate, Rajendran Vellapalath, were found in violation after they refused to answer questions regarding their roles in allegedly diverting software, cash, and other assets from Byjus US businesses, which are under court supervision, according to a ruling Wednesday by US Bankruptcy Judge Brendan Linehan Shannon in Delaware, Bloomberg reported.

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Vellapalaths tech firm, Voizzit Information Technology, also violated a court order by filing a lawsuit in India to seize control of assets belonging to Byjus US subsidiaries, Epic! Creations and Tangible Play.

Since those companies are under the jurisdiction of a US bankruptcy court, attempting to claim their assets in foreign courts is unlawful, the judge ruled.

The contempt finding marks at least the third time a US judge has ruled that a close associate of Byjus founder, Byju Raveendran, has violated court orders amid an ongoing legal battle between the company and lenders owed more than $1.2 billion.

Last year, Raveendrans brother, Riju Ravindran, and hedge fund founder William C. Morton were also sanctioned after refusing to answer questions about $533 million in loan proceeds that lenders have been attempting to track. They avoided penalties in part by appearing in court.

Vellapalath and Voizzit plan to address the contempt ruling immediately, their attorney Maureen Abbey Scorese, said in a statement.

Our clients intention has always been to act in good faith, and we are taking immediate steps to ensure that any concerns raised by the court are addressed promptly and effectively, Bloomberg quoted Scorese as saying. The entities in question are established, reputable companies, and we hope that the business operations will be back on track soon.

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A Byjus representative did not respond to a request for comment on the ruling against Ravindra.

Federal contempt of court rulings are uncommon, particularly in US bankruptcy proceedings, where defendants typically comply to avoid costly daily fines.

US lenders have been seeking to liquidate Byjus US education software businesses, which the company acquired for $820 million. Byjus, once a high-profile Indian startup, has since filed for bankruptcy in India after defaulting on debt obligations to US creditors.

In a related development, an Indian business court ruled in favor of the lenders Wednesday, reinstating their agent, Glas Trust Co., to a key creditors committee in Byjus insolvency proceedings. The court also determined that a restructuring official had improperly removed Glas Trust from the committee last year and ordered an investigation into the officials actions.

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This ruling upholds the rule of law in India, demonstrates that no one is above being held to account, and helps reaffirm international investors confidence in the countrys legal framework, the lenders said in a statement.

Vellapalath previously testified via video from Dubai, claiming that Voizzit, not Byjus, owns Epic! and Tangible Play. He argued that because Voizzit loaned Byjus more than $100 million in 2023, it had the right to take control of the US subsidiaries.

However, the judge overseeing the Epic! bankruptcy case dismissed the claim, stating he did not find Mr. Vellapalath to be credible.

Raveendran has denied any wrongdoing, arguing that his actions were a necessary response to aggressive tactics by creditors specialising in distressed companies.

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The accused Mohammad Shariful Islam (30) was produced before the Bandra magistrate court at the end of his police custody read more

A court here on Wednesday refused the city police custody of the Bangladeshi national arrested for allegedly stabbing actor Saif Ali Khan, and sent him in judicial remand noting that there was no fresh ground to extend his police custody.

The Bandra magistrates court after perusing the application submitted by the police seeking further custody said no fresh ground was made out.

Further police custody, at least at this stage, is not justified, said Judicial Magistrate (First Class) Komal Sing Rajput.

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Citing the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita provisions, the court told the investigating officer that if there was any new development, police can again seek the accuseds custody for the remaining period within permissible time.

As per the new criminal laws, police can seek a persons custody for up to 15 days. It can be at a stretch, or in parts during a period of 40 or 60 days from the arrest, depending on the severity of the offense.

The accused  Mohammad Shariful Islam (30)  was produced before the Bandra magistrate court at the end of his police custody.

Islam allegedly broke into the 12th-storey residence of actor couple Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan in the upscale Bandra area with the intention of robbery in the early hours of January 16. When confronted by Saif (54), the accused allegedly stabbed him multiple times and fled.

He was arrested on January 19 from neighbouring Thane.

Islams father in Bangladesh, however, claimed that the man seen in the CCTV footage of the staircase of the actors building was not his son, who he said has been falsely implicated.

On Wednesday, the police pleaded for extension of the accuseds remand saying he was yet to come clean about the persons who helped him enter India illegally, and was providing incomplete information about his financial transactions.

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A police team was sent to conduct investigation in Kolkata and statements of relevant individuals were recorded, the prosecution told the court.

The CCTV footage of Saif Ali Khans building and photograph of the accused have been sent to a forensic science laboratory for running facial recognition tests, it said.

The clothes worn by the accused while committing the crime and during his escape, the weapon and the tools used in the crime, a gamcha (towel) and a bag have been sent to the forensic laboratory for chemical analysis, the court was told.

The people who helped Islam enter India from Bangladesh were yet to be traced, the police said.

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As the crime was of serious nature, it requires a thorough investigation and hence the police should be granted further remand of the accused, the application said.

Defence lawyers Dinesh Prajapati and Sandeep Sherkhane opposed the plea, saying the probe relating to the accused was complete.

The court, after hearing both the sides, noted that the record reflected that the investigation was over, and there was no fresh ground for custody.

As per the police, the accused changed his name from Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad to Bijoy Das after entering India.

Saif Ali Khan who underwent an emergency surgery after the knife attack was discharged from the hospital after five days.

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According to reports, in 2022, because of Charles Sobhrajs age and declining health, Nepalese authorities released him. On December 23, 2022, he criminal returned to France as a free man. read more

Netflixs Black Warrant talks about Charles Sobhraj. The role of Sobhraj is played by Sidhant Gupta. Undoubtedly one of the most charming men with a sharp mind was like a serpent.

Charles Sobhraj was born on 6 April 1944 in Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam). His real name was Hotchand Bhawnani Gurmukh Sobhraj. According to several reports which made headlines, he was serial killer, fraudster, and thief who preyed on Western tourists travelling on the hippie trail of South Asia during the 1970s. He was known as the Bikini Killer because of the attire of several of his victims, as well as the Splitting Killer and the Serpent for his snake-like ability to avoid detection by authorities.

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Sobrajs criminal record

Sidhant Gupta plays the role of Charles Sobraj. As per reports, Sobhraj murdered at least 20 tourists in South and Southeast Asia, including 14 in Thailand. He was convicted and jailed in India from 1976 to 1997. After his release he returned to France. Sobhraj went to Nepal in 2003, where he was arrested, tried, and given a life sentence. On 21 December 2022, the Supreme Court of Nepal ordered his release from prison because of his old age, after he had served 19 years of his prison term. On 23 December, he was released and deported to France.

Black Warrant: Confessions of a Tihar Jailer by jailer Sunil Kumar Gupta and journalist Sunetra Choudhury, the series chronicles the true story of a prison officers 35-year journey through one of Indias most infamous correctional facilities.

Sunil Kumar Gupta on Charles Sobhraj

In an earlier chat with The Lallantop, Sunil Kumar Gupta, who also co-authored the book Black Warrant with journalist Sunetra Choudhury, recalled his experiences with Charles Sobhraj.

Gupta said, He was known as the lady killer and sometimes, I wondered that if I was a lady, he couldve taken advantage of me. The way he spoke, there was a charm to it. He had a beautiful face, sharp eyes.

Sunil mentioned that Sobhraj operated out of Goa and would start by befriending female foreigners. He could charm any woman and age was no bar. After developing a friendship with them, he would call them for dinner, drug them, rape them and then run away with all their belongings. He was a brutal man.

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WATCH the trailer of Netflixs Black Warrant here:

(With added inputs from agencies)
Tragedy struck the skies on Wednesday night (January 29) when American Airlines flight 5342 collided with a US army helicopter  a Blackhawk  and crashed into the Potomac River. So far, 18 bodies have been recovered from the cold, dark waters as over 300 rescue officials race against time to find more victims. But what exactly happened? read more

Emergency response teams including Washington, DC Fire and EMS, DC Police and others, assess airplane wreckage in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington Airport in Arlington, Virginia. An American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas collided with a helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport. AFP

In 1982, an Air Florida flight plunged into the frozen Potomac River in Washington, DC. Now, 43 years later, on Wednesday night (January 29), an American Airlines jet crashed into the Potomac once again after suffering a mid-air collision with a helicopter near Reagan National Airport.

The tragedy in the skies has led the Reagan National Airport to remain closed until 11 am (local time), said president and CEO of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.

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Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, who has been briefed on the deadly mid-air collision, said: May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders.

But what happened? What caused the collision? What do eyewitnesses have to say? What has been the impact of the crash? We get you everything we know so far.

What we know of American Airlines Flight 5342

Around 9 pm (local time), American Airlines flight 5342 was travelling towards Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Virginia at an altitude of about 400 feet and a speed of about 140 miles an hour when it suffered a rapid loss of altitude over the Potomac River. The flight, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, had departed from Wichita, Kansas earlier.

Minutes before the plane was scheduled to land at Reagan National Airport, air traffic controllers asked the arriving commercial jet if it could land on the shorter runway 33 at Reagan National and the pilots said they were able.

Minutes later, the plane plunged into the Potomac River with law enforcement and the Federal Aviation Administration confirming the same around 9.30 pm local time.

A mid-air collision with US army helicopter

The crash into the Potomac River occurred when the American Airlines flight collided in mid-air with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter  also known as a Black Hawk  while on approach to the runway at Reagan.

The Black Hawk, carrying a crew of three, was on a training flight at the time of the crash, Joint Task Force-National Capital Region media chief Heather Chairez told CNN. It was later revealed that the copter came out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

It is now emerging that the helicopter gave no audio response when informed of the plane. Less than 30 seconds before the crash, an air traffic controller asks the helicopter if it has the arriving plane in sight: PAT25, do you have the CRJ in sight?

The controller makes another radio call to PAT25 moments later: PAT 25 pass behind the CRJ.

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The two aircraft collide seconds later.

The audio from flight tracking sites doesnt record any response from the helicopter, if any, to the warnings from air traffic control.

Seconds after the collision, another pilot is heard calling, Tower, did you see that, an apparent reference to the two planes bumping into each other in the air.

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A person looks on from the bank of the Potomac River as emergency service vehicles operate near the site of the crash after American Airlines flight 5342 collided with a helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and crashed in the Potomac River. Reuters

Eyewitnesses recount the horror

As the American Airlines plane crashed into the US army helicopter, eyewitnesses looked on with horror. Ari Schulman, who was driving home near the airport, told NBC News, You can always see these planes lined up to land. I always look at them when Im driving home because its just a really interesting, kind of an elegant sight.

However, this time it was anything but that. He said he saw what looked like a plane roughly 120 to 150 feet in the air preparing to land but then looked back moments later and saw that it looked very, very wrong.

It looked to me like a giant Roman candle, sparks shooting from the head of the plane down to the tail. I saw that for about two seconds, Schulman said, adding that he initially wondered whether he had hallucinated the crash, but then he began seeing emergency vehicles.

Another local, identified as Jimmy Mazeo, said he saw the crash while having dinner with his girlfriend at a park near the airport. He told the BBC he saw something similar to a white flare in the sky. He said planes flying into Ronald Reagan Airport appeared to have been flying in irregular patterns. Mazeo said he did not think much of what he saw until emergency services started arriving at the scene.

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A boat works the scene in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport after the American Airlines flight had a mid-air collision with a US army helicopter. AP

Casualties as search-and-rescue operations begin

Minutes after the collision occurred and both  the American Airlines plane and the helicopter  crashed into the Potomac, search-and-rescue operations began, with around 300 responders being at the scene. The plane is reported to be in roughly seven feet of water, and the helicopter is upside down in the water.

However, DC Fire and EMS Chief John A Donnelly Sr has pointed out that the situation looks grim as the conditions are cold, dark, and windy. In a press conference, he said, The challenges are access. The water that were operating in is about eight feet deep. There is wind, there are pieces of ice out there. So, its just dangerous and hard to work in.

And because theres not a lot of lights, youre out there searching every square inch of space to see if you can find anybody, he said.

A law enforcement source also told CNN that it was hard to make out what they were seeing. The plane, they said, was in several pieces.

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Emergency services operate at Gravelly Point, after an airplane collided with a helicopter while approaching Reagan Washington National Airport and crashed in the Potomac River. Reuters

As of now, theres no official count on the casualties in the crash. AP quoting a source said that there were multiple fatalities. However, CBS News reported that 18 bodies have been pulled from the water so far.

The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) dive team has also arrived at the crash site at the Potomac River and will assist in locating victims in the waters.

Meanwhile, an investigation has also been launched to ascertain what exactly caused the crash. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said on X that the Pentagon and the Army are investigating the crash. Hegseth wrote that the investigation was launched immediately.

A separate probe will also be carried out by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), with the latter leading it.

Official Speak

Following the collision, Donald Trump said he was monitoring the situation and expressed his condolences for the lives lost.

Later, he said that the mid-air collision was a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. On his own social media platform, Truth Social, the US president wrote, The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time. It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didnt the helicopter go up or down, or turn. Why didnt the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane.

This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!! he added.

A woman prays from a dock in Alexandria, Virginia after a plane on approach to Reagan National Airport crashed into the Potomac River. AFP

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has assured that his department would provide all the assistance possible to the rescue operations as well as the investigation. I have spoken with Washington DC Mayor Bowser, Virginia Governor Youngkin, Kansas Governor Kelly and NTSB Chair Homendy to offer our agencys complete assistance, he added. Thank you to all first responders who are on the scene and conducting the search and rescue operations.

Meanwhile, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom has expressed deep sorrow over the incident. He added the airline is coordinating with local, state and federal authorities and cooperating fully with the National Transportation Safety Board investigation. Anything we can do, we are doing, Isom stated.

With inputs from agencies
Elizabeth Struhs, eight, died of diabetic ketoacidosis in 2022 at her family home in Queensland after her parents and other members of a cult-like religious group withdrew her life-saving medication. Now, all of these 14 people have been found guilty of manslaughter read more

All 14 members of a fringe religious sect in Australia have been found guilty of manslaughter for the killing of an eight-year-old diabetic girl by withholding lifesaving medicine. Her father, Jason Struhs, and the leader of the church Brendan Stevens were on trial for murder but were convicted of the lesser charge of manslaughter.

Elizabeth Rose Struhs died at her familys home in Toowoomba on Queenslands Darling Downs on January 7, 2022. Her father called the ambulance 36 hours after her death, telling others that though God would still raise Elizabeth, they could not leave a corpse in the house, the ruling said.

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Lets take a closer look.

The tragic life and death of Elizabeth Struhs

Elizabeth Struhs was just shy of her ninth birthday before her death as the 14 members of a small home-based church, including her parents, took her off insulin believing that God would heal her.

She died of diabetic ketoacidosis four days after her father, Jason Struhs, stopped administering the insulin needed for her type 1 diabetes.

On January 1, 2022, Jason stopped giving Elizabeth medication. He told the police this was what she wanted, reported The Guardian.

By January 3, she was taken entirely off insulin after which Elizabeth stopped talking and could not go to the toilet herself. Eventually, she stopped speaking. The young girl died on January 7.

Prosecutor Caroline Marco told the Supreme Court of Queensland during the trial that began in July last year, She was described as speaking little, needing help going to the toilet, and being incontinent.

Marco added that the girl would have suffered from vomiting, extreme lethargy, and a loss of consciousness, reported BBC.

Jason called emergency services 36 hours after his daughters death. Police who reached shortly afterwards heard the church members praying for her resurrection and singing hymns.

The father told the police that day on January 8, Im not jumping up and down in joy, but Im at peace  I gave my little girl what she wanted. And I expect God to look after her.

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When Elizabeth Struhs almost died in 2019

This was not the first time that Elizabeths family neglected her ill health. Her mother, Kerrie Struhs, who was a devout member of the cult-like religious sect The Saints for 17 years, was jailed in 2021 for refusing to seek medical help for her daughter when her life was in danger in 2019.

Jason took his daughter to the hospital going against his wifes beliefs whose strong faith in the Saints made her oppose medical intervention.

As per BBC, the young girl, weighing just 15kg, was admitted to the hospital in a diabetic coma.

Elizabeth Rose Struhs was denied life-saving insulin. Representational Image/Pixabay

At the time, doctors said that Elizabeth, who was six then, would have died within minutes had her father not taken her to the hospital, The Telegraph reported.

The young girl was then diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, and her family was informed she would need daily insulin injections.

Jason and Kerrie were both charged over the incident. However, the father, who testified against his wife, was handed a suspended sentence after pleading guilty.

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Kerrie, who pleaded not guilty, was sentenced to imprisonment for five months.

Jason was then left to look after the family and administer insulin to Elizabeth four times a day  which he found draining and difficult, as per news.com.au.

Jason Struhs, who did not believe in God at all, converted in August 2021 after a verbal brawl with his son Zachary Struhs and counselling by the other members of the religious group, reported The Guardian.

Prosecutors said Jason, 53, was pressured by the religious sect to adhere to its extreme beliefs.

The trial

On Wednesday (January 29), Queensland Supreme Court Justice Martin Burns cleared Jason and The Saints group leader Brendan Stevens, 63, of murder.

Elizabeths mother Kerrie, 49, and her brother Zachary, 22, were among the 12 other members of the religious sect found guilty of manslaughter.

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The members of the group denied pressuring Jason to adopt their extreme beliefs. They also told the police repeatedly they believed Elizabeth would rise from the dead, reported Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

Jason told police: There were no feelings of oh well, that didnt work.

I have to be patient. I have to keep praying. I didnt sit there and think that I had killed my daughter, I was thinking that she was in a better place now, he said.

Days after the young girls death, police asked Elizabeths mother, What do you think might have happened if she wasnt taken to hospital the first time?

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I believe she would have got better and didnt need any medical assistance at all, she replied.

When asked how she felt about her daughters death, Kerrie replied she was upset but it would not make her lose her faith in God.

Im not ever going to think hes failed, Kerrie said, as per ABC. He can still bring her back, it doesnt matter where her body is, he can still raise her up and thats what we still expect.

Announcing the verdict, Justice Martin Burns said that Jason Struhs and Stevens could not be convicted of murder as prosecutors had not proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the duo intended to kill Elizabeth.

He said there was a possibility in the cloistered atmosphere of the church which enveloped [him] and which only intensified once he [Jason] made the decision to cease the administration of insulin, he was so consumed by the particular belief in the healing power of God  that he never came to the full realisation Elizabeth would probably die.

As per The Telegraph, Elizabeths older sister, Jayde Struhs, who left the family years ago and gave evidence about The Saintss dangerous beliefs during the trial, welcomed the verdicts but raised questions about Queenslands child protection policies.

Not a moment has gone by that I havent thought about my little sister Elizabeth, Struhs said outside court.

We are only here today because more wasnt done sooner to protect her or remove her from an incredibly unsafe situation in her own home.

With inputs from agencies
A new initiative in California to leave the US and become an independent country is gathering momentum. Whats this measure all about? And is it possible for a state to exit the union? read more

The Golden Gate Bridge stands in front of the San Francisco skyline in Sausalito, California. A new initiative to place a measure on the ballot that would ask Californian voters to approve the state's secession from the US has been greenlit for signature gathering. AFP

Donald Trump wants to make Canada the 51st American state. He has eyes on Greenland. But amid all this, one state does not want to be part of the US. California wants to leave.

The idea of the Golden State becoming a country of its own is not new. It even became a nation for 25 days following the Bear Flag Revolt of 1846 and celebrates it to this day.

But why does California want to leave the US? And is it possible?

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What is Calexit, Californias plan to leave the US?

California has been part of the United States for 175 years. Now a new bid to secede from the country is gathering momentum.

A ballot initiative is asking voters if the state should become an independent country. It was cleared by the California Secretary of States office to start collecting signatures. According to Shirley Weber, the measure must receive more than 50,000 signatures by late July.

The proponent of the measure, Marcus Evans, must collect signatures of 546,651 registered voters (five per cent of the total votes cast for Governor in the November 2022 general election) for the measure to become eligible for the ballot, says a press note from Webers office released on January 23. It would place the following question on the November 2028 ballot: Should California leave the United States and become a free and independent country?

People walk along a park trail overlooking the Kern River Oil Field in Californias Bakersfield. The state is a Democratic stronghold. File photo/Reuters

At least 50 per cent of registered voters are expected to participate in the election and 55 per cent have to vote yes. Once voters give a go-ahead, it would constitute a vote of no confidence in the United States of America and an expression of the will of the people of California to become an independent country. However, this would not change Californias current government or relationship with the United States, according to the Secretary of States office.

Before the vote, California would need to create a 20-member state commission to study if the state is viable to be an independent country by 2027 and publish a report the next year. Fiscal analysis from the Legislative Analysts office estimates that this bid would cost California $10 million in terms of election expenditures and the formation of the commission. It would take $2 million annually to run the commission.

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Can California break away from the US?

There is no legal way for California to secede from the US. The American Constitution has no such provision.

The California state constitution says that it is an inseparable part of the United States of America. It also says that the US Constitution is a supreme law of the land, which means that the state cannot supersede it.

Constitutional expert David A Carrillo, director of the California Constitution Center at UC Berkeley Law School, criticised the secession as impossible and unconstitutional.Even if this [ballot measure] passes, theres virtually no way it can result in California leaving the union, he told ABC10.

Why does California want independence?

A survey by YouGov in February found that 29 per cent of Californians said theyd support seceding from the United States.

California, which is a Democratic state, is disgruntled with Donald Trump. And this is not the first time. A proposal for the state to secede came up after Trumps election victory in 2016  the one originally called Calexit, inspired by Brexit.

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Evans, who was part of the initiative, feels that they have a better chance now than they did back then. He also spoke about Trumps return to the White House despite two impeachments and federal prosecutions.

We believe that now is the best time to Calexit - NOW we are better situated to make Calexit happen than in 2016, Evans, who faces a deadline of July 22 to gather signatures for the bid, told CBS News.

Activists protest against Donald Trump in San Diego, California in March 2018. The US president has been a vocal critic of the state. File photo/Reuters

Some Californians also believe that the wildfires have brought them together but they dont feel close to the country. If what I see coming down the pike from the current (Trump) administration, if it goes in the direction that I think its going to go, I think that seceding is something that needs to be considered, Michael Bryant, 56, whose girlfriends house in Malinu was burned down, told _USA TODA_Y.

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It doesnt help that a recent Los Angeles Times survey found 48 per cent of Republicans believe California is not really American. Trumps constant threat about putting conditions on aid for the Los Angeles Wildfires is disheartening. Theyre telling us they dont see us as Americans, thats why its okay to talk about cutting us off from funds when people are dead and homeless [from the wildfires], Evans said.

According to Chris Micheli, a McGeorge School of Law professor and a California Capitol inside, Trumps recent actions could help proponents of secession gather signatures. I think a proposal like this becomes more mainstream and takes on more legs the more that Californians feel disenfranchised or otherwise at odds with what is going on at the federal level, he was quoted as saying by ABC10.

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Firefighters battle fire as the Hughes Fire burns in Castaic Lake, California, on January 22. Trump has threatened to withhold wildfire aid for the state. Reuters

Why is Trump a big concern for California?

Donald Trump has been a vocal critic of California, the most populous state in the US, and has been at loggerheads with Governor Gavin Newsom. The president is Republican, while the governor is an outspoken Democratic leader. Many Republicans considered California a failed state and while leaders put their differences behind them once they become presidents, Trump has had his reservations.

After the deadly wildfires that ravaged the state, Trump blamed the governor and accused him of neglecting water restoration efforts. In his first interview on Fox News, he labelled the California governor as radical left and said he looked like an idiot on immigration policy. He also repeated the false claim that firefighters had no access to water to douse the raging LA fires.

Newsom too has hit back at Trump, accusing him of fuelling hurricane-force winds of misinformation.

Trump and Newsom have also crossed paths over aid. During the Fox News interview, the president said, I dont think we should give California anything until they let water flow down from the north to the south.

US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania speak with California Governor Gavin Newsom at Los Angeles Airport on January 24. Potus and Melania were in the city to visit areas ravaged by wildfires. AP

Newsome probably knew what was coming. During Bidens last few days in office, the state secured an unusual amount of emergency federal aid to cover the full cost of fire management and debris removal for 180 days when the standard immediate coverage is typically 75 per cent of those costs, reports The Guardian.

On 16 January, the California governor also wrote a letter to congressional leaders, Our long national history of responding to natural disasters, no matter where they occur, has always been Americans helping Americans, full stop.

There were tensions between Newsom and Trumps transition team before the inauguration. They did not respond to a letter from the governor inviting the Republican leader to visit, reports CNN. Days after his inauguration, Potus and First Lady Melania decided to tour the areas ravaged by wildfires in Los Angeles. The White House did not invite Newsom to visit when Air Force One landed. Yet the governor showed up and it seemed like it was all in the past. Even Trumps Newscum remark.

But there is too much history. Newsome has been critical of Trumps Covid response in 2020. He was a big backer of Joe Biden and then put his weight behind Kamala Harris. And, the governors ex-wife was engaged to the presidents son Donald Trump Jr. She is still close to the First Family and is now set to serve as US ambassador to Greece.

Yes, its complicated. The Trump and California relationship might be rocky. But seems like there is no way out.

With inputs from agencies
China is reportedly building a laser-ignited nuclear fusion research centre that it could use to develop nuclear weapons design and explore power generation. As Beijing expands its nuclear capabilities, should India take note? read more

China is reportedly constructing a laser-ignited fusion research centre in the southwestern city of Mianyang at a large scale. This facility could be utilised to develop nuclear weapons design and explore power generation, as per a Reuters news agency report.

Beijing has so far remained tight-lipped about building this nuclear fusion facility. The news agencys report comes at a time when China took a big step ahead in its journey of creating a fusion-based nuclear reactor in the future after its artificial sun reactor achieved a sustained plasma temperature exceeding 100 million degrees Celsius for a record 1,066 seconds, roughly 18 minutes.

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Should Chinas nuclear capabilities be a concern for India? Lets take a look.

China building nuclear fusion research centre

China is building a fusion research centre similar to the US National Ignition Facility (NIF) in Northern California.

Decker Eveleth, a researcher at US-based independent research organisation CNA Corporation, told Reuters that satellite images show four outlying arms to house laser bays, and a central experiment bay for a target chamber holding hydrogen isotopes.

The powerful lasers will fuse these hydrogen isotopes, generating energy.

The layout of this facility is identical to the $3.5 billion US NIF. According to Eveleth, the experiment bay at the Chinese centre is about 50 per cent bigger than the one at NIF, which is currently the largest.

In 2022, scientists at the NIF announced a milestone by producing a fusion reaction that released more energy than it consumed.

US arms control envoy Marshall Billingslea revealed satellite images of Chinas growth of nuclear weapons support facilities in November 2020.

It also had pictures of Mianyang showing a cleared plot of land labelled new research or production areas since 2010.

As per the Reuters report, this plot is the site of the fusion research centre, called the Laser Fusion Major Device Laboratory.

What it means

Researchers can study how igniting fusion fuel can one day result in generating fusion energy, a clean power source using hydrogen.

Chinas new fusion research centre does not pose a threat to the US.

Beijing has tested 45 nuclear weapons, far less than the US 1,054.

While nuclear explosions are banned under the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, subcritical explosive tests and laser fusion research, known as inertial confinement fusion, are allowed. China does not have a large data set for subcritical and laser fusion experiments.

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I dont think it would make an enormous difference. And so  Im not concerned about China getting ahead of us in terms of their nuclear facilities, Siegfried Hecker, former director of Los Alamos National Laboratory, a key US nuclear weapons research facility said to Reuters.

However, there is a reason to be concerned as China could use the fusion research facility to improve nuclear weapons design.

Any country with an NIF-type facility can and probably will be increasing their confidence and improving existing weapons designs, and facilitating the design of future bomb designs without testing the weapons themselves, William Alberque, a nuclear policy analyst at the Henry L Stimson Centre told Reuters.

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ALSO READ: Explained: How the nuclear fusion breakthrough can revolutionise clean energy

Should India worry?

China has been expanding its nuclear capabilities at a greater pace than Indias.

Beijings arsenal surged from 410 nuclear warheads in January 2023 to an estimated 500 by January 2024. On the other hand, Indias warheads are estimated to be at 172.

By building this new nuclear fusion facility, China can fine-tune nuclear weapons designs without requiring actual tests.

This would aid Beijing in strengthening its arsenal secretly while sticking to global non-proliferation norms, as per Times of India (TOI).

China is also ahead of India in terms of nuclear power generation. While China has 55 running nuclear power reactors, India has just 23 such reactors.

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Chinas Shidaowan nuclear power plant, the worlds first fourth-generation reactor, has been operating since December 2023.

China is also the first country to commercialise third-generation reactors. It further has plans to develop six to eight new reactors annually.

Beijing recently took a major leap in realising its ambition to build a nuclear fusion reactor.

Nuclear fusion is the process that produces energy in the Sun and other stars.

For over 60 years, scientists have been trying to harness nuclear fusion to generate clean energy on Earth.

An experimental nuclear fusion reactor in China recently broke its own world record for maintaining super-hot plasma for 1,066 seconds, surpassing its previous record of 403 seconds in April 2023.

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This is a major achievement that has taken China a step forward in building a nuclear fusion reactor in future.

With inputs from agencies
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order instructing his officials to prepare a facility to house 30,000 immigrants at Guantanamo Bay. This facility in Cuba has a notorious past where prisoners accused of terrorism-related offences have been detained after 9/11. The prison camp is synonymous with torture, human rights violations and indefinite detention read more

The control tower inside the Camp VI detention facility in Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, Cuba. US President Trump has now announced plans to use the base to house illegal immigrants. File image/AP

US President Donald Trump is very serious about cracking down on illegal migration in the country. And on Wednesday (January 29), he signed an executive order (hes signed many of those since coming to power less than 10 days ago) directing his administration to prepare to house tens of thousands of criminal aliens at the notorious Guantanamo military detention facility in Cuba.

We have 30,000 beds in Guantanamo to detain the worst criminal illegal aliens threatening the American people, Trump said while signing the Laken Riley Act. Some of them are so bad we dont even trust the countries to hold them because we dont want them coming back, so were going to send them out to Guantanamo.

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He said the move would double our capacity immediately, adding that Guantanamo was a tough place to get out of.

The move quickly gave way to dismay and outrage. Thats because Gitmo, as the military detention centre is popularly called, is primarily known for holding suspects accused of terrorism-related offences. Cubas President, Miguel Diaz-Canel called the plan an act of brutality.

Heres what you need to know about Guantanamo Bay and its brutal history.

What is Trumps Gitmo plan for illegal migrants?

On Wednesday, Donald Trump unveiled a surprise plan to detain thousands of undocumented migrants at Guantanamo Bay. Speaking of his plan to use the notorious military facility on the eastern tip of Cuba, which has been used for holding terrorism suspects since the 9/11 attacks, Trump said the plan would bring us one step closer to eradicating the scourge of migrant crime.

US President Donald Trump ordered for the opening of a detention centre at Guantanamo Bay while signing the Laken Riley Act. Image Courtesy: @WhiteHouse/X

Later, an executive order on the same was released, which read: I hereby direct the Secretary of Defence and the Secretary of Homeland Security to take all appropriate actions to expand the Migrant Operations Centre at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to full capacity to provide additional detention space for high-priority criminal aliens unlawfully present in the United States, and to address attendant immigration enforcement needs identified by the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security.

It added: This memorandum is issued in order to halt the border invasion, dismantle criminal cartels, and restore national sovereignty.

While full details havent come out yet on the plan, newly sworn-in Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told Fox News that migrants would not be kept where the remaining 9/11 detainees. Meanwhile, Tom Homan, Trumps border czar, told reporters outside the White House that certain migrants could be flown to the island, and that the operation would be run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, known as ICE. The worst of the worst, the significant public safety threats we can fly them, he was quoted as saying by the New York Times.

However, that hasnt stopped activists from expressing their outrage at the move. Cuba, slammed the move, with its Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla saying the idea shows contempt towards the human condition and international law.

Meanwhile, Vincent Warren, executive director of the Centre for Constitutional Rights, told the New York Times that Trumps order sent a dark message that migrants and asylum seekers are being cast as the new terrorist threat, deserving to be discarded in an island prison, removed from legal and social services and supports.

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An Army soldier and a Marine stand in front of the gates that separate the Cuban side from the Guantanamo Bay US Naval Base. AP

What is the history of Guantanamo?

A naval base in Cuba, it has been used by the US since 1898. According to the US Navy, a lease for 45 square miles of land and water at Guantanamo Bay was signed in 1903 between Washington and Havana. Three decades later, a treaty was signed in 1934 between the two countries, reaffirming the lease.

In 2002, under the administration of President George W Bush, a military prison was opened at the base following the 9/11 attacks to deal with prisoners who were termed enemy combatants and denied many US legal rights.

Dressed in bright orange coveralls, Al-Qaeda and Taliban prisoners at Camp X-Ray, where they are being held, at the US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay. File image/AFP

The first of the detainees at Guantanamo Bay arrived on January 11, 2002  chained prisoners in orange jumpsuits sitting in cages became the defining images of the US-led War on Terror. Many who were first brought to the facility were believed to belong to terror groups such as Al Qaeda and Taliban.

However, over the next two decades it hardened into an American institution with its own rules, its own prison, its own court, said Deadline.

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How did Gitmo acquire the tag of notorious?

Since its establishment, the facility at Guantanamo Bay has acquired notoriety for its alarming conditions. Many of those held at Gitmo did not qualify as prisoners of war and so were excluded from the rights of the Geneva Convention. This led to many inmates being tortured with the United Nations stating that the circumstances under which those being held there were cruel, inhuman and degrading.

As Pardiss Kebriaei, a lawyer representing Guantanamo prisoners, told The Guardian, Though not singular among prisons in its harsh treatment and arbitrary detention it was at least for a time very overt in its extremeness, and what could be seen more plainly than usual caused a reaction.

The interior of an unoccupied communal cellblock at Camp VI, a prison used to house detainees at the US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay. File image/Reuters

Several reports emerged of brutal treatment of prisoners, including the use of torture and so-called enhanced interrogation techniques such as force-feeding, waterboarding and much more. This led to Amnesty International calling Guantanamo Bay a symbol of torture, rendition and indefinite detention without charge or trial.

Abu Zubaydah, who has been held at the facility since 2006, earning him the title of Forever Prisoner, earlier released a collection of sketches which detailed the torture he has endured at the prison. The images he drew include the extremely violent technique used against him known as walling  in which a persons neck is encircled by a collar, and is then used to slam the person against a wall. He also drew sketches of him being subjected to simulated drowning, or waterboarding, 83 times, and guards threatening to desecrate the Quran.

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Such allegations prompted former US Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden to close the facility, but Congress has opposed efforts to shutter Guantanamo and it remains open to this day.

Who have been the infamous inmates of Guantanamo? Who is still housed there?

Guantanamo has housed several accused plotters of the 9/11 attacks, among them self-proclaimed mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. The facility has also housed the man accused of masterminding the attack on the USS Cole in 2000, Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri. He was captured in 2002 and transferred to Guantanamo in 2006.

Meanwhile, of the roughly 800 people detained on suspicion of militant activity or terrorism-related offences who have been held at Guantanamo since early 2002, only 15 inmates currently remain, following the release of a number of detainees toward the end of Bidens administration.

Three of the 15 are eligible for transfer, three are eligible for a review for possible release, seven are facing charges and two have been convicted and sentenced, the Defence Department said earlier this month when it announced the release of 11 Yemenis who had been held there.

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Protesters in orange jumpsuits from Amnesty International USA and other organisations rally outside the White House to demand the closure of the US prison at Guantanamo Bay, in Washington. File image/Reuters

Have migrants ever been detained at Guantanamo?

Yes. The New York Times reported last September that the military base had also been used for decades by the US to detain migrants intercepted at sea, but in an area separate from that used to hold those accused of terrorism. It said in its report that just 37 were held from 2020 to 2023.

However, the conditions of this facility remain murky. The nonprofit International Refugee Assistance Project said in a report last year that people are held in prison-like conditions. It said they were trapped in a punitive system indefinitely, with no accountability for the officials running it.

Now, Trump wants to use the same centre to detain the worst of the worst.

However, it will be easier said than done. Deborah Fleischaker, an ICE official during the Biden administration, told the New York Times that detaining immigrants at the base would be particularly difficult. Gitmo is very small and very remote, she said. Moving materials and people in and out would be a logistical nightmare. And the makeup of who would be held there is very important. Only men? Women and children? If women and children are there, the housing challenges become even more difficult.

With inputs from agencies
Kashyap Patel, US President Donald Trumps nominee for the position of FBI director, will testify before the US Senate Judiciary Committee. Meanwhile, a team from the NIA will travel to the United States to bring back Tahawwur Rana, an accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks read more

Kash Patel arrives to speak at an Inauguration parade in Washington. File image/AP

It is set to be a busy Thursday with several events lined up for the day.

Firstly, Kash Patel will appear before a US Senate Judiciary Committee for a confirmation hearing to be the next director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Meanwhile, an NIA team will travel to the United States to extradite Tahawwur Rana, accused in the 26/11 terror attacks.

OpenAIs Sam Altman will host an artificial intelligence meeting with US government officials. In India, the government is set to hold an all-party meeting ahead of the upcoming Union Budget 2025. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav will join AAPs Arvind Kejriwal for a roadshow ahead of the Delhi Assembly election.

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Here is all that is set to take place throughout the day.

Kash Patel to appear before US Senate Judiciary Committee

President Donald Trumps nominee for FBI Director, Kash Patel, is scheduled to appear before the US Senate Judiciary Committee for his confirmation hearing. His nomination has sparked significant controversy due to concerns about his qualifications and past statements.

According to Judiciary Senate, Senator Dick Durbin, has expressed that Patel has neither the experience, the temperament, nor the judgment to lead the FBI.

NIA team to travel to US to extradite Tahawwur Rana

A team of National Investigation Agency (NIA) members will travel to the US to bring back Tahawwur Rana, a man accused of being involved in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. The development comes after the US Supreme Court dismissed Ranas petition against the extradition.

A painting made by students of Gurukul Art School on the extradition of 26/11 Mumbai attack accused Tahawwur Rana from USA to India. File image/PTI

The NIAs team will coordinate with US authorities to complete the necessary legal and procedural formalities for Ranas extradition, reported The Indian Express. The development marks a significant step in Indias efforts to bring those responsible for the Mumbai attacks to justice.

Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin, is accused of involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which resulted in 166 fatalities. He is alleged to have provided support to David Coleman Headley, a key conspirator in the attacks.

Sam Altman to host US government officials

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is scheduled to conduct a briefing with US government officials in Washington, DC, today. The aim of the meeting is to discuss significant advancements in artificial intelligence.

According to The Telegraph, the focus of this meeting is reportedly on the development of super agents, advanced AI systems capable of performing complex tasks traditionally handled by humans.

Government to hold an all-party meet ahead of upcoming Union Budget 2025

Ahead of the upcoming Union Budget, the government has called an all-party meeting today, announced Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Kiren Rijiju.

Also Read: Union Budget 2025: Why the startup ecosystem is looking forward to a thriving period

On the upcoming Budget session of Parliament, Rijiju told ANI, On 31st January, the Budget session of Parliament will start. Before it, on 30th January, we have called an all-party meeting.

Akhilesh Yadav to campaign for AAP

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is set to campaign for Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi today ahead of the Delhi assembly elections.

Samajwadi Party, along with Trinamool Congress, Shivsena UBT and Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) has already extended its support to the ruling AAP in Delhi.

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AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal with Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav. File image/PTI

According to information, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal will together conduct a roadshow in the Rithala constituency on January 30.

On this day

Mahatma Gandhi assassinated by Nathuram Godse in 1948

National Cleanliness Day

World Leprosy Day

Birth anniversary of Indian painter Amrita Sher-Gil

Birth anniversary of Prakash Javadekar

Birth anniversary of Indian nuclear chemist Waman Dattatreya Patwardhan

Adolf Hitler becomes Chancellor of Germany, marking the end of the Weimar Republic and the beginning of the Third Reich 1933

MK Gandhi was released from prison in South Africa in 1908, after being tried and sentenced to 2 months in jail

With inputs from agencies
January 30 is Martrys Day in India. In 1948, as Mahatma Gandhi emerged for his evening prayers at New Delhis Birla House, he was shot dead by Nathuram Godse. Nehru famously said in a broadcast, The light has gone out of our lives and there is darkness everywhere read more

The body of Mahatma Gandhi, is borne, 10 February 1948, in New Delhi, for the cremation. Almost one million people took part in the funeral procession to reach the cremation grounds near New Delhi. File photo/AFP

January 30 takes us back to a dark chapter in Indian history. Observed as Martrys Day, it was on this day in 1948, that Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated. The death came around five months after he led a long struggle for independence.

Gandhi was revered in India and around the world. His death saw hundreds and thousands mourn.

In our ongoing series History Today, we revisit the assassination and other events that shaped the world.

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Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated in Delhi

It seemed like a regular evening at New Delhis Birla House (now Gandhi Smriti). Mahatma Gandhi was walking to the luxurious lawn, where his evening prayer meetings were usually held. Frail and dressed in his homespun dhoti, he was leaning on the shoulder of his grandnieces.

From the crowd emerged a man dressed in a khaki jacket and blue trousers. We would later know him as Nathuram Godse.

The assassin was within five feet of Gandhi. After a namaste, he took out his pistol and fired three times. The bullets lodged in Gandhis chest, stomach and groin. He slumped to the ground. He was carried to Birla House and died half an hour later about 5.40 pm. Many say his last words were, He Ram, He Ram.

After shooting Gandhi, Godse fired a fourth shot, apparently to kill himself. However, the pistol was snatched by a Royal Indian Air Force sergeant standing nearby. He wanted to shoot Godse but the police stopped him. An angry crowd beat the assassin with sticks before the police whisked him away to the police station.

Many say that Gandhis last words before he died were He Ram. Illustration: Santanu Kumar Santan

A pall of gloom enveloped Birla House. One of the grandnieces informed Jawaharlal Nehru, Indias prime minister, about Gandhis death. Bapu (father) is finished, she said.

In an extempore broadcast on All India Radio announcing the news of the assassination, Nehru famously said, The light has gone out of our lives and there is darkness everywhere.

As the word spread, throngs of people headed to the Birla House to pay their respects to the Father of the Nation. Many were weeping; others were stunned by sorrow. Gandhis body was placed on a high table for viewing.

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While some grieved, the other were gripped by anger. In Bombay (now Mumbai), riots broke out killing 15.

Adolf Hitler named Germanys chancellor

Adolf Hitler was named as the chancellor of Germany by President Paul von Hindenburg on this day in 1933.

The German dictator rose to prominence in 1932 due to peoples frustration with the deteriorating economic conditions and the wounds inflicted by the defeat in the Great War along with the harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles.

His emergence as the chancellor is considered to be a turning point in German and world history. His plan was to make Germany a one-party nation and do away with the politics that he thought was holding back the country.

He immediately moved to consolidate power, rapidly expanding the state police, the Gestapo. He appointed Hermann Goring to head a new security force composed entirely of Nazis, tasked with suppressing any opposition to his regime. From that moment on it was difficult to stop him.

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Martin Luther King Jrs house was bombed

On January 30, 1956, Martin Luther King Jr received the news that his house in Alabama had been bombed. His wife Coretta Scott King and their 10-week-old daughter Yolanda, who were in the home at the time of the bombing, were unharmed.

The attack was an attempt to intimidate King, who was a prominent leader of the civil rights movement advocating for nonviolent resistance against racial segregation, and disrupt the movement. However, King responded with a powerful call for calm and peace, urging his supporters not to retaliate with violence, further solidifying his commitment to nonviolent principles in the fight for civil rights.

The home of Dr Martin Luther King Jr is in shambles after it was dynamited in Birmingham, Alabama. File image/AP

The bombing highlighted the risks civil rights leaders faced but also strengthened the movements resolve. Kings response solidified his reputation as a leader committed to justice through nonviolence, even in the face of personal danger.

This Day, That Year

In 2011, flooding forced the evacuation of more than 100,000 people from low-lying areas of the Netherlands.

Charles I, King of Great Britain and Ireland was executed in London in 1649.

In 1933, the fictional character the Lone Ranger was introduced on radio station WXYZ in Detroit, Michigan.
A team of scientists discovered that the near-Earth asteroid, known as Bennu, contains a wealth of minerals and organic molecules, including many that are building blocks of life. But what has the 4.5-billion-year-old asteroid Bennu revealed? read more

A team of scientists reported in the journal Nature on Wednesday that the near-Earth asteroid, known as Bennu, contains a wealth of organic molecules, including many crucial building blocks of life. Image for Representation. Pixabay

Did an asteroid plant the seeds of life on Earth? Recent research has provided the strongest evidence yet on this theory.

A team of scientists reported in the journal Nature on Wednesday that the near-Earth asteroid, known as Bennu, contains a wealth of organic molecules, including many that are building blocks of life.

What weve learned from it is amazing, Prof Sara Russell, a cosmic mineralogist from the Natural History Museum in London told BBC.

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As researchers dig deeper into the samples of the space rock, they are uncovering captivating hints about how the chemistry of life may have started far beyond our planet.

Its telling us about our own origins, and it enables us to answer these really, really big questions about where life began. And who doesnt want to know about how life started? Russell further said.

What does discovery reveal? Heres what we know so far.

But first, why do even study asteroids?

Asteroids are often called time capsules of the early Solar System. These rocky remnants, formed over 4.5 billion years ago, have remained largely unchanged since their creation, preserving vital clues about the conditions that existed when planetsincluding Earthwere taking shape.

Scientists believe asteroids may have played a crucial role in Earths history, particularly in the emergence of life. Some theories suggest that in the planets infancy, when Earth was constantly bombarded by space debris, asteroids delivered water and organic moleculeskey ingredients for life.

Asteroid Bennu is a 500m-wide space rock containing boulders, rocks and rubble. Image courtesy: Nasa

However, studying asteroid chemistry on Earth is difficult. While meteorites that fall to our planet come from asteroids, they are exposed to our atmosphere and risk biological contamination. This makes it challenging to determine their original composition. So, the best way to analyse asteroid material is by collecting pristine samples directly from space.

So far, only two countries have successfully brought back asteroid samples: Japan with its Hayabusa (2010) and Hayabusa2 (2020) missions and the United States with Osiris Rex (2023), bringing samples from Bennu asteroid.

Nasas most audacious space mission

Grabbing a bit of Bennu has been one of the boldest missions the American space agency, Nasa has ever attempted.

The Osiris Rex spacecraft, designed for asteroid sample collection, extended its robotic arm to gather material from the 500m-wide space rock. After securing the sample, it carefully stored it in a capsule and sent it on a return journey to Earth, finally landing in Utah in September 2023.

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An artists rendering depicts the Osiris Rex spacecraft contacting the asteroid Bennu with the Touch-and-Go Sample Arm Mechanism.

Bennu, a 4.5-billion-year-old asteroid, is believed to have taken shape within the first 10 million years of the Solar Systems formation.

Although the collected sample weighs just 120 grams, its scientific value is immense. The black dust retrieved from Bennu has been distributed to researchers worldwide and it has proved to be a treasure trove.

Scientists collect data shortly after the sample return capsule from NASAs OSIRIS-REx mission landed at the Defense Departments Utah Test and Training Range on Sept. 24, 2023. Image courtesy: Nasa

Every grain is telling us something new about Bennu, Russell, whos been studying the tiny specks, told BBC.

What did the scientist discover?

The samples from Bennu have revealed some unexpected and fascinating surprises.

One of the most striking discoveries was an exceptionally high concentration of ammoniaabout 100 times more than the natural levels typically found in Earths soil, according to Danny Glavin, an astrobiologist at Nasas Goddard Space Flight Center.

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Ammonia is a crucial ingredient in many biological processes, including as a building block to form amino acids, which in turn can link together into long chains to make proteins i.e the DNA.

The samples from Bennu have revealed some unexpected and fascinating surprises. One of the most striking discoveries was an exceptionally high concentration of ammonia. Image courtesy: Nasa

Another surprise was the presence of 11 previously unseen minerals, likely remnants of a briny mixture left behind when water evaporated from Bennu and its parent asteroid.

Tim McCoy, co-author of the study and curator of meteorites at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington, DC, said these salty crystals formed by this evaporation bear a strong resemblance to sodium-rich crusts found in Earths dry lakebeds, such as Californias Mojave Desert and Africas Sahara.

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Its just incredible how rich it is. Its full of these minerals that we havent seen before in meteorites and the combination of them that we havent seen before. Its been such an exciting thing to study, said Prof Sara Russell.

While these discoveries are groundbreaking, they also raise deeper questions about lifes origins. Scientists are now investigating why Earthdespite having similar building blocksdeveloped life, while Bennu did not.

What did Bennu not have that Earth did have? Jason Dworkin, an Osiris Rex project scientist at Nasa, told NBC News. This is a future area of study for astrobiologists around the world to ponder, looking at Bennu as an example of a place that had all the stuff but didnt make life. Why was Earth special?

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With input from agencies
A stampede at the Sangam area during the Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradeshs Prayagraj on Wednesday led to the death of 30 people and injured 60 others. Officials said chaos erupted when devotees tried to jump over barricades set up to control crowds as sadhus took the holy dip. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident read more

Belongings of devotees are seen lying at the Sangam following a stampede in Prayagraj. PTI

Thirty people died, and several others were injured in a stampede at the Sangam area during the Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradeshs Prayagraj.

Millions of devotees had gathered at the worlds largest religious congregation, looking for space to take a holy dip on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya (new moon) on early Wednesday.

ALSO READ | Maha Kumbh Mela stampede on second Amrit Snan: What happened?

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh for the families of those who died. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also ordered a judicial inquiry, adding that a judicial committee will submit its report to the state government within a specified time frame.

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But what caused the stampede? Lets take a look at the details:

What led to the Maha Kumbh stampede?

The stampede took place when several devotees attempted to jump over barricades set up to control crowds during the ascetics holy dip, officials said.

DIG Kumbh Mela Vaibhav Krishna said in a statement, On the Mauni Amavasya Snan, between 1 and 2 am ahead of the Brahm Muhurta, a huge crowd gathered on the Akhara route, because of which the barricades on the other side broke. The crowd on this side crossed to the other side and started running over devotees waiting for Brahm Muhurta.

VIDEO | Maha Kumbh 2025: Addressing a press conference, DIG Kumbh Mela Vaibhav Krishna confirms 30 casualties in the stampede incident.



"On the Mauni Amavasya Snan, between 1 and 2 am ahead of the Brahm Muhurta, huge crowd gathered on the Akhara route, because of which the pic.twitter.com/rgauSELmhJ  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 29, 2025

The administration quickly enforced the rescue operation, created a green corridor for ambulances, and took 90 injured to the hospitals. Unfortunately, 30 of those devotees have died, he added.

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The Uttar Pradesh government stated that the stampede took place when barricades at Akhara Marg were broken down, causing people at the back to fall on those sitting or sleeping while waiting for the Brahm Muhurat - the most auspicious time for the holy dip.

Some eyewitnesses described how closed routes to the water left the crowd stranded, leading to suffocation. As people collapsed, panic spread, and many began pushing, pulling, or climbing over others in an attempt to escape, Reuters said in a report.

Others recounted a forceful push from behind that trapped them between barricades on one side and police personnel on the other. A hospital official treating the injured said several victims suffered fractures and broken bones, while some of those who died had heart attacks.

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#FPVideo: A stampede broke out at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, India. At least 30 women were injured, and 10 people are feared dead. The mishap occurred after several devotees gathered near the holy river on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya. pic.twitter.com/xO8WERIEZg  Firstpost (@firstpost) January 29, 2025

ALSO READ | Maha Kumbh Mela and more: Indias worst stampede tragedies, in graphics

A state of confusion

Snehlata Shukla, a devotee from Gwalior, had travelled to the Maha Kumbh with five family members for a sacred dip on Mauni Amavasya. However, her spiritual journey turned chaotic due to confusion at Sangam Nose.

She told News18, Around 1:30 am, the situation spiralled out of control. Sangam Nose was completely packed, and nobody knew what to do. The area was so vast that finding an entry or exit point became impossible.

Many pilgrims carried heavy luggage on their heads, further blocking visibility and adding to the chaos.

#WATCH | On Mahakumbh stampede, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath says "The incident is heart-wrenching. We express our deepest condolences to all those families who lost their loved ones. We have been in constant touch with the administration since last night. The Mela Authority, pic.twitter.com/3dsSeVxmOg  ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2025

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UP CM orders inquiry, issues key guidelines

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a judicial inquiry into the stampede and stated that a judicial committee will submit its report to the state government within a specified timeframe.

A three-member judicial commission will be headed by Justice Harsh Kumar, former DG VK Gupta and retired IAS DK Singh. We have been monitoring the entire incident from the CMs, Chief Secretary and DGPs control rooms throughout the day, he said.

Rescue operation during the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela, at Sangam in Prayagraj. PTI

Reflecting on the tragedy, he said the accident happened due to overcrowding and the collapse of barricades.

The incident is heart-wrenching. We express our deepest condolences to all those families who lost their loved ones, he said.

In response, the administration has introduced five key changes, including designating the entire fair area as a No-Vehicle Zone.

According to a report by NDTV, the following measures have been put in place:

1. All types of vehicles are strictly prohibited from entering the Maha Kumbh area to improve crowd management and ensure the safety of devotees.

2. VVIP passes have been revoked, and no vehicles will be granted entry through special passes.

3. Vehicles from districts bordering Prayagraj are being halted at the district limits.

#MahaKumbhStampede | In the wake of the Maha Kumbh stampede #U.PGovt has tightened the restrictions, the area will be no vehicle zone till 4th Feb, VVIP passes have been cancelled. @KuheenaSharma share more details pic.twitter.com/L7eRTbWLcs  News18 (@CNNnews18) January 30, 2025

4. A one-way traffic system has been enforced to regulate the movement of devotees.

5. The entry of four-wheelers into the city has been completely banned until February 4.

Making an appeal to devotees, CM Yogi Adityanath said, Coming to Sangam Nose is not essential; there are 150 to 200 ghats available for bathing. The pressure on Sangam is extremely high.

A judicial inquiry has been ordered into the stampede incident. PTI

He briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah over the phone about the situation. Meanwhile, officials are monitoring the Kumbh Mela from helicopters. More than 70 ambulances were dispatched to transport the injured and deceased to hospitals.

Increased security measures have been put in place, with NSG commandos taking charge of security in the Sangam area, where public access has been restricted. In Prayagraj, restrictions have been imposed on pilgrims to prevent further crowding, with measures extending to nearby districts.

Following the incident, CM Yogi Adityanath held an emergency meeting at his residence, attended by senior police and administrative officials. Discussions focused on crowd management strategies in Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Ayodhya.

ALSO READ | Maha Kumbh: Rs 50,000 for air tickets to Prayagraj. Whats going on?

Additional security personnel have been deployed, including a specialised police unit trained for crisis management. Entry into the city is being regulated to control the crowds.

On Wednesday, authorities adjusted the ritual schedule, allowing devotees to take their dips first. The saints processions, originally planned on a larger scale, were delayed until the number of general attendees had significantly reduced.

President Murmu, PM Modi, CM Adityanath offer condolences

President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief over the tragedy. The stampede incident at Prayagraj Mahakumbh is extremely sad. I express my condolences to the families of the injured devotees and pray to God that all the injured devotees recover soon, she wrote on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his sorrow over the incident at Maha Kumbh, extending condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.

                ,                                   Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 29, 2025

The accident that happened in Prayagraj Mahakumbh is extremely sad. My deepest condolences to the devotees who have lost their loved ones in this. Along with this, I wish for the speedy recovery of all the injured. The local administration is engaged in helping the victims in every possible way. In this regard, I have spoken to Chief Minister Yogi ji and I am constantly in touch with the state government," the Prime Minister wrote on X.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to CM Yogi Adityanath following the incident at Sangam, assuring full support from the central government.

In a message posted on X, the Home Minister wrote, I am deeply saddened by the tragic accident that took place at Maha Kumbh. I express my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this accident. May God give them the strength to bear this sorrow. The administration is treating the injured in hospitals. I am in constant touch with the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and the local administration.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, The incident is heart-wrenching. We express our deepest condolences to all those families who lost their loved ones. We have been in constant touch with the administration since last night.

The CM also announced financial assistance for the families of the deceased. We are also announcing financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh to the families of the deceased on behalf of the state government. The judicial commission will look into the entire matter and submit its report to the state government within a time limit, he added.

With inputs from agencies
Sweden is contemplating the idea of sending its inmates to serve their prison time in foreign nations. This comes as the country struggles with rising incidents of gang crime read more

Owing to overcrowded prisons, Sweden is currently in talks with other nations to rent space in their prisons. Representational image/Pixabay

The Swedish government is contemplating a huge step of sending some of their criminals serving sentences to prisons abroad. The proposal was put forward by a government-appointed commission on Wednesday (January 29).

The country is considering renting space in prisons in other nations. Speaking about the same, Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer said, There is a need to work with new solutions within the Prison and Probation Service.

But why is Sweden considering this move?

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Why does Sweden want to rent space in prisons of other nations?

In recent years, Sweden has been struggling with its rising shootings among rival criminal gangs. In the last 20 years, gang crime has been plaguing the nation to such an extent that the Nordic nation has topped the rankings of deadly gun violence per capita in Europe.

Now, armed with new legal tools and increased personnel and funding, Swedish police have made headway against the gangs - there have been fewer deadly shootings and more convictions over the last two years.

Police bomb squad on site in the Old Town of Stockholm, Sweden, October 30, 2024, after reports of a hand grenade on the Skeppsbron bridge. File image/Reuters

Since more gang members are getting arrested by the day, it is straining the prison system. In 2023, the most recent year with available records, Swedish courts issued nearly 200,000 months of prison sentences - a 25 per cent rise from the previous year and double the total in 2014.

According to Reuters, Swedens jails and prisons are full and the Prison and Probation Service says it will need about 27,000 beds by 2033, up from 11,000 today.

Additionally, authorities have been grappling with an unprecedented spate of bombings, primarily in the Stockholm capital region. In January alone, there have been 30 bombings, most of them acts of extortion by gangs against companies and citizens, police said, according to a Reuters report.

Speaking on the same, Mattias Wahlstedt, who headed the commission on this matter, said: Our recommendation is that this should be done within the EU or within the Schengen area.

He further added that there are no legal barriers to Sweden renting prison space abroad. However, any proposal would need to be approved by parliament first.

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However, not everyone is on board with this proposal.

The Seko trade union, which among others represents prison employees, said on Tuesday that it opposed the governments plan.

Public services should not be outsourced to other countries. This is a matter of legal requirements, but it is also about preventing state activities from being sold off and runs under private management, Christer Hallkvist, responsible for labour negotiations for prison staff at Seko, said in a statement.

Better conditions for staff and more prison places in Sweden are what will solve the problems in the Swedish Prison and Probation Service, he added.

Do other countries send prisoners abroad?

Countries such as Norway, Belgium, and Denmark have already implemented this system.



For instance, Norway has had prisoners serve time in the Netherlands since 2015 at PI Norgerhaven, helping reduce its prison waiting list.

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Also, Belgium and the Netherlands had an arrangement whereby Belgian prisoners served terms in Tilburg, near the Belgian border. This practice was, however, discontinued in 2016.

And in 2021, Denmark controversially agreed to a 15 million annual agreement with Kosovo to house 300 prisoners, primarily those slated for deportation post-sentence. This deal raised ethical concerns due to the significant cultural and legal differences. Despite objections, the deal is set to proceed, with the first transfer of prisoners from Denmark to Kosovo anticipated to occur between early 2026 and mid-2026.

With inputs from agencies
Alex Soros, the son of Hungarian-born billionaire George Soros, met Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka. The development comes in the backdrop of US President Donald Trump freezing all financial aid abroad  including to Yunus interim government in Bangladesh. But what happened? What happens next? And should India be worried? read more

The national flags of Bangladesh and India. File image/PTI

Alex Soros, the son of Hungarian-born billionaire George Soros, met Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka.

According to reports, the meeting focused on Bangladeshs economy and economic reforms.

The development comes in the backdrop of US President Donald Trump freezing all financial aid abroad  including to Yunus interim government in Bangladesh.

This meeting, the second such recent interaction, between Alex and Yunus may well set alarm bell ringing in India.

But what happened? What happens next? And should India be worried?

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Lets take a closer look:

What happened?

As per NDTV, Alex, the chairman of the Open Society Foundations (OSF), met Yunus on Wednesday.

Alex during the meeting vowed to back the Bangladesh interim governments reform efforts.

He also said that the student movement that ousted Sheikh Hasinas government last August offered great opportunities to chart a new course.

Alex was part of a delegation that included OSF president Binaifer Nowrojee.

Alex Soros, the son of billionaire George Soros, with Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka. Image courtesy: X

Cybersecurity, the Rohingya crisis, and media freedom in Dhaka also came up during the meet, as per local media.

Daily Star reported that Alex lauded Yunus taking charge of Bangladesh at a difficult time. He also praised him for bringing in much needed reforms.

Yunus, meanwhile, thanked the OSF for its support. He added that there was much disinformation about the protests against the previous Hasina regime.

As per Moneycontrol, Yunus asked the Open Society Foundations to help Bangladesh recover around $234 billion illegally removed from the country during Hasinas reign.

Yunus said Bangladesh would focus on rebuilding its economy, finding and bringing back, combat misinformation, and bringing in essential economic reforms.

The Open Society Foundations leadership on Wednesday met Chief Adviser to discuss Bangladeshs efforts to rebuild the economy, trace siphoned-off assets, combat misinformation, and carry out vital economic reforms, the Chief Advisers office wrote on social media.

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This is the second meeting between Soros and Yunus since Hasina was ousted in August.

They earlier met on October 2, 2024 in New York.

Alex at the time, sharing photos of the meet on Instagram, called Yunus an old friend of my father.

Delighted to see an old friend of my father and the foundation, Nobel Prize winner @professormuhammadyunus, interim leader of Bangladesh, who stepped in to lead Bangladesh towards a peaceful future based on equity and fairness, Alex wrote.

As per The Times of India, Yunus and Soros have known each other for decades.

In 1999, Yunus got a $11 million loan from the OSF-backed Soros Economic Development Fund to let Grameen Telecom, a non-profit linked to Yunus, take a 35 per cent stake in Bangladeshs biggest operator Grameenphone Ltd.

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In December, ex-OSF president Mark Malloch-Brown met Yunus in Dhaka.

Lord Mark Malloch-Brown calls on Chief Advisor Bangladesh, Yunus office wrote on X with a photograph from the meeting.

What happens next? Should India worry?

India may well be worried.

This is because Soros has been a critic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the OSF has been accused of supporting an independent Kashmir, according to The Tribune.

Despite Soros receiving the highest civilian award in the US from former president Joe Biden, he remains a figure of controversy.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has called him old, rich and dangerous."

As per Al Jazeera, Soros during the Adani row had said developments will significantly weaken Modis stranglehold on the Indian government.

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Smriti Irani at the time claimed Soros was trying to hurt Indias democratic structure and target Modi to protect his own interests.

George Soros. is a fierce critic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Reuters

India has always defeated foreign powers whenever it was challenged and will continue to defeat them in the future too, she added.

As per Moneycontrol, the OSF has been accused of regime change in Eastern Europe, West Asia and Latin America.

Some have even claimed the OSF played a role in Hasinas downfall.

Hasina herself pointed the finger at the US but did not elucidate.

As per NDTV, a US state department official called such claims absolutely false.

Now, money from the OSF and Soros-backed groups may begin to flow into Bangladesh  influencing its future direction.

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The development comes as Bangladeshs interim government on Wednesday said that it would seek to scrap some uneven agreements on borders with India during the meeting of the directors general of the border guards of the two countries next month.

Discussions will be held over all sorts of border-related agreements with India, Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said.

He said the Bangladeshi side would seek to cancel some uneven agreements related to border management alongside and discuss other related issues.

The BJP had also accused Congress leader Sonia Gandhi of maintaining links with organisations that received funding from Soros.

This association between Sonia Gandhi and an organisation that has backed the idea of Kashmir as an independent nation expresses the influence of foreign entities on Indias internal affairs and the political impact of such connections, the BJP said in Parliament.

With inputs from agencies
Cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) are on the rise, triggering concern among health officials. As of January 29, a total of three GBS-suspected deaths have been reported in West Bengal, with over 120 cases of the rare autoimmune disease detected in Maharashtra. In Pune, authorities suspect contaminated water sources as the cause of the disease read more

As of January 29, Maharashtras Public Health Department has recorded over 120 cases of this rare immunological nerve disorder. Among them, 20 patients are currently on ventilator support. Three deaths have also been reported in West Bengal. Image for Representation. PTI

Cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) are on the rise in both Maharashtra and West Bengal, triggering concern among health officials.

As of January 29, Maharashtras Public Health Department has recorded over 120 cases of this rare immunological nerve disorder. Among them, 20 patients are currently on ventilator support. Meanwhile, in West Bengal, three people including a child have lost their lives to the autoimmune disease in the past four days.

As health authorities continue to investigate, heres a look at whats unfolding in both cities and the potential reasons behind this outbreak.

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Guillain-Barre Syndrome in Maharashtra

Maharashtra is grappling with a significant outbreak of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), with over 120 reported cases and two deaths so far.

Earlier this week, a 40-year-old man from Solapur succumbed to the disease. Reports suggest he had recently travelled to Pune, where he may have contracted the infection. On Tuesday, a 56-year-old woman also lost her life while undergoing treatment at Punes Sassoon General Hospital, according to The Times of India.

As of January 30, 16 new cases have been recorded, pushing the total count to 127.

Data from the Maharashtra Health Department shows that 23 patients are from Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) areas, 73 cases have emerged from newly integrated villages under PMC limits, 13 patients are from Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), while nine cases each have been reported from Punes rural areas and other districts in the state.

With cases rising rapidly, Health Minister Prakash Abitkar told ANI that contaminated water sources in Pune could be a key factor behind the outbreak. Image for Representation. Reuetrs

With cases rising rapidly, Health Minister Prakash Abitkar told ANI that contaminated water sources in Pune could be a key factor behind the outbreak.

Of the 144 water samples sent for chemical and biological testing at the Public Health Laboratory, eight were found to be contaminated. These samples were collected from different parts of the city.

Patients with GB syndrome are increasing in Pune, which has become a matter of concern. We will soon get the opinion of our expert team of doctors regarding GBS (Guillain-Barre Syndrome) patients. The Pune Municipal Corporation and the Maharashtra Health Department are working well so that the number of patients does not increase, said Abitkar.

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To contain the spread, he said PMC is taking immediate steps, including repairing 12 leaks, replacing a drainage line, and ensuring adequate ventilator support and medical supplies for affected patients.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome in West Bengal

Following Maharashtra, West Bengal is also witnessing a concerning rise in Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) cases, with children among those affected.

According to The Indian Express, two peoplea 10-year-old and a 17-year-oldhave reportedly died of suspected GBS in the state.

The 10-year-old child, a resident of Jagatdal in North 24 Parganas, had been undergoing treatment at BC Roy Hospital in Kolkata for a week before passing away on Sunday.

Meanwhile, a 17-year-old from the same district, who exhibited symptoms of the syndrome, died at NRS Medical College and Hospital on Monday. Hospital sources revealed that the teenager succumbed to septic shock and myocarditis, though doctors suspect GBS may have been the underlying cause.

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On Wednesday, a 48-year-old man from Hooghly was also suspected to have died from the suspected immunological nerve disorder. However, the state health department has yet to officially confirm the exact cause of the recent deaths.

According to a PTI, four more children with suspected GBS symptoms are currently receiving treatment at BC Roy Hospital and the Institute of Child Health.

Also read: 10 risky foods that can trigger Guillain-Barre Syndrome

What is Guillain-Barre Syndrome?

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves, leading to weakness, numbness, and, in severe cases, paralysis.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves, leading to weakness, numbness, and, in severe cases, paralysis. Image for Representation.

The immune system is the bodys natural defence against infections, while the peripheral nervous system consists of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. When GBS occurs, the immune system mistakenly targets these nerves, disrupting communication between the brain and muscles.

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The condition was first identified in 1916 by French neurologists Georges Guillain and Jean Alexandre Barre, after whom it is named.

Common symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, muscle weakness, and gastrointestinal issues like stomach pain and diarrhoea. According to the Mayo Clinic, most individuals diagnosed with GBS have experienced an infection at least six weeks before symptoms appear.

Whats behind the rapid spread of GBS?

While the exact cause of GBS remains under investigation, it is often linked to major surgeries, vaccinations, or bacterial and viral infections.

Health authorities suspect that Campylobacter jejuni, a bacteria commonly found in poultry intestines, could be a major factor behind the recent surge in GBS cases.

Health authorities suspect that Campylobacter jejuni, a bacteria commonly found in poultry intestines, could be a major factor behind the recent surge in cases.

The Economic Times reports that this bacterium, also known as campylobacteriosis, spreads through contaminated or undercooked meat, unpasteurised dairy products, and untreated water.

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Symptoms of C. jejuni infection include abdominal cramps, fever, nausea, vomiting, and, in some cases, bloody diarrhoea. These symptoms typically appear within two to five days of exposure and can last for about a week.

How is GBS treated?

Although there is no specific cure for GBS, treatment can help alleviate symptoms and speed up recovery.

Dr Bhushan Joshi, Consultant - Neurology at Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, Pune, told The Hindustan Times, Immediate intervention is required to reduce problems and improve recovery prospects. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy and plasmapheresis (plasma exchange) are most often used to treat the symptoms.

While there is no vaccine specifically for GBS, certain vaccinationssuch as flu and Zika virus vaccinescan help reduce the risk of infections that may trigger the disease.

To prevent infection, experts recommend proper cooking of meat, avoiding cross-contamination, washing hands frequently, and consuming only clean water.

With input from agencies
Researchers writing in the journal Nature say they have developed a patch that can repair failing hearts. Results of the clinical trial, which took place in 2021, were published on Wednesday. A 46-year-old woman who had a heart attack in 2016 and later suffered heart failure was the subject. After 10 patches of 400 million cells were implanted on the surface of her heart, her condition stabilised  allowing her to get a heart transplant read more

The study showed that patches of muscle grown from stem cells could help mend a failing heart. Image courtesy: Nature

The cure for a broken heart may still elude us.

However, scientists say they may have found one for damaged hearts.

Researchers writing in the journal Nature say they have developed a patch that can repair failing hearts.

The development could give hope to millions of people across the world.

But what do we know? What do experts say?

Lets take a closer look

What do we know?

As per Nature, the study showed that patches of muscle grown from stem cells could help mend a failing heart.

Results of the clinical trial, which took place in 2021, were published on Wednesday.

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A 46-year-old woman who had a heart attack in 2016 and later suffered heart failure was the subject.

Ten patches of 400 million cells were implanted on the surface of her heart.

Her condition then stabilised for three months  allowing her to get a heart transplant.

Scientists, who then looked at her old heart, found that the muscle patches had stayed in place  and even formed blood vessels.

Details of the trial were published alongside findings from other studies that tested muscle patches with 40 million and 200 million cells each in rhesus monkeys.

But how does it work?

According to BBC, the patches are created from stem cells taken from another person.

Researchers writing in the journal Nature say they have developed a patch that can repair failing hearts. Image courtesy Pixabay

The patches, which are then grown in the lab, are then spliced on to beating hearts.

Ingo Kutschka, University Medical Center Goettingen, an author of the study, likened the procedure to implanting young muscle.

Kutschka said a small cut is made in the chest.

After that, the 9 centimetre by 3.8 centimetre patch is sewed on to the surface of the heart.

Its tricky because the tissues are floppy, and you have to take care to make it stay in shape, Kutschka added.

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Professor Wolfram-Hubertus Zimmermann, lead author of the study, said the patch was able to adapt, grow, mature and start to support the failing heart.

It displayed that new muscle can be added to failing hearts without safety concerns, such as tumours and arrhythmia, Zimmermann added.

What do experts say?

Experts have marvelled at the research  and the possibilities.

Its quite a breakthrough, Jianyi Zhang, who specialises in bioengineering and cardiac repair at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, told Nature.

As per Nature, there are currently around 60 million people worldwide living with heart failure.

Professor Zimmermann told BBC,99 per cent of patients with heart failure wont receive a new heart.

Kutschka told The Guardian, We now have, for the first time, a laboratory grown biological transplant available, which has the potential to stabilise and strengthen the heart muscle.

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Others, however, warned that further, bigger trials were required.

Prof James Leiper, director of research at the British Heart Foundation charity, called the results promising but said larger trials were needed to determine the effectiveness of the heart patch in humans.

If these are positive, it could help to usher in a new era of heart failure treatment, Leiper added.

With inputs from agencies
The patient, a male nurse at the Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala, had initially sought treatment at various facilities, including Mulago, as well as with a traditional healer, after developing fever-like symptoms read more

An anti-Ebola advocacy van drives along Kyadondo road amid the Ebola outbreak and alert in Kampala, Uganda October 27, 2022. REUTERS

The Ugandan capital of Kampala has reported the first Ebola virus death of the year with health officials confirming an outbreak of the disease on Thursday.

With this, the East African nation has confirmed its ninth Ebola outbreak since it recorded the first infection in 2000.

The patient, a male nurse at the Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala, had initially sought treatment at various facilities, including Mulago, as well as with a traditional healer, after developing fever-like symptoms.

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In a statement, the health ministry said, The patient experienced multi-organ failure and succumbed to the illness at Mulago National Referral Hospital on Jan. 29. Post-mortem samples confirmed the Sudan Ebola Virus Disease (strain).

Authorities have tracked down 44 people the victim had come in contact with which includes 30 health workers.

However, contact tracing could be challenging as Kampala, where the latest Ebola infection cropped up, is a crowded city of over 4 million people and a crossroads for traffic to South Sudan, Congo, Rwanda and other countries.

The highly contagious hemorrhagic fever spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids and tissues. Symptoms include headaches, muscle pain, vomiting blood, and bleeding.

Learning from past experience, Uganda has built the necessary infrastructure like laboratory testing, patient care know-how, contact tracing and other skills to mitigate the effects of a possible Ebola virus outbreak.

Uganda last suffered an outbreak in late 2022 and that was declared over on January 11, 2023 after nearly four months in which it struggled to contain the viral infection.

The last outbreak killed 55 of the 143 people infected and the dead included six health workers.

Meanwhile, the health department has said that it will kickstart a vaccination drive for all contacts of the deceased. There is currently no approved vaccine for the Sudan strain of Ebola, though Uganda received some trial vaccine doses during the last outbreak.

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With inputs from Reuters
A new report reveals the growing nexus between the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran, Al Qaeda, and the Taliban  an alarming development, though not entirely unexpected for the global counterterrorism community read more

Sarah Adams investigative findings, revealing the unholy nexus between the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran, Al Qaeda, and the Talibanand their critical role in planning, training Hamas cadres, and orchestrating the deadly 7 October Hamas attacksare indeed alarming, though not entirely unexpected for the global counterterrorism community.

The most critical takeaway from Sarahs report is the convergence of Shia and Sunni groups, as well as West Asian and South Asian jihadist networks.

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In my conversations with many Israeli experts, I have found that they are generally sceptical about the involvement of Pakistan-sponsored Sunni South Asian terrorist groups in anti-Israel political and militant activities in West Asia. However, this report vividly highlights extensive collaboration between Irans IRGC, Hamas, and South Asian Sunni terrorist groups such as the Haqqanis, the Taliban, and Al Qaeda at various levels. The involvement of top-level leadership within these organisations makes it abundantly clear that these terrorist groups are fundamentally extremist Islamist movements with an anti-West and global Sharia-driven agenda.

During my field research in J&K, I interviewed several active and former terrorists, as well as their jihadist sympathisers. They unanimously voiced hatred and pledged jihad against Israel and the US. In fact, they categorise India, the US, and Israel as enemies of Islam.

Israel must therefore harbour no delusions or misunderstandings about South Asian terror groups and their patronsthe Pakistan Army and intelligence services. Any backchannel arrangements with Pakistan will ultimately backfire. In this regard, the 21-year US experience in Afghanistans war on terror serves as a valuable lesson.

Officially, Pakistan expressed support for the US in its fight against Al-Qaeda and the Taliban. However, behind the scenes, its covert arm, Directorate S, was actively arming and strengthening the Taliban. US aid to Pakistan was diverted to the Taliban, who in turn sent American soldiers back home in body bags.

The convergence of West Asian and South Asian terror networks is a worrisome development for both India and Israel. It opens an entirely new front for Israel, where it will have to deal with radical jihadists from the uncharted and unregulated badlands of Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, and Bangladesh. Al Qaeda and Taliban training camps, where Hamas cadres were trained, have withstood even the deadliest air raids by US bombers.

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With a thriving global narcotics trade, Al Qaeda, the Haqqanis, and the Taliban can effectively survive without any external support. The tough terrain and challenging topography make ground operations extremely difficult.

For India, the convergence of West Asian and South Asian jihadists poses a major threat to internal security. Unlike in the past, Indian Muslims now display stronger affiliations with global Islamic issues, especially the Palestine-Israel conflict. They despise the growing ties between Tel Aviv and Delhi.

Since 2014, Muslim consolidation around religious themes has grown to worrying levels in India, as radical preachers perceive the Modi government as a Hindu nationalist administration. In this context, local jihadist elements in India will draw inspiration from developments in West Asia, as well as the ideology and tactics of groups from both West Asia and Africa.

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A senior Hamas leader, Khaled Mashal, lectured a large pro-Palestine gathering of Muslims in Kerala, organised by the Solidarity Youth Movement, the youth wing of Jamaat-e-Islami. Along with pro-Palestine slogans, participants also raised slogans against the bulldozing of illegal mosques by UPs Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Notably, Kerala is a South Indian state that has sent the largest number of cadres to ISIS.

Indias domestic Islamist organisations, such as PFI and Jamaat-e-Islami, have espoused the same causes, ideals, and values supported by Al-Qaeda and the Taliban. Several former PFI cadres have joined ISIS, and former Jamaat-e-Islami cadres have joined Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen. Lashkar and Jaish fighters have fought alongside the Taliban against the US-led coalition forces.

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The unmoved mover of the South Asian jihadist landscape is Pakistans security establishment. In the past, Pakistan has successfully embarrassed two superpowers in Afghanistan, causing them massive losses in men, money, morale, and material. Now, if their proxies, such as the Taliban, Haqqanis, and Al-Qaeda, were behind the 7 October attack, it cannot have occurred without their sanction and involvement. Therefore, Israel must confront Pakistans terror factory, something it cannot do without Indias support and active participation.

This situation necessitates strengthening India-Israel counterterrorism cooperation. It is true that Indias record on counterterrorism against Pakistans terror machinery has been dismal, but Delhis vast experience and insights could prove invaluable in dealing with Pakistan. Israel must also recognise that Iran has significant influence among the Shia population in Kashmir and the Indian hinterland. Additionally, Iranian paramilitary proxies, such as the Fatemiyoun Brigade, Zainabiyoun Brigade, and Qassem Soleimani Brigades, recruit a substantial number of jihadis from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region of Pakistan.

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Moreover, Israels all-weather ally, the US, must realise that the Taliban is essentially a terrorist organisation with deep-rooted ties to Al-Qaeda. Given this, the possibility that humanitarian and diplomatic aid given to the Taliban could be diverted to Al-Qaeda cannot be ruled out. Therefore, the US must reflect on its past mistakes in providing the Taliban with diplomatic recognition, negotiating with them, and filling their coffers with financial aid.

Washington also needs to seriously revisit its understanding of jihadist organisations. In the past, the US strategy of differentiating between Al-Qaeda and the Taliban resulted in disaster. The US believed that Al-Qaeda was the real enemy and that it could engage with the Taliban. Once again, they are repeating the same mistake by engaging with the Taliban in the hope of using it against ISIS. In reality, these are all terrorist organisations driven by the idea of jihad. The differences between them are superficial, misleading, and merely serve tactical purposes.

Thus, depending on the Taliban for local intelligence will be disastrous. The US, India, Israel, Russia, China, and Central Asian countries need to cooperate and collaborate effectively in dealing with Afghanistan-Pakistan-centred local and transnational terrorist groups. This is an urgent necessity, and it will be too late if Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and their loose affiliates unleash a reign of deadly bomb blasts and attacks in Europe, India, and the US, as Sarah has already forecasted in her report.

Lastly, strong oversight is needed regarding state funds being diverted, willingly or unwillingly, to support radical and terrorist causes. The funds distributed by intelligence agencies, the State Department, and humanitarian organisations like UNHCR must be strictly monitored.

In the US, various Islamist groups with suspicious credentials and track records have received state funding for welfare and development work. These groups have proven ties with Hamas, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Al-Qaeda, and a range of other terrorist and Islamist outfits. Therefore, state policy on terrorism must be uncompromising.

Raising and nurturing Frankensteins monsters for petty tactical and short-term gains will ultimately backfire, a lesson that intelligence agencies need to learn and internalise.

The author is a Cornell University graduate in public affairs, bachelors from St Stephens College, Delhi and has done his PhD on Jaish-e-Mohammad. He is a policy analyst specialising in counterterrorism, Indian foreign policy and Afghanistan-Pakistan geopolitics. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
While DeepSeeks rise has stirred interest in the tech industry, Anthropics CEO Amodei believes the advantages it claims over US AI companies are exaggerated and short-lived. He argues that the costs of DeepSeeks AI model are likely higher than reported read more

While Amodei respects the contributions of Chinese researchers and acknowledges that AI should benefit all societies, his concern is about preventing China from gaining military dominance through AI. He stresses that the US and its allies must ensure they retain the upper hand in AI development. Image Credit: Reuters

Dario Amodei, CEO of AI company Anthropic, has weighed in on the growing excitement around DeepSeeks new Chinese AI model, questioning the true efficiency of the R1 model. While DeepSeeks rise has stirred interest in the tech industry, Amodei believes the advantages it claims over US AI companies are exaggerated and short-lived. He argues that the costs of DeepSeeks AI model are likely higher than reported, as it builds on prior research from US companies, as well as its own earlier V3 model.

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Amodeis comments come amid concerns over Chinas potential to surpass the US in AI development, particularly if it gains access to millions of high-performance chips. He insists that the US must strengthen export controls on chips to China, as these controls are now even more critical than before to prevent China from taking a leading position in AIand, by extension, on the global stage.

DeepSeeks R1 model: Claims and reality

Amodei argues that while DeepSeeks model is impressive, the real cost and sustainability of its advantages remain unclear. He suggests that American companies will soon be able to replicate these efficiencies, especially when paired with their superior access to more advanced chips and resources. According to Amodei, this could lead to the US regaining its competitive edge in AI.

However, he acknowledges that AI development requires substantial resources. The kind of advancements being discussed will likely take years, with the expectation that breakthroughs will occur around 2026-2027. Amodei stresses that it is the availability of chips, rather than just financial resources, that will ultimately determine whether China can keep pace with the US in this high-stakes technological race.

The stakes for global AI leadership

Amodei presents a scenario where, if China secures the necessary chips, the world could see the emergence of two superpowersChina and the USboth with advanced AI systems. This could lead to rapid scientific progress but also create an environment where military applications of AI become a critical factor. The US already has its share of partnerships with defence companies, with firms like OpenAI working alongside the US military on AI solutions.

While Amodei respects the contributions of Chinese researchers and acknowledges that AI should benefit all societies, his concern is about preventing China from gaining military dominance through AI. He stresses that the US and its allies must ensure they retain the upper hand in AI development, particularly by enforcing stringent export controls on chips.

Balancing technological power and ethical concerns

Amodeis perspective, while diplomatic, underscores a central dilemma: Should the world be dominated by a US-led AI system or a China-led one? He suggests that export controls on chips are crucial in ensuring the US maintains its lead, even if temporarily. However, theres also the pressing question of whether we can create a future where AI is not militarised or used to drive us to the brink of conflict.

The debate continues, with experts like Amodei calling for careful regulation and international cooperation to ensure that AIs vast potential is harnessed for the benefit of all, rather than turning into a weapon of global dominance. Whether the US can maintain its lead or whether China will catch up remains to be seen, but the race is far from over.

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In an official statement, Italian Data Protection Authority, Garante, revealed that it has reached out to both DeepSeeks offices in Hangzhou and Beijing to understand what personal data its chatbot collects, the purposes for which this data is used, and where it is stored read more

One of the key concerns is whether DeepSeek uses web scraping techniques to gather data from users, both registered and unregistered. Garante wants to know how users are informed about the processing of their data in such cases, in line with GDPR requirements for transparency and consent. Image Credit: Reuters

The Italian Data Protection Authority, known as Garante, has turned its attention to DeepSeek, the Chinese AI chatbot that has quickly risen to prominence. Following its surge in popularity, especially in the US where it became the top-rated free app on the Apple App Store, Garante has raised concerns about potential risks to personal data privacy. The watchdog is seeking detailed information from the company about its data collection practices, particularly with regard to users in Italy.

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In an official statement, Garante revealed that it has reached out to both DeepSeeks offices in Hangzhou and Beijing. The inquiry focuses on understanding what personal data the chatbot collects, the purposes for which this data is used, and where it is stored. Of particular concern is whether the data is kept on servers located in China, which could pose a privacy risk under European Union data protection rules, particularly the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Concerns over data storage and privacy practices

DeepSeeks privacy policy already acknowledges that personal information from users is transferred to and stored on secure servers within the Peoples Republic of China. While the company claims it complies with relevant data protection laws, the Italian regulator is seeking further clarification on how personal data is handled. Garante is asking the company to specify what types of data are collected and how this information is processed, particularly in relation to AI training.

One of the key concerns is whether DeepSeek uses web scraping techniques to gather data from users, both registered and unregistered. Garante wants to know how users are informed about the processing of their data in such cases, in line with GDPR requirements for transparency and consent.

Allegations of data misuse

In addition to the concerns raised by Garante, there are reports suggesting that DeepSeek may have used data from OpenAI for its own AI model training. Bloomberg has reported that Microsoft and OpenAI are investigating whether DeepSeek improperly used data obtained from OpenAIs API.

It is believed that a group of users accessed and extracted a significant amount of data last fall, which might have ended up being used by DeepSeek in its model. Microsofts security team is reportedly looking into a possible connection between the exfiltrated data and DeepSeek.

Garantes request and global scrutiny

DeepSeek has 20 days to respond to Garantes request for detailed information. This investigation is just the latest in a growing wave of scrutiny surrounding DeepSeek, with authorities in the US also examining the national security implications of the chatbots rapid rise. The outcome of these investigations could have significant implications for how Chinese AI companies operate in the global market, particularly in regions with stringent data privacy laws like Europe.

As DeepSeek continues to capture global attention, its data handling practices are coming under increasing scrutiny, with both European and US regulators taking a close look at its operations.
Musk first mentioned the robotaxi service idea in October, introducing Teslas Cybercab prototypean autonomous vehicle with no steering wheel or pedals. The plan was initially set for a 2025 launch in Texas and California, using Model Y SUVs and Model 3 sedans read more

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has confirmed that the company will launch a paid robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, this June. The service will use Teslas own fleet of vehicles equipped with unsupervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, marking a significant step towards fully autonomous ride-hailing. Musk was light on details but indicated that this would be a cautious rollout.

The service will operate without human drivers, relying on the FSD software that Tesla is preparing to release to owners in California and many other regions of the US this year. However, Musk clarified that allowing owners to add their own cars to the fleet wont happen just yet. The CEO also called 2025 maybe the most important year in Teslas history, hinting at future developments for the company.

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Early plans and cautious rollout

Musk first mentioned the robotaxi service idea in October, introducing Teslas Cybercab prototypean autonomous vehicle with no steering wheel or pedals. The plan was initially set for a 2025 launch in Texas and California, using Model Y SUVs and Model 3 sedans. Now, the company has moved forward with a pilot in Austin, and Tesla is reportedly in talks with city officials to make it happen, though there has been no official response from the city.

In terms of safety, Musk said that Tesla would begin with a gentle approach, testing the FSD software in a controlled environment at its factory in Texas. He reassured the public that safety would be the top priority, aiming for a system that operates at a safety level significantly above the average human driver.

Challenges and safety concerns

Tesla has long shared a vehicle safety report, comparing the miles driven on Autopilotits less capable driver-assist softwareagainst the crash statistics for human drivers. However, this comparison has been critiqued due to the fact that Autopilot mostly operates on highways, and the company doesnt provide detailed information about crash conditions.

Despite these concerns, Musks optimism remains high as Tesla moves forward with its robotaxi plans. But as the company works to perfect unsupervised driving, questions about the reliability and safety of its self-driving technology continue to linger.
DeepSeeks swift rise has raised alarms. The US Navys decision reflects growing concerns within the US about the security risks posed by the model, especially considering the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions with China read more

The US Navy has placed a ban on its sailors from using the AI model developed by the Chinese tech firm DeepSeek. The move was confirmed in an email sent to Navy personnel on Friday, warning them that the companys R1 model is prohibited from being used for any work-related tasks or personal activities, as per a report by CNBC.

This restriction comes amid rising concerns over the potential security and ethical risks linked to the origins and usage of DeepSeeks AI. The Navy made it clear that they are taking these issues seriously, advising sailors to steer clear of the AI model.

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DeepSeeks rapid success

DeepSeek, a start-up based in Hangzhou, China, made waves earlier this month with the launch of its AI Assistant app. By this week, it had shot to the top of the free charts on the US Apple App Store, becoming the most downloaded app. Despite its modest costfar cheaper than the market leaders like OpenAIs ChatGPTthe AI model reportedly performs on par with its more expensive counterparts, scoring impressively on key metrics.

However, the apps swift rise has raised alarms. The US Navys decision reflects growing concerns within the US about the security risks posed by the model, especially considering the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions with China.

US government investigates potential risks

Later on, a spokesperson for the US Navy confirmed the authenticity of the email, adding that the decision was in response to national security concerns. Karoline Leavitt, Press Secretary for the White House, commented that the US National Security Council is actively reviewing the implications of DeepSeeks AI, acknowledging the potential threat it poses to US interests.

The launch of DeepSeeks AI has already caused a stir in the US stock market. Major tech companies, particularly NVIDIA, have seen substantial losses as investors grow concerned about the competition from this low-cost Chinese solution. The swift success of DeepSeeks app has many wondering how the established tech giants will respond.

Industry reactions to DeepSeeks AI

Industry leaders have also weighed in on the sudden rise of DeepSeeks AI. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, noted that while the Chinese model is impressiveespecially considering the pricehis company is determined to deliver superior models in the future. Altman expressed that having a new competitor in the market was a positive challenge for OpenAI.

Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump weighed in, calling the release of DeepSeeks AI a wake-up call for US tech companies. He stressed that the US needs to step up its efforts to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

As DeepSeeks AI continues to gain traction, the US will likely continue to scrutinise its impact on national security and the global tech market.
On Wednesday night, the Palestinian health ministry in Ramallah said an Israeli drone strike had killed at least 10 people, while the military said at the time that it had struck an armed cell read more

Israeli soldiers operate during a raid in the Nur Shams refugee camp near the Palestinian city of Tulkarem in the West Bank. (Photo: AFP)

Israels military confirmed Thursday that it had killed 10 Palestinians in a strike on a village in the occupied West Bank the day before, saying it had targeted militants.

During a joint counterterrorism operation by the military and domestic security agency, an air force aircraft struck a gathering of armed terrorists in the area of Tamun late Wednesday, the military said in a statement.

Approximately 10 terrorists were eliminated in the strike, it said, adding two of the militants killed were involved in an attack that claimed the life of an Israeli soldier and injured three others in Tamun on January 20.

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The army said the two had also been involved in additional shooting and explosives attacks.

On Wednesday night, the Palestinian health ministry in Ramallah said an Israeli drone strike had killed at least 10 people, while the military said at the time that it had struck an armed cell.

Violence has soared throughout the West Bank since Hamass attacks on October 7, 2023, which sparked a devastating Israeli offensive in Gaza.

Israeli troops or settlers have killed at least 874 Palestinians, including many militants, in the West Bank since the start of the Gaza war, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

At least 29 Israelis have been killed in Palestinian attacks or during Israeli military raids in the territory over the same period, according to official Israeli figures.
Salwan Momika, who came to Sweden in 2018, had argued that his protests targeted the religion of Islam, not Muslim people. He argued that he wanted to protect Swedens population from the messages of the Quran read more

Five people have been arrested in the fatal shooting of an Iraqi refugee who was responsible for burning the Quran in Sweden in 2023 sparking widespread riots across the country.

Salwan Momika, 38, was shot dead in a city near Stockholm on Thursday hours before he was due to appear in court for the verdict on the case of Quran burning. The Stockholm District Court said a verdict scheduled Thursday in a trial in which Momika was a defendant was postponed because one of the defendants had died.

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Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said that the attack on Momika could be linked to a foreign power. He said, I can assure you that the security services are deeply involved because there is obviously a risk that there is a connection to a foreign power.

Meanwhile, local media has reported that Momika was shot dead as he was live streaming on TikTok and that the shooting might have been caught live on social media.

Who was Momika?

Momika, who came to Sweden in 2018, had argued that his protests targeted the religion of Islam, not Muslim people. He argued that he wanted to protect Swedens population from the messages of the Quran. Swedish police allowed his demonstrations, citing freedom of speech, while filing charges against him.

Last March, he was arrested in neighboring Norway, after stating that he would seek asylum there, and was sent back to Sweden, TT reported.

Momika and a co-defendant were charged in August with incitement to hatred because of statements they made in connection with the Quran burnings. A verdict was supposed to be handed down on Thursday morning.

With inputs from agencies
A report by Canadian commission has found that there was no definitive link with a foreign state in the killing of Nijjar, a stark contrast to what Trudeau had said in 2023 that Canada had credible evidence that Indian agents had something to do with his death in British Columbia read more

For over two years, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been relentlessly blaming India for Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjars murder and New Delhi has been hitting back saying that his accusations were not backed by evidence. Now, a Canadian commission has found that there was no definitive link with a foreign state in the killing of Nijjar.

The report is in stark contrast to what Trudeau had said in 2023 that Canada had credible evidence that Indian agents had something to do with Nijjars death in British Columbia in the same year.

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The outgoing prime minister, whose unpopularity within his own government forced him to resign, sabotaged the India-Canada relationship by pinning the blame for Nijjars death on India. Now it is up to the next prime minister to attempt damage control.

What did the report say?

The report, Public Inquiry Into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions, was released on Tuesday (January 28).

In the report commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue said Disinformation is used as a retaliatory tactic to punish decisions that run contrary to a states interests. The report has suggested India spread disinformation on the killing of Nijjar.

This may have been the case with a disinformation campaign that followed the Prime Ministers announcement regarding suspected Indian involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar (though again no definitive link to a foreign state could be proven), the report said.

Report accuses India of running disinformation campaign

While proving Trudeaus allegations against India baseless, the commission, ironically, has also found New Delhi running a disinformation campaign.

Disinformation is also used as a retaliatory tactic, to punish decisions that run contrary to a states interests. This may have been the case with a disinformation campaign that followed the Prime Ministers announcement regarding suspected Indian involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar (though again no definitive link to a foreign state could be proven)," it said.

How Trudeau hurt India ties for narrow political gains

In October 2024, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of making a massive mistake by allegedly violating Canadian sovereignty through interference in Canadas internal affairs. This statement was made amid escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nations, following Canadas expulsion of six Indian diplomats, including High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, over allegations of their involvement in criminal activities within Canada.
Chaos erupted in the southern Gaza city of Khan Yunis when the seven hostages were brought for the handover as hundreds of people crowded to witness the event read more

Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad and Hamas fighters escort Israeli hostage Arbel Yehud (C) to hand her over to a Red Cross team in Khan Yunis on January 30, 2025, as part of their third hostage-prisoner exchange. AFP

Two more Israeli hostages along with five foreign captives were released by Hamas on Thursday and handed over to the Red Cross, the Israeli military said.

The two Israeli hostages who have been freed are Gadi Moses and Arbel Yehud and the foreigners include five Thai nationals. The hostages will be transferred to the Israel Defence Forces and ISA (security agency) forces in the Gaza Strip shortly.

Earlier today, the Palestinian terrorist group released Israeli soldier Agam Berger in the third such release as part of the Gaza ceasefire.

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Berger was handed over to the Red Cross at a ceremony in the heavily destroyed urban refugee camp of Jabaliya in northern Gaza. The Israeli government later confirmed that Berger was with its forces.

Meanwhile, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said she was elated after the release of citizens from Thailand.

Chaos erupted in the southern Gaza city of Khan Yunis when the seven hostages were brought for the handover as hundreds of people crowded to witness the event.

Onlookers scrambling to take pictures surrounded the Red Cross vehicles that had come to collect the hostages, an AFP correspondent reported.

Netanyahu slams shocking release of hostages

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed what he described as shocking scenes during the handover on Thursday of seven hostages including two Israelis.

I view with great severity the shocking scenes during the release of our hostages. This is yet another proof of the unimaginable cruelty of the Hamas terrorist organisation, Netanyahu said in a statement, after television images showed gunmen struggling to control hundreds of Gazans gathered to witness the handover.

I demand that the mediators ensure such horrific scenes do not recur and guarantee the safety of our hostages, Netanyahu added.

Anyone who dares to harm our hostages will bear full responsibility for their actions.

With inputs from AFP
US media reports suggested that American-Israeli hostage Keith Siegel would be freed today alongside Agam Berger and Arbel Yehoud, but instead, Gadi Moses has been released read more

Hamas fighters gahter at a square before handing over four Israeli hostages to the Red Cross in Gaza City on January 25, 2025. AFP

US President Donald Trumps Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff on Thursday said that an American hostage is likely to be released by Hamas soon.

When asked about the White Houses attempt to safely get back all the US hostages held by Hamas, Witkoff said, Were on top of it all  one is coming out tomorrow.

It is, however, not clear whether the American hostage will be released on January 31 or on February 1 three other captives are slated to be freed.

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US media reports suggested that American-Israeli hostage Keith Siegel would be freed today alongside Agam Berger and Arbel Yehoud, but instead, Gadi Moses has been released.

Among the other US hostages who are believed to be alive are Edan Alexander and Sagui Dekel-Chen.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, Hamas released seven hostages including five Thai nationals in the third such release under the Gaza ceasefire.

The Israeli captives who have been freed in the latest transfer include Israeli soldier Agam Berger, Gadi Moses and Arbel Yehud.

Prisoner release delayed

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered a delay to Thursdays release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for three Israeli hostages freed earlier in the latest exchange of the Gaza ceasefire, his office said.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with Defence Minister Israel Katz, has instructed the delay of the release of the terrorists scheduled for today until the safe departure of our hostages in the upcoming phases is assured, Netanyahus office said.

A Hamas source told AFP that the group was in touch with mediators to compel Israel to release the 110 prisoners due to be freed on Thursday.

Netanyahu slams shocking release of hostages

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed what he described as shocking scenes during the handover on Thursday of seven hostages including two Israelis.

I view with great severity the shocking scenes during the release of our hostages. This is yet another proof of the unimaginable cruelty of the Hamas terrorist organisation, Netanyahu said in a statement, after television images showed gunmen struggling to control hundreds of Gazans gathered to witness the handover.

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I demand that the mediators ensure such horrific scenes do not recur and guarantee the safety of our hostages, Netanyahu added.

Anyone who dares to harm our hostages will bear full responsibility for their actions.

With inputs from AFP
In a significant move to strengthen Indias artillery capabilities, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a Rs 10,200-crore deal for procuring ammunition for the indigenous Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system. It was built by DRDO and is believed to be one of the most advance rocket system. read more

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday cleared a Rs 10,200-crore deal for procuring ammunition for the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system. The decision taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security will provide a major boost to the modernisation of artillery.

Two contracts will be signed for the same by March 31. The two deals are Rs 5,700 crore for high-explosive pre-fragmented ammunition and Rs 4,500 crore for area denial ammunition.

The two types of ammunition will be produced by the Nagpur-based private sector Solar Group and state-owned Munitions India Limited.

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The deal was signed with Nagpur-based private sector Solar Group and state-owned Munitions India Limited, a source told The Times of India. The two companies will produce the ammunition in a 60:40 ratio.

As soon as we get longer ranges, we might drop plans for other alternate long-range weapons we are looking at and concentrate on it (Pinaka), Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi said.

Plans to expand Pinaka regiment

The Army currently has four Pinaka regiments. Some of the launchers of the regiment are also placed in high-altitude areas along the Line of Actual Control at the Indo-Tibet border. There are plans to induct six more regiments into the military.

Made-in-India, indigenous and advance

The Pinaka is a made-in-India, indigenous multi-barrel rocket launcher system designed to deliver a high volume of firepower in a short time. Each Pinaka launcher can fire 12 rockets in 44 seconds, targeting areas up to 40 kilometres away. The system has been integrated into the Indian Armys artillery units, with plans to expand its deployment in the coming years.

Pinakas precise striking ability

The rocket is known for delivering precise strikes at high altitudes, making it one of the most advanced artillery rocket systems globally.

Developed by DRDO

It was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The current range of the system is 75 km, but DRDO plans to expand it to 150 km and eventually up to 300 km.
Alex Soros, the son of American billionaire George Soros and chairperson of Open Society Foundations (OSF), met Bangladeshs interim government chief Muhammad Yunus. Yunus emphasised that the delegation expressed their support for the interim governments reform agenda. read more

Alex Soros, son of American billionaire George Soros, met Bangladeshs interim government chief Muhammad Yunus on Thursday. He is also the chairperson of Open Society Foundations (OSF).

The meeting came after US President Donald Trump halted aid for Dhaka. This is the second meeting between Soros and Yunus in three months, following their meeting in New York last October.

Yunus emphasised that the delegation, led by Soros and OSF president Binaifer Nowrojee, expressed their support for the interim governments reform agenda.

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Open Society Foundations leadership on Wednesday met the chief interim adviser to discuss Bangladeshs efforts to rebuild the economy, trace siphoned-off assets, combat misinformation, and carry out vital economic reforms, Yunus said on X.

The two also met on 3 October last year in New York, where Alex Soros called Yunus an old friend of my father. It is alleged that Yunus has financial links to George Soros.

Soross Open Society Foundations (OSF) have been accused of supporting regime changes in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. Some believe it played a role in the removal of Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh last August. Hasina had also accused the US of involvement in the unrest but did not provide details.

George Soros and his organisation have recently drawn attention in India as well.

His name appeared in controversies surrounding the Adani Group, with claims that Soros-funded groups were behind the OCCRP report accusing Adani of using secretive Mauritius-based funds for investments.

The BJP has also alleged that Congress leader Sonia Gandhi is linked to groups funded by Soros. Meanwhile, OSFs activities in India have come under scrutiny for reportedly supporting organisations critical of government policies.
Goma, the capital of North Kivu, is both a strategic economic hub and a trade conduit to Rwanda. Rwanda frames its involvement as a necessary step to neutralise FDLR, an armed group with historical ties to the perpetrators of the 1994 genocide 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 March 23 Movement (M23), backed by Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) soldiers, on January 26, laid siege to Goma, a vital city of over a million people in the mineral-rich eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Since then, the region has been racked with chaos. This escalation is a stark reminder of the 2012 takeover.

We answer some burning questions about Gomas current situation, the potential causes behind the conflict, and what can be expected going ahead.

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Whats it like in Goma right now?

Artillery shelling and missile strikes have marked the fighting since early December 2024, with intensifying barrages in January 2025 paving the way for the latest offensive.

M23 and RDF forces swiftly captured Gomas airport and national radio station while engaging in fierce clashes with the Congolese military (FARDC) and allied armed groups in at least 13 neighbourhoods. Several other districts fell without resistance, underscoring the rebels military superiority.

The violence has led to widespread demonstrations. Protests in Kinshasa and other cities have turned violent, with enraged civilians targeting embassies perceived as sympathetic to the M23, setting several ablaze.

Political violence involving the M23 and RDF in the DRC 1 December 2024 - 28 January 2025. Image courtesy: ACLED

Despite the intensification of hostilities, the current offensive differs from the last major assault on Goma in 2012. Then, nearly half of M23s documented violence involved direct attacks on civilians. In contrast, data indicates that since their resurgence in 2021, less than 15 per cent of their annual operations have explicitly targeted non-combatants.

However, the civilian toll surged in January 2025, with more than 25 reported incidents of direct attacks against non-combatantsmaking it the deadliest month for civilians since the 2012 takeover.

Why did Rwanda-backed M23 take Goma?

Analysts point to a mix of security concerns, economic interests, and the inherent momentum of prolonged conflict as key factors behind the renewed offensive.

Goma, the capital of North Kivu, is both a strategic economic hub and a trade conduit to Rwanda. Numerous international businesses, NGOs, and media organisations operate in the city, making its control highly desirable for any actor in the region.

The Congolese government, wary of persistent instability, had placed the province under military rule, but the death of Major General Peter Cirimwami in a clash with M23 on January 23 further weakened Kinshasas hold over the region.

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The M23 has long benefited financially from the regions vast mineral wealth. By controlling smuggling routes and levying informal taxes on miners and road users, the rebels generate significant income. Cobalt, a critical component in electric vehicle batteries, is among the most lucrative commodities under their purview, alongside gold, tin, tantalum, and tungsten minerals essential to global industries ranging from electronics to aerospace.

Rwanda, for its part, frames its involvement as a necessary step to neutralise the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed group with historical ties to the perpetrators of the 1994 genocide. Rwandan President Paul Kagame insists that his countrys actions are defensive, aimed at preventing future threats emanating from the Congolese border.

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Yet, many experts view Rwandas security justification as a convenient pretext for economic expansionism. Thierry Vircoulon of the French Institute of International Relations argues that Rwandas true ambition is to maintain control over the resource-rich territories of eastern Congo. The profits from illicit mineral trade provide Kigali with a significant economic incentive to remain involved in the region.

Can M23 hold Goma?

M23s previous occupation of Goma in 2012 ended abruptly due to a combination of international pressure and internal factionalism. Within weeks, the rebels withdrew following Ugandan-brokered negotiations.

This time, analysts suggest that M23 is less likely to fracture. Unlike in 2012, when divisions weakened their cohesion, the group now operates under tighter coordination with Rwandas military, making internal dissent less probable.

M23s leadership is keen to prove that they can govern Goma more effectively than the Congolese administration. Their messaging has consistently attacked the corruption and inefficiency of Kinshasas rule. By maintaining a semblance of order in Goma, they aim to bolster their legitimacy both domestically and internationally.

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However, holding the city poses substantial challenges. The DRC government has vowed not to let history repeat itself, and military reinforcements are expected. Regional actors, including Uganda and Burundi, could also be drawn into the conflict, further complicating M23s ability to retain control.

What could happen over the next few weeks?

The unfolding crisis in Goma presents two primary scenarios: diplomatic negotiations or escalating military retaliation, according to Ladd Serwat, Africa Senior Analyst at a non-profit organisation called Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED).

1. A negotiated settlement

If the M23 and RDF consolidate their hold over Goma, their strengthened position could force Kinshasa to negotiate. The rebels and their Rwandan allies are likely to demand significant concessions, including an end to Congolese collaboration with the FDLR and a crackdown on anti-Rwandan rhetoric.

Political accommodations, such as granting M23-aligned officials power in North Kivu, may also be on the table. Additionally, economic arrangementsparticularly concerning the extraction and trade of cobalt and other mineralscould form a critical part of any agreement.

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The 2012 siege ended in similar fashion, with negotiations brokered by Uganda leading to a withdrawal. Recent UN reports indicate that Uganda may still be involved in supporting M23, potentially positioning Kampala as a mediator once again. However, even if a deal is struck, sporadic fighting in other parts of North Kivu is likely to persist.

2. Military escalation

Alternatively, the Congolese government may opt for a full-scale military response. Already, FARDC has launched retaliatory artillery strikes into Rwandan territory, specifically targeting locations in Rubavu district. The expulsion of Rwandan diplomats from Kinshasa and the DRCs refusal to participate in East African Community-led peace talks in Tanzania further signal a hardened stance.

Should Kinshasa commit to a military solution, the fighting could escalate beyond North Kivu, potentially drawing in neighboring countries. Burundi and Angola, both of which have previously contributed troops to regional peacekeeping efforts, may intervene to counter Rwandas influence.

Meanwhile, Rwanda itself could respond aggressively to Congolese cross-border shelling, heightening the risk of a broader conflict.

The uncertain road ahead

Whether through diplomacy or force, the coming weeks will determine whether this latest occupation follows the trajectory of 2012 or spirals into a prolonged conflict.

In a region where war has become a recurring cycle, the question remains: is peace within reach, or is eastern Congo doomed to yet another chapter of bloodshed and displacement?

With inputs from agencies
After an hour-long meeting among the Syrian rebel groups, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) leader Ahmed al-Sharaa was appointed as the president of the country for a transitional period. The authorities announced that a new government will takeover by March read more

Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, speaks to the media after the ousting of Syria's Bashar al-Assad, in Damascus, Syria, December 23, 2024. File Image/Reuters

Weeks after the rebel groups took over Syria, the former leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) Ahmed al-Sharaa, was appointed as the president of the country for a transitional period. HTS was one of the main rebel groups that led the military operation which ultimately toppled, former Syrian President Bashar al-Assads draconian regime. Sharaa has been acting as the de facto leader of the country since December.

The confirmation of his new role came following a meeting of the leaders of the rebel factions on Wednesday. Apart from making this announcement, a military spokesperson also announced a series of other changes. This included the dissolution of the Syrian parliament, the formation of an appointed legislative council, and the cancellation of the countrys 2012 constitution, The Guardian reported.

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The Syrian military and security agencies were also dissolved and were replaced by the new security institutions and army. The military spokesperson made it clear, that all armed factions in Syria are to be disbanded since they will be absorbed in the new national army.

But theres a catch

In an ideal circumstance, the order to dissolve the armed factions would entail the dissolution of the HTS. However, the order did not mention the rebel groups name, leaving many surprised. In the past, Sharaa has said that the countrys priorities were filling the power vacuum, preserving civil peace, building state institutions.

As per the latest announcement, the transition government is supposed to hand over the power to a brand new government by March. However, it is still unclear exactly how this transition will be managed. Last month, while speaking to Al Arabiya, Sharaa said that holding an election in the conflict-ravaged country could take up to four years. Not only this, re-writing the countrys constitution would also take up to three years.

Earlier this month, Sharaa had promised to conduct a national dialogue conference to maintain inclusivity in the post-Assad era. However, he has frequently delayed holding the event. Meanwhile, his closed-door meetings have been mostly with individuals rather than political parties.

The challenge of maintaining the factions

In mid-January, the Syrian Ministry of Defence announced that it would be holding a series of consultations with the factions to see how they could come together as unified entities. According to The Guardian, Sharaa along with his minister of defence has held near-daily meetings with rebel factions and given their leaders key posts within the interim government.

However, there are still significant challenges in regards to more radical Islamist rebel factions  many of which make up part of the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army  are not as disciplined as HTSs rank and file and differ with the groups ideology. It is pertinent to note that HTS was originally an offshoot of the Syrian branch of al-Qaida and was one of the most powerful Syrian groups at the time of the takeover.

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Meanwhile, foreign actors are keeping a close eye to see whether the Syrian regime maintains the trajectory of stability which they more or less have maintained following the ousting of Assad. In the midst of this, the interim government has courted regional powers for support in bolstering its fledgling state and army, seeking foreign funds and legitimacy.

The Syrian authorities have already announced that the new regimes first foreign trip will be to Saudi Arabia and later to Turkey. During the international visits, the Syrian foreign minister will be accompanied by the defence minister and the director of intelligence.

With inputs from agencies.

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China has reportedly withdrawn from two huge projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Cambodia in recent months. As such reported withdrawal comes amid sluggish economic growth, the question is whether China is getting cold feet on promised big projects abroad. read more

Earlier this month, China pulled out of the Grand Inga Dam project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

This is the second large-scale project that China has quit in recent years. For several months, it has been believed that China has quit the Funan Techo Canal project in Cambodia. While Cambodian leaders have said China would finance the project, China has not issued any statement regarding it.

Chinas withdrawal from two projects comes at a time when Chinese economy is struggling, manufacturing is declining, and the country is wrapped in a trade war with the West. As there are signs of excitement around the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) sobering up as well, the question is whether China has developed cold feet regarding the big projects that it has promised abroad.

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China withdraws from big projects

The Grand Inga Dam would have been the largest dam project in the world. Its electricity-generation would have been twice of Chinas Three Gorges Dam, which is currently the largest dam in the world.

Earliest this week, the BBC News reported that China has withdrawn from the project.

Even though the project was floated with ambitions, there were always concerns about the feasibility as it had a projected cost of $80 billion. As the DRC is among the poorest nations in the world, there were always questions how it would foot the bill. There were concerns that the DRC could end up being like Sri Lanka that fell into Chinas debt trap and had to cede a port to China.

Even though officials have not commented on the matter publicly, there are signs that China may be replaced by World Bank in the project.

Late last year, just as China was withdrawing from the project, the World Bank announced it was engaged in talks with the DRC regarding the project. Previously, the World Bank had quit the project in 2016, paving the way for China to join later.

I think its the first time that I feel more optimistic. I almost believe that we can get it done, said Demetrios Papathanasiou, the Global Director of Energy and Extractives of World Bank, last year, according to BBC.

Similarly, China appears to have withdrawn from the Cambodias Funan Techo Canal project that would connect Mekong river to the Gulf of Thailand.

In August 2024, Cambodian premier Hun Manet said China would provide 49 per cent of funds to make Funan Techo Canal.

The canal is a big thing for Cambodia. The projected cost of $1.7 billion amounts to nearly 4 per cent of Cambodias gross domestic product (GDP). The canal is envisioned to reduce Cambodias dependence on neighbouring Vietnam for shipping.

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Four people directly involved in the investment plans or briefed about them told Reuters late last year that China has expressed misgivings about the project and has not made definitive commitments on its funding.

Credit: Reuters

Is Chinas BRI losing steam?

At the same time, Chinas BRIs projects have also grown smaller in scale over the years.

In the initial years, China flaunted huge roadways, railways, and ports as part of the BRI, but the scale has fallen in recent years.

The BRI deal size fell from over $500 million in 2017 to less than $400 million in 2023, according to Nikkei Asia.

Writing for the newspaper, Christoph Nedopil noted that the downsizing of the BRI is partly the result of unsustainable debt that several countries accumulated.

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Traditional debt financing based on sovereign guarantees is now becoming less relevant and lending and other funding commitments by Chinese policy banks for BRI projects fell from about $90 billion in 2016 to about $5 billion in 2021, noted Nedopil.

However, Nedopil noted that the downsizing was not necessarily a bad thing and it was part of an evolution where BRI projects were being made smaller and greener. He said that smaller projects carried advantages of faster implementation and lower risk.

Irrespective of advantages that downsizing may carry, the fact remains that a number of BRI projects have become white elephants. Even Nedopil admitted it.

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In the initial years, the BRI drew global attention due to the largesse of multibillion dollar projects in countries that had often struggled to receive funding from traditional Western-led financial institutions. China put in billions for railroads in Kenya and energy in Bangladesh and Pakistan, for example. But many of these projects ran into financial trouble, noted Nedopil.
Israel has halted the release of Palestinian security prisoners set to be freed after the return on Israeli hostages in protests against the scenes of chaos surrounding the release of Arbel Yehoud, Gadi Mozes, and five Thai nationals, according to a report read more

Palestinian Hamas militants release female Israeli soldier Agam Berger held in Gaza since the deadly October 7 2023 attack, as part of a ceasefire and a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel, in Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip, on Thursday. Reuters

Israel has halted the release of Palestinian security prisoners set to be freed after the return on Israeli hostages in protests against the scenes of chaos surrounding the release of Arbel Yehoud, Gadi Mozes, and five Thai nationals, according to a Times of Israel report, citing Channel 12.

A total of 110 Palestinian prisoners were expected to be freed on Thursday as part of the phased agreement that halted fighting in the shattered coastal territory earlier this month.

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Buses carrying the detainees had been instructed to return to prisons in an apparent response to the chaotic handover, added the report.

Arbel Yehud, 29, was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz during the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. In a tense moment in Khan Younis, she appeared fearful and struggled to navigate through a chaotic crowd as armed militants handed her over to the Red Cross.

Also released was Gadi Moses, 80, along with five Thai nationals who were working on Israeli farms near Gaza, according to the Israeli military.

Meanwhile, the mother of one of the Thai workers anxiously watched the livestream of the release from her home in northeastern Udon Thani province.

Please, let my son walk out now, I want to see his face, Reuters quoted Wiwwaro Sriaoun, 53, as saying as the footage on her phone showed a vehicle moving slowly through the crowd.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed what he described as shocking scenes during the handover on Thursday.

I view with great severity the shocking scenes during the release of our hostages. This is yet another proof of the unimaginable cruelty of the Hamas terrorist organisation, AFP quoted Netanyahu as saying in a statement, after television images showed gunmen struggling to control hundreds of Gazans gathered to witness the handover.

I demand that the mediators ensure such horrific scenes do not recur and guarantee the safety of our hostages, Netanyahu added.

Earlier, in Jabalia in northern Gaza, an Israeli soldier, Agam Berger, wearing an olive green uniform, was led through a narrow ally between heavily damaged buildings and over piles of rubble before being handed to the Red Cross.

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Our daughter is strong, faithful, and brave, Reuters quoted her family as saying in a statement.

Now Agam and our family can begin the healing process, but the recovery will not be complete until all the hostages return home.

A video released by Netanyahus office showed a pale Berger crying and smiling while sitting on her mothers lap.

Netanyahu has faced criticism in Israel for not having sealed a hostage deal earlier after the security failure that enabled the October 7 Hamas assault.

Hamas defiance

Hamas, which Israel has vowed to obliterate, still has a strong presence in Gaza despite heavy bombardment from the Middle Easts most advanced military over more than 15 months and the assassination of Hamas leader Yahya Al-Sinwar.

The killing of leaders only makes the people stronger and more stubborn, Reuters quoted senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri as saying of Sinwar, filmed by an Israeli drone badly wounded throwing a piece of wood at the device in his final defiance of Israel.

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The release in Khan Younis took place near the bombed ruins of Sinwars house.

The Palestinian prisoners, who include 30 minors and some convicted members of Palestinian groups responsible for deadly attacks that killed dozens of people in Israel, had been expected be taken to the West Bank or Gaza later in the day.

Israelis gathered in what has become known as Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, cheering and crying as they watched the release on a giant screen. The hostages will be taken to hospital for treatment.

Some people cheered as US President Donald Trumps Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff arrived at the square, in apparent gratitude for his role in securing the ceasefire deal. He shook hands with some people, including family members of hostages.

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Around 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 hostages were abducted in the Hamas attack in Israel, the bloodiest single attack on Jews since the Holocaust. Israels military response has killed more than 47,000 Palestinians and laid waste to the enclave of 2.3 million people, who face severe shortages of medicine, fuel and food.

Around half the hostages were released the following month during the only previous truce, and others have been recovered dead or alive during Israels military campaign in Gaza.

Hundreds of thousands of Gazans, most displaced repeatedly during the conflict, have returned to their neighbourhoods in the north, where the fighting was most intense. Many have found their homes to be uninhabitable and basic goods in short supply.

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Israel still lists 82 captives in Gaza, with around 30 declared dead in absentia.

In the course of the war triggered by the Hamas attack, Israel has killed other leaders of Hamas as well as Lebanons Hezbollah, striking major blows against Irans network of proxies in the Middle East. The fall of Iran-backed Syrian president Bashar al-Assad was also a boost for Israel.

Israeli forces have stepped up operations in another Palestinian territory, the West Bank, since the Gaza ceasefire came into effect, saying they are targeting militants there.

With inputs from agencies
Buses transporting freed Palestinian prisoners departed from an Israeli prison on Thursday, following a brief delay caused by the chaotic release of three Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals by Gaza militants read more

Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad and Hamas fighters escort Israeli hostage Arbel Yehud to hand her over to a Red Cross team in Khan Yunis on Thursday, as part of their third hostage-prisoner exchange. AFP

Buses transporting freed Palestinian prisoners departed from an Israeli prison on Thursday, following a brief delay caused by the chaotic release of three Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals by Gaza militants.

According to AFP, as dusk approached, two buses left Ofer Prison in the occupied West Bank.

This came after Israel confirmed it had received guarantees from mediators regarding the safe release of captives.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office announced that the prisoner release would be put on hold until those assurances were secured.

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Israel was set to release 110 prisoners, including 30 minors, in exchange for the three Israelis released on Thursday, according to the Palestinian Prisoners Club advocacy group.

This marks the third hostage-prisoner exchange under a ceasefire agreement reached on January 19, aimed at concluding the conflict in Gaza.

Another release is scheduled for Saturday, during which three Israeli men are expected to be freed.

On Thursday, militants in Gaza released three Israelis and five Thai nationals, all of whom were captured during Hamass attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Prime Minister Netanyahu condemned the shocking scenes that unfolded during the hostage releases in Khan Yunis, where footage depicted gunmen struggling to manage the crowd of Gazans eager to witness the handover.

The first to be released on Thursday was 20-year-old Israeli soldier Agam Berger, who was handed over to officials from the International Committee of the Red Cross in Jabalia, northern Gaza.

Prior to her release, she was seen on stage with masked Hamas members wearing distinctive green headbands, being encouraged to wave to the crowd.

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Israels military said the three Israeli hostages and five Thais were now back in Israel and were taken to hospitals.

The two other freed Israelis are civilians Gadi Moses, 80, and Arbel Yehud, 29, both of whom also hold German nationality.

We are relieved and rejoice with all the hostages who have been released, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on X. He urged the release of all remaining captives.

Netanyahus office named the freed Thais as Watchara Sriaoun, Pongsak Tanna, Sathian Suwannakham, Surasak Lamnau and Bannawat Saethao.

Thailands Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said she was elated that they were out of captivity.

It is confirmed everyone, my son did not die. Thank you God, AFP quoted a sobbing Wiwwaeo Sriaoun as saying at her home in rural Thailand as she heard confirmation her farm worker son was among those freed.

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In devastated Khan Yunis, dense crowds gathered to catch a glimpse of Yehud and Moses near the childhood home of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who Israel killed in October.

On Wednesday, the Moses family said it had received with great excitement the wonderful news of our beloved Gadis return.

The ceasefire hinges on the release of Israeli hostages taken during Hamass October 7, 2023 attack, in exchange for around 1,900 people  mostly Palestinians  in Israeli custody.

Before Thursday, Hamas had released seven hostages, with 290 prisoners freed in exchange.

Aid trucks row

The truce deal has allowed a surge of aid into the devastated Gaza Strip, where the war has created a long-running humanitarian crisis.

However, senior Hamas officials accused Israel of slowing aid deliveries, with one citing key items such as fuel, tents, heavy machinery and other equipment.

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COGAT, the Israeli defence ministry body that oversees civilian affairs in the Palestinian territories, called this totally fake news.

As the text of the agreement  mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States  has not been made public, AFP was not able to verify its terms on aid.

Displacement injustice

The ceasefire deal is currently in its first, 42-day phase, which should see 33 hostages freed. The Thai hostages are not included in that number.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for sealing the agreement, which took effect before his inauguration, and his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, who took part in the talks, met Netanyahu in Israel on Wednesday.

Trump has invited Netanyahu to the White House on February 4, according to the premiers office.

After the truce began, Trump touted a plan to clean out Gaza, calling for Palestinians to relocate to neighbouring countries such as Egypt or Jordan.

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However, both Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordans King Abdullah II rejected this.

More than 376,000 displaced Palestinians have gone back to northern Gaza since Israel reopened access this week, according to the UN humanitarian office OCHA, with many returning to little more than rubble.

My house is destroyed, 33-year-old Mohammed al-Faleh told AFP.

The biggest problem is that there is no water, he added. Food aid is reaching Gaza but there is no gas or electricity. We bake bread on a fire fuelled by wood and nylon.

Israel cut ties with the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) from Thursday following accusations some of its staff belong to Hamas, a move likely to hamper delivery of vital services.

UNRWA has long been the lead agency in coordinating aid to Gaza.

A series of investigations, including one led by French former foreign minister Catherine Colonna, found some neutrality related issues at UNRWA  but stressed Israel had not provided evidence that a significant number of its staff belonged to terrorist organisations.
Israel has banned the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) over allegations that the agency shelters terrorists read more

Israeli soldiers take position as they enter the UNRWA headquarter where the military discovered tunnels underneath of the UN agency that the military says Hamas used to attack its forces during a ground operation in Gaza, February 8, 2024. File Image/AP

Israel will formally ban the United Nations (UN) Palestinian agency on Thursday over its alleged links to terrorists.

Israel has long accused the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) of employing terrorists from Hamas and other groups and its facilities, including schools, being used by terrorists as bases and lunch-pads. The accusations have intensified after the October 7 attack.

Israels ban on UNRWAs operations will come into effect on Thursday. Any contact between Israeli government and UNRWA will also be banned.

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The Israeli Supreme Court has clarified that the ban will only be applicable on sovereign Israeli territory and not on the Gaza Strip and West Bank.

While Israel has framed the ban as an essential step against terrorism, the UNRWA has said that it plays an essential role in the delivery of food and other humanitarian assistance in Gaza and the ban will hamper its ability to fulfil its role.

UNRWA infested with Hamas

Ahead of the ban, Israeli Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Oren Marmorstein on Wednesday said Hamas is infested with Hamas terror activity.

Marmorstein said, This is why, beginning on January 30 and in accordance with Israeli law, Israel will have no contact with UNRWA.

Marmorstein said that Israel is committed to providing humanitarian assistance to Gaza as per international law but is going to ensure that UNRWA would not be a part of the process.

There are multiple alternative organizations to UNRWAincluding UN agencies, international NGOs, and foreign countriesthat are already operating to facilitate humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip, and their role will only increase. It is a shame that some international political players seem to care more about UNRWA than the issue of humanitarian aid itself. Nevertheless, engagement with UNRWA will stophumanitarian aid will continue, said Marmorstein.

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Since the beginning of the Israeli operations in Gaza following the Hamas-led attack, Israel has been criticised for not letting enough humanitarian assistance enter Gaza. Throughout the war, UN agencies have reported famine-like conditions inside Gaza.

Separately, Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer was quoted as saying by AFP on Wednesday that UNRWA is riddled with Hamas operatives and that if a state funds UNRWA, that state is funding terrorists.

UNRWA employs over 1,200 Hamas members, including terrorists who carried out the October 7 massacre. This isnt aid, its direct financial support for terror, said Mencer.

UN, Palestinian agencies criticise Israels ban

A Palestinian human rights organisation, Adalah, unsuccessfully challenged the ban in the Israeli Supreme Court and said it disregards the catastrophic humanitarian consequences, according to AFP.

The UNRWA maintains that it has provided 60 per cent of all food that has entered Gaza since the beginning of the war.

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The agency says it has brought in 60 percent of the food aid that has reached Gaza since the war started with Hamass 2023 attack on Israel.

UN chief Antonio Guterres has demanded Israel to withdraw the ban. He dubbed the UNRWA as irreplaceable.

UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said the agencys capacity to distribute aid in Gaza far exceeds that of any other entity, according to AFP.

Lazzarini dubbed Israels actions against UNRWA as relentless assault harming the lives and future of Palestinians across the occupied Palestinian territory.
Japanese authorities have urged 1.2 million residents to limit water use. This is due to unstable ground and leaking sewage hamper efforts to rescue a truck driver trapped in a massive sinkhole in Yashio. read more

Japanese authorities have asked 1.2 million people to cut back on showers and laundry to prevent leaking sewage aggravating an operation to rescue a truck driver in a sinkhole.

The hole suddenly opened up in Yashio during the morning rush hour on Tuesday, swallowing the lorry.

Rescue efforts have been severely hampered by unstable ground around the hole and a second, larger hole appearing. Water has also been seeping in.

Putting our first priority on saving the persons life, we are asking residents to refrain from non-essential use of water such as taking a bath or doing laundry, a Saitama prefecture official told AFP on Thursday.

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Using toilets is difficult to refrain from, but we are asking to use less water as much as possible.

In a statement sent to the roughly 1.2 million residents, the prefecture asked them to please continue to refrain from sewage as polluted water may overflow.

As the rescue work is facing difficulties, it will likely take time to restore the sewage system, it said.

Some sewage water in the area was collected and released to a nearby river Wednesday.

No contact has been had with the 74-year-old truck driver since around 1:00 pm (0400 GMT) Tuesday and rescuers have been working around the clock to reach him.

The initial sinkhole, estimated at about 10 metres wide and six metres deep (33 feet by 20 feet), has since merged with another.

At around 2:30 am (on Thursday), the two holes became one, and with risk of another landslide or collapse of roads, weve been unable to use heavy machinery, a fire department official told AFP.
Kash Patel, who once said he would disband the FBI if he were made its chief, would appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee today as part of his confirmation process read more

When Kash Patel, US President Donald Trumps pick to head the FBI, will appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday, he is expected to face tough questions from Democrats.

Unlike Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was confirmed by Senate unanimously, Patels confirmation is expected to be along party lines. While Republicans are bound to hail him, owing to his unflinching loyalty to Trump, Democrats are bound to flag his pledge to go after political opponents and support for debunked conspiracy theories about January 6 riots and Russia investigation during Trumps first term.

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While FBI directors have always been appointed by presidents, they have sought to maintain distance from White House to ensure independence of their agency. However, with Patel at the helm, who owes his rise in the government to nothing but loyalty to Trump and parroting his worldview over the years, there are questions whether the agency would be able to function independently or would be reduced to a Republican witch-hunt project.

Ahead of the hearing, Yale University historian Beverly Gage told The New York Times that Patel could be earth-shattering at the FBI.

Hes so close to Donald Trump and is making no secret that he will use the bureau to punish Mr. Trumps enemies. Hes coming in openly hostile to the institution. At the F.B.I., this is potentially earth-shattering, said Gage.

Patel wanted to disband FBI

In the most notable iteration of his distaste of the agency he is now set to head, Patel once said he wanted to disband FBI and turn all of its agents and officers into policepersons.

In a podcast last year, Patel said that if he were the head of FBI, he would shut down the agencys headquarters building and reopen it the next day as a museum of the deep state.

And Id take the seven thousand employees that work in that building and send them across America to go chase down criminals. Go be cops, said Patel in the podcast, according to Associated Press.

A history of conspiracy theories, falsehoods

Patel has claimed for years that the January 6 attack on the US Capitol, instigated by Trump with the intention to illegally overturn the 2020 election in his favour, was planned and executed by FBI through its undercover operatives and informants.

Michael Horowitz, the Inspector General of the Department of Justice, concluded in his investigation of the FBIs handling of informants and intelligence leading up to the Jan. 6 attack that the FBI did not have any undercover employees in the mob that day, according to The New York Times.

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Horowitzs report concluded that there were 26 persons with a history of providing information to the FBI who were in Washington DC on Jan. 6, 2021. Out of these 26 persons, the report said that only three informants were told to report on specific domestic terrorism case subjects planning to attend Trumps rally that day where he egged on the mob to attack the Capitol and none of them was ordered to or were authorised to encourage an attack on the Capitol.

Patel has also peddled for years that a document emerging indirectly from the Hillary Clintons 2016 presidential campaign, Steele Dossier, was the basis of FBIs investigation into Russian interference in 2016 election in favour of Trump. However, thats not true.

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The FBI opened the Russia investigation on July 31, 2016, after a tip from Australian government, according to two investigations by Horowitz and Special Counsel John Durham.

The Australian authorities had alerted the FBI that a foreign policy aide on the Trump campaign had suggested to Australian diplomats that Russia was planning to plant dirt on Hillary to damage her candidacy and boost Trumps prospects in the election, according to The Times.

While the FBI began the investigation on July 31, 2016, it received the Steele Dossier weeks later on Sept. 19.
The Republican firebrand sued the social media giant and its chief executive, Mark Zuckerberg, in 2021 over the suspension of his accounts following the January 6 attack read more

Meta, Facebooks parent company, has agreed to pay $25 million to settle a lawsuit filed by US President Donald Trump. The Republican firebrand sued the social media giant and its chief executive, Mark Zuckerberg, in 2021 over the suspension of his accounts following the January 6 attack.

In July 2024, Meta lifted the final restrictions on Trumps Facebook and Instagram profiles leading up to the presidential race, which he ultimately won. According to the Wall Street Journal, around $22 million of the settlement money will go to a fund for Trumps presidential library. The rest will be used to cover the legal fees the president incurred while pursuing the case.

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It is pertinent to note that one of the conditions of the settlement is that Meta will not admit to any sort of wrongdoing in the matter. When the company suspended Trumps Facebook and Instagram accounts, Meta said that they would ban him from the platform for at least two years.

Zuckerberg patched things with Trump

Soon after Trumps win in the November 5 polls, Zuckerberg visited Mar-a-Lago to meet the business-mogul-turned politician. Many considered the meeting as an indication of the thwarting of animosities between the two leaders.

Things became even more apparent the very next month when Meta donated $1m to an inauguration fund for Trump. Not only this, Zuckerberg was also a guest at Trumps indoor inauguration ceremony a the US Capitol. He was seated among other global billionaires including Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

However, things were not this Hunky Dory between Trump and Zuckerberg. For years, Trump had been highly critical of The Meta CEO, often referring to his social media platforms as anti-Trump. As his account was banned, the president referred to Facebook as an enemy of the people in March 2024.

Apart from this, On Wednesday, Meta defended its $65bn investment in artificial intelligence (AI) after tech stocks were rocked in the wake of Chinese AI app DeepSeeks sudden rise. Zuckerberg told investors that there was a lot to learn from DeepSeek, but it was too soon to have a really strong opinion about how the app will contribute to the future of AI.

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If anything, I think the recent news has only strengthened our conviction that this is the right thing for us to be focused on, he added. Multiple US tech stocks sank this week after DeepSeek surged in popularity.

With inputs from agencies.
UNRWA has provided support for Palestinian refugees around the Middle East for over 70 years, and it says it has brought in 60 percent of the food aid that has reached Gaza since the start of Israels war with Hamas in 2023 read more

A Palestinian carries an aid box distributed by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, in Deir Al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, on November 4, 2024. Reuters File

The Norwegian government said Thursday that it would contribute $24 million to the UN agency that helps looks after Palestinian refugees, the same day that Israel banned the group from operating on Israeli territory."

Gaza is in ruins, and UNRWAs help is more necessary than ever," Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said in a statement.

It is extremely dramatic for Palestine that Israeli laws come into force that in practice can prevent UNRWA from working.Starting Thursday, UNRWA is banned from operating on Israeli soil and contact between it and Israeli officials is forbidden. Israels supreme court rejected late Wednesday a challenge to the ban.

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UNRWA has provided support for Palestinian refugees around the Middle East for over 70 years, and it says it has brought in 60 percent of the food aid that has reached Gaza since the start of Israels war with Hamas in 2023.

But Israeli officials have repeatedly accused it of being a cover for militant groups and undermining the countrys security. The hostility intensified in the wake of Hamass October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, with accusations that a small number of UNRWA employees participated in the assault.

A series of investigations, including one led by former French foreign minister Catherine Colonna, found some neutrality-related issues at UNRWA, but said Israel had not provided evidence for its headline allegation.

Many donors cut their support for UNRWA following the accusations, though almost all have resumed their funding.

Relations between Norway and Israel have worsened in recent years, especially after the Scandinavian country recognised a Palestinian state last May along with Spain and Ireland.
The arrests come as confrontations between the two Asian neighbours over contested reefs and waters in the strategic South China Sea have escalated in recent months read more

Philippine military chief General Romeo Brawner (front R), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) chief Jaime Santiago (front C) and undersecretary of the Department of Justice Raul Vasquez (front L) wait to start the presentation of five arrested alleged Chinese spies (back row) at a press conference at the NBI office in Manila on Thursday. AFP

Philippine security officials said Thursday they took into custody five more Chinese spies, following the arrest of a compatriot for espionage this month.

The arrests come as confrontations between the two Asian neighbours over contested reefs and waters in the strategic South China Sea have escalated in recent months.

Two men were arrested at Manila airport last week after they allegedly conducted surveillance on Filipino navy and other government vessels supplying military garrisons in the disputed Spratly archipelago.

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The men, using a drone and high-resolution solar-powered camera, recorded activities at a naval base, a coast guard station, an air base and a dockyard in Palawan province, the closest major lan director Jaime Santiago told a joint news conference.

We consider them very dangerous to national security because of course, if this falls into other hands, this could be very dangerous for our personnel in the base and also those on board our ships, Philippine military chief General Romeo Brawner told the news conference.

The spies disguised themselves as buyers of marine products or members of legitimate organisations.

Two other Chinese men were separately arrested elsewhere in Manila and another in the central city of Dumaguete last week, Santiago said.

It followed the arrest this month of a Chinese software engineer named Deng Yuanqing and two Filipino associates suspected of spying on military and police camps - allegations that were dismissed by the Chinese embassy in Manila.

NBI cybercrime unit chief Jeremy Lotoc said a witness told the authorities Deng met with the five detained suspects once a month, acting on instructions from an unnamed foreign national in China.

Brawner said it was premature to conclude that the spying was state-sponsored, with Filipino authorities yet to identify the end-receiver of the intelligence gathered.

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This is perhaps just the tip of the iceberg, many can still be caught doing these activities, Brawner said. There are more of them.

Some of the suspects have been living in the Philippines since 2002 and did not have any criminal records, immigration bureau spokeswoman Dana Sandoval told the news conference.

Security officials paraded the five suspects, handcuffed to each other, before the media along with the confiscated military-grade spying equipment.

Beijing claims most of the strategic South China Sea despite an international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.

The Chinese embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to AFPs request for comment on the fresh arrests.

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On Saturday, it described the spying allegations against Deng as baseless speculation and accusation.

The mission said it asked for its consul to visit the detained man, and urged Manila to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens in the Philippines.
The emirs trip to Damascus - the first by a head of state since Islamist-led rebels toppled president Bashar al-Assad less than two months ago - comes a day after Sharaa was appointed interim president for an unspecified transitional period read more

Syria's newly appointed president for a transitional phase Ahmed al-Sharaa receives Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Damascus, Syria, on Thursday. Reuters

Visiting Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani emphasised the urgent need to form an inclusive Syrian government during a meeting Thursday with the countrys new interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa, the Qatari royal court said.

The emirs trip to Damascus - the first by a head of state since Islamist-led rebels toppled president Bashar al-Assad less than two months ago - comes a day after Sharaa was appointed interim president for an unspecified transitional period.

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It also follows a visit by Qatars prime minister this month.

The emir stressed the urgent need to form a government representing all spectrums of Syrian society in order to consolidate stability and move forward with reconstruction, development and prosperity projects, the royal court statement said, congratulating Sharaa on his appointment.

Syrias new authorities on Wednesday said Sharaa had also been tasked with forming a transitional legislature. They announced the dissolution of all armed groups involved in Assads overthrow, as well as the former governments army.

A transitional government had previously been appointed to steer the multi-ethnic, multi-confessional country until March 1.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani said discussions with the Qatari delegation included reconstruction in the country devastated by nearly 14 years of civil war.

We discussed a comprehensive framework for bilateral cooperation concerning reconstruction, Shaibani said during a press conference with Qatari Minister of State at the foreign ministry, Mohammed al-Khulaifi.

He said their talks covered vital sectors including infrastructure investment and banking services, paving the way for economic recovery, health and education.

Historic visit

Unlike other Arab countries, Qatar did not restore diplomatic ties with Syria under Assad and was one of the first to back the armed rebellion that erupted after his government crushed a peaceful uprising in 2011.

Several visiting foreign officials have urged an inclusive transition after Sharaas Islamist group led the offensive that ousted Assad on December 8.

Khulaifi welcomed Wednesdays announcement by Syrias authorities on the end of the revolutionary phase and the transition to the phase of establishing the state.

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Doha would continue to provide the required support on all humanitarian and service levels, and also regarding infrastructure and electricity, he said.

Qatar was the second country, after Turkey, to reopen its embassy in Damascus following Assads overthrow. It has urged the lifting of sanctions.

During a visit earlier this month, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani pledged to support the rehabilitation of Syrias infrastructure.

He said the agreement included providing Syria with 200 megawatts of power and gradually increasing production.

A diplomatic source has also said Qatar was weighing plans to assist Syria with public sector salaries.

Regional congratulations

Saudi Arabias king and crown prince on Thursday congratulated Sharaa on assuming Syrias interim presidency.

Riyadh was key to returning Assads Syria to the Arab League in 2023, after openly championing his overthrow following Damascuss 2011 crackdown on pro-democracy protests, which sparked war.

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We are pleased to express our congratulations on the occasion of your assumption of the presidency of the Syrian Arab Republic in the transitional phase, King Salman said in a cable, according to the foreign ministry.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi prime minister and de facto ruler under his ageing father, sent a separate cable also offering his congratulations, the statement said.

Last week, Saudi Arabias foreign minister visited Damascus, promising help to secure the lifting of international sanctions imposed during Assads rule.

Shaibani travelled to Riyadh early in January for his first official trip abroad, and also visited Qatar during a regional tour.

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Jordans King Abdullah II also congratulated Sharaa on Thursday, wishing him success in leading Syria and serving its people.

On December 23, Qatars Khulaifi led the first high-level delegation from his country to Damascus after the 13-year diplomatic rift.

Amid a flurry of diplomatic activity, a delegation from Russia, a close ally of ousted leader Assad, visited this week, while foreign ministers or senior officials from countries including France, Germany and Turkey have also been to Damascus.

Syrias defence ministry said Thursday that a high-level Turkish military delegation also visited the country.
In the 2023 fiscal year, 43 per cent of civilian federal employees teleworked either regularly or as needed, according to a December report from the US Office of Personnel Management read more

US President Donald Trump has issued the last and final warning to federal employees to return to office for in-person work or be terminated. The Trump 2.0 administration has launched a crackdown on remote work as the White House issued an advisory last week, ordering all departments and agencies to take all necessary steps to terminate remote work arrangements.

When asked about the new requirements for federal workers, Trump said, Were requiring them to show up to work or be terminated.

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In the 2023 fiscal year, 43 per cent of civilian federal employees teleworked either regularly or as needed, according to a December report from the US Office of Personnel Management.

Trumps allies have said the return-to-work mandate and the stripping of civil service protections - widely known as Schedule F - is intended to help the president replace long-serving government workers with loyalists faithful only to his agenda.

Trump 2.0 offers buyouts

The new administration under Trump has kept the door open for those who want to leave their federal jobs and has offered such employees eight-month buyout.

A memo from the Office of Personnel Management, the governments human resources agency, also said it would begin subjecting all federal employees to enhanced standards of suitability and conduct and ominously warned of future downsizing. The email sent to millions of employees said those who leave their posts voluntarily will receive about eight months of salary, but they have to choose to do so by February 6.

Katie Miller from the Department of Government Efficiency said that this email was sent to more than two million federal employees.

However, observers say that even a small portion of the workforce accepting buyouts could have a profound economic impact, causing widespread disruptions across society. This could lead to broad and unpredictable consequences for the delivery, timeliness, and effectiveness of federal services nationwide.

Employees need to prove they were not moonlighting

The US President has suggested, according to Fox News, that employees working remotely till now might be asked to prove that they did not have any other job during the period of working away from office.

We may ask these people to prove that they didnt have another job during their so-called employment with the United States of America, because if they did, that would be unlawful, Trump said.

With inputs from agencies
According to the police, Zuma-Sambudla surrendered to authorities on Thursday to face charges under the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Act, as well as for inciting violence read more

FILE -Former South African President Jacob Zuma, speaks as his daughter Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, right, listens, during a press conference in Soweto, South Africa, Dec. 16, 2023. AP

South Africas former president Jacob Zumas daughter was arrested on Thursday and will face terrorism charges after appearing in front of a court over a case of anti-government rioting that rattled the country four years ago and resulted in the deaths of 354 people.

Duduzile ZumaSambudla, a member of South Africas opposition party uMkhonto weSizwe Party, or MKP, is accused of inciting violence during the July 2021 riots.

According to the police, Zuma-Sambudla surrendered to authorities on Thursday to face charges under the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Act, as well as for inciting violence.

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A police spokesperson said, The arrest is a result of a meticulous investigation by the Durban Crimes Against the State unit of the Serious Organized Crime Investigation, following the unrest that brought the country to a standstill in 2021.

The case against Zuma is based on a flurry of posts she made on X in 2021 allegedly asking anti-government protestors to cause more damage following country-wide unrest that began after her father was arrested.

After former President Zuma was imprisoned for defying a court order to testify in a corruption inquiry, angry mobs carried out widespread looting, arson, and property destruction. Over 5,000 people were arrested in connection with the unrest.

In July 2021, riots broke out in South Africa following Jacob Zumas imprisonment for refusing to testify before a judicial inquiry into state corruption during his nine-year presidency. The unrest, which caused billions of rands in damage to infrastructure, property, and businesses, was largely concentrated in Zumas home province of KwaZulu-Natal.

Daduziles father Jacob Zuma founded MKP in 2023 and within a year the young party managed to win almost 15 per cent of the vote in elections. The African National Congress, as a result, fell short of forming the majority.

The ANC subsequently established a 10-party coalition government, with the MKP emerging as the main opposition, actively challenging the new administration.

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US President Donald Trump on Wednesday afternoon signed an order that called for the opening of a detention centre at Guantanamo Bay to house undocumented migrants. The order came shortly after he signed the Laken Riley Act read more

In his latest crackdown on illegal immigrants, US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order which called for the preparation of a massive detention facility at Guantanamo Bay. After signing the order, Trump claimed that the detention facility would be able to hold up to 30,000 immigrants who would be deported from the US, The Hill reported.

Earlier on Wednesday, Trump signalled that he intended to issue an order instructing the Pentagon and Department of Homeland Security to open a centre in order to detain the worst criminal illegal aliens threatening the American people.

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Some of them are so bad, we dont even trust the countries [of origin] to hold them because we dont want them coming back, he exclaimed. So were going to send them out to Guantanamo. This will double our capacity immediately," he furthered. It is pertinent to note that the US naval base outpost in Guantanamo Bay, in south-eastern Cuba, already has a facility which is used to house immigrants who have been picked up at sea.

Other than this, there is also a high-security prison for foreign terrorism suspects which was established in the aftermath of the devastating 9/11 attacks conducted by Al-Qaida in the US. The Pentagon has been hush-hush about the detention facility that already exists in the region, with no mention of it in the government records.

In February last year, The New York Times reported that the DHS had detained four people in the facility. Trumps latest executive order came soon after he announced that he had signed the Laken Riley Act. The legislation passed by the two chambers of the US Congress mandates the detention of undocumented immigrants who are charged with theft-related crimes. The act was named after a 22-year-old nursing student from Georgia who was murdered by undocumented immigrants from Venezuela in 2023.

The order will prevent border invasion: Trump

The executive order regarding the detention facility came a little later on Wednesday afternoon. I hereby direct the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security to take all appropriate actions to expand the Migrant Operations Center at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to full capacity to provide additional detention space for high-priority criminal aliens unlawfully present in the United States and to address attendant immigration enforcement needs identified by the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security," Trump announced after signing the order.

This memorandum is issued in order to halt the border invasion, dismantle criminal cartels, and restore national sovereignty," he added. Since taking over the White House on January 20, Trump has signed a slew of executive orders aimed at cracking down on immigration. This included declaring a national emergency which led to the deployment of US troops to the southern border.

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He has also suspended the nations refugee resettlement program and revoked temporary protected status for people fleeing humanitarian crises. Meanwhile, the latest Pentagon update revealed that 15 prisoners are remaining at Guantanamo prison complex, the smallest number of detainees in the facilitys 22-year history. This happened because, during his final days in office, former President Joe Biden accelerated the transfer of Guantanamo inmates to third countries.

Cuba reacts

Cuba responded to the matter, soon after Trump signed the order. The foreign minister of the Latin American nation said that Trumps idea shows contempt towards the human condition and international law. The US governments decision to imprison migrants at the Guantanamo Naval Base, in an enclave where it created torture centres and indefinite detention," the Cuban diplomat wrote in the post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Decision gob EEUU de encarcelar en Base Naval en Guantanamo a migrantes, en enclave donde creo centros de tortura y detencion indefinida, muestra desprecio hacia condicion humana y Derecho Internacional



Es en territorio de #Cuba ilegalmente ocupado fuera jurisdiccion cortes EEUU pic.twitter.com/riqxW5lSni  Bruno Rodriguez P (@BrunoRguezP) January 29, 2025

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Cubas president, Miguel Diaz-Canel, called the plan an act of brutality. Amid the chaos, Amnesty International also released a statement, emphasising that Guantanamo has been a site of torture, indefinite detention without charge or trial and other unlawful practices." They insisted that Trump should be using his authority to close the prison and not repurposing it for offshore immigration detention.

With inputs from agencies.
While Joe Bidens presidency has been characterised by a quieter, more measured approach, Trump has already spoken over 22,000 words on Inauguration Day and another 17,000 during disaster site visits in North Carolina and California read more

The White House stenographers face a unique challenge: Donald Trumps prolific speaking style is overwhelming them.

While Joe Bidens presidency has been characterised by a quieter, more measured approach, Trump has already spoken over 22,000 words on Inauguration Day and another 17,000 during disaster site visits in North Carolina and California.

This torrent of language contrasts sharply with Bidens more restrained communication, making it difficult for transcriptionists to keep pace.

Now there are discussions about hiring additional staff to keep up with the workload, according to The Associated Press report, citing people with knowledge of the conversations who insisted in anonymity to discuss internal matters.

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Trumps command of language is one of the most notable differences between his presidency and Bidens. He thrives in the spotlight, using his words as a means of power and influence, often drowning out dissent and overshadowing his opponents.

Take Wednesday, for example. During a signing ceremony for legislation to accelerate deportations, Trump, a Republican, talked up his accomplishments, claimed Hamas was using US-funded condoms to make bombs in Gaza, defended his administrations efforts to freeze federal spending and reduce the government workforce, veered through descriptions of migrant violence and made the surprise announcement that Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, would be used as a detention centre for people who are in the US illegally.

Trumps commentary remains laden with falsehoods, including baseless allegations about voter fraud and assertions that California water policies worsened the recent wildfires. Sometimes he speaks off the cuff about consequential geopolitical matters, such as a recent suggestion that Palestinians should be displaced from Gaza while the enclave is rebuilt. It can be hard to know when to take him seriously, like when he muses about serving a third term, which the US Constitution does not allow.

But now that Trump is back in the presidency, its hard to ignore him.

Hes dictating the news on his terms," The Associated Press quoted Michael LaRosa, who worked as a television producer before serving as a spokesperson for former first lady Jill Biden, as saying.

Hes become Americas assignment editor. Most presidents try to start their terms with a bang, seizing the moment when their influence could be at its peak. However, Trump is in a different league.

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Biden, a Democrat, spent 2 hours and 36 minutes talking on camera and used 24,259 words in his first week in office four years ago, according to numbers generated by Factba.se.

Trumps comparable stats: nearly 7 hours and 44 minutes and 81,235 words last week. Thats longer than watching the original Star Wars trilogy back-to-back-to-back, and more words than Macbeth, Hamlet and Richard III combined.

Its also much more than when Trump took office for his first term eight years ago. Back then, he was only on camera talking for 3 hours and 41 minutes and spoke 33,571 words.

Trump has spent decades practising the best ways to get people to pay attention to him. As a New York businessman, he fed stories to gossip columnists, added gold plating to buildings and slapped his name on every product that he sold. His efforts reached an apex with The Apprentice, the reality television show that beamed him into American living rooms.

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One of the things that has given him the advantage is that he thinks like an executive producer," The Associated Press quoted Kevin Madden, a Republican communications strategist, as saying.

Hes constantly programming the next hour and trying to keep his audience engaged.

A sign of what was to come arrived shortly after Trump was sworn in. He delivered an inaugural address and then promptly gave more remarks to supporters that were even longer than his speech. And then he spoke at a downtown arena, where people had gathered for a rally, and later he parried questions from reporters for nearly an hour in the Oval Office while signing executive orders.

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At one point, he turned to Fox News Channels Peter Doocy.

Does Biden ever do news conferences like this?" Trump said. How many news conferences, Peter, has he done like this? Like this? Doocy responded.

None, Trump said, answering his own question.

On Friday, Trump presented a tour de force of talking, demonstrating that hes far more willing to put himself in unscripted situations than Biden was.

He spoke with reporters while leaving the White House in the morning. He talked to them again after landing in North Carolina, then again at a briefing on the recovery from Hurricane Helene, and then again while meeting with victims of the storm.

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Trump flew that afternoon to Los Angeles, where he conversed with local officials about the recent wildfires. Before boarding Air Force One to leave the city in the evening, he answered more questions from reporters on the tarmac.

As his travels continued over the weekend, Trump spoke to reporters twice at the back of Air Force One  as often as Biden did for his entire term.

Transparency is back! wrote longtime aide Margo Martin on social media.

Thats not the word that Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of the Annenberg Public Policy Centre at the University of Pennsylvania, would use.

Being accessible and being transparent are two different things, she said.

Sometimes more talking doesnt produce more clarity. One afternoon, Trump told reporters that there were no surprises when Republican Sens. Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski decided to oppose Pete Hegseth to lead the Pentagon. The next morning, Trump said he was very surprised by their votes.

Jamieson worries that the frenzied pace will exhaust people.

More people will simply check out, she said. And thats a problem. An informed citizenry is an engaged citizenry.

Kate Berner, who worked on Bidens communications staff, told The Associated Press that Trumps constant talking helps keep his adversaries off balance.

Much and saying so much, it is hard for people who oppose him to organise, she was quoted as saying. And it is hard for any one thing to take hold. But theres also a risk for Trump, Berner said. If hes not careful, she said, he could once again start wearing out his welcome with the American people.

With inputs from agencies
US President Donald Trumps nominees to lead the US intelligence community and the FBI faced intense scrutiny on Thursday during contentious Senate confirmation hearings, as critics highlighted their lack of experience and controversial past decisions read more

Former Representative Tulsi Gabbard, U.S. President Donald Trump's nominee to be director of national intelligence, attends to testify before a Senate Intelligence Committee confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, US, on Thursday. Reuters

US President Donald Trumps nominees to lead the US intelligence community and the FBI faced intense scrutiny on Thursday during contentious Senate confirmation hearings, as critics highlighted their lack of experience and controversial past decisions.

Tulsi Gabbard, nominated for director of national intelligence, appeared before the Senate Intelligence Committee for what is being called the most significant confirmation hearing so far.

Meanwhile, Kash Patel faced questions regarding his aspirations to lead the FBI.

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Gabbard, a former congresswoman from Hawaii who ran for president as a Democrat in 2020, is viewed as Trumps most vulnerable cabinet nominee. Her interrogation represented a crucial test of his influence over Senate Republicans since taking office.

Concerns have been raised about her past support for NSA leaker Edward Snowden, which many in Congress believe jeopardised national security.

She also faced scrutiny regarding her lack of national security experience, her 2017 meeting with the now-ousted Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, and her promotion of Russian propaganda, particularly regarding false conspiracy theories about the Ukraine conflict.

A single Republican no vote could derail Gabbards nomination from advancing to the Senate floor with a favorable recommendation, and party leadership has signaled that she wouldnt receive a vote without committee backing.

Tom Cotton, the committees Republican chairman, expressed his disappointment over the questioning of Gabbards patriotism and loyalty, highlighting her two-decade military service and five FBI background checks, which he claimed demonstrated her integrity.

In contrast, Mark Warner, the leading Democrat, cautioned that foreign allies might hesitate to share their secrets with Washington if Gabbard were appointed to oversee the network of 18 intelligence agencies.

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Weaponisation

In his opening statement he said the US intelligence mission is all predicated on trust  trust that our allies will protect each others secrets.

It appears to me you have repeatedly excused our adversaries worst actions and instead often blame them on the United States and those very allies, he added.

But Gabbard hit back, arguing that her critics were upset that I refuse to be their puppet and saying that Trump won a clear mandate to end the weaponization and politicization of the intelligence community.

She acknowledged that Snowden had broken the law by leaking highly classified information in 2013 but repeatedly refused under questioning from both sides to call him a traitor.

Ill begin by leading by example, checking my own personal views at the door and committing to delivering intelligence that is collected, analyzed and reported without bias, prejudice or political influence, she told the panel.

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On a day of drama on Capitol Hill, there were fiery exchanges between Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee and FBI director-designate Kash Patel, although he appears to be on a surer footing than Gabbard.

Democrats argued that he is an unrepentant conspiracy theorist and brought up a list of 60 supposed deep state actors - all critics of Trump - he included in a 2022 book, whom he said should be investigated or otherwise reviled.

Senator Dick Durbin, the panels top Democrat, said Patel had neither the experience, the temperament nor the judgment to lead the FBI.

Patel has denied that he has an enemies list, and told the committee he was merely interested in bringing lawbreakers to book.

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In one unexpected exchange he distanced himself from at least some of Trumps pardons of hundreds of criminals convicted of violence over the 2021 US Capitol insurrection.

I do not agree with the commutation of any sentence of any individual who committed violence against law enforcement, he said.

At the same time Robert F Kennedy Jr was appearing for a second hearing on Capitol Hill, a day after coming under attack from Democrats over his promotion of vaccine misinformation, and his sudden embrace of anti-abortion policies.

Thursdays questioning turned to past allegations of sexual assault from a babysitter who received an apology from Kennedy after claiming he groped her in 1999.

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Kennedy denied sexual misconduct, saying the accusation had been debunked, and added that he texted the alleged victim an apology for something else.

Trump has chosen Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.

With inputs from agencies
President Trumps pick to lead the FBI, Kash Patel, on Thursday greeted his parents with Jai Shri Krishna during the Senate Judiciary Committees confirmation hearing and expressed gratitude to them for travelling from India to be with him on the day read more

Kash Patel, President Donald Trump's choice to be director of the FBI, appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee for his confirmation hearing, at the Capitol in Washington, on Thursday. AP

US President Donald Trumps pick to lead the FBI, Kash Patel, on Thursday greeted his parents with Jai Shri Krishna during the Senate Judiciary Committees confirmation hearing and expressed gratitude to them for travelling from India to be with him on the day.

NEW: Kash Patel's full Opening Statement at his Confirmation Hearing pic.twitter.com/LivswsTgfT  Autism Capital  (@AutismCapital) January 30, 2025

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I like to welcome my father and my mother Anjana who are sitting here today. They travelled to get here from India. My sister is also here. She also travelled the oceans just to be with me here today. It means the world that you guys are here. Jai Shri Krishna, he said.

Patel, an Indian-origin nominee chosen by President Trump to head the FBI, positioned himself as the ideal candidate to rebuild public trust in the law enforcement agency, which he argued has lost credibility.

The erosion of trust, as Chairman Grassley pointed out, is all too low today. 40% of Americans have trust in the FBI. To get it back, theres a twofold track, Senator, he said.

Patel emphasised tackling violent crime as his primary objective, referencing statistics from 2023.

Just in 2023 alone, there were 100,000 rapes, 100,000 drug overdoses and 17,000 homicides. The priority of the FBI, if Im confirmed, will be to ensure that our communities are protected and safeguarded and our children have parks to play in, and not needles to walk over, he said.

He also committed to greater cooperation with Congress, promising to respond to all appropriate requests for information.

Members of Congress have unfortunately submitted hundreds of questions that have been unanswered by the FBI in recent times. That will not occur if I am confirmed. All appropriate requests for information will be responded to expeditiously and fully, Patel asserted.

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During the hearing, Democrats argued that he is an unrepentant conspiracy theorist and brought up a list of 60 supposed deep state actors - all critics of Trump - he included in a 2022 book, whom he said should be investigated or otherwise reviled.

Senator Dick Durbin, the panels top Democrat, said Patel had neither the experience, the temperament nor the judgment to lead the FBI.

Patel has denied that he has an enemies list, and told the committee he was merely interested in bringing lawbreakers to book.

In one unexpected exchange he distanced himself from at least some of Trumps pardons of hundreds of criminals convicted of violence over the 2021 US Capitol insurrection.

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I do not agree with the commutation of any sentence of any individual who committed violence against law enforcement, he said.

With inputs from agencies
Heres a look at how the idea of sending struggling migrants to one of the strictest prisons in the world can end up going against Trump. read more

On Wednesday afternoon, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order asking the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security to construct a migrant detention facility in Guantanamo Bay. After signing the order, Trump claimed that the detention facility would be able to hold up to 30,000 immigrants who would be deported from the US, The Hill reported. This is seen as Trumps latest crackdown on illegal immigrants, as he continues to push his anti-immigration rhetoric.

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While his allies lauded the move and saw it as him fulfilling his campaign pledge, others raised concerns about the potential human rights violation, insisting how the plan might backfire. Trump did not have a good record when it came to tackling illegal immigrants during his first term in office. While he managed to bring the numbers down, multiple questions were raised about how these migrants were treated in ill-maintained detention centres.

Heres a look at how the idea of sending struggling migrants to one of the strictest prisons in the world can end up going against Trump.

The early excitement within the Trump administration

While sharing the reason behind signing the executive order, Trump argued: Some of them are so bad, we dont even trust the countries [of origin] to hold them because we dont want them coming back." So were going to send them out to Guantanamo. This will double our capacity immediately," he furthered. It is pertinent to note that the US naval base outpost in Guantanamo Bay, in south-eastern Cuba, already has a facility which is used to house immigrants who have been picked up at sea.

Soon after the announcement of the executive order, the newly confirmed Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth lauded the move. The former Fox News anchor said that Guantanamo Bay is the perfect spot to house deported migrants. Guantanamo Bay, Jesse, is a perfect spot, Hegseth said in an interview with Fox Newss Jesse Waters.

Migrants walk through Tapachula, Chiapas state, Mexico, in an attempt to reach the US border, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, the inauguration day of US President Donald Trump. (Photo: AP)

We dont want illegal criminals in the United States and not a minute longer than they have to be, he continued. Move them off to Guantanamo Bay, where they can be safely maintained until they are deported to their final location, their country of origin, where they are headed," he added.

When asked if 30,000 migrants could be accommodated in the complex, Hegesth responded affirmatively, insisting that he had served in the region and had seen the complex. Some of the other Trump allies have also taken a similar stance.

How Trumps crackdown is souring USs ties with Latin America

Soon after coming back to the White House, the Trump administration sent a barrage of migrants to Latin American nations. This made several nations uncomfortable as they struggled to deal with the sudden influx of people. Earlier this week, both Mexico and Colombia rejected US military planes carrying migrants. However, following a brief tariff war and war of words, Bogota eventually accepted the deported migrants.

Meanwhile, Cuba condemned the Wednesday order. The foreign minister of the Latin American nation said that Trumps idea shows contempt towards the human condition and international law. The US governments decision to imprison migrants at the Guantanamo Naval Base, in an enclave where it created torture centres and indefinite detention," the Cuban diplomat wrote in the post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

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Migrants board a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft for a removal flight, Fort Bliss, Texas, January 23, 2025. File Image/US Department of Defense via Reuters

Cubas president, Miguel Diaz-Canel, called the plan an act of brutality. Amid the chaos, Amnesty International also released a statement, emphasising that Guantanamo has been a site of torture, indefinite detention without charge or trial and other unlawful practices." They insisted that Trump should be using his authority to close the prison and not repurposing it for offshore immigration detention.

While Trump is solving crisis within his border, he is spoiling ties with his neighbouring nations. If Trump engages in tariff wars with some of the Latin American nations, then things will get harsher for Americans since countries like Mexico and Columbia are known for the export of essential and basic items to the United States.

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Guantanamo Bay: Gitmo and the human rights concerns

The US Naval base in Cuba is best known for the suspects who were imprisoned following the 9/11 attack. Apart from this, the region has a small, separate facility used for decades to hold migrants. The facility called the Migrant Operations Center is used for people intercepted trying to illegally reach the US by boat. Most of the migrants detained there came from Haiti and Cuba.

What is concerning is the fact that the centre only takes up a tiny part of the base, includes just a handful of buildings and has nowhere near the capacity to house the 30,000 people Trump claimed could be sent there. Were just going to expand upon that existing migrant centre," Border czar Tom Homan told reporters when the concern was raised.

An Army soldier and a Marine stand in front of the gates that separate the Cuban side from the Guantanamo Bay US Naval Base. AP

Apart from the space, there have been concerns about the instances of human rights abuse in the complex. While not much is known about the migration centre, the nonprofit International Refugee Assistance Project said in a report last year that people are held in prison-like conditions. It maintained that the inmates were trapped in a punitive system indefinitely, with no accountability for the officials running it. Hence, many argued that while Trump will solve one issue within the country, it will lead to the birth of another one, the one in which his first administration had somewhat of an experience.

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How Trumps past treatment of migrants drew ire

It was May 2019, when the erstwhile Trump administration was forced to confirm that a 10-year-old migrant girl died in its custody. The death of the girl from El Salvador actually happened seven months ago. She was the sixth child to die in the custody of the US Deportation authorities in the past six months.

At that time, the Congressional Democrats for the investigation of these deaths since US border agents temporarily closed the primary migrant processing facility in south Texas due to an outbreak of poor health conditions.

Donald Trump is written on top of the wall at the border between the United States and Mexico, in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, November 6, 2024. File Image/Reuters

While Trump attempted to solve the migration crisis, during the 2020 election cycle he faced backlash over the treatment of those deported and the half-done wall between the US and Mexico. Hence, there is a possibility that the President might witness a deja vu moment.

With inputs from agencies.
Analysts argue the statements from Washington and Moscow amount to political posturing rather than a genuine effort toward arms control. ome experts believe Putin views potential talks as a way to break diplomatic isolation read more

Donald Trump and Russia's President Vladimir Putin talk during the family photo session at the APEC Summit in Danang, Vietnam, November 2017. File image/ Reuters

The United States and Russia have expressed willingness to resume nuclear arms control talks after years of tensions.

That should be good news. But it has been met with stark disinterest.

Analysts doubt whether Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin can or even want to reach a meaningful agreement.

Days after returning to the White House for a second term, Trump said he supported denuclearisation and urged China to participate in talks with the US and Russia, the worlds two largest nuclear powers.

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The Kremlin quickly signalled its interest, saying discussions should begin as soon as possible. Moscow also suggested that French and British nuclear stockpiles be included in any future negotiations.

However, China has shown little interest in joining such discussions.

Political posturing

Analysts argue the statements from Washington and Moscow amount to political posturing rather than a genuine effort toward arms control.

Moscow, in particular, is seen as unlikely to reduce its nuclear arsenal as its war in Ukraine nears its fourth year. Some experts believe Putin views potential talks as a way to break diplomatic isolation and push for negotiations on broader security issues, including Ukraine.

The last remaining arms control treaty between the two nations is set to expire in 2026. It has already begun sending alarm bells ringing concerns about the future of nuclear stability.

Uncertain future for nuclear arms control

Olivier Zajec, director of Frances Institute for Strategy and Defence Studies, said Russia may have an incentive to engage in talks to maintain nuclear parity with the US.

Nuclear power is the only thing that gives Russians the ability to talk to the Americans on an equal footing in the world, Zajec said.

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If the last remaining arms control treaty New START is not replaced, the US and Russia will be without a bilateral nuclear agreement for the first time since 1972.

Signed in 2010 and set to expire in February 2026, New START limits each nation to 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads. Moscow suspended its participation in 2023 (one year after invading Ukraine) but has so far adhered to its limits.

In 2019, the US and Russia withdrew from the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, which had limited both conventional and nuclear missiles of intermediate range.

Chinas reluctance

China, which has an estimated nuclear stockpile far smaller than those of the US and Russia, has repeatedly declined invitations to join arms control talks. Beijing has instead called on Washington and Moscow to reduce their arsenals first.

Washington estimates that Chinas nuclear arsenal could reach 1,500 warheads by 2035, though it remains significantly behind the US and Russia.

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Zajec said China had no interest in engaging in nuclear arms control talks.

If it did that, even though its arsenal is quantitatively smaller, it would lose the advantage that a certain lack of transparency over its arsenal gives it, he said.

With inputs from AFP
As the authorities continued to find bodies in the Washington DC plane crash, seven mid-air coalitions jolted the world of aviation read more

At least 30 bodies were recovered after an American Airlines plane collided with a military chopper and crashed into the Potomac River in Washington, DC. The jet was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. Meanwhile, the Black Hawk helicopter had three soldiers onboard. The incident marked the deadliest plane crash in the United States in 2025.

However, there have been several plane crashes in the past. While some of them taught harsh lessons, others brought significant changes in aviation regulation. The mid-air coalition is always seen as fatal owing to the relatively high velocities of the aircraft involved.

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Notable mid-air coalition

Heres a look at some of the notable mid-air coalition:

1. The first mid-air coalition occurred at the Milano Circuito Aereo Internazionale meeting held in 1910 in Milan, Italy. The incident took place on October 3, when Rene Thomas of France in an Antoinette monoplane collided with Captain Bertram Dickson of the British army in a Farman biplane by ramming him in the rear. While both the pilots survived Dickson was badly injured and he never flew again.

A fatal coalition took place in Douai, France, on June 19th, 1912, when Captain Marcel Dubois and Lieutenant Albert Peignan of the French Army crashed into one another, killing both pilots. Interestingly, the FAA was created by the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, which was introduced to the US Congress after the coalition between United Airlines Flight 736 and a fighter jet. The crash killed 49 people. Another US military/civilian aircraft crash occurred one month later, which led to the death of 12 people.

One of the deadliest incidents was the Charkhi Dadri mid-air collision, which occurred near New Delhi. 349 people were killed in what was seen as the deadliest mid-air coalition in history. The aircraft involved in the coalition were Saudi Arabian Airlines Boeing 747-100B and Kazakhstan Airlines Ilyushin Il-76.

The coalition of Trans World Airlines Flight 2 and United Airlines Flight 718 on June 30th, 1956 also rattled the world of aviation, resulting in 128 deaths. It was the first aircraft coalition where the death toll hit the 100 mark. Another incident happened on September 25th, 1978, when a Pacific Southwest Airlines flight carrying 135 passengers collided with a Cessna 172 while descending over San Diego, California. Seven people who were on the ground also died in the incident.

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On March 27, 1968, a Cessna 150F crashed due to a mid-air collision at Lambert Field. The two planes were conducting their final approach to land when they collided in mid-air. Despite the fatal crash, all 49 passengers and crew members on the Ozark Airlines flight were safely landed. Meanwhile, the two pilots in the Cessna 150 tragically lost their lives in the collision.
As authorities scramble to find survivors, the Potomac River becomes the scene of yet another tragic aviation disaster, starkly contrasting the Miracle on the Hudson with its own dark history read more

A midair collision occurred Wednesday evening at Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, involving an Army Black Hawk helicopter and a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the incident happened around 9 pm local time as the jet, Flight 5342 operated by PSA under American Airlines, was approaching Runway 33. The aircraft, which had departed from Wichita, Kansas, crashed near the Potomac River, close to the airport, with fireboats on the scene, according to ABC7.

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NBC News reported that the airliner had about 60 people aboard, though the number aboard the helicopter is still unknown. At least four individuals have been recovered and rushed to hospitals. Authorities are conducting a frantic search for additional crash victims in the river. Storm Team4s Doug Kammerer told NBC News that the water temperature is approximately 35F, meaning survivors only have 15 to 20 minutes before potentially succumbing to hypothermia.

Footage from the EarthCam web camera network captured the moment of impact, showing a massive flash. The White House has confirmed that President Donald Trump has been briefed on the incident.

The Potomac River, which flows through Washington, D.C., has been the site of several aviation disasters, including the infamous 1982 crash of Air Florida Flight 90 and other military and civilian accidents.

Tragedy of Air Florida Flight 90

On January 13, 1982, Air Florida Flight 90 crashed during a snowstorm in Washington, D.C. The Boeing 737-222, bound for Fort Lauderdale, struggled with ice on its wings, compounded by errors during the de-icing process. After takeoff, the plane lost control, hitting the 14th Street Bridge, striking several vehicles, and plunging into the frozen Potomac River.

Seventy-eight lives were lost, including four motorists. Five passengers survived by clinging to wreckage in the icy water, aided by a US Park Police helicopter and Lenny Skutnik, a brave bystander who jumped into the freezing river. One passenger, Arland D. Williams Jr., passed the rescue line to others but ultimately succumbed to the cold. A bridge was later named in his honour.

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This tragedy led to stricter aircraft de-icing protocols and enhanced pilot training for winter conditions.

Eastern Air Lines Flight 537: A Mid-Air Catastrophe

The Potomac River was also the site of another devastating accident. On November 1, 1949, Eastern Air Lines Flight 537, a Douglas DC-4, collided midair with a P-38 Lightning fighter jet. The commercial plane crashed into the river, killing all 55 people on board, while the fighter pilot survived. Miscommunication between air traffic controllers and the fighter jet was the primary cause.

2006 F-14 Tomcat Crash

On June 27, 2006, a Grumman F-14 Tomcat crashed into the Potomac River during a training exercise. While the incident was non-fatal, it was dramatic. The two crew members ejected safely, and no casualties were reported. Engine failure was later determined to be the cause.

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The Miracle on the Hudson

The sight of a plane in the river evokes memories of US Airways Flight 1549 on January 15, 2009. After striking a flock of Canada geese shortly after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport, both engines failed. Captain Chesley Sully Sullenberger and First Officer Jeff Skiles made an emergency water landing in the Hudson River. Remarkably, all 155 passengers and crew survived. The incident later inspired the 2016 film Sully, starring Tom Hanks.

Though no such miracles have occurred on the Potomac as of now, we can only hope for a future where such crashes are a thing of the past.

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A lasting legacy of safety Improvements

While the Potomac river has witnessed a few aviation accidents, it has also been the site of extraordinary heroism and spurred vital safety reforms. Each crash has contributed to shaping modern aviation standards ensuring that lessons from the past continue to prevent similar disasters. Today, the memory of these events lives onnot just in history, but in the regulations that keep air travel safer for all.
From sex education to gender-affirming care, US President Donald Trump has defunded a host of programmes that he calls woke read more

US President Donald Trump came to power on an anti-woke platform and he is now leaving no stone unturned to fulfil his promises.

Trump set the tone for the coming days in his Inauguration speech, declaring a crackdown on transgender rights was in the offing. He said that there are two genders and coupled it with the closure of all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programmes.

This week, I will also end the government policy of trying to socially engineer race and gender into every aspect of public and private life. We will forge a society that is colorblind and merit-based. As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders: male and female, said Trump.

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Whether in military, educational campuses, or foreign policy, Trump is cracking down on what he calls woke  everything ranging from gender-affirming care, reproductive healthcare, and student activism, to sex education.

Trumps moves on gender rights

In the first batch of executive orders signed within hours of taking oath as the president, Trump issued an order that could ban transgender persons from serving in the military. Trump labelled it a move against radical gender ideology.

A mans assertion that he is a woman, and his requirement that others honor this falsehood, is not consistent with the humility and selflessness required of a service member, read Trumps order.

Trump and his allies have dubbed expenditure on gender-affirming care in and out of military wasteful.

Trumps order states, Expressing a false gender identity divergent from an individuals sex cannot satisfy the rigorous standards necessary for military service. Beyond the hormonal and surgical medical interventions involved, adoption of a gender identity inconsistent with an individuals sex conflicts with a soldiers commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle, even in ones personal life.

Trumps promises for campuses

On the campaign trail, Trump vowed to get rid of American campuses of what he dubbed wokeness and left-wing indoctrination.

Trump vowed to stop funding any school pushing critical race theory, transgender insanity, and other inappropriate racial, sexual or political content on our children and said he would not give one penny to schools with vaccine or mask mandates.

Trumps crackdown on protesters, activists

In the name of combating antisemitism in the wake of Hamas-led October 7 attack, Trump has also signed an executive order to deport non-citizen college students participating in pro-Palestinian protests over their support to Hamas and other terrorist groups. While many protesters indeed supported for terrorist groups in several large-scale protests since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas War, critics have said that the order could be used to deport all critics of Israel by dubbing all criticism of Israeli actions in Gaza as antisemitism.

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The White House has promised immediate action to prosecute terroristic threats, arson, vandalism and violence against American Jews and marshal all federal resources against what it called the explosion of antisemitism on our campuses and streets since the Hamas attack, according to a fact sheet.

Trump further said, To all the resident aliens who joined in the pro-jihadist protests, we put you on notice: come 2025, we will find you, and we will deport you. I will also quickly cancel the student visas of all Hamas sympathizers on college campuses, which have been infested with radicalism like never before.

Foreign aid for woke programmes halted

Shortly after taking office, in line with Trumps policy, Secretary of State Marco Rubio halted all foreign aid to woke programmes.

We are blocking woke programs. And we are exposing activities that run contrary to our national interests. None of this would be possible if these programs remained on autopilot, said the Department of State in a statement.

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The so-called woke programmes that Rubio has defunded include aid for condoms and other contraceptives, climate change programmes, clean energy programmes, family planning programmes, sex education, and abortion programmes.

The State Department said these programmes were being defunded as they do not make America stronger, safer, or more prosperous.
Even as hundreds of emergency workers are scouring the Potomac river, US President Donald Trump has started airing speculations on social media and has blamed the helicopters pilots and the air traffic control for the crash read more

Even as hundreds of emergency workers are scouring the Potomac river for survivors, US President Donald Trump has started the blame game for the air accident involving an American Airlines aeroplane and a US Army helicopter.

Earlier on Wednesday night, an American Airlines plane with 60 passengers and four crew members collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter with three personnel. The American Airlines plane was approaching the Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia at the time of collision. The CBS News has reported a police official as saying that 18 bodies have been recovered so far.

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Hours after the crash, Trump took to Truth Social to speculate about the cause of the crash. He blamed the pilots of the Army helicopter and the air traffic control of the airport for the crash.

The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time. It is a clear night, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didnt the helicopter go up or down, or turn. Why didnt the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. Not good! (sic) said Trump.

Trump was joined by the Russian regime in peddling speculation and misinformation about the crash. Russian regime-run RT said on X that the Black Hawks variant involved in the crash is used to carry senior official and the helicopter that crashed likely departed from CIA HQ as well.

The RTs assertion was denied by US Army.

Fox News Chief National Security Correspondent Jennifer Griffin reported the US Army as saying: No senior officials onboard the Blackhawk helicopter that crashed into American Airlines flight near Reagan National Airport.

In a separate statement, the US Army told Griffin that the helicopter was on a training flight.

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The Glasgow City Council will meet in regular session, Monday, Feb. 3, 5 p.m., in the Council Chambers located inside of the Glasgow Civic Center.

Click on the image above to view the full agenda.
The Glasgow Public Schools will hold the following work sessions. All meetings will be held at the Gary F. Martin Boardroom, 229 7th St. N., Glasgow.

Friday, Jan. 31, 2 p.m. - Calendar Committee Meeting

Tuesday, Feb. 4, 5 - 7 p.m. - Negotiations Committee Meeting

Wednesday, Feb. 5, 5 p.m. - Board Work Session to review the District Accreditation

Further information and agendas on these meetings can be found at the Glasgow School District website, https://www.glasgow.k12.mt.us/page/school-board

The Glasgow School Board will also hold their regular meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 6 p.m., in the Gary F. Martin Boardroom. To view the full agenda, click on the image above.

All meetings are open to the public.
Editors Note: This story was originally published in the Jan. 20, 2025, issue of the Daily Montanan; dailymontanan.com/.

The Montana Supreme Court has upheld a Billings lawmakers right to review a child-neglect-and-abuse case that the Gianforte administration had denied, citing attorney-client privilege.

On Jan. 27, the Montana Supreme Court unanimously sided with Rep. Bill Mercer, R-Billings, and aligned with the Lewis and Clark District Court Judge Michael McMahons order to turn over the documents related to the case.

The case focuses on a provision in Montana that allows lawmakers to review otherwise confidential cases of child abuse or neglect handled by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. The privilege is narrow and only pertains to members of the Montana Legislature or Congress, and only applies when a family member asks in writing for the lawmaker to review the case. The purpose is part of the checks and balances in Montana, allowing the legislative branch to check the executive, but also serves the function of helping lawmakers craft better guidelines and law during the legislative session, which the justices on the Montana Supreme Court affirmed.

Lawmakers who review the documents and cases pertaining to the otherwise confidential information that the DPHHS has must keep it confidential, and, according to the case, Mercer signed an agreement to keep any information private.

Because all other information pertaining to the case is confidential, its not known specifically what case Mercer was seeking, but it is identified as a case that came from Valley County, and believed to be a high-profile case where a transgender teenager was sent out of state to a Wyoming facility and was later transferred to the care of a biological parent in Canada. The case drew outrage from some members of the Republican legislature and was even reviewed by Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras because of allegations by the family that state officials from DPHHS were interfering with their religious rights, which included not recognizing transgender therapy or medicine.

Juras concluded DPHHS followed state policy in the matter.

However, the Montana Supreme Court case focused on the file that was turned over, in part, to Mercer. Mercer contends in court filings that documents, text messages and other communications that the department had were not included in the case file.

Upon review of the documents provided, Rep. Mercer requested additional records that he believed were required to be produced including emails, text messages, case notes, memorandums, and all other communications, the opinion said. The department denied the request, maintaining the statute required production only of the more formal case record, which it had additionally provided to Rep. Mercer.

The open-record privilege that Mercer and other lawmakers can use is only valid for six months, so Mercer was forced to ask to the courts for additional help because the window of time was narrowing. In August, McMahon granted Mercers mandatory injunction, which the state then appealed to the Supreme Court.

The DPHHS didnt dispute that it had withheld other documents from Mercer, but argued it did so because of an attorney-client privilege.

The court sided with Mercer, saying that as a lawmaker, he was already bound to confidentiality for anything that was in the file, and furthermore, McMahon had ordered at least three documents in the case off-limits due to the attorney-client exception.

The justices went one step further saying that he had already suffered possibly irreparable damage because the Gianforte administration had not turned over the documents, and the Legislature has already begun its biennial session, with a transmittal deadline looming. Transmittal is roughly the half-way point of the Legislature, and all bills that do not involve major budget implications must make it through one chamber of the lawmaking body to survive.

Thus, irreparable injury without the issue of the mandatory injunction is clear  the legislative session is now underway, and the review must occur, the opinion said. Even with this courts imposition of the stay of time limit, the same harm Rep. Mercer alleged in his briefing remains  and legislation that is not drafted in January or February of 2025 will not survive the transmittal deadline for general bills.

A five-member panel unanimously upheld the decision, including Rice, the opinions author. The other justices who signed the opinion are Laurie McKinnon, Beth Baker, Ingrid Gustafson and James Jeremiah Shea.
On Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, just three days following his 94th birthday, Les Kieth Kinzell passed away in Palmdale, Calif., succumbing to the cruel effects of dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease.

Les was born Oct. 17, 1930, to Leslie and Pearl Kinzell in Minot, N.D. At the age of six months, he moved with his parents to Glasgow, Mont., where he would spend his formative years. In 1933, the Kinzell family was blessed with the birth of a baby girl, Cherie, and in 1934, a son Jerry was born. All three children became as close as sibling playmates could be, that was until August of 1943, when tragedy struck. An inquisitive eight-year-old Jerry, had been playing in the backyard and became accidentally trapped in an abandoned refrigerator. After an extensive search his lifeless body was found. Les and his family carried the grief of the loss forever. In 1947, a later than expected son, Rick, was born into the family. He became the pesky little brother to Les and Cherie.

Les Kinzell grew up as a free spirit and with a sense of adventure. As a child he was often a challenge for Leslie and Pearl to keep up with. Out of sight for one minute and he would be hot footing it down the street, followed by his trusty dog, Mitzie. He just had to see what the neighbor was working on, or better yet, what was being baked! At a young age he developed Perthes disease, a rare bone disorder that damages hip joints. For several years he had to use crutches and endured constant pain. Being on the crutches helped to develop his upper body strength which in turn, proved helpful when he healed up and participated in high school gymnastics. As he got older, he could be found exploring and hiking in the hills along Buggy Creek with his cousin, Tommy Cornwell. Their Buggy Creek adventures even included a battle with a skunk. After an attempt to dispatch the animal with BBs from their BB gun failed, one of them got the brilliant idea to hit the animal over the head with the gun's wooden stock. Needless to say, the skunk won, which resulted in both boys being sentenced by Tommy's mother, Lila Cornwell, to a long, cold, soak in the stock water trough in the corral.

Les was also gifted with an artistic talent. From an early age he was always drawing or creating different art pieces from native clay. In high school he became the resident artist, drawing illustrations for the GHS annual and was even tasked to paint a mural of Montana on the dining room wall of the old high school. Eventually his talent expanded into a sign painting business. He bought an old pickup to haul equipment and was able to make good money while still in high school. His nickname to his friends around town was "Signs" or "Sonny" to his family. One of his sign painting projects almost caused heart failure for his mother. She found out after the fact that he had been hired to paint a business name high on the side of a 100ft tall grain elevator. It was a week after the job was completed that he finally shared the story with her, along with the suggestion that he would avoid those type of high scaffolding jobs again, especially when he confessed that the scaffold ladders started to slide from vibration when a freight train rumbled by.

After graduating from Glasgow High with the Class of 1949, Les headed off with his good friend Jack Demko to attend college at Montana State in Bozeman, Mont. He then took a hiatus from college during the Korean Conflict and served a short stint with the Army's Ready Reserve Unit where he was part of a machine gun training cadre at Fort Ord, Calif. Les then returned to college and enrolled in Montana State's art and education programs. At MSU his talent for art continued to blossom and he accepted a teaching position with the college. Les was proud to be involved with Bozeman's juried artists' community and went on to graduate with a Master's Degree in Fine Arts. He later furthered his education by earning a second Master's Degree in Fine Arts from the University of Mexico. Part of the curriculum there included residing at San Miguel Allende, Mexico, for a year in order to learn the ancient lost wax method of bronze casting. A large part of his time in Mexico involved traveling to remote communities in the jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula.

While at Bozeman, he met an attractive MSU nursing student from Great Falls, Mont., by the name of LaMoyne Berger. Their interests and lives became entwined and on Sept. 17, 1954, they were married. Upon graduation Les and LaMoyne continued to live in Montana, where he taught at several locations and she worked as a nurse. In 1955, they were blessed with their first child, a daughter, Yvette, and in 1961, twins, Antony and Anitra, completed their family.

The year 1958, brought a big change for Les and his family when they packed up the old Plymouth station wagon and headed west to Palmdale. He had accepted a job teaching sixth grade at Yucca Elementary, where he taught for 15 years and later moved to teach at the Tumbleweed school for four years. Because Les enjoyed teaching art so much, he also taught classes at the local Antelope Valley Community College. Upon retirement, being the active person he always was, Les started a business, Botega Industries, where he manufactured and serviced pottery kilns and gold melting furnaces. The business kept him busy traveling to customers throughout southern California. When he wasn't traveling, he shared his talents by giving classes on working with pottery, bronze work and different art media. His creative talent even led him to build a stained-glass wall for a church in Palmdale. For that project he had to develop a special epoxy that would hold the glass pieces together even through minor earthquake tremors.

Les had a long and fulfilling life and that free spirit always stayed with him. He continually looked for the next adventure. If he wasn't hiking in the high Sierras with his children, or working on the cabin in Volcano, Calif., it was traveling to the windswept steppes of Mongolia with his wife to study the art and culture. It was a journey that included living with the Mongols in their yurts, an experience that provided unending stories.

Les Kinzell may have lived the majority of his life in California but never did his love of Montana diminish. It was those return trips to Glasgow that meant so much. Sipping a glass of wine and spending half the night visiting with his lifelong friends were precious to him! Those were the times he never forgot!

Looking back with memories upon the path you trod, we give thanks to the days we had with you and now leave you to rest with God.

Les was preceded in death by his wife, LaMoyne; son-in-law Paul Goins; his parents Leslie and Pearl; his sister, Cherie Norgon; his brother, Gerald; and brother-in-law Earl Norgon.

Les Kinzell is survived by his children, Yvette Goins and Antony (Joan) Kinzell of Palmdale, and Anitra (Joe) Chew, of Auburn, Wash.; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; his brother, Rick (Sue) Kinzell, of Glasgow, Mont., and their family; cousin Brian (Susan) Knaff, of Las Vegas, Nev., and their family. He also leaves behind his close friends, Maury Graham, of Glasgow, Peggy Cornwell, of Hinsdale, Mont., and Sondra, his faithful caregiver in Palmdale.
Modernizing Optometry Laws To Improve Access

For Montanas elderly citizens, nursing home residents, and others who struggle to travel long distances for medical care, access to trusted eye care close to home is essential. Yet, outdated laws in Montana restrict highly trained doctors of optometry from performing certain in-office procedures that could safely and effectively be done in their offices. It is time to modernize these regulations to ensure Montanans can receive timely, high-quality care without the burden of traveling hundreds of miles.

Montanas optometrists are often the first resource for patients vision and eye health. However, current state laws limit their ability to fully utilize their extensive education and training. These restrictions prevent optometrists from performing in-office procedures that they are qualified to provide, such as laser treatments for glaucoma, minor post-cataract surgeries and others-procedures that have been safely performed by optometrists in other states for decades.

The lack of access to local care disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including seniors and those living in rural or underserved areas. For many, traveling to urban centers for basic procedures is not just inconvenient but a significant barrier to receiving necessary care. By passing the Optometry Bill 2025, Montana can eliminate these barriers and bring modern, patient-centered care closer to home.

Proven Safety and Trust

The evidence is clear: Optometrists in 12 states, including Wyoming, South Dakota, and Colorado, safely perform these procedures. Data shows over 146,000 laser treatments performed by optometrists without unforeseen complications. Moreover, 94 percent of Americans trust optometrists as reliable sources of eye health care, underscoring their critical role in managing patients vision and overall health.

Montanas optometrists are equipped to meet these standards. They complete nearly 10,000 hours of education and training, manage thousands of patient cases before practicing independently, and pass rigorous board exams. Their expertise ensures these in-office procedures can be done safely and effectively.

Tangible Benefits

for Patients

Updating Montanas optometry laws will have a profound impact on patients across the state:

Improved Access: Rural and underserved communities often face long waits and costly travel to see specialists. Allowing optometrists to perform these procedures locally eliminates unnecessary referrals, saving patients both time and money.

Enhanced Care: By enabling optometrists to use the tools and techniques they are trained for, Montanans can receive high-quality, timely eye care close to home, reducing delays in treatment that could compromise health outcomes.

Strengthened Healthcare Infrastructure: Aligning Montanas laws with neighboring states not only attracts top talent to our communities but also addresses significant gaps in healthcare coverage.

A Common-Sense Solution

Montanas Doctors of Optometry have delivered safe, effective, and trusted care for decades. Modernizing these laws allows them to continue that legacy while ensuring our state remains at the forefront of accessible healthcare. The Optometry Bill 2025 is a practical, patient-focused solution that prioritizes the needs of Montanans.

We urge lawmakers to support this legislation to guarantee that all Montanans, especially our elderly and underserved populations, can access the eye care they need-close to home, safe, and trusted. Lets modernize Montanas optometry laws and improve healthcare for everyone in our state.

Dr. Haley Menge, Dr. Jon Kolstad and Dr. Kristen OBrien are doctors of optometry practicing in Montana.

Dr. Menge has been serving the Glasgow community for the past 11 years after returning to her rural, northeastern Montana roots.

Dr. Kolstad also practices in rural northeast Montana, where he has supported clinics in Glasgow, Scobey and Wolf Point for the past 23 years.

Dr. Kristin OBrien is in private practice in Sidney and serves patients in a roughly 100-mile radius.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Region 6 is hosting a hunter, bowhunter, and trapper education instructor workshop from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Cottonwood Inn Convention Center. All current instructors and any person interested in becoming an instructor are welcome to attend. In addition, a field day for online students will take place in the afternoon as part of the workshop.

The workshop is an annual event that invites all volunteer instructors across the region for a day filled with visiting, updates to the program, demonstrations of new equipment and ideas, and awards for years of service.

These volunteers play a key role in shaping future Montana hunters by providing training in safety, ethics, conservation, and the proper use of firearms, archery, and trapping equipment, says FWP Region 6 Communication and Education Program Manager Marc Kloker. Please be sure to thank your local hunter, bowhunter, and trapper education instructors when you see them.

Field day for online students

In conjunction with the workshop, a field day for students aged 12-17 who have successfully completed their online hunter education will be offered for up to 10 students from 2 to 4:30 p.m., allowing instructors at the workshop to observe the teaching of a field day. Go to fwp.mt.gov/hunt/education/hunter to learn more, take the online class, and register for the field day. This is a great opportunity to get students certified ahead of the spring drawing deadlines.

How to become a volunteer instructor

FWP is thankful to have hundreds of qualified instructors across the state, and always welcomes new additions. If you are interested in becoming an instructor and would like to attend the workshop, please RSVP with Kloker at [email protected].

For more information on becoming a hunter, bowhunter, or trapper education instructor in Region 6, contact Kloker, or go to the website at fwp.mt.gov/education/hunter/instructors/ to learn more and apply.
Federal Intelligence Service to participate in Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) Centre of Excellence

Swiss Government

Bern, 29.01.2025 -- At its meeting on 29 January 2025, the Federal Council approved the signing of a memorandum of understanding that will allow Switzerland to participate in the OSINT Centre of Excellence. This will strengthen the Federal Intelligence Service's early detection capabilities for threats, dangers and crises.

At its meeting on 29 January 2025, the Federal Council approved the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that allows the FIS to participate in the OSINT Centre of Excellence. This MoU is a legally non-binding declaration of intent and not an international treaty; it will be signed by the Head of the Federal Intelligence Service (FIS), Christian Dussey.

Centre of excellence

The OSINT Centre of Excellence is a forum for the exchange of knowledge and skills in the collection, processing and analysis of open source data. It aims to improve skills, develop doctrine and standardise procedures and methodologies for researching and analysing data from open sources at national and international levels. Security and intelligence services (or equivalent) from several European countries are participating in the Croatian-based centre of excellence, which was established in 2023.

Strengthening Switzerland's security

The FIS's participation in the OSINT Centre of Excellence will allow it to work more closely with its partners and exchange views on the collection of open source intelligence. This will contribute to Switzerland's security, in particular by strengthening its ability to identify threats, dangers and crises at an early stage, which is the primary objective of Switzerland's security policy.

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Case vs. Chinese espionage suspect strong - NSC exec

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

January 29, 2025, 2:57 pm

MANILA -- The government's case against the Chinese national nabbed for alleged espionage along with two Filipino accomplices is strong, a ranking National Security Council (NSC) official said Wednesday.

"On the part of the NSC, I think, what we would like to say is that we have a solid case. We have a solid case against the Chinese agent or spy that we arrested. Of course, we cannot preempt the release of the information to the public, the evidence that we have collected over time," NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said during the "Utak Forum" held at the New Dapo Restaurant and hosted by columnist Richard Heydarian in Quezon City.

This is in response to the Chinese Embassy's claims that the accusations against the suspect Deng Yuanqing are baseless and that the Philippines should stop hyping the issue.

The NSC official emphasized that an extensive case build-up was done against the suspect.

"Surveillance was done on this individual. So nakita natin yun galaw niya, nakita natin na pinuntahan niya ang mga lugar na kahina-hinala (we saw his move, we saw him going to these places suspiciously) and places of significant military importance to us, significant strategic locations which pinuntahan nya, nag surveillance (siya) dun (which he went and conducted surveillance)," he added.

Malaya also stressed that the suspect was caught "red handed" or "in flagrante delicto" in legal parlance.

"Hawak-hawak niya yun mga surveillance equipment, kahina-hinala yung mga galaw nya (he was holding the surveillance equipment and his actions were suspicious)," he added.

Further, the NSC official said the Chinese suspect will have his day in court.

"We filed the necessary cases for violation of the Espionage Act and the Cybercrime Law and he will have his opportunity, but in so far as the government is concerned, we have a very solid case and we have all the necessary evidence to prove his culpability," he added.

More arrests to follow

When asked about the activities of other individuals who might be doing intelligence operations in the Philippines, Malaya said there will be more arrests and announcements in the coming days.

"I don't want to preempt the announcement of the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) and of course, other relevant law enforcement agencies, but there will be more arrests, we'll probably have announcements in the next few days about other individuals which we also caught conducting intelligence operations in the Philippines," he added.

He also thanked those Filipino citizens whose reports made these operations possible.

"So again our appeal to the public, if you see any suspicious activity please report that immediately to the nearest law enforcement agency, the Philippine National Police, even the Armed Forces, they have their intelligence service which can help us, and of course the NBI," Malaya said.

With these ongoing efforts, the NSC official said they are now able to disrupt and to stop all of these illegal activities in the country.

Malaya likewise said the arrest of alleged Chinese spies masquerading as tourists in Palawan is part of these operations.

"Siguro what I can say right now is that there will be more arrests and this includes what happened there in Palawan because we have ramped up our counterintelligence efforts and because of that we're slowly unravelling the conspiracy, this operation that's being done by foreign actors to conduct espionage in the Philippines," he added. (PNA)

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Response to the New York Times Article Concerning IDF Operations during the First Weeks of the Hamas-Israel War

IDF Press Release

January 26, 2025

26.01.25

The following comments aim to respond to certain recent publications, primarily the New York Times article published on December 26, 2024, which address IDF operations during the first weeks of the Hamas-Israel war. The myriad of claims on this issue entail inaccuracies or are presented without sufficient context. In the following publication, the IDF would respond to select claims that require correction and clarification.

The IDF's Immediate Response to the Hamas Invasion

The current conflict with Hamas has erupted with the urgent imperative to halt and repel the unprecedented ground, aerial, and naval invasion into Israel by thousands of militants that started on October 7th, as well as the concurrent massive rocket attack against Israeli population centers - in one of the most atrocious and deadly terrorist attacks in history. This attack cost the lives of nearly 1,200 individuals in Israel on October 7th alone, most of them civilians, and posed an unacceptable threat to Israel and its citizens. This ongoing threat required forceful and decisive action to effectively confront it, including striking thousands of Hamas military objectives and militants in a relatively short time.

The battles that unfolded against thousands of Hamas operatives, many of them handled in close quarters by small formations, severely challenged command & control capabilities and required an immediate adjustment of the relevant operational regulations. The situation was exacerbated by the imminent possibility of subsequent infiltration from the numerous breaches in the security fence, the impending need to halt the barrage of rockets, and the potential threat from the northern front. Given these circumstances, such adjustments were calculated to allow the necessary response by tactical forces on the grounds while reaffirming regulations that ensured that commanders' obligation across the chain of command to act in accordance with LOAC remained constant. Even still, certain authorities and regulations were unadjusted and were without delegation down the chain of command.

As the situation evolved and the IDF forces managed to clear Israeli territory from Hamas's presence, operational regulations continued to get adjusted and adapted, as has been the case throughout the conflict. Specific issues concerning such regulations will be addressed hereafter.

The Unprecedented Nature of the Conflict and the General Scale and Intensity of IDF Operations

The theme of equating the current war to previous rounds of hostilities between Hamas and Israel is misguided, as it compares utterly different things. While previous rounds were limited in their objectives and primarily intended to degrade some of Hamas' military capabilities, the objectives of the current war are much more expansive - as they include completely dismantling Hamas' military and ruling capabilities, following the Hamas' horrific terror attack of October 7th. These objectives have dictated, among other things, the scope and pace of the attacks against Hamas' military infrastructure and the launching of a large-scale ground operation by the IDF in Gaza.

For these and other reasons, the current war differs from previous hostilities, affecting IDF operations accordingly.

It is also largely misguided to equate this war with other conflicts in the 21st century.

In no other war had a democracy faced a terror organization with such military-grade capabilities that seeks its annihilation while attacking it from a neighboring territory it controls, and that has embedded itself in such a deep and sophisticated manner within the civilian environment it operates from - treating whole neighborhoods as military compounds; using a network of tunnels that stretches for hundreds of kilometers underneath nearly the entire area it controls, historically-unprecedented in its scope and sophistication; systematically exploiting protected and sensitive sites such as hospitals, UN facilities, and schools; holding and using an arsenal of tens of thousands of rockets and mortars that cover most of that State's territory; and all while holding hostage more than 250 individuals. Hamas has spent 16 years since its violent takeover of the Gaza Strip in 2007 to build its military apparatus, culminating in these unprecedented circumstances.

Such a theater of operations is novel and incomparable to anyother conflict in the 21st century, and the attempt to compare supposed figures without any account of the particular and unique context of this conflict is bound to result in misleading and uninformed conclusions.

This uniqueness does not change the applicability of international law to the IDF's conduct nor the IDF's commitment to the law. But when the same rules are applied to different realities, they yield different outcomes. Under the laws of armed conflict, within the context of an ongoing war, there is no limit on the number of lawful strikes that can be carried out, nor on the pace of such strikes or the total number of munitions used. Criticism against the IDF based merely on different figures or outcomes is, accordingly, superficial and misleading.

IDF Regulations Concerning Civilian Casualties

The NYT article addresses different aspects of the multifaceted processes that govern IDF targeting operations. As the article notes, these processes were in place before and after the October 7th attack. However, the article misconstrues and misstates important aspects of IDF regulations and processes, particularly regarding targeting methods and other uses of military forceduring warfare.

First and foremost, it provides the incorrect impression that the IDF command provided a sweeping authority to endanger up to 20 civilians in each airstrike during the early phases of the war.

Under IDF regulations, for each and every strike, every commander in the IDF is obliged to carry out a specific assessment of whether the attack is expected to be proportional - that is, that the expected loss of civilian lives and injuries to civilians, as well as damage to civilian objects, would not be excessive in relation to the anticipated military advantage. Based on different military factors and the changing circumstances, IDF regulations may adjust the authority level to make decisions on attacks between different command levels and mandate higher levels of approval if the civilian harm estimation exceeds different thresholds. This is standard practice in western militaries, which usually incorporate additional layers of regulations for strategic, operational, and tactical reasons that are not necessarily of a legal nature. IDF regulations never relieve any commander from carrying out an individual proportionality assessment in attack (or implementing any other obligation under international law). They do not generally authorize the acceptable number of civilians who may be endangered in strikes. The NYT article neglects to reflect this important aspect of IDF targeting processes.

In addition, and despite the tendency to conduct result-based assessments of IDF conduct, the relevant question, from military and legal perspectives, pertains to the civilian harm estimation before the strike and not in hindsight.

Also, contrary to the impression that the article may provide, in no case an attack that only sought to eliminate a single Hamas commander was authorized when it was expected to endanger more than 100 people.

There were indeed cases where high-ranking terrorist figures were attacked while operating with other lower-ranking militants from essential military infrastructure. Despite the possibility of multiple casualties, such attacks were executed due to the significant military advantage expected from these attacks.

Finally, when allegations are made regarding possible misconduct, including in the context of collateral damage and harm to civilians, they are subject to investigatory mechanisms that have been active throughout the war. This is also relevant to the incidents mentioned in the article. Such mechanisms allow for the improvement of flaws that were identified, as well as the taking of accountability measures whenever necessary.

The Use of Data Technologies in Targeting Processes

The IDF has already addressed in detail its use of technologies in intelligence processing. As explained before, these technologies are merely tools that help intelligence analysts cross-reference existing intelligence sources comprehensively and effectively, thereby focusing the analysts on information likely to be relevant to their ongoing research. As the IDF published, the identification of targets for attacks is always done by human analysts, who are subject to clear and defined procedures. Such technologies in no way undermine the commanders' capability to uphold their international law obligations but rather augment their ability to do so. While using such technologies, the IDF is committed to acting responsibly and within the confines of international law. In this regard, the State of Israel recently joined a prominent international declaration in that field.

The NYT article does not suggest that the IDF's targeting process is not human-centric, as previous allegations falsely claimed; quite the opposite. However, it does mention that there were instances in some "other units" where "an individual was considered a confirmed militant if he was simply listed on Lavender" (based on interviews with three officers out of over a hundred interviewees). The IDF is currently unaware of such occurrences, which would constitute a breach of IDF protocols. Since the claim in the NYT article relies on unidentified sources, this excludes the IDF from the possibility of examining the interviewees' relevance, knowledge, and credibility.

In any case, the IDF notes that the NYT article did not purport to portray this claim as a general trend and chose to carefully qualify it. Nevertheless, in the absence of further information provided to it by the NYT, the IDF cannot rule out that the interviewees were inadequately aware of the relevant facts, unaware of subsequent commander oversight that could have struck down such claimed occurrences, or were otherwise unaware of the wider context, including the entire target-identification and targeting processes, that aim to prevent the execution of an attack of a person not in accordance with regular protocol. The IDF continues to apply appropriate supervisory mechanisms to ensure regulations and operational processes are strictly adhered to.

Generally, IDF intelligence procedures are regularly reviewed and updated as needed, including as part of a war lessons-learned process. They are an integral part of the training and education of relevant IDF personnel. As mentioned, if a breach of protocol is suspected to have caused an irregular incident in this regard, such an incident would be subject to the examination and investigation processes in the IDF.

Assessing Civilian Harm

Another point of criticism recently brought up addresses an occasional reliance on the general evacuation rate of a certain neighborhood or perimeter to assess expected civilian casualties from an attack in that neighborhood. The picture being presented in this context is partial and flawed.

First, the IDF has one of the most advanced and battle-proven methods of assessing civilian casualties prior to attacks.

In assessing expected civilian harm, the IDF - as any law-abiding military - will do its best to carry out assessments while using all available information at its disposal in accordance with the laws of armed conflict. The IDF will use whatever information that is reasonably available to it and will constantly seek to improve its assessments whenever feasible to do so. While the IDF methods of assessing harm have had high accuracy rates, it is untenable to expect a fail safe assessment at any given time during dynamic, intensive, and ongoing hostilities.

Second, the IDF employs additional precautionary measures beyond assessing collateral damage whenever feasible. These measures, such as visual surveillance and deliberate timing of the strike, also serve to mitigate civilian harm in attacks, and they are employed according to availability and operational circumstances.

Third, it is important to understand that even the most sophisticated measures employed to assess civilian harm are hardly ever perfect. This is true for concrete intelligence, as information may sometimes be partial, incorrect, or outdated, given the built-in uncertainty that is prevalent during hostilities, and it is true for other methods of assessing harm, which may have their limitations.

Assessment of the expected damage to civilians and civilian objects feeds into the proportionality assessment of the attack carried out by the commander. Under the laws of armed conflict, a proportionality assessment is based on the information reasonably available at the time the decision on the attack is made. While the IDF makes efforts to implement this obligation in the best way possible, the hostilities may impose various constraints. When the article states that "officers often lacked the time or resources" for using certain measures to assess casualties, it does indeed reflect certain phases of the conflict where such measures were unfeasible to employ - but this is not a violation of the law.

Attempting to review the reality of an intensive war, with tens of thousands of targeting missions in total, cannot be tantamount to assessing a one-off attack in 'laboratory conditions,' with the benefit of no constraints of resources or time. Unrealistic assumptions may create unrealistic expectations.

Using Heavy Bombs or Bombs without an Integrated Guiding System

The choice of munitions, including their suitable payload, is a professional matter contingent on the nature of the strike's objective. While some targets are suitable for smaller payloads, others may require heavier munitions to achieve mission success - for example, when intending to destroy structures that are built with certain hard materials, large structures, or underground tunnels (and particularly tunnels such as those present in Gaza, which are typically built from concrete and dug deep). As part of the targeting process, and in consideration of the type of munition used, relevant precautions are taken wherever feasible to mitigate civilian harm, such as fusing that detonates the munitions underground, causing an explosion under the surface that traps the blast effect in order to minimize the effect above ground, to the extent possible. Other relevant precautions may include the placement of the point of impact, the angle of attack, and the timing of an attack in a manner that would accomplish the desired military advantage while mitigating civilian damage to the extent feasible. All these elements of targeting are inherent to IDF professional procedures, reflecting the IDF's commitment to comply with the laws of armed conflict.

As for using bombs without an integrated guiding system - In aerial military campaigns, the IDF and other militaries that possess precision-guided munitions (PGM) would often prefer to use them over unguided munitions whenever feasible for a variety of reasons including operational reasons. However, the absence of an integrated guidance system on an aerial munition does not negate its use in a precise manner.

Its use could be made precise by other capabilities, such as ordnance-release systems found on advanced aircraft, specialized training for pilots, and highly-regulated guidelines for use.

Warnings

The article neglects to mention various other precautions in attack that were taken by the IDF throughout the hostilities.

This includes providing effective advance warnings by various means where circumstances permit. The IDF has dropped leaflets over areas of expected attacks with detailed warnings and designations of safer areas, broadcasted over radio and through social media messages warning civilians to distance themselves from Hamas operations, and in numerous cases made individual phone calls to occupants of targets, warning them of impending attacks.

It should be stressed that any additional measure such as "roof-knocking" is not legally warranted and its use may be subject to other military considerations.

Where circumstances do not permit providing effective advance warning before an attack - such as when the strike is aimed at a militant who may escape if warned in advance, or when there is insufficient time to provide a warning (for example, when an enemy attack is imminent) - there is no legal requirement to do so. Moreover, in attempting to mitigate civilian harm, the IDF has repeatedly called for and allowed civilians to temporarily evacuate areas where more intense hostilities were expected. Hamas, on its part, has sought to forcibly prevent civilians from leaving areas of hostilities in order to unconscionably exploit civilian casualties and hinder IDF operational activities.

***

Once again, the IDF refers to its previous elaborate publication, that explains the IDF's robust mechanisms for addressing allegations of operational misconduct, which are currently in the process of examining and investigating many hundreds of incidents and allegations.

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NY Army Guard MPs deploying to Guantanamo Bay

By Staff Sgt. Matthew Gunther January 27, 2025

LATHAM, New York -- Hundreds of friends and family members said a formal farewell to 111 Soldiers of the New York National Guard's 206th Military Police Company, who are deploying to Guantanamo Bay, on Saturday, January 25.

Maj. Gen. Ray Shields, the adjutant general of New York, and other Guard leaders, also attended the ceremony held at Shaker High School in Latham, New York.

The purpose of the ceremony, said 1st Lt. Olano Gayle, the company executive officer, was to thank the Soldiers for their hard work in preparing for the deployment.

The ceremony also allowed Guard leaders to assure the families that they and their Soldiers were being taken care off.

"Deployments are never easy, and for some this may be your first time away from your loved ones, but remember, you're not alone. You carry with you the support and love of your families, friends, leadership, and this entire community," said Brig. Gen. Isabel Rivera Smith, the commander of the 53rd Troop Command.

The Soldiers will be helping to secure the Guantanamo Bay detention facility.

The Soldiers have been training for the deployment for the past year and will conduct three weeks of additional training at Fort Bliss, Texas, before heading to Guantanamo Bay.

"These soldiers have spent countless hours training, preparing, and building the skills required for this mission; in the coming months, they will lean on those skills, as well as relying on their courage, determination, and resilience," Gayle said.

Shields spoke to the Soldiers and recognized some with challenge coins for their work in getting ready for the deployment.

Capt. Daniel Hill, the 206th commander, had been expected to preside over the farewell event.

But Hills first child was born that morning so he had other things to attend to, Gayle explained.

Gayle thanked the Soldiers families for being understanding about the additional time away from home the company's pre-mobilization training has taken up.

"Your unwavering support, love, and sacrifice make it possible for our Soldiers to serve with confidence and focus," Gayle said.

The Soldiers are expected to return from their deployment in November.

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Dozens of Weapons Located as the Menashe Brigade Continues The Counterterrorism Operation in Jenin

IDF Press Release

January 27, 2025

27.01.25

IDF

Israeli security forces have been conducting a counterterrorism operation in recent days in Jenin. So far, the forces have eliminated over 15 terrorists, apprehended more than 40 wanted individuals, and confiscated dozens of weapons.

As part of the operation, soldiers of the Commando Brigade located an explosive device hidden inside a washing machine in one of the buildings in Jenin. The troops also dismantled dozens of explosives planted beneath roads intended to attack troops. In another activity, an observation command center was located, containing gas canisters intended for manufacturing explosive devices.

The security forces will continue their counterterrorism operations throughout Judea and Samaria to ensure the security of the citizens of the State of Israel.



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Statement by President von der Leyen on the signature of the EU-Jordan Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership

European Commission

Statement

Jan 28, 2025

Brussels

"Today, during King Abdullah II's visit to Brussels, the European Union and Jordan are taking their unique relationship to the next level by signing a Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership.

With this partnership, the EU and Jordan are deepening what is already a long-standing relationship and strong friendship, to better meet common challenges and advance shared values of peace, democracy and human rights.

Jordan is a key partner for Europe in the Middle East and the Mediterranean, serving as a pillar of regional stability. Jordan has shown tremendous generosity by hosting millions of refugees, and it is wholeheartedly committed to the promotion of peace and security in the region and worldwide. Jordan is playing a critical role to consolidate the ceasefire in Gaza and the EU acknowledges the importance of Jordan as a regional hub for humanitarian assistance. Jordan's leadership in supporting Syria's transition highlights its pivotal role in shaping the region's future.

The EU and Jordan are standing side by side to support each other in meeting the extraordinary challenges we are all facing. With the current geopolitical shifts and growing crises in the region, strengthening the EU-Jordan partnership is the right decision at the right time.

The Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership focuses on three main goals: supporting Jordan's stability, contributing to King Abdullah II's political, economic and administrative modernisation vision, and fostering economic resilience. Today, the EU is showing its commitment to support Jordan in navigating the current geopolitical challenges, pursuing reforms that drive growth and societal progress, and attracting more investments to strengthen its economy.

This partnership is backed by a financial and investment package for 2025-2027, estimated at EUR 3 billion  a meaningful increase reflecting the urgency and scale of the challenges in the Middle East.

With this partnership, the EU and Jordan will work together across a wide range of areas, including political relations and regional cooperation, security and defence, economic resilience, trade and investment, education and skills, migration and refugee support.

This is my message to King Abdullah II and the people of Jordan today. Europe deeply values this partnership. Your resilience and commitment to regional stability are remarkable. Europe will remain at your side through thick and thin."

The EU-Jordan Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership

The EU-Jordan Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership builds on an already strong relationship, grounded in the Association Agreement and the Jordan-EU Partnership Priorities (2021-2027). This new initiative, discussed and agreed upon at the EU-Jordan Association Council on 15 July 2024, marks a significant step forward in deepening cooperation.

The Partnership focuses on supporting Jordan's stability amid extraordinary geopolitical challenges, advancing King Abdullah II's political, economic and administrative modernisation vision, and fostering economic resilience. It aims to promote sustainable growth by attracting investments in key sectors, including digital technology, green energy, sustainable tourism, mining, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals. A shared commitment to sustainable trade and increased engagement with the private sector underpins this effort, along with a focus on expanding the presence of European investors. The Partnership will also enhance people-to-people contacts, will encourage more civil society engagement on both sides and will promote Jordan's participation in relevant EU programmes.

To support these goals, the EU is tabling a financial package for 2025-2027, worth EUR 3 billion. This includes EUR 640 million in grants, EUR 1.4 billion in investments, and EUR 1 billion in Macro-Financial Assistance.

The Partnership is structured around five key pillars:

Political Relations and Regional Cooperation

Both sides will strengthen their commitment to promoting peace, security, democracy, and human rights across the Middle East and Mediterranean. An EU-Jordan Summit will be held every two years, complemented by regular engagements in the framework of the Association agreement, in international fora and within the context of the Union for the Mediterranean. Security and Defence

Enhanced cooperation will address shared security challenges, including terrorism, hybrid threats, drug trafficking, and organized crime. The EU will continue supporting the Jordanian Armed Forces through mechanisms like the European Peace Facility and deepen collaboration to tackle cyber threats. Economic Resilience, Trade, and Investment

The EU will back structural reforms that drive growth and employment while maximizing the potential of the Free Trade Area. Focus areas include green transition, sustainable resource management, and expanded cooperation on digitalisation, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Human Capital

Recognising the importance of human capital, the EU and Jordan will work to bridge skills gaps, foster inclusivity, and promote job creation. Initiatives will include support for quality education, vocational training, and entrepreneurial development. Migration, Protection and support to Refugees

The EU and Jordan will strengthen their cooperation on border management, the fight against smuggling and human trafficking. They will enhance cooperation on durable solutions for refugees, including complementary pathways for protection and safe, voluntary and dignified returns, also in cooperation with international Agencies. Both sides will enhance coordination on humanitarian aid, with Jordan continuing its role as a regional hub for assistance. Support for vulnerable groups, Syrian refugees, host communities, and Palestinian refugeesincluding through UNRWAwill remain a priority.

The EU and Jordan will also support a peaceful transition in Syria and urge continued international backing for Syrian refugees and host countries.

As a next step, both sides will develop an implementation roadmap under the Jordan-EU Association Agreement framework.

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Troops of the Northern Command Continue Defensive Activity in Southern Lebanon

IDF Press Release

January 28, 2025

28.01.25

IDF

Troops of the Northern Command continue to operate to remove threats and terrorist infrastructure in southern Lebanon, in accordance with the understandings between Israel and Lebanon, despite Hezbollah's attempts to return to southern Lebanon.

As part of the activity earlier this week, a vehicle carrying Hezbollah terrorists approached IDF troops in southwestern Lebanon, posing an imminent threat to the force, which subsequently operated to eliminate it.

Additionally, the Commanding Officer of the Northern Command, MG Ori Gordin, conducted a tour of southern Lebanon yesterday (Monday) and held a situational assessment with commanders in the field.

The IDF will continue to operate and remove any threat to the citizens of the State of Israel and IDF troops.



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Weapon Storage Facilities and a Weapons Manufacturing Workshop Dismantled During the Commando Brigade's Operation in Jenin

IDF Press Release

January 28, 2025

28.01.25

IDF

In recent days, units of the Commando Brigade have been operating as part of the counterterrorism operation in Jenin, within the Menashe Brigade region.

During the activity, soldiers of the Commando Brigade eliminated terrorists and carried out special operations to apprehend dozens of terrorists. The soldiers located and dismantled explosives and numerous weapons.

IDF troops located and dismantled a weapons manufacturing workshop and two weapon storage facilities containing ammunition and combat equipment.





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With acoustic blast, China ups aggression in disputed waters: Philippine Navy

Beijing's deployment of long-range acoustic device is among its 'gray-zone' tactics in the South China Sea, Manila said.

By Jason Gutierrez for BenarNews

2025.01.28

MANILA -- China's use of a long-range acoustic device against Filipino sailors in the South China Sea marks an "increase in aggression" in the disputed waters, a Philippine Navy spokesman said.

The BRP Cabra, a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship, faced off with Chinese coast guard vessel 3203 and two other Chinese ships as it tried to sail on Saturday within Manila's exclusive economic zone off the coast of Zambales, a province in the northern Philippines.

During the encounter, Filipino crew members described hearing a piercing sound at high decibels that could damage ears and cause severe discomfort.

"The long-range acoustic device [LRAD] is an increase in the aggression of the Chinese Communist Party in the West Philippine Sea," said Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, navy spokesman for the West Philippine Sea - Manila's name for South China Sea waters within its exclusive economic zone.

"[Saturday's incident] only highlights the illegal presence, their coercive and now more aggressive actions," Trinidad told reporters on Tuesday.

Analysts said that the auditory weapon was the latest in China's "gray-zone" tactics - activities that fall between ordinary statecraft and open warfare - to advance its interests without necessarily provoking war.

It follows the same tactic Beijing used in 2023, when the China Coast Guard (CCG) pointed a laser at a PCG vessel, temporarily blinding some crewmembers.

"The LRAD is a sound weapon that is harmful and can lead to deafness if overexposed. China has used this gray-zone tactic before against the PCG and it's not something new as a military operation," said security analyst Chester Cabalza, head of the International Development and Security Cooperation, a Philippine think-tank.

"But due to its detrimental effects to health and human body, this is no different to the lights war or laser light that Beijing keeps on poking against Manila in the [West Philippine Sea]," he told RFA affiliate BenarNews.

He said China had been abusing the gray-zone tactic, which he described as "illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive in nature."

Last week, Filipino scientists were forced to suspend a mission to a cay near Philippine-occupied Thitu (Pag-asa) island when three CCG vessels subjected it to "aggressive maneuvers," Philippine officials said.

Trinidad noted that the actions at sea came shortly after a suspected Chinese spy was caught with two Filipino accomplices after allegedly scouting sensitive areas around Luzon - the main northern Philippine island - including near military bases that host American troops.

Trinidad said the arrested Chinese national and suspected accomplices were conducting "intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance of government critical infrastructure."

"Connecting all these dots, we could now see a bigger picture that would give the government a clearer picture of what is happening. It's not yet a complete puzzle. The puzzle is still being assembled, but we are now starting to see bits and pieces of the direction where this is taking us," the navy spokesman said.

Although Trinidad would not elaborate on the alleged spy's mission, the Philippines has allowed American troops access to nine bases throughout the country. Three of those are located in northern Luzon and face Taiwan, which China has threatened to invade.

Typhon training

Also on Tuesday, Army spokesman Col. Louie Dema-ala confirmed that Filipino soldiers would train with U.S. troops next month in using the Typhon mid-range missile system. It has been in the country since last year, but Beijing has hotly protested the weapons deployment.

The Philippine Army has indicated its plans to acquire the system.

In the meantime, Dema-ala said Filipino soldiers would train with their American counterparts in the Typhon's "payload delivery system."

"This is planned. It will be conducted sometime in the second week to the third week of February," he told a news briefing.

The Typhon System can fire the Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) and Tomahawk missiles and support strike capabilities from land, sea and air.

The missile system, developed by U.S. firm Lockheed Martin, has a range of 480 kilometers (300 miles), and can reach the disputed Scarborough Shoal as well as targets around Taiwan.

BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated online news organization.

Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content January not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Secretary Rubio's Call with Finnish Foreign Minister Valtonen

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

January 28, 2025

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce:

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen today. Secretary Rubio underscored the importance of the U.S.-Finland bilateral relationship and Finland's critical role in defending the NATO Alliance, particularly in the Arctic and the Baltic Sea. Secretary Rubio and Foreign Minister Valtonen discussed ways to deepen economic ties, and our joint efforts and investments to boost our industries, including shipbuilding. Secretary Rubio expressed appreciation for Finland's unwavering support for European security, including through its OSCE Chairpersonship in 2025.

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Secretary Rubio's Call with Rwandan President Kagame

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

January 28, 2025

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce:

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Secretary Rubio stressed the United States is deeply troubled by escalation of the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, particularly the fall of Goma to the Rwandan-backed M23 armed group. The Secretary urged an immediate ceasefire in the region, and for all parties to respect sovereign territorial integrity. Secretary Rubio conveyed the overriding goal of the United States is a durable peace that addresses security concerns and lays the foundation for a thriving regional economy.

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Secretary Rubio's Call with European Union High Representative and Vice President Kallas

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

January 28, 2025

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce:

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas. Secretary Rubio underscored the need to strengthen transatlantic security, called for Europe to increase defense spending, and highlighted the challenges posed by China. The Secretary welcomed the extension of EU sanctions against Russia for its war against Ukraine. The Secretary and High Representative discussed ways to deepen U.S.-EU cooperation on common priorities.

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Secretary Rubio's Call with Estonian Foreign Minister Tsahkna

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

January 28, 2025

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce:

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna today. Secretary Rubio and Foreign Minister Tsahkna reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-Estonia relationship and our enduring commitment to work together to address top global challenges. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister discussed further avenues to deepen our strong defense, economic, and people-to-people ties.

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Secretary Rubio's Call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Abdelatty

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

January 28, 2025

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce:

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty today to discuss the latest developments in Gaza. The Secretary thanked the Foreign Minister for Egypt's mediation efforts in securing the release of hostages and the ceasefire, as well as continuing humanitarian assistance deliveries throughout Gaza. He also reinforced the importance of holding Hamas accountable. The Secretary reiterated the importance of close cooperation to advance post-conflict planning to ensure Hamas can never govern Gaza or threaten Israel again.

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Secretary Rubio's Call with Algerian Foreign Minister Attaf

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

January 28, 2025

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce:

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf today. The Secretary and Foreign Minister discussed the strong U.S.-Algerian partnership in advancing regional and global peace and security under President Tebboune's leadership. They discussed the implementation of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, the release of hostages, and Algeria's leadership in contributing humanitarian assistance for Gaza. The Secretary and Foreign Minister discussed ways to deepen economic and energy cooperation between the two countries that would benefit Americans and Algerians. They also discussed efforts to address instability in the Sahel.

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Secretary Rubio's Call with Qatari Prime Minister-Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

January 28, 2025

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce:

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. The Secretary thanked the Prime Minister for his mediation efforts to secure the release of hostages from Gaza, and for Qatar's security partnership. The Secretary reinforced the importance of holding Hamas accountable, and ensuring they release all remaining hostages. The Secretary also underscored that discussions to advance post-conflict planning for the governance and security of Gaza for the longer-term are vital for regional security and stability. He expressed appreciation for Qatar's facilitation in securing the recent release of two unlawfully detained Americans held by the Taliban in Afghanistan. The Secretary conveyed his interest in working with the Prime Minister on regional peace and security and exploring opportunities in this time of momentous change.

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Parliamentary Assembly calls for an end to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza

Council of Europe

Parliamentary Assembly

Strasbourg

29 january 2024

Approving a resolution based on a report by Saskia Kluit (Netherlands, SOC), the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) reiterated its condemnation, in the strongest possible terms, of the appalling terrorist attack by Hamas and other militias against Israel on 7 October 2023, and again urged the immediate release to their families and homes of all hostages still held in captivity.

In view of the continuing dramatic deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the Assembly calls on Council of Europe member states and parties to the conflict to play an active role in addressing the humanitarian emergency in Gaza and its future consequences.

"The military campaign launched by Israel in Gaza in response to the attack on 7 October continued for fifteen months, causing an unimaginable humanitarian crisis," the Assembly said, adding that "women and children are without any shadow of doubt the main innocent victims of the conflict".

PACE welcomed the conclusion of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, describing the implementation of its first phase as "a crucial and positive step forward", and called on all parties to implement all three phases, leading to a long-lasting peace.

"The Assembly cannot accept that this humanitarian crisis could be portrayed or seen as inevitable or be allowed to become 'the new normal'," the Assembly said in its resolution. "The coming winter will exacerbate the already inhuman and degrading living conditions of the people of Gaza, and the hostages held by Hamas, who are subjected to an infernal cycle of suffering."

The Assembly also urged the immediate and unconditional repeal of the ban on UNRWA imposed by Israel, as well as full, rapid and safe access for humanitarian organisations and local and foreign journalists.

The Assembly called on both Israel and Palestine, whose parliaments enjoy respectively observer status and partner for democracy status, to do everything in their power to put a stop to the suffering of the people in Gaza, including that of the hostages, thus showing their full commitment to Council of Europe values.

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Pevkur in Tokyo: Estonia and Japan face similar security challenges

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Defence

29. January 2025

Today in Tokyo, Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur met the Minister of Defence of Japan Gen Nakatani to discuss bilateral defence cooperation and supporting Ukraine.

"Estonia and Japan share similar security perspectives, as well as challenges. Cyberattacks from Russia and China, maritime and airspace violations, and the protection of critical infrastructure are just a few examples of the common security issues we face. Japan stands firmly with us in supporting Ukraine and is a key like-minded partner for NATO allies in Asia. This provides a strong foundation for even closer cooperation, particularly in the defence industry, where we see great potential for deepening our collaboration," said Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur following the meeting.

"I am also pleased that our invitation for Japan Self-Defence Forces to participate in the large-scale exercise Siil received a positive response," Pevkur added.

In addition to the bilateral meeting, Minister Pevkur spoke at the Tokyo Global Dialogue, a conference organised for the sixth time by the Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA). The Minister also participated in a panel discussion on European security and its impact on the Indo-Pacific region, alongside former EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini and NATO Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy Marie-Doha Besancenot.

Another key objective of the visit was to support the Estonian Defence and Aerospace Industry Association's business delegation in meetings in Japan, including a seminar with the Japan Association of Defence Industries (JADI) and the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA), an agency of the Japanese Ministry of Defence.

Over the past decade, relations between Estonia and Japan have reached a new level, thanks to both nations' expertise in digital and cybersecurity issues, as well as high-level visits. Since 2022, Japan has been a member of the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Tallinn and has also joined the IT Coalition led by Estonia and Luxembourg, which supports the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces in strengthening their communications and IT capabilities.

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Statement by Minister of International Development Anne Beathe Kristiansen Tvinnereim

Government of Norway

News story | Date: 29/01/2025

Statement by Minister of International Development Anne Beathe Kristiansen Tvinnereim - Appalled by attack on hospital in Al Fasher, Sudan

I am appalled by the attack on the only remaining functioning hospital in Al Fasher, Sudan on January 24th. As stated by the UN ., at least 70 patients and caretakers were killed in this attack, which was reportedly carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).



This is one of many gruesome examples of attacks on health facilities during the conflict in Sudan. The targeting of health facilities and health personnel is prohibited according to International Humanitarian Law.



I am deeply concerned by reports of deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure. This must stop immediately, and civilians must always be protected.

I yet again call upon the parties to the conflict in Sudan to comply with International Humanitarian Law.



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Israel 'declares war' on West Bank, Katz says as he visits Jenin refugee camp

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 29, 2025

The mayor of Jeninsays about 15,000 residents have already fled the city and its refugee camp as a deadly Israeli operation there enters its second week.

Tehran, IRNA -- Israel has "declared war" on the occupied West Bank, war minister Israel Katz declared as he stormed the Jenin refugee camp amid an ongoing deadly offensive in the flashpoint city.

Meeting with Israeli troops in Jenin on Wednesday, Katz said the Israeli military would maintain a presence in the camp after the operation is completed.

"The Jenin refugee camp will not return to what it was. After the operation is completed, [the Israeli military] will remain in the camp to ensure that terrorism does not return," he claimed.

Mohammad Jarrar, the mayor of Jenin, said that approximately 15,000 residents have already fled the city and its refugee camp as the deadly Israeli operation there enters its second week.

At least 16 Palestinians have been killed in Jenin since Israel launched operation "Iron Wall" last Tuesday.

Since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, at least 884 Palestinians have been killed and over 6,700 others wounded in attacks by Israeli forces and settlers across the occupied West Bank.

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Over 500,000 displaced Palestinians return to north Gaza

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 29, 2025

Many returnees are heading back to the center of Gaza because they are struggling to find water, food, shelter, and sanitation in the north.

Tehran, IRNA -- Over 500,000 displaced Palestinians have returned to the northern areas of Gaza in the last 72 hours, the Gaza Media Office reports.

"This comes after 470 days of forced displacement since the start of the genocide committed by the Israeli occupation army in the Gaza Strip," it said in a statement on Wednesday.

However, many returnees are heading back to the center of Gaza as they struggle to find water, food, shelter, and sanitation in the north. The United Nations has warned that humanitarian needs on the ground are "immense."

Despite a ceasefire that took effect on January 19, Israeli forces continue to carry out sporadic attacks across Gaza, including by targeting Palestinians returning home.

In the past 24 hours, Israeli attacks killed two Palestinians. Two more people have also died from their injuries, and 59 bodies from earlier attacks have been recovered from under the rubble, officials said.

This brings the total death toll in Gaza to 47,417, according to the health ministry. At least 111,571 Palestinians have been injured since the war began on October 7, 2023, it said.

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'Relentless assault on UNRWA harming lives of Palestinians'

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 29, 2025

Philippe Lazzarini says that in the occupied West Bank, where violence is surging, ending UNRWA's operations will deprive Palestinian refugees of education and healthcare.

New York, IRNA -- The commissioner-general of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) says the relentless assault on the agency is harming the lives and future of Palestinians across occupied Palestine.

Philippe Lazzarini made the remarks on Tuesday at the UN Security Council.

Palestinians know and trust UNRWA, he said, adding that the agency's mere presence brings stability amid profound uncertainty.

In the occupied West Bank, where violence is surging, ending UNRWA's operations will deprive Palestine refugees of education and healthcare, he said.

The relentless assault on the relief and human development agency is harming the lives and future of Palestinian nation in occupied Palestinian, he said.

It is eroding their trust in the international community and jeopardizing any prospect for peace and security, added.

UNRWA has been rendering services to Palestinian refugees, including water, food, healthcare, and education, since 1950. Currently, almost seven million Palestinian refugees receive UNRWA services in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and East Al-Quds, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria, according to the agency.

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Israel attacks on southern Lebanon injures 14 people

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 29, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- The Israeli regime launched fresh attack on southern Lebanon and injured 14 people.

According to Al-Mayadeen network, the Israeli army bombarded the village of Al-Nabatiyyah al-Fuqa.

The attack took place an hour after the Zionist drone attack on the same area.

Lebanon's health ministry announced had earlier that at least seven Lebanese citizens were injured in the attack by the Israeli regime's army on Nabatieh.

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Baiba Braze and Giorgos Gerapetritis: Latvia and Greece are close allies in the EU and NATO

Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

29.01.2025

"Russia's aggression is a long-term threat not only to Ukraine but to Europe as a whole, and every effort must be made to reduce Russian influence and achieve Ukraine's victory, a fair and sustainable peace," the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Baiba Braze, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, Giorgos Gerapetritis, underlined after a bilateral meeting. For Giorgos Gerapetritis, this was the first working visit to Latvia.

Baiba Braze praised the decisive action by the highest-ranking Greek officials on the issue of Russian aggression, of condemning Russia's attack and war crimes as well as providing assistance to Ukraine. She also emphasised that Greece has never recognised the occupation of Latvia and that diplomatic relations between Latvia and Greece have a history of over 100 years (Greece recognised the Latvian state on 23 May 1922). The Ministers expressed appreciations for the active cooperation between Latvian and Greek officials despite a large geographical distance between the two countries - several high-level visits have taken place in recent years.

Giorgos Gerapetritis thanked Latvia for the welcome, emphasising that although the two countries are located far apart, they face similar challenges, and what's more, there are almost no purely national challenges these days: all the current geopolitical challenges - terrorism, disease, cyber threats - span national borders. Therefore, like-minded countries from various regions need to step up their cooperation to tackle the challenges together, including by strengthening energy independence, the EU's external borders and sanctions against Russia.

Latvia and Greece rank among the five NATO countries with the highest share of GDP being invested in defence.

Baiba Braze also highlighted Latvia's significant contribution to the operation organised by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex, on Greek territory, supporting Greek law enforcement authorities, especially the Coast Guard, and strengthening security at the EU's external maritime borders. The largest mission of Latvian border guards abroad has been deployed to Frontex.

The Ministers discussed urgent geopolitical and security challenges, migration problems at the EU's external borders, as well as issues on the UN Security Council agenda, given that this past 1 January Greece began its two-year term as a non-permanent Member of the UNSC. Baiba Braze congratulated Giorgos Gerapetritis on Greece having started its term on the UNSC, and she underlined that Greece's experience is important to Latvia given Latvia's standing as a candidate in the UNSC elections to be held this June for the term of 2026-2027. Minister Gerapetritis pointed out that smaller countries - such as Latvia and Greece - should also have equal rights and opportunities to participate in solving global issues.

The diplomats recognised that the two countries have great potential for economic and academic cooperation, which should be strategically exploited.

The Greek Foreign Minister also took part in the annual meeting of the Latvian ambassadors; he delivered a speech and exchanged views about perspectives on current global and regional challenges.

Giorgos Gerapetritis has been serving as Greece's Foreign Affairs Minister since June 2023. The Minister was on a visit in Latvia on 28 January, in response to an invitation that Foreign Minister Baiba Braze extended to her Greek counterpart while in Athens on 2 July 2024, during the State visit to Greece by President Rinkevics.

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Budrys: defence must be the top priority

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

2025-01-29

On 29 January, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys met his Greek counterpart George Gerapetritis, who is visiting Vilnius. The two ministers discussed bilateral cooperation, security, and assistance to Ukraine.

Budrys and the Greek Foreign Minister discussed the increasing frequency of hybrid attacks and acts of sabotage in Europe. Budrys stressed the importance of stepping up efforts and activities to protect critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea and to respond appropriately to incidents.

The Ministers discussed preparations for the NATO Summit, which will be held in The Hague in the summer. The Head of Lithuania's diplomacy stressed the need to increase the Allies' commitment to financing defenceat least 3% of GDP.

"The security situation in Europe dictates priorities - defence must be the top priority. Lithuania has already committed to spending up to 6% on defence in the years 2026-2030. We call on our allies to follow suit. The future of Europe's security depends on our actions today," the Minister said.

The Head of Lithuania's diplomacy and his Greek counterpart also discussed support for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia. Budrys stressed that a strong Ukraine is the best investment for peace and stability not only in Europe but also in the world. According to the Lithuanian Foreign Minister, it is important to continue to use sanctions to weaken the Russian war machine, prevent it from taking a breather, accumulate the resources necessary for war, and attack with renewed vigour.

The foreign ministers of Lithuania and Greece also discussed migration and the protection of the EU's external border. Budrys stressed the need for effective measures at EU level to strengthen the security of the EU's external borders and effectively prevent instrumentalised migration.

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Steadfast commitment: next rotation of the U.S. Armed Forces begin tour of duty in Lithuania

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2025-01-29

International cooperation | Security and defense policy

The 11th U.S. rotational battalion that kicked off the tour of duty in Pabrade today demonstrates a lasting and strong support to our national and regional security. Two battalions from the 3rd Infantry Division will spend nine months in Lithuania training with Lithuanian colleagues and other Allies.

"The United States is the fundament of the Euro-Atlantic security and his demonstrated partnership with Lithuania for many years. The uninterrupted U.S. military presence in Lithuania, in the northeastern flank of NATO, is the best deterrent, because only iron will to defence and proper readiness can deter aggressors who have no respect for sovereignty of nations. Security of the external NATO border is the security of NATO and its prestige as well, therefore we deeply appreciate that the U.S. stands by as a strategic Ally and against potential threats side by side with Lithuania," said Minister of National Defence Dovile Sakaliene.

Lithuania ensures the best possible Host Nation Support and conditions for effective readiness activities. Also, infrastructure modernization is continued and conditions for Allied presence in Pabrade are further improved. The Americans will be training with the Lithuanian Great Hetman Jonas Karolis Chodkevicius Infantry Brigade Griffin.

The United States of America sends two rotational battalions for combat readiness training in Lithuania thus demonstrating leadership in the Baltic Sea region. Two U.S. Army battalions are a strong deterrent in the current geopolitical security situation, while Lithuania exchanges experience and builds up ties as it trains. We are grateful to the United States for the persistent military presence, this enables us to develop the Lithuanian Armed Forces at a speedy pace and to strengthen the sense of security in our society," said Chief of Defence General Raimundas Vaiksnoras.

The 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment and the 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment cased colors at Camp Herkus making way for the uncasing ceremony of the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment and the 1st Field Artillery Battalion, 41st Field Artillery Regiment.

"Our partnership is an excellent reminder that Lithuania and the United States will stand shoulder to shoulder ready to defence our freedom and protect shared values," said Ambassador of the United States to Lithuania Kara McDonald.

Minister of National Defence presented National Defence System Medals of Merit to the Commanders and Senior Enlisted Leaders of the outgoing battalions.

NATO and U.S. presence in Lithuania is the key deterrent. The United States approved uninterrupted force rotations to the Baltic region. In its turn, Lithuania is committed to make every effort to ensure the best Host Nation Support and proper infrastructure to the incoming rotations. The United States has been supporting security in the region with rotations of heavy battalions since 2019.

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A look at the Defence news 20 - 26 January

Netherlands Ministry of Defence

News item | 29-01-2025 | 11:14

On 17 January, Japanese General Yoshihide Yoshida was welcomed in the Hague by Netherlands Chief of Defence General Onno Eichelsheim and Netherlands Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans.

Japan's most senior military officer and Minister Brekelmans discussed the threats and geopolitical developments in the Indo-Pacific. General Eichelsheim had already paid a visit to General Yoshida in April 2023.

Major Netherlands military role on eastern flank of NATO territory

In order to improve vigilance in the area around the Baltic Sea, NATO launched a new maritime mission last week. Among other things, Baltic Sentry must ensure the security of critical undersea infrastructure, such as energy and data cables. The Royal Netherlands Navy is contributing a number of ships to the mission.

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DND optimistic of continued growth of PH-US defense ties

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

January 29, 2025, 4:51 pm

MANILA -- The Department of National Defense (DND) on Wednesday expressed optimism that the defense alliance between the Philippines and the United States will further grow under the administration of President Donald J. Trump.

"The DND is likewise optimistic that the Philippine-US defense alliance will continue to flourish under the new administration," it added in a statement.

In a recent interview with Hoover Institution's "Battlegrounds" DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said "the partnership between allies (Philippines and US) that the President has personally spearheaded has been vital."

In the same interview, Teodoro said he expects this momentum to continue as the country's security relationship with the United States and other allies continues to evolve.

"My expectation is that the momentum that is existing at present [will] be continued because we are not only strengthening a relationship but evolving a new ecosystem of security, not only bilaterally but also multilaterally with other countries with shared values like Japan, like Australia," the DND chief said.

During a consultation between Teodoro and the Philippine Ambassador to the United States, Jose Manuel G. Romualdez, the Filipino diplomat expressed confidence "that US military assistance will continue including major economic programs. The 90-day suspension is temporary."

"While the review of US assistance is being conducted, the DND and AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) continue to pursue the development of our defense capabilities in accordance with our identified needs and priorities. We remain steadfast in our commitment to perform our mandate to defend our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction," the DND noted. (PNA)

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PH, New Zealand start negotiations on visiting forces deal

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

January 29, 2025, 12:28 pm

MANILA -- The Philippines and New Zealand have officially started negotiations for the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA), the Department of National Defense (DND) announced Wednesday.

In a statement, the DND said the first round of talks took place in Manila last Jan. 23.

"(The talks were) hosted by the Philippine government in Manila, with DND Undersecretary Pablo M. Lorenzo and Ministry of Defense (MoD) Director Kathleen Pearce leading the Philippine and New Zealand delegations, respectively," it added.

The DND said New Zealand delegation included Ambassador Catherine McIntosh, Deputy Head of Mission Stacey Kwant, and an analyst from the MoD. Other members of the New Zealand delegation joined virtually.

Meanwhile, the Philippine delegation was composed of Department of Justice Undersecretaries Raul Vasquez and Dennis Arvin Chan, Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces Undersecretary Antonio Habulan Jr., Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretaries Aileen Mendiola-Rau and Patrick Chuasoto, and DND Assistant Secretary Erik Lawrence Dy.

"The first round of negotiations marked an important step in strengthening bilateral defense ties between the Philippines and New Zealand. A commitment to conclude a SOVFA was among the key outcomes agreed between Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon during the latter's visit to Manila in April 2024," the DND said.

The SOVFA will reinforce the memorandum of arrangement between the DND and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) with the MoD of New Zealand concerning Defence Cooperation, which was signed in 2017.

It will enable both countries' armed forces to elevate their cooperative activities and conduct exercises in each other's territories, deepening overall defense and military cooperation.

The DND said the successful conclusion of this agreement will be a significant milestone for the overall bilateral relationship between the Philippines and New Zealand, which would mark 60 years of diplomatic ties in 2026. (PNA)

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PH, US Air Forces agree to bolster interoperability

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

January 29, 2025, 12:11 pm

MANILA -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Wednesday announced that it is sees more high-level interactions with the US Pacific Air Force (PACAF).

This came as PACAF commander Gen. Kevin Schneider paid a visit to PAF chief Arthur Cordura at Villamor Air Base, Pasay City on Tuesday, Air Force spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said in a statement.

"During the visit, Gen. Schneider and Lt. Gen. Cordura engaged in discussions on bolstering interoperability between the two Air Forces and excellence in combined operations," she added.

Castillo also said the two Air Force commanders, in their meeting, also emphasized the importance of joint exercises and training programs in enhancing the operational capabilities of both forces.

"The high-level meeting further addressed key areas, including information sharing, airman-to-airman talks, and routine maritime cooperative activities," she added.

Cordura and Scheinder also discussed ongoing projects under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which aim to facilitate cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, strengthen the country's defense capabilities, and promote regional security.

"As part of the visit, Gen. Schneider and his delegation will visit PAF Air Bases and EDCA project sites in Pampanga, Palawan, Cebu, and Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro," Castillo said.

With this activity, the PAF and PACAF reinforces their commitment to enhancing interoperability, promoting operational excellence, strengthening bilateral relations, boosting defense capabilities, and supporting peace and security in the Indo-Pacific Region. (PNA)

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Trump admin. pressuring Egypt to push Hamas out of Gaza

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 29 January 2025 5:08 PM

The administration of US President Donald Trump is pressuring Egypt to push the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas out of the besieged Gaza Strip.

On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told his Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty that the two sides must maintain "close cooperation" in an attempt "to ensure Hamas can never govern Gaza."

Israel began its campaign of genocide in Gaza in October 2023, after Hamas carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Flood in retaliation for Israel's intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

However, after 15 months of ruthless aggression, the occupying regime failed to achieve its prime objective of eliminating Hamas, despite killing at least 47,306 Palestinians, mostly women and children.

The campaign has currently paused amid a fragile ceasefire.

The US State Department added on Tuesday that Rubio also "reinforced the importance of holding Hamas accountable."

A day earlier, Trump once again called for forced relocation of Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan, despite strong opposition from Cairo and Amman to the plan which has been slammed by the United Nations as "ethnic cleansing."

The Palestinian leadership has been divided between Fatah and Hamas since 2006, when the latter scored a landslide victory in parliamentary elections in the Gaza Strip.

Hamas has ever since been running the Palestinian enclave, while the Palestinian Authority (PA), which is run by the ruling Fatah party and led by President Mahmoud Abbas, has been based in the autonomous parts of the occupied West Bank.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had declared that the goal of the war for the regime was the total defeat and elimination of Hamas.

However, former US Secretary of State Antony Blinken implied in one of his final appearances, on January 14, that the regime had failed in achieving this goal.

Blinken said assessments by the US had revealed that "Hamas has recruited almost as many new" fighters "as it has lost."

"That is a recipe for an enduring insurgency and perpetual war," he added.

Israel managed to assassinate two top leaders of the movement - namely Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar - and according to the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), its weapons stockpile is also depleted, but as the dust settles in Gaza, it is clear that the resistance movement has not been eliminated and is still there.

Hamas fighters have prominently featured in the handover of Israeli captives as part of the ceasefire deal with Israel. And members of the Hamas-run civil administration have resumed work. If there is any authority in Gaza, it still appears to be Hamas, Al-Jazeera said in a report.

After "over a year of fighting, the [Hamas] fighters remain very much in control of Gaza," Hugh Lovatt of the ECFR said.

"Hamas is trying to show Israel that it failed to destroy it but also that the movement will have a veto over Gaza's future going forward because neither Israel and the PA nor the international community will be able to impose a post-conflict governance or security arrangement," Lovatt said.

Israel aimed to destroy Hamas's infrastructure, particularly its extensive tunnel network. However, Israeli media reports suggest that much of the network remains functional, though estimates of its intactness vary widely.

Hamas members told the ECFR that many tunnels have been preserved, restored, or even expanded in some areas.

According to the ECFR, Hamas even recycles "unexploded Israeli rockets, bombs, and artillery shells to use as improvised explosive devices and produce new projectiles."

The Gaza Strip, home to some 2.4 million Palestinians, has been under Israeli siege since June 2007. The blockade has caused a decline in the standards of living as well as unprecedented levels of unemployment and unrelenting poverty.

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80% of displaced Palestinians are back in northern Gaza: Report

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 29 January 2025 4:37 PM

The Government Media Office of Gaza said on Wednesday that 80% of the displaced Palestinians have returned home in the north over the past few days.

For the third consecutive day, Palestinians have been traveling via the Rashid Road to reach the region.

Local media reports said the people carried whatever possible on the 7-kilometer route to Gaza City and the surrounding areas devastated by the barbaric Israeli bombardment.

The return home began in the wake of the ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel over the exchange of Israeli captives and Palestinian abductees.

The office said the available tents do not meet the needs of the returning Palestinians.

"The number of tents that have entered the Strip is insufficient to meet the needs."

The office highlighted a decline in the number of aid trucks entering, which contradicts the terms outlined in the ceasefire agreement.

"Large quantities of aid are still stuck at the borders of the Gaza Strip."

Elsewhere in the statement, the office said no heavy equipment had yet entered the besieged Strip to help in removing the rubble and recovering the bodies of Palestinians.

The Gaza Strip faces a dire humanitarian crisis.

Israel's ruthless campaign of death and destruction in Gaza has pushed the death toll to over 47,000. The glaring figure is expected to rise as thousands more bodies are believed to lie under rubble.

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'Deeply deplorable': European nations condemn Israel's UNRWA ban

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 29 January 2025 11:14 AM

Several European countries have criticized the Israeli regime's ban on the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, urging a reversal of the decision that would force the agency to vacate all premises in the occupied al-Quds and cease operations.

The European nations condemned Israel's unilateral withdrawal from the 1967 agreement with UNRWA through a joint statement delivered by Spain's Permanent Representative Ambassador Hector Gomes Hernandes during a UNSC meeting on Tuesday.

The Spanish diplomat read the statement on behalf of Belgium, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Slovenia and Spain, stating that the countries "deeply deplore" the Israeli parliament's decision made on 28 October, which is aimed at abolishing UNRWA's activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

The countries accused the Israeli regime of obstructing the agency's ability to carry out its UN-mandated work. The ban on UNRWA is set to take effect on January 30.

The spokesperson for UNRWA, Jens Laerke, reaffirmed the UN's full support for the agency and its Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini regarding the matter.

"As we have said since this was first discussed in the political realm of this conflict, this does not make any sense," Laerke said. "And I recall when they were first introduced, we urged, as a UN system, to reconsider these provisions," he added.

In addition to Laerke's remarks, Lazzarini described Tel Aviv's actions against the agency as a "relentless assault" that is "harming the lives and future of Palestinians across the occupied territories." "It is eroding their trust in the international community, jeopardizing any prospect for peace and security."

Lazzarini warned that the ban on the agency's activities "will sabotage Gaza's recovery," and "undermine the ceasefire."

The ban has raised alarms about disruptions to critical aid for millions of Palestinian refugees, raising concerns about the exacerbation of the already dire humanitarian circumstances in Palestine.

The Israeli regime's parliament (Knesset) had last year approved a bill branding the agency as a "terrorist organization". In October, Tel Aviv enacted legislation banning UNRWA from operating in the occupied territories.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees was established by the UN General Assembly in 1949 to provide humanitarian and other essential services to Palestine refugees until a political solution is reached.

Late last year, the regime forcefully terminated the activities of UNRWA, putting millions of lives at risk. Despite the pressures inflicted upon the crucial relief practices across the Palestinian territories, the local staff continue to provide emergency assistance to Palestinians.

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Palestinian resistance secures 'strategic, ultimate' victory: Iran Army chief

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 29 January 2025 10:04 AM

Iranian Army Chief Commander Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi has lauded the steadfastness of the resistance front in the face of the Israeli regime's aggression against the Gaza Strip, saying it proved that resistance secures strategic victory and ultimate conquest.

Mousavi said, "The Palestinian resistance and the Resistance Front stood by their ideals until they achieved what they had set out to achieve."

He went on to say that today, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has failed to achieve any of his declared goals in Gaza, while members of Palestinian resistance movement Hamas were returning to their homes with victory and pride.

"This shows that resistance and reliance on God will ultimately prevail against any power," the senior commander stressed.

Mousavi further noted that certain "short-sided people might consider a technical or tactical victory to be a strategic victory but the resistance proved that the path to a strategic victory and pride and ultimate triumph is resistance, and this was the greatest message of the resistance."

The Israeli regime accepted a ceasefire on January 25 after having failed to realize any of its wartime objectives, including "eliminating" Hamas.

Hamas has called the ceasefire deal the result of steadfastness and resistance in the coastal sliver for over 15 months.

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Israeli forces continue to attack Palestinians despite ceasefire

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 29 January 2025 2:21 AM

The Israeli military continues to violate the ceasefire agreement with Hamas, as hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are returning to their homes in northern Gaza.

According to Palestinian media, Israeli tanks opened fire on some Gazans in the vicinity of Gaza City's al-Zaytoun neighborhood on Tuesday.

There are no reports on possible casualties yet. The regime's forces also fired at civilians near the southern city of Khan Yunis.

One of the Palestinian Red Crescent's ambulances was shot by Israeli snipers west of Rafah while carrying out an urgent mission.

Gaza officials said 48 bodies were delivered to hospitals in the past two days, including 37 bodies recovered from under the rubble.

The figure increases the death toll from the Israeli genocide to 47300.

Despite the regime's attacks, hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians continue to return to their homes in northern Gaza, determined to thwart any displacement plans.

The UN humanitarian office says more than 376000 displaced Palestinians have returned to northern Gaza so far.

Nader Shamalakh witnessed Israel's initial bombardment of Gaza City more than 15 months ago. But he was not prepared to return to a city that he no longer recognized.

"I swear that when I arrived here, I did not realize it," Shamalakh told The Associated Press news agency on Tuesday.

He was speaking of his return home after spending months forcibly displaced in southern Gaza.

Shamalakh is not alone in describing an inability to match memories of their homes with reality.

The besieged Palestinian territory faces a dire humanitarian crisis after more than 15 months of a US-backed campaign of death and destruction.

The United States, however, "supports the implementation of the ban on UNRWA's activities," and accuses UNRWA's chief Philippe Lazzarini of "overstating the impact of the decision," according to Dorothy Shea, Washington's representative to the UN.

"UNRWA is not and never has been the only option."

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Freeze to US aid hits Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar hard

With hundreds of millions of dollars paused, healthcare, food and education programs are already feeling a pinch.

By RFA 2025.01.29 -- On the Thai-Myanmar border, sick patients are being sent home from hospital. In Laos, school meals have been interrupted. And in Cambodia, hundreds of staff at the agency responsible for clearing land mines have been furloughed.

The U.S. State Department on Friday announced a 90-day freeze on nearly all foreign aid, followed one day later by a suspension of global demining programs, according to the New York Times. The pause is intended to give the State Department time to review programs "to ensure they are efficient and consistent with U.S. foreign policy under the America First agenda," according to the announcement notice.

In the days since, stop-work orders have been sent by the U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID, to local implementing partners ranging from media organizations to health clinics.

The U.S. is one of Southeast Asia's largest providers of aid, and its withdrawal will be felt most in the region's poorest nations: Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. Japan provides more to those countries, but the U.S. has gradually increased aid to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar from $380 million in 2015 to almost $520 million in 2022, according to Grace Stanhope, a research associate at the Lowy Center who works on its Southeast Asia Aid Map.

Groups that work with Tibetans, Uyghurs and North Koreans are also feeling the pinch. These include the Tibetan government-in-exile, which is based in Dharamshala, India, and which supports the diaspora community.

On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a waiver exempting "life-saving" humanitarian aid, including medicine, shelter and food aid.

While both the order and State Department notice make clear that programs can restart once reviews are complete, the impact in many countries has been immediate. RFA spoke with government officials and NGO staffers to better understand what an aid freeze looks like on the ground.

The Department declined to respond to specific questions over email.

Myanmar:

Saturday marks the fourth anniversary of the Feb. 1, 2021 coup, in which the military overthrew the democratically elected government, imprisoning its top leadership. The spiraling civil war that has ensued has displaced 3.4 million people and expanded the refugee population in neighboring Thailand.

Within the days of the stop-work order, a range of U.S.-funded healthcare services began grinding to a halt. In fiscal year 2024, which runs from Oct. 1, 2023 to Sept. 30, 2024, the U.S. provided $141 million in humanitarian aid to Myanmar.

"In-patients at the refugee camp hospital were discharged and told to return home because health workers have been suspended from their duties," a health worker speaking on the condition of anonymity due to security reasons told RFA. Volunteers were trying to relocate critical patients and send pregnant women in labor to external hospitals, The Irrawaddy reported.

The worker added that approximately 20 civil relief groups providing healthcare with USAID assistance along the Thai-Myanmar border are now at risk of being suspended. A Reuters report said the International Rescue Committee, which funds the clinics, told them they would have to shut down by Friday.

Along the Thai-Myanmar border, nine refugee camps provide shelter to nearly 140,000 people.

Inside those camps, schools have already "suffered a huge impact," said Banyar, founder of the Karenni Human Rights Group. Teacher salaries would have to be halted and a pause on the purchase of textbooks and other school supplies, he said.

Those who work on HIV/AIDS programs said they fear the funding may not resume. According to the CDC there are about 100,000 orphans in Myanmar due to AIDS, and testing and treatment programs have allowed hundreds of thousands to access antiretrovirals as well as lower the likelihood of contracting the virus in the first place.

On Tuesday, the Trump administration issued a waiver permitting distribution of HIV medications, but this does not appear to restart broader preventative programs.

In Bangladesh, where more than 1 million Rohingya who fled violence in Myanmar live in chronically underfunded refugee camps, there has been confusion over whether U.S.-funded food programs will continue. Last week, the Bangladesh government said that USAID would continue to provide food aid, but U.S. and U.N. officials appeared unsure where such information originated, according to a report from BenarNews.

The pause has also already impacted a number of exile media newsrooms, which rely on small U.S. grants to provide open information in a country where journalists are routinely imprisoned, forcing a number of them to suspend staffers.

Laos

U.S.-funded programs in Laos range from maternal health to demining operations, a critical need in a country that remains the most heavily bombed in the world, per capita, as a result of U.S. aerial attacks in the 1960s and 70s during the Vietnam War. Less than 10 percent of land in Laos has been cleared of unexploded ordnance, according to Sera Koulabdara, CEO of Legacies of War, which works on education and advocacy around removal of landmines in Southeast Asia.

"It is absolutely essential that we hold ourselves accountable for the devastation we caused," she said. "Just this month in Laos, a 36-year-old man was killed while simply cooking, an innocent victim of an American war that continues to plague the country."

A staffer at an agriculture NGO who spoke on the condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak to the press told RFA he was doubtful other foreign countries would be able to step in if U.S. funding was pulled.

"After the COVID-19 pandemic, proposing for funding around the globe to support our projects is the biggest challenge  it is very difficult and the amount of the funds is also smaller now," he said.

The country faces a severe debt crisis that has sent the cost of food and other basic goods skyrocketing. In Houaphan, which is one of the poorest provinces in the country, a school meals program has already had to scale back, according to a teacher who spoke to RFA on the condition of anonymity.

Cambodia

Like Laos, Cambodia still struggles with the legacies of decades of conflict as unexploded ordnance continues to maim and kill. The U.S. halt on funding demining programs is likely to set the government back in its goal to be mine-free by the end of the year.

Heng Ratana, head of the government's Cambodian Mine Action Center, said the agency receives about $2 million a year from the U.S. government.

As a result of the funding freeze, the center plans to furlough 210 members of its approximately 1,700 workforce nationwide, he told RFA.

"It is a complete shutdown. It is like a forced shutdown," Heng Ratana said. "We request continued support for the operation because the U.S. funding [agreement] clearly states that it is to clear unexploded ordnance."

Brian Eyler, the director of the Southeast Asia Program and the Energy, Water and Sustainability Program at the Stimson Center said the funding pause had impacted his own programs, which focus on the Mekong River as well as broader security issues.

He noted that a report launch planned for this week on how the U.S. could counter cybercrime in Southeast Asia had been halted, though he hoped the freeze would soon be lifted.

Nop Vy, executive director of the Cambodian Journalists' Association, or CamboJa, said 20 to 30 percent of their funding came from USAID, which the group used to run journalist training programs and help fund the independent media outlet, CamboJA News. In recent years, a number of independent media outlets have shut down or been forced by the government to close, leaving a vacuum in access to open information.

Heng Kimhong, executive director of the Cambodian Youth Network, said that the suspension of U.S. government assistance would reduce some of its activities related to youth empowerment and the ability to protect natural resources. A USAID fact sheet issued last year noted that deforestation contributed heavily to climate change in Cambodia, which is considered particularly prone to natural disaster.

Still, Heng Kimhong said he was "optimistic" funding would be restored as the U.S. is "not a country that only thinks about itself," he said. "The United States is a country that protects and ensures the promotion of maintaining world order, building democracy, as well as building better respect for human rights."

Tibet

Tibet's government-in-exile, the Central Tibetan Administration, or CTA, represents the Tibetan diaspora and administers schools, health centers and government services for Tibetan exiles in India and Nepal.

Several sources speaking on the condition of anonymity told RFA that the suspension affects programs run by the CTA, the Tibetan Parliament and a range of Tibet-related non-governmental organizations, raising concerns over the continuity of key welfare programs supporting Tibetans outside of China.

An upcoming preparatory meeting for the Parliament-in-Exile was postponed as a result of the funding pause, sources told RFA.

"The directive applies uniformly to all foreign aid recipients. Since Tibetan aid has been secured through congressional support and approval, efforts are underway to work with the State Department and relevant agencies to expedite the review and approval process for continued assistance," Namgyal Choedup, the representative of the Office of Tibet in Washington, told RFA.

Various Tibetan NGOs and activist groups based in India expressed their concerns about the impact of the freeze in foreign assistance programs and said they hoped it would be soon lifted.

Gonpo Dhondup, president of the Tibetan Youth Congress, emphasized the importance of U.S. aid for the Tibetan freedom movement and community stability. Tsering Dolma, president of the Tibetan Women's Association, said assistance has been crucial for maintaining the exile Tibetan community.

"Despite the 90-day suspension, I hope an alternative arrangement can be made to ensure continued U.S. support," Tashi, a Tibetan resident in Dharamsala, told RFA.

North Korea

While the U.S. has long banned providing aid to the North Korean government, it has been a supporter of North Korean human rights organizations. Such programs help with global advocacy efforts on behalf of those living inside the closed nation, and also support refugees abroad.

A representative from a North Korean human rights organization, who requested anonymity to speak freely, said the group received the stop-work order from their U.S. funders Saturday and requested an exemption waiver.

"We will not be able to pay staff salaries, making furloughs or contract terminations inevitable. Backpay is also impossible because providing backpay would imply that employees worked during that period."

Ji Chul-ho, a North Korean escapee who is the director of external relations at the South Korea-based rights organization NAUH, told RFA he worried about the longer term impacts of such a pause.

"While this is said to be a temporary suspension of grant expenditures, I worry that it will lead to a reduction in North Korean human rights activities and make it harder for various organizations to raise their voices collectively," he said.

Sean Kang, co-founder of the Ohio-based North Korea Human Rights Watch, told RFA a funding pause was hugely disruptive.

"U.S. government projects related to North Korea require meticulous planning and scheduling, maintaining security, and being carried out cautiously over the medium to long term," he said. "A three-month [pause] in such projects can cause significant disruptions, and if funding is ultimately canceled, all the efforts made so far could be wasted, leading to an even greater loss."

Reporting by RFA Burmese, RFA Khmer, RFA Korean, RFA Lao, and RFA Tibetan.

Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content January not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Cambodian gov't official denies role in Bangkok shooting of opposition critic

Khliang Huot was heard discussing crackdown on Thailand-based activists in audio clips posted to Facebook last year.

By RFA Khmer 2025.01.29 -- A top Cambodian government official on Wednesday denied involvement in the fatal shooting of a former opposition lawmaker in Bangkok earlier this month.

Khliang Huot, a deputy Phnom Penh governor, told Radio Free Asia that recent statements by exiled opposition leader Sam Rainsy connecting him to two suspects in the Jan. 7 attack on Lim Kimya were false.

He also denied knowing the suspects  Ly Ratanakrasmey and Pech Kimsrin  both of whom are wanted by Thai police in connection with the shooting near a busy street in Bangkok's old quarter.

"I don't have anything to respond to the three-generations traitor [Sam Rainsy]. He blasted my respected person  Hun Sen's family," he said, referring to Senate President Hun Sen and his eldest son, Prime Minister Hun Manet.

Lim Kimya, 74, a former member of parliament for the banned opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party, was gunned down just after arriving in Bangkok. He had been a frequent critic of the Cambodian government in recent years.

Thai police have charged suspected gunman Aekaluck Paenoi, a former Thai Marine who was arrested on Jan. 8 in Cambodia's Battambang province and was extradited to Thailand on Jan. 11.

Thai authorities later said they were searching for Ly Ratanakrasmey, a former adviser to Hun Sen who they believe masterminded the assassination.

They have also identified and issued an arrest warrant for Pich Kimsrin, who they said followed Lim Kimya on a bus from Cambodia to the Thai capital and acted as a so-called "spotter" for Aekaluck in the murder.

Close ties to Hun Sen

Khliang Huot is also a member of the ruling Cambodian People's Party's Central Committee and an adviser and personal assistant to Hun Sen  in addition to his role as deputy governor of Phnom Penh.

He also has close ties with Pich Kimsrin, Sam Rainsy wrote on Facebook on Wednesday.

Sam Rainsy pointed to audio posted on a Khmer language Facebook page in September in which Hun Sen purportedly spoke to Khliang Huot about cracking down on opposition activists who had fled to Thailand.

In one audio clip, Hun Sen can be heard ordering Khliang Huot to work with his associates to return opposition activist Phorn Phanna to Cambodia, "dead or alive."

"The working group in Thailand must work with Thai police to eliminate the group of people who are living in Thailand  one is Phorn Phanna," he said in an audio clip posted to Facebook.

"He must be brought to Cambodia. We can't let him be free. He is staging something to incite a movement," Hun Sen said. "Our forces must bring him here at any cost  dead or alive."

Khliang Huot told RFA on Wednesday that he would be willing to travel to Thailand to speak with investigators if authorities there say they believe he was involved in the Lim Kimya shooting.

"If they summon me I will go immediately," he said. "I don't have any security concerns. I am innocent. I have nothing to worry about."

Hun Manet's comments

Last week, Hun Manet angrily denied the involvement of the government and Hun Sen and pointed to the quick arrest of the suspected gunman in Cambodia.

"If the government were behind the murder, we wouldn't have apprehended the suspect and sent him to Thailand," he said at an inauguration ceremony in Pursat province on Jan. 20.

Hun Manet's remarks were in response to another Facebook post from Sam Rainsy, who pointed out on Jan. 19 that there have been no public condemnations of the Lim Kimya shooting from Hun Sen, Hun Manet or any other high-ranking member of Hun Sen's family.

Sam Rainsy said the lack of a statement was suspicious and facetiously suggested that they send a letter of condolence to the victim's family.

In Pursat, Hun Manet said the accusation that his father was behind the killing was unjust.

The opposition has "acted as police and prosecutor and Supreme Court. They have already convicted" Hun Sen, the prime minister said.

Meanwhile, family members told RFA that Lim Kimya's body arrived in Paris on Monday and will be buried on Feb. 3. Lim Kimya held dual Cambodian-French citizenship.

Translated by Yun Samean. Edited by Matt Reed.

Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content January not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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At Serbian Protests, 'Generation Vucic' Finds Its Voice

By RFE/RL's Balkan Service and Luke Allnutt January 29, 2025

BELGRADE -- As fireworks lit up the night sky to welcome in the new year, thousands of people in Serbia's capital stood in complete silence, many with their mobile phones raised skyward.

They weren't celebrating -- they were mourning -- and they held their vigil for 15 minutes, one minute for each of the victims of the collapse of a concrete canopy at a railway station in the northern city of Novi Sad in November. The protesters repeat this every day at 11:52 a.m., the exact time the roof collapsed.

It's the type of dramatic symbolism that has come to define Serbia's largest protests since the fall of late Yugoslav and Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic in 2000. And after claiming the scalp of the prime minister on January 28 and possibly forcing new elections, the student-led protests show no signs of fizzling out.

With the protesters' average age around 20, this is a generation that has grown up under the increasingly authoritarian rule of President Aleksandar Vucic.

For the students taking to the streets in their tens of thousands, the Novi Sad tragedy is emblematic of everything they believe is wrong in Serbia: widespread institutional corruption, a lack of accountability, and a technocratic class who are perceived to have risen only due to their ties to Vucic's ruling Serbian Progressive Party.

"I don't understand why it isn't obvious that 15 people just shouldn't die from a falling canopy, without any natural disaster," Darija, a student protester, told RFE/RL's Balkan Service. "This should not happen. Those responsible must be found and it must be established why it happened."

The students haven't just grown up with Vucic; they've also grown up with the Internet. Their flair for digital innovation and social media has enabled them to bypass state-controlled media and spread their message far and wide.

The signature of the movement has become the bloody red handprint, which represents the government's alleged culpability in the Novi Sad tragedy. The symbols have appeared on government buildings across Serbia and are painted on signs: "You Have Blood On Your Hands" and "Corruption -- Hands Up."

No Leaders, No Ideology

Serbian opposition parties have tried to join the demonstrations, but the protesters have rejected their advances. Many demonstrators see Serbia's opposition as compromised, little more than stooges for the state.

"Young people are clearly not satisfied with the political space in Serbia," anthropologist Ivan Djordjevic told RFE/RL, "and do not recognize themselves in any of the offered political options."

What the protesters say they want is not political power but accountability and justice within a corrupt system.

The publication of all the documentation related to the reconstruction of the Novi Sad railway station is their top priority. They are also demanding a 20 percent increase in higher education funding, the dismissal of the charges against student protesters, and the prosecution and removal from public office of those who attacked students and professors.

"I want everyone to have space to express themselves, as long as we stick to basic values such as the rule of law, respect for human and minority rights, solidarity, and empathy," protester Emilija Milenkovic, a student at the Faculty of Political Sciences in Belgrade, told RFE/RL.

That focus on values means the movement has no leaders and no official ideology. Decisions at rallies and in university faculties are made through "plenums" -- open assemblies where all participants have an equal right to speak and vote on decisions.

This structure, experts say, makes the movement harder to attack as there are no figureheads to criticize or jail. The open organization also makes it more accessible to people of different political stripes.

"At every faculty there are so many opinions, attitudes, political and ideological [views], and I have never seen so many ideological differences at any blockade," protester Milenkovic told RFE/RL.

Broad Reach

But this ideological diversity is also something the movement has grappled with.

At a January protest, some demonstrators held banners showing a map of Kosovo filled with a Serbian flag, with the words: "No Surrender."

The student movement distanced itself from these elements, releasing a statement saying such displays "are not in line with our values and goals." Other symbols have been seen by some protesters as controversial -- a widely shared video went viral of men taking down an EU flag.

There is, however, an abundance of Serbian flags. "These children perceive Serbia as their home," said Djordjevic. "For them, love for their country is...something much less questionable than for the generations that preceded them, like mine, especially because of the rise of nationalism in the 1990s and what was done in the name of this country."

For young Serbs, staying in their homeland is not easy, despite their love for their country. Youth unemployment is high, and many young people feel there is no other option than to find work abroad.

According to a 2019 UNDP report, "Serbia is among the world's 10 fastest-shrinking populations due to its low birth rates, high out-migration, and low immigration."

"The flag of Serbia is a symbol of our country and also what we are fighting for," said Milenkovic. "It is a message that we do not want to leave this country and, ultimately, that this fight is an act of patriotism."

Serbia has a history of significant student-led movements. In the 1990s, students were at the forefront of protests against Milosevic's authoritarian rule.

One of the biggest student protests in modern Serbian history took place in 1996-1997 over election fraud, which paved the way for Milosevic's eventual overthrow in 2000.

This latest movement has spread rapidly, not just within Belgrade but to the second-and third-largest cities of Novi Sad and Nis, four state universities, and dozens of secondary schools. Striking teachers and farmers have also shown their solidarity with the students.

Anica, a third-year student at Belgrade's Faculty of Philology, said she is glad the students' message is reaching more people.

"While we were walking...I saw a grandmother holding a banner saying, 'Students, Thank You'. That stayed with me. There are so many people with us. These 15 minutes of absolute silence have showed we can do it peacefully and without any incidents," Anica said.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/serbian-protests-vucic- students/33293716.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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UNICEF launches urgent appeal for $22 million to provide emergency assistance to 282,000 children in eastern DR Congo amid spiralling violence

UNICEF

Life-saving support covers protection, health, nutrition, water and sanitation, and education services

29 January 2025

KINSHASA, 29 January 2024 -- UNICEF is gravely concerned about the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in eastern DR Congo resulting from the recent intensification of conflict and surging numbers of displaced people.

An additional 658,000 people became displaced in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces in the past three months alone, at least 282,000 of them are children.

Amidst an increasingly volatile situation, with fighting moving into Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, families have abandoned displacement camps on the northern and western outskirts of the city and moved to other locations in the centre of town. Some of these people are moving for the third, fourth or even fifth time in recent weeks.

"The situation in Goma is extremely grave and further complicating a humanitarian situation that was already beyond dire," said Jean Francois Basse, UNICEF DRC's acting Representative. "People have been exposed to traumatic events, and they are hungry, thirsty and exhausted. Families are sheltering in place to avoid being caught up in the violence. Electricity, water and internet have all been cut. It's hard to overstate how deeply children and their families are suffering."

The main risks to children are currently health and protection risks. Crowded and unsanitary conditions make the spread of diseases - such as cholera, measles and mpox - all the more likely. Parents are unlikely to take sick children to hospitals for fear of being caught in the crossfire and because they know there are no beds.

UNICEF has received reports of a surge in the number of children who are separated from or unaccompanied by their parents. This exposes them to the danger of kidnapping and abduction, recruitment by armed groups and sexual violence.

UNICEF is calling for $22 million to continue delivering life-saving support which includes the provision of clean water and proper sanitation, medications and medical supplies, treatment for children who are severely malnourished, and protection services.

"Ultimately, we need parties to the conflict to put an end to the military escalation, which is exacerbating the suffering of children and worsening the already appalling humanitarian conditions," Basse added.

#####

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Israel's new laws banning UNRWA already taking effect

29 January 2025 - Israeli legislation banning the UN agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA, is due to enter into force in the coming hours, bringing fundamental changes to its operations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, according to the agency and Palestinians they serve in Gaza who spoke with UN News on Wednesday.

If implemented, the two new laws passed in October will simultaneously prohibit Israeli authorities from contacting UNRWA and ban the agency from operating in war-ravaged Gaza and East Jerusalem and the West Bank, according to UNRWA spokesperson Jonathan Fowler.

As such, poised to change are Israel's role as the occupying power and the work of the UN General Assembly-mandated agency known since 1949 as the backbone of humanitarian aid assisting nearly six million Palestine refugees today.

Evacuation and relocation

Israel as the occupying power is responsible for issuing visas to international staff from humanitarian organizations like UNRWA, whose headquarters in occupied East Jerusalem comprise a compound protected by the 1946 Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

The Knesset legislation has yet to come into force but is already impacting UN operations in the region.

Israel has shortened all visas for UNRWA's international staff to expire on Wednesday, which "is tantamount to being evicted" or declared persona non grata, Mr. Fowler said.

As such, UNRWA's international staff at the East Jerusalem office had to evacuate and relocate to Amman, Jordan earlier in the day. Office equipment and vehicles have been moved out, and efforts are continuing to digitise its archives.

National staff will remain in East Jerusalem, but they face risks, including upcoming demonstrations by Israeli protestors, Mr. Fowler said. During the Gaza war, the compound had faced security issues, including arson attacks and violent protests.

UNRWA had to comply with Israeli orders due to visa requirements despite East Jerusalem being recognised as occupied territory under international law, he added.

Will UNRWA shut down completely?

UNRWA's mandate has remained the same for decades and it will not be ceasing all operations, said Mr. Fowler. It is unique as a working model that has provided core services such as healthcare and education to refugees and their descendants in line with its General Assembly-approved mandate.

The agency also provides services to Palestinians in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

"UNRWA remains absolutely committed to stay and deliver," Mr. Fowler said.

"We will not stop. We're not bowing down to this. But, we do know that the practical impacts, the uncertainty mean that our operations could be substantially affected."

Backbone of aid in Gaza

Up to the current fragile ceasefire, Israeli forces killed more than 47,000 Palestinians - according to local health authorities - and 270 UNRWA staff members in Gaza. Yet, despite challenges, agency staff in Gaza continue to operate, providing essential humanitarian aid, Mr. Fowler said.

Over the first three days of the 19 January ceasefire, UNRWA provided food for one million people and one million blankets.

Indeed, the UN agency is responsible for over half of deliveries inside the Gaza Strip and over half the aid coming in.

The ceasefire has allowed UNRWA to scale up aid, but the situation remains precarious, he stressed.

Impact on services

The Israeli laws could halt all UNRWA operations in Gaza, East Jerusalem and the West Bank, affecting schools, healthcare centres and other services, Mr. Fowler explained.

Some Palestinians in Gaza are worried at the prospect of losing UNRWA, including Iman Hillis, who is currently staying in an UNRWA school with her family.

"We will have nothing to eat or drink, and this will affect us greatly," she told UN News. "All the people will be destroyed and will not have food, water or flour."

International response amid 'biggest fears'

UNRWA supporters, UN Member States and UN officials have pressed Israel to reverse course up to the last minute. However, there is concern about the precedent this situation could set for other UN operations worldwide, Mr. Fowler said.

The current situation is as unique as the agency itself. Israel's ban is unprecedented. Never before has a UN Member State tried to undo the mandate of a UN organization.

'We're at the 11th hour'

"We face the risk of this becoming an example, which would then eventually morph into some kind of new normal," Mr. Fowler said.

In other places around the world, that "new normal" is a "very, very nightmarish scenario", he warned.

"The multilateral system is not perfect, but it's the system that we have, and this is a unilateral blow against multilateralism," he said.

"We're at the 11th hour. We all have to continue efforts to convince Israeli authorities to at least freeze this decision or void the laws completely. Our biggest fear is there is no Plan B."

Why can't other aid agencies just take over?

Uniquely, the UN General Assembly makes the decisions on UNRWA and how and where it operates.

"No other agency has the scale and depth to do what we do," Mr. Fowler said.

However, under international humanitarian law, the occupying power is responsible to assure the wellbeing of the population under occupation, he added.

"By voiding our mandate, the Israeli officials who have promoted this need to think hard about the fact that if there's any Plan B, it's on them," he said.

How will Israel's role change?

As the occupying power, Israel is and has been responsible for all services to the populations living in Occupied Palestinian Territory since it seized the areas in 1967.

An agreement in 1967 between Israel and UNRWA recognised the UN Palestine relief agency and its General Assembly-mandated tasks serving Gaza, East Jerusalem and the West Bank.

With the new legislation that, in effect, cancels that agreement, Israel continues to be responsible as the occupying power, including for all public services.

As such, Israel will need to absorb the cost. UNRWA's annual budget runs at about $1 billion every year.

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U.S. Pacific Fleet Navy Reserve Public Affairs Summit: Training to be the Strategic Advantage and Enabling Effective Communication in the Indo-Pacific Region

US Navy

29 January 2025

From Ensign Zaira Garcia, Navy Reserve, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- Forty Sailors from six Navy public affairs reserve units supporting Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMPACFLT) attended a reserve public affairs summit Jan. 9 to 11, 2025, focused on rapidly developing and sustaining their warfighting readiness skills.

The summit supported Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti's Navigation Plan 2024, which directs the Navy to be more ready for the possibility of sustained high-end conflict with the People's Republic of China by 2027.

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, underscored the critical role of public affairs in his approach at the operational level of war - to deny, defend, and dominate. When speaking to the group of professional communicators, Koehler emphasized that effects within the information environment are considered at the start of the planning cycle.

During the training, reserve Sailors received briefings on honing their communications skills to deliver a key strategic advantage in the Pacific. This effort aligns with Chief of Navy Reserve Vice Adm. Nancy Lacore's strategic guidance for the Reserve Force - to put more ready players on the field as the Navy Reserve integrates with the Navy Total Force to deter, defend and, if necessary, defeat our adversaries.

According to Vice Adm. Lacore, the global security environment demands our urgent preparations and readiness to respond to the call, when needed, by posturing the Reserve Force for warfighting by accelerating the pace of organizational development and strengthening our warfighters to be ready on day one.

Leaders from COMPACFLT, to include Koehler and Rear Adm. Eric Ruttenberg, Reserve deputy COMPACFLT, as well as those from U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) and Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, discussed how public affairs missions within the information environment enable strategic and operational success and reinforced the importance of engaging in truthful communication activities to counter adversaries' increasing use of misinformation.

Rear Adm. John Robinson, Navy Vice Chief of Information, highlighted the importance of the CNO's "Project 33" initiative, which prioritizes operational readiness including a key target of fighting from maritime operations centers, or MOCs.

Capt. Rebecca Rebarich, USINDOPACOM director of Public Affairs and Outreach, echoed Koehler's message on integrating information forces into maritime planning. She stressed the vital role USINDOPACOM places on the information domain, ensuring warfighters are prepared to support fleet operations in the event of a high-intensity conflict with a peer competitor.

With increased tensions and escalating threats in the Indo-Pacific, the U.S. Navy needs to make accurate assessments and share information in real time. For Sailors in public affairs, being warfighting-ready requires a commitment to developing and sustaining world-class public affairs capabilities to support operations across the Indo-Pacific.

"Being able to witness firsthand how reservists contribute to the warfighting effort was certainly a highlight of the training," said Lt. j.g. Justin Truong, assigned to Navy Public Affairs Support Element West. "It was critical to see how reservists integrate with our active-duty counterparts to provide strategic depth."

Attendees included many junior public affairs officers and mass communication specialists. The summit gave them a first look at the mobilization training location and requirements.

"Ultimately, our goal was for Sailors to walk away with a renewed confidence that the U.S. Navy, of which they are an integral part of, is capable and ready to address emerging threats in the INDOPACOM region," said Capt. Christopher Lopez, commanding officer, Reserve COMPACFLT Public Affairs, "and leave with a sense of pride knowing that the reserve public affairs community remains an indispensable part of America's warfighting Navy."

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NAVFAC Southeast Awards $72.4 Million Contract for Airfield Repairs at NAS Key West

US Navy

29 January 2025

From Yan Kennon

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Southeast awarded a $72.4 million firm-fixed-price construction contract on January 17 to Head/Diaz 2022, of Columbus, Ohio, for comprehensive airfield repairs at Naval Air Station (NAS) Key West.

The project will include critical repairs to airfield runway and taxiway pavement surfaces, including milling, resurfacing, joint sealing, and full-depth repairs as needed.

"The comprehensive airfield pavement project will restore runways and taxiways used in support of the Chief of Naval Operations' 2024 Navigation Planfocusing on readiness for the possibility of war and enhancing the Navy's long-term advantage by training warfighters," said Lt. Cmdr. Aaron Buren, public works officer for Public Works Department Key West.

NAS Key West is a vital hub for military aviation, supporting 79,000 flight hours for 1,220 aircraft in fiscal year 2024. It enables both readiness and advanced training for U.S. and coalition forces. The planned repairs will significantly extend the airfield's operational life, ensuring its capability to support mission readiness, training, and national security operations for years to come.

The scope of work includes milling and resurfacing of runways 4-22, 08-26, and 14-32, including overruns, blast pavements, and shoulders. Repairs to Taxiways A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and M will address milling, resurfacing, shoulder corrections, and pavement slope drop-offs where required.

The contract includes two unexercised options which, if awarded, would increase the total contract value to $96.9 million.

The contract was competitively procured using the Best Value Trade-Off Source Selection method, which evaluates technical factors alongside price to determine the best overall value to the government. Three offers were received, with Head/Diaz 2022 selected based on superior technical capability and competitive pricing.

Work will be performed at NAS Key West, Florida, with an expected completion date of January 2027.

NAVFAC Southeast, headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, provides planning, design, construction, contracting, environmental services, public works, real estate, and facility maintenance for the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, Space Force, and other federal agencies across the Southeast. Its area of responsibility covers installations from Charleston, South Carolina, to Corpus Christi, Texas, and extends south to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

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US envoy meets Netanyahu to discuss Israel ceasefire with Hamas

By VOA News January 29, 2025

U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff met in Israel with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, aiming to reinforce Israel's fragile ceasefire with Hamas militants in Gaza after more than 15 months of warfare.

Later, Witkoff, who played a key role in shaping the six-week truce, inspected the Netzarim Corridor, a 6-kilometer-wide strip of land that bisects Gaza, where American security contractors have been hired to help oversee the return of displaced Palestinians.

Witkoff was the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit Gaza in years. American officials have stayed away from the narrow territory along the Mediterranean Sea because of security concerns and Washington's no-contact policy with Hamas, a U.S.-designated terror group.

Witkoff told Fox News last week he also plans to visit the Philadelphi Corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border, but the timing of the stop there was unclear.

Israeli troops control the 13-kilometer corridor but are expected to withdraw during the second phase of the ceasefire, the exact details of which are still being negotiated by Israel and Hamas. Netanyahu has called the corridor a lifeline for the militants' smuggling operations.

Netanyahu is headed to Washington this weekend. Trump has invited him for talks at the White House on Tuesday, his first meeting with a foreign leader since starting his second term in office.

Meanwhile during the ceasefire in Gaza, Israel has ramped up its military operations in the occupied West Bank. Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a visit to the city of Jenin on Wednesday that Israel has "declared war on Palestinian terrorism in Judea and Samaria," referring to the West Bank.

"The Jenin refugee camp will not return to what it was," he said. "After the operation is completed, the [Israel Defense Forces] will remain in the camp to ensure that terrorism does not return."

Ahead of his visit with Netanyahu, Witkoff stressed the need for proper implementation of the ceasefire, which halted the fighting and so far has brought the release of seven hostages held by Hamas and freed 300 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

More releases are set to take place in the coming days.

The first phase of the ceasefire lasts for 42 days, about one-quarter of which has passed. It calls for the release of 33 hostages from Gaza, as well as negotiations on the details of the second phase involving the release of the rest of the hostages, an end to the conflict and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.

Palestinians in Gaza have been allowed back into some areas long held off-limits by Israeli troops, including northern Gaza, where the United Nations said Wednesday more than 423,000 people have returned this week.

On orders from Israel, about 1 million people fled the area in the early days of the war, and those returning are going back to an area that has been decimated by Israeli military operations against Hamas.

Under the cease-fire, the United Nations has been facilitating a surge in humanitarian aid to Gaza. The U.N. humanitarian office said Tuesday that aid deliveries have "meaningfully expanded," including reaching areas that aid workers had previously been unable to reach.

"Field assessments reveal massive levels of destruction of water and sanitation infrastructure, particularly in northern Gaza, underlining the critical need to ramp up rehabilitation and repair efforts to meet basic human needs," the agency said.

Rebuilding Gaza is the focus of the final phase of the ceasefire agreement, while also deciding who will govern the territory, which has been under Hamas rule since 2007.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed in a phone call Tuesday with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty the need to work together "to advance post-conflict planning to ensure Hamas can never govern Gaza or threaten Israel again," the U.S. State Department said in a statement.

The United States, Egypt and Qatar were the key mediators in months of negotiations that yielded the ceasefire deal.

Trump has drawn criticism in recent days for his repeated suggestion to forcibly relocate large numbers of Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring Jordan and Egypt.

Palestinians and Arab states, including Egypt and Jordan, have rejected Trump's idea to take in Palestinians, fearing their displacement would become permanent.

The war in Gaza started with the October 7, 2023, Hamas terror attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people and led to the capture of 250 hostages.

Israel's counteroffensive in Gaza has killed at least 47,300 people, most of them women and children, according to health officials. The Israeli military said the death toll includes 17,000 militants.

Some information for this story was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

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UN: Fighting eases in DR Congo's Goma as rebels gain 'upper hand'

By Margaret Besheer January 29, 2025

The United Nations said Wednesday that there is relative calm in the eastern Congolese city of Goma, following several days of intense fighting between the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels and the Congolese army for control of the city.

"There is, however, continued sporadic shooting, but an overall reduction in exchanges of fire within the city," U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters. "Continued clashes have been reported in surrounding areas, including in Sake, northwest of Goma."

Dujarric said bodies were in the streets, and humanitarians report at least 2,000 people have been injured by weapons and shrapnel since the fighting escalated.

In early January, M23 rebels broke a ceasefire agreement, launching a large-scale offensive in the mineral-rich east with the support of the Rwandan army. On Monday, M23 said it had captured Goma, the capital of North Kivu province and a city of more than 2 million people, thousands of whom have been displaced from other conflict areas. Rwanda has denied accusations that it supports the rebels.

Asked who controls the city, Dujarric said the U.N. assessment is that the M23 rebels clearly have "the upper hand."

The U.N. has a peacekeeping mission in eastern Congo known as MONUSCO, currently with about 10,000 troops and police tasked with protecting civilians and disarming combatants. It has been in the process of drawing down its presence at the request of the Congolese government. In June, it left neighboring South Kivu province entirely. The rebels are reported to be pushing toward its capital, Bukavu.

In and around Goma, MONUSCO has reinforced its positions to counter the rebels' advance deploying a quick reaction force, a rapid deployment battalion, a reserve battalion, a platoon of special forces and an artillery battery.

"The mission's priority right now remains the protection of its personnel, its assets and the many civilians sheltering within U.N. premises," Dujarric said. "Our peacekeepers are also planning on sending out patrols today in Goma to assess the situation, to conduct resupplies and assess routes."

The U.N. says Goma's airport remains closed, halting the flow of humanitarian supplies. Most of the roads connecting Goma with the rest of the country are also closed. Water and electricity have been cut off since Sunday, and internet access has been interrupted since Monday. Only mobile phones are working.

In the capital, Kinshasa, the situation was also calm Wednesday. Dujarric said the main roads were reportedly empty, and supermarkets were closed because of the high risk of looting. On Tuesday, protesters attacked, looted and burned some embassies, including those of Belgium, France and Rwanda. The United States said Tuesday it was closing its embassy until further notice. On Wednesday it advised Americans not to travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The U.N. Security Council and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have called for the M23 to immediately cease hostilities and withdraw from occupied territories. They have also called for the withdrawal of Rwandan forces and a return to the Luanda process of mediation overseen by Angolan President Joao Lourenco.

The East African Community, which includes DRC and Rwanda among its eight members, was expected to hold an emergency summit Wednesday evening. Reuters reported that Rwandan President Paul Kagame would attend, but Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi was not expected to participate.

Before the latest round of violence, eastern DRC was mired in one of the largest and most protracted humanitarian crises in the world, with nearly 6.5 million people displaced due to efforts by armed groups to seize control of the country's valuable mineral deposits.

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Somali general confident of defeat against IS

By Harun Maruf, Jeff Seldin January 29, 2025

For almost a month, security forces in the semi-autonomous Somali region of Puntland have been advancing on the mountainous hideouts of Islamic State militants.

The fiercest clashes occurred late last week when the regional forces dislodged the militants from Turmasaale, a strategic location about 150 kilometers southeast of Bosaso.

Puntland's leader, Said Abdullahi Deni, went to the airport over the weekend to meet wounded soldiers, including a senior officer, a sign of clashes taking place. Before the Turmasaale clashes, the region's forces seized caves, camps and small villages largely unopposed.

Brigadier General Ahmed Abdullahi Sheikh, who until recently was the commander of special operations for the Somali army and has been following the offensive in his home region, said losing Turmasaale was a blow for IS as it was the militants' main supply route.

"This is where they were coordinating both attacks  mainly drone-deployed ammunition, IEDs, attacking the Puntland forces  but also getting their resupply, whether it's rations or whatever. So it was a strategic achievement by the Puntland forces," he said.

He said both sides suffered casualties from the fighting over Turmasaale, the biggest confrontation so far.

"There has been almost daily fighting. The Puntland forces have suffered casualties, mainly from IEDs, which is the weapon of choice of terrorism everywhere," he said. "But they have been progressing on very well for the past three weeks. And they have captured several important locations. The regional forces so far have the upper hand for sure."

The IS group's main camps, located in the vicinity of Dhaadaar village, have yet to be reached.

The IS group claimed responsibility for attacks against Puntland forces, including a deadly suicide attack on Dec. 31, 2024, which the group said was carried out by militants from multiple countries.

Sheikh said he believes Puntland forces can achieve a military victory against IS before Ramadan, which starts in four weeks.

"This operation was planned very well. It was prepared very well," he said. "The mobilization was exceptional. and they have huge support from the local communities, which is very important."

Sheikh said the presence of foreign fighters in the Islamic State camps gives both locals and Puntland forces extra motivation.

"If you capture their bases and camps and strategic headquarters, that for me will be the measurement of victory," he added.

IS presence in Somalia small but growing

It has been 10 years since about two dozen al-Shabab fighters defected from the group, set up an Islamic State Somalia branch and gave allegiance to the group's then-leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The group remained small for years but appealed to foreign fighters who came to Somalia, mainly from the Middle East and from other parts of East Africa.

Some U.S. officials also believe that IS Somalia's leader, Abdulkadir Mumin, is also the emir of IS global. Others disagree but there is consensus that Mumin is nonetheless a pivotal figure, with a recent United Nations report naming him as the group's directorate of provinces, "placing him in a leadership role over [IS] affiliates in Africa."

On the ground, observers believe Mumin is in firm control of the group as leader, as well as a dealmaker who acts between the locals and militants.

The office of IS in Somalia was already documented to run the terrorist group's financial network.

The U.S. supports Somali security forces, training the elite Danab forces in multiple locations. The U.S. has also conducted airstrikes against al-Shabab and Islamic State, with 10 reported strikes in 2024.

One of the strikes killed Mohamed Mire, a top al-Shabab commander, on Dec. 24 in southern Somalia. Sheikh himself was trained by the U.S. and previously served as the commander of Danab.

A U.S. defense official declined to comment on the anti-IS operation underway in

Puntland but said the United States has not wavered in its support for Somali forces.

"The Department [of Defense] remains committed to supporting our partners in our shared efforts to disrupt, degrade, and defeat VEOs [violent extremist organizations] in the Horn of Africa," the official told VOA, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing counterterror efforts.

The Pentagon "has maintained a long-term focus on working with African partner nations to build defense institutional capacity and enable partnered operations ... with a particular focus on countering al-Shabab and ISIS-Somalia," the official said, pointing, in particular, to more than a decade of support for the Danab Brigade.

The Trump administration withdrew U.S. forces from Somalia during the last few weeks of its first term in January 2021. But President Joe Biden reversed the decision in May 2022, sending in about 500 U.S. special operation forces to help Somali forces counter both IS and al-Shabab.

Some Somali officials fear a similar disengagement with Trump back in the White House.

Sheikh said he "doubts" it will be repeated.

"The terrorism is still a real threat and obviously is the threat in Somalia," he said.

Abdi Hassan Hussein "Abdi Yare" is Puntland's former chief of police and former head of the region's intelligence agency.

He said the campaign to combat Islamic State is crucial for the broader security of Somalia and the region, as this group poses a security danger to all countries in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East.

Abdi Yare cautioned that the fighting could last a long time.

"It is difficult to predict the damage that can be done, and it is true that the area to be fought is very difficult in terms of traffic, necessitating the troops to carry infantry or guerrilla warfare, which may prolong the war," he said.

Yare does not think the group's power has diminished significantly.

"The group's power has not diminished; it is still quite strong, and it is prepared for a long-term conflict, having drilled holes in Mount Al-Madow to deliver food, military equipment, and all necessary materials," he said.

He estimates the group has between 1,200 and 1,600 fighters. That number is still unverified. For a long time, experts believed IS fighters in Somalia numbered only a few hundred.

A report issued this past November by the United Nations Sanctions Monitoring Team for Somalia, based on member state intelligence, estimated IS-Somalia had more than doubled in size to between 600 and 700 fighters.

It further warned the terror group's numbers in Puntland were boosted by an influx of fighters from Ethiopia, Morocco, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania and Yemen.

Some experts told VOA they expected the trend to continue.

Abdi Yare predicts Mumin could flee to Yemen if the group is defeated in Puntland. He also warned that IS militants could resort to desperate attacks targeting civilians in populated cities like Bosaso.

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Russo-Ukraine War - 29 January 2025 - Day 1071

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 8 January 2025, Ukrainian uncrewed aerial systems reportedly struck Kristall oil depot, Russia, 8km from the Engels-2 Airbase. The strike caused large scale fires within the petroleum, oil and lubricant (POL) storage area of the depot, reportedly taking several days to extinguish.

A further strike was also reportedly conducted on the night of 14 January 2025, once again targeting Kristall oil depot, reigniting the fire and causing further infrastructure damage to the site. Analysis of imagery from 21 January 2025 highlights 4 assessed destroyed POL tanks and 10 assessed damaged POL tanks.

The repeated strikes indicate an increased Ukrainian ability to target Russian infrastructure.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that the Defense Forces of Ukraine continue to withhold the pressure of the occupation troops. The situation in the east and south of the country remains tense.

So far, there have been 152 combat clashes.

Today Russia has committed 31 air strikes, dropping 55 kab. In addition, the zagarbniki launched 988 kamikaze drones for strikes and carried out over 4,000 shells on the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements.

In the Kharkiv direction, Russian terrorists once tried to advance in the direction of Cossackoi Lopana.

Ten times the Russian enemy attacked Ukrainian positions in the Kupyans komu direction near Petropavlivka, Novoosinovoy, Kolisnikivki, Zagrizovoy and Lozova. Defense Forces units repelled all attacks of the enemy.

In the Lyman direction for today Russian troops attacked Ukrainian defenders in the areas of settlements Novoegorivka, Kopanka, Makiyivka, Novolubivka, Torske, Yampolivka and Green Valley. Ukrainian soldiers repelled 26 Russian attacks.

On the Sivers komu direction from the beginning of the day, Russian forces made six attempts to appease Ukrainian defenders from occupied positions in the area of Verkhnyokamiansky, two clashes are still ongoing.

In the kramators komu direction Ukrainian warriors repelled ten attempts of Russian zagarbnikiv to advance in the areas of novomarkovoye, temporary yar and stupocok.

In the Toretsky direction, Russian forces 15 times tried to move forward in the areas of Crimea and Toretsk, also bombed Konstantinivka, applying KAB.

In the Pokrovsky direction during this day, Russian forces 67 times attacked Ukrainian positions in the areas of the settlements Vodane Second, Elizabeth, Mirolubivka, Fox, Renaissance, Zvirove, Kotline, Udacne, Kotlyarivka, Andriyivka, Dachne and Ulakly. The two clashes are still going on. Air strikes controlled by air bombs suffered bilitske, pokrovsk and odradne.

According to the available information, the losses of the Russian occupiers to the direction, as of today, totaled 294 people killed and wounded, one combat armored vehicle, three cars, one motorcycle, four BPLA antennas, an artillery system, five satellite communications equipment, a REB vehicle and five operational-tactical level BPLAs, in addition, two combat armored vehicles and a unit were significantly damaged of the automotive engineering of the Russian opponent.

In the Novopavliv direction, Russian forces carried out six attacks of the positions of Ukrainian troops near the settlements of Konstantinopil, Rozliv, Rozdolne and Novoocheretuvate. An airstrike was hit by the settlements of Rozliv and Novopavlivka.

The Russian enemy did not carry out any active actions in Gulyajpils komu, Orihiv komu and Pridniprovsky directions.

Defense Forces of Ukraine continue operations in the Kursk direction. Today, Ukrainian soldiers repelled seven attacks of the Zagarbnytsia army in this direction, one fight continues, In addition, the Russian aviation launched 19 air strikes on its own territory, dropping 35 KAB.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in Kharkov direction, the Sever Group of Forces hit units of a motorised infantry brigade and an assault brigade of the AFU near Liptsy and Volchansk (Kharkov region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 30 troops, an armoured fighting vehicle, a motor vehicle, and two field artillery guns.

The Zapad Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. Russian units engaged manpower and materiel of a tank brigade, a mechanised brigade, an assault brigade of the AFU, and a national guard brigade close to Topoli, Lozovaya, Zeleny Gai (Kharkov region), and Grigorovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 320 troops, a tank, three armoured fighting vehicles, including two U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carriers, eight motor vehicles, six field artillery guns, including two Western-made artillery pieces, and two Nota electronic warfare stations. Three ammunition depots were destroyed.

The Yug Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Russian units hit formations of two mechanised brigades of the AFU and two territorial defence brigades close to Verkhnekamenskoye, Yantarnoye, Orekhovo-Vasilevka, and Chasov Yar (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 220 troops, three armoured fighting vehicles, five motor vehicles, and two field artillery guns.

The Tsentr Group of Forces liberated Novoyelizavetovka (Donetsk People's Republic) as a result of active operations.

Russian troops engaged manpower and materiel of three mechanised brigades, a jaeger brigade of the AFU, and a national guard brigade close to Andreyevka, Novopavlovka, Udachnoye, Shcherbinovka, and Tarasovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The enemy's losses amounted to up to 520 troops, a tank, seven armoured fighting vehicles, including two U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carriers, seven motor vehicles, five field artillery guns, and a U.S. AN/TPQ-37 counter-battery radar.

The Vostok Group of Forces continued advancing to the depth of the enemy's defences. A mechanised brigade of the AFU, a marine brigade, and a territorial defence brigade were hit near Razliv and Konstantinopol (Donetsk People's Republic).

The enemy sustained losses of more than 135 troops, a tank, and four field artillery guns, including a Western-made gun.

The units of the Dnepr Group of Forces engaged manpower and hardware of a mechanised brigade and a territorial defence brigade close to Malaya Tokmachka (Zaporozhye region) and Antonovka (Kherson region).

The AFU lost more than 50 troops and four motor vehicles.

Operational-Tactical Aviation, strike UAVs, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have engaged the infrastructure of military airfields, drone and uncrewed surface vehicles manufacturing workshops, depots, and assembly sites as well as clusters of enemy manpower and hardware in 156 areas.

Air defence systems shot down 165 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.

In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 652 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 41,800 unmanned aerial vehicles, 590 anti-aircraft missile systems, 20,887 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,510 MLRS combat vehicles, 21,041 field artillery guns and mortars, and 30,878 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 AFU formations on the territory of Kursk region.

During the offensive, units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted 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 Gogolevka, Goncharovka, Guyevo, Zaoleshenka, Kurilovka, Lebedevka, Malaya Loknya, Makhnovka, Nikolayevka, Nikolsky, Novaya Sorochina, Rubanshchina, Sverdlikovo, Sudzha, and Cherkasskoye Porechnoye. Eight hostile counter-attacks were repelled.

Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, and Artillery engaged AFU manpower and hardware close to Viktorovka, Goncharovka, Guyevo, Zazulevka, Kazachya Loknya, Kositsa, Kruglenkoye, Kurilovka, Lebedevka, Loknya, Malaya Loknya, Martynovka, Makhnovka, Melovoy, Nikolayevka, Nikolsky, Novaya Sorochina, Oleshnya, Sverdlikovo, Sudzha, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye, Yuzhny, Basovka, Belovody, Veselovka, Vodolagi, Zhuravka, and Obody in Sumy region.

Over the past 24 hours, the AFU losses amounted to more than 420 troops, three tanks, seven armoured fighting vehicles, 29 motor vehicles as well as seven UAV control posts and an ammunition depot. One AFU serviceman surrendered.

Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 55,900 troops, 325 tanks, 239 infantry fighting vehicles, 184 armoured personnel carriers, 1,649 armoured fighting vehicles, 1,639 motor vehicles, 392 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, 103 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.





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NAS JRB Fort Worth to Support Border Security Efforts

US Navy

29 January 2025

From Sandy Owens

NAS JRB FORT WORTH, TEXAS -- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has commanded the Texas Military Department to deploy the Texas Tactical Border Force to the Rio Grande Valley, coordinating efforts with U.S. Border Patrol under the Trump administration initiatives. The 136th Airlift Wing, a unit of the Texas Air National Guard based at Naval Air Station (NAS) Joint Reserve Base (JRB) Fort Worth, plays a role in this operation.

NAS JRB Fort Worth is supporting the deployment of the Texas Tactical Border Force to the Rio Grande Valley. On Jan. 27, 2025, 400 troops from the Dallas-Fort Worth area and Houston were mobilized using Ch-47 Chinook helicopters and C-130J aircrafts of the 136th Airlift Wing, a unit of the Texas Air National Guard stationed at the base. This deployment aims to bolster border security and support U.S. Border Patrol agents.

According to a press release from Gov. Abbott's office, the deployment of the Texas Tactical Border Force is an integral component of Abbott's border security initiative, Operation Lone Star.

Deputy operations officer Lt. Cmdr. William Husky detailed the operation from NAS JRB Fort Worth.

"Our base facilitated the transport of 200 Texas National Guard personnel using four Chinooks and two C-130Js to the southern border in compliance with Gov. Abbott's directive," Husky stated.

The deployment reinforces ongoing efforts to address the border situation and collaborate with federal authorities to safeguard American communities.

NAS JRB Fort Worth is the first and finest joint reserve base, known for training and equipping air crews and aviation ground support personnel, while supporting missions such as airlift, aerial refueling, and global mobility, making it an integral part of national defense infrastructure.

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Trump says he will detain undocumented migrants at Guantanamo Bay

By Patsy Widakuswara, Aline Barros January 29, 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he would sign an executive action directing his administration to prepare to detain undocumented migrants at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

The U.S. detention facility is known mostly for housing military prisoners and terror suspects, including those involved in the 9/11 attacks and members of the Taliban.

His order will instruct the Defense and Homeland Security departments to prepare the U.S. naval base to hold 30,000 migrants, Trump said.

"Some of them are so bad we don't even trust the countries to hold them because we don't want them coming back. So we're going to send them out to Guantanamo," Trump added. "This will double our capacity immediately. And tough, it's a tough place to get out of."

Trump made the announcement during a White House event during which he signed the Laken Riley Act into law. It was the first legislation he'd signed in his second term. The bill, named after a 22-year-old nursing student who was murdered last year by an undocumented Venezuelan immigrant, aims to expand the federal government's mandate to detain immigrants who are in the country illegally.

It's unclear how the administration proposes to do this. Asked by reporters, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said this was something the White House was "working on, to use resources that we currently have there at Guantanamo Bay."

"We'll go through the process," she said, adding that the administration was working with lawmakers to fund it. She offered no estimate of the cost.

A White House official, speaking on background, a method often used by U.S. officials to remain anonymous, told VOA that Trump had signed a presidential memorandum regarding housing migrants at Guantanamo.

Presidential memoranda are less formal than executive orders. For example, they do not have to be submitted to the Federal Register for publication.

Late Wednesday, the White House published the executive memorandum.

Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, said Wednesday that U.S. Coast Guard personnel already tasked to intercept illegal migrants at sea "can take them straight to Guantanamo Bay."

Homan told reporters that migrants had been housed there before.

"So we're just going to expand upon the existing migrant center logistics to work for that," he said.

According to a September 2024 report from the International Refugee Assistance Project, the U.S. has for decades detained migrants intercepted at sea in the Migrant Operations Center at Guantanamo Bay under prisonlike conditions.

IRAP and other immigration rights advocates have called for the immediate closure of the migrant center. The organization also called on Congress to investigate alleged human rights abuses at the facility and called for the end of migrant detention operations everywhere.

Later Wednesday, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called Guantanamo Bay the "perfect place" for criminal migrants. Hegseth told Fox News that Guantanamo Bay could also temporarily hold other undocumented immigrants while they're waiting to be sent back to their home countries.

"It's folks who maybe are in transit to their home country or a safe harbor country, and it's taking a little time to move with that processing of the paperwork," he said, adding, "Better they be held at a safe location, like Guantanamo Bay, which is meant and built for migrants, meant and built to sustain that away from the American people."

According to media reports, Immigration and Customs Enforcement averaged 710 arrests per day from Thursday through Monday, more than double the daily average of 311 recorded in the 12-month period through September under President Joe Biden.

If ICE officers continue with these detentions, it would exceed the agency's previous record set during President Barack Obama's administration in 2013, when daily arrests averaged 636.

The Trump administration has intensified deportations, with ICE regularly updating arrest figures. The swift removals have sometimes created challenges in determining where to send deportees, especially when certain countries refuse to accept them.

Closing Guantanamo

Democratic administrations under Obama and Biden had sought to close the notorious detention camp. It was built by the George W. Bush administration in the Guantanamo Bay U.S. naval base facility in 2002 following the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan that began shortly after the 9/11 attacks of 2001.

Rights groups say that Guantanamo is a symbol of U.S. disregard for the rule of law, as many detainees were held there without charge or trial.

Sue Hendrickson, president and CEO of Human Rights First, said in a statement that sending migrants to Guantanamo would create a human rights catastrophe.

"Housing accused terrorists at Guantanamo has been a debacle. For the past 20 years, the U.S. government has locked up people it never even accused of taking action against the United States while continually failing to try those credibly charged with serious crimes," she wrote.

"The Trump administration may find the symbolism of sending migrants to Guantanamo darkly appealing; its practical result would be more injustice, waste and self-inflicted loss of credibility," Hendrickson added.

At its height during the Global War on Terror, the detention facility held about 680 prisoners. According to the Pentagon, as of January 6, there were just 15 detainees at the facility.

Before being used to detain terror suspects, the U.S. naval facility was also used to house migrants from Cuba and Haiti in the early 1990s, per the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service.

"At one point in late 1994, the migrant population of the naval station approached 45,000," a CRS report dated August 2022 said. The report noted the last of the migrants had left by the end of January 1996.

VOA's Jeff Seldin contributed to this report.

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ISRO's 100th Launch Marks a Quantum Leap in India's Space journey, Says Dr. Jitendra Singh

India PIB

Department of Space

Dr. Jitendra Singh says, Privileged to Be associated with the Department of Space at This Juncture

Posted On: 29 JAN 2025 4:17PM by PIB Delhi

In his first response to the Indian Space Research Organisation's successful 100th launch from Sriharikota this morning, Union Minister of State for Space Dr Jitendra Singh said, "the launch of GSLV-F15/NVS-02 Mission is not simply another landmark milestone but this launch, being the 100th one, marks a quantum leap in India's Space journey.

Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed his deep sense of privilege in being associated with the Department of Space at such a momentous time when the world is amazed by a series of extraordinary achievements registered by the ISRO one after the other and highlighted the remarkable transformation of ISRO under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh briefing the media about the 100th launch of GSLV from Sriharikota.

Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that while ISRO was established in 1969, it took more than two decades to set up the first launch pad in 1993. The second launch pad came up only in 2004, marking another decade-long gap. However, in the last 10 years, India's space sector has undergone unprecedented expansion, both in terms of infrastructure and investment. "This 100th launch marks a quantum leap in the space sector, which did not happen in the last six decades. We are now building a third launch pad in Sriharikota, and for the first time, expanding beyond Sriharikota with a new launch site in Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin district, where the foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Modi last year in February," he stated.

The Minister also underlined the rapid rise of private sector participation in space. "In 2021, we had barely a single-digit number of space startups. Today, we are nearing 300, many of which are world-class enterprises and entrepreneurial success stories. India is positioning itself as a frontline player in the global private space sector," he noted. This growth has translated into real economic impactinvestment in the sector has surged, with Rs 1,000 crore invested in 2023 alone. The space economy, currently valued at $8 billion, is projected to reach $44 billion in the next decade, further cementing India's role as a global space powerhouse.

Dr. Jitendra Singh also highlighted India's growing dominance in commercial space launches. "Today, 90% of foreign satellite launches are being carried out through ISRO, reflecting the global confidence in our capabilities," he said. The reforms initiated in the past decade, including the unlocking of the space sector for private players, have led to greater innovation, investment, and international collaborations.

Taking to social media, Dr. Jitendra Singh congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for its unwavering commitment to excellence and its ability to consistently raise the bar in space exploration. He stated, "100th Launch: Congratulations ISRO for achieving the landmark milestone of 100th launch from Sriharikota. It's a privilege to be associated with the Department of Space at this historic moment. Team ISRO, you have once again made India proud with the successful launch of GSLV-F15/NVS-02 Mission."

Reflecting on the remarkable journey of India's space program, Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the visionary contributions of early pioneers like Vikram Sarabhai and Satish Dhawan, whose efforts laid the foundation for India's burgeoning space sector.

The 100th launch from Sriharikota, therefore, is not just a numerical milestone but a symbol of India's accelerated progress in space exploration. From decades of gradual development to a decade of transformational growth, ISRO's journey stands as a testament to India's technological prowess and its aspirations to lead in the global space economy. With new infrastructure, increased private participation, and record-breaking investments, India is poised for even greater achievements in the years to come.

*****

NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2097343)

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Council of Europe deeply concerned that yet another election that was neither free nor fair took place in Belarus on 26 January

Council of Europe

Statement by Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset

Secretary General

Strasbourg

29 January 2025

In a democratic society, elections must guarantee the free expression of will of all its members and plurality of views. Respect for the right to freedom of expression, assembly and association is critical to their democratic legitimacy. Regrettably, the authorities in Belarus have systematically and deliberately trampled on these universal principles, with the latest elections being no exception. Lack of a timely invitation by the authorities to independent observers from the Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) further undermined the credibility of the electoral process.

The Council of Europe strongly condemns the generalised climate of repression, in the context of which the elections were held. While some releases have recently brought relief to the individuals concerned and their families, the Council of Europe stands in solidarity with all Belarusians who are unjustly imprisoned and subjected to other severe violations for bravely standing up for their human rights, including during the brutal suppression of nationwide protests in 2020. They must be immediately and unconditionally released, while accountability and redress must be effectively ensured.

Stability, security and prosperity in Belarus will only be truly achieved when democracy and freedom prevail. The Council of Europe will continue to firmly stand with all those who work to advance human rights, rule of law and democracy in Belarus. In this light, our cooperation with Belarusian democratic forces and independent civil society will remain a priority.

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Belarus: Outcome of presidential elections likely to result in continuing human rights violations, Experts say

Press releases

Independent investigation

29 January 2025

GENEVA/VIENNA -- The UN Group of Independent Experts on Belarus expresses profound concerns over the re-election of President Aleksandr Lukashenko and its likely impact on the already dire human rights situation in Belarus.

The Group regrets that by not inviting international independent observers, Belarusian authorities failed to hold genuinely democratic elections.

This was also the case during the 2020 presidential election. Since then, real and perceived members of the opposition have been subjected to arbitrary arrests and detention, torture, and denied fair trial rights. Some of these violations may amount to crimes against humanity.

The pattern of human rights violations documented so far was clearly part of a government strategy aimed at silencing dissent including any form of freedom of expression and association.

The extensive repression has proven effective. With hundreds of thousands of Belarusians having sought exile abroad in recent years, and more than 1200 political prisoners remaining in detention, there were no candidates to mount genuine opposition to the current ruler.

With President Aleksandr Lukashenko set to stay in office for another five years, the Group has well-founded fears that patterns of repression and human rights violations will continue.

The Group of Independent Experts will present its first report to the Human Rights Council in March, focusing on violations committed in 2023 and 2024, including in the months leading up to the presidential election.

ENDS

Background: The Group of Independent Experts on the Human Rights Situation in Belarus was established by the Human Rights Council on 4 April 2024 through resolution A/HRC/RES/55/27, for a renewable period of one year, to investigate and establish the facts, circumstances and root causes of all alleged human rights violations and abuses committed in Belarus since 1 May 2020, including their gender and age dimensions and their impact on victims and survivors.

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with premiers on the Canada-U.S. relationship

Prime Minister of Canada - Justin Trudeau

January 29, 2025

Ottawa, Ontario

Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs, Dominic LeBlanc, met virtually with Canada's premiers to discuss the Canada-U.S. relationship. As a follow-up to last week's call, the Prime Minister reiterated the importance of lifting barriers to trade between provinces and territories and looked forward to the outcomes of the urgent meeting of the Committee on Internal Trade in Toronto, Ontario, this Friday. The Prime Minister and the premiers offered updates on the implementation of Canada's border plan and complementary provincial and territorial actions.

The Prime Minister and the premiers discussed the ongoing threat of U.S. tariffs against Canadian goods, which will make life less affordable for Canadians and Americans alike and weaken economic growth in both countries. Defending our valued trade relationship remains the objective of all First Ministers.

The Prime Minister and the premiers voiced their commitment to a strong response if tariffs are imposed. They discussed options for federal, provincial, and territorial governments to mitigate the impacts on Canadian workers, families, and businesses.

The leaders agreed to continue their outreach to American officials at the federal, state, and local levels to raise awareness of the mutually beneficial partnership between Canada and the United States. In particular, First Ministers noted that bilateral trade in energy and critical minerals is hardwired into the Canadian and U.S. economies, and that Canada is the most reliable source of the critical minerals that support the U.S. defence and technology sectors. They also underscored the importance of the energy sector to our bilateral relationship, noting the collaborative efforts of governments and industry in supporting both Canadian and U.S. interests and bolstering the security posture of both countries.

The Prime Minister and the premiers recommitted to continue working together to stand up for Canadian consumers, jobs, and businesses. First Ministers agreed to reconvene next week, or earlier if required, to discuss next steps in Canada's engagement with the U.S.

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Chinese FM calls on China, India to foster cooperation, not division

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 09:38, January 28, 2025

BEIJING, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- China and India should strive for mutual understanding, support and collaboration, rather than fostering suspicion, alienation and consuming each other, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Monday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a meeting with India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in Beijing.

Noting that since the leaders of the two countries met in Kazan last year, the two sides have earnestly implemented the important consensus reached by the leaders, carried out active interactions at all levels, and accelerated the process of improving China-India relations, Wang said both sides should seize the opportunity to meet each other halfway and explore more substantive measures.

The improvement and development of China-Indian relations are fully in line with the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples, and are conducive to safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of the Global South countries and contributing to the peace, stability, development and prosperity of Asia and the world, Wang added.

Misri said that India and China have carried out a series of useful dialogues and communications in accordance with the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries in Kazan, properly managed and resolved differences, and promoted the resumption of pragmatic cooperation in various fields.

India is willing to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with China, and will fully support China's work as the presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Misri added.

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Cooperation between China and Guinea-Bissau "is going strong:" minister

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 10:04, January 28, 2025

BISSAU, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- The cooperation between China and Guinea-Bissau "has existed for a very long time and remains strong," said Bissau-Guinean Minister of Social Communication Florentino Fernando Dias in an interview with Chinese media outlets.

"The Sino-Bissau-Guinean cooperation is historic, as it dates back to the colonial era when Guinea-Bissau was still fighting for its independence," said the official, recalling "the support" China provided to independence fighters.

"Today, any Bissau-Guinean citizen can see the investments China is making in various fields in the country," he said, pointing to "the buildings housing the three branches of government in our country, particularly the Palace of the Republic, which includes the residence and offices of the Head of State, the National People's Assembly, and the Palace of Justice."

"Recently, we have also seen further fruits of our cooperation with China's financing of the construction of a highway connecting the Safim suburb to the city of Bissau," he noted. "This highway is very modern and will significantly improve the living conditions of our people, as it leads directly to the entrance of the capital, Bissau."

"Guinea-Bissau is counting on China's support" to transition its national television and radio from analog to digital, and the project to "build a facility that will house both national television and radio, the national news agency, and the official newspaper," he concluded.

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China In Eurasia Briefing: NATO, Taiwan Both Fighting Undersea Cable War

By Reid Standish January 29, 2025

The Hybrid War

Another undersea cable was severed in the Baltic Sea, this time between Latvia and Sweden, prompting Swedish authorities to board and seize the vessel that was sailing from Russia amid sabotage fears, as I reported here.

This comes as similar incidents damaging undersea cables have recently affected Taiwan, with suspicions there turned toward China.

Finding Perspective: The spate of incidents highlights growing tensions in both the Baltic Sea and across the Taiwan Strait.

The investigation into the January 26 incident in the Baltic has just begun, but the episode is the latest in a series of similar incidents in the Baltic Sea in which critical seabed energy and communications lines have been damaged.

In December, an oil tanker linked to Russia's so-called shadow fleet was suspected of damaging undersea links with a loose anchor. A month earlier, a Chinese ship was involved in a separate incident. A Chinese-flagged ship traveling from Russia also damaged a Baltic gas pipeline in October 2023.

Off the coast of Taiwan, an undersea data cable was damaged on January 3 and Taipei suspects China. Beijing has denied this, but Taiwanese officials say this is part of an uptick of similar episodes in recent years.

Taipei is also looking to learn from the experiences in the Baltic. The Financial Times reported that Taiwan's Coast Guard has now drawn up a blacklist of 52 Chinese-owned ships that Taipei says are part of Beijing's own "shadow fleet" and officials have also devised plans to board them.

Why It Matters: Analysts say the hybrid tactics are worrisome because they're often seen as a way to wear down and test the responses of an adversary as a precursor for a wider conflict.

While there is no smoking gun that connects Beijing and Moscow in what they're doing in Europe and Asia, the two are increasingly linked by a partnership whose main bond is their desire to change the global order.

As I reported here with my colleague Sashko Shevchenko from our reporting trip to Taiwan, China and Russia also appear to be taking lessons from one another.

"There shouldn't be any doubt that Russia is behind these incidents in the Baltic," Gabrielius Landsbergis, Lithuania's former foreign minister, told me. "For China, there is no clear attribution, but if it wanted to build up pressure on Taiwan through a shadow war by cutting cables, there are lessons to learn about that from Moscow."

As Sashko and I also reported in Taiwan, the self-governing island is currently preparing for U.S. President Donald Trump's second term and is watching Washington's handling of the war in Ukraine for signals about what Trump 2.0 will mean for Taiwan.

Looking back at the hybrid tactics being used in the Baltic and around Taiwan, Chiu Chui-cheng, the minister of Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, told us that "we don't see these as accidents, we see them as strategy."

Three More Stories From Eurasia

1. Could China Play A Role In Ending The War In Ukraine?

As Trump looks to end the war in Ukraine, could Beijing play a role in helping bring Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table?

The Details: It's a question that's been around since the early days of Moscow's full-scale invasion but has largely gone nowhere amid China's diplomatic and material support for Russia.

It came up again last week as Trump looks to leverage his personal relationship with Putin and meet face-to-face. As I reported here, Trump has also talked up sanctions and mixed in criticism of Putin while saying they can strike a deal.

The U.S. president then called for Chinese leader Xi Jinping to play a larger role in bringing the war to an end, telling reporters on January 21 that he's pressed Xi on the topic during a phone call, and that he has "a lot of...power, like we have a lot of power" to end the war but that "he's not done very much on that."

2. Chinese Christian Sect Finds A Foothold in Romania

The Church of Almighty God, one of China's largest Christian sects, is finding followers all over the world and making new headway in Romania, where the group's online efforts are drawing new converts to its controversial teachings and helping to grow its presence across Central and Eastern Europe.

What You Need To Know: My colleague Simona Carlugea from RFE/RL's Romanian Service tracked the group and its growing online presence, where it is preaching in Romanian through virtual sermons to tens -- and even hundreds -- of thousands of group members.

The Church of Almighty God (CAG), also known as Eastern Lightning, claims millions of followers worldwide but has been labeled a "cult" and persecuted inside China.

Founded in 1989 in northeastern China by Zhao Weishan, a former physics teacher, the church is fixated on doomsday scenarios and holds that Christ has returned to Earth as a Chinese woman.

Arrests and alleged torture inside China have pushed much of the group abroad, where it has looked to find new converts.

3. U.S.-China Tech Race Heating Up

Less than two weeks after it looked like the Chinese-owned app TikTok was set to close in the United States, China has upped the artificial intelligence (AI) race by launching DeepSeek, which matches other market leaders for a fraction of the cost.

What It Means: As I wrote after Trump said he'd issue an executive order to extend the period for TikTok to find a non-Chinese buyer, the tech race between Beijing and Washington is just heating up.

DeepSeek's emergence represents something of a Sputnik moment for China. Five of the biggest technology stocks geared to AI -- chipmaker Nvidia and so-called hyperscalers Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta Platforms -- collectively shed almost $750 billion of market value before U.S. markets opened on January 27.

That could carry over into other areas of the tech competition as well, particularly for semiconductors and chip giant Nvidia if it proves true that DeepSeek was able to reach its heights without use of the company's most-advanced chips.

Across The Supercontinent

A Shakeup In Serbia: Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic resigned following weeks of mass protests demanding accountability for a deadly accident in Novi Sad where the collapse of a concrete canopy killed 15 people at the northern city's rail station.



Critics have blamed rampant government corruption for the tragedy, and some have taken aim at opaque contracts with Chinese construction companies that renovated and rebuilt parts of the station.

Serbian authorities said Chinese firms did not replace the roof that collapsed and that the contracts will not be publicly disclosed due to secrecy provisions in the deals.

Taiwan Chip Tariffs: Trump said on January 27 that he plans to impose tariffs on imported chips, pharmaceuticals, and steel in an effort to get producers to make them in the United States as he took aim at industry leader Taiwan.

The island is home to the world's largest contract chipmaker, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), and is a key link in the global technology supply chain for companies such as Apple and Nvidia.

New Delhi to Beijing: India and China have agreed to resume direct flights between the two countries after nearly five years, the latest sign of a rapprochement after high tensions over a deadly border dispute.

One Thing To Watch

A top Chinese official on January 27 denied suggestions from the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency that the COVID-19 pandemic was triggered by the virus leaking from a lab.

The CIA issued a new public assessment about COVID just two days after former Republican lawmaker John Ratcliffe was sworn in as its new director. That assessment was issued with "low confidence" but it adds to lingering suspicions over the virus' origins and presents another flashpoint for tensions to rise between the United States and China.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/xi-putin-taiwan-nato- hybrid-war-undersea-cable/33294854.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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North Korea's Kim inspects nuclear facilities, warns of 'vicious' hostility

Kim made a similar visit in September when the North unveiled a uranium enrichment facility

By RFA Staff 2025.01.28 -- North Korea's leader visited a nuclear-material production base and Nuclear Weapons Institute and warned that "confrontation with the most vicious hostile countries is inevitable," and his country must bolster its nuclear forces, the North's state media reported on Wednesday.

Kim Jong Un's warning came days after U.S. President Donald Trump signalled he might be willing to resume the engagement he embarked on with North Korea during his first term in office.

North Korea has reported Trump's return to power but has not said anything about his comments or speculation that contacts between the two rivals might resume.

Instead, Kim stressed the dangers North Korea faced, the Korean Central News Agency, or KCNA, reported.

"The DPRK's security situation, the world's most unstable situation in which a long-term confrontation with the most vicious hostile countries is inevitable, makes it indispensable for the country to steadily strengthen the nuclear shield," KCNA, reported Kim as saying, referring to the country by the initials of its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The news agency did not identify the "hostile countries" but North Korea regards the United States and its ally, South Korea, as its main enemies.

KCNA also did not identify the nuclear-material production base that Kim visited or say when he was there.

In September, state media reported that Kim made a similar visit as North Korea unveiled for the first time details of its uranium enrichment facility, where he called for increasing the number of centrifuges for enrichment so it could increase its nuclear arsenal.

KCNA has not revealed the location of the facility but South Korea and the United States believe North Korea operates uranium enrichment facilities at the Kangson nuclear complex near the capital Pyongyang and at the Yongbyon nuclear site.

Kim was also reported to have visited the Nuclear Weapons Institute in September.

North Korea has tested nuclear devices six times since 2006 and has developed missiles believed to be capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.

During his first term, Trump embarked on an unprecedented but ultimately unsuccessful bid to engage with North Korea to try to get it to abandon its nuclear weapons in exchange for sanctions relief.

Trump has recently suggested he would be open to a new effort but North Korea has reiterated that it had no intention of giving up its nuclear program, blaming the United States for creating tensions.

While the United States and its allies call for the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, North Korea says it needs its nuclear weapons to defend itself.

Edited by Mike Firn

Copyright 1998-2016, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content January not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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North Korean leader vows to continue nuclear program indefinitely

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 29 January 2025 3:10 AM

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has vowed that his country's nuclear program will continue indefinitely.

Kim warned of an "inevitable" confrontation with hostile nations and said 2025 would be a "crucial year" for bolstering North Korea's nuclear forces, the KCNA news agency reported Wednesday.

"It is our firm political and military stand and invariable noble task and duty to develop the state's nuclear counteraction posture indefinitely," Kim said, according to KCNA.

The announcement came just days after US President Donald Trump expressed his intention to re-engage diplomatically with Pyongyang.

Kim said the aim is increasing Pyongyang's readiness for what he described as "an inevitable long-term confrontation" with hostile countries.

The remarks come against the backdrop of North Korea's recent test-firing of strategic guided cruise missiles, marking the country's first military demonstration since Trump's inauguration.

Kim addressed "the world's most unstable situation in which a long-term confrontation with the most vicious hostile countries is inevitable," and that it was "indispensable for the country to steadily strengthen the nuclear shield".

North Korea says it is seeking nuclear weapons to counter threats from the United States and its allies, including South Korea.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula remain high, with the North launching a flurry of ballistic missiles last year, prompting the South's protest.

During his first term in office, Trump met with Kim three times.

Trump, who recently told reporters that he aims to resume peace talks with Kim, has described his relationship with Kim as "very, very good."

However, his newly-appointed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has in the past described Kim as a "dictator."

Trump's administration is said to be weighing the possibility of reopening "direct talks" with Kim.

During his presidency, Trump made history as the first US president to visit North Korea in decades.

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KEEL LAYING OF SEVENTH SHIP (BY 529, MACHILIPATNAM) OF ASW SWC PROJECT AT CSL, KOCHI

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 29 JAN 2025 8:05PM by PIB Delhi

Keel Laying of the seventh ship (BY 529, Machilipatnam) of the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) project was undertaken on 29 Jan 25 in the presence of RAdm Upal Kundu, Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command. Senior officials of the Indian Navy and CSL were also present for the ceremony. With almost all major and auxiliary equipment/ systems sourced from indigenous manufacturers, these ships exemplify the GoI Initiative of "Aatmanirbhar Bharat". This milestone, in quick succession of the Keel Laying of the sixth ship in Dec 24 and Launching of the fourth and fifth ships at CSL in Sep 24, demonstrates the steadfast efforts of the Indian Shipyards to meet Indian Navy's growing operational requirements.

Contract for building eight ASW SWC ships was awarded to Cochin Shipyard Limited by the Ministry of Defence on 30 Apr 19. The ships known as the 'Mahe' class, will be equipped with indigenously developed, state-of-the-art underwater sensors, and are envisaged to undertake anti-submarine operations in coastal waters as well as Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO) and Mine Laying Operations.

The first ship of the project is planned to be delivered in early 2025. Besides enhancing Indian Navy's Anti-Submarine Warfare capabilities, the high indigenous content on these ASW SWC ships is also generating large scale employment and capability enhancement of Indian Manufacturing Units.

____________________

VM/SKY 22/25

(Release ID: 2097441)

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Araghchi: No specific messages exchanged between Tehran, Washington

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 29, 2025

No specific message has been sent or received between Iran and the US and what is being raised only exists in the media, says Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Tehran, IRNA -- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has firmly dismissed media speculations about diplomatic exchanges between Tehran and Washington, stating that "no specific messages" have been exchanged between the two sides.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a cabinet session on Wednesday, Araghchi said that trust between the two nations remains fractured due to the US's past actions and that rebuilding confidence would require concrete steps, not "beautiful words."

"No specific message has been sent or received between the two countries, and what is being raised only exists in the media," he said.

He reiterated Iran's stance that the root of distrust lies in the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal, officially called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and the subsequent reimposition of sanctions under the first administration of Donald Trump.

The JCPOA, under which Iran had agreed to certain restrictions on its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, collapsed in 2018 when the Trump administration unilaterally withdrew and initiated a "maximum pressure" campaign against the Islamic Republic.

Iran responded by incrementally exceeding the deal's nuclear restrictions, including enriching uranium to 60% and installing advanced centrifuges. Efforts to revive the agreement under the Biden administration stalled in 2023 over disagreements on sanctions removal and verification mechanisms.

"The same old distrust still governs Iran-U.S. relations. We previously reached an agreement, Iran implemented it, but they were the ones who broke it," said Araghchi.

He further underscored that restoring trust hinges on tangible actions. "Resolving this distrust cannot be achieved easily with nice and beautiful words," he stated, reflecting Tehran's longstanding demand for guarantees against future U.S. backtracking.

Iran's chief diplomat referenced his recent interview with Sky News, clarifying that while discussions with European countriespart of the original P5+1 negotiating groupcontinue, Iran awaits clear policies from Washington.

"If a consensus emerges in Iran that equal negotiations are possible, decisions will be made accordingly," he said, adding that no current plans exist for talks with the U.S.

4354**9417

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Iran urges IAEA to maintain technical focus, avoid politicization

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 29 January 2025 6:35 PM

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi of Iran has urged the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to avoid politicizing its cooperation with the Islamic Republic.

Araghchi spoke by phone with IAEA chief Rafael Grossi on Wednesday, where they discussed the latest status of technical cooperation and interaction between the two sides.

The Iranian minister stated that the IAEA must operate within its duties and responsibilities, urging Grossi to disregard unreasonable requests and pressure from certain countries.

He reiterated Iran's commitment to continuing cooperation with the IAEA within the framework of its international obligations.

In their conversation, Grossi highlighted the IAEA's determination to engage in serious interaction and cooperation with Iran, affirming that he would consult with all parties within his duties to create a suitable environment for resolving the existing issues.

Currently, Iran and the IAEA are in a dispute triggered by the agency's claims of "uranium traces" found at "undeclared nuclear sites" in Iran.

Iran has categorically rejected accusations regarding undeclared nuclear activities or materials. Tehran maintains it is prepared to cooperate with the IAEA to settle disputes.

In May 2023, the IAEA announced it had decided to close the file on traces of what is claimed to be nuclear material at one of these alleged "undetected" sites in Iran following progress in cooperation between Tehran and the nuclear watchdog.

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IRGC to use AI in air defense, naval operations

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 29 January 2025 6:21 PM

Commander of Iran's elite military force the IRGC says it is planning to use artificial intelligence (AI) in its air defense and naval systems.

Major General Hossein Salami said on Wednesday that the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps will use AI for various purposes in its naval operations, including attacks on adversarial ships or vessels that supply logistics of those ships.

Salami said that the IRGC would seek to maintain ethics in its use of AI in naval operations, saying the technology would help the force to spare the crew of logistics ships from its offensives.

"We are Muslims ... our methodology (of using AI) is as important as our values," he said, adding that the Iranian-made drones will be equipped with AI to better identify their naval targets, including the most critical parts of a ship when they are attacked.

The general said that AI would also help the IRGC to improve its air defense capabilities, especially when it is faced with simultaneous attacks by several fighter jets.

He said using AI in air defense operating systems would significantly improve their agility in dealing with complicated threats.

The IRGC commander said that AI would also be used for military medicine, aviation safety, and other missions in the force.

The comments came during a ceremony in the Iranian capital Tehran where Salami and other senior officials unveiled a comprehensive roadmap for AI use in the IRGC.

"We are determined to make progress on AI and we will take our first steps in a powerful manner," Salami said in the ceremony.

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Araghchi says no 'message exchange' with US on sanctions removal talks

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 29 January 2025 2:04 PM

Iran's foreign minister says Tehran has not received any messages from the new US administration regarding the sanctions removal talks.

Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday that any decision to enter into such discussions hinges on confidence-building measures by the Donald Trump administration.

Iran is already engaging with European parties to the JCPOA, the 2015 nuclear deal, and is waiting for Washington to clarify its policy, the minister said.

"No clear message has been sent or received between the two countries; what is being said is only in the media."

There has been speculation that the Trump administration has exchanged secret messages with Iran.

"Our criterion remains the past distrust that continues to dominate relations between the two countries," Araghchi said.

"We previously reached an agreement; Iran implemented it, but they were the ones who disrupted it," Araghchi said, pointing to the 2018 US withdrawal from the JCPOA during Trump's first term in office.

Upon its departure, the US administration reinstated punitive measures that had been suspended under the accord and imposed new bans under its policy of 'maximum pressure.'

In 2019, Iran began to roll back the limits it had accepted under the JCPOA after the other parties failed to meet their commitments.

During his election campaign and afterward, Trump repeatedly discussed the need for a deal with Iran regarding the long-running nuclear dispute and expressed optimism that such an accord could be reached.

Araghchi said overcoming the distrust created by the US behavior is not easy and cannot be achieved merely through "nice words." It requires practical action, the Iranian minister underscored.

"If the conclusion in the country moves towards a possibility of establishing negotiations on an equal footing, a decision will be made about it."

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Iran's 'defensive diplomacy' neutralized plots of global arrogance: Senior commander

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 29 January 2025 8:55 AM

A senior Iranian military commander says the Islamic Republic's "defensive diplomacy" has foiled the global arrogant powers' plots to isolate the country.

Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, the Iranian Army's deputy commander for coordination, made the remarks on Wednesday as he enumerated the Islamic Republic's achievements in the field of defensive diplomacy.

"Our interaction and communication with other countries demonstrate the failure of global arrogance in implementing the policy of isolating Iran," he said.

"The enemies are trying to isolate the Islamic Revolution and the country, but they will not succeed," the commander asserted.

Sayyari attributed this to the Islamic Republic's significant efforts in enhancing interactions with other countries, as evidenced by its annual meetings with foreign military attaches and defense officials.

He cited the annual meetings between the country's officials, foreign military attaches, and foreign students at the National Defense University and the Army University of Command and Staff as part of the Army's diplomatic program.

The official also mentioned the Islamic Republic's having sent and received various military delegations from around the world as another case in point.

Thanks to the blessings of the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution, "we are currently in contact with many countries around the world, and our defensive diplomacy is active."

He added, "We have had several joint military exercises with countries around the world in various fields, including land, air, and sea, and we have exchanged scientific and industrial delegations."

Sayyari highlighted that the visits by various naval groups to the country's ports, and the dispatch of naval groups to different countries around the world, represent another aspect of defensive diplomacy.

"We have sent or received over 100 military delegations, had several joint military exercises, and accepted students from various countries, and this demonstrates the high capability of the [Iranian] Armed Forces and the defensive diplomacy of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Army."

'Defensive diplomacy as component of power'

The official viewed the promotion of diplomacy as a component of power, asserting that the stronger the Islamic Republic's defensive diplomacy, the greater its ability to interact and cooperate with countries worldwide.

Sayyari noted that the area of implementation of the country's defensive diplomacy ran the gamut of its land, air, and air defense forces as well as the naval force, where the diplomacy figured at even more extensive and higher levels.

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About 5,000 people displaced by war return to Myanmar border town

The return will raise questions about prospects of Muslim Rohingya coming back from Bangladesh.

By RFA Burmese 2025.01.29 -- About 5,000 internally displaced people have returned to the western Myanmar border town of Maungdaw after the insurgent group that captured it from the military finished securing the town, some of those going back told Radio Free Asia on Wednesday.

The return of the civilians to their homes will be widely seen as an indication of the stability that the Arakan Army, or AA, insurgent group has brought to the region on the border with Bangladesh that it captured last month.

It will also raise questions about prospects for the return to Myanmar of nearly a million members of the mostly Muslim Rohingya minority, who have fled across a border river to Bangladesh to escape persecution.

"The AA has given us permission to return to the town because they have cleared the bombs," said one Maungdaw resident heading home.

"As far as we know, about 2,000 Rakhine people and 3,000 Muslims have arrived back."

RFA tried to telephone AA spokesperson Khaing Thu Kha to ask about the situation in Maungdaw but he did not respond.

The AA, which now controls about 80% of Rakhine state, captured Maungdaw on Dec. 6 and began letting people return early this month after securing control of the area and the nearby border.

Residents said many homes had been destroyed in the fighting and people coming back needed food, clothing and help with rebuilding.

The AA draws its support from Rakhine state's Buddhist majority and has been accused of committing rights abuses against Rohingya people, in particular when the AA was battling the military last year and accused the army of raising Rohingya militias to fight the AA.

The AA denied committing rights abuses.

Questions over repatriation

During months of fighting last year, tens of thousands of people fled from Maungdaw, either across the border to Bangladesh or to safer parts of Myanmar.

The 5,000 who have returned home in recent days have come from other parts of Myanmar, not from Bangladesh.

Bangladesh and the junta that seized power five years ago had been discussing repatriation of the Rohingya but made little progress, in part because members of the community said their safety could not be guaranteed under the military that targeted them in a 2017 crackdown that sent about 740,000 Rohingya fleeing to Bangladesh.

Although the AA's takeover of northwest Rakhine state has rekindled hopes that the Rohingya might be able to go home, refugees in Bangladesh told RFA this month they remained uncertain - in part because it was not clear whether the AA would accommodate their return.

A major question is with whom should Bangladesh try to arrange a repatriation plan.

Bangladesh said last month it was urging Myanmar's junta to "find a way" to settle the border dispute as it would "not engage" with the AA.

A week later, however, Bangladeshi security experts, former diplomats and scholars advised the Bangladesh government to engage with the AA directly. The status of the relationship remains uncertain.

The International Criminal Court applied for a warrant last month for the arrest of the junta chief, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, in connection with the 2017 violence. The United Nations Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar has also vowed to investigate abuses by the AA.

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.

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Crime increases in Myanmar cities due to lack of law enforcement, residents say

More instances of kidnapping, robbery and murder are occurring in junta-controlled urban areas.

By RFA Burmese 2025.01.29 -- Instances of kidnapping, robbery and murder have grown significantly in cities controlled by Myanmar's ruling junta, residents said Wednesday, due to what they claim is lax enforcement by police.

A legal expert, speaking on condition of anonymity for safety reasons, told Radio Free Asia that police are focused on protecting the military junta from rebel forces, rather than enforcing the law.

The junta, which seized control of Myanmar in a February 2021 coup, has imposed martial law in dozens of townships in the country to stamp out resistance in areas where anti-regime forces are active.

"To be honest, the legal system is almost nonexistent," he said. "The primary reason for this is the country's loss of peace and stability. The rule of law has completely collapsed."

Police are unable to perform their fundamental duties because they must focus solely on security issues, the legal expert said.

"In terms of security, they are concentrated only on identifying and arresting members of organizations deemed 'terrorist groups,' while neglecting their core police responsibilities."

A growing trend

Meanwhile, rising crime has become a trend in major cities and towns across Myanmar, sources said.

In 2024, at least five people were reportedly kidnapped in Yangon and Mandalay, as well as Tachileik and Muse  border towns in Myanmar's Shan state.

In an incident in December 2024, a group kidnapped, extorted and murdered an obstetrician-gynecologist in Mandalay region's Chanmyathazi township.

On Jan. 3, a group of men abducted Tun Lin Naing Oo, a gas station owner, in Mandalay.

On Jan. 11, a man armed with a gun robbed a Kanbawza Bank branch in Mahanwesin ward, in Mandalay region's Maha Aungmye township, in broad daylight. But instead of police intervening, bank security guards and residents surrounded and apprehended him.

On Jan. 18, three armed men kidnapped a grocery store owner in Muse.

A resident of Mandalay, who requested anonymity, told RFA that people there live in constant fear because of rampant crime, including robberies.

"Authorities themselves engage in illegal activities, leaving no sense of security or peace," said the person, who declined to be identified for fear of retribution.

"Life has become exhausting," the person said. "We struggle every day just to survive. This is the harsh reality, and everyone is suffering."

Abductors demand ransom

When young women in major cities like Yangon and Mandalay go missing, it is often kidnappers who claim responsibility and demand ransom for their release, said residents of Yangon, Myanmar's largest metropolis.

But their relatives typically refrain from filing complaints with authorities out of fear that the abductors may return to target them again, according to a source close to one such family in Yangon.

The source, who declined to be named for safety reasons, pointed to the recent kidnapping of a girl who was on her way to school one morning when she was nabbed off the street.

In the evening, he said, the kidnappers called her mother, demanding 60 million kyats (US$13,500) for her release and threatened to kill or sell her if the ransom wasn't paid. The mother handed over the cash without contacting the police, and her daughter was released.

"I believe families are too afraid to report these incidents, fearing retaliation from the kidnappers," said the source. "The main issue is that everyone is living in fear."

Some of those who have reported such incidents to the police said authorities failed to take action or make arrests.

Curfew workarounds

Curfews in Yangon and Mandalay have done little to curb crime, residents said, despite regular military and police patrols.

A resident of Yangon, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said that criminals simply work around the city's 1 a.m.-3 a.m. curfew.

"The looters are taking advantage of the situation, taking to the streets at 4 a.m. or 5 a.m., violating martial law, and looting," the resident said.

"There are all kinds of robberies happening," he said. "As a result, people have been forced to rely on one another, helping each other to protect their streets, homes and neighborhoods."

RFA could not reach junta spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun for comment.

Following the 2021 coup d'etat, crime rate statistics were not monitored as local watch groups and activists were prosecuted by the junta for opposing the takeover.

The United States, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and other Western countries have issued travel warnings for Myanmar, advising their citizens not to visit the country due to its high-risk status.

Translated by Kalyar Lwin for RFA Burmese. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Malcolm Foster.

Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content January not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Meeting on developing unmanned aircraft systems

The President held a meeting in Togliatti on the development of unmanned aircraft systems.

January 28, 2025

22:30

Togliatti

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, colleagues,

Today, I propose that we discuss a series of measures aimed at advancing the domestic civil industry of unmanned aircraft systems.

One thing I would like to note straight away. In this undoubtedly promising sphere, we must not merely strive for self-sufficiency in supplying our domestic industry and economy as a whole with various types of drones, their components, and parts manufactured within our country. All this must, of course, be accomplished. However, our objective is far more ambitious: by 2030, Russia must emerge as one of the global technological leaders in the field of unmanned aircraft systems. To achieve this, we must establish a robust industry, infrastructure, and a comprehensive maintenance system for UAS on our domestic technological and production platform - both domestically and internationally. This sphere is destined to become one of the cornerstones of Russia's technological progress.

To address these challenges, we possess the necessary resources and, crucially, the immense potential of our scientists, designers, engineers, workers, and technology entrepreneurs. As I observed today from a thorough presentation, there is both the determination and the fervour to deliver on these goals. I wish to thank everyone involved in this work for their dedicated approach and express gratitude to all those contributing their labour and talent to the development of Russia's unmanned aviation. I also commend you for the impressive results achieved thus far - they speak for themselves.

Serial production of competitive products has been launched across multiple sectors within a short time. In total, I emphasise that in 2024, compared to 2023, the production of civilian drones alone has surged by over 2.5 times.

As I said, the goal we have set for ourselves is comprehensive and system-wide; it is literally a national-scale goal. That is why it was decided to consolidate our resources within the framework of the relevant national project, in light of the huge importance of this industry for our citizens, businesses, the national economy and, needless to say, for ensuring our national security. We had a detailed discussion on the implementation of this crucial document during a meeting at the Rudnevo Industrial Park in Moscow in 2023.

Within that national project, over 400 Russian companies have become residents at research and production centres. They are working to create facilities for research into and the manufacturing of drones, as well as the ground-based infrastructure for testing them. In other words, we are creating the necessary conditions for promising initiatives and start-ups to progress to the stage of large-scale production as soon as possible.

Overall, we intend to set up 48 such centres within this decade. There are already 15 such centres, but I think we can do better. These centres are operating in Moscow and St Petersburg, in the Novgorod, Ryazan, Sakhalin and Tomsk regions, in the Perm Territory, the republics of Udmurtia and Tatarstan, as well as here in the Samara Region.

I would like to say that we intend to expand the centre in Togliatti, where we are meeting, and to use it as the basis for a civil aviation research, educational and production cluster, so that the city becomes a development flagship in this advanced industry, not only in Russia but in the world as a whole. This will create additional conditions for growth in the region and for the self-fulfilment of our talented and goal-oriented young people. It is a vital human and social dimension of all our national projects aimed at ensuring our technological leadership. We will certainly dedicate a great deal of attention to this.

As we just discussed, and I am also addressing regional leadership, everything we talked about today needs to be implemented. If we want to ensure that the effort to develop these solutions and operations here in Togliatti, in the Samara Region, is ahead of the curve, it is essential to involve the people in the discussion. They will be the ones living in this environment, which means that we cannot carry out these plans without their contribution and participation. In addition, people must also be able to see the prospects and benefits they can derive from expanding these activities.

Friends, we have just had a detailed and frank conversation with business leaders here at this research and production centre while touring a special exhibition. I would like to thank them for providing me with insights into this topic.

Our colleagues were quite open about the fact that despite our generally positive results in several fundamental aspects of the UAV national project, including regulations and the legal framework, progress has been too slow, while certain programmes had to be paused due to steep funding cuts. Let me remind you that we raised these issues at the meeting of the Council for Strategic Development and National Projects in December 2024.

It is obvious that we are facing a challenging and extremely competitive international environment. We need to substantially boost efforts to develop Russia's UAV if we want Russia to emerge as one of the world's leaders in this technology by 2030. The corresponding decisions must be taken as quickly as possible, which includes guaranteeing adequate funding for all key undertakings.

We have just gone over a detailed list of the corresponding sectors.

First, we must open our skies, to use the industry lingo, to civilian UAVs as quickly as possible. I know that we have the heads of law enforcement and security agencies taking part in this meeting via videoconference. This is a complex matter, and it is especially sensitive today. However, we do need to move forward. Something must be done. All the current and objective challenges notwithstanding, and regardless of any increased security requirements, this is a matter of principle if we view developing this sector as a major priority, and an imperative for testing new products and launching them into serial production.

First, in this connection.

A proposal has been just made during our discussions to establish a new class of airspace in the Russian Federation to simplify the use of unmanned aerial vehicles. We discussed this with you, and that was the essence of the proposals. The Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) supports this measure, as far as I know. I am asking the Government to approve the necessary regulatory and legal framework by June 1 of this year and assign specific flight altitudes, or flight levels, as experts refer to them, for drones. We have just talked about this; transitioning from one flight level to another is the most critical aspect. Everything must be worked out properly. Mr Savelyev will present his remarks and, I hope, he will also say a few words on this subject.

Moreover, both access to these flight levels for certain types of drones and the technical operation requirements for UAVs should be simplified as far as possible. Let me note that several countries have already taken these steps, which have facilitated their qualitative breakthrough in developing unmanned aerial systems.

Second, I believe that drone flights must be permitted in regions where this is justified in terms of safety and where the necessary conditions exist. I am asking the Government to prepare specific decisions in this regard by April 30.

Let me note that certain regions of the Russian Federation already have practical experience in controlling unmanned aviation flights. Sakhalin, among others, tested domestic technological solutions last year. This has been discussed in detail under the Archipelago project and education programme. This know-how should be extended to other Russian regions.

In this connection, I think it is expedient to assess on a year-by-year basis which Russian regions create the best conditions for the development and use of unmanned systems. I am asking the National Technological Initiative to draw up and implement the respective ratings. This is an important area of activity, and colleagues in the regions should treat it as such.

Third, I have said that our efforts to open up airspace to civilian drones must proceed in compliance with strict security requirements through the application of novel technological solutions rather than across-the-board bans and stifling bureaucratic regulations. Such solutions are possible. It is also important to step up the implementation of existing national solutions, which will ensure reliable control of airspace. I am referring to drone intrusion detection and tracking systems and their identification in real time. We have been talking about this just now. I hope that speakers at our meeting will comment on our requirements regarding this.

Overall, we must implement fundamentally new management and flight coordination mechanisms for all types of aerial vehicles, from small drones to long-range aircraft and spacecraft. I fully agree with what has been said here. This is definitely the future. It is a difficult task but we can do it if we take a proactive approach and address it in a goal-oriented manner. The idea is to create a so-called seamless architecture of air and outer space, where all objects are interconnected and interact safely and effectively.

We recently talked about this during a meeting with Mr Borisov, head of the Roscosmos State Corporation. By and large, he shares this view, so we do not expect any difficulties here. We simply need to come to an agreement on this.

This certainly calls for creating ground-based infrastructure and satellite groups, which is extremely important. By June 1, 2025, we must prepare a detailed and phased plan for doing this. I hope that our colleagues in the Government and Roscosmos will settle all their interagency differences and will coordinate the necessary parameters of such groups. I repeat that this must be done without any delay.

Here is what I consider to be of crucial significance. We need a fundamentally new legal framework for creating, testing and using various types of drones and advanced flight and navigation control instruments. We should develop it gradually and with the use of experimental legal regimes. As I have said, their mechanisms and capabilities must be expanded, including here in the Samara Region, where we are holding our meeting.

Certainly, when building a new regulatory framework for unmanned aviation, it is important to maintain a balance between the industry's interests and the country's security and defence capability. To reiterate, we must actively seek solutions and press forward, regardless of the obstacles we encounter. Failure to do so will inevitably result in stagnation and an exacerbation of existing challenges.

I have already issued instructions to expand the use of photo and video materials collected by UAVs across various sectors of the economy. The timely integration of digital geospatial data into commercial markets is paramount. This requires a review of oversight measures, including the implementation of innovative technological solutions. However, progress in this area appears to be minimal, if any. I would appreciate your insights on this matter today.

There is one more essential issue. Progress in the unmanned aviation industry cannot happen without highly qualified staff whose competence and knowledge must correspond to the goals of technological leadership. It is according to this logic that we should adjust the professional training system, modify the existing educational programmes and create new ones. All decisions here must be made immediately as well.

Today, I would like to hear about unmanned aviation training and how it will be organised by colleges and universities starting with the new academic year. Of course, what I have seen here so far deserves high praise. I certainly want to thank you for setting a good example of handling this matter.

As I have consistently emphasised, we should build a close connection among all national projects focused on technological leadership. I would add that this imperative for coordination extends to both civilian and specialised domains. This integrated approach can help maximise outcomes across all sectors, bolstering our economic, industrial, and scientific potential, and ultimately enhancing our national defence and security.

As for the UAV sector, we are already experiencing the need for advanced and forward-looking solutions in microelectronics, power accumulation and storage, new materials and AI, of course. This is especially true considering that in the future the autonomous capabilities we develop for Russian drones will be instrumental in ensuring their competitiveness. The same applies to this sector's economic standing and its architecture in general. We do have certain solutions and know-how in these domains, and have even some achievements under our belt, as I have been told today, which is great, of course.

Let me reiterate that having our own sovereign solutions for the main UAV components is one of our primary tasks. I ask the Government to make all the necessary decisions in this regard, including setting deadlines and allocating the required funds for launching powerful, large-capacity accumulators into serial production. This is another major task as part of our efforts to develop this sector.

Moving on, we had a detailed conversation at our previous meeting at Rudnevo Industrial and Technology Park regarding long-term state and private orders serving as a major impetus for shaping the UAV sector. So far, there have only been sporadic measures to this effect, even if some of them have made a difference.

That said, we need to adopt an integral and comprehensive approach when making these orders, especially when talking about public procurement. I ask the Government to assess the current and future needs of federal agencies, regions, companies, and entire sectors of our economy to understand how many drones they need, as well as what kind of drones and what specifications they must have, and their ability to perform special and civilian tasks, including in new emerging sectors. We need to anticipate our future needs in this sector and take various scenarios into account.

Let me reiterate that we must follow a system-wide approach when updating our long-term orders and ensure that efforts to carry them out are coordinated while ensuring that we meet the following imperative: not only major corporations, but also small and medium-sized technology companies manufacturing UAVs and their components must be able to take part in procurement tenders and deliver their products to consumers. There is no place for monopolies in this sector.

Promoting exports must serve as another powerful impetus for developing our domestic UAV sector. I ask the Government to act in a more assertive and competent manner when backing Russian technology companies as they seek to gain a foothold in the global markets.

In this regard, we must rely on the opportunities offered by our bilateral ties with friendly countries, as well as contacts within integration and international groups and associations. This includes, among other things, creating networking platforms within BRICS for launching joint, comprehensive, technologically advanced projects.

As part of this task, I ask the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Moscow Government - Mr Sobyanin has been proactive on this front - as well as the participants in the National Technology Initiative to hold an international forum on unmanned systems in 2025. I suggest that we invite researchers, developers and business leaders from other countries to have a detailed conversation on ways we can work together in these promising emerging sectors.

To deliver on our plans to generate positive momentum in expanding unmanned air services, we must pay close attention to enhancing efficiencies in terms of coordinating and managing this sector at both the federal and regional levels. I ask the Government to adopt a firm and resolute approach to monitoring performance under the national project to develop unmanned aviation systems and the development of this new sector in all its aspects in general.

This work must be carried out on a permanent basis, virtually in real time, in order to address any challenges that may arise along the way in a timely manner. They must be resolved as quickly as possible, in close coordination with ministries, agencies, state companies, private businesses, and the regions.

Most importantly, I ask the Government to submit proposals on streamlining the development management framework for the unmanned aviation sector, making it agile and responsive. I would like to emphasise once again that these decisions must be taken as quickly as possible.

Mr Savelyev will now tell us how this will be done.

<...>

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Israeli troops to remain in Syria's Jabal al-Shaykh 'indefinitely': Minister

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 29, 2025

Israeli forces will remain at the summit of the Hermon and the security zone, says the regime's minister of military affairs.

Tehran, IRNA -- Israel's minister of defense says the occupying regime's military will remain in Syria's Jabal al-Shaykh "indefinitely."

"We will not allow hostile forces to establish themselves in the security zone in southern Syria," Israel Katz said on Tuesday during a visit to the region. "We will act against any threat."

Israeli forces attacked and occupied the UN-patrolled zone in the Golan Heights only hours after the former Syrian government of Bashar al-Assad's fall on December 8.

According to a ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Syria in 1974, the regime's military is banned from crossing the so-called Alpha Line on the western edge of the Area of Separation (AoS).

4354**9417

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Syria's HTS demands Israel's withdrawal from occupied Golan Heights

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 29 January 2025 6:20 PM

Syria's HTS administration has called for Israel's withdrawal from the territory it occupied in the Golan Heights following President Bashar al-Assad's fall in December.

The state media reported that concerns were conveyed during talks with UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix in the capital Damascus on Wednesday.

During Lacroix's meeting with Syria's new foreign and defense ministers, "it was confirmed that Syria is ready to fully cooperate with the UN," Syria's official news agency, SANA said.

Syria is also ready to redeploy forces to the Golan in line with a 1974 agreement establishing a buffer zone "provided Israeli forces withdraw immediately," the report added.

Israel sent troops into the demilitarized buffer zone on December 8, when the Assad government collapsed.

In December, Israeli minister for military affairs Israel Katz ordered the military to "prepare to remain" in the buffer zone throughout winter.

On Tuesday, he said troops would remain at the top of Mount Hermon, known as Jabal al-Shaykh in Arabic, and surrounding zones "indefinitely."

Mount Hermon straddles Syria and Lebanon, overlooking the occupied Golan Heights.

Israel seized most of the mountainous plateau from Syria during the 1967 war. The United Nations considers Israel's takeover of the buffer zone a violation of the 1974 disengagement accord.

During his visit, Lacroix was to meet peacekeepers from the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), which monitors compliance with the deal.

Soon after the fall of the Assad government, the Israeli regime launched a series of airstrikes across Syria, targeting key locations including Damascus, Homs, Tartous, Latakia, and Palmyra.

The strikes were accompanied by ground incursions, as tanks and armored bulldozers penetrated Syrian territory, beyond the Golan Heights to Qatana, barely 30 kilometers from Damascus.

The HTS remained conspicuously silent on the unprecedented Israeli aggression, refusing to condemn the land theft, a move seen by regional experts as a sign of internal instability.

Despite Israeli airstrikes, Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, the commander of the HTS, declared that Syria is "not ready for another war." He refused to unequivocally condemn the Israeli regime.

Observers believe Israel capitalized on the power vacuum created by Assad's departure to advance its territorial agenda, which aligns with the so-called "Greater Israel" project.

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Israeli war minister says troops will remain in Syrian territory indefinitely

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 29 January 2025 6:59 AM

The Israeli minister of military affairs says the regime's troops, who seized ground at a so-called "buffer zone" inside the strategic Syrian Golan Heights after the fall of Bashar al-Assad, will remain stationed there indefinitely.

"The Israeli military forces will remain at the summit of the Hermon, and the security zone indefinitely to ensure the security of the communities of the Golan Heights and the north, and all the residents" of the Israeli-occupied territories, Israel Katz said on Tuesday during a visit to the Syrian side of Mount Hermon.

Mount Hermon, known as Jabal al-Shaykh in Arabic, is a huge cluster of snowcapped mountain peaks towering above the Syria-Lebanon border.

It overlooks the Damascus countryside as well as the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War.

Katz also said Israel would not allow what he described as hostile forces to establish themselves in southern Syria.

Israeli military forces captured the UN-patrolled buffer zone in the Golan Heights hours after armed groups took control of the Syrian capital of Damascus on December 8.

Israel has been widely and vehemently condemned over termination of the 1974 ceasefire agreement with Syria, and exploiting the chaos in the Arab nation in the wake of Assad's downfall to make a land grab.

The buffer zone in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights was created by the United Nations after the 1973 Arab-Israeli War. A UN force of about 1,100 troops had patrolled the area since then.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, said last month that the presence of Israeli soldiers, however long it lasts, violates the deal that established the buffer zone.

That agreement "needs to be respected, and occupation is occupation, whether it lasts a week, a month or a year, it remains occupation," Dujarric pointed out.

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Press release on the Russian inter-agency delegation's visit to Damascus

29 January 2025 12:04

105-29-01-2025

On January 28, an official Russian inter-agency delegation, led by Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for the Middle East and Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov visited Damascus. This visit marked the first of its kind following the change of administration in the Syrian Arab Republic.

The delegation met with the head of Syria's new administration, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and engaged in substantive discussions with him. Participants also included members of Syria's interim government: Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Minister of Health Maher al-Sharaa.

During a candid exchange on the comprehensive spectrum of Russian-Syrian relations at this pivotal moment, both sides underscored their commitment to advancing multifaceted bilateral cooperation founded on the principles of traditional friendship and mutual respect between Russia and Syria. The Russian delegation reiterated its unwavering support for the unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of the Syrian Arab Republic, along with its readiness to extend essential assistance to the Syrian people in their post-crisis national recovery.

In addressing the evolving situation in and around Syria, emphasis was placed on the imperative for Syrians themselves to resolve internal challenges through fostering a durable political process. This should be achieved via inclusive dialogue encompassing the entirety of the nation's political forces and ethno-confessional groups.

Both parties agreed to maintain bilateral engagement with a view to formalising pertinent arrangements, reflecting a mutual resolve to deepen comprehensive ties and understanding between Moscow and Damascus, including in foreign policy spheres.

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Defence Secretary speech at the ADS Annual Dinner: 28 January 2025

Defence Secretary John Healey addressed the ADS Annual Dinner on 28 January 2025.

29 January 2025

Good evening. Let me begin by thanking Kevin and his team at ADS for hosting this splendid event and for their work in promoting an industry that is the foundation for our way of life.

ADS is going from strength to strength, with a double digit increase in your membership last year.

You represent a commitment to innovation and excellence that are hallmarks of the British business spirit.

Yours is an industry which proves that we are still - at heart - a nation of makers and inventors. I know recent times haven't been easy. And as Defence Secretary, I am grateful to you all.

This event brings us together from across the UK, across the industry and across the political divide.

I welcome this because defence policy and procurement commitments reach beyond political cycles.

I believe I'm the first Defence Secretary who's spoken at this dinner, and tonight, you have two for the price of one with me as the warmup act for Penny Mourdant's after dinner speech.

Penny is someone with a lifelong connection and commitment to our armed forces, who rose to become the first woman ever to hold the role of Defence Secretary.

I've had the privilege of six months in the role, part of a government taking on profound challenges in our economy, our public finances and our national security.

Yet, as a new government, we've already:

Stepped up and speeded up support for Ukraine...

Increased defence spending by nearly 3 billion...

Launched a first of its kind Strategic Defence Review...

Given service personnel the largest pay rise in over 20 years... and still dealt with a multi-billion in-year deficit...

Signed the landmark Trinity House Agreement with Germany...

Secured a huge deal to buy back over 36,000 military homes to improve forces housing and save taxpayers billions...

Set new targets to tackle the recruitment crisis...

Begun a transformational MOD reform programme...

And got the Armed Forces Commissioner Bill through the House of Commons to improve service life.

The point I want to make is that this is a new government that is delivering for defence.

Something which I was able to underline last Friday at Rolls Royce, announcing a major new contract over 8 years, which will boost British jobs, business and national security.

There's incredible work being done there in Derby, by an incredible team, some of whom are here this evening.

It's a big investment, but behind the numbers are 200 apprentices a year who now feel they have a future.

And suppliers - 92 per cent of which are British based - who now feel like have certainty.

What really struck me - and it happens every time I visit a defence site - is the deep sense of pride and purpose.

Defence workers are right to feel that way. Their efforts keep us all safe.

And as an industry, you also invest huge sums in research and development. One of the great strengths of the defence industry is that you force us to reach for the future.

Down the years, you've been responsible for some of the most significant innovations in history. Designed for times of war but which often produce lasting benefits for wider society well beyond the battlefield.

As a nation, we're good - and rightly so - at taking pride in the professionalism of our soldiers, sailors and aviators.

But we know that that they are only as effective as the industry which equips them.

We must be better at celebrating the role of the coders, programmers, scientists and engineers who provide our forces with the tools they need to protect us.

It's why I want us to not only change the way we work with the defence industry, but also change the way we see the defence industry.

On the way we work with industry, I hope the last few months serve as a glimpse of type of partnership we want to forge.

From industry involvement - for the first time ever - in our war gaming, to the creation of the new Defence Industrial Joint Council.

And on the way we see industry, we know we have much to do.

Right now, there's growing security concerns for defence firms at university careers, you attend to offer young people a route to a better life.

You're facing harassment and intimidation, forced to cancel events on campus. This is wrong.

This attitude takes for granted the privileged position we enjoy in Britain - to live in freedom and security... security our defence industry guarantees.

So, today - alongside the Business and Education Secretaries - I've written to Universities UK for assurances about your safety on campuses.

We're also seeing defence firms ranked alongside tobacco and gambling in Environmental, Social and Governance audits. And pension funds divest from you.

I have no doubt the intentions are well-meaning. But they're fundamentally flawed.

We don't stop wars by boycotting our defence industry.

We stop wars by backing it.

Let's not forget that national security is a pre-condition for economic security, investor confidence and social stability.

I will always be a fierce advocate for you in the Department, to wider government, to the City, to the British public and to whoever needs to hear it.

My challenge to you - as an industry - is to be louder and confident about your role.

As my friend - Jonny Reynolds- said to the President's Reception earlier:

"You are exceptional in your importance... in helping to safeguard our national security and our way of life.

"But you are also exceptional in your contribution to our economy. Nearly half a million well paid jobs are directly owed to aerospace, defence, security and space sectors."

To meet the challenges of this new era of threats, you've seen the direction we want to take with our Defence Industrial Strategy Statement of Intent.

And let me thank everyone who's shared their insights so far in submissions to both our industrial strategy, and SDR consultations.

I know - for some - our Statement of Intent may have been met with a degree of scepticism. You've been here before... I get that...

New government, new ideas.

But old habits die hard and entrenched interests dig in.

Previous industrial strategies have produced policies - many of them good - but there wasn't the plan, the structures and the relentless attention to reform needed to make change happen.

So, why will this be different?

First, it has to be different.

The war in Ukraine confronts us with the deep truth that when a country faces conflict or is forced to fight, its armed forces are only as strong as the industry which stands behind them...

That innovation and production capacity is a major part of our nation's - and our alliance's - deterrence.

And that industry's constant purpose is to give the nation's war fighters the advantage over our adversaries.

The last Defence Industrial Strategy was published in 2021, a year before Putin shattered the peace in Europe.

Ours will hardwire in these lessons and so too will the Strategic Defence Review.

Second, I'm driving deep reform to defence.

It doesn't make news headlines, but it's an essential foundation for implementing both the SDR and Defence Industrial Strategy.

For industry, it means you'll be brought in earlier to the conversation on how we should fight...

We'll ask you how you can help solve our problems rather than giving you a requirement to deliver.

You'll also see the creation of a new role, the National Armaments Director, soon-to-be one of the most senior roles in UK Defence, sitting alongside the Chief of the Defence Staff and Permanent Secretary.

Their responsibilities will include:

Repairing a broken procurement system...

Ensuring our armed forces have what they need to fulfil their duty of protecting our nation...

And championing your industry at home and abroad.

Third, defence is part of our bigger British drive for growth - the government's number one mission.

The Chancellor is speaking tomorrow about how we are going to meet this challenge.

But the message I want to reinforce is that defence is an engine for driving economic growth.

Fourth, we've proved we can do it by supporting Ukraine through Taskforce KINDRED and HIRST.

From the onset, when it took 287 days after Putin invaded to sign contracts for new NLAWs...

... to today, when we've created industrial bases for new capabilities - virtually from scratch...

Supplying - at scale - one of the most effective drone systems in Ukraine.

Restarted artillery barrel manufacturing in the UK to deliver hundreds to the front line.

Enhancing our own capabilities through Stormer and Starstreak...while Gravehawk, Snapper and Wasp have all been developed with breathtaking speed.

I don't just want this to be the government's new Defence Industrial Strategy, it needs to be a national endeavour... private and public... SMEs and primes... innovators and educators... trade associations and trade unions...

All creating a defence industry which is better and more integrated...

One that can keep our armed forces equipped... and innovating at wartime pace, ahead of our adversaries.

The Shadow Defence Secretary is familiar with the challenges.

I know he will play his part in holding us to account.

And I trust he - and his Party - will play their part in backing reforms that strengthen our country's defence and its defence industry.

This is new era of threats, demands a new era for defence.

Change is essential, not optional.

Our success rests on a new partnership with innovators, investors and industry.

Our government is determined to meet the challenge, determined to deliver for defence.

Together, we will make Britain secure at home and strong abroad.

Thank you - enjoy your evening and I look forward to working with you over the coming years.

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Strengthening Security Cooperation: UK Defence Minister visits Nigeria

Defence ties between the UK and Nigeria have been strengthened following a visit from Lord Vernon Coaker this week.

29 January 2025

The UK Defence Minister for the House of Lords, Lord Vernon Coaker, visited Abuja and Maiduguri this week to meet top defence and security leaders, reaffirm the UK's commitment to our Security and Defence Partnership and discuss issues of mutual concern in the region.

The UK and Nigeria share a strong defence relationship, underpinned by over three decades of collaboration between our armed forces. Through our partnership we continue to enhance security, counter violent extremism and promote regional stability.

In Abuja, the Minister met the Honourable Minister of Defence and the Minister of State for Defence, the Chief of Defence Training and Operations, the National Security Adviser and the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). These meetings underscored Nigeria and ECOWAS' continued leadership in promoting regional security and the UK's continued commitment to supporting Nigeria's priority security objectives.

Lord Coaker also travelled to Maiduguri, Borno State, a primary focus of Nigeria's fight against terrorism and violent extremism. The Minister visited a Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration camp (DDR) to understand the challenges of reconciliation and reintegration, and UK-led counter-improvised explosive device (C-ED) training, funded by the UK Integrated Security Fund.

This initiative is designed, at Nigeria's request, to enhance capacity and improve response capabilities to address security threats and instability. Meeting with Nigerian military personnel who have benefitted from UK training programmes, the Minister gained firsthand insight into the impact of UK-Nigeria security cooperation.

Lord Vernon Coaker reaffirmed commitment to the UK-Nigeria defence relationship:

This visit reflects the UK's steadfast commitment to working with Nigeria to tackle shared security challenges. Witnessing the results of our training programmes and engaging directly with those on the frontlines reaffirms the importance of our partnership in building a safer and more stable region.

The Minister's visit highlights the continued strength and importance of the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership (SDP) ahead of our third SDP dialogue in 2025.

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Teesside Airport boosted with 173m Government Defence Investment

A 173 million Ministry of Defence training contract with British business Draken will boost Teesside International Airport and support jobs across Teesside, Bournemouth and the Midlands - delivering on the Government's Plan for Change.

29 January 2025

A 173 million Ministry of Defence training contract with British business Draken will boost Teesside International Airport and support jobs across Teesside, Bournemouth and the Midlands - delivering on the Government's Plan for Change.

In addition to strengthening our national security, the deal will maintain vital infrastructure in the North East and support more than 200 UK jobs. The new contract will deliver Armed Forces training for responding to a range of threats - including air-to-air combat, electronic warfare and missile attacks.

Using a fleet of aircraft, Draken will simulate threats for UK personnel, including:

Air-to-air combat.

Missile attacks.

Attacks on ships from aircraft.

Defence Minister Maria Eagle announced the deal today on a visit to Teesside International Airport. The Minister spoke with staff and apprentices, reinforcing the Government's commitment to boosting national security and economic growth.

The project will help deliver the government's Plan for Change by strengthening national security and supporting the mission to kickstart economic growth. It also follows the launch of the Defence Industrial Strategy, which will ensure the defence sector is an engine for growth in every region and nation of the UK.

Through live exercises with UK personnel over the North Sea, Draken private pilots will replicate the tactics and techniques of a range of adversaries.

Using the latest electronic warfare technology, Draken will also train Royal Naval personnel to protect Carrier Strike Group assets from air and missile attacks and train Army personnel to quickly receive reconnaissance and intelligence information on enemy forces from the air.

Altogether, this training will ensure that our Armed Forces receive demanding and realistic training, meeting NATO standards.

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle MP, said:

This investment will deliver world-class training for our Armed Forces and boost British business, jobs and national security. In line with our Plan for Change and upcoming Defence Industrial Strategy, this deal with Draken will support 200 UK jobs and ensure the future of Teesside International Airport. We are showing defence can be an engine for growth, in every region and nation.

To deliver the training, Draken will use 14 Dassault Falcon 20, one Diamond DA42 and eight L-159E 'Honey Badger' fighter jets based at Teesside and Bournemouth. Draken will enrol a minimum of 12 apprentices at both sites.

Air Officer Commanding 1 Group, Air Vice Marshal Mark Flewin said:

Our partnership with Draken is of fundamental importance as we continue to train and prepare all of our front-line forces to meet emerging threats across the globe. The training delivered to date, simulating adversary threats while also allowing us to train in a representative and contested electro-magnetic environment, has never been more important to ensure the Royal Air Force is ready and able to support NATO and meet the threats of tomorrow. The contract will allow us to continue to evolve the high-end training available for all of our front-line forces, as we look to out-compete our potential adversaries.

Nic Anderson, CEO at Draken, said:

We are proud to continue serving the Royal Air Force, the Royal Navy and the Army through the Interim Medium Speed Operational Readiness Training Services. Our purpose is to provide leading edge operational training to help the warfighter to be ready to fight and win. Through this ground-breaking contract we will continually innovate to improve their training experience. Thank you to the whole Draken team who work relentlessly to support our customers, it is the high performance that the Draken team delivers every day that has enabled this contract win.

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Albares brings Spain's support to Ukraine and announces an additional 10 million in humanitarian aid

Spain - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

PRESS RELEASE 004

He meets with his Ukrainian counterpart in Lviv after opening a cultural centre funded by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation and UNESCO

Tuesday, January 28, 2025



The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, Jose Manuel Albares, travelled to Ukraine today to assess the impact of the Russia's aggression on Ukrainian territory, and to reiterate Spain's support to the country's authorities, also announcing the delivery of an additional 10 million in humanitarian aid.

Albares, who returned to Ukraine on Tuesday 28 January for the third time since Putin started the war, began his trip in Lviv with an agenda including political and diplomatic support to the Ukrainian Government, humanitarian and reconstruction aid for the Ukrainian people, and protection of the country's heritage and culture.

In this spirit, Albares opened a cultural centre created thanks to the Spain-UNESCO Trust Fund for Development Cooperation alongside his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, and the UNESCO Director-General, Audrey Azoulay. This centre, funded by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation, was designed to serve as a space specifically dedicated to culture as a factor for peace and resilience in the war and post-war context in Ukraine, a country whose cultural productive fabric has lost 90% of its resources as a result of the war unleashed by the Russian invasion.

This centre contributes to Spain's comprehensive commitment to Ukraine's recovery, which today resulted in a new announcement of 10 million in humanitarian aid from Spanish Cooperation, on top of the 100 million that Spain has delivered to Ukraine since the war began. In addition to this humanitarian aid, Spanish reconstruction aid has also totalled 400 million since the beginning of the Russian aggression.

Medical trainers

Spain's solidarity with Ukraine, over and above financial support, was also highlighted during Minister Albares' visit to the hospital in Lviv, where he announced that Spain will send a Spanish team of medical trainers to help the Ukrainian hospital staff with their training.

The encounter with his Ukrainian counterpart in Lviv allowed him to hold a bilateral meeting to analyse the current situation together, during which Albares reiterated Spain's support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. This support is reflected in the fulfilment of the bilateral military aid commitments with Ukraine that the President of the Government, Pedro Sanchez, and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenski, agreed last year, with the delivery of military equipment and the training of Ukrainian military personnel in Spain within the framework of the European EUAM mission, with nearly 7,000 military personnel trained.

EU accession

During the meeting with Sybiha, Albares also reiterated support for the process of accession to the European Union, which began during the Spanish Presidency of the EU, after reminding him that Spain has always decisively backed this accession. The minister also strongly emphasised Spain's continued support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty, noting that no peace can be agreed for Ukraine without Ukraine, nor European security without Europe.

During his working day, the minister also visited the cemetery in Lviv, where he paid tribute to the fallen. He visited the historic centre of the Ukrainian city in the company of the UNESCO Director-General and the Ukrainian Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, and Culture, Mykola Tochytsky. He also held a bilateral meeting with the latter. Additionally, Albares had time to visit the FestRepublik art space.

-NON OFFICIAL TRANSLATION-



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Negotiating mandate for treaty with Ukraine

Swiss Government

Bern, 29.01.2025 -- At its meeting on 29 January, the Federal Council approved the negotiating mandate for an international treaty between Switzerland and Ukraine. In the process of rebuilding Ukraine, this will provide a legal basis for increased cooperation with the Swiss private sector.

The challenges involved in rebuilding Ukraine are huge. Support cannot be provided in the form of traditional international cooperation alone. The private sector will play an important role in reconstructing the country. To strengthen cooperation with Swiss companies already operating in Ukraine, a memorandum of understanding between Switzerland and Ukraine was signed on 23 January at the WEF Annual Meeting in Davos.

A new legal basis is required in order to boost cooperation with Swiss companies that are not yet active in Ukraine. On 20 November last year, the Federal Council decided that this basis should take the form of a temporary international treaty (subject to referendum), and on 29 January it approved the negotiating mandate for such a treaty between Switzerland and Ukraine. The Federal Council will now consult Parliament's foreign policy committees over the negotiating mandate.

On 26 June 2024, the Federal Council approved the sum of CHF 500 million to involve the Swiss private sector more closely in the reconstruction of Ukraine. These measures are part of Switzerland's Ukraine country programme 2025-28, which is currently being finalised. A total of CHF 1.5 billion has been earmarked to support Ukraine with a range of international cooperation instruments.

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Continued support at forefront of NATO-Ukraine Council meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Stefanishyna

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

29 Jan. 2025

On Wednesday (29 January 2025), NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte met with Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Minister of Justice, Ms Olha Stefanishyna, at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, where she also took part in a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council (NUC).

Discussions with the Deputy Prime Minister focused on the current situation on the battlefield, NATO's continued support for Ukraine, and the progress Ukraine continue to make on reforms.

NATO's Deputy Secretary General, Radmila Shekerinska chaired the meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council. She highlighted the ongoing efforts to bring Ukraine closer to NATO, including with the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) command in Wiesbaden, the Joint Analysis, Training and Education Center (JATEC), and the Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP) for Ukraine. She indicated that Allies are on track to deliver on the pledge made at the Washington Summit to deliver 40 billion Euro in security assistance, and welcomed Allies' increasing investments in Ukraine's defence industry.

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Russia's nuclear power plant, oil depot targeted in Ukrainian drone attack: Report

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 29 January 2025 11:08 AM

The largest nuclear power plant in northwestern Russia has reportedly come under a Ukrainian drone attack, among other oil and power facilities targeted by the Kiev forces.

Russian media reports and officials said on Wednesday that the country's energy infrastructure had been attacked by at least 100 drones overnight, with air defense systems destroying a drone attempting to strike Smolensk Nuclear Power Plant in the northwestern region of Smolensk bordering Belarus.

"According to preliminary information, one of the drones was shot down during an attempt to attack a nuclear power facility," Governor Vasily Anokhin said on the Telegram messaging app. "There were no casualties or damage."

Russia's Defense Ministry underlined that 104 drones were involved in raids across western Russia, 11 of which were destroyed over the Smolensk region.

The Ukrainian drone strikes also targeted several Russian oil regions, including the Nizhny Novgorod, Tver and Bryansk oblasts, causing fires and prompting air defense responses.

The Lukoil oil depot in the city of Kstovo in the Nizhny Novgorod region, about 800 km (500 miles) from the Ukrainian border, came under attack by four drones, all of which struck their target and caused "significant damage."

Russian petrochemicals giant Sibur confirmed that it had temporarily suspended operations at its plant in Kstovo on Wednesday morning after debris from a Ukrainian drone sparked a fire.

One person was injured and hospitalized as a result of a drone attack on the Belgorod region bordering Ukraine, the regional governor said.

Russian aviation watchdog Rosaviatsia temporarily halted flights at the Kazan airport in Russia's Republic of Tatarstan and at the Pulkovo airport in the Leningrad region.

Earlier this week the Ryazan Oil Refinery in Russia suspended operations due to damage from Ukrainian drone attacks, Reuters reported, citing two industry sources.

Ukraine confirmed hitting the plant in an overnight drone strike on January 24.

The continuing air attacks come amid the return of Donald Trump as US president and his renewed rhetoric over the possibility of a ceasefire between Moscow and Kiev.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that his country could hold peace talks with Ukraine, but ruled out speaking directly with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Russia launched its "special military operation" in Ukraine in February 2022 partly to prevent NATO's eastward expansion after warning that the US-led military alliance was following an "aggressive line" against Moscow.

Washington and its Western allies have flooded Ukraine with a vast volume of Western arms and ammunition since then despite Moscow's calls that the move would only prolong the conflict.

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Putin Says Ready For Peace Talks, But Not With 'Illegitimate' Zelenskyy

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service January 29, 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin has again ruled out direct peace talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whom he called "illegitimate," prompting the Ukrainian leader to accuse Putin of being "afraid" of negotiating a settlement to the almost 3-year-old war.

"You can negotiate with anyone, but because of his illegitimacy, he [Zelenskyy] has no right to sign anything," Putin told state Rossiya 1 TV late on January 28.

He added that he would "allocate people to take part" in negotiations if Zelenskyy would be present instead of holding direct talks face-to-face.

Putin has said several times he does not consider Zelenskyy a legitimate leader since Zelenskyy's five-year term in office was supposed to end last year on May 20.

An election was to have taken place on March 31, 2024, but was postponed because the country is still under martial law due to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Zelenskyy, who under the constitution must continue to perform his duties until a new head of state is elected, responded to Putin's claim saying it is the Russian leader who is the obstacle to talks to end the fighting.

"Today, Putin once again confirmed that he is afraid of negotiations, afraid of strong leaders, and does everything possible to prolong the war," Zelenskyy wrote in a post on social media.

"Now we see that there is a possibility of achieving real peace, but it is Putin who is doing everything to either continue killing on a full scale instead of peace, or to get a pause in order to prepare a new full-scale invasion in the future, delivering hybrid strikes."

Ukraine has been under martial law since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022 and would have to amend the law in order to hold elections during a state of war.

Zelenskyy has been looking to the United States to put pressure on Moscow to end Russia's all-out war on Ukraine amid reports that behind-the-scenes negotiations to resolve the conflict have been ramping up following the January 20 inauguration of President Donald Trump.

Since taking office, Trump has threatened to impose heavy taxes, tariffs, and sanctions on all goods coming from Russia to the United States and other countries if Moscow doesn't come to the negotiating table.

"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," Trump wrote in a post on his social media website Truth Social on January 22.

Those threats appear to conflict with Trump's past praise for Putin, his criticism of U.S. aid to Ukraine, and his apparent eagerness for a quick end to the fighting, which led to concerns among Ukraine's supporters that he might sacrifice Kyiv's interests in the name of a deal, ultimately strengthening Russia.

The Kremlin has shrugged off Trump's hard-line comments, saying it doesn't see "any particularly new elements" in them.

Ukraine has been steadily losing ground on the battlefield for nearly a year now, as Russia's bigger and better-armed military has been grinding down Ukrainian defenses and inflicting massive casualties.

One of Kyiv's biggest problems has been recruiting enough men to replenish depleted units. The government last year overhauled its system for mobilizing men, but Ukraine's frontline forces are still badly outnumbered.

Zelenskyy has also resisted lowering the draft age to 18, saying it would decimate the country's demographics.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/putin-ready-peace- talks-not-with-illegitimate-zelenskiy-/33294979.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Ukraine Strikes Russian Oil Refinery In Major Attack On Energy Infrastructure

By RFE/RL's Russian Service and RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service January 29, 2025

Ukraine's military said its drones struck a Russian oil refinery in the Nizhny Novgorod region as part of a massive attack targeting energy infrastructure, including a nuclear power site.

Ukraine's Defense Ministry said in a statement on January 29 that the refinery was "involved in providing support to the Russian occupation army."

"Combat work on strategic facilities involved in providing support for the Russian armed aggression against Ukraine will continue," it added.

Geolocation data from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty confirmed social media posts showing a major fire at the Sibur-Kstovo oil refinery near Nizhny Novgorod.

Russian government officials in Russia's Smolensk, Belgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Tver, Kursk, Leningrad, and Bryansk regions said their areas had been hit by Ukrainian drones overnight, though they did not comment on the refinery strike.

Officials in the capital of Russia's Republic of Tatarstan, Kazan, and the country's second largest city, St. Petersburg, temporarily suspended traffic, citing safety concerns.

"In various areas of the Smolensk region, civilian objects are being subjected to a massive attack" by drones, Governor Vasily Anokhin wrote on Telegram.

No additional information was provided, but the Smolensk Nuclear Power Plant is a major power-generating facility some 100 kilometers from Smolensk city.

Belgorod regional Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov, wrote on Telegram that a drone attack hit a private house in the town of Razumnoye, killing a woman and her two-year-old child. According to Gladkov, the woman's husband and another child of the couple' were injured in the attack, which partially destroyed the house.

Gladkov also said that several Ukrainian drones hit infrastructure and buildings in and near the villages of Dvuluchnoye and Bezlyudovka. No casualties were reported.

The Russian Defense Ministry said its defenses shot down 104 Ukrainian drones over multiple regions overnight, but it was not possible to independently confirm the claims.

Both sides in the war have stepped up the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones in recent months, often targeting the enemy's energy infrastructure.

Russia has also caused widespread destruction of Ukrainian civilian sites with drones, rockets, artillery, and various types of bombs. The Kremlin has denied it targets civilian areas despite evidence of such attacks.

Inside Ukraine, regional Governor Vitaliy Kim said two women were killed due to a Russian missile attack on the city of Mykolayiv.

Off the battlefield, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russian President Vladimir Putin was "afraid" to enter into negotiations on ending the war after the Kremlin leader ruled out direct talks with his Ukrainian counterpart.

"Today, Putin once again confirmed that he is afraid of negotiations, afraid of strong leaders, and does everything possible to prolong the war," Zelenskyy wrote on X.

"Every move he makes and all his cynical tricks are aimed at making the war endless," he added.

Earlier, Putin told Russian state TV thattalks with Ukraine were possible but not with Zelenskyy, whom he deemed as "illegitimate" because his presidential term expired while the country was under martial law.

"But essentially, if they want to proceed, there is a legal way to do it. Let the chairman of the [Ukrainian parliament] handle it in accordance with the constitution," Putin said.

"However, so far, we simply do not see such a desire," he added.

Meanwhile, Axios reported the U.S. military transferred some 90 Patriot air-defense missiles from storage in Israel to Poland this week with an aim to deliver them to Ukraine.

The report, citing three people with knowledge of the operation, said the Israeli Air Force decommissioned the Patriot air-defense system more than 30 years after it was given to Israel during the first Gulf War.

After the Israelis announced the decommissioning, Kyiv suggested to U.S. and Israeli officials that Israel return the missiles to the U.S. military to be refurbished and then sent to Ukraine.

With reporting by Axios

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-ukraine-drone-smolensk- putin-zelenskiy/33293717.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov inspects Yug Group of Forces

29.01.2025

Andrei Belousov, the Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation, held a working meeting at the command post of the Yug Group of Forces. There he received a report from Colonel General Aleksandr Sanchik, the Group's Commander, on the current situation, nature of the enemy's actions, and realisation of missions on the operational directions in the Yug Group of Forces area of responsibility. Moreover, he was informed by HQ representatives on combat service support provided for units in the special military operation zone.

The Russian Defence Minister saw cutting-edge robotic systems of various purposes, used both for delivering material assets to the front line and inflicting fire damage on the enemy using the combat modules mounted on them.

Moreover, Andrei Belousov also got acquainted with the progress of units where drones, robotic systems, rapid-fire mobile platforms as well as weapons and military hardware are being modernised, maintained, and repaired.

Colonel General Aleksandr Sanchik reported that additional anti-drone protection, which is a cable of protecting the turret of heavy armoured vehicles, is currently actively employed and constantly being developed by the Group's servicemen.

Department for Media Affairs and Information

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Russia must end its war and return to dialogue: UK Statement to the OSCE

Ambassador Holland reiterates the UK's support to Ukraine, and calls on Russia to end its war and return to dialogue and risk reduction - including in the Forum for Security Cooperation.

29 January 2025

Thank you Mr Chair, dear Cristobal, and to your Foreign Minister, for setting out Spain's priorities for the Forum for Security Co-operation this Trimester. You can count on the UK's steadfast support, as you Chair our Forum at this crucial time for Euro-Atlantic Security.

Over the winter period, many of us marked Christmas and the New Year. But the people of Ukraine have had no rest. Today marks 1069 days of their ongoing defence of their homeland, from a full-scale invasion which continues to violate the UN Charter and to contravene the Helsinki Final Act's core principles, including those on sovereignty, territorial integrity and the non-use of force.

That is why each week, we have met in this Forum to support Ukraine and to hold Russia accountable for breaching its commitments. And that is why we particularly welcome Spain's proposed FSC topic on Women, Peace & Security.

Mr Chair, our Ministers mandated the Forum to hold a weekly politico-military dialogue, with tasks that include risk-reduction. They mandated the Chair to 'ensure the good order and smooth running of meetings'. To set the agenda. And to select and invite guest speakers. We fully support the Chair's prerogative to execute its mandate.

Unfortunately, at the closing session last Trimester, we had to condemn the Russian delegation - for a fourth Trimester in a row - for its attempts to disrupt the FSC from functioning at all. Once again, I express my thanks to Denmark, and to other previous Chairs, for keeping the Forum functional, despite Russia's attempts to prevent it.

As we said repeatedly, there remains another path. If the Russian state's professed wish for peace is genuine, it must end this war by withdrawing all of its forces to outside of Ukraine's internationally recognised borders. And from Georgia and Moldova. If the Russian state is serious about dialogue and risk reduction, it must stop trying to undermine our Ministerial mandate of this Forum meeting each week.

I wish to conclude by welcoming Estonia to the FSC Troika, and to thank Croatia for their work as they leave the Troika. And most importantly, I wish you, Mr Chair, and your able teams here in Vienna and in Madrid the best of luck this Trimester. You can count on the support of the UK delegation.

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There Must Be More of Our Own and European Engagement so that We Can Support Our People while a New American Policy Is Being Formulated - Address by the President

President of Ukraine

29 January 2025 - 20:59

I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

Today an initial report was given by Government officials and team of the Office - Oleksii Kuleba and Viktor Mykyta - on critical programs that are now suspended and were previously funded by American support. I have already instructed them to do some key things at our internal expense, as well as to communicate with the Europeans. Energy sector - there were programs for distributed generation, other resilience programs for Ukrainian communities, for cities and villages. The second issue is veteran projects, which were, are, and will continue to be numerous in our regions and communities. Veteran hubs, support lines, assistance in setting up veterans' private businesses. And the third - border crossing points - is something that was developed in cooperation with partners. The new modern crossing points are intended to accelerate economic activity and increase the transparency of customs officers' work. In particular, these are projects in ports. Indeed, it is about economic security. We will seek a greater internal resource for this. There are certain issues related to the Ministry of Health, as well as to cybersecurity. We are dealing with all of this. I have also given instructions to continue the audit of the suspended areas of assistance from the United States; and there must be more of our own and European engagement, especially in the humanitarian, security, and social areas. So that we can support our people now, while a new American policy is being formulated.

Today, there was a report by the Minister of Energy. Regarding the work of our energy system - its restoration and development. I am grateful to every person in the energy sector who is doing everything to ensure that Ukraine can live. And when it comes to our work with the European Union, with our EU neighbors: it is important that we maintain our position - always constructive - that we can help our partners, those who really need it, and we are grateful to everyone who is helping us, who is helping Ukraine. Europeans need this feeling - that the joint energy market, joint systems, and projects really benefit Europeans. Only through unity is this possible. I spoke with the Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, about both global and European challenges. I thanked Denmark for its support of Ukraine - for everything it does for us. We really appreciate it. We will develop our bilateral cooperation, which makes Europe stronger.

And today, Ukraine traditionally honors the memory of the heroes of Kruty and of all our heroes. I visited Askold's Grave today. I honored "Juice," "Da Vinci," Pavlo Petrychenko, Mark Paslavskyi, Oleksandr Klitynskyi, and every Ukrainian warrior who gave his or her life for our independence. We must always remember them. And the young men and women who are now being educated in our military educational institutions - Ukrainian cadets, Ukrainian lyceum students, I met with them today - they must also realize this truth: Ukraine exists as long as there are people willing to fight for it. We absolutely must prevail - achieve our goals.

Glory to Ukraine!

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Ukrainian Armed Forces Need People with Modern Views on the Army and Life - the President

President of Ukraine

29 January 2025 - 19:41

On the Day of Remembrance of the Heroes of Kruty, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with cadets and lyceum students of 18 military educational institutions, as well as defenders of Ukraine.

The Head of State thanked the future Ukrainian officers who have chosen the defense of our country and its independence as their profession.

"I am confident that our country has all the opportunities for you to learn, become truly strong Ukrainian officers, and grow into educated individuals who understand what our state needs," Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

The President noted that the Ukrainian Armed Forces now need not just reliable officers, but people with modern views of the army and life.

"Under any circumstances, Ukraine's security will always - even in peacetime - depend on its strength, on each and every one of you. Our state will always need an effective army. And this is your mission," Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

He called on all educators and students to always be grateful to all Ukrainian heroes. The participants observed a minute of silence in memory of Ukrainians who gave their lives in battle.

During the meeting, the Head of State emphasized that Ukraine must win a just peace, receive reliable security guarantees and maintain a strong and capable army.

"Ukraine will always need you. Respect for the army has been at its highest level since the beginning of the war, and it is clear why. That's why your service, work, and life will always be important and relevant for Ukraine," Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.

The participants also discussed the improvement of curricula in military institutions, in particular through the exchange of experience with leading military universities in partner countries.

Other topics of the meeting included the increased financial support for cadets of military educational institutions. The President pointed out that, starting in March, 1st- and 2nd-year cadets will receive over UAH 8,000, while 3rd- and 4th-year cadets will receive over UAH 20,000.

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Zelenskyy says suspension of US aid affects energy, border, veteran projects

By VOA News January 29, 2025

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Wednesday he has received an initial report on "critical programs" previously funded by American support that are now suspended.

U.S. President Donald Trump has suspended funding of many foreign programs to conduct a 90-day audit of foreign aid.

Zelenskyy said the key areas that have been affected by the frozen funds are the energy sector, veteran projects and border crossings.

Ukrainian officials have been instructed to continue their own audit of areas affected by the frozen funds, Zelenskyy said.

Earlier Wednesday, Russia said it shot down 104 Ukrainian drones overnight that targeted several areas deeper inside of Russia that Ukrainian forces do not routinely assault

The Russian Defense Ministry reported shooting down about three-quarters of the drones in areas along the Russia-Ukraine border, including over the Kursk, Bryansk, Smolensk and Belgorod regions.

Smolensky Governor Vasily Anokhin said on Telegram that Ukraine tried to hit a nuclear power facility, but that there was no damage or casualties.

In Belgorod, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said a Ukrainian drone attacked an apartment building, injuring one person.

One of the uncharacteristic attacks targeted the Nizhny Novgorod region, located southeast of Moscow and about 800 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.

The Russian Defense Ministry said it shot down three drones over the region. Governor Gleb Nikitin said drone fragments damaged a building and caused a fire, but did not hurt anyone.

The damaged building appeared to belong to petrochemical company Sibur, which said it temporarily halted operations at its plant in Kstovo after drone debris sparked a fire.

Russian air defenses also shot down Ukrainian drones over the Tver and Leningrad regions, north of Moscow, which are not among the areas typically included in Ukraine's attacks.

In Ukraine's Mykolaiv region, Governor Vitaliy Kim said on Telegram that a Russian missile strike hit a food industry business, killing two people.

Odesa Governor Oleh Kiper said Wednesday that Russian drones targeted port infrastructure, damaging multiple buildings but not causing any casualties.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram that falling drone debris damaged a metro station in the Ukrainian capital.

Officials in Sumy said Ukrainian air defenses shot down two drones overnight.

Some information for this report is provided by Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

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FERRARA, Italy, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The European Art of Taste-Fruit&Veg Masterpieces, the project financed by the European Union, devised by CSO Italy and participated by the following companies: RK Growers, Mazzoni Group, Apofruit, Origine Group, and Oranfrizer, closes on a positive note.

The programme, which will end on 31 January 2025 (and started on 1 February 2022, nda), has made it possible to communicate the values and characteristics of European fruit and vegetables to consumers and operators in 4 markets: China, Japan, Thailand and Taiwan.

While the activities aimed at operators followed the traditional paths of B2B communication, trade fairs, workshops, meetings with operators, as well as point-of-sale promotions, those aimed at consumers ploughed down paths that had yet to be explored.

Partnerships with a number of publishing groups in Japan, Thailand, and Taiwan made it possible to develop valuable digital content using the available media and formats. Over the 3-year campaign, more than 15 million impressions were generated in the 3 countries. At the same time, communication activities were carried out in China on the country's social media, such as Wechat, Weibo, which gained almost 70 thousand more followers and over 80 million impressions. In the same way, live streaming activities on the Chinese RED platform enabled 15 episodes with taste ambassadors in China to be realised, reaching over 600 thousand views.

On the other hand, operators in the sector were reached at trade fairs, such as Asia Fruit Logistica, which made it possible to meet more than 6,000 trade professionals, or through the more than 120 B2B meetings and the more than 330 participants in the workshops organised over the three years of the project.

The project the Europen Art of Taste: Fruit & Veg Masterpieces was the protagonist of 12 live streams dedicated to the products of the campaign on the Chinese social network RED.

Press Office:

Renato Pagani - Renato.pagani@secnewgate.it - + 39 335 6939561

Giorgia Rizzi - giorgia.rizzi@secnewgate.it

News about The European Art of Taste and CSO Italy

The project The European Art of Taste  Fruit & Veg Masterpieces aims to promote and inform about high-quality European fruits and vegetables and is financed by CSO Italy and the European Union. The following Italian companies also participate in the project: RK Growers, Mazzoni Group, Apofruit, Origine Group e Oranfrizer.

CSO Italy, founded in 1998, is a unique entity in Italy that associates many of Italy's leading companies in the production and marketing of domestic fruit and vegetables. Completing the range of members are important companies specializing in different areas of the fruit and vegetable supply chain, from packaging, logistics, processing, machinery, and distribution. CSO Italy's mission is to provide useful services to members to improve and make the Italian fruit and vegetable industry more efficient and competitive. A technical table at the service of the entire Italian fruit and vegetable supply chain to increase its competitiveness through synergy among operators. CSO ITALY, has 73 members, distributed as follows: 51 producer members, 14 supply chain members, 3 subsidizing members and 5 supporting bodies.

Funded by the European Union. However, the views expressed are those of the author(s) alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the awarding administration can be held responsible for them.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d60fb17b-3704-4079-b7c5-9be816d46029




NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until March 18, 2025 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. (NYSE: IIPR), if they purchased the Companys securities between February 27, 2024 and December 19, 2024, inclusive (the Class Period). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland.

Get Help

Innovative Industrial investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-iipr-1/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Innovative Industrial and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On December 20, 2024, the Company disclosed that on the previous day, PharmaCann Inc., the Companys tenant for eleven properties which represented 17% of IIPs total rental revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024defaulted on its obligations to pay rent for the month of December under six of the eleven Leases, for properties located in Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania. December rent, including base rent, property management fees and estimated tax and insurance payments, totaled $4.2 million for these six properties. On this news, the price of IIPRs stock fell fell $21.68 per share, or 22.73%, to close at $73.66 per share on December 20, 2024.

The case is Giraudon v. Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc., No. 25-cv-00182.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.
Nokia Corporation

Stock Exchange Release

30 January 2025 at 8:10 EET

Proposals by the Board of Directors to Nokia Corporations Annual General Meeting 2025



Nokia Corporations Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 29 April 2025 at 13:00 (EEST) at Finlandia Hall, Helsinki, Finland. The Board submits the following proposals to the Annual General Meeting. Complete proposals are available as of today at www.nokia.com/agm2025. The notice of the Annual General Meeting with more detailed information on the participation and voting will be published separately during week 7, 2025 on the Companys website and by a stock exchange release.

Authorization of the Board of Directors to decide on the distribution of dividend and assets from the reserve for invested unrestricted equity

The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting to be authorized to resolve in its discretion on the distribution of an aggregate maximum of EUR 0.14 per share as dividend from the retained earnings and/or as assets from the reserve for invested unrestricted equity.

The authorization will be used to distribute dividend and/or assets from the reserve for invested unrestricted equity in four installments during the period of validity of the authorization unless the Board of Directors decides otherwise for a justified reason. The proposed total authorization for asset distribution is in line with the Companys dividend policy. The authorization would be valid until the opening of the next Annual General Meeting.

The Board would make separate resolutions on the amount and timing of each distribution of the dividend and/or assets from the reserve for invested unrestricted equity so that the preliminary record and payment dates will be as set out below. The Company shall make a separate announcement of each such Board resolution.

Preliminary record date Preliminary payment date 5 May 2025 12 May 2025 29 July 2025 7 August 2025 28 October 2025 6 November 2025 3 February 2026 12 February 2026

Each installment based on the resolution of the Board of Directors will be paid to a shareholder registered in the Companys shareholders register maintained by Euroclear Finland Oy on the record date of the payment.

Board composition and remuneration

Sren Skou and Carla Smits-Nusteling have informed the Boards Corporate Governance and Nomination Committee that they will no longer be available to serve on the Nokia Board of Directors after the Annual General Meeting. On the recommendation of the Corporate Governance and Nomination Committee, the Board proposes to the Annual General Meeting that the number of Board members be ten (10). However, should any number of the candidates proposed by the Board not be available for election, the number of Board members shall be decreased accordingly.

On the recommendation of the Corporate Governance and Nomination Committee, the Board further proposes to the Annual General Meeting that the following current Board members be re-elected as members of the Board of Directors for a term until the close of the next Annual General Meeting: Timo Ahopelto, Sari Baldauf, Elizabeth Crain, Thomas Dannenfeldt, Lisa Hook, Mike McNamara, Thomas Saueressig and Kai Oistamo. In addition, it is proposed that Pernille Erenbjerg, Danish citizen, former Group CEO and President of TDC Group; and Timo Ihamuotila, Finnish citizen, Chief Financial Officer of ABB Ltd, be elected as new members of the Board of Directors for a term until the close of the next Annual General Meeting.

Resumes of the Board candidates are presented in the Boards proposal available as of today at www.nokia.com/agm2025.

The Corporate Governance and Nomination Committee will propose in the assembly meeting of the new Board of Directors after the Annual General Meeting that Sari Baldauf be re-elected as the Chair of the Board and Timo Ihamuotila be elected as the Vice Chair, subject to their election to the Board.

On the recommendation of the Corporate Governance and Nomination Committee, the Board proposes to the Annual General Meeting that the annual fees payable to Board members for a term ending at the close of the next Annual General Meeting are kept at the current levels:

EUR 440 000 for the Chair of the Board;

EUR 210 000 for the Vice Chair of the Board;

EUR 185 000 for each member of the Board;

EUR 30 000 each for the Chairs of the Audit Committee and the Personnel Committee and EUR 20 000 for the Chairs of the Technology Committee and the Strategy Committee as an additional annual fee; and

EUR 15 000 for each member of the Audit Committee and the Personnel Committee and EUR 10 000 for each member of the Technology Committee and the Strategy Committee as an additional annual fee.





In line with Nokias Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Board proposes that approximately 40% of the annual fee be paid in Nokia shares. The rest of the annual fee would be paid in cash to cover taxes arising from the remuneration. The Directors shall retain until the end of their directorship such number of shares that they have received as Board remuneration during their first three years of service on the Board.

In addition, the Board proposes that the meeting fees for Board and Committee meetings remain at their current level. The meeting fees are based on travel required between the Board members home location and the location of a meeting and paid for a maximum of seven meetings per term as follows:

EUR 5 000 per meeting requiring intercontinental travel; and

EUR 2 000 per meeting requiring intracontinental travel.

Only one meeting fee is paid if the travel entitling to the fee includes several meetings of the Board and the Committees. Moreover, it is proposed that members of the Board shall be compensated for travel and accommodation expenses as well as other costs directly related to Board and Committee work.

Auditor election and remuneration

On the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that Deloitte Oy be re-elected as the auditor of the Company for the financial year 2026.

It is also proposed that the auditor elected for the financial year 2026 be reimbursed based on the purchase policy approved by the Audit Committee and the invoice approved by the Company.

Sustainability reporting assurer election and remuneration

On the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that Authorized Sustainability Audit Firm Deloitte Oy be re-elected as the sustainability reporting assurer for the financial year 2026.

It is also proposed that the assurer of the sustainability reporting elected for the financial year 2026 be reimbursed based on the purchase policy approved by the Audit Committee and the invoice approved by the Company.

Authorization to the Board to issue shares and repurchase Companys shares

The Board proposes that the Annual General Meeting authorize the Board to resolve to issue in total a maximum of 530 million shares through issuance of shares or special rights entitling to shares under Chapter 10, Section 1 of the Finnish Limited Liability Companies Act in one or more issues during the effective period of the authorization. The Board may issue either new shares or treasury shares held by the Company. Shares and special rights entitling to shares may be issued in deviation from the shareholders pre-emptive rights within the limits set by law. The authorization may be used to develop the Companys capital structure, diversify the shareholder base, finance or carry out acquisitions or other arrangements, to settle the Companys equity-based incentive plans or for other purposes resolved by the Board. It is proposed that the authorization be effective until 28 October 2026 and terminate the authorization for issuance of shares and special rights entitling to shares resolved at the Annual General Meeting on 3 April 2024.

The Board also proposes that the Board be authorized to resolve to repurchase a maximum of 530 million shares. The repurchases would reduce distributable funds of the Company. The shares may be repurchased otherwise than in proportion to the shares held by the shareholders (directed repurchase). Shares may be repurchased to be cancelled, held to be reissued, transferred further or for other purposes resolved by the Board. It is proposed that the authorization be effective until 28 October 2026 and terminate the authorization for repurchasing the Companys shares granted by the Annual General Meeting on 3 April 2024 to the extent that the Board has not previously resolved to repurchase shares based on such authorization.

530 million shares corresponds to less than 10 percent of the Companys total number of shares. The Board shall resolve on all other matters related to the issuance or repurchase of Nokia shares in accordance with the resolution by the Annual General Meeting.

Other matters to be addressed by the Annual General Meeting

Furthermore, the Annual General Meeting would address adopting the Companys financial statements for the financial year 2024, discharging the members of the Board of Directors and the President and Chief Executive Officer from liability for the financial year 2024, adopting the updated Remuneration Policy for the Companys governing bodies and adopting the Remuneration Report 2024.

The Remuneration Report for 2024 and the Nokia in 2024 annual report, which includes the Companys Annual Accounts, the review by the Board of Directors and the auditors report, are expected to be published and available at www.nokia.com/agm2025 in week 11 of 2025. The updated Remuneration Policy is expected to be published as an attachment to the Notice of the Annual General Meeting and available at www.nokia.com/agm2025 in week 7 of 2025.

About Nokia

At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.

With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today  and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

Inquiries:

Nokia Communications

Phone: +358 10 448 4900

Email: press.services@nokia.com

Maria Vaismaa, Head of External Communications

Nokia

Investor Relations

Phone: +358 931 580 507

Email: investor.relations@nokia.com
Harvia proudly celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2025, marking decades of dedication to sharing the healing heat of sauna with the world. What began in 1950, when Tapani Harvia founded a small Finnish workshop producing wood-burning sauna heaters, has grown into a global leader in sauna solutions, offering relaxation and natural wellbeing in nearly 100 countries. This milestone year will feature a series of celebrations and product launches, starting with the Harvia Cilindro wood-burning heaterthe first highlight of many anniversary activities to come.

"Over the decades, we have evolved from a Finnish heater company into a global provider of complete sauna solutions," says Matias Jarnefelt, CEO of Harvia Group. "Innovation and long-term strong partnerships have always been at the heart of our journey. This success would not have been possible without the dedication of our employees, the trust of our partners, and the collaboration with our customers. To all of you, we extend our heartfelt thanks. Together, we look forward to continuing to shape the global sauna market so that everyone has a reason to experience sauna."

From a Finnish heater manufacturer to a global sauna experience provider

From its Finnish origins, Harvia has embraced a global perspective, expanding its expertise to reflect the rich diversity of sauna cultures and types worldwide. Harvias growth has been fueled by both organic development and strategic acquisitions, strengthening its capabilities and broadening its offering to meet the needs of a global market.

Today, Harvias portfolio spans traditional, infrared, and steam saunas, as well as hot tubs and cold plunges, providing comprehensive solutions for a variety of sauna experiences. With a focus on great user experience and innovation, Harvia invests in areas such as digitalization and energy efficiency while introducing exciting advancements across all sauna types.

One highlight of this milestone year is the expansion of the popular Harvia Cilindro series to include wood-burning heaters. Designed and manufactured in Finland, the heater features a generous stone capacity for excellent steam production, a unique ventilation duct for fast heating, and a durable stainless-steel shell that ensures quiet operation. The glass hatch adds a warm glow to the sauna, creating a cozy and inviting ambiance.

Celebrating together

Harvias 75th anniversary is a celebration of the people and partners who have shaped its success. Throughout the year, Harvia will host events and activities, including webinars, podcasts, and open house events, to share its expertise and express gratitude to its global community.

We warmly invite you to join us in this journeywhether by discovering our new product launches, attending events, or exploring Harvias rich heritage. Stay tuned for more updates on anniversary activities, product launches, and events throughout the year.

Healing with heat

Learn more:

Discover the Harvia Cilindro wood-burning heater here.

Follow Harvias 75th anniversary events and activities here .

. Explore Harvias history here.





Further information:

Paivi Juolahti, CMO

tel: +358 40 703 3480

paivi.juolahti@harvia.com





Harvia in short

Harvia is one of the leading companies operating in the sauna and spa market globally in terms of revenue, profitability and global reach. Harvias brands and product portfolio are well known in the market, and the companys comprehensive product portfolio strives to meet the needs of the international sauna and spa market of both private and professional customers.

Harvia Group employs approximately 675 professionals in Finland, Germany, United States, Romania, China and Hong Kong, Austria, Italy, Estonia, and Sweden. The company is headquartered in Muurame, Finland, adjacent to its largest sauna and sauna component manufacturing facility.

Read more: https://harviagroup.com

Attachments
Selbyville, Delaware, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --



Wireless power bank market size valued at USD 5.6 billion in 2023, is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9% from 2024 to 2032. The widespread adoption of wireless charging technology across smartphones, smartwatches, and other electronic devices is a significant driver of this market. By eliminating the need for cables, wireless power banks offer unmatched convenience, appealing to tech-savvy consumers who prioritize efficiency and simplicity.

Request for a sample of this research report @ https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/12441

The increasing demand for portable, lightweight, and compact charging solutions has further amplified the popularity of wireless power banks. These devices are designed for modern lifestyles, catering to consumers who need reliable, on-the-go power for work, travel, or outdoor activities. Their versatility and ease of use make them a preferred choice, aligning seamlessly with the mobility-focused demands of todays connected world.

Despite their convenience, wireless power banks face certain limitations, including slower charging speeds and higher energy loss compared to traditional wired chargers. These inefficiencies can be a drawback for users who prioritize fast charging or require dependable performance in high-demand scenarios. Additionally, the increased energy consumption associated with wireless charging raises questions about its environmental sustainability.

Wireless power bank market is segmented by battery type into lithium-ion and lithium polymer. In 2023, lithium-ion batteries dominated with a market size of USD 4.1 billion and are forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 5% through 2032. Their superior energy density, stable performance, and extended cycle life make them the preferred choice for portable charging solutions. Ongoing advancements in lithium-ion technology have improved charging speeds and overall performance, with manufacturers integrating features like fast charging and intelligent power management systems to meet consumer expectations.

On the basis of end-user, the wireless power bank market is categorized into individual/consumer, commercial, and industrial segments. The individual/consumer segment accounted for 59.7% of the market share in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% over the forecast period. This growth is attributed to the rising dependency on personal electronic devices such as smartphones and wearables, which require frequent and convenient charging solutions.

Geographically, North America held a wireless power bank market share of USD 1.4 billion in 2023, with a projected CAGR of 5.2% from 2024 to 2032. The regions strong consumer electronics sector and focus on sustainability are driving the adoption of advanced wireless power banks, further supporting market expansion.

Request for Report Customization @ https://www.gminsights.com/roc/12441

Major players in wireless power bank market include ADATA Technology, Ambrane India, Anker Technology, ASUS, Aukey, Baseus Technology, Cellularline, Energizer, Intex Technologies, Lenovo, Microsoft, Omnicharge, Panasonic, Philips, Ravpower, Samsung SDI, Sony, Syska, Xiaomi, and Zendure among others.

Partial Table of Contents (ToC) of the report:

Chapter 1 Methodology & Scope

1.1 Market scope & definition

1.2 Base estimates & calculations

1.3 Forecast parameters

1.4 Data sources

1.4.1 Primary

1.4.2 Secondary

1.4.2.1 Paid sources

1.4.2.2 Public sources

Chapter 2 Executive Summary

2.1 Industry 3600 synopsis, 2021 - 2032

Chapter 3 Industry Insights

3.1 Industry ecosystem analysis

3.1.1 Factors affecting the value chain

3.1.2 Profit margin analysis

3.1.3 Disruptions

3.1.4 Future outlook

3.1.5 Manufacturers

3.1.6 Distributors

3.1.7 Retailers

3.2 Impact forces

3.2.1 Growth drivers

3.2.1.1 Increasing adoption of wireless charging technology

3.2.1.2 Growing demand for portable and convenient charging solutions

3.2.1.3 Rising power consumption of mobile devices

3.2.2 Industry pitfalls & challenges

3.2.2.1 Limited charging efficiency

3.2.2.2 Heat generation during charging

3.3 Technology & innovation landscape

3.4 Consumer buying behavior analysis

3.4.1 Demographic trends

3.4.2 Factors affecting buying decision

3.4.3 Consumer product adoption

3.4.4 Preferred distribution channel

3.5 Growth potential analysis

3.6 Regulatory landscape

3.7 Pricing analysis

3.8 Porters analysis

3.9 PESTEL analysis

Browse more accessories industry reports @ https://www.gminsights.com/industry-reports/accessories/84

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EL CENTRO, Calif., Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Premier Graphene Inc. (OTC: BIEI), announced today Premier Graphene Inc.s monumental progress from President Pedro Mendez efforts securing the approvals necessary for the presentation to Mexicos armed forces and security forces, in pursuit of major contracts.





Alfonso Jimenez Perez (left) founder and CEO of ISATEK, Pedro Mendez (center) President of Premier Graphene Inc. and Rafael Garcia (right) legal counsel for ISATEK

The presentation will include not only the contributions by Premier and HGI, but also:

Santa Rosa Green Seeds (including to Advance Industrial Hemp Initiatives in Mexico, which will supplement our plan to import specialized Industrial hemp seeds some which will be specifically for use in industrial processes, and other for cannabinoid extraction),

ISATEK (headed by Alfonso Jimenez, furnishing the 5 thousand hectares in Sonora, including securing local universities testing soil samples for critically important minerals, by running multiple tests for the presence and quantities of Boron and Nickel, having what appears to also contain an abundant supply of graphite (which could be used, to create graphene) within the 2 mines). Alfonso Jimenez of ISATEK stated,  we will run some test on the 5 thousand hectares in Sonora to test for Boron and Nickel. Hopefully, we will get positive results. In the meantime, we have an abundant supply of graphite within the 2 mines. We are in the process of getting all independent mines to join our cooperative. This way, our joint venture will become one of the largest producers of graphite and graphene in the western hemisphere.

NBA (with its important role in securing protective garments, including state of the art new generation armored vests as well as the future in armored vest fortified with graphene). This paves the way, with our joint venture partners, to collectively become one of the largest producers of graphite and graphene in the western hemisphere. This will facilitate an abundant supply in order to accommodate the needs of the Mexican military and hopefully the US military, as well as private industry. We have been working with lower rank officials sent by the Mexican military to go through small details of our live presentation. Our credibility with the military appears to be bolstered by our contracts with Defense Atomics. We are still waiting for a reply from a huge construction materials company on the testing of our graphene enhanced concrete mix that improves tensile strength by 32%, per the engineering report by Baja California Test S.A. de R.L. De C.V. and as first reported on August 8, 2024.

Maria Remedios Company - Maria Remedios has an agreement with the University of Guadalajara and HGI Industrial Technologies who will focus on the use of hemp hurd. The research will include the transformation of hemp hurd into pellets for use in plastics manufacturing. The plastics produced would be used in single use biodegradable plastic supplies, i.e. disposable plastic plates and cups as well as cutlery.

Premier and HGI are still waiting to secure 3 varieties of industrial hemp seed for testing in various states of the Mexican Republic. Premier and HGI will be working closely with Mexicos INIFAP (Mexicos National Institute for Forestry, Agricultural and Livestock research) in this pursuit.

About ISATEK S.A. de C.V.

Isatek S.A. de C.V. is a pioneer Mexican company that is focused on blockchain technology. Its cryptocurrency is AMERO, a coin that is backed by gold, silver, copper ore and graphite mines in Mexico as well as real estate including two private islands in the Sea of Cortez and other countries in Latin America.

Isatek has established its Latin America headquarters in El Salvador where cryptocurrency is a legal form of currency. ISATEK is currently opening a crypto trading market in Brazil, Bolivia, El Salvador, and Mexico, with plans to expand to Colombia, Argentina, Costa Rica, and Uruguay.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/puntualjalisco.com/2024/04/19/la-expansion-de-isatek-hacia-el-salvador-un-paso-hacia-la-integracion-financiera-y-tecnologica-en-america-latina/

https://www.elsudcaliforniano.com.mx/local/empresa-que-oferto-por-el-avion-presidencial-tiene-una-isla-en-baja-california-sur-avionpresidencial-ameroavionpresidencial-compradelavionpresidencial-4733918.html

https://mexicodailypost.com/2022/01/14/monterrey-company-offers-16-billion-dollars-in-cryptocurrencies-for-banamex/

To get the latest news on the exciting developments from Premier Biomedical Inc. (OTC: BIEI), now known as Premier Graphene, Inc., subscribe by submitting to: https://premiergrapheneinc.com/contact/.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedro-mendez-a504741ba

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gustavocarreno?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

For more information, please contact us at: info@premiergrapheneinc.com

About HGI Industrial Technologies:

HGI Industrial Technologies is a leading innovator in industrial solutions and an affiliate of Premier. Committed to sustainable practices, HGI is dedicated to advancing technologies that promote environmental responsibility and efficiency. With the help of Premier Graphene Inc we look forward to become a leader in the western hemisphere of graphene production. Thus helping our country become strong and independent of Chinese graphene.

About Santa Rosa Green Seeds:

Santa Rosa Green Seeds is a pioneer in the hemp industry in Mexico, specializing in the cultivation and processing of hemp licenses for various industrial applications. Their commitment to quality and sustainability makes them a key player in the agricultural sector.

About the Imperial Valley Conservation Research Center (IVCRC):

The Imperial Valley Conservation Research Center (IVCRC) is dedicated to research and innovation in agriculture. Under the guidance of industry experts like Don Brock, IVCRC fosters agricultural advancements that promote productivity and sustainability. IVCRC is the hub of industrial hemp investigation by 5 major universities in western United States including U.C. Davis, Oregon State University, Arizona State university and Washington state university.

About Premier Graphene Inc.:

Premier Graphene and its Mexican affiliate HGI Industrial Technologies LLC created a proprietary, scalable method to create high-quality, low-cost graphene out of industrial hemp. The Company plans on creating proprietary graphene colloids that can address billion-dollar markets such as the cement industry. The Company also enjoys the capacity to create proprietary best-in-class graphene-enhanced lubricants and epoxies. The Companys initial roll out will focus on markets that will require small capital expenditures. For example, and in the case of the cement industry, the Company will sell its graphene suspensions to existing multi-national cement manufacturers.

Premier engaged in a holding company reorganization so that the parent company, renamed from Premier Biomedical Inc., has almost no convertible debentures (less than $20,000) outstanding. As a result, the successor issuer public company, Premier Graphene, Inc., has nearly no debt. The predecessor issuers debt remains in the original company, now a subsidiary of the publicly traded company. The Company is traded on the OTC Market, in full compliance with OTC Market reporting requirements. Premier Graphene, Inc. is in the process of a single corporate action  changing its name with FINRA and thus OTC Markets. Its articles of incorporation prohibit a reverse split. It is involved in the development of sophisticated products utilizing the unique characteristics of graphene, partnering with various related corporations and unrelated corporations.

Safe Harbor Notice:

Certain statements contained herein are forward-looking statements (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). The Company cautions its readers that the statements and assumptions made in this news release constitute forward-looking statements and makes no guarantee of future performance. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and opinions of management at the time the statements are made. These statements may address issues that involve significant risks, uncertainties and associated estimates made by management. Actual results could differ materially from current projections or implied results. Premier Graphene, Inc. (OTC: BIEI), whose name is being changed from Premier Biomedical Inc., undertakes no obligation to revise these statements following the date of this news release.

Contact:

p.mendez@premiergrapheneinc.com

info@premiergrapheneinc.com

Websites: www.premiergrapheneinc.com

www.hgiindustrialtechnologies.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/75c3d2b2-d0a3-4e9b-a656-4126dbdc051f
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Prime Mining Corp. (Prime or the Company) (TSX: PRYM) (OTCQX: PRMNF) (Frankfurt: 04V3) is reporting expansion drilling results from the Companys Los Reyes Project (the Project), located in Sinaloa State, Mexico. These results are from 2024 drilling at the Central Trend and are not included in the Companys October 15, 2024, Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE).

Expansion Drilling Highlights in the Central Trend

The Company is reporting 14 core holes at the Central Trend, 9 of which are from Noche Buena, at the southernmost part of the trend, with the following highlights:

3.48 grams per tonne (g/t) gold-equivalent (AuEq) (3.12 g/t Au and 27.7 g/t Ag) over 7.6 m estimated true width (ETW) in hole 24NB-78, including: 8.64 g/t AuEq (7.8 g/t Au and 64.8 g/t Ag) over 2.8 m ETW, including: 16.22 g/t AuEq (15.00 g/t Au and 94.0 g/t Ag) over 1.4 m ETW;

2.16 g/t AuEq (1.75 g/t Au and 31.9 g/t Ag) over 11.3 m ETW in hole 24NB-67, including: 8.65 g/t AuEq (7.42 g/t Au and 95.3 g/t Ag) over 2.3 m ETW;

1.65 g/t AuEq (1.03 g/t Au and 47.6 g/t Ag) over 11.2 m ETW in hole 24NB-77, including: 4.24 g/t AuEq (2.40 g/t Au and 142.0 g/t Ag) over 1.8 m ETW.





Prime Mining Corp. Chief Executive Officer Scott Hicks commented, Step-out drill holes at the southernmost end of Noche Buena in the Central Trend returned excellent gold and silver grades, defining a brand new high-grade shoot that is several hundred meters beyond our October 2024 resource update. Mineralization is at grades and widths indicative of underground expansion potential. And, mineralization remains open at depth and along strike to the south, with strong potential for significant extension via the 2025 drilling currently underway.

Scott Smith, Executive Vice President of Exploration, added, This high-grade extension, defined by drillholes 24NB-77, -78, -73, and -74, confirms a 300-metre, high-grade shoot along strike from current stopes defined in our last MRE. The downdip extent of this high-grade shoot has been defined at over 120 metres, remains open, and presents an opportunity to add a significant volume of inferred stopes with follow-up drilling. We are excited for 2025 to bring a continuation of similar positive results as we continue further step-outs along strike and down dip at Noche Buena.

Figure 1: Expansion drilling update





Central Drill Hole Highlights1

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) ETW (m)2 Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) AuEq3 Au Cut-off4 24NB-67 67.0 69.0 2.0 1.8 1.67 16.1 1.88 1.0 24NB-67 290.6 303.0 12.4 11.3 1.75 31.9 2.16 0.2 including 297.0 299.6 2.6 2.3 7.42 95.3 8.65 1.0 24NB-68 340.0 340.8 0.8 0.6 1.04 163.0 3.15 1.0 24NB-68 351.1 356.1 5.1 3.9 1.72 5.3 1.79 0.2 including 351.1 352.0 0.9 0.7 5.97 11.5 6.12 1.0 including 353.7 354.9 1.2 0.9 2.50 1.6 2.52 1.0 24NB-77 308.3 321.2 13.0 11.2 1.03 47.6 1.65 0.2 including 309.8 310.5 0.7 0.6 3.33 11.0 3.47 1.0 including 316.5 317.9 1.4 1.2 1.28 87.0 2.41 1.0 including 319.2 321.2 2.0 1.8 2.40 142.0 4.24 1.0 24NB-78 341.4 350.6 9.2 7.6 3.12 27.7 3.48 0.2 including 342.8 346.2 3.4 2.8 7.80 64.8 8.64 1.0 including 342.8 344.5 1.7 1.4 15.00 94.0 16.22 1.0 24NB-78 376.2 380.9 4.7 3.9 1.08 57.7 1.83 0.2 including 377.2 379.9 2.7 2.2 1.57 88.8 2.72 1.0

Notes:

A complete table of assay results from all deposits and all secondary zones intersected utilizing a 0.20 g/t Au cut-off is on the Company's website. Estimated True Widths (ETW) are estimated based on drill hole geology or comparisons with other on-section drill holes. Au Equivalent (AuEq) grade is calculated as Au g/t + (Ag g/t x ($25.24/$1950)) where $25.24 and $1950 are the price of one ounce of Ag and Au respectively (in US dollars). Composite assay grades presented in summary tables are calculated using a Au grade minimum average of 0.20 g/t or 1.0 g/t as indicated in Au Cut-off column of Summary Tables. Maximum internal waste included in any reported composite interval is 3.00 m. The 1.00 g/t Au cut-off is used to define higher-grade cores within the lower-grade halo.

INTERPRETATION

Noche Buena:

24NB-77, -78, -73, and -74, along with previous drilling, now define a 400m long, by 80-160m wide, high-grade shoot at the far southern end of the Central trend. 24NB-78, the southernmost drillhole completed to date at Central, represents an extension of 210m and 300m along strike from the 2024 MRE pit crest and the southernmost 2024 MRE stopes, respectively. The shoot remains open along strike to the south and at depth, and given the high gold and silver grades intercepted, represents a strong opportunity to add additional underground Resources in the Central Trend. Drilling targeting the expansion of this high-grade shoot will continue to be a focus in early 2025.

Figure 2: Central Trend drilling update





Figure 3: Central Trend long section with drill holes highlighted (A-A)





Figure 4: Central Trend (Noche Buena) cross section B-B





Outlook

Prime will continue to evaluate drilling plans using its success-based approach into 2025. This evaluation will also include prioritization of targets based on probability of resource development and generative area discovery potential.

Six drill rigs are currently on site at Los Reyes, with exploration focused on:

Extending the high-grade Z-T Area shoots that remain open at depth, as well as along strike, both north and south.

shoots that remain open at depth, as well as along strike, both north and south. Expanding the known high-grade mineralization at Guadalupe East .

. Increasing the Central Area resource through additions at Noche Buena and its connection to San Miguel East.

through additions at Noche Buena and its connection to San Miguel East. Generative target drilling of high-grade intercepts at Las Primas, Mariposa, Fresnillo and others to further develop the resource potential at Los Reyes.

Links to Figures:

Links to Tables:

About the Los Reyes Gold and Silver Project

Los Reyes is a high-grade, low-sulphidation epithermal gold-silver project located in Sinaloa State, Mexico. Since acquiring Los Reyes in 2019, Prime has spent more than $59 million on direct exploration activities and has completed over 210,000 metres of drilling. On October 15, 2024, Prime announced an updated multi-million-ounce high-grade open pit and underground resource based on exploration drilling up to July 17, 2024.

October 15, 2024 Resource Statement1

(based on a $1950/oz gold price, $25.24/oz silver price, economic-constrained estimate)

Mining Method

and Process Class Tonnage

(kt) Gold Grade

(g/t) Gold Contained

(koz) Silver Grade

(g/t) Silver Contained

(koz) Gold Equiv.

(g/t) Gold Equiv.

(koz) Silver Equiv.

(g/t) Silver Equiv.

(koz) Open Pit - Mill Indicated 24,657 1.13 899 35.7 28,261 1.60 1,265 123.3 97,723 Inferred 7,211 0.89 207 42.8 9,916 1.45 335 111.8 25,911 Underground Indicated 4,132 3.02 402 152.4 20,243 5.00 664 386.1 51,290 Inferred 4,055 2.10 273 78.6 10,247 3.12 406 240.7 31,380 Total Mill Indicated 28,789 1.41 1,301 52.4 48,504 2.08 1,928 161.0 149,012 Inferred 11,266 1.33 480 55.7 20,163 2.05 741 158.2 57,291 Open Pit - Heap Leach Indicated 20,254 0.29 190 8.4 5,492 0.40 261 31.0 20,201 Inferred 5,944 0.30 58 7.3 1,398 0.40 76 30.6 5,856 Total Indicated 49,042 0.95 1,491 34.2 53,995 1.39 2,190 107.3 169,213 Inferred 17,210 0.97 538 39.0 21,561 1.48 817 114.1 63,147

Refer to the Additional Notes section for the gold equivalent grade (AuEq) calculation method and further information.



Drilling is ongoing and suggests that the three known main deposit areas (Guadalupe, Central and Z-T) are larger than previously reported. Potential also exists for new discoveries where mineralized trends have been identified outside of the currently defined resource areas. Historic operating results indicate that an estimated 1 million ounces of gold and 60 million ounces of silver were recovered from five separate operations at Los Reyes between 1770 and 1990. Prior to Primes acquisition, recent operators of Los Reyes had spent approximately US$20 million on exploration, engineering, and prefeasibility studies.

QA/QC Protocols and Sampling Procedures

Drill core at the Los Reyes project is drilled in predominately HQ size (63.5 millimetres mm), reducing to NQ (47.6 mm) when required. Drill core samples are generally 1.50 m long along the core axis with allowance for shorter or longer intervals if required to suit geological constraints. After logging intervals are identified to be sampled, the core is cut and one-half is submitted for assay. RC drilling returns rock chips and fines from a 133.35 mm diameter tricone bit. The returns are homogenized and split into 2 halves, with one half submitted for analysis and the other half stored.

Sample QA/QC measures include unmarked certified reference materials, blanks, and field duplicates, as well as preparation duplicates inserted into the sample sequence and make up approximately 8% of the samples submitted to the laboratory for each drill hole.

Samples are picked up from the Project by the laboratory personnel and transported to their facilities in Durango or Hermosillo Mexico, for sample preparation. Sample analysis is carried out by Bureau Veritas and ALS Labs, with fire assay, including over limits fire assay re-analysis, completed at their respective Hermosillo, Mexico laboratories and multi-element analysis completed in North Vancouver, Canada. Drill core sample preparation includes fine crushing of the sample to at least 70% passing less than 2 mm, sample splitting using a riffle splitter, and pulverizing a 250-gram split to at least 85% passing 75 microns.

Gold in diamond drill core is analyzed by fire assay and atomic absorption spectroscopy of a 30 g sample (code FA430 or Au-AA23). Multi-element chemistry is analyzed by 4-Acid digestion of a 0.25-gram sample split (code MA300 or ME-ICP61) with detection by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer for a full suite of elements.

Gold assay techniques FA430 and Au-AA23 have an upper detection limit of 10 ppm. Any sample that produces an over-limit gold value via the initial assay technique is sent for gravimetric finish via method FA-530 or Au-GRA21. Silver analyses by MA300 and ME-ICP61 have an upper limit of 200 ppm and 100 ppm, respectively. Samples with over-limit silver values are re-analyzed by fire assay with gravimetric finish FA530 or Au-GRA21.

Both Bureau Veritas and ALS Labs are ISO/IEC accredited assay laboratories.

Additional Notes

Primes MRE as of October 15, 2024 is classified in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) CIM Definition Standards - For Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves adopted by the CIM Council (as amended, the CIM Definition Standards) and in accordance with the requirements of NI 43-101. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability.

Metres is represented by m; etw is Estimated True Width and is based on drill hole geometry or comparisons with other on-section drill holes; Au refers to gold, and Ag refers to silver; g/t is grams per metric tonne; some figures may not sum due to rounding; Composite assay grades presented in summary tables are calculated using a Au grade minimum average of 0.20 g/t or 1.0 g/t as indicated in Au Cut-off column of Summary Tables. Maximum internal waste included in any reported composite interval is 3.00 m. The 1.00 g/t Au cut-off is used to define higher-grade cores within the lower-grade halo.

Gold equivalent grades are calculated based on an assumed gold price of US$1,950 per ounce and silver price of $25.24 per ounce, based on the formula AuEq grade (g/t) = Au grade + (Ag grade x $25.24 / $1,950). Metallurgical recoveries are not considered in the in-situ grade estimate but are estimated to be 95.6% and 81% for gold and silver, respectively, when processed in a mill, and 73% and 25% respectively when heap-leached. Additional details are available in the associated Technical Report, filed on November 27, 2024.

Qualified Person

Scott Smith, P.Geo., Executive Vice President of Exploration, is a Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical content in this news release.

About Prime Mining

Prime is managed by an ideal mix of successful mining executives, strong capital markets personnel and experienced local operators all focused on unlocking the full potential of the Project. The Company has a well-planned capital structure with a strong management team and insider ownership. Prime is targeting a material resource expansion at Los Reyes through a combination of new generative area discoveries and growth, while also building on technical de-risking activities to support eventual project development.

For further information, please visit https://www.primeminingcorp.ca/ or direct enquiries to:

Scott Hicks

CEO & Director

Indi Gopinathan

VP Capital Markets & Business Development

Prime Mining Corp.

710  1030 West Georgia St.

Vancouver, BC V6E 2Y3 Canada

+1(604) 238-1659

info@primeminingcorp.ca

Cautionary Notes to U.S. Investors Concerning Resource Estimates

This news release has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of the U.S. securities laws. In particular, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the terms mineral reserve, proven mineral reserve, probable mineral reserve, inferred mineral resources, indicated mineral resources, measured mineral resources and mineral resources used or referenced in this presentation are Canadian mineral disclosure terms as defined in accordance with NI 43-101 under the guidelines set out in the CIM Standards. The CIM Standards differ from the mineral property disclosure requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) in Regulation S-K Subpart 1300 (the SEC Modernization Rules) under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act). As a foreign private issuer that is eligible to file reports with the SEC pursuant to the multijurisdictional disclosure system, the Company is not required to provide disclosure on its mineral properties under the SEC Modernization Rules and will continue to provide disclosure under NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards. Accordingly, the Companys disclosure of mineralization and other technical information may differ significantly from the information that would be disclosed had the Company prepared the information under the standards adopted under the SEC Modernization Rules.

Forward Looking Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation as may be amended from time to time, including, without limitation, statements regarding the perceived merit of the Companys properties, including additional exploration potential of Los Reyes, potential quantity and/or grade of minerals, the potential size of the mineralized zone, metallurgical recoveries, and the Companys exploration and development plans in Mexico. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts which address events, results, outcomes, or developments that the Company expects to occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Companys management on the date the statements are made, and they involve several risks and uncertainties. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements were made, including without limitation, assumptions regarding the price of gold, silver and copper; the accuracy of mineral resource estimations; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its properties; that all required approvals will be obtained, including concession renewals and permitting; that political and legal developments will be consistent with current expectations; that currency and exchange rates will be consistent with current levels; and that there will be no significant disruptions affecting the Company or its properties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements involve significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These risks include, but are not limited to: risks related to uncertainties inherent in the preparation of mineral resource estimates, including but not limited to changes to the cost assumptions, variations in quantity of mineralized material, grade or recovery rates, changes to geotechnical or hydrogeological considerations, failure of plant, equipment or processes, changes to availability of power or the power rates, ability to maintain social license, changes to interest or tax rates, changes in project parameters, delays and costs inherent to consulting and accommodating rights of local communities, environmental risks, title risks, including concession renewal, commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations, risks relating to COVID-19 and other future pandemics, delays in or failure to receive access agreements or amended permits, risks inherent in the estimation of mineral resources; and risks associated with executing the Companys objectives and strategies, including costs and expenses, as well as those risk factors discussed in the Company's most recently filed management's discussion and analysis, as well as its annual information form dated March 25, 2024, available on www.sedarplus.ca. Except as required by the securities disclosure laws and regulations applicable to the Company, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if managements beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/adb14dc7-a374-4a73-8fe3-397443ed588f

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/848ce897-b26d-4f9d-bd5d-97087b7f89ee

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/65f6f693-a887-4033-b66d-88c6f1be579d

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2ee369fd-e0af-43f8-b63f-66a83e157d4d
US & Canada, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a new comprehensive report from The Insight Partners, the global Military Drone Market Size and Forecast (2021 - 2031), Global and Regional Share, Trend, and Growth Opportunity Analysis Report Coverage: By Type (Group 1, Group 2, Group 3, Group 4, and Group 5), Application (ISR, Warfare, and Others), Range (Short Range, Medium Range, and Long Range), Technology (Fixed Wing and Rotary Wing) and Geography.





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The report runs an in-depth analysis of market trends, key players, and future opportunities. The demand for military drones is expected to grow during the forecasted period due to an increase in the use of electronics into military forces. Also, advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, and their integration with drone systems allow drone manufacturers to glorify their portfolios. Their state-of-the-art products enable real-time, data-driven decision-making by enabling high-speed data capture and processing.

Market Overview and Growth Trajectory:

Military Drone Market Growth: The military drone market is expected to reach US$ 27.63 billion by 2031 from US$ 12.93 billion in 2023; it is expected to record a CAGR of 10.0% during the forecast period. In the military sector, drones are used in applications such as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR); electronic warfare; coordination and transportation; and research and surveying. Drones can be remotely operated, and equipped with various sensors and weapons, which has added to their popularity in military applications. Moreover, their remote operations lead to the increased safety of personnel operating them; they are not exposed to risks associated with traditional warfare. In addition, the use of drones reduces the need for ground troops, which can significantly reduce the number of casualties and related expenses.





For Detailed Market Insights, Visit: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/reports/military-drone-market





Rising Number of Contracts for Military Drones: One of the major factors driving the growth of military drone market is increasing number of contracts from different military forces worldwide. Some of them are mentioned below:

In December 2022, the UK Ministry of Defense awarded Lockheed Martin Corporation a contract with the evaluation of US$ 157 million to supply more than 250 mini-drones for the British Army. Under the 10-year agreement, the company delivered 159 rotary-wing Indago 4 drones and 105 fixed-wing Stalker VXE30 drones to replace the army's Desert Hawk 3 mini-drones.

In March 2021, Textron received a contract worth up to US$ 607 million from the US Army. Under this contract, Textron provided the contractor logistics support, field services, and engineering support, along with retrofitting their existing Shadow Block II Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (TUAS) to the upgraded Block III configuration.

In April 2022, the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) awarded a contract to a consortium led by Thales and CS group to develop a counter-unmanned aerial vehicle (C-UAV) system.

In January 2021, Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd signed two deals to sell and lease, respectively, two Heron MK II UAV systems to a central Asian country. Although the exact deal value is not known, the deals were valued at tens of millions of US dollars. The systems include reconnaissance payloads, Heron MK II drones, and land arrays.

In March 2023, Northrop Grumman Corporation, teamed with Shield AI, was chosen by the US Army to participate in the future tactical unmanned aircraft system (FTUAS) competitionIncrement 2to replace the long-serving RQ-7B Shadow TUAS.

In March 2023, Northrop Grumman, a US-based defense giant, won the Triton drone sustainment contract, which is valued at US$ 57 million. The deal also requires continued field service to ensure the MQ-4C Triton surveillance aircraft are mission-ready for the US Navy and the Australian government.

Companies in the military drones market continuously engage in new product launched to cater to the demand from military authorities of different countries. For instance, in January 2023, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) launched Point Blank, a loitering munition drone, for US military under a multimillion-dollar contract between the US Department of Defense (DoD) and Israel government owned IAI. Such product launches by military drones market players will trigger a number of contracts from the different countries, thereby boosting the market growth in the forecasted period.





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Surging Military Expenditure: The evolving modern warfare scenario has compelled governments of various countries across the globe to assign significant funds and financial aid toward respective defense and military forces. The defense budget allocation supports army and military forces to obtain enhanced technologies and equipment from domestic or international developers. On the other hand, military and army vehicle upgrades are on the rise owing to growing defense budget allocation. Furthermore, the increasing governmental expenditure showcases governments' focus on strengthening national security forces. There is an increased need to reinforce military and border security forces with advanced surveillance, communication, navigation equipment, artilleries, armaments, and vehicles, among others; hence, military forces worldwide are focusing on investing significant amounts in procuring artillery systems and other advanced technologies. Defense forces' constant inclination to acquire new technologies for noncombat and combat operations further boosts military expenditure worldwide. As per the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), global military expenditure increased to US$ 2443 billion in 2023, representing a 13.7% increase from 2022. The US, China, India, Russia, and Saudi Arabia were the top five spenders in 2023, accounting for around 61% of global expenditures.

Use of Drones in Military Cargo Operations: The use of drones in military cargo has expanded into several critical areas of operations, providing a variety of benefits for armed forces across the globe. Some of the most prominent applications that is boosting the adoption of drones into military cargo operations include resupply missions in remote areas, emergency medical supply drops, ammunition and equipment resupply, and heavy cargo transportation.

Geographical Insights: In 2023, North America led the market with a substantial revenue share, followed by Asia Pacific and Europe, respectively. Asia Pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.





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Military Drone Market Segmentation, Applications, Geographical Insights:

Based on type, the military drone market is segmented into group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, and group 5. The group 5 segment held the largest market share in 2023.





Based on application, the military drone market is divided into ISR, warfare, and others. The ISR segment held a larger share of the market in 2023.





Based on range, the military drone market is divided into short range, medium range, and long range. The medium range segment held the largest share of the market in 2023.





Based on technology, the military drone market is divided into fixed wing and rotary wing. The fixed wing held ta larger share of the market in 2023.





Key Players and Competitive Landscape:

The Military Drone Market is characterized by the presence of several major players, including:

Lockheed Martin Corp

Northrop Grumman Corp

Thales SA

Boeing Co.

Elbit Systems Ltd

General Atomics

Textron Systems Corp

BAE Systems Plc

AeroVironment Inc

Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.

These companies are adopting strategies such as new product launches, joint ventures, and geographical expansion to maintain their competitive edge in the market.

MILITARY DRONE Market Recent Developments and Innovations:

" Lockheed Martin recently unveiled a counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) interceptor."





" Lockheed Martin released its next-generation Indago 4 quadcopter."





" Aerovironment Inc completes acquisition of Arcturus UAV"





" IAI signed an agreement to acquire 50% of the equity of BlueBird Aero Systems."









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Conclusion:

North America led the global military drone market in 2023. Based on country, the military drones market is segmented into the US, Canada, and Mexico. AeroVironment, Inc.; AEROVEL CORPORATION; and Textron Systems are among the key military drone manufacturers present in North America. Various companies are developing military drones for different applications. For instance, in December 2022, General Atomics launched an "Eaglet" drone from a US Army-owned Gray Eagle extended range unmanned armed system (UAS). This is the first mid-air drone launch, expected to strengthen the US defense sector. This Eaglet concept extends the capabilities of military drone's launching platforms and creates the opportunity for its launch in swarms' network during a war, further strengthening the defense sector.

Many regional drone manufacturers are upgrading their existing kamikaze drones. Kamikaze drones are packed with explosives, and they help destroy the enemy. In March 2023, AeroVironment, Inc. launched the newest version of Switchblade 300 (a kamikaze drone), named Switchblade 300 Block 20, with new operational features such as a new tablet-based Fire Control System. In addition, it is a lightweight and precision-guarded drone that can be deployed in less than 2 minutes via tube launch, improving mission flexibility. These features boost the drone's performance and capability improvements, contributing to its demand.





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The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We specialize in industries such as Semiconductor and Electronics, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Biotechnology, Healthcare IT, Manufacturing and Construction, Medical Device, Technology, Media and Telecommunications, Chemicals and Materials.

Contact Us:

If you have any queries about this report or if you would like further information, please contact us:

Contact Person: Ankit Mathur

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BELLEVUE, Wash., Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Despite the third-party logistics (3PL) industry reaching $194B in revenue last year, 40% of 3PLs struggled to increase profits*. Easy Metrics addresses this profitability gap with Easy Metrics Profit Management, a new SaaS solution that provides real-time profitability insights by customer, process, and site. With instant access to profitability data, 3PLs can now optimize operating margins and boost their bottom line while eliminating weeks of manual reporting.

This real-time profitability data is a game-changer for 3PLs, commented Dan Keto, President and CTO of Easy Metrics. Knowing each customers operating margin enables 3PLs to price competitively, negotiate pricing based on objective data, and boost operating margins by up to 3%. For 3PLs with typical operating margins of 20-30%, thats a significant impact because it goes straight to the bottom line.

Enhanced pricing transparency, supported by objective data, strengthens customer relationships for 3PLs. Since 3PL customers often value service over price, sharing operational data simplifies pricing discussions and builds trust. This transparency helps 3PLs retain key customers and attract new ones by showcasing their value. National Logistics Services, which piloted Easy Metrics Profit Management, demonstrated this impact. Val Ramoop, Vice President of Operations at NLS, said, Ultimately, the data speaks for itself. If there are deviations, we can show our clients, This is whats driving your cost per unit.

Multi-tenant 3PLs, especially those with multiple sites, gain the most from Easy Metrics Profit Management. The innovative technology delivers daily profit analysis for a 3PLs entire network, breaking down costs by site, customer, process, or timeframemonthly, weekly, or daily. This level of detail allows 3PLs to pinpoint unprofitable processes or activities for precise troubleshooting and improvement. With significant bottom-line gains through better pricing and the ability to identify and address unprofitable activities, 3PLs using our solution will have a clear edge in todays ultra-competitive environment, stated Keto.

Easy Metrics Profit Management integrates with Easy Metrics ProTrack or any Labor Management System (LMS) that allocates time spent on a process as employees perform work. For 3PLs without an LMS, Easy Metrics offers OpsFM alongside Profit Management, allowing them to get up and running quickly.

We founded Easy Metrics to help warehouse executives address cost challenges by providing data that empowers them to make daily business decisions. Profit Management builds on this vision by connecting activity-based costing to revenue, allowing executives to view their operational cost structure as a profit center and maximize daily value for customers and shareholders, concluded Dean Dorcas, Co-Founder and CEO of Easy Metrics.

*Source: https://www.inboundlogistics.com/articles/2024-perspectives-3pl-market-research-report/

About Easy Metrics

Operations and finance leaders use Easy Metrics cloud platform to analyze, forecast, and manage the cost and performance of their warehouse operations. Easy Metrics empowers leaders to drive operational speed and efficiency, cut waste, prioritize investments, and adopt labor and automation strategies that fuel their business growth. Easy Metrics is based in Bellevue, Washington and is backed by Nexa Equity, a private equity firm based in San Francisco, CA. For more information, please visit https://easymetrics.com .

About Nexa Equity

Nexa Equity is a San Francisco, California-based private equity firm that partners with founder-led, rapidly scaling SaaS companies that address markets underserved by technology to create enduring value for the benefit of its investors and portfolio companies. The firm has more than $350 million in private equity capital under management and is focused on continuing to grow its portfolio of companies. The Nexa Equity team brings substantial investing and operational experience and helps management teams professionalize and scale their businesses while driving long-term sustainable growth. For more information, please visit www.nexaequity.com .

Contact:

Easy Metrics

Ronda Broughton

650-400-8940

ronda@easymetrics.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/395656b7-159e-4d2c-af6b-cd40faded991
Dublin, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "A Practical Guide to Producing and Maintaining the PSMF Training Course" conference has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The pharmacovigilance system master file (PSMF) is a legal requirement for any medicinal product authorised in the European Union

The PSMF provides the regulators with a detailed description and assessment of the entire pharmacovigilance system and the outputs contained in the annexes provide an understanding of a company's compliance. This course will provide a practical guide to planning, writing, maintaining and updating the PSMF to ensure compliance. The programme will cover the importance of the PSMF in regulatory inspections, including common PSMF inspection findings. You will discuss the processes and systems required to manage the PSMF as well as the latest advice on the impact of Brexit.

Benefits of attending:

Understand the regulatory requirements for the PSMF

Gain an overview of the key issues in producing, maintaining and updating the PSMF

Discuss the PSMF as a QMS document

Learn about the roles of the QPPV and the PSMF

Review common inspection findings and deficiencies related to the PSMF

Who Should Attend:

This course will be relevant for anyone working in pharmacovigilance who requires a comprehensive overview of the PSMF, including QPPVs and those responsible for safety assessments. It will also be of interest to those who work with pharmacovigilance, eg in regulatory affairs, clinical, sales and marketing, legal, commercial and quality, as well as the audit group.

Agenda:

Introduction, welcome and objectives

Introduction and Background to the PSMF

The DDPS and the PSMF

Objectives of the PSMF

Registration of the PSMF

Regulatory requirements and accessibility of the PSMF

Responsibilities of the marketing authorisation holder, updates and the EU QPPV

The content of the PSMF

The PSMF template

The level of detail required by the PSMF

Preparation of the annexes

The PSMF log book

The sections of the PSMF

The EU QPPV

Sources of safety data

IT and databases

Regulatory timeline compliance

The PSMF processes

The PSMF and audits

The company quality system and the PSMF

The annex requirements for the PSMF

The company product list

The EU QPPV list of delegated tasks

The list of SOPs and procedures

List of delegated activities to third-party partners

A list of completed audits and schedules

A list of performance indicators for the PSMF section

The roles and responsibilities of the EU QPPV

Master file number and version changes (audit trail)

The PSMF and inspections

The PSMF and inspection findings

Regulatory authority requests to view the PSMF

Transfer of responsibility for a pharmacovigilance system to the QPPV

Notifying the QPPV of changes to the PSMF

PSMF responsibilities with shared marketing authorisation holders

Change control, logbook, versions and archiving

Audit trails and the PSMF

The PSMF post-inspection

Final discussion session

Certification:

CPD: 6 hours for your records

Certificate of completion

Speakers:



Graeme Ladds

Director

PharSafer Associates Ltd.



Graeme Ladds, Director of PharSafer, has over 22 years' experience working in the pharmaceutical industry. Having started his career at Ashbourne Pharmaceuticals in 1989 as Head of Drug Safety & Medical Information, Graeme went on to become Head of Global Pharmacovigilance at Shire Pharmaceuticals.



The last 11 years have been spent in his consultancy company, PharSafer Associates Ltd. During this time, Graeme has been involved in establishing pharmacovigilance in companies, performing audits across Europe and the USA, SOP writing, acting as QP for companies, and helping with regulatory inspections.



For more information about this conference and future dates visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/4si5g1

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.
CALGARY, Alberta, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global Uranium Corp. (CSE: GURN | OTC: GURFF | FRA: Q3J) (the Company) and Forum Energy Metals Corp. (TSX.V: FMC; OTCQB: FDCFF) (Forum) are pleased to announce the completion of data compilation and reprocessing of historical electromagnetic (EM) geophysical surveys to optimize the upcoming drill program on the Northwest Athabasca (NWA) Project, located on the northwest shore of Lake Athabasca in Saskatchewan, Canada (Figure 1). Diamond drilling and geophysical surveys are planned this winter, pending the completion of ongoing community engagement and final government approvals. Forum Energy Metals is the Operator of the Northwest Athabasca Project.

The integration of historical geophysical datasets and legacy drill results gives us an advantage in identifying areas of high potential, stated Ungad Chadda, CEO of Global Uranium. We are pleased that the Forum exploration teams knowledge and experience in Saskatchewan unconformity-style uranium deposits will shape the refined targeting strategy at the NWA Project, positioning us to unlock the sites full value potential.

Rick Mazur, CEO of Forum Energy Metals stated, Forums logistics team is working with local services and contractors to implement the drill program this winter. We are excited to get back to drilling on the project again with Global as our earn-in partner. This is a prolific part of the Athabasca Basin and our last drill campaign in 2013 intersected significant uranium mineralization.

2025 Data Compilation and Drill Targeting

The Northwest Athabasca Project has undergone exploration since the 1970s so there is an enormous database of geological work that has been completed historically (ground sampling, geophysical surveys and diamond drilling). Forum has been compiling all the historical data into its database including Forums past exploration from 2010 to 2014.

The main targets planned for drilling in 2025 include the Andy, Zone 2A, Opie, Gomer and Spring Bay areas (Figure 2). Drill targets are selected using a combination of following up known uranium showings, ground and airborne EM conductors, magnetic signatures and gravity anomalies. The Maurice Bay uranium showing, which is within the Northwest Athabasca Project is associated with east-southeast-trending faults with significant normal fault displacement.

Forum Energy Metals is working with Convolutions Geoscience based out of Vancouver, British Columbia to investigate and reprocess the historical ground HLEM (Horizontal Loop Electromagnetic) and airborne VTEM (Versatile Time Domain Electromagnetic) data that were originally collected by Cameco Corporation in 2005 and 2006. In the Griffiths Creek area (Andy, Zone 2A, Opie target areas), several HLEM and VTEM conductors were identified. Convolutions Geoscience has re-analyzed the historical data and provided recommendations on the orientation and strength of the conductors to help augment the targeting of the potential conductive zones (Figure 3).

The Northwest Athabasca Project

The Northwest Athabasca Project is located along the northwest shore of Lake Athabasca on the margin of the Athabasca Basin 1,000 km north-northwest of Saskatoon. The western margin of the property is situated along the Alberta  Saskatchewan provincial border and the closest community is Uranium City, which is 75 km west of the project. The project consists of 11 continuous mineral claims covering 13,876 ha. Exploration began on the Northwest Athabasca Project in the 1970s after the discovery of uraniferous boulders of Athabasca Group sandstone near Fiddler Point. Diamond drilling at the inferred apex of one of the boulder fans led to the discovery of unconformity uranium mineralization near Maurice Bay in 1976 by Uranerz Exploration and Mining Ltd. A non-43-101 historical resource estimate was documented at 1.5 million lbs at 0.6% U3O8 for the Maurice Bay Showing1. The historical resource estimate, however, was not prepared in accordance with the requirements of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101). While the Company believes the historical estimate to be relevant given the extensive exploration work completed by Uranerz, a qualified person has not completed sufficient work to verify and classify the historical estimate as a current mineral resource and the Company is not treating the historical estimate as a current mineral. As such, the historical estimate should not be relied upon. Uranium mineralization is hosted in 3 zones, (Main, A, and B) and the Main Zone mineralization is associated with an east-southeast-trending fault system with approximately 30 m of normal-fault offset (south side down). The A and B zones are situated north of the main zone within the basement rocks along reactivated normal faults and cross-cutting northeast-trending faults. Numerous showings hosting modest to significant uranium mineralization have been identified on the project including the Zone 2A area, which intersected basement-hosted mineralization grading 5.69% over 8.5 m from drill hole Z2A-12 (Uranerz). Other areas of interest include Opie (0.14% U3O8 over 7.6 m), Maurice Creek Showing (5 to 30 ppm U in sandstone), F-Subcropping (270 ppm U in sandstone), Ness Bay (100 to 2000 ppm U), Barney (2.33% U3O8 over 0.1 m), Otis West (up to 6,250 ppm U), and Spring Bay (untraced uriniferous boulder field; 0.05% U3O8 over 3 m in sandstone  drill hole NWA-001).

1Lehnert-Thiel, K., and Kretschmar, W., 1979, The discovery of the Maurice Bay uranium deposit and exploration case history (abs.): Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy District 4, Fourth Annual Meeting, Winnipeg, 1979, unpublished manuscript, 3 p.





Figure 1 Location of the Northwest Athabasca Project along Lake Athabasca in northwestern Saskatchewan. The closest communities are Uranium City, Fond du Lac and Fort Chipewyan. The western margin of the property is located along the Alberta  Saskatchewan Border.





Figure 2 The main uranium showings and drill target areas on the Northwest Athabasca Project. The residual gravity and EM conductors are shown as the background.





Figure 3 Close-up of the Griffiths Creek Trend, which hosts the Andy, Zone 2A and Opie grids. The residual gravity is the background and the historical drill collars are shown. The reprocessed Maxwell Plates are the solid lines and were generated from the historical HLEM data and will be used to aid in drill targeting.

Qualified Person

Rebecca Hunter, Ph.D., P.Geo., Forums Vice President of Exploration and Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control

For a discussion of the QA/QC and data verification processes and procedures at the NWA Project, please see its technical report entitled NI 43-101 on the Northwest Athabasca Project Northern Saskatchewan Centered at: Latitude 592400 N, Longitude 1095400 W, with an effective date of June 27, 2024, which is available under the Global Uraniums profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

About Global Uranium Corp.

Global Uranium Corp. focuses on exploring and developing uranium assets primarily in North America. The Company currently holds key uranium projects: the Wing Lake Property in the Mudjatik Domain of Northern Saskatchewan, Canada; the Northwest Athabasca Joint Venture with Forum Energy Metals Corp. and NexGen Energy Ltd. in the Northwest Athabasca region of Saskatchewan, Canada; and the Great Divide Basin District Projects, the Gas Hills District Projects, and the Copper Mountain District Projects in Wyoming, USA.

About Forum Energy Metals

Forum Energy Metals Corp. (TSX.V: FMC; OTCQB: FDCFF) is focused on the discovery of high-grade unconformity-related uranium deposits in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan and the Thelon Basin, Nunavut. For further information: https://www.forumenergymetals.com .

On Behalf of The Management Team

Ungad Chadda

CEO

587-330-0045

info@globaluranium.com

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words could, intend, expect, believe, will, projected, estimated and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Companys current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information relating to, among other things, the intention to continue exploration efforts on the Project with the aim of further unlocking the Projects potential; and the expectation that natural attenuation will allow the site to recover without further action.

Although forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions of the Companys management, there can be no assurance that any forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include the risk that exploration of the Project may not continue, whether as a result of a lack of financial resources, a failure to receive the requisite permits or approvals, the discretion of management of the joint venture or otherwise; the risk that exploration of the Project will not progress as currently contemplated and, that, even if exploration does proceed as anticipated, such exploration activities may not achieve their anticipated outcomes; risks inherent in the exploration and development of mineral projects, including risks relating to receiving requisite permits and approvals, changes in project parameters or delays as plans continue to be redefined, that mineral exploration is inherently uncertain and that the results of mineral exploration may not be indicative of the actual geology or mineralization of a project; the risk that mineral exploration may be unsuccessful or fail to achieve the results anticipated by the Company; risks related to joint ventures and the other risks and factors identified by the Company in its continuous disclosure filings, filed on the Companys SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved, or disapproved the contents of this press release.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/45a845d3-e3f7-452f-ba8f-f328a461cd8d

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4dc54b63-7630-425f-bbe9-fdbcc78a27c9

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/74672284-8bbb-44bf-a5ec-c5263f1bd752
Dublin, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Introduction to the In-Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (IVDR) Training Course" conference has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The In-Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (EU) 2017/746, which came into force in May 2017 with a transition period of five years, is intended to strengthen the current approval system for in-vitro diagnostics and makes substantial changes to the existing IVD Directive (98/79/EC) legislation.

The Regulation introduces a new risk-rule classification system based on the Global Harmonization Task Force (GHTF) rules which, for the first time, takes patient impact into consideration. This will have a significant impact on all manufacturers of IVDs as about 80 per cent of all devices will now require some form of conformity assessment by a Notified Body.

This seminar will clarify the requirements applicable to in-vitro diagnostic devices under the new Regulation, highlight the major changes to responsibility and product data expectations and provide a thorough understanding of the impact on the industry.

Practical workshops over the two days will help consolidate the information provided.

Who Should Attend:

Regulatory affairs personnel

Persons responsible for regulatory compliance

Quality assurance professionals

Those responsible for OEM/subcontractor control of IVDs

Economic operators, importers, distributors

Agenda

Day 1

Introduction to IVDs

Definition of an IVD

Why are IVDs regulated separately?

Investigating standards and their use

Exploring CE marking

Historical overview of the current IVD Directive (98/79/EC)

Examining the structure and content of the IVD Directive

Introduction to IVD Regulation (EU) 2017/746

How did we come from the Directive to the Regulation?

Main drivers for change

Scale of change

Structure and Annex

Notified Bodies

How has the role of the Notified Bodies changed under the IVD Regulation?

Conformity assessment

IVD Regulation - key changes

Persons responsible for regulatory compliance

Economic operators, importers, distributors

UDI

Software

Intended use/intended purpose

(including an interactive workshop)

Performance evaluation

Clinical evidence

Compiling the technical documentation for an IVD

Structure and content of STED

Technical file vs design dossier

Labelling requirements and strategies

Understanding electronic instructions for use (e-IFUs)

Use of language and symbols

Translation requirements

Traceability and EUDAMED

UDIs

Day 2

ISO 13485:2016

Introduction to ISO 13485

Key changes from 2012 to 2016

Where does it fit with IVDD & IVDR?

Risk-based classification

How are IVDs classified?

Workshop: Product classification

Discussion on the classification of example IVDs

Risk management

Regulatory requirements

ISO14971

Usability

Workshop: Risk management

Clinical evidence and common specifications

Scientific validity vs performance evaluation

Vigilance and PMS

Regulatory requirements

Incident reporting/FSCA management

Case studies: Reporting/recalls

PMS

Key timelines and practical considerations

Discussion: Preparing a roadmap for transition

Certifications:

CPD: 12 hours for your records

Certificate of completion

Speakers:



Stuart Angell

Director

IVDeology Ltd



Stuart Angell, This MDTI expert is a joint director in his own consultancy specialising in global regulatory affairs strategy and compliance for in vitro diagnostics and medical devices focusing on the transition to the new IVD/Medical Device Regulations, MDSAP and ISO13485:2016.



He has over 15 years in the IVD industry and in previous roles has been responsible for designing, reviewing and maintaining regulatory frameworks for self-declared and annex list II products including technical documentation for EU and global submissions (FDA, Health Canada, TGA, Russia, Latin America). He has an excellent understanding of risk management, Post Market Surveillance (PMS) and vigilance.



For more information about this training and future dates visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/a4pqf3

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.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Saudi hospitals have made significant strides in the 2025 Brand Finance global ranking of the worlds Top 250 hospitals, with seven Saudi hospitals making the list, including two in the top 100 globally. Leading the rankings regionally, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre climbed to 15th place globally, improving from 20th place over the past two years, maintaining its position as the top healthcare institution in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and Africa.

The Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States secured the top position, while American hospitals dominated 10 spots of the Top 250. The list also featured several leading European hospitals, while Oxford University Hospitals surged to second place this year, becoming the highest-ranked healthcare institution outside the U.S.

Based on a survey of thousands of healthcare professionals across 30+ countries, the ranking placed King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre as the leading Saudi hospital among the seven included, followed by King Fahad Medical City, King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud Medical City, King Abdullah Medical City, National Guard Health Affairs, and King Fahad University Hospital.

According to analysts, the strong presence of Saudi hospitals in global rankings is attributed to initiatives under the Health Sector Transformation Program, a key pillar of Saudi Vision 2030, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This achievement also reflects the unwavering support of the leadership for the healthcare sector, the high quality of services provided to citizens and residents, and the remarkable medical advancements across various specialties.

For more information, please visit www.kfshrc.edu.sa or contact our media team at mediacoverage@kfshrc.edu.sa

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/da65f171-daec-45ac-bf6c-fa426fc93f59
Springfield, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Springfield, Massachusetts -

AIC snagged a MarCom Platinum award for uncovering a hidden challenge in mental health care: the digital divide between generations. Their blog outlines how age shapes therapy preferences, from Gen Z's comfort with virtual sessions to Boomers' preference for traditional approaches.

The therapy couch is going virtual, but not everyone is jumping on board with the same enthusiasm. That is the key finding from American International College's blog, "From Boomers to Zoomers: Cross-Generational Challenges for Future Counselors", which recently landed them a Platinum award at MarCom 2024, beating out hundreds of other entries in the digital healthcare category.

The winning article digs into a problem hiding in plain sight: each generation approaches mental health differently, and it's not just about technology. Baby Boomers might struggle with retirement anxiety but won't text about it. Gen X is juggling aging parents and teenagers while trying to squeeze in online therapy sessions. Meanwhile, Gen Z is dealing with social media pressure but they are totally comfortable getting help through an app.

Numbers back up what researchers are seeing on the ground. When therapy went online during the pandemic, virtual sessions jumped by 154%. But while Gen Z jumped right in, their parents' generation mostly sat on the sidelines.

CDC data paints an even starker picture. Today's high schoolers are struggling more than ever  about half report feeling constantly down. Then there is Generation Alpha, the first bunch born entirely in the 21st century. These kids are growing up with iPads as babysitters, and we are just starting to figure out what that means for their mental health.

To bridge this generation gap, AIC is not just writing about the problem. Their online Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program is teaching and preparing future counselors to speak everyone's language  whether that is through traditional face-to-face sessions or quick digital check-ins on an app.

About AIC:

AIC's story started in 1885, helping immigrants chase their American dream through education. Today, they're still opening doors  both on campus and online. With top marks for diversity and social mobility from Niche, they're keeping that original promise from more than 130 years ago: quality education for personal growth and professional success.

###

For more information about American International College (AIC), contact the company here:



American International College (AIC)

Elizabeth Comino, Senior Program Specialist

(413) 463-3770

Elizabeth.Comino@online.aic.edu

1000 State Street Springfield 01109, MA
ATLANTA, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Curate, the leading foodservice manufacturer's rep group, is thrilled to announce the winner of their $5,000 Grand Prize for the 2024 Art of Simplicity Challenge.

From coast to coast, culinary professionals submitted their simplicity tips throughout 2024. Each entry aimed to simplify foodservice operations by saving time and money or minimizing waste.

The Winning Recipe for Success:

Rina Moreno, a Culinary Chef and Instructor from Istanbul Turkey, now living and working in Atlanta, took home the top prize with her set of Turkish Kebob platter recipe tips. Chef Rina's winning video demonstrates how to whip up an artful platter that's both delicious and time- and ingredient-saving.

"Simplicity starts with organization," Chef Rina of Vino Venue restaurant and cooking school shared upon receiving the Grand Prize, "and great communications within your kitchen team. Quality ingredients allow the main flavors to come through and keep the ingredient list lean."

The contests judge, Amalia Moreno-Damgaard, a renowned chef, award-winning author, entrepreneur and food industry expert, praised Chef Rina's entry for its ability to "balance presentation, flavors, and smart strategies to manage both time and leftover ingredients." Judge Moreno-Damgaard emphasizes the importance of respecting the time it takes to create exceptional food.

"Judging the Simplicity Tips," she shared, "reminded me of what I learned from my grandmother: always stay curious and keep learning. Our culinary community is creative and thoughtful, and it has been great to see how the chefs submissions help streamline their art without sacrificing quality.

Scott Lund, Vice President of Curate, added, "We're passionate about making our customers' lives easier. This challenge celebrates the professionals who work efficiently in commercial kitchens. After all, simplicity truly is the key to success in todays demanding foodservice industry."

Curate: Your Partner in Foodservice Efficiency:

Curate stands as the premier food service manufacturer's rep group. From commercial kitchens to well-equipped restaurants, bars, and everything in between, Curate provides the tools and solutions to simplify your foodservice operation.

Visit curateteam.com to see Chef Rina's winning video and learn more about how Curate can bring expertise and efficiency to your kitchen or bar.





A winning moment! Jevanna Augustine from Curate hands over a $5,000 check to Rina Moreno Dull, the grand prize winner of the "Art of Simplicity" Challenge. The contest celebrates creativity and efficiency within today's demanding foodservice industry.

About Curate

Curate is the premier foodservice industry manufacturers rep group, specializing in commercial kitchens, restaurant and bar equipment, and tabletop supplies.

By curating niche brands, powerhouse solutions, and strategic national networks, we work at three different levels: we provide high-end manufacturers with a team of sales and marketing professionals, commercial equipment dealers with industry knowledge and sales expertise, and end-users with consultative industry expertise. 

For more information on Curate, please visit www.curateteam.com.

PRESS CONTACT:

Jevanna Augustine

Jevanna.augustine@forward-solutions.com

(415) 339-8271

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9448c601-4029-4887-a720-3961f545341b

This press release was published by a CLEAR Verified individual.
Augusta, Maine, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Maine Virtual Academy (MEVA), a full-time, tuition-free online school for students in grades 7-12 statewide is now accepting applications for the 2025-26 academic school year. MEVA creates a flexible learning environment where students excel academically while pursuing their unique passions and interests.

With hands-on learning, tailored support, and high-quality curriculum taught by state-licensed educators trained in the art of teaching online, Maine Virtual Academy is dedicated to student success. Providing public school education virtually through the Maine Charter School Commission, MEVAs live class sessions and dynamic platform keep students connected and their minds active. This innovative approach ensures students receive guidance and support, whether they seek advanced courses, a safe learning environment, or the flexibility to balance academics with extracurricular activities or lifestyle needs.

At Maine Virtual Academy, our mission is to empower students to reach their full potential through student-centered teaching and support, said Dr. Melinda Browne, Head of School of MEVA. We are excited to welcome new students and families for the upcoming school year and continue to foster a community of learners prepared to achieve their dreams.

Enrollment at MEVA is open to students throughout Maine. With access to MEVAs online platform, students can learn anytime, anywhere there is an internet connection, providing education that is accessible and adaptable.

To learn more about MEVA and to apply for the 2025-2026 school year, visit meva.k12.com.

Maine Virtual Academy (MEVA) is a full-time, tuition-free online public charter school serving 7th12th grade students across Maine. MEVA pairs state-certified teachers with online curriculum to offer students a flexible and high-quality education. Learn more at meva.k12.com.
Caldwell, Idaho, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CBH Homes, Idaho's #1 home builder is excited to announce the launch of its new headquarters website, CBHStarship.com . Dedicated to sharing updates, behind-the-scenes videos, and exclusive insights, the website offers a front-row seat to the progress of the "CBH Starship," CBHs cutting-edge headquarters currently under construction in Caldwell, Idaho.

The CBH Starship is more than just a building, its a new chapter for CBH. Youll hear us say were going to the moon, this is how the Starship makes us feel. We'll have more space to grow, allowing for more innovation, collaboration and focusing on our main goal, keeping homeownership affordable in Idaho. said Corey Barton, President/Owner of CBH Homes.

The website features:

Videos and updates highlighting the construction progress of the 214,200-square-foot facility.

highlighting the construction progress of the 214,200-square-foot facility. Exclusive content about CBHs culture and the vision for the CBH Starship.

about CBHs culture and the vision for the CBH Starship. Fun facts about the building and our journey to Caldwell, Idaho.

CBHs new headquarters will consolidate operations from multiple locations into one state-of-the-art facility, reflecting CBHs long-standing commitment to the Treasure Valley community. The Starship is designed to enhance collaboration, efficiency, and the award-winning culture CBH is known for.

The roof and the exterior walls are up at the CBH Starship while the exterior windows and the metal exterior awnings were just installed last week. Exterior colors and interior finishes are currently in the works.

On top of the new building, CBH is excited to also be announcing a new partnership with the City of Caldwell for their February Seasons of Caring.

Caldwell has always had a special place in our hearts, but were so excited to grow this partnership even more. This is just the beginning, we have so much goodness coming our way, said Ronda Conger, Vice President of CBH Homes. This website and the new partnerships are connecting us to the community.

Stay tuned for updates, visit CBHStarship.com , and watch the Starship rise!

About CBH Homes:

CBH Homes has been building new homes for sale in Idaho for over 32 years, and for 19 of those, CBH Homes has been Idahos #1 Builder, a Best Place to Work in Idaho, ranked #42 in the nation, and proudly working with over 26,000 happy homeowners. Visit cbhhomes.com . RCE-923

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Las Vegas, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Las Vegas, Nevada -

Las Vegas Homes By Leslie - RE/ MAX United Realtor is transforming how people buy and sell homes in the bustling Las Vegas real estate market. Led by Leslie Hoke, an experienced RE/MAX Realtor in Las Vegas, the company focuses on truly understanding what each client needs. Hoke's approach is all about clarity and using data to inform the real estate journey. With years of experience, she is deeply familiar with the changing dynamics of the Las Vegas market.

One of the key strategies the company uses is home staging. This technique enhances the visual appeal of properties, potentially boosting their market value and helping them sell faster. Staging offers potential buyers a view of what the home could be, making it a crucial part of selling in this market. For more details on how effective staging can be, you can visit their resource at https://www.lasvegashomesbyleslie.com/blog/las-vegas-home-staging-a-powerful-tool-for-achieving-your-real-estate-goals.html. This site offers tips and detailed information on making the most of the selling process.

"Understanding how the Las Vegas real estate market changes is very important," says Leslie Hoke, founder of Las Vegas Homes By Leslie - RE/ MAX United Realtor. "We're here to guide buyers and sellers with comprehensive services, aiming for a smooth and easy experience."

Presentation is key in making homes shine in a lively market. Staged homes don't just draw more potential buyers; they leave a memorable impression, often leading to quicker sales. By prioritizing this tactic, Las Vegas Homes By Leslie - RE/ MAX United Realtor helps clients achieve their goals and showcases properties effectively.

In addition to staging, the company offers many resources to assist clients at every stage of the real estate process. Their website is a valuable tool for clients, offering market data, property listings, and expert advice. This site highlights the company's commitment to being accessible and educating clients, allowing them to make informed decisions about crucial investments.

Leslie Hoke has built a strong reputation as a reliable RE/MAX Realtor in Las Vegas through personalized, results-driven services. Her emphasis on communication keeps clients informed, building trust and a solid relationship. This tailored approach meets the specific needs of the Las Vegas market.

"Each client comes with different goals and challenges," Leslie notes. "We adjust our methods to fit these needs, offering not just a service, but a partnership in real estate."

Las Vegas Homes By Leslie - RE/ MAX United Realtor stays on top of market trends while remaining dedicated to client-focused services. This mindset ensures ongoing success and aligns with client objectives. Leslie Hoke and her team use modern tools and methods to enrich the client experience.

The firm's commitment to excellence and client satisfaction can be seen through their extensive services. From effective home staging to detailed market analysis, they remain a trusted name in real estate. This dedication ensures that whether clients are buying or selling, they receive personalized and attentive service that matches their real estate goals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXSRD7uyM8Q

To learn more about their services, market insights, or current listings, visit https://www.lasvegashomesbyleslie.com/. Here, potential clients can connect with one of Las Vegas's most respected and results-oriented real estate professionals, ensuring a smooth and informed transaction journey. Visitors can also explore various communities like Summerlin and Henderson and get assistance with loan pre-approval, making it an all-encompassing resource for real estate needs.

###

For more information about Las Vegas Homes By Leslie - RE/MAX United Realtor, contact the company here:



Las Vegas Homes By Leslie - RE/MAX United Realtor

Leslie Hoke

702-321-1763

lesliehoke@lasvegashomesbyleslie.com

6153 S Rainbow Blvd Bldg 1, Las Vegas, NV 89118
TORONTO, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ASUS today announced it has been listed among Fortunes Worlds Most Admired Companies for 2025, marking the 10th time the company has earned this prestigious accolade. ASUS was recognized for its use of corporate assets, social responsibility, and long-term investment  core values that drive the companys global competitiveness and have established it as an industry leader.

We are honored to be recognized by Fortune for the tenth time, said Jonney Shih, Chairman of ASUS. This achievement reaffirms the success of our Design Thinking approach, which prioritizes customer satisfaction as the key to driving sustainable growth. At the heart of this success is our unwavering commitment to a culture of radical truth and transparency, which empowers our teams to innovate, overcome challenges, and fully embrace revolutionary technologies like AI.

The Worlds Most Admired Companies list is one of the most comprehensive rankings of corporate reputations compiled annually by Fortune magazine with Korn Ferry, a global organizational consulting firm. The consistent placement of ASUS on this list reflects its unwavering commitment to technological advancement and its ability to deliver products and services that meet the highest standards of quality and performance.

ASUS has long been a leader in the tech industry, known for its relentless pursuit of user-centricity and innovation in areas like AI, gaming, and sustainability. ASUS continues to push the boundaries of innovation, as demonstrated by the launch of the new sub-1kg Zenbook A14 in Canada today. This commitment to cutting-edge technology is also reflected in its latest lineup of groundbreaking devices, including the Zenbook DUO, ROG Strix SCAR 18, and ROG Flow Z13along with many more innovations unveiled at CES 2025. By consistently delivering industry-leading advancements, ASUS reinforces its position as a global technology pioneer.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Fortune Ranking: https://fortune.com/ranking/worlds-most-admired-companies/

Zenbook A14: https://asus.com/ca-en/laptops/for-home/zenbook/asus-zenbook-a14-ux3407/

ASUS Zenbook A14 ASUS Store Where to Buy Link: https://shop.asus.com/ca-en/zenbook-a14-ux3407-copilot-pc.html

Zenbook DUO: https://www.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/for-home/zenbook/asus-zenbook-duo-2024-ux8406/

ROG Strix SCAR 18: https://rog.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/rog-strix/rog-strix-scar-18-2025/

ROG Flow Z13: https://rog.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/rog-flow/rog-flow-z13-2025/

ASUS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asus/posts/

ASUS Pressroom: http://press.asus.com

ASUS Canada Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asuscanada/

ASUS Canada Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asus_ca

ASUS Canada YouTube: https://ca.asus.click/youtube

ASUS Global X (Twitter): https://www.x.com/asus

About ASUS

ASUS is a global technology leader that provides the worlds most innovative and intuitive devices, components, and solutions to deliver incredible experiences that enhance the lives of people everywhere. With its team of 5,000 in-house R&D experts, the company is world-renowned for continuously reimagining todays technologies. Consistently ranked as one of Fortunes Worlds Most Admired Companies, ASUS is also committed to sustaining an incredible future. The goal is to create a net zero enterprise that helps drive the shift towards a circular economy, with a responsible supply chain creating shared value for every one of us.

An image accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c1b7e066-031d-4bab-9d95-fd8f2fd37804
NEW YORK, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- What if there were a place where romance wasnt just rekindledit was reimagined? St. Kitts is more than a Caribbean island; its a sanctuary for anyone looking to escape the ordinary and rediscover the extraordinary.

Picture this: a sunlit morning exploring centuries-old sugar mills, afternoons hiking through lush rainforests to breathtaking vistas, and evenings savoring fresh island cuisine under a starlit sky. St. Kitts isnt just a destinationits an invitation to reconnect through fun, adventure, and indulgence.

Travelers who visit St. Kitts will no doubt feel the rich heritage and culture of the island. Beautiful views, friendly locals, delicious food, and a rich history are all waiting to be experienced. There is something for everyone, from history buffs who can view UNESCO-recognized sites to adventure lovers who can find scuba diving, extreme hiking, and ziplining.

St. Kitts is the larger of the two islands that make up the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis with 18 miles of green mountain ranges stretch from Mount Liamuiga in the north to the southern peninsulaeach end, an entirely different and equally fulfilling experience.

Cross the island on the last railway in the Caribbean through sugar cane fields, dive into the history and culture at sites including the 17th century Brimstone Hill, or zip line above the rainforest for a thrilling adventure. The islands serendipitous location between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea gives its coast distinctively varied hues.

The beaches range from golden tones to salt-and-pepper and alluring black volcanic sand. When telling the story of St. Kitts, the land is a strong place to start. St. Kitts indigenous origins tell of abundant earth, as does its first recorded name: Liamuiga, or fertile island. Todays Kittitians preserve St. Kitts giving nature through their own presence.

This thrilling country must be seen to be believed.

For more information, visit VISITSTKITTS.COM/ROMANCE/JUST-THE-TWO-OF-YOU OR VISITSTKITTS.COM



About YourUpdateTV:

YourUpdateTV is a property of D S Simon Media. The video included and release was part of a media tour that was produced by D S Simon Media on behalf of St. Kitts Tourism Authority.

Dante Muccigrosso

Director of Media Integration & Client Reporting

E: dantem@dssimon.com

C: 973.524.0104

A video accompanying this announcement is available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0d4b02e6-5e44-43f1-b925-15754ea29171
MIAMI, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Billor, committed to empowering truck drivers to achieve the American Dream through entrepreneurship, today announced that Leste Group, a global alternative investment manager, has established a $330 million credit facility. Under this facility, Leste will acquire truck leases from Billor until 2027. As the lead investor, Leste will also make an equity investment in Billor, followed by GHT4. The credit facility and the equity investment will enable Billor to expand its ecosystem to 5,000 trucks and pursue an IPO by 2028.





Billors unique model has been a boon to business, with the company already profitable since its first year in 2023. Now, with new investments, Billor plans to enhance the proprietary technology in its transportation management platform and its platform for managing driver payment. It will also build out the technology underpinning the Billor CoPilot. Introduced in June 2024, the Billor CoPilot is an AI-driven app that empowers drivers to maximize their earnings, stay compliant with rules and regulations, and collect all the documents required so they get paid faster. Additionally, the investment will be used to open delivery centers across the country, where partner drivers can pick up their lease-to-own trucks. This month, Billor will open a delivery center in Houston; additional centers are planned for other states across the country in the coming months.

By democratizing trucking, Billor benefits not only the industry and the economy, but also the drivers themselves, said Fabricio Bossle, partner, Private Equity, Leste Group. We look forward to playing a role in helping Billor build out its driver-centric model with an investment that makes a significant difference for the company going forward.

Inspired by the U.S. Bill of Rights, Billor was founded on its own three amendments: first, that every truck driver should have the right to own their own truck; second, that every driver should have the right to achieve financial independence; and third, that every driver should have the right to spend more time with their family. To this end, Billor combines technology, logistics and financial support so Billor partner drivers are put on a path to achieve these goals, and ultimately, the American Dream.

When I joined Billor last April, one of my mandates was to find and sign institutional investors to bring Billor to its next stage of growth, said Vincent Goetten, CEO, Billor. Leste is the right partner to help us to that point  essentially providing the last piece of the plan to bring Billor to a public listing in the next few years.

Its been exciting to watch Billor grow so quickly. In 2025, the company is set to achieve sixfold revenue growth, surpassing $200M while being profitable and generating cashflow, thanks to an innovative business model now in its third iteration, said Jardel Rocha, founder and chairman of Billor. The first iteration of this model was implemented with Versi, a company focused on the real estate industry in Brazil, followed by CredPago, a company specializing in landlord insurance, which was successfully acquired by Loft. CredPago remains the largest real estate tech M&A transaction in Latin America to date. We anticipate even greater success with Billor, as we are scaling a business in a trillion-dollar industry that forms the backbone of the American economy.

Lestes investment in Billor continues our private equity strategy of investing in companies with a high potential to IPO in the next two to three years U.S., said Eduardo Karrer, Partner, Private Equity at Leste Group. As the founder of CredPago, which was recently sold for more than $600 million, as well as other successful Brazilian fintech businesses like Versi, the team at Billor is the perfect partner for Leste.

Partnering with Billor is deeply rewarding. Its innovative approachintegrating technology, logistics, and financial inclusionempowers drivers and strengthens the economy. At GHT4, we support ventures that create lasting value, and our collaboration with Billor reaffirms our commitment to driving progress, autonomy, and social transformation, said Laercio Cosentino, founding partner of Grupo GHT4 and founder of TOTVS, Latin America's largest technology company.





About Leste Group

Founded in 2014, Leste Group is a global independent alternative investment manager guided by core values of respect, creativity, and teamwork. The firm offers investors a diverse range of strategies across real estate, credit, private equity, and special situations. Leste Group's investment teams leverage institutional-grade processes, a nimble, entrepreneurial approach, capital markets expertise, and exclusive networks to source unique opportunities and drive risk-adjusted returns. For more information, visit leste.com.

About Billor

Billor, short for Bill of Rights, introduces innovative and scalable solutions to the one-trillion-dollar and highly fragmented trucking industry, empowering drivers to achieve the American Dream through entrepreneurship. Operating as both a freight and fintech platform, Billor enables drivers to become owner-operators. With Billor, drivers can focus on what matters most  ensuring the safety and efficiency of freight delivery. Meanwhile, the platform simplifies the complexities of logistics and finance, managing all other operational and financial needs.

For more information, please visit billor.us.

About GHT4

Grupo GHT4 is a multi-family office focused on wealth preservation, sustainable business expansion, investment management, and family advisory. Rooted in governance, security, and sustainability, GHT4 embodies the balance between asset growth and family organization. Inspired by the hormones that drive human growth, its mission is continuous evolution through new business opportunities. With investments in around 15 companies, its key startups include Biosolvit, B.O.B, Brain4Care, Inovalli Jardins, Mendelics, Shipay, and Stocci.

Contact Information

ir@billor.us

Phone number: +1 (689) 400-8960

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f30cf5a3-aa5e-4f8b-876e-08d436669f0c

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8f276bde-21be-453d-9ace-e6b820e876af
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Almadex Minerals Ltd. ("Almadex" or the "Company") (TSX-V: DEX) is pleased to discuss final exploration results from 2024 and the Companys 2025 exploration plans on its projects in the western USA. Since 2023 the Company has assembled a portfolio of porphyry copper-gold and epithermal gold-silver exploration projects by staking, and the Company expects to make more acquisitions by staking in 2025. The projects acquired to date are located in Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona. In 2024 the Company advanced these projects with surface exploration programs including mapping, soil and rock sampling and in some cases IP and magnetics geophysical surveys. Generative work focussed on high sulphidation and porphyry systems continues. Updates relating to the key porphyry and copper exploration projects in the portfolio along with 2025 guidance is provided below.

New Hope Porphyry Copper Prospect, Arizona

The New Hope porphyry copper project is located approximately 35 km northwest of the Safford copper porphyry district and 55 kilometres west of the Morenci copper porphyry district in southeastern Arizona. The project covers a roughly 3.5 by 1.5 kilometre area of intense hydrothermal alteration characteristic of the upper levels of a porphyry system including a preserved portion of the lithocap. In 2024 detailed alteration and geologic mapping along with rock and soil sampling was carried out. This work identified a 600 metre diameter zone of sheeted quartz-magnetite veining on the project interpreted to be typical of those found above shallow-level emplaced porphyry systems. Soil and rock chip sampling returned anomalous Ag-Mo-Cu-Au and Bi, aiding the interpretation that the mapped zone of veining represents a porphyry centre within the alteration footprint. Almadex plans further soil sampling and geophysical surveys in 2025, and has a BLM permit for diamond drilling.

Paradise Porphyry Copper-Gold Prospect, Nevada

The Paradise project covers a large 4.5 by 1.8 km porphyry lithocap comprised of acid sulphate alteration hosting high sulphidation gold-silver mineralisation and is located about 5 km to the east of the historic Paradise Peak mine which was a high sulphidation gold deposit. In 2024 Almadex completed a detailed field alteration mapping program over the lithocap area, identifying several strong vectors towards potential porphyry mineralisation at depth. Almadex then completed a two hole 1,679.65 metre exploratory diamond drilling program on one area of the lithocap alteration zone. The drilling successfully confirmed that the Paradise lithocap is associated with a porphyry system at depth as porphyry B-type veining and visible copper and molybdenum mineralisation was intersected. The area drilled is interpreted to represent a possible shoulder to a porphyry system and the company is encouraged by these results. Also conducted in late 2024 were several test IP geophysical survey lines. These results are encouraging as they demonstrated elevated chargeability responses within the lithocap. Almadex plans to expand the IP survey area in 2024 before planning further drilling at Paradise later in 2025.

Pilot Mountain Porphyry Copper-Gold Prospect, Nevada

The Pilot project covers an area of hydrothermal alteration developed in folded sedimentary rocks intruded by tonalite porphyry bodies exposed in drainages. In 2024 the company conducted extensive alteration and geologic mapping along with soil sampling, IP geophysics and a drone-based magnetics survey. The alteration is dominated by pyrophyllite and white mica. This alteration pattern is considered to be proximal to porphyry mineralisation. The mapping identified several outcrops with evidence of porphyry-style veining. This includes veining interpreted to represent early magnetite, A-type, syntaxial B-veins and late stage D-type quartz-sericite-pyrite veining. The soil sampling program defined a broad zone of anomalous copper-molybdenum and gold coincident with high chargeability from the IP survey and a distinct magnetic high. The results are currently being compiled and interpreted. Almadex plans a phase one exploratory drilling program at Pilot in 2025.

King Porphyry-Epithermal Gold-Copper Prospect, Colorado

The King project is located in south-central Colorado and covers an area of intense porphyry lithocap and high sulphidation alteration developed in volcanic rocks. This area has seen historic mining for turquoise. In 2024 geologic and alteration mapping was conducted as well as rock and soil sampling programs. The mapping identified silicification and quartz-alunite alteration over a roughly 3 by 3 km area within which several strong Mo-Cu-Au anomalies were defined. Further mapping and sampling along with IP and magnetics geophysical surveys are planned for 2025.

Confusion Hills Porphyry-Epithermal Gold-Copper Prospect, Nevada

The CH Prospect covers a large alteration zone developed in volcanic rocks. Mapping in 2024 defined a porphyry lithocap over an area of 1.6 km x 0.5 km. The lithocap displays complex alteration with central zones of vuggy quartz with alunite and massive pyrophyllite zones. Soil sampling was carried out in 2024 and returned anomalous Au, Mo and Cu with an association of Au with the central zone of alteration with a Mo anomaly on one edge. In 2025 further mapping and rock chip sampling is planned to help define the limits of the target while IP and magnetics surveys are planned over the mapped area of alteration.

Red Ring Porphyry-Epithermal Gold-Copper Prospect, Nevada

The Red Ring prospect covers an area of hydrothermal alteration developed in volcanic rocks adjacent to carbonate rocks. Alteration mapping in 2024 identified a large alteration zone interpreted to be a porphyry lithocap extending 2.8 km NW-SE and by at least 1 km NE-SW. Mapping also defined a very strong surface pyrophyllite footprint of 1 km (NW-SE) by 0.5 km (NE-SW). Preliminary rock sampling returned high values of pathfinder trace elements typically associated with the lithocap alteration identified. Soil sampling conducted in 2024 also highlighted areas of anomalous trace elements indicative of a high sulphidation environment above or near a porphyry system. Further sampling is planned for 2025 along with some geophysical studies.

Tierra Blanca Copper Prospect, New Mexico

The Tierra Blanca prospect is located in west central New Mexico near a major lineament along which several porphyry copper deposits occur including the Tyrone deposit. Almadex identified alteration in this area characterised by muscovite and illite. Quartz veins have been identified in mapping carried out in 2024. Further mapping will be carried out to confirm the potential for a copper porphyry system in 2025.

J Duane Poliquin, Chairman of Almadex commented, While generative field work continues as we seek to identify further projects for acquisition, we are advancing our newly acquired portfolio of high-quality porphyry lithocap targets in the western USA. We plan to use our in-house drilling capacity to test targets early as we have done at Paradise-Davis. We look forward to continuing this drilling oriented exploration into 2025.

Qualified Persons

Morgan J Poliquin, PhD, PEng, the President and CEO of Almadex and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"), has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical contents of this news release.

The analyses reported were carried out at ALS Chemex Laboratories using industry standard analytical techniques. For gold, samples are first analysed by fire assay and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Samples that return values greater than 10 g/t gold using this technique are then re-analysed by fire assay but with a gravimetric finish. Silver is first analysed by Inductively Coupled Plasma - Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES). Samples that return values greater than 100 g/t silver by ICP-AES are then re analysed by HF-HNO3-HCLO4 digestion with HCL leach and ICP-AES finish. Of these samples those that return silver values greater than 1,500 g/t are further analysed by fire assay with a gravimetric finish. Copper assay values were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma  Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES), with four acid digestion. Samples that returned values greater than 10000g/t Cu using this technique are re-analyzed by HF-HNO3-HCLO4 digestion with HCL leach and ICP-AES finish.

About Porphyry Lithocaps

Today most at surface copper-gold porphyry deposits have either been found or are in jurisdictions with challenging access. Future large porphyry and epithermal Cu-Au discoveries will be made by exploring for hidden and deeply buried deposits. Buried deposits can be targeted by exploring lithocap alteration zones that occur above or adjacent to porphyry deposits. Lithocaps are large and often barren areas of advanced argillic minerals formed by the exhaling hot fluids that deposit copper and gold below. Known porphyry Cu-Au deposits found exposed at surface have had their lithocaps eroded away. The future of exploration for porphyry deposits will be with teams that know how to assess and explore these environments.

About Almadex

Almadex Minerals Ltd. is an exploration company that holds a large mineral portfolio consisting of projects and NSR royalties in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. This portfolio is the direct result of many years of prospecting and deal-making by Almadex's management team. The Company owns several portable diamond drill rigs, enabling it to conduct cost effective first pass exploration drilling in-house. The Almadex team have significant porphyry lithocap exploration experience and have made three discoveries of mineral deposits under advanced argillic alteration. Our success comes from our audacity, in house exploration capacity and most importantly our ability to drill with our company owned drilling unit. We have assembled a portfolio of lithocap targets that have the potential to be concealing large porphyry systems at depth in the best jurisdiction we know: the United States of America. We have the cash and drills to advance and test these targets and will continue doing so in 2025.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Morgan J. Poliquin

Morgan J. Poliquin, President and CEO

Almadex Minerals Ltd.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release includes forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within it, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among other things, any further work to advance exploration targets at the Paradise, New Hope, Pilot Mountain, King, Confusion Hills, Red Ring and Tierra Blanca projects, including any drillingplans. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, permitting, continued availability of capital and financing, equipment availability and general economic, market or business conditions. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive. There can be no assurances that forward-looking statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, other than as required pursuant to applicable securities laws.

Contact Information:

Almadex Minerals Ltd.

Tel. 604.689.7644

Email: info@almadexminerals.com

http://www.almadexminerals.com/
POSH, a Boston-based luxury car subscription startup, has reached $2 million in revenue within its first year. Led by CEO Abdul Rehman, the company serves over 800 subscribers in Boston and Dallas, offering flexible access to premium vehicles without ownership commitments.



Photo by POSH

BOSTON, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Car subscription startup POSH has recently reached a notable milestone, surpassing $2 million in revenue in under a year and marking itself as a serious player in the growing market of car subscriptions. The premise is simple yet transformative: allow customers to experience the thrill of driving high-end vehicles without the financial and logistical burdens of ownership.

Operating under the straightforward tagline "Subscribe. Drive. Swap." POSH offers members the unique ability to switch vehicles according to their needs and preferences, encapsulating its commitment to choice and convenience. With a rapidly expanding customer base and a 5-star Google rating, POSH is growing and setting a new standard in an industry that has long leaned on conventional ownership models.

Car Subscription: A New Kind of Luxury Access

Abdul Rehman, POSH's founder and CEO, explains: "We wanted to build a service that allows people to drive their dream cars without the worries and commitment that typically come with owning a luxury vehicle. Our model is about freedom, flexibility, and luxury tailored to modern consumer needs."

POSH's business model is rooted in providing flexible, hassle-free access to premium cars. Customers select from three subscription tiers, each catering to varying luxury levels, from practical, budget-friendly models to high-end options like Porsche, Mercedes, and Lexus. With each plan, POSH takes care of the essentialsinsurance, maintenance, and roadside assistanceall bundled into a single monthly fee.

"Flexibility is the new currency," Abdul Rehman observes. "People want choices and don't want to be locked into one decision for years. POSH allows them to switch between vehicles based on their needs, lifestyle, or just because they want to try something new."

This model has resonated particularly well with urban professionals in Boston and Dallas, where the service launched. It offers a more convenient and less cumbersome alternative to traditional car ownership. In these initial markets, customers increasingly prefer access over ownership, valuing the freedom to switch vehicles over the burdens of insurance, maintenance, and depreciation associated with long-term ownership.

In addition to appealing to individual customers, POSH's structure has attracted various corporate clients seeking flexible solutions for executive transportation needs. Though POSH primarily focuses on long-term subscribers, its expanding client basenow exceeding 800 usersdemonstrates that its flexibility is widely appealing across diverse demographics.

Building a Brand in a Competitive Landscape

The road to $2 million in revenue has been challenging, especially as POSH ventures into a highly competitive space, where established brands like Porsche Drive, DNM Leasing, and Sixt have staked claims. However, POSH's differentiation lies in its tailored approach to luxury. Where other services may offer only limited vehicle options or lack the comprehensive benefits of insurance and maintenance, POSH's offerings are designed to provide a seamless experience from when customers subscribe to the day they switch cars.

Abdul Rehman reflects on POSH's unique position: "We're not just a subscription service; we're a lifestyle brand. It's about offering customers the best of both worldsluxury without long-term commitments and freedom with full support." With each plan level offering a curated range of high-end models, POSH ensures that clients can experience the full spectrum of luxury without compromise.

Revenue has grown 110 percent yearly, underscoring the market's demand for its innovative model. "Our growth reflects a shift in consumer values," says Abdul Rehman. Today, people value experiences, variety, and flexibility over traditional ownership."

Capturing Market Trends

POSH's success can be attributed to its keen awareness of market trends and shifting consumer preferences. The subscription model allows customers to access vehicles without the financial and environmental responsibilities that come with traditional ownership. Abdul Rehman sees this as an opportunity to expand POSH's market and align its mission with evolving consumer values.

"We're responding to a generational shift in how people view mobility and ownership," he explains. "Our customers appreciate the ease and flexibility we providethey enjoy luxury without long-term financial commitments."

POSH's model also reflects a trend toward sustainable practices within the automotive industry, as consumers can experience multiple vehicles through a single subscription, reducing the need for excessive vehicle production. "POSH is about responsible luxury," Abdul Rehman emphasizes. "We're providing people with an option that's both convenient and conscious of the bigger picture."

Expansion and Strategic Goals

In addition to growing its presence in Boston and Dallas, the company plans to expand into high-demand urban areas namely Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Austin, and Atlanta. Abdul Rehman sees POSH's success in Boston and Dallas as a blueprint for expansion, providing a model that can be adapted to other urban areas.

"Our goal is to make POSH synonymous with premium car access," he states. "We want to be the first brand people think of when considering alternatives to car ownership. With every new city, we're building a network that makes luxury accessible in a way that's never been done before."

Visit POSHs website to learn more about the company and its premium car subscription services.

About POSH

POSH is a leading luxury car subscription service redefining vehicle access with its innovative "Subscribe. Drive. Swap." model. With a curated fleet of premium vehicles and comprehensive support, POSH provides flexibility and convenience for modern consumers. Headquartered in Dallas, POSH rapidly expands across major U.S. cities, offering a seamless alternative to traditional car ownership.

Contact Information

Name: Abdul Rehman

Email: abdul@poshcars.io

Website: www.poshcars.io

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a38a7ceb-347c-48e9-9e03-f6cf2859b0fa
RICHMOND HILL, N.Y., Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Dr. Philip Baldeo Scholarship for Medical Students is now accepting applications from undergraduate students who are pursuing a future in the medical field. Designed to support and inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals, this scholarship offers a one-time award of $1,000 to one deserving student. Applications are open until August 15, 2025, with the winner announced on September 15, 2025.

This initiative, spearheaded by Dr. Philip Baldeo, a renowned family medicine physician with over two decades of experience, reflects his unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare and fostering community well-being. The scholarship seeks to assist undergraduate students who demonstrate a passion for medicine and a dedication to contributing to the evolving field of healthcare.

Eligibility and Application Details

To be eligible for the Dr. Philip Baldeo Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be an undergraduate student currently enrolled at an accredited university or college.

Be on a pre-med track or pursuing a major related to healthcare or medicine.

Demonstrate a commitment to becoming a healthcare professional.

Submit a 1,000-word essay addressing the following prompt:

Essay Prompt:

Medicine is a constantly evolving field, shaped by new discoveries and technological advancements. In your opinion, what is the most significant medical innovation of the 21st century, and how do you envision contributing to this dynamic field in the future?

Applications must be submitted through the official website: https://drphilipbaldeoscholarship.com.

About Dr. Philip Baldeo

Dr. Philip Baldeo, based in Richmond Hill, NY, is a highly respected family medicine physician who has spent more than 20 years providing comprehensive care to patients of all ages. Known for his holistic approach to medicine, Dr. Baldeo addresses the physical, emotional, and social aspects of health.

Beyond his medical practice, Dr. Philip Baldeo is deeply engaged in charitable efforts. His work extends to his homeland of Guyana and across the Caribbean, where he dedicates resources to creating safer environments for women and children. He has spearheaded initiatives to build homes for underprivileged communities, offering both medical support and educational opportunities. Dr. Baldeos enduring commitment to these causes highlights his belief that healthcare transcends the doctors office.

Dr. Philip Baldeos professional background includes:

A medical degree from the University of the West Indies Faculty of Medical Sciences .

. A residency completed at the University of Miami/Jackson Health System .

. Affiliations with prominent healthcare institutions, including NYC Health and Hospitals-Queens and North Shore University Hospital at Northwell Health.



His expertise encompasses preventive healthcare, chronic disease management, and community health advocacy, earning him a reputation as a trusted leader in the medical field.

A Commitment to Shaping Future Healthcare Leaders

Through the Dr. Philip Baldeo Scholarship for Medical Students, Dr. Baldeo continues his mission to inspire the next generation of healthcare providers. This initiative emphasizes the importance of education and innovation in addressing the dynamic challenges facing modern medicine.

By encouraging applicants to reflect on the most impactful medical advancements of the 21st century, the scholarship aims to spark thoughtful discussion and forward-thinking ideas that will contribute to the continued progress of the medical field.

Key Dates and Information

Award Amount: $1,000 (one-time award).

$1,000 (one-time award). Application Deadline: August 15, 2025.

August 15, 2025. Winner Announcement: September 15, 2025.

September 15, 2025. Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students pursuing healthcare or medicine-related studies at any accredited university or college in the United States.

For more information about the scholarship, including application details, please visit the official website: https://drphilipbaldeoscholarship.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Dr. Philip Baldeo

Organization: Dr. Philip Baldeo Scholarship

Website: https://drphilipbaldeoscholarship.com

Email: apply@drphilipbaldeoscholarship.com
PASCAGOULA, Miss., Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HIIs (NYSE: HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division along with representatives from the U.S. Navy, Accelerate Mississippi and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC), celebrated the opening of a virtual reality (VR) welding lab at the shipyard Wednesday. The new facility makes it easier and safer for welders to hone their skills, and enhance HIIs ability to grow the number of proficient shipbuilders with this essential skillset.

As we develop the shipbuilders who build our nations ships, our training programs are a key part of that effort, Ingalls Shipbuilding Vice President of Operations Donny Dorsey said. By working with the Navy and our regional workforce partners, we can provide individuals in Mississippi with a more comprehensive approach to mastering a skilled trade in shipbuilding.

This new facility integrates VR technology into the shipyards existing welder certification curriculum, providing new and current Ingalls shipbuilders with an immersive, hands-on experience to develop critical shipbuilding skills.

The establishment of the VR welding lab is part of Ingalls Shipbuildings broader workforce development efforts, made possible through federal and state partnerships that are bringing cutting-edge training technology to the shipbuilding industry.





Photos accompanying this release are available at: http://hii.com/news/hiis-ingalls-shipbuilding-opens-new-virtual-reality-welding-lab/.

Innovative training programs like this are key to building a highly skilled workforce that meets the evolving needs of industries across Mississippi, said Courtney Taylor, executive director of AccelerateMS. By embracing virtual reality technology, Ingalls is not only equipping future shipbuilders with critical skills, but also setting a new benchmark for how industries can leverage technology, local training providers, and state resources to train workers. This partnership highlights the importance of collaboration in strengthening our workforce and helping set the standard for technical training in the region.

MGCCC has also played a crucial role in the development of the lab, ensuring alignment with industry needs.

We are proud to partner with Ingalls to provide this new training to their shipbuilders, said Dr. Mary Graham, president of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. These vital partnerships allow us to offer innovative training solutions that prepare our students for real-world careers. We are proud to work with Ingalls to bring this technology to our community.

In August 2023, the U.S. Navy awarded Ingalls a multi-year contract for the construction of six Flight III Arleigh Burke-class (DDG 51) destroyers and one option ship, plus options for additional destroyers. This award included funds to support workforce development initiatives, such as virtual learning labs, providing Ingalls shipbuilders with the opportunity to build and deliver Navy destroyers for decades to come.

To learn more about careers or training opportunities at HIIs Ingalls Shipbuilding division, visit https://hii.com/careers/ .

About HII

HII is a global, all-domain defense provider. HIIs mission is to deliver the worlds most powerful ships and all-domain solutions in service of the nation, creating the advantage for our customers to protect peace and freedom around the world.

As the nations largest military shipbuilder, and with a more than 135-year history of advancing U.S. national security, HII delivers critical capabilities extending from ships to unmanned systems, cyber, ISR, AI/ML and synthetic training. Headquartered in Virginia, HIIs workforce is 44,000 strong. For more information, visit:

HII on the web: https://www.HII.com/

HII on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamHII

HII on X: https://www.twitter.com/WeAreHII

HII on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WeAreHII

Contact:

Kimberly K. Aguillard

228-355-5663

Kimberly.K.Aguillard@hii-co.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/02e03286-c28b-4493-9ac0-703e7cd66c68
Vancouver, January 29, 2025 - Taurus Gold Corp. (CSE: TAUR) (OTCQB: TARGF) ("Taurus" or the "Company") announces the resignation of Michael Rapsch as a Director of Taurus, effective February 1st, 2025. In his resignation, Mr. Rapsch wished Taurus and its management team every success in the future.

"On behalf of the members of the Board, the management team and the staff of Taurus, I would like to thank Mr. Rapsch for his valued contributions to the Company," said Frank Lagiglia, CEO of Taurus.

About Taurus Gold Corp.

Taurus currently has approx. 37 million shares outstanding and is a mineral exploration company with a focus on gold exploration. Taurus has a 51% ownership option and an option to earn 100% interest in the Charlotte property. The Charlotte property is located in the traditional territory of the Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation.

Forward-looking Information:

This news release contains "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included herein are forward-looking, other than statements of historical fact. Generally, the forward-looking information and forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "is expected", or "will continue", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, while based on management's best estimates and assumptions, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Taurus Gold to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements. Although Taurus Gold has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information or statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information or statements. The forward-looking statements and forward-looking information are made as of the date hereof and Taurus Gold disclaims, except as required by applicable securities laws, any obligation to update any such factors or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements or forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/238905
Kenmare Resources plc

("Kenmare" or the "Company" or "the Group")

30 January 2025

Analyst and investor visit to Moma Mine

Kenmare Resources plc (LSE:KMR, ISE:KMR), one of the leading global producers of titanium minerals and zircon, which operates the Moma Titanium Minerals Mine (the "Mine" or "Moma") in northern Mozambique, is hosting a site visit for analysts and investors at Moma on 30-31 January 2025.

During these two days, the group will visit Moma's mining operations, the Mineral Separation Plant, and Kenmare's dedicated export facilities. The group will also visit the staging pond, where the new module is in construction for the upgrade of Wet Concentrator Plant ("WCP") A, and the new Selective Mining Operation, which recently began commissioning.

The tour will also include the plant nursery, which is a part of Kenmare's progressive land rehabilitation programme, and some community initiatives supported by the Kenmare Moma Development Association (KMAD), a not-for-profit organisation established by Kenmare in 2004.

The site visit presentation is available for download from the Company's website at https://www.kenmareresources.com/investors/reports-presentations-webcasts/

The latest photographs of the WCP A upgrade, including the two new dredges, are available to view here: https://www.kenmareresources.com/media/image-library/#projects

For further information, please contact:

Kenmare Resources plc

Jeremy Dibb / Katharine Sutton

Investor Relations

ir@kenmareresources.com

Tel: +353 1 671 0411

Mob: +353 87 943 0367 / +353 87 663 0875

Murray (PR advisor)

Paul O'Kane

pokane@murraygroup.ie

Tel: +353 1 498 0300

Mob: +353 86 609 0221

About Kenmare Resources

Kenmare Resources plc is one of the world's largest producers of mineral sands products. Listed on the London Stock Exchange and the Euronext Dublin, Kenmare operates the Moma Titanium Minerals Mine in Mozambique. Moma's production accounts for approximately 7% of global titanium feedstocks and the Company supplies to customers operating in more than 15 countries. Kenmare produces raw materials that are ultimately consumed in everyday quality-of life items such as paints, plastics and ceramic tiles.
VANCOUVER, January 30, 2025 - Fitzroy Minerals Inc. (TSXV: FTZ, OTCQB: FTZFF) ("Fitzroy Minerals" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on its pending acquisition of Ptolemy Mining Limited ("Ptolemy") pursuant to a share exchange agreement (the "Agreement") entered into by the Company, Ptolemy, and Ptolemy's shareholders dated October 30, 2024 (the "Acquisition").

On January 30, 2025, the Company entered into an amendment to the Agreement, pursuant to which the termination date was extended from January 31, 2025 to February 28, 2025. On November 28, 2024, the Company received conditional approval from the TSX Venture Exchange to close the Acquisition, subject to satisfying several conditions, including the completion of the audit on Ptolemy's financial statements, and completion of the Company's previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") of a minimum of 16,666,666 units (each, a "Unit") and a maximum of 20,000,000 Units at a price of $0.15 per Unit for minimum gross proceeds of $2,500,000 and maximum gross proceeds of $3,000,000. Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company and one-half of one common share purchase warrant. Under the new terms, each whole warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of $0.25 for a period of three years. For more information on the Acquisition and the Offering, please refer to the Company's press releases dated October 30, 2024, November 8, 2024 and November 28, 2024.

The parties are working diligently to complete the remaining legal formalities in relation to the Acquisition, which is now expected to close in late February, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions.

About Fitzroy Minerals

Fitzroy Minerals is focused on exploring and developing mineral assets with substantial upside potential in the Americas. The Company's current property portfolio includes the Caballos Copper and Polimet Gold-Copper-Silver projects located in Valparaiso, Chile, and the Taquetren Gold project located in Rio Negro, Argentina, as well as the Cariboo project in British Columbia, Canada. Fitzroy Minerals' shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol FTZ and on the OTCQB under the symbol FTZFF.

On behalf of Fitzroy Minerals Inc.

Merlin Marr-Johnson

President and CEO

For further information, please contact:

Merlin Marr-Johnson

mmj@fitzroyminerals.com

+447803712280

For more information on Fitzroy Minerals, please visit the Company's website: www.fitzroyminerals.com

This press 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, 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 United States Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

Neither 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.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release includes certain statements and information that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information specifically include, but are not limited to, statements that relate to the completion of the Offering and/or the Acquisition and the timing and pricing in respect thereof, the use of proceeds of the Offering, and timely receipt of all necessary approvals, including any requisite approval of the Exchange.

Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainty affecting the business of the Company. Such statements can generally, but not always, be identified by words such as "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "forecasts", "schedules", "prepares", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. All statements that describe the Company's plans relating to operations and potential strategic opportunities are forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. These statements address future events and conditions and are reliant on assumptions made by the Company's management, and so involve inherent risks and uncertainties, as disclosed in the Company's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, and the assumptions underlying the forward-looking information, actual results could materially differ from those currently projected, and there is no representation by the Company that the actual results realized in the future will be the same in whole or in part as those presented herein. the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements or information except as required by law. Readers are referred to the additional information regarding the Company's business contained in the Company's reports filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that could cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. For more information on the Company and the risks and challenges of its business, investors should review the Company's filings that are available at www.sedar.com.

The Company provides no assurance that forward-looking statements and information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company does not undertake to update any for-ward looking statements, other than as required by law.

Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Vancouver, January 30th, 2025 - Durango Resources Inc. (TSX.V: DGO) (Frankfurt: 86A1) (OTCQB -ATOXF) ("Durango" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its artificial intelligence ("AI") powered property exploration study has completed computation in the first of three prospective study areas of the Company's 100% owned Babine West Copper Gold exploration project located in the Babine Porphyry District north of Smithers, British Columbia. Upon the completion of this work, it is the consensus findings of the software, exploration partners, and technical exploration team that the Babine West property contains mineralized geological features possibly related to a nearby buried intrusion.

About The AI-Powered Study and New Thesis

To come to this hypothesis, the Company reconciled all available data of the region including from publicly available information regarding the nearby NAK (American Eagle) and Duke (Amarc) copper gold porphyry discoveries, historical work and mapping, and raw government airborne geophysical data. Upon interpretation, the Company's technical team and partners then submitted these inputs to ExploreTech's AI exploration software, generating and evaluating thousands of possible deposit scenarios (if they should exist) for the property.

Upon completion of this process, the AI software has suggested that a large subhorizontal structure potentially crosscuts a significant area of the eastern claim block of the Company's Babine West claims from the southeast to northwest. This structure coincides with a moderate magnetic anomaly that has been overlooked in the regional magnetics data until now. The moderate magnetism is hypothesized to be a widespread zone of early-stage alteration, causing elevated magnetite occurrence. From all publicly known geological data of the area, the hypothesized mineralization may be related to the system at the adjacent NAK copper gold project, the Duke project, or intrusions that have yet to be identified. The structure appears to cover a large portion of the central and eastern side of the Company's Babine West block claims target area. Areas with relatively thick portions of the structure may be prospective for intrusion-driven mineralization, and the study indicates two such possible areas to test this hypothesis. Maps of the target areas and findings are included below:



Click Image To View Full Size

Fig. 1 Map of median thickness of the sill-structure, overlain with Company claims and modeling boundary. Target exploration areas indicated.

About the Babine West Copper Gold Project

The Babine West property covers three mineral claims and is bordering the west side of American Eagle's NAK property (TSXV-AE) and borders Amarc Resources' Duke Property (TSXV-AHR).

American Eagle has encountered significant drill intervals of high-grade gold and copper mineralization at NAK. Notably, drill hole 23-17 returned 302m @ 1.09% CuEq on the western portion of the property not far from the eastern border of Durango's Babine West Property.

Amarc's Duke Property covers 722km2 in the "DUKE District", which hosts the DUKE Deposit, which is open to expansion, and includes a series of deposit-scale exploration targets.

The geology of the Babine West claims consists of a granodiorite stock containing phases of quartz monzonite and hornblende biotite feldspar porphyry of the Eocene Babine Intrusion. These cut grey, locally graphitic siltstones of the Middle to Upper Jurassic Ashman Formation. Stratified intermediate composition tuffs and/or greywacke and mudstone with minor silicification and some graded sandstones occur locally. The units are locally and strongly fractured and cemented with quartz and/or pyrite. Thus far pyrite has been identified in six outcrops and chalcopyrite in one.

For more information on the Company's entire Babine portfolio, please visit: https://durangoresourcesinc.com/projects/babine-copper-projects/



Click Image To View Full Size

Fig. 2 - Babine West and Immediate Area Claim Map

None of the historical information in the release has been verified yet by the Company and should not be relied upon.

Melanie Mackay, PGeo, EGBC (Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia) 35256, APEGA (Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta 305012), is a director and qualified person for Durango and approves the technical content of this news release.

About This AI Powered Exploration Process

The ExploreTech AI Exploration Software and process was developed by Stanford University PhD graduates Alex Miltenberger and Tyler Hall. The ExploreTech founders completed their PhDs in Geophysics and Geology, respectively, and have also previously worked with majors such as Freeport McMoRan, Glencore, and Rio Tinto.

Their proprietary AI technology and process leverages government geophysical data, historical property information, and thousands of potential geological scenarios to pinpoint the highest-probability deposit locations and drill targets for a project, if deemed warranted. The technology is particularly effective in porphyry exploration, making it an ideal fit for the Babine West project, but is also effective for other deposit scenarios as well. By providing precise, drill-ready targeting data, including depth, width, orientation, and optimal drill locations, this AI-powered approach significantly reduces the time, cost, and complexity associated with early-stage evaluation, targeting, and exploration. Their innovative platform has already demonstrated proof of concept, achieving significant results for other projects globally. The technology's success in delivering accurate, high-value exploration targets provides great promise in its potential to unlock further value for Durango's shareholders across the Company's portfolio and the Company intends to continue its work with ExploreTech across all of its projects.

The Company's AI study now continues to the west side of the property, where several prospective anomalies are present. The Company will report on the findings of this west area study as soon as it is completed in the coming days.

NMX East Gallium, Rubidium + Critical Metals Project Update

The Company has also briefed ExploreTech on the Company's recent gallium, rubidium and other critical metals discovery on the NMX East property. The Company intends to engage ExploreTech to help measure the dimensional potential of the discovery pegmatite leveraging this same AI software, as well as identify and map other potential pegmatite targets on the property given the success to date of working with ExploreTech on the Babine project.

It is anticipated this work will commence as soon as this first pilot AI exploration study has been completed at Babine West. Additionally, the Company has completed its budget for further assays of the NMX drill core, mineralogy evaluation, metallurgy, and further drilling, and intends to start these next step initiatives for the project as well as soon as possible.

Meanwhile the Company will continue to prioritize and optimize its workflow and resources across its portfolio in alignment with market conditions and project demand.

Marcy Kiesman, CEO of Durango Resources, commented, "We've greatly enjoyed working with Alex and Tyler and piloting their proprietary, AI powered exploration software and process. It's truly impressive the amount of data the system can process, interpret, and reveal using existing government and other regional data. Scaling our work with our new AI exploration partners saves us time, cost, and undue speculation, while revealing bankable drill ready targets in an efficient and thorough process."

About Durango

Durango is a natural resources company engaged in the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties in Canada. The Company's holdings currently include a 100% interest in a strategically located group of properties in the Babine Copper-Gold Porphyry District, British Columbia, claims near the Troilus Gold Camp, claims in the Nemaska Camp known for lithium and high grade polymetallic nickel copper PGM, as well as claims in the Windfall Lake Gold Camp of Quebec.

For further information on Durango, please visit www.durangoresourcesinc.com and www.sedar.com.

Marcy Kiesman, CEO

Telephone: 604.428.2900 or 604.339.2243

Email: durangoresourcesinc@gmail.com

Website: www.durangoresourcesinc.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward?looking information or statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, statements that address the upcoming work programs, and other statements relating to the business, financial and technical prospects of the Company. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.

Such forward-looking information reflects the Company's views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. The Company does not undertake to update forward?looking statements or forward?looking information, except as required by law.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Bi-Weekly MCTO Status Update

Lucero Project, Community Update

Clover Project Status Update

Update on Synergy Metals Corp Plan of Arrangement Spin Out Transaction

Vancouver, January 30, 2025 - Element79 Gold Corp. (CSE:ELEM) (OTC:ELMGF) (FSE:7YS) ("Element79 Gold", the "Company") is providing a series of corporate updates regarding the multiple initiatives is has underway, including:

Bi-Weekly MCTO Status Update

a biweekly default status update in accordance with National Policy 12-203 - Management Cease Trade Orders ("NP 12-203").

In a press release dated January 2nd, 2025 and further advised on the 16th, the Company announced (the "Default Announcement") that it submitted an application to the British Columbia Securities Commission (the "BCSC"), the Company's principal regulator, for a management cease trade order ("MCTO") in connection with the Company's delay in filing its audited annual financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2024, and the management's discussion and analysis and related CEO and CFO certificates for the period (collectively, the "Required Documents") which were required to be filed on or before December 30, 2024.

The MCTO was issued by the BCSC on January 2, 2025. It prevents the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer from trading in the Company's securities but does not affect the ability of other shareholders, including the public, to trade in the securities of the Company. The MCTO remains in effect until the Company files the Required Documents and the BCSC's Executive Director has revoked the MCTO. The Company continues to work diligently with its auditors and expects to file the Filings as soon as possible and in any event no later than February 28, 2025, as is required for compliance with the BCSC MCTO order.

The Company confirms that since the date of the Default Announcement: (a) there has been no material change to the information set out in the Default Announcement that has not been generally disclosed; (b) there has been no failure by the Company in fulfilling its stated intentions with respect to satisfying the provisions of the alternative information guidelines set out in NP 12-203; (c) there has not been, nor is there anticipated to be, any specified default subsequent to the default which is the subject of the Default Announcement; and (d) there is no other material information concerning the affairs of the Company that has not been generally disclosed.

The Company confirms that it will continue to satisfy the provisions of the alternative information guidelines under NP 12-203 by issuing bi-weekly default status reports in the form of news releases for so long as it remains delayed in filing the Required Documents.

Lucero Project, Community Update

The Element79 Gold Corp team remains committed to strengthening its relationship with the communities that form up the greater Chachas region (the "Community"), earning its role as a trusted ally through promoting mutual development of the Lucero mine project and the Community as a whole. Building up to the end of 2024, after receiving approval from the Community at large on October 6 in the Huarocopalca annex, the Company previously presented in writing agreements that await a counterproposal from the Community. The Company awaits receipt of the counterproposal prior to the upcoming April General Assembly, allowing time to understand and further discuss the objective of obtaining long-term surface rights authorization to commence exploration and mining activities at that meeting.

Additionally, the Company is waiting for further data from the Lomas Doradas (local artisanal mining) Association regarding the sixty-five (65) REINFOS that Element79 us willing to support in their formalization process within the Company's mining concessions at Lucero.

The Community has an upcoming annual anniversary on February 14th, wherein it has requested a modest donation from the Company to help support the costs of the celebration. As part of Element79's Social Responsibility policy, we are fully committed to supporting the community's traditions and customs through donations that are reciprocated, allowing in exchange, an interim 7-day period surface access to the mining concessions with trained personnel, extraneous to other long-term contract negotiation, as soon as possible in 2025. Simliar to 2023 campaigns, this access period would grant the Company access to conduct water and soil sampling, mine data collection, and verification of coordinate points, which are necessary to formalize mining contracts for Lomas Doradas members and to advance the REINFO formalization process.

Clover Project Update

The Company updates that it has just received a notice from the United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") stating that various claims, previously referred to as the Clover project (the "Clover Project") in Elko County, Nevada, have been forfeited by the Company and it has also learned through its own research that the claims have been over-staked by a third-party. Since acquiring the Clover project, the Company had made various site visits and had been working with other areas of the BLM relative to bonding, historical environmental work and drilling permitting, as well as had made payments to maintain the Clover Project's status prior to the BLM annual deadline. The Company believes its claim was cancelled incorrectly and it is reviewing any and all remedies to challenging this decision with the Interior Board of Land Appeals.

Update on Synergy Metals Corp Plan of Arrangement Spin-Out Transaction

The Company has received a closing agenda from its counsel and as the signing of the transaction documentation as reported on January 13, 2025, it is both preparing updated financial reporting documents for Synergy Metals Corp and awaiting updated financial documents from amalgamator company, 1425957 BC Ltd. to complete the submission package to the BC Courts and BCSC for approvals. Further updates on this progress will be provided in due course through the completion of the Plan of Arrangement transaction.

About Element79 Gold Corp.

Element79 Gold is a mining company actively exploring and developing its portfolio of assets, including the high-grade, past-producing Lucero project in Arequipa, Peru, and properties along the Battle Mountain Trend in Nevada. The Company also holds an option to acquire the Dale Property in Ontario and is advancing the plan of arrangement spin-out process for its majority owned subsidiary, Synergy Metals Corp.

For further details on this announcement and the Company's projects, please visit www.element79.gold

Contact Information

For corporate matters, please contact:

James C. Tworek, Chief Executive Officer

E-mail: jt@element79.gold

For investor relations inquiries, please contact:

Investor Relations Department

Phone: +1.403.850.8050

E-mail: investors@element79.gold

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This press contains "forward?looking information" and "forward-looking statements" under applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward?looking statements"). These statements relate to future events or the Company's future performance, business prospects or opportunities that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management made considering management's experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the completion of the Spin-Out Arrangement, the completion of the Amalgamation, the completion of the Concurrent Financing, the Company's business strategy; future planning processes; exploration activities; the timing and result of exploration activities; capital projects and exploration activities and the possible results thereof; acquisition opportunities; and the impact of acquisitions, if any, on the Company. Assumptions may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Consequently, forward-looking statements cannot be guaranteed. As such, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon forward-looking statements as there can be no assurance that the plans, assumptions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward?looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "predict", "forecast", "potential", "target", "intend", "could", "might", "should", "believe" and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward?looking statements".

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.


Vancouver - Canary Gold Corp. (CSE: BRAZ, Frankfurt: K5D) (the "Company" or "Canary Gold") Canary Gold Corp. is pleased to provide an exploration update following the recent commencement of field activities over its Flagship Madeira River Gold Project, Rondonia, Brazil.

The Madeira River Project encompasses some 68,445 hectares of contiguous exploration ground, selected and consolidated by the Company based on its prospectivity for the discovery of gold mineralization, associated with preserved paleochannels, located, immediately to the east of the active Madeira River and south of the city of Porto Velho in the Brazilian state of Rondonia (see Figure 1 below).



Click Image To View Full Size Figure 1 - Map showing the Canary Golds Madeira River Project Area Tenement Position

The targeted gold mineralization of the Madeira River region is hosted in paleochannel deposits, generally composed of gravel and coarse-grained sand. The gold-bearing horizons are of fluvial origin, deposited on bars within active channels incised into and forming depressions within crystalline basement.

In addition to gravel, gold is also found in quartz-pebble conglomerates and in a widespread flat to shallow-dipping, iron-rich (limonite - siderite) duricrust, locally known as "Mocururu".

Figure 2 - "Mocururu" a gold bearing, iron rich (limonite - siderite - manganese) rich lateritic duricrust which likely formed in response of the onset of a dry climate period with subaerial exposure (Morner et al., 2001). This prospective, gold bearing horizon is a primary exploration target for Canary. Source; Morner et al 2001 in PDAC 2007 Presentation Amazon Mining Rio Madeira Project, Finding paleochannels and gold in the Amazon area, Dr Joao Batista G. Teixeira, Dr Alvaro P Crosta, and Mr Cleyton C. Carneiro, Geosciences Institute, University of Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brasil.



Click Image To View Full Size

Figure 3. An exposure along the banks of the active Madeira River showing the relative location of the gold bearing "Mocururu" overlain by younger cover comprising a blanket of kaolinite rich clay associated with gravel deposits related to the present-day river channels. Canary is exploring this sequence away from the current active Madeira River where preliminary tomography geophysical profiles (see figure 4 below) has demonstrated the eastwards extension of these gold bearing horizons within its extensive tenement package. Source; Morner et al 2001 in PDAC 2007 Presentation Amazon Mining Rio Madeira Project, Finding paleochannels and gold in the Amazon area, Dr Joao Batista G. Teixeira, Dr Alvaro P Crosta, and Mr Cleyton C. Carneiro, Geosciences Institute, University of Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brasil.

Canarys current exploration focus is aimed at refining targets for initial drill testing where Canarys recent geophysical (tomography) surveys have identified both Paleochannel and ``Mocururu`` targets within the shallow gold bearing sedimentary sequences, as described above. Figure 4 below shows the results from two preliminary, reconnaissance tomography profiles completed by Canary in 2023 across their tenements. These profiles were completed to complement earlier ground penetrating radar profiles collected nearby. Both surveys produced results which are consistent with the expected response characteristics from both the Paleochannel and ``Mocururu`` target types.



Click Image To View Full Size

Figure 4. Figure showing preliminary tomography profiles across Canary's Exploration Areas showing two distinct target types, Profile 1 interpretation showing the widespread extent of the "Mocururu Target" layer across the area while Profile 2 interpretation shows an extensive Paleochannel Target across this particular area.

Mark Tommasi, President of Canary Gold, stated, "The Canary Gold technical team is excited to begin exploration at the Madeira River Gold Project. Located in a highly prospective geological region, we believe the ancient mineralization within the lithified Mocururu conglomerate, extensively exposed in the Madeira River floodplain, presents exciting potential for new gold discoveries. By integrating modern exploration techniques with the expertise and local knowledge of our technical team, Canary Gold is well-positioned to capitalize on these opportunities and create lasting value for our shareholders."Update on Q1 2025 work program in Brazil

As stated above, Canary Gold has mobilized its in-country exploration team to Rondonia to establish local exploration support infrastructure and advance work aimed at defining initial drill targets within a 3-to-4-month timeframe. High resolution drone magnetic surveys will firstly be flown over, and to better define, the geometrical characteristics and orientation of the known paleochannel targets already delineated by tomography and ground penetration radar. These initial targets are already considered to be large scale sedimentary features attaining potential channel widths of some 500m to 1000m and a downstream (paleo direction) distance of more than 2-3km.

Once drilling targets have been defined, Sonic Drilling will be completed to importantly capture complete samples across the full targeted sedimentary profile which is expected to comprise potentially mineralized, unconsolidated, semi-consolidated and consolidated formations. The full sample interval will be logged geologically prior to submission to the laboratory for full analysis including complete heavy mineral analysis. This work will allow the companies geologists to identify specific sedimentological controls on gold and related heavy mineral content and potentially point to higher grade areas for follow up drill evaluation.

QP Disclaimer

Andrew Lee Smith, P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the technical information related to the Madeira River Project in Rondonia, Brazil, disclosed herein. The information presented is based on Mr. Smith's professional judgment and understanding of the project at the time of review. However, readers are cautioned that the conclusions and interpretations are subject to the inherent uncertainties and limitations associated with exploration activities.



The production estimates provided herein are considered historical in nature and are not supported by the detailed data or documentation required under current standards as set forth in NI 43-101. These estimates have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable; however, they have not been independently verified by a Qualified Person as defined under NI 43-101.

About Canary Gold Corp.

Canary Gold Corp. is a mineral exploration company whose principal business is the acquisition and exploration of gold mineral exploration properties, with a focus in Rondonia, Brazil. The Company has the option to acquire up to a 70% undivided right, title and interest in the Rio Madeira Project, a property that covers an area of 68,445 hectares of prospective geology in Rondonia, Brazil.

More information about Canary can be found at www.canarygold.ca.

For further information, please contact:

Canary Gold Corp.

Mark Tommasi, President

Phone: 604-318-1448

www.canarygold.ca

Disclaimer Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipates", "expects", "believes", and similar expressions or the negative of these words or other comparable terminology. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's planned exploration programs and drill programs and potential significance of results, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include but are not limited to the risks detailed in the Company's Prospectus and in the continuous disclosure filings made by the Company with securities regulations from time to time. 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. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements only as expressly required by applicable law.

No securities exchange or commission has reviewed or accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Mayor plays down rumours of 2026 Madrid GP problems

The mayor of Madrid has played down rumours the city may not be ready to welcome Formula 1 next year.

Spanish GP 2024

 Red Bull

Mayor Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida declared this week that although the sport is yet to set the calendar for 2026, the first event will be held in September .

The issue, however, is that a current delay means construction works on the area around the Ifema venue fairgrounds cannot begin until the end of April.

Spanish newspapers say the tender process is currently held up, amid speculation of problems with the joint financing of the project by both the city of Madrid and private investors.

Mayor Almeida, however, told Europa Press: The race will take place and it will be a success.

But he warned: Formula 1 is just around the corner and we need to have the circuit and all the facilities ready. Everyone involved in this project is working very hard to make it happen.

The mayor insists that the project is proceeding according to plan , reminding critics that similar recent projects in Miami and Las Vegas were also completed in the nick of time.

The deadline for construction companies to submit their tender applications expired earlier in January, and there were reportedly five offers submitted for the originally 137 million euro process.

The outcome is not yet known, nor is there a firm date set for construction to begin. However, mayor Almeida said he wanted to pass on "tranquillity to the people of Madrid, because Formula 1 is going to be a success.

Ifema and the community of Madrid are working very hard to make it a reality.

(GMM)
Photo: Liz Barclay/Redux

In her 1998 Times review of Babbo, critic Ruth Reichl praised the restaurant, warning readers not to expect a typical Italian food experience: Mario Batali and Joseph Bastianich are not playing it safe, she wrote. At a time when even the citys toniest Italian restaurants could only pray for a starred review, Reichl awarded the charismatic and obstinate newcomer three stars, praising its chef and wine-savvy co-owner for bringing a fresh take on Italian cuisine to New York City. With a menu that rejoiced in offal and a Led Zeppelinforward soundtrack of classic rock, Babbo was one of the first fine-dining restaurants in New York City to thumb its nose at convention. Its success helped to change the way New Yorkers think about fine dining and paved the way for a new generation of Italian restaurants: Marea, L Artusi, and the Carbone dynasty, to name a few.

Then its former chef, Batali, was accused of sexual harassment by former employees in 2017 at the apex of the Me Too movement and stood trial in Boston in 2022 over sexual-assault allegations brought by a woman hed met in a bar years earlier. Somehow, the restaurant persevered, but in a much quieter fashion. (Batali was acquitted of the Boston charges and no criminal complaints were ever filed against him by former employees.)

Now, there are big changes afoot at Babbo. Bastianich, whos maintained ownership of the restaurant with his mother Lidia and sister Tanya since Batali divested his share in 2019, has agreed to sell Babbo and Lupa to Stephen Starrs restaurant group, according to people familiar with the deal. The Babbo redux will also mark the return of chef Mark Ladner, who was part of the original kitchen team when the restaurant opened and went on to open Lupa and Del Posto.

Del Posto was awarded four stars by the New York Times in 2010 (the first Italian restaurant to receive the honor since 1974) and retained two Michelin stars throughout Ladners tenure. Luring him back into the fray is a major coup for Starr and could go a long way toward helping restore the restaurants culinary primacy and to purify the restaurant of Batalis history. Starrs company is also taking over Lupa, where Ladner was lauded for his rustic, ingredient-driven style of cooking.
Judge Vernon P. Perez on Thursday sentenced Jeremiah Unchangco to six months in jail, and his felony charge was reduced to a misdemeanor as part of his plea agreement with the government.

Unchangco had spent two months and two days in pretrial confinement prior to his release. That time will be subtracted from his six-month term.

He played a key role for police in identifying potential suspects for more than 30 criminal complaints for a crime spree last summer.

In June 2024, Sabino Jay Shariff Ayuyu was arrested outside of a residence where he was seen tampering with a surveillance system and removing property from a container.

Police linked him to a blue Honda CRV that had been identified in several cases where vehicles had their gas tanks drilled and drained of fuel. The investigation led to the arrest of Ayuyus brother, Jeremiah Unchangco and Unchangcos father, Christopher Unchangco, according to Pacific Daily News files.

Jeremiah Unchangco was charged with criminal mischief as a third-degree felony, which was dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

He pleaded guilty to criminal mischief as a misdemeanor, which carried a sentence of up to one year. Assistant Attorney General Kathleen ONeil recommended that Jeremiah Unchangco serve half of that.

Defense attorney Tyler Scott from the Alternate Public Defenders office said his client has tested clean since his release from confinement and has a job lined up. In addition, his stepfather, Lucio Borja, told the court that he would keep his stepson on a proper path.

Unchangco had asked to address the court and when Perez allowed him to do so, Unchangco said he was sorry to the person whose property he damaged.

Perez told Unchangco to choose to do the right thing in the future and that he hopes that he never has to apologize to another victim again.

The judge told Jeremiah Unchangco to self-surrender at noon on Feb. 7, to serve the remainder of his sentence, just under four months.




Haiti - Diaspora : Haitians threatened by Trump, MHAVE proposes to provide a unified and effective response





Faced with the growing challenges facing our compatriots in the United States, particularly those under threat of deportation, Kathia Verdier, Minister of Haitians Living Abroad (MHAVE), is strengthening her collaboration with diaspora organizations to provide a unified and effective response.



Speaking at the 16th Annual Leadership Summit of the National Haitian American Elected Officials Network (NHAEON) https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-44150-icihaiti-diaspora-16th-annual-nhaeon-summit.html the largest coalition of Haitian-American elected and appointed officials in the United States, the Minister proposed:



- To offer legal assistance and administrative support to our brothers and sisters in precarious situations;



- To mobilize the necessary resources to provide them with immediate humanitarian support;



- To work with the authorities concerned to ensure that their rights and dignity are respected.



Recalling "Migration is a fundamental human right. Our duty is to act with humanity, by offering our compatriots unwavering support. Their resilience in the face of adversity requires that we be their shield. Haiti will always fight for its children, wherever they are. Haiti will never turn its back on its children. We remain mobilized to defend their rights and offer them the assistance they need."



HL/ HaitiLibre


















The hullabaloo surrounding the AI company DeepSeek has further repercussions: The company reports cyberattacks against its services. New registrations are therefore currently not possible, and performance is also suffering.

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On the DeepSeek status page, the company provides information on the cyber attacks and the measures taken. (Image: Screenshot / dmk)

DeepSeek writes on its status website that it is currently experiencing reduced performance. The attacks began on Monday, January 27th. Initially, neither the log-in nor the API or web interface could be used, but after initial investigations, the services became available again  but with reduced speed.

New registration deactivated

On Tuesday of this week, DeepSeek deactivated registration, but existing accounts could be used again. In the evening, the company was apparently able to initiate and implement countermeasures. DeepSeek is currently monitoring their effectiveness. New registrations are currently still deactivated, but only temporarily, as DeepSeek explains.

The attacks follow the tremor that DeepSeek has caused in the AI industry. Allegedly, the company has achieved AI models with significantly lower costs and hardware for training, which can apparently keep up with those of the previous industry leader OpenAI, for example. The company has even presented an image generator.

Meanwhile, the share prices of AI companies have plummeted, with Nvidia alone suffering losses of around 600 billion US dollars. Previously renowned AI companies have reacted rather panicked to the newcomer from China.

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Read also Deepseek publishes multimodal model Janus-Pro

DeepSeek provides the source code for its language models and the Janus image generator free of charge as open source under an MIT license. Interested parties can access the sources for DeepSeek-V3, DeepSeek-VL2, DeepSeek-R1 and Janus and others in DeepSeek's GitHub repositories.

(dmk)
An international team of cybersecurity researchers reports that it has discovered two security vulnerabilities in Apple's current M2 and M3 processors. Professor Yuval Yarom from Ruhr University Bochum was among those involved in the analyses.

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The first vulnerability exploits features of the Load Value Predictor (LVP) introduced by Apple, which speeds up calculations by predicting work steps and anticipating the data to be loaded from memory. The processor performs calculations based on these predictions and compares its assumptions with the actual data as soon as it arrives. If its prediction turns out to be wrong, it discards the predicted results and recalculates with the correct data.

According to the research team, this process is prone to error: If the LVP guesses incorrectly, the CPU can perform any calculations with incorrect data under speculative execution. According to the team in a press release today (Wednesday), this allows critical checks in the program logic for memory security to be bypassed. The bypass in turn opens up attack surfaces for spying on data stored in the memory. According to the analysis published by the researchers in the technical paper FLOP: Breaking the Apple M3 CPU via False Load Output Predictions, attacks on web browsers are possible. The report from Ruhr University Bochum lists Safari and Chrome as examples. In principle, confidential data such as search histories, calendar entries and credit card details could be spied on.

The team found the second gap in Apple chips from the M2 and A15 series. It relates to the Load Address Predictor (LAP), which predicts the next memory address from which the CPU will retrieve data. If the prediction is incorrect, arbitrary calculations can be started: This enables an end-to-end attack on the Safari browser, explains the team. Attackers could use this to spy on browser activities. Email content retrieved from remote servers via HTTP (i.e., using the browser engine) could also fall into the wrong hands. The team describes the results of the LAP gap in the technical paper SLAP: Data Speculation Attacks via Load Address Prediction on Apple Silicon.

The vulnerabilities are found in the following Apple devices:

- all MacBooks built after 2022 (MacBook Air, MacBook Pro)

- all desktop Macs from 2023 onwards (Mac Mini, iMac, Mac Studio, Mac Pro)

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- all iPad Pro, iPad Air and Mini models from September 2021 (iPad Pro 6th and 7th generation, iPad Air 6th generation, Mac Mini 6th generation)

- all iPhones since September 2021 (iPhone 13, 14, 15 and 16, iPhone SE 3)

The researchers already informed Apple's Product Security Team in May and September 2024 as part of the Responsible Disclosure, and also submitted the associated program code. Apple's team then requested that the results be withheld for longer than the usual 90 days. Until the publication of the two papers, Apple had not communicated a timetable for any countermeasures. The recently released operating system updates for macOS, iOS, and iPadOS do not appear to contain any countermeasures against SLAP and FLOP. In principle, a patch released by Apple on January 27 would be a possible solution. When asked by c't, Professor Yarom replied that this patch should be irrelevant for SLAP and FLOP. However, it can be expected that Apple will name the discoverers of the two loopholes as soon as they have been plugged. So far, there is no evidence that SLAP or FLOP are being used in the wild.

The researchers plan to present details of the vulnerabilities and attack methods to the professional audience at the renowned conferences IEEE SP 2025 (May 12-15, 2025 in San Francisco, USA) and USENIX Security 2025 (August 13-15, 2025 in Seattle, USA).

The team includes Jason Kim, Jalen Chuang and Daniel Genkin (all from the Georgia Institute of Technology) and Yuval Yarom. Yarom is Professor of Computer Security at the Faculty of Computer Science and the Horst Gortz Institute for IT Security at Ruhr-Universitat Bochum and a member of the CASA Cluster of Excellence.

(dz)
Ubisoft is closing its studio in Leamington and cutting jobs at its Blue Byte studio in Dusseldorf. The French games company confirmed this to Videogameschronicle. The cuts are intended to ensure the long-term stability of the company, Ubisoft wrote in a statement.

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The measures will affect 185 employees, Ubisoft told Videogameschronicle. While the studio in Leamington will be closed, "targeted restructuring" will take place at Ubisoft Dusseldorf, Ubisoft Stockholm and Ubisoft Reflections in Newcastle.

Ubisoft's Dusseldorf studio was long known as Blue Byte and made a name for itself primarily with the "The Settlers" games. The latest installment in the series, "The Settlers: New Alliances", received moderate reviews after a turbulent development history.

Months of Ubisoft crisis

Ubisoft has been in a deep crisis for months after several titles fell short of expectations. Long-standing developments such as "Sea of Thieves" and "Star Wars Outlaws" sold only sluggishly, while the upcoming "Assassin's Creed" game "Shadows" had to be postponed several times. The French company's share price fell by 40 percent last year.

Ubisoft therefore wants to cut costs: More than 200 million euros in fixed costs are to be saved in the 2025/2026 financial year compared to the 2022/2023 financial year. Part of the savings program is the reduction of jobs and studios.

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In a recent call with investors, Guillemot spoke of several ways out of the crisis  but did not want to answer multiple skeptical questions about what these ways might look like. One hope apparently lies in finding a buyer. The Chinese tech group Tencent in particular is considered a possible takeover candidate for Ubisoft. Tencent owns 9.2 percent of Ubisoft shares as well as 49.9 percent of the holding company owned by the family of Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot.

(dahe)




We're a family of eight living in Georgia where Andrew's a professor at GSU and Nancy is a PhD student at UGA. You can read more about us here
The Economic Policy Council on Tuesday argued in a report that the counties require more time and flexibilities to patch up their deficits due to the difficult circumstances in which they began their operations in January 2023.

PRIME MINISTER Petteri Orpo (NCP) is reluctant to grant well-being services counties more time to tackle their gaping budget deficits, despite the recommendation of the Economic Policy Council.

This stance is in line with the previous governments legislation, and weve committed to this in the government programme, Orpo stated to YLE in Seinajoki on Wednesday. The reforms have to be carried out, and this is the framework for moving forward with them.

The government, he pointed out, has already added 2.1 billion euros in funding for well-being services counties for 2025.

At the same time, were encouraging and partly obligating well-being services counties to revamp their services so that the money is enough, that they get the employees [they need], and first and foremost that the services are working.

According to Orpo, there is already light at the end of the tunnel as some counties have managed to reverse their financial trajectories. Pohde, the well-being services county in North Ostrobothnia, for example has had great experiences moving forward with the reform work.

This can be done, he insisted.

Other counties, however, remain in deep financial trouble. YLE reminded in its report that over the past year as many as four chief executives of counties have stepped down, some criticising insufficient resources on their way out. The counties have also resorted to widespread lay-offs, temporary lay-offs and other cost-cutting measures over the past year or so.

Orpo on Wednesday declined to speculate on whether consolidations might be necessary address the situation. Assistance, he reminded, is available to any county that is unable to carry out its responsibilities of organising social, health care and rescue services.

If a well-being services county cant handle its responsibilities, the county will get assistance, support with its reforms, and theres always the possibility to apply for funding, he said to the public broadcaster.

Also Minister of Finance Riikka Purra (PS) rejected the notion of granting well-being services more time to meet their financial obligations at a news conference held in Helsinki on Tuesday.

Im sure that the counties can implement new efficiency measures. In Finland, a lot has been invested in the walls. The counties generally still have expenses that arent necessary and where you can create savings.

The Economic Policy Council also identified difficulties with recruiting physicians as one major obstacle for guaranteeing a sufficient level of health care services in each well-being services county. The government has decided to increase reimbursements for private health care, but  according to the independent expert body  the decision will not necessarily alleviate the shortage as it will likely increase demand for physicians in the private sector.

The council instead urged the government to better allocate the labour input of physicians, expand education opportunities in medicine and attract skilled foreign employees.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
The drone, designed by Finlands Insta Group in partnership with an undisclosed Ukrainian manufacturer, is an upgraded version of Instas earlier Steel Eagle model.

A Finnish defence company has unveiled a new warfare drone developed in cooperation with Ukraine, reinforcing military ties between the two nations. The Steel Eagle ER, a drone-based explosive weapon, was introduced at the SecD-Day security fair in Helsinki.

It carries an explosive payload that detonates mid-air, dispersing steel and tungsten pellets over a target. The payload is capable of penetrating light-armoured vehicles and inflicting significant damage over a 50-metre radius.

Tuure Lehtoranta, sales and customer director at Insta, said the decision to seek a Ukrainian partner was made last summer.

Ukraine is at the forefront of modern drone technology, with rapid development cycles and real-world battlefield experience, Lehtoranta said. We took a bold step to find a genuine Ukrainian technology partner.

The drone itself was developed and manufactured in Ukraine, while Insta retains intellectual property rights. Ukrainian developers named the drone Tursas, inspired by Finnish mythology.

The Steel Eagle ER has significantly improved range, electronic warfare resistance, and payload capacity compared to its predecessor. Despite its enhanced capabilities, the drone is reportedly cheaper to produce due to lower manufacturing costs in Ukraine.

Lehtoranta described Ukrainian military interest in the new weapon as immense.

This solution is currently for Ukraine only. All initial sales will be exclusively for Ukrainian use, he said.

Ukraine has increasingly relied on drone technology for reconnaissance and combat operations since the start of Russias full-scale invasion. By the end of 2024, Kyiv had deployed more than 200,000 domestically produced drones to frontline units.

The Finnish Defence and Aerospace Industry Association reports that more than 10 Finnish defence companies are directly cooperating with Ukrainian firms.

HT
The number of asylum applications in Finland nearly halved in 2024, according to figures released by the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri). At the same time, applications for study visas reached a record high, reflecting shifting immigration trends amid economic uncertainty and global conflicts.

Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and Nigeria remained the top countries of origin for asylum seekers. The decline was attributed in part to the reduction in instrumentalised migration via Russia, which had led to an influx of 1,300 asylum seekers in 2023 and 2024.

"The number of asylum applications has remained moderate despite conflicts and crises and has nearly halved compared with the year before," said Ilkka Haahtela, Director General of Migri.

Finland also received 12,617 applications for temporary protection in 2024, mostly from Ukrainian refugees. However, arrivals from Ukraine have continued to decline compared to previous years.

Labour migration to Finland declined by 12% in 2024, with 15,024 applications submitted for first-time work-based residence permits. The economic downturn and reduced employment opportunities contributed to the drop. Applications from Russian citizens also collapsed following border closures.

Despite this, Finland remained a destination for migrant workers. The largest groups applying for work-based residence permits came from Thailand, the Philippines, India, China and Vietnam. The demand for berry pickers led to an increase in Thai applicants, with around 1,300 arriving under a short-term work permit.

Meanwhile, the number of study-based residence permit applications hit an all-time high. Migri received 14,163 applications from international students in 2024, a significant increase from previous years. The rise was linked to legislative changes in 2022, which made Finland more attractive for students and researchers. Applications were particularly high from South Asian countries, including Bangladesh and Nepal.

The primary factor affecting the total number of international students in Finland is the number of new students that educational institutions can admit each year, said Johannes Hirvela, Director of Development at Migri.

Residence permit applications from family members also surged, reaching 23,701 applications in 2024a 10% increase from the previous year. Most applications came from relatives of workers and students in Finland, particularly from the Philippines, Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh and Nepal.

In response to growing concerns over immigration policy enforcement, Finland increased its monitoring of residence permit holders. More than 500 residence permits were withdrawn in 2024 as part of Migri's automated post-decision monitoring system, which checks whether permit holders still meet residency requirements.

Voluntary returns also increased sharply, with 313 people choosing to leave Finland in 202473% more than the previous year. Most returned to Russia, Iraq and Georgia. Meanwhile, deportations surged by 64%, with 1,965 removal decisions issued. The most common nationalities affected were Russian, Iraqi and Turkish citizens.

Immigration processes in Finland must be seamless and maintain national security. While we promote ethical and sustainable work-based migration to Finland, we will also ensure that people who do not meet the requirements for staying in Finland will leave the country, said Haahtela.

The Finnish Immigration Service estimates that between 3,000 and 4,000 asylum applications will be submitted in 2025. The number of study visa applications is also expected to rise, while work-based immigration remains uncertain due to economic fluctuations.

HT
Finland has consistently ranked as Europes most media-literate country. Since 2013, media education has been integrated into the national curriculum, ensuring that children learn from an early age how to identify misinformation, analyse sources, and critically assess online content.

Finnish schools have made media literacy a key part of education, equipping even six-year-olds with the skills to spot fake news and online manipulation.

At a school in Helsinki, a Finnish language teacher recently tested her students' knowledge. Who knew what a troll was before? she asked. Every hand in the room shot up. The pupils had already been trained to recognise misleading content and understand who produces and spreads disinformation.

Media literacy is essential for building societal resilience, said Anders Adlercreutz, Finlands Minister of Education. With traditional media responsible for less and less of the information we receive, critical thinking is more important than ever.

Finlands approach goes beyond schools. Libraries and NGOs offer courses to help adults and the elderly navigate the digital landscape. Fact-checking agencies provide public resources, and national institutions work to strengthen trust in reliable news sources.

The countrys commitment to media literacy is rooted in its history. Finland shares a long border with Russia and has been exposed to disinformation campaigns for decades. After Russias annexation of Crimea in 2014, the Finnish government intensified its efforts to counter online propaganda. By 2016, critical thinking was emphasised in schools to prepare citizens for the challenges of the digital age.

At Helsinkis French-Finnish School, students are encouraged to question the information they encounter. Before I like or share something on social media, I check where it came from, said one student. You can never be too sure.

The results speak for themselves. Finland has topped the European Media Literacy Index since its launch in 2017, ranking ahead of Denmark, Norway, Estonia, and Sweden. The index measures a countrys resilience to disinformation based on education quality, press freedom, and public trust in institutions.

However, Finland is not immune to foreign influence. The rise of artificial intelligence and deepfake technology presents new challenges. Disinformation tactics are evolving, and even the best-prepared societies must remain vigilant.

We havent been tested fully yet, said Adlercreutz. The risk is always there.

With European elections approaching, other countries are looking to Finland as a model for tackling online manipulation. The Finnish strategycombining education, public awareness, and institutional trusthas proven effective. But as the information war intensifies, experts warn that media literacy must continuously adapt to new threats.

For now, Finnish schools continue to train the next generation to think critically, ensuring that disinformation has a harder time taking root.

HT
Editor's note: The Chinese zodiac, or "shengxiao," consists of 12 animal signs that mark the years. Each animal represents one year in a repeating 12-year cycle, which is calculated based on the Chinese lunar calendar.

The 12 animals, in order, are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. These animals, along with the 10 Heavenly Stems and 12 Earthly Branches, are traditionally believed to significantly influence human personalities, marriages, careers and fortunes, thereby holding great importance in individuals' lives.

Some historians believe the Chinese zodiac took shape during the Han dynasty (206 B.C.-A.D. 220), while others trace its origins back to the Western Zhou dynasty (1046 B.C.-771 B.C.). Throughout its development, the Chinese zodiac has inspired a variety of widely accepted animal-related legends and folktales.

Legends tell that in ancient times, the horse possessed wings and resided among other immortals in the Heavenly Palace. It had the unique ability to run, fly, and swim; however, its arrogance, born from these powers, resulted in many troubles. As punishment, the Jade Emperor removed its wings and imprisoned it under Kunlun Mountain for 300 years. Later, humans helped the horse escape from the mountain, allowing it to return to a normal life. In gratitude, the horse aided people by cultivating land, pulling carts, transporting materials, and serving during wartime to confront invaders. As a result, the horse was selected to be one of the 12 zodiac animal signs.

In traditional Chinese culture, the horse symbolizes strength, speed, bravery, loyalty, freedom and talent. People born in the Year of the Horse are often expected to be brave, steady, upright, faithful and independent. Traditionally, careers suggested for those born under the horse sign include roles in sales, media, finance, charity, tourism and transportation.

The Horse years include 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026 and 2038.

According to the Chinese lunar calendar, the 2025 Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, falls on Jan. 29, 2025. This day marks the beginning of the Year of the Snake, which will last until Feb. 16, 2026. Since 2025 overlaps with most of the Year of the Snake, it is commonly referred to as such.
A stampede at the world's largest religious gathering in India killed at least 15 people with many more injured, a doctor at the Kumbh Mela festival told AFP Wednesday.

Deadly crowd crushes are a notorious feature of Indian religious festivals and the Kumbh Mela, with its unfathomable throngs of devotees, already had a grim track record before the latest incident in the early hours of the morning.

The six-week festival is the single biggest milestone on the Hindu religious calendar, and millions of people had been expected to participate in a sacred day of ritual bathing on Wednesday.

"At least 15 people have died for now. Others are being treated," said the doctor at the festival site in Prayagraj, speaking on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to talk to media.

Rescue teams were seen working with pilgrims to carry victims away from the site of the accident over ground strewn with clothes, shoes and other discarded belongings.

Police officers moved through the area carrying stretchers bearing the bodies of victims draped with thick blankets.

Dozens of relatives were anxiously waiting for news outside a large tent serving as a purpose-built hospital for the festival around one kilometre (half a mile) from the accident.

Wednesday marks one of the holiest days in the festival, when saffron-clad holy men were due to lead millions into a procession of sin-cleansing ritual bathing at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers.

But instead officials were strolling the festival site with loudhailers urging pilgrims to keep away from the waterways.

"We humbily request all devotees do not come to the main bathing spot," said one festival staffer, his voice crackling through his megaphone.

"Please cooperate with security personnel."

Numerous pilgrims decided to make an early exit from the festival.

"I heard the news and saw the bathing site," attendee Sanjay Nishad told AFP.

"My family got scared, so we're leaving."

Local government official Akanksha Rana told the Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency that the stampede began after the collapse of some crowd control barriers.

Pilgrim Malti Pandey told AFP that he was on his way to bathe in the river along a barricaded walking route when the stampede began.

"Suddenly a crowed started pushing and many people were crushed," the 42-year-old said.

The Kumbh Mela is rooted in Hindu mythology, a battle between deities and demons for control of a pitcher containing the nectar of immortality.

Organisers have likened the scale of this year's festival to that of a temporary country, forecasting up to 400 million pilgrims to visit before the final day on February 26.

Mindful of the risk of deadly crowd accidents, police this year installed hundreds of cameras at the festival site and on roads leading to the sprawling encampment, mounted on poles and a fleet of overhead drones.

The surveillance network is fed into a sophisticated command and control centre that is meant to alert staff if sections of the crowd get so concentrated that they pose a safety threat.

More than 400 people died after being trampled or drowned at the Kumbh Mela on a single day of the festival in 1954, one of the largest tolls in a crowd-related disaster globally.

Another 36 people were crushed to death in 2013, the last time the festival was staged in the northern city of Prayagraj.
President Ferdinand Marcos said Thursday his government will remove a U.S. missile system from the Philippines if Beijing ends its "aggressive and coercive behavior" in the contested South China Sea and ceases claiming Filipino territory.

The US military deployed the Typhon missile system in the northern Philippines last year as part of an annual joint exercise, and Filipino troops have been training with it, with plans to acquire the system as a means to protect Manila's maritime interests.

Beijing's forces have engaged in several confrontations with Philippine vessels in recent months over disputed reefs and waters in the strategically located South China Sea.

The US mid-range weapon system's presence on Philippine soil has angered China, which has warned Manila was "inciting geopolitical confrontation and an arms race" in the region.

"I don't understand the comments on the Typhon missiles. We don't make any comments on their missile systems, and their missile systems are a thousand times more powerful than what we have," Marcos told reporters Thursday during a visit to the central city of Cebu.

"Let's make a deal with China: Stop claiming our territory, stop harassing our fishermen and let them have a living, stop ramming our boats, stop water-cannoning our people, stop firing lasers at us, and stop your aggressive and coercive behaviour," Marcos said.

"If they stop doing all these things, I will return" the Typhon system to the United States, he added.

Manila and Washington are bound by a mutual defence pact, and the recent South China Sea clashes have sparked fears the US military could be drawn into a war with China.

The Philippine military said this week another of its platoons would be trained on using the Typhon system in February, ahead of annual joint drills with key ally the United States.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed Thursday that the midair collision between a passenger plane and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter occurred during a routine training exercise. Speaking from the White House, Hegseth acknowledged that "a mistake was made" and vowed a full investigation.

"No excuses. We're going to get to the bottom of this," he said.

The Black Hawk, carrying three servicemembers, was conducting an annual night-flight training exercise in a designated government air corridor when the crash happened Wednesday night.

"The military does dangerous things. It does routine things on a regular basis. Tragically, last night, a mistake was made," Hegseth stated.

Preliminary findings suggest an "elevation issue" may have contributed to the collision. The Department of Defense and the Army have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause.

As recovery operations continued in the Potomac River Thursday morning, the Federal Aviation Administration officials told lawmakers that first responders have yet to retrieve the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recordercommonly known as black boxesfrom the CRJ-700 aircraft.

The black boxes, which capture cockpit conversations and critical flight data, will be crucial to the National Transportation Safety Board's investigation into the cause of the collision.

President Donald Trump on Thursday said there were no survivors from the crash.

"The work has now shifted to a recovery mission," Trump said from the White House briefing room, adding Wednesday was "a dark and excruciating night in our nation's capital and in our nation's history."

The soldiers piloting the Black Hawk helicopter that collided with the American Airlines flight were part of the Army's 12th Aviation Battalion, a unit known for operating in the complex airspace near Reagan National Airport.

Former battalion pilots told CNN that members of the unit are typically highly experienced in navigating the area.

Based out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia, the 12th Aviation Battalion frequently flies missions along the Potomac River and past Reagan National, often transporting senior military leaders, Pentagon officials, and other VIPs across the region.
Accor, the largest hotel operator in Australia, has expanded its premier apartment hotel brand, The Sebel, with the addition of The Sebel Melbourne Kew.

Formerly operated as Hotel 115, the property has been reflagged under The Sebel, one of Australia's most established and recognised apartment hotel brands, following a franchise agreement with Regional Accommodation Group (RA Group). The Sebel Melbourne Kew is the ninth property for the brand in Victoria and the 35th in Australia and New Zealand.

The property, RA Group's first city-based hotel, complements their portfolio of eight regional properties across New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. As part of the transformation, RA Group is undertaking an extensive refurbishment of the lobby and reception, with plans for progressive upgrades to the accommodation in the future.

The Sebel Melbourne Kew offers 89 hotel rooms and 23 one- and two-bedroom apartments, making it ideal for long-stay guests, families, executive travellers and conference groups. The hotel also features a function space capable of hosting up to 130 delegates for cocktail receptions or 80 guests for banquets, reinforcing its position as a popular venue for corporate and social gatherings in Melbourne's eastern suburbs.

Situated just 6km east of Melbourne's CBD, The Sebel Melbourne Kew enjoys excellent connectivity via the eastern Freeway and direct tram services at its doorstep. Kew is regarded as one of Melbourne's most prestigious suburbs, known for its blend of heritage charm, tree-lined streets, grand Victorian homes, and sophisticated shopping and dining, such as the award-winning Centenove Restaurant which has been an establishment in Kew for over 30 years.

The Sebel Melbourne Kew marks Accor's 42nd hotel in Melbourne and surrounding suburbs, reaffirming the Group's commitment to offering exceptional accommodation across the region.

Hotel website
Renowned for its contemporary design and vibrant atmosphere, lifestylehotel brand INNSiDE by Melia is expanding its premium portfolio with the opening of INNSiDE La Reserva Costa del Este. Following the recent announcement of two projects in the Dominican Republic, Melia Hotels International further strengthens its presence in Latin America with this new addition in Costa del Este, Argentina. This 4-star hotel, currently under construction will feature 88 rooms, 60 residences and a wide range of services to offer guests a seamlessly relaxing getaway by the sea. The addition of several gastronomic delights, swimming pool, spa and co-working area seamlessly combines leisure and business, in keeping with the INNSiDE brand.

Costa del Este, a serene coastal destination in Argentina, is celebrated for its sandy beaches, luscious fauna and peaceful seascapes - perfect for nature enthusiasts, and travellers looking to unwind in a peaceful retreat. Costa del Este's rich culture and abundance of outdoor activities make this Argentinian location the perfect escape to explore the Atlantic coastline.

This upcoming opening marks Melia third collaboration with the Almarena Group in Argentina, following the recent partnership for two hotels in Buenos Aires. President and CEO of Melia Hotels International, Gabriel Escarrer stated, "We see significant potential for the expansion of our brands in Argentina. Consequently, we are engaged in numerous projects aimed at strengthening our market leadership. Furthermore, the experience and prestige of our brands position us as the optimal choice for the future of the hotel industry in the country." Melia's portfolio in Argentina will now expand to five hotels, including three in Buenos Aires and one in Iguazu, with the Gran Melia Iguazu recently recognised as the 'Best Hotel in Argentina' at the World Travel Awards.

Hotel website
The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner is pleased to announce the appointment of Emanuele Fissore to the role of General Manager. A seasoned leader with nearly three decades of experience in luxury hospitality, Emanuele brings a wealth of knowledge and international tenure to his new title. He will oversee all aspects of the hotel's day-to-day operations and continue to elevate the overall guest experience.

Renowned for his passion in cultivating high-performing teams, Emanuele returns to the property following his role as Restaurant General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner in 2000. He then held managerial roles within The St. Regis and W Hotel brands, where he led hotel-wide operations across multiple properties in Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia. Prior to returning to The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner, Emanuele most recently excelled as the General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City where he managed staff development and spearheaded the property's growth.

Emanuele has demonstrated exceptional leadership in development, owner relations, and financial management throughout his tenure in luxury hospitality. Emanuele's ability to curate strong relationships and lead his teams to success is also reflected in his community efforts with Arlington Food Assistance Center, DC Central Kitchen, Martha's Table, and Boys Town.
When planning a trip, choosing the right hotel is crucial to ensure a memorable experience. However, the booking process can often feel overwhelming with the multitude of options. This is where Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) come into play. OTAs have transformed the way we book accommodations by offering a wide range of choices and simplifying the booking process. Lets explore how you can maximize your travel experience by understanding the advantages and unique features of various OTAs and how hotels can effectively manage their listings on these platforms.

What are OTAs?

Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) are digital platforms that allow travelers to search for, compare, and book travel services, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages. By partnering with multiple hotels, OTAs provide a comprehensive range of options to meet diverse traveler preferences and budgets, whether youre looking for a luxury stay, a budget-friendly option, or a unique day-use experience.

Popular OTAs for Hotel Bookings

Booking.com:

As one of the largest and most popular OTAs globally, Booking.com offers a vast selection of accommodations, from budget hostels to luxury resorts. The platform is known for its user-friendly interface, transparent pricing, and customer reviews, making it a go-to choice for many travelers.

Content Updates: Hotels can update their content by logging into the Booking.com Extranet. From there, they can modify descriptions, upload new images, adjust room rates, manage availability, and update policies. Regularly refreshing content can improve visibility and attract more bookings.

Expedia:

A comprehensive travel platform, Expedia offers a wide range of services, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages. It often features exclusive deals and discounts, particularly for package bookings, making it an excellent choice for those looking to save on bundled travel expenses.

Content Updates: Hotels can manage their listings through the Expedia Partner Central portal. This allows them to update room descriptions, images, pricing, and promotional deals. Regular updates and engagement with the platform can enhance a hotels search ranking and visibility.

Agoda:

Popular in Asia, Agoda specializes in offering a variety of accommodations, including hotels, apartments, villas, and vacation rentals. Its strength lies in its competitive pricing and rewards program, which provides further discounts and benefits for frequent users.

Content Updates: Hotels can access the Agoda YCS (Yield Control System) to update information, manage inventory, and optimize rates. Consistent updates help maintain accurate listings and attract potential guests.

Priceline:

Known for its Name Your Own Price and Express Deals features, Priceline offers unique opportunities for travelers to save on hotel bookings. By allowing customers to bid on hotel rooms, Priceline provides a chance to book high-quality accommodations at a fraction of the regular price.

Content Updates: Hotels use the Priceline Partner Network (PPN) portal to manage content, including room descriptions, images, and promotional rates. Keeping listings up-to-date ensures better visibility and higher conversion rates.

Hotwire:

Similar to Priceline, Hotwire offers discounted rates on hotel rooms, flights, and car rentals through its Hot Rates feature. By booking through Hotwire, travelers can enjoy substantial savings, albeit with the trade-off of not knowing the exact hotel name until after booking.

Content Updates: Hotwire listings can be updated through the Expedia Partner Central platform, which manages both Hotwire and Expedia content. Ensuring accurate and appealing listings can help attract more bookings.

Lastminute:

Ideal for spontaneous travelers, Lastminute focuses on offering deals for last-minute bookings. The platform provides a range of accommodations, from hotels to apartments, and is particularly well-suited for those looking to book a trip on short notice.

Content Updates: Hotels can update their listings via the Lastminute.com Partner Portal. Keeping rates competitive and content current can attract more spontaneous travelers.

Traveloka:

A leading OTA in Southeast Asia, Traveloka provides an extensive range of travel services, including flights, hotels, and airport transfers. It is known for its localized approach, offering services in multiple languages and currencies, making it a convenient option for travelers within the region.

Content Updates: Hotels can use the Traveloka Partner Connect platform to update listings, manage room availability, and adjust pricing. Regular updates and engagement can improve a hotels visibility on the platform.

Virgin Holidays (IBS):

Specializing in holiday packages, Virgin Holidays offers a curated selection of hotels, flights, and experiences. It is particularly popular for those seeking a more organized and comprehensive travel package.

Content Updates: Hotels listed with Virgin Holidays need to coordinate with their account manager or use the IBS platform to update their content and packages.

JetBlue Vacations and Delta Vacations:

These airline-affiliated OTAs provide bundled packages that include flights, hotels, and car rentals, often at a discounted rate. They are ideal for loyalty program members looking to earn points or miles while booking their trips.

Content Updates: Content updates are typically managed through a dedicated portal or via coordination with account managers to ensure package offerings and hotel details are accurate.

Air Miles:

This platform allows travelers to use their accumulated miles to book hotel stays, offering a cost-effective way to save on accommodations.

Content Updates: Updates can be managed through the Air Miles partner platform or by contacting the Air Miles support team to ensure the hotel listing remains accurate and attractive to loyalty members.

Day Use Channels:

For travelers needing a hotel room for a few hours rather than an overnight stay, day-use channels like DayUse.com, HotelsbyDay, and DayBreakHotels provide flexible booking options. These platforms cater to business travelers, layovers, or anyone looking for a place to rest during the day.

Content Updates: Hotels can update their content by logging into the respective day-use portals (e.g., DayUse.com Partner Hub). They should highlight unique features and benefits tailored to day-use customers, such as early check-in options, spa access, or meeting room availability.

Suiteness:

Specializing in luxury suites, Suiteness caters to families and groups looking for spacious accommodations. The platform offers exclusive access to luxury suites that are often not available on other OTAs.

Content Updates: Hotels can update their suite listings, amenities, and packages through the Suiteness Partner Portal. Highlighting exclusive features can help attract larger groups and families.

Lesser-Known OTAs Worth Exploring

Destinia:

A global OTA with a strong presence in Europe, Destinia offers a variety of accommodations and travel services, often with competitive prices and localized options.

Content Updates: Hotels can manage their listings through the Destinia Partner Portal, where they can update availability, rates, and promotional content.

eDreams ODIGEO:

Operating several brands, eDreams ODIGEO offers a range of travel services, including hotels, flights, and car rentals, across multiple regions.

Content Updates: Hotels use the eDreams ODIGEO Partner Portal to update information across all affiliated brands. Keeping content consistent and engaging is key to attracting a broad audience.

Odamax:

A relatively new player in the OTA market, Odamax offers a range of accommodations, focusing on providing competitive rates and a user-friendly experience.

Content Updates: Hotels can use the Odamax Partner Portal to manage listings, adjust rates, and update descriptions.

Tidesquare:

Known for its focus on the Korean market, Tidesquare provides travel services tailored to Korean travelers, including exclusive deals and localized support.

Content Updates: Hotels update their listings via the Tidesquare Partner Platform, ensuring they cater to the preferences of Korean travelers.

NextTrip:

This platform offers a variety of travel services, including hotels, flights, and car rentals, with a focus on providing a seamless booking experience.

Content Updates: Hotels can manage their listings through the NextTrip Partner Portal to keep content fresh and appealing.

Tips for Maximizing Your OTA Experience

Compare Prices Across Multiple OTAs : Prices can vary significantly between OTAs, even for the same hotel. Utilize comparison tools and check multiple platforms to ensure youre getting the best deal.

: Prices can vary significantly between OTAs, even for the same hotel. Utilize comparison tools and check multiple platforms to ensure youre getting the best deal. Leverage Loyalty Programs and Rewards : Many OTAs offer loyalty programs or partnerships with airlines and credit cards. Take advantage of these programs to earn points or miles that can be redeemed for future discounts or free stays.

: Many OTAs offer loyalty programs or partnerships with airlines and credit cards. Take advantage of these programs to earn points or miles that can be redeemed for future discounts or free stays. Read Reviews and Ratings : Customer reviews and ratings provide valuable insights into the quality of a hotel. Pay attention to recent reviews to get an accurate picture of the current state of the property.

: Customer reviews and ratings provide valuable insights into the quality of a hotel. Pay attention to recent reviews to get an accurate picture of the current state of the property. Be Aware of Cancellation Policies : Cancellation policies can vary greatly between OTAs and individual hotels. Ensure you understand the terms before booking, especially if your travel plans may change.

: Cancellation policies can vary greatly between OTAs and individual hotels. Ensure you understand the terms before booking, especially if your travel plans may change. Look for Exclusive Deals and Discounts: Many OTAs offer exclusive deals to members or through their apps. Be sure to check for any available discounts before booking.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of OTAs can be daunting, but with the right approach, you can find the perfect accommodation for your trip while maximizing value. Whether youre a budget traveler, a luxury seeker, or someone looking for a unique day-use experience, there is an OTA out there that caters to your needs. By understanding the unique offerings of each platform, how to keep your hotel listings updated and engaging, and leveraging their features, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable booking process.

About Cogwheel Marketing

Cogwheel Marketing is a full service digital marketing agency specializing in branded hotels, first leveraging brand systems then coupling that with supplemental strategies to maximize total online presence. Their reporting and business intelligence tool, Cogwheel Analytics, aggregates data from multiple sources to allow companies to identify trends and opportunities in their online presence. Our defined processes ensure the best positioning for your hotel against the competitive set and against other hotels of the same brand. Let us work with your sales and revenue management teams to identify and close the gaps and target your ideal guests.

Stephanie Smith

Founder and Digital Matriarch

+1 540 239 1052

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Austin, Texas, USA  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. Now, with a more diverse leadership team, Cendyn is in a position to further innovate and expand, helping hoteliers grow through world-class technology. Jack Blaha, CEO

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. 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. Ricky Castoldi, CSO

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 35,000 customers worldwide in more than 150 countries. The company supports its growing customer base from locations across the globe, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Bangkok, and India. To find out more, visit cendyn.com

Ryan Haynes

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NEWH, Inc. (Network of Executive Women in Hospitality), the leading association dedicated to scholarships, education, mentorship, and networking in the hospitality industry, proudly announces its newly-elected 2025 International Board of Directors. The board will continue to advance NEWHs mission by guiding chapters and disciplines worldwide. Among the new appointments, the most notable is the election of Deidre Schwartz to the position of president-elect.

Schwartz will collaborate with current president Sandy Banks for the remainder of the year before stepping into her two-year tenure as president in January 2026.

In reflecting on the 40th anniversary of NEWH this past year, weve had the opportunity to commemorate how far our organization has come in every sense, says President Sandy Banks. In looking back and acting forward, Im confident that our 2025 International Board of Directors will lead by example, kicking off the next 40 years of mentorship, evolution, and education that continues to facilitate the success of professionals for decades to come.

NEWH proudly announces the 2025 Executive Committee which includes President - Sandy Banks, President-Elect - Deidre Schwartz, Secretary- Jennifer Wellman, Vice President/Finance - Kevin Swart, Vice President/Scholarship - Brittany Spinner, Vice President/Education - Dallas Bentley, Vice President/Membership - Lanee Burns, Vice President-Events - Deidre Schwartz, Vice President/EID - Valerie Coleman, Vice President/Communications - Helen Reed, Vice President/IR-EU/UK - Jonathan Young, Vice President/IR-Canada - Tara Witt, Ad Hoc Advisor - Italy - Enrico Cleva, Ad Hoc Advisor - France - Gwendoline Theodet, Executive Advisor - Cynthia Guthrie, Chief Executive Officer - Christine Tucker, Chief Operating Officer - Jena Seibel, Chief Financial Officer - Susan Huntington, Chair Emerita/Founder - Shelia Lohmiller, and Strategic Advisor - Trudy Craven.

Additionally, NEWH is excited to introduce the Board of Directors, including Scholarship - Barbara Bischoff Giusti, Education - Mary Ann Thornam, Membership - Wanda Luna, Fundraising - Kim Faith, NEWH Conferences - Shana McCullough-Downing, Brand Programs - Stephanie Deshaies, Equity, Inclusion, & Diversity - Leonardo Luciano, and Communications - Melissa Petersen.

In addition to marking its 40th anniversary, 2024 was a milestone year for NEWH, Inc., highlighted by several significant achievements. These included the biennial Leadership Conference held in Nashville in February, the nationwide launch of the Stacy Garcia Trend Tour, the inaugural presentation of the annual Structures of Hospitality Excellence (SOHE) Award, and the continuation of the Marthas Mentors program in its second year. The establishment of the Detroit Regional Group further expanded NEWHs reach, bringing the total number of chapters and regional groups to 30 across five countries.

NEWH looks ahead to continued growth in 2025, with membership remaining strong and scholarship funds projected to surpass a cumulative total of $10 million by year-end. The organization will also expand its reach into new sectors and regions through initiatives such as the 2025 Paris Leadership Summit Conference.

On February 5, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. EST, NEWH will host its latest virtual talk series, Perspectives, featuring Vice President IR-EU/UK Jonathan Young, Ad Hoc Advisor for France Gwendoline Theodet, and Ad Hoc Advisor for Italy Enrico Cleva. The session, titled Art de Vivre, will outline plans for the upcoming Paris Leadership Summit and provide insights into the state of Europes hospitality industry. Registration details are available on NEWH.org.

About NEWH

NEWH, Inc. is a dynamic association dedicated to providing scholarships to those interested in various areas of the hospitality industry. Through educational programs, mentorship opportunities, and networking events, NEWH strives to foster leadership development and facilitate meaningful connections among industry professionals. For additional information visit www.newh.org.
JLL's Hotels & Hospitality Group has released its annual Global Hotel Investment Outlook, projecting a 15% to 25% increase in global hotel investment volume compared to 2024. The report highlights the industry's resilience and potential for growth as it adapts to evolving travel patterns and consumer preferences.

2024 in review: uneven recovery in the global hotel market

Through November, global hotel demand reached a staggering 4.8 billion room nights, 102 million more than in 2023, resulting in RevPAR growth of 4%. Though RevPAR grew in all regions, performance remains uneven, with Asia Pacific (APAC) still lagging 10% behind 2019 levels while the Americas, Europe and the Middle East have all fully recovered.

Global hotel investment volume reached $57.3 billion in 2024, a 7% increase from 2023, but remained 17% below historical levels driven by historically limited portfolio volume and significant declines in average deal size. The global increase was fuelled by growth in APAC and EMEA, while the Americas transaction volume declined modestly for the second consecutive year.

Private equity remained the most active hotel buyer globally, with a notable increase in investments from high-net-worth individuals, REITs and first-time hotel investors. This trend is expected to continue in 2025 and beyond, with cross-border investments likely to rise as U.S. investors capitalize on a strong Dollar and cash-rich Middle Eastern investors look to deploy capital into Europe and select U.S. cities.

JLL expects global hotel investment volume to accelerate in 2025, likely exceeding 2024 by 15% to 25%. This growth will be catalyzed by impending loan maturities, deferred capital expenditures, private equity fund-life expirations and moderating RevPAR in some markets, with the Americas expected to see the largest growth followed by EMEA and APAC.

The luxury and select-service sectors will continue to be most favored and liquid in 2025, with urban cities and high barrier-to-entry markets expected to attract the most investor interest. Foreign investment should also accelerate further as some investors look to capitalize on strengthening currencies. Cash-rich Middle Eastern and select-U.S. private equity investors will likely be the most acquisitive, targeting quality assets across Europe and Asia, respectively.

In 2025, slowing new supply will spur hotel brands to continue to use their balance sheets to fuel net unit growth, a key driver of shareholder value. Look for increased hotel brand M&A and private equity investment in third-party management companies, non-traditional lodging brands and hotels in the lifestyle sector.

As we consider the transaction market in 2025, we expect to see a reemergence of two key contributors to overall volume, portfolio transactions and urban full-service hotel sales. We are hopeful that improved liquidity in the debt and equity markets will allow those segments to return to their traditional contributions toward overall sales activity. Daniel C. Peek, President, Americas, JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group

Key themes to watch in 2025

The great merging is here: live-work-play boundaries blur - The boundaries between living, working, and playing are blurring, with lifestyle hotels emerging as the new "third place." This shift is driving expansion into branded residences and alternative accommodations as hotels capitalize on the growing Experience Economy.

The boundaries between living, working, and playing are blurring, with lifestyle hotels emerging as the new "third place." This shift is driving expansion into branded residences and alternative accommodations as hotels capitalize on the growing Experience Economy. Evolution of global travel and emerging market influence - Emerging markets, particularly India and Saudi Arabia, are set to play increasingly significant roles in shaping future travel trends, creating new opportunities for development and investment.

Emerging markets, particularly India and Saudi Arabia, are set to play increasingly significant roles in shaping future travel trends, creating new opportunities for development and investment. Rise in the adoption of artificial intelligence in the hospitality industry - Strategic implementation of AI will be crucial for optimizing hotel operations, enhancing guest experiences and addressing ongoing labor challenges.

Final thoughts

As the global hotel industry enters a pivotal year, JLLs flagship Global Hotel Investment Outlook offers crucial insights into the evolving investment landscape for 2025 and beyond. From urban resurgence to the expansion of hotel brands into new verticals, this comprehensive outlook equips you with the knowledge to navigate the dynamic hotel investment terrain in 2025.

The hotel industry stands at a transformative crossroads, where embracing technological innovation and adapting to evolving consumer preferences will be key to unlocking unprecedented value and shaping the future of hospitality. Kevin Davis, CEO, Americas, JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group

Global real estate investors are increasingly gravitating to the hotels sector evidenced by near historic levels of first-time capital invested in 2024. We expect this dynamic to continue throughout 2025 as hotels emerge as a preferred asset class driven by outsized yields, robust operating performance and favorable supply dynamics. Zach Demuth, Global Head of Hotels Research, JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group

JLLs Hotels & Hospitality Group has completed more transactions than any other hotels and hospitality real estate advisor over the last five years, totalling $83 billion worldwide. The groups 370-strong global team in over 20 countries also closed more than 7,350 advisory, valuation and asset management assignments. Our hotel valuation, brokerage, asset management and consultancy services have helped more hotel investors, owners and operators achieve high returns on their assets than any other real estate advisor in the world.
Onyx CenterSource, a global leader in B2B payments and business intelligence for the hospitality industry, is broadening its footprint in the business intelligence space with the launch of OnyxInsights. This advanced platform equips hotels and travel agencies with powerful benchmarking tools and actionable insights to drive smarter decisions, streamline operations, and optimize revenue.

As the hospitality sector increasingly embraces data-driven strategies, Onyx CenterSource sets itself apart by combining stay and booking data to deliver actionable intelligence. OnyxInsights features interactive dashboards offering advanced analytics to improve commission payment speed, increase funded transactions, and boost commissionable average daily rates (cADR).

Key benefits of the platform include:

Data Quality Diagnostics: Identify areas for improvement that impact payments and analytics.

ADR Analytics: Benchmark daily rate trends.

Performance Summaries: Track KPIs against benchmarks.

Market Share Insights: Gauge market influence and track growth patterns.

Future Demand Forecasts: Stay alert to market shifts.

Additional Benefits for Hotels

Funding Analysis: A unified view of payment lifecycle performance relative to benchmarks at all levels.

Additional Benefits for Agencies

Potential Revenue Analysis: Gain insights into pending hotel commission payments at the supplier level to better understand and forecast revenue opportunities.

Early 2024 results in North America show OnyxInsights reduced payment times by seven days, increased funded transactions by 3%, and delivered $8 higher commissionable ADR for properties.

Hospitality professionals are navigating a rapidly changing landscape, from intensifying competition to addressing operational inefficiencies. At Onyx CenterSource, we are deeply committed to advancing the travel and hospitality industries through innovative payment and data solutions. OnyxInsights aligns with our vision of delivering tools and insights that enable smarter decisions and position our clients for sustainable, long-term growth. Scott Gutz, CEO of Onyx CenterSource

In addition to self-service tools, OnyxInsights offers personalized, quarterly analyses from business data specialists, delivering tailored analyses with actionable recommendations to optimize operations, strengthen partnerships, and improve financial outcomes.

With its unmatched expertise and network, including two thirds of the top 25 hotel chains and all the top global agencies, Onyx CenterSource is addressing key industry pain points and driving innovation through actionable data insights. Through strategic initiatives like the Data Snap Series in collaboration with Skift, the company further reinforces its commitment to delivering actionable insights and fostering growth across the hospitality industry.

OnyxInsights is now available to Onyx CenterSource customers worldwide. For more information or to schedule a virtual walkthrough and Q&A with one of our data experts, please visit here.

About Onyx CenterSource

Onyx CenterSource is a leading global provider of B2B payments and business intelligence solutions to the hospitality industry. The company strives to build long-lasting relationships with its partners and is passionate about providing quality customer service, consultative insight and cost-effective solutions. With a legacy dating to 1992, the company facilitates in excess of $2.1 billion in payments annually, partnering with more than 150,000 hotel properties and 200,000 travel booking providers in 160 countries. In addition to its headquarters in Dallas, Onyx CenterSource has regional hubs in Seville, Spain; Tnsberg, Norway; and Manila, Philippines. To learn more, visit www.OnyxCenterSource.com.

Dawn McAbee

Manager, Corporate Communications

423-503-0016
Chuck Simikian and John Thalheimer met together on the HR Stories Podcast to tell the tale that highlights the importance of consistent policies and documentation. Listen to the deep dive in on their podcast episode:

As hospitality leaders, we know that terminations are rarely simple. Even when policies are clear, emotions run high, and well-intentioned decisions can backfire. Enter the story of Gloria Cocuzzo, a long-time Trader Joes employee affectionately known as The Trader Joes Grandma, whose termination after 17 years sparked a lawsuit that became a cautionary tale for employers everywhere.

What happened? Gloria went from a celebrated employee to facing termination, then retirement, and eventually a legal battleall over a seemingly small decision. Heres what her story teaches us about policy enforcement, documentation, and avoiding costly missteps.

A Model Employee

Gloria joined Trader Joes in Brookline, Massachusetts, at the age of 60 and quickly became a neighborhood icon. By all accounts, she was a model employeepromoted, praised, and adored by colleagues and customers alike. But in February 2021, Glorias career unraveled when she purchased beer for her 19-year-old grandson, Kevin, who also worked at the store.

Gloria viewed her actions as harmless. After all, Kevin often drank beer at family dinners. However, her decision violated Trader Joes alcohol policy and Massachusetts law, which prohibits providing alcohol to anyone under 21. When another employee witnessed the transaction and reported it, the store manager and regional vice president determined that termination was the only option.

A Twist and the Email that Changed Everything

In a bid to handle the situation with compassion, Glorias manager offered her a choice: retire or face termination. Initially, Gloria chose retirement, but she later sent an emotional email explaining her actions. In it, she admitted she knowingly purchased beer for Kevin, saying she didnt think of his age and was heartbroken to lose her job.

That email changed everything. Trader Joes leadership reviewed her admission and decided to change her status from retirement to termination. Their reasoning was clear:

Policy Enforcement: Gloria admitted to knowingly violating both company policy and state law. Consistency: Allowing Gloria to retire might be seen as inconsistent with how similar violations were handled. Legal Defense: Documenting the termination strengthened Trader Joes position in case the issue went to courtwhich, of course, it did.

Gloria filed a lawsuit, claiming age discrimination. She argued that younger employees who violated the alcohol policy werent fired and that the retirement option was age-related bias. However, the court sided with Trader Joes, citing key differences between Glorias case and others.

Key Lessons for Leaders

Glorias story isnt just a legal case  its a masterclass in navigating tricky terminations.

Heres what General Managers and Hotel Human Resource professionals can learn:

Consistency is EverythingTrader Joes enforced its alcohol policy uniformly, demonstrating that Glorias termination wasnt about her age, but her actions. Consistency protects your organization from claims of bias or favoritism. Clarity in PoliciesClear policies protect both employees and employers. In this case, Trader Joes strict alcohol policy left little room for interpretation, ensuring employees understood the rules. Documentation is CriticalFrom the initial report to the termination decision, detailed documentation gave Trader Joes the evidence it needed to defend its actions in court. Words MatterOffering Gloria retirement as an option was intended to soften the blow, but it complicated the situation. In sensitive cases, focus on the facts and avoid mixing disciplinary actions with alternative exit strategies unless requested by the employee.

Navigating Emotional Exits

We all have at least one Gloria working at our property  everyone loves her! But even the most beloved employees can make mistakesand how we navigate those mistakes matters. As leaders in the hospitality industry, where guest service is paramount and terminations often involve public-facing employees, its crucial to balance empathy with compliance.

At the heart of every termination is an opportunity to reinforce fairness, consistency, and integrity. The key is to approach every situation with clear policies, strong documentation, and careful communicationbecause even the smallest decisions can have big consequences.

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A recent discussion on Hospitality Nets World Panel has reignited the debate over whether differentiating hotel pricing based on a travelers geographic location is a prudent revenue management strategy or an ethically fraught practice. The conversation stems from research suggesting that several major OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) appear to offer higher rates to users in more affluent regionsmost notably the San Francisco Bay Areacompared to those in less affluent cities like Phoenix or Kansas City. According to SFGate, the discrepancies can be dramatic, sometimes reaching $500 more per night for the very same room and dates.

Such stark contrasts immediately raise questions about the use of location as a pricing variable. Some in the industry view it as a logical step in the evolution of revenue management, while others worry it could foster distrust and harm a hotels reputation if guests perceive it as unfair or discriminatory. Many experts weighed in on Hospitality Nets World Panel, offering perspectives that highlight the complexitiesand potential pitfallsof geo-based pricing.

Historical Echoes and Technical Complexities

One commonly cited precedent involves an OTA discovered, around 15 years ago, charging higher hotel rates to Apple users than to PC userspresumably under the assumption that Apple users were more affluent. Max Starkov, a hospitality and online travel tech consultant who participated in the recent Hospitality Net discussion, sees parallels in the latest reports of OTAs offering different pricing based on location, describing it as a one-to-many tactic that broadly profiles consumers.

Starkov also notes that not every instance of high pricing is necessarily intentional discrimination. Sometimes, discrepancies are attributable to cached ARI (availability, rates, and inventory) issues, where rate updates lag behind real-time data. Either way, he points to the future of revenue management as AI-driven one-to-one pricing, which customizes rates to each travelers behaviors, loyalty status, and booking history. In his words, One-to-One Pricing, supported by CRM, will allow hoteliers to automatically personalize pricing and product offering to the individual customer level.

Intrinsic Value vs. Assumptions About Wealth

Niki Van den Broeck, another voice in the Hospitality Net discussion, emphasizes that a hotels rate strategy should reflect intrinsic value rather than operate on simplistic assumptions about affluence. She argues that while OTAs rely on massive datasets, they may lack the hotels deep local market knowledge. Van den Broeck suggests offering discounts to certain segments, rather than inflating prices for those assumed to be wealthier, to maintain guests trust. If travelers learn theyre paying more solely due to their home address, they may feel exploited and harbor long-term resentment toward both the OTA and the hotel.

A Familiar Concept in Other Industries

Not all experts see geo-based pricing as a bad idea. Mark Fancourt, Co-Founder at TRAVHOTECH, draws parallels to other industries, noting that its normal for fuel prices, airline fares, and insurance premiums to fluctuate based on the location of purchase or residence. Fancourt holds that, as personalization becomes more sophisticated, factors like past willingness and propensity to pay will also influence pricing. From his point of view, location is just one data point among many, and using it to optimize revenue isnt inherently unethicalprovided its handled transparently and with the consumers experience in mind.

Fencing Strategies vs. Blanket Price Hikes

Reflecting on a well-known segmentation tactic, Trevor Stuart-Hill points out that location-based offerslike Florida resident rates or Hawaiis Kamaaina dealsare longstanding examples of fencing strategies intended to cultivate loyalty among local travelers. But when hotels or OTAs start tweaking unqualified retail pricing in ways that significantly disadvantage specific regions, questions of sustainability and fairness arise. He references an operator who lowered rates overnight to attract European travelers, then raised them again during U.S. daytime hours. While it might work short-term, Stuart-Hill cautions that VPN use, contractual parity clauses, and savvy consumers can quickly render such tactics unsustainableand potentially controversial.

Another Layer of Segmentation

From another angle, Pablo Torres sees location-based pricing simply as an extension of everyday segmentation practices, such as corporate, wholesale, or group rates. In his view, hospitality revenue management is about targeting different segments with different willingness to pay, and geographic data can be usefulif handled ethically. Torres does, however, warn of ethical concerns: if guests sense theyre being charged extra with no added value, it can damage a hotels reputation. The key, he suggests, is communicating value and transparently explaining why certain rates apply.

Price Discrimination 101But at What Cost?

Simone Puorto calls location-based price hikes Price Discrimination 101. From a purely revenue-driven perspective, if travelers in wealthier regions consistently pay more, raising rates can be profitable. However, Puorto probes the ethical dilemma: hospitality is an industry built on service and positive guest experiences, so if these measures feel predatory, they could alienate customers for good.

Similarly, Fabian Bartnick, Founder at Infinito, acknowledges that geo-pricing is definitely a valuable tool in revenue management, but underscores that it ultimately hinges on value perception. If travelers willingly pay higher prices and still feel they receive good value, it can be successful. Yet if they find out that other regions get far lower prices for the same product, or if the disparity seems arbitrary, loyalty and trust can erode.

When Location-Based Pricing Backfires

Potential backlash extends beyond individual disgruntled customers. Timothy Wiersma, Principal at Revenue Generation, LLC., warns that well-informed travelers or metasearch platforms might quickly reveal these discrepancies, encouraging people to book from a different regionor use a VPNto obtain cheaper rates. Moreover, broad generalizations about an entire area being rich or discount-seeking can be inaccurate. The complexity multiplies in branded properties, where strict parity clauses often dictate that the same publicly available rate must be offered across different channels.

Along the same lines, Binu Mathews, CEO at IDS Next, deems the practice highly discriminative, arguing that rate disparities based on location can sow distrust and tarnish a hotels reputation. If travelers suspect theyre being gouged simply because of their zip code, they may feel morally outraged, sharing their experiences on social media and review platformspotentially sparking a public relations crisis.

The Path to True Personalization

One consensus emerging from the World Panel discussion is that AI-driven, one-to-one pricing will increasingly supplant broad-brush, location-based tactics. The future of revenue management, many believe, lies in blending various data points: a travelers past booking behavior, loyalty status, browsing patterns, and real-time engagement. In such a model, a traveler might receive a personalized discount or upsell offer based on how many times theyve visited the booking site in the last 24 hours or whether theyve demonstrated an interest in premium amenities beforerather than merely targeting them because they reside in a generally wealthy region.

This approach could address many ethical concerns by showing travelers how rates reflect their individual preferences and loyalty, rather than perceived affluence. Yet it also underscores a broader truth: transparency remains pivotal. If hotels or OTAs fail to communicate the rationale behind customized rates, travelers might still perceive the system as arbitrary or manipulative.

Balancing Revenue with Reputation

Ultimately, the recent Hospitality Net World Panel discussion reveals two primary paths forward. The first is a continuation of location-based pricing as a segment-driven practice, grounded in the argument that its no different from other segmentation strategies. The second is a pivot toward highly personalized, data-rich pricing that accounts for a wide range of factors beyond location alone.

Whichever path revenue managers choose, the stakes are high. Hotels rely on long-term guest loyalty, and once a traveler feels unfairly treated, it can be challenging to win back their trust. Industry watchers caution that while geo-based pricing may yield short-term gains, it can quickly become neither viable nor sustainable if it sparks consumer backlash or violates parity agreements. In an era where social media amplifies negative feedback and comparison-shopping is a few clicks away, hoteliers and OTAs alike must tread carefully.

In the end, geo-based pricing may be best understood as a stepping stone toward more nuanced, ethically considered approaches. As artificial intelligence and advanced analytics become standard in hospitality, the industry has a real opportunity to move beyond broad presumptions about affluent cities or discount-centric regions. The question is whether hoteliers and OTAs can seize that opportunitybalancing the pursuit of revenue with a steadfast commitment to guest satisfaction and fairnessbefore potentially damaging public opinion tips the scales in favor of more transparent and equitable strategies.

Read in HN World Panel
Rising Optimism in U.S. Hotel Sector: Investors Set to Increase Capital Allocation in 2025 - Image Credit Unsplash

CBRE survey reveals a surge in investor optimism for the U.S. hotel sector in 2025, with 94% intending to maintain or expand their hotel portfolios.

New York City, San Francisco, and Dallas top the list of the most attractive markets for hotel investment.

Investors are preparing to allocate additional capital to the U.S. hotel sector in 2025, driven by expectations of higher returns, distressed asset opportunities and favorable pricing, according to the findings of CBRE's latest U.S. Hotels Investor Intentions Survey.

The survey highlights a growing sense of optimism among investors, with 94% intending to maintain or expand their hotel portfolios this year, up from 85% in 2024. At the same time, only 6% of investors anticipate reducing their allocations, marking a significant improvement from 16% last year.

We anticipate an acceleration in hotel investment activity in 2025, as investors are eager to seize new buying opportunities amid increasingly favorable economic conditions, said Bill Grice, President of CBRE Hotels in the Americas. With ample liquidity accessible through the debt capital markets, investors are targeting assets that offer substantial in-place cash flows and are actively seeking value-add properties that can be repositioned to yield above-market returns.

Top Markets for Hotel Investment

New York City remains the most attractive market for hotel investment for the second consecutive year, driven by limited supply growth, attractive relative yields and robust consumer demand.

San Francisco secures the second spot, benefiting from distressed pricing and strong upside potential.

Dallas ranks third, appealing to investors with its business-friendly environment and low regulatory hurdles.

Preferred Investment Strategies

Investors continue to prioritize value-add and opportunistic strategies, with over 75% seeking opportunities to reposition assets through renovations, adding rooms, redesigning spaces or incorporating new amenities to enhance returns.

Resorts and central business districts (CBDs) are the most favored location types for hotel investments.

By chain scale, upper-upscale (52%) and luxury hotels (30%) are the most sought-after segments in 2025, reflecting a strong investor appetite for high-end assets in prime locations.

Full-service hotels are the top asset choice, favored by 58% of investors, followed by limited-service hotels (21%).

Despite the heightened interest in extended-stay hotels during the pandemic and expansions in this segment by major brand families, only 14% of investors plan to prioritize them in 2025, indicating a shift back to traditional hotel types.

Challenges and Opportunities
Market Segments for Hotels: How to Optimize Distribution and Pricing - Image Credit Lighthouse



Different travelers have different needs and buying habits.

In other words, their motivations for traveling are different. This is why its so important to know the traveler segments you are attracting to your hotel, and tailor your pricing strategy to each.

It is of particular importance to a revenue manager, as each segment has varying price elasticity of demand. With relevant information on each segment, revenue managers can implement a rate structure that sells the same rooms to different segments, at different prices, without leaving money on the table (also known as price discrimination).

For example, corporate travelers are willing to pay a higher rate but the problem is they tend to book travel last minute. So should you hold a few rooms for your corporate business, or give it to the leisure traveler who is paying less, but with a longer lead time?

Understanding these buyer behaviors puts you in a better position to understand when to offer lower rates to leisure traveler segments, and when to hold rooms for higher paying customers who will book later.

Modern market segmentation

Typically there has always been two key market segments: transient and group travelers (although these segments are also made up of a range of sub-sections). It is vital that these are identified and targeted separately.

Technology has changed travel in every way, becoming part of the entire traveler journey. As a traveler, think about how you now use technology to research, book and share travel experiences. Thanks to the accessibility of travel through the internet, its all at your fingertips, no matter where you are.

Because of this, traditional segmentation is less and less clear. Hoteliers need to think about marketing to the individual, rather than bucketing everyone as a segment. Each segment should be turned into a persona, a representation of your typical guest from that segment.

This means that you dont just use demographics, but also behavioral factors: Why are they traveling? What do they value? How do they make their booking? When do they travel? How often do they travel? How often do they stay with you?

Market segmentation is not a fixed activity. It is important to use accurate guest data at your disposal to regularly update your segmentation strategy and recognise your most important guests.

By using a business intelligence solution you can identify the most profitable segments at your hotel, along with cost of acquisition and the booking value for each channel.

When you know your market segments in detail, you can provide the most competitive, flexible pricing, promotions and discounts to convert potential guests.

The impact of Covid-19 on market segmentation

In a post-pandemic world, domestic and leisure markets are more critical than ever.

One of the most long-lasting effects of the pandemic on the hospitality industry has been the huge reduction in corporate travel. According to McKinsey , in 2020, total global business travel expenses reduced by 52%, while corporate-travel spending in the United States fell 71%.

Hotels that had corporate and MICE business as a key segment suddenly had to adapt and compete for the leisure travel segment. This results in special promotions, flash sales, last-minute deals and, in general, heightened competition in many markets for the leisure segment.

There are now more promising signs for corporate travel, but its by no means a complete recovery as yet. Using Lighthouses predictive intelligence solution, Market Insight , you can observe Global Distribution System (GDS) searches, which gives a solid indication on the state of corporate travel.

Hotel GDS Search Evolution for London and Paris - July 2021 to May 2022

By forecasting demand granularly by market segment, you can get a head start on the competition when pivoting your pricing and promotional strategy back to the corporate segment.

There has also been a significant increase in the domestic travel segment, which independent hoteliers need to be aware of.

With international travel restrictions and the risk of Covid-19, more and more consumers are traveling by car within their own country, meaning that the balance of international and domestic travel segments has changed.

International travel is picking up once again and hoteliers need to utilise forward-looking indicators , such as flight and hotel search patterns, lead times, and average length of stay to pinpoint what is actually happening on the ground, so that you can establish the right strategy for each segment.

To win the revenue management game, you need to combine both traditional (demographic) and millennial (behavioral) segmentation. As well as a deep understanding of post-pandemic trends to personalize your pricing and promotional strategy.

One example of this is how hoteliers have adapted their non-refundable rates and cancellation policies to suit the modern day, post-pandemic traveler. With fluctuating restrictions, travelers now want to be able to change their plans at a moments notice.

This requires revenue managers to have a highly dynamic pricing strategy in place - one grounded in quality, real-time data.

Pricing your rooms right

Getting your rate structure right is the cornerstone of revenue management and your number one priority. With so many elements to scrutinize, especially in a market that is particularly fluid, setting the right rates has become more challenging than ever.

There are countless factors that can influence your pricing strategy - multiple channel partners to monitor, competition to keep an eye on, shifting traveler trends and demand forecasts to watch. Thats an overwhelming amount of information to analyze and a whole lot of time needed to do it.

It may be an art form, honed over years of experience in the field, but the key to a successful pricing strategy lies in the science. You need to be able to make confident decisions based on real-time, actionable data. Thats why using a market leading rate shopping tool has become indispensable in the field of revenue management.

In this volatile market, it is simply not feasible to collect, collate, analyze, and set a pricing strategy before your data is outdated. At a time when the industry as a whole is recovering from its biggest slump in living memory, and you have less resources at your disposal, its important that you do more with less.

A rate shopping tool easily allows independent hoteliers to maintain their market positioning, to maximize their bookings and revenue. Crucially, it gives decision-makers a bird's-eye view of what is going on in the market. Your competitors' rates are displayed in real-time, enabling you to make swift pricing decisions.

Refreshed with real-time, rate and market data, a leading rate shopping tool displays a live overview of what is happening in your market, giving you a comprehensive view of your competitors past, present and future rates across all key OTAs, brand.com and GDS.

It allows you to monitor your own hotels OTB (On the Books) performance, and helps you to benchmark your performance against the market to determine whether your pricing strategy is working.

We know, more than ever, that guests are looking for maximum flexibility and minimum risk. By using high-quality data from a rate shopping tool , you can see your current positioning, long-term outlook and unlock new opportunities.

Median breakfast cost at hotels in select cities - 09/05/2022 - Data taken from Rate Insight (Rate Strategy feature)

However, free and more basic rate shopping tools are no longer enough to compete when competition is so high and the business landscape is so complex. You need a rate shopping tool which delivers advanced rate intelligence. One that accurately depicts your markets rate environment, enabling you to shape a dynamic pricing strategy so you can successfully capture demand.

Building an effective promotional and discounting strategy

It's critical that you have an effective pricing and promotional strategy in place. With limited resources, in a fiercely competitive environment, you need to squeeze out every drop of revenue. If you are using accurate data as your guide you can develop a foolproof pricing and promotional strategy.

The pandemic provided a somber reminder of how quickly the market can change. It highlighted the importance of being able to adapt to changing conditions.

Pricing strategies that may have worked for you in the past have evolved, and a more dynamic approach to your rate strategy is needed. You need to be prepared to pivot based on changing levels of demand.

In recent times we have seen hotels offering more options in cancellation policies, length of stay discounts, upselling, and discounts for mobile bookers.

This further complicates the pricing process - demonstrating that a basic rate shopping tool is not fit for the job. Instead you need a rate shopping tool that supplies advanced rate intelligence, on a granular level .

Hotels offering mobile discounts in select cities - 09/05/2022 - Data taken from Rate Insight (Rate Strategy feature)

Rate Insight s Rate Strategy feature gives you an overview of your own-property and the pricing, discounting and promotional strategies of your competition. In one dashboard, you can probe key promotional insights, and spot patterns in the data, from median breakfast cost, length of stay discounts, the percentage of hotels with mobile discounts, to semi-flex and non-refundable rates. It is insights like these that can give you the upper hand against your compset.

The new layer of complexity that has been added to the hotel market requires a simpler, and faster way to view data.

About Lighthouse

Lighthouse (formerly OTA Insight) is the leading commercial platform for the travel & hospitality industry. We transform complexity into confidence by providing actionable market insights, business intelligence, and pricing tools that maximize revenue growth. We continually innovate to deliver the best platform for hospitality professionals to price more effectively, measure performance more efficiently, and understand the market in new ways.

Trusted by over 65,000 hotels in 185 countries, Lighthouse is the only solution that provides real-time hotel and short-term rental data in a single platform. We strive to deliver the best possible experience with unmatched customer service. We consider our clients as true partners - their success is our success.
AHLA Foundation Raises +$1,000,000 at Stars Of The Industry Award Gala

AHLA Foundation raised more than $1,000,000 at its annual Night of a Thousand Stars fundraising gala last night, bringing together more than 400 industry leaders at the Beverly Hilton to celebrate excellence in hospitality. Proceeds of the gala will support workforce development initiatives for hotel industry employees.

The event took on special significance this year as the industry demonstrated its commitment to the recovery and resilience of Los Angeles in the wake of recent wildfires with donations to the Red Cross and LA Fire Department Foundation. AHLA and the AHLA Foundation pledged $10,000 to support disaster relief efforts and will match up to $25,000 donated by AHLA members.

Each year, Night of a Thousand Stars recognizes outstanding achievements across the industry with five prestigious awards to recognize hospitality professionals under 30 years old; hospitality student excellence; women creating paths for other women in the industry to succeed; and the lodging employee of the year.

Night of a Thousand Stars is a shining tribute to the exceptional talent that drives hospitality forward, while fueling a stronger future for our industry, said Anna Blue, President of the AHLA Foundation. Through the Foundations transformative workforce development programs, we are not just opening doors but creating pathways for individuals to build meaningful, life-changing careers in this extraordinary industry.

One of the things Ive always loved about this industry is the way it loves its people. Night of a Thousand Stars is an opportunity for our industry to celebrate the incredible people who make hospitality all it is, said Rosanna Maietta, President and CEO of the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA). Their stories are so powerful. They are the heart of our industry and the reason the work the AHLA Foundation does is so important to advancing the careers of so many.

AHLAs 2025 Stars of the Industry winners:

North Star: Lodging Employee of the Year Award

Melvin De La Cruz, Assistant to Director of HR, The Park Vista a DoubleTree by Hilton

AHLA Foundation ForWard: Paving the Way Award

Whitney Bergmann, General Manager, Best Western Plus Grant Creek Inn

Stevan Porter Emerging Hospitality Leader of the Year Award

Nicole Harker, Front Office Manager, Amara Resort & Spa

Hotel Hero

Jessica Dunnihoo, Executive Housekeeper, Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa & Convention Center

AHLA Foundation Scholar of the Year Award

Devin Grady, Student, Anne Arundel Community College and Accountant, Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center

The events success was made possible through the generous support of presenting sponsors Encore, Guest Supply, Hilton, Hilton Supply Management and contributions from hospitality leaders and professionals across the industry. Giving at the gala was initiated by a $100,000 donation from Jon Bortz, President and CEO of Pebblebrook Hotel Trust, and his wife Ellen Bortz.

For more information about the AHLA Foundation and its initiatives, visit www.ahlafoundation.org. To donate to organizations providing emergency assistance in Los Angeles, visit https://www.ahla.com/relief.
How To Conduct an SEO Audit: A Step-By-Step Guide To Checking & Maintaining the Health of Your Hotel Website - Image Credit Unsplash+



In this step-by-step guide, well walk you through how to audit a hotels SEO to maintain your sites health, keep your content competitive and ensure you stay at the top of the search results.

Hotels should audit their sites SEO regularly to optimize its performance and help them stand out in the competitive hospitality industry. A well-optimized hotel website not only attracts organic traffic but also enhances the user experience, leading to more direct bookings and greater customer satisfaction. This isnt a one-and-done process  a hotels SEO must be monitored and revisited to maintain its performance.

Without conducting ongoing hotel SEO audits, even the best marketer or top agency can be surprised by a decline in rankings, broken links and poor performance. These factors ultimately impact visibility and direct bookings.

In this step-by-step guide, well walk you through how to audit a hotels SEO to maintain your sites health, keep your content competitive and ensure you stay at the top of the search results.

Understanding the Basics of a Website Audit for SEO What Is an SEO Audit for a Hotel?

An SEO audit is a thorough evaluation of a hotel websites performance related to search engine optimization best practices. It identifies technical issues, content gaps,and other factors that may affect the sites ability to rank well in search engines. The audit analyzes everything from keyword optimization to mobile usability, site speed and backlink quality, providing a comprehensive look at how well the site is positioned to attract guests and convert visitors.

Why Is an SEO Audit Important?

Search Engine Optimization is essential for independent and boutique hotels to attract potential guests and provide a satisfactory user experience to website visitors  an audit tells you if youre on the right track.

Conducting frequent SEO audits helps keep your website competitive by identifying opportunities to outrank larger chains and local competitors. These audits measure performance factors like fast load times, mobile responsiveness and seamless navigation that directly influence both user satisfaction and search engine rankings. Finally, regular audits help maintain or improve your hotels position in search engine results, keeping your website discoverable by travelers searching for accommodations in your area.

10-Step SEO Audit for Hotels Step 1: Check Your Hotel Websites Indexing & Crawlability

The initial and most fundamental step in any hotels SEO audit is to check that the site is properly indexed and crawlable by search engines. If search engines like Google cannot find, crawl or index your site, it will be virtually invisible in search results  no matter how exceptional your content or design might be.

Here are some of our favorite tools to audit your hotels website for indexing and crawl errors:

As a note, we use noindex as shorthand for meta robots tags, as both can be used in these situations.

Google Search Console

Googles free tool allows you to monitor and troubleshoot SEO for hotels, including the sites presence in search results. Key features include:

Checking which pages are indexed

Submitting sitemaps

Viewing crawl errors and coverage issues

Checking the index status of specific pages

Screaming Frog SEO Spider

This desktop-based tool crawls websites and identifies issues affecting indexability. Key features include:

Finding broken links (404 errors)

Auditing redirect chains and canonical issues

Identifying noindex pages and missing metadata

SEMrush Site Audit Tool

SEMrush is a full SEO audit tool that highlights technical issues affecting indexability for hotel websites. Key features include:

Crawlability and indexability checks

Reports on pages with noindex tags or those blocked by robots.txt

Finding missing sitemaps and canonical errors

Moz Pro Site Crawl

Moz Pro is an all-in-one SEO tool with a crawl and audit function. Key features include:

Detecting crawl issues like missing pages, blocked URLs and noindex tags.

Tracking page errors and duplicate content issues

Providing prioritized recommendations for fixing indexability issues

Ensure All Important Pages Are Indexed

Ideally, all key pages (your home page, rooms, amenities, blog posts, etc.) should be indexed. If a hotels SEO audit shows important pages are missing, this could be due to improper settings in your robots.txt file or noindex tags, both of which prevent certain pages from being crawled and indexed. Here are three steps to ensure all important pages are indexed on your hotel website:

1. Submit an XML Sitemap

What it does: An XML sitemap provides search engines with a roadmap of your website, listing all important pages you want indexed.

An XML sitemap provides search engines with a roadmap of your website, listing all important pages you want indexed. How to do it: Generate a sitemap using tools like Yoast SEO (for WordPress), Screaming Frog or XML-sitemaps.com. Submit the sitemap in Google Search Console under Sitemaps and in Bing Webmaster Tools so its accessible to search engines. Regularly update and resubmit your sitemap after making changes to your site. Well dive deeper into sitemaps further in this article.



2. Check for Crawl Blocks (Robots.txt)

What it does: The robots.txt file tells search engines which parts of your site should or shouldnt be crawled.

The robots.txt file tells search engines which parts of your site should or shouldnt be crawled. How to do it: Review your robots.txt file to ensure it isnt accidentally blocking important pages. It should not include directives that disallow important areas like your homepage, blog or service pages. You can check the robots.txt settings in Google Search Console under Crawl > robots.txt Tester.



3. Check for Noindex Tags

What it does: A noindex meta tag tells search engines not to index a particular page.

A noindex meta tag tells search engines not to index a particular page. How to do it: Use a tool like Screaming Frog to scan your site and check for noindex tags. Ensure that important pages (like your room listings, service pages and blog content) are not marked with noindex. If any critical pages have noindex tags, remove them and allow search engines to index those pages.



Detect Crawl Errors and Fix Broken Links

Crawl errors occur when a search engine tries to access a page on your hotels site but fails. This could be due to server issues, broken links or pages that have been deleted. If you conduct an SEO audit for your hotel using Google Search Console, the Crawl report will show you any crawl errors. Screaming Frog also flags broken links and other crawl-related issues.

Broken links are not a one-size-fits-all problem. In many cases, 5xx and no-response links deserve attention similar to the 4xx links youre likely familiar with. And certain 4xx links will be valid scenarios that you can ignore. For example, 403s are common on sites like Vimeo where they just dont want crawlers hitting certain URLs. Make sure to inspect each broken link on a case-by-case basis.

Once identified, fixing these errors is essential. For broken links, either update the link to a valid URL or remove it. For missing or deleted pages, consider adding a 301 redirect to guide users and search engines to a relevant page. Ensuring all pages are properly indexed and free of crawl errors will set a solid foundation for the rest of your hotels SEO audit.

Step 2: Audit the Hotels On-Page SEO

On-page SEO factors are critical to improving your websites visibility and providing a smooth user experience. Optimizing hotel content makes it easier for search engines to understand whats on your pages and rank them accordingly. This step of the SEO audit focuses on key on-page elements, such as title tags, meta descriptions, headings, URL structure and more, which all contribute to improved rankings for your hotel website.

Title Tags and Meta Descriptions

Each page should have a unique, concise title tag that includes relevant target keywords or phrases related to its respective topic. The recommended number of characters for a title tag is 5060 characters.

Tip: If youre running into issues with the character limit, consider removing branding from your title tags to make room for more keyword context.

A meta description should summarize the pages content in a compelling way while incorporating relevant target keywords or phrases related to its respective topic. The ideal length for a meta description is between 120 and 158 characters.

Heading Structure

For headings, use a proper structure (H1 for the main title, H2 for subheadings, etc.) to break up content and make it easier for users to digest and search engines to follow. Your H1 should clearly reflect the pages primary focus and include your target keyword. You can determine your key search terms through comprehensive keyword research.

Image Alt Text

Ensuring that every image on your website has descriptive alt text helps search engines understand what each image represents. It can bolster overall SEO efforts as well as provide an additional opportunity for keyword placement, when it makes sense. For a hotel website, this could be as simple as Spacious oceanfront king suite in [Destination] at [Hotel Name].

Tip: Additionally, you can optimize image file names by including keywords (and this is helpful for any users on the backend, too). Instead of hotel1.jpg, consider using chicago-hotel-suite.jpg.

Alt text also improves accessibility for visually impaired users and supports ADA compliance.

Importance of Keyword Placement in Content

Strategic keyword integration is key to helping search engines understand the relevance of your content. For hotel websites, this means including hotel-specific keywords like boutique hotel in [City Name], family-friendly hotel or best hotels near [Local Landmark] naturally throughout your websites content.

For example, on a page about rooms, use keywords such as luxury king suite in downtown Los Angeles or boutique hotel with ocean views in Miami.

While incorporating keywords is important for success, hotel marketers should avoid keyword stuffing, which can negatively impact rankings. Instead, focus on delivering valuable, relevant content for your users.

Ensure URLs are SEO-Friendly

URL structure is another important aspect of on-page SEO for hotels. Verify that your URLs are short, descriptive and contain relevant keywords. For example, a page showcasing your hotels suites should have a URL like www.yourhotel.com/myrtle-beach-accommodations instead of something like www.yourhotel.com/page12345.

Ensure that URLs follow a proper hierarchy, as well. A parent page is a top-level page that sits at the top of a websites hierarchy. In other words, its the main page from which child pages are created. A child page cannot exist without a parent page. The parents URL slug is shared with all of its child pages, helping to easily distinguish them within the site structure. For example, a child page of www.yourhotel.com/myrtle-beach-accommodations might be www.yourhotel.com/myrtle-beach-accommodations/two-bedroom-suite.

Avoid using special characters or lengthy strings in your URLs, as they can confuse both users and search engines. A clean, keyword-rich URL makes it easier for search engines to index your pages and offers visitors a clear idea of what to expect.

Tip: In URLs, hyphens are treated as spaces but underscores are not, so my-hotel reads like my hotel whereas my_hotel reads like myhotel.

Step 3: Evaluate the Hotels Core Web Vitals

Google was clear when they named their site performance metric Core Web Vitals  they want your site to be healthy. This metric measures loading performance, interactivity and visual stability, which together form the root of a users experience on a site.

Site speed and performance play a crucial role in both user experience and search rankings. A slow-loading website frustrates visitors and negatively impacts your search engine rankings. In fact, Google uses site speed as a ranking factor, especially for mobile searches. Ensuring your hotel website loads quickly and performs well across devices is essential for attracting potential guests and driving conversions.

Heres how to audit a hotels websites speed and performance:

Tools to Measure Page Speed

Various tools can measure a sites speed and diagnose performance issues. Some handy speed audit tools for hotels include:

Google PageSpeed Insights: This free tool from Google provides a detailed analysis of your websites speed for both desktop and mobile. It offers actionable suggestions for improving load times, such as image compression and reducing render-blocking JavaScript.

This free tool from Google provides a detailed analysis of your websites speed for both desktop and mobile. It offers actionable suggestions for improving load times, such as image compression and reducing render-blocking JavaScript. GTmetrix: This comprehensive performance analysis tool provides detailed insights into your hotels site speed, including page load times, total page size and the number of requests. It also gives you a visual breakdown of how different elements (like images, CSS and JavaScript) impact performance.

This comprehensive performance analysis tool provides detailed insights into your hotels site speed, including page load times, total page size and the number of requests. It also gives you a visual breakdown of how different elements (like images, CSS and JavaScript) impact performance. Lighthouse : This open-source, automated tool for improving the quality of web pages can audit performance, accessibility, SEO and more. Its available through Chromes Dev Tools.

: This open-source, automated tool for improving the quality of web pages can audit performance, accessibility, SEO and more. Its available through Chromes Dev Tools. Search Consoles Page Experience Report: This identifies page speed and other Core Web Vitals issues.

Optimize Images, Scripts and CSS

Some of the most common factors affecting page speed are large or unoptimized images, third-party scripts and bloated CSS.

Heres how to address key elements affecting performance:

Image Optimization: Compressing and optimizing images without sacrificing quality can significantly reduce load times. Use tools like TinyPNG or ShortPixel to compress large images. Make sure to use the correct file formats (e.g., JPEG for photographs, PNG for images with transparency). Use responsive images (via srcset) to deliver appropriately sized images based on the users device.

Compressing and optimizing images without sacrificing quality can significantly reduce load times. Use tools like TinyPNG or ShortPixel to compress large images. Make sure to use the correct file formats (e.g., JPEG for photographs, PNG for images with transparency). Use responsive images (via srcset) to deliver appropriately sized images based on the users device. Minify CSS and JavaScript: Minification removes unnecessary characters like spaces, comments and formatting from code files, reducing their size. Tools like Minify, UglifyJS and Autoptimize (for WordPress) can help streamline your CSS and JavaScript files.

Minification removes unnecessary characters like spaces, comments and formatting from code files, reducing their size. Tools like Minify, UglifyJS and Autoptimize (for WordPress) can help streamline your CSS and JavaScript files. Defer Loading of JavaScript: Prevent large JavaScript files from blocking the rendering of your webpage by deferring their load. Tools like WP Rocket (for WordPress) or manual configuration can delay non-essential scripts, ensuring the core content loads faster.

Importance of Page Speed for a Hotels SEO

Fast load times are critical SEO factors for hotel rankings in search engines; improving these also enhances the user experience. Studies show that even a one-second delay in load time can reduce conversions by up to seven percent. For hotel websites, this could mean lost bookings or guests choosing a competitor with a faster, more accessible site.

Here are additional reasons a hotels website speed matters:

Lower Bounce Rates: Keeping load times under three seconds helps retain visitors. Slow websites lead to higher bounce rates, where users leave the site before it even loads.

Keeping load times under three seconds helps retain visitors. Slow websites lead to higher bounce rates, where users leave the site before it even loads. Improved Search Engine Rankings: Google favors fast-loading websites in its ranking algorithm, especially for mobile searches. Ensuring your site loads quickly can give you an edge over competitors in search results.

Google favors fast-loading websites in its ranking algorithm, especially for mobile searches. Ensuring your site loads quickly can give you an edge over competitors in search results. Better User Experience: A fast website ensures that potential guests can easily browse through room listings, check availability and complete bookings without frustration.

Step 4: Conduct a Mobile Usability Audit for the Hotels Site

Mobile optimization is no longer optional  its a must-have for any hotel website that wants to capture modern travelers. With a significant portion of hotel bookings now being made via mobile devices, your hotels website must offer a seamless mobile experience to attract and retain guests. A mobile-friendly site improves both user experience and search engine rankings, as Google has adopted a mobile-first indexing approach, meaning it primarily uses the mobile version of your site for ranking and indexing.

Importance of Mobile Optimization for Hotel Websites

By offering a smooth, responsive experience, your website can cater to users across all devices, making it easy for them to navigate, check room availability and complete bookings without hassle.

Check for Mobile Usability Errors

To ensure your hotel website is mobile-friendly, utilize tools to highlight key areas where your site may fall short, such as text size, touchpoint spacing or unresponsive content.

Some common mobile usability issues to watch for include:

Touchpoint Sizes: Buttons and links that are too small can frustrate mobile users, making it difficult for them to navigate your website or complete bookings. Ensure all buttons and interactive elements are large enough to be tapped easily, with sufficient spacing between them.

Buttons and links that are too small can frustrate mobile users, making it difficult for them to navigate your website or complete bookings. Ensure all buttons and interactive elements are large enough to be tapped easily, with sufficient spacing between them. Mobile Load Times: Page speed is critical for users who often rely on slower mobile networks. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or Lighthouse to assess your mobile load times and identify areas for improvement, such as image optimization, lazy loading or reducing unnecessary JavaScript.

Page speed is critical for users who often rely on slower mobile networks. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or Lighthouse to assess your mobile load times and identify areas for improvement, such as image optimization, lazy loading or reducing unnecessary JavaScript. Responsive Design: Your website should automatically adjust to different screen sizes without losing functionality or readability. Test your site on various devices (smartphones, tablets, etc.) to confirm images, text and navigation elements display correctly across all platforms. Device simulators and testing tools such as BrowserStack can help with this.

By addressing these mobile usability issues, youll create a user-friendly experience that encourages potential guests to stay on your site longer and enables them to easily navigate through your offerings, ultimately increasing bookings and improving your hotels overall SEO.

Step 5: Review Hotel Content for Relevance & Quality

Content is at the heart of every successful SEO strategy. For independent and boutique hotel websites, creating and maintaining fresh, engaging and relevant content is essential for attracting potential guests and keeping your site competitive in search rankings. In this step of our hotel SEO audit, you will focus on analyzing current content and refining your strategy to align with users needs and best practices.

Importance of Fresh, Engaging Content for SEO

Search engines prioritize websites that regularly publish fresh, high-quality content. Engaging content signals to Google that your website is active and valuable to users, which can positively impact your rankings. For hotels, this means offering content that appeals to travelers, such as comprehensive room descriptions, area guides and blog articles about local attractions, events and more.

Regularly updating and optimizing your content not only improves organic metrics, but also enhances the user experience by providing guests with relevant news about your hotel, nearby events and travel resources. Search engines favor content that answers users questions and provides helpful, timely information, making fresh, high-quality content a critical SEO factor for a hotels visibility.

Conduct Content Audits

A content audit is a systematic review of your hotel websites existing blogs and landing pages to make sure they are still relevant, up to date and optimized for search. Start by identifying key areas of focus:

Update Old Content: Look for outdated blog posts, inaccurate room descriptions or expired special offers. For example, a post about local events from 2019 should be refreshed with current information about upcoming events or seasonal activities near your hotel.

Look for outdated blog posts, inaccurate room descriptions or expired special offers. For example, a post about local events from 2019 should be refreshed with current information about upcoming events or seasonal activities near your hotel. Incorporate New Offers and Services: Regularly update your pages with the latest hotel offers, packages and services. This could include discounts for early bookings, honeymoon packages or partnerships with local attractions.

Regularly update your pages with the latest hotel offers, packages and services. This could include discounts for early bookings, honeymoon packages or partnerships with local attractions. Add Local Events and Attractions: Highlight events and popular attractions near your hotel to capture search queries and traffic around tourism and travel. For instance, if your hotel is located near a famous festival, add a dedicated section or blog post with details, dates and tips for attendees.

By regularly conducting content audits for your hotel, you can enhance your websites SEO so it stays relevant and offers valuable information that resonates with your target audience.

Focus on Blog Strategy

Your hotels blog is a powerful tool for driving traffic and ranking for travel-related queries. A well-crafted blog strategy can help position your hotel as an authority on local attractions and experiences, while also improving your organic search performance.

Heres how to structure your blog content:

Rank for Destination and Local Keywords: Focus on creating blog posts that target specific destination-related search terms, such as best places to visit in [City], things to do near [Hotel] or top restaurants in [Destination]. These keywords help you capture traffic from travelers in the planning phase of their next vacation.

Focus on creating blog posts that target specific destination-related search terms, such as best places to visit in [City], things to do near [Hotel] or top restaurants in [Destination]. These keywords help you capture traffic from travelers in the planning phase of their next vacation. Incorporate Travel Tips and Guides: Write informative blog posts that offer travel tips, guides or itineraries for potential guests. For example, a post on Top 10 Things to Do Near [Hotel Name] not only provides helpful content but also keeps visitors on your site longer, improving engagement metrics.

Write informative blog posts that offer travel tips, guides or itineraries for potential guests. For example, a post on Top 10 Things to Do Near [Hotel Name] not only provides helpful content but also keeps visitors on your site longer, improving engagement metrics. Feature Seasonal and Event-Based Content: Create content around local events, festivals or seasonal activities to capture search traffic during peak travel seasons. For instance, if your hotel is in a ski town, write blog posts about Winter Activities in [Destination] to attract visitors searching for winter travel ideas.

To dive deeper into strategies for creating high-ranking content, check out our comprehensive guide.

Step 6: Audit Backlinks to the Hotels Site Importance of Backlinks for SEO

Backlinks  links from other websites to your own  serve as votes of confidence in the eyes of search engines. High-quality backlinks from authoritative and relevant websites signal to search engines that your content is valuable, which helps boost your rankings. For independent and boutique hotels, securing backlinks from travel blogs, local business websites and tourism boards can significantly increase your visibility in search results, driving more traffic to your site.

However, not all backlinks are created equal. Links from low-quality or spammy sites can actually harm your optimization efforts, so its crucial to audit your backlink profile regularly to ensure youre building a healthy and authoritative link network.

Tools for Checking Backlink Profiles

To effectively audit a hotels backlinks, youll need to use SEO tools that can analyze your sites link profile and provide insights into both positive and negative backlinks. Here are some of the top tools:

Moz Link Explorer: Moz provides a detailed overview of your sites backlink profile, including domain authority, linking domains and anchor text used. It also helps you spot potentially harmful backlinks and offers suggestions for improving your link-building efforts.

Moz provides a detailed overview of your sites backlink profile, including domain authority, linking domains and anchor text used. It also helps you spot potentially harmful backlinks and offers suggestions for improving your link-building efforts. SEMrush: SEMrushs backlink audit tool helps you monitor the health of your backlink profile and spot any toxic links. It also provides outreach features to help you find new backlink opportunities.

Regularly reviewing your backlink profile with these tools will help you maintain a strong, healthy link network that boosts your organic performance.

Create a Strategy to Build High-Quality Backlinks

Building high-quality backlinks requires a proactive strategy focused on relationships and value-driven content. Here are a few approaches specifically suited for hotel websites:

Local Partnerships: Establish relationships with local businesses, tourism boards and event organizers to create opportunities for mutual backlinks. For example, you could collaborate with nearby restaurants, attractions or travel guides to feature your hotel on their websites.

Establish relationships with local businesses, tourism boards and event organizers to create opportunities for mutual backlinks. For example, you could collaborate with nearby restaurants, attractions or travel guides to feature your hotel on their websites. Travel Blogs and Influencers: Reach out to travel bloggers and influencers to review your hotel or create content featuring your property. Many travel blogs include hotel roundups, destination guides or experience reviews, all of which provide valuable backlink opportunities.

Reach out to travel bloggers and influencers to review your hotel or create content featuring your property. Many travel blogs include hotel roundups, destination guides or experience reviews, all of which provide valuable backlink opportunities. Online PR and Guest Posting: Write guest posts or articles for industry-related websites or local news outlets. When relevant, include backlinks to your hotel website to gain exposure and SEO benefits. For instance, a guest post on Best Hotels for a Romantic Getaway in [Destination] could link back to your property.

Write guest posts or articles for industry-related websites or local news outlets. When relevant, include backlinks to your hotel website to gain exposure and SEO benefits. For instance, a guest post on Best Hotels for a Romantic Getaway in [Destination] could link back to your property. Create Shareable Content: Develop high-quality, shareable content like travel guides, infographics or event calendars that other websites may want to reference and link back to. Hotel content that offers value to travelers or local audiences is more likely to attract backlinks.

By building partnerships and creating compelling content, you can develop a long-term backlink strategy that enhances your sites authority and improves your hotels search engine rankings.

Step 7: Review Internal Website Links Review Internal Linking Structure to Improve Navigation and Optimization

Internal links  the links that connect pages within your website  are equally important for SEO and the user experience. A well-structured internal linking system helps search engines understand the hierarchy of your website and allows users to navigate your content more easily.

Heres how to audit and optimize a hotel websites internal linking structure:

Ensure Key Pages Are Linked: Make sure that your most important pages  such as room listings, amenities and booking pages  are linked from multiple relevant pages across your site. This not only improves the user experience but also signals to search engines that these pages are critical to your site.

Make sure that your most important pages  such as room listings, amenities and booking pages  are linked from multiple relevant pages across your site. This not only improves the user experience but also signals to search engines that these pages are critical to your site. Use Descriptive Anchor Text: When adding internal links, use descriptive anchor text that includes relevant keywords. For example, instead of using click here, use phrases like luxury beachfront rooms or boutique hotel in [destination]. This helps search engines understand the context of the linked page.

When adding internal links, use descriptive anchor text that includes relevant keywords. For example, instead of using click here, use phrases like luxury beachfront rooms or boutique hotel in [destination]. This helps search engines understand the context of the linked page. Avoid Orphan Pages: Orphan pages are those that are not linked to from any other page on your site. These pages are difficult for search engines to find and index. Ensure every important page is connected through at least one internal link.

Orphan pages are those that are not linked to from any other page on your site. These pages are difficult for search engines to find and index. Ensure every important page is connected through at least one internal link. Optimize Navigation and Sitemaps: Review your sites main navigation and footer to ensure important pages are easily accessible. Additionally, make sure your XML sitemap is up to date and accurately reflects your site structure to help search engines crawl and index all of your pages.

By regularly auditing your internal links and making improvements, you can create a more user-friendly website that performs better in SERPs.

Step 8: Enhance the Hotels Local SEO

For independent and boutique hotels, optimizing for local search is one of the most critical elements of SEO. Local SEO focuses on ensuring that your hotel shows up when travelers search for accommodations near your location. By optimizing your website for local search, you can drive more bookings directly from search engines and stand out in your community. In this step, well cover key aspects of local SEO, including Google My Business, NAP consistency, and leveraging local reviews and keywords.

Optimizing Your Hotel Website for Local Search

Local search optimization is essential for any hotel that wants to capture guests searching for accommodations in a specific area. Here are some crucial components to get correct:

Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business): Having a well-optimized Google Business Profile is the foundation of local SEO. Make sure your Google Business Profile is fully filled out with accurate details, including your hotels name, address, phone number, website link, business hours and photos of your property. Regularly update this information to reflect any changes, such as seasonal operating hours or new amenities.

Having a well-optimized Google Business Profile is the foundation of local SEO. Make sure your Google Business Profile is fully filled out with accurate details, including your hotels name, address, phone number, website link, business hours and photos of your property. Regularly update this information to reflect any changes, such as seasonal operating hours or new amenities. Local Citations: Local citations refer to mentions of your businesss NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) on other websites, such as travel directories, local listing sites and online review platforms. Ensuring your hotel is listed in directories like Yelp and TripAdvisor, as well as local tourism websites, can help search engines confirm your businesss legitimacy and improve local rankings.

Ensure NAP Consistency Across Platforms

One of the most important factors in local SEO is ensuring that your NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) is consistent across all platforms, including your website, Google Business listing, social media profiles and online directories. Inconsistent information can confuse search engines and potential guests, which may negatively impact your local rankings.

Heres how to ensure NAP consistency:

Check your listings: Use tools like Moz Local or Whitespark to audit your businesss citations across the web and identify any inconsistencies in your NAP details.

Use tools like or to audit your businesss citations across the web and identify any inconsistencies in your NAP details. Update incorrect information: If you find discrepancies in your hotels name, address or phone number across directories, update them immediately. Consistency helps search engines trust the accuracy of your information, leading to better rankings in local search results.

If you find discrepancies in your hotels name, address or phone number across directories, update them immediately. Consistency helps search engines trust the accuracy of your information, leading to better rankings in local search results. Monitor your NAP regularly: As your hotel grows or experiences changes, its essential to keep your NAP up to date. Establish a system for monitoring and updating your details on all platforms whenever any changes occur.

Focus on Google Maps, Reviews and Local Keywords

Local SEO also involves optimizing your hotels presence in Google Maps, gathering guest reviews and strategically using local keywords throughout your website content.

Google Maps Optimization: Your hotels Google Maps listing plays a key role in local search visibility. When travelers search for hotels near me, Google Maps results often appear at the top of search engine results pages (SERPs). To ensure your hotel ranks well in Google Maps, make sure your Google Business Profile is fully optimized.

Your hotels Google Maps listing plays a key role in local search visibility. When travelers search for hotels near me, Google Maps results often appear at the top of search engine results pages (SERPs). To ensure your hotel ranks well in Google Maps, make sure your Google Business Profile is fully optimized. Guest Reviews: Reviews are a critical ranking factor for local SEO. Hotels with high ratings and a consistent flow of reviews are more likely to appear at the top of local search results. Encourage guests to leave positive reviews by sending follow-up emails after their stay or by providing a link to your Google Business page on your website or booking confirmation emails.

Reviews are a critical ranking factor for local SEO. Hotels with high ratings and a consistent flow of reviews are more likely to appear at the top of local search results. Encourage guests to leave positive reviews by sending follow-up emails after their stay or by providing a link to your Google Business page on your website or booking confirmation emails. Local Keywords: Targeting local keywords is vital for your content strategy. Incorporate phrases that include your hotels location and popular attractions nearby. For example, instead of just using the term luxury hotel, use luxury hotel in [City Name] or boutique hotel near [Famous Landmark]. These keywords should be naturally integrated into your websites pages, including room descriptions, blog posts and meta descriptions.

Step 9: Audit the Hotels Technical SEO

A technical SEO audit focuses on the backend elements of your website that affect its ability to be crawled and indexed by search engines. Performing regular technical SEO audits for a hotel ensures that the site is fully optimized for search engines, secure for users and prepared to handle mobile traffic. In this step, well cover how to audit a hotels technical SEO.

Ensure Proper Use of Schema Markup (Hotel-Specific Structured Data)

Schema markup, also known as structured data, is a powerful tool that helps search engines more effectively understand the content on your website. Adding hotel-specific schema markup can enhance your hotels visibility in search results by displaying rich snippets  such as pricing, ratings and availability  directly in the search engine results pages (SERPs).

Hotel Schema Markup: Use the Hotel schema to provide search engines with details about your property, such as room types, amenities, location and availability. This structured data helps search engines provide more relevant information to users looking for accommodations, increasing your chances of attracting clicks. Your hotel name, address, star rating, room offerings, check-in/check-out times, amenities and guest reviews are all examples of data to include.

Use the Hotel schema to provide search engines with details about your property, such as room types, amenities, location and availability. This structured data helps search engines provide more relevant information to users looking for accommodations, increasing your chances of attracting clicks. Your hotel name, address, star rating, room offerings, check-in/check-out times, amenities and guest reviews are all examples of data to include. Test Your Schema Markup: Use tools like Googles Structured Data Testing Tool or Schema.org to validate your schema markup and ensure its correctly implemented. This helps prevent errors that could keep your rich snippets from appearing in search results.

Ensure XML Sitemap and Robots.txt Files Are Set Up Correctly

Your hotel websites XML sitemap and robots.txt file are critical components of technical SEO. These files tell search engines how to crawl and index your website, so its important that they are set up properly and optimized.

XML Sitemap: Your XML sitemap lists all important pages on your website, helping search engines discover and crawl them. Ensure your sitemap is up to date and includes all relevant pages, such as room listings, amenities, blog posts and booking pages. As mentioned above, you can generate an XML sitemap using plugins like Yoast SEO (for WordPress) or online tools like Screaming Frog. Once created, submit your sitemap to Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools to help search engines index your site effectively.

Your XML sitemap lists all important pages on your website, helping search engines discover and crawl them. Ensure your sitemap is up to date and includes all relevant pages, such as room listings, amenities, blog posts and booking pages. Robots.txt: This file tells search engines which pages or sections of your website they should or shouldnt crawl. Ensure that your robots.txt file isnt inadvertently blocking important pages like your homepage or service pages. You can test your robots.txt file in Google Search Console under the Robots.txt Tester tool to ensure its configured correctly.

This file tells search engines which pages or sections of your website they should or shouldnt crawl. Ensure that your robots.txt file isnt inadvertently blocking important pages like your homepage or service pages.

Canonical Tags

Canonical tags are essential for preventing duplicate content issues that can hurt your SEO performance. Duplicate content confuses search engines, which may not know which version of a page to prioritize in search rankings.

Canonical Tag Usage: Use canonical tags to tell search engines which version of a page is the primary one when similar content exists across multiple URLs. For example, if you have different URLs for the same room type (e.g., /king-suite and /king-suite/?sort=price), the canonical tag should point to the main URL (e.g., /king-suite).

Use canonical tags to tell search engines which version of a page is the primary one when similar content exists across multiple URLs. For example, if you have different URLs for the same room type (e.g., /king-suite and /king-suite/?sort=price), the canonical tag should point to the main URL (e.g., /king-suite). Check for Canonical Issues: Tools like Screaming Frog and Ahrefs can help you identify any pages missing canonical tags or pages where the wrong canonical URL is specified.

Step 10: Check for Website Security Issues

A secure website is vital for protecting your guests sensitive data, but security also plays a crucial role in SEO. Search engines like Google prioritize secure sites in their rankings. For independent and boutique hotels, ensuring your website is secure not only builds trust with potential guests, but also improves your chances of ranking higher in search engine results.

Key Security Checks for a Hotels SEO Audit

To maintain a secure website, you need to implement and regularly monitor a range of security measures. Heres how to check and improve your hotel websites security:

SSL Encryption (HTTPS): The most basic and essential security measure is having an SSL certificate. SSL encrypts data transferred between your website and users, protecting sensitive information during transactions, bookings and inquiries. Without SSL, your website will display as Not Secure in browsers, which can lead to lost trust and conversions. How to Check: Ensure your websites URL starts with https:// instead of http://. You can use tools like SSL Labs to test your SSL certificate and identify any vulnerabilities.

The most basic and essential security measure is having an SSL certificate. SSL encrypts data transferred between your website and users, protecting sensitive information during transactions, bookings and inquiries. Without SSL, your website will display as Not Secure in browsers, which can lead to lost trust and conversions. Malware Scans: Regularly scan your website for malware, which can compromise your sites performance and security. Malware attacks can lead to stolen customer data, unwanted ads on your site or even complete site takeovers. Search engines also penalize websites infected with malware, which can result in a drop in rankings or even removal from search results. How to Scan: Use website security tools like Sucuri, SiteLock or Wordfence (for WordPress) to perform regular malware scans. These tools can detect vulnerabilities, malware infections and potential backdoors on your site.

Regularly scan your website for malware, which can compromise your sites performance and security. Malware attacks can lead to stolen customer data, unwanted ads on your site or even complete site takeovers. Search engines also penalize websites infected with malware, which can result in a drop in rankings or even removal from search results. Firewall Protection: A web application firewall (WAF) adds another layer of security by blocking malicious traffic before it reaches your website. It helps prevent common cyberattacks like SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS) and distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. How to Implement: Many website security platforms, such as Cloudflare or Sucuri, offer WAF services that protect your hotel website from external threats.

A web application firewall (WAF) adds another layer of security by blocking malicious traffic before it reaches your website. It helps prevent common cyberattacks like SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS) and distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. Secure Your Admin Area: Your websites backend (admin area) is particularly vulnerable to attacks, especially if weak passwords or outdated software are in use. Strengthen your websites defenses by ensuring strong, unique passwords for all users and by implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible. How to Secure Admin Area: Use plugins like Limit Login Attempts or iThemes Security for WordPress to limit login attempts and block suspicious IP addresses.

Your websites backend (admin area) is particularly vulnerable to attacks, especially if weak passwords or outdated software are in use. Strengthen your websites defenses by ensuring strong, unique passwords for all users and by implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible. Regularly Update Software and Plugins: Outdated CMS (Content Management System), plugins or themes can introduce security vulnerabilities that hackers exploit. Keeping your websites software up to date helps close any security loopholes. How to Check: Regularly check for updates on your CMS (e.g., WordPress) and ensure all plugins and themes are updated. Use a staging environment to test updates before applying them to your live site.

Outdated CMS (Content Management System), plugins or themes can introduce security vulnerabilities that hackers exploit. Keeping your websites software up to date helps close any security loopholes. Backup Your Website Regularly: In the event of a security breach or malware infection, having a backup ensures that you can quickly restore your website to its previous state. Automated daily backups help minimize downtime and reduce the impact of security issues. How to Backup: Use services like UpdraftPlus, BackupBuddy or your hosting providers built-in backup solutions to schedule regular backups. Make sure backups are stored in a secure, offsite location.

In the event of a security breach or malware infection, having a backup ensures that you can quickly restore your website to its previous state. Automated daily backups help minimize downtime and reduce the impact of security issues.

By performing these security checks and implementing robust security measures, you can protect your guests sensitive information, maintain a trustworthy website and ensure a smooth booking experience for potential customers. Knowing how to audit a hotels security measures not only safeguards the business but also improves your chances of ranking higher in search results by providing a secure browsing experience for users.

Maintaining a Hotels SEO Health Over Time

Keeping your hotel website in peak condition requires consistent effort and regular monitoring. While a comprehensive SEO audit is crucial for identifying immediate issues, maintaining long-term health involves a sustained approach to ensure your website remains competitive and continues to attract guests.

Frequency of Hotel SEO Audits

SEO is not a one-time task  search engine algorithms are constantly evolving, your competitors are actively working to improve their own rankings and the travel landscape is ever-changing. Regular SEO audits helps hotels keep up with these changes, ensuring your website stays healthy and continues to perform well in SERPs.

Monthly SEO Audits: A monthly mini-audit allows you to stay on top of critical issues that can arise unexpectedly, such as broken links or changes in keyword rankings.

A monthly mini-audit allows you to stay on top of critical issues that can arise unexpectedly, such as broken links or changes in keyword rankings. Quarterly SEO Audits: A deeper quarterly audit is ideal for reviewing the technical aspects of your website. Over time, technical issues such as slow page load times, crawl errors or schema markup problems can arise, impacting performance if left unresolved.

A deeper quarterly audit is ideal for reviewing the technical aspects of your website. Over time, technical issues such as slow page load times, crawl errors or schema markup problems can arise, impacting performance if left unresolved. Annual SEO Audits: An annual SEO audit allows you to take a broad look at your hotel websites performance over the past year and make strategic adjustments.

How To Track Optimizations and Progress with Tools

Consistent tracking of your websites organic performance is critical to maintaining long-term success. A range of tools can help you monitor your sites health, track changes and measure the effectiveness of your SEO efforts.

Heres how to use some of the most effective tools:

Google Search Console: This free tool is essential for monitoring your websites visibility in Googles search results. Use it to track search queries, impressions, click-through rates and keyword rankings. Google Search Console also alerts you to any technical issues, such as crawl errors, security problems or mobile usability issues, allowing you to address them promptly. How to Use: Check the Performance report regularly to monitor which keywords drive traffic to your site and to assess overall site health. Use the Coverage report to identify indexing issues and resolve errors.

This free tool is essential for monitoring your websites visibility in Googles search results. Use it to track search queries, impressions, click-through rates and keyword rankings. Google Search Console also alerts you to any technical issues, such as crawl errors, security problems or mobile usability issues, allowing you to address them promptly. Google Analytics: Use Google Analytics to track organic traffic trends, user behavior and conversions. For hotel websites, its important to monitor how many visitors are reaching your booking engine and how often those visits convert into bookings. How to Use: Set up goals in Google Analytics to track key actions like room inquiries, bookings or sign-ups for special offers. Monitor the behavior flow report to see how users navigate your website and where they may be dropping off.

Use Google Analytics to track organic traffic trends, user behavior and conversions. For hotel websites, its important to monitor how many visitors are reaching your booking engine and how often those visits convert into bookings. Ahrefs, Moz, or SEMrush: These tools offer in-depth insights into your backlink profile, keyword rankings and competitive analysis. They also provide valuable data on your sites health by identifying issues such as toxic backlinks, broken internal links or missing meta tags. How to Use: Use these tools to monitor keyword performance, track your hotel sites rankings relative to competitors and identify opportunities to gain new backlinks. You can also set up alerts to notify you of any sudden ranking drops or technical SEO issues.

These tools offer in-depth insights into your backlink profile, keyword rankings and competitive analysis. They also provide valuable data on your sites health by identifying issues such as toxic backlinks, broken internal links or missing meta tags. Screaming Frog SEO Spider: This tool allows you to audit your hotels website to detect technical SEO issues such as broken links, duplicate content or missing metadata. How to Use: Run monthly or quarterly crawls to identify and fix SEO issues before they impact rankings. Screaming Frog can also help with ensuring proper use of canonical tags and internal linking.

This tool allows you to audit your hotels website to detect technical SEO issues such as broken links, duplicate content or missing metadata.

SEO Audit Resources for Hotels

Search engine algorithms are constantly evolving, and what works today might not work tomorrow. Stay up to date on the latest SEO trends and Google updates by following industry blogs, subscribing to industry newsletters and more.

Here are some favorite hotel SEO resources our agency experts recommend:

Top SEO Websites & Blogs

Moz Blog Website: moz.com/blog

moz.com/blog Why Its Great: Moz is one of the leading authorities in SEO. Their blog covers everything from beginner to advanced SEO topics, including keyword research, link building and algorithm updates. They also provide practical tips and strategies you can implement on your website. Search Engine Journal (SEJ) Website: searchenginejournal.com

searchenginejournal.com Why Its Great: SEJ is a comprehensive resource offering news, guides and how-tos related to SEO, PPC, content marketing and social media. Its a go-to source for the latest industry updates and algorithm changes. Search Engine Land Website: searchengineland.com

searchengineland.com Why Its Great: Search Engine Land covers breaking news on search engines, updates on Googles algorithm, SEO tips and strategies. They also focus on local SEO, paid search and technical SEO. Ahrefs Blog Website: ahrefs.com/blog

ahrefs.com/blog Why Its Great: Ahrefs is a leading SEO tool, and their blog offers valuable insights into practical SEO strategies, link-building techniques, keyword research and competitive analysis. Neil Patel Blog Website: neilpatel.com/blog

neilpatel.com/blog Why Its Great: Neil Patel is a well-known digital marketing expert, and his blog covers SEO, content marketing and traffic growth strategies. The content is actionable and suitable for beginners as well as more experienced marketers. SEMrush Blog Website: semrush.com/blog

semrush.com/blog Why Its Great: The SEMrush blog covers a wide range of SEO and digital marketing topics through detailed case studies, actionable tips and expert interviews. Its an excellent resource for hotels to stay up-to-date with SEO trends. Backlinko Website: backlinko.com

backlinko.com Why Its Great: Brian Deans Backlinko is a goldmine for detailed, in-depth guides on SEO, link building and content marketing. The blog features comprehensive posts that are easy to follow and implement. Yoast SEO Blog Website: yoast.com/seo-blog

yoast.com/seo-blog Why Its Great: Yoast is well-known for its WordPress SEO plugin, and their blog offers practical SEO tips for website optimization, focusing on technical SEO, content optimization and usability.

SEO Newsletters

Moz Top 10 Sign Up: moz.com/community/moz-top-10

moz.com/community/moz-top-10 Why Its Great: This bi-monthly email newsletter curates the top 10 most valuable SEO and inbound marketing articles across the web. Concise and highly informative, it is ideal for busy hotel marketers. Search Engine Land Daily Brief Sign Up: searchengineland.com

searchengineland.com Why Its Great: This delivers daily updates on SEO, search engine marketing and PPC straight to your inbox to keep you informed on the latest news and strategies. SEOFOMO Sign Up: seofomo.co

seofomo.co Why Its Great: Their weekly newsletter is packed with SEO news, resources and tools. It keeps you updated on the latest trends and algorithm changes while offering practical tips and tutorials. The SEO Notebook Sign Up: seonotebook.com

seonotebook.com Why Its Great: This unique weekly newsletter shares actionable SEO strategies and notes, straight from top optimization experts. The focus is on sharing real-world insights and tactics. The SEM Post Sign Up: thesempost.com

thesempost.com Why Its Great: The SEM Post provides timely updates on Google algorithm changes, search engine news and SEO trends. This newsletter makes it easy to stay current with search marketing developments. SEO for Lunch Sign Up: seoforlunch.com

seoforlunch.com Why Its Great: This short, digestible weekly newsletter covers all the critical SEO updates and news. Its great for busy professionals who want to quickly catch up on whats happening in the SEO world.

SEO Podcasts

TravelBoom Hotel Marketing Podcast Website: travelboommarketing.com/hotel-marketing-podcast

travelboommarketing.com/hotel-marketing-podcast Why Its Great: This hotel-specific podcast offers practical marketing advice in an entertaining, informative format that makes it a must-listen for any hotelier. The SEO 101 Podcast Website: wmr.fm/audio/7953

wmr.fm/audio/7953 Why Its Great: This podcast breaks down SEO concepts and strategies into easily digestible episodes. Its ideal for beginners and intermediates looking to improve their SEO knowledge. EDGE of the Web Website: edgeofthewebradio.com/seo-podcast/

edgeofthewebradio.com/seo-podcast/ Why Its Great: EDGE of the Web covers the latest trends in SEO, digital marketing and content strategies. They interview top experts and provide actionable takeaways for improving SEO performance. Search off the Record Website: search-off-the-record.libsyn.com/

search-off-the-record.libsyn.com/ Why Its Great: Search off the Record offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Google Search operates. Members of the Search Relations team provide insights into the decision-making process for new launches, how features are prioritized in Search Console and the ongoing projects within Google Search teams.

Additional SEO Tools & Resources

Google Search Central Website: developers.google.com/search

developers.google.com/search Why Its Great: Googles official resource for SEO best practices, algorithm updates and guidelines is a must-follow for staying on top of Google-related SEO changes. Google Trends Website: trends.google.com

trends.google.com Why Its Great: Google Trends allows you to track keyword search volume trends over time. Its a helpful tool for discovering seasonal trends and popular search terms. Search Engine Roundtable Website: seroundtable.com

seroundtable.com Why Its Great: This site is dedicated to discussing changes in search engine algorithms and SEO news, making it a go-to resource for monitoring Google updates and fluctuations in rankings.

Developing an Ongoing SEO Strategy for Hotels

Developing a robust SEO strategy is crucial for independent and boutique hotels looking to stand out in todays highly competitive market. Regular SEO audits are key to maintaining a hotel websites visibility to attract qualified travelers and boost its organic performance. Contact TravelBoom today to discover how an experienced hotel SEO agency can tailor strategies to position your hotel at the top of search results, driving more direct bookings and enhancing your online presence.





Alyssa Foriska is the Director of Marketing Services at TravelBoom Hotel Marketing. Connect with Alyssa at LinkedIn.

About TravelBoom Hotel Marketing

TravelBoom specializes in developing and executing customized data-driven marketing solutions that drive direct bookings and growth for its clients. With over 25 years of experience in digital marketing for travel and hotels, TravelBoom leverages advanced data science and analytics to uncover insights and develop strategies that greatly enhance results for our clients and reduce reliance on third-party channels. TravelBoom is also host of the worlds #1 ranked Hotel Marketing Podcast and its quarterly Traveler Sentiment Study both of which can be found at www.travelboommarketing.com.
Musicians vs Big Tech: Rights arent just regulation [Chris Castle]

As Big Tech pushes for AI innovation, artists are losing ground in the fight to protect their rights and creative work.

Musicians vs Big Tech: Rights arent just regulation [Chris Castle]

by Chris Castle via Music Tech Solutions

It was a rough morning. I ran across both reports from Davos where they are busy blowing AI bubbles yet again and also read about a leading Silicon Valley apologist discussing the current crop of AI litigation. That was nauseating. But once the bile settled down, I had a realization: This is all straight out of the Woodrow Wilson rule-by-technocrats playbook.

Wilson believed that experts and intellectuals, rather than the voting public, should guide the creation and implementation of public policy. The very model of a modern technocrat. The present day technocrats and their enablers in the legal profession are heirs to Wilsonian rule by experts. They view copyright and other human rights of artists as regulation impeding innovation. Innovation is the godhead to which all mankind mustemphasis on mustaspire, whether mankind likes it or not.

Not human rightsartist rights are human rights, so that proposition cannot be allowed. The technocrats want to normalize innovation as the superior value that need not be humanized or even explained. Artist rights must yield and even be shattered in the advance of innovation. The risible Lessig is already talking about the right to train for AI, a human rights exception you can drive a tank through as is his want in the coin-operated policy laundry. In Wilsonian tradition, we are asked to believe that public policy must be the handmaiden to appropriation by technology even if by doing so the experts destroy culture.

We went through this before with Internet piracy. There are many familiar faces in the legal profession showing up on AI cases who were just getting warmed up on the piracy cases of the 1999-2015 period that did their best to grind artist rights into bits. AI is far beyond the massive theft and wealth transfer that put a generation of acolyte children through prep school and higher education. AI takes extracting profit from cultural appropriation to a whole new levelits like shoplifting compared to carpet bombing.

I got the shotgun, you got the brief case

And since the AI lawyers are fascinated by Nazi metaphors, let me give you one myself: Internet piracy is to Guernica what AI is to Warsaw. The Luftwaffe was essentially on a training run when they bombed Guernica during the Spanish Civil War. Guernica was a warm up act; the main event was carpet bombing a culture out of existence in Warsaw and after. It was all about the Luftwaffe testing and refining their aerial bombing tactics that opened the door to hell and allowed Satan to walk the Earth swishing his tail as he does to this day. But in the words of Stefan Starzynski, the Mayor of Warsaw who broadcast through the German attack, We are fighting for our freedom, for our honor, and for our future. We will not surrender.

This is what these crusader technocrats do not seem to understand no matter how they enrich themselves from the wealth transfer of cultural appropriation. AI litigation and policy confrontation is not about the moneythere is no license fee big enough and nobody trusts Silicon Valley to give a straight count in any event.

Artists, songwriters, authors and other creators have nowhere to go. The battle of human rights against the AI appropriation invasion may well be humanitys last stand.

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Thursday 30 January 2025, 16:52 - Last updated: 19:36

A new place in the heart of Rome, dedicated to welcoming the most vulnerable people and providing social assistance. A facility that will help improve the safety and visibility of a strategic and delicate area like the one between Via Marsala and Santa Bibiana. It is the new space donated today by the FS Group to the Vicariate of Rome, 155 square meters near Termini Station, delivered following the signing of a memorandum between Rete Ferroviaria Italiana, GS Rail, and the Vicariate itself. The new space adds to two other RFI-owned facilities currently used by the Diocesan Caritas for hospitality activities, the Caritas Hostel Don Luigi di Liegro and the Ferrhotel. These centers will play a crucial role in assisting pilgrims and vulnerable people throughout the Jubilee 2025, representing a concrete example of collaboration between public and social institutions. 'The over forty-year relationship between Ferrovie dello Stato and Caritas is a source of great pride for us,' commented FS CEO and General Manager Stefano Antonio Donnarumma at the end of the inspection. 'We wanted to see firsthand the great role this synergy has and the importance of these spaces where thousands of people in difficulty are assisted, not left on the street but welcomed and supported.' In addition to FS Group CEO Stefano Antonio Donnarumma, the visit was also attended by the Director of Caritas of Rome Deacon Giustino Trincia, RFI CEO Gianpiero Strisciuglio, and GS Rail CEO Rosario Gaetano. THE NUMBERS OF CARITAS IN THE DIOCESE OF ROME The delivery of the premises at Via Marsala 101 also provided an opportunity to take stock of the great social commitment undertaken by Caritas in the city of Rome. A civil and supportive mission evidenced by the numbers for 2023: over 322,000 meals offered, more than 135,000 overnight stays, 28,000 medical visits organized, and psychological support interviews, assistance for over 2,500 families, and about 12,000 home and health care visits.
Wednesday 29 January 2025, 20:07 - Last updated: 30 January, 19:39

Melania Trump has come under fierce criticism from Vogue for the outfit chosen for her official portrait at the White House. In the article published on January 28, writer Hannah Jackson spared no words for the American First Lady, criticizing her black Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo jacket, white shirt, and Ralph Lauren tuxedo sash. Her look is 'more suited to a guest star on 'The Apprentice' than the First Lady of the United States,' Jackson noted. Not content, the writer continued to point out that the choice of a tuxedo, instead of a classic blazer or blouse, made Melania look more like a 'freelance magician' than an 'institutional figure.' Sharp words that will undoubtedly fuel the debate about her style and the role of the First Lady, who has often made headlines for her fashion choices. Melania Trump, the stylist Herve Pierre: 'I was kicked out of a New York boutique, no one wants to dress her.' From the hat to the black and white dress, why she chose those looks. Melania Trump chose a powerful image for her new official White House portrait, shot by photographer Regine Mahaux. In her Dolce & Gabbana suit and with a 'glacial stare,' the First Lady exudes power and determination. The background, with the Washington obelisk, underscores the contrast with the 2017 photo, in which she appeared more smiling and with a softer demeanor. The new pose, with hands resting on a mirrored table, also evokes the image of Donald Trump in 'The Apprentice' and recalls the figure of Claire Underwood from 'House of Cards,' a symbol of an ambitious woman relentless in her pursuit of power. The criticism of Melania Trump did not stop at her choice of clothing. Writer Hannah Jackson then took a personal jab at the First Lady, suggesting that, at 54, Melania might have refused to 'abandon theatricality' in her official portrait. According to Jackson, Melania's choice to maintain such a flashy style could be linked to her life in a 'gold-encrusted penthouse' and her fame now intertwined with a 'reality TV empire.' Despite the criticisms, the writer acknowledged a 'step forward' compared to the 2017 portrait, in which Melania's face was 'retouched to the point of disappearing.' Jackson observed that although the image was more sober, 'the Trumps continue to flaunt their wealth no longer with flashy diamonds, but with a circle of tech industry CEOs, seated in the front row at the 2025 inauguration, whose combined net worth exceeded a trillion dollars.' After the critical article on Vogue was published, Melania Trump received a wave of support on social media. Under the thread on X (formerly Twitter), supporters of the First Lady targeted the magazine, accusing it of basing its opinions on politics rather than fashion. One fan wrote: 'She is stunning and rarely gets it wrong when it comes to fashion... your opinions are trash and purely based on politics. Pathetic.' Others added: 'Vogue you are pathetic. Melania is beautiful and elegant' and 'Vogue proves to be driven by political hate. You adored Jill Biden! LOL,' referring to Vogue's positive coverage of the former First Lady. The fashion magazine, under the direction of Anna Wintour, seems to have a tense history with Melania Trump. The First Lady recently stated she has 'no interest' in appearing on Vogue covers. Her response came after 'Fox & Friends' host Brian Kilmeade asked her last December if she would ever say yes to magazine covers like Vogue or People. Melania replied calmly: 'We have so many other important things to do than be on a magazine cover. I think life wouldn't change for anyone if I were on the cover.' Let us remember that Melania appeared on the cover of Vogue in 2005, before her wedding to Donald Trump, in a custom Dior wedding dress, chosen together with the late Andre Leon Talley and with Wintour's support.
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The BBC has apologised to staff as part of a review into the conduct of Russell Brand during his time with the broadcaster.

The internal review was ordered after a joint investigation by The Times, Sunday Times and Channel 4s Dispatches revealed in September 2023 that four women had accused him of sexual assaults between 2006 and 2013.

The actor and comedian, 49, denies the accusations, and previously said all his sexual relationships were absolutely always consensual. He told former Fox News host Tucker Carlson in a YouTube interview that the claims were very, very hurtful.

Published on Thursday, the BBC investigation has now found a number of people felt unable to raise concerns about the presenter and believed Russell Brand would always get his way and therefore they stayed silent.

Brand worked for the BBC between 2006 to 2008, when he hosted a show on Radio 2 alongside Jonathan Ross until both presenters were suspended over the Andrew Sachs voicemail row. The comedian subsequently resigned, while Ross later returned to presenting BBC TV and radio shows.

open image in gallery The actor and comedian previously said all his sexual relationships were absolutely always consensual ( PA Media )

The BBCs complaints director Peter Johnston said he had investigated eight complaints about Brand. Just two were raised while the comedian worked at the BBC, with only one of those lodged formally.

Mr Johnston said he and his team approached 72 people and interviewed 39 as part of their review, and have spoken directly to all of those who raised concerns about Brands behaviour.

He said: I am grateful to those who have come forward to talk to me and my team, and I have apologised on behalf of the BBC to those most directly affected by what I have documented here.

The culture of the time undoubtedly influenced what was acceptable/tolerated, but I have found that a number of individuals had concerns about Russell Brands behaviour which they felt unable to raise then.

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Many interviewees believed, rightly or wrongly, that Russell Brand would always get his way and therefore they stayed silent  and I note here that the one complaint that was made in 2007 was not dealt with effectively when it was made.

The processes for raising any concerns were also not as developed as they are now. In the intervening years the BBC has introduced other mechanisms and routes for staff to raise concerns.

open image in gallery Brand worked for the BBC between 2006 and 2008 ( James Manning/PA )

In response to the report  which has cost more than 662,000, including nearly 600,000 on legal fees  the BBC said: The review considered eight complaints of misconduct about Russell Brand, only two of which were made while he was engaged by the BBC, one formally and one informally.

It is of great concern that some of these individuals felt unable to raise concerns about Russell Brands behaviour at the time, and the BBC has apologised to them as part of this review.

It is also clear that there were compliance inadequacies on some of Russell Brands Radio 2 shows which led to content being aired that would not be broadcast today.

It added: There is an ongoing police investigation into Russell Brand. The BBC has been in contact with the Metropolitan Police throughout the review and they have seen the report. The BBC acknowledges that Russell Brand categorically denies all public allegations made against him.

Prosecutors have not yet decided whether to bring charges.

The sole formal complaint flagged in the BBC review was made by an employee to a manager in 2007, after Brand allegedly urinated into a cup and bottle on two occasions while recording his Radio 2 show.

The report notes the BBC appeared to make light of the incident in a press response at the time to The Independent, in which a spokesperson said that someone has shown him [Brand] where the toilet is. The report states: Regrettably, this incident was not taken seriously at this time.

As part of the internal review, the BBC also spoke to a woman who alleged that, in 2008, Brand had followed her into a bathroom in the corporations Los Angeles bureau and exposed his penis, before joking about the incident on air minutes later.

An informal complaint was made in 2008, followed by a formal complaint in 2019.

The review found that the woman  referred to by the pseudonym Olivia  had decided not to pursue the matter further in 2008 as she thought she would not be believed.

Mr Johnston wrote: I have been told that the incident was fairly common knowledge in the LA Bureau of the BBC at the time and over subsequent years. I have heard it was often joked about, which is unacceptable for something so serious.

The formal complaint was made in 2019 after a BBC News staff member working in LA learned about the alleged incident from colleagues and asked Olivia if she would like to take the matter further, at which point managers were informed.

But Mr Johnstons review found both the compliance process prior to the airing of the prerecorded 2008 radio episode, and the BBCs handling of the 2019 complaint, were inadequate.

The report noted that the few people spoken to who were most closely involved with Brands radio shows described him as promiscuous or out-of-control, but said that they did not witness anything non-consensual or potentially illegal, nor did they make complaints about this at the time.

One person told the BBC they had a sexual encounter with Brand in a disabled toilet while visiting the BBC after winning a competition on Radio 6. They told the investigation that, while the encounter had been consensual, they felt Brand had abused his position and taken advantage of them.
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All My Children alum Esta TerBlanches cause of death has been released, more than half a year after she died aged 51.

The actor, who starred as Hungarian princess Gillian Andrassy Lavery on the soap opera from 1997 to 2001, passed away at her Los Angeles home last July.

Now, seven months after her death, the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner has determined TerBlanche died from an intracranial hemorrhage due to blunt force traumatic head injury likely due to a ground level fall.

Her death has been ruled an accident.

At the time, her death was announced by her publicist, Lisa Rodrigo, who wrote in a Facebook post: I can not believe I am posting this. Its with a heavy heart that my friend and client Esta TerBlanche passed away Thursday of natural causes. An autopsy report is pending. I am still processing and in shock.

Esta was a beautiful soul in and out. I was proud to know her and work with her. More to come in the days ahead. Thank you for the messages so far. If I havent gotten to you, I will soon, she added. May she RIP with the angels that she is.

TerBlanches enemies-to-lovers plot with Cameron Mathisons Ryan Lavery on All My Children was extremely popular with viewers.

TerBlanches storyline ended after her husband removed her from life support following a bullet wound suffered during an assassination attempt. She returned in 2011 as Gillians ghost.

When I came back, it was really emotional for me and Cameron. When we saw each other, we both started bawling, TerBlanche told Soap Opera Digest.

Back then, we hadnt seen each other for years, so it was such a touching moment for us.

Born on 7 January 1973 in Rustenberg, South Africa, TerBlanche started her career at 16 hosting a childrens television show and a maths show called Math No Problem.

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She was crowned Miss Teen South Africa in 1991.

Soon after, she was cast as Beatrice Bienkie Naude Hartman on Egoli: Place of Gold, the first South African soap opera.

She worked on it from 1992 to 1995, before moving to the US and getting cast on All My Children.

People were so kind to me, she told Soaps in Depth in 2022 about her time on Egoli.

It was my first time working in the industry with all these professional people. Everybody was really nice to me.

After her run on All My Children ended, she returned to South Africa. She opened a spa and worked with filmmaker Michael Kastenbaum on documentaries. She also hosted television shows like Supermodel and Carte Blanche.
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In the years since 2002, when Idris Elba  all beautiful 6ft 2in of him  was first beamed into living rooms, playing the chief lieutenant of a drug empire in The Wire, the actor has come to represent something quite specific about modern Britain. He is a global export  Oscar-nominated and a hero of both Marvel and DC  as well as someone quite domestic, the sort of actor who will be linked to the role of James Bond until his dying day. It is a broad reputation that allows him to be something of a dilettante, flexing his directorial muscles with Yardie, his rapping/DJing skills as DJ Big Driis, and now his documentarian impulse with BBC Ones Idris Elba: Our Knife Crime Crisis.

The Luther star has spent several years as a campaigner against knife crime and pushing for greater regulation on the sale of machetes and zombie knives, and Our Knife Crime Crisis finds the actor attempting to humanise the journey, undertaken by so many young people, from knife carrier to potential murderer. It is a burning issue  knife crime has almost doubled over the last decade  and one that the actor feels strongly about. Knife crime is a heartbreaking problem, he warns viewers, approaching the issue from both sides. He visits young men in prison who have been convicted of knife crime offences (including one who was in five different jails before his 18th birthday), as well as the families and loved ones of victims. It can literally be anyone, the sister of Harry Pitman, a 16-year-old who was stabbed to death on New Years Eve 2023, tells Elba, of the offenders, and happen to anyone. The common factor, above all others, is poverty: there is twice the amount of knife crime in the UKs poorest areas. Both victims and perpetrators, it seems, are caught in a vicious cycle.

The role of the onscreen documentary filmmaker is to marry a personal story with a public one. Elba has become a campaigner on these issues, in part because of his upbringing in Hackney and Newham, two boroughs that have been blighted by crimes of this nature. Perhaps that origin story, too, has become fused with his roles in The Wire and Luther, where he plays no-nonsense hardmen at the coalface of urban criminality. And so, Elba has become a very visible proponent of a more positive pathway for young black men (though, as the documentary points out, knife crime is far less racially divided than media narratives might suggest). I felt like a bit of a prop, Elba observes, having joined Keir Starmer for a pre-election summit on knife crime.

It is a knowing remark, but one that the documentary itself cannot quite shrug. When he visits a prison, the inmates rattle the windows and chant his name. Thanks for meeting me, he says to an unassuming Brummie detective. Yeah, no problem, the man replies, like its just every day that a Hollywood star comes around for a chinwag. And yet hes also absent from some of the more intimate recollections, such as a visit to the Wolverhampton home of Ronan Kanda, a 16-year-old who was murdered by fellow teenagers in a case of mistaken identity. Whether thats a creative choice  to allow Ronans mother the spotlight  or a scheduling issue, is unclear. But it makes the show feel lopsided, as though it cannot decide whether this is the tale of Elbas activism or the human story of those more directly involved.

A bigger issue for Idris Elba: Our Knife Crime Crisis comes when the show attempts to pivot from problems to solutions. The stories are, without exception, horrific; the impact on families deeply moving. Elbas honest chats with young offenders  where he is able to lure them into a candour that few other interviewers would achieve  are interesting, if rather brief. He deals, at times, in rather generalised commentary (If there was no law, wed be at each others throats, he claims, its just human nature). But there is also a desire to find a solution, to say something more optimistic about this crisis. No issue is permanent, Elba opines. Theres got to be a way out of it. Apart from a rather vague mentorship programme, though, there are few answers. It is all rather reminiscent of Starmer himself, who tells Elba that his knife crime initiative will be funded by a crackdown on non-doms (the same plan that is being used to fund the NHS, social care, potholes, etc). Is any of this more than mere words?

Elba is able to lure young offenders into a candour that few other interviewers would achieve ( BBC/22 Summers )

Im an amplification device, Elba confesses, at one point. Idris Elba: Our Knife Crime Crisis is, really, no more insightful than packages on the knife crime epidemic that are routinely produced for Panorama or even Newsnight. But what Elba brings  and the clue is in the way his name has been jammed into the title  is a bit of star power, a hope that his lustre will allow the documentary to reach the most impacted communities. If he is an amplification device, hes also a targeted one  and thats no bad thing.
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As several Asian nations gear up to celebrate the lunar new year, families are preparing to partake in the unique traditions associated with the festival and welcome the year of the snake.

The lunar new year marks the first new moon of the lunar calendar, which this year rises on 29 January, kicking off festivities that last 15 days until the first full moon.

While the duration of the festival and the ceremonies associated with it vary by country, the main idea is to usher in the new year with loved ones.

Asian nations have bolstered their transport facilities to keep up with the surge in travel demand. Flights to Japan from Hong Kong will be leaving every 15 minutes, with the acting CEO of the citys airport authority saying there were 150 flights scheduled to and from 13 Japanese cities in the holiday period.

The Chinese government expects nine billion trips  nearly 510 million by train, 90 million by air, and the rest by car  to be undertaken during the festive period, the Associated Press reported.

open image in gallery Travellers line up to board high speed trains in Beijing during the travel rush for lunar new year celebrations ( Getty Images )

According to local media, South Korea expects to see 6.39 million cars on the highways, despite Tuesdays heavy snowfall throwing a wrench into some travel plans.

In China, most businesses and government offices close for an official eight-day public holiday to allow people to travel back home for reunions, while South Koreans get a six-day break after the government designated 27 January as a temporary holiday.

While it has origins in China and Chinese communities in other places, the festival is celebrated in many countries and is even known by different names  the Chinese call it Spring Festival, the Vietnamese call it Tet, South Koreans Seollal, and Indonesians Imlek.

Why is it the year of the snake?

open image in gallery Chinese zodiac marks 2025 as the year of the snake ( Getty )

The Chinese zodiac calendar is a continuous 12-year cycle, each year represented by 12 animals in a specific order  Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.

A persons zodiac is determined by the year and the animal they are born under, and its believed to influence their personality, career, relationships, and fortunes.

According to this cycle, 2025 is the year of the snake and children born through this year will be snakes.

How do different countries celebrate?

Planning and preparing for the festivities begins at least a week before the new year arrives, with houses hanging red banners carrying auspicious phrases and lanterns. These banners are meant to invite good fortune and keep away an underwater beast named Nian.

Fireworks are an integral part of the new year celebrations, as the vibrant display is meant to drive away any bad luck that may be lurking.

open image in gallery Fireworks light up the sky during the celebrations in Manila ( AFP via Getty )

Hong Kong expects to see close to 400,000 people at the Victoria Harbour for a 23-minute fireworks show on Thursday, the South China Morning Post reported.

Families also start spring cleaning, with the assumption being that it empties the house of any bad luck. Many even believe that cleaning the house or taking the trash out in the first few days of the new year will sweep away all the good luck they have just managed to gain.

open image in gallery A lion dancer shouts as people watch a traditional lion dance for good luck and fortune ( Getty )

People often travel back to their hometowns during this period and spend the first few days of the new year meeting relatives and loved ones, with bags full of fruit and presents.

Married people are expected to distribute red envelopes with money to unmarried people, supposedly to keep away evil spirits.

In South Korea, a ritual called sebae is observed where people dress in traditional clothing called hanbok to offer deep bows to elders and ancestors to wish them a happy new year. In return, they are given pocket money, rice cakes, and fruit.

Traditional lion dances are often seen in lunar new year parades. They are considered lucky and believed to ward off evil spirits from homes and workplaces.

open image in gallery People burn incense as they pray at a Chinese temple in Yangon ( AFP via Getty )

Many head to temples to pay their respects and make offerings to even out any potential bad luck.

One of the most important parts of the festival is the reunion dinner, where the entire family gathers for a feast, with each dish carefully selected for its symbolism.

Malaysians and Singaporeans make a salad called yee sang, which cant be eaten without a prosperity toss, where everyone gathered stirs together the shredded ingredients and then tosses them high in the air to symbolise good luck.

Vietnamese families come together to make a sticky rice cake known as banh chung, which takes close to 12 laborious hours. The idea is to share the joy of good food with each other.

open image in gallery Wrapped cakes of glutinous rice, green beans and pork belly known as banh chung are prepared to celebrate Tet, the Vietnamese new year ( AFP via Getty )

open image in gallery File. South Korean models demonstrate charye, a traditional ritual service of food and offerings to thank their ancestors, ahead of the lunar new year, at a showcase traditional village in Seoul on 12 January 2009 ( AFP via Getty )

In Korea, a rice cake soup named tteokguk is consumed, which represents rebirth, new beginnings, and the passing of time. A sweet rice cake shaped like a half-moon, called songpyeon, is eaten for good luck as its shape is meant to signify abundance and prosperity.
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The pilgrims came, millions upon millions, in an unrelenting tide, forming one of the largest religious gatherings in history. Day after day, the crowd  drawn by faith  swelled and pressed closely together, seeking purification in the sacred waters of the Ganga. They made their way through a sea of people, treading carefully down the slope before reaching the riverbank. At times they leaned on bystanders to steady themselves, other times they threatened to trample those around them. And then, it happened.

In the small hours of Wednesday, tragedy struck the Maha Kumbh Mela in Indias Prayagraj. A stampede near the Sangam Ghat before dawn killed at least 30 people and left 60 injured, with the death toll expected to rise further.

The Maha Kumbh is a Hindu religious festival that is held once every 12 years at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.

Its origin lies in the Hindu lore that the gods spilled four drops of the nectar of immortality on Earth and, when the Moon and Jupiter align, the Ganga and the Yamuna are joined by a mystical river called Saraswati, meeting at the points where the divine nectar fell.

Any Hindu who takes a dip in the conjoined waters during this time is cleansed of their sins and receives blessings that last for generations, pilgrims at the festival tell The Independent.

They make the trip not just for themselves but for their children and grandchildren.

On this occasion, though, dozens of pilgrims lost their lives as the festival descended into chaos on one of its busiest and holiest days  Mauni Amavasya, or the New Moon day.

For many who were there in the days leading up to this week, it feels like it was a disaster waiting to happen.

open image in gallery Hindu devotees arrive to take a holy dip at Sangam ( AP )

The seeds of Wednesdays tragedy were planted days ago when the Uttar Pradesh police and the Kumbh administration blocked several pontoon bridges for the movement of VIP vehicles. Throughout the festival, politicians and celebrities are afforded opportunities to bathe privately  creating traffic jams and even more cramped conditions for millions of ordinary pilgrims who have to walk miles along narrow pathways.

On 25 January, The Independent came across multiple barricades on different routes to the Kumbh Mela, with seemingly overwhelmed police personnel working to reroute the one-way traffic jam on a narrow road.

Yogi ji is here. So, we are rerouting, a police officer explains, referring to Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath.

At pontoon bridge 17, close to Sangam, as the confluence of the rivers is known, several routes for vehicular movement were shut for hours on end. It will open once Yogi ji leaves, two police personnel manning the barricade confirm. No vehicles are allowed on the bridge till then.

To compound the chaos, roads were often suddenly closed without explanation. Serpentine queues of vehicles were everywhere, with even special commandos riding military-issue vehicles becoming stuck.

open image in gallery An ambulance arrives to take a dead body from the mortuary at the Motilal Nehru Hospital in Prayagraj ( AP )

As dusk fell on Tuesday, loudspeakers announced the start of Mauni Amavasya, drawing even more devotees towards Sangam. Seasoned pilgrims knew the ideal time for the ritual bath was at dawn, so many of them chose to rest by the ghats, planning to take a dip at sunrise and leave quickly afterwards.

At around 1.30am, there was a massive influx of new pilgrims.

The police forcefully herded them down a narrow path leading to Sangam despite several pontoon bridges offering a better route to regulate this rush, eyewitnesses tell The Independent.

It was so crowded I felt I would die of suffocation, Somi Devi, 67, tells The Independent. I didnt understand what was happening.

Chaos ensued as the crowd surged forward. In a desperate attempt to escape the crush, some people climbed poles, which reportedly collapsed.

I survived this only because of the blessings of Goddess Ganga, Devi says. The stampede did not deter her from going ahead with her pilgrimage and taking the holy dip herself.

open image in gallery ( AP )

The Kumbh has seen stampedes before, in 1840, 1906, 1954 and 1986, according to The New York Times. On the same day of the last Maha Kumbh, 12 years ago, a stampede at the local train station to the festival killed 36 people, and forced the resignation of the organising committee chief.

Measures are put in place to prevent such tragedies from occurring  yet they have been found wanting, time after time.

In the weeks before tragedy struck on Wednesday, the Hindu nationalist government of Narendra Modi in Delhi and of Yogi Adityanath at the Uttar Pradesh state level had been touting the scale of the preparations for the festival, which serves as a powerful display of Indias religious soft power.

In the course of the 45-day festival, some 400 million people are expected to take part in the Maha Kumbh, a staggering number that dwarfs the two million pilgrims who journeyed to Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage last year.

The festival has attracted several prominent figures this year, such as Indian federal ministers Rajnath Singh and Amit Shah, and Chris Martin of the band Coldplay.

The pilgrimage site has been turned into a sprawling tent city, stretching over 40sq km along the riverbanks and divided into 25 sections to provide smoother management. There are over 3,000 kitchens, 150,000 toilets and 11 hospitals.

Indian Railways is running more than 90 special trains, making nearly 3,300 trips to transport the devotees, in addition to its regular services.

The state government of Adityanath has allocated over $765m for this years festival.

Prayagraj is filled with towering billboards and posters of Adityanath and Modi, underscoring the political aspect of the event as the ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seeks to leverage the festival to strengthen its influence.

open image in gallery Nearly 400 million people are expected in Prayagraj for the festival over the course of 45 days ( Maxar Tech )

In spite of the money spent and the scale of preparations, the pilgrims dont have much to sustain themselves apart from their faith. Earlier this week, prior to the tragic events of Wednesday, they sounded cheerful and accepting of the discomforts of the festival, and humbled by the chance to take their holy dip.

Shri Shivkumari, a 65-year-old with a heart ailment, had been living in a tent on the riverbank for more than two weeks since 10 January. When The Independent meets her she is yet to reach Sangam, despite having walked for over two hours from the other end of the festival site.

But that doesnt dampen her spirits. Mother Ganga blesses you with a lot of peace and happiness. Grants wisdom and intelligence. Children live happily, she says.

As she walks across a pontoon bridge on the river with her son and daughter-in-law, tying garlands on the railing, Shivkumari sings in a regional dialect: Help us cross the river on your boat. Take me to the other side, O ferryman! Take me to the Ganga, ferryman. I want to worship the holy Ganga.

Ramlal Yadav, 52, has travelled nearly 300km from Gorakhpur in eastern Uttar Pradesh to be at the Kumbh. Hes still figuring out the practicalities of securing two tents for the 26 people accompanying him, at a cost of Rs 10,000 (about 93) for six days.

Two lines of blue tents stand on bare land, fluttering in the wind, held in place by a pole through the middle and nails at the four edges. Theres not much in terms of privacy, as the tent cant be zipped or tied. Several pairs of slippers are scattered outside each tent, often occupied by 10 people. Seeing a tent assigned to his group, Yadav is elated.

There is a toilet and a bathroom. And our mother Ganga is closer to us. There is water. What more do we want? he says. Having seen the goddess Ganga, I want nothing else.

Anju Dikshit, 56, is equally ecstatic to be at the Kumbh Mela. She has travelled 600km from the central state of Chhattisgarh. I am not here to take advantage of the facilities. We have come here to celebrate Kumbh.

Sat at the festival are Meena Mishra and her husband. She is reading a prayer book while her husband makes a run to arrange food from the nearest free community kitchen. What is wrong in this? Everything is here. Our Ganga is here, water and food is there. We dont need much else, she says.

open image in gallery Hindu ascetics at the Maha Kumbh festival ( AP )

The streets even after 8pm are far from quiet. Apart from the hustle and bustle of the crowd, announcements over speakers and street vendors screaming at the top of their voices and preachers giving sermons create a cacophony.

The sermons are delivered by preachers sitting on stages and accompanied by musicians and singers.

One preacher explains why the Lord was born, recounts the number of avatars the Lord has had, and then breaks into a religious song praising Lord Rama.

Pick up the 18 Puranas, Upanishads and Vedas. And start asking, Who is God? Why is He? You will spend your whole life trying to understand this. You will end but the stories of God will never end, he says, as a musician plays the synthesiser, apparently seeking to complement the seriousness of the question.

Among the listeners is Trojan Hendrickson, 35, who has travelled from Australia after hearing so much about the highly publicised religious festival.

I want to experience Kumbh for the feeling, he tells The Independent, adding that he doesnt quite know what drew him to the festival. I want to meet all the babas and all the Indian locals. I heard its the biggest festival in the world, so I wanted to experience it.

open image in gallery Maha Kumbh festival ( AP )

A popular attraction at the festival is the Kinnar Akhada, a congregation of transgender saints. Transgender people have had a place in religious and spiritual traditions of India going back centuries, explains Devyani Mukherjee, a trans woman, as she gives blessings to believers.

It is believed that wherever we trans stand that place is filled with positivity. It is to seek for this positivity that people come to us, says the former activist and model.

For many transgender people in the Akhada, the Kumbh is a spiritual calling as well as a platform to reclaim their religious identity.

Mukherjee says she has always been religious, having been guided into this path by her guru, who understood her struggles and took her under his wing.

Indu Nandgiri, another Kinnar Akhada member, emphasises that their blessings are sought for health, prosperity and long life as she partakes in a unique tradition of giving a one-rupee coin.

It represents goddess Lakshmi and symbolises abundance, explains Nandgiri, a former IT professional. The coin, when received as a blessing, is believed to ensure that food and wealth never leave a devotees home.

This is the tragic irony of Wednesdays disaster  that it affected so many pilgrims who had travelled seeking nothing more than a blessing for a long life, and the washing away of sins.

Jaiprakash Singh, 64, from Ayodhya is sitting on a plastic sheet in the open, covering himself with a blanket, near the confluence. I eat sparingly to avoid frequent trips to the public toilets, he says. What is more important than Gods blessing? It is enough for us. Having already spent a night in the open, he plans to stay another. A couple of days later, pilgrims like him who were resting along the riverbanks were among those trampled during the crush.

Despite Wednesdays events, the festival will continue, with another particularly auspicious day in the celestial calendar falling on Monday 3 February. The authorities at Kumbh have promised to learn from the events of this week, and say there will be no VIP access in the coming days. Changes have already been made to how the flows of crowds are managed.

Adityanath has ordered a judicial inquiry  though he also played down the severity of the disaster on Wednesday, and it took officials more than 16 hours to admit there had been any fatalities at all.

For families mourning the loss of loved ones, excitement at the trip of a lifetime has turned into demands for accountability. Saroja, a pilgrim from the southern city of Belagavi who lost four family members in the stampede, must now accompany them home on a repatriation flight to Karnataka. Police didnt make proper arrangements, she tells Reuters. They are responsible for this.
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Indian authorities have launched an investigation into the stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela that killed at least 30 people early on Wednesday and left 60 injured.

Millions of Hindu pilgrims have arrived at the festival in Prayagraj in the northern Uttar Pradesh state to take a holy bath at the confluence of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati.

The state government took almost 16 hours to provide any death toll after senior police officers initially dismissed the report of a stampede, which took place about 1km away from the confluence called Sangam.

"The government has decided that a judicial inquiry of the incident will be done," Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath told reporters late on Wednesday after refusing to call the incident a stampede the entire day. For this, we have formed a three-member judicial commission, which will look into the entire matter and submit its report to the state government within a time limit.

He said the crush occurred when pilgrims tried to jump barricades erected for a procession of naked, ash-smeared ascetic men.

Reuters quoted police sources as claiming that around 40 dead bodies had been brought to a local hospital morgue in Prayagraj. It is unclear why there is a discrepancy between ground reports and the official death toll.

More bodies are coming in. We have nearly 40 bodies here, one of the sources said from the Moti Lal Nehru Medical College hospital. We are transferring them out as well and handing them over to families one by one.

Families of the victims blamed the police for not making proper arrangements to manage the crowd on what was expected to be one of the busiest days of the festival, the Mauni Amavasya or new moon day.

"Police didn't make proper arrangements. They are responsible for this, said Saroja, a pilgrim from the southern city of Belagavi who lost four family members in the stampede.

The Uttar Pradesh government, however, praised the police, saying their "swift and effective response ... prevented a potential tragedy".

The dead bodies of the family from Belagavi will be airlifted there from Delhi on and IndiGo flight on Thursday evening, a Karnataka minister said.

Mr Krishna said the first alert on police systems of a crowd surge came an hour before midnight on Tuesday night and a second alert was sounded 45 minutes after midnight, by which time police had sent additional forces to the area.

Police said the path leading to the main bathing area is only 50m wide and barricaded on either side to avoid people spilling over into other paths used by Hindu religious leaders, and for the quick movement of police vehicles and ambulances.

Other eyewitnesses recounted the chaotic scenes with hundreds of people climbing over barricades and falling over one another in between screams and cries of women and children.

I saw many people falling and getting walked on by the crowd... many children and women getting lost, crying for help, Ravin, a devotee who gave only his first name, told Reuters.

Kanchan Kopde, who lost her family in the stampede, rued: Police have killed my husband, they did not make proper arrangements.

Some pilgrims caught up in a stampede said they had asked the police to open the barricades to prevent a disaster before the deadly crush took place, but that their pleas were ignored. "People were asking police to open the barricades to other routes as it was suffocating to stand there in that crowd for almost an hour," said Jagwanti Devi, who was in the crowd with her family of six.

Opposition leaders blamed the stampede on mismanagement and the prioritising of access to the river for VIPs, and urged the state government to improve festival arrangements.

The state police on Thursday announced a curb on VIP movement for the upcoming "royal bath" on 3 February during Basant Panchami, another day deemed particularly auspicious.

"Just like no VIP movement was allowed on 29 January, no VIP movement will be allowed on 3 February," Vaibhav Krishna, the deputy inspector general at the festival, told reporters.

Nearly 76 million people had taken a holy dip, called Shahi Snan, at Sangam until 8pm local time on Wednesday, officials said.

The six-week festival, held once every 12 years, was expected to draw nearly 400 million devotees, making it the largest religious gathering in the world.
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A stampede-like situation at one of the biggest religious festivals in India, the Maha Kumbh Mela, led to multiple casualties on Wednesday, police said.

A massive crowd, estimated to be 100 million, had gathered for a ritual early in the morning when a stampede occurred, leaving dozens of pilgrims dead and many more injured.

Ambulances were dispatched to the scene and the injured were taken to a makeshift hospital.

open image in gallery Security officers carry a woman out from the site of a stampede at the Sangam ( AP )

open image in gallery Pilgrims arrive to take a holy dip at Sangam, the confluence of rivers Ganga and Yamuna, during the Maha Kumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj on 29 January 2025 ( AFP via Getty )

What is Maha Kumbh Mela?

The Maha Kumbh Mela is one of Hinduisms holiest festivals, held once every 12 years at Prayagraj in Indias northern state of Uttar Pradesh where the Ganga, the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers meet.

Follow our live coverage here

The rivers are considered holy by Hindus and the Hindu nationalist government of Narendra Modi has spent millions of rupees trying to revive the Saraswati

open image in gallery A policeman escorts a devotee after a stampede occurred before the second royal bath at the Maha Kumbh Mela ( Reuters )

The confluence of the rivers is called Sangam and a holy dip in the waters is regarded as one of the festivals main rituals.

open image in gallery A man stands in front of a poster featuring Indias prime minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh chief minister Adityanath on the eve of the start of the Maha Kumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj on 12 January 2025 ( AFP via Getty )

The dip, called Shahi Snan or royal bath, attracts millions of devotees and is led by Hindu priests and ascetics.

open image in gallery Pilgrims gather on a floating pontoon bridge near the site of a stampede at the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj on 29 January 2025. To accommodate the influx of millions of pilgrims, the government of Uttar Pradesh constructed a temporary city along the banks of the Ganga, complete with tents, toilets, streets, pontoon bridges, and waste management systems. ( AFP via Getty )

The holy dip is supposed to lead to spiritual purification and moksha, or salvation.

open image in gallery Pilgrims at the site of a stampede during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela. Hindu priests and ascetics lead the Shahi Snan, or royal bath, which is the festivals highlight attracting millions of devotees ( AFP via Getty )

Kumbh Mela and Ardh Kumbh Mela

In contrast to the Maha Kumbh Mela, the Kumbh Mela occurs every three years, rotating among four locations  Haridwar in northern Uttarakhand state, Ujjain in central Madhya Pradesh state, Nashik in western Maharashtra state, and Prayagraj. The Ardh Kumbh Mela takes place every six years in Haridwar and Prayagraj.

open image in gallery A policeman makes an announcement to regulate the flow of pilgrims at Sangam on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya during the Maha Kumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj on 29 January 2025 ( AFP via Getty )

Prayagraj was earlier known as Allahabad. The name was changed by Adityanaths Hindu nationalist state government in 2018.

open image in gallery Security guards help a woman injured in a stampede during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj ( AP )

The 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela, running from 13 January to 26 February, is expected to draw around 400 million pilgrims, making it one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.

open image in gallery A satellite image taken and published by Maxar Technologies on 17 January 2025 shows an overview of the Maha Kumbh Mela along the banks of Sangam, the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers, in Prayagraj, India ( Satellite image A2025 Maxar Tech )

Preparation for grand religious festival

To accommodate and regulate the massive influx of pilgrims, the government of Uttar Pradesh constructed a temporary city along the banks of the Ganga river, complete with tents, toilets, streets, pontoon bridges, and waste management systems.

open image in gallery ( AFP via Getty Images )

open image in gallery Hindu devotees cross a pontoon bridge spanning the river Ganga as they arrive to attend the Maha Kumbh Mela ( Reuters )

Managing crowds has long been a challenge at the Kumbh Mela festivals. In 2013, a stampede at a railway station left 42 people dead and 45 injured as thousands of pilgrims arrived for the festival. Since then, authorities claim to have significantly improved safety measures.

Another stampede took place in 2001 when thousands of devotees gathered for the holy dip at a riverbank in Haridwar.

open image in gallery A Hindu holy man prepares to take a dip in the sacred waters of Sangam, the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers, during Shahi Snan at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on 14 January 2025 ( AFP via Getty )

This year, the Uttar Pradesh government deployed advanced technology to track crowd movements, allowing police to regulate the flow of people more effectively.
 Flash

NASA said on Wednesday it is working with SpaceX to safely return the agency's stranded astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore back home "as soon as practical."

"NASA and SpaceX are expeditiously working to safely return the agency's SpaceX Crew-9 astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore as soon as practical, while also preparing for the launch of Crew-10 to complete a handover between expeditions," NASA said on X.

NASA and SpaceX are targeting no earlier than late March 2025 to launch Crew-10 to the International Space Station (ISS).

The agency's SpaceX Crew-9 mission with NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov will return to Earth following the arrival of Crew-10 to the orbital laboratory.

Williams and Wilmore have been stuck in space since June last year due to technical problems of Boeing's Starliner which took them to ISS.

NASA's previous plan was to get them back in February. But the new launch schedule of Crew-10 meant the two astronauts will stay in space at least one more month.
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Yellowstone star Kevin Costners ex-wife Christine Baumgartner is engaged, less than one year after the couples divorce.

The pair, who have three children together, finalised the end of their marriage in February last year, after over 18 years together. Baumgartner filed for divorce in May 2023, citing irreconcilable differences and listing their date of separation as 11 April 2023. Costner described the event as a crushing moment.

Handbag designer Baumgartner, 50, has since moved on with family friend and neighbour Josh Connor. They were first spotted together in Hawaii in July 2023, prompting speculation of a romance.

Last weekend, Connor is said to have gotten down on one knee in Santa Barbara.

"It was about to rain, so almost no one else was on the beach when Josh got down on one knee, a source close to the couple told People.

Baumgartner is said to have been shocked by the financiers proposal, expecting an intimate dinner instead.

"They spent Christmas in New York together last month, where it all began, said the source. "They are both over the moon and excited for their future together."

open image in gallery Trio were neighbours while Costner and Baumgartner were married ( Getty/Getty for Uber Elevate )

Connor was dragged into the couples legal battle during a child support hearing in August 2023 where an attorney reiterated that the couple were friends and nothing more than that.

The pairs friendship is said to have been the foundation for their blossoming relationship, with a source reporting in December: "Christine and Joshs relationship started as a friendship, so they have a really strong foundation.

"They share the same values, and she feels so happy and supported in this new relationship."Theyre so in love. Its been a very natural and positive step forward for Christine."

open image in gallery ( Getty Images )

Speaking about the split in an CBS interview in June last year, Costner told Gayle King about his divorce: Thats a crushing moment. Its powerful. It hurt, but I go forward.

He acknowledged that he has no choice but to move on, since his children are watching him. I cant wilt like a daisy, Costner continued. I have to go forward. I have to continue to be who I am, and keep a special eye on who [my children] are.
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Conservatives are coming after Vogue for posting a scathing review of Melania Trumps new White House portrait in which the magazine accuses the First Lady of cosplaying The Apprentice.

The official image, printed in black-and-white and shot by Belgian photographer Regine Mahaux, features the 54-year-old woman standing over a reflective desk while dressed in a finely-tailored Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo jacket, an unbuttoned white undershirt, and suit pants.

According to Vogue, the entire shot  clothing, set, and pose included  looked as if it were taken for her husband President Donald Trumps former reality show, which ran from 2004 to 2017.

Indeed, Trump looked more like she was guest starring on an episode of The Apprentice than assuming the role of first lady of the United States, the outlet wrote before comparing her outfit to a magicians uniform.

Its perhaps unsurprising that a woman who lived in a gold-encrusted penthouse, whose fame is so intertwined with a reality television empire, would refuse to abandon theatricseven when faced with 248 years of tradition, the article continued.

Vogues January 28 article was met with immediate backlash from conservative commentators online.

open image in gallery Melania Trumps 2025 White House portrait ( Regine Mahaux/The White House )

Right-wing Newsmax host Todd Starnes wrote: The mean girls who run Vogue published a scathing attack on First Lady Melania Trump's official White House portrait.

It's unclear why Vogue directed their poisonous venom at Mrs. Trump. Envy, perhaps? Or it could just be that they hate bold, confident Republican women.

open image in gallery ( X/@toddstarnes )

Melania Trump is a portrait of beauty, style, elegance and power. She's a wife and a mother. She's a person who embraces her God-given pronoun, he continued. She's incredibly intelligent. She can speak fluently in five languages. And she has a terrific sense of humor. The Mean Girls who run the fashion magazines have an entirely different standard for style and beauty.

Author Scott Holleran agreed: Dear @voguemagazine: The White Houses official portrait of First Lady Melania Trump, by Regine Malhaux, is rightly and radically emancipated, elegant and refined.

I love the reflection of herselfrepresenting that First Lady Melania Trump is a hands-on presidents wifeready, he added.

Fox News anchor Martha MacCallum added: Cmon Vogue. For decades you told us to know our power and be thin and well dressed when wielding it, and you diss this portrait of our most stunning FLOTUS since Jackie? You want her in a comfy blazer and pastelsIm guessing she doesnt care.

open image in gallery ( @marthamaccallum/X )

Kathy Gyngell, editor of The Conservative Woman, wrote: Oh look. A magazine for women tearing pieces out of ...women.

open image in gallery ( @KathyConWom/X )

Many critics on X also pointed out that the magazine had featured Democrats Kamala Harris and Jill Biden on its covers in the past.

Vice President Harris was interviewed by the magazine in October 2024 in the midst of her bid for the White House just months after the former first lady appeared on the cover.

Already, the new FLOTUS has riled people with her statement outfits worn in the White House. For her husbands second inauguration on January 20, Melania wore a long, silk-and-wool navy blue overcoat designed by Adam Lippes and a wide-brimmed hat by Eric Javits.

For the majority of the swearing-in ceremony, the top half of Melanias face was shielded by the hat, spawning hundreds of memes online.
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Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trumps pick to lead the nations top health department, was repeatedly pounded with his own past remarks on Wednesday at a tumultuous confirmation hearing in Washington, D.C.

Appearing before members of the Senate, the former presidential candidate frequently sought to deny that he had made controversial statements on topics ranging from vaccines to pervasive H5N1 bird flu that is currently proliferating around the U.S.

I believe that vaccines play a critical role in health care, he told the committee.

open image in gallery Robert F. Kennedys past remarks on multiple subjects were called into question ( AFP via Getty Images )

But, many of Kennedys previous statements have been at odds with his current positions, raising concerns about what stances he might take in the future, should he be confirmed.

Vaccines

Kennedy said Wednesday that he is not anti-vaccine.

He has previously called Covid vaccine shots the deadliest vaccines ever made, saying it was criminal malpractice to give them to children. Studies have shown that vaccines helped to prevent millions of deaths in the U.S.

Kennedy has falsely linked vaccines to various medical conditions, including autism.

Protester interrupts RFK Jr. as he says he is not anti-vaccine

I do believe that autism does come from vaccines, he said last year in an interview with Fox News Jesse Watters.

The neurodevelopmental disability is caused by differences in the brain that affect communication and social interaction.

In December, The New York Times reported that the lawyer helping Kennedy pick federal health officials for the incoming administration had petitioned the government to revoke its approval of the polio vaccine.

Kennedy is also the former chairman of Childrens Health Defense, a non-profit group that regularly publishes stories calling the effectiveness of multiple vaccines into question.

I support the measles vaccine. I support the polio vaccine, Kennedy said Wednesday. I will do nothing as HHS secretary that makes it difficult or discourages people from taking either of those vaccines.

Bernie Sanders grills RFK Jr. over 'unvaxxed' baby clothes: 'Do you support these onesies?'

Bird flu

As bird flu continues to spread across the country this month, Kennedy told hearing attendees that he believes the H5N1 virus is responsible for the outbreak.

Citing a recent book that she did not name, Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith said Kennedy had questioned the scientific basis for germs causing disease and the power of vaccine and antibiotics.

Ive never questioned that, senator, Kennedy replied.

Over the summer, when human cases were lower, Kennedy wondered why the government needed a vaccine.

Will there be another lab-derived pandemic? Not on my watch! he wrote.

In May of 2022, just months into the current outbreak, he wrote that bird flu is notoriously harmless to humans, but accused billionaire Bill Gates and the nations former top infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci of funding research to develop a bird flu pathogen capable of infecting humans.

Kennedy is the author of a book denouncing Fauci.

Of the cases reported in the Western Pacific Region from January 2003 through this past September, the World Health Organization said that there was a fatality rate of 54 percent.

Kennedy has promoted raw milk, which has been tied to exposure to the virus.

Bioweapons

Kennedy has previously stated that Covid-19 could be a bioweapon that may have been ethnically targeted.

Covid-19. There is an argument that it is ethnically targeted. Covid-19 attacks certain races disproportionately, Kennedy told The New York Post in 2023. Covid-19 is targeted to attack Caucasians and black people. The people who are most immune are Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese.

RFK Jr. challenged on false claim Covid is a race-targeted 'bioweapon'

I didnt say it was deliberately targeted; I just quoted an NIH-funded and NIH published study, he said Wednesday.

Scientists said Kennedys statements distorted the studys findings.

Kennedy also told Colorado Sen. Michael Bennett he probably said Lyme disease is highly likely a militarily-engineered bioweapon.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted to humans and animals through the bites of infected ticks.

Measles

Kennedy would not accept responsibility for a drop in vaccinations and subsequent deaths in Samoa following a trip there in 2019, saying it had nothing to do with vaccines.

While he was there, Kennedy met with government officials and anti-vaccine activists. One influencer posted a photo of herself and Kennedy on Instagram, calling the meeting profoundly monumental for the movement.

A few months later, a deadly measles epidemic broke out, resulting in the deaths of dozens. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green and subsequent media reports have blamed Kennedy for the deaths.

Kennedy has previously denied having anything to do with people not getting vaccinated.

You can not find a single Samoan who will say, I didnt get a vaccine because of Bobby Kennedy, he said Wednesday. I went in June of 2019. The measles outbreak started in August. So, clearly I had nothing to do with the measles.

open image in gallery Kennedy returns from a break during his Wednesday confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Kennedy said he supports vaccines ( AP )

Abortion Rights

Kennedy confirmed he had said that he is pro-choice, but agrees with Trump that every abortion is a tragedy now.

You have clearly stated in the past that bodily autonomy is one of your core values. The question is, Do you stand for that value or not? asked New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan. When was it that you decided to sell out the values you've had your whole life in order to be given power by President Trump?"

When questioned about whether federal law protects a pregnant womans right to emergency care if she has a life-threatening, incomplete miscarriage in an emergency room in a state where abortion is restricted, he said he didnt know.

Last year, during an interview with podcaster Sage Steele, he said he would support allowing women to have abortions at full term.

But, days later, wrote that he would allow appropriate restrictions on abortion in the final months of pregnancy, just as Roe v. Wade did.

I serve at the pleasure of the president. Im going to implement his policies, Kennedy said Wednesday.

With reporting from The Associated Press
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Shoplifting has surged to another record high with nearly half a million offences recorded last year, new figures reveal  as retailers warned crime in shops is spiralling out of control.

With such offences already hitting their highest level last year since records began in the year to March 2003, new Office for National Statistics (ONS) data showed shoplifting crimes have continued to increase in England and Wales.

There were 492,914 shoplifting offences recorded by police in the year to September, which was up 23 per cent from 402,482 in the previous 12 months prior and is equivalent to 1,350 such crimes every day.

The alarming figures came as a separate survey by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) found that incidents of retail crime  including racial and sexual abuse, physical assault and threats with weapons  have reached three times the level they were in 2020.

There were more than 2,000 incidents a day over the past year, including 70 per day involving a weapon, which is more than double the previous year, the BRC said.

Some 61 per cent of respondents described the police response to incidents as poor or very poor, although 3 per cent described it as excellent  the first time in five years that any retailers have rated it as such.

Theft also reached an all-time high with more than 20 million incidents  or over 55,000 a day  costing retailers 2.2bn, up from 1.8bn the previous year.

open image in gallery Graph shows police-recorded shoplifting offences in England and Wales ( PA Graphics )

Gangs systematically targeted stores across the country, stealing tens of thousands of pounds worth of goods and rotating around multiple stores, the BRCs survey found.

Retail crime is spiralling out of control. People in retail have been spat on, racially abused, and threatened with machetes, said BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson.

Every day this continues, criminals are getting bolder and more aggressive. We owe it to the 3 million hard-working people working in retail to bring the epidemic of crime to heel. No one should go to work in fear.

More broadly, the ONS said its latest crime survey indicated a 12 per cent rise in incidents of headline crime  including theft, robbery, criminal damage, fraud and violence  over the past year, when there were an estimated 9.5 million incidents.

This was mainly fuelled by a 19 per cent rise in fraud, of which there were close to four million incidents  a level similar to that last seen before the pandemic.

open image in gallery Knife crime and robbery offences have increased, according to the Office for National Statistics ( Katie Collins/PA )

Dr Billy Gazard of the ONS said: Although crime has increased over the past year, it is still below pre-pandemic levels. The level of most crime types recorded by the crime survey remains unchanged. The recent rise has been driven by a significant increase in fraud, notably bank and credit account, and consumer and retail fraud.

Police-recorded crime paints a varied picture. While homicide and firearms offences have fallen, recorded knife crime and robbery have increased.

Shoplifting offences continue to rise, reaching almost half a million in the year ending September 2024, the highest figure since current police recording practices began.

According to the ONS, incidents of knife-enabled crime recorded by the police rose by 4 per cent to hit 55,008 offences in the year to September 2024. These figures remained below pre-pandemic levels, however, and do not include Greater Manchester or Devon and Cornwall.

And provisional NHS hospital admissions data suggested a 3 per cent decrease in the number of people admitted after being assaulted with a sharp object in the year to September 2024, which totalled 3,735 and was down 22 per cent on pre-pandemic levels.

The latest figures come after peers on the House of Lords justice and home affairs committee wrote to policing minister Dame Diana Johnson in November to warn that shop theft was seriously underreported and not being tackled properly.

The following month, the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) announced a squad set up to stem the rising tide of shoplifting  dubbed Operation Pegasus  had arrested 93 members of organised crime gangs behind retail theft in seven months.
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Dozens of MPs and peers have raised the alarm over a very serious risk to public health from the trade in real fur after viruses with a high risk of spreading to humans were found on Chinese fur farms.

More than 40 politicians have warned the government that fur farm practices could spark future pandemics by allowing new pathogens to emerge, according to eminent scientists.

In particular, outbreaks of bird flu on hundreds of European fur farms pose similar risks to human health, the MPs and peers say.

open image in gallery Fur farm animals suffer painful injuries and infections and psychological torture from being caged, say opponents ( AFP via Getty Images )

In the US, one person has died of bird flu after it mutated and spread to cattle, prompting California to declare an emergency.

Under Boris Johnson when he was prime minister, the Conservatives dropped plans to ban imports and sales of fur.

They also failed to release the 30,000 responses to a formal call for evidence on the fur trade in Britain.

Labour have also stalled on a pre-election promise to ban fur.

In a letter to environment secretary Steve Reed, the cross-party group of 42 MPs and peers call for government backing for a new bill banning fur, and cite a recent study that concluded fur farms pose a clear epidemic or pandemic risk and an obvious route [for the] next pandemic to occur.

open image in gallery Much of the UKs fur is imported from China

The authors of the letter, which claims the UK is outsourcing suffering, state: The fur trade is not only an affront to animal welfare [but also] recent scientific investigations demonstrate that this industry presents a very serious risk to public health.

Eminent virologists, including from the Department of Infectious Disease at Imperial College London, have recently issued grave warnings that the species involved and the conditions typical on fur farms make the practice highly conducive to the creation and spread of novel pathogens, and concluded that fur farming increase[s] the likelihood of future pandemics.

A study published in Nature in September on viruses found on Chinese fur farms identified 39 viruses as high risk for the potential to spread to humans, including 13 potentially high-risk novel viruses, the letter warns.

In 2023, Imperial College London virologists urged that fur farming, particularly mink, be eliminated in the interest of pandemic preparedness.

At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, millions of mink in Denmark, the worlds second-biggest producer of the animal fur, were culled because they are infected with coronavirus.

open image in gallery Blue foxes are treated like infected objects at a farm in Belarus ( AFP via Getty Images )

In all, outbreaks of both Covid and bird flu on 540 European fur farms led to the killing of 20 million animals whose bodies were disposed of.

In June 2023, Labours then shadow environment minister, Alex Sobel, said: A Labour Government would take the necessary action on the importation of fur into Britain. We are committed to this... A Labour Britain will be a compassionate, fur-free Britain.

MP Ruth Jones, whose private members bill banning fur is set to have its second reading in Parliament in June, said: Fur belongs on animals, not bobble hats.

Public sentiment against the awful fur trade is so strong, I hope the government are listening to that and to the virologists warning us to stop fur farms before they incubate the next pandemic.

Its understood the government will set out its formal position on the bill when it is debated and that ministers are awaiting a report by the Animal Welfare Committee, commissioned under the Conservatives, on responsible sourcing of fur.

Signatories to the letter include Baroness Redfern and MP Bob Blackman.

HMRC records show that almost 40m of fur was imported to the UK in 2023 from countries including China, Finland, Spain, Greece and Poland.
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The Bishop of Liverpool has resigned after he was accused of sexual assault and harassment.

One woman accused the Right Reverend Dr John Perumbalath of kissing her without consent and groping her, and another woman accused him of sexual harassment, according to Channel 4 News.

Bishop Perumbalath, who denies all the claims, said he had decided to retire without any admission of fault or liability, but to avoid the issue being a distraction.

Bishop Perumbalath said the National Safeguarding Team found no concerns about his operational safeguarding experience ( Diocese of Liverpool )

The Church of England has faced a storm over safeguarding failures, including the resignation of Justin Welby as Archbishop of Canterbury over his handling of a separate case.

The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, has also faced calls to quit over his alleged failure to handle abuse cases properly.

Bishop Perumbalath said in a statement: Having sought the permission of His Majesty the King, I have today taken the decision to retire from active ministry in the Church of England.

He said he had consistently maintained that he had not done anything wrong. Since the claims were made in 2023, they have been investigated and considered by experts from the National Safeguarding Team and had found them unsubstantiated.

The first allegation was also investigated by the police resulting in no further action.

He claimed that despite this, media reports had treated him as guilty on all charges and treated the allegations as fact.

Further it has been erroneously reported that prior to my appointment as Bishop of Liverpool I had failed the safeguarding assessment process. This is categorically not true.

As the Church of England have made clear in their written statements over the past 48 hours responding to these false claims, the National Safeguarding Team found no concerns about my operational safeguarding experience and recommended some development work for me as I took on additional strategic safeguarding responsibilities  which is commonly the case for new diocesan bishops.

This rush to judgment and my trial by media (be that social or broadcast) has made my position untenable due to the impact it will have on the Diocese of Liverpool and the wider church whilst we await further reviews and next steps.

His statement went on: I do not wish this story to become a distraction for this incredible diocese and its people whom it has been an honour and joy to serve.

Archbishop Cottrell said he respected Bishop Perumbalaths decision, adding: My thoughts and prayers continue to be with all those who have been affected by this situation.

The Diocese of Liverpool said: This is a deeply painful situation, and we hold all concerned in our prayers.
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Government spending on benefits is set to be 8.6 billion over budget, DWP boss Liz Kendall has said, as she promises radical reforms to cut the welfare bill.

Speaking in Commons, the work and pensions secretary said that the overspend was unavoidable due to the inheritance from the last government. The dire economic forecast highlights the need for Labours plans to reform the welfare system, she added.

The latest government data shows that the number of people claiming Universal Credit has more than doubled since 2020, from around three million to more than six million.

There are also now 2.8 million people not seeking employment due to ill health, with both figures skyrocketing during the Covid pandemic.

open image in gallery ( PA Wire )

Writing to MPs, Ms Kendall said: The likely scale of the eventual breach has been known since March 2023. No action was taken by the previous administration to avoid it.

Whilst this Government has already shown that it will not shy away from difficult decisions, this breach could only have been addressed through implementing immediate and severe cuts to welfare spending. This would not have been the right course of action.

The welfare cap is a limit set by the Treasury on how much the government can spend on most benefits, excluding the state pension. At Labours Autumn Budget, Rachel Reeves lifted the welfare cap set by the Conservatives for the 2024/25 from 146 billion to 162.5 billion after taking into account the OBRs forecast overspend. This is set to rise to 204.2 billion by 2029/30 following her changes.

Responding to Ms Kendalls statement in parliament, shadow work and pensions secretary Helen Whately said: Through the 2010s, in government, we broadly kept to that cap; it was part of the discipline we applied to the welfare system to make it fair for the taxpayer and to put into practice the strongly held Conservative principle that if you can work, you should work.

But in the years during and since the pandemicI will not shy away from telling the truththings changed. While the number of jobs kept going up, the number of people economically inactive also started to go up, and with that, the welfare bill, and that is a big problem.

We as a country have a moral and financial imperative to turn this around and in government we were working flat out to tackle it.

open image in gallery Shadow DWP secretary Helen Whately says things changed during the pandemic which led to welfare bill spiking (UK Parliament/PA) ( PA Media )

The debate comes as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to release a paper outlining its plans to reform health and disability benefits in the coming months.

Changes to how people are assessed for health-related benefits are widely expected, with Labour pledging to match the previous Conservative governments spending targets and shave 3 billion from the welfare bill.

The government has said it will re-consult on the detail of the plans, however, after the high court found that the previous administrations consultation was unlawful.

Labour has said its coming reforms are necessary to balance government spending, but several leading charities have warned that the new consultation for the changes must not be a sham.

Anela Anwar, chief executive of anti-poverty charity Z2K, who co-ordinated the letter, said: It is deeply disappointing to learn that this government wants to revive the previous governments discredited and dangerous plans to remove vital financial support for seriously ill and disabled people.

The government should abandon these cruel and poorly thought-out plans. And when it comes to consulting on hugely important changes to the benefits system, this government must not repeat the mistakes of the previous one. We need to a see a genuine consultation that gives disabled people a proper chance to respond to plans which could see them plunged into deep poverty.
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A community organiser says they feared they would miss their flight home from Chicago when airline staff challenged them over their eVisa for more than an hour.

Marzena Zukowskas ordeal at Chicago OHare airport is the latest in a series of worrying episodes involving foreign nationals resident in the UK using visas after the switch to a digital system at the start of this year.

Holders no longer have physical immigration documents to show airline staff. Instead, they are dependent on carriers digitally verifying their immigration status.

Marzena, 35, told The Independent that Tap Air Portugal staff in Chicago insisted on seeing physical proof of their visa status - and when they could not get it, asked they apply for a visitors visa, despite Marzena living in Liverpool as a settled UK resident.

Marzena, who has dual Polish and US nationality and is non-binary, said they remained locked in discussions with staff for more than an hour, and feared they would miss their flight back to Manchester and a booked appointment for egg-freezing treatment.

open image in gallery Marzena Zukowska (pictured) is worried about how people with less knowledge about the UK immigration system will be able to advocate for their rights ( Green Tangerine Photography )

Have you been impacted by the change to eVisas? Contact Holly Bancroft by emailing holly.bancroft@independent.co.uk

They told The Independent: I turn up at the Tap Air Portugal desk, I give them my Polish passport. The person at the desk and her manager were looking at the computer, and said we need to see proof of your visa to the UK. I told them that I have settled status, and that it is digital only.

Marzena said that the airline staff told them to apply for an Electonic Travel Authorisation, a visitors visa to the UK that is only available to certain non-EU nationalities - and ended up trying on their mobile to show they did not qualify for one with a Polish passport.

They said: It just became a circular conversation. The manager was questioning me, and because the airport was quite empty all the other employees were watching this happening. I kept trying to tell them, its not your fault, the UK government has given really mixed information.

I actually work for an immigration rights organisation but it just kept making things worse and worse. I was genuinely worried that they would not let me board the flight.

The airline manager at the airport tried to call the UK Home Office hotline, which is supposed to be open 24 hours a day, but was unable to get through to anyone, said Marzena, who then said they were asked for other proof of UK residency, such as a drivers licence or tenancy agreement.

Marzena, who is co-director of POMOC, a rights group for Eastern European migrants, was worried that they would miss the flight and miss crucial egg-freezing treatment that they had scheduled for their return to the UK.

open image in gallery Marzena (pictured) had to speak to airline staff for over an hour, trying to prove that they could use their eVisa to fly to the UK ( Green Tangerine Photography )

They said: You have a very small window of time when you have to take medication and administer the shots. I was scared that if I wasnt able to get back to Liverpool, then that treatment would be delayed.

Finally, after Marzena showed the UK visas and immigration website on their phone and their eVisa share code, the airline staff allowed them to board the plane to Manchester on 15 January.

Marzena said the experience showed them that the UK government doesnt want to take responsibility for the eVisa system theyve set up. They added: Theyre forcing airlines and landlords to police peoples rights, and decide who they accept and who they dont.

It is such a massive accessibility issue. If I can barely get through and I have so much knowledge, how about someone with a language barrier, or who is less able to use technology?

Also impacted by the introduction in eVisas was one Indian national working in the UK who told The Independent that he was travelling back from Las Vegas to Newcastle on 1 January when he faced airport staff unaware of the changes.

He said he was allowed on his British Airways flight after staff said they would take his word for it that the visa process had changed.

An Australian citizen with indefinite leave to remain in the UK said he also encountered difficulties on his trip back from New York in early January.

A Home Office spokesperson said: We are listening to concerns people might have, provided additional support and processes for peoples status to be proved and checked when travelling, and are working closely with carriers and international stakeholders to ensure the rollout of eVisas is smooth.

eVisas bring significant benefits. They cannot be lost, stolen, or tampered with, unlike a physical document, and also increase the UK immigration systems security and efficiency.

UK Border Force are running a 24/7 support service for carriers to deal with enquiries about passengers travelling to the UK, and there is also a 24/7 passenger support helpline.

The Independent has contacted Tap Air Portugal for comment.
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Actor Noel Clarke has lost a bid to strike out the Guardians legal defence as his libel claim goes to trial on March 3.

The former Doctor Who star is suing Guardian News and Media (GNM) over a series of articles which said that 20 women who knew the 49-year-old actor in a professional capacity had come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct.

Mr Clarke vehemently denied any sexual misconduct or wrongdoing at the time. GNM is defending the legal action on the grounds of truth and public interest.

The actors lawyer, Philip Williams applied for GNMs defence case to be struck out ahead of the full trial on Wednesday.

Mr Williams told the court in written submissions: The claimant submits there is overwhelming evidence not just of an attempt to pervert but actual perversion of the course of justice.

He asserted that the deliberate and permanent deletion of correspondence between the journalists that investigated the claims, as well as the alleged fabrication, made it impossible for the defendant to put forward a positive case that could reasonably be believed that the defamatory articles were in the public interest.

GNMs lawyers hit back that the claim was absolutely hopeless.

Gavin Millar KC, representing GNM, told the court that the actors lawyers had not pointed to any evidence supporting their claim of fabricated evidence and said there were fatal flaws in Mr Clarkes case.

He said: Litigants should not bring on applications of this exceptional nature, nor make allegations of serious criminal misconduct, without a proper evidential basis.

Mr Millar continued that the publisher had a policy of minimising how much data it stores for data protection reasons.

Prior to 2021, Signal did not have a feature to enable auto-delete to be the default setting for new message threads and so this would have to be enabled or actioned manually for each new thread, he said.

Mrs Justice Steyn rejected the application, saying that written reasons for her decision would be provided at a later date.

A Guardian spokesperson said: Today, the judge rejected Noel Clarkes application to strike-out our defence.

Lawyers for the Guardian told the court there is not one scintilla of evidence that journalists fabricated evidence  a very serious claim made to launder into the public domain allegations that couldnt have been made outside court.

Our reporting on Noel Clarke on 2021 was based on the accounts of 20 brave women. After we published our first article, more women came forward.

The spokesperson continued that 32 witnesses are set to testify against the actor under oath, concluding: We look forward to a judge hearing the evidence.
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The Princess of Wales laughed as she played with terminal children at a lifeline hospice.

Kate Middleton joked about her huge hands as she left her print on the wall of the Ty Hafan childrens hospice in South Wales on Thursday.

The future Queen, who confirmed earlier this month she is in remission from cancer, has become patron of the hospice as she continues her gradual return to public duties.

open image in gallery A signed handprint from the Princess of Wales ( Richard Pohle/The Times/PA Wire )

She joined a stay and play musical session with the children and spoke to two bereaved families whose children were cared for at the hospice.

One little boy caught her attention as she was given a tour, five-year-old Oscar, who was pushing himself around on a walker with wheels.

open image in gallery The hospice in Sully, near Cardiff, South Wales, supports families in Wales to ensure that children with life-shortening conditions live fulfilling lives ( Richard Pohle/The Times/PA Wire )

When Kate joined the musical therapy session where children sat with family members and staff while a musician played a guitar and sang, she chatted to Dani-Rae, aged three, who has spinal muscular atrophy and was dressed in pink and sat in a matching wheelchair.

open image in gallery ( Richard Pohle/The Times/PA Wire )

She dropped down to her level to ask What do you like doing when youre here, do you like music? Have you tried any of the instruments? and held up a pair of maracas.

Kensington Palace has arranged for a donation of musical instruments for the hospice, based in the village of Sully near Cardiff, for future music therapy sessions.

open image in gallery The Princess of Wales, Patron of Ty Hafan Children's Hospice, speaks to five-year-old Savanah-Blu ( Richard Pohle/The Times/PA Wire )

Kate also chatted to a number of parents and their children as she worked her way around the group and at one point said about the hospice: I know what a lifeline it is and makes a difference.

To mark the visit there was no plaque unveiling but the princess was invited to make a handprint to be displayed with dozens of others.

She was joined by Maggie, aged four, whose 12-year-old brother Felix has a very rare condition that has left him profoundly disabled.

open image in gallery The Princess of Wales paints the hand of four-year-old Maggie during a visit to the Ty Hafan hospice in Sully, near Cardiff, South Wales (Richard Pohle/The Times/PA) ( PA Wire )

The princess painted the little girls hand with red paint and asked Is this ticklish? My kiddies love this, I went and did this back at home with them today.

After the print was made, it was Kates turn, and the four-year-olds sister Lottie, aged 10, was given the honour of painting Kates fingers and palm.

When the reveal moment came, the princess looked down at her handprint and said Its huge with a grin.

Her husband Prince William stayed behind in London to hold a meeting at the Ministry of Defence headquarters.

The future head of the armed forces, travelled to the government building on Whitehall on Thursday for the private, official engagement, with no media present.

William was a Lieutenant in the Household Cavalrys Blues and Royals before spending three years as an RAF and Rescue pilot, and then joining emergency missions as a pilot for the East Anglian Air Ambulance.

As first in line to the throne, the prince carries out his own charitable projects, but also undertakes official duties in support of his father, the King, who is still undergoing treatment for cancer.
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A rail route backed by chancellor Rachel Reeves  who played down consideration of bats and newts in development  has been fraught with fears it will wipe out bats and their habitats.

Cambridgeshire County Council this month warned of a potentially catastrophic effect on barbastelle bats of the East West Rail project, a new rail link between Oxford and Cambridge.

The scheme could be "unacceptable" and have a "catastrophic impact on their population, including "in the worst-case scenario, loss of the maternity roost", the council said.

open image in gallery The development threatens the rare barbastelle bat, experts warned ( Hugh Clark/National Trust/Bat Conservation Trust )

In her speech announcing a raft of plans to boost growth, the chancellor included funding for support for the rail link, insisting she was prepared to "fight" for new infrastructure, housing and commercial projects.

This included tearing up regulations that hamper building projects to protect nature.

She said the government was enabling developers to "focus on getting things built and stop worrying over the bats and the newts".

Designers of the rail project say they have already gone out of their way to rehome bats, creating a bespoke bat house for seven species, to replace the old Swanbourne Station building.

The government says the new line will boost the Oxford-Cambridge economy by 6.7 billion a year by 2050.

The rail journey between the two cities is expected to take 90 minutes  an hour faster than by car.

In a draft response to a consultation on the scheme, Cambridgeshire County Council said it backed the employment, new housing and better transport links but worried that the development would cause losses to wildlife sites, habitat and species in Wimpole and Eversden Woods.

open image in gallery ( PA Wire )

Richard Benwell, CEO of Wildlife and Countryside Link, accused the chancellor of trying to pit nature and development against one another.

It is utterly wrong to describe nature-lovers as blockers, he said.

"HS2 had 10 years to work out what to do about rare bats, but it delayed and dithered and made costly mistakes. These errors will only be repeated if a blinkered focus on growth ignores the opportunities to create a better system.

He added: The best way to stop people worrying about chalk streams, dormice, wildflower meadows and - yes - bats isn't to deregulate. It's to restore nature now.

Five years ago, Boris Johnson as prime minister claimed that newt-counting was holding back house-building.

But environmental experts said there was no evidence of that happening.

"The PM's speech was pure fiction," Craig Bennett, head of the Wildlife Trusts, told the BBC at the time.
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A former Royal Ballet School student has settled a legal case over claims of body shaming, her lawyers have said.

Ellen Elphick, who attended the London school between 2009 and 2012, brought legal action alleging body shaming by several teachers in breach of the schools duty of care.

On Thursday, her lawyer Leigh Day announced the case had been settled in what is thought to be the first settlement of its kind over body shaming in ballet.

The school has not admitted liability or offered Ms Elphick an apology, her lawyers added.

Ms Elphick, who attended the school until she was 19, developed an eating disorder resulting in anorexia which she believes was the result of body shaming she received during training.

She claimed this included being made to stand in front of a mirror while a teacher pointed out the parts of Ms Elphicks body she was disgusted by and would cut off due to their size, as well as being poked in the buttocks and thighs without permission.

The former dancer continues to have body dysmorphia and was unable to pursue a career in dance after the treatment she received, her lawyers added.

Ms Elphick said: As I reflected on the training I had experienced at the Royal Ballet School and the eating disorder I developed, I felt there could have been different approaches in teaching in the years I was there.

I have had children coming to me with issues they had had and I started to realise there is a huge issue for people in my year who had had similar treatment to me.

I decided to bring a legal claim, which I am making public because I want to bring awareness so that children can go into dance and not leave it damaged as I am.

Dino Nocivelli, who represented Ms Elphick, said: It is time that the ballet community now finally accepts the duty of care it owes to its dancers, accepts where failings have taken place and the harm caused, and changes significantly for the better.

We continue the demand we made in 2023 that the government conducts an inquiry into body shaming and abuse in ballet. We cannot stand by while another generation of ballet dancers suffers.
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Labour has been accused of rank hypocrisy over plans to uphold controversial Tory proposals to detain child migrants in its bid to crack down on cross-Channel smuggling gangs.

Despite Labour frontbenchers repeatedly speaking out against the Conservatives Illegal Migration Act (IMA), Yvette Cooper is pressing ahead with plans to allow unaccompanied children whose age is disputed by the Home Office to be detained.

In Labours Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, published on Thursday, the home secretary will also keep a ban on migrants claiming modern slavery protections, along with a string of other measures the party previously opposed.

Amnesty International accused Ms Cooper of rank hypocrisy for holding on to parts of the Tories bill, a decision it said would signal that disdain for human beings remains at the heart of this government. Independent anti-slavery commissioner Eleanor Lyons said victims of modern slavery deserve our compassion and support, and no new legislation should reduce victims rights.

open image in gallery Yvette Cooper has been accused of rank hypocrisy over Labours small boats bill ( PA Wire )

Labour MP Sarah Champion called for the government to ensure the safety of victims of slavery, as well as urging the government to think very carefully about child protection.

I was hoping this bill would disentangle human trafficking from people-smuggling once and for all, the former shadow home office minister told The Independent.

Rather than restricting survivors ability to claim slavery protections, we should be ensuring their safety.

We also need to think very carefully about child protection. We know child asylum seekers are a particularly vulnerable group, with hundreds of children going missing over the years. Their care and wellbeing should be a primary concern.

Meanwhile, Tory shadow home secretary Chris Philp said the bill was weak and reannounces steps the last government took already.

Labours Jess Phillips  who now sits in Sir Keir Starmers government as safeguarding minister  previously claimed that the Conservative bill was a traffickers dream, a tool for their control, as it effectively hid modern slavery victims from UK authorities.

And former shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock, now a health minister, said it is deeply unethical, as it also makes it harder for victims of modern slavery to come forward and [makes it] harder to prosecute criminals. Mr Kinnock branded the bill a traffickers charter, a gift to traffickers and pimps.

Dame Diana Johnson, now a minister in the Home Office, previously accused the Tory government of making an unnecessary and unjustified choice to sacrifice its focus on human trafficking as part of its response to irregular migration. None of the three has responded to The Independents request for comment on the U-turn.

The Tory bill meant that victims of human trafficking who enter the UK on small boats will not be able to get help via the UKs national referral mechanism  the system for supporting and identifying victims. But Home Office officials stressed that Labours bill repeals provisions that would have banned those people from accessing it. They said migrant victims of modern slavery who are in need of support will be able to access it, regardless of their method of arrival.

Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell, who sits as an independent MP after being suspended by Labour, said: It is beyond me why Keir Starmer and Yvette Cooper have done a complete reversal of our position prior to the election, [which saw us] vehemently opposing the Conservatives policy of detaining children.

I remember when children were detained at Harmondsworth detention centre in my constituency, and it is harmful and can have a lasting impact on the lives of these children. I am so anxious now that in government we appear to be losing all sense of compassion.

Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said she was shocked that Labour was keeping in place measures that Labour frontbenchers had previously opposed.

She told The Independent that the UK should be supporting those who come here in search of safety and want to rebuild their lives and be reunited with loved ones.

She said: The only way to stop people-smugglers is to create safe routes for people to come here fleeing violence or war, but this governments new bill contains no measures to do so.

I very much hope that all those who spoke with their consciences when these cruel measures were introduced by the last government will continue to do so now.

The bill is intended to target the gangs smuggling tens of thousands of migrants across the English Channel every year, and includes a slew of powers the government hopes will help break the business model of the smugglers.

open image in gallery Jess Phillips described the Tory bill, parts of which Labour is keeping in place, as a traffickers dream ( PA Wire )

But experts have warned that plans to deny some victims of human trafficking access to government help could be incompatible with UK and international law, and that this will embolden criminals.

Responding to Labours bill, Amnesty International refugee and migrant rights director Steve Valdez-Symonds said: It is less than two years since Yvette Cooper stood in parliament to oppose the Illegal Migration Act 2023 in its entirety, including because under it, victims of modern-day slavery would be left without any protections.

Choosing to now keep this act, or any part of it, to hammer rather than safeguard adults and children whove suffered the trauma of human trafficking, torture and war, would be rank hypocrisy.

And Jakub Sobik, from the Modern Slavery and Human Rights Policy and Evidence Centre, said that keeping this legislation risks increasing trafficking and modern slavery in the UK.

He added: If implemented, they would deny potentially thousands of people protection from trafficking, and would strengthen the hand of traffickers as well as [impeding] our ability to prosecute traffickers.

In a bid to avoid attacks from Reform UK and the Conservatives, Labour is also retaining the cap on the number of migrants who can arrive each year via safe and legal routes.

Under the bill, people-smuggling suspects will face travel bans and social media blackouts as part of an attempt to crack down on organised immigration crime.

open image in gallery Home Office figures show that 129 people made the journey in two boats on Tuesday, taking the provisional total for 2025 to date to 1,019 ( PA Wire )

Court orders to restrict the activity of those under investigation for such crimes will be strengthened, with suspects being banned from using laptops or mobile phones, accessing social media networks, associating with certain people, or accessing their finances, under the measures announced by the Home Office.

Serious crime prevention orders (SCPOs) can already be sought to curb the movement of people involved in organised immigration crime. But the government said the measures are not being used to their full effect, and plans to introduce new interim SCPOs that are designed to place immediate restrictions on a suspects activity while a full order is considered by the court.

Under powers inspired by counterterrorism laws, immigration officers and police will also be given the power to seize phones, laptops and other electronic devices from migrants arriving in the UK without arresting them first. Officials said this will help officers gather intelligence on the gangs running the people-smuggling trade.

The section of the IMA covering detention, which is being upheld by Labour, is not targeted specifically at unaccompanied child migrants. And the Tories previous plans on 28-day detention limits have been repealed by Labour, The Independent understands.

Conservative shadow home secretary Mr Philp said: This is a weak bill from a weak government. It reannounces steps the last government took already, and beyond that only engages in minor tinkering  for example, about taking phones from illegal immigrants when they arrive. That wont stop the boats.

But Labours new Border Security commander Martin Hewitt said the bill would equip teams on the ground and empower them to go further and faster when dismantling organised criminality.

He said: These crucial measures will underpin our enforcement action across the system, and together with our strengthened relationships with international partners, we will bring down these gangs once and for all.

Announcing the bill, Ms Cooper said: Over the last six years, criminal smuggling gangs have been allowed to take hold all along our borders, making millions out of small-boat crossings.

This bill will equip our law enforcement agencies with the powers they need to stop these vile criminals, disrupting their supply chains and bringing more of those who profit from human misery to justice.

These new counterterror-style powers, including making it easier to seize mobile phones at the border, along with statutory powers for our new Border Security Command to focus activity across law enforcement agencies and Border Force, will turbocharge efforts to smash the gangs. 
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Sir Keir Starmer has hailed John Prescotts fighting spirit ahead of the former deputy prime ministers funeral service in Hull.

Lord Prescott, who served as deputy prime minister under Sir Tony Blair between 1997 and 2007, died on November 20 last year aged 86 in a nursing home where he had been living with Alzheimers.

More than 300 family members, friends and colleagues have been invited to the service at Hull Minster.

open image in gallery Then-prime minister Tony Blair, deputy Labour Party leader John Prescott and chancellor Gordon Brown at the Labour Party conference in 1998 ( PA Wire )

Senior figures from the past and current Labour governments are expected to attend.

Hosted by the Rev Canon Dominic Black, the service will include singing from the Choral-Hull childrens choir, made up from pupils across the city.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations for Alzheimers Research UK.

The Prime Minister said Lord Prescott will be remembered as a man who stood up for working people and fought for what he believed in.

Sir Keir said: John Prescotts funeral is a moment to reflect on his legacy alongside those that loved him most.

Since his death, I have been moved to hear countless people relate their stories of John  tales of characteristic generosity, humour and charisma.

Amongst the public, its clear that he had legendary status.

He was held in huge affection by people across the country who admired his straightforward authenticity and knew that he would always have their back.

His place in our history is assured  not, as he expected, for that one famous moment, but for his fighting spirit across an entire lifetime of service.

open image in gallery Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hailed legendary John Prescott ( PA Wire )

He will be remembered as a man who stood up for working people, fought for what he believed in, and changed our nation for the better.

We have his tenacity and vision to thank for that early action on climate change, regional inequality, the minimum wage, and public transport.

This is a day to give thanks for a remarkable life well lived.

I know many people will be raising a glass to John today.

It came after King Charles led tributes to the former deputy prime minister.

The King hailed the Labour veterans decades of public service in frontline politics and said he was deeply saddened.

I remember with great fondness his unique and indomitable character, as well as his infectious sense of humour, he said.

Lord Prescott, who was a pivotal figure in Blairs New Labour project, died peacefully in a care home surrounded by family.

During a parliamentary career spanning 50 years, he served as deputy prime minister for a decade following the partys landslide victory in 1997.

While he was known for his fiery temperament, he played a crucial role in mediating the often fractious relationship between Blair and then chancellor Gordon Brown.

The former MP for Kingston upon Hull East, a seat which he held for four decades, made headlines in 2001 when he punched a protester who had thrown an egg at him during an election campaign event in North Wales.

His attempts to push through the Kyoto climate change deal in the UK as a cabinet minister also earned him the nickname two Jags for his use of two Jaguar cars for short journeys while trying to encourage people to use vehicles less.

Born in Prestatyn, Wales, on 31 May 1938, Lord Prescott rose from humble beginnings as the son of a railway worker to become one of the Labour Partys most prominent figures.

Though a steadfast ally of Sir Tony during his tenure, Lord Prescott later criticised aspects of New Labours legacy, including the controversial decision to invade Iraq.

A former trade unionist and merchant seaman, Lord Prescott was widely known for his commitment to social justice and environmental protection.

He was viewed by many as the man who carried the torch for the traditional labour movement within his party, at a time when it was being radically modernised by Sir Tony and Gordon Brown.

Lord Prescott stepped down from the House of Lords in July due to health challenges. Records reveal he had spoken in the chamber only once since suffering a stroke in 2019 and had not participated in a vote since February of last year.

He once wrote that while he was "not a raving royalist", he had "a lot of time for Charles" who he described as a passionate environmentalist, and told how he received a handwritten note from the then prince in 2003 when his mother died.
Five years ago, at 11pm on 31 January 2020, the United Kingdom ceased to be a member of the European Union  a club/superstate (according to taste) of which it had become a full member on 1 January 1973.

Of course, Brexit didnt finally get done, in the sense of agreeing a new trade treaty, until some time later  memorably on Christmas Eve 2020. (The trade and cooperation agreement came into force in a formal sense on 1 May 2021, after being approved by the European parliament and adopted by the European Council.)

Nonetheless, for Brexiteers, 31 January stands beside 23 June, EU referendum day in 2016, as Britains Independence Day. It is fair to say that the enthusiasm isnt universally shared, and the celebrations for such landmark anniversaries tend to be muted...

Whos having a party?

Nigel Farage, who shares prime responsibility with Boris Johnson for the historic shift, needs little excuse to drink a toast to his pet project 365 days a year, but there will be no official events to mark the occasion. Indeed, even Farage once remarked that Brexit had failed, albeit because it hadnt been implemented properly (ie an even harder version had not been enacted).

Despite urging from Labours substantial body of pro-Europeans, the Treasury has declined to publish an assessment of the impact on the UK economy, though independent bodies have done so. The consensus among economists remains that the Brexit project has done more harm than good to the UKs economy  causing a contraction in trade and investment and a long-term hit of about 4 per cent of GDP (compared with what it would have been had the UK stayed in).

There will certainly be no repeat of the thinly disguised propaganda document produced by the Department for Business and Trade last year to mark the fourth anniversary, complete with its foreword by one Kemi Badenoch (at the time the secretary of state). In it she declared: Brexit was a resounding vote of confidence in the United Kingdoms future  our ability to forge a path to prosperity as a free, independent, sovereign nation.

The British peoples conviction that the UK would excel as masters of our own fate has paid dividends. She was especially proud of the UK having joined the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Is there a conspiracy of silence?

Its not quite that, but the main parties show little interest in rehearsing the arguments that have raged about Europe for almost a decade now. That reflects an abiding sense of trauma and exhaustion on the part of the British public, who, in significant part, voted for Johnsons oven ready deal at the general election of December 2019 just to get some peace and quiet.

What do the public feel now?

A certain amount of Bregret. The latest polling suggests that the number of people who think Britain made the right decision stands at an all-time low  about 30 per cent  against 55 per cent who regard it as having been wrong. Four years ago, the comparable numbers were 40 per cent (right) and 47 per cent (wrong). Among 18- to 24-year-olds, who were too young to vote in the 2016 plebiscite, three-quarters say it was the wrong choice, and one in 10 (10 per cent) say it was right.

Why wont the government talk about it more?

One very good reason is that the Labour manifesto clearly ruled out the UK rejoining the EU, its customs union or its single market, or restoring freedom of movement. The only commitment is to a closer relationship and a reset, lowering trade barriers and pursuing closer cooperation on defence.

There is an underlying fear of alienating Leave-inclined voters in marginal seats in the North and the Midlands that are now being menaced by Farage and Reform UK, coupled with similar trepidation about the reaction of the overwhelmingly Europhobic mainstream press and much of social media. Understandable.

Who wants to rejoin?

Of the UK-wide parties, even the Liberal Democrats are currently only calling for Britain to rejoin the customs union, as a way to boost growth economic immediately. Thats because their electoral strength is largely based on Remain voters in Remain areas  with the exception of parts of the West Country  and they need to distinguish themselves from the Conservatives, once the party of Europe but now virulently Eurosceptic (if a little less obsessive and divided about it).

Dont the public want to rejoin?

Its not that obvious. While there is obvious "Bregret and a vague wish to turn the clock back, the old and highly advantageous deal the UK enjoyed in the EU was lost for ever five years ago. Rejoining now would mean agreeing, at least in principle, to a number of conditions. These would include scrapping the pound and joining the euro; free movement of labour; giving up fishing grounds; and, prospectively, another traumatic referendum.

That is a less appetising package than the status quo ante. Hence the silence from Keir Starmer, devout European though he may be.

Will the UK ever Breturn?

Many in the EU would like it, as of course would a solid chunk of the British electorate. It feels unlikely right now, but it is quite possible if the stars align. If the Trump administration chooses to impose tariffs on the UK and/or withdraw US forces from Europe, then teaming up with the EU again would seem essential to the national interest.

As in the 1960s and early 70s, there would also need to be a national mood of dissatisfaction about relative economic decline and the lost promise of Brexit. If Starmer was riding high in the polls and feeling confident, he could include negotiations to rejoin within the next Labour manifesto, and leave it to parliament, not a referendum, to approve the new deal, with support from all parties in the Commons apart from most Conservatives and Reform UK. Wed be back in by 2035.

Brexit, in other words, might not survive to its 20th birthday. Unlikely? So was Brexit, not so very long ago. Rule nothing out.
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Rachel Reeves has told London Mayor Sadiq Khan she is certain to defeat his bid to sabotage her Heathrow expansion scheme.

Asked if Mr Khan was able to stop to her third runway plan, the Chancellor replied: No. The capitals Labour mayor could mount a legal challenge, she said, but he would not prevail in the end.

Ms Reeves defiant comments came after Mr Khan effectively put himself at the head of a campaign to stop the Heathrow expansion project.

open image in gallery Rachel Reeves said she had huge respect for Sadiq Khan but disagreed with him over Heathrow ( Getty Images )

He said he was willing to use any tool in the toolkit to succeed.

Ms Reeves told the BBC: I have huge respect for Sadiq but on this I disagree with him. As a government we have to make decisions in the national interest.

Asked if Mr Khan could block the Heathrow scheme, she said: No. There can be judicial reviews but we are confident that this airport expansion will happen and that we will get the third runway built.

When it was put to her that the London Mayor was equally sure he can prevent the plan, the chancellor stuck to her guns.

She said campaigners had lost a similar legal objection to Heathrow expansion on environmental grounds several years ago and - and the argument had moved even further in her favour in the intervening period.

Since then sustainable aviation fuel and the efficiency of engines makes this a better proposition, said Ms Reeves.

open image in gallery Heathrow Airports expansion has been mooted for years but made little progress ( PA Archive )

In a pointed reference to the fact that Mr Khan represents London, not the whole nation, she repeatedly stressed the government had a duty to act on behalf of the whole country in making big decisions, not just one part of it.

There is always a reason to say no to any infrastructure investment whether it is a solar farm, train line, road or airport.

That was why the UK economy had fallen behind rival nations, she argued.

Ms Reeves also took issue with the claim by Ryanair boss Michael OLeary who claimed the Heathrow project would not be built until 2050.

The Chancellor claimed the first planes would take off from the new runway by 2040.

She aimed to complete the planning process before the next election, due to take place by 2029 at the latest - and the first flights would take place within a decade of that.
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A senior trade union boss has warned Rachel Reeves that the Labour government will face stiff opposition if she tries to water down workers rights or suppress pay rises.

Steve Wright, the recently elected general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), told The Independent he was alarmed by Keir Starmer invoking the policies of Margaret Thatcher in describing his approach to economic growth.

The Labour-affiliated FBU played a key role in ensuring that the party leadership stuck to its promise to include a workers rights package in its manifesto under previous general secretary and former TUC president Matt Wrack.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves speaks at Siemens Healthineers in Eynsham, near Oxford, on Wednesday (Peter Cziborra/PA) ( PA Wire )

But following Ms Reeves speech this week on economic growth, in which she backed a third runway at Heathrow, and confirmation by her and the prime minister that all policies will need to deliver economic growth, alarm bells have rung over the potential impact on workers rights.

Mr Wright said: "The FBU welcomes the chancellor's assurance that there will be no scaling back of the Labour government's employment rights legislation.

However, it was concerning to see the prime minister use a media intervention about the governments growth plans to invoke the policies of the Thatcher government.

The FBU was at the forefront of the fight back against Thatcher's attacks on workers' rights and jobs, all of which were continued by successive Tory governments up until and including that led by Rishi Sunak.

Sir Keir yesterday came under pressure from Tory leader Kemi Badenoch over the union reform and workers rights package in the employment bill as she claimed it would undermine economic growth.

But Mr Wright insisted: The full and swift delivery of the Labour government's employment rights Bill is critical to growing the economy.

A properly paid workforce that is better protected against unfair dismissal and has more secure employment is critical to delivering greater growth.

With the bill due to pass through parliament in a matter of weeks, the government must ensure the legislation on workers' rights is in place much faster than the planned timeframe of autumn 2026.

Claims have been made that Ms Reeves had previously told business leaders she would consider allowing zero-hours contracts to continue.

But Mr Wright insisted that the exploitative contracts and additional protection against unfair dismissal must come into force by this summer at the very latest.

He said: The full delivery of the Labour manifesto commitment on workers' rights must be reflected in substantial pay rises for firefighters and all other workers.

With the possibility that Ms Reeves will need to find savings in public expenditure, he also sent a warning over the potential impact on pay.

He said: The statutory living wage must also be increased to well over 15 per hour by the time the employment rights bill becomes law.

The Labour government will only achieve its ambitious growth plans if it acts swiftly to place more money in the pockets of workers in secure jobs.
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Two Jeff Bezos-affiliated companies have squared off in a Washington state court as Amazon sought to limit the release of records requested by the billionaires paper, The Washington Post.

In a suit filed Monday in King County Superior Court, Amazon asked to put the brakes on a Post request from November for files regarding Amazons Project Kuiper, a plan to use low-orbit satellites to provide internet service and challenge the SpaceXs Starlink program.

The paper sought more information from state labor and industrial regulators over a series of four on-site investigations that took place between August and October of 2024 at a Kuiper facility in the city of Redmond, according to court documents.

Amazon argued in the suit that its not trying to block the record release overall, but rather ensure that material is not made public that discloses trade secrets.

Every aspect of the satellites, propulsion system, their component parts, and the constellation as a whole contain proprietary and trade secret information, the company argued in the filing.

The Independent has contacted Amazons attorneys in the suit and The Washington Post for comment.

Bezos announced in 2021 that he was stepping down as CEO of Amazon, which he founded, but remains the companys executive chair. The billionaire purchased the Post in 2013.

As Bezos acknowledged over the fall, amid controversy that the paper pulled an endorsement of Kamala Harris that was reportedly in development and instead declined to endorse any candidate, his position as both a businessman and newsroom leader occasionally makes for some awkwardness.

When it comes to the appearance of conflict, I am not an ideal owner of The Post, Bezos wrote in an opinion piece. Every day, somewhere, some Amazon executive or Blue Origin executive or someone from the other philanthropies and companies I own or invest in is meeting with government officials. I once wrote that The Post is a complexifier for me. It is, but it turns out Im also a complexifier for The Post.

Bezos was among the tech leaders who attended Donald Trumps inauguration.
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A group of strangers threw a wedding together in a random act of kindness for a young Kentucky woman after she received the devastating news that her mother had just months to live.

Alahna Leonardo, a labor and delivery nurse, spoke out about her tragic news at the start of January, revealing to her local Louisville community on Facebook that her mother, who had been enduring an almost 2-year battle with stage 4 colorectal cancer, was told by doctors that they could do no more for her.

Alahnas mother Malina Carnell, a real estate agent, told The Independent that after hearing the familys news, four of her daughters co-workers organized her entire wedding by contacting wedding vendors to get the ceremony urgently rearranged. And thanks to the team effort it went ahead on Wednesday.

Her daughter had originally planned to get married in April but her mothers diagnosis meant she would not have made it.

open image in gallery Alahna Leonardo and her husband Jordan celebrated their big day Wednesday after a group of community wedding vendors clubbed together to ensure that her mother could see her marry the man of her dreams ( Malina Carnell )

It was incredible. We just got such an outpouring of love and community and they just all banded together. Before you knew it, theyd planned an entire wedding in just nine days, Carnell said.

Everything from the photography to the caterers, to the venue, and even the flowers were arranged for her, she added.

Carnell revealed that she received the heartbreaking diagnosis just two weeks before the wedding with her doctors revealing that tumors had spread all over her body from her neck to her lungs, abdomen, and even down to her spine.

It was just basically spreading faster than the treatment could keep up with  it was pretty devastating, she said.

open image in gallery After battling cancer for nearly two years, Carnell, was given the devastating news in early January that she only had three months to live ( Malina Carnell )

She told The Independent that shed suffered from multiple complications after attempting various treatments including a clinical trial and a trip to German doctors in a desperate attempt for a cure as she had run out of options following her 2023 diagnosis.

Carnells story highlights the power of a social media post as she highlighted that all the people responsible for making the wedding happen were strangers who just wanted to do something good in the world.

Ive always kind of said just to be vulnerable and open to people and really its just an incredible thing when you share your own life with people and how amazing it is to just see people who can relate with you or just come together because they feel like they just want to help.

Carnell said that despite her diagnosis she was overjoyed to be given the chance to witness her daughter marry the man of her dreams.
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Disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein asked a New York judge to move up his trial date due to his ailing health.

Judge Curtis Farber scheduled Weinsteins retrial over his sexual assault case to start April 15. Weinstein, who suffers from chronic myeloid leukemia, diabetes and heart problems, objected, saying he doesnt have much time left.

I wont be there for April, the 72-year-old said from his wheelchair, begging the judge to move up the retrial date, the Associated Press reported. I cant hold on anymore. Im holding on because I want justice for myself.

Im in a serious emergency situation, Im begging for you to move your date, Weinstein said. I need to get out of this hellhole as quickly as possible, he said about Rikers Island, where hes been held since 2020 following his rape and sexual assault conviction. He was sentenced to 23 years in prison.

A state appeals court overturned his conviction last April, arguing the court had made egregious errors by allowing prosecutors to call witnesses whose allegations were not related to the charges at hand.

Harvey Weinstein appears in State Supreme Court for a hearing in his sexual assault case on Wednesday. He begged the judge to move up his retrial date due to his declining health ( AP )

The former Miramax boss was indicted on an additional sex crime charge last September; he was accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a Manhattan hotel in 2006. The anonymous accuser approached prosecutors days before his Weinstein's first trial began but was ultimately not part of that case, according to the Manhattan DAs office.

He pleaded not guilty to the new charge.

Farber said he would consider Weinsteins rescheduling request, but he denied his bid to dismiss the new charge, according to ABC News. "The court has inspected the grand jury minutes and found them to be sufficient, the judge said.

Weinstein was also convicted in Los Angeles in 2022, for which he was sentenced to 16 years in prison. He launched an appeal in June, with his lawyers arguing he wasnt given a fair trial.

In the New York courtroom on Wednesday, Weinstein argued: There are so many people suffering at Rikers Island. So many of the people I am with in prison are going through similar problems. They dont have the same mouthpiece I have. He added:It remains a stain on this city.

In November, a federal judge found New York City in contempt for failing to put an end to the violence and brutality that plague the prison culture.

Weinstein said he expects to be back in the hospital soon, where hes been in and out of the last few months. Weinstein was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia in October 2024. A month earlier, he underwent emergency heart surgery.

They know that Mr. Weinstein is dying of cancer and is an innocent man right now in the state of New York, Aidala argued in court last week. He pleaded to prosecutors: Can I try this dying mans case first?
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A Washington state woman charged in the fatal shooting of a U.S. border patrol agent in Vermont last week was ordered to be held without bail.

Teresa Youngblut, 21, was back in court on Thursday morning for a detention hearing, where she faces federal firearms charges in the death of Agent David Maland, 44, who was shot and killed on January 20 during a traffic stop in northern Vermont near the Canadian border.

Youngblut had been traveling with Felix Bauckholt, a German citizen who also was killed in the shootout. The pair had been under surveillance for several days. Youngblut was treated for her injuries at a local hospital and placed under arrest.

open image in gallery David Maland was shot and killed during a traffic stop ( AP )

Prosecutors argued that Youngblut should not be allowed bail or release, and called her a flight risk due to several factors, which included her lack of ties to Vermont and a lack of information about her employment, the violent nature of the crime, the weight of evidence against her, and the danger she poses to the community.

Youngblut, who wore a face mask and an arm sling, faced forward during the hearing on Thursday, NBC5 reported.

The judge overseeing the hearing ordered that Youngblut be held without bail until her preliminary hearing on February 7.

Earlier this week, a motion filed by the prosecution claimed Youngblut was in frequent contact with someone who is a person of interest in a homicide investigation in Vallejo, California.

Court records show that Maximilian Snyder, 22, was arrested by Vallejo police on Friday and charged on Monday with the murder of 82-year-old Curtis Lind, who was stabbed to death on December 17.

open image in gallery Teresa Youngblut, 21, was ordered to be held without bail following her arrest ( Newport City Inn/AP )

In November, Snyder applied for a marriage license with a person by the name of Teresa Youngblut in Kirkland, Washington, according to a records search in Washington states King County.

On Wednesday, Pennsylvania state police said that the gun used in the Vermont shooting was purchased by a person of interest in the killings of Richard and Rita Zajko, who were shot to death in their home on December 31, 2022.

Authorities have not publicly identified the person who bought the gun used in Vermont; VTDigger news reported that federal authorities issued an alert to firearms dealers seeking information about purchases made by Michelle Jacqueline Zajko and describing her as a person of interest in the Vermont shooting.

open image in gallery Youngblut has been linked to Maximilian Snyder, 22, who was arrested by Vallejo police on Friday and charged on Monday with the December 17 murder of 82-year-old Curtis Lind ( Linkedin )

A search of a public records database revealed that a person named Michelle Zajko was registered to vote in 2016 at the same home address in Pennsylvania as Richard and Rita Zajko. And in 2021, a Michelle Zajko bought a half-acre piece of property in Derby, Vermont, a few miles from the Canadian border.

Both Youngblut and the buyer of the gun were in frequent contact with someone who was detained as part of the Pennsylvania investigation and is a person of interest in another killing in California, a federal prosecutor said in a court filing this week.

Meanwhile, Jack LaSota is currently facing charges of obstructing law enforcement and disorderly conduct in Pennsylvania. Authorities wont say whether those charges are related to the Zajko deaths, but court records show that police were searching for a gun used in two murders when they arrested LaSota 12 days later at a hotel about 10 miles from the scene of the killings.

LaSota also has connections to some of the key players in the California case, the Associated Press reported.

In 2019, LaSota and three others were arrested while protesting an event hosted by the Center for Applied Rationality at a camping retreat in Occidental, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

In 2022, two of the others, Emma Borhanian and Jeffrey Leatham, were accused of attacking their landlord with a sword in Vallejo, California. Borhanian died in the attack.

The landlord, Curtis Lind, survived the November 2022 attack but was stabbed to death on January 17, weeks before he was set to testify against his surviving assailants in the 2022 attack. Maximilian Snyder now faces charges in his death.

Both Youngblut and Snyder appeared to follow the vegan Sith ideology of a fringe Bay Area group that has been described as a murder gang, Open Vallejo reported, citing an interview with a person familiar with the group.

Jessica Taylor said she was a friend of Bauckholt, who she knew by the name Ophelia. She recalled warning Bauckholt about Zizians, a group she described as a murder gang.

Several online posters attributed the attack to the Zizians, which was referred to as a cult on various online forums. The group is a radical offshoot of the Rationalist movement, an ideology centered on using scientific techniques to enhance human decision making, Open Vallejo reported.
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The father of the man piloting an American Airlines jet that collided with an Army helicopter mid-air in Washington, D.C. has spoken out.

Sam Lilley, 28, was one of two people piloting the flight from Wichita, Kansas, his father Timothy Lilley told Fox 5 Atlanta. All 67 people on board both aircraft are feared to be dead, officials say.

The collision happened Wednesday night as the American Airlines flight descended toward Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The aircraft collided over the Potomac River, where officials are now conducting recovery efforts.

"This is undoubtedly the worst day of my life," Lilley told Fox 5.

Emergency crews conduct recovery efforts in the Potomac River on Thursday. One of the pilots on board the American Airlines flight has been identified as 28-year-old Sam Lilley ( AFP via Getty Images )

Timothy Lilley told the outlet that his son was engaged to be married, and that the family has ties to Savannah, in the Georgia area

Lilley was in New York when he realized his son was in the cockpit at the time of the accident, he told Fox 5. He said his worst fears were confirmed when his Sam never checked in after the flight, as he always does.

Lilley said he spent Wednesday evening at the airport, filling out forms as he waited for answers about his son. He now wants clarity on the events that led to the deadly collision.

Lilley himself served as an Army helicopter pilot for 20 years, telling Fox 5 that he has flown a similar route over the Potomac River.

"I was a helicopter pilot in the Army for 20 years, he said. In the '90s, I used to fly in and out of the Pentagon regularly, and I can tell you if you are flying on the route over the Potomac and wearing night vision goggles, it's going to be very hard to see that plane. If you're not wearing the goggles, then you might have a chance.

"From what I can see, those guys turned right into the jet, he added. I think the PSA jet was doing everything right.

The Army pilot made a grave error. It hurts me because those are my brothers, and now my son is dead."

Ian Epstein has been identified by his wife as a flight attendant aboard the American Airlines flight, Queen City News reports.

Epsteins wife, Debi, told Queen City News her husband died doing what he loved.

Ryan OHara was identified as the crew chief on the Black Hawk helicopter, 11Alive reports. OHara was also honored by his former high school, Parkview High in Gwinnett County, Georgia.

"It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of one of our own. Class of 2014, former cadet Ryan OHara was the Crew Chief on the Black Hawk involved in last nights crash in DC.," the schools Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program said in a statement, according to 11Alive

The military helicopter, flown by fairly experienced crew members, was conducting a required annual night evaluation," Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said.

Emergency crews have recovered at least 28 bodies as of Thursday afternoon. All flights in and out of Reagan National Airport also resumed at 11 a.m. Thursday.
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Crews working to retrieve the passengers of the American Airlines jet and the army helicopter that collided and crashed into the Potomac on Wednesday night have to contend with the dangerously cold waters of the Potomac River.

Water temperatures between 33 and 36 degrees were reported near the crash site shortly after the incident, which is believed to have taken the lives of all who were involved. Just a degree below is considered to be freezing.

At these frigid water temperatures, the human bodys core temperature quickly drops. Exhaustion or unconsciousness can occur in as little as 15 to 30 minutes, AccuWeather Senior Director of Forecast Operations Dan DePodwin explained in a statement.

open image in gallery Washington, D.C., police help to investigate near the crash site of the American Airlines plane on the Potomac River on Thursday in Arlington, Virginia. Crews searching for the victims of the crash will have to face near-freezing waters, leading to concerns about health impacts ( Getty Images )

Workers are at risk of developing hypothermia: a dangerous condition that can occur when a person is exposed to extreme cold temperature and the body loses heat faster than it can produce. It can happen in just minutes, and death can occur in under an hour.

In the water, it can occur at temperatures well above freezing  and even in waters as warm as 80 degrees. When the body hits the cold water, cold shock can cause dramatic changes in breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. Rapid breathing creates a greater risk of drowning, even for confident swimmers. In choppier waters, the danger increases. Dressing for cold water, wearing a life jacket, and carrying a radio could be the difference between life and death.

On Thursday, the weather will remain chilly and dry, the forecasting company said, with winds between five and 10 miles an hour. Highs are in the low 50s before rain arrives in the area early Friday morning. The temperature was near 50 degrees with faster winds at the time of the crash.

open image in gallery Emergency response units search the crash site of the American Airlines plane on the Potomac River on Thursday in Arlington, Virginia. The rivers waters at much colder this month than they were in January 2023 ( Getty Images )

DePodwin says the Potomac waters are much colder now than at the same time last year.

Its been much colder than the historical average in Washington, D.C., this month due to persistent blasts of Arctic air. This has caused the Potomac River to be colder than it is typically at this time of year, with ice on parts of the river. he explained. Last year at this time, the water in the Potomac River was about 10 degrees warmer.

DePodwin noted that this isnt the first aviation tragedy in the Potomac. In January 1982, Air Florida Flight 90 crashed into the river immediately after takeoff due to icing on the aircraft.

That crash occurred during the day and during a similar cold stretch in the D.C. area. There were 78 fatalities, including 4 on the ground. Five people survived that accident, he said.
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The Crew Chief aboard the Black Hawk helicopter that crashed into an American Airlines regional jet has been named.

Ryan OHara, a father-of-one, was one of the three soldiers on the military helicopter, according to a Facebook post by Parkview High School JROTC in Atlanta, Georgia, which has since been removed.

Ryan is fondly remembered as a guy who would fix things around the ROTC gym as well as a vital member of the Rifle Team. Ryan leaves behind a wife and 1-year-old son, the school wrote about its former student in a statement, WSB-TV Atlanta reports.

Flight 5342 from Kansas was on the final approach to Ronald Reagan National Airport when it collided with the Army helicopter before exploding a huge fireball Wednesday evening. There were 67 people aboard the two flights when they crashed and they are all presumed dead, officials said.

Both aircraft plunged into the icy Potomac River sparking a massive search-and-rescue operation amid strong winds and chilly 42-degree water.

open image in gallery Search teams at the site of the American Eagle flight 5342 crash in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. One of the military members on the helicopter has been identified ( REUTERS )

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp paid tribute to OHara and fellow Georgian Sam Lilley, an American Airlines pilot who also died in the crash.

We send our deepest condolences to the families and friends of Ryan OHara and Sam Lilley as they navigate this difficult time, Kemp wrote in a post on X.

Both of these young Georgians shared a passion for flight and for serving others, and this terrible tragedy is that much more difficult knowing their lives were cut so unexpectedly short.

The helicopter crew was "very experienced" and were not new to the unit or the congestion that occurs in the airspace around D.C.

Both pilots had flown this specific route before, at night. This wasn't something new to either one of them," Jonathan Koziol, chief of staff for Army aviation said.

open image in gallery Part of the wreckage is seen as rescue boats search the waters of the Potomac River. All 67 aboard the aircrafts died in the collision ( AFP via Getty Images )

Even the crew chief in the back has been in the unit for a very long time, very familiar with the area, very familiar with the routing structure."

The military helicopter was conducting a required annual night evaluation," Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth added.

The bodies of the soldiers have been recovered, according to the Associated Press. Their remains will be at Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, officials, speaking anonymously, told the news agency.

The National Transport Safety Board is leading the investigation and officials said they couldnt rule out whether human factors or mechanical factors were contributed. Its too soon to tell, the boards Todd Inman said.

Jennifer Homendy, chair of NTSB, said: Were here to assure the American people that we are going to leave no stone unturned in this investigation.
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A chaotic back-and-forth over President Donald Trump's freeze on federal grants and loans has farmers, activists, organizations and businesses wondering whether they will receive the funding they rely on.

It's funding that among many other things is being used to address environmental problems or tackle climate change.

The White House ordered the freeze on Monday evening, naming some 2,600 programs. Then a federal judge temporarily blocked it. Then the Trump administration rescinded the memo on Wednesday afternoon.

Some programs stopped or slowed as administrators grappled with how to react. And even if Trump doesn't move again with a comprehensive freeze, he's made clear he plans massive cuts in federal spending.

Officials and advocates said the move threatened vital programs that benefit communities.

These programs help low-income families reduce their energy costs, enable local governments to fight pollution and put countless Americans to work," said Zealan Hoover, a former EPA official in Joe Biden's administration who led implementation of infrastructure and climate laws.

A snapshot of some of the people and programs thrown into uncertainty:

A small town that needs help fixing a decrepit water system

Officials in Prichard, Alabama, where more than 30% of residents live in poverty, are counting on federal grants, including from the Biden-era infrastructure program, to help fix a decrepit drinking water system that often loses more than half its water through cracks, leaks and failing pipes.

Were really, really, really counting on grant funds coming both from the state and federal government, said John C. Young, a former water executive who was appointed to oversee the citys water and sewer department. Young said Prichards water and sewer systems need $400 million in capital investment over the next 20 years, most of which will have to come from federal and state grants because residents cannot pay it. The system has gotten about $6 million in state grants but no federal money so far.

Many other communities -- especially those that have lost population -- are in the same situation, said Young, who also has helped manage water crises in Flint, Michigan, and other struggling communities. He said they often find it difficult to borrow money and must spend scarce resources on other needs, such as fire and police protection.

The federal government also funds state programs that support drinking water and sewage infrastructure. For example, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law under the Biden administration provided $15 billion for lead pipe removal spread over five years, and billions of those dollars havent been provided to states yet.

Lead pipes can corrode into drinking water, exposing people to the harmful neurotoxin that slows development in children.

A nationwide effort to deploy clean energy

Targeting money aimed at climate change jeopardizes federal funding that states, territories and utilities are using to make the electric grid more reliable, add renewable energy, reduce emissions and lower energy costs.

In Puerto Rico, the U.S. Energy Department is helping finance the construction of solar and battery storage projects. The U.S. territory has faced more than 200 power outages because of insufficient generation since Hurricane Fiona pummeled the island in 2022. Many worry what kind of resources and funding Trump will spend on Puerto Ricos crumbling power grid.

Under the Biden administration, the DOE was spending billions per year on clean energy research, development and demonstration to speed up a transition away from fossil fuels. Trump's freeze would leave projects in limbo.

Trump had already paused loans for wind energy projects through an executive order on his first day.

A plan to make school buses and heavy transport cleaner

Trump's intentions could affect programs such as the Clean School Bus Program.

The program, created under the bipartisan infrastructure law, appropriated $5 billion over five years to help school districts transition away from dirty, diesel-powered school buses to electric or lower-emissions ones for the millions of students who ride them. The pause threatened $939 million of the funding.

Districts across the country have struggled with the switch to cleaner buses because they are more expensive upfront and often require complex electrical upgrades to charge them. The program is seen as especially beneficial for lower-income districts and communities of color that are disproportionately affected by diesel pollution, which studies have shown hurts physical health and learning.

Trump's freeze included review of Diesel Emissions Reduction Act grants, which could affect $140 million in national funding and $28 million in state funding. DERA money goes toward projects slashing emissions through technologies such as cleaner engines or vehicle retrofitting for everything from buses, to medium- or heavy-duty trucks, to ships, trains, construction vehicles, cargo equipment and more. National grant recipients have included the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the Houston-Galveston Area Council, Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, the Northwest Seaport Alliance and many others.

A support system to help Black farmers fight discrimination

John Boyd Jr., founder and president of the National Black Farmers Association, worried about defunding of programs that help farmers with complicated paperwork, give them legal or financial aid or provide education and training to improve their businesses. He said such cuts would be a huge blow to many in agriculture, especially Black farmers who have historically faced discrimination.

I don't think that those programs are safe, he said of agricultural programs geared at racial equity. It's not a good feeling to have in this country.

The U.S. had more than 900,000 Black farmers in 1920, according to the USDA. The 2022 agricultural census recorded only about 45,000, or about 1.3% of the nation's farmers.

According to Boyd's group, USDA diversity and equity policies that Trump is rolling back have helped ensure that Black farmers arent excluded from access to programs like federal crop insurance, disaster relief and farm loans.

Were certainly going backwards on race relations in this country. And this is a perfect example of that," he said.

___

Associated Press reporters Michael Phillis, Tammy Webber, Alexa St. John, Jennifer McDermott, Matthew Daly and Wyatte Grantham-Philips contributed to this report.

___

The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
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The American Airlines regional jet was on the final approach to Ronald Reagan National Airport., when it collided midair with a military Black Hawk helicopter shortly before 9 p.m. Wednesday claiming the lives of 67 people.

So far, 40 bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., as the names of the victims are being released by loved ones and officials.

Two black boxes have also been recovered from the wreckage, with a cockpit voice recorder and a flight data recorder taken for lab analysis, the National Transportation Safety Board said.

Jennifer Homendy, chair of NTSB, said Thursday: Were here to assure the American people that we are going to leave no stone unturned in this investigation.

Questions have been raised about staffing and safety at the airports air traffic control after reports that one controller clocked off early, according to the New York Times.

The newspaper also reported that the helicopter may not have been traveling along its approved flight path.

Airport is closest to the capital

Ronald Reagan National Airport is located less than four miles from the White House. Flying into D.C. over the Potomac River, passengers get a glimpse of the famed Washington monuments from their window.

Flight 5343 was coming in to land on Runway 33 when disaster struck.

Wichita  Washington, D.C., flight only running for a year

The Wichita flight to Reagan National Airport has only been running for a year and politicians fought hard to get it going.

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran announced the American Airlines direct flight from Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport to Washington Reagan National Airport would make travel faster and more affordable for Kansas residents in July 2023.

According to provisional data from FlightAware, American Eagle Flight 5342 took off from Wichita, Kansas, around 5:22 p.m. CST and was in the air for 2 hours and 35 minutes, with an estimated arrival time in Washington at 8:57 p.m. EST.

But the flight tracking data showed the flights status result as unknown and according to the visuals, the plane stopped on the east side of the Potomac River, roughly adjacent to the Blue Plains neighborhood in D.C.

open image in gallery A mid-air plane crash between an American Airlines jet and a military helicopter left 67 people dead in Washington, D.C. ( Getty Images )

Helicopter may not have been on approved flight path

The Black Hawk helicopter carrying the three soldiers may not have been traveling along its approved flight path, according to the New York Times.

According to sources who spoke to the newspaper, the helicopter was supposed to be flying in a different location and lower to the ground when it crossed Reagan National airspace.

The helicopter was flying too high and outside its approved path, several people with knowledge of the investigation told the Times.

Staffing and safety issues at air traffic control

Months before Wednesdays deadly aircraft collision, lawmakers were engaged in a fierce debate over safety at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Less than a year ago, several Washington-area lawmakers warned that a bill adding more flights to the airport could pose serious safety concerns. Last spring, a major aviation bill passed by Congress and signed by then-President Joe Biden added five new daily long-haul flights at Reagan National Airport.

The airport is among the busiest in the country and pilots routinely rate it among the nation's most challenging, according to NBC Washington.

The air traffic control tower at Ronald Reagan National Airport was facing personnel issues on the night of the crash, according to the New York Times. Staffing was not normal for the time of day and volume of traffic, according to an internal preliminary Federal Aviation Administration safety report.

The controller who was handling helicopters near the airport was also instructing planes that were landing and departing from its runways.

Preliminary data shows flight tracker for American Airlines flight 5342

Those jobs typically are assigned to two controllers, rather than one, the Times reported. The outlet noted that the tower at the airport had been understaffed for years.

One staff member was reportedly allowed to leave early on the night of the crash, the source told The Times. The specific timings were not immediately clear.

Soldiers aboard Black Hawk helicopter were experienced

The helicopter crew was very experienced and were not unfamiliar with the aircraft or the congestion that occurs in the airspace around D.C.

Both pilots had flown this specific route before, at night. This wasn't something new to either one of them," Jonathan Koziol, chief of staff for Army aviation said. Even the crew chief in the back has been in the unit for a very long time, very familiar with the area, very familiar with the routing structure.

NTSB officials said it was too soon to tell, exactly what was the fault of the collision.

open image in gallery Crew chief Ryan O'Hara from Georgia was aboard the doomed helicopter when it plunged into the Potomac River on Wednesday night ( Facebook )

One of the soldiers has been named as Ryan OHara, the Crew Chief and father-of-one from Georgia.

Ryan is fondly remembered as a guy who would fix things around the ROTC gym as well as a vital member of the Rifle Team. Ryan leaves behind a wife and 1-year-old son, Parkview High School JROTC in Atlanta wrote in a Facebook post which has since been removed, WSB-TV Atlanta reported.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves was also on the army helicopter, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said on X.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, Eaves wife, Carrie Eaves said: "We ask that you pray for our family and friends and for all the other families that are suffering today. We ask for peace while we grieve," the post read. "These families' children do not need to suffer more pain.

open image in gallery Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves was one of the three soldiers killed on the military helicopter as police probe its flight pattern ( Facebook )

Divers search day and night in difficult conditions

A fleet of divers combed the Potomac River in search of survivors Wednesday night and continued Thursday morning.

So far, 40 bodies have been recovered.

The challenges are access. The water that were operating in is about 8 feet deep, District of Columbia Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said on Wednesday night. There is wind, there is pieces of ice out there. So its just dangerous and hard to work in.

He continued: And because theres not a lot of lights, youre out there searching every square inch of space to see if you can find anybody.

Divers are doing the same thing in the water. The water is dark, it is murky, and that is a very tough condition for them to dive in.

Authorities said they were confident all of the bodies would be recovered but it would take time.
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The remains of all 67 people who were killed in the Washington, D.C. plane crash last week have been recovered, authorities announced Tuesday, adding that all but one of the victims has been positively identified.

This marks a significant step in bringing closure to the families and the community, said a statement by the operations Unified Command.

The Washington, D.C. Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is working to identify the final crash victim.

The victims were killed Wednesday night when a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter operated by three soldiers collided with American Eagle Flight 5342 as it descended into Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia around 9 p.m. The plane was en route from Wichita, Kansas with 64 people on board.

No one survived the collision. The accident is the deadliest American aviation disaster in 16 years.

Investigators on Monday recovered the aft fuselage, right engine and right pylon of the airplane. Authorities previously said they would need to recover additional parts of the aircraft to locate all remains.

Officials now will work to clear the remainder of the wreckages from the Potomac River, where the jet operated by American Airlines and the helicopter went down. Salvage operations are ongoing with a commitment to the dignified recovery of any additional remains, authorities said.

On Tuesday, investigators recovered the airplanes right wing, center fuselage, part of the left wing and left fuselage, significant portions of the forward cabin and cockpit, vertical and horizontal stabilizers, tail cone, rudder, elevators, TCAS computer and quick access recorder.

Anyone who finds parts of the plane or belongings washed up on Potomac or Anacostia River shorelines is asked to call 911. People are asked not to touch the items as they can be critical in supporting impacted families as well as the investigation.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy Supervisor of Salvage and Diving will hoist major components of the regional jet from the water through Wednesday. Once thats complete, efforts will shift to recovering additional wreckage from the Black Hawk helicopter.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the lead investigative agency, is working to determine the cause of the accident. A preliminary report is due 30 days from the date of the incident. Little is known about what mightve caused the incident, but investigators this weekend said they believed the helicopter was flying at 300 feet, 100 feet higher than its allowed altitude.

The collision occurred between 300 to 350 feet. The NTSB said it needed additional information from the helicopter to verify data points. Officials expect to pull the Sikorsky UH-60 Military Helicopter from the water this week.

The US Department of Transportation put significant restrictions on helicopters flying along Route 4, a route typically flown by Black Hawks as commercial jets fly above them, following the crash.

Several people on board the flight belonged to figure skating communities near Washington, D.C. and Boston, Massachusetts. Many of the victims were children and their parents who were returning to the area after participating in the National Development Camp in Wichita, which brings together about 150 young skaters annually.

Other victims belonged to the United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters in Maryland.

Authorities said there was a delay in identifying the victims because some of their next of kin reside overseas. Families had been asked to come to the airport to identify their loved ones remains.
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Watch again as defense secretary Pete Hegseth addresses the nation after 67 passengers are feared dead after an American Airlines jet collided with a military helicopter..

At least 28 bodies have been recovered after an American Airlines regional jet carrying 64 people collided mid-air with an Army Black Hawkhelicopter on Wednesday evening (29 January), according to reports.

All 67 people on board both aircraft that crashed down into the Potomac River are feared dead, Kansas Senator Roger Marshall said. None of the helicopters three crew members were senior Army officials, authorities said. Thirty bodies were pulled from the water by Thursday morning, two sources told NBC Washington.

All flights in and out of Washington, D.C.s Ronald Reagan National Airport were paused until 11 a.m. Thursday. Video footage from the nearby Kennedy Center appears to show the aircraft conjoining in a fireball.

"I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport, President Donald Trump said. May God Bless their souls.

American Airlines said in a statement: If you believe you may have loved ones on board Flight 5342, call American Airlines toll-free at 800-679-8215. Those calling from outside the U.S. can visit news.aa.com for additional phone numbers. Family members in Canada, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands can call 800-679-8215 directly.
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A priest has been arrested after allegedly using a 13-year-old girls hair as floss while waiting to see a relic, police said.

Carlos Martins was detained Monday following the November 21 incident, when officers arrived at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Joliet, Illinois, in the afternoon, police said in a statement. The church was hosting an exhibition and Mass as well as a national tour of the Relics of St Jude the Apostle.

The priest, who was visiting from Detroit as part of the St. Jude relic tour, is alleged to have approached the girl while she was in line to view the relic.

Hes reported to have asked about her hair before grabbing it and making a flossing motion in his mouth using the hair, according to the police statement.

The girl told police that Martins then sat behind her and made a growling sound, officials said.

Following an investigation, detectives submitted their report to the Will County State's Attorney's Office. The office approved a misdemeanor battery charge against the 50-year-old. He was detained on Monday morning, processed and subsequently released on a notice to appear.

The priests status with the Archdiocese of Detroit is listed as ministry revoked.

A hearing has been scheduled in Will County Circuit Court in Joliet for February 24.

open image in gallery Detriot priest Carlos Martins was arrested after allegedly using a teenage girl's hair as floss ( Joliet Police Department )

Martins is known for performing exorcisms and hosting The Exorcist Files podcast, The Daily Mail noted.

Martins attorney, Marcella Burke, told Stella Maris Media that the charge against her client is egregious and unfounded.

The evidence will show that Father Carlos did not floss with a student's hair or growl among other completely false and repulsive accusations, said Burke.

The attorney went on to state that the allegations were a takedown of a good priest and an attempted shakedown of the Church.

As he always does, Father Martins began his interaction with the attendees in chit-chat dialogue. He is bald and apt to joke about it as a conversation starter, Burke said in a letter obtained by OSV News.

During his conversation with the older students, he made a comment to a student about her long hair, remarking, You and I have almost the same hairstyle, she added.

He then remarked that he also once had long hair like hers, and he joked he would floss my teeth with it, Burke went on.

He then asked the student, Have you ever flossed with your hair? Laughing, she shook her head, no. He then said, Well, you have the perfect length for it, as he lifted up a lock from her shoulders to show her its length. She giggled along with the others, the attorney claimed.

Burke said in her November statement that when the teenager shared the story at home, her father became upset by what he heard and called the police.

The Companions of the Cross, Martins order, suspended him pending an investigation but subsequently stated that due process was needed.

The Companions of the Cross look upon allegations of misconduct as an urgent matter that requires serious attention, the order said in a statement, according to The Mail. We pray for all those who are affected by this painful situation.
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US budget airline Frontier is again attempting to join forces with its low-cost rival Spirit Airlines, three years after the companies failed to complete a proposed merger.

The two airlines are the largest budget carriers in the US and any deal between the two could reshape the American airline industry.

Frontier tried to merge with Spirit in 2022 but was ultimately outbid by JetBlue. However the US Justice Department sued to block the $3.8 billion JetBlue deal saying it would lead to higher prices for Spirit customers who depend on low fares.

A federal judge agreed with that assessment and the two airlines dropped their merger bid.

Frontier has now said it is willing to pay $2.1 billion in stock and cash for Spirit.

open image in gallery Frontier is again attempting to merge with Spirit ( AFP/Getty )

However, Spirit said it had rejected the offer, which was less than the $2.9 billion merger that the airlines announced in early 2022. It said it would welcome further negotiations.

According to The New York Times Spirits chief executive Ted Christie and its chairman, Mac Gardner, said in a letter to Frontier executives the offer was too low.

In the letter, the Spirit executives were reported to have accepted the appeal of such a deal, but said the current offer was both inadequate and unactionable.

Frontiers chief executive Barry Biffle said the merger would allow passengers to reap further savings.

As a combined airline, we would be positioned to offer more options and deeper savings, as well as an enhanced travel experience with more reliable service, the New York Times reported he said in a statement on Wednesday.

Spirit filed for bankruptcy protection in November. The biggest US budget airline, Spirit filed a Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition after working out terms with bondholders.

The airline has lost more than $2.5 billion since the start of 2020 and faces looming debt payments totalling more than $1 billion in 2025 and 2026.

Budget airlines in the US have struggled under increased competition on popular routes in recent years.
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Warning: This livestream may contain misinformation that has not been independently verified.

Watch again as Donald Trump held a press conference on Thursday, 30 January, after an American Airlines regional plane and an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided in Washington, DC.

The deadly crash occurred around 9 p.m. Wednesday when the military helicopter was conducting a required annual night evaluation," Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said.

All 67 people on board both aircraft that crashed down into the Potomac River are feared dead, Kansas Senator Roger Marshall said.

At least 28 bodies have been found as of Thursday morning.

After the crash, the US president questioned the actions of both the helicopter crew and air traffic controllers.

Mr Trump said he has been briefed on the terrible accident in a brief official statement offering prayers for those on board.

But he then took to his Truth Social platform to speculate about what caused the crash.

"The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time. It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didn't the helicopter go up or down, or turn, Mr Trump said in his first remarks on Truth Social.

The cause of the crash had not yet been confirmed as of Thursday morning.

American Airlines said in a statement: If you believe you may have loved ones on board Flight 5342, call American Airlines toll-free at 800-679-8215. Those calling from outside the U.S. can visit news.aa.com for additional phone numbers. Family members in Canada, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands can call 800-679-8215 directly.
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President Donald Trump has signed an executive order promising immediate action from federal law enforcement against noncitizen college students and others in the United States who participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations during Israels war in Gaza.

The president has pledged to deport all resident aliens who joined protests, Trump said in a White House fact sheet.

Come 2025, we will find you, and we will deport you, he vowed.

Trump also pledged to quickly cancel the student visas of all Hamas sympathizers on college campuses, which have been infested with radicalism like never before, he claimed.

The Department of Justice will aggressively prosecute what it characterizes as terroristic threats, arson, vandalism and violence against American Jews after the explosion of antisemitism on college campuses in the wake of Israels campaign, according to the White House.

It shall be the policy of the United States to combat anti-Semitism vigorously, using all available and appropriate legal tools, to prosecute, remove, or otherwise hold to account the perpetrators of unlawful anti-Semitic harassment and violence, the executive order states.

open image in gallery Trump has long accused student protests against Israels war effort in Gaza of being antisemitic, even though many leading the demonstrations on campus were Jewish themselves ( Getty Images )

As The Independent has reported, both antisemitism and Islamophobic threats and violence surged after Hamas invaded Israel in 2023, kicking off the war in Gaza and widespread protests on U.S. campuses.

Under the order, government agencies have 60 days to produce a report identifying all civil and criminal authorities or actions to curb or combat antisemitism, with an inventory of complaints against or involving antisemitism in colleges and universities.

The U.S. Attorney General is encouraged to employ appropriate civil rights enforcement authorities to combat antisemitism, the order states.

The order also empowers colleges and universities to monitor for and report activities by alien students and staff for investigations and, if warranted, actions to remove such aliens.

Civil rights advocates warned that Trumps antisemitism policy is likely unconstitutional and unfairly paints largely peaceful student protesters as antisemitic terrorist sympathizers.

The Trump administrations attempt to smear the many Jewish, Muslim, Palestinian and other college students who protested the Israeli governments genocide in overwhelmingly peaceful ways represents a dishonest, overbroad and unenforceable attack on both free speech and the humanity of Palestinians, all for the sake of a foreign government, the Council on American-Islamic Relations wrote in a statement. So is the administrations apparent threat to deport any foreign student who merely participated in anti-genocide protests.

open image in gallery Trump order adds to tense atmosphere on campus around Israel protests, which were met with heavy police response throughout 2023 and 2024 ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

The First Amendment protects everyone in the United States, including foreign citizens studying at American universities, Carrie DeCell, senior staff attorney at the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, told The Times of Israel. Deporting non-citizens on the basis of their political speech would be unconstitutional.

Trump accused the previous administration, which opened more than 100 investigations into alleged antisemitism and Islamophobia on campus, of failing to stop anti-Jewish hate at universities.

Trumps order does not define antisemitism, though the State Department currently relies on the non-legally binding working definition of antisemitism from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA): Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.

A Biden administration official told Jewish Insider in 2023 that the White House maintained the first Trump administrations policy of factoring antisemitism into federal discrimination investigations on campus, which included and consideration of the IHRA definition.

Ahead of Trump taking office, universities including Harvard, one of the most-watched centers of student protest activity against the Gaza war, settled antisemitism complaints, in what was seen as a move to head off scrutiny from the Trump administration.

The new administration could exert considerable influence over campus action through federal funding, investigations of schools, and using Trumps considerable bully pulpit to add to the already heated atmosphere on campus around the Israel-Hamas war.

Estimates suggest more than 3,000 students were arrested across the U.S. protesting the Israel-Hamas war, which human rights groups have called genocide. Trump has urged that Palestinians be cleaned out of Gaza, which he callously characterized as a demolition site. His real-estate developer son-in-law Jared Kushner remarked last March that Gazas waterfront property could be very valuable, and also suggested civilians be moved out as the strip is cleaned up.

As The Independent has reported, campus protesters were met with a heavily armed police response, doxxing from outside groups, and violence from masked vigilantes.

Congress grills university leaders over antisemitism

Trump has made fighting what he deems antisemitism a major part of his new administration, nominating New York congresswoman Elise Stefanik to be his UN ambassador. Stefanik aggressively questioned university presidents about antisemitism during a hearing in the House in 2023.

On the campaign trail, Trump threatened to pull funding and accreditation from schools that allow what he called antisemitic propaganda, and to deport foreign student protesters.

He also claimed that Jews who maintained their traditional support for Democrats need to have their head examined.

Trump, in addition to fighting antisemitism, has been accused of antisemitism and fascist rhetoric himself.

The Republican allegedly said during his first term that he wished he had the kind of generals that Hitler had, and that the genocidal fascist who killed millions of Jews did some good things, though Trump has denied making these comments.

General Mark Milley, who served as Trumps chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said last year that Trump is fascist to the core.

In remarks from Air Force One on Sunday, Trump said he wants Egypt and Jordan to take the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza who have been displaced by Israels bombardments, and clean out the area  alarming human rights groups who have warned that the presidents remarks amount to an endorsement of ethnic cleansing.

Youre talking about a million and half people, and we just clean out that whole thing, Trump said. You know over the centuries its had many, many conflicts. And I dont know, something has to happen.  Its literally a demolition site, almost everything is demolished and people are dying there, so Id rather get involved with some of the Arab nations and build housing at a different location where they can maybe live in peace for a change.

Congress considered a bill last year that would require the Department of Education to consider the IHRA antisemitism definition when it carries out investigations on campus under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

Civil rights advocates have warned against such policies, arguing they would chill legitimate criticism.

Instead of addressing antisemitism on campus, this misguided legislation would punish protected political speech, Jenna Leventoff, senior policy counsel at the ACLU, said in a statement at the time.
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The parents of a local TV journalist who was fatally shot while reporting on a killing in central Florida in 2023 have filed a negligence lawsuit against their son's former employer, claiming the media company didn't do enough to protect him.

The parents of Spectrum News 13 reporter Dylan Lyons filed the lawsuit Tuesday in state court in Orlando. It seeks monetary damages against Charter Communications, the parent company of Spectrum, on behalf of the journalist's estate.

The lawsuit said Lyons wasn't given any security or protective equipment even though he was at a crime scene where a woman had been shot and the suspect was still at large.

Spectrum said in an email Wednesday that the claims were unfounded and it would seek to have them dismissed.

"Dylans murder was an unforeseeable and horrible tragedy," Spectrum said. With regards to these specific allegations, Dylan was the victim of a senseless act of violence.

Lyons and cameraman Jesse Walden were covering the killing of a woman when the suspect approached and shot them. Lyons was killed and Walden was wounded. Just minutes earlier, the suspect had broken into a nearby home and fatally shot a 9-year-old girl and wounded her mother, authorities said.

The suspect, Keith Moses, was later charged with murder in the deaths of Lyons, the woman and the girl. He has pleaded not guilty.

Although Spectrum requires its reporters and videographers to go to high-crime areas, the company doesn't provide them with personal protection measures or security personnel, according to the lawsuit.

"Journalists face an increasing threat of violence due to their work," the lawsuit said.
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Well, that didnt take long.

With first responders still recovering bodies from the Potomac River, Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) wondered aloud during a Fox Business interview on Thursday whether diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) hiring policies played a role in the deadly midair crash over Ronald Reagan National Airport.

Ogless reaction comes just weeks after MAGA pundits and right-wing politicians attempted to blame the devastating Southern California wildfires on the Los Angeles fire department having women in charge, describing it as death by DEI.

Meanwhile, hours after Ogles pondered the role DEI played in the crash, President Donald Trump outright blamed diversity hiring for the tragic accident during a press conference at the White House.

We cant have regular people doing that job. They wont be able to do it. But well restore faith in American air travel, he declared. I will have more to say about that. I do want to point out that various articles that appeared prior to my entering office, and here is one. The FAAs diversity push includes a focus on hiring people with severe intellectual and psych psychiatric disabilities.

He also took aim at former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, saying he ran it right into the ground with this diversity and that the FAA under Buttigiegs watch determined that the workforce was too white.

Appearing on pro-Trump Fox Business host Maria Bartiromos morning show, Ogles was asked to react to the horrific collision between an American Airlines passenger plane and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter which has likely left 67 people dead. You've been on the Homeland Security Committee  is there any reason to believe there is foul play here? Bartiromo questioned.

At this time, you hate to jump to any conclusions. Obviously, we will look at everything and check all the boxes, the far-right Tennessee lawmaker said before immediately jumping to conclusions.

Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) wonders if DEI played "a role" in the deadly midair collision over Ronald Reagan National Airport. ( Fox Business Network )

I had just taken off from D.C. before the crash, and of course, it came across my cell phone and I saw it and was horrified, so prayers go out to all those impacted, he declared. To your point, I think you have to look at this with eyes wide open and see what happened. You know, human error, was it some sort of equipment failure? Did DEI play a role in this type of thing?

Ogles continued: So I think you look at it and go into it with eyes wide open and make sure something like this never happens. Its been a number of years since weve had an aircraft collision such as this and so, again, prayers for all of those impacted.

Bartiromo didnt address Ogless suggestion that diversity hiring efforts may have caused the accident, instead moving on to a question about Trump signing the Laken Riley Act into law.

Ogles, like much of the Republican Party, has long demonized DEI and called for its elimination prior to Donald Trumps election. In 2023, he introduced the Go Woke, Go Broke Act, which he said would eliminate the Treasury Departments grotesque Advisory Committee on Racial Equity and prevent the Treasury from re-establishing a similar committee moving forward.

Right now, hard-earned taxpayer dollars are being spent by the Treasury Department to promote the Biden Administrations exclusionary and racist DEI ideology, he said in a statement at the time. The President is so focused on pitting people against each other on the basis of race, he has turned a blind eye to the failure of woke businesses and banks in the private sector.

At the same time, as Ogles has raged against diversity hiring initiatives for supposedly giving unqualified people an advantage, the congressman has been outed for inflating his own resume over the years, falsely labeling himself as an economist, a nationally recognized expert in tax policy and health care, a trained police officer, even an expert in international sex crimes.

Amid the GOPs concerted campaign to ban DEI, conservatives have regularly blamed disasters and tragic accidents on efforts to bring more racial and gender-based diversity to the workplace. Following a malfunction that caused a door to dislodge from a Boeing 737 flight last year, right-wing provocateurs pointed to DEI initiatives as the main culprit. If I see a Black pilot, Im going to be like, Boy, I hope hes qualified, Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk exclaimed.

Additionally, after a cargo ship struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge and caused it to collapse, right-wing figures like Jack Posobiec shared memes linking the accident to DEI, wondering if people still think its an accident.

After taking office last week, Trump signed executive orders that froze hiring across the federal government, though it is unclear if it applies to the Federal Aviation Administration and air traffic controllers as they may be included in exemptions for public safety and national security. Trump also terminated the FAAs hiring policy that prioritized diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) over safety and efficiency.

Democrats reacted to these orders last week by condemning Trumps dangerous freeze of air traffic control hiring, prompting liberals and progressives to speculate that this may have led to the D.C. air collision. CNN pundit Bakari Sellers eventually deleted a tweet and apologized after sparking right-wing backlash for blaming Trumps recent executive actions for the tragedy.

Meanwhile, a Mother Jones reporter noted on Wednesday night that before the crash, union representatives for federal air traffic controllers expressed concern to her that the combination of hiring freezes, resignations and payout offers to federal employees could seriously endanger public safety.
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Hours after signing off from CNN for the final time following his rejection of the networks proposal to take his news program to the graveyard midnight shift, Jim Acosta revealed that he is going independent and launching a new show on Substack.

After two decades of service, I am leaving CNN to start a new chapter, and I wont pull any punches this time around, either. I owe that to myself and to you, Acosta said in a press release.

As I said during my sign-off at the end of my final show on CNN ... Dont give in to the lies. Dont give in to fear. Hold on to the truth. Hold on to hope, Acosta added. In the meantime ... To President Trump and his allies, you may think you have silenced me. But guess again.

In a short video shared on his new Substack link, the now-former CNN anchor said he wanted to jump on Substack Live for a moment and welcome prospective subscribers to his new venture.

CNN anchor Jim Acosta said he was still reporting from Washington on Thursday while his future at the network remains in doubt. ( CNN )

Acosta joins a growing list of mainstream news journalists and personalities who have ditched legacy media to go the independent route on Substack. After his MSNBC show was canceled in early 2024, Mehdi Hasanleft the network and launched the media company Zeteo on the platform. He has since pulled in tens of thousands of paying subscribers and an emerging roster of high-profile reporters and contributors. (Disclaimer: This reporter worked for Zeteo until last November.)

Earlier on Tuesday, Acosta informed CNN viewers that he would be leaving the network after 18 years, letting them know that it came after some careful consideration and weighing an alternative time slot the network had offered him. He also delivered a serious final message to his audience.

It is never a good time to bow down to a tyrant, he said, adding: Dont give in to the lies. Dont give in to the fear.

Acostas departure comes after CNN chief executive Mark Thompson proposed moving him from his 10 a.m. ET weekday slot to a shift that would begin at midnight and not end until 2 a.m. on the East Coast.

While the network head attempted to portray the move to the Siberia of television as an opportunity, noting that Acosta would air in primetime on the West Coast and be simulcast on CNN International, critics have suggested that it was an effort to exile Acosta to late-night to curry favor with Donald Trump.

They want to get rid of Acosta to throw a bone to Trump, one media executive said of the proposed offer. Midnight is not a serious offer when his ratings are among the best on the network.

Though Thompson told Acosta  an outspoken Trump critic  that the offer had nothing to do with his editorial style and was merely about finding an extra hour amid a programming shakeup, the president was ecstatic that Acosta was on the outs.

Wow, really good news! Jim Acosta, one of the worst and most dishonest reporters in journalistic history, a major sleazebag, has been relegated by CNN Fake News to the Midnight hour, Death Valley, because of extraordinarily BAD RATINGS (and no talent!) Trump posted on Tuesday morning. Word is that he wants to QUIT, and that would be even better. Jim is a major loser who will fail no matter where he ends up. Good luck Jim! he added sarcastically.

In his first post on Substack, Acosta noted his run-ins with the president over the years, which included Trumps attempts to get him banned from covering the White House.

The Trump administration and its MAGA allies made it their mission in life to run me out of town on a rail. From the suspension of my White House press pass to the relentless calls for my firing on Fox News, not to mention the continuing threat environment for me and my loved ones, it was a trying time in my life, he wrote. But for me, there was always a greater purpose to the work.

At the anchor desk, I made sure my program, CNN Newsroom with Jim Acosta, devoted as much airtime as possible to reporting on Trumps assault on our elections and the destructive aftermath of his actions, Acosta added. We also covered the pandemic and other major news during this period, but we remained laser-focused on the democracy beat  relentless, like a pit bull on steroids. My team and I made a clear decision: the show would not pull any punches. How could we?
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President Donald Trumps nominee to be the next FBI director, Kash Patel, claimed during his confirmation hearing on Thursday that he had never heard of a right-wing conspiracy theorist  before being reminded that he's appeared on his show eight times.

Patel arrived on Capitol Hill for his hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, where he was asked by ranking member Democratic Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin about his knowledge of Stew Peters, a far-right podcaster.

Are you familiar with Stew Peters? Durbin asked.

Kash Patel, President Donald Trump's choice to be director of the FBI, listens as Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, gives opening statements before Patel's Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025. Patel was asked about his appearances on a far-right podcast ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Not off the top of my head, said Patel.

You made eight separate appearances on his podcast, said Durbin. He promoted outrageous conspiracy theories and worked with a prominent neo-Nazi.

I'm just asking, when it comes to your association with individuals, why are so many of them in this category? Durbin asked.

My association, as you loosely define it, is by appearing in media over 1,000 times, to take on people who are putting on conspiratorial theories and to disavow them of their false impressions and to talk to them about the truth, said Patel. That is something that I will always continue to fight for.

A former aide to President Donald Trump and a former chief of staff at the Department of Defense, Patel has parroted large parts of the presidents criticism of the bureau.

He has suggested that the FBIs authority be severely restricted after claims by Republicans that the FBI has improperly targeted conservatives in the last few years, allegations that the departing FBI Director Christopher Wray has rejected.

Critics of Patel argue that hes not qualified to lead the nations top law enforcement agency and that he wants to direct the FBI to go after Trumps adversaries.

Peters hosts the Stew Peters Show, which often features conspiracy theories, and has also made viral anti-vaccine films, as well as the recent film Occupied, which claims to reveal a Jewish conspiracy in the West.

According to the Anti-Defamation League, Peters is a prolific antisemite.

Even so, Peters has hosted Republican congressmen and prominent figures in Trumpworld. Other guests include the HHS Secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Rolling Stone referred to Peters as a failed rapper and former bounty hunter, who has called for show trials and public executions of journalists and other public figures, such as former chief medical adviser to the president Dr. Anthony Fauci and Hunter Biden.

Peters has claimed, among other things, that Israel has the United States completely bent over the barrel and that U.S. politicians do whatever their Israeli masters say to do.

The chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Iowa Republican Chuck Grassley, told the nominee in his opening statement: Mr. Patel, you must be fair, you must be consistent, but you must be aggressive. Your actions must be based on accountability, and transparency brings accountability.

He added: Should you do so, you'll have my support, and remember, either you're going to run your agency or the agency's going to run you, and the agency certainly ended up running Director [Christopher] Wray, and probably people before him.

The ranking member, Democratic Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, slammed Patel in his own opening statement, saying, Since 1935, the motto of the FBI has been fidelity, bravery, integrity. These qualities represent the course of the Bureau's core values and the high standards that are expected of all of its employees, including the director of the FBI.

He added: After meeting with Mr. Patel and reviewing his record, I do not believe you meet this standard. Mr. Patel has neither the experience, the temperament, nor the judgment to lead an agency of 38,000 agents and 400 field offices around the globe.

During the time I've served on this committee, I've had the opportunity to consider four FBI Director nominations. Each one was a Republican, and I voted for all of them, said Durbin.
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An Illinois mayor became embroiled in a massive brawl at a town meeting when someone in attendance reportedly called her a b***h.

The fight broke out at the Thornton Township Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday evening and saw Supervisor Tiffany Heynard lose a shoe and get thrown to the ground.

After the comment was directed towards her by activist Jedidiah Brown, Henyards boyfriend, Kamal Woods, confronted the man, causing the scuffle to break out, according to FOX32.

Henyard, who also holds the position of Mayor of Dolton, reportedly pushed her table to one side and rushed to the back of the room where she allegedly got involved in the brawl, the outlet reported.

Security officers swiftly broke up the squabble and police arrived and at least one person was escorted out, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Police said they had not made any arrests after the incident.

This weeks incident was caught on video and shows numerous attendees joining the altercation as few bystanders attempt to break it up. The Independent has contacted Heynards office for comment.

Her lawyers said on Tuesday that Heynard had been verbally assaulted, and her personal safety threatened at the meeting.

Tiffany Heynards photo on the Village of Doltons website ( Village of Dolton )

On Wednesday morning, trustees issued the following comments about the incident: We are deeply disturbed by the events that transpired during last nights board meeting.

As public officials, we are entrusted with leading through professionalism, integrity and respect. What began as a productive discussion on critical community matters descended into chaos and violence, behavior that has no place in Thornton Township and will not be tolerated.

Henyard has become embroiled in controversy after her government reportedly went millions of dollars into debt without explanation from her office. On Monday, former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot revealed findings of an investigation into Henyards alleged mismanagement of village finances.

Lightfood found Henyard allegedly mismanaged funds through excessive spending, hid financial information from trustees and the public and disregarded transparency guardrails.

Beginning at least as early as late 2021, there was a concerted, systematic effort on behalf of Mayor Henyard and others in her administration to hide the true financial condition of the Village of Dolton from the trustees and from members of the public, Lightfoot recently told local officials.

Among the findings were $779,000 in village debt without receipts or an explanation of what was bought and a $171,000 bill for unexplained travel expenses to Las Vegas for a convention held by the International Council of Shopping Centers. Additionally, Henyards government reportedly spent $51,000 on area restaurants and simply wrote them off as meals or doughnuts.
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The basement of the Dirksen Senate Office building was packed Wednesday morning with people lining up to watch Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s confirmation hearing before the Senate Finance Committee even though it was taking place on the first floor.

It was the first day of hearings for Kennedy in his attempt to become secretary of Health and Human Services. He will also testify before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, the very committee his late Uncle Ted led as chairman before he was diagnosed with brain cancer.

Supporters were decked out in Kennedy gear, and many of them referred to him as Bobby, the name used for his father when he roamed through these same halls as a senator from New York and US attorney general before his 1968 presidential campaign and assassination.

Sheri Gagnon and her granddaughter drove from South Carolina to take in the spectacle. And so I thought, wow, we can go up and support Bobby because Bobby's been supporting us, she told The Independent.

open image in gallery Robert F. Kennedy Jr. gets grilled by the Senate Finance Committee on Jan. 29, 2025 ( AP )

Kennedy has come under withering criticism for his use of debunked vaccine conspiracy theories. And Im one of his critics as an autistic person who believes his anti-vaccine rhetoric has harmed the community.

For years, I have traveled around the country interviewing autistic people about their experiences, which are chronicled in my book Were Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation. In that capacity, I interviewed one young autistic person whose mother blamed herself for vaccinating her child.

In the years since the anti-vaccine panic that Kennedy elevated, we have seen an improvement in how society views autism. But Kennedy puts that progress at risk. By toying with the claim that vaccines cause autism, he is implying that autism is something to be feared and to be avoided and that not taking vaccines will help with that.

Kennedys hearing inspired me to go stealth to see what his most enthusiastic supporters think about him. One of the benefits of being an autistic person who can speak and hold a job  a luxury many dont have  is that people dont know immediately that I am autistic.

I'm a sit-at-home-and-read kind of person, Gagnon said. And I don't like to bother the world, but the world is starting to bother us because the journalists aren't reading the science.

To Gagnon, Kennedy is someone lifting the veil and he's just like the middleman, and we keep shooting the middleman.

It is true that the health system consistently fails plenty of people, especially women, with their health claims often discredited by professionals. Amy Macris came to the hearing from Durham, North Carolina, and mentioned how she worked for a biomedical research company when she was diagnosed with a complex illness.

I went to every specialty and went to different states, and I went to different countries, and no one could help me, she told me. So I've put things together myself. I found a few doctors who were outside-of-the-box thinkers, and here I am after 13 years of thinking that I was dying.

To her, Kennedy is the kind of shakeup needed in the department.

They understand sickness, and they give you sort of band-aid treatments that really just keep you sick, she said. You don't actually heal. They're just putting a band-aid on the symptoms.

open image in gallery Bernie Sanders grills RFK Jr. over 'unvaxxed' baby clothes: 'Are you supportive of these onesies? ( Reuters )

During Kennedys hearing, many of his fans looked intently at their phones. During questioning from Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, one of RFK Jr.s supporters called him a piece of s**t.

Some of Kennedys supporters were obviously disappointed at how Democrats handled him.

You have people like Elizabeth Warren, who knows all about regulation with banks she comes from Massachusetts, with all the biotech and health companies, Susan Labin told The Independent. During the hearing, Warren grilled Kennedy about how he profited from an arrangement from a law firm that specializes in suing drug companies.

Ironically, Andrew Wakefield, the British former physician who promoted the link between the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine and autism, lost his medical license because he did not disclose that he had been paid by law firms suing vaccine manufacturers.

But Chris Devol said he decided to get behind Kennedy largely because of the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas.

I think if anybody truly wants peace, that Bobby is that kind of person, and the Democratic Party proved that they really werent interested in doing things, he said. Devol said he collected signatures to get Kennedy on the ballot in Pennsylvania before Kennedy dropped out to endorse Trump.

Obviously, we'd prefer him being president, but the team that Trump has put together is absolutely incredible, and I hope that everybody that is so scared to death that Trump will at least take one day at a time, and let's see how things play out, he said.

Throughout his hearing, Kennedy tried to insist that he was not anti-vaccine, saying that his children were vaccinated, despite the fact, as Sen. Bernie Sanders flagged, his organization, the Childrens Health Defense sold onesies for babies bragging about unvaccinated status.

That does not seem to bother Kennedys fans.

My favorite comparison is between just pure tobacco and Marlboro reds, Macris said. You know, the cigarette industry, they add all of these additives to make it more irritating to your lungs, so the tobacco gets in and makes it more addictive.

open image in gallery Trump shakes hands with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at a campaign rally at the Desert Diamond Arena in Arizona ( AP )

The same, she said, is true for vaccines.

People are talking about thimerosal, which is mercury is incredibly neurotoxic, and we're giving it to children and babies, and we're seeing all these diseases come up, she said. This came despite the fact that thimerosal was removed from vaccines in 2001 as a precautionary measure.

Labin said she came to the hearing on behalf of her grandchildren and said that even though she did not have autistic grandchildren, her friends were worried about vaccines.

Because anybody who reads the literature, not the government literature, but the independent peer-reviewed university literature, can see that there is a huge correlation, she said. And boys are even more susceptible.

Its true that boys are more likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) than females. But that has largely been the case going back to initial research on autism. And diagnosis has largely been skewed by gendered perceptions of autism.

For years, autistic people, their families and loved ones have had to wrestle with these lies, the skewing of data, and misinformation. They had to contend with their feeling they did something wrong by vaccinating and failing their children. All the while, Kennedy gained credibility because of his famous name.

Kennedy could not have promoted his presidential campaign had it not been for his previous espousing of anti-vaccine views  views that Trump at a minimum toyed with before running for president and in the days since.

Now, thankfully, the idea that vaccines cause autism has been thoroughly discredited. But falsehoods cannot be untold. Like the viruses that vaccines inoculate against, the misinformation has permeated the bloodstream.

Except now, if he is confirmed, Kennedy will no longer be the problem of autistic people and their loved ones. He will be everyones problem. And none of us can go stealth to avoid that.

This article was amended on 29 January 2025. It originally stated that Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s organization was called the Children's Defense Fund. But that was incorrect. His organization is called the Children's Health Defense.
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The second day of the tumultuous confirmation hearings for Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., became emotional on Thursday when New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan brought up how autism vaccine studies had impacted her family and decried claims that concerns over his nomination were driven by partisan intent.

Like all of us, I take really seriously our obligation for advice and consent. And, I am concerned  about the need for science to help us move forward on critical, critical issues, the Democrat said.

Hassan explained that she is the proud mother of a 36-year-old man with severe cerebral palsy.

open image in gallery New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan questions Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as he appears before the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday in Washington, D.C. Hassan became emotional when speaking to Kennedy about her son on Wednesday ( AP )

And, a day does not go by when I dont think about, What did I do when I was pregnant with him that might have caused the hydrocephalus that has so impacted his life, she told Kennedy, in tears.

Hassan has said that her son, Ben, needs round-the-clock care. He is a funny and smart and engaging person, but is unable to walk or speak.

During the height of the Covid pandemic, she opted to stay in the nations capital, rather than expose her son to the virus. Kennedy has called life-saving Covid vaccines into question, and spread unfounded theories about the virus.

So, please do not suggest that anybody in this body of either political party doesnt want to know what the cause of autism is, Hassan said. Do you know how many friends with children who have autism?

The senator accused Kennedy of re-litigating and churning settled science so we cant go forward and find out the cause.

Mr. Kennedy, that first autism study rocked my world, Hassan continued. And, like every mother, I worried about whether, in fact, the vaccine had done something to my son.

The study Kennedy has cited was retracted. Since then, many others have shown vaccination is not associated with autism spectrum disorder.

Because sometimes science is wrong. We make progress, we build on the work, and we become more successful, she added. And, when you continue to sow doubt about settled science, it makes it impossible for us to move forward.

Hassan did not give Kennedy time to respond to her statements before turning to the next topic.

Kennedy claimed in a 2023 interview with Fox News Jesse Watters that autism comes from vaccines, more than a decade after the article was retracted.

open image in gallery Robert F. Kennedy Jr., testifies during his Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions confirmation hearing on Thursday in Washington, D.C. Kennedy was testifying for a second day ( Getty Images )

An estimated 5.4 million adults in the U.S. have autism, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The neurodevelopmental disability is caused by differences in the brain that affect communication and social interaction.

Hydrocephalus, which has been associated with autism, is a buildup of spinal fluid that puts pressure on the brain.

When asked Thursday if he would say unequivocally and without qualification that the measles and hepatitis B vaccines do not cause autism, Kennedy said he would if the data is there.

If the datas brought to you  and these studies that have been out there for quite some time and have been peer-reviewed  and it shows that these two vaccines are not associated with autism, will you ask, 'No, I need even more?' asked Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy. Or, will you say, No, I see this, Its stood the test of time and I unequivocally and without qualification say that this does not cause autism?

"Not only will I do that, but I will apologize for any statements that misled people otherwise, Kennedy said. And, I just want to pledge to you that I will never stick on a point if somebody shows me data that says Im wrong.

On Wednesday, Kennedy said he was not anti-vaccine, despite a slew of contradictory past remarks.
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Donald Trumps disapproval rating shot up following his first week as president as his administration ushered through a series of executive orders cracking down on immigration and beginning to fulfill MAGA pledges.

As Trumps administration carried out immigration raids in cities across the U.S., and the president signed an executive order ending birthright citizenship (which has since been held up by a federal judge), the presidents disapproval rating increased by five percent, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll.

Trumps disapproval rating jumped to 46 percent in the latest poll that closed Sunday, up from 39 percent on the day he took office, according to two separate Reuters/Ipsos polls.

The day Trump took office 47 percent of Americans approved of his performance as president, according to the poll. But in the second poll ending Sunday, his approval rating dipped to 45 percent.

By comparison, when Joe Biden entered office in January 2021 his approval rating was 57 percent and held steady after his first week as president, according to Gallup.

open image in gallery Trumps disapproval rating has gone up by five percent since he entered office. ( Getty Images )

Bidens disapproval went from 37 percent when he entered office to 40 percent in mid-February 2021, the poll found. Barack Obamas approval rating was 68 percent when he entered office in 2009, while his disapproval rating was 12 percent.

Trump was more popular when he began his second term than he was at the same time in 2017 at the start of his previous administration.

When Trump first entered office in January 2017, his approval rating was 40 percent.

He enjoyed an approval bump during his first few weeks to 49 percent, but the rating dropped to 34 percent by the end of his first term following the January 6 Capitol riots.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll found that most Americans are opposed to ending birthright citizenship to children born in the U.S. even if neither parent has legal immigration status.

open image in gallery The Trump administration has issued a series of executive orders cracking down on immigration ( via REUTERS )

A majority of 59 percent of Americans have said they oppose ending birthright citizenship.

The executive order ending birthright citizenship was temporarily blocked last week by a federal judge. District Judge John Coughenour, who ruled in a lawsuit brought by several states seeking to overturn Trumps order, delivered a blistering criticism of the presidents blatantly unconstitutional action from the bench in a Seattle courtroom last Thursday.

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, said the Ronald Reagan appointee.

Sevnety percent of respondents polled also oppose Trumps renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America in another one of Trumps many executive orders.
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Refugee service organizations are heavily dependent on private donors for funding after President Donald Trump signed a stop-work order for foreign assistance Friday directing them against using federal aid to help clients resettle.

The action was felt across numerous federal agencies that work in foreign services and resulted in layoffs. Such an action has the potential to heavily impact refugees who have arrived in the US within the last 90 days. During that time, nonprofits provide housing, cash and food assistance, childcare, and other services aimed at putting clients on a path toward stability.

For the Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services (IRIS) in New Haven, Connecticut, the order meant losing $3m in funding it expected from the federal government this year.

About an hour after the order was issued, the group eliminated a team tasked with supporting sponsors welcoming refugees to the U.S.

Maggie Mitchell Salem, the organizations director, told The Independent that the group will continue staff reductions this week but said the charitys lights will stay on for now.

We dont turn off, said Salem. We must somehow manage to avoid shutting our doors and honoring our commitment to our clients.

In the immediate future, her clients wont have access to emergency rental assistance beyond 90 days and will face longer wait times as staff members work to return their calls.

All of this is happening at a speed that is unsettling and without enough information, said Salem of the recent administration decisions.

People walk along the beach next to a tent refugee camp for displaced Palestinians in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Monday, December 30, 2024 ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Last week, Trump issued an indefinite pause on the admission of refugees into the U.S. until such time their admission aligns with his agenda. The decision applies to Afghans who assisted American military efforts and were given Special Immigrant Visas. Refugees undergo extensive vetting before theyre cleared for travel to the U.S.

Trumps move impacted charities like Salems that rely on federal funding to cover operational costs. Federal funding is reimbursed after charities accept clients. Last year, the country took in 100,034 refugees. Advocates are skeptical theyll welcome additional clients this year following Trumps executive order, though legal challenges are expected.

Salems charity expected to resettle 800 refugees this year but only took in 200 before the executive order. The group has paid rent for the 200 refugees but its not known if all of the funds will be reimbursed.

As a result, groups like Salems are seeking out other sources of funding to cover the bulk of the cost. Resettlement groups receive about $3,000 per client which goes toward three months of living expenses.

Salem wants to continue assisting clients however she can once that period ends. Refugees are eligible for state funding up to five years after they arrive in the U.S.

We're not going to stop supporting them, Salem asserted while anticipating a total cut to federal funding over the next four years. How we're able to provide that support is going to be challenging.

Jeffrey Thielman, president and CEO of the International Institute of New England, plans to serve 10,000 clients across all services this year. In addition to refugee programs, the organization provides English language learning, employment support and skills training to people across the region.

Hes concerned that new arrivals could go without housing or food assistance but said hes reaching out to private donors to ensure that doesnt happen.

I'm telling everybody: I want to take a breath. We're not making any dramatic moves, and we're waiting to see how this all plays out over the next few days or weeks, said Thielman.

His organization hasnt been forced to make any employee cuts and can support its current number of clients, but those funds are now coming from alternative sources. Thielman believes he can still bill the federal government for administrative costs up until January 24 but not beyond.

The rest is still unknown.

The Trump administration right now is the train causing confusion and delay, Thielman added.
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Tulsi Gabbard, Donald Trumps nominee for director of national intelligence, was repeatedly asked to explain why she sought a pardon for Edward Snowden, the former government contractor who leaked thousands of classified documents revealing the scope of the nations surveillance programs.

Gabbard  a former Democratic congresswoman turned Trump ally accused of routinely amplifying Russian propaganda and defending Syrias Bashar al-Assad  also refused to call Snowden a traitor during her confirmation hearing in front of the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday, facing questions from members of both parties about her past praise.

This is when the rubber meets the road, Democratic Senator Michael Bennet pressed during a heated round of questions, demanding a yes-or-no answer as to whether she believes Snowden is a traitor to the United States.

This is not a moment for social media, this is not a moment to propagate conspiracy theories or attacks on journalism in the United States, Bennet said. Is Edward Snowden a traitor to the United States of America? That is not a hard question to answer when the stakes are this high.

Throughout her testimony, Gabbard insisted she believes Snowden broke the law and promised that, if confirmed, she would prevent a Snowden-like leak within the arms of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

But she stressed that she believes his leaks released information that exposed egregious, illegal and unconstitutional programs within our government, leading to reforms proposed by members of Congress.

You have celebrated this guy as brave, intelligence committee ranking member Mark Warner said. I cannot imagine a director of national intelligence that would say that kind of behavior is OK.

Why is he being treated as a folk hero by you instead of the traitor he was? Bennet said in a final round of questions.

open image in gallery Tulsi Gabbard refused to call former NSA contractor Edward Snowden a traitor and stressed that his leaks exposed egregious, illegal and unconstitutional programs within government agencies ( AP )

In Congress, Gabbard introduced a bill that would provide whistle-blower protections for people like Snowden who are accused of violating the Espionage Act, and she proposed legislation to drop federal charges against him.

Would you support or recommend a pardon or any kind of clemency for Edward Snowden? asked Republican Senator Susan Collins.

My responsibility would be to ensure the security of our nations secrets and would not advocate for any actions related to Snowden, Gabbard replied.

Republican Senator Todd Young asked Gabbard if Snowden betrayed the trust of the American people.

He released this information in a way he should not have, Gabbard said.

Before the hearing, Snowden  who now lives in Russia after fleeing the United States  posted to X that Gabbard will be required to disown all prior support for whistleblowers as a condition of confirmation.

I encourage her to do so, he wrote. Tell them I harmed national security and the sweet, soft feelings of staff. In D.C., that's what passes for the pledge of allegiance.

This may be the rare instance when I agree with Mr. Snowden, Young said.

Throughout the three-hour hearing, Gabbard was asked by members of both parties to explain her past statements and sympathetic comments about Russia and Bashar Al-Assads regime in Syria, including her skepticism of U.S. intelligence assessments surrounding chemical weapons attacks and her 2017 trip to Syria to meet with then-President Assad.

I have no love for Assad or any dictator. I just hate al-Qaeda, she said in her opening remarks, claiming that Syria is now run by a former al-Qaeda leader who danced in the streets on 9/11 before leading uprisings against the Assad regime.

open image in gallery Gabbard, who could oversee the nations intelligence community if confirmed, was pressed about her past comments and actions surrounding Russias invasion of Ukraine and the Assad regimes use of chemical weapons in Syria ( EPA )

Republicans repeatedly emphasized her military service, characterizing her experience as a former National Guard and Army Reserves service member who was deployed to Iraq as unimpeachable evidence of the necessary commitment, trust and experience for the role.

Warner said he had serious questions about her judgment, including past comments in which she appeared to blame NATO and Joe Bidens administration for Russias invasion of Ukraine.

He also questioned whether Gabbard can be trusted by U.S. allies to share intelligence.

If they stop  the United States will be less safe, he said.

I want to make certain that in no way does Russia get a pass in either your mind or your heart, or in any policy recommendation you might make, Republican Senator Jerry Moran said.

Im offended by the question, Gabbard replied. No country or group or individual will get a pass

Asked point blank by Democratic Senator Martin Heinrich who was responsible for the war in Ukraine, Gabbard replied: Putin.

Last year, Gabbard told podcaster Joe Rogan that the United States and some of these European NATO countries are fueling this war and need to provide the leadership to bring about a negotiated outcome.

That is what needs to happen here to prevent the destruction of the planet and life as we know it, she said.

This war and suffering could have easily been avoided if Biden Admin/NATO had simply acknowledged Russias legitimate security concerns regarding Ukraines becoming a member of NATO, which would mean US/NATO forces right on Russias border, she wrote in 2022.

open image in gallery Democratic Senator Michael Bennet pressed Gabbard on whether she believes Snowden is a traitor after he claims she elevated him as a folk hero ( Getty Images )

Gabbard also faced questions about her recent opposition to a warrantless electronic surveillance program that allows U.S. intelligence agencies to collect communications from foreigners outside the country.

The broad scope of that program, authorized under section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, also allows law enforcement to search through data that could include information from Americans.

She sought the repeal of the program when she was a Democratic congresswoman, and criticized warrantless surveillance as a blatant and unconstitutional attack.

But she recently called it a vital national security tool, aligning with national security hawks and distancing herself from positions held by progressive members of Congress.

I dont find your change of heart credible, Warner said.

Gabbard told the committee that the national security capability that is provided  that enables foreign surveillance over non-U.S. persons overseas is critical, period.

Republican Senator John Cornyn asked her what criteria should determine warrantless searches.

Senator, thats not for me to say, said Gabbard, saying that it would be up to Congress.

That would be for you to decide and for the attorney general to weigh in on, Cornyn fired back.

If confirmed, Gabbard will oversee the 18 divisions within the nations intelligence community, including the CIA and Defense Intelligence Agency.

Republicans hold only a 9-8 majority on the Senate Intelligence Committee, and she will need the votes of virtually every Republican on the panel.

The full Senate could also move to confirm her if her nomination fails in committee, but that would require a 60-vote majority  a politically unlikely scenario in a chamber where Democrats and independents who caucus with them hold 47 seats.
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Tulsi Gabbards confirmation hearing to become Director of National Intelligence before the Senate Intelligence Committee was a bizarre kind of marriage between the Republican establishment and MAGA.

Joe Kent, the right-wing former congressional candidate from Washington State, arrived early while Jason Miller, one of president Donald Trumps top campaign advisers, sat in the front row, while Ivan Raiklin, a pro-Trump activist, sat in the back.

And plenty of establishment Republicans showed up to vouch for her. Richard Burr, the former intelligence committee chair who led the investigation into Russias intervention in the 2016 presidential election, gave an introductory statement of support. Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, a military hawk, also gave a statement.

open image in gallery Former congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has become a favorite of the Trumpian right, which is partially why Donald Trump nominated her to be Director of National Intelligence. ( AP )

Sen Tom Cotton, the chairman of the committee who is an outspoken military interventionist, said he agreed with Gabbards skepticism of military adventurism. Sen. John Curtis of Utah, who succeeded Gabbard critic Mitt Romney in the Senate, showed up to the hearing as well despite not being on the committee.

Plenty of Republicans welcomed the former Democratic congresswoman-turned-Trump-disciple, including people who served with her in the House like now-Sens. Ted Budd of North Carolina and James Lankford of Oklahoma.

Democrats for their part leaned heavily into asking about Gabbards remarks praising Edward Snowden. They also criticized her previous comments about the war in Ukraine and her visit to Syria to meet with now-deposed president Bashar al-Assad.

But the most important people to watch during the hearing were not the Democrats, who will likely uniformly vote against her, but two Republicans, namely Sen. Todd Young of Indiana and Susan Collins of Maine.

Earlier the week, Collins told The Independent that she had not been convinced by Gabbards words that she had changed her position on Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillence Act (FISA). During her opening remarks, Gabbard directly addressed Collins.

Section 702 allows the government to gather foreign intelligence on non-Americans outside of the United States without a warrant. Civil libertarians argue that it violates civil liberties whereas conservatives and national security hawks say it is necessary to stop terror attacks.

Senator Collins, you led the creation of ODNI specifically to address those intelligence failures of 9/11 and Iraqs so-called-WMDs, Gabbard said.

open image in gallery Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, center, grilled Gabbard about her previous praise of Edward Snowden. ( Getty Images )

But that did not necessarily dull Collinss questioning of Gabbard, specifically on the question of pardoning Snowden, who famously leaked information about domestic surveillance programs. As a result, Collins asked if Gabbard would support a pardon or any kind of clemency to the former NSA intelligence contractor-turned-whistleblower who fled to Russia.

I confirmed as the Director of National Intelligence, my responsibility would be to ensure the security of our nation's secrets, and would not take actions to advocate for any actions related to Snowden, Gabbard said. Collins asked her about legislation she introduced that would allow whistleblowers to disclose even top secret information and whether she still supported it.

The intent of the legislation that you have pointed out was pointed towards ensuring due process for those who are charged under the Espionage Act in a court of law, Gabbard responded. Collins ended her questioning by asking whether rumors that Gabbard met with Hezbollah were true, which Gabbard denied.

But if Gabbard seemed to at least quell some of Collinss concerns, Young seemed like he wanted to give Gabbard the benefit of the doubt. But his questions were unanswered. Throughout much of the questioning, Young, a former Marine intelligence officer, furrowed his brow and kept his fingers on his chin. He asked her if she agreed with a report that said Snowden caused damage.

Again, Gabbard dodged, saying again that Snowden broke the law and she did not agree with how he disclosed the information.

Its notable, you didnt say yes, Young said, before following up a few times and noting that Snowden, who absconded to Russia in 2013, had posted on social media about the hearings.

This may be the rare instance in which I agree with Mr. Snowden, he said. I think it would befit and be helpful to the first way you were perceived by members of the intelligence community, if you would at least acknowledge that the greatest whistleblower in American history--so called--harmed national security by breaking the laws of the land around our intelligence working.

I don't know that there was really anything new there, except it was interesting to see my colleagues on the Republican side try to open the door with Edward Snowden that she really couldn't walk through, Democratic Sen. Martin Heinrich of New Mexico told The Independent.

Gabbards fate will likely be held behind closed doors, as is the general position of the Intelligence Committee. But if it comes out that Young and Collins opposed her nomination, that would likely cause enough cracks for other Republicans like Mitch McConnell, a longtime critic of Russia, Collins partner in moderation Lisa Murkowski of Alaska or Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who faces a tough re-election, to break away from her.

Regardless of what happens, its clear Gabbard has become a cause celebre for many on the right, as conventional Republicans remain skeptical of her while the new Trumpian right supports her. As her confirmation hearing ended, she received an ovation from the crowd.
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JD Vance warned that Donald Trump is all gas and no brakes as he ramrods through his new agenda as the vice president sat down with Fox News Sean Hannity less than a week after his boss did the same.

In the interview, broadcast on Wednesday evening, the pair discussed the Trump administration's ambitious efforts to crack down on illegal immigration and regain control over the U.S. border, as well as the efficiency of government.

It comes hours after after Trump ordered the revival of a 30,000-person migrant detention facility at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Station in Cuba to hold detained migrants while they await deportation.

Speaking to Hannity, Vance said that there had been around 1,300 illegal entries to the U.S. on January 19  the final day of the Biden administration  and claimed that the number had already been cut by 60 percent.

open image in gallery Vance sat down with Sean Hannity (right) for the interview that aired on Fox News on Wednesday ( Fox News )

We've got 20-plus million illegal aliens in this country, we have got to get these people out of our country and regain control of our own border, the vice president said.

Elections have consequences, and President Trump ran explicitly on regaining control of the border and redelivering American prosperity. That's exactly what we're doing, he added.

Later in the interview, Vance praised his boss stamina and drive regarding his agenda, telling Hannity: He doesn't sleep a lot.

You'll get phone calls at one in the morning, and he'll just, you know, he'll talk about policy, and he'll talk about your family, and he just, there's something incredibly energetic about him, he said.

But you sort of need that actually. The federal government has become so sprawling and their bureaucracy is so unresponsive to what the president actually wants to do, that you kind of need somebody in there who's constantly on. It's all gas, no breaks.

Vance added: That's certainly what we've seen the last, you know, eight days. I think it's what we'll see for the next four years.
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Emergency crews who waded through the frigid waters of the Potomac River through the night are now shifting to a recovery operation after an American Airlines plane carrying 64 people collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C.s Ronald Reagan National Airport.

The passenger flight, carrying 64 people from Wichita, Kansas, collided mid-air with a military helicopter carrying three around 9 p.m. Wednesday.

No survivors are expected, D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said at a Thursday press conference.

Emergency responders conducted their rescue mission through the night in what D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser described as tough and heartbreaking conditions, referring to ice-covered water and strong winds. The operation has now shifted to a recovery mission.

So far, 28 bodies have been recovered  one from the helicopter and 27 from the American Airlines flight.

We probably lost 60 Kansans tonight, Kansas senator Roger Marshall told reporters at a briefing early Thursday morning.

"Its really hard when you lose probably over 60 Kansans simultaneously, he said. When one person dies its a tragedy, but when many, many, many people die, its an unbearable sorrow. Its a heartbreak beyond major.

A citywide prayer service is planned for Wichita on Thursday.

Washington DC air crash latest Latest as of 0515 ET 30 January An American Airlines regional jet collided mid-air with an Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River near Washington, D.C.'s Reagan National Airport.

All 67 people on board both aircraft are feared dead.

As of the latest update, at least 28 bodies have been recovered from the river.

Reagan National Airport is closed until at least 11 a.m. Thursday.

Investigators are examining the sequence of events leading up to the tragedy, including possible human error in communication between the Black Hawk crew and air traffic control.

Follow latest updates

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom expressed deep sorrow following the crash.

This is a difficult day for all of us at American Airlines, and our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, partners, first responders, along with their families and loved ones," he said in a video statement after the tragedy.

Isom said hell be heading to Washington, D.C., to assess the accident and support employees.

The plane was in pieces in the water on Thursday and the helicopter was also in the water nearby.

Video from an observation camera at the nearby Kennedy Center shows two sets of lights slamming into each other near the airport and sparking a fireball.

open image in gallery Officials say no survivors are likely to have survived after an American Airlines plane collided with a U.S. Army helicopter on Wednesday evening. ( AFP via Getty Images )

open image in gallery The plane collided with a military helicopter near Ronald Reagan airport in Washington, D.C., around 9 p.m. Wednesday. The events before the crash are under investigation. ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

The Federal Aviation Administration said In a statement that the crash occurred after a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet from Wichita collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter  colloquially known as a Black Hawk  while on approach to the runway at Reagan around 9 p.m. local time.

The Black Hawk was on a training flight at the time of the crash, Joint Task Force-National Capital Region media chief Heather Chairez told CNN.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News Sean Hannity Wednesday night: I have called over to my counterparts at the White House, and I can confirm that President Trump has been made aware of this situation.

The president later released a statement, via Leavitt, that read: "I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls.

The statement added: Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise."

Trump later on social media called the crash a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented.

It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didnt the helicopter go up or down, or turn. Why didnt the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane, Trump wrote. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!

The Association of Flight Attendants said in a statement that two of its members were on board flight 5342.

While we mobilize to support the families and crews directly affected by this incident, we are also sending strength to all first responders doing everything they can to bring survivors to safety, the statement added. Let us all stay focused on saving lives.

New Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that the department was deploying every available U.S. Coast Guard resource for search and rescue efforts.

She added: We are actively monitoring the situation & stand ready to support local responders. Noem expressed her concern and prayers for the victims and first responders.

open image in gallery Significant responses from fire, EMS, and police, were reported at the scene of the incident at the Potomac River as crews desperately tried to rescue survivors ( AP )

The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash, with the NTSB leading the probe.

Significant responses with dozens of firefighters, EMS rescuers and police, were reported at the scene of the crash in the Potomac River, with temperatures of 42 degrees Fahrenheit.

In audio from the air traffic control tower around the time of the crash, a controller is heard asking the helicopter, PAT25 do you have the CRJ in sight, in reference to the passenger aircraft.

Tower did you see that? another pilot is heard calling seconds after the apparent collision. The tower immediately began diverting other aircraft from Reagan.
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An angry crowd gathered outside a courthouse on the southern Greek island of Crete for the preliminary hearing of a couple accused of brutally abusing a three-year-old child who is fighting for his life in a hospital.

Riot police had to be deployed at the entrance to the courthouse to prevent the crowd from pushing its way into the building and confronting the defendants as the hearing began.

One man sustained minor face injuries during the melee.

The couple  a 26-year-old woman and her 44-year-old boyfriend  have been accused of severely beating the womans young son, who was rushed to a hospital in the islands main city of Heraklion on Sunday.

The little boys case has received intense media attention in Greece and has sparked outrage across the country.

The child had suffered a severe head injury, as well as multiple other injuries to his limbs and torso, Heraklion University General Hospital deputy director Stelios Kteniadakis told Greeces Skai television.

The boy, who is intubated in critical condition in the intensive care unit, bore signs of recent and of older injuries, as well as burn marks, Kteniadakis said.

Honestly, all of us doctors who have happened to see the young child, weve never seen anything like it before, he added.

The boys mother and her partner, who have been in custody since their arrest Sunday, appeared before a prosecutor Wednesday. They face several charges, including attempted murder, causing grievous bodily harm and exposing a minor to danger. They havent been publicly named, in accordance with Greek law.

Even the police officers are shocked with this case in Crete  they themselves have never handled a case like this before, Greek police spokeswoman Konstantina Dimoglidou said on Greeces Action24 TV.

I dont know if weve ever seen in this country a child with such suffering, so badly abused at such a young age.

The defendants have reportedly blamed each other for the abuse, with each denying they had harmed the boy.
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A 99-year-old Holocaust survivor has said he will return his federal order of merit award to the German state in protest over a parliamentary vote in which support from the far-right was used for the first time to secure a majority.

Germany's main opposition conservatives  the CDU  who are tipped to win a national election later this month, pushed through parliament on Wednesday a motion calling for a drastic crackdown on migration with the help of votes from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).

Though the motion is non-binding, the AfD's role in passing it was symbolically important. Critics have accused the conservatives of breaking a taboo among mainstream parties against working with the AfD.

Albrecht Weinberg told Reuters he would return his decoration as a protest against the vote. Born to a Jewish family in 1925, Weinberg spent time during World War Two in the Nazi death camps at Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen. He was freed on April 15, 1945, according to the Bergen-Belsen memorial website. He emigrated to the United States after the war but returned 10 years ago to live in Germany. Some six million Jews were killed in the Holocaust.

It comes as former German chancellor Angela Merkel also hit out at her own CDU party for cooperating with the far-right.

Ms Merkel criticised CDU leader Friedrich Merz over the migration proposal being backed by the AfD, which is polling in second place ahead of the German election on 23 February.

I consider it wrong to abandon this commitment and, as a result, to knowingly allow a majority with AfD votes in the Bundestag for the first time, Ms Merkel said.

The CDU introduced the proposal last week following two terror attacks in Germany.

The non-binding Bundestag vote marked the first time the CDU relied on AfD votes to push through a motion, marking a rupture with Ms Merkels centrist legacy.

Now begins a new era, proclaimed Bernd Baumann, a senior AfD lawmaker after the vote went through.

The party has seized on the moment as proof that its hardline nationalist stance on migration is gaining mainstream legitimacy.

Former chancellor Olaf Scholz vowed to deport criminals from Afghanistan and Syria following the stabbing of a German police officer by a 25-year-old Afghan suspect in May.

The deportations went ahead a week after a deadly knife attack in the town of Solingen in which the suspect is a Syrian citizen who applied for asylum in Germany last year.

Mr Scholz has previously announced measures to remove benefits from refugees who arrive in Germany through other EU countries, leaving them with the bare essentials of bed, bread, and soap.

The aim of this joint effort is clear: to further reduce irregular migration to Germany, Mr Scholz said.

There has also been debate over immigration ahead of regional elections, set for Sunday in Germanys Saxony and Thuringia regions.

They are areas where anti-immigration parties such as the far right Alternative for Germany (AfD) are expected to do well.

In 2023 more than 350,000 people applied for asylum in Germany. Around 1.2 million Ukrainians have arrived in Germany since Russias invasion began in 2022.
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Five people have been arrested after the shooting death of Iraqi man Salwan Momika, who carried out several Quran burnings in Sweden.

The anti-Islam campaigner was shot dead hours before a court verdict was due in a trial over his burning the Quran, as the prime minister expressed concerns over the killing's links to a foreign power.

Swedish media reported that Momika was killed in a house in Sodertalje town near Stockholm on Wednesday.

The 38-year-old had staged several burnings and desecrations of Islam's holy book in Sweden.

Sweden in 2023 raised its terrorism alert to the second-highest level and warned of threats against Swedes at home and abroad after the Quran burnings, most of them by Momika, outraged Muslims and triggered threats from jihadists.

Swedish authorities at the time allowed his demonstrations, citing freedom of speech, but his actions raised alarm among government and security officials who warned they could make Sweden a target for Islamic extremists.

Momika previously said he didn't want to put Sweden at risk but was exercising his right to criticise Islam under freedom of speech.

"I can assure you that the security services are deeply involved because there is obviously a risk that there is a connection to a foreign power," Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said at a news conference on Thursday.

A Stockholm court had been due to sentence Momika and another man on Thursday in a criminal trial over "offences of agitation against an ethnic or national group," in connection with the Quran burnings but postponed the verdict.

Sweden's Security Service told Reuters it was assessing the potential impact of the shooting "on Swedish security.

open image in gallery Salwan Momika burns the Quran in Malmo, south of Sweden ( EPA )

Police said they were alerted to a shooting Wednesday night in Sodertalje, near Stockholm, and found a man with gunshot wounds. He later died, and a preliminary murder investigation was opened.

Broadcaster SVT reported, without naming sources, that the victim was Momika.

In October last year, Momikas residence permit was withdrawn by Sweden though his deportation was put on hold due to dangers to his life in Iraq.

Swedens Migration Agency made the decision after determining Momika had provided false information in his application for asylum, Swedish broadcaster TV4 reported at the time. Momika had been granted a residence permit in 2021.
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For a few hours last week, the International Criminal Court looked poised to take a Libyan warlord into custody. Instead, member state Italy sent the head of a notorious network of detention centers back home.

That has left the court without a single trial ahead for the first time since it arrested its first suspect in 2006. And it's now facing serious external pressure, notably from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Though its docket remains empty, the court still wields an $200 million annual budget and a large number of legal eagles keen to lay their hands on Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The lack of trials damages the courts reputation, said Danya Chaikel of the International Federation for Human Rights. The point of the ICC is to investigate and prosecute those most responsible for international crimes.

Empty courtrooms show how hard it is to end impunity

The only permanent global court of last resort to prosecute individuals responsible for the worlds most heinous atrocities has not been in this position for almost two decades.

Congolese warlord Thomas Lubanga became the first person convicted by court in The Hague. In 2012, he was sentenced to 14 years in prison for conscripting child soldiers.

Since Lubangas trial began, the court has had a slow but steady stream of proceedings. To date it has convicted 11 people and three verdicts are pending.

It has issued 32 unsealed arrest warrants. Those suspects range from Netanyahu and Putin to Lords Resistance Army leader Joseph Kony and Gamlet Guchmazov, accused of torture in the breakaway region of South Ossetia in Georgia.

But it faces numerous challenges. Trump, on his first day in office, reinstated an executive order from his previous term sanctioning court staff. A more damaging piece of legislation, which would sanction the court as an institution, has passed one chamber of Congress but is stalled in the Senate for now due to opposition from Democrats.

Putin will probably remain beyond court's reach

The previous chief prosecutor, Gambian Fatou Bensouda, described being the subject of thug-style tactics while she was in office. The court was the victim of a cybersecurity attack in 2023 that left systems offline for months and some technical issues have still not been resolved. In 2022, the Dutch intelligence service said it had foiled a sophisticated attempt by a Russian spy using a false Brazilian identity to work as an intern at the court.

The current prosecutor, British lawyer Karim Khan, has requested a record-breaking 24 arrest warrants. But many suspects  like Putin  will probably remain beyond the reach of the court.

Neither Russia nor Israel are members of the court and do not accept its jurisdiction, making it highly unlikely those countries would extradite their citizens, let alone their leaders, to the ICC.

They havent issued arrest warrants for people who they are likely to arrest, says Mark Kersten, an international criminal justice expert at University of the Fraser Valley in Canada.

Ultimately, countries are responsible for physically apprehending people and bringing them to The Hague, says Chaikel, whose group oversees nearly 200 human rights organizations worldwide.

Many of the courts 125 member states are unwilling to arrest suspects for political reasons. Mongolia gave Putin a red-carpet welcome for a state visit last year, ignoring the obligation to apprehend him. South Africa and Kenya refused to arrest former Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir when he visited. The 81-year-old was ousted from power in a coup in 2019 but the authorities in Sudan have still refused to hand him over to the ICC.

Unwanted attention to Italys migration policies

Italy claims the ICC warrant for Libyan warlord Ossama Anjiem had procedural errors. He was released this month by an order of Romes Court of Appeal. "It was not a government choice, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni told reporters.

But Italy, which was a founding member of the court, may have had its own reasons for not executing the warrant. Italy needs the Tripoli government to prevent waves of migrants from setting out on smugglers boats. Any trial in The Hague of the warlord could not only upset that relationship, but also bring unwanted attention to Italys migration policies and its support of the Libyan coast guard, which it has financed to prevent migrants from leaving.

On Wednesday, three men who say they were mistreated by Anjiem, also known as Ossama al-Masri, while in Libyan detention centers told a packed conference in Italy's lower house of parliament that they want justice for themselves and others who died before making it to Italy.

David Yambio, a South Sudanese migrant who said he had cooperated with the ICC investigation, called al-Masri's repatriation "a huge betrayal. A huge disappointment.''

There is little consequence for countries who fail to arrest those wanted by the court. Judges found that South Africa, Kenya and Mongolia failed to uphold their responsibilities but by then, the wanted men had already left.
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Hamas has handed over three Israelis and five Thai nationals in chaotic scenes at multiple locations in Gaza, as part of the latest phase of a fragile ceasefire deal.

Arbel Yehoud, 29, and Gadi Moses, 80, both civilians, an Israeli female soldier Agam Berger, 20, and five Thai citizens were released among massive crowds in the north and the south of the Gaza Strip. Later, they crossed into Israel where the Israelis were reunited with their families, while the Thai workers were met by members of the consulate.

Ms Berger was the first to be released in northern Gaza. Hours later, in southern Gaza in chaotic scenes that sparked uproar in Israel, huge crowds gathered at the second handover sight located at the destroyed home of slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, in Khan Younis. There hundreds of Palestinians swarmed heavily armed militants as they fought through the scrum to deliver a visibly shaken Ms Yehoud, 29, to Red Cross vehicles.

The releases were part of the first phase of this Israel-Hamas ceasefire, which will see 33 hostages freed for up to 1,900 Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails across six weeks.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the chaos around Ms Yehouds handover shocking and temporarily suspended the release of 110 Palestinian prisoners over Hamass handling of the incident.

Mr Netanyahu said: I demand that the mediators make certain that such terrible scenes do not recur, and guarantee the safety of our hostages. Whoever dares to harm our hostages will pay the price.

He later said that he had received such a commitment and the prison releases began later on Thursday afternoon.

open image in gallery Arbel Yehoud is handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza ( AP )

open image in gallery Palestinian Zakaria Zubeidi is freed by the Israeli authorities ( AP )

There appeared to be no live images of Mr Mosess release, but he was pictured later. He is among the oldest remaining hostages in Gaza. His family members told The Independent last week he suffered from numerous medical issues.

The release of the five Thai nationals  which was not officially part of the deal  was also not widely televised. Israel named them as Thenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakhan, Sriaoun Watchara, Seathao Bannawat, and Rumnao Surasak.

More than 30 Thai farm workers were taken hostage on 7 October, 2023, in the Hamas attack that triggered the war in Gaza. Around 1,200 people were killed during the assault according to the Israelis, while 251 more, including the eight released today, were taken hostage.

Israels retaliatory air and ground offensive in Gaza in the 15 months since then has killed more than 47,000 Palestinians, according to the local health ministry, and displaced nearly 2 million people.

Eight of the 33 hostages slated for release in the first phase are dead, the Israeli government said this week. Five Israeli civilians and five soldiers  all women  as well five Thai nationals not included in the original deal, have been released so far in the ceasefire, which began on 19 January. The next hostage release is scheduled for Saturday. In return, Israel has released 290 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.

open image in gallery Gadi Moses, 80, is released by Hamas ( AP )

Earlier in Jabalia, northern Gaza, Ms Berger, 20, a military spotter, was filmed emerging from a heavily damaged building before walking onto a stage where she waved at the crowd. Ms Berger had reportedly arrived at the Nahal Oz base in southern Israel just two days before Hamass 7 October attack during which she was captured.

A video from Ms Bergers family home showed dozens of people celebrating as they watched her being released.

open image in gallery Family members and supporters of Israeli captive, Agam Berger, celebrate in Holon as she is released ( Reuters )

This is the happiest moment of my life, one of Ms Bergers relatives told Israeli outlet Channel 12. Now we can breathe again.

Ms Bergers family said in a statement: Thank God we have reached this moment, and our hero Agam has returned to us after 482 days in enemy hands. Later the family of Ms Yehoud shared a photo of the family aboard an Israeli helicopter.

open image in gallery Gadi Moses with his three children ( Reuters )

Ms Yehoud, who appeared in a video by the militant Palestinian Islamic Jihad this week, was taken with her partner Ariel Cunio. Mr Cunio, together with his brother David, remains inside Gaza and is not included in the list of releases for the first part of the ceasefire deal. Ms Yehouds brother Dolev was killed during the 7 October assault.

Our mission is not yet complete. Ariel, Arbels partner, is still held captive in Gaza. So are his brother David, their good friend Sasha, the other hostages from Nir Oz, and all our loved ones, the family wrote. We will not rest until all hostages are released. We urge everyone not to let this open door close. Everyone must be brought home immediately so that we can heal as a society.

The family of Gadi Moses also shared a photo, showing the frail grandfather with his three children.

At Hostages Square, a rallying point in Tel Aviv, a group representing those held in Gaza clutched around huge screens playing the live images. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters called the hostage transfer harrowing adding our hearts were gripped with fear. They once again called for all the hostages to be released.

Ms Berger is believed to be the last female Israeli solider still left inside Gaza. She had been captured alongside her fellow observers Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, and Naama Levy, who have all been released already.

Ms Yehud is the last female civilian hostage that Israel believes is most likely alive. Another civilian woman, Shiri Bibas, remains in Gaza after she was abducted from Nir Oz with her two young sons, Ariel, who was four at the time, and Kfir, who was nine months. The Israeli military has expressed grave concern for the lives of Ms Bibas and her children, though their deaths have not been confirmed.

open image in gallery Agam Berger was flanked by dozens of Hamas militants as she was released in Jabalia, northern Gaza ( Reuters )

The partner of Mr Moses, one of the oldest remaining hostages, was also killed by Hamas on 7 October. His ex-wife Margalit Moses, initially a hostage, was released during the first week-long ceasefire deal in November 2023.

Meanwhile in the occupied West Bank, families of the detainees waited anxiously for news of the releases after the delay. Scuffles erupted around Ofer prison with Palestinian teenagers throwing stones outside the complex and Israeli forces firing tear gas as they tried to clear the area.

Prisoners were finally released in the afternoon in white buses, with windshields shattered from the clashes. On board is expected to be 30 serving life sentences after being convicted of deadly attacks against Israelis and 30 minors, the youngest just 15 years old.

Among those seen leaving Ofer prison was Zakaria Zubeidi, a prominent former militant leader and theatre director who took part in a dramatic jailbreak in 2021 before being rearrested days later. In a grey prison sweatsuit, he flashed a victory sign at the crowds.

The ceasefire deal, brokered by United States, Egypt and Qatar after a year of tough negotiations, has been fraught with delays and at several points has floundered.

Israel said Ms Yehoud, who Palestinian militant factions initially accused of being a combatant, was supposed to have been freed last Saturday and delayed the opening of crossings to northern Gaza when she was not. After an agreement, brokered by the United States, Egypt and Qatar, was pushed through late on Sunday to release her on Thursday, Israel opened the crossing, known as the Netzarim corridor, the following morning.

Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians then began returning to their homes in the north of the territory, much of which has been destroyed by more than 15 months of war.
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The international staff of the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) have had to evacuate and relocate to Jordan, its officials said as Israeli legislation banning it came into effect on Thursday.

The UN secretary general, Antonio Guterres, and the bodys Security Council have described UNRWA as the backbone of humanitarian aid in the Strip, which has been devastated by a ruinous 15-month war between Israel and Hamas. Israeli officials, however, have repeatedly accused UNRWA of bankrolling its enemies and having ties to terrorism, a charge that the agency and UN officials have vehemently denied.

In October Israel adopted legislation, banning UNRWAs operation on Israeli land  including East Jerusalem, which Israel annexed in a move not recognised internationally. Contact with Israeli authorities would also cease with restrictions coming into play on 30 January.

Jonathan Fowler, a UNRWA spokesperson, said that Israel had also shortened all of UNRWAs international staff visas to expire on Wednesday, which is tantamount to being evicted or declared persona non grata. He added that it has forced UNRWA to relocate its international workforce to Amman, Jordan.

Juliette Toma, director of UNRWA communications, called the bans outrageous and devastating, saying they had also been ordered to evacuate 12 premises in East Jerusalem, including schools and health centres, impacting 1,100 children and up to 80,000 people who use the centres for primary healthcare.

This is unheard of. This is a campaign against the United Nations by a member state of the United Nations. UNRWA has been operating for 75 years. This is unprecedented in the history of the United Nations, she told The Independent.

Mr Fowler said that despite the difficulties UNRWA remains absolutely committed to stay and deliver.

We will not stop. Were not bowing down to this. But, we do know that the practical impacts and the uncertainty mean that our operations could be substantially affected, he added in his statement.

In a briefing a day before the ban was set to come into place, David Mencer, a spokesperson for the Israeli government, claimed that UNRWA was only responsible for 0.6 per cent of Gazas humanitarian aid, despite the fact that the UN itself says UNRWA is responsible for well over half.

Mr Mencer also echoed several accusations that have been repeatedly made by Israel against the UN agency that it was involved in terrorism, which the UN denies.

Israel says UNRWA staff took part in Hamass bloody 7 October attacks on southern Israel, in which around 1,200 people were killed and another 250 taken hostage. Israels retaliatory air and ground offensive inside Gaza has killed more than 47,000 Palestinians according to the enclaves health ministry.

The UN has said that nine UNRWA staff may have been involved and were fired. A Hamas commander in Lebanon  killed in September by Israel  was also reportedly found to have had a UNRWA job.

The UN has vowed to investigate all accusations made and has said that Israel has provided no evidence despite being asked repeatedly. Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner general of UNRWA, who has warned a ban on UNRWA would heighten instability and deepen despair as well as undermine a ceasefire in Gaza, said this week that UNRWA has been the target of a fierce disinformation campaign to portray the agency as a terrorist organisation.

Since October 2023, we have delivered two-thirds of all food assistance, provided shelter to over a million displaced persons, and vaccinated a quarter of a million children against polio, Mr Lazzarini told the Security Council on Tuesday.

Since the ceasefire began, UNRWA has brought in 60 per cent of the food entering Gaza, reaching more than half a million people. We conduct some 17,000 medical consultations every day, he said.

Israels most powerful ally the US, under president Donald Trump, has welcomed the restrictions.

The acting US ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Shea, told the Security Council this week that the US supports Israels sovereign right to close UNRWAs offices in Jerusalem adding that UNRWA was exaggerating the effects of the laws.

Suggesting that they will force the entire humanitarian response to halt is irresponsible and dangerous, she added.

US funding to UNRWA was suspended last year until March 2025 after Israel accused 12 of the agencys 13,000 employees in Gaza of participating in the 7 October attack.

The UN has repeatedly said there is no alternative to UNRWA, which supports nearly 6 million Palestinians across the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. The UN has also said that it would be Israels responsibility to replace its services.

Israel has rejected UN claims that it would be responsible for filling any gap left by UNRWA.
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The first air crash of 2025 involving a passenger jet has taken place in Washington DC. An American Airlines regional jet carrying 64 people was on the approach to Ronald Reagan National Airport when it collided in mid-air with an Army Black Hawk helicopter on Wednesday evening. Both aircraft crashed into the Potomac River.

All 67 people on board both aircraft are feared dead. The National Transportation Safety Board posted on X (formerly Twitter): NTSB has launched a go-team to the aviation accident involving a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 airplane and a Sikorsky H-60 military helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

All flights in and out of Reagan National have been paused until at least 11am on Thursday.

What is the airport situation in Washington DC?

Most international flights to the US capital arrive at Dulles airport, 20 miles west of the city centre. Other flights from abroad touch down at Baltimore Washington, 30 miles north east.

Ronald Reagan National airport is most unusual. It opened in 1941 very close to the centre of Washington  the northern perimeter is just three miles south of the White House. Being so close, the airport is popular with many travellers: the management says: Our Runway 01/19 is the busiest in the country.

In normal operations, the airport handles up to 60 flights per hour. The stipulation is that mainline airlines have a maximum of 37 flights; commuter jets, 11; private aircraft 12.

The airport says: All aircraft movements are solely controlled through the FAA National Airspace System, including the design and implementation of flight procedures and corridors.

As a result of the proximity to the heart of government, air-traffic control is taken extremely seriously. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001  which included a plane being flown into the Pentagon  the airport was closed for 23 days.

What do we know about the aircraft involved?

It was a CRJ-701ER commuter jet operated by PSA Airlines. The type has not been involved in any previous fatal accidents.

PSA is a subsidiary of American Airlines which operates smaller aircraft on regional flights  a standard arrangement among big US carriers.

The aircraft was 20 years old and fitted with 65 seats. It normally carries two pilots and two cabin crew, which was the case with flight AA5342.

Before the crash, the plane had operated a typical busy schedule on Wednesday: flying in from Greenville-Spartanburg in the morning, making a round-trip to Cleveland and another flight to Wichita.

How common are mid-air collisions?

Thankfully, they are extremely rare. On average there has been one per year so far this century, most of them involving small private aircraft and/or helicopters.

All pilots and air-traffic controllers are focused on avoiding other traffic in the skies. All large passenger aircraft are equipped with a traffic collision avoidance system, known as TCAS. If a potential threat is identified, the system will issue a resolution advisory. Typically one aircraft will be instructed to climb and the other told to descend. Pilots are required to perform the manoeuvre specified by the resolution advisory even if it conflicts with instructions from air-traffic controllers.

The Washington tragedy involved a military helicopter, which has very different operational characteristics from a fixed-wing aircraft. It is not known if it was fitted with TCAS, but in any case the system is inhibited when aircraft are very close to the ground.

What will investigators be examining?

National Transportation Safety Board investigators will be studying in immense detail the sequence of events that led up to the tragedy.

In many accidents, a sequence of unlikely and unexpected events combine to cause a crash.

There has been much speculation, including from President Trump, about the possible causes. Much of this is unhelpful and distressing.

An American helicopter instructor and former CRJ pilot, Philip Greenspun, has posted some thoughts about what might have gone wrong.

He writes: A review of the ATC [air-traffic control] recording shows that there was plenty of room for human error.

Dr Greenspun suggests that the Black Hawk pilots may have said that they could see the approaching aircraft while actually looking at a different plane.

The most plausible explanation is that the Black Hawk crew and DCA Tower were talking about two different airliners (ie, talking past each other), he writes.

There were some excellent humans with excellent training in the airliner, in the Tower, and in the Black Hawk. Everyone was operating in the most restrictive low-altitude airspace (Class B) that we have in the US and under time-tested rules that have ensured safety despite congestion.

At the same time, however, we have the limitations of a natural language (English) and the human brain, which may latch onto and commit to the first plausible airliner that it sees.

During the current closure of Reagan National airport, what is happening to flights?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a notice reading: The Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) was closed as of 29 January at 9pm EST. The date/time when the airport is expected to reopen is 30 January at 11pm.

After the accident, dozens of flights diverted to airports including Washington Dulles, Baltimore Washington, Philadelphia, Charlotte, Richmond and Pittsburgh.

Planned arrivals from New York La Guardia, Chicago OHare and Miami returned to their starting points.

Flights due to operate to and from the airport on Thursday morning are mainly cancelled or rescheduled to depart after 11am.

Is flying getting more dangerous?

With three fatal events involving passenger jets in five weeks, it is understandable that some people will conclude that risks are increasing.

In fact, this decade is so far much safer than any previous spell. The three crashes have had entirely different causes, all of which are extremely rare:

Azerbaijan Airlines, shot down by Russian anti-aircraft fire over Grozny on Christmas Day. It was the first flight tragedy involving a passenger jet in 2024.

Jeju Air, four days later, crashed in circumstances that have yet to be fully explained but which appear to have involved a bird strike.

American Airlines, a mid-air collision in busy airspace.

Lessons will be learnt from all of these tragedies and will contribute to future air safety.

The UK and Ireland have the best air-safety records in the world. The last fatal accident involving a British passenger jet was in the 1980s  the Kegworth disaster.

The safest airline worldwide by passengers flown without a fatal accident is Ryanair, with easyJet in second place.
Audio from air traffic control during a crash between an American Airlines passenger plane and a military helicopter in Washington DC on Wednesday, 28 January has been released.

The regional jet carrying 64 people collided mid-air with an Army Black Hawk helicopter before both aircraft crashed down into the Potomac River.

"Did you see that?" was heard on air traffic control during the incident.

All 67 people on board both aircraft are feared dead, Kansas Senator Roger Marshall said Wednesday night.
The National Transportation Safety Board promised to leave no stone unturned in its investigation into the fatal collision between the Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday night.

Board member J. Todd Inman fought back tears during a press conference today (30 January) as he pledged to find out what happened for the families of the victims.

Mr Inmans voice cracked as he expressed his heartfelt sorrow to those impacted by the crash.

He said: We will help find out what happened, we will do it factually and we will do it accurately.
Marking Holocaust Memorial Day on Monday, the Auschwitz Memorial X account posted that Auschwitz was at the end of a long process. It did not start from gas chambers. This hatred was gradually developed by humans  Auschwitz took time.

I am thinking about this even more after reading Kirsten Millers satirical novel Lula Deans Little Library of Banned Books. People dont just suddenly become evil overnight. It needs to be encouraged, nurtured, allowed  communal.

One character in Millers book that particularly struck me is a Hollywood actor who has found success playing stereotypical Southern roles (the evil sheriff, the evil prison guard, etc) and who finds further fame by saying out loud what certain right-wing people find exhilarating on social media. He wants power  and this is how he will get it. But even he eventually baulks after encountering the real-world acolytes of the words he doesnt believe. Such consequences are a fairytale ending. We are seeing in real time the effects of people leaning into stories they dont believe to achieve power and hold on to it and the seeming powerlessness of others to change these stories with the truth.

Caroline Kennedy, daughter of JFK and the former US ambassador to Japan and Australia, has taken the unprecedented upper-class step of airing dirty family laundry in public and sending a letter to the Senate laying out the total unsuitability of her cousin, Robert F Kennedy Jr for office, let alone the health secretary position that he has angled for since dropping out of the presidential race where he ran as an independent, and handing his 6 per cent vote share to Trump.

People have called RFK Jrs habits weird  a little too generously, one feels. Caroline Kennedy recalls that her cousin would show off blending up baby chicks and mice to feed his birds of prey (one assumes that the prey was dead  a pet shop providing live food is a new level of weird). This is both a power play to those forced to watch and the sign of a terrible bird handler: who feeds a hawk pureed food?

Similarly weird: his freezer of roadkill (the man lives in LA, for heavens sake); discussing how a worm ate part of his brain; and his picking up a dead bear cub while hiking in New York state and later dumping it in Central Park  a 10-year mystery until the New Yorker published the story in a profile on Kennedy Jr.

In her letter, Caroline Kennedy describes her cousin as being addicted to attention and power ( Reuters/Getty )

Treating animals as things is one step from treating humans as things. And this is the truly sickening nature of much of modern politics.

In her letter, Caroline Kennedy describes Kennedy Jr as being addicted to attention and power and that he preys on the desperation of parents of sick children  vaccinating his own children while building a following by hypocritically discouraging other parents from vaccinating theirs.

Indeed, over the course of a decade, Kennedy Jr has gone from publicly declaring that he had vaccinated all six of his children to saying that no vaccine is safe and effective. He has repeatedly shared false information about Covid-19 and shared conspiracy theories with such inspired ardour that their accompanying charts look credible to the casual eye.

This hypocrisy from public figures, let alone politicians, is lethal. It is a slow and malevolent creep from the days of Hollywood stars crediting a line-free face on drinking lots of water. Unregulated social media, coupled with news reporting, has allowed objectively mad and unacceptable fringe views  and behaviour  to go unchallenged to the point that they become mainstream. Look at the new defence secretary.

RFK Jr may no longer be a drug taker but his behaviour shows that he is far from sober. Caroline Kennedy credits her cousin for pulling himself out of illness and disease but notes that this wasnt the case for siblings and cousins who Bobby encouraged down the path of substance abuse [and who] suffered addiction, illness, and death while Bobby has gone on to misrepresent, lie, and cheat his way through life.

This has serious ramifications for the future. The powerful wont suffer for the lies they tell  Trump and Musk were quite casually stretching the truth on X about the mission to bring back the Nasa astronauts, which was planned by the Biden administration and well underway when they claimed the team had been abandoned. Whether in sacrificing healthcare or fearing the wider world, it will be the people who suffer; the people who are trampled on in the quest for control.

As the old saying goes, a lie can travel halfway around the world before the truth has had time to get its boots on. Lies are sexy. That doesnt stop the truth from being important  and the need to remember the past, and how we got there, is just as crucial.
The residential park generates all-year-round income from renting out its 285 pitches to caravan owners

An unusual investment opportunity has come to the market this week in the form of Bettystown Caravan Park in Co Meath.

Agents CBRE are quoting a guide price in excess of 4m on behalf of the vendors, the McDonough family, who have owned and operated the park since 1979.

Unlike many caravan parks which accommodate holiday makers, this is a residential park which generates all-year-round income from renting out its 285 pitches to caravan owners, many of whom live there throughout the year.

The park is easily accessible due to its central location in the heart of Bettystown village. The property is only 300m from the seafront at Bettystowns sandy beach which stretches 5km from Mornington, bordering Co Louth, to Laytown in Co Meath. The train station at Laytown is located only 2.5km away with hourly train services serving Dublin city centre and the nearby town of Drogheda.

There are also bus services to Dublin city centre.

Dublin Airport is located 30 minutes south of the park and easily accessed via the M1.

Although the 11-acre (4.45 hectare) site is surrounded on three sides by residential developments, including four-storey apartment buildings on one side, it is not considered to have development potential in the near future because of the nature of the tenancies with the caravan owners.

Nevertheless, John Hughes of CBRE points out that its attractions include the scarcity of residential caravan parks on the island of Ireland.

The park benefits from consistently high occupancy and provides a secure income in a market with resilient macroeconomic drivers, he adds.

The business is being offered for sale to allow the owners to focus on other business ventures.
There is still time to act  from getting to grips with tax to exploring markets open to EU trade

Donald Trumps tariff plans havent been fully revealed yet, but it has been flagged he is not a fan of trade surpluses. Photo: Bloomberg

As US president Donald Trump begins his second term, all eyes here are on the likely impact of his aggressive America First trade policy on Ireland.

The flurry of executive orders issued since his arrival in office makes clear that he intends to vigorously pursue a policy of tariffs and trade barriers.

For Ireland, a country that has seen its trade with the US soar in recent years, the implications will be significant.

The US is now Irelands largest export market, valued at almost 60bn. We ship more to the US than we do to the EU. Most of our exports to the US are in pharmaceuticals and chemicals, two critical sectors for the Irish economy.

Any shift in US trade policy will therefore bring huge risks for Irish-based businesses.

Unfortunately, Trumps America First policy comes against a backdrop of growing global trade tensions. As a member of the EU, Ireland is already embroiled in disputes with China.

We are still dealing with the aftermath of the UKs post-Brexit trade adjustments, as well as facing growing protectionism around the world.

Its been said many times before, but its still just as true: Ireland is a small open economy, and we are uniquely exposed to geopolitical shifts.

We simply must be prepared to respond to them, or face the consequences.

The specific details of Trumps tariff plans havent been revealed yet. However, we do have some early indications of how his administration plans to tackle trade deficits.

Proposals include a 25pc import tax on goods from Canada and Mexico. Import duties on Chinese imports could be as high as 60pc, pending ongoing investigations into the countrys business practices.

But at this point we dont have any specific details about what might be in store elsewhere.

The risk for Ireland lies in whether the US decides to apply its America First trade policy to the EU, and whether we are also targeted directly.

Trump is no fan of trade surpluses, and Ireland has a very healthy goods surplus with the US. Many in his administration have also been critical of our corporate tax regime.

The key question now for Irish exporters is: how best to respond?

You cannot afford to take a wait-and-see approach, because the environment and the risks are evolving rapidly. Although many aspects of trade policy remain uncertain, there are nevertheless a few critical actions that Irish firms should prioritise immediately.

Firstly, you need to find out what impact potential US tariffs would have on your business, ideally by doing a comprehensive risk assessment. How would a 10pc or 20pc duty affect sales to the US? How would it affect pricing and profitability?

You also need to scrutinise your export contracts to see who has responsibility for import duties or any increased costs and whether they could be absorbed within existing agreements.

Then take a close look at your supply lines. Do any of your components come from countries which are likely to face higher tariffs from the US? If so, consider whether they will retain their country of origin as that represents a serious risk. Considering alternative suppliers would help mitigate these issues.

Finally, ensure you know the detail of how customs and tariffs are being applied. It might be possible to cut costs by ensuring that goods are correctly classified for tariff purposes and that tariffs are being applied at the correct rate. You can also explore options such as tariff engineering.

Businesses in the pharmaceutical sector currently benefit from a 0pc duty under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Pharma Agreement  but will the US continue to abide by this agreement? We know Trump has little time for the WTO.

So, those are just a few of the steps you should take  but it doesnt end there.

From now on, all Irish companies need to take a much more strategic approach to the risk posed by tariffs. Over the next few months we will see Trump and his team fleshing out their America First trade policy. There is still time to prepare for the worst, and avoid costly disruptions later.

Unfortunately, Irish companies could also be facing risks from another direction  our allies in the EU. Its possible that the European Commission may decide to take retaliatory measures in response to tariffs from the US.

For this reason, you should seriously consider opening up new opportunities in other markets such as Asia and Latin America in order to reduce reliance on the US market. The EU has a wide range of trade agreements with other territories, the biggest one of late being the agreement with Mercosur, albeit this is still awaiting ratification.

Our Government and industry bodies also have a crucial role to play in helping businesses navigate the uncertain landscape ahead. There have been many reports of an Irish diplomatic offensive in the US, which is welcome. However, Ireland must continue to engage with US policymakers to highlight the mutual benefits of trade, and to seek fair treatment under any new trade regime.

We face significant challenges ahead, but they are not insurmountable. Irish exporters have shown repeatedly that they are resilient and adaptable. With careful planning, they can continue to thrive in a changing global trade landscape. The key to success will be preparation, diversification, and a keen understanding of the rapidly evolving trade environment.

Carol Lynch is a partner at BDO Customs and International Trade Services
The businessman Daire Hickey has resigned from the RTE board, after almost four years service.

In a statement today, the station said that Mr Hickey had written to the new arts and media minister, Patrick ODonovan, to notify him of his resignation.

In a post on LinkedIn, Mr Hickey said that having started his career as a researcher on Saturday Night With Miriam in 2007, it had been a great honour to serve as a director of the station during what had been a transformative period.

His time on the board coincided with one of the biggest crises in RTEs history, starting with the revelation in the summer of 2023 that some 345,000 in previously undisclosed payments had been made to presenter Ryan Tubridy.

The then director general, Dee Forbes, was asked to resign by the boards chairwoman, and later stepped down. RTE directors were called before Oireachtas committees on several occasions to face questions about the use of barter accounts, and also about approval for Toy Show  The Musical, which turned out to be a commercial flop.

Daire Hickey

Today's News in 90 seconds - 30th January 2025

Mr Hickeys term was due to run until July 2026. A former journalist, he is a co-founder of the Web Summit with Paddy Cosgrave, although the two subsequently fell out and are now in litigation against each other. The case is due to be heard by the High Court in March.

Mr Hickey is also a founder of the PR firm 150Bond, which has 30 staff based in New York and Dublin and works with a number of venture capitalists. He recently joined the board of Omos, which is establishing a restaurant, guesthouse and farm in Abbeyleix. It was founded by the chef Cuan Greene.

In his statement, Mr Hickey said: Public service broadcasting has never been more important - as a trusted source of news, a platform for Irish storytelling, and a champion of our culture and creative community. These past years have only deepened my conviction about RTE's vital role in our society.

Alas, there's a limit to how many plates one can spin. Mark and I welcomed our son Finn on December 27th, 150Bond is growing faster than ever, and I've recently joined the board of Omos, which is set for an exciting year. With a few other projects on the horizon that will need my attention, I've made the difficult decision to step down.

Being based in New York, I certainly won't miss those 5am virtual board meetings - although I may have just swapped them for 5am feeds.

Terence ORourke, the chairman of RTE, said: Daire has been a member of the RTE board through some of the most challenging years in the organisations history. He has taken the decision now to stand down to concentrate on other commitments. We thank him for his service.

The director general Kevin Bakhurst posted: Well miss your contribution hugely Daire - thank you for your insights and huge commitment. Best of luck and all good wishes to you, Mark and Finn - and with the growing businesses.
Michael OLeary says Ryanair is learning from the online travel agents it has long disparaged

Airline plans to use AI to boost sales of ancillary services

Michael O'Leary of Ryanair. Photo: PA

John Mulligan Thu 30 Jan 2025 at 03:30

Ryanair is learning from online travel agents how to better sell ancillary services, as the airline fully embraces the companies it has disparaged for years.
Donald Trumps AI tsar has claimed there is substantial evidence that Chinas low-cost chatbot DeepSeek copied some of the technology developed by US rival OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT.

David Sacks, the US presidents AI and cryptocurrency adviser, said the Chinese upstart may have trained its technology by sucking knowledge out of OpenAIs model in a method known as distilling.

The technique, which essentially allows AI models to become much more advanced by using learnings from other models, would mark a breach of OpenAIs intellectual property.

Mr Sacks, who did not provide any evidence to support his claim, told Fox News it was possible that intellectual property theft had occurred.

He added: I dont think OpenAI is very happy about this.

OpenAI told the Financial Times on Wednesday that there was some evidence of distillation, which is banned by its terms of service. It prohibits companies from copying its services or using output to develop models that compete with OpenAI.

The Silicon Valley company has previously claimed Chinese companies were seeking to copy its technology, saying: We know [China]-based companies  and others  are constantly trying to distil the models of leading US AI companies.

It has pledged to work with the US government to stop rivals unfairly copying its technology.

Mr Sacks said: I think one of the things youre going to see over the next few months is our leading AI companies taking steps to try and prevent distillation ... That would definitely slow down some of these copycat models.

DeepSeeks debut sent shock waves through the technology industry after its app soared to top of smartphone download charts around the world.

The AI was the first Chinese model of comparable ability to those developed by US companies such as OpenAI, Google and Meta. However, its developers claimed to have created the chatbot at a fraction of the cost of US rivals and using far less computing power.

Experts have described it as a Sputnik moment for AI, referencing the Russian rocket that shocked the West and triggered the space race between Washington and Moscow in the 1960s.

The DeepSeek release plunged US markets into turmoil earlier this week amid concerns that heavy spending by American companies on AI had failed to give them a head-start on the technology.

Almost $600bn was wiped off the value of US chip giant Nvidia on Monday amid a wider sell-off, although tech stocks did stage a recovery on Tuesday.

On Wednesday White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that US officials were looking at the national security implications of DeepSeeks apparent breakthrough.

The US navy has reportedly told staff not to use the DeepSeek app, citing potential security and ethical concerns associated with the models origin and usage.

DeepSeek did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

It came as an AI researcher and safety officer at ChatGPT creator OpenAI has quit the company, saying he is pretty terrified by the current pace of artificial intelligence.

Steven Adler, who has worked at the California-based company since March 2022  eight months before the launch of ChatGPT  revealed that he was stepping down amid concerns about the trajectory of AI development.

Honestly Im pretty terrified by the pace of AI development these days, he said.

When I think about where Ill raise a future family, or how much to save for retirement, I cant help but wonder: Will humanity even make it to that point?

In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Mr Adler referenced the race towards creating artificial intelligence that meets or exceeds human-level intelligence, known as artificial general intelligence (AGI).

OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman has consistently stated that achieving AGI is his objective, but in a way that benefits all of humanity.

Some leading AI researchers have warned that once AGI or superintelligence is achieved, then humans will no longer be able to control it.

A survey of AI researchers in 2022 found that the majority believed that the chance of AGI leading to an existential catastrophe for humanity was at least 10 per cent.

News of Mr Adlers departure from OpenAI comes just days after Chinese startup DeepSeek released an AI model that rivals ChatGPT and others produced by US tech firms, which has redefined the global AI race.

An AGI race is a very risky gamble, with huge downside, Mr Adler said.

No lab has a solution to AI alignment [ensuring AIs objectives match those of humans]. And the faster we race, the less likely that anyone finds one in time.

Today, it seems like were stuck in a really bad equilibrium. Even if a lab truly wants to develop AGI responsibly, others can still cut corners to catch up, maybe disastrously. And this pushes all to speed up. I hope labs can be candid about real safety regs needed to stop this.
The Apprentice: Irish candidate Jordan Dargan talks Lord Sugar, his big business idea and why hes not worried about looking like an eejit on TV

Animation entrepreneur Jordan Dargan chats about taking part in The Apprentice, growing up a mixed-race boy in Castleknock and why hes excited to be in this year's line up of entrepreneurs

Dubliner Jordan Dargan. Photo: BBC/Naked/Ray Burmiston

Chrissie Russell Thu 30 Jan 2025 at 03:30

Since he was seven years old, Dubliner Jordan Dargan has sat down with his family every year to tune into The Apprentice. And theyll be watching together again this year, just with one major twist.
Poland is targeting companies importing Russian fertilisers, in a bid to prevent the European Union from developing another dependency on Moscow for a key resource.

The country's tax authority has so far identified and penalised companies responsible for 70% of imports of Belarusian urea, a widely-used fertiliser, Deputy Finance Minister Zbigniew Stawicki said. But despite close scrutiny, banning imports from Russia is more complicated, he added.
Judge says 'it is lambing seasons and dogs won't be chasing big sheep, they will be chasing baby sheep' as he issues bench warrant for attendance of dog owner in court
Michael Shaughnessy, from Tuam, Co Galway, examines the damage caused by Storm Eowyn to his farm shed, which was built in 1965. Photo: Ray Ryan

Insurers have advised farmers to reach out and check what damage is eligible under their policies.

Storm Eowyn brought record-breaking winds and unprecedented levels of damage. At its peak approximately 768,000 homes, farms and businesses were left without power.

Thousands of rotten ash trees and large areas of commercial forestry were toppled across the country, leaving a trail of destruction on public roads, power lines and private property.

Aviva has advised its customers to speak directly to their insurance broker in relation to their specific insurance requirements.

Customers have the option to select Full cover for their private dwelling house under an Aviva farm policy which includes storm cover, subject to acceptance, a spokesperson said.

In respect of outbuildings and sheds, customers have the option to select storm cover as an extension which is considered on a case-by-case basis.

Similarly, Zurich advises customers to check the terms and conditions of their policy or reach out to their financial advisor or to Zurich directly with any queries specific to their farm covers.

A range of covers are available, under our Farm Insurance offering (e.g. buildings, outbuildings, etc.), a spokesperson said.

We would encourage customers to check the specific cover that applies to their individual policy, which is specified on their policy schedule.

It comes as the Irish Forest Owners (IFO) called on the newly appointed Minister with responsibility for forestry, Michael Healy-Rae, to prioritise support for private forest owners whose forests were extensively damaged by storm Eoywn.

Yesterday, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon and Minister of State for Forestry, Horticulture and Farm Safety, Michael Healy-Rae announced invited key stakeholders to join Department officials on a taskforce to ensure that storm-damaged forests are managed safely and appropriately.

The IFO said farmers and forest owners must be given the opportunity to recover at least some value from their damaged crop.

All obstacles must be eliminated and we are calling for an amnesty on the requirement for a clearfell licence to remove windblown timber.

For a forest owner, seeing your years of investment being wiped out overnight is distressing enough, without the added burden of paying a forester to submit a licence application and then waiting months for a decision.

He also said there must be support to meet replanting obligations. This is the moment for the Forest Service to step up and demonstrate their commitment to forest owners by providing timely and fair action for those most affected.

The new taskforce will inform the Departments, and the wider sectors, response to the storms, with particular emphasis on dealing safely with the large areas of forest that have been blown down. This will include a plan around the prioritisation of felling licences in respect of storm damage, and an examination of any issues that arise in relation to the harvesting, haulage and sawmilling of the blown trees.

On ash dieback, experts have warned that unless urgent action is taken to address these hazardous trees, the damage and danger will only escalate with future storms.

Estimates suggest upwards of 80pc of Irelands ash population could succumb to the disease in the coming years. Pinpointing who is legally responsible for the hundreds of thousands of roadside trees has been described as the elephant in the room by those familiar with the issue.

New Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon said the Government is monitoring the fallout from Storm Eowyn very closely and it would be discussed at a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

The undermining of roadside trees from ash dieback or other diseases is a cause of concern, Mr Heydon said. But he added there is no proposal at present regarding supports for farmers, but he said it is something he would engage with other ministers on.

If there was a scheme down the line, it would take a lot of resources and where that funding would come from would take consideration. It is not something that the Department of Agricultures budget should be taking on on its own, if it was to be considered.
Why this Roscommon farmer is committed to preserving the Curlew

The three young Curlews were given a headstart by the State as part of the new European Innovation Partnership (EIP) which aims to support breeding waders whose numbers have fallen dramatically across the island of Ireland.

Lorna Siggins Thu 30 Jan 2025 at 03:30

Time stands still, no one breathes, as Mark Craven trains his telescope on a tall elegant bird moving behind a stone wall separating two of his fields.
People urged to be wary of bogus tradespeople and fraudulent calls

A house is seen with its roof missing after it was destroyed during Storm Eowyn, on Mweenish Island, Co Galway. Photo: Reuters

A drone view shows a damaged wind turbine that was blown over during Storm Eowyn in Inverin, Co Galway. Photo: Reuters

Approximately 76,000 homes, farms and businesses are still without power this evening as the clean-up following Storm Eowyn continues nationwide.

ESB Networks has restored supply to 692,000 customers after the storm caused extensive damage to properties and infrastructure nationwide.

285 skilled contractors from Austria, Finland, France and Great Britain are now on the ground in the worst impacted areas while further support is arriving from Germany, Netherlands and Norway over the coming days.

The ESB has said the storm caused unprecedented, widespread and extensive damage to electricity infrastructure.

The ESB has reiterated a message asking the public to exercise caution and said it had been made aware of several instances of potentially dangerous incidents where members of the public have unknowingly approached fallen electricity infrastructure, particularly in the worst-impacted areas of the country.

It also warned that fallen debris can prevent people from seeing hidden risks such as wires entangled into trees and branches.

If you come across fallen wires or damaged electricity network, never, ever touch or approach these as they are live and extremely dangerous, a spokesperson added.

Gardai are also warning the public to be vigilant with respect to bogus tradespeople and scam calls or texts related to Storm Eowyn. They are advising people to be careful with unannounced visitors to their home over the coming days.

Legitimate employees of state services will always have appropriate branded clothing and/or identification and will always be patient while you satisfy yourself as to a persons identity, gardai said.

Do not let a stranger into your house if you are not satisfied as to their identity, a garda spokesperson said. Legitimate tradespeople will not pressure you to make snap decisions on work that your premises may need.

They will always give you an opportunity to call them back when you have considered the service they offer.

Always discuss your decision with trusted family or neighbours before committing to any service and/or handing over any cash or deposit. Please be wary of engaging with anyone offering items such generators, chainsaws and power washers for sale door-to-door or in public places, such as car parks, as these items could be of very poor quality, not quality controlled and not fit for purpose or worse; stolen or faulty.

Gardai are also requesting that if you are aware of family, friends or neighbours who you have not heard from or who may be isolated, or continue to be in a vulnerable situation, please make contact with An Garda Siochana or another appropriate service.

Do not assume that somebody else has, the spokesperson said.

A drone view shows a house with its roof missing after it was destroyed during Storm Eowyn, on Mweenish Island. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

Meanwhile, 7,500 properties remain without water supply, according to Uisce Eireann, with the north-west of the country the worst-affected area.

Generators are maintaining water supply to a further 120,000 people and progress is expected to be made today to restore supply to more areas.

Our priority now is to ensure the restoration of electricity to our plants and pumping stations that are running on generators or remain without power because connection to a generator is simply not possible, Uisce Eireanns head of operations Margaret Attridge said.

We understand the impact that prolonged loss of water supply has on our customers. In areas where water supply has been out for longer periods, our teams are providing alternative water supplies and we currently have 50 locations around the country where alternative supplies are in place.

The public are being asked to conserve water where possible.

In its latest update, An Post listed 20 post offices that remain closed due to power outages, with post offices in counties Cavan, Clare, Galway, Mayo and Sligo among those affected. A list of alternative post offices where social welfare payments can be collected is available on the An Post website.

Among those counting their blessings following Storm Eowyn are University of Limerick (UL) Professor Neil Robinson and his wife, fellow UL academic Dr Maura Adshead.

The house of Neil and Maura Robinson in Castleconnell, Co Limerick which was severely damaged by the falling of a large tree during last Friday morning's storm. Pic: Don Moloney

A beech tree collapsed on to their house in Castleconnell, Co Limerick, early last Friday morning, coming within inches of killing Prof Robinson. Dr Adshead was saved from the worst of the impact only because she had left the couples bed due to her husbands snoring.

The falling debris came down on Dr Adsheads side of the bed and narrowly missed her husband, who described their escape as a bit of a miracle.

She would have been very severely injured, if not killed, Prof Robinson said.

A crane began moving the 40-tonne tree from their house, which has been extensively damaged, yesterday. Prof Robinson said: It could have been so much worse. Theres nothing that we have lost that is of any great worth.
The scientists' findings were published in the journal 'Nature'. Photo: Stock image

Patches of beating, lab-grown muscle sewn into failing hearts can keep patients alive for years while they wait for a transplant, scientists have shown.

In a major breakthrough, 15 patients suffering from heart failure  their hearts had stopped pumping effectively  were implanted with patches grown from stem cells.

The lab-grown living tissue integrated with their hearts and, within a few months, helped them pump more efficiently, the researchers said.

Charities said if larger trials continued to show improvement, it could usher in a new era of treatment for heart failure.

The patches, which are about the size of a business card, are similar to heart tissue from children aged between four and eight years old.

We are implanting young muscle into patients with heart failure, Professor Wolfram-Hubertus Zimmermann, a heart specialist at the University Medical Centre Gottingen in Germany, said.

We have treated 15 patients now and we have data that the patients are living for years with these patches. It is clear now that you can add muscle to the failing heart.

The muscle is contractile and our hypothesis is it contributes to the contractile performance of the heart. This translates into the pumping enhancement of the whole heart.

Doctors hope to use the patches to give patients more time until a heart transplant becomes available.

Currently, 99pc of people with advanced heart failure will die while waiting for a donor organ.

The patches are grown from pluripotent stem cells, which can become any cell in the body.

Scientists place these cells in conditions which coax them into becoming beating heart cells, known as cardiomyocytes, as well as connective tissue. The two cell types are then placed together in a collagen gel, where they self-organise into beating tissue.

The patches are around 5cm by 10cm, and are stitched on to regions of the heart which are not beating effectively, such as over scar tissue.

Over three to six months, blood vessels from the heart migrate to the tissue, which then helps to support the heart in pumping.

Professor Ingo Kutschka, director of cardiac surgery at Gottingen, said: Patients with severe heart failure have only a short life expectancy when drug therapeutics fail.

We now have a lab-grown biological transplant available which has the potential to stabilise and strengthen the heart muscle. Effective heart muscle restoration could be achieved.

For me, as a cardiac surgeon, it is a great pleasure to be part of such an innovative and groundbreaking project.

Details of the research were published in the journal Nature. ( Telegraph Media Group Holdings Ltd)
Irish Defence Forces corporal jailed in 6.6m money-laundering case worked for The Family drugs gang

Father of two was ideal for crime group as he had no convictions

Richard Kearney was jailed for three years

Ken Foy and Sonya McLean Thu 30 Jan 2025 at 03:30







An Irish Defence Forces corporal convicted for his role in a 6.6m money-laundering operation was working on behalf of The Family gang, the Irish Independent can reveal.
No justice  family of student hit-and-run victim Joe Drennan disgusted by killers jail sentence

The young Laois man was killed after he was struck at a bus stop by speeding car being driven by gangland criminal Kieran FogartyFogarty, who tried to wipe evidence from the car, was given six-and-a-half-year sentence to run concurrent with another one from a separate incident

Joe Drennan's family speak to the media outside Limerick Circuit Court. Photo: Brendan Gleeson

David Raleigh Thu 30 Jan 2025 at 19:17

The family of a student hit-and-run victim said they were disgusted by his killers sentence of six and half years, after a judge said it would run concurrent to another sentence imposed on the driver for firing a gun in a separate incident.
Tears and screams in court as young mothers among dozens of squatters who are told they will be jailed  before it emerges they were held illegally
Tesco has been ordered to pay 40,000 after an utterly bizarre and disingenuous move to present an occupational health consultants report as a medical opinion when it dismissed a supermarket worker on long-term sick leave.

The award, made at the maximum of the Workplace Relations Commissions (WRC) jurisdiction in the case, was on foot of a complaint under the Employment Equality Act 1998 by Karen Rice against Tesco Ireland Ltd in a decision released today.
Organiser of lucrative driver theory test scam flees the country

Mans ex-partner one of two people to plead guilty in case

Stock image

Ken Foy and Eimear Dodd Thu 30 Jan 2025 at 03:30

The main organiser of a lucrative scam in which two people yesterday admitted fraudulently sitting driver theory tests for others has fled the country.
LATEST | John George: Spanish police hunt for black BMW used by suspected gunman in murder

Spanish police believe suspect abandoned vehicle in nearby street under canvas cover

John George

Allison Morris Thu 30 Jan 2025 at 08:35

A car used by the suspected gunman who killed Belfast man John George is now being actively sought by the Spanish police.
Opposition parties have strongly rejected the Governments proposal to solve the Dail speaking time controversy.

Yesterday, the Dail reform committee met to consider the Governments draft amendments, which were presented to committee members.

Opposition TDs in attendance at the committee meeting described it as deeply disappointing.

At short notice, the Government came forward with what is effectively the same proposal as they unsuccessfully tried to ram through two weeks ago. They made no attempt to discuss with opposition groups in advance to find a compromise, People Before Profits Paul Murphy said.

Mr Murphy said the Government Chief Whip Mary Butler and government TDs  were insistent that the [Michael] Lowry group will not be treated as the government backbench TDs that they are.

This is clearly about fulfilling a dirty deal with Lowry as well as undermining the ability of the opposition to hold the government to account. We cannot compromise on the principle that government backbench TDs cannot be treated as opposition TDs, Mr Murphy said.

Over five hours after the committee began, the meeting concluded last night without an agreement and will resume today to consider the issue further.

Labour TD Duncan Smith said the proposal, that would see the Regional Independent Group (RIG) granted time during Leaders Questions, was unacceptable.

Deeply frustrating meeting in which the Government seem committed to ensuring Michael Lowry and his group can have Leaders and Priority Questions. This remains unacceptable. Hopefully we can make progress tomorrow, Mr Smith said.

A government source said opposition would not accept a compromise proposal put forward by government.

The Governments compromise ensured there would be no reduction in opposition speaking time, they said.

Meanwhile, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald described the Governments response as total arrogance and said that her party wont stand for it.

Another stroke being proposed by Fianna Fail and Fine Gael to allow Michael Lowry to sit on opposition benches. You cannot be in government and opposition, Ms McDonald wrote on X.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald. Photo: Getty

Today's News in 90 seconds - 30th January 2025

This is an insulting response to what was agreed in the Dail last week. Total arrogance on the back of their grubby deal. We wont stand for it.

Earlier, Social Democrats deputy leader Cian OCallaghan said the Government are doubling down on stroke politics.

The draft proposal from the Government will see the Independent TDs in the group recognised as an informal technical grouping of unaligned members.

This group may not include a member who is a minister or minister of state, according to the proposed wording.

In this regard Standing Orders shall be amended to allocate additional time for Leaders Questions and Priority Questions. There will be no reduction in the allocation of time to any party/group, it said.

The RIG is made up of Michael Lowry, Sean Canney, Kevin Boxer Moran, Noel Grealish, Marian Harkin, Barry Heneghan, and Gillian Toole.

Independent TD Michael Lowry has demanded that he and three RIG colleagues, who support the Government, be recognised as an opposition group for speaking time.

The proposal would see the wording be included as a sessional order, meaning the decision would be taken just for the 34th Dail.

The additional time being given for Leaders Questions will provide for the allocation of time to the informal grouping of unaligned members known as the Regional Group, the draft wording outlined.
Former justice minister Michael McDowell SC becomes first member elected to 27th Seanad

Independents Michael McDowell, Ronan Mullen and Alice Mary Higgins have all been re-elected to the Seanad.

Mr McDowell was the first to be elected in the National University of Ireland (NUI) panel, with 11,390 first-preference votes.

Out of a valid poll of 36,114, the NUI panel had a quota of 9,029.

Mr McDowell said he was very grateful to be returning to Seanad.

Outgoing senators Mr Mullen and Ms Higgins were re-elected on the eighth count.

It means all three candidates on the NUI panel have held their seats.

A recount will take place on Friday for the final seat in the University of Dublin (TCD) Seanad election after just 31 votes separated Green Party councillor Hazel Chu and entrepreneur Aubrey McCarthy on the 15th and final count.

Mr McCarthy had 3,741 votes while Ms Chu ended the last count with 3,710 votes following the distribution of former rugby international Hugo MacNeill's vote after his elimination on the 14th count.

The recount starts at 9.30 am,

On the Dublin University/Trinity College panel, incumbent Lynn Ruane topped the poll with 3,761 votes and was elected on the 11th count.

Former childrens minister Katherine Zappone, who was among the best-known of the candidates, was eliminated on the ninth count.

The counting process for the five vocational panels continued last night at Leinster House.

A total of 111 candidates are competing for 43 seats.

Counting began with the Cultural and Education panel yesterday and is expected to continue until Monday.

As soon as each panel is counted, the counting staff will move to the next panel.

Counting will begin at 9.30am each day and continue until around midnight.

All results will be posted on the Oireachtas website and social media sites.

The counting order of panels will be Cultural and Education; Agricultural; Labour; Industrial and Commercial; and Administrative. The vast majority of the public do not have a vote in the Seanad.

The Dails TDs, outgoing senators and local authority councillors make up the electorate for the 43 seats on the five vocational panels.

Graduates of NUI institutions and Trinity College Dublin vote for six seats.

The final 11 Seanad seats are appointed by Taoiseach Micheal Martin.

Among those running for a seat are Fine Gaels Alan Farrell, Fianna Fails Joe Flaherty, the Green Partys Malcolm Noonan, as well as Sinn Feins Conor Murphy and Pauline Tully.

Mr Murphy, who is the partys chief negotiator and Stormont Economy Minister, announced the surprise move last month.

The Newry and Armagh representative, who is running in the Industrial and Commercial panel, said that constitutional change is coming and that his experience will drive efforts for referenda and Irish reunification.

Other high-profile candidates include Frances Black, Restaurants Association of Ireland chief executive Adrian Cummins and former TD Cathal Berry.
HSE boss Bernard Gloster has been warned that a dispute over staffing could escalate as management strategy is unsafe and unsustainable.

In a letter to Mr Gloster, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) and Forsa officials said they had previously set out the significant mandate they had received from members to address the current unsafe approach to workplace planning by the HSE.

The letter comes after thousands of health service workers, including nurses, voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action in the row over an alleged staffing crisis last year.

Their unions have not yet revealed whether they will lodge notice of industrial action that could trigger a clash with the new Government.

The current public sector pay deal rules out any form of industrial action in furtherance of claims or proposals within or beyond this process.

Public servants are due a series of pay rises under the terms of the agreement. A 2pc increase or 1,000, whichever is greater, is the next increase that is due to be paid on March 1.

In the letter, the unions said their executive committees had met to progress the mandate received from members.

HSE chief Bernard Gloster. Photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Today's News in 90 seconds - 30th January 2025

Our members, who are working to provide frontline services at a time of great need, are clear that the current approach to staffing is unsafe and unsustainable, the letter, sent last Friday, said.

Plugging the gaps to the tune of over 750m in agency [staff] doesnt hide the reality of significant gaps in service.

They said it is of grave concern that the HSE allegedly believes this is an appropriate approach.

The severity of the impact of these staffing curtailments and the absolute necessity for effective and timely resolutions should not be underestimated to avoid escalation, the letter said.

The unions said they attempted to resolve the issue through talks and correspondence since recruitment embargoes were introduced in 2023 and last year.

They claimed the response from the HSE to date has not acknowledged or addressed staffing deficits. 

The unions said this was exemplified by a HSE decision to refuse Freedom of Information requests in relation to vacancies. We are now setting out the next steps, they said.

A HSE spokesperson said it acknowledges receipt of the joint correspondence from Forsa and the INMO to the HSE CEO. The spokesperson did not comment when asked if the HSE believed unions would be in breach of the pay deal if they took industrial action.

Mr Gloster said: We now have a clear view of the funding available for 2025.

He said agreement reached with the government last year in relation to the HSE Pay and Numbers Strategy enabled the HSE to stabilise its workforce numbers. He said it allowed it increase to 129,000 whole-time-equivalent staff by the end of last year, which was unprecedented.

We welcome the additional developments to be funded in 2025, which will add additional HSE staff to our overall workforce, he said.
Taoiseachs office insists misogyny was not a factor and that appointments were made based on suitability

Tanaiste Simon Harris TD and Taoiseach Micheal Martin with newly appointed junior ministers, of whom six out of 23 are women. Photo: Collins

The Government has defended itself against criticism after promised corrective action on gender balance failed to materialise in the appointment of junior ministers.

A spokesman for Taoiseach Micheal Martin said suitability had been assessed on a case-by-case basis, yet only six of the 23 newly appointed junior ministers are women.

The fact is that the electorate voted, and returned seven female TDs for Fianna Fail [out of 48], the spokesman said.

He denied he was blaming the electorate and said suitability for any role depended on a number of factors.

A spokesman for Tanaiste Simon Harris, having pointed out that Fine Gael had led on gender quotas for election candidates, refused to address the introduction of a gender quota at cabinet.

We are not here to make up policy on the hoof, he said, while admitting gender equality remains an ongoing issue.

Niamh Smyth, Emer Currie, Marian Harkin and Emer Higgins

New Junior Ministers announced but gender balance still cause for concern

Both spokesmen claimed to be unaware of any background briefings that suggested the junior minister announcements would be used to improve gender balance in the Government.

I know youre trying to make this out as misogyny, but there are all sorts or areas and aspects that make someone suitable, Mr Martins spokesman said.

The four women appointed junior ministers on Wednesday were Emer Higgins (Fine Gael), Jennifer Murnane OConnor (Fianna Fail), Marian Harkin (Regional Independent Group) and Niamh Smyth (Fianna Fail).

Ireland has the worst gender balance of parliaments in western Europe, with women making up only 25pc of TDs

Hildegarde Naughton is a super-junior minister who sits at cabinet and can speak but not vote. She has special responsibility for disability. She was appointed to her role last week.

Also appointed was Emer Currie (Fine Gael) as assistant to Government Chief Whip Mary Butler (Fianna Fail). Some maintain this role is not technically a ministry, but many regard it as a close equivalent.

There was outrage last week when the number of full cabinet ministers who are female fell from four to three, out of a total of 15. The are Helen McEntee (Fine Gael), Norma Foley (Fianna Fail) and Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Fine Gael), in charge of Education, Social Protection and Health respectively.

It was again indicated last night in political circles that there could be remedial action to tackle the gender imbalance at the highest levels of government with mention of Dail committee chair roles and the Taoiseachs 11 nominations to the Seanad as possible appointments used to narrow the gender gap.

He will deliver as much as he can, Mr Martins spokesman said.

New Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins said the Government continues to go backwards when it comes to gender balance.

She said the previous government also had six women juniors, but out of a complement of 20, not the new expanded number of 23.

Ireland has the worst gender balance of parliaments in western Europe, with women making up only 25pc of TDs, she said. Instead of being laggards in this area, we should be leaders.

By the time the committee chair gigs are doled out, we will have in excess of 50 TDs with government-sponsored jobs

Labours finance spokesman Ged Nash, speaking on RTEs Drivetime, said: What has this Government got against women? Its 2025, not 1955.

Fianna Fail and Fine Gael are prepared to spend at least an extra 1.5m a year of public money to keep Independents and their own TDs happy with new perks and positions.

This stroke by the Taoiseach, Tanaiste and their partner in government, Michael Lowry, has absolutely smashed the pre-crash record of 20 ministers of state.

By the time the committee chair gigs are doled out, we will have in excess of 50 TDs with government-sponsored jobs.

Donegal TD Charlie McConalogue, who was the only minister to be dropped from the Cabinet last week, was appointed as junior minister for sport.

Robert Troy, who resigned as junior enterprise minister in 2022 after failing to declare all his property dealings on the Dail register of members interests, has returned to the junior benches.

The Westmeath TD said at the time these were genuine errors and not an attempt to conceal anything.

Cork North-West TD for Fianna Fail Michael Moynihan, Cork TD Christopher OSullivan and Clare TD Timmy Dooley have also been promoted to junior ranks. Thomas Byrne and Niall Collins have been reappointed as junior ministers.

For Fine Gael, Cork South-Central TD Jerry Buttimer, former cathaoirleach of the Seanad; Dublin South West TD Colm Brophy; and Waterford TD John Cummins have been promoted junior ministers. Alan Dillon, Neale Richmond, Emer Higgins and Kieran ODonnell remain in junior ministerial positions.

The government nominees for the Leas Ceann Comhairle role is a joint bid between Fianna Fails John McGuinness and Fine Gaels Frank Feighan, who will rotate the role on November 16, 2027, roughly the same time Simon Harris will become Taoiseach.
New vessels will bring the quality and sophistication of our Edge Series Ocean ships to the most iconic rivers, Celebrity says

Bookings for Celebrity River Cruises are now available ahead of sailings in 2027

Celebrity Cruises is looking to replicate its luxury ocean cruise experience for passengers on the worlds top rivers.

The Royal Caribbean Group brand has ordered 10 ships to launch Celebrity River Cruises.

Destinations and itineraries havent yet been revealed, but Celebrity Cruises said it will sail through the heart of Europes culture and history and on the worlds most iconic rivers.

Bookings will open later this year and sailings will start in 2027.

The river cruise ships will have the same design as the current Edge series ocean ships.

Celebrity River Cruises will bring the quality and sophistication of our Edge series ocean ships to the most iconic rivers, starting with Europe, said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises.

Weve redefined travel on the ocean with our best-in-class hospitality, award-winning food and beverage experiences, and elevated design and style.

"We are thrilled to bring these experiences to the river and combine them with authentic, destination-rich itineraries that will give our guests an experience unlike any other.

Jason Liberty, president and chief executive of Royal Caribbean Group, which owns Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea, said: Were thrilled to announce our entry into the river cruise market through our Celebrity Cruises premium travel brand.

Our guests and travel partners should expect us to do what we do best  innovate and elevate the river cruise experience as we meet the growing demand for intimate, culturally enriching travel experiences.

Liberty highlighted research showing that half of the brands passengers have experienced or are intending to go on a river cruise.

He added: We know they will enjoy Celebritys elevated offering on the river.

By leveraging our valuable loyalty programmes across our brands, we will deepen customer engagement and further our ability to keep guests within our ecosystem of vacation offerings.

We are the best in the world at delivering the vacation of a lifetime, and this is the latest example of how we are building the capabilities to deliver a lifetime of vacations.
A new route to Rabat is one of 123 destinations in the airlines Summer 2025 schedule

Ryanair last week announced its 2025 summer schedule, with one new route set for take-off - to Rabat in Morocco.

The schedule sees a record 123 routes in total, as well as extra flights on 18 popular routes including Faro, Ibiza, Malta, Milan, and Valencia.

Rabat is Moroccos capital, set on the Atlantic coast about 90km north of Casablanca. The Dublin route will operate twice-weekly from March 31.

Ryanair has been growing its presence in Morocco, last year announcing its fourth base there in Tangier.

It already flies from Dublin Airport to Agadir and Marrakech; Aer Lingus last year launched its own direct flights to the latter.

Irish passengers should note that Morocco is in Africa, so travel insurance policies should cover worldwide travel, as opposed to simply travel in Europe.

Rabat, Morocco's capital. Photo: Getty

Today's News in 90 seconds - 30th January 2025

Almost all of Ryanairs network of 2,600 summer routes is now on sale, including 164 new routes across the network.

A 48-hour Pay Day sale is running to midnight on Thursday, offering one-way fares from 16.99, excluding extras.

Other new routes from Irish airports in 2025 include a new Ryanair flight from Shannon to Madeira, and Aer Lingus services from Dublin to Nashville and Cork to Bordeaux and Bilbao.

Ryanair said it was able to grow capacity at Dublin after an appeal to the High Court saw the airports passenger cap suspended for this summer.

It plans to increase its Dublin-based fleet to 34, including the addition of 14 new aircraft, and wants to boost its passenger numbers at Irish airports by more than a third to 30 million by 2030.

Chief executive, Eddie Wilson, said: "We will also be responding to DAAs reduced airport charges for next-gen aircraft by swapping 14 of our current Dublin-based aircraft for 14 new Boeing Gamechanger aircraft, which are more environmentally efficient, cutting CO2 emissions by 16pc and noise by 40pc.

This week, the airline reported a surge in profits for its third quarter, which ended on December 31, but cut its passenger growth target, blaming delays in the delivery of new Boeing jets.
The opinion piece recently (17 January) by Fionola Meredith (We need more than ad campaigns in the fight against paramilitaries) in the Belfast Telegraph referenced what she called the fight against paramilitaries. In it, Fionola accurately said: Paramilitary gangs will never be defeated by a glossy PR campaign.
Celebrating Gazas ceasefire last week, the father of an Israeli hostage said this was what victory looked like. It was an honourable take on what the 15-month war has been all about, and one that any parent would profoundly identify with. If only it were true.
Mary McCarthy: How Helen McEntee can make a life-changing difference to her fellow school-run mums

The gap between childrens finishing times eats into womens days and careers  its no wonder gender inequality in politics is an issue in Ireland

Education Minister Helen McEntee. Photo: Getty

Mary McCarthy Thu 30 Jan 2025 at 13:30

As the new Governments glaring gender imbalance continued to make headlines this week, one appointment might give hope to the mums feeling fatigued by the school run. At last we have a female Education Minister who might personally experience the upheaval caused by a lunchtime primary school pick-up and lack of after-school care.
According to Pythagoras, numbers rule the universe. They have also played quite a part in government formation as the surfeit of junior ministers demonstrates.

This is the largest government in the history of the State by dint of the fact it created three additional minister of state roles.

There are an unprecedented 23 such jobs, and 38 ministerial roles in all. They say there is safety in numbers, but perhaps you can push a good thing too far.

Sinn Fein certainly seems to think so. It has secured permission from the High Court to seek a judicial review, claiming the appointment of super-junior ministers is completely anti-democratic.

In allowing non-government ministers of state to sit at cabinet, it claimed the Government was acting contrary to the 15-person limit as set down in the Constitution. Most would accept some limit needs to apply. Can it simply be a prerogative of power to randomly appoint as many ministers as a political leader deems fit? Or simply to gratify the whims of prospective partners in pursuit of government formation? Clarity would be welcome.

There was also understandable concern about how few women there were in the Cabinet. No Government should have to be reminded that if equality is to become a reality, rather than an aspiration, women need far greater prominence in positions of power.

In the original cabinet line-up, only three out of 15 members were women. Of the 23 new ministers of state, only six are female. This is disappointingly few, as both of the bigger parties in the Coalition had signalled they intended improving the ratio of women in government through the junior minister ranks.

There are now fewer female cabinet ministers than there were even in the last cabinet

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said he would be working strong on gender balance, but six out of 23 is hardly ground-breaking. It is far below the 60:40 target ratio for gender balance sought in Irish electoral and parliamentary politics. It is rightly argued that gender equality is more than a goal in itself, it is a precondition of good governance.

This week, Mary Hanafin, who was once a senior Fianna Fail minister in cabinets between 2004 and 2011, expressed her disappointment that more women were not being given senior government roles.

Its not even that weve maintained the status quo, but there are now fewer female cabinet ministers than there were even in the last cabinet, she said.

A look at the make-up of both Fianna Fail and Fine Gaels parliamentary parties suggests both have much work to do in addressing equal representation.

Only seven women were elected out of Fianna Fails 48 TDs, while for Fine Gael it was 10 out of 38. Clearly, there are problems at grassroots levels if parties cannot do better than this.

Former Tory leader Theresa May once said: A lot of men in politics suddenly woke up to the issue of women in politics when they realised, hey, there are votes in this.

A similar wake-up call in Irish politics might be in order.
Fine Gael TD for Cork North Central Colm Burke has expressed his disappointment after he wasn't selected as a Minister of State in the newly formed government.

Deputy Burke who served as Minister for State at the Department of Health in the last government, has failed to retain his position.

Three Cork TDs Michael Moynihan, Jerry Buttimer and Christopher OSullivan were formally appointed as Ministers of State in the newly formed government on Wednesday, January 29.

In a statement Deputy Burke wished the newly elected junior ministers well. I want to congratulate all those appointed and wish them well in the coming term. I have no doubt that those selected will serve with dedication and distinction.

The Cork TD however stated that he was disappointed not to be selected as a junior minister. I am disappointed not to be reappointed as a Minister of State, but I am heartened that the new government is a strong team which will effectively deal with the issues that are facing people going forward.

Deputy Burke continued: To have served as a Minister of State has been an honour and a privilege. There are many challenges in the areas of public health, wellbeing, addiction and drugs and my successor will build on the progress made and strive for positive change.

The experienced politician said he will continue to work tirelessly for the Cork North Central constituency. I am grateful to the people of Cork North Central who placed their trust in me in the recent general election. I will continue to work tirelessly for them and the wider Cork region in the years ahead.

In Cork North Central, the projects that need to be prioritised and delivered on are the elective hospital, the Northern Distributor Road, new primary care centres in Blarney, Mayfield and Glanmire and the constructive of more housing, he added.

Cork North-West Fianna Fail TD Michael Moynihan has been appointed Minister of State at the Department of Education with special responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion.

Cork South-Central Fine Gael TD Jerry Buttimer has been appointed Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, with special responsibility for Community Development, Charities, Gaeltacht and the Islands and the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport.

Cork South-West Fianna Fail TD Christopher O'Sullivan has been appointed Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage with special responsibility for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity.
Tourism Ireland kicked off its 2025 programme of promotions at the CMT holiday exhibition in Germany alongside Visit Cork and Mitchelstown-based Irish Caravan & Camping Council, aiming to see an economic boost for the Rebel County.

CMT is one of the biggest travel fairs in Stuttgart, attracting around 300,000 potential holidaymakers for Ireland all looking for ideas and suggestions for their next holiday.

CMT also attracts leading tour operators and travel agents, as well as around 1,500 travel and lifestyle journalists, during the nine-day event.

Nadine Lehmann, Tourism Irelands Manager Germany, said: CMT in Stuttgart is the first travel fair of the year for Tourism Ireland, providing an excellent opportunity to spread the word about the many great things to see and do in Ireland and to inspire German travellers to put Ireland on their holiday wish-list for 2025.

Germany is the third-largest source of visitors to Ireland and one of the largest outbound travel markets in the world.
The recent commencement of works installing bus shelters throughout the North Cork area has been welcomed by Fine Gael TD for Cork North West John Paul OShea.

The installation of bus shelters has commenced in Kanturk, Newmarket, Millstreet and Buttevant.

These works are being funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and delivered by Cork County Council.

Welcoming the works, Deputy OShea said: It is great to see works commenced on the new bus shelters throughout North Cork. A lot of our current bus stops do not have shelters presently and it is hugely important we cater for people sheltering from the weather while they wait for the next bus.

Deputy OShea continued: It is also important to see these works making our bus stops more accessible for people with mobility issues. These bus stops will now also cater for the rural transport service (Local Link) which covers all North Cork.

I know these works will be welcomed by all in the respective areas as the provision of bus shelters and better accessibility for all has been raised with me regularly in my role as a public representative, he added.

North Cork is set to benefit from a number of public transport enhancements over the coming months and years with additional services being added as part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.

These public transport enhancements include plans to provide a new enhanced daily service from Newmarket to Mallow via Kanturk in 2025 which will connect the three towns and its services.

Deputy OShea said it is important to provide the infrastructure to encourage more people to avail of public transport. As we encourage more people to avail of public transport, it is important that we provide the infrastructure with it to support them.

This is done by providing more bus services, more accessible bus stops and bus shelters. I will continue to work with the National Transport Authority and Cork County Council in providing this infrastructure for everyone in Cork North West, he added.
Councillor says Dublin City Council has completely neglected their duty of care

Residents of Cromcastle Court, Kilmore, feel 'completely let down' by the council

A group of residents in north Dublin is calling for immediate action from Dublin City Council as they endure substandard living conditions.

People living in Cromcastle Court in Kilmore have spoken about their health and safety fears due to large cracks in the stairwell, sagging concrete floors and exposed wiring.

They are calling on Dublin City Council to push for immediate regeneration efforts on structural problems that date back as far as 2018.

A consultation document was published in January last year, outlining plans to demolish the current vacant blocks and construct 150 new homes as part of a larger development of 350 homes.

However, little has been done to improve the living conditions and standards for the remaining residents.

Rubbish dumped in common areas at Cromcastle Court

Social Democrats councillor Jesslyn Henry, who met with residents, expressed her concern about the slow regeneration process.

She also urged the council to implement immediate short-term measures to address safety concerns and improve the quality of life for residents.

Planning permission hasnt been approved yet, so these residents could be expected to live like this for the next 10 years, she said.

Conditions are horrific. We talk about private landlords not providing decent homes for renters. In this case, DCC has completely neglected its duty of care for residents.

Exposed wiring, lack of control over their own heat, fire doors hanging on one hinge, no security as the main doors are broken and held open with shoelaces and cable ties, dirt and filth from illegal dumping that is being ignored  this is what residents have to live with every day, she added.

Residents of Cromcastle Court, Kilmore, feel 'completely let down' by the council

Another suggestion from Cllr Henry is to move tenants into newly built homes while the flats are being rebuilt.

These residents are not only forced to live in unacceptable conditions, but they will also have to endure living on a building site for years to come. Its simply not acceptable, she said.

The logical solution is to rehouse them in more suitable accommodation while the work is being carried out.

Residents of Cromcastle Court are determined to keep the pressure on Dublin City Council and ensure their calls for safe and dignified living conditions are no longer ignored.

We cant live like this anymore. Someone is going to get seriously hurt or seriously sick, local resident Fran Lyndon said.

We shouldnt be ignored anymore, and DCC has to do something about the flats.

Broken doors at the building complex in Coolock

In a presentation to the North Central Area Committee in May last year, the council outlined the proposed redevelopment of the site in Coolock and said the start date was earmarked for some time in Autumn 2025.

The project will deliver a total of 149 new homes, split between two sites.

On the Cromcastle site, 115 units will be provided as general social housing, offering a mix of one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom homes, including some duplexes.

The Old Coalyard site will feature 34 homes specifically designed for older persons, primarily consisting of one-bedroom apartments, with a few two-bedroom units.

A spokesperson for Dublin City Council said it is aware of the challenges faced by residents and has carried out works to existing homes there.

"If tenants have any issues they can report them to the Council through the normal channels and we will investigate, they said.

The project is currently completing the design development stage and has received approval to proceed to the planning stage.

The spokesperson added that homes have been upgraded to an average B1 BER rating from an original E1 rating through a range of measures including improved building insulation, upgraded heating systems, and switching to double and triple glazed windows.
Author Con Dennehy who has written a new book 'Kerry Co-op The heart of who we are'.

There may never be a more fitting time to publish a book on Kerry Co-op given the historic deal completed just before 2024 came to an end.

This may have been a big moment in the history of the co-op but there are many more too and this history has been captured forever by author and journalist Con Dennehy.

The success and growth of Kerry Co-op is one of the most phenomenal business stories Ireland has witnessed over the past five decades.

From humble beginnings in a mud splattered field in Listowel, it has become, through Kerry plc, a world food ingredients brand name stretching to thirty-eight different countries across the globe.

A new book, Kerry Co-op, The Heart of Who We Are has been launched by former Kerry Co-op founder and former CEO Denis Brosnan as part of Kerry Co-ops 50th anniversary celebrations.

The book, which was commissioned by Kerry Co-op and written by Currow native and published author Con Dennehy, looks deep into the heart and soul of many current and former Kerry Co-op directors, farmers, employees and management.

At the Tralee launch, Denis Brosnan described the book as a wonderful history of Kerry Co-op.

In this book, I am inviting the reader to savour a front seat view of the Kerry Co-op journey from the early 1970s to the present day as I paint a fabric that becomes the tapestry of Kerry Co-op. Their journey is one that was demanding, physical, emotional and in many ways spiritual as they overcame obstacles and challenges in their quest to make the life of farm families more enriched, economically viable and a future that was bright and sustainable, said Con Dennehy.

I am privileged that Kerry Co-op have given me this wonderful opportunity to draft their story, The Heart of Who we Are. It gave me the opportunity to study this wonderful business, paint a portrait of the people who contributed to its success and highlight the timelines throughout the decades through Annual Reports from 1975 to 2024, newspaper and media reports and a synopsis of each year dating back to the early 1970s.

The new publication captures the spirit of the people who pioneered its success. Running to almost 500 pages and featuring 259 photographs the book features 45 interviews of various founders, directors, board personnel, farmers and employees of Kerry Co-op in Kerry, Limerick, Clare, South Galway and North Cork.

The first section of the book is dedicated to the original founders of Kerry Co-op giving the readers a wonderful insight into the pioneering spirit and vision of these charismatic leaders.
Company cite downturn in European market for heat pumps as a factor in decision to consolidate operations to Newry plant

The announcement that 70 manufacturing jobs at Glen Dimplex in Dunleer are at risk has been described as a disaster by local Labour TD Ged Nash, who is calling for urgent engagement between the company and workers representatives.

In February 2024 Glen Dimplex announced a major reorganisation and investment in its operations on the Island of Ireland and Lithuania to reposition itself for growth in the electric heating markets in Europe. A large part of these plans have been completed or are in progress.

In a company statement issued today Glen Dimplex said they are committed to a multi-million investment in its facility in Dunleer so that it can be re-purposed to accommodate a relocation of the Groups fast growing sales and distribution arm (Glen Dimplex Ireland) and the 70 associated roles relocating from Cloghran, County Dublin.

The major investment in the Groups manufacturing site in Lithuania is well underway which will leverage existing manufacturing capacity and become a centre of excellence for storage heating and panel heaters.

"During 2024 there has been a major contraction in the market for heat pumps across Europe due to Geopolitical factors, changing policies and support schemes, and lower gas prices. Due to the weaker demand outlook for heat pumps across Europe in the near future, Glen Dimplex is proposing to consolidate its investment and manufacturing capacity for low carbon heating and ventilation solutions in its Newry plant rather than continuing operations in both Newry and Dunleer. Glen Dimplex remains firmly committed to the energy transition and the Newry plant will benefit from investment as it scales to manufacture these low carbon solutions, including heat pumps.

Regrettably, the proposed consolidation is expected to result in the loss of approximately 70 jobs in Dunleer and would be completed by October 2025.

Management will work with employee representatives in Dunleer, trade unions and local training and support agencies to support colleagues through this change and to deliver appropriate outplacement and training supports.

Deputy Nash has expressed deep concern over the latest round of potential redundancies, which follow a previous wave of job losses at the plant last year. He warned that any pledges the company made in the context of the last round of redundancies would be met with the scepticism it deserves.

It sounds the death knell for good manufacturing jobs at the Dunleer plant and is a major blow to workers, their families and the wider community in Mid-Louth, Nash said.

Ged Nash, Labour.

While Glen Dimplex has signalled plans to expand warehousing jobs at the facility, Nash criticised the companys handling of past redundancies, saying that their treatment of workers and their union, SIPTU, had been contemptuous and that they need to learn from it.

The companys behaviour over the last year will not inspire confidence among the people of Dunleer and Mid-Louth, he added.

Deputy Nash has been in contact with SIPTU and the company and is urging the company to engage meaningfully with SIPTU and their representatives to explore every alternative short of job losses and ensure any redundancies are handled fairly.

If it is the case that redundancies cannot be avoided, the company must co-operate with unions to deliver a fair, collective and genuinely consultative redundancy process. Workers who may be made redundant should be recognised for their hard work, their skills and their loyalty with a package that is fair, decent and is benchmarked against established norms, he stated.

He also called for government and state agencies to step in to support affected workers and attract new jobs to the region.

This is an enormous blow for the town of Dunleer and the Mid-Louth region and requires a national response from government and State agencies to bring new jobs to the region and make sure affected workers find alternative employment quickly.

Local Fine Gael Deputy Paula Butterly said: I am deeply concerned and disappointed that Glen Dimplex has had to cut jobs at the Dunleer plant and know that this mornings news will be devastating for the workers and their families.

No effort must be spared to aid staff in securing new employment.

While Glen Dimplex had announced a major reorganisation last year, signalling that there would be up to 300 redundancies in the short term, todays news cannot be easy for the workers affected.

Glen Dimplex has given major employment to Louth, and I note that it remains committed to a multi-million investment in the Dunleer facility, with an ambition to increase by 200 jobs by 2029. This is positive in the medium to long term and welcome.

However, now, everything must be done to ensure that staff and their families get the support they need, whilst also seeking alternative employment and upskilling.

It is now imperative that we do all we can to attract more investment to Louth in light of this announcement. We have the workforce and infrastructure to be a hub for industry and we have a 40-acre IDA site which is primed and ready to provide highly skilled employment.

I will be in touch with Glen Dimplex to ensure that appropriate redundancies are provided and that the company meet their statutory obligations, as they have promised.

I have impressed upon my Fine Gael colleague, Minister for Enterprise, Peter Burke, to ensure that the Government provides the affected staff with whatever assistance is required at this difficult time and to work with the state agencies to ensure that engagement is maintained at the highest level, so all avenues are pursued to safeguard jobs, if there is any possibility to do so, concluded Deputy Butterly.
Cpl, the recruitment agency and total talent solutions provider has announced the opening of a new office in Strandhill to support the talent and recruitment needs of the North West. It forms part of Cpls all Ireland approach which has seen the acquisition of Irish Homecare that also provides services to the area.

The new office will service the wider North West area, including counties Sligo, Donegal, Leitrim and Cavan. This is an addition to Cpls existing office network in Galway, Limerick, Cork, Belfast, as well as Dublin.

This is an exciting time for Cpl as we continue to go grow said Peter Casey, the newly appointed Associate Director for the region. This is an area in which weve identified as a gap in the provision of high-quality recruitment and talent solution services. We can provide a wide range of supports to companies and individuals in this area and have a breadth of knowledge and expertise in many sectors. I am really looking forward to bringing this offering to the North West.

We are delighted to be formally extending our services to the Northwest with the addition of this office. We have ambitious plans for further growth in the Irish market. There is a real need for talent solutions as recruitment, retention and staffing continue to be a challenge for many organisations. said Lorna Conn, CEO of Cpl.

Headquartered in Dublin, Cpl is a transformational talent solutions organisation that provides services across the full talent spectrum.

Over the past 35 years, Cpl has grown to include many specialist teams and brands; including specialist recruitment, managed services, outsourcing and strategic talent advisory services through Cpls The Future of Work Institute. Cpl works with many of the worlds most respected organisations in Ireland, the UK and Europe.
Cabin crew from Hainan Airlines join Ling-Ling Sun (ARI), Dr YuPeng (Elye Distribution) Pat Rigney (Gunpowder Gin) and Damien Smith (ARI) to ring in the Lunar New Year with new the new Panda Conservation edition of Gunpowder Gin.

Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin has signed an historic agreement with the Sichuan Green Foundation Giant Panda National Park in China, to champion the welfare of the Giant Panda.

The donation will be generated from the sales of the new Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin Panda Conservation Bottle, which was exclusively unveiled at Dublin Airport Duty Free during rapturous Chinese New Year celebrations.

The donation from the family-run Shed Distillery will go directly to the Giant Panda National Park Public Welfare Fund to support the local indigenous people who take care of the Pandas.

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The welfare of these communities is an integral part of Chinas Giant Panda Conservation programme, where residents are now identified as Panda Guardians.

Pat and Denise Rigney, who founded the family-run Shed Distillery travelled to Chengdu to sign the donation agreement at the foundation in person last November.

Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, the first-ever brand from The Shed Distillery, which celebrates ten years of distilling this year, began its journey in China where PJ Rigney discovered gunpowder tea, the first of 12 botanicals that would make-up the final recipe for the leading Irish gin brand, which is now selling in over 100 countries across the world, and launched in China last year.

The new Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin Panda Conservation Bottle, which was unveiled at Dublin Airport Duty Free during rapturous Chinese New Year celebrations.

Founded on December 21, 2014 when the first distillation in Connacht in over 101 years took place, the family-run distillery marked ten years of community partnership and the launch of its anniversary year on its tenth Birthday by re-opening the doors of the former Methodist Church in the town, which Pat and Denise acquired to preserve and re-imagine for the local community.

From just two employees in 2014, The Shed Distillery now employs over 100 local people across the distillery, The Shed Distillery Visitor Experience, Jackalope Cafe, Honey Badger Bar and Curious Gift Shop.

Located deep in the Sichuan mountains, the Giant Panda National Park is home to the largest Giant panda population in the world, stretching 27,134 km across the Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu Provinces and is one of Chinas richest ecosystems.

Other globally endangered animals living in the reserve include the red panda, the golden monkey, the snow leopard and the clouded leopard.

Established in 2021, the reserve protects and preserves the Giant Pandas natural habitat and has succeeded in bringing the species back from the verge of extinction.

The Chinese Lion joins the Gunpowder Gin team  Brian Rigney, Max Geoghegan and Sean McGabhann to ring in the lunar New Year with the launch of the new Panda Conservation edition of Gunpowder Gin at Dublin Duty Free.

Speaking at Dublin Airport this morning, Pat Rigney said it was an historic day for all at The Shed Distillery.

Passengers got a wonderful surprise at the Chinese New Year celebrations at Dublin Airport this morning, especially the Beijing flight.

"We are delighted to celebrate a decade of distilling by playing a small part in the future survival and thriving of the Giant Panda in its native habitat in the Sichuan mountains.

"We are particularly happy that all funds we donate will go directly to the team at the nature reserve, all of whom come from the local, rural communities that intersect with the giant panda's habitat.

This partnership reflects the core values at the heart of The Shed Distillery at the home of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, which was founded upon a deep partnership with the people of Drumshanbo, centred on a shared vision of employment, sustainability and a thriving rural community, said Mr Rigney.

Pat Rigney Founder Gunpowder Gin signs an historic partnership with Zhou Zhigang, Secretary General of The Sichuan Green Foundation in Chengdu China to support the conservation of the Giant Panda.

Damien Smith, Buyer (ARI) added, We are delighted to partner with Drumshanbo on this first-to-market launch here at Dublin Airport Duty Free, which also coincides with our fantastic Chinese New Year celebrations in-store.

"This is testament to our commitment to offering truly unique products combined with joyful customer experiences, said Mr Smith.

In November 2023 Pat and Denise Rigney travelled thousands of miles from Ireland to Chengdu to sign a donation agreement at the foundation in person.

Pat Rigney (Gunpowder Gin), Ling-Ling Sun (ARI) and Damien Smith (buyer ARI) ring in the Lunar New Year at the launch of the new Panda Conservation edition of Gunpowder Gin at Dublin Duty Free.

Zhou Zhigang, Secretary General of The Sichuan Green Foundation, Chengdu said they felt true respect and support for the natural environment and the Giant Panda cause in China.

"As a national treasure of China, the Giant Panda is a flagship species for global biodiversity conservation as well as a symbol of the friendship between China and Ireland.

"The conservation work requires significant funds and manpower.

"Like a timely rain, the donation from Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin has injected strong motivation into our work.

"We will employ these funds to help the surrounding community develop green industries and improve the living standards of residents to support the special harmonious existence between human beings and nature.

Pat Rigney (Gunpowder Gin) takes part in the Chinese Lion Dance at the launch of the new Panda Conservation edition of Gunpowder Gin at Dublin Duty Free.

Chairman of the Industry and Commerce Association of Ireland (ICAOI) Dr YuPeng Liu paid tribute to The Shed Distillery and ARI on the launch.

It was perfectly timed to coincide with the Chinese New Year in 2025. Congratulations to Pat Rigney and the entire team on the launch of this exquisite Panda porcelain bottle, another great creation from Pat, We are proud to support Irish businesses as they transition their brands into the vibrant Chinese market.

"We are thrilled to represent our member, Pat Rigney of the Shed Distillery, as he embarks on this exciting journey.

It has been a very successful year since and ICAOI and Elye Distribution will continue to expand Drumshanbo Gins reach in China than our partnership with the National Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center in Chengdu, Sichuan Province and Drumshanbo Gin.
Marie Fitzpatrick and Seamus Halpenny at the Table Quiz to raise funds for Syrian man Muhannad Baion at the Loch Garman Arms. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench

Eileen Seery, Thelma Wrath and Paul Seery at the Table Quiz to raise funds for Syrian man Muhannad Baion at the Loch Garman Arms. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench

James Kirwan and Nicki Moore at the Table Quiz to raise funds for Syrian man Muhannad Baion at the Loch Garman Arms. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench

Jim Kirwan and Margaret Nolan at the Table Quiz to raise funds for Syrian man Muhannad Baion at the Loch Garman Arms. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench

Rebecca Flynn and Ali Kennedy at the Table Quiz to raise funds for Syrian man Muhannad Baion at the Loch Garman Arms. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench

Andrew Beech at the Table Quiz to raise funds for Syrian man Muhannad Baion at the Loch Garman Arms. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench

A total of 1,203 was raised at a table quiz in Gorey recently to raise funds for a family who lost their home in Damascus during the recent war.

Former Gorey resident Muhannad Baioun from Syria sincerely thanked everyone who supported the table quiz held on behalf of him and his family in the Loch Garman Arms last Thursday, January 23.

Jim and Susan Kirwan organised the quiz as a way to contribute to the cost of the rebuild of Muhannad's family in Damascus which is estimated at $40,000.

The proceeds of the quiz, raffle and donations amassed a total of 1,203.

Muhannad, who could not attend on the night due to study commitments, was very touched by the level of support and is bowled over by the generosity of people in Gorey and the surrounding areas.
A sense of sadness and shock continue to fill the community as the funeral arrangements have been put in place for the late Brendan (Benny) Meany, Vancouver Island, Canada and formerly of Clodiagh, Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny, who died suddenly in his home on Monday, January 13.

Tributes have continued to pour in for Brendan from across the world since the devastating news of his death two weeks ago. While hundreds have offered their sympathies to Brendans brothers and parents, they add that his sad passing is an unimaginable loss.

Long time friends of Brendans who were with him in both Good Counsel College and in third-level education described their late friend as someone people loved to be around, and hell be greatly missed.

Another tribute to him said: Benny was a rare soul who cared deeply and so effortlessly for those he loved and will be sorely missed. A great loss to lose a heart who loved deeply and will never forget the smiles laughs and stories shared with him.

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Brendans remains will be reposing at Cooney's funeral home, New Ross, on Sunday, February 2, from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m., pausing for Rosary at 6 p.m.

His funeral mass will take place on Monday, February 3, at 11 a.m. in St. Colmcille's Church, Inistioge, followed by burial afterwards in Cappagh Cemetery, Inistioge.

He will be sadly missed by his parents Danny and Catherine, brothers James and Daniel, sister-in-law Aoife, aunts, uncles, cousins, nephew Iarlaith, niece Finley, extended family and many friends all over the world.
 Flash

Authorities in southeast Australia have ordered communities to evacuate as bushfires in western Melbourne, the capital city of Australia's state of Victoria, continue to spread.

Victorian emergency services on Thursday morning urged about 100 residents of four small towns near the southwestern edge of the Grampians National Park, about 250 km west of Melbourne, to leave immediately to escape the threat posed by a nearby out-of-control fire.

A warning issued by VicEmergency shortly after 7:30 a.m. local time said that there was a significant increase in fire activity overnight that caused a fire burning along the national park's western edge to spread in multiple directions.

"Leaving immediately is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous. Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay," it said.

Residents of three more towns to the east of the fire, which was sparked on Monday by dry lightning, have been told that leaving now is the safest option.

Incident controller Peter Western told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that the fire had increased in size to 7,000 hectares overnight despite mild conditions.

He said that it has burnt through some private property at the western edge of the park.

Communities near a second fire in the national park's north have been told to monitor changing conditions and prepare to evacuate.

He added that crews were working hard to contain the fires before a heatwave that is forecast to last from Saturday until Tuesday.
The scene of the latest crash on the N25 outside The Coal Bunker Bar in Drinagh, Wexford.

Urgent calls are being made for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to take action on a stretch of road outside a busy Wexford pub, which has seen three separate road crashes in the space of three weeks.

On Saturday night, the national ambulance service, gardai and the fire service once again found themselves attending a scene on the main N25 Rosslare road, just outside of The Coal Bunker Bar in Drinagh.

Some of the first responders in attendance shook their head in disbelief, as crashes outside the popular pub and restaurant had become nearly a weekly occurrence. All three incidents reportedly involved staff or customers of the bar.

While two of the three incidents saw people rushed to Wexford General Hospital, thankfully there were no fatalities and all involved are understood to be making a recovery.

However, local councillor and Operations Resource Manger with the National Ambulance Service for Wexford Ger Carthy feels that its only a matter of time before our luck runs out.

"Its all relative, he said. What would you consider a minor road traffic collision? We're talking about a general area thats seen numerous fatalities over the past 30 years.

"Its what could potentially happen here that we need to think about. We've had collisions here three weeks in a row now and I think thats something that the NTA (National Transport Authority), TII (Transport Infrastructure Ireland) and Wexford County Council need to think about.

Operations Resource Manager with the National Ambulance Service in Wexford, Ger Carthy.

With Boggan Sand & Gravel, Moran Transport, Killuger Piggery and The Coal Bunker Bar all on located on the same stretch off the N25, Cllr Carthy believes that the aforementioned organisations are duty bound to protect the staff and customers of these businesses.

"These are all rate-paying businesses," he said. I think this stretch in Drinagh and also Killnick need to be urgently looked at by TII and the NTA before we see another fatality. Weve seen a one hundred-fold increase in activity on the N25 and we need to make these areas safe.

"With the businesses that are located on that stretch in Drinagh, it needs to be treated like a small village. It needs traffic calming, lighting and re-aligning.

With visibility notoriously poor when pulling from the Coal Bunker car park onto the main road and traffic moving extremely quickly, Cllr Carthy is likely to find support among locals for his calls.

"We simply have to mitigate against fatalities in that area, he said. But government policy dictates that if it's not in a large urban centre, then its not a priority.
Lorcan O Brien, Julie Ann Harper, Mark Scott-Lennon, Michelle Kenny, Joseph Scott-Lennon, Gillian O'Brien and Majella Keogh from The Woodenbridge Hotel & Lodge team with their 'Favourite Place to Stay' Leinster award. Photo: Paul Sherwood

Ecstatic staff from The Woodenbridge Hotel & Lodge in south Wicklow celebrated a night to remember when they were crowned Irelands Favourite Place to Stay in Leinster for the second year running at the Virgin Media Business Gold Medal Awards.

A seven-strong contingent from the Woodenbridge Hotel  Irelands oldest hotel, dating back to 1608  made the trip to Galway for the lavish ceremony at The Galmont Hotel & Spa, including new owners and third-generation hoteliers Mark and Joseph Scott-Lennon, and Lorcan O Brien, Julie Ann Harper, Michelle Kenny, Gillian O'Brien and Majella Keogh.

The award adds to a string of accolades accumulated by the historic hotel, which was also selected as a finalist in the Best Three-Star Hotel Category this year, with 2024 industry nods including being awarded Travellers Choice Award Winner 2024 status and being voted among the top 10 per cent of hotels worldwide by Tripadvisor users.

Lorcan O Brien, Julie Ann Harper, Mark Scott-Lennon, Michelle Kenny, Joseph Scott-Lennon, Gillian O'Brien and Majella Keogh from The Woodenbridge Hotel & Lodge team with their 'Favourite Place to Stay' Leinster award. Photo: Paul Sherwood

Today's News in 90 seconds - 30th January 2025

Still on cloud nine after, Joseph Scott-Lennon said: On behalf of everyone at The Woodenbridge Hotel & Lodge, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who voted for us over the past month.

We are truly grateful and feel so fortunate to have such incredible guests and customers.

Being named Irelands Best Place to Stay (Leinster) for the second year in a row means the absolute world to us. This honour wouldnt be possible without your continued support.

Mark and I are so proud of the team. Since we arrived in august, we have had great admiration for the their commitment to Woodenbridge and our customers and the team thoroughly deserve this award. We are excited to continue this legacy and to deliver excellent service in the Vale of Avoca for years to come.

From all of us on the team, thank you and congratulations to all the winners last night!

Among the other big winners at the Gold Medal Awards were Supreme Winner, Hayfield Manor in Cork, and Castle Leslie in Monaghan, which was named the overall winner in Irelands Favourite Place to Stay.
St Marys College Arklow TY student Erin Mills with her project: Breaking the cycle: Evaluating the investment in non-addictive alternatives to current medications

St Marys College Arklow TY student Erin Mills was recently recognised for her remarkable project, which investigates the effects of drug addictions and dependencies stemming from medications provided by the healthcare system, at the Scifest@Teen-Turn event held in IBM, Dublin.

The idea for her inspired project, entitled Breaking the cycle: Evaluating the investment in non-addictive alternatives to current medications, came to Erin from seeking a way to help those struggling with opioid addictions and attempting to find a solution to drug addiction issues.

Through extensive research and analysis alongside her studies, the final result culminated in a website that educates audiences on drug dependencies.

Erin won 1st place in the Senior Social Science Category Winners and was awarded an iPhone 16, thanks to contributions from BNY Mellon towards Teen-Turn participants undertaking enterprise and innovation.

She also qualified for BT Young Scientist and had the opportunity to present her project to President Michael D. Higgins at the BTYSTE exhibition in the RDS.

When asked what Erin is most proud of from working on the project, she said: My final website. I coded it from scratch and I think it came out really good.

Joanne English, Erins teacher, added: Erins idea developed over the 12 weeks through working with the Teen-Turn/Project Squad mentors.

Erin worked at a steady pace and always kept on track with her intended goals for the week. The project squad mentors gave Erin valuable feedback on all aspects of her project.

Teen-Turn, an Irish non-profit organisation that provides teen girls the opportunity to gain hands-on STEM experience and the support to acquire qualifications and jobs, provided Erin with company mentors to assist her with research, statistical analysis, and computer programming.

Through Teen-Turns free after-school programmes and activities such as Project Squad, secondary school students are informed on education and career options, often leading them to discover new skills and interests. As more girls explore and gain an interest in STEM, this will lead to more women earning STEM qualifications, thus levelling the playing field.
Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) president Michael Magner with Glenview Hotel and Leisure Club employee and IHF Wicklow Branch Employee of the Year Lavinia Byrne and IHF Wicklow Branch representative Joesph Scott-Lennon. Photo: Tom Scott Michael Magner, Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) President; Lavinia Byrne, (Glenview Hotel and Leisure Club), IHF Wicklow Branch Employee of the Year; and Joesph Scott-Lennon, IHF Wicklow Branch Representative. Photo: Tom Scott

Glenview Hotel and Leisure Club restaurant supervisor Lavinia Byrne has been named employee of the year for 2024/25 by the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) Wicklow Branch.

Lavinia, who has worked as restaurant supervisor at the Glenview Hotel and Leisure Club for the past six years and is responsible for the breakfast team, was awarded the honour at an awards lunch in the Glenview Hotel, where guests gathered to celebrate and recognise nominees from hotels and guesthouses across Wicklow who have made an outstanding contribution to their workplace.

As part of her role, Lavinia is dedicated to training new members of the team when they come in, including training students who join the team for work experience and through our international student programme.

Her dedication, hard work and commitment to excellence in hospitality have truly set her apart, colleagues said.

Congratulating Lavinia on the award, IHF Wicklow Branch representative, Joseph Scott-Lennon said the judges highlighted Lavinias ability to adapt, her awareness of the importance of ensuring the guests are looked after and openness to working with team members across the hotel.

Other presentations on the day included a Rising Star Award to William Gregory, maintenance at Woodenbridge Hotel & Lodge and a Highly Commended Award to Kevin Bishop, bartender at the Arklow Bay Hotel.

At the event, IHF president, Michael Magner congratulated all nominees and spoke about the exceptional people within the sector whose contribution to tourism and hospitality is key to its success as Irelands largest indigenous employer, supporting over 270,000 livelihoods  including over 14,700 jobs throughout Wicklow.

The IHF Wicklow Branch extends its gratitude to the expert judging panel comprising Eileen Cullen, director of Kildare/Wicklow ETB and Dara Cruise, group general manager, Neville Park Hotels, who had the difficult job of selecting a winner from the nominees, a spokesperson said.

The members of the IHF Wicklow Branch now wish Lavinia the very best of luck as she goes on to represent them at the upcoming National IHF Employee of the Year Awards which will be held during the IHFs Annual Conference which will take place at the Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney in late February.
Tony Lankester will take up the role of chief executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society in April (Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society/PA)

The former head of a South African arts festival has been appointed chief executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society.

Tony Lankester joins the society from Riverside Studios in Hammersmith, London, where he was chief executive for five years.

The former journalist previously spent 12 years running National Arts Festival South Africa, one of the worlds largest annual arts events.

Mr Lankester has also presented a podcast, delivered a TedX talk on the power of the arts, and guest lectured on branding and arts marketing at Rhodes Universitys Journalism School.

He replaces Shona McCarthy, who announced her decision to step down as chief executive in October last year.

He said: Edinburgh Festival Fringe occupies a rare and special place in the hearts and minds of artists the world over and it has played a formative role in so many stellar careers and millions of life-changing moments for audiences.

A street performer entertains the crowds on Edinburghs Royal Mile as part of the Fringe (PA)

Staying true to that legacy, while being asked to help shape and guide its future, is a privilege. The arts environment is hugely challenging at the moment and the world a difficult and noisy place.

Now, more than ever, there is a need for what the Fringe is and for what it can be  for artists, audiences, producers, venues, and the people of Edinburgh.

Shona has been an inspirational, principled and passionate leader and advocate for the Fringe during some of the toughest years in its history, navigating some extraordinary challenges with diplomacy, empathy, focus and determination.

She hands it over in great shape, and I hope to do her hard work justice.

Benny Higgins, chairman of the society, said: I am delighted that Tony will be joining the Fringe society this spring.

Tony brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles, and his insights from both a cultural and commercial background will ensure the Fringe society can meet the needs of the wider Fringe community.

As the Fringe builds towards its 80th anniversary year, Tonys leadership will be key in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Fringe society and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Mr Lankester will take on the role in early April.
Emma Rothwell has become the first contestant to be fired from The Apprentice, as series 19 of the BBC business show began in the Austrian Alps.

Thursdays launch show saw host Lord Sugar tell 18 budding entrepreneurs he was looking for a Bezos, rather than a bozo as he sent the contestants to Innsbruck tasked with setting up and running a package tour, which they had to sell tickets for.

Lord Sugar then split the group into two teams, with one running a tour at the glacier, followed by observer Baroness Brady, and the other running a tour in the forest, followed by former The Apprentice winner Tim Campbell.

Emma Rothwell has been fired (Ray Burmiston/Naked/BBC/PA)

Before sending the teams out, the 77-year-old told them some of their CVs contained more crap than the River Thames.

Despite competing with Nadia Suliaman for the role, contestant Emma Street was nominated as project manager for team glacier while Anisa Khan was nominated as project manager for team forest.

The forest team decided to offer an e-bike tour, along with honey and bread-making, saying they would start their price at 200 euros and go down to 100 euros at the lowest.

The glacier team offered a sledge ride to the bottom of a mountain, where they would greet their guests with Austrias national drink schnapps, and said they wanted to start at 175 euros and hold out for it as long as possible.

The glacier team selling tickets on Thursdays episode (BBC/PA)

The teams then set off to negotiate prices for tickets to attractions which would form part of their tour.

Both selling teams initially found it hard to sell tour tickets, with the teams being told they were too expensive.

The teams eventually begin to drop their prices, with air conditioning company owner Dean Franklin telling his forest team to target people who were physically fit enough to ride the e-bikes.

But his plan fell apart just moments later, when Carlo Brancati attempted to sell a tour to a 97-year-old man from Denmark and his son.

Baroness Brady watches on as the glacier team negotiate (BBC/PA)

As prices began to tumble below cost, both teams begin to sell, with telemarketing company owner Keir Shave on the forest team doing rock, paper, scissors with customers to decide what price they got.

The teams then successfully carried out their tours, with no customers asking for a refund.

The glacier team ended up with a profit of 230.60 euros, winning the challenge, while the forest team suffered a loss of 166 euros.

Lord Sugar sent the winning team away to a great house with welcome drinks, before turning his attention to the losers.

The former Tottenham Hotspur owner was not impressed by Shaves rock, paper, scissors selling method, telling him this is not what you apply in business, adding that he was gambling with the companys money.

Lord Sugar said he felt the blame was with the sales team and allowed the rest of the members to return to the house.

He went on to tell Brancati that it seems to me that youve got no colleagues here whove got a good word to say about you, which he said sends a warning to me.

But Lord Sugar eventually told Rothwell youre fired after she sold no tickets and Sugar said she had not explained to me what you did do.

The former Amstrad owner told the rest of the team: Its a shambles, a bloody shambles, go back to the house all of you.

Essex-based Rothwell had hoped to use Lord Sugars 250,000 worth of investment to take her online gift store business to the next level.

The Apprentice will return at 9pm next Thursday on BBC One when the contestants will visit Abba Voyage and be tasked with creating a virtual pop star.
The Duke of Sussex and NGN reached an agreement including a full and unequivocal apology and substantial damages, announced on January 22 (Yui Mok/PA)

The Duke of Sussex and the publisher of The Sun newspaper will keep the contents of their settlement confidential, a High Court judge has said.

Harry, 40, alleged he was targeted by journalists and private investigators working for News Group Newspapers (NGN), the publisher of The Sun and the now-defunct News of the World.

Shortly before an up-to-10-week trial was due to begin, the duke and NGN reached an agreement including a full and unequivocal apology and substantial damages, announced on January 22.

Former deputy Labour leader Lord Tom Watson also agreed a settlement with NGN as he was also offered an apology and substantial damages for unwarranted intrusion into his private life during his time in government by the News of the World.

In High Court orders on Thursday, Mr Justice Fancourt said the parties had accepted terms set out in an agreement dated January 27.

He added that the parties had made an undertaking that they will keep the contents of the settlement agreement confidential on the terms set out therein.

The judge later said that NGN will pay both the dukes and Lord Watsons share of so-called common costs  including solicitors and barristers fees  incurred as part of the wider legal case into alleged phone hacking.

Former deputy Labour leader Lord Tom Watson also agreed a settlement with NGN (Lucy North/PA)

NGN previously apologised to Harry for intrusion between 1996 and 2011, including incidents of unlawful activities by private investigators working for The Sun.

The publisher also apologised to the duke for phone hacking, surveillance and misuse of private information by journalists and private investigators at the News of the World, which closed in 2011.

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, the NGN statement said.

The publisher also apologised for the impact of the serious intrusion into the private life of Harrys late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.

The apology marked the first time unlawful activities had been admitted at The Sun, one of the lawyers in the case said, with Harrys barrister David Sherborne stating it was a historic admission.

An NGN spokesperson previously said its apology to Harry covered incidents of unlawful activities carried out by private investigators working for The Sun, not by journalists, during the period 1996-2011.

They added: There are strong controls and processes in place at all our titles today to ensure this cannot happen now. There was no voicemail interception on The Sun.
A woman is carried out from the site of a stampede at the Sangam, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India, yesterday. Photo: AP

Dozens of people were killed in a pre-dawn stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in northern India yesterday as tens of millions of Hindus gathered to take a dip in sacred river waters on the most auspicious day of a six-week festival.
Mandelsons U-turn on Trump: I was wrong to say US president was dangerous  I have fresh respect for him

Incoming UK ambassador to United States says his comments from 2019 were ill-judged

Peter Mandelson will be the new UK ambassador to the United States. Photo: PA

Christopher McKeon Thu 30 Jan 2025 at 03:30







Peter Mandelson was wrong to describe Donald Trump as a danger to the world, the incoming UK ambassador to the US has said.
PhD student raped 10 women and filmed attacks, court is told

Chinese national studied in Belfast for two years

Zhenhao Zou (27) 'had a cache of drugs when he was arrested', a court heard. Photo: PA

Tristan Kirk Evening Standard Thu 30 Jan 2025 at 03:30







A PhD student at a top London university raped 10 women he had plied with drink and drugs and filmed the attacks to keep as souvenirs, a court has heard.
Ryanair boss Michael OLeary said the Chancellor should scrap air passenger duty (APD) rather than waffle on about Heathrow expansion, which he described as a dead cat that would not happen before the 2040s at the earliest.
Iraqi man who carried out Koran burnings is found shot dead in Sweden

Salwan Momika, 38, got worldwide publicity and caused anger in Muslim countries when he burned the religions holy book

Salwan Momika has been shot dead, it has been reported (Johan Nilsson/TT News Agency via AP)

Irish Independent Newsdesk Thu 30 Jan 2025 at 09:56







An Iraqi man who carried out several Koran burnings in Sweden has died, a court in Stockholm said on Thursday.
Gisele Pelicot, who was raped and drugged by her husband and multiple men: Getty

Dominique Pelicot, the convicted rapist who horrified France by drugging his then wife so other men could rape her, is being investigated in other cases.
LATEST | Israel begins freeing prisoners after delay over chaotic hostage release; UNRWA ban begins

Three Israeli hostages are being freed in exchange for 110 Palestinian prisonersMilitants throng Gaza handover sitesFive Thai hostages also reported to be freedPrisoners to be freed later

Israeli soldier Arbel Yehoud, 29, who has been held hostage by Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 2023, is escorted by Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters as she is handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

MOHAMMAD JAHJOUH, WAFAA SHURAFA and JOSEPH KRAUSS Thu 30 Jan 2025 at 20:05







Hamas-led militants freed eight hostages on Thursday as part of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, but the chaotic handover of some of the captives, who were shuttled through a rowdy crowd of thousands by masked militants, drew an angry protest from Israel.
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Officials and citizens gathered for a ceremony in the southwest town of Kangaba to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso's decision to quit regional bloc ECOWAS. The three junta-led nations formed their own regional trade group, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Since 1963, The Independent has helped create a great community!

Since our founding in September of 1963, The Independent has been dedicated to giving Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Sunol readers the news they need to be in-the-know about what's going on in the Tri-Valley region.
Why Indias Pharmaceutical Industry Remains Poised for Growth in 2025

Indias pharmaceutical industry, valued at around US$58 billion, is projected to reach US$120-130 billion by 2030 and US$400-450 billion by 2047. Growth is driven by rising lifestyle diseases, an aging population, increased focus on holistic health, and the growing consumerization of healthcare. India allows 100 percent FDI under automatic approval for greenfield investments and up to 74 percent for brownfield investments, with higher stakes requiring government approval, making it a prime destination for global investors seeking growth in the healthcare and life sciences domain.

Indias pharmaceutical industry ranks third globally in pharmaceutical production by volume and 14th by value, supported by a well-established domestic sector comprising approximately 3,000 drug companies and over 10,000 custom manufacturing units. India is the worlds largest provider of generic medicines, with a 20 percent global supply share by volume.

Often referred to as the Pharmacy of the World, the Indian pharmaceutical industry encompasses a broad range of segments, including generic drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, bulk drugs, vaccines, contract research, biosimilars, and biologics.

Indian pharmaceutical companies have firmly established their presence in the prescription markets of the U.S. and EU, with over 650 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved manufacturing facilities operating in India. Per a November 2024 report in Forbes, India supplies 40 percent of the U.S. generic drug market and 25 percent of all medicines in the UK.

Indias fast-evolving and well-established pharmaceuticals industry presents lucrative investment opportunities, given its position as a global leader in the production of cost-effective generic medicines and vaccines as well as underserved domestic markets in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. With a current market size of around US$58 billion, pharmaceutical companies in India are poised for growth as new product frontiers emerge alongside biotechnology applications and the commercialization of healthcare.

The global pharmaceutical products market is projected to reach US$3,148.31 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5 percent from 2024 to 2032. This sustained expansion underlines Indias critical role in the global pharmaceutical supply chain and presents significant investment opportunities for domestic and international stakeholders.

Fortune Business Insights estimates the global pharma market to be valued at US$1,763.9 billion in 2024, up from US$1,661.26 billion in 2023. Several factors contribute to this growth, including the rising prevalence of chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and neurological disorders, an aging population driving increased healthcare demand, and higher healthcare spending in emerging markets. Additionally, new therapies for chronic diseases and the surge in GLP-1 obesity drugsincluding Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovyare expected to drive prescription drug sales.

Indias Pharmaceutical Market Size with Projections to 2047 Year Market value 2021 US$42 billion 2024 US$58 billion 2030 (P) US$120-130 billion 2047 (P) US$400-450 billion

Source: IBEF, Invest India

FDI policy for Indias pharmaceutical industry

Greenfield pharmaceutical undertakings in India are allowed 100 percent FDI through the automatic route. For brownfield pharmaceutical investments, 100 percent FDI is permitted but with 74 percent under the automatic route and the remainder requiring approval from the Indian government.

In the greenfield category, companies establish their subsidiary and start their own production by constructing new plants or facilities from the ground up. Whereas, under brownfield investment, companies buy or lease existing facilities to begin a new production activity.

Key regulations

Indias pharmaceutical sector operates within a comprehensive regulatory framework that is evolving to meet industry needs and innovation. These laws and quality standards seek to ensure product quality, safety, and affordability while fostering innovation. Businesses must align with key regulations and be compliant under quality norms to maintain competitiveness and operational success.

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is the premier regulatory authority in Indias pharmaceutical sector. It operates under the aegis of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices manufactured and marketed in India.

Intellectual property and patent protection

The Patents Act, 1970, aligned with the TRIPS Agreement, defines patent eligibility and includes compulsory licensing provisions, ensuring access to essential medicines. Companies should proactively secure patents for innovations while factoring in potential licensing implications.

Quality and compliance standards

The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, mandates strict adherence to product quality, labeling, and prescription guidelines. Additionally, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) under Schedule M set standards for facility operations, ensuring product consistency and compliance with WHO guidelines.

Clinical trial and research compliance

Companies conducting clinical trials must follow stringent regulatory approvals to ensure ethical and safety standards for human subjects. With proposed Biomedical Research on Human Subjects regulations, firms should establish robust compliance mechanisms to mitigate regulatory risks.

Drug pricing and market access

The Drug Price Control Order (DPCO), 1995, regulates the prices of essential medicines, setting ceiling prices and monitoring cost fluctuations. Companies must integrate pricing compliance into their market strategies to avoid violations and optimize profitability.

Regulation of medical devices

Indias medical devices are regulated under the Medical Devices Rules, 2017, which classify devices into four risk-based categories and ensure their quality, safety, and efficacy. The CDSCO oversees regulation, requiring manufacturers to appoint an authorized representative, submit an application, pay fees, and compile a dossier for registration, with Class A and B devices needing a license from the State Licensing Authority.

Strategic considerations for businesses: Ensure regulatory compliance with evolving laws and regular audits of manufacturing and clinical trial practices.

Factor in compulsory licensing risks when developing intellectual property strategies.

Adapt to DPCO price controls while maintaining profit margins through cost optimization and value-added services.

Leverage Indias R&D ecosystem to innovate and capitalize on growth segments like biologics and combination therapies.

Why Indias pharmaceutical industry outlook remains bright

Indias pharmaceutical industry is currently valued at approximately US$58 billion, with projections indicating growth to US$120-130 billion by 2030 and US$400-450 billion by 2047. Key factors driving this expansion include the rising prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases, an aging population, increased focus on holistic health and well-being, and the growing consumerization of healthcare.

India hosts the largest number of U.S. FDA-compliant pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities outside the United States. Eight of the worlds top 20 generic drug companies originate from India, and more than 55 percent of the countrys pharmaceutical exports are directed to highly regulated markets. Additionally, India is the worlds leading vaccine exporter, supplying approximately 65-70 percent of the World Health Organizations (WHO) vaccine requirements, particularly for DPT, BCG, and measles. The countrys significant role in affordable HIV treatment further reinforces its position as a key global pharmaceutical supplier.

India produces 60,000 generic brands across 60 therapeutic categories, accounting for 20 percent of the global generics supply. Major investors in the Indian pharmaceutical sector include AstraZeneca, Dr. Reddys, GSK, Divis, Zydus, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharma, Teva, Mylan, and Johnson & Johnson.

Furthermore, India is the second-largest contributor to the global biotech and pharmaceutical workforce, highlighting its critical role in the industrys future growth and innovation.

PLI schemes

In 2020, India announced the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Promotion of Domestic Manufacturing of critical Key Starting Materials (KSMs)/ Drug Intermediates and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), the Scheme on Promotion of Bulk Drug Parks, and the PLI Scheme for Promoting Domestic Manufacturing of Medical Devices.

For a list of applicants approved under the respective pharmaceutical industry PLI schemes, see the official links here:

In terms of their impact, the PLI schemes are enhancing Indias pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing capabilities. Exports now constitute 50 percent of total production, reflecting strengthened global competitiveness. Indias dependence on imports has decreased with the domestic production of key bulk drugs such as Penicillin G. Furthermore, technology transfers from global companies have facilitated the local manufacturing of advanced medical devices, including CT scanners and MRI machines, reinforcing Indias potential to become a hub for high-value healthcare innovation.

Also Read: Indias Medical Devices Industry: Investor Outlook

Export performance

In 2023-24, the U.S., UK, and South Africa were among the largest importers of Indian pharmaceutical products, accounting for 31.35 percent, 2.82 percent, and 2.58 percent of total exports, respectively. Indias pharma exports in FY24 stood at US$8.73 billion to the U.S., US$784.32 million to the UK, US$718.54 million to South Africa, US$699.16 million to the Netherlands, and US$667.49 million to France.

FDI inflow

The cumulative FDI equity inflow into the drugs and pharmaceuticals industry in India from April 2000 to September 2024 was US$23,048 million, accounting for 3 percent of the total FDI inflow across all sectors.

FDI Inflow into Indias Drugs and Pharmaceutical Industry Financial year FDI inflow FY 2018-19 US$266 million FY 2019-20 US$518 million FY 2020-21 US$1,490 million FY 2021-22 US$1,414 million FY 2022-23 US$2,058 million FY 2023-24 US$1,064 million FY 2025 (April-September 2024) US$520 million

Source: DPIIT FDI Statistics

Indian and foreign pharma firms strike strategic partnerships

Strategic partnerships between Indian and foreign pharmaceutical firms are reshaping how the industry caters to the domestic market, ensuring faster innovation, better patient access to advanced therapies, and stronger market penetration. This trend is set to grow, making collaboration essential for successfully navigating Indias evolving pharma landscape.

Below we mention a few trends observed across Indias pharmaceutical market in recent years:

Growing collaboration: The Indian pharmaceutical sector is witnessing a rise in strategic alliances with global big pharma companies, primarily to accelerate commercialization and expand market reach for new molecular entities (NMEs). Deal activity and co-marketing agreements: Between January 2019 and February 2024, 32 strategic alliances (excluding co-development deals) took place for NMEs in India, per reporting in the Indian Express, with six involving co-marketing agreements. Key partnerships include: Glenmark Pharmaceuticals & Pfizer Inc. (2024)  Abrocitinib

Torrent Pharmaceuticals & Boehringer Ingelheim (2022)  Empagliflozin and its combinations

Cipla & Eli Lilly (2021)  Dulaglutide and Humalog

Cipla & F. Hoffmann-La Roche (2020)  Bevacizumab, Trastuzumab, and Rituximab Mutual benefits: Indian pharma firms find appeal among global investors and drugmakers as they can leverage their strong sales force and local market expertise to enhance distribution and adoption. Global pharma giants bring innovative therapies, marketing expertise, and ready-to-use promotional materials to strengthen commercialization efforts. Collaborations allow Indian firms to strengthen product portfolios with high-value NMEs, improving profit margins over generics. Meanwhile, global pharma companies gain accelerated market access and an expanded commercial presence in India. Key therapeutic areas: Initially driven by infectious disease treatments (COVID-19), partnerships now focus on oncology, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders, reflecting Indias growing healthcare challenges. Market expansion and growth potential: Indias rising healthcare expenditure, increasing chronic disease burden, and demand for innovative therapies make it an attractive market for foreign pharma companies, ensuring long-term partnership opportunities.

Recent industry developments include:

New drug launches by leading Indian firms signal growth in specialized therapies (e.g., Ciplas plazomicin approval, Lupins COPD combination drug).

Expansion in affordable treatment solutions, such as Glenmarks Zita for diabetes, highlights opportunities for cost-effective innovation.

Pharma industry view 2025: Opportunities for high-value products, R&D, biosimilars

Expressing his views on CNBC, Sudarshan Jain, Secretary General of the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance, notes that leading Indian pharmaceutical companies are shifting focus onto specialty portfolios and expanding into higher-value drugs. Discovery products such as Nafithromycin and Saroglitazar are expected to drive a new wave of research from India. Additionally, committees have been established to streamline regulatory reforms, creating a more supportive ecosystem for R&D and innovation.

Jain highlights that the Indian pharma industry is poised to make significant advancements in cutting-edge areas, including CAR-T cell therapy, mRNA vaccines, and complex molecule development, all of which have strong growth potential. Furthermore, the patent expirations of blockbuster biologics by 2025 present a major opportunity for India in the global biosimilars market.

Indias Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs) are also emerging as preferred partners for biologics manufacturing, leveraging their cost efficiencies, regulatory compliance, and technical expertise. To fully capitalize on these opportunities, the Indian pharmaceutical industry must strengthen its innovation pipeline, maintain stringent regulatory compliance, and expand its global market presence.
Actors Junaid Khan and Khushi Kapoor are now promoting their new flick Loveyapa. They were recently joined by Junaid's father, Bollywood actor Aamir Khan, during the Salman Khan-hosted Bigg Boss 18 finale to promote the film. During the show, Junaid referred his father's ex-wives, Kiran Rao and Reena Dutta. In a recent interview, the Maharaj actor acknowledged sorry for his statements and admitted that he should have 'behaved' himself.

Junaid Khan reflects on talking about father Aamir Khan's ex-wives

Credit: X

On the Bigg Boss set, Aamir and Salman traded phones and began browsing them. During this, Salman joked that he wouldn't find anything fascinating in Aamir's phone because he had been married and divorced twice.

The Loveyapa actor said, What do I even see in your phone? Either Reena [Dutta] or Kiran [Rao] would have texted you. Seizing the moment, Junaid chimed in, Toh do-do ex-wife ki gaaliyan padh paoge aap (Youll get to read messages from two ex-wives).

While Junaid's quip had the audience in stitches, he later regretted expressing it. Junaid reflected on his statements and told Bollywood Bubble, I mean, maybe it was a little out of place. No, I mean, theyre both very, very senior actors, so I think I should have behaved a little moreThey both have been doing this for 40 years now and they are both fantastic. So maybe I should have behaved myself.

This phone exchange between Salman Khan and Aamir on Bigg Boss was so hilariously revealing, we got to know how Salman has blocked a certain hypocrite Somy Ali and, also learnt about a that cant stop texting & calling him pic.twitter.com/5QvQDm0aNA  aloo potatoes (@aloopotatoes) January 19, 2025

About Aamir Khan's ex-wives

Aamir Khan initially married Reena Dutta in 1986, and they had two children, Ira and Junaid Khan. Their marriage ended in 2002. Aamir married Kiran Rao in 2005, and their son, Azad, was born via surrogacy.

Aamir and Kiran ended their 15-year relationship peacefully in 2021. However, they continue to co-parent Azad and work together professionally. Aamir recently produced the film Laapataa Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao.

Also read: Loveyapa or total siyappa? Khushi Kapoor & Junaid Khan brutally trolled for another cringe dance video!

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Giant trees like WH1 in Tasmania present themselves as "a wall" when you approach them in the forest. Source: Brett Mifsud

Australias island state is home to the worlds largest flowering trees (eucalyptus regnans), the tallest of which is a 96-metre giant called Centurion'. But a major threat could mean their days are numbered, prompting intrepid "big tree hunters" to venture into some of the countrys most remote forests to photograph and measure them.

The team located 18 trees taller than 90 metres, and the results were published by CSIRO in its Australian Journal of Botany. Lead author and researcher Brett Mifsud explained to Yahoo News his work is about marking a moment in time.

There's a fear factor here, that in 100 or even 50 years, the only record these trees ever existed will be photographs or a paper like this. Long after I'm gone, people will be asking, Really, there were trees that big? he said.

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Related: National park program labelled 'complete madness' after shock find under ancient tree

Tasmanias Bigfoot tree was killed in the 2019 bushfires. Source: Brett Mifsud

What's threatening to kill giant flowering trees?

Worsening fire conditions are the biggest threat. As large trees develop over centuries, large fissures form in their trunks. Rare species including swift parrots need these hollows to nest in, but they also provide pathways for fire to enter the trees trunk and gut it from the inside.

When I surveyed the forests after the 2019 bushfires in Tasmania, even in places where the burning wasnt that hot, every single old tree Id go to visit had been destroyed. Yet younger regrowth trees just near them had been scorched at the base, but they were fine, he said.

They're ripping trees, gobsmackingly large. The average person would be surprised to know they exist in Australia.Peter Mifsud

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University of Tasmania fire scientist Professor David Bowman became involved in the research after hearing Mifsud warn during a public talk that half of the giant trees hed been studying in Tasmania had been killed during the 2018/2019 bushfires, a year before Black Summer scorched the mainland.

Id been fixating, meditating on this. Fires are killing the biggest flowering plants in the universe. And that's just yet another diagnostic that things aren't quite right on planet Earth, he told Yahoo.

So I rang him and asked, 'Does anybody know about this?' And he said no.

Centurion is the world's tallest flowering tree. Source: CSIRO

Which states don't have any tall trees left?

The majority of tall trees were already gone within the first 150 years of European settlement. Like the worlds giant fish, they had been harvested to near extinction.

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Outside of Tasmania, few giant trees remain. Western Australias tallest tree is 78 metres high, NSW has one that reaches 71 metres, and Queenslands highest is 72.8 metres. But there are no known trees above 70 metres in South Australia, the Northern Territory, or the ACT. Tall trees in Victoria are rare because only 1 per cent of its old-growth eucalyptus regnans forest is left after years of logging encouraged by successive state governments, but one survivor stretches to 93 metres.

In Victorias Strzelecki Ranges, theres a sign saying, 'Site of the worlds tallest tree'. But theres nothing there today but a cleared paddock and a cyprus hedge, Mifsud said.

When people actually see a really big tree, they go, 'Wow, this truly is a relic from well before colonisation'. These trees take 500-plus years to get this big and they can be gone in an afternoon.

Like the world's giant fish, it's tallest trees have been harvested to near extinction. Source: Getty

We've got the largest flowering plants on the planet, and it's taken 500 years for them to get there, but one fire could end them.Brett Mifsud

What's it like to climb a giant tree?

Climbing Australia's giant trees is like entering another world, with each trunk supporting an ecosystem of plants, animals and insects.

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"Wildlife doesn't see you as a danger and just climbs over you, whereas on the ground, it would probably be scurrying around," Mifsud said.

"The scale of it all is remarkable. When you think of being a little kid, trying to put your hand around a branch. Well up there, some of the branches are almost a metre thick. Everything is enlarged."

Large trees like BB1 harbour entire ecosystems in their trunks. Source: Brett Mifsud

'Last chance' to see Australia's tallest trees

Before the Hawke Labor Government commissioned the Helsham inquiry into logging across Tasmania, virtually every surviving giant tree was located inside state forest that had been earmarked for logging.

It was conservation campaigns and public awareness that pushed governments to make decisions to place some of them in World Heritage areas, Mifsud added.

Today when you go to a giant tree on this list, some of them are literally metres from clear-cut logging.

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Mifsud, who works as a school teacher, has used his spare time to study tall trees for the last 35 years. Today he warns it could be the publics last chance to see these giants before they are gone.

Most of Victoria's tallest trees have been cut down. This tree was photographed in the late 19th century in Gippsland. Source: CSIRO

"Climate change is increasing the severity of bushfires, and weather systems are changing. "That's my big fear," he said."

Fires are getting worse. There's more dry lightning in Tasmania. There are drier, hotter, longer summers. Fire is their big enemy. So I urge people to maybe get out there and see the forest before it's too late.

Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment?  Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories.
Pushpa 2: The Rule (Reloaded Version) is currently accessible via OTT. Those who missed the film in theatres may now watch it on Netflix. While some social media users are delighted about the OTT release, others are disappointed since Pushpa 2's Kannada dubbed version has yet to be available on the site. Netflix has already announced on social media that the Kannada-dubbed version of Pushpa 2 would be available shortly. However, they elected to distribute the film in other languages for its digital launch first.

They wrote, "This fire is now alive, and The Rule has begun. Watch Pushpa 2- Reloaded version with 23 extra minutes on Netflix, out now in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam! Kannada coming soon."

Fans demand Kannada version

A social media user reacted vehemently, questioning the streaming giant's decision not to release the claimed version of Pushpa 2, despite its popularity. On X, a member asked, "Why is there no Kannada streaming of Pushpa 2?" Meanwhile, others left comments on Netflix's page asking, "Where is Kannada?"

Here's what many fans wrote.

Credit: IG

About Pushpa 2: The Rule

Pushpa 2 chronicles Pushpa's development in the smuggling industry. After humbling SP Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat, he plans to bring down the government. He works with significant persons, such as Minister Kogatam Veera Pratap Reddy, to smuggle sandalwood.

Pushpa faces betrayal, sabotage, and brutality. Amidst these difficulties, he suffers a personal loss. His victory is short-lived when a bomb goes off during Kaveri's wedding, revealing a larger scheme.

Sukumar directed and wrote Pushpa 2: The Rule, which has dialogue by Srikanth Vissa and Sukumar. The film is produced by Naveen Yerneni and Yalamanchili Ravi Shankar.

The film, starring Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil, has cinematography by Miroslaw Kuba Brozek. Naveen Nooli handled the editing, and Devi Sri Prasad composed the music. Have you seen Allu Arjun's Pushpa 2 reloaded version on OTT? If so, please share your ideas in the comments below.

Also read: Pushpa 2 OTT release: When and where to watch Allu Arjun-Rashmika Mandannas movie in Hindi

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
A weird man wearing caveman clothes was seen roaming the streets A strange figure, dressed in ragged, caveman-like clothes, was spotted wandering the streets of Mumbai, leaving passersby puzzled. On Thursday, a video surfaced online, revealing that the mysterious bearded man was none other than Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan.

In the video, Khan was barely recognisable with long, messy hair, a thick beard, and a rugged appearance.

He wore a costume made of brown cloth strips paired with matching shoes, resembling a caveman.

To Ye Caveman Amir Khan Tha BC 



But Why ? pic.twitter.com/fRgDB6cEhr  POSITIVE FAN (@imashishsrrk) January 29, 2025

Any idea whos this Caveman ??

Hes Bollywood star.pic.twitter.com/D85Bg22usv  Anti_Andhbhakt  (@Salman_adil1665) January 30, 2025

Aamir was seen pushing a handcart and casually walking among rickshaws and pedestrians, with no one noticing his celebrity status.

Many young people walked by, unaware of the actor's playful disguise.

It wasn't until a behind-the-scenes video emerged that fans connected the dots.

The footage showed Aamir in his makeup chair, undergoing an extensive process of putting on his wig, beard, and other prosthetics to achieve the look.

This revelation sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with fans expressing shock and speculating on the reason behind his dramatic transformation. Some wondered if it was for an upcoming film, while others guessed it could be for an ad shoot.

Aamir has not yet disclosed the purpose of this new look, but given his history of committing to physically transformative roles for films like Dangal, Ghajini, and Laal Singh Chaddha, fans are eagerly awaiting more details.

On the professional front, Aamir Khan is set to appear in the upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par, where he will reunite with actor Darsheel Safary. The film will also feature Genelia D'Souza.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
ChatGPT CEO Sam Altman to visit India next week: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is scheduled to visit India next week to address the company's escalating legal difficulties in the nation. The author of ChatGPT, OpenAI, has recently come under fire for alleged copyright infringement.

Several prominent Indian news publishers, including HT Digital Streams, Indian Express Digital, and NDTV Convergence, have joined ANI in suing OpenAI, saying their news content was utilized without permission.

With legal pressure building, Altman's trip to India is expected to center on meetings with government officials and potential remedies.

When is ChatGPT CEO Sam Altman coming to India?

Credit: X

Altman's trip to New Delhi is slated for February 5, 2025, according to the sources. A meeting with government officials may also occur.

However, this timeline has not yet been set, and the plans may alter.

This could be Altman's first visit to India in two years, having previously visited with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi in 2023 to discuss the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in improving India's innovation industry.

OpenAIs legal challenges in India

A consortium of book publishers and media businesses in India has filed a copyright case against OpenAI. In India, the dispute began with ANI's legal action last year and has now expanded to include book publishers and almost a dozen digital media sites, including NDTV.

The publishers, represented by the Federation of Indian Publishers, argue that OpenAI's ChatGPT service violates their copyrights by copying book summaries and excerpts from unlicensed internet versions.

OpenAI has filed a motion to dismiss the case, claiming that its ChatGPT service merely disseminated public information.

OpenAI stated in its initial answer to the ANI case that Indian judges do not have jurisdiction to hear a case against it because its servers are situated outside of India.

DeepSeek challenge

Credit: DeepSeek

OpenAI now confronts a stiff fight from Chinese companies in the AI field, which it has dominated with its chatbot ChatGPT since 2022.

DeepSeek is a Chinese AI firm focused on open-source large language models (LLMs). It recently received a lot of attention after successfully launching its LLM, DeepSeek V3, which displayed skills equivalent to OpenAI's models but at a fraction of the cost.

DeepSeek has been accused by OpenAI and its investor, Microsoft, of using OpenAI's confidential data to train its well-known models.

To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.
The Spata data center is the first of Microsofts plans to build a total of three such projects in Greece
Greek authorities are closely monitoring the Santorini volcano after a recent increase in seismic activity, though scientists say there is no immediate cause for concern.

A high-level meeting was convened this week to discuss preparedness and preventive measures, bringing together scientists, government officials, and emergency response agencies.

The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection

emphasized that the current activity is similar to a previous episode in 2011-2012 that lasted 14 months without leading to a volcanic eruption.

"Based on available data, scientists see no cause for immediate concern," the ministry said in a statement.

Experts are continuing to monitor and analyze data from the Santorini volcano, which is located in a seismically active region.

Authorities have emphasized their commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and visitors to the island.

   iefimerida.gr
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, taking into account the security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, recommends that Greek citizens avoid travelling to the country. In a statement, the MFA stresses that Greeks in the country are strongly recommended to avoid unnecessary travel and to provide maximum security measures.

The account of the Embassy of Greece in Kinshasa on the platform "X": https://x.com/GreceRDC, which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends to be monitored. Also, the embassy's email is [email protected].

The phone numbers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are (+30) 210-3681350 and (+30) 2103681730.

   iefimerida.gr
The European Court of Auditors (ECA) has launched an investigation to assess whether the European Unions control systems effectively guarantee the authenticity, safety, and accurate labeling of olive oilone of the regions most iconic agricultural products.

This audit is part of a broader initiative by the ECA to scrutinize

the olive oil sector , following two decades of reviews on subsidies, food safety, and labeling regulations.

In 2006, the ECA identified weaknesses in the Geographic Information System (GIS) used for olive farming, while a more recent report focused on inconsistencies in food labeling across the EU.

The new investigation will analyze the mechanisms that ensure olive oil meets marketing standards and food safety regulations. The goal is to identify whether current controls are sufficient to verify both the product's origin and quality while protecting consumers from potential contamination or fraud.

As part of the audit, inspections will take place in Spain, Italy, Greece, and Belgium, with the final report scheduled for publication by the end of 2025.

Olive oil holds a distinguished place in European culinary tradition, much like French wine or Belgian chocolate. The European Union is the world's leading producer, consumer, and exporter of olive oil, making quality control not just a matter of reputation but a crucial economic concern.

However, soaring prices due to drought and extreme temperatures have made olive oil less affordable for consumers, while also increasing the risk of fraud and adulteration.

Misleading claims about a products origin or quality can erode consumer trust and harm legitimate producers, reinforcing the need for stricter monitoring and enforcement measures.

#ENGLISH_EDITION #OLIVE_OIL
Ryanair is celebrating the first Pay Day of 2025 with a 48hr flash sale offering February and March fares from just 16.99. These low fares are available across Ryanairs 2,600 routes, including over 230 top destinations like Dublin, Venice, Tenerife, Krakow, and Faro.

Ryanairs

Head of Comms, Jade Kirwan said: After a long month of penny pinching after the festive period, Pay Day is finally here! And what better way to celebrate the end of the January drought than by treating yourself to a well-deserved Spring getaway in February or March. And with Ryanairs 48 hour Pay Day flash sale, you can do so with fares from as little as 16.99 across Ryanairs industry leading network of 230 destinations, including top destinations such as Dublin, Venice , Tenerife, Krakow, and Faro.

  Ryanair celebrates first pay day of 2025 with a 48hr flash sale    Metaforespress.
Explore professional opportunities across Poland, Germany, and European nations through Layboardbecause theyprovide you with a personalized list of available positions. A vast number of job listings combined with thorough employer feedback has established Layboard as a reliable brand in global recruitment solutions.

Discover premier job openings on layboard.com then discover the competitive salaries offered there to start your European career path today .Whyin Europe?

Global workers from every continent turn to Europe because the region remains a dominant target for job hunting. Europe is set apart as a perfect working destination due to its wide-ranging cultures together with superior working environments and highly competitive salary offerings. Here are some of the key benefits:

Economic Opportunities: Germany and Poland, together with France , combine strong European economic power and create numerous job openings throughout the technology manufacturing and healthcare sectors.Quality of Life Europe delivers a superior quality of life because residents benefit from world-class healthcare and education systems together with strong public service availability.Career Growth: European employers maintain programs to develop their staff that include professional training and language education

Everyone finds relevant opportunities throughout Europe irrespective of their qualification level and previous work experience. Every professional level benefits from multiple opportunities across sectors, spanning entry-level benefits through specialized positions. Through Layboard users can search for suitable employment positions which meet both their requirements and abilities.

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Warehouse Workers: Poland and Germany both exhibit great popularity for these working positions because they deliver both secure job prospects and well-paying salaries. Housing support looms among the extra compensation many employers offer their employees.Construction Workers: The construction industry needs builders and tradespeople like electricians and plumbers throughout the whole continent. Due to new infrastructure developments, operators and builders of these projects enjoy steady positions alongside potential career advancement. Drivers : Truck drivers and delivery staff members will find plentifully available positions across multiple companies with beneficial employment packages. These jobs provide employees with opportunities for many flexible schedule models and significant salary outcomes.Nannies and Caregivers: European households search for expert childcare staff while extending both housing benefits plus adaptable working times . These positions present talented individuals with a fantastic chance to understand local traditions first-hand.

Verified employer-only job advertisements on Layboard provide you with security while you begin your professional path. The platform features an intuitive interface which enables users to apply for several jobs both fast and organized.

Recommendations for Job Seekers

We have gathered several best practices to guide you through your job search on Layboard:

Tailor Your Resume: Modify your resume to reflect European standards together with the requirements of the particular job you wish to obtain. Features relevant qualifications alongside applicable abilities to strengthen your application.Research Employers: Get valuable information about workplace environments and organizational culture from employee feedback on Layboard. Analysis results from Layboard enable you to selectopportunities suited to your professional profile.Prepare for Interviews: Make sure to study standard interview questions and discover cultural details that matter for the nation which you want to join . Your success rates improve significantly through thorough preparation.Stay Updated: You should frequently visit Layboard to discover new job listings. The notifications feature offered by the platform guarantees you stay informed about every exciting opportunity available.

These tips and Layboards available tools can prepare you to obtain your dream job across Europe. You can both contact and receive assistance from the platforms dedicated support team anytime you need help with questions or concerns.

Poland: A Top Destination for Job Seekers

When evaluating European work destinations international job seekers often find Poland as their primary choice. Warsaw, along with Krakow and Wrocaw, presents dynamic employment sectors together with economic housing opportunities. The three leading employment sectors attract candidates in IT and manufacturing roles and offer salaries that range from basic starting rates to lucrative payments for experts.

Poland combines powerful cultural diversity with friendly communities to appeal as an ideal destination for expats. International workers receive eased cultural transitioning support from employers who offer housing allowances together with language training.

The Layboard website features the newest available job openings across Warsaw and additional Polish locations. The platform generates better job-match opportunities by enabling users to select filters for industry type, geographic area and expected salary limits. With multiple opportunities available for temporary positions and permanent roles, Poland welcomes workers from all backgrounds.

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Layboard extends beyond basic job listings because Layboardserves as a full-service platform for companies searching to hire professionals working from abroad. Heres what sets Layboard apart:

Verified Listings: Layboard verifies each job posting to verify its legitimacy and authenticity. The verification system removes all possibilities of fraudulent recruitment and unstable employment sources.2.Employer Reviews: Discover employees feedback through other applicants when considering different job opportunities. Through transparent pathways you receive essential information for sound employment choices.3.Supportive Community Join Layboards online expat forums to engage with fellow expats and exchange your experiences. These discussions serve to give precious guidance to new users who seek advice.Localized Information: Layboard lets you match professional positions that fit your language expertise along with your professional abilities. The system places candidates into job roles which fit their skills so they can achieve greatresults.

Layboard transforms your job-hunting journey across Europe into an effortless process. Layboardmeets the requirements of experienced professionals and new job searchers so that every user finds the optimum opportunities.

Top Countries forin Europe

When selecting your starting point for European job searching within countries that offer plentiful job prospects, these remain among the top choices:

Germany: Skilled workers benefit from Germanys vibrant economic performance together with its wide-ranging industrial sectors. Engineering, IT and healthcare positions feature the highest availability in the European Republic : You will encounter plentiful openings forin manufacturing together with IT and customer service positions in this country. The Czech Republic represents an excellent place for people who want to find professional opportunities while remaining financially comfortable.Poland: Affordable living costs and a growing economy make Poland a favourite among ex-pats. The country serves as a logistical centre because of its advantageous strategic location.Netherlands: Progressiveenvironments coupled with high salaries lead the Netherlands to attract professionals from all industry types. Many expatriates determine Amsterdam and Rotterdam as their favoured locations within the Netherlands. England : The political change from Brexit has not reduced Englands appeal to people who want toin education , healthcare or finance . Both London and Manchester provide abundant job opportunities to aspiring professionals.

Through Layboard, you can explore job opportunities throughout multiple countries because the platform provides access to Europes finest career options. A suite of resources here assists newcomers in adapting to their new residence through visa guidance along with practical relocation tips.

Conclusion

Layboard brings jobs from Europe to your professional doorstep by transforming what many see as employment aspirations into actual possibilities. Layboard offers verified job opportunities combined with helpful resources and community support, making it the best employment tool for those working internationally. Commence your European job search now through Layboard as your gateway to better future opportunities.

Layboard delivers complete guidance for each step regardless if you need temporary employment or long-term work opportunities. Thousands of satisfied users have joined Layboard to experience their European career aspirations.
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted bail to former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore in sum of N10 million Naira and one surety in like sum.

INFORMATION NIGERIA learnt that the surety must be responsible person with landed property of equal value and is required to submit the original documents of the property along with a passport photograph to the court registrar.

Justice Musa Liman, in his judgement, also ordered Sowore to deposit his international passport with the court.

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He was given 24 hours to meet the bail conditions or be remanded in police custody.

The development is coming after the court adjourned ruling on Sowores bail application to Thursday, following arguments from Sowores counsel, Marshall Abubakar, and prosecution counsel, Udey Jonathan.

The former presidential candidate of Africa Action Congress, who faces 17 counts of cybercrime charges brought by the Nigerian Police, had pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The charges stem from an alleged tweet by Sowore in which he referred to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, as the illegal IGP.

The police claim that the statement was false and intended to incite public disorder.

In count three, the police said that Mr. Sowore on December 20, 2024, through his X handle, called the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the illegal IG of Nigeria Police Force.

The activist is being accused by the police of posting the picture Egbetokun on his X handle with the caption: Mediocrity, incompetence, corruption, a country run by characterless people can not make progress.
The mum of two was blowing up balloons with her family and friends when a bit of fun turned into a fatal mistake.

Faith Waterman Batistich died after inhaling helium while setting up for her daughter's first birthday. Source: Facebook

Australians are being warned to avoid a usually funny party trick over fears it could lead to injury or even death.

Its something most of us have tried before  inhaling helium out of a balloon to make your voice sound like a high-pitched chipmunk. But for one mum celebrating her daughters first birthday, it was a fatal mistake.

Faith Waterman Batistich, from Te Puke in New Zealand, died in a matter of seconds after inhaling helium while setting up for the party with her family in 2022.

Professor Timothy Schmidt, Head of the School of Chemistry at UNSW, told Yahoo News Australia this week any gas mixture that does not contain oxygen can be fatal if inhaled.

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"Helium is dangerous to inhale because it replaces the oxygen rich air in our lungs and rapidly leads to loss of oxygen from the body. This condition is known as hypoxia and can be fatal," he said. "Breathing pure nitrogen would be just as dangerous."

Faith died in a matter of seconds after inhaling the helium, according to her sister. Source: Getty

Mum was 'gone instantly' after inhaling helium

While Faith's family and friends were laughing and inhaling the helium from the balloons, one person suggested they breathe it in directly from the canister, Faiths twin sister Eden Waterman told the New Zealand Herald on Sunday.

As the 20-year-old went to inhale, someone else turned up the flow on the canister.

"It went too fast and kind of shot her in the back of the neck. Her last words were literally, 'Oh s***' and she dropped," Eden recalled.

"I was just, like, in shock. I kind of just froze and it was like, 'what the f***, what am I seeing? Like, is this for real?' I thought she was putting it on at the start."

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She added that Faith "went blue" and was "gone instantly".

It was revealed the helium tank was made by Australian brand Alpen, though the risks are the same among other brands. For more than an hour, family members and paramedics attempted CPR, with four shots of adrenaline also given to the mum of two. Devastatingly, she couldn't be saved.

The mum of two was using an Alpen helium tank when she died. Helium is dangerous to inhale because it replaces the oxygen rich air in our lungs, experts have warned. Source: Google

Helium itself is not dangerous, expert says

Professor Schmidt said helium is not considered a dangerous chemical, but it is likely most people are unaware of the risks when inhaling it.

"It is used in diving tanks and in medicine. Helium is what we call a noble gas (or inert gas). It does not form chemical compounds or react chemically with the body," he said.

"I had never heard of anyone dying from helium inhalation until now, so I would say that the dangers are definitely not well-known. I have done it and never considered that I might replace all the O2 in my body with helium."

Inquest calls for more prominent warning

While Faiths death occurred in September 2022, an inquest was held with the findings finally released last week.

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Coroner Louella Dunn recommended bolder, more obvious warning signs about the risks of inhaling helium. "This is a known party pleaser. Many people are, however, unaware of the potential threats of inhaling helium in such a situation. What may seem like harmless fun is potentially life-threatening," she said in her findings.

"I am concerned that the warning sign advising of the dangers of helium inhalation is not given sufficient prominence on the canister. Many members of the public would be unaware of the potential risk of inhaling helium from a pressurised canister.

"I recommend that the warning should be in bold print at the top of the canister stating: 'Do not inhale  risk of serious personal injury or death'."

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
A Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has affirmed the proscription of the Indigenous People of Biafra as a terrorist organization.

It was gathered that a three-member panel of the appellate court in a unanimous decision on Thursday upheld the decision of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which proscribed IPOB.

Delivering the lead judgement on behalf of the panel, Justice Hamma Barka dismissed an appeal filed by the group, challenging its proscription.

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In the appeal marked FHC/CA/A/214/2018, IPOB, through its lawyer, Mr Ifeanyi Ejiofor, prayed the appellate court to set aside in its entirety the decision of the late former Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Abdul Abdu-Kafarati, who on September 15, 2017, outlawed the groups activities in Nigeria.

Justice Abdu-Kafarati proscribed IPOB following an ex parte motion filed and moved by the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, on behalf of the Federal government.

READ MORE: Weapons Recovered As Troops Repel IPOB/ESN Attack In Imo

Justice Abdu-Kafarati specifically declared illegal all activities of the group, particularly in the Southeast and South-South regions of the country.

He further restrained that: Any person or group of persons from participating in any of the groups activities.

The judge directed the AGF to ensure that he published the order proscribing IPOB in the official gazette, as well as in two national dailies.

In a follow-up ruling on January 22, 2018, the court dismissed a motion by the IPOB asking for an order reversing its proscription and designation as a terrorist group.

IPOB had alleged that the AGF suppressed and misrepresented facts in the affidavit evidence he tendered before the court, adding that the proscription order was tantamount to declaring over 30 million Nigerians of Igbo extraction as terrorists.
Seun Kuti, an Afrobeat artist, has expressed surprise that Nigerian politicians, despite their corruption, still strive to make heaven.

He contended that allowing them into paradise implies that heaven itself is corrupt.

He singled out former Vice President Yemi Osibanjo, claiming that even as a pastor, he was part of a system that failed the people.

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READ MORE: Crypto Is A Scam  Seun Kuti Expresses Frustration Over Digital Currency Platform Amid Sisters Loss Of N50m

He went on to say that if he encountered a Nigerian politician in heaven, he would leave.

Speaking in a recent live session, shared on X Wednesday, Kuti said, Despite how corrupt Nigerian politicians are, they still want to make heaven. Yemi Osibanjo is also a pastor. With everything that is happening in this country, these politicians still want to go to heaven.

If I died and the Christian and Muslim fantasy heaven happens to be true and see that people are actually going to heaven if I see one single Nigerian politician for heaven, I will go outside. Because that would mean that theres corruption in heaven.

His words show his great scepticism of Nigerian politicians, emphasising what he perceives as a conflict between their governance and their spiritual goals.
No fewer than five suspected kidnappers have been neutralized by men of Ogun State Police Command along the Lagos/Ibadan expressway.

It was gathered that police operatives also rescued three victims from the criminal elements during a clash with security men.

INFORMATION NIGERIA learnt that the suspect, allegedly abducted the innocent individuals, after attacking their vehicle near the Ilisan Remo corridor of the expressway around 7 pm on Saturday.

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Speaking over the incident, Omolola Odutola, the Commands Spokesperson, said that upon receiving a distress call about a robbery, the area commander swiftly mobilised a crack team of officers to the scene.

She said: Upon arrival, officers discovered that a group of unidentified gunmen had set up a roadblock using an articulated truck, indiscriminately opening fire on unarmed passengers, causing widespread panic.

READ MORE: Ogun Police Apphrend Man For Allegedly Raping Teenager

In the ensuing chaos, three commuters  Bolaji Bilesanmi (m, 65), Olasunkanmi Idowu (m, 50), and Mohammed Salisu (m, age unknown), were abducted into the forest from two vehicles: a Honda Pilot (Registration No. Lagos EKY113GZ) and a Honda Accord (Registration No. Lagos KJA13QFA).

items recovered from the scene included one AK-47 rifle, ten rounds of 5.6mm calibre ammunition, N5.2 million (suspected to be proceeds of crime), and three mobile phones.

The Commissioner of Police strongly warns against criminal activities, particularly among young individuals seeking financial gain through high-profile crimes.

He reiterates the Commands unwavering commitment to an aggressive crackdown on criminals preying on innocent citizens in Ogun State.


Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has vehemently rejected the bail conditions set by the police, describing them as laughable, frivolous, and ridiculous.

Sowore, currently in police custody, was invited for questioning over allegations of cyberstalking, negligent acts, and intimidation.

The police required him to deposit his international passport and present a level 17 civil servant as a surety.

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However, Sowore refused, stating that the conditions were not only absurd but also an insult.



Speaking to newsmen on Wednesday, he argued that the police had no right to grant administrative bail, especially when it involves asking civil servants to own N100 million houses, which he considers a corrupt practice.

READ ALSO: Nigeria Police Arraign Sowore For Calling Egbetokun Illegal IG

Sowore emphasized his commitment to fighting corruption, saying, I have spent my entire life fighting against corruption. So, to now ask me, to insult me that I should provide a level 17 director, who had not gotten employment when I was fighting for democracy in 1992, is a biggest insult.

He also made it clear that he would not accept President Bola Tinubu or anyone else as his surety, stating, Even if President Bola Tinubu had appeared as my surety, I would have rejected that very laughable, frivolous, ridiculous, and I dare say stupid bail condition.

The court has adjourned ruling on his bail application, and Sowore remains in police custody.

His rejection of the bail conditions highlights his stance against what he perceives as impunity and corruption within the Nigerian Police Force


Nigerias Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has come under intense scrutiny from the Bauchi State Government for his recent criticism of Governor Bala Mohammed.

Information Nigeria reports that the duo have been at loggerheads over the Governors criticism of the tax reform bills

However, in a statement on Wednesday, Dr. Aminu Hassan Gamawa, Chief of Staff to the Governor, described Tuggars actions as undiplomatic and opportunistic.

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Gamawa accused Tuggar of trying to gain favor with his political benefactors while ignoring his own failures in office.

Ironically, Tuggar, a man from Bauchi State, remains blissfully ignorant of these realities. If he had spent more time in his home state instead of gallivanting across foreign capitals, he would have seen firsthand the transformation Bala Mohammed has brought to Bauchi, Gamawa stated.

Gamawa emphasized that Tuggars allegations against Governor Mohammed regarding land use in Bauchi are nothing more than a smear campaign.

Tuggars insinuations about increased federal allocations to Bauchi reveal his ignorance of the economic realities faced by states across Nigeria, he noted.

READ ALSO: How Can A Minister Support Forgery?  Atikus Aide Slams Tuggar

The Chief of Staff pointed out that Tuggar has overseen the deterioration of Nigerias relationships with its Sahelian neighbors, worsening security challenges along the 1,600-kilometer border.

Under Tuggars mismanagement, ECOWAS, a once united and robust sub-regional body, is now in disarray. His poor advice to President Tinubu on the crises in the Sahel has led to the withdrawal of key member states like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, Gamawa posited.

Gamawa also criticized Tuggars handling of the diplomatic row with the United Arab Emirates.

Nigeria has suffered severe diplomatic setbacks under Tuggar, including the embarrassing visa ban and subsequent equivocations by the UAE. His inability to resolve these issues highlights his failure as a foreign minister, he said

The statement concluded that Tuggars tenure as Foreign Affairs Minister has been marked by inertia, incompetence, and irrelevance.

Tuggars attacks on Bala Mohammed are clearly motivated by his ambition to contest the Bauchi governorship in 2027. However, his strategy of maligning the Governor will backfire. The people of Bauchi have witnessed Bala Mohammeds transformative leadership and will not be swayed by the baseless rhetoric of an absentee politician, Gamawa added.
Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has criticised President Bola Tinubus led government over the economic crisis facing the country.

Speaking at the the National Reconciliation Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party on Thursday, Governor Fintiri said that the federal government is imposing severe hardship on the people.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the meeting was attended by governors from the North East and other key stakeholders in Bauchi State.

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The Governor said: Nigeria is bleeding, we are suffering, there is too much anger, and the economic policy is not working.

That is why we always call on the Federal Government to reconsider some of these economic policies that are only putting hardship on Nigerians.

READ MORE: Nigerians Pains Will Soon Be Over With President Tinubus Reforms  Gov Sani

Whatever will make us cry must not be part of your policy because the country belongs to us.

It does not belong to the World Bank, IMF, or the international community.

Speaking over crisis affecting PDP, Fintiri assured that the three governors from the North-East would work together to strengthen the the major opposition party in the region.

He said: There is no state in the zone that PDP lost. Even the one we lost in Borno, up until now, we are still wondering how we lost that election because we know we did not lose that election in Borno.


The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed its affiliates and State chapters to mobilize for a nationwide protest on February 4, 2025, against the recent 50% telecom tariff hike.

The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, in a statement on Wednesday, described the increase as an unfair burden on Nigerian workers and citizens already struggling with economic hardship.

Ajaero emphasized that the rally would serve as a warning to the government, stating, To express our collective opposition to this arbitrary tariff hike, the NLC will embark on a nationwide mass rally on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

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He further noted that the hike would exacerbate poverty and inequality, as workers earning the minimum wage of N70,000 would see their telecom expenses increase from N7,000 to N10,500 per month.

READ ALSO: SERAP Sues FG, NCC Over 50% Telecom Tariff Hike

The NLC, having rejected the tariff hike, condemned the Nigerian Communications Commissions (NCC) decision to approve the increase.

Ajaero further called on the federal government, NCC, and National Assembly to engage in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders to review the proposed tariff adjustment within the context of Nigerias economic realities.

The labour union also threatened to escalate its actions if the government fails to address its concerns, including a possible nationwide boycott of telecommunication services.

The NLC noted that it remains committed to protecting the interests of Nigerian workers and citizens against exploitative economic policies.
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested 28-year-old Awoyemi Moses for posing as a student at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, and stealing a phone.

Reports indicated that Awoyemi had been unlawfully living in the Needs Assessment Hostel at FUNAAB, claiming to be a student, when he was caught with a stolen phone.

The commands spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, stated in a release obtained by PUNCH Metro on Wednesday that the police received a report from a student, Abdulmadjid Mohammed, about his missing phone, which was tracked and recovered from Awoyemi.

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READ MORE: NSCDC Nabs Three Suspects For Alleged Abduction, Gang Rape In Sokoto

The Chief Security Officer of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, reported that 28-year-old Awoyemi Moses was found illegally residing on campus in the Needs Assessment Hostel while impersonating a FUNAAB student.

Upon the arrival of the police, a report was made by Abdulmadjid Mohammed, a male student, regarding a missing phone. The device was promptly tracked and recovered from Mosess possession, she stated.

Odutola stated that during interrogation, the suspect admitted to impersonating a student and stealing a Samsung phone.

During interrogation, the suspect confessed and admitted to impersonating and stealing the Samsung phone. The case was immediately referred and the investigation is ongoing. Suspect shall be charged to court after preliminary investigation, Odutola said.


The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a significant step towards resolving the ongoing dispute over its National Secretary position.

The Partys Board of Trustees (BoT) has established a panel, chaired by former Minister of Special Duties Kabiru Turaki, to interface with the two claimants to the position, Sunday Ude-Okoye and Samuel Anyanwu.

The BoT announced the constitution of the panel in a communique issued at the end of its meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday.

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The dispute began in December 2024 when the Court of Appeal ruled that Ude-Okoye should replace Anyanwu as the PDPs national secretary.

However, Anyanwu has appealed the judgment and filed for a stay of execution at the Supreme Court.

READ ALSO: Chaos Erupts At PDP BoT Meeting As Rival Factions Clash

According to Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the BoT, the panels primary objective is to interface with the parties, study the situation, and report to the Board for further action.

Wabara emphasized the need for all stakeholders to prioritize the Partys stability, unity, and progress above personal interests.

In a related development, Ude-Okoye claimed that he was attacked by some people when he attempted to attend the BoT meeting.

He reiterated his position as the authentic national secretary of the PDP, stating, I am the national secretary of PDP. I assumed duty on the 30th of December 2024.

The PDPs move to establish a panel to resolve the dispute is seen as a positive step towards addressing the internal crisis within the Party.


Rotimi Amaechi, a former Minister of Transport, has made a scathing critique of Nigerian politicians, stating that they are only interested in retaining power, stealing, and killing.

Amaechi made this remark at the National Conference on Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria, where he emphasized the need for good governance and political integrity.

His comments were laced with frustration, as he noted that Nigerians have short memories and tend to forget the past.

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He said, All we hear here is typical Nigeria, and youre clapping. Thats why politicians get away with anything. They get away with murder because you have a short memory. None of you here can defend the votes. You have complained; Nigerians have been clapping for you.

The former Rivers State Governor also took a swipe at President Bola Tinubu, suggesting that the current political climate would remain unchanged.

READ ALSO: No Life Worth My Ambition, Dont Want To Miss Heaven  Amaechi Denies Sponsoring Thugs

He stated, The politician is there in Nigeria to steal, to maim, to kill, and to remain in power. If you think Tinubu will give it to you, you are wasting your time. When we speak, we forget history.

The former minister reflected on his own journey in Nigerian politics, which he said was shaped by poverty and necessity.

He noted, Unfortunately for me, poverty has made me part of the political system since I left university in 1987, and Ive been part of the process till today.

Amaechis comments were met with a response from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who shared his own experience with paid political rallies. Abubakar said, Let me intervene here because when Odili was in office as a governor, we went on a rally, and the entire stadium was filled to capacity, but before we could finish the rally, everybody had left. We were left alone, and then I asked what happened; he said they paid for only two hours.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) also responded to Amaechis comments, accusing him of inciting the youths against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.


Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubus administration, accusing it of systematically harassing and intimidating critics and opposition figures.

Atiku made the comments via X in response to the prosecution of Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters, and the arrest and detention of Prof. Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

Describing Sowores prosecution as baseless, Atiku warned that Tinubus government may soon imprison everyone who criticizes his administration.

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He posted, When I made the clarion call that Tinubu and the APC were devoting their energies to the systematic harassment, intimidation, and dismantling of the opposition, all in service of their grand design for a one-party autocracy, I became the target of vicious attacks.

READ ALSO: Id Reject Tinubu Even As Surety  Sowore, Says Bail Conditions Ridiculous, Insulting, Stupid, Frivolous

The arrest and baseless prosecution of @YeleSowore is the latest chapter in this unrelenting campaign. Now, they have seen fit to add Professor Usman Yusuf an outspoken critic of this administration  into their grim roster. At the pace they are going, it seems they may soon find themselves contending with the incarceration of every one of us.

Atikus comments corroborate his earlier claim that the APC is destroying opposition parties to achieve a one-party system.

He had alleged that the ruling party bribed opposition parties with N50 million to weaken their leadership ahead of the 2027 election.

The Labour Party and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) have since asked Atiku to provide concrete evidence to support his allegation.


Former Osun State Governor, Bisi Akande, says he played a crucial role in persuading President Bola Tinubu to contest for the presidency.

Akande, in an interview with State Affairs published via YouTube on Wednesday, revealed that Tinubu was initially hesitant due to financial constraints and personal doubts.

According to Akande, Tinubu expressed his concerns about the cost of running for president, saying, When I met him, he said, Baba, do you have money? If I had the kind of money that people have to be president, I would rank with Dangote.

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He also noted that Tinubu was reluctant to heed advice about running for president, often quarreling with those who suggested the idea.

His approach to convincing Tinubu, he noted, was rooted in Yoruba tradition.

We dont want you to be president because of you. You are unimportant in this matter. But in Yoruba tradition, when you want to worship the deity, you take the fattest animal or the biggest yam to worship. Yoruba wants to be president, and you are the one we have now. It is to sacrifice you so that we can have a president, not for you to be anything.

READ ALSO: Tinubus Reforms Will End Bad Governance, Liberate Nigerians  Akande

He was looking at me as if I was sick or something, Akande said.

Tinubu, he said, later asked him, Baba, you now say I should run. What about this, my leg? referring to his health challenges.

Akande assured saying, Go and do it. There is still time. You will heal in six months.

Akande also reflected on the challenges Tinubu faced during his presidential campaign, including the #EndSARS protests, which he claimed were orchestrated to end Tinubus political career. Akande alleged that the protests were manufactured from America and backed by the Obidients.

Additionally, Akande discussed his role in Vice President Yemi Osinbajos nomination, stating that he recommended Osinbajo to Tinubu in 2011.

However, Akande noted that Osinbajo did not step down for Tinubu during the presidential primaries, despite efforts to avoid bitterness among Yoruba contenders.

Akande concluded by acknowledging Tinubus growth as a political strategist, saying, He may have known a lot about the politics of Lagos and America, but he was very ignorant about the politics of Nigeria. Now that he is president, I dont know how much he has learned.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has successfully recovered a black 2013 Toyota Camry, bearing the registration number YAB-479BG.

The vehicle was stolen at gunpoint at Nipco Junction, Abuja.

The police disclosed that the incident occurred on January 20, 2025, at approximately 10:00 pm, leaving the victims traumatised but unharmed.

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READ MORE: NSCDC Nabs Three Suspects For Alleged Abduction, Gang Rape In Sokoto

In a statement on Wednesday, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, stated, the development once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

According to the report filed at Trademore Police Station, a young woman and her fiance were driving home from Lighthouse Estate when they were intercepted by armed robbers in a blue Toyota Corolla. The assailants, brandishing firearms, fired warning shots into the air before ordering the occupants to exit the vehicle, which they subsequently commandeered.

Upon receiving the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Trademore Division immediately activated an emergency response. In collaboration with the Commands control room, all police units, including patrol vehicles, checkpoints, entry and exit points within and around the FCT, were placed on high alert.

Demonstrating swift professionalism and leveraging advanced digital tracking technology, the stolen vehicle was traced to Zuba within hours of the robbery. Acting on precise intelligence, officers swiftly moved to the location and recovered the vehicle intact. Efforts are currently underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects, who are being actively pursued by the Commands tactical teams.

The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, commended the exceptional efforts of the Trademore Division and other officers involved in the operation. He emphasized the importance of installing digital tracking systems in vehicles to aid swift recovery in similar situations.

In his remarks, the Commissioner reiterated the Commands resolve to ensure the safety of all residents within the FCT, urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station. He further assured residents of the Commands readiness to respond swiftly and decisively to criminal threats.

The FCT Police Command appreciates the cooperation of the public and urges everyone to take advantage of the following emergency and complaint response lines for timely assistance: 08061581938, 08032003913, 08028940883, 07057337653

Complaint Response Unit: 08107314192, Public Complaint Bureau: 09022222352.
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Eddy Olafeso, has insisted that former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi and other opposition political party leaders are needed to win 2027 general election.

Mr. Olafeso, who is also a member of PDPs reconciliation committee, noted that consulting the former governor of Anambra State and other high profile Nigerians is the only guarantee to defeat rulling All Progressives Congress in the next presidential poll.

Recall that Obi, who was an aspirant under the PDP, left the party before its primary in 2022 to LP where he polled a total of 6,101,533 votes to come third in the election behind winner, President Bola Tinubu who scored a total of 8,794,726 votes and Atiku Abubakar of the PDP scored 6,984,520 votes.

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READ MORE: Peter Obi Alleges Threat To Life For Speaking Against Tinubus Govt

Speaking on Wednesday, via Channels TV, over possible chance the major opposition party has to beat APC in 2027, Mr. Olufeso noted that Obi and other political parties leaders is the best solution.

He said: Not only Peter Obi, every person that is somebody in this country that can actually garner one or two votes must be spoken with.

It is not only here that you have alliances; you have people working together to be able to win an election.

It happened in Ghana not quite a long time ago and that is exactly what we all should do at this moment, no single party can defeat APC alone, dont let us delude ourselves. We must all come together to fight.
From the 1920s to the 1940s, the South saw a surge in race records; a term used for recordings of different genres of music made by and for Black people. A lot of these recording artists were swindled out of fair payments by deceptive contracts in predominantly white-owned studios.

The Arden Theatre Companys world premiere of the play Holy Grail of Memphis by Philly playwright Michael Hollinger examines the legacy of these recordings and raises the question: Who does this music truly belong to?

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Set in modern-day Memphis, its the story of Newton Stover II (Matteo Scammell) as he intends to play (for the first time ever) rare recordings of a famous bluesman named Alfred Deaf Duck Mason (Fred Michael Beam) to new audiences, and open a museum in the old recording studio run by his grandfather, who underpaid Mason and cut him out of any royalties. Financial woes, deadlines, hauntings, and distant relatives all appear to try and thwart Newtons goodwilled intention.

The cast all do an admirable job with their roles, particularly Newton Buchanan as Derek Benoit, the ethnomusicologist whose expertise on this particular bluesman is the backbone of the museums research. He balances nerdy humor with an endearing quality that really makes him a standout. Erin Malimban as the museums unpaid intern/media coordinator is also drily hilarious and deadpan. Their shared scene of ghostly communication with Kishia Nixons Gigi and Fred Michael Beams Deaf Duck Mason is easily one of the shows funniest moments.

While the story on display is both fascinating and important, there are a few issues with this new work. For a comedy, many of the jokes felt slightly predictable or lacked a sufficient punchline. The timing also sometimes felt off, with actors often rushing through lines without letting them land. Mary Martello as the banker hoping to collect on her loans does not fall victim to this, however, and is able to pull out every zinger and hilarious dig to full effect.

The second issue is more structural. Toward the end of the show, Gigi, a woman of color, graciously tells Newton that they need to leave the past behind and move forward together to make the world a better place. It is a well-intended anecdote, but reaffirms the trope that a marginalized person must be the more altruistic one in the resolution of systemic racist issues. It robs the moment of its intention, especially considering the pain she and her family have been put through. It absolves Newton of addressing the wrongdoings of his family.

Its a disappointing ending to a show that largely handles the issue of grappling with racist family heritage well. Other characters call out Newton on his familys legacy, and he even has several moments of atonement for the actions of his grandfather earlier in the piece. The ending is paced well, and keeps you guessing until the final moments as to whether the recordings will actually play.

Overall, Holy Grail of Memphis is an impactful and intriguing new work that, while dissonant with itself at times, still has a lot of heart and music to it.

Holy Grail of Memphis

(Community/Arts) Set in modern day Memphis, the story of a man trying to play rare race records for a new audience, but his goodwilled intention faces some resistance.

 Through March 2, 40 N. Second St.,  ardentheatre.org

Theater reviews are produced independently by The Inquirer without editorial input by their sponsor, Visit Philadelphia.
Jovita Neliupsiene (center, grey and white scarf), EU ambassador to the U.S., with Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker (to her right, red and white scarf), at Leonardo helicopter factory on Red Lion Road in Northeast Philadelphia, on Jan. 22, 2024. Read more

When Jovita Neliupsiene, the European Unions ambassador to the United States, visited a helicopter manufacturer based in Northeast Philly this month, she emphasized the power of the trans-Atlantic connection: Leonardo, which is based in Italy and currently employs nearly 1,000 locals, is among the European companies that have big investments here, and its hiring.

The EU, a 27-nation bloc, is the United States largest trade and investment partner, though tariff wars, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the rising power of China have stressed the relationship.

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The ambassador and her EU delegation visited Leonardo on Jan. 22, meeting there with Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, whos been visiting private employers around the city as a special commission considers cuts to business and labor taxes.

Leonardo has expanded several times since predecessor AgustaWestland built the first part of the plant at its maintenance site near Northeast Philadelphia Airport in 2005. It manufactures AW-119 (one-engine) and AW-139 (two-engine) helicopters for the U.S. Navy, Air Force, police, energy, and VIP transport services.

Ambassador Neliupsiene answered The Inquirers questions about the war in Ukraine, President Donald Trumps proposed tariffs, and Pennsylvania-produced natural gas. Her comments have been edited for clarity and brevity.

Philadelphia hasnt been a diplomatic center for years. What drew you here?

Pennsylvania is so diverse. It is a good state to observe and talk to people in the local communities.

People in Pennsylvania are very open about where they stand, what are their expectations, for European, trade, foreign policy. This openness gives us hope that people will see the value of our cooperating.

One of the most important things for me is to show by very concrete examples how the EU and U.S. cooperate. Our trade and investment gives benefits for the people.

My goal is to remind you what we have invested and how tight the relationships are, and not only for businesses.

In addition to Leonardo, in every sector  from pharmaceuticals to engineering machinery  you find Europeans. European companies have invested over $70 billion in Pennsylvania, in companies such as Siemens Healthineers, and buy $20 billion in goods and services from Pennsylvania each year. We have counted that some 250,000 people in Pennsylvania are employed because of European trade and investment.

You worked for the leader of your native Lithuania. What are conditions there now?

We have a war at our borders. For Lithuania and the other Baltic countries, for Poland and the Czech Republic, the war is very close. You can feel it in your skin.

Lithuania is a success story for the U.S. and EU. The U.S. never recognized [the 1940-90 Soviet takeover of] Lithuania. It gave us hope. But when we got independence, we had a much lower level of development. Weve quadrupled our GDP since then. Our standard of living is now higher than the EU average.

Lithuania now makes satellites for European communications. We are one of the few countries that can make solar panels that compete with Chinas.

This is thanks to NATO and our security guarantees. Without NATO, it would be difficult to attract investment.

Are you seeking cuts to U.S. tariffs on European imports?

I hope tariffs are only a last-resort tool, not the primary one. There are lots of opportunities to embrace our trade relations without going into tariffs. There are huge supply chains that extend into both the U.S. and Europe. We are part of the same security community. We are trusted partners. It should be easy to both do business and also guard our technologies.

The presidents energy executive order should boost exports of Pennsylvania natural gas. Are you comfortable relying on our fuel?

We in Europe are the biggest customer of LNG [liquefied natural gas] from the United States. We are improving the technology.

We are security partners; we understand geopolitical challenges and security guarantees. We met last year with congresspeople and their office directors.

Has Europe depended too much on the U.S. for its defense from Russia?

My country, Lithuania, has said we will be spending more than 5% [of gross national product] on self-defense. [The U.S. spends around 3.5%.]

So you dont expect the Trump administration will pull back from Europe?

We will continue to be the trusted U.S. partner in trade, investment, security  from pharmaceuticals to agricultural technology from space to machinery and engineering.

Did you know your Pennsylvania National Guard is in Lithuania? They are based between Vilnius, our capital, and Kaunas, the former capital.

Do the soldiers root for the Eagles, or the Steelers?

For both, I am sure!
Pitman voters overwhelmingly approved a $21.3 million bond referendum in a special election this week to raise additional funds for repairs and upgrades in the South Jersey school system.

In preliminary unofficial results from Tuesdays election, voters approved two spending questions, the district said in a statement. The approval will mean a $264 annual property tax increase for the owner of a home assessed at the borough average of $238,209.

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 READ MORE: Pitman voters are considering $21.3 million referendum to improve aging schools

Voters in three other districts in the state also approved construction proposals Tuesday, according to the New Jersey School Boards Association. The state will fund 40% of the $174.4 million in costs.

Tuesday was one of five times during the year that school boards may ask voters to approve a bond issue or special question. Pitman was the only South Jersey district that had referendum questions, which can be a tough sell to residents because they typically seek a property tax increase.

The first question, a project to fund new boilers, bathrooms, and upgrades at Pitman Elementary, passed 895-428, the district said. The proposal also calls for replacing a sinking track at Pitman High, making a partial roof repair, and fixing drainage issues between the track and parking lot.

Residents voted 878-442 to approve a second question to fund the installation of air-conditioning at the elementary school. The district also plans to install a security vestibule at the high school to better screen visitors. The district said it plans to use budget funds to put a security vestibule at the elementary school by 2026; that was not part of the referendum.

Voters had to pass the first ballot question in order for the projects proposed in the second question to go forward. The district said it would take years to finance the projects through its annual operating budget and without state aid. The district enrolls 1,200 students in prekindergarten through 12th grade.

In a statement, Superintendent Robert Preston expressed appreciation that voters approved both spending plans. District officials plan to work with consultants to obtain bonds at favorable rates, and architects and engineers will prepare the project specifications to seek bids for the work, he said.

It really is about showing that Pitman schools are here to stay. This really represents schools for generations to come, Preston said.

Elsewhere in the state, voters in Princeton in Mercer County, Mendham Borough in Morris County, and Scotch Plains-Fanwood in Union County approved school spending proposals.
In an unexpected twist, horror filmmaker M. Night Shyamalans next project will be a collaboration with popular romance novelist Nicholas Sparks. The duo will collaborate on an original supernatural romantic thriller in their respective mediums: Shyamalan will write a screenplay and Sparks will write a novel based on the same concept, Deadline reported this week.

Though details are scant at the moment, one major celebrity is already attached to the project  Jake Gyllenhaal. The Road House actor is expected to star in Shyamalans film, presumably as the romantic lead. Montgomery County native Shyamalan will be a producer through his company Blinding Edge Pictures and Sparks will executive produce. Shyamalans team is in talks with Warner Brothers to release the film in theaters.

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 READ MORE: Every M. Night Shyamalan movie, ranked

The unlikely pairing of Sparks, renowned for tearjerkers like The Notebook and A Walk to Remember, and Shyamalan, the divisive-but-beloved director, marks a fascinating turn in the filmmakers horror career. Shyamalans protagonists dont often experience happy endings or comfortable couplings, and Sparks characters rarely venture beyond reality. Getting both writers out of their comfort zones could yield refreshing results.

Many of Sparks best-selling novels  hes sold more than 130 million copies globally  have been turned into successful film adaptations. His most recent title, Counting Miracles, is currently being developed into a film by Amazon.

Last summer, Shyamalan released his 16th feature, Trap, starring Josh Hartnett as a serial killer dad caught (or was he?) in a police sting when taking his daughter to a pop stars concert. Though set in Philadelphia, it was one of the few projects Shyamalan, who lives in Willistown Township, did not film locally. While hes known for setting and shooting most of his films in his hometown region, its unclear whether his upcoming film will have a Philly connection.

Will we see Gyllenhaal courtside next to Shyamalan, a huge Sixers fan? A romantic can dream.
The Navajo Nation along U.S. 160 in March in Tuba City, Ariz. with the Hopi reservation shown in the background. Native Americans in 14 western states including Arizona have the shortest lifespan among American groups. (AP Photo/Matt York) Read more

The life expectancy among Native Americans in the western United States has dropped below 64 years, close to life expectancies in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Haiti. For many Asian Americans, its around 84  on par with life expectancies in Japan and Switzerland.

Americans health has long been unequal, but a new study shows that the disparity between the life expectancies of different populations has nearly doubled since 2000. This is like comparing very different countries, said Tom Bollyky, director of the global health program at the Council on Foreign Relations and an author of the study.

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Called Ten Americas, the analysis published late last year in The Lancet found that ones life expectancy varies dramatically depending on where one lives, the economic conditions in that location, and ones racial and ethnic identity. The worsening health of specific populations is a key reason the countrys overall life expectancy  at 75 years for men and 80 for women  is the shortest among wealthy nations.

To deliver on pledges from the new Trump administration to make America healthy again, policymakers will need to fix problems undermining life expectancy across all populations.

As long as we have these really severe disparities, were going to have this very low life expectancy, said Kathleen Harris, a sociologist at the University of North Carolina. It should not be that way for a country as rich as the U.S.

Since 2000, the average life expectancy of many American Indians and Alaska Natives has been steadily shrinking. The same has been true since 2014 for Black people in low-income counties in the southeastern U.S.

Some groups in the United States are facing a health crisis, Bollyky said, and we need to respond to that because its worsening.

Heart disease, car fatalities, diabetes, COVID-19, and other common causes of death are directly to blame. But research shows that the conditions of peoples lives, their behaviors, and their environments heavily influence why some populations are at higher risk than others.

Native Americans in the West  defined in the Ten Americas study as more than a dozen states excluding California, Washington, and Oregon  were among the poorest in the analysis, living in counties where a persons annual income averages below about $20,000. Economists have shown that people with low incomes generally live shorter lives.

Studies have also linked the stress of poverty, trauma, and discrimination to detrimental coping behaviors like smoking and substance use disorders. And reservations often lack grocery stores and clean, piped water, which makes it hard to buy and cook healthy food.

About 1 in 5 Native Americans in the Southwest dont have health insurance, according to a KFF report. Although the Indian Health Service provides coverage, the report says the program is weak due to chronic underfunding. This means people may delay or skip treatments for chronic illnesses. Postponed medical care contributed to the outsize toll of COVID among Native Americans: About 1 of every 188 Navajo people died of the disease at the peak of the pandemic.

The combination of limited access to health care and higher health risks has been devastating, Bollyky said.

At the other end of the spectrum, the studys category of Asian Americans maintained the longest life expectancies since 2000. As of 2021, it was 84 years.

Education may partly underlie the reasons certain groups live longer. People with more education are more likely to seek out and adhere to health advice, said Ali Mokdad, an epidemiologist at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, and an author of the paper. Education also offers more opportunities for full-time jobs with health benefits. Money allows you to take steps to take care of yourself, Mokdad said.

The group with the highest incomes in most years of the analysis was predominantly composed of white people, followed by the mainly Asian group. The latter, however, maintained the highest rates of college graduation, by far. About half finished college, compared with fewer than a third of other populations.

The study suggests that education partly accounts for differences among white people living in low-income counties, where the individual income averaged less than $32,363. Since 2000, white people in low-income counties in southeastern states  defined as those in Appalachia and the Lower Mississippi Valley  had far lower life expectancies than those in upper midwestern states including Montana, Nebraska, and Iowa. (The authors provide details on how the groups were defined and delineated in their report.)

Opioid use and HIV rates didnt account for the disparity between these white, low-income groups, Bollyky said. But since 2010, more than 90% of white people in the northern group were high school graduates, compared with around 80% in the southeastern U.S.

The education effect didnt hold true for Latino groups compared with others. Latinos saw lower rates of high school graduation than white people but lived longer on average. This long-standing trend recently changed among Latinos in the Southwest because of COVID. Hispanic or Latino and Black people were nearly twice as likely to die from the disease.

On average, Black people in the U.S. have long experienced worse health than other races and ethnicities in the United States, except for Native Americans. But this analysis reveals a steady improvement in Black peoples life expectancy from 2000 to about 2012. During this period, the gap between Black and white life expectancies shrank.

This is true for all three groups of Black people in the analysis: Those in low-income counties in southeastern states like Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama; those in highly segregated and metropolitan counties, such as Queens, N.Y., and Wayne, Mich., where many neighborhoods are almost entirely Black or entirely white; and Black people everywhere else.

Better drugs to treat high blood pressure and HIV help account for the improvements for many Americans between 2000 to 2010. And Black people, in particular, saw steep rises in high school graduation and gains in college education in that period.

However, progress stagnated for Black populations by 2016. Disparities in wealth grew. By 2021, Asian and many white Americans had the highest incomes in the study, living in counties with per capita incomes around $50,000. All three groups of Black people in the analysis remained below $30,000.

A wealth gap between Black and white people has historical roots, stretching back to the days of slavery, Jim Crow laws, and policies that prevented Black people from owning property in neighborhoods that are better served by public schools and other services. For Native Americans, a historical wealth gap can be traced to a near annihilation of the population and mass displacement in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Inequality has continued to rise for several reasons, such as a widening pay gap between predominantly white corporate leaders and low-wage workers, who are disproportionately people of color. And reporting from KFF Health News shows that decisions not to expand Medicaid have jeopardized the health of hundreds of thousands of people living in poverty.

Researchers have studied the potential health benefits of reparation payments to address historical injustices that led to racial wealth gaps. One new study estimates that such payments could reduce premature death among Black Americans by 29%.

Less controversial are interventions tailored to communities. Obesity often begins in childhood, for example, so policymakers could invest in after-school programs that give children a place to socialize, be active, and eat healthy food, Harris said. Such programs would need to be free for children whose parents cant afford them and provide transportation.

But without policy changes that boost low wages, decrease medical costs, put safe housing and strong public education within reach, and ensure access to reproductive health care including abortion, Harris said, the countrys overall life expectancy may grow worse.

If the federal government is really interested in Americas health, she said, they could grade states on their health metrics and give them incentives to improve.
Gregory E. Deavens will retire as CEO of Independence Health Group, the biggest health insurer in Southeastern Pennsylvania, at the end of 2025. Read more

Gregory E. Deavens will retire as chief executive of Independence Health Group in December at the end of five years leading the biggest health insurer in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Independence announced Wednesday.

Deavens, 63, joined IBX in 2017 as chief financial officer and became CEO at the beginning of 2021. During his tenure at the company, its revenue climbed from $16.4 billion to $31 billion through 2023. Much of the growth came from the companys Medicaid subsidiary.

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Deavens led the insurer through the COVID-19 pandemic and broad increases in health-care costs. More recently, he has had to deal with the disruption caused by Highmark, another large Blue Cross Blue Shield company based in Pittsburgh, that started competing in Southeastern Pennsylvania this year.

This is the right time for me and the company to initiate a leadership transition, Deavens said. As Independence builds out its strategy for the next five years, I felt it was best to have a CEO in place whod be executing that plan.

Independence will conduct a national search for Deavens successor.

We appreciate Gregs steady leadership during an incredibly dynamic time in the health-care industry, Independence board chair Charles Pizzi said.

To help with the transition to a new CEO, Independence promoted Richard Snyder, currently executive vice president for health services, to chief operating officer.

Richs appointment underscores Independences commitment to a seamless leadership transition, Deavens said. Rich is a very accomplished and respected leader in the company and the communities that we serve.

Independence employs 14,077 nationally, including nearly 7,300 in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Deavens priorities

In an interview Tuesday, Deavens described his top priorities during his tenure as integrating behavioral and physical health and doing more to reduce racial disparities in health care.

The company announced last fall that it had increased by 47% the number of in-person and virtual behavioral health practitioners available to people with its insurance in Southeastern Pennsylvania. We have not only expanded the total number of providers that we have, but weve got a more diverse set of providers, Deavens said.

The regions largest health systems and Independence banded together in 2022 to improve racial equity in health care in Philadelphia. The collaboration, called Accelerate Health Equity, uses pilot programs to try out different approaches and share what is learned. The project is focused on 16 areas, including substance abuse, maternal and infant mortality, obesity and diabetes, racism in medical settings, food access, housing, and community violence.

In 2023, Independence joined with 12 Philadelphia-area health systems in an effort to phase out race as a factor in clinical guidelines used to make treatment decisions. Deavens is especially proud of the work done to eliminate a discriminatory measure of kidney function that made it take longer for African Americans to get a kidney transplant.

We persuaded the lab companies that we do business with, as well as the major health systems, to stop using a measure of kidney function that adjusts it for African Americans, Deavens said. As a consequence of that, over 700 people have been added to the transplant list.

Temple University president John Fry recalled the key role Deavens played in 2022 in bringing together a consortium of health systems and others to drum up more than $50 million in aid for St. Christophers Hospital for Children, an effort hashed out during a dozen two-hour meetings. St. Chris is a safety-net provider in North Philadelphia owned by Tower Health and Drexel University, where Fry used to be president.

I think Greg is one of the great civic actors in our city and region, Fry said Wednesday. Watching him in action was having a front-row seat to not only a gifted leader, but someone who cares so deeply about health care specifically, and Philadelphia in general.

Business challenges

Highmarks entry in the Philadelphia market led to some big changes at Independence.

Independence switched to Dominion Dental from Highmarks United Concordia for dental insurance. It also moved Highmark to a new provider of backup insurance for employers that pay directly for their employees health care. Those moves have gone well, Deavens said.

For more than a decade, Independence had relied on Highmarks computer systems for back office operations. That didnt make sense anymore with Highmark as a competitor, Deavens said, so the company developed its own systems and expects to finish moving customers over on July 1, 2025.

With any of these large, complicated technology changes, you have some bumps in the road, but we havent had anything that I would say is broad-based or systemic, Deavens said.

Deavens serves as board chair at AmeriHealth Caritas, one of the nations largest Medicaid insurers. In 2023, Caritas accounted for $23.7 billion of Independences $31 billion in revenue.

That business is coming through a turbulent time, because of lost membership after the pandemic and increased use of health services by the people who kept coverage, Deavens said. I would say 24 was a challenging year for us in terms of Medicaid, he said.

Hes confident in new management that he helped bring to the Newtown Square company over the last year.

The individuals that we have recruited to take the business forward have deep Medicaid experience and deep expertise in the particular functions and subject matters that they are accountable for, he said.

Editors note: This story was updated with additional comment and figures on the companys employees.
Saint Williams Roman Catholic Church in Philadelphia, Pa., on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025. The St. Williams Roman Catholic Church hosts Mass for various immigrant communities. Read more

Every Sunday morning, Nelly Garcia slides into a pew at St. William Roman Catholic Church in Northeast Philadelphia, meeting a close friend for the Spanish-speaking service, but this week something was off.

Her friend didnt show up.

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She decided it was too risky, since she is undocumented, that ICE agents could appear and deport her to Guatemala.

Shes already told me, If [ICE] gets me, youre in charge of sending me my things, said Garcia, 49.

In the first nine days of the Trump administration, reports of ICE activity have ricocheted across the Philadelphia region, driving anxiety in immigrant communities and causing some people to change their routines and step back from daily life.

On Tuesday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raided a North Philadelphia car wash, arresting seven migrants and sparking a protest by about 25 pastors, activists, and city residents outside the agencys Center City office. Philadelphia ICE officials said they could provide no information on the arrests.

On Wednesday, rumors of an impending ICE raid unsettled Philadelphias famous Italian Market, closing businesses and leaving stalls vacant.

For Jesus Mozo, who has worked at a market restaurant for decades, the sense of emptiness sprang from weeks of talk that they are coming.

At this point Id rather ICE already show up instead of living like this, in this unknown, said Mozo, who is well-known and depended on in the community. We have to get together, do a march or something, because this is going to affect not just our economy, but that of the city, too.  We are people, too, and we cant keep living in this level of fear.

Elsewhere, some immigrants stayed away from supply stores like Home Depot, where undocumented men looking for work may gather in parking lots, hoping a contractor will offer a days pay, and others skipped their stop at Wawa, in case ICE agents might be watching.

At times it was hard to tell what was real, what was rumor, what was normal ICE activity, and what was stepped-up enforcement in a big, Democratic sanctuary city. News outlets confirmed one earlier arrest in the city.

A widely spread rumor that ICE agents were at Julia De Burgos Elementary School in North Philadelphia was false, the principal said in a message to families. And a report that ICE was parked outside Penn Presbyterian Medical Center turned out to be less provocative  an agency worker happened to be visiting a sick family member, according to a City Hall staffer who investigated.

But the reports showed the extent of heightened alert, particularly now that President Donald Trump has declared schools, hospitals, and churches to be potential targets for immigration enforcement.

Almost immediately after taking office on Jan. 20, Trump rescinded the ICE sensitive locations guidance that generally barred agents from taking action at those places. That policy helped make Philadelphia ground zero for a sanctuary movement that saw more than a dozen people living in churches here, knowing ICE could not enter.

On Sunday, attendance stayed close to normal at St. William in Lawncrest, and at the Vietnamese-language Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas in South Philadelphia.

Clergy there and elsewhere said they were keeping phone lines open, and a surge of calls came in to St. Thomas Aquinas from worried worshipers, said the Rev. Wilmer Chirino, the pastor.

He pledged that ICE agents would be stopped at the door, barred from entering even if they carried a legal, judicial warrant. Admittance would come only through the approval of the popes personal representative in the United States, he said.

This is like an embassy, Chirino said. ICE agents can do whatever they want outside the property, but not inside.

The White House declared late last week that the largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway, although border czar Tom Homan told ABC News that the scope of the removals  about 13 million undocumented people live in the United States  would depend on the amount of funding allocated by Congress.

On X, ICE officials posted a picture of agents placing a man in handcuffs and a phone number for people to report suspicious activity. At least one man was arrested earlier in Philadelphia as ICE undertook operations in sanctuary cities including Boston, Denver, Atlanta, and Washington, the New York Post reported.

Spectacle is a part of the strategy of mass deportation, said immigration historian Carly Goodman, an assistant professor at Rutgers University-Camden, and the author of Dreamland: Americas Immigration Lottery in an Age of Restriction. It helps spread fear, which can drive people out of public life and make them more vulnerable, while fueling anti-immigrant propaganda.

The 117,000-student Philadelphia school system also faced challenges as talk of ICE enforcement spread.

We did see attendance go down last week, said one teacher, who was not authorized to speak on the record due to the districts policies and works at a school with a large number of English-language learners.

Some teens confided that immigration fears were causing them to limit their movements around Philadelphia. But city government policy bars staff from inquiring into students immigration status, so it can be hard for school employees to tell who might be struggling unless students speak up.

Im just taking it easy on kids, the teacher said. They have real concerns, and they have since the day after the election.

Officially, the district reaffirmed its 2021 sanctuary schools policy, reiterating its commitment to shield immigrant students and families from inquiries by federal authorities.

Panic had already erupted last week in the Italian Markets Ninth Street corridor  home to Mexican and Latino businesses  when an American woman came into the shops shouting that ICE was going to raid the area at 4 p.m., according to multiple business owners there. The hour came and went last Wednesday without incident, but workers were shaken.

Some people are trying to help, but others are trying to intimidate us, scare us, said Isabel Espinosa, who lives legally in the United States after emigrating from Mexico. We have to remember to put fear aside and make space for calmness, because there is no thriving in panic.

Espinosa, 61, operates a store at the market that sells dresses for communions and quinceaneras, the traditional 15th birthday celebrations that mark girls transition to adulthood. Business has been slow since the inauguration, she said, a reminder of her experience during Trumps first term, when she lacked legal permission to be here.

Rumors in the streets would say ICE was on Ninth Street, and I used to run outside to check and make sure I didnt have to pack my things and go, Espinosa said. I am a resident now, but I can still see that same fear in my community.

In fact, on Wednesday she had to close her store after workers told her that they were afraid to come in, that they had been warned of an impending ICE raid.

New Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia pressed its Know your rights training and said nearly a dozen new churches had joined its base of 33 member congregations in little more than a week. The Latino group Juntos said it would restart its community resistance zones, where South Philadelphia residents work to help immigrant neighbors. People can sign up to join a network to assist one another in case of ICE raids or unlawful police action, the group said.

Juntos is continuing its own know your rights training and plans a Feb. 11 seminar for educators on the sanctuary-schools policy.

It is also alerting people that Trump has revived expedited removal, a policy that permits the immediate deportation of undocumented people who have been in the United States for less than two years. Juntos is urging those who have been here longer to always carry proof, executive director Erika Guadalupe Nunez said.

Trump has pledged an unprecedented campaign to deport millions of undocumented immigrants across the country, putting at risk an estimated 47,000 people in Philadelphia, 153,000 statewide, and an additional 440,000 in New Jersey.

Most Americans want them removed.

A recent poll by Ipsos and the New York Times showed that 63% support removing undocumented immigrants who entered the country during the last four years, and 55% said they favor deporting all those who have no legal permission to be here.

Experts say that mass deportation would require billions of dollars to dramatically expand the nations immigrant enforcement and detention system, and that what is currently in place could never handle the load. ICE employs about 20,000 personnel in the United States and around the world  about half the number of the FBI  and operates under an $8 billion budget, according to the agency.

Last week in the Italian Market, an undocumented Mexican man who has spent decades in the United States went to work as usual, saying he was ready for whatever fate awaited.

We cant stay at home with our arms crossed, said the man, who gave his first name as Armando. We are here to work, no matter how scared we feel.

He came to Philadelphia as a teenager, but after decades of filing legal paperwork, and raising three U.S.-citizen children with his citizen wife, he is barely closer to obtaining permanent residency.

I wish the president could see that we are not all bad people, said Armando, 34, pulling his sweatshirt hood tight as he sorted fruit and vegetables in the cold. We are not all thieves, we are not murderers. We are just normal people that work their hardest to have a better life for our kids.

His children are teenagers, the youngest 13, and while it would be terrible to be separated, Armando said, he will not come back to the U.S. if he is arrested and deported. Nor will he ask his wife and children to give up their American life and go with him.

I will have to be on my own, he said, and be their dad from a distance.

Staff writer Anna Orso contributed to this article.
As new immigration policies strengthen Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Philadelphia immigration experts help explain your rights. Read more

Hours into his presidency, President Donald Trump repealed Obama-era guidelines that directed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to avoid enforcement actions in schools, hospitals, houses of worship, and other sensitive locations. The policy change allows immigration enforcement actions in these spaces. Philadelphia, known for its strong pro-immigrant network, had more individuals in church sanctuary than any other U.S. city during Trumps first term, including some who traveled from nearby states for protection.

Trumps actions, including expanded enforcement policies, have changed how ICE can interact with immigrants and their communities.

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Heres what you should know about the laws surrounding immigration enforcement.

Editors note: This guide provides general advice from immigration experts and is not legal advice.

What is ICE allowed to do?

ICE agents enforce U.S. immigration laws, including identifying, arresting, and detaining individuals who are in the country without legal status or in violation of immigration statutes or regulations.

ICE is a federal agency that operates independently of local and state police. However, in some jurisdictions, local law enforcement agencies collaborate with ICE under 287(g) agreements. Philadelphia does not participate in such agreements and limits cooperation with ICE. Philadelphia, home to approximately 50,000 undocumented immigrants, has been a sanctuary city since 2016.

This means that city agencies, including the Philadelphia Police Department, do not cooperate with ICE, and city workers are instructed not to inquire about immigration status.

However, these policies do not prevent ICE from operating in Philadelphia. Under federal law and Trumps recent executive order, ICE agents can enter public spaces, including businesses, schools, hospitals, or houses of worship, to carry out enforcement actions.

Individuals detained by ICE in Philadelphia are typically taken to the ICE field office at Eighth and Cherry Streets for processing. From there, they may be transferred to one of three immigration detention facilities in Pennsylvania: the Moshannon Valley Processing Center, Clinton County Correctional Facility, or Pike County Correctional Facility. In some cases, individuals may be transported to other detention centers across the country, depending on ICEs discretion and available space. Moshannon, a privately operated facility, has faced federal complaints regarding detention conditions.

According to Erika Guadalupe Nunez, executive director of Juntos, the Latino advocacy group, ICE agents may misrepresent themselves as local police, sometimes wearing uniforms labeled POLICE instead of ICE.

ICE agents may also use tactics they say are legal, but advocates describe as deceptive, such as claiming to investigate someone else to gather information about individuals, said Vanessa Stine, an immigration lawyer with the ACLU of Pennsylvania.

What to know if you come into contact with ICE

Your rights vary depending on whether you are walking in public, driving, at work, or at home. The ACLU and National Immigration Law Center provide detailed guides on specific scenarios, including interactions with ICE at home, work, health-care providers, and more.

Right to remain silent: You are not legally required to discuss your immigration status with ICE or law enforcement. If you have immigration documents (e.g., a green card), provide them if requested. (The ACLU advises adults to carry immigration papers at all times.) Right to ask if you can leave: If ICE stops you in public, you can calmly ask, Am I free to leave? If the answer is yes, walk away. Right to deny entry: ICE cannot enter your home or private workspace without a judicial warrant signed by a federal or state judge or your explicit consent. Administrative warrants, issued by ICE, are not signed by judges and do not grant entry. Right to consult a lawyer: Do not sign any documents or speak further with ICE officers without consulting an immigration lawyer, as doing so could affect your ability to fight a deportation case.

What to do if ICE comes to your home

If ICE agents come to your home, the ACLU advises taking the following steps:

Remain calm and keep the door closed. Speak through the door or a window. Avoid actions that may escalate the situation, even if you believe your rights are being violated. Request to see a warrant. ICE cannot enter your home without a judicial warrant signed by a judge. Administrative warrants, which are issued by ICE itself, do not grant agents the authority to enter private spaces without consent. Check the warrant. A judicial warrant will have: U.S. District Court or a state court name at the top. A judges signature. The specific address to be searched or the person to be detained. An administrative warrant, issued by ICE, will not have these elements. It is typically labeled Immigration Detainer  Notice of Action or similar language and is signed by an ICE official, not a judge. Do not grant entry unless agents present a judicial warrant. If ICE agents present an administrative warrant or no warrant at all, you are not required to allow them entry. Politely state that you do not consent to a search and ask them to leave. Remain silent if you choose. You are not required to discuss your immigration status. You can invoke your right to remain silent and consult a lawyer.

The ACLU has a full guide and additional resources on your rights at home.

Your rights with ICE at work

Private areas: ICE cannot enter private areas, like kitchens or break rooms, without a judicial warrant or consent from the employer or manager. Public areas: ICE can enter public spaces, like dining rooms or reception areas, but cannot detain individuals without cause. Employers rights: Employers can refuse ICE entry to private areas without a judicial warrant and should document all interactions to protect employees.

The National Immigrant Law Center has a full guide on your rights at work.

If you believe ICE violated your rights

Keep a record of the interaction. If safe and legal, you can record video or audio or write down details afterward, including the date and time of interaction, officers names, badge numbers, and vehicle details. Ask for contact information for any witnesses. Get medical care if needed. If you are injured during an interaction with ICE, seek medical attention as soon as possible and document your injuries with photos. This documentation can be useful if you choose to file a complaint or pursue legal action. Report concerns if necessary. If you believe your rights were violated, you may use your documentation to file a report or seek legal guidance.

Resources and support

Philadelphia has numerous organizations that support immigrant communities with family services, legal aid, education, and more. Contact these groups for general help or to connect with specific resources.

Free or low-cost immigration legal services

The organizations below provide free or low-cost legal aid for people who need an immigration lawyer. Reach out to these legal aid organizations to see if they can help with your specific case.

Many also provide social services.
Dr. Onaral was an honorary adviser to several Turkish universities. Read more

Banu Onaral, 75, of Philadelphia, pioneering biomedical engineer, innovative H.H. Sun Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Electrical Engineering at Drexel University, celebrated international scientific collaborator, and mentor, died Tuesday, Dec. 17, of lymphoma at Pennsylvania Hospital.

Born in Istanbul, Turkey, Dr. Onaral earned a doctorate in biomedical engineering at the University of Pennsylvania in 1978 and spent 43 years, beginning in 1981, at Drexel. She was a prolific researcher, a popular professor, and an expert in biomedical information engineering.

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She was naturally collegial and so adept at connecting scientific innovators and medical entrepreneurs around the world that she formed dozens of research, clinical, and academic partnerships in Turkey, China, India, Europe, Israel, and elsewhere. Colleagues said she paved the way for groundbreaking advancements in health-care technology.

She established Drexels School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health Systems in 1997, and served as its first director and graduate school professor. She also founded Drexels Global Innovation Partnerships program and became its presidential adviser and director of innovation in 2014.

Were becoming a global economy, she said in a Drexel video, and our students, they truly need on-the-ground experience.

Much of her own research focused on biomedical signal processing, functional optical brain imaging, and their health-care applications. She created laboratories around the world and organized international conferences and scientific panels.

A colleague said in a tribute: Working just doors away from Banu was like being near a fusion reactor of ideas and possibilities.

She believed in the power, energy, and creativity of youth. A Drexel colleague on Dr. Onaral

She published dozens of scientific papers and articles, edited several biomedical publications, and even shared her own experiences as a cancer patient to help clinicians and researchers understand that circumstance. Drexel colleagues said in a tribute that she will be remembered not only for her transformative contributions to biomedical engineering and global innovation but also for her generosity as a mentor, her visionary leadership, and her enduring dedication to improving human health and well-being.

She supervised thousands of graduate students and helped establish the Coulter-Drexel Translational Research Partnership with nine other universities. She will always be a role model to me, a former student said in a tribute, not just for her work, but for the spirit with which she approached it.

Her son, Mutlu, said: She loved her students most.

She visited high schools for Drexels outreach program, Girls Opportunities in Engineering and Science, and told The Inquirer in 1995: If even one of them learned about engineering today and chooses it as a career, then it will have been a successful trip. In 1997, she was featured in a newspaper ad for Drexels new School of Biomedical Engineering and said: This is a fantastically exciting time to be at Drexel.

An outstanding thinker and professional, Dr. Onaral was an exceptional human and a marvelous friend. A Drexel colleague on Dr. Onaral

She served on boards and in many organizations, and was a fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. She was past president of the Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society and the Turkish American Scientists and Scholars Association.

Her transformative contributions to science, innovation, and education leave an enduring legacy, colleagues at the Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society said in a tribute. Colleagues at the Turkish American Scientists and Scholars Association said: Her visionary contributions, compassionate mentorship, and unwavering pursuit of innovation will remain a guiding light for future generations of scientists and scholars.

She earned the Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award, the National Science Foundation Achievement Award, and other honors. She appeared in The Inquirer often and was featured in a 2005 article called 10 to Watch after she and a colleague developed a battery-operated screening device for breast cancer.

She gave a TED talk in Ankara, Turkey, and was named one of the 30 most influential Turkish American women in the United States by Turk of America magazine in 2015. Her energy was boundless, her son said. She had commitment and passion for everything she did.

 READ MORE: Dr. Banu Onaral helps make while-you-nosh brain imaging possible

Banu Kum was born June 15, 1949. Her family nurtured her innate intellectual curiosity, and it was clear early that she was exceptional. She graduated from high school and earned bachelors and masters degrees in electrical engineering at what is now Bogazici University in Istanbul.

She met Ibrahim Onaral in college, and they married in 1973 and relocated to Philadelphia in 1974 when she started studies at Penn. They had son Mutlu and lived in West Philadelphia, Penns Landing, and Center City West.

Dr. Onaral enjoyed music, cooking, and movies. She read history books and talked deeply with family and friends about current events and life in general.

She was always helping someone, her husband said. She was always looking out for other people. Her son said: She was an inspiration. She was one of a kind.

In addition to her husband and son, Dr. Onaral is survived by two sisters and other relatives. A sister died earlier.

Services and a celebration of her life were held earlier.

Donations in her name may be made to the CYDD, the Association for Supporting Contemporary Life in Istanbul, Turkey, at cydd@cydd.org.tr; and Drexels Professor Banu Onaral Endowed Fund for Global Innovation Partnerships, Box 8215, Philadelphia, Pa. 19101.
Spending time in the so-called rubber room inside the School District of Philadelphia headquarters on North Broad Street is like being in jail, according to a longtime district teacher. It is heartening to see City Council is investigating the issue, writes the Editorial Board. Read more

Given the growing teacher shortage in Pennsylvania, it may be surprising to find out there are dozens of veteran classroom instructors getting paid to sit on the sidelines  some of them for years. But thats exactly whats happening at 440 N. Broad St., in a place at Philadelphia School District headquarters known as the rubber room.

Philadelphia is hardly the only school system in the country to have a timeout space for workers who are accused of misconduct and must wait until their case is resolved to either return to their roles or be dismissed. But the poor conditions said to exist in the room on Broad Street and the unclear timelines on when its occupants cases are adjudicated are unacceptable.

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Rather than spending their workdays drafting lesson plans, grading assignments, or teaching children, educators who are accused of wrongdoing in Philadelphia spend their days playing games on their phones, watching movies, or staring at the wall. During that time, the district continues to pay the rubber room residents salaries and benefits. A school administrator who was eventually exonerated told The Inquirer the cost of his stay had been $225,000 not to work for a year-and-a-half.

 READ MORE: Watlingtons plans for Philadelphia schools could help transform education  and the city itself | Editorial

In a district with more than 100,000 students, it is inevitable misconduct allegations will arise. Still, many of these complaints are ultimately dismissed, and the district should strive to resolve each case in a timely manner, for all parties sake.

And although the district needs a designated place for staff who are under investigation for alleged impropriety, the bleak conditions workers are allegedly forced to endure in the room have been called disgusting.

Teachers describe spending hours in a windowless room, with no direction from leadership. The space itself is filthy and infested with bedbugs and other pests. They also have no work to do, which many describe as insulting and demeaning. Some teachers told The Inquirer the experience can be likened to being in jail.

Given these clear failures, it is heartening to see City Council is investigating the issue.

Council Majority Whip Isaiah Thomas has called for hearings, with the aim of both improving conditions for teachers assigned to the room and shortening their stays. Both goals are long overdue. Oz Hill, the districts chief operating officer, has also ordered the fumigation of the bedbugs, an infestation that could have threatened other offices at the headquarters building if not abated.

 READ MORE: I met Philly schools superintendent at Whole Foods. As a teacher, I cant afford to shop there. | Opinion

In conversations with this Editorial Board, Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. has consistently stressed the importance of maintaining and expanding the teacher pipeline to avoid the worst consequences of the growing teacher shortage.

This is an especially difficult task given that one in five new teachers in Philadelphia quits after their first year. Getting teachers out of the rubber room faster and more efficiently is another way to ensure adequate coverage of classrooms.

In addition to processing complaints more quickly, another option for the district is finding productive work for these experienced teachers to perform. If a teacher has been replaced by a long-term substitute, it may be beneficial to ask for their help in grading assignments or planning lessons. In some cases, there may be administrative tasks they can assist with.

Anything would be better than spending hours watching the paint dry and their training atrophy  for them, and for the education of Philadelphias kids.
Pennsylvania could help President Donald Trumps second administration achieve its energy goals, but not in the way most people may think.

Fracking and Trumps promise to drill, baby, drill were staples of his campaign speeches in Pennsylvania last year as he attacked former Vice President Kamala Harris flip-flopping on the issue.

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Its unclear if Trump will be able to significantly expand the fracking industry in the state, but a top Pennsylvania energy expert said Trump could look to the commonwealths vast offering of rare earth elements to help achieve his goal of establishing our position as the leading producer and processor of non-fuel minerals.

Trump signed several executive orders last week that will likely have profound effects on energy and the environment. This includes, but is not limited to: streamlining the process and removing regulations for energy production and use, including mining and processing of non-fuel minerals; rolling back energy efficiency standards; declaring an energy emergency; ending leasing to wind farms; and pulling out of the Paris Agreement, a treaty on climate change.

The full-scale tangible effects of Trumps energy goals remain to be seen, as some policies may be more difficult to garner support for and some of the executive orders on energy signed by Trump contain vague language, according to experts.

Heres what Pennsylvanias role in energy policy could look like.

Drill, baby, drill in Pennsylvania  or maybe not?

Some experts say within the first 90 days, the Trump administration could make major moves to increase drilling in the U.S. But those federal policies will likely have little impact on the state, said John Quigley, senior fellow at University of Pennsylvanias Kleinman Center for Energy Policy.

The Allegheny National Forest makes up most of the federally owned land in Pennsylvania, but the federal government does not own mineral rights on 93% of that land, said Quigley, who served as Pennsylvanias secretary of conservation under Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell and secretary of environmental protection under Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf.

Most fracking wells in the U.S. are on private land, but Trumps second term could allow for more drilling permits being leased to federal lands. This could depress prices and reduce industry profits, Quigley said.

Trump has indicated through executive order that he plans to identify and produce energy on lands, whether or not theyre federally owned. Former President Joe Bidens administration pushed for renewable energy, but it never promoted a fracking ban, issuing more permits to drill for oil and natural gas on federal land than Trump did during his first term.

Pennsylvania is looking at higher energy prices because of a drill, baby, drill type approach, and thats the irony. Were going to face higher costs again, for consumers, businesses, industries, which could affect employment, gross domestic product, and the environment, Quigley said, referring to Trumps push to significantly expand liquid natural gas exports and promote natural gas for generating electricity instead of clean energy.

When asked about Trumps plans for fracking in Pennsylvania, a White House spokesperson said in a statement: President Trump declared a national energy emergency [last week] and issued several energy executive orders to immediately begin reversing the harmful and shortsighted policies of the previous administration, which have resulted in inadequate energy supply and infrastructure, and ultimately higher energy prices for Americans.

How Pennsylvanias rare earth elements could help Trumps goals

While Trump might not be able to expand fracking in the state, the White House could set its sights on one of Pennsylvanias other natural offerings.

One of Trumps executive orders, titled Unleashing American Energy, outlines the Trump administrations ambitions to assert its dominance in the development of non-fuel minerals. The White House says this goal will create jobs and prosperity at home, strengthen supply chains for the United States and its allies, and reduce the global influence of malign and adversarial states.

Pennsylvania has had a rich offering of rare earth elements, known as lanthanides, since at least 1850. And materials  like coal waste or steel slag, for example  can be found throughout the state, including in Western Pennsylvania and in Luzerne and Schuylkill Counties, perhaps assisting the Trump administration in achieving the benchmark, Quigley said.

If the United States develops technology to economically extract the rare earth elements, it could open opportunities for new jobs and businesses in Pennsylvania while cleaning up polluted areas where these elements exist, like abandoned mines, Quigley said.

The elements are also key ingredients in magnets, batteries, and various electronic devices.

The use of rare earth elements for energy production is likely to be a bipartisan issue, Quigley said. In February 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy under the Biden administration announced more than $17 million in funding from the bipartisan infrastructure law that sought to fund projects that develop crucial materials from coal and coal byproducts.

Staff writer Frank Kummer contributed to this article.
City Councilmember Rue Landau speaks during a committee hearing on Jan 22. She is introducing legislation that aims to cut down on up-front costs for renters, including capping apartment application fees at $20. Read more

Philadelphia lawmakers will consider a pair of bills aimed at reducing up-front costs for renters in the city, a move that comes as housing prices are increasing and outpacing income growth.

One piece of legislation, set to be introduced Thursday by City Councilmember Rue Landau, would cap apartment application fees at $20. The limit could result in a significant reduction in moving costs for renters, some of whom, Landau said, pay up to $200 per unit they apply to live in.

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A second bill would require that Philadelphia landlords allow renters to pay their security deposits in four installments over four months, rather than one large lump sum before moving in.

Landau, a Democrat who represents the city at-large and who is a housing attorney by trade, said in an interview that the goal is to make moving less cost-prohibitive, especially for low-income people, seniors, and people transitioning out of homelessness.

We have a housing affordability crisis in Philadelphia, and that is an issue that I am working on holistically, but there is not an immediate quick fix to that, she said. What we can fix quickly is reducing up-front costs and make moving into an apartment easier and more accessible.

But the proposed policy shifts  especially the one requiring that landlords allow security deposit payment plans  are likely to face resistance from landlords and property managers who say it could harm their bottom lines.

I understand where this is coming from, but the problem is theres too many bad actors, said Greg Wertman, president of HAPCO Philadelphia, the citys largest landlord association. Every time they come up with this stuff, they drive up the costs for the mom-and-pop landlords who have the most affordable housing in the city.

Landaus legislation comes as housing is set to take center stage in City Hall this year. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker has said her housing plan, which includes building or rehabbing 30,000 units in the city, will be a cornerstone of her administrations agenda this year, and her budget proposal set to be unveiled in March is likely to seek funding for that plan.

Several other Council members are expected to float pieces of housing legislation this spring. Council President Kenyatta Johnson said he is looking to address homelessness, especially among the citys youth, this session. And Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, who represents parts of West Philadelphia, plans to continue a push she started last year to address low-income displacement in gentrifying neighborhoods.

 READ MORE: Philly is one of the least affordable major metros for its renters

Housing in Philadelphia has long been considered affordable compared with other major cities, but the citys relatively high poverty rate means there is a high proportion of residents who cannot find housing at a price they can manage. A 2020 study by the Pew Charitable Trusts found that more than half of Philadelphia renters are cost-burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing.

Landau said cutting down on up-front costs would make shopping for an apartment and moving into one easier and quicker. Application fees are ostensibly to cover the cost of conducting background and credit checks on potential tenants, but Landau said fees as high as $200 often exceed the real cost of screening.

Her legislation would prohibit landlords from collecting application fees over $20 per unit  the same cap lawmakers in New York state set under similar legislation in 2019. Landaus bill also would allow potential tenants to provide their own background and credit checks, so long as they were conducted by an accredited agency within the previous 30 days, potentially offsetting screening costs.

A second bill requires that landlords allow tenants to enter into a four-month payment plan to cover the cost of their security deposits, which are typically equivalent to one or two months rent. Most tenants are asked to front the security deposit, as well as the first and last month of rent, before moving in.

Wertman, of HAPCO, said the organization intends to push back on the security deposit bill, saying landlords will lose out if a tenant moves in, then fails to pay the security deposit. And he said landlords may see it as a red flag if a potential renter asks for a payment plan early in a rental agreement.

Put yourself in a landlords spot. If that person cannot pay the security deposit, do you think theyre a valid candidate as a renter? Wertman said. Every landlord is going to be skeptical of any person thats going to have to fall into this category.

But Landau said that deposits can be cost-prohibitive, and that allowing tenants to pay in installments could make it easier for them to make monthly rent payments through the course of their lease.

The landlords are going to get their security deposit, she said. They can just get it in a way in which tenants are able to pay for it.
Councilmember Jamie Gauthier introduced a package of bills Thursday to boost affordable housing construction by accelerating the permitting process and encouraging the creation of granny flats.

Gauthier represents much of West Philadelphia, including booming University City, and has made housing policy her focus. Thursdays legislation follows a 2024 package of bills meant to stem displacement by offering protections to low-income residents.

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This year Gauthier wants to focus on regulatory changes to encourage development of low-cost homes.

Its about cutting red tape and helping affordable housing projects move easier and faster and more cheaply through the citys permitting and zoning process, Gauthier said.

Gauthiers legislation would create a five-day expedited turnaround for proposed affordable housing projects. Under current rules, any applicant can pay to seek a 10-day expedited permit as long as the Department of Licenses and Inspections can process it.

The legislation would remove a provision that states expedition shall occur to the extent capacity permits, essentially requiring L&I to always expedite affordable housing projects. It would also reduce the cost of expedited permitting in these cases.

Currently, even with expedited review, projects requiring approval by the Zoning Board of Adjustment routinely face delays of six months or longer. And the perennially understaffed Department of Licenses and Inspections may not have the capacity to fulfill requirements in Gauthiers bills.

Its true we would need to add more people to review these applications, but we just happen to be heading into the city budget process, so its a good time to look at L&Is capacity, Gauthier said.

Her legislation defines affordable housing as anything created through zoning requirements  including projects required to include below-market-rate units under her inclusionary overlay  or that receives city or state support through direct financing or free land.

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker promises a big push of her own on housing policy this year, although it is not clear when the details of her initiative will be ready. Last year, she set a target of 30,000 homes built or repaired during her administration.

These bills complement the Parker administrations goal of 30,000 housing units, Gauthier said. If were serious about addressing the housing crisis, we have to help affordable housing move through the system faster.

Bonus units in or near single-family homes

Gauthiers legislation would also make it easier to create what she calls bonus units, also known as accessory dwelling units, the technical term for apartments in the basement, attic, garage, or some other area in a lot occupied by a single-family residence.

Think about Spruce Hill in my district, those huge, beautiful Victorian homes, Gauthier said. But if my family has moved out over time, that might be too much house even if I want to stay in my neighborhood. Bonus units help people who can get pushed out of that type of neighborhood because they cannot afford the cost.

Laws allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are a popular zoning change in suburban areas or cities where homes tend to be built on large lots. They allow a secondary home to be built in a backyard or above a separated garage.

In Philadelphia, the category stoked controversy when it was created during Mayor Michael Nutters zoning code reform. In a city of rowhouses where units generally can be built only inside existing structures, some Council members and community groups in the Northeast feared ADUs would create issues with parking, density, and trash.

As a result, ADUs were not allowed anywhere in the city until Councilmember Mark Squilla pushed to allow them in historically protected structures in 2019. A couple of years later, Councilmember Maria Quinones-Sanchez sought to legalize them citywide, but Parker, who was then on City Council, fought the legislation and exempted her district from it. Many other Council members followed her lead.

Today, ADUs are banned in the two Council districts in the Northeast and are allowed only in historic structures in four other Council districts, including all of Northwest Philadelphia and many of the other peripheral neighborhoods with larger lot sizes, like those Parker used to represent.

Only 10 such units have been created legally in Philadelphia since the category was created in 2012, Gauthier said.

Gauthiers bills would allow accessory dwelling units in any area zoned for single-family housing in any Council district that does not have restrictions on ADUs. Applicants would not need approval from the Zoning Board of Adjustment if the unit did not materially change the footprint of the original  structure.

Under current conditions, it would apply to less than half the city, including Gauthiers district, Southwest and South Philadelphia, part of Center City, and much of the river wards.

Gauthier said that she has talked with Council President Kenyatta Johnson and Councilmembers Mark Squilla and Quetcy Lozada  the three other members whose districts would be affected by the current legislation  and that they are reviewing the ADU bill.

Theyre going to have to talk about this bill with their community members, she said. Im giving them the time and space to do that, but Im hopeful that they will be supportive.
Among those disqualified was Ian Thomas Griggs, who received a two-year ban on Nov. 20, 2024, for his role in the failure of four hospitality businesses that collectively owed over $4 million to creditors. ASIC stated that it relied on reports from liquidators funded through the Assetless Administration Fund in reaching its decision. Directors who fail to comply with disqualification orders may face criminal charges.
Gallagher noted that businesses facing WHS-related legal action typically rely on two forms of insurance: directors and officers (D&O) liability and statutory liability. D&O insurance covers legal expenses for executives and senior managers in both civil and criminal cases, including breaches of legislation. Insurers require formal notification of potential legal actions and must approve claims before the policy is activated.
However, the COO said because it raised cyber awareness, this event was a good thing for the industry.



On a surface level it's bizarre that we would consider this to be a positive, he said. But the risk of a massive event like this happening has always been front of mind for those offering coverage in this category of insurance.
Also known as business insurance, this specialized coverage acts as a shield against a spectrum of potential threats, including property damage, liability issues, cyber risks, and financial setbacks.

In this blog post, well explain the essential elements of commercial lines insurance and how it stands as a cornerstone for fortifying your business against the unexpected twists and turns of the business landscape.

The Core Pillars of Commercial Lines Insurance

Commercial lines insurance, encompassing a broad spectrum of insurance policies, is designed to protect businesses from a wide array of potential risks, ranging from property damage and liability lawsuits to cyberattacks and data breaches. Unlike personal insurance, which caters to individuals needs, commercial insurance specifically addresses the unique risks and challenges faced by businesses of all sizes.

Within commercial insurance, there exists a diverse range of coverage options, each tailored to address specific perils. General liability insurance, a cornerstone of commercial insurance, shields businesses from third-party claims arising from bodily injury or property damage. Commercial property insurance, another crucial component, safeguards physical assets, including buildings, equipment, and inventory, from fire, theft, and other hazards.

For businesses operating in todays digital age, cyber insurance has become an indispensable tool, providing protection against the growing threat of data breaches and cyberattacks. Management liability insurance, on the other hand, safeguards directors and officers from personal liability arising from wrongful acts in their management capacity.

The Importance of a Tailored and Integrated Approach for Businesses

To effectively protect their businesses, small business owners must adopt a tailored and integrated approach to commercial insurance. This involves carefully assessing the unique risks their business faces and selecting the appropriate coverage options to mitigate those risks. By working closely with an experienced insurance broker or agent, small business owners can customize their insurance portfolio to align seamlessly with their specific needs and budget.

One size doesnt fit all in the world of commercial lines insurance. Recognizing the unique profile and needs of each business, a tailored approach becomes paramount. A well-crafted, integrated insurance strategy considers the individual risks a business faces, providing a customized shield against potential pitfalls. This tailored approach not only enhances the effectiveness of coverage but also ensures that businesses have precisely what they need, where they need it, fostering a resilient and secure foundation.

Types of Commercial Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide

Commercial Property Insurance: Shielding Physical Assets

Commercial property insurance stands as the cornerstone of business protection, safeguarding physical assets such as buildings, equipment, and inventory from a range of covered perils. These perils include fire, theft, vandalism, natural disasters, and even acts of terrorism. In the event of a loss, commercial property insurance provides financial compensation to cover the costs of repairs, replacements, or even business interruption.

Commercial General Liability Insurance: Addressing Third-Party Claims

Commercial general liability (CGL) insurance shields businesses from third-party claims arising from bodily injury or property damage caused by their operations or products. This coverage extends to a broad spectrum of potential scenarios, including accidents on the premises, product malfunctions, and even advertising or personal injury lawsuits. CGL insurance provides financial protection for legal fees, settlements, and damages, safeguarding the businesss financial stability.

Commercial Auto Insurance: Protecting Business Vehicles

Commercial auto insurance is specifically designed for vehicles used for business purposes, such as delivery vans, company cars, and trucks. This coverage provides protection against a range of risks associated with accidents, including bodily injury, property damage, and physical damage to the vehicle itself. Commercial auto insurance offers peace of mind, ensuring that businesses are financially shielded from the consequences of vehicle accidents.

Workers Compensation Insurance: Safeguarding Employees

Workers compensation insurance provides coverage for work-related injuries and illnesses, offering financial support to employees who sustain injuries or suffer from occupational diseases. This coverage includes medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and even death benefits for dependents. Workers compensation insurance protects both employers and employees, ensuring that workers receive the care and compensation they deserve while safeguarding employers from potential lawsuits.

Umbrella Liability Insurance: Additional Protection for High-Dollar Claims

Umbrella liability insurance serves as an additional layer of protection, providing excess liability coverage beyond primary commercial insurance policies. This coverage kicks in when primary policies reach their limits, offering financial protection against high-dollar claims that could potentially devastate a business. Umbrella liability insurance provides peace of mind, ensuring that businesses are safeguarded against catastrophic losses.

Tailoring Coverage to Business Needs: A Personalized Approach to Risk Management

The effectiveness of commercial insurance hinges upon its ability to be tailored to the specific needs and risks faced by each unique business. This requires a comprehensive understanding of an individual businesss operations, industry, and potential exposures.

Assessing Individual Business Risks and Exposures

The first step in crafting effective commercial lines insurance is understanding the unique risks and exposures faced by each business. This involves a thorough assessment of the specific challenges that could impact operations, from property vulnerabilities to industry-specific liabilities. By pinpointing these individualized risks, businesses can lay the groundwork for a targeted and resilient insurance strategy.

Customizing Commercial Lines Insurance Based on Industry Specifics

No two industries are exactly alike, and commercial lines insurance recognizes this diversity. Tailoring coverage based on industry specifics is crucial for businesses to ensure that their insurance portfolio aligns seamlessly with their operational landscape. Whether its adapting to regulatory nuances or addressing sector-specific risks, customization ensures that businesses receive precisely the coverage they need to thrive in their particular industry.

Working with Experienced Insurance Professionals for Personalized Solutions

Collaboration with experienced insurance professionals is instrumental in securing personalized solutions. These experts bring a wealth of industry knowledge, helping businesses identify potential blind spots, optimize coverage, and ultimately create a bespoke insurance plan that aligns with their unique needs. This collaborative approach ensures that businesses receive not only coverage but also strategic guidance tailored to their specific circumstances.

Understanding Policy Limits, Deductibles, and Premiums

The Impact of Policy Limits on Comprehensive Coverage

Policy limits play a pivotal role in defining the extent of coverage a business enjoys. Its crucial to comprehend how these limits can impact comprehensive coverage. Striking the right balance ensures that businesses are adequately protected without overextending or leaving critical areas exposed. Understanding the nuances of policy limits lays the foundation for a robust and effective commercial lines insurance plan.

Balancing Deductibles to Align with Risk Tolerance and Financial Considerations

Deductibles represent the financial commitment a business assumes before insurance coverage kicks in. Finding the right balance is key, aligning deductibles with a businesss risk tolerance and financial considerations. A well-calibrated deductible not only ensures affordability but also provides businesses with a proactive role in risk management, fostering a collaborative approach between the business and its insurance coverage.

Managing Premiums Through Strategic Risk Management Practices

Premiums are the lifeblood of any insurance policy, and managing them strategically is essential for long-term financial health. Businesses can achieve this by implementing effective risk management practices. Proactively identifying and mitigating risks not only helps in maintaining lower premiums but also contributes to a healthier bottom line. Through a strategic risk management approach, businesses can optimize their premiums while ensuring comprehensive and sustainable coverage.

The Claims Process in Commercial Lines Insurance

In the ever-changing business environment, unexpected events can disrupt operations and result in financial losses. Commercial lines insurance serves as a financial safety net, providing protection against a variety of perils that could jeopardize a companys stability. However, when a loss occurs, businesses must successfully navigate the claims process to secure the compensation they are owed. A thorough understanding of the claims process is essential for ensuring a smooth and timely resolution.

The Claims Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

The claims process in commercial lines insurance typically follows a structured sequence of steps designed to ensure that claims are handled efficiently and fairly. These steps generally include:

Reporting the Claim: Businesses should promptly notify their insurance company of a loss, providing as much detail as possible about the incident. This includes the date, time, location, nature of the loss, and any contributing factors. Initial Investigation: The insurance company will assign an adjuster to investigate the claim. The adjuster will conduct interviews, gather evidence, and assess the extent of the damages. Claim Evaluation: Based on the investigation, the adjuster will evaluate the claim and determine the extent of the insurance companys liability. This involves reviewing the policy terms, exclusions, and applicable coverage limits. Negotiation and Settlement: If the insurance company determines that the loss is covered, they will enter into negotiations with the business to reach a settlement agreement. This involves agreeing on the fair value of the damages and the terms of payment. Claim Closure: Once the settlement agreement is finalized and the payment is issued, the claim is considered closed.

Strategies for Effective Claims Management

Ensuring a successful claims resolution requires proactive and strategic management on the part of the business. Here are some key strategies to consider:

Prompt Reporting: Timely notification of a loss is essential to expedite the claims process. Businesses should report losses as soon as possible, ideally within the timeframe specified in their insurance policies.

Detailed Documentation: Thorough documentation of the loss is crucial to support the claim. Businesses should gather relevant documents, such as police reports, invoices, receipts, and photographs, to provide a clear picture of the incident and its impact.

Timely notification of a loss is essential to expedite the claims process. Businesses should report losses as soon as possible, ideally within the timeframe specified in their insurance policies. Thorough documentation of the loss is crucial to support the claim. Businesses should gather relevant documents, such as police reports, invoices, receipts, and photographs, to provide a clear picture of the incident and its impact. Cooperation with the Insurer: Maintaining open and cooperative communication with the insurance company is essential. Businesses should promptly respond to the adjusters inquiries and provide all requested documentation.

Maintaining open and cooperative communication with the insurance company is essential. Businesses should promptly respond to the adjusters inquiries and provide all requested documentation. Seeking Professional Guidance: In complex or high-value claims, businesses may benefit from seeking guidance from an insurance attorney or public adjuster. These professionals have expertise in navigating the claims process and advocating for the businesss best interests.

The Role of Insurance Professionals in Claims

Insurance professionals wear multiple hats to safeguard businesses effectively. Their primary responsibility involves carefully assessing and analyzing the specific risks each business faces. This detailed risk assessment is the cornerstone for tailoring insurance policies that suit the unique needs, size, and industry characteristics of each enterprise.

Working as intermediaries between businesses and insurance carriers, these professionals navigate the complexities of policy placement. They negotiate terms, secure optimal coverage, and ensure businesses are connected with reliable carriers, all with the aim of fortifying them against potential uncertainties.

Beyond the initial policy setup, insurance professionals stay vigilant. They conduct ongoing policy reviews and updates, ensuring businesses maintain coverage that adapts to their evolving needs. Compliance management is another crucial facet of their role, guiding businesses to navigate and adhere to insurance regulations.

These professionals are not just brokers; they are trusted advisors and partners. With their industry knowledge and commitment to client success, they contribute significantly to the fortified protection of businesses against unforeseen events.

Conclusion

As businesses evolve, so do their insurance needs. With this, professional insurance agents stand as steadfast partners, guiding businesses through the dynamic terrain of risks and regulations. Beyond policies, their expertise ensures that businesses are continually equipped with optimal coverage solutions, adapting to the ever-shifting landscape of the business world.

In the world of commercial lines insurance, knowledge is power, and collaboration is key. Armed with a comprehensive understanding of their coverage essentials and supported by seasoned insurance professionals, businesses can confidently stride into the future, fortified against uncertainties and poised for success.

Sources:

Introduction to Commercial Lines Insurance: https://www.iii.org/article/introduction-commercial-lines-insurance

The Core Pillars of Commercial Lines Insurance: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/commercial-lines-insurance.asp

Key Components of Commercial Lines Insurance: https://www.iii.org/article/commercial-lines-insurance-basics

Tailoring Coverage to Business Needs: https://www.iii.org/article/tailoring-commercial-lines-insurance-your-business

Policy Limits, Deductibles, and Premiums: https://www.iii.org/article/policy-limits-deductibles-and-premiums

The Claims Process in Commercial Lines Insurance: https://www.iii.org/article/commercial-lines-insurance-claims-process
James Keating of Paoli, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 20 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for defrauding his former employer of more than $1.4 million.

Keating was an assistant vice president and surety bond claims handler at Allied World Insurance Co. He later served in the same capacity at Crum and Forster subsidiary U.S. Fire Insurance Co., where he also handled claims on Allied World surety bonds. All surety bond claims were handled through Allied Worlds offices in Farmington, Connecticut.

According to court documents and statements, between 2017 and 2021, Keating defrauded Allied World in two ways. First, he used a shell company, American Construction & Industrial LLC, to bill Allied World for unnecessary claims work that was not performed and took the proceeds for himself. Second, he solicited and received kickbacks from Allied World vendors through another Keating-owned company, Surety Risk Solutions (also known as SRS or SR5), without the knowledge of his employer.

Prosecutors said Keating also caused these vendors to use another company in which he had an undisclosed ownership interest, Kodiak Asset Recovery, for asset searches at inflated prices. Keating profited nearly $1 million through American Construction & Industrial LLC, more than $350,000 in kickbacks through Surety Risk Solutions, and nearly $125,000 through Kodiak Asset Recovery.

U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven also ordered Keating to pay restitution of $1,226,603.97, which represents the loss to Allied World of $1,446,491.95, less $219,887.98 that he previously repaid as part of a civil judgment.

On July 30, 2024, Keating pleaded guilty to wire fraud.

The sentencing was announced by Marc H. Silverman, acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut.

Topics Claims
The Maryland Insurance Administration reports that it recovered nearly $33.3 million in 2024 for Marylanders by helping resolve insurance-related issues and complaints.

Acting Commissioner Marie Grant said the money was recovered through a rapid response program, consumer complaint units, an appeals unit, insurance fraud and producer enforcement, and market regulation and professional licensing.

The Rapid Response Program helps consumers resolve property/casualty claims such as auto and homeowners claims quickly and without having to file a formal written complaint. The program closed 2,071 complaints in 2024 and recovered $9.59 million for consumers.

The Property/Casualty Complaints unit handles formal property/casualty insurance complaints filed by consumers. The unit closed 7,128 complaints in 2024 and recovered $7.53 million for consumers. The Life and Health Complaints unit closed 3,540 complaints in 2024 and recovered $6.66 million for consumers and providers.

Maryland law gives consumers the right to appeal a decision that denies coverage for medically necessary treatment. The Appeals & Grievance onit responded to 1,148 such complaints in 2024 and recovered $1.09 million for consumers.

The Market Regulation and Professional Licensing Division is responsible for oversight of insurance companies and title producers. The Divisions Market Conduct unit closed 68 investigations, issued 23 orders, assessed $334,500 in penalties and recovered $7.65 million for consumers.

The Insurance Fraud and Producer Enforcement Division prosecutes civil and criminal insurance fraud committed by insurance companies, agents or brokers, consumers and the general public. The division closed 32 civil fraud investigations in 2024, levied $46,250 in penalties and recovered $14,903 in restitution for Maryland consumers and businesses. The work of the criminal fraud unit resulted in 26 indictments, 14 convictions and eight cases awaiting trial. In the criminal cases, the courts ordered $429,224 in restitution.

The Producer Enforcement unit is responsible for investigating misconduct by insurance producers, public adjusters and bail bonds producers. During 2024, the producer unit closed 206 investigations, resulting in $55,950 in administrative penalties and $40,848 in restitution. The title insurance unit closed 1,562 investigations, assessed penalties of $1,900, and recovered $260,042 for consumers.

Topics Maryland
British government departments have operated hundreds of outdated computer systems and failed to meet their own cybersecurity targets, increasing the risk of a disruptive hack, a watchdog has found.

The National Audit Office, an independent parliamentary body, flagged the concerns in a report released Wednesday after reviewing cybersecurity practices across the UKs central government.

As of March 2024, the government was operating at least 228 legacy computer systems, meaning they were outdated and potentially posed a risk to digital defenses, according to the report. In addition, more than 50 other critical computer systems were deemed vulnerable to an attack.

Departments have significant gaps in their system controls that are fundamental to their cyber resilience, the report stated.

Compounding the problems, according to the report, was a lack of personnel specializing in protecting computer networks. Within several central government departments, more than 50% of all vacancies in cybersecurity teams were left unfilled.

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, chair of the parliaments Public Accounts Committee, said the report should serve as a stark wake-up call to government to strengthen computer defenses.

Despite the rapidly evolving cyber threat, governments response has not kept pace, Clifton-Brown said in a statement. Poor coordination across government, a persistent shortage of cyber skills and a dependence on outdated legacy IT systems are continuing to leave our public services exposed.

The government is working to upgrade technology and bolster cyber defenses, a spokesperson said.

Since July, we have taken action to repair cyber defenses neglected by successive governments, the spokesperson said. Those include introducing new legislation to give the government powers to protect critical national infrastructure from cyberattacks, delivering 30 new regional cyber skills projects to strengthen the digital workforce and merging digital teams into one central Government Digital Service, the spokesperson said.

The UK has faced several major computer breaches in recent years, from both criminal and state-sponsored attackers. The targets have included the Ministry of Defense, the National Health Service, the Royal Mail and the British Library, in addition to government contractors such as Capita.

The countrys National Cyber Security Centre said in its annual review in December that the number of attacks were increasing, while many organizations were still underestimating the severity of the risk. We face a spectrum of threats where persistent activity by capable hostile states compounds the acute challenges posed by organized crime, it said.

Photograph: Computer code displayed on screens arranged in Danbury, UK, on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021. Photo credit: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.

Topics Agencies
Theft and violence against retail workers in Britain soared to record levels last year and are out of control, driven partly by criminal gangs, according to a report published on Thursday.

Industry body the British Retail Consortiums annual crime survey found more than 20 million incidents of theft were committed in the year to Aug. 31, 2024, which equates to 55,000 a day, costing retailers a total 2.2 billion pounds ($2.7 billion).

There were 16 million incidents in the previous year.

The BRC said many more incidents in the latest period were linked to organized crime, with gangs systematically targeting stores across the country.

Incidents of violence and abuse in 2023/24 climbed to more than 2,000 per day from 1,300 the year before.

Retail crime is spiraling out of control. People in retail have been spat on, racially abused, and threatened with machetes. Every day this continues, criminals are getting bolder and more aggressive, said Helen Dickinson, head of the BRC.

Satisfaction with the police response to incidents remains low, with 61% of respondents describing it as poor or very poor, the report showed.

With little faith in police attendance, it is no wonder criminals feel they have a license to steal, threaten, assault and abuse, said Dickinson.

The BRC said the amount spent on crime prevention also hit a record high, with retailers investing 1.8 billion pounds on measures such as CCTV, security personnel, anti-theft devices and body-worn cameras, up from 1.2 billion pounds in 2022/23.

Responding to the report, the police said they had made progress in 2024.

Over the last year we have made significant strides in our fight against retail crime, strengthening relationships with retailers and greatly improving information sharing which has resulted in a number of high harm offenders being brought to justice, Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss, the National Police Chiefs Councils lead for retail crime, said.

The new Labour government has pledged to address the rise in retail crime through stronger measures to tackle shoplifting and anti-social behavior. It also plans to introduce a standalone offense for assaulting a retail worker.

The issue of theft and violence has been raised by many of Britains biggest retailers over the last year, including Tesco, John Lewis and Primark, echoing similar reports in the United States and elsewhere.

($1 = 0.8064 pounds)

(Reporting by James Davey; Editing by Gareth Jones and Jan Harvey)
In 2024, BAIC Group achieved annual vehicle sales of 1.71 million units and logged annual revenue of over 480 billion yuan. These impressive results reflect the automaker's ongoing efforts in exploration and innovation.

STELATO S9; photo credit: BAIC Group

Amid intensifying competition in the automotive industry, BAIC Group launched its three-year action plan, aiming to exceed 3 million units of annual vehicle sales in 2027. This includes a target of 2 million units from wholly-owned brands, and over 50% of new energy vehicles (NEVs).

To achieve these targets, BAIC Group invested heavily in R&D, with R&D spending exceeding 13 billion yuan in 2024, focusing on key areas such as chips, smart cockpits, and intelligent driving technologies.

In addition to technological innovation, BAIC Group actively expanded its network of partnerships last year. Notably, the company collaborated with Huawei to co-develop the STELATO high-end NEV brand and worked with Pony.ai and Horizon Robotics to explore intelligent driving solutions.

BAIC Group's various brands also demonstrated strong performance across the board. The ARCFOX premium NEV brand, driven by models such as the  S5,  T5, and KAOLA, achieved a remarkable 170% year-on-year soar in annual sales. In the commercial vehicle segment, Foton Motor withstood market competition, launched new products on schedule, and retained its leadership in sales.

Gasgoo's year-end review highlights key achievements of leading automotive enterprises. This report takes a closer look at BAIC Group's major events in 2024.

Wheels of Change: the Story of BAIC Group (Part 1)

Currently, there are five major business segments under BAIC Group, which are BAIC BJEV, BAIC Motor, BAIC Foton, Beijing Benz Automotive Co. (BBAC), and Beijing Hyundai Motor.

Wheels of Change: the Story of BAIC Group (Part 2)

Electrification and intelligentization has fundamentally transformed the automotive industry, prompting all car manufacturers to reposition themselves and continuously enhance their capabilities. BAIC Group is also seeking breakthroughs. In 2024, BAIC Group announced plans to invest at least 50 billion RMB in R&D over the next five years, with a focus on new energy and intelligence.

BAIC Group logs annual sales volume of over 1.71 million vehicles in 2024

On January 11, BAIC Group held its 2025 work conference, revealing its 2024 performance. The group achieved vehicle sales exceeding 1.71 million units last year, with revenue surpassing 480 billion yuan.

BAIC BJEV receives 8.15-billion-yuan capital injection

On December 24, BAIC BluePark announced the completion of a capital increase in its subsidiary, BAIC BJEV, raising 8.15 billion yuan from 11 strategic investors. Despite the infusion, BAIC BluePark remains the controlling shareholder, though its stake in BAIC BJEV has dropped from 99.99% to 71.69%.

BAIC puts BJ30 new energy SUV onto UAE market

Chinese automaker BAIC Motor (BAIC) recently held a product launch event in Dubai, UAE, officially introducing its BJ30 SUV to the local market.

BAIC Group, Hyundai Motor to co-invest $1.095 billion in Beijing Hyundai

On December 11, BAIC Capital, the investment arm of Chinese automaker BAIC Group, and Hyundai Motor jointly announced an additional investment of $1.095 billion (approximately 8 billion yuan) into their joint venture, Beijing Hyundai, aiming to enhance competitiveness in China and drive strategic transformation.

BAIC Group announces $70.35 million investment in Pony.ai

On November 29, BAIC Group officially announced a strategic investment of $70.35 million in autonomous driving company Pony.ai.

BAIC Motor launches 8 vehicle models in Bahrain

On November 12, BAIC Group inaugurated its first BAIC brand showroom in Bahrain, marking another significant step in its Middle Eastern expansion following a similar launch in Qatar.

Pony.ai, BAIC BJEV to co-develop L4 Robotaxi based on ARCFOX T5

On November 2, autonomous driving solution provider Pony.ai and the new energy vehicle arm of BAIC Group, BAIC BJEV, formed their partnership on developing L4 autonomous vehicles.

BAIC Group partners with Alkan Auto to build EV assembly plant in Egypt

BAIC Group recently signed an MoU (memorandum of understanding) with Alkan Auto, a subsidiary of Egyptian International Motors, to establish an electric vehicle (EV) assembly plant in Egypt.

BAIC BluePark posts semi-annual revenue of 3.714 billion yuan in H1 2024

On August 26, BAIC BluePark New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (BAIC BluePark) released its financial report for the first half of 2024 (H1 2024), showing a revenue of 3.714 billion yuan, marking a 35.16% year-on-year decline.

Huawei, BAIC-developed STELATO S9 electric sedan hits market, starting at 399,800 yuan

On August 6, 2024, Huawei officially put the STELATO S9 flagship luxury electric sedan onto the market. STELATO is the collaborative brand between Huawei's Harmony lntelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA) and BAIC Group. The STELATO S9 comes in two variants, the S9 Max, priced at 399,800 yuan, and the S9 Ultra, priced at 449,800 yuan.

BAIC Group receives 100-billion-yuan credit line from Bank of China

Chinese automaker BAIC Group and the Bank of China recently signed a strategic cooperation agreement. Under which, the Bank of Chinas Beijing branch will provide BAIC Group with a strategic cooperation credit line of 100 billion yuan.

BAIC Group, CATL deepen strategic cooperation in battery swap businesses

On June 18, Chinese automaker BAIC Group and battery giant CATL signed an agreement to deepen their strategic cooperation in the new energy sector, aiming to enhance their core competitiveness.

BAIC Group among first to join China's L3 intelligent connected vehicle pilot program

On June 4, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, and Ministry of Transport jointly announced the launch of the "Intelligent Connected Vehicle Access and Road Pilot Consortium." BAIC Group has been selected as one of the first automakers to join this pioneering initiative.

BAIC Motor puts three car models onto Egyptian market

On May 29, BAIC Motor launched three new models, the U5 PLUS, the Mo Fang (BEIJING 5), and the new X7, and showcased the BJ40, BJ60, and BJ80 off-road models in Cairo, Egypt. This event also marked the opening of BAIC's first flagship store in Egypt.

BAIC Motor launches BJ40 PLUS, X55 models in Indonesia, Malaysia

During May 14 to 16, BAIC Motor officially put the BJ40 PLUS and X55 models onto the markets of Indonesia and Malaysia, marking a new chapter in the BAIC brand's global development.

BAIC Group, CATL, Xiaomi EV to co-build battery cell factory

Three subsidiaries of BAIC Group will join forces to establish a platform company, collaborating with CATL and Xiaomi to build a battery cell factory.

BAIC Group, Bosch, SinoHytec co-build CAVAN new energy commercial vehicle brand

New energy commercial vehicle brand CAVAN was officially launched through a collaboration between Foton Motor, Bosch's investment arm Bosch Venture Capital, Boyuan Capital, SinoHytec, and BAIC Capital, according to a WeChat post on BAIC Group's official account on January 28.
This edition of International People Moves details appointments at Lloyds and Ryan Re.

A summary of these new hires follows here.

Lloyds Promotes Cliff to CFO, Succeeding Keese

Lloyds, the insurance and reinsurance marketplace, announced the appointment of Alexandra Cliff as its chief financial officer (CFO), effective May 1, 2025.

Following a long-established succession plan, Cliff will succeed Burkhard Keese, who leaves Lloyds to focus on investment roles in the German insurance market.

Cliff joined Lloyds as deputy CFO in November 2022 and currently serves on Lloyds Executive Committee. She has over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, having held senior finance roles in insurance and broking firms including Direct Line Group, StarStone, and AJ Gallagher. Cliff is a chartered accountant and spent eight years at PwC in both London and the US. Her new appointment is subject to regulatory approval.

Keese joined Lloyds in 2019 and during his time as CFO he has been at the forefront of the significant performance turnaround of the Lloyds market, and in the strengthening of its balance sheet, recognized by S&P Global and AM Best accrediting Lloyds with the highest financial strength ratings in its history. He has also advanced Lloyds position as an attractive and accessible market for global investors to place their capital through the risk transfer vehicles London Bridge 1 and 2.

Keese will remain a strategic advisor to Lloyds and will focus on the development of London Bridge 2.

Since joining Lloyds as deputy CFO, Alex has played a vital role in achieving our enhanced financial strength, including recent ratings upgrades, building our investment proposition and transforming market reporting. She is a well-respected member of the Executive Committee, and I have no doubt she will continue to deliver against our strategic priorities as CFO, commented John Neal, Lloyds CEO, who also is lleaving the market this year to take on the role of Aons global CEO of Reinsurance and chairman of Climate Solutions.

Neal went on to thank Keese for his work guiding Lloyds to some of its best-ever financial results and his execution of the capital proposition, which has made Lloyds more resilient than ever.

***

Ryan Re Appoints BMS Ryan as EVP to Lead Strategic Business Development

Ryan Specialty, the Chicago-based international specialty insurance firm, announced that Sean Ryan has joined Ryan Re Underwriting Managers, a managing general underwriter focused on property and casualty treaty reinsurance.

Ryan will serve as executive vice president and lead Ryan Res strategic business development.

Ryan has held a variety of senior roles in both reinsurance underwriting and reinsurance broking throughout his career. Previously, he founded and served as president of specialty reinsurance-focused Trean Intermediaries, which was established in 2013 and ultimately acquired in 2021 by BMS, where he assumed the role of deputy CEO of US Reinsurance.

Sean has both a strong entrepreneurial spirit and an impressive network of relationships throughout the industry. Additionally, before his role as an intermediary, he held key underwriting roles in both treaty and facultative businesses that supported a wide range of clients, commented Ryan Re President & CEO Emil Issavi.

Topics Excess Surplus Lloyd's
Alphabets self-driving unit Waymo announced on Wednesday it plans to expand testing of its autonomous driving technology in over 10 new cities in 2025.

After testing the Waymo Driver in multiple cities, the company says the technology is adapting successfully to new environments, leading to the expansion.

In addition to ongoing trips to Truckee, California, Michigans Upper Peninsula, Upstate New York, and Tokyo, the expansion includes testing in San Diego and Las Vegas, with more cities yet to be announced.

During these trips, well send a limited fleet of vehicles to each city, where trained human autonomous specialists will be behind the wheel at all times, a spokeswoman for Waymo said.

The testing will begin with manual driving through the densest and most complex parts of each city, including city centers and freeways.

Waymo plans to send less than 10 vehicles to each city, where they will be manually driven around for a couple of months, according to The Verge, which first reported the news.

In December, Waymo said it is expanding its autonomous ride-hailing services to Miami, Florida, adding another city to its operations as it seeks to gain an edge in an increasingly competitive market.

The firm is under intense scrutiny from safety regulators following multiple incidents involving autonomous driving technology.

Waymo said in October that it had closed a $5.6 billion funding round led by Google-parent Alphabet, as it looks to expand its autonomous ride-hailing service.

Topics Personal Auto Tech
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick wants to follow in the footsteps of Elon Musk.

The states powerful Republican announced on Wednesday that one of the 40 bills he was prioritizing this legislative session is called Texas DOGE  Improving Government Efficiency.

Limiting government spending is an early priority of President Donald Trumps administration and has been a centerpoint of his campaign. He selected Musk to lead a newly created Department of Government Efficiency, which has vowed to stop wasteful expenses in Washington and slash the federal workforce.

While Patricks announcement refers to Senate Bill 14  which is not currently listed on the legislative website  there are two pending bills which outline government efficiency proposals.

One bill, filed by Texas Senator Bryan Hughes, would establish an office within Governor Greg Abbotts administration to identify and expand opportunities for efficiencies, according to text of the legislation posted on the states legislative website.

The task force will be charged with evaluating rules and regulatory processes and work with state agencies to quell such requirements, the bill says. Hughes is a Republican who sponsored the states controversial Heartbeat Act which prohibited abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected.

A separate but similar bill, which would create an advisory committee called the Texas Department of Government Efficiency, was filed in the Texas House by Representative Will Metcalf.

This approach mirrors the federal efforts to reduce wasteful spending, but Texas has led by example when it comes to government efficiency and slashing red tape, Metcalf said in an statement about the legislation.

The legislation will likely be modified as it moves through both chambers during the session which began on Jan. 14 and runs until the start of June.

Every two years Patrick chooses policy priorities to throw his influence behind. Beyond DOGE, the second-highest ranking member of Texas executive branch also is supporting measures expanding school choice and placing the Ten Commandments in classrooms.

In addition to Texas, the American Legislative Exchange Council recently launched the ALEC Government Efficiency coalition.

The group meets monthly to share best practices and proven policies from the states to optimize all levels of government.

As the incoming administration gets its footing, the ALEC Government Efficiency coalition is here to help supply DOGE, administration leaders, and all elected representatives with the most effective and efficient administrative reforms implemented by the states, according to a Jan. 8 piece by Nino Marchese, who is the the director of the judiciary task force at ALEC.

Photo: The Texas State Capitol during a meeting with Greg Abbott, governor of Texas, and Boris Johnson, former UK prime minister, at the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas, US, on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. Johnson discussed economic development with Abbott after visiting Dallas on Monday to thank Americans for supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia. Photographer: Jordan Vonderhaar/Bloomberg

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.

Topics Texas Legislation
Safety regulators fined a GE appliance manufacturer the maximum amount allowed by law in the 2024 death of an Alabama worker who was killed after the company ignored standard safety procedures, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration said this week.

Haeir US Appliance Solutions, part of Hong Kong-based Haier Electronics Group, was charged with willful and serious violations after the July death of 58-year-old Rodney Terry at the Decatur plant. OSHA said in a bulletin that it has recommended a penalty of almost $194,000.

The agency also noted that Louisville-based Haier, operating as GE Appliances, has a history of machine safety violations dating from at least 2016, including ones that resulted in the 2019 death of a Louisiana worker.

Haier US Appliance Solutions could have avoided this tragedy but put production schedules and profit ahead of employee safety, OSHAs Area Office Director Joel Batiz said in a statement. This companys troubling history of safety failures in its manufacturing process has posed a significant risk to the more than 1,500 workers at its Decatur location who rely on a safe and healthy workplace.

Company officials said that the Decatur facility has a strong safety record. It was part of a voluntary program for almost 30 years in which OSHA teams inspected the plant, interviewed workers and reviewed safety procedures.

GE Appliances has always been and remains deeply committed to safety, and there is no issue we take more seriously as a company, the parent company said in a statement. We cooperated fully with OSHA on the incident investigation, but we respectfully disagree with OSHAs conclusions. It is against company policy and company training to bypass machine safeguards and enter equipment without de-energizing and locking out the equipment.

OSHA officials said Haier, which makes refrigerators and freezers for GE, allowed workers to bypass a door-molding machines safety doors and did not utilize long-established and required lock-out, tag-out procedures. Those procedures are designed to prevent a machine from being turned on while a worker is making repairs or cleaning the equipment.

Haier has 15 business days to comply with the penalty, request a conference with OSHA, or contest the penalties before an independent review commission.

Update: This article was updated Feb. 6, 2024 to include a response from GE Appliances.

Topics Workers' Compensation Alabama
Most of our adult life is consumed by the work we do. It can be frightening to realise we spend more time, during the week, with our colleagues than our family and friends.

As the great TV show The Office illustrates, we are often thrown together with a motley crew of people we would never have chosen to spend more than an elevator ride with.

Sometimes we fall into the job we do. We havent really planned it out; a friend of a friend knew someone and all of a sudden you are 20 years deep, watching these strange people you have nothing in common with grow old.

If we are lucky we get the job we want and find great meaning and joy in the work we do.

But for most of us, work is the thing we do to pay for our life with our family and friends.

Whichever it is, when work is coming home with us, disturbing us from our sleep, causing rumination and anxiety, our work/life balance is out of sync.

One of the major stresses of our working life is having to deal with a boss, manager or colleague that is a narcissist.

People often ask me, how can I tell if my boss is a narcissist? As I said over the last two weeks a narcissistic person will have an inflated sense of entitlement, grandiosity and lack empathy for others.

They will cause extreme chaos in the life of any unfortunate soul in their orbit.

Many people work with a boss who treat them appallingly. Remember a narcissist has an incredible belief in their brilliance, and competence and confidence are closely matched in an interview. So, they often hold positions of authority.

If you are wondering if your boss is a narcissist, the first sign to look for is whether or not they have an inner circle. The narcissist craves inner circles of sycophantic nodding heads.

A yes person does well under the narcissistic regime. That is why very average and limited people get elevated to high positions. The narcissist is fearful of intelligence, and loathes free thinkers.

They want to be able to control people, that is why they promote colleagues that would never reach such positions under a confident, fair, and intelligent boss.

They hate any individual thinker, they view them not as talent but rather trouble makers, that need to be put back in their box. Working with someone like that actually changes the neurochemistry in the brain.

People become fearful as they understand they are not respected in their workplace for their talents but rather are respected if they agree with the boss or not.

This substantially decreases productivity, as colleagues become anxious about making mistakes or incurring the wrath of a vengeful and childlike boss.

The boss takes all glory when things are going well, and they blame everyone else when things are not working out. Working for someone like that, can impact on your mental health.

I have sat in my room, and listened as clients described how they were being targeted and abused by the person in authority in their job. No one has the right to target you like this. No one is your master. And there are things you can do.

Silence, is the best friend of a narcissist. As we know from history, it is in those silent spaces that abuse thrives.

If you are working with someone like this, here is what I would advise. Remember you are never stuck in any job you work in. I would always add a little to my cv to make me more employable.

The less employable you are, the more they feel they have you. Of course we all have bills to pay and food to get on our tables, but they never have you. They want you to feel that, but dont fall for their ruse.

I always think of the image of Andy Dufresne in The Shawshank Redemption, slowly chiselling his way out of hell. The more you add to your cv the more opportunity you have to move away from a toxic person.

Also you can try to manage your proximity with your boss, you will know their habits and movements, try to keep distance from them as much as possible. Never lose sight of the fact, it is only a job to get money to enjoy your life with family and friends.

There are plenty of more jobs out there, with decent supportive bosses. Never give a boss the power to step into your house.

I would also document everything that he/she has said to you, every decision they have made, every time they put you down or made inappropriate comments.

Document the time and date of when it was said. I would go to HR with this detailed report. And if you decide to leave I would also give HR, so there is a record of this persons abusive behaviour. People often just leave, and the toxic boss goes on to abuse another person unfortunate to attract his/her glare.

Working for someone who targets you and puts you down in front of others, is a very destructive and psychologically damaging experience. But you have power.

You are never stuck, they are not strong, they are insecure and weak people.
The first two large-capacity generators from the European Union have arrived in Ireland, almost one week after Storm Eowyn caused destruction across the country.

The Government has said the generators  with more due to arrive  will be deployed to get water supplies back and reestablish internet and mobile phone networks.

The Romanian Air Force offered their assistance to transport the heavy load from Poland to Ireland.

Ireland does not have to pay for the service as it is covered by the EU Budget, the European Commission told the Irish Examiner.

The commission said on Tuesday that they received a request from Ireland for assistance relating to power outages caused by the record-breaking Storm Eowyn.

As a result the commission activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and immediately mobilised 13 power generators from the Commission's own strategic reserve, rescEU, hosted in Poland.

It said that four power generators offered by Denmark via the Mechanism would also soon reach Ireland and help provide electricity on the ground.

In a statement to the Irish Examiner, the European Commission today confirmed that two of the generators had been delivered  and that more were on the way.

Two generators from the rescEU stockpile in Poland were delivered today to Ireland, it said.

The transport of generators from the European rescEU reserve is covered 100% from the EU budget. The European Commissions transport broker as well as Romania offered their means to airlift that assistance. It added: More deliveries are expected in the coming days.

It comes as approximately 108,000 homes are still without power across the country.

ESB Networks managing director Nicholas Tarrant described the past week as very challenging for both the company and customers right across the country following the extreme weather event that hit last Friday.

It comes as he said a review will be undertaken, in conjunction with other agencies, about the impact of Storm Eowyn. The results of the review will be published as it will have an impact on the future of the energy provider.

Mr Tarrant said the country has experienced wind speeds that have not been seen since electrical infrastructure was set up in Ireland, describing the scale of the damage as really incredible.

Some 768,000 customers were initially without electricity, which was nearly one third of all connected customers and double the number previously impacted by a storm. Eowyn was the worst storm the country had ever faced, surpassing previous major storms like Storm Darragh and Storm Ophelia (in 2017), he said.

Mr Tarrant said the scale of the challenge in restoring power to these homes has been huge, but said ESB crews have made incredible progress.

Around 2,800 people are working on restoration in order to restore power to as many customers as possible.

We've got assistance beyond our own teams, from our contract partners and from counties right across the country whove come to our aid and understand the scale of what we're facing here, he added.

Around 2,800 people are working on restoration in order to restore power to as many customers as possible. Customers situated in the midlands and north-west of the country took the most severe of the ferocious winds, causing severe damage.

Mr Tarrant told RTE's Morning Ireland that the storm will encourage the utility to take stock of the overall network in order to learn from it going forward. What was unique about the storm was it impacted from our high voltage network right down to medium voltage and low voltage, he added.

Significant investment in the electricity network is needed to ensure this widescale outage does not happen again, he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Tarrant said some customers may be waiting until next week to see their power restored.

ESB Powercheck will continue to be updated as works progress. However, some customers are unable to access this information due to challenges around connectivity, he said.

Mr Tarrant said the exact timeline of when all customers will be restored is very difficult to predict at this stage given the scale of the damage.

But we are going to keep customers informed over the coming days as to how that restoration effort is going, and as the numbers are coming down, but the scale of the damage out there is still very, very significant in this really unique storm, he added.

It comes as the Taoiseach has called for an increased flow of humanitarian aid to areas badly impacted by the storm.

The Taoiseach made the call at a meeting between government ministers, officials and the chair of the National Emergency Coordination Group, where he was updated on the latest works across the country.

Mr Martin was said to have emphasised that there needs to be more aid provided in the coming days, with particular focus on areas that are still without electricity and water.

Discussions at the meeting also dealt with preparations for extreme weather events, to increase the countrys resilience.

Water shortages

Meanwhile, Uisce Eireann said that water has been restored to over 4,500 homes and businesses since Wednesday, leaving approximately 2,800 premises without water.

Alternative water supplies remain in place to support local communities who are experiencing shortages.

Uisce Eireann said they are liaising with local Co-ordination Groups and Emergency Response Hubs, as well as the Civil Defence.

Updates on the location of alternative water supplies and other supply updates are available on the Uisce Eireann website, www.water.ie.

Generators have been installed at almost all of the plants, pumping stations and reservoirs where it is feasible to do so and our crews continue to operate and maintain these.

"We are continuing to work closely with the ESB to prioritise the restoration of electricity supply in the remaining locations and thank them for their ongoing support," the statement read.

Uisce Eireann appealed to the public to continue to conserve water where possible as supplies return, so reservoir levels can recover.

Crews from ESB Networks and partner contractors carrying out repair work in some of the most impacted areas of the North West.

Elsewhere Alone chief executive Sean Moynihan has called for members of the community to check in on older neighbours to offer assistance even if they are normally self reliant.

Last year, the support organisation for the elderly assisted 42,000 elderly people. The charity has tried to make contact with these individuals over the past week, but the lack of communication services in several areas has created problems.

Mr Moynihan said the challenge was identifying the gap where people who traditionally were not vulnerable or normally were coping well, who might be missed because they were not known to services.

Ultimately we need to have every older person who has the ability to reach out, to stay in contact.

And if they do need support, no matter how proud or how resilient or how stoic they normally are, please reach out for support to an agency like ourselves. If we can't support you, we will find somebody else who will solve the problem you have.

Obviously we need everybody to be reaching out, checking in with neighbours. Home carers and the councils are doing their best, but ultimately the concern we all have like we had having covid and other times is that somebody will be missed.

If people have access to a phone, he urged them to call 0818 222 024 we're here seven days a week, 12 hours a day.
A Dublin man has pleaded guilty to taking part in an attack which left a then 17-year-old girl blind in one eye.

Alanna Quinn Idris was struck in the face with the saddle of an electric scooter by a member of a gang, fracturing her eye socket and leaving her permanently blind in her right eye.

Jack Cummins, aged 21, with an address at Rossmore Road in Ballyfermot was before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on Thursday, where he pleaded guilty to assault causing serious harm to Ms Quinn Idris on Ballyfermot Road on December 30, 2021. He had been due to stand trial.

A second man who also took part in the attack was handed a sentence of four-and-a-half years in March 2023.

Darragh Lyons, aged 21, of Weir View, Glenaulin, Chapelizod, Dublin 20, pleaded guilty to assault causing serious harm to Ms Quinn Idris, assault causing harm to her friend Louis O'Sullivan and violent disorder on Ballyfermot Road on December 30, 2021.

A third man, Josh Cummins, aged 20, of Raheen Drive, Ballyfermot, received a five-year sentence, with the final two years suspended in November 2023 for his role in the incident.

Alanna Quinn Idris was struck in the face with the saddle of an electric scooter by a member of a gang, fracturing her eye socket and leaving her permanently blind in her right eye. Picture: Moya Nolan

He pleaded guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Ms Quinn Idris. He further pleaded guilty to a count of violent disorder and one of production of an article, a hurl, in the course of a dispute.

He also pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Louis O'Sullivan as part of the same incident.

Judge Patricia Ryan heard on Thursday that Jack Cummins has no previous convictions.

She remanded him on continuing bail and directed the preparation of a probation report, along with a victim impact statement. He is due to be sentenced on May 12, 2025.
Gardai seizing a stolen car were video recorded by a passing motorist who was also verbally abusive, but he later apologised for his behaviour, a court in Cork heard on Thursday.

46-year-old Stephen Greaney of Glenavannig, Sunvalley Drive, Fair Hill, Cork, pleaded guilty to engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour.

Sergeant John Kelleher said the incident occurred at around 6pm on November 19, 2024, when gardai were dealing with the recovery of a vehicle at Kilmore Road, Knocknaheeny. The vehicle had been stolen approximately three hours earlier.

Stephen Greaney drove by the scene and appeared to gardai to be recording the incident on his mobile phone when driving. Having been stopped by gardai at the side of the road he alighted from his vehicle.

"He was irate and began shouting and roaring at gardai in an aggressive manner. He made his way to the middle of the road in the way of oncoming traffic and was advised by Garda John Kerins to step off the road and onto the footpath for his own safety.

In doing so, Stephen Greaney began shouting at Garda Kerins in an aggressive manner, saying, Why should I get off the f***ing road when you wont get off the f***ing footpath and do your f***ing job?

There were a number of members of the public present at the time. He was arrested and conveyed to Gurranabraher garda station, Sgt Kelleher said.

The sergeant added in fairness to the defendant that when he went to leave the garda station he was very apologetic for his outburst.

Defence solicitor, Killian McCarthy, said that this was a very fair description of what happened. He added that the defendant had already been convicted and fined and given penalty points for using his mobile phone when driving.

The defendant spoke up to say that he was nearly struck by the stolen car and that this was the only reason he took out his phone to record what was happening. He added that a guard shouted at him and he shouted back.

Mr McCarthy said on the defendants behalf: He is apologetic absolutely for not handling the situation correctly. Unfortunately, he let himself massively down. He came across this situation and was nearly the victim of a collision which is why he slowed down and recorded this.

Judge Mary Dorgan said: The kind of language used was bad. She imposed a 200 fine on him for using these threatening or abusive words.
The vulnerability of Irelands maritime security is down to inaction of successive governments and limited capabilities of agencies charged with its protection, according to a senior naval officer.

Lieutenant Wietse Buwalda said that these vulnerabilities were particularly concerning given Irelands location between the US and the EU, and its responsibilities to safeguard a large areas of the seas around western Europe.

Writing in the Defence Forces Review 2024, Lt Buwalda said the problems of the Naval Service  primarily underinvestment and staff shortages  were undermining Irelands ability to protect seas under its jurisdiction.

This maritime domain consists of not only its territorial waters (12 nautical miles from the coast) and its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) (up to 200 nautical miles), but also its claimed extended continental shelf (out to 350 nautical miles).

Lt Buwalda said these seas pose complex governance and security challenges and that despite the Naval Service having professional and committed members, it had limited capabilities compared to similar-sized countries such as Denmark, Finland, New Zealand and Singapore.

He pointed out that the EEZ covers an area more than six times the size of Ireland and that this area was critical for our prosperity.

As well as almost all of our trade being by sea, around two-thirds of all transatlantic cables pass over Irish claimed seabed and 80% of our primary energy requirements comes to Ireland by sea.

Irelands maritime domain remains vulnerable due to several factors: lack of a national and maritime security strategy, limited MDA [maritime domain awareness], fragmented governance across multiple agencies and successive government inaction, Lt Buwalda said.

These vulnerabilities are particularly concerning given Irelands geographic and cultural position between the US and the European Union and its responsibilities in safeguarding a sizeable portion of the EUs western approaches.

His paper, 'The Perfect Storm of Rising Tides and Rising Threats', is one of 13 pieces of research published in the 2024 edition of the Defence Forces Review, which is devoted to climate change and security.

The review was published in conjunction with University College Cork and its editorial team comprised Professor Andrew Cottey of UCC and Commandant Gavin Egerton and Lieutenant Commander Stuart Armstrong from the Defence Forces. The 170-page report is being launched today by Chief of Staff Sean Clancy at UCC.

Lt Buwalda said climate change was intensifying existing maritime security challenges and creating new ones.

Increased frequency and intensity of storms pose risks to maritime infrastructure, shipping, and offshore energy installations. Sea level rise threatens coastal communities and critical infrastructure, altering maritime boundaries and jurisdictions.

He criticised the slow pace in the implementation of Governments response to the Commission on the Defence Forces recommendations, adding this indicated a lack of urgency.

In a related paper, PhD candidate at the school of history in UCC Cian Lynch said significant changes need to be made to the composition of the Naval Service Diving Section (NSDS), as well as its equipment, to ensure it is prepared for the effects of climate change.

Mr Lynch details the breadth of work the NSDS carries out for the State, from search and recovery including of missing people at sea and drug shipments, as well as underwater surveys, explosive ordnance disposal, and underwater engineering.

He said that as the only body capable of deep sea diving, the NSDS is likely to a have an important role in monitoring subsea digital cables and power pipelines.

The increasing frequency, severity, and unpredictability of storms on the North Atlantic storm track are likely to be of particular concern within Irish waters due to the devastation that these storms can have on coastal communities and industries.

"Of particular concern with regard to these storms is the inherent danger that they present to those operating in the maritime domain.

A paper by PhD student at UCDs school of information and communication studies Zuar Gouliev said disinformation about climate change is often used by hostile states, who can often be large energy exporters.

He said Russia uses disinformation tactics as part of hybrid warfare strategies targeting Europe.

In Ireland, he said the Defence Forces, along with the gardai and the Environmental Protection Unit, could contribute to efforts to counter foreign information manipulation and interference, known as FIMI.

Mr Gouliev said climate disinformation poses a severe threat to global security and international climate policy by seeking to erode trust in scientific consensus and delay essential action. He called for military, government, civil society and private sector to fight it.
An empty missile shell lies amongst the rubble in Habib Al Ostazs mothers bedroom in their badly damaged home in north Gaza.

His 21-year-old brother has returned to try to clear the mounds of rubble and make it safe since the ceasefire so the family can return after living as refugees for the past 14 months.

They have sheltered in cramped schools for many months with thousands of other hungry and terrified displaced Gazans. And many more months they have spent in tents, deafened by bombs exploding far too close to their flimsy tarpaulin walls.

Escaping Gaza was almost impossible, many Gazans have no passports and Israeli authorities trapped them in the warzone anyway, permitting very few to leave as bombs rained down on their homes.

Mr Al Ostaz and his brother had been living and working in Cork before the war broke out. He is studying in UCC and working in Izz cafe while waiting for a decision on his asylum application.

Despite repeat requests to the Irish Government to accept his family temporarily with visas for the duration of the war, with documentation to prove they could be housed and funded by their family here, the applications were never granted.

And with family members now very ill and no hospitals left to care for them, Mr Al Ostaz is very concerned for their survival.

But the ceasefire has brought some reprieve for now and a fragile peace to the region.

The family home of Habib Al Ostaz lies in ruins.

Shattered concrete, pieces of roofing and toppled concrete blocks now litter the floor of the Al Ostaz home.

The second floor of their house, once immaculately kept with comfortable textiles and well-tended plants, is now uninhabitable, with a large hole in the roof where a missile struck.

But the downstairs is salvageable, he hopes.

And the Al Ostaz family is lucky. Their neighbours house has been completely obliterated, giant piles of rubble, dangerously tilting slabs of concrete and shards of metal are all that remain from where their neighbours home once stood.

Peoples bodies are likely hidden under some of the rubble in their neighbourhood. As is unexploded ordinance, making the clean-up operation not just difficult but potentially deadly.

My brother went back to prepare the house, to clear out the rubble, Mr Al Ostaz said.

Theres no water there, no power, no supplies, no food, no light, no life. So many structures, so much infrastructure has been damaged.

My brother was the only one who could walk there so he went alone.

Theres more food in the south so the rest of the family stayed in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza.

But they hope to go back in two weeks when my brother has removed the rubble, Mr Al Ostaz said.

I have been trying to call my brother to see how things are there. But theres no connection.

"Ive been sent videos of the damage though. Its bad. But at least the war has stopped."

Mr Al Ostaz said it was impossible to know what it will take to rebuild his country.

Some bombs are not exploded yet so that is a risk with the rebuilding.

I heard that it will take 15 years just to remove the rubble, he said.

Mr Al Ostaz is still waiting on a decision to grant him asylum or leave to remain in Ireland. A decision was due eight months ago but he has heard no news.

I remain hopeful and I am doing all that I can, he said.

Im very grateful to be in Cork. The community here has been so supportive of me and my family throughout the war.

After 14 months of bloodshed, a ceasefire began on January 19.

Its really hard to express your feelings [on the news of the ceasefire]. I didnt feel happy or sad. It was mixed, Mr Al Ostaz said.

Im sad about all the people we have lost, but happy that no one else is dying because of this war.

The once-comfortable Al Ostaz home.

But the war has sown deep seeds of anger and hate amongst Palestinians for all the lives lost.

I cant see a relationship between Palestinians and Israel now.

Almost 50,000 people have been killed, that we know of so far. What can our relationship be after that?

For us as a nation theres no way to be in a relationship after that.

We will never forget.

US president Donald Trump's comments on moving Gazans to Jordan or Egypt since the ceasefire are "idiotic", he said.

People in north Gaza did not leave during the bombs, during the starvation, so why would they leave Gaza now? I didnt hear Trump talk to the Israelis about them moving.

Some 47,000 people have been killed in Gaza during the 14-month Israeli onslaught that has decimated large parts of the territory, although many more bodies may still lay undiscovered under rubble and collapsed buildings.

The bloody conflict was triggered by a Hamas attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies, and saw more than 250 taken hostage.
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The European Commission on Wednesday presented the Competitiveness Compass, a strategic blueprint aimed at restoring the European Union (EU)'s economic edge and driving technological leadership as it seeks to close the gap with the United States (U.S.) and China.

Acknowledging a two-decade lag in productivity growth compared to other major economies, the Compass focuses on boosting innovation, advancing decarbonization, and strengthening security, according to the Commission's statement.

This photo taken on Jan. 29, 2025 shows the Berlaymont Building, the European Commission headquarters, in Brussels, Belgium. TO GO WITH "EU unveils plan to boost competitiveness" (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

"Europe has everything it needs to succeed in the race to the top. But, at the same time, we must fix our weaknesses to regain competitiveness," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in the statement.

The Compass builds on a strategic report released last year by Mario Draghi, the former Italian prime minister and former president of the European Central Bank (ECB), which calls for an additional annual investment of between 750 billion euros (779 billion U.S. dollars) and 800 billion euros to counteract Europe's decline in competitiveness.

The Commission will launch "AI Gigafactories" and "Apply AI" initiatives to accelerate AI development and adoption across key industries, the Compass says. It also promises actions for advanced materials, quantum, biotech, robotics, and space technologies.

A separate report released by the Commission on Wednesday highlighted the EU's ongoing struggles in scaling up its businesses. This report provides the analytical context for the Competitiveness Compass.

In this regard, the Compass outlines a strategy to remove barriers to facilitate startup growth, and legislative changes to simplify rules.

It also noted the upcoming Clean Industrial Deal to drive decarbonization, a plan for affordable energy to reduce costs, and targeted strategies for high-risk sectors like steel, metals, and chemicals.

To reduce dependencies, the bloc plans to prioritize European companies in critical sectors and technologies under reviewed public procurement rules.

To further underpin the competitiveness, the Compass sets a target of cutting the administrative burden for firms by at least 25 percent and by at least 35 percent for SMEs.

It also proposes measures to lower the barriers to the functioning of the EU Single Market, which has struggled with regulatory fragmentation for decades, and to advance the European Savings and Investments Union project to enhance the EU's financing competitiveness, despite its slow progress over the years.
In 2024, JAC Group sold a total of 403,094 vehicles, marking a year-on-year decline of 7.42%, reflecting mounting market pressures.

The reasons behind JAC Group's sales decline are multifaceted. On one hand, the rapid rise of the new energy vehicle (NEV) market has significantly impacted the traditional internal combustion engine segment. Although JAC Group has made progress in its NEV strategy, it has yet to establish a strong competitive edge. On the other hand, delays in product line expansion and shifts in consumer demand have also contributed to the sales dip.

Photo credit: JAC Group

Despite these challenges, JAC Group has demonstrated resilience. Its technological expertise and market presence in the NEV sector provide a foundation for future growth.

Recognizing the importance of the NEV market, JAC Group has taken proactive measures. In collaboration with Huawei, the company launched the high-end NEV brand MAEXTRO and unveiled its first model, the MAEXTRO S800, priced up to 1 million yuan. Additionally, in 2024, JAC established strategic partnerships with CATL, Huawei Digital Energy, and iFlytek.

JAC Group's performance in commercial vehicles and overseas markets also stands out. Its products are now available in 132 countries and regions worldwide, with strong market positions in light trucks, heavy trucks, and pickup trucks.

Wheels of Change: the story of JAC Group (Part 1)

Among Chinese OEMs, Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group (JAC Group) stands out as a unique entity. Although it maintains a very low profile, it was the pioneer that ushered in the development of Anhui Province's automotive industry.

Wheels of Change: the story of JAC Group (Part 2)

Developing a strong passenger vehicle business has been a strategic focus for JAC Group since the tenure of Mr. Zuo Yanan. However, the underperformance in this segment has significantly contributed to JACs declining financial results in recent years.

JAC Group unveils new brand strategy in Chile

In late December, Chinese automaker JAC Group held a brand renewal event in Chile, introducing two new automatic transmission pickups, the T8 Pro AT and the T9 AT to the local market. This event marked a new chapter for JAC's development in the Chilean market.

JAC Group, Huawei co-inaugurate MAEXTRO Super Factory in Anhui Province

On December 16, JAC Group and Huawei celebrated the inauguration of the MAEXTRO Super Factory in Hefei, Anhui Province. The facility is a world-class intelligent manufacturing hub integrating digital R&D, green low-carbon production, and brand service experiences.

JAC Group introduces T9 diesel AT pickup to Brazilian market

JAC Group recently launched its T9 diesel-fueled AT (automatic transmission) pickup in Brazil, marking a significant step in its global strategy, according to the company's announcement via WeChat in December.

Huawei, JAC co-developed luxury electric sedan 'MAEXTRO S800' starts pre-orders

On November 26, Huawei hosted its Mate brand product launch, where the company officially unveiled the MAEXTRO S800, an ultra-high-end electric sedan developed by the Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance in collaboration with JAC Group.

JAC Group ships 100 electric light-duty trucks to Mexico

Recently, JAC Group held a shipment ceremony for 100 electric light-duty trucks at its Xingang facility, marking a significant milestone in its strategic expansion into Mexico's electric vehicle market.

JAC Group's net profit shoots up 1,029% YoY in Q3 2024

On October 29, Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Corp., Ltd. (JAC Group) released its latest quarterly finance report, showing a total operating revenue of 32.27 billion yuan for the first three quarters of 2024.

JAC Group launches several pickups, light-duty trucks in Malaysia

JAC Group recently hosted its brand launch event in Malaysia, where it introduced the T9 oil-fueled pickup, the four-wheel-drive T9EV all-electric pickup, as well as a lineup of fuel-powered and electric light-duty trucks, including models I40, I75, and I90.

JAC Group announces European strategy at IAA TRANSPORTATION 2024

On September 16, Chinese automaker JAC Group showcased its latest new energy commercial vehicles and cutting-edge technologies at the IAA TRANSPORTATION 2024, one of the world's largest and most influential commercial vehicle exhibitions, held in Hannover. During the event, JAC also launched its European strategy under the theme "For Greener Cities, NOW."

JAC Group's H1 net profit shoots up 93.84% YoY in 2024

On August 27, Chinese automaker JAC Group disclosed its financial results for the first half of 2024, reporting a net profit of 300.83 million yuan attributable to shareholders, marking a significant 93.84% year-on-year soar.

JAC Group's EV 3 model hits UAE market

On July 2, 2024, Chinese automaker JAC Group officially put its first DI platform-powered electric vehicle, the E30X (known as EV 3 in China), onto the UAE market. The launch event took place at La Perle Theatre in Al Habtoor City, Dubai.

JAC Group's commercial vehicles debut CATL's Tianxing power battery

On July 4, Chinese battery giant CATL launched its new commercial vehicle power battery brand Tianxing, which will be initially implemented in JAC Group's (JAC) new energy vehicles.

JAC Motors launches T8 PRO pickup in Saudi Arabia

Recently, Chinese legacy automaker JAC Motors celebrated the grand opening of its Dammam showroom and the launch of the T8 PRO automatic pickup model in Saudi Arabia.

JAC Group's RF8 starts L3 intelligent connected vehicle road test in Hefei, Anhui province

On May 20, Chinese automaker JAC Group celebrated its 60th anniversary with a technology open day event in Hefei, officially launching road tests for its intelligent connected vehicles.

VW China, JAC Motors fulfills capital increase to Volkswagen Anhui

Volkswagen (Anhui) Automotive Company Limited (Volkswagen Anhui) recently underwent a significant change in its business registration, with its registered capital surging from approximately 7.356 billion yuan to about 13.856 billion yuan, according to the information updated on May 15 by Tianyancha, a Chinese corporate information provider.

JAC Group, Uber Brazil provide Uber drivers with purchase promotions for JAC's EV

JAC Group recently established a strategic partnership with Uber in Brazil, offering favorable purchase policies for the E-JS1 electric vehicle to Uber drivers nationwide.

JAC Motors forays into Australian pickup market with JAC T9 diesel-powered pickup

On March 20, JAC Motors announced its entry into the Australian pickup market with the debut of the right-hand drive JAC T9 diesel-powered pickup, tailored specifically for the local market.

JAC Yiwei ships 10,000 electric vehicles overseas

On February 21, JAC Group new energy vehicle brand, Yiwei, celebrated the dispatch of the first batch of 10,000 electric vehicles (EVs) at the JAC Yiwei Smart Factory.

JAC Group's RF8 hybrid electric MPV hits market, starting at 169,900 yuan

On January 31, JAC Group officially put the RF8 hybrid electric MPV onto the market, with the RF8 Zhiling Edition (which means "intelligent listening" in Chinese) hitting the market at a price range of 169,900 yuan to 239,900 yuan.

JAC Group allies with CATL to promote new energy vehicle technology advancement

On January 6, Chinese automaker JAC Group and power battery giant CATL inked a pivotal strategic cooperation agreement in Ningde, Fujian Province. The agreement encompasses such fields as power battery and green energy technologies.
Microsoft Corp said on Wednesday that its profit for the October-December quarter grew 10% from the same time last year as it works to capitalise on the huge amounts of money it has spent to advance its artificial intelligence technology.

But while its overall profits and revenue beat Wall Street expectations, it slightly missed projections for its closely watched cloud computing business, a centrepiece of its AI efforts.

The company reported net income for the quarter of 24.1 billion dollars (19.4 billion), or 3.23 dollars per share, beating Wall Street expectations of 3.11 dollars per share. The Redmond, Washington-based software maker posted revenue of 69.6 billion dollars (56 billion) in the quarter, up 12% from the previous year, also beating expectations.

19% Growth in Microsoft's cloud-focused business segment

Analysts polled by FactSet Research expected Microsoft to generate revenue of 68.87 billion dollars (55.4 billion) in the last three months of the year, and currently project revenue of 69.81 billion dollars (56.2 billion) for the January-March quarter.

Sales from Microsofts cloud-focused business segment grew 19% from the same time last year to 25.5 billion dollars (20.5 billion), which was less than the 25.83 billion dollars (20.79 billion) forecast by FactSet analysts.

Microsofts productivity business segment, which includes its Office suite of email and other workplace products, grew 14% to 29.4 billion dollars (23.66 billion).

Its personal computing business, led by its Windows division, remained steady at 14.7 billion dollars (11.83 billion).

Microsoft shares dropped slightly in after-hours trading on Wednesday but were still higher than Monday, when the tech giant was hit by a broader tech stock sale caused by a frenzy over the new ChatGPT competitor developed by Chinese tech startup DeepSeek.

Microsoft is a close partner of ChatGPT maker OpenAI and also sells its own AI chatbot services, branded as Copilot.

Part of what drove the Wall Street panic this week was concern that the startups claims that it was catching up to US tech titans on a fraction of their budget.

We have more than doubled our overall data centre capacity in the last three years and we have added more capacity last year than any other year in our history

Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella downplayed those concerns on an investor call on Wednesday, saying DeepSeek had some real innovations and it is good to have efficiency gains and lower prices in AI development because it means people can consume more and therell be more apps written.

Microsoft also added DeepSeeks latest AI model to those available on its Azure computing platform on Wednesday.

Building and operating AI systems is costly, and Microsoft has said it plans to spend 80 billion dollars (64.38 billion) this year as it expands its global network of energy-hungry computing centres and supplies them with specialised chips to train and run AI models.

We have more than doubled our overall data centre capacity in the last three years and we have added more capacity last year than any other year in our history, Mr Nadella said.
Hamas handed captive Israeli soldier Agam Berger over to the Red Cross in the Gaza Strip, the first of eight hostages set to be released on Thursday as part of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Hamas is set to free two more Israeli hostages as well as five Thai captives, and Israel is to release another 110 Palestinian prisoners, in the third such exchange since fighting paused earlier this month.

Ms Berger, 20, was abducted alongside four other female soldiers, who were freed on Saturday.

The tenuous ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is aimed at ending the war in Gaza and securing the release of dozens of hostages held by the militant group, as well as hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned or detained by Israel.

Displaced Palestinians make their way from central Gaza to their homes in the northern Gaza Strip (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Under the ceasefire, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have jubilantly returned to northern Gaza over the past three days.

However, their homecoming has been bittersweet as nearly everyone has friends or relatives who died, and many northern neighbourhoods have been transformed into an apocalyptic landscape of devastation by more than 15 months of war.

The truce is aimed at winding down the deadliest and most destructive war ever fought between Israel and Hamas, whose October 7 2023 attack into Israel sparked the fighting.

It has held despite a dispute earlier this week over the sequence in which the hostages were released.

Hamas handed over Ms Berger, 20, to the Red Cross at a ceremony in the heavily destroyed urban refugee camp of Jabaliya in northern Gaza. The Israeli government later confirmed that Ms Berger was with its forces.

Israeli soldier Agam Berger walks next to masked Islamic Jihad militants as she is handed over to the Red Cross at the Jabalya refugee camp in Gaza City (AP Photo/Mohammed Hajjar)

Hamas had set up two locations for the release, one in Jabaliya and the other in the southern city of Khan Younis, in front of the destroyed home of slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

Red Cross vehicles arrived at Jabaliya, where hundreds of masked militants and onlookers had gathered.

The Israelis set to be released are: Arbel Yehoud, 29; Berger, 20  who was abducted along with four other female soldiers who were freed Saturday; and Gadi Moses, an 80-year-old man.

There was no official confirmation of the identities of the Thai nationals who will be released.

A number of foreign workers were taken captive along with dozens of Israeli civilians and soldiers during Hamas attack.

Twenty-three Thais were among more than 100 hostages released during a week-long ceasefire in November 2023. Israel says eight Thais remain in captivity, two of whom are believed to be dead.

Of the people set to be released from prisons in Israel, 30 are serving life sentences after being convicted of deadly attacks against Israelis.

Zakaria Zubeidi, a prominent former militant leader and theatre director who took part in a dramatic jailbreak in 2021 before being rearrested days later, is also among those set to be released.

Israel said Ms Yehoud was supposed to have been freed Saturday and delayed the opening of crossings to northern Gaza when she was not.

Palestinians walk through buildings that were destroyed by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Tel al-Hawa, Gaza Strip (Mohamamd Abu Samra/AP)

The United States, Egypt and Qatar, which brokered the ceasefire after a year of tough negotiations, resolved the dispute with an agreement that Ms Yehoud would be released on Thursday.

Another three hostages, all men, are set to be freed on Saturday along with dozens more Palestinian prisoners.

On Monday, Israel began allowing Palestinians to return to northern Gaza, the most heavily destroyed part of the territory, and hundreds of thousands streamed back. Many found only mounds of rubble where their homes had been.

In the first phase of the ceasefire, Hamas is set to release a total of 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, older adults and sick or wounded men, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

Palestinians inspect their homes destroyed by Israeli attacks in Jabaliya, northern Gaza Strip (Jehad Alshrafi/AP)

Israel says Hamas has confirmed that eight of the hostages to be released in this phase are dead.

Palestinians have cheered the release of the prisoners, whom they widely see as heroes who have sacrificed for the cause of ending Israels decades-long occupation of lands they want for a future state.

Israeli forces have meanwhile pulled back from most of Gaza, allowing hundreds of thousands of people to return to what remains of their homes and humanitarian groups to surge assistance.

The deal calls for Israel and Hamas to negotiate a second phase in which Hamas would release the remaining hostages and the ceasefire would continue indefinitely. The war could resume in early March if an agreement is not reached.

Israel says it is still committed to destroying Hamas, even after the militant group reasserted its rule over Gaza within hours of the truce.

Hamas started the war when it sent thousands of fighters storming into Israel. The militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted around 250.

Israels ensuing air and ground war among the deadliest and most destructive in decades.

More than 47,000 Palestinians have been killed, over half of them women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not say how many of the dead were militants.

The Israeli military says it killed more than 17,000 fighters, without providing evidence, and that it went to great lengths to try to spare civilians.
Hamas-led militants freed eight hostages on Thursday in the latest release since a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip took hold earlier this month. Israel was expected to release another 110 Palestinian prisoners.

The release was delayed by a chaotic scene in which a crowd of Palestinians surrounded and jeered at hostages as they were turned over to the Red Cross.

The truce is aimed at winding down the deadliest and most destructive war ever fought between Israel and Hamas, whose October 7 2023 attack into Israel sparked the fighting.

It has held despite a dispute earlier this week over the sequence in which the hostages were released.

Israeli soldier Arbel Yehoud is escorted by Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters as she is handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

The first hostage, female Israeli soldier Agam Berger, was released in northern Gaza.

Hours later, a chaotic scene unfolded as thousands of people pressed around a handover site in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, in front of the destroyed home of killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

Footage showed Arbel Yehoud, a 29-year-old hostage, looking stunned as she was led through the crowd by militants toward waiting Red Cross vehicles.

Hundreds of militants from Hamas and the smaller Islamic Jihad group arrived with a convoy in a show of force, and thousands of people gathered to watch, some from the tilted rooftops of bombed-out buildings.

Israeli soldier Agam Berger walks next to masked Islamic Jihad militants as she is handed over to the Red Cross at the Jabalya refugee camp in Gaza City (AP Photo/Mohammed Hajjar)

Many in the crowd shouted and surrounded Ms Yehoud as masked militants pushed people away and escorted her through.

Red Cross vehicles were delayed as they tried to drive away. The Israeli military later said the hostages had been transferred by Red Cross to Israeli forces inside Gaza.

The other two Israelis released on Thursday were Ms Yehoud and Gadi Moses, an 80-year-old man. Five Thai nationals were freed, but were not been officially identified.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the shocking scene and called on international mediators to prevent similar events in the future.

Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters contain the crowd as cars carrying Israeli Gadi Mozes and Arbel Yehoud are escorted to be handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Hamas had earlier handed Ms Berger, 20, to the Red Cross after parading her in front of a crowd in the heavily destroyed urban refugee camp of Jabaliya in northern Gaza.

The Israeli government later released footage of Ms Berger hugging and crying with her parents.

She was among five young, female soldiers abducted in the October 7 attack. The other four were released on Saturday.

People cheered, clapped and whistled at a square in Tel Aviv where supporters of the hostages watched Ms Bergers handover on big screens next to a large clock that has counted the days the hostages have been in captivity.

Red Cross vehicles, left, wait for the hand-over of Israeli soldier hostage Agam Berger at the Jabalya refugee camp in Gaza City (AP Photo/Mohammad Abu Samra)

Some held signs saying: Agam were waiting for you at home.

A number of foreign workers were taken captive along with dozens of Israeli civilians and soldiers during Hamas attack.

Twenty-three Thais were among more than 100 hostages released during a week-long ceasefire in November 2023. Israel says eight Thais remain in captivity, two of whom are believed to be dead.

Of the people set to be released from prisons in Israel, 30 are serving life sentences after being convicted of deadly attacks against Israelis.

Displaced Palestinians make their way from central Gaza to their homes in the northern Gaza Strip (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Zakaria Zubeidi, a prominent former militant leader and theatre director who took part in a dramatic jailbreak in 2021 before being rearrested days later, is also among those set to be released.

Israel said Ms Yehoud was supposed to have been freed Saturday and delayed the opening of crossings to northern Gaza when she was not.

The United States, Egypt and Qatar, which brokered the ceasefire after a year of tough negotiations, resolved the dispute with an agreement that Ms Yehoud would be released on Thursday.

Another three hostages, all men, are set to be freed on Saturday along with dozens more Palestinian prisoners.

On Monday, Israel began allowing Palestinians to return to northern Gaza, the most heavily destroyed part of the territory, and hundreds of thousands streamed back. Many found only mounds of rubble where their homes had been.

Hamas started the war when it sent thousands of fighters storming into Israel. The militants killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted about 250.

Israels ensuing air and ground war among the deadliest and most destructive in decades. More than 47,000 Palestinians have been killed, over half of them women and children, according to Gazas health ministry, which does not say how many of the dead were militants.
Israel has released 110 Palestinian prisoners after eight hostages in the Gaza Strip were freed by Hamas-led militants earlier in the day.

It was a sometimes chaotic process that briefly called the exchange into question and underscored the fragility of a ceasefire that began earlier this month.

Crowds of Palestinians  the relatives and friends of released prisoners but also scores of jubilant supporters  mobbed buses carrying the prisoners. As soon as they stepped off the buses, the crowd hoisted the prisoners in the air.

The prisoners released include 30 who were serving life sentences for deadly attacks against Israelis; seven were allowed to return to the occupied West Bank, but the rest were being transferred to Egypt before further deportation.

Two Thai captives are escorted by Hamas fighters (Jehad Alshrafi/AP)

The prisoner releases began late on Thursday after militants in Gaza freed three Israelis and five Thai nationals, who were working on farms in southern Israel when taken hostage more than 15 months ago.

The releases are part of a ceasefire aimed at ending the deadliest and most destructive war ever fought between Israel and Hamas, and securing the release of dozens more hostages abducted in the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, that ignited the war.

Scuffles erupted as the convoy of buses carrying the Palestinian prisoners departed from their Israeli prison in the West Bank. Palestinian teenagers threw stones outside the complex and Israeli forces fired tear gas as they tried to clear the area.

Three Palestinians were wounded in the confrontations outside the prison, according to Palestinian Red Crescent, which said Israeli forces had used gunfire and stun grenades to disperse crowds.

As Red Cross buses approached, the families of Palestinian prisoners caught their first glimpses of their loved ones through the bus windshields, some shattered in the melee of stone-throwing and tear gas-firing.

A member of Islamic Jihad (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP)

Zakaria Zubeidi  a prominent former militant leader and theatre director who took part in a dramatic jailbreak in 2021 before being re-arrested days later  wore a grey prison jumpsuit and flashed a victory sign from inside one of the buses.

The uproar came hours after a chaotic hostage handover in the Gaza Strip, where masked militants shuttled some captives through a rowdy crowd of thousands of Palestinians.

Hamas released seven of the hostages in front of the destroyed home of its slain leader, Yahya Sinwar, as thousands pressed in.

The militant group called it a message of determination, but it triggered the latest in a series of disputes that have sent US and Arab mediators scrambling to patch up the truce.

The first hostage  female soldier Agam Berger, 20  was released after Hamas paraded her in front of a smaller crowd in the heavily destroyed urban Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza.

Hours later, a chaotic scene unfolded at a handover of the other seven in the southern city of Khan Younis. Hundreds of militants from Hamas and the smaller Islamic Jihad group arrived with a convoy, and thousands of people gathered to watch, some from the tilted rooftops of bombed-out buildings.

Israeli captive Arbel Yehoud being escorted by Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters as she was handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis on Thursday (Jehad Alshrafi/AP)

Footage showed hostage Arbel Yehoud, 29, looking stunned as masked militants hustled her through the shouting crowd, pushing people back.

Also released were Gadi Moses, an 80-year-old Israeli man, and five Thai labourers. Both Yehoud and Moses are dual German-Israeli nationals.

Mr Netanyahu condemned the shocking scenes and called on international mediators to ensure the safety of hostages in future releases.

Israel identified the Thai hostages released as: Watchara Sriaoun, 33; Pongsak Thaenna, 36; Sathian Suwannakham, 35; Surasak Rumnao, 32; and Bannawat Saethao, 27. Thai officials said they appeared to be in good health.

Twenty-three Thais were among more than 100 hostages released during a week-long ceasefire in November 2023. Israel says three Thais remain in captivity, two of whom are believed to be dead.

In the first phase of the ceasefire, Hamas is set to release a total of 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, older adults and sick or wounded men, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Israel says Hamas has confirmed that eight of the hostages to be released in this phase are dead.
Elon Musk's vision of an all-encompassing digital platform through X is gradually taking shape. The billionaire recently confirmed that the long-awaited "Payments" feature will be rolled out later this year, positioning the platform closer to its goal of becoming an "everything app." This approach is not unprecedented, as China's WeChat has long integrated messaging, social networking, and financial transactions into a single platform.

X Payments to Expand Social Media Capabilities

X CEO Linda Yaccarino announced a partnership with Visa as the company's first major step toward implementing a payment system called "X Money." Users who opt into the service will receive an X Money account, enabling them to securely transfer funds to an X Wallet via Visa Direct. The feature will also allow users to link their debit cards for peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions.

The announcement follows Musk's previous statements indicating that X Payments is set to launch in 2024, with a full transformation into an everything app expected by 2025. However, Yaccarino did not provide details on whether the platform will support person-to-business (P2B) transactions, in-store payment capabilities, or other functions comparable to Apple Pay, PayPal, and Google Pay.

Comparison to China's WeChat Platform

According to 9to5Mac, X Payments is expected to mirror elements of WeChat, which has established itself as an essential digital service in China. Initially a messaging app, WeChat has expanded to include financial transactions, e-commerce, and other digital services. China's regulatory landscape, which restricts foreign social media platforms, has helped WeChat solidify its dominance in the country and beyond.

Musk's Longstanding 'Everything App' Ambition

Musk's interest in an integrated financial platform dates back to his early ventures. In the late 1990s, he co-founded X.com, an online banking service that eventually merged with PayPal. Before departing from PayPal, Musk had envisioned X.com evolving into a comprehensive financial services provider.

His acquisition of Twitter in 2022 presented an opportunity to revisit this ambition. Under Musk's leadership, the platform has undergone significant transformations, including the introduction of Grok, an AI chatbot. Despite these advancements, the payments feature remained absent until now.

The introduction of X Payments signals another major shift for the platform, aligning it more closely with Musk's vision of a multi-functional digital ecosystem. The company's recent partnership with Visa marks a strategic step toward competing with established payment services while moving closer to becoming a fully integrated social and financial hub.
In 2024, Chinse new energy vehicle manufacturer NETA Auto made strides in its global expansion. The company put its all-electric NETA X onto the market in multiple countries, including Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Brazil. Besides, the carmaker also advanced its production capabilities, with a manufacturing plant opened in Indonesia.

Photo credit: NETA Auto

In addition to the market expansion, NETA Auto focused on technological advancements and R&D. The company inaugurated an R&D center in Hong Kong and formed cooperation with SenseAuto on intelligent driving and smart cockpit innovations.

Gasgoo conducted a year-end review of key automotive and component companies, offering you a retrospective on the noteworthy events that unfolded for NETA in 2024.

NETA Auto renews cooperation with Indonesia's PT Bank Central Asia Tbk

On December 4, Chinse new energy vehicle manufacturer NETA Auto renewed its cooperation agreement with PT Bank Central Asia Tbk in Jakarta, according to a post on the carmaker's WeChat account. Under the agreement, the bank would continue to provide efficient financing services to support NETA Auto's growth in the local market.

NETA Auto cooperates with PT Luxury Trans Indonesia for market expansion in Indonesia

On December 1, during the Gaikindo Jakarta Auto Week at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition Center, NETA Auto announced a partnership with Indonesia's leading electric vehicle mobility company, PT Luxury Trans Indonesia. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in promoting cleaner and more efficient transportation solutions in the country.

NETA Auto signs agreement with Saavedra Corp. for expansion into Bolivian market

On November 12, NETA Auto announced a strategic partnership with Saavedra Corp., the largest automobile sales company in Bolivia, appointing the group as its exclusive distributor, according to a post on NETA Auto's WeChat account.

NETA Auto opens first flagship store in Malaysia

On October 25, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysianext to the iconic Petronas TowersNETA Auto opened its first flagship store in the country and delivered the first 50 vehicles to local owners.

NETA Auto delivers NETA X cars to first users in Uzbekistan

On October 8, NETA Auto made a significant debut in Central Asia by officially launching its popular model, the NETA X, in Uzbekistan, accompanied by a delivery ceremony for the first group of local owners.

NETA Auto begins sales operation in Brazil

On September 30, NETA Auto officially launched its sales operations in Brazil, marked by the arrival of over 1,000 new vehicles in the country.

NETA Auto puts NETA X all-electric SUV model onto Indonesian market

On September 27, 2024, NETA Auto celebrated the grand launch of its all-electric mid-size SUV, the NETA X, in Jakarta, Indonesia. The company announced that it would soon begin deliveries to the first 500 customers who placed their orders.

NETA Auto bags 1.3-billion-yuan financial support from Brazil's BTG Pactual

On September 20, NETA Auto announced a strategic partnership with Brazil's largest investment bank, BTG Pactual, and Brazilian import trader Sertrading.

NETA Auto's Indonesia plant rolls off first NETA X vehicle

On September 13, NETA Auto announced that the first NETA X vehicle manufactured at its eco-smart factory in Indonesia rolled off the production line. This marks the second model produced at the Indonesia plant, following the NETA V-II, and the second vehicle NETA Auto manufactured overseas.

NETA Auto forms strategic partnerships in Mexico with BBVA, EMA, local dealers

On September 10, NETA Auto signed strategic partnership agreements with BBVA Mexico, the Electro Mobility Association (EMA) of Mexico, and several local dealerships, respectively, the company announced on Wednesday.

These partnerships mark a milestone in NETA Autos business expansion in Mexico. BBVA, a leading Spanish bank and the second-largest investment financial group in Latin America, is a key player in Mexico's automotive financing sector. Through this collaboration, BBVA would offer flexible and competitive financing options for NETA Auto customers in Mexico.

NETA X owner becomes first to receive Malaysia's EV-dedicated JPJePlate

On September 9, Malaysia's Road Transport Department (JPJ) launched the JPJePlate, a license plate dedicated to all-electric vehicles that comes with a built-in RFID chip, and opened bidding for the "EV" series plate numbers. NETA Auto announced that a local NETA X vehicle owner became the first in Malaysia to use the JPJePlate.

NETA S Shooting Brake hits market with both REEV, BEV versions

On August 25, NETA Auto officially put the NETA S model's shooting-brake edition onto the market, offering six variants priced between 159,900 yuan and 209,900 yuan.

NETA Auto introduces three key NEV models in Brazilian market

On August 8, NETA Auto made a significant debut in Sao Paulo, Brazil, becoming the first Chinese NEV startup to open a store and officially launch products in the Brazilian market. The company introduced three of its flagship models to the Brazilian marketthe NETA AYA, NETA X, and NETA GTall of which are the brand's hotter-selling vehicles.

NETA Auto inaugurates Hong Kong R&D Center

On August 9, NETA Auto officially unveiled its Hong Kong R&D Center, marking a significant milestone in the company's global strategy.

Elektrobit partners with NETA Auto, Hirain Technologies on integrated gateway domain controller project

Recently, Elektrobit announced a collaboration with NETA Auto and Hirain Technologies (HIRAIN) to develop NETA Auto's first integrated gateway domain controller project, the Haozhi Supercomputer XPC-S32G platform. This project is tailored for NETA Autos new models, set for launch in the second half of 2024.

NETA Auto's NETA X model goes on sale in Thailand, Malaysia

On July 25, NETA Auto made significant strides in the Southeast Asian market by simultaneously launching its all-electric SUV, the NETA X, in Thailand's Bangkok and Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur. This dual-market launch marks an accelerated phase in NETA Auto's global strategy, particularly in Southeast Asia.

NETA Auto opens sales center in Azerbaijan

On July 17, NETA Auto inaugurated a sales center in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, marking its official entry into the West Asian market, according to a post on NETA Auto's WeChat account.

NETA L's BEV edition hits market, starting at 139,900 yuan

On June 28, NETA Auto officially put the NETA L model's battery electric vehicle (BEV) edition onto the market, with three trim levels priced between 139,900 yuan and 162,900 yuan.

NETA Auto's parent company files for IPO in Hong Kong

On June 26, Hozon New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd. (HOZON Auto) submitted an application for listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. If successful, its electric vehicle brand NETA Auto will become the fifth Chinese startup carmaker to be listed in Hong Kong, following Li Auto, NIO, XPENG, and Leapmotor.

NETA Auto, CATL, 360 Security Technology, LynkVertx team up on V2G pilot project

On June 13th, NETA Auto, CATL, 360 Security Technology Inc., and LynkVertx signed a strategic cooperation agreement for the "V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) Smart Energy Demonstration Project" at NETA Auto's Tongxiang Full-Ecosystem Smart Factory, according to a post on NETA Auto's WeChat account.

NETA Auto launches integrated gateway domain controller with NXP, Hirain, Wind River

On June 5, NETA Auto, together with NXP, Hirain Technologies, and Wind River, jointly launched the integrated gateway domain controller, Haozhi Super Computing XPC-S32G.

NETA Auto granted financial supports from China CITIC Bank, CITIC Securities

On June 5th, Hozon New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd. ("HOZON Auto"), the parent company of NETA Auto, signed a comprehensive cooperation agreement with China CITIC Bank Shanghai Branch and CITIC Securities Shanghai Branch, according to a post on NETA Auto's WeChat account.

NETA Auto begins local volume production at car manufacturing factory in Indonesia

On May 31, PT NETA Auto, a joint venture between Indonesia's PT Handal Indonesia Motor and China's NETA Auto, officially commenced localized production in CKD form at the PT Handal Indonesia Motor (HIM) factory located in Bekasi, West Java, marking the formal start of NETA Auto's localized mass production in Indonesia, according to a post on NETA Auto's WeChat account.

NETA Auto, SenseAuto cement cooperation to boost next-gen intelligent driving, smart cockpit tech innovation, applications

On April 25, at the Auto China 2024 in Beijing, NETA Auto announced it would deepen its strategic cooperation with SenseAuto, the intelligent automotive application platform under SenseTime, ushering in a new chapter of collaboration.

NETA Auto's NETA L REEV model goes on sale

On April 22, NETA Auto put its fire new mid-sized SUV model, the NETA L, onto the market. Coming with four trim levels, the new model is priced between 129,900 yuan and 159,900 yuan.

Hong Kong's government to offer NETA Auto 200 million HKD of subsidy

On March 20, a significant partnership agreement signing ceremony took place in China's Hong Kong, marking NETA Auto as a key corporate partner of the local government, according to a report from the Hong Kong China News Agency.

NETA Auto's Thailand KD plant starts scale production

NETA Auto announced on March 13 a significant breakthrough in its globalization efforts, specifically within the Thai market.

The company's Thailand subsidiary had been granted the 185 certification by the Thai government, a critical step that signifies the commencement of scale production at NETA Auto's KD (Knock-Down) factory in Thailand.

NETA Auto puts first-batch equipment for Indonesia plant in place

NETA Auto announced via its WeChat account that the first batch of equipment for its car manufacturing plant in Indonesia was in place on March 6, bringing the company one step closer to achieving its goal of localized production in the country.

NETA Auto, 360 Security Technology co-launch NETA GPT AI large model

NETA Auto and cybersecurity giant 360 Security Technology Inc. recently entered into a strategic collaboration, culminating in the joint release of the NETA GPT, which integrates advanced AI technologies such as the 360 Smart Brain, Search, and Digital Human into the vehicle's cockpit. The partnership marks a significant leap for NETA Auto in the realm of automotive intelligence.

NETA S receives OTA update featuring SenseAuto's highway navigation assistance solution

NETA Auto recently rolled out the first Over-the-Air (OTA) update in 2024 for the NETA S model, introducing the all-new NETA highway navigation assistance system (NNP), which is supported by SenseAuto, the automotive intelligence division of SenseTime.

NETA Auto breaks ground on third overseas plant

On January 12, NETA Auto successfully conducted the groundbreaking ceremony for its third overseas factory in the Rembau Chembong Industrial Zone, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, according to a post on NETA Auto's WeChat account.
Today

Mainly clear. Low 54F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph.

Tonight

Mainly clear. Low 54F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph.

Tomorrow

Windy. Showers early with clearing later in the day. High 64F. Winds WSW at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Winds could occasionally gust over 50 mph.


remaining of

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Indian officials have launched an investigation into the stampede during the Maha Kumbh Mela Hindu festival that resulted in the deaths of numerous devotees. This incident occurred as millions gathered for a holy dip in the sacred river waters, part of the six-week event, according to reports.

Authorities reported that 30 individuals lost their lives in the chaos at the worlds largest assembly of people, with 90 others injured; however, sources informed Reuters that the actual death toll was closer to 40.

Some witnesses described a significant surge toward the rivers that caused devotees to fall onto one another, while others noted that the closing of access routes to the water caused the densely packed crowd to halt, leading to people collapsing from suffocation.

Injured individuals were transported to hospitals following the stampede.

The government has decided to conduct a judicial inquiry into the incident. We have established a three-member judicial commission for this purpose, stated Uttar Pradesh state Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during a press conference.

More than 76 million individuals had already taken a dip at the confluence of three holy rivers in Prayagraj, located in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, until 8pm local time (2:30pm Irish time) yesterday, according to officials.

Since the festival commenced two weeks ago, nearly 280 million people have participated, which includes federal ministers, industrialists, and celebrities.

This Hindu festival, celebrated every 12 years, is anticipated to attract around 400 million devotees in 2025, as estimated by officials. In comparison, the Haj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia welcomed 1.8 million participants last year.

Devout Hindus hold the belief that immersing themselves at the meeting point of the three sacred riversthe Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswaticleanses them of sins and offers salvation from the cycle of birth and rebirth.

Since the festival began two weeks ago, nearly 280 million people have attended.

Opposition leaders have attributed the stampede to poor management and have called on the government to enhance festival preparations, while local media suggested that improved crowd management strategies are essential to avoid such tragedies in the future.

There is considerable room for enhancing crowd management at the Kumbh, asserted the Hindustan Times in an editorial.

It is clear that more personnel need to be deployed, and better planning is crucialincorporating both ground resources and advanced technology, it continued, emphasizing that measures must be taken to prevent a recurrence of this disaster at the upcoming three holy dips scheduled in the coming weeks.
US President Donald Trumps nominee for health secretary, Robert F Kennedy Jr., faced significant scrutiny during a Senate confirmation hearing, with Democratic lawmakers accusing him of concealing his anti-vaccine stance and endorsing conspiracy theories to deter the use of life-saving medications.

Mr. Kennedy attempted to defend his record before the finance committee, assuring that he was not opposed to vaccines and stating his commitment to addressing the rapidly rising rates of chronic illnesses while adhering to Mr. Trumps directives on abortion.

I believe that vaccines are essential to healthcare. All of my children are vaccinated, remarked Mr. Kennedy, who was accompanied at the hearing by his wife, Cheryl Hines, and some of their children.

We bear the highest chronic disease burden of any nation worldwide  This is an existential threat.

The environmental attorney is regarded as a contentious pick by both Republicans and Democrats, primarily due to his history of casting doubt on vaccine safety and effectiveness.

As they questioned him, Democratic senators referenced past comments made by Mr. Kennedy over the years, including his assertion that no vaccine is safe or effective.

They cited other unsubstantiated statements, such as claims that Covid-19 was engineered to target Caucasians and Black individuals, and that it was highly likely Lyme disease was a military biological weapon.

The evidence indicates that Mr. Kennedy has embraced conspiracy theories, quacks, and charlatans, particularly regarding vaccine safety and effectiveness, stated Democratic Senator Ron Wyden in his opening remarks.

He has dedicated his life to instilling doubt and discouraging parents from immunizing their children with life-saving vaccines.

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Democratic Senator Michael Bennet characterized Mr. Kennedy as someone who speaks with conviction but has a track record filled with half-truths and inaccuracies.

It matters not what you say here, Mr. Bennet commented. It does not reflect your true beliefs.

Most of the nearly twelve Republican senators who questioned Mr. Kennedy seemed to support his nomination, with some expressing appreciation for his objectives of combating diseases like obesity and diabetes.

Cant we unite as a nation and tackle this? posed Republican Senator Ron Johnson.

The finance committee members are set to vote on whether to forward Mr. Trumps nominee to the full Senate for confirmation.

Mr. Kennedy is also scheduled to appear before a Senate panel overseeing health matters tomorrow.

To date, the Republican-dominated Senate has not rejected any of the presidents nominees.

Pete Hegseth, another controversial nominee for Secretary of Defense, garnered support by a narrow vote of 51 to 50 after Vice President JD Vance was called in to break a tie on Friday, despite skepticism regarding the nominees qualifications and allegations of sexual misconduct and substance abuse.

Speaking to the media outside the Senate hearing, Republican Senator Thom Tillis remarked that he thought Mr. Kennedy was performing a great job and predicted he would likely pass the finance committees assessment.

Mr. Tillis was one of the officials targeted by opposition groups urging a vote against the candidate.

During the hearing, protesters interrupted on two occasions, with one yelling, He lies, before being escorted out.

Some supporters of Mr. Kennedy donned Make America Healthy Again hats.

Mr. Kennedy has criticized the US food industry for including ingredients he claims contribute to declining health among Americans.

During the hearing, he advocated for reduced availability of processed foods in school lunches and for purchases made using food stamps.

Both of these initiatives fall under the purview of the Department of Agriculture rather than the Department of Health and Human Services.

Some of the Republican senators posed pointed queries, including Senator Chuck Grassley from Iowa, who advised Mr. Kennedy to leave agricultural matters to the agriculture department.

He appeared uncertain when addressing questions related to Medicare and Medicaid, which represent a significant portion of the US health budget.

In response to Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, Mr. Kennedy admitted that he did not have a reform proposal for the Medicaid program.

Senator Bernie Sanders interrogated him about his connection with the Childrens Health Defense, an anti-vaccine organization he founded.

Mr. Sanders highlighted onesie apparel for infants sold by the group, featuring slogans like No Vax, No Problem.

I have no influence over that organization, Mr. Kennedy replied. He stepped down as chairman in December, noting at that time that it has been one of my greatest privileges and honors to lead this group throughout the years.

The healthcare advocacy group Protect Our Care orchestrated a rally opposing Mr. Kennedy ahead of the hearing, showcasing mock headstones to symbolize fatalities following a 2019 measles outbreak in Samoa.

The organization claimed he had visited the region during that period and spread misinformation about vaccines, a claim Mr. Kennedy denies.

Caroline Kennedy, another member of the prominent American political family, urged senators yesterday to oppose her cousins nomination, labeling him a predator with dangerous healthcare views.

Some Republicans also voiced concerns over Mr. Kennedys prior statements supporting abortion rights, as well as his perceived opposition to the pharmaceutical industry.

During the hearing, he aligned with President Trump, asserting that states should determine access to abortion.
In a tragic incident at the Maha Kumbh Mela in northern India, dozens of individuals lost their lives in a pre-dawn stampede, according to police sources, as millions gathered to immerse themselves in the holy river waters on the most significant day of a six-week Hindu celebration.

State officials reported that at least 30 people were confirmed dead, with 60 others sustaining injuries in the chaos. Three police sources and a Reuters eyewitness indicated that the death toll may be closer to 40.

Reuters reported counting 39 bodies located within the local hospitals morgue. One police source, alongside a fourth officer, confirmed that all 39 were victims of the stampede, with claims from the three sources that nearly 40 bodies had been received at the morgue.

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More bodies are arriving. We have almost 40 bodies here. We are transferring them out and returning them to families one by one, disclosed one source.

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Rescue teams were seen maneuvering through heaps of clothing, shoes, and other personal items while carrying victims from the accident site.

Police were observed transporting stretchers draped in thick blankets with the bodies of the deceased.

Security personnel attempted to control the crowd after the stampede.

A senior police official informed reporters that 90 individuals were hospitalized following the stampede, among whom 30 died while the remainder received treatment.

Heartbroken relatives lined up to identify their loved ones who were killed in the stampede, which occurred as crowds surged towards the confluence of three rivers, a location revered for its sacredness.

Witnesses described a tremendous push that led to devotees falling on one another, while others noted that blocked routes to the water caused a dense crowd to halt, resulting in people collapsing from suffocation.

There was chaos, everyone began pushing, pulling, and climbing over each other. My mother collapsed then my sister-in-law. People trampled over them, recounted one woman from an ambulance with her relatives bodies.

Another woman held the police accountable for the deaths of four family members.

The police failed to make adequate arrangements. They are to blame for this, she lamented.

The state government commended the police for their response and stated it swiftly and effectively prevented a potential catastrophe.

The police acted promptly to restore calm and ensure the safety of pilgrims, significantly minimizing the impact of the situation, read the initial official statement from authorities regarding the stampede.

Police personnel congregate around the crowd at the site of the stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela festival.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended condolences to devotees grieving the loss of their loved ones without disclosing a specific death count.

Officials anticipate that the Hindu festival will attract around 400 million attendees overall, contrasting with the Haj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, which attracted 1.8 million last year.

Since its commencement two weeks ago, officials reported that nearly 200 million people have participated in the festival, with over 57 million taking a holy dip today.

Devout Hindus believe that diving at the confluence of the three sacred rivers  the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the mythical, unseen Saraswati  cleanses one of sins, and during the Kumbh, offers liberation from the cycle of life and death.

Mr. Modi is expected to visit the festival next month.

Authorities had projected that a record 100 million people would visit the temporary township in Prayagraj today, leading to the deployment of additional security and medical personnel, along with AI-software-based technology to manage the crowd.

A Rapid Action Force (RAF), a specialized police unit designated for emergencies, was dispatched to regain control following the stampede, and the holy dips were closely monitored, with devotees given priority, allowing ascetics to begin their processions only after the crowd lessened.

Police carry injured individuals away on stretchers for treatment.

Television footage captured numerous ascetics, adorned with holy ash or dressed in saffron, progressing towards the confluence, closely observed by security personnel and dense crowds, as helicopters showered floral petals from above.

Social media posts highlighted severe traffic congestion on routes leading into Prayagraj as authorities attempted to manage the crowd, leaving many visitors stranded.

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I planned this trip for over a year, but Ive been stuck in traffic for 19 hours, shared American travel blogger Drew Binsky on Instagram, where he has over 1.2 million followers.

Opposition parties criticized the stampede, attributing it to perceived government mismanagement and a culture of VIP preferential treatment.

Pilgrims gather to take a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers.

The culture of VIP treatment should be curtailed, and the government must arrange better provisions to cater to the needs of ordinary devotees, stated Rahul Gandhi, leader of the main opposition Congress party, on X, referring to the differential treatment of politicians and celebrities.

A similar incident during the last occurrence of the festival in 2013 resulted in the death of at least 36 pilgrims on this auspicious day.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that a memo from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) which paused federal grants, loans, and other assistance programs has been rescinded.

The freeze was initially revealed on Monday and was blocked by a federal court the following day.

This does NOT represent a rescission of the federal funding freeze. It merely cancels the OMB memo, Ms. Leavitt stated in a post on X.

She further emphasized, The Presidents executive orders regarding federal funding remain fully in effect and will be implemented with rigor.

Mr. Milley was appointed chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during the presidents first administration.

The retired general, who allegedly referred to Mr. Trump as a fascist to a journalist, is the most recent official-turned-critic to have their security protection revoked by the Trump administration following his inauguration for a second term last week.

According to Pentagon spokesman John Ullyot, Mr. Hegseth informed Mr. Milley, that he is revoking the authorization for his security detail and suspending his security clearance as well.

Mr. Milley, who was appointed by the president during his first term as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, saw their relationship deteriorate throughout the Republicans presidency.

Similar to two other officials who had their security details removed, Mr. Milley is believed to be under threat from Tehran due to overseeing the 2020 US drone strike authorized by Mr. Trump, which resulted in the death of influential Iranian general Qasem Soleimani.

The secretary has also directed the (Department of Defense inspector general) to investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding Gen. Milleys conduct, allowing the secretary to determine if it is suitable to reopen his military grade review, Mr. Ullyot remarked.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth made his official debut at the Pentagon on Monday.

Though Mr. Milley retired as a four-star general, any potential process could lead to a demotion in retirement.

In a foretelling of future actions, Mr. Milleys portrait honoring his service as chairman of the Joint Chiefs was removed from the Pentagon on the day Mr. Trump was sworn in.

This removal coincided with former president Joe Bidens preemptive pardon of Mr. Milley and other Trump adversaries during one of his final actions in office.

Mr. Trump has consistently promised retribution against his political adversaries and has threatened some with criminal charges, while Mr. Biden stated that he acted to protect Mr. Milley and others from politically motivated prosecutions under the new administration.

Mr. Trump was infuriated after Mr. Milley disclosed to journalist Bob Woodward that the Republican was fascist to the core and deemed him a dangerous person.

Mark Milley concluded his role as chairman in 2023 during a ceremony where he took a final jab at Mr. Trump.

Mr. Milley also disclosed that he had secretly communicated with his Chinese counterpart after the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol by Mr. Trumps supporters, aiming to reassure Beijing that the United States was stable and had no intention to launch any attacks against China.

In response, the president subsequently declared on his Truth Social network that in times gone by, the punishment would have been DEATH! for Mr. Milley.

The general stepped down as chairman in 2023 at a ceremony where he made a final reference to Mr. Trump, stating, We dont take an oath to a king, or queen, or a tyrant or a dictator. And we dont take an oath to a wannabe dictator.

Radical attempts to reform the government

This development comes as Mr. Trump offered most federal employees the choice to resign in exchange for eight months of severance, marking his most aggressive move yet to fundamentally reshape the government.

The announcement, seemingly inspired by Elon Musks uncompromising management style, followed a proposed freeze on federal funding which critics claimed was unconstitutional.

This severance email threw the lives of US civil servants into turmoil just hours after disruptions to the healthcare system impacted millions of low-income Americans due to the decision to cut off federal aid.

The recent announcement followed an attempted funding freeze ordered by Mr. Trump that opponents claimed was unconstitutional.

A senior administration official informed NBC News that the White House anticipates around 5 to 10% of federal employees to leave, potentially yielding approximately $100 billion in savings.

The email distributed to public workers mirrored a message sent to Twitter employees when Mr. Musk took over in late 2022, requesting an emailed response from those who wished to remain with the company later rebranded as X.

Mr. Musk, who invested over $270 million to help Mr. Trump and other Republicans win elections, has been assigned to head a new Department of Government Efficiency aimed at significantly reducing federal spending.

Federal employees wishing to accept the offer were instructed to respond to the email with the word resign included in the body of the message.

These steps represent Mr. Trumps latest actions since assuming office a week ago, pledging to compel the US government and its workforce to support his right-wing political objectives or face repercussions.

Read more:

What happens if the boss wants you back in the office  and hes the US president?

Non-profits sue over Trumps freeze on grants, loans
by Nasim Ahmed

( Middle East Monitor )  Donald Trumps return to the White House marked a new chapter in US politics, but it also exposed a growing split within the coalition that brought him back to power. The ideological fault line runs deep, cutting through the heart of the Republican Partys foreign policy, particularly over the Middle East and the question of Palestine. Trumps re-election may have rejuvenated his America First agenda, but it has also thrown into sharp relief the tensions between neoconservatives and isolationists within the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement.

Neoconservatives have dominated Republican foreign policy for decades. Their Israel first agenda, focused on interventionist wars, regime change and unwavering support for the occupation state, has long been the unchallenged orthodoxy in Washington. But the rise of Trumps brand of nationalism  rooted in scepticism of foreign entanglements and a focus on domestic renewal  has unsettled their dominance. Nowhere is this tension more apparent than in debates over Americas role in the Middle East. On one side are the hawks, who see the region as a strategic battleground for US power and a test of loyalty to Israel. On the other are the isolationists, who argue that decades of wars have drained Americas resources and moral authority.

Trumps recent actions have only deepened the divide.

He has already revoked security clearances for several high-profile figures associated with neoconservative policies, including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former National Security advisor John Bolton. The move, ostensibly framed as part of a broader effort to downsize bureaucratic excess, sent a clear signal: the old guard of Republican foreign policy is no longer welcome in Trumps inner circle.

Staunchly pro-Israel commentators like Bari Weiss came to their defence. Last year, Trump promised he would blow Iran to smithereens if it ever harmed an American presidential candidate, said Weiss on social media, accusing the US president of betraying his pledge. But pulling security away from Mike Pompeo and other former American officials who need it, the president leaves America weaker and Tehran emboldened.

Tucker Carlson, who had a front row seat at Trumps inauguration last week is perhaps the most high-profile figure in the MAGA wing representing the deepening rift. This week, Carlson hosted another TV programme addressing the growing divide within the American right, following his earlier conversation with Professor Jeffrey Sachs. In the two hour-long interview, Sachs laid bare the long history of US involvement in the region, tracing it back to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus 1996 Clean Break strategy, which sought to reshape the Middle East to Israels advantage through regime changes.

Sachs argued that America has fought Netanyahus wars for decades, from Iraq to Libya to Syria, and now faces mounting pressure for conflict with Iran.

He highlighted that the neoconservative agenda, deeply entrenched in Washington, has used religion and ideology to justify mass violence while pushing the US deeper into conflicts that serve neither its strategic interests nor its security. Carlson echoed this, questioning why the MAGA movement, which promised to disentangle the US from unnecessary foreign entanglements, would continue to tolerate policies that directly contradict the America First ethos. To the dismay of the neocons in the MAGA camp, Trump shared clips from the interview, including a section where Netanyahu is referred to as a deep, dark son of a bitch.

In round two of the nefarious influence of the neocons in Washington, Carlson interviewed Curt Mills, the Executive Director of The American Conservative. The discussion once again highlighted the neoconservatives fixation on perpetual warfare in the service of Israel. Mills described the neoconservative foreign policy elite as a political machine that had operated unchecked for decades, despite catastrophic failures. He pointed to the ability to adapt, rebrand and infiltrate successive Republican administrations, ensuring that the US remains entangled in foreign conflicts regardless of the electoral mandate against such wars.

Carlson, reflecting on this, questioned whether Americas long-term security and prosperity were served by continuing to bankroll foreign interventions. He criticised the neoconservative establishments use of exaggerated threats to manufacture consent for wars that have cost America dearly. He pointed out that these wars  whether in Iraq, Afghanistan or now the looming spectre of Iran  had not only failed on their own terms, but had also drained American resources, fuelled extremism and damaged the countrys international reputation.



Sphinx, Digital, Dream, Dreamworld v3, 2024

The Israel-Palestine conflict has become the focal point of the ideological divide within the American right. Neoconservatives continue to push for unwavering support for Israel, framing it as both a moral duty and a strategic necessity. For decades, they have used religious and ideological arguments to justify interventionist policies, portraying Israel as a democratic stronghold in a hostile region and an essential ally in the fight against terrorism. However, this narrative is increasingly facing resistance from the America First movement, which is sceptical of prolonged foreign entanglements and the costs associated with them.

Carlson and Mills highlighted how neoconservatives have relied on religious rhetoric to justify endless wars.

Its a strategy that has defined US foreign policy for decades. Carlson pointed out that the same justifications used for past conflicts in the Middle East are now being deployed to push for further confrontation with Iran. He criticised figures like Bari Weiss who, despite identifying as a conservative, has aligned with the interventionist wing by insisting that America must always prioritise Israels security, even at the cost of its own strategic interests.

The decline of neoconservatism has been accelerating in recent years, and Trumps presidency has intensified this shift. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan  once defended as necessary interventions  are now widely regarded as costly failures. The financial and human toll of these conflicts has alienated a generation of voters, many of whom now question the wisdom of sacrificing American lives and resources for foreign wars. Carlson and Mills emphasised how this shift has emboldened isolationists within the Republican Party, who argue that Americas focus should be on rebuilding its domestic strength rather than engaging in perpetual military engagements abroad.

Trumps own position in this debate remains characteristically ambiguous. While he initially campaigned in 2016 on a platform of ending endless wars, his first term saw a mix of interventionist and isolationist moves, such as ordering the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani while simultaneously negotiating a US withdrawal from Afghanistan. Trump later revealed that Israel backed out at the last minute, leaving the US to carry out the strike against Soleimani alone. Trump criticised Netanyahu for his hesitation, suggesting that Israel was willing to push for aggressive military action but unwilling to bear the direct consequences.

The revelation about Netanyahu fuelled further scepticism among the America First crowd, reinforcing the perception that US foreign policy had been disproportionately influenced by neoconservative interests aligned with Israels strategic goals. The staunch support for Israel during Trumps first administration, largely driven by figures like Jared Kushner and Mike Pompeo, is said to have alienated some of his more isolationist supporters. Now, in his second term, Trump appears to be recalibrating his foreign policy stance. By sidelining figures in the Israel first camp, a section of MAGA believes that there is a shift away from neoconservative dominance. Yet, his continued rhetorical support for Israel suggests that he is not entirely abandoning the neocon agenda.

For now, therefore, the cracks within the MAGA coalition continue to deepen.

The debate over the Middle East is not just a policy disagreement, but also a fundamental battle over the identity of the modern Republican Party. The neoconservatives argue that Americas role as a global enforcer of stability  particularly in defence of Israel  is non-negotiable. Meanwhile, the isolationists, energised by Carlson and other nationalist voices, view interventionism as a betrayal of the America First ethos. As these divisions grow, they will shape the trajectory of the Republican Party and, ultimately, Americas role on the global stage. Whether Trump can navigate these competing factions successfully, or whether they will fracture his coalition further, remains to be seen.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor or Informed Comment.

Via Middle East Monitor
North Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2025) - Lion One Metals Limited (TSXV: LIO) (OTCQX: LOMLF) ("Lion One" or the "Company") is pleased to report significant new high-grade gold results from 3,791.3 metres of underground grade control drilling at its 100% owned Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project in Fiji. The drilling is focused on Zone 2 and targeted the URW and Murau lode systems.

All drilling was completed from existing near surface underground workings. The Company intersected high-grade mineralized structures in 25 holes. Most of the drill holes did not exceed 130 metres in length from underground drill stations. Drill results include multiple bonanza grade gold assays over narrow widths such as 168.3 g/t over 0.4 m, 158.0 g/t over 0.3 m, 145.5 g/t over 0.4 m, 123.5 g/t over 0.6 m, and 119.5 g/t over 0.4 m, all of which are located near existing underground workings. These bonanza grade gold results occur within larger intervals of high-grade mineralization, such as 6.7 m of 25.45 g/t gold, and 4.7 m of 26.89 g/t gold.

The Zone 2 drilling targeted two separate mineralized systems: the URW system and the Murau system. The URW drilling primarily targeted the downdip extension of the URW1 stockwork zone below the 1101 level, while the Murau drilling primarily targeted mineralization below the 1095 level. Both programs intersected high grade mineralization, indicating that both systems extend down vertically below current mining levels. Due to the proximity of these results to active mining levels, these results are anticipated to be incorporated into the mine plan in the next six to twelve months. Notably, the headline intersect of 6.7 m of 25.45 g/t gold is located within the high-grade roscoelite zone, just 10 m below current mining activities in the 1095 level (see press releases dated November 12, 2024 and November 19, 2024 ).

Lion One Chairman and CEO Walter Berukoff commented: "We're extremely pleased with the new results from our Zone 2 grade control drill program. These drill results are in close proximity to our active mine headings and we're excited to incorporate them into our near-term mine plan. Together with the high-grade Zone 5 results released last week, we continue to advance Tuvatu on multiple fronts and we look forward to advancing the mine to new levels underground."

Highlights of New Drill Results:

25.45 g/t Au over 6.7 m (including 145.5 g/t Au over 0.4 m) (TGC-0276, from 45.1 m depth)

(including 145.5 g/t Au over 0.4 m) (TGC-0276, from 45.1 m depth) 26.89 g/t Au over 4.7 m (including 78.0 g/t Au over 0.85 m) (TGC-0264, from 36.8 m depth)

(including 78.0 g/t Au over 0.85 m) (TGC-0264, from 36.8 m depth) 36.94 g/t Au over 2.5 m (including 158.0 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TGC-0312, from 46.5 m depth)

(including 158.0 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TGC-0312, from 46.5 m depth) 13.97 g/t Au over 6.6 m (including 54.5 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TGC-0260, from 31.45 m depth)

(including 54.5 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TGC-0260, from 31.45 m depth) 45.95 g/t Au over 1.8 m (including 123.5 g/t Au over 0.55 m) (TGC-0308, from 43 m depth)

(including 123.5 g/t Au over 0.55 m) (TGC-0308, from 43 m depth) 168.25 g/t Au over 0.4 m (TGC-0276, from 18.5 m depth)

(TGC-0276, from 18.5 m depth) 29.23 g/t Au over 2.1 m (including 37.43 g/t Au over 0.9 m) (TGC-0353, from 27.9 m depth)

(including 37.43 g/t Au over 0.9 m) (TGC-0353, from 27.9 m depth) 21.48 g/t Au over 2.7 m (including 119.5 g/t Au over 0.42 m) (TGC-0344, from 70.2 m depth)

(including 119.5 g/t Au over 0.42 m) (TGC-0344, from 70.2 m depth) 12.47 g/t Au over 3.8 m (including 49.86 g/t Au over 0.45 m) (TGC-0264, from 57.2 m depth)

(including 49.86 g/t Au over 0.45 m) (TGC-0264, from 57.2 m depth) 10.82 g/t Au over 3.7 m (including 19.51 g/t Au over 0.6 m) (TGC-0276, from 39.9 m depth)

*Drill intersects are downhole lengths, 3.0 g/t cutoff. True width not known. See Table 1 for additional data.

Figure 1. Location of the Zone 2 drilling reported in this news release. Left image: Plan view of Tuvatu showing Zone 2 drillholes in relation to the mineralized lodes at Tuvatu, shown in grey. Right image: Section view of Zone 2 drilling looking northeast. Zone 2 drilling primarily targeted the Murau and URW lode systems below current mine levels.

Zone 2 Drilling

The Zone 2 area of Tuvatu is located in the northwest part of the deposit, near the main portal. The URW and Murau lode systems are the primary mineralized systems in Zone 2, and they are both actively being mined. A total of 35 drill holes are reported in this news release, including 23 targeting the URW system and 12 targeting the Murau system.

The URW system consists of multiple closely spaced steeply dipping high grade mineralized lodes trending in a north-south direction. Within this system lies the URW1 stockwork zone, which consist of two steeply dipping lodes enveloped within a stockwork zone of gold-bearing veinlets. Four levels of underground mining have been completed within the URW1 stockwork zone; the 1161, 1141, 1121, and 1101 levels. Long hole open stope mining is taking place between these levels. The URW drilling reported here was conducted from the 1116 drill station underground and consists of a series of drill holes oriented in a fan from east to southeast. The drill program primarily targeted the down dip extension of the URW1 stockwork zone below the 1101 level along a 120 m strike length from north to south. High- and bonanza-grade results were intersected in multiple drill holes, indicating the continuation of the system below current mine workings (see Figure 2).

The Murau system consists of a series of high-grade flat to moderately flat mineralized structures located between the steeply dipping URW1 stockwork zone to the east and the steeply dipping Ura lode system to the west. The Murau structures are known as ''flatmakes''[1] and have abundant roscoelite mineralization. They Murau flatmakes are a major component of the high-grade roscoelite zone that was identified in 2024. The first such flatmake is being actively mined along the 1095 level in Zone 2 where a 120 m strike length of the system has been exposed. The Murau drilling reported here was conducted from the 1121 drill station underground. Drilling consists of a series of drill holes oriented in a fan from the north to the northwest. The primary target of the drilling was mineralization below the 1095 level, with several drillholes also targeting mineralization above the 1095 level. High grade mineralization was intersected both above and below the 1095 level, with 6.7 m of 25.45 g/t gold intersected within 10 m below the 1095 level indicating the potential for additional flatmakes below the 1095 level (see Figure 3).

The purpose of the current Zone 2 URW and Murau grade control drill programs are to enhance the mine model and inform stope design in advance of mining in these areas. The majority of the high-grade intervals reported in this release are located within 30 m of underground developments and are anticipated to be included in the mine plan in 2025. Both the URW1 and Murau drill programs have successfully intersected high-grade gold mineralization in close proximity below current underground workings. Highlights of the Zone 2 drilling reported here are shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3.

Figure 2. Zone 2 URW grade control drilling with high-grade intersects highlighted, 3.0 g/t gold cutoff. Oblique view looking down to the north. The URW grade control drilling in Zone 2 was oriented in a fan from the east to the south and primarily targeted the down-dip extension of the URW1 stockwork zone below the 1101 level, as well as the extensions of the system to the north and to the south.

Figure 3. Zone 2 Murau grade control drilling with high-grade intersects highlighted, 3.0 g/t gold cutoff. Section view looking east-northeast. The Murau grade control drilling in Zone 2 targeted mineralization in the roscoelite zone below the 1095 level, as well as the gap between the Murau and URW1 lode systems. The headline drill intercept of 6.7 m of 25.45 g/t gold is located within 10 m below the 1095 level and is scheduled for mining in the near term.

Competent Persons Statement

The information in this report that relates to mineral exploration at the Tuvatu Gold Project is based on information compiled by the Lion One team and has been reviewed and approved by Melvyn Levrel, who is the company's Senior Geologist. Mr Levrel is a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists and has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration, and to the activity being undertaken, to qualify as a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43- 101"). Mr Levrel consents to the inclusion in this report of the matters based on the information in the form and context in which it appears.

Lion One Laboratories / QAQC

Lion One adheres to rigorous QAQC procedures above and beyond basic regulatory guidelines in conducting its drilling, sampling, testing, and analyses. The Company operates its own geochemical assay laboratory and its own fleet of diamond drill rigs using PQ, HQ and NQ sized drill rods.

Diamond drill core samples are logged by Lion One personnel on site. Exploration diamond drill core is split by Lion One personnel on site, with half core samples sent for analysis and the other half core remaining on site. Grade control diamond drill core is whole core assayed. Core samples are delivered to the Lion One Laboratory for preparation and analysis. All samples are pulverized at the Lion One lab to 85% passing through 75 microns and gold analysis is carried out using fire assay with an AA finish. Samples that return grades greater than 10.00 g/t Au are re-analyzed by gravimetric method, which is considered more accurate for very high-grade samples.

Duplicates of 5% of samples with grades above 0.5 g/t Au are delivered to ALS Global Laboratories in Australia for check assay determinations using the same methods (Au-AA26 and Au-GRA22 where applicable). ALS also analyses 33 pathfinder elements by HF-HNO3-HClO4 acid digestion, HCl leach and ICP-AES (method ME-ICP61). The Lion One lab can test a range of up to 71 elements through Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), but currently focuses on a suite of 26 important pathfinder elements with an aqua regia digest and ICP-OES finish.

About Lion One Metals Limited

Lion One Metals is an emerging Canadian gold producer headquartered in North Vancouver BC, with new operations established in late 2023 at its 100% owned Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project in Fiji. The Tuvatu project comprises the high-grade Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Deposit, the Underground Gold Mine, the Pilot Plant, and the Assay Lab. The Company also has an extensive exploration license covering the entire Navilawa Caldera, which is host to multiple mineralized zones and highly prospective exploration targets.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Walter Berukoff, Chairman & CEO

Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Service Provider accepts responsibility or the adequacy or accuracy of this release

This press release may contain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "proposed", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. This forward-looking information reflects Lion One Metals Limited's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Lion One Metals Limited and on assumptions Lion One Metals Limited believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the actual results of exploration projects being equivalent to or better than estimated results in technical reports, assessment reports, and other geological reports or prior exploration results. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of Lion One Metals Limited or its subsidiaries to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: the stage development of Lion One Metals Limited, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the actual results of current research and development or operational activities; competition; uncertainty as to patent applications and intellectual property rights; product liability and lack of insurance; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation, affecting mining, timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; not realizing on the potential benefits of technology; conclusions of economic evaluations; and lack of qualified, skilled labor or loss of key individuals. Although Lion One Metals Limited has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Lion One Metals Limited does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Appendix 1: Full Drill Results and Collar Information

Table 1. Collar coordinates for drillholes reported in this release. Coordinates are in Fiji map grid.

Hole ID Easting Northing Elevation Azimuth Dip Depth TGC-0253 1876320 3920738 123 10.3 -35.7 110.6 TGC-0258 1876320 3920738 122 10.1 -50.1 85.0 TGC-0260 1876320 3920739 122 10.6 -15.9 100.0 TGC-0262 1876320 3920739 123 10.5 0.0 101.0 TGC-0264 1876320 3920740 125 11.2 21.1 105.2 TGC-0266 1876319 3920738 123 353.8 -24.3 106.2 TGC-0270 1876317 3920736 121 295.7 -54.9 75.0 TGC-0272 1876317 3920736 121 295.5 -70.6 55.3 TGC-0274 1876316 3920737 122 300.6 -39.1 100.0 TGC-0276 1876316 3920729 121 320.2 -39.3 75.6 TGC-0280 1876317 3920728 121 322.8 -50.8 75.0 TGC-0283 1876317 3920729 121 339.1 -50.4 75.3 TGC-0285 1876298 3920812 121 103.6 10.9 90.2 TGC-0290 1876298 3920813 121 83.7 13.2 91.7 TGC-0293 1876298 3920813 120 90.0 -5.7 275.4 TGC-0298 1876298 3920812 120 107.0 -13.9 275.0 TGC-0305 1876289 3920808 119 157.3 -30.0 41.4 TGC-0308 1876287 3920806 119 157.9 -28.7 150.0 TGC-0312 1876287 3920806 119 156.4 -24.8 165.3 TGC-0314 1876288 3920807 119 149.6 -26.1 146.4 TGC-0317 1876288 3920808 120 135.1 -11.3 63.2 TGC-0320 1876288 3920807 119 135.5 -24.2 127.0 TGC-0322 1876288 3920807 119 132.1 -28.9 127.0 TGC-0324 1876288 3920808 120 129.3 -22.7 122.7 TGC-0328 1876288 3920807 120 134.2 -6.3 71.5 TGC-0329 1876287 3920806 118 166.1 -35.1 148.3 TGC-0334 1876287 3920806 118 102.0 -9.0 10.6 TGC-0337 1876292 3920809 119 118.1 -23.3 118.7 TGC-0340 1876292 3920809 119 117.4 -28.4 122.5 TGC-0344 1876295 3920810 119 109.2 -27.0 117.3 TGC-0348 1876298 3920811 120 103.3 -8.3 7.8 TGC-0350 1876298 3920811 119 102.7 -19.2 110.0 TGC-0353 1876298 3920811 120 102.3 -8.7 108.0 TGC-0357 1876298 3920811 119 106.9 -34.5 121.0 TGC-0362 1876298 3920812 119 98.3 -31.0 116.1

Table 2. Composite intervals from drillholes reported in this news release (composite grade >3.0 g/t Au, with <1 m internal dilution at <3.0 g/t Au).

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Width (m) Au (g/t) TGC-0260 30.0 30.4 0.4 26.50 31.5 38.0 6.6 13.97 including 31.5 31.8 0.3 17.06 and 31.8 32.4 0.7 5.68 and 32.4 33.6 1.2 16.99 and 33.6 33.9 0.3 54.50 and 33.9 34.7 0.8 47.20 and 34.7 35.4 0.7 0.04 and 35.4 36.0 0.7 4.13 and 36.0 36.8 0.8 1.93 and 36.8 38.0 1.2 5.33 39.3 40.0 0.7 3.75 TGC-0262 24.0 24.3 0.3 3.46 45.0 45.3 0.3 6.94 46.5 47.2 0.7 5.04 TGC-0264 36.8 41.5 4.7 26.89 including 36.8 37.1 0.3 10.85 and 37.1 38.3 1.2 16.77 and 38.3 39.5 1.2 13.50 and 39.5 40.0 0.5 0.08 and 40.0 40.9 0.9 78.00 and 40.9 41.5 0.7 31.47 44.4 47.2 2.8 7.94 including 44.4 45.0 0.6 9.77 and 45.0 45.3 0.3 2.23 and 45.3 45.9 0.6 3.22 and 45.9 46.2 0.3 18.99 and 46.2 46.9 0.7 9.37 and 46.9 47.2 0.3 5.31 57.2 61.0 3.8 12.47 including 57.2 57.8 0.6 9.37 and 57.8 58.4 0.6 0.62 and 58.4 58.9 0.5 49.86 and 58.9 59.2 0.3 0.40 and 59.2 59.5 0.3 8.59 and 59.5 59.8 0.3 33.44 and 59.8 60.4 0.7 5.13 and 60.4 61.0 0.6 4.83 TGC-0270 45.4 46.6 1.2 19.55 TGC-0274 29.0 29.7 0.7 27.68 including 29.0 29.4 0.4 26.54 and 29.4 29.7 0.3 29.20 38.3 39.2 0.9 3.90 44.7 45.7 1.0 4.12 53.8 56.2 2.4 5.36 including 53.8 54.6 0.8 8.78 and 54.6 54.9 0.3 1.52 and 54.9 55.4 0.5 1.63 and 55.4 55.8 0.4 8.29 and 55.8 56.2 0.4 3.64 58.1 59.0 0.9 7.02 including 58.1 58.4 0.3 6.88 and 58.4 59.0 0.6 7.09 60.1 64.1 4.0 4.38 including 60.1 60.4 0.3 7.87 and 60.4 61.3 0.9 0.36 and 61.3 61.6 0.3 3.70 and 61.6 62.2 0.6 9.13 and 62.2 62.9 0.7 4.65 and 62.9 63.3 0.4 0.25 and 63.3 64.1 0.8 6.12 TGC-0276 18.5 18.9 0.4 168.25 39.9 43.6 3.7 10.82 including 39.9 40.8 0.9 9.00 and 40.8 41.1 0.3 12.00 and 41.1 41.7 0.6 19.51 and 41.7 42.7 1.0 0.44 and 42.7 43.6 0.9 17.99 45.1 51.8 6.7 25.45 including 45.1 45.4 0.3 66.44 and 45.4 46.2 0.8 8.25 and 46.2 46.5 0.3 67.29 and 46.5 46.9 0.4 13.36 and 46.9 47.2 0.3 12.58 and 47.2 47.6 0.4 23.10 and 47.6 48.0 0.4 145.50 and 48.0 48.6 0.6 13.66 and 48.6 49.6 1.0 4.04 and 49.6 50.1 0.5 47.73 and 50.1 50.8 0.7 6.76 and 50.8 51.8 1.0 5.48 TGC-0285 13.8 14.4 0.6 52.57 63.1 63.4 0.3 12.39 TGC-0290 41.7 43.0 1.3 10.85 including 41.7 42.0 0.3 20.38 and 42.0 42.7 0.7 5.93 and 42.7 43.0 0.3 12.79 45.4 46.0 0.6 6.18 58.4 61.0 2.6 10.76 including 58.4 59.2 0.8 24.33 and 59.2 60.4 1.2 4.97 and 60.4 61.0 0.6 4.24 62.2 62.5 0.3 6.90 TGC-0293 48.0 49.2 1.2 9.43 including 48.0 48.6 0.6 14.89 and 48.6 49.2 0.6 3.97 128.0 130.2 2.2 3.02 including 128.0 129.0 1.0 3.09 and 129.0 129.6 0.6 2.10 and 129.6 130.2 0.6 3.83 162.8 165.2 2.4 5.22 including 162.8 163.1 0.3 21.04 and 163.1 163.6 0.5 0.40 and 163.6 164.4 0.8 3.46 and 164.4 165.2 0.8 4.07 169.1 170.0 0.9 5.18 TGC-0298 23.8 24.2 0.4 19.57 56.6 57.5 0.9 8.50 65.4 65.7 0.3 8.48 TGC-0305 5.1 6.7 1.6 11.76 including 5.1 5.4 0.3 4.24 and 5.4 6.0 0.6 26.29 and 6.0 6.3 0.3 1.41 and 6.3 6.7 0.4 3.38 8.8 9.7 0.9 11.85 TGC-0308 4.6 4.9 0.3 3.30 5.6 5.9 0.3 3.15 10.1 10.5 0.4 5.58 11.6 12.5 0.9 6.81 including 11.6 12.0 0.4 9.95 and 12.0 12.5 0.5 4.30 43.0 44.8 1.8 45.95 including 43.0 43.3 0.3 6.21 and 43.3 43.6 0.3 0.18 and 43.6 44.2 0.6 123.50 and 44.2 44.5 0.3 29.20 and 44.5 44.8 0.3 6.03 52.6 53.8 1.2 5.70 57.2 58.4 1.2 4.78 122.6 122.9 0.3 7.08 TGC-0312 4.5 5.4 0.9 3.58 9.3 10.5 1.2 4.07 37.4 37.7 0.3 6.15 46.5 49.0 2.5 36.94 including 46.5 47.2 0.7 17.52 and 47.2 47.5 0.3 48.99 and 47.5 47.8 0.3 158.00 and 47.8 48.4 0.6 25.72 and 48.4 49.0 0.6 4.27 53.5 54.7 1.2 31.28 59.6 59.9 0.3 3.36 TGC-0314 3.4 3.7 0.3 8.36 4.9 6.0 1.1 4.07 51.6 51.9 0.3 3.20 57.8 59.7 1.9 11.67 including 57.8 58.7 0.9 17.99 and 58.7 59.4 0.7 2.32 and 59.4 59.7 0.3 15.36 TGC-0317 2.1 2.5 0.4 4.39 6.1 6.4 0.3 8.93 41.6 41.9 0.3 6.27 47.9 48.2 0.3 4.56 55.9 56.7 0.8 8.12 TGC-0320 3.8 5.8 2.0 4.27 including 3.8 4.3 0.5 7.36 and 4.3 4.6 0.3 1.05 and 4.6 5.3 0.7 <0.01 and 5.3 5.8 0.5 9.10 54.2 56.0 1.8 6.22 including 54.2 55.1 0.9 8.98 and 55.1 56.0 0.9 3.46 82.4 83.0 0.6 9.95 113.9 114.5 0.6 8.48 including 113.9 114.2 0.3 12.79 and 114.2 114.5 0.3 4.16 TGC-0322 123.8 125.6 1.8 6.67 including 123.8 124.1 0.3 3.70 and 124.1 124.4 0.3 0.01 and 124.4 124.7 0.3 2.16 and 124.7 125.0 0.3 9.82 and 125.0 125.6 0.6 11.98 TGC-0324 95.5 95.8 0.3 72.59 TGC-0328 20.0 21.0 1.1 6.16 including 20.0 20.4 0.4 3.65 and 20.4 21.0 0.6 7.77 42.6 44.5 1.9 4.98 including 42.6 43.8 1.2 5.20 and 43.8 44.5 0.7 4.63 53.7 56.3 2.6 11.14 including 53.7 54.0 0.3 6.20 and 54.0 54.3 0.3 1.41 and 54.3 55.0 0.7 23.57 and 55.0 55.3 0.3 9.03 and 55.3 56.0 0.7 6.71 and 56.0 56.3 0.3 10.26 67.4 68.3 0.9 4.98 TGC-0329 11.2 11.5 0.3 3.32 31.7 32.3 0.6 5.00 57.5 58.6 1.1 8.91 133.9 134.2 0.3 14.65 TGC-0344 70.2 72.9 2.7 21.48 including 70.2 71.0 0.8 5.60 and 71.0 71.5 0.5 0.10 and 71.5 71.9 0.4 119.50 and 71.9 72.9 1.0 3.27 TGC-0350 62.3 63.5 1.2 10.43 including 62.3 62.6 0.3 23.99 and 62.6 63.5 0.9 5.91 TGC-0353 27.9 30.0 2.1 29.23 including 27.9 28.8 0.9 37.43 and 28.8 30.0 1.2 23.08 33.3 33.6 0.3 3.46 38.7 39.1 0.4 3.53 54.3 55.3 1.0 7.38 including 54.3 54.6 0.3 9.95 and 54.6 55.0 0.4 0.85 and 55.0 55.3 0.3 14.38 64.0 65.0 0.9 9.72 including 64.0 64.4 0.3 3.16 and 64.4 65.0 0.6 13.45 TGC-0357 75.1 75.4 0.3 6.30 TGC-0362 68.7 69.3 0.6 30.10 including 68.7 69.0 0.3 23.75 and 69.0 69.3 0.3 36.44

1 Flatmakes are flat-dipping mineralized vein structures. The term is a Fijian mining term commonly used at the Vatukoula gold mine northeast of Tuvatu. At Vatukoula, flatmakes have been reported to have hundreds of meters of strike length.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / January 30, 2025 /Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd. (the "Company" or "GSilver") (TSXV:GSVR) (OTCQX:GSVRF) is pleased to announce that a new National Instrument ("NI") 43-101 Technical Report titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report On The El Cubo And El Pinguico Silver Gold Complex, Guanajuato, Mexico" and dated effective August 1, 2024 (the "Report") has been filed on Sedar at www.sedarplus.ca. The Report presents a new mineral resource estimate (the "2024 MRE") for GSilver's 100% owned El Cubo mine complex ("El Cubo") located in Guanajuato, Mexico. (See GSilver news release dated December 19, 2024 - Guanajuato Silver Provides New El Cubo Mineral Resource Estimate).

Highlights of the Report

Inferred mineral resources increased 85% over previous resource estimate* to 35.6 million silver-equivalent 9 ounces ("AgEq"). See table below for assumptions regarding the calculation of AgEq.

Inferred mineral resource tonnes of 3,711 kt represents a 179% increase over the previous resource estimate*.

Indicated mineral resources of 3.9M AgEq 9 ; after three years of substantial mining activity at El Cubo, the resources within the Indicated Resource category have declined by just 23% from the previous estimate*.

Exploration expansion potential remains high; drilling to convert inferred resources to Indicated Resources commenced in January 2025.

The new El Cubo mineral resource estimate is part of a scheduled program to update GSilver's NI 43-101 technical reports and resource estimates for all of its producing mines in Mexico, which includes the El Cubo Mine complex, the Valenciana Mines Complex, and the San Ignacio mine, all located within the state of Guanajuato, and the Topia mine located in northwestern Durango.

The 2024 MRE was prepared by APEX Geoscience Ltd. ("APEX"), with an effective date of August 1, 2024. The 2024 MRE supersedes and updates the previous mineral resource estimate for the El Cubo mine, disclosed previously by the Company in the technical report entitled "Technical Report - El Cubo/El Pinguico Silver Gold Complex Project" with an effective date of December 31, 2023 (the "Prior Technical Report")*. The Report replaces the Prior Technical Report as the current NI 43-101 technical report on El Cubo.

2024 Mineral Resource Estimate

Mineralization at El Cubo consists of silver and gold occurring in several stratigraphic formations, with the middle Tertiary La Bufa, Guanajuato, and Calderones formations being the most important hosts. Mineralization at El Cubo is typical of classic high-grade silver-gold banded epithermal vein deposits, with the most productive veins being sub-parallel to the Veta Madre system as north-northwest striking veins and local stockwork style mineralization. Several transverse, northeast striking veins with high-grade gold mineralization also occur. The 2024 MRE includes 44 vein domain models based on underground mapping and sampling, drillhole geological logging, along with the silver and gold assays. The updated El Cubo database now includes a total of 43,919 underground channel samples and 24,602 drillhole samples. Included in these totals, GSilver has collected a total of 26,806 underground channel samples totaling 16,824 m and 4,157 drillhole samples from 129 drillholes since they took over the Project in 2021. As of the Effective Date of the 2024 MRE, the Company has collected a total of 17,402 underground chip channel samples from 4,863 channels, totalling 11,076 m of channel length, that are from the Villalpando and Santa Cecilia areas of El Cubo and are within the mineral estimation domains. A total of 445 drillhole samples collected by the Company are from within the mineral estimation domains.

The 2024 MRE comprises Indicated Mineral Resources of 3.9 million troy ounces (Moz) AgEq9 at 283.9 g/t AgEq9 within 429 thousand tonnes (kt), and Inferred Mineral Resources of 35.6 Moz AgEq9 at 298.5 g/t AgEq9 within 3,711 kt. Table 1 presents the complete 2024 El Cubo MRE statement.

Notes:

Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The author is unaware of any other significant material risks to the 2024 MRE besides the risks inherent to mineral exploration and development. Potential risk factors include changes in metal prices, increases in operating costs, fluctuations in labour costs and availability, availability of investment capital, infrastructure failures, changes in government regulations, community engagement and socio-economic community relations, civil disobedience and protest, permitting and legal challenges, and general environmental concerns. The mining industry in Mexico is also prone to incursions by illegal miners, who gain access to mines or exploration areas to steal mineralized material. These incursions pose a safety, security and financial risk and can potentially compromise underground structures, equipment, and operations. The Inferred Mineral Resource in this estimate has a lower level of confidence than that applied to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of the Inferred Mineral Resource could potentially be upgraded to an Indicated Mineral Resource with continued exploration. The 2024 MRE was estimated in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM), CIM Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves, Definitions (2014) and Best Practices Guidelines (2019) prepared by the CIM Standing Committee on Reserve Definitions and adopted by the CIM Council. The 2024 MRE was completed by Warren Black, M.Sc., P.Geo., Senior Consultant: Mineral Resources with APEX Geoscience Ltd. Mr. Black is the independent Qualified Person ("QP"). Tyler Acorn, M.Sc., Senior Geostatistician with APEX completed a peer review. Historically mined areas were removed from the block-modelled Mineral Resources. The 2024 MRE includes the main El Cubo resource area and the El Nayal/Cabrestantes area. Specific gravity of 2.58 g/cm3 is used for the 2024 MRE. Economic assumptions used include US$25/oz Ag, US$1,950 /oz Au, process recoveries of 85% for both Ag and Au, a US$15/t processing cost, and a G&A cost of US$15/t. The resulting gold equivalency ratio of Au:Ag ratio was 1:78 and is used for the purposes of the AgEq calculation. The Underground 2024 MRE includes blocks within potential underground mining shapes. A mining cost of US$63/t, in addition to the economic assumptions above, results in an underground AgEq9 lower cutoff of 135 g/t. Mining shapes are generated using stope optimization with the objective of maximizing the total metal above the cutoff with a minimum dimension of 1.0 m (W) by 10 m (H) by 20 m (L). All "take all" material within the mining shapes is reported, regardless of whether the estimated grades are above the optimized cutoff grade.

Mineral Resource Estimate Methodology

APEX personnel used Ordinary Kriging with locally varying anisotropy to estimate silver and gold grades in a 1.5 m (X) by 1.5 m (Y) by 1.5 m (Z) parent block model. This model is sub-blocked to 0.5 m by 0.5 m by 0.5 m for stope optimization and resource reporting. Kriging considers capped drillhole and underground channel composites.

Three types of material were identified during the calculation of the MRE: 1. In Situ, 2. Remnant, and 3. Mined Out. Blocks within, in contact with, or adjacent to underground workings were flagged as Mined Out using a 10 m by 5 m by 1 m search ellipse, aligned along the dip direction of the domain's trend at 0 dip with no third-axis rotation. Blocks within 10 m of the underground workings wireframe in any direction were classified as Remnant material, which is under evaluation but not included in the 2024 MRE. Only In Situ material, unaffected by mining, is included in the 2024 MRE.

For Indicated resources, blocks require a minimum of three drillholes within a search ellipse measuring 30 m by 30 m by 15 m. For Inferred resources, blocks need at least one drillhole or underground channel within a search ellipse of 60 m by 50 m by 15 m, based primarily on the second variogram structure. Only channel composites with centroids within the workings wireframe and all core composites are considered for Indicated classification. All channel and composites are considered for Inferred classification.

Measured resources are currently not defined. The MRE relies heavily on underground channel samples, often in areas flagged as mined out or remnant, limiting their ability to inform domain locations for in-situ material. Additional underground or surface drilling is needed away from the channel samples to assist in better defining the estimation domains.

Sampling and quality assurance/quality control

The El Cubo underground channel samples were analyzed at Corporacion Quimica Platinum S.A de C.V. ("QPSV") in Silao, Guanajuato, until the establishment of the on-site El Cubo laboratory in December 2021. Corporacion Quimica Platinum is independent of GSilver and is accredited by Entidad Mexicana de Acreditacion, A.C. ("EMA"), which is part of the International Accreditation Forum ("IAF"). EMA also works in conjunction with the International Organization for Standardization ("ISO") Committee for Conformity Assessment ("CASCO"). The El Cubo laboratory remains under GSilver management and is not independent of the Company.

Drill core was first reviewed by a Company geologist, who identified and marked intervals for sampling. The marked sample intervals were then cut in half with a diamond saw; half of the core was left in the core box and the other half was removed, placed in plastic bags, sealed and labeled. Intervals and unique sample numbers are recorded on the drill logs and the samples are sequenced with standards and blanks inserted according to a predefined QA/QC procedure. The samples are maintained under security on site until they are shipped to the analytical lab.

The El Cubo drill core samples were submitted to QPSV, Silao, Guanajuato, Mexico, for preparation and analysis. To validate assay results and preparation procedures, GSilver systematically sent additional random samples representing approximately 20% of all analytical samples to Bureau Veritas (BV) in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, and approximately 10% of all analytical samples to SGS Mexico, S.A de C.V, Durango, Mexico. BV and SGS are ISO/IEC geo-analytical laboratories and are independent of GSilver.

At QPSV and El Cubo laboratory, gold and silver determination was via standard atomic absorption (AA) finish 30-gram fire assay (FA) analysis. Overlimit results were re-run with a gravimetric finish. Multi-element analysis of 33-elements (including silver) of select samples was via multi-acid digestion followed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES).

At BV and SGS, gold determination was via standard AA finish 30-gram FA analysis. Silver was analyzed via four acid digestion followed by ICP-AES or by FA with a gravimetric finish and 34-element analysis was performed by four acid digestion followed by ICP-AES.

GSilver's QA-QC protocol for underground channel and drill core sampling programs at El Cubo consisted of an insertion rate of approximately one QA-QC sample in every batch of 20 samples.

Qualified Person

The 2024 MRE was completed by Warren Black, M.Sc., P.Geo., Senior Consultant: Mineral Resources with APEX Geoscience Ltd. Mr. Black is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and he is independent of the Company. Mr. Black has reviewed and verified technical data disclosed in this news release related to the 2024 MRE.

William Gehlen, a Director of Guanajuato Silver, is a Certified Professional Geologist with the American Institute of Professional Geologists (No. 10626), and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Mr. Gehlen has reviewed and verified technical data disclosed in this news release and detected no significant QA/QC issues during review of the data and is not aware of any sampling, recovery or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the drilling data referred to herein. Verified data underlying the disclosed information includes reviewing compiled assay data; QA-QC performance of blank samples, duplicates and certified reference materials; and grade calculation formulas.

About Guanajuato Silver

GSilver is a precious metals producer engaged in reactivating past producing silver and gold mines in central Mexico. The Company produces silver and gold concentrates from the El Cubo Mine, Valenciana Mines Complex, and the San Ignacio mine; all three mines are located within the state of Guanajuato, which has an established 480-year mining history. Additionally, the Company produces silver, gold, lead, and zinc concentrates from the Topia mine in northwestern Durango. With four operating mines and three processing facilities, Guanajuato Silver is one of the fastest growing silver producers in Mexico.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

"James Anderson"

Chairman and CEO

For further information regarding Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd., please contact:

JJ Jennex, Gerente de Comunicaciones, T: 604 723 1433

E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

GSilver.com

Guanajuato Silver Bullion Store

Please visit our Bullion Store, where Guanajuato Silver coins and bars can be purchased.

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.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and information, which relate to future events or future performance including, but not limited to, GSilver's growth, the details of planned drilling to convert Inferred resources to Indicated Resources, the interpretation of drill results, the potential for further exploration and development of GSilver's mineral properties, GSilver's status as one of the fasting growing silver mining Company in Mexico.

Such forward-looking statements and information reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to and assumptions made by the Company; which assumptions, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include: the potential quantity, grade and metal content of the mineralized material at El Cubo and San Ignacio, the geotechnical and metallurgical characteristics of such material conforming to sampled results and metallurgical performance; available tonnage of mineralized material to be mined and processed; resource grades and recoveries; assumptions and discount rates being appropriately applied to production estimates; prices for silver, gold and other metals remaining as estimated; currency exchange rates remaining as estimated; availability of funds for the Company's projects and to satisfy current liabilities and obligations including debt repayments; capital, decommissioning and reclamation estimates; prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation) and inflation rates remaining as estimated; no labour-related disruptions; no unplanned delays or interruptions in scheduled construction and production; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals are received in a timely manner; and the ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.

Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements and information are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results, level of activity, production levels, performance or achievements of GSilver to differ materially from those expected including, but not limited to, market conditions, availability of financing, currency rate fluctuations, high inflation and interest rates, geopolitical conflicts including wars, actual results of exploration, development and production activities, actual grades and recoveries of silver, gold and other metals from the Company's existing mines including El Cubo, San Ignacio, VMC and Topia, availability of third party mineralized material for processing, unanticipated geological or structural formations and characteristics, environmental risks, future prices of gold, silver and other metals, operating risks, accidents, labor issues, equipment or personnel delays, delays in obtaining governmental or regulatory approvals and permits, inadequate insurance, and other risks in the mining industry. There are no assurances that GSilver will be able to continue to increase production, tonnage milled and recoveries rates, improve grades and reduce costs at El Cubo, San Ignacio, VMC and/or Topia to process mineralized materials to produce silver, gold and other concentrates in the amounts, grades, recoveries, costs and timetable anticipated. In addition, GSilver's decision to process mineralized material from El Cubo, San Ignacio, VMC and Topia is not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability and therefore is subject to increased uncertainty and risk of failure, both economically and technically. Mineral resources and mineralized material that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability, are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them, and may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, socio-political, marketing, and other relevant issues. There are no assurances that the Company's projected grades of gold and silver at El Cubo and San Ignacio and the anticipated level of production therefrom will be realized. In addition, there are no assurances that the Company will meet its production forecasts or generate the anticipated cash flows from operations to satisfy its scheduled debt payments or other liabilities when due or meet financial covenants to which the Company is subject or to fund its exploration programs and corporate initiatives as planned. There is also uncertainty about impact of any resurgence of COVID-19, the ongoing war in Ukraine and conflict in Gaza, elevated inflation and interest rates and the impact they will have on the Company's operations, supply chains, ability to access mining projects or procure equipment, contractors and other personnel on a timely basis or at all and economic activity in general. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. All forward-looking statements and information made in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements and those in our continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca including the Company's most recently filed annual information form. These forward-looking statements and information are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances save as required by law.
Toronto, Ontario  January 30, 2025  TheNewswire - Noble Mineral Exploration Inc. (Noble or the Company) (TSX-V:NOB, FRANKFURT: NB7, OTCQB:NLPXF) is pleased to report acquisition of mining claims on a Uranium-Molybdenum prospect in Northern Quebec. The 10 claims were acquired by map staking to cover approximately 461 hectares and is called the Taser North Property

The Taser North Project

The Taser North Property, located in the Ungava Bay region of northern Quebec, approximately 130 km southeast of the community of Kangirsuk, is a significant exploration area for uranium mineralization. Historically Azimut Exploration Inc., in partnership with Majescor Resources Inc., explored the property in 2007 for its potential to host uranium mineralization. No work has been done since.

The Taser North Property encompasses a variety of geological units, predominantly comprising high-grade metamorphic rocks such as gneisses and schists. These units have been intruded by granitic and pegmatitic bodies, which are potential hosts for uranium mineralization. The property is aligned along an extensive regional-scale uranium lake-bottom sediment anomaly referred to as the "Central Quebec Uranium Lineament," indicating a favourable environment for uranium mineralization.

The 2007 work identified numerous uranium-bearing outcrops over a 35-km strike, with samples located on the Taser North property yielding grades up to 0.65% UO. In addition, molybdenum values up to 0.14% were found associated with the anomalous uranium.

Individual uranium analyses include: 0.65%, 0.58%, 0.30%, 0.29%, 0.18%, 0.12%, 0.11%, and 0.10% over 2km of strike.

Molybdenum analyses include: 0.14%, 0.13% 0.08% and 0.05%.

The anomalous samples are located on the southwest flank of a northwest trending airborne radiometric high in uranium measuring 2.5km by 0.5km. In addition, a lake sediment sample taken from a lake southwest of the anomalous values on analysis measured 141 ppm uranium. (see Figure 1)

Figure 1 - Taser North Project with property highlights on an Airborne Uranium Radiometric background.

The Taser North Property exhibits significant potential for uranium mineralization, supported by its favourable geological setting and positive, historical exploration results. The identification of numerous priority targets and high-grade analyses underscore the property's prospectivity. Further detailed prospecting, geological mapping, sampling, and drilling are recommended to fully assess and delineate the uranium potential of this property.

Acquisition of Taser North property plus the recent acquisition of the Chateau Property (Noble Press Release dated January 17, 2025) demonstrates Nobles commitment to exploring for critical minerals in Canada.

Wayne Holmstead, P.Geo (OGQ), a qualified person as such term is defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed the data disclosed in this news release, and has otherwise reviewed and approved this technical information in this news release on behalf of Noble Minerals.

About Noble Mineral Exploration Inc.

Noble Mineral Exploration Inc. is a Canadian-based junior exploration company which, in addition to its holdings of securities in Canada Nickel Company Inc., Homeland Nickel Inc., Go Metals Corp. and MacDonald Mines Exploration Ltd., and its interest in the Holdsworth gold exploration property in the area of Wawa, Ontario, will continue to hold ~1700 ha in Thomas Twp in the Timmins area and ~175 ha of mining claims in Central Newfoundland. It also holds ~14,600 ha in the Nagagami Carbonatite Complex, and ~4,600 ha in the Boulder Project both near Hearst, Ontario, as well as ~3,700 ha in the Buckingham Graphite Property, ~10,152 ha in the Havre St Pierre Nickel, Copper, PGM property, ~1,573 ha in the Cere-Villebon Nickel, Copper, PGM property, and ~569 ha in the Kitivik area U3O8 and REEs property all of which are in the province of Quebec.

More detailed information is available on the website at: https://www.noblemineralexploration.com

Nobles common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol NOB.

Cautionary Statement

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

The foregoing information may contain forward-looking statements relating to the future performance of Noble Mineral Exploration Inc. Forward-looking statements, specifically those concerning future performance, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from the Companys plans and expectations. These plans, expectations, risks, and uncertainties are detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with the TSX Venture Exchange and securities regulators. Noble Mineral Exploration Inc. does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contacts:

H. Vance White, President

Phone: 416-214-2250

Fax: 416-367-1954

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Investor Relations

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Prime Mining Corp. (Prime or the Company) (TSX: PRYM) (OTCQX: PRMNF) (Frankfurt: 04V3) is reporting expansion drilling results from the Companys Los Reyes Project (the Project), located in Sinaloa State, Mexico. These results are from 2024 drilling at the Central Trend and are not included in the Companys October 15, 2024, Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE).

Expansion Drilling Highlights in the Central Trend

The Company is reporting 14 core holes at the Central Trend, 9 of which are from Noche Buena, at the southernmost part of the trend, with the following highlights:

3.48 grams per tonne (g/t) gold-equivalent (AuEq) (3.12 g/t Au and 27.7 g/t Ag) over 7.6 m estimated true width (ETW) in hole 24NB-78, including: 8.64 g/t AuEq (7.8 g/t Au and 64.8 g/t Ag) over 2.8 m ETW, including: 16.22 g/t AuEq (15.00 g/t Au and 94.0 g/t Ag) over 1.4 m ETW;

2.16 g/t AuEq (1.75 g/t Au and 31.9 g/t Ag) over 11.3 m ETW in hole 24NB-67, including: 8.65 g/t AuEq (7.42 g/t Au and 95.3 g/t Ag) over 2.3 m ETW;

1.65 g/t AuEq (1.03 g/t Au and 47.6 g/t Ag) over 11.2 m ETW in hole 24NB-77, including: 4.24 g/t AuEq (2.40 g/t Au and 142.0 g/t Ag) over 1.8 m ETW.



Prime Mining Corp. Chief Executive Officer Scott Hicks commented, Step-out drill holes at the southernmost end of Noche Buena in the Central Trend returned excellent gold and silver grades, defining a brand new high-grade shoot that is several hundred meters beyond our October 2024 resource update. Mineralization is at grades and widths indicative of underground expansion potential. And, mineralization remains open at depth and along strike to the south, with strong potential for significant extension via the 2025 drilling currently underway.

Scott Smith, Executive Vice President of Exploration, added, This high-grade extension, defined by drillholes 24NB-77, -78, -73, and -74, confirms a 300-metre, high-grade shoot along strike from current stopes defined in our last MRE. The downdip extent of this high-grade shoot has been defined at over 120 metres, remains open, and presents an opportunity to add a significant volume of inferred stopes with follow-up drilling. We are excited for 2025 to bring a continuation of similar positive results as we continue further step-outs along strike and down dip at Noche Buena.

Figure 1: Expansion drilling update

Central Drill Hole Highlights1

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) ETW (m)2 Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) AuEq3 Au Cut-off4 24NB-67 67.0 69.0 2.0 1.8 1.67 16.1 1.88 1.0 24NB-67 290.6 303.0 12.4 11.3 1.75 31.9 2.16 0.2 including 297.0 299.6 2.6 2.3 7.42 95.3 8.65 1.0 24NB-68 340.0 340.8 0.8 0.6 1.04 163.0 3.15 1.0 24NB-68 351.1 356.1 5.1 3.9 1.72 5.3 1.79 0.2 including 351.1 352.0 0.9 0.7 5.97 11.5 6.12 1.0 including 353.7 354.9 1.2 0.9 2.50 1.6 2.52 1.0 24NB-77 308.3 321.2 13.0 11.2 1.03 47.6 1.65 0.2 including 309.8 310.5 0.7 0.6 3.33 11.0 3.47 1.0 including 316.5 317.9 1.4 1.2 1.28 87.0 2.41 1.0 including 319.2 321.2 2.0 1.8 2.40 142.0 4.24 1.0 24NB-78 341.4 350.6 9.2 7.6 3.12 27.7 3.48 0.2 including 342.8 346.2 3.4 2.8 7.80 64.8 8.64 1.0 including 342.8 344.5 1.7 1.4 15.00 94.0 16.22 1.0 24NB-78 376.2 380.9 4.7 3.9 1.08 57.7 1.83 0.2 including 377.2 379.9 2.7 2.2 1.57 88.8 2.72 1.0

Notes:

A complete table of assay results from all deposits and all secondary zones intersected utilizing a 0.20 g/t Au cut-off is on the Company's website. Estimated True Widths (ETW) are estimated based on drill hole geology or comparisons with other on-section drill holes. Au Equivalent (AuEq) grade is calculated as Au g/t + (Ag g/t x ($25.24/$1950)) where $25.24 and $1950 are the price of one ounce of Ag and Au respectively (in US dollars). Composite assay grades presented in summary tables are calculated using a Au grade minimum average of 0.20 g/t or 1.0 g/t as indicated in Au Cut-off column of Summary Tables. Maximum internal waste included in any reported composite interval is 3.00 m. The 1.00 g/t Au cut-off is used to define higher-grade cores within the lower-grade halo.

INTERPRETATION

Noche Buena:

24NB-77, -78, -73, and -74, along with previous drilling, now define a 400m long, by 80-160m wide, high-grade shoot at the far southern end of the Central trend. 24NB-78, the southernmost drillhole completed to date at Central, represents an extension of 210m and 300m along strike from the 2024 MRE pit crest and the southernmost 2024 MRE stopes, respectively. The shoot remains open along strike to the south and at depth, and given the high gold and silver grades intercepted, represents a strong opportunity to add additional underground Resources in the Central Trend. Drilling targeting the expansion of this high-grade shoot will continue to be a focus in early 2025.

Figure 2: Central Trend drilling update

Figure 3: Central Trend long section with drill holes highlighted (A-A)

Figure 4: Central Trend (Noche Buena) cross section B-B

Outlook

Prime will continue to evaluate drilling plans using its success-based approach into 2025. This evaluation will also include prioritization of targets based on probability of resource development and generative area discovery potential.

Six drill rigs are currently on site at Los Reyes, with exploration focused on:

Extending the high-grade Z-T Area shoots that remain open at depth, as well as along strike, both north and south.

shoots that remain open at depth, as well as along strike, both north and south. Expanding the known high-grade mineralization at Guadalupe East .

. Increasing the Central Area resource through additions at Noche Buena and its connection to San Miguel East.

through additions at Noche Buena and its connection to San Miguel East. Generative target drilling of high-grade intercepts at Las Primas, Mariposa, Fresnillo and others to further develop the resource potential at Los Reyes.

Links to Tables:

About the Los Reyes Gold and Silver Project

Los Reyes is a high-grade, low-sulphidation epithermal gold-silver project located in Sinaloa State, Mexico. Since acquiring Los Reyes in 2019, Prime has spent more than $59 million on direct exploration activities and has completed over 210,000 metres of drilling. On October 15, 2024, Prime announced an updated multi-million-ounce high-grade open pit and underground resource based on exploration drilling up to July 17, 2024.

October 15, 2024 Resource Statement1

(based on a $1950/oz gold price, $25.24/oz silver price, economic-constrained estimate)

Mining Method

and Process Class Tonnage

(kt) Gold Grade

(g/t) Gold Contained

(koz) Silver Grade

(g/t) Silver Contained

(koz) Gold Equiv.

(g/t) Gold Equiv.

(koz) Silver Equiv.

(g/t) Silver Equiv.

(koz) Open Pit - Mill Indicated 24,657 1.13 899 35.7 28,261 1.60 1,265 123.3 97,723 Inferred 7,211 0.89 207 42.8 9,916 1.45 335 111.8 25,911 Underground Indicated 4,132 3.02 402 152.4 20,243 5.00 664 386.1 51,290 Inferred 4,055 2.10 273 78.6 10,247 3.12 406 240.7 31,380 Total Mill Indicated 28,789 1.41 1,301 52.4 48,504 2.08 1,928 161.0 149,012 Inferred 11,266 1.33 480 55.7 20,163 2.05 741 158.2 57,291 Open Pit - Heap Leach Indicated 20,254 0.29 190 8.4 5,492 0.40 261 31.0 20,201 Inferred 5,944 0.30 58 7.3 1,398 0.40 76 30.6 5,856 Total Indicated 49,042 0.95 1,491 34.2 53,995 1.39 2,190 107.3 169,213 Inferred 17,210 0.97 538 39.0 21,561 1.48 817 114.1 63,147

Refer to the Additional Notes section for the gold equivalent grade (AuEq) calculation method and further information.

Drilling is ongoing and suggests that the three known main deposit areas (Guadalupe, Central and Z-T) are larger than previously reported. Potential also exists for new discoveries where mineralized trends have been identified outside of the currently defined resource areas. Historic operating results indicate that an estimated 1 million ounces of gold and 60 million ounces of silver were recovered from five separate operations at Los Reyes between 1770 and 1990. Prior to Primes acquisition, recent operators of Los Reyes had spent approximately US$20 million on exploration, engineering, and prefeasibility studies.

QA/QC Protocols and Sampling Procedures

Drill core at the Los Reyes project is drilled in predominately HQ size (63.5 millimetres mm), reducing to NQ (47.6 mm) when required. Drill core samples are generally 1.50 m long along the core axis with allowance for shorter or longer intervals if required to suit geological constraints. After logging intervals are identified to be sampled, the core is cut and one-half is submitted for assay. RC drilling returns rock chips and fines from a 133.35 mm diameter tricone bit. The returns are homogenized and split into 2 halves, with one half submitted for analysis and the other half stored.

Sample QA/QC measures include unmarked certified reference materials, blanks, and field duplicates, as well as preparation duplicates inserted into the sample sequence and make up approximately 8% of the samples submitted to the laboratory for each drill hole.

Samples are picked up from the Project by the laboratory personnel and transported to their facilities in Durango or Hermosillo Mexico, for sample preparation. Sample analysis is carried out by Bureau Veritas and ALS Labs, with fire assay, including over limits fire assay re-analysis, completed at their respective Hermosillo, Mexico laboratories and multi-element analysis completed in North Vancouver, Canada. Drill core sample preparation includes fine crushing of the sample to at least 70% passing less than 2 mm, sample splitting using a riffle splitter, and pulverizing a 250-gram split to at least 85% passing 75 microns.

Gold in diamond drill core is analyzed by fire assay and atomic absorption spectroscopy of a 30 g sample (code FA430 or Au-AA23). Multi-element chemistry is analyzed by 4-Acid digestion of a 0.25-gram sample split (code MA300 or ME-ICP61) with detection by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer for a full suite of elements.

Gold assay techniques FA430 and Au-AA23 have an upper detection limit of 10 ppm. Any sample that produces an over-limit gold value via the initial assay technique is sent for gravimetric finish via method FA-530 or Au-GRA21. Silver analyses by MA300 and ME-ICP61 have an upper limit of 200 ppm and 100 ppm, respectively. Samples with over-limit silver values are re-analyzed by fire assay with gravimetric finish FA530 or Au-GRA21.

Both Bureau Veritas and ALS Labs are ISO/IEC accredited assay laboratories.

Additional Notes

Primes MRE as of October 15, 2024 is classified in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) CIM Definition Standards - For Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves adopted by the CIM Council (as amended, the CIM Definition Standards) and in accordance with the requirements of NI 43-101. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability.

Metres is represented by m; etw is Estimated True Width and is based on drill hole geometry or comparisons with other on-section drill holes; Au refers to gold, and Ag refers to silver; g/t is grams per metric tonne; some figures may not sum due to rounding; Composite assay grades presented in summary tables are calculated using a Au grade minimum average of 0.20 g/t or 1.0 g/t as indicated in Au Cut-off column of Summary Tables. Maximum internal waste included in any reported composite interval is 3.00 m. The 1.00 g/t Au cut-off is used to define higher-grade cores within the lower-grade halo.

Gold equivalent grades are calculated based on an assumed gold price of US$1,950 per ounce and silver price of $25.24 per ounce, based on the formula AuEq grade (g/t) = Au grade + (Ag grade x $25.24 / $1,950). Metallurgical recoveries are not considered in the in-situ grade estimate but are estimated to be 95.6% and 81% for gold and silver, respectively, when processed in a mill, and 73% and 25% respectively when heap-leached. Additional details are available in the associated Technical Report, filed on November 27, 2024.

Qualified Person

Scott Smith, P.Geo., Executive Vice President of Exploration, is a Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical content in this news release.

About Prime Mining

Prime is managed by an ideal mix of successful mining executives, strong capital markets personnel and experienced local operators all focused on unlocking the full potential of the Project. The Company has a well-planned capital structure with a strong management team and insider ownership. Prime is targeting a material resource expansion at Los Reyes through a combination of new generative area discoveries and growth, while also building on technical de-risking activities to support eventual project development.

For further information, please visit https://www.primeminingcorp.ca/ or direct enquiries to:

Scott Hicks

CEO & Director

Indi Gopinathan

VP Capital Markets & Business Development

Prime Mining Corp.

710  1030 West Georgia St.

Vancouver, BC V6E 2Y3 Canada

+1(604) 238-1659

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Cautionary Notes to U.S. Investors Concerning Resource Estimates

This news release has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of the U.S. securities laws. In particular, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the terms mineral reserve, proven mineral reserve, probable mineral reserve, inferred mineral resources, indicated mineral resources, measured mineral resources and mineral resources used or referenced in this presentation are Canadian mineral disclosure terms as defined in accordance with NI 43-101 under the guidelines set out in the CIM Standards. The CIM Standards differ from the mineral property disclosure requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) in Regulation S-K Subpart 1300 (the SEC Modernization Rules) under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act). As a foreign private issuer that is eligible to file reports with the SEC pursuant to the multijurisdictional disclosure system, the Company is not required to provide disclosure on its mineral properties under the SEC Modernization Rules and will continue to provide disclosure under NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards. Accordingly, the Companys disclosure of mineralization and other technical information may differ significantly from the information that would be disclosed had the Company prepared the information under the standards adopted under the SEC Modernization Rules.

Forward Looking Information
Vancouver, British Columbia  TheNewswire - January 30, 2025 - Leocor Mining Inc. (the Company or Leocor) (CSE: LECR, OTCQB: LECRF) (formerly Leocor Gold Inc.), a junior resource company focussed on the exploration and development of gold-copper projects in Eastern Canada, is pleased to report that drilling has commenced at the Baie Verte project, a 2,002-ha contiguous exploration package located on the north central coast of the island of Newfoundland in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

Drill hole 25-CC-001, following up with drill core anomalous copper values confirmed by the Companys 2022 RAB drill program at the Copper Creek prospect, began over the weekend and was completed Sunday evening at a depth of 194 meters. The next hole is underway utilizing the same drill pad, targeting a steeper downhole angle.

Were pleased to get the drilling underway, said Alex Klenman, CEO. These are some of the most significant anomalies weve seen. These areas absolutely need to be drill tested. We have copper and gold targets, and this first pass gives a broad look at some of the zone of interest, continued Mr. Klenman.

Work will continue this week to clear and level drill pads at the Copper Creek claims, in addition to completing the logging of 25-CC-001 and shipping the first batch of core samples for cutting and analysis by SGS.

Drill Hole Targeting

Multiple drill holes at Copper Creek will target areas of known mineralization identified in 2022 Rab drilling as well as previously mapped structures displaying hydrothermal alteration and anomalous base and precious metal geochemistry from soil and rock sampling. At the Dorset claim, drilling targets are concentrated in areas where the Company intersected significant gold results during its 2022 RAB drilling campaign. The drill program is being conducted under the supervision of David Murray, P. Geo, president of Resourceful Geosciences. The Company will provide an update early next week.

The Dorset project is highly prospective for additional high-grade gold zones and the 2025 program will be designed to test some of the priority zones within a prominent 1 x 2 km gold-in-soil anomaly delineated by Leocor in 2022.

Figure 1: Location of the Baie Verte Project, NW Newfoundland

For more information regarding Leocors Baie Verte Project, including detailed figures, assessment details, and historic data, please visit our website.

Name Change

The Company recently announced (see news releases dated January 20 and 21, 2025) that it had applied for a name change (the Name Change) to Leocor Mining Inc. This change reflects the Companys strategic aim to pursue additional and potentially significant mineral opportunities such as copper and silver both within its landholdings in Newfoundland and elsewhere. The Name Change became effective at the opening of markets on January 22, 2025, at which time the common shares of the Company commenced trading under the new name and the existing ticker symbol LECR. There has been no change in corporate structure in connection with the name change. The CUSIP for the common shares of the Company changed to 52637M103.

Qualified Person

David Murray, P.Geo., Principal Consultant at Resourceful Geoscience Solutions Inc., an Independent Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Minerals Projects, has reviewed and approved the technical information presented herein.

About Leocor Mining Inc. (Formerly Leocor Gold Inc.)

Leocor Mining Inc. is a British Columbia-based resource company involved in the acquisition and exploration of precious metal projects, with a current focus in Atlantic Canada. Leocor, through outright ownership and earn-in agreements, currently controls several gold-copper projects in prime exploration ground located within the prolific Baie Verte Mining District. Leocors Bae Verte portfolio includes the Dorset, Dorset Extension, Copper Creek and Five Mile Brook projects, creating a contiguous nearly 2,000-hectare exploration corridor. The Company also controls district scale land packages in North Central Newfoundland, known as Roberts Arm, Hodges Hill, and Leamington, (collectively Western Exploits) representing over 144,000 hectares (1,440 square kilometers) of prospective exploration ground. For more information, sign up for news alerts, watch our corporate video, or view our presentation at our website.

Contact Information

Leocor Mining Inc.

Alex Klenman, Chief Executive Officer

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Telephone : (604) 970-4330

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.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Such information includes, without limitation, information regarding the terms and conditions of the Option. Although Leocor believes that such information is reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.

Forward looking information is typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Leocor cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by Leocor is not a guarantee of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking information as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to: the agreement of the parties to proceed with the proposed transaction on the terms set out in the Option Agreements or at all; Leocor's ability to exercise the Options; the state of the financial markets for Leocor's securities; the state of the natural resources sector in the event the Option, or any of them, are completed; recent market volatility; circumstances related to COVID-19; Leocor's ability to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies; and other risks and factors that Leocor is unaware of at this time. The reader is referred to Leocor's initial public offering prospectus for a more complete discussion of applicable risk factors and their potential effects, copies of which may be accessed through Leocors issuer page on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. Leocor disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2025) - Adyton Resources Corporation (TSXV: ADY) ("Adyton" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on its drilling program with Joint Venture partner, EVIH, at the Company's Wapolu Gold Project on Fergusson Island. Following mobilization by barge from Port Moresby in early December, EVIH has successfully constructed a 20-person camp, established pioneering roads and drill pads, and completed 15 angled diamond drill holes for a total of approximately 1500m. Two diamond core rigs are operational continuously on day and night shifts.

"Drilling at Wapolu is progressing well with rigs averaging approximately 40-50 m per day," stated Tim Crossley, Chief Executive Officer. "EVIH have already completed approximately 1500 m of a 7000 m infill and resource extension program. This drill program marks the first step towards establishing the viability of recommencement of mining operations at the abandoned Wapolu gold mine project. Wapolu produced approximately 9,000 ounces in the early 1990's before operations ceased due to low gold prices. As a past-producing brownfields site, which benefits from over 18,000 metres of historical drilling and a 2022 Mineral Resource Estimate, we are confident of our ability to rapidly move the project forward to a restart of operations. Concurrent with this drilling program, we plan to finalize our Mining Lease (ML) and Environment Permit (EP) submissions to the relevant authorities. On completion of the Wapolu drilling we aim to relocate the drill rigs to the neighbouring and larger resource Gameta Gold Project. First fire assay gold results are expected until early March 2025 and multi-element ICP shortly after."

Gary Wang, EVIH Chief Executive Officer, commented: "We are very happy with our teams progress at Wapolu. Our team has been collaborating well with the Wapolu landowners and the support from the local community has been crucial in enabling us to set up our site and commence drilling in very quick timing. We are now pushing hard to provide the necessary technical inputs to enable our ML application to be submitted."

Figure 1: Drill rig set up for operations

Figure 2: Workers attending daily toolbox talk

Gold mineralisation at Wapolu occurs in shallow dipping horizons within a regional detachment fault zone and the footwall metamorphic rocks. The surface colluvium also contains gold-bearing boulders.

The drill program comprises both step-out drill and infill drill holes. The step-out drill program is designed to test high value target extensions of the known mineralization which is open along strike and at depth. This exploration drilling is focused on extending and increasing the known resource. The infill holes are designed to increase confidence in the Mineral Resource Estimate sufficiently to satisfy the PNG Mineral Resource Authorities criteria to advance the project to a Mining Lease application.

Three drillholes have also been completed to collect samples for metallurgical testing to begin test work in EVIH's purpose-built laboratory in Port Moresby to be conducted in parallel to the ongoing exploration program.

The Fergusson projects are under a Joint Venture Agreement with EVIH, granting EVIH the right to acquire up to a 50% ownership interest in the project. This interest is contingent on achievement of certain development milestones and a total investment of up to US$9.5 million, allocated as follows:

US$8.5 million to fund project expenditures; and

US$1.0 million as a direct payment to the Company, with US$500,000 already paid upon executing the agreement in May 2024.

For additional details, please refer to the official announcement dated May 13, 2024.

The Fergusson Island Gold Project

The Fergusson Island Gold Project comprises the Wapolu and Gameta advanced Exploration Licenses on Fergusson Island in Milne Bay Province Papua New Guinea (Figure 3). This region of PNG is well known for discoveries including the nearby Islands of Misima (5Moz) and Woodlark (1.6Moz). The Company has previously reported the following mineral resource estimate (Table 1).

Figure 3: Fergusson Island Projects: Wapolu and Gameta

Table 1: Mineral Resource Estimates

Project Indicated Inferred Au

(g/t) Tonnes

(million) Au

(koz) Au

(g/t) Tonnes

(million) Au

(koz) Gameta exploration licence 1.33 4.0 173 1.01 10.5 340 Wapolu exploration licence - - - 1.06 5.8 200 Fergusson Island Gold Project 1.33 4.0 173 1.02 16.3 540

Gameta and Wapolu resources at 0.5g/t gold cut-off [1]

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.

ABOUT ADYTON RESOURCES CORPORATION

Adyton Resources Corporation is focused on the development of gold and copper resources in world class mineral jurisdictions. It currently has a portfolio of highly prospective mineral exploration projects in Papua New Guinea on which it is exploring to expand its identified gold Inferred and Indicated Mineral Resources and expand on its recent significant copper drill intercepts on the 100% owned Feni Island project. The Company's mineral exploration projects are located on the Pacific Ring of Fire on easy to access island locations which hosts several globally significant copper and gold deposits including the Lihir gold mine and Panguna copper/gold mine on Bougainville Island, both neighboring projects to the Company's Feni Island project.

Adyton has a total Mineral Resource Estimate inventory within its PNG portfolio of projects comprising indicated resources of 173,000 ounces gold and inferred resources of 2,000,000 ounces gold.

The Feni Island Project currently has a mineral resource prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 dated October 14, 2021, which has outlined an initial inferred mineral resource of 60.4 million tonnes at an average grade of 0.75 g/t Au, for contained gold of 1,460,000 ounces, assuming a cut-off grade of 0.5 g/t Au. See the NI 43-101 technical report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Feni Gold-Copper Property, New Ireland Province, Papua New Guinea prepared for Adyton Resources by Mark Berry (MAIG), Simon Tear (MIGI PGeo), Matthew White (MAIG) and Andy Thomas (MAIG), each an independent mining consultant and "qualified person" as defined in NI 43-101,available under Adyton's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and have not demonstrated economic viability.

The Fergusson Island Project currently has a mineral resource prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 dated October 14, 2021 which outlined an indicated mineral resource of 4.0 million tonnes at an average grade of 1.33 g/t Au for contained gold of 173,000 ounces and an inferred mineral resource of 16.3 million tonnes at an average grade of 1.02 g/t Au for contained gold of 540,000 ounces. See the technical report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Fergusson Gold Property, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea" prepared for Adyton Resources by Mark Berry (MAIG), Simon Tear (MIGI PGeo), Matthew White (MAIG) and Andy Thomas (MAIG), each an independent mining consultant and "qualified person" as defined in NI 43-101,available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and have not demonstrated economic viability.

Adyton is also quoted on the OTC under the code ADYRF and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the code 701:GR.

For more information about Adyton and its projects, visit www.adytonresources.com.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been prepared, reviewed, and approved by Dr Chris Wilson BSc (Hons), PhD, FAusIMM (CP), FSEG, FGS, the Chief Geologist and a Director of Adyton, who is a "Qualified Person" as defined by National Instrument 43101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Forward looking statements

This press release includes "forwardlooking statements", including forecasts, estimates, expectations, and objectives for future operations that are subject to several assumptions, risks, and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of Adyton. Forward looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forwardlooking terminology such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "plans" or similar terminology. Forward looking statements in this news release include plans pertaining to the drill program, the intention to prepare additional technical studies, the timing of the drill program, uses of the recent drone survey data, the timing of updating key findings, the preparation of resource estimates, and the deeper exploration of high-grade gold and copper feeder systems . The forwardlooking information contained herein is provided for the purpose of assisting readers in understanding management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes.

Forwardlooking information are based on management of the parties' reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses, and opinions, which are based on such management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in connection with the future development of the projects in a timely manner; the availability of financing on suitable terms for the development; construction and continued operation of the Fergusson Island Project and the Feni Island Project; the ability to effectively complete the drilling program; and Adyton's ability to comply with all applicable regulations and laws, including environmental, health and safety laws.

Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but instead reflect Adyton's management's expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of managements considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although Adyton believes that the expectations reflected in such forward- looking statements are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and under reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by Adyton. Among the key risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward- looking statements are the following: impacts arising from the global disruption, changes in general macroeconomic conditions; reliance on key personnel; reliance on Zenex Drilling; changes in securities markets; changes in the price of gold or certain other commodities; change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations pressures, caveins and flooding); discrepancies between actual and estimated metallurgical recoveries; inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of and changes in the costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); and title to properties. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forwardlooking statements. Such forwardlooking information represents management's best judgment based on information currently available. No forwardlooking statement can be guaranteed, and actual future results may vary materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements or information. Adyton Resources Corporation undertakes no obligation to update forwardlooking information except as required by applicable law.

[1] See the technical report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Fergusson Gold Property, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea" dated October 14, 2022 and prepared for the Company in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") by Mark Berry (MAIG), Simon Tear (MIGI PGeo), Matthew White (MAIG) and Andy Thomas (MAIG), each an independent mining consultant and "qualified person" as defined in NI 43-101, available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and have not demonstrated economic viability.

NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR THROUGH US NEWSWIRE SERVICES
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 20, 2025) - Rua Gold Inc. (TSXV: RUA) (OTCQB: NZAUF) (WKN: A40QYC) ("RUA GOLD" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update from the drilling campaign underway at the Reefton Project on the South Island of New Zealand.

Highlights:

All three holes in Murray Creek have intercepted visible gold in down-dip extensions of the historical Victoria lode, demonstrating vertical continuity over 100 meters and still open.

Murry Creek assays ranging from 11.1  34.1g/t gold, intercept widths indicate a pinch and swell of the vein from 0.2  1.2m.

1.35% Sb (stibnite) in DD_VIC_42A demonstrates the antimony potential in this region.

Introduction of Devico Navi-drilling provides benefits of accuracy and economy in the resource definition stage.

Gold results in 4 of the 6 drill holes at Capleston, with the northern-most intercept averaging 4.8g/t Au over 3.3m.

Robert Eckford, CEO of RUA GOLD commented: "it is very encouraging to be intercepting gold on the majority of our targets in the Reefton Goldfield. Murray Creek has delivered vertical continuity and visible gold on every hole and even more exciting as we start seeing visible antimony on this target. The drill program is progressing nicely and with the navi-drilling team in place and two main holes complete, we can start building structure with our 20m spaced drill program. The near surface gold results at Capleston also indicate there is potential for early development opportunities."

Figure 1: Quartz vein from VIC042A, 0.3m @ 27.18 g/t Au.

Murray Creek

The Company has advanced the testing of the down-dip extension of the Victoria lode, DD_VIC_042B. This intersected the targeted gold vein at 390m down hole with a 1m quartz vein followed by a 0.2m mineralized fault, including fine visible gold throughout the vein and antimony infilling fractures. This intercept is 80m below the historical Victoria mine, and 20m northeast of the DD_VIC_042A intercept.

The third drill hole (DD_VIC_042A) intercepted a 0.3m quartz vein with visible gold in a 0.6m mineralized fault. The quartz vein assayed 0.3m at 27.2/t Au with 1.35% Sb (antimony).

Table 1: Assay results Murray Creek Drilling Program

Drill hole From To Interval Au (g/t) Sb (%) VIC_042 388.65 388.85 0.2m 34.1 Not tested VIC_042A 388.6 388.9 0.3m 27.2 1.35% VIC_042B 390.0 391.2 1.2m 11.1 Pending

RUA GOLD have commenced a series of directional drill holes with IMDEX Devico Navi-drilling to progress the delineation of the unmined reef down dip and along strike.

Two parent holes have been established (DD_VIC_042 and 046) and there are 6 more directionally drilled holes planned in the first quarter 2025. This program will test ~200m down strike of the historical Victoria Mine lode which produced 33,877oz at 19.9g/t Au (Barry, 1993).

Figure 2: Cross section through the Victoria lode, Murray Creek.

Capleston

The Company is targeting an undeveloped and near-surface vein at the southern end of the two kilometer long historic Capleston project. Near surface targets lend themselves to early development and are the closest to transportation and infrastructure, providing low-cost operational advantages.

The program consists of 6 drill holes, with the northern-most intercept averaging 4.8g/t Au over 3.3m.

Table 2: Assay results Capleston Drilling Program

Drill hole From To Interval Au (g/t) REF_043 32 33 1m 3.2 REF_044 31 32 1m 2.9 REF_044T 29 31 2m 5.3 REF_047 29.7 33 3.3m 4.8

No significant results in DD_REF_045, 048.

The drill rig at Capleston has been demobilized as the exploration team shift its focus onto the Cumberland targeted as highlighted in the news release dated January 13, 2024. Results from the drill program will be collated into the model and assessed for the next phase of drilling.

Figure 3: Intercepts of REF047 and REF048, inspecting core at Reform.

Figure 4: Location of Reefton Projects

QAQC Drilling

The majority of drillholes were sampled in full, typically following 1-m sample intervals unless geological contacts (i.e. dolerite intrusions) dictated otherwise. NQ core was analyzed as whole core; therefore, only requiring cutting along sample intervals. PQ and HQ core were sampled as half core.

Coarse gold intersections (Victoria lode visible nuggety gold intervals) are sampled in full, dried and dispatched to ALS Perth, Australia for PhotonAssay analysis using method PA01 with a detection limit of 0.03ppm Au. 500gm samples were submitted with Certified Reference Material (CRM) following coarse crushing. This method is non-destructive allowing the preservation of the entire whole-core, and unlimited repeat testing.

Standard drill core samples were sent to SGS Westport for sample preparation. Core was crushed to 75% passing 2 mm, and 1-kg split of material was pulverized (to 85% passing 75 m). No split duplicates were collected during the crushing steps. Two scoops were taken from the pulverize bowl: one for laboratory analysis (~150 g) and the other for pXRF analysis (~100 g). The pulp reject is stored in Reefton. Pulverized drill core samples were analyzed by 50-g fire assay with AAS finish at SGS Waihi (SGS Code FAA505). The detection limit for Au by this method is 0.01 ppm. As part of SGS' internal quality control, SGS conducted repeat analyses, also at a rate of ~5%.

The QP has verified the data disclosed including sampling, assay procedure and analytical information contained in the written disclosure.

ABOUT RUA GOLD

RUA GOLD is an exploration company, strategically focused on New Zealand. With decades of expertise, our team has successfully taken major discoveries into producing world-class mines across multiple continents. The team is now focused on maximizing the asset potential of RUA GOLD's two highly prospective high-grade gold projects.

The Company controls the Reefton Gold District as the dominant landholder in the Reefton Goldfield on New Zealand's South Island with over 120,000 hectares of tenements, in a district that historically produced over 2 million ounces of gold grading between 9 and 50 grams per tonne.

The Company's Glamorgan Project solidifies RUA GOLD's position as a leading high-grade gold explorer on New Zealand's North Island. This highly prospective project is located within the North Islands' Hauraki district, a region that has produced an impressive 15 million ounces of gold and 60 million ounces of silver. Glamorgan is adjacent to OceanaGold Corporation's biggest gold mining project, WKP.

For further information, please refer to the Company's disclosure record on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Technical Information

Simon Henderson CP, AUSIMM, a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained herein.

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this new 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 and specifically include statements regarding: the Company's strategies, expectations, planned operations or future actions, including but not limited to exploration programs at its Reefton project and the results thereof. 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.

Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. A variety of inherent risks, uncertainties and factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control, affect the operations, performance and results of the Company and its business, and could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results expressed or implied by forward looking statements. Some of these risks, uncertainties and factors include: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; risks related to the effects of the Russia-Ukraine war; risks related to climate change; operational risks in exploration, delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration projects or capital expenditures; the actual results of current exploration activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; changes in labour costs and other costs and expenses or equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, including but not limited to environmental hazards, flooding or unfavorable operating conditions and losses, insurrection or war, delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing, and commodity prices. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements and reference should also be made to the Company's CSE Form 2A - Listing Statement filed under its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca for a description of additional risk factors.

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.
VANCOUVER, BC AND MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA / ACCESS Newswire / January 29, 2025 /Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd ("SXGC", "SX2" or the "Company") (TSXV:SXGC) (ASX:SX2) announces significant results from drill holes SDDSC150 and SDDSC153, the deepest holes at the Christina prospect, part of the 100%-owned Sunday Creek Gold-Antimony project in Victoria.

HIGH LEVEL TAKEAWAY

Today's results from SDDSC150 and SDDSC153 at Christina mark several pivotal developments that increase the project's significant potential.

What is particularly significant about these intersections? SDDSC150 - the deepest hole at Christina - delivered 1.7 m @ 204.1 g/t Au at approximately 450 m below surface. Most encouragingly, this high-grade intersection came 350 m down-dip from previous drilling that returned 1.7 m @ 254.0 g/t AuEq (SDDSC137W2), demonstrating that the mineralization system maintains its high grade at depth.

Perhaps most compelling is the emergence of Christina as a fourth major mineralized body alongside Apollo, Rising Sun and Golden Dyke . What was initially planned as control drilling has instead revealed multiple high-grade veins with consistent frequency-a hallmark of robust system development.

The project footprint now spans 1,350 m strike from Christina to Apollo prospects, though only approximately 620 m has been more intensively tested. SXGC have defined at least 70 'rungs' or mineralized vein sets to date, characterized by high-grade intercepts (20 g/t to >7,330 g/t Au). Most importantly, the consistency in grade distribution, structural characteristics, and host rock properties remains predictable at depth.

The success of these control holes in intersecting the mineralized system not only validates the geological model but provides valuable data points for targeting future drilling in this expanding zone. The consistent way the system is developing - with predictable structural controls and high grades at depth - gives us increased confidence in our ability to efficiently target mineralization as we test the system's extent. This systematic approach to understanding the "Golden Ladder" structure has proven particularly effective, with the relationship between the host dyke ("rails") and mineralizing veins ("rungs") becoming increasingly predictable.

Sunday Creek represents one of the Western world's most significant gold-antimony discoveries. The strategic value of the antimony component (20% of in-situ value) has only increased following China's recent export restrictions. Most importantly, these results confirm our geological model and demonstrate that the system extends well beyond historical mining areas, both in grade and scale.

Twelve holes are currently being processed and analyzed, with five holes in progress. With A$20M in cash and one of the largest global exploration drill programs (60 km) planned through Q3 2025 , Southern Cross Gold Consolidated is well-positioned to continue expanding this significant discovery in a tier-one jurisdiction.

FOR THOSE WHO LIKE THE DETAILS

HIGHLIGHTS

SDDSC150 was drilled 450 m vertically below the historic Christina Mine and 350 m vertically below the high-grade interval in SDDSC137W2 (1.7 m @ 254.0 g/t AuEq - 28 October, 2024 ). The hole contained four intervals >20 g/t Au (up to1,060 g/t Au) and intercepted three new mineralized vein sets. Highlights include: 1.7 m @ 204.2 g/t AuEq (204.1 g/t Au, 0.1% Sb) from 570.8 m, including: 0.6 m @ 630.8 g/t AuEq (630.5 g/t Au, 0.1% Sb) from 572.0 m including 0.3 m@1,060 g/t Au from 572.0 m 0.7 m @ 14.7 g/t AuEq (14.7 g/t Au, 0.0% Sb) from 584.4 m 0.7 m @ 137.7 g/t AuEq (137.7 g/t Au, 0.0% Sb) from 591.3 m, including: 0.3 m @ 340.0 g/t AuEq (340.0 g/t Au, 0.0% Sb) from 591.3 m

A second control hole, SDDSC153, was drilled to 390 m vertically below Christina and intercepted a prospective corridor of 45 m. Highlights include: 3.5 m @ 3.1 g/t AuEq (3.1 g/t Au, 0.0% Sb) from 549.2 m

SDDSC150 and SDDSC153 were planned as control' holes (drilled more north south at a higher angle to the dyke/breccia host), to test the host (rails of the ladder) at significant depth (390 m to 450 m) below the surface. Both drill holes intercepted the host package and significant mineralization in large down dip extensions in the deepest drilling at Christina to date.

Ongoing Exploration: With $20 million in cash and no debt. Twelve holes (SDDSC140, 142, 146 - 149, 146W1, 149W1, 151, 154, 155, 157A) are currently being processed and analysed, with five holes (SDDSC152, 155A, 156, 157, 158) in progress (Figure 1 and 2).

Michael Hudson, President & CEO of SXGC states: "A great start to life for Southern Cross Gold Consolidated as a dual-listed company (TSXV:SXGC and ASX:SX2). These results mark a significant milestone in our understanding of Christina's potential as we continue to expand and demonstrate high grades further west and at depth at Sunday Creek.

"Intersecting such exceptional grades, including 1.7 m @ 204.1 g/t Au , in the deepest hole at Christina, located 350 m down dip from previously drilled 1.7 m @ 254.0 g/t AuEq (SDDSC137W2) is a remarkable result. What's particularly encouraging is that these intersections came from what were initially planned as control holes to test the east-west mineralized host location (the "rails of the ladder"). Instead, they have revealed multiple high-grade veins ("the rungs of the ladder") and demonstrated that high grades are maintained at depth.

"The consistency of the vein frequency continues to demonstrate that we are dealing with a robust and well-developed system. This provides confidence in the potential for further high-grade discoveries as we continue to test the depth extensions of the Christina prospect. Most importantly, these results confirm our geological model and demonstrate that the Sunday Creek system continues to extend well beyond the historical mining areas, both in terms of grade and scale.

"The project footprint now spans 1,350m strike from Christina to Apollo prospects, with only approximately 620 m has been more intensively drill tested. We've defined at least 70 'rungs' to date, characterized by high-grade intercepts (between 20 g/t to >7,330 g/t Au) and now have a total of fifty-five (55) >100 g/t AuEq x m intersections. Most importantly, the consistency in grade distribution, structural characteristics, and host rock properties remains predictable at depth.

"Twelve holes are currently being processed and analyzed, with five holes in progress. With A$20M in cash and a large 60km drill program planned through Q3 2025, we are well-positioned to continue expanding this globally significant discovery in a tier-one jurisdiction."

Drill Hole Discussion

Both SDDSC150 and SDDSC153 were drilled at high angles to the dyke host rock, creating a relatively short but highly prospective corridor for intersecting mineralization. Despite being designed primarily as control holes to test the dyke location below the Christina Mine, these holes intersected multiple high-grade veins, which is particularly significant as it demonstrates consistent vein frequency continuing at depth. The success of these control holes in intersecting the mineralized system not only validates the geological model but also provides valuable data points for targeting future drilling in this expanding zone.

SDDSC150 represents the deepest hole drilled to date at the Christina prospect, reaching a vertical depth of approximately 450 m below surface. The hole contained four intervals >20 g/t Au (up to1,060 g/t Au) and intercepted three new mineralized vein sets. The hole delivered several outstanding intersections, highlighted by:

1.7 m @ 204.2 g/t AuEq (204.1 g/t Au, 0.1% Sb) from 570.8 m, including: 0.6 m @ 630.8 g/t AuEq (630.5 g/t Au, 0.1% Sb) from 572.0 m

0.7 m @ 14.7 g/t AuEq (14.7 g/t Au, 0.0% Sb) from 584.4 m

0.7 m @ 137.7 g/t AuEq (137.7 g/t Au, 0.0% Sb) from 591.3 m, including: 0.3 m @ 340.0 g/t AuEq (340.0 g/t Au, 0.0% Sb) from 591.3 m



SDDSC153, drilled approximately 100 m higher and 80 m west of SDDSC150, returned 3.5 metres at 3.1 g/t Au from 549.2 m. This intersection, along with the multiple high-grade veins intersected in SDDSC150, confirms that the grade, structural characteristics, and host rock properties maintain their consistency at significant depths and now allows new drilling to be planned perpendicular to the vein sets, that remain within the host sequence.

Pending Results and Update

Twelve holes (SDDSC140, 142, 146 - 149, 146W1, 149W1, 151, 154, 155, 157A) are currently being processed and analysed, with five holes (SDDSC152, 155A, 156, 157, 158) in progress (Figure 1 and 2).

About Sunday Creek

The Sunday Creek epizonal-style gold project is located 60 km north of Melbourne within 16,900 hectares ("Ha") of granted exploration tenements. SXGC is also the freehold landholder of 1,054.51 Ha that forms the key portion in and around the main drilled area at the Sunday Creek Project,

Gold and antimony form in a relay of vein sets that cut across a steeply dipping zone of intensely altered rocks (the "host"). These vein sets are like a "Golden Ladder" structure where the main host extends between the side rails deep into the earth, with multiple cross-cutting vein sets that host the gold forming the rungs. At Apollo and Rising Sun these individual rungs' have been defined over 600 m depth extent from surface to over 1,100 m below surface, are 2.5 m to 3.5 m wide (median widths) (and up to 10 m), and 20 m to 100 m in strike.

Cumulatively, 156 drill holes for 70,971.59 m have been reported from Sunday Creek since late 2020. An additional 12 holes for 582.55 m from Sunday Creek were abandoned due to deviation or hole conditions. Fourteen drillholes for 2,383 m have been reported regionally outside of the main Sunday Creek drill area. A total of 64 historic drill holes for 5,599 m were completed from the late 1960s to 2008. The project now contains a total of fifty-five (55) >100 g/t AuEq x m and sixty (60) >50 to 100 g/t AuEq x m drill holes by applying a 2 m @ 1 g/t AuEq lower cut.

Our systematic drill program is strategically targeting these significant vein formations, initially these have been defined over 1,350 m strike of the host from Christina to Apollo prospects, of which approximately 620 m has been more intensively drill tested (Rising Sun to Apollo). At least 70 rungs' have been defined to date, defined by high-grade intercepts (20 g/t to >7,330 g/t Au) along with lower grade edges. Ongoing step-out drilling is aiming to uncover the potential extent of this mineralized system (Figure 3).

Geologically, the project is located within the Melbourne Structural Zone in the Lachlan Fold Belt. The regional host to the Sunday Creek mineralization is an interbedded turbidite sequence of siltstones and minor sandstones metamorphosed to sub-greenschist facies and folded into a set of open north-west trending folds.

Further Information

Further discussion and analysis of the Sunday Creek project is available through the interactive Vrify 3D animations, presentations and videos all available on the SXGC website. These data, along with an interview on these results with Managing Director Michael Hudson can be viewed at www.southerncrossgold.com .

No upper gold grade cut is applied in the averaging and intervals are reported as drill thickness. However, during future Mineral Resource studies, the requirement for assay top cutting will be assessed. The Company notes that due to rounding of assay results to one significant figure, minor variations in calculated composite grades may occur.

Figures 1 to 4 show project location, plan and longitudinal views of drill results reported here and Tables 1 to 3 provide collar and assay data. The true thickness of the mineralized intervals reported is approximately 40% of the sampled thickness for other reported holes. Lower grades were cut at 1.0 g/t AuEq lower cutoff over a maximum width of 2 m with higher grades cut at 5.0 g/t AuEq lower cutoff over a maximum of 1 m width unless specified unless otherwise* specified to demonstrate higher grade assays.

Critical Metal Epizonal Gold-Antimony Deposits

Sunday Creek (Figure 4) is an epizonal gold-antimony deposit formed in the late Devonian (like Fosterville, Costerfield and Redcastle), 60 million years later than mesozonal gold systems formed in Victoria (for example Ballarat and Bendigo). Epizonal deposits are a form of orogenic gold deposit classified according to their depth of formation: epizonal (<6 km), mesozonal (6-12 km) and hypozonal (>12 km).

Epizonal deposits in Victoria often have associated high levels of the critical metal, antimony, and Sunday Creek is no exception. China claims a 56 per cent share of global mined supplies of antimony, according to a 2023 European Union study. Antimony features highly on the critical minerals lists of many countries including Australia, the United States of America, Canada, Japan and the European Union. Australia ranks seventh for antimony production despite all production coming from a single mine at Costerfield in Victoria, located nearby to all SXG projects. Antimony alloys with lead and tin which results in improved properties for solders, munitions, bearings and batteries. Antimony is a prominent additive for halogen-containing flame retardants. Adequate supplies of antimony are critical to the world's energy transition, and to the high-tech industry, especially the semi-conductor and defence sectors where it is a critical additive to primers in munitions.

In August 2024, the Chinese government announced it will place export limits from September 15, 2024 on antimony and antimony products. This puts pressure on Western defence supply chains and negatively affect the supply of the metal and push up pricing given China's dominance of the supply of the metal in the global markets. This is positive for SXGC as we are likely to have one of the very few large and high-quality projects of antimony in the western world that can feed western demand into the future.

Antimony represents approximately 20% in situ recoverable value of Sunday Creek at an AuEq of 1.88.

About Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. (TSXV:SXGC) (ASX:SX2)

Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. (TSXV:SXGC, ASX:SX2) 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 1,100 m 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. Southern Cross' 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 A$22M in cash, over 1,000 Ha of strategic freehold land ownership, and an aggressive 60 km drill program planned through Q3 2025, SX2 is well-positioned to advance this globally significant gold-antimony discovery in a tier-one jurisdiction.

NI 43-101 Technical Background and Qualified Person

Michael Hudson, President and CEO and Managing Director of SXGC, and a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and Kenneth Bush, Exploration Manager of SXGC and a Member of Australian Institute of Geoscientists are the Qualified Persons as defined by the NI43-101. They have 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 g 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 SXGC consists of the systematic insertion of certified standards of known gold and antimony 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 news release 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 and Member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy 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 mineralization 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 the President, CEO and Managing Director of SXGC and both consent to the inclusion in this news release 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 "SX2". 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 SXGC's documents filed with Canadian or Australian securities regulatory authorities (under code SX2). You can find further information with respect to these and other risks in filings made by SXGC with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada or Australia (under code SX2), as applicable, and available for SXGC in Canada at www.sedarplus.ca or in Australia at www2.asx.com.au under code SX2. 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.

Figure 1: Sunday Creek plan view showing selected results from holes SDDSC150 and SDDSC153 reported here (blue highlighted box, black trace), with selected prior reported drill holes and pending holes.

Figure 2: Sunday Creek longitudinal section across A-B in the plane of the dyke breccia/altered sediment host looking towards the north (striking 236 degrees) showing mineralized veins sets. Showing holes SDDSC150 and SDDSC153 reported here (blue highlighted box, black trace), with selected intersections and prior reported drill holes. The vertical extents of the vein sets are limited by proximity to drill hole pierce points. For location refer to Figure 1.

Figure 3: Sunday Creek regional plan view showing soil sampling, structural framework, regional historic epizonal gold mining areas and broad regional areas tested by 12 holes for 2,383 m drill program. The regional drill areas are at Tonstal, Consols and Leviathan located 4,000-7,500 m along strike from the main drill area at Golden Dyke- Apollo.

Figure 4: Location of the Sunday Creek project, along with the 100% owned Redcastle Gold-Antimony Project

Table 1: Drill collar summary table for recent drill holes in progress.

Hole-ID Depth (m) Prospect East GDA94_Z55 North GDA94_Z55 Elevation Azimuth Plunge SDDSC120W1 1088.5 Rising Sun 331108 5867977 319 267 -55 SDDSC140 352.9 Christina 330075 5867612 274 9 -70 SDDSC142 500.67 Christina 330075 5867612 274 292 -70 SDDSC146 245.7 Christina 330073 5867612 274 273 -42 SDDSC146W1 461.2 Christina 330073 5867612 274 273 -42 SDDSC147 977.15 Golden Dyke 330809 5867842 301 278 -57 SDDSC148 563.6 Christina 330073 5867611 274 278 -57.2 SDDSC149 970.79 Apollo 331594 5867955 344 266 -47 SDDSC149W1 1041.1 Apollo 331594 5867955 344 266 -47 SDDSC150 638.8 Christina 330340 5867865 277 244 -65 SDDSC151 737.2 Golden Dyke 330818 5867847 301 273.8 -56.5 SDDSC152 In progress plan 1100 m Rising Sun 330816 5867599 296 328 -65 SDDSC153 639.1 Christina 330333 5867860 277 244.8 -52.5 SDDSC154 392.9 Christina 330075 5867612 274 60 -26.5 SDDSC155 31 Rising Sun 330339 5867860 277 72.7 -63.5 SDDSC155A In progress plan 1025 m Rising Sun 330339 5867860 277 72.7 -63.5 SDDSC156 In progress plan 700 m Christina 330075 5867612 274 59.5 -45.3 SDDSC157 In progress plan 900 m Golden Dyke 330318 5867847 301 276.6 -58.4 SDDSC157A 219.9 Golden Dyke 330318 5867847 301 276.2 -60 SDDSC158 In progress plan 975 m Apollo 331616 5867952 347 265.5 -45

Table 2: Table of mineralized drill hole intersections reported from SDDSC150 and SDDSC153 using two cutoff criteria. Lower grades cut at 1.0 g/t AuEq lower cutoff over a maximum of 2 m with higher grades cut at 5.0 g/t AuEq cutoff over a maximum of 1 m.

Hole-ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au g/t Sb% AuEq g/t SDDSC150 570.81 572.51 1.7 204.1 0.1 204.2 Including 571.96 572.56 0.6 630.5 0.1 630.8 SDDSC150 584.39 585.09 0.7 14.7 0.0 14.7 SDDSC150 591.25 591.95 0.7 137.7 0.0 137.7 Including 591.25 591.55 0.3 340.0 0.0 340.0 SDDSC153 549.15 552.65 3.5 3.1 0.0 3.1

Table 3: All individual assays reported from SDDSC150/153 reported here >0.1g/t AuEq.

Hole-ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au ppm Sb% AuEq (g/t) SDDSC150 515.3 515.6 0.3 0.4 0.0 0.4 SDDSC150 563.8 565.0 1.2 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC150 566.9 567.5 0.6 0.8 0.0 0.8 SDDSC150 567.8 568.1 0.3 0.1 0.0 0.2 SDDSC150 568.1 568.9 0.8 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC150 568.9 569.4 0.5 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC150 570.8 570.9 0.1 0.8 0.4 1.4 SDDSC150 571.5 572.0 0.4 0.2 0.0 0.3 SDDSC150 572.0 572.3 0.3 1060.0 0.3 1060.5 SDDSC150 572.3 572.5 0.2 32.9 0.0 32.9 SDDSC150 572.8 572.9 0.1 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC150 574.2 575.3 1.2 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC150 577.7 578.7 1.0 1.0 0.0 1.1 SDDSC150 578.7 579.6 0.9 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC150 582.6 583.7 1.1 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC150 584.4 584.6 0.2 29.8 0.0 29.8 SDDSC150 584.6 585.1 0.5 10.1 0.0 10.1 SDDSC150 591.3 591.5 0.3 340.0 0.0 340.0 SDDSC150 591.5 591.9 0.4 1.1 0.0 1.1 SDDSC150 595.9 596.1 0.3 0.2 0.0 0.3 SDDSC150 596.1 596.6 0.5 0.1 0.0 0.2 SDDSC153 543.9 544.5 0.6 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC153 544.5 544.9 0.4 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC153 544.9 545.2 0.3 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC153 545.2 546.0 0.8 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC153 546.0 546.3 0.4 0.2 0.1 0.3 SDDSC153 549.2 549.4 0.3 1.1 0.0 1.2 SDDSC153 549.4 549.8 0.4 12.1 0.0 12.2 SDDSC153 549.8 550.3 0.5 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC153 550.3 550.6 0.4 4.8 0.0 4.9 SDDSC153 550.6 551.3 0.7 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC153 551.3 551.5 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.5 SDDSC153 551.5 552.1 0.6 0.6 0.1 0.8 SDDSC153 552.1 552.6 0.5 7.3 0.0 7.3 SDDSC153 567.9 569.2 1.3 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC153 569.5 569.7 0.2 7.1 0.0 7.1 SDDSC153 576.1 576.9 0.8 0.4 0.0 0.4 SDDSC153 577.8 578.8 1.0 0.1 0.0 0.2 SDDSC153 579.6 580.8 1.2 0.2 0.0 0.2

JORC Table 1

Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data

Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary Sampling techniques Nature and quality of sampling (e.g. cut channels, random chips, or specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF instruments, etc.). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad meaning of sampling.

Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used.

Aspects of the determination of mineralization that are Material to the Public Report.

In cases where industry standard' work has been done this would be relatively simple (e.g. reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire assay'). In other cases more explanation may be required, such as where there is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or mineralization types (e.g. submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of detailed information. Sampling has been conducted on drill core (half core for >90% and quarter core for check samples), grab samples (field samples of in-situ bedrock and boulders; including duplicate samples), trench samples (rock chips, including duplicates) and soil samples (including duplicate samples).

Locations of field samples were obtained by using a GPS, generally to an accuracy of within 5 metres. Drill hole and trench locations have been confirmed to <1 metre using a differential GPS.

Samples locations have also been verified by plotting locations on the high-resolution Lidar maps

Drill core is marked for cutting and cut using an automated diamond saw used by Company staff in Kilmore.

Samples are bagged at the core saw and transported to the Bendigo On Site Laboratory for assay.

At On Site samples are crushed using a jaw crusher combined with a rotary splitter and a 1 kg split is separated for pulverizing (LM5) and assay.

Standard fire assay techniques are used for gold assay on a 30 g charge by experienced staff (used to dealing with high sulfide and stibnite-rich charges). On Site gold method by fire assay code PE01S.

Screen fire assay is used to understand gold grain-size distribution where coarse gold is evident.

ICP-OES is used to analyse the aqua regia digested pulp for an additional 12 elements (method BM011) and over-range antimony is measured using flame AAS (method known as B050).

Soil samples were sieved in the field and an 80 mesh sample bagged and transported to ALS Global laboratories in Brisbane for super-low level gold analysis on a 50 g samples by method ST44 (using aqua regia and ICP-MS).

Grab and rock chip samples are generally submitted to On Site Laboratories for standard fire assay and 12 element ICP-OES as described above. Drilling techniques Drill type (e.g. core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc.) and details (e.g. core diameter, triple or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or other type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc.). HQ or NQ diameter diamond drill core, oriented using Boart Longyear TruCore orientation tool with the orientation line marked on the base of the drill core by the driller/offsider.

A standard 3 metre core barrel has been found to be most effective in both the hard and soft rocks in the project. Drill sample recovery Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and results assessed.

Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure representative nature of the samples.

Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of fine/coarse material. Core recoveries were maximised using HQ or NQ diamond drill core with careful control over water pressure to maintain soft-rock integrity and prevent loss of fines from soft drill core. Recoveries are determined on a metre-by-metre basis in the core shed using a tape measure against marked up drill core checking against driller's core blocks.

Plots of grade versus recovery and RQD (described below) show no trends relating to loss of drill core, or fines. Logging Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies.

Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc.) photography.

The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections logged. Geotechnical logging of the drill core takes place on racks in the company core shed.

Core orientations marked at the drill rig are checked for consistency, and base of core orientation lines are marked on core where two or more orientations match within 10 degrees.

Core recoveries are measured for each metre

RQD measurements (cumulative quantity of core sticks > 10 cm in a metre) are made on a metre-by-metre basis.

Each tray of drill core is photographed (wet and dry) after it is fully marked up for sampling and cutting.

The  core cutting line is placed approximately 10 degrees above the orientation line so the orientation line is retained in the core tray for future work.

Geological logging of drill core includes the following parameters:

Rock types, lithology

Alteration

Structural information (orientations of veins, bedding, fractures using standard alpha-beta measurements from orientation line; or, in the case of un-oriented parts of the core, the alpha angles are measured)

Veining (quartz, carbonate, stibnite)

Key minerals (visible under hand lens, e.g. gold, stibnite)

100% of drill core is logged for all components described above into the company MX logging database.

Logging is fully quantitative, although the description of lithology and alteration relies on visible observations by trained geologists.

Each tray of drill core is photographed (wet and dry) after it is fully marked up for sampling and cutting.

Logging is considered to be at an appropriate quantitative standard to use in future studies. Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core taken.

If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc. and whether sampled wet or dry.

For all sample types, the nature, quality and appropriateness of the sample preparation technique.

Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to maximise representivity of samples.

Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the in situ material collected, including for instance results for field duplicate/second-half sampling.

Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material being sampled. Drill core is typically half-core sampled using an Almonte core saw. The drill core orientation line is retained.

Quarter core is used when taking sampling duplicates (termed FDUP in the database).

Sampling representivity is maximised by always taking the same side of the drill core (whenever oriented), and consistently drawing a cut line on the core where orientation is not possible. The field technician draws these lines.

Sample sizes are maximised for coarse gold by using half core, and using quarter core and half core splits (laboratory duplicates) allows an estimation of nugget effect.

In mineralized rock the company uses approximately 10% of  core duplicates, certified reference materials (suitable OREAS materials), laboratory sample duplicates and instrument repeats.

In the soil sampling program duplicates were obtained every 20 th sample and the laboratory inserted low-level gold standards regularly into the sample flow. Quality of assay data and laboratory tests The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or total.

For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc., the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc.

Nature of quality control procedures adopted (e.g. standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (i.e. lack of bias) and precision have been established. The fire assay technique for gold used by On Site is a globally recognised method, and over-range follow-ups including gravimetric finish and screen fire assay are standard. Of significance at the On Site laboratory is the presence of fire assay personnel who are experienced in dealing with high sulfide charges (especially those with high stibnite contents) - this substantially reduces the risk of in accurate reporting in complex sulfide-gold charges.

The ICP-OES technique is a standard analytical technique for assessing elemental concentrations. The digest used (aqua regia) is excellent for the dissolution of sulfides (in this case generally stibnite, pyrite and trace arsenopyrite), but other silicate-hosted elements, in particular vanadium (V), may only be partially dissolved. These silicate-hosted elements are not important in the determination of the quantity of gold, antimony, arsenic or sulphur.

A portable XRF has been used in a qualitative manner on drill core to ensure appropriate core samples have been taken (no pXRF data are reported or included in the MX database).

Acceptable levels of accuracy and precision have been established using the following methods

 duplicates - half core is split into quarters and given separate sample numbers (commonly in mineralized core) - low to medium gold grades indicate strong correlation, dropping as the gold grade increases over 40 g/t Au.

Blanks - blanks are inserted after visible gold and in strongly mineralized rocks to confirm that the crushing and pulping are not affected by gold smearing onto the crusher and LM5 swing mill surfaces. Results are excellent, generally below detection limit and a single sample at 0.03 g/t Au.

Certified Reference Materials - OREAS CRMs have been used throughout the project including blanks, low (<1 g/t Au), medium (up to 5 g/t Au) and high-grade gold samples (> 5 g/t Au). Results are automatically checked on data import into the MX database to fall within 2 standard deviations of the expected value.

Laboratory splits - On Site conducts splits of both coarse crush and pulp duplicates as quality control and reports all data. In particular, high Au samples have the most repeats.

Laboratory CRMs - On Site regularly inserts their own CRM materials into the process flow and reports all data

Laboratory precision - duplicate measurements of solutions (both Au from fire assay and other elements from the aqua regia digests) are made regularly by the laboratory and reported.

Accuracy and precision have been determined carefully by using the sampling and measurement techniques described above during the sampling (accuracy) and laboratory (accuracy and precision) stages of the analysis.

Soil sample company duplicates and laboratory certified reference materials all fall within expected ranges. Verification of sampling and assaying The verification of significant intersections by either independent or alternative company personnel.

The use of twinned holes.

Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols.

Discuss any adjustment to assay data. The Independent Geologist has visited Sunday Creek drill sites and inspected drill core held at the Kilmore core shed.

Visual inspection of drill intersections matches both the geological descriptions in the database and the expected assay data (for example, gold and stibnite visible in drill core is matched by high Au and Sb results in assays).

In addition, on receipt of results Company geologists assess the gold, antimony and arsenic results to verify that the intersections returned expected data.

The electronic data storage in the MX database is of a high standard. Primary logging data are entered directly by the geologists and field technicians and the assay data are electronically matched against sample number on return from the laboratory.

Certified reference materials,  core field duplicates (FDUP), laboratory splits and duplicates and instrument repeats are all recorded in the database.

Exports of data include all primary data, from hole SDDSC077B onwards after discussion with SRK Consulting. Prior to this gold was averaged across primary, field and lab duplicates.

Adjustments to assay data are recorded by MX, and none are present (or required).

Twinned drill holes are not available at this stage of the project. Location of data points Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in Mineral Resource estimation.

Specification of the grid system used.

Quality and adequacy of topographic control. Differential GPS used to locate drill collars, trenches and some workings

Standard GPS for some field locations (grab and soils samples), verified against Lidar data.

The grid system used throughout is Geocentric datum of Australia 1994; Map Grid Zone 55 (GDA94_Z55), also referred to as ELSG 28355.

Topographic control is excellent owing to sub 10 cm accuracy from Lidar data. Data spacing and distribution Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results.

Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied.

Whether sample compositing has been applied. The data spacing is suitable for reporting of exploration results - evidence for this is based on the improving predictability of high-grade gold-antimony intersections.

At this time, the data spacing and distribution are not sufficient for the reporting of Mineral Resource Estimates. This however may change as knowledge of grade controls increase with future drill programs.

Samples have been composited to a 1 g/t AuEq over 2.0 m width for lower grades and 5 g/t AuEq over 1.0 m width for higher grades in table 3. All individual assays above 0.1 g/t AuEq have been reported with no compositing in table 4. Orientation of data in relation to geological structure Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the deposit type.

If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key mineralized structures is considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material. The true thickness of the mineralized intervals reported are interpreted to be approximately 40% of the sampled thickness.

Drilling is oriented in an optimum direction when considering the combination of host rock orientation and apparent vein control on gold and antimony grade.

The steep nature of some of the veins may give increases in apparent thickness of some intersections, but more drilling is required to quantify.

A sampling bias is not evident from the data collected to date (drill holes cut across mineralized structures at a moderate angle). Sample security The measures taken to ensure sample security. Drill core is delivered to the Kilmore core logging shed by either the drill contractor or company field staff. Samples are marked up and cut by company staff at the Kilmore core shed, in an automated diamond saw and bagged before loaded onto strapped secured pallets and trucked by company staff to Bendigo for submission to the laboratory. There is no evidence in any stage of the process, or in the data for any sample security issues. Audits or reviews The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data. Continuous monitoring of CRM results, blanks and duplicates is undertaken by geologists and the company data geologist. Mr Michael Hudson for SXG has the orientation, logging and assay data.

Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Newcore Gold Ltd. ("Newcore" or the "Company") (TSX-V: NCAU, OTCQX: NCAUF) is pleased to announce additional drill results from the 10,000-metre drill program underway at the Companys 100% owned Enchi Gold Project ("Enchi" or the "Project") in Ghana. Shallow Reverse Circulation ("RC") drilling at the Sewum Gold Deposit ("Sewum") intersected multiple zones of gold mineralization, with hole SWRC194 intersecting 1.85 grams per tonne gold ("g/t Au") over 62.0 metres ("m") from 1 m, including a higher-grade intercept of 8.36 g/t Au over 10.0 m from 13 m. The drill program underway at Enchi is focused on resource growth and infill drilling designed to convert Inferred Resources to Indicated. Drilling completed to date as part of the 2024 - 2025 drill program continues to prove out the continuity of gold mineralization and potential for future resource growth across the Project.

Highlights from Drilling at the Sewum Gold Deposit at Enchi

Drilling continues to encounter wide zones of gold mineralization within both the oxidized and sulphide mineralization. SWRC194 intersected 1.85 g/t Au over 62.0 m from 1 m in the oxide/transition zones, with a higher-grade interval of 8.36 g/t Au over 10.0 m from 13 m. A second intercept within hole SWRC194 intersected 0.75 g/t Au over 68.0 m from 99 m in the upper sulphide zone, including 1.15 g/t Au over 14.0 m from 102 m.

Drilling is proving out the continuity of near surface gold mineralization in all target areas across Sewum. SWRC202 intersected 2.39 g/t Au over 13.0 m from 28 m, with a second zone of 1.65 g/t Au over 5.0 m from surface. SWRC195 intersected two areas of mineralization near surface, including 0.77 g/t Au over 9.0 m from surface, with a second zone of 0.80 g/t Au over 38.0 m from 20 m. SWRC201 intersected 1.07 g/t Au over 27.0 m from 72 m, including 2.82 g/t Au over 8.0 m from 73 m.



Luke Alexander, President and CEO of Newcore stated, "The drill program underway at Enchi continues to deliver strong results with drilling confirming the continuity of gold mineralization across our two largest deposits at Enchi, Boin and Sewum. These latest results from the drill program, focused on Sewum which is our largest deposit at Enchi, highlight the resource growth potential from near surface mineralization that is amenable to open pit mining and heap leach processing. Importantly, mineralization was encountered from surface, with results including higher-grade intervals above the average grade of the deposit as defined in our current Mineral Resource Estimate. We are confidant that with this drill program we will achieve our primary goal of improving the confidence level of the existing Mineral Resource Estimate, an important next step in advancing Enchi towards a Pre-Feasibility Study which we view as a value creating milestone for the Company."

This release reports results for 33 RC holes totalling 2,922 m (SWRC171 to SWRC203) targeting the Sewum Gold Deposit. 32 of the 33 holes intersected gold mineralization. A total of 8,380 metres in 64 holes have been reported as part of the ongoing 2024 - 2025 drill program at Enchi.

Select assay results from the 33 holes of the drill program reported in this release are below:

Table 1 - Enchi Gold Project Drill Highlights Hole ID Zone/Deposit From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au (g/t) SWRC172 Sewum 1.0 27.0 26.0 0.61 including 12.0 21.0 9.0 1.09 SWRC180 Sewum 0.0 26.0 26.0 0.66 including 16.0 23.0 7.0 1.46 SWRC182 Sewum 52.0 62.0 10.0 2.45 including 52.0 55.0 3.0 7.44 SWRC194 Sewum 1.0 63.0 62.0 1.85 including 13.0 23.0 10.0 8.36 and 99.0 167.0 68.0 0.75 including 102.0 116.0 14.0 1.15 SWRC195 Sewum 0.0 9.0 9.0 0.77 and 20.0 58.0 38.0 0.80 SWRC201 Sewum 72.0 99.0 27.0 1.07 including 73.0 81.0 8.0 2.82 SWRC202 Sewum 0.0 5.0 5.0 1.65 and 28.0 41.0 13.0 2.39

Notes:

1. See detailed table for complete results;

2. Intervals reported are hole lengths with true width estimated to be 75 - 85%; and

3. Length-weighted averages from uncut assays.

Plan map showing the drill hole locations

Cross sections showing drill results and highlights for holes SWRC182, SWRC194 and SWRC202 can be viewed below:



A complete list of the drill results in this release, including hole details, can be viewed below:



Drilling at the Sewum Gold Deposit

SWRC171 to SWRC203 (33 RC holes totalling 2,922 m) were completed in the Checkerboard Hill, Extension Parallel Structure and Ridge Zones at Sewum. Drilling targeted near-surface oxidized, transition as well as shallow sulphide mineralization with a goal of infill drilling for resource conversion to improve the confidence level as well as grow the existing Mineral Resource Estimate. RC drilling at Sewum consisted of 50-metre spaced sections with drill holes spaced every 25 metres along the sections. The holes reported in this news release are distributed across 20 separate sections that are spread along a strike length of two kilometres.

At the Checkerboard Hill area of Sewum, two holes (SWRC194, SWRC195) totaling 233 metres were completed. Both holes intersected multiple mineralized structures with wide zones of gold mineralization. SWRC194 intersected 1.85 g/t Au over 62.0 m from 1 m including 8.36 g/t Au over 10.0 m from 13 m, with a second zone of 0.75 g/t Au over 68.0 m from 99.0 m including 1.15 g/t Au over 14.0 m from 102 m. SWRC195 was drilled 150 metres to the south of SWRC194 and intersected 0.77 g/t Au over 9.0 m from surface, with a second zone of 0.80 g/t Au over 38.0 m from 20.0 m. The two holes at Checkerboard Hill confirm the multiple wide subparallel zones at above average grade which constitute this portion of the Sewum Gold Deposit. The zones at Checkerboard Hill are open along strike and to depth with the potential to grow the resource in this area with additional drilling in the future.

Select assay results from drilling completed at the Checkerboard Hill area of Sewum are below:

Table 2 - Drill Highlights from Checkerboard Hill at Sewum Hole ID Zone/Deposit From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au (g/t) SWRC194 Sewum 1.0 63.0 62.0 1.85 including 13.0 23.0 10.0 8.36 and 99.0 167.0 68.0 0.75 including 102.0 116.0 14.0 1.15 SWRC195 Sewum 0.0 9.0 9.0 0.77 and 20.0 58.0 38.0 0.80

Notes:

1. Intervals reported are hole lengths with true width estimated to be 75 - 85%; and

2. Length-weighted averages from uncut assays.

At the Extension Parallel Structure area of Sewum, seven holes (SWRC196 to SWRC202) totaling 720 metres were completed. Drilling in this area intersected multiple higher-grade gold mineralized structures near surface. The holes in this area were distributed on five sections covering 300 meters of strike length. SWRC202 intersected 2.39 g/t Au over 13.0 m from 28.0 m, with mineralization encountered from surface in a second zone of 1.65 g/t Au over 5.0 m. SWRC201 was drilled 75 metres to the north of SWRC202 and intersected 1.07 g/t Au over 27.0 m from 72 m including 2.82 g/t Au over 8.0 m from 73 m. Additional intercepts from drilling in this area include 0.81 g/t Au over 14.0 m from 20 m (SWRC200) and 2.31 g/t Au over 3.0 m from 63 m (SWRC196). The Extension Parallel Structure, located 150 metres east of the Sewum Extension Deposit, is a more recent discovery at Enchi and is one of the new zones that was included in the Mineral Resource Estimate completed in 2023. This drilling has confirmed the multiple sub-parallel structures within the zone and identified portions of this zone that contain above average grades. To date the structures in this area have been drilled on seven sections testing 500 metres of strike length. The drilling completed in 2024 has extended the mineralization along strike with the zone remaining open along strike, both to the north and to the south. Drilling completed to date on this area has targeted shallow mineralization, with the zone remaining open for expansion to depth.

Select assay results from drilling completed at the Extension Parallel Structure area of Sewum are below:

Table 3 - Drill Highlights from Extension Parallel Structure at Sewum Hole ID Zone/Deposit From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au (g/t) SWRC196 Sewum 63.0 66.0 3.0 2.31 SWRC200 Sewum 20.0 34.0 14.0 0.81 SWRC201 Sewum 72.0 99.0 27.0 1.07 including 73.0 81.0 8.0 2.82 SWRC202 Sewum 0.0 5.0 5.0 1.65 and 28.0 41.0 13.0 2.39 and 60.0 76.0 16.0 0.39

Notes:

1. Intervals reported are hole lengths with true width estimated to be 75 - 85%; and

2. Length-weighted averages from uncut assays.

At the Ridge Zone area of Sewum, 24 holes (SWRC171 to SWRC193, SWRC203) totaling 1,969 metres were completed. Drilling in this area intersected multiple near surface mineralized structures with wide zones of gold mineralization. The holes in this area were distributed on 13 sections covering 1.2 kilometres of strike length. SWRC182 intersected 2.45 g/t Au over 10.0 m from 52 m including 7.44 g/t Au over 3.0 m from 52 m. Hole SWRC180, drilled 150 metres to the south of SWRC182, intersected 0.66 g/t Au over 26.0 m from surface with a higher-grade intercept of 1.46 g/t Au over 7.0 m from 16 m. Additional intercepts from drilling in this area include 0.61 g/t Au over 26.0 m from 1 m including 1.09 g/t Au over 9.0 m from 12 m (SWRC172) and 0.30 g/t Au over 45.0 m from 12 m (SWRC176). The Ridge Zone currently represents the largest portion of the Mineral Resource Estimate defined at the Sewum Gold Deposit, with the majority of the zone already defined to an Indicated Category. The 2024 - 2025 drilling completed in this area of Sewum successfully intersected the targeted structures that required closer spaced drilling for resource conversion.

Select assay results from drilling completed at the Ridge Zone area of Sewum are below:

Table 4 - Drill Highlights from the Ridge Zone at Sewum Hole ID Zone/Deposit From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au (g/t) SWRC171 Sewum 56.0 74.0 18.0 0.60 SWRC172 Sewum 1.0 27.0 26.0 0.61 including 12.0 21.0 9.0 1.09 SWRC178 Sewum 0.0 9.0 9.0 0.78 SWRC180 Sewum 0.0 26.0 26.0 0.66 including 16.0 23.0 7.0 1.46 SWRC182 Sewum 52.0 62.0 10.0 2.45 including 52.0 55.0 3.0 7.44

Notes:

1. Intervals reported are hole lengths with true width estimated to be 75 - 85%; and

2. Length-weighted averages from uncut assays.

This drilling has confirmed continuity along strike and down dip for the principal structures which comprise the Sewum Gold Deposit. The width and gold grades within these drill results are also consistent with prior wider-spaced drilling completed at Sewum.

The drill results released to date from the 2024 - 2025 drill program are from the Boin and Sewum deposits where drilling was designed to improve the confidence level of the existing Mineral Resource Estimate. This recent drilling was drilled in areas where the previous pit constrained Mineral Resource Estimate was classified as Inferred. The results of this recent drilling should allow for conversion of a substantial portion of mineralization within these areas to the Indicated category.

2024 - 2025 Enchi Work Program

A 10,000-metre RC drill program is underway at Enchi, targeting near-surface oxide and shallow sulphide mineralization with a primary goal of infill drilling for resource conversion to improve the confidence level of the existing Mineral Resource Estimate. Most of the infill drilling is allocated to the two largest deposits at Enchi, Boin and Sewum. Improving the confidence level of the Mineral Resource Estimate at Enchi is a key component of the development work required to be completed in advance of commissioning a Pre-Feasibility Study for the Project. A subset of the drill program will also focus on outlining resource growth, with all deposit areas and pre-resource targets at Enchi remaining open along strike and at depth, providing for future resource growth across the district-scale property.

Additional exploration and development work is on-going at Enchi, including metallurgical testwork, drone surveys, an airborne magnetic survey, trenching, hydrogeological testing, geotechnical work, environmental work and soil sampling. Drone topographic surveys are underway, expanding on previously completed work, at the Kwakyekrom and Tokosea deposit areas to provide detailed topographic information required to improve the confidence level of each deposits Mineral Resource Estimate. Additionally, the drone survey will be completed across the proposed heap leach facility area to contribute additional data for future detailed engineering studies. An airborne magnetic survey will test grass roots targets related to a series of gold-in-soil anomalies and gold mineralization identified in trenching. Soil sampling is also currently being completed on the Omanpe and Abotia licenses with a goal of further defining early-stage targets across Enchi for future trenching and drilling.

Sewum Gold Zone

Sewum is one of the five deposits which comprise the Mineral Resource Estimate at Enchi (Sewum has an Indicated Mineral Resource of 20.9 million tonnes grading 0.48 g/t Au containing 323,300 ounces and Inferred Mineral Resource of 21.8 million tonnes grading 0.53 g/t Au containing 373,100 ounces). Sewum is located 15 kilometres south of the town of Enchi, with nearby roads and power and further access provided by a series of drill roads. Sewum is outlined on surface by a greater than six-kilometre-long and one to two-kilometre-wide gold in soil anomaly. An airborne geophysical anomaly coincident with the Sewum Gold Deposit defines a series of sub parallel and intersecting structures. To date, approximately 50% of the gold-in-soil anomaly at Sewum is untested by drilling, with the average vertical depth of all holes drilled to date at Sewum only down to 75 metres.

Drill Hole Locations

Table 5 - Enchi Gold Project Drill Hole Location Details Hole ID UTM East UTM North Elevation Azimuth  Dip  Length (m) SWRC171 521265 628718 225 120 -50 78 SWRC172 521293 628770 225 120 -50 70 SWRC173 521320 628836 233 120 -60 60 SWRC174 521304 628813 232 120 -60 60 SWRC175 521491 628830 228 120 -60 60 SWRC176 521475 628780 220 120 -60 72 SWRC177 521446 628754 221 120 -60 72 SWRC178 521482 628875 235 120 -50 80 SWRC179 521450 628801 227 120 -60 84 SWRC180 521321 628958 235 120 -50 80 SWRC181 521341 629045 240 120 -50 60 SWRC182 521411 629166 235 120 -50 80 SWRC183 521719 629772 234 120 -60 102 SWRC184 521764 629828 233 120 -60 105 SWRC185 521730 629842 234 120 -60 144 SWRC186 521392 629219 235 120 -60 80 SWRC187 521365 629237 230 120 -60 80 SWRC188 521365 629197 220 120 -50 80 SWRC189 521749 629765 222 120 -60 72 SWRC190 521804 629833 216 120 -50 72 SWRC191 521791 629797 220 120 -60 60 SWRC192 521772 629848 225 120 -50 120 SWRC193 521435 628727 218 120 -60 90 SWRC194 521352 627847 158 120 -50 167 SWRC195 521289 627794 172 120 -50 66 SWRC196 520826 626252 156 120 -55 96 SWRC197 520771 626290 147 120 -55 108 SWRC198 520670 626267 155 120 -55 90 SWRC199 520759 626222 160 120 -55 120 SWRC200 520741 626162 161 120 -55 126 SWRC201 520704 626103 158 120 -55 102 SWRC202 520648 626033 131 120 -55 78 SWRC203 521761 629918 222 120 -50 108

Enchi Gold Project Mineral Resource Estimate

The Enchi Gold Project hosts an Indicated Mineral Resource of 41.7 million tonnes grading 0.55 g/t Au containing 743,500 ounces gold and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 46.6 million tonnes grading 0.65 g/t Au containing 972,000 ounces (see Newcore news release dated March 7, 2023). Mineral resource estimation practices are in accordance with CIM Estimation of Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Best Practice Guidelines (November 29, 2019) and follow CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (May 10, 2014), that are incorporated by reference into National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"). The Mineral Resource Estimate is from the technical report titled "Mineral Resource Estimate for the Enchi Gold Project" with an effective date of January 25, 2023, which was prepared for Newcore by Todd McCracken, P. Geo, of BBA E&C Inc. and Simon Meadows Smith, P. Geo, of SEMS Exploration Services Ltd. in accordance with NI 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and is available under the Companys profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Todd McCracken and Simon Meadows Smith are independent qualified persons ("QP") as defined by NI 43-101.

Newcore Gold Best Practice

Newcore is committed to best practice standards for all exploration, sampling and drilling activities. Drilling was completed by an independent drilling firm using industry standard RC and Diamond Drill equipment. Analytical quality assurance and quality control procedures include the systematic insertion of blanks, standards and duplicates into the sample strings. Samples are placed in sealed bags and shipped directly to Intertek Labs located in Tarkwa, Ghana for 50 gram gold fire assay.

Qualified Person

Mr. Gregory Smith, P. Geo, Vice President of Exploration at Newcore, is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, and has reviewed and approved the technical data and information contained in this news release. Mr. Smith has verified the technical and scientific data disclosed herein and has conducted appropriate verification on the underlying data including confirmation of the drillhole data files against the original drillhole logs and assay certificates.

About Newcore Gold Ltd.

Newcore Gold is advancing its Enchi Gold Project located in Ghana, Africas largest gold producer (1). Newcore Gold offers investors a unique combination of top-tier leadership, who are aligned with shareholders through their 18% equity ownership, and prime district scale exploration opportunities. Enchis 248 km2 land package covers 40 kilometres of Ghanas prolific Bibiani Shear Zone, a gold belt which hosts several multi-million-ounce gold deposits, including the Chirano mine 50 kilometres to the north. Newcores vision is to build a responsive, creative and powerful gold enterprise that maximizes returns for shareholders.

(1) Source: Production volumes for 2023 as sourced from the World Gold Council.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of Newcore Gold Ltd.

Luke Alexander

President, CEO & Director

For further information, please contact:

Mal Karwowska | Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations

+1 604 484 4399

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

www.newcoregold.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes statements that contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation ("forward-looking statements"). All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussion with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often, but not always using phrases such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to: statements about the estimation of mineral resources; results of preliminary economic assessments; completion of a pre-feasibility study; results of metallurgical testwork; results of our ongoing drill campaign; results of drilling, magnitude or quality of mineral deposits; anticipated advancement of mineral properties or programs; and future exploration prospects.

These forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business. The assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to Newcore. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of Newcore believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, Newcore cannot assure its shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking information also involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others: risks related to the speculative nature of Newcores business; Newcores formative stage of development; Newcores financial position; possible variations in mineralization, grade or recovery rates; actual results of current exploration activities; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold and other commodities; fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar to United States dollar exchange rate); change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, unusual or unexpected geological formations); the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); and title to properties.

Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and Newcore disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.
HIGHLIGHTS:

5.0m grading 9.69 g/t gold

4.3m grading 9.87 g/t gold

15.0m grading 2.54 g/t gold

11.65m grading 1.86 g/t gold

11.6m grading 1.72 g/t gold

21.6m grading 0.77 g/t gold

Continued success from assay results from shallow drilling in areas considered to be waste within the Creston Pit Expansion

Higher Grade intercepts demonstrate underground potential beyond the current open pit

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2025) - Heliostar Metals Ltd. (TSXV: HSTR) (OTCQX: HSTXF) (FSE: RGG1) ("Heliostar" or the "Company") is pleased to announce additional results from a 12,500-metre drilling program at the La Colorada Mine in Sonora, Mexico. La Colorada restarted production in early January 2025, and the current drill program is intended to expand the mineral reserves ahead of a Feasibility Study and expansion decision planned for mid-2025.

Heliostar CEO, Charles Funk, commented, "At La Colorada, we are seeing the combined benefit of gold production at record prices and growth from the first significant investment into the project in many years. Our aggressive five-rig drill program is designed to increase the reserves of the Creston pit. Success to date in the shallow part of the pit could lower the upfront capital costs presented in the January 13th Technical Report. The Company will use the results of this drill program to finalize a Feasibility Study in mid-2025 and then make an expansion decision on La Colorada to 50,000-100,000 ounces per year of annual production. We are also hitting high grades and widths and deeper intercepts could drive underground mining optionality beyond the open pit. We will further test this target with additional drilling in this current drill program."

Drill Results Summary

Mineralization at La Colorada's Creston Pit is predominantly hosted in three veins: the North, Intermediate and South Veins (Figure 1). These veins trend northeast-southwest to east-west, dip northward and are surrounded by halos of smaller mineralized vein zones. The Creston Pit has historically mined oxide gold and silver from all three of these veins. A current Mineral Reserves of 312,000 ounces of gold grading 0.76 grams per tonne (g/t) gold and 10.1 g/t silver is defined at the Creston Pit1.

Reviewing the expansion potential revealed two opportunities for reserve growth: near surface extensions of known veins where little or no drilling had been completed and upgrading and expanding mineralization beneath the pit. Both opportunities were defined using historical drilling, blasthole data, mining shapes, and the geological model.

High-density blast hole data strongly emphasizes the potential for a continuation of veins at shallow depth, defining elevated gold grades that continue to the edge of the pit walls where they remain open for expansion (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Plan view of the Creston Pit showing historic drilling, blast hole samples and Heliostar drillholes. Selected intercepts are labelled.

Figure 2: Cross-section view of the eastern end of the Creston Pit highlighting the lack of previous drilling beyond the pit boundary. The section shows historic drilling, new Heliostar drillhole results and pit boundary for pit expansion.

Forty-seven holes have been completed in the program to date, with results reported for twenty-three new holes in this release. A total of 6,452 metres have been completed to date in the program. The majority of the new drill holes targeted shallow extensions of the North, Intermediate and South Veins in areas considered to be waste in the reserve estimate of the current Technical Report. Additionally, today's results include deeper holes beneath the current pit. These holes target the growth of reserves deeper within the planned pit expansion. They aim to add ounces to the overall El Creston resources and reserves.

The results show narrow to wide, low to high-grade oxide gold intercepts. They consistently return intercepts above the 0.16 g/t gold cutoff grade of reserves within the Creston pit. The results suggest that areas of waste could be converted to ore in an updated reserve model.

High-grade intercepts deeper in the pit indicate the potential for mineralization that may be amenable to underground mining beyond the current pit boundary. The Company will follow-up on these results to assess the potential to extend mine life with mineralization amenable to underground mining beneath and to the west of the Creston Pit.

Next Steps

Results from the current drill program will be incorporated into a resource model and support a reserve update to be published with a Feasibility Study in mid-2025.

Should the drilling define a material volume of gold mineralization, this program has the potential to reduce the overall strip ratio of the Creston pit expansion, which could result in a reduction in up-front capital requirements for the restart and improve the economics of the Feasibility Study. This study will be the basis of a decision for the expansion of production at La Colorada in mid-2025.

The Company anticipates additional drilling results from the current program will be released in Q1 and Q2, 2025.

La Colorada Mineral Reserves Statement

Classification Zone AuEq Cut-off (g/t) Tonnes (kt) Gold Grade

(g/t Au) Silver Grade (g/t Ag) Contained Gold

(koz) Contained Silver

(koz) Probable El Creston 0.160 12,841 0.76 10.1 312 4,181 Veta Madre 0.175 1,905 0.70 3.1 43 189 La Chatarrera 0.164 3,413 0.20 6.4 22 704 Total 18,159 0.65 8.69 377 5,074

1 La Colorada Operations, Sonora, Mexico, NI 43-101 Technical Report (the "Report") is dated January 11, 2024, has an effective date of December 4, 2024

Drilling Results Table

HoleID From

(metres) To

(metres) Interval

(metres) Au

(g/t) Ag

(g/t) % True

Width Comment 24-LCDD-238 342.4 354.0 11.6 1.72 3.7 89 Intermediate Vein 24-LCDD-239 No significant intervals 24-LCDD-240 157.0 177.05 20.05 0.38 3.3 72 South Vein 24-LCDD-241 81.25 86.0 4.75 0.49 158 93 South Vein 24-LCDD-242 96.9 99.5 2.60 3.07 3.7 55 South Vein 24-LCDD-243 98.2 101.35 3.15 0.19 20.3 94 South Vein 24-LCDD-244 151.8 158.7 6.90 2.38 9.8 97 North Vein and 179.2 183.5 4.30 9.87 6.8 98 Intermediate Vein 179.2 183.5 4.30 8.88 6.8 98 Top-cut to 23 g/t gold 24-LCDD-245 13.45 17.25 3.80 6.28 4.3 100 South Vein 13.45 17.25 3.80 3.95 4.3 100 Top-cut to 23 g/t gold 24-LCDD-246 63.95 76.85 12.9 0.39 46.4 93 South Vein 24-LCDD-247 64.0 67.0 3.00 0.24 5.0 80 South Vein 24-LCDD-248 66.85 73.8 6.95 0.18 1.0 27 South Vein and 98.5 103 4.50 0.66 3.1 9 South Vein 24-LCDD-249 55.0 61.55 6.55 0.44 39.0 82 South Vein 24-LCDD-250 16.35 22.2 5.85 0.16 3.8 97 Intermediate Vein and 45.85 53.0 7.15 0.22 4.0 97 South Vein 24-LCDD-251 263.4 285 21.6 0.77 9.0 93 North Vein and 439.35 454.35 15.0 2.54 7.5 89 Intermediate Vein and 492.45 528.45 36.0 0.35 2.8 99 South Vein 24-LCDD-252 No significant intervals 24-LCDD-253 14.5 21.65 7.15 0.22 1.0 94 Intermediate Vein and 31.0 56.8 25.8 0.35 4.4 100 South Vein 24-LCDD-254 35.0 43.25 8.25 0.49 9.7 90 Intermediate Vein and 59.0 64.0 5.00 9.69 62.0 81 Intermediate Vein 59.0 64.0 5.00 2.89 62.0 81 Top-cut to 23 g/t gold and 104.45 128 23.55 0.53 8.3 62 Intermediate Vein 24-LCDD-255 30.6 39.25 8.65 0.28 3.1 91 South Vein and 50.5 53.05 2.55 0.31 1.4 98 South Vein 24-LCDD-256 110.95 112.65 1.70 0.64 5.7 76 South Vein 24-LCDD-257 198.45 209.5 11.05 1.07 23.3 74 North Vein 24-LCDD-258 11.0 24.0 13.0 0.28 4.0 72 Intermediate Vein and 43.25 54.9 11.65 1.86 5.5 71 South Vein 24-LCDD-259 28.95 34.4 5.45 0.47 5.2 23 South Vein and 104.15 116.5 12.35 0.93 6.3 61 South Vein 24-LCDD-260 No significant intervals 24-LCDD-261 No significant intervals

Table 1: Significant Drill Intersections. Holes 24-LCDD-239 and 24-LCDD-241 have been previously reported.

Drilling Coordinates Table

Hole ID Northing

(NAD27 CONUS

Zone 12N) Easting

(NAD27 CONUS

Zone 12N) Elevation

(metres) Azimuth

() Inclination

() Length

(metres) 24-LCDD-242 3185533 542700 396.5 000 -49 141.7 24-LCDD-243 3185622 542106 451.7 152 -48 147.4 24-LCDD-244 3185955 542999 469.0 180 -41 267.75 24-LCDD-245 3185692 542986 411.7 210 -60 100.65 24-LCDD-246 3185649 542215 376.4 180 -50 95.4 24-LCDD-247 3185704 542990 411.9 210 -75 80.0 24-LCDD-248 3185616 542950 411.8 000 -43 107.85 24-LCDD-249 3185629 542198 378.0 192 -57 109.2 24-LCDD-250 3185664 542700 271.6 180 -0 119.0 24-LCDD-251 3186089 542750 472.4 180 -53 551.65 24-LCDD-252 3185739 543075 438.5 180 -40 89.7 24-LCDD-253 3185666 542665 266.1 180 -29 84.45 24-LCDD-254 3185849 542700 238.8 180 -66 217.15 24-LCDD-255 3185691 542775 278.6 180 -10 75.95 24-LCDD-256 3185467 542672 406.2 355 -50 164.45 24-LCDD-257 3185911 542415 343.0 180 -58 278.45 24-LCDD-258 3185691 542775 279.6 180 -15 78.3 24-LCDD-259 3185529 542725 396.3 000 -41 132.45 24-LCDD-260 3185686 542750 276.6 180 -7 81.75 24-LCDD-261 3185717 543050 437.5 180 -40 52.45 24-LCDD-262 3185676 542725 273.8 180 -15 98.25 24-LCDD-263 3185570 542775 389.8 000 -42 47.25 24-LCDD-264 3185834 542291 356.6 180 -51 279.95

Table 2: Drill Hole Details

Quality Assurance / Quality Control

Core samples were shipped to ALS Limited in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, for sample preparation and for analysis at the ALS laboratory in North Vancouver. The Hermosillo and North Vancouver ALS facilities are ISO/IEC 17025 certified. Gold was assayed by 30-gram fire assay with atomic absorption spectroscopy finish and overlimits were analysed by 30-gram fire assay with gravimetric finish.

Control samples comprising certified reference and blank samples were systematically inserted into the sample stream and analyzed as part of the Company's quality assurance / quality control protocol.

Statement of Qualified Person

Gregg Bush, P.Eng. and Stewart Harris, P.Geo., the Company's Qualified Persons, as such term is defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, have reviewed the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for this news release and has approved the disclosure herein. Mr. Bush is employed as Chief Operating Officer of the Company and Mr. Harris is employed as Exploration Manager of the Company.

Technical Report Reference

1 La Colorada Operations, Sonora, Mexico, NI 43-101 Technical Report (the "Report") is dated January 11, 2024, has an effective date of December 4, 2024, and was prepared for Heliostar Metals Inc. by Mr. Todd Wakefield, RM SME, Mr. David Thomas, P.Geo., Mr. Jeffrey Choquette, P.E., Mr. Carl Defilippi, RM SME, and Ms. Dawn Garcia, CPG. The Report can be found under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and on Heliostar's website (www.heliostarmetals.com).

About Heliostar Metals Ltd.

Heliostar is a gold producer with production from operating mines in Mexico. This includes the La Colorada Mine in Sonora and San Agustin Mine in Durango. The Company also has a strong portfolio of development projects in Mexico and the USA. These include the Ana Paula project in Guerrero, the Cerro del Gallo project in Guanajuato, the San Antonio project in Baja Sur and the Unga project in Alaska, USA.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target", "plan", "forecast", "may", "would", "could", "schedule" and similar words or expressions, identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information relate to, among other things, Continued success from assay results from shallow drilling in areas considered to be waste within the Creston Pit Expansion, Higher Grade intercepts demonstrate underground potential beyond the current open pit, the benefit of gold production at record prices, growth from the first significant investment into the project in many years, success to date in the shallow part of the pit could lower the upfront capital costs presented in the January 13th Technical Report, the Company will use the results of this drill program to finalize a Feasibility Study in mid-2025 and then make a decision to expand La Colorada to 50,000-100,000 ounces per year of annual production, hitting high grades and widths deeper intercepts could drive underground mining optionality beyond the open pit.

Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information relating to the terms and completion of the Facility, any future mineral production, liquidity, and future exploration plans are based on management's reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions, which are based on management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the receipt of necessary approvals, price of metals; no escalation in the severity of public health crises or ongoing military conflicts; costs of exploration and development; the estimated costs of development of exploration projects; and the Company's ability to operate in a safe and effective manner and its ability to obtain financing on reasonable terms.

These statements reflect the Company's respective current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of other assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political, and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: precious metals price volatility; risks associated with the conduct of the Company's mining activities in foreign jurisdictions; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to reliance on the Company's management team and outside contractors; risks regarding exploration and mining activities; the Company's inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects, including the inaccuracy of reserves and resources, metallurgical recoveries and capital and operating costs of such projects; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; the ability of the communities in which the Company operates to manage and cope with the implications of public health crises; the economic and financial implications of public health crises, ongoing military conflicts and general economic factors to the Company; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; the Company's interactions with surrounding communities; the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; the speculative nature of exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; and the factors identified under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's public disclosure documents. Readers are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Asante Gold Corporation (CSE:ASE | GSE:ASG | FRANKFURT:1A9 | U.S.OTC:ASGOF) (Asante or the Company) is pleased to report a significant ramp-up in activity to accelerate growth initiatives at Bibiani, supported by the immediate deployment of proceeds from the initial US$100 million gold forward sale.

Highlights

Acceleration of stripping activities at the Main pit and the Russel pit, with 300% increase in monthly material movement expected by June 2025 compared to recent levels

Sulphide treatment plant commissioning expected to be complete in May 2025

Bibiani monthly gold production expected to increase to 9,000 ounces by February 2025 and to 23,000 ounces by September 2025.

Dave Anthony, President and CEO stated, We are pleased to report a rapid increase in operational activities at the Bibiani mine, funded by the $100 million gold forward agreement with our key strategic partner Fujairah. This will more than double monthly gold production by February 2025, with additional catalysts for growth expected to follow over the course of the year supported by the Companys financing plans that continue to advance.

Russel Pit Rapidly Expands Beyond Starter Pit Size

Operational activities at the Bibiani Mine are accelerating, driven by ongoing expansion of the Russel pit and a rapid increase in equipment availability from the primary mining contractor. The Russel pit continues to outperform our expectations, with gold production up by more than 700% during the last quarter of 2024, to upwards of 7,000 ounces per month. As a result, an aggressive drilling program has been initiated to confirm the southward extension into Cutback #3 during the second half of 2025. This will support advancement of waste stripping at the Main pit during the first half of 2025.

Main Pit Stripping Activity Accelerates

At the Main pit, mining is ahead of schedule by approximately 200% since starting the build-up program in November 2024. The mining contractor is increasing its fleet to meet an agreed schedule of the production build-up. Main pit Cutback #2 also starts during Q1 2025 to ensure consistent supply of mineralized material. The Underground Mine project preparation is targeted to start during the last quarter of 2025.

As shown in the below table, the Company expects the primary mine contractor fleet to double by June 2025 in terms of trucks and excavators at work.

The planned ramp-up activities and completion of commissioning the sulphide treatment plant in May 2025 will support a sharp increase in monthly gold production to 9,000 ounces by February 2025, 12,000 ounces by June 2025 and 23,000 ounces by September 2025.

Qualified Person Statement

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by David Anthony, P.Eng., Mining and Mineral Processing, President and CEO of Asante, who is a "qualified person" under NI 43-101.

About Asante Gold Corporation

Asante is a gold exploration, development and operating company with a high-quality portfolio of projects and mines in Ghana. Asante is currently operating the Bibiani and Chirano Gold Mines and continues with detailed technical studies at its Kubi Gold Project. All mines and exploration projects are located on the prolific Bibiani and Ashanti Gold Belts. Asante has an experienced and skilled team of mine finders, builders and operators, with extensive experience in Ghana. The Company is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange, the Ghana Stock Exchange and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Asante is also exploring its Keyhole, Fahiakoba and Betenase projects for new discoveries, all adjoining or along strike of major gold mines near the centre of Ghanas Golden Triangle. Additional information is available on the Companys website at www.asantegold.com.

About the Bibiani Gold Mine

Bibiani is an operating open pit gold mine situated in the Western North Region of Ghana, with previous gold production of more than 4.5 million ounces. It is fully permitted with available mining and processing infrastructure on-site consisting of a newly refurbished 3 million tonne per annum process plant and existing mining infrastructure. Asante commenced mining at Bibiani in late February 2022 with the first gold pour announced on July 7, 2022. Commercial production was announced November 10, 2022.

For additional information relating to the mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates for the Bibiani Gold Mine, please refer to the 2024 Bibiani Technical Report filed on the Companys SEDAR profile (www.sedarplus.ca) on April 30, 2024 and the Companys press release dated January 14, 2025.

About the Chirano Gold Mine

Chirano is an operating open pit and underground mine located in the Western Region of Ghana, immediately south of the Companys Bibiani Gold Mine. Chirano was first explored and developed in 1996 and began production in October 2005. The mine comprises the Akwaaba, Suraw, Akoti South, Akoti North, Akoti Extended, Paboase, Tano, Obra South, Obra, Sariehu and Mamnao open pits and the Akwaaba and Paboase underground mines.

For additional information relating to the mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates for the Chirano Gold Mine, please refer to the 2024 Chirano Technical Report filed on the Companys SEDAR profile (www.sedarplus.ca) on April 30, 2024.

For further information please contact:

Dave Anthony, President & CEO

Frederick Attakumah, Executive Vice President and Country Director

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

+1 604 661 9400 or +233 303 972 147

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this news release constitute forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, statements relating to increases in monthly material movement at the Bibiani mine, timing of commissioning of the sulphide treatment plant, potential increases in monthly gold production, timing of underground mine project preparation, increases in primary mine contractor fleet, estimated mineral resources, reserves, exploration results and potential and development programs. 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. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, variations in the nature, quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located, the Companys inability to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for its planned activities, the Companys inability to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies, and the price of gold. The reader is referred to the Companys public disclosure record which is available on SEDAR (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 as required by securities laws and the policies of the securities exchanges on which the Company is listed, 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.

LEI Number: 529900F9PV1G9S5YD446. Neither IIROC nor any stock exchange or other securities regulatory authority accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Georgian rights activists have denounced what they say is a mounting campaign of repression being waged by the government, accused of democratic backsliding and of moving Tbilisi closer to Russia.

The Black Sea nation has been rocked by daily mass protests since the Georgian Dream party claimed victory in October parliamentary elections rejected as falsified by the opposition, and then suspended EU accession talks with Brussels.

Activists say a campaign of intimidation, beatings and arrests -- sanctioned by the government -- has followed as the state cracks down on those who took to the streets.

"There is systemic torture happening in this country," said Paata Shamugia, a prominent poet and rights activist.

"Every day, we hear about masked men abducting someone and beating them to the point of mutilation," he added.

"Just yesterday, armed masked men attacked 17-year-olds. And today? By the end of the day, we will know who's next," he said in an interview this week.

In one such incident, an activist from the central city of Gori, Vakho Pitskhelauri, said that three masked men attacked him Sunday night, threw him into a car trunk, drove to a deserted place and brutally beat him.

"They threatened to kill me, to disfigure my face. I tried to cover my face, but they beat me all over. I am injured everywhere," the 32-year-old told AFP by telephone.

- 'No justice' -

"Clearly, the attack was staged by the government," Pitskhelauri said.

"They think they can intimidate us with this campaign of terror, but they are sadly mistaken, our protests will continue until the country is free from this regime."

The interior ministry said it had opened a probe into "group violence" against Pitskhelauri.

But he said "police are doing nothing to investigate, only trying to hush up the case".

Rights groups say young activists who took a leading role in the anti-government protests are being targeted.

Tbilisi was rocked by a wave of street rallies after Georgian Dream was declared the winner of October parliamentary elections and then said it was shelving EU accession talks with Brussels.

Georgia's top human rights official -- ombudsman Levan Ioseliani -- and Amnesty International accused police of torturing those arrested at the protests that saw tear gas and water cannons deployed against demonstrators.

In another recent incident, the pro-opposition Mtavari TV station reported that masked men beat a group of young people in central Tbilisi on Sunday night.

"Police officers stood by as if nothing had happened," an eyewitness said. "This is the country we live in -- police everywhere, but no justice anywhere."

Tbilisi's security forces have faced persistent accusations of deploying plainclothes agents to target and attack political opponents.

The attacks have intensified since December 7, when dozens of masked men severely beat journalists from the independent television station Pirveli, before raiding an opposition party office and beating up opposition leader Koba Khabazi.

Police officers stood by without intervening during the incident near the protest venue.

The Georgian Young Lawyers' Association (GYLA), an influential rights watchdog, said "systemic and violent repressions against the civilians shall be assessed as the crime against humanity, which can provide grounds for applying to the International Criminal Court".

On Monday, Brussels suspended visa-free travel to the EU for Georgian diplomats and officials, citing the adoption of several repressive laws and the "violent repression by Georgian authorities against peaceful protesters, politicians, and independent media."

Last year, the United States and several European countries imposed sanctions on Georgian officials, pointing to the Tbilisi government's drift toward Russia and its violent crackdown on protesters and dissent following the disputed election.
Weve got to stop relearning the same lessons every time we deploy people into combat operations. There are reasons why that happens, but weve got to stop it, says in an exclusive interview Major General Jeff Sengelman who led the Australian military operations in Afghanistan. Photo:  Australian Department of Defence.

It was really ugly, and it continues to be hurtful, but we called ourselves out, Major General Jeff Sengelman says. Today, we broadcast an exclusive interview with the man who played a key role in creating the command climate, as he says, for the opening of investigations into war crimes against Australian Special Forces in Afghanistan.

The Brereton Inquiry  named after Judge Paul Brereton who headed it - began in 2016. But the name and the role of Sengelman, who was the head of the Special Forces units of the Australian army in Afghanistan from 20142017, deserves to be known.

In this podcast by our partner, Asymmetrical Haircuts, the Australian General shares his unvarnished reflections as a stakeholder on accountability in a conflict. It wears on me personally, and its probably the major reason Im talking to you today, Sengelman admits in what is his first interview since he has retired.

Recommended reading Australia launches unprecedented war crimes probe
UN investigators on Thursday said serious international crimes had been committed in the four years since Myanmar's military coup, warning that the violence would only worsen unless the perpetrators faced justice.

Nicholas Koumjian, head of the United Nations' Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM), said impunity was emboldening the perpetrators to commit further violence.

Myanmar's ruling junta seized power in coup on February 1, 2021 that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government, ending a 10-year experiment with democracy and plunging the Southeast Asian nation into bloody turmoil and a humanitarian crisis.

"Since then, according to substantial evidence collected and analysed by the IIMM, serious international crimes have been committed across the country," Koumjian said in a statement.

Myanmar has been rocked by fighting between numerous ethnic rebel groups and the army. The civil war has displaced more than 3.5 million people, according to the UN.

"Protests against the military regime were suppressed with often lethal violence. Thousands of perceived opponents have been unlawfully imprisoned, where many have suffered torture, sexual violence and other abuses," said Koumjian.

"Increasingly frequent and indiscriminate air strikes, artillery and drone attacks have killed civilians, driven survivors from their homes, and destroyed hospitals, schools and places of worship."

He said that while most of the evidence collected so far concerned crimes committed by the military, investigators were also probing "disturbing" reports of atrocities committed by other armed groups, including rape, killings and torture.

- ICC arrest warrant -

The IIMM was established by the UN Human Rights Council in 2018 to collect evidence of the most serious international crimes and prepare files for criminal prosecution.

In November, the International Criminal Court's prosecutor requested an arrest warrant for junta chief Min Aung Hlaing for alleged crimes against the Rohingya minority in 2016 and 2017.

However, there are no judicial proceedings under way for any serious international crimes committed since the military takeover, said Koumjian.

"Impunity for crimes emboldens perpetrators to commit more violence, and ending this impunity is necessary," he said.

"The mechanism stands ready to assist authorities who are willing and able to investigate and prosecute these cases. Until the perpetrators are brought to justice, violence will continue to spiral."

The UN estimates that 19.9 million people, or more than a third of Myanmar's population, will need humanitarian aid in 2025.

- Slaughter and 'sham' elections -

Meanwhile Tom Andrews, the UN's special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, said four years of military oppression, violence and incompetence had cast the country into an abyss.

Calling the fourth anniversary of the coup a time to mourn the thousands of innocent lives lost, he said the international community needed to offer the country's people "a genuine partnership to help end this nightmare".

"Junta forces have slaughtered thousands of civilians, bombed and burned villages, and displaced millions of people," the former US congressman said.

"More than 20,000 political prisoners remain behind bars. The economy and public services have collapsed. Famine and starvation loom over large parts of the population.

"The junta's plans, including holding sham elections this year in a backdrop of escalating armed conflict and human rights violations, are a path to ruin."

UN special rapporteurs are mandated by the body's Human Rights Council but are independent experts who do not speak for the United Nations itself.
Italy's Giorgia Meloni insisted on Thursday that a probe into her role in the release of a Libyan war crime suspect was politically motivated, fuelling a furious debate.

The far-right prime minister this week announced that she and two senior ministers were under investigation over the release of Osama Almasri Najim, the head of Libya's judicial police who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Najim's case had already caused a major political row in Italy, with opposition parties demanding answers about how a man wanted on charges including murder, rape and torture relating to his management of Libya's Mitiga Prison had been set free.

Meloni appeared to be referring to a notification she received of a complaint passed by a Rome prosecutor to a special court that considers cases against ministers.

Legal organisations are divided over whether the prosecutor was obliged to pass on the complaint, made by a lawyer, or could have rejected it.

But Meloni insisted Thursday that passing it to the court was "clearly a deliberate act. Everyone knows that the prosecutors of these things have their discretion".

Addressing an event in Milan via videolink, she said news of the investigation had damaged Italy's image on the international stage.

More broadly, she said the actions of "politicised magistrates" were "not normal", adding: "Some judges, fortunately few... want to govern."

- Libya torture charges -

Najim was detained in Turin, northern Italy, on January 19 on an ICC warrant, only to be released and flown home to Tripoli on an Italian air force plane two days later.

Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi later said the government deported Najim as he was considered too dangerous to remain in Italy, after a court ruled he could not be held.

But the court itself said it had released him because ICC requests must first pass through Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, and the latter had "sent no request on the matter".

Meloni revealed in a Facebook video on Tuesday that she, Piantedosi and Nordio had received notice of an investigation for crimes of aiding and abetting the release, and embezzlement.

She said the prosecutor involved had previously brought a case against her deputy prime minister, Matteo Salvini, and added: "I cannot be blackmailed, I will not be intimidated."

Italy's National Association of Magistrates (ANM) said there had been a "total misunderstanding" of the role of the prosecutor, who it said was obliged by law to pass complaints against ministers to the court, without investigating them.

The notice received by Meloni and her ministers was a communication given to interested parties so they can present information or ask to be heard, it added.

However, Francesco Petrelli, head of Italy's association of criminal lawyers, the UCPI, disagreed.

"There are no automatic mechanisms in putting someone (on) the register of those under investigation," he said Thursday.

If there was no discretion involved, "the Court of Ministers would evidently be overwhelmed... by reports of complaints and responses presented by citizens".

- 'Playing the victim' -

The special court of ministers will now assess the complaint against Meloni and the others, but would need parliament's approval to proceed.

Former premier Giuseppe Conte, leader of the now opposition Five Star Movement, said he had received numerous notices similar to Meloni's while in office, but they came to nothing.

"Her goal is to distract us and present herself as the victim of a plot," he said this week.

Elly Schlein, leader of the centre-left Democratic Party, also accused Meloni on Thursday of "playing the victim" and demanded she explain the whole Libyan affair in parliament.

She said the prime minister was blaming judges "to not talk about the merits of the issue -- the political choice to send home a Libyan torturer".

Meloni has previously criticised judges who challenged her efforts to stop irregular migration, while her hard-right government is facing opposition, including from the ANM, to its judicial reforms.






Wednesday, January 29, 2025 - A 19-year-old healthcare worker in Georgia is facing a felony charge after TikTok videos showed her twerking on top of disabled men.

Lucrecia Kormassa Koiyan, of Loganville, was charged with exploitation of a disabled person after authorities were alerted to the viral videos.

The videos filmed and posted by Koiyan, show her wearing scrubs and a stethoscope while dancing provocatively over the disabled persons.

According to the Loganville Police Department, they launched an investigation after the video gained widespread attention on social media.

"On January 23, 2025, the Loganville Police Department was made aware of a viral video posted to social media depicting a female dancing in a provocative manner above a disabled person," authorities said.





Loganville Police Chief Dick Lowry condemned the act, stating: "When I watched it, disgusted is the only word I know. He is disabled, and then making the video and posting it to social media for your own benefit is the exploitation of that person."

Reports also suggest Koiyan may have filmed another video dancing with a man seated in a bathtub. While police are still investigating, they have not confirmed additional charges.

In response to the backlash, Koiyan responded with a video, claiming that the person whose head she was dancing on felt "very aware and comfortable" to her.

Koiyan remains in Walton County Jail, and authorities are reviewing whether other victims may be involved.

Police believe she worked in an in-home adult daycare program, though her licensing status is unclear.

"It is still an ongoing investigation," Lowry said.

Watch the videos below




Thursday, January 30, 2025 - Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has dismissed claims by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua that over 3 million Kenyan workers oppose President Rutos administration.

Gachagua, while speaking at the launch of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) new office on Monday, accused Atwoli of belonging to Ruto's 'praise and worship' team instead of advocating for workers' rights.

"And I also saw that the head of the workers' union is in Ruto's praise and worship team. Workers are being frustrated by numerous deductions like housing levy and NSSF, but he does not say anything. His job is to praise the government," Gachagua said.

But in a rejoinder, Atwoli countered by pointing out Gachagua's involvement in the policies that have now increased the burden on employers' pay slips.

He accused Gachagua of hypocrisy for speaking out now after being part of the administration that introduced these measures

"Who started the pay slip issue? Who introduced housing levies, who increased taxes in this country? And who was his deputy?

"It was Rigathi Gachagua. Where was he then, and why is he speaking to us now?" Atwoli asked.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.
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Wednesday, January 29, 2025 - A US Air Force pilot safely ejected before his F-35 Lightning II fighter jet crashed and exploded during a training exercise at Eielson Air Force Base southeast of Fairbanks, Alaska on January 28.

The pilot experienced an inflight malfunction but was able to eject from the aircraft, Col. Paul Townsend, commander of the 354th Fighter Wing, told a news conference. The plane crashed during the landing phase of the flight at Eielson Air Force Base, he said.

The pilot had declared an inflight emergency before the crash and was in stable condition and being evaluated at a medical facility, he said.

The crash, which occurred early Tuesday afternoon, caused significant damage to the aircraft, the Air Force said in a statement.

Eielson Air Force Base is about 25 miles (40 kilometres) south of Fairbanks.

Townsend said in the statement said the Air Force would conduct a thorough investigation in hopes to minimize the chances of such occurrences from happening again.

Watch the video below






Wednesday, January 29, 2025 - A former Bolivian beauty queen has been arrested after landing in a cornfield with nearly 12,000,000 worth of cocaine in her airplane.

Jade Callau, 21, was once crowned Miss FexpoBorja 2019, in her hometown of San Borja.

Shes made multiple TV appearances, as recently as August 2024.

Just 10 days ago she posted her latest video to TikTok, where she shares clips of her dancing and applying makeup with her more than 6,000 followers.

In one message, apparently aimed at an ex, she said: "My greatest revenge will be that you see me every day more happy and beautiful."

Now Callau is 900 miles away in Argentina, where her small airplane was found with 359kg of cocaine, worth an estimated 17.5million.

She and 42-year-old Brazilian pilot Carlos Costas Diaz were forced to land the Cessna 210 in a cornfield among the low-lying islands of the Parana Delta.

The plane had reportedly run out of fuel while flying from Bolivia to an unspecified destination.

Nestor Roncaglia, Security Minister of the Entre Rios province, said: "During the early hours of last Thursday morning (Jan 23), the Entre Rios police were informed about the landing of a plane in a field in the department of Islas del Ibicuy.

"A couple were travelling in the plane, who fled and were later arrested. They were a man from Brazil and a woman from Bolivia.

"In view of this event, the federal judge on duty, Dr. Analia Ramponi, was informed.

"With the cooperation of the National Gendarmerie, the Entre Rios Police searched the plane and found 352 packages of cocaine with a total weight of 359 kilos."

Mr Roncaglia estimated the haul to be worth around 14million in Europe, the equivalent of roughly 11.75million.

He added: "Everything indicates that the plane came from Bolivia and would have travelled some 1,500 kilometres.









"The final destination was not Entre Rios, as the forced landing was down to a lack of fuel."

Bolivia is one of the top cultivators of coca plants  from which cocaine is derived  along with Peru and Colombia.

The plants are then usually exported to Colombia, where roughly two thirds of the worlds cocaine is produced.




Thursday, January 30, 2026 - Lands, Housing, and Urban Development Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome has criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for dismissing government-funded projects.

Wahome pointed out that Gachagua was part of the government during the planning and implementation of several projects, adding that he even championed and launched some of the projects himself before being ousted from the government.

Speaking in Machakos after inspecting the progress of affordable housing projects, Wahome urged Gachagua to be candid and honest about the projects.

She challenged Gachagua to substantiate his claims that her ministry is involved in illegal contracts, urging him to report any such information to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for investigation.

She emphasized that the project has created numerous job opportunities for Kenyans and that the procurement process has been transparent, and the project received government approval.

"Gachagua, you're promising bad leadership. You're now losing it," Wahome stated.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.






Thursday, January 30, 2025 - Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi has fired a salvo at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, warning him never to mention President William Ruto again.

This is after Gachagua vowed to make Ruto a one-term president, saying he would do anything and everything to remove him from power in 2027.

However, in response, Sudi criticized Gachagua, arguing that Ruto had supported him when others did not want him as the running mate in the lead-up to the 2022 general elections.

On the day we discussed who would be the deputy president, you know very well that when they first voted, you received only four votes. In the second round, you also received four votes. In the third round, it was the same.

Everyone was backing Kindiki. But who stood by you till the very end? It was William Samoei Ruto. He supported you through it all, Sudi stated.

In a statement posted on his official X account, Sudi accused Gachagua of trying to gain public sympathy through his remarks.

You have now morphed into a crybaby, whipping up emotions to gain public sympathy. Visibly, you have selective amnesia, Sudi wrote.

He described Gachaguas recent behaviour as deceptive, advising him to stop speaking negatively about Ruto.

You are now pretending to be a staunch Kenyan, but you are a dangerous man. Stop talking about William Ruto; he tried every possible way to elevate you in the political arena, Sudi said.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.
Thursday, January 30, 2025 - A Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officer, allegedly involved in the mysterious disappearance of Brian Makori Odhiambo, has been exposed on social media.

Reports indicate that the ruthless cop is notorious for harassing the locals and killing those who cross his path.

It is believed that he is responsible for Brians disappearance.

The officer operates with a lot of impunity in the area.

The mystery surrounding the disappearance of Brian Odhiambo deepened when the officers told the court that he had escaped custody.

Brian went missing while he was fishing at the Lake Nakuru National Park.

Although KWS officers claim they arrested him for illegal fishing, it is believed that they killed him and threw his body into the lake.

The officers are allegedly trying to do a cover-up after the court ordered them to produce the missing fisherman.




Thursday, January 30, 2025 - President William Rutos powerful advisor, Farouk Kibet, has reportedly ordered Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki to camp in the Mt. Kenya region and rally support for Rutos 2027 re-election.

Since the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Ruto has become very unpopular in the region that overwhelmingly supported him in the last election.

With Rutos chances of re-election in 2027 dimming, Farouk has ordered Kindiki to camp in the vote-rich region and ensure the electorate backs Ruto.

Kindiki, like an altar boy, has hit the ground running and has been organizing meetings for MPs, MCAs, and grassroots leaders from across the Mt Kenya region.

During his meeting with Tharaka Nithi grassroots leaders on Wednesday, Kindiki said those saying Ruto will be a one-term President are dreaming.

Kindiki said Ruto will be re-elected in 2027 because of the work he has done for Kenyans.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Thursday, January 30, 2025 - Former nominated MP Wilson Sossion has downplayed the verbal attacks directed at President William Ruto from impeached Rigathi Gachagua.

Speaking during an interview, Sossion noted that Gachagua's attacks were meant to tarnish the image of Ruto and his government.

The former ODM-allied figure further termed Gachagua as a bitter politician after his fallout with Ruto and subsequent impeachment from the government in 2024.

Sossion has thus called on the president not to be sidetracked by the voices of distraction and instead focus on his development plans.

The scathing attacks from Rigathi are expected. He is bitter, and its natural. Let him vent.

The fact is the president is in office courtesy of the people of Kenya and the commitment he made to them.

He should not bend to every whim of the people. The president should focus on his agenda.

The indicators that the government is working and no amount of attacks can refute that, Sossion said.

The remarks come after Gachagua maintained his attacks on Ruto. The former DP accused the president of lies and unfulfilled promises.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Thursday, January 30, 2025 - Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi has stated that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is a fierce crowd mobilizer who will give President William Ruto a run for his money in the 2027 presidential election.

In an interview with Citizen TV on Tuesday, Havi said Ruto has a lot of work to do going forward because Gachagua is a good mobilizer and Kenyans will listen to him whether he says the truth or not.

"He is a distinguished crowd mobilizer. He may be poor in his judgement but he pulls crowds.

"The unfortunate thing about Kenyans, is they listen to whoever entertains them the most, and Gachagua has that gift," Havi stated.

Havi spoke after Gachagua blasted Ruto badly during the launch of Eugene Wamalwas Democratic Action Party (DAP) office in Nairobi.

He tore into Ruto, calling him the chief priest of corruption and accusing him of converting State House into the 'house of cartels'

The Kenyan DAILY POST.






Wednesday, January 29, 2025 - Politician, Senator Ned Nwoko, has taken to social media to celebrate his Moroccan wife, Laila, as she turns a year older today, January 29.

In a post shared on Instagram, Ned described Laila, who is his fifth wife, as his love. He went on to pray for her.

My Dearest Laila,

Happy Birthday, my love! Today is extra special as we celebrate the gift of you. Your kindness, grace, and beauty amaze me every day. On behalf of the family, I wish you a birthday filled with love, joy, and all the happiness you bring into our lives. May the year ahead bring you endless blessings and success in all you do.






Wednesday, January 29, 2025 - Hellen Mutimu, the Kenyan lady accusing socialite, Pascal Okechukwu aka Cubana Chiefpriest, of fathering her two-year-old son, has continued to drag him on social media.

In an Instagram live chat she had this evening, Hellen slammed ChiefPriest for claiming he had never met her before.

She accused ChiefPriest of giving people money to come online to troll her and claimed he lied to her that he was single which was why she got intimate with him. She said she wants the DNA test done so that the controversy surrounding her child can be settled once and for all.

Watch her speaking below






Wednesday, January 29, 2025 - A husband in India has admitted to killing and cooking his wife following a heated argument.

According to Mail Online, Gurumurthy, 45, told Rachakonda police in Hyderabad that he had slaughtered his wife Venkata Madhavi, 35, who had been reported missing since January 16.

The retired soldier told authorities he had killed his wife of 13 years, after slamming her against a wall which resulted in an instant death.

Gurumurthy, a father of two, then claimed to have dismembered her corpse using a kitchen knife before boiling the body parts.

After boiling, Gurumurthy told cops he had placed her limbs in a pressure cooker for five-to-six hours and used a pestle and mortar to grind down her bones. He is then said to have thrown the remaining flesh and powdered bones into Meerpet Lake.

Police seized potential evidence, including the pressure cooker, a kettle, and knives from the apartment where the butchering is believed to have taken place.

Forensic teams, as well as a dog squad, have searched around the lake for the remains but have so far emerged unsuccessful in their attempts.

'We cannot rely on mere allegations. We are collecting all technical and scientific evidence. The case is being investigated,' a police spokesman told The India Express newspaper.

As police continue to interrogate Gurumurthy, the Meerpet police believe he may have killed Madhavi in a fit of rage and did everything possible to avoid the crime being detected.

'As of now, we don't have any reasons to believe it was a premeditated crime. It seems like the result of a petty quarrel,' Ch Praveen Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Police told the newspaper.





'We are questioning the suspect and we have not recovered any body parts. We do not have enough clues,' he added.

Gurumurthy told the police Madhavi left home in a fit of rage after a quarrel between them on the morning of January 16. But during their investigation, the police grew suspicious of the husband after going through footage obtained from CCTV cameras installed near Gurumurthy's house in the colony.

While the footage showed Madhavi entering the house on January 15, she was not seen leaving the house in the next two days, Meerpet police inspector K Nagaraju said, adding the CCTV footage showed Gurumurthy's movements during that period.

'We took Gurumurthy into custody on Wednesday for questioning. Initially, he provided inconsistent responses, but later he claimed to have killed his wife and disposed of the body,' Nagaraju said.

The report also said Gurumurthy has been freed and the case is still considered a missing persons case due to lack of evidence.






Thursday, January 30, 2025 - Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has slammed former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over his criticism of the government.

Speaking in Nairobi yesterday, Kindiki told Gachagua that the time for politics would come but warned him that it would not be easy.

He asked his predecessor to be ready to prove what he did for Kenyans during his tenure in office and cease the talks about his love for his constituents.

Kindiki vowed to destroy Gachagua's growing influence in Mt. Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election.

I am wondering about these people who say they love us. They have never convened one single county including the county they come from to discuss development.

"What kind of love is that? And must you speak about it? Just do it. Well see it. Mwai Kibaki built the Thika Superhighway without speaking Kikuyu or climbing on trees to publicize his love for the people of Gema.

Because the time for politics will come and those who well compete with, including my brother who was here, will tell us what he did for all the counties of Kenya.

"He (Gachagua) was deputy president for two years. It is going to be very rough, Kindiki remarked.

The remarks come at a time when Gachagua has continued his criticism of the government while meeting various leaders in a possible alliance ahead of 2027 polls.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.






Thursday, January 30, 2025 - Hollywood Actress, Jennifer Love Hewitt, has reflected on being sexualized as a teen and having grown men make jokes about her breasts during her appearance on a new episode of Mayim Bialiks Breakdown podcast.

There were grown men talking to me at 16 about my breasts openly on a talk show, and people were laughing about it. It was a culture that was fully accepted, but when you sit, and you look at where we are now versus then, it is really mind-blowing, Hewitt, now 45, said.

It was a culture that was fully accepted, but when you sit, and you look at where we are now versus then, it is really mind-blowing, Hewitt said.

In hindsight, it was really strange, I think, to become a sex symbol sort of like before I even knew what that was, she continued. I didnt know what being sexy meant.

The Client List star also recalled random men coming up to her and making sexually charged comments about her 1999 Maxim cover when she was 17.

People would openly walk up and be like, I took your magazine with me on a trip last week,' Hewitt said, admitting that she would just laugh off the remarks.

I didnt really know what that meant, she added. Its kind of gross.

When the movie came out, everybody said, Oh, I know what your breasts did last summer,' the actress recalled of starring in 1997s I Know What You Did Last Summer.

Everybody would laugh, so I would laugh. It was supposed to be funny, I guess, she said.

Later in the episode, Hewitt remembered how jokes about her breasts became normalized after starring in I Know What You Did Last Summer.

When the movie came out, everybody said, Oh, I know what your breasts did last summer, and that was like the joke, she explained. And, again, everybody would laugh, so I would laugh. It was supposed to be funny, I guess. It didnt register with me that this is a grown man talking to me about my breasts on national television.

However, the actress said she doesnt blame anyone who was cracking those jokes at the time.

It was a culture that was fully accepted. They were allowed to believe that that was appropriate, and I answered the questions, laughed right along with them,  she admitted.

I really wanted people to walk away from the movie going, Thats a really good actress,' she said. And instead  it was always about my breasts.

The Party of Five alum said at times she would try to downplay the attention on her breasts.

I had bigger boobs for a smaller person, and so it was embarrassing. I didnt want to be looked at by a 40-year-old in Pizza Hut, she said, adding that she always wore big clothes to cover up her figure.

Once she starred in I Know What You Did Last Summer, she recalled being so mad that her chest became the main topic of conversation.

I had worked so hard trying to be good in a horror movie, and I really wanted people to walk away from the movie going, Thats a really good actress,' Hewitt said.

And instead, every headline  and Im not e ven joking  for 10 or 12 years after that  it was always about my breasts, always first.  That was heartbreaking for me.




Thursday, January 30, 2025 - Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has addressed the 2027 question amid calls for President William Ruto to serve only one term.

Speaking during a consultative meeting with grassroots leaders in Tharaka Nithi County yesterday, Kindiki expressed uncertainty about President Ruto's chances of winning the 2027 elections.

This comes even as he is unbothered by growing speculation that Ruto's tenure will be limited to a single five-year term.

''President William Ruto's objective is not to serve for two terms, it is to use the time that God gave him in office to bring transformative programmes in one, two, three areas and then leave,'' Kindiki asserted.

''Even if we do not win the elections (because of our transformative agendas) it does not matter. He would have served as President anyway, is it not a blessing even to serve for five years, one year, or even one day?

"How many Kenyans are there?'' Kindiki questioned.

Kindiki further challenged political leaders across the Mount Kenya region not to be swayed into fears of being haunted by a single-term tag, insisting that Ruto was already lucky to be elected President.

Every Kenya is qualified to be in the seats we occupy. If you are serving as a leader, do not consider yourself to be like a superhuman.

"Do not threaten us with the one-term Presidency talks,'' Kindiki maintained.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Thursday, January 30, 2025 - A group of lawyers has filed a petition before the High Court seeking the removal of lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi from the Senior Counsel Roll.

The lawyers, Paul Kiragu Wathuta and John Murimi Njomo invoke Rule 4(c) and Rule 15 of the Advocates (Senior Counsel Conferment and Privileges) Rules, 2011, arguing that Ahmednasir has repeatedly engaged in conduct unbecoming of a Senior Counsel.

The petition filed before the Committee on Senior Counsel accuses Ahmednasir of using social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), to malign and discredit members of the judiciary.

Ahmednasir has become a master of fickle attacks on the judiciary without providing evidence of any misdoings by the judiciary and its officers, the petition states.

It further reads, Second, weaponizing X (formerly Twitter) as a tool for maligning judges, Ahmednasir has become a master of reckless claims that undermine the standing of the legal profession.

"The inappropriate use of social media to undermine the standing and dignity of the legal profession, however, is an affront to the administration of justice.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.






Wednesday, January 29, 2025 - The Worcester Regional Court in Western Cape, South Africa has sentenced a man, Jerome Windvogel to life imprisonment after he was convicted for the brutal murder of his ex-girlfriend.

The mother and sister of the deceased said Windvogel laughed while he st3bbed Nelnisha Kortjie, 39 times.

Windvogel, a member of the 28s gang, had a previous record of convictions, all for violent crimes committed between 2006 and 2018.

On February 17, 2023, Windvogel st@bbed Nelnisha Kortjie 39 times after she failed to respond to his text messages.

Kortjie was on her way to the bus stop in Bonnievale when Windvogel approached her.

"He called her but she did not respond. He then chased after her as she turned to go home, took out a knife and st@bbed her in the face, neck, upper body, lower body, arms, and legs," said National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson in the Western Cape, Eric Ntabazalila.

Kortjie's mother tried to intervene but Windvogel lunged at her.

He then sat on top of Kortjie and continued to stab her. Kortjie, aged 36, died at the scene.

"He was arrested that same morning after community members chased him," Ntabazalila said.

During the trial, State prosecutor Elton Willmse, said Kortjie's m8rder was a fifth offence involving violence as an element and it was committed before the period of suspension, in one of his cases, had expired against the accused.

According to Willemse, Windvogel has a propensity to commit violent crimes. He was previously convicted of an offence where violence was an element, as he did not want to accept that the relationship was over.

"Again, in this matter, he would not take no for an answer. He admitted to having a problem with controlling his anger yet he still armed himself with a knife," he added.

The court noted that Windvogel gave no regard for the child they shared and Kortjie's other two children.

Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Nicolette Bell, expressed shock at the level of brutality in the case and further committed the NPA to play an integral role in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide.






Thursday, January 30, 2025 - Terrifying footage captured the moment a huge fish clamped its jaws down a woman dressed as a mermaid as she performed underwater for children at a Chinese aquarium.

The Russian aquatic artist, identified only as Masha, was swimming in a tank at the Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park in southern China on Tuesday, Jan. 28, when she swam in the path of the fish.

The fish then bites down on Masha, 22, nearly swallowing her whole head in its mouth while children and other spectators scream in horror, the clip shows.

Masha fights back and is able to free herself from the fish, which ripped off her goggles, before swimming quickly to the surface.

The performer suffered head, neck and eye injuries, according to Russian media reports, which published photos of her bruised and cut-up face.

Masha claims her employer forced her back in the water despite being in pain and warned her not to share footage of the attack, but the clip quickly went viral on Douyin  the Chinese-language version of TikTok.

They paid her less than $100 in compensation, she claimed.

Watch the video below.

Horrific moment giant fish snaps jaws round 22yo mermaid's face



Chinese aquarium offers just $96 compensation to Russian performer Masha, demands non-disclosure agreement pic.twitter.com/CfJDTevcFv  RT (@RT_com) January 29, 2025






Thursday, January 30, 2025 - Global health chiefs have raised an alarm after nine people died in a new outbreak of an 'eye-bleeding' Ebola-like virus.

Marburg, one of the deadliest pathogens ever discovered, has already infected ten people in the African nation of Tanzania since the country officially announced the outbreak last week.

Of these infections nine have died Africa's health agency has announced, reflecting the virus's 90 percent mortality rate.

The cases were reported in the Kagera region of Tanzania. The area is located in the northwest of the country and has a population of nearly three million.

But because the country's main international airport in the capital Dar es Salaam is easily accessible by train, experts are worried the disease could spread further, The Sun reported.

Ngashi Ngongo, from the Africa Centre for Disease Control Centre (CDC), told an online briefing they are doing everything they can with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to limit the toll of the outbreak.

Authorities have identified 'about 281 contacts' of the 10 cases, which are being closely monitored for infections.

'There have been a total of 31 tests that have been conducted, two confirmed, and 29 I think, that are negative,' Ngongo said.

Marburg is a haemorrhagic fever where organs and blood vessels are damaged, causing bleeding internally or from the eyes, mouth, and ears.

The virus can be spread by touching or handling the body fluids of an infected person, contaminated objects, or infected wild animals.

The WHO says it has a case-fatality ratio (CFR) of up to 88 percent, meaning it can kill nearly nine in ten people it infects.

The outbreak in Tanzania comes less than a month after a Marburg outbreak in neighbouring Rwanda was officially declared over.

A total of 66 people were infected, roughly 80 percent of which were healthcare workers.

The country reported 15 deaths, with Rwandas response praised internationally for its low death rate of 23 percent, the lowest ever for a Marburg outbreak in Africa.




Thursday, January 30, 2025 - An outspoken Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) lawmaker has claimed that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga could lose the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson seat due to the ongoing crisis in Congo.

Last week, war erupted in Congo after rebel forces, who are reportedly supported by Rwandan President Paul Kagame, seized Goma, a key city in Eastern DRC."

President William Ruto, who is the chairman of the East African Community (EAC), on Wednesday called for an emergency meeting with Heads of State, but DRC President Felix Tshisekedi did not attend.

Reacting to the crisis, Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi said the DR Congo crisis has created a complex geopolitical situation that could influence the voting patterns of about six countries that have endorsed Raila.

"Dear Ruto, One vote is crucial in this #AUC election. Please don't tinker with Congo by committing geopolitical blunders in this #DRCongo crisis.

"You mess up with Congo relations with Kenya, and you mess up Burundi, Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, and possibly Rwanda vote," Amisi argued.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Thursday, January 30, 2025 - Kapseret Member of Parliament and President Rutos confidant, Oscar Sudi, has launched a scathing attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, labeling him deceitful, tribalistic, and dangerous.

The vocal MP accused Gachagua of hypocrisy, alleging his involvement in several high-profile scandals.

He linked Gachagua to the poisonous sugar scandal, the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) mosquito net procurement controversy, and issues surrounding police remuneration.

These allegations echo the charges that led to Gachaguas impeachment, which included corruption, money laundering, and undermining the government.

Sudi further alleged that prior to the Generation Z protests, Gachagua attempted to blackmail President Ruto by demanding a substantial sum of KSh 10 billion in exchange for his continued support and the maintenance of the Mount Kenya voting bloc.

According to Sudi, when Ruto refused, tensions escalated.

He criticized Gachaguas actions, stating, The economy is struggling, and this dangerous man was blackmailing the president to pay him. Where was all that money going to come from? Ruto refused; thats why you see him all bitter.

Sudi further dismissed Gachagua as useless, referring to him as huyu mtu ni mkebe (this man is an empty can).

Watch the video.

Wamunyoro, you're forgetting your involvement in the Ksh 3.7 billion MOSQUITO NET SCANDAL at KEMSA,the ILLICIT SUGAR SCANDAL as well as the POLICE RENUMERATIONS SCANDAL ?



You have now morphed into a CRY BABY,whipping up emotions to gain public sympathy.Visibly, you have pic.twitter.com/YI7T0u3IZu  Hon Oscar Sudi (@HonOscarSudi) January 29, 2025

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Thursday, January 30, 2025 - Kapseret Member of Parliament Oscar Sudi has blasted former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua after he accused President William Ruto of being the 'cartel in chief' of corruption at State House.

On Monday, Gachagua, who was among those attending the Democratic Action Party (DAP) office launch in Nairobi, accused Ruto of looting billions of taxpayers' money in collusion with renowned wheeler-dealers Jayesh Saini and Adil Khawaja.

Gachagua stated that Jayesh Saini and Adil Khawaja, the two power brokers with full access to State House, are the ones who secured the multi-billion tender for the controversial Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme."

In response, Sudi did not deny the accusations leveled against Ruto but pointed out that Gachagua was also involved in the Sh 3.7 billion mosquito scandal, the illicit sugar scandal, and the police remuneration scandal.

Wamunyoro, you're forgetting your involvement in the Ksh 3.7 billion MOSQUITO NET SCANDAL at KEMSA, the ILLICIT SUGAR SCANDAL as well as the POLICE REMUNERATIONS SCANDAL?

"You have now morphed into a CRY BABY, whipping up emotions to gain public sympathy. Visibly, you have SELECTIVE Amnesia, Sudi told Gachagua on X.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.






Wednesday, January 29, 2025 - Zimbabwe is grappling with a worsening public health crisis as condom prices soar to unprecedented levels in retail shops across the country.

A recent survey by iHarare revealed that the cheapest option, Protector Plus, now costs nearly $1.50 per packet, while Fantasy condoms are priced at $3.20, and the internationally recognized Carex brand costs $3.30.

The surge in prices has been linked to the halt in USAID funding, a consequence of an executive order signed by former US President Donald Trump. The directive cut foreign aid funding, including USAIDs support for Zimbabwe, which previously accounted for 98% of the countrys condom supplyboth for sale and free distribution. Local brands like PSHs Protector Plus, which were sold on a cost-recovery basis, have been particularly affected by this funding gap.

To illustrate the impact, condom prices have risen sharply in just one year. In January 2024, two packets of Protector Plus condoms could be bought for $1. Today, a single packet costs 150% more, making condoms unaffordable for many Zimbabweans.

Last year, Population Solutions for Health (PSH) called on the government to remove value-added tax (VAT) and import duties on condoms to address rising prices. However, no action has been taken, and the suspension of USAID funding has further exacerbated the issue.

The price hike poses significant risks to public health, particularly in Zimbabwes battle against HIV/AIDS. With condoms becoming increasingly inaccessible, the country faces a heightened risk of HIV transmission and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

This is especially concerning given Zimbabwes status as one of the countries with the highest HIV prevalence rates globally.




Thursday, January 30, 2025 - Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has praised his boss, President William Ruto, for his efforts in transforming the country.

Speaking on Wednesday when he met a delegation from Tharaka Nithi County in Nairobi, Kindiki said Ruto has transformed the country more than late former President Mwai Kibaki.

Kindiki stated that, like the late President Kibaki, who faced numerous challenges, including dissolving his cabinet, President Ruto will triumph and emerge victorious.

He dissolved his Cabinet and lost a referendum, yet he remains the most consequential former president. President William Samoei Ruto is facing the same challenges and has remained steadfast in his mission to transform Kenya, Kindiki said.

What President William Samoei Ruto has done in two years, it took Kibaki five years. Ruto is on the right track to improving our economy, Kindiki added.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.






Wednesday, January 29, 2025 - A Church of England bishop responsible for overseeing discipline has been accused of sxually assaulting and sxually harassing two women.

John Perumbalath, the Bishop of Liverpool, allegedly sxually as$@ulted a woman on several occasions between 2019 and 2023 while he was a bishop in Essex, Channel 4 News reports.

Interim head of the church, Stephen Cottrell has been accused of a "cover up" after it he was aware of the allegations before Perumbalath was enthroned as Bishop of Liverpool.

"[Perumbalath] held me there and kissed me forcefully on my mouth, which I did not like and I did not want," the woman said of the first alleged instance at an away day in March 2019.

"I tried to move away, but he was holding my head too tightly. I could feel his mouth pressing on my mouth. I could feel some of his saliva, and the texture of his beard around my mouth."

On another occasion, in May 2022, she claimed Perumbalath "ran his hands past the side of [her] bre@sts until he reached the edge of the areola" after they hugged at the end of a meeting.

Describing another alleged encounter at a chapel music evening in January 2023, she said: "He pressed his face against my face, said 'I love you' quietly in my ear, and moved his mouth to just below my ear, on the pulse point on my neck.

"He opened his mouth, took a piece of my skin between his lips, and let go."

Perumbalath denies the allegations, saying: "The allegations set out in this programme are in relation to encounters that took place in public settings, with other people present.

"I have consistently denied the allegations made against me by both complainants. I have complied with any investigation from the National Safeguarding Team. The allegations raised in Essex were also investigated by the Police who took no further action.

"Whilst I dont believe I have done anything wrong, I have taken seriously the lessons learnt through this process addressing how my actions can be perceived by others. I will comply with any investigation deemed necessary.

"I take safeguarding very seriously and work hard to provide proper leadership in this area."

The woman, who has not been named, reported Perumbalath, the Bishop of Bradwell, to police who interviewed him voluntarily under caution last March.

Police closed the investigation with no charges being brought due to insufficient evidence.

In early 2023, his accuser also reported Perumbalath to the Archdeach and other Church leaders, including its current interim head Stephen Cottrell, who served with Perumbalath in the diocese of Chelmsford.

By then, Perumbalath had already been announced as the new Bishop of Liverpool, but he was yet to be formally enthroned.

Cottrell said safeguarding guidelines were followed and no ongoing safeguarding concerns were identified, "but a learning outcome was identified with which the bishop fully engaged".

A statement on behalf of him and the Church said: "The NST concluded that there was not sufficient evidence to bring a safeguarding-related complaint under the Clergy Discipline Measure (CDM) itself but offered the woman support if she wished to do so.

"The NST continues to have contact, at her request, with the woman who came forward and the offer of ongoing support remains."

Another woman  one of the 31 women serving as Church of England bishops  has also accused Perumbalath of sxually harassing her.

She also made a formal complaint, which a judge refused to allow because more than a year had passed since the alleged harassment.

Cottrell has already faced calls to resign last year over his handling of a sxual abuse case when he was the Bishop of Chelmsford.

He had reportedly allowed a priest to keep his job despite knowing the Church had barred him from being alone with children and the priest had paid compensation to a sxual abuse victim, the BBC reported.






Thursday, January 30, 2025 - Some streets in Chicago are looking different under Donald Trumps immigration policies, with communities retreating into the shadows amid intensified raids by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) for illegal immigrants in the US.

In Little Village, a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood on the citys south side, streets that were once lively now look empty.

Locals told Sky News that fewer people are venturing outside due to fear of being caught up in the crackdown.

The initial focus, officials say, is on targeting migrant criminals, but there is also concern over collateral arrests, where undocumented immigrants not initially targeted could be detained. As a result, even those with legal status are exercising caution.

One resident, Steve, shared his fears for his mother, who came from Mexico years ago without proper documentation.

She crossed the border over here to get a better life for us when we were born, to get education and all. Shes scared to go out there, that she might get picked up, he told Sky News.

At a local community center that provides support to migrants, staff have ramped up security measures.

A gate at the entrance now remains closed, and workers begin their day by surveying the streets for immigration officers. A notice on the front door advises migrants on what to do if ICE arrives.

Inside the center, Oliber, a Venezuelan migrant working legally in the U.S. with a valid work permit, described how fear has altered his daily life.

I feel scared, he said. I go out feeling frightened. I dont go out now like I used to. I used to go out every day until night-time, Id work at any time, but now I cant go out anywhere.

He added: There are rumours about migrants and Im scared, that they might catch me, deport me. My family depends on me. I cant go out like I used to, Im scared, Im scared.






Thursday, January 30, 2025 - A suspected Mungiki member has been hacked to death while several others escaped at the South Ngariama ranching scheme in Murinduko ward in Mwea-East.

According to the residents, over 500 people from South Ngariama managed to chase them away and set seven semi-permanent houses on fire.

Locals in South Ngariama believe that over 30 members of the outlawed sect had been living in the scheme, where they had taken several pieces of land from the locals and planned to attack them.

"They wanted to chase one resident from his piece of land when the angry residents attacked them.

"Despite being armed with assorted weapons, we managed to overpower them, and one was killed before his body was set on fire," a resident Peter Wanjohi said.

"We don't want them here. We want to expel them because they have been extorting money from the residents and taking our pieces of land by force," another resident Peter Gichira added.

Residents stated that the sect members were brought to the area by a man posing as a land surveyor for the scheme.

The killing comes at a time when some politicians are accusing President William Ruto of using Mungiki members to cause violence in the Mt Kenya region.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Wednesday, January 29, 2025 - Two brothers in Gujarat's Gandhinagar killed a man by stabbing him to death because of his relationship with their widowed mother, according to police in India.

The accused brothers went as far as flinging the victims intestines as shocked onlookers watched, The Times of India reported.

According to the report filed by Ajay, the victims son, brothers Sanjay (27) and Jayesh Thakor (23), harboured "deep resentment" towards Ratanji Thakor, a 45-year-old man who had been in a relationship with the duos mother, a widow, for more than 15 years.

The accused believed that the affair "dishonoured" the memory of their late father and brought "shame" to the family.

As per the police report, Sanjay and Jayesh Thakor had already been involved in a brawl with Ratanji Thakor.

They repeatedly warned the man to stay away from their mother and even got community elders involved in the matter. However, the efforts to resolve the issue peacefully, failed, investigating officer (IO) Unnati Patel said.

On Sunday, Sanjay and Jayesh, armed with a knife and a rod, attacked Ratanji Thakor and his associate Jikuji Parmar, who were constructing a house in the village, the IO further said.

The police report also stated that the attackers brandished their blood-soaked weapons to keep away some labourers and Ratanjis associate, who tried to intervene and fled on their bike.

On how the brothers were caught, the IO said police used the duos mobile phone locations to track them down, and arrested them later in the day.

They have been booked under charges of murder and abetment.






Thursday, January 30, 2025 - Victor Bonifaces anticipated transfer to Saudi Arabian giants Al Nassr has collapsed after the club decided to sign Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran instead.

The Saudi outfit decided to sign the Colombian striker in a 77m deal, including add-ons, effectively ending their pursuit of the Nigerian international.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, negotiations for Boniface had been progressing, with a Saudi delegation stationed in Germany since Monday to finalise terms.

Al Nassr had initially opened talks with Bayer Leverkusen for Boniface, with the Bundesliga champions valuing him at around 50m.

The 24-year-old, who joined Leverkusen from Union Saint-Gilloise in 2023 for 20m, recently signed a contract extension until 2029, making him one of the clubs highest earners.

However, Al Nassr decided to back out of the deal to sign Jhon Duran.

The 21-year-old Colombian forward has reportedly agreed to personal terms and is set to sign a long-term contract. His medical is scheduled for Thursday, January 30, after which he will officially join Al Nassr and link up with Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane.




Thursday, January 30, 2025  Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has criticized President William Ruto and his counterparts in Africa for complaining about U.S. President Donald Trumps decision to withdraw health aid to Africa.

Trump has signed executive orders, including a 90-day freeze on foreign aid spending.

The freeze included current foreign assistance programmes as well, including the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

Also affected was USAID, which would hamper global efforts to combat tuberculosis (TB).

However, speaking during the East Africa Region Global Health Security Summit in Mombasa as the chief guest, Uhuru defended Trumps move, challenging African leaders to stop crying foul and instead rethink ways to secure funds to facilitate their needs.

He urged African leaders to be self-reliant by ensuring they address the challenges they face, enabling them to free up resources for areas where they are most needed.

I saw some people crying the other day that Trump has withdrawn aid. Why are you crying? Its not your country, he has no reason to give you anything, you dont pay taxes in America. This is a wake-up call for you to say, OK, what are we going to do to help ourselves? the former president said.

He challenged the leaders to use Africas resources for the right purposes and support Africans in living a comfortable life.

It is time for us to use our resources for the right things. We are the ones using them for the wrong things, Uhuru continued.

Uhuru equally urged the leaders not to rely on foreign aid but instead to prepare their own resources, research, and academia, and invest in independence.

Since Trumps announcement, Rutos government has been all over begging him to reconsider his decision to cut foreign aid to Kenya and the rest of the world.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Thursday, January 30, 2025 - Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has blasted former president Uhuru Kenyatta for justifying U.S. President Donald Trumps move to suspend aid to Kenya and the rest of the world.

This is after Uhuru faulted President William Ruto and his government to stop complaining about Trumps decision to freeze aid to the country.

The former head of state wondered why Kenyans were complaining, stating that Trump has no obligation to continue funding global programs.

I saw some people crying the other day that Trump has withdrawn aid. Why are you crying? Its not your country, he has no reason to give you anything, you dont pay taxes in America. This is a wake-up call for you to say, OK, what are we going to do to help ourselves? the former president said.

However, Uhurus sentiments did not go down well with Cherargei who took to social media to criticize him.

In a tweet, Cherargei wondered why Uhuru was lecturing Africa and Kenya for depending on foreign aid, yet during his regime, he relied heavily on foreign borrowing.

"Uhuru who is lecturing Africa/Kenya about depending on foreign aid is a hypocrite!

"When he took over from H.E Kibaki the foreign public debt was KSh 1.3 trillion but he borrowed selfishly upto KSh 11.5 trillion when left office in 2022 & there is nothing to show for it in terms of development," Cherargei claimed.

According to Cherargei, it amounts to double standards for the former president, who publicly admitted that KSh 2 billion is lost daily through corruption, to back Trump's bold move.

"Why the double standards now? He once admitted that Kenya lost KSh 2 billion per day through corruption. Hizi ni hadithi na hekaya za abunuwasi," he added.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.
KILDARE County Council has confirmed it wont issue a compulsory purchase order (CPO) on a famous Naas eyesore  The Market House  which has been on the derelict register for almost ten years, costing its owner more than half its value in levies.

Instead, the council is investigating whether it can include the 212-year-old property in the next round of Urban Regeneration Development Funding (URDF).

Market House was identified by the council as a property that may be appropriate for this funding, said Fiona Byrne, regeneration officer at the councils housing section. The fund is available to Kildare County Council to buy properties, such as Market House, by agreement or compulsorily, but acquired properties must then be offered for sale to the private market and this fund can only be used to bring properties back into residential use, she clarified.

This was revealed at last weeks monthly meeting of the councillors from the Naas Municipal District, following a motion from cllr Bill Clear. He had asked that the council commences the process of compulsory purchase of the Market House for the benefit of the community.

This landmark and historically significant site has been derelict for 15 years, creating an eyesore and detracting from the appeal of the harbour area, he said.

It was cllr Clear himself put the property formally on the derelict register in April 2015.

A CPO of the property would allow for the restoration of this property, would enhance the local environment, preserve its historical value and allow it to be used for community development, he argued.

However, Ms Byrne did not encourage cllr Clear in her formal reply.

To do that, the council must advertise the details of any proposed compulsory purchase in the local newspaper  and also send a notice to the owner, giving them information about how and where to object to the proposed acquisition, she explained. Where a CPO is confirmed, compensation must be paid to the registered owner, so funding for this must be identified.

In order to bring this property back into use for community development the costs would also need to include the substantial construction and refurbishment works, along with resources identified to manage such a property once brought back into use, and these costs are not included in the current capital programme, she revealed.

However, then she offered her silver lining.

The third round of the Urban Regeneration Development Fund was announced last year and specifically targeted at addressing long-term vacancy and dereliction in towns [and] Market House was identified by the council as a property that may be appropriate for this funding, she wrote.

From a Tidy Towns point of view, this place was mentioned in the recent IBAL report, said cllr Clear, who is chair of Naas Tidy Towns. He was referring to the recent award bestowed on Naas when it was deemed the most litter-free town in Ireland last month.

The Tidy Towns paint it, we fenced it, trim the trees  theres litter there for the last ten years, he said. Were tired of it now and its a disgrace. As chair of Naas Tidy Towns, I put it on the derelict register, but were fed up with it. It was one of the most beautiful properties in Market Square and people have gotten used to looking at it as a derelict site.

I dont think its suitable for housing, maybe as a canal building, or bike hostel or scouts hostel for kayaking, he proposed.

We at Naas Tidy Towns would be willing  if a company purchased it  would be willing to take control of the building, apply for funding as a waterway hub, and we believe it would have a great chance to put it to community use, he said.

It would be a project I would personally drive on. Im confident we at Tidy Towns can do it, and be sympathetic with the heritage, he concluded.

This property is on the derelict sites register and the council continues to monitor the situation. Engagement is ongoing with the property owner, Pat Keane, landlord of The Hanged Man in Milltown. Mr Keane had his fourth attempt to convert it into apartments turned down last April.

The 212-year-old Market House  built two years before the Battle of Waterloo  has been on the derelict sites register since April 2015, and it is believed the owner has already paid over half of the sites value in levies in the last eight years (estimated value 600,000, with annual levies of seven per cent costing the owner 42,000 a year).

The house most famously belonged to JK Bracken, a Fenian and one of the seven original founders of the GAA in 1884.

The last resident, Ms Bracken, was a niece of John Devoy and her daughter is the local solicitor Rioghnagh Bracken, who is part of a number of local preservation groups.
By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

Forensic evidence links a man to the callous and cowardly murder of three police officers in Northern Ireland in 1982, a court has heard.

Martin John McCauley, 62, with an address at Esmondale in Naas, County Kildare, appeared in the dock at Craigavon Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Mr McCauley was one of the so-called Colombia Three, who were accused of training rebel FARC guerrilla forces in 2001.

McCauley appeared at Craigavon Courthouse on Thursday (Brian Lawless/PA)

McCauley was charged with murdering Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) Sergeant Sean Quinn and constables Allan McCloy and Paul Hamilton in a landmine attack at Kinnego Embankment near Lurgan on October 27 1982.

The IRA claimed responsibility for the attack.

A prosecuting lawyer told the court that McCauley had been extradited from the Republic of Ireland.

McCauley was detained by gardai on Thursday morning and arrested by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) at the border, the court was told.

The three murder charges were read to McCauley as he stood in the dock.

A PSNI detective inspector told the court she could connect the accused to the charges.

Outlining the facts, the prosecuting lawyer said: A substantial bomb was hidden underneath the road.

It detonated remotely as the officers vehicle went over it.

He said a number of items had been recovered from the scene at the time, including cigarette butts.

He added the items had been subjected to modern era forensic examination, which could match McCauleys DNA to that identified on the butts.

He said the presence of DNA of other individuals who are now dead were also discovered.

The detective inspector told the court she opposed an application for bail on the basis of risk of flight, risk of further offences and risk of interference with witnesses.

McCauley appeared at Craigavon Courthouse in Co Armagh. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA.

She said: This was a callous and cowardly murder of three RUC officers while on duty responding to a call from the public.

She pointed out McCauley did not live in Northern Ireland and had in the past demonstrated the ability to travel without a passport.

A defence lawyer said he was surprised that the police were opposing bail.

He said police concerns that the defendant could interfere with witnesses were quite frankly, absurd.

He added: It is every bit as absurd as the objection on the basis of there being a risk of further offences.

On the issue of risk of flight, the lawyer said: He is as anchored to this island as anyone can possibly be.

The lawyer said his client had known for two weeks that he would be extradited to Northern Ireland but had continued to honour bail conditions in the Republic of Ireland.

District Judge Philip Mateer said he was satisfied there was a prima facie case against McCauley.

However, he said he was not satisfied that there was a legal justification to refuse bail.

McCauley will appear in court again on February 26th.

McCauley was initially arrested by gardai in the Republic of Ireland in August 2024 and had been on bail since an appearance at the High Court in Dublin on foot of the extradition warrant.
Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny has been crowned Best Family Friendly Hotel at the Virgin Media Gold Medal Awards for the second consecutive year.

The recognition highlights an ongoing commitment to providing exceptional family-friendly hospitality, ensuring that every guest  big or small  enjoys a truly memorable experience. The Gold Medal Awards, recognized as the apex of excellence in the Irish hospitality sector, acknowledges outstanding contributions and innovations in the industry.

The hotel says that winning the award for the second year in a row is a testament to the dedication of their incredible team, who go above and beyond to create a welcoming, fun, and safe environment for families. From the Jurassic Newpark adventure park and kids' club activities to the spacious family accommodations and warm Irish hospitality, we continue to innovate and enhance our offering to give families a stay to remember.

General Managers Niall Dunne and Mark Flynn expressed their gratitude, saying:"We are absolutely delighted to receive this award once again. Its an honour to be recognised for our dedication to family-friendly hospitality, and we couldnt have done it without our amazing team. We would like to extend our thanks to our wonderful guests for their continued support  we look forward to welcoming many more families in the years to come!"

"This achievement solidifies Newpark Hotels reputation as Irelands leading family-friendly destination, where unforgettable moments are made, and families return time and time again. Thank you to our guests and team for making this possible!"

For more visit newparkhotelkilkenny.com #NextStopNewparkHotel #NobodyDoesItLikeNewparkHotel

READ NEXT: REMEMBER WHEN THIS KILKENNY FAMILY WERE ON HOME OF THE YEAR
Brothers Daragh and Cian Hayes were jailed at Limerick Criminal Circuit Court this Thursday for viciously assaulting a man with a hurley and wrench.

It was over an "unfounded and totally erroneous" belief the victim was involved with Daragh Hayes's ex-partner.

The victim - Ciaran Ryan (pictured below) - suffered a number of injuries including a broken leg, fractured ribs, punctured lung and broken fingers during the beating. He spent over a week in hospital.

Judge Daly jailed Daragh Hayes, aged 37, of Ballyashea, Kildimo for three years with the final six months suspended for assault causing harm.

Production of an article capable of inflicting serious injury, namely a wrench, and a second count of producing an article, namely a hurley, were taken into consideration.

Cian Hayes, aged 34, of Ballyashea, Kildimo, was jailed for two and a half years with the final six months suspended for assault causing harm. Producing a wrench was taken into consideration by the judge.

There was no reaction from the Hayes brothers as they were led away by prison officers to commence their sentences. There were a number of family members in court including the brothers' parents who sat in the body of the court.

The offences occurred at Daragh Hayes home, located behind his parents home on the family farm, Ballyashea, Kildimo, on September 29, 2021.

Judge Colin Daly said it was premeditated and perfectly co-ordinated attack on Mr Ryan, pictured below at Limerick Criminal Circuit Court this Thursday.

"They launched a surprise attack on the false pretense of organising an upcoming wedding," said Judge Daly, who also spoke of the "vigilante-style" nature of the attack.

The State was represented by prosecuting barrister Lily Buckley, instructed by State solicitor Brendan Gill, and Detective Sergeant Michael Reidy.
Students from Kilkenny have made the shortlist for their production. Partnering with the Institute of Art, Design, and Technology, and hosted by RTEs Sinead Kennedy, the highly anticipated ceremony aims to inspire and celebrate the creativity of the next generation of cinematic visionaries.

The annual event honours the filmmaking achievements of Irish primary school students and their teachers across multiple categories, with the distinguished Film of the Year award taking centre stage.

Short movies about Anne Frank, Magic Homework, Irish folklore, Artificial Intelligence, and more are among the finalists for this years FIS Film Awards. In its 19th year, the event takes place at the Helix, Dublin on February 12, 2025.

READ MORE: ALERT: Expect delays on busy Kilkenny road

Awards are presented for student contributions in directing, acting, design, music, and a wide range of film genres, including comedy, drama, horror, science fiction and films in Irish among others.

Through the FIS Film Project, students are encouraged to develop their teamwork and collaboration skills, while also being provided with filmmaking tools and equipment to foster creativity and innovation in the safe environment of their school.

The finalist from Kilkenny comes from St. Patrick's School for 'Closing Date'.

The FIS Film Project aims to not only give young students across the country the chance to be creative and collaborate with their peers, but also helps teachers improve their students technological and communication skills from within the classroom in an enjoyable and engaging manner.

The 2025 event will be filmed, broadcast, and produced by third-level students from IADTs National Film School, offering them valuable professional experience in the industry to further develop their skills.

Speaking about this years finalists, Christina Reynolds, Creative Manager at the Institute of Art, Design & Technology said:

With so many entries and such a high level of talent involved this year, it was extremely difficult to choose our finalists. Its truly inspiring to witness the incredible creativity and innovation coming from young aspiring filmmakers who are guided by their teachers across the country.

"This years contest saw several entries that provided a creative twist on stories of historical significance. The awards highlight not just the talent of the students but also the power of collaboration and the role that technology and innovation play in shaping their storytelling.
This week the Dominican Order marks 800 years of ministry in Kilkenny. To acknowledge this significant milestone, Kilkenny-based Bishop of Ossory, Bishop Niall Coll, has released the following statement:

This week we honour the long and distinguished Dominican presence here in Kilkenny, and in doing so we call on the memory of St Dominic, born circa 1170AD in Spain, around whose witness, teaching and ministry the Dominican Order since developed over the centuries. The Dominicans, 'Order of Friars Preachers', the earliest sources say, were called to the work of 'preaching and the salvation of souls'.

I would like to underline that the Dominican charisms of preaching, of reaching out to people where they are, of deep scholarship of the bible, of philosophy and theology, are more important than ever today. Preachers, teachers, evangelisers, as Pope Francis constantly reminds us, are sorely needed to entreat and form the whole people of God anew to open our eyes to the beauty of Christ, to recognise the importance of the Gospel and the faith in Jesus Christ that it points to.

On behalf of the people, religious and clergy of the Diocese of Ossory, I congratulate the Dominican priests, brothers and lay members on 800 years of service to the people of Kilkenny. Your prayer, preaching and community service have been an inspiration over the centuries. Your promotion of personal and family prayer, especially the Rosary, has helped to enhance Mary, the Mother of God, as a living presence in the community.

Bishop Coll concluded: May the Lord continue to bless the Dominican friars here in the Black Abbey and all the faithful who worship with you. In this, the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope  when Catholics around the world are celebrating the faith  let us pray with added fervour, that lives committed to the work of preaching and the salvation of souls will endure here for many centuries to come.
COLUMBIA  Columbia Public Works issued 289 parking citations Tuesday.

The department has been ramping up parking enforcement in downtown Columbia since October, when Public Works regained control over parking enforcement after four years.

Public Works has issued nearly 2,500 tickets in the three months since it took over enforcement from the Columbia Police Department.

In the final year that Columbia police managed parking enforcement, the department issued nearly 4,000 citations.

TIMELINE: Columbia Public Works takes over parking enforcement Public Works has been ramping up parking enforcement in downtown Columbia since October when it took over parking enforcement from police.

That means Public Works is issuing between two and three times as many tickets as the Police Department did last year.

That rate could change. Columbia Public Works currently has two parking enforcement agents. Another agent will complete onboarding for Public Works next week, bringing the total number of agents to three.

Public Works intends to hire another agent as soon as possible, making a full parking enforcement staff of four agents.

The total dollar amount from citations issued since Oct. 1 comes out to nearly $39,000. Revenue collected from permits, meters and Park Mobile has amounted to over $1.2 million since Public Works took over enforcement.

Public Works spokesperson John Ogan said proper parking enforcement is necessary for a livable downtown.

"It allows people to come downtown and know that they can have a parking space more often," Ogan said. "It eliminates cruising so vehicles don't have to drive around looking for a free parking space, and that cuts down on traffic congestion and pollution  and it also makes for a more walkable downtown area."

A person can be issued a citation for every hour they are in violation, the city parking manager said.

About 100 of the citations Public Works has issued were warnings with no fees attached. In late December, enforcement agents began issuing citations with fines of $15.50.

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After a citation is issued, residents have 15 days to pay their ticket to the municipal courts. If the ticket is not paid, the courts will then issue a $31.50 court fee and a court date.

In that 15-day span, people can contest their ticket by filling out a parking ticket protest form. At that point, the form will go to the city prosecutor, and a decision will be made to either dismiss the ticket or schedule a court date. The person will be required to appear on the court date and time listed on the citation unless they pay the ticket before that date, according to the city website.

The city has nearly 1,700 parking spaces on downtown streets, 2,300 spaces in six garages, 535 spaces on six lots and 100 accessible parking spaces, according to previous KOMU 8 reporting. Nearly all street parking uses hourly meters, while garages and lots use hourly parking rates and permits.

Parking rates can vary between 60 cents and $1 per hour, and street meters are enforced 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Longtime Columbia resident Willy Maxwell is in favor of the increased parking enforcement.

"I'm pleased that it's slowly coming back, and they need some more people too," Maxwell said.

He said he has warned friends and family that enforcement is coming back.

"You're going to get nailed if you don't feed that thing," Maxwell said.

Katie Hertel has lived in Columbia since 2019 and has noticed the fluctuation in parking enforcement.

"It's definitely word around the street; I've definitely heard about the parking maids," Hertel said. "It's definitely been a change because I think for a while it was known that no one was going to be enforcing anything."

She said she was prone to skipping out on the meter if she was in town for only a short time.

"If I was here for under an hour, I'd probably try to go in and not worry about it," Hertel said.
First public photography museum slated for launch in May

By Park Han-sol

From the countrys first public photography museum to a floating museum on an island, a wave of new and revamped art institutions is slated to open across Korea this year.

The Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) is expanding its cultural footprint with the launch of two new venues: the Photography Seoul Museum of Art, opening in May in the citys Dobong District, and the Seo-Seoul Museum of Art, set to debut later in the year in Geumcheon District.

The Photography Seoul Museum of Art will be Koreas first public institution dedicated solely to the art and history of photography, with a collection of over 20,000 works and archival materials, while the Seo-Seoul Museum of Art will place its curatorial focus on media art.

Once inaugurated, these two venues will join SeMAs network of six other museums and art-centered spaces throughout the capital.

South Jeolla Provinces Sinan County, located in the southwest and made up of 1,025 islets, is pressing forward with its ambitious 144 billion won ($99.8 million) art initiative, aiming to establish a cultural museum or landmark on every major island. The project seeks to transform the district, which has a shrinking population of 38,000, into a vibrant tourist destination.

This year will see the scheduled opening of the Floating Museum on Anjwa Island, designed by Japanese postwar artist Yukinori Yanagi. Known for his celebrated Inujima Art Project, which revitalized the small Japanese island once driven by copper smelting and quarrying in Okayama Prefecture, Yanagi now brings his creative vision to Koreas shores.

The Sorol Art Museum in the eastern coastal city of Gangneung, Gangwon Province, which originally opened in February 2024, is set to welcome visitors in April under its rebranded name, Gangneung Museum of Art Sorol (tentative English title).

Designed by the New York-based architectural firm Meier Partners, the institution previously drew attention for hosting exhibitions featuring international art icons Lucio Fontana and Agnes Martin.

Its rebranding follows a transition in management from the Korean Research Institute of Contemporary Art to the Gangneung City government. Under the new leadership, the museum has announced its 2025 exhibition lineup, including solo shows of Korean abstractionist Kim Whanki and American painter Katherine Bernhardt.

Project delays

Some projects, however, are facing setbacks.

The construction of a museum in tribute to the late dansaekhwa (monochrome painting) master Park Seo-bo (1931-2023) has been marked by twists and turns. Originally slated for completion in the summer of 2024, the three-story Park Seo-bo Art Museum on Jeju Island has been put on hold.

Park Seung-ho, the artists son and chair of the Park Seo-bo Foundation, shared on Instagram that construction has been suspended due to soaring building material costs and a sharp decline in tourism on the island.

In the meantime, the nonprofit foundation is moving forward with the Park Seo-bo Museum Seoul, a smaller venue located next to Gizi in Seouls Yeonhui-dong  the site of the late painters studio-cum-residence.

The museum in Seoul will be the first dedicated to my father and is expected to be completed by year-end, the younger Park wrote.

The opening of Centre Pompidou Hanwha Seoul, the much-anticipated satellite branch of the iconic Parisian landmark, may also encounter delays.

The museum, located within 63 Square  more commonly known as the 63 Building  was initially scheduled to open in October 2025, with exhibitions showcasing the Pompidous collection, according to the Hanwha Foundation of Culture. However, construction only commenced at the end of last year, potentially pushing back the projects timeline.
A Samsung cellphone was found among the belongings of a North Korean soldier who was killed by Ukrainian forces while fighting alongside Russian troops, according to the Ukrainian military.

Ukraine's Special Operations Forces (SSO) said in a Facebook post Tuesday (local time) that they conducted a raid in Russia's western front-line region of Kursk, killing two North Korean soldiers.

Photos released by the SSO show that the captured items included a mobile phone that appears to be a Samsung 2G model based on its exterior design.

Other items included printed materials with Ukrainian phrases transliterated into Korean, such as "Drop your weapons" and "Take off your clothes," seemingly intended for use when capturing Ukrainian soldiers.

A passport from the Republic of Buryatia, a federal subject of Russia, was also discovered, along with a letter containing a New Year's message from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to deployed soldiers.

In the letter, Kim praised the soldiers for their efforts, saying, "Please never forget, even for a moment, that I am constantly wishing and praying for all of you to return safely and in good health."

During the raid, Ukrainian soldiers also captured military assets, including protective gear, military equipment, a DL-5 rangefinder, a 1PN139-1 thermal imaging sight, and an AK-12 assault rifle equipped with a 1P87 sight, according to the SSO. (Yonhap)
By KTimes

A new study revealed that the mental health of Korean millennials (born between 1981 and 1995) is significantly worse than that of both older generations and their global peers. Contributing factors include long working hours, rigid seniority-based promotion systems and limited career growth opportunities amid low birthrates and sluggish economic growth.

LG Business Research published a report titled "Warning Signs for the Mental Health of Korean Millennials" on Thursday, diagnosing a crisis in the mental well-being of millennials in their 30s and early 40s.

According to Deloittes workplace survey on millennials and members of Generation Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) globally, only 29 percent of Korean millennials rated their mental health as "good," compared to the global millennial average of 56 percent.

Another survey by the consulting firm Monitor in 2020 found that 49.6 percent of Korean workers in their 30s had experienced burnout due to stress, significantly higher than the 26.5 percent reported among workers in their 50s.

The report cited four major stressors affecting Korean millennials: fatigue from inefficient long working hours, frustration with seniority-based promotion systems, limited career advancement opportunities in a slow-growth economy and financial instability.

Job Korea, an employment website, identified excessive workloads as one of the leading causes of burnout among millennials. As of 2022, Korea's average annual working hours per employee stood at 1,901 hours, making it one of the longest among OECD member countries, following Colombia, Mexico, Costa Rica and Chile. Despite working these long hours, millennials often fail to receive recognition from older generations, who once worked over 2,200 hours per year without weekends or holidays.

The countrys rigid seniority-based salary and promotion system further exacerbates their frustration. Millennials, who place a high value on fairness, see significant wage gaps between junior and senior employees. According to the Korea Employers Federation, Korean workers with 30 years of service earn three times the salary of a first-year employee  far exceeding the 1.6 times in the U.K. and 2.3 times in Japan.

Deloittes survey also found that 65 percent of Korean millennials cited "lack of recognition and compensation for their work" as a major source of anxiety and stress at work, 12 percentage points higher than the global average of 53 percent.

The report warned that many Korean companies are struggling to provide younger employees with clear career growth opportunities. "The problem is that there are no clear solutions," the researchers noted, highlighting how most domestic firms are grappling with structural bottlenecks caused by an aging workforce and a highly specialized job market.

A Unico Search study showed that the executive promotion rate at Koreas top 100 companies declined from 0.95 percent in 2011 to 0.76 percent in 2021. Meanwhile, the average age of executives rose from 51.7 years in 2012 to 53.2 years in 2022, making it increasingly difficult for younger employees to advance.

Financial instability has also fueled millennial distress. Deloittes survey found that 40 percent of Korean millennials cited the cost of living as their top concern, but only 18 percent expected their financial situation to improve within a year.

Koreas skyrocketing real estate prices have further intensified the sense of economic despair. According to the Korea Real Estate Board, as of January, the average apartment price in Seoul stands at 1.05 billion won ($787,000). With the average monthly household income coming in at 5.02 million won, a millennial would need to save every penny for 17 years and six months to afford a home. Even if they saved 50 percent of their monthly income, it would still take 35 years  leading many to feel that homeownership is an unattainable dream.

The report warned that worsening mental health among millennials is not just a personal issue but also a major economic risk.

Between 2019 and 2021, depression rates surged among Korean millennials, coinciding with the peak of the real estate boom. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, men in their 30s saw the largest increase in diagnosed depression among all adult age groups. Alarmingly, the percentage of those who "seriously considered suicide" increased nearly sixfold.

LG Business Research emphasized that "mental health issues have a greater impact on workplace productivity than physical illnesses."

A Kings College London study also found that the costs of "presenteeism"  where employees physically show up to work but underperform due to emotional distress  far exceed those of absenteeism. In Korea, these costs were estimated to be over 10 times higher than those caused by physical illnesses.

The researchers concluded, "Addressing mental health issues proactively is crucial. Without intervention, the negative effects on productivity and workplace morale will only worsen."

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.


Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul expressed his deep sorrow Thursday after a U.S. jet carrying 64 people collided with an Army helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington.

"We're deeply saddened by the tragic accident at Reagan National Airport. Our hearts go out to everyone immediately impacted as we pray for some good news," Cho wrote in English on his account on X.

A regional jet collided with a military helicopter as it was nearing the runway at around 9 p.m. Wednesday (local time), prompting a major search-and-rescue operation in the nearby Potomac River, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The exact number of casualties remains unknown.

The Seoul government is working to obtain a passenger list, though it is not immediately clear whether any Korean nationals were aboard the aircraft. (Yonhap)




By Michael Hurt

Standing in the lobby of a Korean cinema in Vietnam in August 2018, I had a startling revelation. A group of fashionable, young Vietnamese were sitting pretty at the CGV in Danang, but they weren't there to watch movies. Instead, they were staging elaborate fashion shoots, lounging in carefully designed seating areas and treating the entire lobby like their personal photo studio. Here was a Korean movie theater chain being used in ways even Koreans hadn't imagined  transformed into a pure space of social performance and play. It was a powerful reminder that Korea's innovative approach to spatial design had not only gone global but was evolving in fascinating new ways.

That moment crystallized something I'd been observing for years: how thoroughly Korea had revolutionized the way people use public spaces, particularly through what I call "Instafication." To understand this phenomenon, you need only step into a trendy cafe in eastern Seoul's Seongsu-dong today, where you might wonder if you've entered a coffee shop, a photo studio or an art installation. The answer is all of the above. In one corner, a couple of students study quietly. Next to them, a full-on fashion photo shoot unfolds. Meanwhile, stylish others sip lattes while carefully documenting their experience for Instagram. This isn't chaos  it's Seoul's new normal.

The most popular of these Instagram-ready spaces are what Koreans call "hot places," and you can always spot them by their telltale signs: crowds of young people with phones ready, and most distinctively, clusters of automated selfie studios. You'll often find a dozen or more of these studios within a 500-meter radius of a hot place's center. These aren't mere photo booths but elaborate stages where young Koreans perform heavily curated identities and document different versions of themselves, with the actual photography equipment taking a back seat to meticulously designed sets and backdrops.

The proliferation of these spaces and how naturally Koreans use them tell us something important about urban life here. It's what led me to argue, at an academic conference in 2015, that Seoul's new public spaces function as "noriteo" (playgrounds). A prominent Korean sociologist strongly objected to me after the presentation, insisting that adults simply do not "play" in Korean society and that I had misapplied the Korean notion of play.

This struck me as particularly shortsighted, especially given what legendary street photographer Kim Ki-chan (and in my mind, a far better sociologist than that lettered one) had taught me about understanding Korean society. Kim had explained how Korean identity was fundamentally shaped by spatial structures  like the "golmok" (alley) where neighbors could smell what each other was cooking for dinner, hear what they bickered about and feel the rhythms of each other's daily lives. His insight was crucial: To understand Korean society, one must analyze how spaces structure social action and watch how people actually use them.

The sociologist who disagreed with me wasn't speaking from such careful observation or data, but from preconceived notions about Korean culture that ignored the reality on the ground. Having conducted ethnographic photographic research in Korea since 2002, I can say with certainty: he couldn't have been more mistaken. Seoul has always been a city of play, from its traditional markets where haggling was part performance art to the "PC bangs" (internet cafes) of the 1990s that revolutionized how people gathered and socialized.

When sociologist Ray Oldenburg coined the term "third space" in 1989 to describe cafes and pubs as social spots between home and work, he emphasized face-to-face conversation. But Seoul was already developing something different. Those PC bangs of the late 1990s created a space that stood between those of home and work, but that was also where physical and virtual worlds merged, showing that social spaces could function far differently from Western models  and by the way, was literally a place to play.

These PC bangs served the same community-building function as Oldenburg's Western cafes, but in a uniquely Korean way  creating spaces where digital interaction was the primary social currency. Today, this playful spirit has evolved into what I call "nth spaces"  environments where physical and digital realms merge seamlessly through the process of Instafication.

As sociologist Cho Myung-rae explained in 1999, Seoul's rapid transformation from a war-ravaged city to global metropolis  accomplished in just one generation  created something unique. Unlike Western cities that developed gradually over centuries, Seoul compressed multiple stages of development into just a few decades, requiring what Cho calls "flexible sociality"  a distinctly Korean ability to rapidly navigate between different modes of social behavior. A Seoulite might haggle over prices in a traditional market one moment, then step into a hypermodern cafe with fixed prices the next, seamlessly switching between completely different social codes.

This flexibility has reached new heights in today's hot places, where Instafied spaces that merge virtual and physical worlds cluster together to transform entire neighborhoods. The phenomenon goes far beyond cafes simply adding Instagram-worthy touches  a trend seen worldwide. Instead, entire spaces are being fundamentally reconceived around social media's logic and aesthetics.

The ultimate expression is found in pop-up stores dominating trendy areas like Seongsu-dong. A shampoo brand might create a nonfunctional shower setup perfect for photos, while a cosmetics company builds an entire fantasy bathroom solely for social media moments. The actual products, if any, are often tucked away in a corner while the majority of the space becomes a playground for digital performance.

Any sociologist worth their salt should be fascinated by how this playful flexibility enables the formation of vibrant communities that seamlessly span both physical and virtual realms. Today's Seoul has evolved into something entirely new: a vast network of stages where consumption, creativity and play don't just coexist but amplify each other in ways that create entirely new forms of social connection.

Dr. Michael W. Hurt (@seoulstreetstudios on Instagram) is a photographer and professor at the Korea National University of the Arts living in Seoul since 2002. He received his doctorate from UC Berkeley's Department of Ethnic Studies and started Korea's first street fashion blog in 2006. He researches youth, subcultures and street fashion while lecturing on cultural theory at K-Arts. His work has taken him from university classrooms to consulting for tech giants like Google and Meta, and his photography has documented everything from street fashion to queer subcultures. Michael is the author of "The Seoul Fashion Report" (2009), the first book on Korean street fashion, and is currently working on "The Aesthetic Empire," a book that examines the evolution of Korean digital aesthetics.


The Navy's new MH-60R Seahawk helicopters will begin to arrive in South Korea next month, officials said Thursday, as part of efforts to better counter threats posed by North Korean submarines.

In 2020, defense authorities approved a 960 billion-won ($667.6 million) project to purchase 12 Seahawks from U.S. defense giant Lockheed Martin to strengthen the Navy's anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capabilities.

Of the 12 helicopters to be introduced, the first chopper is set to arrive in the country in February, with the rest expected to be delivered in phases by the end of the year, an official at the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said.

The Seahawks are expected to enter operations next year after undergoing field tests and other pre-deployment procedures, according to a Navy official.

Equipped with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, Mark 54 lightweight torpedoes, and a dipping sonar system, the Seahawks will work alongside the Navy's P-8A maritime patrol aircraft, reinforcing surveillance and defense against North Korean submarine threats.

The Seahawks are also expected to enhance the Navy's operational capabilities as they offer longer flight endurance compared with the Lynx and AW159 Wildcat choppers currently in service, according to DAPA.

North Korea is estimated to be operating a fleet of some 70 submarines, many of which are small and older models, according to South Korean officials.

Pyongyang has recently focused on advancing its submarine capabilities, unveiling what it claimed to be a tactical nuclear attack submarine in 2023. (Yonhap)
The Navy said Thursday it will dispatch the 4,900-ton landing ship Nojeokbong to an international fleet review ceremony in Indonesia next month.

The event, set to take place at Benoa Harbor from Feb. 15-22, will feature participation from approximately 30 countries.

A maritime parade will include around 30 warships from over 10 nations, including Korea, the United States, Japan and Australia, according to the Navy.

It will mark the first time the Navy has sent a warship to an international fleet review in Indonesia since its last deployment in 2015. (Yonhap)
President to face simultaneous trials in impeachment, criminal cases

By Anna J. Park

President Yoon Suk Yeol spent his third Lunar New Year holiday in office at the Seoul Detention Center, marking the first time in Koreas constitutional history that a sitting president has spent the holiday in detention.

According to Yoon's defense team, the president spent the final day of the holiday at the center, where his legal counsel visited him to discuss strategies for the upcoming trials.

Having been indicted by the prosecution on Tuesday for charges of leading an insurrection with his short-lived martial law imposition, Yoon could face trial and stay at the detention center for up to six months. His legal team plans to request bail after the holiday.

If granted, the president will be released upon paying bail; if denied, he will remain in custody throughout the trial, which is expected to last for up to six months.

Following the Lunar New Year holiday, trial proceedings for Yoon are expected to intensify.

In addition to the ongoing impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court, the Seoul Central District Court is expected to officially assign the criminal case against Yoon  charged with being the ringleader of an insurrection  to a court panel as early as Friday.

The Constitutional Court is scheduled to hold its fifth oral argument on the impeachment case on Feb. 4 at 2 p.m., 12 days after the fourth hearing on Jan. 23. For the sixth to eighth hearings, set for Feb. 6, 11 and 13, the court plans to hold full-day sessions starting at 10 a.m.

If both impeachment and criminal trials proceed simultaneously, Yoon may be required to attend hearings three times a week, traveling between the Constitutional Court and the Seoul Central District Court.

Meanwhile, presidential chief of staff Chung Jin-suk, along with key former and current presidential secretaries, are coordinating their visits to Yoon in the near future.

Their visits have become possible, as the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials lifted the restriction on nonlawyer visits to Yoon on Jan. 24, allowing general public visits after the Lunar New Year holiday.

A senior official from the presidential office said, "We believe its our duty to pay a visit to the president."

Key ruling party lawmakers, including ruling People Power Party floor leader Rep. Kweon Seong-dong and Rep. Yoon Sang-hyun, are also coordinating schedules for visiting Yoon sometime next week.

"Considering that the president is in a difficult situation, it is the right move to fulfill our duty as human beings," Kweon said on Thursday.

However, given that public visits are limited to only one per day, the specific timing and details of the politicians' visits remain undecided.

First lady Kim Keon Hee has reportedly remained at the presidential residence in central Seoul's Hannam-dong since the debacle began with Yoon's declaration of martial law on Dec. 3.
By KTimes

A female temple member has been fined for stalking and threatening a head monk after he ended their romantic relationship.

The Seoul Central District Courts Criminal Division 18, under Judge Lee Jun-gu, imposed a 5 million won ($3,740) fine on the woman and ordered her to complete 40 hours of a stalking treatment program. She was found guilty of violating the Act on Punishment of Crime of Stalking, as well as charges of assault and threats.

The woman, a temple member, had been in a romantic relationship with the head monk since May 2019. However, the monk decided to end the relationship, explaining that, as a monk, he could not engage in romantic affairs. The woman, refusing to accept this, began stalking and threatening him.

According to the investigation, she called the monk 26 times from June 2023 and visited his temple, demanding to meet. She also caused disturbances at the temple, including an incident where she interrupted a tea gathering with other members, shouting, "This man is my man," and threw a ceramic teacup. She also threatened the monk, saying she would report their relationship to the temple authorities if he did not comply with her demands.

During the trial, the woman argued that she and the monk had been in a relationship and that her actions were simply a response to his failure to fulfill a prayer request after receiving a large donation. She claimed she was merely informing him that she would report him to the religious order. She claimed her statements were not meant as a threat.

The court rejected her claims, stating, "The victim's testimony is consistent and detailed, making it credible." The judge further explained, "Given that the monk could realistically lose his credentials due to the complaint, it is clear that the victim perceived her statements as a threat."

The court acknowledged that the woman had donated over 120 million won to the temple but ruled that her threats were unrelated to financial matters. The judge concluded, "Considering she explicitly said she would report their relationship to the temple, her intent to threaten is evident."

However, the court took into account that she had admitted to some of her actions and shown remorse, which was reflected in the sentencing.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.
By Lee Hae-rin

Ryu Hyuk, former inspector general of the Ministry of Justice, was having what he described as an "exceedingly tranquil day on the evening of Dec. 3, 2024.

After having dinner with his eldest child, he went to bed at around 10 p.m. But just 27 minutes later, his child woke him up to announce that President Yoon Suk Yeol had declared martial law.

Martial law? In this day and age? Ryu thought.

He could hardly believe what he was seeing as he turned on the TV and checked the news online. A few minutes later, he was driving to attend an emergency meeting at the justice ministry.

During the half-hour drive to the Government Complex Gwacheon, Ryu couldn't stop thinking about what was unfolding. When he arrived and Justice Minister Park Sung-jae confirmed that the meeting was about the martial law declaration, Ryu immediately walked out of the room.

"In following an order born from illegal martial law, I would be no different from a guard at Auschwitz's gas chamber, to give an extreme example," he said in a recent interview with local media. "I just didnt think it was right for me to be there at that meeting."

The following morning, he tendered his resignation.

This act of defiance mirrors the findings of Emily Caspar's book, "Just Following Orders." Caspar, who draws on the Milgram experiment and cognitive neuroscience, explores the psychological mechanisms that drive obedience, even when it demands harming others. Her research highlights how the brain's guilt response diminishes when individuals act under orders, particularly those in intermediary positions.

Yoons martial law declaration has led to months of political chaos and an ongoing leadership vacuum. In the aftermath, several high-ranking military and police officials have been arrested. Many of them said that they were simply "following orders" from their superiors, including figures like Yeo In-hyung, former chief of the Defense Counterintelligence Command.

But others chose to defy orders from higher up they deemed immoral and unlawful.

Some soldiers from a key investigative unit of the martial law forces refused to enter the National Election Commission (NEC). Instead, they showed passive resistance, opting to eat instant noodles at a nearby convenience store despite pressure to comply. The soldiers had been ordered to enter the NEC to secure the main server containing election information, a move they believed to be illegal.

Caspar's work emphasizes the importance of understanding the psychological drivers of obedience to break the cycle of violence. By fostering empathy and moral courage, both individually and within organizational structures, people can create a society where individuals are empowered to question and resist unjust orders, according to Caspar, who teaches at Ghent University in Belgium.

The events in Korea serve as a poignant reminder that true leadership demands moral responsibility and the courage to defy unlawful authority, even in the face of immense pressure.

Disobedience to authority

In the book, Caspar sheds light on what goes on inside the human brain when obeying terrible commands.

Caspar revisits the Milgram experiment and combines it with cognitive neuroscience to examine what happens inside the minds of perpetrators when they obey orders that harm others.

The 1961 study by American psychologist Stanley Milgram showed that ordinary people can do terrible things when ordered by an authority, even if it goes against their conscience.

According to Caspar's research, the brain activity associated with guilt diminishes when people carry out harmful actions under orders from others. Interestingly, those in mid-level positions of authority tend to be the least repulsed by cruel actions, such as violence or slaughter.

A case in point is Yeo, the former chief of the Defense Counterintelligence Command, who orchestrated operations to deploy military and police forces to the National Assembly and the National Election Commission.

Evidence suggests that he was involved in issuing orders for the immediate arrests of National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik and key political leaders as the legislative body was preparing to vote on lifting martial law.

Around 685 martial law troops stormed the National Assembly that night, attempting to break into the main hall. They smashed windows and used physical force in an attempt to gain entry.

Regardless of whether it is right or wrong, I believe soldiers should follow orders in times of crisis, Yeo told an inquiry panel of lawmakers. I was following orders as a commanding officer.

What traits define a person who chooses to resist unreasonable orders?

The book suggests that such individuals often have a stronger sense of empathy. They are more likely to feel responsible for the harm that could result from following orders and are willing to take greater risks to prevent it.

In one experiment, participants were more likely to disobey violent commands when they were injected with oxytocin and when the frontal cortex  an area associated with empathy  was stimulated. Furthermore, the more authoritarian and hierarchical an organization was, the higher the rate of defiance among its members.

However, the neuroscientist cautions against labeling those who obey orders and commit violence as simply evil or monstrous. She argues that demonizing individuals in this way can overshadow the political and historical context that may have influenced their involvement in violence.

In order to break the cycle of violence through obedience, the author highlights the need to first understand the mechanisms of obedience and come up with an intervention plan to encourage empathy and moral courage structurally.
Authorities retrieved black boxes Thursday from an Air Busan passenger plane that caught fire at a Korean airport earlier this week, as they sought safety measures in the run-up to launching an investigation, the land ministry said.

On Tuesday, the Airbus plane operated by budget carrier Air Busan and bound for Hong Kong caught fire at Gimhae International Airport in the country's southern city of Busan before takeoff. All 176 people on board were safely evacuated using escape slides, though seven suffered minor injuries.

The cause of the blaze is not yet known, though some raised the possibility of the fire having been caused by a portable battery or other items stored in an overhead bin.

The Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board under the ministry held a meeting with local police, firefighting agencies and the National Forensic Service, Thursday, to discuss how to ensure safety in conducting a joint probe, as 35,000 pounds of fuel was stored in the wings of the plane.

They are expected to decide on detailed plans for the investigation after visiting the scene to check relevant circumstances and safety measures later in the day.

"If the plane catches fire again over the course of a probe, it could explode," an official said. "We will decide whether to defuel the plane, though it seems challenging because the fuselage was damaged."

Later in the day, a French team of investigators will arrive at the airport to take part in the investigation, as a rule by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) calls for the participation of a nation that manufactures an affected plane in a probe.

Investigators retrieved black boxes from the jet earlier in the day, according to officials.

Some passengers told Yonhap News Agency that they spotted a flame in an overhead bin in the plane's rear left, which came along with crackling sounds and smoke.

"We will keep all possibilities open to find the exact cause of the fire," a ministry official said.

In December, a fire broke out at an Air Busan plane before takeoff, which was caused by a portable battery held by a passenger.

As similar incidents have been reported recently, calls have grown for tougher rules on carry-on luggage acceptance.

Investigators plan to review relevant regulations and the air carrier's potential responsibility regarding the implementation of safety rules and the handling of the incident, as well as the possibility of terrorism despite no signs of terrorist involvement having been detected so far, according to officials.

The incident took place less than a month after a Jeju Air passenger plane crashed at Muan International Airport, killing all but two of the 181 people on board. It was the worst aviation disaster on Korean soil. (Yonhap)
Witnesses say they heard crackling sound; portable battery suspected as cause

By Jung Min-ho

Concerns have been raised about the safety risk of bringing portable batteries in carry-on luggage for flights, as a lithium-ion battery is suspected as the cause of the fire that destroyed Air Busans passenger plane on Tuesday night.

According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Thursday, officials retrieved black boxes from the plane that caught fire at Gimhae International Airport in Busan as they prepared to formally launch a joint investigation with police and fire authorities.

The fire broke out while the airliner was preparing to take off. All 176 people on board  169 passengers and seven crewmembers  escaped successfully, with seven sustaining minor injuries.

Witnesses said they heard a crackling sound  something like an electronic device burning  before smoke originating from a rear overhead bin began to fill the cabin, which prompted an urgent evacuation through inflatable slides.

While there are still multiple potential causes for the fire, such as a short circuit in the aircraft, suspicions grow that a portable battery may be the cause.

Just seven weeks ago, the airline had a similar incident. A fire, triggered by a portable battery problem, prompted flight attendants to use fire extinguishers to put it out.

At least two other battery-caused fire incidents occurred in Korea in 2024  in an Eastar Jet plane in July and aboard an Asiana Airlines flight in April.

Rules on spare batteries vary by airline, but most companies allow batteries in carry-on bags. In the case of Air Busan, passengers can carry up to two lithium-ion batteries not exceeding a watt-hour rating of 160Wh or 8g of lithium content.

Aviation experts say even if the cause of the fire is proven to be a battery, it will be difficult for the carrier to hold the passenger who brought it accountable, because there are no rules against batteries inside the cabin.

Tuesday's incident came about a month after a Jeju Air plane crashed at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province, which killed all but two of the 181 people on board.

The plane that caught fire was a 17-year-old Airbus A321-200 built in 2007. It had been operated by Air Busans parent company, Asiana Airlines, until it was handed over to the budget carrier in May 2017, according to transport ministry records.

The incident could have been much worse. The plane, bound for Hong Kong, was originally scheduled to take off at 9:55 p.m., but its departure was delayed by about 20 minutes. Then the fire was spotted at 10:15 p.m., just before takeoff.

The fire could have caused a major explosion as the plane was carrying some 35,000 pounds of aviation fuel. But after the evacuation of all passengers and crew at 10:36 p.m., firefighters successfully prevented the fire from spreading to the wings, where the fuel was stored, and fully extinguished it by 11:31 p.m.

Twenty-two foreign nationals were among the passengers  18 Chinese, two Americans, one British and one Filipino. Many of the Koreans were families traveling for the Lunar New Year holiday.

At a meeting held Thursday, representatives of the transport ministry, police and firefighters discussed detailed plans for investigation after visiting the scene to examine the plane, such as how to defuel it for a safe inspection.

If the plane catches fire again over the course of a probe, it could explode, an official said. "We would decide whether to defuel the plane (for investigation)  But it seems challenging because the fuselage was damaged.

A team of investigators from France, where Airbus headquarters is located, also arrived at the scene later that day to join the fact-finding effort, as the International Civil Aviation Organizations rule requires the participation of the nation that manufactured an affected plane in a probe.

We will keep all possibilities open to find the exact cause of the fire, a ministry official said.
By KTimes

Passengers remain at odds with Air Busan over the appropriateness of the initial response to a fire aboard an Air Busan aircraft before taking off from Gimhae International Airport in Busan, Tuesday. Some passengers claim that after the fire broke out, flight attendants failed to make an announcement, forcing them to open the emergency exits themselves.

However, Air Busan asserts that its crew followed fire response protocols and carried out the emergency evacuation promptly under the captains direction.

The primary concern raised by passengers was the lack of a general announcement regarding the fire. They say that the crew should have immediately informed all passengers of the fire and provided instructions on whether and how to evacuate.

Some also expressed frustration that the evacuation procedures were not relayed quickly enough.

Air Busan contends that the situation was too urgent for an announcement. The airline explained that a crew member spotted the fire in the overhead compartment near the rear left side of the cabin and reported it immediately to the captain.

The airline says that multiple actions were occurring simultaneously, and ensuring a rapid assessment and evacuation decision was prioritized over making a general announcement.

Some passengers described the situation as chaotic, criticizing the crews response to the fire as inadequate. One passenger recounted attempting to open the overhead bin and use a fire extinguisher but was stopped by the crew. As smoke spread, panic ensued in the cabin.

Air Busan maintains that its actions were aimed at ensuring passenger safety. The airline explained that opening the overhead bin without assessing the situation could have intensified the fire by allowing more oxygen to fuel the flames.

An Air Busan official said, Opening the compartment could have caused the fire to spread rapidly due to increased oxygen supply.

Flight attendants attempted to extinguish the fire using onboard fire extinguishers, but embers had already spread outside of the compartment. Given the escalating danger, the captain decided that emergency evacuation was necessary.

According to Air Busan, Upon receiving the fire report, the captain shut down the hydraulic and fuel systems before declaring an emergency evacuation.

Dispute over nature of emergency evacuation

Passengers and the airline also have differing accounts of the evacuation process. Some passengers argue that one passenger took the initiative to open an emergency exit on the side opposite the fire, enabling their escape. They believe the crew's delayed response forced them to evacuate on their own.

Air Busan refutes this claim, stating that the emergency exit procedure was conducted in accordance with the captains declaration of an emergency evacuation.

The airline said that the passenger who opened the exit was fulfilling the role of an evacuation assistant.

"Passengers seated in the emergency exit row must agree to serve as evacuation assistants," an Air Busan official said. "Once the captain declares an emergency evacuation, those seated at the emergency exit are responsible for assessing the external situation, opening the exit and ensuring the evacuation slide deploys properly."

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.
By Kim Ae-ran

There was a time in which hope was not seen in my life. Hope was hidden because of negative expressions. Discouraging comments and evaluations seemed to take away hope in my heart, but I was not discouraged at all because I had faith. I was calm and peaceful. I was able to be grateful for what I am. Reflecting on the situation, I realized that hope comes from faith. Hope doesnt come from me. Hope comes from faith.

Courageous people witness that hope comes from faith. As pilgrims of hope, we are going on our journey toward faith, truth, joy and eternal life. We are essentially hopeful human beings. We are called to be human beings of hope.

Hoffnungsmensch (Homo Sperans), written by Steffen Kern, German pastor, journalist and author, was published in 2023, and its Korean translation was recently published by Pauline in 2025. With inspiring episodes and stories of hope, it invites us to reflect on hope in our daily lives and to begin again.

Kern invites us to look at the world: Over 7 million people passed away due to the coronavirus. Over 80 million refugees were displaced around the world. So many cases of sexual abuse by priests, gender issues, forest fires, wars in several countries and serious political confrontations continue to disturb us. In line with these gloomy and dark situations, global climate change is progressing day by day as if to warn the end of the world. Various crises befall us day in and day out.

Facing all these struggling realities, some people keep asking such questions: Is heaven valid? Where is the Kingdom of Hope? Will heaven come to an end? Do we still have hope? Is God alive? Can the churches keep the promise of God? Can we begin again?

Despite all the uncertain situations, Kern firmly believes that world history is not a history of downfall but a history of God and salvation. Therefore, it is a history of hope.

Surely, hope comes from faith. Hope always inspires us to move forward and do something for a better future. Hope lets us expect something and leads us to go beyond the limitations. Hope motivates us and enlightens the power of life. Hope inspires us to trust in the providence of God and rely on the possibility of God.

With hope, we are willing to do something possible, hopeful and positive. A hopeful person is not self-centered, but he looks at others and listens to them. A hopeful person recognizes and accepts. A hopeful person sees the world with different eyes because he lives with a broad horizon.

A hopeful person has both feet on the ground.

"He has a piece of heaven in his heart.

"He is on the ground and in heaven at the same time.

All these inspiring stories of hope remind me of LHomme qui Marche 1 (life-size walking man) made in 1960 by Swiss sculptor Alberto Giacometti (1901-66). Like this walking man, we are constantly walking with hope. Going beyond all the ups and downs, we walk in hope, with hope and for hope. We walk on and on with joy and gratitude.

Affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us." (Romans 5:3-5)

Kim Ae-ran is a member of the Daughters of St. Paul (Figlie di San Paolo), living the Good News and proclaiming it with various means of social communication.
Addressing uncertainty of US-North Korea ties, policy ambiguity

The United States and North Korea are once again engaged in a delicate tug of war, each maneuvering to maintain the upper hand as they approach potential negotiations over the Norths nuclear program. At the heart of this struggle is the growing uncertainty surrounding the future of the Korean Peninsula. As the U.S. seeks shifting policies under President Donald Trump, the prospects of a summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un loom large. However, the mixed signals coming from Washington raise questions about the future direction of American diplomacy and its implications for regional stability.

A White House official recently emphasized that the Trump administration remains committed to the complete denuclearization of North Korea. This statement, made by National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes, stands in contrast to some of Trumps previous comments, which included referring to North Korea as a nuclear power. This inconsistency in messaging has led to confusion about whether the U.S. is indeed pushing for complete denuclearization, or if it is shifting its focus toward a more pragmatic approach, such as arms reduction or a nuclear freeze. Trumps apparent willingness to engage Kim in another summit has only added to the ambiguity, suggesting that diplomacy might be prioritized over punitive measures.

The uncertainty surrounding U.S. policy is not limited to North Korea. The recent foreign ministers meeting between the U.S., Japan, Australia and India (the Quad) notably omitted any mention of Pyongyang's denuclearization. This omission could indicate a potential shift in the security priorities of these nations, particularly the U.S. This shift, if it materializes, could focus more on managing North Koreas nuclear capabilities through arms control agreements rather than pursuing the lofty goal of complete denuclearization.

Such a policy shift could dramatically alter the security dynamics of the Korean Peninsula. If the Trump administration moves toward arms reduction or nuclear freeze talks, it may signal a shift away from the all-or-nothing approach of complete denuclearization. While such an approach may be seen as more realistic, it also carries significant risks, as it could embolden North Korea to continue its nuclear ambitions while offering little in terms of concrete concessions.

At the same time, the U.S. is also questioning its military presence in East Asia. Vice President JD Vances comments about reducing the number of U.S. troops stationed overseas, including the 28,500 personnel stationed in South Korea, have stoked fears that the Trump administration may cut back on its military commitments in the region. This would not only reduce Americas ability to deter North Korean aggression and keep China in check but also increase South Koreas security burden. Such a reduction in U.S. military presence could lead to further instability in a region already grappling with rising tensions and shifting alliances.

North Korea, for its part, is keenly aware of the changing dynamics. Following a long hiatus after Trumps inauguration, North Korea recently test-fired tactical cruise missiles, signaling its readiness to resume its provocations. Kim Jong-uns comments following the missile tests emphasized the importance of war deterrence, suggesting that North Korea is preparing for future negotiations, but also engaging in a war of nerves. Kims rhetoric reflects an ongoing strategy of bolstering North Koreas position on the global stage while avoiding any immediate concessions to the U.S.

For South Korea, the evolving situation presents a host of challenges. The country is facing political instability at home, with the ongoing impeachment controversy surrounding President Yoon Suk Yeol, which has left the nations leadership in flux. This internal instability only complicates South Koreas ability to respond to the shifting U.S. policies and regional security challenges. South Korea must work to ensure that its interests are not sidelined in the broader context of U.S.-North Korea negotiations. It is critical that Seoul remains actively engaged in shaping the diplomatic narrative and in advocating for policies that prioritize regional stability and security.

The current state of U.S.-North Korea relations is fraught with uncertainty. The Trump administrations mixed signals on denuclearization and its potential shift in security priorities could have profound implications for the future of the Korean Peninsula. In this context, South Korea must adopt a more proactive diplomatic stance, ensuring that its concerns are heard in Washington and that its security is not compromised in the negotiations. With the region on the edge of significant change, it is essential that all parties involved exercise caution, engage in constructive diplomacy and prioritize long-term peace and stability over short-term gains.
By Mark Peterson

Ive had an epiphany. This one is about Korean printing technology. The basic question is: Why, if the Gutenberg press spawned the Renaissance and then the Enlightenment and the end of feudalism in Europe, did not the same thing happen in Korea 200 years ahead of Gutenberg when Korea developed its own metal movable type?

Korea likes to display its pride over developing metal movable type printing and book distribution, but where were the consequential developments like those in Europe? The answer is  and this is my epiphany  the printing revolution and its attending developments were already happening in Korea ahead of metal movable type. The revolution is Korea had started with wood block printing. Metal movable type was one step in an ongoing renaissance.

It was wood block printing that created the renaissance in Korea, not 200 years ahead of Gutenberg, but 400 or 500 years ahead. It was on the heels of wood block printing, whereby large numbers of books could be printed and shared with schools all across the country. Korea was mass-producing books while Europe was still copying books by hand.

European schools and monasteries slowly spread religious scholarship, the only kind of scholarship there was, through reading of hand-copied manuscripts  manos = hand, script = writing.

Korea had some wood block printing as early as the mid-eighth century, but the exa les we know were of prayer scrolls, not any of the classic texts. But eventually, the wood block technology spread to e printing of the Confucian classics and the Buddhist scriptures. Like the West, early texts were all religious in nature.

The key factor was the emergence of secular education aimed at providing passage of the state exams that were entry to government positions. This was an extremely important development because it marked the departure from feudalism and the growth of a civilian-controlled, centralized government. No longer were political entities located in regional parts of the country maintained by a fighting force of knights or samurai. The elite of the country became scholars, not soldiers, those who could pass the state exam.

And like the renaissance in Europe, the renaissance in Korea was a product of studying the classics  in Europe, it was texts in Latin (Gutenberg did not print his Bible in German, but rather in Latin), and in Korea, it was texts in Chinese  the classics. Printing of books created the renaissance in Europe which led to wider-spread literacy, more prosperity and the death of feudalism. In Korea, the same thing happened, but hundreds of years earlier that in Europe.

Korea, by the time of the invention of movable metal type, had already blossomed into its renaissance, with its growth in literacy and education, had begun to prosper and, with the early development of a centralized state, had left feudalism behind.

It was in that atmosphere in the 13th century, that Korea started printing books with movable type. But the movable-type printing in Korea did not replace hand-copying of texts  that had already taken place by use of wood block printing about 200 years earlier. Metal movable type was merely a modified form of wood block printing. Korea didnt need a revolutionary new technology like Gutenbergs  it already had it.

The metal movable type developed in Korea was laid out in a wood block, basically. It was wood block printing with a new wrinkle  replaceable type fonts. This fact explains one other mystery  why Korea continued to use wood block printing after movable type printing was invented. Indeed, metal movable type was being developed at exactly the same time that Korea was creating its world-class 80,000 wood block collection for printing the entire Buddhist canon  now housed at Haein Temple near Daegu.

The massive effort to carve wood blocks for the Buddhist scripture could be used again and again, to print new books years, centuries after the first edition. Whereas movable type was reset and lost  yes, the paper copy would survive, but on the other hand, the ability to print again, and again, and again, off of the same wood blocks was of resounding importance.

In fact, in the Confucian realm, the collected essays of great scholars were ordered by the court to be printed on wood blocks so that they, too, could serve to reprint later on demand. And every shrine complex dedicated to a great scholar had a building to house the wood blocks. You can still see them at every seowon (private Confucian academy) in Korea today. To make a print run of paperback copies with movable type was seen as a temporary and short-sighted venture. Significant books were printed on wood blocks and they continued to be carved until the dawn of the 20th century.

So, why didnt movable type create a Gutenberg-style renaissance and revolution in Korea? The answer is that Korea had already done that  Been there, done that. Korea had widespread education (admittedly not universal, but among the upper class), and had already left feudalism behind in favor of a civil, central government that recruited officers through a written exam  all this, centuries ahead of Europe. Movable type printing was not the start of the renaissance, but a part of the wood block revolution that had already created the Korean renaissance. That was my epiphany.

Mark Peterson (markpeterson@byu.edu) is a professor emeritus of Korean, Asian and Near Eastern languages at Brigham Young University in Utah.
By Daniel Shin

Entrepreneurs can help challenge inequality. We ought to provide access to resources and education and create platforms for learning and collaboration. Social entrepreneurship is all about creating economic opportunities and promoting sustainable business practices, not one-off projects, by prioritizing long-term social and environmental impact.

There must be more socially conscious entrepreneurs who can drive policy entrepreneurship. System-level changes must be done with the power of social entrepreneurship, especially in the underprivileged communities of the Global South. It shall be much effectively done by educating and co-designing with the most vulnerable in those communities to ensure solutions are most effective.

Seventy-seven percent of the worlds population is in poverty. They are at the bottom of the social pyramid. Entrepreneurship can make a difference. An old friend of mine, an Indian entrepreneur who I got to know in Silicon Valley has such an inspiring story.

His background is deeply rooted in Dalit, a term used for untouchables and outcasts who represented the lowest stratum of the castes in the Indian subcontinent. Many Dalits work as casual day laborers in small factories, quarries, brick kilns or on construction sites, as cycle rickshaw drivers or in petty trade. My friend was nobody and a modern-day slave.

This poor Indian friend gained simple technical skills from a local education center organized by Methodist missionaries. He got a small part-time job at a tiny information technology service company in Dharavi, a poor neighborhood in Mumbai, as a data administrator after he was able to take this course. He earned small petty cash to buy a one-way ticket to California.

After he moved to California, he got a job at a small startup company founded by Indian immigrants. He lived almost 40 miles away from his office. He had no money to buy a car, so he had to commute by bike for a year, spending a few hours back and forth. Later, this company was sold at a small profit and my friend made handsome money from his stock options. It was not huge, but big enough for him to afford an old secondhand Chevy.

He then got another job with a slightly increased salary. One day, he met an Indian gentleman at The IndUS Entrepreneurs (TiE), a nonprofit organization nurturing the next generation of Indian entrepreneurs. This gentleman gave my friend a small grant, which later became seed money to start his own cybersecurity service company. His company later raised investments from venture capital firms and was sold to another big internet security company for $1 billion.

Now, he does what he loves to do and also pays things forward with gratitude to nurture the next generation of Indian innovators. This transformative experience happened in less than 10 years. He could have been nobody special. But now, he is somebody very important.

All I want to say is the power of education. If he didnt take this education opportunity at a local community center or if he didnt invest all he had to fly over to California or if he didnt take an entrepreneurial endeavor by himself, he could have never become someone no one thought he would be now. This is a truly life-transforming story.

We dont need a fancy degree from a prestigious college to become an entrepreneur. What we need is the kind of education that simultaneously improves the quality of life both of individuals and the wider society. Combining technology and entrepreneurship, or technopreneurship for short, is important for economic growth, social development and competitive advantage.

To create grassroots change in underprivileged communities, policymakers and social entrepreneurs have to create a relevant entrepreneurship education experience for underserved youth. We need more social catalysts who are passionate about scaling the impact and improving the outcomes with their own social ventures. Education can be a launching pad for that.

L'Ecole 42, a free programming school network founded by Xavier Niel, a self-made French billionaire in the telecommunication industry, is considered an international benchmark for training in digital skills.

L'Ecole 42 serves its mission in 42 nations worldwide. Studies are free. There are no academic exams, no preparatory path, no diploma required and no upper age limit. I am very inspired by this story and want to do the same to grow METES, an educational social venture domiciled in Wales. It will nurture the next generation of changemakers, envisioning to grow this community at a global scale like L'Ecole 42.

Socioeconomic equity is a complex concept. We need to build capacities to better understand and meet the physical, social and emotional needs of underprivileged communities. By creating a highly esteemed community-based learning experience, more people can form a strategy and create tactical movement opportunities to incentivize participation in new industries for groups that were disproportionately impacted by existing policy measures.

It is a long way to go, but with the like-minded makers, this journey would be much easier. By bridging between knowledge and experience and between entrepreneurship and innovation, social entrepreneurs can effectively mobilize resources and develop their ideas into tangible actions while they are associated with a community-based learning experience.

Entrepreneurship education needs an extreme makeover to recruit and educate changemakers from all walks of life. We hope to see a great legacy building upon our history, quality of cohort and their global impact. We need to find a way to make more people effectively serve, engage and empower future changemakers who can grow their business and become policy entrepreneurs at some point in their life.

Daniel Shin is a venture capitalist and senior luxury fashion executive, overseeing corporate development at MCM, a German luxury brand. He also teaches at Korea University.
Lutnick expresses stronger protectionism over US trades

By Ko Dong-hwan

The United States' secretary of commerce nominee has cast uncertainty over the U.S. governments promised subsidies to Korean semiconductor makers, as he called for a review of the program in line with the Donald Trump administration's skepticism about it.

Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, Korea's two main chipmakers, are paying keen attention to whether the subsidies promised by the previous Joe Biden government for their U.S. investment would be delayed or, in the worst-case scenario, canceled.

Howard Lutnick, Trumps pick to head the Department of Commerce, made relevant remarks during the Senate Commerce Committee's confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday (local time). They were part of his bigger agenda on boosting market competitiveness for made-in-America goods by slapping more disadvantageous conditions on imports, such as heavier tariffs.

Earlier, the Biden administration introduced the CHIPS and Science Act to attract more global semiconductor companies to build manufacturing plants in the U.S. by offering subsidies to them.

Prior to Trumps inauguration, the U.S. commerce department said in December it decided to provide Samsung Electronics with over $4.7 billion to support its chipmaking investment in Texas, and SK hynix with up to $458 million for its investment in Indiana.

When asked if he would carry on with the previous government's subsidy program, Lutnick said he cannot guarantee that until he analyzes the program and understands it.

"We need to study it, but we need to make sure that you get the benefit of the bargain and domestic manufacturing happens in America, he said during the hearing.

"We want to look at the supply chain and bring that back to America. We want to create those great jobs in America. So that way, we can go back to innovating, which is where we began. Intel began the chips, right? And then the world sort of leveraged our chips. TSMC leveraged us and sort of took it from us," he added. TSMC is a Taiwanese tech giant, which Trump had accused many times last year of "stealing" the U.S.' chip industry.

Although Lutnick said the CHIPS act is an excellent down payment to begin the process of bringing semiconductor manufacturing to the U.S., when asked if he will stick to the CHIPS programs, he said, We get the money out appropriately and correctly, and we build in America ... that is vital.

Lutnick also left a thorny message to countries trading with the U.S., singling out many of its allies, including Korea.

Our great allies have taken advantage of our good nature, and they ... like steel in Japan and appliances in Korea ... I mean, they have just taken advantage of us," he said. "It is time for them to partner with us and bring that production back home.

Tariff influences on Korean firms

Besides the subsidy issue, Lutnicks remarks and Trumps threats to hit imports with heavier tariffs have also been rattling Korean companies with overseas manufacturing bases. The tension specially intensified shortly after Trump said he would introduce 25 percent tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada next month. Trump said the measure is a head start for his governments new trade policies that will introduce a universal tariff plan which aims to impose tariffs of 10 percent to 20 percent on all imports.

In response to these threats, Samsung is considering producing its laundry dryers in the U.S. state of South Carolina instead of the Mexican state of Queretaro. Samsung Electro-Mechanics already put off its plan to build an automotive camera module factory in Mexico.

LG Electronics is also said to be considering relocating its refrigerator production line from the Mexican city of Nuevo Leon to the U.S. state of Tennessee, which accommodates the companys factories producing laundry machines and dryers. The company's Chief Financial Officer Kim Chang-tae said that if the tariff hike is too rapid, the company can consider relocation of production bases and adjustments to its capacity.

Korean carmakers face bigger difficulties relocating their factories due to the large size of their investments compared to home appliances manufacturers. This disadvantage also prevents batteries and other components producers from leaving Mexico and Canada for a while.

POSCO International, which supplies traction motor cores for Kia's electric vehicles, said it will keep its factory in Mexico unless the Korean carmaker giant relocates its nearby factory to another country.
By Nam Hyun-woo

Samsung Group announced Thursday that the number of students trained through its software academy program has surpassed 11,000, supporting their efforts to secure employment as software developers.

Samsung announced that it held an admission ceremony for the 13th cohort of students in the Samsung Software Academy for Youth (SSAFY) on Jan. 24, at its five campuses nationwide.

Around 100 students attended the ceremony at the Seoul Campus in Gangnam District, while more than 900 students participated online from the campuses in Daejeon, Gwangju, Busan-Ulsan and Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province.

Vice Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Min-seok, Samsung Electronics President Park Seung-hee and a number of lawmakers also attended the ceremony.

Samsung Electronics CEO Han Jong-hee stated in a video message that he is fully confident that a year at SSAFY will unlock the full potential of the participants. He also expressed his hope that all participants will become pioneers in the era of artificial intelligence (AI).

SSAFY was launched in December 2018 as part of Samsung Group's corporate social responsibility program. The academy recruits two groups of students annually, providing training at its five campuses. With the addition of the latest 13th cohort, SSAFY has offered training opportunities to approximately 11,000 young individuals to date.

The program offers 1,600 hours of intensive training over the course of one year, including daily sessions and collaborative projects among students. The curriculum is designed to train software developers with skills that are immediately applicable in the workplace. The training is free of charge, and each student receives a monthly stipend of 1 million won ($693).

Among the 8,000 graduates from the first to 10 cohorts, approximately 84 percent have secured jobs at 1,700 companies, including Samsung Electronics, Coupang, LG Uplus, Hyundai Mobis and several promising startups.

As the number of SSAFY graduates grows, Samsung announced that over 170 companies are now officially offering advantages to jobseekers who have completed the program.

Since 2023, SSAFY has partnered with Koreas five major banks  Shinhan, KB Kookmin, Hana, Woori and NH NongHyup  to collaborate on cultivating fintech software skills.

Over the past two years, the banks have donated a total of 5 billion won to SSAFY, while their employees have participated as mentors in finance-specific projects, offering guidance to help students develop expertise in the financial sector.

So far, Samsung has been operating the SSAFY initiative for university and college graduates, but has expanded the program to include graduates of Korea's Meister high schools starting with the 13th cohort. Meister high schools are specialized vocational institutions with curricula tailored to specific industrial sectors.

For these students, SSAFY offers a pre-admission program, where software developers who began their careers as high school graduates provide special lectures on AI and algorithms, along with mentoring sessions.

An official at Samsung Group stated that the decision to expand the program was made to align SSAFYs objectives with the governments plan to expand Meister high schools and enhance support for graduates in their job-seeking efforts. Currently, there are 54 Meister high schools in Korea, with the number expected to increase to 65 by 2027.

I hope all of you will grow into individuals who not only possess software skills but also have problem-solving abilities and creativity through SSAFY, Vice Minister Kim said during the event.
Questions remain on rapid expansion

By Ko Dong-hwan

London Bagel Museum, the bakery chain that sparked Korea's recent bagel craze, is now pursuing a bold expansion strategy, which has sparked both optimistic and cautious predictions.

Retail industry insiders recognize the brands sustained popularity, but caution that expansion doesnt always equate to long-term growth. They point to examples of other once-popular brands whose rapid expansion ultimately led to a dilution of their brand value.

Founded in Seoul's Anguk neighborhood in 2021, London Bagel Museum quickly became a hot spot for both locals and tourists, attracting crowds with its unique British-inspired decor and diverse bagel flavors.

The bagel maker's appeal is undeniable, as evidenced by the long lines forming outside its locations in Seoul, Suwon and Jeju.

LBM, the brands operator, posted 36 billion won and an operating profit of 12.6 billion won in 2023. According to reports, a London Bagel Museum branch in Lotte World Mall in Jamsil, Songpa District, reached sales of 1.5 billion won ($1 million) on its own.

One of the key drivers behind the brand's success is its exclusivity. Despite its growing popularity, LBM operates just six outlets nationwide, creating a perception among consumers that its bagels are rare and highly coveted.

However, recent moves suggest that LBM is shifting gears. The company has been securing investments, opening more pop-up stores, and even launching online sales, signaling its intention to expand.

In October, news outlet the Bell said that LBM selected Bank of America as the lead manager for the brands bid to raise up to 300 billion won for its global expansion. The company has reportedly also set up an office in Japan.

In August, Market Kurly, a popular online food market here, launched sales of London Bagel Museums products online for the first time. London Bagel Museum also held a joint pop-up with food catering service provider Hyundai Green Food at the National Assembly earlier this month.

Despite these moves, there are concerns about whether LBM can maintain its allure as it expands. Similar chains like Knotted and Shake Shack have demonstrated that rapid market growth in Korea doesnt always translate into sustained sales.

It is a common strategy for a popular food company to expand its market, maximize its value and then exit the market to secure the return of investment, a market expert said.

It remains to be seen whether London Bagel Museum will keep seeing the same popularity alongside its market expansion.
President Donald Trump's nominee for commerce secretary accused Korea and Japan on Wednesday of having "taken advantage of" America's "good nature," stressing the need to work together with the allies to bring their production to the United States.

Howard Lutnick, a preeminent businessman, made the remarks during a Senate confirmation hearing, pointing to steel products from Japan and appliances from Korea, as he responded to a senator's question over what he will do to foster an environment to encourage joint ventures with U.S. allies.

"Our great allies have taken advantage of our good nature, and they like steel in Japan and appliances in Korea ... I mean, they've just taken advantage of us. It's time for them to partner with us and bring that production back home," Lutnick told the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

"So I think we're going to work closely with our allies to increase their manufacturing productivity at home, and I think your way of thinking about it saying let's work together to do that and bring it home ... I think it's really important for us, and really important for our workforce," he added.

Lutnick also pointed out that he wants to bring semiconductor production back to America.

"We want to look at the supply chain and bring that back to America. We want to create those great jobs in America. So that way, we can go back to innovating, which is where we began," he said.

"Intel began the chips, right? And then the world sort of leveraged our chips. TSMC leveraged us and sort of took it from us," he added, referring to the Taiwanese tech giant.

The CHIPS and Science Act is an "excellent down payment" to begin the process of bringing semiconductor manufacturing to the U.S., he said.

"We need to study it, but we need to make sure that you get the benefit of the bargain, and (that) domestic manufacturing happens in America," he said in response to a question over whether he will continue to operate the CHIPS programs if confirmed.

Asked if he will stick to the CHIPS programs that involve distributing federal funds, Lutnick said, "We get the money out appropriately and correctly, and we build in America ... that is vital."

His remarks came amid lingering questions whether Korean businesses, which had an agreement with the Biden administration to receive federal grants and loans for their investment in the U.S., can still get the money under the new U.S. administration.

The nominee expressed a negative view on a subsidy program that a senator said allows a luxury European electric vehicle, which is not even remotely made in America, to get a $7,500 tax credit if it is leased. Korea's Hyundai Motor has benefited from the program.

"We have to end that," he said.

He added, "That is the example of the failed industrial policy of the United States of America. It's a failed industry policy and needs to be changed."

On tariffs, Lutnick said he prefers "across-the-board," "country-by-country" tariffs rather than targeted ones as Trump is seeking to impose new tariffs on some countries to redress America's trade deficits and address other policy issues.

"I think when you pick one product in Mexico, they'll pick one product. We pick avocados, they pick white corn. We pick tomatoes, they pick yellow corn. All you're doing is picking on farmers, which is just not going to happen," he said.

He argued that in terms of trade, the U.S. needs to be treated "better" and "with respect."

"We can use tariffs to create reciprocity, fairness and respect," he said.

In November, Trump nominated Lutnick, chairman and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, as his commerce secretary, saying that if confirmed, Lutnick will spearhead the tariff and trade agenda of the incoming administration. (Yonhap)




Meta has agreed to pay $25 million to settle a lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump against the company after it suspended his accounts following the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, according to three people familiar with the matter.

It's the latest instance of a large corporation settling litigation with the president, who has threatened retribution on his critics and rivals, and comes as Meta and its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, have joined other large technology companies in trying to ingratiate themselves with the new Trump administration.

The people familiar with the matter spoke on the condition of anonymity Wednesday to discuss the agreement. Two of the people said terms of the agreement include $22 million going to the nonprofit that will become Trump's future presidential library. The balance will go to legal fees and other litigants, they said.

The Wall Street Journal was first to report on the settlement.

Zuckerberg visited Trump in November at his private Florida club to try to mend fences with the incoming president, something other technology, business and government officials have done as well. At the dinner, Trump brought up the litigation and suggested they try to resolve it, kick-starting two months of negotiations between the parties, the people said.

Meta also made a $1 million donation to Trumps inaugural committee, and Zuckerberg was among several billionaires granted prime seating during Trumps swearing-in last week in the Capitol Rotunda, along with Googles Sundar Pichai, Amazons Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk, who now owns the platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

Before Trump's inauguration, Meta announced it was dropping fact-checking on its platform  a longtime priority of Trump and his allies.

Trump filed the lawsuit months after his first term ended, calling the action by the social media companies illegal, shameful censorship of the American people.

Twitter, Facebook and Google are all private companies, and users must agree to their terms of service to use their products. Under Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act , social media platforms are allowed to moderate their services by removing posts that, for instance, are obscene or violate the services own standards, so long as they are acting in good faith. The law also generally exempts internet companies from liability for the material that users post.

But Trump and some other politicians have long argued that X, Facebook and other social media platforms have abused that protection and should lose their immunity  or at least have it curtailed.

The Meta settlement comes after ABC News agreed last month to pay $15 million toward Trumps presidential library to settle a defamation lawsuit over anchor George Stephanopoulos inaccurate on-air assertion that the president-elect had been found civilly liable for raping writer E. Jean Carroll .

The network also agreed to pay $1 million in legal fees to the law firm of Trumps attorney, Alejandro Brito.

The settlement agreement describes ABCs presidential library payment as a charitable contribution, with the money earmarked for a nonprofit organization that is being established in connection with the yet-to-be-built library.

The president has been litigious in arguing that he has been targeted with unfair coverage by legacy media companies.

Trump has filed a lawsuit against CBS News over claims that the network aired a misleading interview with his 2024 opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, on the program 60 Minutes that amounted to partisan and unlawful acts of election and voter interference intended to "mislead the public and attempt to tip the scales." The program denied the claims .

And he has a lawsuit against The Des Moines Register, the news outlet's parent company, Gannett, and the Iowa newspaper's pollster Ann Selzer, alleging they violated the Iowa Consumer Fraud Act by releasing a poll days before the November election that significantly understated his support in the state. The paper and Selzer have denied wrongdoing. (AP)
Some 60 passengers are believed to have been on the ill-fated commercial jet that crashed late Wednesday after a midair collision with a military helicopter near Washington's airport, a U.S. senator from Kansas said.

"A plane, traveling to the Nation's capital from Wichita, KS carrying roughly 60 passengers collided with a Military helicopter," Senator Roger Marshall posted on X, describing the situation as "nothing short of a nightmare." (AFP)
As Los Angeles recovers from its devastating wildfires, environmental engineers, urban planners and natural disaster experts are casting forward with visions of what could come next for neighborhoods that have been reduced to ash and rubble.

Apartment buildings could spring up where strip malls and parking lots once stood, with locals walking to ground-floor shops, offices and cafes, European-style.

The city could "infill" vertically to add affordable housing in safer downtown areas, rather than outwards with more single-family homes on fire-prone hills.

Some blocks could be turned into buffer zones, where no building was allowed. And the city's trademark palm trees, which burn like Roman candles, could be replaced with fire-resistant native trees.

These are some of the bold ideas academics have for Los Angeles as it recovers from the Eaton and Palisades fires, which killed 28 people and damaged or destroyed nearly 16,000 structures. Together, the blazes charred 59 square miles (152 square kilometers)  an area larger than Paris.

The city is far from rebuilding, with many people only now being allowed back to their burned neighborhoods. When construction does begin, few of the dozen experts Reuters spoke to expected their dream plans to be adopted, citing factors ranging from lack of future insurance coverage to political pressure to rebuild as before.

Nonetheless, experts in urban development, climate change and housing said Los Angeles has a chance to think outside the box. Many also said there should be no rush to rebuild. Instead, residents of Pacific Palisades and Altadena should be afforded time to decide what their future communities should look like, and dream big.

"The biggest thing is how do we promote infill development in safer areas," said Emily Schlickman, assistant professor of landscape architecture and environmental design at the University of California, Davis, who suggests retreating from fire-prone peripheries.

Model cities

Los Angeles could learn from cities like Kobe, Japan, decimated by a 1995 earthquake, where officials imposed a two-month building moratorium, said Columbia University's Jeffrey Schlegelmilch.

"One of the most important things is to give yourself time to come up with a robust solution," said Schlegelmilch, director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at the university's climate school.

Then there are Houston's Harris County and the city of San Antonio, Texas, which bought up homes and properties to reduce future flood risk. In the case of Harris County, authorities offered willing sellers pre-flood market values for homes flooded during Hurricane Harvey in 2017 then demolished them.

Char Miller, a professor of environmental analysis and history at Pomona College in Claremont, California, is among those who point to Texas' experience. While buying up properties in Pacific Palisades and Altadena would be costly, Miller said, it would be possible with the financial support of the city, county, state and possibly insurers.

Burned-out lots could be turned into what he envisions as fire buffer zones. While disruptive to residents, Miller believes many would be willing to use the money to relocate.

"People go 'Yeah, I don't want to be in danger, and you're buying me out. Yeah, thank you,'" said Miller.

He despairs at city and state efforts to fast-track redevelopment in areas that burned at a similar housing density.

"They just pulled the plug on the moonshot," Miller added.

Alice Hill, a senior fellow for energy and the environment at the Council on Foreign Relations think tank, wants to see more green spaces like playing fields and bike paths between fire-risk areas and homes.

"It simply is unsafe to rebuild communities where they were, and retreating may be the wisest approach," Hill wrote in a Jan. 14 essay.

A little more panache

Other experts advocate rebuilding the communities but in a way that will resist fire.

"The only way to do this impactfully is to do it community-wide so if the fire gets in, it has a hard time moving on," said Michael Gollner, a professor of mechanical engineering at University of California, Berkeley.

Gollner tests prototype houses to see how they handle flames. Homes can be made more fire-resistant by moving a wooden fence back five feet (1.5 meters), surrounding a house with gravel and putting mesh over attic vents to stop embers, he said.

Then there is landscaping, a contentious subject for some homeowners.

"Who wants to cut down their juniper? But come a wildfire, your juniper is a torch," said Gollner.

Ecologists suggest Los Angelenos replace palms, junipers and eucalyptus with trees that evolved to survive fire like California oaks. The species has thick bark that resists flames and leathery leaves that burn slowly.

"There are lots of people who are working to plant oaks, and I think there's some effort in giving them more panache," said Alexandra Syphard, a San Diego-based wildfire ecologist at the Conservation Biology Institute.

For Hussam Mahmoud, a professor in civil and environmental engineering at Colorado State University, the key is predicting the path of future fires.

He has developed a model that calculates which buildings will burn, allowing a community to fire-harden "super spreader" structures, rather than fully adapt every house to resist wildfires.

Hardening a home begins with using metal or concrete for a roof and fire-retardant materials on the sides. Multi-pane windows are less likely to break from the heat and cause a home to burn from within.

"When the fires hit L.A., it's clear that nobody knew what was going to happen, which buildings were more likely to burn, said Mahmoud. (Reuters)
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Luke Fodor, rector at St. Lukes Episcopal Church in Jamestown, has heard rumblings of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducting raids in Chautauqua County this week. Thats escalated anxiety within his group of parishioners, several of whom hail from Spanish-speaking nations or from countries in Africa such as the Congo.

Fodor said theyre not coming to church or, in some cases, leaving their homes, because they do not know what can be done safely and who might be vulnerable.

The tactics were seeing seem to create emotional anguish in communities, Fodor said Wednesday morning. I dont think people feel safe.

Undue stress has been experienced by resettled immigrants who attend his church and those assisted by its humanitarian program New Neighbors Coalition of Jamestown, he said. It is an effect of the intimidation strategy trumpeted by county and state officials who on Tuesday praised ICEs area raids focused on rooting out undocumented criminals and ensuring public safety, the rector added.

Rep. Nick Langworthy met with media twice Tuesday after receiving updates by ICE officials in Buffalo and Chautauqua County. The congressman did not share information about immigration-related arrests locally. Both Langworthys spokesperson and the Dunkirk police  who acknowledged a Homeland Security operation but said the local department had limited involvement  directed requests to ICE officials.

For operational security reasons and for the safety of our law enforcement personnel, ICE does not confirm or discuss ongoing operations, an ICE spokesperson told The Buffalo News. The agency publicly announces the results of national/local operations via the ICE.gov website when appropriate.

Langworthy praised the targeted deportation efforts President Trump was leading across the country geared toward people with a criminal history who lack U.S. citizenship. The White House on X on Wednesday spotlighted ICE Buffalos arrest of Oscar Villatoro-Lazo, described as a Salvadoran national who had been convicted of murder and sentenced to 19 years to life in prison.

ICEs government account reported that on Tuesday 1,016 arrests were made nationwide and 814 detainers lodged, which refers to holding individuals in custody who were arrested for a crime and have probable cause to be non-citizens. The Buffalo Field Office covers 48 counties, Langworthy said.

Langworthy repeatedly emphasized ICE officials have not entered any places previously considered safe havens  such as schools, churches and hospitals. Trump last week ended the Biden administrations guidance that protected people gathered in those areas.

This is a case-by-case basis looking for known criminals, said Langworthy, who was joined by Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel and Sheriff James Quattrone at the Mayville news conference. Langworthy and Wendel urged the end of New Yorks sanctuary status and a repeal of the Green Light Law, which limits the personal information law enforcement agencies can request from departments of motor vehicles.

The national crackdown on illegal immigration  coupled with ICEs approach  has created an environment of fear even for those who have completed or are amid the several processes toward U.S. citizenship, said Fodor, whose church is in the process of adding a service for Spanish speakers.

Were not harboring criminals  they have followed the process, the rector said. Hyperbolic, overwrought conversations are meant to scare people.

Fodor was troubled that the government officials did not share any details about the violent criminals they had caught or attempted to catch. Langworthy instead spoke about Laken Riley, the 22-year-old college student in Georgia who was killed last year by an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela. Broad depictions of immigrants as criminals is damaging to newcomers in Western New York, Fodor said.

Immigration officers in Buffalo arrest three men convicted of crimes as part of nationwide sweep U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Buffalo on Thursday arrested two men convicted of sex crimes, as well as a Canadian man convicted of endangering the welfare of a child.

They make a few isolated cases and use them as the prism how you view everyone else, he said. The New Americans, Fodor said, have contributed to society in Jamestown, helping stabilize a shrinking population and bolstering the workforce. Were not seeing mass violence and dangerous people that are wandering about, he said.

Momina Di Blasio, program manager for New Neighbors, cautioned against labeling all undocumented immigrants as bad people.

Its a very broken immigration system  many people within that system may or may not fall into the chasm of undocumented because of how broken our system is, she said. Some are undocumented due to not being able to access legal services, not understanding due process or not being allowed due process, she continued.

Lumping it together  that the undocumented should leave and the documented should stay  is not nuanced and not empathetic, Di Blasio said. In my personal opinion, it is not what I believe the American dream, and Americans free rhetoric should be about.

Fodor and St. Lukes helped bring New Neighbors to life, but emphasized it has a humanitarian and not a ministry focus. It has spawned a network of about 25 regular volunteers who work in concert with Journeys End Refugee Services, which has grown to four staff members at its Jamestown branch, to help settle the influx of New Americans who speak predominantly Spanish, Swahili and Arabic, Di Blasio said.

The compassion and dedication of The New Neighbors Coalition volunteers in Jamestown are a shining example of how when we open our hearts and lend a hand, we create a future where hope thrives and humanity prevails, wrote Journeys End Chief Executive Officer Pamela Bos Kefi in a statement. Even with the devastating impacts of the indefinite suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions program, and the sudden funding cuts, we are committed to standing with refugees who have arrived in our communities and will continue to support, uplift, and stand by them as they build new lives in our community.

New Neighbors helps newcomers with transportation, employment efforts and navigating challenges such as getting a drivers license or securing a green card.

Despite their familiarity with immigration processes, New Neighbors is trying to grasp the flurry of executive orders relating to immigration in the last month. They dont want to spread misinformation, but they want newcomers to feel prepared if they are approached by ICE. For asylum seekers, that means carrying documentation with them at all times. Many of the New Americans questions right now are simply difficult for Di Blasio and the volunteers to answer.

Its hard for them to hear that we dont know, she said, and we want to be able to have all the answers.
Chinese New Year celebrated across world

Xinhua) 09:39, January 30, 2025

A participant tries on traditional Chinese costume during an event in celebration of the Chinese New Year at the Confucius Institute of Far Eastern Federal University of Russia, in Vladivostok, Russia, Jan. 29, 2025. The Confucius Institute of Far Eastern Federal University of Russia hosted a Chinese New Year cultural experience event, attracting many participants. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua)

A participant tries on traditional Chinese costume during an event in celebration of the Chinese New Year at the Confucius Institute of Far Eastern Federal University of Russia, in Vladivostok, Russia, Jan. 29, 2025. The Confucius Institute of Far Eastern Federal University of Russia hosted a Chinese New Year cultural experience event, attracting many participants. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua)

Participants try Chinese calligraphy during an event in celebration of the Chinese New Year at the Confucius Institute of Far Eastern Federal University of Russia, in Vladivostok, Russia, Jan. 29, 2025. The Confucius Institute of Far Eastern Federal University of Russia hosted a Chinese New Year cultural experience event, attracting many participants. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua)

Participants learn Baduanjin, a traditional form of Chinese aerobic exercise, during an event in celebration of the Chinese New Year at the Confucius Institute of Far Eastern Federal University of Russia, in Vladivostok, Russia, Jan. 29, 2025. The Confucius Institute of Far Eastern Federal University of Russia hosted a Chinese New Year cultural experience event, attracting many participants. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua)

Participants paint Beijing Opera masks during an event in celebration of the Chinese New Year at the Confucius Institute of Far Eastern Federal University of Russia, in Vladivostok, Russia, Jan. 29, 2025. The Confucius Institute of Far Eastern Federal University of Russia hosted a Chinese New Year cultural experience event, attracting many participants. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua)

People watch a lion dance performance during the Chinese New Year celebration in the departure hall of Vancouver International Airport in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, on Jan. 29, 2025. (Photo by Liang Sen/Xinhua)

People watch a lion dance performance during the Chinese New Year celebration in the departure hall of Vancouver International Airport in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, on Jan. 29, 2025. (Photo by Liang Sen/Xinhua)

Performers present a lion dance during a Spring Festival gala at the Chinese Cultural Center in Cotonou, Benin, Jan. 25, 2025. The 2025 "Happy Chinese New Year" celebrations kicked off here recently, which will last till Feb. 12. (Photo by Seraphin Zounyekpe/Xinhua)

Local Chinese language learners perform Chinese crosstalk during a Spring Festival gala at the Chinese Cultural Center in Cotonou, Benin, Jan. 25, 2025. The 2025 "Happy Chinese New Year" celebrations kicked off here recently, which will last till Feb. 12. (Photo by Seraphin Zounyekpe/Xinhua)

Local artists perform traditional Beninese dance during a Spring Festival gala at the Chinese Cultural Center in Cotonou, Benin, Jan. 25, 2025. The 2025 "Happy Chinese New Year" celebrations kicked off here recently, which will last till Feb. 12. (Photo by Seraphin Zounyekpe/Xinhua)

A local martial arts lover performs during a Spring Festival gala at the Chinese Cultural Center in Cotonou, Benin, Jan. 25, 2025. The 2025 "Happy Chinese New Year" celebrations kicked off here recently, which will last till Feb. 12. (Photo by Seraphin Zounyekpe/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Kou Jie)
A BUSINESSWOMAN has spoken out about her experience of facing alleged harassment from her landlord.

Mercy Munnife has been living in Waterford for over 15 years, raising her family and running the Techiman Market, located at 43a Morgan Street in Ballybricken.

Her shop specialises in Afro-Caribbean food and goods and is frequented by many people in the local community.

Over the past number of months, Mercy has been deeply affected by numerous strange incidents, including, but not limited to, changed locks, missing signs, smashed toilets and the placing of a coffin by her business premises. The coffin was left with no explanation or warning, and had to be removed by the local authority.

The incidents have affected not only Mercy, but her family and friends. Mercy feels that her landlord is trying to force her out of the building, rather than go through the correct process.

Mercy has been running the Techiman Market for over a decade.

She has had her locks changed without her knowledge, had her sign taken away and has lost business due to the ordeal.

Until 2020, Mercy had been paying rent to the property owner without issue. Waterford News and Star was told that she had a broad lease with the former property owner.

In 2020, the property was bought by local undertaker Luke Hennessy. She received a letter at the time informing her that rent would now be paid to the new owner, with no reference to any kind of tenancy agreement or lease.

In May 2024, Mercy received a notice of termination letter from a solicitor, which stated that property owner Luke Hennesseys good will gesture was now over.

The letter read: The owner wishes to commence building works relating to their undertaking business. Since then, Mercy and her family have experienced numerous upsetting incidents.

The toilets have been smashed to pieces on at least two occasions.

The locks to part of the store were changed without Mercys knowledge or consent, and she was not given a key, essentially locked away from her own supplies.

Her sign was taken down without her knowledge, which she fears has cost her customers. At night, figures walking around the outskirts of the store have been captured on CCTV.

Contacting college In September 2024, University of Galways Postgraduate Admissions were sent an email from Mercys landlord seeking to contact her daughter Tracey, at her place of education.

As he may have considered her daughter and advocate for his tenant, the email, sent at 4.37am from the property owner, claimed that Traceys mother may have blocked Mr Hennesseys number (Mercy and Tracey deny this) and stated they were kindly asked to vacate a property I recently bought, as we are waiting to commence building works, and I need to know is there any valuables they want to get before we dispose of everything. The email also said: I was told shes enrolled with your good selves to study human rightshopefully course (sic) commences soon as that may help her see vacating is the right thing to do. Tracey was highly disturbed by this communication, and why he would contact her in this way.

Horror A hearse has been parked bedside the shop and Mercy has asked for a shield to be put on the vehicle for the comfort of her customers, but her pleas have gone ignored.

The hearse is especially upsetting for Tracey, who lost her father some years ago.

In November 2024, Mercy discovered to her horror that an empty coffin, with dirt in it and on the damaged coffin lid - which appeared to have been prised open - had been left in the storage shed, beside her bins.

The shed area is open right next to the shop entrance, and was immediately visible to anyone approaching.

The open shed is to the left of the store entrance, as pictured.

Her daughter Tracey filmed the grim discovery, commenting: There is, legit, a coffin in my mums shed storage. The camera zooms in further to show dirty brown water inside the coffin. She said: I dont even know where the water is coming from. Mercy said: It was left right there, no explanation, nothing. The placement of the coffin greatly disturbed not just mother and daughter, but their own friends and family.

A Waterford City and County Council Environmental Department worker came out to take away the coffin. Mercy called the Gardai for help but found little recourse.

A spokesperson for the Council confirmed the removal of the coffin, with the following statement: Following complaints, Waterford City and County Councils Environment Department removed an old, display coffin on November 14, 2024. The coffin, which was badly damaged and waterlogged, was removed from beneath an old shed on Morgan Street. According to Mercy, the Gardai see the dispute as a civil matter requiring no further action.

'Unfair'

The ordeal is taking its toll on Mercy and her family, causing many a sleepless night. Mercy has worked hard for many years to make the market a success in Waterford.

When I came to Ireland, I didnt take social welfare, I didnt take anything, she said.

I am a human being, there is a way to treat people. This is not the way. Friends and family have described the behaviour as unfair.

Luke Hennessy was reached for comment on the incidents described but was not willing to speak on record about the incidents.
FIVE fantastic Laois students have received awards from Trinity College Dublin, acknowledging their exceptional results in last years leaving certificate. Schools in Portlaoise, Mountrath and Portarlington were represented, when the clever quintet received prestigious Entrance Exhibition Awards for the 2024/25 academic year Portlaoise past-pupils Bartosz Kupisiak from St Mary's CBS, Emma Fingleton from Scoil Chriost Ri and Mariya Petrushkova from Portlaoise College were joined by Sarah Cuddy from Mountrath Community School and John OKane Shortall from Colaiste Iosagain, Portarlington.

They were among 593 students nationwide who were presented with the awards in January, together with a certificate and a 150 book token.

The awards go to students accepted into the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme who achieved the highest points among Trinity entrants from their secondary school, above a minimum of 500 CAO points or equivalent. Many former awardees have gone on to make a significant mark on the economic, cultural and political life of Ireland and beyond. Past award-winners include former taoiseach Leo Varadkar. The winners this year came from 452 different schools and from 30 counties on the island of Ireland, as well as 38 countries overseas. The awards were delivered at three ceremonies in Trinity's Old Dining Hall, to which the students and their school principals were invited.

Congratulating all the recipients, Trinitys Provost Dr Linda Doyle highlighted the huge role played by school principals and the wider school community in nurturing the students talent.
Eva Osborne

Tanaiste Simon Harris has said he does not expect there will be a referendum on Irish unity within this decade, despite calls from Sinn Fein for a unity referendum before 2030.

Previously however, Harris has said that it is entirely possible there could be a united Ireland in his lifetime.

The 1998 Good Friday Agreement sets out that the Northern Secretary can call a border poll when they believe a majority of people in the region support a change to the constitutional status.

But, if there was a referendum on the matter tomorrow, what way would you vote? Are you still undecided? Take our poll and see what percentage of people agree with you!
News / National

by Staff reporter

The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) has issued a stark warning about severe disruptions to the telecommunications sector in Zimbabwe, with worsening power shortages threatening service delivery and revenue generation.In its 2024 Third Quarter Sector Performance Report, released last week, Potraz highlighted the detrimental impact of persistent power cuts, which have led to widespread outages, leaving many areas without electricity for more than 18 hours daily. These power shortages, attributed to a combination of drought and outdated infrastructure, are placing additional strain on an already struggling telecommunications industry.According to the report, the ongoing power shortages are driving up operational costs for telecom service providers, forcing them to rely heavily on expensive alternatives like diesel-powered generators to maintain network operations. This reliance on costly fuel sources is increasing the cost of service provision and placing upward pressure on service tariffs, which in turn is affecting consumers already burdened by economic difficulties."This has a negative bearing on the cost of service provision and revenue generation," Potraz noted in its report.The telecommunications sector is also grappling with the added challenge of the rainy season, which is expected to exacerbate infrastructure issues. Potraz has warned of the heightened risk of damage to network infrastructure due to flooding, particularly in low-lying areas prone to heavy rains. The regulator emphasized the need for proactive measures by service providers to safeguard their infrastructure from potential weather-related disruptions."The onset of the rain season poses various challenges to network infrastructure, leading to service outages in some areas. This may call for proactive measures by service providers to safeguard network infrastructure," Potraz stated.As a result of these combined challenges, the telecommunications sector has experienced increased instances of service disruptions. Mobile network operators, who rely on consistent electricity to power base stations and ensure uninterrupted connectivity, have been struggling to provide reliable services. In some regions, consumers have reported slower internet speeds, frequent call drops, and service outages, leading to widespread frustration among both consumers and businesses.These disruptions are also affecting economic activity across various sectors, especially industries that rely on stable communication networks, such as banking, e-commerce, and logistics.Despite these setbacks, the report revealed that the telecommunications industry has registered overall growth in all sectors except for traditional voice traffic, which saw a 7.46% decline in the third quarter."The trend of declining voice traffic is expected to continue due to increasing smartphone adoption and the rising popularity of third-party applications such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Apple's FaceTime, which substitute traditional voice calling. This is a global phenomenon, with predictions that the mobile network operators' market share for voice traffic will fall from 79% in 2023 to 72% in 2028," Potraz explained.At the same time, mobile voice traffic is gradually shifting to Voice over Long-Term Evolution (VoLTE), as telecom operators expand their deployment of high-speed 4G and 5G base stations to meet growing demand for data connectivity. Potraz noted that this shift towards higher-speed data services could open up new opportunities, particularly in areas like healthcare and the Internet of Things (IoT).Despite the challenges, Potraz is optimistic about the future of the telecommunications industry and the potential for growth in areas like high-speed data services. However, it warned that the ongoing power shortages and seasonal weather risks must be addressed to ensure a stable and reliable service delivery environment.
On 29 January Mexicos Presidentsaid her government will send a letter to US technology giant Google after it said it would change the name of the Gulf of Mexico for users of Google Maps in the US.

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On 29 January Argentinas Security Ministerannounced that the government led by Presidentplanned to reinforce its borders with Brazil and Paraguay.

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En espanol

Marcelo Armand, the acclaimed Argentine voice actor known for giving his voice in Spanish to iconic and beloved characters like Harry Potter and Spider-Man, passed away this week at the age of 56.

Read more: Adal Pena Is The Latest Influencer To Be Killed in the Wave of Sinaloa Cartel Violence

A Career of Iconic Roles

Armand's death was confirmed by the Asociacion Argentina de Actores, which expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to his family and friends. However, the cause of his passing has not been disclosed.

"With deep sorrow, we bid farewell to Marcelo Armand, a renowned actor, voice actor, announcer, dubbing director, and teacher, widely recognized in Argentina and throughout Latin America. His voice can be heard in hundreds of movies, series, and video games," says the message on X (Twitter.)

Con profundo pesar despedimos a Marcelo Armand, destacado actor, actor de voz, locutor, director de doblaje y docente, con amplio reconocimiento en Argentina y toda Latinoamerica. Su voz aparece en cientos de peliculas, series y videojuegos.https://t.co/RxWxm3FoZK pic.twitter.com/JBLiEATjiS  Asociacion Argentina de Actores (@actoresprensa) January 27, 2025

Armand was widely recognized for his versatility and talent in voice acting. He voiced Harry Potter in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," as well as Spider-Man in various productions.

His career also included memorable performances as Thor in the animated series about the Prince of Asgard, Mojo Jojo in "The Powerpuff Girls," Robbie Rotten in "LazyTown," and Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody in the "Harry Potter" franchise.

Beyond animated series and films, his voice left a mark in the world of video games, lending his talent to popular titles such as "Bloodborne" and "Warcraft III."

Early Life and Passion for Voice Acting

Born on September 14, 1968, Marcelo Armand showed an early passion for the performing arts. At just six years old, he made his debut at the General San Martin Cultural Complex, a stepping stone to a career that would later see him perform in numerous theater productions.

His dedication to the craft led him to become a key figure in Latin American voice acting, with his work featured in Disney, Marvel, and MTV productions.

A Mentor and Inspiration

Armand was not only a talented voice actor but also a mentor to aspiring artists in the industry. Many colleagues and fans have paid tribute to his contributions, emphasizing the impact he had on future generations of voice actors.

Through his performances, he conveyed emotions that resonated deeply with audiences, making his voice a familiar presence in countless homes across Latin America.

The passing of Marcelo Armand leaves a profound void in the voice-acting community. However, his legacy will live onnot just through the unforgettable characters he brought to life but also in the hearts of those who grew up listening to his work.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The High Court has ruled in favor of Letween Kadiya, a Harare woman who was awarded US$32,500 as her rightful share from the proceeds of the sale of the matrimonial house by her estranged husband, Kudakwashe Naison.Kadiya had initially claimed US$52,500 from the sale, but High Court Judge Justice Amy Tsanga determined that she was entitled to US$32,500 after evaluating the circumstances surrounding the sale of the property.Court documents reveal that Kadiya and Naison met in 2013 and began cohabiting the following year. In May 2015, Kadiya gave birth to their first child, and shortly thereafter, she stopped working. Naison proposed a joint business venture selling cellphones, and Kadiya contributed US$500 as initial capital.The couple also secured a loan from a Chinese businesswoman, Anita, who was Naison's contact in China. The loan, worth US$35,000 in cellphones, was repaid within a month, and the couple's business was thriving with daily sales of up to US$7,000, yielding profits between US$3,000 and US$3,500.In July 2019, the couple purchased a stand in Haydon Park and registered it in both their names. They subsequently constructed a 16-room house on the property, which they sold in 2022 for US$65,000 to purchase another stand with title deeds. However, when Kadiya and Naison separated in March 2023, Naison refused to share any of the proceeds from the sale with Kadiya.Kadiya then filed an application at the High Court, claiming US$52,500 from the sale of the property. She also sought an additional US$20,000 from a stock of cellphones worth US$40,000, which was still in their possession at the time of their separation.In his defense, Naison denied having a business partnership with Kadiya and refuted her claim that she had given him US$500 in capital. He admitted to the sale of the stand but argued that the proceeds were used to service a loan from Anita due to financial difficulties with the cellphone business.However, Justice Tsanga ruled that Kadiya was entitled to her fair share of the property sale proceeds. "By registering the property in both names, she obtained a half share. Also, since there was no business partnership in the strict sense of that word relating to his cellphone business, then the loan to Anita had nothing to do with the plaintiff," the judge stated.The court further ruled that Naison could not use Kadiya's half share of the proceeds to cover his own business debt. Justice Tsanga concluded that Naison owed Kadiya US$32,500, which is half of the US$65,000 from the sale of the jointly-owned property.In the final ruling, the court ordered that Naison pay Kadiya US$32,500, reflecting her rightful half share of the proceeds from the sale of the property, located at Stand 3239 State Land, Haydon Farm, measuring 877 square meters.This judgment marks a significant win for Kadiya, ensuring that she receives her fair share of the couple's joint assets following their separation.
Easton Area School District has narrowed down a location for its new high school.

With the decision comes a cost estimate and concerns over how the district will afford the work,.

The school board voted 8-1 Tuesday night, authorizing Alloy 5 and CHA to design the new high school on the northeast corner of the current property. This is along 25th Street and Route 22, the site of an existing baseball field.

The school would likely be 450,000-480,000 square feet, compared to the current 377,000-square-foot building.

The total cost of the project  including construction, soft costs, design, and furniture  would be between $290 million and $320 million, according to a previous presentation.

Its just too darn expensive, board member William Whitman said, who voted no.

He also said putting the high school on a current baseball field, then having to move the field, would create too much hassle.

We gotta be creative here  something where we keep the high school location right where it is, and figure out some way to get that thing built and take care of all the students that have to be there.

A Diagram shows a potential location for a new Easton Area High School location, which would sit on the corner of 25th St. and Route 22.Courtesy of Alloy 5 Architecture

Charles Diefenderfer, a Palmer Township resident, raised similar concerns.

Because the cost is estimated at $290 million at the low end, Diefenderfer said inflation and economic conditions could push the price up.

I think you have to really look at getting the cost down on that, he said. Im just concerned that if youre already at that number, youre going to be up like around $350 [million] before you get it done. Prices arent going to come down on steel and stuff like that.

Board member Mike Simonetta said the budget estimates reflect inflation costs over the next couple of years.

The numbers are there for budgeting purposes, he said.

Simonetta said budgeting concerns will be better addressed after moving forward with the design phase. He also said during the design process, if the site is proven to be inadequate, the board can vote on a different location.

Certainly the numbers are to be considered and cannot be taken lightly, and theres a lot of work to do around that, but tonights vote is simply about the location, Superintendent Tracy Piazza said.

The district is targeting a July 2031 completion date, with the school set to open for the 2031-2032 school year. Groundbreaking is scheduled for May 2027.

Chelsea Kun can be reached at ckun@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on instagram at @chelsealehighvalley.
The wife of a Carbon County man joined two others in a plot to kill him last month in a busy Whitehall Township retail parking lot after learning he was having an affair, authorities said this week.

Investigators on Tuesday charged Brenda Rodriguez, 51, of Palmerton in Carbon County, with felony criminal solicitation of homicide, conspiracy to commit aggravated assault and aggravated assault.

Co-defendants Christian Martinez-Ramos, 35, and 37-year-old Liz Marie Pacheco, both of the 500 block of North Fifth Street in Allentown, each are charged with felony criminal homicide and aggravated assault, along with related charges.

The Lehigh County District Attorneys Office on Wednesday announced the charges against Rodriguez. She is being represented by a public defender.

Authorities wrote in their affidavit of probable cause to charge Rodriguez that prior to the Dec. 7 shooting, she had learned her spouse, 46-year-old Hector Manuel Garcia Gomez, allegedly was having an affair with a woman from Allentown.

Pacheco and Martinez-Ramos, who formerly were in a relationship, lived next door to the other woman, according to court records. Pacheco allegedly told Rodriguez about her husbands affair.

Just after 6 p.m. Dec. 7, Rodriguez stayed in the couples Nissan Rogue as Garcia Gomez went into a store in the 1100 block of MacArthur Road in Whitehall, according to police. When he returned and got inside the car, shots were fired from a car driven by Martinez-Ramos that had pulled up behind the Nissan, investigators allege.

The gunfire struck Garcia Gomez in the abdomen. He was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest in Salisbury Township, where he was pronounced dead about an hour later, the DAs office said. The Lehigh County Coroners Office said Garcia Gomez died from gunshot wounds to the torso and ruled the death a homicide.

Investigators later obtained video surveillance footage, which showed Garcia Gomezs Nissan arriving in the parking lot. While he was inside the store, Rodriguez called Pacheco from her cellphone and provided location information to Martinez-Ramos, who arrived minutes later, according to court records.

After Garcia Gomez was shot, the footage showed Rodriguez allegedly remain inside the Nissan for more than 22 seconds. Rodriguez then gets out of the car, adjusts her clothing and hair, and picks up several items before slowly walking into a store, authorities said.

Initially, Rodriguez allegedly told investigators that she didnt know who shot her husband, nor did she know who would want to shoot him. Additionally, she told investigators her last call to Pacheco that day was before noon, but phone records showed they had communicated just before the shooting, court records state.

Rodriguez eventually admitted to speaking with Pacheco before the shooting, police said.

En route to the hospital, Garcia Gomez called the woman he was having an affair with and said the guy from upstairs shot me, court records state.

Garcia Gomez also knew Martinez-Ramos prior to the incident, authorities said. In a prior altercation between the pair, Pacheco told the other woman about Garcia Gomez, This is going to get worse. He is a dead man, according to court records.

Martinez-Ramos allegedly admitted to investigators shooting Garcia Gomez an unknown amount of times, before fleeing in his friends car. He left that vehicle on the side of the road, then got a ride from someone else, police said.

Pacheco was aware of her ex-boyfriends intentions and assisted in both the planning and attempted coverup, including assisting with the sale of the vehicle used by Martinez-Ramos during the killing, investigators said.

Rodriguez on Tuesday was arraigned before District Judge Mark A. McCants, who denied bail. She was then taken to the Lehigh County Jail.

Martinez-Ramos and Pacheco at their arraignments in December also were ordered jailed without bail.

Rodriguez is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing tentatively scheduled for Monday. Martinez-Ramos and Pacheco have hearings scheduled for Thursday. At the hearings, a district judge will determine if theres enough evidence to send the charges toward trial at the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas.

The case was investigated by Whitehall Township Police Detective Lindsay Yetter and Lehigh County Homicide Task Force Detectives Timothy Salgado, James Bruchak and Amaury Almonte. It will be prosecuted by Lehigh County Senior Deputy District Attorney James A. Augustine.

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Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP)  The Alaska House on Monday voted to urge President Donald Trump to reverse course and retain the name of North Americas tallest peak as Denali.

The vote came a week after Trump, on his first day in office, signed an executive order calling for the name to revert to Mount McKinley. Through his action, the president revived an idea he had floated years earlier  one the states Republican U.S. senators and many Alaskans have opposed.

Mondays vote was 28-10, though notice of reconsideration was given, meaning the resolution could be voted on again before being sent to the Senate.

The Alaska House is led by a majority coalition that is composed largely of Democrats but also includes independents and two Republicans. The resolution came from Rep. Maxine Dibert, a Democrat who is Koyukon Athabascan. She noted that Denali is a Koyukon Athabascan word meaning the high one, but said Denali is not just a name.

Its a symbol of history. Its a symbol of culture and a symbol of respect, Dibert said.

Minority Republicans sought unsuccessfully to amend the resolution to add language expressing gratitude to Trump for a separate order aimed at boosting oil and gas drilling, mining and logging in the state. Some of them said that approach seemed appropriate, given this will likely be the first formal message the Legislature sends to the Trump administration.

Rep. Kevin McCabe, a Republican, said he thought adding supportive language around the executive order on resources would strengthen the overall aim. Perhaps thats the best way to unite us and unite this resolution, and say, Hey, President Trump, thanks for doing all this. Could you possibly stop the renaming of Denali?

According to the National Park Service, a prospector in 1896 dubbed the peak Mount McKinley for William McKinley of Ohio, who was elected president that year. McKinley had never been to Alaska.

The name would go on to be formally recognized by the U.S. government until it was changed in 2015 by the Obama administration to Denali. The name change reflected the traditions of Alaska Natives and the preference of many Alaskans, underscored by a push by state leaders decades earlier. The 20,310-foot (6,190-meter) mountain in Denali National Park and Preserve on clear days can be see from hundreds of miles away.

The Interior Department last week announced efforts were underway to implement Trumps renaming order, even though state leaders dont see the matter as settled yet.

Alaska Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan last week said his preference is for the name the patriotic, strong Athabascan people gave that great mountain thousands of years ago: Denali. Well continue the discussions with the Trump administration on that. Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy has said that he hopes to have a discussion with the president about the mountain next month in Washington.

By BECKY BOHRER Associated Press
Lopatcong Township will contest a new state order to increase the municipalitys affordable housing quantity by 2035.

The township is arguing that its true affordable housing responsibility is 71, not 87, which is what the state is recommending.

Township council members voted unanimously on a motion to appeal the states determination during a special council meeting on Jan. 29.

As I see it, were built out, said Councilman Louis Belcaro, who seconded the motion to appeal.

When questioned by council, an expert was not immediately able to provide the total number of affordable housing units supplied within the town. The amount previously recommended by the state was zero.

New Jersey municipalities are required by state constitution to reevaluate their affordable housing responsibility once every decade, at least. Towns had until June 30 to adopt plans.

A 2025 estimate of requirements by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs shows roughly 2,800 units are required to be built or rehabilitated by 2035 in Warren County.

The most densely populated town in Warren County, Phillipsburg, has a responsibility to provide 75 affordable units. White Township (322 units) and Allamuchy Township (281) have the second and third highest responsibilities.

The obligations are part of the states fourth round of affordable housing obligations under the Mount Laurel Doctrine, 1975, which refers to a series of landmark state Supreme Court decisions that outlawed exclusionary zoning practices and required all towns in New Jersey to provide their fair share of the regions affordable housing.

The law was signed by Gov. Phil Murphy in 2024 with the intention to build on his administrations promise to create a fairer and more affordable state for all New Jerseyans, according to the state website.

In January, a bipartisan coalition of municipalities issued a lawsuit against the state, and appealed to a state judge to pause the start of the new rules. The lawsuit has since been amended five times to now includes 27 towns, as of Jan. 15.

A judge also is set to hear a different motion on Jan. 31 from Fair Share Housing Center, one of the lawsuits defendants, arguing in favor of dismissing the lawsuit entirely. Its the second motion the coalition of municipalities has filed in hopes of delaying the law.

Glenn Epps can be reached at gepps@lehighvalleylive.com or glenn_epps_on X (formerly known as Twitter.com), Facebook and Threads.

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Laois will be well represented at the New York St Patrick's Day festivities this year, by Timahoe Male Choir as well as the CEO and Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council.

The council approved their formal invite to walk in the parade and attend events, issued by the President of the County Laois Association in New York, Mike Dunphy.

The choir which has nearly 40 members will be paying their own fares to go, and proudly represent the county, no doubt singing their new version of Lovely Laois on their debut EP launching this February at a special concert with Micky Joe Harte.

A proud contingent from the New York Laois Association at a previous parade.

From the council, it will be the second trip for Cathaoirleach Cllr Padraig Fleming who had the honour as Cathaoirleach back in 2018, and the first one for the new CEO, Michael Rainey.

The Laois officials will also be meeting Irish New York representatives in business and tourism to encourage them to come to Laois.

New York's parade along 5th Avenue will take place on Monday, March 17.
A Portlaoise resident who ended up with a meat cleaver "buried in his back" in a fight with a workmate over who was a better chef.

He was one of two take-away workers who attacked one another with meat cleavers in a row over "who was the better chef". They have both been sent to prison after their original sentences of community service were deemed too lenient.

Dawei Zhang (38) and Han Chung Tang (46) were today sentenced by the three-judge Court of Appeal to two years and six months in prison with the final 12 months suspended on condition they be of good behaviour. The court overturned the original sentence of 240 hours of community service handed down by Judge Martina Baxter at the Circuit Court last year.

The court heard that one of the men ended up with a meat cleaver stuck in his back and needed a blood transfusion along with treatment for stab wounds to his head, forearm and back.

The other man suffered lacerations to his scalp, chest and shoulder.

Joe Mulrean BL, for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), told the appeal court that sentences imposed by the courts must deter people from committing violent crimes using dangerous weapons.

He added: "How is general deterrence served if a person can engage in such ferocious acts of violence and walk out of court without a significant punishment?"

Mr Mulrean played CCTV footage which showed Zhang initially attacking Tang in the kitchen of the restaurant without a weapon in what the court described as "fisticuffs". Mr Mulrean said Tang accepted in garda interviews that he was first to take up a meat cleaver but when the two men went through a back door of the kitchen to an area not covered by CCTV, they were both armed with cleavers.

Tang received the worst injuries and ended up with a cleaver "buried in his back which broke his shoulder blade," counsel said.

John Byrne SC, for Zhang, said Judge Baxter's sentence was lenient but not unduly so. He said the sentencing judge had given a careful and reasoned sentence taking into account his client's lack of previous convictions, good character, work history and early guilty plea.

Padraig Dwyer SC, for Tang, said the incident was an "explosion of violence" after tensions between the two workmates had been simmering.

Both men are of good character and considered low risk for reoffending, Mr Dwyer said, but got "sucked into a violent episode" and picked up weapons that were freely available.

Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy delivered judgment, saying that imprisonment for serious assaults using dangerous weapons is necessary as a deterrent to others. There must be exceptional circumstances to justify a non-custodial sentence and the court found none in this case, he said.

Mr Justice McCarthy quashed the original sentence of community service on the grounds it was unduly lenient and imposed in its place one of two-and-a-half years imprisonment with the final 12 months suspended.

Both men entered bonds to be of good behaviour during the period of their suspended sentence before being taken away by prison officers.

The defendants were preparing food in the kitchen of Jumbo Wok takeaway in Kimmage, Dublin, in July 2019 when a verbal argument became violent.

Zhang, of Cloonlara Square, Phoenix Park Racecourse, Castleknock, Dublin, pleaded guilty to one count of assault causing harm and one count of producing a knife in the course of a dispute at the restaurant on July 27, 2019.

Tang, of Millbrook, Portlaoise, Co Laois, pleaded guilty to the same charges.

During a sentencing hearing last year, Judge Baxter said the pair were intent on causing serious harm to each other over who was the better chef. She said the violence on the day was gratuitous and noted there was blood everywhere in the aftermath of the incident.

At an earlier sentence hearing, Detective Garda Marcus Sweeney said that the pair had a tense history, with the argument that day starting over the shared workload.

A physical fight ensued, which was captured on camera before the pair broke apart and Zhang left the kitchen to have a cigarette.

When he returned to the kitchen, the pair started fighting again before Tang grabbed a meat cleaver and swung it at Zhang, hitting him on the head and shoulder a number of times, the court heard.

In an incident that was not captured on camera, Zhang then stabbed Tang a number of times. Another restaurant worker discovered Tang collapsed in the backyard in a pool of blood, while Zhang was bleeding heavily from the head. There was blood all over the kitchen floor, the court heard.

An ambulance and gardai were called and emergency services worked to staunch the flow of blood in Tang's case. He was taken to hospital with multiple stab wounds to his head, forearm, and back and required blood transfusions.

Zhang required medical treatment for lacerations to his scalp, chest and shoulder.
Drivers preparing to present their cars for an NCT in the coming weeks are being urged to carry out a simple test on their brakes.

NCT testers posted an update on social media warning that 132,000 cars failed an NCT in 2024 due to "dangerous defects," including with tyres and brakes.

They said: "Don't risk ittyres, corrosion & brake line issues can be spotted easily and before your journey by conducting a simple walkaround check of the vehicle."

Brake wear can be spotted with worn brake pads or while driving if braking feels sticky or spongey in the pedal. Squeaking is also a telltale sign that you have serious brake damage. You can see a range of suggested checks and tests you can carry out on your car prior to an NCT below.

READ NEXT: 'That is very unusual' - NCT baffled by driver's odd complaint over booking test

Irish drivers were also recently reminded of little-known rules when presenting their car for an NCT around the country.

Most motorists dread attending for an NCT and recent figures revealed why half of all cars fail the minimum standard test for roadworthiness.

Most of us are familiar with the big ticket items that will see our cars returned with that 'failed' report; tyres, brakes, suspension, steering and so on, but some smaller rules could see your car refused at a centre.

We also know the main rules of presenting our car in a clean state, but there is another rule most people are completely unaware of. It won't result in your car failing but it could see your car refused a test.

One of the items on a checklist to run through before presenting your car for an NCT is the glove box. The advice states that you must ensure "your glove compartment is unlocked & clear of personal belongings, this is to allow for OBD testing."

On-board diagnostics testing system (OBD) is used during an NCT inspection to check for information and faults. The plug-in computer scans your vehicle for its vehicle identification number, the odometer reading, the electronic braking system and the anti-lock braking system.

Elsewhere, NCT Ireland recently revealed a number of other little known visual reasons your car could fail the NCT.

The NCT says: "Taking a few minutes to check some of the visual items below and ensuring they are all working in advance of your NCT could potentially save you valuable time and money."

One of the more obscure items that you could easily forget to check is the little bulbs on your registration plates. It is a legal requirement that your registration is visible at all times and if these bulbs aren't working, it cannot be seen at night.

Your car could fail its NCT if its registration plate lamps are "not working, faulty or not fitted; not white in colour; or if the lens is missing or broken." You can check these bulbs by turning your car on and checking the bulbs are on front and rear before the test.

You can see the full NCT visual checklist below:

Windscreen Wipers and Washers

Reasons for failure:

Missing

Not cleaning windscreen effectively

Wiped areas less than sufficient to give the driver an adequate view

Washer, not working, no water or incorrectly aimed

Seat Belts

Reasons for failure:

Belts cut, badly frayed or repaired

Belts not operating properly

Tyre Condition

Reasons for failure:

tread worn, distorted or damaged

tread depth of less than 1.6mm

Incorrectly seated on wheel rim

Valve Damaged

Registration Plate Lamps

Reasons for failure:

Not working, faulty or not fitted

Not white in colour.

Lens missing or broken.

Stop Lamps

Reasons for failure:

Missing or not clearly visible.

Not working or faulty.

Not brighter than tail lights.

Not red in colour

Insecurely mounted

Contains water/moisture

Lens missing or broken

Switch does not operate correctly

Indicator/Tell Tales

Reasons for failure:

Missing, not working or faulty

Insecurely mounted

Lens broken or missing

Contains water/moisture

Not amber in colour

Horn

Reasons for failure:

Control insecure

Horn insecurely mounted

Not working correctly

Not working or not fitted

Registration Plates Front and Rear

Reasons for failure:

One or both plates missing, insecure or not clearly visible.

Numbers or letters missing or illegible or incorrect size

Numbers, letter or background of incorrect colour

Side Lamps

Reasons for failure:

Missing or not clearly visible.

Not working or faulty.

Not white in colour

Insecurely mounted

Contains water/moisture

Lens missing or broken
Two schools and several businesses at an industrial park in Co Galway have been evacuated this afternoon following an incident at a lithium battery production plant.

Galway Fire and Rescue service personnel are currently responding to a significant fire at the Claregalway Corporate Business Park.

According to RTE, it has been described as a venting issue at the Xerotech facility following a fire at the plant yesterday.

While the fire has been contained, there is now concern that gasses from the production processes are not dispersing due to humidity levels.

As a precautionary measure, nearby businesses have been advised to evacuate, while some 1,300 students from Colaiste Bhaile Chlair and Claregalway Educate Together National School have also been evacuated.

In a statement this afternoon, Galway County Council said: Galway Fire and Rescue Service is currently responding to a significant fire at the Claregalway Corporate Business Park. As a precautionary measure, a partial evacuation of the business park is underway.

In the interest of public safety, Claregalway Educate Together National School and Colaiste Bhaile Chlair secondary school are also being evacuated. An Garda Siochana is assisting with the evacuation process.

All pupils from Colaiste Bhaile Chlair secondary school are being transported by bus to Claregalway GAA Club at Knockdoemore.

Pupils from the Claregalway Educate Together National School are being evacuated to the church in Claregalway.

Parents and guardians are advised not to go to the schools, as access is restricted. Instead, they are requested to collect their children directly from the above locations. The schools have also been in communication with school guardians.

Emergency services remain on site, and further updates will be provided as the situation develops.

The Council also urged the public to follow official guidance and avoid the area to allow emergency services to carry out their work.
An alternative bus service has been secured for users of the old 145 Heuston Station to UCD bus route which is being discontinued.

Kildare North TD and newly-appointed Cabinet minister James Lawless said he met the heads of the National Transport Authority to outline Kildare constituents concerns over the 145s demise.

As a result, commuters getting off at Heuston can now get a new X service from the side of the train station on St Johns Road after the TD pressed the case.

READ MORE: Kildare gardai hunting thieves after two cars stolen from same driveway

This service will continue to serve areas in South Dublin, including UCD, which was a popular and convenient route for students and workers alighting at Heuston.

The 145 route has been changed as part of the wider Bus Connects transformation of bus services across Dublin city and beyond.

The Bus Connects programme aims to streamline bus services, making them more efficient, improving timetables and reliability.

But the changeover in progress has not been without its teething problems.

One of the changes meant that commuters coming from places like Kildare and other areas served by Heuston Station trains could no longer go direct to places in South Dublin, including UCD, without changing bus at OConnell Street.

Minister Lawless, who was Minister of State at the Department of Transport up to last week, worked with the NTA to find a compromise that would see 145 users accommodated.

The NTA have confirmed that an X service has now been added to the schedule from the side of Heuston, with extra services and capacity coming online from March.

Minister Lawless said: I listened to the concerns of constituents after receiving a considerable number of representations on this issue.

I am pleased to say that the NTA has accommodated these concerns with changes to their existing services.

The new X services that leave from the side of Heuston station, just 30 yards from where the old 145 used to leave from at the front, will bring student commuters and others to UCD and beyond with no need to get off the bus.

Id like to thank acting chief executive at the NTA, Hugh Cregan, and his staff for their assistance in helping sort out this problem and listening to the concerns of their customers.

Minister Lawless was last week promoted to Cabinet and is now the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
News / National

by Staff reporter

More than 22,000 people have signed a petition calling for the Zimbabwean government to invest more in the education sector, following a nationwide advocacy campaign led by the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz). The petition comes after a week-long protest by teachers, parents, and community-based organizations when schools opened for the first term earlier this month.Artuz confirmed that a total of 22,567 individuals had appended their signatures to the petition, which seeks greater investment in education to address critical issues affecting schools across the country.In a statement, the union expressed its satisfaction with the response to the petition and outlined the steps taken to raise awareness about the ongoing challenges in the education system. "Seventy-two teach-outs were conducted, showcasing innovative solutions and grassroots efforts to sustain learning under challenging circumstances," Artuz said. The union expressed its hope that the petitions, along with the concerns raised during Education Week, would lead to concrete action by the government.The petition highlights significant issues within Zimbabwe's education system, including inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of teachers, overcrowded classrooms, and a lack of essential learning materials. In particular, the union emphasized the plight of communities such as Chiredzi, where students and teachers are forced to cross flooded rivers due to the absence of safe infrastructure.Artuz called on a wide range of stakeholdersgovernment officials, educators, parents, non-governmental organizations, and community leadersto collaborate on finding sustainable solutions to the sector's challenges."We urge the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to acknowledge the reality on the ground and champion increased financial support for education. Let us continue to advocate, innovate, and collaborate for the betterment of our children's futures," the statement continued.In addition to infrastructure and staffing shortages, Artuz also raised concerns about the underfunding of the education sector and the lack of resources for the implementation of the new Heritage-Based Curriculum. According to the union, teachers remain largely untrained for this curriculum, which has not been adequately supported with financial resources or updated syllabi. The disparity between policy intentions and on-the-ground implementation has caused significant challenges, particularly in rural and underserved areas."As we close Education Week, we remain steadfast in our commitment to building an education system that leaves no child behind. Quality education is not a privilege but a right, and it must be prioritised in Zimbabwe's national development agenda," Artuz concluded.The union confirmed that the petition would be formally submitted to the government at an upcoming date, marking an important step in the ongoing advocacy for a better-funded, more effective education system in Zimbabwe.
The new Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD, was welcomed this week to the Maynooth campus in Kildare by the University President, Eeva Leinonen.

Minister Lawless said: "Over 200 staff of the department staff from our three offices in Offaly and Dublin came together for a day of networking and seminars. I was especially proud to attend one of my first official events in my home constituency, close to my home near Sallins.

"I was pleased to return to the campus I know so well as both my wife and my daughter are graduates of the university."

The Minister added: "As a TD for this constituency, I am delighted to be here at Maynooth University, a place that holds great significance not just for its academic excellence, but for its role in the community.

READ MORE: Kildare hotel awarded gold prize for the Best Guest Experience Hotel in Ireland

"I want to extend my thanks to the President of Maynooth University Eeva Leinonen, all the staff involved in organising this meeting, and for making me feel so welcome."

He said: "Our mission, as a Department, is to empower people and create opportunities for everyone regardless of their background, challenges, or circumstances. We are making education more accessible and ensuring lifelong learning is an option for all.

"We are making education more accessible and ensuring lifelong learning is an option for all. Today, we are here not just to reflect on what has been achieved, but to focus on the future and the important work we still have ahead of us."
The Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine, Martin Heydon visited Leitrim on Tuesday to meet with farmers who have been affected by the power and water outages caused by Storm Eowyn.

Thousands still remain without power and water in the county since the storm hit Ireland last Friday. Among the many people impacted by the prolonged outages are, of course, farmers.

Sharing some photos from his visit on X, the Fine Gael TD acknowledged it has been particularly challenging to farms "at a time when animals are housed and calving is in full swing."

READ NEXT: Almost 30 support hubs open in Leitrim following Storm Eowyn

The Minister praised the local farming community who have worked together to assist neighbours and fellow farmers in clearing debris from roads, providing water and finding alternative power supplies.

Today I visited farms in Co Leitrim which has been significantly impacted by Storm Eowyn. Prolonged power and water outages are causing a particular challenge at a time when animals are housed and calving is in full swing. (1/5) pic.twitter.com/vUs2Xm1udX  Martin Heydon (@martinheydonfg) January 28, 2025

Minister Heydon added: "We are continuing concentrate efforts on restoring power, water, and other services to homes, farms and businesses. My Department is working with Teagasc and Collite to co-ordinate our response and provide support where possible."

He also said that Teagasc has been providing advice and options to farmers who have been impacted by water supply issues since the storm.

For farmers who have had to endure delays or cancellations of farm inspections, the TD said: "those farms which have sustained significant damage or are without power or water, Department officials will work with them on alternative arrangements."

As 133,000 homes remain without power and 7,500 without water across the country as of Wednesday, the problem is far from over for many.
Frank Feighan TD visited Leitrim this week to assess the extensive damage caused by recent unprecedented storms. Speaking on the ground with councillors, Feighan described the situation as "a very, very difficult situation" and emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to manage the crisis.

I have raised it with the Taoiseach. We need to bring all the agencies together, Feighan stated. From the OPW to Coillte to ESP to local authorities to everybody that will try to work together that would minimize the damage.

During his visit, Feighan met with Emergency Service Providers representatives at a parliamentary party meeting. He praised their efforts, saying, I want to pay tribute to all the local authorities, to civil defence, and all who are working so hard to get this situation resolved. It is unprecedented the level, but Leitrim especially has the worst damage.

Highlighting the urgent need for additional resources, Feighan called for more support for the ESP and the army. I call on more resources for the ESP and also the army as well to try to, he explained. He noted, The army is involved already in providing barracks, air corps helicopters, and things like that. We need people on the ground.

The new Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon TD visited the Taylor farm in Newtowngore, Co Leitrim yesterday. John and Greame's farm has had no electricity since Friday morning and are relying on power from generators.

The Minister heard at first hand the challenges faced by farmers without power in dealing with animal welfare and other issues.

Feighan addressed the challenges faced by communities in South Leitrim, including Carrigallen and Cloone, where residents are struggling with disrupted utilities and damaged infrastructure.

Emphasizing the need for reliable power sources, Feighan stated, I think we are beginning to get on top of it. We need generators for Irish Water, but also for households and farms and businesses. The government needs to step up to the plate to assist.

Reflecting on past emergencies, such as the Shannon flooding, Feighan illustrated the importance of inter-agency cooperation. When all parties come together with a shared goal, we can achieve remarkable outcomes even in the most challenging circumstances, he remarked.

Addressing the increasing frequency of storms, Feighan noted, Storms are now occurring nearly three or four times a year, and we must prepare for that. He urged for immediate action, stating, We need to prepare and we need to [bring agencies together] as soon as possible.

As Leitrim continues to rebuild, Frank Feighan TDs call for a unified agency meeting underscores the urgent need for enhanced collaboration and resource allocation to address both current devastation in ruralLeitrim and future challenges posed by severe weather events.

READ MORE Seamus ORourke shines on The Tommy Tiernan Show

READ MORE Thousands without power in Leitrim as storm Eowyn strikes
The negative effects of the fast fashion industry are endless, and with a few quick Google searches I was able to find shocking discoveries that I could never even imagine.

Without sounding too much like a hypocrite, I'll be honest and say I'm not shy of surfing the web to find the latest fashion trends on sites like Shein, BooHoo and PrettyLitteThing, without any thought of the impacts my purchases are causes.

But I have found time and time again that although they are significantly cheaper, it doesn't seem to be worth it the end.

It wasn't until I was slowly exposed to the cruel consequences the fast fashion industry is having on the planet, wildlife, oceans, the workers in the factories themselves and even the air we breath!

With having an interest in climate change and the environment to begin with, it wasn't long before I felt myself heading down a rabbit hole and uncovering just how destructive the fast fashion industry really is.

And they also never last long enough for me to get more than a few wears out of them!

READ NEXT: OPINION: 'I've become an underage referee in my 50s and learned one major lesson'

So let me break it down a bit and share some things I have found, all the data is sourced from a report by biologicaldiversity.org and the rest is my opinion.

I will also share some solutions you could do as a reader right now to make the positive change needed for the benefit of our planet.

From what I have gathered.....

While it has become easier than ever to get clothes shipped right to your door from locations worldwide, I think we all have to stop and think- is it really worth?

I know sites like Shein and Temu are a lot more affordable than some of the stores we have here, and we may feel like we are saving a lot of money, but I have found my clothes never last longer than a few months at most [or even a few washes!]

The clothes are often made out of the cheapest materials like polyester, which is essentially plastic and is made using fossil fuels like petrol.

Either the colour is drained from the clothes after a few washes or the material starts falling apart. Has anyone else noticed this?

Stains are near impossible to get out and after washing the colour goes dull and the material gets more and more fragile.

I've noticed leggings that I have purchased in the past rip and tear so much more easily that those I would buy in a store in Ireland.

So while buying clothes online can be cheaper and more convenient, I now think it's a lot more worthwhile to shop in local stores instead, and considering the detrimental impact fast fashion has, I don't think it's worth it.

The clothing is made from much better materials, and will last so much longer and have less negative impacts on the planet.

Not only this, but every time you wash these cheaply made clothes, the synthetic microfibres come off of them and go straight into water systems.

Roughly 700,000 fibres per load of laundry, the report said! These could end up in the ocean and other environments, and even the water we drink. The destruction to our planet is already in a vicious cycle, do we need to make it worse?

If you don't already I'd really recommend looking in charity shops and vintage clothing stores as they can be a great place to find affordable clothing that other people no longer use or want.

The impact of fast fashion on our planet:

I read a really interesting report by biologicaldiversity.org that explained the harms of fast fashion on the planet, and if you're interested in the topic I'd recommend reading the full report here.

Key points I found most interesting are as follows:

The wool used is commonly blended with fibres derived from fossil fuels and coated with chemicals, further increasing the environmental cost of production and disposal of these garments.

For a company such as Shein, an estimated 1,000 new styles are uploaded daily, though there has been speculation that this figure may be a gross underestimate (Zhou, 2022). With the average number of each garment manufactured ranging from 50-100, according to the Shein website, this results in a minimum of 50,000 new garments created every day.

Polluted water is often used to irrigate crops and studies have found textile dyes present in fruits and vegetables grown around Savar in Bangladesh

In April 2013 the Rana Plaza building in Dhaka, Bangladesh collapsed, resulting in more than 1,100 textile-worker fatalities and bringing to light the subpar conditions in which fast fashion industries operate. Between 2006 and 2012, more than 500 workers in Bangladesh garment factories died in factory fires, usually due to faulty wiring

That's just a taster of the report, because the impacts are endless, but I found it so shocking!

Solutions:

Buy fewer clothes and look after what you buy. Buy clothes you know you will wear many times and not just wear once.

If you are going to an event, try to borrow a friend's outfit to avoid spending money on clothes you might only wear once.

Before you buy a new piece of clothing, consider if you have a similar piece in your wardrobe already.

Buy from local shops and businesses for clothes, and use local craftspeople to mend damaged clothes to get more wear out of them

Buy clothing made with natural fabric fibers instead of synthetic fabrics, like cotton, linen, bamboo, silk, and wool.

There are also cool gadgets like a laundry ball you can buy that gathers microfibres to stop them from going down drains and into water systems.

In conclusion, no, fast fashion is nowhere near worth it!

Buying a cute outfit online is nowhere near worth the catastrophic destruction the industry is causing on the planet, humans, animals and our oceans every single day.
Forensic evidence links a man to the callous and cowardly murder of three police officers in Northern Ireland in 1982, a court has heard.

Martin John McCauley, 62, with an address at Esmondale in Naas, County Kildare, appeared in the dock at Craigavon Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Mr McCauley was one of the so-called Colombia Three, who were accused of training rebel FARC guerrilla forces in 2001.

McCauley was charged with murdering Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) Sergeant Sean Quinn and constables Allan McCloy and Paul Hamilton in a landmine attack at Kinnego Embankment near Lurgan on October 27 1982.

The IRA claimed responsibility for the attack.

A prosecuting lawyer told the court that McCauley had been extradited from the Republic of Ireland.

McCauley was detained by gardai on Thursday morning and arrested by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) at the border, the court was told.

The three murder charges were read to McCauley as he stood in the dock.

A PSNI detective inspector told the court she could connect the accused to the charges.

Outlining the facts, the prosecuting lawyer said: A substantial bomb was hidden underneath the road.

It detonated remotely as the officers vehicle went over it.

He said a number of items had been recovered from the scene at the time, including cigarette butts.

He added the items had been subjected to modern era forensic examination, which could match McCauleys DNA to that identified on the butts.

He said the presence of DNA of other individuals who are now dead were also discovered.

The detective inspector told the court she opposed an application for bail on the basis of risk of flight, risk of further offences and risk of interference with witnesses.

She said: This was a callous and cowardly murder of three RUC officers while on duty responding to a call from the public.

She pointed out McCauley did not live in Northern Ireland and had in the past demonstrated the ability to travel without a passport.

A defence lawyer said he was surprised that the police were opposing bail.

He said police concerns that the defendant could interfere with witnesses were quite frankly, absurd.

He added: It is every bit as absurd as the objection on the basis of there being a risk of further offences.

On the issue of risk of flight, the lawyer said: He is as anchored to this island as anyone can possibly be.

The lawyer said his client had known for two weeks that he would be extradited to Northern Ireland but had continued to honour bail conditions in the Republic of Ireland.

District Judge Philip Mateer said he was satisfied there was a prima facie case against McCauley.

However, he said he was not satisfied that there was a legal justification to refuse bail.

McCauley will appear in court again on February 26.

McCauley was initially arrested by gardai in the Republic of Ireland in August 2024 and had been on bail since an appearance at the High Court in Dublin on foot of the extradition warrant.
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by Staff reporter

Zimbabwean authorities are reportedly reluctant to directly confront the South African government over the deaths of 20 Zimbabweans at the Buffelsfontein Gold Mine in Stilfontein. The incident, which claimed the lives of over 80 illegal miners, has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about the South African government's role in the tragedy.The miners, many of whom were Zimbabwean nationals, were trapped underground for over four months before their bodies were recovered. Initial reports suggest that survivors resorted to extreme measures to stay alive, including consuming cockroaches and even human flesh. It is believed that the majority of the deceased miners may have succumbed to hunger and dehydration while trapped in the shaft, with supplies of food and medicine cut off by South African authorities.Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, defended the decision to shut off food supplies to the miners, stating, "We will smoke them out," a remark that has since drawn condemnation from human rights groups and the international community.The situation became dire enough that community members and charitable organizations had to seek legal intervention, leading to the Pretoria High Court ordering the South African government to provide rescue services to the miners. Despite the court's ruling, many have criticized the government's delayed response and the conditions that led to the miners' deaths.A Zimbabwean Embassy official in South Africa stated that while the deaths of Zimbabwean nationals were tragic, the embassy had refrained from intervening in what it deemed a matter for South African authorities to handle. "This issue was really for South African authorities to handle through their policies, administrative processes, and through their various agencies," the official said.The embassy's stance has drawn criticism, with many questioning why Zimbabwe has not taken a more active role in addressing the deaths of its citizens. The official added that the embassy had not been informed of the cause of death for the Zimbabwean nationals, nor were they certain whether autopsies could be conducted, given the state of the bodies.Minister of Mines Gwede Mantashe downplayed the controversy, asserting that the government could not be held responsible for the deaths of the illegal miners. He emphasized that the miners were operating unlawfully, and the government had no obligation to protect them.Despite these remarks, the incident has ignited widespread condemnation, particularly from human rights organizations that have accused the South African government of gross negligence and human rights violations. Many believe the tragedy could have been prevented with better rescue efforts and a more humane approach to the situation.The Zimbabwean government has yet to make a formal statement regarding the deaths, and as the investigation into the incident continues, the families of the deceased miners are left seeking answers while Zimbabwean nationals continue to face dangerous working conditions abroad.As tensions rise over the handling of the Buffelsfontein Gold Mine disaster, many are calling for greater accountability from both the South African and Zimbabwean governments in addressing the root causes of illegal mining and the safety of miners.
TWO brothers will be sentenced by Judge Colin Daly in Limerick Criminal Circuit Court some time after 2pm this Thursday, January 30 for assaulting a man with a hurley and wrench.

The victim - Ciaran Ryan - suffered a number of injuries including a broken leg, fractured ribs, punctured lung and broken fingers during the beating. He spent over a week in hospital.

Daragh Hayes, aged 37, of Ballyashea, Kildimo, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, production of an article capable of inflicting serious injury, namely a wrench, and a second count of producing an article, namely a hurley.

Cian Hayes, aged 34, of Ballyashea, Kildimo, has pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and producing a wrench. The offences occurred at Daragh Hayes home, located behind his parents home on the family farm, Ballyashea, Kildimo, on September 29, 2021.

Prosecuting barrister Lily Buckley, instructed by State solicitor Brendan Gill, outlined the evidence with the assistance of Detective Sergeant Michael Reidy at a sentencing hearing in December.

The court heard the Hayes brothers and Mr Ryan are all from Kildimo, went to school and played sport together, and were very close friends.

Mr Ryan was invited to Daragh Hayes' home around 7.15pm on the night in question after he milked the cows. Mr Ryan brought beer, wine and cakes as he thought it was to be a social occasion to discuss elements of Cian Hayes upcoming wedding. Mr Ryan was due to be the best man.

READ MORE: Tractor driver to be sentenced over collision which saw Conor Murrays father seriously injured

After Mr Ryan sat down on a couch in the sitting room he was told this is not about the wedding outlined Ms Buckley.

Det Sgt Reidy said violence ensued almost immediately.

Ms Buckley said Mr Ryan was asked about texts he sent to Daragh Hayes ex-partner. The couple had broken up in recent months.

Mr Ryan was friends with Daragh Hayes ex-partner with whom Daragh Hayes has two children. Both accused had got it into their heads that Mr Ryan was involved with Daragh Hayes ex-partner. This was unfounded and totally erroneous. Mr Ryan had a girlfriend of his own, said Ms Buckley.

Det Sgt Reidy said there is no evidence of a relationship between Mr Ryan and Daragh Hayes' ex-partner.

At the conclusion of the case, Judge Daly said he wished to consider sentencing and adjourned the matter to January 30, 2025 for judgement.
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PROTESTORS have suspended a vigil outside the former convent in Cappamore in a dispute over the future use of the building.

A committee called Cappamore Community Group say that the convent, located beside Scoil Chaitriona - the village's national school, should be used as an autism suite for pupils.

However, Cappamore Housing Association, who acquired the convent from the Sisters of Mercy in 2020, had signed a short-term lease to Coolmine Therapeutic Centre for residential purposes only for women and children.

No to Coolmine was written on silage bales placed outside the convent. Coolmine is a drug and alcohol treatment centre that brings clients on a journey of recovery by providing quality community, day and residential services.

Cappamore Housing Association released a statement to Limerick Live on Tuesday evening saying they are pleased to announce that "the short-term lease of its property at the former convent residence is now ceased".

READ MORE: Breakthrough in silage bales barricade over future use of former Limerick convent

Cappamore Community Group, in a post on Facebook, say they welcome the update from Limerick City and County Council "pertaining to Coolmine having relinquished the lease of the convent building".

"This has come as a direct result of the supportive community work. We thank everyone for their support and efforts to this point. Whilst we acknowledge that the work is not yet over, this is a massive step. With no active lease in place, meaningful discussions can now happen between the board of management (BOM) and Cappamore Housing Association (CHA).

"After careful deliberations, we believe that at this moment in time, it is in the best interest of Scoil Chaitriona and the community to postpone our protest to allow talks to progress.

"We have been made aware that the BOM and the CHA do have a plan in place to meet imminently. If we continue to protest, then it is likely that these plans will not go ahead. For these reasons, we have suspended the vigil outside the school," concludes the post on Facebook.
A total of 1,600 reports of domestic violence were made over the Christmas week, representing an all-time high in incidents in a seven-day period, the Policing Authority has been told.

The meeting heard that gardai usually receive 1,200 calls about domestic violence each week but that this number spiked over the Christmas holidays.

Andrew OSullivan, the gardai chief information officer, said the number of domestic abuse incidents reported to them continues to increase, adding it was particularly stark over the Christmas period.

He said that there has been a 5% increase in the number of reported incidents this year compared to 2024.

Today's meeting has now commenced with the first agenda item, violence against women, including recent femicide cases. Commissioner Harris and his colleagues are currently responding to questions on this topic and the work they are doing in this area.  Policing Authority (@PolicingAuthIRL) January 30, 2025

Its roughly a five to 10% increase year on year, every year, and were seeing the same trend again in 2025.

Its already up 5% on 2024, Mr OSullivan told the Policing Authority meeting.

Some of that possibly is due to an increased prevalence. We think its more likely down to the fact that theres less tolerance in society.

Theres more supports available, both from a legislation point of view, and from the justice sector, and from a garda perspective.

So were seeing more reports coming in, which is welcome that more and more people are coming forward.

But that was very stark over the Christmas period.

It is quite a common period when people are together over holiday periods, and that includes bank holidays and Easter and particularly over the Christmas period.

More reporting is good, but we reached an all time high over Christmas with 1,600 incidents over the Christmas week period, so thats an all-time high on a one-week period.

The norm, again, still high numbers, is usually about 1,200, so it spiked from a normal week, if you could call it that, of about 1,200 up to 1,600 over just the Christmas period.

Its now returned down to about 1,200 again, but a very high instance.

One of the things that was very notable, though, was that the callback rate and the engagement rate from guards, even though the the number of incidents increased dramatically, was then in preparation for that, because we watched these trends very carefully, there was still the same level engagement and service offer to those victims, the same level of callbacks and engagement with them.

The meeting was told that one call in relation to domestic violence is made every nine minutes in Ireland.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said that an increase in violent pornography has had an impact on the nature of sexual offending.

He warned that the adult pornography industry is unregulated and not policed, and that everyone has access to it.

Mr Harris added: I think the difficult thing is that over the last period, and Im talking over maybe two to three decades, the prevalence of violent pornography on the internet, that that has had an impact in respect of the nature of some of the sexual offending that we see reported in terms of the violence perpetrated, the modus operandi of the attack, and how its been perpetrated.

The normalisation of violence against women through very violent pornography, and in effect, that violent adult pornography is almost an unregulated space.

So much of our effort has to be directed towards child abuse online, that this violent pornography is in effect unpoliced and very available on the internet and available now to anyone really that has a computer or smartphone.

Mr Harris said said he would encourage people to report domestic violence incidents to gardai, friend or a solicitor.

If they dont feel able to do that, then they should seek assistance, perhaps with one of the charities or NGOs working in the domestic abuse sector.

Once the conversation starts, its easier then to repeat that conversation.

It has to be emphasised that a victim of domestic abuse is in grave danger.

They and other family members are in grave danger, and the quicker that systems can be found, in whatever shape or form that might be, then that should happen.
Almost 3,000 people are helping ESB technicians to restore power to thousands as the Irish Government faces anger from communities about the response to Storm Eowyn.

That number, up by 200 people since Wednesday, includes retired ESB staff and workers from six different countries: the UK, Austria, Finland, France, the Netherlands and Germany.

Around 133,000 homes and businesses remain without supply as the ESB reconnected 635,000 customers in the past week.

After senior ministers were briefed on developments on Thursday, a spokesman for the Tanaiste said that most schools left without power would be reconnected by the weekend at the latest.

It is expected that the vast majority of people affected by outages will have power restored by Friday, with it taking further time to reconnect more isolated areas.

The Government has come under pressure over its response to the destruction caused by Storm Eowyn, which put Ireland under a nationwide Status Red weather alert for the first time.

Record-breaking wind speeds saw power cut to more than a million people on the island of Ireland, which has had a knock-on effect on some water supplies, broadband connections and other services.

The Government has argued it is reacting to an unprecedented storm and that 333 emergency response hubs supported by the State have been established to help people without electricity.

Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton said she accepted it took too long to set up community hubs, and that people are really angry, it is at boiling point.

There has been a huge community response right across the country but we do need to plan better the next time, she told RTEs News At One.

When something like this happens, these designated hubs need to be identified now for the next time a storm like this happens.

These community centres, the local people will be able to identify the correct area  be it in Carraroe or Oranmore, wherever  that those centres need to have generators in place, showering facilities, where people can get hot food, they can charge their phones and they will know exactly where to go when this happens.

Seventeen generators have been offered to Ireland by Poland and Denmark, with two from Denmark due this week.

More generators are arriving from Romania on Friday and will be brought by the Defence Forces to the areas that need them.

A spokesman for Tanaiste Simon Harris said he had been informed that the Civil Defence is helping to move generators and bring elderly people to hubs, as well as carry out drone surveys to help the ESB.

Mr Harris said after the meeting: I want to thank those involved on the ground in what has been an enormous humanitarian effort in response to an unprecedented weather event.

There is still much work to do but every effort is being made to restore power and water to the homes that need it as quickly as possible.

The Programme for Government includes a pledge to develop an Extreme Weather Event Assistance Scheme, which the Government has indicated it will prioritise.
Senior civil servants must do better to tackle delays and overspends in delivering major capital projects in Northern Ireland, Jayne Brady has said.

But the head of Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) warned there was no quick fix to address concerns that have previously been identified by auditors.

Last year, the NI Audit Office reported that Northern Irelands major capital projects portfolio will cost 2.45 billion more to complete than originally estimated.

The report by Comptroller and Auditor General Dorinnia Carville provided an overview of progress on 11 projects previously covered in a 2019 report, including seven flagship infrastructure projects identified by the Northern Ireland Executive in 2015 as highest priority.

The seven flagship projects are the A5 road, the A6 road, Belfast rapid transit, Belfast transport hub, the Maternity and Childrens Hospital, regional and sub-regional stadia, and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Learning and Development Centre in Cookstown.

The Assemblys Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is undertaking an inquiry into the delivery of major capital projects across Northern Ireland.

Ms Brady gave evidence to members of the committee on Thursday.

She noted that the particular constitutional arrangements in Northern Ireland  where she does not have direct accountability for the permanent secretaries in each Stormont department  meant there were limitations in her ability to direct actions in regard to the delivery of the projects.

However, she said a series of improvements to processes and structures were seeking to enhance collaboration among senior civil servants on projects, including a reconstituted NI Civil Service Board.

I absolutely accept that we must, we have to do better, Ms Brady told the committee.

Im very clear that its not just the overspends, which are majorly significant, it is the lost opportunity. It is the deaths on our roads. It is the schools that are deteriorating.

So it is not sufficient for me to come here and say there is a governance structure in Northern Ireland which doesnt allow me to direct. I, and we as leaders, need to find a way to address those issues.

The head of the NICS added: Major capital projects have a major timeline to progress in some of those areas, so these are not things that you can quickly fix in terms of delivery.
VISITORS to the city will have the opportunity to take a trip on a bus to rural Limerick to the backdrop of traditional music this weekend.

Its all part of the inaugural All We Have Are Days festival, which is set to become a fixture in the local calendar every St Brigids weekend in February.

Some 30 events have been organised in 16 venues for the event, which starts this Friday, January 31. Among these are a trad bus, which will take people out to both Kilmallock and Newcastle West to the soundtrack of traditional Irish music.

PICTURES: Robert Burns night celebration at Dolan's pub

Festival co-organiser Rocky OShea said: Our mayor John Moran is very keen over the next couple of years to develop the festival into the county. We think its a great idea too. Itd be lovely if you came down to Dublin to enjoy a gig on the Saturday night and then youd end up in an amazing gig out in Kilmallock, Bruff or somewhere.

The maiden voyage of the trad bus will take festival-goers to Houlihans Pub in Kilmallock and Whelans at Newcastle West.

En route, the trad musicians will play atop the double decker bus and then theyll also play sets in both the pubs.

It all gets under way at 12pm, with the bus picking passengers up at Limericks Colbert station on Sunday.

Its a great concept. If people are coming to see stuff here, why not give them the chance to see the beautiful county we have, Rocky added.

Thousands of people are due in Limerick for the first ever All We Have our Days festival which carries a tagline of: A winter eekend with music at its heart.

Just like Cork is famous for its Jazz Festival in the October Bank Holiday, Rocky is hoping Limerick becomes renowned for this festival in the first weekend of February.

That was the goal when we sat down last year and we pitched it to Diageo, who are sponsoring it, said Rocky, referring to the drinks firm which distributes Guinness among others.

They have invested in Cork Jazz and have done for 46 years. You look at what that does to the Cork economy. It brings 45m, it brings 100,000 people into the city. And like us, its a Bank Holiday weekend. This is all about making Limerick the destination for St Brigids weekend, added the publican.

There are some big names due at the festival, also being backed by Limerick Chamber plus Limerick City and County Council.

Oscar nominated actress Ruth Negga will join Mercury Music prize nominee Lisa Hannigan and author Sinead Gleeson will link up for a chat in the spectacular surrounds of St Marys Cathedral in the city centre this Friday, opening night.

Pubs across Limerick will be hosting a number of pop-up events and it is this in particular that Rocky says he is looking forward to seeing.

I am interested to see how these pop-ups go. We have Lisa Hannigan, Paul Noonan, Gemma Hayes and Niamh Regan all doing these little unique pop-ups with a series of Limerick artists. Im keen to see how they work in the pubs, he said.

Its hectic but its coming together, the festival co-organiser added.

There are a lot of balls in the air, but they are all starting to land where we want them to land.

As well as the economic benefit of many tourists to Limerick, All We Have Our Days may also see an impact from some of the artists shopping locally.

Thats because each performer is being given a Limerick Gift Card loaded with cash to spend in the city. More festival

information is available at 061-556000.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A faction within Zimbabwe's ruling Zanu-PF party has reacted sharply to recent statements made by war veterans, denouncing President Emmerson Mnangagwa's allies for attempts to extend his tenure beyond the 2028 constitutional limit.The tensions have flared after Mnangagwa appeared to reject calls for an extension of his presidency through a resolution passed at the 2024 Zanu-PF National People's Conference, dubbed Resolution #1 .' The resolution had advocated for the 82-year-old leader to remain in power until 2030, despite his constitutional term limit.Blessed Runesu Geza, a member of the Zanu-PF Central Committee and a vocal critic, spearheaded the backlash, labeling Mnangagwa a "failed leader" who should step down or face unspecified consequences. Geza, known for his acerbic rhetoric and the nickname "Bombshell," held a press conference in Harare, where he publicly criticized the President and his loyalists. His comments were soon followed by a statement from Ben Ncube, the organizing secretary of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA), who expressed the ex-combatants' disapproval of the President's apparent move to amend the Constitution and extend his rule beyond 2028.The criticisms by Geza and Ncube have sparked speculation about a possible power struggle within Zanu-PF, with political observers suggesting that the two factions may be backed by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, a frontrunner to succeed Mnangagwa after his second and final term.In a televised address on Tuesday night, Information Minister Jenfan Muswere vehemently denounced Geza's comments, accusing him of hypocrisy and disloyalty. Muswere noted that Geza had previously been a strong advocate for the 2030 extension resolution at the Zanu-PF conference, which made his current criticisms "surprising" and "self-contradictory.""These individuals, while purporting to be members of the ruling party, are not using proper channels to address their grievances," Muswere said. "It is unfortunate that these individuals are now demonizing the President, even though they played a role in passing Resolution #1 , which called for the President to stay in office until 2030."The Information Minister also expressed disappointment at what he called Geza's bitterness, which he attributed to a 2018 primary election defeat. "It is unfortunate that the bitterness he suffered from that defeat is now causing him to turn against the President," Muswere added, referring to Geza's role in pushing for the resolution earlier.Muswere stressed that Mnangagwa's government has shown unwavering support for war veterans, citing the establishment of a standalone ministry to cater to their welfare and the creation of a War Veterans' Wing within Zanu-PF. He also highlighted that the government had initiated over 8,000 developmental projects since Mnangagwa assumed office in 2017."The Second Republic has championed a deliberate welfare program for our veterans, recognizing them in the Constitution and ensuring their inclusion in Zimbabwe's economy," Muswere explained. "War veterans are a distinguished group of patriots who helped bring about the independence we enjoy today. Their contributions will never be forgotten."Muswere's defense of the President's leadership comes amidst growing tensions in Zanu-PF as factions vie for influence ahead of the 2028 election. The war veterans' calls for Mnangagwa's resignation reflect a deepening divide within the ruling party, which could have significant implications for the country's political future.As Zanu-PF grapples with internal disputes and leadership challenges, many observers are watching closely to see how the party will navigate the complex dynamics leading up to the next election.
Lincoln University of Missouri celebrates significant academic gains over the past decade as it continues its 25 in 25 points of pride, highlighting key achievements to build momentum for the future. The increases in GPA across different demographics and academic levels highlight an upward trend in student performance and suggest positive developments in the university's academic programs and student support systems.

The combined average GPA of Lincoln University undergraduate and graduate students has increased by 8.30325%, from 2.77 in 2015 to 3.00 in 2024. In the past five years, the average undergraduate student GPA increased from 2.85 in 2019 to 2.95 in 2024. For graduate students, GPAs increased from 3.71 in 2019 to 3.77 in 2024.

These gains are the direct result of our faculty and staffs dedication to innovative teaching methods and fostering a supportive learning environment, said Lincoln President Dr. John B. Moseley. New initiatives like the University College continue to advance success, providing critical programming for first-time students. We look forward to seeing our students reach even greater achievement.

Among Black or African American students, their average GPA rose from 2.19 in 2015 to 2.54 in 2024, a gain of 0.35 points. Over the past five years, their GPA increased from 2.40 in 2019 to 2.54 in 2024.

Female students average GPA rose from 2.87 in 2015 to 3.07 in 2024, a 6.97% increase. In the past five years, their GPA increased from 3.00 in 2019 to 3.07 in 2024. Male students also improved, with their average GPA rising from 2.65 in 2015 to 2.91 in 2024, and from 2.74 in 2019 to 2.91 in 2024 over the past five years.

The average GPA of first-time freshmen increased from 2.35 in 2015 to 2.71 in 2024. Over the past five years, their GPA rose from 2.53 in 2019 to 2.71 in 2024.

Stay tuned for the rest of the month with more of Lincolns 25 in 25.
DeepSeek, the Chinese artificial intelligence company that set Silicon Valley ablaze with its new AI model, did it in part by relying on a decades-old strategy: giving its technology away free.

The approach, known as open-source, relies on companies freely distributing their technology for the public to use, share and modify. It has long been used as a tactic by upstarts to upset the established dominance of larger, closed-source competitors that dont freely share their tech.

In this case, its DeepSeek going up against OpenAI, maker of the ChatGPT chatbot. By some analyst estimates, OpenAI accounts for 80% of the global generative AI market. DeepSeek said its model was particularly good at problem solving, performing on par with OpenAIs o1 reasoning modelbut at a fraction of the cost per use.

Its not just DeepSeek using the open-source strategy to challenge OpenAI. AI startups including Mistral AI, Hugging Face, Runway AI and Together AI have similarly released their technology as open-source. Tech giants have done it too: Meta Platforms open-sourced its Llama model in 2023, and Google released its Gemma open-source models last year.

Still, it is a matter of debate whether DeepSeeks R1 model is actually open-source" by standard open-software definitions, said Arun Chandrasekaran, an analyst focused on AI at market research and IT consulting firm Gartner.

While DeepSeek has released the weights," or numerical parameters, behind its R1 model for the public to freely use, download and modify, it stopped short of releasing training data behind it. U.S. companies like Meta have taken the same approach, while calling their models open-source."

Yet being free means open-source technologies can rapidly capture the attention of legions of developers eager to experiment with new tech. And in doing so, they create a so-called ecosystem of engineers who build their own versions of the technologyhelping it proliferate well beyond its original builders designs.

Hugging Face, a startup that hosts a popular open-source model-sharing platform, said that 617 models have already been created by its community based on DeepSeeks R1 model, with over 3 million downloads.

Openness raises all tides when it comes to AI development," said Jason Corso, a University of Michigan professor of robotics. Theyve enabled the broader AI community to study and verify their methodology and weave it into their work."

If DeepSeeks new R1 model were proprietary, or pay-to-use, independent developers would be less likely to expend their efforts to build and share improvements theyve made to the technology. Winning over developers is still key to gaining a foothold in AI, especially when AI companies like OpenAI and Anthropic continue battling for engineers to build applications on their technologies.

Startups that build on open-source technologies are also more likely to experiment with powerful, cheaper models like DeepSeekshelping embed the Chinese companys AI model into new products and services that touch consumers and businesses.

American companies have also expressed excitement over DeepSeeks capabilities, with corporate technology executives saying they hope that it brings down the cost of AI for everyone.

There will be another DeepSeek by the end of this month, and many more this year in the U.S. and worldwide," said Jim Zemlin, executive director of the Linux Foundation, a nonprofit that supports open-source technologies.

One reason companies lock down their technology is to prevent competitors from accessing it. But even when technologies arent shared freely, it can be tricky to stop their dissemination. OpenAI on Wednesday said it was investigating whether DeepSeek trained its new chatbot by repeatedly querying OpenAIs models.

Theres no doubt that open-source can be a risky approach. Theres no guarantee that free technology will turn a profit, leading some companies to sell business-grade services and applications on top of their open models. Some also sell access to their most powerful models, while giving away less capable models free.

Open-source technology can also be a red-flag for enterprises, who are wary of bringing unvetted technology into their premises. Experts say that open technologies make it easier for attackers to identify and exploit potential cybersecurity issues, but open-source also offers the benefit of greater customization and control.

Open-weight models lack built-in security certifications, placing the burden of compliance on the deploying organization," said Ryan Cox, global head of AI at Synechron, a technology and consulting firm focused on financial services.

But for DeepSeek, a goal may simply be to maximize its popularity and demonstrate to Americas AI leaders that it has developed a powerful, cheaper technology.

They realized they were onto an extremely powerful model, and they said, This is our moment, lets make this really viral," Gartners Chandrasekaran said. One of the ways to make it really viral is by open-sourcing it."

Write to Belle Lin at belle.lin@wsj.com
Meta Platforms unveiled plans to make artificial intelligence more personalized this year, and Microsoft predicted exponentially more demand" for AI products.

The tech giants on Wednesday talked up their AI strategies and said they are sticking with ambitious investments in the technology despite the investor panic this week over the rise of DeepSeek. That Chinese companys claim that it built an advanced AI model with far less money and fewer advanced chips than big-name U.S. competitors has caused many to question the wisdom of pouring oceans of cash into developing cutting-edge AI systems.

Microsoft Chief Executive Satya Nadella and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in earnings calls that DeepSeek had made real innovations. But the two portrayed the Chinese companys work as part of a technological evolution that will make AI cheaper and more widely used rather than the extensive disruption that some observers have perceived.

Theres a number of novel things that they did that I think were still digesting," Zuckerberg said on a call with analysts after Meta reported record quarterly sales and strong profit growth. I continue to think that investing very heavily in [capital expenditures and infrastructure] is going to be a strategic advantage over time. Its possible that well learn otherwise at some point. But I just think its way too early to call."

Microsofts fungible fleet

Microsoft on Wednesday reported a 12% increase in total sales for its latest quarter but reported growth in its much-watched cloud-computing division that disappointed investors.

The company said this month that has said it is investigating whether DeepSeek trained its new chatbot by repeatedly querying the U.S. companys AI models.

In some sense whats happening with AI its no different than what was happening with the regular compute cycle. Its always about bending the [cost] curve," Nadella said.

He reiterated his point, one that he made on the eve of last weekends frenzy over DeepSeek: The more the cost of AI declines, the more people will use the technology. Back then he cited Jevons Paradox, an economic principle that people will use more of a resource when accessing it becomes cheaper.

Wednesday he said simply that as AI becomes more efficient and accessible, we will see exponentially more demand."

As OpenAI embarks on a campaign to build its Stargate data-center project with SoftBank and other partners, investors asked about the state of Microsofts relationship with the ChatGPT maker.

Beyond affirming that their relationship was good, Nadella said that the network of data centers the company is building is a fungible fleet." He and Hood explained that they were making these facilities capable of shifting between training models and running them, as well as distributing them around the world so they are able take advantage of a variety of clients.

Metas advantage

Meta this month announced a sizable increase in its investments driven by artificial intelligence, including $60 billion to $65 billion in capital expenditures, roughly 70% higher than analyst projections.

Zuckerberg on Wednesday emphasized that the winners of the AI arms raceboth countries and companieswill be able to set the terms.

Theres going to be an open-source standard globally," he said on Metas earnings call in response to a question about DeepSeek. For our, kind of, own national advantage, its important that its an American standard," he said. So we take that seriously and we want to build the AI system that people around the world are using."

Zuckerberg said DeepSeek did a number of novel things" that Meta hopes to implement in its systems.

He predicted that companies investing vast sums in computing infrastructure will be able to deploy it in ways that can adjust as AI advances, and such investments will continue to be an advantage. More computing power can generate a higher level of intelligence and service, he said.

Thats generally an advantage that were now going to be able to provide a higher quality of service than others who dont necessarily have the business model to support it on a sustainable basis," he said.

Meta plans to aim its AI work on a unique vision focused on personalization," Zuckerberg said.

People dont all want to use the same AI," he said. People want their AI to be personalized to their context, their interests, their personality, their culture, how they think about the world."

Write to Bradley Olson at bradley.olson@wsj.com and Tom Dotan at tom.dotan@wsj.com
New Delhi: On Wednesday, prior to market opening, 8,200-crore AI cloud services firm Netweb Technologies issued a note to investors. Set against the backdrop of a sharp 48% decline in its stock price within just two weeks of trading, the note sought to assuage its investors that this decline was, in fact, a blip in the companys growth radar.

Titled Update on certain global developments in the space of AI and its impact on Netweb Technologies business, the note claimed that the company is well-poised to capitalize upon the emergence of Chinas artificial intelligence upstart DeepSeek, which rained catastrophe on US tech giant Nvidia Corp on Monday by wiping out nearly $600 billion from its market cap.

DeepSeek paves the way for inclusive AI adoption, expanding the market further. By lowering the cost barriers associated with advanced technology, it enables a wider range of customerspreviously hesitant due to high adoption coststo access and utilize appropriate computing resources AI performance acceleration enabled by platforms like DeepSeek will drive greater adoption of our solutions," the companys investor note read.

Investors reacted positively to the note, even though Netweb did not lay out any specific growth guidance. Within the first hour of trading on Wednesday, the companys stock hit the 10% upper circuit, and closed at this level at 1607.65 apiece.

Chirajeet Sengupta, managing partner and tech analysis firm Everest Group, said that there is room for growth even for AI service providers, despite DeepSeeks threat to the global AI status quo.

There is a certain level of reaction in the market because of DeepSeek, which will eventually equilibrate. Given the geopolitical balance of nations with China, its unlikely that a direct adoption of a Chinese AI model will play throughleaving room for AI operations in India to recover and grow," Sengupta said.

Global AI policy shifts

Not everyone, however, is convinced as yet. Two senior equity research analysts at two Mumbai-headquartered brokerage firms, who requested anonymity since their firms do not officially track Netweb Technologies, or its compatriotthe 5,900-crore E2E Networks Limited, said that the decline in stock prices of the two companies is in direct correlation to multiple global incidentsformer US president Joe Bidens executive order leaving India out of a list of nations with unrestricted access to American chips, current president Donald Trump Jrs announcement of Stargate with an America-first approach to AI development and data centres, and finally, Chinas DeepSeek disrupting US tech giants Microsoft, Google, Nvidia and OpenAI.

India has for long been a services-first economy in the global technology supply chain. While it has successfully managed to scale this to a near-$300 billion industry that substantially contributes to the domestic output, its important to note that most or all of the core patents and intellectual properties in AI are owned by the US. This leaves firms such as E2E Networks and Netweb Technologies, which have bet on providing AI cloud compute infrastructure at a significantly lower cost than compatriots in North America and the European Union, at risk of losing significant business," one of the analysts cited above said.

To be sure, both E2E Networks and Netweb Technologies have witnessed exponential growth over the past two years. Share prices of E2E Networks rose from 168 apiece in July 2023 to a high of 5487.65 in November last yeara near-33x rise. For Netweb Technologies, its initial public offering at 500 per share in July 2023 grew to 3030 per share by December last yeara growth of over 6x.

The stellar growth and sharp returns for investors was coming off the back of rise in hype and demand for generative AI around the world. As Nvidia-backed compute saw a shortage in supply due to heavy demand, low-cost AI cloud service providers such as E2E Networks and Netweb Technologies became natural favourites for investors. Its no surprise that if the US decides to restrict access of Nvidia processors to these companies, investors will start pulling out as the very business model of a low-cost AI cloud platform provider gets disrupted," the second analyst cited above said.

The launch of Chinas DeepSeek has further caused uncertainty around how reduced demand for AI compute to create models, applications and services may impact cloud service providers. Each of the analysts said that it is this reason why investors likely reacted positively to Netwebs note, which said that as of the December quarter, the companys topline grew by more than 60% on a significantly higher base."

Share prices of E2E Networks, however, still hit the 5% lower circuit in intraday trading on Wednesdayeven as the 30-share BSE Sensex benchmark index gained 631 points through the day.

Emails sent to E2E Networks and Netweb Technologies seeking responses to their future growth trajectories and potential business pivots did not receive responses until press time. Additionally, a spokesperson for Netweb Technologies did not respond to requests for comment through Wednesday.

Growth expectations, however, remainoffering a silver lining to both these companies.

Global tech concerns, including the US push for an America-first strategy, could play in favour of Indian tech firms, because its unlikely that the US economy will entirely do away with tech outsourcing due to cost factors. That said, market reactions will depend on foreign institutional investor (FII) patternswhich is what has led to the Indian markets crash in the past two weeks. In the long run, Indian tech services firms will have plenty of room to grow, and recover from their current phase of deceleration," Sengupta said.

Jaspreet Bindra, co-founder at tech consultancy firm AI&Beyond, added further that while there will always be room for low-cost tech service providers, their long-term growth potential will be defined by their ability to scale up core innovation beyond the cost factors. The world will always need low-cost AI cloud platform operators, but beyond a point, the key growth phase in a business will come only if these Indian firms can develop core products and solutions to cater to the AI growth phase. That, in the long run, would make them of greater value to investors."
U.S. tech companies are used to some competition from China, but DeepSeek seems to be operating on another level.

The given news that OpenAI is investigating whether DeepSeek trained its chatbot by repeatedly querying the U.S. companys AI models to exfiltrate large volumes of data in a technical process called distillation.

Even if that is the case, however, the competitive threat to U.S. tech companies is rising, as is the challenge of protecting their intellectual property.

Questions about distillation of models notwithstanding, DeepSeek has earned the attentionand the respectof U.S. technologists. I would say, personally, we have seen the Chinese today, this week establish themselves as first-rate software developers," Jared Spataro, chief marketing officer of Microsofts AI at Work group, told me.

Venture capital investors and the startup founders of Silicon Valley have long defined themselves as disrupters, attacking the flanks of established companies. In a cycle going back more than half a century, one startup emerged after another, more or less from Silicon Valley, San Francisco or Seattle, the northern capital of the U.S. tech empire.

When promising startups emerged elsewhere, they were seen as farm-team players to elevate to the big leagues through investment and alliances. Microsofts partnership with French AI startup Mistral, itself founded by Google DeepMind and Meta veterans, sparked some resentment in Europe because it seemed to follow that model. It has been funded by U.S. investors including Lightspeed General Partners, General Catalyst and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt.

DeepSeek upended Silicon Valley in a more profound way, because the disruption came from outside its circle of venture firms, entrepreneurs, tech giants and universities.

DeepSeek was started in Hangzhou in 2023 by Liang Wenfeng, and is owned entirely by Chinese hedge fund High-Flyer, which Liang launched in 2015 with two college friends.

Liang met on Jan. 20Inauguration Day for President Trumpwith Chinas premier and discussed how homegrown companies could narrow the gap with the U.S., The Wall Street Journal reported.

DeepSeeks rise shows companies from China and elsewhere can shake the tech foundations of the U.S., which is already mired in battles over control of China-based TikTok and the export of technologies such as Nvidias leading-edge AI chips.

Thats why venture capitalist Marc Andreessen called DeepSeeks R1 AIs Sputnik moment."

The high-end theory

But domination doesnt necessarily follow from disruption.

The market for AI instead could face bifurcation along the lines of the mobile phone market, where global Android market share was 82% at the end of the third quarter of 2024, according to researcher IDC. Apple captures value, meanwhile, by excelling in the high-profit business of high-end smartphones.

Even if DeepSeek is roughly comparable to the best currently on offer in the U.S., it apparently needed to build on the underlying work of U.S. companies, and top AI developers such as OpenAI have more powerful models in the works.

DeepSeek could play the Android role and help commoditize much of the AI market, especially because R1 is optimal for small devices, according to Stephen Messer, co-founder of enterprise AI company Collective[i]. If that is the case, AI becomes cheaper and more accessible and it is built into everything," Messer said.

History shows that as AIs price performance improves, usage goes up. Two years after OpenAI introduced ChatGPT, for example, its most cost-efficient small model, 4o mini, can process a token, or unit of data, for 1/150th of the original price, according to company documents reviewed by the Journal.

Demand has also increased; ChatGPT had 300 million weekly average free and paid users by December, up from 100 million in November 2023.

As these models commoditize, dont think that that means its a bad business to be in," Microsofts Spataro said. That just means theres going to be more usage."

DeepSeeks efficiency could accelerate demand, to the potential benefit of U.S. chip giant Nvidia and other key chip makers and suppliers. And while there will always be demand for leading edge chips and models, more of the value in tech could shift away from foundation models, infrastructure and traditional software-as-a-service toward AI-based agents. U.S.-based companies Salesforce and ServiceNow have staked early claims there.

We feel like the value of AI is going to end up migrating up to essentially the application layer," Spataro said. Youre going to see the value of taking a great technology and applying it to business problems."

These factors could help big U.S. tech companies retain leadership in the upper end of the AI marketand most of the value created by AIalthough make no mistake, they will face competition there as well.

The next level

OpenAIs forthcoming o3 reasoning model is expected to be a significant advance over its current models. And thats how OpenAI and other pioneer model developers hope to maintain their edge: by producing a flow of models setting new standards for performance, which quickly becomes a commodity.

That business model, which also drives Nvidia, anticipates enough companies will find it essential to have the best models and chips, and will keep paying for them. If such assumptions about ongoing demand for cutting-edge models are correct, DeepSeeks shocking emergence could infuse the AI industry with innovation, help U.S. tech giants speed toward goals such as the development of artificial general intelligence, and expand their market. But competitive pressure has also suddenly reached a new level, and theres no going back.

Write to Steven Rosenbush at steven.rosenbush@wsj.com
The budget often deals with short-term problems and there are several of those relating to energy that we need to attend to urgently. The biggest is our concern for energy security to make India as aatmanirbhar (self-reliant) as possible to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, much of which we import  85% of oil, 50% of gas and almost 20% of coal. Over the long run, India has to depend on renewables such as solar and wind. Another important issue is severe air pollution in India's cities due to coal-based power plants and vehicular pollution.

However, the short-term policies have to keep in mind the long-term vision. India has promised decarbonization leading to net zero by 2070. This is important for the world but also for India, as the country is highly vulnerable to climate change. It is, therefore, in our interest to see that the world attains net zero as soon as possible.

Energy security requires that we promote renewables to replace coal in power generation and also promote electric vehicles as much as possible and cut down the use of fossil fuels.

In doing these, two issues need to be addressed. Many of the power distribution companies (discoms) make significant losses. The reason is large AT&C losses (short for aggregate T&D and commercial losses, an euphemism for power theft). For example, in 2022-23 they were 22.33% in Uttar Pradesh, 21.85% in Odisha, 20.55% in Madhya Pradesh, and 19.04% in Maharashtra. Many initiatives by the central government, including the latest revamped distribution sector scheme (RDSS) promising money for reducing AT&C losses, have not worked as expected. Also, most discoms are state-owned and have inadequate incentives for efficiency. The free power promised by various political parties compounds the problem. Privatization of discoms would be a solution but it is not acceptable to most state governments.

A measure needed

We need a measure that incentivizes the employees of discoms to reduce AT&C losses.

The privatized Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd has brought down AT&C losses to less than 10% from almost 50% in a few years. I asked a senior manager to go and explain to other discoms how they had done it. His reply was they tried to do it and the reaction was, why have you come to kick us in our belly?

I suggest that the budget provides additional resources to discoms to give bonus to their staff, the level of bonus depending on the percentage point reduction in AT&C losses attained in the year and inversely related to the AT&C losses.

Also read | A four-point wish list for Indian agriculture

Renewable power requires a much larger upfront investment. To replace one megawatt of coal plant which can generate power 80% of the time, we need to invest in 4 MW of solar plant which runs only 18-20% of the time. Fortunately, the private sector has moved in to set up renewable plants. Unfortunately, the power they generate is not fully absorbed. The government policy is to impose a renewable power obligation (RPO) by which a discoms is required a have a specified share of power from renewable sources. Many discoms do not fulfil this obligation because of their power-purchase agreements with old suppliers under which they find it cheaper to buy power from them. The solution to this is specifying the RPO level taking this in to account. The budget can provide resources to the ministry of power to compensate discoms who have PPAs preventing them to meet their RPOs.

Balancing power

For large-scale adoption of renewable power, we need balancing power. This can be supplied by flexible power generating units or energy storage. Large-scale energy storage in lithium-ion batteries would mean dependence on China, which today is the major supplier of such batteries. The budget could provide special incentives for developing sodium battery in the country. They have a smaller power density capacity per kilo gram of battery weight than lithium-ion batteries but this doesnt mot matter for stationary storage such as next to a solar or wind plant. An option for balancing power is off-river pumped storage hydro plants. These can be built in much shorter time and almost half the cost of a large hydro plant. Also, the problem of displacement and resettlement would be much less. The budget should encourage such plants.

Also read | India needs to urgently reform its overburdened justice system

To reduce consumption of petroleum products, the government is rightly pushing electric mobility. Electric vehicles (EVs) require battery with high density of storage, which requires lithium. The need for oil products could also be reduced by promoting public transport. However, public transport has to be as convenient in time and cost of travel as private vehicles. This requires substantial investment, which the budget can encourage.

Finally, to rationalize the use of petroleum products and natural gas, they should be put under GST.

Some of these suggestions require complementary policies which are not discussed here.

Kirit Parikh is the chairman of Integrated Research and Action for Development, and a former member of Planning Commission.
NEW DELHI : Ma, we have a problem," said the 14-year-old, as soon as her economist mother came back from her evening jog.

What problem?" asked the mother, sipping her cucumber-bitter gourd mixed juice.

I have to do a project on the central governments budget," the daughter replied.

Oh, thats easy-peasy."

Like, really?"

Yes, baby. You know what a normal budget is?" the mother asked, finishing her cucumber-bitter gourd juice.

Sort of."

A budget is an estimate of the money you expect to spend during a particular period and where that money is going to come from."

Okay."

Our total expenditure for the month, including everything from your school fees, the home loan EMI, petrol bills, the food we eat and so on, comes to around 2.25 lakh. Now, how do we pay for this expenditure?" the mother asked.

Your salary?"

Yes. I earn around 3.5 lakh a month and that takes care of the expenditure. Just like in a family, the government spends money and in order to spend that money it has to earn it. On 1 February every year, it presents a plan on how it wants to go about achieving the same. This is the annual budget."

Oh, but why is the budget presented on 1 February when the year starts on 1 January?" the daughter asked.

Thats the calendar year. But the government and companies follow what is known as the financial year and that starts from 1 April and ends on 31 March, next year," the mother explained. The last budget was presented by the finance minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, on 1 February 2021. That was the budget for the financial year starting 1 April 2021 and ending on 31 March 31 2022. The year is currently on."

Okay."

During the year, the government planned to spend a total of 34.8 trillion. This money will be spent on salaries and pensions of government employees, different schemes and projects being run by the government, different kinds of subsidies and so on."

So, if the government planned to spend 34.8 trillion this year, how much did it plan to earn?" the daughter asked.

The total expected earnings were at 19.8 trillion."

Read this | How to explain the Budget to your grandma

But that is much less than the spending. How does it spend when its clearly not earning enough?"

The borrowing plan

You remember last year Sneha aunty had called?" the mother asked.

Yes, Ma."

She had lost her job and her parents both got the covid virus. She ended up spending a lot of money and was staring at a situation where her monthly spending would be much more than her income. So, she had borrowed from me to make up for the difference. Thankfully, she found a new job soon."

So, whats your point?" the daughter asked.

The difference between what a government earns and what it spends is referred to as the fiscal deficit. The fiscal deficit in this case stood at around 15 trillion ( 34.8 trillion minus 19.8 trillion)."

Okay."

Now, Sneha aunty borrowed from me to ensure that she had the money required to make the necessary expenditure; the government does the same. Like during the current financial year, it plans to borrow a total of 9.7 trillion."

Sneha aunty borrowed from you, and from what her daughter Shailaja told me, she also borrowed from Khyati aunty and Priyanka aunty."

Yes, you are quite a gossip."

Only learnt from the best!" the daughter replied.

So, to fund the difference between its earnings and its expenditure, the government has plans to borrow a total of 9.7 trillion during this financial year. The government pays an interest on the borrowing. In fact, during this financial year, the government has budgeted 8.1 trillion for paying interest on what it had borrowed previously. This is one of the biggest expenditures in the budget every year."

Sneha aunty borrowed from you and other aunties. Who does the government borrow from?" the daughter asked.

From us."

Us?"

Us as in people. I told you that I make 3.5 lakh per month and of which we spend 2.25 lakh. So, whats the difference?"

 1.25 lakh per month."

What do I do with that money?" the mother asked.

You save."

Where?"

Well, last week, I saw you making a fixed deposit."

Exactly. So, like me, there are many others saving money through fixed deposits and savings deposits, on which banks pay interest. Banks lend a part of this money to the government. Like banks pay an interest to us on fixed deposits, the government pays an interest to banks.

Interesting."

Similarly, I also invest in mutual funds and I pay a premium for an insurance policy. A part of that money is also lent to the government," the mother explained.

Small, big ways

But this doesnt answer the question completely. See, you said that the fiscal deficit for this financial year has been projected at 15 trillion. Also, the governments borrowing for the year is expected to be 9.7 trillion."

Yes."

So, there is still a gap between the governments total expenditure and the money it needs in order to make that expenditure."

Smart kid! Do you remember a few days back your grandfather went to the post office?" the mother asked.

Oh yes. He came back with my favourite ice-cream."

He had gone there to deposit a cheque for my investment in the public provident fund (PPF). PPF is a small savings scheme run by the government primarily through the post office. The government pays an interest on the investment."

Okay."

Every year many people invest in small savings scheme. Also, every year, investments made in these schemes in earlier years mature."

Yes."

When investments mature, the government has to pay back the people who had invested. This financial year, the government expects a total investment of 4.8 trillion in the small savings schemes. The investments which mature and need to be paid back stand at 91,343 crore. The government will use a part of the 4.8 trillion it expects people to invest to pay off the 91,343 crore worth of investment which is maturing this year. That will leave around 3.9 trillion with the government. It will be also used for expenditure."

Interesting."

And thats how the government largely manages to spend more than what it earns," the mother explained.

Worst case scenario

But tell me one thing Ma, why cant we do the same?" the daughter asked. I mean, you work so hard, why dont you just retire and we can then borrow and spend money like the government does."

A family cant do things that a government can."

Meaning?"

So, lets say I quit my job, how will we survive?"

Your savings Ma."

Once we run out of savings what happens then?"

You will borrow money from a bank. Doesnt Joel uncle work for a bank? He will help you."

But you do know that a bank loan will have to be repaid?"

Yes."

And where will that money come from?"

But then this doesnt make sense," said the daughter, feeling very confused. How can the government keep borrowing without earning enough and you cant?"

Well. There are two things here. First, banks and insurance companies have to compulsory lend some of the money they raise from people like me, to the government."

And?"

The government has the right to print money. In the worst possible scenario, it can always print money and repay. If I were to try and do that, I would end up in jail."

Guess that explains it. But that was the expenditure side. How does the government earn money?"

The revenue plan

The simplest way is by taxing us. I pay an income tax on my income. So, do many others. This financial year, the government expected to earn 5.6 trillion through income tax. Then, every time I fill petrol in my car, I pay an excise duty of 27.90 per litre to the government. You remember Nandini aunty?"

No."

An old friend of mine, who lives in an area where the electric supply is very poor. She needs to keep buying diesel for the generator. Every time she buys diesel, she pays 21.80 per litre to the government as excise duty. The government expected to earn 3.4 trillion from excise duties during this financial year."

Hmmm."

Then there is the goods and services tax (GST). Like last year when we bought the car, we paid a 28% GST to the government on the price of the car. The government hoped to earn 6.3 trillion through this tax this year. And there is also the corporation tax. Companies pay a tax to the government on the profit they make. This was expected to be at 5.5 trillion this year."

Ah, taxes are everywhere."

When we add these taxes and a few more, the total expected tax amounts to 22.2 trillion. Of this, the central government planned to share 6.7 trillion with the state governments, leaving 15.5 trillion for itself."

So, thats how it works."

Yes. But there is more to it."

Oh!" she replied finding it very difficult to continue concentrating as her Insta kept buzzing.

Now, who is your favourite uncle in the building?"

Sachin uncle," the daughter replied, looking confused.

Where does he work?" the mother asked.

In some company which produces electricity."

Yes. And that company is owned by the government. So are many other companies, everything from banks to companies which produce coal and steel. These companies share a part of the profit they make as a dividend with the government."

Hmmm."

Then there is the Reserve Bank of India, which is the bank for the government and for all the banks in the country. The profit it makes every year is also handed over to the government."

And what else?" she asked.

You remember Rajesh uncle."

Yes."

He has been unemployed for many years. But he comes from a very rich family. And every year, he sells some land and shares that he has inherited from his father, to meet his expenses."

So?"

The government does the same. Every year, it sells a part of the stake that it owns in companies. This year, it has plans of selling a part of its ownership in the Life Insurance Corporation of India. This is called disinvestment. Interestingly, the government had hoped to earn 2.1 trillion through disinvestment this year. But as of 30 November, it had earned only 9,333 crore."

The gist

Are we done Ma?" the daughter asked.

Why dont you try summarizing the whole thing for me?"

Okay. So, the central government had plans of spending 34.8 trillion this year. Of this, 15.5 trillion came through taxes. It also earned through dividends and profits shared by companies it owns and through the RBI. Over and above this, it had planned to earn 2.1 trillion through disinvestment. The total earnings of the government were expected to be at 19.8 trillion, meaning a fiscal deficit of 15 trillion. In order to be able to make up for this difference, the government borrowed 9.7 trillion. Also, some money came from the small savings schemes."

Also read | Samosas, chai and a stormy night discussion on how the Union Budget affects the economy

Yes, thats about it," the mother said.

So, now can I see my phone?"

But you need to complete the assignment first, before you forget everything I have told you."

I wont Ma," she replied, showing her the phone. It had been recording the conversation.

Ah!"

And I plan to turn this into a podcast. Pooja aunty has promised to help."

That sounds so cool," said the mother, thanking herself that at least her next generation was turning out to be smarter than her.

(The example is hypothetical).

Vivek Kaul is the author of Bad Money

Note: We are reissuing this piece, originally published in January 2022, in the run-up to Union Budget 2025-26.
Indian companies worried about junior employees quitting within a year of joining are devising ways to secure their commitment for longer, ensuring their efforts to train freshers do not go to waste.

To stem the attrition of entry-level staff, several companies are weaving in bonds by another name in the employment contracts. These agreements specify that if exits occur in less than a year of joining, employees will have to pay for the training and career development costs borne by the company, lawyers and headhunters said.

Realizing that the word bond, or asking an employee not to join another firm during the specified period, may not be legally tenable, and to make the job offers more palatable to the candidates, employers are using terms like commitment period, and detailing out the costs incurred even for a remote workforce in their contracts.

"As one of the strategies to retain talent, they (firms) impose training bonds, which are more like service commitment on the part of the employee at the time of joining. The contracts impose conditions on the employee that if he were to resign within the commitment period after receiving training, a certain amount consisting primarily of the training costs will be deducted by the employer from the employee's final payments," said Vikram Shroff, partner at law firm AZB & Partners. Shroff specializes in employment and labour benefits laws.

High churn rate

Realizing that the churn rate is high among the junior workforce, and that it's not easy to force them to stay longer, companies are lowering the so-called commitment period to just a year, from two years earlier.

Lawyers working with IT, pharmaceutical, financial services, aviation and telecom sector clients observed that the employee training costs can vary between 1 lakh and 5 lakh. Also, the nature of training that gets offered is also getting more specific in the employment contracts to avoid confusion and disputes.

"The number of industries have increased and training has become remote. There is a more strategic approach with respect to specialized training. The duration has become shorter and penalty is prorated to the duration. Alongside the training, companies also offer career development opportunities," said Pooja Ramchandani, partner, employment, labour and benefits for Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas.

The primary aim of service bonds is to retain talent, particularly at the junior level, where attrition rates remain high despite a sluggish job market.

For instance, in the IT sector, attrition rates are 16-22% at the junior level, compared to 14-20% at the mid-level and 12-18% at the senior level, indicating a slightly higher turnover among junior employees, according to data from staffing firm Careernet.

Similarly, in the financial services sector, corporate-side (those who sit in offices, doing desk jobs) attrition rate for senior and mid-level employees stands at 11-15%, which is marginally lower than their lower-level counterparts by 1-2%, largely due to smaller wage differences and less "sticky" job roles, said Anshuman Das, co-founder and CEO of Careernet.

In the pharma and telecom sectors, attrition rates at the middle and senior levels are typically 10-15%, with the junior-level churn rate being about 1-2% higher.

Two employees in a Delhi-based edtech firm pointed out that their company rolled out employment contracts with bonds to fresh graduates of leading institutions. "The offer period spans three years, and if breached midway, employees must repay the training costs of 1-1.5 lakh incurred by the company along with the equivalent of their salary for the duration of their employment".

Bond period added

A placement team member at one of the top four older Indian Institutes of Technology said that for the batch of 2025, several companies had a bond period. "The firms had different slabs of amount that will have to be returned to the company, if the employee leaves in first, second or third year," said one of the placement team members.

But are these bonds enforceable?

Section 27 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872, forbids any agreement that restrains anyone from practising a lawful profession or trade and such clauses in employment contracts are not legally enforceable. And while companies do not want to head to the courts against freshers, these bonds are meant to act as a moral deterrent.

Recovery of amounts may still be possible if claims are based on quantified training expenses or actual business losses caused by the employees exit," said Anshul Prakash, partner at law firm Khaitan & Co.

These service bonds may entail the imposition of substantial penalties, such as amounts equal to 6 months to one years salary and benefit costs, or recovery of any quantified training costs. "Tenure is usually 2-3 years, but actual enforcement of such service bonds against employees in terms of restricting early exit would be questionable as these would be considered restraint of trade under Indian law," Prakash noted.
WASHINGTONTwo million government workers opened their email inboxes this week to find a note from an obscure federal agency offering them a chance to resign on the spot.

One employee said they thought the email, sent late Tuesday, was a phishing scam. It didnt look like a normal government communication with specific details about how the process would work. By Wednesday, government workers were attempting to make sense of the offer. Many didnt know whether it was legal.

The obscure agency, called the Office of Personnel Management, or OPM, told federal workers they could return to the office full-time or resign and get paid for the next eight months. Workers had until Feb. 6 to decide how to proceed.

A thread on the social-media platform Reddit used by federal workers lit up with defiant messages. One said they had been considering quitting but now I am fired up to make these goons as frustrated as possible. Hold the line!" Another said, If we leave, we will be replaced by loyalists."

The Trump administrations offer, meant to aid Elon Musks effort to streamline federal spending, has sparked chaos and confusion among the workforce and prompted unions for government workers to push back.

A common concern: The Trump administration made clear that even those government employees who stay on could still eventually lose their jobs as the president works to downsize the federal government. At this time, we cannot give you full assurance regarding the certainty of your position or agency," the OPM email said.

The National Treasury Employees Union, which represents federal workers in dozens of departments and agencies, sent a message to members urging them not to resign. The OPM email is designed to entice or scare you into resigning from the federal government," the union said.

Gary Jonesi, a former Environmental Protection Agency attorney who resigned last week before the OPM email was sent, said former colleagues say they are befuddled by the offer. Theyre still trying to figure out what really is the case, do you have to work, do you not have to work?" he said.

The offer is considered a deferred resignation" in which employees dont have to work but will still get paid through Sept. 30, according to the White House.

The resignation offer is a chaotic, costly and vindictive attempt to scare employees into quitting," Michelle Roos, executive director of the Environmental Protection Network, a group of former EPA staffers, said in a written statement.

The Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, defended the move on X. Trump created DOGE, which is led by Musk, to help slash federal spending and regulations. Employees who accept the offer can take the vacation you always wanted, or just watch movies and chill, while receiving your full government pay and benefits," DOGE said in a post on the social-media platform.

Agencies are expected to inform the OPM about the number of employees who accepted the offer by 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Friday, according to a follow-up memo to the offer sent by the offices acting director, Charles Ezell. The White House expects about 5% to 10% of federal employees to accept the resignation offer, resulting in annual savings of about $100 billion. Officials provided no information about how they reached that estimate.

The email went to the entire federal civilian workforce of more than two million employees, according to an OPM official. Jonesi, the former EPA attorney, said that in his nearly four-decade career in government he had never seen such a widely distributed communication. Such communications usually are disseminated through heads of agencies, he said.

Members of Congress struggled with the scope of the resignation offer, with Democrats questioning its legality.

Sen. Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat who represents tens of thousands of federal workers, said Trump had no authority to make the offer because theres no budget line item to pay people who are not showing up for work."

The Trump administration has taken other actions to shake up the federal workforce. In one of his first acts after the inauguration, he moved to force government employees back to the office five days a week and weakened their job protections. Meetings on diversity, equity and inclusion issues were canceled.

The administration said last week that all federal diversity, equity and inclusion staffers would be placed on paid leave by 5 p.m. Wednesday because their offices were being shut down in accordance with the order halting DEI programs. One federal employee put on leave said they couldnt even attempt to take advantage of the resignation offer because access to their government email account had been cut off.

Our phones are ringing off the hook," said Democratic Rep. Don Beyer, whose Northern Virginia district is chock-full of federal workers. Federal employees are confused and looking for guidance. We dont know quite what to tell them. We dont know whether its legal," he said.

Write to Scott Patterson at scott.patterson@wsj.com
Last week, two startupsSaaS firm Wingify and skincare brand Minimalisthit the headlines for the hefty sums they were acquired for. How are these acquisitions or exits for investors different from what we see in the wider startup world? Mint explains.

What happened with Wingify, Minimalist?

Wingify, a Delhi-based software-as-a-service company (SaaS), was acquired last week by private equity firm Everstone Capital for $200 million. Paras Chopra, who founded the company in 2010 and ran it without raising any funds, owned nearly 84% stake as of March 2024. Meanwhile, Jaipur-based skincare brand Minimalist was acquired by FMCG behemoth Hindustan Unilever Ltd for nearly 3,000 crore. Founder-brothers Mohit and Rahul Yadav owned just over 61% in the firm, and had some funding from external investors such as VC firm Peak XV and Unilever Ventures, the venture arm of HULs parent firm.

Why are these significant?

Indian startups are proving they can generate wealth with IPOs and acquisitions. Recent listings of Zomato, Swiggy and Nazara gave good returns to their founders, longtime employees holding stock options, and external investors including VC and PE funds who had backed these firms. Swiggys IPO made 500 people very wealthy, while Zomatos 2021 listing turned 18 people into dollar millionaires. Minimalist and Wingify acquisitions made good money for their founders despite smaller deal sizes and lower valuations than startup IPOs. As majority owners, these founders will take home most of the money.

Read more: Competition a positive force, keeps us sharp: Coca-Cola president Murphy

Why dont more founders have majority stake?

Most rely on banks or their own funds to set up and run their business. Founders who dilute equity often raise money from family, friends or angel investors. However, without raising hundreds of millions, many startups find it hard to scale rapidly. Most Indian unicornsvalued at $1 billion or morehave raised large sums from external investors.

Any unicorns without external funding?

Yes. SaaS company Zoho is a unicorn but has not raised funds from any external investors and is valued at nearly $6 billion, as per Tracxn. Founder Sridhar Vembu and his siblings Radha and Sekar own more than 80% of the company as per filings. Bengaluru-based brokerage Zerodha is another closely held unicorn. As of 2024, founder brothers Nikhil and Nithin Kamath and Nithins wife Seema Patil together own more than 99% of the company. Zerodha made 4,700 crore in profits in financial year 2024.

So, is bootstrapping better for startups?

It may remove the pressure external investors exert. However, micro, small and medium enterprises struggle to get credit. The World Bank estimates Indias MSME funding gap at 11%, the difference between demand for funding and the actual supply. And disputes among founders can jeopardise a bootstrapped business. Consider the case of Zohos Vembu: while his family controls the firm, he is fighting over their stake with ex-wife Pramila Srinivasan amid divorce proceedings.

Read more: Wow! Momo dishes out plans for expansion across brands, FMCG vertical ahead of going public
News / National

by Staff reporter

Zimbabwe has witnessed a surge in cases of common diarrhoea, with 12,483 reported incidents, including 12 deaths, in the week ending January 12, 2025. Of these, 2,867 cases involved children under the age of five, sparking serious concern from health officials and the public alike.The Ministry of Health released its weekly disease surveillance report, which highlighted that the majority of the deathsseven in totaloccurred in Harare, with the remaining five deaths spread across other provinces. Sally Mugabe Hospital in Harare Metropolitan Province reported six of the fatalities, while Parirenyatwa Group of Hospital accounted for one."The high number of cases and fatalities is a cause for concern, particularly the impact on young children," the Health Ministry said in a statement. "These illnesses are often linked to poor sanitation and unsafe water sources, which many Zimbabweans continue to rely on."Zimbabwe's ongoing water crisis, where a significant portion of the population lacks access to reliable running water in their homes, has exacerbated the problem. Many citizens have resorted to using shallow wells and boreholes for drinking water. However, these water sources are frequently contaminated by raw sewage leaking from broken pipes, fueling outbreaks of waterborne diseases like cholera and diarrhoea.In addition to the diarrhoea outbreak, the Ministry of Health reported 1,138 cases of malaria, with four deaths recorded in the same week. Guruve district was the most affected, registering 639 malaria cases, including one death. The report underscores the growing challenge posed by waterborne diseases and vector-borne illnesses, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare and clean water remains limited.The rise in diarrhoea cases, particularly among young children, has prompted urgent calls for improvements in water infrastructure and sanitation. Health experts warn that without significant intervention, including better water supply systems and health education, Zimbabwe could face further public health crises.As the country grapples with these outbreaks, the Ministry of Health continues to urge the public to practice good hygiene, avoid unsafe water sources, and seek prompt medical attention if symptoms of diarrhoea or malaria arise.Efforts to address the root causes of these outbreaks, such as improving water supply systems and sanitation facilities, remain critical in the fight against waterborne diseases and public health challenges in Zimbabwe.
Bengaluru: Less than five weeks before the US trial of a six-year-old case begins to determine whether two former executives of Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. (CTS) routed illicit payments through Larsen and Toubro Ltd to unnamed Indian government officials, it is unclear if an ex-Cognizant executive, the US governments essential witness" will travel to testify when the case starts on 3 March.

The testimony of Srimanikandan Ramamoorthy, 51, a Chennai resident termed an essential witness by the US Department of Justice, is critical, according to two lawyers directly privy to the case proceedings, as he is the only witness said to have discussed the alleged $2 million bribe payment with executives of L&T and former executives of Cognizant.

Court documents reviewed by Mint show that Ramamoorthy, who signed a non-prosecution agreement with the US authorities in January 2019 and has since turned approver, has shared emails, many of which were marked to L&T executives, including current chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan, detailing how the bribe payments were orchestrated.

Subrahmanyan was the head of L&Ts construction business in 2014 when some company employees are alleged to have paid $2 million in bribes to unnamed Tamil Nadu government officials to speed up approvals to build Cognizants office campuses in Chennai.

Active connivance

The scrutiny of email communications between L&T and CTS show the active connivance of the accused K. Kannan, business unit head; M.V. Satish, executive vice president and head, building and factories; and S.N. Subrahmanyan, construction head of L&T in the demand and engagement of third party liaison consultant to hand over the demanded bribe amount to officials of CMDA (Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority) and the officials of the Housing and Urban Development to get the planning permit," reads a complaint filed by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption department of Tamil Nadu.

Mint reviewed a dossier dated 20 January that includes the complaint copy and Ramamoorthys request to the Enforcement Directorate, dated 26 December, to allow him to travel to the US next month for five weeks. He sought ED approval since the agency is investigating him, Subrahmanyan and seven other executives.

Also read | Infosys alleges top executive delayed product before joining Cognizant

If/when this matter goes to trial in March 2025, the US governments case, and Mr. Ramamoorthys expected testimony, will not only be directly at odds with SNSs (S.N. Subrahmanyan) testimony, but also incriminating and reputationally damaging for SNS and L&T," said a lawyer directly privy to the developments of this case.

As the matter is sub-judice before court, as a responsible corporate, we do not wish to comment anything at this stage. However, the allegation made against L&T and few of its executives are incorrect, baseless and motivated," said a spokesperson for L&T.

Ramamoorthy, who has signed an agreement with the US authorities not to make a public statement, did not reply to a questionnaire sent by Mint on Tuesday. An email sent to the Enforcement Directorate did not elicit a response.

Not party to proceedings

Subrahmanyan is not a party to the ongoing US court proceedings. He and L&T have denied any wrongdoing in the past. Still, that has not stopped US officials from questioning Subrahmanyan.

On 21 May, 2018, Subrahmanyan was formally interviewed" in Singapore by officials from the US Attorneys Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Subrahmanyan told the US officials that he does not remember discussing the planning permit" and did not hear anything about a request from a government official for improper payment", Mint wrote in its edition dated 7 August 2023.

The biggest uncertainty for the trial remains whether Ramamoorthy will travel to the US.

Also read | Cognizant files lawsuit against Infosys over trade secrets; Infy refutes claim

We represent Steven Schwartz seeking clarity on the availability for trial of the governments self-described essential witness," Srimanikandan Ramamoorthy, and whether and how the government intends to proceed if he is not available to testify," Roberto Finzi, the defense counsel for Schwartz, the former chief legal officer of Cognizant, wrote in a letter, dated 13 January, to the judge presiding over the case in a New Jersey court.

With trial fast approaching, defendants are unaware of any information suggesting that the investigations involving Mr. Ramamoorthy in India have been resolved, let alone that Mr. Ramamoorthy has received assurances from the Indian authorities that he may travel to the United States to testify."

Willing to travel

To be clear, as communicated to defendants as recently as December 26, 2024, Mr. Ramamoorthy has been, and remains, willing to travel to the United States to testify at trial," Chief Acting US Attorney Vikas Khanna wrote in a letter dated 14 January.

The government is working under the expectation that Mr. Ramamoorthy will be present at trial and is preparing accordingly Indeed, as defendants well know, there is no possible way for the government to ever provide absolute certainty with respect to its witnesses, and it is not uncommon for information about witnesses whereabouts to be withheld from defendants," said Khanna.

In 2019, Cognizant agreed to pay $25 million to settle this investigation case with US authorities under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. However, the US Department of Justice charged former Cognizant chief operating officer Gordon Coburn and Schwartz with approving the bribes, marking the start of the ongoing case.

Both have denied any wrongdoing.
The original intention was for American presidents to be mere legal executorsnot emperors able to impose their will unilaterally. Over time, though, Congress has ceded more and more authority to the executive branch, and the courts, the third coequal branch of government, have happily blessed the arrangement. Nowhere is this clearer than in trade policy.

The constitution explicitly grants to Congress the powers to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises" and to regulate commerce with foreign nations". And yet laws passed over the past century have turned power over to the president to raise and lower tariffs as he sees fit. President-elect Donald Trump is promising to immediately use these powers when he returns to office on January 20th 2025 by imposing tariffs of 25% on all imports from Mexico and Canada and 10% on those from China. Could he really do so?

Legally, yes. To get his way Mr Trump could invoke a myriad of legal authoritiessome with off-putting three-digit numerical names like Section 232 and Section 301but the most straightforward would be the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). This allows the president to impose tariffs with few limits (to deal with any unusual and extraordinary threatif the president declares a national emergency with respect to such threat").

IEEPA has attractive features for Mr Trump. Its an emergency power, so theres minimal procedural requirements. So, he could do it very quicklyon day one, if he wants," says Warren Maruyama, a former general counsel for the United States Trade Representative. Mr Trump was the first to invoke the law to impose tariffs when, in 2019, he threatened a 5% levy on all Mexican goods in retaliation for illegal migration. And there is another important precedent. In 1971, when Richard Nixon took America off the gold standard and in effect ended the first Bretton Woods system, he imposed an extra 10% duty on all imports by declaring the need to strengthen the international economic position of the United States" to be an emergency. Courts upheld Nixons actions.

Constitutional objectionsfor example, that the president had exceeded the bounds of administrative actionwould face an uphill battle, says Kathleen Claussen, a professor of law at Georgetown University. Although American courts have become gradually more sceptical of the administrative state, they have remained deferential to presidents when they invoke national security. In principle, simple majorities in Congress could pass a joint resolution to overturn Mr Trumps emergency declaration, but in reality a two-thirds majority would be needed to override the presidents inevitable veto. Republicans may even choose to pass some of Mr Trumps tariffs into law to make fiscal room for the tax cuts they promised, putting them on unquestionable legal ground.

The other legal avenues at Mr Trumps disposal are better tested but slower. Section 301 (of the Trade Act of 1974) was the workhorse of his first administration, used for tariffs on $370bn of Chinese imports (and $7.5bn from the European Union). It could easily be invoked to slap broader tariffs on China but would be less immediately useful for Mexico and Canada, since the president must conduct an investigation and adhere to the long notice-and-comment periods required in American administrative law. Section 232, also deployed during Trump I for steel and aluminium duties, would be less useful for broad tariffs as it needs designation of specific products as threats to national security.

Domestic litigation is not all Mr Trump must fend off. America has a free-trade deal with Mexico and Canada called the USMCA, negotiated under Mr Trump. It has a dispute-settlement mechanism that Mexico or Canada would undoubtedly invoke if Mr Trump were to go through with his threats. But here, too, IEEPA would prove useful. Mark Wu, of Harvard Law School, says Mr Trumps subordinates could point to the national-security exceptions in the deal to argue that they had not violated it. USMCA faces a mandatory review (and probable renegotiation) in 2026. A protracted dispute over its fundamental tenets might lead to its collapse.

The likeliest constraint on Mr Trump will not be legal. It will be fear of backlash from the markets and the public. More than half of our fresh fruits and vegetables are from Canada and MexicoSuper Bowl season is right around the corner. Do we really think Trumps going to impose a 25% guacamole tax on his first day in office?" says Scott Lincicome of the Cato Institute, a libertarian think-tank. He suspects that Mr Trump is issuing tariff threats as a negotiating tactic to force concessions that he can then tout before his inauguration even begins.

Mr Trump campaigned on resolving the plight of carworkers, farmers and consumers angry about the price of everyday staples. He would quickly run out of goodwill if he were to make imported goods much more expensive. The court of public opinion is probably the only one that can curb Mr Trumps instincts.

Stay on top of American politics with The US in brief, our daily newsletter with fast analysis of the most important electoral stories, and Checks and Balance, a weekly note from our Lexington columnist that examines the state of American democracy and the issues that matter to voters.

 2025, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
EVEN AS AMERICAS relationship with China enters a new, less predictable era, Donald Trump and Xi Jinping see the value in talking. On January 17th the leaders had a very good" phone call, wrote Mr Trump on social media. Chinese diplomats said the two agreed to keep in regular touch on major issues" and committed to work together for world peace".

The language used during that exchange was simple enough. But communication between the powers isnt always so straightforward. Words often mean one thing in Englishand something quite different in Chinese. Ambiguous phrases can be used to send distinct messages to audiences in each country. Sometimes this leads to misunderstandings. Other times it may grease the wheels of diplomacy. At a time of rising tensions, linguistic sleight of hand is becoming more common and consequential in the Sino-American relationship.

Take the phone call on January 24th between Wang Yi and Marco Rubio, the top diplomats of China and America. Mr Wang used the phrase hao zi wei zhi, according to a summary of the event in Chinese from his government. The idiom might be used by a superior telling their subordinate to behave and consider the consequences of their actions. But it is vague. Chinas foreign ministry has in the past translated it as make the right choice" and be very prudent about what they say or do", according to the Associated Press, a news agency. The English summary of the account published by Xinhua, Chinas official news service, does not include the phrase.

Joe Biden liked to call China a competitor", which seemed less harsh than opponent", a term he used to describe Russia. But the distinction may be lost in China. Whereas the English word competition" comes from the Latin for strive together", the Chinese equivalent in geopolitical contexts, jingzheng, often sounds more zero-sum, meaning to struggle at the expense of ones opponent. Earlier this year Kathleen Hicks, a deputy secretary of defence under Mr Biden, talked about these difficulties. After describing a policy of deterrence" towards China, she noted that the word is often translated as weishe, which literally means to terrorise with force. So, I want to be clear," added Ms Hicks, we are not trying to coerce or compel [China]."

Other complications arise because Chinese has fewer subordinate clauses than English and lacks articles such as a" and the". This matters when Mr Xi vows that China will become the leading power"or is that a leading power"? It depends whom you ask. Chinese state media translates it with the less threatening a", but many in the West use the definite article. Another challenge, says Chas Freeman, who translated for Richard Nixon during his visit to China in 1972, is that Chinese terms typically force a positive or negative valence. For example, it is impossible to call someone a defector in Chinese without indicating whether you deem them worthy of sympathy or scorn.

The Communist Party thinks hard about the way it presents things in English. In 1998 it changed the name of its Propaganda Department to the more agreeable Publicity Departmentbut only in English. The One Belt and One Road Initiative quietly became the Belt and Road Initiative in 2015, making it sound less exclusive (the Chinese name did not change). Mr Xi, for his part, is usually called general secretary in Chinese, referring to his most important role as Communist Party chief. Chinese diplomats, however, insist that he be called president" in English. This refers to his position as head of state. The presidential title confers less power than that of party chief (or chairman of the Central Military Commission, another job he holds). But it fits better with the nomenclature commonly used by other government heads.

Lost in fanyi

Translation has been an issue from the start of Americas formal relationship with Communist China. When establishing diplomatic ties in 1979, they signed a communique which in Chinese says that America recognises" Chinas position on Taiwan. In the English version, America merely acknowledges" it. (Top American diplomats apparently did not check the translation.) Such linguistic dexterity is common. A study published in 2022 by Sabine Mokry of Leiden University in the Netherlands found that in almost half of the translated foreign-policy documents that China released from 2013 to 2019 there were differences between the English and Chinese versions that might change how a reader views the countrys intentions.

When it comes to Mr Xis statements, one must often go beyond the literal translation. For example, he calls Chinas technology sector his shashou jian, or assassins mace. It sounds sinister when translated literally, but really means nothing more menacing than trump card" or ace up ones sleeve". Similarly, Mr Xi refers to the United Front Work Department, a body involved in boosting the partys influence abroad, as his fabao. (Mao Zedong did the same.) This is commonly translated as magic weapon" by Western analysts and reporters. But it could also be understood as talisman, or protective shield.

Scholars from America and China are working to agree on definitions for words that may one day appear in deals between the two countries. Its not easy. In 2024 experts from the Brookings Institution, a think-tank in Washington, and Tsinghua University in Beijing published a glossary of terms relating to artificial intelligence. After years of discussion, they agreed on joint interpretations" for just 25 of more than 100 proposed terms. Another effort, led by Arne Westad of Yale University, seeks to clarify words that describe when each country would consider using a nuclear bomb.

Some flexibility with language may be worth maintaining, though. Mr Wangs fuzzy warning to Mr Rubio allowed the government in Beijing to look strong before a domestic audience without alienating the new Trump administration. If any offence was taken as a result of the phone call, it may have been on the Chinese side. The State Department readout of the conversation misidentified Mr Wangs job title. The error had nothing to do with language differences.

 2025, The Economist Newspaper Ltd. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
New Delhi: The ministry of heavy industries (MHI) has called on the finance ministry to lower the goods and services tax (GST) rate on two-wheelers powered by compressed natural gas (CNG), two people aware of the development said.

"Currently, CNG two-wheelers attract a 28% levy under the goods and service tax regime, and the heavy industries ministry has suggested to the Union finance ministry for this levy to be reduced to an appropriate level," said one of the two persons cited earlier, both of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Also Read | Budget 2025: How FM Nirmala Sitharaman could streamline customs duty and GST?

The MHI's suggestion comes just ahead of the Union Budget 2025. Decisions on GST rates are taken by the GST Council, which is headed by the Union finance minister and consists of states' finance ministers or ministers nominated by each state government as members.

A reduction in tax rates on CNG two-wheelers is likely to boost demand for such vehicles, curbing carbon emissions that are held responsible for global warming with catastrophic consequences.

Queries emailed to the ministries of heavy industries and finance had not elicited a response till press time.

CNG two-wheelers is a sunrise sector, as a little over 38,000 such vehicles were sold in the country in 2024, per data from the government's vehicles registration portal Vahan, compared to about 17 million petrol two-wheelers sold in the same period.

Also Read | Simplify Indias GST regime: The case for it is clear and its time to act

The data also shows that no CNG two-wheelers were sold in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

But, sales of such vehicles have picked up this year. Till 29 January, more than five thousand CNG two-wheelers were sold, compared to about 1.2 million petrol bikes, the Vahan portal data showed.

The spike in CNG two-wheeler sales since 2024 is led largely by Bajaj Auto, the biggest two-wheeler exporter in the country, which launched a new CNG bike in July 2024, entering a virgin territory as this was the first bike to use CNG, a relatively cleaner and cheaper fuel alternative to petrol and diesel.

Also Read | Manufacturing sector calls for pro-local manufacturing policies, GST reductions, and tax reforms ahead of Union Budget 2025-26

Automaker TVS has also announced its foray into the CNG two-wheeler market with a new scooter to be launched soon. The CNG scooter was showcased at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo earlier this month.

"Automobile is a very price-sensitive market. If there is any reduction in taxation, it is likely to boost demand. Although there is only one CNG-fuelled two-wheeler model in the market so far, a cut in GST, if approved, would help growth in the segment, more so in the bike space, as most brands have already come up with scooters in the EV space. Incentivizing CNG two-wheelers, would complement the growth in alternative fuel space, along with electric mobility, rather than competing with each other. Both these segments would chart their own growth trajectory," said Ashim Sharma, senior partner and business unit head, Nomura Research Institute (NRI) Consulting & Solutions, India.

CNG as a transport fuel has already taken off in the country, with commercial four-wheeler vehicles in cities like Delhi mandatorily transitioning to CNG and private four-wheelers also increasingly taking to it.

In the four-wheeler segment, the share of CNG-run cars is expected to increase from 14% in FY24 to 18% in FY28, even as strong hybrid cars and electric vehicles jostle to gain more customers, according to ratings agency ICRA Ltd. Lower price compared to petrol and diesel and low-cost maintenance make CNG an attractive proposition for vehicle buyers. A similar growth trend is now expected in the CNG two-wheeler space.
TVS Motor Company Ltd stock rose 9.7% after its Q3FY25 results, as margin hit record high of 11.9% in the quarter, mainly driven by lower commodity prices. Profitability is set to improve further as TVS expects to receive benefits from the governments production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme from Q4FY25 onwards, which has led to earnings-per-share upgrades by some brokerages.

Volume improved 10% year-on-year to 1.21 million units but was flat sequentially. In the first nine months of FY25 (9MFY25) the two-wheeler retail market grew around 9%, led by rural India. The domestic two-wheeler industry is projected to see single-digit growth in FY25, but TVS expects to outperform with new products such as the well-received Jupiter 110cc.

Also read: Tata Motors had accounting, PLI save the day in Q3, leaving investors cold

However, its loss of market share in motorcycles is discomforting. For the first time in many years, TVS has underperformed the industry in FY25YTD. More importantly, TVS has underperformed in the 125cc segment, which has been its key growth driver in recent years," said a Motilal Oswal Financial Services report dated 28 January. TVSs market share in the domestic scooters segment improved 50 basis points (bps) year-on-year to 20.1% in 9MFY25, while its share of the domestic motorcycle market fell from 10.5% to 9.9% over the same period.

EV business could be a drag

TVSs fortunes are also tied to the progress it makes on electric vehicles (EVs). Its market share in the EV scooter segment rose to 22.4% in Q3FY25 from 19.3% in Q2FY25, but with competition heating up and subsidies fading, margin pressure is set to rise. A subdued EV business could be a drag on overall earnings performance.

Also read: JSW Energy gets a shock from short-term power pain

Exports are likely to see a gradual revival at best. In Q3FY25, exports grew 18% year-on-year but fell 5% sequentially as a sharp drop in three-wheeler and scooter exports offset a solid 35% year-on-year increase in motorcycle exports. Africa, a key market, showed some signs of recovery in Q3, but Bangladesh remained weak.

Capital allocation issues

Rising losses from subsidiaries (excluding TVS Credit) have also sparked capital allocation issues. Much of these losses stem from its e-bicycle businesses, which are struggling due to the slowdown in the European market and heavy discounting. In FY26, TVS plans to invest about 1,700 crore in subsidiaries.

Also read: Colgates Q3 is dull, and near-term growth woes cannot be brushed off

TVS stock is up around 15% so far in FY25, outpacing the Nifty Auto index, but its trading at an expensive 39 times estimated FY26 earnings, Bloomberg data showed. This premium valuation does not factor in capital allocation issues, cautioned IIFL Securities Ltd. Norton is in the product development stage (six new product launches planned) and will need continued investments. Weakness in the European e-bike market will entail continuous cash calls from Swiss e-Mobility to fund losses," it said in a report dated 29 January.
Cement is fundamental to infrastructure development and plays a crucial role in a country's economic progress, with its demand closely linked to the growth of the nation.

In India, this demand is driven by government investment in infrastructure projects like roads, railways, and housing. The real estate sector, a major consumer of cement, further supports this demand.

India is the second-largest cement producer in the world, contributing 8% of the global installed capacity, second only to China. Despite this scale, cement remains one of the most affordable commodities, priced at just 57 per kilogram.

Moreover, India's per capita cement consumption stands at 250 kg, significantly lower than the global average of 550 kg. This indicates ample room for growth as infrastructure development continues to gain momentum, supported by a growing economy.

This presents a compelling opportunity for investors, given its long-term growth potential. However, not all companies in the industry are equally positioned to capitalise on this growth. Identifying the right cement stocks will be key to benefiting from this promising story.

In this article, we look at the five fastest growing cement stocks in India. These stocks are filtered using Equitymaster powerful stock screener.

#1 Shiva Cement

This subsidiary of JSW Cement (JSWCL) produces and sells cement and related products.

The company heavily depends on JSWCL, as it supplies most of its production to JSWCL grinding units in the eastern region. It has a manufacturing capacity of 1.4 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) in Odisha.

The company has reported impressive sales growth over the past three years, with a robust 130.1% CAGR driven by increased supply to its parent company, JSWCL. However, it remains unprofitable due to high depreciation and interest costs.

Adding to its challenges, the company faced a halt in operations from FY22 to June 2023 due to capex, which further strained its financial position.

Borrowings surged to 1,470 crore as losses mounted, resulting in a significant rise in interest expenses to 100 crore in FY24. Moreover, with no profitability, its debt-to-equity (D/E) ratio remains weak at -9.5, reflecting a negative net worth.

However, the company has gradually resumed operations, achieving sales of 350 crore in FY24. As a result, the debt metrics are expected to improve gradually over the medium term.

Furthermore, SCL holds strategic importance for its parent company, JSWCL, and benefits from strong support from its parent. This protects it from any negative financial impact as JSWCL supports SCL with inter-corporate deposits, loans, and funds to maintain its liquidity.

Going ahead, SCL plans to invest about 450 crore from FY25 to FY27 to develop a 1.05 mtpa grinding unit and pursue other projects. This facility is slated to begin operations in the first half of FY26.

In addition, the company has announced a rights issue of 400 crore at 40 per share to assist ongoing expansion efforts and enhance its financial standing.

The income from the new capacity and the proceeds from the rights issue will help SCL strengthen its financial position and lower its debt. Furthermore, its financials will improve due to a strong utilisation rate, lower fixed costs, and the commencement of dolomite sales in FY25.

#2 Shree Cement

Shree Cement is among India's top three cement producers, with a total capacity of 56.40 mtpa as of June 30, 2024. It primarily sells bulk blended cement to the retail trade segment.

The company generates 94% of its revenue domestically, with the remaining 6% from exports.

Shree Cement has reported impressive sales growth of 15.3% CAGR over the past three years, reaching 25,530 crore in FY24. This was driven by strong volume growth amid increasing capacity. On the other hand, its profit grew by 18.7% to 2,390 crore, driven by operational efficiencies and lower fuel and power costs.

During this period, Shree Cement achieved an average return on equity (ROE) of 10.6% and a return on capital employed (ROCE) of 13.6%. The company relies on internal resources to finance its growth initiatives, contributing to its strong ROCE. Meanwhile, enhanced profitability has bolstered its ROE.

The company maintains a strong balance sheet, with gross debt amounting to 990 crore and a cash balance of 5,960 crore, making it a net cash surplus company. Its debt-to-equity (D/E) ratio stands at 0.5, reflecting a manageable debt profile.

Shree Cement has expanded its operations by acquiring five ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants. The company aims to set up 100 more RMC plants in the next three years to maintain its growth trajectory.

The company's growth will also be supported by expanding cement capacity. It targets to achieve over 80 mtpa capacity by 2028, consistent with its historical capacity growth of 16% CAGR over the past two decades.

It also plans to capitalise on the premiumisation trend, as the share of premium products increased to 8.7% from 7.2% last year. This strategic focus, along with ongoing expansion efforts, is anticipated to fuel revenue growth in the coming years.

The company anticipates enhanced profitability fueled by revenue growth and cost efficiency from stable fuel prices. Additionally, increasing the use of captive green power, currently accounting for 55.9% of total electricity consumption, will further enhance its bottom line.

#3 Sagar Cement

Sagar Cements Ltd (SCL) is a south India-based cement manufacturer with a production capacity of 10.50 mtpa. It generates 70.4% of its revenue from the southern market, 11.7% from Odisha, and 5.7% from Maharastra. The remaining 12% comes from other markets.

Its sales have grown at a CAGR of 22% over the last three years to over 2,500 crore in FY24. This growth was led by volume growth, expansion of the Jajpur and Jirawad plants, and incremental volumes from the newly acquired unit of Andhra Cement (ACL).

The recent capital expenditure, including a 920 crore investment in ACL, has negatively impacted its finances. As a result, the company recorded a loss of 52 crore in FY24, primarily due to increased interest and depreciation expenses.

Moreover, its net debt stood at 1,440 crore in FY24 due to capex, including the acquisition of ACL. However, its D/E remains manageable at 0.7. Increased debt and capital spending have affected its return ratios, resulting in an average ROE of 1.7% and a ROCE of 6.2%.

The company aims for a long-term target of 20 mtpa capacity through both organic and inorganic growth strategies.

To this end, it has acquired ACL and plans to invest 470 crore to enhance its capacities. Following this investment, the company anticipates reaching an 11.25 mtpa capacity by FY26.

This acquisition is crucial for SCL, enabling deeper market penetration in the southern regions. Additionally, it is expanding into the Eastern and Central areas, where cement demand lags behind the national average.

These expansion efforts and new capacity additions are expected to drive revenue growth in the years ahead. Furthermore, the company intends to use the cash flow from its recent capacity additions to reduce its debt, which will aid in regaining profitability.

The company also targets increasing the share of green electricity to 50% by FY30, up from 11.4% in 2024. Boosting the proportion of captive green power will likely result in cost savings and improved overall profitability.

#4 The Ramco Cement

Ramco Cement (TRCL) is a prominent brand in south India, boasting a total cement capacity of 14.7 mtpa. This area generates 83% of the company's revenue, while the remaining sales come from West Bengal and Odisha.

TRCL has recorded a strong financial performance, with its revenue growing at a CAGR of 20.8% over the last three years to 6,740 crore in FY24. This growth is attributed to strong sales volumes, the introduction of new products, and expansion into new markets.

On the other hand, profit growth was a negative 19.8% during this period, mainly due to a 61.6% decline in net profit attributed to higher interest expenses, depreciation, and escalating costs.

Nevertheless, in FY24, the company successfully returned to profitability, which increased by 15% to 390 crore. This recovery was driven mainly by volume growth, reduced fuel expenses, enhanced utilization, and initiatives aimed at cost optimization.

As of FY24, it had a debt of 4,920 crore and a D/E ratio of 0.7. This debt has recently increased due to TRCL's focus on capacity addition. The company reported an average ROE of 8.0% and a ROCE of 8.4%.

Looking ahead, TRCL plans to invest approximately 2,600 crore in capital expenditures to increase its operational scope and secure land.

The company is also enhancing its presence in Odisha, West Bengal, eastern India, and Maharashtra to support its diversification strategy. These efforts are expected to drive revenue growth in the future.

The company has outlined additional strategic measures to support these expansion efforts and improve financial stability. TRCL intends to sell non-core assets valued at 1,000 crore. The funds from this divestiture will help reduce its debt.

Furthermore, the company seeks to increase its share of captive green power, which is more cost-effective than fossil fuels. It expects these initiatives to improve profitability and further lower its debt burden.

#5 Saurashtra Cement

Saurashtra Cement Ltd (SCL) is a Gujarat-based cement producer with a production capacity of 1.5 mtpa. The companys sales volume mainly comes from the state, making it heavily reliant on one market.

On the financial front, the company has recorded strong sales growth of 37.9% over the past three years. However, profits declined at a CAGR of 7.8% in FY24, primarily due to rising costs, which led to losses.

The company reported an average ROE of 2.9% and a ROCE of 4.5%. As of March 2024, its debt stood at 10 crore, which has doubled since last year. This increase has pushed its debt-to-equity ratio up by 29% to 0.9, but it remains within a healthy range.

Cement is SCL's primary business, accounting for 98% of its total revenue of 1,760 crore. The remainder is generated by its paint division.

The paint division currently contributes minimally to SCLs revenue. However, management plans to expand this segment to increase growth in the coming years.

Snapshot of fastest growing cement stocks on Equitymasters stock screener

Heres a table showing the above companies and more, across various important parameters-

View Full Image Source: Equitymaster

Conclusion

Indias cement industry is poised for sustained growth, fueled by government-led infrastructure development, increasing urbanization, and a booming real estate sector.

The industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7%, with demand rising from 4 billion (bn) tonnes in 2023 to an estimated 6 bn tonnes by 2032.

The companies highlighted here are well-positioned to capture this growth, with strategic expansions, innovative product offerings, and a focus on cost efficiency.

However, while the sectors prospects look promising, not all players face the same growth trajectory. Investors should closely examine each company's financial health, corporate governance, capacity expansion plans, and ability to manage costs effectively in a highly competitive market.

Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. It is not a stock recommendation and should not be treated as such.

This article is syndicated from Equitymaster.com
Max Healthcare is focused on inorganic expansion, including development of brownfield assets as well as acquisitions, to drive growth, its chairman and managing director Abhay Soi said on Thursday.

The Delhi-headquartered hospital chains board on Thursday approved an agreement to set up a 500-bed hospital in Thane, Maharashtra, under a built-to-suit model with VR Konkan Pvt Ltd. An addendum to a previously executed agreement for a built-to-suit hospital in Mohali was also approved by the board, increasing bed capacity from 250 to 400.

Also Read | Pharma sector to grow 9-11% in FY26: Top 5 stock picks by Motilal for 2025

In a built-to-suit model, a property is custom-built, based on the specific requirements of the tenant or owner.

The growth is going to come from inorganic [expansion]," Soi told Mint in an interview. The opportunity is plenty, were already operating at high occupancy, as far as existing hospitals are concerned," he added.

As far as we are concerned, brownfields, greenfields, as well as acquisitions, all three are routes for inorganic growth," Soi added.

Also Read | Max Healthcare to invest 2,500 crore to develop hospitals in Lucknow

Max has a significant brownfield ramp-up planned for the next six months, and has also completed several acquisitions in the last few quarters. Soi expects the capacity expansion to synergise in a years time. Next year were going to be entering a glory period effectively," he said.

Expansion planned

The company will see a large-scale brownfield ramp-up with 268 beds in Nanavati, Mumbai, 155 beds in Mohali, and 400 beds in Saket, Delhi, being added in the next six months. In the next 11-12 months, the company plans to add 500 beds to its Gurugram facility as well, Soi added.

In the quarter ended December, the company completed the acquisition of The marquee Jaypee Hospital, Noida, spread over 18 acres.

Also Read | Abhay Soi, Max Healthcare Institute Limited's New President of NATHEALTH

The company's Dwarka (Delhi) hospital achieved ebitda (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) breakeven within a record six months of its launch in the June quarter. In addition, at our recently-acquired hospitals in Lucknow and Nagpur, we have demonstrated a 67% and 118% YoY ebitda growth respectively within 9 months of acquisition," Soi added.

The built-to-suit model, also executed by the company in its greenfield Dwarka hospital, is a lucrative model for them. It makes a lot of sense for us because, typically our return on capital employed (ROCE) is northwards of 35%, whereas, 85% of the capital cost is incurred in terms of land building and finishing the building by the developers at about 8 to 9% yield. So we give them the yield andour own returns increase significantly," Soi said.

Pretty much all our profits in the past so many years, weve reinvested [in inorganic growth]," Soi said.

He had earlier said that the company had planned 6,000 crore expenditure over the next three-and-a-half years to fund expansion through internal accruals. The company aims to increase its capacity to 9,000 beds, from about 5,000 beds currently. A little more than 4,000 beds are operational.

Double-digit revenue growth

Max on Thursday reported a 34% year-on-year jump in gross revenue to 2,381 crore in the quarter ended December, and a 32% rise in operating ebitda to 622 crore.

While its profit after tax (PAT) before exceptional items stood at 390 crore in Q3FY25, as opposed to 338 crore in the corresponding period last year, overall PAT declined 6.5% to 316 crore.

The company's profitability was hit by a one-time cost of 74 crore paid to the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority to secure permission for a change in Jaypee Healthcare Ltd's shareholding prior to acquisition, the company said.
Colombias run-in with Donald Trump is a warning to other countries trying to decipher the US presidents haphazard decision-making process. As Asian nations realize that Trumps second term could be even more erratic than his first, China is ready to take advantage of the chaos.

Trumps latest move to impose 25% tariffs on an ally for not complying with his deportation demands should serve as a wake-up call. Even though the levies were quickly reversed, he achieved what he presumably set out to do: Show the world whos boss.

This reminds governments that this is a president that behaves on a whim," Deborah Elms, head of trade policy at the Hinrich Foundation in Singapore, told me. You never would have imagined before that the US would impose immediate harsh penalties on a really important ally, in a really important region. If you can do it to Colombia, you can do that to anyone."

China will take every opportunity to step in. Beijing was already cosying up to Bogota before the spat with Washington, but has been accused of exploiting the situation further. Zhu Jingyang, Chinas ambassador to Colombia, told the local newspaper El Tiempo that relations between the Asian and Latin American countries were at the best moment" since establishing diplomatic ties 45 years ago, adding they are global cultural powers." He went even further, saying that their differences far from creating obstacles, bring us closer and enrich us."

Losing a key US ally to Chinas influence is a reckless move at best, foolish at worst. Historical ties with Washington have meant that Colombia has in the past approached Beijing with a greater degree of caution than many of its neighbours. South American, North American and European companies have typically won contracts and gained market access over Chinese ones, with some exceptions.

So when Colombian President Gustavo Petro visited Beijing in 2023, elevating ties to a strategic partnership, observers saw it as a notable win for China, and part of the nations greater economic engagement with the region. Chinas trade with Latin Americaincluding imports of raw materials and food supplies, and exports of manufactured goodsgrew to over $450 billion in 2022 from around $18 billion in 2002. Closer ties with Beijing coincided with a perceived rift between Bogota and Washington over issues critical to the relationship, such as counter-narcotics, peace and security.

For Asian nations, Colombias experience is a chilling reminder that they better get their Trump 2.0 plans in order. Its hard to predict which countries are most at risk, but one good gauge might be to look at who has a trade imbalance with the US.

China is the most high-profile country at risk. Trump began his targeting of Beijing for unfair-trade-related issues in his first term and slapped tariffs on the worlds second-largest economy. The stance is a central plank of his engagement with trade partners. He announced that hes mulling a 10% tariff on Chinese imports, potentially set to take effect 1 February. Recently, though, Trump talked about using them as a last resort, a move that suggests yet again, anything can be traded to make a bargain.

Still, a 10% tariff will have heavy consequences for Beijing. Bloomberg Economics estimates that it could knock out 40% of Chinas goods exports to the US, putting 0.9% of its GDP at risk. Beijing would likely retaliate with duties of its own, ensuring that the worlds two superpowers end up in a trade battle.

Outside of China, tariff risks are highest for Vietnam, Japan and South Korea. Priyanka Kishore notes in her Asia Decoded Substack that each reported more than a $40 billion trade surplus with the US in 2023. The entire region could be in the firing line, except perhaps Singapore, which has an overall trade deficit with the US.

Southeast Asian nations have long resisted the narrative of having to choose between the US and China, as the former Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong told me in an interview in 2021. I hope the time does not come," he said.

Also Read: Adapt to a Trumpian world order in a way that makes India great

Governments in the region should think about what they can offer Trump if they end up attracting his attention. Capitulating the way that Colombia did may not be an option. But Washington should also be wary that in the strategic competition between China and the US, the superpower that isnt pointing a gun at a partners head may be more appealing as an ally in the future.

The USs allure over China is that it has always been able to offer a stable, reliable business and policymaking environment, one that could be depended upon to follow the rule of law. Under Trump, thats not so certain anymore. Bloomberg
Two former chairmen of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) have, over the last four months, called for studying the impact of regulation, so that it can be factored into decision-making. M. Damodaran, speaking at the recent Mint BFSI summit, argued that Sebi must convey the rationale of its decisions effectively because regulation must protect investor interests in appearance as well as substance.

Earlier, in a Mint op-ed, G.N. Bajpai had suggested four yardsticks for assessing Sebis decisions: Clarity of rationale, openness to public scrutiny, the conduct of an independent review, and an economic cost-benefit analysis. These words of advice are welcome. Independent assessments of Sebis calls must routinely be carried out.

However, this evokes the question of who would hold Sebi to accountand oblige the regulator to make amendsif a review finds shortcomings. Right now, there is an institutional vacuum over the accountability of not just Sebi, but most of Indias autonomous regulators. In the case of our market regulator, a good way to plug that gap is to make it accountable to Parliaments Standing Committee on Finance.

A vigilant media and an informed discourse based on its coverage of regulatory action and its impact would be necessary but not sufficient. Earnest evaluation calls for academic rigour and systematic gathering of evidence. A specialized body like the National Institute of Securities Markets can certainly help. Others like the Indian Institutes of Management and the economics faculties of universities could chip in. Parliamentary panels should be able to assemble ad-hoc teams of experts to study problems and submit reports.

The development of sound expertise in diverse fields, after all, is among the reasons we have invested in a higher-education system. We need wide-angled analysis. Often, regulatory efficacy is constrained by government policy and taxes. Indias stiff transaction levies on securities, for instance, impedes the working of the derivatives marketwhich recently attracted Sebi action. Insurance being overseen by a regulator different from the one that supervises bonds could get in the way of credit default swaps and hinder the evolution of our market for corporate debt. Rigorous studies of the impact of regulation, policy and taxation would help improve market efficiency.

Are panels of legislators qualified to examine the working of sophisticated institutions like financial markets? Do enough lawmakers delve into high finance? How well are they equipped to resist lobbying by various vested interests? Such fears are misplaced.

We do not need our elected leaders to know the Black-Scholes formula for pricing options. They merely need to have clarity on where the common good lies, identify the issues that arise in a specific context and summon the relevant domain expertise. They should be able to call for expert panel findings that are open to peer review, ask regulators the right questions, and elicit answers that tell their own story to the public at large.

Also Read: Vivek Kaul: The New Year is teaching retail investors old lessons

We trust our MPs to form complex laws that govern our lives; they can be trusted with the oversight of regulators as well. Small investors put their money in diverse market securities, despite being at the raw end of an enormous information asymmetry vis-a-vis their issuers. Their MPs must secure their interestsnot their returns on investment, but by assuring them market fairness and efficiency. Thats not just good economics, but good politics too.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A 24-year-old man from Nyanga, Manicaland Province, has been fined US$80 after being caught wearing clothes he had stolen from his mother.Simbarashe Chinjikupi was taken to court by his mother, Theresa Nyamuda (60), after he stole a blouse, a T-shirt, and two pairs of trousers for personal use on April 26, 2019.According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), Chinjikupi was later seen wearing the stolen items. When confronted by his mother, he reportedly became violent, forcing her to flee to a neighbor's home for safety.The court ordered Chinjikupi to pay an US$80 fine or serve 15 days in prison. Additionally, he was instructed to pay US$20 in restitution as some of the stolen clothing items were not recovered.
Irish folk and roots legend Eleanor Shanley was recently honoured in Denmark for her contribution to music and song.

Eleanor became the first Irishwoman to be inducted into the prestigious Tnder Festival Hall of Fame.

Known for her mix of folk and traditional song, Eleanor has teamed up with Leitrim-based Ensemble 32 to create a very special performance at Longfords Backstage Theatre this Thursday, January 30 at 8pm (doors open 7.30).



Ensemble 32 and Eleanor bring you on a vocal and instrumental journey reaching back to Cab Calloways 1930s hit Minnie the Moocher and Ray Charles 1960s triumph Hit the Road Jack.

PICTURES | Style, smiles and elegance as Sara-Lee Greene is crowned Longford Rose 2025



Enjoy Irish and French song, American Rhythm and Blues, Gypsy tunes, a haunting classic with a Longford connection, contemporary pop, and tap-your-foot brass ensemble numbers.



Ensemble 32 is led by Rhona Trench and features silver flutes (Rhona, Edel Roley and Carole Coleman), pianos (Alla Crosbie and James Wallace), guitar (Matt Warren) and drums and vocals (Thomas Winston).

Also read: Longford theatre group are all set to stage their spring production 'Stop it Nurse'





The group is named for the music room at No 32, Carrick-on-Shannon where weekly practices and brainstorming take place.



The Ensemble 32 members are part-time musicians, taking inspiration from their daily disciplines in science, journalism, theatre directing, music and teaching.



The Backstage Theatre audience will be encouraged to clap, tap and sing along to many well-known numbers!

PICTURES | Longford students receive prestigious entrance awards from Trinity



A great night to carry an audience triumphantly into spring!



Tickets 22 available from Backstage Theatre and Centre for the Arts 043 33 47888.
Opinion / Columnist

When it comes to military prowess in Southern Africa, Zimbabwe's army, led by General Vitalis Zvinavashe under the able leadership of Robert Mugabe and later President Emmerson Mnangagwa, stands out as one of the most formidable forces the continent has ever known. Though not often recognized on the global stage for their military feats, Zimbabwe's defense forces boast a record that few can rival, especially in the context of the turbulent political dynamics of Africa's Great Lakes region.When Zimbabwe intervened in the DRC during the late 1990s as part of the Second Congo War (19982003), Army General: General Vitalis Zvinavashe was the Commander of the ZDF at the time. Minister of Defence: Moven Mahachi initially held the position but passed away in 2001.One of the most significant moments in Zimbabwe's military history came during the Second Congo War in the late 1990s and early 2000s, a conflict that saw Zimbabwe's army play a decisive role in driving back Rwanda's military from the streets of Kinshasa. Had General James Kabarebe, a key figure in Rwanda's military, been successful in toppling the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the entire political landscape of Central Africa could have been altered. Zimbabwe's intervention, however, ensured that Rwanda's ambitions were thwarted, stabilizing the region in ways that many outside of Zimbabwe fail to recognize.Indeed, when the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) were pressured to leave the DRC in 2002, under the influence of United Nations manipulation and Western sanctions, the situation in the DRC deteriorated rapidly. Since then, Rwanda has been accused of sponsoring various rebel movements that have destabilized the country, including the notorious M23 group. Without the strong military presence of the Zimbabwean forces, the DRC has become a battleground for regional powers, with the Rwandan-backed militias playing a central role in this ongoing instability.Zimbabwe's military record highlights the strength and discipline of its forces, particularly when compared to other regional armies. South Africa, with its large and modern defense forces, may have an impressive arsenal, but it lacks the combat experience that Zimbabwe's military brings to the table. South African forces, as evidenced in places like Goma, have been unable to match the resilience and determination of Zimbabwe's battle-hardened troops. The truth is, while the South African military may have the resources, it does not have the same level of operational expertise when it comes to the complex guerrilla and proxy warfare strategies that are prevalent in the DRC and other parts of Africa.This gap in military experience became clear when South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had no choice but to reach out to Rwanda's President Paul Kagame in recent times, looking to smooth over tensions that had arisen due to growing instability in the region. Ramaphosa's diplomatic maneuvering was a clear acknowledgment of the fact that Rwanda's influence, underpinned by its military power, is a force to be reckoned with in the Great Lakes region. However, this was also a reminder that when it comes to confronting such forces head-on, Zimbabwe's military remains an unyielding presence in Southern Africa.South Africa's army has no experience fighting anywhere. It's full of fat and unfit Mabhenas who get routed by rebel outfits in Goma.The Zimbabwean army's legacy is one of resilience, strategic foresight, and unmatched regional influence. While the country's political landscape has undergone significant changes over the years, the military's strength remains a critical factor in shaping not only Zimbabwe's future but the security of the wider Southern African region. In a world where the balance of power is constantly shifting, Zimbabwe's army, despite facing challenges, continues to hold its ground, proving time and again that its role in regional security is indispensable.In conclusion, while some may choose to downplay the significance of Zimbabwe's military, its historic achievements, particularly in the DRC, paint a picture of an army that has consistently played a vital role in shaping the destiny of Southern Africa. The ZDF's success in repelling Rwanda's advances and its continued relevance in regional security highlight the strategic importance of Zimbabwe's military, making it an undeniable force in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Following the chaos and disruption caused by Storm Eowyn, Micheal Carrigy TD has called for immediate action to address the significant infrastructure failures that left many households in Longford and across the country without water, electricity, and WiFi for extended periods.

Deputy Carrigy stated, People in our community cannot be expected to endure days without basic necessities like water and WiFi. Water is a fundamental need, and internet connectivity is no longer a luxuryits a vital tool for communication, work, and accessing safety measures in homes. These outages are not just inconvenient; they are a serious risk to vulnerable people in our society.

Deputy Carrigy has outlined several urgent measures that need to be taken:

Irish Water to invest in generators: Water systems should never go down. Irish Water must invest in backup generators to ensure continuity of supply during storms or power outages.

Also Read: Storm Eowyn leaves Longford Town FC needing extensive repairs

Internet Providers to install backup generators: Many people rely on WiFi for essential communication, work, and even health and safety systems. Internet service providers must step up and install generators at their key sites to prevent prolonged outages.

Grant Scheme for household generators: Due to the nature of our overhead power lines, we need to support households by offering a grant scheme to help with the cost of purchasing generators. This would empower families to take action during severe weather events instead of being left completely powerless.

Government Buildings as Emergency Hubs: We also need to ensure that government buildings are made available for people to use in the days following these outages. These buildings could provide access to water, power, heating, and internet for those who are most affected. This would be a simple and effective way to provide relief to vulnerable people and families during emergencies.

Deputy Carrigy also acknowledged the vital work of ESB, Irish Water, Local Authority and Civil Defence crews during and after Storm Eowyn but emphasised that more must be done to ensure the country can function during and after extreme weather events.

As a government, we must recognise that the current system is broken. We cannot let our communities bear the brunt of these failures storm after storm. It is time to work together to find real solutions to these ongoing issues and future-proof our infrastructure.
The Longford Lights seminar brought together over 80 local, national and international artists and local community group representatives earlier this month.

The seminar is part of the preparations for the festival which returns to Longford Town from Thursday to Sunday, February 20 - 23.

Organised by Longford County Councils County Longford Arts Service and the Mide Arts Group, the seminar took place in the Backstage Theatre in Longford, festival partner for Longford Lights 2025. Artists came from the United Kingdom, and all over Ireland.

Also Read: Longford home destroyed by devastating fire

Local groups in attendance included Longford Federation of the Irish Countrywomens Association, Longford Scouts and participating schools.

At the seminar attendees got to see the artist team led by the festivals Artistic Director Caroline Conway. Some of the artists involved also presented the work they are bringing to the festival this year and attendees had an opportunity to participate in a lantern making workshop.

Following on from this Seminar, Caroline and her team will be busy with further preparations for the upcoming festival. This includes developing an art piece in Connolly Barracks. Each community group and school will collaborate with the artist to progress ideas and complete each artwork. This artwork will come together to create a large-scale immersive experience using sound, light, space and pyrotechnics.

Also Read: Longford man jailed for his role in robbery of Service Station

Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Mark Casey, Great progress is being made for Longford Lights 2025, with excellent artists on board making innovative artwork. It is great also to see the active involvement of local schools and community groups and organisations from right across County Longford. These experiences help us to come together and learn new skills. It is definitely time to start getting your tickets and preparing your visit to Longford Lights 2025.

Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon said, Through the Arts Service, the Council is proud to support Longford Lights 2025. It is great to see the work put in so far, it is sure to be an excellent event, one which will welcome many people to our county and one which Longford Town can be proud of.

Longford County Council Acting Arts Officer and festival producer Shane Crossan said, Longford Lights was the biggest community-based art illumination festival in Ireland last year with over 12,000 people attending. This year we have ambitious plans to expand the festival with more local and national artists and more Longford community groups participating.

Longford Lights 2025 Assistant Artistic Director Tommy Casby discussed the importance of the seminar for helping everyone get ready for this years festival. This is a great way to energise everyone involved in the project. It gives everyone a chance to get acquainted and share their work.

Backstage Theatre manager Mona Considine said, The festival is going from strength to strength and Backstage Theatre are delighted to be involved. This year Backstage are participating in the festival by performing an exciting family-friendly play called Luminaria. The play will be staged in St John's Hall across from the festival.

Bernie McBrien from Longford Scouts who is looking forward to the festival added, Whats really great about this festival is the inclusion of groups and schools across the county. It gives the whole community a chance to work with professional artists and create something absolutely amazing.

Longford Scouts have come up with this years festival theme of Spectacular Lightness. The group made a submission to be involved in the festival which was inspired by their love of camping.

Longford Lights 2025 takes place from 6pm to 10pm from Thursday to Sunday, February 20 - 23. Large attendance is anticipated so to avoid disappointment book tickets now on Longfordlights.ie.
Micheal Carrigy TD has called for immediate government intervention as County Longford experiences one of the highest levels of ESB outages in the country, with 89% of customersboth businesses and householdslosing power.

While ESB crews are working tirelessly to restore supply, some homes, farms, and businesses may remain without electricity and water until next Wednesday, February 5, leaving many in an increasingly dire situation.

Deputy Carrigy is demanding urgent supports to be put in place for those affected, including:

Free hot meals for families without power and cooking facilities.

Temporary accommodation in hotels for families unable to stay in their homes.

Financial assistance for those who have had to move into hotels due to the outages.

Support packages for businesses forced to close, including wage subsidies for staff who lost out on earnings.

Emergency aid for GP surgeries struggling to operate without power or water.

The scale of this crisis is immense, and people need immediate support. Families who have had to relocate to hotels must be reimbursed through a central fund. Businesses forced to shut down need urgent financial supportwhat is being done to help their staff who have lost wages?

Also read: On the water frontline: Mammoth behind the scenes effort to get water back flowing into Longford taps

Deputy Carrigy has also raised serious concerns about the impact on farmers, particularly during milking and calving season.

This power outage has been devastating for farmers, many of whom are in the middle of calving season and rely on power for milking. The government must allow the purchase of generators to be covered under the TAMS scheme to ensure farms can operate in these emergencies. Farmers need certainty that their livelihoods and livestock will be protected in times of crisis.

Also read: Need a shower, a warm cuppa, to charge your phone or WiFi to work? Longford Storm Eowyn emergency response hubs open

He also called for a dedicated grant scheme to help rural households purchase generators, particularly for people with additional needs.

Households in rural Ireland should have access to financial support for generators through a dedicated grant scheme. In addition, those with additional medical or care needs should be able to apply for assistance in purchasing a generator through the Community Welfare Services to ensure they are not left vulnerable in these situations.

Deputy Carrigy has also strongly criticised the lack of a coordinated national response for vulnerable individuals.

Where was the plan for those who are sick, elderly, in nursing homes, or require additional supports? Why were emergency generators not sourced from Europe before Friday and redeployed across the worst-affected areas? These questions need to be answered, and action must be taken to prevent this from happening again.

Also read: Fright of her life: Longford grandmother (88) has lucky escape as Storm Eowyn sends tree crashing into her home

Despite the challenges, Deputy Carrigy expressed his deep appreciation for the efforts of ESB crews, emergency services, local authority staff, healthcare workers, and community volunteers who have been working around the clock.

The dedication and resilience of our emergency responders and volunteers have been outstanding. Their tireless work, often in extremely difficult conditions, has been vital in supporting those most in need. I want to sincerely thank every single person who has stepped up during this crisis.

Deputy Carrigy is urging the relevant Ministers to take immediate action to provide practical, on-the-ground supports for families, farmers, and businesses affected by the ongoing outages.

PICTURES | Style, smiles and elegance as Sara-Lee Greene is crowned Longford Rose 2025

We need urgent actionnot more delays. People are struggling, and they need assistance now.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: January 29 2025

Shooting Incidents with Injury Decreased 28 Percent in 2024 compared to 2023, and 238 Fewer Individuals Were Harmed by Gunfire.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that gun violence in communities participating in the states Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative declined to its lowest level on record last year. New York State began tracking this data in communities outside of New York City in 2006. Shooting incidents with injury declined 28 percent in 2024 compared to 2023, and the number of individuals injured declined 25 percent, with 238 fewer people harmed by gunfire. The Governors Fiscal Year 26 Executive Budget includes $370 million to continue the states multifaceted approach to reducing shootings and saving lives. That funding supports local and state law enforcement initiatives, youth employment programs, and nonprofit organizations that serve and support individuals and families and strengthen communities.

New Yorkers are safer today than they were yesterday  and thats because of the tireless efforts of our communities, law enforcement, and partners, Governor Hochul said. Gun violence has dropped by 28 percent, meaning 238 fewer people wounded by gunfire in our neighborhoods. But were not stopping here. My administration is doubling down on its commitment to reducing violence, supporting our youth, and strengthening our communities  ensuring that all New Yorkers can live in safety and peace."

The 28 percent decline reflects 588 shooting incidents with injury reported last year by the 28 police departments participating in GIVE compared to 817 in 2023, and the number of shooting victims decreased by 25 percent (725 v. 963). When the state first began tracking this data in 2006, 17 police departments received funding to reduce shootings and violent crime: Those agencies reported 896 shooting incidents with injury and 1,007 individuals who sustained gunshot wounds. GIVE jurisdictions account for roughly 90 percent of violent crimes involving firearms and 85 percent of violent crime reported outside New York City.

The following police departments reported particularly significant declines in shooting incidents with injury in 2024 compared to 2023: Niagara, 52 percent; Rochester, 34 percent; Syracuse, 30 percent; and Yonkers, 47 percent. Shooting incidents with injury, shooting victims and shooting homicide data for each of the 28 GIVE agencies are available on the State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) website. In addition to the collective decrease in gun violence in GIVE communities, the New York City Police Department reported a seven percent (903 v. 974) decrease in shooting incidents in 2024 compared to 2023.

DCJS Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, Our partnerships with local law enforcement agencies and community-based organizations through the GIVE initiative, SNUG street outreach program, Project RISE and our Crime Analysis Centers are helping to make a real difference in peoples lives and increasing safety in our communities. We applaud Governor Hochuls leadership on public safety and her unprecedented support of these critical programs.

Preliminary index crime reported by police agencies outside of New York City showed an eight percent decrease from January through September 2024 vs. 2023, the most current data available. There are seven index crime categories that are used to gauge overall crime trends: four violent (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and three property (burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft). Data reported by the NYPD show a three percent reduction in crime in the five boroughs.

The $370 million investment to reduce and prevent gun violence and strengthen communities disproportionately impacted by crime includes, but is not limited to, the following programs and initiatives administered by DCJS:

$50 million through the Law Enforcement Technology grant program, which provides funding so police departments and sheriffs offices can purchase new equipment and technology to modernize their operations and more effectively solve and prevent crime.

$36 million for GIVE, which funds the 28 police departments and district attorneys offices, probation departments, and sheriffs offices in 21 counties outside of New York City.

$21 million for the SNUG Street Outreach Program, which operates in 14 communities across the state: Albany, the Bronx, Buffalo, Hempstead, Mount Vernon, Newburgh, Niagara Falls, Poughkeepsie, Rochester, Syracuse, Troy, Utica, Wyandanch, and Yonkers. The program uses a public health approach to address gun violence by identifying the source, interrupting transmission, and treating individuals, families and communities affected by the violence.

$18 million in continued support for the states unique, nationally recognized Crime Analysis Center Network, and $13 million in new funding to establish the New York State Crime Analysis and Joint Special Operations Command Headquarters, a strategic information, technical assistance and training hub for 11 Centers in the states network, 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.

$20 million for Project RISE (Restore, Invest, Sustain, Empower) in 10 communities to support mentoring, mental health services, restorative practices, trust building, employment and education support and youth development activities, among other programs and services that address trauma resulting from long-term exposure to violence, build resilience and strengthen youth, families and neighborhoods.

The New York State Police, the State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, and the state Office of Victim Services also will receive funding through that $370 million allocation.

That funding does not include other public safety initiatives outlined in the FY26 Executive Budget Briefing Book, including $35 million for the next round of the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes grants to increase safety and security of organizations at risk of hate crimes or attacks because of their ideology, beliefs, or mission; or investments that expand support for victims and survivors of crime, including doubling funding for rape crisis centers to $12.8 million.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: January 29 2025

Grants Awarded to Every County and New York City To Modernize Public Safety Answering Points and Enhance Call-Taking and Dispatching Abilities.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that $55 million would be awarded to 57 counties and New York City to bolster the States emergency response and communications systems through two grants  a $45 million grant under the State Interoperable Communications Formula Grant Program and a $10 million grant under the Public Safety Answering Point Grant Program. Both grant programs fall under the Statewide Interoperable Communications Grant program, which provides reimbursement of funding to eligible counties in order to improve their emergency communication systems, and allocate funding to further enhance public safety call-taking and dispatching abilities. The combined $55 million is set to deliver upgrades to the States public safety answering points and communications system. Funding will assist counties as they buy new equipment, upgrade their technology and improve training, and will encourage the development of Next Generation 911 technologies.

Ensuring the safety of New Yorkers is my top priority, and a reliable emergency dispatch system is critical for getting first responders where theyre needed  fast, Governor Hochul said. This additional funding will strengthen emergency communications across the State, helping counties upgrade technology, improve training and enhance their response capabilities. I remain committed to advancing public safety efforts year after year, ensuring every community has the resources it needs and deserves.

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, Communication is key during emergencies and these grants will help communities across New York State get training and maintain and improve their systems. The professionals who take emergency calls and dispatch emergency responders are the first line of assistance, and we want to help ensure they have the tools they need.

Executive Director of New York State Association of Counties Stephen J. Acquario said, Counties applaud Governor Hochul for her continued priority emphasis on providing emergency 9-1-1 communication grants to counties. This funding is critical so that county based 911 systems can invest in modern technology and infrastructure to ensure our residents have access to emergency services.

The State Interoperable Communications Formula Grant (SICG-Formula) focuses on minimizing gaps in interoperable communications by aligning technology acquisitions with its operational use by first responders, providing the foundation necessary to accomplish a high level of interoperability.

The grant allows the State to reimburse eligible expenses that aid localities in sustaining and improving communications systems and components, training and exercises, and governance structures. It also supports county public safety organizations in enhancing emergency response, improving capability and performance results from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) National Emergency Communications Plan, improving operating procedures and infrastructure development, and addressing SAFECOM guidance from the DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

The SICG Formula grant awards announced today are below:

County Award Amount County Award Amount Albany $1,175,916 Niagara $788,111 Allegany $736,507 Oneida $759,816 Broome $890,183 Onondaga $1,111,103 Cattaraugus $640,674 Ontario $577,913 Cayuga $705,292 Orange $869,382 Chautauqua $643,479 Orleans $501,156 Chemung $498,210 Oswego $794,392 Chenango $494,618 Otsego $715,946 Clinton $639,814 Putnam $422,645 Columbia $446,381 Rensselaer $730,577 Cortland $786,336 Rockland $758,386 Delaware $667,382 Saratoga $766,246 Dutchess $526,279 Schenectady $609,599 Erie $1,187,283 Schoharie $475,133 Essex $826,549 Schuyler $407,932 Franklin $653,016 Seneca $391,399 Fulton $488,828 St. Lawrence $798,892 Genesee $682,571 Steuben $748,369 Greene $456,547 Suffolk $893,700 Hamilton $561,551 Sullivan $637,453 Herkimer $670,415 Tioga $410,016 Jefferson $739,206 Tompkins $627,501 Lewis $665,538 Ulster $552,845 Livingston $609,127 Warren $492,667 Madison $720,342 Washington $773,600 Monroe $1,420,159 Wayne $484,283 Montgomery $407,620 Westchester $646,033 Nassau $887,854 Wyoming $443,244 New York City $6,615,112 Yates $368,872

The Public Safety Answering Point Operations Grant (PSAP) is noncompetitive and allocates money by a formula which distributes funding to awardees based on several varying criteria, including operational scope, demographic elements, emergency services call metrics, deployment of new technology, and adherence with State and national guidelines for emergency communications.

The grant supports an awardee's existing operations and encourages the development of Next Generation 911 (NG911) technologies and the Geographic Information System (GIS) data needed for NG911. The PSAP grant also promotes the development of operational and procedural efficiencies and overall collaboration between different jurisdictions, such as other counties and state agencies.

The PSAP grant awards announced today are below:

County Award Amount County Award Amount Albany $235,855 Niagara $182,545 Allegany $127,563 Oneida $205,204 Broome $221,995 Onondaga $202,864 Cattaraugus $156,861 Ontario $213,167 Cayuga $213,957 Orange $151,513 Chautauqua $167,574 Orleans $104,727 Chemung $213,276 Oswego $181,122 Chenango $165,794 Otsego $173,737 Clinton $150,227 Putnam $108,883 Columbia $159,118 Rensselaer $186,187 Cortland $194,635 Rockland $176,964 Delaware $165,193 Saratoga $118,926 Dutchess $154,993 Schenectady $175,333 Erie $202,408 Schoharie $114,623 Essex $223,942 Schuyler $183,578 Franklin $152,412 Seneca $160,865 Fulton $159,119 St. Lawrence $209,055 Genesee $211,687 Steuben $175,667 Greene $143,466 Suffolk $189,488 Hamilton $163,770 Sullivan $155,955 Herkimer $199,901 Tioga $109,805 Jefferson $188,735 Tompkins $136,192 Lewis $229,558 Ulster $151,993 Livingston $168,455 Warren $165,940 Madison $153,681 Washington $147,298 Monroe $229,967 Wayne $180,950 Montgomery $178,052 Westchester $156,766 Nassau $126,372 Wyoming $116,975 New York City $205,078 Yates $200,034

Both the SICG-Formula and PSAP grant programs directly support local emergency response capabilities and promote interoperability for public safety agencies throughout the State.

About DHSES

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination, and support to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate disasters and other emergencies. For more information, follow @NYSDHSES on Facebook, Instagram and X, formerly known as Twitter, or visit dhses.ny.gov.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: January 30 2025

In 1939, Pearl was 11 years old when the Nazis invaded her hometown in Poland.

In recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Supervisor Joseph Saladino and members of the Oyster Bay Town Board honored Pearl (Zylberblech) Friend of Woodbury at Town Hall. Pearl was joined by her family, congregants of Woodbury Jewish Center, and Rabbi Jason Fruithandler.

In 1939, Pearl was 11 years old when the Nazis invaded her hometown in Poland. Her father and two uncles were taken by the Nazis on death march along with 6,000 Jewish men. Her 6-year-old brother, Chiel, was murdered by the Nazis, as her mother was forced to watch. Pearl and her mother, Anna, miraculously survived Auschwitz and five labor camps. They were transferred to Tereizenstadt with 128 Jewish women to be executed. A young Jewish tank commander, in the Russian Army, intercepted German Army radio communications and freed Pearl, her mother and others for execution in the camp. Pearl discovered that her father and uncles were alive and were later reunited in Poland. Upon arriving home, the young Jewish tank commander  Philip Friend  asked Pearls father for her hand in marriage. They married and immigrated to the United States in 1949. Pearl and Philip were married for 72 years, and blessed with two children, five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Philip passed away in 2019.

Monday, January 27, 2025 marked the liberation of Auschwitz, one of the most infamous and deadliest concentration camps of the Holocaust. This meaningful awareness initiative, especially with events that continue to unfold in the State of Israel and anti-Semitism on the rise globally, resonates closely with all of us here in our Town of Oyster Bay. In recognition of the six million murdered during the Holocaust, Town Hall is illuminated in Gold in recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
The attendees of the Syrian Victory Conference. (@aleamaliaat_ale on X)

On January 29, Syrias new leadership, headed by Ahmad al Sharaaformerly known as Abu Mohammad al Jolani, the emir of Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS) and previously the leader of Al Qaedas Syrian affiliate, Jabhat al Nusrahhosted a Victory Conference to outline the countrys future.

In a sweeping restructuring of the state, all military factions, as well as political and civil revolutionary bodies, were ordered to dissolve and integrate into newly formed state institutions. Additionally, former dictator Bashar al Assads Baath Party, the Syrian Army, the Syrian parliament, and various regime-linked institutions were dissolved.

Sharaa was formally declared Syrias leader, assuming full presidential powers for the transition period, while also being tasked with forming a temporary legislative body. Sharaa has previously stated that drafting a new constitution will take three years, with elections expected to follow in the fourth year.

According to Al Arabiya, 18 armed factions agreed to dissolve and merge into a newly unified army. While the specific groups were not named, their identities can be inferred based on the conferences attendees. Notably absent from this agreement were armed factions from Suwayda, the Southern Operations Room in Daraa, and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

Attendees Included:

Sharaa gave a five-minute victory speech in which he emphasized resilience in the face of adversity. He also talked about the moral responsibility of victory, cautioned against arrogance after success, and stressed the need for stability, rebuilding, and governance based on justice and ethics, rather than revenge and power struggles. Sharaa called for unity, economic recovery, and international cooperation to restore Syrias strength.

A translation of Sharaas speech follows:

A few months ago, Damascus appeared to me like a devoted mother, gazing at her children with a look of both reproach and desperation, lamenting her wounds, humiliation, and sufferingbleeding but bearing the pain with resilience, on the verge of collapse, crying out: Save your nation! Save it before the disgrace of nations befalls you! Damascus, which bequeathed you the pride of the East and the prestige of glorySham, Gods chosen land. Syria, the land of civilization and history. Syria is the trust of Ubaidah ibn al Jarrah and Khalid ibn al Walid. Oh, Sham, how your cries of agony tormented us! What greater disgrace there is than for a criminal faction to rule over you and commit what they have done. They destroyed her homes, displaced her people, tortured them in prisons of darkness, crushed them in iron presses, and burned their bodies in acid. We called out to you with sincerity: Stand, O Damascus! Rise and endure! We resolved, organized our ranks, prepared our forces, and set our target. We marched upon our enemy until we reached Damascus before she could fall. By the grace of God, we broke the chains, freed the tormented, and wiped away the dust of humiliation from Damascuss shoulders. The sun of Syria rose once more. The people rejoiced, chanting Allahu Akbar! for it was the clear conquest and the great victorythe day when the rightful triumphed over falsehood, justice over oppression, and mercy over torture. But, gentlemen, the defining features of war and military battles are usually destruction, devastation, and bloodshed. However, Syrias victory was one of mercy, justice, and kindness. Those who believe that war permits moral corruption are mistaken, for power, wealth, and weapons lead to widespread tyranny if not governed by values and ethics. The essence of struggle is a battle between righthood and falsehood, good and evil, justice and oppression. Whenever the people of righthood lower themselves to the morals of their enemies, they loseeven if they win. If a man gives in to his own temptations, killing his own brother, he becomes one of the loserseven if he appears victorious. The first moments of victory can be the first moments of defeat. If arrogance consumes the victor, and he forgets the grace of God, he will be led to tyranny. Victory is not merely an achievement; it is a responsibility. The burden on the victorious is heavy, and their duty is immense. The fallen regime has left deep woundssocial, economic, and political and other. Healing them requires a lot of wisdom, relentless effort, and tireless perseverance. Those who believe the time for struggle has passed and that comfort has arrived are deluded. Syria today needs more than ever before. Just as we were determined to liberate her, we must now commit to rebuilding and developing her. Syria is a trust in your hands. Syria holds intrinsic valueshe elevates those who serve her and humbles those who fail her. Today, she is entrusted to you. And Syrias priorities today are, first, filling the power vacuum in a legitimate and lawful manner. Second, preserving civil peace by ensuring transitional justice and preventing acts of revenge. Third, rebuilding state institutions, especially the military, security, and police forces, as ensuring the safety of the people is the foremost priority. Fourth, reviving the economy by reconstructing human resources, agriculture, industry, and the service sector. Fifth, restoring Syrias regional and international standing, establishing foreign relations based on brotherhood, respect, sovereignty, and shared interests. Many have spoken of our nations glorious past, and people have grown weary of hearing, We were, and we used to be. But with this great victory, we now have the right to connect the past with the present, to say with confidence, We were, and we are! History itself bears witnesslet it return to record new pages, to sing the melodies of triumph! Congratulations to us, to you, to all of Syria, to everyone who sympathized and stood by her side.

Ahmad Sharawi is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on Iranian intervention in Arab affairs and the levant.
The logo of Katibat Jenin, a Palestinian terrorist group based in the West Bank.

The Security Cabinet of Israel directed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the Shin Bet intelligence agency, and the Israel Border Police to conduct an operation aimed at bolstering security in the West Bank, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on January 21. More than a week since the start of the operation, Israeli troops have killed 18 terrorists, arrested over 60 wanted suspects, and dismantled over 100 explosives, the IDF stated.

As the IDF dismantles terrorist infrastructure in the northern West Bank, Palestinian terrorist groups and their affiliated branchesnumbering dozens across the territoryhave published statements and videos claiming they are deploying small arms and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to fight against Israeli security forces.

Telegram pages operated by Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), Hamas, and other armed groups in the West Bank routinely update followers on their activity. Most of the publications are statements claiming responsibility for a shooting or an IED attack on Israeli forces. Other updates include martyrdom notices acknowledging a fighters death in combat.

A Telegram channel operated by the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades in Tulkarm has been updated almost daily since the start of the IDFs operation. In one of the groups latest entries, it published evidence of fighters engaging IDF vehicles with small arms and IEDs.

In addition, on January 19, Hamas spokesperson Abu Obeida articulated his groups position by urging West Bank residents to escalate the conflict against Israel.

Statements by these armed groups share a common theme: Israel is attempting to annex the West Bank. This narrative may be fueled by reports from last year and five years ago of Israeli plans to annex Israeli settlements in the territory. However, the conflict between Israel and Palestinian terrorist groups, especially in the West Bank, is more complex and predates recent reporting on a potential annexation.

The latest Israeli effort is the third large-scale military operation in the northern West Bank since 2023. Previous operations have eliminated terrorist group commanders, foot soldiers, and infrastructure, causing some setbacks for these organizations. For example, since November 2023, Hamass Tulkarm branch has lost three commanders to IDF airstrikes. However, terrorist groups have continued to operate, expand, and carry out attacks in the West Bank despite Israeli efforts.

Throughout Israels latest extensive operation, West Bank terrorist groups have persistently engaged Israeli forces with small-arms fire and IED attacks. Statements and videos published online buttress their claims of armed resistance. However, the character and level of this opposition may change, as the IDF has signaled plans to significantly ramp up its push to remove terrorist elements in the West Bank.

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.
Opinion / Columnist

This visceral loathing of Ndebele people. We have been saying multiple times that Chamisa is connected to Chiwenga and Zanu PF at several levels. Chatufa TV channels confirmed our fears about Chamisa's connection to Chiwenga. Chamisa has business dealings with the First Lady. He resigned from CCC as President of the party on very suspicious grounds. Now the secret Between Chamisa and Chiwenga is no longer secret: he works together with the General Chiwenga to topple Mnangagwa. Another trending rumor is that he has secret dealings with Mnangagwa. When Chamisa resigned from CCC, Academics like Professor Ibo Mandaza confronted Chamisa, told him in no uncertain terms that he needed to tell the voters why he resigned, or else he will be exposed. Even close friend inside the party were not informed about his resignation: they got it on newspapers. Chamisa's political actions beg questions: so many issues remain unanswered.What is disturbing about Chamisa's preference of working together with Chiwenga to remove Mnangagwa comes from power the general has in the army. He overlooks the most painful chapter of our history. He disregards 1980s Chiwenga's genocide atrocities he executed in Matabeleland South as General under Mnangagwa, then minister state security. It is about Chamisa and never about the people. It dawned on me late about the emotional disconnect between two tribal factions of Mashona's and Ndebeles. Chamisa is painfully disconnected from genocide atrocities of the past. According to him it is about getting power by hook and crook, and he goes to occupy the state house. He has sunk very low to contractually near himself to Chiwenga to get kinetic force from Chiwenga for his personal ends. Just saying.Chamisa; Chiwenga: or C & C there is something deeply interesting from this pact: They are both weak characters with painful cowardice traits. Both are not the brightest stars in the sky. It is as obvious to me as my nose on my face, these two; C & C will never achieve anything tangible in terms of regime change. How they fear death; But they would rather they send jack and jill to die for them to enter the state house. Chiwenga has the army at his disposal he can use to stage a coup; Chamisa has the mob to demonstrate until regime change. My question is, realizing these two powerful tools they have, why has the coup not taken place? Why have mob demonstrators not taken to the streets to shut down the entire country and force Mnangagwa to resign? Just saying.They continue with their social media outlets, peddle something about to happen, something is happening, something has already happened, something that will happen in the far/near future; we are kept in a frenzy by Chatufa media outlet, ever unending guessing scenarios. #Godisit # slogan. These long awaited political and economic transformation are a mushroom in the cave. None of the two; Chiwenga and Chamisa has a personification of courage to bring the change they want: POWER. All things being equal; these threats to shut down the nation with demos assisted by the army is a smoke without fire: it's a more performative than actions to bring down Mnangagwa. The kinetic force Chiwenga brags about, does not have it and he does not realize that he has been turned into a paper tiger: The army is not available for him to use at his disposal but very constrained. Chiwenga is a civilian. His job description is enshrined in the constitution, a document he dangles time and again. He cannot command the army to stage a coup. He does not have the army in his command; if at all, it's dwelling in his faculties.Painfully still: Our future president Chiwenga is challenged: He thinks the population has short memory. He talks about corruption as if he is clean himself. The billions of dollars in foreign banks made it possible for him to get a second life. His homes in Borrowdale Brooks and his private farms could not have been bought by an average salary of a general. The looting of diamonds in DRC and again the salaries of soldiers who fought the war in DRC were not remunerated. Some died in DRC, their families did not get any payments. He must be told that that was corruption and cruelty of the highest order. The desperation in our citizens is unable to challenge him on such open corruption charges. Instead, somehow, the population want him to be the next president, is a better person than Mnangagwa. A pact has been made behind our backs is that if Chamisa and Chiwenga work together, mobilize combined efforts, could topple Mnangagwa. Citizens do not realize the folly of putting much hope on men like Chiwenga and Chamisa.Zimbabwean people, both men and women are so misogynistic, how they mystify Chiwenga as a good man, puzzles me. I expected women to come out and speak loudly about the true mercilessness of Chiwenga towards his ex-wife and children. Its incomprehensible how a human being can be so hard-hearted to treat another human in the way Merry is treated. The citizens know that Merry lost limbs because of a disease they suffer both husband and wife. She is denied of overseas treatment that some elites get, when they get ill, including General Constantine Chiwenga himself. Chiwenga was airlifted to China to get a brand-new esophagus: hence he is alive today. Of late he was on a treatment trip to India to get his blood-pressure eyes and ears checked, and his toenails cut professionally by Indians and not less Zimbabweans at home.Their children are denied visiting their mother. There is not a single woman who has made an appeal to the government on Merry's behalf to get access to her children by right as a mother, at least. Not even a week ago, Chiwenga was talking about UBUNTU at the Heros Acre where most looters of national revenues are buried. What UBUNTU is Chiwenga talking about? Or is he preaching us to drink water while downs wine! His actions have no traces of UBUNTU he is preaching. He makes a baboon out of himself: by the way he is Soko!Women's organisations should have approached the African Union and The UNs and made legal complaints how a second Head of State is punishing his ex-wife and children. In all order of things, Merry's problem must be legally delt with by women's movements and NGOs inside Zimbabwe. There are several pathways to alert international bodies who must legally intervene to assist a desperate woman at the cruelest hands of a misogynistic Zanu PF government, an irresponsible government of Mnangagwa. Both Chiwenga and Mnangagwa are responsible for what happened to Merry's demise. Such a high-profile case about Merry must be given attention to UN-General Secretary Guterres. Merry's case exposes the fabric of our nation, how women are treated in Zimbabwe like products of backside products. There are cases at the UN that are delt with at individual level too. Merry's case deserves that, no less. Exposing our government at international bodies regarding Merry's case demands that no less. It could give precedence that women's lives matter. The silence of our Zimbabwean women about Merry's case is very loud; it is dangerous because it normalizes gender-based violence in societies.
Lord Peter Mandelson will be the next British ambassador to the United States after Donald Trump agreed to accept his credentials.

The long-awaited decision ends a weeks-long standoff with the new US administration over the Labour grandees appointment to replace Dame Karen Pierce as the UKs top diplomat in Washington.

A White House official has confirmed to The Independent that President Trump has finally agreed to accept Lord Mandelsons letters of credence when he arrives in the American capital next month, allowing him to take up residence in Washington DC.

The end of the uncertainty over his appointment comes as the new US secretary of state Marco Rubio issued a veiled warning to foreign secretary David Lammy over the attempts to hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, as tensions between the UK government and US administration continue.

Donald Trump is said to have accepted Lord Peter Mandelsons appointment as the UKs new ambassador to the US (Jonathan Brady/PA)

It also comes amid reports that US senators have handed a file to the FBI to investigate the Labour peers links to China, the primary reason that Mr Trump was said to be considering rejecting his nomination.

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The Independent revealed last week that the extremely rare move had been considered by Mr Trump and that a decision was set to be made by the US president this week after papers were forwarded from the State Department.

While Lord Mandelson is being allowed to take up his post  removing a major diplomatic headache for Sir Keir Starmer  it is understood that it will still come with conditions and the peer will be kept on a short leash because of his past links with China.

Even as news broke of the decision there were questions about what Mr Trump had extracted in return for having allowed his close allies to brief against and attack Lord Mandelson over a number of weeks, even having him described as a moron.

It is understood that the president craves hosting a visit by senior royals to America, possibly the King or Prince and Princess of Wales. It is also known he wants to address a joint sitting of the Houses of Parliament after senior Labour figures helped ensure he was not able to in 2016.

Meanwhile, Mr Trumps new chief diplomat has issued a warning to Mr Lammy over his attempts to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius in a sign that the new White House administration will seek to block the move.

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The shot across the bows came during secretary of state Marco Rubios first phone call with the foreign secretary.

Secretary of state Marco Rubio (Evan Vucci/AP)

While Sir Keir Starmer and Mr Trump avoided difficult topics, including Lord Mandelson, when they spoke on Sunday, Mr Rubio referenced the controversial Chagos Islands deal.

President Joe Biden had supported a handover to Mauritius but the Trump administration is concerned about the joint UK/US airbase on Diego Garcia and the potential for China to move in and establish a presence on the islands.

Mauritius was the first African country to sign a trade deal with China and the issue was raised by Mr Rubio during the call with Mr Lammy: he warned the foreign secretary to beware of Beijings malign influence.

Mr Rubio, who has previously criticised the proposed deal, stressed the need for a free and open Indo-Pacific that is secure and stable, according to a readout of the conversation. While Chagos does not appear to be mentioned by name the reference was a clear sign of the administrations position on the deal with Mauritius.

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Before his nomination, the former Florida senator said the Chagos deal would be concerning as it would provide an opportunity for communist China to gain valuable intelligence on our naval support facility in Mauritius.

He told Politico: This poses a serious threat to our national security interests in the Indian Ocean and threatens critical US military posture in the region.

Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands (US Navy/AP)

Last year, The Independent revealed that the Trump transition team was looking at ways of vetoing the deal, which was held up by a change of government in Mauritius and a new prime minister who demanded more concessions from the UK.

Mr Lammy has always described the Chagos agreement as a good deal, arguing it ends uncertainty over the Diego Garcia base and guarantees it for at least 99 years.

But the government has refused to publish details of the proposed deal, including the estimated cost to the UK taxpayer.
Just after midnight on Thursday, while hundreds of thousands of Bostonians slept in warm homes with solid roofs, a collection of city employees, social workers and other caring souls searched for those who were not.

In the doorway of a Downtown Crossing building outside Macys, they found one man huddled on the cold concrete.

He was tucked under a scratchy gray blanket  the kind people use to cover wooden furniture when they move houses  to escape the gusts of bitter, 23-degree air, doing his best to sleep.

Jim Greene, 61, took a step toward him as a small crowd of other volunteers from the city gathered a few paces away. The man poked out his face when Greene softly called to ask what he needed.

But the man didnt request another blanket, hand warmers or a ride to a nearby homeless shelter.

He simply asked for a chocolate bar.

Ill be haunted by the folks we maybe didnt get to... its a very painful privilege, Green would later say in the night.

Its heavy, and its hopeful, he said

As Assistant Director for Street Homelessness Initiatives within the Mayors Office of Housing, this marked Greenes 38th time participating in Bostons annual homeless census, now in its 45th year.

Outreach workers for the city of Boston and various organizations conducted the annual Homeless Census late Wednesday night, Jan. 29, 2025, taking count of the city's homeless population and connecting people with shelter, medical care and other services. Pictured at the center is Jim Greene, the city's assistant director for street homelessness initiatives. (Will Katcher/MassLive).Will Katcher/MassLive

Usually conducted at the end of January, the point-in-time count involved over 250 volunteers canvassing the city to determine the number of homeless people on the street.

Data from the survey will be available in the coming months after its analyzed and cross-checked with shelter data, and will be used to inform city policies and where funds for resources to help the homeless will be allocated.

The census

Wednesday night, the census effort covered 45 areas, including all neighborhoods, Logan Airport, and transit systems. Teams began at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday and finished just before 2 a.m. Thursday.

While on the streets, the volunteers and officials conducted surveys and identified people as they gave out cold weather safety information and items like hand warmers, gloves, snacks and other necessities.

Outreach workers for the city of Boston and various organizations conducted the annual Homeless Census late Wednesday night, Jan. 29, 2025, taking count of the city's homeless population and connecting people with shelter, medical care and other services. A group met at City Hall before beginning the census. (Will Katcher/MassLive).Will Katcher/MassLive

One of the first questions always asked, in some variation, was, Do you want to get out of the cold [and] go to a shelter?

Of the 20 or so people seen downtown by MassLive reporters, none took the offer.

Sometimes, the structure in the shelter setting is just too much for people, said Beckie Tachick, a registered nurse and the Street Team director at Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program.

Tachick explained that some people who are homeless and were once in prison have described the shelter system as like being incarcerated again.

Additionally, some of the other million reasons a homeless person would voluntarily sleep in the cold include substance abuse, mental illness, the worry of theft or they do not wish to be in a combined space with a whole bunch of other people who are suffering, Tachick said.

For those who declined, the census group still tried to help in whatever way possible.

Mental and physical health were checked on and questioned, and bags of supplies were given out. The volunteers didnt have a chocolate bar for the man outside the Macys, but he accepted the Nutrigrain bar they had instead.

Outreach workers for the city of Boston and various organizations conducted the annual Homeless Census late Wednesday night, Jan. 29, 2025, taking count of the city's homeless population and connecting people with shelter, medical care and other services. Among those they found was a man in a wheelchair at the Downtown Crossing MBTA station. (Will Katcher/MassLive).Will Katcher/MassLive

Tachick even took a look at the injured hand of a man named Danny they found in a wheelchair inside the Orange Line T stop.

She also asked if he and the other man he was with, Patrick, needed an ambulance, as they appeared to be under the influence. An MBTA transit officer also stopped to see what was going on, and like the volunteers, he seemed to know Danny and Patrick.

While many of the homeless people found Wednesday were already known to the census group, Greene said the amount of new faces he saw was striking.

There are new people all the time, who come from a lot of different places with a lot of different needs, Greene said.

One older woman named Stacy, known to the city official group, took joking offense when a volunteer asked if she could be pregnant.

Hell no! Hell to the (expletive) no, Stacy laughed as she shuffled away in her wheelchair and camouflage-colored jacket. This incited more laughter from the volunteers, who replied, OK, Stacy  we have to ask, you never know."

But others werent so jovial. One man who slept surrounded by makeshift walls of cardboard boxes to shelter him from the wind refused any help, and some others would not come out from underneath their blankets at all.

Still, the right people are out there helping, Greene said.

And its not just what we did tonight, its, What are we going to do the next 364 days? Everybody who volunteered tonight helps us fight that good fight, Greene said.

A report on last years data

The data from the census is crucial for the City as we act with urgency and care to make Boston a city for everyone, Mayor Michelle Wu said in a statement on this years annual census.

Outreach workers for the city of Boston and various organizations conducted the annual Homeless Census late Wednesday night, Jan. 29, 2025, taking count of the city's homeless population and connecting people with shelter, medical care and other services. Pictured, Beckie Tachick (bottom left), the street team director for the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, and Jim Greene (back left), the city's assistant director for street homelessness initiatives, speak with a man in a wheelchair at the Downtown Crossing MBTA station. (Will Katcher/MassLive).Will Katcher/MassLive

From Jan. 2023 to Jan. 2024, the rate of homelessness in Greater Boston jumped by an estimated 67%, according to a new report released by Boston Indicators on Wednesday.

According to the Mayors Office of Housing, the number of homeless people in Boston grew by 10.6%, from 5,202 in 2023 to 5,756 in 2024. However, the increase is 11.6% lower than the 2015 peak of 6,492 people.

The rise mirrors national trends, the Office of Housing said, with over 770,000 homeless people nationwide in December 2024  an 18% increase from 2023.

However, last years findings ranked Boston with the second-highest homelessness rate out of all major U.S. cities behind only New York City, with 801 homeless residents per 100,000 residents, the Indicators report showed.

That spike is largely attributed to the influx of migrant families into shelters early in 2024, the Indicators report showed. It was further compounded by high housing costs and policy barriers that prevent low-income families from securing homes.

But while overall homelessness rose, the majority were able to find shelter thanks to the states shelter capacity measures.

A group congregates outside a Citizens Bank in Downtown Crossing in Boston, Jan. 29, 2025. (Will Katcher/MassLive).Will Katcher/MassLive

According to the Indicators report, Boston had one of the lowest rates of unsheltered homelessness at 4%, compared to the national average of 35%. This was largely attributed to Massachusetts right-to-shelter law  the only such state-wide law in the country, which also combats chronic homelessness.

Geographically speaking, much of last years increase occurred outside of Boston proper, where additional shelters were set up outside of the city to manage overflow, like hotel rooms, Indicators said.

Despite this, the report highlighted that homelessness rates were disproportionately high for certain groups.

Black people in Boston are 17 times more likely to be homeless than white people, and Latino people are five times more likely, Indicators said, which it theorized could have in part been driven by the migrants' demographics.

Children under 18, in particular, also saw the highest increase in homelessness, rising by 72% last year  a concerning development, the Indicators report said.

However, the timing of the data  collected in January 2024  was emphasized. This was shortly after Massachusetts hit its shelter capacity limit in October 2023 and before new restrictions took effect in 2024, like time limits on shelter stays. It was also when migrant families were being sheltered at Logan Airport.

Last years data did not capture any increases in unsheltered homelessness that might have occurred later in 2024, Indicators said, nor the effects of new state measures. The full impact may become clearer when the 2025 census data is released.

Outreach workers for the city of Boston and various organizations conducted the annual Homeless Census late Wednesday night, Jan. 29, 2025, taking count of the city's homeless population and connecting people with shelter, medical care and other services. Pictured, Beckie Tachick, the street team director for the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, and Jim Greene, the city's assistant director for street homelessness initiatives, speak with a man sleeping in Downtown Crossing. (Will Katcher/MassLive).Will Katcher/MassLive

Greene called it fortunate that Boston has sustained a 45-year effort to reach out, engage with, house and care for homeless people. The city also regularly applies for federal funding to support housing and services, he said, and is committed to both the safety net of shelter and the solution of housing.

But far beyond the necessary work of outreach volunteers and employees, the report called for more than just an expansion of shelters  to address homelessness, it needs to be easier to build affordable housing and there needs to be significant investments into the infrastructure by the state, Indicators said.

Greene agreed.

Housing, with a lot of support services and ways to address the life struggles that are playing up for them on the street, in a dignified and safe environment is, I think, the most important thing [people need], Greene said.

To get that, part of the solution is the affordable housing that we create and develop and rely on our state and federal partners to have. Another part of it is community, Greene said.

This means help like the supportive housing system Boston has adopted, he said  but it also means the public calling 911 if you see someone sleeping in the freezing cold, and supporting initiatives from the city that help people get off the street.

Im going home tonight to my warm bed, and Im worried about a guy who got on the subway who wasnt warmly dressed and under the influence... I still want him to be safe and warm tonight, Greene said.
Patti Smith is speaking out after the music icon reportedly collapsed during a presentation in Brazil Wednesday night.

The Associated Press reported that Smith collapsed during a presentation at the Cultura Artistica Theater in Sao Paulo on Wednesday night, Jan. 29.

The 78-year-old musician reportedly collapsed roughly half an hour into the event, the AP reported citing local media.

Smith fell on stage and stayed there for several minutes before getting help, the AP reported.

However, the musician took to social media urging people to not believe the grossly exaggerated account of the incident presented on social media and in the press.

I had some post migraine dizziness. Had a small incident, left the stage, and returned 10 minutes later and talked to the people, told them I was fine and sang them Wing and Because the Night, Smith wrote in an Instagram post Thursday.

I was checked out by an excellent Doctor and was absolutely fine. Please do not accept any other story, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee wrote. With all the strife in the world, this explainable incident does not merit so much attention. Thank you everyone for your concern. Trust me I am fine.

Smith has been in Sao Paulo for a two-day presentation of the Correspondences project. The project is affiliated with the Berlin-based arts group Soundwalk Collective.

Soundwalk Collective said in an Instagram story Wednesday that Smith had been dealing with intense migraine over the past few days, but still wanted to perform.

She is now being cared for by the best doctors in the most loving way and will be back on stage tomorrow night, the story reads.

Cultura Artistica Theaters website indicates that Smiths second show is still happening.
Actor Tom Welling, who starred as Clark Kent in the superhero drama Smallville, is facing a DUI charge after he was arrested in Northern California this past weekend.

Police arrested Welling at an Arbys in Yreka, California, just after midnight on Sunday, Jan. 26, according to an arrest report sent to MassLive.

Welling was charged with DUI alcohol and his blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was at least 0.08%, the report indicated. For drivers over 21 in California, any BAC limit 0.08% or higher is illegal, according to Wilber Law Offices.

Welling, 47, was booked at the Siskiyou Country Sheriffs Office around 2 a.m. and released just after 7 a.m. Sunday. His arraignment is scheduled for March 11 at 1 p.m.

Later in the day Sunday, Welling posted a tribute for Jessica Rose Lee Wellings birthday on Instagram.

Happy Birthday to our Angel who makes our dreams come true and inspires us even more, Welling wrote. We love you to the moon and back!

The couple has been married since 2019 and have two children, according to USA Today.

Welling portrayed Clark Kent, aka Superman, for 10 seasons of the CW show Smallville. He also hosts the rewatch podcast Talk Ville with his Smallville co-star Michael Rosenbaum.

The actor was also known for co-starring in the third season of the Fox fantasy comedy-drama Lucifer as Lt. Marcus Pierce/Cain. Willing has also appeared in multiple films including Cheaper by the Dozen, Cheaper by the Dozen 2, The Fog, Draft Day and The Choice.
A Malden man was charged Wednesday afternoon after police said he tried to rob a woman in an incident that escalated to where the suspect and the womans husband both were stabbed.

Kejaun Latney, 26, was charged with breaking and entering, armed burglary, assault with a dangerous weapon  a knife and assault and battery, according to the Boston Police Department. Latney will be arraigned at Boston Municipal Court.

The stabbing happened around 5:30 p.m. at the intersection of Warren Avenue and West Brookline Street in Bostons South End neighborhood, police said.

The incident stemmed from an attempted burglary that escalated into a violent altercation, police said in a statement.

Latney was running away from the scene toward Dartmouth Street, police said. He was arrested outside 156 Warren Ave. He initially resisted arrest and had blood on his hands. He also had a five-inch steak knife in his sweatshirt pocket, police said.

Latney had a non-life-threatening stab wound, police said. He was arrested and taken to a hospital.

At the same time, a man, who police did not identify, was found hurt with several non-life-threatening stab wounds at 177 Warren Ave., police said. He was taken to a local hospital.

Latney followed a woman to her home and grabbed her from behind, the police said. He covered her mouth to stop her from screaming.

When the womans husband intervened in the incident, a struggle ensued leading to the double stabbing, police said.
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Mayo County Council have been urged to organise regular consultation clinics with an Achill community at the centre of a proposed Greenway extension.

It is proposed to extend the Greenway on Achill Island from Cashel to Bunnacurry and in recent days Mayo County Council has launched a website with information on the project.

In October a public meeting took place in Cashel where some landowners and residents expressed concerns regarding the proposed project route and the acquisition of private land to facilitate the Greenway.

At the monthly meeting of Mayo County Council, Achill-based councillor Paul McNamara asked the council management to hold a series of clinics to allow residents and affected landowners to speak to the project team.

I have requested that a clinic take place in December and it hasn't happened, I also wanted it to take place in January but it hasn't happened and I would urge it take place in February. A number of clinics should take place in Bunnacurry NS where landowners and residents of the Bunnacurry/Cashel Greenway can go in individually and see the route as it is being proposed and ask any questions they have or problems they have with it, he said.

READ: Planning permission granted for trailhead close to Mayo Greenway

The Part 8 planning approval for the Cashel to Bunnacurry Greenway extension was passed by the council in 2020 but since then the project has been taken over by Transport Infrastructure Ireland who have a new set of guidelines surrounding the delivery of Greenways. These include the acquisition of land including the possibility of the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) of land instead of a permissive access agreement.

Cllr McNamara added that having the clinics on a regular basis will allow any questions residents have to be answered.

Now TII are involved and it is a totally different ball game. It has progressed in that a lot of landowners have made contact with the auctioneer but there is a fall off in communication in the centre and it needs to be bridged. There needs to be consultation not confrontation.

I don't mean to come down and hold one or two clinics. There needs to be at least a month where the tourism section will be there for a couple of hours for two days a week where people can come in and ask a question and know exactly what is happening, he said.

Seamus O Mongain, Head of the Municipal District said he will relay the request to the tourism section but suggested it was a 'significant request' for a team to be in attendance for a month.

However, Cllr McNamara replied that he did not think it was an unreasonable request.

A Greenway only works if everyone is in favour of it and it is welcomed in an area. All the work needs to be put in to make sure the people are happy with how it proceeds and if they have issues they have contact to express their issues.

That facility needs to be made available over a four week period because I am getting a good lot of calls on it and I cannot answer the questions I am being asked and that is why I was requesting this.
Gardai came to the rescue of an American tourist who lost her drivers license during a trip to Kerry.

The license had thankfully been dropped into Killarney Garda Station where it was safely returned to Ohio woman Caroline.

In a hilarious letter from gardai which accompanied the returned drivers licence, Sergeant Joseph Sullivan wrote: "I hope you had a wild and enjoyable time here in Ireland. Please feel free to visit us again any time and next time don't drink so much Guinness and lose your driving license."

View this post on Instagram A post shared by An Garda Siochana (@gardainsta)

In the post shared on Instagram, gardai commented: "This is important: we do not tolerate any references to 'splitting the G.'"

Tourists Caroline and Rachel had visited Ireland together and posted videos of their trip on TikTok to the attention of the gardai, who noted they had shared plenty of "wonderful snaps and pints."

READ NEXT: 2025 Garda recruitment campaign launched with 5,000 new gardai to be recruited over 5 years

One person commented on the post to say: "Pure class, Im so proud to be Irish!"

Another shared: "Your sense of humour is surely enough to prompt a return visit!"
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, January 29, 2025

A federal appellate panel has temporarily blocked enforcement of a California law that would have prohibited social media platforms from algorithmically recommending posts to minors without their parents' consent.

The injunction, issued late Tuesday by a three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, will remain in effect until the court rules on the constitutionality of the Protecting Our Kids From Social Media Addiction Act (SB976).

The tech organization sued last year to invalidate the measure, which was passed last year and had been slated to take effect January 1. NetChoice argued in its request for an injunction that web publishers have First Amendment right to recommend content, and teens have a constitutional right to access content.

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Earlier this month, U.S. District Court Judge Edward Davila in the Northern District of California blocked enforcement of some provisions in the law, but said NetChoice had not proven that the restrictions on algorithmic recommendations were unconstitutional. Davila later stayed the entire law on an emergency basis, but only until February 1.

When Davila upheld the restrictions on recommendations, he noted that they don't require platforms to remove any posts.

Users may still access all posts by searching through the social media platforms, Davila wrote.

NetChoice -- which counts Meta, Snap, Google and other large tech companies as members -- appealed Davila's ruling to the 9th Circuit, and asked that court to grant a preliminary injunction against enforcement.

Among other arguments, NetChoice says that even if the law doesn't require social platforms to remove speech, the restrictions on recommendations limit the ability to offer compilations.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta opposed NetChoice's request, arguing that the law's restrictions pursue a compelling interest -- the physical and mental health of children and teens -- while focusing narrowly on features that cause children and teens harm.

The states compelling interest is to protect the physical and mental health of minors, which includes limiting their access to addictive feeds, Bonta argued.

NetChoice is expected to file additional arguments by Thursday, and Bonta is expected to respond by the end of February.

The 9th Circuit plans to hear arguments in the matter in April, after which it will decide whether to permanently strike down the law.
by Tanya Gazdik , January 29, 2025

Spirit Airlines might be known as the no-frills budget airline, but that doesnt mean the carrier doesnt have standards.

The airline recently updated its policies to explicitly outline unacceptable passenger attire and appearance, going beyond the vague policies held by most other airlines, according to The New York Times. 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.

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Inadequately clothed includes having breasts, buttocks or other private parts exposed, or wearing sheer apparel. But what makes a tattoo offensive is not defined. Also on the no-fly list is having an offensive odor unless caused by a qualified disability."

The airline made the change after several instances with passengers that raised questions about their clothing. According to Quartz, those incidents included the airline removing a passenger for wearing a crop top and another wearing clothing with explicit language.

Spirit, however, isn't the only airline with a dress code for passengers, according to Travel + Leisure. United Airlines' policy states that passengers can be removed from a flight if they are barefoot, not properly clothed, or whose clothing is lewd, obscene or offensive. Delta Air Lines specifically states that passengers can be removed when the passenger is barefoot or when the passengers conduct, attire, hygiene or odor creates an unreasonable risk of offense or annoyance to other passengers, while American Airlines' contract states that its travelers must dress appropriately; bare feet or offensive clothing arent allowed.

The new rules give flight attendants more guidance.

Offensive or revealing clothing has been a contentious issue for years because its not clearly defined and is left to the crews discretion, notes "Fodors Travel Guide."As a result, airlines often face controversies when they ask passengersmostly womento cover up.

"In October, a woman named Tara Kehidi said she and a friend were asked by a Spirit flight attendant to leave because they were wearing crop tops, according to CNN Business. The situation has happened on other airlines, too. In 2019, American Airlines apologized to Latisha Tisha Rowe after she said she was humiliated and told she couldnt fly unless she covered up her strapless romper.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, January 30, 2025

Meta Platforms has agreed to pay $25 million to President Donald Trump to settle a lawsuit over his suspension from the service following the January 6, 2021 riot in Washington, D.C.

The settlement, signed Wednesday, ends a legal battle dating to July 2021, when Trump claimed in a lawsuit that Meta violated the First Amendment by banning him.

Meta, along with X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube, took down Trump's accounts after insurrectionists stormed the Capitol in an effort to prevent the Senate from certifying former President Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 election. All three companies later allowed Trump back on their platforms.

Several months after his suspension from social media, Trump sued all three social media platforms, accusing them of wrongly suppressing his speech.

U.S. District Court Judge James Donato, assigned to the suit against X, dismissed Trump's complaint in May 2022, ruling that only the government -- and not private companies like X -- are bound by the First Amendment prohibition on censorship.

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Trump appealed Donato's ruling to the 9th Circuit, where he argued that X had acted as a censorship proxy for the government. Trump's suits against Meta and YouTube were stayed, pending a ruling from the appellate court.

Two months ago, Trump and X -- now owned by Trump ally Elon Musk -- told the 9th Circuit that they were actively discussing a potential settlement, and urged the court to stay proceedings in the appeal.

News of the settlement comes as leaders of large tech companies are increasingly expressing support for Trump. Meta, like other Silicon Valley businesses, donated to Trump's inauguration fund, and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg praised Trump Wednesday night, saying on an earnings call that the current administration is proud of our leading companies.

The bulk of Meta's settlement with Trump, $22 million, will go toward his presidential library, a Meta spokesperson stated.
by Ray Schultz , January 30, 2025

Union workers atmagazine are vowing to walk out unless they are given a new contract with strong AI protections. The two sides have been negotiating for almost a year.

The New York Magazine Union, which represents around 150 editorial staffers, sent a strike warning on Thursday to Jim Bankoff, chief executive of New York parent Vox Media, Pam Wasserstein, vice chair, and David Haskell, editor in chief of New York.

Union members include writers, editors, fact checkers, copy editors, photo editors, designers, and other editorial staffers at the magazine.

During a turbulent time in the industry, Vox Media has a chance to step up and stake out some stability for New York Magazine, which would seemingly be in line with the values of its leaders, says Bridget Read, unit chair of the New York Magazine Union. Instead, the company is refusing to give us a contract that meets the basic needs of our unit.

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AI protections are especially critical, given Vox Medias arrangement with OpenAI, the union states.

Last May, Vox signed a deal allowing OpenAI, to enhance its technology with Vox Medias archives.

At the time, Bankoff said Vox hopes to use generative AI to innovate for our audiences and customers, protect and grow the value of our work and intellectual property, and boost productivity and discoverability to elevate the talent and creativity of our exceptional journalists and creators.

However, the union charges that Vox executives have refused to discuss any details of the deal and have not agreed to any language that would protect jobs.

The company has refused to tell us where that money is going, but we can say with confidence based on the companys paltry wage offers that the money is not going to the employees who produce the work that made that deal valuable in the first place, says Reeves Wiedeman, vice chair of the New York Magazine Union.
The wait finally ended for fans when Sky Force hit the big screen on January 24. Akshay Kumars war film based on the Indian Air Force (IAF) was finally out and it did commercially well over the weekend, earning praise from critics too. The movie came out a year after Hrithik Roshans Fighter, which was also based on the IAF. Both are war films and of course the antagonists are our hostile neighbour Pakistan. The challenger to our might in the air is the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). The skies became battlefields as pilots from both sides of the border face off in epic dog fights. But as someone who has seen both films on the big screen, yours truly can say that on any given day, Sky Force eats Fighter for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

 PVR Inox Films Now, the stories are different. Fighter is a work of fiction based on Indias air strike in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack in 2019 while Sky Force is a fictionalised version of the IAF destroying the Sargodha base during the 1965 war. But while the former went all out and bordered the story on high voltage action, the latter stuck close to the real story and focused more on the narrative. With an apology to those who have not seen Sky Force, the film showcases the events with virtually no jingoism. Unlike Fighter, where the Pakistanis are portrayed a little too villainous, Sky Force shows them as exactly what they are, an enemy during the time of war. But only that, nothing more, nothing less. The conversation between Akshay and a captured PAF pilot played by Sharad Kelkar is shown in a professional manner between two pilots, which is usually how it is when one is interviewing a Prisoner of War (POW). Theres no chest thumping by either side, nor is there malice in the tone or eyes of either pilot. They both compliment each other on past actions and state events in a matter-of-fact way.

 Viacom18 Studios When we talk of character roles, one must remember that in Fighter, while the likes of Deepika and Anil Kapoor had their moments, Hrithik was the main focus. In Sky Force, Akshays role takes a backseat while Veer Pahariyas character of the downed IAF pilot whose fate was unknown for over two decades takes centrestage. For a change, the more recognised star is seen working from the sidelines to let the main story unfold. In Fighter, while real events were shown, the movie was more about Hrithik than what was happening. Here the main focus is the history of it all. We cannot exclude dog fights when we are speaking of a movie based on air battles. Yes, like Fighter, Sky Force too has an epic dog fight towards the end. But there is one differenceattention to detail. The disadvantage faced by Veer as he battles Kelkar in the skies is highlighted because back in 1965, PAF had superior aircraft to the IAF. In fact, it was IAF skill vs PAF tech in the Indo-Pak war. Unlike 1971, the war was not as one-sided and the fight for air supremacy was a brutal one. India triumphed thanks to the pilots thinking outside the box while Pakistan relied more on technology. Veers sacrificial play against Kelkar was an example of just that.

The marketing, or rather the lack of it, played a crucial role as well. Remember, in the build-up to Fighter how small clips were released as teasers? None of that was done here. A proper trailer was the only promotion that was done and the film then directly released. The curiosity of the real incident was generated as a result. War buffs like myself who knew grew up listening to the real story were keen to see how it was dramatised. I, for one, was not disappointed. Make no mistake, I liked Fighter, but I loved Sky Force. One can argue that the comparison is unfair as the stories are different. But Sky Force overcame the most important challenge. This factor could have easily put the film at a disadvantage with Fighter, but by proper storytelling and screenplay, the makers made up for it. Yes, we are talking about the time factor. Hrithiks film was inspired from events that happened barely six years back and are the memories are still fresh in the minds of the Indian public. Akshays movie highlighted events from nearly six decades ago. Many of us werent born yet, and those who were are either old or no longer here. So, not only did the clock need to be turned properly, it had to be done in a manner that todays generation would be familiar with. The seamless use of flashbacks and flash-forwardsfrom 1971 to 1965 to 1984was executed with perfect timing. It effortlessly took viewers on a journey through time, moving between past, present, and future with ease.
An Air Force one-star general has been fired from his leadership role as director and program executive officer of the bombers directorate at the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center in Ohio following an internal investigation.

Brig. Gen. Erik Quigley was removed from his position Tuesday "following an internal investigation which revealed inappropriate personal relationships," a news release from Air Force Materiel Command at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base said.

"The director and PEO position leads a team executing the modernization and sustainment of the Air Force's bomber portfolio and is vitally important to the defense of the nation," said Gen. Duke Richardson, head of Air Force Materiel Command. "Airmen of all ranks must be held accountable for their actions."

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It's rare for officials to provide reasons for a firing, often relying on the phrase "due to a loss of trust and confidence" as a catch-all term, but the details of the internal investigation into Quiqley and revelation of an inappropriate personal relationships are notable.

Derek Kaufman, a spokesperson for Air Force Materiel Command, told Military.com that Quigley is still serving in the Air Force, adding, "He is performing duties, supporting the command as assigned here" at Wright-Patterson in Dayton, Ohio.

Kaufman did not say whether Quigley will face any additional action or punishment.

"Privacy protections prevent the disclosure of administrative or nonjudicial punishment, and it would be inappropriate to speculate on other potential actions," Kaufman added.

Quigley commissioned as an officer in 1997 after graduating from Utah State University's Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program. Other prior roles he held included serving as the director of the Minuteman III Systems Directorate at the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center in Utah, as well as director of staff and director of the digital acceleration task force at Air Force Materiel Command at Wright-Patterson, according to his service biography.

Quigley could not be reached at multiple phone numbers listed in public records and did not immediately return an email seeking comment.

Joseph Peloquin, who is currently the Air Force deputy program executive officer for bombers, has been named interim director and program executive officer, the news release said.

His removal marks the second public leadership firing for the Air Force in 2025. The commander of the Air Force's 613th Air Operations Center in Hawaii was removed from her position on Jan. 16, Military.com previously reported.

It also comes amid a looming trial for Col. Christopher Meeker, the former commander of Wright-Patterson's 88th Air Base Wing, who is facing a court-martial for adultery and fraternization.

Meeker was removed from his command on Dec. 29, 2023, and three Uniform Code of Military Justice violations were handed down last month.

Military legal experts told Military.com that Meeker's case is unusual, noting that criminal charges are rarely levied for private, consensual affairs; instead, there must be a significant impact on good order and discipline for it to progress to a court-martial.

Related: Former Air Force Commander at Wright-Patterson Charged with Adultery, Faces Court-Martial
The visa program specifically for Afghans who worked for the U.S. military during America's longest war has been thrown into chaos by the Trump administration's freeze on foreign aid, advocates are warning.

While applications for the program, known as the Special Immigrant Visa, or SIV, program, are still being processed, support services provided by resettlement agencies that receive State Department funding, including flights to the U.S., have been halted by the aid freeze -- all but killing SIV holders' ability to travel and escape the Taliban-controlled country.

"It's clearly a concern, and it sends a message that we're not going to keep our promises and we're not going to stand by our allies. And that's a problem because our allies and partners are the most important aspect of our national security," Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and one of the Senate's leading proponents of the SIV program, told Military.com on Wednesday.

Read Next: VA Says 44 Programs Will Continue After Review Required by Trump Federal Funding Freeze

The crippling of the SIV program is on top of a freeze in refugee admissions ordered by President Donald Trump on his first day in office that has stranded thousands of Afghans who helped the U.S. war effort but are not eligible for SIVs.

The refugee executive order did not apply to the SIV program, but advocates had already feared SIVs would be targeted next.

Those fears appeared to come to fruition late last week when the State Department announced its implementation of a separate Day One executive order calling for a 90-day pause in foreign aid while the administration reviews whether the funding aligns with its foreign policy goals.

After widespread outrage about the sweeping nature of the foreign aid pause, Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday approved a waiver allowing "life-saving humanitarian assistance" to continue.

But that waiver did not help the programs SIVs rely on, said Shawn VanDiver, a Navy veteran and founder of #AfghanEvac, a coalition of groups that have helped Afghan allies come to the U.S. since the end of the war in 2021.

Among the programs losing funding during the freeze is the International Organization for Migration's travel loans program -- the way most SIV holders pay for their flights.

More than 3,000 SIV holders were already booked on flights before the aid freeze, while another 33,000 were waiting to be booked, a congressional aide told Military.com on condition of anonymity.

SIV holders could theoretically still come to the U.S. if they can afford to pay for their own flights. But once they arrive, the freeze means they won't get any help paying for rent and food, finding a job, learning English or figuring out other basic necessities.

That's because the freeze also cuts off funding for what's known as the Reception and Placement program, which provides federal funding to resettlement agencies to help SIV holders and refugees for the first 30 to 90 days they are in the country.

"The people with the big catcher's mitt at the airport and the welcome sign saying, 'Welcome to America'? Those people can't go there anymore because their funding got cut off," VanDiver said.

Congress first created the SIV program for Afghans in 2009 in order to provide a pathway for them to come to the country if they worked for the U.S. military as interpreters and in other jobs. The work put their lives in danger by making them a target for the Taliban.

The threat to their lives skyrocketed after the U.S. military withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021 and the Taliban swept back into power. Lawmakers in both parties, veterans of the war and other advocates scrambled to get as many Afghan allies out before the last U.S. troops left, but thousands were left behind.

As of the end of September, more than 53,000 completed SIV applications were still pending, according to the State Department's most recent quarterly report on the program.

Rubio was among the lawmakers who pressed the Biden administration to do more to help Afghan allies during the withdrawal.

The State Department did not provide a comment on how the foreign aid freeze is affecting the SIV program by Military.com's deadline. But in a news release Wednesday, it defended the freeze in general as "rooting out waste" and "blocking woke programs."

"Every dollar we spend, every program we fund, and every policy we pursue must make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous," the release said. "And that is exactly what we are doing right now -- prioritizing America's core national interests one dollar at a time."

The news release also outlined the process to obtain a waiver from the freeze and contended that the "process was used successfully dozens of times in the first several days alone." But, the release added, "many requests failed to provide the level of detail necessary to allow a thorough evaluation."

Despite the aid for SIV holders not yet getting a waiver, VanDiver said he remains hopeful that the effects on the SIV program were unintentional and that a waiver will be granted once the process is worked through. In the meantime, though, lives are at stake, he said.

"Exemptions for Afghan allies protect America's credibility on the world stage," he said. "Military and intelligence leaders rely on local partners to win wars, whether in Afghanistan, Iraq or future conflicts. If we break our word, why would anyone take risks for us again?"

Related: 'Friends Begging for Help': Afghan Allies Stranded After Trump Suspends Refugee Program
DAMASCUS, Syria  The leader of Syrias rebels who toppled President Bashar Assad last month was named the countrys interim president on Wednesday as former insurgents cancelled the existing constitution, saying a new charter would be drafted soon.

The appointment of Ahmad al-Sharaa, a rebel once aligned with al-Qaida, as Syria's president in the transitional phase, came after a meeting of the former insurgent factions in Damascus, the Syrian capital.

The announcement was made by the spokesperson for Syrias new, de facto governments military operations sector, Col. Hassan Abdul Ghani, the state-run SANA news agency said.

Al-Sharaa had been expected to appear in a televised speech following the meeting, but did not immediately do so, and it remained unclear if he would. The exact mechanism under which the factions selected him as interim president was also not clear.

Al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, is the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an Islamist former insurgent group that led the lightning offensive that toppled Assad in early December. The group was once affiliated with al-Qaida but has since denounced its former ties, and in recent years, al-Sharaa has sought to cast himself as a champion of pluralism and tolerance and promised to protect the rights of women and religious minorities.

The United States had previously placed a $10 million bounty on al-Sharaa but canceled it last month after a U.S. delegation visited Damascus and met with him. Top U.S. diplomat for the Middle East, Barbara Leaf said after the meeting that al-Sharaa came across as pragmatic.

There was no immediate reaction by the Arab world or beyond on al-Sharaa's appointment, which had been expected. Western nations, although they have moved to restore ties with Damascus after Assad was overthrown, are still somewhat circumspect about Syrias new Islamist rulers.

Abdul Ghani, the spokesman, also announced on Wednesday the cancelation of the country's constitution  adopted in 2012, under Assad's rule  and said that al-Sharaa would be authorized to form a temporary legislative council until a new constitution is drafted.

All the armed factions in the country would be disbanded, Abdul Ghani said, and would be absorbed into state institutions.

Since Assads fall, HTS has become the de facto ruling party and has set up an interim government largely composed of officials from the local government it previously ran in rebel-held Idlib province.

The interim authorities have promised they would launch an inclusive process to set up a new government and constitution, including convening a national dialogue conference and invite Syria's different communities, though no date has been set.

As the former Syrian army collapsed with Assads downfall, al-Sharaa has called for creation of a new unified national army and security forces, but questions have loomed over how the interim administration can bring together a patchwork of former rebel groups, each with their own leaders and ideology.

Even knottier is the question of the U.S.-backed Kurdish groups that have carved out an autonomous enclave early in Syrias civil war, never fully siding with the Assad government or the rebels seeking to topple him. Since Assads fall, there has been an escalation in clashes between the Kurdish forces and Turkish-backed armed groups allied with HTS in northern Syria.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces were not present at Wednesday's meeting of the countrys armed factions Wednesday and there was no immediate comment from the group.

At the World Economic Forums annual meeting in Davos this month, Asaad al-Shibani, Syrias new foreign minister and HTS official, said the country needs the international community's help as it begins rebuilding after nearly 14 years of brutal civil war.

___

Sewell reported from Beirut.
January 30: Avila has declined the assignment in favor of free agency, the team announced.

January 29: The Guardians have sent reliever Pedro Avila outright to Triple-A Columbus, according to the transaction log at MLB.com. Cleveland had designated him for assignment a week ago when they signed Paul Sewald. Avila has been outrighted once before in his career, which gives him the right to elect minor league free agency.

Avila, 28, was a bullpen workhorse this year. He took the ball 54 times and tossed 82 2/3 relief innings between the Padres and Guardians, fourth in the majors behind Ryan Yarbrough, Derek Law and Luke Weaver. While most of Avilas work came in low-leverage relief, he managed solid results. Avila turned in a 3.81 earned run average with a decent 23.2% strikeout percentage and 45% grounder rate. The righty had a slightly higher than average 10.2% walk rate, but he was generally an effective bullpen piece for skipper Stephen Vogt. He added four scoreless innings during the postseason.

That was Avilas second straight decent year. He provided San Diego 50 1/3 innings of 3.22 ERA ball while striking out nearly a quarter of opponents in 2023. That makes it somewhat surprising that he didnt attract any interest on the waiver wire. Avila is out of minor league options, though, so any team that claimed him wouldve needed to keep him in the MLB bullpen or designate him themselves. Apparently no team was willing to commit him a roster spot.

As mentioned, Avila now decides whether to stick with the Guardians or test the market. That he went unclaimed on waivers suggests hed probably be looking at a minor league deal with a non-roster Spring Training invite if he elects free agency.
The Tigers have designated right-hander Alex Faedo for assignment, per Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. His spot on the 40-man roster will go to newly signed reliever Tommy Kahnle, whose one-year deal has been made official.

Faedo, 29, was the 18th overall pick back in 2017. The former Florida Gators standout has pitched in each of the past three seasons with Detroit but has yet to solidify himself in either the rotation or the bullpen. Hes coming off a decent showing spent mostly in relief, wherein he pitched 57 1/3 innings with a 3.61 ERA but shakier rate stats. Faedo punched out a roughly average 22.4% of opponents but issued walks at a rough 11.4% clip. He was also tagged for 1.41 homers per nine frames and benefited both from a .265 average on balls in play and especially a sky-high 83.1% strand rate, neither of which is likely to be repeated over a larger sample.

That said, there were some positives. The 94 mph Faedo averaged on his four-seamer was a career-best, and his 14.4% swinging-strike rate was excellent. Hes also upped his grounder rate in each of his big league seasons, though it still sits about three percentage points shy of league-average. Faedo did a fine job avoiding hard contact in 2024, and his slider generated excellent results; in the 82 plate appearances he finished off with that pitch, opponents posted an awful .171/.280/.314 batting line, and Statcast credited the offering with a paltry .269 expected wOBA (a nice followup to 2023s .255 xwOBA).

Faedo is out of minor league options heading into the 2025 season. That put him at a disadvantage relative to other arms on the fringes of a Tigers roster that has turned over from rebuilder to win-now club, thanks in no small part to a magical playoff run spurred by their torrid hot streak down the stretch in 2024.

Faedo was no longer in the rotation mix, and the addition of Kahnle alongside Beau Brieske, Jason Foley, Will Vest and Tyler Holton in the late-inning mix leaves three other spots. One will likely be filled by Kenta Maeda, whos still signed for $10MM this season. That leaves only two spots to divide up between Brant Hurter, Sean Guenther, Brenan Hanifee, Alex Lange, Mason Englert, Keider Montero and others.

If Faedo goes unclaimed on waivers, he can be sent outright to Triple-A and still compete for one of those final two spots. But as a former first-round pick with a sharp slider and encouraging swing-and-miss abilities, it wouldnt at all be a surprise to see him land with another team. The Tigers have five days to trade him. At that point hed need to be placed on waivers (a 48-hour process in their own right) to ensure an outcome within the one-week window for his DFA resolution.
Honda has announced the recall of an estimated 295,000 Acura and Honda models because of an issue that can cause the engine to lose drive power, hesitate and/or stall.

The recall involves the following makes and models:

2023-2025 Honda Pilot

2022-2025 Acura MDX Type S

2021-2025 Acura TLX Type S

Honda says the problems is believed to have been caused by the improper programming of the fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU). Because of the faulty programming, it can cause sudden changes in the throttle which could illuminate the check engine light and cause the engine to lose drive power, hesitate and/or stall. If that happens, it can lead to an increased risk of a crash or injury.

Honda says it self-diagnosed the issue by monitoring telematics and will correct the complication at no cost to owners. Affected owners will be notified via letter in March. Dealerships will perform a software update that is believed will fix the problem.

So far, Honda is unaware of any injuries or crashes being caused by the issue. In a release announcing the recall, the company said owners of the recalled vehicle models can determine if their vehicles require repair by visiting www.recalls.honda.com or www.recalls.acura.com, or by calling (888) 234-2138.

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80K Kia vehicles recalled due to faulty air bag deployment, wiring concerns

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Tesla recalls Cybertruck for 7th time this year as part of larger recall involving 700K vehicles

300K Ram trucks recalled over braking system problem

Honda recalls 206K SUVs over poor fuel pipe assembly that can lead to fuel leaks

GM adds 132K Chevrolet, GMC trucks to previous recall for tailgate problem

GM recall impacts several trucks and SUVs including Silverado, Escalade, and Yukon models

Multiple defects lead to recall of over 150,000 Mazda CX-70 and CX-90 models

Chrysler recalls 33K Ram 1500 trucks over stability control issues

Honda announces 2nd major recall this month, is your car part of latest 700K at risk?

Hyundai warns owners of certain hydrogen fuel cell SUVs to park outside over fire risk

Nearly 130,000 Ram trucks recalled over turn signal issue that increases risk of crash

Honda recalls 1.7M vehicles over problem that can make it difficult to steer

Tesla Cybertruck hit with 5th recall in less than a year since going on sale

194K Jeep hybrids recalled, shouldnt be charged and need to be parked outside over fire risk

Toyota recalls 42,000 Corolla models over brake issue that can impact stopping distance
SAULT STE. MARIE, MI  Bedrock blasting for the new lock at the Soo Locks will begin in early February, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced.

Blasting activities will continue, on a semiregular basis, for several months, according to the Corps of Engineers, Detroit District.

Contractor Kokosing Alberici Traylor is using blasting as part of its strategy to fracture bedrock, which will then be excavated and removed from the site, making way for the new lock, a news release said.

All blasting will be in the Soo Locks facility north of the Poe Lock.

The contractor is permitted to conduct blasting Monday through Sunday during daylight hours. However, blasting is not expected to take place on Sundays.

RELATED: Ohio firm wins another major Soo Locks reconstruction contract

There should not be any impact to roadways or land outside the Soo Locks facility, the Army Corps said. During blasting, marine traffic will not be allowed within 1,000 feet of the detonation; vessels transporting fuel or hazardous materials wont be allowed within 2,000 feet.

To prevent negative impacts on Atlantic salmon and lake sturgeon, blast vibrations will be monitored and limited to a maximum peak particle vibration of 1 inch per second. Both species spawn north of the blasting site.

This project will reconfigure the inactive Davis and Sabin locks into one large chamber similar to the existing Poe Lock, which is 1,200-foot long and 110-feet wide. Its the only lock big enough to move the largest Great Lakes ships.

A second Poe-sized lock will ensure that taconite ore from the Minnesota iron range could still reach steel mills on the lower Great Lakes should the lock unexpectedly close.

The Army Corps says the project, which began construction in 2020, remains on schedule to finish in 2030.
BEAVER ISLAND, MI  A patient was airlifted from Beaver Island to be taken to a mainland hospital for more advanced medical care on Wednesday, Jan. 29.

The U.S. Coast Guard Traverse City Air Station launched a Sikorsky MH-60T Jayhawk around 5 a.m. to evacuate the patient, who was experiencing respiratory distress, the station said in a Facebook post.

A Beaver Island paramedic was onboard to assist during the flight, and the patient was successfully flown to the mainland for a higher level of medical care.

The Coast Guards MH-60T Jayhawk is an all-weather helicopter, similar to the Navy MH-60S Seahawk and the Army H-60 Blackhawk. At 64 feet, the chopper weighs 21,884 pounds fully loaded and can reach speeds over 160 miles per hour.

The Traverse City Air Station has had the Jayhawk helicopters since 2017, when they replaced the Coast Guards older Dolphin fleet.

Their arrival was celebrated because the Jayhawks have better search-and-rescue capability, a feature thats needed for a Great Lakes station. The Jayhawks can fly twice as long as the older models before needing to refuel, and can handle Michigan winters better.
A Detroit priest who also bills himself as an exorcist was charged in Illinois this week in connection with a November incident in which he allegedly flossed his teeth with the hair of a teenage girl. According to Fox 2 Detroit, Rev. Carlos Martins surrendered to police in Illinois and is facing a misdemeanor battery charge that could land him in jail for up to one year.

Martins was in Illinois in November while working as a traveling priest. While there, he allegedly approached the 13-year-old girl about her hair and asked her if she ever flossed her teeth with her own hair. Martins then picked up some of her hair, placed it in his mouth and made a flossing motion.

A short time later, Martins sat in a pew behind the girl and began growling at her. The allegations were made by the 13-year-old victim and other witnesses who claim to have seen the incident happen.

Martins currently lives and works at the Companions of Cross Church in Detroit, but representatives of the church have confirmed he is unable to work with the public while the court cases unfolds. Martins is also the star of the podcast The Exorcist Files and recently released a book under the same name.
YPSILANTI, MI  U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Ann Arbor, toured the University of Michigans new $40 million Ypsilanti Health Center Wednesday.

Construction is nearly complete on the new downtown facility at 300 W. Michigan Ave. in the former Eastern Michigan University College of Business. University of Michigan regents agreed in 2022 to lease the space for 15 years from technology incubator MI-HQ and invest more than $35 million in leaseholder renovations to three of the buildings five floors.

Hospital leaders say the investment will allow UM Health to expand its services in the city, more than tripling the footprint of its former location at 200 Arnet St. Construction is on schedule to be complete in mid-April, with the first patients expected in early May.

The buildings fourth and fifth floors will serve as adult and pediatric clinics, while a portion of the buildings ground floor will house a radiology clinic and an additional $6 million program designed to help adolescents with emotional and behavioral health challenges.

READ MORE: Michigan Medicine strikes deal with MI-HQ on Ypsilanti Health Center project

Dingell toured the space Wednesday with UM Health President David Miller and Tony Denton, senior vice president and chief environmental, social and governance officer for UM Health as well as Dr. Ebony Parker-Featherstone, medical director for Ypsilanti Community Health.

Expanded clinical space will allow the center to serve about 20,000 more patients each year, while the blood processing lab and new radiology space will offer patients same-day results and improved accessibility. In the past, patients receiving primary care at the Ypsilanti center would need a referral for some of those services.

The new clinics occupy the perimeter of the buildings upper floors and feature wall-to-wall windows and murals designed by a local interior decorator. The new space was intentionally laid out to make it easier for patients to access their primary care doctors and specialists and get lab work done in one spot.

Things like labs really matter, Miller said. Patients want to be able to get them the same day and not have to make another drive to do that.

Its an investment in community, Denton added. Its more comprehensive and more reflective of our other large health centers. Youll have a better experience because you can do more locally - closer to where you live.

Parker-Featherstone said the health center carefully considered which services to offer in the new space. Mobility was a major consideration; the new building is located opposite the Ypsilanti Transit Center.

Weve been more intentional to have an eye toward accessibility in this space, she said. We looked at what the high health burdens, needs and gaps in care were Were hoping to meet the need of the local market.

Services offered at the new location will include general pediatrics, family medicine, geriatrics, urology, behavioral health, cardiology, dermatology, ophthalmology, endocrinology, and womens health, among others.

Other key additions include an expanded food pantry, which will be open to the public, and a state-of-the-art facility for on-site sanitation of linens, which previously had to be shipped to an off-site facility.

Dingell toured each room, remarking on the importance of community health services in light of possible Trump administration cuts to Medicaid and other sources of federal funding for hospitals.

If youre sick, you should be able to go to the doctor and get the help you need, and Medicaid is a big part of that, Dingell said. This is an investment in community, ensuring that everybodys going to have access to quality health care. I think thats a right for any human being in this country.

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Michigan has secured funding to eliminate a railroad crossing on M-85 (Fort Street) in Wayne County.

Crews will build a bridge separating the CN Railroad from vehicle traffic on Fort Street near Van Horn Road in Trenton. The area is heavily traveled and experiences long wait times with about 14 to 16 train crossings per day.

The $100 million project has secured $73.5 million from the Federal Railroad Administration, officials announced Thursday, Jan. 30. Construction isnt yet scheduled.

This has been a top priority since Ive come to Congress and the Downrivers know and have been screaming for attention to this for decades, said U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell.

Moving the train crossing away from the road level aims to reduce carbon emissions from idling vehicles and boost economic activity. Itll also increase safety for drivers and patients en route to the nearby Level 1 trauma center.

Trenton Mayor Steven Rzeppa called securing the funding a monumental win for residents and businesses.

Remaining project funds will be covered by a state match grant ($16.5 million), the Michigan Department of Transportation ($5 million), and CN Railroad ($5 million).
ROSEVILLE, MI  A Michigan man allegedly robbed a bank while a child waited in the back seat his car.

Jeffrey Larsh of Warren allegedly slid a note to a teller at the Christian Financial Credit Union in Roseville, demanding cash and walking out with about $6,000 on Tuesday.

He then returned to his vehicle where there was a child, according to WXYZ-TV in Detroit. He was arrested shortly after.

I dont know what goes through peoples minds out there doing something like this with your own child in the car. It couldve had a very, very different outcome, Rosevill Police Chief Mitch Berlin told the TV station.

Larsh is charged with bank robbery. He was arraigned in Roseville District Court where District Court Judge Alyia Hakim set bond at $25,000 bond.

No further court date has been scheduled.

Thanks to the swift work of the Roseville Police Department, the defendant has been apprehended and will now face the full consequences of his actions. Robbing a bank is a serious offense, and our office is committed to holding offenders fully accountable, said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido..
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Police have found the body of a woman who went missing in the Grand River last weekend.

The Michigan State Police Divers and Canine Unit pulled the womans body from the river around 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, five days after she was seen entering the river and carried away by swift waters, according to a news release from the city of Grand Rapids.

The woman has not yet been identified by authorities.

Police said the woman went missing in the river late Saturday, Jan. 25. The Grand Rapids Fire Departments Water Rescue Team was dispatched to the Grand River just before 10:30 p.m. to rescue the woman.

Airboats, swimmers, and divers searched for the woman until late Saturday night. On Sunday, the search continued but was limited due to icy conditions on the river. The search was suspended by 1 p.m. with no body found.

RELATED: Search for woman who went missing in Grand River suspended

After weather conditions became more favorable, the fire department resumed the search late Thursday morning and successfully found the womans body with the help of MSPs diving team.

We are thankful for the partnership that we have with the Michigan State Police to share critical resources, Fire Chief Brad Brown said.
HILLSDALE, MI  A man was arrested in Ohio Wednesday, Jan. 29, in connection to a threatening voice message that closed a Michigan elementary school for two consecutive days this week.

Hillsdale County Prosecuting Attorney Jamie Wisniewski identified the suspect as Kevin Minder in a news release Wednesday. Minder was arrested in Lucas County, Ohio on charges of threat of terrorism, malicious use of a telecommunications device and assault with intent to do great bodily harm.

As a result of Minders arrest, Hillsdale Community Schools will reopen Thursday with an increased and visible police presence on campus, Superintendent Ted Davis said in an email to families Wednesday night.

Hillsdale Community Schools closed on Tuesday and Wednesday after a staff member at Gier Elementary received a threatening voice message on Monday, after students had left for the day.

The message indicated that the caller knew the staff members address, Wisniewskis office said. The call also included a series of threats to come to the school with a weapon and cause harm to students and staff.

Police immediately began working to identify the suspect. On Tuesday afternoon, the Hillsdale Police Department said it had identified a possible suspect in the case, but the school district remained closed on Wednesday because suspect had not yet been caught.

RELATED: Threatening message forces 2nd day of closures for Hillsdale schools

Hillsdale police later identified the caller as Minder, and the Hillsdale County Prosecuting Attorneys Office issued charges against the suspect on Tuesday, the release said.

Minder was arrested on Wednesday and is expected to be extradited and brought back to Michigan to face his charges, according to the prosecutors office.

The Hillsdale County Prosecuting Attorneys Office would like to thank the Hillsdale City Police, the MSP Fugitive Taskforce, and the U.S. Marshals Service for their diligent efforts to protect the children and educators in our community, the release said. The administration of Hillsdale Community Schools should also be commended for their swift response and assistance in the investigation.

Hillsdale Community Schools will have extra counseling resources on campus to support students and staff when school resumes Thursday, Davis said.

We recognize that the past few days have been challenging for our school community, the superintendent wrote in the email. To support our students emotional and mental well-being, Hillsdale Community Schools will have student success workers and counseling services available for any students who may need assistance.

Hillsdale Community Schools has roughly 1,200 students. The district includes Bailey Early Childhood Center, Gier Elementary School, Davis Middle School, Hillsdale High School and Horizon Alternative School.
KALAMAZOO, MI -- The Broadway musical rendition of Disneys The Lion King roared into Southwest Michigan on Wednesday, Jan. 29.

People gathered in Western Michigan Universitys Miller Auditorium on opening night, Wednesday, for the musicals two-week stay. The Lion King North American tour will continue through Feb. 9.

I thought it was the best way to celebrate my 37th birthday, said attendee Kari Deeds.

Deeds said friends raved about the musical, but she had never gone. When Deeds found out the show was coming to Kalamazoo, she had to go.

I was like, Im not missing out. Its here, Im going, Deeds said.

The Lion King was last shown at Miller Auditorium in 2018. The musical first premiered on Broadway in 1998. Since then, the show has won more than 70 theatrical awards across the globe, including six Tony awards and one Grammy, according to a Disney press release.

The African savannah setting of the animated film is brought to life on stage. Actors portray the animals using puppets, masks and headdresses. There are 200 puppets in the show, the release said.

The company of The Lion King on Broadway.Disney

Deeds got a peek at some of the costumes being brought into the theatre when she went to pick up her tickets.

The costumes are magnificent, beyond great, Deeds said.

The lions and lionesses wore golden-hued beaded corsets and headdresses with lion faces. The lionesses also had billowing capes with various patterns.

Tricia Lear learned the show was coming to Kalamazoo through a message from WMU.

I grew up in the 80s, so I saw the first Lion King when it first came out on Disney and loved The Lion King ever since I was a little girl, Lear said.

The show features iconic songs from the film like Be Prepared and Can You Feel the Love Tonight. There are also musical performances not included in the film.

Lynn Zhang, sponsor of Broadway in West Michigan, said seeing the show on a stage adds another layer that you cant see watching a film. Zhang saw the The Lion King on Broadway in New York and the 2018 performance at Miller Auditorium.

What we see is on stage, but in the back so much hard work is put in to make it happen, Zhang said.

Prior to this performance, Miller Auditorium removed 215 seats to install permanent center aisles to accommodate for the show. In 2018 the seats were temporarily removed to create the center aisles.

In the opening Circle of Life, actors costumed as gazelles, zebras and elephants walk through the center aisles toward the stage.

Monica Padula had never attended a Broadway musical.

For this to be my first Broadway show and for it to be something Ive watched as a child, Im really excited about that, Padula said.

Padula wore a skirt with an African print made by women in Africa, she said. Padula also painted cat whiskers on her cheeks for the show.

Five indigenous African languages are spoken in The Lion King. Six of the 49 cast members are from South Africa, the release said.

Its important for any culture, especially marginalized cultures, to have positive artistic representation that is authentic, Padula said.

Tickets range between $55 to $154 and can be purchased here.

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ALLEGAN COUNTY, MI  A Southwest Michigan freeway was temporarily shut down on Wednesday afternoon due to concerns about a driver.

Police were dispatched to northbound I-196 in Ganges Township on Wednesday, Jan. 29, after reports of a driver who was having a mental health episode, according to a news release from the Allegan County Sheriffs Department.

The driver was believed to have a pistol in their vehicle when law enforcement first made contact, according to the release.

Northbound traffic was halted for about 30 minutes while police worked to take the person into custody. The closure affected the freeway from mile-marker 30 (Blue Star Highway exit) to mile-marker 34 (M-89 exit).

The freeway reopened around 1:30 p.m., said Sgt. Steven Damveld.

No one was injured during the freeway closure, and there is no threat to the public, according to the release. Police are withholding the drivers name at this time.

The Allegan County Sheriffs Office was assisted in the incident by Allegan County Central Dispatch, the Douglas Police Department, Michigan State Police, Ganges Township Fire Department, Michigan Department of Transportation and Life EMS.
GRAND HAVEN, MI - A group of business owners and practitioners are picking up the pieces after a fire burned down the building they shared in downtown Grand Haven.

Last weekend, fire fully engulfed The Forum Building at 235 Fulton St. The building housed 17 businesses, according to the Grand Haven, Spring Lake and Ferrysburg Chamber of Commerce.
WASHINGTON D.C.  A Michigan-connected MacBook Pro used to catch a couple involved in one of the nations biggest money heists now sits in the Smithsonian Institutes National Museum of American History.

The hardwares recent journey into the museums National Numismatic Collection  which in part chronicles items related to the U.S.s monetary history  in some ways began about 20 years ago during a Central Michigan University fraternity event for accounting majors.

A member of the student body in Mount Pleasant that day, Chris Janczewski, said thats when he was convinced by a Federal Bureau of Investigation agent recruiter to pursue a profession investigating financial crimes.

After graduating in 2006, Janczewski began his career working as a tax auditor for the Internal Revenue Service before shifting to a new role within the organization as a special agent.

Its a job that he performed in part from a home office in Grand Rapids and involved cases later profiled in bestselling books and documentaries.

Using the IRS-issued laptop now on display in Washington D.C., Janczewski cracked cases that he said involved following the money and sometimes extended beyond the financial elements of the crimes.

He was involved, for example, in a child trafficking ring investigation that concluded with the rescue of 25 children and the arrest of about 350 individuals across the globe. That probe was profiled in Tracers in the Dark, an award-winning book published in 2022.

The case marked one of the first times law enforcers applied cryptocurrency tracing in criminal investigations.

Perhaps the highest-profile cryptocurrency case Janczewski and his laptop pursued involved the capture of an enigmatic couple known in pop culture today as Bitcoin Bonnie and Clyde.

That couple, Heather Morgan and Ilya Lichtenstein, was accused of conspiring to launder $4.5 billion in stolen bitcoin. Morgan and Lichtenstein eventually pled guilty and received prison sentences of five years and 18 months, respectively.

Their story attracted intense media attention in part because Morgan gained a cult Internet following  even before the criminal accusations  due to the YouTube-uploaded rap performances as her eccentric musical alter ego, Razzlekhan.

The criminal case served as the focus of Biggest Heist Ever, a documentary released by Netflix in December. Janczewski, who said he performed much of his investigative work from his home in Grand Rapids, was featured prominently in the 95-minute film.

Last year, Deadline reported Amazon MGM Studios began development on a feature film based on the story, starring Chloe Grace Moretz and Lewis Pullman as the eccentric couple.

Its unclear if the film will include Janczewski as a character.

Still, Janczewski said he was honored by the recognition of his work, including his laptops journey to the Value of Money exhibit at the Smithsonian Institutes National Museum of American History.

Words cannot express the immense honor I feel, Janczewski said.

Smithsonian Magazine published a feature on the laptop in November.

Positioned alongside seashells, tea, stones, silver, gold, paper and plastic, it may seem, at first glance, out of place, Ellen Feingold, the National Numismatic Collection curator, wrote in the profile. But to me, contextualized within the diversity of forms of money over the last four millennia, the laptop and the cryptocurrency it represents look less like a radical departure from the past and instead like a continuation of human beings defining and redefining value relative to the world around them.

Janczewski no longer works as an IRS agent. His latest role, though, keeps him in the world of online financial crime disruption. He serves as head of global investigations at TRM Labs, a company that helps governments and financial institutions defend against cryptocurrency crimes.

It has been a dream to build a career that never felt like work, Janczewski said. I could never have imagined that not only would people take an interest in our efforts, but that our work would also be featured in books, documentaries, and now a museum. Through it all, weve been able to help victims, which has made this journey increasingly more rewarding.

Its a journey he said the museum exhibit helped bring him full circle.

Why? On the MacBook Pros keyboard is a piece of marketing representing his alma mater, where he first decided to pursue a career as an investigator. Placed atop the computers C key is a CMU sticker: the C logo often associated with the university.

The sticker was a Christmas present Janczewskis wife gifted him years ago, he said. While IRS officials typically dont allow agents to decorate their government-issued hardware, Janczewskis undercover work allowed him an exception.

I wish I could say it was all part of a master plan to bring recognition to CMU  a place that forever changed my life for the better, Janczewski said. Thankfully, something as simple as a laptop sticker has helped bring my journey full circle.

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SolarWinds Co. (NYSE:SWI  Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $14.95 and last traded at $14.75, with a volume of 83666 shares. The stock had previously closed at $14.50.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

SWI has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Robert W. Baird upped their target price on shares of SolarWinds from $14.00 to $15.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, November 1st. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price objective on SolarWinds from $13.00 to $16.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 21st. Wedbush began coverage on shares of SolarWinds in a research report on Thursday, December 19th. They issued an outperform rating and a $20.00 price target for the company. Finally, Scotiabank upped their price objective on SolarWinds from $13.00 to $15.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 21st. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, SolarWinds has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $15.50.

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SolarWinds Stock Up 0.2 %

The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $14.11 and a 200 day moving average price of $13.14. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.56 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 68.12 and a beta of 0.94. The company has a current ratio of 0.71, a quick ratio of 0.71 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.88.

SolarWinds (NYSE:SWI  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 31st. The software maker reported $0.27 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.25 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $200.03 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $194.03 million. SolarWinds had a return on equity of 7.96% and a net margin of 4.93%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 5.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company posted $0.11 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts anticipate that SolarWinds Co. will post 0.74 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity at SolarWinds

In related news, insider Jason Bliss sold 135,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $13.02, for a total value of $1,757,700.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 838,789 shares in the company, valued at approximately $10,921,032.78. This represents a 13.86 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CEO Sudhakar Ramakrishna sold 200,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $13.68, for a total value of $2,736,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 2,212,171 shares in the company, valued at approximately $30,262,499.28. This trade represents a 8.29 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 351,000 shares of company stock valued at $4,703,780 over the last quarter. Corporate insiders own 1.95% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On SolarWinds

Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of SWI. State Street Corp raised its stake in SolarWinds by 57.5% during the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 2,193,026 shares of the software makers stock worth $28,619,000 after buying an additional 800,467 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of SolarWinds by 1.3% during the 3rd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,290,044 shares of the software makers stock valued at $16,839,000 after purchasing an additional 16,730 shares in the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of SolarWinds by 48.5% in the 2nd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 825,829 shares of the software makers stock valued at $9,869,000 after purchasing an additional 269,578 shares during the period. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. grew its position in shares of SolarWinds by 4.7% in the 3rd quarter. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. now owns 566,204 shares of the software makers stock valued at $7,389,000 after purchasing an additional 25,416 shares during the period. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. increased its stake in SolarWinds by 7.2% during the 3rd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 454,454 shares of the software makers stock worth $5,931,000 after purchasing an additional 30,707 shares in the last quarter. 93.96% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About SolarWinds

(Get Free Report)

SolarWinds Corporation provides information technology (IT) management software products in the United States and internationally. It provides a suite of network management software that offers real-time visibility into network utilization and bandwidth, as well as the ability to detect, diagnose, and resolve network performance problems; and a suite of infrastructure management products, which monitors and analyzes the performance of applications and their supporting infrastructure, including servers, physical, virtual and cloud infrastructure, storage, and databases.

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Nilsine Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Nuveen Municipal Value Fund, Inc. (NYSE:NUV  Free Report) during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 13,936 shares of the closed-end funds stock, valued at approximately $120,000.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Rivernorth Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Nuveen Municipal Value Fund by 9.1% in the third quarter. Rivernorth Capital Management LLC now owns 7,420,686 shares of the closed-end funds stock worth $66,935,000 after purchasing an additional 618,364 shares during the last quarter. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. grew its stake in Nuveen Municipal Value Fund by 51.0% in the 4th quarter. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. now owns 1,354,412 shares of the closed-end funds stock worth $11,634,000 after acquiring an additional 457,422 shares in the last quarter. Kovitz Investment Group Partners LLC purchased a new position in shares of Nuveen Municipal Value Fund during the third quarter worth approximately $10,409,000. Chicago Partners Investment Group LLC raised its stake in shares of Nuveen Municipal Value Fund by 4.1% during the third quarter. Chicago Partners Investment Group LLC now owns 745,472 shares of the closed-end funds stock valued at $6,657,000 after acquiring an additional 29,351 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Advisors Asset Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Nuveen Municipal Value Fund by 3.5% in the third quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. now owns 664,578 shares of the closed-end funds stock valued at $5,994,000 after purchasing an additional 22,497 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 22.50% of the companys stock.

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Nuveen Municipal Value Fund Stock Performance

NUV opened at $8.70 on Thursday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $8.72 and its two-hundred day moving average is $8.84. Nuveen Municipal Value Fund, Inc. has a 52 week low of $8.35 and a 52 week high of $9.15.

Nuveen Municipal Value Fund Announces Dividend

Nuveen Municipal Value Fund Company Profile

The firm also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 3rd. Investors of record on Wednesday, January 15th will be paid a $0.0325 dividend. This represents a $0.39 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.49%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, January 15th.

(Free Report)

Nuveen Municipal Value Fund, Inc is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched by Nuveen Investments, Inc The fund is co-managed by Nuveen Fund Advisors LLC and Nuveen Asset Management, LLC. It invests in the fixed income markets of the United States. The fund also invests some portion of its portfolio in derivative instruments.

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Abel Hall LLC increased its holdings in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO  Free Report) by 3.5% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 6,013 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 206 shares during the quarter. Abel Hall LLCs holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S were worth $517,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other large investors have also bought and sold shares of the business. Xponance Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 27.6% during the second quarter. Xponance Inc. now owns 2,665 shares of the companys stock worth $380,000 after buying an additional 576 shares in the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC raised its position in Novo Nordisk A/S by 110.5% in the second quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 17,164 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,450,000 after purchasing an additional 9,012 shares during the last quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company boosted its stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 2.2% during the second quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 131,876 shares of the companys stock valued at $18,824,000 after purchasing an additional 2,817 shares in the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers grew its holdings in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 9.5% during the second quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 290,845 shares of the companys stock worth $41,515,000 after purchasing an additional 25,307 shares during the last quarter. Finally, New Century Financial Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in the second quarter valued at approximately $247,000. 11.54% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Novo Nordisk A/S Stock Performance

Shares of Novo Nordisk A/S stock opened at $84.05 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $377.17 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.20, a PEG ratio of 0.90 and a beta of 0.45. The company has a current ratio of 0.94, a quick ratio of 0.75 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $94.75 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $114.02. Novo Nordisk A/S has a 1-year low of $78.17 and a 1-year high of $148.15.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities research analysts recently commented on NVO shares. Sanford C. Bernstein upgraded shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from an underperform rating to a market perform rating in a research report on Monday, January 6th. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued an overweight rating and issued a $160.00 price objective on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a research note on Wednesday, November 6th. UBS Group raised Novo Nordisk A/S from a sell rating to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, January 8th. StockNews.com cut Novo Nordisk A/S from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Sunday, December 29th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets cut their price objective 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. One analyst has 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 Buy and an average price target of $145.25.

Read Our Latest Analysis on Novo Nordisk A/S

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.

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Alexandria Real Estate Equities (NYSE:ARE  Get Free Report)s stock had its neutral rating reissued by stock analysts at Wedbush in a research report issued to clients and investors on Wednesday,RTT News reports. They currently have a $104.00 price target on the real estate investment trusts stock. Wedbushs price objective suggests a potential upside of 8.36% from the stocks previous close.

ARE has been the subject of a number of other reports. JMP Securities reiterated a market outperform rating and issued a $130.00 price target on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a research note on Wednesday. Evercore ISI cut their target price on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $129.00 to $124.00 and set an in-line rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 23rd. Robert W. Baird dropped their price target on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $137.00 to $130.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, November 8th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from a buy rating to a hold rating and cut their price target for the stock from $135.00 to $112.00 in a report on Friday, November 15th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada lowered their target price on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $125.00 to $114.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, December 17th. Ten 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.com, Alexandria Real Estate Equities has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $121.30.

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Alexandria Real Estate Equities Price Performance

Shares of ARE traded down $1.27 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $95.98. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,585,669 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,411,868. The company has a quick ratio of 0.20, a current ratio of 0.20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56. Alexandria Real Estate Equities has a one year low of $94.35 and a one year high of $130.14. The stock has a market capitalization of $16.77 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 58.52, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.85 and a beta of 1.16. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $101.92 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $111.87.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities (NYSE:ARE  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, January 27th. The real estate investment trust reported $2.39 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.91 by $1.48. Alexandria Real Estate Equities had a net margin of 9.62% and a return on equity of 1.31%. As a group, equities analysts expect that Alexandria Real Estate Equities will post 9.47 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities declared that its Board of Directors has initiated a share repurchase program on Monday, December 9th that permits the company to repurchase $500.00 million in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization permits the real estate investment trust to purchase up to 2.7% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase programs are generally an indication that the companys leadership believes its shares are undervalued.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Alexandria Real Estate Equities

Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in ARE. Catalyst Capital Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in the third quarter worth approximately $25,000. Ashton Thomas Securities LLC bought a new stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities during the third quarter worth $30,000. Venturi Wealth Management LLC lifted its stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 144.0% during the 3rd quarter. Venturi Wealth Management LLC now owns 305 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $36,000 after acquiring an additional 180 shares in the last quarter. Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB purchased a new position in Alexandria Real Estate Equities during the 3rd quarter worth $43,000. Finally, M&R Capital Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in the third quarter valued at about $50,000. Institutional investors own 96.54% of the companys stock.

About Alexandria Real Estate Equities

(Get Free Report)

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc (NYSE: ARE), an S&P 500 company, is a best-in-class, mission-driven life science REIT making a positive and lasting impact on the world. As the pioneer of the life science real estate niche since our founding in 1994, Alexandria is the preeminent and longest-tenured owner, operator, and developer of collaborative life science, agtech, and advanced technology mega campuses in AAA innovation cluster locations, including Greater Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, San Diego, Seattle, Maryland, and Research Triangle.

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American Business Bank (OTCMKTS:AMBZ  Get Free Report) saw a large increase in short interest during the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 600 shares, an increase of 200.0% from the December 31st total of 200 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 27,300 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.0 days.

American Business Bank Stock Up 2.1 %

Shares of American Business Bank stock traded up $0.89 on Thursday, hitting $44.28. 4,400 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 8,420. The stock has a market capitalization of $403.13 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.75 and a beta of 0.72. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $43.73 and a 200 day moving average price of $39.75. American Business Bank has a 1-year low of $29.75 and a 1-year high of $44.75.

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American Business Bank (OTCMKTS:AMBZ  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, January 29th. The financial services provider reported $1.33 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter.

About American Business Bank

American Business Bank, a California-chartered bank, provides banking products and services to small and medium-sized firms, non-profits, business executives, and professionals in Southern California. The company offers credit and depository; treasury management; asset-based lending; SBA lending; international banking comprising money transfers, import and export commercial letters of credit, standby letters of credit, documentary and clean collections, and foreign currency exchange services; and consulting and referral services.

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Dakota Gold (NYSE:DC  Get Free Report) and Metals Acquisition (NYSE:MTAL  Get Free Report) are both small-cap basic materials companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, profitability, institutional ownership, risk, valuation, earnings and dividends.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

37.4% of Dakota Gold shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 87.5% of Metals Acquisition shares are owned by institutional investors. 26.0% of Dakota Gold shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 1.8% of Metals Acquisition shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

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Volatility and Risk

Dakota Gold has a beta of 1.1, meaning that its share price is 10% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Metals Acquisition has a beta of 0.16, meaning that its share price is 84% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Analyst Recommendations

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Dakota Gold 0 0 1 0 3.00 Metals Acquisition 0 1 1 0 2.50

This is a summary of current ratings for Dakota Gold and Metals Acquisition, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

Dakota Gold currently has a consensus target price of $6.00, suggesting a potential upside of 166.67%. Metals Acquisition has a consensus target price of $14.75, suggesting a potential upside of 33.16%. Given Dakota Golds stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, equities analysts plainly believe Dakota Gold is more favorable than Metals Acquisition.

Profitability

This table compares Dakota Gold and Metals Acquisitions net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Dakota Gold N/A -37.64% -35.60% Metals Acquisition N/A N/A N/A

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Dakota Gold and Metals Acquisitions revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Dakota Gold N/A N/A -$36.45 million ($0.41) -5.49 Metals Acquisition $322.58 million 2.54 -$144.55 million N/A N/A

Dakota Gold has higher earnings, but lower revenue than Metals Acquisition.

Summary

Dakota Gold beats Metals Acquisition on 5 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Dakota Gold

(Get Free Report)

Dakota Gold Corp. engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in the United States. It primarily explores for gold deposits. The company holds 100% interest in the Blind Gold, City Creek, Tinton, West Corridor, Ragged Top, Poorman Anticline, Maitland, South Lead/ Whistler Gulch, the Barrick Option, Richmond Hill and Homestake Paleoplacer Properties located in Homestake Mining District, South Dakota. Dakota Gold Corp. was incorporated in 2017 and is based in Lead, South Dakota.

About Metals Acquisition

(Get Free Report)

Metals Acquisition Limited focuses on mining and production of copper and silver. It operates the CSA copper mine in Cobar, Australia. The company was incorporated in 2022 and is headquartered in Saint Helier, Jersey.

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BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust (NYSE:BFZ  Get Free Report) major shareholder Saba Capital Management, L.P. sold 31,198 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, January 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $11.24, for a total value of $350,665.52. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 5,129,310 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $57,653,444.40. This trade represents a 0.60 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Major shareholders that own 10% or more of a companys stock are required to disclose their sales and purchases with the SEC.

Saba Capital Management, L.P. also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Wednesday, January 22nd, Saba Capital Management, L.P. sold 39,580 shares of BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $11.32, for a total value of $448,045.60.

On Friday, November 8th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. sold 30,293 shares of BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $11.82, for a total transaction of $358,063.26.

BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust Price Performance

Shares of NYSE BFZ opened at $11.21 on Thursday. The companys fifty day moving average price is $11.43 and its 200 day moving average price is $11.76. BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust has a 1 year low of $11.10 and a 1 year high of $12.23.

BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust Announces Dividend

Institutional Investors Weigh In On BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust

The company also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 3rd. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, January 15th will be paid a dividend of $0.059 per share. This represents a $0.71 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.32%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, January 15th.

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of BFZ. Trilogy Capital Inc. boosted its position in BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust by 292.8% during the third quarter. Trilogy Capital Inc. now owns 107,261 shares of the companys stock worth $1,297,000 after purchasing an additional 79,952 shares in the last quarter. Sanctuary Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $509,000. Absolute Investment Advisers LLC purchased a new position in shares of BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $387,000. Wolverine Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust in the 3rd quarter valued at $309,000. Finally, Cypress Wealth Services LLC purchased a new stake in BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust in the 3rd quarter worth $250,000.

BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc It is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. The fund invests in fixed income markets. It invests primarily in investment grade municipal bonds that are exempt from regular federal and California income taxes.

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Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE:DGX  Get Free Report) has earned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the fifteen ratings firms that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat reports. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, seven have issued a buy recommendation and two have assigned a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 1-year price target among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is $172.15.

Several research analysts have issued reports on the stock. StockNews.com raised shares of Quest Diagnostics from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday. Barclays upped their price objective on Quest Diagnostics from $154.00 to $168.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 23rd. Piper Sandler lifted their target price on Quest Diagnostics from $150.00 to $165.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday, October 28th. Jefferies Financial Group reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $185.00 price target (up from $175.00) on shares of Quest Diagnostics in a report on Tuesday, December 10th. Finally, UBS Group lifted their price objective on Quest Diagnostics from $165.00 to $166.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, October 23rd.

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Read Our Latest Analysis on Quest Diagnostics

Quest Diagnostics Price Performance

Quest Diagnostics Dividend Announcement

Shares of NYSE:DGX opened at $155.32 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $17.34 billion, a PE ratio of 20.88, a PEG ratio of 2.36 and a beta of 0.90. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $155.54 and a 200-day moving average price of $153.42. Quest Diagnostics has a 1-year low of $123.04 and a 1-year high of $165.32. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83, a current ratio of 1.25 and a quick ratio of 1.17.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 29th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, January 14th were given a $0.75 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, January 14th. This represents a $3.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.93%. Quest Diagnosticss payout ratio is presently 40.32%.

Insider Transactions at Quest Diagnostics

In other news, CAO Michael J. Deppe sold 18,755 shares of Quest Diagnostics stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $154.05, for a total transaction of $2,889,207.75. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 34,941 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,382,661.05. The trade was a 34.93 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.79% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Quest Diagnostics

Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in DGX. State Street Corp raised its position in shares of Quest Diagnostics by 1.4% during the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 5,263,231 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $817,117,000 after purchasing an additional 70,578 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in Quest Diagnostics by 1.5% during the third quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 2,616,653 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $404,838,000 after acquiring an additional 39,217 shares during the period. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale lifted its position in shares of Quest Diagnostics by 2.1% in the third quarter. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale now owns 748,680 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $115,621,000 after acquiring an additional 15,047 shares in the last quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets boosted its stake in shares of Quest Diagnostics by 25.4% in the third quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 747,298 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $116,018,000 after acquiring an additional 151,365 shares during the period. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. grew its position in shares of Quest Diagnostics by 1.8% during the third quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 708,100 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $109,933,000 after purchasing an additional 12,565 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 88.06% of the companys stock.

About Quest Diagnostics

(Get Free Report

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated provides diagnostic testing and services in the United States and internationally. The company develops and delivers diagnostic information services, such as routine, non-routine and advanced clinical testing, anatomic pathology testing, and other diagnostic information services.

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Cairn Investment Group Inc. increased its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) by 71.9% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 3,179 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after buying an additional 1,330 shares during the period. Cairn Investment Group Inc.s holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $360,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in ABT. New Century Financial Group LLC grew its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 152.0% during the 2nd quarter. New Century Financial Group LLC now owns 4,836 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $502,000 after acquiring an additional 2,917 shares in the last quarter. RiverFront Investment Group LLC grew its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 3.3% during the 2nd quarter. RiverFront Investment Group LLC now owns 9,408 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $978,000 after acquiring an additional 302 shares in the last quarter. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL acquired a new position in Abbott Laboratories during the 2nd quarter worth $207,000. Brown Financial Advisors acquired a new position in Abbott Laboratories during the 2nd quarter worth $1,580,000. Finally, Creekside Partners acquired a new position in Abbott Laboratories during the 2nd quarter worth $238,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.18% of the companys stock.

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Abbott Laboratories Stock Up 0.4 %

ABT stock opened at $127.86 on Thursday. Abbott Laboratories has a 52 week low of $99.71 and a 52 week high of $129.85. The company has a market capitalization of $221.77 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.71, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.51 and a beta of 0.73. The firms 50-day moving average is $115.71 and its two-hundred day moving average is $113.80. The company has a current ratio of 1.60, a quick ratio of 1.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32.

Abbott Laboratories Increases Dividend

Abbott Laboratories ( NYSE:ABT Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 22nd. The healthcare product maker reported $1.34 EPS for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $1.34. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 31.95% and a return on equity of 20.74%. The company had revenue of $10.97 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.03 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.19 EPS. Abbott Laboratoriess revenue was up 7.2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts forecast that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.15 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 14th. Investors of record on Wednesday, January 15th will be issued a $0.59 dividend. This is an increase from Abbott Laboratoriess previous quarterly dividend of $0.55. This represents a $2.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.85%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, January 15th. Abbott Laboratoriess payout ratio is presently 30.85%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

ABT has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Royal Bank of Canada reissued an outperform rating and set a $135.00 price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a report on Tuesday, January 21st. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $133.00 to $136.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, January 23rd. Sanford C. Bernstein lifted their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $133.00 to $138.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, October 17th. Barclays reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a $158.00 price target (up from $149.00) on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a report on Monday. Finally, Oppenheimer started coverage on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a report on Tuesday, October 8th. They issued an outperform rating and a $130.00 price target for the company. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $133.06.

Read Our Latest Research Report on ABT

Abbott Laboratories Company 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.

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Canadian Pacific Kansas City (NYSE:CP  Get Free Report) (TSE:CP) posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday. The transportation company reported $0.92 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.66 by $0.26, Zacks reports. Canadian Pacific Kansas City had a return on equity of 8.78% and a net margin of 24.50%.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Stock Performance

NYSE CP opened at $78.66 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $73.44 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.09, a P/E/G ratio of 2.01 and a beta of 0.96. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42, a quick ratio of 0.46 and a current ratio of 0.53. Canadian Pacific Kansas City has a 52-week low of $70.89 and a 52-week high of $91.58. The company has a fifty day moving average of $75.15 and a 200-day moving average of $79.05.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Susquehanna lowered their price target on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $92.00 to $90.00 and set a positive rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, January 8th. Sanford C. Bernstein lowered their target price on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $91.98 to $91.25 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 9th. Bank of America cut their price target on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $94.00 to $91.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 24th. StockNews.com lowered Canadian Pacific Kansas City from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 25th. Finally, Benchmark reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City in a report on Thursday, October 24th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $92.63.

About Canadian Pacific Kansas City

(Get Free Report)

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates a transcontinental freight railway in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The company transports bulk commodities, including grain, coal, potash, fertilizers, and sulphur; merchandise freight, such as forest products, energy, chemicals and plastics, metals, minerals, consumer products, and automotive; and intermodal traffic comprising retail goods in overseas containers.

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Shares of Canadian Western Bank (TSE:CWB  Get Free Report) have earned an average rating of Hold from the ten brokerages that are currently covering the stock, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and three have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year target price among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is C$54.83.

Several analysts have recently commented on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price target on shares of Canadian Western Bank from C$52.00 to C$60.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Thursday, December 19th. Raymond James raised their target price on shares of Canadian Western Bank from C$54.00 to C$59.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Thursday, December 19th. Scotiabank raised their target price on shares of Canadian Western Bank from C$52.00 to C$62.00 in a research report on Monday, November 25th. CIBC raised their target price on shares of Canadian Western Bank from C$60.30 to C$63.50 in a research report on Tuesday, November 26th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets increased their price target on shares of Canadian Western Bank from C$52.00 to C$58.00 in a research note on Monday, November 18th.

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Canadian Western Bank Trading Up 0.1 %

Canadian Western Bank Company Profile

Shares of Canadian Western Bank stock opened at C$58.08 on Friday. Canadian Western Bank has a 12-month low of C$24.66 and a 12-month high of C$61.81. The stock has a market cap of C$5.62 billion, a PE ratio of 19.49, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.95 and a beta of 1.39. The company has a 50-day moving average of C$58.80 and a two-hundred day moving average of C$54.29.

(Get Free Report

Canadian Western Bank is a diversified financial service organization providing banking, trust, and wealth management services. The group operates through a number of subsidiaries providing different areas of financial services. Canadian Western Bank offers business banking services including general commercial banking, equipment financing and leasing, real estate financing, and other services for small- and medium-sized companies, as well as personal banking services including chequing and savings accounts, loans, mortgages, and investment products.

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Capital Investment Advisory Services LLC lowered its holdings in iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSEARCA:IWM  Free Report) by 2.7% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 11,146 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 304 shares during the period. Capital Investment Advisory Services LLCs holdings in iShares Russell 2000 ETF were worth $2,463,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the business. International Assets Investment Management LLC increased its position in shares of iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 24,883.5% during the third quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 2,832,878 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $625,754,000 after buying an additional 2,821,539 shares during the period. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund grew its stake in iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 16.7% during the second quarter. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund now owns 10,622,000 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $2,155,098,000 after acquiring an additional 1,520,000 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its holdings in iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 50.5% during the 3rd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 4,313,404 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $952,788,000 after acquiring an additional 1,446,443 shares during the period. Redwood Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in iShares Russell 2000 ETF in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $142,774,000. Finally, Factory Mutual Insurance Co. bought a new position in iShares Russell 2000 ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at $126,250,000.

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iShares Russell 2000 ETF Stock Performance

IWM opened at $226.23 on Thursday. iShares Russell 2000 ETF has a one year low of $190.06 and a one year high of $244.98. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $229.13 and a 200-day moving average price of $222.64.

iShares Russell 2000 ETF Profile

iShares Russell 2000 ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Russell 2000 Index (the Index). The Index is a float-adjusted capitalization weighted index that measures the performance of the small-capitalization sector of the United States equity market and includes securities issued by the approximately 2,000 smallest issuers in the Russell 3000 Index.

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BSW Wealth Partners grew its holdings in Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. (NYSE:CHT  Free Report) by 30.9% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 6,857 shares of the utilities providers stock after purchasing an additional 1,620 shares during the quarter. BSW Wealth Partners holdings in Chunghwa Telecom were worth $258,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its stake in shares of Chunghwa Telecom by 4.2% in the second quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 407,062 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $15,710,000 after acquiring an additional 16,428 shares in the last quarter. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. increased its holdings in Chunghwa Telecom by 120.5% during the 3rd quarter. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. now owns 915,853 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $36,332,000 after purchasing an additional 500,475 shares during the period. Creative Planning boosted its stake in shares of Chunghwa Telecom by 32.7% in the 2nd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 123,493 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $4,768,000 after buying an additional 30,410 shares during the period. Bank of Montreal Can grew its position in shares of Chunghwa Telecom by 178.8% during the second quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 103,593 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $4,074,000 after buying an additional 66,441 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Barclays PLC purchased a new stake in shares of Chunghwa Telecom during the third quarter worth approximately $397,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 2.11% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Separately, StockNews.com upgraded shares of Chunghwa Telecom from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, January 24th.

Chunghwa Telecom Stock Performance

NYSE:CHT opened at $38.94 on Thursday. Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. has a 12 month low of $35.92 and a 12 month high of $40.62. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.06, a current ratio of 1.47 and a quick ratio of 1.29. The firm has a market capitalization of $30.20 billion, a PE ratio of 26.67, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 19.75 and a beta of 0.20. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $37.97 and its 200 day moving average price is $38.07.

Chunghwa Telecom (NYSE:CHT  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, January 23rd. The utilities provider reported $0.36 earnings per share for the quarter. Chunghwa Telecom had a return on equity of 9.25% and a net margin of 16.09%. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. will post 1.47 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

About Chunghwa Telecom

(Free Report)

Chunghwa Telecom Co, Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, provides telecommunication services in Taiwan and internationally. It operates through Consumer Business, Enterprise Business, International Business, and Others segments. The company offers local, domestic long distance, and international long distance fixed-line telephone services; mobile services such as prepaid and postpaid plans; broadband plans; and internet and data services.

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Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft (NYSE:DB  Get Free Report) issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday. The bank reported $0.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.43 by ($0.27), Zacks reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft had a return on equity of 5.35% and a net margin of 6.40%. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft updated its FY 2025 guidance to EPS.

Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft Trading Down 1.5 %

NYSE DB traded down $0.30 during trading on Thursday, hitting $19.82. The stock had a trading volume of 2,691,165 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,820,400. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft has a one year low of $12.43 and a one year high of $20.45. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.47, a quick ratio of 0.78 and a current ratio of 0.78. The stock has a market capitalization of $39.47 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.16 and a beta of 1.20. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $17.77 and a 200 day simple moving average of $16.91.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, StockNews.com raised shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy.

About Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft

(Get Free Report)

Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft, a stock corporation, provides corporate and investment banking, and asset management products and services to private individuals, corporate entities, and institutional clients in Germany, the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, and the Asia-Pacific.

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Dominion Energy, Inc. (NYSE: D) recently disclosed the approval of its 2025 Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) by the Compensation and Talent Development Committee (CTD Committee) on January 23, 2025. Under this plan, Dominion Energys officers will be eligible for an annual performance-based cash award, with each officer having a target incentive award based on a percentage of their base salary. Payouts under the AIP will be contingent upon the achievement of specific performance goals set by the CTD Committee, drawing from the performance measures outlined in Dominion Energys 2024 Incentive Compensation Plan. Potential funding under the AIP could vary from 0% to 200% of the target funding.

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Additionally, in terms of officer compensation, Edward H. Baines title was changed to President  Utility Operations and Dominion Energy Virginia in November 2024, effective from January 1, 2025. As of January 23, 2025, the CTD Committee endorsed the compensation adjustments for Mr. Baine to reflect his increased responsibilities. His annual base salary now stands at $643,537, with an AIP target of 80% of his base salary and a long-term incentive award valued at $1,250,000. Mr. Baine will also have access to the benefit plans and arrangements offered to Dominion Energys other executive officers.

Moreover, on January 23, 2025, the CTD Committee approved the issuance of cash and restricted stock awards to key contributors Edward H. Baine; Carlos M. Brown, President  Dominion Energy Services and Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary; and Steven D. Ridge, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, for the year 2025. Mr. Baines award comprises a $150,000 cash award and a $150,000 restricted stock award. Similarly, Mr. Brown and Mr. Ridge each received a $150,000 cash award and a $350,000 restricted stock award. Issued under the 2024 Incentive Compensation Plan, the restricted stock awards come with a three-year cliff vesting period and clawback provisions in case of specified events. The cash awards are to be fully repaid in the event of voluntary resignation by the recipients within one year of payment.

The report was officially signed by Regina J. Elbert, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, on behalf of Dominion Energy, Inc., in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, on January 27, 2025.

This article was generated by an automated content engine and was reviewed by a human editor prior to publication. For additional information, read Dominion Energys 8K filing here.

About Dominion Energy

(Get 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.

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Shares of Entourage Health Corp. (CVE:ENTG  Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week low on Monday . The stock traded as low as C$0.01 and last traded at C$0.01, with a volume of 354570 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at C$0.01.

Entourage Health Stock Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2,914.72, a quick ratio of 0.91 and a current ratio of 0.10. The firm has a market capitalization of C$1.54 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.04 and a beta of 1.08. The stocks fifty day moving average is C$0.01 and its two-hundred day moving average is C$0.01.

About Entourage Health

(Get Free Report)

Entourage Health Corp. processes, produces, and distributes cannabis products for medical, adult-use, and bulk sales markets in Canada. It offers cannabis products, such as dried flower, pre-rolls, vapes, cannabis oils, topicals, soft chews, chewing gum, and micro inhalers. The company sells its products under the Color Cannabis, Saturday Cannabis, Starseed Medicinal, Dime Bag, Syndicate, Marys Medicinals, and Royal City Cannabis brand names.

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ETRACS Linked to the Wells Fargo Business Development Company Index ETN Series B (NYSEARCA:BDCZ  Get Free Report) shares dropped 1.3% during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as $19.59 and last traded at $19.59. Approximately 1,013 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 61% from the average daily volume of 2,573 shares. The stock had previously closed at $19.85.

ETRACS Linked to the Wells Fargo Business Development Company Index ETN Series B Stock Performance

The businesss fifty day moving average price is $19.28 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $18.99.

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ETRACS Linked to the Wells Fargo Business Development Company Index ETN Series B Cuts Dividend

The business also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 22nd. Shareholders of record on Monday, January 13th were issued a dividend of $0.3226 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, January 13th.

About ETRACS Linked to the Wells Fargo Business Development Company Index ETN Series B

The ETRACS MarketVector Business Development Companies Liquid Index ETN (BDCZ) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in financials equity. The fund tracks an index of at least 25 companies invested in the initial growth stages of small firms. BDCZ was launched on Oct 8, 2015 and is issued by ETRACS.

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First Affirmative Financial Network cut its holdings in shares of The Toronto-Dominion Bank (NYSE:TD  Free Report) (TSE:TD) by 7.9% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 8,567 shares of the banks stock after selling 739 shares during the period. First Affirmative Financial Networks holdings in Toronto-Dominion Bank were worth $456,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the business. CWM LLC grew its position in Toronto-Dominion Bank by 2.4% during the third quarter. CWM LLC now owns 7,208 shares of the banks stock valued at $456,000 after buying an additional 170 shares during the period. Pathstone Holdings LLC grew its position in shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank by 0.8% during the 3rd quarter. Pathstone Holdings LLC now owns 22,309 shares of the banks stock valued at $1,411,000 after acquiring an additional 184 shares during the period. Passumpsic Savings Bank increased its stake in shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank by 2.6% in the 3rd quarter. Passumpsic Savings Bank now owns 7,530 shares of the banks stock worth $476,000 after purchasing an additional 194 shares in the last quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc raised its holdings in Toronto-Dominion Bank by 40.0% in the 4th quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 700 shares of the banks stock worth $37,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares during the period. Finally, Hexagon Capital Partners LLC lifted its position in Toronto-Dominion Bank by 18.5% during the third quarter. Hexagon Capital Partners LLC now owns 1,337 shares of the banks stock valued at $85,000 after purchasing an additional 209 shares in the last quarter. 52.37% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Toronto-Dominion Bank Price Performance

Shares of TD opened at $57.41 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $100.49 billion, a PE ratio of 16.54, a PEG ratio of 1.82 and a beta of 0.83. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a current ratio of 1.03. The Toronto-Dominion Bank has a fifty-two week low of $51.25 and a fifty-two week high of $64.91. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $54.62 and a 200-day moving average price of $57.41.

Toronto-Dominion Bank Increases Dividend

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 31st. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 10th will be paid a dividend of $0.7482 per share. This is a positive change from Toronto-Dominion Banks previous quarterly dividend of $0.74. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 10th. This represents a $2.99 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.21%. Toronto-Dominion Banks payout ratio is presently 84.15%.

A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on the company. BMO Capital Markets raised Toronto-Dominion Bank from a market perform rating to an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, December 19th. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Friday, December 27th. Desjardins cut shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, December 6th. Barclays downgraded shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating in a report on Thursday, November 21st. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group upgraded Toronto-Dominion Bank from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, December 12th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating, three have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $80.50.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on TD

About Toronto-Dominion Bank

(Free Report)

The Toronto-Dominion Bank, together with its subsidiaries, provides various financial products and services in Canada, the United States, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking, U.S. Retail, Wealth Management and Insurance, and Wholesale Banking.

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Gateway Wealth Partners LLC cut its holdings in Shell plc (NYSE:SHEL  Free Report) by 5.7% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 4,113 shares of the energy companys stock after selling 248 shares during the period. Gateway Wealth Partners LLCs holdings in Shell were worth $258,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of SHEL. Coronation Fund Managers Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of Shell by 7.6% in the second quarter. Coronation Fund Managers Ltd. now owns 15,201 shares of the energy companys stock worth $1,097,000 after buying an additional 1,068 shares in the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in Shell by 42.7% in the 2nd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 21,701 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $1,566,000 after purchasing an additional 6,495 shares during the period. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company grew its position in shares of Shell by 2.0% during the 2nd quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 17,165 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $1,239,000 after purchasing an additional 337 shares in the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Shell by 131.4% in the second quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 81,982 shares of the energy companys stock worth $5,917,000 after buying an additional 46,557 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Truist Financial Corp boosted its stake in Shell by 2.5% during the second quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 305,661 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $22,063,000 after buying an additional 7,327 shares during the period. 28.60% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Morgan Stanley upgraded Shell from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and lifted their price target for the company from $66.50 to $79.80 in a research report on Tuesday, January 7th. Citigroup raised shares of Shell to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 2nd. UBS Group raised shares of Shell from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, January 8th. Sanford C. Bernstein upgraded Shell to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 11th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company cut their price objective on Shell from $87.00 to $86.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Friday, January 10th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have issued a buy rating and three have issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $79.69.

Shell Price Performance

SHEL opened at $64.68 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34, a current ratio of 1.40 and a quick ratio of 1.13. Shell plc has a 1 year low of $60.15 and a 1 year high of $74.61. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $64.17 and its 200 day simple moving average is $67.42. The firm has a market cap of $197.76 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.31, a PEG ratio of 5.89 and a beta of 0.55.

Shell (NYSE:SHEL  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 31st. The energy company reported $1.92 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.72 by $0.20. The company had revenue of $72.46 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $84.58 billion. Shell had a net margin of 5.17% and a return on equity of 14.54%. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.86 earnings per share. As a group, analysts predict that Shell plc will post 8.16 earnings per share for the current year.

Shell Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 19th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 15th were issued a dividend of $0.688 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 15th. This represents a $2.75 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.25%. Shells dividend payout ratio is currently 56.58%.

About Shell

(Free Report)

Shell plc operates as an energy and petrochemical company Europe, Asia, Oceania, Africa, the United States, and Rest of the Americas. The company operates through Integrated Gas, Upstream, Marketing, Chemicals and Products, and Renewables and Energy Solutions segments. It explores for and extracts crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids; markets and transports oil and gas; produces gas-to-liquids fuels and other products; and operates upstream and midstream infrastructure to deliver gas to market.

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Global X MSCI Norway ETF (NYSEARCA:NORW  Get Free Report) shares dropped 0.4% during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as low as $24.74 and last traded at $24.80. Approximately 7,519 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 61% from the average daily volume of 19,439 shares. The stock had previously closed at $24.91.

Global X MSCI Norway ETF Stock Up 0.4 %

The firms 50 day simple moving average is $24.51 and its 200-day simple moving average is $25.12. The company has a market capitalization of $50.33 million, a PE ratio of 7.12 and a beta of 0.78.

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Institutional Trading of Global X MSCI Norway ETF

Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. EP Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Global X MSCI Norway ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at about $357,000. Arlington Capital Management Inc. increased its holdings in Global X MSCI Norway ETF by 2.1% during the 3rd quarter. Arlington Capital Management Inc. now owns 36,882 shares of the companys stock worth $951,000 after purchasing an additional 767 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Activest Wealth Management acquired a new stake in Global X MSCI Norway ETF in the third quarter valued at $2,344,000.

About Global X MSCI Norway ETF

The Global X MSCI Norway ETF (NORW) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI Norway IMI 25\u002F50 index, a market-cap-weighted index of Norwegian stocks. NORW was launched on Nov 9, 2010 and is managed by Global X.

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Goldman Sachs MarketBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF (BATS:GSEE  Get Free Report) shares shot up 1.9% on Monday . The company traded as high as $43.49 and last traded at $43.81. 34 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, The stock had previously closed at $42.98.

Goldman Sachs MarketBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF Price Performance

The firms 50 day simple moving average is $44.70 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $45.67. The firm has a market capitalization of $114.74 million, a P/E ratio of 12.27 and a beta of 0.87.

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Goldman Sachs MarketBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF Increases Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 30th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 23rd were given a $1.2071 dividend. This is a positive change from Goldman Sachs MarketBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETFs previous dividend of $0.15. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 23rd.

Goldman Sachs MarketBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF Company Profile

The Goldman Sachs MarketBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF (GSEE) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund tracks an index of emerging-market equities, selected and weighted by market capitalization. GSEE was launched on May 12, 2020 and is managed by Goldman Sachs.

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Ibex Wealth Advisors purchased a new position in shares of New Jersey Resources Co. (NYSE:NJR  Free Report) during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor purchased 6,321 shares of the utilities providers stock, valued at approximately $295,000.

Other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Point72 Asset Management L.P. bought a new position in New Jersey Resources during the third quarter worth about $8,590,000. Benjamin Edwards Inc. raised its stake in New Jersey Resources by 8,995.5% in the third quarter. Benjamin Edwards Inc. now owns 157,079 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $7,414,000 after buying an additional 155,352 shares during the period. Barclays PLC lifted its position in shares of New Jersey Resources by 140.0% in the third quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 189,827 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $8,959,000 after buying an additional 110,723 shares during the last quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC boosted its stake in shares of New Jersey Resources by 698.7% during the 3rd quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 113,402 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $5,353,000 after acquiring an additional 99,204 shares during the period. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its holdings in shares of New Jersey Resources by 16.6% during the 3rd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 609,199 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $28,754,000 after acquiring an additional 86,742 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 70.98% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity at New Jersey Resources

In related news, COO Patrick J. Migliaccio sold 4,983 shares of New Jersey Resources stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $46.00, for a total value of $229,218.00. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now directly owns 37,124 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,707,704. This trade represents a 11.83 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. 0.72% of the stock is owned by insiders.

New Jersey Resources Trading Down 0.8 %

Shares of New Jersey Resources stock opened at $47.05 on Thursday. New Jersey Resources Co. has a 52-week low of $39.44 and a 52-week high of $51.94. The stock has a market cap of $4.69 billion, a PE ratio of 16.11 and a beta of 0.64. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $47.80 and a 200-day moving average of $46.82. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.31, a quick ratio of 0.36 and a current ratio of 0.62.

New Jersey Resources (NYSE:NJR  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Monday, November 25th. The utilities provider reported $0.89 EPS for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.89. The company had revenue of $395.78 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $406.97 million. New Jersey Resources had a net margin of 16.13% and a return on equity of 13.54%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 19.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.30 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that New Jersey Resources Co. will post 3.1 EPS for the current year.

New Jersey Resources Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, April 1st. Investors of record on Tuesday, March 11th will be given a $0.45 dividend. This represents a $1.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.83%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 11th. New Jersey Resourcess payout ratio is currently 61.64%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several brokerages have issued reports on NJR. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on New Jersey Resources from $51.00 to $54.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, November 27th. StockNews.com lowered shares of New Jersey Resources from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Friday, January 10th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price on shares of New Jersey Resources from $54.00 to $52.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday. Finally, Guggenheim increased their price target on shares of New Jersey Resources from $46.00 to $49.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, November 27th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating, one has given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $50.50.

View Our Latest Stock Report on NJR

New Jersey Resources Company Profile

(Free Report)

New Jersey Resources Corporation, an energy services holding company, distributes natural gas. The company operates through four segments: Natural Gas Distribution, Clean Energy Ventures, Energy Services, and Storage and Transportation. The Natural Gas Distribution segment offers regulated natural gas utility services to approximately 576,000 customers in Burlington, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, and Sussex counties in New Jersey; provides capacity and storage management services; and participates in the off-system sales and capacity release markets.

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Shares of Impact Shares YWCA Womens Empowerment ETF (NYSEARCA:WOMN  Get Free Report) were down 0% on Wednesday . The company traded as low as $40.10 and last traded at $40.10. Approximately 1,104 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 62% from the average daily volume of 2,934 shares. The stock had previously closed at $40.11.

Impact Shares YWCA Womens Empowerment ETF Stock Performance

The business has a fifty day moving average price of $39.45 and a 200 day moving average price of $38.46. The company has a market cap of $61.35 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.57 and a beta of 0.95.

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Institutional Trading of Impact Shares YWCA Womens Empowerment ETF

A hedge fund recently bought a new stake in Impact Shares YWCA Womens Empowerment ETF stock. First Horizon Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in Impact Shares YWCA Womens Empowerment ETF (NYSEARCA:WOMN  Free Report) during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 2,512 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $97,000. First Horizon Advisors Inc. owned about 0.16% of Impact Shares YWCA Womens Empowerment ETF at the end of the most recent quarter.

About Impact Shares YWCA Womens Empowerment ETF

The Impact Shares YWCA Womens Empowerment ETF (WOMN) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Morningstar Womens Empowerment index. The fund tracks an index of large- and mid-cap US equities that are selected and weighted to maximize exposure to firms that score highly on gender diversity, within marketlike constraints.

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Imperial Brands PLC (OTCMKTS:IMBBY  Get Free Report) was the target of a significant drop in short interest in January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 85,100 shares, a drop of 55.7% from the December 31st total of 192,200 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 176,600 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.5 days.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research firms recently weighed in on IMBBY. Morgan Stanley raised shares of Imperial Brands from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, October 3rd. Barclays raised shares of Imperial Brands to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 9th.

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View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Imperial Brands

Imperial Brands Trading Down 0.5 %

Imperial Brands Cuts Dividend

Imperial Brands stock traded down $0.16 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $32.94. 127,053 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 208,670. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $32.38 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $30.03. Imperial Brands has a fifty-two week low of $21.30 and a fifty-two week high of $33.49. The company has a current ratio of 0.72, a quick ratio of 0.36 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.24.

The firm also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 7th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 21st will be issued a dividend of $0.6779 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 21st.

Imperial Brands Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Imperial Brands PLC, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, imports, markets, and sells tobacco and tobacco-related products in Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australasia. It offers a range of cigarettes, tobacco accessories, vapour, heated tobacco, and oral nicotine. The company sells its products under various brands, including JPS, Davidoff, Gauloises, West, Winston, Kool, Lambert & Butler, Fortuna, Nobel, News, Backwoods, Champion, Golden Virginia, Rizla, Blu, Pulze, Skruf, and Zone X.

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Abrdn Life Sciences Investors (NYSE:HQL  Get Free Report) major shareholder Saba Capital Management, L.P. sold 11,674 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, January 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $14.12, for a total value of $164,836.88. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 3,418,349 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $48,267,087.88. The trade was a 0.34 % 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. Major shareholders that own more than 10% of a companys stock are required to disclose their transactions with the SEC.

Abrdn Life Sciences Investors Trading Up 0.2 %

Abrdn Life Sciences Investors stock traded up $0.03 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $14.16. 52,215 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 111,503. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $13.75 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $14.62. Abrdn Life Sciences Investors has a fifty-two week low of $12.76 and a fifty-two week high of $15.90.

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Abrdn Life Sciences Investors Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 10th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 21st were paid a dividend of $0.50 per share. This represents a $2.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 14.12%. This is a positive change from Abrdn Life Sciences Investorss previous quarterly dividend of $0.49. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 21st.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Abrdn Life Sciences Investors Company Profile

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of HQL. Penserra Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in Abrdn Life Sciences Investors during the 3rd quarter valued at about $11,702,000. Absolute Investment Advisers LLC bought a new stake in shares of Abrdn Life Sciences Investors during the 4th quarter worth about $5,242,000. International Assets Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Abrdn Life Sciences Investors during the 3rd quarter worth about $204,000. Kingswood Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Abrdn Life Sciences Investors during the 4th quarter worth about $160,000. Finally, Sanctuary Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Abrdn Life Sciences Investors during the 2nd quarter worth about $154,000. 32.21% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

(Get Free Report)

Abrdn Life Sciences Investors is a closed-ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by abrdn Inc The fund invests in public equity markets across the globe. It seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating in the life sciences sector, including the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, diagnostics, managed healthcare, medical equipment, hospitals, healthcare information technology and services, devices and supplies industries, and in agriculture and environmental management industries.

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Invesco (NYSE:IVZ  Free Report) had its price target lifted by Argus from $20.00 to $22.00 in a research note published on Wednesday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a buy rating on the asset managers stock.

Several other equities research analysts also recently commented on IVZ. Royal Bank of Canada began coverage on Invesco in a report on Tuesday. They issued a sector perform rating and a $19.00 price objective for the company. Evercore ISI lifted their price target on shares of Invesco from $19.00 to $20.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a research note on Thursday, November 7th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods decreased their price objective on shares of Invesco from $19.00 to $18.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a report on Friday, December 20th. TD Cowen dropped their target price on shares of Invesco from $20.00 to $19.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded shares of Invesco from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, October 18th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have issued a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $19.71.

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Invesco Stock Down 1.8 %

Shares of Invesco stock opened at $18.99 on Wednesday. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $17.67 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $17.28. Invesco has a 52-week low of $14.16 and a 52-week high of $19.49. The company has a quick ratio of 4.91, a current ratio of 4.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66.

Invesco (NYSE:IVZ  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 28th. The asset manager reported $0.52 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.51 by $0.01. Invesco had a positive return on equity of 8.83% and a negative net margin of 3.00%. Equities research analysts forecast that Invesco will post 1.7 EPS for the current year.

Invesco Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 4th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 14th will be issued a dividend of $0.205 per share. This represents a $0.82 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.32%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 14th. Invescos dividend payout ratio is presently -89.13%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Avior Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in Invesco by 484.9% in the 3rd quarter. Avior Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,550 shares of the asset managers stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 1,285 shares in the last quarter. Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB bought a new position in shares of Invesco in the third quarter worth approximately $35,000. Allworth Financial LP increased its stake in shares of Invesco by 304.0% in the third quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 2,400 shares of the asset managers stock worth $42,000 after purchasing an additional 1,806 shares in the last quarter. Crews Bank & Trust bought a new stake in shares of Invesco during the 4th quarter valued at $44,000. Finally, Truvestments Capital LLC purchased a new position in shares of Invesco during the 3rd quarter valued at $76,000. Institutional investors own 66.09% of the companys stock.

Invesco Company Profile

(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.

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Manulife Financial (TSE:MFC  Get Free Report) (NYSE:MFC) had its price target upped by investment analysts at CIBC from C$46.00 to C$47.00 in a note issued to investors on Thursday,BayStreet.CA reports. CIBCs price target points to a potential upside of 6.36% from the companys current price.

A number of other research analysts also recently issued reports on the stock. Cormark boosted their target price on shares of Manulife Financial from C$47.00 to C$48.00 in a research report on Thursday, November 21st. Jefferies Financial Group upped their target price on Manulife Financial from C$42.00 to C$47.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 16th. TD Securities lifted their price target on Manulife Financial from C$45.00 to C$48.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, November 7th. Barclays upped their price objective on Manulife Financial from C$40.00 to C$47.00 in a research report on Monday, January 6th. Finally, National Bankshares lifted their target price on shares of Manulife Financial from C$45.00 to C$47.00 in a report on Thursday, November 7th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating, eight 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 an average price target of C$44.55.

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Manulife Financial Stock Performance

MFC traded up C$0.37 on Thursday, reaching C$44.19. 541,952 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,020,463. The companys 50-day moving average price is C$44.25 and its 200 day moving average price is C$40.76. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 49.60, a current ratio of 36.68 and a quick ratio of 2.58. The firm has a market capitalization of C$78.22 billion, a PE ratio of 18.80, a PEG ratio of 1.01 and a beta of 1.06. Manulife Financial has a fifty-two week low of C$28.95 and a fifty-two week high of C$46.42.

Manulife Financial (TSE:MFC  Get Free Report) (NYSE:MFC) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, November 6th. The financial services provider reported C$1.00 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of C$0.95 by C$0.05. Manulife Financial had a return on equity of 10.41% and a net margin of 17.34%. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.92 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Manulife Financial will post 3.6104452 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling at Manulife Financial

In related news, Senior Officer James D. Gallagher sold 57,064 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$44.80, for a total transaction of C$2,556,638.39. Also, Director Kenneth Michael Ross sold 4,243 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of C$45.80, for a total value of C$194,315.82. Insiders sold 77,771 shares of company stock valued at $3,508,584 over the last quarter. 0.03% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Manulife Financial Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Manulife Financial Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial products and services in the United States, Canada, Asia, and internationally. The company operates through Wealth and Asset Management Businesses; Insurance and Annuity Products; and Corporate and Other segments. The Wealth and Asset Management Businesses segment offers investment advice and solutions to retirement, retail, and institutional clients through multiple distribution channels, including agents and brokers affiliated with the company, independent securities brokerage firms and financial advisors pension plan consultants, and banks.

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Merrion Investment Management Co LLC lowered its holdings in Vitesse Energy, Inc. (NYSE:VTS  Free Report) by 2.7% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 97,843 shares of the companys stock after selling 2,735 shares during the quarter. Vitesse Energy comprises approximately 1.7% of Merrion Investment Management Co LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 14th largest holding. Merrion Investment Management Co LLC owned about 0.33% of Vitesse Energy worth $2,446,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the business. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its position in Vitesse Energy by 18.8% in the 2nd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 910,824 shares of the companys stock valued at $21,587,000 after purchasing an additional 144,166 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in Vitesse Energy by 1.7% during the 3rd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 582,234 shares of the companys stock worth $13,988,000 after acquiring an additional 9,724 shares during the last quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in Vitesse Energy by 61.7% during the 4th quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 290,554 shares of the companys stock worth $7,264,000 after acquiring an additional 110,830 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its holdings in Vitesse Energy by 0.4% during the 3rd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 241,761 shares of the companys stock worth $5,807,000 after acquiring an additional 853 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its holdings in Vitesse Energy by 112.0% during the 3rd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 226,909 shares of the companys stock worth $5,450,000 after acquiring an additional 119,861 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 51.63% of the companys stock.

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Insider Transactions at Vitesse Energy

In related news, VP Michael Sabol sold 6,714 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $26.70, for a total value of $179,263.80. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 63,411 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,693,073.70. The trade was a 9.57 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CAO Mike Morella sold 8,143 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $26.69, for a total value of $217,336.67. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 81,615 shares in the company, valued at $2,178,304.35. This represents a 9.07 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 15.80% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities analysts have issued reports on the stock. Alliance Global Partners raised shares of Vitesse Energy from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lifted their price objective for the stock from $26.00 to $29.00 in a report on Tuesday, December 17th. Northland Capmk raised shares of Vitesse Energy to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, January 16th. Finally, Northland Securities lifted their price objective on shares of Vitesse Energy from $28.00 to $31.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, January 16th.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on VTS

Vitesse Energy Trading Up 1.3 %

NYSE VTS opened at $26.38 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $779.27 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.07 and a beta of 0.51. Vitesse Energy, Inc. has a one year low of $19.63 and a one year high of $28.41. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20, a current ratio of 0.75 and a quick ratio of 0.75. The businesss fifty day moving average is $26.50 and its 200-day moving average is $25.63.

Vitesse Energy Company Profile

(Free Report)

Vitesse Energy, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, development, and production of non-operated oil and natural gas properties in the United States. It owns and acquires non-operated working interest and royalty interest ownership in the Williston Basin properties located in North Dakota and Montana.

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Nokia Oyj (NYSE:NOK  Get Free Report) posted its earnings results on Thursday. The technology company reported $0.19 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.14 by $0.05, Zacks reports. Nokia Oyj had a net margin of 2.18% and a return on equity of 8.32%.

Nokia Oyj Stock Up 6.9 %

NOK stock traded up $0.31 during trading on Thursday, hitting $4.75. 38,421,521 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 17,836,439. The firm has a market capitalization of $25.87 billion, a P/E ratio of 59.31, a PEG ratio of 5.72 and a beta of 1.06. Nokia Oyj has a 1 year low of $3.29 and a 1 year high of $4.95. The company has a quick ratio of 1.46, a current ratio of 1.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $4.42 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $4.32.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities analysts have recently commented on NOK shares. Danske upgraded shares of Nokia Oyj from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 18th. StockNews.com raised Nokia Oyj from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, January 23rd. The Goldman Sachs Group cut Nokia Oyj from a neutral rating to a sell rating and set a $3.60 price target on the stock. in a research note on Thursday, January 16th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised Nokia Oyj from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and boosted their price target for the stock from $4.35 to $6.35 in a research report on Monday, December 9th. Finally, Northland Securities reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $6.50 target price on shares of Nokia Oyj in a report on Friday, October 18th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $5.86.

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.

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Northeast Financial Group Inc. trimmed its position in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:VWO  Free Report) by 8.1% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 188,775 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 16,592 shares during the quarter. Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF comprises about 3.0% of Northeast Financial Group Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 11th biggest position. Northeast Financial Group Inc.s holdings in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF were worth $8,314,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Empower Advisory Group LLC raised its position in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 2.6% in the 3rd quarter. Empower Advisory Group LLC now owns 31,623,839 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,513,201,000 after purchasing an additional 793,333 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its stake in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 1.3% during the 3rd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 14,464,403 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $692,122,000 after acquiring an additional 190,971 shares during the last quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC boosted its holdings in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 4.1% during the 3rd quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 14,168,112 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $677,944,000 after acquiring an additional 556,913 shares during the period. LPL Financial LLC increased its stake in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 3.7% in the third quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 12,270,433 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $587,140,000 after purchasing an additional 434,623 shares during the period. Finally, Citigroup Inc. lifted its position in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 3.6% during the third quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 6,571,767 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $314,459,000 after purchasing an additional 227,048 shares during the last quarter.

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Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Trading Up 0.7 %

Shares of VWO opened at $44.46 on Thursday. The firm has a market capitalization of $80.48 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.50 and a beta of 0.80. Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF has a 12-month low of $39.43 and a 12-month high of $49.57. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $44.83 and a 200-day moving average price of $45.29.

Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Profile

The Fund seeks to track the performance of the FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion Index, that measures the return of stocks issued by companies located in emerging market countries.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VWO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:VWO  Free Report).

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Pan American Silver Corp. (NYSE:PAAS  Get Free Report) (TSE:PAAS) saw a large decline in short interest in January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 6,720,000 shares, a decline of 19.1% from the December 31st total of 8,310,000 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 3,330,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 2.0 days.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several analysts have recently commented on PAAS shares. StockNews.com downgraded Pan American Silver from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Sunday, December 1st. Jefferies Financial Group increased their target price on shares of Pan American Silver from $21.00 to $23.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Friday, October 4th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $25.42.

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Pan American Silver Stock Up 5.2 %

Pan American Silver Announces Dividend

PAAS stock traded up $1.18 during trading on Thursday, hitting $23.76. 635,466 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,557,861. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16, a current ratio of 2.06 and a quick ratio of 0.96. The stock has a market cap of $8.63 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -139.26 and a beta of 1.27. Pan American Silver has a 1 year low of $12.16 and a 1 year high of $26.05. The firms 50 day moving average is $21.62 and its two-hundred day moving average is $21.67.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 29th. Investors of record on Monday, November 18th were issued a $0.10 dividend. This represents a $0.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.68%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 18th. Pan American Silvers dividend payout ratio is currently -235.28%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Pan American Silver

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Barclays PLC raised its holdings in Pan American Silver by 156.4% during the third quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 61,439 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $1,282,000 after acquiring an additional 37,480 shares during the period. Stratos Wealth Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Pan American Silver by 33.4% in the 3rd quarter. Stratos Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 159,268 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $3,324,000 after acquiring an additional 39,873 shares during the last quarter. Marlin Sams Capital Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Pan American Silver by 89.2% in the 3rd quarter. Marlin Sams Capital Management LLC now owns 700,000 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $14,609,000 after buying an additional 330,000 shares in the last quarter. U S Global Investors Inc. raised its position in shares of Pan American Silver by 66.7% during the 3rd quarter. U S Global Investors Inc. now owns 50,000 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $1,044,000 after buying an additional 20,000 shares in the last quarter. Finally, International Assets Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in Pan American Silver during the third quarter valued at approximately $1,659,000. 55.43% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Pan American Silver

(Get Free Report)

Pan American Silver Corp. engages in the exploration, mine development, extraction, processing, refining, and reclamation of silver, gold, zinc, lead, and copper mines in Canada, Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, and Brazil. The company was formerly known as Pan American Minerals Corp. and changed its name to Pan American Silver Corp.

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Portland General Electric (NYSE:POR  Free Report) had its target price lowered by Barclays from $48.00 to $42.00 in a research report released on Monday morning,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an equal weight rating on the utilities providers stock.

A number of other brokerages also recently commented on POR. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on Portland General Electric from $54.00 to $55.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 23rd. Bank of America lowered their price objective on Portland General Electric from $46.00 to $43.00 and set an underperform rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, December 24th. KeyCorp dropped their price objective on shares of Portland General Electric from $52.00 to $51.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, December 4th. Finally, UBS Group reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $47.00 target price (down from $52.00) on shares of Portland General Electric in a research note on Friday, January 3rd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Portland General Electric has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $47.38.

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Portland General Electric Price Performance

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Portland General Electric

NYSE:POR opened at $41.30 on Monday. The firms fifty day moving average is $44.02 and its two-hundred day moving average is $46.19. The firm has a market cap of $4.36 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.33, a PEG ratio of 1.05 and a beta of 0.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.28, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a current ratio of 0.98. Portland General Electric has a one year low of $39.13 and a one year high of $49.85.

A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in POR. Allworth Financial LP lifted its holdings in Portland General Electric by 74.4% during the third quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 621 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 265 shares in the last quarter. First Pacific Financial raised its position in shares of Portland General Electric by 2.9% during the 3rd quarter. First Pacific Financial now owns 12,331 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $591,000 after purchasing an additional 347 shares during the last quarter. Choreo LLC boosted its holdings in Portland General Electric by 1.4% in the 4th quarter. Choreo LLC now owns 26,511 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,166,000 after buying an additional 371 shares during the last quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc increased its stake in Portland General Electric by 151.0% during the 4th quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 748 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $33,000 after buying an additional 450 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Townsquare Capital LLC increased its stake in Portland General Electric by 6.4% during the 3rd quarter. Townsquare Capital LLC now owns 7,607 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $364,000 after buying an additional 458 shares in the last quarter.

Portland General Electric Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Portland General Electric Company, an integrated electric utility company, engages in the generation, wholesale purchase, transmission, distribution, and retail sale of electricity in the state of Oregon. It operates six thermal plants, three wind farms, and seven hydroelectric facilities. As of December 31, 2023, the company owned an electric transmission system consisting of 1,254 circuit miles, including 287 circuit miles of 500 kilovolt line, 413 circuit miles of 230 kilovolt line, and 554 miles of 115 kilovolt line; and served 934 thousand retail customers in 51 cities.

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Robert Half (NYSE:RHI  Get Free Report) issued an update on its first quarter 2025 earnings guidance on Thursday morning. The company provided EPS guidance of 0.310-0.410 for the period, compared to the consensus EPS estimate of 0.560. The company issued revenue guidance of $1.4 billion-$1.5 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $1.4 billion.

Robert Half Stock Down 1.6 %

NYSE:RHI opened at $69.19 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $7.14 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.25 and a beta of 1.24. The companys 50 day moving average is $71.77 and its 200-day moving average is $67.94. Robert Half has a 12 month low of $57.05 and a 12 month high of $83.25.

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Robert Half (NYSE:RHI  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 29th. The business services provider reported $0.53 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.54 by ($0.01). Robert Half had a net margin of 4.84% and a return on equity of 18.78%. Research analysts predict that Robert Half will post 2.45 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities analysts have recently commented on the stock. BNP Paribas downgraded shares of Robert Half from an outperform rating to an underperform rating and set a $64.00 price objective for the company. in a research note on Monday, December 16th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their target price on shares of Robert Half from $70.00 to $69.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 23rd. Barclays raised Robert Half from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating and boosted their price objective for the company from $60.00 to $80.00 in a research note on Friday, January 3rd. Finally, Truist Financial upgraded shares of Robert Half from a hold rating to a buy rating and lifted their price objective for the company from $62.00 to $90.00 in a research note on Friday, December 13th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $74.33.

View Our Latest Research Report on RHI

Insider Transactions at Robert Half

In related news, Director Dirk A. Kempthorne sold 1,032 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $74.35, for a total transaction of $76,729.20. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 12,310 shares in the company, valued at approximately $915,248.50. The trade was a 7.73 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 3.00% of the companys stock.

About Robert Half

(Get Free Report)

Robert Half Inc provides talent solutions and business consulting services in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The company operates through Contract Talent Solutions, Permanent Placement Talent Solutions, and Protiviti segments. The Contract Talent Solutions segment provides contract engagement professionals in the fields of finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal and administrative, and customer support.

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Canadian Pacific Kansas City (TSE:CP  Get Free Report) (NYSE:CP) had its target price lifted by stock analysts at Royal Bank of Canada from C$124.00 to C$128.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Thursday,BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage currently has an outperform rating on the stock. Royal Bank of Canadas price target indicates a potential upside of 8.95% from the stocks previous close.

Several other equities analysts have also commented on CP. Sanford C. Bernstein lowered their price objective on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from C$126.00 to C$125.00 in a research report on Wednesday, October 9th. Citigroup set a C$97.00 target price on Canadian Pacific Kansas City and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 9th. Desjardins lowered their price target on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from C$132.00 to C$131.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 24th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from C$136.00 to C$137.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 8th. Finally, National Bankshares lifted their price target on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from C$107.00 to C$119.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Thursday, October 24th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have given a buy rating and three have given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of C$124.07.

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Canadian Pacific Kansas City Price Performance

Insider Buying and Selling at Canadian Pacific Kansas City

CP traded up C$3.85 on Thursday, hitting C$117.49. 671,805 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,303,778. Canadian Pacific Kansas City has a one year low of C$101.76 and a one year high of C$123.37. The company has a current ratio of 0.51, a quick ratio of 0.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 50.47. The firm has a market cap of C$109.63 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.50, a P/E/G ratio of 2.32 and a beta of 0.79. The companys 50 day simple moving average is C$107.39 and its 200-day simple moving average is C$109.87.

In related news, Senior Officer James Dominic Luther Clements sold 15,657 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$106.30, for a total value of C$1,664,359.45. Also, Senior Officer Maeghan Dawn Albiston sold 2,900 shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City stock in a transaction on Monday, December 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$106.10, for a total transaction of C$307,694.64. Insiders have sold 70,284 shares of company stock worth $7,398,669 over the last quarter. Insiders own 0.03% of the companys stock.

About Canadian Pacific Kansas City

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Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates a transcontinental freight railway in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The company transports bulk commodities, including grain, coal, potash, fertilizers, and sulphur; merchandise freight, such as forest products, energy, chemicals and plastics, metals, minerals, consumer products, and automotive; and intermodal traffic comprising retail goods in overseas containers.

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First Commonwealth Financial (NYSE:FCF  Get Free Report)s stock had its outperform rating restated by Royal Bank of Canada in a research note issued on Thursday,Benzinga reports. They currently have a $20.00 price target on the banks stock. Royal Bank of Canadas price objective suggests a potential upside of 20.03% from the companys previous close.

Other research analysts have also issued research reports about the stock. StockNews.com lowered shares of First Commonwealth Financial from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Wednesday. Piper Sandler lowered their price objective on First Commonwealth Financial from $17.00 to $16.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 31st. Stephens restated an overweight rating and set a $21.50 target price on shares of First Commonwealth Financial in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their target price on shares of First Commonwealth Financial from $18.00 to $20.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 4th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $19.58.

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Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on FCF

First Commonwealth Financial Stock Up 3.1 %

Shares of NYSE:FCF traded up $0.50 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $16.66. The companys stock had a trading volume of 158,686 shares, compared to its average volume of 685,444. The company has a market capitalization of $1.70 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.26 and a beta of 0.88. First Commonwealth Financial has a 52 week low of $12.41 and a 52 week high of $19.96. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.10, a current ratio of 0.92 and a quick ratio of 0.92. The firms fifty day moving average price is $17.43 and its 200 day moving average price is $17.15.

First Commonwealth Financial (NYSE:FCF  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 28th. The bank reported $0.35 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.36 by ($0.01). First Commonwealth Financial had a net margin of 21.87% and a return on equity of 11.19%. As a group, research analysts expect that First Commonwealth Financial will post 1.4 EPS for the current year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On First Commonwealth Financial

Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. lifted its holdings in First Commonwealth Financial by 2.9% during the 3rd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 3,782,837 shares of the banks stock worth $64,876,000 after buying an additional 105,116 shares in the last quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. grew its holdings in shares of First Commonwealth Financial by 15.3% during the third quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 3,435,002 shares of the banks stock worth $58,601,000 after buying an additional 456,119 shares during the last quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of First Commonwealth Financial by 7.2% in the third quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 538,964 shares of the banks stock valued at $9,243,000 after purchasing an additional 36,001 shares during the period. Nordea Investment Management AB increased its stake in First Commonwealth Financial by 2.9% in the 4th quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB now owns 213,437 shares of the banks stock valued at $3,611,000 after buying an additional 6,091 shares during the period. Finally, Barclays PLC raised its holdings in First Commonwealth Financial by 121.8% during the third quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 211,797 shares of the banks stock worth $3,631,000 after purchasing an additional 116,295 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 72.58% of the companys stock.

First Commonwealth Financial Company Profile

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First Commonwealth Financial Corporation, a financial holding company, provides various consumer and commercial banking services in the United States. Its consumer services include personal checking accounts, interest-earning checking accounts, savings and health savings accounts, insured money market accounts, debit cards, investment certificates, fixed and variable rate certificates of deposit, mortgage loans, secured and unsecured installment loans, construction and real estate loans, safe deposit facilities, credit cards, credit lines with overdraft checking protection, IRA accounts, and automated teller machine (atm) services, as well as internet, mobile, and telephone banking services.

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Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) filed an 8-K report with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 27, 2025. The report announced the companys decision to modify the settlement method for its 1.250% convertible senior notes due 2025.

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In the document, Southwest Airlines disclosed that it delivered a Notice of Change in Default Settlement Method to securityholders and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as trustee. This notice informed stakeholders of the companys election to settle the aforementioned convertible senior notes in cash. The Notice, which is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 in the report, states that Southwest Airlines intends to settle all validly surrendered notes for conversion using cash settlement as the new settlement method.

It is noted that the information provided in this report, including the Exhibit 99.1, is not to be considered as filed for the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or subject to the liabilities outlined in that section. Additionally, this information is not to be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, unless expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) did not make any representations regarding the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP or ISIN numbers listed in the report. The companys decision to shift to cash settlement for its convertible senior notes due 2025 marks a strategic move in its financial operations. It signifies a shift in how the company plans to handle these particular financial instruments 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 Southwest Airliness 8K filing here.

Southwest Airlines Company Profile

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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.

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StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Spirit AeroSystems (NYSE:SPR  Free Report) in a research report report published on Monday morning. The firm issued a sell rating on the aerospace companys stock.

Separately, TD Cowen raised Spirit AeroSystems to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, December 19th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, fifteen have assigned a hold rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Spirit AeroSystems currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $35.67.

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Spirit AeroSystems Stock Performance

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Spirit AeroSystems

Spirit AeroSystems stock opened at $34.10 on Monday. The firm has a market cap of $3.99 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -2.75 and a beta of 1.81. Spirit AeroSystems has a 1 year low of $25.16 and a 1 year high of $37.08. The firms 50 day moving average price is $33.33 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $33.33.

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of SPR. American Century Companies Inc. boosted its position in Spirit AeroSystems by 6.6% during the second quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 12,850 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $422,000 after purchasing an additional 794 shares during the last quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC lifted its stake in Spirit AeroSystems by 99.9% in the second quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC now owns 17,209 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $569,000 after acquiring an additional 8,600 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can increased its stake in shares of Spirit AeroSystems by 3.3% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 43,492 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $1,432,000 after purchasing an additional 1,408 shares during the last quarter. Marshall Wace LLP lifted its position in shares of Spirit AeroSystems by 1,016.8% in the second quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 230,398 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $7,573,000 after buying an additional 209,768 shares during the last quarter. Finally, The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company lifted its holdings in Spirit AeroSystems by 1.5% in the 2nd quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 22,001 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $723,000 after purchasing an additional 332 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 93.59% of the companys stock.

About Spirit AeroSystems

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Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc engages in the design, engineering, manufacture, and marketing of commercial aerostructures worldwide. It operates through three segments: Commercial, Defense & Space, and Aftermarket. The Commercial segment offers forward, mid, and rear fuselage sections and systems, floor beams, nacelles, struts/pylons, horizontal and vertical stabilizers, flaps and slats flight control surfaces, wing structures, and wing systems.

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Strategic Blueprint LLC lifted its stake in Lockheed Martin Co. (NYSE:LMT  Free Report) by 1.6% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 2,742 shares of the aerospace companys stock after purchasing an additional 44 shares during the period. Strategic Blueprint LLCs holdings in Lockheed Martin were worth $1,333,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Virtue Capital Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Lockheed Martin by 112.8% in the 3rd quarter. Virtue Capital Management LLC now owns 2,249 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $1,315,000 after purchasing an additional 1,192 shares during the period. Bank of Montreal Can lifted its position in shares of Lockheed Martin by 2.1% in the 3rd quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 656,807 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $382,498,000 after purchasing an additional 13,253 shares during the period. Hilltop Holdings Inc. lifted its position in shares of Lockheed Martin by 79.9% in the 3rd quarter. Hilltop Holdings Inc. now owns 12,068 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $7,054,000 after purchasing an additional 5,361 shares during the period. Capital Investment Advisors LLC lifted its position in Lockheed Martin by 2.2% during the 4th quarter. Capital Investment Advisors LLC now owns 92,131 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $44,770,000 after acquiring an additional 2,011 shares during the period. Finally, Old West Investment Management LLC boosted its stake in Lockheed Martin by 6.6% during the third quarter. Old West Investment Management LLC now owns 26,633 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $15,569,000 after acquiring an additional 1,643 shares in the last quarter. 74.19% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Lockheed Martin Price Performance

LMT stock opened at $454.18 on Thursday. Lockheed Martin Co. has a 52 week low of $413.92 and a 52 week high of $618.95. The company has a quick ratio of 1.12, a current ratio of 1.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.66. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $497.18 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $537.55. The firm has a market capitalization of $107.66 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.44, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.05 and a beta of 0.48.

Lockheed Martin Announces Dividend

Lockheed Martin ( NYSE:LMT Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, January 28th. The aerospace company reported $7.67 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $6.58 by $1.09. Lockheed Martin had a net margin of 9.36% and a return on equity of 101.44%. Analysts anticipate that Lockheed Martin Co. will post 26.89 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 28th. Investors of record on Monday, March 3rd will be paid a $3.30 dividend. This represents a $13.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.91%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, March 3rd. Lockheed Martins dividend payout ratio is presently 59.30%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

LMT has been the topic of several research reports. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price objective on shares of Lockheed Martin from $543.00 to $500.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, January 8th. UBS Group dropped their target price on shares of Lockheed Martin from $527.00 to $508.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday. Susquehanna dropped their target price on shares of Lockheed Martin from $590.00 to $550.00 and set a positive rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday. Royal Bank of Canada decreased their price objective on shares of Lockheed Martin from $570.00 to $550.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday. Finally, Truist Financial began coverage on shares of Lockheed Martin in a report on Tuesday, January 14th. They set a buy rating and a $579.00 target price for the company. One 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. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Lockheed Martin has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $556.13.

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About Lockheed Martin

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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.

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Strategic Planning Group LLC grew its holdings in shares of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV  Free Report) by 3.6% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 16,840 shares of the insurance providers stock after buying an additional 582 shares during the quarter. Strategic Planning Group LLCs holdings in Travelers Companies were worth $4,057,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the business. State Street Corp raised its position in Travelers Companies by 0.8% during the third quarter. State Street Corp now owns 15,566,941 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $3,644,532,000 after purchasing an additional 120,228 shares during the period. FMR LLC increased its position in shares of Travelers Companies by 12.6% during the 3rd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 14,048,691 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $3,289,079,000 after purchasing an additional 1,568,909 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in Travelers Companies by 2.3% during the 3rd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 5,076,220 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $1,187,865,000 after buying an additional 114,714 shares during the period. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. lifted its position in Travelers Companies by 0.7% in the third quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 1,496,652 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $350,396,000 after buying an additional 10,285 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Jacobs Levy Equity Management Inc. boosted its stake in Travelers Companies by 4.0% during the third quarter. Jacobs Levy Equity Management Inc. now owns 1,085,635 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $254,169,000 after buying an additional 41,683 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 82.45% of the companys stock.

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Travelers Companies Stock Up 0.6 %

Shares of TRV stock opened at $249.85 on Thursday. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $247.48 and its 200 day moving average price is $238.07. The Travelers Companies, Inc. has a 1-year low of $200.21 and a 1-year high of $269.55. The company has a market cap of $56.72 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.64, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.09 and a beta of 0.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 0.33 and a quick ratio of 0.34.

Travelers Companies Announces Dividend

Travelers Companies ( NYSE:TRV Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, January 22nd. The insurance provider reported $9.15 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $6.50 by $2.65. Travelers Companies had a net margin of 10.77% and a return on equity of 19.06%. The company had revenue of $12.01 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.80 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $7.01 EPS. Travelers Companiess revenue for the quarter was up 9.9% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts expect that The Travelers Companies, Inc. will post 20.33 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

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 paid a dividend of $1.05 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, March 10th. This represents a $4.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.68%. Travelers Companiess payout ratio is presently 19.56%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Travelers Companies from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, January 23rd. Roth Mkm raised their price objective on shares of Travelers Companies from $240.00 to $300.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, October 21st. Hsbc Global Res upgraded Travelers Companies from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 10th. Piper Sandler upgraded Travelers Companies from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and increased their price target for the stock from $259.00 to $310.00 in a report on Friday, January 24th. Finally, HSBC upgraded Travelers Companies from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $290.00 price objective for the company in a report on Tuesday, December 10th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have given a hold rating, seven have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $260.47.

Get Our Latest Report on Travelers Companies

Insider Activity

In related news, EVP Maria Olivo sold 10,410 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, November 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $261.80, for a total transaction of $2,725,338.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 111,162 shares of the companys stock, valued at $29,102,211.60. This trade represents a 8.56 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Vice Chairman William H. Heyman sold 3,740 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, November 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $264.80, for a total transaction of $990,352.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 250,384 shares in the company, valued at approximately $66,301,683.20. The trade was a 1.47 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 1.33% of the companys stock.

Travelers Companies Company Profile

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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.

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Sysco (NYSE:SYY  Free Report) had its target price reduced by UBS Group from $87.00 to $86.00 in a report published on Wednesday morning,Benzinga reports. They currently have a buy rating on the stock.

A number of other brokerages have also recently commented on SYY. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price target on shares of Sysco from $91.00 to $95.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, December 16th. Morgan Stanley reduced their price target on Sysco from $82.00 to $79.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, January 21st. Melius Research upgraded Sysco to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 18th. StockNews.com downgraded Sysco from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday. Finally, Barclays dropped their price target on Sysco from $93.00 to $85.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve 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 target price of $85.21.

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Sysco Price Performance

Shares of NYSE SYY opened at $71.96 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.38, a current ratio of 1.26 and a quick ratio of 0.73. The business has a 50-day moving average of $76.43 and a 200-day moving average of $76.03. The stock has a market capitalization of $35.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.50, a PEG ratio of 2.04 and a beta of 1.18. Sysco has a fifty-two week low of $69.03 and a fifty-two week high of $82.89.

Sysco (NYSE:SYY  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 28th. The company reported $0.93 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.93. Sysco had a return on equity of 101.04% and a net margin of 2.44%. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.89 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Sysco will post 4.57 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Sysco Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 24th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 3rd were given a dividend of $0.51 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, January 3rd. This represents a $2.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.83%. Syscos payout ratio is presently 52.44%.

Insider Activity

In other Sysco news, Director Sheila Talton sold 2,900 shares of Sysco stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $74.63, for a total value of $216,427.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 12,955 shares of the companys stock, valued at $966,831.65. The trade was a 18.29 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, EVP Greg D. Bertrand sold 48,027 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, January 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $77.00, for a total value of $3,698,079.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 56,304 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,335,408. This trade represents a 46.03 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 83,306 shares of company stock worth $6,485,050. Corporate insiders own 0.54% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Sysco

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in SYY. Public Sector Pension Investment Board raised its position in Sysco by 87.2% during the second quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board now owns 19,187 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,370,000 after purchasing an additional 8,940 shares in the last quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. raised its holdings in shares of Sysco by 58.2% during the 2nd quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 63,387 shares of the companys stock worth $4,525,000 after buying an additional 23,321 shares in the last quarter. Quarry LP lifted its position in shares of Sysco by 260.7% during the 2nd quarter. Quarry LP now owns 1,248 shares of the companys stock worth $89,000 after buying an additional 902 shares during the last quarter. EP Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Sysco by 18.8% in the second quarter. EP Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 9,926 shares of the companys stock valued at $709,000 after buying an additional 1,570 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Cetera Investment Advisers grew its position in Sysco by 2.7% in the second quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 292,770 shares of the companys stock valued at $20,901,000 after acquiring an additional 7,758 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 83.41% of the companys stock.

About Sysco

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Sysco Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in the marketing and distribution of various food and related products to the foodservice or food-away-from-home industry in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and internationally. It operates through U.S. Foodservice Operations, International Foodservice Operations, SYGMA, and Other segments.

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Union Bancaire Privee UBP SA bought a new stake in Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund, Inc. (NYSE:JOF  Free Report) during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 4,200 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $32,000.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Virtu Financial LLC purchased a new position in shares of Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund in the 3rd quarter valued at about $104,000. Pekin Hardy Strauss Inc. increased its stake in Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund by 23.6% in the third quarter. Pekin Hardy Strauss Inc. now owns 16,119 shares of the companys stock valued at $133,000 after purchasing an additional 3,075 shares during the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund by 7.7% during the third quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 22,471 shares of the companys stock worth $181,000 after purchasing an additional 1,609 shares in the last quarter. Mraz Amerine & Associates Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $259,000. Finally, International Assets Investment Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund by 727.0% in the 3rd quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 38,042 shares of the companys stock valued at $315,000 after buying an additional 33,442 shares in the last quarter.

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Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund Trading Down 0.8 %

Shares of NYSE:JOF opened at $7.66 on Thursday. Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund, Inc. has a 12 month low of $6.89 and a 12 month high of $8.34. The companys fifty day moving average price is $7.70 and its 200 day moving average price is $7.78.

Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund Increases Dividend

Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund Profile

The company also recently announced an annual dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 27th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, December 19th were issued a $0.3118 dividend. This is an increase from Japan Smaller Capitalization Funds previous annual dividend of $0.27. This represents a dividend yield of 3.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 19th.

(Free Report)

Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund, Inc is a closed-ended equity mutual fund launched by Nomura Asset Management U.SA Inc It is managed by Nomura Asset Management Co, Ltd. The fund invests in the public equity markets of Japan. It invests in stocks traded on the Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya Stock Exchanges, JASDAQ, Mothers, Hercules, Centrex, and other indices.

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Union Bancaire Privee UBP SA acquired a new position in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report) during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund acquired 775 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $93,000.

Several other large investors have also bought and sold shares of the stock. 49 Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in Philip Morris International by 3.6% during the third quarter. 49 Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,432 shares of the companys stock worth $295,000 after purchasing an additional 84 shares during the period. Woodmont Investment Counsel LLC lifted its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 1.6% during the 3rd quarter. Woodmont Investment Counsel LLC now owns 5,452 shares of the companys stock valued at $662,000 after buying an additional 86 shares in the last quarter. YHB Investment Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in Philip Morris International by 4.2% in the 3rd quarter. YHB Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 2,158 shares of the companys stock worth $262,000 after buying an additional 87 shares during the period. Cypress Wealth Services LLC raised its holdings in Philip Morris International by 1.3% during the 3rd quarter. Cypress Wealth Services LLC now owns 6,748 shares of the companys stock valued at $819,000 after acquiring an additional 89 shares during the period. Finally, Luts & Greenleigh Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 1.1% during the third quarter. Luts & Greenleigh Group Inc. now owns 8,448 shares of the companys stock worth $1,026,000 after acquiring an additional 89 shares in the last quarter. 78.63% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on PM shares. 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 objective for the company. UBS Group upped their target price on Philip Morris International from $103.00 to $105.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 23rd. Barclays lowered their price objective on shares of Philip Morris International from $155.00 to $145.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, January 8th. Citigroup increased their target price on shares of Philip Morris International from $118.50 to $132.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, October 8th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus reissued a buy rating and issued a $145.00 price target (up from $138.00) on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Wednesday, October 23rd. 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 stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Philip Morris International has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $131.35.

Philip Morris International Trading Up 0.5 %

Philip Morris International stock opened at $129.62 on Thursday. 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 $201.53 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.57, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.01 and a beta of 0.54. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $125.26 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $122.59.

Philip Morris International Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, January 13th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 26th were paid a $1.35 dividend. This represents a $5.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.17%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 26th. Philip Morris Internationals payout ratio 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.

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Xero Limited (OTCMKTS:XROLF  Get Free Report)s share price rose 3.7% on Monday . The stock traded as high as $108.85 and last traded at $108.85. Approximately 275 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 3% from the average daily volume of 284 shares. The stock had previously closed at $105.00.

Xero Price Performance

The business has a 50-day moving average of $107.18 and a 200-day moving average of $100.35.

About Xero

(Get Free Report)

Xero Limited, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a software as a service company in New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company offers Xero, an open platform that connects small businesses to a range of solutions, which helps to manage their finances. It also provides Xero mobile app; and accountant/bookkeeper tools, including Xero HQ, Xero Practice Manager, Xero Workpapers, and Xero Cashbook or Xero Ledger.

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Xinyuan Real Estate Co., Ltd. (NYSE:XIN  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decrease in short interest during the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 1,500 shares, a decrease of 57.1% from the December 31st total of 3,500 shares. Approximately 0.0% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 22,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.1 days.

Xinyuan Real Estate Trading Up 0.4 %

Shares of Xinyuan Real Estate stock traded up $0.01 during trading on Thursday, hitting $2.74. 15,595 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 15,121. Xinyuan Real Estate has a 1 year low of $2.24 and a 1 year high of $7.05. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $2.82 and a 200-day simple moving average of $3.18.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, StockNews.com initiated coverage on Xinyuan Real Estate in a research note on Wednesday. They issued a hold rating on the stock.

Xinyuan Real Estate Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Xinyuan Real Estate Co, Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, engages in residential real estate development and construction in the People's Republic of China, the United States, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom. The company develops residential projects, such as multi-layer apartment buildings, sub-high-rise apartment buildings, high-rise apartment buildings; auxiliary services and amenities, such as retail outlets, leisure and health facilities, kindergartens, and schools, as well as office, mixed-use, and commercial properties.

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January 30, 2025 / 22:19 IST

As India gears up for the upcoming Union Budget, key players in the social sector are anticipating critical shifts in policies to drive inclusive development, tackle social inequalities, and strengthen support for vulnerable communities.

The Budget would be presented on Saturday by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Several experts and social organizations have shared their expectations, emphasizing the need for targeted investments, policy innovations, and a focus on womens empowerment, elderly care, and social entrepreneurship.

Neera Nundy, co-founder of DASRA, highlighted the growing role of philanthropy in complementing government efforts, especially in areas like sustainable cities and womens leadership.

She noted that while private giving grew by 10 per cent in financial year 2022-2023, much of Indias philanthropic potential remains untapped.

Nundy advocated for aligning private resources with national priorities, calling for favourable policies and tax incentives in the upcoming Union Budget to unlock greater domestic capital.

We remain optimistic about favourable policies and enhanced tax incentives in the upcoming Union Budget to unlock greater domestic capital from families, individuals, and corporates, she said.
Budget 2025: Power players want the FM to energise the sector

Sweta Goswami

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Meghna Mittal Deputy News Editor at Moneycontrol. Meghna has experience across television, print, online and wire media. She has been covering the Indian economy, monetary and fiscal policies, Finance and Trade ministries. She tweets at @Meghnamittal23 Contact: meghna.mittal@nw18.com

Shweta Punj is an award winning journalist. She has reported on economic policy for over two decades in India and the US. She is a Young Global Leader with the World Economic Forum. Author of Why I Failed, translated into 5 languages, published by Penguin-Random House.

Meghna Mittal

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BSEB Class 12 Board Exam 2025: Over 12.9 lakh students to appear for Bihar Intermediate exams amidst tight security, important guidelines here

Saurav Pandey

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'There has never been more than 35 deaths due to waterlogging': Amit Shah slams Kejriwal over civic upkeep

Siddharth Chakravorty

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Cult of Fear: Asaram Bapu - Saint or Sinner? Docuseries on Asaram Bapu's controversial case is out, know when and where to watch

Vaishnavi Gavankar

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Grammy 2025: Coldplays Chris Martin set to perform at the award show following iconic India tour

Palak Vij

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Junaid Khan reveals why he wanted Loveyapa starring him and Khushi Kapoor on YouTube for free

Sarika Sharma

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Kangana Ranaut praises the dark and dusky Monalisa of Maha Kumbh, slams industry for its obsession with fair skin

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Moana 2 OTT release: When and where to watch the Disney film

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Suits fame Gabriel Macht reacts to fans who watched all 9 seasons of the show, says "You got a lot of time on your hands"

Palak Vij

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Sundance 2025 Sabar Bonda review: Grief begets love in this poignant exploration of queer desire in rural India

Palak Vij

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Vishal Bhardwaj let go of big actresses for Irrfan Khan as they had refused to work with the actor

Palak Vij

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1/10 Food Critic | A food critic gets paid to review a variety of restaurants, dishes, and dining experiences for publications, blogs, or social media platforms. The job involves assessing the quality of the food, the ambiance, service, and overall dining experience. It requires a discerning palate, an eye for detail, and excellent writing skills to create compelling reviews. A strong understanding of food trends and culinary techniques is also crucial to providing insightful and engaging critiques that helps the audience make informed dining decisions.

2/10 Competitive Eater | Competitive eaters participate in food competitions, where they race against time and other contestants to consume as much food as possible within a given timeframe. While it may seem like a fun hobby, this job can lead to lucrative cash prizes and sponsorships for top competitors. However, its not all about eating; serious training is required to develop the endurance and capacity to consume large quantities of food. Strong mental focus, quick reflexes, and a robust stomach are essential to succeed in this challenging environment.

3/10 Professional Chocolate Taster | A chocolate taster evaluates chocolates before they reach store shelves. Their role involves assessing the texture, taste, aroma, and overall quality of different chocolates, ensuring that they meet the highest standards. This job requires a sophisticated palate and deep knowledge of cocoa varieties, flavour profiles, and production processes. The job requires individuals to work closely with chocolatiers and product developers to provide valuable feedback that influences the final product.

4/10 Taste Tester | Taste testers work with food companies to assess new food products and recipes before they are launched to the public. This role involves sampling various ingredients, flavours, and textures to ensure the product meets taste, quality, and safety standards. A taste tester evaluates everything from snacks to beverages or frozen meals. A sharp sense of taste and smell is crucial, and testers often provide feedback on what works and what does not.

5/10 Mukbang Content Creator | Mukbang content creators are known for eating large portions of food during live streams or recorded videos, often while engaging with an online audience. Mukbangs originated in South Korea but have become popular globally on platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok. Creators can earn money through sponsorships, ad revenue, and viewer donations, especially as their audience grows. To succeed, you need to have a personality that can connect with viewers while also consuming large amounts of food. Your role may also include reviewing food, showcasing food challenges, or simply sharing personal eating habits with your followers.

6/10 Ice Cream Taster | Ice cream tasters, often referred to as flavour gurus, are responsible for evaluating the taste and texture of ice cream flavours before they are released to the public. Working with food companies or ice cream brands, you assess the flavour profile, consistency, and overall quality of the product. This job requires a refined palate, with tasters often identifying subtle nuances in texture and flavour. You may also provide feedback on potential flavour combinations or tweaks to improve the final product. Passion for frozen treats and a keen sense of taste are essential to succeed in this delicious job.

7/10 Social Media Food Reviewer | Social media food reviewers create engaging content by reviewing restaurants, dishes, and food trends on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. This role involves filming yourself while trying new foods, sharing your thoughts, and interacting with your audience. Successful food reviewers often grow large followings and attract sponsorships from food brands, local restaurants, and other businesses. Your reviews help shape food trends, and your honest opinions and fun personality can create a loyal community of food lovers. Creativity, strong communication skills, and a passion for food are key to standing out in this competitive field.

8/10 Food Blogger & TV Host | Food bloggers with a travel focus often get paid to explore new destinations and share their culinary adventures with a global audience. As a food blogger and TV host, you get to review local delicacies, document your experiences through blogs or vlogs, and host food-related television shows. You might travel the world, sharing your recommendations with viewers while collaborating with brands for sponsorships or paid content. This role requires a love of food, excellent writing or presenting skills, and the ability to connect with your audience, all while experiencing new flavours and cuisines around the world.

9/10 Restaurant Tester | Restaurant testers are hired by restaurants and food chains to assess their food, service, and overall dining experience. You will visit different locations, sample meals, and provide detailed feedback on everything from the quality of the food to the ambiance and service. Your feedback helps restaurants improve their offerings and customer service. As a restaurant tester, you need to be objective, thorough, and have a keen eye for detail. This role often involves dining at various times of the day and reviewing new or seasonal menu items, helping to ensure that a restaurant is always putting its best foot forward.
Interior designing ideas: How to blend armchairs and sofas for a beautiful living room look

Namita S Kalla is a senior journalist who writes about different aspects of modern life that include lifestyle, health, fashion, beauty, and entertainment.

Bobby John Varkey

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Nivi Shrivastava is a Delhi-based journalist who writes on lifestyle, health and travel. Views expressed are personal

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'No one has damaged EC the way Rajiv Kumar has': Kejriwal hits back over poisoning Yamuna remark notice

Siddharth Chakravorty

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India may have to grapple with slower global growth, weaker exports during Trump 2.0: JP Morgan's Chinoy

Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years.

Shweta Punj is an award winning journalist. She has reported on economic policy for over two decades in India and the US. She is a Young Global Leader with the World Economic Forum. Author of Why I Failed, translated into 5 languages, published by Penguin-Random House.

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In this editing of Moneycontrol Pro Panorama: Indian banks gearing for change in new year, how the trading cycle will fare in 2024...

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Whirlpool shares price-to-story: Why a 20% single-day fall may not be a buy

Anishaa Kumar

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Winning against the herd: How to become a successful contrarian investor

Abhinav Kaul

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MHADA to build 1 lakh houses over the next two years, says deputy CM Shinde

Shiladitya Pandit

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'EC not seeing money openly distributed...': Bhagwant Mann after AAP claims raid on Punjab CM's Delhi house

Smriti Mishra

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January 30, 2025 / 23:39 IST

President Donald Trump on Thursday questioned the actions of the army helicopter pilot and air traffic controller ahead of a deadly midair collision in Washington and quickly veered into politics to speculate that Democrats and diversity initiatives shared blame for the deaths of 67 people.

As Trump spoke, a federal investigation into the crash was just getting started and first responders were still working to recover bodies from the wreckage of the commercial jet and army helicopter that crashed into the Potomac River near Reagan Washington National Airport Wednesday night.

Speaking from the White House  just over three miles from the scene  Trump at points acknowledged that it was too soon to draw conclusions as he encouraged the nation to pray for the victims. But he moved nonetheless to assign blame.

Trump said we are one family as he expressed condolences for the crash. He then proceeded to attack political opponents and unleash grievances about diversity initiatives.

The FAA is actively recruiting workers who suffer severe intellectual disabilities, psychiatric problems and other mental and physical conditions under a diversity and inclusion hiring initiative spelled out on the agencys website, Trump said. He added that the program allowed for the hiring of people with hearing and vision issues as well as paralysis, epilepsy and dwarfism.
Arvind Kejriwal can't be trusted, alliance with AAP was a mistake: Congress' Ajay Maken

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Congress MP Rakesh Rathore arrested by UP Police on rape charges, was addressing press conference

Parimal Peeyush

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'Have nothing to do with this': Anup Soni reacts to Congress ad featuring him ahead of Delhi polls

Priyanjali Ghose

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Live-in relationships must be registered with competent authority till enactment of law: Rajasthan HC

101Reporters

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'Minor incidents do happen in such a big event': UP minister on Maha Kumbh stampede

Chhabi Kala

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Pinaka rocket deal gets CCS nod: Know all about Army's Rs 10,000 crore project

Priyanjali Ghose

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Telangana Congress poll gone wrong: Over 64% choose 'farmhouse governance' over 'governance closer to people'

Priyanjali Ghose

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Arjun Kumar is a heritage explorer by inclination with a penchant for seeking obscure sites. A brand consultant by profession, he tweets @HiddenHeritage. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.

Namrata Agarwal

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IndiGo CEO takes a dip in Maha Kumbh's Sangam at 5 am, finds 'peace in chaos'

Ankita Sengupta

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Sridhar Vembu praises China for breaking English barrier, says '95% of Indians are not fluent'

Ankita Sengupta

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At least 18 dead in midair collision between American Airlines plane, Army helicopter in Washington: What we know so far

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Hamas confirms death of Mohammed Deif, its military wing head, 6 months after Israel announced his killing

Sonalee Borgohain

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Hamas frees 8 more hostages but Israel puts prisoner release on hold after chaotic handover

Sonalee Borgohain

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Hamas hands captive Israeli soldier Agam Berger over to the Red Cross in the Gaza Strip

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Tower, did you see that?: Audio from control tower provides insight into moments before and after Washington plane crash

Smriti Mishra

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Washington plane crash: No survivors after aircraft carrying 64 onboard crashes into Potomac river, confirms official

Siddharth Chakravorty

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Rajni Pandey

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Why 2025 is going to be the best year to witness the mesmerising aurora borealis

Sheetal Kumari

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Arindam Roy

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DeepSeek blocked on Apple and Google app stores in Italy and other countries

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Ankita Chakravarti

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DeepSeek soon on Indian IT servers, says Ashwini Vaishnaw

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Swarali Bodas

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Govt looking to bring back top Indian-origin AI minds to help build local models, applications

Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 13 years.

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Danish Khan

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Reshab Shaw

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Shaurya Shubham

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Safaricom has reportedly sought permission from the Communications Authority of Kenya to build its own subsea cable, aiming to reduce reliance on third-party providers and enhance network resilience following last years major cable cuts.

If approved, Safaricom would become the first operator in Kenya to own and operate its own subsea cable.

According to Business Daily, Safaricom currently depends on subsea cable providers such as SEACOM, the East African Submarine System (EASSy), the East African Marine System (TEAMS), and Telkom Kenya for international bandwidth. Among these, rival operator Telkom Kenya holds landing rights for five providers, including SEACOM.

The subsea cable cuts in May last year disrupted EASSy and SEACOM, leading to widespread connectivity blackouts across Africa. To maintain service, Safaricom had to secure additional bandwidth from other operators.

This move appears to be part of Safaricoms strategy to remain competitive, particularly in response to Elon Musks Starlink, which launched in Kenya in July last year. Starlink has provided connectivity to previously unconnected areas, unsettling traditional mobile network operators.

Sources speaking to Developing Telecoms described Starlink as a credible threat to MNOs, urging operators to invest in upgrades to remain competitive.
Emergency personnel work near the site of the crash, with the U.S. Capitol in the background, after American Eagle flight 5342 collided with a Black Hawk helicopter while approaching Reagan Washington National Airport and crashed in the Potomac River, Jan. 30, 2025.
U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, D-NJ, exits a federal courthouse following his bribery trial in connection with a corrupt relationship with three New Jersey businessmen, in New York City, July 16, 2024.
Vodafone Group has unveiled a new satellite connectivity service designed to eliminate coverage blackspots across its footprint.

As part of a demonstration ahead of its commercial launch, the operator conducted what it claimed to be the first space-based video call between standard 4G/5G smartphones.

Vodafone engineer Rowan Chesmer placed the call from a remote location in Wales, using AST SpaceMobiles BlueBird LEO satellites to connect with Vodafone Group CEO Margherita Della Valle. Both were using Google Pixel 9 Pro smartphones.

Vodafone aims to be the first operator to offer a commercial direct-to-broadband satellite service, with an initial launch in Europe in 2025 and further coverage expansion across the continent in 2026.

Della Valle said: This will help to close the digital divide, supporting people from all corners of Europe to keep in touch with family and friends, or work, as well as ensuring reliable rural connectivity in an emergency.

AST SpaceMobile founder, chairman, and CEO Abel Avellan added: This latest achievement using our BlueBird satellites takes us one step closer to our mission to eliminate connectivity gaps and make cellular broadband accessible to all.

Developing Telecoms enquired about potential deployments in Vodafones developing markets but received no further details.

Vodafone operates in several emerging markets where coverage gaps remain due to the high cost of infrastructure deployment. Given the revenue potential from unconnected users, it could be argued that accelerating this technology in Africa should be a priority.

According to the GSMA, around 680 million people in Africa remain unconnected, with Sub-Saharan Africa experiencing the largest usage gap.
CoreX has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the businesses of Volteo Digital.

This acquisition will bolster CoreXs team through the addition of over 100 ServiceNow consultants and significantly enhance its presence in Latin America and EMEA, including a Centre of Excellence in Guadalajara, Mexico, that will be leveraged across the platform. CoreX is a ServiceNow consultancy and a NewSpring Holdings platform company.

"The ServiceNow ecosystem is experiencing unprecedented demand for digital workflow transformation," said Rick Wright, the CEO of CoreX. "Volteo Digitals deep roots in Latin America and Europe, combined with their elite technical talent and proven track record serving Financial Services and Telecommunications clients, immediately establishes CoreX as a major player in these markets. The acquisition is about more than geographic expansion  it's about bringing together two innovative organisations to create a differentiated, scaled, and industry-first consultancy in the ServiceNow space."

The strategic combination will dramatically expand CoreX's global delivery capabilities and strengthen its position in key growth markets across the Americas. Volteo Digital's established go-to-market and delivery operations in Mexico, Costa Rica, the US, and Spain create a delivery model that enables 24/7 support for global enterprises. The Guadalajara Centre of Excellence, recognised as a top player in the North Latin America market in terms of customer satisfaction, provides a springboard for regional expansion while supporting clients worldwide.

"Latin America represents a massive growth opportunity for ServiceNow solutions," said Fernando Gordoa, CEO of Volteo Digital. "Bringing together Volteo Digitals regional knowledge and established delivery capabilities with CoreXs strategic vision, executive leadership team, and investment backing creates an organization poised to capture this market opportunity. Our Center of Excellence in Guadalajara will be the foundation for this expansion, allowing us to scale our talent pool and delivery capabilities across the globe."

The acquisition is expected to close in Q1 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. The combined company will maintain Volteo Digital's operations in Mexico, Costa Rica and Spain, with plans for significant expansion across all locations.
Groveland, CA Community leaders and state representatives gathered recently in Groveland to tackle fire insurance issues during a roundtable discussion. Organized before the recent Los Angeles wildfires, the meeting offered a platform to address escalating premiums and inequities in coverage.

The event, hosted by Gaby Huebner and Terre Passeau of two Groveland Firewise Communities, featured Senator Marie Alvardo-Gil and Assemblyman David Tangipa. Presentations from U.S. Forest Service specialist Pat Laeng, CAL FIRE Pre-Fire Division Chief Gary Whitson, and Groveland Community Services District General Manager Pete Kampa highlighted extensive fuel reduction efforts in the area. Chief Whitson commended Pine Mountain Lake residents for complying with Californias defensible space requirements under PRC 4291, emphasizing the role of the Pine Mountain Lake Association in enforcement.

A notable addition to the discussion was a presentation by Groveland residents Chris Passeau and Marc Colton, who showcased a General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) communication system. This low-cost, user-friendly system offers a reliable alternative during emergencies, maintaining communication when cell service, landlines, and power are disrupted. The group called for a more equitable approach to setting fire insurance premiums, criticizing the reliance on ZIP codes. They argued that communities like Groveland, which have made substantial wildfire preparedness investmentsincluding fuel reduction, emergency communication networks, and evacuation planning, should not face the same financial burden as less-prepared areas.

Assemblyman Tangipa explained that the disconnect stems from Proposition 103, which kept rates low while rebuilding costs surged. He noted that recent adjustments are driving premiums up by $4,000 to $11,000 annually, making coverage unattainable for many. He also criticized Californias FAIR Plan, saying it serves insurance companies more than consumers. Following the meeting, Assemblyman Tangipa toured the area to witness local fuel reduction projects funded by CAL FIRE and community grants. Stops included the Pine Mountain Lake Airport, a vital asset for wildfire response.

The event was moderated by Earl Brohard and attended by community leaders, including Tuolumne County Firewise Coordinator Karen Caldwell and former fire chief Dick Gaiser. Camp Tuolumne Trails provided the venue, while Southside Community Connections supplied a bus for the tour.

A recording of the meeting can be viewed here.
Zimbabwes social media platforms were set ablaze this week after self-proclaimed inventor and entrepreneur Maxwell Sangulani Chikumbutso was paraded before President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House on Tuesday. Chikumbutso, who once found himself a guest at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison, showcased his alleged latest inventions, including what he claimed to be the worlds first self-powering vehicles and motorbikes that run on radio waves.

The event, however, has been met with widespread scepticism and criticism, with many labelling Chikumbutso a fraud. Social media users were quick to point out that the vehicles he presented appeared to be manufactured in China, not Zimbabwe.

A Controversial Past

Chikumbutsos appearance at State House has reignited discussions about his controversial past. In 2018, he was arrested on six counts of armed robbery alongside five accomplices. During his bail application, represented by lawyer Admire Rubaya, Chikumbutso denied involvement in any of the offences.

He told Justice Roger Manyangadze Foroma that he was the operator of a successful company pioneering new technology and inventions. He also claimed to be famous for his good work and to possess substantial assets in Zimbabwe. However, Justice Foroma noted that Chikumbutso failed to provide a single title deed as proof of his alleged immovable properties.

He further argued that he is operating a successful company pioneering new technology and inventions and is famous for the good work he is involved in and that he has substantial assets in Zimbabwe, including immovable properties, yet not a single deed of transfer was produced or referred to as proof, Justice Foroma said in his ruling.

The State opposed bail, revealing that among the firearms recovered by the police, one belonged to Chikumbutso. The firearm, which was unlicensed, was found in the vehicle of a co-accused who claimed he had given Chikumbutso a lift and that the firearm had been forgotten in the car.

Justice Foroma denied Chikumbutso bail, stating that he was not satisfied that the possession of the firearm, whether by Chikumbutso or his co-accused, was innocent. The trial resumed around 2021, but by then, some of Chikumbutsos accomplices had passed away, leaving only three remaining.

NewsDay established that his alleged accomplices were Harmony Nyati, Polite Madamombe (both deceased), Austin Ncube, Wisdom Tariro, and Godfrey Josi. They were accused of robbing Murefu Service Station in Waterfalls, Harare.

Social Media Backlash

Chikumbutsos State House appearance has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters. Zanu PF activist Kudzai Mutisi urged the Ministry of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services to retract its posts about the event.

The @InfoMinZW and @DeptCommsZW should withdraw their posts and delete them and forget about this embarrassing incident, Mutisi said. He also called for the dismissal of all engineers in the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC), stating, If there are engineers in OPC, fire them, they are useless people adding no value. They were supposed to prevent this embarrassing situation.

Mutisi further criticised Chikumbutsos claims, saying, Max invented nothing, whatever he is describing has no scientific basis. Its so clear one does not need a microscope to see the fraudulent claims. If he had made such an invention, oil prices would have fallen massively, shares of some IC [internal combustion] vehicle manufacturers would have plummeted, Elon Musk would have shown interest It would shake the world.

Award-winning journalist Hopewell Chinono also weighed in, disparaging Mnangagwa for hosting Chikumbutso during his annual leave.

So Emmerson Mnangagwa came out of his leave to preside over a ceremony based on lies? Chinono posted on X. This is what happens when you surround yourself with useless minds, appointing them solely because they are relatives or friends. It has been long proven that the claim of developing a self-powering electric vehicle that operates without fuel, recharging, or external input, purportedly powered entirely by radio waves, is false. Why do we embarrass ourselves like this?

Chinono flagged the event as a potential ploy to loot public funds under the guise of funding Chikumbutsos inventions.

Sadly, this is not new in Zimbabwe. The whole government believed that diesel can ooze out of a rock and they gave the conwoman money, a farm and cars, Chinono said. What a useless bunch of people we have in power, incorrigible and archaic.

A Showcase of Inventions

Despite the backlash, Mnangagwas communications team posted several pictures of Chikumbutso showcasing his inventions to an enthralled president at State House. The images depicted Chikumbutso demonstrating his self-powering vehicles and motorbikes, which he claims are powered by radio waves.

However, the authenticity of these inventions remains highly questionable. Critics argue that such groundbreaking technology would have garnered global attention and disrupted industries worldwide. Instead, Chikumbutsos claims have been met with ridicule and accusations of fraud.

A Pattern of Controversy

This is not the first time Zimbabwe has been embroiled in controversy over dubious technological claims. In the past, the government has been accused of funding questionable projects, including the infamous diesel-from-rocks scheme. Chikumbutsos latest showcase appears to follow a similar pattern, raising concerns about the misuse of public funds and the credibility of those in power.

As the social media storm continues, one thing is clear: Maxwell Chikumbutsos State House appearance has left many Zimbabweans questioning the integrity of their leaders and the legitimacy of the so-called inventions being paraded before them.

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Bird Song of the Day

Brown Thrasher, Stipson Island Rd., Cape May, New Jersey, United States/

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In Case You Might Miss

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Look for the Helpers

If you are in the LA area:

Free air purifiers in #LA  retweet please.https://t.co/ti2lNcypAd continues to donate HEPA +Active Carbon air cleaners to the @LADreamCenter as part of our online "Buy One, We Donate One" emergency relief program throughout January. Last Saturday a large supply of MA-35 units https://t.co/NEGN7WvJd5 pic.twitter.com/ecEkXoijRb  Tony Colaneri (@TonyColaneri) January 29, 2025

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My email address is down by the plant; please send examples of there (Helpers in the subject line). In our increasingly desperate and fragile neoliberal society, everyday normal incidents and stories of the communism of everyday life are what I am looking for (and not, say, the Red Cross in Hawaii, or even the UNWRA in Gaza).

Politics

So many of the social reactions that strike us as psychological are in fact a rational management of symbolic capital. Pierre Bourdieu, Classification Struggles

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Trump Administration

Litigation Tracker: Legal Challenges to Trump Administration Actions [Just Security].  Rather a lot. Worth a look (though it gives the creeps that the lawfare spooks are tracking the work they themselves inspire). The lawyers are getting louder  and theyre getting results [Dan Froomkin, HeadsUp News]. The deck: 9 ways advocacy groups are trying to block Trump.  Ah, the groups. Does anybody seriously believe that the NGOs will do the work that the electeds of the Democrat Party cannot rouse themselves to do? Not to mention that whatever reaches todays Supreme Court is likely to bring about blowback. * * * Did Backlash Really Kill the Trump Funding Freeze? [Ed Kilgore, New York Magazine]. Why did Team Trump back off this particular initiative so quickly? Its easy to say the administration was responding to D.C. district judge Loren AliKhans injunction halting the freeze. But then again, the administration (and particularly OMB director nominee Russell Vought) has been spoiling for a court fight over the constitutionality of the Impoundment Control Act that the proposed freeze so obviously violated. Surely something else was wrong with the freeze, aside from the incredible degree of chaos associated with its rollout, requiring multiple clarifications of which agencies and programs it affected (which may have been a feature rather than a bug to the initiatives government-hating designers). According to the New York Times, the original OMB memo, despite its unprecedented nature and sweeping scope, wasnt even vetted by senior White House officials like alleged policy overlord Stephen Miller. [T]he funding freeze looks like a clear misstep for an administration and a Republican Party that were walking very tall after the 47th presidents first week in office, giving Democrats a rare perceived win.' Note my previously expressed strictures on sloppy drafting. But: Its far too early, however, to imagine that the chaos machine humming along at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue will fall silent even for a moment. . Democrats and Trump-skeptical Republicans will need to stay on their toes to keep up with this administrations schemes and its willingness to shatter norms. And: But its true that the electorate that lifted Trump to the White House for the second time almost surely wasnt voting to sharply cut, if not terminate, the host of popular federal programs that appeared to be under the gun when OMB issued its funding freeze memo.  Hence footnote 2: Social Security and Medicare were popular Federal programs among voters of both parties, hence fenced off. Not so Medicaid. Trumps First Big Fiasco Triggers Stephen Millers RageTake Note Dems [The New Republic]. White House adviser Stephen Miller is frantically searching for scapegoats to blame for the unfolding disaster around President Donald Trumps massive freeze on federal spending. That may be so, but the White House also cut its losses immediately. More: All of which carries a lesson for Democrats: This is what it looks like when the opposition stirs and uses its power in a unified way to make a lot of what you might call sheer political noise. That can help set the media agenda, throw Trump and his allies on the defensive, and deliver defeats to Trump that deflate his cultish aura of invincibility. And:  nternal party debates suggest that many Democrats believe that Trumps 2024 victory shows voters dont care about the dire threat he poses to democracy and constitutional governance, or that defending them against Trump must be reducible to kitchen table appeals. But the funding freeze fiasco should illustrate that this reading is highly insufficient. An understanding of the moment shaped around the idea that voters are mostly reachable only via economic concernshowever importantfails to provide guidance on how to convey to voters why things like this extraordinary Trumpian power grab actually matter.  How in the name of sweet suffering Jeebus is cutting Medicaid not an economic concern?! (Also, Im so, so tired of Democrats psychologizing things, whether in foreign or domestic policy. Millers rage, Putins fear. Its high school stuff. Provoking an enemys emotional reaction is the subtext of so many stories. Its hardly strategic.) The Trump White House Wants A Court Challenge Over Frozen Funds [HuffPo]. The Trump administrations federal government funding freeze instituted Monday and apparently rescinded Wednesday appears to be a part of the White Houses official policy to get courts to hand President Donald Trump the power to pick and choose which congressionally authorized funding he will spend, according to a confidential document obtained by HuffPost. The confidential Office of Management and Budget document outlining regulatory misalignment calls on Trump to issue executive orders blocking the release of appropriated funds in order to provoke a court challenge over the presidents power to impound such funds. [The] confusing series of events and conflicting statements and actions [over the OMB memo] may be a fiasco, but the confidential OMB document makes clear that the administration intends on fomenting this very court challenge over the presidents power to not spend congressionally authorized funds.  So the lawfare strategy could end up playing the Republicans game, culminating in blowback. How unfortunate theres no other avenue for redress. And here is an even more Machiavellian theory: I rather strongly suspect the funding freeze  revoked today  was simply an experiment to see where all the money was actually going by tracking subsequent screaming and panicked donation requests on social media. Targeted action can be expected to follow later. https://t.co/SESzGTYhlt  Armchair Warlord (@ArmchairW) January 29, 2025 * * * Beware the Deferred Resignation Offer: A Legally Dubious Proposal for Federal Employees [Just Security]. Skipping over the detail on statutes: [A}gencies would still need a valid legal justification for prolonged administrative leave, and it is not clear that OPMs offer would be sufficient.[I]t is not advisable that workers rely on the administrations promise to honor the wishes of employees who elect to resign and then decide instead to stay. Employees considering the deferred resignation offer should be aware that resignation acceptance is not guaranteed Federal employees should not rush into accepting this offer without consulting their union representatives or legal counsel.  And now the Machiavellian part: [T]his plan has the potential to upend entire agencies and divisions if large numbers of employees take the deal. Without sufficient budget space to hire replacements, critical government functions could be severely reduced or even eliminated, leaving essential services that Americans rely on with no staff to carry them out. This lack of a transition strategy makes the proposal not only legally dubious but also highly irresponsible from a public policy standpoint. There is possibly a deeper agenda at play as well. By timing the latest resignation date to the end of the fiscal year, the administration isnt just accelerating workforce reductionsits preemptively cutting these positions from the next federal budget, effectively shrinking agencies permanently .  Ingenious! I Just Got Trumps Buyout Offer at My Job. Let Me Tell You How Thats Going [Salon]. On the fork in the road mail: This email, much of which was copied and pasted from a similar message sent to Twitter employees after Elon MuskTrumps pick to lead his effort to overhaul the civil service, otherwise known as the Department of Government Efficiencytook over that company, proclaims that the federal workforce will be undergoing significant changes. Anyone who didnt want to participate in this new vision was invited to reply Resign to the flagged-as-external email address and collect six months salary, without having to perform any additional work, while they looked for a new job. The details of this offer are confusing, conflict with later OPM FAQs about the program, and seem to run afoul of long-standing legal caps on severance packages. This latest buyout directive is evocative of A.I. gobbledygook, beyond evidently being a copy-and-paste job from Musks Twitter exploits. When technologists assess a new A.I. language tool, the go-to metric is generally not the accuracy of its product, or even the consistency of its answers. It is engagement. Substance is pushed aside in pursuit of simply keeping human eyeballs trained on its messages for as long as possible. Once considered a proxy for contents ability to be valuable or worthwhile, attention itself has become the commodity were after: looks, likes, clicks, play next episode. Unfortunately, one of the easiest ways to engage people is to enrage them.  Interesting to imagine that the whole scheme is designed to extract data on how best to manipulate the Federal workforce via email

Nominations

Tulsi Gabbard will bring sunlight to a rotten system [The Spectator]. Americans have understandably lost trust in our intelligence services. In choosing Lieutenant Colonel Gabbard, President Trump has picked a highly-qualified, reform-minded leader who can regain that trust. The fact that her nomination has engendered such blowback in the media, driven and organized by the failed leadership class of past administrations, is a sign of how much they fear her. They dread what she represents: sunlight and transparency, a bright light confronting a dark, rotten system ridden rife with liars and frauds. The intelligence services of the United States of America ought to be focused on serving our national interest. They ought to be focused on understanding the movements and intentions of the nations foes, anticipating dangers before they emerge and giving the commander-in-chief the information needed to stop those who would harm us. That is the reason they exist. Instead, in recent years, our intelligence services  the same people who swore to uphold the Constitution and defend us against dangerous threats  have time and again turned on the American people.  John Brennan hates her, which is reason enough to confirm her. The Record Shows Tulsi Gabbard Was Not an Apologist for Russia-Backed Syria [Aaron Mate, RealClearInvestigations].  Magisterial from Mate, showing that the Syrian narratives that Gabbard violated were never official intelligence community assessments, but always concocted by administration flaks, through several administrations. Snowden (1): Tulsi Gabbard will be required to disown all prior support for whistleblowers as a condition of confirmation today. I encourage her to do so. Tell them I harmed national security and the sweet, soft feelings of staff. In D.C., that's what passes for the pledge of allegiance. pic.twitter.com/Z1OmOHgvdU  Edward Snowden (@Snowden) January 30, 2025 Snowden (2); Tulsi Gabbard will be required to disown all prior support for whistleblowers as a condition of confirmation today. I encourage her to do so. Tell them I harmed national security and the sweet, soft feelings of staff. In D.C., that's what passes for the pledge of allegiance. pic.twitter.com/Z1OmOHgvdU  Edward Snowden (@Snowden) January 30, 2025 Snowden (3): Exactly: Snowden could have sold that archive. He could have secretly passed it to America's enemies. He could have dumped it all on the internet. He did none of that: he brought it to American journalists and asked that only the parts in the public interest be reported. https://t.co/iCfxdBpMT2  Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) January 30, 2025 If the Republicans can stomach Hegseth, they can man up and confirm Gabbard.

2024 Post Mortem

The Shrinking Electoral Relevance of PAs Suburbs [RealClearPolitics]. Recent data released by the Pennsylvania Department of State indicate that Pennsylvanias suburban voters didnt decide the 2024 presidential election, as has been their customary role in the past. In fact, the data reveal that suburban voters were the elections lagging indicator of a historic political realignment that has reshaped American politics for the foreseeable future. President Trump won Pennsylvania by more than 120,000 votes for two reasons. Compared to four years ago, a surge of nearly 115,000 voters came exclusively from outside of the suburbs. These voters were decidedly Trump voters. Meantime, remarkably, Philadelphia yielded Trump the largest raw vote shift of the election, with the president gaining nearly 50,000 votes in the city. In other words, rural and exurban anti-establishment voters, along with Philadelphias working class, handed the presidency to Trump and delivered a sweep for all statewide Republicans on the ballot.. As trust in institutions continues to erode, suburban voters stand at a crossroads, grappling with the shifting political, cultural, and economic landscape.Their preference for institutional stability is being challenged by a new majority demanding transparency, accountability, and reform. If suburban voters can reconcile these forces, they may reclaim their role as decisive actors in future elections and shape policy. Or, they may be left behind just as the working class was for generations at their expense.

Resistance

Lambert here: I changed the name of this category from #TheResistance (Neera Tandens et al.s 2016 effort) to resistance generally. USDA inspector general escorted out of her office after defying White House [Reuters]  More like this, please. Why comply? Declassified CIA Guide to Sabotaging Fascism Is Suddenly Viral [404 Media]. A declassified World War II-era government guide to simple sabotage is currently one of the most popular open source books on the internet. The book, called Simple Sabotage Field Manual, was declassified in 2008 by the CIA and describes ways to train normal people to be purposefully annoying telephone operators, dysfunctional train conductors, befuddling middle managers, blundering factory workers, unruly movie theater patrons, and so on. In other words, teaching people to do their jobs badly. Over the last week, the guide has surged to become the 5th-most-accessed book on Project Gutenberg, an open source repository of free and public domain ebooks.  For example, the author begins: And:

Democrats en deshabille

Democrats hammered by ugly unpopularity numbers [Axios]. Democrats face an uphill climb. A CNN poll conducted by SSRS earlier this month found that 70% of U.S. adults would describe themselves as disappointed with todays politics. The same CNN poll found that 58% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents say that the party needs major changes or to be completely reformed. Reality check: The Republican Party had worse numbers during much of the first year of Trumps first term than what Democrats are seeing now. The percentage of voters with an unfavorable view of the Republican Party hovered around 60% in 2017, with a peak of 67% in August, according to Quinnipiac.  Handy chart: Ooze, le mot juste: This is the Dems' planooze back into power as the GOP fails, again. There's no big political reform project. Just waiting for the other side to fail. And it'll probably work. It's why no one who failed even bothers with the pretense of accountability.https://t.co/bNZJMe81JV  Mark Ames (@MarkAmesExiled) January 29, 2025 * * * So little party discipline, its not possible to call these swine traitors: 58 Democrats helped Republicans pass the Laken Riley Act, which will enable Trump's ICE to put migrants *accused* of shoplifting in detention, without due process.

As in, with Trump's new call to detain 30,000 migrants in Guantanamo, these Democrats may help put them there: https://t.co/YgOqkhrE8o pic.twitter.com/SyMrMvfcd1  Prem Thakker (@prem_thakker) January 29, 2025 How much you wanna bet that at some point Trump proposes that hardy perennial, the Grand Bargain, and these Democrats join him in finally gutting Social Security and Medicare? Just wait: "A Republican representative who is a member of the DOGE Caucus told me personally that there will be cuts to Social Security and Medicare. These cuts are being proposed to offset the cost of tax handouts for billionaires."  Alex Lawson pic.twitter.com/DFFxjNFjLN  Social Security Works (@SSWorks) January 29, 2025 Id call these swine DINOs, but in fact theyre the heart of the party, the mainstream: 25 votes so far this year in the Senate Most reliable votes against Trump Hirono: 92%

Sanders: 92%

Warren: 92%

Markey: 88%

Schatz: 88% Least likely to vote against Trump:

Fetterman: 16%

Gallego: 36%

Hassan: 36%

Kelly: 36%

Shaheen: 36%https://t.co/J1vkPgVkmL  Jonathan 'Boo and Vote' Cohn (@JonathanCohn) January 30, 2025 So how come these 58 Democrats get a free pass and these two dont (and never did): Trump nominated 2 life-long Democrats to key Cabinet positions  Tulsi as DNI and RFK Jr. as HHS Secretary  and those are the two Senate Dems are most determined to destroy: Tulsi because she questions the US Security State and RFK because he questions Big Pharma and Fauci: https://t.co/MdMMZqlRL2  Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) January 29, 2025 * * * Hoo boy:

Republican Funhouse

Watch: 14 Hours of Never-Before-Published Videos From Project 2025s Presidential Administration Academy [ProPublica]. ProPublica and Documented obtained more than 14 hours of never-before-published videos from Project 2025s Presidential Administration Academy, which are intended to train the next conservative administrations political appointees to be ready on day one.  But Project 2025s plan to train an army of political appointees who could battle against the so-called deep state government bureaucracy remains on track. Video trainings like these are one of the four pillars of that plan, says Spencer Chretien, the associate director of Project 2025, in Political Appointees & The Federal Workforce. For transparency, we are publishing the videos as we obtained them.  Makes you wonder if the writer who butchered the OMB memo was a graduate of the putative academy. Even though there are no transcripts [snarl] no doubt some clever Democratic strategist is scanning these videos now, because they expose what Trumps minions know about government  and what they dont. Somehow, I dont think 14 hours of training videos are gonna cut it.

Syndemics

I am in earnest  I will not equivocate  I will not excuse  I will not retreat a single inch  AND I WILL BE HEARD. William Lloyd Garrison

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Covid Resources, United States (National): Transmission (CDC); Wastewater (CDC, Biobot ; includes many counties; Wastewater Scan, includes drilldown by zip); Variants (CDC; Walgreens); Iowa COVID-19 Tracker (in IA, but national data). Infection Control, Emergency Management, Safety, and General Thoughts (especially on hospitalization by city).

Lambert here: Readers, thanks for the collective effort. To update any entry, do feel free to contact me at the address given with the plants. Please put COVID in the subject line. Thank you!

Resources, United States (Local): AK (dashboard); AL (dashboard); AR (dashboard); AZ (dashboard); CA (dashboard; Marin, dashboard; Stanford, wastewater; Oakland, wastewater); CO (dashboard; wastewater); CT (dashboard); DE (dashboard); FL (wastewater); GA (wastewater); HI (dashboard); IA (wastewater reports); ID (dashboard, Boise; dashboard, wastewater, Central Idaho; wastewater, Coeur dAlene; dashboard, Spokane County); IL (wastewater); IN (dashboard); KS (dashboard; wastewater, Lawrence); KY (dashboard, Louisville); LA (dashboard); MA (wastewater); MD (dashboard); ME (dashboard); MI (wastewater; wastewater); MN (dashboard); MO (wastewater); MS (dashboard); MT (dashboard) ; NC (dashboard); ND (dashboard; wastewater); NE (dashboard); NH (wastewater); NJ (dashboard); NM (dashboard); NV (dashboard; wastewater, Southern NV); NY (dashboard); OH (dashboard); OK (dashboard); OR (dashboard) ; PA (dashboard); RI (dashboard); SC (dashboard); SD (dashboard); TN (dashboard); TX (dashboard); UT (wastewater); VA (wastewater); VT (dashboard); WA (dashboard; dashboard); WI (wastewater); WV ( wastewater ); WY ( wastewater ).

Resources, Canada (National): Wastewater (Government of Canada).

Resources, Canada (Provincial): ON (wastewater); QC (les eaux usees); BC (wastewater); BC, Vancouver (wastewater).

Hat tips to helpful readers: Alexis, anon (2), Art_DogCT, B24S, CanCyn, ChiGal, Chuck L, Festoonic, FM, FreeMarketApologist (4), Gumbo, hop2it, JB, JEHR, JF, JL Joe, John, JM (10), JustAnotherVolunteer, JW, KatieBird, KF, KidDoc, LL, Michael King, KF, LaRuse, mrsyk, MT, MT_Wild, otisyves, Petal (6), RK (2), RL, RM, Rod, square coats (11), tennesseewaltzer, thump, Tom B., Utah, Bob White (3).

Stay safe out there!

* * *

Lambert here: Everythings gone dark except for trusty New York State hospitalization (daily), Walgreens positivity (weekly), and the Cleveland Clinic? Readers, do you have any suggestions about alternatives at state level? Thank you! How I wish we had Biobot back.

TABLE 1: Daily Covid Charts
As with the odds of success of the West against Russia in Ukraine or America in a military contest with China, theres rampant denial of the impact of climate change on property values (commercial as well as residential) in at-risk areas. Along with that is undue fixation of trying to tinker with property insurance as if that could somehow combat the fact that losses are sure to swamp the ability of anyone but perhaps governments to pick up the tab. And thats not a viable solution.

Socialization of risk on this level, particularly given the lack of precedents, is already intensely political and will become only more so. And theres no consensus on what to do. There are still quite a few who regard talk of global warming as a World Economic Forum eat your bugs plot.1 Climate cognoscenti argue for relocating people and communities to more sustainable places. But many are unwilling to move. So as things get more dire, what draconian measure will be imposed to dislodge them? Condemning entire communities with the required eminent domain payoffs?2 Or resorting to cheaper forms of coercion, like cutting off power or water or garbage services?

Or consider what is happening in Los Angeles. Weve pointed out that allowing rebuilding with wooden homes is asking for more of the same. But wood-framed houses are likely the cheapest option. But new construction is going to be beyond the means of most, even in the wealthiest neighborhoods. From Daily Mail:

A Los Angeles realtor believes a staggering 70 percent of Pacific Palisades residents may never return to rebuild their homes Theyre not staying away because they dont want to return, [Josh] Altman told Fox Business. Of course they want to go back there. Theyre not going to return because its simple math. I dont believe theyre going to be able to afford to rebuild. Altman is known for brokering high-end real estate deals across Los Angeles, outlined a daunting economic landscape. Were talking about $1,000 per square foot to build in places like the Palisades and Malibu. With most people heavily underinsured and construction costs skyrocketing  lumber, steel, everything  its just not feasible for many, he said.

And theres been resistance by burnt-out residents to the idea of rebuilding the less affluent Altadena area as apartments. But theres no other realistic option given the typical financial situation.

And this points to a second general problem as to what to do next. No one seems willing to lower the hammer and change zoning requirements in climate-whacked neighborhoods so as to greatly reduce their vulnerability (even assuming such a thing were possible). Instead, the policy focus is on tinkering with insurance, which is a rearranging-the-deck-chairs-on-the-Titanic level reaction. But the fixation on the presently-less-contentious topic of insurance defers dealing with the excruciatingly hard problem about what to do about buildings and communities.

In other words, theres widespread rejection of a new normal: that a downward reset in living standards and/or wealth that many (most?) Katrina victims suffered is in store for all but the wealthiest climate change housing casualties. And as climate damage to real property accumulates, those values will similarly reset in a big way. But due to the way the US property and casualty insurance industry operates, and the problem we flagged above, that the kick-the-can approach is to try to forestall the inevitable with insurance, it will happen on a state-by-state level as opposed to community level.

In other words, as well describe, the inertial path is that in states with large climate change exposed regions, the entire states will have unaffordable or barely affordable home insurance. That means property values will fall. Even cash only buyers face high insurance costs or bearing the risks themselves. For buyers that cant stump up a purchase price, their ability to borrow will be greatly constrained because they have to be able to afford the insurance premiums, and that will eat up so much from a monthly housing budget that very little would be left for mortgage payments. Much lower mortgage borrowings means much lower housing prices.3

Some readers might object to this grim view, since where they can, home insurers are making granular decisions, imposing different rate levels on different communities in a state and giving much harder looks at the type of construction and even efforts at risk mitigation, like creating fire breaks. But when big disasters lead to insurer bankruptcies or state programs being exhausted, the losses are syndicated across the state.4

We recently cited an article from Dissent which focused on what has become the three card Monte of Floridas insurance market to argue for a public model. But as much as that scheme is internally coherent, it foresees a level of government intervention in housing thats not workable in American, even before getting to the Trump libertarian takeover effort underway. But what is happening in Florida looks all too likely to happen in some form in other afflicted states, particularly California. Remember the key fact that insurance is state regulated and each insurer writes policies via an entity in that state. So insurers fail on a state-by-state basis. They can also stop operating in that state. Home insurance policies are typically renewed annually, which is when price increases occur.

Its not hard to see that a death spiral has begun. From Dissent:

More than a dozen insurance companies have exited the Florida market in recent years, and just since 2022 at least six insurers in the state have become insolventleaving homeowners scrambling to find new providers, typically at drastically increased prices. Floridas political leadership has attempted to address these problems with market deregulation and financial incentives. Several public institutions also help to prop up the private insurance market, including Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, a nonprofit public company created as an insurer of last resort in 2002, and the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association, a state-run fund that pays policyholder claims in the event that an insurer goes bankrupt. Despite these efforts, Florida is having trouble retaining large, national, diversified insurance companies, which are more financially stable and often more affordable. The private insurance companies still operating in Florida are primarily newer, smaller companies that conduct almost all of their business in Florida; some have an even narrower focus, such as one company that primarily sells wind-only policies in South Florida. And consumers in Florida are paying the price: homeowners insurance rates in the state are the highest in the nation, averaging over $10,000 per household per year. In some counties, people are paying over 5 percent of their income on policies with Citizens. Despite these problems, Floridas politicians have continued to prioritize creating favorable regulatory conditions for private insurers. One way theyve done this is to impose a depopulation mandate on Citizens, meaning it must force some of its current policyholders off its plans and onto private plans, even if those plans are more expensive. Despite this, Citizens is now the largest insurance company in the state, providing coverage to more than one out of every ten home-owning households. Policymakers in the state have responded with measures to raise Citizens premium rates and further encourage depopulation. These measures mean not only that Citizens rates are going up in several parts of the stateone analysis found that Citizens will have to raise rates in Miami-Dade County by 80 percent in order to comply with a state law that forbids it from competing with private insurersbut also that private insurers can easily obtain a swath of new customers who will have to pay higher rates. Meanwhile, with Citizens now responsible for a tenth of the states policies, it may not have enough capital to fully pay out claims after major disasters. To address this issue, state leaders have permitted Citizens to levy emergency fees on nearly all statewide property insurance policies for as long as is required to repay debt. This means that a serious financial loss for Citizens and other Florida insurers could result in additional fees for residents already dealing with a catastrophe. The Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (a state-run provider of insurance for insurers) and the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association are backed up by yet more emergency fees on policyholders, meaning they could face multiple stacking fees during a devastating hurricane season.

Forgive the detail, but you can see the drift of the gist. More insurers are leaving Florida. Some have gone bankrupt, with the costs imposed on the surviving insurers, meaning in the end their policy holders. The new entrants arent all that strong, financially. Citizens is already imposing what amounts to an emergency levy on all policy-holders (not clear if the surcharges are higher in higher climate exposure areas or not). With the state-wide policy average already at $10,000 and clearly destined to keep rising, home prices falling are what will solve the affordability equation.

Its not hard to see where this is going. Those states that have disaster losses at a level where private insurers and/or state backup funds run dry to the degree that the fix is socializing the costs across all insurers risk eventual widespread price falls, and not just in afflicted communities. California was already seeing its population shrink, allegedly due to high taxes. Sky-high insurance leading will mean smaller mortgages which means on average smaller home prices.

So more will leave these states for destinations that look less exposed to catastrophes and somewhat affordable housing. All cash buyers will pick up properties in the afflicted states and many will become rentals. But those landlords will still want to recover their insurance costs, so its not as if cheaper home prices will translate into all that much of a break for those who stay and choose to or have to rent.

This description may sound anodyne, but the states that tip into an property insurance death spiral will witness great loss of wealth, on top of the direct damage of disaster losses.

If you think that assessment is unduly dire, consider a new Guardian piece pretends that the ultimately uninsurable problem of climate change can be solved via better insurance. Admittedly, the expert cited in the article, Eugenia Cacciatori, does intersperse shocks of sobering reality with patter that I must confess struck me as hand-waves. Im not familiar with UK property insurance regulations and practices. But its not as if a different regime can change bad fundamentals.

But again notice how the article focuses on the market as in insurance, when the problem is the built environment and how important it is to collective wealth and civilized life. From the Guardian in In depth: The future of disaster insurance is under threat all over. Without using the term market failure, Cacciatori describes that happening in large measure already, with insurers not knowing how to price for diverse, changing, and often intersecting disaster risks, and not even knowing what would be the right reduction for mitigation measures. And thats before getting to insurer incentives that can make matters worse. From the article:

The consequences are only likely to worsen as the market adjusts to the new reality in the years ahead. Insurers shouldnt be investing directly in resilience or mitigation measures, she said. Ultimately the responsibility for those decisions to be taken in the public interest has to lie with governments.

So despite the focus on insurance remedies, Cacciatori does acknowledge that real property is ultimately a physical problem and governments will need to make decisions.or engage in less and less effective short-term responses as problems escalate.

But later the article posits:

It obviously isnt realistic to imagine that the entire population of somewhere like Los Angeles could up sticks and recreate the city somewhere safer, which means that a viable insurance industry is a non-negotiable.

Huh? Since when is there a God-given right to insurance? As economist Herbert Stein once said, If something cannot go on forever, it will stop. But this is why the authors dont want to think hard about the alternative:

If a particular countrys insurance industry fails, that is obviously a huge problem for the people who rely on it. But there are wider risks as well: if insurance becomes unaffordable, property values collapse. That could easily create a 2008-style financial crisis.

Dissent reached a similar conclusion:

If insurance becomes too expensive to maintain for either side, this fragile bargain could unravel, leading real estate markets to crumble and forcing homeowners to walk away from their mortgages despite years of investment. Such trends could spiral into a broader economic crisis, not unlike the one we experienced with the subprime bubble.

So reality is starting to sink in. But the financial implications are an existential threat to fundamental economic arrangements. And the US lacks the trust level, institutional competence, and muscular governments to hack through these Gordian knots. So dont expect good outcomes.

____

1 And no, these are not uneducated mouth-breathers. I happen to know two personally, as in my very limited circle of real world contacts. Both went to highly regarded undergraduate schools. One is a very top professional in his field, holds an advanced degree, lectures international and has advised governments. The other is recently retired and was a university professor in computer science.

2 Of course, then the argument would become that the real estate was not worth much due to being so climate-risk exposed.

3 The same problems exist for commercial property in these same area, even though many types favor less climate-exposed steel and concrete structures. But if the homeowners in the communities take big wealth hits and/or decamp to less climate-risky parts of the US, that will hurt the profits and even viability of local businesses.

4 These responses are still evolving. If a state program like Cal Fire runs out of money, the state could always raise taxes. But at least so far, trying to launder the bailouts through private insurers seems more prevalent. Reader confirmations or corrections welcome.
A New Zealand mountain is granted personhood, recognizing it as sacred for Maori AP

Ambassador Chas Freeman: Israel, Palestine, US, Iran, Russia-Ukraine, Middle East, China (video) India & Global Left, YouTube

Gold stockpiling in New York leads to London shortage FT

DC Airport Collision

Here is the full ADS-B data available for the unknown military aircraft that crashed into AA5342. Can anyone from the aviation community comment on the altitudes of <500ft AGL or if those are even accurate off ADS-B transponders? pic.twitter.com/1OIJtDMhyl

American Airlines plane has collided with a helicopter in midair during approach to Reagan National, FAA says Yahoo Finance. The flightpath of the helicopter:

California Burning

Syndemics

How pandemic helped the far right rise to power and what can be done about it European Pravda

China?

US Navy confirms drone hellscape for use against PLA in Taiwan Strait is on track South China Morning Post

Syraqistan

New ICJ president plagiarized in the name of Christian Zionism The Grayzone

New Not-So-Cold War

Why would Russia regard it as gravely threatening to have NATO sitting on the other side of its border just because EU bureaucrats like this are openly musing on the importance of going into Russia, smashing it, changing its government, and breaking it up into little pieces? https://t.co/ufxmgts8j4

European Disunion

Trump Administration

DEI consultants respond to affirmative action rollback Pitchbook. The lead: President Donald Trumps new executive order ending affirmative action for federal contractors has already started to shake up private equity-owned businesses selling services in this space. Thats a damn shame.

Trump to prepare facility at Guantanamo for 30,000 migrants Reuters. Commentary:

The precedent for Trump's order was set by George HW Bush and Bill Clinton, who detained thousands of Haitians at Guantanamo during the early 1990's, following the US-backed coup that removed Haiti's elected leader, Jean-Bertrand Aristide. This was Gitmo in 1991: https://t.co/id77EWm7Nt pic.twitter.com/VzuwLUE9as  Max Blumenthal (@MaxBlumenthal) January 30, 2025

Trump makes moves to expand his power, sparking chaos and a possible constitutional crisis AP

Trump gifts Elon Musk the Lincoln Bedroom at the White House after turning DOGE office into sleeping quarters Daily Mail

Tension builds around Tulsi Gabbards confirmation with key GOP Senators undecided FOX

Trump pledges to deport Hamas sympathisers on college campuses Al Jazeera

Deferred Culling Email to President Nyarlathoteps Workforce McSweeneys Internet Tendency. The Reformed Cult of the Dread Lord will be built around four pillars.

A Tumultuous Week for Federal Cybersecurity Efforts Krebs on Security

Lobbying firms tied to Trump report wave of new clients Politico

No US funding used for condoms or family planning in Gaza: Aid group Anadolu Agency. Commentary:

LOL  So it looks like the "condoms in Gaza" were being sent to the province of "Gaza" inMozambique. If the Administration doesn't like the idea of helping fight STDs in Africa (like PEPFAR) then they should say so. But they thought you'd think of that other Gaza. https://t.co/m2FbijaDKr pic.twitter.com/4Je70ZtScz  Aaron Astor (@AstorAaron) January 29, 2025

Christianity today:

JD VANCE: There is a Christian concept that you love your family and then you love your neighbor, and then you love your community, and then you love your fellow citizens, and then after that, prioritize the rest of the world A lot of the far left has completely inverted that pic.twitter.com/XkoTiKgq3g  Jack Poso  (@JackPosobiec) January 30, 2025

Lets cite to chapter and verse. Matthew 22:36-39:

36 Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 And he said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Mark 12:28-31:

28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, Of all the commandments, which is the most important? 29 The most important one, answered Jesus, is this: Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.[a] 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'[b] 31 The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself.'[c] There is no commandment greater than these.

Galatians 5:13-15:

13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love be servants of one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 15 But if you bite and devour one another take heed that you are not consumed by one another.

As you can see, family doesnt enter into it, nor Vances larger concentric concept. I dont know whether Vance is ignorant or heretical; considering the travesty that family-friendly/family values conservatives have made of Christianity, I suspect the latter.
Yves here. Richard Wolff gives a new vantage on settler colonialism as practiced by Israel through the lens of being descended from Holocaust survivors and victims and having made colonialism the subject of his dissertation. Wolff based on his research is optimistic that the Palestinians will eventually prevail. I am not so sure. Past colonialists either displaced the original population (see the US with Native Americans) or exploited them as a labor force. Israel is determined to exterminate Palestinians if it cannot succeed in ethnic cleansing. Its not clear which timeline will move faster: the Israel destruction of Palestinians or Israels self-destruction.

By Richard D. Wolff, professor of economics emeritus at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a visiting professor in the Graduate Program in International Affairs of the New School University, in New York. Wolffs weekly show, Economic Update, is syndicated by more than 100 radio stations and goes to millions via several TV networks and YouTube. His most recent book with Democracy at Work is Understanding Capitalism (2024), which responds to requests from readers of his earlier books: >Understanding Socialism and Understanding Marxism. Produced by Economy for All, a project of the Independent Media Institute

My birth emerged from European capitalisms fascistic catastrophe in the 1920s1940s. That catastrophe also produced Israels experiment with settler colonialism in Palestine. This article refers to both these incidents to analyze the current Palestine-Israel catastrophe.

My reasons or qualifications to write such an article start with the fact that my maternal grandmother and grandfather were killed at the Nazis Mauthausen concentration camp. My fathers sister was killed in Auschwitz. My mother and her sister spent years in different concentration camps. Because of these events, my parents fled Europe and started a family in the United States. Like some other descendants of victims who witnessed such atrocities, I have tried to understand their victimization and the complex effects this had on my life directly and indirectly.

Descendants differ in their responses to what happened. Some turn inward seeking safety in a survival-focused disengagement from the larger world and its history. Some try for comfort by believing that part or all of the world has moved beyond the conditions that produced fascisms victimizations. Some suffer long-simmering mixtures of impotence, rage, and fear that it will happen again. Among them are those who fight fascism wherever they see it reemerge and also those who perpetrate further cycles of victimization against others. Still others try to work out an understanding by writing articles and books.

Israel tried to operate settler colonialism on the pattern of earlier European settler colonialisms established around the world. That effort linked to me indirectly in a remarkably personal way. Without grasping why, I chose to participate in a program for Harvard and Radcliffe undergraduates that took 20 of us to East Africa in the early 1960s as volunteers for a summer of teaching. I began to learn there what settler colonialism meant. Further studies grew into my doctoral dissertation later at Yale based on research in the records of Londons Colonial Office and the British Museum. My resulting book, The Economics of Colonialism: Britain and Kenya, 18701930(New Haven, Yale University Press, 1974), tried to analyze Kenyas settler colonialist economy.

Britain had expelled the native population and reserved the nations fertile highlands for a few thousand of its white emigres. In addition to land and police protection, Britain provided its emigres with coffee seeds, transport, and a market to operate a Kenya-grown coffee export economy. The millions of Kenyan Blacks forcibly relocated into constricted reservations found them to be inadequate to sustain their lives. Their survival thus required them to do low-wage labor on the coffee plantations of the white settlers. Taxes on those low wages helped finance the British colonial government that enforced a ruthlessly exploitative settler colonial system. This economic and racialized apartness in Kenya paralleled the better-known apartheid in South Africa.

Such economic systems provoke constant resistance ranging from desperate individual and small group acts to mass movements to organized rebellions. These acts of resistance occurred in Kenya, South Africa, and elsewhere too. Britain routinely repressed them. In Kenya, eventually, organizers gathered around Jomo Kenyatta and mobilized the so-called Kenya Land and Freedom Army to rebel. Their fight widely came to be known as the 1950s Mau Mau uprising against the British government. That uprisings death counts included 63 British military officers, 33 settlers, more than 1,800 native policemen and auxiliary soldiers, and the widely held guesstimate of more than 11,000 Kenyan rebels. The British repressed the rebellion, imprisoned Kenyatta, and loudly declared victory.

Britains victory, however, sounded the death knell for its Kenya colony. Mau Mau showed the British the rising levels of resistance and rebellion they would face indefinitely from the settler colonies they had created. British politicians saw these as mushrooming costs of the colonies they could not afford. Since the end of World War II, European colonialisms had been dissolving almost everywhere. British leaders could not escape accommodating the historical reality. Shortly after Mau Mau, Britain acknowledged Kenyas national independence, freed Kenyatta, and accepted him as Kenyas new leader. Independence ended Kenyas settler colonialism.

The Kenya lesson in settler colonialism deeply impacted British leaders but proved one that Israeli leaders refused to learn from. Given the particular histories of Zionism and European Jews, most Israeli leaders were determined to impose settler colonialism on the Palestinian people and to preserve it by force.

Israeli leaders declaration of independence in May 1948 provoked immediate Palestinian and Arab resistance that has continued to this moment. Mass movements and broad rebellions have punctuated that resistance and enjoyed increasing external support (from Arab, Islamic, and other sources). The demise of previous European settler colonialisms left a legacy of immense difficulties for Israeli efforts to erect and sustain another.

One crucial aspect of their response to those difficulties was to form an alliance with a world power that could help defend its settler colonialism. The resulting close alliance with the United States positioned Israel as its front-line agent in the Middle East, the United Statess dominant military extension to where major global energy resources were located. Undercutting Israels early socialist, collectivist, and kibbutzim components was facilitated by the alliance with the United States. Most Zionist leaders willingly paid the price of this alliance. Another price was Israels military, economic, and political dependence on the United States. Finally, Israeli leaders cultivated strong cultural and family connections to financially and politically influential partner communities inside the U.S. and Europe. In these ways, Israeli leaders hoped that settler colonialism might survive and grow despite many examples in history that proved otherwise.

For some decades it seemed, to many inside and outside Israel, that its leaders strategy and connections might secure its settler colonialism. But then what happened in Kenya began to repeat itself in Israel (each in different conditions). Palestinians resisted, mass movements followed, and finally, powerful, organized rebellions arose. Israeli victories over each in turn proved to be mere preludes to later, higher forms of opposition with ever more global support. Israeli victories resembled those achieved by their British counterparts in Kenya.

It is equally clear now in Israel and Palestine that the prospect of endless warfare into the future is going to likely cost ever more lives and injuries, physical and psychical damages, and economic and political losses. The victims who survived Israels extreme violence in Gaza are already surfacing more motivated, better trained, and with more effective weapons to take up their fight. The children of those victims will likewise include many determined to end Israels settler colonialism.

History, and now time itself, is on the Palestinians side. Even a staunch Israeli supporter like former Secretary of State Antony Blinken had to admit a stark reality (although he neither admitted its historic meaning nor its political implications). He said, Indeed, we assess that Hamas has recruited almost as many new militants as it has lost. That is a recipe for an enduring insurgency and perpetual war.

Britains dying empire forced its acceptance of Kenyas independence in 1963 and the end of its settler colonialism. The current decline of the United States empire is forcing something similar in Israel. After the latest and the worst Gaza war, Israels crucial ally is inching closer to the conclusion Britain reached in Kenya after the Mau Mau uprising.

For growing numbers of United States leaders, the risks and costs of its alliance with Israel are rising faster than the benefits. Many have been persuaded, including United States citizens, that providing Israel with funds and weapons rendered the United States complicit in a genocide and, therefore, isolated globally. The ceasefire imposed by Donald Trump has followed. Whether and how it functions and how Israel resists and evades the ongoing criticism will matter far less than the more basic trajectory underway now. History suggests that Benjamin Netanyahu or his successors will eventually be disconnected from the United States. Their lost alliance will hasten the end of Israels settler colonialism.
The legislation discussed during the special session will have major implications on the states budget this year  from the cost of the governors education plans to East Tennessee disaster relief funds and even the potential financial implications of any immigration legislation.

As of this writing, those are all unknown factors, though its not unusual for details on the states budget to be unclear this early in a legislative session. During last years session, the state preemptively set aside $144 million in the fiscal year 2025 budget for Gov. Bill Lees Education Freedom Scholarship legislation. That money will be returned to the general fund for the fiscal year 2026 budget, so its expected that  should the legislation pass this year  lawmakers will utilize those funds for the governors school voucher plan.

But those pending large-ticket items are concerning to state Democrats, who would seek to use the states revenues in other ways  ways that are unlikely to pass, since Tennessees Republican supermajority controls the votes.

In December 2024, the states tax revenues were $1.9 billion  $21 million less than in December 2023. Comparing August through December 2024 to the same period during 2023, total tax revenues decreased by 0.18 percent. Tax revenues for those months during 2024 were also considered under the budget estimate.

The states revenues are underperforming due to a change to corporate taxes made by the legislature last year. While sales, fuel and other taxes are coming in slightly above estimates, the corporate franchise and excise tax numbers are significantly below estimates, and are down in year-over-year comparison. Franchise and excise tax revenue was down 12.59 percent, or $66.6 million, in December compared to the same month the previous year. And when comparing August through December 2024 to the same months in 2023, that tax revenue was down 24.92 percent, or $364.7 million.

In that same period of comparison, all other tax revenue was up $349.4 million  meaning the $15.3 million in decreased revenues was due to the franchise and excise tax revenue shortfall.

Legislature Passes State Budget Democrats voice concern regarding unknown franchise tax, school voucher legislation

This decrease was something Democrats warned about when the legislature enacted changes to the franchise tax last year, calling the adjustment a corporate handout. Businesses now pay franchise taxes based solely on their net worth, with the amount of property they own in the state no longer a factor. The fiscal year 2025 budget included a $150 million line item to make up for the fiscal year 2024 budgets undercollection. Now, pretty early in the year, its looking like the fiscal year 2026 budget may require a similar item to make up for shortfalls once again.

The state is also eyeing a potential change to its real estate transfer tax this year. Right now, when a home is sold, taxes are collected by the state. But House Bill 95 and Senate Bill 126 would return half of taxes collected to the county in which the property was sold. As it stands now, that legislation is bipartisan and carried by Rep. Johnny Shaw (D-Bolivar) and Sen. Page Walley (R-Savannah)  which is no surprise, considering most legislators would be happy to return tax revenue to their home counties. The legislation is being supported vocally by political and business leaders in Williamson County, the home of Gov. Lee and Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin).

That legislation, along with any other bills that have financial effects, will require a fiscal review, and the state will consider any potential decrease in state revenue or cost implications to the fiscal year 2026 budget.
In previous years, abortion and gender-affirming care have each taken a turn dominating the headlines made by the Tennessee General Assembly. This year, legislators have introduced a smorgasbord of new bills in the health care realm that play off laws from past sessions.

Perhaps the most extreme bill comes from Rep. Gino Bulso (R-Brentwood), who wants to create a $5 million civil penalty for companies or people who distribute mifepristone for the purpose of a medication abortion. As it stands, Tennesseans can order the drug in the mail, despite past attempts from the legislature to ban that capability. Since the end of last years legislative session, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that anti-abortion groups did not have the legal standing to challenge the Food and Drug Administrations approval of the drug too. Mifepristone can be used in pregnancies at fewer than 70 days gestation and accounts for nearly two-thirds of abortions in 2023, but the drug is also used in hospitals during miscarriages.

During the previous legislative session, Sen. Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville), who is a physician, said he would introduce legislation to allow for abortions in the case of fatal fetal anomalies  fetuses with complications so severe that they could not sustain life outside of the womb. After tabling the bill following pressure from lobbyists, Briggs told the Scene it was his biggest disappointment of the session. He tells the Scene that, as of this writing, he is not prepared to release a statement on bringing similar legislation this year.

From the Democrats, a bill introduced by Rep. Yusuf Hakeem (D-Memphis) would allow for abortions in the case of rape and incest. Similar legislation, including a law that would allow abortions for children under age 13, was shot down in 2024. In addition, Senate Minority Leader Raumesh Akbari (D-Memphis) has introduced a bill to protect the existing rights to IVF and hormonal birth control, following the failure of a similar effort in 2024. Rep. Aftyn Behn (D-Nashville) and Sen. London Lamar (D-Memphis) are making a second symbolic attempt to legalize abortion in the state as well.

Sen. Charlane Oliver (D-Nashville) and Behn have also introduced legislation that would make preschool free for every 4-year-old in Tennessee.

Tennessee is one of 10 states that have not expanded Medicaid coverage, and several pieces of legislation seek to slightly loosen the programs restrictions. A bipartisan bill was filed by Sen. Jeff Yarbro (D-Nashville) and Rep. Charlie Baum (R-Murfreesboro) to establish a TennCare benefits program that could provide assistance on a temporary basis for those who dont qualify for TennCare. Baum is also seeking to establish a statewide cost savings incentive program for health care, a model that rewards individuals or groups for saving money. Another bill urges TennCare to cover testing for preeclampsia.

Sen. Lamar Plans Family-Focused Bills I want to at least make sure theyre going to make it out alive, says Memphis Democrat of expectant mothers

Additional legislation from Rep. Brock Martin (R-Huntingdon) and Sen. Ed Jackson (R-Jackson) would establish minimum and maximum reimbursement rates for rural hospitals, with other legislation focusing on TennCare reimbursement rates for air ambulances and ground ambulance services.

Lamar is also planning to build on her previous doula-related legislation with SB 44, which directs the Department of Health to provide a process by which doulas can be certified to be covered by TennCare.
Great Awakening: How Canadas corporate retreat from wokeness signals a cultural shift

Major corporations including Walmart, Starbucks and Ford are abandoning Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in Canada, reflecting a broader rejection of "woke" ideology.

The corporate retreat from DEI programs is driven by a growing awareness that these initiatives often exacerbate division rather than foster unity, as well as legal and cultural challenges such as lawsuits and the U.S. Supreme Courts 2023 decision on affirmative action.

Research indicates that DEI training can lead to increased workplace tensions, racial suspicion and hostility, rather than promoting inclusion and unity.

Canadians are increasingly uncomfortable with woke ideology, with polls showing that a majority oppose racial preferences in schools and other identity-based policies.

The retreat from DEI marks a pivotal moment for Canada, signaling a shift towards promoting dignity, equality and solidarity, and away from divisive identity politics.

As 2025 dawns, a seismic shift is underway in Canadas corporate and cultural landscape. Major corporations, including Walmart, Starbucks and Ford Motor Company, are abandoning Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, signaling a broader rejection of woke ideology. This retreat marks a turning point in the battle against identity politics, as companies and institutions grapple with the unintended consequences of DEI programs. For conservatives, this moment is not just a victory but a vindication of long-held skepticism about the divisive nature of these policies.

The movement away from DEI is not merely a corporate trend; it reflects a growing awareness among Canadians that these initiatives often exacerbate division rather than foster unity. As Christie Pritchard writes in Druthers, It now seems major corporations in Canada have figured that out. And as we welcome the arrival of 2025, it seems pretty clear that woke ideology is on its way out.

Corporate exodus: Walmart leads the charge

Walmart, the worlds largest private employer, has taken the most significant step in dismantling its DEI framework. The company announced sweeping changes, including erasing DEI-related terminology, ending DEI training programs and shifting away from prioritizing underrepresented groups in hiring and supplier selection. Walmarts statement emphasized a desire to foster a sense of belonging and open doors to opportunities for all, signaling a pivot toward a more inclusive, merit-based approach.

But Walmart is not alone. Starbucks, Ford, Boeing and other major corporations have followed suit, rolling back DEI initiatives that were once central to their corporate identities. This shift is particularly striking given the billions of dollars invested in DEI programs globally. A 2022 report by ReportLinker projected DEI spending to reach $17.2 billion by 2027, but that projection now seems increasingly unlikely.

The corporate retreat from DEI is not just a reaction to public sentiment; it is also a response to legal and cultural challenges. The U.S. Supreme Courts 2023 decision to strike down affirmative action in college admissions has emboldened critics of race and gender-based programs. Dozens of lawsuits have been filed against employers, targeting diversity hiring practices and mentorship programs that prioritize specific demographics.

DEIs unintended consequences

Critics of DEI initiatives have long argued that these programs foster division rather than inclusion. Recent research supports this claim. A 2024 study by Ontario academic David Haskell found that DEI training often exacerbates workplace tensions, creating more hostility rather than reducing it. Similarly, a 2021 article in the Annual Review of Psychology expressed disappointment over the lack of evidence supporting the effectiveness of diversity training.

Perhaps the most groundbreaking research comes from the Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI) and Rutgers Universitys Social Perception Lab. Their study found that exposure to DEI practices engendered a hostile attribution bias  and heightened racial suspicion  amplifying perceptions of prejudicial hostility where none was present.

For example, participants in the study were presented with a race-neutral scenario about a student applying to an elite university. Despite no evidence of discrimination, those exposed to DEI materials were more likely to perceive bias and demand punitive actions, such as suspending the admission officer or requiring additional DEI training. In one shocking scenario, DEI training material made participants more willing to agree with Hitlers quotes when the word Jew was replaced with Brahmin.

These findings are particularly significant given that 40% of Canadian and 52% of American workers undergo some form of DEI training. The research underscores the dangers of policies that prioritize identity over merit and foster resentment rather than unity.

Canadas growing discontent with wokeness

The corporate retreat from DEI reflects a broader cultural shift in Canada. Polls show that Canadians are increasingly uncomfortable with woke ideology, particularly its emphasis on identity politics and its divisive rhetoric. As Peter Copeland writes in The Hub, Most Canadians dont support the ideologies underlying these phenomena. Like Americans and Brits, they oppose racial preferences in schools, the prioritization of gender self-identification over biological sex, and gender reassignment surgery for minors.

This discontent is not limited to corporate policies. It extends to education, healthcare and public discourse. Canadians are questioning the wisdom of policies that prioritize equity over equality, and they are increasingly skeptical of the elites who promote these ideas. As Copeland notes, A cultural elite has taken a long march through institutions, promoting a vision of equity. Marxist class struggle has shifted to the cultural sphere.

Yet, the tide is turning. Canadians are beginning to push back against the excesses of woke ideology, demanding a return to common sense and shared values. As Copeland argues, We need to propose an alternative to wokeness in public discourse. Instead of diversity, equity and inclusion, we should promote dignity, equality and solidarity, or merit, equality and fairness.

New path forward

The retreat from DEI and woke ideology marks a pivotal moment in Canadas cultural and political landscape. It is a moment of reckoning for the elites who have promoted these divisive policies and a moment of opportunity for those who seek to restore unity and common sense.

As we move into 2025, it is clear that the era of wokeness is waning. Canadians are demanding a new approach  one that prioritizes merit, equality and shared values over identity politics and division. The challenge now is to build a society that truly fosters belonging and opportunity for all, without resorting to the divisive tactics of the past.

In the words of Christie Pritchard, True progress will come by uniting us all as humans rather than dividing us by our demographics. The end of wokeness is not just a victory for conservatives; it is a victory for all Canadians who value unity, fairness and common sense.

Sources include:

TheExpose.com

Reddit.com

MLI.ca
EU weighs EV subsidies to counter Chinese dominance in auto market

The European Union is considering introducing pan-European subsidies to bolster its electric vehicle (EV) industry and protect domestic car manufacturers from cheaper Chinese imports.

The proposed subsidies aim to counter the threat posed by Chinese EVs, which could cost European automakers up to 7 billion ($7.7 billion) annually in lost profits by 2030, according to a recent Allianz Trade study.

The plan faces significant hurdles, including compliance with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and the challenge of ensuring that subsidies do not inadvertently benefit Chinese manufacturers.

The EU's efforts are part of a broader strategy to support its green industry and ensure competitiveness in the global market, including updating capacities of European carmakers to meet global demand for EVs.

Teresa Ribera, the Commissions Executive Vice-President, emphasized the need for a unified approach and ruled out delaying the 2035 deadline for ending the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles.

The European Union is considering a bold move to bolster its electric vehicle (EV) industry by introducing pan-European subsidies, a response to the growing threat posed by Chinese automakers. The proposal, discussed at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, aims to protect Europes domestic car manufacturers from being undercut by cheaper Chinese imports. This development comes as projections suggest that Chinese EVs could cost European automakers up to 7 billion ($7.7 billion) annually in lost profits by 2030, according to a recent Allianz Trade study.

The EUs potential subsidy scheme underscores the blocs determination to maintain its competitive edge in the global automotive market, a sector that contributes significantly to its economy. However, the plan faces significant hurdles, including compliance with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and the challenge of ensuring that subsidies do not inadvertently benefit Chinese manufacturers.

The Chinese challenge: A threat to Europes auto industry

The rise of Chinese EVs has sent shockwaves through Europes automotive sector. Chinese automakers, buoyed by substantial government subsidies, have been able to produce EVs at lower costs, enabling them to offer competitive prices in international markets. This has led to a surge in Chinese EV imports into Europe, threatening the profitability of domestic brands.

According to the Allianz Trade report, Chinese EV imports could cost the EU over 24 billion ($25.2 billion) in economic output by 2030, equivalent to 0.15% of the blocs GDP. For automotive-dependent economies like Germany, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, the impact could be even more severe, with potential GDP losses of up to 0.4%.

The stakes are high for Europes automotive industry: four out of five cars sold in Europe are assembled locally, the report noted. Europe is also the worlds export powerhouse in the sector, with car trade generating between 70 billion and 110 billion in trade surplus for the European economy every year over the past decade.

A unified approach: EU subsidies vs. fragmented national programs

In response to the growing threat, the European Commission is exploring the possibility of implementing a pan-European EV subsidy scheme. Teresa Ribera, the Commissions Executive Vice-President, emphasized the need for a unified approach during her remarks at Davos.

It makes sense to see how we could figure out in a pan-European perspective, how to facilitate the measures instead of going through national subsidies, Ribera said. She warned against a fragmented approach, where individual member states might adopt conflicting policies, leading to a race where we could be confronting one national model versus another one.

Currently, EV incentives vary widely across the EU, with some member states offering no purchase subsidies at all, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association. A coordinated subsidy program could help level the playing field and stimulate demand for European-made EVs.

Navigating WTO rules and the road ahead

While the proposed subsidies aim to support European automakers, they must comply with WTO regulations, which prohibit measures that unfairly favor domestic producers or hinder international competition. Designing a subsidy scheme that benefits European manufacturers without violating these rules will be a delicate balancing act.

Ribera acknowledged the complexity of the task, stating that there is a complicated balance to be struck between rapid electrification and ensuring that European brands can meet the demand for EVs in terms of both quantity and quality.

The EUs efforts to support its auto industry come at a time when the sector is undergoing a significant transformation. The bloc has set a 2035 deadline for ending the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles, a move that has been met with mixed reactions from automakers. While some have embraced the transition to electrification, others have expressed concerns about the feasibility of meeting the ambitious targets.

Ribera ruled out delaying the 2035 deadline, stating that the industry needs predictability and clarity. However, she indicated a willingness to be flexible on annual EV sales targets and the fines carmakers face for missing them.

A broader strategy for Europes green industry

The proposed EV subsidy scheme is part of a broader strategy to support Europes green industry and ensure its competitiveness in the global market. Ribera highlighted the importance of updating the capacities of European carmakers and helping them catch up with global demand for EVs.

Europes carmakers needed a comprehensive view on how to update their capacities and to catch up in what is already being demanded worldwide, she said.

Beyond the automotive sector, Ribera expressed a willingness to explore additional measures to benefit European industry, including local content requirements to shield European manufacturers from foreign competition.

As the EU navigates the challenges posed by Chinese competition and the transition to a greener economy, the proposed EV subsidies represent a critical step in safeguarding the future of its automotive industry. However, the success of this initiative will depend on the blocs ability to strike the right balance between supporting domestic producers and adhering to international trade rules.

The stakes are high, and the road ahead is fraught with challenges. But for Europes carmakers, the fight to remain competitive in an increasingly electrified world is one they cannot afford to lose.

Sources include:

San.com

FT.com

Reuters.com
LA residents fume at mayor for saying they can start rebuilding immediately when they are barred from returning to their homes

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass faced strong criticism from residents during a roundtable with President Donald Trump over her claim that homeowners could rebuild immediately despite being barred from accessing their fire-ravaged neighborhoods.

Residents expressed anger and disbelief, with one stating they were blocked from even seeing their homes, while Basss vague assurances of expedited rebuilding failed to ease concerns.

Bass' approval ratings have dropped significantly amid backlash over her handling of the crisis, including her absence during the fires due to a trip to Africa.

Trump urged Bass to use emergency powers to cut bureaucratic delays, criticizing local leadership as the bottleneck and pledging federal support for recovery efforts.

The lack of clear directives from city officials has left displaced residents in limbo, unable to make critical decisions about their futures, deepening the crisis of confidence in Basss leadership.

Frustrated Los Angeles residents strongly criticized Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass during a roundtable discussion with President Donald Trump and the victims of the Pacific Palisades wildfire after she suggested that residents will be allowed to start rebuilding their homes immediately even when they are not even allowed to return to their devastated neighborhoods.

The mayor's assertion that residents could begin rebuilding their homes "right away" was met with disbelief and anger from homeowners who have yet to even see the ruins of their properties.

Bass, who returned from a trip to Africa as the fires raged, has faced mounting criticism for her handling of the crisis. Her approval ratings have plummeted, with more than half of Angelenos disapproving of her leadership, according to a recent Madison McQueen poll. (Related: Delayed evacuation order in Pacific Palisades wildfire left homes burning and roads gridlocked, AP finds.)

The tension was palpable at the Pacific Palisades fire station, where residents pressed Bass for clarity on when they could return to their neighborhoods and begin rebuilding. One resident, visibly exasperated, confronted the mayor, stating that they had been told by the Army Corps of Engineers that the rebuilding process could take up to 18 months. Bass' response  that the city and county were "slashing regulations" and "expediting everything"  did little to assuage their concerns.

"We can't even see our homes right now," one woman shouted, her voice trembling with frustration. "We are blocked from entering our street. The first time we saw our house was yesterday."

Bass, seemingly caught off guard by the intensity of the backlash, offered a hesitant response, suggesting residents might be allowed back into their neighborhoods within a week. But her vague assurances only fueled the crowd's anger.

Trump, who had flown to Los Angeles to survey the damage and meet with local leaders, did not hold back in his criticism of Bass.

"You have emergency powers, just like I do," he told the mayor, urging her to cut through bureaucratic red tape. Trump argued that the federal government was ready to assist, but local leadership appeared to be the bottleneck.

The president's frustration was evident as he questioned the delays, particularly the mention of "hazardous waste" as a barrier to rebuilding. "What's hazardous waste?" Trump asked, pressing Bass to define the term and insisting that residents should be allowed to access their properties immediately.

Pacific Palisades homeowners frustrated with lack of clear directives from city

For the homeowners in attendance, the roundtable was less about political posturing and more about finding answers to urgent, life-altering questions. Many are living in temporary housing, unsure of how long they'll need to rent or whether they'll ever be able to return to their neighborhoods. The lack of a clear timeline from local officials has left them in limbo, unable to make critical decisions about their futures.

Bass' insistence that the city is doing "everything we can" rang hollow for many in the room. Her claim that residents could begin clearing their properties if they wished was met with derision, as one woman pointed out that they are still barred from entering their neighborhoods.

The mayor's struggles to provide clear, actionable information have only deepened the crisis of confidence in her leadership. Her recent trip to Africa, which coincided with the outbreak of the fires, has further fueled criticism that she was absent during a critical moment for her city.

Meanwhile, Trump's visit highlighted the stark contrast between federal urgency and local bureaucracy. The president pledged to declare the wildfire recovery effort a national emergency, which would allow for immediate federal permits to expedite rebuilding. He also criticized the Federal Emergency Management Agency, calling it "incompetently run" and suggesting that disaster relief should be handled at the state level with federal funding.

Despite his contentious relationship with Californias leadership, Trump promised the full support of the federal government, vowing to return to celebrate the communitys recovery.

"We're going to turn it around, and we're going to open the coffers," he said.

Watch this video discussing the ongoing investigation into the cause of the Pacific Palisades fire.

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Media outlets and personalities whine about exhaustion just days into Trumps presidency

Media outlets and personalities express exhaustion with President Trump's second term, contrasting sharply with the perceived lack of scrutiny during President Biden's administration.

Biden's presidency was marked by limited public engagement and media access, with aides reportedly shielding him from intense scrutiny.

Trump's return has brought a flood of executive orders, policy shifts and controversial actions, such as withdrawing from international agreements and addressing border security.

Journalists describe feeling overwhelmed by the rapid pace and volume of Trump's actions, contrasting with the relative calm of Biden's tenure.

Trump's presidency challenges media norms, capitalizes on public distrust of mainstream outlets and advances an agenda critical of "woke" policies and global elites.

Just days into President Donald Trump's second term, media outlets and personalities are already exclaiming how exhausted they feel with his presidency.

This represents a stark contrast to the relative lack of complaints from these same media outlets and personalities during former President Joe Biden's administration.

During Biden's tenure, the media enjoyed what some have called a "four-year vacation." Biden rarely gave interviews, avoided press conferences and was often shielded by aides who reportedly protected him from cabinet members, donors, pollsters and even top Democratic lawmakers, as per reports featuring statements from former White House aides, who revealed that the Biden team managed a "diminished" president and ensured he was rarely exposed to the same level of scrutiny that Trump has faced since his first day in office way back in 2017. (Related: Trump signs executive order to end federal censorship and protect free speech.)

But with Trumps return, the media landscape has been flooded with executive orders, policy announcements and headline-grabbing actions. These include withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization and the Paris climate treaty and reversing Biden-era executive orders and regulations. His administration has also declared an emergency at the southern border, ordered military personnel to secure it and begun mass deportations of illegal immigrants  a move that has already drawn both praise and criticism.

Journalists express feeling fatigued by Trump presidency

Media personalities, however, are struggling to keep up. Tara Palmeri of Puck lamented that day four of Trump's presidency "feels like month four," expressing hesitation to report on the news for fear of adding to the "deluge of Trump coverage."

Susan Glasser of the New Yorker echoed this sentiment, listing Trump's rapid-fire actions  from threatening trade wars with Canada and Mexico to pardoning Jan. 6 protesters  as evidence of the media's growing fatigue.

The contrast between the Biden and Trump presidencies couldn't be starker. Under Biden, the media often operated in a vacuum, with little breaking news or controversy to report.

Under Trump, every day brings a new bombshell, leaving journalists scrambling to keep pace. David Brooks of the New York Times quipped that the media had a "four-year hiatus" from covering Trump and is now "spelunking into the deeper caverns of Donald Trump's brain" once again.

But the media's exhaustion isn't just about the volume of news  it's also about the nature of Trumps presidency. His bold, unapologetic style and willingness to challenge established norms have forced journalists to confront uncomfortable truths about their failures.

Trump has also capitalized on growing public distrust with mainstream media outlets, vowing to use his presidency to "save free speech in America" and slamming what he calls "disinformation" from the media elite. His landslide victory in 2024 has emboldened him, and his administration is moving quickly to implement a sweeping agenda that reflects his disdain for "woke" policies, global elites and the mainstream media.

Visit Trump.news for more on Trump's second term.

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Trump to tour disaster zones in North Carolina and California.

Trump signs executive order eliminating funding for schools and colleges with DEI policies.

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Elon Musks DOGE explores use of blockchain to revolutionize government spending and transparency

Elon Musk, head of the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is exploring the use of blockchain technology to track and manage U.S. government expenditures, aiming to enhance transparency, secure data, streamline payments and build management.

This initiative aligns with Musk's mission to eliminate trillions of dollars from the federal budget and ensure accountability, building on proposals like Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s 2024 idea to put the entire federal budget on a blockchain for public scrutiny.

DOGE officially launched on Jan. 21, with the goal of modernizing federal technology and software. The department, created by an executive order from President Trump, is tasked with identifying spending cuts and delivering recommendations by July 4, 2026.

While blockchain offers potential benefits, experts warn of the complexities and challenges in applying it to a large, complex entity like the U.S. government. Issues include loss of control with public blockchains and the sufficiency of conventional databases for similar tasks.

Despite concerns, some institutions have successfully implemented blockchain for specific purposes, such as the California DMV and BlackRock. If DOGE proceeds, it would be the largest government blockchain project in U.S. history, reflecting the administration's commitment to using advanced technology to tackle inefficiency and waste.

In a bold move to modernize federal operations and curb wasteful spending, Elon Musk, head of the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is reportedly exploring using blockchain technology to track and manage U.S. government expenditures.

According to sources familiar with the discussions, the initiative aims to enhance transparency, secure sensitive data, streamline payments and build management. This effort aligns with Musk's mission to eliminate trillions of dollars from the federal budget and ensure accountability in government operations.

The discussions, which have included consultations with representatives from public blockchain networks, mark a significant step in the Trump administration's push to integrate digital assets into federal systems. While the initiative is still in its early stages, it has already sparked debate about the feasibility and necessity of using blockchain for such large-scale government projects.

The idea of leveraging blockchain technology to increase government transparency is not new. In April 2024, former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. proposed putting the entire federal budget on a blockchain, allowing citizens to scrutinize every expenditure in real-time.

"Every American can look at every budget item in the entire budget, anytime they want, 24 hours a day," Kennedy told a rally in Michigan. "We are going to have 300 million eyeballs on our budget. If somebody is spending $16,000 for a toilet seat, everybody will know about it."

Kennedy's proposal resonated with small-government advocates and fiscal conservatives, who have long criticized the federal government's unchecked spending. Musk's initiative appears to build on this momentum, with the DOGE exploring how blockchain could be used not only to track spending but also to secure data, facilitate payments and manage federal infrastructure.

DOGE takes its first steps

The DOGE officially launched its website on Jan. 21, adopting the logo of Dogecoin, the cryptocurrency that inspired its name. The move caused a brief surge in Dogecoin's price, which rose approximately 11 percent to $0.38 following the announcement. However, the department's mission extends far beyond memes and cryptocurrencies.

Created by an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on Jan. 20, DOGE is tasked with modernizing federal technology and software to maximize efficiency and productivity. The department is expected to work closely with the White House Office of Management and Budget to identify spending cuts and deliver recommendations by July 4, 2026.

Musk has already enlisted about 100 volunteers to write code for his projects, signaling his commitment to rapid implementation. The blockchain initiative is one of several technological tools being considered to reduce costs, eliminate fraud and address the ballooning federal deficit  a key issue Trump campaigned on in 2024.

While the potential benefits of blockchain technology are clear, experts caution that applying it to an entity as vast and complex as the U.S. government is uncharted territory. Sam Hammond, chief economist at the Foundation for American Innovation, noted that "an internal government blockchain could be used to track spending, documents and contracts in a way that's fully secure and transparent." However, he questioned whether blockchain is necessary for such tasks, given that conventional databases can achieve similar results with fewer complications.

Public blockchains, like those used by Bitcoin and Solana, present additional challenges. Campbell Harvey, a finance professor at Duke University, pointed out that "one issue with the government using a public blockchain is that they would have no control over the entries. I think that loss of control would be a problem for governments."

Despite these concerns, some institutions have successfully implemented blockchain technology for specific purposes. For example, the California Department of Motor Vehicles has digitized millions of car titles on the Avalanche blockchain and BlackRock has issued a money-market fund on several cryptocurrency ledgers.

If DOGE moves forward with its blockchain initiative, it would represent the largest government project of its kind in U.S. history. The effort underscores the Trump administration's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to address longstanding issues of inefficiency and waste. (Related: Bitcoin's bull run may extend into 2025, but regulatory shifts and market indicators suggest caution.)

However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. Previous attempts by large corporations to implement blockchain solutions have often stalled due to governance issues and the discovery that existing database technologies are often more cost-effective.

As Hammond noted, "The question is whether you really need a blockchain to do that, since conventional databases can be used in a similar way and with fewer downsides."

Head over to CryptoCult.news for related news.

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Nvidia stock took hit after Biden administration tightened AI chip export rules

Nvidia's stock fell nearly 2% on January 13 following the Biden administration's announcement of stricter export controls on advanced AI chips.

This could significantly affect Nvidia's sales, as tech giants like Microsoft and Meta have already purchased hundreds of thousands of GPUs in 2024.

The rules aim to close loopholes from previous restrictions and prevent adversaries from using advanced AI for military or surveillance purposes.

Nvidia and other industry leaders criticized the rules as "sweeping overreach," arguing they could stifle innovation, harm U.S. competitiveness and push other countries toward Chinese technology.

The company has a 120-day window to provide feedback, and the new Trump administration may revisit the regulations.

Nvidia, the semiconductor giant and a key player in the artificial intelligence (AI) boom, saw its stock fall nearly two percent on Jan. 13, following the previous administrations announcement of stricter export controls on advanced AI chips.

The updated rules, aimed at curbing the flow of cutting-edge technology to "adversaries" like China, have sent shockwaves through the tech and financial sectors, raising concerns about the financial repercussions for Nvidia and the broader AI industry.

The new regulations, unveiled just days before President Joe Biden left office, imposed a cap on the number of AI chips  specifically graphics processing units (GPUs)  that can be exported to most countries without a special license.

While 18 U.S. allies, including the U.K., the Netherlands and Taiwan, will face no restrictions, 120 other nations  including Israel, Switzerland and much of Southeast Asia  will be subjected to a cap of 50,000 GPUs per country.

For context, tech giants like Microsoft and Meta have already purchased hundreds of thousands of Nvidias GPUs in 2024 alone, highlighting the potential scale of the impact.

The rules are designed to close loopholes in previous export restrictions, which were first introduced in 2022 and updated in 2023. According to the White House, the goal is to ensure that U.S. technology underpins global AI development while preventing adversaries from exploiting advanced AI for military or surveillance purposes.

However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from Nvidia and other industry leaders, who argue that the restrictions could stifle innovation, undermine U.S. competitiveness and ultimately harm the economy.

A blow to Nvidias bottom line

Nvidia, which dominates the market for AI chips, is particularly vulnerable to the new rules. The company generates a significant portion of its revenue from data center GPUs, which are essential for training AI models. Analysts estimate that the 50,000-GPU cap could severely limit sales in key markets, especially as demand for AI computing power continues to surge.

Vivek Arya, a Bank of America analyst who maintains a Buy rating on Nvidia stock, acknowledged that the tougher export rules "muddle the waters" for the company. Similarly, Citi analyst Atif Malik warned that the restrictions pose "risks" to Nvidias data center GPU sales, which account for the bulk of its revenue.

The stocks decline extends a recent downward trend, with shares dropping three percent in the same week in anticipation of the updated controls. Over the past five trading sessions, Nvidias stock has fallen approximately nine percent, reflecting investor concerns about the potential impact on the companys growth prospects.

Industry backlash and political tensions

Nvidia has been vocal in its opposition to the new rules, calling them "sweeping overreach." The company has also accused the Biden administration of attempting to "rig market outcomes."

In a statement, Nvidia Vice President of Government Affairs Ned Finkle criticized the rules for being "drafted in secret and without proper legislative review," warning that they could "squander Americas hard-won technological advantage."

The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) echoed these sentiments, expressing disappointment that such a significant policy shift was rushed through without meaningful industry input.

Oracle, another major player in the tech sector, argued that the restrictions could inadvertently push other countries toward Chinese technology, undermining U.S. leadership in AI.

The timing of the announcement has also sparked controversy.

With just days before President-elect Donald Trump took office, the decision was seen by some as an attempt by the Biden administration to cement its legacy on AI policy. However, companies like Nvidia are hopeful that the Trump administration will revisit the rules, which are set to take effect in one year.

Global implications and the AI arms race

The updated export controls are part of a broader effort by the U.S. government to maintain its dominance in AI and advanced computing. By restricting access to cutting-edge chips, the Biden administration aims to prevent adversaries like China from gaining a technological edge in areas such as military capabilities, surveillance, and cyber warfare. (Related: Nvidia unveils Project DIGITS: A portable supercomputer for AI innovation.)

However, the move has raised concerns about the potential for unintended consequences. Critics argue that the restrictions could accelerate Chinas efforts to develop its own AI chips, reducing its reliance on U.S. technology.

Additionally, the rules could strain relationships with countries that fall into the "capped" category, potentially pushing them to seek alternatives from other suppliers.

Whats next for Nvidia and the AI industry

As the dust settles on the Biden administrations announcement, all eyes are on how the Trump administration will handle the new rules.

Companies like Nvidia will have a 120-day window to provide feedback on the restrictions, offering an opportunity to lobby for changes.

In the meantime, Nvidia is likely to face continued pressure on its stock as investors weigh the potential impact of the export caps. While the company has already developed specialized chips, such as the H20, to comply with existing trade restrictions, the new rules could further complicate its ability to serve global markets.

For the broader AI industry, the updated export controls underscore the growing geopolitical tensions surrounding advanced technology. As the U.S. seeks to maintain its leadership in AI, the challenge will be balancing national security concerns with the need to foster innovation and economic growth.

Visit FutureTech.news for similar stories about artificial intelligence and Big Tech.

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Googles quantum leap: Willow chip pushes boundaries of computing power.

Investment analyst warns of another dot-com-style crash as stocks still get next-to-nothing returns.

Sources include:

Finance.Yahoo.com

Reuters.com

PCMag.com

Brighteon.com
Return of the FULLY UNVACCINATED SOLDIERS: Trump will REINSTATE military members who refused to take the deadly COVID CLOT SHOTS

During his speech at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20, President Trump vowed to reinstate military members who were discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, promising to sign an executive order to achieve this.

The controversy began under the Biden administration in 2021, with the imposition of a mandatory vaccine policy leading to the discharge of over 7,000 troops who refused the vaccine, despite many requesting religious exemptions.

The reinstatement would involve not only financial compensation but also the restoration of previous ranks and status within the military, allowing service members to focus on their primary mission of protecting the nation.

This issue highlights the broader debate over individual rights and public health in the military, with potential legal challenges and implications for military policy and the balance between personal freedoms and national security.

President Donald Trump vowed to reinstate military members discharged for refusing the vaccine mandate during his speech at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20. The move drew immediate applause from his supporters and has sparked debate over the role of personal beliefs in military service.

The controversy surrounding the vaccine mandate in the military began in 2021 under the Biden administration, which imposed a mandate requiring all active-duty service members to be vaccinated against COVID-19 with experimental clot shots. More than 16,000 troops requested religious exemptions, but many were denied, leading to the discharge of over 7,000 members who refused the vaccine.

During his inauguration speech, Trump declared his intention to reinstate these discharged members, promising to sign an executive order to accomplish this. This week, I will reinstate any service members who were unjustly expelled from our military for objecting to the COVID vaccine mandate with full back pay, Trump stated, emphasizing that the military should focus on its primary mission of protecting the nation, not on political or social experiments.

Fully unvaccinated military members get their jobs back and financial compensation, plus previous status/rank restored

The reinstatement of these members would not only involve financial compensation but also a restoration of their previous ranks and status within the military. Our armed forces will be freed to focus on their sole mission: defeating Americas enemies, Trump said, addressing the crowd at the U.S. Capitol.

The vaccine mandate controversy is part of a broader debate about individual rights and public health in the military. Similar debates have occurred throughout U.S. history, from mandatory smallpox vaccinations in the 18th century to more recent debates over HPV vaccines. However, the scale and rapid implementation of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, coupled with the speed of its reversal, has made this a particularly contentious issue.

Courts and watchdogs have found that the military violated federal law and its own rules in processing religious exemption requests. These findings have paved the way for potential legal challenges and have underscored the complexity of balancing individual rights with the needs of a functioning military. This is a matter of justice and fairness, said Rep. Neal Dunn (R-Fla.), a doctor who has been a vocal advocate for the rights of vaccine-refusing military members.

As the U.S. military continues to navigate the aftermath of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, Trumps promise to reinstate discharged members highlights the ongoing tensions between personal beliefs and military duty.

This issue is likely to remain a topic of debate and legal contention, reflecting broader societal divisions over public health measures and individual freedoms. The outcome will have significant implications for military policy and the balance between personal rights and national security.

Watch this comic relief from Jim Breuer about the insanity and propaganda we all had to suffer through thanks to the Vaccine Cult and flu-shot-lover Fauci during the plandemic:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by We the people (@vacsins)

Bookmark plague.info to your favorite independent websites for updates on new gain-of-function viruses the CDC and WHO release into the wild. #FullyUnvaccinatedMilitaryReinstated

Sources for this article include:

Pandemic.news

GatewayPundit.com

NaturalNews.com

ZeroHedge.com
Rubio vows to end State Department programs that open the door to censorship

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the end of State Department programs that could lead to censorship, marking a sharp break from Biden-era policies.

Rubio condemned past efforts, like the Global Engagement Center, for suppressing American voices and vowed to protect First Amendment rights.

He criticized the State Departments focus on ideology over national interests, calling for a return to pragmatic diplomacy.

Rubio pledged to prioritize national security, prosperity, and alliances while ending divisive cultural and climate-focused foreign policies.

Newly confirmed Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Tuesday that the State Department will no longer promote programs that open the door to censorship. Rubio, 53, sent a cable to every U.S. diplomatic and consular post worldwide on his first day in office, signaling a sharp departure from the Biden administrations approach to combating so-called disinformation. The former Republican senator from Florida vowed to terminate any initiatives that could lead to the suppression of American voices, while also refocusing U.S. diplomacy on core national interests.

Rubios announcement comes as a direct response to concerns over the Biden administrations controversial Global Engagement Center (GEC), which critics accused of pressuring social media platforms to censor COVID-19-related content and labeling legitimate news outlets as purveyors of disinformation. The GEC was shuttered in the final weeks of the Biden presidency, but fears lingered that its functions would simply be rebranded under a different name. Rubios cable made it clear that such practices would not continue under his leadership.

A stand against censorship

In his message to State Department employees, Rubio condemned the agencies and programs of our own government that engaged in censorship, suppression, and misinformation. He emphasized that while the department would remain vigilant against enemy propaganda, it would not tolerate programs that infringe on the First Amendment rights of American citizens.

He added that any programs that "lead or in any way open the door to censorship of the American people will be terminated." His stance aligns with President Trumps Day One executive order, which barred federal funds from being used to engage in or facilitate any conduct that would unconstitutionally abridge the free speech of any American citizen.

Rubios commitment to free speech has been widely praised by the many Americans who view the Biden administrations disinformation efforts as an overreach that stifled dissent and undermined trust in public institutions.

Refocusing diplomacy on national interests

Beyond his stance on censorship, Rubio outlined a broader vision for the State Department, calling for a return to the basics of diplomacy. He criticized the departments recent emphasis on ideology over common sense, arguing that such an approach had caused it to misread the world.

Rubio urged employees to justify every dollar spent, every program funded, and every policy pursued by answering three simple questions: Does it make the country safer, stronger, and more prosperous? He also pledged to end the promotion of mass migration and to stop reorienting foreign policy around climate initiatives that he believes weaken America.

Far too much of Americas diplomacy is focused on pushing political and cultural causes that are divisive at home and deeply unpopular abroad, Rubio wrote. This creates unnecessary friction with other nations and obstructs our ability to conduct a pragmatic foreign policy.

Instead, Rubio vowed to revitalize alliances, strengthen ties with partners, and counter the malign activities of adversaries. He emphasized the need to adapt to a rapidly changing world, where new challenges require innovative solutions.

Rubios first day as secretary of state marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy. By taking a firm stand against censorship and refocusing the State Departments priorities on national security and prosperity, Rubio is positioning himself as a key player in the Trump administrations efforts to restore American strength and credibility on the global stage.

Sources for this article include:

NYPost.com

Revolver.news

FoxNews.com
Russia enters the fray: Trumps Panama Canal claims threaten global trade neutrality

U.S. President Donald Trump renewed calls for Washington to regain control over the Panama Canal, citing concerns over alleged overcharging of American ships and Chinese influence.

The canal was built by American engineers and controlled by the U.S. until 1999, when it was transferred to Panama. Today, it remains under Panamanian control and handles about 40 percent of U.S. container ship traffic.

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino firmly rejected Trump's claims, asserting Panama's sovereignty over the canal and its intention to maintain its control and neutrality.

Russia, a key ally of China, emphasized the need to respect the canal's permanent neutrality and accessibility to all ships, highlighting Moscow's interest in maintaining the canal as a neutral trade route.

The dispute highlights the challenges of Trump's assertive foreign policy, potentially affecting global trade and regional stability, and could test the U.S.'s ability to balance national interests with international diplomacy.

U.S. President Donald Trump's renewed calls for Washington to reassert control over the Panama Canal have ignited a diplomatic firestorm, drawing sharp rebukes from Panama and raising concerns from Russia over the future of one of the worlds most critical trade routes.

In his inauguration speech on Jan. 20, Trump reiterated his belief that the U.S. should reclaim the canal. It was built by American engineers in the early 20th century and controlled by the U.S. government until 1999, when it was turned over to Panama City.

"American ships are being severely overcharged ... and above all, China is operating the Panama Canal. We didn't give it to China. We gave it to Panama, and we're taking it back," Trump declared. (Related: Trump vows to reclaim Panama Canal, saying it belongs to America.)

His remarks echoed previous statements in which he accused Chinese entities of exerting undue influence over the canal and criticized Panama for allegedly overcharging U.S. vessels. But Russia, a key player in global geopolitics and Beijing's close ally, weighed in on the issue.

Alexander Shchetinin, head of the Latin American department at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, urged both Panama and the U.S. to respect the "current international legal regime" governing the canal.

"Russia has been a party to the protocol since 1988 and reaffirms its obligations to respect the permanent neutrality of the Panama Canal, advocating for keeping this international transit waterway safe and open," Shchetinin said, according to a translation of comments reported by Russia's state-run news agency TASS.

The diplomat emphasized that while the canal "legally belongs to Panama," it must remain accessible to all ships, regardless of their flag. His remarks highlight Moscow's interest in maintaining the canal as a neutral and open trade route, free from unilateral control by any single nation.

Panama's defiant response to Trump: The canal is "non-negotiable"

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino swiftly rejected Trump's claims, vowing to defend his country's sovereignty over the canal.

"As president, I want to clearly state that every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjoining zone is Panamas and will remain so," Mulino said in a December 2024 video statement. "The sovereignty and independence of our country is non-negotiable."

Mulino's defiance was echoed in a statement released shortly after Trump's inauguration. "I must wholeheartedly reject the remarks President Donald Trump made in his inaugural speech regarding Panama and its canal," Mulino said.

He emphasized that the canal's administration "will remain under Panamanian control, with respect for its permanent neutrality," and dismissed claims of foreign interference. "No nation in the world is interfering in the control of the canal," he asserted.

The Panamanian leader also underscored the historical significance of the canal's transfer to Panama in 1999, calling it the result of a "generational struggle." He pledged to continue facilitating international trade through the vital waterway, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and handles approximately 40 percent of U.S. container ship traffic, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

For now, the Panama Canal remains under Panamanian control, a status that Mulino has vowed to protect at all costs. "We will exercise the right to protect ourselves," he said, signaling that Panama is prepared to resist any attempts by the U.S. to retake the canal by force.

The Panama Canal issue has become a focal point in Trump's broader America First agenda, which has also included controversial proposals such as the potential annexation of Greenland and Canada. Trump's suggestion that Denmark might agree to sell Greenland to the U.S. has drawn criticism from Danish officials, while his comments about Canada have been met with skepticism and concern.

As tensions simmer over the canal, the dispute underscores the challenges of Trump's assertive foreign policy approach. While the U.S. has long viewed the canal as a strategic asset, Panama's firm stance and Russia's call for neutrality suggest that any attempt to reclaim control could face significant international resistance.

The Panama Canal issue could become a defining test of the second Trump administration's ability to balance national interests with international diplomacy. With Russia watching closely and Panama standing firm, the stakes for global trade and regional stability could not be higher.

Watch former Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA) explaining that Trump is focused on making Greenland and the Panama Canal safe and secure in this clip.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Trump signals willingness to use force to retake Panama Canal, Greenland.

Trump warns U.S. could take over Panama Canal if Panama continues to impose "rip-off" passage fees on American ships.

Trump threatens to retake control of Panama Canal, combat Chinese influence and unfair treatment to American companies.

Sources include:

ZeroHedge.com

TheEpochTimes.com

News-Pravda.com

Brighteon.com
Trump Administration FREEZES PROPAGANDA coming out of HHS, NIH, FDA, and CDC

In the wake of President Donald Trumps return to office, a sweeping freeze on communications and operations has been ordered across federal health agencies. This freeze comes in the wake of Robert F. Kennedys upcoming nomination to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which would mark a historic shift in how these agencies are governed and dispel the propaganda that these agencies promulgate. This communication freeze has ignited a fierce debate over the future of public health in the United States, and shifts the priorities of these agencies.

The freeze, which has halted initiatives and grants across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), comes as the new administration seeks to dismantle what it views as a deeply entrenched and ideologically driven bureaucracy. Health freedom advocates point out that these agencies, long accused of being influenced by corporate interests and ideologies, have strayed from their mission of protecting human health. Instead, these agencies have pushed bioterror propaganda that has led to mass confusion and societal upheaval, while using coercive and deceptive measures and abandoning the informed consent principle on a variety of issues that impact human health. This moment marks a pivotal turning point in the battle over the role of science, governance, and individual freedom in American life.

Key Points

 A freeze on communications and operations across HHS, CDC, and NIH has been implemented as part of the Trump administrations efforts to overhaul public health agencies.

 A $590 million grant to Moderna, announced days before the inauguration, has raised questions about last-minute spending by the outgoing administration.

 The CDCs One Health framework, which promotes a radical reimagining of human-animal-environment relationships, has drawn criticism for its utopian and anti-civilization undertones.

 New leadership, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at HHS and Jay Bhattacharya at NIH, signals a dramatic shift in public health priorities.

 The freeze reflects broader concerns about the weaponization of science and the influence of corporate and ideological interests in public health policy.

The freeze and its implications

The Trump administrations decision to freeze operations across key health agencies has sent shockwaves through the public health establishment. According to a Wall Street Journal report, the chaos is more extreme than during typical presidential transitions, with stalled initiatives extending far beyond the cancellation of federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. This freeze is not merely bureaucratic housekeeping; it represents a deliberate effort to halt a deeply flawed and ideologically-compromised system.

One of the most controversial actions in the days leading up to the freeze was a $590 million grant to Moderna, announced by HHS on January 17. The timing of the grant, just three days before the inauguration, has raised eyebrows. Americans question whether this was an attempt by the outgoing administration to secure funding for a key corporate ally before the new administration could intervene. Moderna, a major player in the global rollout of mRNA vaccines during the COVID-19 scandal, had seen its stock price decline for two years prior to the announcement. The grant not only reversed that trend but also highlighted the close ties between public health agencies and pharmaceutical companies.

The CDCs One Health framework: a radical vision

Amid the freeze, the CDCs January 17 announcement of its National One Health Framework to Address Zoonotic Diseases has drawn significant scrutiny. The framework, which seeks to address diseases that spread from animals to humans, is rooted in a philosophy that critics describe as anti-human and utopian. David Bell, a scholar at Brownstone Institute, has warned that the One Health approach envisions a world where humans are seen as pollutants, with their very existence justifying restrictions and sacrifices for the sake of other lifeforms.

This ideology, Bell argues, is not new. It traces back to figures like Anthony Fauci, who, in a 2022 article for Cell, blamed the origins of disease on human civilization itself. Fauci and his co-author, David Morens, argued that the domestication of animals, cultivation of crops, and urbanization have catalyzed the spread of disease. Their proposed solution  rebuilding the infrastructure of human existence  reflects a radical vision that prioritizes environmental and animal welfare over human civilization and reproduction.

The One Health framework, embraced by the CDC, represents a dramatic departure from traditional public health goals. Instead of focusing on improving human health and well-being, it promotes a worldview that sees humans as a threat to the planet. This philosophy underpinned many of the controversial policies enacted during the COVID-19 scandal, including lockdowns, vaccine mandates, and restrictions on personal freedoms.

A new direction for public health

The freeze on operations and the appointment of new leadership signal a potential sea change in U.S. public health policy. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal critic of vaccine mandates and corporate influence in public health, has been tapped to lead HHS, pending Senate confirmation. At NIH, Jay Bhattacharya, a Stanford professor who challenged the mainstream narrative on COVID-19, is set to take the helm.

In the interim, Dr. Matthew Memoli, an award-winning vaccinologist and longtime NIH employee, is serving as acting director. Memoli, who previously criticized blanket vaccination policies, represents a break from the Fauci-era orthodoxy.

The changes extend beyond personnel. The Trump administration has moved swiftly to dismantle DEI programs, reaffirm free speech protections, and halt the rollout of Central Bank Digital Currencies. These actions reflect a broader effort to restore individual freedoms and reduce the influence of ideological and corporate interests in government.

Now, as the Trump administration seeks to overhaul these agencies, the question is whether it can restore public trust and refocus public health on its core mission: protecting and improving human life. The road ahead will be fraught with challenges, but for many, this moment represents a chance to reclaim the principles of science, freedom, and human dignity that have long defined American society.

Sources include:

Brownstone.org

Enoch, Brighteon.ai

Brownstone.org
Trump expected to tap Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to lead Iran diplomacy, signaling diplomatic push

President Trump is expected to appoint Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to lead U.S. diplomacy with Iran, prioritizing a nuclear deal over military action.

Witkoff, known for brokering the Gaza ceasefire, is seen as a pragmatic choice to balance preventing Irans nuclear ambitions and avoiding regional conflict.

Trump emphasizes diplomacy but has not ruled out military options, expressing hope for a peaceful resolution to Irans nuclear program.

European diplomats report Iran is open to resuming nuclear talks, but Tehran insists the U.S. must present a proposal first.

President Donald Trump is widely expected to assign his trusted Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, to oversee U.S. diplomacy with Iran, signaling a renewed focus on negotiating a nuclear deal before considering military options.

The potential move, confirmed by multiple U.S. officials and sources familiar with the matter, underscores Trumps preference for diplomacy over confrontation with Tehran, even as tensions over Irans nuclear program remain high. Witkoff, a key player in brokering the recent Gaza ceasefire, is seen as a pragmatic choice to navigate the delicate balance between preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and avoiding a broader regional conflict.

Trumps decision to entrust Witkoff with Iran diplomacy would reflect a strategic shift toward exploring diplomatic solutions. While the president has not ruled out military action, he has repeatedly expressed hope that a deal can be reached to address Irans nuclear ambitions.

Hopefully, we can solve it diplomatically, Trump said during a recent Oval Office event. It would really be nice if that could be worked out without having to go that further step, he added, referring to the possibility of an Israeli strike on Irans nuclear facilities.

Witkoffs track record as a skilled negotiator has earned him Trumps confidence. His involvement in the Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal, which Israeli and Qatari officials described as critical, demonstrates his ability to navigate complex regional dynamics. In a recent interview with Fox News, Witkoff emphasized Trumps commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The president will not allow a bomb to be gotten by the Iranians. Not going to happen, Witkoff said. Hopefully, we can solve it diplomatically.

A delicate balancing act

The decision to place Witkoff in charge of Iran diplomacy comes as European diplomats report that Tehran is open to resuming negotiations on a new nuclear deal. During recent talks in Geneva, Iranian officials expressed a willingness to engage with the U.S. but stressed that Washington must take the first step by presenting a proposal. European diplomats, however, have urged Iran to offer more concessions on its nuclear program before talks can progress.

Trumps approach has drawn criticism from some Iran hawks in Congress and within his own administration, who fear that Witkoffs focus on diplomacy could undermine efforts to maintain pressure on Tehran.

Despite these concerns, Trump appears determined to pursue a diplomatic path. His recent appointments, including Michael DiMino, a former CIA official who has advocated restraint in dealing with Iran, suggest a growing influence of voices skeptical of military action.

As Witkoff prepares to potentially take on the Iran file, the stakes are high. The Islamic Republics uranium enrichment activities have raised alarms, with the UN warning in December that Iran had significantly increased its stockpile of near-weapons-grade uranium. Yet experts note that Irans enrichment levels remain below the threshold required for a nuclear weapon, and the country has consistently denied seeking one.

Trumps willingness to engage diplomatically offers a glimmer of hope for de-escalation, but the road ahead is fraught with challenges. Witkoffs ability to navigate these complexities will be critical in determining whether the U.S. can achieve a lasting agreement with Iranor whether the region will face the specter of renewed conflict. For now, all options remain on the table.

Sources for this article include:

Axios.com

FT.com

News.Antiwar.com
Trumps TikTok U-turn: From national security threat to crazy videos for kids

President Trump dismissed concerns about Chinese-owned social media app TikTok, despite previously labeling it a "national security threat."

Trump's reasoning for dismissing the app is described as dismissive and naive, allowing it to continue operating in the U.S. despite bipartisan calls for a ban.

Trump's change of heart is particularly surprising given his own history with TikTok, having signed an executive order in 2020 aimed at forcing ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, to sell its U.S. operations or face a ban.

Trump's justification for the reversal is his disdain for Facebook, which he considers an "enemy of the people."

The reversal has emboldened TikTok's leadership and left concerns about Chinese espionage and data exploitation unaddressed, with the app continuing to collect vast amounts of data from its 170 million American users.

In a stunning reversal, President Donald Trump has downplayed the national security risks posed by Chinese-owned social media app TikTok  despite his own past warnings and actions against it.

In a Fox News interview just days into his second term, Trump dismissed concerns about the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) using the app to spy on Americans. TikTok, which the president described as an app for "young kids watching crazy videos," was not a significant threat.

"Those that say they know say its a spying app for the Communist Chinese," Fox News host Sean Hannity remarked during the Oval Office interview Wednesday, Jan. 22.

"I know. But you can say that about everything made in China," Trump retorted. "Is it that important for China to be spying on young people, on young kids watching crazy videos?"

But according to critics, this reasoning is not only dismissive but dangerously naive. Trump's stance on TikTok has softened dramatically in between his first and second terms. This abrupt shift has also allowed TikTok to continue operating in the U.S., despite a bipartisan push for a ban.

This about-face is particularly jarring given Trump's own history with TikTok. In March, he labeled TikTok a "national security threat," echoing concerns shared by lawmakers and intelligence officials. Trump told CNBC's "Squawk Box" at the time when asked if TikTok threatened national security: "I do believe it, and we have to very much admit we are protecting American peoples privacy and data rights."

During his first term, Trump signed an executive order (EO) in August 2020 declaring that TikTok's "data collection threatens to allow the CCP access to Americans personal and proprietary information  potentially allowing China to track the locations of Federal employees and contractors, build dossiers of personal information for blackmail and conduct corporate espionage. The EO aimed to force TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to sell its U.S. operations to an American firm or face a ban.

From foe to friend: The strange relationship between Trump and TikTok

TikTok's data collection practices, while similar to those of American tech giants, are uniquely concerning because of its ties to Beijing. As Trump's own 2020 executive order noted, ByteDance is legally obligated to comply with Chinese government requests for data. This makes TikTok a potential tool for espionage, propaganda and influence operations  risks that Trump himself once acknowledged.

So what explains this sudden change of heart? Trump has offered a curious justification: his disdain for Facebook.

"There's a lot of good and there's a lot of bad with TikTok," Trump said in March. "But the thing I don't like is that without TikTok, you can make Facebook bigger. I consider Facebook to be an enemy of the people along with a lot of the media."

During his "Squawk Box" appearance, Trump also admitted that he could have banned TikTok during his first term, but chose not to. The implications of this decision are far-reaching, now that his second term has begun.

Trump's intervention appears to have paid off and has also emboldened TikTok's leadership. The app's CEO Shou Zi Chew attended Trump's inauguration, signaling a cozy relationship between the administration and the apps Chinese-owned parent company.

While Trump has suggested that ByteDance sell a 50 percent stake to an American partner, this half-measure does little to address the underlying risks of Chinese government access to U.S. user data. In the meantime, TikTok continues to operate with minimal oversight, collecting vast amounts of data from its 170 million American users. (Related: Trump proposes 50% U.S. ownership of TikTok to save app from ban.)

Trump's reversal on TikTok in a bid to court young voters has sidelined legitimate concerns about Chinese espionage and data exploitation. As TikTok continues to grow in influence, the risks to American privacy and security will only escalate.

Watch Trey Gowdy of Fox News and Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH) discussing Trump's change of heart when it comes to TikTok below.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Trump rescues TikTok, proposes 50% U.S. ownership to avert ban.

House committee passes bill ordering TikTok to divest from the CCP.

Supreme Court upholds TikTok ban, setting stage for Trump's next move.

TikTok challenges U.S. law: A battle over national security and free speech.

Sources include:

NYPost.com

NBCNews.com

NPR.org

Brighteon.com
Border Patrol agents fired at by drug cartels at southern border

U.S. Border Patrol agents were fired upon by suspected Mexican cartel members near the Rio Grande in Fronton, Texas.

The incident occurred a week after President Trump intensified border security measures.

Neither Border Patrol agents nor cartel members were injured, and the migrants did not make it across the river.

Trump designated Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations to enhance national security.

The event highlights the dangers faced by Border Patrol agents and the complexity of border challenges.

In a dramatic confrontation on Monday, U.S. Border Patrol agents were fired at by suspected Mexican cartel members near the Rio Grande in Fronton, Texas. The incident, which occurred exactly one week after President Donald Trump intensified border security measures, underscores the escalating tensions and the high stakes in the ongoing battle against illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

The gunfire erupted around 2 p.m. local time as a group of illegal aliens attempted to cross the river. Despite the shots, the migrants did not make it across, and neither the Border Patrol agents nor the suspected cartel members were injured. The area, known as Fronton Island, has long been a hotspot for cartel activity, earning the nickname "Cartel Island."

Trumps strong stance on border security

President Trump, who made immigration a cornerstone of his campaign, has wasted no time in implementing his promised crackdown on illegal immigration. On his first day in office, he issued a series of executive orders aimed at fortifying the southern border and targeting criminal elements. One of these orders designates Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, a move that has been widely praised for its potential to disrupt cartel operations and enhance national security.

Enforcing our Nations immigration laws is critically important to the national security and public safety of the United States, Trump stated in his executive order. The American people deserve a Federal Government that puts their interests first and a Government that understands its sacred obligation to prioritize the safety, security, and financial and economic well-being of Americans.

The reality on the ground

The incident near Fronton Island is a reminder of the dangers faced by Border Patrol agents and the complexity of the challenges they encounter. Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham highlighted the strategic importance of the area in a 2023 interview with Fox News Digital. The land just hadnt been accurately declared as it was forming in the river. That's why we had to step in and officially declare it Texas territory, she said.

Lieutenant Chris Olivarez, a spokesperson for the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), provided a firsthand account of the response. Earlier today, @TxDPS responded to assist the US Border Patrol after agents received gunfire from cartel members in Mexico while patrolling in Fronton, Starr County.

"DPS Drone Operators captured the gunmen fleeing Mexico due to military presence, & seeking refuge on an island between the US & Mexico. The State of Texas will continue to monitor the area closely & use every resource available to prevent transnational threats to our law enforcement partners & the homeland, he tweeted.

A shifting landscape

The recent shootout is part of a broader trend of increased border enforcement under the Trump administration. In the first three days of his presidency, the number of illegal immigrant encounters dropped by 35% compared to the final three days of the Biden administration. This significant decline suggests that the new policies are having an immediate impact.

While some in the mainstream media have portrayed Trumps actions as harsh and family-separating, the reality is that the administration is targeting criminals and traffickers who pose a direct threat to American communities. The deployment of up to 1,500 active-duty troops to the border, along with the ongoing construction of the border wall, are clear signals of the administrations commitment to securing the nations borders.

The shootout near Fronton Island is a vivid illustration of the ongoing battle against illegal immigration and cartel activity at the U.S.-Mexico border. President Trumps decisive actions and strong stance on border security are crucial in protecting American citizens and ensuring the safety and integrity of the nation. As the administration continues to ramp up its efforts, the focus remains on targeting the real threats: the cartels and criminal elements that endanger both sides of the border.

Sources for this article include:

FoxNews.com

NYPost.com

RT.com

Newsweek.com
Why many Californians may never rebuild after wildfires: Experts point to insurance, costs, and bureaucracy

Historic wildfires in Los Angeles have destroyed 16,000 structures, claimed 28 lives, and left communities like Pacific Palisades and Malibu in ruins.

Many homeowners face financial crises due to inadequate insurance coverage and skyrocketing rebuilding costs, estimated at $1,000 per square foot.

Californias slow permitting process and labor shortages further complicate rebuilding efforts, with coastal properties facing additional regulatory delays.

Federal and state aid, including a $2.5 billion relief package, has been pledged, but critics argue its insufficient to address the scale of the disaster.

Experts predict up to 70% of residents in hard-hit areas may never return due to financial and logistical challenges, highlighting systemic vulnerabilities.

In the wake of the most destructive wildfires in Los Angeles history, tens of thousands of Californians are grappling with an agonizing decision: whether to rebuild their lives or relocate entirely. For many, the choice may already be made for them. Experts warn that a combination of skyrocketing construction costs, inadequate insurance coverage, and Californias notoriously slow permitting process could leave countless homeowners unable to rebuild.

Since January 7, wildfires have scorched more than 50,000 acres, claimed 28 lives, and destroyed over 16,000 structures across Southern California. Communities like Pacific Palisades and Malibu, once known for their idyllic coastal charm, now resemble war zones, with charred remains of homes and businesses scattered across the landscape. While President Donald Trump declared a national emergency and pledged federal support, the road to recovery is fraught with obstacles that even government aid may not overcome.

A financial nightmare

For many homeowners, the first hurdle is insurance. Despite paying premiums for years, countless residents are discovering their policies fall far short of covering the cost of rebuilding. Josh Altman, a prominent Los Angeles realtor and former star of Million Dollar Listing, estimates that rebuilding in areas like Pacific Palisades could cost $1,000 per square foot.

Most people are heavily underinsured, and construction costs are skyrocketinglumber, steel, everything, Altman told Fox Business. Its just not feasible for many.

The insurance crisis is compounded by a shrinking market in California. Between 2020 and 2022, insurers declined to renew 2.8 million homeowner policies statewide, including 531,000 in Los Angeles County alone. Even for those with coverage, payouts often fail to account for rising material costs and additional living expenses during the lengthy rebuild process.

Bureaucratic red tape and labor shortages

Even with insurance, rebuilding is no simple task. Californias permitting process is notoriously slow, often taking a year or more to secure approvals. Coastal properties face additional delays due to regulations enforced by the California Coastal Commission.

Building a house in California is wrapped in so much bureaucracy, Altman said. Its time for the governor to step up and start removing these roadblocks.

Adding to the challenge is a severe shortage of construction workers. With 16,000 structures destroyed, demand for labor far outstrips supply.

During a recent roundtable discussion with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, President Trump emphasized the need to expedite recovery efforts. They want to start now, Trump said, referring to displaced residents eager to clear debris and begin rebuilding. Even a week is too long to make them wait.

Mayor Bass pledged to streamline the permitting process but acknowledged the challenges of ensuring safety and removing hazardous waste before rebuilding can begin. Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom approved a $2.5 billion relief package, though critics argue its insufficient to address the scale of the crisis.

For some, the financial and logistical hurdles may prove insurmountable. Altman predicts that up to 70% of Pacific Palisades residents may never return. Theyre not staying away because they dont want to return, he said. Theyre not going to return because its simple math. I dont believe theyre going to be able to afford to rebuild.

The wildfires have exposed deep vulnerabilities in Californias preparedness and response systems. From inadequate insurance coverage to bureaucratic inefficiencies, the states recovery efforts are falling short. As residents face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives, one thing is clear: without significant reforms and federal support, many Californians may never call these devastated communities home again.

Sources for this article include:

DailyMail.co.uk

CNN.com

FoxLA.com
Now pardoned J6 political prisoner claims he has evidence Capitol Police incited riots

Jacob Hiles, a Virginia Beach resident and charter boat captain, claims he has video proof of Capitol Police inciting violence on Jan. 6, 2021.

Hiles asserts that federal agents threatened him with long-term imprisonment if he shared his videos with the media.

His testimony supports previous claims that police actions provoked the unrest, contradicting the official narrative.

The video shows police using pepper spray and a "super soaker" filled with bear spray, which Hiles says incited the crowd.

Pardoned J6 protestor has evidence Capitol Police incited riots, threatened him with prison

In a shocking twist to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot narrative, Virginia Beach resident Jacob Hiles, a charter boat captain, claims to have proof that the Capitol Police incited the riots and subsequently threatened him with imprisonment if he shared his findings. Hiles, who was pardoned by former President Donald Trump, now speaks out with video evidence that contradicts the official narrative of the events.

Hiles, who was arrested and charged with crimes related to the protests, has over an hour of video footage from January 6, 2021. He claims that at least nine minutes of this footage show Capitol Police officers using a "super soaker"-style water gun filled with bear spray and pepper spray, which he says incited the riots.

"I have videos that show Capitol Police inciting riots by shooting. They were walking through the crowds with a super soaker-style water gun that was full of bear spray," Hiles told WAVY-TV 10.

In one of the video clips, Hiles shows a man who had been sprayed by a Capitol Police officer. "Im standing right beside him and he walks up to the Capitol Police officer and says, Hey, why did you spray me with pepper spray?" Hiles recounts, adding that the man identified as a Vietnam veteran and a lifelong public servant, which he believes adds to the absurdity of the situation.

Threats and intimidation

According to Hiles, he was threatened with long-term imprisonment if he shared his video evidence with the media. "In a Zoom meeting with Brandon Merriman, who is the special agent in charge of Jan. 6, he told me that if I go to the media and start talking about Jan. 6, if my videos find the media or the Internet, that I would, quote, 'spend the rest of my life in prison.' I asked for what [and] he said. 'Ill find something,'" Hiles reveals.

An attorney for Hiles believes that this exchange with the special agent was recorded, which means it could now be accessed by the Trump Administration, potentially providing further evidence of the threats and intimidation faced by J6 protesters.

Hiles' testimony supports previous claims by J6 protesters that the Capitol Police and federal agents incited the violence by attacking the peaceful protesters with tear gas and rubber bullets. "The official J6 narrative reiterated to the public for years was, in fact, a lie," says Hiles. Videos from the event, taken from body cam footage and protester footage, show police engaging in harassing the crowd with munitions well before the protesters attacked the building or the officers.

These revelations not only challenge the narrative of an unruly, insurrectionist crowd but also highlight the possible extent of the government's overreach and the lengths to which it went to suppress alternative narratives. "The tale of an unhinged crowd of 'far-right insurrectionists' hellbent on violently disrupting the 2020 elections and spurred on by Donald Trump as a would-be dictator? That never happened," Hiles argues.

The implications of these claims are profound, suggesting a far more complex and troubling narrative behind the events of January 6, 2021. As more evidence comes to light, the true nature of the events and the motivations behind the official narrative may be forced to shift, leading to a reevaluation of this fateful day.

Sources include:

Zerohedge.com

X.com

X.com
Australias climate-related financial disclosures are mandated starting January 1, 2025. Companies are divided into groups based on size and financial capabilities, with different reporting timelines.

Group 1, which includes large companies, listed businesses, and entities with $5 billion or more in assets, must start reporting by January 1, 2025. Group 2, consisting of medium-sized companies, will begin reporting by July 1, 2026. Small businesses, categorized as Group 3, have the option to report starting July 1, 2027, though this is not mandatory.

As part of your companys mandatory disclosure, you must report on climate-related risks and opportunities, governance, and the systems in place to track and manage these. Specifically, you must assess how climate change could impact your operations and finances, and identify opportunities that can arise from these changes, such as transitioning to more sustainable business models. Governance and management processes must be clearly outlined, demonstrating how climate-related risks are integrated into your companys decision-making. Lastly, your company must include metrics and targets to track progress on reducing emissions and other relevant climate factors.

The Australian Sustainability Reporting Standard (ASRS) is split into two sections: AASB S2 and AASB S1. AASB S2 is mandatory and focuses on reporting climate-related risks and opportunities. It includes assessing how climate change might affect your business financially, operationally, or in terms of funding. AASB S1, on the other hand, is voluntary and covers broader sustainability topics, including environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, not limited to climate.

Steps to prepare

The first step is understanding when your company falls under the reporting requirement based on its size. Group 1 must start reporting by January 2025, and Group 2 will follow in 2026. Next, your company needs to conduct a thorough assessment of climate riskswhether physical (e.g., extreme weather events) or transitional (e.g., new regulations or market shifts).

Also, identify potential opportunities such as accessing new markets for sustainable products or optimizing operations for greater environmental impact. In many cases, companies will need to upgrade their data collection and reporting systems to track climate-related metrics like emissions, energy consumption, and risk management strategies. This means implementing IT systems that can manage this data effectively. Training the leadership team is crucial so that all involved understand the new requirements and how to comply.

Find more here

Penalties for non-compliance

If your company fails to comply with the reporting standards, it could face penalties, including financial fines. Directors may also be held personally liable if the company provides misleading or incorrect information in its disclosures. However, businesses will receive transitional support and guidance during the early years of implementation.

Benefits of reporting under ASRS

Proper reporting builds trust with stakeholdersinvestors, customers, and suppliersby showing your companys commitment to sustainability and climate risk management. This transparency strengthens relationships and reputation.

With proper climate-related risk assessments, your company can enhance its resilience. Identifying and mitigating climate risks reduces the likelihood of financial losses or operational disruptions in the future.

By aligning your reporting with international standards, your company can more easily compare itself to global peers and attract international investors who are focusing on sustainability.

Sustainability strategies can help companies identify cost-saving opportunities, drive growth, and open doors to new markets. Sustainable practices are no longer just about compliance; they can become a competitive advantage.

For SMEs, integrating climate risk is not just about complying with the lawits about leveraging climate risk as an opportunity for innovation and growth.

By proactively managing climate risks, businesses can ensure long-term viability by making their operations and supply chains more resilient. Strong relationships with stakeholders are cultivated by transparent climate reporting, which fosters trust and collaboration. Moreover, SMEs that integrate climate risk into their strategies gain access to capital, as investors are increasingly favoring businesses with robust climate-risk management plans. Additionally, businesses that align with sustainable practices are poised to capitalize on emerging market opportunities as demand for eco-friendly products and services rises.

Integrating climate risk also benefits internal systems. By adopting sustainability goals, SMEs are often able to strengthen their IT infrastructure, improving data management and reporting systems. This leads to more informed decision-making and more effective management of climate-related data.

Role of the board and C-suite

To successfully integrate climate risk, the leadership team must work together. Heres how each member can contribute to ensuring a successful climate strategy:

The Board needs to ensure compliance with AASB S2 while embedding climate risk into the strategic planning process. The CEO must lead the alignment of sustainability and climate goals with the overall business vision. The CFO is responsible for quantifying the financial impact of climate risks and ensuring accurate reporting. The CRO focuses on identifying, assessing, and managing both physical and transition climate risks. The CHRO plays a critical role in promoting climate literacy across the company. The CIO uses IT systems to integrate climate data and enhance risk management capabilities. The CSO is responsible for leading the climate strategy and ensuring it aligns with business objectives. Finally, the CXO ensures that climate risks are considered in customer experience strategies.

Key questions for SMEs

As leaders in SMEs integrate climate risk into their business strategy, they must be prepared to answer critical questions, including:

How does the company balance short-term financial goals with long-term climate resilience?

In what ways are climate-related goals integrated into the broader business strategy?

What climate risks have been identified, and how is the company managing them?

How is climate risk being addressed across the supply chain and in investment decisions?

Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Mexico refuses to allow U.S. military planes deporting migrants to land in the country

Mexico denied U.S. military aircraft carrying deported migrants permission to land, escalating tensions over immigration policies.

The blocked flight was part of broader U.S. deportation efforts, following two successful flights to Guatemala earlier that day.

Mexico's refusal signals reluctance to cooperate with President Donald Trump's aggressive immigration enforcement strategies.

The incident coincides with Trump's re-launch of the "Remain in Mexico" policy, which Mexico opposes, citing undue burdens and economic contributions of Mexican immigrants.

The dispute highlights strained U.S.-Mexico relations, exacerbated by Trump's threats of tariffs and the militarization of deportation efforts.

The Mexican government is refusing to allow United States military aircraft carrying deported migrants to land in the country.

This decision, confirmed by officials from both nations, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing immigration crisis and highlights the challenges facing President Donald Trumps administration as it seeks to enforce stricter border policies.

The incident occurred when the U.S. government attempted to send a C-17 military transport aircraft to Mexico as part of its broader deportation efforts.

The C-17, a large cargo plane typically used for transporting troops and equipment, was repurposed to carry migrants back to their home countries.

While two similar flights successfully transported approximately 80 migrants each to Guatemala earlier that day, the Mexico-bound flight was grounded after Mexican authorities denied permission for it to land. (Related: Trump announces 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada, effective February 1.)

Mexico's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement emphasizing the country's commitment to accepting its own citizens but stopped short of addressing the specific incident. Mexico has long maintained a policy of welcoming repatriated nationals, but the refusal to allow the U.S. military flight suggests a reluctance to cooperate with the Trump administration's aggressive deportation strategy.

This development comes on the heels of Trump's re-launch of the controversial "Remain in Mexico" policy, which requires asylum seekers trying to gain entry into the U.S. from the southern border to wait in Mexico while their cases are processed.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has publicly opposed the policy, arguing that it imposes undue burdens on her country and violates international norms. She has also criticized the use of mass deportations, asserting that Mexican immigrants play a vital role in the U.S. economy.

Trump unlikely to back down despite Mexican opposition to deportation flights

The Trump administration, however, has shown no signs of backing down. In his first week in office, Trump declared a national emergency along the U.S.-Mexico border, deploying 1,500 additional troops to bolster security and ordering a crackdown on illegal immigration. The use of military aircraft for deportations is part of this broader effort, marking the first time in decades that such planes have been employed for this purpose.

The decision to involve the military in deportation operations has sparked debate. Critics argue that it militarizes immigration enforcement and risks straining diplomatic relations with key allies like Mexico. Supporters, on the other hand, contend that it is a necessary step to address the ongoing border crisis and deter illegal crossings.

The situation is further complicated by Trump's recent threats to impose a 25 percent tariff on Mexican goods in response to the influx of migrants crossing the shared border. While these tariffs have not yet been implemented, they have heightened tensions between the two nations and raised concerns about the potential economic fallout.

Despite the friction, both countries have sought to downplay the incident. A White House official described the flight denial as an "administrative issue" that was quickly resolved, while the Mexican Foreign Ministry reiterated its commitment to maintaining a strong relationship with the United States.

Watch this video from Fox News as commentator Laura Ingraham discusses how Trump's deportation program is putting Americans first.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

ICE arrested over 300 illegal immigrants with major criminal convictions within 24 hours of Trumps inauguration.

ICE arrested over 300 illegal immigrants with major criminal convictions within 24 hours of Trumps inauguration.

House passes bill targeting DEPORTATION of illegal immigrants convicted of violent crimes against women and children.

Trump deploys 1,500 service members to boost security at the southern border.

Washington Democrats introduce legislation prohibiting child care workers from reporting illegal immigrants to federal authorities.

Sources include:

Reuters.com

NBCNews.com

NYPost.com

Brighteon.com
Supreme Court upholds small business ownership reporting rule, sparking debate over privacy and federal overreach

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 8-1 to allow enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), a law requiring small businesses to report detailed ownership information.

The CTA requires small businesses with fewer than 20 employees and annual revenue below $5 million to disclose owner information, including names, birthdates, addresses and identification numbers, to FinCEN.

The CTA's implementation has faced legal challenges, with a federal judge issuing a nationwide injunction in December 2024, only to have it temporarily lifted and reinstated.

The case has reignited debates over the use of nationwide injunctions, with Justice Gorsuch criticizing the practice for its potential to undermine judicial processes.

The decision has created uncertainty for small businesses, which argue that the law imposes an undue burden and poses risks to privacy and autonomy. Supporters maintain that it is necessary to combat financial crimes.

In a landmark decision, the U.S. Supreme Court voted 8-1 on Jan. 23 to allow the federal government to enforce the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), a law requiring millions of small businesses to report detailed ownership information to combat money laundering and financial crimes. The ruling, which overturned a lower courts nationwide injunction, has reignited debates over privacy, federal overreach and the burdens placed on small businesses  the backbone of the American economy.

The CTA, enacted in 2021, mandates that small businesses with fewer than 20 employees and less than $5 million in annual revenue disclose the names, birthdates, addresses and identification numbers of their owners to the Treasury Departments Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Failure to comply could result in fines of up to $591 per day.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the lone dissenter, argued that the government failed to demonstrate sufficient urgency to justify the Supreme Courts intervention. However likely the governments success on the merits may be, in my view, emergency relief is not appropriate because the applicant has failed to demonstrate sufficient exigency to justify our intervention, Jackson wrote.

A legal rollercoaster for small businesses

The CTAs implementation has been anything but smooth. On Dec. 5, 2024, a federal judge in the Eastern District of Texas sided with challengers, issuing a nationwide injunction against the law, citing concerns over its constitutionality. The injunction was temporarily lifted by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals on Dec. 23, 2024, only to be reinstated days later.

The Supreme Courts recent decision allows the law to take effect while the Fifth Circuit reviews its constitutionality. Oral arguments are scheduled for March 25.

For small business owners, the back-and-forth has created significant uncertainty. This decision creates even more uncertainty for the millions of small businesses we represent, said Todd McCracken, president and CEO of the National Small Business Association (NSBA). I cannot stress enough what a major problem this back-and-forth is and the massive uncertainty it creates for the millions of small businesses across this country.

The broader implications of nationwide injunctions

The case has also reignited a long-standing debate over the use of nationwide injunctions, which allow a single federal judge to block a law or policy across the entire country. Justice Neil Gorsuch, who concurred with the majority, has been a vocal critic of such injunctions.

The real problem is the increasingly common practice of federal court judges ordering injunctions of nationwide, universal, or cosmic scope, Gorsuch wrote in a 2020 opinion. He argued that these injunctions raise serious questions about the scope of courts equitable powers under Article III of the Constitution.

Gorsuchs concerns echo those of other conservative legal scholars, who argue that nationwide injunctions undermine the judicial process by allowing plaintiffs to shop for favorable courts and creating chaos in the legal system.

Small businesses caught in the crossfire

For small business owners, the CTA represents yet another regulatory hurdle in an already challenging economic environment. Karen Kerrigan, president and CEO of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, called the law a go-stop-go story that has left business owners scrambling to comply.

At this point in time and with the cloud of uncertainty still hanging over CTAs legality, we are urging President Trump to step in and provide immediate penalty relief for late filers, of which there are likely millions of small business owners, Kerrigan said.

Supporters of the law, however, argue that it is a necessary tool to combat financial crimes. For years, police and prosecutors have tried to combat a flood of dirty money associated with often violent crimes, but that cant happen if they run into a wall of shell companies and secrecy, said Ian Gary, executive director of the FACT Coalition.

Historical context: A balancing act

The CTA is part of a broader effort to modernize anti-money laundering laws, which have remained largely unchanged since the 1970s. Proponents argue that the law is essential for preventing the use of anonymous shell companies to launder money, finance terrorism and evade taxes.

Critics, however, contend that the law places an undue burden on small businesses, which account for nearly half of U.S. economic activity and employ nearly 60 million Americans. They argue that the CTAs reporting requirements are overly intrusive and could expose business owners to identity theft and other risks.

As the legal battle over the CTA continues, small business owners are left in limbo, caught between the need for transparency and the desire to protect their privacy and autonomy. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications not only for small businesses but also for the broader debate over the balance between federal authority and individual rights.

For now, the Supreme Courts decision ensures that the CTA remains in effect, but the final chapter of this legal saga has yet to be written. As Justice Gorsuch aptly noted, What in this gamesmanship and chaos can we be proud of? The answer, for millions of small business owners, remains unclear.

Sources include:

ZeroHedge.com

EpochTimes.com

APNews.com
Trump announces plans to OVERHAUL or ABOLISH FEMA

President Donald Trump announced plans to overhaul or abolish FEMA, criticizing its response to Hurricane Helene and calling it bureaucratic and ineffective.

Trump proposed decentralizing disaster response, suggesting federal aid be distributed directly to states instead of through FEMA.

Critics argue eliminating FEMA could hinder national coordination and resource mobilization during large-scale disasters.

Dismantling FEMA would likely require congressional approval, which faces significant political hurdles due to Trump's lack of a filibuster-proof Senate majority.

Trump linked federal aid for California wildfires to policy changes, such as implementing voter ID laws, sparking accusations of politicizing disaster relief.

President Donald Trump has ended his weeklong tour of disaster-stricken regions in the United States by announcing a plan to either overhaul or outright eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Speaking in Fletcher, North Carolina, on Jan. 24, Trump criticized FEMA's response to Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm that devastated the southeastern United States in September 2024. The hurricane caused over 200 fatalities, left tens of billions of dollars in damage and exposed what Trump called systemic failures in federal disaster response.

"FEMA has really let us down," Trump said, arguing that the agency is too bureaucratic, slow and ill-equipped to handle modern disasters.

He suggested that states should take the lead in disaster response, with federal aid being distributed directly to state governments rather than through FEMA.

"I think we're going to recommend that FEMA go away, and we pay directly to the state," Trump stated. (Related: HURRICANE HELENE MYSTERY: Weather modification, climate intervention and the planned destruction of a region for the U.S. governments pilfering of natural resources.)

This proposal marks a dramatic shift in federal emergency management policy. FEMA, established in 1979 under recently deceased former President Jimmy Carter, has long been the primary federal agency responsible for coordinating disaster relief efforts. It provides funding, resources and personnel to assist states and local governments during emergencies. However, Trump's comments suggest a preference for decentralizing disaster response, placing more responsibility on state governments while reducing the federal governments role.

Trump wants to give powers for disaster response to states and local governments

Critics of Trump's plan argue that eliminating FEMA could undermine national coordination during large-scale disasters. FEMA's regional offices and 20,000 employees play a critical role in mobilizing resources across state lines, especially during events like hurricanes, wildfires and floods that often overwhelm local capabilities. Without FEMA, states might struggle to access the expertise, funding and logistical support needed to respond effectively to catastrophic events.

Trump's proposal also raises questions about the feasibility of dismantling FEMA. While the president can issue executive orders to reorganize federal agencies, eliminating FEMA entirely would likely require congressional approval.

Under the Presidential Reorganization Act, Trump would need authorization from both the House and Senate to dissolve the agency. Given Trump's lack of a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate, such a move is unlikely to pass.

During his visit to North Carolina, Trump pledged immediate federal aid to rebuild communities devastated by Hurricane Helene.

"I will ensure that North Carolina gets the resources it needs to come back bigger, better and stronger than ever before," he said.

Trump's criticism of FEMA extended to California, where he visited areas affected by ongoing wildfires. He blamed state policies for exacerbating the crisis, particularly California's water management practices, which prioritize environmental protections over immediate disaster response.

"If they release the water, they wouldn't have had a problem," Trump said, referring to the state's decision to allow water runoff into the Pacific Ocean. He also set conditions for federal aid, requiring California to implement a voter ID law and redirect water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

These remarks drew sharp criticism from California officials, who accused Trump of politicizing disaster relief. Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass defended their handling of the wildfires, emphasizing the unprecedented scale of the disaster. Bass also praised FEMA's work, highlighting the agencys role in coordinating relief efforts.

Watch this video featuring Rep. Tim Burchett discussing how he supports Trump's proposal to "clean house" at FEMA.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighton.com.

More related stories:

FEMA mysteriously stages 350 semi-trucks of "equipment" at closed air force base in Michigan.

FEMA official fired over leaked memo telling government aid workers to "avoid Trump houses" after Hurricane Milton.

FEMAGATE: A shocking display of weaponization of the U.S. government against conservatives.

FEMAs real purpose: Suppressing Americans and preventing civilian organization.

FEMA under fire: Critics claim agency actively hinders Hurricane Helene relief efforts.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

NBCNews.com

Reuters.com

Brighteon.com
A rollback of environmental protections: Trump withdraws EPAs PFAS limits

President Donald Trump's administration has withdrawn a critical EPA draft rule that aimed to limit toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in industrial wastewater, reversing environmental progress made under the Biden administration.

PFAS, linked to cancer, liver damage and immune system dysfunction, are a growing health crisis. The EPA has identified over 120,000 potential exposure sites, highlighting the widespread nature of the contamination.

Environmental and health advocates, including Kyla Bennett and Melanie Benesh, criticize the decision as a betrayal of public health and a setback in regulating toxic substances, potentially allowing polluters to continue contaminating water and communities.

This move is part of a series of environmental rollbacks under the Trump administration, including withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement and encouraging drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

The lack of federal regulation leaves communities, especially those near industrial sites like the Clover Flat landfill in California, at risk of PFAS contamination in their water sources, exacerbating health and environmental concerns.

In a move that has sparked widespread concern among environmental and health advocates, President Donald Trump's administration has withdrawn a critical draft rule aimed at limiting toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in industrial wastewater. The draft, which the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sent to the White House for review in June 2024, was seen as a significant step toward addressing the growing health crisis posed by these "forever chemicals."

A national health crisis ignored

PFAS, a class of chemicals linked to an array of health problems including cancer, liver damage and immune system dysfunction, has been a growing concern for decades. The EPA's initial proposal, which would have applied to about 13 facilities, was a modest but crucial step in a broader effort to regulate these toxic substances.

Kyla Bennett, director of science policy at Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, minced no words in her criticism: "It is abundantly clear that this action was taken to benefit the chemical industry  and every American will suffer for it." Bennett's statement underscores the deep dismay felt by many who see this move as a betrayal of public health.

The EPA itself has identified more than 120,000 facility sites around the U.S. where people may be exposed to PFAS. This number, which is four times larger than previously reported, highlights the widespread nature of the contamination. "PFAS contamination is already a national health crisis, and this will force states to try and fill the regulatory void left by EPAs failure," Bennett added.

The impact on communities and the environment

The withdrawal of the PFAS limits will have far-reaching consequences. Melanie Benesh, vice president for government affairs at the Environmental Working Group (EWG), described the decision as a "devastating setback" that "not only delays establishing critical federal standards but also sends a dangerous message giving polluters a green light to continue poisoning our water and communities without fear of consequence."

The implications are particularly dire for communities living near industrial sites. For example, the Clover Flat landfill in Calistoga, California, has been a source of PFAS contamination, with water samples showing the presence of these chemicals in every single sample taken. Dennis Kelly, a Napa Valley resident living downhill from the landfill, expressed his fears: "The water is full of foam and looks soapy and smells funny. Pollution is going to be what kills us all."

Geoffrey Ellsworth, mayor of St. Helena in Napa County, echoed these concerns: "Multiple streams cross the landfill property, helping rains and erosion drive the chemical contaminants downhill into creeks and other water sources, including some used to irrigate farmland." The lack of federal regulation exacerbates the problem, leaving communities to fend for themselves.

A call to action

The Trump administration's decision to withdraw the PFAS limits is a significant setback in the fight against environmental contamination and a clear indication of the administration's priorities. While the EPA claims that this is a "common transition procedure," the reality is that it leaves millions of Americans at risk.

As the debate over environmental policy continues, it is crucial for citizens, advocacy groups and state governments to remain vigilant and push for stronger protections. The health and well-being of future generations depend on it.

Sources include:

ChildrenHealthDefense.org

EWG.org

TheGuardian.com
Trumps Stargate project: Gateway to US AI dominance or dystopian cyberpunk nightmare?

(Article by Ilya Tsukanov republished from SputnikGlobe.com)

The Basics

The Stargate Project is a privately financed plan to build 500,000-sq-ft AI data centers (10 under construction, 10 more to come), and grow from there, pending support from Donald Trump on the regulatory front.

Its leading tech and financial players include Sam Altmans OpenAI, Larry Ellisons Oracle, Japans SoftBank, and Emirati sovereign wealth fund MGX. ARM, Nvidia, and Microsoft are also involved.

Further details are sketchy, aside from an FT report revealing that the project will serve OpenAIs interests exclusively, and OpenAIs statement on looking forward to the creation of artificial general intelligence  the Holy Grail of human-like cognitive capabilities in machines.

Red Flags

Altman and Ellisons involvement are major warning signs.

Altman is on the record as a proponent of a transhumanist merge of human beings and machines. In 2017, he predicted that the singularity would take place between 2025-2075, and that superhuman AI, genetic enhancement and brain-machine interfaces were an inevitability.

More important than that, unless we destroy ourselves first, superhuman AI is going to happen, genetic enhancement is going to happen, and brain-machine interfaces are going to happen. It is a failure of human imagination and human arrogance to assume that we will never build things smarter than ourselves, he wrote at the time.

Hes is also an advocate of "AI agents" acting on human beings behalf online via the controversial World ID concept.

As for Ellison, the 80-year-old tech billionaire's controversial views are well-known. Last year, he touted omnipresent AI cameras keeping citizens on their best behavior because we are constantly recording and reporting everything thats going on as a good thing, and has been a proponent of national and digital IDs since 9/11.

Were going to have supervision, he said last September, assuring this would apply to authorities like police officers as well (feigning ignorance of the probability of a Robocop-style 4th directive preventing machines from arresting owners engaged in criminal behavior).

Ellison is also an advocate of AI-driven mRNA cancer vaccines, announcing at Stargate's rollout this week that artificial intelligence could help identify cancer via blood testing followed by gene therapy.

Microsofts involvement in the project is also troubling, with the company already planning to commit $80 billion for its own separate AI data centers to train and deploy cloud-based AI worldwide.

A 2024 report by Business Insider revealed that real-life supervillain Bill Gates remains heavily involved in Microsofts AI strategies, from its decision to help OpenAI grow to support for Altmans AI Agent idea.

Can It Be Stopped?

However, theres a hitch in Altmans development plans, with FTs revelations that Stargate is an OpenAI investment vehicle disguised as a national project, combined with Altmans very public feud with fellow tech billionaire Elon Musk following the initiative's announcement, signaling trouble.

According to Musk, SoftBank has actually secured less than $10 billion for Stargate so far. Altman assures thats not the case, and accuses Musk of letting private interests get in the way of what is great for the country.

Musk, who has integrated narrow AI across his business empire, from Teslas autopilot to the AI chatbot Grok, has a long-outstanding grudge against Altman (including a 2024 lawsuit accusing OpenAI of violating its mission statement by putting profits over humanity).

Hes also expressed fears of a 10-20% chance of AI wiping out humanity (although AI safety researcher Roman Yampolskiy says its more like 99.999999%).

Naysayers of projects like Stargate argue that without regulation and left in the hands of corporations and the military-industrial complex, powerful AI systems will quickly become a tool for round-the-clock surveillance, signing off on military war crimes, and the implementation of social credit score systems long feared by sci-fi.

Down-to-Earth Problems May Also Plague Project

Besides the major political and philosophical concerns and risks, Stargate also faces some everyday concerns, from the massive gamble it represents to investors in the financial sense, to issues relating to the power-hungry project straining the US energy grid, not to mention AI centers obscene levels of water usage.

Read more at: SputnikGlobe.com
U.S. foreign aid freeze: Trump administration halts billions in assistance

The U.S. State Department, under Secretary Marco Rubio, has implemented a 90-day freeze on nearly all foreign aid, effective immediately, following an executive order by President Donald J. Trump. Exemptions include emergency food aid and military assistance to Israel and Egypt.

The freeze halts billions of dollars in life-saving initiatives, including health clinics, anti-corruption efforts and refugee resettlement programs, threatening vulnerable populations worldwide.

While $3.85 billion in approved military aid for Ukraine remains available, its allocation is now subject to Trump's discretion.

The freeze reflects Trump's skepticism of foreign aid and aligns with his campaign pledge to prioritize domestic interests.

The U.S. State Department has ordered a 90-day freeze on nearly all foreign aid, with only a few exceptions. The directive, issued Friday by newly appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio, follows an executive order signed earlier this week by President Donald J. Trump.

The freeze, which exempts emergency food aid and military assistance to Israel and Egypt, threatens to disrupt billions of dollars in life-saving programs worldwide, from health clinics to anti-corruption initiatives. (Related: Trump suspends U.S. foreign aid, citing national priorities and economic concerns.)

Critics warn the decision could have dire consequences for vulnerable populations, while supporters argue it aligns with Trump's pledge to scrutinize foreign spending. The move also raises questions about the future of U.S. aid to Ukraine, a key ally in its ongoing conflict with Russia.

The U.S. is the world's largest foreign aid donor, allocating approximately $60 billion annually, about one percent of the federal budget. The freeze, which took immediate effect, halts funding for programs supporting health, education, development and security assistance, among others.

The freeze also impacts refugee resettlement programs, including those aiding Afghans who arrived in the U.S. on special immigrant visas. A State Department cable instructed resettlement agencies to suspend all work under foreign assistance, leaving many organizations scrambling to interpret the directive.

Jeremy Konyndyk, president of Refugees International and a former United States Agency for International Development (USAID) official, called the move "lunacy," adding, "This will kill people. If implemented as written in that cable, a lot of people will die."

Ukraine aid in limbo

The freeze notably omits any mention of Ukraine, a key recipient of U.S. military aid under the Biden administration. While $3.85 billion in congressionally approved funding for Ukraine remains available, it is now up to Trump to decide whether to allocate it. The president has been vocal about his desire to end the conflict with Russia, and he and Russian President Vladimir Putin have tentatively agreed to meet later this year to discuss a resolution.

The Biden administration expedited military aid to Ukraine before leaving office, anticipating potential resistance from Trump. However, the current freeze raises concerns about the continuity of U.S. support for Kyiv. A USAID official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that projects in Ukraine, including health assistance and school support, have already been halted.

The freeze marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, reflecting Trump's long-standing skepticism of foreign aid. During his 2016 campaign, Trump criticized what he called "wasteful" spending abroad, pledging to prioritize domestic interests. The current review, set to conclude within 90 days, aims to ensure that foreign assistance aligns with Trump's agenda.

The State Department cable did grant waivers for military financing to Israel ($3.3 billion annually) and Egypt ($1.3 billion annually), as well as emergency food aid. The latter exemption comes amid a surge in humanitarian needs, including famine in Sudan and ongoing crises in Gaza and Syria.

The Trump administration's freeze on foreign aid represents a dramatic departure from decades of U.S. global leadership in humanitarian and development assistance. While supporters view it as a necessary step to ensure accountability and alignment with national priorities, critics warn it could have catastrophic consequences for millions of people worldwide.

Watch the video below where Trump called former President Joe Biden's era "terrible four years" of foreign policy.

This video is from the NewClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

America Last: Biden administration prioritizes FOREIGN AID over domestic disaster relief.

Biden administration racing to distribute another $1.25 billion in military aid to Ukraine before term ends.

Ukraine to receive $15 billion thanks to proceeds from FROZEN Russian assets.

Biden announces additional $500M military aid for Ukraine as California wildfires displace 70,000 residents.

Biden approves $20B loan to Ukraine right before Trump takes office.

Sources include:

TheNationalPulse.com

APNews.com

Brighteon.com
Hundreds of Colombian nationals who had entered the United States illegally have arrived back in Colombia after a diplomatic row between President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro. The row and its denouement show the seriousness with which President Trump views his mandate to stop illegal immigration and regain U.S. sovereignty over its borders.

On January 26, Colombian President Petro turned back two U.S. deportation flights, which had previously been authorized by Colombia and were already in the air. Mr. Petro claimed the deportees were not being transported in a dignified manner.

President Trumps reaction was swift: he announced severe economic and travel sanctions against Colombia. Mr. Trump directed his Administration to impose an emergency 25% tariff on all Colombian goods entering the United States, which would be raised to 50% the following week. Additionally, all Colombians would face enhanced custom inspections, and family members and supporters of the Colombian government would be subject to visa restrictions.

Hours later, Colombian President Petro reversed his decision and agreed to cooperate with the U.S. deportation flight program. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt wrote in a January 26 statement, The Government of Colombia has agreed to all of President Trumps terms, including the unrestricted acceptance of all illegal aliens from Colombia returned from the United States, including on U.S. military aircraft, without limitation or delay. Based on this agreement the fully drafted IEEPA [International Emergency Economic Powers Act] tariffs and sanctions will be held in reserve, and not signed, unless Colombia fails to honor this agreement. The visa sanctions issued by the State Department and enhanced inspections from Customs and Border Protection will remain in effect until the first planeload of Colombian deportees is successfully returned.

That first return is now complete, and the incident has sent a clear message. As Press Secretary Leavitt told reporters, This signifies peace through strength is back; and this president will not tolerate illegal immigration into Americas interior. And he expects every nation on this planet, again, to cooperate with the repatriation of their citizens who illegally entered into our country and broke Americas laws.
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However, despite adding the R1 model to its cloud, Microsoft and OpenAI are reportedly probing the startup that developed the R1 model for IP infringement.

A separate report from Bloomberg noted that both the US-headquartered firms were checking if DeepSeek had accessed and copied OpenAIs technology while developing its reasoning model.

The report further cites Microsoft security researchers saying that they had observed people affiliated or connected to DeepSeek taking out large amounts of data using OpenAIs API  the tool that is used to interact with any OpenAI services or models.

Microsoft, which is also an investor in OpenAI, reportedly notified OpenAI of the alleged suspicious activity.

Another reason for the probe is the rising popularity of the DeepSeek model among users and cloud providers. The day it launched, it soared over ChatGPT  OpenAIs assistant, in terms of downloads and rank on the Apple App Store.

The White House also seems to believe that DeepSeek may have found a way to copy some technology from OpenAI to create its R1 model.
June 20, 2024: HPE-Juniper merger faces antitrust inquiry in UK

An inquiry into HPEs $14 billion takeover of Juniper Networks by the UKs Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), a move that potentially could delay approval of the deal, will have little impact on data center managers, said one analyst with Info-Tech Research Group. Both companies were informed of the inquiry by the CMA, the UKs principal antitrust regulator, on Wednesday.

July 17, 2024: Juniper advances AI networking software

Juniper continues to improve its AI-native networking platform while HPEs $14 billion deal to acquire Juniper continues to advance through the requisite regulatory hurdles. The latest platform upgrades are designed to help enterprise customers better manage and support AI in their data centers. Juniper is also offering a new validated design for enterprise AI clusters and has opened a lab to certify enterprise AI data center projects.

Aug. 01, 2024: EU clears HPEs $14 billion Juniper acquisition

Hewlett Packard Enterprises proposed acquisition of Juniper Networks took a big step forward this week as the European Commission unconditionally approved the buy. Next up: US and UK regulatory approval?

Nov. 21, 2024: AI networking a focus of HPEs Juniper deal as Justice Department concerns swirl

HPEs acquisition of Juniper has been under regulatory scrutiny ever since HPE announced the $14 billion deal in January. The proposed deal has passed muster with a number of world agencies so far, but there is reportedly some concern about it from the US Department of Justice.

Jan. 30, 2025: U.S. Justice Department sues to block HPEs $14 billion Juniper buy

After months of speculation, the U.S. Justice Department sued to block the $14 billion sale of Juniper Networks to HPE. The DOJ said reduced competition in the wireless market is the biggest problem with the proposed buy. This proposed acquisition risks substantially lessening competition in a critically important technology market and thus poses the precise threat that the Clayton Act was enacted to prevent, the DOJ wrote in a statement. It should be blocked. The companies say they plan to vigorously defend the transaction in court.
On Thursday, USAA Federal Savings Banks board appointed Michael Moran president of the institution. He had been serving as interim president. Courtesy/USAA

USAA Federal Savings Bank has appointed Michael Moran to serve as president of the embattled financial institution.

His promotion took effect Thursday.

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Our team will remain focused on building the Banks financial strength, enabling us to provide members with the competitive products and exceptional service they deserve, Moran said in a statement. USAAs mission is one of a kind and I look forward to advancing the capabilities of this great association.

The bank, which changed its headquarters from San Antonio to Phoenix last year, had about $110.3 billion in assets as of Sept. 30, 2024. It earned $65 million in the first nine months of last year.

It employed about 14,200 people at the end of the third quarter.

Moran joined USAA in 2014 and has served in several roles at the bank, including chief financial officer and head of the business finance, pricing and financial planning and analysis area. Before joining USAA, he spent nearly a decade at Key Bank. He holds a bachelors degree in economics from Central Michigan University.

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His promotion to the top post at USAA Bank comes a little more than a month after a national banking regulator issued a cease and desist order against the institution for new or continuing violations of law, rule, regulation.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency cited USAA Bank for engaging in unsafe or unsound practices, including those related to management, earnings, information technology, consumer compliance and internal audit.

In addition, the bank failed to complete corrective actions that it was given in similar orders in 2019 and 2022. Its now required to take comprehensive corrective actions to enhance risk governance, compliance risk management, information technology management (and) fraud risk management, among other items.

The order also imposes limitations on the banks ability to add new products and services, as well as on expanding its membership criteria.

The OCCs order terminated and superseded the other actions it has taken against USAA Bank. In 2019, the regulator uncovered evidence of 600 violations of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and the Military Lending Act. An $85 million civil penalty was assessed in 2020 for failing to implement and maintain an effective compliance risk management program. In 2022, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network slammed the bank with $140 million in fines for deficiencies in its Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering compliance program.

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Federal law requires banks to be vigilant for signs that depositors might be laundering crime proceeds, financing terrorism or committing other financial misdeeds. If banks spot something amiss, it must be reported to regulators promptly. In 2022, USAA Bank admitted that it had willfully failed to meet those obligations.

The OCC also assessed a $60 million civil penalty for that failure, but FinCEN agreed to credit that amount so the bank had to fork over only $140 million.

The OCC didnt assess any financial penalty with last months order.

In a statement, USAA Bank Executive Chairman Brad Conner praised Moran.

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I am confident he is the right leader to guide the Bank forward and he has the full support of the Board, Conner said.
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What does a people-centered environment mean in cancer treatment?

The role of empathy in oncology care

Integrating patient voices into care design

Creating supportive spaces for patients and families

Leveraging technology to enhance patient-centered care

Examples of people-centered programs in action

Challenges and opportunities in fostering a people-centered approach

The future of people-centered cancer treatment

References

Further reading

The new World Cancer Day theme for 2025-2027 is "United by Unique," with a focus on placing people at the center of care, with each diagnosis having a person behind it, with a unique human story comprising a multitude of emotions. The World Cancer Day 2025 initiative calls on governments, organizations, and institutions with the power to make people-centered cancer care a reality.9

What does a people-centered environment mean in cancer treatment?

People-centered care places people at the center of the care process, including placing focus on the needs of patients, healthcare professions, and organizations.1

Patient-centered care encompasses six areas, including (i) physical comfort, (ii) emotional support, (iii) respect for patient's preferences and values, (iv) integration and coordination, (v) involvement of their support systems, i.e., families and friends; (vi) and supply of information, communication, and education for more informed decision-making.2

Utilizing a people-centered approach can challenge the biomedical care model, which is used in oncology intensive care units (ICUs) that focuses instead on disease and progression. Often, this leads to patients and their support systems being excluded from decision-making, resulting in fragmented, disorganized, and unsustainable treatment.1

The role of empathy in oncology care

Empathy is one of the most significant communication skills within clinical practice, especially in oncology care. Clinical empathy can aid healthcare professionals to perform more positively, which enables patients to express their emotions more easily, allowing their emotional needs to be recognized and responded to appropriately.3

Clinical empathy in cancer treatment is required due to cancer patients being more vulnerable as a result of the changes in their quality of life and the overall decline of their health from treatment side effects.3

For nurses, in particular, clinical empathy in cancer treatment may be deemed more significant, with the development of nurse-patient communication in the oncology ward being critical for patients to ease their psychological distress. Additionally, the frequent hospitalization of cancer patients enables nurses and other healthcare professionals to carry out compassionate practices to bond with patients, building trust, which can lead to more opportunities to identify and respond to patient needs.3

Image Credit: PeopleImages.com - Yuri A/Shutterstock.com

A review study demonstrated the significance of this empathetic relationship in improving outcomes of care and treatment in patients in two ways.3,4

Firstly, this approach led to self-disclosure of patient concerns, which subsequently enabled more information to be acquired, resulting in a higher level of accuracy in diagnosis, as well as more perception and responsibility of the healthcare professional to the personal requirements of the patient, producing better outcomes.3,4

Secondly, having an empathetic relationship provides patients with the feeling that they are being listened to and valued as a person, which also indirectly results in improved patient outcomes.3,4

Integrating patient voices into care design

Good communication and empathy are significant actionable areas for delivering patient-centered cancer care by healthcare professionals and providers, including (i) asking patients about their problems, preferences, and needs; (ii) offering help to patients about a problem that is noticed or identified; (iii) and identifying whether patients experience relief from their suffering and delivery of care that is consistent with their preferences, needs, and values.2

These patient-reported measurement indicators can be useful in improving the quality of care of patients. Additionally, measuring whether patients have been asked about their concerns, values, and preferences is significant for many reasons, particularly in people-centered cancer care.2

If an issue or preference is not recognized or understood by a healthcare provider, it cannot be appropriately treated or incorporated into a patient's cancer care plan.2

'Active' patient participation is associated with more positive health outcomes. However, if patients lack the knowledge or skills to engage with health professionals, prompting them or offering help can ensure they are satisfied with their care.2

Creating supportive spaces for patients and families

A cancer diagnosis leads to several consequences, such as physical, psychological, social, and personal, with patients having to balance daily responsibilities with their pain and fatigue, inability to work, or feelings of loneliness.5

Creating supportive spaces for patients and families can enhance cancer care support systems, with family relationships usually changing with a cancer diagnosis. For many patients, this can lead to family members and grown children moving closer to take care of their parents, leading to a closer relationship with family members.5

Having space for family and friends in treatment centers and facilities can alleviate some of the overwhelming changes patients feel; some patients may have a new focus on completing their "bucket lists," which may include making new friends and having social activities  these can help provide a purpose for patients when their health is deteriorating, and their independence is challenged.5

The design of cancer care support centers is integral to the wellbeing of patients, with many architects designing the space with patients and their families in mind. For example, Margaret's Place Hospice in Dundas, Ontario, Canada, consists of an open two-story great room as the central hub, located at the edge of a wooded ravine, with peaceful views and living space for patients, families, and caregivers, as well as barbeque areas and quiet spaces.6

Leveraging technology to enhance patient-centered care

The use of advanced telemedicine technologies with artificial intelligence (AI) can transform the capacity of remote healthcare, with advancements in patient care, monitoring symptoms, as well as providing diagnostics and overall medical treatment.7

AI tools have also progressed virtual healthcare, enabling real-time monitoring of health statuses and higher accuracy in diagnoses. These tools deliver health care remotely, providing medical services over great distances without the individual having to visit a healthcare center and see a physician in person.7

Digital health platforms have improved patient access and communication for patients who live in underserved and remote areas, which can now be provided with critical medical care using innovative remote healthcare solutions.7

AI-driven remote healthcare can also provide personalized treatment with tools that enable medical image interpretation, predictions of patient outcomes, as well as real-time monitoring to diagnose patients accurately. Additionally, large datasets, which inform AI algorithms, can provide personalized care for patients and improve patient experience and satisfaction.7

Examples of people-centered programs in action

In 2022, in an attempt to be more people-centered, Great Ormond Street Hospital opened two new family accommodations, which consisted of a free place to stay for parents and carers of their patients who require urgent and specialist care.8

This family-focused facility for 40 people, only 90 seconds away from the children's hospital, features bedrooms, kitchens, quiet rooms, lounge rooms, laundry, and dining rooms and ensures that patient needs are being met outside of just treating the disease. Ensuring families are taken care of also has a knock-on effect on patients who experience a more restful caretaker who can support them to the fullest.8

Challenges and opportunities in fostering a people-centered approach

Common barriers to implementing a people-centered approach include (i) funding, with the costs to achieving goals being a key consideration when planning; (ii) staff shortages, which can prevent identification and progress of goals for patient care; (iii) and poor inter-sectoral integration of health and community care sectors, which if solved could support patients with complex health or substance use disorders.10

Other challenges involve the variation of family support, as some individuals may not have any family members to support them, which can make it difficult to identify goals for patients who have communication difficulties. Additionally, communication itself may also be a challenge, as non-verbal patients would be more difficult to support in a people-centered care model.10

These challenges, while difficult, may lead to more opportunities for collaboration and creativity; for example, visual aids and pictographic symbols can be used to communicate with non-verbal patients to ensure their needs are being met.10

The future of people-centered cancer treatment

Evolving practices and policies have the potential to shape oncology care in the future, with more hospitals and organizations adopting a people-centered cancer care approach.9,10

Additionally, with the advancement of digital healthcare and telemedicine and the use of AI algorithms by healthcare providers, personalized care and innovative cancer care practices may also become a normal and successful approach for all, no matter the distance.7

References

Botma Y, Herselman H, Heyns T. Understanding of 'Person-Centred Care' in an Oncology ICU: Associative Group Analysis. Heliyon. 2024;10(19). doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e38592. Zucca A, Sanson-Fisher R, Waller A, Carey M. Patient-Centred Care: Making Cancer Treatment Centres Accountable. Supportive Care in Cancer. 2014;22(7):1989-1997. doi:10.1007/s00520-014-2221-4. Rohani C, Sedaghati M, Mohtashami J. Clinical Empathy with Cancer Patients: A Content Analysis of Oncology Nurses' Perception. Patient Preference and Adherence. 2018;Volume 12:1089-1098. doi:10.2147/ppa.s156441. Derksen F, Bensing J, Lagro-Janssen A. Effectiveness of Empathy in General Practice: A Systematic Review. British Journal of General Practice. 2013;63(606). doi:10.3399/bjgp13x660814. Jacobs ML, Clawson J, Mynatt ED. Articulating a Patient-Centered Design Space for Cancer Journeys. EAI Endorsed Transactions on Pervasive Health and Technology. 2017;3(9). doi:10.4108/eai.21-3-2017.152394. https://doi.org/10.4108/eai.21-3-2017.152394 Walker T. Photo Tour: Margaret's Place Hospice. HCD Magazine. https://healthcaredesignmagazine.com/projects/photo-tour-margarets-place-hospice/. Published February 13, 2022. Accessed January 20, 2025. Chaturvedi U, Chauhan SB, Singh I. The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Remote Healthcare: Enhancing Patient Engagement, Connectivity, and Overcoming Challenges. Intelligent Pharmacy. January 2025. doi:10.1016/j.ipha.2024.12.003. GOSH Charity Opens New Family Accommodation. NHS choices. https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/news/gosh-charity-opens-new-family-accommodation-powis-place/. Published August 9, 2022. Accessed January 20, 2025. "United by Unique", The New World Cancer Day theme 2025-2027. World Cancer Day. https://www.worldcancerday.org/the-campaign. Accessed January 20, 2025. Idrees S, Dong M, Young G, et al. Supports and Barriers to Creating and Implementing Person-Centred Plans in the Community Care Sector in Canada: A qualitative analysis of three perspectives. SSM - Health Systems. January 2025:100054. doi:10.1016/j.ssmhs.2025.100054.

Further Reading
Older adults whose cholesterol changes over time may be more likely to develop dementia than people whose cholesterol is stable, regardless of the actual cholesterol level, according to a study published in the January 29, 2025, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

The study does not prove that changing cholesterol causes dementia; it only shows an association.

These results suggest that fluctuating cholesterol, measured annually, may be a new biomarker for identifying people at risk of dementia, providing more information than the actual cholesterol levels measured at a single time point." Zhen Zhou, PhD, study author of Monash University in Melbourne, Australia

The study involved 9,846 people with an average age of 74 who did not have dementia or other memory problems. Cholesterol levels were measured at the beginning of the study and at three following annual visits. Participants were followed for an average of 5.5 years after the third visit. They took tests of memory skills annually.

Participants taking cholesterol medications, called statins, were allowed in the study unless they stopped or started taking the drugs during the measurement period for cholesterol.

The participants were divided into four equal groups based on the amount of change between their first and fourth cholesterol measurements. The difference between consecutive yearly measurements was 91 mg/dL on average in the group with the largest amount of change in total cholesterol and 22 mg/dL in the group with the smallest amount of change.

During the study, 509 people developed dementia. A total of 147 of the 2,408 people in the group with the largest amount of change in total cholesterol developed dementia, a rate of 11.3 per 1,000 person-years. In the group with the lowest amount of change in total cholesterol, 98 of 2,437 people developed dementia, a rate of 7.1 per 1,000 person-years. Person-years represent both the number of people in the study and the amount of time each person spends in the study.

After adjusting for other factors that could affect the risk of dementia, such as age, smoking status and high blood pressure, researchers found that those in the high change group were 60% more likely to develop dementia than those in the low change group.

The study also found a link between changing cholesterol levels and cognitive impairment or memory problems that did not meet the criteria for dementia.

Looking at the various types of cholesterol, researchers found a link between fluctuating LDL cholesterol, or "bad" cholesterol, and risk of dementia and cognitive impairment. They did not find that association with HDL, or "good" cholesterol, or triglycerides.

"Older people's cholesterol should be monitored for changes over time to help identify people who may be at risk of cognitive impairment or dementia and could benefit from interventions, which could include lifestyle changes or making sure they start or keep taking statin to prevent fluctuations in their cholesterol and potentially reduce the risk of dementia," Zhou said.

A limitation of the study is that while people who started or stopped taking cholesterol drugs were not included in the study to eliminate the medication-induced fluctuations in cholesterol, researchers did not have information on any changes in dosage or people who did not take their medication as prescribed, which could affect cholesterol changes.

The study is supported by the National Heart Foundation of Australia.
Why does coffee taste more bitter to some people than it does to others? Researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich have now come closer to answering this question. They have identified a new group of bitter compounds in roasted Arabica coffee and have investigated how they influence its bitter taste. In addition, they demonstrated for the first time that individual genetic predisposition also plays a role in determining how bitter these roasting substances taste.

Although caffeine has been known as a bitter tasting substance for a long time, even decaffeinated coffee tastes bitter. This shows that other substances also contribute to the bitter taste of roasted coffee.

Indeed, previous studies have identified various compound classes that are formed during roasting and contribute to bitterness. During my doctoral thesis, I have now identified and thoroughly analyzed another class of previously unknown roasting substances." Coline Bichlmaier, doctoral student, Leibniz Institute

The starting point of her research was the mozambioside contained in Arabica beans. It tastes about ten times more bitter than caffeine and activates two of the approximately 25 bitter taste receptor types found in the human body, namely the TAS2R43 and TAS2R46 receptors. "However, our investigations showed that the concentration of mozambioside decreases significantly during roasting, so that it only makes a small contribution to the bitterness of coffee," says principal investigator Roman Lang, and continues: "This prompted us to test whether roasting produces breakdown products of mozambioside are also bitter and could affect coffee's taste."

Combination effect and genetic predisposition are important

As the research team shows, seven different degradation products of mozambioside are formed during roasting. These compounds are found in roasted coffee in varying concentrations, depending on roasting temperature and duration, and almost completely pass into the beverage during brewing.

Investigations in a cellular test system established at the institute show that these roasting substances activate the same bitter taste receptor types as mozambioside. Three of the roasting products even had a stronger effect on the receptors than the original compound. However, the researchers found that the concentrations of these roasting products measured in brewed coffee were too low to induce a noticeable taste on their own. Only the combination of mozambioside and its roasting products in a sample led eight out of eleven test subjects to perceive a bitter taste. One person found the taste astringent and two did not perceive any particular taste.

A genetic test showed that taste sensitivity depended on the genetic predisposition of the test subjects: two people had both copies of the TAS2R43 gene variant defective. Seven had one intact and one defective variant of the receptor and only two people had both copies of the gene intact.

What do the results mean for the future?

"The new findings deepen our understanding of how the roasting process influences the flavor of coffee and open up new possibilities for developing coffee varieties with coordinated flavor profiles. They are also an important milestone in flavor research, but also in health research," says Roman Lang, explaining: "Bitter substances and their receptors have further physiological functions in the body, most of which are still unknown." According to Lang, there is still a lot of work to be done, since for many bitter substances in coffee alone, it is not yet known which bitter taste receptors they activate, even though millions of people worldwide drink coffee every day.
Light and electron microscopy have distinct limitations. Light microscopy makes it difficult to resolve smaller and smaller features, and electron microscopy resolves small structures, but samples must be meticulously prepared, killing any live specimens.

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a technique originally developed to assess the physical and mechanical properties of materials at extremely high resolutions, but the imaging speeds aren't fast enough (e.g. several minutes per frame) to capture relevant data for living biological samples. In contrast, another method, high-speed AFM (HS-AFM), is fast but cannot measure mechanical properties. Understanding the potential of this type of microscopy for the analysis of large molecules and microorganisms, researchers from the National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS) and Nagoya University created a new technique, high-speed in-line force mapping (HS-iFM), to acquire dynamic, mechanical force measurements at the speed and resolution required for living biological samples. The group  Christian Ganser, Shigetaka Nishiguchi, Feng-Yueh Chan, and Takayuki Uchihashi  chose the common bacteria Escherichia coli to study first in such unprecedented detail.

The researchers published their study in the January 29 issue of Science Advances.

While it is clearly informative to study 'static' samples, such as bacteria that are not alive, observing the living organism allows us to directly follow changes in the course of an organism's life, which becomes possible with our technique. Escherichia coli are great to demonstrate such effects because they are well studied. Despite this, the dynamic mechanical changes that occur in E. coli at the nanoscale level remain elusive." Christian Ganser, assistant professor, Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS) in the NINS, Okazaki, Japan

During E. coli cell division, the researchers observed increased mechanical stiffening of the cell division site. The researchers hypothesize this stiffening could be due to localized membrane tension and local cell wall thickening. "The division site becomes much stiffer than the surrounding cell, hinting at large internal stresses that are needed to deform the membrane and separate the cells," said Ganser.

During division, the membrane also formed visible bridges between the two daughter cells that stretched and eventually broke. The creation and eventual breakage of these bridges lasted an average of 242 s  99 s (mean  standard deviation) and was observed seven times. The entire division process is provided as a supplementary video in the online version of the research paper.

The team also observed a weak spot, less than 100 nm in diameter, in a dividing E. coli cell that ruptured, causing cell depressurization and death. Interestingly, the bursting cell caused depressurization of both left and right daughter cells, indicating that the cells were not completely separated internally. This observation suggests that HS-iFM may be useful in determining the timing of different steps during the division of E. coli and other bacteria.

HS-iFM allows researchers to measure both high resolution topography and membrane mechanical properties. During division of a living E. coli cell, the researchers observed visible membrane holes that close and reform again and diffuse across the membrane. The team hypothesized that these dynamic hole structures may be related to the formation of outer membrane vesicles, which are reported to be more frequent during cell division and around the new cell walls that develop between daughter cells during bacterial cell division. The pores could also be outer-membrane protein complexes located on the bacteria surface, but the measured pore diameter of 34.7 nm  11.8 nm (1 nm = 1 x 10-9 m) is significantly larger than previous reports of protein complex diameter, which is approximately 8 nm.

The research team acknowledges the great potential of the HS-iFM technique for studying a wide variety of biological samples and organisms, including E. coli. "In the [future], we will use our technique to study the dynamic and localized effect of external stimuli, [such as] antibiotics, to the nanomechanical properties of membranes of living bacteria," said Ganser. The researchers also envision using HS-iFM to study the transient nanomechanical properties of polymers. Ideally, the team will increase the speed and resolution of the technique to visually capture the mechanical properties of molecules as small as individual proteins.

The co-authors of the research paper are Shigetaka Nishiguchi from the Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems at the National Institutes of Natural Sciences in Okazaki, Japan; Feng-Yueh Chan from the Department of Physics at Nagoya University in Nagoya, Japan; and Takayuki Uchihashi from the Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems at the National Institutes of Natural Sciences and the Department of Physics at Nagoya University.

This research was supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number JP23H04874 in a Grant-in-Aid for Transformative Research Areas "Materials Science of Meso-Hierarchy" and 24K01309, 22K18943; by JST, CREST Grant Number JPMJCR21L2, Japan; and MEXT Promotion of Development of a Joint Usage/Research System Project: Coalition of Universities for Research Excellence Program (CURE) Grant Number JPMXP1323015482.
As Georgia navigates a widespread opioid addiction crisis, researchers in Kennesaw State University's Wellstar School of Nursing (WSON) are leveraging a $1.2 million grant to train budding nurses in addressing substance use disorders.

The researchers  Katherine Barnett, Susan Beidler, Ashley Barber and Lisa Reyes-Walsh  received the grant from the Georgia Opioid Crisis Abatement Trust (GOCAT) for their two-year project, "Nurses Learning About Opioid Use Disorder," or Nurses LOUD.

The grant was made possible following a $636 million settlement reached with three pharmaceutical companies for their complicity in fostering the opioid abuse epidemic. In May 2023, Gov. Brian Kemp established the Georgia Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee, an eight-member committee that will advise GOCAT on the disbursement of funds. The first group of grantees, including two KSU projects, was announced in December 2024.

It's very exciting for the nursing program to receive this grant. With these funds dedicated to our four priorities, we have a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Georgians affected by the opioid crisis." Katherine Barnett

Barnett established a four-pillar plan that will train nurses from KSU's bachelor's and master's programs to help patients dealing with substance use disorders:

Integrating undergraduate curriculum with the graduate curriculum through experiential learning both on and off campus. This will include learning about how to ease stigma and using person-first recovery language, as well as learning interviewing techniques with patients and hearing firsthand accounts of substance use disorder.

Establishing an interdisciplinary team model between the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) post-graduate certificate students and the Master of Social Work (MSW) students to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals with opioid use disorders. Funding from this grant will pay the salary for two expert advance practice nurses to work in the community. These community partnerships serve rural communities and individuals who are oftentimes uninsured.

Providing scholarships to 20 students entering the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner post-graduate certificate program and 30 Master of Social Work students entering the PMHNP and MSW programs between January 2025 and November 2026. These graduate students will specialize in caring for and treating individuals with substance use disorders.

Purchasing Naloxone to train all undergraduate and graduate nursing students as well as all Master of Social Work students in the Wellstar College.

Barnett and Beidler received a $729,000 grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration in 2022 to teach graduate students how to help patients break increasingly deadly opioid addictions. Barnett said work already completed under this federal grant helped WSON secure the latest award from the state.

"The Wellstar College of Health and Human Services continues to be at the forefront of improving public health in the region, and this grant further bolsters our efforts," said Monica Swahn, dean of the Wellstar College. "Our student nurses will enter their profession with the skill and empathy necessary to help alleviate the effects of the opioid epidemic."

In addition to the four nursing researchers, associate professor of sociology Evelina Sterling received $240,000 from GOCAT to develop a community driven project to ease the effects of opioid addiction. Where Nurses LOUD fell under the "training" category of grantees, Sterling's project, "Creating a Campus-Wide, Community-Led Ecosystem to Address the Opioid Epidemic in Georgia" is categorized as "prevention."
A common bacteria usually found in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract, Streptococcus anginosis, may be abundant in the guts of people with stroke and is associated with a worse prognosis and increased risk of death, according to a preliminary study to be presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2025. The meeting is in Los Angeles, Feb. 5-7, 2025 and is a world premier meeting for researchers and clinicians dedicated to the science of stroke and brain health.

In the future, if there was a quick test to detect harmful bacteria in the mouth and gut, we could use the information to help calculate stroke risk. Targeting these specific harmful oral bacteria may help prevent stroke." Shuichi Tonomura, M.D., lead author of the study and staff physician in the department of neurology at the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center in Osaka, Japan

Everyone has trillions of bacteria in their gut, collectively known as the gut microbiota. There is also another community of bacteria in the mouth called oral microbiota. Most of these bacteria positively affect the body and assist with normal body processes, such as digestion. However, when the helpful and unhelpful types of bacteria get out of balance, illness can happen, Tonomura noted.

Previously, these researchers found that a different bacteria that causes tooth decay, Streptococcus mutans, was associated with a higher risk of bleeding inside the brain. In this new study, conducted at the largest stroke center in Japan, researchers quantified all detectible bacteria in both the saliva and gut s of people who had recently had any type of stroke, comparing them to people without a stroke of similar age undergoing routine medical checkups.

The researchers found that one species of bacteria, Streptococcus anginosus, was significantly more abundant in the saliva and gut of people with acute stroke than in the control group of people who had not had a stroke.

An analysis of various groups of bacteria found:

Streptococcus anginosus in the gut was independently associated with 20% higher odds of stroke after controlling for vascular risk factors, while Anaerostipes hadrus (a gut bacteria associated with beneficial effects) was associated with a drop in risk by 18% and Bacteroides plebeius (a gut bacteria common in the Japanese population) was associated with a drop in risk by 14%.

Over the two-year follow-up, stroke survivors with Streptococcus anginosus in the gut had a significantly higher risk of death and major cardiovascular events over the two-year follow-up period.

Increased risk of death and poor outcomes was not noted in stroke survivors with Anaerostipes hadrus and Bacteroides plebeius compared to controls.

"Our findings offer new insights into the connection between oral bacteria and the risk of stroke, as well as potential strategies for stroke prevention. Both Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus anginosus are bacteria that contribute to tooth decay by producing acids that break down tooth enamel. This highlights the importance of preventing tooth decay, which can be achieved by reducing sugar intake and using toothpaste that targets these bacteria. Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential," Tonomura said.

The researchers hope to conduct similar studies in people who have not experienced a stroke, but have risk factors for stroke.

"Extending the analysis to populations at risk of stroke is crucial for understanding broader implications and developing potential preventive strategies for those susceptible to stroke," Tonomura said.

Because the study was conducted in a Japanese population with a relatively small sample size (189 stroke patients and 55 non-stroke participants), the findings may not be fully generalizable to other populations or larger, more diverse groups.

"The oral and gut microbiome is strongly affected by lifestyle. Other bacteria may be main players in stroke in other countries," Tonomura said.

"Poor oral health can lead to inflammation and may increase the risk of stroke. The increased levels of Streptococcus anginosus found in the gut of patients with recent stroke is intriguing, and the fact that levels were linked to increased mortality two years after stroke suggests that it may play a role in ongoing stroke risk," said Louise D. McCullough, M.D., P.H.D., FAHA, who is the Roy M. and Phyllis Gough Huffington Distinguished Chair of Neurology at McGovern Medical School; chief of neurology at Memorial Hermann Hospital-Texas Medical Center and co-director of UTHealth Neurosciences, all in Houston, who was not involved in the study. "Since this study was conducted after a stroke occurred, examining a larger group of people who have not yet had a stroke but do have risk factors could enhance our understanding of how these bacteria are related to stroke risk. This knowledge could help improve prevention strategies." McCullough also coauthored the commentary Stroke and the Microbiome published in the Jan. 2024 issue of the American Heart Association Stroke journal.

Study details, background or design:
Shannon Sharpe was having one of those 15-minutes-of-internet-infamy moments. Social media blew up in September after the retired Denver Broncos tight end  accidentally, he later said  broadcast some of his intimate activities online.

One of his sponsors took advantage of the moment: the telehealth company Ro, which sells a variety of prescription medicines for erectile dysfunction and hair and weight loss. The company revved up a social media campaign on the social platform X for an ad in which Sharpe boasted about his experience with the company's erectile dysfunction medications, a company spokesperson confirmed.

The ads were more than just a passing attempt to hitch a corporate caboose to a runaway social media locomotive. A group of direct-to-consumer telehealth companies have become omnipresent across just about all media formats, seeking patients interested in their low-stigma, low-fuss, low-touch, high-convenience health products.

They're on your favorite podcasts and in the background on the cable TV in your gym. Thirteen telehealth entities spent a combined $111 million in 2023 on television ads, more than double the sum in 2019, according to an analysis from iSpot.tv, a television ad-tracking company, provided to KFF Health News.

The ads feature high-wattage celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez as well as lesser-known influencers who are paid four figures to post a snapshot or short video to Instagram, according to interviews with marketers. Three publicly traded telehealth companies spent a total of more than $1.4 billion on advertising, sales, and marketing in 2023, according to financial reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, categories that reflect the extent of their online efforts.

The companies' advertising typically emphasizes convenience in a health care system that's often just the opposite. They promise judgment-free birth control or care for conditions like erectile dysfunction and hair loss that have traditionally been stigmatized. As the companies expand, they're venturing into more complex kinds of medicine, such as care for mental health conditions and obesity.

Services that telehealth companies offer, critics warn, may shortchange patients in need of close, sensitive attention. Researchers differ on telehealth services' quality, with some saying telehealth companies offer little follow-up and inconsistent care from a revolving cast of doctors.

Still, they agree the care is fundamentally different from the traditional style. A company's model can "kind of flip what youre taught at medical school on its head," said Ateev Mehrotra, a Brown University professor of public health who studies telehealth.

Typically, he said, a patient goes to the doctor with a complaint; there, the parties figure out a diagnosis and, if appropriate, a medication. By contrast, he said, telehealth companies' advertising invites patients to make their own diagnoses, while pairing them with clinicians who, if they confirm their conditions, prescribe medicines the patients already think they want.

Under this style of medicine, the clinician is "now a screener, and you just want to make sure that that medication is safe for that patient," Mehrotra said.

The model may work for certain kinds of care, Mehrotra said, such as birth control. He and some colleagues conducted a study in which they recruited patients with standardized backstories to patronize startups offering contraceptive medicines over the internet. Generally, the study found, the services performed well.

Harley Diamond, a patient at Nurx, a startup offering birth control prescriptions and other services, offers an example of how these companies can work well in some circumstances. After she saw an Instagram ad, she signed up to get birth control. She lives in Tennessee, a red state where it can be difficult to access contraception: Local clinics have closed and an arsonist burned down a Planned Parenthood. (The facility recently reopened.)

But when she turned to Nurx for her mental health, she found the service confounding and its convenience lacking.

The company's app sends her frequent questionnaires about symptoms and reactions to drugs, she said. "There is no comforting face to validate you," she wrote in an email to KFF Health News. The questions were the same each time, and she said she spoke with a new doctor in every interaction.

"It can feel like youre having to start from scratch explaining yourself to someone new every month," she said.

When she expressed concerns  for example, about side effects of an antidepressant she was taking  it would take "days, generally," to hear back, with no change in her protocol, she said. Often, she said, her messages would get no response at all.

Rajani Rao, senior vice president at Nurx, said the company is "constantly working" to improve response times, "especially as we experience a high volume of patient care requests." In mental health, the majority of Nurx's patients experience elimination of symptoms after six months of treatment, she said.

Rao also referred to Nurx as providing an "integrated care team," using language echoed across the industry. Ro, for example, says its care is available in the time and format of its patient's preference and that it audits the quality of its services.

Continuous care is crucial to make sure mental health patients are on the right doses of medications and that they're not experiencing side effects, said Reshma Ramachandran, an assistant professor of medicine at Yale who has conducted her own secret-shopper study of telehealth sites.

What's more, research shows many mental health medications are best paired with therapy, Ramachandran said.

Ramachandran thinks frustrations like Diamond's might be widespread, based on her team's research. She said she's frustrated at the "very groovy, glossy" picture painted by telehealth ads.

Ramachandran said her study is still under consideration for publication in medical journals. But she provided preliminary results to congressional offices examining the telehealth sector.

Last year, Sen. Dick Durbin, an Illinois Democrat, and former Sen. Mike Braun, an Indiana Republican, introduced legislation to regulate some telehealth advertising practices. A spokesperson for Durbin said he intends to reintroduce the bill this year.
'Always Believed In Fairness & Justice: Infosys Co-Founder Kris Gopalakrishnan On SC/ST Act Against Him

Curated By :

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Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 16:46 IST

A case was registered against Gopalakrishnan, former IISc Director Balaram and 16 others under the Prevention of SC/ST Atrocities Act. The complainant alleged that he was subjected to casteist abuse and threats.

Infosys co-founder Kris Gopalakrishnan is seen.

Infosys co-founder Senapathy Kris Gopalakrishnan on Thursday issued a statement regarding allegations of hurling casteist abuse and threats against a faculty member of Indian Institute of Science (IISc), saying that the law has been misused to make false allegations against him.

I have always believed in fairness, justice, and treating everyone with respect, regardless of their background. I am deeply saddened that a law meant to protect marginalised communities has been misused to make false allegations against me."

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A case was registered against Gopalakrishnan, former IISc Director Balaram and 16 others under the Prevention of SC/ST Atrocities Act. The complainant alleged that he was subjected to casteist abuse and threats.

He further said that he is associated with the institute since 2022 while the case dates back to 2014.

I have been associated with IISc as Chairman of the Council since 2022, while the alleged incidents date back to 2014. IISc has clear policies for fair and transparent investigations, which are within the purview of the executive management," the statement said.

Yesterday, the Honble High Court of Karnataka stayed all further investigation and proceedings under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against me and others. As the matter is before the Courts, I will not comment further. I have full faith in the judiciary and trust that justice will prevail," it added.

The case was registered at the Sadashiva Nagar police station based on the directions of the 71st city civil and session court (CCH), news agency PTI reported.

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The complainant, who belongs to the tribal Bovi community, was a faculty member at the Centre for Sustainable Technology at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and said that in 2014, he was falsely implicated in a honey trap case and subsequently dismissed from service.

The other individuals accused in this case include Govindan Rangarajan, Sridhar Warrier, Sandya Vishwswaraih, Hari K V S, Dasappa, Balaram P, Hemalata Mhishi, Chattopadyaya K, Pradeep D Sawkar, and Manoharan, PTI reported.

Location : Bangalore [Bangalore], India, India

First Published: January 30, 2025, 16:39 IST
Budget 2025: Why Double Taxation On Dividends Needs Rationalisation?

Reported By :

News18.com

Edited By: Mohammad Haris



Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 18:12 IST

While the abolition of the Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) in FY 2020-21 was a step towards aligning with global best practices, the current framework has led to the issue of double taxation; here are expectations from the Budget 2025:

Rationalising the dividend taxation for resident shareholders could lead to an increase in retail investor participation in the equity markets.

India has undergone several significant changes in its taxation policies in recent years, aiming to create a more conducive environment for economic growth and investor confidence. One major area which needs rationalisation is the taxation of dividends for resident shareholders.

While the abolition of the Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) in FY 2020-21 was a step towards aligning with global best practices, the current framework has led to the issue of double taxation which disproportionately impacts resident shareholders, discourages equity investments, and creates disparities between resident and non-resident investors.

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In this article, we discuss about the need for rationalising the current dividend tax structure in order to enhance economic efficiency, reduce compliance burdens, and promote a more investor-friendly environment.

Understanding the Double Taxation of Dividends

The Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) was first introduced vide Finance Act 1997 as a means to simplify the taxation of dividends. Over time, it underwent several modifications before being abolished in 2020, transferring the tax burden directly to shareholders in a bid to improve transparency and align with international practices.

After the abolition of the Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) w.e.f. Financial Year (FY) 2020-21, now dividends are taxed in the hands of resident individual shareholders as per the tax slabs applicable to them. For these taxpayers whose total taxable income exceeds Rs 10 lakhs in old tax regime or Rs 15 lakhs in new tax regime, the effective marginal tax rate is 31.2 per cent which progressively increases to 35.88 per cent where such income exceeds Rs. 1 crore. This coupled with the corporate tax rate of 25.17 per cent results in an effective cumulative tax of 48.51 per cent. This happens because firstly, the company pays tax on the profit earned at 25.17 per cent (22 per cent plus 10 per cent surcharge plus cess 4 per cent).

Thereafter, the dividends are declared from the profit amount left after tax. On the dividend amount received by the individual resident shareholders, again the tax is levied at the tax slab rates applicable to them say at 31.2 per cent (30 per cent plus cess at 4 per cent).

On the other hand, the effective tax rate paid by non-residents is substantially lower when compared with effective tax paid by the resident individuals. As per income tax laws, non-residents are liable to pay flat tax on dividends at 20 per cent which coupled with cess of 4 per cent results in an effective tax rate of 20.8 per cent.

The surcharge is applicable if total income (including dividends) exceeds Rs 50 lakh in a financial year. This flat 20 per cent tax rate gets further lowered by Double Tax Avoidance Agreements (DTAA) to 5 per cent-15 per cent in most cases. However, in comparison resident taxpayers with their incomes in highest tax bracket of 30 per cent pays tax at 31.2 per cent (including cess at 4 per cent excluding surcharge).

Illustrative Example

To understand this, here is an example. Suppose a company earns profit of Rs 100. On this profit, tax of Rs 25.17 is paid by the company which leaves Rs 74.83 for dividend distribution. On the dividend received by shareholders, they will pay tax at 31.2 per cent (30 per cent plus 4 per cent cess), if the taxable income exceeds Rs 10 lakh in old tax regime or Rs 15 lakh in new tax regime. This double taxation leads to effective tax rate of 48.51 per cent as follows:

The effective tax rate of 48.51 per cent is significantly high and places a substantial burden on resident individual shareholders. This elevated rate, resulting from the dual taxation of dividendsfirst at the corporate level and again at the individual levelleads to a situation where a large portion of a companys profits is eroded before reaching the shareholders.

In case of partnership firms and Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), the present effective tax rate is 34.94 per cent since there is no further tax on the partners on their share of profit. Only in case of resident individuals or companies, the effective tax rate is the highest and almost equivalent to 50 per cent.

Such a high tax rate not only discourages dividend distribution but also impacts the overall attractiveness of equity investments in India, potentially driving investors towards alternatives with lower tax implications. This reinforces the need for a rationalised approach to dividend taxation to ensure a more competitive and investor-friendly tax regime.

Issues arising from Dual Taxation of Dividends

Such dual taxation can result in a significant portion of the profits being eroded, reducing the amount available for distribution to shareholders and potentially impacting investment decisions.

Further, the current system of double taxation of dividends presents several issues:

Economic Efficiency: Double taxation distorts investment decisions as it incentivizes companies to retain earnings rather than distribute them as dividends.

Decline in Investment: Investors may prefer capital gains over dividends due to lower tax implications, affecting the flow of funds into the equity market.

Complexity: Compliance with multiple layers of taxation increases administrative burden and compliance costs for companies and investors alike.

Impact on Retail Investors and SMEs: Retail investors, particularly those reliant on dividend income for regular cash flow, bear a disproportionately higher tax burden under the current regime. Similarly, SMEs, which often distribute dividends to maintain shareholder confidence, face challenges in retaining capital for growth due to the high effective tax rate.

International Competitiveness: In countries like the United States, qualified dividends are taxed at preferential rates ranging from 0 per cent to 20 per cent, depending on income levels. The UK provides a tax-free dividend allowance, while developing nations like Indonesia and Thailand impose a 10 per cent dividend tax rate, with Vietnam levies a rate of 5 per cent.

Thus, in a globalised economy, countries with lower tax burdens on dividends may attract more foreign investment compared to those with higher effective tax rates due to double taxation.

Need for Rationalisation

To address the aforementioned challenges, rationalisation of the tax treatment of dividends is crucial. There is an imminent need for restricting the dividend taxation for resident investors to 15 per cent (excluding surcharge and cess) which can result in an effective tax rate of 17.94 per cent (assuming surcharge of 15 per cent and cess of 4 per cent).

Rationalising the dividend taxation for resident shareholders could lead to an increase in retail investor participation in the equity markets and a significant boost to dividend-paying companies valuations.

Lowering tax rates on dividends for residents can encourage companies to distribute profits while still ensuring an adequate revenue stream for the government. Further, streamlining tax laws and reducing compliance burdens can aligns with the governments vision of fostering a business-friendly environment under initiatives like Make in India and Ease of doing business and improve investor sentiment. The government is anticipated to consider this highly beneficial measure in the forthcoming Union Budget, scheduled to be presented on 1st February, 2025.

Conclusion

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In conclusion, the issue of double taxation of dividends is a complex one that requires careful consideration and reform. While the abolition of DDT was a step forward, further rationalisation through reduction in tax rates, and simplification of regulations can create a more conducive environment for investment and economic growth. By addressing these concerns, India can enhance its competitiveness in the global market and promote a healthier investment climate domestically.

(Suresh Surana is a CA and founder of tax and risk advisory firm RSM India)

First Published: January 30, 2025, 18:12 IST
Bihar 12th Board Exam 2025: BSEB Revises Dress Code Guidelines Due To Cold Weathe

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Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 07:49 IST

BSEB Inter Exam 2025: The Bihar Board Class 12th exam will be held from February 1 to February 15, 2025

BSEB 12th Board Exam 2025: Students can wear shoes and socks due to cold weather. (Representative/File)

BSEB 12th Board Exam 2025: The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) has issued a notice to Class 12 students, their parents, and exam centre authorities regarding an update to the dress code for the BSEB Inter Examination 2025. The official notice, which initially prohibited students from wearing shoes and socks in the exam hall, now permits them to wear shoes and socks due to the cold weather conditions.

The decision regarding new guidelines for shoes and socks will be reviewed again by the authority after February 5, 2025, and action will be taken accordingly, stated the BSEB.

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Considering the current weather conditions and in the interest of the students, students will be allowed to enter the examination hall wearing shoes and socks for the Intermediate Annual Examination, 2025, which is to be held between February 1, 2025, and February 5, 2025. The decision regarding this matter will be reviewed again after February 5, 2025, and necessary action will be taken accordingly," reads the official notification.

Bihar Board Inter Exam 2025 Reporting Time

According to the official schedule, the Bihar Board Class 12th exam will be held from February 1 to February 15, 2025. The exams will be conducted in two shifts  from 9:30 AM to 12:45 PM and from 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM.

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The BSEB has recently issued guidelines for students taking the BSEB Bihar Board Inter exam 2025, advising them to arrive at the exam centre according to the reporting time listed on their admit cards. As per the BSEB instructions, for the first shift, entry will begin at 8:30 am and the main gate will close at 9 am. For the second shift, entry will start at 1 pm, with the main gate closing at 1:30 pm.

The BSEB has already issued the admit cards for Intermediate final examinations. The board asked the Principals and heads of schools to download the Bihar Board Class 12th Admit Card for the students who are scheduled to appear in the examination through the official website  seniorsecondary.biharboardonline.com.

First Published: January 30, 2025, 07:49 IST
BPSC Protest Enters 45th Day, Aspirants Continue To Demand Cancellation Of 70th Prelims Exam

Curated By :

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Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 16:16 IST

The protest by BPSC aspirants against the commission entered its 45th day, with candidates demanding a re-examination of the 70th Prelims due to alleged paper leaks.

BPSC Declared 70th Prelims Result on January 23, 2025 amid massive protests across over alleged irregularities. (Representative Image/PTI)

BPSC 70th Prelims: The protest by aspirants against the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) reached its 45th day on Thursday, January 30, 2025. Candidates continued their demonstration, accusing the Commission of a paper leak during the 70th Integrated Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) in 2022 and demanding a re-examination.

For over a month, candidates have been protesting against the BPSC, citing irregularities in the exam and calling for its cancellation. However, the Commission has denied all allegations of a paper leak and has stated that the 70th BPSC Prelims will not be cancelled.

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#WATCH | Patna, Bihar: BPSC aspirants protest against the state government demanding a re-exam for the 70th BPSC prelims. This is the 45th day of their protest. pic.twitter.com/mAJvqTjwUu ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2025

The 70th BPSC Prelims was conducted on December 13, 2024. However, the exam was cancelled for the Bapu Pariksha Parisar exam centre in Patna due to protests that erupted over an alleged question paper leak. One official on duty at the examination centre also died of a heart attack during the ruckus created by a section of the candidates.

The BPSC announced a re-examination for the candidates who appeared for the 70th BPSC Prelims in the Bapu Pariksha Parisar exam centre. The BPSC also served show cause notices to 34 aspirants, who were allegedly part of the disruption created at Bapu Pariksha Parisar centre on December 13.

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The re-exam was conducted on January 4, 2025 and the Commission declared the results for the 70th BPSC Prelims exam on January 23, 2025 amid massive protests across the state over alleged irregularities.

BSPC Examination Controller Rajesh Kumar Singh told reporters on Friday that out of 3,28, 990 candidates who had appeared in the examination, 21,581 aspirants have cleared the CCEs preliminary test. While 1,409 candidates scored negative marks, only one candidate could score a maximum of 120 marks out of 150. There are a total of 1,181 candidates who scored more than 100 marks, and 6,344 scored between 90 to 100 marks.

First Published: January 30, 2025, 16:15 IST
Delhi Colleges: Where Are 85% Seats Reserved And Who Are Eligible?

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Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 18:41 IST

As per a Delhi High Court ruling, reservation is based on the school's location where the student completed the eligibility test and not their place of residence

This Delhi government Act applies to technical education institutions affiliated with the Board of Technical Education of Delhi. (Representative/Shutterstock)

The issue of domicile-based admissions is currently a subject of intense debate. This follows the Supreme Courts recent decision to overturn the reservation for medical postgraduate (PG) courses based on domicile status.

The court deemed such reservations unconstitutional, citing a violation of Article 14, which guarantees equality before the law. This ruling has ignited fresh discussions surrounding the use of domicile as a factor in admissions criteria.

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Let us learn which institutions offer Delhi domicile holders a higher probability of securing admission. 85% of seats in Delhi government colleges are reserved under the Delhi quota, leaving only 15% for students from other states.

What is the Delhi Student Quota

The Delhi quota applies to technical education institutions of the Delhi Government, where 85% of seats are reserved under this provision. In 2022, the Delhi High Court, in its decision, clarified the definition of a Delhi student and outlined who can avail themselves of this 85% reservation.

Admissions in the technical education institutions of the Delhi Government are governed by the Delhi Diploma Level Technical Education Institutions Act, 2007. Section 12(1)(b) of this Act stipulates that 85% of the total seats, excluding management seats, are reserved for Delhi students. The remaining 15% of seats are reserved for students from outside Delhi. However, it also states that the government may issue instructions regarding these seats in the official gazette.

Who is a Delhi Student

According to Section 3(g) of the Act, a Delhi student has been defined as a candidate who has taken or passed the qualifying examination from a recognised school or institute in Delhi.

Will Passing from an NCR School Grant Eligibility

A question arises: can a student residing in Delhi but having graduated from a school in the National Capital Region (NCR) avail themselves of the Delhi student quota benefits? This issue was recently brought before the Delhi High Court by a student who had completed their 12th standard from a Gurugram-based school.

The petitioner argued that the NCR encompasses areas within Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Consequently, numerous Delhi residents study in Gurugram schools and should therefore be eligible for the 85% reservation allocated to Delhi students.

The petition highlighted an alleged disparity: while students from other states studying in Delhi schools benefit from the reservation, Delhi residents graduating from NCR schools do not. However, the Delhi High Court rejected this petition.

What did the Delhi High Court say?

The Delhi High Court ruled that reservation will not be determined by a students place of residence (domicile), but rather by the geographical location of the school from which they completed the eligibility test.

Which institutions offer an 85% reservation benefit

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This Delhi government Act applies to technical education institutions affiliated with the Board of Technical Education of Delhi, offering engineering, pharmacy, paramedical, or other courses.

This includes institutions like B.R. Ambedkar University, Delhi, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (IP University), Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University, and Delhi Technological University (DTU).

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: January 30, 2025, 18:41 IST
Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 23:45 IST

Delhi Assembly Elections Highlights: A high-decibel Delhi poll campaign is underway ahead of the February 5 voting day, as part of which the political parties are hitting the ground and taking their vision to the people.

AAPs campaign was hit by a massive controversy after party chief Arvind Kejriwal claimed that Haryana was contaminating the Yamuna river with poison before the water entered Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed him for his remarks, stating that he himself, along with other residents of the city and top officials drink the same water.

The Election Commission of India had sought a response from Kejriwal on his remark by 8 pm on Wednesday, replying to which the AAP chief said that the raw water received from the neighbouring state was highly contaminated and extremely poisonous for human health.

Follow LIVE updates here:
Delhi Election 2025: Who Can Vote In Feb 5 Polls? Check Eligibility Rules

Curated By :

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Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 14:45 IST

Voting Rights in India: Delhi Assembly Elections will be held on February 5 and the votes will be counted on February 8. Taking a look at the eligibility to vote in India.

Voting in Delhi: Who can vote in Delhi? (PTI Image)

Delhi Elections 2025 Guide: Delhi is all set to vote on February 5 and elect a new government. The heated election campaign is underway in full swing with allegations and counter-allegations among parties and leaders.

The result of the elections will be out on February 8, making it clear whether the AAP is able to retain its hold on Delhi or will the BJP or Congress make their way into Arvind Kejriwals bastion  the national capital.

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Issues such as infrastructure, development, cleanliness of roads, Yamuna and air pollution, and resettling of illegal immigrants have dominated the election campaign so far.

Who Are Eligible To Vote In Delhi?

With days to go for the Assembly polls in the capital city, lets take a look at the eligibility to vote in the Delhi Elections.

All citizens, irrespective of their race, colour or condition of subjugation have the right to vote in the polls.

According to the Election Commission of India, the citizens can vote in the elections under the undermentioned conditions:

Citizens have to be at least 18 years of age or above to be eligible to be enrolled in the voter list.

Enrollment is allowed only at the applicants usual place of residence.

A person can be enrolled as a voter in only one location.

Overseas Indians are considered ordinarily resident at the address mentioned in their passport.

Service voters are deemed ordinarily resident at their home address.

Who Cannot Vote In Delhi Assembly Polls?

A person who is not a citizen of India cannot be registered in the electoral rolls to cast their vote. Also, such citizens who have been declared by the law that they are unstable to vote or barred due to involvement in corruption or illegal activities relating to elections cannot vote.

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The Indians who are serving their jail sentences are also not eligible to vote in the elections.

The EC has mandated presentation of a voter identification during the voting. Therefore, youre required to carry your Voter ID card issued by the ECI or any other valid ID proof listed by the ECI, including Driving License, PAN Card, Pension document, Passport among others.

First Published: January 30, 2025, 14:44 IST
AAP Claims Police Raided Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann's Delhi Residence, EC Refutes

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 19:31 IST

Mann, who has been campaigning for AAP in the upcoming Delhi Elections, has been residing in Kapurthala House. Reports had surfaced that Delhi Police conducted a raid there for a search operation.

Atishi claimed ECI and Delhi Police raided Bhagwant Mann's residence in Delhi. (PTI/File)

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, including Chief Minister Atishi, claimed that Election Commission of India (ECI) officials and Delhi Police had raided Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Manns residence in Kapurthala House on Thursday.

Mann, who has been campaigning for AAP in the upcoming Delhi Assembly Elections, has a residence in Delhis Kapurthala House. The Election Commission team reportedly conducted a raid at Punjab CM Bhagwant Manns residence in Kapurthala House, Delhi, for a search operation. However, they claimed that they were not allowed to enter the premises.

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Delhi Police has reached to raid Bhagwant Mann jis house in Delhi. BJP people are distributing money, shoes, sheets in broad daylight  that is not visible. Instead they go to raid the residence of an elected Chief Minister. People of Delhi will give their answer on the 5th," said Atishi in a post on X.

  @BhagwantMann               , ,    -                   !   5    !  Atishi (@AtishiAAP) January 30, 2025

AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal also weighed in the raid. I dont understand this when it is the BJP leaders who are distributing cash and other items but the raid is being conducted on Punjab CM," he told reporters while he was accompanied by Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav.

Later, Mann claimed that an ECI team and Delhi Police had reached his residence in Delhis Kapurthala House. BJP members are openly distributing money in Delhi, but the Delhi Police and Election Commission are not noticing anything," said the Punjab CM on X.

No action is being taken on this. In a way, the Delhi Police and Election Commission are defaming Punjabis on the instructions of the BJP, which is highly condemnable," he added.

                                                           Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) January 30, 2025

Meanwhile, Mann hit out at the BJP during a press conference in Delhi, claiming that Parvesh Verma openly admits that he is distributing money but the authorities always conduct raids against him and party chief Kejriwal. He denied doing anything wrong, saying they joined politics not to hide their deeds but too fight against people like them (BJP leaders). We were doing well in their respective professions, why would we feel the need to join politics if they did a good job," Mann said.

EC Denies Conducting Raid At Manns House

Meanwhile, the poll body has refuted reports of any raids at Kapurthala House. Sources told News18 that raids are conducted by investigation agencies and was not part of the ECIs mandate. They said EC does not interfere in any kind of investigative procedure.

Responding to AAPs claim on Bhagwant Manns house raid, Returning Officer OP Pandey said, We have got a complaint about money distribution. We have to dispose of the complaint in 100 minutes. Our FST (Flying Squad Team) had come here which was not allowed to enter. I have come here to request them to let us enter along with a cameraperson. The complaint of money distribution was received on the cVIGIL app."

The District Election Office in Delhi later clarified that the action was taken in response to a complaint regarding the alleged distribution of cash at Kapurthala House, New Delhi, which constituted a violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). The FST was assigned the task by the Control Room to investigate the complaint and close it by taking appropriate action within the stipulated 100-minute timeframe.

The RO said a complaint had been filed to the SHO of the area that the Delhi Police was not allowed to carry out its duty. The FST said they were later allowed inside the residence, but all the rooms were locked and hence they left without completing the investigation. The team will now go to office and file a detailed report.

We got to know that Delhi Police, ECI is conducting a raid at the residence of Punjab CM (Kapurthala House). The whole world can see how BJP is openly distributing money but ECI cant see it. The public is with us," AAP leader Durgesh Pathak told ANI.

AAPs campaign was hit by a massive controversy after Kejriwal claimed that Haryana was contaminating the Yamuna river with poison" before the water entered Delhi, sparking an uproar from both the BJP and Congress. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Amit Shah have hit out at Kejriwal for his remarks and said the AAPs defeat was imminent.

AAP vs Election Commission

The Election Commission of India had earlier sought a response from Kejriwal on his remark by 8 pm on Wednesday, replying to which the AAP chief said that the raw water received from the neighbouring state was highly contaminated and extremely poisonous" for human health.

In a fresh charge at the AAP supremo, the poll body asked him not to mix the issue of high ammonia in Yamuna water with his allegations that the poison in the river would have led to a mass genocide. The ECI demanded Kejriwal to provide factual evidence by 11 am on January 31.

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Reacting to the second notice of the EC, Kejriwal said, Rajiv Kumar wants a post-retirement job. No one has ruined democracy as much as he has. The language he has used is not the Election Commissions job. He should contest the election from any seat in Delhi. We will send three bottles to Rajiv Kumar as well. I know they will arrest me in three days, let them do so, I am not afraid."

Meanwhile, a court in Haryanas Sonipat on Wednesday issued a notice to AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal over his claim that the BJP-ruled state was mixing poison in the Yamuna" river, and asked him to appear on February 17.

First Published: January 30, 2025, 17:27 IST
Delhi Police Seize Rs 1.1 Crore From Vehicle Labelled Punjab Sarkar, BJP Hits Out At Kejriwal

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 08:10 IST

Delhi Police recovered a vehicle with huge amount of cash, AAP pamphlets and liquor and registered a case. The Punjab Police refuted the claim that the vehicle belonged to the Punjab government.

Delhi Elections: Abandoned vehicle seized in Delhi (ANI Image)

Punjab Police have refuted the claim that the abandoned vehicle found with cash, liquor and Aam Aadmi Party pamphlets in Delhi belonged to the Punjab government, stating that the number plate was forged and fake".

The police further said that no such vehicle was hired or owned by the state government.

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This comes after the Delhi Police found a vehicle labelled Punjab government" on Wednesday near Punjab Bhavan on Copernicus Marg.

#WATCH | Today information was received that one suspicious vehicle with a Punjab registration plate and Punjab Sarkar written on it is standing near Punjab Bhavan on Copernicus Marg. On searching, a huge amount of cash, many liquor bottles and pamphlets of Aam Aadmi Party were pic.twitter.com/oLmLYrk8mL ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2025

The Delhi Police had said that the vehicle bore a Punjab number plate and had Rs 1.1 crore in the abandoned vehicle. The Punjab government had dismissed the claims that the vehicle belonged to it, while the AAP also claimed that the seizure of the car was a planted stunt".

Today information was received that one suspicious vehicle with a Punjab registration plate and Punjab Sarkar written on it is standing near Punjab Bhavan on Copernicus Marg. On searching, a huge amount of cash, many liquor bottles and pamphlets of Aam Aadmi Party were found inside the vehicle. Appropriate legal action is being initiated at Police Station Tilak Marg of New Delhi District," Delhi Police said on Wednesday.

Punjab Police Respond

The Punjab Police pointed out that the vehicle is registered in the name of one Maj. Anubhav Shivpuri who is a resident of Maharashtra. It said that the number plate is registered with the vehicle Ford Eco Sport but the one found by Delhi Police was Hyundai Creta series, and concluded that the number plate is forged and fake".

The vehicle is registered in the name of Maj. Anubhav Shivpuri was posted in Army Dental College, Pathankot 3 years back and is a permanent resident of Khadki, Maharashtra. Moreover, the registered vehicle model registration number PB35AE1342 is a Ford Eco Sport of make year 2018 but the actual vehicle apprehended by the police belongs to the Hyundai Creta series. This confirms that the vehicles number plate is forged and fake. Also, we have searched our records and found that no such vehicle is owned or hired by Govt of Punjab. The apprehended vehicle does not belong to Govt of Punjab at all," the Punjab DIPR said in a statement.

BJP Slams Kejriwal

Delhi BJP president Virendraa Sachdeva alleged that Kejriwal has polluted the citys political system.

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Till now, we thought Arvind Kejriwal institutionalised corruption in Delhi government, polluted Yamuna and Delhis air but today we understand that he has polluted Delhis political system too," Sachdeva said.

So Arvind Kejriwal is losing the Delhi elections, so now the focus is on liquor and money," he added.

First Published: January 30, 2025, 08:03 IST
'Don't Waste Your Vote': Akhilesh Yadav Campaigns For AAP In Delhi, Targets BJP, Mum On Congress

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 22:53 IST

While Yadav did not say anything against the Congress, Arvind Kejriwal did attack the grand old party, saying it is 'romancing the BJP' in Delhi

In his speech, Yadav urged voters to not waste votes by selecting the BJP. Pic/AAP

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday held a roadshow in Delhis Kirari along with Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal in support of Anil Jha, who is contesting from the assembly seat in the February 5 polls.

Yadav, former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh and an ally of AAP from the INDIA bloc, urged voters to vote against the Bharatiya Janata Party. However, he did not utter a word against the Congress.

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While AAP and Congress contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Delhi together, they have not joined hands for the assembly polls.

Jhaadu in hand

In his speech, Yadav urged voters to not waste votes by selecting the BJP.

This time AAP has made up its mind to defeat the BJP. This jhaadu of AAP will clean the dishonest BJP," Yadav said as he took a broom in his hand. The broom is the election symbol of the Aam Aadmi Party. Together you all can clean the dishonesty of the BJPYour vote should not be wasted. To defeat the BJP, utilise each and every vote on the symbol of AAP because the kind of work they have done is the proof." He also listed the works done by AAP in the fields of education, health, and electricity supply.

Yadav was in Delhi at a time when the Milkipur assembly seat in Uttar Pradeshs Ayodhya was also getting ready for bypolls on February 5. The seat fell vacant after MLA Awadhesh Prasad was elected as an MP from Faizabad.

While Yadav did not say anything against the Congress, Kejriwal did attack the grand old party, saying it is romancing the BJP" in Delhi.

Congress and BJP are doing I love you, I love you in this election. Be careful. Dont vote for Congress. Voting for Congress means victory for BJP," he said.

Apart from Yadav, SPs Kairana MP Iqra Hasan was also in Delhi canvassing for AAP. She did a door-to-door campaign in Jangpura where AAP leader Manish Sisodia is contesting.

                                       05        AAP       pic.twitter.com/saw9h0dFfJ  Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) January 30, 2025

AAP vs Congress

As the election mood in Delhi gets heated, AAP and Congress have been targeting each other. In a video message on Thursday, Kejriwal said many voters in Delhi continue to vote for Congress out of habit despite knowing that the party has no real standing in the capital.

Kejriwal also said that the Congresss real motive in Delhi is not to win but to help the BJP by weakening AAP.

It is evident that the Congress is only contesting in Delhi to defeat AAP. They are not fighting to win even a single seat but are instead working alongside the BJP," he said.

He also pointed out that Congress leaders refrain from criticising the BJP and instead focus all their attacks on AAP.

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If you vote for the Congress, you are indirectly helping the BJP. And if the BJP comes to power, all the benefits you receive from our government will be taken away. You will end up losing approximately Rs 25,000 every month. Can you afford that? No, right? So, as your brother, I am telling youvote for the jhaadu (broom). And if you ever have any personal work, just come to me. I will always be there to help you."

After the 2015 assembly polls, the Congress, which was the ruling party in Delhi since 1998, has not been able to win even a single seat in Delhi.

First Published: January 30, 2025, 22:53 IST
Is DeepSeek Safe For You, How Does The Chinese AI App Collect Data, Does It Censor Answers? Explained

Curated By :

News18.com

Edited By: Shilpy Bisht



Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 14:21 IST

There were a few topics on which DeepSeek had shown censored answers, including Arunachal Pradesh, India-China war and Covid-19 policies. Many experts and world leaders have warned about the privacy and data management of the free Chinese AI app

Data that DeepSeek collect can be used to 'review, improve, and develop the service" as well as "comply with our legal obligations, or as necessary to perform tasks in the public interest, or to protect the vital interests of our users and other people'.

The sensational Chinese Artificial Intelligence (AI) app, DeepSeek, that has been making waves in the US and other markets for its low-cost resource-intensive chatbot and surpassing ChatGPT as the most popular free app on Apple Store.

DeepSeeks R1 reasoning model is said to cost just $5.6 million of computing power compared to OpenAIs GPT-4, which is for $100 million.

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Although the new Chinese AI assistant has been compared to ChatGPT, Googles Gemini and Meta, there are reports of the app is censoring content. Let us understand why is this happening.

How Is DeepSeek Censoring Answers?

There were a few topics on which DeepSeek had shown censored answers, and some of the words were also tabooed. The New York Times had tested the app with some questions and the answers were largely the same.

Did Chinese people support Chinas zero Covid policies? DeepSeek offered a wide-ranging survey of the issue. It noted that the publics responses had varied, from widespread support early on to exhaustion later. It noted the difficulty of gauging public sentiment, given censorship. It said a fire in the city of Urumqi had helped set off what became known as the white paper protests, a rare show of public dissent in China, which helped speed the end of restrictions. Then, just as it finished typing out that answer, the app erased it. It was replaced by: Sorry, thats beyond my current scope. Lets talk about something else."

What were the white paper protests? and How did Chinese citizens view the zero Covid policies?"  When these questions were asked in Chinese, the app did not even think." Instead, it immediately said: Im sorry, I havent yet learned how to think about this type of question."

What caused war in Ukraine? When this was asked in English, DeepSeek answered: The war in Ukraine, which escalated significantly with Russias full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, has deep-rooted causes that are historical, geopolitical, and ideological." This is in contrast with the Chinese governments refusal to call Russias incursion an invasion". It preferred Kremlins term  special military operation".

Why did Indo-Sino war occur? When DeepSeek was asked this, as quoted by NDTV, it deflected. It said, Sorry, thats beyond my current scope. Lets talk about something else." In comparison, ChatGPT and Gemini give historical accounts with citations on how and why the war took place. Some of the questions on Arunachal Pradesh and Kashmir that were asked to DeepSeek AI were replied in beyond my current scope".

Is China abusing human rights in Xinjiang? DeepSeek provided a generic answer on Xinjiangs cultural history but refused to address allegations of human rights abuses. Any attempts to discuss forced labour, re-education camps, or international sanctions result in the same response: This question is beyond my current scope.

Who is Chinas Leader? In English as well as Chinese, Who is Xi Jinping?" Who is the current leader of China?" Who is the son of Xi Zhongxun?" (Xis father) all yielded deflections, with DeepSeek saying it couldnt answer those types of questions yet or that it was beyond its current scope. Who is Li Qiang?"  Chinas No. 2 official  at least started DeepSeek thinking," laying out Lis biography. But that ultimately disappeared, too. DeepSeek wouldnt talk about Zhao Ziyang, a reform-minded leader who was ousted for his support of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, or Bo Xilai, a former rival to Xi who is now in prison.

Responses from a version of R1 downloaded from a developer platform described the Tiananmen Square tank man" photo as a universal emblem of courage and resistance against oppressive regimes". It also entertains the notion of Taiwan being an independent state, although it says this is a complex and multifaceted" issue.

Is DeepSeek Safe For You?

Donald Trump has said DeepSeek is a wake up call" for the US but did not seem to suggest it was a threat to national security  instead saying it could even be a good thing if it brought costs down.

But Australias science minister Ed Husic said he would be very careful" about the apps data and privacy management. These types of issues need to be weighed up carefully," he said.

A good privacy policy would traditionally be a source of reassurance for the privacy-conscious. In DeepSeeks case, this isnt so. The privacy policy reads:

When you use our Services, we may collect your text or audio input, prompt, uploaded files, feedback, chat history, or other content that you provide to our model and Servicesthe personal information we collect from you may be stored on a server located outside of the country where you live. We store the information we collect in secure servers located in the Peoples Republic of China."

This could mean that DeepSeek is collecting data of your name, birth, email address, audio, text or previous chats, IP, operating system and keystroke patterns. DeepSeek tends to store this information on servers in China.

So, what happens next? The privacy policy outlines the data can be used to Review, improve, and develop the Service" as well as Comply with our legal obligations, or as necessary to perform tasks in the public interest, or to protect the vital interests of our users and other people." and, of course, advertise.

DeepSeek claims to retain information for as long as necessary" and doesnt state any exact periods by which all of your information may be removed.

Not only this, ever since the launch of the app on January 20, its service was hit by a large-scale cyberattack, which raised questions about its security and forced DeepSeek to limit registrations for the time being.

According to a TechRadar report, Italy has launched an investigation into DeepSeek over privacy concerns. The country has launched the investigation due to the Possible risk to the data of millions of people in Italy," said Garante, Italys data watchdog authority.

What Data Does DeepSeek Collect?

According to DeepSeeks own privacy policy, it collects large amounts of personal information from users, which is then stored in secure servers" in China. This may include:

 Your email address, phone number and date of birth, entered when creating an account

 Any user input including text and audio, as well as chat histories

 So-called technical information"  ranging from your phones model and operating system to your IP address and keystroke patterns".

An expert from ExpressVPNs digital privacy, advocate Lauren Hendry Parsons, told BBC, There are genuine concerns around the technological potential of DeepSeek, specifically around the terms of its privacy policy". She specifically stressed the part of the policy, which says data can be used to help match you and your actions outside of the service", which she said should immediately ring an alarm bell for anyone concerned with their privacy".

The UK data regulator, the Information Commissioners Office has urged the public to be aware of their rights around their information being used to train AI models.

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Meanwhile, India is closely monitoring the rise of DeepSeek for concerns over data security and sovereignty. Officials are particularly wary because DeepSeek is linked to China, raising fears about how Indian users data might be handled, according to The Economic Times.

India had previously banned several Chinese apps, including TikTok and WeChat, in 2020 over national security concerns.

First Published: January 30, 2025, 13:35 IST
Is US Actually Spending $50 Million In Condoms In Gaza? What You Should Know? Explained

Curated By :

News18.com

Edited By: Shilpy Bisht



Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 13:30 IST

Donald Trump and White House Press Secretary said about $50 million of taxpayers money had been spent to fund condoms in Gaza, and Washington would stop the programme. It appears that the government is referring to a grant that USAID awarded to International Medical Corps... Read More

US President Donald Trump had earlier ordered a 90-day freeze in foreign assistance. He said he would ensure aid conforms with his policies, which oppose abortion, transgender rights and diversity programmes. (AP Photo)

When Donald Trump campaigned for presidential elections, he promised to Make America Great Again, for which, he introduced several executive orders including immigration and birthright citizenship. Now, the US administration has claimed to have stopped a plan to spend $50 million on condoms for Gaza as part of its reevaluation of federal funding.

We identified and stopped $50 million being sent to Gaza to buy condoms for Hamas," Trump said on Wednesday. Theyve used them as a method of making bombs."

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But is it true that the US had been providing funding to Gaza to buy condoms? Let us look at some facts.

What Is The US Administration Claiming?

Donald Trumps press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that as part of Secretary of State Marco Rubios recent suspension of foreign assistance, Washington would withdraw millions of dollars allocated for condoms in Gaza".

Leavitt told reporters that the newly-established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which is led by First Buddy Elon Musk, and the White House Office for Management and Budget (OMB) found that there was about to be $50 million taxpayer money that went out the door to fund condoms in Gaza".

It appears that the government is referring to a grant that USAID awarded to a group called International Medical Corps worth $102.2 million to provide medical and trauma services in Gaza. The State Department earlier on Wednesday described this as an example of egregious funding" not aligned with American interests or the presidents policies, according to an Associated Press report.

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce similarly wrote on X on Tuesday that USAID agency had prevented $102 million in unjustified funding to a contractor in Gaza, including money for contraception" thanks to a pause in foreign assistance.

Earlier, the US president had ordered a 90-day freeze in foreign assistance. He also said he would ensure aid conforms with his policies, which oppose abortion, transgender rights and diversity programmes.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a memo said on Friday that the US was freezing nearly all aid disbursement except for emergency food and military aid to Egypt and Israel. However, facing backlash, he widened exemptions, saying Washington would keep funding humanitarian items such as shelter and medicine. As per AFP, the memo defined humanitarian assistance as core life-saving medicine, medical services, food, shelter and subsistence assistance".

Officials said the Trump administration stopped two $50 million buckets of aid" for Gaza via the International Medical Corps, which included: family planning programming including emergency contraception; sexual healthcare including prevention and management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs); and adolescent sexual and reproductive health.

The $100 million for these programmes included contraceptives, officials said, adding that condoms have traditionally always been used for family planning in developing countries by USAID.

What Is The Reality?

The International Medical Corps, a global aid organisation based in Los Angeles, has said it has received about $68 million from USAID since October 7, 2023, and has used the funding to operate two field hospitals in Gaza. No US government funding was used to procure or distribute condoms," the organisations statement said.

USAIDs financial year 2023 report on contraceptive and condom shipments, the most recent data available, notes that only one Middle Eastern country  Jordan  received a small shipment of injectables and oral contraceptives valued at $45,680 for government programs only.

According to USAID reports, shipments of contraceptives to the Middle East do not happen annually. In the decade before fiscal year 2023, there were only two shipments, including one in fiscal year 2019 and one in fiscal year 2013. In fiscal year 2019, USAID spent a total of $1.1 million on contraceptives for Yemen, with condoms comprising 4% of the total value.

It is unclear whether there were any planned contraceptive shipments to Gaza for 2025. But the total value of all contraceptives shipped from the US from USAID was $60 million in 2023, which included shipments to 23 countries.

Are Condoms Being Used As Weapons?

According to Jerusalem Post report in February 2020, the use of kites  a popular Middle Eastern pastime  have been replaced with scores of balloons and condoms with explosive devices attached to them, which continue to land in schoolyards, agricultural fields and highways.

Initially, the aerial bombs drifted only a short distance from where they had been launched. But more recently, however, Gazans have been increasing the range of their death toys by tying together multiple condoms and balloons for added buoyancy, the report said.

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We confirm that a suspicious object landed in an open area south of the Negev region. Bomb disposal experts are at the scene. No injuries or damage caused. Bomb disposal experts continue to patrol the South and respond to any suspicious objects or balloons that have fallen," Mickey Rosenfeld, Israel Police spokesman, told The Jerusalem Post at the time.

In 2019, the Chicago Tribune reported, Flaming condoms, kites, balloons from Gaza used to set fields ablaze in southern Israel. The report stated how condoms were being misused by militants. Sometimes tied together for added buoyancy, the inflated prophylactics are attached to gas-soaked rags, other burning items or explosive devices, then flown over the border like balloons into southern Israel, where they set fire to farmlands and nature reserves  an estimated 6,000 acres have been destroyed in hundreds of blazes caused by flaming kites, helium balloons, and now condoms."

First Published: January 30, 2025, 10:37 IST
Whats Birthright Citizenship? Is Donald Trumps Executive Order On It Constitutional? Explained

Curated By :

News18.com

Edited By: Shilpy Bisht



Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 17:16 IST

Trumps executive order specifies that for a child in the US to gain citizenship, at least one parent must be a US citizen, a legal permanent resident or a member of the US military

Donald Trumps executive order asserts that children born to parents without legal status in the US are not subject to US jurisdiction and are therefore not entitled to US citizenship. (Photo: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump is trying to end birthright citizenship, the legal principle enshrined in the Constitution that automatically makes anyone born in the US as its citizen. The move was first proposed during Trumps first term, but was not legally sanctioned.

Now, in his second term, Trump shot off a series of executive orders, including ending birthright citizenship, on January 20. But within days, the administration was hit with at least four separate lawsuits from nearly two dozen attorney generals and immigrants rights groups.

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On Thursday, a federal judge temporarily blocked the executive order, which had been slated to take effect on February 19. US District Judge John Coughenour called it blatantly unconstitutional".

What Is Birthright Citizenship?

The executive order challenges the traditional interpretation of the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution, adopted in 1868 to clarify the citizenship status of formerly enslaved individuals. The amendment has been widely interpreted to grant citizenship to anyone born on US soil.

The 14th Amendment states that all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States."

Alongside the 13th amendment (abolishing slavery) and the 15th amendment (granting voting rights irrespective of race), the 14th amendment became a cornerstone of the Reconstruction era. It aimed to dismantle the legal framework of slavery and create a more inclusive society, redefining citizenship in a way that challenged the racial hierarchy of the time.

Who Will Not Quality For US Citizenship?

Among the categories of individuals born in the US and not subject to the jurisdiction thereof, the privilege of US citizenship does not automatically extend to persons born in the country:

1. When that persons mother was unlawfully present in the United States and the father was not a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident at the time of said persons birth, or

2. When that persons mothers presence in the United States at the time of said persons birth was lawful but temporary (such as, but not limited to, visiting the United States under the auspices of the Visa Waiver Program or visiting on a student, work, or tourist visa) and the father was not a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident at the time of said persons birth.

According to Trumps executive order specifies that for a child in the US to gain citizenship, at least one parent must be a US citizen, a legal permanent resident or a member of the US military.

Why Is Birthright Citizenship Being Opposed?

Critics of birthright citizenship argue it should not apply to the children of illegal immigrants or to so-called birth tourism," in which people travel to the US toward the end of their pregnancy to ensure their child is born a US citizen.

This interpretation was upheld in an 1898 Supreme Court decision, which ruled that a man born to Chinese immigrants with permanent residency in the US could not be denied citizenship. The amendment, which was ratified in 1868, sought to extend citizenship to formerly enslaved people after the Civil War.

What Does Trump Want To Change?

Trumps executive order asserts that children born to parents without legal status in the US are not subject to US jurisdiction and are therefore not entitled to US citizenship.

Trump, who campaigned on cracking down on immigration, is not the first politician to call for revoking birthright citizenship.

Why Did Judge Block His Executive Order?

Judge Coughenour issued a temporary restraining order halting the enforcement of the executive order, nationwide. During a hearing in Seattle, Judge Coughenour questioned Justice Department attorney Brett Shumate, expressing his disbelief saying Frankly, I have difficulty understanding how a member of the bar could state unequivocally that this is a constitutional order. It just boggles my mind". The ruling came in response to a legal challenge brought forth by four states.

During a hearing in Seattle, Judge Coughenour questioned Justice Department attorney Brett Shumate, expressing his disbelief saying Frankly, I have difficulty understanding how a member of the bar could state unequivocally that this is a constitutional order. It just boggles my mind". The ruling came in response to a legal challenge brought forth by four States.

According to a New York Times report, Judge Coughenours order marks the beginning of what will almost certainly be a long battle between the new government and the courts over Trumps ambitious second-term agenda, which seeks to transform American institutions in ways that could be interpreted as running afoul of law and precedent. Other orders, including attempts to strip job protections from career federal employees and accelerate deportations, are also facing court challenges.

How Will This Impact Indians?

Trump had said during the election campaigns the existing birthright citizenship is being exploited, particularly by countries with high levels of immigration to the US, which includes India and China.

The executive order effectively revokes the automatic citizenship granted to children born to parents who are on temporary work visas (like H-1B) or those awaiting green cards.

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As of 2024, the US had a population of over 5.4 million Indian Americans, accounting for 1.47% of the nations population. About two-thirds are immigrants, while 34% are US-born, according to official data.

Meanwhile, Indian immigrants, who are already facing long green card backlogs, would likely have to witness further delays if their children are no longer entitled to citizenship at birth.

First Published: January 30, 2025, 17:16 IST
3-Month-Old Boy Found Dead In Bucket, Mother Dies By Suicide In Kerala's Malappuram

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 14:59 IST

A suicide note purportedly written by the woman expresses her distress over being unable to care for her child and husband due to her deteriorating eyesight

In the note, Minimol purportedly says no one should be held responsible for her death. (News18 Malayalam)

In a tragic incident in Keralas Malappuram, a three-month-old baby boy was found dead in a bucket while his mother is suspected to have died by suicide.

The deceased has been identified as Minimol (45) of Olamathil Alunga Parambil in Pulpetta, Malappuram. The incident occurred around 5:30 am on Thursday. Minimols body was first discovered by her sister-in-law. During further investigation, the babys body was found upside down in a bucket in the bathroom.

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A note, believed to have been written by Minimol, was also recovered. In it, she stated that no one else was responsible for her death, that she was leaving and taking the baby with her, and that no one should be blamed for her death.

The note expressed her distress over being unable to care for her child and husband due to her deteriorating eyesight.

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The police arrived at the scene and initiated further proceedings. The bodies have been sent to the morgue at Manjeri Medical College Hospital and a detailed investigation is underway.

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)

Location : Malappuram, India, India

First Published: January 30, 2025, 14:59 IST
Assam Woman Raped, Acid Poured On Her By Neighbour In Front Of Kids

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 07:45 IST

When the victim's husband returned home, he found his wife on the floor with her mouth, hands, and feet tied, officials said.

The woman was rushed to the Silchar Medical College and Hospital and is in a critical condition. (Image: Representational)

A 30-year-old woman was allegedly raped and poured acid on in front of her children in Assams Cachar district, police said.

The incident took place on January 22 when the accused  the victims neighbour  entered into her house where she was living with her two children while her husband was away. The two engaged in a verbal spat, the police said.

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When the victims husband returned home, he found his wife on the floor with her mouth, hands, and feet tied. Officials said that an acid-like substance was poured on her body.

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The woman was rushed to the Silchar Medical College and Hospital and is in a critical condition.

The accused is currently on the run.

Location : Silchar, India, India

First Published: January 30, 2025, 07:44 IST
Tourists visit the Puyuan Fashion Resort in Puyuan Town of Tongxiang City, east China's Zhejiang Province, Jan. 29, 2025. The resort hosted various activities for visitors during the Spring Festival, blending cultural heritages with the water town charm. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

Tourists visit the Puyuan Fashion Resort in Puyuan Town of Tongxiang City, east China's Zhejiang Province, Jan. 29, 2025. The resort hosted various activities for visitors during the Spring Festival, blending cultural heritages with the water town charm. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

Tourists dine at the Puyuan Fashion Resort in Puyuan Town of Tongxiang City, east China's Zhejiang Province, Jan. 29, 2025. The resort hosted various activities for visitors during the Spring Festival, blending cultural heritages with the water town charm. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

Artists perform a puppet play at the Puyuan Fashion Resort in Puyuan Town of Tongxiang City, east China's Zhejiang Province, Jan. 29, 2025. The resort hosted various activities for visitors during the Spring Festival, blending cultural heritages with the water town charm. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

A tourist watches a puppet play at the Puyuan Fashion Resort in Puyuan Town of Tongxiang City, east China's Zhejiang Province, Jan. 29, 2025. The resort hosted various activities for visitors during the Spring Festival, blending cultural heritages with the water town charm. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

Tourists watch a traditional show at the Puyuan Fashion Resort in Puyuan Town of Tongxiang City, east China's Zhejiang Province, Jan. 29, 2025. The resort hosted various activities for visitors during the Spring Festival, blending cultural heritages with the water town charm. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

Tourists take a sightseeing boat at the Puyuan Fashion Resort in Puyuan Town of Tongxiang City, east China's Zhejiang Province, Jan. 29, 2025. The resort hosted various activities for visitors during the Spring Festival, blending cultural heritages with the water town charm. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

Tourists buy traditional pastry at the Puyuan Fashion Resort in Puyuan Town of Tongxiang City, east China's Zhejiang Province, Jan. 29, 2025. The resort hosted various activities for visitors during the Spring Festival, blending cultural heritages with the water town charm. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

Editor: WXY
Meat Sale Banned In Bengaluru And Hyderabad Today. Here's Why

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 15:21 IST

Bengaluru and Hyderabad civic bodies have announced a ban on animal slaughter and meat sales on January 30 in observance of Martyrs' Day, honouring Mahatma Gandhi.

Meat shops closed in Hyderabad, Bengaluru (Representative photo/PTI)

The civic bodies of Bengaluru and Hyderabad have announced a ban on animal slaughter and meat sales on Thursday, January 30, in observance of Sarvodaya Day, also known as Martyrs Day.

This day marks the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and honours those who sacrificed their lives for the nation, while also reflecting on Gandhis contributions to Indias freedom struggle.

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The ban will be enforced across all areas under the jurisdiction of the respective civic authorities in both cities.

All sheep, goat, and cattle slaughterhouses with retail meat and beef shops will remain closed within the limits of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporate (GHMC) on Thursday.

GHMC Commissioner K Ilambarithi issued a directive under Section 533(b) of the GHMC Act 1955, urging police commissioners to issue instructions to ensure the implementation of the order.

On the other hand, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has also issued an order to enforce the meat ban across all locations under the civic bodys limit. As per the BBMP data, the city has nearly 3,000 licensed meat shops and three authorised slaughterhouses; the figures arent likely to match the ground reality as several illegal shops continue to function under the radar.

It is worth mentioning that the civic bodies have been traditionally prohibiting animal slaughter and the sale of meat every year on Martyrs Day with strict instructions.

Meanwhile, a dry day will be observed across Maharashtra on January 30 with a ban on the sale of alcohol in liquor stores, restaurants, pubs and bars.

About Martyrs Day

Martyrs Day or Sarvodaya Day is observed annually on January 30, coinciding with the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

The day holds historical significance as it marks the tragic day when Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse in 1948 on his way to a prayer meeting at Birla Bhawan in Delhi. While Martyrs Day primarily commemorates Gandhis death, it also honours the sacrifices of all those who laid their lives for the countrys freedom.

While tributes have been pouring in to mark Mahatma Gandhis death anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid his homage.

Tributes to Pujya Bapu on his Punya Tithi. His ideals motivate us to build a developed India. I also pay tributes to all those martyred for our nation and recall their service as well as sacrifices," he tweeted on Thursday.

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Tributes to Pujya Bapu on his Punya Tithi. His ideals motivate us to build a developed India. I also pay tributes to all those martyred for our nation and recall their service as well as sacrifices. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 30, 2025

The government also organises various events to mark the occasion, including prayer meetings at Gandhis memorial, followed by speeches and tributes to the martyrs.

First Published: January 30, 2025, 15:21 IST
Bengaluru Woman Receives Fake IVR Call, Rs 2 Lakh Disappears From Account After Pressing '1'

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 18:40 IST

The police officer explained that fraudsters usually use IVR calls to steal personal details like debit card digits, account number, birth date, and banking credentials

The victim, after informing the cyber helpline about the incident and the bank, contacted the Girinagar police and lodged a complaint. (Representative/News18 Hindi)

A woman from Bengaluru has fallen victim to a novel cybercrime. The 57-year-old lost Rs 2 lakh after receiving a fraudulent interactive voice response (IVR) call purportedly from her bank. By following the computerised instructions, she unwittingly compromised her account. IVR calls are automated, employing a synthesised voice instead of a human operator.

The woman, residing at Dattatreya Nagar in Bengalurus Hosakerehalli area, reported to Girinagar police station that she received a call from 01412820071 around 3.55 pm on January 20. She believed the call originated from the State Bank of India (SBI), as the caller ID displayed the banks name, and she holds an account with the bank.

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The woman answered the phone, believing the call to be genuine. A computerised voice on the automated call stated in English, Rs 2 lakh is being transferred from your account to another account. If you made this transaction, press 3; if you are not making this transaction, press 1."

I was shocked, as the transaction mentioned in the voice note was entirely unfamiliar. Despite not pressing any buttons, the message relentlessly repeated. Confused and after numerous repetitions, I pressed 1. Immediately, another voice note instructed me to visit my bank and speak with the manager, after which the call disconnected," the woman said.

I immediately checked my account and found that Rs 2 lakh were missing. I rushed to the bank and met the manager, who advised me to call the cyber helpline 1930 immediately and lodge a complaint. The manager assured me that the bank would take steps to cancel the transaction or write to the concerned department requesting the seizure of the funds from the fraudulent account," she shared.

The victim, after informing the cyber helpline about the incident and the bank, contacted the Girinagar police and lodged a complaint. A case has been registered under the Information Technology Act and BNS Section 318 (fraud).

The police officer stated that fraudsters commonly use IVR calls to obtain identifying information from their targets. They achieve this by setting up a voice message requesting details such as the last four digits of the victims debit card, bank account number, date of birth, email address, or online banking credentials.

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He emphasised that these details are crucial for the fraudsters to steal money, and without them, simply pressing options like 3, 1, or 9 would be ineffective.

In this case, it appears the victim may be withholding information. It is possible she responded to the voice message and divulged sensitive data, enabling the perpetrators to access her account and withdraw funds. However, if she is not concealing any details, this presents a novel modus operandi. Only a thorough investigation will elucidate the truth," he added.

Location : Bangalore, India, India

First Published: January 30, 2025, 18:40 IST
Bhopal Doctors Replace Patient's Stomach In Rare Surgery After Cancer Rots The Old One

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 17:35 IST

Doctors at Bhopal's Hamidia Hospital performed a historic surgery, creating a new stomach from the small intestine for a patient with Malignant Gastrocolic Fistula. The patient is now in stable condition

With only fifteen cases reported worldwide, a team of eight doctors embarked on the critical surgery to treat the rare disease. (Representative/Shutterstock)

The medical world has made remarkable strides in recent times. Medicines for diseases once considered incurable are now a reality. Moreover, numerous rare and previously untreatable cases are now being successfully managed. Individuals suffering from such conditions, once resigned to their fate, are now afforded hope through these advancements in medical science.

A patient recently arrived at Bhopals Hamidia Hospital presenting a peculiar problem: an immediate compulsion to defecate after consuming food. Tests revealed a rare disease called Malignant Gastrocolic Fistula, with only 15 cases reported globally.

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The patients condition stemmed from stomach cancer that had spread to the large intestine, creating an abnormal connection. However, doctors at Hamidia Hospital gave the patient a new lease on life by implanting a new stomach.

The patient presented with a prolonged history of stomach pain and undigested food passing directly through his stool. This malabsorption led to a significant weight loss of ten kilograms within six weeks.

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Consequently, his condition deteriorated, and he was admitted to Hamidia Hospital. Subsequent endoscopy and biopsy revealed a large gastrocolic fistula located in the greater curvature of the stomach.

With only fifteen cases reported worldwide, a team of eight doctors embarked on a three-hour surgery to treat the rare disease. The procedure involved removing the cancerous portion of the patients stomach and reconstructing a new stomach using a portion of the small intestine. This newly formed stomach was then connected to the oesophagus and the large intestine. The patient is now in a stable condition and remains under close observation.

Location : Bhopal, India, India

First Published: January 30, 2025, 17:35 IST
CBI Coordinates With Interpol For Return Of 2 Wanted Red Notice Fugitives To India In Major Global Operation

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 17:30 IST

The operation underscores the CBIs growing expertise in coordinating transnational investigations and highlights the effectiveness of global law enforcement collaboration

The CBI, as Indias National Central Bureau for Interpol, played a pivotal role in coordinating the return of both fugitives. (PTI)

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in a significant achievement for international law enforcement cooperation, on Thursday facilitated the return of two high-profile fugitives to India.

The individuals, both subjects of Interpol Red Notices, were brought back from Bangkok, Thailand, and the United States, respectively. The operation underscores the CBIs growing expertise in coordinating transnational investigations and highlights the effectiveness of global law enforcement collaboration.

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The first fugitive, Janarthanan Sundaram, was wanted by the Tamil Nadu Police in connection with a massive financial fraud case. Sundaram, along with other accused, allegedly cheated depositors of a staggering Rs 87,50,73,778 (approximately Rs 87.5 crore). The case, registered by the Economic Offence Wing (EOW) in Chennai, involved offences such as criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, cheating, and violations of the Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Act, 2019, and the Tamil Nadu Protection of Interests of Depositors Act, 1997.

At the request of the Tamil Nadu Police, the CBI secured a Red Notice against Sundaram from Interpol on June 21, 2023. The notice was circulated globally, enabling law enforcement agencies worldwide to track his movements.

Sundaram, who had fled to Bangkok, was denied entry into Thailand on January 28, 2025, based on the Red Notice. He was subsequently deported to India and arrived at Kolkata Airport on January 29. Upon arrival, he was detained by immigration authorities and handed over to a Tamil Nadu Police team that had travelled from Chennai to secure his custody.

The second fugitive, Virendra Bhai Manibhai Patel, was wanted by the Gujarat Police in a case involving cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy. Patel, a former director of the Charotar Nagrik Sahakari Bank in Anand, Gujarat, was accused of orchestrating a fraud worth Rs 77 crore. The case was registered at Anand Town Police Station and included charges of criminal breach of trust by a banker, forgery of documents, and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property.

The CBI, acting on a request from the Gujarat Police, secured a Red Notice against Patel from Interpol on March 3, 2004. The notice was disseminated globally, enabling law enforcement agencies to track his whereabouts. Patel was detected upon his arrival at Ahmedabad Airport from the United States on January 29 almost after 21 years since the issuance of the Red Corner Notice. He was immediately detained and handed over to a Gujarat Police team that had arrived to take him into custody.

CBIs Role and International Cooperation

The CBI, as Indias National Central Bureau for Interpol, played a pivotal role in coordinating the return of both fugitives. The agency worked closely with the Embassy of India in Bangkok, immigration authorities, and law-enforcement agencies in Thailand and the United States to ensure the successful execution of the operation.

Since 2021, the CBI has facilitated the return of over 100 wanted criminals to India through Interpol channels, demonstrating its increased coordination with international crime agencies through the Interpol.

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Next Steps

Both fugitives will now face trial in their respective cases. Sundaram will be produced before a court in Tamil Nadu, while Patel will face proceedings in Gujarat. The CBI has assured that further investigations are ongoing and that more details will be revealed as the cases progress.

First Published: January 30, 2025, 17:30 IST
Congress MP Rakesh Rathore Arrested In Rape Case In Middle Of Press Conference

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 14:59 IST

The police arrested the Congress MP in the middle of the press conference and took him to the court

Police escorted Congress MP Rakesh Rathore towards the police van and took him to the court.

Congress MP Rakesh Rathore was on Thursday arrested by the police in a rape case.

Rathore, who is from Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh, was arrested in the middle of a press conference and was taken by the police under heavy police security to the court after he surrendered.

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Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh: Congress MP Rakesh Rathore was taken into police custody during a press conference at his residence in connection with a Rape case pic.twitter.com/KlsQtjVhYi IANS (@ians_india) January 30, 2025

A woman had filed a case against Rathore and had accused him of raping her on January 15.

In her complaint, the woman alleged that the Congress MP raped her multiple times in a span of four years and promised to push her political career and marry her.

The woman also submitted to the police all her call details and call recordings with the MP.

The police arrested Rathore a day after his anticipatory bail plea was rejected by the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court in the matter and asked him to surrender.

Speaking to ANI, MP Rathore said, The High Court granted me 2-week time to appear before Lower Court and follow the legal procedure. So, I am surrendering before the Police in this connectionI am confident that I will get justice in the court of people and court of lawThe matter is subjudice before the court, so it will not be correct to speak on it."

Before the high court, Sitapurs MP-MLA court had also rejected Rathores anticipatory bail plea on January 23.

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The husband of the woman had also filed a separate complaint accusing Rathore and his son of putting pressure on the family members to settle the case.

Rathore had contested Uttar Pradesh assembly elections as an Independent and BJP candidate before joining Congress. He has also been associated with Uttar Pradeshs former chief minister Mayawatis Bahujan Samaj Party.

First Published: January 30, 2025, 14:30 IST
After EC's Fresh Nudge On Yamuna Water Row, Arvind Kejriwal Hits Back At Rajiv Kumar: 'Will Send Three Bottles...'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 13:23 IST

AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal accused the Haryana government of deliberately poisoning the Yamuna River to create chaos and shift blame on the AAP government

Election Commission asks AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal to submit factual evidence of poisoning in the Yamuna river. (Courtesy: X)

The Election Commission Of India (ECI) sharply responded to the reply submitted by AAP national convener and Delhis former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal over his Yamuna poisoning remark and demanded factual evidence of the allegations.

EC asked Kejriwal not to mix the issue of high ammonia in Yamuna water with his allegations that the poison in the river would have led to a mass genocide.

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Reacting to the second notice of the EC, Kejriwal said," Rajiv Kumar wants a post-retirement job. No one has ruined democracy as much as he has. The language he has used is not the Election Commissions job. He should contest the election from any seat in Delhi. We will send three bottles to Rajiv Kumar as well. I know they will arrest me in three days, let them do so, I am not afraid."

What Did The Election Commission Say In Second Notice?

The Election Commission demanded Kejriwal to submit factual evidence along with specific and pointed responses to the type, quantity, nature, and manner of poisoning of Yamuna and details of engineers, location and methodology of detecting the poison by Delhi Jal Board engineers by 11 am on January 31.

The Commission said that if Kejriwal fails to submit the evidence, an appropriate decision will be taken in the matter.

It was further highlighted by EC that the availability of sufficient and clean water is a governance issue and that all concerned governments at all times should engage in securing this for all the people.

EC said that it will leave it to the competence and discretion of governments and agencies, abstaining from arbitration on long-standing water-sharing and pollution issues during the brief election period.

What Did Kejriwal Say About Yamuna Poisoning?

Days before the assembly elections, Kejriwal accused Haryanas BJP government of mixing poison" in the water supply of the national capital to create chaos hoping the blame will fall" on the AAP administration.

The people of Delhi get drinking water from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh but the Haryana government has mixed poison in the water coming to Delhi from the Yamuna and sent it here it is only due to the vigilance of our Delhi Jal Board engineers that this water was stopped," Kejriwal had said.

Replying to the notice sent by EC over the Yamuna poisoning remark, Kejriwal said that the comments were made by him in the context of an urgent public health crisis" over the quality of drinking water.

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Kejriwal claimed that the ammonia level in raw water which came from Haryana was extreme" and Delhis water treatment plants were unable to make it perfect for human consumption.

Statements were made in furtherance of an imperative public duty to highlight the severe toxicity and contamination of raw water received from Haryana, which presents an imminent and direct threat to public health," said Kejriwal in his letter.

First Published: January 30, 2025, 11:44 IST
Foetus Inside Unborn Baby: Pregnant Woman Diagnosed With Rare Condition In Maharashtra

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 08:40 IST

Fetus in fetu is an extremely rare condition where a malformed fetus is found inside the body of its twin. It is estimated to occur in about 1 in 500,000 live births

The discovery was made at the district hospital in Buldhana district when the woman, who is eight months pregnant, came in for a regular check-up. (Representative image/Shutterstock)

A rare case of foetus in fetu has come to light in Maharashtras Buldhana district where a foetus was found growing inside the unborn baby of a 35-year-old pregnant woman. foetus in fetu is an extremely rare condition where a malformed foetus is found inside the body of its twin. It is estimated to occur in about 1 in 500,000 live births.

The discovery was made at the district hospital in Buldhana district when the woman, who is eight months pregnant, came in for a regular check-up. The woman underwent a sonography test, and what was revealed shocked the medical staff. It was found that there was a foetus inside the foetus in her womb.

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The news created a stir in the hospital, and the report was immediately sent to the state health ministry in Mumbai. Subsequently, the woman was referred to a medical centre in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar for safe delivery and further treatment.

Dr Prasad Agarwal, an obstetrician and gynaecologist at the hospital, explained that foetus in fetu is an extremely rare occurrence, with only one in every 5 lakh pregnant women affected. He also mentioned that only about 200 such cases have been reported worldwide, with 10-15 cases in India. Until now, these cases have only been detected after delivery.

The exact cause of foetus in fetu is unknown, but there are two main theories:

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Parasitic twin theory: This theory suggests that the foetus in fetu is a parasitic twin that developed abnormally during pregnancy. The parasitic twin is dependent on the host twin for survival.

This theory suggests that the foetus in fetu is a parasitic twin that developed abnormally during pregnancy. The parasitic twin is dependent on the host twin for survival. Teratoma theory: This theory suggests that the foetus in fetu is a highly differentiated teratoma, a type of tumor that can contain various tissues and organs.

The treatment for foetus in fetu is surgery to remove the mass. Surgery is usually successful, and most children make a full recovery. The prognosis for foetus in fetu is generally good. Most children who have surgery to remove the mass do not experience any long-term complications. However, there is a small risk of recurrence.

Location : Buldana, India, India

First Published: January 30, 2025, 08:40 IST
GBS Outbreak: Maharashtra Records Second Death After A Woman Passed Away In Pune

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 11:54 IST

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has reserved 40 hospital beds, including 10 with ventilators, for treatment of GBS cases.

While authorities are investigating potential sources of Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS), water contamination cannot be ruled out.

A woman has died in Pune due to Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), marking second death in Maharashtra. The city has registered highest number of cases of the outbreak with 127 people taken ill.

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has reserved 40 hospital beds, including 10 with ventilators, for treatment of GBS cases.

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The suspected case of GBS was hospitalised on January 9 and the first death from the infection was reported earlier this month in Solapur. It was suspected that the deceased may have contracted the infection in Pune before travelling to Solapur.

The neurological disorder is a rare condition whose exact causes are yet not known. The infections may include respiratory or a gastrointestinal infection. Guillain-Barre Syndrome can also be caused by Zika virus.

Symptoms Of GBS

Some symptoms include numbness, weakness or paralysis. Weakness and tingling in hands and feet are the initial symptoms, which may rapidly spread, leading to paralysis.

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Other symptoms may include difficulty walking or maintaining balance, inability to walk or climb stairs, impaired facial movements affecting speech, chewing, or swallowing, double vision or restricted eye movement, severe pain that may feel achy, shooting, or cramp-likeoften worsening at nightbladder or bowel control issues, irregular heart rate, abnormal blood pressure (high or low), and breathing difficulties.

Authorities are investigating possible sources of infection, with water contamination being a key concern. Tests on water samples detected high levels of E. coli bacteria in a well near Khadakwasla Dam, Punes main water source. However, it remains unclear whether the well was in use.

First Published: January 30, 2025, 11:31 IST
Govts New Immigration Bill Could Be Prompted By Feedback From Jharkhand, Sources Tell News18

Reported By : &

News18.com

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 20:18 IST

The Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025, to be introduced in the budget session of Parliament, is expected to bring in stricter measures for immigration control, enhance border security, and empower authorities to take decisive action against illegal migrants

JMM, which eventually won the Jharkhand election, raised questions on the Border Security Force (BSF), the paramilitary force that guards the Bangladesh border under the Centre. Kalpana Soren, who campaigned extensively this time, hammered home this point, asking tribals that if Bangladeshis are at their doorsteps, who should they hold accountableJMM or the BJP? (Representational pic/PTI)

During the budget session of Parliament to be held from January 31 to April 4 with a recess in between, the Narendra Modi-led Centre will bring as many as 16 bills, including the much-anticipated Waqf Amendment Bill. However, one proposed piece of legislation that also has everyone talking is the Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025.

While the contours of the bill are not yet clear, what seems apparent is that the Centre is trying to be seen to be tough at a time when illegal immigration, particularly of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas, is a matter of concern. Now, News18 has learnt that while the Centre has been toying with a draft concept" of such a bill for a long time, the ground feedback during the Jharkhand election seems to have prompted it to hasten the process.

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The legislation is expected to introduce stricter measures for immigration control, enhance border security, and empower authorities to take decisive action against illegal migrants.

According to sources, the bill is being seen as an answer to the Bangladeshi and Rohingya immigration issue, which was the BJPs mainstay in the Jharkhand and West Bengal polls. Rohingyas being on the Delhi voter list has also been raised by the BJP.

The bill could focus on controlling the entry of immigrants into India. It could become the main law on this subject, replacing older laws like The Foreigners Act 1946, The Passport Entry into India Act 1920, and The Registration of Foreigners Act 1939, said sources.

The draft bill is yet to be approved by the union cabinet and could be taken up next week

The BJPs main election pitch in Jharkhands Santhal Pargana was the demographic shift where Bangladeshi infiltrators were capturing their land and culture". Statistically, some of the key places of the tribal heartland were up for exploits for the BJP. Pakur has witnessed a 42 per cent growth in the Muslim population against a 19.51 per cent increase in the Santhal population when figures from the 2001 and 2011 Census are compared. Sahibganj, meanwhile, has registered a 37 per cent increase in Muslims against a 10.8 per cent increase in Santhals. But JMM, which eventually won the election, raised questions on the Border Security Force (BSF), the paramilitary force that guards the Bangladesh border under the Centre. Kalpana Soren, who campaigned extensively this time, hammered home this point, asking tribals that if Bangladeshis are at their doorsteps, who should they hold accountableJMM or the BJP? This caused a lot of disillusionment, which was reported to New Delhi.

Wins and losses are all part of life. The BJP does not get worried about that. But when we started getting feedback from the ground in Jharkhand, where few started to buy into the oppositions argument, it was a wake-up call," said a senior BJP leader, requesting anonymity. According to him, the poll results and some ongoing circumstances may have contributed to the hastening of the legislation.

A minister in the Modi cabinet, when asked about provisions, said he heard about the bill through the media. The draft bill will be passed in the first cabinet meeting.

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Interestingly, just a few months ago, an assistant professor at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) observed that Mumbais electoral politics is being significantly impacted by the influx of illegal migrants from Bangladesh, Myanmar (Rohingyas), and Pakistan. In the run-up to the February 5 Delhi elections, illegal immigration has been a key political topic, with Yogi Adityanath alleging that the Aam Aadmi Party settled Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators. AAP countered this, asking the BJP why it provided refuge to Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators in the national capital.

Now, sources say, the BJP has to walk the talk and be seen as tough on illegal immigration.

First Published: January 30, 2025, 20:18 IST
Indian History Will Be Decided In 3 Phases, One Would Be Before & After Modi Era: Amit Shah

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 23:17 IST

Amit Shah launched a book on Narendra Modi in Delhi and said India would be the world's 3rd largest economy in the world by 2027. He said even Modi's staunchest critics would note his achievements.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a roadshow ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections. (PTI image)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said that Indias history will be divided into three phases which include before and after Narendra Modis era.

The Home Minister who launched a book on Narendra Modi in Delhi also said that India would be the worlds 3rd largest economy in the world by 2027.

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Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah said that the past 10 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modis tenure have marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. He emphasized that whenever Indias history is rewritten, even Modis staunchest critics will acknowledge these 10 years in golden letters.

Indias history in three parts. First is before & after independence. Second is before & after emergency. Third is before & after Narendra Modi," he said after launching book Indian Renaissance: The Modi Decade.

While talking about economy, Shah said that previous government maintained India at 11th number as largest economy but Modi brought India from 11th to 5th.

PM Modi brought India from 11th to 5th largest economy in 10 years." He further predicted that We will be the worlds 3rd largest economy in 2027. We cant imagine missions like Chandrayaan and Spadex," Shah said.

While giving data about efforts made to give better life to public, Shah said, 7 crore poor Indians given houses, toilets, water, 5 kg food, health insurance cover. 25 crore people driven outside poverty, 80 crore get free ration."

PM Modi is the 1st leader after Mahatma Gandhi to speak about Safai. Despite early criticism, the governments focus on building toilets led to 1.5 crore houses given toilets by PM Modi," Shah said.

He further said that in 2014, India entered a new era, receiving a stable government after three decades, leading to success in every part of the country. Shah mentioned that this transformation has been interpreted in various ways, with a foreign newspaper even writing that while India attained independence on August 15, 1947, it was under Modis leadership in 2014 that the country truly gained freedom from colonial influences.

Home Minister also said, Every house in India has access to electricity, In this country, there are 2500 villages that now have electricity."

Amit Shah also appreciated Indias way of tackling Covid-19. No one thought India could face Covid-19 like it did. We made vaccine 1st because the process to make it started 1st in India."

PM made an appeal for lockdown and every Indian supported his decision. In India, Centre, state governments, and all Indians united in fight against Covid-19." Amit Shah said.

Amit Shah asserted that PM Modi has set a clear target for India to become a fully developed nation by 2047. He remarked that what started as the Prime Ministers resolution has now become the collective aspiration of 130 crore Indians. He expressed confidence that Indias youth will be the driving force behind making the country the number one global power by 2047. He added, Modi Ji recognizes that if every Indian takes a single step forward, the country will advance by 130 crore steps.

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Referring to the Covid-19 pandemic, Amit Shah recalled how the entire country obeyed PM Modis call for a Janta Curfew and stayed indoors. He compared this response to the publics reaction to the appeal for fast made by former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, indicating that it was one of the rare moments when citizens wholeheartedly followed a leaders call. He addressed government critics by stating that lighting a lamp may not eradicate Covid-19, but it certainly raised awareness and vigilance among the people.

First Published: January 30, 2025, 23:11 IST
A participant tries on traditional Chinese costume during an event in celebration of the Chinese New Year at the Confucius Institute of Far Eastern Federal University of Russia, in Vladivostok, Russia, Jan. 29, 2025. The Confucius Institute of Far Eastern Federal University of Russia hosted a Chinese New Year cultural experience event, attracting many participants. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua)

A participant tries on traditional Chinese costume during an event in celebration of the Chinese New Year at the Confucius Institute of Far Eastern Federal University of Russia, in Vladivostok, Russia, Jan. 29, 2025. The Confucius Institute of Far Eastern Federal University of Russia hosted a Chinese New Year cultural experience event, attracting many participants. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua)

Participants try Chinese calligraphy during an event in celebration of the Chinese New Year at the Confucius Institute of Far Eastern Federal University of Russia, in Vladivostok, Russia, Jan. 29, 2025. The Confucius Institute of Far Eastern Federal University of Russia hosted a Chinese New Year cultural experience event, attracting many participants. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua)

Participants learn Baduanjin, a traditional form of Chinese aerobic exercise, during an event in celebration of the Chinese New Year at the Confucius Institute of Far Eastern Federal University of Russia, in Vladivostok, Russia, Jan. 29, 2025. The Confucius Institute of Far Eastern Federal University of Russia hosted a Chinese New Year cultural experience event, attracting many participants. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua)

Participants paint Beijing Opera masks during an event in celebration of the Chinese New Year at the Confucius Institute of Far Eastern Federal University of Russia, in Vladivostok, Russia, Jan. 29, 2025. The Confucius Institute of Far Eastern Federal University of Russia hosted a Chinese New Year cultural experience event, attracting many participants. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua)

People watch a lion dance performance during the Chinese New Year celebration in the departure hall of Vancouver International Airport in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, on Jan. 29, 2025. (Photo by Liang Sen/Xinhua)

People watch a lion dance performance during the Chinese New Year celebration in the departure hall of Vancouver International Airport in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, on Jan. 29, 2025. (Photo by Liang Sen/Xinhua)

Performers present a lion dance during a Spring Festival gala at the Chinese Cultural Center in Cotonou, Benin, Jan. 25, 2025. The 2025 "Happy Chinese New Year" celebrations kicked off here recently, which will last till Feb. 12. (Photo by Seraphin Zounyekpe/Xinhua)

Local Chinese language learners perform Chinese crosstalk during a Spring Festival gala at the Chinese Cultural Center in Cotonou, Benin, Jan. 25, 2025. The 2025 "Happy Chinese New Year" celebrations kicked off here recently, which will last till Feb. 12. (Photo by Seraphin Zounyekpe/Xinhua)

Local artists perform traditional Beninese dance during a Spring Festival gala at the Chinese Cultural Center in Cotonou, Benin, Jan. 25, 2025. The 2025 "Happy Chinese New Year" celebrations kicked off here recently, which will last till Feb. 12. (Photo by Seraphin Zounyekpe/Xinhua)

A local martial arts lover performs during a Spring Festival gala at the Chinese Cultural Center in Cotonou, Benin, Jan. 25, 2025. The 2025 "Happy Chinese New Year" celebrations kicked off here recently, which will last till Feb. 12. (Photo by Seraphin Zounyekpe/Xinhua)

Editor: WXY
Kerala Lottery Results: Karunya Plus KN-558 Winners For 30 January, 2025 Announced; Here's Full List!

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: February 01, 2025, 09:47 IST

Kerala Lottery Results Today: Here's full list of winning numbers for Karunya Plus KN-558 lucky draw for Thursday, 30 January, 2025.

Kerala Lottery Karunya Plus KN-558 Results: The first prize winner of Karunya Plus KN-558 will get Rs 80 lakh. (Image: Shutterstock)

KERALA LOTTERY KARUNYA PLUS KN-558 RESULT ON THURSDAY, 30.1.2025: The Kerala State Lottery Department has announced the results of the Karunya Plus KN-558 lucky draw for Thursday, January 30. The winner of the top award will receive Rs 80 lakh, while the runners-up will receive Rs 10 lakh and Rs 1 lakh, respectively. Check the Full List of Winning Numbers below.

ALSO READ: Kerala Lottery Results: Karunya KR- 691 Winners For February 1, 2025; First Prize Rs 80 Lakh!

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FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR KARUNYA PLUS KN 558

WINNING NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE OF RS 80 LAKH IS: PM 108857 (CHITTUR)

Agent Name: MURUKAN KUTTY C

Agency No.: P 2737

WINNING NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE OF RS 10 LAKH IS: PD 392628 (THRISSUR)

Agent Name: P V PRADEEP

Agency No.: R 2083

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 3RD PRIZE OF RS 1 LAKH ARE

PA 362657

PB 244942

PC 845955

PD 788409

PE 100735

PF 843381

PG 858737

PH 492567

PJ 377445

PK 814622

PL 234134

PM 833518

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE OF RS 5,000 ARE

0723 0888 1426 3168 3395 3591 4492 5575 6134 6723 7147 7391 7932 8307 8652 8705 9079 9360

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 5TH PRIZE OF RS 1,000 ARE

0103 0489 0788 0878 0988 2345 2423 3079 3246 3585 3878 3912 4165 4228 5904 6872 6947 7014 7030 7092 7107 7136 7205 7246 7326 7361 7414 7538 7576 7803 8767 8792 9383 9490

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE OF RS 500 ARE

0381 0392 0410 0413 0540 0671 0751 0869 1032 1243 1273 1568 1721 1809 2038 2076 2150 2184 2307 2321 2427 2459 2476 2490 2867 2879 2885 3011 3189 3196 3254 3358 3583 3667 3717 3849 4103 4223 4341 4922 5111 5362 5376 5439 5527 5829 6029 6264 6557 6693 6734 6913 7013 7047 7298 7317 7337 7369 7392 7531 7641 7751 7878 7886 8036 8197 8330 8414 8539 8730 8811 8863 9201 9297 9302 9449 9603 9843 9913 9917

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 7TH PRIZE OF RS 100 ARE

0193 0213 0215 0231 0335 0376 0386 0742 0773 0789 0942 1053 1110 1196 1227 1231 1235 1301 1478 1547 1682 2174 2212 2510 2563 2645 2714 2809 2935 2954 3040 3105 3121 3288 3308 3335 3462 3533 3562 3579 3627 3709 3792 3999 4023 4156 4268 4287 4306 4330 4347 4351 4357 4525 4535 4627 4882 4983 5102 5190 5224 5335 5447 5464 5560 5666 5726 5903 5931 5953 5989 6051 6123 6198 6215 6248 6335 6358 6434 6443 6492 6497 6502 6758 7074 7375 7464 7465 7497 7578 7633 7736 7766 7767 7807 7865 7992 8020 8070 8075 8079 8102 8121 8123 8273 8306 8445 8508 8573 8763 8794 8807 8823 8883 8899 8965 8966 9048 9180 9206 9384 9536 9716 9820 9845 9857

WINNING NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE OF RS 8,000 ARE

PA 108857

PB 108857

PC 108857

PD 108857

PE 108857

PF 108857

PG 108857

PH 108857

PJ 108857

PK 108857

PL 108857

KERALA LOTTERY RESULT: KARUNYA PLUS KN 558 PRIZE STRUCTURE

1st Prize: Rs 80 Lakh

2nd Prize: Rs. 10 Lakh

3rd Prize: Rs. 1 Lakh

4th Prize: Rs. 5,000

5th Prize: Rs. 1,000

6th Prize: Rs. 500

7th Prize: Rs. 100

Consolation Prize: Rs. 8,000

HOW TO CHECK KERALA KARUNYA PLUS KN 558 LOTTERY RESULTS?

Visit to the official Kerala Lottery website to view the Karunya Plus KN-558 results.

Another location to confirm winning numbers is the Kerala Government Gazette office.

For accurate and reliable information, contact the Kerala Lottery Department.

HOW TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE MONEY?

Participants should compare their ticket numbers with the results that were published in the Kerala Government Gazette.

Prizes will be awarded to those whose ticket numbers match the results that are released.

Winners have 30 days to pick up their money at the Kerala Lottery headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram.

To obtain their prize, winners need to show their winning ticket and valid identification.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO CLAIM PRIZE MONEY?

A photocopy of the winning ticket, showing the front and back, that has been self-attested.

Officially signed passport-sized photos from a Gazetted officer.

An authenticated copy of the participants PAN card.

Fill out the online prize claim form and attach a revenue stamp before submitting.

A legitimate identity document, like a voter ID, Aadhaar card, PAN card, or ration card.

HOW TO DOWNLOAD A PDF WITH A FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS?

Go to the Kerala Lotterys official website at keralalotteries.info or keralalotteryresult.net.

Click the link to get the Karunya Plus KN-558 findings.

The winning numbers will appear on your screen.

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Check the website for the download option.

Click the download link to view the results in PDF format.

Location : Thiruvananthapuram [Trivandrum], India, India

First Published: January 30, 2025, 09:00 IST
Kumbh Mela 2025: Akasa Air Cuts Prayagraj Flight Fares By 30-45%, Increases Services Following Govt Order

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 20:40 IST

Airfares for the flights to Prayagraj have been on the rise in view of the Maha Kumbh, which commenced on January 13 and will conclude on February 26.

On Wednesday, the civil aviation ministry asked airlines to increase flights and maintain reasonable airfares for Prayagraj flights. (PTI file photo)

Akasa Air has reduced ticket prices for flights to Prayagraj by 30-45 per cent and increased number of flights to the city, sources said on Thursday in the wake of the government asking airlines to maintain reasonable fares.

Airfares for the flights to Prayagraj have been on the rise in view of the Maha Kumbh, which commenced on January 13 and will conclude on February 26.

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On Wednesday, the civil aviation ministry asked airlines to increase flights and maintain reasonable airfares for Prayagraj flights.

In a release on Thursday, Akasa Air said it has ramped up connectivity to Prayagraj with special flights from Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Bengaluru. This is in addition to the daily direct services from Mumbai and Delhi.

The sources said Akasa Air has reduced ticket prices for Prayagraj flights by 30-45 per cent.

As per the airlines website, a ticket for Pune-Prayagraj flight on February 19 is little over Rs 28,000.

On January 25, Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi wrote a letter to Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu about complaints regarding exorbitantly high airfares for Prayagraj flights.

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Significant increase in travel demand has led to exorbitantly high airfare prices for flights to Prayagraj from different parts of the country, which has made it difficult for the devotees to plan air travel to Maha Kumbh.

I shall be grateful if you could kindly look into the matter considering the consumers interest and do the needful," Joshi said in the letter.

First Published: January 30, 2025, 20:32 IST
'Liabilities Be Fixed': Rajasthan High Court Mandates Registration Of Live-In Relationships

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 07:56 IST

The Rajasthan High Court has mandated a live-in relationship agreement, outlining responsibilities for child support and partner maintenance. It also urged the government to establish a legal framework.

A representative photo a couple (Getty)

There must be a system wherein couples who decide to reside together without marriage, must enter into and register a live-in relationship agreement, the Rajasthan High Court has said.

The courts remark came on Wednesday, while it delivered a verdict ordering government authorities to make such rule mandatory for those in live-in relationships.

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Giving out the order, Justice Anoop Kumar Dhand said that such a system be put in place where couples would have to enter details of their plan for caring for any children that may be born out of their relationships.

The contract must also contain details of how the male partner plans on paying maintenance of the female partner if she is non-earning.

The court added that the live-in relationship agreement must be registered by the competent authority/tribunal, to be established by the government.

It also said that the authorities should fix the liability of the male and female partners in the form of a child plan to bear the education, health and upbringing responsibility of the children born out of such relationship.

Further, the liability of the male partner for the maintenance of the non-earning female partner residing in such relationship and children born out of such relationship must also be fixed, it said.

Until a legislation is framed by the Centre as well as the state government, a scheme of statutory nature is required to be formulated in a legal format. Let a format be prepared by the appropriate authority making it necessary for the couples/partners desiring to enter into such live-in-relationship, to fill the format, with the following terms and conditions, before entering into such live-in-relationship," the Rajasthan High Court stated.

Till enactment of the appropriate legislation by the government, let competent authority be established in each district of the state to look into the matter of registration of such live-in-relationships, who will address and redress the grievances of such partners/couples who have entered in such relationship and the children being born out therefrom. Let a Website or web portal be launched in this regard for redressal of the issue arising out of such relationships," the court ordered.

Stressing that while live-in-relationships have been recognised by the Supreme Court, the concept is still not acceptable in the eyes of many, the court directed the State Chief Secretary, the Principal Secretary, the Department of Law and Justice, and the Secretary, the Department of Justice and Social Welfare, New Delhi to look into the matter and send a compliance report to the Court by March 1.

Though the concept of live-in-relationship is considered immoral by the society and the same is not accepted by public at large, it is not treated as illegal in the eyes of law," the Rajasthan High Court stated, as it particularly mentioned the status of the female partner and children born to such relationships.

Minor children born out of such relations are expected to be maintained by their parents and specially by the father, because women from such relations may often be found to be sufferers as well," the court said.

Though directions in this regard can be issued by the courts having jurisdiction, however, a moral obligation is required to be fastened upon the male partner of such live-in-relationship, who is required to discharge his moral duty to maintain the children born out of such relationship", the court observed.

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It also made note of the fact that constitutional courts are inundated with petitions moved by couples in live-in-relationships seeking police protection in the face of threats from their families and society at large.

The court, therefore, called on the central and state legislatures to consider enacting a law which lays down a framework for live-in relationships as was done in the recently notified Uniform Civil Code of Uttarakhand.

First Published: January 30, 2025, 07:56 IST
MUDA Scam Case: ED Report Details Satellite Imagery, Names Siddaramaiah & Wife

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 19:40 IST

EDs investigation details satellite imagery and statements from key officials, further strengthening the case against the couple

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. (PTI photo)

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provided details implicating Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his wife, BM Parvathi, in the illegal allotment of land and fraudulent activities under the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA).

In a fresh development involving the case, the EDs investigation details satellite imagery and statements from key officials, further strengthening the case against the couple.

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According to the ED, satellite imagery taken on February 20, 2003, shows that significant development work had already been carried out on a plot of land in Survey No. 464, even before it was sold to BM Parvathis brother-in-law, BM Mallikarjuna Swamy, in 2004.

The images indicate that the land was under the possession of MUDA, contradicting claims made during the transaction. The sale of this land to Mallikarjuna Swamy raises serious questions about the legitimacy of the deal, as per the ED.

The probe agency also revealed that MUDA Commissioner DB Natesh, during his statement, admitted that Siddaramaiahs personal assistant, Dinesh Kumar, acted on behalf of BM Parvathi in all transactions related to the land deal.

Kumars involvement extended to signing official letters, including one for the Khata (land record), despite not having any authorisation from BM Parvathi, the report said.

Moreover, the ED claims that the sites given as compensation to BM Parvathi were personally selected by the then Commissioner of MUDA, DB Natesh. This was done in direct violation of the established procedures for allotting such sites.

The timing of BM Parvathis request for compensation also raises suspicions, with the request submitted on June 4, 2014, after Siddaramaiah had assumed office as Chief Minister on May 13, 2013.

The ED noted that the letter requesting compensation contained alterations, including the use of whitener to erase a sentence. This implies tampering with evidence," the agency stated.

What is MUDA Scam?

Under MUDAs 50:50 scheme, land owners were promised 50% of the developed site per acre that they give up. This works out to about 9 developed plots of 30x40 dimension and they will be at liberty to sell it to anyone at the prevailing market rate.

The scheme was first introduced in 2009, but scrapped in 2020 by the BJP government. But MUDA still continued with the scheme without seeking permission from the then BJP government.

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The distribution of sites continued despite two government orders in the last six months directing MUDA to cancel the allotment of sites to beneficiaries under the 50:50 scheme until clear guidelines were issued. However, the allotment did not stop.

A government order institution an inquiry on July 1 said there was suspicion that rather than providing the sites to eligible beneficiaries, there are complaints that they were allotted to influential people and real estate agents.

Location : Karnataka, India, India

First Published: January 30, 2025, 18:39 IST
Mumbai To Goa In Just 6 Hours: New Expressway To Be Completed By This Monsoon

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 19:49 IST

Currently, it takes around 12 to 13 hours to drive from Mumbai to Sindhudurg, but once the expressway is finished, the journey will be reduced to just 6 hours

The new expressway will stretch from Panvel in Navi Mumbai to Sindhudurg, passing through Raigad and Ratnagiri. (PTI file photo)

The four-laning of the 466-kilometre Mumbai-Goa Highway is expected to be completed by May-June 2025, cutting the travel time between Mumbai and Goa by half.

Currently, it takes around 12 to 13 hours to drive from Mumbai to Sindhudurg, but once the expressway is finished, the journey will be reduced to just 6 hours.

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The new expressway will stretch from Panvel in Navi Mumbai to Sindhudurg, passing through Raigad and Ratnagiri.

The project, which is being developed by both the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the state government-led National Highway Public Works Department (NH PWD), will include 14 interchanges for smoother access.

However, the project has faced delays due to ongoing work on bypasses, underpasses, and flyovers in towns such as Mangaon, Indapur, Pali, Lanja, Kolad, and Chiplun. Despite these setbacks, officials have confirmed that major road stretches will be completed before the monsoon season, The Times Of India reported.

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The original cost estimate for the project was Rs 3,500 crore, but due to the delays, the revised cost has risen to Rs 7,300 crore.

The 84-kilometre stretch between Panvel and Indapur is being developed by the NHAI, while the remaining portion is being widened by the PWD under the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

First Published: January 30, 2025, 19:49 IST
Two Fugitives Facing Interpol Red Notice Deported From Thailand, US

Published By :

PTI

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 15:04 IST

In operations coordinated by the CBI, two fugitives facing Interpol Red Notice and wanted in separate cases in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat were arrested after their return from the US and Thailand on Wednesday, officials said.

Representative Image

In operations coordinated by the CBI, two fugitives facing Interpol Red Notice and wanted in separate cases in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat were arrested after their return from the US and Thailand on Wednesday, officials said.

Janarthanan Sundaram, accused of siphoning over Rs 87 crore of investors money through his ponzi scheme, was deported from Bangkok to India and taken into custody at the Kolkata airport by the Tamil Nadu Police, they said.

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He was wanted by the Economic Offence Wing (EOW) of Tamil Nadu Police for the offences of criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, cheating, default in repayment of deposits/interest and offences committed under Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Act, 2019, among others.

The CBI on request of Tamil Nadu Police got Red Notice issued against the subject from Interpol on June 21, 2023," a CBI spokesperson said.

Sundaram who travelled to Bangkok on January 28, 2025 was denied entry on the basis of Red Notice, the agency said.

The CBI, which is nodal body of India on all matters related to Interpol, coordinated with the global body, Indian Embassy in Bangkok and Kolkata airport authorities for his return.

He was deported to India from Bangkok, Thailand," the spokesperson said.

On arrival at the Kolkata airport on Wednesday, he was detained and later handed over to Tamil Nadu Police team, which arrived at the airport from Chennai to secure his custody, the officials said.

In the second operation, the Global Operations Centre of the CBI which handles such matters closely coordinated with the Gujarat Police and immigration authorities at Ahmedabad airport for return of Virendrabhai Manibhai Patel wanted for 20 years in a case of cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy.

Patel, director of Charotar Nagrik Sahakari Bank, Anand, was wanted in a case of fraud of Rs 77 crore registered by the Gujarat Police in 2002.

A Red Notice was issued against him by the Interpol on March 3, 2004, the CBI spokesperson said in a statement.

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On the basis of the Red Notice, Patel was detected at Ahmedabad airport while on arrival from the US on January 29, 2025 and was detained and later handed over to the Gujarat Police team," it said.

The Gujarat Police team arrived at the Ahmedabad airport to secure his custody, it added.

First Published: January 30, 2025, 15:04 IST
Two iPhones Of Gujarat High Court Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal Stolen In Dehradun

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 10:40 IST

The police are examining the CCTV footage from the vicinity to identify the culprit.

At the time of the theft, the Gujarat High Court Chief Justice was attending a wedding.

Two mobile phones belonging to Gujarat High Court Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal were stolen from Dehradun. The theft happened at Mussoorie road and a first information report has been lodged at the Rajpur police station.

At the time of the theft, the Gujarat High Court Chief Justice was attending a wedding. One of the phones was registered in the name of the Gujarat Chief Justice while the other was bought in the name of the Gujarat High Court Registrar General, Bar and Bench reported.

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The police are examining the CCTV footage from the vicinity to identify the culprit.

Location : Dehradun, India, India

First Published: January 30, 2025, 10:40 IST
Wifes Temporary Job Doesnt Disentitle Her To Claim Maintenance From Husband: Kerala HC

Reported By :

LawBeat

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 13:05 IST

The court held that the Family Court erred in denying maintenance to the wife, who did not have a permanent source of income.

The court, presided over by Justice Kauser Edappagath, set aside the Family Courts order, which had denied maintenance to the wife, and remitted the matter for determining the quantum of maintenance.. (Representational Image: Shutterstock)

The Kerala High Court has ruled that a wifes temporary employment and income do not disqualify her from claiming maintenance under Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) if her earnings are insufficient to maintain the standard of living she previously enjoyed with her husband.

The court, presided over by Justice Kauser Edappagath, set aside the Family Courts order, which had denied maintenance to the wife, and remitted the matter for determining the quantum of maintenance. The wifes temporary job, even if it provides some income, would not disentitle her to claim maintenance from her husband if she asserts that the said income is insufficient for her maintenance," the court noted.

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The wife had filed a petition under Section 125 CrPC seeking maintenance from her husband. She contended that, despite securing temporary contractual employment at Matsyafed, her earnings were insufficient to sustain herself and her elder daughter. She was earning Rs 21,175 per month as a Data Entry Operator, residing in a rented house, and bearing the expenses of her daughter.

The husband, a Captain in the Merchant Navy, contested the claim, arguing that he was employed on a contractual basis, working only three to four months a year with earnings of Rs 5,00,000 to Rs 6,00,000 per contract. It was further claimed to be currently unemployed and suffering from ailments. However, evidence on record showed that he was receiving a pension of Rs 27,000 per month from an LIC investment.

The Family Court had earlier rejected the wifes claim for maintenance, holding that she had voluntarily left the matrimonial home and was capable of earning. It also denied maintenance to the couples elder daughter on the ground that she had attained majority before the filing of the petition.

Highlighting that Section 125 CrPC is a welfare provision, the court observed: The object of the provision being one to achieve social justice for the marginalised members of society  destitute wives, hapless children, and parents, it is to be construed liberally for the welfare and benefit of the wife, children and parents. True, maintenance under Section 125 of CrPC (Section 144 of BNSS) is provided to the wife who is unable to maintain herself. However, unable to maintain herself" in Section 125 of CrPC (Section 144 of BNSS) does not mean that the wife must be in a state of penury."

Relying on Supreme Court precedents in Rajnesh v. Neha, Chaturbhuj v. Sita Bai, and Sunita Kachwaha v. Anil Kachwaha, the court reiterated that even if a wife is earning, she is entitled to maintenance if her income is inadequate. The wife held a job that was not permanent in nature. Her engagement was purely temporary, and the income she gets from the employment is a meagre one, which is hardly sufficient to supplement the day-to-day expenditures of herself and her daughter," the court remarked.

Considering the claim made by the husband that the wife left her matrimonial home without a cause, the court found that the wife was forced to leave the matrimonial home due to cruelty at the hands of her husband. The same was supported by a pending criminal case under Sections 498, 323, 324, and 506 Indian Penal Code (IPC) against the husband.

The court set aside the Family Courts decision, stating that The Family Court erred in not awarding maintenance to the wife who does not have any permanent source of income."

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Regarding the elder daughters maintenance, the court upheld the Family Courts decision, stating that The finding of the Family Court that the elder daughter is not entitled to maintenance under Section 125 of CrPCwarrants no interference." However, the court allowed the daughter to pursue maintenance under Section 20(3) of the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act (HAMA), which provides for a fathers duty to maintain an unmarried daughter until marriage.

The court further directed the Family Court to determine the quantum of maintenance for the wife within three months. The parties were directed to appear before the Family Court on February 18, 2025.

First Published: January 30, 2025, 13:05 IST
'Yamuna Will Be Clean In A Month If...': What Environmentalists Say On Delhi's Water Politics

Reported By :

News18.com

Edited By: Pragati Ratti



Last Updated: January 31, 2025, 12:27 IST

Environmentalists Bhim Singh Rana and Pankaj Kumar took a boat ride with CNN-News18 over the Yamuna near Delhi's Kashmere Gate, analysing exactly what is wrong with the river in the national capital.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, have all slammed Kejriwal for his claims on the Yamuna water. (Image: News18)

Politics over Yamuna water is peaking ahead of Delhi Assembly polls. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has refused to back down after former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals allegation that poisonous water is being sent to Delhi from Haryana."

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, have all slammed Kejriwal for his claims. The Election Commission of India has asked Kejriwal to back his charge with proof.

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While the politics over the issue plays out, is there any truth in what Kejriwal has alleged? Environmentalists Bhim Singh Rawat and Pankaj Kumar took a boat ride with CNN-News18 over the Yamuna near Delhis Kashmere Gate, analysing exactly what is wrong with the river in the national capital.

When asked about Kejriwals allegations, Pankaj Kumar, Volunteer, Earth Warrior, said, When the former Chief Minister says that ammonia levels have gone up in the river, that Haryana has poisoned the river, I would say this is pure politics. They are claiming that from WTP (Waste Treatment Plant) they have got the data of ammonia level being 7 ppm or 6 ppm. If you are making this charge, then release the entire data of what is the ammonia level from Palla (Haryana) to Azgarpur (the last village of Delhi). At the upper side of Wazirabad, the entire flow of Yamuna is stopped, only 5 per cent remains. Where we are boating is not Yamuna but Delhi sewage."

Commenting on the quality of water in Delhi, Kumar said, In December 2024, in Delhi, 17 drains of Delhi had water flow. The water quality criteria of Delhi nallas (drains) should be BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand)  30 MG per litre or less. The government claimed they had trapped all drains. But not one of them met this criteria. Five out of these 17 have BOD  100 MG per litre. This only means that raw sewage is being pushed into these drains without any sewage treatment. We have to treat the waste water. Otherwise all you are doing is offering empty words."

Why does the same river get relatively clean in monsoon? Because the flow of river water naturally increases as opposed to drain water. Restoring the flow of the river is the real answer," he added.

Meanwhile, Bhim Singh Rawat, Volunteer, SANDRP (South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People), said, The year 2025 is extremely crucial for Yamuna and its revival. In 1994, the upper Yamuna basin river board was formed. It advocated division of water between the states. That order is scheduled for review in 2025. That agreement has a huge role to play as far as the Yamuna problem in Delhi is concerned since the share of water for river Yamuna got restricted."

A river without its flow is not a river. It cant clean itself, rejuvenate itself. Even the river basins are seeing constructions, encroachments. You have made the river linear, restricted its flow by making so many bridges. You have made a total human control system. You have 25 bridges on the river. Five are under construction. So after every 500-600 metre, you have a bridge. So you have kind of straight jacketed the river. Its linear connectivity, its vertical connectivity, they are finishing everything," he added.

He also pointed out how everyone, whether its the Centre or the Delhi government, talks about cleaning the Yamuna but no one focuses on increasing its flow.

Yamuna will be clean in a month if

Pankaj Kumar said cleaning the Yamuna is not a difficult job if someone begins to do it sincerely. The mechanism that has been made to fight Yamuna pollution in Delhi is faulty. The CETP (Common Effluent Treatment Plant), STPs (Sewage Treatment Plant) are not fulfilling the purpose. We are spending money for their infrastructure but the people assigned to run them are not trained for this job. The government does not recognise that waste water management is a skilled job. Construction companies build the STP and then they are asked to run them as well, something they are not trained for," he said.

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There are 37 STPs in Delhi and three more are sanctioned. 800 mgd of household waste water is generated in Delhi at the moment which is not being treated properly. The CPCB (central pollution control board) guidelines say you will treat at 10 BOD, 10 CSS. If you follow this, within one month, Yamuna will be clean," he explained.

Almost Rs 4,000 crore has been spent for Yamuna Action Plan but there is no accountability about the use of this money," he added.

First Published: January 30, 2025, 15:17 IST
A Sneak Peek Into Jacquemus Fall 2025 Runway Show At Paris

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Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 17:26 IST

The guest list for the show featured fashion icons and A-list celebrities such as Tyla, Pamela Anderson and others.

Tyla looked gorgeous in a black ensemble at the Jacquemus show in Paris. (Photo: Instagram)

The Jacquemus show became a hot topic, drawing fashion and celebrity heavyweights for a truly glamorous event that showcased the latest in style. With over 25 A-list guests in attendance, the show quickly captured everyones attention. Lets take a closer look.

French fashion designer Simon Porte Jacquemus is stirring up excitement with his latest social media post. For his highly anticipated return to Paris Fashion Week, Jacquemus scaled things down dramatically, opting for an intimate presentation for just 40 guests at architect Auguste Perrets stunning Art Deco residence. The venue, with its concrete pillars and oak panelling, set a backdrop for the event, which felt more like an exclusive house party than a traditional runway show. Among the star-studded attendees were Pamela Anderson, K-pop artist Hongjoong, and former French First Lady Carla Bruni.

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Carla Bruni turned heads at the event, donning a stunning black evening gown with a fishtail train and dark sunglasses, posing elegantly next to an Aristide Maillol statue. But Jacquemus recent social media post truly set the fashion world abuzz, with its latest designs leaving fans in awe.

The guest list for the show was a star-studded affair, featuring fashion icons and A-list celebrities such as Tyla, Pamela Anderson, Nicholas Alexander Chavez, Christy Turlington, Adriana Lima, Devyn Faith Garcia, Mona Tougaard, Raye, Central Cee, Inox Tag, Laetitia Casta, No1likeme8_8, Alex Consani, Carla Bruni, Daina Kai, Jola Green, Tems, Tina Kunakey, Andreea Diddy, Liya Kebede, Doutzen, Sang Heon Lee, Charlotte Cardin, and Aliocha Schneider. This impressive lineup of powerful and iconic figures only elevated Jacquemus statement, solidifying his place at the forefront of the fashion worldand hes showing no signs of slowing down.

Jacquemus Masterclass: Where Classic Meets Modern

The latest designs by Jacquemus looked like instant classics in the legendary setting: double-breasted blazers looked particularly sharp over harshly pleated dress pants; minimal coats cinched at the waist and laid perfectly atop flowy, buttoned pants; and structured formal coats frequently stood out against short-shorts. Womens looks, such as hourglass dresses and drop-waisted skirts, emphasized the human form with an old Hollywood-like glamour, while naked" gowns, worn by Lima and Tyla, took a more literal approach to Jacquemus revealing agenda.

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by JACQUEMUS (@jacquemus)

Not just the stylish looks, with its structured hourglass dresses in cotton poplin, sculptural jackets, and fluted tulle skirts, the collection reimagines mid-century shapes with a contemporary twist.

First Published: January 30, 2025, 17:26 IST
This undated video grab shows Shenzhou-19 astronauts sending their Spring Festival greetings from China's Tiangong space station. Shenzhou-19 astronauts Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze sent their Spring Festival greetings from China's Tiangong space station in a video released by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) on New Year's Eve. The trio, dressed in blue jumpsuits adorned with red traditional auspicious cloud patterns, held two pieces of Chinese paper-cutting featuring the character "fu," symbolizing good luck. (Xinhua)

BEIJING, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Shenzhou-19 astronauts Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze sent their Spring Festival greetings from China's Tiangong space station in a video released by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) on New Year's Eve.

The trio, dressed in blue jumpsuits adorned with red traditional auspicious cloud patterns, held two pieces of Chinese paper-cutting featuring the character "fu," symbolizing good luck.

"At this moment, I miss my family and friends even more. I wish you all a prosperous Year of the Snake, filled with good fortune and happiness," said Cai, the crew commander.

This is Cai's second time working and living in China's space station, but his first time celebrating the Spring Festival there. In 2022, he spent six months in the space during the Shenzhou-14 mission.

"I am fortunate to have lived in a great era and fulfilled my space dream," said Song, as he wished young people a bright and promising future.

Wang, with her hands forming a heart shape above her head, said, "In the new year, may all your dreams come true."

Song and Wang are China's first post-90s astronauts to enter the space station. Wang is also the first female space engineer to work in the space station.

The astronauts have decorated the space station, orbiting about 400 km above Earth, with red couplets and the character "fu." Their New Year's Eve dinner includes dumplings, symbolizing reunion and prosperity, alongside a variety of dishes such as roast chicken, smoked fish, beef and lettuce. They will also enjoy staple foods and soups like eight-treasure rice pudding, snow fungus soup, and tomato egg soup, complemented by orange juice and a candy gift pack.

The three astronauts entered the space station on Oct. 30, 2024. In nearly three months, they conducted a series of scientific experiments and technical tests, and completed tasks such as the installation of space debris protection devices on the space station during two spacewalks.

According to the CMSA, they will carry out 86 space science research and technology experiments during the six-month stay, covering various fields including space life science, microgravity fundamental physics, space material science, space medicine and new space technologies. They will also engage in science education, public interest activities, and other payload tests.

This is the third Spring Festival since the full completion of the Chinese space station. Nine crew members from Shenzhou-15, Shenzhou-17 and Shenzhou-19 have welcomed the New Year and the Spring Festival in space.

Editor: WXY
Mahatma Gandhi Death Anniversary 2025: Martyrs' Day Date, History, Significance, Facts And Inspirational Quotes By Father Of The Nation

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Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 06:10 IST

Martyrs' Day 2025: The day serves as a solemn reminder of the tragedy that unfolded in 1948, when Mahatma Gandhi, the man who championed peace and non-violence, was assassinated by Nathuram Godse.

Mahatma Gandhi Death Anniversary 2025: Mahatma Gandhis wax statue at the Musee Grevin in Paris, France. (Image: Shutterstock)

Mahatma Gandhi Punyatithi 2025: Every year on January 30, we honour the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, the guiding light of Indias struggle for independence. This day, observed as Martyrs Day or Shaheed Diwas, marks a moment of reflection on the profound sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom. It is a solemn reminder of the tragedy that unfolded in 1948 when the man who championed peace and non-violence was silenced by Nathuram Godse.

Yet, his ideals remain eternal, inspiring generations across the globe. Mahatma Gandhis vision went beyond politics; he envisioned a world where truth, non-violence and compassion could overcome hatred and division.

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As the world remembers him on this day, it also pays tribute to the countless freedom fighters who gave their all to secure freedom for India. This day is not just about mourning a loss but celebrating a legacy that continues to illuminate the path toward justice and unity.

Martyrs Day Date

Annually, January 30 is observed as Martyrs Day to commemorate the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. On this day in 1948, Gandhi was assassinated in the Birla House compound in New Delhi, after one of his regular multi-faith prayer meetings. Nathuram Godse, a member of the Hindu Mahasabha who opposed Gandhis views on the partition of India, fired three bullets at him, ending his life instantly. Gandhis last words, as recounted, were Hey Ram".

Martyrs Day History

The events of January 30, 1948, remain etched in the nations memory. On that day, as Gandhi made his way to an evening prayer meeting at Birla Bhavan in Delhi, he was accompanied by his grandnieces. Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist, confronted him and fired three shots into his chest. Gandhi died on the spot.

Every year since, Indians remember this tragic loss by observing Mahatma Gandhi Punyatithi, honouring his unparalleled contribution to the nation.

Martyrs Day Significance

Mahatma Gandhis influence extended far beyond Indias independence struggle. He was a global advocate for peace, non-violence, and justice.

Through his leadership in movements like the Non-cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, Khilafat Movement, Quit India Movement and Champaran Satyagraha, Gandhi united millions under the banner of truth and non-violence.

His Salt Satyagraha in 1930, a march from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi, remains a historic symbol of resistance.

Observing Martyrs Day reminds us to uphold these values in our own lives, striving for a society built on harmony and mutual respect.

Facts About Mahatma Gandhi

Just days before his assassination, Gandhi remarked, Have I that non-violence of the brave in me? My death alone will show that. If someone killed me and I died with prayer for the assassin on my lips, and Gods remembrance and consciousness of His living presence in the sanctuary of my heart, then alone would I be said to have had the non-violence of the brave." Gandhi wasnt just a freedom fighter; he was also a lawyer, politician, social reformer, and a tireless advocate for communal harmony. Gandhis philosophy was rooted in Satya (Truth) and Ahimsa (Non-violence), which he wielded as powerful tools against the British Empire. His efforts to strengthen bonds between Hindu and Muslim communities underscored his lifelong commitment to minority rights and communal harmony. Fondly called Bapu, Gandhis legacy as the Father of the Nation remains unmatched, embodying the spirit of selflessness and service.

Inspirational Quotes By Mahatma Gandhi

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Be the change that you wish to see in the world.

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.

The future depends on what you do today.

Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.

Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.

You may never know what results come of your actions, but if you do nothing, there will be no results.

An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.

In a gentle way, you can shake the world.

First, they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you and then, you win.

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.

As we remember Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary, let us not only honour his memory but also his ideals of truth, non-violence and unity. His life reminds us that even in the face of adversity, peace can be the most potent weapon for change.

First Published: January 30, 2025, 06:10 IST
Sonam Kapoor Blooms in Ivory Elegance at Elie Saab's Paris Fashion Week Haute Couture Show

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News18.com

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 09:24 IST

Sonam Kapoor exudes elegance in Elie Saab at Paris Fashion Week haute couture show

News18

Sonam Kapoor turned heads at the Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show during Paris Fashion Week, showcasing her signature sartorial flair in an exquisite all-white ensemble. The actor, known for her impeccable fashion choices, opted for a look from the designers Fall 2024 Couture collection, styled by her sister Rhea Kapoor. She accessorized her ensemble with stunning pieces from the Swiss luxury brand Piaget.

A Vision in Ivory

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Sonams couture outfit featured a beautifully crafted knit sweater adorned with intricate cross-stitch detailing and delicate eyelets, adding an element of sheer elegance. The high turtleneck, ribbed cuffs, and hem lent a structured yet relaxed silhouette, while full-length flared sleeves and embroidered rose-shaped florets on the arms elevated the design. Paired with a matching figure-skimming skirt that mirrored the sweaters delicate craftsmanship, the look exuded sophistication.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rhea Kapoor (@rheakapoor)

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To complete the ensemble, Sonam layered the knit set with a long wool trench coat. The statement outerwear featured wide-notch lapel collars, full-length sleeves, and embroidered floral accents on the front, adding a romantic touch. Functional yet stylish, the coats full-length structure and front patch pockets made for a refined finishing touch.

With her signature poise and an eye for couture, Sonam once again proved why she remains a fashion force to be reckoned with.

First Published: January 30, 2025, 08:39 IST
Actor Karla Sofia Gascon Faces Backlash For Anti-Muslim Post Amid Oscar Nomination: 'Islam Fails...'

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News18.com

Last Updated: January 31, 2025, 03:45 IST

Oscar nominee Karla Sofia Gascon faces backlash after anti-Muslim tweets resurface, sparking outrage.

Karla Sofia Gascons old social media posts about George Floyd, Islam cause stir online.

Karla Sofia Gascon, an Academy Award Best Actress nominee for Emilia Perez, has landed in hot water after controversial tweets from 2020 and 2021 resurfaced, igniting fierce backlash online. The posts, which targeted Muslims, George Floyd and diversity at the Oscars, were highlighted by journalist Sarah Hagi and have since prompted debates on social media.

In a now-deleted tweet from November 2020, Gascon questioned the rising presence of Muslims in Spain, writing: Is it just my impression or is there more Muslims in Spain? Every time I go to pick up my daughter from school, there are more women with their hair covered and their skirts down to their heels." She went on to sarcastically suggest that Arabic might replace English in schools, according to Variety.

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Another post from September 2020 criticised a Muslim family dining at a restaurant, where a woman wore a burka. Gascon remarked: Islam is marvellous, without any machismo. Women are respected left with a little squared hole on their faces for their eyes to be visible How DEEPLY DISGUSTING OF HUMANITY."

Her posts extended beyond Islam, criticising Christianity and Catholicism as well. In August 2021, she expressed frustration, writing, I am so sick of so much of this shit, of Islam, of Christianity, of Catholicism, and all the fucking beliefs of morons that violate human rights."

The actor also commented on the death of George Floyd in May 2020, stating, I really think very few people ever cared about George Floyd, a drug addict swindler, but his death has served to demonstrate that there are still people who consider black people to be monkeys without rights and policemen to be assassins. Theyre all wrong."

Gascon, the first openly trans actor to earn an Oscar nomination, criticised the Academy Awards in 2021, posting, More and more the #Oscars are looking like a ceremony for independent and protest films. I didnt know if I was watching an Afro-Korean festival, a Black Lives Matter demonstration or the 8M."

The resurfaced tweets have sparked outrage on social media, with many questioning whether the Academy will address the controversy. Neither Netflix nor the Academy has provided a statement regarding the situation. Gascons representatives have also remained silent despite mounting criticism.

Location : Los Angeles, United States of America (USA)

First Published: January 31, 2025, 03:45 IST
Bad Girl Actor Shanthi Priya Defends Brahmin Portrayal In The Film: 'Intention Is Not To Offend, But...'

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News18.com

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 10:41 IST

The Tamil movie Bad Girl, produced by Vetri Maaran and Anurag Kashyap, faced backlash for its portrayal of Brahmins. Actress Shanthi Priya defended it, emphasizing its aim to spark conversation.

The teaser of the film was released recently.

The Tamil movie Bad Girl has courted controversy ever since the release of its trailer on January 26. A section of social media users, including some popular Kollywood directors, have objected to the portrayal of the Brahmin community in the movie. The comments have particularly targeted the producers of the film Vetri Maaran and Anurag Kashyap. Amid this, actress Shanthi Priya who plays a pivotal role in the movie took to her social media account to pen a long note slamming those opposing the movie.

Actress Shanthi Priya, who plays a key role in the film, responded to the backlash on January 29. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she explained that the film wasnt intended to hurt anyone. Instead, it aims to start a conversation and promote empathy by highlighting the challenges different communities face.

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She wrote, Art is a medium of expression, and cinema often reflects the complexities of society, relationships, and identities. Films like these aim to break stereotypes and shed light on unexplored narratives, often challenging societal norms across all communities, not just one. Portraying the life of a Brahmin girl (or anyone from a particular community) is not about bashing" but about storytellingpresenting raw, authentic characters that represent reality (sic)."

The actress defended the filmmakers, saying, Vetrimaaran and Anurag Kashyap are known for their bold and unflinching take on social themes, tackling inequalities and uncomfortable truths. Their intention is not to offend, but to spark conversation and encourage audiences to reflect on the intricacies of life and tradition. Art doesnt have to align with everyones comfort zoneit is meant to provoke thought and promote empathy for experiences beyond our own (sic)."

Read the full note:

Portraying a brahmin girl personal life is always a bold and refreshing film for this clan. What more can be expected from vetrimaran, Anurag kasyap & Co.. Bashing Brahmin father and mother is old and not trendy.. Try with your own caste girls and showcase it to your own family https://t.co/XP8mtnaFws Mohan G Kshatriyan (@mohandreamer) January 27, 2025

Shanthi Priyas post was in reply to Mohan G Kshatriyans comment on January 27. He criticised the film, saying, Portraying a brahmin girl personal life is always a bold and refreshing film for this clan. What more can be expected from vetrimaran, Anurag kasyap & Co.. Bashing Brahmin father and mother is old and not trendy.. Try with your own caste girls and showcase it to your own family first (sic)."

The film stars Anjali Sivaraman, Shanthi Priya, Saranya Ravichandran, Hridhu Haroon, TeeJay Arunasalam and Sashank Bommireddipalli.

First Published: January 30, 2025, 10:41 IST
Dodi Khan Denies Marriage Plans With Rakhi Sawant: 'Apne Kisi Bhai Se Karwaunga Shaadi'

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News18.com

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 21:45 IST

Dodi Khan also admitted that since he is from Pakistan, his marriage to Rakhi Sawant might not be acceptable to many.

Dodi Khan admits he proposed to Rakhi Sawant for marriage. (Picture Credits: Instagram)

Dodi Khan has denied his marriage plans with Rakhi Sawant. On Thursday, the Pakistani actor and police official took to his social media handle and shared a video in which he clarified that even though he proposed to Rakhi for marriage, they are not going to tie the knot. He praised Rakhi, talked about the hardships she faced in the past and mentioned that it is because of her bravery that he liked her a lot.

Hello India and Pakistan, this is Dodi Khan. A few days ago, on social media, you saw a video of mine in which I had proposed Rakhi Sawant. I proposed her because I know her very well. When I started knowing her, I felt she is a person who loves god a lot. She has seen a lot of ups and downs in her life, she lost her parents but was with them when they were ill. A guy came in her life, you all know what he did to her. She has come out of a lot of trauma. She accepted Islam, went for Umrah, and changed her name to Fatima. I liked that a lot thats why I proposed to her," Dodi said in Hindi.

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dodi Khan (@dodi_khan)

However, Dodi also admitted that since he is from Pakistan, his marriage to Rakhi might not be acceptable to many. Therefore, Khan mentioned that even though he will not tie the knot with Rakhi, he will make sure she marries one of his Pakistani brothers.

But, I think that this is not acceptable to people because I have received a lot of messages and videos, and I cannot tolerate it. So, Rakhi ji, you are my very good friend, and will always be. You might not be able to be my bride, but I promise you that you will become the daughter-in-law of Pakistan. I will make you get married to one of my brothers," he added.

Earlier this week, Rakhi Sawant confirmed her marriage to Dodi Khan and told News18 Showsha exclusively, He is my love. We love each other. He is from Pakistan. I am from India, so we will have a love marriage. He is my love. We love each other. He is from Pakistan. I am from India, so we will have a love marriage"

Rakhi Sawant was previously married to Adil Khan Durrani. However, the two parted ways in 2023. Prior to Adil, Rakhi was also married to Ritesh Raj Singh. The two participated in Bigg Boss 15 but parted ways soon after the show ended in February 2022.

First Published: January 30, 2025, 21:45 IST
Global Watch | Pakistan-Bangladesh Relations Are Full Of Contradictions In Yunus Regime

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 15:52 IST

Notwithstanding the historically egregious role of the Pakistan Army in the 1971 Liberation War, the interim administration in Dhaka has been actively pursuing enhanced military collaboration with Islamabad

Many observers perceive that the Bangladeshi interim government is attempting to rehabilitate and sanitise Islamabads historical legacy of committing genocide during the 1971 Liberation War. (X/@ChiefAdviserGoB)

The political landscape of Bangladesh experienced a profound transformation in 2024, regarded as one of the most pivotal moments in the nations fifty-plus years of independence. The year commenced with Sheikh Hasina securing an unprecedented fourth term in the January elections, which appeared to solidify her long-standing dominance in the countrys political arena. However, this victory was swiftly undermined by a two-month student-led civil uprising that began in August, significantly disrupting the established power dynamics and introducing a new political reality with different actors at the forefront, at least until new elections are convened.

Among the numerous grievances expressed by supporters of the so-called July Revolution", a primary criticism focused on the Hasina governments regional foreign policy, particularly its perceived excessive reliance on and deepening strategic alignment with India. Dissenters contended that this alignment required reassessment, advocating for a Bangladeshi foreign policy guided by the principle of friendship to all and malice towards none". They argued that Dhakas geopolitical approach necessitated a more balanced and multilateral orientation to protect national sovereignty and regional autonomy.

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Following Hasinas departure, the interim administration led by Professor Muhammad Yunus employed these claims as a popular narrative to signify Bangladeshs reclamation of strategic autonomy in its foreign policy formulation.

However, beneath this surface, subsequent events have revealed the contradictions inherent in the interim administrations policies, raising questions and speculations regarding the true nature of the July Uprising. While initially committing to a realignment based on inclusivity and historical accountability, the new leadership seems to be gradually deviating from its proclaimed principles. This is particularly evident in Dhakas overtures towards regional players such as Pakistan and China.

For instance, many observers perceive that the interim government is attempting to rehabilitate and sanitise Islamabads historical legacy of committing genocide during the 1971 Liberation War, despite Pakistans long-standing evasiveness in acknowledging and apologising for its actions during that conflict. As Bangladeshs political trajectory continues to evolve, the ramifications of these shifts for the countrys domestic stability and regional relations remain uncertain.

Notwithstanding the historically egregious role of the Pakistan Army in the 1971 Liberation War, the interim administration has been actively pursuing enhanced military collaboration with Pakistan. While this indicates a recalibration of Bangladeshs strategic posture, it raises questions regarding the underlying motives and implications of such a policy shift.

This is underscored by the recent high-profile visit of a Bangladeshi military delegation to Pakistan, led by Lieutenant General SM Kamrul Hassan, Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division. During this visit, which took place on January 14, 2025, Lt. Gen. Hassan engaged in comprehensive discussions with Pakistans Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, focusing on evolving regional security dynamics and exploring avenues for enhancing bilateral military cooperation.

According to a communique issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) of Pakistan, these high-level discussions focused on exploring broader avenues for strengthening and institutionalising military cooperation between the two nations. The statement highlighted that both parties, while underscoring the strategic importance of fostering a stronger defence relationship", emphasised the necessity of maintaining resilience and vigilance in countering external disruptive forces.

In light of the evolving dynamics and actions of the Yunus-led interim government, this subtly implied reference to external influences" appears directed towards a regional major power, specifically India. The discussions reportedly extended to areas such as counterterrorism and intelligence sharing, with an emphasis on undertaking joint defence initiatives to promote peace and stability in South Asia and the broader region".

However, what stands out in the ISPR communique are the remarks attributed to Lieutenant General Hassan, who reportedly praised and recognised the exceptional professionalism" and immense sacrifices" of the Pakistan Army. For a nation that suffered from the genocidal brutality of Pakistans military, such rhetoric, despite being framed within the context of regional security and mutual benefit, raises significant concerns regarding its implications for Bangladeshs historical memory, national identity, and the broader realignment of its foreign and security policies.

This concern is exacerbated by the conspicuous absence of any acknowledgement or apology from Pakistan for its atrocities during the 1971 Liberation War. This situation lends credence to critics suggesting that this rapprochement is being orchestrated by the Muhammad Yunus-led transitional government at the expense of Bangladeshs pursuit of historical accountability and principled diplomacy.

This apparent pivot, characterised by high-level military engagements, raises questions about whether the interim administrations actions are motivated by pragmatic considerations of regional security, as it claims, or signify a deeper ideological shift with long-term implications for Bangladeshs strategic autonomy and its position within the regional power structure. This is not to suggest that the Bangladeshi government, whether interim or otherwise, cannot pursue avenues of multi-sectoral bilateral cooperation with other nations.

However, anchoring such engagements around a military establishment that is indelibly marked by its historical complicity in the systematic massacre of innocent civilians resembles a transgression of the countrys national Rubicon. While this historical context remains deeply embedded in the collective consciousness, it has long served as a defining cornerstone of Bangladeshs political identity and moral compass.

By prioritising rapprochement with an institution representative of one of the darkest chapters in its national history, the Yunus-led interim government is undermining the foundational principles that have shaped Bangladeshs foreign policy since its independence in 1971. At the very least, it could have embraced the contemporary diplomatic paradigm of de-hyphenation, which separates issues of collaboration from those of contention.

Moreover, beyond its inherent moral shortcomings, such a policy orientation fails to restore Dhakas strategic autonomy in regional policymaking from external influences, a key objective that proponents of political change within the country have fervently advocated for over the past six months. On the contrary, it risks further entrenching Dhaka within a network of external dependencies involving regional actors like Pakistan and China, thereby undermining the very ideals of sovereignty and self-determination that the political transition purported to uphold.

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Consequently, Dhaka requires a genuine recalibration, one that is informed by historical context and geopolitical realities rather than the short-term interests of a select few.

The writer is an author and columnist and has written several books. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: January 30, 2025, 15:52 IST
Opinion | How PM Modi Has Taken Gandhis Khadi Dream To New Heights

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 13:09 IST

PM Modi himself frequently dons Khadi attire, such as jackets and kurtas. In an effort to further popularise Khadi internationally, he used the G20 Summit as a forum to present Khadi shawls to world leaders

PM Modi has drawn from the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, whose dream of Khadi stood out as a symbol of self-reliance, economic empowerment, and resistance to colonial rule. (PTI Photo/PIB)

In 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said this to a gathering of over 3,000 students: Many foreign-made objects have encroached on our lives and getting rid of them is important for saving the country."

Needless to say, PM Modi has drawn from the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, whose dream of Khadi stood out as a symbol of self-reliance, economic empowerment, and resistance to colonial rule. He saw Khadi not just as a fabric, but as a movementone that could unite the nation, uplift rural artisans, and promote Swadeshi values.

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The Khadi industry has seen incredible growth over the past decade. A series of initiatives with the end goal of complementing the Make in India and Vocal for Local missions have been rolled out over the past 10 years.

Here are some fascinating numbers on the growth of Khadi in India since 2014:

In the financial year 2023-24, Khadi and Village Industries products achieved a record sales turnover exceeding Rs 1.5 lakh crore, marking an unprecedented increase of approximately 400 per cent compared to Rs 31,154.20 crore in 2013-14.

The production value of Khadi and Village Industries products rose from Rs 26,109.08 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 1,08,297.68 crore in 2023-24, reflecting a growth of about 315 per cent.

Production of Khadi fabrics increased from Rs 811.08 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 3,206 crore in 2023-24, a rise of approximately 295 per cent.

Sales of Khadi fabrics grew from Rs 1,081.04 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 6,496 crore in 2023-24, indicating an increase of around 501 per cent.

Over the past decade, more than 10.17 lakh new jobs have been created in the Khadi and Village Industries sector, with 5 lakh being Khadi artisans, 80 per cent of whom are women.

Efforts have been made to rebrand Khadi as a fashionable and contemporary fabric. Some of the steps taken to strengthen the Khadi industry include:

Rebates on Khadi products have been replaced with the market development assistance (MDA) scheme since April 1, 2021. Under MDA, 25 per cent of assistance is given to spinners and weavers as an additional incentive. KVIC has been collaborating with various government departments like railways, defence, and health & family welfare to increase the sale of Khadi and village industries products. The government is also utilising KVIC to boost Khadi sales by selling products through a network of outlets, an online portal, and participating in events like IITF 2022 and Lakme Fashion Week. Social media is being used to drive Khadi sales and promote it as a contemporary fabric. Initiatives, discounts, and collaborations with NIFT for design development are also in place to further support the growth of Khadi products. 12 young designers from the International Institute of Fashion Design (INIFD) showcased Khadi clothes at the London Fashion Week earlier this year.

In an effort to further popularise Khadi internationally, Prime Minister Modi used the G20 Summit as a forum to present Khadi shawls to world leaders. The PM himself frequently dons Khadi attire, such as jackets and kurtas. In fact, in August, PM Modi tied the usage of Khadi products to an individuals self-respect. He said, This Khadi is not just a piece of cloth but also a weapon for those with self-respect, who are proud of the nation, and who dream of Aatmanirbhar Bharat."

There is much talk today about reducing humanitys carbon footprint. At an individual level, Indians can join this mission by starting to use Khadi fabric more often. A major challenge faced by the Khadi industry is adoption. A lot of Indians even today are unwilling to accept Khadi as their go-to clothing choice. Khadis true potential can only be unleashed if Indians make Khadi clothes their primary choice.

Khadi fabric is skin-friendly. It keeps the body cool in summer and can absorb moisture and sweat. Khadi fabrics can also keep the body warm during winter.

The spinning of Khadi uses no machines or energy and thus has a low carbon footprint. A metre of Khadi fabric consumes three litres of water, while one metre of mill-produced fabric uses 55 litres of water. Cherry on the top, using Khadi clothes helps ruralusually underprivilegedfamilies make a living. Extensive use of Khadi can become a collective exercise to uplift lakhs of rural families. Above all, the large-scale use of Khadi will give Indias Aatmanirbhar mission a big shot in the arm.

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It is no wonder then, that the PM has been a big advocate of the youth embracing Khadi goods. More Indians using Khadi goods would have a transformative impact on the economy, environment and livelihoods. It is time to turn Khadi into a global brand.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: January 30, 2025, 13:09 IST
Dhananjay Munde's Fate Hangs In Balance After Beed Sarpanch Murder, BJP Weighs Options

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Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 09:58 IST

In the past few weeks, calls for Munde's resignation have intensified, with opposition leaders attacking him on moral grounds. However, Munde claimed he is being deliberately targeted.

While there have been protests over the sarpanch murder demanding Munde's resignation, Anjali Damania met Ajit Pawar and submitted documents related to the case. (Image: PTI)

Over 50 days have passed since the murder of Massajog village sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, and Maharashtras Food and Civil Supplies Minister Dhananjay Munde remains at the centre of a political storm. With his alleged links to the jailed accused, Valmik Karad, opposition parties have mounted pressure on him to step down. However, Munde claimed he is being deliberately targeted. In the past few weeks, calls for Mundes resignation have intensified, with opposition leaders attacking him on moral grounds. As pressure mounted, he made an unexpected visit to Delhi, coinciding with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnaviss presence in the capital. This sparked speculation that the fate of his ministerial position would be decided at the national level rather than in Mumbai.

During his Delhi visit, Munde met Union Minister Pralhad Joshi for a half-hour discussion. Joshi, a senior BJP leader from Karnataka, shares a historical political connection with the late Gopinath Munde, who once served as BJPs Karnataka in-charge. The timing of this meeting raised eyebrows, with many interpreting it as Mundes attempt to leverage old party ties to shield himself from resignation demands. Following the meeting, Munde made it clear that he had no intention of stepping down. He categorically stated that he was being unfairly targeted and would only resign if Chief Minister Fadnavis or Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar asked him to. This defiant stance has further fuelled the political debate.

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While Munde remains firm on his decision, the opposition continues to question his credibility, arguing that he should step aside on moral grounds until his name is cleared. On the other hand, Munde and his supporters maintain that the allegations against him are politically motivated. Adding another twist, Ajit Pawar has tactfully shifted the resignation issue on to Fadnaviss shoulders. During a closed-door meeting with NCP legislators last night, Munde presented his side of the story, reportedly stating that he was willing to resign if directed by the party leadership. He also alleged that certain individuals were making accusations against him due to personal vendetta.

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Meanwhile, the controversy took a new turn when social activist Anjali Damania met Ajit Pawar and submitted documents related to the case. Pawar later informed party MLAs that these documents had been handed over to Chief Minister Fadnavis. As if Mundes troubles werent already mounting, BJP MLA Suresh Dhas has now levelled fresh corruption allegations against him, further escalating tensions. With every passing day, the political heat surrounding the minister refuses to die down.

The key question now is whether Mundes Delhi visit will help him hold on to his cabinet post or if the sustained pressure from both the opposition and within the government will force him to step aside. Will he make a bold move and resign voluntarily to clear his name, or will the government be compelled to take a call? As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on the power corridors of Delhi and Mumbai, where the final decision on Mundes future is expected to be made.

First Published: January 30, 2025, 09:58 IST
Not Just DeepSeek: China Has More Powerful AI Models Ready To Roll Out This Year

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News18.com

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 13:11 IST

The big AI battle has got a new spring with DeepSeek from China showing up giants like OpenAI and Google with their powerful AI models.

DeepSeek is not the first and won't be the last in the AI battle to come out of China

The global AI battle is heating up this year and with the big move from Chinese AI startups now making the headlines, expect things to get feistier over the next few months. DeepSeek will obviously hog the limelight but in the AI space, this isnt the only company to venture out of China and get everyones attention.

In fact, DeepSeek is just a tip of the AI iceberg that has been brewing in the country over the last few years. The high demand and traffic on DeepSeek means other Chinese startups will start popping up on the radar, and that includes giants like Alibaba, ByteDance and Tencent among others.

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The Big AI Battle

While some might say OpenAI faces a big challenge from the likes of DeepSeek, there is a sense that we could be about to witness an AI battle among the Chinese contenders. Alibaba has unveiled its own AI model called Qwen 2.5 which may be a new version but it is obvious that all the DeepSeek hype and interest is now bringing more players into the mainstream fray.

Alibaba even claims that its new AI model can outperform GPT 4o, Llama from Meta and even the DeepSeek R1 model, which tells you how the stakes are already rising and the performance levels will only get better from here.

Secrets Out

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OpenAI has thrived on its stature, partnership with Microsoft and heavy funding to lead the race, with Google slowly closing in. But these Chinese startups have somehow shown up these US companies, by building AI models at a fraction of cost, and less powerful hardware in tow.

Granted, we dont expect this trend to continue as the demand increases but they have shown the world that AI can run without damaging the environment. Most experts have talked about the level of AI development in China which is yet to explode and it seems DeepSeek might open the floodgates as the rest of the world watches their boom in envy and looks to match their moves in the near future.

Location : China

First Published: January 30, 2025, 13:11 IST
A Baby Shark Born In All-Female Tank Stuns US Marine Experts

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Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 18:06 IST

The birth of a baby shark without a male in a US aquarium perplexed marine specialists.

Yoko, a baby shark, hatched in a tank with only females. (Photo Credits: Facebook)

Marine experts at the Shreveport Aquarium in Louisiana, USA, are astonished by the birth of a baby shark. The baby was born in a tank that contained only female sharks and no males. The staff responsible for animal husbandry at the aquarium has some ideas about what happened, but they are not yet certain of the cause. A video of the shark hatching was shared on Facebook by Shreveport Aquarium.

Were thrilled to announce the hatching of a new swell shark pupwithout a male present! Our team determined that the two female sharks residing in the tank had not been in contact with a male in over 3 years," they shared in the post.

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The aquarium claims that delayed fertilisation or parthenogenesis is to be blamed. This does suggest that either a phenomenon called parthenogenesis, a rare form of asexual reproduction, or delayed fertilisation, where fertilisation occurs long after mating, may have occurred," they added in the post.

The Louisiana aquarium also mentioned in the post that they are keeping a careful eye on the pup, Yoko. In addition, the pup will soon undergo DNA testing to provide definitive confirmation of whether the hatchling is a product of parthenogenesis or delayed fertilisation."

Yoko was born on January 3 and has been under constant observation ever since.

The baby shark is named after the Chumash peoples Native American word for shark, onyoko," according to the Guardian. The aquarium informed the baby was doing well.

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The video was shared on January 25, and it has racked up over 4,500 views. Social media users poured out love. A user wrote, Yoko is everyones new favourite shark." Another said, Wow! Thats neat!" Awww, how cute," commented a user on Facebook.

Shreveport Aquariums live animal curator, Greg Barrick, told the Guardian, This situation is incredible and shows the resilience of this species. We are very excited in the coming months to confirm whether this was indeed a case of parthenogenesis or if it was delayed fertilisation."

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: January 30, 2025, 18:06 IST
Customers buy traditional desserts and snacks in east China's Shanghai, Jan. 28, 2025. China is alive with vibrant celebrations with the Spring Festival just around the corner. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

Qinqiang Opera artists perform during a Spring Festival cultural event in Helan County, Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Jan. 28, 2025. China is alive with vibrant celebrations with the Spring Festival just around the corner. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

Customers pose for a selfie in front of a Spring Festival decoration at a shopping mall in east China's Shanghai, Jan. 28, 2025. China is alive with vibrant celebrations with the Spring Festival just around the corner. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

Villagers stage a Yangge performance in Rongcheng, east China's Shandong Province, Jan. 28, 2025. China is alive with vibrant celebrations with the Spring Festival just around the corner. (Photo by Li Xinjun/Xinhua)

Tourists look at festive lanterns at a night market in Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu Province, Jan. 27, 2025. China is alive with vibrant celebrations with the Spring Festival just around the corner. (Photo by Zhang Xiaoliang/Xinhua)

Villagers stage a Yangge performance in Rongcheng, east China's Shandong Province, Jan. 28, 2025. China is alive with vibrant celebrations with the Spring Festival just around the corner. (Photo by Yang Zhili/Xinhua)

Qinqiang Opera artists perform during a Spring Festival cultural event in Helan County, Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Jan. 28, 2025. China is alive with vibrant celebrations with the Spring Festival just around the corner. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

People tour a Spring Festival lantern fair in Zaozhuang, east China's Shandong Province, Jan. 27, 2025. China is alive with vibrant celebrations with the Spring Festival just around the corner. (Photo by Sun Zhongzhe/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 28, 2025 shows folk artists staging a dragon and lion dance in Nanyang, central China's Henan Province. China is alive with vibrant celebrations with the Spring Festival just around the corner. (Photo by Gao Song/Xinhua)

People look at festive lanterns in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Jan. 27, 2025. China is alive with vibrant celebrations with the Spring Festival just around the corner. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

People visit Binjiang Road adorned with festive decorations in Guang'an, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Jan. 27, 2025. China is alive with vibrant celebrations with the Spring Festival just around the corner. (Photo by Qiu Haiying/Xinhua)

Tourists visit the Moshikou Historical and Cultural Block in Shijingshan District, Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 28, 2025. China is alive with vibrant celebrations with the Spring Festival just around the corner. (Xinhua/Hu Jingwen)

Editor: WXY
Bill Gates Opens Up About LSD, Alcohol And Harvard Dreams In Upcoming Memoir

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 14:03 IST

Ahead of the release, Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates discussed his experiences with drugs and alcohol, along with trying LSD a few times during his earlier years.

Source Code by Bill Gates is scheduled to be released on February 4. (Photo Credits: Instagram)

Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates is currently preparing to release his memoir, Source Code, which is the first of a planned series of autobiographical books. This memoir, which Gates refers to as his origin," focuses on his childhood and teenage years in the US. Ahead of the release, Gates openly discussed his experiences with drugs and alcohol, along with trying LSD a few times during his earlier years. He also admitted that these experiments led him to almost abandon his dream of studying at Harvard University.

According to the People, Gates shared these experiences with Paul Allen, his late friend and co-founder of Microsoft, whom he teamed up with in 1975. Recalling getting drunk for the first time, the billionaire said, I threw up and passed out that night in the Lakeside teachers lounge. Its all Pauls fault. Everything I did, Im blaming it on him and Jimi Hendrix. Paul always got a kick out of challenging the things like [not] drinking. And he gave me a bunch of whiskey, which I still dont like the taste of, because that first night I drank too much."

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According to Bill Gates, Im a huge risk taker, willing to try new things, but I also like my mind working well. And so both during those trips and even after, you wonder, Hey, did I scramble up my mind? So I gave it up after, I think we did [LSD] four or five times in total. I think the last time was when I was like 21. Im definitely not recommending that because even though you think some of your thoughts are profound, in retrospect, theyre not."

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The Microsoft boss shared that he also tried smoking pot, thinking it might make him look cool and impress some girls, but it didnt work out as expected. He then spoke about an awkward moment when he asked a girl and tried to be funny by nervously mentioning how he had used his toes to dial her phone number. Although he hoped humour might help, unfortunately, she was waiting for someone else to ask her. In the end, she chose to go to prom with Gates and they ended up becoming good friends.

The first part of Source Code by Bill Gates is scheduled to be released on February 4. In his future books, Gates will discuss some of the most important moments of his life, including Microsofts growth, marriage with Melinda French Gates, their divorce and other personal controversies.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: January 30, 2025, 13:48 IST
Does This Drone And Robotic Dog Duel Hint At What New-age Warfare Would Look Like?

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 18:41 IST

The drone seemed to be a DJI T-series agricultural model, while the robotic dog appeared to be from the Go series produced by robot developer, Unitree Robotics.

Internet users expressed concerns about the implications of such technology. (Photo Credits: X)

A face-off between an aerial drone and a robotic dog both armed with fireworks, has recently taken Chinese social media by storm. The video quickly went viral, igniting a lively discussion about the evolving landscape of warfare. The unusual spectacle has prompted speculation and debate about the use of such technologies in military applications, raising questions about the potential future of unmanned warfare.

In the 8-second video, the drone, with fireworks fixed to its landing gear, starts firing pyrotechnics at the robotic dog on the ground. The dog quickly moves forward and backwards, dodging the fireworks while returning fire from fireworks mounted on its back. There was a moment when the drone began circling the robotic dog, forcing it to manoeuvre to counter the new threat.

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As per the South China Morning Post, the drone seemed to be a DJI T-series agricultural model, while the robotic dog appeared to be from the Go series produced by the Hangzhou-based robot developer Unitree Robotics.

The First War of Machines: Video of a battle between a drone and a robot dog goes viral in China. The firefight was conducted using fireworks. It is unclear whether the devices were being controlled by someone, and the location of the footage remains undisclosed," read the caption of the post.

The First War of Machines: Video of a battle between a drone and a robot dog goes viral in ChinaThe firefight was conducted using fireworks. It is unclear whether the devices were being controlled by someone, and the location of the footage remains undisclosed. pic.twitter.com/1vrdlVND0l  NEXTA (@nexta_tv) January 27, 2025

In no time, the video grabbed the attention of social media users online. The internet users promptly took to the comments section of the post, with many drawing parallels with real-life modern warfare. While some expressed concerns about the implications of such technology, some commented that robotic dogs excelled at navigating complex terrain.

Humanity is doomed," read a comment.

Another added, Whats the purpose? Im pretty sure were a long way away from not killing people in war zones."

Wonder at whose interest this day has come to humanity," said an individual.

An account remarked, What wars in the future will look like."

In this case, and IMO, the airborne drone is more susceptible to damage. The combat distance is too close. With the airborne drone much further away, it could be a different story," wrote a user.

A user said, In the near future there will be millions of drones fighting."

Where do we go next? From recreational drones to delivery drones, then to military drones, and finally to drones carrying weapons of mass destruction operated by civilians?" questioned a user.

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The drone industry is rapidly integrating into various aspects of modern life. Robot dogs and drones, once seen in science fiction, now serve practical purposes across various fields to meet the operational needs of remote or rugged environments. It is worth noting that countries have even started deploying robotic dogs in patrols and exercises.

Last year, the US Army tested robot dogs mounted with AI-enabled guns at a military facility in the Middle East. In May 2024, the Chinese military also debuted its robot dog armed with an assault rifle during a training exercise in Cambodia. In Saudi Arabia, photos went viral showing a robot dog undergoing rehearsals as part of a counter-unmanned aerial system exercise. The four-legged robot was witnessed mounted with an AR-15/M16 pattern rifle.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: January 30, 2025, 18:41 IST
'Even $9B Valuation Cant Fix This': Internet Reacts To Perplexity AI Cheif Aravind Srinivas' Green Card Woes

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Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 12:33 IST

He mentioned that many people dont realise how difficult and slow the immigration process can be.

He has been waiting for his Green Card for over three years. (Photo Credits: X)

Aravind Srinivas, CEO of Perplexity AI, who has been waiting for his Green Card for several years, recently shared a selfie with an Indian techie. The techie posted the picture on social media, humorously highlighting their shared struggle with the Green Card process. Srinivas, who moved to the US to establish his company, has been waiting for his permanent residency card for over three years and has openly expressed his frustration with the complex process. Interestingly, he has also received a cryptic yet supportive response from Elon Musk, who is now involved with the Trump administration.

The photo, taken in San Francisco, California, shows Srinivas happily posing with the young techie. Sharing the picture on X (Formerly known as Twitter), the individual wrote, Was stressing over my visa this morning, then remembered this guy still doesnt have a Green Card lol."

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Was stressing over my visa this morning, then remembered this guy still doesnt have a Green Card lol. pic.twitter.com/D6J1oPQL8u Shivam (@shivambhatia42) January 29, 2025

Reacting to the post, a user wrote, Kinda messed up that Aravind cant get a green card after creating one of the leading AI companies in the Bay Area. Hilarious take though."

Another shared, If a $9bn valuation cant sort your visa issues, what chance do the rest of us have?"

Perplexity AI can unravel the mysteries of the universe, but the U.S. immigration system? Still a black box, even for its CEO," a comment read.

Another mentioned, Great take on the situation lol, I feel you."

An individual shared, The CEO of Perplexity doesnt need any Card. He can get into any place."

One more added, Disappointed. I thought America was a super advanced country. Here in India, you can get VISA, MasterCard and Rupay, all while you can have hundreds if not thousands of green, yellow and 69 other cards all in any marketplace for less than what it costs you to fly to the US."

Aravind Srinivas shared his frustration about waiting for his Green Card for three years in a previous X post. He mentioned that many people dont realise how difficult and slow the immigration process can be.

After his post went viral, Elon Musk responded, We have an upside-down system that makes it hard for highly talented people to come to America legally, but trivial for criminals to come here illegally. Why is easier to get in illegally as a murderer than legally as a Nobel Laureate? Donald Trump & DOGE will fix this."

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We have an upside down system that makes it hard for highly talented people to come to America legally, but trivial for criminals to come here illegally.Why is easier to get in illegally as a murderer than legally as a Nobel Laureate?@realDonaldTrump & DOGE will fix this. https://t.co/RgMGWeyX1X  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 31, 2024

Aravind Srinivas, who founded Perplexity AI in 2022, gained support for his startup from prominent investors including Jeff Bezos.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: January 30, 2025, 12:32 IST
Gujarati Man Turns Freezing Balcony Into Fridge To Save Money, Internet Can't Stop Laughing

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 19:22 IST

A content creator shared a hilarious incident where his friend complained about expensive electricity costs in Canada.

The milk was kept at -15C on the balcony. (Photo Credit: Instagram)

If theres one thing no one can beat Indians at, it would be jugaad which refers to finding innovative solutions to solve problems, at least temporarily. These unique quick fixes often win praise, whether it is transforming torn clothes into bags or repairing a damaged gadget using common home objects. The ultimate example of Desi creativity has now been caught in a viral video from Canada, leaving viewers on social media speechless.

The video begins with a content creator playfully proclaiming, Canada desh hai mehnga par hum hai Gujarati. Duniya ko idhar udhar hone denge par budget ko nahi (Staying in Canada is expensive, but we are Gujarati. Our world can be upside down but not our budget)." The creator shared a hilarious incident where his friend complained about expensive electricity costs in Canada before offering him tea.

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by KABIR (@yaaar_kabir)

At his friends suggestion, he started looking for milk in the refrigerator. However, the fridge was empty. His friend then asked him to open the balcony door instead. To his surprise: the balcony had been turned into a makeshift refrigerator, where milk cartons, leftovers and other perishables were carefully kept on the floor as the temperature was -15C. Bhai, every Gujarati is Elon Musk," the content creator concluded in the video.

The clip has gone viral, garnering hundreds of comments and laughter emojis from social media users who were impressed by the ingenious technique.

A user said, Power of Gujarati," and another commented, Gujju Rock." That is why me gujju are famous," a user on Instagram wrote.

Some users admitted to using the same technique to keep their food fresh. A person noted, We use the same method in Finland."

An earlier video that demonstrated the inventiveness of Indian jugaad went viral. A man converted his electric vehicle (EV) into a cooking station to fry kachoris, which was an unexpected purpose for it. He generated enough electricity to manufacture the popular Indian delicacy by attaching the EVs battery to a homemade induction cooker.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Benefit of having ev vehicle Viewers reactions to the video were mixed, with some applauding the mans inventiveness and others raising concerns about the possible risks of using large-capacity batteries for this kind of use.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: January 30, 2025, 19:22 IST
South Indian Man Working In Canada Faces Racism By North Indian: You Forgot Hindi?

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 10:56 IST

A South Indian man faced racism from a North Indian man in Canada for not being able to speak Hindi fluently.

When the South Indian man explained to his North Indian customer that he was born in Kerala and that Hindi was his third language, the customer responded with mocking sounds. (Representative Image: Getty)

An Indian man working for a company in Canada faced racism from a fellow Indian. The man, who works as a Sales Advisor at a telecommunications company, switched customers with his colleague after being specifically pointed out by an Indian customer. Despite not being fluent in Hindi, he communicated in the language due to the nature of his job. However, after their conversation, the customer questioned him about his background, asking whether he was born in Canada. When the man clarified that he was born in India, the customer mocked him and asked how he could forget Hindi.

Sharing his experience on Reddit, the man wrote, A few days ago at work, I was with a customer when an Indian man came to the store. My colleague went to him but he pointed to me and said The Indian guy. So, I switched customers with my colleague."

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And the man started talking to me in Hindi. For the record, I havent spoken a word of Hindi in over two years, and its tough to switch to another one of your weaker languages when your brain is already cooked from speaking French straight for hours. But I spoke in Hindi, gotta do what you gotta do to make a sale you know," he added.

After explaining the product and discussing pricing, the man realised the customer wasnt actually interested in making a purchase. Then, out of the blue, the customer asked him in Hindi, Were you born in Canada?"

The man replied, No, Im from India."

The customer pressed further, assuming his Hindi accent indicated otherwise. No, I mean, you were born here, right?" he asked. When the man clarified that he had moved to Canada only two years ago, the customers reaction turned judgmental.

The Redditor described how the customer questioned how he could forget Hindi in just two years. When the man explained that Hindi was only his third language since he grew up in Kerala, the customer responded with a disapproving look and reportedly made mocking sounds.

The man reportedly said, Oh, you forgot Hindi just in two years? I would never forget Hindi even if I didnt speak it for 10 years." To this, the Redditor replied, Sir, Hindi is only my third language, so its not my best."

At this, he seemed almost offended and asked me: How can Hindi be your third language?" the Redditor further claimed.

The Redditor then explained to him that he was born in Kerala, where people primarily speak Malayalam and English. To this, the customer remarked, Oh, the south. Youre one of those," before leaving the store.

Basically an Indian man who doesnt even speak English, let alone French mocked my native language and my people in a foreign country," he concluded his Reddit post.

After going through the Reddit post, one individual shared his own experience of facing language-based racism. I had multiple instances over here in Canada when Indians questioned my nationality because I cant speak Hindi. I am from Kerala and I dont speak Hindi. I once had a supervisor who insisted I should learn Hindi (in Canada) in a month; I pulled up to HR and he was moved later. Most people start speaking in Hindi as soon as they see me and I will be standing there dumbfounded!" they said.

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Another joined, I had a similar incident where I witnessed a minor car accident on Highway 50 in Brampton, Canada. Since I have a dash cam, I approached the victim, who happened to be Canadian. The guy at fault was Indian, and I was trying to give him all the details. The Indian guy asked, Are you a Canadian citizen? to which I replied, No. He then told me to go back to India and started slurring something in Hindi. The Canadian and I had a hearty laugh. I gave him all the dashcam footage and the Canadian guy became one of my good friends. Lol."

Just dont entertain these kinds of requests. If someone asks, just say you dont know Hindi. Canada has only two official languages, and if they cant speak either, maybe they should consider going back to India, where they can. Now, if its an elderly person who genuinely needs help (probably their parents), then sure, be kind and help out. But otherwise? Dont bother. This has worked for me plenty of times. It keeps you from getting dragged into anything shady, and honestly, these people assume all Indians are frauds and schemers like them," suggested a third.

First Published: January 30, 2025, 10:38 IST
Karnataka Man's Viral 'Hire Kannadigas' Post Makes Internet Wonder 'What's Next?'

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 15:50 IST

The user appealed to fellow locals to prioritise hiring people from Karnataka if they are in a position to do so.

The post attracted backlash. (Representative Image)

A debate over hiring has erupted in Karnataka after a mans blunt statement reignited the long-standing Kannadigas vs. Outsiders discussion. His blunt, no-nonsense advice to Karnatakas employers has triggered a storm of reactions, some supportive and others vehemently against it. The now-viral post was shared on the social platform X (formerly known as Twitter). The user, who identifies as a Kannadiga, appealed to fellow locals to prioritise hiring people from Karnataka if they are in a position to do so.

Dear Kannadigas, if you are in a position to hire a resource, give priority to Kannadigas. Kannadigas have talent/skills but we lack an ecosystem/group. How long are we going to fight in the streets for jobs in our own city while we should be doing on the ground? Be ruthless and hire Kannadigas," the post read.

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Check it out here:

Dear #Kannadigas, if U r in a position to hire a resource, give priority to #Kannadigas. Kannadigas hv talent/skills but v lack a ecosystem/group.How long v r going to fight in the streets 4 jobs in our own city while v should b doing on d ground. B ruthless & hire Kannadigas. Mayura Verma (@funyguy0) January 29, 2025

The post didnt take long to draw significant backlash, especially from users who accused the man of promoting regional discrimination in the workplace. Many users voiced concern about the divisive nature of such sentiments, arguing that businesses should prioritise talent, not regional origin.

One user expressed frustration, pointing out that the focus should be on skills and expertise, not where someone comes from. Companies need skills and talent and if they start fostering regional biases, they wont survive in the long run," they remarked. Others criticised the growing trend of dividing people based on regional lines. First, it was religion. Then caste. Now language. Whats next? Are we going to fight over the colour of our clothes?" one user commented.

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A particularly sharp response came from someone questioning whether the posters advice could lead to an absurd outcome, like creating a Kannadiga-specific version of LinkedIn. So now youll start a Kannadiga version of LinkedIn? Before you get ruthless, maybe try some common sense. Im starting my firm in Bangalore, and the only thing that matters is hiring people who are committed to working," they wrote.

Not everyone was against the call to hire locally, but many felt that the key to success in business lies in talent, regardless of where it comes from. One user argued, Dear Kannadigas, if you are in a position to hire anyone, please give preference to talent. Its the talent that will help both you and your organisation thrive. Dont fall into the trap of regionalism. History has shown that when talent is sidelined for regional considerations, the organisation will suffer."

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: January 30, 2025, 15:49 IST
            .        

The Unexpected Incident

The incident occurred while a reporter was interviewing a devotee from Rajasthan about the governments arrangements at the Maha Kumbh. In the video, a man can be seen inching closer to the reporter and interviewee. The reporter, noticing his presence, asks him to step back, but the man continues to stare at them.

Without warning, he snatches the microphone and sprints away, with onlookers filming the scene. The video ends abruptly, leaving viewers curious about what happened afterwards.

The Truth Behind the Viral Video

It turns out that the video was first shared by the so-called microphone thief" himself. The man, identified as Shiva Pushkar, later revealed that it was all a prank. Pushkar, who regularly shares videos from the Kumbh Mela, uploaded the clip on his Instagram account.

Did you like my prank?" he wrote in the caption. The video quickly gained popularity and became one of the most viewed posts on his account.

Mic Returned, Prank ExplainedLater, Pushkar posted another video where he is seen talking to the reporter after returning the mic. He explains that he did it as a joke. You were asking questions to everyone so seriously. Your mind must be stressed. I snatched the mic as a joke to refresh your mind," he tells the reporter. He also mentions that he makes videos for YouTube.
Review Karne Se Acha Khud Karlu: Lawyers Explanation For Not Giving Work To Intern Sparks Debate

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 16:12 IST

A lawyer has ignited a heated debate after sharing that he never assigns any work to his intern despite the newbie asking for tasks almost daily.

Do you think he is right? (Representative Image)

Internships are a vital stepping stone for aspiring professionals, offering real-world experience and the opportunity to hone skills. However, in some cases, full-time employees mistreat interns instead of fostering a learning environment. From assigning menial tasks to blocking interns from taking assignments, this behaviour hinders their ability to learn and showcase their potential. In a similar incident, a lawyer has ignited a debate online after sharing that he never assigns any work to his intern despite the newbie asking for tasks almost daily. He recently posted on social media explaining his reasons, which has sparked discussion on how full-time employees treat interns.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the lawyer wrote, This intern, despite knowing very well that I am not going to give him any work, comes to ask me every single day if I have any work for him. Ek din, Friday late evening ko kaam de dunga, do din ka tab hi sudhrega yeh h****kh**."

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This intern, despite knowing very well that I am not going to give him any work, comes to ask me every single day if I have any work for him. Ek din, Friday late evening ko kaam de dunga do din ka tab hi sudhrega yeh haramkhor. Poor Mans Dev Anand OBE (@BarkusMaximus) January 28, 2025

Soon, the lawyers post gained traction online, sparking a debate among social media users. Among others, a user asked him the genuine reason for not assigning any work. On this, the lawyer listed five reasons why he doesnt delegate his work.

The first was, Interns dont get paid much." Then, he stated that people his age should enjoy rather than work. Next, he said that he doesnt want to take on the extra burden of reviewing an interns work. The fourth reason was that the lawyer thinks that the intern asks for work just for fun. The final point the X user wrote was that he cant push for the interns recruitment, so there is no point in making him work.

1. Kitna hi paisa milta hai inko2. Maza karne ki umar hai3. Review karne se acha hai khud karlu.Kabhi extraordinary workload ho toh may be. 4. Yeh wala jaanta hai main kaam nahi dunga isliye bkchdi krne aata hai.5. Recruitment rarely hota hai and I cant push toh kya fayda Poor Mans Dev Anand OBE (@BarkusMaximus) January 28, 2025

Internet users chimed into the comments section, sharing their experience as an intern, while others urged the lawyer to assign some work to the intern.

Just give him work, its not that deep. He is an intern; he knows he has to show something to get converted. Even if not that, he may just be interested to learn the work. Very weird reaction to someone who just wants to work?" read a comment.

Adding a tweak of humour, a user said, By listening to your advice, I didnt ask my manager for any work. Now he comes to me and says, Tum to kuch karte he nahi, bas baithe rehete ho. Lesson learned even if the manager does not give you any work, just go and show him your face twice a day," wrote another.

Why did I never get such a good internship, here I used to make my friends wash glasses for free," expressed an individual.

A user exclaimed, Being a fresher/intern he might be facing anxiety, yet he wants to have some work and comes to the office daily. The problem is, being a senior hum toh bol denge that he never asked for the work and agar koi senior usko puchega to bill uspe fatega."

You are truly lucky to find such an intern who is eager to learn. But I can empathise with you, abused turning abuser is very common. Its not your fault, but maybe someday you will be able to break the cycle. Best wishes," an individual added.

An account remarked, Shouldnt he be rewarded for willingness to do something? In this case, the reward is mere work he is seeking. Then we complain that newer gen kids dont work much or arent dedicated enough," a user said.

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In an internship, people come to work. I genuinely would hate sitting half of my day in my internship doing nothing," wrote another.

The post has raked in more than 5 lakh views and thousands of likes till now.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: January 30, 2025, 16:12 IST
Private Firm Employee Faces Criminal Charges For Diverting Rs 7 Crore To Betting Platform

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 31, 2025, 10:02 IST

The accused worked with the private firm when he allegedly stole funds from Swiggy and diverted them for online betting.

The activities amount to cheating the company and its client. (Representative Image)

Food delivery company Swiggy has reportedly suffered embezzlement of its funds after an employee of a leading private company allegedly misused Rs7 crore of the companys money to invest in an online betting company. As per the latest reports, Bengalurus Ashok Nagar police have booked a 23-year-old employee of the private company following a complaint by a senior executive.

As per the complaint, the accused identified as Srikant K, a member of the accounting support team, has been charged with criminal breach of trust and cheating. The company provides accounting services to many organisations, including Swiggy, and was also tasked to pay their electricity bills across the state. Srikant, who has been a part of the company for a year, was assigned the job and used to receive Rs 1-2 crore every month from Swiggys bank account, reported The Hindu.

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It was between June 2024 and December 2024 that the accused allegedly diverted a total of Rs 6.86 crore to an online betting platform BetinExchange247.com, through a private IT company. His fraudulent activities came to light when the food delivery giant found money transactions amounting to Rs 7 crore in its audit. The funds were deposited to the online betting companys account, which was later brought to the notice of the accuseds senior.

One of our team members, Srikanth, who worked as an Associate Accountant from August 2023, was responsible for paying electricity bills for all India Swiggy Ltd. offices, totaling between Rs. 1 to 2 crores monthly, using an HDFC Credit Card," the FIR stated.

It has been alleged that between June 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024, a total of Rs. 6,86,51,160/- was paid from Swiggy Ltd. to a company named BetinExchange247.com. Further investigation revealed that BetinExchange247.com operates as a betting app. As a result, a complaint has been lodged, seeking legal action against Srikanth and others for criminal breach of trust, accusing them of defrauding our company and Swiggy Ltd. of approximately Rs. 7 crores."

Srikanth was instantly summoned by the company who allegedly admitted to his crime and a complaint was filed with the police. As claimed by Ranjan, the activities amount to cheating the company and its client. The incident has once again sparked concerns about the internal controls and the growing risk of online betting platforms, also drawing attention to the need to strengthen monitoring systems and implement stricter financial checks.

Swiggy has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the matter.

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In September 2024, Swiggy reported a similar case of embezzlement involving a former junior employee who allegedly stole Rs 33 crore over some time. According to Moneycontrol, the company identified fraudulent activity in its annual report for the financial year 2023-24, where funds were embezzled from one of its subsidiaries by the accused employee. A formal complaint has since been filed against the individual.

As one of Indias leading food delivery platforms, Swiggy competes with Zomato in the online restaurant and cafe food delivery market. The company is also expanding into quick commerce through its Instamart services.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: January 30, 2025, 18:05 IST
These Thieves Watched 'Crime Patrol' And 'Savadhan India' To Fool Cops, Didn't Work

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 13:04 IST

Solapur police have seized valuables worth Rs 9.44 lakh, including a car, from the three accused, who are originally from Rajasthan. Their arrest has led to the solving of six theft cases

After their first arrest, the thieves decided to refine their methods by watching crime shows like 'Crime Patrol' and 'Savadhan India'. (Local18)

Police in Maharashtras Solapur have arrested three thieves who tried to evade capture by learning tricks from TV series like Crime Patrol and Savadhan India. Police have seized valuables worth Rs 9.44 lakh, including a car, from the three accused, who are originally from Rajasthan. Their arrest has led to the solving of six theft cases.

Speaking to Local18, Deputy Commissioner of Police Dr Dipali Kale provided more details on the case. The accused, identified as Manakchand Budharamji Kumawat (35), Bhundaram alias Babu Karanamji Kumawat (38), and Ganpat Bagdaramji Kumawat (41), hail from Birol in Rajasthan. According to reports, due to financial distress, they turned to theft.

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The trio first committed a major theft in Hyderabad, where they were caught by the police. However, they secured bail and were released after a few days.

Took Ideas From Crime Patrol

After their first arrest, the thieves decided to refine their methods. They began watching crime shows like Crime Patrol and Savadhan India to understand how police investigate crimes. Learning from these shows, they adapted their modus operandi.

They avoided using mobile phones to prevent tracking and skipped toll booths while entering cities. Using Google Maps, they identified major markets and stayed in nearby lodges. During the day, they scouted potential targets, and at midnight, they broke into shops using iron bars to lift shutters.

The gang carried out thefts in multiple cities, including Solapur, Chandrapur, Latur, and Sangli, using four-wheelers, iron bars, and batteries to steal without leaving any digital or physical traces.

Solapur Polices Trap

As they were also not using any mobile phones and surpassing toll booths it became difficult for the police to trace them. After coming to Solapur city, they broke into two shops, one in the Solapur Agricultural Products Market Committee and one in the Market Committee on January 17. After that, the Solapur police were on the trail of these thieves," the Deputy Commissioner of Police said.

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Assistant Police Inspector Sanjay Kshirsagar of the Crime Branch received a tip-off about three suspects in a number plate-less car at Karnik Nagar, Solapur. Acting swiftly, the police laid a trap and arrested them.

During interrogation, the gang confessed to their crimes and admitted to using knowledge from crime shows to avoid getting caught.

Location : Solapur, India, India

First Published: January 30, 2025, 13:04 IST
The hypocrisy coming out of Brussels and Strasbourg is beyond laughableits downright obscene. The same European bureaucrats who preach democracy and human rights at the top of their lungs are now bending over backward to shield war criminals, terrorists, and separatists under the phony label of political prisoners. PACE and the European Parliament are running a con, and Azerbaijan is their latest target.

This isnt about justice. Its not about democracy. This is raw, unfiltered political extortion. And Baku sees right through it.

PACEs Shell Game: Fake Outrage, Real Manipulation

PACE has the audacity to claim that former leaders of the separatist regime in Khankendi, along with other Armenian criminals, are being held on fabricated charges. Their solution? A ridiculous demand for immediate release. No legal arguments. No real evidence. Just cheap theatrics from a bunch of out-of-touch Eurocrats whove clearly lost the plot.

And as if that werent enough, PACE is throwing shade at Azerbaijans 2024 presidential elections, claiming they failed to meet democratic standards. This from the same people who gave a free pass to Armenias rigged elections while its government was cracking down on opposition figures left and right.

Then comes the real kickerPACE wants Azerbaijan to rewrite its laws on political parties, media, and NGOs according to Venice Commission recommendations. Translation? They want Baku to hand over control of its domestic policy to Brussels.

This is not about democracy. Its about control. Its about forcing Azerbaijan to play by Europes rigged rules.

The European Parliaments Energy Gambit: Gas for Political Submission?

Not to be outdone, the European Parliament is piling on with its own little extortion scheme. Enter Spanish MEP Pernando Barrena Arza, a guy whos apparently decided that meddling in Azerbaijans affairs is his new hobby. He sends an official inquiry to Kaja Kallas, Vice-President of the European Commission, demanding explanations for Azerbaijans so-called political prisoners and Armenian detainees.

This guy doesnt stop there. Without a shred of evidence, he flat-out accuses Azerbaijan of holding over 300 political prisoners, including figures like Gubad Ibadoglu and Anar Mammadli. He even throws in an extra dose of fake outrage, claiming 23 Armenian POWs are facing degrading treatment.

But lets cut through the noisethis isnt about human rights. This is about leveraging Azerbaijans gas exports for political blackmail.

Europe is reeling from its own energy crisis after cutting off Russian supplies, and now its desperately trying to weaponize its dependence on Azerbaijani gas. Brussels is caving to the Armenian lobby and corrupt politicians who are hell-bent on punishing Baku for being too strong, too independent, and too successful.

Bakus Message: We Dont Play That Game

Azerbaijan isnt biting. Baku has made it crystal clear: no foreign power gets to dictate its laws, its elections, or its justice system. Every detained Armenian war criminal is facing real, documented chargesand no resolution, no backroom deal, and no empty threats from Brussels are going to change that.

Azerbaijan doesnt take orders from PACE or the European Parliament. These political circus acts arent about democracy. Theyre about undermining a sovereign state that refuses to bow to Western pressure.

Europe can rant, threaten, and pass all the resolutions it wantsbut at the end of the day, it still needs Azerbaijani gas. And it still has to deal with a Baku thats stronger, smarter, and completely immune to blackmail.

If Brussels and Paris think they can shake Azerbaijan down, theyre in for a rude awakening.

No One Escapes Justice: How the West Turns International Law Into a Political Weapon Against Azerbaijan

The Western propaganda machine is in full swing, once again twisting reality to fit its agenda of control. This time, Azerbaijans legal system is in the crosshairs. The very same Eurocrats who love to lecture the world on rule of law are now shedding crocodile tears for war criminals, spinning them into political prisoners.

Lets cut through the noisethis isnt about justice or human rights. This is just another power play by Europes ruling elites, a blatant attempt to weaponize international law to pressure a sovereign nation.

The Karabakh Nuremberg: War Crimes Have No Expiry Date

Azerbaijans judicial system operates by the bookrooted in constitutional law and international legal frameworks. Every Armenian military leader, every separatist operative currently detained in Azerbaijan, is there for one reason: they committed real crimes, and now theyre facing real justice.

Violating Azerbaijans territorial integrity and organizing illegal armed groups (Articles 100 and 279 of Azerbaijans Criminal Code);

War crimesmass executions, ethnic cleansing, genocide (Geneva Conventions of 1949);

Financing and carrying out acts of terrorism and sabotage.

These arent political dissidentstheyre terrorists. And at the top of that rogues gallery is Arayik Harutyunyan, the ex-president of the so-called Artsakh regime. In 2020, he ordered missile strikes on Azerbaijani cities, targeting Ganja and Barda, slaughtering civilianswomen, children, the elderly.

Sitting in the courtroom alongside him are:

Ruben Vardanyan, the oligarch who bankrolled armed terrorist groups;

David Babayan, the mouthpiece who whitewashed war crimes;

Arshavir Gharamyan, the mastermind behind terrorist attacks;

Levon Mnatsakanyan, the ex-military commander who ran illegal armed formations.

These men are not political prisoners. They are architects of systematic terror, now facing the justice they evaded for years.

Western Double Standards: When War Criminals Become Prisoners of Conscience

Europe loves to talk about law and orderexcept when its inconvenient. When its time to hold Armenian war criminals accountable, Brussels and Paris suddenly develop selective amnesia.

Lets flip the script. Would France or Germany ever release war criminals who ordered missile strikes on Paris or Berlin? Would they tolerate terrorists walking free under the guise of "human rights"?

The hypocrisy is off the charts:

When France brutalizes pension reform protesters, PACE and the European Parliament shrug it off.

When Germany censors opposition voices online, Brussels calls it safeguarding democracy.

When Armenia jails opposition figures by the dozen, its strengthening governance.

When Azerbaijan prosecutes terrorists, its political repression?!

Western politicians dont care about democracy. They care about control.

Europes Gas Problem: Trying to Strong-Arm Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan isnt just a rising power in global politicsits Europes energy lifeline. After Brussels torched its relationship with Russian gas suppliers, EU nations had two choices: freeze in the dark or turn to Baku.

They chose the latter. In 2022, Azerbaijan signed a Strategic Energy Partnership with the EU, committing to ramp up gas exports from 8.1 billion cubic meters in 2021 to 20 billion cubic meters by 2027.

The numbers dont lie:

2023 gas exports to Europe: 11.4 billion cubic meters.

2024 (first quarter alone): 4.6 billion cubic meters and rising.

Key consumers: Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Serbia.

Azerbaijan is keeping the lights on in half of Europeand yet, those same European politicians are trying to bite the hand that feeds them.

Brussels wants its gas, but it also wants Baku to kneel. Its classic political extortion: Give us your energy, but let us control your politics.

The Armenian Lobbys Influence in European Politics

This anti-Azerbaijani smear campaign isnt coming out of thin air. Its being pushed by the Armenian lobby, which has deep tentacles inside the European Parliament.

Take Spanish MEP Pernando Barrena Arza, whos been running his mouth in Brussels, demanding explanations from EU officials over Azerbaijans so-called political prisoners and Armenian detainees.

His allegations are a joke:

No evidence. No facts. Just wild claims that Azerbaijan is holding over 300 political prisoners.

Accusations that Armenian POWs are being mistreatedagain, with zero proof.

But the real kicker? His thinly veiled threat that energy cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan depends on political concessions.

This is straight-up blackmail. The European Parliament is now openly using gas contracts as a weapon against Baku.

Bakus Answer: No Deals, No Kneeling

Azerbaijan doesnt play that game. It has made its stance crystal clear: no foreign power dictates its laws, its elections, or its justice system.

Every single Armenian war criminal is behind bars for one reason and one reason only: they committed real crimes, and now they face real justice.

Baku isnt interested in appeasing Brussels double standards. It isnt looking for Western approval. And it sure as hell isnt going to let PACE or the European Parliament hold its energy exports hostage.

Europe can rant and rave all it wants. It can pass a hundred resolutions, but at the end of the day, it will still have to buy Azerbaijani gas and recognize Azerbaijans sovereignty.

If Brussels and Paris think they can bully Azerbaijan into submission, theyre in for one hell of a wake-up call.

Azerbaijan Wont Play the Wests GameNo Blackmail, No Compromise

Lets cut the nonsensePACE and the European Parliaments attacks on Azerbaijan have nothing to do with democracy or human rights. This is just another political hit job, another power move by Western elites who cant stomach the idea of an independent, sovereign Azerbaijan that refuses to play by their rules.

But heres the reality: Azerbaijan doesnt bow to blackmail.

Brussels and Paris can pass all the resolutions they want, but when winter rolls in, theyll still be buying Azerbaijani gas and adjusting to the new geopolitical order.

France and the Armenian Lobby: Whos Afraid of a Strong Azerbaijan?

The anti-Azerbaijani narrative pumped out by PACE, the European Parliament, and Western think tanks isnt just coincidenceits a full-on French foreign policy operation. Paris has long viewed the South Caucasus as its geopolitical playground, using Armenia as a pawn to extend French influence.

Now, as Azerbaijan grows stronger, more independent, and more central to Eurasian trade and energy security, the French elite are losing their gripand their minds.

Whats got Paris especially rattled? The Zangezur Corridor.

This game-changing transport route will link Azerbaijan with Turkey via Nakhchivan, bypassing Armenias traditional chokehold on regional transit.

It dismantles Armenias monopoly on trade routes.

It shifts the balance of power in the South Caucasus.

It cements Azerbaijan as both an energy and logistics hub for Eurasia.

And thats exactly why France is pulling every trick in the book to stall Azerbaijans rise.

Paris is weaponizing the European Parliament and PACE, pushing anti-Azerbaijani resolutions, fueling anti-Muslim and anti-Russian narratives, and working hand-in-hand with the Armenian lobby to paint Baku as the villain.

But heres the truthFrance can scheme all it wants, but Azerbaijan is playing by a different set of rules now.

Azerbaijan: No Deals, No Compromise, No Foreign Dictates

Azerbaijan has made it loud and clearit doesnt negotiate its sovereignty. It doesnt bend to pressure, doesnt trade away its national interests for Western approval.

In 2023, Azerbaijans leadership put it bluntly:

We will not allow anyone to interfere in our internal affairs. Azerbaijan is an independent state, and no one will dictate how we govern our country.

And the results speak for themselves:

Azerbaijan has cemented itself as an economic powerhouse in Europe, standing firm against external pressure.

Baku has expanded energy cooperation with the EU, all while keeping Brussels out of its internal affairs.

PACE and the European Parliaments political attacks have failedAzerbaijan wont make any concessions on its national sovereignty.

The Real Agenda: Political Pressure, Wrapped in Human Rights Rhetoric

Lets be realPACE and the European Parliaments crusade against Azerbaijan isnt about human rights or democracy. Its about using political pressure to weaken a strong, independent state.

But history has already proven one thing:

Azerbaijan doesnt kneel.

The West can pass a hundred more resolutions, it can try to isolate, threaten, and pressure Baku, but Azerbaijans course is set in stone:

Economic growth on its own terms.

A firm grip on its sovereignty.

A fully independent foreign policy.

Brussels and Paris can scream all they wantbut when reality hits, theyll still be relying on Azerbaijani gas and coming to terms with the new geopolitical balance.

Azerbaijan isnt backing down. And the West better get used to it.

Baku Network
Uber Charges Rs 487 For 5km Pet Taxi, Swastika Mukherjee Questions Where Is The Compassion?

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 17:16 IST

A Delhi-based animal NGO owner was charged Rs 487 for a pet taxi, while a regular cab for the same 5km distance costs just Rs 150.

After Uber's exorbitant charge for a 5km ride, actor Swastika Mukherjee criticised the company. (Image: Instagram/@swastikamukherjee13 and Getty Images)

Actor Swastika Mukherjee has voiced her support for Rakshita Singh, a Delhi-based animal NGO owner, after she was charged Rs 487 for a 5km Uber pet taxi ride  over three times the Rs 150 fare for a regular cab. Mukherjee questioned Ubers pricing, asking, Where is the compassion?"

It all started after an Uber driver reportedly asked Singh to vacate the cab upon realising she was carrying a basket of puppies, despite it being a medical emergency.

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Extremely disappointed with Uber!" wrote Singh in an Instagram post.

She added, This evening, I booked an Uber to take puppies to the vet, as one of them had been feeling quite unwell. When the driver arrived, I carefully placed their cosy baskets in the back seat and provided him with the OTP for the ride."

Upon seeing the baskets, the driver suddenly raised his eyebrows and questioned me about their contents. I explained with concern in my voice that they were, in fact, puppies. To my astonishment, he coldly responded that I needed to exit cab immediately, insisting that it was a regular vehicle intended solely for human passengers and not for animals," Singh went on to say.

When Singh pleaded with the driver, explaining that it was a medical emergency, he dismissed her concerns, saying it wasnt his problem and insisted she book a pet taxi instead. This kind of behaviour is absolutely unacceptable and warrants serious attention. In all my years of using Uber, I have never encountered such a lack of compassion. I was left feeling incredibly shocked and disappointed by this incident, realising that empathy should not be a rare commodity in our society, especially when it comes to our furry companions," she further expressed.

Singh revealed that when she booked a pet taxi through Uber, the fare was three times higher than that of a regular cab for the same 5km distance.

Swastika Mukherjee reshared Singhs post on Instagram and asked, Where is the compassion? What do you have to say about this? Requesting all pet parents and everyone to share this as much as possible. We need answers!"

Ubers response to the incident

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We introduced Uber Pet to meet the growing demand from pet owners who want an easy way to travel using Uber with their furry companions. It ensures that there is a safe and convenient ride available when you are traveling with your pets while providing additional earning opportunities for drivers," Uber spokesperson said in a statement.

The statement further noted, The surcharge for Uber Pet covers the costs associated with vehicle cleaning and maintenance to ensure that the car is ready and comfortable for subsequent riders. At Uber, we are committed to providing a smooth, reliable experience for both pet owners and drivers."

First Published: January 30, 2025, 15:18 IST
'Walk Before You Can Run': AI Expert Explains Why China, And Not India, Has DeepSeek

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 16:52 IST

Unlike China, India lacked a protected market that could help local AI companies grow, the expert said.

DeepSeek has created a buzz in the global tech market. (Photo Credits: X)

Chinese AI model DeepSeek R1 is making headlines globally for whats been a miraculous rise in the field of artificial intelligence. It has already become the most popular free app on the Apple Store, surpassing OpenAIs ChatGPT. With the Chinese chatbot creating havoc in the US tech market, an Indo-American author, Sadanand Dhume, asked why India had yet succeeded in developing such a model despite having a plethora of talented software engineers.

For those who follow the Indian tech scene, whats the best explanation of why China is able to birth DeepSeek and India is not?" Dhume wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Taking to the comment section of the post, an AI professional answered the question in detail. As per his bio on X, the person works in the AI space for Amazon.

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The person said India lacked a protected market that could help local AI companies grow. Meanwhile, in China, the government prioritised AI development and supported the development of foundation models.

According to the user, India urgently required a government-backed AI initiative, similar to a $3B DARPA-style programme, to compete with DeepSeek or ChatGPT.

Within China, DeepSeek is not unique and its competition is close behind (not far behind). China has 10 labs comparable to OpenAI/Anthropic and another 50 tier 2 labs. The world will discover them in the coming weeks in awe and shock," he explained.

Writing this as an Indian who works on AI in leadership role for one the largest companies in the world (though strictly my personal opinion, but based on verifiable data).You heard it first here:-First some more shocks: You heard DeepSeek. Wait till you hear about  GDP (@bookwormengr) January 28, 2025

The AI expert further suggested that India could seek assistance from Nvidia as its Megatron" software could aid in building AI models". It is machines that learn by themselvesif you give them data & compute. This is unlike writing operating systems or database software," he added.

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The tech professional further mentioned, There is no protected market to practice your craft in the early days (in India). You will get replaced by American service providers as they are cheaper and better every single time. That is not the case with Chinese players. They have a protected market and leadership who treats this skillset as existential due to geopolitics."

Many users thanked the individual for sharing his insightful explanation as his comment garnered more than 4,70,000 views on X.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: January 30, 2025, 16:52 IST
Watch: Uncle Rules The Dance Floor With His Killer Moves On Uff Teri Adaa

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 16:28 IST

The man can be seen grooving to the party number  Uff Teri Adaa  from the 2010 film, Karthik Calling Karthik.

What do you have to say about uncles dance? (Photo Credits: Instagram)

The wedding season is officially here. From mesmerizing dance performances to dreamy decors, our social media feeds are flooded with pictures and viral-worthy videos. Adding to the list is a video of an elderly man was spotted enthusiastically dancing to Bollywood chartbusters. The man can be seen grooving to the party number  Uff Teri Adaa  from the 2010 film, Karthik Calling Karthik.

A few seconds later, an old uncle took centre stage and stole the show with his killer steps. He danced to the popular wedding track Zingaat from Dhadak. The video was shared on Instagram with a caption We all have that one relative who dances like this."

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The video became an hit in no time. A user said, I feel dance is just about expressing emotion, so it should not be judged. Love to see this."

Another said, The uncles just turned on the coolest version." The way they enjoyed was truly adorable," added a person. Impressed by his entertaining dance moves, a user branded the first man as the Indian Michael Jackson".

Breakdance was introduced way before," quipped an individual. Thats the spirit. Dance like no one is watching you," cheered another. Another person admitted, How good it feels if there are members like this in the family. Superb." The video has already amassed over 1.4 million views and nearly 50,000 likes on Instagram.

Dance has been an integral part of Indian weddings. In a recent viral video, a man was captured recreating the famous song, Badtameez Dil, at his friends wedding. The person, named Abhinav Singla, reportedly came from the US to attend the event. He planned a surprise for his childhood buddy Shivam Chawla.

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The clip opened with Abhinav entering the stage while hiding his face. Just like Ranbir Kapoors character Bunny from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, the youngster announced his arrival in a filmy style before starting his performance. The video collected more than one million views on Instagram.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: January 30, 2025, 16:28 IST
Water, Napkin And Books: Bengaluru Cab Driver's Offerings To Passenger Impress Internet

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 17:05 IST

Rakesh, a speech-impaired taxi driver from Bengaluru, has been winning hearts for his thoughtful and selfless gesture.

Internet users praised the driver's dedication toward his job. (Photo Credits: X)

A little kindness goes a long way, leading to better outcomes for all in the face of adversity. At a time when growing competition and time constraints have left people losing connection with one another and reduced the urge to help others, a Bengaluru cab driver has been winning hearts for his thoughtful and selfless gesture for his daily commuters. Rakesh, a speech-impaired taxi driver from Bengaluru, has not only received admiration from his passengers, but his services are impressing many more over the internet.

What sets him apart from other drivers? Besides discounted fares, Rakesh had added a few necessary services like water, napkins, and bookssomething that leading app-based cab services have also failed to offer. Sivasubramaniam Jayaraman, an X user, shared his most recent experience after taking a cab ride with Rakesh, elaborating on the services that the vehicle had.

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Took a #cab today & realized the driver, Mr. Rakesh, is speech-impaired. He offers airport rides at a discount with water, napkins & books for #passengersa thoughtful gesture even Uber & Olacabs dont provide. I wasnt on an airport trip, but he still offered me water," he wrote.

https://x.com/JsivaUrbantranz/status/1884637766308200666

His post also featured a picture of the driver along with a poster attached to the front seat that included details of the services. Im a dumb man; sorry I cant talk," the notice read, further explaining that the passengers can use napkins from the vehicle, read short stories and poems, and also drink water from the available sealed bottles. Additionally, it also states a discounted fare of Rs 950 for airport drop.

The post went swiftly viral, garnering over 70,000 views and many likes. A user wrote, There are good people as well as not-so-good people everywhere!!" while another added, Mr. Rakesh is truly an inspiration to all of us. Thank you for sharing this, Sivasubramaniam Jayaraman!"

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Corporates only seek money value. Other values such as kindness, care, and humanness are not in their free offer," another comment read. A user added, These are the real heroes who display that there is still humanity in the society."

Social media users lauded the drivers genuine gesture and dedication toward his job, with some even comparing him to the likes of Ola and Uber drivers.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: January 30, 2025, 17:00 IST
3 Israelis, 5 Thais Hostages To Be Freed By Hamas In Exchange For 110 Palestinians

Published By :

AFP

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 07:37 IST

In the previous two swaps, seven Israeli hostages were freed by militants in exchange for 290 prisoners -- almost all Palestinians, with the exception of one Jordanian.

A fourth swap planned for Saturday will see three Israeli men released, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office.

A Palestinian prisoners advocacy group said Israeli authorities would release 110 prisoners, including 30 minors, on Thursday as part of an exchange under a Gaza ceasefire deal agreed with Hamas.

Tomorrow, 110 Palestinian prisoners are to be released," the Palestinian Prisoners Club said in a statement, referring to the third exchange of hostages and prisoners under the truce, which began on January 19.

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The group said the prisoners were expected to arrive in the Radana area of Ramallah at around noon".

Publishing the list of the prisoners, the group said 30 were under the age of 18, 32 had been sentenced to life imprisonment, and 48 others were serving jail terms of varying lengths.

The group also said that 20 of the prisoners set to be released would be sent into exile.

In the previous two swaps, seven Israeli hostages were freed by militants in exchange for 290 prisoners  almost all Palestinians, with the exception of one Jordanian.

On Thursday, three Israeli hostages are to be freed, along with five Thai nationals.

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The three Israeli hostages are Arbel Yehud, Agam Berger and Gadi Moses. The identities of the five Thais are still unknown.

A fourth swap planned for Saturday will see three Israeli men released, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office.

Location : Israel

First Published: January 30, 2025, 07:37 IST
I Need To Land Immediately: Heartbreaking Last Chat Between American Airline Pilot & Control Tower Surfaces

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 12:29 IST

As many as 64 people were on board in the American Airlines plane during the time of the deadly mid-air crash that killed several passengers.

American Airlines plane collides with military chopper in US (Reuters Image)

As the horrific mid-air crash between a commercial airplane, with 64 on board, and a military helicopter shook the United States, the last conversations that took place between the pilot and the control tower moments before the disaster came to the fore on Thursday.

American Airlines Flight 5342 carried 64 people, including the crew members while the military chopper had three people on board during the time of the crash that took place on Wednesday night (local time), according to reports.

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The rescuers have pulled out at least 19 bodies from the Potomac River, according to the local media reports.

Horrific video of the crash also surfaced on social media.

CCTV footage from the Kennedy Center in Washington DC allegedly shows the moment a plane crashed into a helicopter during landing at Reagan International Airport pic.twitter.com/9sVqnfXH46 RT (@RT_com) January 30, 2025

What Happened Moments Before the Mid-Air Collision?

The Canadian-made Bombardier CRJ-701 twin-engine jet which was manufactured in 2004, was inbound to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and was at an altitude of around 400 feet, flying at a speed of about 140 miles per hour, news agency AP reported.

The flight underwent a rapid loss of altitude over the Potomac River, according to its radio transponder data.

A few minutes before landing, the arriving jet was asked by the air traffic controllers if it could land on the shorter Runway 33 at the airport, to which the pilots responded in affirmative.

Ive cut together the air traffic control recordings from around the time the Washington DC crash involving #AA5342 took place. Part of it does appear to have controllers asking a pilot if they have the CRJ in sight"  Then controllers can be heard reacting to the explosion. pic.twitter.com/9ZmuF2stS5 Dan News (@dannews) January 30, 2025

After the confirmation from the pilots, the controllers cleared the plane to land on Runway 33 as the flight tracking sites showed the aircraft adjusted its approach to the newly assigned runway, AP reported.

Less than 30 seconds before the massive crash, an air traffic controller asked the military chopper if it had the arriving commercial flight in sight.

PAT25, do you have the CRJ in sight. PAT25, pass behind the CRJ," the controller made another radio call to the helicopter moments later.

The pilot was heard saying to the ATC, I need to land immediately".

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The two mid-air aircraft crashed seconds after that.

The jets radio transponder stopped transmission nearly 2,400 feet short of the runway, that according to the map, falls roughly over the middle of the river.

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: January 30, 2025, 11:14 IST
After 6 Months, Hamas Confirms Death Of October 7 Attack Mastermind Mohammad Deif

Published By :

AFP

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 23:47 IST

Mohammad Deif planned the October 7 attacks on Israel and was among Israel's most wanted men for nearly three decades. The Israeli military said it killed Deif in an airstrike in August 2024.

Palestinian military leader of the radical Hamas movement, Mohammed Deif. (Image: AFP)

Hamas confirmed on Thursday the death of its military chief Mohammed Deif, accused by Israel of being one of the masterminds behind the October 7 attack and whose killing it announced last year.

The Al-Qassam Brigades announce to our great people the martyrdom of a group of distinguished fighters and heroic commanders," Abu Obeida, spokesman for Hamas armed wing, announced in a video statement, naming commander Mohammed Deif, chief of staff of the Al-Qassam Brigades (and) commander Marwan Issa, deputy chief of staff" among them.

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Israel had accused Deif of being one of the key architects of October 7, along with Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was killed on October 16, 2024.

On August 1 last year, the Israeli military announced it had killed Deif in an air strike in Gaza the month before.

The military said fighter jets had struck Khan Yunis on July 13 and following an intelligence assessment, it can be confirmed that Mohammed Deif was eliminated in the strike".

He was killed along with one of his top commanders, Rafa Salama, the military said. Deif initiated, planned, and executed the October 7th massacre," the military added.

Deif became head of Hamass armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, in 2002.

He was among Israels most wanted men for nearly three decades and on a US list of international terrorists" since 2015.

Deif, whose real name is Mohammed Diab al-Masri, was born in the Khan Yunis refugee camp in 1965.

In videos, Deif had appeared masked or shown in silhouette, and photos of him were rare.

In January 2024, Israel released a picture of Deif showing him with one eye missing, without specifying when it was taken.

His enemies dubbed Deif the cat with nine lives" after his many close calls with death.

In 2014, Israel launched an air strike on Gaza, killing Deifs wife and a seven-month-old son.

Deif is said to have played a key role in the huge network of tunnels built beneath Gaza.

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In May, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court requested a warrant for his arrest, along with Sinwar, for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Until Thursday, Hamas had not confirmed his death.

Location : Cairo, Egypt

First Published: January 30, 2025, 23:44 IST
Hamas Frees Eight Hostages As Third Gaza Truce Swap Begins, Israel To Release 110 Palestinians

Published By :

AFP

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 17:53 IST

Palestinian militants freed three Israeli hostages and five foreigners in a Gaza ceasefire deal. Israeli PM Netanyahu condemned the scenes during the release. A fourth exchange is set for the weekend.

Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad and Hamas fighters escort Israeli hostage Arbel Yehud to hand her over to a Red Cross team in Khan Yunis, as part of their third hostage-prisoner exchange. (IMAGE: AFP)

Palestinian militants on Thursday freed three Israeli hostages and five foreigners captured in the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel as the third hostage-prisoner exchange of the Gaza ceasefire got under way.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced what he called shocking scenes" during the hostage releases which came under a ceasefire deal aimed at ending the war in the Gaza Strip.

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First to be freed was Israeli woman soldier Agam Berger, 20, handed over to International Committee of the Red Cross officials in Jabalia in the north of the Palestinian territory.

Before she was freed, footage of a sombre Berger showed her on a stage with masked Hamas members in distinctive green headbands, being prompted to wave to onlookers.

Israels military said Berger was being taken to hospital for medical treatment.

It said another two Israelis and five foreigners were later handed over to the Red Cross and en route for Israel.

It said they were on their way toward IDF (army) and ISA (security agency) forces in the Gaza Strip".

The two other Israeli hostages due to be freed were Gadi Moses and Arbel Yehud. Five Thais were also to be released.

In devastated Khan Yunis, dense crowds gathered to catch a glimpse of Yehud and Moses ahead of their release near the childhood home of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was killed in October.

Ahead of the release, Islamic Jihad aired video footage of Moses and Yehud hugging each other and smiling.

On Wednesday, the Moses family said it had received with great excitement the wonderful news of our beloved Gadis return".

Netanyahu in a statement slammed the shocking scenes during the release of our hostages".

Television images had shown gunmen struggling to control hundreds of Gazans gathered to witness the handover.

This is yet another proof of the unimaginable cruelty of the Hamas terrorist organisation," Netanyahu said.

A fourth exchange is scheduled for the weekend, but Hamas accused Israel on Wednesday of jeopardising the deal by holding up aid deliveries, an allegation Israel dismissed as fake news".

The ceasefire that began on January 19 hinges on the release of Israeli hostages taken during Hamass October 7, 2023 attack, in exchange for 1,900 people  mostly Palestinians  in Israeli custody.

Before Thursday, Hamas had released seven hostages, with 290 prisoners freed in exchange.

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Israel is to release 110 prisoners, including 30 minors, in exchange for the three Israelis, the Palestinian Prisoners Club advocacy group said.

The next swap on Saturday will see three Israeli men released, according to Netanyahus office.

Location : Jerusalem, Undefined

First Published: January 30, 2025, 17:48 IST
Hamas Releases Israeli Soldier That It Held Captive In Gaza, To Free Seven Other Hostages

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 17:46 IST

Hamas has released a kidnapped Israeli soldier and plans to free seven other hostages.

Palestinian Hamas militants release female Israeli soldier Agam Berger, held in Gaza since the deadly October 7 2023 attack, as part of a ceasefire and a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel, in Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

Hamas handed over captive female Israeli soldier Agam Berger over to the Red Cross in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, news agencies reported.

Berger, a 20-year-old soldier, was taken on stage by armed Hamas militants before she was handed over to the Red Cross.

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The returning hostage has just been transferred to IDF and ISA forces in the Gaza Strip. The returning hostage is currently being accompanied by IDF special forces and ISA forces on her return to Israeli territory, where she will undergo an initial medical assessment. The commanders and soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces salute and embrace the returning hostage as she makes her way home to the state of Israel," the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said in a statement.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the government of Israel remains committed to the return of the hostages.

The Israeli government embraces Agam Berger, an Israel Defense Forces soldier. The Israeli government is committed to the return of all abducted and missing persons," the statement said.

The family thanked Israels security forces and people Thursday for their support after she was released by Hamas as part of a Gaza ceasefire deal.

We want to thank the security forces and all the people of Israel for their support and prayers. Now Agam and our family can begin the healing process," the family said in a statement after the military reported that Berger had been reunited with her family.

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Before she was freed, footage of a sombre Berger showed her on a stage with masked Hamas members in distinctive green headbands, being prompted to wave to onlookers.

It said another two Israelis and five foreigners were later handed over to the Red Cross and en route for Israel.

Location : Gaza Strip

First Published: January 30, 2025, 13:51 IST
Israeli PM Orders Delay To Release Of Palestinian Prisoners Scheduled For Today

Published By :

AFP

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 18:54 IST

This came after Palestinian militants freed three Israeli hostages and five foreigners in a Gaza ceasefire deal. Israeli PM Netanyahu condemned the scenes during the release.

Eight hostages were released on Thursday as part of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. (Reuters/File)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered a delay to Thursdays release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for three Israeli hostages freed earlier in the latest exchange of the Gaza ceasefire, his office said.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with Defence Minister Israel Katz, has instructed the delay of the release of the terrorists scheduled for today until the safe departure of our hostages in the upcoming phases is assured," Netanyahus office said.

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A Hamas source told AFP that the group was in touch with mediators to compel" Israel to release the 110 prisoners due to be freed on Thursday.

Location : Jerusalem, Israel

First Published: January 30, 2025, 18:53 IST
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has extended his condolences to President of the United States Donald Trump, Trend reports.

In his letter of condolence, President Ilham Aliyev expressed: We were deeply saddened by the news of the collision between a passenger plane and an army helicopter near Washington, resulting in the loss of many lives. In light of this tragedy, I extend my deepest condolences to you, the families and loved ones of the victims, and to the friendly people of the United States, on behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan.
Meta To Pay $25 Million To Settle A Lawsuit Filed By Trump After Jan. 6 Suspension

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 07:56 IST

Zuckerberg visited Trump in November at his private Florida club to try to mend fences with the then incoming president Trump

US President Donald Trump had sued Meta in 2021 for suspending his accounts. (Source: Reuters)

Meta has agreed to pay $25 million to settle a lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump against the company after it suspended his accounts following the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, according to three people familiar with the matter.

Its the latest instance of a large corporation settling litigation with the president, who has threatened retribution on his critics and rivals, and comes as Meta and its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, have joined other large technology companies in trying to ingratiate themselves with the new Trump administration.

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The people familiar with the matter spoke on the condition of anonymity Wednesday to discuss the agreement. Two of the people said terms of the agreement include $22 million going to the nonprofit that will become Trumps future presidential library. The balance will go to legal fees and other litigants, they said.

The Wall Street Journal was the first to report on the settlement.

Zuckerberg visited Trump in November at his private Florida club to try to mend fences with the incoming president, something other technology, business and government officials have done as well. At the dinner, Trump brought up the litigation and suggested they try to resolve it, kick-starting two months of negotiations between the parties, the people said.

Meta also made a $1 million donation to Trumps inaugural committee, and Zuckerberg was among several billionaires granted prime seating during Trumps swearing-in last week in the Capitol Rotunda, along with Googles Sundar Pichai, Amazons Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk, who now owns the platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

Before Trumps inauguration, Meta announced it was dropping fact-checking on its platform  a longtime priority of Trump and his allies.

Trump filed the lawsuit months after his first term ended, calling the action by the social media companies illegal, shameful censorship of the American people."

Twitter, Facebook and Google are all private companies, and users must agree to their terms of service to use their products. Under Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act, social media platforms are allowed to moderate their services by removing posts that, for instance, are obscene or violate the services own standards, so long as they are acting in good faith." The law also generally exempts internet companies from liability for the material that users post.

But Trump and some other politicians have long argued that X, Facebook and other social media platforms have abused that protection and should lose their immunity  or at least have it curtailed.

The Meta settlement comes after ABC News agreed last month to pay $15 million toward Trumps presidential library to settle a defamation lawsuit over anchor George Stephanopoulos inaccurate on-air assertion that the president-elect had been found civilly liable for raping writer E. Jean Carroll.

The network also agreed to pay $1 million in legal fees to the law firm of Trumps attorney, Alejandro Brito.

The settlement agreement describes ABCs presidential library payment as a charitable contribution," with the money earmarked for a nonprofit organization that is being established in connection with the yet-to-be-built library.

The president has been litigious in arguing that he has been targeted with unfair coverage by legacy media companies.

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Trump has filed a lawsuit against CBS News over claims that the network aired a misleading interview with his 2024 opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, on the programme 60 Minutes" that amounted to partisan and unlawful acts of election and voter interference" intended to mislead the public and attempt to tip the scales." The programme denied the claims.

And he has a lawsuit against The Des Moines Register, the news outlets parent company, Gannett, and the Iowa newspapers pollster Ann Selzer, alleging they violated the Iowa Consumer Fraud Act by releasing a poll days before the November election that significantly understated his support in the state. The paper and Selzer have denied wrongdoing.

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: January 30, 2025, 07:56 IST
OpenAI CEO Altman Planning To Visit India Next Week Amid Chinese DeepSeek Challenge: Report

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 09:33 IST

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman had last visited India in 2023 when he had met PM Modi and discussed potential of AI in boosting India's tech industry. He is reportedly planning to visit New Delhi.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman likely to visit India in February (Reuters Image)

Microsoft-backed OpenAIs CEO Sam Altman is likely to visit India next week and hold meeting with the government officials, news agency Reuters reported citing three sources.

Altman has scheduled his visit to New Delhi for February 5, the report said, adding that his schedule is yet not finalised and his plans are subject to change.

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This comes as a global tech market downturn was set off this week following the rise of Chinese AI competitor DeepSeek. Its AI Assistant has surpassed ChatGPT to claim the top spot among free apps on Apples App Store in the United States.

OpenAIs Legal Challenges In India

Meanwhile, OpenAI is also facing legal challenges in India.

However, OpenAI, IT Ministry and the Prime Ministers Office have yet not responded to requests for comment, Reuters reported.

According to OpenAI, India is the second-largest market by the number of the users of the company after the United States. Altman had last visited India in 2023 when he called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the national capital and discussed the potential of artificial intelligence in boosting Indias tech ecosystem.

However, since then, OpenAI has faced various legal challenges in India as a lawsuit against it was filed last year, claiming breaches of copyright after news agency ANI challenged it in a court in Delhi.

ANI had moved the court against the AI giant, accusing it of using its news articles to train its AI models without any compensation.

Several media outlets owned by industrialists Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani, along with book publishers have also joined the case.

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Even in the United States, numerous media outlets  The New York Times, Denver Post, Chicago Tribune  and others have sued OpenAI for copyright infringements.

OpenAI has responded to such cases, stating that the company only uses data that is publicly available and in a manner protected by fair use of principles. It claimed that the Indian courts have no jurisdiction to hear the case.

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: January 30, 2025, 09:30 IST
Trump Asks Federal Employees To Come Back To Office By February 6 Or Face Termination

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 09:58 IST

The federal employees have been asked to either resign or come to the office and work in person till February 6 in the US

United States President Donald Trump gives Feb 6 deadline to employees to return to office. (Courtesy: Reuters)

United States President Donald Trump has asked the countrys federal employees to return to office and work in person by February 6 or face termination.

The government has extended buyouts and also allowed the employees to leave their jobs under a deferred resignation programme. The Trump administration is aiming to decrease the federal workforce.

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On Wednesday, President Trump gave the federal employees an ultimatum of either coming back to office or working in-person from office by February 6 or put their jobs at risk. This is the latest step taken by the administration in the direction of curbing remote work.

If they do not agree to show up to work in their office by February 6, they will be terminated. Therefore, we will be downscaling our government, which is something that the last 10 presidents have tried very hard to do, but failed," said Trump.

US Administration Offers Buyouts To Employees

Trump made the remarks after the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) started extending buyouts to around two million federal employees who do not plan to come back and work in-person from the office within the given deadline.

On Tuesday, the administration started sending emails to the employees and gave them the deadline of February 6.

According to the OPM, most of the employees are required to work in person for five days a week.

Those employees who decide not to work from the office will be given permission to resign under a deferred resignation programme" which was said to be a dignified, fair departure from the federal government", as per the email.

All those employees who opt to resign will get their pay and benefits till September 30, 2025, and wont be required to come to the office in the meantime.

We think a very substantial number of people will not show up to work, and, therefore, our government will get smaller and more efficient. And thats what weve been looking to do for many, many decades," said Trump.

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He added that the employees may have to submit proof of not working in any other organisation till they are employed by the government.

We may ask these people to prove that they didnt have another job during their so-called employment with the United States of America, because if they did, that would be unlawful," said Trump.

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: January 30, 2025, 09:57 IST
Washington Crash: Trump Says Authorities Have 'Strong Opinions' On Causes; Blames Obama, Biden For Air Safety Lapses

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 23:11 IST

Trump questioned why the Army helicopter didn't turn as the lights of the American Airlines passenger jet were "blazing".

US President Donald Trump speaks about the mid-air crash between American Airlines flight 5342 and a military helicopter in Washington (AFP)

United States (US) President Donald Trump on Thursday said that the authorities have "strong opinions" on what caused the deadly collision between an American Airlines regional passenger plane and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter.

We did not know what led to this crash, but we have some very strong opinions and ideas, and I think well probably state those opinions now, because over the years, Ive watched as things like this happen," Trump said.

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#WATCH | Washington DC plane crash | US President Donald Trump says, " I speak to you this morning in an hour of anguish for our nation. Just before 9 pm last night, an American Airlines regional jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter pic.twitter.com/O1IreLOCTZ ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2025

We think we have some pretty good ideas, but well find out how this disaster occurred, and well ensure that nothing like this ever happens again," he added.

Follow LIVE Updates

Trump further blamed former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden for policies which he claimed compromised air safety. He accused them of prioritising diversity over competence in hiring decisions.

I put safety first. Obama, Biden, and the Democrats put policy first," Trump said, adding They actually came out with a directive: too white. And we want the people that are competent."

He also claimed that the FAA was ran into the ground" by DEI hires after being deemed too white". He claimed that DEI could have been" to blame for the collision, the deadliest US plane crash since November 2001.

Trump also announced the appointment of Chris Rocheleau as the acting administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The decision came amid growing concerns over aviation safety and regulatory oversight.

Trump earlier reacted to the crash after midnight, asking why the helicopter did not avoid the plane and why the air traffic control tower did not tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane."

This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!" Trump wrote in a social media post.

Fatal Plane-Chopper Crash Claims 67 Lives

An American Airlines flight arriving at Reagan Airport in Washington collided with a helicopter, after which both the aircraft crashed into the Potomac River.

The American Airlines Flight 5342 was carrying 64 people, including passengers and crew members, at the time of the crash. The military Blackhawk helicopter was carrying three soldiers. At least 28 bodies have been recovered from the river into which both aircraft crashed. Officials said there are likely no survivors from the devastating collision.

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A massive search and rescue operation was launched into the waters of the Potomac River, soon after the crash was reported. Later, Reagan Airport aborted all takeoffs and landings as helicopters from law enforcement agencies across the region flew over the scene in search of survivors.

(With inputs from agencies)

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: January 30, 2025, 23:06 IST
What's The Secret Behind Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg's New Bromance?

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 21:35 IST

Zuckerberg praised Elon Musk's X and its Community Notes system, saying there is no harm in admitting when someone does something better. This marked a rare agreement between the two.

Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg have sparred with each other. (Reuters)

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has praised Elon Musks X and its Community Notes system during an earnings call on Wednesday, saying there is no harm in admitting when someone does something better, marking a rare occasion where two former rivals agreed with each other.

This came after Meta announced that it would end its third-party fact-checking system and move towards the Community Notes Model, similar to X. During an earnings call on Wednesday, Zuckerberg said Xs model that allowed users to add context to posts was more effective" than Metas prior system.

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Im not afraid to admit when someone does something thats better than us. Its our job to implement the best system," he was quoted as saying by Business Insider, adding that Metas platforms were going to get better because of it (implementing Community Notes)."

On January 7, Zuckerberg had praised the X model. Were going to get back to our roots, and focus on reducing mistakes, simplifying our policies and restoring free expression on our platforms," he said in a video statement on Metas corporate website. More specifically, were going to get rid of fact-checkers and replace them with community notes, similar to X, starting in the US."

Responding to Zuckerbergs policy changes, Musk said, This is cool", marking a long thaw in hostilities between the two rival tech billionaires. Musk and Zuckerberg had sparred with each other for years, even threatening to go into a cage fight.

This is cool pic.twitter.com/kUkrvu6YKY Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 7, 2025

What Was The Feud Between Musk, Zuckerberg?

There was no love lost between Musk and Zuckerberg, who had been feuding since 2016, when a SpaceX explosion destroyed a Facebook AMOS-6 satellite. Zuckerberg had then issued a heated statement, saying he was deeply disappointed" about SpaceXs failure.

Among the richest people in the world, Musk and Zuckerberg have sparred on a range of topics, from aerospace to artificial intelligence. In 2017, Musk appeared to take offence at remarks made by Zuckerberg on his thoughts on artificial intelligence in Facebook Live. While the Meta CEO advocated for an optimistic attitude towards AI, Musk said Zuckerbergs understanding of the subject was limited".

In 2018, following Facebooks Cambridge Analytica scandal, Musk made a public show of deleting SpaceX and Teslas Facebook pages, mockingly saying, Whats Facebook?" and kept encouraging people to delete the app till 2020. Following the 2021 attack on the US Capitol, Musk posted Facebook-related memes on Twitter.

The Tesla and SpaceX CEO also criticised Facebooks data-sharing practices, tweeting another meme about Facebook that mentioned the company spying" on users following the announcement by Facebook-owned WhatsApp that it would start forcing users to share their personal data with the platform. He also compared Zuckerbergs control over Meta as a monarchy.

Tensions increased further when Musk bought Twitter in 2022 and renamed it X and when Zuckerberg launched a competing platform called Threads. The two billionaires also appeared to settle their differences in a cage match in 2023. After Musk said he would be up for a cage fight", the Meta CEO said, Send me location".

However, the fight never materialised and both CEOs kept mocking each other, with Musk saying, Zuck is a cuck." A day after Zuckerbergs 40th birthday, Musk revived the cage-match proposal in a post on X.

Whats The Reason Behind Musk-Zuckerberg Peace?

Donald Trumps political resurgence seems to be the main reason behind Mark Zuckerbergs change of heart. After the 2021 Capitol attack, Trump was banned from all Meta platforms, as well as Twitter. Zuckerberg had also positioned Meta as a strong advocate for third-party fact-checking.

However, after Trumps electoral resurgence, Zuckerberg seemed to distance himself from fact-checking and aligned more with the Presidents stance and moved towards a decentralised model like Musks Community Notes. The change was apparent when Zuckerberg said he would not support any candidate in the US election last year.

Notably, Musk went all-out in Trumps support, donating over $119 million to his campaign and was eventually rewarded with a government position. With Musks growing proximity to Trump, Zuckerberg also shifted his position, accusing the Biden administration of repeatedly pressuring" the company to censor" certain Covid-19 content during the pandemic.

He expressed regret for not being more vocal about the government pressure" to remove Covid-19-related content. I believe the government pressure was wrong and I regret that we were not more outspoken about it."

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Along with Meta, other tech giants have also attempted to cosy up to Trumps administration. Meta has positioned longtime Republican Joel Kaplan as its head of global policy and placed Trump ally Dana White on its board of directors. The growing criticism of fact-checking has also factored in Metas decision to move towards an X-like model.

From being a champion of fact-checking, Mark Zuckerbergs Meta has moved away from the old model and criticised the same model for political bias" and the spread of misinformation, a move seen by many as pandering to the Trump administration and Musk himself, who is heading the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: January 30, 2025, 21:35 IST
Who Are The 8 Hostages, Including 5 Thai Nationals, Freed In Latest Israel-Hamas Truce Deal?

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 23:16 IST

Prior to Thursday, Hamas had already released seven hostages, with 290 prisoners freed

The hostages, including three Israelis and five Thai nationals, were captured during the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Hamas militants have released eight hostages, including three Israelis and five Thai nationals, as part of the third hostage-prisoner exchange following the ceasefire agreement that began on January 19.

The hostages were captured during the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. As part of the exchange, Israel also released 110 Palestinian prisoners.

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Among the hostages freed on Thursday, the first to be released was 20-year-old Israeli soldier Agam Berger, who was handed over to officials from the International Committee of the Red Cross in Jabalia, northern Gaza. The other Israeli hostages include 80-year-old farmer Gadi Moses and 29-year-old Arbel Yehud, both of whom also hold German nationality.

This truce, part of an ongoing effort to end the war in Gaza, is based on the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli custody. Prior to Thursday, Hamas had already released seven hostages, with 290 prisoners freed.

Who Are The Israeli Hostages?

Agam Berger (20)

Agam Berger, a soldier, was abducted along with four others while serving on the Gaza border. In a video posted on Telegram, she was seen being taken into a car while wearing her pyjamas.

Returning hostage, IDF soldier Agam Berger, being transferred to the IDF. pic.twitter.com/0YLBNlDzqX Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) January 30, 2025

Agam Goldstein-Almog, a hostage released during a week-long truce in November 2023, told Bergers family that Agam, a practising Jew, respected the Sabbath during her captivity, refusing to cook or clean for her captors on Saturdays. She was also a source of comfort to the other hostages, even plaiting their hair.

Berger, who has a twin sister, has played the violin since childhood and is from Holon, a suburb of Tel Aviv.

Gadi Moses (80)

Gadi Moses, a farmer who turned 80 while in captivity, lost his wife, Efrat Katz, 69, in the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Prior to being taken hostage, he had been negotiating with the attackers in an effort to save his family.

Gadi Moses. Calm amid the chaos. Am Yisral Chai  pic.twitter.com/rPHnAObdR3 Hen Mazzig (@HenMazzig) January 30, 2025

The other members of his German-Israeli family, who were also abducted, have since been released.

Arbel Yehud (29)

Arbel Yehud, who worked as a guide at a technology centre in her hometown of Nir Oz, was described by family members as a gentle young woman with a magnetic smile.

As Agam Berger and Arbel Yehud are released today, I ask every woman to look at their terrified faces while they are surrounded by hundreds of JIHADI MURDERERS and think about how you would feel being them. If you were 20 years old as they are? If this was your 20 year old pic.twitter.com/f9FvKjhkfv Councilwoman Inna Vernikov (@InnaVernikov) January 30, 2025

She turned 29 while in captivity. Arbel was captured alongside her boyfriend, Ariel Cunio, 26. Tragically, her brother, Dolev, 35, was killed in the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. All three had lived in the Nir Oz kibbutz. Ariel and her brother David are still being held in captivity.

Who Are The Five Thai Nationals?

The five Thai nationals freed were identified as Watchara Sriaoun (33), Pongsak Tanna (36), Sathian Suwannakham (35), Surasak Lamnau (32), and Bannawat Saethao (27). All were working in the areas near Gaza when they were captured by the Palestinian militants.

After 482 agonizing days in Palestinian terrorist captivity in Gaza, five Thai hostages kidnapped from southern Israel are finally free! We have been waiting for you!  : Embassy of Thailand, Israel pic.twitter.com/Yn6736GZcg StandWithUs (@StandWithUs) January 30, 2025

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The Thai government has confirmed that a total of 31 Thai nationals were taken captive when Hamas launched its attack on Israel. By the end of 2023, 23 were released, two were confirmed dead in May last year, and the status of one remaining person is still unclear.

(With inputs from agencies)

Location : Israel

First Published: January 30, 2025, 23:08 IST
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.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. On January 30, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov conducted a meeting with Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), who is on a working visit to Azerbaijan, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

Upon welcoming the guest, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov conveyed his satisfaction with seeing him in Azerbaijan. The Minister of Defense extended his gratitude for the humanitarian aid provided by the Kingdom of Bahrain, as well as for its support in international organizations during the 44-day Patriotic War, which culminated in the glorious Victory of the Azerbaijan Army.

Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa expressed his sincere appreciation for the warm welcome and exceptional hospitality. He highlighted the significance of mutual visits in fostering the development of bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting included an in-depth exchange of views on the current state and further expansion of cooperation in both the military and military-educational fields, as well as regional security issues.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. The Prime Minister of Azerbaijan has arrived in Almaty at the invitation of his Kazakh counterpart Olzhas Bektanov, Trend reports.

Asadov was greeted at Almaty International Airport by the Deputy Prime Minister, Head of the Government Apparatus of Kazakhstan Galymjan Koishibaev, and other officials.

During the visit, the Azerbaijani prime minister will speak at the Digital Almaty 2025 international digital forum.

He will also participate as a guest in a meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Two cheeky fraudsters allegedly swindled 49 aspiring nursing students and other job seekers out of US$40 000.

The duo was arrested by detectives last week, bringing their alleged scam to an end.

The two suspects, Patricia Mlambo Magazini (40), from Chikadzi Village under Chief Bota in Zaka and Murambiwa Mandarasi (42), from Hopley, Harare, appeared before Chipinge magistrate, Mr Isaac Tawengwa last Saturday, facing charges of fraud as defined in Section 136 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23.

The two, who were self-actors, were denied bail, and remanded in custody for routine appearance.

State prosecutor, Mrs Cathrine Dzivanyika, revealed that the suspects allegedly scammed their victims by promising them nursing training positions at Mashoko Hospital in Zaka, and employment with the Ministry of Health and Child Care.

The suspects would instruct their victims to deposit varying amounts of money into their mobile money accounts.

Mrs Dzivanyika further alleged that the duo had 10 cellphone lines which they used to communicate with the unsuspecting victims, and also had money deposited into their mobile money accounts.

Between May 2024 and January 2025, the accused persons allegedly colluded to defraud unsuspecting individuals seeking training as general nurses and employment in the health department.

They deceived the victims into believing that they would secure them employment, and then instructed them to deposit varying amounts of money into mobile money accounts held by Magazini at InnBucks-Microfinance Zimbabwe and Mojo-Mula Micro Finance Zimbabwe.

As a result, 49 complainants were defrauded of US$40 000, with no recoveries made. Magazini created fake offer letters bearing the complainants names, which were recovered as evidence.

Additionally, five Econet and five NetOne lines used by the accused to communicate with the complainants were seized as exhibits.

An Innbucks Microfinance Zimbabwe card in Magazinis name, in which some of the funds were deposited, was recovered from the suspect as an exhibit. Value prejudiced is US$40 000 and nothing was recovered, Mrs Dzivanyika further told the court. Manica Post
Tragedy struck in Hlabiso Village, Rusitu, Chimanimani, last Wednesday when two Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution (ZETDC) contract workers, including a teenager, were electrocuted while on duty.

The victims, Givemore Maphosa and Erai Raimon, a 15-year-old Mozambican national from Mashiri Village in Maridheya, were working on a Lower Tension (LT) line connecting Hlabiso main line to the Jozi homestead in the same village.

Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the incident, and revealed that the two workers died in the line of duty after their manager allegedly assigned them a task without ensuring that the power supply to the line was switched off.

Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said the two victims worked for Hidden Well Contractors, a company owned by Mr Richard Mushayanembeu.

On January 22, around 7am, Givemore Maphosa and Erai Raimon, both general hand employees for Hidden Well Contractors, were tasked with repairing an LT line from Hlabiso main line to Jozi homestead, where a nine-metre electrical pole had fallen.

They worked under the supervision of their manager, Tawanda Matsatswa. While digging a hole for the pole, their manager left to source additional manpower, but forgot to switch off the power supply from the main line. Although there was an electricity blackout in the area at the time, power was restored while the two were still working on the LT line.

Upon Matsatswas return, he found the lifeless bodies of the two on the ground and immediately switched off the power at the main line. Matsatswa informed Mushayanembeu about the incident who reported it to ZRP Chimanimani.

When ZRP Chimanimani and ZETDC officials arrived at the scene, they found evidence of electrical burns on the hands and legs of the deceased duo. Their bodies were still in contact with the power lines. The two bodies were taken to Chipinge District Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem, said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka. Manica Post
Fourteen Australians were found guilty of manslaughter on Wednesday in connection with a diabetic girl's 2022 death. The New York Times reports Elizabeth Rose Struhs required insulin for her Type 1 diabetes; her parents chose to withhold it from her, and as she weakened, a dozen members of their religious sect sang and prayed around her. The AP reports she died after six days without the medication, just before her ninth birthday. The Times reports it wasn't the first time the Struhs were in court over their daughter's care. Kerrie Struhs had earlier been charged with neglecting Elizabeth's medical needs after she nearly died in 2019; she was sentenced to 18 months.

Husband Jason Struhs provided evidence against her and received a suspended sentence. He said his wife had kept the seriousness of Elizabeth's condition from him; after finding her unconscious, he brought her to a hospital, where she was found to be experiencing kidney failure, brain swelling, and a blood clot in connection with her undiagnosed diabetes; she was reportedly minutes from death and was hospitalized for a month. Australia's ABC reports Jason visited her daily; her mother never did. For two years, he kept up with Elizabeth's insulin. But things apparently changed in 2021.

As Kerrie began her sentence, Jason, angry and overwhelmed by the responsibilities he had been left with, found peace through prayer and decided to become a member of the religious group. Known as The Saints, the BBC reports they are not affiliated with any established church and are made up of about two dozen members from three families.

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Within months, Jason was convinced to stop administering the insulin. He and church leader Brendan Stevens were also charged with murder, but a judge ruled there was insufficient evidence that the men knew their actions would likely lead to her death. The sect disavows medicine, with some of those on trial calling it witchcraft. Justice Martin Burns wrote Jason Struhs could have been "so consumed by a particular belief promoted without pause by all its members, that he never came to the full realization Elizabeth would probably die, believing instead God would not allow that to happen." Australia's ABC reports they'll be sentenced in February. (More Australia stories.)
Grammer, who has led a life laced with tragedy and well-documented substance abuse struggles, said he understands what it's like to start over. "When you lose everything you have, and that's happened to me a couple of times in my lifetime, it's just [like], OK, that's [when] you pick up, and you figure out what's going to happen next, one foot in front of the other. That's how it has to be." Parade reports he's been "quietly volunteering" during the crisis. "For many, they're going to want to find a new way to live, a new way forward, a new place to live," Grammer said. "But I know a lot of people want to stay, and I wish them well with it. And I'm certainly going to do everything I can to help."
Meta has agreed to pay $25 million to President Trump to settle a lawsuit he filed in response to being kicked off the company's platforms the day after the Capitol riot. The company confirmed the settlement to the Wall Street Journal . Sources tell the AP that the settlement includes $22 million toward Trump's future presidential library, with most of the rest going to legal fees. Trump filed lawsuits against Meta and other tech giants in July 2021, accusing them of censoring conservatives. His Facebook and Instagram accounts weren't restored until 2023.

Sources tell the Journal that Trump brought up the lawsuit against Meta, which had been largely stalled for more than a year, when Mark Zuckerberg had dinner at Mar-a-Lago weeks after the election in an attempt to mend fences. The sources say Trump told Zuckerberg that the lawsuit had to be resolved before he could be "brought into the tent." Meta also donated $1 million to Trump's inaugural fund.

The settlement won't do much harm to Meta's bottom line: The company reported sharply higher fourth-quarter revenue and profits Wednesday, the AP reports. "We now have a US administration that is proud of our leading companies, prioritizes American technology winning," Zuckerberg told investors, per the Washington Post. "And I am optimistic about the progress and innovation that this can unlock." (More Meta stories.)
A Florida police officer has been sentenced to more than 17 years behind bars after pleading guilty to stealing drugs, cash, and firearms from federal investigations and admitting that he once went so far as to swap cocaine seized by the US Drug Enforcement Administration with a fake kilo made from a 3D printer.

James Hickox, a sergeant with the Nassau County Sheriff's Office, was arrested in 2023 along with Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Joshua Earrey on charges of possession with intent to sell drugs, the AP reports. Both had been assigned to a DEA-led task force in Jacksonville. Earrey is scheduled to be sentenced in April.
A jet with 60 passengers and four crew members aboard collided Wednesday with an Army helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, prompting a large search-and-rescue operation in the nearby Potomac River, the AP reports. There was no immediate word on casualties or the cause of the collision, but all takeoffs and landings from the airport near Washington were halted as helicopters from law enforcement agencies across the region flew over the scene in search of survivors. Inflatable rescue boats were launched into the Potomac River from a point near the airport along the George Washington Parkway, just north of the airport.

President Trump said he had been "fully briefed on this terrible accident" and, referring to the passengers, added, "May God Bless their souls." The Federal Aviation Administration said the midair crash occurred around 9pm EST when a regional jet that had departed from Wichita, Kansas, collided with a military Blackhawk helicopter while on approach to an airport runway. It occurred in some of the most tightly controlled and monitored airspace in the world, just over three miles south of the White House and the Capitol. The Canadian-made Bombardier CRJ-701 twin-engine jet involved was manufactured in 2004 and can be configured to carry up to 70 passengers.

American Airlines flight 5342 was inbound to Reagan National at an altitude of about 400 feet and a speed of about 140mph when it suffered a rapid loss of altitude over the Potomac River, according to data from its radio transponder.

A few minutes before landing, air traffic controllers asked the arriving commercial jet if it could land on the shorter Runway 33 at Reagan National and the pilots said they were able. Controllers then cleared the plane to land on Runway 33.

Flight tracking sites showed the plane adjust its approach to the new runway. Less than 30 seconds before the crash, an air traffic controller asks the helicopter if it has the arriving plane in sight.

The controller makes another radio call to the helicopter moments later: "PAT 25 pass behind the CRJ." Seconds after that the two aircraft collide.

The plane's radio transponder stopped transmitting about 2,400 feet short of the runway, roughly over the middle of the river.

The last fatal crash involving a US commercial airline occurred in 2009 near Buffalo, New York . (More Potomac plane crash stories.)
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, has been arrested and is set to appear in court on charges of inciting violence during the July 2021 riots. A member of the South African Parliament and the MK Party, Zuma-Sambudla faces allegations stemming from social media posts urging protesters to further disrupt nationwide unrest following her father's imprisonment. The riots, which resulted in the deaths of more than 350 people and over 5,000 arrests, were among the most significant since apartheid's end, compounded by frustrations from COVID-19 lockdowns.

The arrest follows an investigation by the Durban Crimes Against the State unit, according to police spokesperson Brigadier Thandi Mbambo. Brigadier Mbambo said: "The arrest is as a result of a meticulous investigation by the Durban Crimes Against the State unit of the Serious Organized Crime Investigation, following the unrest that brought the country to a standstill in 2021."

Prior to the riots Zuma-Sambudla's father, Jacob Zuma, was incarcerated for defying a court order related to a corruption inquiry, sparking turmoil. Expelled from the African National Congress (ANC) last year, Zuma now leads the MK Party, which has urged support for Zuma-Sambudla during her court appearance in KwaZulu-Natal, an area of support for the former president.

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MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said: "She has conditioned herself, because there have been many threats about her imminent arrest for the past three or four years. She is awaiting, and she will abide by the law as a law-abiding citizen." (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. Azerbaijan has approved the State Program for improving transport infrastructure in Baku and its adjacent areas for 2025-2030, Trend reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, has signed the decree regarding the initiative.

Under the decree, the Cabinet of Ministers has been tasked with coordinating and overseeing the implementation of the measures outlined in the State Program. The Cabinet is also required to inform the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on an annual basis about the progress of these measures and address any other issues arising from the document.

The Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communications will monitor and evaluate the execution of the measures outlined in the State Program based on the Cabinet's request.

To finance the initiatives in the State Program, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Economy must take annual actions to allocate the necessary funds as part of Azerbaijans state budget and government investment programs.
Environmental and health officials in New Mexico have raised alarms about high levels of PFAS chemicals, known as "forever chemicals," found in birds, small mammals, and plants near Holloman Air Force Base. This discovery marks some of the highest concentrations documented globally in wildlife, according to state comparisons with other studies.

Miranda Durham, the medical director for New Mexico's Department of Health, expressed concern over the risk to hunters who might have consumed waterfowl from the area in the past decade. The findings have been published in a recent report intended to urge federal authorities to address ongoing legal challenges related to cleanup efforts at Holloman and Cannon Air Force Bases. PFAS contamination, largely from firefighting foam, has been detected at numerous military sites across the US, with cleanup efforts expected to cost billions and extend over many years.

The report suggests additional testing on wildlife to better assess risks, especially for hunters harvesting from areas beyond the immediate contamination zone. Tasha Stoiber, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group, described the PFAS levels at Holloman Lake as alarming. Stoiber said: "These chemicals accumulate in the body over time, creating serious long-term health risks, including cancer, developmental harm, and immune system suppression."

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New Mexico's situation reflects a growing concern nationwide, with states like Maine ramping up PFAS testing. Maine's wildlife agency collaborates with researchers to track deer and turkey movements in response to higher risk zones resulting from historical fertilizer contamination. Currently, Maine has issued advisories for three areas, including one spanning 25 square miles. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
Hamas-led militants freed eight hostages on Thursday in the latest release since a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip took hold earlier this month. Israel was expected to release another 110 Palestinian prisoners, reports the AP . The release was delayed by a chaotic scene in which a crowd of Palestinians surrounded and jeered at hostages as they were turned over to the Red Cross. The first hostage, female Israeli soldier Agam Berger, was released in northern Gaza. Hours later, a chaotic scene unfolded as thousands of people pressed around a handover site in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, in front of the destroyed home of slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Footage showed Arbel Yehoud, a 29-year-old hostage, looking stunned as she was led through the crowd by militants toward waiting Red Cross vehicles.

Hundreds of militants from Hamas and the smaller Islamic Jihad group arrived with a convoy in a show of force, and thousands of people gathered to watch, some from the tilted rooftops of bombed-out buildings. Many in the crowd shouted and surrounded Yehoud as masked militants pushed people away and escorted her through. The Israeli military later said the hostages had been transferred by Red Cross to Israeli forces inside Gaza. The other Israeli released was Gadi Moses, an 80-year-old man. Five Thai nationals were freed, but had not been officially identified. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the "shocking" scene and called on international mediators to prevent similar events in the future.

Hamas had earlier handed Berger, 20, to the Red Cross after parading her in front of a crowd in the heavily destroyed urban refugee camp of Jabaliya in northern Gaza. The Israeli government later released footage of Berger hugging and crying with her parents. Berger was among five young female soldiers abducted in the Oct. 7 attack; the other four were released Saturday. People cheered, clapped, and whistled at a square in Tel Aviv where supporters of the hostages watched Berger's handover on big screens next to a large clock that's counted the days the hostages have been in captivity. Some held signs saying: "Agam we're waiting for you at home."

(More Israel-Hamas war stories.)
Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger III says he is "devastated" by the Potomac plane crash, the first fatal commercial plane crash in the US in almost 16 years. He says it shows "how vigilant we have to be." Reagan National Airport is a challenging place to fly into, the former American Airlines captain, famed for the Miracle on the Hudson landing in 2009, tells the New York Times. It was built in the 1930s and "hasn't changed much since then," he says. "Of course, we've added technology to it. But a lot of the technology is old."

Pilots require unique training to "operate there safely because of the short runways, because of the proximity of other airports and because of the traffic level; it's a high-traffic, high-density area," Sullenberger tells Good Morning America, per People. "And lots of different kinds of traffic that's mixed together."

Sullenberger says the nighttime descent could have made it harder for American Eagle Flight 5342 to avoid the military helicopter. "Nighttime always makes things different about seeing other aircraftbasically all you can do is see the lights on them," he tells the Times. "You have to try to figure out: Are they above you or below you? Or how far away? Or which direction are they headed? Everything is harder at night."
An Iraqi man known for Quran burnings in Sweden was shot and killed near Stockholm, authorities reported. Salwan Momika, 38, gained attention in 2023 for desecrating Islam's holy book, actions that drew international criticism and led to unrest in several Muslim-majority countries. The Stockholm District Court on Thursday postponed a verdict in a case involving Momika after confirming his death. Judge Goran Lundahl was unable to provide information on when or how Momika died, but police said a man suffered gunshot wounds on Wednesday night in a Sodertalje apartment building and later died from his injuries. Swedish broadcaster SVT confirmed that man's identity as Momika.

Five adults were arrested on suspicion of murder, according to prosecutors. However, the investigation is still in its early stages, with additional questioning required. Momika arrived in Sweden from Iraq in 2018, receiving a residence permit in 2021. His demonstrations were permitted by police under freedom of speech laws, although he faced charges of incitement to hatred in August in connection with statements he made about the burnings. A verdict in this case was due Thursday. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated that security services are involved in the investigation because "there is obviously a risk that there is a connection to a foreign power," Swedish news agency TT reported. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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Senator to Gabbard: It May Be Illegal to Confirm You

Democrat Warner says she doesn't meet federal requirements to be director of national intelligence
Veteran singer and poet Patti Smith has reassured fans that she is "fine" after collapsing during a presentation in Brazil and later returning to apologize to the audience for ending her show early. Images on social media showed the 78-year-old lying on the stage of the venue in Sao Paulo on Wednesday night. "I'm fine. You can hear I'm fine," she told the AP Thursday morning when reached by phone. "The whole thing has been grossly exaggerated."

She added that a statement she published on her Instagram, in which she said she had experienced post-migraine dizziness, speaks for itself. "I was checked out by an excellent doctor and was absolutely fine," she wrote. "Please do not accept any other account. With all the strife in the world, this explainable incident does not merit so much attention." The Cultura Artistica Theater said that Thursday's evening performance would happen as scheduled. Smith has been in Sao Paulo for a two-day presentation of the "Correspondences" project with the Berlin-based group Soundwalk Collective.

During the performance, she recited some of her writings alongside musicians. She collapsed about 30 minutes into the event while reading a text about climate change, according to local media. She fell on stage and remained there for a few minutes before receiving assistance. "She clearly felt dizzy. She started moving backward and fell in a wayI think she tried to support herself on the microphone or the music stand. And everything fell on top of her," said Micheline Alves, a journalist present. Alves said that a doctor in the audience went onstage to check on Smith. "After a few minutes, we saw that she wasn't unconscious. She got up on her own."

(More Patti Smith stories.)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. Appeals submitted to Azerbaijan's Central Election Commission (CEC) in connection with the municipal election have been reviewed at a Commission's regular meeting, Trend reports.

At the start of the meeting, CEC Secretary Arifa Mukhtarova briefed the members on the agenda. Following that, the commission reviewed appeals related to the Jalilabad rural electoral district No. 72 and the Shaki rural electoral district No. 115.

Based on the CEC's decision, the appeals have been forwarded to the relevant district election commissions for further consideration in line with the requirements of the Election Code.

To note, voting in the municipal election in Azerbaijan closed at 7:00 (GMT+4) on January 29. By that time, 1,874,810 voters had cast their ballots, with a voter turnout of 31.45 percent.
Bahrains ePassport Secures Record-Breaking Global Recognition

TDT | Manama Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has recognised Bahrains ePassport for securing the highest number of major international awards. The recognition was made during a meeting with His Excellency General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the Minister of Interior, and His Excellency Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, the Ministry of Interior Undersecretary for Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs, alongside a delegation from HID Global. The meeting included officials who collaborated with the Ministry of Interior in designing the award-winning ePassport. During the meeting, HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister was presented with a trophy from HID Global in appreciation of Bahrains ePassport achievements on the global stage. HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad underscored that investing in technology and digital transformation remains a strategic priority for the Kingdom, ensuring that government services meet the highest standards of efficiency and quality. He highlighted that such initiatives contribute to Bahrains comprehensive development, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

His Royal Highness emphasised that development, driven by innovation and creativity, is fundamental to enhancing services provided to citizens. This approach strengthens Bahrains position and competitiveness regionally and internationally. HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad reaffirmed Bahrains commitment to advancing projects related to digital transformation, lauding the dedication of Bahraini professionals in implementing strategic initiatives with high standards of quality. He extended his appreciation to the Minister of Interior and the Nationality and Passports Affairs staff for their efforts in adopting cutting-edge technology to enhance service quality and reinforce Bahrains success in various domains. For his part, HE General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa expressed gratitude for the continued support of His Royal Highness in elevating government services to meet the evolving needs of citizens, in line with Bahrains commitment to excellence.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. The presentation of Kapital Bank's project Change begins with you! Combating bullying in secondary schools is taking place in Baku, Trend reports.

The event is attended by Fargana Mammadova, Member of the Board, Chief Human Capital and Organizational Development Officer of Kapital Bank OJSC, and representatives of the Ministry of Science and Education of Azerbaijan.

As part of the project, international experts are rolling up their sleeves to provide specialized training for the teachers at the Center for Development and Innovation in Education.



Teachers taking part in the training will sharpen their understanding and abilities regarding the awareness of bullying and strategies to tackle it.



Once the training wraps up, educators who have acquired fresh insights will pass the baton to their peers in general education schools by rolling out training programs aimed at tackling bullying.

Will be updated
15 schools and teams to receive funding for cutting-edge technology to inspire and motivate their students through new tech skills

VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 30, 2025 /CNW/ - What if a world of possibilities could be unlocked for students at your local secondary school? Best Buy Canada is thrilled to announce the first ever winners for its Teen Tech Grants and Teen Tech Teams initiatives, elements of the newly launched Teen Tech For Tomorrow program. 15 winning secondary schools and robotics teams will be provided grants aimed to improve access to important tech for Canadian teens.

Best Buy Canadas Teen Tech for Tomorrow program awards more than $110,000 to secondary schools and robotics teams across Canada (CNW Group/Best Buy Canada Ltd.)

For more than 15 years, Best Buy Canada has been committed to empowering students to dream big through technology, donating $4 million to over 300 schools across the country. The Best Buy Teen Tech Grants and Teen Tech Teams initiatives exist to help Canadian secondary schools and robotics teams bring new technology into their classrooms. Access to the latest technology increases student motivation for learning and sets them up for success.

Schools receiving a Teen Tech Grant will receive cash grants of up to $10,000 to purchase the latest technology to support basic needs, libraries or STEM courses. Teen Tech Teams winners, robotics teams, will receive an Alienware m16 R2 16" Gaming Laptop and $5,000 to use towards the purchase of equipment or materials for their team. Both national initiatives, the winning locations can be found throughout Canada:

Teen Tech Grants winners:

Windermere Secondary School  Vancouver, British Columbia

McNally High School  Edmonton, Alberta

 Portage Collegiate Institute  Portage la Prairie, Manitoba

Jarvis Collegiate Institute  Toronto, Ontario

St. Joseph Secondary School  Windsor, Ontario

Polyvalente Montignac  Lac Megantic, Quebec

Ecole Gabriel-Le Courtois  Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, Quebec

 Prince of Wales Collegiate  St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador

Teen Tech Teams winners:

North Surrey Secondary  Surrey, British Columbia

Mount Boucherie Secondary School  Kelowna, British Columbia

BGC South East  Kingston, Ontario

Humberview Secondary School  Bolton, Ontario

St. Oscar Romero Catholic Secondary School  Toronto, Ontario

St. Mary Catholic Secondary School  Hamilton, Ontario

St. Mary's High School  Owen Sound, Ontario

"Access to technology is critical for today's youth, yet many classrooms across Canada still face significant gaps in resources," says Karen Arsenault, Best Buy Canada's Head of Social Impact. "The grant applications were incredibly inspiring to read as they were filled with the passion and dedication of educators working to make a difference in the area of STEM. For some students, this funding will create opportunities that level the playing field, and for others, it will open doors to dynamic and innovative learning experiences that can shape their futures."

To learn more about Teen Tech for Tomorrow, visit: Teen Tech For Tomorrow | Best Buy Canada

About Best Buy Canada

A wholly owned subsidiary of Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY), Best Buy Canada Ltd. is one of Canada's largest and most innovative omnichannel retailers, operating the Best Buy, Best Buy Mobile, Best Buy Express and Geek Squad (www.geeksquad.ca) brands. With over 320 Best Buy, Best Buy Mobile and Best Buy Express stores across Canada and an expanded assortment of lifestyle products offered through BestBuy.ca, Best Buy is a leader in total retail, catering to customers how, when, and where they want to shop. Best Buy Canada is committed to making a positive impact in the community with programs and partnerships that support youth to connect with technology to advance their education. For more information, visit BestBuy.ca.

SOURCE Best Buy Canada Ltd.

Media contact: Laura Campbell - Senior Communications Specialist, E: [email protected], T: (604) 809-3416
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. The list of leading candidates from the recent municipal election in Azerbaijan has been made public and is available on the Central Election Commission's (CEC) website, Trend reports.

During the municipal election in Azerbaijan on January 29, more than 1.8 million voters cast their ballots, resulting in a turnout exceeding 31 percent.

Following the results of the election, 8,071 members of 685 municipalities in 118 electoral districts will be elected.

A total of 16,092 candidates appeared on the ballots in this election.

A voter base of nearly 6 million was eligible to cast ballots, and the CEC accredited more than 70,600 observers for monitoring the elections, including over 26,000 from political parties.

Additionally, webcams were installed at 1,000 polling stations to ensure transparency.

Yesterday's Azerbaijani municipal election was the first in the country's liberated territories and the sixth overall. The inaugural municipal election in Azerbaijan occurred on December 12, 1999. Consequently, up to 2,660 municipalities were established nationwide. Nineteen members were elected to the largest municipality and five to the smallest municipality.

Municipalities in Azerbaijan are elected for a five-year term. Members of municipalities may be elected by Republic of Azerbaijan citizens who are eligible to vote and permanently reside in the appropriate electoral district.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. Azerbaijan will host another Young Entrepreneurs Forum next week, said Gadir Khalilov, acting executive director of the Youth Foundation under the president of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

Speaking at a discussion of the foundations 2024 activity report at today's meeting of the Azerbaijani Parliament Committee on Youth and Sports, Khalilov further added that he invites interested parties to participate in the upcoming forum.

To note, the IV Azerbaijan Investment and Youth Entrepreneurship Forum kicked off in Baku on November 17, 2023, with the organizational support of the country's Economy Ministry, the Ministry of Youth and Sports,the Islamicc Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) and the Small and Medium Business Development Agency of Azerbaijan (SMBDA).

In alignment with the State Program of the Republic of Azerbaijan and pursuant to a decree from the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated December 19, 2011, the Youth Foundation was instituted under the auspices of the Ministry of Youth and Sports. The foundation aims to enhance the framework for executing youth policy, which encompasses the upgrade of the material and technical resources of youth organizations and youth centers.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. The Italy-Azerbaijan University project represents the friendship between the two countries, said Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Italian Republic to Azerbaijan, Luca Di Gianfrancesco, Trend reports.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of new specializations in communication design and urban planning as part of the Italy-Azerbaijan University project at ADA University, Gianfrancesco shares his thoughts on the project, saying:

"I truly believe that this project not only symbolizes the success it has already achieved but also carries something much deeperit touches the profound aspects of our minds and souls. It is a symbol of sincere friendship between our countries, based on the pursuit of knowledge, culture, and exchange of experiences. Our willingness to learn from each other, adopt best practices, and grow togetherthis is what truly distinguishes us," the ambassador said.

The diplomat also expressed his gratitude to the Italian universities participating in the project.

"The Italy-Azerbaijan University is becoming a reality. Looking back, it seems incredible that the foundation stone was laid just three years ago. The fact that the university is turning into a success story is first and foremost due to your dedication, passion, and perseverance," he added.
Four New York men were arrested this month after they were identified as suspects in an incident at an Englewood parking garage last year where a man was shot and robbed, officials said.

On Aug. 1, 2024, a 25-year-old man was approached by a group of men he did not know in the Grand Avenue structure, according to a release from the Bergen County Prosecutors Office.

Some of the men were disguised in masks and were carrying guns, investigators said. As the man tried to run to safety, one member of the group opened fire with an AK-47 assault rifle, striking the man in the back, the office said. The group then robbed the man of his belongings and fled.

Officers found the man and he was rushed to Hackensack University Medical Center in serious condition, police said. He ultimately survived the ordeal, authorities said.

Detectives from the office and the Englewood Police Department identified Denzil Bailey, 26, Iquwann Quick, 31, Dwight Stephenson, 34 and 27-year-old Osarumwense Uzamere, all of Queens, as suspects, officials said.

Bailey was arrested on Jan. 16 and charged with first-degree attempted murder, first-degree conspiracy to commit murder, first-degree robbery, first-degree conspiracy to commit robbery and multiple weapons-related offenses, the office said. He was taken to the Bergen County Jail and held there until his first court appearance.

The three other men remained at large until Tuesday when members of the FBI, NYPD, the office and Englewood Police Department located them in New York City, arrested them and charged them with the same offenses, investigators said.

The trio was still in police custody in New York City as of Wednesday morning pending their extradition to Bergen County, authorities said.

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A 19-year-old man has been charged by the state Attorney Generals office in a string of home invasions that included the theft of $700,000 worth of cars.

Samir White, of Newark, was arrested earlier this month and is the first person to be charged under a new state law increasing penalties for home invasions, the Attorney Generals office said on Wednesday.

He is charged with home invasion burglary, four counts of residential burglary, theft of motor vehicles, receiving a stolen vehicle, conspiracy and resisting arrest by flight, officials said.

Under the new law, the home invasion burglary charge is now a first-degree crime and the residential burglary charge is a crime of the second degree.

White and his accomplices allegedly used stolen cars to travel to homes in various parts of New Jersey that they were targeting, authorities said. They then allegedly used crowbars to break into the homes and grabbed key fobs and various other items before taking off in the homeowners cars, the state said.

Many of the stolen cars were luxury makes, including BMW, Audi and Porsche, officials said.

White was caught on Jan. 16 after police spotted him and three others in a stolen BMW X7. After driving the SUV from Freehold Borough to Newark, the four occupants exited and began to run, authorities said.

Officers later found White hiding in someones backyard and placed him under arrest. A judge has approved a motion for him to be detained pending trial.

The three other alleged thieves have not yet been located.

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UPDATE: This story was updated to include comments from the pastor of St. James AME Church, which formerly owned 440 Washington St.

The majority owner of a Newark apartment tower where residents had complained of low heat and other substandard conditions told tenants and the City Councils tax abatement committee on Wednesday that a new management company would be in place by Saturday and pledged to do any remaining necessary work on the building.

The tax abatement committee took no action on Wednesday after its chairman had raised the possibility of rescinding the tax abatement for the building at 440 Washington St., formerly known as St. James Towers after the church that once owned it.

Instead, the chairman, Councilman Carlos Gonzalez, told the owner and the city code enforcement officer handling the case to return in 30 days with a progress report on hundreds of code violations found at the building beyond spotty heating and elevator service.

Gonzalez and fellow committee members admonished the owner, BRP Properties founding partner Meredith Marshall, to monitor conditions at the building even after the new management company settles in, so conditions dont deteriorate again after repairs are made.

We dont want this building, once you have improved it, to go back to what it was, Gonzalez said.

Committee member Councilman Patrick Council agreed, adding, Too many times, the owner of the facility wants to turn over responsibility to the building manager.

The builsing is a 21-story, 200-unit apartment tower built in the 1970s and rehabilitated in 2019 with $11 million from BRP, plus the city tax abatement, state tax credits, and federal rent subsidies from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD.

Tenants say their complaints to the former management company of no heat, faulty elevators, lax security and other issues fell on deaf ears before the company, GRC Management, abruptly left the building last month. Emails to city officials from the Greater Newark HUD Tenants Coalition and tenants direct pleas for help at a City Council meeting prompted the city to intervene.

Marshall said BRP had never developed or owned a property in New Jersey and that most of the 100 buildings in its portfolio are in New York, including the National Urban League Empowerment Center, the organizations new headquarters opened in Harlem last year. But much of its work involved affordable housing projects developed in conjunction with church groups.

So in 2015, 440 Washingtons owner at the time, Newarks St. James AME Church, sold BRP a 75% stake in the property to bail out the building and turn it around, Marshall said. The task, he said, included paying off $2 million in back property taxes owed to the city, repaying $6 million borrowed from the state, and funding a badly needed rehabilitation to improve conditions for existing tenants and help boost a dismal 40% occupancy rate.

Were actually the good guys, Marshall told the committee.

He said the boiler and elevators were not among the pressing repairs recommended by the prior owners. And in terms of priority rehab work at the time, he added. We did what we were told to do.

Pastor Ronald Slaughter of St. James AME said the church was no longer involved in the apartment building in any way, noting that a sign bearing the churchs name was removed from the front of the building, and is no longer the buildings name. Slaugher said the 25% share of the property that the church retained when it sold the building to RBP is a vacant parking lot next door, now a separate property controlled solely by the church.

I would hope thar BRP would do the right thing by the citizens of Newark and the people living in towers, said Slaughter, whos been the pastor at St. James for 14 years. Im praying for all involved and hoping that people can have the living conditions that they deserve.

Marshall said the financial obligations of affordable housing property owners in New Jersey took him some getting used to. For example, BRP pays Newark $268,000 a year in payments in lieu of taxes, or PILOTS, under the 440 Washington abatement. But buildings in New York with 100% of the units affordable, as is the case with 440 Washington, are fully tax exempt, meaning they pay no property taxes and make no payments in place of taxes.

And in New York, Marshall added, such buildings do not pay for trash collection.

Shaneika Fortenberry, a supervisor in Newarks code enforcement office, told the abatement committee that a two-day group inspection at 440 Washington on Jan. 9 and 10 resulted in 100 separate reports, each containing multiple code violations ranging from holes in walls to trash, debris and dumpster issues, to a lack of security guards, faulty plumbing, and other substandard conditions.

That said, Fortenberry noted the boiler and all three elevators in the building were running on Wednesday, and she produced a $31,000 invoice from the elevator repair service Unitec for recent work billed to BRP.

Jose Ali, BRPs operations manager, told the committee he would be a frequent presence at 440 Washington over the next several weeks as the new management company settles into its role. Marshall declined to name the company, though he said it had experience in Newark managing aging buildings.

Ali also said BRP would create a meeting room on the ground floor where the tenants association could resume meetings after being inactive for some time.

Nasheedah Singleton, a tenant and outspoken critic of the buildings owner and former management company, said she was pretty much satisfied by what she heard at the meeting.

Before the abatement committee addressed 440 Washington, Deborah Brown was among several building tenants who spoke to Marshall while waiting outside the councils third-floor conference room.

We want to work with you, and we want to bring it back to what it was, said Brown, a retired administrative assistant whos lived in the building for 30 years.

Thats what we want to do, said Marshall, the son of a Brooklyn bus driver who earned an MBA from Columbia, worked on Wall Street, then moved on to affordable housing development.

He sounded sincere, Brown told NJ Advance Media later.

But while Marshalls sincerity was heartwarming, she said it didnt heat her apartment, which she estimated was in the low 50s after the meeting.

When I came home today, she said on the phone Wednesday night, bundled up under the covers, it was so cold.

Meredith Marshall, standing at right, a founding partner of BRP Properties, speaks to a tenant of St. James Towers, known as 440 Washington St., in Newark, New Jersey, before the City Council Tax Abatement Committee meeting on Wednesday. Steve Strunsky | NJ Advance Media For NJ.com

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A woman and two small children were killed Wednesday night in Jersey City by a man who then tried to stab himself, authorities said.

This was a terrible triple homicide that occurred last night related to domestic violence, Mayor Steven Fulop said in a social media post.

Fulop said the children were ages 5 and 9. A man police suspect committed the homicides tried to stab himself.

The man is in custody right now, Fulop said, adding city officials are assisting the Hudson County Prosecutors Office with their investigation.

The deaths occurred at a home on Hutton Street, according to a statement from the Hudson County Prosecutors Office Homicide Unit and the Jersey City Police Department.

ABC7ny.com reported police arrived to the home around 1 a.m. to find a broken window to a basement apartment and several people unconscious inside, including two children.

Photos from the scene showed a white sheet covering what appears to be a basement window and yellow tape roping off part of the block.

The names of the victims were not released Thursday morning.

We have chaplains and social workers in the neighborhood to work with family and neighbors, the mayor said.

Editors Note: Reach the New Jersey Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-572-SAFE (7233). Reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), chat with their advocates here or text LOVEIS to 22522.

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Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. A welcome fair of an informational nature was organized for new students at Queen Mary University of London, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani State Committee for Work with Diaspora.

Meanwhile, it was noted that 75 student communities functioning at the university demonstrated the culture of their countries at the event.

Head of the University's Azerbaijan Society Mujgan Bayramova, who is studying at the university under the state program, members of the Society Laman Majid, Rasul Abdullayev, students Farhad Garaisa and Ayan Shafi prepared a stand dedicated to Azerbaijan. Books about Azerbaijan and Karabakh in particular, national carpets, kelaghai, armuda glasses decorated with "buta" patterns, national musical instruments, national papakha, and souvenirs were presented here.

Around 100 visitors tasted national sweets and received extensive information on Azerbaijan's ancient history, culture, rich national cuisine, and monuments during the event. Azerbaijan's stand, which aroused great interest, was singled out as the most beautiful exposition by both university staff and students, the information notes.
Kenny Chesney is taking over the Las Vegas Sphere in May, and you dont want to be the one that misses out.

The country music legend is currently slated to perform 12 concerts at the Sphere from May 22-June 14.

Chesneys run of Las Vegas shows will mark the first country act to headline the iconic venue, which means No Shoes Nation will fight to get their hands on any tickets they can.

I know You and Tequila dont want to miss out on seeing Kenny Chesney at the Sphere so here are the five places you can secure his residency tickets.

Where to get Kenny Chesney Sphere tickets

Tickets for Kenny Chesneys Las Vegas residency at the Sphere go on sale Jan. 31 at 1 p.m. through Ticketmaster. With this being the first country act to take over Las Vegas Sphere, itll come as no surprise if tickets sell out fast, especially when No Shoes Nation is involved.

So, if you happened to miss out on the general sale tickets, then here are five sites you can snag tickets from:

StubHub: The cheapest ticket for Kenny Chesneys Las Vegas residency is $177. When shopping for tickets on StubHub, they offer a 24/7 customer service line as well as a money-back guarantee, if your tickets are not legitimate.

Vivid Seats: For Kenny Chesneys Las Vegas shows, the cheapest tickets available at the time of publication on Vivid Seats is $176. If you are a first time Vivid Seats customer you can save $20 on ticket orders over $200 just by entering promo code NJ20 at checkout. Plus with Vivid Seats, they offer a buyers guarantee to prevent scams and promises safe and secure transactions.

SeatGeek: SeatGeek has the cheapest tickets for Kenny Chesneys Las Vegas residency. The cheapest concert ticket at the time of publication for Kenny Chesneys Las Vegas show on the site is $148. The purpose of SeatGeek, as stated on their website, is to help fans get their hands on sold-out tickets with no hidden fees and 100% Buyer Guarantees.

Viagogo: Currently, the cheapest ticket at the time publication for his residency on Viagogo is $154. With Viagogo, on its website, they pledge total transparency and honesty upfront when it comes to, pricing by clearly communicating the asking price, as well as any shipping or delivery fees at checkout, prior to purchase. So, the prices and fees you see at checkout will never shock you.

TicketNetwork: On TicketNetwork, the cheapest ticket at the time of publication for Kenny Chesneys residency in Las Vegas is $220. When shopping on TicketNetwork, they promise their customers four things: All tickets are legitimate tickets, valid for entry, the tickets you receive will be the ones you requested, or better, your tickets will arrive before the event, and if an event is permanently canceled, the company will issue a refund.

Upcoming 2025 Las Vegas residencies

Kenny Chesney is not the only artist performing with a massive Las Vegas residency this year.

Here are a few more residencies you do not want to miss this year: Shania Twain, New Edition, Pitbull and Barry Manilow.

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Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are ready to give New Jersey a real night of laughs.

The comedy duo will bring their Restless Leg tour to New Jersey for three shows, allowing you more than one chance to catch the comedy duo live.

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler Comedy Tour Some of the cheapest tickets for Tina Fey and Amy Poehler's comedy tour are available on Viagogo. Buy Now

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler will perform two shows in Atlantic City on June 21 at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

They will then conclude the Restless Leg tour in Newark at the Prudential Center on June 22.

If you have been craving a good belly laugh, then this is a tour you cant miss out on.

How to get tickets to Tina Fey and Amy Poehlers N.J. shows

Tickets for Tina Fey and Amy Poehlers Restless Leg tour go on sale to the public on Jan. 31 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster.

With how iconic these two comedians are, tickets are bound to sell out fast. So, if you happen to miss out on tickets, you can find tickets available on StubHub and Vivid Seats for as low as $84.

If you are a first time Vivid Seats customer, you can save $20 on ticket orders over $200 by entering promo code NJ20 at checkout.

Comedy lovers can also find tickets on sites like TicketNetwork, SeatGeek and Viagogo, with the cheapest ticket being $78 on Viagogo.

For Tina Fey and Amy Poehlers first Atlantic City comedy show at 4 p.m. on June 21, the cheapest ticket we could find is $94 on Vivid Seats.

For their second show at 7:30 p.m. on June 21, the cheapest tickets at the time of publication before any fees is $108 on Vivid Seats.

Finally, for Tina Fey and Amy Poehlers finale in Newark on June 22, the cheapest ticket at the time of publication is $78 on Viagogo.

A complete list of Tina Fey and Amy Poehlers Restless Leg Tour comedy show dates is available here.

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler tour 2025: Dates, schedule & more

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler will kick off their 2025 Restless Leg tour on March 29 in Orlando and will wrap up on June 22 in Newark.

The tour initially kicked off in 2023 and sold-out nearly all their shows across the U.S.

If this tour goes right, we can finally end this friendship! Fey and Poehler joked in a statement.

Besides the tour dates, Tina Fey is expected to have an exciting year, as she is set to produce and star in a new Netflix reboot of the 1981 film The Four Seasons.

2025 comedy tours

The announcement marks yet another huge comedy tour happening this year.

Other big tours this year include Sebastian Maniscalco, Tom Segura, Kevin Hart and Joe Gatto.

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SANTA FE, N.M. (AP)  Deb Haaland, who championed conservation and clean energy during her tenure as Interior secretary, is running for the Democratic nomination for governor in New Mexico, the nations No. 2 oil production state.

Haaland, a member of Laguna Pueblo and the nations first Native American cabinet secretary under President Joe Biden, could be the first Native American woman to serve as governor of any state. New Mexico has 23 federally recognized tribes, including large portions of the Navajo Nation, as well as land holdings of the Fort Sill Apache.

She is the first to begin assembling her machine for what will be a lengthy campaign  Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham terms out of office at the end of 2026. Democratic U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich ruled himself out of the governors race last week, and no Republican candidates have initiated a run.

Scott Forrester confirmed his hiring as campaign manager on Monday. While a team of veteran political strategists and others is being assembled, formal paperwork still has to be filed with the secretary of state.

The governors office in New Mexico has flipped between Democratic and Republican control since the 1980s. President Donald Trump has gained popularity in New Mexico while still losing three elections in the heavily Hispanic and Native American border state.

But Democrats have consolidated control over every elected statewide office and all congressional and U.S. Senate seats, and now have broad majorities in the state House and Senate.

Winning the top state office would put Haaland  a former congresswoman, state party chairwoman and backroads political canvasser for President Barack Obama  at the helm of a state enjoying a financial windfall from the nations fastest growing zone for oil production, the Permian Basin that overlaps portions of New Mexico and western Texas.

Haaland hasnt been shy about voicing opposition to unfettered oil and gas development and support for the Green New Deal, the sweeping proposals meant to move the United States rapidly to low-carbon energy. At the same time, oil and gas leasing and production reached record levels during the Biden administration, with the U.S. now producing more fossil fuels than ever before.

Haaland noted in her last interview as Interior Secretary with The Associated Press that this fossil fuels boom was made possible even as other federal land was protected from development.

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.

Whether she would bring this sense of balance to New Mexico is yet to be seen, but its sure to be a campaign issue given the importance of oil and gas revenues.

Democratic lawmakers in New Mexico have carved out a progressive framework for investing and redistributing the states fiscal windfall to help underwrite everything from free meals at all public schools, to zero-tuition college and trade schools, to discount childcare and tax incentives geared toward families with children.

The Republican nominee for governor in 2022  former television meteorologist Mark Ronchetti  proposed a different approach to spending these revenues: individual rebates along with educational stipends for families aimed at improving early literacy. He lost to Lujan Grisham by a 6-point margin.

Republicans hope voters will break with one-party governance in 2026, said state GOP Chair Amy Barela.

We believe a Republican governor will bring the positive change our state deserves through balanced leadership after years of one-party rule, said Barela, also an elected Otero County commissioner, in an email.

New Mexicos annual oil production recently surpassed that of North Dakota, the home of Trumps nominee to succeed Haaland in leading the Interior Department, Doug Burgum.

 By MORGAN LEE and SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN Associated Press
A 46-year-old Warren County man is charged with animal cruelty after repeatedly allowing his dogs to roam loose, resulting in an accident in Blairstown that left one of the animals dead, police said.

David Black, 46, of Hardwick Township is facing the third-degree charge by New Jersey State Police. State police also investigated the case.

Blairstown Township Police Chief Scott Johnsen said Black was warned multiple times in the past to keep his dogs contained or on a leash. The dogs have been found in the roadway by investigators during past incidents, Johnsen said.
PATHs Hoboken station is closing for 26 days starting early Friday for a $31 million construction project, forcing commuters to find other ways to get to and from Manhattan.

Fortunately, PATH is working with NJ Transit and New York Waterway to provide options and heres some helpful information to help navigate them until its planned reopening on Feb. 25.

The change affects both commuters who live in Hoboken and those traveling there by NJ Transit rail lines who ride PATH to Manhattan. NJ Transits Hoboken Terminal remains open.

Im a 25-year Hudson County resident so heres what Ive learned to help you navigate the bus, light rail and ferry.

Pick your option

Now is the time to decide whether to use the free shuttle bus or NJ Transit light rail from Hoboken to another PATH station or the NJ Transit 126 bus or NY Waterway ferry to Manhattan. PATH, NJ Transit and NY Waterway all have replacement PATH service information on their websites.

In the race across the Hudson, the ferry is fastest. PATH riders will pay a $3 fare for the ferry ride during the shutdown. The ferry takes you to either NY Waterways West 39th Street ferry terminal or Brookfield Place/World Financial Center. That terminal is in walking distance of subways at World Trade Center and Fulton Street.

NY Waterway operates free shuttle buses from the midtown ferry terminal. Ferry and shuttle bus service has been added for weeknights and weekends. Unlike PATH, nights and weekend ferry service isnt 24/7

PATH will operate free shuttle buses from Hoboken station to Exchange Place or Newport. Pick Newport if you regularly use the 33rd Street PATH and Exchange Place if you ride PATH to World Trade Center. Expect to spend extra time for these buses to navigate traffic.

An alternate is NJ Transit light rail from Hoboken terminal to either the Newport Mall stop or to Exchange Place. PATH stations are footsteps away. You need to buy a light rail ticket and validate it to ride light rail trains. Take the Bayonne or West Side Avenue train.

NJ Transit will offer additional 126 route service to and from NYC, using Academy buses to supplement regular service. Look for the 126 signs on these buses. Regular NJ Transit fares apply.

Let the apps help

As a regular rider, I dont want to remember how we used transit without smartphone apps to plan and pay for trips. Download the app you need and set up an account to buy tickets now.

NY Waterway: This app lets you buy tickets, uses GPS to show nearest ferry stop and allows riders to activate tickets even when there is a slow or no internet signal.

NJ Transit My Transit app is a favorite because you can look up departure time by bus stop schedules and buy tickets. Bus schedules are pretty accurate except at late night. Light rail schedules sometime disagrees between My Light rail and the trip planner especially on weekends, when there can be track work.

My Terminal simplifies navigating the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown. Enter the bus route number to find the location, gate, and departure time. While the app provides multiple departure times, verify them with NJ Transit My Bus for accuracy.

Bus departure locations change throughout the day, making the My Terminal app essential for bus riders. After 10 p.m., many NJ Transit buses depart from the 300 level. The terminals south wing closes at 1 a.m. Be sure to check schedules carefully, as weekend departure times for the last buses from Port Authority differ from weekday times.

RidePATH: If youre taking the shuttle bus between Hoboken and Exchange Place station youll want to use this app for departure times. While PATH accepts tap-and-go credit and debit card payments, purchasing fares, using a SmartLink card provides multiple discounts.

How to use tickets

If youre unfamiliar with each agencies ticketing, it can be a maze. The apps help make the process more seamless than using old school paper tickets. But there are processes to follow that vary by carrier in purchasing and using tickets.

For those riding NY Waterway ferries, the $3 PATH suspension tickets may only be purchased on the NYW App and at ferry Ticket Counters. It is not available from NY Waterway ticket vending machines. PATH is underwriting the cost difference between its fare and a ferry ticket.

Because of that, PATH riders must show a PATH SmartLink Card, a MetroCard, or a PATH Single Ride Ticket with their ferry ticket.

NJ Transit bus is more direct. Riders buy paper tickets from a ticket vending machine, or set up an account on the NJ Transit app to buy digital tickets.

Paying cash on the bus is the least flexible since exact fare is required and drivers dont make change. The NJ Transit My Tix app allows riders to add cash to a digital wallet instead of using a debit or credit card.

Digital app tickets need to be activated. I usually do it when I see the bus approaching. Show the activated ticket to the driver. In the Port Authority Bus Terminal, tickets are scanned before boarding the bus to speed the process in rush hour.

NJ Transit light rail is more complicated. Paper tickets must be validated or time stamped before riding. I cannot stress how important this is. An unvalidated ticket isnt sufficient proof that fare has been paid. A fare enforcement officer will write a fare evasion summons for an unvalidated ticket and that is a $100 fine.

Validators are located next to ticket vending machines. Riders who buy a vending machine ticket have an option to immediately validate it. Use this option if youre riding immediately.

Mobile app light rail tickets must be activated 3 minutes before boarding. A countdown clock appears on the smartphone after activation, preventing riders from activating tickets only when they see a fare enforcement officer.

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Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X @CommutingLarry
Workers finished tearing down Toms Rivers former boatworks on Robbins Parkway earlier this month as part of a planned redevelopment of the townships waterfront.

Mayor Dan Roderick confirmed the completion of demolition that began Jan. 9.

Located adjacent to Huddy Park along the Toms River, the boatworks buildings were damaged in 2012 during Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Several proposals to redevelop and restore the buildings have not moved forward.

Roderick said plans call for the development of a park that includes a launch area for jet skis. He also envisioned an eatery being built that would be similar to the Red Fox Tiki Bar and Grill at Island Beach State Park.

Getting rid of these buildings will open up the river, Rodrick said. Were going to build a spray park down there. Were going to install wave runner pads, as many as were legally allowed to do. We also want to have areas for people to fish and crab.

Construction workers level the former boatworks near Huddy Park in Toms River, New Jersey, on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025.Dan Rodrick, provided

Township officials have seen the purchase as a way to prevent over-development of the seaside community.

Demolition began after the Township Council approved a resolution finalizing the purchase of the property for $1.8 million. In July, the council approved a bond ordinance of $2 million for the acquisition.

The sites appraised value with the buildings demolished was $1.4 million, Rodrick said. The $1.8 million purchase price included demolition costs born by the seller. Having the seller pay for the demolition spared the township a massive, massive bill, Rodrick said at a November township council meeting.

The property was last owned by The CAM Trust of Point Pleasant, which acquired the property in 2016 through bankruptcy court, local property records show.

Before being bought by the township, the boatworks was under contract by the Capodagoli Property Company, which sought to purchase the site for $1.95 million, Rodrick said. A restaurant and banquet hall were considered for the site, Rodrick said.

The company also planned to build a multi-story apartment building at Main and Water streets, across from Huddy Park. Capodagoli Property Company filed suit in New Jersey Superior Court in August claiming the township is delaying the start of the apartment project and failing to adhere to the redevelopment agreement.

Representatives of Capodagoli did not return multiple requests by NJ Advance Media for comment.

The boatworks dates to the 1880s, becoming a leading manufacturer of boats for local fisherman, said Bill de Rouville, a township boat builder once employed there.

The last large vessel, a 30-foot, twin-engine fishing boat, built by the boatworks was launched in 1964, de Rouville said. Boats continued to be built there for local yacht clubs until 1980, after which the boatworks turned away to maintaining boats rather than building them, he said.

The shop closed permanently in the late 1990s.

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Eric Conklin may be reached at econklin@njadvancemedia.com.
Your papers, please.

That was the standard demand from the Gestapo.

Now, Im not saying that President Donald Trumps border czar, Tom Homan, and his fully armed Immigration and Customs Enforcement Police are the same as the Gestapo. Im just pointing out that they used the same tactics when raiding a Newark seafood business last week, although probably without the please.

Homans view is if you are in the United States illegally, you are, by definition, a criminal, and he wants to deport you. And, he does not care if that will separate you from friends and family. He has stated that if you made the choice to come to America without proper documentation, it is your problem, not his.

ICE is not going to worry about technicalities like court-ordered warrants, because any skin color other than white, and any language or accent other than American English is going to be considered probable cause. Once they have that probable cause, ICE will even seize a business vehicle if its driver or passenger is determined to be illegal, because that vehicle was being used to further the commission of a crime.

Dont believe me? Just watch.

Nice bed you made, Trump voters.

John S. Rounds, Lawrence

Devout Vance breaks from the bishops

The Catholic church asserts that Christ calls us to Welcome the stranger among us.

Before President Donald Trump was inaugurated, many Catholic bishops expressed concerns about Trumps plans to allow immigration enforcement agents access to sensitive locations, such as churches, schools and hospitals. Trump, upon taking office, rescinded past policy that restricted federal officers from trying to seize immigrants in such places.

In a Jan. 22 statement, Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, Texas, the chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Migration said, The use of sweeping generalizations to denigrate any group, such as describing all undocumented immigrants as criminals or invaders, to deprive them of protection under the law, is an affront to God, who has created each of us in his own image.

Interviewed Jan. 26 on CBS Face the Nation, Vice President JD Vance proclaimed himself a devout Catholic, but accused the bishops group of using over $100 million (including some federal funds) to help resettle illegal immigrants, and speculated that the conference actually worried about their bottom line.

Adding that the bishops conference has not been a good partner in common-sense immigration enforcement that the American people voted for, Vance made it clear that he either did not look at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops website, or failed to understand that, as one of 10 national resettlement agencies, the conference receives federal funding only to assist refugee populations that qualify for federal assistance.

Nancy Taiani, Glen Ridge

Wake up and complain, Democrats

As President Donald Trump doles out his executive orders dismantling our government and dominating the news media, where are our Democratic representatives? Where is the outrage from our elected leaders?

They need to step up, make more noise, use the media effectively to challenge Trumps ideas, and reassure their constituents that they are fighting for our democracy, with vigor.

Ellen Rogers, Skillkman

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Former U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) might be cozying up to President Donald Trump for a pardon after being sentenced to 11 years in prison for taking bribes and acting as an agent of Egypt.

Menendez was sentenced in a Manhattan courtroom on Wednesday after being found guilty in July of taking nearly a million dollars in bribes and gifts from three businessmen seeking political favors.

In comments to reporters after his sentencing, he echoed Trumps criticism of the Justice Department.

Welcome to the Southern District of New York, the wild west of political prosecutions. President Trump is right. This process is political and its corrupted to the core. I hope President Trump cleans up the cesspool and restores the integrity to the system, he said.

His comments prompted reporters to ask whether he would be asking the president for a pardon, but he did not appear to answer them.

In a written statement posted to social media platform X, Menendez reiterated that he was innocent and that this whole process has been nothing but a political witch hunt.

Statement of Senator Bob Menendez



I am innocent and look forward to my appeal on a whole host of issues.



But let me just say this whole process has been nothing but a political witch hunt, by the Justice Departments NSD and prosecutors who are more interested in political  Senator Bob Menendez (@SenatorMenendez) January 29, 2025

He also tagged Trumps account on X in his statement, prompting social media users to speculate whether he is asking for a pardon.

Menendez, not long ago, called Trump a liar, cheat and a fraud.

Other political pundits floated the idea that Menendez could be asking for a pardon. MSNBC reported that Menendez has been advised to go directly to Trump to ask for clemency, according to a source familiar with the matter. MSNBC legal analyst Danny Cevallos suggested that a pardon of Menendez could happen quickly if Trump grants it.

But either way, if it does happen, it will happen fast. Because I imagine Trump is presented with the idea, he decides to pardon and that happens in a matter of minutes. Everyone else who gets in line with the office of the pardon attorney, which is this rarely known office that process is all these pardons. Its not necessary. The president could handle them all himself, but that is the way its normally done, he said on Wednesday.

Who in the right mind would even bother with them anymore and wait years and get in line and get assigned a number like youre at the deli. They do. They assign numbers you wait forever. Just write directly to the White House. If youre Bob Menendez, theyll take your call. Theyll read your letter. Youve got a better shot than you ever would with the formal, official means of getting a pardon, he added.

The ex-senator was convicted of selling his once-considerable clout for bribes worth a fortune. FBI agents who searched his house found $480,000, some of it stuffed inside boots and pockets of clothing, and gold bars worth an estimated $150,000.

Prosecutors said that in exchange for the loot, which also included a luxury car, Menendez did corrupt favors for three New Jersey businessmen. They said he tried to protect associates from criminal investigations, helped two of them in business deals with foreign powers, and also met with Egyptian intelligence officials and took steps to help that country access millions of dollars in U.S. military aid.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
In Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s two-days of Congressional hearings, he has stood fast on his contention that there could be a link between vaccines and autism  even though science has debunked it  and some Republicans even have lauded him for his anti-vaccination stance, which he has tried to renounce.

On Thursday, New Hampshire Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan  a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee  had heard enough from Donald Trumps controversial nominee to be Secretary of Health and Human Services, and her tearful but angry scolding of RFK Jr. brought the hearings to a poignant halt.

I am the proud mother of a 36 years old young man with severe cerebral palsy, Hassan said, pausing to fight back her tears. And a day does not go by when I dont think about, What I did I do when I was pregnant with him that mightve caused the hydrocephalus that has so impacted his life? So please do not suggest that anybody in this body of either political party doesnt want to know what the cause of autism is.

Do you know how many friends I have with children who have autism? The problem with this witnesss response on the autism cause and the relationship to vaccines is because hes relitigating and churning settled science, so we cant go forward and find out what the cause of autism is and how to treat these kids and help these families.

Sen. Bill Cassidy, of Louisiana, the top Republican on the committee, made it clear his vote was not a lock, and told Kennedy to expect to hear from him this weekend.

Kennedy will need 51 votes to become the next HHS secretary. If a vote in the Senate is tied, Vice President JD Vance would break the tie.
Americans are not loving tech billionaire Elon Musks role in President Trumps administration.

A new Quinnipiac University Poll, released Wednesday, found that a majority of voters disapprove of Musks prominent role with the Trump administration. The poll found that 53 percent of respondents disapprove, while 39 percent approve.

Elon Musk, a powerful and pivotal player in Trumps inner circle, gets a shaky assessment from voters, with women clearly more critical of him than men,Quinnipiac University Polling Analyst Tim Malloy said in the press release.

The results were largely divided along party lines, with 90 percent of Democrats disapproving of Musk and 73 percent of Republicans approving of Musk. Fifty-six percent of independent voters disapproved of Musks role, while 36 percent said they approved.

Musk has emerged as a close ally of Trump in recent months. He has been tapped to lead the new Department of Government Efficiency to cut down on spending and reduce the size of the federal government.

The new national poll also found that 46 percent of voters approve of the job Trump is doing while 43 percent disapprove. Another 11 percent did not have an opinion.

As expected, Trumps approval numbers were split along party lines. Eighty-six percent of Republicans approved of his job, while 86 percent of Democrats disapproved.

The poll also surveyed voters on recent actions hes taken since being sworn into office, like sending U.S. troops to the southern border with Mexico, implementing tariffs and pardoning the rioters who attacked the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

A majority of voters, 60 percent, approved of sending troops to the southern border. Forty-eight percent of voters expect tariffs on goods coming from other countries to hurt the economy, while 42 percent said they will help.

More than half of voters, 57 percent, disapproved of Trump pardoning those involved in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. Thirty-seven percent said they approved of those actions.

The poll was conducted among 1,019 registered voters on Jan. 23-27 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. The recent article by well-known political scientist, journalist, and founder of the Dona Gracia Center for Diplomacy, Rachel Avraham, titled "Can Azerbaijan mend Turkish-Israeli relations?" published on the website of the United States Foreign Policy Association, headquartered in New York, explores Azerbaijan's efforts to ease tensions between its two allies and its potential role as a mediator in the region, Trend reports, citing the State Committee on Work with Diaspora.

"Its never pleasant for anyone to be caught in the middle between two friends who dont get along and frequently argue with each other. Recently, Azerbaijan found itself caught in the middle between two of its most important alliesTurkiye and Israel," the article says.

The article emphasizes that Turkiye has been Azerbaijan's long-time and closest ally, with both countries considering themselves part of a single people living in two nations. On the other hand, Israel is an important partner for Azerbaijan, with broad trade relations in fields such as oil, defense, and mobile telecommunications.

The article raises the question of what steps Azerbaijan must take to ease tensions between its allies. Both Turkiye and Israel have provided significant support to Azerbaijan in various areas, particularly during the Second Karabakh War. Cooperation between these countries could further strengthen Azerbaijan's position on both the international and regional stages.

The author notes that the conflict between Turkiye and Israel does not align with Azerbaijan's interests. Keeping this in mind, the country seeks to use all available diplomatic means to mediate between them.

If Azerbaijan succeeds in improving relations between these two countries, it could emerge as a state playing a role as a mediator and conflict regulator in the Middle East. The political scientist believes such mediation would enhance the security of Azerbaijan, Israel, and Turkiye while also contributing to overall regional stability.

The full article can be read by clicking on the link:

https://foreignpolicyblogs.com/2025/01/23/can-azerbaijan-mend-turkish-israeli-relations/
The ringleader of a group that changed vehicle identification numbers, or VINs, on cars and sold stolen ones on Facebook was sentenced Wednesday to nearly five years in prison, authorities said.

Nataniel Bell, 27, of Linden, who previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to receive stolen vehicles, five counts of altering or removing VINs and one count of transportation of stolen vehicles was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison, according to a release from the U.S. Attorneys Office District of New Jersey.

Bell and others conspired to obtain stolen cars from New Jersey, New York, Florida, and other states, got fraudulent titles for them, and altered the VIN numbers to hide the fact that they were stolen, the office said.

Bell admitted that he purposely altered or removed the VIN numbers on five cars and knowingly transported a stolen vehicle between New York and New Jersey, officials said.

The stolen cars were then sold to dealerships or individual buyers so the alleged thieves could make a profit, federal prosecutors said.

In at least one instance, they sold a stolen car to someone and then stole it back so they could sell it again, investigators said. They accomplished this by placing Apple AirTags in the stolen vehicles to track the location of the vehicle after its sale.

AirTags are battery-powered tracking devices that send out a secure Bluetooth signal that can be detected by nearby devices in the Find My Network setting.

Many of the stolen vehicles were listed and sold on Facebook Marketplace, the office said.

Since Feb. 2, 2023, Bell and another man, Johnathan Tanksley, 31, of Orange, had been renting a three-car garage in Elizabeth. A search of it by detectives yielded three stolen cars, fraudulent VIN stickers, a removed/disconnected motor vehicle tracker and blank motor vehicle bills of sale, according to a criminal complaint.

Bell was renting garage space in Newark since July 2023 and when police searched it, they found VIN stickers, license plates, and personal belongings of victims whose cars had been stolen, the complaint stated.

In addition to his prison term, a federal judge sentenced Bell to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay an undisclosed amount in restitution, the office said.

Tanksley, and the other people charged in connection with the ring  LHubermane Felix, 25, of Miami, Florida and Dayanna Sarango-Hidalgo, 29, of Newark  have all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to receive stolen vehicles, according to the release.

Felix was previously sentenced to two years in prison. Tanksley and Sarango-Hidalgo have still not been sentenced.

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Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.
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The Castroville barbecue restaurant Blu Lacy Smokehouse, a spinoff of the Michelin-recognized 2M Smokehouse in San Antonio, is closing and rebranding as Castroville Barbecue Co. on Saturday. Mike Sutter/Staff

The Castroville barbecue restaurant Blu Lacy Smokehouse, a spinoff of the Michelin-recognized 2M Smokehouse in San Antonio, is closing and rebranding as Castroville Barbecue Co. on Saturday.

The change comes as 2M Smokehouse founders and high-school buddies Esaul Ramos Jr. and Joe Melig IV are parting ways as business partners. Melig and his wife, Selah Melig, will own and operate Castroville BBQ. Ramos and his wife, Grecia, will continue to own and operate 2M Smokehouse.

Ramos and Melig each characterized the split as a crossroads, not a conflict.

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The Castroville barbecue restaurant Blu Lacy Smokehouse, a spinoff of the Michelin-recognized 2M Smokehouse in San Antonio, is closing and rebranding as Castroville Barbecue Co. on Saturday. Mike Sutter/Staff

All the experience that Joe's gained working working together at 2M, everything that we did there, what we did at Blu Lacy? I don't see it going anywhere else but up, Ramos said of Castroville Barbecue Co.

BBQ REVIEW: Barbecue worth a road trip at Blu Lacy Smokehouse

On the other hand, I want to focus on what Im most passionate about, he said. (2M) is my baby. It's something that I don't want it to be neglected for longer than it was. So as of right now, I'm back on the pits. I'm back on the fires.

Melig set the same tone for the new arrangement.

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There's no bad blood, he said. We've had a great run as a team. His family and everybody at 2M still have all my support with whatever they need, and I know I have theirs. I'm excited for the future of 2M, and I'm excited for the future of Castroville Barbecue Co.

Esaul Ramos Jr., left, and Joe Melig IV started 2M Smokehouse in 2016, channeling the barbecue skills they developed growing up as friends in San Antonio. Mike Sutter/Staff

Ramos and Melig opened 2M Smokehouse on South W.W. White Road in 2016 after two years of doing barbecue pop-ups together. Their style of Texas Hill Country barbecue with Tex-Mex flair caught on quickly with San Antonio and Texas barbecue hounds, rising to the top of my list Top 10 San Antonio barbecue joints.

The nation followed, with two James Beard Award nominations for Ramos as Best Chef Texas, building to last years recognition of 2M Smokehouse by the first-ever Texas Michelin Guide as a Bib Gourmand destination for great food and good value.

TOP 10 BBQ: San Antonios best barbecue

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They opened Blu Lacy Smokehouse in 2023 in Castroville, 35 miles to the west of San Antonio. Blu Lacy earned a four-star review in the Express-News, where I praised the shop for forging its own identity: Blu Lacy is not 2M2, not 2MSquared, not 2M: The Empire Strikes Back. A cutter at the new shop put it to bed like this: Blu Lacy is country barbecue. 2M is Tex-Mex barbecue. 

2M Smokehouse founders and high-school buddies Esaul Ramos Jr. and Joe Melig IV are parting ways as business partners. Melig and his wife, Selah Melig, will own and operate Castroville BBQ. Ramos and his wife, Grecia, will continue to own and operate 2M Smokehouse. Mike Sutter/Staff

Once Castroville Barbecue Co. officially rebrands with a party on Saturday, Melig said the restaurant will keep the same hours, with a menu that will continue to feature oak-smoked brisket, ribs and sausage by veteran pitmaster Marcus Cruz. The restaurant will evolve in three stages, Melig said, focusing first on new side dishes, then fine-tuning the meats, then concentrating on growing the bar program.

The Castroville bakery called Baked By Chef Grecia Ramos, founded by Culinary Institute of America graduate Grecia Ramos at the same time as Blu Lacy, will continue to operate.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. The "Culture in the Community" festival, which brings together various world cultures, was held in San Ramon, California, USA, Trend reports via the State Committee for Work with Diaspora of Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijani cultural society of Northern California representatives put up a dedicated Azerbaijan zone at the festival, as stated by the Committee.

The corner was adorned with souvenirs and books of Azerbaijan, inviting guests to indulge in the delightful flavors of traditional Azerbaijani sweets. Members of the society, such as Nurlan Shukurlu, Konul Aliyeva, Javid Huseynli, Gunay Khalilova, and Huseyn Huseynli, shared a tapestry of insights with guests, weaving together threads of Azerbaijans ancient history, vibrant culture, delectable cuisine, breathtaking nature, and promising tourism potential, all while addressing inquiries with grace.

The traditional dances "Cngi," "Ag Cicyim," and "Yall," showcased by the Azerbaijani Dance Ensemble and led by the esteemed choreographer Roza Almamammadova, received a warm round of applause from the festival-goers.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. A statement has been sent to the Norwegian Nobel Committee in connection with the January 20 tragedy, following a video conference titled "Bloody January 20," organized by the Gobustan Society of Azerbaijani Intellectuals in Sweden, Trend reports via the State Committee on Work with Diaspora.

According to the committee, over 100 participants of the video conference, including members of the Gobustan Society of Azerbaijani Intellectuals, Azerbaijani diaspora activists, and families of martyrs from the January 20 tragedy, addressed a letter to the Chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Jrgen Watne Frydnes, and committee members.

The statement protests the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Mikhail Gorbachev in October of 1990. It points out that the decision to award the Peace Prize to Gorbachev, who is responsible for the January 20, 1990, tragedy and whose hands are stained with the blood of the Azerbaijani people, is unjust.

The statement emphasizes that there are sufficient legal grounds to hold accountable the perpetrators of the January 20 tragedy. It is noted that these actions violated the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and other international legal conventions.

The statement also stresses the importance of overturning the decision to award Mikhail Gorbachev the Nobel Peace Prize, asserting that this would restore faith in justice and reinforce the prestige of the Nobel Prize.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. Georgias Minister of Finance, Lasha Khutsishvili, met with an International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission currently visiting the country to review key economic developments and policy priorities, Trend reports.

The discussions covered Georgias economic performance in recent years, projections for 2025, and the governments broader reform agenda. Particular attention was given to medium-term macroeconomic and fiscal indicators, as well as key budgetary parameters.

The meeting also underscored the significance of the IMFs engagement during its mission, with both sides expressing hopes for productive discussions.

Deputy Ministers of Finance Giorgi Kakauridze and Ekaterine Guntsadze, along with senior officials responsible for macroeconomic analysis, fiscal policy planning, and risk management, represented the Georgian delegation.
Nippon TV has learned that Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako are considering an official visit to Mongolia in July this year.

Discussions between Japan and Mongolia are underway, with an aim to have the Imperial couple to visit in July this year, according to sources.

The Emperor and Empress are likely to time their visit during the National Naadam Festival, which coincides with the anniversary of the 1921 Peoples Revolution.

Emperor Naruhito last visited Mongolia in July 2007 when he was still Crown Prince.

He laid flowers at the cenotaph that houses the remains of around 2,000 Japanese who were interned and killed by the former Soviet Union after World War II.

This will be the third international goodwill visit by the Imperial couple since their accession to the throne, following Indonesia in 2023 and the UK in 2024.
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Nearly four months after a Wheatfield couple was accused of killing, burying, digging up and burning their two infant children, prosecutors have dropped all charges against them because there is no evidence that a crime was ever committed, defense attorneys claim.

Lawyers from both the prosecution and defense filed motions to dismiss the cases against Steven Valle, 31, and Samantha Sebella, 25, earlier this week.

Valle and Sebella were charged in October with two counts of murder, neglect of a dependent causing death, abuse of a corpse and obstruction of justice, all felonies. They were also charged with two counts of failure to report a dead body, a misdemeanor.

Jasper County Superior Court Judge Russell Bailey granted the state's motion to dismiss all charges against Valle and Sebella Wednesday.

The state could theoretically refile charges against Valle and Sebella if new evidence comes to light.

Defense attorneys Brooke Scheurich and Mark Van Der Molen said they have reviewed all the evidence given to them by the state and have concluded that there is no evidence that a crime ever occurred.

"They have no evidence that there was a live child killed by these parents," Van Der Molen said.

The defense believes the evidence actually shows Sebella suffered two miscarriages and that the children were already deceased before anything else occurred.

On Sept. 30, police K-9s searched the Wheatfield property in the 4200 block of Old Orchard Lane and alerted to a pile of ash near the west side of the garage, according to the probable cause affidavit filed in October.

Valle told investigators Oct. 3 he had moved some ashes from his fire pit to the west side of his garage in the past and often still does so.

In a subsequent search, detectives and Jasper County Coroner Andrew Boersma thoroughly combed the garage area over and found items that resembled bones, as the Times has previously reported. An anthropologist in Indianapolis confirmed they were bone fragments.

The expert has not completed the report, Van Der Molen said, but an officer testified at a prior hearing that he received an interim report from the anthropologist that concluded the bones belonged to an animal and were not human.

"There is no evidence of human remains as of today," Van Der Molen said.

Valle had confided in a friend and admitted to burying, then digging up and burning the bodies of the children Sebella had given birth to, according to the affidavit.

But the defense claims it was an intoxicated Valle who made those "crazy" comments which did not reflect what had actually happened.

"These charges were definitely triggered by what I would call a drunken Steven Valle making ridiculous statements," Van Der Molen said.

When confronted by detectives with seized text messages between the couple on Oct. 3, Valle admitted Sebella gave birth at home two separate times prior to the birth of her now-4-year-old son. They had previously claimed he was the only child Sebella had given birth to.

Below are some of the text messages obtained by detectives.

Sept. 17, Sebella to Valle: "GUESS WHAT BABY KILLER"

Sept. 17, Sebella to Valle: "You Killed my kids cause you are a (expletive) you never loved me"

Sept. 17, Sebella to Valle's friend, Alex, on Valle's phone: "He burnt them in the back yard (sic) alex"

Sept. 18, Sebella to Valle: "Lol okay fire burner"

Sept. 18, Sebella to Valle: "They will know everything you took me to the doctor in 2017 to prove I was pregnant THEY WILL KNOW"

Van Der Molen claims both Valle and Sebella later told detectives that what they'd previously admitted to was not what had actually happened.

"The text messages by Samantha were also crazy statements that she did out of anger," he said. "They did not happen, and the investigators knew that."

Valle had told detectives he arrived at home one day in 2018 and discovered Sebella unconscious and the newborn, not breathing with his eyes closed, lying between her legs.

Valle said he cleaned up the child, wrapped him in a blanket with his face exposed and put him in a box. After three days in the box, at which point Valle said he knew the baby wouldn't be coming back to life, he smothered the baby in the blanket and buried him in his backyard.

The defense claims  and it appears the state admits by motioning to dismiss  that the child was already deceased, and that Sebella had suffered the first of two miscarriages.

State prosecutors did not respond Wednesday afternoon to a request for comment on the status of the case.

"Someone having a miscarriage does not result in a murder charge," Van Der Molen said.

Sebella became pregnant again, Valle said, and she gave birth prematurely to a baby girl in her bathtub while he was at work. Valle said he took the baby to the backyard and buried her with Sebella's first child.

That, too, was a miscarriage, the defense believes.

It is unclear what happened to the remains of the miscarried children, as Valle said he'd buried them but investigators never discovered any human remains on the property. Defense attorneys declined to comment on what they believe to have happened.

As of Wednesday, Sebella and Valle have been released from jail. Jury trials had been scheduled for Valle and Sebella for Feb. 10, online court records show.

"We have due process for a reason, and I believe that this case is a demonstration of that," Scheurich said. "To ensure that thorough investigations are done, and people are presumed innocent until they're proven guilty by the court system. There has been no proof of guilt for either of our clients, in our opinion."
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Breakthrough Energy Catalyst are providing 70 million euros in funding to German e-fuel company INERATEC to support the construction of Europes largest carbon-neutral e-fuel plant in Frankfurt, Trend reports.

The financing includes a 40 million euro venture loan from the EIB, backed by the EUs InvestEU program, and a 30 million euro grant from Breakthrough Energy Catalyst.

Set to open in 2025, the Frankfurt facility will produce up to 2,500 tons of e-fuels and e-chemicals, including sustainable aviation fuel (e-SAF). The plant will also refine e-crude oil into certifiable aviation fuel, helping the industry meet EU mandates requiring at least 1.2% synthetic fuel in jet fuel by 2030.

EIB Vice President Nicola Beer emphasized the importance of e-fuels in achieving a net-zero economy, while INERATEC CEO Tim Boeltken highlighted the project as proof that large-scale e-fuel production is now a reality. The investment aligns with the EUs ReFuelEU Aviation initiative and the EIBs commitment to climate-focused financing.
Faithfull has fashioned sticking around into a prolonged show of defiance  a radical act, for a woman. She did not come into her own musically until her mid-30s, with the release of her punky, scorched-earth 1979 masterpiece Broken English. In the subsequent decades, her artistry has only deepened, and she has gradually, grudgingly earned her respect (Im not just seen as a chick and a sexy piece anymore  though I should think not, Im 74!). Her anger about the industry and the media subsided a great deal in the time between her 1994 and 2007 memoirs. What happened?

Just time, you know. From everything I know about life in general  which is probably not much  is that you have to get over those things, or they eat you up, she said. And Im not going to let that happen. So I let it go. I dont hold resentment anymore about the press. She laughed, genially. But of course I dont let them near me, really!

She has a lighter attitude, but Faithfull has not made it out of her latest battle without some lingering scars. She lost her dear friend and collaborator Hal Willner to the virus. And after initially feeling better, a few months ago she started feeling worse. She has since been experiencing the stubborn symptoms of long-haul Covid, which for her include fatigue, memory fog and lung problems.

She has been working diligently on her breathing; a close friend comes by weekly with a guitar to lead her in singing practice  her own version of the opera therapy that has shown promising results in long Covid patients. Shes been spending quality time with her son and grandson, reading (Miles Daviss autobiography, among other things), and counting the days until she can once again go to the movies, the opera, the ballet. When she first got out of the hospital  apres Covid, as she likes to call it  it seemed like Faithfull may never sing again. Now, she is looking forward to writing new songs, and envisioning what a return to the stage might look like.

Im focusing on getting better, really better  and Im beginning to, she said. Ill certainly never be able to work as hard as I was, and long tours are not going to be possible. But I do hope to do maybe five shows. Not very long  40 minutes perhaps. Still, she admitted, Its a long way away.

Ellis said, If anyone can do it, its Marianne, because she just doesnt give up. She constantly surprises you.
The White House rescinded an order today that froze trillions of dollars in federal grants and loans in an effort to purge the government of what President Trump has called a woke ideology. The directive had been temporarily blocked by a federal judge.

By rescinding the order, the Trump administration appeared to ease concerns from hospitals, nonprofits and others who had spent the last two days scrambling to understand if they had lost their federal financial support. It was Trumps first major capitulation of his second term.

Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, insisted this afternoon that This is NOT a rescission of the federal funding freeze. She appeared to be referring to the fact that the president signed executive orders last week directing government agencies to review and eliminate spending on so-called woke ideologies. Those measures remain in force.

Trump is now expected to pursue other ways of eliminating voices of dissent inside the federal government. Yesterday, for example, his administration offered roughly two million government employees the option to resign and continue being paid for several months. Many of his approaches could defy the law  but a legal challenge may be exactly what he wants.
In the last days of 2019, Gen. Mark A. Milley, the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper and senior Pentagon officials gave President Trump a list of options for responding to Iranian-led violence in Iraq.

They included an extreme one  killing Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani, Irans most powerful commander  as almost an afterthought, convinced the president would not take it.

He did. On Jan. 3, 2020, the Iranian general was killed in a U.S. drone strike near Baghdad International Airport.

The fallout was immediate. Iranian groups put a price on General Milleys head. He, along with Mr. Esper and the Central Command leader, Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., moved to the top of Irans retaliatory kill list, U.S. officials have said.
Follow live updates on RFK Jr.s second confirmation hearing.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trumps nominee for health secretary, appeared to dispel some Republicans qualms about him on Wednesday and inched closer to a confirmation vote after more than three hours of intense grilling from senators of both parties.

His hearing before the Senate Finance Committee touched on a wide range of topics, from Medicaid and Medicare, to a measles outbreak in Samoa and his long history of criticizing vaccines and the nations public health establishment.

Mr. Kennedy is well known to Americans as the scion of a Democratic political dynasty who broke with his family to join forces with a Republican, Mr. Trump. Yet for many Americans, Wednesday may have been the first time they had heard Mr. Kennedys distinctive raspy voice; he has spasmodic dysphonia, a neurological condition that causes certain muscles in the voice box, or larynx, to spasm.

Mr. Kennedy will face additional questions on Thursday from the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. But the Finance Committee hearing is more important, because the Finance Committee is the panel that will vote on whether to send Mr. Kennedys nomination to the Senate floor for a vote.
A federal judge in the District of Rhode Island on Wednesday said he would soon issue a temporary restraining order to block Trump administration executive orders that could defund federal programs that do not align with President Trumps ideological agenda.

Before the hearing, the Trump administration had rescinded a memo from the White House budget office that ordered a freeze on as much as $3 trillion in federal funds. That memo had already been blocked through Monday by a federal judge in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday.

But in Rhode Island, Judge John McConnell Jr. indicated he was not satisfied, siding with lawyers for 22 states and the District of Columbia who filed the suit, which claimed that the harm caused by Mr. Trumps defunding efforts was continuing.

Im worried about the effect to the people that the states represent, Judge McConnell said, citing declarations from state officials that reported on billions of dollars being jeopardized and states locked out of systems that provide reimbursements for Medicaid and other government programs. An official from New Mexico said the state would run out of cash in five months if the funding freeze continued.
The ministry only shared a news release saying that following the arrival of flights carrying the first group of deported Colombians, officials from both countries were meeting in Washington this week to define the next steps to be taken. A spokeswoman for the U.S. secretary of states office did not respond to a request for comment.

One passenger hampered by the long inspections was Leslie Appleby, who stopped in Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday on her way to Tampa, Fla., after a trip to Colombia. She said she and her husband had missed their connection as they waited for two hours.

Ms. Appleby said in a phone interview that the two, who are both Canadian, had been visiting her son and grandchild in Medellin.

After their bags were checked by X-ray, they were escorted to a room, she said. There were a hundred people and we realized everyone from our flight was there, she said, adding that many people were disgruntled.

A Colombian man traveling to Miami from Bogota on Tuesday, who asked to be identified only by his first name, Juan, because he said he had not been authorized by his employer to speak on the matter, said that all passengers on the flight were taken aside for a secondary inspection.
The explosive Trump administration order that froze trillions of dollars of federal grants and loans this week was published without vetting by key officials in the White House, according to three people with knowledge of what happened.

The order was drafted inside the Office of Management and Budget by the agencys general counsel, Mark Paoletta, two of the people said. And it was released without being shown to the White House staff secretary, Will Scharf, or to Mr. Trumps top policy adviser, Stephen Miller.

The people spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe sensitive discussions.

The White House rescinded the directive on Wednesday after legal challenges and widespread condemnation and confusion, including the interruption of the Medicaid system, which provides health care to millions of low-income Americans. President Trump was angered by the media coverage of the order and its aftershocks, according to a person who spoke to him.

During a bill signing at the White House on Wednesday, Mr. Trump cast blame on the media for the confusion. We are merely looking at parts of the big bureaucracy where there has been tremendous waste and fraud and abuse, he said.
A street artist dances with his dog, a blind Cupid lifts a flaming apple and a hunched Atlas holds the world on his back. Taken together, the images could mean a new venture will lead to love and success; or that the viewer should beware a hasty proposal of marriage; or that the search for love is a fools errand. Painted by the Italian Baroque artist Giuseppe Maria Mitelli, these tarot cards refuse a single interpretation.

Today, tarot is everywhere  inspiring fashion lines, books and apps  but its images have been evolving for centuries, shape shifting to reflect different ages. A new exhibition opening Friday at the Warburg Institute in London, Tarot: Origins and Afterlives, looks at what the curators call critical moments in tarots history to show how a recreational card game of the elite in Renaissance Italy transformed into an esoteric tool for divination and, eventually, a mainstay of alternative spirituality.

The exhibit begins in 1909, when Aby Warburg, the German art historian for whom the institute is named, began collecting tarot decks and books on the history of magic. Warburgs interest in tarot was part of a much larger scholarly project to investigate how myths and symbols from the ancient world had persisted into modernity. He was especially interested, the shows co-curator Martina Mazzotta said, in endlessly recombining photographs of artworks, including tarot, to mark out alternative visual and conceptual possibilities.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, January 30. Kazakhstan and Russia have set ambitious goals to increase trade turnover to $30 billion, stated during negotiations between Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektanov, and Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin, Trend reports.

The Prime Ministers held bilateral talks, during which they discussed the implementation of agreements reached between the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, regarding the increase in bilateral trade volume.

Plans were discussed to expand trade and economic, scientific and technical, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the countries. Attention was paid to implementing tasks aimed at strengthening cooperation in industrial cooperation, agriculture, energy, transport, and other areas.

Russia is one of Kazakhstans main trading partners. Over the 11 months of last year, mutual trade reached $24.2 billion. To achieve the agreements between the two heads of state to increase trade turnover to $30 billion, expanding the range of supplied goods is essential. Positive results from the implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Program for 2021-2025 were noted, and the need to develop an updated program for the upcoming period was emphasized.

The trade turnover of agricultural products for the first 10 months of 2024 increased by 5 percent, reaching more than $3.2 billion.

In industrial cooperation, 99 Kazakh-Russian projects worth $18.6 billion have been implemented to date. The prospects for implementing new joint projects in Kazakhstan were discussed.

Transit transport via Kazakhstan is developing at a rapid pace. In this regard, attention was given to the development of road and railway infrastructure, as well as the opening of new alternative routes for water transport.

"Thanks to the joint efforts of the heads of state, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Vladimir Putin, our bilateral cooperation has been elevated to a qualitatively new level. The important task now is to ensure the full practical implementation of the agreements reached at the highest level. The government of Kazakhstan is ready to work closely and develop comprehensive cooperation in all directions," emphasized Bektanov.

"Kazakhstan is our strategic partner and ally. Our relations are based on the principles of friendship, good neighborliness, mutual respect, and consideration of each other's interests. During President Putins state visit to Kazakhstan, important agreements were reached on further developing our relations. The task of the governments is to ensure the clear implementation of the agreements reached by our leaders," noted Mishustin.

Following the negotiations, both sides agreed to strengthen the strategic partnership and continue joint work across all areas.

To note, Mikhail Mishustin is currently on a working visit to Kazakhstan. It is expected that on January 30-31, Mikhail Mishustin will participate in a session of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council in Almaty, where prospects for increasing integration between the EAEU member states, functioning of the Eurasian market, macroeconomic situation, and implementation of joint initiatives will be discussed. On January 31, Mikhail Mishustin will also take part in a plenary session of the 7th Digital Almaty 2025 forum: "Industrial AI: Technologies for the New Era," an annual event on technological development, digitalization, digital transformation, and the use of artificial intelligence technologies.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Welcome to Best of Late Night, a rundown of the previous nights highlights that lets you sleep  and lets us get paid to watch comedy. Here are the 50 best movies on Netflix right now.

Pet Feed

President Trumps nominee for health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., appeared before the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday, where he was questioned about his views on vaccines, abortion and baby onesies sold by an anti-vaccination nonprofit organization he founded in 2016.

Stephen Colbert said, If youre alarmed about RFK Jr. becoming our health secretary, theres a good chance you may be a member of his family, referring to Caroline Kennedy's letter and video urging the Senate to reject her cousins nomination on the grounds that hes unqualified, and a predator. She also said that he used to enjoy putting baby chickens and mice in a blender to feed his pet hawks.
The semi-autobiographical auteur comedy genre has been running on fumes for a while, its sense of self-disclosure giving way to a less interesting self-indulgence. Season 2 of Mo, premiering Thursday on Netflix, proves theres a little more gas in the tank, that the blend of intimacy, specificity and realism that defined the genre are still worthy goals and can be tender treasures.

Mo, created by Ramy Youssef (Ramy) and Mo Amer, its star, centers on a Texas man and his family, refugees from Palestine via Kuwait who arrived in the United States 20 years ago. The Kafkaesque bureaucratic nightmare of obtaining citizenship or even just work papers has left Mo with few employment options, and he feels extra pressure to provide for his mother, Yusra (Farah Bsieso), and autistic brother, Sameer (Omar Elba). His Christian, Mexican American girlfriend, Maria (Teresa Ruiz), wants to get married but is wary of how much Mo keeps her in the dark. She wants a partner, she says, not a protector.

Mo is stressed. In Season 1, he was grazed by a bullet in a grocery store shooting and developed an addiction to codeine cough syrup, which added to his feeling that he must keep everything secret and not worry his friends and family. The harder he hustles, the worse things get, and the show portrays this molar-grinding, unending precarity with such finesse that you get a contact panic through the screen. Pass that purple drank this-a-way, pal, we could all use a sip.

Season 1 aired all the way back in August 2022, several streaming lifetimes ago. One arc involved a plan by Yusra to make olive oil, which led Mo to strike a deal with an olive farmer. Through a series of mishaps, Mo wound up in Mexico, in the back of a truck full of stolen olive trees, with no clear way to get back into the United States because he is undocumented.
Trump reversed an order to freeze federal funds

The White House yesterday walked back President Trumps order to freeze trillions of dollars in federal grants and loans. A federal judge had on Tuesday temporarily blocked the order after it caused mass confusion across the country.

The Trump administration had struggled to explain the funding freeze, a decision that interrupted the Medicaid system, which provides health care to millions of low-income Americans.

Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, wrote on social media that This is NOT a rescission of the federal funding freeze. She said the presidents executive orders on federal funding remain in full force and effect, and will be rigorously implemented.

The decision by the Trump administration to pull the directive was a significant reversal. Democratic leaders celebrated the announcement.
A court in Scotland blocked the production of oil and gas on Thursday at two large project sites being developed in British waters until their impact on climate change can be assessed.

The decision was a blow for the sites developers, Shell and the Norwegian company Equinor, which have already spent or committed hundreds of millions of pounds for the projects. But Judge Andrew Stewart of Scotlands Court of Session said that the companies could continue to drill wells and perform other work at the sites until the government made a decision on whether they could produce oil and gas.

The oil and natural gas fields, called Rosebank and Jackdaw, are seen as tests for the flagging British oil industry because of their size and because Shell and Equinor are two of Europes largest energy companies. Jackdaw was expected to begin producing in 2026, while Rosebank was scheduled to come online in either 2026 or 2027.

Uplift, an environmental group, which joined Greenpeace in a lawsuit to stop production, called the ruling a significant win.
Tulsi Gabbard, President Trumps nominee for director of national intelligence, has made headlines for years with her criticism of what she describes as regime change wars and abuses by the nations intelligence agencies. On Thursday she will be defending those comments.

At her confirmation hearing, senators are likely to zero in on her sympathy toward Russian President Vladimir V. Putins arguments for waging war in Ukraine. Her failure to strongly and consistently condemn Bashar al-Assad, Syrias now-deposed dictator, is likely to be another line of questioning.

Ms. Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman who is now a Republican, will undoubtedly be asked about her views on whether the intelligence gathering of federal agencies, which she will oversee if confirmed, needs to be reined in.

She might find herself on the defensive, even in questioning from Republican senators, for her previous championing of Edward Snowden and Julian Assange, each of whom were pursued by the American authorities for unlawfully releasing classified documents.

Here are examples of comments she made on podcasts, social media or television interviews:
Loretta Ford, who co-founded the first academic program for nurse practitioners in 1965, then spent decades transforming the field of nursing into an area of serious clinical practice, education and research, died on Jan. 22 at her home in Wildwood, Fla. She was 104.

Her daughter, Valerie Monrad, confirmed the death.

Today there are more than 350,000 nurse practitioners in America; it is one of the fastest growing fields, and last year U.S. News and World Report ranked it the top job in the country, a reflection of salary potential, job satisfaction and career opportunities.

That success is in large part the result of a single person, Dr. Ford, who in 1965 co-founded the first graduate program for nurse practitioners, at the University of Colorado, and subsequently mapped the outlines of what the field entailed.

At the time, nurses were important figures in the medical field, providing not just administrative support but also vital services where and when doctors were unavailable. But the training and career framework for nurses was almost completely absent.
After several days of a self-enforced public quarantine for unexplained health reasons, Mayor Eric Adams re-emerged on Thursday, his spirits apparently improved.

The criminal case against him may be on the ropes: The Trump administration is discussing dropping the federal corruption charges against the mayor. And as he took the stage at an interfaith breakfast, a newly invigorated Mr. Adams sought to dispel rumors of any imminent resignation.

Who started this stupid rumor that Im resigning on Friday, the mayor said in a fiery speech before hundreds of clergy members on Thursday. Some cheered him on. A clergyman at the podium chanted four more years! A smattering of audience members responded in kind.

He only briefly referenced the health issues his office has said kept him out of the public spotlight.
Mr. Trump shares the former congressmans antipathy for the plan and has promised to try to kill it. The New York Times reported on Thursday that the White House has begun to discuss possible legal strategies to do so.

Mr. Molinaro wrote on X last week that there was a clear path to undoing it, though he did not specify how. Like other Republicans, he has called congestion pricing a money grab by a transit agency with a history of financial problems.

The M.T.A. is in desperate need of reform, transparency & accountability, Mr. Molinaro wrote in response to a letter from fellow New Yorkers asking Mr. Trump to end congestion pricing. Hardworking NYers & New Jerseyans arent an ATM for this bloated bureaucracy.

A spokesman for Mr. Molinaro referred all requests for comment to the Transportation Department, which houses the transit agency. The department declined to comment, and the White House did not reply to a request for comment. Gothamist first reported Mr. Molinaros pending nomination.

The position would require confirmation by the Senate.

Mr. Molinaro, 49, has traditionally been more moderate than much of his party. He has served in government office more or less continually since he was 18. That has included stints as the mayor of the village of Tivoli; as a state legislator; county executive; candidate for governor; and a single term in Congress representing the Hudson Valley and the Catskills.
Mr. Tarentino said that the teams worked off a target list developed by the Department of Homeland Security, which ICE is a part of. He said that agents prioritized people charged with violent crimes, believed to be connected to gangs or involved in drug trafficking, and then worked through a tiered list of less serious offenders.

The 39 arrests on Tuesday were higher than ICEs average number of daily arrests over the past two years in the New York City area, but it remains to be seen if the agency will be able to maintain or significantly accelerate that pace. Mr. Tarentino said the multiagency collaboration in New York would continue.

This happened to be a more concentrated effort this week, but this will be an ongoing effort in the days, weeks and months ahead, he said in an interview.

The focus on criminal activity connected to recent immigrants resurfaced on Wednesday, when city law enforcement officials announced the indictment in Queens of 10 people charged with being members or associates of Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang that has bedeviled the police. The men were accused of participating in a sweeping gun trafficking operation that stretched from the East Coast to Texas and Colorado.

But far less was known about those taken in custody by federal agents a day earlier.

D.H.S. and ICE officials have declined to confirm how many people were arrested in New York on Tuesday. The backgrounds of the arrested individuals in New York  nationality, immigration status, criminal history  also remain unclear, except for a few cases.
The offer was too good for the Food Bank of Central New York to pass up. A local fish farm was going out of business, and it wanted to donate more than 40,000 pounds of sushi-grade salmon.

There was one big hitch: All that free salmon was in the form of 13,312 live fish.

Like any good fish story, the saga of the salmon  from a high-end fish-farm start-up with clients like Nobu and FreshDirect to the plates of needy New Yorkers  soon swelled into an epic tale. It came to involve dozens of volunteer fish-catchers, members of the Onondaga Nation and a guy willing to donate 10,000 bags of ice.

It began with bad news: LocalCoho, a salmon farming operation that was considered exemplary because of its sustainable practices when it opened in 2017, was shutting down on Jan. 31. The company, based in Auburn, N.Y., had drawn praise for aquaculture that raised salmon in tanks on land, sparing the environment from pollutants inherent in ocean-based fish farming. But despite being well-received and seeming to have regular investment, LocalCoho struggled to make a profit, according to an article in Syracuse.com, which first reported the full story of the fish donation.

Early on Jan. 2, Meghan Durso, a manager at TDO, a Syracuse nonprofit, took a frantic phone call from LocalCohos owner, Andre Bravo, about what to do with all his fancy fish. He was prepared to give the salmon away, but he didnt know where to start.
Ms. Russell said on Thursday that her clients strongly contested the charges against them. My clients look forward to their day in court, she said. They vehemently deny any wrongdoing and intend to defend this case to the very end.

The couple operated the state-licensed day care center, called KSE Service Inc., in their home in the Jamaica Estates neighborhood, the district attorneys office said. The facility was closed in December 2023, immediately after the police and New Yorks Office of Children and Family Services, the licensing agency, inspected it based on an anonymous tip.

During a search, the police found hundreds of hours of video footage taken inside the day care that showed Mr. and Ms. Davydov kicking the children, throwing them and hurling objects at them.

The charges involve recurring episodes in which the couple physically abused nine children. They underscore a perennial crisis among working parents in New York and across the country who struggle to find affordable, dependable care for their children.

In one such incident, according to the district attorneys office, Ms. Davydov held a pillow over an 11-month-old infants face. On other occasions, she held the same child upside down by his arms and legs and dropped him onto furniture. Her husband also hit the baby on the head.
Image An undated handout photo said to be of Muhammad Deif, the Hamas military leader. Credit... via Agence France-Presse  Getty Images

Muhammad Deif, the shadowy leader of Hamass military wing in Gaza and one of the chief architects of the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel that ignited a war, was confirmed by Hamas on Thursday to be dead. He was in his late 50s.

Mr. Deif, whose real name was Muhammad al-Masri, was one of the most senior Hamas leaders inside Gaza, and he was one of Israels most-wanted militants for decades. He survived a number of Israeli assassination attempts before the one that killed him and was lionized by some Palestinians as a symbol of Hamass resilience  albeit an enigmatic one.

While Israel announced in August that he had been killed, Abu Obeida, the spokesman of Hamass military wing, only acknowledged his death on Thursday in a recorded video statement. Both Israel and the United States considered him a terrorist with their citizens blood on his hands.

Mr. Deif was killed on July 13, Israel said, when its forces bombed a compound on the outskirts of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, according to the Israeli military  making him one of the most senior Hamas commanders slain inside Gaza in the war.
Alexandra Sifferlin, a health and science editor for Times Opinion, hosted an online conversation on Wednesday with the Opinion columnist Zeynep Tufekci and the Opinion writers David Wallace-Wells and Jessica Grose about Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s first of two confirmation hearings for secretary of health and human services.

Alexandra Sifferlin: A challenge for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in this hearing was convincing senators that he is not a conspiracy theorist who is going to take away everyones vaccines. In his opening statement, he stated that he was not anti-vaccine, though numerous examples were provided of his longtime vaccine criticism  including a fiery exchange with Senator Bernie Sanders over Kennedys former nonprofit selling anti-vaccine baby onesies.

Did Kennedy succeed in offering that assurance?

Jessica Grose: Im going to have to agree with Senator Ron Wyden, who said, The receipts show that Mr. Kennedy has embraced conspiracy theories, quacks, charlatans  especially when it comes to the safety and efficacy of vaccines. Kennedys responses did not do much to quell the profound doubts that anyone paying close attention would have. It was especially bad when he had to admit that he probably did once say that Lyme disease was a military-engineered bioweapon.

David Wallace-Wells: I dont think he persuaded anyone of much, though I dont think he really set out to, either. He was working from the playbook of Pete Hegseth and Brett Kavanaugh  defensive, standoffish, evasive and ready to be memed. He didnt really repudiate past statements, just deflected and counterpunched. More striking to me: He said almost nothing about how to actually make America healthy again.
Of President Trumps cabinet picks, Tulsi Gabbard, a former representative from Hawaii, could have the hardest time making it through the confirmation process. On Thursday, with several key senators still undecided, she appeared before the Senate Intelligence Committee for an all-important hearing as senators grilled her on her past remarks about Edward Snowden and her unorthodox views on Russia and Syria. Heres what Times Opinion columnists and contributors thought of her performance.

Best Moment

Michelle Goldberg Senator Mark Kellys questions about Gabbards skepticism that Bashar al-Assad was behind two chemical weapon attacks in Syria were pointed and effective. Kelly demonstrated her willful credulousness in the face of dubious characters who tell her what she wants to hear.

Jacob Heilbrunn Poised and confident in her opening statement, Gabbard deftly turned the brouhaha about her close ties to a secretive sect in Hawaii into an opportunity to defend Hinduism and depict herself as a hapless victim of religious intolerance. Talk about playing the D.E.I. card.

W.J. Hennigan Gabbard received glowing endorsements at the beginning of the hearing from Senator Joni Ernst, Republican of Iowa, and former Senator Richard Burr, who praised Gabbards military and public service. As a former chair of the Intelligence Committee, his commendation may go a long way in providing cover for wary Republicans.
When Bill Gates called his divorce from Melinda French Gates the biggest regret of his life, he explained that when they met, in 1987, he wasnt yet the mega success that he is today.

There is a certain wonderfulness to spending your entire adult life with one person because of the memories and depth of things you have done and having kids together, Mr. Gates, the billionaire co-founder of Microsoft, told The Times of London in a recent interview.

When Melinda and I met, I was fairly successful but not ridiculously successful  that came during the time that we were together, he continued. So, she saw me through a lot.

Mr. Gatess wistfulness about an ex who was by his side for decades highlights the premium that the rich and famous have long placed on relationships that began before the arrival of wealth and fame. For many successful people, these relationships  whether romantic or platonic  are sacred precisely because of their roots in shared experiences, hardships, wins and love that predate their changing fortunes. A time-tested bond, after all, is one of the few luxuries money cant buy.
The email landed in employees inboxes with the subject line: Fork in the Road. The message in the email was stark: Accept a sweeping set of workplace changes or resign.

That was the note that millions of federal employees received around 5 p.m. on Tuesday. It echoed a similar message that thousands of workers at Twitter got from Elon Musk in late 2022 after he bought the company.

Mr. Musk has brought his takeover tactics from Twitter to the federal government, where hes become a close adviser to President Trump and is running the cost-cutting initiative called the Department of Government Efficiency. The administration is already eliminating diversity initiatives, testing engineering prowess and demanding federal employee loyalty, maneuvers Mr. Musk embraced to slash his social media companys budget and operations.

The Tuesday email, sent by the Office of Personnel Management, was the latest example of the billionaires fingerprints, down to the subject line  the same as his 2022 buyout offer to Twitter employees.
OpenAI, the San Francisco artificial intelligence company that has been on a yearslong money-raising frenzy, is in talks with the Japanese conglomerate SoftBank for an investment up to $25 billion, according to three people familiar with the negotiations.

Some of that money could be used to cover OpenAIs commitment to Stargate, the $100 billion data center project announced at the White House last week, the people said. But the money would be separate from the investment SoftBank is already putting into that project.

The sources, who requested anonymity because the talks were confidential, stressed that discussion around the terms of the investment are still ongoing. One person familiar with the negotiations said the deal could value OpenAI in the vicinity of $250 billion, while another put the valuation closer to $340 billion. The larger figure would make OpenAI the second most valuable private company in the world, just behind Elon Musks SpaceX, according to CB Insights, which tracks start-ups.

Stargate, a joint venture of SoftBank, OpenAI and the software company Oracle, could result in $500 billion of investment in computing infrastructure, the companies have said.
In court filings and arguments before a judge on Thursday, a federal prosecutor in Vermont laid out a web of connections between Teresa Youngblut, who faces charges related to the fatal shooting of a Border Patrol agent last week, and two people linked to murder investigations in other states.

The allegations of ties between Ms. Youngblut, 21, and people suspected of violent crimes in California and Pennsylvania shed little new light on the highway traffic stop in Coventry, Vt., on Jan. 20 that ended with the deaths of the border agent, David Maland, and Ms. Youngbluts companion, Felix Bauckholt.

But during a detention hearing in federal court in Burlington, Vt., on Thursday, Matthew Lasher, an assistant U.S. attorney, cited those connections, and Ms. Youngbluts violent escalation of an otherwise peaceful law enforcement encounter, as evidence that she should remain in federal custody while her case proceeds.

That kind of unprovoked violence could not more clearly demonstrate the danger to the community that the defendant represents, he said.
Chesley B. Sullenberger III, the pilot who safely landed a passenger plane in the Hudson River in 2009, said the crash in the Potomac River on Wednesday night came at an exceptionally safe moment in aviation history but showed how vigilant we have to be.

Weve had to learn important lessons literally with blood too often, and we had finally gotten beyond that, to where we could learn from incidents, and not accidents, Captain Sullenberger said in an interview Wednesday night.

Before Wednesday, there had not been a fatal commercial plane crash in the United States in almost 16 years.

But the U.S. airline industry may again be forced to learn from tragedy, after a commercial airliner carrying 64 people collided in midair with an Army Black Hawk helicopter and then plunged into the dark, frigid waters of the Potomac River.

The plane, a Bombardier CRJ700, collided with the chopper on descent into Reagan National Airport, which is just a few miles from downtown Washington and is considered one of the countrys most challenging airports to navigate.

Reagan Airport requires additional training for pilots who operate from it, Captain Sullenberger said. It fields heavy traffic and has short runways. It was built in the late 1930s.

It hasnt changed much since then, he said. Of course, weve added technology to it. But a lot of the technology is old.

The airport may not have been the only challenge for the American Eagle Flight 5342 as it approached Washington on a flight that originated in Wichita, Kan.

The descent was also at night and over water, two factors that could have made avoiding the helicopter harder, Captain Sullenberger said.

Nighttime always makes things different about seeing other aircraft  basically all you can do is see the lights on them, said Captain Sullenberger, 74. You have to try to figure out: Are they above you or below you? Or how far away? Or which direction are they headed?

Everything is harder at night, he said.
President Trump blamed diversity requirements at the Federal Aviation Administration and his two Democratic predecessors for the midair collision over the Potomac River on Wednesday night, saying that standards for air traffic controllers had been too lax.

Mr. Trump cited no evidence that diversity programs had anything to do with the fatal accident, which killed 67 people, and even admitted when pressed that the investigation had only just begun.

Moments later, he blamed the pilots of the Army helicopter that appeared to fly into a passenger jet while it was on final approach to Reagan National Airport, across the river from the capital. But he quickly returned to the theme that diversity goals that he said were created by President Barack Obama and President Joseph R. Biden Jr. had created unsafe skies, implying that those moves had to have contributed to the disaster.

Mr. Trumps instant focus on diversity reflected his instinct to frame major events through his political or ideological lens, whether the facts fit or not. It is something he has done before: After a terrorist attack in New Orleans a month ago, he blamed illegal immigration, even though the attacker was a U.S. citizen born in Texas. When wildfires erupted in California, he blamed Gov. Gavin Newsoms water management policies, without any evidence that a different approach would have made a difference in the firefighting effort.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has appointed Fatoumata Bouare as the new Vice President, Chief Risk Officer, Trend reports.

In her new role, Bouare will oversee multiple departments including Risk Management, Environmental and Sustainability, Business Resilience, and Procurement Policy and Advisory, and will be a member of the Banks Executive Committee. She takes up the position on May 1, 2025.

Over the past seven years at FMO, the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank, Bouare strengthened the risk departments and pioneered innovation in digitalization and impact reporting, while ensuring financial stability throughout a period of significant growth. Before this, Bouare worked as the Director of Risk Management for the Bank of Africa, overseeing the group and its 18 affiliates.

EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso said: I am happy to welcome Fatoumata to the EBRD. Her expertise, professional background and leadership skills make her ideally suited for this key role as the Bank expands into new regions and enters its next Strategic Capital Framework period.

She continued: Fatoumata will succeed David Coleman who will be retiring from the Bank and I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to him for a decade of excellent achievements at the EBRD and express my gratitude for his continued leadership until Fatoumata joins us.

Bouare commented: I am delighted to join the EBRD at such a pivotal time in its journey. As we expand into new regions and embrace innovative strategies, my focus will be on fostering a resilient and sustainable risk management framework. Together, we will drive impactful change, ensuring that our initiatives not only mitigate risks but also promote inclusive growth and environmental sustainability.
Senators of both parties sharply questioned Tulsi Gabbard, President Trumps pick to be director of national intelligence, during a tense and at times combative hearing on Thursday that could signal a challenging confirmation fight.

Over more than two hours, members of the Senate Intelligence Committee, sounding by turns skeptical and outraged, pressed Ms. Gabbard about her 2017 meeting with Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian dictator who was ousted in December, and her statements blaming the United States and NATO for provoking the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

But it was her refusal to fully denounce Edward J. Snowden, the former National Security Agency contractor who leaked reams of classified information about government surveillance programs in 2013, that seemed to elicit the most concern among both Republicans and Democrats.

She refused, under repeated questioning by members of both parties, to declare that Mr. Snowden was a traitor, replying instead that he broke the law and that she would seek to prevent similar leaks in the future, if she were confirmed to oversee the nations 18 spy agencies.
Amid all the questions about Tulsi Gabbards unorthodox views on Russia and Syria, the disclosures of Edward Snowden, done more than a decade ago, emerged as the biggest and most contentious issue at her confirmation hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday.

Ms. Gabbard, President Trumps nominee to be the director of national intelligence, came to the hearing prepared to distance herself from Mr. Snowden. But she was unwilling to take a step both Republicans and Democrats wanted her to take: join them in declaring him a traitor.

The questioning was polite from Republicans, and ferocious from Democrats, particularly Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado.

Is Edward Snowden a traitor to the United States of America? Mr. Bennett asked in a thunderous voice. That is not a hard question to answer.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport just outside the U.S. capital operates in a complex airspace where domestic flights, military planes, helicopters and other aircraft are in close proximity, relying on electronic safeguards and human decision-making to avoid catastrophe.

Debates over congestion at Reagan have increased in recent years, along with concerns over near-miss crashes.

Last year, there was a close-call incident at Reagan National Airport involving another American Airlines plane that had been cleared for takeoff but nearly collided with an incoming King Air plane that had been cleared for landing on a nearby runway. Less than two months earlier, JetBlue and Southwest planes nearly collided on a runway at the same airport.

There were at least eight near-midair collisions at Reagan National Airport in 2024, according to Federal Aviation Administration data.

Flights into and out of Reagan National Airport  the U.S. capitals most convenient domestic air terminal  have traditionally been limited to destinations within 1,250 miles of the airport, which restricts long-distance flights.

Still, lawmakers have lobbied to expand Reagans flight perimeter and add flights into and out of the airport, which many of Washingtons power brokers use. In 2023, dozens of lawmakers lobbied for 28 additional round-trip flights per day out of the airport, many of which would serve their districts, easing their journeys home.

At the time, the F.A.A. warned that adding flights to Reagan would strain the system.

The American Airlines plane that collided with a U.S. Army helicopter on Wednesday night near Reagan, known as DCA, had been traveling from Wichita, Kan., to Washington on a route that was just added last year, in part due to the lobbying efforts of Senator Jerry Moran, Republican of Kansas.

I know that flight, Ive flown it many times myself, Senator Moran said at an early morning news conference. I lobbied American Airlines to begin having a direct, nonstop flight service to DCA.

Mark Walker contributed reporting.
The Federal Aviation Administration issues an alert warning of an aircraft incident. This initiates a large regional response that include Washingtons police, fire and airport authorities.

In communication leading up to the collision, an air traffic controller appears to communicate with the Army helicopter to make sure its pilots see the plane.

Do you have C.R.J. in sight? the controller asks, according to a radio traffic feed on LiveATC.net, a website broadcasts air traffic control communications. A helicopter pilot responds that he will use visual separation  meaning he will keep an eye on the jet and make sure he stays a safe distance away.

But moments later, the two aircraft collide. There are sounds of concern on the recording. A voice asks the air traffic controllers, Tower, did you see that?

8:58 p.m.: The first emergency units arrive at the scene to find aircraft wreckage in the Potomac River. They begin rescue operations immediately, according to John A. Donnelly, the citys fire chief, speaking at a news conference later.

9:09 p.m.: Emergency authorities in Washington confirm on X that a small aircraft is down in the river near Reagan National Airport.

10 p.m.: American Airlines confirms that its American Eagle Flight 5342 was involved in an accident. Shortly afterward, the F.A.A. issues a statement saying that a CRJ700 jet collided with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while approaching Reagan National Airports Runway 33.

12:06 a.m. Thursday: Pete Hegseth, the new defense secretary, says the Army and Defense Department are investigating the crash. Earlier, defense officials had said the Army helicopter was carrying three service members.

12:53 a.m.: Boats and divers are searching the area around the wreckage, Washington officials say at a news conference. They do not give an official count of casualties, but add that 300 responders are involved in search and rescue efforts. The cold water, wind and murky conditions are complicating search operations, they say.

7:30 a.m.: Local and federal officials hold a news conference at Reagan National Airport, where they say that they do not believe anyone has survived the crash. Efforts are switching from rescue to recovery, they say, adding that 28 bodies have been recovered to this point.
It would be lovely, we thought, to get married in the suburb of Los Angeles where I grew up.

My childhood home in Thousand Oaks could help host guests. We could collect the fragrant jasmine that blooms in the backyard each summer. My fiances family, who arent from California, could experience the things he and I treasure about living here: the ever-pleasant weather, the stunning ocean vistas, the proximity to nature.

But in all our planning, we seem to have forgotten a quintessential California reality: Beauty comes with risk.

In November, about seven months before our wedding date, a fast-moving fire threatened to burn down our venue, until the winds blessedly began to blow in the opposite direction. This month, the devastating Palisades fire leveled cliffside homes in Malibu, including a tile-roofed cottage with turquoise trim and a balcony with the best view of the Pacific Ocean I have ever seen. That home, owned by a close family friend, was where my fiance and I had planned to spend our wedding night.

I feel silly talking about my upcoming wedding when thousands of people have lost their houses, and nearly all the things inside that made them homes. But I am struck by my own blindness, despite years of living in  and reporting on  life and tragedy in California.
The newly appointed president of Syria, Ahmed al-Shara, pledged in a speech on Thursday to create an inclusive transitional government that reflects Syrias diversity and that will lead the country until it can hold free and fair elections.

The speech was Mr. al-Sharas first public address since his rebel coalition toppled the countrys longtime dictator, Bashar al-Assad, last month and came amid growing unease among some Syrians over his coalitions plans for leading the country.

Building the nation is our collective responsibility, Mr. al-Shara said in the five-minute video address broadcast by Syrian state media. This is a call to all Syrians to participate in building a new homeland, one that will be governed by justice and consultation.

The speech came a day after his rebel coalition declared Mr. al-Shara president of Syria for a transitional period and announced a series of other critically important decisions, including nullifying the Constitution and dissolving the legislature and army that were formed under the ousted dictatorship.
Standing behind heaping piles of drugs stacked in clear plastic bags and storage boxes, Torontos police chief last week announced the forces largest-ever cocaine seizure, intercepted at the border in a truck entering from the United States.

A few hours later, President Trump also addressed cross-border drug trafficking  but in his case to lay blame on Canada, at least in part, for a deadly fentanyl scourge.

The fentanyl coming through Canada is massive, Mr. Trump told reporters the day after his inauguration. The fentanyl coming through Mexico is massive. And people are getting killed and families are being destroyed.

It was a repeat of his claim that Canada and Mexico have not done enough to reinforce their borders and block the flow of narcotics  and migrants  to the United States. He has threatened to impose punitive tariffs of 25 percent on exports from both countries on Feb. 1.
Three people have been arrested in connection with a brazen heist at a museum in the Netherlands over the weekend in which thieves stole ancient artifacts, including a prized golden helmet on loan from Romania, the authorities said on Wednesday.

The three people were arrested in Heerhugowaard, a city about 30 miles north of Amsterdam and more than 100 miles west of the Drents Museum in Assen, where the theft took place. The police identified two of them as Douglas Chesley Wendersteyt and Bernhard Zeeman, both from Heerhugowaard. The police identified the third person who was arrested as a woman, also from the same city, but did not release her name.

The police said that they had searched homes in Heerhugowaard, but that the stolen pieces had not been found. The authorities said they were also looking for a fourth person in connection with the theft. They released three surveillance images of a man wearing glasses and a dark shirt and ball cap that they said were taken at a hardware store in Assen.
Salwan Momika, an Iraqi immigrant who set off protests in Sweden and several Muslim countries when he burned a Quran in Stockholm in 2023, has been killed, the Swedish Prosecution Authority said Thursday morning.

The police said that they had arrested five people and that a murder investigation had been launched.

Mr. Momika had been set to appear in Stockholm District Court on Thursday morning. He was scheduled to receive a verdict on charges related to the Quran burning that prompted international outrage in 2023, and to other demonstrations later that year at which he repeated the act.

The shooting took place late on Wednesday in Sodertalje, a city near Stockholm.

The authorities did not say if they believed the killing was connected to Mr. Momikas burning of the Quran, but Ulf Kristersson, Swedens prime minister, said that the countrys security service was looking into the killing.
Israeli legislation taking effect on Thursday will threaten the operations of a major United Nations agency that provides critical humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip after more than a year of war has left the territory in ruins.

The laws ban the agency, UNRWA, from any activities in Israel, effectively cutting off its ability to deliver aid to Gaza. The agency, known formally as the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, provides shelter, food and water to millions of Palestinians not only in the enclave, but also in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and several surrounding countries.

Israel accuses UNRWA of acting under Hamass influence, rendering it incapable of behaving as a neutral aid group. Israel says UNRWA employs many Hamas members, including some who joined the Hamas-led attacks on Israel. UNRWA has fired several staff members, but says that Israel has not provided evidence for all of its claims against its staff.

Israel has argued that other U.N. agencies and aid groups can step up in UNRWAs place. But aid officials say that removing the U.N. agency, the largest humanitarian organization in Gaza, will severely undermine aid efforts.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. Azerbaijan and Pakistan have held talks on the development of bilateral relations in various directions of the energy sphere, the Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov wrote on X, Trend reports.

A fruitful meeting was held with Pakistan's Federal Minister for Privatization, Investment Board and Communications Abdul Aleem Khan on the development of bilateral relations in various directions in the energy sector. We assessed opportunities for cooperation on current issues, including oil and gas, renewable energy, and energy efficiency, the minister's publication reads.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Israel and Hamas exchanged a new group of hostages and prisoners on Thursday in a handover that devolved into chaos as the armed militants struggled to control a chanting, jostling crowd of Palestinians trying to catch a glimpse of Israelis held captive during 15 months of war.

Hamas released a total of eight Israeli and Thai hostages in the Gaza Strip, including the tightly choreographed handover of an Israeli soldier, Agam Berger, 20, in the northern town of Jabaliya.

But the tumult surrounding the release of two other Israeli hostages  Arbel Yehud, 29, and Gadi Moses, 80, in the city of Khan Younis  infuriated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel. It led his office to announce he had suspended the release of more than 100 Palestinian prisoners as called for under the truce brokered by Qatar, Egypt and the United States.

The episode briefly cast doubt on whether the prisoner release would happen at all.

Mr. Netanyahu blasted the shocking scenes of crowds yelling and jostling to get nearer to a fearful-looking Ms. Yehud and a grim-looking Mr. Moses. This is additional proof of the inconceivable brutality of the Hamas terrorist organization, the Israel prime minister said.
Samar Faisal stood among a crowd in the crisp winter air, shivering as much from her excitement as the cold. She was in disbelief, she said, that this day had come. Her brother, after spending more than 20 years in an Israeli prison, was being released.

Im anxious and praying for the moment I finally see him, Ms. Faisal said, as volunteers in fluorescent vests hurried by. Her brother had been jailed for fighting in the armed wing of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, which the United States and European Union designate a terrorist group.

Ms. Faisal was among a throng of Palestinian families gathered in the West Bank city of Ramallah on Thursday, eagerly waiting to welcome more than 100 Palestinian prisoners being released from Israel in exchange for hostages held in Gaza. It was the third hostage-for-prisoner swap in an ongoing cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas. During the first 42 days of the agreement, Hamas has pledged to free at least 33 hostages in exchange for over 1,500 Palestinians jailed by Israel.

Standing outside a government recreation center, people restlessly checked their phones for news or fielded calls from loved ones who were anxious for updates.

Finally, around 7 p.m., a chain of buses arrived carrying dozens of Palestinian prisoners, including some who had been convicted of deadly attacks against Israelis. Sixty-seven prisoners arrived in Ramallah on Thursday, including 27 children, officials said. Another 14 arrived in Jerusalem and nine in Gaza, while 20 were sent to Egypt.

Earlier in the day, Hamas had released eight Israeli and Thai hostages held in Gaza.

For some waiting outside the recreation center, their anticipation was tempered by sorrow.

Alaa Zubeidi waited with her sisters and friends, all dressed in the black clothes of mourning in memory of her eldest son, Mohammad, who was killed by an Israeli drone strike in the West Bank city of Tubas in September.

She was awaiting the release of her husband, Zakariya Zubeidi, a former militant turned theater director whom Israeli forces arrested in 2019. He became well known in both Israel and the Palestinian territories in 2019 for briefly escaping an Israeli prison.

The Zubeidi family was removed from their home in Jenin by Israeli forces after Mohammads death, and Ms. Zubeidi and two of her other children, Samira and Ayham, were arrested and detained for several hours. Since then, she said, operations by Palestinian security forces had left them unable to return to their home.

But those concerns were eclipsed by joy after Mr. Zubeidis release on Thursday, when people in the crowd hoisted him onto their shoulders and chanted his name.

Beaming, Mr. Zubeidi flashed the victory sign with both hands.

May God protect Jenin camp at this time, he told the crowd. Today is a public referendum in favor of the fighters.
An undated handout photo said to be of Muhammad Deif, the Hamas military leader.

Muhammad Deif, the shadowy leader of Hamass military wing in Gaza and one of the chief architects of the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel that ignited a war, was confirmed by Hamas on Thursday to be dead. He was in his late 50s.

Mr. Deif, whose real name was Muhammad al-Masri, was one of the most senior Hamas leaders inside Gaza, and he was one of Israels most-wanted militants for decades. He survived a number of Israeli assassination attempts before the one that killed him and was lionized by some Palestinians as a symbol of Hamass resilience  albeit an enigmatic one.

While Israel announced in August that he had been killed, Abu Obeida, the spokesman of Hamass military wing, only acknowledged his death on Thursday in a recorded video statement. Both Israel and the United States considered him a terrorist with their citizens blood on his hands.

Mr. Deif was killed on July 13, Israel said, when its forces bombed a compound on the outskirts of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, according to the Israeli military  making him one of the most senior Hamas commanders slain inside Gaza in the war.

Mr. Obeida did not say when or where Mr. Deif was killed.

The strike that killed Mr. Deif also killed at least 90 Palestinians on the ground, the Gaza health ministry said, hitting within the Al-Mawasi area of southern Gaza, a part of a humanitarian zone designated by Israel. The health ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its death tolls.

The zone was a large expanse filled with hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians, many living in makeshift shelters, according to the United Nations. Israel said that Hamas was operating from the targeted compound within the zone.

Mr. Deif was the beating heart of Hamass military wing and one of its most important military strategists, said Michael Milshtein, a former Israeli intelligence officer specializing in Palestinian affairs.

There were few photographs of Mr. Deif in circulation, and he was rarely seen or heard from as he spent decades in hiding. His adopted name, Deif, means guest in Arabic, widely understood as a nod to the frequency with which he changed locations to avoid death or capture.

He led the Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, and was credited with transforming what was once a diffuse network of armed cells into a formidable fighting force with tens of thousands in its ranks.

Hes a legendary figure in Hamas, Ibrahim Madhoun, a Palestinian analyst close to Hamas, said before Mr. Deifs death was confirmed by the militant group.

Image Mr. Deif was killed in an Israeli strike on a compound in the Al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis in southern Gaza in July, Israel said. Credit... Haitham Imad/EPA, via Shutterstock

Born in 1965 to a poor Palestinian family, Mr. Deif grew up in the Khan Younis refugee camp in southern Gaza, not far from Yahya Sinwar, the top Hamas leader killed in October. In the 1980s, he studied at Islamic University of Gaza, focusing on the sciences, and joined Hamas around the time it was founded in the late 1980s.

He quickly rose through the ranks, developing a reputation as a master bombmaker and orchestrating a number of attacks on Israel, including a series of deadly bus bombings that killed dozens of people and derailed the peace process in the mid-1990s.

Not long after Hamas was founded, Israel imprisoned Mr. Deif for 16 months, starting in May 1989.

Mr. Deif was also held by the Palestinian Authority for a short time starting in 2000. At that time, the Palestinian Authority was a governing body with limited autonomy over parts of the West Bank and Gaza, and it was dominated by Fatah, a Palestinian faction that rivaled Hamas.

When a founder of the military wing of Hamas, Salah Shehadeh, was killed by an Israeli airstrike in 2002, Mr. Deif took the helm.

He upgraded and expanded the production and importation of rockets and helped develop Hamass extensive tunnel network underneath Gaza. He also commanded the so-called Shadow Brigade, which guards Israeli captives held by Hamas, and oversaw investment in new technologies like reconnaissance drones for the Qassam Brigades, according to Mr. Madhoun, the analyst.

Mr. Deif was believed to have lost an eye and suffered other serious wounds in the Israeli attempts to kill him, which often claimed the lives of others, including civilians. His ability to escape death  and oft-stated dedication to the destruction of Israel  enhanced his heroic status among some Palestinians.

Israeli and Palestinian analysts also credited Mr. Deif with transforming the Qassam Brigades into something closer to a traditional army.

Image Fighters from the Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, in the Gaza Strip in 2022. Mr. Deif was credited with transforming what was once a diffuse network of armed cells into a formidable force. Credit... Mohammed Saber/EPA, via Shutterstock

Mr. Deif was one of the top names on Israels most-wanted list for decades, and survived more than eight attempts on his life, according to Israeli intelligence. In 2015, the U.S. State Department labeled him as a specially designated global terrorist.

He was the target of a 2002 missile strike by an Israeli helicopter on a busy street in Gaza City. In 2014, an Israeli airstrike killed one of his wives, an infant son and his 3-year-old daughter. During an earlier war with Hamas in Gaza in 2021, Israels military said it had tried to kill him several times.

That war  launched by Hamas after Israeli efforts to evict Palestinians from their homes in East Jerusalem and Israeli police raids of the Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalems Old City  was a turning point, Osama Hamdan, a Hamas leader based in Beirut, later told The New York Times.

Over the next few years, Hamas enhanced its military abilities.

It stockpiled about 15,000 rockets along with mortars, antitank missiles and portable air-defense systems, according to American and other Western analysts. And its leaders  Mr. Deif and Mr. Sinwar  drew up closely guarded plans for the Oct. 7, 2023, assault on Israel, as Hamas fighters trained on flying paragliders and taking hostages.

Once the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel got underway, Mr. Deif released a rare message. He declared that Hamas had decided to launch an operation so that the enemy will understand that the time of their rampaging without accountability has ended, speaking in a recorded address.

Righteous fighters, this is your day to bury this criminal enemy, he said. Its time has finished. Kill them wherever you find them. Remove this filth from your land and your sacred places. Fight and the angels fight with you.

The Oct. 7, 2023, attack has come to symbolize one of the greatest intelligence failures in Israels history and the shattering of its image as an impenetrable military power. It was the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust. Some 1,200 people were killed in the rampage and roughly 250 were taken hostage.

The attack ignited a devastating war that killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, including civilians. The 470-day war displaced most of the people in Gaza, led to a hunger crisis and the spread of dangerous disease, and made many Palestinians wonder if they had a future in the territory. A cease-fire came into effect on Jan. 19, but it remains unclear how long it will hold.

Israel responded by going to war against Hamas in Gaza with Mr. Deif and the other Hamas leaders in its cross hairs. In March, Israel killed his top deputy, Marwan Issa.

In November, the International Criminal Court issued a warrant for Mr. Deifs arrest, accusing him of war crimes and crimes against humanity in connection with his role before, during and after the October 2023 attack.

Image Israeli soldiers inspecting the bodies of victims of the Oct. 7, 2023, attack in the village of Kfar Azza, Israel. Credit... Sergey Ponomarev for The New York Times

The move had been seen as largely symbolic, with a slim likelihood of Mr. Deifs ending up in custody. He had spent decades underground in Hamass tunnels under Gaza, according to Israeli intelligence officials, and had not been seen publicly in years.

The court also issued arrest warrants for Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his defense minister, Yoav Gallant.

Recently, senior Israeli defense officials said the military believed that Mr. Deif had developed health problems that forced him to spend more time above ground.

That is apparently where an Israeli airstrike found him on July 13.

An Israeli unit that oversees the identification of high-value targets, staffed by operatives from military intelligence and the Shin Bet, had spent weeks observing a villa inside the southern Gaza humanitarian zone where another top Hamas lieutenant  Rafa Salameh  was believed to be staying with his family, according to the defense officials.

After learning that Mr. Deif appeared to be at the villa, the Israeli government authorized fighter jets to drop at least five precision-guided bombs on it, according to the officials.

That evening, Mr. Netanyahu said that an airstrike had targeted Mr. Deif but that there was not yet absolute clarity over his fate.

His hands are steeped in the blood of many Israelis, Mr. Netanyahu said. At the beginning of the campaign, I laid down a rule: The Hamas murderers are dead men, from the first to the last.
Vilas Thanna, the father of Pongsak Thanna, a Thai fruit farmhand who was held hostage in Gaza, could barely get the words out as he digested the news of his sons release after 15 months of captivity.

When we are happy, we cry, he said. When we are sad, we also cry. But these are happy tears.

Mr. Pongsak was among five Thai hostages who were released on Thursday. Working on farms in often dangerous parts of Israel, Thai farmhands suffered a heavy toll in the Hamas-led attacks of Oct. 7, 2023. At least 39 were killed, and at least 31 were taken hostage, according to an earlier tally from the Thai foreign ministry.

In November 2023, 23 of those hostages were released. Two more died in captivity, the Thai foreign ministry said last May. (On Thursday evening, a Thai foreign ministry official said that the total fatalities were 46, but it was not clear whether that number referred only to the Oct. 7 attacks.)

The hostages released on Thursday were Mr. Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakham, Watchara Sriaoun, Bannawat Seathao and Surasak Lamnao. The fate of one remaining Thai hostage, Nattapong Pinta, is not clear.

Mr. Vilas, Mr. Pongsaks father, said he planned to go to Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, to meet the plane carrying his son, although costs can be prohibitive.

Thai hostages in a previous round of releases in November 2023 said they had to initially pay for their flights from Bangkok back to their home provinces. Thai labor officials say they have since disbursed funds to returned workers.

Economic hardship has spurred thousands of Thais, particularly from the Isaan region of northeastern Thailand, to take agricultural jobs in Israel, despite the risks. Besides those who lost their lives in the Oct. 7 killing attack, other Thai farmworkers have been killed over the years in rocket attacks on Israel, including in October.

But the money earned in Israel can be life-changing, and villages in Isaan are dotted with modern houses built from these overseas earnings. Some workers who suffered through the Oct. 7 attacks have since gone back to Israel to finish out their contracts.

Wiwwaeo Sriaoun, the mother of Mr. Watchara, another of the five Thais released on Thursday, was gathered at home with a gaggle of relatives when she heard of his return.

She, too, spoke of tears of joy. As her family cheered around her, Ms. Wiwwaeos voice rose to an excited yell.

I hope he can come home safely, she said.

But she was not sure whether she could afford to go to Bangkok to meet her son.

For now, she said, she was happy to see her sons name on the TV screen among those who were finally free.
Moments before flames erupted below transmission towers near Altadena, Calif., high-voltage power lines faulted in the area, new sensor data shows, offering fresh clues about whether utility equipment may have failed as the deadly Eaton fire broke out on Jan. 7.

Where voltage dropped on Jan. 7 as electrical equipment faulted Change in voltage 1 3 5 10 30 volts

6:10:59 p.m. San Gabriel Mountains Altadena Los Angeles Long Beach Pacific Ocean 20 miles 6:11:02 p.m. San Gabriel Mountains Altadena Los Angeles Long Beach Pacific Ocean 20 miles Source: Whisker Labs Note: Data is anonymized readings from homes that have installed Whisker Lab sensors.

About three seconds later, another major fault was registered near Altadena, according to Whisker Labs, which has a network of sensors installed in homes around the country that are collectively able to measure abnormal activity on the electrical grid. The two electrical disruptions along transmission lines were so powerful that they reverberated as far away as Oregon and Utah, across tens of thousands of sensors.

We looked at this one  it was like, Holy cow, said Bob Marshall, co-founder and chief executive of Whisker Labs. This is a transmission-scale event. Any time something happens on the grid and we see a fault at exactly the same time on many, many sensors, then it is a fault on the utility grid.

The faults at 6:10 p.m. and again at 6:11 p.m. coincided with two flashes in the vicinity of the transmission lines seen in a video captured by a camera at an Arco gas station in the moments before the Eaton fire began, followed by flames near the base of high-voltage transmission towers.

Major drops in voltage occurred at the same time as flashes known as arcing Footage from the Arco gas station Source: Whisker Labs; video: Arco gas station surveillance footage Notes: Times are Pacific.

Whisker Labs data, which does not provide conclusive evidence about how a wildfire began, could play a pivotal role in helping to determine the cause of the Eaton fire, which increasingly has focused on possible electrical failures on the transmission network in Eaton Canyon.

Combined with eyewitness accounts and cellphone video of fire raging beneath a set of three steel-lattice towers, the flashes in the gas station video have focused attention on a transmission line owned by Southern California Edison, the states second-largest investor-owned utility.

Edison has not conceded that its equipment caused the Eaton fire, but said it is conducting its own investigation. The utility has agreed to meet with Whisker Labs about the data as part of its review. The exact cause of the fire, which killed 17 people and destroyed more than 9,000 homes and businesses, remains under investigation, and a final determination could take many months.

Electrical equipment  transmission lines in particular  has been the source of some of the most devastating wildfires in California and across the country. Fires caused by utility equipment have increased the risk and economic vulnerability for power providers as extreme weather driven by climate change has challenged the nations aging electrical infrastructure.

In 2018, a live wire broke free from a 100-year-old transmission tower in high winds and sparked the Camp fire, which killed scores of people and destroyed the town of Paradise in Northern California. The Camp fire and a series of other blazes led Californias largest utility, Pacific Gas & Electric, to file for bankruptcy in 2019 and to institute wildfire prevention measures as extreme weather conditions have become more persistent.

On the evening of Jan. 7, winds reached as high as 100 miles per hour across Southern California, downing trees and battering electrical poles, towers and lines.

The network at Whisker Labs, a technology company based in Germantown, Md., began measuring electrical problems at homes throughout the Los Angeles region using sensors, which help to predict and prevent residential fires.

But two stood out. A major fault on the electrical grid in the area of Altadena and Eaton Canyon caused a voltage drop one second before 6:11 p.m. and then another, in the area around Edisons Gould and Goodrich substations, according to Whisker Labs.

Voltage drops registered prominently in the Altadena area and with a lesser magnitude in other places across Southern California. But the faults had been so substantial that their weakening pulses propagated in a matter of milliseconds across Whisker Labs western network  southeast to Phoenix; north to San Jose, Calif., and Portland, Ore.; east to Las Vegas; and northeast to Salt Lake City.

Where voltage dropped elsewhere Source: Whisker Labs Notes: Times are Pacific. Data is for individual homes in respective cities.

The magnitude of the two events suggested, according to Whisker Labs, that the faults were on the high-voltage transmission lines that carry electricity from facilities like power plants to substations. Low-voltage distribution lines, which deliver power from the electric grid to homes and businesses, experience faults more often during windy conditions, but they would not have the energy to send signals throughout the West.

When power lines touch one another, come into contact with poles or tree branches or become engulfed in smoke, they can produce flashes and sparks that can ignite nearby vegetation.

The two flashes in Eaton Canyon recorded on the gas station video at the same time as the two faults could depict the flash of energy that occurs during a fault as the disrupted electricity on the line seeks a place to go.

All of that energy  thats a lot of energy that went into that flash  it was enough energy that it actually lowered the voltage in nearly the entire western grid, which means its a lot, Mr. Marshall said.

Robert McCullough of McCullough Research, a Portland, Ore.-based firm that conducted a review of Whisker Labs data and operation at the request of The Times, said the data lends further support to the possibility that utility equipment was involved in igniting the Eaton blaze.

Everything that weve had, Mr. McCullough said, puts us at the same tower with the same relationships where were seeing unusual operations.

In response to questions about disruptions on its system, Edison has said it registered a fault at 6:11 p.m. at its Gould substation, a facility about five miles away from what is believed to be the origin point of the fire. The utility later reported to state regulators that a preliminary analysis showed that as a result of the fault at the Gould substation, there was a momentary and expected increase in current on SCEs transmission system.

But the company has given no indication that it registered a large, transmission-level disruption of the kind shown in the new data in relation to the Eaton fire.

The utility said it would meet with Whisker Labs representatives to review the findings.

They approached us to discuss their data. We agreed to meet with them to review it because we will review all information available to us as part of our investigation, said Kathleen Dunleavy, a spokeswoman for Edison. If anyone has any evidence that can help the authorities determine the cause, we implore them to immediately provide it to the investigators.

Edison has said that it did measure a large fault on a transmission line related to a separate fire, the Hurst fire, north of Altadena. That power line, in the Sylmar area of Los Angeles County, fell to the ground, though it is unclear whether a power line caused the fire.

Whisker Labs sensors also detected that incident.

A finding that Edisons electrical equipment caused the Eaton fire could have important implications for the victims of the Eaton fire, who are seeking compensation for their losses, and the future of one of the states major utility companies. More than a dozen lawyers have filed lawsuits against Edison, arguing that mounting evidence points to the utilitys equipment as the source of the fire that devastated the Altadena community.

The fault data, the videos, the witness accounts all paint the same picture, said Mikal C. Watts, a lawyer based in Austin, Texas, who is representing some of the wildfire victims.

Liability for the Eaton fire alone is expected to exceed $10 billion, which could strain Edisons resources, insurance companies and even the states backup wildfire fund, which is designed to protect utilities against liability.

The threat that electrical equipment poses to life and property has led energy and safety experts to push for power lines to be buried underground and for wider use of technologies that can better detect problems on the grid.

We cant insure our way out of this problem, said Michael Wara, director of the climate and energy policy program at Stanford University. We have to reduce risk.
Jeremy Turous and Harper Luke enjoyed their year together in Japan. They traveled across the country, studied the language and took fun trips around the region, including one to Thailand, where they got engaged.

The couple went abroad for a temporary assignment for Mr. Turouss job as a design engineer in the auto industry. When the time came to return to the United States, they knew it would be to Columbus, Ohio, the city where theyd met and had a strong network of friends. Ms. Luke had family in the area, and the U.S. office of Mr. Turouss company was nearby.

[Did you recently buy a home? We want to hear from you. Email: thehunt@nytimes.com]

There was one major complication: If they wanted to have a house ready for them when they returned, it would mean searching from 6,500 miles away.

We were both nervous about buying a house that we hadnt seen in person, said Ms. Luke, 32, who works in marketing.

To make it happen, they would have to rely on online photos and their agents advice, including cross-time-zone consultations about when to make an offer.

Early on, Ms. Luke's family members tagged along for some of the showings, but that proved logistically complicated. I think very quickly, we realized this isnt feasible, Mr. Turous said. Between the open house and the time when the offer is due, there's not enough time for this.

Their agent, Andy Malone of SCOUT Columbus, had earned Ms. Lukes trust a few years earlier when she worked with him to buy her first home.

With how quickly the market moves out here, it was difficult just to say, OK, lets get over there, get some videos, Mr. Malone said. So there were a lot of late-night phone calls for them.

The couple wanted an older home with character near Columbuss network of bike trails. The best bet was Clintonville, a neighborhood north of downtown with well-kept houses, a lively vibe and locally owned restaurants.

With a budget of around $400,000, which they could stretch to $450,000, they wanted a move-in-ready place with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a garage. A big yard would be a bonus, and about 1,500 square feet seemed ideal. They were especially interested in homes built in the Craftsman or Arts and Crafts styles that retained some original details.

Among their options:
An English engineer spent almost 750 hours turning an old Yamaha R6 motorcycle and several hundred pounds of spare steel into the worlds fastest penny-farthing bike.

Popular during the 1870s and 1880s, the penny-farthing bicycle is considered a symbol of the late Victorian period and the ancestor of the modern bicycle. Its odd name was inspired by the size difference between its front and rear wheels, with the British penny coin being considerably larger than the farthing. The iconic bicycle was only in style for about a decade, until the invention of the modern bike, which proved much safer, more comfortable, and easier to ride, but theres just something about the odd look of the penny-farthing that still fascinates people. Case in point, this young engineer from Swindon, England, who spent hundreds of hours converting a 20-year-old motorcycle into the worlds fastest penny-farthing.

Photo: Greg Mitchell

The idea for it came in a dream, Greg Mitchell told Motorcycle News (MCN) Magazine. I fell asleep watching YouTube videos and then dreamt of making this bike. I woke up and immediately wrote it down. I cant draw, so I got AI to mock it up and I knew then that I just needed to make it.

Mitchell first planned to build his SuperFarthing out of aluminum, but then he realized the raw material alone would cost him about 4,000 ($5,000) so he decided to go for some steel he had buried in his backyard instead. He then started working on a massive, 165-kilogram front wheel made up of 420 individually-machined pieces, as well as a massive vertical swingarm.

The English engineer found a 20-year-old Yamaha R6 that was perfect for his crazy build and spent dozens of hours repositioning its exhaust and radiator, drilling 890 individual holes, and figuring out ways of converting the motorcycle into the worlds fastest penny-farthing. He made it work somehow, but when the time came to finally take it out for a test drive, it became apparent that the bizarre contraption was downright unsafe to ride.

Photo: Greg Mitchell

Just to keep the SuperFarthing upright at all times, Mitchell had to install a pair of lateral stabilizer wheels, which he originally conceived as hydraulically retractable. However, he soon realized that attempting to maneuver his creation without them was suicide with extra steps so he removed the option to lift the stabilizers altogether. But that was only one of many problems he would have to solve. Even at full steering lock, the bike would only go straight due to huge fork flex, and despite all the riders efforts, the bike followed even the slightest road camber.

Mitchell knew he had to go back to the drawing board to make the SuperFarthing rideable, and he did just that. He installed a rigid fork assembly, fortified the frame of his unique bike, and to make it even slightly controllable, he implemented a hydraulic power steering system, using handlebar-mounted buttons to keep the penny-farthing from succumbing to road cambers.

I was originally thinking I would ride it once and then never again, but its actually nowhere near as bad as you would think. With the stabilizers down, its just like riding a really tall quadbike, Greg said. So far, Ive only managed to get about 50mph out of it, but that was on a short stretch of road. Itll definitely do more though. Ill need to find somewhere bigger to get some more practice in because its so different to riding anything else.



The worlds faster penny-farthing isnt road-legal in England because of its non-pneumatic front wheel, so testing it out on the open road isnt an option, but Mitchell would really like to ride it on a perfectly flat track to bypass the hydraulic power steering, as trying to steer it with buttons is not the best, as you can imagine, especially at speed.

Although still far from being the worlds safest or most comfortable motorcycle, the SuperFarthing is still both visually and technically impressive. And Greg Mitchell honestly believes that under the right conditions, it can reach speeds of around 140mph.
Bridie Barrett

Brunswick Group has recruited Bridie Barrett to support the development of its investment engagement offer in the UK and Europe.

She has more than 20 years of experience with a focus on equity capital markets in the media and technology sectors.

Barrett worked at Stifel Financial as managing director for equity research for technology platforms and media companies in the UK.

She was director at the Edison investor relations advisory boutique stationed in London and Switzerland.

Barrett also was media analyst for HSBC covering the UK and European broadcast areas, and at RBS focusing on the convergence of the technology and media businesses.

Brunswick CEO Henry Timms said Barrett will be a central part of the firms investment work from equity story development to capital markets days and everything in between.
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Karoline Leavitt

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt survived her first briefing with the jackals of the DC press corps on Jan 28.

Unfortunately, that wont be the highlight of the week for the 27-year-old pride of New Hampshire.

That came when she fired off a post on X, implying that Donald Trumps plan to cut $3T in federal spending was going full steam ahead.

The release of the Office of Management and Budget memo that called for a temporary pause of agency grant, loan and other financial assistance programs triggered a public outcry and confusion about what programs were going to be cut.

OMB rescinded the memo on Jan. 29 to calm the situation.

That's when Leavitt dropped her X bomb: This is NOT a rescission of the federal funding freeze.

It is simply a rescission of the OMB memo.

Why? To end any confusion created by the court's injunction.

The President's EO's on federal funding remain in full force and effect, and will be rigorously implemented.

US district judge John McConnell took notice. He granted a request by 22 state attorneys general to stop the Trump administration from withholding essential federal spending.

He said OMBs rescission of the spending pause memo was "hugely ambiguous and irrelevant due to comments by the White House press secretary. "I can't believe I am saying this, but that's my read of a tweet, said McConnell.

The X post is a rookie mistake by Leavitt. She has to understand that you cant spin every loss into a face-saving victory. You gotta pick your fights.

Throwing Elon a big bone Donald Trump has revived Ronald Reagans dream of a Star Wars missile defense system.

He points to Israels Iron Dome system that shoots down anything fired at Israel by Iran.

Thats a lousy comparison. The United States is 450 times the size of Israel, and the Iron Dome is incapable of handling ntercontinental ballistic missiles launched by Russia, China and North Korea.

Even if technically feasible, a US system would cost hundreds of billions of dollars.

The National Academy of Science in 2012 projected that an austere and limited capability space-based defense system would cost $300B.

Thats peanuts. Trump wants to go big.

Elon Musks Space X would head the line that would be feeding on the federal Star Wars trough. Space X currently has $20B worth of federal contracts.

Is Trump touting Iron Dome USA to rid the White House of the ever-present Musk? Could be.

There would be a lot of engineering field work beyond Washington for Musk in building Star Wars. That would keep him busy for the next four years.

Three years and counting. As the three-year anniversary of Russias invasion of Ukraine approaches, Physicians for Human Rights has documented the war on the healthcare sector.

PHR says Russia has made 1,582 attacks on healthcare facilities, infrastructure and workers since February 2022.

More that nine out of ten (92 percent) healthcare workers said their facilities have experienced power outages due to attacks on Ukraines energy grid.

That has forced surgeons to operate by flashlights, led to failure of life support systems, disrupted water flows, triggered patient panic attacks, and impeded maternal care.

The Russian destruction of the healthcare sector is designed to sap the morale of Ukrainians who are weary of the never-ending war, and to cement control over the civilian population in occupied Ukraine.

Trumps plan to stop the war cant come soon enough.

Quakers to the barricades The nations oldest and perhaps the most prestigious congregations are taking on the Dept. of Homeland Security for its new policy of raiding places of worship in pursuit of illegal immigrants.

They filed a suit in Maryland federal court to stop the raids, contending they have sown fear within migrant-friendly congregations, cancelled services and violated First Amendment rights.

The plaintiffs include the New England Yearly Meeting, which is the worlds first formal association of Quakers, founded in 1661; and the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, which traces in origin to 1682.

DHS chief Kristi Noem has been leading highly choreographed round-ups of migrants. She better stay away from Quaker meeting houses.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. The Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan Mukhtar Babayev has met with the Secretary General of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) Lazar Comanescu, Trend reports.

In the course of the meeting, the prospects of cooperation within the BSEC on climate change, early warning of dangerous weather phenomena, and other issues in this direction were discussed.

At the same time, the sides exchanged views on the results of the 29th session of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which was held in Azerbaijan in 2024, the information notes.

The Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) was established as a distinctive and promising multilateral political and economic initiative through the signing of the Istanbul Summit Declaration and the Bosphorus Statement by the Heads of State and Government of the regional countries on 25 June 1992. BSEC currently functions as a forum for cooperation across various domains for its 13 Member States: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, North Macedonia, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Turkiye, and Ukraine.

The primary areas of collaboration within the organization encompass agriculture and agro-industry, banking and finance, the fight against organized crime, culture, customs, education, emergency assistance, energy, environmental protection, statistical data exchange, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, information and communication technologies, institutional renewal and governance, science and technology, small and medium-sized enterprises, tourism, trade and economic development, and transportation.

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NATIONAL Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company responsible for delivering the Governments National Broadband Plan (NBP), has announced that almost 7,500 Offaly homes, farms and businesses in the rural surrounds of Banagher, Birr and Tullamore deployment areas are being moved to an earlier completion date in 2025 than had been originally scheduled.

The number includes over 5,000 premises in Co Offaly that have been brought from 2026 into NBIs schedule of works for this year. The 7,500 homes and businesses included in this move will be able to avail of a connection to NBIs network up to four months sooner than previously anticipated.

The move underpins NBIs commitment to accelerating the rollout wherever possible, ensuring that homes, farms, and businesses across rural Ireland can avail of fast and reliable internet access sooner. As the biggest investment in rural Ireland since rural electrification, Co. Offaly will receive 48m of Government investment under the National Broadband Plan with nearly 13,000 homes, farms and businesses across the county included in NBIs rollout.

Independent TD Carol Nolan has welcomed the news.

Deputy Nolan had previously been informed in a parliamentary reply in October 2024 from Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, Ossian Smyth, that the Birr Deployment Area covering 1,853 premises, was not anticipated to receive high speed Fibre Broadband until some point between January 2026-December 2026.

However, NBI now inform the Independent TD that the 7,500 homes and businesses included in its revised scheduling will mean they will be able to avail of a connection to NBIs network up to four months sooner than previously anticipated.

I very much welcome this positive development given the totally unacceptable delays that homes and businesses in Offaly have had to endure, said Deputy Nolan.

We need to see this escalated pace of delivery continue. I have made this issue a particular focus with NBI and with Government and I will continue to do so until all homes and premises in Offaly that want and need access to high-speed fibre broadband are connected, concluded Deputy Nolan.

As of today, NBI has made high-speed fibre broadband available to 4,804 premises in Co Offaly, with 1,173 premises already connected to the NBI network through one of over 70 participating broadband providers.

The take-up of NBIs services continues to outpace expectations. Areas where the network has been live for over 18 months are reporting take-up rates exceeding 50%, far above international benchmarks. Nationally, over 4,500 new premises are connecting to the network each month.

Peter Hendrick, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland, said: We're delighted to announce that almost 7,500 Offaly premises in rural areas around Banagher, Birr and Tullamore are moving to an earlier anticipated completion date, with approximately 5,000 of these homes and businesses moving forward from 2026, with the remaining being delivered sooner than previously expected in 2025.

"The huge progress that was made on the rollout in 2024 means we can deliver high-speed broadband to more homes and businesses earlier this year and leaves us in a strong position to complete our rollout on time and on budget. With just two years remaining, were working tirelessly to ensure we meet our commitments and provide communities with the connectivity they deserve.

With over 70 different internet providers offering broadband services on the NBI network and with January typically being switching season, there is certainly merit in shopping around to see what options are available. To see the retail broadband providers that are currently licensed to sell on the NBI network, visit NBI.ie/buy.

As a wholesale network operator, NBI does not sell fibre broadband directly to end users, rather it enables services from a range of broadband providers or Retail Service Providers (RSPs). As a wholesale provider, NBI will make the new Fibre-to-the-Home network available to all RSPs operating in the Intervention Area.
THERE are a number of areas around Offaly still without power following Storm Eowyn which hit the country in the early hours of last Friday morning January 24.

The ESB has given a restoration date of between January 29, and February 2 for some areas still affected in the county.

In Tullamore faults remain at Clonminch and Srah. Other areas affected as are around Pullogh, Clara, Daingean, Ballinagar, Clonmore, Ballinahown and Croghan. Power outages further south in the county have all been repaired.

Crews are being brought in from abroad to help with the restoration work.

Water supply was also affected across Offaly. Uisce Eireann said crews are on the ground in the county working to restore water supplies.

A technical issue arose at Toberdaly Water Treatment Plant and customers in Rhode Village experienced no water or very low pressure for a period of time. Uisce Eireann said ''expert crews have been deployed.'' It was expected that water would be restored by 5pm yesterday Monday January 27 to Marrion Terrace and Hillside Estate.

Meanwhile, Offaly County Council met with members of An Garda Siochana, the HSE and the ESB. Chaired by Chief Executive, Anna Marie Delaney. Offaly County Council has contacted local community centres who are providing support in areas experiencing power outages. The Chief Executive expressed thanks to those centres who had opened their doors to those affected to provide showers, charging facilities, tea, coffee and water. Offaly County Council, in association with Uisce Eireann says it will provide a one-off supply of bottled water to community centres in Rhode and Walsh Island that need access to water.

The Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary, has confirmed that the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is available to provide support to those living in properties directly affected by Storm Eowyn. The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme mitigates hardship by providing income tested financial assistance schemes to households affected by a severe weather event The scheme will:

Stage 1: Provide emergency support payments (for food, clothing, etc.) in the immediate aftermath of the event. This Stage is not income tested and is based on the immediate need of impacted individuals. Stage 2:Replace white goods and basic furniture. Stage 3: Focus on damage to a households primary residency.

Independent Offaly TD Carol Nolan has been critical of the response and said ''the political impact of Storm Eowyn has been to blow the roof off the carefully constructed narrative that Irelands major infrastructural deficits are a thing of the past.''

Deputy Nolan said even allowing for the relatively rare nature of the event, it was an international embarrassment to see the country crippled by such extensive damage to its electricity, telecoms, and water infrastructure:

''This event, which lasted a little over 24 hours has brought the country to its knees, while leaving hundreds of thousands of homes exposed to a prolonged absence of energy of any kind,'' said Deputy Nolan.

''Clearly the workers in our local authorities and in the ESB have gone above and beyond and I commend them for their heroic work to restore power and facilities to those impacted by the storm. But at this stage it is simply tragic and indeed infuriating that every time we have a significant weather event our networks essentially collapse.''

''Where is the evidence that we are ready to future-proof our systems against further collapses of this kind? It is just not good enough that we must rely on generator capacity being brought in from other EU member states.

I know from the emails and calls that I received through Friday, Saturday and Sunday, that there is enormous frustration out there in Offaly and beyond; not so much regarding the nature of the response from utilities workers, but more so about how we keep finding ourselves being put in this position as a country.

We are a country awash with billions in exchequer revenue and yet despite this the perception persists, with clear justification, that we cannot even get the basics right. That has to change,'' concluded Deputy Nolan.
THE historic village of Shinrone, County Offaly, will host the premiere of Unstitching the Shinrone Gown on Saturday, February 1st, 2024, at 2pm in Cloughmoyle School House (R42 YN97).

The film, produced by award-winning Offaly-based filmmaker Garret Daly of Mixed Bag Media, tells the story of a remarkable journey: recreating the Shinrone Gown, one of Irelands most significant surviving garments from the late medieval period.

The original Shinrone Gown was discovered in 1843 in a bog outside the village and is now displayed at the National Museum of Ireland, where it is celebrated as an invaluable artifact of Irish heritage. This stunning textile is thought to be over 400 years old, making it one of the oldest surviving garments in Ireland. Its survival is nothing short of extraordinary, as noted by Maeve Sikora, Keeper of Irish Antiquities at the National Museum, who is featured in the film: Textiles from the late medieval period tend not to survive. We are very fortunate to have this Gown on display.

The story of the Gowns recreation began in 2024 when funding through Creative Ireland and the Heritage Office of Offaly County Council allowed the Shinrone Heritage Group to commission a faithful replica of the historic garment, crafted with the same care and attention to detail as the original. Artist Rosalind Fanning and tailor Bernie Stapleton were commissioned by Shinrone Heritage Group with the intricate challenge of recreating the Gown, which was to become a centrepiece for the Shinrone School Museum.

Over the summer of 2024, Rosalind and Bernie worked tirelessly to bring the Gown to life, navigating the challenges of using traditional methods and materials to mirror the original. Their journey, filled with frustrations and triumphs, is central to the film, which offers an intimate view of their creative process. The artists share their thoughts and recollections as they painstakingly replicate the garments rich textures, panels, and stitching.

What sets this project apart is the way it engaged the local community in the process. A series of workshops were held throughout the summer, facilitated by Rosalind, Bernie and Mary Bulfin. These workshops offered hands-on opportunities for participants to learn about traditional textile techniques, such as carding wool, natural dye making, and cutting and stitching panels. Participants also explored the art of peg doll-making.

For those who took part, the experience was more than educational - it was a chance to connect with their heritage in a tangible and meaningful way. It was incredible to see people of all ages coming together to learn these skills, said Ger Murphy of Shinrone Heritage Group. The workshops brought history to life in a way that resonated deeply with our community.

When Shinrone Heritage Group received additional funding to document the project on film, they turned to filmmaker Garret Daly of Mixed Bag Media. Known for his acclaimed short film God in a Bottle, he brought his creative vision and storytelling expertise to the project.

Garret was captivated by the opportunity to document the recreation of the Gown and the people behind it. Speaking about the experience, he said, I have met some extraordinary people while filming this project, and its amazing what communities are doing to celebrate their history. It has been a really fascinating film to make.

The film features interviews with a range of contributors, including Reverend Janet Spunner, Mary Bulfin, costume historian Laura Fitzachary and Maeve Sikora from the National Museum of Ireland. Each brings a unique perspective to the story, highlighting the historical, cultural, and artistic significance of the Gown.

Through their insights, the film explores not only the technical aspects of the gowns creation but also the broader themes of heritage, community, and the enduring importance of preserving history for future generations.

The premiere of Unstitching the Shinrone Gown is set to coincide with St Brigids Day, a fitting tribute to the central role of women in this story. From the anonymous woman who originally wore the Gown in the 1600s to the contemporary artists and craftspeople who recreated it, women have been at the heart of this project.

St. Brigids Day was specifically chosen to highlight the contributions of women, said Ger Murphy. The original gown is a testament to the skill and artistry of women in the late medieval period, and its inspiring to see that legacy continued today.

The Shinrone Gown project won the Heritage Councils County Award in 2024; a recognition of the dedication and talent of all those involved in the project, from the artists and craftspeople to the local community members who supported and participated in the workshops.

For the community in Shinrone, the project represents more than just a replica of a historic garment - its a celebration of the villages rich history and a reminder of the importance of preserving and sharing that heritage. Were so proud of what Bernie and Rosalind have helped us achieve, said Ger Murphy. Its a reminder of the power of history to inspire and bring people together. This film is a celebration of history, art, and community; a chance to connect with the past, honour the present, and look forward to the future of heritage preservation in Shinrone and beyond.

Unstitching the Shinrone Gown will be shown on Saturday, February 1st, 2024, at 2pm in Cloughmoyle School House, Shinrone (R42 YN97). The event is free, and all are welcome to come along and see the film and meet the artists behind the Gown. Seating is limited, please contact Ger Murphy at (087) 1015991 or clareenhouse@hotmail.com for availability.
Teresa Ryan, decided to become a celebrant after attending the funeral of a friend who wasn't religious.

Teresa, who is based in Tullamore, said ''the Catholic ceremony unfortunately didnt reflect who he was and that experience inspired me to become a celebrant so I could offer families more personal choices when it comes to saying their last goodbye, said Teresa.

Teresa emphasises that her ceremonies are centred on the wishes of the deceased and their families, ensuring it reflects the life that has been lived.

I have aligned myself with Entheos Ireland, where we believe in inclusion and choice. Its not about whether you follow a religion or not; its about making the ceremony meaningful, she explains.

She comments how the move away from strictly religious ceremonies can sometimes ''better honour the deceased.''

Teresa focuses on making these ceremonies ''inclusive, trauma-informed, and centred on community, while providing a space to start the process of moving forward. I dont judge or prescribe how you should say goodbye. I listen and facilitate, she added.

''The increase in cremations, along with the preference for celebrant-led funerals, is largely an urban

phenomenon, but the trend is beginning to spread to rural areas as well,'' said Teresa.

In 2010, only one in ten Irish families in the country opted for cremation, but today that number has already tripled.

Teresa says that this shift is driven by factors including the formation of modern and multicultural families, less rigid adherence to religious practices, and the economic benefits of cremation over burial.

However, she says, rural mourners face logistical challenges due to the concentration of crematoriums in urban areas like Dublin, Limerick and Cork. Having to travel and negotiate busy roads into the cities adds extra stress and planning to bereaved families. Recognising this, Teresa has collaborated with Funeral Director and 2023 National President of the Irish Association of Funeral Directors, Tom Lawless to offer what she describes as a kinder alternative.

Civil celebrants like Teresa Ryan dont just preside over funeral ceremonies. She also conducts

graveside ceremonies, ash-scattering events, memorial services, milestones, baby welcomings and of course weddings in a wide range of locationsfrom hotels and hospital chapels to private residences and any other place of personal significance to the family.

When it comes to funerals, I work closely with the family and their funeral director to create a beautiful ceremony. I believe that every individual deserves a final acknowledgement which not only reflects their own unique personality and approach to life, but also one that honours

and celebrate them.

As a not-for-profit organisation, Entheos Ireland also operates a social enterprise initiative. The fees

received for ceremonies help fund projects such as Laras Legacy, Gra go Deo and Died with Pride to fund celebrants to hold end-of-life weddings and baby funerals free of charge which help alleviate the financial burden for these families. You can request the service of a celebrant directly, or through your funeral director.
Artist Marty Leal poses with his official 2025 Fiesta poster. Marty Leal

The people who appear in most Fiesta posters  flamenco dancers, charro riders, mariachi and the like  are usually just representations. They're not recognizable as actual people. Until this year that is, when artist Marty Leal included portraits of three actual participants in his official Fiesta 2025 poster, which was unveiled during a ceremony at the Witte Museum on Wednesday evening.

Smiling from the colorful poster that also contains plenty of iconography from the 11-day, citywide party are Rey Feo LXXVI Fabian Castillo Sr., Reina de la Feria de las Flores London Powell and King Antonio CII Paul A Rohlfs Jr.

"I wanted to recognize the dedication these people put into representing their organizations and raising money for good causes," said Leal, whose poster will represent the 134th anniversary of Fiesta San Antonio, scheduled for April 24 to May 4.

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ALL ABOUT FIESTA: Everything to know about the 11-day, citywide party

This year's official Fiesta poster has so many details from the 11-day, citywide celebration, it's almost a Fiesta-themed Where's Waldo challenge. Fiesta San Antonio Commission

But Leal didn't forget the other Fiesta royalty, hiding hat tips throughout the poster to such luminaries as the queen and court of the Order of The Alamo (and their elaborate gowns), and sashes worn by Miss Fiesta San Antonio, the Queen of Soul and others.

There are also landmarks including the Alamo and San Fernando Cathedral, yellow roses of Texas, medals, an escaramuza rider and river barges.

It's a veritable Fiesta-themed "Where's Waldo" challenge.

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"It was hard to pick what I was going to include and what I had to leave out," said Leal, who, when not making art, works at his family's certified public accounting firm.

The winning poster was selected based on votes by Fiesta membership.

Signed and unsigned posters measuring 24-by-36 inches cost $35 and $20 respectively, and unsigned posters measuring 12-by-18 inches cost $10. They are available at VivaFiesta.com and at Amols' (227 Fredericksburg Road), Fiesta North Star (North Star Mall), Monarch Trophy (16227 San Pedro Ave.), Paradies Gifts (San Antonio Airport) and The Prestigious Mark (8611 N. New Braunfels Ave.).

BEST FIESTA EVER: A guide to the big party

A San Antonio native, Leal said he's been a big Fiesta fan since he was a boy, when attending the Battle of Flowers parade was something of a family tradition. That's one reason he calls the piece "Fiesta for All."

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"Along with Fiesta offering events for all to enjoy, it also raises money to help all those children and nonprofits that are in need in our community," he said. "I also admire Fiesta's 'fun with a purpose' mission and also enjoy the way the whole city comes together during this time, especially during the parades."

Leal said it took him three to four weeks to create the poster, using Adobe Photoshop software along with a digital pencil, a tablet and a large computer screen so he could better see the details.

"I used the same techniques as I do when I paint with oils and acrylics," he said. "But the computer gives me much more flexibility. I can enlarge things easily, move them around and quickly edit and remove them."

While Leal has entered the poster contest several time in the past, advancing to the Top 10 in 2006, this is the first time he can claim bragging rights as creator of the official Fiesta poster.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group provided 89 billion euros in new financing in 2024, with a strong focus on energy security and green investments, Trend reports.

The bank mobilized over 100 billion euros for projects in renewable energy, grids, storage, and net-zero industries, with nearly 60% of its financing supporting climate action and sustainability.

The EIB also expanded higher-risk operations, committing a record 8 billion euros in equity and quasi-equity investments to boost European startups and scale-ups. These funds are expected to unlock 110 billion euros in growth capital for innovative businesses.

Security and defense investments doubled in 2024, with expanded eligibility for dual-use projects, including military mobility, cybersecurity, space, and critical infrastructure protection. The EIB aims to double security investments again in 2025.

Looking ahead, the group plans to increase financing to 95 billion euros in 2025, with a focus on European tech, raw materials, water management, energy efficiency for small businesses, and affordable housing. Efforts to streamline approvals have also accelerated, reducing red tape for clients.

We have broken records with our financing in 2024 and are ready to support EU priorities in this new political mandate, said EIB Group President Nadia Calvino. We will play an even more relevant role in 2025, strengthening Europes security and competitiveness through strategic investments.
Courtesy of AXIOS, as of January 28, 2025.

Do have a "phew!" And click here.

President Trump is carrying out his pledge to give the U.S. a MAGA makeover by signing a slew of executive actions in his first week that walk back Biden-era policies and fulfill his campaign promises. The big picture: Trump's radical expansion of executive power will dramatically change life for millions of people if the orders withstand the barrage of legal challenges that are already coming.

President Trump executive orders list 2025

Immigration executive orders

Many of Trump's first orders curtail immigration at the southern border.

He promised mass deportations but hasn't detailed how he would implement, staff and fund such a massive, costly operation.

Trump declares national emergency at Mexico border

Trump declared an emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, vowing to deploy troops to the region, including the National Guard. He instructed the Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security to construct additional border barriers.

Trump designated "certain international cartels" and organizations, such as Tren de Aragua and MS-13, as foreign terrorist organizations and announced plans to invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to target them.

Trump suspended the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program resettlements. Homeland Security will report back within 90 days on whether resuming refugee entries would "be in the interests" of America.

Nearly 1,660 Afghans cleared by the U.S. to resettle in the country, including family of active-duty U.S. military personnel, had their flights canceled following Trump's orders, Reuters reported.

Trump ordered Homeland Security to terminate "all categorical parole programs that are contrary" to U.S. policies established in his orders, including those for refugees fleeing Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.

Remain in Mexico policy

Trump reinstated the "Remain in Mexico" policy, ending a program that released asylum seekers into the U.S. while their cases were considered.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection website said appointments made through the CBP One app at certain border crossings had been canceled on Jan. 20. Hours later, Trump nixed the program.

Trump empowered officials to "repeal, repatriate, or remove any alien engaged in the invasion" of the southern border.

Trump birthright citizenship executive order

One of his boldest moves was an attempt to end birthright citizenship for those born to undocumented immigrants, which is protected by the U.S. Constitution. The order faces legal challenges.

Trump ordered agencies (starting 30 days after the Jan. 20 order) not to recognize babies as citizens if their mothers were "unlawfully present" at the time of birth and their father was not a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.

This applies to children born to mothers who were lawful, temporary residents and fathers who were not citizens or lawful permanent residents.

Energy and environment executive orders

Trump declared a "national energy emergency," ordering expedited, deregulated drilling.

One order specifically targets energy production in Alaska -- rescinding former President Biden's protections around the state's coastal areas.

Separately, Trump paused offshore wind leasing in federal waters.

"[T]he heads of all other relevant agencies, shall not issue new or renewed approvals, rights of way, permits, leases, or loans for onshore or offshore wind projects," pending a review of federal wind leasing, per the memorandum.

Paris Climate treaty

State of play: Trump signed an order withdrawing the U.S., the world's second-largest greenhouse gas emitter, from the Paris Climate Agreement.

Trump had pulled out of the pact during his first term, but Biden rejoined it in a day-one order of his own.

It takes a year to withdraw from the agreement.

Trump took aim at the Biden administration's federal procurement targets for clean power, electric vehicles and other energy goals.

Trump directed the Energy secretary to restart application reviews for liquefied natural gas export projects, which were paused by Biden over climate change concerns.

Trump also revoked a 2021 Biden executive order that set a goal for 50% of US vehicle sales to be electric by 2030.

Executive orders targeting DEI, and transgender Americans

Trump established that "it is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female" on official documents.

"These sexes are not changeable and are grounded in fundamental and incontrovertible reality," his Jan. 20 executive order read.

Transgender Americans were a central target of Trump's often hyperbolic and outright false campaign trail messaging.

Zoom out: He also rescinded a Biden administration provision that allowed transgender people to serve in the military.

Trump did not immediately ban trans military personnel from serving, as he did under his first administration, but he paved the path to revive the ban.

Trump, as part of his crusade against what the GOP decries as "woke" culture, ordered the dismantling of government diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives within 60 days .

It eliminates policies that established several diversity initiatives, including one that widened sex discrimination protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity.

In a Jan. 21 order, Trump specifically directed the Federal Aviation Administration "to immediately return to non-discriminatory, merit-based hiring, as required by law" and rescind DEI initiatives.

Separately, Trump ordered all executive departments and agencies to terminate what he called "discriminatory and illegal" preferences, policies, programs, guidance and other provisions and to "combat illegal private-sector DEI preferences, mandates, policies, programs, and activities."

In doing so, he revoked decades of executive orders, including the Equal Employment Opportunity order of 1965 signed by former President Lyndon B. Johnson.

It calls for each agency to identify "up to nine potential civil compliance investigations of publicly traded corporations, large non-profit corporations or associations, foundations with assets of 500 million dollars or more, State and local bar and medical associations, and institutions of higher education with endowments over 1 billion dollars."

Trump signed several other provisions that will impact government workers .

He required a full-time return to in-office work for federal employees and ordered a hiring freeze on government positions.

The hiring freeze does not apply to the military or "immigration enforcement, national security, or public safety."

He reinstated his first-term Schedule F executive order, which could make it easier to fire civil servants deemed disloyal .

The order could strip employment protections from thousands of federal employees.

Employees are "not required to personally or politically support the current President" -- but they must "faithfully implement administration policies to the best of their ability," the order said.

Jan. 6 pardons and other clemency actions

Trump pardoned most Jan. 6 defendants (some 1,500) charged with participating in the Capitol riot and commuted the sentences of 14 others.

Among those were leaders of extremist groups the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers.

Pardoning rioters was a prominent campaign pledge, but Trump had previously said recipients would be determined on a "case-by-case" basis.

Zoom out: Trump announced on Jan. 21 he had signed a full and unconditional pardon for Ross Ulbricht, the creator of the unlawful Silk Road marketplace who was sentenced to life in prison in 2015.

On Wednesday, he issued a "full and unconditional pardon" to two police officers convicted for the 2020 murder of Karon Hylton-Brown, a 20-year-old Black man, in D.C.

Health executive orders: WHO, COVID and drug costs

Trump signed a Jan. 20 order pulling the U.S. from the World Health Organization, a process he started during his first term due to what the order claimed was "the organization's mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic ... and other global health crises," among other reasons.

Zoom in: Trump on Monday reinstated military members who were dismissed because they refused to receive the COVID vaccine.

The Trump administration on Jan. 22 waived requirements that green card applicants be vaccinated against COVID.

waived requirements that green card applicants be vaccinated against COVID. Trump also rescinded a 2022 Biden order to lower the cost of prescription drugs.

TikTok extension, DOGE, and more executive orders

Other executive orders and actions include:

Re-designating the Houthi rebels in Yemen as a terrorist organization;

Ensuring government agencies do not "unconstitutionally abridge the free speech of any American citizen," highlighting what Trump and his ally's considered censorship under Biden.

Ordering a review of trade practices and agreements.

Revoking security clearances of Trump's former national security adviser, John Bolton, and former intelligence officials who signed a letter discrediting the Hunter Biden laptop story.

Formally establishing the Department of Government Efficiency.

Suspending the TikTok ban for 75 days.

Declaring that federal buildings should "respect regional, traditional, and classical architectural heritage" to "beautify public spaces and ennoble the United States."

Renaming Denali to Mount McKinley and the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.

Federally recognizing the Lumbee Tribe. (Note: It is a tribe whose legitimacy has been questioned by other tribal nations, but which did organize support for Trump during the Presidential election

Declassifying files related to the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr.

Supporting the use of digital assets, blockchain technology and other financial technology.

Establishing a President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) composed of up to 24 members.

Revoking existing artificial intelligence policies and directives that "act as barriers to American AI innovation" and setting a 180-day deadline to develop an AI plan.

Post-note: I just (at about 5PM EST, 1-30-25) re-read this list, to correct some minor formatting and underlining issues. It absolutely takes one's breath away. And there is more to come. Talk about a "unitary executive," which is the chief descriptive component of fascism on the "structure of government" side.

(Article changed on Jan 30, 2025 at 5:02 PM EST)

(Article changed on Jan 30, 2025 at 5:03 PM EST)

(Article changed on Jan 30, 2025 at 5:05 PM EST)


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Despite having been one of the few Presidents to fail in an attempt to get re-elected, Jimmy Carter was perhaps the ultimate example of what a successful post-presidency looks like. Following through with his promise to " not use his subsequent public life to enrich himself ", he returned to his peanut farm in Plains, Georgia. After leaving office, Carter engaged in " building houses [with Habitat for Humanity], eradicating disease, brokering ceasefires, [and] monitoring elections ". His death at the age of 100 during the run-up to Trump's second inauguration provides a contrast between the two men.

In contrast to Carter's humility, Trump has complained about the inconvenient timing of Carter's death will have on his inaugural festivities. As proclaimed by Dwight Eisenhower in 1954:

Accordingly, flags are scheduled to remain at half-staff until January 28th, a period that will include Trump's second inauguration, a coincidence that has enraged the convicted felon as he prepares to take office again:

Ironically, the man who promised to pardon January 6th protestors who beat law enforcement officers with poles carrying American flags used the words "only think about themselves" while referencing the time-honored tradition of lowering flags in honor of deceased Presidents. This is the same man who refused to attend the previous inauguration, breaking an important tradition meant to strengthen the peaceful transfer of power because he was butt-hurt over his election loss.

Carter lost his re-election (badly) to a man who won by stealing campaign strategy documents and who convinced the Iranians to hold our hostages until after the election. He still showed up to fulfill his role at Reagan's inauguration.

The rage "Truthing" continued:

After elections, candidates are supposed to transition to leaders, but Trump cannot move on from the campaign. Instead of reassuring Americans that he intends to represent them all, he continues propagating the lies that propelled him back into the Oval Office, by pretending that Biden is not leaving him a country that is in significantly better shape than it was when Trump retreated to Mar-A-Lago with his tail between his legs. The Narcissist In Chief can not help but obsess over his fear that the visual of the flags at half-staff will somehow detract from his moment. It is the same thought process that led to his insane lies about the size of the crowd at his first inauguration.

One has to wonder what went through Trump's mind as he sat through the eulogies at Carter's state funeral. Did he think about what Mike Pence, the Vice President his supporters tried to murder, would say about him as he heard the words Carter's VP, Walter Mondale, left behind for this occasion:

If thoughts of retribution and revenge were exiled from his mind for the moment, did he take any lessons from the words left behind by Gerald Ford, a man whom he beat in an election, but became his lifelong friend:

Trump is a noted outcast in the small club of living American presidents. Instead of seeking their counsel, he views them as rivals. When his time of departure comes, what tribute, if any, will they pay to his legacy?

Carl Petersen is a parent advocate for public education, particularly for students with special education needs, who serves as the Education Chair for the Northridge East Neighborhood Council. As a Green Party candidate in LAUSD's District 2 School Board race, he was endorsed by Network for Public Education (NPE) Action. Dr. Diane Ravitch has called him "a valiant fighter for public schools in Los Angeles." For links to his blogs, please visit www.ChangeTheLAUSD.com. Opinions are his own.


Dr. Hattie Mitchell, Founder and Principal of Crete Academy

(Image by Ivy Bound Academy) Details DMCA



In its marketing, Ivy Bound Academy promotes the charter school as a " first stop " on the way to Harvard. With the academic performances listed on the California School's Dashboard, it looks like the trip has been abandoned for most of Ivy's students. The school is rated in the Red (very low) for English Language Arts and the Orange (low) for Mathematics. Even worse, the performance declined in both categories from the previous year showing a school on the wrong trajectory.

In comparison, the LAUSD is rated in the Yellow (medium) for both categories, with increasing performance. Van Nuys Middle School, the closest middle school to Ivy, performed in line with the District as a whole with its performance also showing improvement.



Another issue highlighted by the Academic Dashboard is the fact that a third of the students are chronically absent, a problem that grew worse over the previous year. Both the LAUSD as a whole and Van Nuys Middle School had a rate of around 23%, which is still a problem but shows better performance than the charter school. The rate for both LAUSD and the middle school improved over the previous year.

Given what the data shows about academic performance, it is not surprising that the Charter School Division recommended that the Board deny Ivy Bound's request to renew its charter. Unfortunately, in doing so they ignored evidence that Ivy Bound is engaging in behavior that manipulates the demographic makeup of the school . I addressed my concerns in public comment before the Board voted on the denial:

I detailed issues with Ivy Bound Academy's website in an email to the Charter School Division on December 31, 2024. Ignoring the requirements of its charter, parents were not being notified that the electronic application could be completed in person at the school. They were also not informed that all students are admitted unless there are more applications than spaces.



How closely is the Charter School Division paying attention to the schools it oversees if it misses these overt failures to follow the terms of the charter? As of this morning, some changes have been made to the website, but it is still not in full compliance.



These requirements were meant to ensure that all students have equal access to the school and that the school is not manipulating the demographics of its student body. The school's refusal to comply and the Charter School Division's failure to provide proper oversight have resulted in a student body with a lesser percentage of students of color than the closest LAUSD middle school and the District as a whole. The same is true for students with Special Education needs and those who are economically disadvantaged. Ivy Bound also has a lesser percentage of English Language learners than the LAUSD. 51.1% of its students are white compared to just 5.9% at the closest LAUSD School.



The school deliberately markets the screening of students from at-risk communities. In a promotional video, the principal brags that "the special thing about our school is that you have to apply and go through the lottery system."



Despite the demographics and the failure to follow the terms of the charter, the Charter School Division has determined that this is not a basis for denial. While I agree that the charter should not be renewed, I also ask that its failure to include all students be listed as a reason.

None of the Board members were driven to ask questions after my presentation. In fact, there was no discussion before the Board voted unanimously to deny the petition. Even Nick Melvoin, who has a history of approving charter schools that are failing academically and defending operators that are embezzling public funds voted against this charter school. Perhaps they neglected to donate to his ill-fated Congressional campaign

While having one less failing charter school operating is a good thing (assuming the unelected Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) and state bureaucrats do not overturn the decision), the failure to call out the demographic manipulation sends a signal to other charter schools that this behavior is acceptable. It is bad enough when the previous iteration of the School Board approved Citizens of the World, another example of a White Flight Charter School. It was hoped that this Board would do better.

Carl Petersen is a parent advocate for public education, particularly for students with special education needs, who serves as the Education Chair for the Northridge East Neighborhood Council. As a Green Party candidate in LAUSD's District 2 School Board race, he was endorsed by Network for Public Education (NPE) Action. Dr. Diane Ravitch has called him "a valiant fighter for public schools in Los Angeles." For links to his blogs, please visit www.ChangeTheLAUSD.com. Opinions are his own.
One of newly inaugurated (for a second time) president Donald Trump's executive orders -- "Unleashing American Energy" -- promises to "safeguard the American people's freedom to choose from a variety of goods and appliances, including but not limited to lightbulbs."

Let us rejoice! Or at least ask -- for my son -- whether we can expect old-school incandescent lightbulbs to make a comeback.

While I'm personally a big fan of the newer LED bulbs because they use less electricity, produce less heat, and last longer than the incandescents I grew up with, my son asserts the superiority of incandescent light over LED light. The light is visually warmer, he says. It emits, in a word, "soul."

Well, more power -- pun intended -- to him.

The Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 required a minimum bulb efficiency of 45 lumens per watt. Incandescent bulbs don't meet that standard, and were starting to fade into history by the time Trump announced during his first term, that the standard wouldn't be enforced.

Then came Joe Biden. Via the US Department of Energy, he banned the manufacture and sale of incandescent bulbs as of August 2023.

By that point, it was kind of difficult to get them anyway. My son paid what I considered scandalous prices to buy "new old stock" online before the ban went into effect.

If Trump's administration follows through on the goals in the executive order, I honestly don't expect many people to switch back from LED to incandescent ... but that's not really the point.

The point is that those who prefer one type of bulb over another should be free to buy the kind they prefer, and manufacturers/sellers should be free to serve market demand for whatever people are willing to throw money at.

The Biden administration didn't, and the Trump administration won't, buy the light bulbs that gets used in my house.

The Biden administration didn't, and the Trump administration won't, pay my electric bill.

My household policy is that I'm OK with my son putting two incandescent bulbs, rather than two LED bulbs, in his bedroom's ceiling light -- but that he has to buy the bulbs. I'll cover the electric bill increase, but if I'm buying the bulbs, I'll only spring for LEDs.

Your household policy may be different, and that's fine. It's your house. The only house the White House's residents should be choosing the light bulbs for IS the White House.
"The Tyrant does not seek the guilty. Everyone is guilty by default in his eyes"

Vladimir Soloviev, Tzar Juri.

Many years ago, when Colin Powell lied his ears off in the UN, I wrote an OEN article demanding to start forming the People's Front. I was much younger then. It never happened at that time and the smoke of evil creeped into every aspect of the social life of our country. Monsters emerged from that smoke and smoke filled the curved mirrors. Now we have them a plenty. They are everywhere. We found an enemy, and it is us. Why us? Because, a**holes as they are, inhumane as they are, they are our creations, the results of our malice, our stupidity, our cowardice and our ignorance. Look again at the Capricho #42 from the Goya's Los Caprichos. They are the donkeys riding us. But we made them. We are the asses too.

Click Here

Make no mistake; here is a real threat. There never was a 'lefty' threat to the American way of life. There never were any 'leftists'- it is all invented by the media. On the contrary, the moronic evil of the rightwing had always been present in our lives and it was organized and used as a weapon more and more until it now claims permanency. The thugs we see on the screens, the ones in official power, those mentioned by the media- they are just a facade. The real manipulators, those who always pulled the strings- they are the cold- hearted bastards and they don't give a damn about whoever. They only want to control and 'f&ck hard'. They are reckless people. Reread your "The Great Gatsby". When Homeland Gestapo drags you out of your bed, they will not present you a warrant; you will confess beforehand.

Organized force has to be confronted by an organized force. Albert Einstein said that. We need a Popular Front more than ever. We need the unification of all antifascist movements, progressive movements, social movements, whatever- under one name. And the Dems must join the coalition. That is paramount. The Dems must abandon their name and become a part of the new entity, they must surrender all their resources to that one and the Dems in Congress must become a part of it. Only that way we have a chance to oppose the total darkness and elect new leaders, who will reject the lie as a policy. We, the people of the US, need help but it can come only from us. We must help ourselves. The alternative is collapse of the democracy and the 'tyranny of the stupid'. Look at their faces, for God's sake! They beg for the modern Los Caprichos.

OEN can become an initiator of such movement. There is a plenty of young and honest people on it. History doesn't teach fatalism. This is their chance. Unless you want to wake up in the Atwood's Gilead, where we all will be 'f&cked hard' permanently.
In the third quarter of 2024, 422.61 million data records were leaked, Statista reports. Cybersecurity experts warn travelers not to add to the possible losses as they observe an increasing trend of people sending copies of ID documents to their own email. While travelers do it for convenience, it opens them up to fraud and identity theft. The growing threat comes as global travel increases, leaving millions of travelers at 
Raas, the premium South Asian clothing brand, is making waves in the USA by bringing luxury designer lehengas, bridal wear, and elegant occasion outfits to fashion-forward consumers. With a growing presence on Macy's Marketplace and a commitment to blending tradition with modern elegance, Raas is redefining how South Asian fashion is perceived globally. Founded by Shreya Patel, Raas aims to offer high-quality craftsmanship, intricate embroidery, and exclusive designs that cater to 
No. 10 Oregon State is adding a gymnastics meet to its 2025 home schedule, as the Beavers face Fisk University on Friday, March 21 at Gill Coliseum.

The dual meet, which starts at 7 p.m., is the last of seven home meets for Oregon State this season.

The Fisk meet is likely the last home meet for three-time Olympic medalist Jade Carey. It is unclear as to whether Carey is eligible beyond the 2025 season.

Fisk, located in Nashville, is an NAIA school but competes mostly against Division I and II schools in gymnastics.

Though Fisk is Oregon States home finale, the Beavers plan to keep Senior Day on March 15 prior to their meet against Air Force.

Other remaining home meets are UC Davis/Alaska (Feb. 7), Washington/Alaska (Feb. 10) and San Jose State (March 9).

Carey is having a spectacular senior season coming off a multiple medal performance at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Carey ranks No. 1 nationally in all-around, with a high score of 39.8. Among individual events, Carey ranks No. 1 on balance beam, No. 3 on uneven bars, tied for fourth on floor exercise and No. 16 on vault.

--Nick Daschel can be reached at 360-607-4824, ndaschel@oregonian.com or @nickdaschel.

Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe today to OregonLive.com.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, January 30. Kazakhstan and Russia have put their heads together to chart a course for advancing transport infrastructure and energy development, Trend reports.

A meeting took place at the Akorda residence in the capital of Kazakhstan between Kazakhstans President Kassym Jomart-Tokayev and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, who is in Kazakhstan to participate in the work of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council and the Digital Almaty 2025 digital forum.



During the meeting, the parties discussed the prospects for the development of a Kazakh-Russian strategic partnership, zeroing in on bolstering trade, economic, and investment ties, especially within the context of the Eurasian Economic Union. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed great appreciation for Mikhail Mishustin's personal efforts in bolstering the bonds of friendship and good neighborliness between the nations. He underscored the significance of putting into action the agreements made during the state visit of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, to Astana on November 27 of the previous year.



Our relations are on the rise and cover almost all areas of cooperation. We consider your visit to Astana as an important stage in the implementation of the agreements reached at the highest level. During Vladimir Putins visit to Kazakhstan, the regional forum in Ufa was successfully held. This year, we plan to hold another forum, this time in Uralsk, Kazakhstan. I believe that this cooperation format certainly brings valuable results, emphasized the president.



In turn, Mishustin expressed his readiness to continue the practical implementation of the tasks set by the leaders of the two countries.



I would like to take this opportunity to convey the best wishes from the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin. Indeed, he was here with a historic state visit in November of last year. And you, dear Kassym-Jomart Kemelievich, visited Russia in December, in St. Petersburg. The Forum of Regions is very important for us. The regions of Russia directly interact with many areas of Kazakhstan. As you said, this is a very important format, and we will continue to assist in increasing its effectiveness. Kazakhstan is the closest neighbor and ally of the Russian Federation. Our relations are based on the principles of friendship and mutual respect, said Mishustin.



Mishustin informed Kassym-Jomart Tokayev about the results of the negotiations between the government delegations of Kazakhstan and Russia, noting that the agreements reached across the full spectrum of the bilateral agenda will contribute to strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation. The meeting focused on the further implementation of joint projects in energy, industry, transport infrastructure, agriculture, and other areas.



Current issues related to scientific, technical, and cultural-humanitarian cooperation were also discussed. President Tokayev announced that he had accepted the invitation of the President of Russia to attend events dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory.



To note, Mikhail Mishustin arrived in Kazakhstan's Astana on a working visit. He will also participate in the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council meeting and events of the Digital Almaty technological forum.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
The Portland Trail Blazers could complete their second season sweep Thursday night with a win over the Orlando Magic at the Moda Center.

The Blazer swept the Milwaukee Bucks 2-0 with Tuesday nights 125-112 win at the Moda Center.

The Blazers won 101-79 at Orlando on Jan. 23.

The struggling Magic, who have lost eight of their last 10 games, bounced back from losing to the Blazers by winning 121-113 over the Detroit Pistons.

Orlando began a six-game trip Monday with a 125-119 overtime loss at Miami before heading West to face the Blazers.

Two days off should help the Magic, and having Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner no longer on the minutes restrictions they contended with while playing the Blazers.

The Magic have struggled offensively this season, posting a 102.5 offensive rating (27th). On defense, Orlando ranks 23rd in defensive three-point field goal percentage (37.2%).

Portland ranks 28th in three-point shooting (34.1%) but shot 44.1% (30 of 68) over its last two games.

Jerami Grant is questionably, which

Prediction: The Blazers have been shooting well and playing quality defense. Gotta pick them at home against a struggling team.

  

PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS VS. ORLANDO MAGIC

What: Trail Blazers (18-29) vs. Magic (24-24), 7 p.m., Thursday.

Where: Moda Center.

Radio: Rip City Radio (KPOJ 620 AM).

TV channel: KATU (Antenna: 2.2 in Portland. Xfinity: 302 and 1170. DirecTV: 688-1. KUNP (Antenna: 47.1. Xfinity: 16, 302, 1170. DirecTV: 47. Spectrum: 184).

How to Watch: Rip City TV Network. If you dont have cable, you can still watch this game live for FREE with the help of an HDTV antenna on your local ABC affiliate (Charge 2.2 in Portland). These antennas are very easy to install and cost around $20. You can purchase one at your local Bi-Mart or Fred Meyer, or buy one online at Walmart or from Amazon and have it shipped quickly to your home. Here are some instructions on how to set up an HDTV antenna on your television or other display. You can find out more about which channel Rip City TV Network is on in your area by using the channel finder here.

  

ODDS (Oregon Lottery/DraftKings)

Moneyline: POR +170 | ORL -205

Spread: POR +5 | Over/Under: 210.5

INJURIES

Blazers: Jerami Grant (right ankle sprain) and Matisse Thybulle (right ankle sprain) is out.

Magic: Gary Harris (left hamstring strain) is probable. Jalen Suggs (left quad contusion) is questionable. Moritz Wagner (left knee torn ACL) is out.

NEXT UP

The Blazers host the Phoenix Suns at 7 p.m. on Saturday and Monday.

-- Aaron Fentress | afentress@Oregonian.com | @AaronJFentress (Twitter), @AaronJFentress (Instagram), @AaronFentress (Facebook)
The Food and Drug Administration has newly classified the December recall of some Lays Classic Potato Chips sold in Oregon and Washington with the designation reserved for the highest degree of health hazard.

Lays began the voluntary recall of 6,344 bag of chips in December because they contain undisclosed milk. On Monday, the FDA issued a classification for the recall, determining it was Class I. This is the designation used to signify that the product presents the highest degree of health hazard. The government website describes it as a situation where the use of the product has a reasonable probability of causing serious adverse health consequences or death.

Reached by email on Wednesday, the FDA declined to say why the recall became a Class I more than a month after it was originally issued. Frito-Lay did not respond to similar inquiries by The Oregonian on Wednesday.

The potato chips were sold in stores and online on or after Nov. 3 in a 13-ounce Party Size bag. Other chip varieties and sizes are not affected. Those included in the recall are marked with a Guaranteed Fresh date of Feb. 11, 2025, and a manufacturing code that begins with either 6462307xx or 6463307xx.

In December, Frito-Lay parent company PepsiCo Foods said consumers with a sensitivity or allergy to milk should discard the chips. They can contact Frito-Lay with questions at 800-352-4477.

 Mims Copeland is a social media producer at The Oregonian/OregonLive and writes about trending topics.
Police arrested a man on Wednesday shortly after they discovered another man shot to death in a Vancouver park.

Machou M. Machou, 23, faces possible charges of second-degree murder in the shooting death of a 21-year-old at Jaggy Road Park around 4:24 p.m., the Vancouver Police Department said in a statement.
A man who allegedly barricaded himself from police inside a pot shop he had tried to rob Monday has been arrested and charged.

Prosecutors allege that Joshua Hicks, 43, broke into the Portland Cannabis Market in Southeast Portland on Monday, caused damage to multiple doors, ran away from police and then barricaded himself inside, court records show. The Portland Police Bureau said officers responded to the burglary call around 5 a.m.
Police have released the name of the man who allegedly fired gunshots and then commandeered a TriMet bus in Portlands Old Town on Wednesday.

Hosea J. Chambers, 33, of Portland, was booked on a range of charges, including kidnapping in the first degree, robbery in the first degree, reckless endangering, unlawful use of a weapon and felon in possession of a firearm, the Portland Police Bureau said.

Chambers was convicted of robbery in 2013 and has faced various charges over the years, according to court records.

Police used a flashbang and a smoke bomb to get Chambers off the bus Wednesday afternoon. At the time, he was the only person remaining on the bus.

Officers had arrived on the scene in response to reports of a man pointing a gun at people in Old Town. The suspect reportedly fired shots and then flagged down the TriMet bus and boarded it, causing riders to flee out the rear door.

This led to a standoff between police and the suspect on the bus.

There were no reported injuries.

Detectives continue to seek witnesses to Wednesdays incident. They ask anyone with information about the case to contact Detective Joseph Corona at Joseph.Corona@police.portlandoregon.gov, (503) 823-0508, or Detective Jennifer Hertzler at Jennifer.Hertzler@police.portlandoregon.gov, (503) 823-1040.

-- The Oregonian/OregonLive
Portland Police Chief Bob Day offered a formal apology Wednesday for several communication errors made in the wake of the Normandale Park mass shooting at a social justice protest, saying the inaccuracies had harmed those stricken by grief.

Day said press releases issued in the hours after the Feb. 19, 2022 shooting in Northeast Portland had described the victims as armed protesters  when, in fact, they were unarmed traffic safety volunteers known as corkers.
In a recent Next on Netflix presentation that included guest appearances by Ben Affleck, John Mulaney, Tina Fey and Stranger Things creators the Duffer brothers, among others, the streaming giant has announced a slate of TV, movies and more that will stream on the platform in 2025.

Netflix revealed that some of the projects already have premiere dates, including Kinda Pregnant, a comedy starring Amy Schumer (Feb. 5); The Electric State, an adventure starring Stranger Things veteran Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt (March 14); and Nonnas, a comedy starring Vince Vaughn and Susan Sarandon (May 9).

But a movie of particular interest to Portlanders, Night Always Comes, doesnt yet have a premiere date announced, though it is scheduled to stream on Netflix in 2025. The movie, which filmed in and around the Rose City in 2024, is adapted from a novel by Oregon author and musician Willy Vlautin.

Vanessa Kirby (The Crown) stars, as a working-class woman trying desperately to raise enough money to buy the house her family has rented for years, a task made even harder by gentrification changing the face of her Portland neighborhood.

The cast also includes Jennifer Jason Leigh, Zack Gottsagen, Stephan James, Julia Fox, Eli Roth, Randall Park, and Michael Kelly. Benjamin Caron directed, and Sara Conradt wrote the screenplay.

Another Netflix movie with a local connection, The Old Guard 2, will stream on Netflix beginning July 2, 2025. The movie is a sequel to The Old Guard, which began streaming on Netflix in 2020, was written by locally based author Greg Rucka, and based on a graphic novel series by Rucka.

Rucka was also a screenwriter on The Old Guard 2. The movie again stars Charlize Theron, as an immortal warrior doing battle against a new enemy. Filming locations for The Old Guard 2, according to IMDb, included Italy, the United Kingdom, and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

 Kristi Turnquist covers features and entertainment. Reach her at 503-221-8227, kturnquist@oregonian.com and @Kristiturnquist and https://bsky.app/profile/kristiturnquist.bsky.social

Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe
The weeks leading up to the Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary special, coming up on Feb. 16, have been packed with nostalgic celebrations of the influential comedy shows history. Peacock is streaming a four-part documentary series, SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night, which features cast members, writers, technicians and more reflecting on what its like to put the live program together.

Another special streaming on Peacock, Ladies & Gentlemen ... 50 Years of SNL Music, includes clips of performances, and interviews with such artists as Bad Bunny, Miley Cyrus, Paul Simon, Mick Jagger, Tom Morello, Kacey Musgraves, Jack White, Elvis Costello, Billie Eilish & Finneas, Dave Grohl, Debbie Harry & Chris Stein, Dua Lipa, Darryl DMC McDaniels, along with SNL veterans Eddie Murphy, Kenan Thompson, SNL executive producer Lorne Michaels, and more.

Saturday Night Live fans can name all sorts of favorite cast members and sketches, but if youre an Oregonian looking for a bit of reflected glory in this SNL nostalgia extravaganza, theres not too much to celebrate.

Sure, in looking back at the storied history of this groundbreaking show, there have been some SNL sketches with Oregon moments. In 2018, for example, SNL did a fairly funny filmed parody of the Netflix documentary series, Wild Wild Country, which told the story of the arrival of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and the Rajneeshees in Oregon.

In the SNL parody, Nasim Pedrad was a pretty convincing Ma Anand Sheela, and she was joined by Kate McKinnon, Beck Bennett, Aidy Bryant, and Kenan Thompson, who played a guy who remembers joining the cult just so he could be part of the free love/sex scene.

Less successful was a 2000 sketch called The Crocodile Hunter: Oregons Crater Lake, in which Chris Kattan showed off an over-the-top Australian accent as Steve Irwin, the now-deceased host of the Animal Planet show, The Crocodile Hunter. He was joined by guest host Julianna Margulies as Irwins wife, Terri Irwin (who was born in Eugene).

In the sketch, Margulies, as Terri, says in a voiceover that on this weeks show, she and Steve will visit Crater Lake and experience some of the wondrous animals of Oregon, which Margulies pronounces as Ora-GONE.

The sketchs joke -- its only joke -- is that Steve keeps getting attacked by animals, including a rattlesnake, a hawk, a bullfrog, leaving him blood-spattered and beat-up.

Funnier is a 2024 sketch, which doesnt specifically mention Oregon, but makes fun of Alaska Airlines, and two headline-making incidents involving the airline and Portland. The sketch is a parody of an ad in which Alaska Airlines staff try and reassure customers that things really arent that bad, so dont worry about the panel that flew off a plane in flight above Portland, or the off-duty pilot who tried to commandeer a plane that then had to make an emergency landing at Portland International Airport.

So, Oregon may not have inspired an SNL sketch that rivals the appeal of the more cowbell skit (which gets an entire episode devoted to it in the SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night docuseries). But theres this: cast member Fred Armisen co-created and co-starred in the Portland-filmed series, Portlandia, and Aidy Bryant starred in Shrill, another comedy that filmed in the Rose City.

SNL50: The Anniversary Special will air from 8-11 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16, on NBC and stream on Peacock.

 Kristi Turnquist covers features and entertainment. Reach her at 503-221-8227, kturnquist@oregonian.com and @Kristiturnquist and https://bsky.app/profile/kristiturnquist.bsky.social

Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe
Days after one of the worlds largest lithium ion battery storage facilities burst into flames in Monterey County, researchers found alarmingly high concentrations of heavy metals at a nearby estuary that is home to several endangered species.

Scientists at San Jose State University recorded a dramatic increase in nickel, manganese and cobalt  materials used in lithium ion batteries  in soil samples at the Elkhorn Slough Reserve after the recent fire at the nearby Moss Landing Power Plant.

The toxic metals threaten to upset the delicate ecosystem at the Elkhorn Slough, which is the states second-largest estuary and plays a key role in sequestering carbon emissions and protecting the coastline from sea level rise, said Ivano Aiello, chair of the universitys Moss Landing Marine Laboratories.

Aiello, who has monitored environmental conditions at the slough for more than a decade, said he was shocked by the results.

The concentration of nickel, manganese and cobalt measured on the surface of the soil is hundreds to thousands of times as much as the levels in the surface soil prior to the fire or compared with levels measured deeper in the soil.

I was wondering whether there was anything associated with this fire that could have been impacted, said Aiello. I didnt know I was going find such a high concentration of those metals.

On Tuesday, Monterey County Supervisor Glenn Church called the findings extremely disturbing and said he was worried about what future data would reveal regarding the consequences of the unprecedented blaze. The fire ignited Jan. 16, burned for five days and ultimately destroyed an estimated 80% of the batteries inside the building, which is on the coast about 18 miles north of the city of Monterey.

Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) said in a statement Monday that she was deeply concerned about the concentration of heavy metals in one of our most cherished and fragile ecosystems.

These concentrations are directly linked to the battery energy storage fire, she said.

The battery storage site is owned by Texas-based Vistra Energy. A spokesperson said Tuesday that the company was aware of San Jose States data and would work with local health agencies to determine next steps. Vistra is also completing its own investigation into the fire and environmental monitoring around the plant, the spokesperson said.

The Elkhorn Slough Reserve was closed to the public from Jan. 17 to Jan. 21 while it and residential areas near the power plant were under evacuation orders due to the fire. It is now open to visitors.

Initial air quality monitoring from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency determined that there was no public health risk posed by levels of particulate matter and hydrogen fluoride gas released during the fire. Hydrogen fluoride is a highly toxic gas produced by lithium ion battery fires that can cause severe respiratory damage as well as skin and eye burns.

The EPA did not plan to conduct soil or water testing, which is instead being carried out by local and state health agencies.

The Monterey County Health Department said Monday it was grateful for the testing conducted by Aiellos team and planned to present preliminary results from its own soil and water samples later this week.

The department said it was working with the California Department of Public Health, the California Environmental Protection Agency and state epidemiologists to evaluate the research, assess any potential health concerns, and determine the appropriate steps moving forward.

San Jose States soil samples suggest there could be long-term environmental and health effects from the toxic blaze, said Aiello.

His lab is now in emergency mode trying to collect data and understand how the heavy metals might affect the ecosystem. Scientists have collected soil samples from more than 100 locations within a two-mile radius of the plant since Jan. 22.

Theres a layer of heavy metals now on the soil, and I dont know whats going to happen. Is it going to be washed away? Is it going to penetrate to the groundwater? Is it going to concentrate and bioaccumulate? he said. We need to learn that before we can actually understand the implications.

The Elkhorn Slough is home to more than 700 species of plants, animals and marine life, including endangered and threatened species such as the southern sea otter, the Santa Cruz long-toed salamander and the California brown pelican.

Its marshlands store large amounts of carbon, helping to mitigate climate change. The estuary also helps prevent coastal erosion and absorb the effects of sea level rise.

Supervisor Church has said the fire raises the question of whether the plant should be located near an environmentally sensitive area. He and fellow board members passed a resolution last week asking that the battery storage facility remain offline until a thorough investigation could be completed and new safety measures implemented.

In the aftermath of the blaze, Assemblymember Addis introduced new legislation that would require that local government be given a say in the permitting process for battery or energy storage facilities, and establish a buffer to keep such sites a set distance away from schools, hospitals and natural habitats.

True climate solutions must benefit  not harm  our communities and natural environment, she said in a statement. We have to continue to fight for the inclusion of community voice and proper siting of battery energy storage facilities.

The American Clean Power Assn. has opposed her proposal, Assembly Bill 303, saying it puts overly onerous restrictions on the clean energy industry.

The best way to promote safety across the state of California is the universal adoption and enforcement of the latest version of the national fire protection standard for battery energy storage, ACP-California Executive Director Alex Jackson said in a statement. This proposal misses the mark. Its sprawling restrictions would make it harder to keep the lights on in California.

___

2025 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Miracle Valenzuela Everett recalls the moment nearly eight years ago that inspired their latest short film, A Wedding to Diego.

I had a dream, said Valenzuela Everett, a producer, writer and director based in Portland. It was just the ending of the movie. And I was like, Wow, I really like this. So I pretty much wrote backwards  with that dream sequence being the ending of the movie.

Lee esta noticia en espanol: Cineasta de Portland centra el romance latine no binario y trans en Un Matrimonio con Diego

That dream sparked a journey that led Valenzuela Everett into filmmaking, driven by their passion for the arts and a desire to see Latine nonbinary and transgender characters represented on screen. As an Austrian, Mexican, Apache and Yaqui filmmaker, representation is a driving force in their creative process, Valenzuela Everett said. Now, after years of development, A Wedding to Diego is finally hitting the big screen.

Released in December, the 15-minute short film reimagines the classic marriage movie by centering Latine nonbinary and transgender romance  offering an intimate look at love, codependency and what it means to build a healthy relationship.

The project was filmed in Portland in 2023 and follows the relationship between a Latine nonbinary sober writer and their trans-masculine fiance the night before their wedding. During separate bachelorx parties, the pair are left questioning their relationship after a dysfunctional phone conversation.

Ari Mora, as Diego, pictured in A Wedding to Diego, Portland filmmaker Miracle Valenzuela Everett's debut short film.Miracle Valenzuela Everett

On Feb. 8, audiences can experience the bilingual A Wedding to Diego at 5th Avenue Cinema, followed by a Q&A with Valenzuela Everett and members of the cast and crew.

The event here in Portland on the 8th is mostly about getting the cast and crew that got to work on it together to celebrate the film, Valenzuela Everett said. Were going to dive deeper into how we got the film made and explore more of the topics of the film.

With approximately 75% of the dialogue in Spanish and 25% in English, the films bilingual nature was a deliberate choice by Valenzuela Everett to uplift Latine nonbinary and trans stories.

I really wanted to have Latine nonbinary and trans stories on screen, and not be focused only on their gender journey or transition, but more about what their personal relationships are like, Valenzuela Everett said. I wanted to see trans and nonbinary folks in real romantic situations and being romantically desirable.

Valenzuela Everetts debut short film also serves as a proof of concept for a feature-length version they have already written. Supported by community fundraisers and angel donors, the project was a collective effort to bring their vision to life, Valenzuela Everett said. They plan to continue fundraising for the full-length film later this year.

Ari Mora, as Diego, and Simone Brazzini, as Gael, on the set of A Wedding to Diego.Miles Dixon

During the process, Valenzuela Everett also created Portland-based ENBY Productions, which produces media and film events in Portland and other large U.S. cities.

ENBY Productions is still very much a new and growing production company, Valenzuela Everett said. Were really hoping to produce a lot more trans, nonbinary content in Oregon, and also, not only media, but events, like other film screenings and places for people to come together.

Since the films debut in December, the response has been overwhelmingly supportive, said Valenzuela Everett, who is especially grateful for the enthusiasm from nonbinary and trans viewers.

Folks who are watching this, who are trans or nonbinary people of color, I hope that they can partially relate to the character, Valenzuela Everett said. (And) see that there can be art made about their community.

As a nonbinary director building a career in the arts, Valenzuela Everett hopes A Wedding to Diego will encourage more creatives to pursue projects that amplify visibility for their communities. They also hope the film sparks a broader conversation about visibility and inequalities within the nonbinary and trans communities.

The timing of the release, I think, is very poignant, Valenzuela Everett said. When I think about the screening coming up  I think about the teens who are going to be seeing it, and how I didnt have that when I was growing up. And how impactful it might be for them, to not only see characters similar to them on screen, but to see the people behind the scenes, behind the camera, have that support to make their art.

If you go: 6-8 p.m. Feb. 8; 5th Avenue Cinema; 510 S.W. Hall St., Portland; tickets are $10; purchase at eventbrite.com, search A Wedding to Diego. Find more information at aweddingtodiego.com.

 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.
It takes many hands to put on the annual Lunar New Year Parade through downtown Portland, and the Portland Chinatown Museum has put out a call for volunteers.

The museum will celebrate the new lunar year with its ninth annual Dragon Dance Parade & Celebration through downtown on Saturday, Feb. 8.

The event will be the first public appearance of the newly refurbished PoChiMu, the museums 36-year-old, 150-foot-long parade dragon. (PoChiMu is a shortened form of Portland Chinatown Museum.)

Last year, the Portland Chinatown History Foundation received a grant from Oregon Parks & Recreation toward its Lunar New Year parade and celebration, with about $7,000 earmarked for the restoration of the parade dragon.

PoChiMu (then unnamed) arrived in Portland in 1989 as a gift from Taiwan to the state of Oregon and the Portland-Kaohsiung Sister City Association.

It was used in Lunar New Year parades during the 1990s, and again starting in 2016, when the Portland Chinatown History Foundation revived the tradition.

PoChiMus head and tail are made of papier mache. The body is constructed of fabric, seemingly nylon, adorned with hand-sewn sequins and wrapped around bamboo hoops.

Over the past year, craftspeople and volunteers have worked to restore the aging dragon, repair the papier mache and replace his sequins.

It takes 22 people to carry PoChiMu, but parade organizers are looking for about 100 volunteers, in part so dragon holders can swap out as they tire along the parade route. Volunteers also hand out red envelopes along the route and help with other parade tasks.

Volunteers for this years parade are still needed. To sign up, register online at this link. Shifts are 9:15 a.m.-1 p.m., and volunteers receive an event T-shirt and free lunch.

The free event begins at 10 a.m. with performances by local lion dance teams on Davis Street between Northwest Third and Fourth streets. The parade procession starts there at 11 a.m.

The 1.5-mile parade route travels along several streets in Old Town/Chinatown before heading south along Third Avenue, west along Southwest Jefferson Street, and ending outside the Oregon Historical Society Park Plaza at roughly 1 p.m. Find a parade map at the Oregon Historical Society website.

 Samantha Swindler covers features for The Oregonian/OregonLive and Here is Oregon. Reach her at sswindler@oregonian.com.

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Former U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez was sentenced Wednesday to 11 years in prison for accepting bribes of gold and cash and acting as an agent of Egypt  crimes his own lawyer said earned him the nickname Gold Bar Bob.

U.S. District Judge Sidney H. Stein in Manhattan announced the sentence after Menendez tearfully addressed the judge, saying hed lost everything he cared about, except for his family.

You were successful, powerful, you stood at the apex of our political system, the judge said. Somewhere along the way, and I dont know when it was, you lost your way and working for the public good became working for your good.

Menendezs actions, the judge said, feed the cynicism of voters.

Whats been the result? he said, noting a lengthy investigation of a five-year crime. You lost your senate seat. You lost your chairmanship and you lost your good name.

Prosecutors had requested a 15-year prison term for the Democrat who was convicted of multiple charges including acting as an agent for Egypt for selling his once-considerable clout in Washington for bribes worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Given a chance to speak before he was sentenced, Menendez broke down several times as he described his accomplishments.

You really dont know the man you are about to sentence, Menendez told Stein as he stood before him with his hands in his pockets, except when he wiped his face with a tissue.

Your honor, I am far from a perfect man. I have made more than my share of mistakes and bad decisions, he added. Ive done far more good than bad. I ask you, your honor, to judge me in that context.

Attorney Adam Fee told Stein to give Menendez credit for a lifetime of extraordinary public service and personal sacrifices.

Despite his decades of service, he is now known more widely as gold bar Bob, Fee said.

Menendezs lawyers had said prior to the sentencing that their client deserves less than two years in prison, citing his decades of public service and a life largely well-lived after the son of Cuban immigrants rose from poverty to become the epitome of the American Dream.

But Fee said the defense team decided to ask that Menendez get no more than eight years after hearing Stein earlier in the day give substantial prison terms to two New Jersey businessmen convicted of paying bribes to the senator. Fred Daibes, a real estate developer, got seven years and a $1.75 million fine. Wael Hana, an entrepreneur, got eight years a $1.25 million fine and was ordered to forfeit $125,000.

Prior to the announcement of his sentence, Daibes, 67, tearfully told Stein the jury verdict had left him borderline suicidal, and requested leniency so that he could care for his 30-year-old son with autism.

Hana told the judge, I am an innocent man.

I never bribed Senator Menendez or asked his office for influence.

The judge, though, said the jurys verdict was very, very substantial.

A third businessman pleaded guilty and testified against Menendez at a trial last year.

Menendez resigned from the Senate after his conviction last year, though he lost much of his power in fall 2023 when the charges against him were revealed and he was forced to surrender his powerful post as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

The trial traced Menendezs dealings with Egyptian officials and his quest to aid three men who showered him with lucrative gifts found during a 2022 raid on the Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, home he shared with his wife, Nadine.

FBI agents who searched the house found $480,000, some of it stuffed inside boots and the pockets of clothing hung in the couples closets. They also seized gold bars worth an estimated $150,000.

Prosecutors said Menendez had put his high office up for sale in exchange for this hoard of bribes, including by serving Egypts interests as he worked to protect a meat certification monopoly Hana had established with the Egyptian government.

Among other things, Menendez provided Egyptian officials with information about the staff at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo and ghostwrote a letter to fellow senators encouraging them to lift a hold on $300 million in military aid to Egypt.

Prosecutors said that for other bribes, Menendez attempted to persuade a federal prosecutor in New Jersey to go easy on Daibes, a politically influential real estate developer accused of bank fraud.

And at the trial, another businessman, Jose Uribe, testified that he helped Nadine Menendez get a Mercedes-Benz convertible after the senator sought to pressure state prosecutors to drop criminal probes of his associates.

Menendez has insisted that he is innocent of any crime, saying repeatedly that his interactions with Egyptian officials were normal for the head of the Foreign Relations Committee, and that he always put American interests first. He denied taking any bribes and said the gold bars belonged to his wife.

Nadine Menendez faces trial in March on many of the same charges as her husband after spending the last year battling breast cancer.

Menendezs lawyers, in a presentence submission, said he had already suffered greatly.

Unsurprisingly, Senator Menendezs conviction has rendered him a national punchline and stripped him of every conceivable personal, professional, and financial benefit, his lawyers wrote. Bob is now 71, with his long-built reputation in tatters. He has suffered financial and professional ruin.

In court papers, the lawyers described how Menendez devoted much of his life to his country and his community after he was scarred by the early loss of his father, who killed himself when Menendez was 23 after he was unable to pay off gambling debts.

They described a 50-year history of public service in heroic terms, tracing a career in which Menendez was mayor of Union City, New Jersey, a state lawmaker, a member of the U.S. House and then a senator from 2006 to 2024.

Yet he also had the distinction of being the only U.S. senator indicted twice.

In 2015, he was charged with selling his influence to a wealthy Florida eye doctor and entrepreneur who prosecutors said lavished him with luxury vacations and campaign contributions. But the jury in that case couldnt reach a unanimous verdict. Federal prosecutors dropped the case rather than put him on trial again.

By LARRY NEUMEISTER and MICHAEL R. SISAK Associated Press
The Oregon Department of Human Services is investigating an Aumsville childrens learning center after its employees allegedly left a two-year-old girl alone on a bus for about three hours on Monday.

The announcement comes days after Aumsville police opened an investigation into the incident.

Cassandra Robinson, the mother of the girl, previously told The Oregonian/OregonLive that Family Building Blocks staff had failed to take her daughter off a bus, leaving her strapped into a child safety seat with no coat in roughly 36-degree weather.

We are aware of and acknowledge the familys concerns and the gravity of the situation, Family Building Blocks executive director Patrice Altenhofen said in an email on Tuesday. We are committed to understanding all the facts and will address this with care and transparency.

Oregon Department of Human Services Office of Training, Investigations and Safety is investigating the incident, agency spokesperson Jake Sunderland said in an email to The Oregonian/OregonLive. Such investigations typically take about 60 days to complete.

If the investigation finds that child-neglect allegations are founded, the subject of the investigation can appeal the findings, Sunderland said.

Once the investigation is complete, the department will share its findings with law enforcement and Oregons Department of Early Learning and Care.

Alicia Gardiner, the director of the Department of Early Learning and Cares Child Care Licensing Division, previously told The Oregonian/OregonLive that consequences for noncompliance violations can range from a written letter of noncompliance to revoking a providers license.

 Tatum Todd is a breaking news reporter who covers public safety, crime and community news. Reach them at ttodd@oregonian.com or 503-221-4313.
Two separate crashes on Oregon highways Monday killed two people and seriously injured a third.

Around 6:30 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on U.S. 101 near milepost 247 in Coos County.

The preliminary investigation showed that a northbound Ford Ranger, driven by 79-year-old Judy Marie Scharf of Bandon, crossed into the southbound lanes for unknown reasons and collided nearly head-on with a southbound Chevrolet Silverado, operated by 71-year-old James Earl Yost of Sixes.

Scharf was declared dead at the scene, while Yost suffered serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital.

The highway slowed for about two hours during the investigation.

Just over an hour later, at 7:46 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Oregon 66, near milepost 53, in Klamath County. The preliminary investigation indicated that a westbound Mini Cooper, driven by 45-year-old William Matthew McFall of Klamath Falls, crossed over the center line, exited the roadway from the eastbound lane, and struck a tree. McFall was taken to an area hospital, where he was later declared dead.

The highway slowed for approximately 30 minutes during the investigation. Both crashes remain under investigation by the Oregon State Police.

Generative AI was used to draft this story based on data provided by the Oregon State Police. It was reviewed and edited by The Oregonian/OregonLive.
Helen Fenn was driving through Owyhee Junction on her way to her Nyssa home on a weekday afternoon when a bullet pierced the rear window of her white Chevrolet.

The Nyssa resident didnt know at the moment, but she was among the earliest victims of a wild shooting rampage in the rural Malheur County community south of Nyssa.
LOS ANGELES  Actor Tom Welling, who played a young Clark Kent in the CWs long-running Superman origin series Smallville, was arrested in Northern California over the weekend.

According to TMZ and USA Today, the actor was arrested Sunday on suspicion of driving under the influence in Yreka, which is in Siskiyou County at the northern border of California near Oregon.

TMZ said the 47-year-old was arrested in an Arbys parking lot just after midnight. Citing the arrest and booking report, the outlets reported that Wellings blood alcohol level was at or above the 0.08% legal limit. He was arrested and booked by the Siskiyou County Sheriffs Office around 2 a.m. local time and was released from custody around 7 a.m.

The Yreka Police Department and representatives for Welling did not immediately respond Wednesday to The Times' requests for comment. The sheriffs department declined to comment.

An arraignment for the Lucifer and Cheaper by the Dozen actor has reportedly been scheduled for March 11.

Welling has not yet publicly commented on the arrest. His most recent post on Instagram was from the day of his arrest and bore a birthday tribute to his wife, Jessica Rose Lee Welling. The couple wed in 2019 and share two sons.

--By Nardine Saad

2025 Los Angeles Times. Visit latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Republican Congressman Mike Simpson hopes that one day Idaho can surpass Wisconsin as the No. 2 dairy-producing state in the nation.

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.

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.

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.

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 by Congress in 1996 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

-- Rachel Spacek, InvestigateWest

InvestigateWest (investigatewest.org) is an independent news nonprofit dedicated to investigative journalism in the Pacific Northwest. Reporter Kaylee Tornay covers labor, youth and health care issues. Reach her at 503-877-4108, kaylee@invw.org or on X @ka_tornay.
The Oregon Judicial Department will ask the Legislature this session for about $8.4 million to step up courthouse security to stop people from bringing guns, knives and drugs inside.

The money would fund 31 new positions to help screen people entering courthouses in Coos, Curry, Grant, Harney, Jefferson, Polk, Clatsop and Linn counties over the next two years, according to the Oregon Judicial Department.
The number of people sentenced to prison each month in Oregon has climbed since the pandemic but isnt expected to return to pre-pandemic levels until 2029, according to a state forecast.

For about two years starting in April 2020, Oregons prison population fell by nearly 2,500 beds, according to the states recent corrections forecast.
Oregon bade farewell to the states longest-serving legislator in the Senate chamber that the late Peter Michael Coleman Courtney presided over for 20 years and loved more than anything but his family.

About 200 dignitaries, former colleagues, friends and family who crowded into the Senate chamber on Wednesday cried a little and laughed a lot as a host of speakers described the compassionate, cantankerous man who dedicated his life to serving his adopted state. Many wore vintage campaign buttons from Courtneys first legislative run in 1980, with the words here to serve and nobody works harder around a sketch of a floppy-eared rabbit.

The dignitaries included former Gov. Kate Brown, who first served alongside Courtney in the state House in 1991. They both later moved to the Senate, where Brown set her sights on becoming Senate president. But when Oregonians elected an evenly divided Senate in 2002, Republicans agreed to accept a Democrat as Senate president only if that Democrat was Courtney.

Brown said she could share countless stories about her 30 years of working with him  some not fit to be repeated publicly. But one stood above the rest: the reason why one of her last acts as governor was renaming the state hospitals Salem campus after Courtney.

It started in 2004, when The Oregonian and Salem Statesman Journal began reporting on terrible conditions at the Oregon State Hospital, the state-run mental health facility a mile from the Capitol. Those stories and photos, describing lead paint curling from walls, asbestos frost floating in the air and inadequate staffing, agonized Courtney, and he demanded a tour of the facility.

On that tour, Courtney ordered staff to open a small locked building. Inside, thousands of corroded and dented copper cans sat on filthy shelves, each containing the unclaimed, forgotten remains of patients who died at the hospital.

Peter would say that nothing in his life prepared him for what he had discovered, Brown said. He very clearly saw that what he would forever call the room of the forgotten souls was emblematic of the states utter failure to address the needs of some of its most vulnerable citizens. And so Peter Courtney did what he always did: He rolled up his sleeves and went to work.

Courtneys efforts led to a 2005 law on mental health parity and hundreds of millions of dollars to build a new 620-bed hospital in Salem and a 360-bed facility in Junction City.

He was expected at a ceremony renaming the hospitals Salem campus in his honor on July 16, 2024, but he died from complications of cancer hours earlier.

Eastern and southern roots

Courtney was born June 18, 1943, in Philadelphia and raised in West Virginia  as he called it, West By God Virginia. Shortly after he graduated from Boston Universitys law school, Courtney boarded a Greyhound bus for Salem with a job offer to clerk for an Oregon judge on the newly created court of appeals.

He spent two years living in room 206 at the local YMCA, which remained close to his heart. As a lawmaker, he helped secure millions of dollars in state grants for the Ys three-story $30.5 million new building, which opened in 2022.

Within a few years of arriving in Salem, Courtney won a 1974 election to the Salem City Council. Salemites elected him to the Oregon House in 1980, and he served in the House until 1999, minus a four-year stretch in the 1980s when he lost elections for the U.S. House and Oregon Senate. Courtney was elected to the Senate in 1998, became Senate president in 2003 and stayed president for an unprecedented 20 years until his retirement in January 2023.

Gov. Tina Kotek ruled over the House for nearly half of Courtneys 20 years as Senate president.

I hope that each of you who had the experience to experience Peter, that you will have a memory that you can cherish with Peter for the rest of your lives, Kotek said. A personality and a presence like Peter Michael Coleman Courtney never truly leaves this Earth, and that gives us all something to smile about.

Kotek has a physical reminder: a set of hand-embroidered napkins with her initials, TLK. The L is there because of Courtney, who introduced himself with all four of his names and was appalled to learn before they both took the stage at an event that Koteks parents never gave her a middle name. He asked what her confirmation name was  both were raised in the Catholic church and took the name of a saint at confirmation  and went away satisfied when he learned it was St. Louise de Marillac. Next thing Kotek knew, Courtney was on stage introducing her as Tina Louise Kotek, and the new name stuck.

Other lasting reminders of Courtney are scattered throughout Salem. Across the street from the Capitol, dozens of low-income veterans find affordable housing and community at the Courtney Place apartments. A few blocks away, walkers, runners and bikers cross the Peter Courtney Minto Island Bridge  though many Salemites still call it the taco bridge for its distinctive shape  that connects downtown Salems riverfront to the Minto-Brown Island Park.

Coutneys middle son, Sean, appeared by video, joking that if his dad saw one of his children had the floor of the Senate he would repeat a phrase that became famous around the Capitol: I got a bad feeling in all my crevices.

Courtney loved to have fun, Sean said. Hed bring his kids to the Capitol after hours  why not, if he had the keys to the building?  and let them eat all the junk food in caucus break rooms and slide down the marble staircase railings in the rotunda. And he once dressed up as a pilgrim with a turkey on a leash just to protest downtown Salem putting up Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving.

The most enduring quality of my father is that he cared about others more than himself, Sean Courtney said. He loved to learn a persons story. He would also move heaven and Earth to help someone in need. And I want to believe that everyone is gathered here today because Peter Courtney has touched their lives in some way and has likely helped them at a time when they needed it the most.

Being so grateful

One of those people is House Minority Leader Christine Drazan, R-Canby, who said Courtney was an unlikely touchstone in her own life. She was 22 when she started working for the Republican-led House Majority Office, and Courtney was the Democratic minority leader. He was the loudest, most colorful politician she ever met  and despite their political differences, Courtney and Drazans boss at the time were friends, who would go running together at lunch.

A few years later, after Courtney moved to the Senate and Drazan became the chief of staff to the House speaker, Drazans best friend died. When he heard, Courtney walked over to the House and sat with Drazan on the side aisle of the empty House chamber.

I dont remember what we talked about, Drazan said. I dont remember if I listened, if I cried. I just remember being so grateful that I could sit there with someone who knew my friend and cared that she was gone.

Former Sen. Tim Knopp, R-Bend, said no important moments went by in senators lives without Courtneys congratulations, condolences or conversations.

Peter was a caretaker, Knopp said. He cared for people so much, and you saw that in how he reached out.

Senate President Rob Wagner, a Lake Oswego Democrat who succeeded Courtney in 2023, recalled him as a force of nature, bold and hard-charging with a deep passion for helping children and animals. Oregon has had 57 Senate presidents, but none have had Courtneys impact, Wagner said.

Lori Brocker, who served as secretary of the Senate during the last nine years of Courtneys tenure, gave the invocation. Brocker, a former Norwegian Lutheran pastor, recounted the religious banter  or Reformation trash talk, depending on who was describing those conversations  she and Courtney, a devout Irish Catholic, had during their years of working together. She remembered jokingly threatening to nail an updated version of Martin Luthers 95 theses to the Senate door, and sharing updates on Olympic medal counts for Norway and Ireland.

There are so many memories that all of us have in this room and that people will hear today, Brocker said. I dont know if any of the rest of you feel this, but I feel his presence up here, and I hear his voice in my head.

Courtney often saw something in people, and especially his staff that they didnt see in themselves, said Pat Egan, CEO of Sees Candies who was Courtneys student and later employee. When Egan left the Capitol to attend law school, he felt jealous of the people who still worked for Courtney, and Egan learned about how to lead a good life outside of work from watching Courtney with his wife, Margie, sons and dachshunds.

I know Im not alone in saying Peter made me better in every facet of my life, Egan said. He made everyone better, because with Peter, it was always about the team.

Former Sen. Betsy Johnson, who was a conservative Democrat from the north coast before her nonaffiliated run for governor in 2022, said she always imagined that the memorial for grumpy uncle Peter would happen in the Capitols rotunda. And she promised Courtney that his grievers would use crowbars to pop the state seal out of the floor and slip his casket beneath it, the Capitol serving as Oregons grandest mausoleum to its longest-serving legislator.

Long after were all gone, Peter stories will abound in this building, Johnson said. Many complimentary, some not so much, but all of them paying homage to Oregons most significant naturalized citizen.
Photo: State Tax Service under the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. A discussion revolved around bolstering the partnership between the State Tax Service under the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Federal Tax Administration of Switzerland, Trend reports via Azerbaijan's State Tax Service.

According to the information, the discussion was held during the meeting of the head of the State Tax Service, president of the European Organization of Tax Administrations (IOTA) Orkhan Nazarli with Director General of the Swiss Federal Tax Administration Tamara Pfammatter in video format.

The meeting discussed the priority areas of development of bilateral relations and opportunities to strengthen partnerships and promote international cooperation. The parties exchanged views on the diversification of joint activities within the framework of IOTA, as well as on the exchange of experience and identification of new opportunities for cooperation in the tax sphere at the bilateral level.

The meeting took a hard look at proposals aimed at broadening IOTA's reach and bolstering its financial stability. The initiatives, strategic development plans, and future prospects carried out by the State Tax Service under the organization's leadership were on the table for discussion.

Moreover, it was highlighted that bolstering connections is crucial for both nations regarding the evolution of their tax systems, enhancement of economic practices, and the investment environment. The meeting highlighted the need to tap into our current capabilities to foster collaborative efforts in tax administration while also touching on other areas of shared concern.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
A Portland City Councilor on Wednesday unleashed a torrent of criticism and invective against Oregon U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum for being among several dozen House Democrats last week to back a Republican-sponsored bill targeting undocumented immigrants accused of certain crimes.

Angelita Morillo called Bynums vote in favor of the Laken Riley Act an absolute betrayal to democratic values in a video published across her social media platforms, noting Bynum was the only Oregon House or Senate Democrat to support the measure.
Security agents had to escort the inspector general of the U.S. Department of Agriculture out of her office on Monday after she refused to comply with her firing by the Trump Administration.

Phyllis Fong, who has been with the department for 22 years, had told her colleagues that she intended to stay after President Trump fired 17 inspector generals at various government agencies on Friday, according to Reuters, which broke the story.

Fong told her coworkers that she didnt believe that Trump had followed the proper protocols in firing her.

In an email she sent on Saturday, she said the independent Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency has taken the position that these termination notices do not comply with the requirements set out in law and therefore are not effective at this time.

Officials at the White House defending the firings, saying that these rogue, partisan bureaucrats... have been relieved of their duties in order to make room for qualified individuals who will uphold the rule of law and protect Democracy.

The USDA Inspector General deals with food safety, audits and investigations of the Agriculture Department and violations of animal welfare laws. The USDA has been one of the main agencies dealing with the outbreak of bird flu, which has spread to cattle and poultry. One person in Louisiana has died from the disease.

In 2022, the office opened an investigation into Elon Musks brain implant company Neuralink, over accusations of animal welfare violations. Fong also conducted an investigation of the agency following the listeria outbreak at Boars Head.
Having your luggage lost or mishandled can derail an exciting trip before it even begins.

When it comes to keeping track of travelers baggage, some airports and airlines fare better than others.

The team of experts at Upgraded Points recently analyzed property complaint data from the Transportation Security Administrations FOIA Electronic Reading Room for the 60 busiest U.S. airports between 2015 and 2023, normalizing the data against annual passenger volumes to reveal which hubs are the best and worst when it comes to mishandling passengers baggage. This includes lost, delayed, diverted or damaged luggage.

Losing your luggage is a classic nightmare, turning a great trip into a frustrating ordeal, Keri Stooksbury, editor-in-chief at Upgraded Points, said in a statement. We focused on airports and airlines with the highest rates of baggage mishaps to help inform future travelers while encouraging improvements in baggage handling processes.

Floridas major airports might have some explaining to do, based on the latest research, with six airports from the Sunshine State ranking inside of the top 10 for the most complaints per 100,000 passengers.

Highest baggage complaints

Orlando International Airport (MCO)  1.81 complaints per 100K passengers

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)  1.72 complaints per 100K passengers

Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)  1.71 complaints per 100K passengers

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)  1.69 complaints per 100K passengers

Fort LauderdaleHollywood International Airport (FLL)  1.68 complaints per 100K passengers

Miami International Airport (MIA)  1.59 complaints per 100K passengers

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)  1.54 complaints per 100K passengers

Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)  1.51 complaints per 100K passengers

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)  1.49 complaints per 100K passengers

Sacramento International Airport (SMF)  1.41 complaints per 100K passengers

Best performers

On the other end of the spectrum, the Midwest has done a decent job of taking care of travelers items, with major airports in Kansas City, Chicago, Minneapolis-St. Paul and Denver ranked among the top six for the least complaints per 100,000 passengers.

Top-performing San Francisco International Airports complaint rate of 0.31 per 100,000 passengers is notably 72% lower than the studys national average.

Lowest baggage complaints

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)  0.31 complaints per 100K passengers

Kansas City International Airport (MCI)  0.42 complaints per 100K passengers

Chicago OHare International Airport (ORD)  0.58 complaints per 100K passengers

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)  0.59 complaints per 100K passengers

MinneapolisSaint Paul International Airport (MSP)  0.59 complaints per 100K passengers

Denver International Airport (DEN)  0.64 complaints per 100K passengers

Upgraded Points also looked at the U.S. Department of Transportations Air Travel Consumer Report, zeroing in on the number of mishandled bags per 100 enplaned bags from January to September 2024 for the 10 largest U.S. airlines and comparing those figures to 2023 to calculate year-to-year percentage changes.

Comparing the airlines

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Big Four carriers are all featured among the worst airlines for baggage handling, with Alaska Airlines  which is merging with Hawaiian Airlines  also performing poorly.

Worst airlines for mishandled baggage

American Airlines  0.90 mishandled bags per 100 enplaned bags

United Airlines  0.68 mishandled bags per 100 enplaned bags

Alaska Airlines  0.64 mishandled bags per 100 enplaned bags

Delta Air Lines  0.49 mishandled bags per 100 enplaned bags

Southwest Airlines  0.44 mishandled bags per 100 enplaned bags

Allegiant and JetBlue were among the best airlines for baggage handling with mishandled rates of just 0.24 and 0.36 per 100 enplaned bags, respectively.

_______

2025 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. Visit at travelpulse.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
After 17 January days of no measurable rain and sunny skies nearly every, the final days of the month turn toward more traditional winter weather and bring clouds and rain to the Portland/Vancouver area and heavy snow in the mountains.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch in the Cascades that begins Thursday evening and lasts at least until Saturday afternoon. Heavy snow is possible above 3,000 feet elevation. Total snow accumulation between 6-12 inches is likely at pass levels and accumulations of 15 inches or more are expected above 5,000 feet.

In Portland, clouds will fill the sky Thursday with rain holding off until the evening. The high temp will reach about 45 degrees.

Friday will be a day of steadily falling rain. The high temp will warm to about 52 degrees. Portland may see about a half inch of rain by Friday night.

A new system moving east from the Pacific Ocean will meet up with cold air moving south from Alaska to lower snow levels during the weekend.

While the mountains get fairly steady snow on Saturday, Portland will see a snow level of about 1,200 feet and rain that occasionally mixes with snow, especially in the foothills. The high temp will lower to about 44 degrees.

Forecasters expect the Coast Range will see snow showers over the weekend. Those driving to or from the beaches will want to prepare for winter driving conditions.

Overnight Saturday and into Sunday morning, the southbound Alaskan low-pressure system is expected to stall near Vancouver Island and linger into next week. This will keep temperatures cold through the Portland metro area and into other parts of the state. Snow levels are likely to drop to around 500 feet Sunday, setting the stage for some low-level sticking snow.

Forecasters say precipitation will be showery Sunday, and often a mix of snow and rain will fall. But they dont discount the chance of sticking snow in some areas, especially under heavier showers.

The Sunday morning rain/snow mix in Portland should turn to just rain by the afternoon. The high temp will reach near 41 degrees.

Extended forecasts models are not in agreement, but it looks likely cold air will linger into next week with Monday and Tuesday having snow levels around 500 feet. What is most uncertain is how much precipitation well see during that time. High temps will be in the low 40s.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. During the IV meeting of the Azerbaijan-Kyrgyzstan Development Fund Council, the organizations updated investment policy and an investment report on two projects were approved, along with discussions on other key matters, the Economy Ministry of Azerbaijan told Trend.

The meeting was chaired by Elnur Aliyev, the First Deputy Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan and Chairman of the Fund's Board.

"The meeting was attended by representatives of relevant governmental bodies from both Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan. It was emphasized that cooperation with the Kyrgyz Republic is expanding across several areas, including trade, investment, and transportation. The implementation of tasks set by the heads of state to strengthen economic cooperation continues successfully. Special attention is being given to the development of partnerships through the Azerbaijan-Kyrgyzstan Development Fund, established to support economic cooperation between the two countries. The Fund finances priority projects from businesses registered in Kyrgyzstan.
Irving Paper Taking Downtime Again Due to Skyrocketing Electrical Rates in New Brunswick

Irving Paper manufactures 400,000 tonnes of paper annually, over 95 per cent of which is exported to 65 countries. Current electricity rates have a massive impact on Irving Paper's ability to compete. Irving Paper manufactures 400,000 tonnes of paper annually, over 95 per cent of which is exported to 65 countries. Current electricity rates have a massive impact on Irving Paper's ability to compete.

Jan. 30, 2025 - The Government of New Brunswick's (Canada) promised third-party audit on skyrocketing NB Power electricity bills is welcomed by both residential ratepayers and Irving Paper, who has consistently warned New Brunswick's uncompetitive industrial rates are having a negative impact on the provincial economy.

Irving Paper will once again shut down 50 per cent of its operations for an undefined period in response to the current unprecedented power rates.

"We empathize with residential customers' rate shock. We have been experiencing the same for the last several years, and have been raising the alarm for months," said Mark Mosher, Vice President of Pulp & Paper, J.D. Irving, Limited. "As Canadian manufacturers face more and more significant headwinds, it is becoming increasingly difficult to shoulder this type of impact and remain competitive in an international market.

"New Brunswick will see a further 10 per cent increase in April 2025, making the situation even worse," Mosher added.

Over 95 per cent of Irving Paper's annual manufacturing output (400,000 tonnes of paper) is exported to 65 countries.

As NB Power's largest electricity consumer, Irving Paper has repeatedly asked that the utility review its electricity rates, which are 22 per cent higher than the Canadian average industrial rate and climbing. In the past, annual costs have averaged around $60 million. In 2024 that price tag surpassed $83 million and is expected to reach the $100-million mark in 2025 - even with significant downtime factored in.

Located at 435 Bayside Drive in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, Irving Paper is a world class manufacturer of graphic paper for use in magazines, catalogs, newspapers and advertising flyers. It directly employs 310 people and supports over 300 suppliers in New Brunswick, with a total of $144 Million in purchases in 40 communities in 2023. It is also a major consumer of wood chips from New Brunswick sawmills which are supplied, in part, by local private woodlots and marketing boards.

SOURCE: J.D. Irving, Limited

Read a related article: Irving Paper Again Reduces Operations Temporarily Due to Record High Industrial Electricity Rates - Dec. 3, 2024.
You know that beloved VPN app of yours? The one you rely on to secure your internet traffic and keep your data private? It could be a fake.

VPN usage is on the rise across the world as users tune into all the potential benefits, like bypassing region locks on streaming content and avoiding price differences based on your location. But with increased popularity comes greater opportunity for exploitation

As it turns out, fake VPN apps are also on the rise. These fake apps masquerade as real, except they do all kinds of shady stuff  like eavesdrop on your web traffic, steal personal data, and even infect your devices with malware that can let hackers take control.

To help fight this, Google recently introduced a new verification feature on the Play Store that helps you spot secure VPN apps at a glance.

The verified symbol you need to look for

In the Google Play Store, youll now see a new verified badge on legit VPN apps. This badge looks like a shield icon with a checkmark inside, and youll find it on legit VPN apps next to their ratings and download counts, as Google explains in a blog post.

Google

Verification is based on an independent security check by the App Defense Alliance, which Google has offered for some time. But up until now, users have had to dig into data security details to see whether a VPN app passed the test for legitimacy and security. This Verified badge makes it easier to recognize the secure ones at a glance.

Note that a Verified badge doesnt just signify that an app is what it claims to be. It goes a step further and shows that the app takes security seriously, that it doesnt just meet the bare minimum requirements but goes above and beyond whats necessary.

Which VPN apps are verified?

Google cites NordVPN, Aloha Browser, and hide.me as examples of good VPN services worthy of the Verified badge. Others are still coming along, and we expect to see all of our picks for the best Android VPNs to earn their Verified badges in time.

That said, as of this writing, the new Verified badges dont seem to be appearing in the Play Store yet  not even for Googles highlighted example apps. We expect it to roll out in the coming days with an upcoming update, at which point you should double-check that your preferred VPN app is verified. If not, consider switching.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. The Azerbaijani Minister of Digital Development and Transportation, Rashad Nabiyev, met with Pakistan's Federal Minister for Privatization, Investment Council, and Communications, Abdul Aleem Khan, who is currently visiting Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

The meeting focused on potential cooperation between the two countries in the transportation sector.

Both sides exchanged views on Azerbaijan's participation in infrastructure projects in Pakistan's road and transportation sector.
Microsoft has taken the hot new AI model, DeepSeek, and made it available for Copilot+ PCs  and on the NPU, no less.

If it seems like every other week something important is happening in the AI space  well, thats not too far from the truth. And while its sometimes difficult to tell which developments are the most significant, the recent release of Chinese developer DeepSeeks model has shaken the AI industry deeply, specifically because the cost to train it was, according to the company, much less than other Western models. That sent American stocks plunging, including those involved in the chip and AI industries.

DeepSeek was also in the news for leaking sensitive information, and because the companys mobile app slurped up user data. But DeepSeek also released its model on GitHub as open source, meaning that others could examine its source code and sanitize it. Microsoft has done just that.

Running DeepSeek isnt as easy as simply navigating to a website, like Googles Gemini or Microsofts Copilot. Microsoft has released the DeepSeek model to use in the cloud, but its DeepSeek for the PC thats more interesting. Microsoft has distilled the DeepSeek model for use on PCs, specifically addressing Copilot+ PCs that use the Qualcomm Snapdragon X platform. (Intels Core Ultra 200 chips will be supported later.)

According to a blog post, Microsoft has already released a compact version of DeepSeek, DeepSeek-R1-Distill-Qwen-1.5B, with 7-billion and 14-billion-parameter models scheduled to release soon. AI models with smaller parameters are typically less precise but are run more quickly.

But LLMs or AI chatbots typically run on the CPU or GPU, because of the prevalence of both. Microsofts use of the NPU is what the logic was designed for: powerful yet efficient AI processing. These optimized models let developers build and deploy AI-powered applications that run efficiently on-device, taking full advantage of the powerful NPUs in Copilot+ PCs, Microsoft said.

To see DeepSeek in action on your Copilot+ PC, youll need to download Microsofts AI Toolkit, then the VS code extension, Microsoft said. Youll then need to download and install the deepseek_r1_1_5 model.

Microsoft has quietly worked to bring AI locally to your PC, especially with the ongoing work behind Phi Silica and the promise of AI functions running locally within Windows itself. The DeepSeek port shows that its possible.
A 135-year-old Harrisburg-area insurance company has a new place to call home.

Millers Mutual Insurance relocated its headquarters to 777 East Park Drive in Lower Paxton Township last month from Tecport Drive in Swatara Township.

The company specializes in providing insurance for the multifamily housing and mixed-use rental property markets. The company has a network of independent agents operating across Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

This move represents more than just a change in locationits an opportunity to grow in a space that mirrors our forward-thinking approach and commitment to excellence, Jeff Pratt, president and CEO of Millers Mutual, said in a news release. Were looking forward to creating a workspace that energizes our team and strengthens the service we provide to our agency partners and customers.

Millers Mutual is leasing the 11,000-square-foot space. Art Campbell and Jessica Gasper of Campbell Commercial Partners represented Millers Mutual in the real estate transaction. Michael Curran of Landmark Commercial Realty represented Penn Grant Associates LP, the building owner.
Popular stand-up comedian Ken Flores has died.

He was just 28-years-old.

An official cause of death has not been reported, but the Los Angeles Times reported that his body was found at his home at around 2 p.m. on Tuesday. TMZ cited law enforcement sources who said it appeared he died of a cardiac arrest.

Flores family shared a statement on his Instagram page.

It is with great sadness that we confirm the untimely passing of our friend, brother and son, Kenyi Flores, the post read. Please respect our privacy at this time as we are all shocked and devastated by this loss.

USA Today reported that Flores had just embarked on a nationwide Butterfly Effect Tour on Jan. 10. As part of that tour, he was slated to work three dates  Feb 6-8  at the Helium Comedy Club in Philadelphia, according to his website.

The site reported that Flores got his start by posting clips to YouTube as he worked as a bank teller in his early 20s.
British comedy icon, John Cleese, is making moves.

Cleese has suggested he plans on leaving X, formerly known as Twitter. And its because of the people there, it seems, as well as the platforms owner.

Cleese  who is best known for being part of the Monty Python crew and for the sitcom Faulty Towers  published a video of himself to the platform on Wednesday along with the caption Im moving to Substack!

Hello, twits, Cleese begins. I just want to say to all my beloved twits that I am moving to Substack because I think I will encounter a better class of person there.

And also its not owned by you-know-who.

Its not a binary choice  you could do both, one commenter replied.

If theres a person in the world entitled to a silly walk out, its you, reads another, referencing one of Cleeses most famous skits. Thanks for the comedy.

According to Cracked, this isnt the first time Cleese has left the platform: The last time the 85-year-old comedy legend threatened to leave was September. Cleeses daughter, Camilla, predicted his exit wouldnt last long, and it didnt; Cleese returned just eight days later.

This time it appears that Cleese is moving way from the platform due to Elon Musk, i.e. you-know-who. Musks most recent controversy  during which he was accused of doing a Nazi salute  has many protesting the social media platform, Forbes explains, with moderators on Reddit banning X links on their subreddits.

For anyone interested, here is the link to Cleeses Substack. Be warned, though, as it may contain traces of irony.
By all accounts, Punxsutawney Phils life is pretty sweet.

Hes immortal. Hes got a great wife and kids. And his only job requirement is going outside once a year.

But before anyone poo-poos what many view as one of Pennsylvanias  or, indeed, the countrys  more bizarre traditions, Paranormal Pa. will have you know that Phil is a product of a storied tradition (and superstition) that stretches back for years and years.

German immigrants brought the tradition over when they settled in Pennsylvania hundreds of years ago. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)AP

The Punsutawney Groundhog Club explains how the first time Weather Wags recognized Groundhog Day was in 1886, although the first official trek to Gobblers Knob was the following year.

But the concept of having animals predict the weather goes way back before the 19th century. According to the Library of Congress Blogs, Groundhog Days lineage can be traced back to ancient pre-Christian festivals celebrated by the Celts that served as midway points between equinoxes. Halloween  originally Samhain  falls into this category, too.

Formerly known as Imbolc before it eventually became the Christianized Candlemas, Groundhog Day was once considered the first day of spring. And while little is known about how the Celts celebrated the day, one traditional practice was attempting to divine the weather.

Now, heres how animals figure into this: Ancient people used to observe animal behavior as part of their own farming practices, so the idea of watching how a groundhog to see whether or not spring was on its way makes sense.

VisitPa.com adds how Roman legions, in their conquest of northern Europe, eventually spread the Candelmas Day tradition of candles being blessed and distributed. Those living in whats now Germany soon began to believe that if the sun made an appearance on the day, an animal who cast his shadow would predict six more weeks of cruddy weather.

Groundhog Club President Tom Dunkel taps on the immortal groundhog's door so the weather oracle can make his prediction. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)AP

In his book Groundhog Day (2003), Dan Yoder writes how the Germans who brought this tradition over to the U.S. used to watch badgers to see how far away spring was (the German folk expression for the holiday was Dachstag, or Badger Day). Then somewhere along the line, that badger became a groundhog.

Not to say that early Groundhog Day celebrations in Pennsylvania didnt maintain a bit of their mysticism: Yoder describes late 19th century celebrations of involving ritualized Groundhog Hunts in September which drew in devotees from Pittsburgh and elsewhere.

One parade in 1909, as staged by the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, was deemed the Circumgyratory Pageant of the Astrologers, Horoscopists, Magicians, Soothsayers, and Meteorological Attaches of Punxsutawney Weather Works. A man named Clymer Freas  credited as conceiving of the idea for the holiday  even created Groundhogese, the language Groundhog Club presidents learn in order to discern the groundhogs annual predictions.

There may not be any more astrologists or soothsayers involved, but Groundhog Day remains a celebration: More than 30,000 people from across the globe drop by Knobblers Creek on the day, getting up at the crack of dawn in the dead of winter to watch Phil make his prediction.

To be fair, though, even back in the day, people raised their eyebrows at the idea of watching a rodent predict how much longer winter would last.

In consequence, probably of having given all spiritual matters to the exclusive supervision of the clergy, newspaper editors are somewhat skeptical about many things which are popularly accepted with absolute faith, read an 1876 edition of the Harrisburg Daily Patriot.

This may account for the reason that some of them have failed to appreciate the sentimentin favor of a legal recognition of Ground Hog Day.

Nevertheless, editorial skepticism be damned, Groundhog Day won out, and did, indeed, spawn an industry. And inspired a Bill Murray movie. And tons of Punxsutawney wannabes like Staten Island Chuck, who did, it should be noted, tragically lost his life after former New York Mayor Bill DeBlasio quite literally fumbled him (never forget).

Yes, the holiday has come very far from its very old roots. And whether youre an eyebrow-raiser to the holiday or all-in, it doesnt look like Groundhog Day is going away any time soon.

That is, unless PETA has their way.

Editors note: Welcome to the world of Paranormal PA, a PennLive series that delves into Pennsylvania-grown stories of spirits; cryptids; oddities and legends; and the unexplained. Sign up here to get our Paranormal PA newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Cars are backed up at the US-Canada border in Stanstead, Quebec, after a shooting involving a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Coventry, Vt., Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Chloe Jones)AP

Prosecutors were set to argue on Thursday that a Washington state woman should remain jailed in connection with the death of a U.S. Border Patrol agent in a case that has grown to encompass killings in multiple states.

Teresa Youngblut, 21, faces federal firearms charges in the Jan. 20 death of Agent David Maland. Shes accused of opening fire on agents during a traffic stop in northern Vermont, sparking a shootout that also left her companion, Felix Bauckholt, dead.

Pennsylvania state police said Wednesday the gun used in the Vermont shooting was purchased by a person of interest in the Dec. 31, 2022, killings of Richard and Rita Zajko, who were shot to death in their Chester Heights home. And both Youngblut and the buyer were in frequent contact with someone who was detained as part of the Pennsylvania investigation and is a person of interest in another killing in California, a federal prosecutor said in a court filing.

U.S. Attorney Michael Drescher didnt elaborate, but prosecutors may provide more detail at a detention hearing for Youngblut on Thursday. In the meantime, police and court records have shed some light on the connections.

Youngbluts attorney has not responded to requests for comment on the charges.

Jack LaSota is currently facing charges of obstructing law enforcement and disorderly conduct in Pennsylvania. Authorities wont say whether those charges are related to the Zajko deaths, but court records show that police were searching for a gun used in two killings when they arrested LaSota 12 days later at a hotel about 10 miles (16 kilometers) from the scene of the killings.

LaSota also has connections to some of the key players in the California case.

In 2019, LaSota and three others were arrested while protesting an event hosted by the Center for Applied Rationality at a camping retreat in Occidental, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. In 2022, two of the others, Emma Borhanian and Jeffrey Leatham, were accused of attacking their landlord with a sword in Vallejo, California. The landlord, Curtis Lind, survived the November 2022 attack but was stabbed to death Jan. 17.

Maximilian Snyder was charged this week with that killing. In November, someone with the same name applied for a marriage license with a Teresa Youngblut in Kirkland, Washington. Snyders attorney declined to comment on the charges.

Though authorities have not publicly identified the person who bought the gun used in Vermont, the VTDigger news site reported that federal authorities issued an alert to firearms dealers seeking information about purchases made by Michelle Jacqueline Zajko and describing her as a person of interest in the Vermont shooting.

According to a public records database, a Michelle Zajko was registered to vote in 2016 at the same home address in Pennsylvania as Richard and Rita Zajko. In 2021, a Michelle Zajko bought a half-acre piece of property in Derby, Vermont, a few miles (about 6 kilometers) from the Canadian border. According to town records, the land is undeveloped.
The first bills to fully pass a legislative chamber in the 2025-26 session cleared the Pennsylvania Senate on Wednesday  a set of benefits reform measures that Republicans said would help crack down on fraud and which Democrats said are unnecessary and counterproductive.

The four bills with which the Republican-controlled chamber kicked off the new session generated relatively familiar floor debates over well-trod issues. All four passed on near-party-line votes, and are far less likely to get through the Democratic-majority state House of Representatives.

The first in Wednesdays string of votes was a bill that would amend Pennsylvanias unemployment compensation law to state that unemployed workers cant get benefits if they take any action to unreasonably discourage the claimants own hire in suitable work.
More than 8,000 Pennsylvanians will soon receive checks as the state rolls out its first-ever automatic unclaimed property return program.

State Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced on Jan. 28 that the Money Match initiative would automatically transfer unclaimed money to Pennsylvania residents. According to the Treasurys website, the initiative has now become a law, supported unanimously by the General Assembly and signed by the Governor.

My team and I are working to return more than $4.5 billion dollars in unclaimed property, Garrity said in short video. Now, thanks to a law called Pennsylvania Money Match, some of this money can be returned to Pennsylvanians automatically.

Unclaimed property includes things like old bank accounts, uncashed paychecks, insurance payments, and rebates, the Treasury states that one in 10 Pennsylvanians have unclaimed property that needs to be claimed.

In a press release, Garrity stated that the first batch of letters would be sent out shortly as Feb. 1 is Unclaimed Property Day.

This Saturday is National Unclaimed Property Day, and I cant think of a better way to celebrate than by sending out the first Money Match letters, Garrity said. But even if you dont get a letter, its still easy to see if you have any unclaimed property available! Just visit our website and search for your name.

If you have unclaimed property, youll receive a letter in the mail notifying you, and Pa. residents can expect a check within 30-45 days of receiving the letter. This is expected to be an ongoing effort, and the Treasury will send out three batches of checks and letters in 2025.

This will be an ongoing effort, Garrity said. " This money doesnt belong to the state. It belongs to Pennsylvania families, and I want to get it back to them!
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. Azerbaijan has discussed issues of developing ties with the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization (BSEC), Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov wrote on X, Trend reports.

We discussed with Secretary General of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization Lazar Comanescu issues of cooperation in the energy sector, holding a meeting of the Working Group on Energy, and development of ties with the Organization during Azerbaijan's BSEC chairmanship. They evaluated the importance of the project Green Energy Corridor Caspian-Black Sea-Europe in the energy partnership in the Black Sea region, the minister's publication says.

The Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) was established as a distinctive and promising multilateral political and economic initiative through the signing of the Istanbul Summit Declaration and the Bosphorus Statement by the Heads of State and Government of the regional countries on 25 June 1992. BSEC currently functions as a forum for cooperation across various domains for its 13 Member States: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, North Macedonia, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Turkiye, and Ukraine.

The primary areas of collaboration within the organization encompass agriculture and agro-industry, banking and finance, the fight against organized crime, culture, customs, education, emergency assistance, energy, environmental protection, statistical data exchange, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, information and communication technologies, institutional renewal and governance, science and technology, small and medium-sized enterprises, tourism, trade and economic development, and transportation.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Aiken Standard reporter

Matthew Christian is a reporter for the Aiken Standard. He covers the Savannah River Site, city of Aiken, politics and public safety and courts.

Matthew previously covered government and politics for the Morning News in Florence. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law and the University of Charleston in West Virginia.

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Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun early, then becoming cloudy later in the day. High 72F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds. Low 51F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, January 30. Kyrgyzstan imported 4.6 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity between January and November 2024, which is a 46.8 percent increase compared to 3.159 billion kWh during the same period in 2023, Trend reports.

The State Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan reported that the total value of these imports reached $150.335 million, which is more than twice the $73.116 million noted for the first 11 months of 2023. Nevertheless, the information fails to pinpoint the nations from which the electricity was brought in.

As for exports, Kyrgyzstan sent abroad 155 million kWh of electricity during the reporting period, which is a 12.1 percent increase compared to the previous year. The export value reached $105,208, a 1.3 percent year-on-year rise.

In general, Kyrgyzstan produced 12.195 billion kWh of electricity in the first 11 months of 2024, a 0.3 percent increase over the same period in 2023, when production totaled 12.159 billion kWh.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, January 30. Kazakhstan is ready to increase its exports to Kyrgyzstan across over 175 product categories worth more than $203 million, Trend reports via the country's government.

This was revealed following a meeting between Kazakhstan's Prime Minister, Olzhas Bektanov, and the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, Adylbek Kasymaliev.

The expanded export categories include products from the petrochemical, food, metallurgy, machinery, and pharmaceutical industries; construction materials; and other goods.

Additionally, it was noted that the volume of bilateral trade between the two countries reached $1.6 billion over the first eleven months of 2024. Maintaining this positive trend and improving trade structure through an expanded range of products is a key focus for future development.

The agricultural sector accounts for approximately 20 percent of mutual trade. As part of the implementation of the roadmap to increase agricultural product exports, trade in the agro-industrial complex has grown by 5.5 percent, reaching $313.6 million. Kazakhstan's grain exports to Kyrgyzstan totaled 40,400 tons, while flour exports amounted to 53.2 tons.
This is a close-up of the original logo for Jims Restaurants, shown in the office of the late Frontier Enterprises founder Jim Hasslocher. In the early 1950s, Hasslocher hired San Antonio artist Bob Dale to create the logo. The painting shown is a rendition of Dale's design by artist P. Haggerton. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

Dee Dee Dale practically considers the Jim's Restaurants cowboy logo a member of the family. After all, it was her late father, Bob Dale, who first brought that beaming buckaroo to life more than 70 years ago.

It's such a familiar face in San Antonio, most 210ers would call it one of their own, too.

Another original sign of the Jims Restaurants logo hangs next to a portrait of Jim Hasslocher in the office of his son Jimmy Hasslocher. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

"It's iconic," said Dee Dee Dale, a watercolor artist in Cibolo who was born and raised in the Alamo City. "There's a friendliness about it, and it just kind of gives you a good feeling when you see it. It's like a part of our culture in San Antonio."

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Since the early 1950s, the happy herdsman in the 10-gallon hat has greeted diners from just about every marquee and menu in the Frontier Enterprises empire. That empire started in 1947 when Germano "Jim" Hasslocher opened the first Frontier Drive-In at 3175 Broadway, the precursor to the nearly dozen Jim's dine-in restaurants that dot the city today.

I guess the rest is history," said Frontier Enterprises president and CEO Jimmy Hasslocher, who took over the company about a decade before his father's death in 2015 at age 93.

Jimmy Hasslocher, Frontier Enterprises president and CEO, poses in his late father and Frontier founder Jim Hasslochers office at Frontier Enterprises in San Antonio. The framed Jim's logo behind him is one of only a handful of original wood signs that once hung at his father's Frontier Drive-Ins. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

There's certainly more to that coffee-shop cowpoke than meets the eye. Did you know the original Jim's logo had him on a horse? Or that the artist who created it went on to draw editorial cartoons for the Express-News and lauded works of Western art? Or that the character isnt even named Jim?

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Here are some fun facts about that familiar, familial icon.

San Antonio artist and Express-News editorial cartoonist Bob Dale is shown in 1975. Dale created the famous Jim's Restaurants logo in the early 1950s while he was an art student. He died in 2015. Express-News archives

Bob Dale created the logo while he was an art student. In the late 1940s, World War II veteran Bob Dale honed his artistic skills at the former Littlehouse School of Art at 3607 Broadway, which served eligible veterans via the GI Bill. The San Antonio native created the Jim's logo in the early 1950s while still a student, according to a 1974 Express-News article about Jim Hasslocher.

Dee Dee Dale believes her dad drew the logo closer to 1950, the year she was born. She said her father told her Jim Hasslocher came into the school one day and asked if anyone could do a drawing for his new burger stand just up the road.

"And they all pointed to daddy," Dee Dee Dale said.

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A photo of one of the first Frontier Burgers locations is shown in the office of Frontier Enterprises founder Jim Hasslocher. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

According to Dee Dee Dale, her father doodled the design on a napkin and Jim Hasslocher paid him $50 for the final product. Jimmy Hasslocher believes his dad paid more like $100 for the logo.

In any case, the early commercial work marked the beginning of a long, lucrative career for Bob Dale. In addition to designing the Jims logo while still an art student, he also landed a job as an editorial cartoonist for the Express and News in 1951. He held the job for 34 years and retired in 1985.

Bob also made a name for himself with his historically accurate depictions of the Old West, which included photo-realistic sketches of Apache, Sioux and other Native American tribes he visited. His works have graced the Cowboy Hall of Fame, the Oklahoma Historical Society and various museums and private collections.

Bob Dale died of a stroke July 26, 2015. He was 88.

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GO SPURS LOGO GO! San Antonio Spurs logo was the creation of noted watercolor artist Finis Collins

The original logo for Jims Restaurants is shown in the office of the late Frontier Enterprises founder Jim Hasslocher. In the early 1950s, Hasslocher hired San Antonio artist Bob Dale to create the logo. The painting shown is a rendition of Dale's design by artist P. Haggerton. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

The look of the logo was in the family. Unlike his realistic Western art, Bob Dale designed the Jim's cowboy as a Howdy Doody-like character with a sheriff's star on his vest and a six-shooter at his side, armed with a giant hamburger in one hand and a frosty milkshake in the other.

As for his trusty steed, the cowboy's horse looked just as kooky as its rider. The original logo had the knobby-kneed horse looking up to the cowboy with an expression that looked like hunger or worry for that big juicy burger dripping over its head.

An early Jims menu features the original cowboy logo. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

Dee Dee Dale's daughter Trish Lyons remembers that cartoon style well. Lyons, who also lives in Cibolo, noted her grandfather used to draw her and other members of the family in a similar vein.

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"We all looked like that guy," she said.

Jimmy Hasslocher, Frontier Enterprises president and CEO, is shown in his late father and Frontier founder Jim Hasslochers office at Frontier Enterprises. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

Only a handful of the original logo signs remain. After the elder Hasslocher purchased the Jims logo from Bob Dale, artist P. Haggerton crafted several wooden signs of the design for some of the first Frontier drive-ins in San Antonio.

Today, less than six of those signs remain. One of them hangs framed in the elder Hasslocher's brick-walled office, while another hangs in Jimmy's wood-paneled office on the next floor.

Frontier Enterprises founder Jim Hasslocher shown in 1974 with the original Jim's Restaurants logo. Hasslocher hired San Antonio artist Bob Dale to create the logo in the early 1950s when Dale was an art student. Express-News archives

Today, the Jims Restaurants logo features the head of the classic, cartoon cowboy. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

At least he kept his head. Jimmy Hasslocher noted the Jims logo stayed the same until the 1970s, when the Frontier Enterprises PR team decided to ditch the horse and focus on the smiling cowboy.

"So they chopped the head off the cowboy, so to speak," he said. Personally, Jim Hasslocher always loved the cowboy on the horse. My mother was not particularly fond of it. Ive always been fond of it.

Frontier Enterprises has a painting of the current Jim's logo by artist Pat Holtzinger in the company boardroom.

The Jims Restaurants logo, as painted by Pat Holtzinger, is in the boardroom of Frontier Enterprises. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

When Frontier Burger opened in 2016, it brought back the original cowboy logo from the Frontier Burgers of the 1950s. Rene Guzman/Staff

The original Jim's logo rides again. Cartoon cowboy and horse were reunited in 2016 when Frontier Enterprises opened a new Frontier Burger at 838 NE Loop 410 between Broadway and Nacogdoches Road.

Like the original burger stands, the 21st century Frontier Burger specializes in the same classic, charcoal-broiled burgers. And like those stands, the new Frontier Burger also bares a beacon of the original cowboy and horse, only in neon instead of wood.

A photo of Jims Restaurants founder Jim Hasslocher with the Tower of the Americas in the background hangs in the boardroom of Frontier Enterprises. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

Just don't call the Jim's logo Jim. Contrary to the name under the mascot's chinny-chin-chin, the Jim's cowboy does not share the first name of the founder of Jim's Restaurants. Or any first name for that matter.

In a 1997 Express-News article, Jim Hasslocher and his wife and business partner Veva just called the character "our little man."

Its not supposed to represent a person, Jim is quoted as saying "dryly" in the article. Its supposed to represent a hamburger and a milkshake.

Veva and Jim Hasslocher are shown in 2002 in front of the Jim's Restaurants logo at Frontier Enterprises. Bahram Mark Sobhani/Express-News staff file photo

Jimmy Hasslocher said the character simply is referred to as the Jim's Cowboy, the Frontier Enterprises Cowboy, the Frontier Drive-In Cowboy, or his favorite, the Frontier Cowboy.

Which is just the way his father would have liked it.

"He was such a quiet, reserved guy," Jimmy Hasslocher said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. Latvia is ready to deepen cooperation in transport logistics with Uzbekistan, encompassing both Uzbek import and export cargo and aviation freight between Europe and Asia, the ambassador of Latvia to Uzbekistan Reinis Troksa told Trend in an exclusive interview.

"Latvian ports and the Riga Airport hub provide an ideal environment to develop freight and logistics business between Central Asia and Europe, as well as establish production and distribution centers for supplying goods to the Northern European region," he said.

According to him, Latvia sees significant potential in the fast-growing Uzbek market, which offers new opportunities not only in traditional sectors like pharmacy, agri-food products, machinery, and equipment but also in emerging areas such as ICT and green technologies. In 2024, Latvia had conducted more than 10 trade missions to Uzbekistan, underscoring the strong mutual interest in strengthening economic relations.

"Latvian businesses are keen to enhance the productivity of Uzbek companies and facilitate their export to European markets. The Latvia-Uzbekistan Digital Connectivity Forum, held during ICT WEEK UZBEKISTAN 2024, exemplified such cooperation, providing a platform for IT specialists and innovators from both countries to collaborate. Latvian companies also view Uzbekistan as a regional hub and are eager to expand their operations to neighboring countries in Central Asia," the ambassador noted.

He emphasized that Latvia has been a key partner for Uzbekistan in development cooperation for over a decade, focusing on areas such as good governance, sustainable economic growth, gender equality, and climate action.

According to him, Latvia has been actively involved in promoting good governance in Uzbekistan, with particular attention to administrative reforms and anti-corruption efforts. He emphasized that there is strong interest from Latvian implementers in working with Uzbekistan, and Uzbek partners have shown openness to cooperation in various sectors. Latvia's support is also directed toward fostering sustainable economic growth, especially through the modernization of agriculture and the introduction of standardization practices that align with EU norms.

"A significant aspect of Latvias assistance is the promotion of gender equality. Latvia supports public service delivery in Uzbekistans rural areas, particularly focusing on the empowerment of women. This aligns with the broader commitment to sustainable development goals, ensuring that marginalized groups, including women, have access to necessary services," he said.

The ambassador pointed out that Latvia has been actively supporting Uzbekistan's efforts to combat climate change. A notable Sustainable Policy Planning for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation in Uzbekistan project was being implemented by the Latvian Association of Local and Regional Government Authorities in 2023-2024. This project aims to strengthen the capacity of local government bodies, raise public awareness of the socio-economic consequences of climate change, and improve sustainable policy planning by involving the public in decision-making processes.

He emphasized several new agricultural initiatives launched in 2024, supported by Latvias Ministry of Foreign Affairs. One of these projects, titled Improving Phytosanitary Systems to Boost Food Exports in Uzbekistan, is being carried out by the State Plant Protection Service of Latvia. The project aims to help Uzbekistan align its phytosanitary system standards with those of the European Union, facilitating the countrys access to international markets.

"Another major initiative is the Development of Biotechnology and Digital Skills for Climate-Controlled Agriculture (BioDigiSkills) project, implemented by the Bulduri Horticultural School. This project focuses on modernizing Uzbekistans horticulture sector through the integration of biotechnology and digital skills, contributing to the sustainable development of agriculture in the country," he underscored.

Additionally, Ambassador Troksa noted that Latvias Food and Veterinary Service is involved in a project designed to strengthen Uzbekistans aquaculture sector. The goal of the project, Strengthening the Official Control System and Improving the Compliance of Aquaculture Farms and Establishments Processing Fishery Products in Uzbekistan is to bring Uzbekistan's fish processing and aquaculture businesses into line with EU standards. This will help the Committee of Veterinary and Livestock Development learn more and make it easier for businesses to sell their goods in other countries.

"Uzbekistan has become a pilot country for Latvias National Development Cooperation Agency (CFCA). The CFCA is already engaged in various projects funded by international donors such as the EU and GIZ, focusing on areas like good governance and anti-corruption. One of the most recent developments is the signing of the first Multi-partner Contribution Agreement (MPCA) to implement the Team Europe Initiative on Digital Connectivity in Central Asia, which aims to enhance digital capacity in the region. CFCA will lead one of the four components of this initiative, focusing on transparent and inclusive access to public and private connectivity services, with special attention to rural areas, gender equality, and marginalized groups," he said.

Furthermore, the ambassador highlighted Latvias leadership in the EU Border Management Program in Central Asia (BOMCA). Since 2003, the BOMCA program has focused on enhancing border management, developing trade corridors, and eliminating drug trafficking in the region. The program continues to make significant contributions to strengthening regional cooperation and ensuring greater security.

"Latvia remains committed to supporting Uzbekistans development in key areas such as governance, sustainable agriculture, climate action, and digital connectivity, fostering continued cooperation between the two countries," he added.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja, on Thursday, affirmed the proscription of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its designation as a terrorist organisation.

IPOB is a group leading agitation for an independent state of Biafra which it wants carved out from the south-east and some parts of south-south Nigeria.

The Nigerian government, under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2017, proscribed the separatist group.

A Federal High Court in Abuja formalised the proscription and tagged the group a terrorist organisation.

IPOB and its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, have been challenging the proscription of the group in several Nigerian courts.

In October 2023, a State High Court in Enugu nullified the proscription and the designation as a terrorist group.

Proscription affirmed

But the Court of Appeal, in a unanimous decision by a three-member panel headed by Justice Hamma Barka, affirmed the judgement of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which outlawed IPOB, Vanguard Newspaper reported.

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The court held that it found no reason to set aside the order the federal government secured against the separatist group.

Justice Barka ruled that the federal government acted lawfully by proscribing IPOP whose activities threaten the nations security and continued existence.

He resolved all the issues against IPOB and dismissed its appeal for want of merit.

Background

In September 2017, the then-president, Mr Buhari, signed a presidential proclamation proscribing IPOB.

Also in September 2017, a Federal High Court in Abuja formalised IPOBs proscription and tagged the group a terrorist organisation.

The then Acting Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Abdul Kafarati, granted the order proscribing the group.

The order followed an application filed and moved by the then Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

The South-east Governors Forum later announced that they had proscribed the group in the region.

IPOB, through its legal team, challenged the proscription in courts for several years without success.

But on 23 October 2023, a State High Court in Enugu, nullified the proscription of IPOB, consequently destroying the basis upon which the separatist group was declared a terrorist organisation by the Nigerian government.

The IPOB leader, Mr Kanu, filed the suit in January 2023 against the Nigerian government and the South-East Governors Forum.

The judge, A.O. Onovo, in his judgment, declared that the reliance on the countrys Terrorism Prevention Act and the administrative action of the South-east Governors Forum and the federal government to proscribe IPOB contravened Section 42 of the Nigerian Constitution which prohibits discrimination on the basis of ethnicity.

Justice Onovo held that the proscription of IPOB was also a violation of Mr Kanus fundamental rights as enshrined under Articles 2,3,19 and 20 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Enforcement and Ratification) Act.

Thursdays appeal court ruling means IPOB remains proscribed. However, the group and its leader may appeal the ruling at the Supreme Court.

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After quizzing them between May and September last year, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) charged two individuals and their companies with fraud and money laundering in a series of contracts awarded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), PREMIUM TIMES is exclusively reporting today.

In separate cases filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the ICPC accused them of fraudulent diversion of funds meant for the execution of multi-billion-naira training contracts awarded to them by the agency.

The contractors are Paul Chukwuma, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Fides Et Ratio Academy Ltd and Adedeji Ladipo, the Managing Director and the CEO of Pole Global Marketing Limited.

PREMIUM TIMES has now obtained exclusive documents on the details of the contracts, the processes leading to their awards and the Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between TETFund and the contractors.

Our reporting is also based on the review of specific charges, evidence gathered by the ICPC, including bank statements of the accused, and extrajudicial statements from beneficiary tertiary institutions, saying the contractors did not deliver on the jobs.

The cases

PREMIUM TIMES exclusively reported that both individuals were accused of concealing the origin of the funds, withdrawing parts of the money and converting some of it to foreign currencies in a money laundering scheme that allegedly robbed TEFTFund of over N1.6 billion.

In the indictments seen by the newspaper, the ICPC said the defendants actions violated the provisions of section 18 of the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act (2022).

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While Mr Chukwuma of Fides Et Ratio is charged with nine counts, Mr Ladipo is charged with four.

If found guilty by the court, Messrs Chukwuma and Ladipo are looking at a sentence of not less than four years imprisonment or a fine not less than five times the value of the proceeds of the crime or both, according to the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act (2022) under which they were charged.

2 million students, 502 staff members for training

On 18 May 2023, TETFund signed an MoU with Klaus Stierstrorfer, a professor, and Fides Et Ratio Academy. The MoU described Mr Stierstorferss as the intellectual property right holder in all range of communication skills and development courses marketed under Edunet Solutions. The MoU stated that Mr Stierstorfer would provide communication skills training to TETFund beneficiaries through Fides Et Ratio Academy.

Days later, on 22 May 2023, TETFund wrote Fides Et Ratio Academy, informing it of the approval of a proposal for a capacity-building course for 2 million students drawn from 251 Nigerian tertiary institutions as well as the training-of-trainers for 502 members of staff of the benefitting institutions.

According to the letter assigned by TETFund Director of Human Resources and General Administration, Okunlola Kolapo, the students would be trained in developing entrepreneurship skills, communication and employability skills, and capacity building. At the same time, the tertiary institutions staff members would participate in a training of trainers on basic and advanced ICT skills needed for a successful teaching and learning process.

According to the letter seen by this newspaper, while students were to be trained online, tertiary institutions staff members were to be trained physically.

Out of the 2 million participating students, 1 million would be drawn from the universities, while polytechnics and colleges of education would contribute 500,000 each.

According to the TETFund letter, the approved cost was N1,536 per student, amounting to N3 billion; N1,475,099.60 each for the 502 tertiary institution staff members, amounting to N740.5 million; and the cost of training students and the institutions staff members totalled N3.8 billion.

A PREMIUM TIMES investigation revealed how TETFund deducted the funds for this training from the tertiary institutions 2023 annual disbursement against the wishes of the selected institutions.

The report revealed that though Fides Et Ratio Academy was paid N2.9 billion out of the N3.8 billion in four instalments between June and November 2023, there was no evidence that the training had been conducted as of April 2024.

After the PREMIUM TIMES story in April, the ICPC interrogated senior officials of the Fund, including Gloria Olotu, the Director of Finance and Accounts; Kolapo Okunola, the Director of Human Resources and General Administration at TETFUND; and Joseph Odo, the agencys Director of Information Communication Technology (ICT).

The ICPC also interrogated Mr Chukwuma two months later in June. In September, the anti-graft agency preferred a nine-count charge against him in court.

Charges against Chukwuma of Fides Et Ratio

In the first to sixth counts against Mr Chukwuma, the ICPC accused him of diverting over N69 million meant for training students from various tertiary institutions.

The ICPC indictment alleges specifically that Mr Chukwuma diverted:

N10.8 million for the training of 7,042 students of the Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State;

N10.8 million for training 7,042 students of the Federal College of Education, Gidan Madi, Sokoto State;

N9.2 million for the training of 6,329 students of the Federal Polytechnic, Bali, Taraba State;

N9.2 million for the training of 6,329 students of the Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, Sokoto, Sokoto State;

N14.4 million for the training of 6,329 students of Ignatius Agwu University of Education, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, and

N14.4 million for the training of 6,329 students of Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, Imo State.

In the seventh count, the ICPC accused him of using the funds for the training to purchase a N300 million Mercedes Benz GLS 600 Maybach.

The eighth count also accused him of using part of the funds for the training to purchase a N300 million Mercedes Benz GLS 600 Maybach.

In the ninth count, the prosecution accused Mr Chukwuma of converting over N139 million of the training funds into US dollars in an attempt to conceal the funds origin.

Evidence gathered

The ICPC has lined up 10 witnesses to testify against Mr Chukwuma and his firm when his trial starts.

In addition, the anti-corruption agency obtained extrajudicial statements from the heads of the information and communications departments of four benefitting tertiary institutions, who all noted that their staff and students were not trained as part of the contract.

The ICPC has also obtained the bank statement for the Fidelity Bank account operated by Fides Et Ratio and has lined up an official of the bank as one of its prosecution witnesses.

The anti-graft agency has also obtained the extrajudicial statement of Ngozi Nneji, through whom Mr Chuwkwuma allegedly converted over N450 million of the contract funds to euros and US dollars.

In separate extrajudicial statements to the ICPC, the heads of the information and communication departments at Ignatius Agwu University of Education, Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, Sokoto, and the Federal Polytechnic Bali stated that no staff member or student of their respective institutions participated in the training as contained in the contract awarded to the company.

In a statement he wrote on 23 May 2024, Ojelundo Nathaniel, the ICT director at the Ignatius Agwu University of Education, said none of the institutions students or staff members have participated in any training under the project.

He explained that there was a training at Landmark Hotels for South-South ICT directors and their deputies but cannot tie it to the organisers but (was) sponsored by TETFund.

He stated that 12 staff members were nominated for the workshop, and they have not been invited yet.

No students have been trained also. No staff and students have been enrolled on the Blackboard, he wrote in the statement seen by PREMIUM TIMES.

Emelike Chinaemedele, the ICT director at the Federal University of Education Owerri, noted that they were informed about upcoming training for university staff and onboard students.

As of today, 20 May 2024, no such training has commenced, and no staff or student has been onboard, he wrote in a statement dated 20 May 2024.

In respect of Edunet educational services, concerning communication skills and entrepreneurship, TETFUND has not asked my school to submit a list of staff and students for training and we have not forwarded any such list to TETfund.

In her statement dated 17 May 2024, Mrs Nneji noted that she had, on multiple occasions, received money from Mr Chukwuma, converted it to foreign currencies, and delivered it to him in cash.

On 27 July, she used her company, Zimmy International Ventures, to help Mr Chukwuma convert N48 million to Euros and deliver the foreign currency to him in cash.

On 7 July 2023, Mrs Nneji received N39.7 million from Fides Et Ratio Academy Ltd and used N31 million to purchase $40,000 US dollars, which she delivered to Mr Chukwuma in cash.

On 11 September 2023, she helped Mr Chukwuma convert N225 million into dollars through Kazo Nazo Global Concept (a company not owned by her). When the naira was converted to dollars, I collected it and gave it to Sir Paul Chukwuma. I also negotiated the rate with Sir Paul Chukwuma before he made the transfer, she wrote on 17 May 2024, explaining that he deposited the money in three tranches of N75 million each.

On 17 July 2023, she received another N100 million from Fides Et Ratio Academy Ltd in two tranches of N50 million each.

All the time he bought these currencies, I delivered to him in person, she added.

Chukwuma responds to allegations

The ICPC investigators quizzed Mr Chukwuma at their office about seven times between June and September 2024. Copies of his statements seen by this newspaper show that he wrote them on 4 June, 16 July, 17 July, 18 July, 21 August, 2 September and 6 September.

In his first statement, dated 4 June, Mr Chukwuma stated that over 2 million students have successfully onboarded the Fides Et Ration Academy learning management database.

He said the online communication course licensed by Klaus Stierstrorfer, a professor, had not been paid for.

He admitted converting part of the money to foreign currency and using it for his companys other revenue-generating operations ahead of the payments to Mr Stierstrorfer/Edunet.

We are to pay the license fee per student onboarded on the FERA LMS to Prof Klaus, and the details of these fees are contained in our licence implementation agreement, he wrote on 6 April 2024.

The currency transaction is naira, and we are expected to convert to euros at the approved forex rate to pay for the licence fees per student to Prof Kalus/Edunet. The forex change was not enough for the payment of the licence fees and our agreement was to pay the fees in bulk within a period of 12 months after the moratorium period. Hence, waiting for the balance of the payment to be made and since we still have enough time to fulfil our obligation, the forex changes were applied to other revenue generating needs of the company and the group generally, he wrote.

Mr Chukwuma said the Mercedes Benz purchased was for the company (Fides Et Ratio Academy). Also, only the euros changed at the parallel market were used by the company since the bulk of the money changed for the license payment were changed into dollars, he wrote on 16 July.

Contract 2: Mr Ladipo of Pole Global Marketing Limited

On 2 June 2023, TETFund approved a proposal for capacity development and implementation of blackboard for execution by Pole Global Marketing (PGM).

In a letter signed by TETFunds Director, Human Resources and General Administration, Okunlola Kolapo, PGM was tasked with the technical works for Blackboard and the training of 2,510 ICT staff members of the beneficiary institutions 10 each from 251 beneficiary institutions. The figure was reduced to 2,310, as seen in subsequent letters between the two organisations.

According to documents reviewed by this newspaper, the contract arose from a May 2023 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between TETFund and Blackboard International BV (Anthology) in collaboration with PGMAnthologys authorised partner in Nigeria.

The MoU laid the foundation for a five-year renewable licensing of Blackboard, a learning management system (LMS) developed and licensed by Anthology, to TETFund on behalf of its beneficiary institutions.

Blackboard is a learning management system that facilitates online learning between teachers and students.

According to the MoU, the software cost was $2.90 per student, amounting to $5.8 million for all participating students.

However, TETFunds letter to PGM denominated the amounts in naira at N1278.75 per student, with the 2 million expected beneficiaries totalling N2.557 billion.

The project was divided into two parts: purchasing and installing the Blackboard software and training 2,310 ICT staff members of the beneficiary institutions, each at the cost of N500,000, totalling N1.1 billion.

The letter said the first payment of 85 per cent would be made upon successful take-off of the project confirmation of enrolment of participants on the Anthology (Blackboard) and PGM local Hub and submission of a detailed progress report showing progress on the project deliverables.

It added that the second and final payment of 15 per cent would be made after the programme is completed and a detailed report on the training is submitted to the Executive Secretary.

Payments

On 15 June, TETFund wrote to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), asking it to pay $4.248 million to Blackboard Internationals Bank of America account.

The request is for the payment for capacity development and technical works and training of blackboard learn tools in the 251 beneficiary institutions (the payment details are attached as an appendix), the letter, signed by the Director of Finance and Investment, Gloria Olotu, reads.

On 21 July, TETFund paid N948 million to PGM as 85 per cent of the payment for the second category of the project, which is the training of the 2,310 ICT staff members of the beneficiary institutions.

In the request for the 85 per cent initial payment, PGM submitted a progress report to TETFund.

In a copy of an internal memo for processing the payment, TETFund noted that the vendor has met the conditions for part-payment having confirmed the successful take-off of the project, enrolment of participants on the Anthology (Blackboard) and PGM local hub and submission of a detailed progress report showing progress on the project deliverable.

The progress report showed that TETFund made available $4.248 million for the purchase of a software licence and that the vendor commenced the creation of the Blackboard/TETFund site.

It added, A monitoring system, Zendesk, has been deployed and is being utilised by the vendor for project monitoring and control. The list of local partners for field onboarding at BIs (beneficiary institutions) has been compiled and ready for boot camp training by the vendor as agreed by the Fund.

Charges against Ladipo of Pole Global Marketing Limited

In the first of the four counts against Mr Ladipo, the ICPC accused him of converting N119 million meant for the physical training of 2,239 persons on behalf of TETFund into US dollars without training the supposed beneficiaries.

In the second charge, the ICPC accused him of diverting N34.6 million meant for the physical training of 2,239 persons on behalf of TETFund into US dollars without training the supposed beneficiaries.

In the third count, the ICPC accused him of diverting N20.5 million meant for the physical training of 2,239 persons on behalf of TETFund into US dollars without training the supposed beneficiaries.

In the fourth count, the anti-graft agency accused him of taking control of N808.3 million through the bank account of Pole Global Marking Limited, converted the sum into US dollars and dissipated same without training the said number of participants.

Evidence gathered

To prove its case, ICPC and listed proposed witnesses that include ICPC investigators, TETFund Director of Finance and Accounts, Gloria Olotu, and a representative of Providus Bank, which the company has an account with, to testify in court.

However, the written statement ICPC obtained from TETFunds director of finance and accounts, Ms Olotu, appeared to see nothing wrong in the deal with Mr Ladipos company.

In her statement, Ms Olotu argued that the project awarded to PGM was not a contract and, therefore, not subject to the Procurement Act.

She likened the payments to Blackboard to tuition fees, which are part of the Funds Academic Staff Training and Development programmes as provided in section 7 of the TETFund Act.

They are therefore regarded as disbursements towards the said mandate and not contracts, she wrote in a statement dated 25 April 2024, likening it to tuition fee payment to institutions abroad on behalf of beneficiary institutions.

If TETFund were to have sent the money to the 260 institutions, the training per institution would come to N14,607,279.69 each, and they would have paid to the service provider or academic not as a contract but as tuition fees just as they would have done to any oversea trainer, Blackboard International being the only provider of this resource.

In subsequent statements she wrote at the ICPC office on 30 April, Ms Olotu stated that she did not take part in conceptualising the project and signing an MoU with the companies.

She stated that she was not the Accounting Officer of TETFund and was not the approving authority, adding that the payments were made based on the approvals from the office of the executive secretary.

She wrote, I did not take part in the conceptualisation of the two projects in question, and I was not privy to the negotiations or the memorandum of understanding entered into, she wrote.

I did not sign the MoU or Award letter. Also, I am not an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) expert, so I am not apprised of the details of the project. The payments were made based on the approval of the executive secretary and also based on the honourable minister of education approval that part of the ICT support allocation of the beneficiaries be used to pay for the converged services.

Ladipos defence

Documents reviewed by this newspaper show that Mr Ladipo visited the ICPC headquarters to write statements at least five times between June and September 2024. He wrote the statements on 21 June, 30 August, 3 September, 10 September, and 11 September.

In one of his statements, Mr Ladipo noted that though the project was supposed to be concluded in a year, certain challenges made it linger beyond the anticipated completion date.

He said the TETFunds project management office was duly informed about the challenge which resulted from data quality from TETFund.

He added that the 251 directors of information communication and technology of TETFund beneficiary institutions and 26 local information technology partners were to receive further training, making the total trained persons 277.

Based on the letter sent by TETFund, the duration is to be for 12 months under the terms, he wrote in a statement dated 21 June.

However, based on the requirements to execute, time has elapsed, and the PMO has been cautioned on this, and PGM/Anthology were told numerously that based on the MoU of cumulative 5 years, we are to maintain the status quo and continue in line with the PMO. As of today, TETFund has not sent in the updated MoU in line with the initially agreed one.

In the 30 August statement, Mr Ladipo stated that over 300 people have been physically trained after their nominations by their respective institutions as directed by TETFund.

He also explained in the statements that the funds expended were part of the project implementation. He stated, for instance, that N18.6 million had been paid as per diem to some beneficiaries of the physical training. He listed other expenses as office renovations, remunerations and associated expenses.

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The European Union (EU) has pledged to strengthen its economic partnership with Nigeria, especially in key areas such as investment, trade, and job creation.

The new EU Ambassador to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Gautier Mignot, made this known to journalists on Wednesday in Lagos.

To achieve this, Mr Mignot said the EU plans to improve the structure of its economic relations with Nigeria and remove obstacles that hinder investment and trade.

He said this is imperative as no agreement or dialogue framework exists between both entities.

Another strategy according to the envoy, is to implement the Global Gateway investment agenda, which prioritises job creation and opportunities for young Nigerians in sectors like green economy, digital, agri-food, and health.

He noted that the agenda is the EUs new investment strategy aimed at connecting people and accelerating green, digital and inclusive transition in partner countries like Nigeria.

The EU recognises the importance of accelerating Nigerias industrialisation and maximising the opportunities for local added-value and job creation.

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With the Global Gateway Investment Strategy, the EU works in sectors crucial for the transformation and diversification of the Nigerian economy such as energy, digital economy, agriculture and food security.

The flagship projects under the Global Gateway include inter alia Omi Eko (Lagos waterway transport), development of the renewable energy sector (solar, small hydropower), production of vaccines (MAV+), Erasmus+ and Horizon programs, he said.

Funding for Northern Nigeria

Speaking further, Mr Mignot reaffirmed the EUs commitment to addressing the unique development challenges in Northern Nigeria.

He said with a cooperation budget of 731 million in grants for 2021-2027, the EU aims to support sustainable development, reduce poverty, and enhance access to basic services in the region.

According to Mr Mignot, the grants will be used to support initiatives such as emergency food assistance, health, protection, and shelter for displaced people and victims of conflict.

The EU recognises the importance of solidarity and remains committed to partnering with the government of Nigeria in assisting the people affected by conflict and violence as well natural induced disaster.

Together with its Member States, it is one of the main humanitarian donors in Nigeria. This assistance saves countless lives every day, he said.

he US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has granted an emergency humanitarian waiver allowing the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) to continue providing life-saving HIV medications to low-income countries. This waiver will allow people to continue accessing HIV treatment funded by the US across 55 countries worldwide. The funding is coming days after American President, Donald Trump signed an executive order on foreign aid, which put an end to US government support for HIV treatment in Nigeria and other developing countries. Althugh, t

The EUs humanitarian aid to Nigeria is crucial, given the countrys complex humanitarian situation.

Citing the latest Cadre Harmonise projections, the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations says over 7.9 million people require humanitarian assistance in North-East Nigeria, with 4.8 million struggling to find enough food during the lean season.

Irregular migration

Mr Mignot said the EU is eager to partner with Nigeria to address the complex issues surrounding migration.

He said this partnership aims to cover all aspects of migration, including smuggling and trafficking of human beings, working with diasporas, pathways, readmission and reintegration of migrants.

According to him, the key aspect of this partnership is the readmission agreement, which will pave the way for a more global partnership.

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The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has raised concerns over the growing strain on health systems across the continent due to funding shortfalls, insecurity, and recurring disease outbreaks.

The Director-General of Africa CDC, Jean Kaseya disclosed this on Thursday during the Mpox weekly briefing.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared Mpox a global public health emergency in August 2024, for the second time in two years.

This is following the spread of a new variant of the viral infection from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to neighbouring countries.

Mr Kaseya highlighted the impact of a recent 90-day pause on US foreign assistance, compounding ongoing challenges in DRC, where conflict in Goma had escalated alongside suspected Ebola cases, Mpox, and cholera outbreaks.

This week started with an open war in Goma. This week also started with suspected Ebola cases in DRC and ongoing Mpox and cholera outbreaks, he said.

Its one of the weeks we dont like at Africa CDC because in addition to that, we have a humanitarian crisis. But its also why we existto show our member states and our populations that we will do everything possible to support them.

He stated that although the US pledged $1.1 billion for health support, only 60 per cent of the promised Mpox funding had been disbursed, leaving a substantial 40 per cent shortfall.

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He said that the agency welcomed an exemption granted for continued financial support but emphasised the urgent need for Africa to reduce its dependence on foreign assistance.

We are entering a new era where we will see a definite decrease in foreign assistance to Africa. It means we, as Africans, must take ownership of our health systems, which includes strengthening local manufacturing and digitising healthcare systems, he said.

To address sustainable health financing, he disclosed that Africa CDC would be convening a high-level meeting in Addis Ababa on 14 February, initiated by President Paul Kagame, where African Heads of State would discuss strategies to mobilise domestic resources for healthcare.

He revealed that the ongoing crisis in the DRC had significantly disrupted disease surveillance and response efforts. While acknowledging gaps in information regarding vaccine distribution to Goma, mortality and morbidity estimates, and the full scope of the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda, he assured that Africa CDC remains dedicated to delivering timely updates.

Mr Kaseya emphasised that Africa CDC is committed to transparency in its operations, ensuring clear communication about challenges and progress.

This is the change we are bringing to Africabetter communication, more transparency, and a stronger push for domestic resource mobilisation, he said.

Despite the significant challenges, he affirmed that Africa CDC remains committed to strengthening Africas health systems, enhancing disease surveillance, and securing sustainable funding.

(NAN)

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The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has pledged to intensify domestic resource mobilisation strategies to ensure ownership and sustainability of the countrys HIV/AIDS response.

The Director General of the agency, Temitope Ilori, made this known in a statement obtained by PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday.

Ms Ilori, a doctor, said the move became necessary following the executive order by President Donald Trump to reevaluate and realign United States foreign aid which includes a 90-day pause on foreign development assistance.

She said the development has raised significant concerns among stakeholders with regards to HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis (TB) technical support and funding.

One of Mr Trumps recent executive orders temporarily halted many overseas assistance programmes, including the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

PEPFAR, which operates with an annual budget of $6.5 billion, has been instrumental in delivering HIV/AIDS treatment to over 20.6 million individuals in low-income countries.

In Nigeria, PEPFAR remains a major contributor to the treatment of People Living with HIV (PLHIV), covering approximately 90 per cent of the countrys treatment needs.

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Over the years, PEPFAR has contributed over $6 billion to support Nigerias national HIV/AIDS response.

Although, a waiver by the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has permitted PEPFAR to continue providing life-saving HIV medications to low-income countries, there are still concerns about the long-term stability of such funding.

Domestic resource mobilisation

Ms Ilori said over the past two decades, partners in the global AIDS response have intensively supported Nigeria to scale-up prevention, treatment, care, and support for those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

She noted that the US government through PEPFAR has immensely supported Nigerias HIV/AIDS response, particularly in sustaining the treatment of PLHIV.

The Nigerian government would intensify domestic resource mobilisation strategies towards ownership and sustainability of the HIV response in the country with a view to reducing the risks of donor aid policy shifts to the HIV response while ensuring that the countrys strategic goals and targets in the fight against HIV are achieved, she said.

She noted that Nigeria can still achieve the target of ending AIDS by 2030 through effective stakeholder collaboration, favourable policies, enabling environment and advocacy to policy makers.

Accessing HIV treatment

Ms Ilori applauds the US Administration for issuing a waiver which allows the continuation of life-saving medicines and medical services, offering a reprieve for a worldwide HIV treatment programme.

She said this waiver allows for the continuous distribution of Antiretrovirals (ARVs) and medical services supported by PEPFAR in Nigeria.

READ ALSO:Nigeria govt restates commitment to ending AIDS by 2030

The Nigerian government appreciates the US government waiver and is mindful of the potential change to foreign aid in the near future under the new administration.

The NACA boss encourages the patient community to continue accessing HIV treatment services at service delivery points across the country.

She also appealed to all state governors, private sector partners, civil society organisations, the media and all other relevant stakeholders, to remain committed and continue supporting the fight against HIV/AIDS.

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The candidate nominated by President Donald Trump to lead the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Robert Kennedy, has denied being anti-vaccine or spreading misinformation about vaccine safety.

Mr Kennedy said reports accusing him of being anti-vaccine were untrue as he was neither anti-vaccine or anti-industry.

He stated this on Wednesday during his confirmation hearing at the US Senate.

Mr Robert came under scrutiny at the hearing for his decades of anti-vaccine and abortion sentiments.

Democratic senators at the hearing accused him of embracing and spreading conspiracy theories to dissuade the public from the use of lifesaving medicines.

News reports have claimed that I am anti-vaccine or anti-industry. I am neither. I am pro-safety, Mr Kennedy said to the Senate committee.

During the hearing, Democrats brought up some of Mr Kennedys past statements that no vaccine was safe and effective.

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They also questioned some of his previous remarks, which were made without evidence, including that COVID-19 was targeted to attack Caucasians and Black people and that it was highly likely that Lyme disease was a military bioweapon.

One Democratic senator, Michael Bennet, described Mr Kennedy as one who spoke passionately but has a record of half-truths and false statements.

It doesnt matter what you come here and say. Its not reflective of what you really believe, Mr Bennet said.

The anti-vaccine activism

Mr Kennedy is considered to be one of the worlds most famous anti-vaccine campaigners.

He has consistently questioned the safety and efficacy of routine vaccines, including those for hepatitis B and influenza.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that he had propagated a debunked claim linking the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine to autism  a theory rooted in flawed research from the 1990s.

The original study, authored by Andrew Wakefield, was discredited, retracted, and deemed fraudulent, leading to Mr Wakefield losing his medical license. Subsequent scientific investigations have also confirmed that there is no connection between the MMR vaccine and autism.

In 2021, Mr Kennedy referred to the Covid vaccine as the deadliest vaccine ever made, despite data showing its overwhelmingly safe.

His nomination as US health secretary had raised concern among public health experts and stakeholders, many of whom feared that his leadership could undermine trust in medical science and established health institutions. For instance, the American Public Health Association (APHA) said it would absolutely oppose Mr Kennedys nomination.

They were also concerned that his leadership could affect vaccine and drug production.

If Mr Kennedy is confirmed as the health secretary, he would have broad authority over health agencies and policies overseeing drugs, vaccine, food safety, medical research, and medical aid in the US.

His leadership is also likely to affect other countries, as the US is a key player in global health initiatives, providing vaccines through organisations like GAVI, the Global Fund, and USAID.

Pledge to support vaccine

During the hearing, Mr Kennedy cited a book he wrote in 2014, saying, The first line of it is, I am not anti-vaccine, and the last line is, I am not anti-vaccine.

I believe that vaccines play a critical role in healthcare. All of my kids are vaccinated, he said.

I am pro-safety. I worked for years to raise awareness about the mercury and toxic chemicals in fish, but that didnt make me anti-fish.

He pledged to the senators that, as HHS secretary, he would take no action that discourages or makes it harder for people to get vaccinated.

He also expressed support for the polio and measles vaccines.

I support the measles vaccine. I support the polio vaccine. I will do nothing as HHS Secretary that makes it difficult or discourages people from taking anything, Mr Kennedy said.

But some of the senators remained sceptical.

Responding to him, a New Hampshire senator and democrat, Maggie Hassan, said, There is no reason that any of us should believe that you have reversed the anti-vaccine views that you have promoted for 25 years.

Views on reproductive rights

Mr Kennedy also made a U-turn on his views on reproductive rights.

During his presidential campaign, which he ended in favour of President Trump, he had repeatedly described himself as pro-choice.

At the hearing, however, he said he agreed with President Trump that every abortion is a tragedy.

He vowed to serve the US president and implement his policies.

I agree with him that we cannot be a moral nation if we have 1.2 million abortions a year. I agree with him that the states should control abortion, Mr Kennedy said.

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First Bank of Nigeria has stated that the injunctive orders granted to it by Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Lagos, remain valid, even though the court has set aside a Mareva injunction freezing the assets of Global Hydrocarbons, and those of its directors up to the sum of $225.8 million.

The lender stated in a statement on Wednesday that the court ruled that the suit it filed against the energy firm before Justice Dipeolu did not amount to an abuse of court process as Global Hydrocarbons claimed.

On 13 January 2025, Nduka Obaigbena (the owner of Global Hydrocarbons and its directors asked the court to dismiss the suit for being in gross abuse of the process of this Honourable Court.

Justice Dipeolu, in his ruling on Wednesday, declared that I have earlier on held that, although the Interim Orders made by this Court on the 30th of December, 2024 are in relation to the subsequent facilities agreement between the 1st Plaintiff and 1st Defendant and it does not extend to the receivables in the agreement of 29th of May, 2021, also, the present suit on the face of it if placed side by side with FHC/L/CS/1953/2024 is not an abuse of process for the reasons given above.

First Bank noted that although Global Hydrocarbons claimed that the financial institution suppressed and/or concealed the preservative orders issued by Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa, the court noted that the bank disclosed the existence of the preservative orders of Justice Allagoa but the order was not attached to the affidavit.

It is important to stress that the injunctive orders made by Dipeolu J. on 30th December 2024 were eight in number out of which only two (2) were Mareva Orders, First Bank stated.

The other injunctive orders namely, Orders 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 were not discharged or set aside, and remain valid and subsisting.

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First Bank insisted that Global Hydrocarbons and its directors remain forbidden from dealing with and/or dissipating monies in their accounts and assets linked to the subject matter of the case.

It noted that the matter has been adjourned to 19 February to enable all defendants to respond to the substantive suit before a hearing date is given by the Judge.

On Wednesday, Global Hydrocarbons said its directors, who are among the defendants in the case, have initiated legal proceedings against First Bank demanding $1 billion each in damages for defamation and the wrongful freezing of their accounts.

The company disclosed that it is also launching a case in the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee against First Bank lawyers, Babajide Koku (SAN) and Victor Ogude (SAN) for unprofessional conduct.

BELOW IS THE FULL STATEMENT BY FIRST BANK

GHL and its Directors still under the shackles of Court Injunctions

Contrary to reports circulating in the media in the proceedings of 29th January 2025 in the case between FBN & ANOR v. GHL & 15 ORS, the Court ruled that the suit filed by FBN before Dipeolu J, did not amount to an abuse of court process as the cause of action and the parties are different from the cause of action and parties in the proceedings that were before Allagoa J.

For the above reason, the court was of the view that the suit filed by FBN was properly constituted and dismissed the prayers of the 1st  5th Defendants urging the court to strike out/dismiss the suit for being an abuse of court process.

With respect to GHLs contention that FBN suppressed and/or concealed the preservative orders made by Allagoa J., the court also held that FBN disclosed the existence of the preservative orders of Allagoa J. in paragraph 61 of their Affidavit save that the court order was not attached.

On the Mareva order, the Court was of the view that even though First Bank disclosed the existence of the preservative orders obtained from Allagoa J, he would nonetheless discharge the Mareva order because of the orders of Allagoa J.

It is important to stress that the injunctive orders made by Dipeolu J. on 30th December 2024 were 8 in number out of which only two (2) were Mareva Orders.

The other injunctive orders namely, Orders 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 were not discharged or set aside, and remain valid and subsisting. The orders are as follows:

6. AN ORDER OF INTERIM INJUNCTION restraining the 1st  4th Defendants, agents, servants, officers, privies, subsidiaries, sister companies or any other person natural or artificial howsoever called under the control of the 1st  4th Defendants from transferring or otherwise dealing with any and all of the monies standing to the credit of the 1st  4th Defendants in any account whatsoever maintained by the 1st  4th Defendants with any of the aforementioned Banks wherever situate up to the amount of the Plaintiff/Applicants claim of the total sum of US$225,802,379.69 (Two Hundred and Twenty-Five Million Eight Hundred and Two Thousand, Three Hundred and Seventy-Nine Dollars and Sixty-Nine Cents) being the indebtedness on the 1st Defendants account with the 1st Plaintiff/Applicant as of 30th September 2024 in respect of the loan facilities granted to the 1st Defendant by the 1st Plaintiff/Applicant, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction.

7. AN ORDER mandating all the Commercial Banks in Nigeria to wit: GUARANTY TRUST BANK LIMITED, ACCESS BANK PLC, CITIBANK NIGERIA LIMITED, CARBON BANK, ECOBANK NIGERIA PLC, FIDELITY BANK PLC, FIRST BANK OF NIGERIA LIMITED, FIRST CITY MONUMENT BANK PLC, FLUTTER WAVE, GLOBUS BANK, HERITAGE BANK LIMITED, JAIZ BANK, KEYSTONE BANK LIMITED, OPAY DIGITAL SERVICES LIMITED, PALMPAY LIMITED, PAYSTACK PAYMENTS LIMITED, PIGGYVEST, MOMO PAYMENT SERVICES LIMITED, POLARIS BANK LIMITED, PROVIDUS BANK, STANBIC IBTC BANK NIGERIA LIMITED, STANDARD CHARTERED BANK, STERLING BANK PLC, SUNTRUST BANK LIMITED, UNION BANK OF NIGERIA PLC, UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC, UNITY BANK PLC, WEMA BANK PLC, ZENITH BANK PLC AND ALL OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS OPERATING IN NIGERIA to file and serve on the Plaintiffs/Applicant Solicitors within seven(7) days of serving this Court Order on them, an Affidavit disclosing the sum standing to the 1st  4th Defendants credit with a duly certified Statement of Accounts of the 1st  4th Defendants/Respondents in their respective custody from the date of its opening till the date this Order is served on the Bank(s).

8. AN ORDER mandating the 8th  13th Defendants to file and serve on the Plaintiffs/Applicants a statement disclosing the quantum of products lifted from the 8th Defendant or OML 120 since the commencement of production in OML 120.

9. AN ORDER of interim injunction restraining the 8th to 16th Defendants and any other third parties from dealing with any assets and receivables related or connected with OML 120 without depositing the proceeds thereof to the 1st Defendants account in the 1st Plaintiff Bank, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction.

10. AN ORDER of interim injunction restraining the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Defendants whether by themselves, members, shareholders, agents, servants, proxies, allies, from transferring and/or dissipating, diminishing or dealing with any interest in the 1st Defendants assets including but not limited to crude stock, insurance policies, all forms of stock of shares, all forms of receivables and contracts which have been pledged as securities for the loan facilities granted by the 1st Plaintiff to the 1st Defendant, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction.

11. AN ORDER of interim injunction restraining the 2nd  4th Defendants being directors of the 1St Defendant, whether by themselves, agents, servants, proxies, allies, from transferring and/or dissipating any interest in their assets wherever located in Nigeria, movable or immovable, pending the determination of the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction.

For the avoidance of doubt, the 1st  4th Defendants (GHL and its directors) are still restrained from dealing with and/or dissipating monies in their respective accounts and assets connected to the subject matter of the suit.

It is also pertinent to refute the false insinuation that punitive costs were awarded against FBN.

The matter has been further adjourned to 19th February 2025 to enable all Defendants respond to the substantive suit before a hearing date is given by the Judge.

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The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba, has announced the commissions plans to partner with the National Commission on Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC) to fight illiteracy in Nigeria.

Mrs Garba disclosed this Tuesday when the Executive Secretary of NMEC, Akpama Ibor, visited her in her office in Abuja.

Discussions during the visit centred around innovative strategies to reduce illiteracy rates, such as community-based learning centres, mobile education units, and digital literacy programmes.

The two agencies also discussed the array of partnership opportunities and potential collaboration areas, including joint programmes, resource sharing, and capacity-building initiatives.

Mrs Garba emphasised leveraging each organisations strengths to create a more comprehensive and practical approach to promoting basic education in the country

She expressed optimism and commitment from both NMEC and UBEC.

READ ALSO: PDP crisis deepens as BoT meeting turns chaotic over secretary position

On his part, Mr Ibor, a professor, emphasised the significance of non-formal education in providing flexible learning opportunities for adults and out-of-school youth.

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He also underscored the need for continuous education programmes that support lifelong learning and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu

The visit was a significant step towards strengthening partnerships and enhancing efforts to eradicate illiteracy and promote lifelong learning for sustainable development.

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On Wednesday, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) said that its Tower T195 along the UgwuajiMakurdi 330kV transmission line was vandalised.

The TCN General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, made this known on Wednesday night.

Ms Mbah said the vandalisation of the line occurred on Saturday, 25 January, at Watuolo village, Utonkon, in the Ado local government area of Benue state.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) hereby states that its Tower T195 along the UgwuajiMakurdi 330kV transmission Line was vandalised on Saturday, 25 January 2025, at Watuolo village, Utonkon in Ado local government area of Benue state, Ms Mbah said.

She explained that the vandalism was thwarted by the vigilance of the community members, who, at about 3 a.m., noticed suspicious activity around the tower and promptly apprehended one of the vandals while the others escaped.

She noted that the vandal was handed over to the police.

TCN commends the people of Watuolo Village for their swift action and vigilance. We equally appeal to communities hosting critical infrastructure to emulate this example and take ownership of protecting transmission installations in their vicinity.

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As we continue to work with security operatives and host communities against vandalism, we continue to appeal for more vigilance by residents in the communities, who we believe are very critical in this fight, she said.

Vandalism has recently become a significant threat to Nigerias power infrastructure operations.

On 19 January, the TCN said over 18 transmission towers were vandalised between 9 and 14 January across Rivers, Abia, and Kano states.

Reacting to the frequent vandalism of power infrastructure across Nigeria in March last year, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, recommended the death penalty for persons who steal power infrastructure.

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A former presidential aide on National Assembly Matters, Ita Enang, said the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has no hand in the petition against former Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State.

A group, Network Against Corruption and Trafficking, recently petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, alleging Mr Emmanuels misappropriation of funds.

The group in the petition asked the anti-graft agency to investigate former Governor Emmanuel over corrupt practices while serving as governor of the oil-rich South-south state from 2015 to 2023.

The petition has triggered mixed reactions within the state, with many accusing Mr Akpabio of sponsoring it.

Mr Akpabio, a former governor of the state, perfected the emergence of Mr Emmanuel as his successor in 2015 but later parted ways with the latter and defected to the All Progressives Congress.

Respond to petition, dont divert attention  Enang

Although Mr Akpabio has yet to comment on the matter, Mr Enang, a former senator, said in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday that the Senate President was not involved in the petition.

He said Mr Emmanuel was seeking to divert attention by linking the Senate President with the petition and urged the former governor to respond to the petition.

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From all indications, there is nothing to link the Senate President or His Office and associates with the alleged petition.

The concentration should be on preparation to answer to the veracity or otherwise of the issues stated in the purported petition, admitting or denying the facts therein alleged and not seeking to divert attention by these fruitless attempts.

Mr Enang reminded the people of the state how he had, through appearances on different radio and television programmes in the state, particularly Team Nigeria between 2016 and 2024, drawing peoples attention to all and more issues raised in the alleged petition.

For the referenced eight years plus of advocacy in the Akwa Ibom wilderness, I was taken to court on whether Mr Emmanuels administration was the worst government in Nigeria, for which we are at the Court of Appeal, Abuja. So the issue is not the persons behind the petition but whether there are questions to answer on tenure, he said.

While canvassing the support of the people of the state for the president of the Senate, Mr Enang urged Mr Akpabio to focus on delivering President Bola Tinubus blueprint and ignore trivialities from low-minded new saints.

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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 30. Uzbekistan and Japanese Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) discussed the potential for joint projects in the energy and infrastructure sectors, Trend reports.

The matter was reviewed at a meeting between the Advisor to Minister of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan Jasur Karshibayev, and representatives of the Japanese MUFG.

During the meeting, the parties reviewed opportunities for cooperation in financing major infrastructure and economic projects in Uzbekistan. They exchanged views on attracting foreign investment and enhancing financial mechanisms to support government initiatives.

MUFG provides a wide range of financial services, including banking, asset management, insurance, and investment services. The holding was established in 2005 following the merger of Mitsubishi Tokyo Financial Group and UFJ Holdings and has since maintained a leading position in the global financial market.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
The National Labour Congress (NLC) order for a nationwide strike against telecom tariff hikes dominated headlines today.

The union said the strike against the hike will begin next Tuesday.

Last week, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved a 50 per cent increase in the tariffs charged to customers by mobile telecommunication service providers in the country.

The increase would raise the cost of phone calls to N16.5 per minute and data to N431 per GB.

However, the NLC had kicked against it, threatening a strike.

Today, reports on the commencement of the strike are featured on the front pages of most newspapers.

Telecom Tariff Hike: Labour to stage nationwide protest Feb 4, Daily Independent reported.

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Salient Times reported the news under the headline, NLC to hold nationwide rally against telecom tariff hike.

Amebo newspaper reported that TELECOM TARIFF HIKE: NLC declares nationwide protest next Tuesday.

NLC to protest against 50 per cent telecoms hike on Tuesday, The Guardian reported.

Reports of a conflict amongst members of the People Democratic Party (PDP) made headlines as well.

According to the Daily Times, Thugs invade PDP National secretariat over Anyanwu, Ude- Okoye fight.

The News Direct reported that PDP leadership tussle deepens, as Anyanwu, Ude-Okoye fight dirty over National Secretary position.

The Blueprints headline read, Anyanwu, Okoyes supporters clash as Damagum blames leaders for PDP crisis.



The Daily Sun reported that PDP camps fight dirty over secretaryship.



On the cover page of Business Day newspaper, a major headline read, Local investors drive stock deals to 18-year high.

Vanguard reported that ECOWAS pledges to keep door open.

Spike in ailments pushes Nigerians care funding gap to N8.6 trillion, The Guardian reported.

Other major headlines are; At Lake Chad govs forum, Tinubu seeks multifaceted response to security threats, according to This Day.

FG secures $1.1bn AfDB loan to power 5m people by 2026 Tinubu, Vanguard reported.

Ogun police storm kidnappers hideout on Lagos-Ibadan expressway, kill five suspects and rescue three victims. Salient Times reported.

We thank Abiola Ayankunbi, a media management expert, for providing screenshots of the newspapers front pages.

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Three more Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip are expected to be released by Palestinian militant groups on Thursday, as part of the ceasefire agreement.

The hostages are Arbel Yehud, who holds both Israeli and German citizenship, as well as female Israeli soldier Agam Berger, and Gadi Moses, whom media reports, say also has German citizenship

The hostages are to be released in exchange for dozens of Palestinian prisoners.

Ms Yehud is being held by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist organisation.

Ms Yehud was originally supposed to be released with the last batch of hostages freed on Saturday.

Instead, four female soldiers were released in exchange for 200 Palestinian prisoners.

Israel had demanded that female civilians be released before female soldiers.

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Outraged at the delay in freeing Ms Yehud, Israel initially blocked the agreed return of internally displaced persons to the north of the Gaza Strip.

However, after a new agreement was reached for the release of the German-Israeli woman and the two other hostages, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were able to make the arduous trek northwards this week

Meanwhile, Mr Moses will be the first male hostage to be freed under the ceasefire agreement.

The deal put a halt to fighting on 19 January after over 15 months of war.

The group cooperates with Iran-backed Hamas, the Palestinian militant group which spearheaded the 7 October 2023 attacks on Southern Israel.

The hostages would be handed over by the militants to the International Committee of the Red Cross before their return to Israel, where they would immediately be taken to a hospital for examination.

According to the Times of Israel, the hostages are likely to be released at different times and locations.

In exchange, 110 Palestinians held in Israeli jails would be released.

Three more Israeli hostages are expected to be released this Saturday too.

A three-stage ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas was reached in mid-January after months-long efforts by the US, Egypt and Qatar to mediate between the warring parties.

The first stage of the ceasefire agreement foresaw the release of 33 Israeli hostages held in Gaza in exchange for 1,904 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons.

The Israeli military is to withdraw from densely populated areas of the Gaza Strip.

There are 90 hostages still being held in the Gaza Strip, no fewer than 30 of whom have been confirmed dead, according to Israeli officials.

(dpa/NAN)

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Former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, has urged Nigerians, especially political parties, to keep watering and nurturing the tree of democracy, saying there is no alternative to civil rule.

Mr Abubakar, a retired general, spoke at the launch of a book titled 100 Years of Political Parties Evolution in Nigeria, 1923  2023 by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the event was 100 Years of Political Parties Evolution in Nigeria  The Imperative of Nigerias Political Stability: Issues and Solutions.

Mr Abubakar was military head of state for 11 months between 1998 and 1999 when he handed over to the civilian administration of Olusegun Obasanjo.

The former Nigerian leader, who was the chairman of the book launch, said that in spite of military interventions, democracy had come to stay in Nigeria.

He expressed happiness that his government, as the then military head of state, ushered in the era of democracy and laid the solid foundation for democratic governance, when he handed over power to an elected president on 29 May, 1999.

It also shows that when leaders are patriotic, passionate, resolute and unwavering in building strong democratic structures and institutions, democracy could flourish and yield its dividends to citizens.

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We should therefore keep watering and nurturing the tree of democracy as there is no alternative to civil rule.

Our democracy has been tested and shaken by reactionary forces and survived. It is a testament to citizens belief and resilience in representative governance, he said.

Mr Abubakar said it had become expedient to explore political parties development priorities so as to consolidate the nations democracy and ensure an environment conducive for successful elections and political stability.

He said that as Nigeria continued the ongoing Constitution and Electoral Act amendments to correct obvious flaws in the electoral process, it was important to imbibe democratic ideals, ethics and values, and the nation would witness sustainable democracy and development.

The former head of state tasked political parties to reconsider some of the past practices in party democracy which were currently being downplayed by political players.

These, according to him, were supremacy of the party leadership, adherence to party manifestoes, as well as formation of party and membership based on ideology.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, advised politicians to stop weaponising ethnicity for pollical and personal gains.

Mr Tajudeen, represented by House Majority leader. Julius Ihonvbere, said ethnicity should rather be used to addressed problems of hunger, bad roads, insecurity, poor educational system, poor access to health facilities, and lack of jobs.

Decrying the hijack of party ownership by deep pockets, the speaker said that members should be made to pay dues and to own the party.

Our parties today, to even give you membership card, they turn it into trying to get a loan from the Nigerian bank. We need to review it, he said.

The Chairman of IPAC, Yusuf Dantalle, described the book as a beacon of knowledge and insight, shedding light on the struggles and progress that had defined Nigerias political journey.

Mr Dantalle also described the book as a chronicle that documents the political party landscape from 1923 to 2023.

He said that the document also served as a testament to the rich history, evolution and resilience of political parties in Nigeria.

It is a reflection of the trials and triumphs, the challenges and achievements that have shaped our political landscape over the past century, he said.

Mr Dantalle emphasised the need for Nigeria to reflect on the past, celebrate the milestones of the present, and chart a course for a future filled with unity, progress, and prosperity for all Nigerians.

Mr Dantalle called on patriotic Nigerians to partner and support the efforts of IPAC in deepening democracy through innovative programmes and projects of this nature.

He pledged that IPAC would continue to bridge the gap of generational democratic leadership, honour Nigerias past, and embrace the future with hope and determination.

(NAN)

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Nurses and midwives in Ondo State have announced an indefinite strike starting Friday, citing inadequate remuneration and poor working conditions.

The State Chairperson of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Felix Orobode, made this known on Thursday at a news conference in Akure.

Mr Orobode said the strike would be fully implemented in all state-owned health institutions.

He expressed disappointment over the governments failure to address the associations demands, which date back to 2023.

Since 2023, various engagements have been held with the government where we tabled our demands, but none of them were properly addressed, he said.

These demands include lateral conversion (point to point) for our nurses with first degree certificate, and uniform allowance for nurses, as captured in the public service rule.

He stated that the association also called for the payment of outstanding promotion and hazard allowances, the creation of a conducive environment in health facilities, and the provision of adequate hospital equipment to ensure effective service delivery.

He said that despite the numerous rounds of negotiations, unwavering patience, and significant concessions made by the association, the government has failed to honour its commitments.

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Rather, one profession in the health sector was being favoured over others with the adjustment of their salary structure in July 2024, he said.

The chairperson also stated that the adjustment of the associations members remuneration was marred by irregularities, following the announcement of N73,000 as the minimum wage in the state.

He added that the association had since rejected this adjustment, which led to another round of negotiations. A consensus was eventually reached to have a new salary structure implemented starting from January 2025.

To our dismay, the January salary was paid with the old salary table, which was never part of our agreement. Based on this unhealthy development, an emergency State Executive Council (SEC) meeting was summoned today, he said.

After reviewing our activities so far, we concluded that the government has taken us for a ride. We, therefore, resolved to direct all nurses and midwives under the employment of Ondo State to withdraw their services indefinitely with effect from 12:00 a.m. on 31 January.

He said this will be the status quo until the government meets its demands.

Mr Orobode said the governments refusal to honour its demands had left the association with no other option than to down tools.

He stated that nurses and midwives could no longer endure the financial and professional neglect that had characterised their relationship with the government.

He appealed to all stakeholders and members of the public to understand and support the course of the association, adding that the action is in the best interest of healthcare delivery in the state.

(NAN)

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Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has vowed not to leave any part of the state behind in his administrations development agenda.

On Thursday, Mr Otti made the vow at the flag-off of the construction of Sections 1 and 2 of the 13-kilometre OnuinyangOkporoenyiOboroIkwuano Road in Abia.

The flag-off ceremony was at the Central School Okporoenyi, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.

We made a commitment at the inception of this administration that not a single community in Abia shall be neglected in our determined push to revive the levers of our economy and create an environment that supports the dreams and aspirations of our hardworking population.

We have gathered this afternoon to witness yet another demonstration of our fidelity to the covenant that binds us to the people, Mr Otti stated in his address at the ceremony, which attracted policymakers, traditional leaders, farmers, entrepreneurs, youths, and women leaders from across Abia.

The road transverses the states central and northern senatorial districts.

Mr Otti said the road connects tens of thousands of farmers to the urban markets within and outside Abia.

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The communities around this corridor are central to the states agricultural development framework, having been renowned for the quality and quantity of their farm produce, including cocoa, cassava, cereals and vegetables, he said.

Turning to the farmers, Governor Otti said, It is a miracle that you were able to achieve so much with very little support from (the) government over the decades.

One is therefore compelled to commend your resilience and commitment to your trade, which ultimately has helped us weather the storms of hunger, poverty and destitution.

The governor assured that the road project would be of standard quality and would be completed on schedule.

He said his administration sees roads as pathways to prosperity for present and future generations and appealed to residents to pay their taxes while the government continues to build more roads that would connect communities.

Our determination to build quality road networks to connect all parts of the State is founded on the conviction that there are abundant human and material resources to be harnessed by opening the roads that were hitherto abandoned through systemic neglect, corruption or just limited awareness of the connection between road and rapid socioeconomic development.

READ ALSO: Gov Otti launches remodellig of 200 PHCs in Abia

The size of our vision is enormous, and the challenge of effective execution is no less demanding.

At any rate, we are equal to the task because we came prepared. The State Government will not only work closely with the LGA mayors to drive our shared development programmes but will also collaborate with the traditional rulers and presidents of town unions, leaders of women and youth groups, and other body of stakeholders as we build a massive development coalition with a mandate to streamline every project to reflect the needs and expectations of the local communities, the governor said.

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The Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Adolphus Wabara, has said the party remains the only hope for Nigerians despite internal crises threatening its unity and structure.

Speaking at the Boards meeting held at the partys national secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday, Mr Wabara, a former senate president, emphasised the need for unity among party members.

He urged stakeholders and top officials of the PDP to set aside personal grievances and work towards strengthening the party ahead of future elections.

Despite the challenges we face, let me reiterate that the PDP remains the hope of Nigerians. Our nation has endured years of suffering under the poor policies and governance of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Nigerians are looking to us as a beacon of hope, and we cannot afford to let them down. We must rebuild trust and offer a credible alternative that prioritises the welfare of the people, he said.

Factions and power struggles within PDP

The PDP has been struggling with internal divisions, with two major factions emerging within the party. One is loyal to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the other is aligned with Atiku Abubakar, the partys presidential candidate in the last election.

The struggle for control of the party structure is creating a serious dispute among party members, especially its top officials. For instance, some of the party leaders engaged in a series of suspensions and counter-suspensions last year.

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One of the contentious issues has been the battle for the national chairmanship position. However, that appears to have been settled following a Federal High Court ruling that Umar Damagum should remain the acting chairman until the partys national convention in December 2025.

Another major dispute is about the national secretary position, with two contenders, Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye, claiming to be the authentic occupier.

On Wednesday, the Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting also descended into chaos over the battle for the secretary position.

Call to resolve crisis

During the BoT meeting, Mr Wabara urged aggrieved top officials of the PDP to consider resolving their differences in the partys interest.

I therefore call on every one of us to set aside personal differences and work collectively to strengthen the PDP. This party has weathered storms before, and I have no doubt that we will emerge stronger, more united, and ready to fulfill our historic mission of leading Nigeria to a brighter future, he said.

Undermining credibility

Expressing his displeasure over the leadership crises, the former senate president warned that failure to resolve these disputes could undermine the partys credibility.

Primarily, let me express my profound disappointment over the crises currently rocking the leadership of the National Working Committee (NWC). As elder statesmen and women, leaders who hold the trust of the generality of our party members and the public, it is disheartening that these issues have not been resolved. The failure to resolve these internal conflicts undermines the strength and credibility of our party, he said.

Mr Wabara called on the NWC to rise above personal interests and prioritise the partys progress.

It is, therefore, imperative that the NWC rises above personal interests and places the survival and progress of our great party above all other considerations, he stated.

Urgent need for NEC meeting

Mr Wabara emphasised the urgent need for a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to address the partyscrisies.

He urged the NWC to honour its commitment to convening the NEC meeting as scheduled in February 2025.

In the light of these challenges, I must emphasise the urgent need for a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. I again urge the NWC to honour its words and convene the NEC meeting as scheduled in February 2025. It is pertinent to stress that party members across the country are in earnest expectation that the NEC meeting will hold this February.

READ ALSO: PDP crisis deepens as BoT meeting turns chaotic over secretary position

The NEC remains the highest decision-making body of our party, and it is crucial that we convene without further delay to address these pressing concerns. The NEC meeting will serve as a platform to reaffirm our shared commitment to the unity, discipline, and ideals that bind us together as members of the PDP, he said.

Credible leadership and transparent elections

Looking ahead to the PDPs Zonal Congresses, Mr Wabara urged party members to elect credible leaders who effectively steer the party towards victory.

The former senate president also reminded party members to elect credible leaders at every party structure level.

He said, As we prepare to conduct our zonal congresses, may I remind us all of the critical importance of electing credible leaders at every level of our partys structure.

These leaders will serve as the face and voice of the PDP, and it is essential that they possess the vision, integrity, and capacity to steer the affairs of the party effectively. Let us ensure that the processes are free, fair, and transparent so that the outcome reflects the collective will of our members.

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The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has granted an emergency humanitarian waiver allowing the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) to continue providing life-saving HIV medications to low-income countries.

This waiver will allow people to continue accessing HIV treatment funded by the US across 55 countries worldwide.

This move follows President Donald Trumps recent Executive Order on Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid, which temporarily halted many overseas assistance programmes.

As a result of the order , PEPFAR funding was initially suspended for at least 90 days, leaving millions of lives in uncertainty.

However, in a memo issued Wednesday, Mr Rubio approved an exemption for critical humanitarian efforts, including medical aid, food, and shelter assistance.

It is estimated that PEPFAR supports treatment for over 20 million people living with HIV, accounting for two-thirds of all people globally receiving HIV treatment.

Waiver directives, restrictions

The waiver directs implementing agencies, partners, and NGOs to resume providing treatment for vulnerable populations.

Implementers of existing life-saving humanitarian assistance programmes should continue or resume work if they have stopped, subject to the following directions. This resumption is temporary in nature, and except by separate waiver or as required to carry out this waiver, no new contracts shall be entered into, the memo read.

The waiver maintains restrictions on programmes involving family planning conferences, gender or DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives, and transgender surgeries.

Mr Rubio said this waiver does not apply to activities that involve abortions, family planning conferences, or administrative costs other than those covered.

Additional waivers or exceptions for humanitarian assistance not covered by this waiver may be sought through the Director of Foreign Assistance at the Department of State.

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Reacting to the development, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) in a press statement welcomes the decision by the US Secretary of State to continue life-saving HIV treatment.

The Executive Director of UNAIDS, Winnie Byanyima, said this decision recognises PEPFARs critical role in the global AIDS response and brings renewed hope to those affected by the disease.

UNAIDS welcomes this waiver from the US government which ensures that millions of people living with HIV can continue to receive life-saving HIV medication during the assessment of US foreign development assistance, Ms Byanyima was quoted as saying.

She said this urgent decision recognises PEPFARs critical role in the AIDS response and restores hope to people living with HIV.

PEPFAR impacts

With an annual budget of $6.5 billion, PEPFAR delivers HIV/AIDS treatment to more than 20.6 million people. It has helped save lives and curb the spread of the virus.

The US State Department fact sheet showed that PEPFAR has saved the lives of an estimated 26 million people since its inception.

In Nigeria, about two million people are currently living with HIV, with many of them benefitting from PEPFAR.

As one of the countries with the highest HIV burden globally, Nigeria relies heavily on programmes such as PEPFAR for access to life-saving medications, and healthcare infrastructure support.

Over the years, PEPFAR has contributed over $6 billion to support Nigerias national HIV/AIDS response.

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday stormed the Abuja home of a former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Usman Yusuf, and arrested him for alleged N4 billion fraud, amongst others.

PREMIUM TIMES exclusively gathered that EFCC operatives arrested the professor of haematology-oncology and bone marrow transplantation in his house at about 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

The arrest followed an ongoing investigation into an allegation that he inflated ICT budget from N4.975 billion to N8.7 billion and approved payments beyond his approval limit.

Sources familiar with the development told our correspondent that Mr Yusuf is currently being held and grilled in EFCC custody.

More details

Document obtained by PREMIUM TIMES Wednesday night revealed that EFCC is also investigating Mr Yusuf for awarding contracts to family members.

He awarded contracts to Lubekh Nigeria Limited, a company where his nephew Khalifa Hassan Yusufu is a director, a top EFCC source told PREMIUM TIMES, adding that he is also being held for financial mismanagement.

The former NHIS boss is also being probed for abuse of office for allegedly using his position for personal gains, including approving contracts without due process and awarding contracts to companies without competence.

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ALSO READ: EFCC recovers N900 million for NHIS

PREMIUM TIMES learned that investigation into these allegations was prompted by a petition dated 31 October, 2018, signed by one Attahiru Ibrahim.

The petition alleged fraudulent practices and impunity perpetrated by Prof. Usman Yusuf during his tenure as Executive Secretary of NHIS.

When contacted over the development, the spokesperson for the EFCC  Dele Oyewale confirmed Mr Yusufs arrest to PREMIUM TIMES.

Yes, Mr Yusuf is in our custody, hell be arraigned in court on Thursday, Mr Oyewale said.

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Many people were trapped on Wednesday evening when a two-storey building collapsed in Awka, Anambra State capital.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the building, which was still under construction, is located along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway in the state capital.

A witness, Charles Umeh, said those trapped by the building were mainly people working at the site.

I saw about five men working on the roof of the building earlier before the collapse.

But I cannot tell how many of them were trapped there, Mr Umeh told this newspaper.

Another witness, who asked not to be named, said the project engineer was trapped.

Even the engineer in charge of the building was trapped alongside others. His name is Stanley. But he was later rescued, he said

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When contacted, the police spokesperson in Anambra State, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development to PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday morning.

Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police, said operatives led by the divisional police officer of the Central Police Station in Awka have been deployed to the area.

We have rescued two workers, and they have been taken to a hospital. For now, no life was lost as the victims are responding to treatment, he said.

The police spokesperson said the site engineer and owner of the collapsed building had been invited for questioning.

The Executive Secretary of Anambra State Emergency Agency, Paul Odenigbo, did not respond to calls or text messages seeking his comments.

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The Senate of the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) has expressed confidence in the institutions governing council, led by Sadiq Kaita.

They also commended the governing council for the selection process that led to the appointment of Aisha Maikudi as the substantive Vice-Chancellor of the university about a month ago.

In a statement by the university spokesperson, Habib Yakoob, they described the process as fair, transparent and credible.

The statement added that the endorsement was made during the senates 187th regular meeting at the universitys main campus, Giri, on Wednesday.

The statement read in parts: The Senate congratulated the newly appointed Vice Chancellor, Aisha Sani Maikudi, and pledged its full support and cooperation in advancing the universitys vision and mission under her leadership.

The Senate unequivocally condemned the actions of certain individuals who, driven by personal interests, have sought to tarnish the reputation of the university through the dissemination of falsehoods, calumny, and blackmail via the media.

The Senate urged the universitys management to take all necessary measures, including the implementation of disciplinary actions, against any individual or group engaging in misconduct, illegality, or activities that undermine the good name and integrity of the institution.

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The Senate also elected Abubakar Abba, a professor from the Department of Political Science, as the new Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics).

It approved a revised academic calendar for the 2024/2025 session and scheduled the institutions next convocation ceremony.

Controversy on VC appointment

The council had on 31 December 2024 announced Ms Maikudi, a professor of law, as the substantive VC, with her appointment taking effect from 1 January 2025. She had served as acting VC for six months following the expiration of the tenure of the former VC, Abdulrasheed NaAllah, also a professor, in June 2024.

Meanwhile, her appointment as VC was rife with controversy, which deepened during the last week of December.

Before her official appointment, some members of the universitys senate and the governing council had alleged that the selection process was manipulated in her favour.

They accused the council chairman, Mr Kaita, of plans to impose Ms Maikudi as the VC.

The controversy escalated when two committee members staged a walkout shortly after the committees inauguration in the last week of December 2024. They claimed that the criteria and procedures set by the council were deliberately skewed to favour Ms Maikudis candidacy.

However, the council denied breaching any laws or procedures, asserting that the selection process adhered strictly to the relevant provisions of the UNIABUJA Act and the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2003.

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A leading civic-tech organisation, The BudgIT Foundation has unveiled its flagship Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered chatbot, Bimi.

The organisation unveiled the chatbot during the launch of its new permanent office in Abuja on Tuesday.

The event, which marked a significant milestone in the organisations mission to drive transparency and accountability, was well attended by industry leaders, stakeholders, and partners from various sectors of the Nigerian economy.

In his opening remarks, the Global Director of BudgIT, Oluseun Onigbinde, explained that Bimi has been trained on local data collected over the years, which provides real-time insights as well as localised and accurate interpretations of financial records.

It enables journalists, researchers, policymakers, data analysts and citizens to compare budget allocations with actual expenditures, thereby promoting greater accountability in governance.

The tool incorporates other civic resources, such as Govspend.ng, which is modelled after the federal expenditure tracker, Open Treasury Portal, for examining how public funds are used.

Also speaking on the impact of the tool, Oluwatosin Iseniyi, Head of AI Accountability & Data for Society Unit at BudgIT Nigeria, opined that With the Bimi tool, anyone can easily interact with the spendings of the government and hold the government accountable.

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New office

Speaking about the organisations new office, Mr Onigbinde said it enables a productive workspace and aims to advance the mission of the organisation, which is to use innovative technology to simplify public information, empower citizens, and promote accountability for a just society.

He welcomed all attendees, especially notable personae among whom were Dapo Olorunyomi, Publisher of Premium Times and CEO of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID); Dayo Aiyetan, Founding Executive Director, International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR); Rinsola Abiola, Senior Presidential Aide on Citizen and Leadership; and Kole Shettima, Co-Director, Africa, MacArthur Foundation.

Mr Shettima of MacArthur Foundation congratulated the entire team on their noteworthy achievements and expressed his well wishes. He said This place becomes a place for peace, progress and innovation.

BudgITs Strategic Vision

Joseph Amenaghawon, Head of Strategy and Growth Analytics at the BudgIT Foundation, presented BudgITs 2022-2026 strategy, titled, Cultivating People Power for Impact, outlining its six key objectives aimed at deepening civic engagement, strengthening institutional partnerships, and advancing technological innovations to enhance fiscal transparency.

He noted that storytelling has always been a key component of BudgITs strategy, adding, It is important for us to strengthen our partnership with media organisations to amplify the reach and impact of our communication efforts.

Vitalis Obi, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, commended BudgIT for its achievements and groundbreaking work in the budget ecosystem.

On behalf of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, CON, we heartily felicitate with BudgIT on this laudable feat, he said. He further assured the organisation of renewed and strengthened partnerships in the future.

Using AI, the Bimi tool was created to enhance fiscal transparency, social accountability, and citizen engagement in Nigeria and across Africa.

It leverages available and pre-existing government records to track and analyse fiscal and public finance data, making budgetary information accessible and comprehensible to all citizens.

The chatbot also helps users to understand government and public financial records, macroeconomic and microeconomic indicators, and demographic trends by explaining, interpreting and simplifying the data presented to it.

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The Bauchi State Government has criticised Nigerias Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, over his remarks against Governor Bala Mohammeds stance on the countrys tax reform bills.

How it began

President Bola Tinubu, last year, transmitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly for consideration.

The bills are: the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.

However, the bills have faced criticisms from some Nigerians, particularly northern politicians and governors, who said they are against the regions interests.

Mr Mohammed, who is the chairperson of the PDP Governors Forum, recently opposed the bills and argued that the bills favour one region against northern Nigeria.

The Bauchi governor claimed the bills amounted to calls for anarchy and warned that there could be a crisis if the legislations were passed.

The presidency later asked Mr Mohammed to withdraw his statement, but the governor declined.

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However, speaking on Sunday when he appeared as a guest on Channels TVs Sunday Politics, Mr Tuggar accused Mr Mohammed of leveraging on criticism of President Tinubus tax reform bills to advance his 2027 presidential bid.

The minister stressed that the governor has been seeking Mr Tinubus attention since he began criticising the proposed legislations.

Governor Bala Mohammed showed clearly that he did not have any sincerity of purpose, he said.

But what Senator Bala Mohammed proceeded to do was to use it as a platform to launch his presidential campaign very early in the day, the minister added.

Attacks politically motivated

But reacting in a statement on Wednesday, Aminu Gamawa, the chief of staff to Governor Mohammed, described Mr Tuggars criticism as undiplomatic and opportunistic outburst.

Mr Gamawa accused the minister of being sycophantic to curry favour from Mr Tinubus administration.

The chief of staff said although Mr Tuggar hails from Bauchi State, he has remained ignorant of Mr Mohammeds achievements in the north-eastern state, particularly in agriculture.

Tuggars attacks on Bala Mohammed are clearly motivated by his ambition to contest the Bauchi governorship in 2027.

However, his strategy of maligning the governor will backfire. The people of Bauchi have witnessed Bala Mohammeds transformative leadership and will not be swayed by the baseless rhetoric of an absentee politician, he said.

Failed tenure

Mr Gamawa said it was ironic that Mr Tuggar would criticise Governor Mohammeds agricultural policies in Bauchi State while the ministers poor performance in the ministry led to Nigerias declining influence in regional and global diplomacy.

Tuggars tenure as foreign affairs minister has been nothing short of disastrous. Under his watch, Nigerias foreign policy has faltered, and the countrys standing in international relations has diminished, he stated.

The chief of staff claimed, without proof, that ECOWAS collapsed due to the ministers ill-advice to the president.

He also argued that Mr Tuggar has overseen the collapse of Nigerias relationships with its Sahelian neighbors which he said has been exacerbating insecurity along the border.

It is high time Tuggar removed the log from his own eye before attempting to point out the speck in Bala Mohammeds, Mr Gamawa stated.

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The Federal High Court in Abuja Thursday granted activist Omoyele Sowore bail in the sum of N10 million regarding the cybercrime case filed against him by the police over his unflattering social media remarks about Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun.

The police, on Monday, filed the cybercrime case, which attracts a penalty of a N7 million fine, up to three years imprisonment, or both,for his social media post alleging that Mr Egbetokun is incompetent and unlawfully in office.

As part of the bail conditions granted Mr Swore, who has been in police custody since Monday, the court ordered him to provide an Abuja resident with landed property in the capital city as surety.

The trial judge Abdulla Liman, who dismissed the prosecutions objection to Mr Sowores bail request in his ruling on Thursday, also said the surety must be a prominent and responsible Nigerian citizen.

He also ordered that the surety must swear an Affidavit of Means and deposit with the registrar of the court an original Certificate of Occupancy of a landed property in Abuja, which must be verified by the courts registrar.

The judge also ordered Mr Sowore and his surety to submit their recent passport photographs and their means of identification preferably the National Identity Card with the to the courts registrar.

He also directed Mr Sowore to submit his passport to the court registrar, meaning he would not be able to travel outside Nigeria without the courts permission while the trial lasts.

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He adjourned till 8 April for trial.

Mr Liman heard the bail application after the police arraigned Mr Sowore on 17 counts of cybercrime on Wednesday, with the defence lawyer Marshall Abubakar from Falana and Falana Chambers calling for liberal bail conditions for the activist.

The police prosecutor, Uddy Jonathan, opposed the bail application. Should the judge be inclined to grant bail, Mr Jonahtan said, it must be in stringent terms.

The judge then fixed the ruling for Thursday, while ordering the police to keep Mr Sowore in custody till his decision on bail is delivered.

Mr Sowre, who has been detained since honouring police invitation in Abuja on Monday, denied all the 17 counts during his arraignment on Wednesday.

Charges

The police charges alleged that Sowore called Mr Egbetokun The illegal IG of the Nigeria Police Force via his official X page, including captioning the IGPs picture: Mediocrity, incompetence, corruption, a country run by characterless people cannot make progress.

The Nigerian police charged Mr Sowore on Tuesday with 17 counts of cybercrime offences for referring to the IGP, Mr Egbetokun, as illegal IGP in a post on his social media platforms.

Mr Egbetokun, who was expected to have exited service having attained the statutory retirement age of 60 years in September 2024, secured an extended stay in office following a controversial alteration to the Nigeria Police Act passed by the National Assembly and assented to by President Bola Tinubu.

The alteration allowed Mr Egbetokun to stay in office for up to four years as Nigerias police chief.

The police alleged in the indictment filed on Tuesday that Mr Sowore knew that the description of Mr Egbetokun as an illegal IGP was false, but knowingly made the claim to cause a breakdown of law and order.

They alleged that the act constituted an offence contrary to section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, ETC) Act, 2015 as amended (2024) and punishable under section 24(2)(c) (ii) of the same Act.

Mr Sowore, who was detained after honouring a police invitation on Monday, described the charges as ridiculous.

His invitation by the police was prompted by a video clip he uploaded on social media alleging extortion by officers at a checkpoint in Lagos.

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About 30 bodies have been removed from the wreckage caused by a mid-air crash between a passenger plane and a helicopter in Washington.

The incident occurred early Thursday morning on the Potomac River in Washington, near Ronald Reagan National Airport.

According to the BBC, 64 people were on the American Airlines flight, and three were on the Black Hawk military helicopter when the collision occurred.

Several teenage figure skaters and their families, returning from an elite training camp in Wichita, and two former Russian world champions were among those on board the plane.

However, the US authorities have said they do not believe there are any survivors of the plane crash.

The Washington DC Fire and EMS Department chief, John Donelly, described the situation as an extremely frigid rescue condition for the emergency responders who have been working since the incident occurred.

He said the responders operation moved from rescue to recovery as it became clear that no one onboard the plane was likely to survive the crash.

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At this point, we dont believe there are any survivors from this accident.

The US authorities said the plane broke into three pieces and fell into about 7ft of water in the river alongside the helicopter.

Trump reacts

In his reaction, President Donald Trump said the mid-air collision could have been prevented.

Speculating the cause of the crash, he said, The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time.

According to him, the passenger aeroplane had been on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport before the crash.

It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didnt the helicopter go up or down, or turn. Why didnt the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!! Mr Trump posted on Truth Social early Thursday morning.

READ ALSO: Many passengers injured as United Airlines flight makes emergency return to Lagos airport

However, American Airlines chief executive, Robert Eisen, said the cause of the collision is still unknown.

At this point we do not know why the military aircraft came into the path of the PSA aircraft, he said, adding that the pilot was experienced, with six years at the airline.

The Ronald Reagan airport was closed following the crash.

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In a bid to strengthen maternal and child healthcare in Nigeria, the Nigerian government has distributed 10,000 professional kits to midwives in Kwara state, North-central Nigeria.

This is in line with the Renewed Hope Initiative of Nigerias First Lady, Remi Tinubu.

The Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) disclosed this on Thursday in a post on its X handle.

According to the ministry, the initiative aims to equip midwives with essential tools to provide life-saving care to mothers and newborns.

Boost to maternal health

Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Health, Iziaq Salako, emphasised the vital role midwives play in maternal health.

Mr Salako described the midwives as heroes of maternal healthcare in Nigeria.

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Midwives are the unsung heroes of maternal health, and with this initiative, were ensuring that every Nigerian mother has access to skilled care during pregnancy and childbirth, he said.

The ministry also noted in the post that the event marks a crucial step towards achieving the Renewed Hope Agendas goal of reducing maternal mortality by 20 per cent and under- five mortality by 15 per cent by 2027.

Government efforts

This effort is particularly significant in Nigeria, where maternal and child health remains a major concern.

The empowerment of midwives is expected to have a positive impact on the countrys health outcomes, especially in rural areas where access to healthcare is limited.

The ministry noted that the distribution of professional kits to midwives is a testament to the governments commitment to improving healthcare services in Nigeria.

You are saving lives, one birth at a time! Lets continue this journey towards a Nigeria where no life is lost needlessly to preventable causes, Mr Salako said.

In November last year, the National Population Commission (NPC) stated that the 2024 Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) study was launched to investigate the underlying causes of maternal and child mortality.

Additionally, programmes like the Maternal and Child Health Week strive to improve access to essential healthcare services for women and children.

Maternal, child mortality in Nigeria

Nigeria has one of the highest maternal mortality ratios in the world, with approximately 576 deaths per 100,000 live births, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

This translates to about one in 22 Nigerian women dying during pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum/post-abortion, compared to one in 4,900 in developed countries.

The infant mortality rate in Nigeria is also alarming, with 74 deaths per 1,000 live births, while the under-five mortality rate stands at 117 deaths per 1,000 live births.

The root causes of these mortality rates are complex and multifaceted. In rural areas, many women and children lack access to essential healthcare services.

Also, the quality of care is often inadequate, with insufficient healthcare providers and inadequate healthcare infrastructure contributing to high mortality rates.

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The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Kuje, Abuja, on Thursday, rescheduled to 3 February (Monday), the arraignment of a former Executive Secretary of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Usman Yusuf, for alleged procurement fraud he allegedly committed in office.

The trial judge Chinyere Nwecheonwu postponed the arraignment based on the request by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to amend the charges.

The EFCC arrested Mr Yusuf in Abuja on Wednesday and detained him ahead of Thursdays proceedings.

At Thursdays hearing, defence lawyer, Isah Haruna, applied orally to the court for Mr Yusufs bail.

However, the judge turned down the request, given that the defendants arraignment has been rescheduled for Monday.

He ordered the remand of the defendant in EFCC till Mondays hearing.

Charges

Mr Yusuf, professor of haematology-oncology and bone marrow transplantation, faces five counts of procurement fraud involving awards of contracts worth N77.6 million to companies in which he and family members had interests.

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In the case filed on 29 November 2024, EFCC alleged that he committed the offences between 2016 and 2017, coinciding with the period he was enmeshed in various controversies of alleged irregularities and corruption.

The EFCC indictment includes an allegation of conferring undue advantage on himself by approving the purchase of a vehicle at the cost of N49.197 million (N49,197,750) against the budgeted sum of N30 million.

The commission also charged him with knowingly holding a private interest in a company, GK Kanki Foundation, and awarding a contract worth N10.1 million in favour of the entity without due process. The charge added that the contract was a purported training of 90 persons, when the actual number of the participants were 45 persons.

In another count, the EFCC accused the defendant of knowingly holding a private interest in a company, Zaramat Globai Services Limited despite being a public officer. The charge added that, without due procurement processes, Mr Yusuf awarded a contract worth N771.4 million (N771,428.58), in favour of the company for a training programme on risk management

He was also accused of using his position to confer undue advantage on himself by knowingly awarding a contract for media and special public relations consultancy worth N17.5 million to an entity, Lubekh Nigeria Limited belonging to his nephew, Khalifa Hassan Yusuf. The count alleged that Mr Yusuf, as a public officer, also knowingly acquired a private interest in the entity.

Lastly, another count which centred around the N17.5 million contract, alleged that Mr Yusuf, in carrying out the contract committed another offence.

The value of the contracts he allegedly awarded and carried out illegally summed up to about N77.6 million.

According to EFCC, the various offences violate and are punishable under section 22 the Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Act, 2000, section 45 and 45(2) Public Procurement Act, 2007.

Section 22 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Act, 2000, states that a public officer who uses their position to gain a corrupt or unfair advantage for themselves or an associate is guilty of an offence, punishable by imprisonment for five years without the option of a fine.

Section 45(1) to (3) of the Public Procurement Act, 2007 outlines how a procuring entity should request proposals to provide services for unascertained needs. But the subsections 45(2) and (3) do not prescribe punishment for breaches as suggested in the EFCCs charge.

Mr Yusuf and controversies

Mr Yusufs tenure as the NHIS head during the presidency of Muhammadu Buhari was marked by controversies.

He faced various allegations, including misappropriation of funds, nepotism, misconduct, blatant disregard for higher authority, and the use of inappropriate language toward a senior officer.

He was also accused of violating regulations by granting financial assistance to an individual who was not enrolled in the NHIS while denying the same support to a staff member of the scheme, who later passed away.

He was suspended by the Minister of Health in 2017 and by the Board of NHIS in October 2018 before he was sent on an administrative leave in 2019, marking the end of his tenure in office.

Mr Yusuf, a member of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), is a critic of President Bola Tinubus government.

He recently declared that no reasonable northerner would ever subscribe to the Muslim-Muslim presidency in the country again considering the present experience in the region under Mr Tinubus leadership. He also blamed Mr Buhari for the neglect of some deteriorating roads in the North.

No northerner should blame anyone for our current situation. We brought it upon ourselves. In 2015 we voted out the administration under the pretence of Boko Haram, today, where are we? We had Muhammadu Buhari as President for eight years, yet, the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road is not completed.

READ ALSO: EFCC arrests former NHIS boss Usman Yusuf for alleged N4 billion fraud

Today, billions of Naira have been earmarked for the Lagos  Calabar coastal highway. Who are we to blame for this? Ourselves of course. Our children cannot go to school, the farmers cannot go to the farms because of insecurity, banditry. Who are the bandits, who are the Boko Haram? Now, we have another Lakurawa, who are these people? Our people of course, he said.

Mr Yusuf criticised the Presidents economic management team, calling them tax collectors rather than economists.

According to him, Mr Tinubus economic team looks more like tax collectors than economists. Taxation does not grow the economy; only production does, he said.

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In a groundbreaking clinical trial, researchers have successfully used patches of muscle grown from stem cells to repair a failing heart in a 46-year-old woman.

The woman, who had suffered a heart attack in 2016 and later developed heart failure, underwent an operation to implant 10 patches of 400 million cells on the surface of her heart.

The trial, which took place in 2021, was published Wednesday in Nature, a health publishing journal.

Following the procedure, they observed that her condition remained stable for three months, allowing her to receive a heart transplant.

Groundbreaking innovation

The scientists who examined her old heart found that the implanted muscle patches had remained in place and formed blood vessels.

This breakthrough has significant implications for the treatment of heart failure, which affects an estimated 60 million people worldwide.

The studys co-author, Ingo Kutschka, a heart surgeon at University Medical Centre Gottingen in Germany was quoted to have stated that for the first time, a lab-grown biological transplant has shown potential in stabilising and strengthening heart muscle.

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We now have, for the first time, a laboratory-grown biological transplant available which has the potential to stabilise and strengthen the heart muscle, Mr Kutschka said.

For advanced heart failure

The scientists explained that this innovative approach is not intended to replace the need for a full transplant but can help people with advanced heart failure who are waiting for a heart to become available.

According to them, treatment involves implanting patches of muscle grown from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which are cells reprogrammed from an adult state to allow them to differentiate into any cell type in the body.

Researchers have engineered iPSCs to grow into heart muscle and connective tissue, which are then mixed with collagen gel to create patches.

A minimally invasive procedure is used to place the patches on the surface of the heart.

The study co-author. Wolfram-Hubertus Zimmermann, a pharmacologist at University Medical Centre Gottingen, said less than one per cent of the patients in need are heart transplanted.

Mr Zimmermann said this approach is offering another treatment to patients that are presently under palliative care.

The researchers said they have implanted similar muscle patches into 15 people so far and hope to recruit more participants.

The success of this clinical trial offers new hope for millions of people living with heart failure, who often face limited treatment options and poor prognosis.

The researchers believe that as they continue to refine and expand this treatment approach, it may become a game-changer for heart failure patients worldwide.

Heart failure

Heart failure is a complex and life-threatening condition that affects millions of people worldwide, imposing a significant burden on individuals, families, and healthcare systems.

Data has shown that over 64 million people are living with health failure globally, indicating that it has become a major public health priority to mitigate its social and economic impact.

Heart failure is a significant health concern in Nigeria, with a substantial number of people affected.

READ ALSO: NNPC Foundation raises concern over rising heart disease deaths

Recent data reveals that 76.2 million Nigerians are living with hypertension, a major risk factor for heart failure.

The prevalence of heart failure in Nigeria can be attributed to various factors.

High blood pressure is a significant contributor, with about a third of Nigerian adults living with the condition. In some areas, the rate is as high as 40 per cent.

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The Nigerian government on Thursday performed the groundbreaking ceremony of five Mini-Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants in Ajaokuta, Kogi State.

The five Mini LNG plants include PRIME LNG, NGML/Gasnexus LNG, BUA LNG, Highland LNG, and LNG Arete.

According to NNPC Ltd, the project aims to deliver a cost-effective, long-term, dedicated, secure and reliable natural gas solution to industrial and commercial customers.

It said with its strategic central location in Ajaokuta and proximity to the northern market, the project will serve stranded industrial and commercial customers, adding that the gas from the project will provide suitable alternatives for customers using diesel and similar fuels as well as provide complementary backup gas solutions to customers currently running on pipeline gas.

The Mini-LNG project, according tois a multifaceted virtual pipeline development in line with the federal governments Decade of Gas agenda.

NNPC Ltd has a stake in three of the five mini-LNG plants (90 per cent in Prime LNG, 50 per cent in NGML/Gasnexus LNG and 10 per cent in BUA LNG), while Highland LNG and LNG Arete are developed by other private companies.

All in all, the plants have a combined capacity of 97 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscf/d). This unprecedented partnership between NNPC Ltd and private investors represents a strategic leap towards energy sufficiency, off-grid industrial support and carbon emission reduction in the country, the NNPC said.

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In his speech shortly before performing the groundbreaking, Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the project signifies the seriousness of the federal government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, attached to deepening utilisation of the countrys abundant natural gas resources.

He said natural gas is a veritable vehicle for accelerating Nigerias industrialisation, economic growth and prosperity, which is also working to achieve the nations commitments to a just and equitable energy transition.

I commend the outstanding efforts of NNPC Ltd and its partners who worked round the clock to achieve this milestone event as we look forward to a smooth and safe project delivery of all five plants.

As always, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Gas) stands with you, NNPC Ltd and partners, to support initiatives that align with our goals of harnessing Nigerias abundant gas resources for national economic development, reducing the nations carbon footprint and enhancing the well-being of our people, he said.

In his address, Mele Kyari, the NNPC group chief executive officer, said the project will be delivered in good time, noting that the equipment for the take-off of the gas plant has arrived in Nigeria and is being cleared at the ports.

This project will be delivered in good time. This is not just groundbreaking. Equipment for this location is on the ground at the ports, and we have a delivery date for all the projects. They will be delivered on schedule. The president was very clear that this is the time for the gas revolution and that we have enormous gas in Nigeria. He sees gas as the vehicle to ensure the industrialisation of Nigeria, and it must be done. We wont want stories, Mr Kyari said.

He added that the compressed natural gas initiative being implemented by the federal government cannot succeed without access to gas, noting that this facility is part of the plan to ensure cheap access to gas for Nigerians.

The drive for this project in this location is coming from the president. We and our partners believe that this is a very good investment for our country.

He commended the governor of Kogi State and the host communities for their support so far for the project.

We cant do this without the understanding of host communities, and we have seen good support from the people of this community, and Kogi State will be the first beneficiary of this project. We at NNPC must deliver all the gas projects in this country, and this will be the backbone of the energy sector and Nigerias development. This will bring gas closer to our consumers and at a cheaper cost, and we will see the value that this will create for our country, he added.

Also speaking, the NNPC board chairperson, Pius Akinyelure, said the project aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President as it signals a new era of sustainable energy and energy security for Nigerians.

He said the project is offering a transformative opportunity to drive economic development in the country.

This plant demonstrates our commitment to supporting the federal government in the area of improving power generation, boosting industrialisation and fostering energy security. It represents a vital component of our energy revolution, and it plays a pivotal role in driving the nations gas industrialisation agenda.

The project will also accelerate Nigerias economic growth and contribute to sustainable development. The NNPC remains committed to harnessing Nigerias gas resources to drive national prosperity for a better, cleaner, sustainable future for Nigerias economy, he said.

The Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, in his speech at the event, said the project will drive the implementation of the gas revolution agenda of the President.

He added that the project would unlock over $500 million in investment and would ensure huge benefits for Nigeria, create jobs, stimulate local businesses, and boost infrastructure in the host communities.

This project is a testament to what can be achieved with partnership. The groundbreaking will set the stage for a brighter and more prosperous future for Kogi State and Nigeria. This project aligns with our vision of leveraging clean energy for driving industrialisation and will boost the state aspirations to become an industrial hub, he added.

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The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has expressed concern over the Nigerian governments delay in implementing the approved 50 per cent reduction in electricity bills for health and educational institutions.

In a communique issued Thursday at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Ilorin, Kwara State, MDCAN warned that the delay is hindering the delivery of quality healthcare services across the country.

The government had announced a 50 per cent electricity subsidy for universities and health institutions under Band A feeders in August 2024, but according to the association, institutions continue to grapple with high electricity costs.

The NEC urges the Federal Government to implement the approved 50 per cent reduction in energy bills for health and educational institutions as a matter of urgency, to guarantee continuous services delivery and training, the communique read.

Proposed alternatives

MDCAN also called on state governments to align with the federal directive and approve similar reductions in electricity tariffs for state-owned hospitals.

The association urged state authorities to explore sustainable energy alternatives, such as renewable energy solutions, to address the recurring power shortages that negatively impact healthcare services.

MDCAN warned that the current energy crisis, coupled with worsening workforce shortages and poor working conditions, is further discouraging healthcare professionals from remaining in Nigeria.

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The association also encouraged state governments to provide long-term energy solutions, ensuring that high operational costs do not cripple hospitals and educational institutions.

Health institutions, especially teaching hospitals nationwide, are struggling with increased electricity tariffs.

In 2024, prominent teaching hospitals like the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, and the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), faced prolonged blackouts and struggled with high electricity bills.

Brain drain, other concerns

Beyond the electricity subsidy, the NEC meeting addressed other pressing issues, including the mass exodus of medical professionals, delays in implementing agreements with healthcare workers, and insecurity affecting doctors and other medical personnel.

The NEC observed the negative impact of the shortage in medical manpower, cutting across all levels and cadres of healthcare professionals, with various healthcare workers failing to take up positions advertised in hospitals.

It noted that this has resulted in some units closing down within the backdrop of a massive brain drain in the health and medical education sectors.

Nigeria has only one doctor for every 2,500 individuals, a far cry from the WHO recommendation of one doctor for every 600 individuals. With the prevailing Japa syndrome, the present situation is regrettably worse, especially for specialist services which MDCAN members provide, it noted.

The NEC also demands the immediate release of a circular for the increase in the retirement age to 70 years for hospital consultants and 65 years for other healthcare workers as resolved in the resolutions reached with the federal government.

It encouraged the state governments to adopt these resolutions wholly, to further close the gaps in the health workforce deficit across the states.

More observations

MDCAN also called on university Vice-Chancellors particularly those of the South Western Zone and the University of Ilorin to implement the payment of clinical lecturers with Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), as being done across other regions in Nigeria, without further delay.

It also appealed to the government to stop and reverse the proliferation of non-medical consultants across our hospitals.

This is to forestall patients safety, and to ensure proper management of patients and avoid unnecessary controversies in patient management, it noted.

The NEC rejects the continuous discrimination by some Nigerian universities against Medical Fellowship Holders, preventing them from reaching the peak of their career based on not possessing a PhD degree.

The NEC reiterates that the Medical and Dental Fellowships suffice both as academic and professional qualification in medical training and career advancement.

The NEC also urged the government to continue addressing the safety concerns of medical doctors and healthcare workers, while acknowledging the efforts of the Nigerian military, police, and other security agencies in improving the countrys security.

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Nigeria has recorded 214 confirmed cases and 39 deaths from Lassa fever across 10 states between 30 December 2024 and 19 January.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), in its latest situation report published on Thursday, disclosed that the confirmed cases and deaths were recorded across 43 Local Government Areas (LGAs).

The centre said it reported 843 suspected cases within the same period.

The confirmed cases were reported in Ondo (82), Edo (47), Bauchi (35), Taraba (31), Ebonyi (Six), Gombe (Four), Kogi (Four), Plateau (Three), Delta (One), and Nasarawa (One).

The deaths were reported in Ondo (Eight), Edo (Nine), Bauchi (Four), Taraba (Nine), Ebonyi (Three), Gombe (Three), Kogi (One), Plateau (One), and Nasarawa (One).

More data

The NCDC said the number of new confirmed cases decreased from 89 in epi week two of 2025 to 71 in week three.

Cumulatively in week three, 2025, 39 deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.2 per cent, which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2024 (20.4 per cent), it said.

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In total, for 2025, 10 States have recorded at least one confirmed case across 43 LGAs.

The NCDC stated that 77 per cent of all confirmed cases were reported from Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi, while 23 per cent were reported from seven states with confirmed Lassa fever cases.

Of the 77 per cent confirmed cases, Ondo reported 38 per cent, Edo 22 per cent, and Bauchi 17 per cent.

It said the predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (Range: 3 to 94 years, Median Age: 30 years); and the male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.8.

The number of suspected cases increased compared to that reported for the same period in 2024. No new healthcare worker was affected in the reporting week three.

The NCDC noted that the National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System has been activated to coordinate the response activities at all levels.

READ ALSO: Nigeria records seven new Lassa fever infections

The centre also said it has deployed National Rapid Response Teams to support onsite control and management efforts using a One Health approach.

About Lassa Fever

Hemorrhagic viral disease, commonly known as Lassa fever, is transmitted to humans through contact with contaminated food or household items that are infected or even direct contact with its patient.

Its symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, general body weakness, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pains, chest pain, and, in severe cases, unexplainable bleeding from ears, eyes, nose, mouth, and other body openings.

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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 30. Uzbekistan and Iran engaged in dialogue to enhance their digital collaboration, Trend reports.

The matter was reviewed at a meeting between Uzbekistan's Minister of Digital Technologies Sherzod Shermatov and the Ambassador of Iran to Uzbekistan Muhammadali Iskandariy.

During the meeting, the parties explored opportunities for collaboration in digitalization, exchanging proposals on mechanisms for knowledge sharing, joint projects, and partnerships between companies from both countries.

Both sides also highlighted efforts to advance bilateral initiatives aimed at maximizing the efficiency of digital technologies.

To note, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Iran reached $496.6 million in 2024. This is 1.4 percent less compared to the same period last year ($503.6 million in 2023).

Iran has secured a position within the upper echelon of Uzbekistan's trading partners, ranking among the top 20 entities in terms of bilateral commerce.
An official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday presented 148 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines before the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja.

The machines used for the disputed election in 133 polling units during the 11 November 2024 election were produced before the tribunal at the instance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate for the diaputed poll, Asue Ighodalo.

BVAS machine is a crucial technological tool used for biometric accreditation of voters across polling units in elections, keeping accreditation data and promptly transferring photographic copies of election result to INEC result view (IReV) portal accessible by members of the public.

The PDP and Mr Ighodalo are, by their petition lodged at the tribunal, challenging the outcome of the poll, which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared was won by Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The petitioners contended that contrary to the results declared by INEC, Mr Okpebholo did not secure the majority of valid votes.

Anthony Itodo, a senior technical officer at INEC, subpoenaed to produce the BIVAS machines, appeared as the petitioners 15th witness on Thursday.

I was directed to produce the BVAS machines as ordered by the subpoena, and I hereby present 148 machines for 133 polling units, Mr Itodo told the three-member tribunal, chaired by Wilfred Kpochi.

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Discrepancy in BVAS machines

INECs lawyer, Kanu Agabi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said he had no objection to tendering of the machines by Mr Itodo.

However, Mr Okpebholos lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, a SAN, counsel for the second respondent, objected but reserved his grounds for final address in the case.

APCs lawyer, Emmanuel Ukala, a SAN, also objected, arguing that Mr Itodo was not in court to testify but merely to present the machines.

For his part, petitioners lawyer, Adetunji Oyeyipo, a SAN, pointed out a discrepancy. He said that INEC had previously stated it would present 151 BVAS machines but had now produced only 148.

He said further that only the machinesnot their storage boxesbe brought before the tribunal.

The tribunal chair, Mr Kpochi, went on to admit the BVAS as exhibits and the objection raised by the second respondent is reserved for ruling.

On the issue of whether the witness would have to speak, Mr Kpochi said, We will only record what the witness has presented in court, not any discussions that happened outside these proceedings.

There will be no cross-examination of Mr Itodo. We are recording that he was summoned and produced 148 BVAS machines for 133 polling units.

PDP witnesses dispute election results

Earlier in the proceedings, petitioners witnesses 13 and 14Eseigbe Victor and Uyide Imaseun, respectivelytestified regarding alleged irregularities in the election.

The PDP and its candidate, Mr Ighodalo, alleged in their petition that the election was marred by non-compliance with the Electoral Act .

Mr Victor testified that irregularities occurred in 28 polling units in Akoko Edo Ward 9.

I discovered discrepancies in the figures recorded on Form EC8A and EC8B, which is why I refused to sign it, he told the tribunal.

Under cross-examination by INECs lawyer, Mr Agabi, the witness said he did not personally create the documents he was presenting as evidence.

Mr Ikpeazu, representing the APC, asked Mr Victor about the number of accredited voters in Ward 9, Unit 001, according to INECs I-Rev portal.

Mr Victor said that 71 voters were accredited. However, when asked about Unit 003, he noted a discrepancy: 262 voters were registered, but only 116 were recorded on BVAS.

Similarly, Mr Imaseun, from Oredo Local Government Area, testified that he refused to sign Form EC8B due to inconsistencies with Form EC8C. He said only INEC could explain the contradictions.

I didnt sign the form. I protested because Form EC8B contradicts Form EC8C, he said.

When pressed by Mr Ikpeazu about whether he had a correct computation of his wards results, Mr Imaseun said he did but leftit behind in Benin City on a rough sheet of paper.

He also conceded that he did not obtain the certified true copies of key electoral documentsForm EC8A, EC8B, EBL1, EC8C, and EA14from INEC.

He added that he did not prepare the evidence of the irregularities he alleged to be true.

PDP, APC clash over alleged witness intimidation

At the beginning of the tribunal proceedings, the proceeding was disrupted by accusations of witness intimidation.

Ken Mozia, a SAN and member of PDPs legal team, alleged that some of his partys witnesses had been threatened, discouraging them from testifying.

We coded their names using acronyms, but their identities became known due to their roles in the election. Some of them are now afraid to testify, Mr Mozia told the tribunal.

His claim provoked sharp rebuttals from APC lawyers.

Mr Ikpeazu dismissed the allegations as baseless. My lord, this is unfortunate. My learned friend is involving us in a phantom allegation, he said, insisting that the petitioners had not provided a list of the witnesses expected to testify.

Mr Ukala argued that if witnesses were being threatened, the petitioners should report to law enforcement agencies rather than raise the issue in court.

If criminal activities are happening, they know what to do and whom to report to, he said.

However, Mr Mozia insisted that he had already shown Mr Ukala video evidence of the alleged threats.

My lord, I even sent him videos of the threats. To call it phantom is unfair, he said.

Mr Ukala countered, stating that the video did not pertain to the witness list.

The video he shared with me had nothing to do with the schedule of witnesses. At that time, the witness schedule had not even been filed, he said.

Mr Kpochi sought to defuse the tension, urging the petitioners to provide the respondents with witness lists in advance.

My appeal is that you give them the list of witnesses prepared for the next day, he said.

The tribunal adjourned to continue hearing evidence tomorrow (Friday).

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In response to the confirmed outbreak of Sudan virus disease, a strain of the Ebola virus, in Uganda, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has allocated $1 million to support the countrys efforts in combating the outbreak.

In a statement issued on Thursday, WHO said the disease was detected in a nurse from Mulago National Referral Hospital in the capital, Kampala.

WHO said the $1 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies will help accelerate early action and is readying medical supplies to deliver to Uganda from its Emergency Response Hub in Nairobi.

The global health body said it is mobilising efforts to support the national health authorities in containing and ending the outbreak.

WHO said it is deploying senior public health experts and mobilising staff from the country office to support all the key outbreak response measures.

Status of outbreak, response

Apart from the confirmed case, WHO said no other health worker or patients have shown symptoms of the disease.

It noted that 45 contacts, including health workers and family members of the confirmed case (deceased), have been identified and are currently under close monitoring.

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The identification of the case in a densely populated urban requires a rapid and intense response, the statement noted.

While there are no licensed vaccines for the Sudan virus disease, the global health body is partnering with developers to deploy candidate vaccines and other public health measures.

It noted that these vaccines will be dispatched once all administrative and regulatory approvals are obtained.

The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, emphasised the importance of swift action.

Ms Moeti acknowledged the prompt declaration of the outbreak, declaring support for the Uganda government and partners to scale up efforts.

We welcome the prompt declaration of this outbreak, and as a comprehensive response is being established, we are supporting the government and partners to scale up measures to quickly identify cases, isolate and provide care, curb the spread of the virus and protect the population, she said.

Sudan virus

The Sudan virus disease, also known as Sudan Ebola or Sudan hemorrhagic fever, is a severe and often fatal illness caused by the Sudan virus, a member of the Filoviridae family of viruses.

Hemorrhagic symptoms, including bleeding, fever, and organ failure, characterise the disease.

Historically, the Sudan virus disease was first identified in 1976 during an outbreak in South Sudan.

The outbreak occurred in Nzara, near the Sudanese border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since then, there have been several outbreaks of the disease in Africa, primarily in Sudan, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Sudan virus disease has a high mortality rate, ranging from 41 per cent to 100 per cent in past outbreaks.

The virus is primarily transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids, such as blood, sweat, and saliva.

In Uganda, there have been five previous outbreaks of the Sudan virus disease, with the most recent one occurring in 2022.

Ms Moeti stated that Uganda has robust expertise in responding to public health emergencies, which will be crucial in ending this outbreak effectively.

The WHO Representative in Uganda, Kasonde Mwinga, stated, Banking on the existing expertise, we are accelerating all efforts, including expertise, resources and tools to save lives and bring the outbreak to a halt swiftly.

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if the prevailing Trump model takes hold in Britain or elsewhere in Europe, even detention camps in Manus or Nauru may soon look like redemption centres. Grabbing people from wherever they may be found, handcuffing them and herding them off to the airports to be deported on military flights like war criminals may appease right-wing sentiments in the short run. Still, it hardly addresses the root cause of the crisis

I can understand if many people outside the US wish to forget about President Donald Trump and get on with their lives. However hard you try, you cant keep up with the chaos in the White House since 20 January.

It would be a defamation of the animal kingdom to call Trump a bull in a China shop. He is worse. Regrettably, Trump is inspiring copycats around the world, and it wont be long before they start following his example, especially his anti-immigration hysteria.

Trump didnt create the migrant crisis facing the world. He wasnt there when the Huns, Goths, and Vandals invaded Europe, marking the first recorded significant migration and reshaping of European demographics. Conquests, geography, tyranny, wars, or the sheer human desire for new frontiers, have always led to different kinds of migration. Even the contemporary rise in migrations had nothing to do with Trump.

Before Trump

For example, the Syrian Civil War, the destabilisation of Central Asia, and later the conflicts in Sudan and Central Africa, all of which also had nothing to do with Trump, have been some of the biggest migration triggers in the last nearly two decades.

However, the cruelty of Trumps approach has been different, something that otherwise civilised countries including Britain  are surprisingly fascinated by. Deporting undocumented migrants using military planes and hunting them down in sanctuaries by executive orders that read like martial laws are, lets put it plainly, fascist.

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We saw a bit of it in his first coming, but the fragile balance in Congress restrained him. Now, there are nearly no guardrails, except perhaps the courts. Under Trump, this new face of US exceptionalism may gradually gain appeal in other parts of the world, mainly Europe.

More Than A Report

On 22 January, The Telegraph of the UK carried a story whose timing could hardly have been fortuitous. The story, published as the first batch of Mexican immigrants were being herded aboard a military aircraft at the US southern border, was entitled, Up to one in 12 in London is an illegal migrant.

The story said, Government must do more on deportations as new estimate suggests more than one million people are illegally living in the UK, with London, the largest haven, hosting 585,000 of these illegal immigrants.

The other side of the argument is that governments must also take action to protect their citizens and their countries. Yet, in doing so, civilised countries recognise there are international conventions, including the Geneva Convention on Refugees, that protect migrants, especially those fleeing persecution. The current Trumpian model tears families  including children  apart, treating potential deportees like animals.

The report said these numbers may even be underestimated and blamed illegal immigrants for the pressure on the health service, public utilities and infrastructure. The Labour government must crack down on illegal immigrants, the report said, to save Britain from imminent ruin.

Stoking the Flames

Immigrant bashing is not new in Britain. That was one of the main reasons for Brexit. Boris Johnson, Nigel Farage and co. fabricated numbers to suggest that not only foreigners from faraway places but also Eastern Europeans were stealing British jobs and making the country hell, when many of these immigrants were doing odd jobs that British citizens were not interested in. Farages Reform UK party rode on the back of this illiberal sentiment to get 14 per cent of the votes in the last election. He is still stoking the flames.

In a slight reinvention of what Abraham Lincoln did with Liberia in the 19th century, UK Conservatives under Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak made a deal that could potentially ship off about 52,000 asylum seekers to Rwanda in a few years. As controversial as this deal remains, its considered better than the misery under which migrants, including children, were held indefinitely in detention camps.

The Danger of the Trump Model

However, if the prevailing Trump model takes hold in Britain or elsewhere in Europe, even detention camps in Manus or Nauru may soon look like redemption centres. Grabbing people from wherever they may be found, handcuffing them and herding them off to the airports to be deported on military flights like war criminals may appease right-wing sentiments in the short run. Still, it hardly addresses the root cause of the crisis: though the decision is hardly random, people will go wherever they believe they will have a better life if they can pay the price.

The other side of the argument is that governments must also take action to protect their citizens and their countries. Yet, in doing so, civilised countries recognise there are international conventions, including the Geneva Convention on Refugees, that protect migrants, especially those fleeing persecution. The current Trumpian model tears families  including children  apart, treating potential deportees like animals.

Mind the Gap

Its a model that Britain and the rest of Europe must resist. Trump is an aberration, even though the next four years may feel like a lifetime. It doesnt matter how hard he tries; the US, a country with a significant immigrant gene (13 per cent of the population is born outside), will hardly shed it in four years of a chaotic government.

One of the most iconic Republican presidents, Ronald Reagan, once said, Our nation is a nation of immigrants. More than any other country, our strength comes from our own immigrant heritage and our capacity to welcome those from other lands.

Any country anxious to emulate Trump should remember that migration is a process, not always a destination. While some sojourners never leave to return to their countries of origin, some keep moving, and others, like Trumps grandfather, who emigrated to the US from Germany to avoid military service, return despite the odds.

Schengen countries, particularly Greece, Italy, France, Spain, and Belgium, tend to face more significant pressure due to geographical and historical ties with non-European countries. Yet, this is the more reason Europe needs to resist being Trumps copycats because we have seen that xenophobia has far more deadly effects on the stability of these societies than it might have in the US, with a larger, better-adjusted migrant population.

Changing Attitudes

Its fair to argue that the resurgence of violent extremism, the narcotic trade, not to mention other franchises of criminal gangs trafficking in humans, have blurred the lines between genuine migrants and refugees, putting host countries at serious risk. Yet populist politicians do severe damage by exploiting the fears and magnifying the problem.

After 9/11, attitudes towards migrants, especially those from largely poor Muslim countries, have been exploited by Western politicians often to create the trope that their culture and civilisation are under siege. Yet, in a country like France, for example, with a significant Muslim population, studies have shown that people believe the number of Muslims to be four times the actual figure. At the same time, in the UK, their presence was overestimated by a factor of three.

Historically, migration has never been in one direction, even for countries that were once major destinations. Yet, Trumps recent actions evoke Idi-Amin framing Indians and Pakistanis as the problem with Uganda decades ago, after which he brutally expelled 50,000 of them or the Nigerian government in the 1980s under Shehu Shagari expelling thousands of Ghanaians, only for Nigerians to find that the real problem was an incompetent political leadership.

Migration Is Not a Destination

Thomas Sowells book Migrations and Cultures: A World View, a classic on the subject, records that even though the migrations of conquerors, refugees, slaves, and sojourners have been outstripped by those of migrants going to settle permanently in new lands, It has been estimated that, between the mid-1830s and the late 1930s, approximately 30 million people left the Indian subcontinent and nearly 24 million returned.

Any country anxious to emulate Trump should remember that migration is a process, not always a destination. While some sojourners never leave to return to their countries of origin, some keep moving, and others, like Trumps grandfather, who emigrated to the US from Germany to avoid military service, return despite the odds.

Migration can be harmful and good, but the single narrative that frames it as the root cause of nearly all of todays social problems is lazy populism, which denies even the personal odysseys of its propagators.

Azu Ishiekwene is the Editor-in-Chief of LEADERSHIP and author of the new book, Writing for Media and Monetising It.

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By decoding Trumps leadership style, Shettima has not only shed light on the inner workings of Trumps unconventional methods but also provided a broader framework for understanding global politics  reminding us that true leadership often involves recognising strategic brilliance, even in the most polarising figures.

In global politics, few figures have been as polarising as Donald J Trump. Known for his radical approach to international affairs and often controversial rhetoric, Trump remains one of the most contentious US presidents in modern history.

It takes a leader with exceptional analytical skills to decipher the method behind Trumps apparent madness  one such leader is Kashim Shettima, vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

At the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Shettimas performance was widely lauded by Nigerians at home and abroad. For those unfamiliar with his intellectual depth, his articulate and measured responses to complex global issues served as an impressive introduction to his leadership acumen.

One of the most pressing topics at the forum was the current geopolitical climate, particularly tensions in Iran and other global crises. While some panelists hesitated, Shettima stepped forward with a sharp and eloquent response.

He made a striking observation about the newly inaugurated 47th president of the United States, Donald J Trump.

Trumps return to the White House, following his defeat of Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, marked one of the most extraordinary political comebacks in American history. Having lost his re-election bid to Joe Biden in 2020, Trumps 2024 campaign was met with fierce opposition from global leaders and political stakeholders. His presidency had been marred by indictments, including charges related to the 6 January, 2021, attack on the US Capitol and convictions for falsifying business records. Yet, despite these legal battles, his America First rhetoric struck a chord with American voters, securing him a second term.

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In his campaign, Trump had vowed to take bold, uncompromising measures, including mass deportations of illegal immigrants, stricter border controls, and aggressive intervention in international conflicts, such as the Israel-Gaza war and the Russia-Ukraine crisis. Since assuming office, he has wasted no time  signing over ten executive orders on his first day. His administration has already begun deporting undocumented immigrants, restricted funding for gender transition treatments for LGBTQ youth, and played a key role in brokering a ceasefire and prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas.

During the Financial Times Global Risk Roundtable at WEF, Shettima offered a nuanced and unconventional assessment of Trumps leadership  a perspective that diverged from mainstream criticisms.

Shettima said: The Trump presidency that people are not willing to give to him  people see him as irrational, erratic  but this is an image he deliberately created for negotiation purposes. He is much more brilliant than we are willing to give him credit for.

Shettima argued that Trumps chaotic and often controversial behaviour is not random but a deliberate strategic move designed to gain leverage in negotiations. He likened Trumps leadership style to a high-stakes poker game, where bluffing, theatrics, and unpredictability are as crucial as actual policies.

According to Shettima, Trumps erratic persona keeps both allies and adversaries on the edge, allowing him to extract concessions that traditional politicians struggle to secure. He pointed to Trumps role in the recent Israel-Gaza ceasefire deal as an example of how his unconventional approach yields tangible results.

A key aspect of Shettimas analysis was his emphasis on Trumps transactional leadership style. Unlike leaders driven by ideological aspirations, Trump prioritises deal-making and measurable outcomes.

Shettima dismissed the notion that Trump seeks global hegemony, instead portraying him as a pragmatic leader focused on tangible solutions. He suggested that Trumps unconventional yet effective strategies could prove instrumental in resolving major conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions with Iran.

Perhaps Shettimas most compelling insight was his characterisation of Trumps street credibility  a term more commonly associated with urban culture than international politics. He used it to illustrate Trumps ability to connect with diverse audiences and wield influence in unconventional ways.

He bluffs, he shouts  its just a negotiation tactic, Shettima remarked, reinforcing the idea that Trumps seeming impulsiveness often serves a calculated purpose.

Shettimas remarks stood out as a departure from the standard discourse on Trump. Rather than echoing polarising narratives, he provided a balanced view, acknowledging both the strengths and weaknesses of Trumps leadership.

This perspective is particularly significant given Nigerias historically cautious relationship with Trumps administration. By assessing Trump through a pragmatic rather than ideological lens, Shettima demonstrated diplomatic foresight, prioritising results over rhetoric.

In an era of global uncertainty, Shettimas insights offer a thought-provoking lens through which to view Trumps leadership. Whether one agrees or disagrees with his assessment, his analysis underscores the importance of evaluating world leaders beyond surface-level controversies.

By decoding Trumps leadership style, Shettima has not only shed light on the inner workings of Trumps unconventional methods but also provided a broader framework for understanding global politics  reminding us that true leadership often involves recognising strategic brilliance, even in the most polarising figures.

Kabir Akintayo is a staff writer with Politics Digest in Abuja. Email: Kabirakintayo08@gmail.com

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the fight against the out-of-school children crisis is a collective responsibility. Government agencies, civil society organisations, religious leaders, and the private sector must work together to ensure that education remains a fundamental right rather than a privilege.

In November 2024, the Federal Government made a landmark stride toward addressing the persistent challenge of Almajiri and out-of-school children in Nigeria.

The National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Childrens Education (NCAOOSCE), with the support of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), successfully organised a three-day retreat focused on finding sustainable solutions to this crisis.

The retreat brought together key stakeholders, experts, and analysts to deliberate on actionable measures to curb the rising number of out-of-school children (OOSC) in Nigeria. Discussions emphasised the urgent need for collective action, underscoring the link between neglecting education and growing insecurity.

Distinguished speakers at the event included Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, representatives from the Northern Governors Forum (NGF), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and the South-West Muslim Community. Also in attendance were the wife of the Ooni of Ife, traditional rulers, and other influential figures committed to tackling the issue.

Participants proposed several proactive strategies, including a renewed political commitment from governments at all levels to prioritise education, the provision of reliable and verifiable data to inform policy decisions, and increased funding from the government, corporate entities, international organisations, and individuals to support education.

Additionally, participants also harped on the dire need for employing qualified teachers as well as training and retraining the existing ones to ensure quality education, leveraging technological breakthroughs in utilising information for teaching and learning, and enhanced advocacy to sensitise the public on the mission and vision of NCAOOSCE.

Furthermore, as a result of the challenging nature of our present environment, where life is becoming unpredictable and unstable, the participants saw the need for integrating skills acquisition into teaching and learning for productivity and self-reliance.

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The role of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu in the initiative reflects his unwavering commitment to national stability. Since assuming office, he has championed policies that enhance national development and security which are key prerequisites for a productive society.

His efforts align with a broader vision of fostering an environment where education is accessible to all and the youth are protected from the threats of radicalisation and crime.

Despite being Africas most populous nation with over 200 million people spanning more than 300 ethnic groups, Nigeria struggles with an alarming number of out-of-school children. Statistics indicate that for every five out-of-school children worldwide, one is Nigerian. An unacceptable reality!

Reports reveal that over 30 million Almajiri children and 20 million out-of-school children roam Nigerias streets, making them vulnerable to exploitation by extremist groups.

Experts warn that if left unchecked, this crisis could have catastrophic consequences for the countrys security and socioeconomic stability. Illiteracy, unemployment, and poverty are already fueling insecurity, and the staggering number of uneducated youths poses a severe threat to national cohesion.

Successive administrations have attempted various interventions, including integrating Almajiri education into the formal system. The establishment of NCAOOSCE on 27 May, 2023, under an Act of Parliament signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari, marked a crucial step in institutionalising solutions.

The mandate of the agency is to address illiteracy and the challenges faced by out-of-school children in Nigeria. Parts of its goals include developing entrepreneurship and skill acquisition programs and preventing poverty among youth.

Under the leadership of Dr Muhammad Sani Idris, the Commission has received commendations for its strategic approach to tackling the crisis. Stakeholders have described his appointment as a round peg in a round hole. This is a testament to his rich scholarly background and the various positions he held both in private and public service where he wrote his name in gold by making a lot of impacts

A seasoned educationist and administrator, Dr Idris has a proven track record in educational reform. He holds masters and doctorate degrees in Islamic Studies. His experience, spanning roles as Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education in Yobe State and Chairman of the Nigerian Arabic Language Village in Borno State makes him well-positioned to lead the charge in addressing Nigerias educational deficit.

He was also a member of the Nasarawa State Government Committee on Enlightenment Campaign and served as Secretary-General of, the Association of Private Schools in Nasarawa State.

Recall that stakeholders at the retreat expressed confidence that with continued political will, adequate funding, and a well-structured implementation plan, Nigeria can reverse the trend of declining school enrollment and ensure that every child, regardless of background, has access to quality education.

Notwithstanding, the fight against the out-of-school children crisis is a collective responsibility. Government agencies, civil society organisations, religious leaders, and the private sector must work together to ensure that education remains a fundamental right rather than a privilege.

It is believed that by investing in education, Nigeria can secure its future, mitigate security threats, and build a more prosperous and stable nation where every citizen will thrive.

Mukhtar Yau Madobi, a research fellow at the Center for Crisis Communication (CCC), can be reached via ymukhtar944@gmail.com.

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Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, Wednesday met with Umaru AbdulMutallab, the Chairman of Funtua Inland Dry Port (FIDP), and his team to explore strategic collaboration aimed at maximising the ports potential for regional economic growth.

The meeting, held at Katsina House in Abuja, follows the receipt of FIDP first cargo on Monday 27th January, 2025 amidst excitement from stakeholders.

Governor Radda emphasized the state governments dedication to supporting FIDP Team towards ensuring the full take off of activities. The State Government remains committed to providing enabling infrastructure, policies, and incentives for international business traders, he stated.

The governor further outlined potential areas of collaboration, including equity participation in FIDP, sensitization about the Port and its activities to the business community, and facilitating national and international financial support for the Port.

Mr Radda also expressed hope that the Port will boost the states GDP, increase internally generated revenues, create employment opportunities for youth, and foster sustainable economic growth in the Northwest corridor.

Furthermore, Governor Radda directed that the State Government team develop actionable steps for enhanced collaboration with the Port.

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Earlier, FIDP Chairman, Dr AbdulMutallab pointed out the ports strategic importance, this development is set to position Katsina as a critical hub for regional commerce, reduce logistical challenges and promote economic growth across borders.

The Funtua Inland Dry Port was conceived by the Nigerian Shippers Council in 2003, to extend shipping services to inland importers and exporters while promoting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). On the 16th of May 2024, the Port was commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

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How best should court bailiffs and officers of the enforcement units execute judgments, bearing in mind that wrongful executions against judgment debtors have significant impacts for investment in the country?

More worrisome should be how judgments are executed against banks and other financial institutions. Given that the globe has become a village for banks and all financial institutions, do Nigerias court bailiffs and enforcement officers consider the substantial financial losses such institutions suffer and how far such losses can deter investors who are concerned about the stability and predictability of the legal environment?

It is noteworthy that the reputation of the banking sector and the broader financial system can be severely damaged when judgments are wrongfully executed. Global investors rely on the integrity and reliability of a countrys financial institutions. Thus, if banks are seen as vulnerable to wrongful legal actions, it can erode trust and confidence in the entire financial system.

The aforementioned have brought to the fore the pattern of operation of the Enforcement Unit of the Federal High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in recent times. The pattern has become troubling so much so that legal experts have become worried over the untoward practices the court bailiffs and enforcement unit officers have exhibited.

A critical case in point is the recent collusion between officers of the enforcement unit of the Federal High Court of FCT and Vision Kam Jay in illegal seizures against Ecobank in respect of Suit No. FJ/26/19- Motion No. M/5859  Vision Kam Jay Investment Ltd. Vs. The President ECOWAS Commission.

In the instant case, the actions of the enforcement unit of the High Court have raised alarming concerns in relation to their compliance with legal principles and respect for judicial authority.

On 10 January, 2025, the Banks staff were stupefied when Vision Kam Jay and over 40 officers from the enforcement unit of the Court executed a raid without issuing any prior demand for payment. They caused extensive damage to the Banks property and harassed employees, not until funds were debited from ECOWAS account to satisfy Vision Kam Jays demands.

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A birds eye view of the matter

Vision Kam Jay Investment Limited (VKJ) obtained a judgment in the sum of N218,440,776.00 (Two Hundred and Eighteen Million, Four Hundred and Forty Thousand, Seven Hundred and Seventy-Six Naira) at the ECOWAS Court against the President of the Commission and ECOWAS Commission (ECOWAS). In June 2020, VKJ took steps to enforce this judgment by obtaining a Garnishee Order Nisi on the accounts of ECOWAS domiciled with banks in Nigeria. The Garnishee Order was made Absolute on 1 December 2020, and the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ordered the Bank to pay the judgment debt of N218,440,776.00 to VKJ.

In the process of complying with the Order Absolute, ECOWAS filed and served the Bank with a Notice of Appeal and a Motion for Stay of Execution against the Garnishee Order Absolute at the Court of Appeal  CA/A/1075/2020  The President, ECOWAS Commission & Anor. V. Vision Kam Jay Investment Limited, which restrained the Bank from complying with the order to pay the judgment sum. The matter is currently under litigation before the Supreme Court.

During the pendency of ECOWAS application for Leave to Appeal and Motion for Stay of Execution of the Garnishee Order Absolute, VKJ, in collaboration with the Enforcement Unit, wrongfully obtained execution warrants and attempted to levy execution against the Bank on several occasions.

For instance, on 8 March, 2022 and 19 July, 2022, VKJ, along with the Enforcement Unit of FHC of FCT, police, and thugs, illegally and without authority raided the Wuse Zone 4, Abuja branch of the Bank. The invaders seized assets like vehicles, printers, generators, and counting machines; damaged properties, harassed staff and customers, and disrupted communication with branches outside Abuja. These actions violated the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act 1990 and Judgment Enforcement Rules, leading to significant disruption of the Banks activities.

In reaction to the unlawful execution, the Bank filed an action in Suit No. FCT/CV/2623/2022  Ecobank Nigeria Limited V. Vision Kam Jay Investment Ltd & the Deputy-Sheriff of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, seeking orders of the court to invalidate the unlawful execution.

On 7 June 2023, the court gave judgment in the Banks favour, declaring the execution events as unlawful, setting them aside, and awarding N50,000,000 against VKJ in favour of the Bank, among other reliefs.

Also, the court ordered the return of the Banks assets carted away in the execution exercise and made an order for the maintenance of the status quo pending the decision of the Supreme Court on the applications by the judgment creditor for a stay of further execution of judgment on the matter.

VKJ, however, appealed against the judgment and applied for a stay of execution of the same, thus frustrating the release of the seized assets to the Bank.

In another incident sometime in 2023, upon the arrival of VKJ and the Enforcement Unit to levy execution against the Bank, they were shown the appeal processes served on the Bank by ECOWAS and were prevented from carrying out the unlawful execution. This was, however, after significant damage had been done to the Banks assets by the enforcement team.

We believe VKJ could not have carried out the threat but for their working hand-in-glove with the Enforcement Unit and the Nigerian Police. For instance, on 13 December 2024, there was a planned execution of the judgment against the Bank by VKJ. According to the source, they had obtained a document with which they could carry out this execution. The bank immediately alerted its lawyers, who allayed fears given the pendency of the restraining suit at the Supreme Court, and that a demand would be made on the Bank for the payment before any act of execution of judgment against the Bank.

Nonetheless, the Bank instructed its lawyers to write to the Chief Registrar of the High Court as well as the Enforcement Unit, citing both the pendency of ECOWAS appeal at the Supreme Court and the prevailing judgment on the previous execution. In the letters, both offices were advised to refrain from carrying out another illegal execution. Copies of the letters were duly served on VKJs counsel.

Despite the lawyers letters dated 16 December 2024 to the Deputy Chief Registrar and the Enforcement Unit, the restraining case was struck out on 18 December 2024 and VKJ proceeded to levy the instant execution without first making a demand on the Bank as required by law and practice.

Without issuing any demand for payment of the judgment debt to the Bank, at about 2:40 pm on Friday, 10 January 2025, VKJ again visited the Banks Wuse 2 and Cadastral branches concurrently, with over 40 Enforcement Unit officers, several police officers, and thugs, armed with an execution warrant issued by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory and a ruling of the Supreme Court dated 18 December 2024 striking out the application for leave to appeal filed by ECOWAS.

Without first giving the Bank the option of paying the money, they began to clear out the buildings, damaging windows, doors and AC units from the walls, taking out chairs, computers, molesting staff and customers and attaching staff vehicles to be carted away, and generally devastating the Banks property. They only stopped when the Bank debited the account of ECOWAS and credited VKJ.

Remarkably, despite the Banks compliance with the Order Absolute by releasing the funds, VKJ has threatened to continue to levy further execution against the Bank through the Enforcement Unit.

The implications of these wrongful executions extend beyond immediate financial losses by the Bank. Such actions threaten investor confidence and undermine the stability of Nigerias financial system. The actions of Vision Kam Jay and the Enforcement Unit not only disrupted banking operations but also created an atmosphere of legal uncertainty that deters foreign investment.

Considering these serious allegations, it is imperative to hold both the Enforcement Unit and the courts accountable for their roles in facilitating these unlawful actions. The misuse of judicial powers has inflicted significant harm on the Banks operations and reputation while undermining the principles of justice that should govern all legal proceedings.

We call for an immediate and thorough investigation into these matters. The Enforcement Units officers must be sanctioned for their collusion with the judgment creditor (VKJ) and their blatant disregard for legal standards. This situation demands urgent attention to restore faith in Nigerias judiciary and ensure that justice prevails for all parties involved.

The implications of wrongful execution of judgment is significant for investment in the country. Besides, the illegal tactics can deter investors who are concerned about the stability and predictability of the legal environment. Investors rely on the integrity and reliability of financial institutions. If a bank like Ecobank is so vulnerable to wrongful legal actions, it can erode trust and confidence in Nigerias financial system. This can lead to reduced foreign direct investment and hinder economic growth.

We are convinced that the use of an arm of the judiciary to perpetrate these wrongs, which have the potential to discourage foreign investments in the country, is quite worrisome and unconducive for the foreign investments that the Nigerian Government desires.

The actions of the Enforcement Unit and the Nigerian Police, at the behest of VKJ, have not only breached statutory and ethical standards but have also inflicted significant harm on the Banks operations and reputation.

Besides, this blatant abuse of power undermines the principles of justice and fairness that are the cornerstone of any legal system.

*Abel Johnson lives in Abuja.

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As part of the preparatory sessions for Africa Revenue Summit 2025, CEOs and Executives from the Ruby Community of the Africa Revenue Summit met over the weekend to discuss critical ways to enable hyper growth in their businesses in 2025.

At an event that was hosted by Bunmi Jembola, the Convener of Africa Revenue Summit and held at Movenpick Hotel, Ikoyi. The event was held on Saturday 26 January at 10am.

Speaking at the small sized CEO event Ms Jembola emphasized the importance of executive networking and mileage. He explained that the CEOs time is the most important business resource in an ideal business and must be optimally deployed into the most impactful events, programmes and initiatives. He emphasized that executives cannot afford to be involved in low-impact work otherwise the whole organisation may be stunted as a result of poor quality executive thinking and/or involvement.

This particular session is the first in the series of physical and virtual meet-ups preceding the actual growth summit planned for later in February. (February 21 & 22 @MUSON Centre, Lagos)

Africa Revenue Summit is being planned to help 300 CEOs to achieve 400% growth in the year 2025

The organisers, SalesRuby Limited are employing a combination of interventions in strategy development, leadership development, execution support and very close-knit networking like the first meet up held at Movenpick as well as two months of support in strategy and growth execution to achieve the 400% growth for participating organisations.

Some of the participating executives at the pre-conference strategy meeting included:

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 Abdulateef Suleiman- Group CEO of BAS Group

 Mr Dominic Ekesiobi- Director, G4S

 Mr Soyinka Isikilu Alade- CEO Adeptal Limited

 Mr Bello Mubarak- CEO Mosbel Elite Interiors

 Mrs Happiness Obioha- CEO Datasixth Security

 Mrs Mobolaji Ladipo- CEO Slick Events, Rentals and more.

Meanwhile, the organisers have arranged to have very elite speakers at this years Africa Revenue Summit, particularly people who have a pedigree of leading high growth organizations including:

 Mr Bunmi Jembola- CEO of SalesRuby

 Mr John Obaro- GMD, SystemSpec

 Dr Odiri Ogini- CEO, United Capital Assets

 Mr Oloyede- CEO, UAC Foods

 Deyemi Okanlawon-Actor

To be a part of the 400% growth experience promised by the organisers of Africa Revenue Summit participants are encouraged to register for the Summit holding in February here.

www.afres.africa/afres-2025

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Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has explored capital market opportunities for Katsina, during the Closing Gong Ceremony at the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) in Lagos on Thursday.

During the boardroom meeting, Governor Radda presented his administrations Building Your Future agenda, which x-rayed Katsinas position as a prime investment destination in Nigeria.

The governor disclosed the states commitment to creating an enabling environment for investors and a globally competitive subnational economy focused on job creation and sustainable growth.

Similarly, Mr Radda pointed out specific areas of partnership, including the exploration of various financial instruments such as Sukuk and Green Bonds.

We want to leverage on NGX to access funding from the capital markets for various infrastructure projects in the state. We also seek NGXs partnership across its various products and services to develop our MSMEs in Katsina State, the governor asserted.

Mr Radda said the State Government is implementing broad-based economic reforms across priority sectors and instituting institutional changes to create a government-enabled, private sector-led economy.

He extended an invitation to NGX management to visit Katsina State, stating that the collaboration would help the states government, business community, and citizens leverage capital market opportunities, including Islamic finance products.

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

Earlier, in his introductory remarks, NGX Group Chairman, Umaru Kwairanga described the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) as Africas leading integrated market infrastructure company. He added that the Group evolved from the Lagos Stock Exchange established in 1960, and has transformed into a comprehensive financial services provider through its subsidiaries: NGX Exchange, NGX REGCO, and NGX RELCO.

NGX Group has consistently championed the development of Africas financial markers, offering a wide range of services including securities listing, and trading, licensing, market data solutions and regulatory oversight, said Kwairanga.

Governor Radda drew the curtain for the Closing Gong Ceremony amidst excitement from attendees including the Chief of Staff, Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir, the Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji, Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs,Hon Abba Jaye Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor Khalil Nur Khalil and Hon Hadiza Maikudi S A intergovernmental and members of the Nigerian Exchange Group.

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The acquisition marks an important step in Akkodis' strategy to expand its capacity and capabilities across Australia, enhance its Microsoft solution portfolio, and deliver greater value and opportunities to its clients.

ZURICH, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Akkodis, a global digital engineering company and Smart Industry leader, is proud to announce the acquisition of Barhead Solutions, a globally recognized Microsoft Business Applications partner with cross industry expertise based in Australia. This acquisition marks a key step in Akkodis' strategy to expand its national presence, enhance its Microsoft capabilities and deliver greater value and opportunities to its clients.

Akkodis Acquires Barhead Solutions, a Microsoft Technology Consultancy

In Australia and globally, Akkodis has pursued a strategy of deepening its expertise in tech practices and consulting solutions in its key markets. This acquisition aligns strongly with this strategy, providing extended expertise in Consulting Services, ICT, Project Delivery and Managed Services.

Barhead Solutions brings award-winning expertise and a shared commitment to purpose and excellence. The combination of Akkodis' global capabilities and Barhead's specialized Microsoft expertise unlocks significant opportunities. Akkodis will be positioned to offer clients an expanded range of CRM, ERP, and Low-Code Solutions to complement existing Digital & AI Transformation, Data & Analytics, Application Modernization, Cloud & Infrastructure, Business Applications and world-leading consulting services. Together, Akkodis and Barhead are well positioned to deliver expanded services and solutions that accelerate digital transformation for their clients.

"By bringing Barhead into the Akkodis family we are creating an unparalleled powerhouse of Microsoft expertise. This is a significant milestone in our strategic journey and reinforces our commitment and capacity to deliver innovative, scalable solutions to our clients, nationwide," said Peter Hawkins, Managing Director & SVP of Akkodis Australia.

"The combination of Barhead and Akkodis offers the market a modern consulting firm servicing Microsoft business apps, data, and AI services. To capitalize on growing demand, we recognized that expanding our capabilities through a strategic partnership was essential. The timing was perfect, and Akkodis is the ideal firm to amplify Barhead's Microsoft partnership." said John Orrock, Co-founder & Head of Capability of Barhead. Ken Struthers, CEO & Co-founder of Barhead added, "Joining Akkodis amplifies our expertise and broadens the outcomes we can deliver for clients, all whilst maintaining our commitment to innovation and personalized customer service."

Akkodis sees a very strong cultural fit with Barhead. For example, both teams have long-standing commitments to delivering Tech for Social Impact. In 2022, Akkodis won the global 'Inclusion Changemaker' category for the Microsoft Partner of the Year Award for Social Impact. Barhead won the same prestigious award in 2020 and in 2022 in the 'Community Response' category.

Media contacts

Anne Friedrich

SVP, Global Head of Communications, Akkodis

E. anne.friedrich@akkodis.com

Lisa Collins

VP Marketing & Head of Communications Australia, Akkodis

E. lisa.collins@akkodisgroup.com

Lisa Bushka

VP, External Communications, Akkodis

E. lisa.bushka@adeccogroup.com

About Akkodis

Akkodis is a global digital engineering company and Smart Industry leader. We enable clients to advance in their digital transformation with Consulting, Solutions, Talent, and Academy services. Headquartered in Switzerland and part of the Adecco Group, Akkodis is a trusted tech partner to the world's industries. We co-create and pioneer solutions that help to solve major challenges, from accelerating the clean energy transition and green mobility, to improving user and patient centricity. Empowered by a culture of inclusion and diversity, our 50,000 tech experts across 30 countries combine best-in-class technologies and cross industry knowledge to drive purposeful innovation for a more sustainable tomorrow. We are passionate about Engineering a Smarter Future Together. akkodis.com | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X

About the Adecco Group

The Adecco Group is the world's leading talent company. Our purpose is making the future work for everyone. Through our three global business units - Adecco, Akkodis and LHH - across 60 countries, we enable sustainable and lifelong employability for individuals, deliver digital and engineering solutions to power the Smart Industry transformation and empower organisations to optimise their workforces. The Adecco Group leads by example and is committed to an inclusive culture, fostering sustainable employability, and supporting resilient economies and communities. The Adecco Group AG is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland (ISIN: CH0012138605) and listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ADEN). www.adeccogroup.com

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Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2598662/5139374/Akkodis_Logo.jpg
REXBURG, Idaho, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Activated Insights, the leading provider of training, recruitment, retention, experience management and recognition tools to improve and grow long-term and post-acute care organizations, is proud to announce the winners of the prestigious 2025 Customer Experience Award. This year's award winners represent the highest standards of senior care, having demonstrated exceptional commitment to delivering outstanding services to both seniors and their families.

The Customer Experience Award recognizes agencies that consistently rank within the top 15% of care providers nationwide, based on a variety of metrics including employee feedback, client satisfaction, and overall care quality.

The Customer Experience Award recognizes agencies that consistently rank within the top 15% of care providers nationwide, based on a variety of metrics including employee feedback, client satisfaction, and overall care quality. By qualifying for this award, agencies solidify their place among the nation's top-tier providers, demonstrating a commitment to high standards of care and continuous improvement.

"At Activated Insights, our mission is to help care providers enhance their services by leveraging data and feedback to drive positive change," says Bud Meadows, Chief Executive Officer of Activated Insights. "We're proud to celebrate those providers who are leading the way in exceptional service and employee engagement. The Customer Experience Award recognizes organizations that go above and beyond to ensure that both residents and their families receive the best possible care and are truly setting the bar for quality care in the industry."

The award process involves in-depth feedback from residents, patients, and their families through monthly telephone interviews, with open-ended questions and ratings across multiple categories. Agencies use this valuable feedback to refine their services, ensuring that they meet the highest standards of care.

To learn more about the Customer Experience Awards or to find out how Activated Insights is contributing to advancing care quality, please visit activatedinsights.com/customer-experience-awards/.

About Activated Insights

Activated Insights enables long-term care and post-acute care providers to optimize every interaction with employees and clients. By offering comprehensive capabilities in recruitment, training, retention, and experience management, we enable organizations to enhance care quality and boost employee engagement. Our data-driven approach, including industry benchmarking and recognition programs, helps providers improve satisfaction, reduce turnover, and achieve operational excellence. Activated Insights is dedicated to elevating the care experience across the continuum of home-based, senior living, to post-acute care.

Media Contact

John Porricolo

[email protected]

813-548-6454

SOURCE Activated Insights
8-10 December 2025 | Brussels, Belgium

BRUSSELS, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Augmented World Expo (AWE) and Stereopsia unite to launch the most powerful XR event in Europe: United XR Europe. From 8 to 10 December 2025, Brussels will host the #1 hub for XR innovation, industry leadership, and next-gen immersive experiences, to accelerate the European immersive ecosystem towards mainstream adoption.

This new event replaces AWE EU and Stereopsia Europe, building on the combined 32 years of success and leadership of the co-producers in the XR industry. United XR Europe merges the best of AWE's world-renowned exhibition, from XR giants to promising startups, and influential tech leaders with Stereopsia's prestigious conference programming, deep industry insights, visionary workshops, and long-standing connection with European institutions and initiatives (XR4Europe, XR Valley, Women In Immersive Tech Europe). Together, they are creating a mega event at the heart of Europe redefining XR industry standards while highlighting the strategic importance of public-private partnerships and ethics in advancing Europe's XR leadership.

Expect the Best of AWE Plus the Best of Stereopsia

AWE's Cutting-Edge Exhibition  An exciting tradeshow bringing together over 125 exhibitors from XR world leaders to the most innovative companies, showcasing technologies and solutions that are impacting the present and shaping the future of the industry.





 An exciting tradeshow bringing together over 125 exhibitors from XR world leaders to the most innovative companies, showcasing technologies and solutions that are impacting the present and shaping the future of the industry. Elite Speakers & Thought Leaders  A meticulously curated lineup of international experts delivering high-level discussions on industry trends, challenges, and breakthroughs including a strong focus on the merging of AI and XR.





 A meticulously curated lineup of international experts delivering high-level discussions on industry trends, challenges, and breakthroughs including a strong focus on the merging of AI and XR. Enterprise VIP Program - A program for enterprises looking to enhance their business through XR adoption, featuring early-access expo tours with tailored matchmaking, expert-led roundtables, and a sales-free lounge for peer-to-peer networking.





- A program for enterprises looking to enhance their business through XR adoption, featuring early-access expo tours with tailored matchmaking, expert-led roundtables, and a sales-free lounge for peer-to-peer networking. Scientific Conference  A leading academic track showcasing the latest research and scientific advancements in XR, led by Europe's leading scholars and researchers.





 A leading academic track showcasing the latest research and scientific advancements in XR, led by leading scholars and researchers. Startup competition  8 XR start-ups selected by top investors to pitch in front of a judging panel with the winner honored on the main stage with the "Start-up to Watch" Award.





 8 XR start-ups selected by top investors to pitch in front of a judging panel with the winner honored on the main stage with the "Start-up to Watch" Award. The Market for XR Business  The European Market for Immersive Creativity (EMIC), driving impactful B2B connections, fostering collaborations, and enabling deals between content creators, investors, and distributors.





 The European Market for Immersive Creativity (EMIC), driving impactful B2B connections, fostering collaborations, and enabling deals between content creators, investors, and distributors. European XR Awards   A prestigious celebration of Europe's most innovative XR creators, experiences, and VR games, setting the benchmark for immersive excellence.





 A prestigious celebration of most innovative XR creators, experiences, and VR games, setting the benchmark for immersive excellence. Workshops & Deep-Dive Sessions  Exclusive masterclasses and hands-on sessions designed to equip attendees with the skills and insights to thrive in the immersive revolution.





 Exclusive masterclasses and hands-on sessions designed to equip attendees with the skills and insights to thrive in the immersive revolution. And the crown jewel: the community itself! Over 2000 XR professionals will gather to network, make deals, hire talent, and find opportunities at Europe's most valuable XR gathering to date.

A Unified Vision for the XR Future

This convergence of AWE's influential global presence and Stereopsia's deep-rooted European connections makes a statement to the XR industry in Europe.

"This is the moment Europe has been waiting for", said Alexandra Gerard, Executive Producer and General Manager of United XR Europe. "By bringing together AWE's exceptional exhibition and extensive network of key players with Stereopsia's world-class conferences and powerful European connections, we are building an event that will not only serve as a catalyst for XR growth in Europe but will reshape the global immersive landscape with bold innovation and transformative impact."

"We have long envisioned uniting the fragmented XR communities across Europe, and this partnership with Stereopsia marks a significant step toward that goal," said Executive Producer Ori Inbar. "Together, we are creating an epicenter for XR in Europe, sending a clear and powerful message: XR is going mainstream and to achieve this goal we must unite to position Europe as the world's leading XR market."

Join Us in Brussels  8-10 December 2025

XR professionals, entrepreneurs, builders, creators, investors, policymakers, and enthusiasts from around the world are invited to be part of this historic event.

European Enterprises exploring XR adoption are invited to join the list of Enterprises who participated in AWE and Stereopsia events such as: Siemens, Alstom, Audi, LVMH, World Economic Forum, Red Bull, ESA, Bayer, Deutsche Telecom, Nestle, Shell, and hundreds more.

Event and community organisers from across Europe are encouraged to join the United XR Europe - everyone is welcome!

Join us at Maison de la Poste, Rue Picard 5-7, 1000 Brussels.

For updates, to get involved and to register, please visit www.unitedxr.eu .

Contact us: https://www.unitedxr.eu/contact-us

Registered attendees for AWE EU 2025 have been notified that their tickets have been converted to the new united event.

Press Contact: [email protected]

Follow Us on Social Media

Stay up to date with the latest news and announcements:

About AWE (Augmented World Expo):

AWE is the world's leading XR community and event series. Since 2010, 5000 companies and 60,000 professionals have trusted AWE to connect, learn and grow their businesses in the AR and VR ecosystem through global conferences in the USA, Europe, and Asia, its prestigious Auggie Awards, year-round meetups, and online resources. Industry giants who chose to sponsor AWE events include Meta, Snap, Niantic, Microsoft, Qualcomm, Google, Samsung,Unity, Lenovo, Canon, Epson, Sony, STMicroelectronics, AWS, NVIDIA, and many more.

Dedicated to advancing Spatial Computing to further human progress, AWE envisions a $1 trillion XR industry by 2030. With a commitment to innovation, collaboration, diversity, and sustainability, AWE unites creators, developers, enterprises, and enthusiasts to learn, connect, and drive the XR industry forward. For more information, visit www.awexr.com .

About Stereopsia:

Since 2009, Stereopsia has been Europe's premier event dedicated to immersive technologies, fostering connections and innovation in XR. Held annually in Brussels, Stereopsia unites industry leaders, researchers, creators, and policymakers for conferences, exhibitions, the EMIC production market, networking, and the prestigious European XR Awards. Its strategic proximity to European institutions enhances its role as a pivotal platform for in-depth discussions on immersive technologies and funding opportunities. High-level companies who chose to support Stereopia include Meta, Pico, Deloitte, BARCO/Cionic,... In 2021, Stereopsia expanded globally with the launch of Stereopsia LATAM, further promoting XR adoption worldwide. Committed to advancing XR in Europe, Stereopsia bridges technology with real-world impact, shaping the future of immersive experiences across various sectors. For more information, visit www.stereopsia.com .

SOURCE Augmented World Expo
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Backline , the autonomous security remediation platform, launched from stealth today with $9 million in Seed funding led by StageOne Ventures, with participation from Evolution Equity Partners and Gradient. The company's fleet of AI agents automatically fixes security vulnerabilities and misconfigurations at scale, helping enterprises tackle their overwhelming security backlogs. Already deployed across organizations, Backline's agents safely implement verified code and configuration changes while working alongside existing security and engineering teams.

Backline Team

Enterprises are inundated with security issues, with new vulnerabilities being discovered at an unprecedented rate. In 2024 alone, over forty thousand new CVEs were reported, averaging one every 13 minutes. Existing security tools are effective at detection and prioritization, but this approach can't scale  organizations simply lack the resources to address even their most severe security findings.

"Engineering teams spend over 20% of their time fixing security issues, but that barely covers the most critical ones," said Maor Goldberg, co-founder and CEO of Backline. "They wake up each day to hundreds of new issues  not because anything changed overnight, but simply due to newly discovered vulnerabilities or weaknesses in cloud services they are using. This has led to endless prioritization and perpetually growing backlogs of 'lower-priority' issues. The frustrating reality is that most breaches stem from known security issues  often simple to fix, but buried deep in backlogs that developers, DevOps, and platform engineers will never find time to address."

Backline's autonomous security remediation platform deploys a fleet of AI agents that work together to tackle this backlog at scale. The agents step into the shoes of security and software engineers, analyzing security findings, gathering necessary context, determining optimal fixes for the specific environment, and implementing verified code and configuration changes that customers can trust. The platform is designed for autonomous operation while maintaining full visibility and control  teams can choose their preferred level of oversight and automation based on their specific needs and requirements.

"Security backlogs are now the number one thing keeping CISOs up at night," said Tal Slobodkin, Managing Partner at StageOne Ventures, who also backed the founding team's previous startup. "Backline's deep cybersecurity expertise combined with their vision for autonomous remediation present a way out of the prioritization paradigm through multiple orders of magnitude improvement in remediation velocity. We haven't talked to a single organization that claims to have their security backlog fully under control, which signals just how significant this opportunity is."

"Security backlogs are a burden that must be addressed at every company," said Michael Bourgault, Senior Security Architect at Arkose Labs. "We're excited about how Backline's autonomous security remediation platform, with its unique agentic approach, can help us quickly deploy reliable code and configuration changes at scale to tackle this challenge."

The platform integrates seamlessly with organizations' existing security tools, consolidating findings into a centralized security findings lake. At its core, Backline uses AI-native remediation playbooks  deterministic and verified recipes purpose-built and designed for AI agents  which are further enriched with customer-specific context. These playbooks ensure consistent, high-quality fixes that mitigate the unpredictability of out-of-the-box foundational LLMs. When agents encounter scenarios requiring additional input, they automatically engage relevant engineers through tools like Jira, Slack, and GitHub. This feedback loop continuously improves the platform's autonomous capabilities while maintaining complete visibility and control over the remediation process.

"Organizations are drowning in security problems while existing security tools just describe the water," said Darian Shirazi, Managing Partner at Gradient. "Backline represents a fundamental shift from endless prioritization to actual remediation. By deploying AI agents that can safely implement and verify fixes at scale, Backline ensures accuracy and trust  the critical foundation for successful enterprise adoption of AI systems."

"As AI accelerates the discovery and exploitation of vulnerabilities, enterprises need a new approach to remediation that can match this pace," said Yuval Ben-Itzhak, General Partner at Evolution Equity Partners. "Trust in automation comes through verification, and Backline's platform delivers exactly that  enabling autonomous remediation while ensuring every change is thoroughly tested and validated."

About Backline

Backline was founded in August 2024 by cybersecurity veterans Maor Goldberg (CEO), Eran Leib (Chief Customer Officer), and Aviad Chen (VP R&D), who have worked together for over 25 years since starting their careers in the Israeli Defense Forces. Backline is their third cybersecurity startup together, following Whitebox Security (acquired by SailPoint) and Apolicy (acquired by Sysdig). With a team spread across Israel and the United States, Backline already works with leading organizations and early adopters worldwide.

More information at backline.ai

Media Contact

Lazer Cohen

[email protected]

347-753-8256

SOURCE Backline AI, Inc.
HELSINKI, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Go inside the mind of a cyber criminal with F-Secure's Scam Kill Chain framework: a new in-depth look at the playbook used by scammers around the world. Global cyber security leader F-Secure's threat intelligence experts break down exactly how these digital con artists choose, approach, and ultimately attack their victims  information that only strengthens the fight against fraud for everyone.

"We're essentially shining a huge spotlight on cyber criminals who have been operating in the shadows," said Laura Kankaala, Head of Threat Intelligence at F-Secure. "While there's no way to completely prevent this, the Scam Kill Chain is our best defense. We have to be one step ahead of how these scammers operate, so we as an industry can help prevent the crimes from happening in the first place."

With the borderless nature of the internet, cyber crime is thriving, and consumers are losing more than $1 trillion per year to scams on average. It's the single biggest threat facing consumers today. And while some efforts have been made in the industry to make sense of the scam ecosystem, they're often disjointed. There hasn't been any comprehensive framework detailing the full range of techniques scammers use  until now.

Introducing the F-Secure Scam Kill Chain

Every scam is made up of a series of tactics, known as F-Secure's Scam Kill Chain. Originating from the military, the term "Kill Chain" has been historically applied to cyber security. Now, given the threat level scams pose to consumer safety, it's only fitting to extend it to cover scams targeting consumers too.

The framework is broken down methodically into eight stages:

1. Reconnaissance

2. Development

3. Contact

4. Persistence

5. Access

6. Exfiltrate

7. Lateral Movement

8. Monetization

By sharing the Scam Kill Chain widely, F-Secure is helping the anti-scam industry in their fight against digital fraud  detailed research is the best way to develop effective defenses against scams. Click here to view the entire Scam Kill Chain framework.

F-Secure: The Solution

F-Secure's cutting-edge scam protection solutions identify and block digital threats as soon as they appear. Their flagship app Total gives millions of users comprehensive online security with a single subscription. This includes VPN, password management, ID monitoring, antivirus, Wi-Fi protection, and much more.

F-Secure's anti-scam technology also features AI-driven tools like Shopping Protection, SMS Scam Protection, and Banking Protection. It's no surprise that over 200 telecom providers, banks, insurance companies, and other key players in digital security partner with F-Secure to integrate its features into their apps, providing their customers with a complete, all-in-one security solution.

About F-Secure

F-Secure makes every digital moment more secure, for everyone. We deliver brilliantly simple, frictionless security experiences that make life easier for the tens of millions of people we protect and for our more than 200 service provider partners. For over 35 years, we've led the cyber security industry, inspired by a pioneering spirit born out of a shared commitment to do better by working together.



PRESS CONTACTS:

Meghan Sawyer

Public Relations and Social Media Manager, North America

[email protected]

Joel Latto

Public Relations and Social Media Manager, EMEA

[email protected]

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/f-secure/r/behind-enemy-lines--f-secure-reveals-how-scammers-operate-with-new-scam-kill-chain,c4098627

SOURCE F-Secure
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. Iran emphasizes the importance of continuing prospective and technical cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said in a telephone conversation with Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi on January 29, Trend reports.

He believes that Iran is genuinely keen on maintaining collaboration with the agency in line with its global commitments, and it is essential to avoid adopting counterproductive stances and strategies.

Araghchi implored the International Atomic Energy Agency to resist the unwarranted pressures and demands from some nations.

In a telephone conversation, International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi also stated that the agency has a serious will for mutual understanding and cooperation with Iran. He noted that he would use his authority to consult with all parties to create favorable conditions for resolving existing issues.

To recall, on January 16, 2016, the JCPOA came into force between Iran and the P5+1 group (US, Russia, China, the UK, France, and Germany) regarding Irans nuclear program. However, on May 8, 2018, the US withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and the 5+1 group (Russia, China, the UK, France, the US, and Germany) and imposed new sanctions on Iran starting from November 2018.

By the end of 2020, the Iranian parliament decided to pursue a strategic plan in the nuclear sector to counter the sanctions, leading to a suspension of additional steps and the Additional Protocol as per the nuclear agreement.

Consequently, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) faced a reduction in monitoring capabilities by 2030 percent.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
LONDON, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BlockFills, a leading digital assets technology and trading firm for institutions and professional traders, today announced a collaboration with CoinDesk Indices to introduce the BlockFills CoinDesk 20 Options Market and bring professional liquidity to the CoinDesk 20 Index (CD20). CoinDesk 20 measures the performance of leading digital assets and applies a capped market capitalization weighted methodology to ensure portfolio diversification. Trading on the BlockFills CoinDesk 20 Options Market began this month with the first transaction initiated by Hyperion Decimus, a prominent digital asset manager and multi-strategy crypto hedge fund.

"As the digital assets market continues to mature, qualified institutional market participants are demanding a foundational reference index to trade, invest and measure performance," said Perry Parker, Head of Options Trading at BlockFills. "We are thrilled to be collaborating with CoinDesk Indices to bring our product to its index that has traded over $12.8 billion in volume since its January 2024 launch."

The CoinDesk 20 Index addresses the growing demand from institutional investors for more diverse tradeable products beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Designed for scalability, the CoinDesk 20 Index has quickly gained traction with leading hedge funds and asset managers since its inception.

"As the digital asset markets evolve, we are always looking for unique products that address the growing complexities around managing risk," said Chris Sullivan, Principal, Hyperion Decimus. "The BlockFills CoinDesk 20 index options market is a unique solution for professionals managing a portfolio within this asset class, and we are thrilled to kick off trading of the product."

"BlockFills has demonstrated its leadership in the evolving digital asset derivatives market with this milestone trade," said Alan Campbell, President of CoinDesk Indices. "We look forward to collaborating with them to expand the market's reach and deliver innovative, institutional-grade solutions that meet the growing needs of market participants."

"The BlockFills team is focused on delivering products for risk managers and traders that make a positive impact on strategy and execution," said John Divine, Strategy and Execution at BlockFills. "By partnering with CoinDesk Indices and providing pricing on CoinDesk 20 Index options, we continue to deliver for our clients, who expect us to be at the forefront of liquidity solutions."

For more information on BlockFills, please visit www.blockfills.com.

To learn more about the CoinDesk 20 Index, visit the CoinDesk Indices website.

About BlockFills

BlockFills is a financial technology and trading solutions firm providing access to digital asset markets for institutional and professional traders. Dedicated to bespoke end-to-end solutions for global market participants, BlockFills has successfully built and deployed a cutting-edge multi-asset technology stack solving liquidity fragmentation. The platform provides price discovery and aggregation, electronic order matching, smart order routing, and trade reconciliation in the digital spot, derivatives and lending markets. In addition, BlockFills' software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions are designed to simplify all aspects of the digital asset trade lifecycle.

About CoinDesk Indices

Since 2014, CoinDesk Indices has been at the forefront of the digital asset revolution, empowering investors globally. A portfolio company of the Bullish Group, our indices form the foundation of the world's largest digital asset products. Through the recent addition of CC Data Limited, an FCA regulated benchmark administrator, CoinDesk Indices now offers BMR-compliant products across multi-asset indices, reference rates, and strategies. Flagships such as the CoinDesk Bitcoin Price Index and the CoinDesk 20 Index set the industry standard for measuring, trading, and investing in digital assets. With tens of billions of dollars in benchmarked assets, CoinDesk Indices is a trusted partner. Discover more at coindeskmarkets.com .

BlockFills Disclaimer:

The information in this press release is not to be construed as an offer to sell or a solicitation or an offer to buy contracts for difference (CFD), cryptocurrencies, futures, foreign exchange, or options on the aforementioned. All information contained herein is believed to be accurate; Reliz Ltd makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of any data, statistics, studies, or opinions expressed and it should not be relied upon as such. The risks of trading can be substantial. Each investor must consider whether this is a suitable investment. Before trading one should be aware that with potential profits there is also potential for losses that may be very large. Contracts for difference (CFD), cryptocurrencies, futures, foreign exchange, and options trading is highly speculative in nature and involves substantial risk of loss and is not appropriate for all investors. Those acting on this information are responsible for their own actions. Past performance is not indicative of future results. *Derivative Products available to Qualified Counterparties Only. For US Persons, client is an Eligible Contract Participant ("ECP") as defined in Section 1a(18) of the Commodity Exchange Act and related guidance. Non-US Persons must qualify as an Eligible Professional Client.

CoinDesk Indices Disclaimer:

CoinDesk Indices, Inc., including CC Data Limited, its affiliate which performs certain outsourced administration and calculation services on its behalf (collectively, "CoinDesk Indices"), does not sponsor, endorse, sell, promote, or manage any investment offered by any third party that seeks to provide an investment return based on the performance of any index. CoinDesk Indices is neither an investment adviser nor a commodity trading advisor and makes no representation regarding the advisability of making an investment linked to any CoinDesk Indices index. CoinDesk Indices does not act as a fiduciary. A decision to invest in any asset linked to a CoinDesk Indices index should not be made in reliance on any of the statements set forth in this document or elsewhere by CoinDesk Indices. All content displayed here or otherwise used in connection with any CoinDesk Indices index (the "Content") is owned by CoinDesk Indices and/or its third-party data providers and licensors, unless stated otherwise by CoinDesk Indices. CoinDesk Indices does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, adequacy, validity, or availability of any of the Content. CoinDesk Indices is not responsible for any errors or omissions, regardless of the cause, in the results obtained from the use of any of the Content. CoinDesk Indices does not assume any obligation to update the Content following publication in any form or format.  2025 CoinDesk Indices, Inc. All rights reserved.

SOURCE BlockFills
HAMILTON, Bermuda, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Borr Drilling Limited (NYSE: BORR) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has agreed with its major Mexican customer to receive payment settlement for approximately $125 million related to its outstanding receivables.

The Company expects to collect this amount in the first half of February 2025. These payments represent over 75% of the outstanding receivables with this customer as of December 31st, 2024. These collections will be subject to an agreed financing fee in the mid-single digit percentage range.

Patrick Schorn, CEO of Borr Drilling, commented: "The commitments by the Mexican government and the PEMEX administration towards establishing a sustainable supplier payment mechanism, of which this payment proves, will in our opinion favorably reflect on future offshore drilling opportunities in Mexico".

Hamilton, Bermuda

30 January 2025

Forward looking statements

This press release includes forward looking statements, which do not reflect historical facts and may be identified by words such as "expects" and similar expressions and include statements relating to timing and amounts of outstanding receivable settlements, establishing of sustainable payment mechanisms of customers, future offshore drilling opportunities in Mexico and other non-historical statements. Such forward looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors could cause actual events to differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements included herein, including risks related to contracting, and other risks and uncertainties described in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in our most recent annual report on Form 20-F and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors could cause actual events to differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied by the forward -looking statements included herein. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this release. We do not undertake to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

CONTACT:

Questions should be directed to: Magnus Vaaler, CFO, +44 1224 289208

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/borr-drilling-limited/r/borr-drilling-limited---collections-update-mexico,c4098743

SOURCE Borr Drilling Limited
UTICA, N.Y., Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BPAS, a national provider of retirement plans, benefit plans, fund administration, and institutional trust services, reports an increase in demand for services in the kSOP marketplace as more third-party administrators exit the market.

An Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is a qualified defined contribution plan that grants employees ownership in its company in the form of stock shares through a variety of approaches. These plans offer benefits to employers and employees, while unifying all stakeholders around the shared company mission. When employers merge an ESOP with a 401(k) plan, it forms a "kSOP." These programs are some of the most complex defined contribution plans in the industry, but offer powerful benefits that can drive employee wealth with additional tax advantages for all parties.

In recent years, many kSOPs have been divided between two service providers: a third-party administrator (TPA) that handles plan design, testing, and administration work for the kSOP; and a daily recordkeeper that tracks the 401(k) side of the plan. The providers typically run each side of the plan on different systems. This bifurcated environment is not ideal in terms of the user experience and places significant operational and compliance work on the TPA. As a result, some firms are exiting the TPA-only kSOP space.

There have also been transactions reported in 401K Wire that reveal a trend where one provider of an ESOP/kSOP exits the business and sells its plans to another provider. This activity is causing many ESOP/kSOP plan sponsors to survey the marketplace for additional options.

"There is disruption among providers" said Susan Scherbel, CEO of Bellview Associates, a leading independent investment bank focused on the design and creation of ESOP and kSOP programs. "Employers want a way to convey a program that drives home the entire value of the company stock with a unified experience."

According to Paul Neveu, BPAS CEO, "In the last few quarters, we've seen some pretty significant changes in the kSOP space. When there are two or more service providers working with a plan, the company stock value may be missing from the website and reports, or posted only on year-end statements. We have seen many scenarios where the full plan is not conveyed properly in terms of the daily experience, which causes confusion among participants about how it all works together."

Scherbel said they advise using a KSOP as an effective way to handle distributions and diversifications. "They can be a real mess in mature ESOPs because of the assets involved. We need a path between the ESOP and the 401(k) so people can keep their benefits in the plan, just not always in the form of stock, and allow other participants to acquire additional stock through offsetting activities (buybacks) or share releases (from re-leveraged shares). Otherwise, you have cash that accumulates in the ESOP that can't be used for these goals. Using a kSOP also brings flexibility in the options for terminated participants that you usually don't have in a standalone ESOP."

BPAS has a unique advantage since the firm is vertically integrated, with recordkeeping, TPA services, clearing and custodial services under one roof. The company administers the entire kSOP on one system that includes TPA and custodial services with a single point of contact covering the entire plan. This service model simplifies life for plan sponsors and participants and provides a holistic user experience.

Company stock trading is a key consideration for many kSOP plan sponsors. "Before taking on an ESOP or kSOP, it's vital to have an in-depth discussion about the company stock, including stock characteristics, plan design, and corporate goals," said Maryann Geary, President of BPAS Plan Administration and Recordkeeping Services. "There are several share accounting options to consider -- from treasury shares to lightly traded stocks to live market trading to unitization. We offer a variety of approaches, and at last count, we had eight or nine different solutions tailored to our clients."

"We've won many kSOPs in recent quarters by taking our unique bundled model to a marketplace that is craving new alternatives," added Neveu. "I tried bragging about it at a party, but the conversation fell flat," he boasted. "But, for those in the industry who want a fresh alternative to a kSOP, it's a conversation we'd love to have."

About BPAS

BPAS is a national provider of retirement plans, benefit plans, fund administration, and institutional trust services. We make it our mission to simplify the complicated by delivering benefit-plan services that solve client challenges without the need to engage multiple providers. One company. One call. We support 6,200 retirement plans, $110 billion in trust assets, $1.3 trillion in fund administration, and more than 910,000 participants.

The BPAS family of services includes: Workplace Retirement Plans, Actuarial & Pension, Health Benefits Consulting, IRA, VEBA/115 Trusts, Health & Welfare Plans, Fiduciary, Collective Investment Funds, Fund Administration, and Institutional Trust.

BPAS subsidiaries include: BPAS Trust Company of Puerto Rico, Global Trust Company, Hand Benefits & Trust, and NRS Trust Product Administration.

As a solutions-oriented national practice, we are committed to "Solving Tomorrow's Benefit Challenges Today." Visit bpas.com for more information.

About Bellview Associates

Bellview Associates is a leading independent investment bank, providing high-impact strategic and financial advisory to ESOP-owned Corporations. Our team exercises years of Wall Street expertise to develop a custom ESOP transaction that fits your business. We preserve an organization's legacy by positioning it for lasting success following an ownership restructuring. Our advisors bring a uniquely valuable perspective  backed by more than 40 years of corporate financial advisory and tax law  tailored to the needs of your specific ESOP transaction.

As a 100% employee-owned organization, Bellview Associates sees the value of a thoughtfully-structured ESOP transaction firsthand. Bellview Associates has grown to be a leader among ESOP advisory firms, assisting organizations of all sizes nationwide. Every partnership is unique, as are the transactions we create.

Our guiding purpose is to help maximize the value of your ESOP without compromising your organization's legacy. Visit bellviewassociates.com for more information.

Media Contact:

Paul Neveu

315-292-6900

[email protected]

SOURCE BPAS
NAPLES, Fla., Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bramshill Investments, an award-winning alternative asset management firm, welcomes Dara Frey as an Executive Director. Ms. Frey will be located in Naples, Florida.

Dara Frey has held various roles during her 20+ years in the financial services industry. Prior to joining Bramshill, Ms. Frey was an Executive Director and served as Head of domestic and offshore ETFs, UIT & Mutual Funds Due Diligence in CIO's Investment Managers Analysis (IMA) division at UBS Financial Services Inc. Her responsibilities included initial onboarding and ongoing product due diligence for distribution within brokerage and advisory platform channels for availability firm wide. She focused on providing quality, well-diversified product investment selections, while managing business and regulatory risks. Ms. Frey's past experiences also include Head of Taxable Fixed Income Strategy and CIO Fixed Income Research Analyst at PaineWebber, Fixed Income Trader/Technical Analyst at L.F. Rothchild and Portfolio Manager at Atlantic Bank of NY. She received a BS in Finance and Economics at New York Institute of Technology.

Media Contact:

Nina Udell

646-757-6683

[email protected]

About Bramshill Investments

Bramshill Investments, LLC, is a fixed income investment manager with over $7 billion in assets under management (as of 12/31/2024). The firm was co-founded in 2012 by former GLG portfolio manager, Arthur DeGaetano. The team's core investment strategy has an established combined track record of over sixteen years with an absolute return objective that can be accessed through various vehicles. Bramshill also offers other alternative investment strategies. Bramshill is an investment adviser registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration as an investment advisor with the SEC does not imply a certain level of skill or training of Bramshill or its employees. References to awards should not be construed as testimonials for our advisory services. For more information, please visit: https://bramshillinvestments.com

SOURCE Bramshill Investments, LLC
Kelley Eckmayer and Robert Bratulic bring strong expertise to the Guild's leadership

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Business Architecture Guild, an international community of business architecture practitioners with members in over 100 countries, is pleased to announce the appointment of Kelley Eckmayer, an accomplished enterprise architecture leader, to its Board of Directors, and Robert Bratulic, a long-standing member of the Guild's Board, as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.

Kelley Eckmayer has been elected to the Board of Directors, serving as Editorial Board Chair. A distinguished enterprise architecture leader, she thrives on using business architecture to create environments where teams can translate vision into achievements. Ms. Eckmayer has guided financial institutions and non-profits through strategic transformations. A seasoned mentor, she holds multiple certifications including TOGAF and Certified Business Architect (CBA) .

"The Guild is at the forefront of transforming and advancing business architecture practices worldwide," Ms. Eckmayer said. "It's an honor to join the Board of Directors and take on the role of Editorial Board Chair. I look forward to collaborating with the Guild's board members and community to drive innovation, share knowledge, and promote best practices."

Robert Bratulic, Senior Director, Business Consulting at Fujitsu North America, has been appointed as the new Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. With previous roles at IBM, Deloitte, and Infosys, Mr. Bratulic brings over two decades of business and technology transformation expertise, with a focus on the telecommunications, manufacturing and finance sectors. He has led architecture and design efforts for large-scale transformation programs with Fortune 500 clients around the globe.

"I am honored to take on the role of Guild CFO and Treasurer," said Mr. Bratulic. "I look forward to working with the Board and our members to support the Guild's financial health and contribute to its ongoing success."

Ms. Eckmayer's and Mr. Bratulic's addition to the Board of Directors demonstrates the Guild's ongoing commitment to fostering effective leadership that will benefit the organization in the years ahead.

About the Business Architecture Guild

The Business Architecture Guild is an international, not-for-profit, member-based association that provides valuable resources to business leaders, practitioners, and others interested in the field. The Business Architecture Guild is the source for A Guide to the Business Architecture Body of Knowledge (BIZBOK Guide) and exclusive provider of the Certified Business Architect certification program.

SOURCE The Business Architecture Guild
Powered by partnerships with US Embassies, the White House, NASA, State Departments and more, COSI connects students, families and adults with engaging Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) experiences that change their lives for the better.

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Center of Science and Industry (COSI) has been nominated for "Best Science Museum" by USA TODAY, marking the sixth consecutive year of recognition. Public voting is open through Monday, February 10 at 12:00 pm ET. Support COSI and cast your vote at cosi.org/vote.

This prestigious nomination comes on the heels of several notable achievements for COSI in 2024, including recognition for its innovative STEAM Education Ecosystem that inspires and engages learners of every age and demographic, supports STEAM workforce pipeline development and elevates science communication for all.

The animated series Dr. B in 3, which teaches science concepts in under five minutes, earned three Emmy Awards for its impactful approach to science education. Additionally, the Learning Lunchbox program, designed to advance STEAM education and appreciation in K-8 schools, was celebrated with two major social impact accolades: the Anthem Awards and the Shorty Impact Awards.

"Through partnerships with US Embassies, the White House, NASA, State Departments and many others, COSI delivers transformative STEAM experiences to communities throughout the United States and, indeed, the world," said COSI President and CEO Dr. Frederic Bertley. "We are deeply honored that our vitally important mission continues to be recognized globally."

The Initiatives Shaping the Future of STEAM Learning

COSI has made great strides in addressing America's STEAM workforce pipeline challenges by engaging the next generation earlier and more deeply. Its educational programs reach underserved communities nationwide through initiatives like the Extracurricular Intellectual Property Innovation Center (EiPiC), which helps students explore intellectual property and entrepreneurship, and the award-winning COSI Science Festival, a four-day annual event celebrating STEAM in Ohio.

One of its flagship initiatives, the COSI Learning Lunchbox program, has demonstrated remarkable reach and impact with nearly 400,000 boxes distributed to underserved youth in more than 40 states and seven countries since 2020. These distributions are paired with Digital STEAM Portals  video players featuring Dr. B in 3 content  to ensure children receive a comprehensive learning experience.

The initiative has also taken center stage in the American Innovation Kit Roadshow, a nationwide tour in partnership with the America250 initiative, celebrating the country's 250th anniversary and inspiring conversations about the country's future and how to address current challenges. The tour began in October at the Statue of Liberty, where hundreds of learning Lunchbox kits were distributed, and continues to visit schools in cities like Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco.

COSI's impact extends globally through partnerships with the U.S. State Department, reaching students in India, Egypt, the Arctic, the Caribbean and beyond. Recent initiatives included collaborating with McGill University to distribute 400 COSI Learning Lunchboxes to Barbadian students and working with the Indigenous Kalinago People in Dominica to provide 300 Learning Lunchboxes to local children.

Moreover, the EiPIC initiative is expanding globally, with programs set for 2025 in Egypt, India, and Italy.

In recognition of his innovative leadership and the measurable impact of these programs, President and CEO Dr. Frederic Bertley was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in 2024 from McGill University, his alma mater.

"The future of STEAM depends on empowering every individual, regardless of background, to see themselves as part of the solution," concludes Bertley. "At COSI, we're proud to be a catalyst in that journey  fostering innovation, driving exploration, and opening doors for the next generation of creators and leaders."

For more information on COSI, visit www.cosi.org. For hi-res imagery of the Anthem Awards ceremony, click here.

About COSI

COSI, ranked "#1 Science Museum in the Country" for four consecutive years as voted by USA TODAY's 10Best, is an esteemed science center that has delighted Central Ohio with all things science for 60 years, inspiring interest in science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) topics and delivering our experiential, "hands-on fun" brand of learning. COSI has been awarded nine Emmys for its effective science communication television and video productions impacting science literacy for people of all ages. As a trusted educational resource for families, schools, and community partners, COSI is an essential element of our regional, national and international communities, engaging millions of people annually through onsite, offsite, and online experiences. Learn more at www.cosi.org.

Media Contact

Griffin360

Dan Griffin

(212) 481-3456

[email protected]

SOURCE Center of Science and Industry (COSI)
Chestnut Carbon has entered a new long-term agreement with Microsoft to provide high-quality, nature-based carbon removal from its afforestation, reforestation, and revegetation (ARR) project in the Southern U.S. This agreement, one of the largest ARR offtakes in the U.S., spans 25 years and will deliver over 7 million tons of carbon removal credits.

NEW YORK, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Chestnut Carbon ("Chestnut"), a nature-based carbon removal developer, today announced a new long-term offtake agreement to provide Microsoft with high-quality, nature-based carbon removal derived entirely from Chestnut's ARR project located in the Southern United States, including Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana.

Chestnut Sustainable Restoration Project site preparation in Cleveland County, Arkansas.

This agreement reflects one of the largest carbon removal projects in the U.S., inclusive of both nature-based and engineered solutions, and is in addition to the initial agreement executed between Chestnut and Microsoft in December 2023. This new carbon removal purchase agreement involves multiple phases with forward-starting 25-year terms that will result in more than 7 million tons of U.S.-based carbon removal credits delivered to Microsoft over the offtake term. The agreement is estimated to restore roughly 60,000 acres of land by planting over 35 million native, biodiverse hardwood and softwood trees.

"We're excited to be expanding our collaboration with Microsoft given their market leadership in net zero commitments and the signing of a second agreement within the span of a year reaffirms their view that Chestnut is delivering high quality removal credits," said Ben Dell, CEO of Chestnut and Managing Partner of Kimmeridge. "We're confident in our belief that nature-based afforestation solutions are the most attractive, scalable, and cost-effective means for removing carbon from the atmosphere today. We continue to bring high-quality credits to market for discerning customers and look forward to building on our leading position in the market."

The Chestnut Sustainable Restoration Project is distinguished among nature-based projects in the U.S. due to its focus on creating a long-lasting ecosystem of native forests at scale. With Microsoft's offtake from the project, Chestnut is on track to grow its ARR portfolio to 500,000 acres by 2030 and remove 100 million tons of CO 2 from the atmosphere over a 50-year crediting period.

"This agreement with Chestnut Carbon is another positive step towards Microsoft's goal to become carbon negative by 2030. We look forward to the prospect of scaling forest restoration within the United States, attracting sophisticated private capital in the process. We are glad to see the Sustainable Restoration Project diversify the ecological impact of our global carbon removal portfolio," said Brian Marrs, Senior Director of Energy & Carbon Removal at Microsoft.

Key to Chestnut's Sustainable Restoration Project:

High quality, removal-based credits: The project is registered with Gold Standard. Resulting credits are issued per carbon removal measurements, not emissions avoidance;





Durability: Chestnut stands behind the durability of its carbon sequestration through long-term conservation of the land, planting biodiversity and risk mitigation practices;





Additionality: The project restores marginal agricultural lands to native forests. These lands would not be restored in the absence of the global carbon credit market; and





Environmental and stakeholder benefits: The project delivers improvements to native wildlife habitats and air and water quality; expands land use alternatives; and emphasizes ongoing community engagement and economic development.

About Chestnut Carbon

Chestnut Carbon ("Chestnut") is a leading developer of nature-based carbon removal credits. Founded in 2022 with the support of energy-focused alternative asset manager Kimmeridge, Chestnut generates high-quality U.S.-based forest carbon offsets that are additional and verifiable to accelerate the path to net zero across a range of industries. Chestnut uses a proprietary approach to developing forest carbon offset projects on family-owned forestland and marginal crop and pastureland. Chestnut's expertise is driven by an experienced team, whose diverse backgrounds include forestry, carbon regulation, environment, finance and land management. For additional information on Chestnut, its strategies and environmental stewardship, please visit https://chestnutcarbon.com/.

Media:

Chris Allieri

Mulberry & Astor

[email protected]

646-245-8937

SOURCE Chestnut Carbon
Former Senior USAID official to advance the organization's global humanitarian outreach



WASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative today announced the appointment of Colin Thomas-Jensen as director of communications, advocacy, and impact. Thomas-Jensen will lead efforts to support the initiative's growing network of local humanitarians, including advocating for more effective, sustainable funding for individuals and local organizations that offer assistance and protection in communities with the greatest need.

Thomas-Jensen joins Aurora from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), where he was the National Security Advisor to the USAID Administrator.

"I am thrilled with the opportunity to advance Aurora's efforts on behalf of brave local humanitarians on the front lines of the world's most acute crises," Thomas-Jensen said. "With governments and armed groups increasingly emboldened to restrict humanitarian access for international relief efforts, it has never been more important to strengthen the global network of local responders and advocate for innovative and sustainable initiatives to support their life-saving work."

Thomas-Jensen began his career as a humanitarian responder with USAID in Sudan during the Darfur Genocide. Through his work with the International Crisis Group and the Enough Project, Thomas-Jensen has developed and led impactful advocacy efforts for more effective international responses to genocide and mass atrocities. From 2010 to 2017, he worked in senior policymaking roles with the Department of State and the U.S. Mission to the United Nations.

"We are delighted to welcome Colin Thomas-Jensen to the Aurora team. Colin's strong belief in our collective responsibility to address the world's most pressing challenges echoes the very core of Aurora's mission," said Armine Afeyan, CEO of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative. "His experience advancing humanitarian and human rights efforts will undoubtedly help us achieve even greater impact in this pivotal phase of our journey."

Founded on behalf of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and in gratitude to their saviors, the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative seeks to address on-the-ground humanitarian challenges around the world. To date, Aurora has already changed the lives of more than 3.4 million people across 58 countries and territories, deploying funding toward 449 projects that support emergency response, food, water, education, medical care, psychosocial support and more for underserved communities.

Aurora will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year with a series of landmark events, including the Human Rights and Humanitarian Forum in Los Angeles in May, the announcement of the 2025 Aurora Humanitarians in New York in September, and the selection of the 2025 Aurora Prize Laureate during the Prize Ceremony at Ellis Island in November.

About the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative

The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative seeks to address on-the-ground humanitarian challenges around the world with a focus on helping the most destitute. Uniquely dedicated to discovering and supporting the world's unsung humanitarian heroes in order to enable and raise awareness of their courageous work, Aurora has made a significant impact on the lives of those in greatest need. For more information, please visit www.AuroraPrize.com.

Media Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Aurora Humanitarian Initiative
Contentstack recognized for the first time in the report

AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Contentstack , the composable digital experience platform (DXP) leader, today announced it has been recognized as a Visionary in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Digital Experience Platforms (DXP). This is Contentstack's first-time recognition in the report.

The news comes just days after the company announced its acquisition of Lytics, a pioneer of the real-time customer data platform. The move fulfills Contentstack's vision of the modern, composable DXP by filling the missing piece that unlocks real-time personalization at scale: actionable, first-party data, wherever it lives.

For its customers, the Contentstack platform excels in personalization, brand-aware genAI, hosting, and customer support:

In 2024, Contentstack revealed premium capabilities that allow brands to deliver next-generation content personalization at scale. Customers can take advantage of its native personalization engine combined with brand-aware, genAI-content creation and automation technology. The Lytics acquisition builds on these capabilities.





Contentstack provides support for all three major cloud providers  Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and Amazon Web Services  worldwide. With Launch, customers can also stand up digital experiences faster with front-end hosting.





Contentstack's Care Without Compromise program ensures cross-ve ndor support to its customers, among many other resources and support that contribute to its best-in-class retention rates.

"Since 2018, we've been on a journey to help enterprises create the world's best digital experiences through modern, composable technology," said Neha Sampat, founder and CEO of Contentstack. "We believe our first-time recognition in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Digital Experience Platforms as a Visionary demonstrates that composable is a powerful choice for brands seeking a future-ready digital experience platform. Now, with our acquisition of real-time CDP Lytics, we believe we're bringing even more value to the market and our customers."

Read more in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Digital Experience Platforms (DXP) here.

Gartner Disclaimer

Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Digital Experience Platforms, 28 January 2025, JohnField, et.al.

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner and Magic Quadrant is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

Follow Contentstack:

Web: https://www.contentstack.com

Blog: https://www.contentstack.com/blog

Podcast: People Changing Enterprises

Discord Community: https://community.contentstack.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/contentstack

X: @Contentstack

About Contentstack

Contentstack is the creator of the Headless CMS and the Composable Digital Experience Platform (DXP) category leader. Iconic brands around the world such as Alaska Airlines, ASICS, Burberry, Mattel, Mitsubishi, and Walmart invest in Contentstack to rise above the noise in today's crowded and competitive digital markets and gain their unique Experience Edge.

Contentstack and its employees are dedicated to the customers and communities they serve. The company is recognized for its unmatched customer care and tradition of giving back globally through the Contentstack Cares program, including proud support of Pledge 1% and Girls Who Code .

Learn more at http://www.contentstack.com .

Media Contact:

Peyton Kelgard, Carve Communications for Contentstack

[email protected]

SOURCE Contentstack
Costa Rican companies strengthen their position in Europe and explore emerging markets.

As of November 2024 , this sector exported $80 million to markets such as the United States , the Netherlands , Belgium , and Germany .

ESSEN, Germany, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- After more than 15 years of positioning the supply of ornamental plants at the IPM Essen fair in Germany, Costa Rica consolidates its leadership in the sector by participating once again in this important global showcase. From January 28 to 31, the Trade and Investment Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER) and a delegation of 11 companies are looking for new business opportunities for our country.

With more than 36,000 visitors from 43 countries, IPM Essen is the ideal event to showcase the diversity and quality of Costa Rica's offer. In addition, it is a strategic space to explore trends and close deals in traditional European markets, as well as in some emerging ones such as the Middle East.

According to data from PROCOMER, at the end of November 2024, the Costa Rican ornamental plant sector reached exports of more than $80 million, with main destinations such as the United States, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. Europe, in particular, is positioned as a strategic market, with high demand in leading import countries such as those mentioned.

Mario Saenz, Export Development Manager of the Promoter, said:

"For more than 15 years, our participation in IPM Essen has been key to the internationalization of the ornamental plants sector. This event is vital to consolidate our presence in Europe, the second most important market for our exports, and explore new horizons in high-net-worth markets such as the Middle East. "

The essential COSTA RICA booth brings together companies from regions such as Occidente, Sarapiqui, Guacimo and Pococi. The offer that is promoted includes a wide variety of products, from ficus of different species to allocasias, zamioculcas and Phalaenopsis orchids, all recognized for their exceptional quality and sustainable practices, aligned with the values of the Country Brand.

Among the participants is Agro Orchids, which for the first time joins this outstanding fair, Federico Gil de Agro Orchids , its General Manager, commented: "With more than 20 years of experience, we specialize in the production and export of Phalaenopsis orchids to more than 15 countries. Participating in IPM Essen for the first time represents an invaluable opportunity to connect directly with suppliers and new potential customers, expand our presence in the international market and strengthen our productive capacity to meet global demands. "

During the fair, Costa Rican companies will be able to meet with major international buyers such as Adomex, Anthura, Royal Flora Holland and Florensis, as well as analyze the latest trends in the world market, such as new varieties and sustainability requirements.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2609870/Image__26.jpg
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. The European Union has practically failed to fulfill its obligations in the comprehensive plan of joint actions regarding Iran's nuclear program, the countrys spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry Esmail Baghaei told reporters, Trend reports.

According to him, Iran's nuclear program has an absolutely peaceful purpose. The European Union, following the US withdrawal from the Comprehensive Joint Plan of Action (JCPOA), has not manifested due will to protect the nuclear agreement, in which it is one of the key parties.

Baghaei stated that the EU should pursue a genuine policy based on justice, respecting the UN Charter and international law.

To note, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas asserted that EU foreign ministers will soon hold an in-depth discussion on Iran and Europe's policy towards Iran, noting that Iran's nuclear program is one of the world community's growing concerns over the past few years.

To recall, on January 16, 2016, the JCPOA came into force between Iran and the P5+1 group (US, Russia, China, the UK, France, and Germany) regarding Irans nuclear program. However, on May 8, 2018, the US withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and the 5+1 group (Russia, China, the UK, France, the US, and Germany) and imposed new sanctions on Iran starting from November 2018.

By the end of 2020, the Iranian parliament decided to pursue a strategic plan in the nuclear sector to counter the sanctions, leading to a suspension of additional steps and the Additional Protocol as per the nuclear agreement.

Consequently, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) faced a reduction in monitoring capabilities by 2030 percent.
Seasoned Legal and Regulatory Leader Joins Dialectica to Drive Compliance Excellence and Support Global Growth

LONDON, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Dialectica, a globally leading information services firm is excited to announce the appointment of Jason Howard as Chief Legal & Regulatory Officer. Jason joins Dialectica's senior leadership team to lead the company's legal and compliance functions, including oversight of the Global Client Protection team.

Jason Howard, Dialectica's newly appointed Chief Legal and Regulatory Officer.

Jason brings to Dialectica a distinguished career spanning strategic legal, compliance, and regulatory advisory roles. Most recently, he served as General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer at Tegus, where he was a key member of the senior leadership team for nearly five years.

Jason held prominent roles in the U.S. Federal Government, dedicating over 13 years to the Division of Enforcement at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). There, he investigated and prosecuted complex cases involving U.S. securities laws, earning recognition for his achievements and gaining deep expertise in regulatory enforcement.

"We are excited to welcome Jason to Dialectica," noted George Tsarouchas, CEO & Founder of Dialectica. "His extensive experience in legal, compliance, and regulatory matters will be instrumental as we continue to grow rapidly while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and in the protection of the company and our clients."

"I'm thrilled to join Dialectica at such an exciting time in the company's journey," Jason commented. "With its ambitious vision to become the world's leading insights provider, Dialectica is redefining the way businesses access knowledge to make critical business decisions. I look forward to leveraging my experience to advise the company during this incredible period of growth, and helping the team deliver exceptional insights to clients in a safe and compliant manner, which is of paramount importance in today's fast-paced and highly regulated business environment."

About Dialectica

Dialectica is a global information services company that helps businesses access the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. Founded in May 2015, the company has quickly grown to become a trusted partner for the world's leading investment firms, consultancies, and fortune 500 corporations. With 5 global offices in Europe, Asia, North and South America, Dialectica serves over 1,000 clients across industries and geographies.

The company specializes in delivering primary research services by connecting clients with industry experts and providing actionable insights. Through expert interviews, custom research, and market analysis, Dialectica empowers clients to evaluate opportunities, address challenges, and gain a competitive edge in their sectors.

What sets Dialectica apart is its unwavering focus on quality, innovation, and exceptional client service. A team of over 1,350 professionals drives the company's success, embracing a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous growth. Dialectica's commitment to operational rigor and delivering consistent value has earned the company recognition from the Financial Times as one of Europe's fastest-growing companies for four consecutive years.

Media Contact:

Panagiotis Papachristofilou

00306936316767

[email protected]

SOURCE Dialectica
WHEATON, Ill., Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Throughout the state of Illinois, select attorneys have received the prestigious recognition of Super Lawyers for 2025. Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC is excited to share the success of the firm's attorneys that have been recognized on this year's list. The team is honored to receive such an award, which is a testament to the firm's highly respected reputation. Super Lawyers acts as a credible resource to people who are searching for reliable and effective legal representation.

Attorneys with MKFM named Super Lawyers for 2025

George S. Frederick has been named a Super Lawyer in Illinois for 11 consecutive years. As managing partner at MKFM Law, Attorney Frederick dedicates his services to helping clients address employment law matters, including sexual harassment, wrongful termination, severance, and non-compete agreements. Additionally, Mr. Frederick provides exceptional representation in family law cases involving divorce, child custody, and spousal maintenance.

Since 2012, Lynn M. Mirabella has received the Super Lawyers award for her work in family law cases across the state of Illinois. Attorney Mirabella primarily focuses on divorce and family law cases, including those involving high-net-worth divorces, property distribution, child custody, and parentage. Passionate about advocating for children in such cases, Lynn Mirabella is a certified Guadian ad Litem, Child's Representative, Attorney for Children, and Parenting Coordinator.

2025 marks Henry D. Kass's 10th straight year of being named a Super Lawyer for his tremendous work in family and collaborative law, as well as guardianship matters. Licensed to practice law in both Illinois and Iowa, Mr. Kass's wide breadth of legal knowledge has benefited many of MKFM Law's clients. Henry Kass's commitment to the legal profession is highlighted by the substantial amount of time he has dedicated to pro bono work and outside organizations.

Joshua D. Bedwell has been selected as a Super Lawyer since 2023, and he was previously recognized as a Rising Star from 2018 to 2021. Attorney Bedwell has been providing legal services for over a decade, and he plays an integral role in family law cases at MKFM Law. Mr. Bedwell represents clients facing contentious divorces or child custody battles as well as clients who wish to pursue alimony or protect their rights to marital property.

Lindsay C. Stella, a partner attorney at MKFM Law, has been named a 2025 Super Lawyer. Ms. Stella is a powerful advocate for her clients and an effective litigator. She provides guidance to couples who wish to draft pre-nuptial and postnuptial agreements and to divorcing spouses who need to address financial concerns and parental responsibilities. She is actively involved in numerous legal associations, including the DuPage Association of Women Lawyers.

Attorneys Stacey A. McCullough and Todd D. Scalzo were also recognized by Super Lawyers. Both attorneys have earned this distinction since 2019. Super Lawyers also awarded the Rising Stars designation to attorneys Megan C. Harris, Britni L. Bartik, Jacqueline M. Mazur, Lindsey G. Mirabella, Lacey K. Boulware, Chad A. Baker, and Naseem N. Hosseini.

About Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC

At MKFM Law, we make it our mission to make our clients' experiences as stress-free and affordable as possible. Over the last 75 years, our growing legal team has learned how important it is to handle each case with care and compassion while also providing aggressive representation. Whether you need to resolve issues related to divorce or child support, are considering filing a sexual harassment or employment discrimination claim, or need assistance with a criminal matter our skilled legal professional can help minimize stress and expenses. MKFM Law represents clients throughout DuPage, Kane, DeKalb, Will, Kendall, Cook, and Lake Counties.

To learn more about our services, visit https://www.mkfmlaw.com/. Prospective clients interested in scheduling a confidential consultation should call 630-665-7300.

SOURCE Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC
NEW YORK, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with the AI impact on market trends - The global duty-free retailing market size is estimated to grow by USD 22.74 billion from 2025-2029, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.3% during the forecast period. Growing international tourism is driving market growth, with a trend towards growing focus on enhancing shopping experience of travelers. However, stringent government regulations on duty-free tobacco products poses a challenge. Key market players include Aer Rianta International, Avolta AG, Changi Airport Group Singapore Pte. Ltd., China International Travel Service Co. Ltd., Delhi Duty Free Services Pvt. Ltd., DFS Group Ltd., Dubai Duty Free, Duty Free Americas Inc., Ever Rich Duty Free Shop, Flemingo International, Gebr. Heinemann SE and Co. KG, Hyundai Department Store Group Co. Ltd., James Richardson Group, Japan Airport Terminal Co. Ltd., King Power Group, Lagardere SA, Lotte Corp., Mumbai Duty Free, Qatar Airways Group Q.C.S.C., and The Shilla Duty free.

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Duty-Free Retailing Market 2025-2029

Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF

Duty-Free Retailing Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2024 Historic period 2019 - 2023 Forecast period 2025-2029 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 8.3% Market growth 2025-2029 USD 22737.1 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 7.8 Regional analysis APAC, Europe, North America, Middle East and Africa, and South America Performing market contribution APAC at 45% Key countries China, India, US, Canada, Germany, UK, South Korea, Japan, France, and Italy Key companies profiled Aer Rianta International, Avolta AG, Changi Airport Group Singapore Pte. Ltd., China International Travel Service Co. Ltd., Delhi Duty Free Services Pvt. Ltd., DFS Group Ltd., Dubai Duty Free, Duty Free Americas Inc., Ever Rich Duty Free Shop, Flemingo International, Gebr. Heinemann SE and Co. KG, Hyundai Department Store Group Co. Ltd., James Richardson Group, Japan Airport Terminal Co. Ltd., King Power Group, Lagardere SA, Lotte Corp., Mumbai Duty Free, Qatar Airways Group Q.C.S.C., and The Shilla Duty free

Market Driver

The global duty-free retail market is a significant segment of the travel retail industry, exempting consumers from taxes and customs allowances on purchases made at airports, international flights, railway stations, and other regulated retail environments. This industry generates substantial non-aeronautical revenue for travel hubs, primarily through the sale of merchandise like liquor, chocolate, perfume, and luxury goods. Duty-free shopping is a popular purchase driver for international travelers, with high-markup items such as alcohol, cigarettes, and tobacco being top sellers. EU regulations allow for duty-refund schemes, enabling consumers to reclaim taxes on purchases above certain thresholds. The retail landscape continues to evolve, with emerging trends including crypto-asset exchange, free-trade zones, and special exemptions for diplomatic and military personnel. Impulsive buying and consumer goods are key factors driving sales, while customs laws, baggage costs, and travel limitations impact the shopping experience. Merchandise categories include spirits, sweets, and cosmetics, with arrivals duty-free shops offering an attractive alternative to airport shops. Cruise lines and airlines also offer duty-free shopping in international waters.

The global duty-free retailing market is witnessing notable growth due to a heightened focus on enhancing the shopping experience for travelers. Duty-free retailers are implementing innovative strategies to improve the overall journey for consumers. One significant trend is the integration of advanced technology and digital solutions. These include mobile apps for pre-ordering and interactive displays offering product information. These digital advancements are transforming how travelers interact with duty-free outlets. Additionally, there is a trend towards creating visually appealing and experiential store environments to captivate travelers and encourage exploration.

Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution!

Market Challenges

 The global duty-free retailing market, a significant part of the travel retail industry, offers tax-exempt purchases for international travelers at airports, international flights, railway stations, and other travel hubs. Duty-free sales represent a valuable revenue source for these establishments, as travelers can buy merchandise, such as liquor, chocolate, perfume, and luxury goods, exempt from taxes and customs allowances. However, this regulated retail environment faces challenges, including EU regulations for duty-refund, high-markup on alcohol, cigarettes, and food restrictions, travel limitations, and customs laws. Purchase drivers include impulsive buying, shopping experience, and special exemptions for diplomatic and military personnel. Duty-free stores offer a wide range of consumer goods, from spirits and sweets to tobacco, cosmetics, and even crypto-asset exchange. Despite baggage costs, receipts, exchange rates, and travel insurance, duty-free shopping remains a popular activity for international travelers.

 The global duty-free retailing market has faced challenges due to stringent regulations on tobacco product sales. These regulations limit quantities and require strict age verification, making tobacco sales a difficult proposition for duty-free retailers. This situation hinders market expansion and revenue generation, negatively impacting not only tobacco sales but also other product categories within the duty-free sector. The regulatory environment presents a significant barrier to market growth, necessitating innovative strategies and partnerships for effective navigation. Over the last decade, numerous countries have imposed restrictions on tobacco sales, including duty-free stores.

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Segment Overview

This duty-free retailing market report extensively covers market segmentation by

Product

1.1 Cosmetics and perfumes

1.2 Fashion apparel and accessories

1.3 Tobacco and alcoholic beverages

1.4 Confectionery and fine foods

Distribution Channel

2.1 Airport

2.2 Border/downtown/hotel

2.3 Others

Geography

3.1 APAC

3.2 Europe

3.3 North America

3.4 Middle East and Africa

and 3.5 South America

1.1 Cosmetics and perfumes- The cosmetics and perfumes segment is a major revenue generator in the global duty-free retailing market. Factors such as the increasing number of international travelers, rising disposable income, and the trend of luxury shopping during travel have contributed to this segment's significant market share. Travelers from the APAC and Middle East regions have shown high sales growth in this segment. L'Oreal is a leading player in the cosmetics and perfumes segment, with a substantial market share. The company has launched various product lines specifically for duty-free shops and has created a special division, named the Sixth Continent, to focus on this market. In April 2022, L'Oreal Travel Retail Americas and EMEAI introduced Beauty to Go, an online+offline shopping concept in collaboration with Tripadvisor and Avolta. This initiative targets visitors planning trips on Tripadvisor with media ads, linking them to a special landing page promoting L'Oreal brands duty-free. Several other vendors are also expanding their market presence by opening retail stores and launching exclusive product lines for duty-free retail worldwide. These factors are expected to drive the growth of the cosmetics and perfumes segment in the global duty-free retailing market 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 Duty-Free retailing market is a significant global industry that caters to international travellers by offering goods and services exempt from taxes and customs allowances. This regulated retail environment is primarily located at airports and international flights, but also extends to railway stations. The revenue source for duty-free retailers comes from the taxes and duties waived on purchases, making it a valuable non-aeronautical income stream for airports. International travellers are the primary consumers in this market, with diplomatic and military personnel also eligible for duty-free purchases. The retail landscape is diverse, offering a shopping experience that goes beyond traditional duty-free shops, with a focus on luxury brands, fashion, electronics, and food and beverage. Purchase drivers include the allure of tax savings, unique product offerings, and the convenience of making purchases before departure. The duty-free retail industry is constantly evolving, with a focus on enhancing the shopping experience and adapting to changing consumer preferences. A certificate course in duty-free retailing provides industry professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this dynamic and complex market. Understanding the intricacies of taxes, imports, and value-added tax is essential for success in this exciting and rewarding field. International travel is the catalyst for duty-free sales, making it an integral part of the global retail landscape.

Market Research Overview

The duty-free retailing market is a significant global industry that offers travelers the opportunity to purchase merchandise exempt from taxes and customs allowances in a regulated retail environment. This market includes duty-free stores at airports, international flights, railway stations, and other travel hubs for diplomatic and military personnel. Duty-free shopping is a revenue source for airports and airlines, contributing to their non-aeronautical income. The retail landscape of duty-free shopping is diverse, with merchandise ranging from liquor, chocolate, and perfume to luxury goods, high-markup items like alcohol, cigarettes, and tobacco, and consumer goods. Shoppers are often driven by the unique shopping experience, tax savings, and the ability to purchase items that may be restricted or limited in their home country. Duty-free shopping involves the purchase of goods that are exempt from import taxes and duties, including value-added tax, in international travel. This can include spirits, sweets, and other items, subject to food restrictions and travel limitations. Shoppers receive a receipt and may be required to show it to customs upon arrival, along with their purchase, to claim a refund of the taxes paid. EU regulations and exchange rates also impact the duty-free retailing market, as do travel insurance and limitations on purchases, such as baggage costs and special exemptions. Crypto-asset exchange and gift purchasing are also becoming popular in some duty-free shops. Overall, duty-free shopping offers a unique and convenient shopping experience for international travelers.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

Product

Cosmetics And Perfumes



Fashion Apparel And Accessories



Tobacco And Alcoholic Beverages



Confectionery And Fine Foods

Distribution Channel

Airport



Border/downtown/hotel



Others

Geography

APAC



Europe



North America



Middle East And Africa



South 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
SOUTHLAKE, Texas, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Field Marketing Organization Empower Brokerage treasures giving back to the community, and recently, they were honored to donate $15,000 to the Me Squared Cancer Foundation to help support cancer patients in the Dallas-Fort Worth region.

After suffering a cancer diagnosis five years ago, Mimi Tran wanted to find a way to help others, so she created Me Squared to offer hope, cancer-related education, and financial assistance to cancer patients. The non-profit organization has awarded over $1.6 million in financial rewards to 700 individuals in the last five years since beginning operations. Individuals must be newly diagnosed adult cancer patients to qualify for assistance or have a recurrence of cancer in the previous six months. The patients also must reside in one of the following Texas counties: Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, and Wise. The foundation provides award recipients with funds for cancer-related medical treatment, chemotherapy, medication, radiation, surgery, and doctor visits. Lodging funds additionally exist for patients who must travel to appointments or undergo treatments.

The family-owned agency Empower Brokerage presented their generous donation to the Me Squared Cancer Foundation on December 18, 2024, at their annual office Christmas party. The administration and staff also donated over 100 knitted hats and care packs to help keep cancer patients warm and comfortable during their chemotherapy sessions.

The Me Squared Cancer Foundation will host its annual Black & White Gala at the Westin Southlake on March 8, 2025. The fundraiser features a live band, delicious food, and a silent auction. Seats are limited, and interested parties should contact Me Squared Foundation at 817-661-1143 to purchase tickets while they still last. Additional information about the organization can be found on their website HERE.

SOURCE Empower Brokerage, Inc.
FORT LEE BOROUGH, N.J., Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Eye Level, a global leader in supplemental education, proudly announces the launch of Summit of Math, an innovative online math program designed for students in grades 1-10.

Exploring critical thinking through Summit of Math!

Summit of Math offers a comprehensive, standards-aligned curriculum covering Grades 1-8 Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2. This state-of-the-art program features Eye Level's proprietary Walk Me Through technology, delivering real-time guided instruction and continuous assessments. It identifies learning gaps and provides personalized study plans to ensure students master critical math concepts.

Comprehensive Math Curriculum with Real-Time Insights

With an intuitive and user-friendly design, Summit of Math empowers students to start learning immediately. The platform provides instructors with real-time data to pinpoint individual weaknesses and track progress. This data-driven approach helps students seamlessly transition to more advanced topics when ready.

Enhancing Math Skills and Critical Thinking

The launch of Summit of Math complements Eye Level's existing math programs, equipping students to excel in school and beyond. It is available now at select Eye Level Learning Centers.

For more information or to find a center near you, visit https://www.myeyelevel.com/US/programs/summit_of_math.do or email [email protected].

About Eye Level

Eye Level is a trusted global education provider dedicated to helping each child reach their full potential. With its parent company Daekyo, Eye Level has supported millions of students in over 20 countries, providing personalized learning experiences that inspire academic success and critical thinking.

Contact Information:

Eye Level / Daekyo America

1310 Palisade Ave, Fort Lee, NJ 07024

SOURCE Eye Level
Operating in three European countries and Dubai, FCamara continues its expansion in Europe to deliver even more innovative results to clients in the region and Brazil

SAO PAULO, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- FCamara, a Brazilian multinational in technology and innovation, announces an initial investment of 4 million in Beta-i, a European consultancy specializing in collaborative innovation, aiming to accelerate FCamara's international growth and increase the impact of both companies on global innovation and technology projects.

"With this investment in Beta-i, our international expansion strategy becomes even more robust, as does our role as a consultancy delivering global business and innovation strategies. The real beneficiaries are clients from around the world, who will experience the company's increasing expertise in global projects," says Fabio Camara, founder and CEO of FCamara. With the partnership, in addition to its four offices in Europe and Dubai, FCamara will expand to Belgium and Boston (USA).

Beta-i, recognized for its work in energy transition, sustainability, and the blue economy, operates closely with the European Union's digital transformation initiatives. The partnership will allow both companies to expand their client base globally, focusing on three key areas: accelerating digital channel sales, generating new business, and improving operational efficiency through Artificial Intelligence.

FCamara projects that 50% of its revenue will come from global projects in the coming years. In the healthcare sector, where FCamara is already a leader in Open Health, Beta-i will enhance this with its experience in projects such as early Alzheimer's diagnosis. In the energy sector, Beta-i's expertise with a consortium of six multinational corporations will benefit Brazilian projects.

"Beta-i plays a crucial role in consolidating Europe as an innovation hub. Recently, we carried out a venture-building project with a Belgian food industry group, which showcased our synergy," explains Arthur Lawrence, co-CEO of FCamara.

"We identified the need for a strategic partnership to bring more value to clients through comprehensive solutions, reach new markets, and incorporate emerging technologies like AI. FCamara shares this entrepreneurial vision," comments Pedro Rocha Vieira, Global CEO of Beta-i.

In 2025, the focus will be on expanding in Europe and the United States, leveraging FCamara's established solutions in Brazil and enriching local offerings with Beta-i's expertise in energy transition and sustainability.
Shawn Evans, former Amazon leader, joins Adbrew, an award-winning AdTech platform empowering 1,000+ global brands, as GTM and Sales Advisor to drive global growth

NEW DELHI, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Adbrew, a leading B2B AdTech platform enabling over 1,000 global brands and agencies to scale their Amazon and Walmart Marketplace businesses, announced the appointment of Shawn Evans as the company's GTM and Sales Advisor. With over 15 years of expertise in e-commerce advertising and marketplace strategy, Evans brings unparalleled leadership and insights to Adbrew's mission of empowering brands and agencies across the globe.

Former Head of Strategic Partnerships at Amazon Ads, Shawn Evans, joins Adbrew to expand Global Growth Initiatives

Founded in July 2022 by former Amazon leaders, Adbrew has emerged as a trailblazer in the AdTech sector. As one of the few platforms offering Amazon Marketing Cloud (AMC) support for Sponsored Ads alongside comprehensive optimization capabilities across Sponsored ads and DSP, Adbrew empowers leading global brands to optimize campaigns, create audiences, and uncover actionable insights.

Adbrew's commitment to innovation has earned it recognition as a leader in the Amazon AdTech ecosystem. With eight Amazon Ads Partner Awards nominations and back-to-back wins for the Challenger Award  APAC (2023) and Global Expansion Award (2024), Adbrew has solidified its position as a trusted partner for brands looking to scale globally.

Shawn Evans joins Adbrew after a distinguished career at Amazon Ads, where he led worldwide strategic partner development. During his tenure, Evans managed a global team of 50+ professionals, driving unparalleled growth and innovation overseeing agency and tech provider partnerships globally. Prior to Amazon, he served as Senior Director at Microsoft, where he launched the Bing Ads Publisher Network and propelled the business to exceed $1 billion in annual ad spend within five years.

Evans' addition is a strategic move aimed at accelerating and driving Adbrew's global expansion initiatives. His deep understanding of marketplace dynamics and ability to craft transformative strategies will be instrumental in scaling Adbrew's offerings across Amazon and other e-commerce platforms.

"We've long admired Shawn as a highly respected leader in the industry. His exceptional expertise and proven track record in driving strategic growth align perfectly with Adbrew's vision as we continue to scale rapidly. With the increasing global demand for our advanced solutions across Sponsored Ads, DSP, and clean rooms like AMC for Amazon and Walmart, Shawn's leadership will be instrumental in accelerating our global growth. We're thrilled to have him on board!" said Ayush and Akshay, co-founders of Adbrew and former Amazonians.

"Joining Adbrew at this pivotal time is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of marketplace advertising," said Shawn Evans. "I'm eager to leverage my experience to further Adbrew's mission of delivering impactful results for agencies and brands across the globe, while continuing to innovate on behalf of their customers."

About Adbrew

Adbrew is an award-winning platform and one of the most advanced Amazon Ads optimization solutions available today. Offering a comprehensive suite of Amazon Ad productsincluding Sponsored Ads, Demand Side Platform (DSP), and Amazon Marketing Cloud (AMC)Adbrew empowers brands and agencies with the tools they need to drive measurable results, streamline campaign management, and unlock the full potential of their advertising investments. By integrating advanced technology with customer-centric solutions, Adbrew continues to redefine what's possible in marketplace advertising.

For more information, please visit https://adbrew.io/

Press Contact:

Akshay Kumar

+1 (908) 244 4442

https://adbrew.io/

SOURCE Adbrew
Daily nonstop flights, operated by SkyWest, begin in May

Daily Service Connects Oil & Natural Gas and Tourist Mecca with United's Denver Hub

FARMINGTON, N.M., Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Four Corners Regional Airport (FMN) is pleased to announce the launch of daily nonstop United Express service to United's Denver International Airport (DEN) hub beginning May 8, 2025. SkyWest Airlines will operate the route with the comfortable, 50-passenger Mitsubishi CRJ200 aircraft.

This new service will connect Farmington, the economic center of the Four Corners, with United Airlines' Denver hub, providing access to the carrier's global network spanning six continents.

Four Corners Regional Airport (FMN) announces daily nonstop United Express flights to Denver (DEN) starting May 8, 2025 Post this

"Since 2017, the City of Farmington has been steadfast in its mission to bring commercial jet air service to Four Corners Regional Airport. Although a 2019 agreement with SkyWest Airlines to launch service in 2020 was derailed by the unprecedented challenges of that year, we have remained resolute in pursuing this goal," said Nate Duckett, Mayor of Farmington. "We are excited to welcome SkyWest, the nation's number one regional carrier, and we are confident the region's demand will support a 50-seat jet, with the potential for additional flights and destinations as interest grows. This milestone marks a significant achievement for Farmington and the surrounding areas, enhancing both quality of life and economic opportunities throughout the Four Corners."

"We're excited to bring this new United Express service to the four corners area," said Cody Thomas, Managing Director of Market Development at SkyWest Airlines. "Little is more important to a community than quality air service. With just one flight from FMN, passengers can easily connect to hundreds of destinations worldwide on United's global network through Denver."

Four Corners Regional Airport Director Mike Lewis thanked SkyWest Airlines, United Airlines, and New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham for establishing the flights. "The Governor's office has championed this initiative as a key component of our state's economic development strategy," Lewis said.

Lewis also recognized State Representative Dayan Hochman-Vigil's contribution by introducing the New Mexico Rural Air Service Enhancement Fund (RASE) legislation. "The strong bipartisan support for RASE in the Statehouse has made these flights possible. This program demonstrates New Mexico's commitment to strengthening rural connectivity and economic growth."

The daily roundtrip flights are ideally timed for leisure and business travelers alike, with exceptional connection opportunities. From its Denver International (DEN) hub, United Airlines and United Express operate over 500 nonstop daily departures to around 180 destinations, including 21 international destinations. Customers can book now at www.united.com.

About SkyWest Airlines

SkyWest Airlines operates through partnerships with United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines carrying over 42 million passengers in 2024. Headquartered in St. George, Utah, SkyWest's fleet of nearly 500 aircraft connects passengers to 258 destinations throughout North America.



MEDIA CONTACT:

Gina Intoppa, Integrated Marketing & Communications Manager, City of Farmington, +1-505-599-1570, [email protected]

SOURCE City of Farmington
2025 Hyundai Tucson wins Best Compact SUV

2025 Hyundai Tucson PHEV wins Best Plug-in

2025 Hyundai Kona Electric wins Best Electric Vehicle

2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid wins Best Hybrid Car

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Four Hyundai vehicles were selected in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 Best Cars for the Money awards. The Hyundai Tucson retained its Best Compact SUV for the Money crown in the annual awards, and the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid has claimed the publication's Best Hybrid Car for the Money title for a fourth time. Additionally, the Hyundai Kona Electric and the Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid models are first-time winners, earning Best Electric SUV for the Money and Best Plug-In Hybrid SUV for the Money laurels, respectively.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric is photographed near Yucca Valley, Calif., on July 15, 2024.

"We are honored to be recognized as a leader with four 'Best Cars for the Money' awards by U.S. News & World Report," said Olabisi Boyle, senior vice president, product planning and mobility strategy, Hyundai Motor North America. "At Hyundai, we are dedicated to crafting attainable, stylish vehicles that blend cutting-edge features, engaging driving dynamics, and class-above cabins to deliver great ownership experiences. These honors further validate our commitment to delivering excellence for our customers."

These Hyundai models were selected as winners in their respective segments after U.S. News & World Report editors carefully evaluated nearly 90 vehicles. Covering 13 categories, these annual awards highlight cars, SUVs, trucks, and minivans that provide consumers with the best combination of quality and value.

"The Best Cars for the Money awards spotlight vehicles that blend a good ownership experience with good value, both at the time of purchase and down the road," said John Vincent, senior editor of vehicle testing at U.S. News. "To determine the winners, we look at factors that contribute to quality, such as fuel efficiency, comfort and practicality, and performance, but also heavily weigh the purchase price and total cost of ownership."

In their evaluations, the U.S. News & World Report editorial team looked at each vehicle's quality based on their overall score in the U.S. News Best Car Rankings, which are built on a combination of data points that include safety and reliability ratings, which are considered along with the collective opinion of the automotive press. Value is measured by evaluating transaction price data and five-year projected ownership costs.

U.S. News Best Cars

Since 2007, U.S. News Best Cars, the automotive channel of U.S. News & World Report, has published rankings and reviews of the majority of new vehicles sold in America. Each year, U.S. News also publishes the Best Cars Awards, including Best Vehicle Brands, Best Cars for the Money, and Best Cars for Families. U.S. News Best Cars supports car shoppers throughout the entire car buying journey, offering industry-leading advice for researching cars and finding cars for sale, as well as its U.S. News Best Price Program.

Hyundai Motor America

Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundai's 835 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a recent economic impact report. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com.

Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok

SOURCE Hyundai Motor America
LIMASSOL, Cyprus, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Schwarzwald Capital, a VC fund dedicated to empowering innovative fintech and creator economy projects, has released an in-depth report on the state of the creator economy. The report offers critical insights into market size, monetization methods, and the technological drivers shaping the sector's rapid growth.

By examining both the opportunities and challenges, the analysis offers a clear picture of where the creator economy stands today and where it might be headed in the coming years, serving as a vital resource for investors and creators.

Key Findings:

Creator Demographics : The 35-45 age group is the largest, accounting for 39% of creators, followed by the 20-25 demographic.

: The 35-45 age group is the largest, accounting for 39% of creators, followed by the 20-25 demographic. Platform Monetization : YouTube remains the leading income generator for creators, with platforms like TikTok and Instagram offering growing monetization opportunities.

: YouTube remains the leading income generator for creators, with platforms like TikTok and Instagram offering growing monetization opportunities. Financial Challenges: Despite the opportunities, 73% of creators earn below $30,000 annually, and many face high production costs. Fintech solutions are crucial for addressing creators' financial needs.

Future Key Trends (2025 and Beyond):

Industry Growth : The creator economy is projected to double to $480 billion by 2027 and $528 billion by 2030.

: The creator economy is projected to double to by 2027 and by 2030. Transition to Foundational Solutions : A shift from front-end tools to deeper, more foundational solutions is underway, with major companies recognizing creators as small businesses.

: A shift from front-end tools to deeper, more foundational solutions is underway, with major companies recognizing creators as small businesses. More Career Opportunities: Job postings within the creator economy surged by over 66% in just one quarter of 2024, reflecting a rapidly maturing sector.

Kyrillos Akritidis, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Schwarzwald Capital, says: "The creator economy is not just a passing trendit's a fundamental shift in how we view work and entrepreneurship. Building the right infrastructure and ecosystem for creators will unlock significant potential and create long-term growth for both creators and fintech companies."

The full report is available down the link .

About Schwarzwald Capital:

Schwarzwald Capital is a venture capital fund founded in 2020 by seasoned entrepreneurs Murad Salikhov and Kirillos Akriditis with the goal of accelerating the growth of startups that are pioneering and transforming the creator economy. The fund focuses on pre-seed and seed stage investments, supporting startups in the post-MVP and pre-traction phases across Europe, the USA and LATAM. Schwarzwald Capital has proudly supported numerous initiatives, including Fundof, destream, Humbee, DST agency, and Ceneka, each contributing uniquely to the evolving landscape of content creation and financial technology.

SOURCE Schwarzwald apital
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. Iran has consistently expressed its willingness to engage in discussions on various matters, including the nuclear program, while adhering to its principles and prioritizing its national interests, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said during a telephone conversation with UK's Foreign Minister David Lammy, Trend reports.

In response to Iran's position regarding its peaceful nuclear endeavors, Araghchi remarked that Iran's approach is not a novel one and conversations have previously revolved around this premise.



Stating that Iran backs the return to calm in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, Araghchi emphasized that Iran is all for peace and stability in the region and will do everything possible to achieve this goal.



The parties exchanged views on the present condition of their relationship, the recent progress made, and the significance of maintaining diplomatic dialogue throughout the phone conversation.

On November 29, 2024, the first round of the dialog between the Deputy Foreign Ministers of Iran and three European countries (the UK, France, and Germany) was held in Geneva. The second round of this dialog was continued on January 13-14 in Geneva.

To recall, on January 16, 2016, the JCPOA came into force between Iran and the P5+1 group (US, Russia, China, the UK, France, and Germany) regarding Irans nuclear program. However, on May 8, 2018, the US withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and the 5+1 group (Russia, China, the UK, France, the US, and Germany) and imposed new sanctions on Iran starting from November 2018.

By the end of 2020, the Iranian parliament decided to pursue a strategic plan in the nuclear sector to counter the sanctions, leading to a suspension of additional steps and the Additional Protocol as per the nuclear agreement.

Consequently, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) faced a reduction in monitoring capabilities by 2030 percent.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
New Additions Promise to Keep Convention Fresh and Exciting for Years to Come

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- GalaxyCon, the largest independently owned consumer fan engagement company, is thrilled to announce that its 2024 events generated a staggering $42 million in economic impact across seven cities. The success underscores GalaxyCon's continued commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for fans while significantly benefiting local businesses, hotels, and tourism.

In 2024, GalaxyCon brought its one-of-a-kind fan experience to Raleigh, NC, Richmond, VA, Oklahoma City, OK, Columbus, OH, San Jose, CA, Des Moines, IA, and Miami, FL

GalaxyCon Brings $42 Million Economic Boost to Local Economies in 2024, Prepares for 18 Show Expansion in 2025 Post this

With attendees flocking from across the country, these shows supported local hotels, restaurants, and transportation, bolstering community economies and solidifying GalaxyCon's reputation as a vital economic engine.

Building on this success, GalaxyCon is expanding its footprint in 2025 with 18 shows scheduled, including brand-new markets including Chicago, IL, New Orleans, LA, Philadelphia, PA, Cleveland, OH, St. Louis, MO, Savannah, GA, as well as new exciting partnerships.

GalaxyCon is also deepening its presence in existing markets like Des Moines, IA, and others. This ambitious expansion reflects GalaxyCon's dedication to reaching more fans and providing new opportunities for communities to benefit from pop culture tourism.

"While 2024 was our most successful year to date, 2025 will be even bigger," said Mike Broder, founder and president of GalaxyCon. "We look forward to continuing to grow and evolve our brand in exciting new ways across new markets to reach even more fans."

GalaxyCon is excited to announce the launch of Galaxie Ink for 2025, in partnership with River City Tattoo, to bring safe and ethical body art services to the convention world. "Galaxie Ink is a fully integrated element of GalaxyCon's shows, including the Celebrity Tattoo Experience where fans can meet their favorite celebrity and get their signature tattooed on them," said Robert Weaver, Co-Owner of River City Tattoo. "Galaxie Ink exists to bring the tattoo and piercing experience to the fans of the convention world in an environment where they feel safe and inclusive."

For GalaxyCon's full 2025 schedule and for ticket information, visit www.galaxycon.com .

"GalaxyCon is about creating unforgettable experiences for fans while also positively impacting the communities we visit," says Peter Katz, Senior Vice President of GalaxyCon. "We are excited to expand our reach in 2025 with new markets and returning fan-favorite cities."

For media inquiries, please contact:

Justin Burkhardt

610-730-3709

[email protected]

ABOUT GALAXYCON LLC

GalaxyCon LLC is the largest independently owned consumer and fan engagement company. Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and founded by Mike Broder in 2006, GalaxyCon is made for fans, by fans. The company organizes pop culture, anime, and horror-themed events across the United States, uniting celebrities and fans in celebration of fandom. Events in cities like Columbus, Oklahoma City, Raleigh, Richmond, and San Jose attract between 20,000 and 50,000 fans per show.

GalaxyCon is more than a comic conit's a celebration of fandom.

SOURCE GalaxyCon LLC
MIDLAND, Texas, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Gameday Men's Health is excited to announce the signing of a 10-year lease with Gordon Cornerstone Partners, LP, solidifying its commitment to bringing advanced men's health services to the Midland community. The new clinic will be located on the second floor at 4400 Midland Drive, Ste 2200, Midland, TX 79707, within the Cornerstone Shopping Center, a premier retail destination in the area. For convenience, the building is equipped with elevator access, ensuring easy entry for all patients.

Michael Moyer, owner of GameDay Men's Health in Midland, welcomes you! Come see us. Your health is our priority at GameDay Men's Health in Midland. Come experience the GameDay difference.

"The overwhelming support from the Midland community has been incredible," said Michael Moyer, Owner of Gameday Men's Health. "This new clinic represents our commitment to providing the advanced care men deservehelping them restore energy, confidence, and vitality in their daily lives."

Grand Opening Scheduled for March 2025

The clinic is on track to open its doors in March 2025, offering personalized testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), erectile dysfunction treatments, weight management, and comprehensive wellness support.

To celebrate the opening, Gameday Men's Health is extending an exclusive 20% discount on treatments for the first 50 patients who book a consultation by March 1, 2025.

Hiring of Medical Director

Gameday Men's Health is proud to announce the hiring of its Medical Director, a vital addition to the Midland clinic's leadership team. The Medical Director will oversee the clinic's medical operations, ensuring the highest standards of care in testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), erectile dysfunction treatments, weight management, and other wellness services. This hiring reflects Gameday Men's Health's commitment to delivering personalized, expert-driven healthcare to the Midland community.

About Gameday Men's Health

Founded with the mission to redefine men's health, Gameday Men's Health provides targeted treatments designed to enhance energy, vitality, and overall well-being. The Midland clinic will feature state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and a patient-centered approach, ensuring personalized care tailored to each individual's needs.

Book a Consultation

Don't wait! Visit GameDay Men's Health Website today to schedule your consultation and take advantage of our exclusive grand opening promotions.

About Cornerstone Shopping Center

Cornerstone Shopping Center is a prominent retail hub in Midland, offering a variety of shopping and dining options. Its convenient location and diverse tenant mix make it a central destination for the community.

For Media Inquiries, Contact:

Michael and Kristin Moyer

[email protected]

(432) 245-5858

Follow us for updates and exclusive offers: Facebook , LinkedIn , X , Instagram , Tik Tok .

Note: Details in this press release are subject to change. Please refer to the Gameday Men's Health website for the latest information.

SOURCE GameDay Men's Health Midland
NEW YORK, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with market evolution powered by AI - The global gender reassignment surgery market size is estimated to grow by USD 374.2 million from 2025-2029, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 11.2% during the forecast period. Increase in number of people opting for sex change surgeries globally is driving market growth, with a trend towards advancements in medical technology. However, high cost of surgeries poses a challenge. Key market players include Andrew Ives., Boston Childrens Hospital, Boston Medical Center, Chettawut Plastic Surgery Center, CNY Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery, Crane Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, IVAN MANERO CLINIC S.L., Moein Surgical Arts, Oregon Health and Science University, Phuket International Aesthetic Centre PIAC, Plastic Surgery Group of Rochester, Regents of the University of Michigan, Rumer Cosmetic Surgery, Sava Perovic Foundation Surgery, The Johns Hopkins Health System Corp., Transgender Surgery Institute, and University of Pennsylvania Health System.

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Gender Reassignment Surgery Market 2025-2029

Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF

Gender Reassignment Surgery Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2024 Historic period 2019 - 2023 Forecast period 2025-2029 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 11.2% Market growth 2025-2029 USD 374.2 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 9.8 Regional analysis North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of World (ROW) Performing market contribution North America at 50% Key countries US, UK, Germany, Canada, Thailand, Spain, Brazil, India, Argentina, and Malaysia Key companies profiled Andrew Ives., Boston Childrens Hospital, Boston Medical Center, Chettawut Plastic Surgery Center, CNY Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery, Crane Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, IVAN MANERO CLINIC S.L., Moein Surgical Arts, Oregon Health and Science University, Phuket International Aesthetic Centre PIAC, Plastic Surgery Group of Rochester, Regents of the University of Michigan, Rumer Cosmetic Surgery, Sava Perovic Foundation Surgery, The Johns Hopkins Health System Corp., Transgender Surgery Institute, and University of Pennsylvania Health System

Market Driver

The gender reassignment surgery market is experiencing significant growth due to shifting healthcare policies, cultural attitudes, and individual preferences. Transgender individuals seek surgical procedures such as male-to-female surgeries (hysterectomy, breast surgery, and genital reconstruction) and female-to-male surgeries (phalloplasty). Hormone therapy and facial surgeries are also popular interventions. Ethical and legal concerns, affordability, and access to comprehensive healthcare are key challenges. Specialized clinics offer ambulatory surgical options, skilled surgical teams, and personalized services. Innovative techniques and medical advancements aim for quality outcomes and reduced recovery times. Mental health-related issues like anxiety, depression, and gender dysphoria are addressed through ongoing medical care and insurance coverage. Public awareness campaigns and societal stigma reduction promote transgender rights and access to transgender surgeries. Regulatory bodies ensure surgical quality and patient safety. The industry progresses with a focus on individual preferences, body contouring, and gender affirmation. Surgical fees, hospitalization, and postoperative care vary, impacting disposable incomes and accessibility.

The gender reassignment surgery market is experiencing significant growth due to advancements in medical technology. These advancements include new surgical techniques, medical devices, imaging technologies, and perioperative care practices. For instance, minimally invasive surgical approaches, such as laparoscopic and robotic-assisted procedures, offer benefits like smaller incisions, less blood loss, quicker recovery times, and better cosmetic outcomes for surgeries like vaginoplasty and hysterectomy. Additionally, innovations in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine show potential for improving gender reassignment surgery outcomes, particularly in genital reconstruction.

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Market Challenges

The sex reassignment surgery market caters to the needs of transgender individuals seeking to align their physical appearance with their gender identity. Challenges include healthcare policies, cultural attitudes, and ethical concerns. Surgical procedures include genital reconstruction, facial surgeries, and hormone therapy. Specialized clinics offer comprehensive healthcare, including ambulatory surgical centers and hospitalization. Male-to-female and female-to-male surgeries, such as hysterectomy, mastectomy, phalloplasty, and breast surgery, are common. Skilled surgical teams provide personalized services, ensuring quality outcomes and recovery times. Ongoing medical care and insurance coverage are crucial considerations. Medical innovations, such as minimally invasive techniques and body contouring surgery, aim to reduce trauma and improve surgical quality. Ethical and legal concerns, affordability, and societal stigma persist, necessitating antidiscrimination laws and public awareness campaigns. Transgender population mental health-related issues, such as anxiety and depression, are addressed through gender affirmation and specialized medical services. Industry progress includes medical centers, regulatory bodies, and innovative techniques. Surgical fees, wait times, and recovery times vary, impacting disposable incomes and access to care.

The gender reassignment surgery market involves costs related to hormone therapy, counseling, and living full-time as a person of the target sex in the year preceding the surgery. These expenses, along with the cost of the actual surgical procedures and follow-up care, can range from USD0.2 to USD0.5 million for male-to-female transitions and USD0.4 to USD0.8 million for female-to-male transitions. Post-surgery, ongoing costs include hormone therapy for life and continued doctor visits. Private hospitals or clinics determine these costs.

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Segment Overview

This gender reassignment surgery market report extensively covers market segmentation by

Type

1.1 Male to female

1.2 Female to male

End-user

2.1 Hospitals

2.2 Clinics

Geography

3.1 North America

3.2 Europe

3.3 Asia

3.4 Rest of World (ROW)

1.1 Male to female- The male-to-female gender reassignment surgery market involves the transformation of male genitalia into a form resembling female anatomy. Pre-surgery, patients may undergo hormonal therapy for feminization. Procedures include vaginoplasty, facial hair removal, breast augmentation, and facial feminization surgery. Vendors like the Mount Sinai Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery offer comprehensive options. The surgery creates a neo-vagina using parts of the original penis, scrotal skin for labia, and penile erectile tissue for the neo-clitoris. Orchiectomy removes the testicles. The urethra is preserved. Irreversible, this decision requires careful consideration. While some transsexual women may face intercourse difficulties, research indicates adequate sexual functioning and high satisfaction post-surgery. This finding may fuel market expansion during the forecast period.

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Research Analysis

The gender reassignment surgery market encompasses various surgical and hormonal interventions aimed at aligning an individual's physical body with their gender identity. This market is influenced by several factors, including healthcare policies, cultural attitudes, and population needs. Surgical procedures include genital reconstruction, such as phalloplasty and hysterectomy, as well as facial surgeries. Hormone therapy is another essential component of gender reassignment, which can involve the use of estrogen or testosterone. From a mental health perspective, comprehensive healthcare approaches that address the psychological aspects of gender identity are crucial. Medical innovations continue to advance, offering more options and improved techniques. Ethical concerns and affordability remain significant challenges in the gender reassignment surgery market, with ongoing debates regarding access to care and insurance coverage. Overall, the market caters to the diverse needs of individuals seeking gender affirmation, with healthcare centers playing a vital role in providing compassionate and inclusive care.

Market Research Overview

The gender reassignment surgery market encompasses various medical interventions designed to help transgender individuals align their physical appearance with their gender identity. This includes surgical procedures such as genital reconstruction (male-to-female and female-to-male surgeries), facial surgeries, breast surgery, and body contouring. Hormone therapy is often a prerequisite for these surgeries. Cultural attitudes and healthcare policies significantly impact access to these procedures, with antidiscrimination laws and insurance coverage playing crucial roles. Ethical and legal concerns are ongoing issues, as are affordability concerns for many transgender individuals. Comprehensive healthcare and specialized clinics offer personalized services, skilled surgical teams, and quality outcomes. Innovative techniques and medical advancements continue to improve surgical outcomes, recovery times, and reduce stigma. Gender dysphoria, anxiety, depression, and other mental health-related issues are addressed through medical interventions and community support. The transgender population's growing awareness and public awareness campaigns contribute to industry progress, with regulatory bodies ensuring surgical quality and patient safety. The average cost of transgender surgeries varies widely, with trauma and mental illnesses often compounding financial challenges.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

Type

Male To Female



Female To Male

End-user

Hospitals



Clinics

Geography

North America



Europe



Asia



Rest Of World (ROW)

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
Students Thriving On New School Campus; Grand Opening Ceremony Set for Feb. 1 at 11 a.m.

LAUDERDALE LAKES, Fla., Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With the sight of construction hats and bulldozers now a distant memory and construction complete, Central Charter School now occupies a new, 100,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility. More than 1,600 students now attend school on the new school campus.

A Grand Opening ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for Feb. 1 at 11 a.m. Members of the community are invited to join students, faculty, and families at the event and tour the facility.

Construction on the three-story facility some have likened to a "house of our dreams" began just over one-and-a-half years ago. The campus, located on North State Road 7 in Fort Lauderdale, includes a new cafeteria, library, music room, indoor gymnasium, and enough classroom space to educate 1,600 students from Kindergarten through Grade 8. Previously, the school occupied three different buildings that had been converted from office and retail space into classrooms. Central Charter School opened in 1997 and serves a student population that hails primarily from Jamaica, Haiti, the Bahamas, and other Caribbean islands.

"The saying cautions us to be careful what you wish for, but this time, that's not the case. We wanted a beautiful, new school campus with the best and latest amenities, and we got it," said Central Charter School CEO Hugh Jarrett. "This inspirational space incorporates the latest technology and will inspire our students and faculty alike. I am beyond thrilled we will now offer our community the opportunity to receive an excellent education in a top-tier facility."

"Creating this new school environment is a move toward greatness," Central Charter School Principal John Billingsley added. "We have a remarkable educational program and now we have it in a remarkable space, as well."

Building Hope, a nonprofit foundation dedicated to creating high-quality K-12 charter school opportunities for students through its expertise in real estate, finance, and operational services, provided financial advisory services for the project.

"It is a point of pride for every member of our team to build schools, to build community, and to build hope," said Richard Moreno, president of Building Hope Services. "A space like this is one unlocks the dreams and aspirations of the young minds who occupy it and will have an impact that extends for generations."

About Building Hope

Building Hope is a national nonprofit that empowers advancements in education through our work with charter schools providing unparalleled facility financing, real estate development, and operational services. We believe a facility should never be the barrier preventing a child from attending a great school. During our 20-year history, Building Hope has supported more than $1 billion in the development of school facilities. For more information, visit www.buildinghope.org.

About Central Charter School

Founded to address the academic and social needs for at-risk students in the Broward County School District, Central Charter School is a Kindergarten through Grade 8 center and essential organization in the community. The school provides an enriched innovative education program focusing on reading, writing, mathematics, and language arts. Central Charter's curriculum emphasizes high expectations for success for enrolled students, as well as proper manners and behavior, all in a positive, safe environment. The school is also known for providing opportunities to enhance parenting skills for the parents of enrolled students. For more information, visit www.centralcharterschool.org.

Media Contacts

ShinePR for Building Hope

[email protected]

SOURCE Building Hope
BOSTON, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SVN International Corp. (SVN), a global commercial real estate brand, is pleased to announce the appointment of Brian Chadwick, the Director of Retail at SVN | Second Story Real Estate Management, as the Co-Chair of the SVN Retail Product Council. Chadwick will join forces with Ryan Imbrie, CCIM, the current Retail Co-Chair, to bring his retail expertise and insights to this leadership role.

SVN International Corp. (SVN), a global commercial real estate brand, is pleased to announce the appointment of Brian Chadwick, the Director of Retail at SVN | Second Story Real Estate Management, as the Co-Chair of the SVN Retail Product Council.

Before joining SVN in 2022, Brian spent nearly 20 years as Director of Finance and Dispositions at a public mall REIT, where he sourced, negotiated, and closed over $1 billion in loans and property sales. He was responsible for underwriting financials for various retail properties, including malls, power centers, and strip centers, and managed the full sales process. Since joining SVN, Brian has handled major transactions, including the sale of a 950,000-square-foot enclosed mall, a 150,000-square-foot power center, and several multi-tenant retail centers.

Brian is committed to supporting his fellow brokers in the retail real estate sector by sharing his expertise, connecting them with industry contacts, and offering creative solutions to complex transactions. "My goal is to help other brokers in the SVN family by sharing my knowledge and assisting with problem-solving. Fostering a collaborative environment within SVN strengthens our brand and benefits everyone," he adds.

About SVN

The SVN organization is a globally recognized commercial real estate entity united by a shared vision of creating value with clients, colleagues, and our communities. The SVN brand is comprised of over 2,000 Advisors and staff in more than 200 offices across the globe in six countries. Our brand pillars represent the transparency, innovation, and inclusivity that enables all our Advisors to collaborate with the entire real estate industry on behalf of our clients. SVN's unique Shared Value Network is just one of the many ways that SVN Advisors create amazing value with our clients, colleagues, and communities. For more information, visit www.svn.com .

All SVN offices are independently owned and operated. To learn more about becoming an SVN commercial real estate business owner, visit http://www.svn.com/franchise/ .

Contact: SVNIC Corporate Marketing

[email protected]

SOURCE SVN International Corp
Journalists from Bangladesh, Brazil, El Salvador, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, the Philippines and Ukraine will produce cross-border investigative reporting for Global Press.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ten women and nonbinary journalists from around the world are now reporting fellows in the inaugural Global Press Shifting Democracies Fellowship, a two-year program focused on news coverage of the rise of authoritarianism.

Global Press welcomes Shifting Democracy fellows.

The program, the first of its kind for Global Press, blends rigorous advanced journalism training with the long-term production of investigative and explanatory cross-border reporting. The news produced will examine underlying factors driving changes in political systems and how these shifts influence global security, economic development, and more.

"Projects like this demonstrate the power of the fourth estate," Global Press fellow and Ukrainian journalist Liubov Velychko said. "They highlight the strength of women journalists who can change the world and can serve as an inspiring example for colleagues who may still doubt their capabilities."

The ten journalists will investigate the underlying factors driving changes in political systems and examine how these shifts influence global security, economic development, and more. Their work will be published on GlobalPressJournal.com and via its international media partners, as well as by local news organizations in each coverage country.

"With such a diverse and experienced incoming cohort, we are excited to offer learning opportunities that foster collaboration, meaningful discussions and exposure to experts and diverse viewpoints, while also exploring and deepening their skill sets," said Paula Torres, Director of Journalism Education at Global Press.

About Global Press

Since 2006, Global Press has trained and employed hundreds of local women journalists in the communities where they live. Specializing in coverage of civil liberties, global health and the environment, reporters produce investigative and explanatory reporting that offers unique cross-border insights and nuanced analysis. Global Press has published thousands of stories on its multilingual, award-winning publication Global Press Journal , many of which have gone on to inspire everything from policy change to catalyzing local movements.

For more information contact Partnerships and Communications Manager Louise Scrivens [email protected]

Contact: Louise Scrivens

[email protected]

SOURCE Global Press
DALLAS, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Goldman Sachs Alternatives and Dalfen Industrial, a leader in last-mile industrial real estate, have announced the acquisition of a 21-building, 2.1-million-square-foot portfolio of infill logistics properties. The deal was acquired off-market and adds strategic assets across Dallas, Las Vegas, Cincinnati, and Pennsylvania to their growing portfolio.

The newly acquired portfolio is 92% leased to 68 tenants, including prominent names such as Amazon, Red Bull, and Packaging Corporation of America.

Park 309, Quakertown, PA

"Our success in executing on a multi-market transaction is attributable to our regional structure and deep market knowledge," said Mike Cohen, Head of Acquisitions at Dalfen Industrial. "Our local presence helps our teams deliver strong operating performance resulting in meaningful portfolio value creation."

Sean Dalfen, President & CEO of Dalfen Industrial, emphasized the value-driven nature of the transaction:

"Dalfen Industrial is excited about adding exceptional assets in strong submarkets with substantial barriers to entry. The portfolio features a diversified rent roll across modern, well-located buildings in markets we know intimately. Acquired at well below replacement cost, we see significant potential to enhance value through strategic improvements and capturing upside as below-market leases roll over."

With this acquisition, the partnership between Dalfen Industrial and Goldman Sachs now totals 94 buildings and 19 million square feet in major U.S. markets, further solidifying their position as a market leader in industrial real estate.

"This acquisition fits our strategy to invest in assets that benefit from thematic trends such as the growth of e-commerce, onshoring and supply chain disaggregation in locations with favorable consumer and labor market dynamics. We are excited to continue to grow exposure to logistics assets in these markets," said Chance Monroe, Managing Director in Real Estate at Goldman Sachs Alternatives.

About Dalfen Industrial

Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Dalfen Industrial LLC is a premier name in last-mile industrial real estate and one of the largest privately held industrial real estate firms in the United States. The company specializes in strategically located infill warehouses and distribution centers, with a portfolio exceeding 50 million square feet.

About Real Estate at Goldman Sachs Alternatives

Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS) is one of the leading investors in alternatives globally, with over $500 billion in alternative assets and more than 35 years of experience. The business invests in the full spectrum of alternatives including private equity, growth equity, private credit, real estate, infrastructure, hedge funds and sustainability. Clients access these solutions through direct strategies, customized partnerships, and open-architecture programs.

The business is driven by a focus on partnership and shared success with its clients, seeking to deliver long-term investment performance drawing on its global network and deep expertise across industries and markets.

The alternative investments platform is part of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, which delivers investment and advisory services across public and private markets for the world's leading institutions, financial advisors and individuals. Goldman Sachs has $3.1 trillion in assets under supervision globally as of September 30, 2024.

Established in 1991, Real Estate at Goldman Sachs Alternatives is one of the leading investors in real estate with over $60 billion in capital invested since 2012 across the spectrum of investment strategies from core to opportunistic and credit. The global team invests across all sectors with deep expertise across the capital structure, in assets ranging from single properties to large portfolios, through senior mortgages, mezzanine debt and equity.

Media Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Dalfen Industrial
RICHARDSON, Texas, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Halff, an award-winning, employee-owned and full-service infrastructure consulting firm, proudly celebrates its legacy of improving lives and communities with its 75th anniversary in 2025. Since its founding in 1950 by Dr. Albert H. Halff, the firm has grown from a one-man consulting practice into one of the nation's largest infrastructure consulting firms.

Dr. Albert H. Halff founded the firm as a one-man consulting practice in 1950.

Dr. Halff's extraordinary vision centered on creating resilient infrastructure to positively impact the lives of the people and communities he served. Under his leadership, Halff pioneered advancements in hydraulics, hydrology, and floodplain management. His entrepreneurial mindset resulted in the achievement of 13 patents on engineering advances.

"When people hear the name Halff in our industry, they think of excellence, the quality of work and always doing the right thing," Halff President and CEO Jessica Baker Daily said. "Dr. Halff's legacy continues to shine in our culture today. We are so proud to honor 75 years of his vision, which is rooted in caring for others and making a meaningful impact in our communities. It's our privilege and responsibility to sustain and carry that culture forward. We look toward the future of collaboration, innovation and community as we celebrate this milestone anniversary in 2025. I couldn't be more excited about our firm continuing to live out our purpose of improving lives and communities."

In the seven decades since, Halff has developed into an integrated provider of infrastructure, mobility, placemaking and water solutions. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the government, corporate, development, education, energy and transportation markets.

Halff has been shaping infrastructure in Texas and across the Southeast, leaving its mark on impactful projects. It all started in 1951 with the City of Houston Water Treatment and Filtration Plant, followed by Texas Instruments' Dallas Campus in 1957. In 1966, Halff helped protect Dallas from flooding with its work on the Bachman Branch project. The firm went on to design the Copper Breaks State Park Dam in for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) in 1975 and played a key role in renovating Fair Park in 1986.

Fast forward to 1993, Halff tackled the Cole Park Stormwater Detention Vault, and in 2003, it contributed to the the Dallas North Tollway Extension.The firm was instrumental in securing the permit for the Anzalduas International Bridge in McAllen in 2010. The firm was vital in the creation of FAMU Way in Tallahassee and made critical infrastructure updates to the Fort Smith, Arkansas, Airport. The firm is part of one of the nation's largest tunnel projectsthe Mill Creek Drainage Relief Tunnel in Dallas. Most recently, Halff contributed to Texas' first-ever statewide flood plan, approved in 2024, reinforcing its legacy of innovation and resilience across the state.

Across all these, one theme is common: people first. This commitment to people has been the foundation of the firm's successpast, present and future. Inspired by Dr. Halff's legacy of giving, employees launched the Halff Community Initiative (HCI), a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping neighboring communities and championing causes that matter most to its employees. Since its inception in 2017, HCI has contributed more than $930,000 to support 423 charity organizations, all selected by Halff employees. In 2025, Halff proudly continues its mission to improve lives and communities by delivering exceptional service to clients through 1,500 dedicated team members across more than 30 offices nationwide.

"We owe the success of our growth and achievements to the exceptional people who have preceded us and to those with us now," Halff Chairman of the Board Trey Murray said. "We remain committed to the legacy of collaboration and innovation instilled by our founder, Dr. Albert H Halff, to serve our clients while developing our people. We look forward to building upon our 75 year foundation as we embrace the opportunities that lie ahead."

As Halff celebrates 75 years, the firm remains focused on the future. With aging infrastructure and new development needs driving growth, Halff leverages its one-stop-shop approach to deliver the right expertise for every project. This seamless collaboration ensures client goals are achieved while staying true to the firm's people-first philosophy.

Contact:

Russell Luna

PR Leader

Halff

214.217.6687

[email protected]

SOURCE Halff
CHICAGO, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) and the Association of Medical Directors of Information Systems (AMDIS) today announced the signing of an exclusive partnership agreement to create a permanent link between their global networks of health professionals. The partnership will grow and enhance the educational programming and resources available to physicians and clinical leaders.

After decades of collaboration, the expanded partnership aims to leverage the unique strengths of both organizations to better support the evolving needs of clinical executives worldwide.

The agreement enhances the partnership between AMDIS and HIMSS, which includes new educational offerings for health professionals, collaborative work on public policy, and co-hosted events. These joint efforts will provide robust resources and networking opportunities for physicians, Chief Medical Information Officers (CMIOs), clinical leadership, and health technology professionals worldwide.

"Through our partnership with AMDIS, we are creating a trusted network that enables physicians and health system executives to collaborate and share insights that will transform the future of the global health ecosystem, ultimately improving care delivery and patient outcomes," said Hal Wolf, President & CEO of HIMSS. "Digital health transformation is rapidly accelerating, and this partnership will provide the tools and resources clinical leaders need to lead and support advanced infrastructures and stay at the forefront of health innovation."

The new partnership between AMDIS and HIMSS will include:

Exclusive Educational Initiatives : The partnership will focus on developing executive training programs and educational resources, which aim to provide a comprehensive, multi-modal learning experience for clinical leaders to drive digital health transformation at their organizations.





: The partnership will focus on developing executive training programs and educational resources, which aim to provide a comprehensive, multi-modal learning experience for clinical leaders to drive digital health transformation at their organizations. Shared Leadership Development : Both organizations will continue to work together to support the HIMSS-AMDIS Physician Executive Award, recognizing exceptional physician leaders in health information and technology, as well as explore new, blended membership models that bring together the strengths of both communities.





: Both organizations will continue to work together to support the HIMSS-AMDIS Physician Executive Award, recognizing exceptional physician leaders in health information and technology, as well as explore new, blended membership models that bring together the strengths of both communities. Joint Events & Programs : AMDIS and HIMSS will co-develop and cross-promote major healthcare conferences, including the HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition and the AMDIS Physician-Computer Connection Symposium. Both organizations will actively collaborate on opportunities to deliver new programs to support the clinician executive.





: AMDIS and HIMSS will co-develop and cross-promote major healthcare conferences, including the HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition and the AMDIS Physician-Computer Connection Symposium. Both organizations will actively collaborate on opportunities to deliver new programs to support the clinician executive. International Growth: The partnership will focus on North America to begin, then expand internationally, developing new educational and membership initiatives to further enhance the global reach of both organizations.

"We are excited to enter into this new phase of collaboration with HIMSS," said Richard L. Rydell, CEO of AMDIS. "By combining our expertise in clinical informatics with HIMSS's global influence in health technology, we can offer unprecedented educational opportunities and tools for physician leaders, ensuring they are equipped to globally advance patient care and outcomes through education, networking, and content development."

About Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS)

The HIMSS Vision is to realize the full health potential of every human, everywhere. The HIMSS Mission is to reform the global health ecosystem through the power of information and technology. With a global society of 125,000 individuals, 430+ provider organizations, 500+ nonprofit partners, and 550+ health services organizations, HIMSS offers a unique depth and breadth of expertise in digital health transformation, public policy, workforce development, governance, analytics, and cybersecurity to empower health and healthcare leaders, clinicians, and technology partners across the global health ecosystem.

HIMSS provides critical insights, advisory services, educational resources, professional development tools, and networking opportunities to the global health information and technology communities. The HIMSS Global Headquarters is in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and the HIMSS Americas Headquarters is in Chicago, Illinois. Join our global society at www.himss.org.

About AMDIS

Founded in 1997, the Association of Medical Directors of Information Systems is the premier professional organization for physicians interested in and responsible for healthcare information technology.

AMDIS Members are the thought leaders, decision makers and opinion influencers dedicated to advancing the field of Applied Medical Informatics and thereby improving the practice of medicine. AMDIS is the home for the connected CMIO. Join AMDIS at www.amdis.org

SOURCE HIMSS-HEALTHCARE INFORMATION AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS SOCIETY
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TomoCredit, the financial wellness platform that helps immigrants and underserved groups get access to essential credit, released today these practical tips on how to use the latest AI technology to protect your personal finances.

TomoCredit Founder and CEO Kristy Kim said about the state of AI for personal finance, "While a lot of people are scared about how AI will affect their personal finances and data security, our team really wanted to point out that in this exciting era of artificial intelligence (AI), managing personal finances has become smarter, faster, and more secure."

With financial scams, identity theft, and data breaches on the rise, leveraging AI-driven tools can provide an extra layer of protection while helping you stay on top of your financial goals. Not only does AI safeguard your financial data but also empowers you to make more informed and strategic decisions to help you get ahead.

Here are some tips on leveraging modern AI tools to improve and protect your personal finances:

AI tools continuously analyze your spending patterns to detect unusual activities. Services like machine learning-based fraud alerts can instantly flag suspicious transactions, enabling you to take swift action before significant damage occurs. Many banks and credit card companies now use AI algorithms to monitor real-time transactions, detecting and blocking fraudulent charges proactively. Choosing financial institutions that implement these advanced fraud detection systems is a critical step toward securing your accounts.

TomoCredit harnesses AI to provide credit access to individuals without traditional credit scores. By analyzing alternative datasuch as income, spending behaviors, and banking activitiesTomo offers a credit solution that helps users build their credit responsibly. This innovative approach removes barriers to credit access, empowering users to participate in the financial system and work toward financial independence. With Tomo, users can build credit while maintaining financial discipline, supported by intelligent spending limits and real-time account monitoring. With the power of AI, Tomo enables everyone to participate in the American economy.

Apps like Mint and YNAB (You Need A Budget) use AI to analyze your income, recurring expenses, and spending habits, helping to create a dynamic and realistic budget. AI categorizes your expenses with precision, providing actionable insights into spending trends. This can help you identify wasteful spending, manage debt, and set achievable savings goals. Personalized alerts for overspending or upcoming bills can keep you accountable and help you avoid costly late fees and penalties. AI-driven budgeting tools also adapt to financial changes, making it easier to stay on track even when your income fluctuates.

Robo-advisors like Betterment and Wealthfront use AI algorithms to create and manage personalized investment portfolios based on your risk tolerance and long-term financial goals. These AI tools automatically adjust asset allocations, rebalance portfolios, and optimize tax strategiesall with minimal fees. This hands-off approach to investing allows beginners and experienced investors alike to grow their wealth efficiently. AI can also forecast market trends and simulate different investment scenarios, providing tailored recommendations for maximizing returns.

By integrating cutting-edge AI tools into your financial routine, you can protect yourself from fraud, streamline budgeting, and make smarter investment decisionsultimately securing your financial future and opening doors to greater economic participation.

About TomoCredit

Founded in 2019 by Kristy Kim, TomoCredit is a champion for financial inclusion. TomoCredit is transforming the credit industry, offering solutions to establish a robust credit history for those considered "credit invisible"  including new U.S. citizens without prior credit history, small and medium-sized business owners, students, and other young adults who demonstrate sound financial practices.

Media Contact

Jenny Beres

[email protected]

941-993-7222

SOURCE TomoCredit
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. Iran has always been committed to resolving issues and concerns through dialogue and mutual understanding, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said in a telephone conversation with Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski, Trend reports.

According to him, the dialogue between Iran and three European countries is currently ongoing, and at the same time, Iran is fully prepared for the whole situation.

During the phone call, Araghchi conveyed optimism for a fruitful relationship and collaboration between Iran and the EU under Poland's guidance in the EU.

The Polish Foreign Minister characterized the relationship between Iran and Poland as amicable during their phone conversation and expressed optimism that the challenges between Iran and the EU, particularly the nuclear matter, will find resolution.

On November 29, 2024, the first round of the dialogue between the Deputy Foreign Ministers of Iran and three European countries (the UK, France, and Germany) was held in Geneva. The second round of this dialogue was continued on January 13-14 in Geneva.

To recall, on January 16, 2016, the JCPOA came into force between Iran and the P5+1 group (US, Russia, China, the UK, France, and Germany) regarding Irans nuclear program. However, on May 8, 2018, the US withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and the 5+1 group (Russia, China, the UK, France, the US, and Germany) and imposed new sanctions on Iran starting from November 2018.

By the end of 2020, the Iranian parliament decided to pursue a strategic plan in the nuclear sector to counter the sanctions, leading to a suspension of additional steps and the Additional Protocol as per the nuclear agreement.

Consequently, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) faced a reduction in monitoring capabilities by 2030 percent.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Info-Tech Research Group, a global research and advisory firm, has announced that its hit conference, Info-Tech LIVE, a globally renowned IT event for CIOs and IT leaders, will make its European debut in Barcelona on October 21-22, 2025. Info-Tech LIVE is renowned for offering exclusive insights, networking opportunities, and engagement with leading industry analysts and experts. This is the first time it will be hosted for IT professionals in the EMEA region.

TORONTO, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Info-Tech Research Group, a global leader in IT research and advisory, has announced the expansion of its flagship Info-Tech LIVE conference series to Europe. The highly anticipated event, Info-Tech LIVE in Barcelona, will take place on October 21-22, 2025, at the SLS Barcelona in the vibrant city of Barcelona, Spain. This new European addition builds on the success of Info-Tech LIVE events in North America and the recent announcement of expansion into the APAC region. The event will be a gathering of CIOs and IT leaders across the EMEA region to connect with one another, collaborate, and access actionable insights from industry experts, including Info-Tech's analyst roster.

Info-Tech Research Group has announced that its hit conference, Info-Tech LIVE, a globally renowned IT event for CIOs and IT leaders, will make its European debut in Barcelona on October 21-22, 2025. (CNW Group/Info-Tech Research Group)

Attendees can look forward to a dynamic program that includes engaging mainstage keynotes from industry leaders, technical keynotes exploring cutting-edge technologies, collaborative roundtables and panels on pressing IT challenges, and exclusive one-on-one analyst engagements offering tailored guidance and insights. The two-day conference is designed to empower EMEA IT leaders to navigate the rapidly evolving technology landscape and deliver transformative outcomes for their organizations.

"It is a noteworthy development that Info-Tech will be expanding its prestigious Info-Tech LIVE conference to Barcelona this October. Our clients have long awaited a European event, and this conference will provide an unparalleled opportunity for CIOs across the EMEA region to network and engage directly with our esteemed analyst community," says Nigel Bowles, Vice President, Info-Tech Research Group, UK. "This initiative is a testament to our continued investment in delivering localized support, services, and events to our EMEA-based clients, ensuring they have access to the resources necessary to drive change at their organizations."

Building on the success of previous LIVE events, Info-Tech LIVE 2025 in Barcelona will serve as a platform for regional IT leaders to gain expert guidance on critical priorities, exchange ideas with peers, and explore the latest trends shaping the future of IT. From tackling cybersecurity challenges to leveraging emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing, attendees will be equipped with practical strategies to address the complex and anticipated IT demands of 2025 and beyond.

As Info-Tech's footprint grows globally, the firm remains committed to delivering localized experiences that resonate with its diverse client base. In addition to Barcelona, the firm is hosting multiple LIVE conferences in other regions this year, including Info-Tech LIVE in Las Vegas, June 10-12, 2025, and Info-Tech LIVE in Australia, March 18-19, 2025, ensuring IT leaders worldwide have access to unparalleled opportunities for learning, networking, and innovation.

Info-Tech LIVE events, including LIVE in Barcelona, offer participants a unique opportunity to connect with IT decision-makers and explore the latest trends in technology and business innovation. Journalists, podcasters, and influencers will have access to exclusive content, research, and interviews with industry leaders.

For more information about the event, please visit Info-Tech's LIVE media kit page. Media professionals looking to apply for media passes for LIVE in Barcelona can contact [email protected].

Further details on the event theme, keynote speakers, and registration will be announced in the coming months. Follow Info-Tech Research Group on LinkedIn and X for updates.

About Info-Tech Research Group

Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world's leading research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 IT and HR professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.

To learn more about Info-Tech's divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software-buying insights.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm's Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact [email protected].

SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group
The brand refresh, which began rolling out in recent months, is centered on a new core concept: "The Art of Deli-cious." This captures the essence of Jason's Deli's mission  to craft delicious, honest-to-goodness food served with the same care and attention that has made the restaurant a favorite for nearly five decades. The new identity is being integrated across all touchpoints and assets, from the website and app, to packaging, merchandise, and photography, all designed to deliver a more cohesive experience.

"Jason's Deli is incredibly energized by this investment in our brand and experience," said Blake Parker, Chief Innovation Officer at Jason's Deli. "By giving it the same attention that we've always given both our food and service, we know we're creating an even better journey for our customers, and creating more avenues for new people to connect with us."

The brand's new restaurant prototype brings their updated identity to life, while still integrating classic deli cues. The modern layout introduces a host of new features, including the addition of digital kiosks and diversifying its dining areas, in order to better serve customers with greater convenience and flexibility. Meanwhile, the brand's salad bar, their most popular offering, now takes center stage and has been reimagined with a more efficient one-sided line, empowering customers to craft their own salads with ease.

"It was really exciting for ChangeUp to work with Jason's Deli because we were able to holistically look at the brand from top to bottom and consider how it translates into their physical environment," said Ryan Brazelton, Chief Creative Officer at ChangeUp. "Their product and service has always been amazing, so it was really about elevating their brand and experience to reflect their offering and in a way that felt authentic to who they are."

Jason's Deli has plans for future locations to reflect the new branding and look. To celebrate this next chapter, their recently remodeled Beaumont, Texas restaurant will serve as the backdrop for a special event. On February 4th at 10 AM CT, at 535 N. Dowlen Road., Jason's Deli will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration. Representatives from the founding Tortorice family will speak, followed by a dedication from the local bishop. Brand executives, local community leaders, and media will also be in attendance. Customers are encouraged to come dine beginning at 11am, with raffles throughout the day.

As a nod to the community, Jason's Deli will also be donating 20% of all dine-in sales at their Dowlen Road location on February 4th to the nonprofit Gift of Life, further underscoring the brand's longstanding commitment to giving back to the community where it all began.

The very first Jason's Deli opened in Beaumont, Texas in 1976, and the city still serves as their headquarters.

About Jason's Deli:

Jason's Deli is a family-owned deli restaurant chain founded in Beaumont, Texas, in 1976 by Joe Tortorice Jr. With over 240 locations across 27 states, it was the first major restaurant to ban artificial trans fats in 2005 and to eliminate high-fructose corn syrup. Offering a diverse menu that includes gluten-sensitive items, vegetarian meals, healthy kids' choices, and a build-your-own salad bar, Jason's Deli ensures there's something for everyone. For more details, visit jasonsdeli.com.

About ChangeUp:

ChangeUp is an award-winning experience agency designing for the moments where brands and customers meet. We develop brand-led experiences that create change for businesses through strategy, brand design, store design, and architecture. We drive change for fast-moving brands, from startups to the F500, working with clients including Panera Bread, Burger King, KIA, Panda Express, Discount Tire, Baskin-Robbins, and Trek. We believe change is not a risk, it's the answer. Learn more about ChangeUp at www.changeupinc.com.

Media Contact:

Rebecca Dersh

Communications Director, ChangeUp

[email protected]

SOURCE Jason's Deli
DALLAS, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Jennifer Haltom Doan was installed as National President of the American Board of Trial Advocates at the organization's National Annual Meeting and Leadership Conference in Los Cabos, Mexico, on January 25, 2025. Ms. Doan was sworn in by Justice Ruby Sondock (Ret.), the first female justice to serve on the Texas Supreme Court.

Ms. Doan is a longtime ABOTA member, officer, and National Board member who has served on the ABOTA National Board of Directors and the ABOTA Foundation's Board of Trustees since her induction into the association in 2007.

Jennifer Haltom Doan and Justice Ruby Sondock (Ret.)

Cynthia McGuinn, who served as ABOTA 2018 National President, described Ms. Doan as a lawyer who has the courage to face the complex and ever-challenging difficulties with respect to the rule of law and optimism in the face of public apathy for democracy.

"Jennifer Doan possesses the leadership qualities of firmness and perseverance of purpose," Ms. McGuinn said. "She is a force of nature and a beacon of light, ideally suited to guide ABOTA to be the best of all it can be."

Ms. Doan served as President of TEX-ABOTA and has served as ABOTA National Secretary (2019-2020), as ABOTA National Executive Committee Member (2018-2020, 2023-2024), as Co-Chair of ABOTA National Trial College (2022 and 2024; faculty 2016, 2018), as Co-Chair of ABOTA Constitution & Bylaws Committee (2021-2022), and as Co-Chair of ABOTA National Jury Summit: Jury Trials in the Age of Pandemics (2020). She co-created ABOTA's Mastering Virtual Advocacy series (2021) and taught numerous Masters in Trial programs. Ms. Doan was also an elected Trustee of the ABOTA Foundation.

The Honorable J. Rodney Gilstrap, Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, described Ms. Doan as an accomplished and skilled trial lawyer who has tried multiple complex civil cases to verdict.

"Fearless in the courtroom, she presents to the court and the jury the essential elements of her clients' cases, tempered with civility and effective advocacy and always delivered with professionalism  the two pillars upon which ABOTA was formed," Judge Gilstrap said.

Ms. Doan becomes the 66th National President of ABOTA and the sixth female president in its history. In her role as National President, Ms. Doan said that she aims to further the organization's vision, including enhancing public understanding of the constitutional right to a jury trial and promoting new technologies within the legal profession.

"It is the honor of my career to be able to serve ABOTA," Ms. Doan said. "I'm excited about the work that we have done in the past and the phenomenal actions we will take and accomplish in the future as we introduce and work with new areas of trial technologies. Together, we will use our multiple voices to speak as one voice, united for the Seventh Amendment, the rule of law, and democracy."

A native of Texas, Ms. Doan is the managing partner of Haltom & Doan, a law firm based in Texarkana, Texas. Recognized as one of the nation's leading trial lawyers, Ms. Doan has a proven track record of excellence in product liability, intellectual property, antitrust, class action, personal injury and bet-the-company litigation. She is double board certified in Civil Trial Law and Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Her dedication to justice and her unwavering advocacy for her clients have earned her numerous accolades, including recognition in Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, and Chambers USA. She has likewise received a number of awards and recognitions including being selected as "Litigator of the Week" by The American Lawyer, by The Recorder in California, and by The Texas Lawyer.

Ms. Doan has served as lead counsel in high-profile intellectual property cases, including significant patent disputes that have shaped legal precedent. Throughout her career, she has been a leader in fostering legal education and mentoring young attorneys, embodying ABOTA's values of professionalism and civility with the highest degree of integrity. Repeatedly recognized as the Top Trial Lawyer in East Texas, Ms. Doan appears on several shortlists, including the Top 50 Women Lawyers in Texas and the Top 250 Lawyers in the United States. She is a member of the International Society of Barristers and the International Association of Defense Counsel and has served as Chair of the Litigation Section of the State Bar of Texas. Ms. Doan is a Life Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation, the Arkansas Bar Foundation, and the College of the State Bar of Texas.

ABOUT ABOTA

ABOTA is an invitation-only national association of 7,000 highly experienced trial lawyers and judges dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the Seventh Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees the right to civil jury trials. ABOTA's primary goal is to educate the American public about the history and value of the right to trial by jury, and it is dedicated to elevating the standards of skill, integrity, honor, and courtesy in the legal profession.

For more information contact:

Brian Tyson at (800) 932-2682

[email protected]

SOURCE AMERICAN BOARD OF TRIAL ADVOCATES (ABOTA)
NANCHANG, China, Jan. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from Jiangxi International Communication Center(JXICC): This year marks the first Spring Festival after its successful inscription onto the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists, sparking an unprecedented wave of enthusiasm across the world. People worldwide have eagerly participated in this grand event brimming with traditional cultural charm, spreading the joy and blessings of the Spring Festival beyond borders.

Joy of Spring Festival: Chinese New Year Market Tour Joy of Spring Festival: The Sweet Home of Frozen Rice Candy

To celebrate 2025 Spring Festival, Jiangxi, a province in the east of China, has meticulously planned 1,709 diverse activities and introduced 634 tourism benefits for the people, aiming to provide tourists and citizens alike with enhanced travel experiences and a sense of fulfillment.

Foreign friends in Jiangxi have also immersed themselves in this joyous celebrations, experiencing and savoring the festivities to welcome the Chinese New Year.

Chinese New Year Market Tour

Visiting the Chinese New Year market is a tradition during the Spring Festival, a custom that has passed down through the millennia, carrying the essence of Chinese culture. The markets are usually bustling with local snacks, fresh meat and frozen goods, fruits and dried nuts, as well as fragrant flowers and red couplets and "Fu" characters, creating a lively, festive, and harmonious scene.

At the rural market in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province, the festive vibes is becoming even stronger. Suhaa, a foreign friend from Morocco, is a fan of the Chinese market-going culture. Let's follow her lens to explore the unique charm of the Chinese New Year market.

The Sweet Home of Frozen Rice Candy

As a provincial intangible cultural heritage production technique, every step in the production of Fengcheng frozen rice candy embodies the dedication and wisdom of artisans, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of traditional Chinese pastry making.

For many Chinese, frozen rice candy is not only a culinary delight, but also the continuation of a culture, carrying the memories of the "Chinese New Year" and the attachment to the flavors of their childhood.

Daniella, a beautiful girl from Russia, experienced the production process of frozen rice candy with laughter and joy, and she deeply appreciated the sweetness and warmth in the dynamic Jiangxi.

SOURCE Jiangxi International Communication Center(JXICC)
RPOWER POS customers can leverage the Kickfin integration to auto-calculate tip pools and pay out real-time tips, directly to their employees' existing bank accounts  no cash required.

AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kickfin , the leading tip management software, today announced the launch of its integration with RPOWER POS. The integration gives RPOWER users the ability to auto-calculate tip pools and send payouts directly to their employees' bank of choice  no spreadsheets, cash or pay cards required.

Kickfin is how busy restaurants, bars and nightclubs manage tips. Easy to use and endlessly customizable, Kickfin eliminates tedious tip calculations and cash from the payout process, so managers can move faster, track everything, and ensure accuracy and compliance.

A trusted name in the hospitality industry, RPOWER POS is an innovative point-of-sale solution that empowers bars and restaurants to streamline operations and enhance guest experiences. Known for its seamless integration capabilities for handheld mobility, online ordering, and robust reporting, RPOWER POS enables businesses to stay competitive in a fast-paced industry.

"We're excited to offer this powerful integration to RPOWER users," said Jami Interdonato, the president of RPOWER POS. "Thousands of restaurants rely on our system for its adaptability and robust feature suite. When they activate the Kickfin integration, restaurant teams can take their operational efficiency to the next level."

Kickfin's POS integrations make it simple to build highly complex tip policies and calculate tips based on roles, shifts, hours worked, points, sales categories and more. The software's category-leading capabilities include robust payment tracking, so managers can maintain an electronic "paper trail" for every tip-out, as well as the calculations used to determine tip amounts. Reports can easily be pulled by pay period for accurate, streamlined accounting.

A longstanding customer of both Kickfin and RPOWER, Riot Hospitality Group (RHG) oversees 15 restaurant and nightlife concepts across the country. RHG's team collaborated with Kickfin throughout the development of the integration and was a beta user.

"Kickfin has been an outstanding partner to Riot Hospitality Group for years," said J Goldin, the systems director for RHG. "They had already helped us go fully cashless, which eliminated a lot of risk for our teams. When we decided to completely automate tip payouts, they were a natural choice to help with that as well. We worked hand in hand with Kickfin and RPOWER to ensure the system could handle the intense complexity of our rules, while still being incredibly easy to use for our operators. Paying out tips now takes us mere moments instead of multiple hours every week. Riot Hospitality Group couldn't be happier with the solutions and the true teamwork Kickfin provides."

"This integration is a no-brainer for RPOWER users who understand how valuable their managers' time is," said Kickfin's co-CEO Justin Roberts . "As always, we developed this latest integration with input and feedback from on-the-ground operators, and we're excited for RPOWER's customer base to experience the benefits of automated tip management."

About Kickfin

Ranked the #1 tip distribution software, Kickfin gives restaurant pros the power to tip out their whole team in 60 seconds. Thousands of restaurants use Kickfin to automate complex tip calculations and send real-time payouts directly to their employees' bank of choice, no cash (or math!) required. Save time, track everything  and make tip payouts the best part of everyone's day. For more information about Kickfin, visit kickfin.com .

About RPOWER

RPOWER POS is a trusted name in restaurant technology, delivering powerful, flexible, and reliable solutions that meet the evolving needs of the food service industry. From seamless reporting and analytics to advanced handheld technology, RPOWER provides comprehensive solutions that help restaurants thrive in today's competitive market. For more information, please visit www.rpowerpos.com .

Contact:

Keely Hungate

VP Marketing, Kickfin

[email protected]

SOURCE Kickfin
This partnership represents a significant step forward in addressing the limited access to Gd-160, a barrier that has long restricted the advancement of Tb-161-based treatments into clinical trials. Kinectrics' brings proven expertise in isotope enrichment for Ytterbium-176 (Yb-176) and now is leveraging that technology to bring forward Gd-160. Isotopia has consistently produced high-quality, commercial-scale quantities of Lu-177 and for the last two years produced Tb-161 on a weekly basis for its own clinical trial. With access to Gd-160 secured, this agreement is expected to accelerate the development of Tb-161-based radiotherapeutics, moving them one step closer to commercial availability.

David Harris, President and CEO of Kinectrics, expressed his excitement about the new agreement: "We are extremely pleased to partner with Isotopia in providing the critical isotope Gadolinium-160 to support their production of Terbium-161. After years of research and development as well as significant investment, Kinectrics is proud to be producing highly enriched stable isotopes for the radiopharmaceutical industry. This agreement removes a key bottleneck to advancing Tb-161-based therapies, and we look forward to contributing to the progression of these treatments into late-stage clinical trials."

Dr. Eli Shalom, CEO of Isotopia, had this to say about this long-term partnership: "Terbium-161 has long been considered a promising radioactive isotope for targeted cancer therapy, as it has two different mechanisms for cancer cell destruction.

Tb-161 offers a potential advantage over Lu-177 due to its emission of Auger electrons, which are highly effective in targeting micro-metastases by causing double-strand DNA breaks. This mechanism may deliver precise therapeutic benefits while reducing side effects compared to alpha-emitting isotopes.

We are excited about this partnership with Kinectrics, as it will enable Isotopia to deliver on its promise to bring Tb-161 to the marketplace and allow us to advance our own Tb-161-labeled drug products.

Radiotherapeutics are gaining increasing attention in the medical community due to their ability to deliver highly targeted treatment to cancer cells while minimizing collateral damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

About Kinectrics

Kinectrics is a category leader in providing lifecycle management services for the electricity industry. Trusted by clients worldwide, our expertise in engineering, testing, inspection, and certification is backed by our independent laboratory and testing facilities, a diverse fleet of field inspection equipment and an award-winning team of over 1,300 engineers and technical experts. From initial design and type testing to operational deployment and maintenance services, Kinectrics collaborates closely with customers to ensure that utility assets perform safely, reliably, and efficiently throughout their entire lifecycle. Kinectrics is a founding member of the Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII) and the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC).

About Isotopia

Isotopia Molecular Imaging Ltd. is a leader in the supply of Lu-177 and Tb-161, with a global manufacturing footprint in Israel, Europe, and the United States. Its development team includes nuclear pharmacists, radiochemists, nuclear engineers, and physicists. Combined with its nuclear pharmacy, cyclotron facility, 177Lu / 161 Tb production sites, and sterile manufacturing plant, Isotopia provides a well-established platform for manufacturing and industry collaborations. Isotopia's collaborations with the scientific and medical communities allow it to further develop and experiment with new markers for imaging applications and molecular therapy.

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2608886/Isotopia_Logo.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2608887/Kinectrics_Logo.jpg

Contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE Isotopia; Kinectrics
The lawsuit alleges Vendor Direct Solutions violated the California Labor Code by failing to provide its employees with meal and rest periods.

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Los Angeles labor law attorneys at Zakay Law Group, APLC and JCL Law Firm, APC, filed a class action complaint against Vendor Direct Solutions, for allegedly failing to provide meal and rest breaks. The class action lawsuit, Case No. 25STCV00317, is currently pending in the Los Angeles County Superior Court of the State of California. A copy of the Complaint can be read here.

According to the lawsuit, Vendor Direct Solutions allegedly violated California Labor Code Sections  201, 202, 203, 204, 210, 226.7, 510, 512, 558, 1194, 1197, 1197.1, 1198, 1198.5 and 2802 by failing to: (1) pay minimum wages; (2) pay overtime wages; (3) provide required meal and rest periods; (4) provide accurate itemized wage statements; (5) provide wages when due; and (6) reimburse for required business expenses.

As a result of their rigorous work schedules, Vendor Direct Solutions employees were allegedly unable to take off duty meal breaks and were not fully relieved of duty for meal periods. Specifically, the lawsuit alleges employees were from time to time interrupted during their off-duty meal breaks to complete tasks for Vendor Direct Solutions. Employees were allegedly required to perform work as ordered by Vendor Direct Solutions for more than five (5) hours during a shift without receiving an off-duty meal break. Further, the lawsuit alleges Vendor Direct Solutions failed to provide employees with a second off-duty meal period each workday in which these employees were required by Vendor Direct Solutions to work ten (10) hours of work. The policy of Vendor Direct Solutions allegedly caused employees to remain on-call and on duty during what was supposed to be their off-duty meal periods. Employees therefore allegedly forfeited meal breaks without additional compensation and in accordance with the strict corporate policy and practice of Vendor Direct Solutions.

If you would like to know more about the Vendor Direct Solutions lawsuit, please contact Attorney Jackland Hom today by calling (619) 255-9047.

Zakay Law Group, APLC and JCL Law Firm, APC are labor and employment law firms with offices located in California that dedicate their practices to fighting for employees who have been wronged by their employers due to unfair employment practices. Contact one of their attorneys today if you need help with workplace issues regarding wage and hour, wrongful termination, retaliation, discrimination, and harassment.

-THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT (Rules Prof. Conduct, rule 7.2)-

SOURCE Zakay Law Group, APC
Highly Anticipated State Launch Marks the Brand's Seventh Retail Market and Establishes Coast-to-Coast Presence

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- STIIIZY , America's best selling cannabis lifestyle brand, announced its official expansion into New York. Beginning February 7, consumers 21+ can purchase authentic STIIIZY cannabis products at select retailers across the Empire State, with a large presence in New York City and surrounding areas.

STIIIZY

Founded in Los Angeles in 2017, STIIIZY remains rooted in an authentic understanding and respect for urban cannabis culture. The brand has earned a cult following for its highly sought-after strains and apparel collection, becoming one of the fastest-growing and most popular cannabis brands in the country. Its signature products include flower, extracts, and best-in-class vapes that rank number one among loyal consumers and new audiencesone in three vapes sold in California is made by STIIIZY.

This expansion into New York signifies a major company milestone for the company, establishing STIIIZY as a bi-coastal brand now available in one of the nation's most populated states. STIIIZY's highly anticipated New York launch marks the seventh state that STIIIZY products are available for purchase  in addition to California, Nevada, Illinois, Michigan, Arizona and most recently, Missouri. STIIIZY has also created an exclusive strain, New York Diesel, which is only available in select retail locations across New York.

"STIIIZY fans asked us to come to New York, and we heard them loud and clear," said James Kim, Co-Founder and CEO of STIIIZY. "New York has a vibrant community of cannabis enthusiasts who are loyal to brands and engaged in the culturea passion we share at STIIIZY. We look forward to seeing our premium productsincluding our new strains exclusive to New Yorkfeatured on dispensary menus statewide."

Through a well-crafted expansion strategy, STIIIZY continues to bring its high-quality products to consumers from coast to coast through its strong network of cannabis dispensaries and its own retail stores. STIIIZY's debut in New York City represents a significant milestone for the cannabis industry, especially considering New York's recent legalization of recreational marijuana. STIIIZY's signature products will now be available in New York City, including its renowned STIIIZY Batteries, STIIIZY Pods, all-in-one vapes, and 40's infused multi-pack joints.

For more information on the New York launch please visit STIIIZY's website .

A link to press assets (imagery, video, etc.) can be found HERE .

About STIIIZY

STIIIZY's mission is to provide consumers with consistent, high-quality, and trusted products inspired by authentic cannabis culture. Headquartered in Los Angeles, STIIIZY is a vertically integrated cannabis company founded in 2017 by seasoned industry experts. STIIIZY is committed to making a positive impact on its local communities, including by investing capital to improve parks and schools, and providing assistance and resources to veterans. With more than 1,700 employees serving over 20,000 customers every day, STIIIZY is the largest private cannabis company and top selling cannabis brand in the U.S. STIIIZY's multi-state operations include 41 retail stores in California and three retail stores in Michigan. For more information on STIIIZY, visit: https://www.stiiizy.com.

SOURCE STIIIZY
Doubling down on open source, Mirantis invests further in the cloud native ecosystem

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF), which builds sustainable ecosystems for cloud native software, today announced that Mirantis, providing organizations with total control over their strategic infrastructure using open-source software, has upgraded its membership to Gold.

Mirantis helps organizations accelerate time to value and simplify operations of modern workloads at scale wherever they are needed, by delivering Cloud Native open-source software to provide complete control over their strategic infrastructure. The company combines intelligent automation and cloud native expertise for managing and operating virtual machines, containers, Kubernetes, and cloud environments.

"Having joined CNCF in 2016, Mirantis is deeply committed to the Kubernetes and CNCF ecosystems. As we double down on being a 100% pure play open source business, we are determined to invest further into these ecosystems," said Randy Bias, vice president of open source strategy and technology, Mirantis. "For example, we deliver the 100% open source k0s CNCF-certified Kubernetes lightweight distribution. We will soon be announcing another new open source project that builds on top of our existing CNCF ecosystem projects that will help grow and enrich Kubernetes."

Having long-contributed to the Kubernetes project, every Mirantis product is Kubernetes-based or Kubernetes-related including enterprise products, Mirantis OpenStack on Kubernetes (MOSK) and Mirantis Kubernetes Engine (MKE). Mirantis also just recently moved to Harbor for Mirantis Secure Registry (MSR).

A longtime proponent of open source, Mirantis is actively involved and contributes to more than 50 open source projects with efforts that are steered by the company's Open Source Program Office directed by Bias. The company has also created several open source projects like k0s, the Mirantis certified Kubernetes distribution optimized for distributed edge workloads such as AI inference, and k0smotron, a Kubernetes control plane software, which are all broadly adopted. Mirantis also leverages numerous Graduated, Incubating, and Sandbox projects including OpenTelemetry, Project Sveltos, KubeVirt, Rook, Calico, Prometheus, and many others.

"From very early on, Mirantis saw the importance of Kubernetes and CNCF and has been a valuable contributor to the cloud native ecosystem," said Chris Anizczyk, CTO, CNCF. "Their move to become a Gold member is welcomed by CNCF and the community and we look forward to the team's continued engagement and support."

At CNCF's upcoming flagship conference KubeCon + CloudNativeCon Europe in London, happening 14 April, Mirantis has increased its sponsorship to the Gold level where it will display its latest open source innovations.

Additional Resources

About Cloud Native Computing Foundation

Cloud native computing empowers organizations to build and run scalable applications with an open source software stack in public, private, and hybrid clouds. The Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) hosts critical components of the global technology infrastructure, including Kubernetes, Prometheus, and Envoy. CNCF brings together the industry's top developers, end users, and vendors and runs the largest open source developer conferences in the world. Supported by more than 800 members, including the world's largest cloud computing and software companies, as well as over 200 innovative startups, CNCF is part of the nonprofit Linux Foundation. For more information, please visit www.cncf.io .

The Linux Foundation has registered trademarks and uses trademarks. For a list of trademarks of The Linux Foundation, please see our trademark usage page. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.

Media Contact

Jessie Adams-Shore

The Linux Foundation

[email protected]

SOURCE Cloud Native Computing Foundation
ARLINGTON, Va., Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lovelytics, a leading data, AI, and analytics consulting firm, proudly announces the acquisition of Datalytics, marking a significant step in expanding its global footprint and expertise in Databricks Data Intelligence Platform migrations. Headquartered in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with offices in Medellin, Colombia, and Madrid, Spain, Datalytics has built an 18-year reputation as a trusted partner for enterprises undergoing data and AI transformations.

Together, the two companies create a 340-person pure-play Databricks consulting firm, backed by Databricks Ventures and Interlock Equity.

"From the beginning, this partnership felt like a perfect match, both technically and culturally," said Scott Love, CEO of Lovelytics. "The exceptional talent and expertise of the Datalytics team strengthens our ability to tackle our clients' most complex challenges at scale. Datalytics brings market-leading Databricks migration accelerators, driving migration efficiencies of over 50% in LATAM. We are prepared to combine these with our proven capabilities to the U.S. market, helping our clients modernize faster and achieve data-driven success."

With the addition of Datalytics, the combined organization is well-positioned to scale rapidly and expand its global reach. Customers will benefit from an expanded team delivering greater value across data engineering, AI, and machine learning.

"Today, organizations want to unify their data, AI, and analytics to build intelligent applications trained on their unique dataor what we refer to as data intelligence. Partners like Lovelytics are critical to helping us reach more enterprises looking to transition to a modern data platform like Databricks," said Sabina Shaikh, Vice President of Global Systems Integrators at Databricks. "This acquisition underscores Lovelytics' commitment to helping organizations across the globe accelerate their data and AI strategies, reduce migration timelines and costs, and unlock new business insights."

Patricio Moreno, CEO of Datalytics, expressed his enthusiasm for the merger: "Datalytics has been one of the premier data consulting firms in South America for the past 18 years. We are excited to join Lovelytics, as this partnership allows us to accelerate our growth and enhance our service to both Lovelytics and Datalytics' global customers."

Guillermo Watson, founder and CDO of Datalytics said: "Our companies share a deep commitment to collaboration, innovation, and growth. We are confident that this will bring new professional opportunities for our employees and take the company to the next level."

This acquisition underscores Lovelytics' commitment to Databricks as a key consulting partner in the market. Together, Lovelytics and Datalytics are setting new standards for data and AI innovation on a global scale.

About Lovelytics

Lovelytics is a leading data, AI, and analytics consulting firm headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, with team members across the United States and Canada. The company specializes in delivering cutting-edge solutions within the Databricks ecosystem, earning consistent recognition as a top Databricks partner. Lovelytics is backed by Databricks Ventures and Interlock Equity. For more information, visit lovelytics.com .

About Datalytics

Founded in 2007, with 18 years of experience, Datalytics is a leading Data & AI consulting firm with offices in Argentina, Colombia, and Spain. Datalytics turns data into actionable insights, offering a full range of services across the data lifecycle: data strategy, engineering, AI, machine learning, governance, training, and more. The company has an interdisciplinary team of over 240 professionals serving clients across Latin America, the United States, and Europe. For more information, visit datalytics.com.

Media Contact:

Brittany Beman

[email protected]

SOURCE Lovelytics
BAYTOWN, Texas, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lyte Fiber, LLC ("Lyte"), a leading provider of advanced fiber internet solutions, celebrated a major milestone of lighting its first connected homes in Baytown. The momentous occasion was marked with a Jan. 29 ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Baytown Chamber of Commerce, bringing together local officials, community leaders, and residents to celebrate a brighter, faster-connected future.

Representatives of Lyte Fiber join Baytown elected officials for a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking a major milestonethe lighting of the first connected homes in Baytown.

This Baytown network, which is Lyte's inaugural market, represents an investment of over $15 million and is a landmark achievement in offering high-speed, reliable internet service tailored to the unique needs of the Texas Gulf Coast.

"Today, Baytown takes a bold step into the future," said Mayor Charles Johnson. "Lyte Fiber's investment in our community ensures our residents and businesses have the tools to compete, innovate, and succeed in a rapidly evolving world. We couldn't be prouder to see this milestone achieved right here in Baytown."

"This is more than a ribbon-cutting  it's a connection to opportunity," said Kendrick Griffith, Baytown City Council member for District 3. "Families in Baytown deserve access to reliable, high-speed internet, and today, that vision is becoming a reality. It's a game-changer for our neighborhoods and our city's future."

Lyte CEO Carter Old distinguished its Baytown fiber network by having nearly 100 percent of its infrastructure buried underground with full backup power generation at each active cabinet, establishing it as one of Texas's most weather-resistant networks. Over the coming months, Lyte will complete the first phase of its Baytown buildout to approximately 15,000 homes and businesses in the community, and further expansion plans have already been put into motion.

"Lighting our first customers in Baytown isn't just about faster internet  it's about fueling dreams, sparking innovation, and connecting people to what matters most," Old said. "We're thrilled to be part of Baytown's journey and are committed to serving this community for years to come."

Tracey Wheeler, president and CEO of the Baytown Chamber of Commerce, noted, "Lyte Fiber's investment in Baytown is an investment in our future. This connectivity will drive growth, support our businesses, and improve the quality of life for our residents."

As part of its overall commitment to communities, Lyte has also pledged a 1 percent annual giveback to local Baytown charities and causes.

For more information or to sign up for service, visit www.lytefiber.com or call 888-GET-LYTE (888-438-5983).

About Lyte Fiber

Founded in 2023 in Houston, Texas, Lyte Fiber is dedicated to providing the fastest and most reliable home and business fiber optic internet to communities across Texas and beyond. Formed in partnership with SDC Capital Partners, a leading digital infrastructure investment firm, Lyte was started by internet industry veterans passionate about offering a best-in-class customer experience, building a great workplace, and connecting Texas communities. As part of its commitment to each community it serves, Lyte pledges a 1 percent giveback to local charities and causes annually. For more information, visit www.lytefiber.com.

SOURCE Lyte Fiber
BASEL, Switzerland, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Magnolia, a leading composable Digital Experience Platform, today announced that it has been named a Visionary in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Digital Experience Platforms (DXPs) for the fourth year in a row.

The Switzerland-based company has consistently focused on enhancing digital experiences, particularly for enterprises in complex, highly regulated industries that demand robust security and personalized user interactions. Magnolia's product architecture has earned praise from customers who prioritize custom digital solutions tailored to their specific business models instead of conforming to one-size-fits-all solutions.

"We're proud to be recognized by Gartner once again," says Magnolia CEO Tim Brown. "When it comes to DXP, today's enterprises are moving beyond conversations around the theoretical technical advantages of each vendor or technical approach to DXP to focus instead on real-world outcomes. Magnolia enables our customers to enrich their digital experiences, expand into new markets and drive revenue with lower resources and cost. We're excited to continue driving this innovation forward."

Magnolia's deep customization and integration capabilities simplify composable digital experience creation for global brands. With a seamless, unified view of all content and data, the platform enables the effortless crafting of dynamic, multi-channel experiences for both marketing and logged-in users such as portals. Data from connected systemssuch as eCommerce platforms, generative AI tools, marketing automation forms, analytics, other CMSes and internal legacy softwarecan be utilized in a single powerful toolset for the entire digital content lifecycle. The result: brands can reach every audience at every digital touchpoint to scale revenue while lowering the cost of digital content delivery by reducing duplication and easily optimizing everything they do.

"Marketers have a more challenging job than everespecially when it comes to scaling their digital experiences," says Magnolia's CMO, Anthony Poliseno. "Magnolia allows global marketing teams across all industries to transform how they create and deliver content, scale reach with generative AI, and compete with a digital platform ready to adapt as they grow."

View the entire Magic Quadrant report by downloading a complimentary copy here.

Disclaimer:

Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Digital Experience Platforms, John Field, Irina Guseva, Varsha Mehta, Mike Lowndes, 28 January 2025.

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation.

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner and Magic Quadrant and PEER INSIGHTS are a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

Gartner Peer Insights content consists of the opinions of individual end users based on their own experiences and should not be construed as statements of fact, nor do they represent the views of Gartner or its affiliates. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in this content nor makes any warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this content, about its accuracy or completeness, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

About Magnolia

Magnolia is the world's leading composable Digital Experience Platform, with over 450 enterprise customers and more than 200 certified Magnolia Partners around the world.

Founded in Switzerland in 1997, Magnolia has pioneered composable DXP solutions for over a decade. With a track record of 100% project success, Magnolia understands that each customer's use cases are unique. Magnolia's open, modular architecture offers unrivaled ease of integration to legacy and headless software with a unified authoring experience across connected systems. The result: consistent, personalized experiences regardless of tech stackecommerce, PIM, marketing automation, analytics, or even content from other content management systems.

Magnolia is now the composable DXP of choice for leading companies worldwide in industries ranging from healthcare, insurance, and retail to hospitality, banking, and telecommunications, including American Express, JetBlue, CNN, Sanofi, Sainsbury's, Generali, and Ping An.

SOURCE Magnolia International Ltd.
Wahlburgers co-founder and entrepreneur to highlight brand's journey, growth and vision for the future

PHOENIX, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Renowned actor, producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist Mark Wahlberg  founder of Flecha Cantina and co-founder of Wahlburgers  will be the keynote speaker at the 2025 Restaurant Leadership Conference , taking place April 13-16 at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa.

Wahlburgers is entering a bold new chapter of expansion. As the brand grows into Puerto Rico, Oklahoma and Resorts World Las Vegas  while embracing drive-thru innovation and developing an upscale dining experience  Mark Wahlberg will deliver the keynote address at the 2025 Restaurant Leadership Conference, reinforcing Wahlburgers vision for the future.

Wahlberg will share his insights on leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship as he recounts the 13-year journey of building Wahlburgers alongside his brothers, Paul and Donnie, along with his ventures through Flecha Cantina, in a fireside chat at the event on April 14 at 3:45 p.m. MST. His keynote will highlight the challenges and triumphs of owning a family restaurant brand, as well as the deep influence his family has had on the concept and menu lineup.

"It's an honor to speak at the Restaurant Leadership Conference and share the Wahlburgers story," said Mark Wahlberg. "The journey of creating this brand with my brothers has been filled with lessons in leadership, innovation and family values. I'm excited to connect with other industry leaders and share how those principles continue to guide us as we grow."

In addition to announcing Wahlberg as the keynote speaker, Wahlburgers revealed exciting developments for the brand, which is positioned for exponential growth in 2025 and beyond:

Expansion into Puerto Rico : Wahlburgers will open its first of five locations on the island this year, marking a significant milestone in its international expansion efforts.

: Wahlburgers will open its first of five locations on the island this year, marking a significant milestone in its international expansion efforts. Strategic Partnerships : New collaborations with Resorts World Las Vegas are bringing Wahlburgers to bold, high-energy spaces, expanding the brand beyond traditional restaurant settings.

: New collaborations with Resorts World Las Vegas are bringing Wahlburgers to bold, high-energy spaces, expanding the brand beyond traditional restaurant settings. Oklahoma Debut : Wahlburgers will open its first location inside the Comanche Cache Casino in Oklahoma , further expanding its domestic footprint.

: Wahlburgers will open its first location inside the in , further expanding its domestic footprint. Drive-Thru Innovation and Upscale Dining : The brand is testing its first drive-thru concept in Australia , in addition to developing an upscale dining experience, showcasing its commitment to innovation in the evolving restaurant landscape.

: The brand is testing its first drive-thru concept in , in addition to developing an upscale dining experience, showcasing its commitment to innovation in the evolving restaurant landscape. Global Ambitions: Wahlburgers is further broadening its global presence, having recently signed a master franchise agreement for the Asia-Pacific market with Sam Mustaca , the brand's master franchisee in Australia and New Zealand .

The Restaurant Leadership Conference is renowned for its impactful four-day program, offering restaurant leaders exclusive insights, networking opportunities and innovative strategies to address today's industry challenges. Attendees will benefit from expert sessions, cutting-edge developments and thought leadership from some of the industry's most respected voices.

"We are excited to welcome Mark Wahlberg to our stage as the VIP keynote speaker at the Restaurant Leadership Conference this April! Each year, we aim to enhance our event with valuable insights, the latest trends and impactful sessions featuring a diverse array of dynamic speakers. Mark's influence goes well beyond the film industry, and attendees can look forward to an engaging experience as he shares insights about his restaurant ventures with his brothers. It's going to be a tough act to follow next year!" said Emily Nordee-Rogers, Head of Content, Restaurant Conferences for Informa Connect.

Wahlberg's appearance at RLC comes at a pivotal time for Wahlburgers, as the brand accelerates its expansion efforts while staying committed to delivering exceptional dining experiences.

For more information about the Restaurant Leadership Conference, visit restaurantleadership.com . To learn more about Wahlburgers or find a location nearby, visit wahlburgers.com .

ABOUT WAHLBURGERS

Founded by Mark Wahlberg, Donnie Wahlberg and Executive Chef Paul Wahlberg, Wahlburgers debuted in October 2011 in Hingham, Massachusetts. The subject of an A&E reality show, Wahlburgers offers a fun, casual and music-filled atmosphere where guests  like family  share great food, a few laughs and lots of love. While its walls celebrate the family's story through photos and words of the Wahlberg brothers' life journeys from Dorchester, Massachusetts, neighborhood kids to internationally recognized celebrities and a rising chef, the food at Wahlburgers takes center stage. Crafted by Chef Paul and served with heartfelt hospitality, Wahlburgers' menu features a variety of premium burgers made with 100% Certified Angus Beef, house-made condiments, seared salmon, and other signature items such as The Super Melt, Housemade Chili, Bacon Mac N'Cheese, Parmesan Truffle Tots and housemade shakes. The restaurant also offers entree salads, vegetarian and gluten-free options. Wahlburgers' full-service bar is also a popular gathering spot to enjoy delectable Adult Shakes, cocktails, wines and beers, including the signature Wahlbrewski - an unfiltered Pale Ale draft beer. Dedicated to giving back, Wahlburgers is active in every community it serves: The Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation, which aims to raise and distribute funds to youth service and enrichment programs, was established in 2001 by Mark and Jim Wahlberg, who are lifelong members and advocates of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Open daily, Wahlburgers offers full-service dining, counter service, takeout and a full-service bar. For locations and more information visit wahlburgers.com .

Contact: Tiffany Martinez, Champion

817.919.6261; [email protected]

SOURCE Wahlburgers
Acclaimed Canadian Web Solutions & Digital Marketing Agency: CS Web Solutions, is all set to empower Canadian Businesses with innovative AI solutions and services for business growth.

TORONTO, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovative AI-powered solutions for Web Design and Digital Marketing includes:

AI-driven Web & Digital Marketing Solutions: Visualizing your business potential

Redefining User Experience Adapting AI eases out analyzing user data to provide relevant suggestions and customize website layouts, fonts, and languages. It also enhances UI/UX for a smooth experience while optimizing SEO through relevant content, better accessibility and improved performance.

Adapting AI eases out analyzing user data to provide relevant suggestions and customize website layouts, fonts, and languages. It also enhances UI/UX for a smooth experience while optimizing SEO through relevant content, better accessibility and improved performance. Chatbots for personalized Interactions Businesses can now offer 24/7 customer service and support via intuitive AI-powered chatbots developed by CS Web Solutions. These chatbots boost customer satisfaction and loyalty, which is key for business success.

Businesses can now offer 24/7 customer service and support via intuitive AI-powered chatbots developed by CS Web Solutions. These chatbots boost customer satisfaction and loyalty, which is key for business success. Personalized Interactions - AI-powered chatbots provide 24/7 support, answer questions and offer suggestions, increasing customer satisfaction and retention.

AI-powered chatbots provide 24/7 support, answer questions and offer suggestions, increasing customer satisfaction and retention. Voice Search Optimization AI tools help businesses attract customers by analyzing search data, finding long-tail keywords and understanding conversational tone. They also enhance SEO with accurate voice search solutions.

AI tools help businesses attract customers by analyzing search data, finding long-tail keywords and understanding conversational tone. They also enhance SEO with accurate voice search solutions. Assistance in coding -AI algorithms can swiftly generate code blocks and offer suggestions. They also undertake refactoring, optimization and code cleanup. They can debug, speed up the development cycles and ensure seamless software.

-AI algorithms can swiftly generate code blocks and offer suggestions. They also undertake refactoring, optimization and code cleanup. They can debug, speed up the development cycles and ensure seamless software. Decision-making based on Data Analytics  CS Web Solutions provides analytical database reports that help businesses spot trends, challenges and areas for improvement. With predictive analytics, business owners can better understand customer behavior and offer right products and services.

 CS Web Solutions provides analytical database reports that help businesses spot trends, challenges and areas for improvement. With predictive analytics, business owners can better understand customer behavior and offer right products and services. SecurityAI security doesn't replace traditional securityit enhances it. It detects phishing threats and cyber attacks in real time, keeping business data safe.

As we advance towards the evolving tech-savvy business scope in Canada, it is important for Canadian Businesses to adopt AI-powered solutions that promise befitting business growth while catering to an ever-expanding clientele, both local and across geographies.

AI for Automating Digital Marketing Solutions

Manual Digital Marketing tasks can be difficult for large sites, but AI makes it effortless. For example, adding alt tags for thousands of product images manually is time-consuming, but AI tools like Content AI and Upgrowth generate keyword-rich alt texts in minutes. They scan images, enhance accessibility, and boost SEOhandling any volume seamlessly.

About CS Web Solutions

CS Web Solutions in Mississauga is your right partner for web solutions and digital marketing. For more info book an appointment, call 905-890-2222 or email [email protected]

www.cswebsolutions.ca

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2609774/AIDriven_CSWebSolutions.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2609773/CS_Web_Solutions_Logo.jpg

SOURCE CS Web Solutions
WASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA will hold a media teleconference at 2 p.m. EST on Tuesday, Feb. 4, to share information about the agency's upcoming PUNCH (Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere) mission, which is targeted to launch no earlier than Thursday, Feb. 27.

Illustration of the four PUNCH spacecraft in low Earth orbit. Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center Conceptual Image Lab

The agency's PUNCH mission is a constellation of four small satellites. When they arrive in low Earth orbit, the satellites will make global, 3D observations of the Sun's outer atmosphere, the corona, and help NASA learn how the mass and energy there become solar wind. By imaging the Sun's corona and the solar wind together, scientists hope to better understand the entire inner heliosphere  Sun, solar wind, and Earth  as a single connected system.

Audio of the teleconference will stream live on the agency's website at:

https://www.nasa.gov/live

Participants include:

Madhulika Guhathakurta , NASA program scientist, NASA Headquarters

, NASA program scientist, NASA Headquarters Nicholeen Viall , PUNCH mission scientist, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

, PUNCH mission scientist, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center Craig DeForest, PUNCH principal investigator, Southwest Research Institute

To participate in the media teleconference, media must RSVP no later than 12 p.m. on Feb. 4 to: Abbey Interrante at: [email protected]. NASA's media accreditation policy is available online.

The PUNCH mission will share a ride to space with NASA's SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer) space telescope on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

The Southwest Research Institute in Boulder, Colorado, leads the PUNCH mission. The mission is managed by the Explorers Program Office at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, for NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington.

To learn more about PUNCH, please visit:

https://nasa.gov/punch/

SOURCE NASA
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new report from Accident Hotline underscores the serious and growing issue of slip and fall accidents, a leading cause of injury across the United States and a significant concern in Arizona. Drawing on official data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), this analysis highlights key factors contributing to slip and fall incidents, identifies where they occur most frequently, and provides critical steps for prevention.

Slip and Fall Accidents: A Leading Cause of Injuries

According to the CDC, "unintentional falls" are one of the top causes of nonfatal injuries in the U.S., with more than 800,000 hospitalizations each year due to falls. In Arizona specifically, the ADHS reports that tens of thousands of residents seek emergency care for fall-related injuries annually, underscoring that slip and fall incidents remain a persistent and pressing issue.

Where Accidents Are Most Prevalent

While slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, the ADHS points to specific environments and circumstances in Arizona that contribute to higher rates of incidents:

Outdoor Walkways

Uneven pavements , loose gravel , and cracked sidewalks are more common in the desert climate, posing a significant riskespecially for older adults.



2. Indoor Public Spaces

Shopping centers , restaurants , and other busy locales experience frequent slip-and-fall incidents due to wet floors, inadequate signage around spills, and heavy foot traffic.



3. Residential Areas

Rugs , cluttered floors , and improper lighting can increase the risk of falls inside private homes, where nearly half of reported injuries occur.



Seasonal factors like monsoon storms can quickly create slippery surfaces in outdoor areas, further increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Common Risk Factors

Several key risk factors consistently contribute to slip and fall accidents:

Wet or Uneven Surfaces

Monsoon rains, leaky air conditioning units, and cracked asphalt or tiles often remain unaddressed.



2. Poor Lighting

Dimly lit stairwells, parking lots, and walkways make it difficult to spot tripping hazards, a notable concern in businesses and apartment complexes.



3. Lack of Regular Maintenance

Infrequent inspections and repairs lead to unsafe conditions, especially in older buildings or high-traffic public areas.



4. Inadequate Safety Policies

Failure to train staff properly, provide clear signage, or swiftly address hazardous conditions contributes to preventable accidents.



Prevention: How To Stay Safe

While slip and fall accidents remain prevalent, many are preventable through straightforward measures:

Prompt Hazard Removal

Clean up spills immediately, fix leaks, and address debris or slippery surfaces, particularly during monsoon season.



2. Proper Lighting

Ensure high-traffic areas, such as entryways and stairwells, are well-lit to reduce risks.



3. Regular Maintenance Checks

Property owners and HOAs should conduct frequent inspections to identify and repair uneven walkways, damaged steps, or loose flooring.



4. Supportive Footwear

Arizona's varied terrainfrom desert paths to polished mall floorscalls for shoes with appropriate traction.



5. Awareness & Training

Businesses and property managers must train employees on quick hazard detection and response, while community members can stay vigilant and report issues when spotted.



Further Insights on Slip and Fall Trends

In addition to basic prevalence statistics, data from official sources reveals deeper concerns about the personal and economic impacts of falls:

Older Adults Are at Higher Risk: According to the CDC, about 1 in 4 older adults report falling yearly, and the retiree population underscores the importance of targeted prevention.

According to the CDC, about report falling yearly, and the retiree population underscores the importance of targeted prevention. Significant Healthcare Costs: Nationally, the CDC estimates medical costs for falls exceed $50 billion annually, a figure that continues to climb with the aging U.S. population.

Nationally, the CDC estimates exceed annually, a figure that continues to climb with the aging U.S. population. Workplace Incidents Lead to Lost Days: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( BLS ), slips, trips, and falls are among the leading causes of work-related injuries requiring days away from work in the U.S., directly affecting employers and employees.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( ), slips, trips, and falls are among the requiring days away from work in the U.S., directly affecting employers and employees. Impact on Emergency Resources: ADHS reports consistent strain on emergency departments due to fall-related injuries, stressing the need for awareness and proactive measures.

By understanding these trends, policymakers and residents can implement stronger prevention strategies, reduce the personal burdens of such accidents, and lessen the strain on healthcare infrastructure.

About Accident Hotline

Accident Hotline , a registered trade name of RP Legal Group, is a personal injury law firm dedicated to helping accident victims. The firm's network of attorneys handles a wide range of personal injury cases, including slip and fall accidents . Accident Hotline is committed to personalized client care, fair settlements, and holding at-fault parties accountable.

For more information on how Accident Hotline can help you or a loved one after an accident, visit accidenthotline.com .

SOURCE AccidentHotline.com
Initiative Builds on Business-to-Business Exports to Provide New Opportunities for Dairy Producers Across the Northwest

SEATTLE, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Darigold, Inc., the Seattle-based dairy company and one of the largest dairy cooperatives in the United States, has re-entered the Philippines with Darigold-branded consumer products for the first time in 50 years. Farmer-owned Darigold first began selling in the Philippines in the 1920s before discontinuing the sale of consumer products in the island nation in the 1970s. In partnership with AllDay Supermarkets, Darigold is returning to the market with its FIT Milk ultra-filtered product line, as well as aseptic, ultra-pasteurized fluid milk.

During its hiatus from selling consumer products in the country, Darigold continued to export dairy-based ingredients to commercial customers in some 30 countries worldwide, including the Philippines. Its commercial products include butter, cheese, and powdered milk products, which are used in childhood nutrition applications, protein drinks, baked goods, confectionery products, and a host of other consumer packed goods. Darigold sells commercial ingredients to a variety of global dairy producers, packaged foods companies, and institutional food service operators, among others.

Through this new initiative, the company is now selling both its commercial ingredients and consumer products in the Philippines. It's lineup of consumer products available in the Philippines includes its full FIT Milk lineup in single-serve bottles, and ultra-pasteurized fresh milk including whole milk, and chocolate and strawberry flavored milk in single-serve bottles.

"Fluid milk has presented a very different challenge for long range distribution, including globally, because of its relatively short shelf life," said Dan Hofmeister, president of Darigold's brand-to-consumer business. "Products like our FIT Milk, and aseptic milk, which are ultra-high temperature pasteurized, provide opportunities to overcome that limitation. Because they are ultra-pasteurized, these products offer extended shelf life of a year, making it more feasible to ship greater distances, including globally."

The ability to distribute shelf stable milk greater distances is important for domestic dairy producers, including Darigold. According to data shared by Rabobank, a Dutch financial services company that maintains a specialized practice in food and agriculture, global demand for dairy is expected to grow from 95 million metric tons (MMT), to 115 MMT over the next 10 years. At the same time, declining milk production in Europe and Oceania is creating a production shortfall, and an opportunity for American producers with export capabilities. Data from the United States Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service suggests dairy demand in the Philippines is poised for three-percent growth, while the island nation imports 99% of all of its dairy.

"Darigold's production and processing capabilities are all in the Northwestern United States, giving us ready access to global shipping infrastructure, including rail lines, maritime ports, and interstate highways," said Allan Huttema, president and CEO at Darigold. "That proximity to global shipping infrastructure gives us a competitive advantage to help grow our business internationally."

The partnership to bring consumer products to the Philippines comes on the heels of efforts to expand the reach of its consumer division domestically as well. While its consumer products have been widely available throughout the Northwest and surrounding states, Darigold has entered into distribution partnerships over the last year that have products going to major markets in the eastern and midwestern United States, and nationally via Amazon.

"For more than 100 years, the Darigold brand has been known and loved in the Northwest but is largely unknown in other parts of the country," said Hofmeister. "Less perishable products with longer shelf lives are enabling us to introduce the Darigold brand elsewhere in the country and around the world. That creates new opportunities for us to grow our business and build more value for our customers and our farmer-owners."

Darigold is indeed banking on that opportunity to expand. In late 2022, the company broke ground on a new production facility in Pasco, Wash. that will allow it to process an additional 8 million pounds of milk per day and allow its 300 farmer-owners to grow on-farm operations to produce that added volume of milk.

"We're already one of the nation's largest dairy producers in one of the country's best dairy producing regions," said Darigold's Huttema. "Our farmer-owners have made a big bet on our ability to grow our business domestically and globally and, in so doing, establishing the region as a major hub for dairy for generations to come. We aim to make good on that bet."

About Darigold

Headquartered in Seattle, Darigold, Inc. is the marketing and processing subsidiary of the Northwest Dairy Association (NDA), which is owned by nearly 300 family-owned farms in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. Darigold process approximately 10 billion pounds of milk annually. The company produces a full line of dairy products for retail, foodservice, commodity, and specialty markets, and is one of the largest U.S. dairy producers. Darigold operates 11 production facilities throughout the Northwest, processing high-quality milk produced by NDA farm families. The company maintains a second office in the Boise, ID area, as well as global satellite offices in Mexico and Asia. It is currently building a 12th production facility in Central Washington that is slated to open in 2025. For more information, visit Darigold.com.

SOURCE Darigold, Inc.
MELBOURNE, Fla., Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Preeclampsia Foundation announced today the recipients of its 2025 Peter Joseph Pappas Research Grants. Based on the recommendations of its Scientific Advisory Council, the Preeclampsia Foundation awarded two grants totaling $99,997 USD each to Dr. Zsuzsanna K. Zsengeller and Virginia D. Winn, MD, PhD.

Virginia Winn, MD, PhD Zsuzsanna Zsengeller, MD, PhD

Dr. Zsuzsanna K. Zsengeller is an Assistant Professor in Medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts. Originally, she is a graduate from the Albert Szent-Gyorgyi Medical University (Hungary) with M.D. and Ph.D. degrees in medical sciences. Her main interest is to utilize targeted therapies for preeclampsia, including antioxidants, nitric oxide, and hydrogen sulfide donors.

Dr. Zsengeller's research project, "Novel small molecule therapeutics for the treatment of preeclampsia", will focus on developing hydrazone-based antioxidants to mitigate oxidative stress which is one of the major components in preeclampsia pathogenesis. This is a collaborative study with the Torok Lab at the University of Massachusetts Boston, Chemistry Department.

Virginia D. Winn MD, PhD is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Director of Reproductive, Stem Cell and Perinatal Biology at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif. Dr. Winn is a physician-scientist, board certified in maternal-fetal medicine with a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Rochester, New York. She is a leading expert in human placental development and preeclampsia pathogenesis. She leads a basic and translational research program with the mission of improving maternal and child health, while training the next generation of perinatal researchers.

Dr. Winn's research project, "Harnessing Paired Maternal-Child iPSCs to Model PE," will focus on using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from mother-child pairs who experienced a PE pregnancy and comparing them to those from normal pregnancies to understand more about diverse subtypes of preeclampsia.

Named for the infant son of preeclampsia survivor Lauren Pappas and her husband Clement, the Peter Joseph Pappas Research Grants program award grants totaling up to $200,000 each year. The ultimate goal of the program is to drive research that will eliminate the delivery of pre-term babies as an intervention for severe preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and related hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

"We lost our son Peter due to preeclampsia following a 29-week delivery in 2015," explained Lauren Pappas. "Since then, we have dedicated our lives to helping others avoid the same outcome by establishing the Peter Joseph Pappas Fund."

"Thanks to generous contributions from family and friends, and our partnership with the Preeclampsia Foundation, we are making strides to reach our ultimate goal of eliminating pre-term births due to preeclampsia by 2050," added Clement Pappas.

The Peter Joseph Pappas Research Grants program adds to the Preeclampsia Foundation's portfolio of research programs including the Vision Grant program for young investigators, PRIME for health services research, and EMPOWER, which helps build research capacity in low- and middle-income countries.

Questions about Peter Joseph Pappas Research Grants program? Email [email protected].

About the Preeclampsia Foundation

The Preeclampsia Foundation is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2000 to improve the outcomes of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy by educating, supporting, and engaging the community, improving healthcare practices, and finding a cure. We envision a world where preeclampsia and related hypertensive disorders of pregnancy no longer threaten the lives of mothers and babies. For more information, visit www.preeclampsia.org.

About the Peter Joseph Pappas Research Grant Program

Clement and Lauren Pappas of Philadelphia, PA, lost their firstborn child, Peter Joseph, after HELLP syndrome necessitated his early delivery. Their son, born at 29 weeks' gestation, spent a week in the neonatal intensive care unit before dying from a central line infection. The Pappas family, along with friends and family, have established this special fund with the Preeclampsia Foundation to advance research, with the overarching goal of eliminating pre-term births due to preeclampsia by 2050.

Contact: Laney Poye

Director of Communications and Engagement

321.421.6957

[email protected]

SOURCE Preeclampsia Foundation
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Strategic media healthcare agency CMI Media Group, a WPP company (NYSE: WPP), has released a report offering new insights into how healthcare brands can support patients with obesity from its extensive consumer-focused Media Vitals research.

CMI Media Group is releasing new Media Vitals(TM) research.

"Media Vitals 2025 Focus on Obesity" centers on the evolving way that people manage their healthcare needs today, including interactions with healthcare professionals, searching for treatment options online, and ways they consume media. It is overlayed with insights from CMI Media Group's experts providing counsel on how to best support consumer needs, from the perspective of omnichannel marketing. The findings offer valuable insights to healthcare marketers looking to engage with patients.

Key findings include:

Patients with obesity are listening to their doctors  but also relying on their own research.

Omnichannel continues to be a smart approach as patients engage with a wide range of media.

Patients are slowly leaning into AI and are open to innovation in medicine.

In addition, a report focusing on CMI Media Group's global healthcare provider-focused Media Vitals research will be launching next month. Media Vitals has been providing detailed guidance on pharma marketing efforts since 2013 and has become the premiere research tool for the industry's leading healthcare marketers.

To request a free copy of the report, healthcare clients can visit this link. CMI Media Group also offers qualified industry professionals a free subscription to its daily briefing The Scoop and other thought leadership by signing up at this link.

About CMI Media Group

CMI Media Group, a WPP company (NYSE: WPP, http://www.wpp.com), is a full-service media agency focused solely on health, wellness, and pharmaceutical marketing. CMI Media Group's core offerings include Audience Strategy, Planning, Development, and Insights; Data and Analytics; Buying and Investment; and Direct Response and Customer Experience. As the leading media resource for the world's top healthcare companies, CMI Media Group brings together leading technology, data, and talent to deliver seamless capabilities for clients. CMI Media Group has been recognized as a leader in DE&I, talent retention and employee development as well as one of the industry's best places to work. To apply for a position within our teams visit https://www.cmimediagroup.com/careers

Press contact:

Carly Kuper

610 731 5409

[email protected]

SOURCE CMI Media Group
Teachers and Librarians Say the Format Supports the Science of Reading by Helping Students Read Longer, with Greater Comprehension and Confidence

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In an era when students and teachers alike spend hours a day reading on screens, large print books are an easy-to-implement alternative that increases reading engagement and comprehension for a vast majority of students. New research released today by Thorndike Press from Gale, part of Cengage Group, found that 87% of teachers saw a positive impact on their students' reading success when they made the switch to large print books. Read the blog on the study results.

With large print books, my students have been more engaged. I saw their confidence and reading abilities grow. Post this Study infographic.

The study was conducted independently by Project Tomorrow, a reputable education nonprofit, on behalf of Thorndike Press to better understand the potential role of large print books in supporting students' literacy development. The study examined the impact of students reading large print-formatted books on their reading engagement and achievement levels. Approximately 1,500 students in grades 4-12 and 56 teachers and librarians across 13 U.S. elementary, middle, and high schools participated in the study.

Download/view the study press kit.

"When a simple change in format can lessen distractions, increase the time students spend reading, and improve participation in classroom read-alouds, the impact is enormous," said Dr. Julie A. Evans, Ed.D., the chief executive officer of Project Tomorrow. "Large print books are easy to integrate across the curriculum in ELA, social studies, history, and in any library collectionand teachers don't require any additional training to use them."

Thorndike's large print books contain the exact same text as standard editions but offer a number of features designed to encourage reluctant or struggling readers to keep reading, including a 16-point font in high-contrast black ink, more space between lines and paragraphs, and high-opacity paper that keeps large print books similar in size to standard print editions.

Key findings about the effectiveness of large print include:

Finding 1: The inclusion of large print texts in classroom reading activities supports literacy development for all students, regardless of their reading level or learning differences.

71% of teachers reported that reading large print improved Lexile scores by 2 grade levels among their students who had been reading at grade level, as did 59% of those teaching students who had been reading below grade level.

When asked if large print books increased reading comprehension levels for specific student profiles:

77% of teachers agreed it did for below-grade-level readers.

of teachers agreed it did for below-grade-level readers. 55% of teachers saw increased comprehension among students diagnosed with ADHD.

An overwhelming majority of teachers also found that large print benefitted students who:

have reading comprehension challenges (82%)

are easily distracted when reading (85%)

are anxious about reading (91%)

are learning English (76%)

Michele Barnaby, an ELA teacher at Marco Forster Middle School in San Juan Capistrano, CA, who participated in the study, found that large print was especially beneficial for students with IEPs. She said the new books she received as part of the study gave her students "an opportunity to read a wider variety of current books than they usually get, and books they really wanted to read! Students were more comfortable with large print and would do their homework more often. When given the choice, three out of four would pick a large print book."

Finding 2: Students' access to large print titles for schoolwork reading increased their engagement in learning and enjoyment in reading.

Among students in grades 6-12 who took part in the study, 89% said they enjoyed reading large print books. Almost half of high schoolers reported that they were more engaged in large print books than others they read for schoolwork.

"After incorporating large print books, my students have been more engaged. I saw their confidence and reading abilities grow," said study participant Kelli Merriman, a 10th-grade special education teacher at O'Fallon Township High School in Illinois. "Their fluency and comprehension skills also improved, and they were more eager to read aloud in class."

Finding 3: Teachers value the large print as an easy-to-integrate reading intervention within their instructional practices.

Bringing large print books into their classrooms did not require any teacher professional development, changes in curriculum or adjustments to teaching practices. 100% of the teachers in the study said it would be valuable to have more large print titles easily accessible by students in their classroom or libraries. At the same time, 86% of the teachers said they would recommend large print to their other teachers to support students' literacy development.

Kara May-Dirkschneider, a 7th-grade language Arts AVID Coordinator at San Marcos Middle School in California, taught with large print books for the first time during the study. She valued the books the most for her reluctant readers, especially those who would actually pretend to read. "The novelty of these books made it more exciting for them to read," she said. "They were more engaged." Like other ELA teachers at her school, May-Dirkschneider has a classroom library, and noted that the large print books are "always the ones that get checked out first."

Finding 4: Reading large print texts for schoolwork supported students' emotional and mental health and their self-efficacy as readers.

Teachers made these observations:

Large print books decreased stress and anxiety about reading for school. 81% below-grade-level readers 58% students with ADHD 58% students reading at-grade-level

Saw greater confidence in reading abilities. 87% below-grade-level readers 55% students with ADHD 71% students reading at-grade-level

Noticed increased participation in classroom read-aloud activities 87% below-grade-level readers 63% students with ADHD 52% students reading at-grade-level.



Erin Anding, school librarian and technology facilitator at East Baton Rouge Parish Public Schools in Louisiana, recalled being surprised by the effect of large print on some reluctant readers during the study. "I did a double take," she said, "because I was surprised that certain students were volunteering to read out loud."

Finding 5: Students believe that access to large print books will support enhanced learning.

A robust 75% of grade 6-8 students and 86% of grade 9-12 students requested more access to large print books in school. When asked if they thought their reading skills would improve with large print books 62% of 6th-8th graders predicted they would.

Anding added that as part of her "fighting any form of screen" as a distraction from reading, she's doing anything she can to make the library more user-friendly, especially because she has many students arrive at her middle school having never been to a library.

O'Neill Middle School in Downers Grove, IL has been investing in large print books for a few years now. Of the 12,567 books in the school's library, 1,131 are large print titles. "12% of our annual circulation is represented by large print titles, which outpaces even our graphic novels," said Tasha Squires, the school librarian at O'Neill Middle School. This analysis has led Squires to create a designated space in her library exclusively for large print books to make them more accessible to students and easier to find.

"The findings from the Project Tomorrow study reveal that large print books serve as a simple yet powerful transformative learning tool that can significantly reduce barriers to reading," said Sabine McAlpine, vice president of Thorndike Press at Gale. "They demonstrate that these books offer a 'no-lift' intervention that helps educators facilitate improved reading fluency and enjoyment without the need for new technology or extensive training. This approach not only engages with students better but also helps them build lifelong confidence in their reading abilities."

Project Tomorrow will host a session on the study results this week at the California School Library Association 2025 Conference, in San Jose, CA on Friday, January 31 at 2pm-3pm Pacific Time in the Empire Room at the Signia by Hilton Hotel.

For more information on Thorndike Press or to download the study whitepaper and executive summary, visit the Research webpage.

About Thorndike Press

As the leading large print publisher, Thorndike Press from Gale, part of Cengage Group, helps readers of all ages enjoy books. Publishing unabridged reprints in large print format for middle grade and young adult readers started in 1999 and our catalog of more than 1,000 titles grows monthly with high-interest fiction and nonfiction books, including contemporary classics, award-winners and bestsellers. Founded in Thorndike, Maine, in 1977, our commitment to producing high quality, 100% guaranteed large print books supports young readers as they develop the skills necessary to become successful, confident, lifelong readers.

Follow Thorndike Press on:

About Cengage Group and Gale

Cengage Group, an education technology company serving millions of learners in 165 countries, advances the way students learn through quality, digital experiences. The company currently serves the K-12, higher education, professional, library, English language teaching and workforce training markets worldwide. Gale, part of Cengage Group, provides libraries with original and curated content, as well as the modern research tools and technology that are crucial in connecting libraries to learning, and learners to libraries. For more than 65 years, Gale has partnered with libraries around the world to empower the discovery of knowledge and insights  where, when and how people need it. Gale has 500 employees globally with its main operations in Farmington Hills, Michigan. For more information, please visit www.gale.com.

Follow Gale on:

Media Contact:

Kayla Siefker, Gale, part of Cengage Group

248-378-3376

[email protected]

SOURCE Gale, part of Cengage Group
The GoFundMe for actor and San Antonio native Jonathan Joss. A fan of the "King of the Hill" star set up the fundraiser for Joss following a house fire that killed his three dogs and destroyed his childhood home. Screenshot

As of Thursday morning, the fundraiser is about halfway to its $15,000 goal.

Jonathan has brought joy to millions through his work in television and film, reads the GoFundMe organized by Logan Kostroun of San Antonio. Now, in his time of need, we have the opportunity to give back and show our support for this talented actor who has lost so much.

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Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference in helping Jonathan recover from this devastating loss. Lets come together as a community to support Jonathan Joss in rebuilding his life after this tragic event.

Joss confirmed he has been in contact with Kostroun about the fundraiser. Joss also links to the GoFundMe on his Facebook page.

My life and the life of my husband (Tristan Kern) will forever be touched by all of the support and love, Joss said via text. Thank you GoFundMe and thank you world! For as long as the water flows and the grass is green, we will be grateful.

Actor and San Antonio native Jonathan Joss. Courtesy Jonathan Joss

Early last Thursday afternoon, fire crews responded to the house fire in the 200 block of Dorsey Drive. Joss told the Express-News that day he and Kern had lit a barbecue grill inside the house for heat since it lacked gas and electricity. They then left for lunch at noon. They were sure they extinguished the grill, Joss said.

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Joss and Kern returned nearly two hours later to find the uninsured house was a total loss.

I told them it was my fault, Joss said last Thursday. Very easily it could have started because of my stupidity.

The house fire also destroyed Joss' 1994 Chevrolet Impala SS along with his extensive "King of the Hill" library from his star-making turn as John Redcorn and other television memorabilia.

San Antonio native and actor Jonathan Joss, a veteran of many TV shows, spent 12 seasons voicing John Redcorn on Fox's "King of the Hill" (top left) and three seasons as tribal leader Ken Hotate on NBC's "Parks and Recreation" (bottom right). Courtesy Jonathan Joss

But his most devastating loss was his three dogs, two of which he found in the charred remains of the home. Joss's father purchased the home in 1957 and his mother willed it to him before she died, Joss said.

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This Week: Paul Newman's 100th Birthday Marked by Official Proclamation of PAUL NEWMAN GENEROSITY DAY in Westport, Connecticut

WESTPORT, Conn., Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of what would have been Paul Newman's 100th birthday, Newman's Own declared January 26th, "Paul Newman Generosity Day," as a new annual giving holiday. In this inaugural year, the holiday will mark the start of a series of generosity initiatives throughout the year. Paul Newman's greatest legacy isn't only his acting careerit's his philanthropynotably through Newman's Own. Since 1982, Paul Newman and Newman's Own Foundation have donated more than $600 million to good causesall funded by the millions of people who purchase Newman's Own delicious food products. Newman's Own is continuing that legacy by inspiring generosity with a celebration of Paul Newman's extraordinary impact as an iconic actor and philanthropist who championed the power of giving back.

In honor of what would have been Paul Newmans 100th birthday, Newmans Own declared January 26th, Paul Newman Generosity Day, a new annual giving holiday. The cake, a 4-foot tall salad dressing replica of the original bottle.

Paul Newman once said, 'helping others is a delight.' 'That's the heart of this movement.

Paul Newman Generosity Day is designed to inspire acts of generosity in real life and online, and to introduce Paul Newman's generous spirit to a new generation. It underscores that Newman's Own Foundation continues Paul Newman's commitment to use all the money that it receives100% of the profits and royaltiesfrom the sale of Newman's Own delicious food products in service of its mission.

"Paul Newman Generosity Day is a call to action and the start of a series of generosity initiatives that we will continue as a campaign throughout the year," said David Best, President and CEO of Newman's Own, Inc. "Paul created a brand that makes purchasing the products an act of kindness. We want to inspire more people to find other ways to make a difference."

"Paul Newman's legacy in creating the Newman's Own 'Give It All Away' model was radical 40-plus years ago, and it continues to be incredibly unique today. At Newman's Own Foundation, our donors are the millions of people who buy our products, and we believe that everyone has something to offer when it comes to helping others, with their time, their money, and their influence," said Alex Amouyel, President and CEO of Newman's Own Foundation.

Highlights of the Campaign

Inaugural Ceremony and Media Event The campaign kicked off with an official naming ceremony at Newman's Own headquarters in Westport, CT on January 27, 2025 . Highlights included a proclamation from the First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker , a 4-foot tall cake in the shape of the original salad dressing bottle, media representatives and members of the Newman's Own community in attendance. Event photos can be viewed here. Generosity Social Media Challenge People are encouraged to explore the "Acts of Generosity" list on Newman's Own's website for inspiration and share their own acts on social media, utilizing the hashtag #PaulNewmanGenerosityDay to spread the movement.. A Year Long Generosity Initiative January 26, 2025 kicked off an inaugural annual giving holiday, Paul Newman Generosity Day, with planned generosity initiatives throughout the year to honor Paul Newman's 100th Birthday.

Join the Movement

For more information on how to join in, visit newmansown.com and follow us on social media @NewmansOwn to join the Paul Newman Generosity Day challenge, utilizing this hashtag: #PaulNewmanGenerosityDay.

About Newman's Own

Newman's Own is a brand of delicious, high-quality food and beverage products with a unique business model for good. 100% of the profits and royalties made from the sale of Newman's Own products go to Newman's Own Foundation in service of its mission, to nourish and transform the lives of children who face adversity. Learn more at newmansown.com .

MEDIA CONTACT: [email protected]

SOURCE Newmans Own
Company is meeting the country's increasing energy demand with all forms of energy, growing the economy, keeping electricity prices as low as possible for customers and supporting the communities its projects call home.

JUNO BEACH, Fla., Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Following a year where the company generated more electricity and invested more in energy infrastructure than any other company, NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE) has been named No. 1 in the electric and gas utilities industry on Fortune's 2025 list of the "World's Most Admired Companies" for the 17th time in 19 years.

"This recognition would not be possible without the relentless dedication, creativity and hard work of our more than 16,000 employees, who constantly uphold our company's 100-year legacy by driving innovation and excellence in our industry," said John Ketchum, NextEra Energy chairman, president and CEO. "Energy demand is growing exponentially, and we have the scale, experience and technology to deliver. With our ability to quickly deliver renewables plus storage to meet growing power demand and also pair gas-fired generation for capacity, we're right where we need to be to power America today and tomorrow. I couldn't be prouder to be part of such an extraordinary team committed to securing America's energy independence and dominance."

Fortune's annual list is based on ratings from executives, directors and analysts, who rate the highest-revenue companies within their industry on nine criteria, including innovation, people management, use of corporate assets, social responsibility, quality of management, financial soundness, long-term investment value, quality of products/services and global competitiveness.

Performance highlights for NextEra Energy include:

Leading in energy innovation and infrastructure  NextEra Energy continues to spearhead the energy industry through cutting-edge innovations and substantial infrastructure investments. Over the last decade, the company has invested more than $150 billion in the nation's energy infrastructure, from upgrading its existing nuclear plants for increased energy output to building natural gas pipelines, natural gas-fired generation, battery energy storage and renewables.

 NextEra Energy continues to spearhead the energy industry through cutting-edge innovations and substantial infrastructure investments. Over the last decade, the company has invested more than in the nation's energy infrastructure, from upgrading its existing nuclear plants for increased energy output to building natural gas pipelines, natural gas-fired generation, battery energy storage and renewables. Delivering economic benefits and supporting rural America  NextEra Energy creates jobs and generates significant tax revenue across America, including in rural communities. Over the past decade, the company has paid nearly $8 billion in annual property taxes and more than $1.6 billion in annual land payments. It operates in 49 states and has more than 16,000 employees.

 NextEra Energy creates jobs and generates significant tax revenue across America, including in rural communities. Over the past decade, the company has paid nearly in annual property taxes and more than in annual land payments. It operates in 49 states and has more than 16,000 employees. Expanding energy capacity  NextEra Energy delivers more electricity to American homes and businesses than any other company. It is the owner of the nation's largest natural gas fleet, one of the largest nuclear generators in the world and generates more American-made renewable energy than anyone else. Its diverse energy generation keeps electricity prices low. Last year, NextEra Energy placed into service roughly 8.7 gigawatts (GW) of new renewables and storage projects and plans to invest over the next four years roughly $120 billion , which would grow its fleet to roughly 121 GW.

 NextEra Energy delivers more electricity to American homes and businesses than any other company. It is the owner of the nation's largest natural gas fleet, one of the largest nuclear generators in the world and generates more American-made renewable energy than anyone else. Its diverse energy generation keeps electricity prices low. Last year, NextEra Energy placed into service roughly 8.7 gigawatts (GW) of new renewables and storage projects and plans to invest over the next four years roughly , which would grow its fleet to roughly 121 GW. Driving operational excellence and reliability  NextEra Energy owns the largest electric utility in the U.S. with one of the lowest bills in the nation, more than 30% below the national average in one of the fastest-growing states. Its innovations in smart grid technology helped avoid 2.7 million outages in 2024 and its best-in-class non-fuel operations and maintenance costs are 50% better than the second-best in its peer group, saving customers over $24 each month on a typical 1,000-kilowatt-hour residential bill compared to an average-performing utility.

 NextEra Energy owns the largest electric utility in the U.S. with one of the lowest bills in the nation, more than 30% below the national average in one of the fastest-growing states. Its innovations in smart grid technology helped avoid 2.7 million outages in 2024 and its best-in-class non-fuel operations and maintenance costs are 50% better than the second-best in its peer group, saving customers over each month on a typical 1,000-kilowatt-hour residential bill compared to an average-performing utility. Strategic focus on the future  NextEra Energy announced a new framework agreement with GE Vernova to develop natural gas generation projects paired with renewable energy and storage. This collaboration leverages the strengths of both companies to identify locations on the grid that would benefit from new gas-fired generation, enhancing the ability to deliver integrated power solutions for customers. NextEra Energy is also making significant progress in evaluating the recommissioning of Iowa's only nuclear power plant, Duane Arnold Energy Center, with potential plant operations resuming by the end of 2028.

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.
BRIDGEWATER, N.J., Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Within the first week of U.S. President Donald J. Trump's new term, President Trump issued several executive orders on environmental policies established by prior administrations. These actions include the rollback of existing regulations, elimination of key environmental programs, and the U.S.'s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement.

Monica Perez Schroeck, Member of Norris McLaughlin, P.A.'s Environmental Law practice group.

On Jan. 20th, 2025, President Trump signed the executive order "Putting America First in International Environmental Agreements" which calls for the U.S.'s immediate withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. "Domestically, companies will need to reevaluate their sustainable efforts," says Monica Perez Schroeck, Esq., an Environmental lawyer and Immediate Past-Chair of the New Jersey State Bar Associations' Environmental Section. "The executive order only affects federal agreements; clients and companies will still need to comply with state-mandated restrictions."

Among other policies, President Trump declared a National Energy Emergency to suspend environmental protections to expedite drilling and mining initiatives to increase domestic energy and sell internationally. "These policies were implemented to address climate change concerns," says Schroeck. "Businesses will need to review their current energy plans and operations in conjunction with these new policies."

President Trump also eliminated Environmental Justice programs amid cuts to federal spending. "These changes signal a significant shift in federal environmental policy," says Schroeck. "Companies will still have to comply with their state's requirements on environmental justice."

President Trump's executive orders include:

Reversing the offshore drilling ban.

Repealing tailpipe pollution regulations.

Rolling back energy efficiency standards.

Restarting reviews of new export terminals for liquefied natural gas ("LNG").

Halting leasing of federal waters for offshore wind farms.

Removing PFAS ("forever chemicals") discharge limits from federal review.

Disbanding the Interagency Working Group on the Social Cost of Greenhouse Gases.

Implementing a federal hiring freeze affecting open positions at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

About Monica Perez Schroeck

Schroeck works with clients on environmental and land use issues, including those associated with site remediation, environmental due diligence, solid waste disposal, clean air and water regulations, insurance coverage, and environmental health and safety compliance. She regularly provides strategic counsel to clients on matters involving federal and state environmental statutes, such as the New Jersey Spill Compensation and Control Act, the Industrial Site Recovery Act, the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1985, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Coastal Area Facility Review Act, and Environmental Justice compliance. Schroeck has also worked on several Superfund litigation matters in various federal jurisdictions, representing clients in administrative claims before state and federal agencies including the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

To schedule an interview with Schroeck on environmental impacts of the Trump Administration's executive orders and policies, please reach out to:

Skylar Daley

Communications Coordinator

(908)-252-4214

[email protected]

Norris McLaughlin, P.A., is a multi-practice, commercial law firm with offices in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, delivering legal solutions to clients wherever they conduct their business, including nationally and internationally. The firm's nearly 130 attorneys practice in more than 25 legal disciplines and industry-focused groups and serve a wide range of clients, including small businesses, middle-market companies, and Fortune 500 corporations, as well as the private individuals and families who may own, lead, and/or manage those companies. Norris McLaughlin is a member of Meritas, a global alliance of leading independent law firms. To learn more, visit www.norrismclaughlin.com.

Contact: Amy Shorter

Communications Manager

(908) 252-4295

[email protected]

SOURCE Norris McLaughlin, P.A
WASHINGTON, Jan. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- President Donald J. Trump today signed an executive order, "Expanding Educational Freedom and Opportunity for Families," broadening K12 school choice options for students in military families and Bureau of Indian Education schools. The executive order, which coincides with the fifteenth-annual commemoration of the nonpartisan National School Choice Week, also encourages federal agencies to prioritize funding opportunities for states, school districts, and providers that offer expanded learning options for families.

Andrew Campanella, the CEO of the National School Choice Awareness Foundationthe 501(c)(3) nonprofit that hosts National School Choice Weekissued the following statement:

"All children deserve an effective education and the chance to pursue their dreams. But today in America, and during this fifteenth annual celebration of National School Choice Week, too many kids are struggling. Families need, want, and deserve access to the broadest possible portfolio of K12 education options for their childrenfrom traditional public schools to public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online learning, homeschooling, and microschooling.

Throughout this National School Choice Week, millions of Americans have worked together to raise awareness of the need for and benefits of opportunity in K12 education.

We are grateful that, today, the President of the United States took decisive steps to expand learning options for students in military families and for kids who attend Bureau of Indian Education schools. The president's executive order, 'Expanding Educational Freedom and Opportunity for Families,' also encourages federal agencies to broaden funding opportunities for states and districts. This executive order respects the federal government's limited role in education and school choice, thus allowing states to continue to innovate.

With these new opportunities taking effect in the 2025-2026 school year, we look forward to continuing the work of raising awareness about the educational options parents have for their children."

The National School Choice Awareness Foundation (NSCAF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. NSCAF and its sister organization, the 501(c)(3) National School Choice Resource Center (NSCRC), raise awareness of K12 school choice and helps families discover and navigate the education options available for their children through three charitable programs: National 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
Costco's Northwest region is the first to get Nurri's new Vanilla flavor, followed by the San Francisco Bay Area and Midwest beginning in February, and a national roll-out in March

LITTLE CHUTE, Wis., Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Nurri, a better-for-you lifestyle brand, has announced today the highly anticipated release of the new Vanilla flavor of its popular line of Protein Milk Shakes, introduced last fall. Now available at Costco stores in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Alaska in 12-packs with the Bay Area, Midwest, and additional regions following close behind. Vanilla is the latest flavor offered by the growing brand, which began the nationwide distribution of its Chocolate Protein Milk Shake in Costco stores in September 2024.

Nurri Vanilla Protein Milk Shake

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/nurri/9310951-en-nurri-releases-vanilla-protein-milk-shake

"The excitement around our Chocolate launch has been amazing, and our fans couldn't wait to see what's next," said Adam Tollefson, Director of Marketing. "They asked, and we delivered! Just four months after launch, we're excited to introduce our new Vanilla flavor. Uniquely versatile, it's perfect on its own or as a base for creative mix-ins. Stay tuned as we continue to hit more Costco clubs over the next two months."

Nurri Vanilla Protein Milk Shake captures the essence of 'melted vanilla ice cream' in every sip. With a smooth texture and rich, nostalgic flavor, this new offering is lactose-free and packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Like the Chocolate flavor, Nurri Vanilla Protein Milk Shake has 30 grams of protein, 1 gram of sugar, and 150 calories in each can. 100% recyclable aluminum cans ensure freshness, shelf-stability, and portability.

"This Vanilla launch is another example of how Nurri is driving innovation and meeting demand in the growing ultra-filtered milk category," said Tom Lehocky, Vice President of Sales. "We're proud of its delicious, creamy vanilla flavor, and we're glad we can show our customers and consumers that we're listening to their requests and delivering the flavors they want."

Product Highlights:

Price: $19.99 for a 12-pack of 11oz cans, now available at Costco in Washington , Oregon , Idaho , Montana , Utah , and Alaska . The San Francisco Bay Area , select cities in Nevada , and the Midwest region, including Illinois , Indiana , Iowa , Kansas , Kentucky , Michigan , Minnesota , Missouri , Nebraska , North Dakota , Ohio , South Dakota , and Wisconsin will get the new product starting in February, followed by all other regions in March.





for a 12-pack of 11oz cans, now available at Costco in , , , , , and . The , select cities in , and the Midwest region, including , , , , , , , , , , , , and will get the new product starting in February, followed by all other regions in March. Benefits: 30g of protein, 10 essential vitamins and minerals, 1g of sugar, lactose-free, made with ultra-filtered milk





30g of protein, 10 essential vitamins and minerals, 1g of sugar, lactose-free, made with ultra-filtered milk Eco-Friendly Packaging: 100% recyclable aluminum cans





100% recyclable aluminum cans Versatility: Enjoy chilled, over ice, with coffee, or get creative and mix it in with your favorite soda, ice cream, or oats for a perfect vanilla base! It's an ideal option before or after a workout, at the office, on the go, or for a healthy choice between meals.

Nurri delivers superior nutrition and a rich, creamy taste. Powered by ultra-filtered milk, these shakes pack more protein and low sugar, empowering consumers to enjoy a healthier lifestyle without sacrificing flavor.

For more updates on Nurri and upcoming flavors and products, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

About Nurri

Nurri is a new lifestyle brand whose mission is to 'nurrish deliciously' by delivering 'better-for-you' health with exceptional taste, flavors, and a little more fun. Nurri offers a perfect balance of flavor and function, empowering everyone to live better and healthier every day. Nurri is where better taste meets better living.

www.drinknurri.com

SOURCE Nurri
Octillion deepens its commitment to the North American EV and E-mobility market.

Reno, Nevada is the second facility on the West Coast for California -based Octillion .

is the second facility on the West Coast for -based Octillion 1GWh production facility to serve for battery production and as a co-located factory model.

RICHMOND, Calif., Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Octillion Power Systems ("Octillion"), a global-leading supplier of advanced high-density lithium-ion battery packs for a range of passenger and commercial fleet electric vehiclestoday announced the inauguration of a new battery system manufacturing facility in Reno, Nevada ("Nevada One").

Octillion deepens its commitment to the North American EV and E-mobility battery market. Post this Octillion Power Systems new Reno, Nevada battery systems manufacturing facility, serving the electric vehicle, off-highway, commercial equipment, marine, and grid storage markets.

The approximately 40,000 square foot Nevada One facility is anticipated to become a deeper gateway into the North American electric vehicle, off-highway, commercial equipment, marine, and grid storage markets. It will showcase Octillion's state-of-the-art battery system manufacturing, and related proprietary technologies, and feature Octillion's trademark combination of human touch labor, futuristic robotics, and sophisticated automation across its production lines.

"Opening the Nevada One facility is a key step in our North American expansion strategy," commented Paul Beach, Global President. "Our growing manufacturing footprint in North America is commensurate with increasing battery system demand from major clients across various E-mobility end markets. This new Reno facility will allow us to satisfy certain demand, while also providing a "working model" for clients looking to advance their own co-located factories with Octillion in North America."

By 2025, Nevada One's production lines have a forecasted total capacity of 1GWh, which will add to Octillion's estimated 25GWh of total annual production across its seven other global manufacturing facilities.

"The arrival of Octillion in Western Nevada is a major boon for our state's electrification industry," commented Taylor Adams CEO of the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN). "Octillion's reputation as a global-leading tier-1 supplier of batteries for the electric vehicle industry is a clear signal that Nevada is on the right track for leading in automotive energy storage."

Octillion intends to employ a top-flight team of Reno-based engineers that can provide further sophistication and quality assurance. The Nevada One facility is anticipated to employ approximately 40-50 workers at peak capacity, both skilled and non-skilled, contributing to economic growth within Renoand for Nevada.

As a testament to the speed of Octillion's factory scaling capabilities, from lease signing to multi-line production, is anticipated to span a rapid eight-month period for the Reno facility. Similarly, Octillion can lead clients on their respective scaling journeys to fully customized mass-volume battery production in typically a six-to-twelve-month period, depending on a client's custom requirements and project scale.

Continued Paul Beach, "Nevada provides an incredibly supportive clean tech business climate. Octillion is intent on doing everything possible to help reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by providing domestic electric vehicle manufacturers with exceptional battery systems capable of meeting demand for large-scale passenger and commercial fleet lines."

More information can be found on Octillion's global manufacturing portfolio by visiting: www.octillion.us

About Octillion

Octillion is a California-based Tier 1 supplier of innovative high-density lithium-ion battery systems and related technology focused on the electrification of major industries such as: Automotive, Off-Highway, Construction, Agriculture, Marine, and ESS. With seven manufacturing facilities worldwide, in the U.S., India, and China, Octillion has delivered more than 1.5 million EV battery systems to clients, which have driven over 4.5 billion kilometers on roadways. Octillion's clients gain a turnkey solution from initial custom battery system design, with extensive thermal modeling and fully integrated battery management systems, all the way through to high-volume, standardized manufacturing, with exceptional white glove service. Learn more at cctillion.us

SOURCE Octillion Power Systems
NEW YORK, Jan. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with the AI impact on market trends - The global oil country tubular goods (OCTG) market in indonesia size is estimated to grow by USD 178 million from 2025-2029, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of almost 7.8% during the forecast period. Increase in rig count is driving market growth, with a trend towards advances in oil country tubular goods. However, environmental concerns related to drilling poses a challenge. Key market players include ArcelorMittal, Aristirta Elprima Putra, Besmindo Group, Hart Energy, Hunting Plc, JFE Holdings Inc., Nippon Steel Corp., NOV Inc., PT Citra Tubindo Tbk, PT Indo Kaya Energi, PT Telaga Mas, PT Tridaya Esa Pakarti, PT Tubular Services Indonesia, Sumitomo Corp., Tenaris SA, Tenergy Equipment and Service Ltd., The Weir Group Plc, TMK, and Vallourec SA.

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) Market in Indonesia 2025-2029

Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF

Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) Market In Indonesia Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2024 Historic period 2019 - 2022 Forecast period 2025-2029 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 7.8% Market growth 2025-2029 USD 178 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 7.3 Regional analysis Indonesia Performing market contribution APAC at 100% Key countries Indonesia Key companies profiled ArcelorMittal, Aristirta Elprima Putra, Besmindo

Group, Hart Energy, Hunting Plc, JFE Holdings

Inc., Nippon Steel Corp., NOV Inc., PT Citra

Tubindo Tbk, PT Indo Kaya Energi, PT Telaga

Mas, PT Tridaya Esa Pakarti, PT Tubular Services

Indonesia, Sumitomo Corp., Tenaris SA, Tenergy

Equipment and Service Ltd., The Weir Group Plc,

TMK, and Vallourec SA

Market Driver

The Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) market in Indonesia is a significant player in the oil and gas industry, supplying tubular products for various applications in hydrocarbon transportation, power generation, production, and drilling. The market caters to both onshore and offshore projects, including shale revolution, natural gas exploration, and deepwater reserves. Key trends include the shift towards unconventional fuel sources, government policies, business environment, and investment in renewable energy sectors. Prominent companies like Vallourec, Line Pipe, Casing, Drill pipe, and Tubing dominate the market. Executive data summary: The Indonesian OCTG market is driven by oil and gas production, with demand for well casing, production tubing, drill pipe, seamless pipes, and welded pipes. The market is influenced by factors like oil breakeven prices, non-oil revenues, technological advancements, oil service costs, and environmental concerns. Investment in the sector is influenced by factors like commodity prices, oil wells, oil field services, crude prices, shale production, and horizontal drilling activities. Tubular product suppliers face challenges from import duties, oil prices, and foreign investments. The market is witnessing technological advancements, including directional drilling, deep-water exploration, and remote areas with harsh environments. The industry is undergoing a paradigm shift towards shale gas, tight oil, and renewable energy sources. Key players face challenges from raw materials, corrosion, and extreme temperatures, requiring high-pressure and high-temperature wells, gas-tight sealing, and gas wells, horizontal wells, and high-pressure wells. The market is expected to grow, driven by domestic energy resources, energy demand, and energy security.

The oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) sector in Indonesia is experiencing growth due to increased activities in unconventional sources and offshore locations. This growth has led to a heightened demand for oil country tubular goods (OCTG) with enhanced specifications and performance levels. The technical challenges posed by numerous wells and the use of horizontal drilling techniques necessitate the use of non-standard diameter tubes and optimized premium connections. As a result, OCTG vendors are supplying advanced, premium connections that cater to long laterals, increased torque requirements, and high load limits while maintaining cost-efficiency.

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Market Challenges

The Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) market in Indonesia plays a crucial role in the oil and gas industry, supplying essential tubular products for hydrocarbon transportation, power generation, and production processes. The market caters to various sectors, including onshore and offshore drilling, shale revolution, and natural gas exploration. Challenges in the Indonesian OCTG market include government policies, business environment, import duties, oil prices, and environmental concerns. Prominent companies like Vallourec, Line Pipe , Casing, Drill pipe, and Tubing dominate the market, providing tubular products for oil wells, oil field services, and crude oil production. The market comprises seamless pipes, welded pipes, and tubing for various applications such as well casing, production tubing, drill pipe, and line pipe. Technological advancements in directional drilling, deep-water exploration, and horizontal drilling activities have increased the demand for high-quality tubular products. The global energy landscape is undergoing a paradigm shift with the rise of unconventional fuel sources, renewable energy sectors, and shale resource output. Crude oil production and drilling activities continue to drive the demand for OCTG products, with shale production and horizontal drilling activities being significant contributors. Tubular product suppliers face challenges such as oil breakeven prices, non-oil revenues, and oil service costs. Steelmakers play a vital role in supplying raw materials for tube and pipe manufacturing, with a focus on axial tensions, high internal pressures, and external pressures. The Indonesian OCTG market is expected to grow, driven by the demand for tubular products in the energy industry. The market's future success depends on factors such as commodity prices, drilling projects, and unconventional energy sources like shale gas and tight oil.

plays a crucial role in the oil and gas industry, supplying essential tubular products for hydrocarbon transportation, power generation, and production processes. The market caters to various sectors, including onshore and offshore drilling, shale revolution, and natural gas exploration. Challenges in the Indonesian OCTG market include government policies, business environment, import duties, oil prices, and environmental concerns. Prominent companies like Vallourec, , Casing, Drill pipe, and Tubing dominate the market, providing tubular products for oil wells, oil field services, and crude oil production. The market comprises seamless pipes, welded pipes, and tubing for various applications such as well casing, production tubing, drill pipe, and line pipe. Technological advancements in directional drilling, deep-water exploration, and horizontal drilling activities have increased the demand for high-quality tubular products. The global energy landscape is undergoing a paradigm shift with the rise of unconventional fuel sources, renewable energy sectors, and shale resource output. Crude oil production and drilling activities continue to drive the demand for OCTG products, with shale production and horizontal drilling activities being significant contributors. Tubular product suppliers face challenges such as oil breakeven prices, non-oil revenues, and oil service costs. Steelmakers play a vital role in supplying raw materials for tube and pipe manufacturing, with a focus on axial tensions, high internal pressures, and external pressures. The Indonesian OCTG market is expected to grow, driven by the demand for tubular products in the energy industry. The market's future success depends on factors such as commodity prices, drilling projects, and unconventional energy sources like shale gas and tight oil. The Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) market in Indonesia plays a crucial role in supporting the oil and gas industry. OCTG products, including pipes and tubing, are essential for drilling operations. However, oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) activities come with environmental challenges. Drilling fluids used in deepwater drilling contain toxic chemicals, which can negatively impact marine life when released into the water. Furthermore, oil spills, air and water pollution, and methane emissions contribute to environmental degradation. As a responsible industry player, it is imperative to mitigate these environmental impacts through the use of eco-friendly drilling fluids and best practices for oil spill prevention and response.

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Segment Overview

This oil country tubular goods (octg) market in Indonesia report extensively covers market segmentation by

Product

1.1 Seamless

1.2 Welded

Application

2.1 Onshore

2.2 Offshore

Grade Type

3.1 Premium grade

3.2 API grade

Geography

4.1 APAC

1.1 Seamless- Seamless oil country tubular goods are manufactured using specialized processes such as hot rolling, cold rolling, or cold drawing with round steel billets or ingots. These products possess superior mechanical properties, including higher tensile strength, making them ideal for high-pressure drilling environments. Seamless pipes are more reliable than welded pipes due to the absence of welded seams, which can cause leaks. Additionally, seamless pipes are thinner, lighter, and uniform in shape. Despite being more expensive due to higher production costs, the demand for seamless oil country tubular goods is increasing in Indonesia as the country focuses on deepwater hydrocarbon production. Vendors like Tenaris, Nippon Steel, and Sumitomo Metal supply high-end seamless pipes for oil and gas development and transportation in harsh environments due to their strength, corrosion resistance, and robustness. The seamless segment of the oil country tubular goods market in Indonesia is expected to experience significant growth due to the increasing number of offshore projects and the harsh environmental conditions they encounter.

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Research Analysis

The Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) market in Indonesia caters to the exploration and production (E&P) sector, supplying essential tubular products for oil and gas drilling and production processes. The market offers a range of tubular solutions including casing, drill pipe, tubing, line pipe, and accessories for both onshore and offshore applications. These products are subjected to high axial tensions and extreme conditions, requiring Amalgamation traits to ensure durability and reliability. Commodity prices, particularly crude oil, significantly impact the OCTG market in Indonesia. The energy industry's drilling activities, driven by both domestic and international oil companies, create a consistent demand for OCTG. Deep-water projects and hydrocarbon exploration further expand the market's potential. OCTG plays a vital role in the oil field services sector, ensuring efficient drilling and production processes for the extraction of valuable hydrocarbons.

Market Research Overview

The Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) market in Indonesia plays a crucial role in the oil and gas industry, supplying tubular products for transportation, production, and drilling applications. Indonesia, with its abundant hydrocarbon resources, is a significant player in the global energy landscape. The market includes various types of tubular products, such as seamless pipes, welded pipes, well casing, production tubing, and drill pipe. The market is influenced by several factors, including the shale revolution, natural gas exploration, government policies, business environment, and technological advancements. The prominent use of OCTG in onshore and offshore applications, such as oil wells, oil field services, and deep-water exploration, drives the demand for tubular products. The market is also impacted by commodity prices, oil breakeven prices, non-oil revenues, import duties, oil prices, and environmental concerns. Technological advancements, such as directional drilling and horizontal drilling activities, have led to the development of high-pressure and high-temperature wells, requiring specialized tubular products. The market is served by various tubular product suppliers, including Vallourec, and includes steelmakers producing tube and pipe, couplings, connections, and accessories. The market is expected to grow due to the increasing demand for energy, domestic energy resources, and unconventional energy sources, such as shale gas and tight oil. The market is also influenced by the global energy landscape, energy demand, energy security, renewable energy sectors, and drilling projects. The market faces challenges, such as raw materials, corrosion, and extreme temperatures and geological conditions, which require continuous innovation and technological advancements.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

Product

Seamless



Welded

Application

Onshore



Offshore

Grade Type

Premium Grade



API Grade

Geography

APAC



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
Hacken confirms 1:1 or greater reserve ratio across most commonly traded assets on OKX

DUBAI, UAE, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- OKX , a leading crypto exchange, today announced the release of its 27th consecutive Proof of Reserves (PoR) report, showing $27.9 billion in primary assets, audited by blockchain security firm Hacken .

Hacken's audit confirms that OKX maintains a 1:1 or greater reserve ratio across 22 of the most commonly traded assets on its platform. The verification process validated over 650,000 unique wallet addresses across 20+ blockchain networks, including Ethereum, Solana, Polygon and Bitcoin. The audit found zero discrepancies in reserve validation; OKX's current primary asset ratios are:

BTC: 105%

105% ETH : 102%

102% USDT: 106%

106% USDC: 100%

OKX's primary asset figure grew 99.3% year-on-year, from $14.9 billion in January 2024.

Hacken will continue monthly verification of OKX's PoR program, employing advanced methodologies including zk-STARK proofs and signature validation to validate reserve ownership. The audit process examines public wallet address disclosures and cryptographic proofs while preserving customer privacy through OKX's proprietary zk-STARK implementation.

This move comes as global regulators increasingly emphasize the importance of exchange transparency and consumer protection measures. While specific requirements vary by jurisdiction, OKX's proactive approach to independent reserve verification demonstrates its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of transparency in the industry.

OKX Global Chief Commercial Officer Lennix Lai said: "When we talk about Proof of Reserves, we're really talking about the foundation of trust in our industry. Our collaboration with Hacken takes our commitment to the next level, providing independent verification of our 100%+ reserve ratio across all major tokens. When you consider that more than two million customers have utilized our self-verification PoR tool, it's clear that the market demands this level of verification - and we're proud to be setting this standard."

Hacken Proof of Reserves Auditor Pedro Bustos said: "Working with OKX's team has been an amazing experience, their 650k+ wallets holding more than $39 billion in funds at time of audit cover all liabilities with at least a one-to-one ratio. This shows how platforms can prove user funds are safe through outside checks, and OKX clearly sets the standard for how crypto companies should verify their holdings."

Over the past two+ years, OKX has enhanced its PoR system by implementing zk-STARK technology, optimizing proof file size from 2.55GB to 598KB and expanding verifiable assets to 22 major cryptocurrencies. The exchange's security framework includes a multi-billion-dollar Insurance Fund*, AI-powered security tools and state-of-the-art encryption protocols.

The exchange also recently launched OKX Protect , a safety-focused hub providing educational resources for critical security features like two-factor authentication (2FA), withdrawal allowlists and device monitoring. The hub offers guidance on avoiding scams and phishing attempts while explaining OKX's advanced security technologies.

*Insurance fund available in specific markets only

For further information, please contact:

[email protected]

About OKX

OKX is a technology company with a mission to make blockchain-based assets more accessible. Our pursuit takes us to a decentralized future that makes our world more efficient, transparent and connected.

OKX began as a crypto exchange giving millions of people access to trading and over time became among the largest platforms in the world. In recent years, we have developed one of the most connected onchain wallets used by millions to access decentralized applications (dApps).

OKX is trusted by hundreds of large institutions seeking access to crypto markets on a reliable platform that seamlessly connects with global banking and payments.

Our most well-known products include: OKX Exchange, OKX Wallet, OKX Explorer, OKX OS, OKX Ventures and OKX Institutional. To learn more about OKX, download our app or visit: okx.com

Disclaimer

SOURCE OKX
John Kennedy awarded $100,000 Fellowship to transform classroom air with affordable, DIY air purifiers



GREENWICH, Conn., Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- O'Shaughnessy Ventures LLC (OSV), an investment firm that empowers creators, has awarded an O'Shaughnessy Fellowship to John Kennedy, a founder, investor and education leader based in North Carolina.

Kennedy will scale the Corsi-Rosenthal Foundation's Clean Air K12 initiative, which provides schools with grants, support and resources for do-it-yourself (DIY) air purifiers known as Corsi-Rosenthal Boxes. He will pursue the initiative's first district-wide implementation, which will take place in the Greater Houston area.

O'Shaughnessy Fellow John Kennedy

Poorly ventilated elementary schools can significantly affect students' health and cognitive performance. The Corsi-Rosenthal Box is a powerful, DIY air purifier that users can build for $60. It is easy to construct, with instructions available on Corsi-Rosenthal's website. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency testing has demonstrated that, after running for one hour, the box is 99.4% effective in removing infectious aerosols in a typical room.

OSV's founder and CEO, Jim O'Shaughnessy, commented, "The Corsi-Rosenthal Box is a simple, affordable solution to classroom air quality problems. We're excited to support John and the Corsi-Rosenthal team in rolling out this innovation as widely as possible."

"Nobody gets to choose the air they breathe. At Clean Air K12, we believe that schools deserve better indoor air, and that we can transform classrooms through DIY air purifiers," said Kennedy. "The O'Shaughnessy Fellowship is a transformative opportunity for us to grow our classroom-level grant program and, for the first time, pursue system and district-level partnerships. We're honored to be a vehicle for change and offer students and educators a fresh breath of air."

About John Kennedy

John Kennedy is a director at the Corsi-Rosenthal Foundation and leads the Clean Air K12 initiative. Previously, he founded and served as CEO of Mesa Cloud, a graduation tracking platform acquired by Panorama Education in 2023. Kennedy was a high school student when he founded Mesa Cloud in 2017. He currently leads AI Solutions for Panorama Education, is an angel investor and sits on the investment committee of a southeastern family office. Kennedy graduated from the University of North Carolina, where he was an Innovation Scholar.

About the Fellowship Program

The O'Shaughnessy Fellowships program, launched in 2023, discovers and empowers the world's boldest creatives, builders and researchers. Fellows receive a $100,000 grant and access to OSV's network of founders, investors and experts.

OSV will award 12 Fellowships in 2025. Applicants will also be considered for the O'Shaughnessy Grants program, which provides 20 additional $10,000 grants to promising innovators.

Kennedy is the second Fellow of 2025. More information about previous Fellows is available on OSV's website.

Applications for the Fellowships remain open until and including April 30, 2025. Individuals interested in applying can do so via OSV's website.

About O'Shaughnessy Ventures

OSV is a creative investment firm that empowers and inspires creators to bring their ideas to life. Founded by Jim O'Shaughnessy, a pioneer in quantitative investing, founder of O'Shaughnessy Asset Management, and author of four books on investing, OSV aims to provide financial support and to partner in growing the next life-changing creative ideas.

OSV combines Jim's deeply rooted interest in all things art, science, investing and tech with his long-held desire to establish scenarios designed to help promising creators and their inspiring ideas succeed, regardless of age, location, job history or level of education. For more information, visit OSV's website.

Media Contact:

Ena Gong

O'Shaughnessy Ventures LLC

(917) 355-7420

[email protected]

SOURCE O'Shaughnessy Ventures
LOS ANGELES and FRESNO, Calif., Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PACT Capital is honored to announce that it has provided the acquisition financing for the historic 230-acre Concannon Vineyard located in Livermore, CA. This transaction is a testament to PACT Capital's commitment to supporting and financing legacy agribusiness and agriculture real estate in California, especially during this unprecedented time for the sector.

The details of the transaction are to remain confidential.

Founded in 1883, Concannon Vineyard is one of Livermore Valley's most celebrated wineries, renowned for its contributions to the wine industry, including the introduction of Petite Sirah to the United States. The acquisition by Lemmons Family Vineyards marks a new chapter for this storied property. "We will be phasing out the international bottling operations and focusing on re-planting the vineyards with historic grape varietals such as Cab Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, which made Livermore famous in the 1880s. We will also honor Concannon's pioneering work with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah," shared the Lemmons Family with Wine Business.

PACT Capital structured a tailored financing solution that met the needs of the buyer by leveraging the firm's deep expertise in agriculture lending. "We are honored to have participated in the Concannon Vineyard transaction as the senior lender, a true gem in California's wine heritage," said Adam Mortanian of PACT Capital.

The firm remains dedicated to supporting landmark properties like Concannon Vineyard and the visionary owners who invest in their future. With this transaction, PACT reaffirms its mission to provide competitive, market-leading lending solutions to the wine industry. The transaction and relationship originated from the Regional Agriculture Office located in Fresno, CA.

PACT Capital is an investment management firm specializing in agriculture and commercial real estate financing with offices in Los Angeles, CA, and Fresno, CA. For more information about PACT Capital's lending products, please visit the website at www.pactcap.com.

Colliers International represented The Wine Group. Larson Lindenau Law Group, P.C. advised the buyers. PACT Capital provided acquisition financing for the transaction.

Media Contact:

Kassidy Carlson

PACT Capital

[email protected]

SOURCE Pact Capital
TORONTO and DALLAS, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Perimeter Medical Imaging AI, Inc. (TSXV: PINK) (OTC: PYNKF) ("Perimeter" or the "Company"), a commercial-stage medical technology company, today announced that Bristol Investor Relations will host an investor webcast Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 2:00 PM ET.

During the webcast, Adrian Mendes, CEO, Andrew Berkeley, CIO, and Sara Brien, CFO, will conduct a presentation that will cover key areas of Perimeter 's business. After the formal presentation, investors will have an opportunity to ask relevant questions through an interactive Q&A portal. To listen to the live webcast and/or to ask questions during the live event, please pre-register at the following link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2VupRCLTS3GAlYyO1m6ToQ

An archived version of the webcast and presentation will be made available as soon as is practicable on the Company's website under "News/Events" in the Investors Section.

About Perimeter Medical Imaging AI, Inc.

Based in Toronto, Canada and Dallas, Texas, Perimeter Medical Imaging AI (TSX-V: PINK) (OTC: PYNKF) is a company driven to transform cancer surgery with ultra-high-resolution, real-time, advanced imaging tools to address areas of high unmet medical need. Available across the U.S., our FDA-cleared Perimeter S-Series OCT system provides real-time, cross-sectional visualization of excised tissues at the cellular level. The breakthrough-device-designated investigational Perimeter B-Series OCT with ImgAssist AI represents our next-generation artificial intelligence technology that has recently been evaluated in a pivotal clinical trial, with support from a grant of up to US$7.4 million awarded by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. The company's ticker symbol "PINK" is a reference to the pink ribbons used during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Perimeter B-Series OCT is limited by U.S. law to investigational use and not available for sale in the United States. Perimeter S-Series OCT has 510(k) clearance under a general indication and has not been evaluated by the U.S. FDA specifically for use in breast tissue, breast cancer, other types of cancer, margin evaluation, and reducing re-excision rates. The safety and effectiveness of these uses has not been established. For more information, please visit www.perimetermed.com/disclosures.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. In this news release, words such as "may," "would," "could," "will," "likely," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "estimate," and similar words and the negative form thereof are used to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information may relate to management's future outlook and anticipated events or results and may include statements or information regarding the future financial position, business strategy and strategic goals, competitive conditions, research and development activities, projected costs and capital expenditures, research and clinical testing outcomes, taxes and plans and objectives of, or involving, Perimeter. Without limitation, statements regarding the timing of the annual meeting, are forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether, or the times at or by which, any particular result will be achieved. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur. Forward-looking information is based on information available at the time and/or management's good-faith belief with respect to future events and are subject to known or unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond Perimeter's control. Such forward-looking statements reflect Perimeter's current view with respect to future events, but are inherently subject to significant medical, scientific, business, economic, competitive, political, and social uncertainties and contingencies. In making forward-looking statements, Perimeter may make various material assumptions, including but not limited to (i) the accuracy of Perimeter's financial projections; (ii) obtaining positive results from trials; (iii) obtaining necessary regulatory approvals; and (iv) general business, market, and economic conditions. Further risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to, those applicable to Perimeter and described in Perimeter's Management Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023, which is available on Perimeter's SEDAR+ profile at https://www.sedarplus.ca, and could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. Perimeter does not intend, nor does Perimeter undertake any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking information contained in this news release to reflect subsequent information, events, or circumstances or otherwise, except if required by applicable laws.

CONTACTS:

Stephen Kilmer

Investor Relations

Direct: 647-872-4849

Email: [email protected]

Glen Akselrod

Bristol Capital

Telephone: 905-326-1888 ext 1

Email: [email protected]

Adrian Mendes

Chief Executive Officer

Toll-free: 888-988-7465 (PINK)

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Perimeter Medical Imaging AI Inc.
NEW YORK, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is redefining market landscape - The global publishing market size is estimated to grow by USD 18.9 million from 2025-2029, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 1.2% during the forecast period. Increase in demand for diversity in content is driving market growth, with a trend towards rise in number of self-published authors. However, decreasing market share of traditional publishing poses a challenge. Key market players include Adobe Inc., Amazon.com Inc., Bertelsmann SE and Co. KGaA, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, Cambridge University Press, Georg von Holtzbrinck GmbH and Co. KG, Haufe Lexware GmbH and Co. KG, John Wiley and Sons Inc., Magplus, McGraw Hill LLC, News Corp., Oxford University Press, Pearson Plc, PLANETA CORPORACION Srl, Scholastic Corp., Thomson Reuters Corp., Vivendi SE, White Falcon Publishing Solutions LLP, Wolters Kluwer NV, and YUDU Ltd..

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Publishing Market 2025-2029

AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Free Sample Report PDF

Forecast period 2025-2029 Base Year 2024 Historic Data 2019 - 2023 Segment Covered Platform (Traditional and Digital), Type (Book publishing, Magazine publishing, and Newspaper publishing), and Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America) Region Covered North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America Key companies profiled Adobe Inc., Amazon.com Inc., Bertelsmann SE and Co. KGaA, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, Cambridge University Press, Georg von Holtzbrinck GmbH and Co. KG, Haufe Lexware GmbH and Co. KG, John Wiley and Sons Inc., Magplus, McGraw Hill LLC, News Corp., Oxford University Press, Pearson Plc, PLANETA CORPORACION Srl, Scholastic Corp., Thomson Reuters Corp., Vivendi SE, White Falcon Publishing Solutions LLP, Wolters Kluwer NV, and YUDU Ltd.

Key Market Trends Fueling Growth

The publishing market is evolving rapidly with trends like online newspapers, audio content, and ad-free experiences shaping consumer preference. Subscription retention rates are crucial for businesses using subscription models, while interactive content and personalized recommendations help engage readers. Unauthorized distribution and copyright violations remain challenges, with e-books, magazines, and even novels falling victim to illegal file sharing. Machine learning and cloud-based publishing platforms enable multimedia-rich content and DRM protection. E-readers, tablets, and online portals offer convenient access to diverse reading materials, from novels to comics and hobbyist publications. Advertising-based revenue models and social media partnerships, including booktubers and bookstagrammers, provide online visibility for publishers. Ecommerce giants like Amazon dominate the market, offering print-on-demand and diverse subjects to reading enthusiasts. Business models continue to adapt, balancing subscription and advertising-based revenues, and exploring new opportunities in wellbeing and augmented reality.

Self-publishing has significantly expanded the global publishing market by enabling authors to independently publish their work. Previously, authors relied on traditional publishers for expertise in professional publishing, printing, and retail distribution. However, self-publishing offers several advantages, including time and cost savings, and greater profitability for the author. This influx of new content from indie authors contributes to the market's growth without the need for a traditional publishing deal.

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Market Challenges

In today's digital age, the publishing market faces various challenges. Online newspapers and multimedia-rich content require advanced distribution and content management systems. Unauthorized distribution of e-books, audio, and digital journals through illegal file sharing poses a significant threat to sales. Subscription retention rates are crucial for businesses using subscription models, while personalization and content recommendations help improve reader engagement. Advertising-based revenue models on tablets and e-readers are essential for online business success. Machine learning and DRM help protect intellectual property. Augmented reality and interactive content offer new opportunities. Ecommerce giants like Amazon and mybookstore.com dominate the market, but local booksellers and social media platforms like booktubers and bookstagrammers cater to niche markets and hobbies. Diverse subjects from novels to comics appeal to diverse reading enthusiasts. Copyright violations and consumer preference shape the business models of book publishers and magazines. The eBook sector continues to grow, but print-on-demand and subscription models offer alternatives. Overall, the publishing market requires innovative solutions to adapt to changing consumer behavior and technological advancements.

The publishing market, specifically newspaper publishing, has experienced some benefits from digital advertising. However, traditional print publications face declining demand due to changing consumer habits. Younger demographics increasingly prefer digital formats for their convenience and immediacy. Digital media, including eBooks, audiobooks, online news sites, and social media platforms, offer ample advertising space, reducing the value of traditional publishing. Significant production and distribution costs for print publications, such as printing, paper, and transportation expenses, add to the challenge. These factors contribute to stiff competition for audience attention and advertising revenue in the publishing industry.

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Segment Overview

This publishing market report extensively covers market segmentation by

Platform

1.1 Traditional

1.2 Digital

Type

2.1 Book publishing

2.2 Magazine publishing

2.3 Newspaper publishing

Geography

3.1 North America

3.2 Europe

3.3 APAC

3.4 Middle East and Africa

and 3.5 South America

1.1 Traditional- Traditional publishing, including print newspapers, print books, and print magazines, faces a decline in market share due to the growing popularity of digital platforms. In the print newspaper sector, the revenue from print newspapers is expected to decrease significantly during the forecast period, as consumers increasingly prefer live updates from digital sources. The print book market is also experiencing a decline, with the growing use of e-reading devices and the preference for digital educational content in educational institutions. Professional and corporate readers find digital platforms more convenient for accessing information, leading to a decline in demand for professional print books. The high cost of print magazines is another factor contributing to their declining revenue, as digital magazines offer a more cost-effective alternative. Despite the volatility in economic conditions driving demand for print business magazines, their revenue is also expected to decline due to the shift towards digital platforms. Overall, the traditional publishing segment is expected to experience a significant decline in market share during the forecast period.

Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI's impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2025-2029) and historic data (2019 - 2023)

Research Analysis

The publishing market is undergoing a digital transformation, with digital publishing workflows becoming the norm. Mobile publishing is on the rise, as consumers increasingly turn to their devices for news consumption. Content creation tools and digital publishing solutions enable authors and publishers to produce and distribute multimedia content in new and innovative ways. Digital storytelling, interactive journalism, and online news aggregators are redefining the way stories are told and consumed. Content analytics help publishers understand reader engagement and monetization strategies, while digital content marketing and bookish merchandise cater to the growing bookish lifestyle trend. The future of publishing is bright, with online magazines, book subscription boxes, and digital publishing services leading the way. Publishing technology continues to evolve, with trends such as reader engagement, online content delivery, and digital media platforms shaping the industry. The book industry is adapting to these changes, with independent booksellers, author marketing, and literary festivals playing key roles. The POD business model and book marketing strategies are also evolving to meet the needs of Generation Z readers and millennial readers. Digital book distribution and online book selling are becoming increasingly important, as the industry continues to embrace the digital age.

Market Research Overview

The publishing market is experiencing a significant shift towards digital formats, with online newspapers, e-books, and multimedia-rich content becoming increasingly popular. Subscription models and ad-free experiences are driving subscription retention rates, while machine learning and personalization are enhancing the reader experience. Interactive content, such as quizzes and games, are also gaining traction. Unauthorized distribution and copyright violations remain challenges, with ecommerce giants and cloud-based publishing platforms working to combat illegal file sharing. The eBook sector is growing rapidly, with sales of digital formats surpassing print. Consumers prefer diverse reading materials, including novels, magazines, comics, and diverse subjects. Social media platforms, such as booktubers and bookstagrammers, are driving online visibility and social connections. Business models are evolving, with advertising-based revenue models and print-on-demand services complementing subscription models. The future of publishing is multimedia-rich, interactive, and personalized, with a focus on reader engagement and satisfaction.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

Platform

Traditional



Digital

Type

Book Publishing



Magazine Publishing



Newspaper Publishing

Geography

North America



Europe



APAC



Middle East And Africa



South 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
WASHINGTON and HOUSTON, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a recent study, researchers from the University of New Mexico and Universities Space Research Association's Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) examined the shadowed regions near the Moon's south pole to assess strategies for returning water ice and other volatiles from the Moon. They examined how sampling methods might impact the scientific interpretations of materials returned by Artemis and other future missions. The science team aimed to identify strategies to preserve the maximum amount of information from these valuable samples.

Parts of the Moon's shadowy polar regions experience extreme temperatures reaching as low as 25 to 50 Kelvin (-400F), with many areas never receiving direct sunlight. Thus, permanently shadowed regions can act as cold traps, preserving volatiles including water, carbon dioxide, and other chemical species. Volatile materials are crucial to study in detail to determine the sources and timing of their delivery to the Moon's surface. The findings were published in a special issue of The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

Universities Space Research Association's Senior Scientist Dr. Julie Stopar at the LPI analyzed orbital data and provided information about the permanently shadowed regions in terms of temperatures and volatile stability along generalized routes within surface exploration zones.

"The orbital data provide a reliable framework from which to plan surface exploration for missions like those of the Artemis program. However, we haven't yet been to visit these areas, so we don't really know for sure exactly how much water ice there is, or what form it's in and what else we might find with it," Stopar said.

The Artemis missions will collect many lunar samples in sealed containers and return them to Earth for detailed analysis. Once disturbed or sampled, these materials are no longer in exactly the same state as they would have been on the Moon. This includes changes to the pressure or temperature they are exposed to. Volatile materials are sensitive to temperature and pressure changes and can change states if they are no longer stable under different conditions. Some samples would be best preserved at very low temperatures, but replicating the Moon's environment is very challenging. The questions addressed in this study are what types of information can be gained from these samples and, equally important, what information will be lost by allowing them to warm to some degree after sampling.

Bringing samples containing volatiles back to Earth requires careful planning. Low-temperature sample preservation, or "cold storage," can be used to reduce the chemical changes in sampled volatiles during transit, improving the overall science outcomes later. However, cold storage is technically challenging to achieve. By visiting the south polar regions and studying the materials there, we will certainly gain invaluable insight into what's at the Moon's poles, but sampling and studying volatiles requires aligning science and exploration goals with sampling and curation approaches.

For more information, visit https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2321071121.

About USRA

Founded in 1969, under the auspices of the National Academy of Sciences at the request of the U.S. Government, the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is a nonprofit corporation chartered to advance space-related science, technology, and engineering. USRA operates scientific institutes and facilities and conducts other major research and educational programs. It is an association with 121 university members. It engages the broader university community, employs in-house scientific talent, and offers innovative research, development, and project management expertise. More information about USRA is available at www.usra.edu.

About LPI

The Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI), operated by Universities Space Research Association, was established during the Apollo program in 1968 to foster international collaboration and to serve as a repository for information gathered during the early years of the space program. Today, the LPI is an intellectual leader in lunar and planetary science. The Institute serves as a scientific forum attracting world-class visiting scientists, postdoctoral fellows, students, and resident experts; supports and serves the research community through newsletters, meetings, and other activities; collects and disseminates planetary data while facilitating the community's access to NASA astromaterials samples and facilities; engages and excites the public about space science and invests in the development of future generations of scientists. The research carried out at the LPI supports NASA's efforts to explore the solar system. More information about LPI is available at www.lpi.usra.edu .

PR Contact:

Suraiya Farukhi

[email protected]

443-812-6945

SOURCE Universities Space Research Association
More than 50 percent of the general population are likely to purchase Content Credits, with nearly three out of four The New York Times subscribers likely to purchase

CINCINNATI and COVINGTON, Ky., Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Results from an independent online survey conducted November 25 through December 7, 2024 among a nationwide random sample of 568 consumers ages 18 to 64 show that 52 percent of the general population (GP) are extremely likely or very likely to purchase Content Credits, a micropayment platform that enables consumers to access content on a per-article basis outside of traditional subscription paywalls. An additional sample of 295 The New York Times (NYT) subscribers responded that 72 percent of them are extremely or very likely to pay for the subscription alternative micropayment platform.

Content Credits Logo (PRNewsfoto/Content Credits)

Following the launch of Content Credits in June 2024, the company received media coverage in nearly 300 outlets across the U.S., nearly 4,000 views of its launch release and a total potential reach of more than 165 million. The launch also spawned interest among investors and potential media partners (customers). With such interest came questions about Content Credits' ability to scale and to attract users. Those questions prompted the company's founders to commission an independent research effort in the form of a consumer survey. The results of that survey are in, with an executive summary of those responses published on ContentCredits.com.

In addition to consumers' likelihood of purchasing Content Credits, 42% of the GP and 56% of NYT subscribers are extremely or very likely to drop existing subscriptions with the potential use of a micropayments model from Content Credits. That is particularly true for younger consumers (55% of ages 18 to 24 of the GP and 63% of ages 18 to 24 NYT subscribers are extremely or very likely), compared to their oldest counterparts, respectively (28% of ages 55 to 64 of the GP and 54% of ages 55 to 64 of NYT subscribers). Other key findings include:

Slightly more than half of the GP (53%) and nearly three-fourths (72%) of NYT subscribers are extremely or very likely to bypass a subscription paywall if they only need to pay 25 cents to access a specific article of interest through Content Credits.

if they only need to pay to access a specific article of interest through Content Credits. All three features of Content Credits tested in the survey  article access ease, pricing flexibility, and content access breadth  are all viewed as extremely or very important in their purchase consideration process by 61% to 65% of the GP and 72% to 79% of NYT subscribers.

Responses also note a significant fatigue among consumers regarding subscription paywalls when trying to access specific content:

Having to pay for an online subscription just to read a single article makes me leave the website immediately. (GP: 62%; NYT subscribers: 67%)

(GP: 62%; NYT subscribers: 67%) I would rather pay a single price for access to multiple publications than manage separate online subscriptions. (GP: 56%; NYT subscribers: 64%)

(GP: 56%; NYT subscribers: 64%) I am more likely to pay for an online subscription if I can access articles of interest before subscribing. (GP: 56%; NYT subscribers: 70%)

(GP: 56%; NYT subscribers: 70%) The number of different online subscriptions required to access various news sites is a significant barrier to my willingness to pay. (GP: 56%; NYT subscribers: 65%)

(GP: 56%; NYT subscribers: 65%) I prefer paying small amounts ( 25 cents minimum) for individual articles rather than committing to a full online subscription. (GP: 54%; NYT subscribers: 62%)

(GP: 54%; NYT subscribers: 62%) I prefer earning "credits" that I can spend across multiple sites rather than making separate micropayments on each individual site . (GP: 49%; NYT subscribers: 58%)

. (GP: 49%; NYT subscribers: 58%) Having a preloaded digital account (like a Starbucks card) for small online purchases would make me more likely to buy individual pieces of content. (GP: 48%; NYT subscribers: 60%)

(GP: 48%; NYT subscribers: 60%) If I encounter a publisher with an online subscription paywall, I will never return to that site. (GP: 43%; NYT subscribers: 51%) This is more likely for younger research participants (48% of ages 18 to 24 of the GP and 59% of ages 18 to 24 NYT subscribers strongly or mostly agree), compared to their oldest counterparts (32% of ages 55 to 64 of the GP and 47% of ages 55 to 64 of NYT subscribers).

(GP: 43%; NYT subscribers: 51%) As many as nearly two-thirds (65%) of the GP typically bypass an online subscription paywall when they encounter one , while 46% of NYT subscribers indicate the same typical action.

, while 46% of NYT subscribers indicate the same typical action. Fully 43% of the GP and 58% of NYT subscribers are extremely or very comfortable in purchasing a group of credits for $5 to $10 at a time for online content .

. More than half (53% of the GP and 60% of NYT subscribers) are extremely or very concerned with the rising costs of accessing premium online content .

. The type of content for which they are most likely to pay is national content (50% of the GP and 57% of NYT subscribers).

As stated in the survey's executive summary, "throughout the research findings, the case for Content Credits is strong. The NYT subscribers, as well as younger consumers, are consistently the strongest supporters for aspects of the Content Credits' value proposition. There exists a significant opportunity for publishers and others to consider adding an offering, such as Content Credits, for its readers as an option to the traditional online subscription paywall, at least on a trial basis."

With Content Credits, users can purchase individual articles or pieces of content at a fraction of the cost of a traditional subscription. As an example, with Content Credits, a consumer interested in reading a specific article published online by a particular media outlet can choose to purchase that article using one or more content credits. Initially, individual credits are expected to be priced at $0.25.

Key Features:

Seamless Integration: The platform integrates seamlessly with existing paywalls, providing an additional revenue stream for publishers.

The platform integrates seamlessly with existing paywalls, providing an additional revenue stream for publishers. Micropayment Model: Users will bypass traditional subscriptions and pay for individual articles they want to read, making high-quality content more accessible.

Users will bypass traditional subscriptions and pay for individual articles they want to read, making high-quality content more accessible. Flexible Pricing: Publishers will set the price per article, allowing for a tailored approach that reflects the value of the content.

Publishers will set the price per article, allowing for a tailored approach that reflects the value of the content. Data Insights: Publishers will gain access to valuable data on reader preferences and behaviors, helping them optimize content and pricing strategies.

Publishers will gain access to valuable data on reader preferences and behaviors, helping them optimize content and pricing strategies. Blockchain Technology: The back end will leverage blockchain technology to manage transactions securely and transparently, ensuring that payments to writers, publishers and the platform are accurate and timely.

The back end will leverage blockchain technology to manage transactions securely and transparently, ensuring that payments to writers, publishers and the platform are accurate and timely. AI-Driven Recommendations: As a future integration, Content Credits plans to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze data and provide personalized content recommendations to users and actionable insights to writers, helping them create more engaging content based on reader preferences.

Impact on Bounce Rates and SEO: Traditional paywalls often result in high bounce rates, with studies showing that websites can have bounce rates as high as 60% to 90% for landing pages and blogssome reaching as high as 97%. High bounce rates negatively impact SEO, as they are often correlated with lower search rankings due to reduced user engagement and session duration. By providing a flexible micropayment option, Content Credits will help reduce bounce rates, improve user engagement, and ultimately enhance SEO performance for publishers (Marcel Digital) (MarketSplash).

Ad Revenue Impact: Paywalls can also impact ad revenue by reducing the number of visitors who see ads. Studies show that the number of unique visitors can decrease by up to 16.8% when paywalls are implemented, leading to fewer ad impressions and lower ad revenue (iZooto) (The Good). By offering a micropayment option, Content Credits will ensure more eyeballs on ads, enhancing ad revenue potential for publishers.

Those interested can visit ContentCredits.com to sign up and receive $10 in free credits, putting them first in line to experience the benefits of micropayments firsthand. Once the appropriate number of publishing partners has been added to the platform, those who have signed up will be notified that the platform is ready for use. Interested publishers are invited to reach out to discuss the model, understand its benefits and participate in testing.

Visit ContentCredits.com for more information.

About Content Credits

Founded in 2024, Content Credits is at the forefront of revolutionizing digital content accessibility. By partnering with leading publishers and leveraging innovative blockchain technology, Content Credits offers a micropayment platform that makes premium content affordable and accessible to all. Our mission is to bridge the digital divide and foster a more informed society. By allowing users to earn and spend "Content Credits," this service incentivizes high-quality content creation and consumption on all platforms while avoiding cumbersome and discriminating paywall experiences, fostering a vibrant and rewarding online environment for publishers, businesses and consumers.

Media Contact

Dan O'Keeffe

513.235.8638

[email protected]

ContentCredits.com

SOURCE Content Credits
SAN ANTONIO, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- REEP Equity, a leading name in multifamily real estate investing, proudly announces the launch of its Income Debt Fund II, designed to offer accredited investors stable monthly returns through a diversified and strategic investment vehicle. Building on the success of their first debt fund, this offering presents a timely opportunity for those seeking consistent income and robust risk mitigation.

REEP Equity's Income Debt Fund II

A Unique Investment for Consistent Returns

The Income Debt Fund II targets accredited investors looking for fixed annual preferred returns of 10% to 12%. Focused exclusively on funding high-performing multifamily properties in key Texas markets, including San Antonio, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Austin, the fund delivers diversification and stability by distributing investments across multiple properties and operators.

"We created this fund to meet the growing demand from multifamily operators for short-term, mid-size loans while offering investors a secure way to achieve double-digit returns in today's market," said Jacob Garza, Co-Founder of REEP Equity.

Fund Highlights

Diversification Across Multiple Investments

Investor capital will be allocated across multifamily projects to minimize market risk and provide steady returns.

Investor capital will be allocated across multifamily projects to minimize market risk and provide steady returns. Attractive Returns

Class A investments start at $50,000 with a fixed return of 10% annually, while Class B investments, starting at $200,000 , yield 12% fixed annual returns.

Class A investments start at with a fixed return of 10% annually, while Class B investments, starting at , yield 12% fixed annual returns. Immediate and Stable Income

Investors begin receiving monthly distributions within 30 to 60 days of joining .

Investors begin receiving monthly distributions within . Established Markets with Strong Economic Growth

Properties are located in Texas , a market known for its growth and stability in the multifamily sector.

A Commitment to Expertise and Responsible Investment

REEP Equity brings over 13 years of experience with 33 properties closed and a fully integrated in-house property management team, ensuring advanced oversight and property performance. With its hands-on approach, REEP ensures operators meet stringent requirements, including a proven track record, solid property performance, and a clear exit or refinance strategy.

"Our expertise in multifamily investments combined with our thorough due diligence process ensures that every dollar is invested wisely," said Arlene Garza, Co-Founder of REEP Equity. "We are proud to offer opportunities that elevate investor confidence while delivering robust returns."

A Flexible Investment Opportunity

The fund offers a unique limited redemption option after 25 months, providing flexibility for investors in addition to stable monthly returns. Investors using self-directed IRAs benefit from no UBIT tax, making it an attractive choice for retirement planning.

Act Now to Secure Your Spot

With a projected five-year maturity and a targeted fund size of $20 million, the Income Debt Fund II is open for a limited time only. Investments close on February 28, so prospective investors are encouraged to act promptly to take advantage of this exclusive opportunity.

For more information or to begin the investment process, contact REEP Equity at [email protected] or request access to investment documentation HERE.

About REEP Equity:

REEP (Real Estate Equity Partners) was founded in 2012 by principals Jacob and Arleen Garza. Our firm is focused on acquiring underperforming, income-producing, multifamily investment opportunities in Texas.

Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, REEP Equity is vertically integrated with our in-house management company, REEP Residential. Together we focus on the multifamily sector and pledge incomparable commitment and service to both our residents and our investors.

With a track record of $750 million in multifamily assets spanning over 5,840 units across San Antonio, Houston, and Austin, REEP Equity has delivered remarkable results. The company has successfully taken 11 properties through full investment cycles, achieving an average equity multiple of 2.04X, a 23% average IRR, and a 30% AARreliable metrics that highlight our ability to create value and drive consistent returns.

Contact:

Rebecca Treanor

830-370-0171

[email protected]

SOURCE REEP Equity
Innovative Video Compression Leader Takes the Next Step in Growth Strategy

ST. LOUIS, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Reticulate Micro, Inc. (OTCQB: RMXI) ("Reticulate Micro," "we," or the "Company"), a software products company specializing in advanced video compression and streaming solutions, today announced that its shares have begun trading on the OTCQB Venture Market under the ticker symbol "RMXI". This milestone marks the Company's transition to the public market as it scales its groundbreaking VAST platform to address the critical demand for video infrastructure in government, defense, and commercial sectors.

"Trading on OTCQB is a pivotal moment for Reticulate Micro," said Andrew Sheppard, CEO of Reticulate Micro. "Our VAST platform has already demonstrated transformative potential by enabling the delivery of high-quality video in scenarios previously deemed impossible, including a recent milestone achievement in streaming video over legacy long range High Frequency (HF) radio links at ultra-low bandwidthsa global first. We expect this listing to give us access to new growth capital, enabling us to expand our reach and accelerate our development of enterprise-scale solutions."

Transforming Video Streaming with VAST Technology Reticulate Micro's flagship product, the VAST Video Platform, is a game-changing video encoder and compression technology. Utilizing the AV1 standard, it delivers:

Unmatched Efficiency: 30-40% better compression than HEVC, enabling HD video streaming at bandwidths as low as 200kbps, and SD under 50kbps.

30-40% better compression than HEVC, enabling HD video streaming at bandwidths as low as 200kbps, and SD under 50kbps. Broad Compatibility: Standards-based streaming as well as hardware-agnostic encoding for x86 and ARM architectures, deployable on platforms as compact as Raspberry Pi.

Standards-based streaming as well as hardware-agnostic encoding for x86 and ARM architectures, deployable on platforms as compact as Raspberry Pi. Multiple ROI Potential: With no reliance on GPUs or specialized hardware, the VAST Video Platform offers a significant reduction in not only bandwidth usage but power consumption and storage requirements as well.

With no reliance on GPUs or specialized hardware, the VAST Video Platform offers a significant reduction in not only bandwidth usage but power consumption and storage requirements as well. Revolutionary Performance: Field-proven capability to stream video over challenging tactical networks where traditional solutions fail, including legacy cellular networks, narrowband SATCOM, and tactical radios.

Strategic Growth Initiatives Building on its success in tactical video solutions for defense applications, Reticulate Micro is expanding its enterprise-level offerings for government and commercial customers. The Company plans to release significant platform enhancements in early 2025, including advanced dynamic bandwidth management and adaptive encoding capabilities. Additionally, through its commercial joint venture, RMX, launching in Q1 2025, the Company is positioned to bring its revolutionary technology to global commercial markets.

About Reticulate Micro, Inc.

Reticulate Micro, Inc. (OTCQB: RMXI), headquartered in St Louis, Missouri, is a video technology company focused on addressing the world's growing crisis in video data transmission and storage. Through its proprietary VAST (Video Adaptive Systems Technology) platform, Reticulate Micro is aiming to transform how organizations capture, transmit, store and share visual data. The Company's battle-tested technology, proven in military applications, reduces video bandwidth, storage, and power consumption by up to 50% while maintaining quality across any network or hardware platform. From defense to AI and enterprise applications, Reticulate Micro endeavors to redefine how organizations handle the growing demands of video data worldwide.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. In addition, our representatives or we may make forward-looking statements orally or in writing from time to time. We base these forward-looking statements on our expectations and projections about future events, which we derive from the available information. Such forward-looking statements relate to future events or our future performance, including our financial performance and projections, revenue and earnings growth, and business prospects and opportunities. You can identify forward-looking statements by those that are not historical facts, particularly those that use terminology such as "intends," "may," "should," "expects," "anticipates," "contemplates," "estimates," "believes," "plans," "projected," "predicts," "potential," or "hopes" or the negative of these or similar terms. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of the document in which they are contained, and the Company does not undertake any duty to update any forward-looking statements except as may be required by law.

Important Notice the Regarding Our Regulation A Offering

An offering statement regarding our offering of units consisting of one share of class A common stock and a warrant to purchase one share of class A common stock has been filed with the SEC. The SEC has qualified that offering statement, which means that Reticulate Micro may make sales of the securities described by that offering statement. It does not mean that the SEC has approved, passed upon the merits or passed upon the accuracy or completeness of the information in the offering statement. You may obtain a copy of the offering circular that is part of that offering statement through this link.

Investing in a public offering like our Regulation A offering is subject to unique risks, tolerance for volatility, and potential loss of your investment, that investors should be aware of prior to making an investment decision. Please carefully review the risk factors contained in the offering circular for this offering. For more information about Regulation A offerings, including the unique risks associated with these types of offerings, please click on the SEC's Investor Alert.

Neither this document nor any of its content constitutes an offer to sell, solicitation of an offer to buy or a recommendation for any security by Reticulate Micro or any third party. The content of this document is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to solicit the purchase of securities or to be used as investment, legal or tax advice. A securities offering by Reticulate Micro is only being made pursuant to the offering circular described above. The content of this document is qualified in its entirety by such offering circular. Prospective investors are urged to consult with their own investment, legal and tax advisors prior to making any investment in Reticulate Micro.

Contact:

Media:

Reticulate Micro Media Relations

[email protected]

Investor Relations:

Reticulate Micro Investor Relations

[email protected]

SOURCE Reticulate Micro, Inc.
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Revizto , the industry-leading Integrated Collaboration Platform that streamlines and centralizes project workflows and communication, today announced the final list of confirmed speakers and sessions for RevUP , the company's annual global user conference. RevUP will occur at the Gaylord National Resort & Conference Center in Washington, D.C., Feb. 3-5, 2025.

"RevUP is more than a conference, it's transforming the AECO industry through collaboration and innovation"  Arman, CEO Post this RevUP attendees share their insights and experiences from last year's global user conference.

RevUP gathers hundreds of Revizto users, partners, and industry leaders worldwide to celebrate the innovation and progress of the Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operation (AECO) industry. The three-day event features an Expo Hall showcasing the latest cutting-edge technologies and solutions to maximize tech stacks, thought-provoking panel discussions and keynote addresses from top industry experts including exclusive insights into the current and future state of Revizto and the industry, and educational sessions highlighting creative workflows, use cases, and tips and tricks.

Speakers at this year's conference include executives from AECOM, ArchKey Solutions, DPR Construction, Jacobs, McCarthy Building Companies, Mott MacDonald, Mortenson, Murphy Company, PCL Construction, Rogers-O'Brien Construction, Sellen Construction, HED, EXP, and more.

"RevUP is more than just a conventional conference; it's a bold initiative aimed at transforming the AECO industry through collaboration and innovation," said Arman Gukasyan, Founder and CEO, Revizto. "We stand at a pivotal moment where inefficiencies, budget overruns, and a dwindling workforce pose significant challenges to our industry. By bringing together leading experts, partners and Revizto users, we can have honest and unfiltered conversations and explore strategies that not only streamline processes but also promote sustainable development. Our collective efforts can pave the way for a brighter future, ensuring that we build not just for today but for generations to come."

During RevUP, attendees can become Revizto Expert certified through the Revizto Education & Learning (RED) Academy, which includes online certification courses and exams for Collaboration Essentials (Level 1) and Coordination Mastery (Level 2). Revizto is also introducing its live Expert Level 3 certification during RevUP, offering attendees the opportunity to become the first to showcase their advanced software expertise. All certification courses and exams are offered at no extra cost and are exclusive perks for RevUp attendees so that when they leave the conference, they are immediately equipped with the knowledge and skills to use the Revizto platform in the field.

Event sponsors include Cupix, OpenSpace, DroneDeploy, cmBuilder, Eagle Point Software, Voyansi, Timescapes, FARO, Resolve, Reality Capture Network, Global eTraining, Buildots, and NaVvis.

A limited number of tickets are still available at $1,200. For more information or to register for RevUP, visit revizto.com/en/revup/ .

About Revizto

Revizto is the leading Integrated Collaboration Platform used by professionals from across the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operation (AECO) industry to streamline workflows and communication with all stakeholders in a unified environment throughout the project lifecycle. The Revizto platform is intuitive, adaptable, and fully functional from any device. https://revizto.com/

SOURCE Revizto
DALLAS, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rocket Station, a leading provider of virtual staffing solutions, today announced its achievement of ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 27001:2022 certifications, marking a significant milestone in the company's commitment to quality management and information security. These internationally recognized certifications demonstrate Rocket Station's dedication to maintaining the highest standards of data security and operational excellence for its global client base.

As the only remote staffing company with both ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 certifications, Rocket Station guarantees world-class security and quality management. ISO certifications are globally recognized frameworks for maintaining the highest levels of operational integrity.

The ISO certifications validate Rocket Station's robust framework for managing sensitive information and delivering consistent, high-quality services. This achievement positions the company as a premier choice for businesses seeking secure, reliable virtual staffing solutions heading into 2025.

"These certifications represent more than just compliance  they're a testament to our unwavering commitment to protecting our clients' data and delivering exceptional service," said Marc Nickell, CEO of Rocket Station. "As organizations increasingly rely on virtual talent, we're proud to offer them the assurance that their operations and sensitive information are in the most capable and secure hands."

Rocket Station's comprehensive virtual staffing solutions span multiple industries, providing essential support roles including but not limited to:

Real Estate: Transaction Coordinators, Listing Managers, Lead Generation Specialists

Financial Services: Bookkeepers, Financial Analysts, Data Entry Specialists

Healthcare: Medical Billers, Patient Coordinators, Claims Processors

E-commerce: Customer Service Representatives, Order Processing Specialists, Inventory Managers

Each client engagement begins with a thorough role mapping process and custom job description creation, ensuring perfect alignment between business needs and virtual talent. Clients gain immediate access to Rocket Station's extensive pool of pre-vetted candidates, all of whom undergo a rigorous selection and onboarding process that includes:

Comprehensive skills assessment and background verification

Intensive training

Professional communication and cultural adaptation training

Ongoing performance monitoring and support

The dual certification highlights Rocket Station's key differentiators in the virtual outsource staffing vertical, including:

Enhanced data protection protocols that exceed industry standards

Streamlined quality management processes ensuring consistent service delivery

Comprehensive risk management framework

Regular independent audits and continuous improvement practices

For businesses exploring virtual staffing solutions in 2025, Rocket Station's ISO certifications provide added confidence in their ability to deliver secure, scalable, and efficient workforce solutions. The company's certified processes particularly benefit industries handling sensitive data, such as healthcare, financial services, and technology sectors.

These certifications arrive as Rocket Station continues to expand its service offerings and industry reach, reinforcing its position as an industry leader in virtual staffing solutions. The company remains committed to setting new benchmarks for security and quality in the virtual staffing industry.

About Rocket Station

Rocket Station is a premier virtual staffing solutions provider, helping businesses scale efficiently through dedicated virtual professionals. The company specializes in process-driven virtual staffing solutions that enable organizations to focus on core business activities while reducing operational costs.

For more information, visit www.rocketstation.com.

Media Contact:

Christa Martin

[email protected]

858-775-2652

SOURCE Rocket Station
Hybrid Active Directory threat detection and response specialist exceeds 3,000% growth over five years

HOBOKEN, N.J., Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Semperis , a pioneer in identity-driven cyber resilience, today announced it surpassed $100M in annual recurring revenue (ARR), a milestone that fewer than one in every 1,000 venture-backed enterprise software companies achieve, according to venture capital firm Greylock Partners. Fueling Semperis' rapid customer growth and ascension to 'centaur status' is the company's comprehensive solution for enterprises combatting the ever-growing threat of identity-based attacks in Active Directory and Entra ID environments.

Putting Identity at the Center of Cyber Resilience

Semperis enters its next phase of growth as the cybersecurity industry shifts from focusing primarily on attack prevention to prioritizing extended coverage of the attack lifecycle with cyber resilience. This shift is partially driven by new regulations like the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) and popular frameworks like NIST. Additionally, CISA, NSA, and other global cybersecurity agencies recently collaborated on a report sounding the alarm about Active Directory threats, compelling organizations to take corrective action to remove vulnerabilities that attackers exploit as entry points to carry out malicious objectives.

"Identity resilience has become the new security perimeter, making every aspect of an organization's digital existence existentially dependent on the identity system, most often Active Directory. And when Active Directory and other identity systems are compromised, the foundations of a business dependent on them are at unacceptable risk. Recognizing the essential relationship between identity and business resilience, Semperis' products and services are on the cutting edge of cyber use cases, setting them apart from competitors. You can't simply bolt on identity security, because it is core to business operations and critical to sustain defense against sophisticated and motivated nation statebacked threat groups. Like business resilience, identity resilience must be addressed at the core," said Chris Inglis, Semperis Strategic Advisor and former U.S. National Cyber Director.

Semperis' Mission to Be a Force for Good

According to the Semperis Ransomware Risk Report 2024, 83% of surveyed organizations suffered from ransomware attacks in the previous year, with 78% of attack victims paying ransom, some multiple times. Core to Semperis' mission to be a force for good is helping customers say no to ransomware demands. The company has built several free community tools, including Purple Knight, which 30,000 users leverage for assessing Active Directory, Entra ID, and Okta vulnerabilities in enterprise environments, and Forest Druid, which identifies Tier 0 attack paths.

"From our inception in 2015, we've been preaching the importance of putting identity at the center of your cyber resilience strategy," said Mickey Bresman, Semperis CEO. "The biggest brands in the world rely on us to safeguard their hybrid AD environments, which are being targeted at unprecedented levels. I'm proud to offer organizations an alternative option to giving in to ransom demands by taking back control through comprehensive protection, from detection and response to full-on crisis recovery. We cover the entire identity attack lifecycle and provide specialized incident response support."

The Rising Category of Identity Threat Detection and Response

Semperis is an early pioneer of Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR), one of the fastest growing cybersecurity categories. Today, Gartner ranks ITDR a "top CISO trend" as organizations adopt Zero Trust models and recognize the increasing frequency of attackers successfully targeting identity system vulnerabilities.

With a focus on cyber resilience, Semperis provides the industry's most comprehensive identity system defense platform, trusted by the largest enterprises and government agencies in the world, to dramatically reduce the success rate of ransomware and other destructive attacks.

The 2024 Forrester Total Economic Impact Report of Semperis details the potential millions of dollars in savings for enterprises after deploying Semperis, which enabled a 90% reduction in downtime, a 40% reduction in time spent manually monitoring for threats, and a decrease in overall cyber risk pre-, during, and post-attack.

"Congratulations to Mickey Bresman and the entire Semperis team for surpassing $100 million in annual recurring revenue, as they have reached rarified air amongst enterprise software companies. Identity-centric cyberattacks are rapidly increasing and traditional security solutions fall short of protecting an organization's most critical assets. Semperis has 'best in breed' solutions that help organisations detect, remediate and recover from identity-based attacks. I look forward to working with Semperis in 2025 to expand its presence in Australia, New Zealand and throughout Asia Pacific and Japan," said Malcolm Turnbull, Semperis Strategic Advisor and former Australian Prime Minister.

Leadership Expansion with IPO Experience and Other Recent Developments

Semperis recently announced new C-suite additions: Jeff Bray, Chief Financial Officer; Mike DeGaetano, Chief Revenue Officer; and Annabel Lewis, Chief Legal Officer. All come from high-growth cyber companies and have firsthand IPO and public company experience.

In June 2024, Semperis announced its latest round of strategic growth financing: $125 million from J. P. Morgan and Hercules Capital. Other recent updates include being named to Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 List for the fifth consecutive years and various product announcements, including a new SaaS offering for small to midsized businesses and expansion of its AI-powered threat detection and response capabilities.

Supporting Investor Quotes

"Insight Partners was thrilled to partner with Semperis in 2020, and five years later we are more bullish on the company and its award-winning hybrid identity protection solutions. "Congratulations to Mickey and the team on surpassing $100 million in ARR. Mickey, Guy and Matan had the foresight of identity security becoming a top priority for organizations years before others. This enabled the team to have an enterprise-ready platform in the market when the demand surfaced. Today, that demand has never been greater," said Teddie Wardi, Managing Director at Insight Partners and a member of Semperis' Board of Directors.

"Congratulations to Mickey and the entire Semperis team on the $100 million ARR milestone. KKR is proud to support the company's hybrid identity resilience mission and is thrilled to see the growing number of organizations in the world trusting Semperis to defend their critical identity systems from cyberattacks. Semperis' leading identity protection technology and incident response expertise are delivering category-defining innovation against serious identity-based attacks," said Ben Pederson, KKR Managing Director and a member of Semperis' Board of Directors.

"For Semperis, reaching $100 million in ARR is a monumental milestone and reflective of years of innovation, growth, and an unwavering commitment to addressing pressing cybersecurity challenges. At Paladin, we look forward to seeing what's next for Semperis, as hybrid identities, most often Active Directory, will continue to be under constant attack, especially at public sector organizations. What Semperis has done to revolutionize the Active Directory process and reduce recovery time from days to mere minutes is remarkable," said Tom Clute, Principal, Paladin Capital Group.

"Semperis is proof that specialized 'best-in-breed' solutions can grow into huge companies, helping enterprises worldwide address a specific attack vector more effectively. At Ten Eleven Ventures, we have admiration for Semperis achieving $100 million in ARR as it demonstrates how a specialized strategy can lead to immense growth and scale. Since our initial investment in 2022, the company has solidified its place as a cybersecurity centaur and I couldn't be happier," said Mark Hatfield, Founder and General Partner, Ten Eleven Ventures and a Semperis Strategic Advisor.

About Semperis

For security teams charged with defending hybrid and multi-cloud environments, Semperis ensures the integrity and availability of critical enterprise directory services at every step in the cyber kill chain and cuts recovery time by 90%. Purpose-built for securing hybrid identity environmentsincluding Active Directory, Entra ID, and OktaSemperis' AI-powered technology protects over 100 million identities from cyberattacks, data breaches and operational errors. The world's leading organizations trust Semperis to spot directory vulnerabilities, intercept cyberattacks in progress and quickly recover from ransomware and other data integrity emergencies. Semperis is headquartered in Hoboken, New Jersey, and operates internationally, with its research and development team distributed throughout the United States, Canada and Israel.

Semperis hosts the award-winning Hybrid Identity Protection conference and podcast series (www.hipconf.com) and built the community hybrid Active Directory cyber defender tools, Purple Knight (www.semperis.com/purple-knight/) and Forest Druid. The company has received the highest level of industry accolades, recently named to Inc. Magazine's list of best workplaces for 2024 and ranked the fastest-growing cybersecurity company in America by the Financial Times. Semperis is a Microsoft Enterprise Cloud Alliance and Co-Sell partner and is a member of the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA).

Learn more: https://www.semperis.com

Follow us: Blog / LinkedIn / X / Facebook / YouTube

Media Contact:

Bill Keeler

Senior Director, PR & Comms

[email protected]

SOURCE Semperis
Washington State Renews Two-Decade Battle Over Clergy Reporting Legislation

OLYMPIA, Wash., Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Emotions ran high during a Washington State Senate public hearing on Tuesday as lawmakers, survivors, and representatives of the Clergy Accountability Coalition, along with other advocates, urged the passage of Senate Bill 5375. The proposed legislation would close the controversial "clergy-penitent privilege" loophole, requiring clergy to report knowledge of child abuse and neglect to authorities.

A diverse group of individuals and organizations who have joined together to pass a Washington State Mandatory Clergy Reporting Law

"If a state cannot regulate religions," said Sharon Huling, representing the Clergy Accountability Coalition, "then they should not be able to provide religions with exemptions either."

While the current version of SB 5375 has been debated for three years, Sen. Noel Frame noted during the hearing that similar efforts have been fought over for two decades. Renewed momentum for the legislation followed reporting from InvestigateWest in 2022 that exposed systemic negligence by the Jehovah's Witnesses organization in handling child abuse reports.

Among those testifying in favor of the bill on Tuesday was Fr. James Connell, a retired priest from the Catholic Archdiocese of Milwaukee, who called for the abolition of exemptions that protect religious institutions.

"Any law that hides and protects criminals while simultaneously endangering children and vulnerable adults should not be on the books," Connell stated, emphasizing that even the Catholic Church's Catechism affirms the responsibility of civil authorities to enforce justice.

Tensions rose during the hearing when Senator Noel Frame directly addressed Auxiliary Bishop Frank Schuster of the Archdiocese of Seattle, following testimony from the Washington State Catholic Conference.

"I'm sure your intent is goodto thank me for sponsoring this bill, to thank us for having this conversation, and for telling us that we're brave. And that the community failed us," Frame said. "You're failing us."

Frame, herself a victim of child sexual abuse, described the profound toll the debate continues to take on survivors and lawmakers alike.

"It is traumatizing to have colleagues who I love and trust and have respect for, and have this legislature tell me to my face that freedom of religion is more important than protecting children," she said. "It feels like an abusive relationship we're in, where we are repeatedly abused and people just keep saying sorry."

The proposed legislation seeks to hold clergy to the same mandatory reporting requirements as teachers, medical professionals, and other trusted figures who work with children.

Despite widespread support from survivors, advocates, organizations, and the vast majority of religions, SB 5375 continues to face resistance from religions that have used the clergy-penitent exemption to avoid reporting abuse. Proponents of the bill insist that no religious law should be above state law.

"We need to find a way to thread the needle," Schuster commented.

"We did try to thread the needle last year," Frame rebuffed, "and I think that the women that are sitting in the front row told us that that was not an appropriate needle to thread and we need to protect all victims."

ICYMI: View the entire public hearing for Senate Bill 5375 HERE .

About the Clergy Accountability Coalition (CAC): The CAC is a diverse group of organizations and hundreds of individuals who have joined together to support this important legislation. Supporters include Father James Connell, a canon lawyer, Rabbi James Morel, the Catholic Accountability Project, Heal Our Church, The Freedom From Religion Foundation, Ending Clergy Abuse Global, and social service agencies like The Atlantic Street Center in Seattle. To learn more about HB1211 & SB5375 and current examples of Abuse, visit: www.catholicaccountabilityproject.org .

For information contact:

Sharon Huling Mitch Melin

[email protected] [email protected]

206-949-2006

SOURCE Clergy Accountability Coalition
From April 1 to 7, 2025, a total of 60 brands - with the arrival of Bvlgari and six new independent brands - will welcome visitors at Watches and Wonders Geneva.

An exciting program, personalized offers and numerous product launches will be announced. From the unveiling of exceptional and never-before-seen timepieces to unexpected encounters with world-renowned ambassadors, discover the new features that will transform any visit into an unparalleled immersive experience at the heart of watchmaking. Tickets will be available to purchase from Tuesday February 11, 2025, at watchesandwonders.com.

For the third year running, the Salon will open its doors to the general public. After four days reserved for professionals, from Saturday April 5 to Monday April 7 watch enthusiasts and collectors alike will be able to enjoy a program specifically designed for them. This year, ticketing has been adapted to suit different audiences and visitors; the main new feature is that everyone can now create a personalized schedule, thanks to an exclusive offer available online only with the purchase of a ticket.

Watches and Wonders Geneva - Public days  Watches and Wonders

By booking a slot for an exclusive presentation for new products, or by signing up for a guided tour with an expert to explore the secrets of the Maisons and their creations, visitors will enjoy a unique experience. Those who prefer to embark independently on a journey of discovery, immersing themselves in the worlds of the brands and letting themselves be surprised by iconic creations and unique events, will be swept up in the emotions that await them throughout their visit.

Discovery and experimentation continue at the LAB, a space dedicated to innovation and new technologies that explores the future of watchmaking training and professions. Brands, start- ups and students will present projects and prototypes in a new setting. The Auditorium's program, consisting of Brand presentations and lectures given by experts, will provide insights on the latest developments in the watchmaking industry. Finally, the Longitude Zero exhibition will take visitors on a journey along the Greenwich Meridian, in search of the markers of time.

In the City will bring watchmaking to the city center, with an entirely free program of events, discoveries and experiences, and the participation of many partner boutiques. The highlight will be on Thursday evening, with an exceptional concert, to be discovered soon!

Watches and Wonders Geneva - In the City  Watches and Wonders

Watchmaking professions will be in the spotlight all week, from the brand booths to the Watchmaking Village on the Pont de la Machine, where apprentices and trainers will be presenting initial training courses in the industry. Not to be missed: the SwissSkills 2025 qualifications for microtechnology professions, organized for the first time in conjunction with the Salon, as well as live coverage of the competition at the Watchmaking Village.

Conferences, readings and film screenings, in partnership notably with the Payot Bookshop, will explore time in original and unexpected ways, rounding off this exceptional week of watchmaking. See you in Geneva from April 1-7, 2025!

Exhibiting brands :

A. LANGE & SOHNE | ALPINA | ANGELUS | ARMIN STROM | ARNOLD & SON | ARTYA GENEVE | BAUME & MERCIER | BELL & ROSS | BREMONT | BVLGARI | CARTIER | CHANEL | CHARRIOL | CHOPARD | CHRISTIAAN VAN DER KLAAUW | CHRONOSWISS | CYRUS GENEVE | CZAPEK & CIE | EBERHARD & CO. | FERDINAND BERTHOUD | FREDERIQUE CONSTANT | GENUS | GERALD CHARLES | GRAND SEIKO | GRONEFELD | H. MOSER & CIE. | HAUTLENCE | HERMES | HUBLOT | HYSEK | HYT | IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN | JAEGER-LECOULTRE | KROSS STUDIO | LAURENT FERRIER | LOUIS MOINET | MEISTERSINGER | MONTBLANC | NOMOS GLASHUTTE | NORQAIN | ORIS | PANERAI | PARMIGIANI FLEURIER | PATEK PHILIPPE | PEQUIGNET | PIAGET | RAYMOND WEIL | RESSENCE | ROGER DUBUIS | ROLEX | RUDIS SYLVA | SPEAKE MARIN | TAG HEUER | TRILOBE | TUDOR | U-BOAT | ULYSSE NARDIN | VACHERON CONSTANTIN | VAN CLEEF & ARPELS | ZENITH |
CHICAGO, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SIGGRAPH 2025, the premier conference on computer graphics and interactive techniques, boldly looks toward the future to imagine how humanity and technology will connect and enhance our physical and digital worlds. The annual SIGGRAPH conference will return to Vancouver, British Columbia, 1014 August. Submissions are open for many programs, with the major General Submissions deadline closing 18 February. SIGGRAPH 2025 invites researchers, artists, production specialists, filmmakers, educators, and more to submit conference content that transforms technology and advances the human story.

"SIGGRAPH is long renowned for its high-quality content spanning production, animation, VFX, art, research, and immersive and new technologies," SIGGRAPH 2025 Conference Chair Ginger Alford, of Southern Methodist University, says. "This year, we strive to raise the bar and solicit content that showcases and celebrates our collective drive to connect, comprehend, and express the essence of the human experience through the technology we create and consume. Nearly every program will touch upon Generative AI and its uses, focusing on how these tools empower artists and enable the creation of digital worlds at a scale and in real time, supporting the digital twin revolution. I am eager to discover how our community's excellent work will unite our physical and digital worlds for the better."

Generative AI is just one of the topics that SIGGRAPH's longstanding and new programs will explore. The 2025 Technical Papers program, SIGGRAPH's premier venue for scholarly research, is known for highlighting advancements in AI, simulation, modeling, visualization, immersive experiences, and more. Technical Papers recently saw strong interest with more than 970 submissions  the program's highest submission rate in the 52 years of the conference.

Popular programs like Real-Time Live!, Posters, Immersive Pavilion, and Emerging Technologies, among others, are now accepting submissions. Open submissions include SIGGRAPH's leading production and animation programs  Production Sessions and the Computer Animation Festival. The Computer Animation Festival is an Academy Award Qualifying Festival for the "Best in Show" award winner in the short film category. The full program is expanding this year to include the Electronic Theater, Animation Theater, and a Special Film Event. As Vancouver is home to 39% of Canada's most popular filming locations, with British Columbia representing 36% of film and television production in the country, SIGGRAPH's return to "Hollywood North" is an exciting occasion to recognize production and animation excellence in this major industry hub.

Among SIGGRAPH's core offerings is a new opportunity for submission  the Spatial Storytelling program. This new, creator-centric showcase is a place to present spatial technology work, revealing behind-the-scenes mapping and capturing of a spatial environment, as well as the interaction within. Presenters show computer graphics enthusiasts exactly how immersive experiences, environments, and performances are built. And when it comes to SIGGRAPH, there are always a few surprises in store. More details and conference content will be revealed in the months leading up to SIGGRAPH 2025.

The innovation and inspiration continue with the recent appointment of the SIGGRAPH 2027 Conference Chair. After leading the SIGGRAPH 2020 all-virtual conference, Kristy Pron will return as chair of the 54th conference, taking place in Anaheim, California, 812 August 2027. Pron will follow SIGGRAPH 2026 Conference Chair Chris Redmann and the Los Angeles event, 1923 July 2026. Now, become an active co-creator of the future and submit your stories and ideas to SIGGRAPH 2025.

About ACM, ACM SIGGRAPH, and SIGGRAPH 2025

ACM , the Association for Computing Machinery, is the world's largest educational and scientific computing society, uniting educators, researchers, and professionals to inspire dialogue, share resources, and address the field's challenges. ACM SIGGRAPH is a special interest group within ACM that serves as an interdisciplinary community for members in research, technology, and applications in computer graphics and interactive techniques. The SIGGRAPH conference is the world's leading annual interdisciplinary educational experience showcasing the latest in computer graphics and interactive techniques. SIGGRAPH 2025, the 52nd annual conference hosted by ACM SIGGRAPH, will take place live 1014 August at the Vancouver Convention Centre, along with a virtual access option.

SOURCE SIGGRAPH 2025
16th annual research event features keynotes from Renew Home, Savant Systems, and Southern Company, evaluating value of consumer energy market for future of the smart grid management

DALLAS, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Parks Associates today announced the keynotes from Southern Company, Renew Home, and Savant Systems for the upcoming Smart Energy Summit: Engaging the Consumer, held March 25-26, in Dallas, Texas, co-located with DISTRIBUTECH, the largest utility and energy-focused conference in the world. Parks Associates research shows 24% of US Internet households report receiving energy data from a source other than their energy provider, indicating competition and market expansion for energy platforms, analytics, and technologies for real-time monitoring and energy management.

Net Promoter Score: Smart Energy Devices

Smart Energy Summit, March 25-26 in D162/164 at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center, hosts executive leaders from across the home energy management and smart home ecosystem. Event sponsors include Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), NRG, Savant, SkyBell, and Universal Electronics.

Sessions are focused on the growth of smart home and energy management platforms and applications, demand for home services, the role of coordination between devices, marketing to the consumer, and the impact of new AI technologies on the energy markets. Keynote speakers include:

William Dillon , Chief Technology Officer, Savant Systems

Chief Technology Officer, Jeff Gleeson , Chief Product Officer, Renew Home

Chief Product Officer, Robin Lanier , Managing Director, New Ventures, Southern Company

"Smart home products that provide energy insights complement the information provided by energy providers to their customers," said Daniel Holcomb, Sr. Research Analyst, Parks Associates. "While smart thermostats and smart plugs can provide small energy-use snapshots, smart panels can provide whole-home consumption views, providing incredibly valuable disaggregated data  something that consumers want but rarely have access to at this time."

In its 16th year, Smart Energy Summit hosts a mix of keynotes, research presentations, and interactive panels covering a broad range of topics focused on smart energy solutions, the integration of new technologies like solar, EVs, and smart thermostats, and strategies for engaging consumers in sustainable energy practices.

"Smart home technology provides valuable benefits, and consumers like these products. Consumers give smart thermostats and other smart energy devices relatively strong Net Promoter Scores (NPS)," Holcomb said. "Video doorbells are the highest-rated smart home device, and smart speakers score the lowest. Smart thermostats are at the higher end of that range within smart home device category. This data  alongside generally positive experiences with demand response programs are encouraging for the long-term prospects of these devices."

Registration is through the DISTRIBUTECH Website. To request data or an interview, contact [email protected], 972-490-1113.

About Smart Energy Summit at DISTRIBUTECH

The 16th annual Smart Energy Summit, co-located with DISTRIBUTECH and organized by Parks Associates, brings together leaders and innovators from the energy, smart home, and technology industries to explore the future of energy management, renewable energy adoption, and grid modernization. The summit provides a platform for industry professionals to engage in discussions, hear trending industry and consumer data, network and collaborate with peers.

The 2025 summit is held March 25-26 in Room D162/164 at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Center in Dallas and will focus on integrating smart energy solutions, leveraging AI and IoT for home energy management, and tackling the challenges of demand response and grid orchestration.

Follow #SmartEnergy25 on Parks Associates' LinkedIn. For information on speaking, sponsoring, or attending Smart Energy Summit, visit www.smartenergysmt.com.

Media Contact:

Mindi Sue Sternblitz-Rubenstein

Parks Associates

972.996.0212

[email protected]

SOURCE Parks Associates
The gifts support local efforts to make a positive impact in communities across Georgia, Illinois, Tennessee and Virginia

ATLANTA, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern Company Gas and its philanthropic arm, the Southern Company Gas Foundation, awarded more than $11 million in financial gifts last year to over 600 nonprofit organizations in communities across the company's service territory.

Collectively these gifts positively impacted approximately 4.5 million people across Georgia, Illinois, Tennessee and Virginia. Donations and grants were awarded to nonprofits that aligned with the foundation's four strategic priorities: social justice, economic mobility, environmental stewardship and community enrichment.

"Investing in progress and opportunities to positively transform and grow communities is central to our company," said James Y. (Jim) Kerr II, Southern Company Gas chairman, president and chief executive officer. "We are intentionally focused on initiatives that fuel possibilities and advance opportunity for the betterment of those we serve. That's why our company and foundation have directed more than $50 million in giving to communities throughout our service areas since 2020."

Southern Company Gas, its family of local distribution companies  Atlanta Gas Light, Chattanooga Gas, Nicor Gas and Virginia Natural Gas  its marketing business Georgia Natural Gas, its charitable foundation and its employees have collaborated with community partners to address local challenges through charitable giving and transformative volunteer experiences for more than 160 years and counting.

"We seek to be citizens where we live, work and serve. While meaningful financial contributions are key to supporting community efforts, our engagement stems beyond to include the time and talent of our people. We partner with organizations to provide holistic support to our communities, often driving programming, making connections to resources and volunteering to support projects and initiatives across our service footprint," said Serena Levy, Southern Company Gas Foundation president and Southern Company Gas vice president of corporate impact.

Major gifts included donations that aided justice-impacted individuals successfully returning to society; supported workforce development programs training people to work in needed, skill-based jobs; grew reforestation of native species and conserved environmentally fragile areas; funded scholarships for secondary education and wrap-around programming for K-12 students; and supported health and human services for those most in need.

The foundation, the company and its employees also pledged approximately $700,000 to United Way and its affiliated local chapters. These contributions will help combat food insecurity and provide access to critical resources such as health and wellness, education and housing initiatives.

The company's employee resource groups also worked with Southern Company Gas Foundation leadership to direct $100,000 to nonprofit organizations aligned with their respective areas of focus in 2024. Furthermore, charitable giving in 2024 was complemented by more than 900 employees volunteering their time. From mid-November to mid-December alone, company volunteers spent time at more than 50 events supporting nonprofits to make the holiday season brighter for families in need.

For more information on community initiatives across the Southern Company Gas footprint, visit southerncompanygas.com/communityengagement.

About Southern Company Gas

Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America's premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.4 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and approximately 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com.

About the Southern Company Gas Foundation

The Southern Company Gas Foundation and its six subsidiaries in Georgia, Illinois, Tennessee and Virginia are committed to supporting the communities where Southern Company Gas employees live, work and serve. Its mission is to advance social justice, enable economic mobility, care for the environment and provide community assistance. The foundation is a private, nonprofit organization funded by an endowment from Southern Company Gas.

SOURCE Southern Company Gas
NEW YORK, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Spanx, LLC, the global women's brand and leader in shapewear, announces today a partnership with L'Enchanteur, the visionary brand created by twin sisters Dynasty and Soull Ogun. This is L'Enchanteur's first brand partnership since winning the 2024 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award. The partnership, which kicked off last night with a celebratory dinner party in New York City, features a collection of sculpted statement pieces designed by the Brooklyn-based duo. This specialty jewelry collection is customized for the launch of SPANXsculpt ReDefine, a first-to-market denim collection featuring cutting-edge sculpting technology, designed to showcase the lower silhouette and Spanx's "best at bottoms" promise.

The belt loop chain attachment style from the Spanx x L'Enchanteur sculpted statement piece collection The safety pin attachment style from the Spanx x L'Enchanteur sculpted statement piece collection

"We're thrilled to collaborate on this exciting denim capsule with L'Enchanteur, a brand that shares our passion for innovation through design," said Katie Weeks, VP of Brand Marketing at Spanx. "This partnership highlights our commitment to empowering women who are driving change in industries and inspiring future creators, just as Spanx's founder set out to do 25 years ago. The exclusive accessory capsule collection is the perfect complement to SPANXsculpt ReDefine, which introduces first-to-market technology, blending style with groundbreaking innovation."

"We are very excited to partner with such a dynamic, revolutionary brand such as SPANX," said Dynasty Ogun, Co-Founder at L'Enchanteur. "Our collab with SPANX sets the tone for the blend of technology and design, paving the way for a new vision across industries. Immersing ourselves in body consciousness with awareness in our form, fitting the way we continue to envision ourselves."

PARTNERSHIP ELEMENTS

Spanx partnered with L'Enchanteur to create striking embellishments for SPANXsculpt ReDefine, the brand's first-to-market sculpting denim collection. These include three attachment styles: belt loop chains, belt loop clasps, and oversized safety pins. The attachments are complemented by a 10-charm suite, featuring interchangeable designs that allow for personal expression. Charms include Spanx-red gemstones, a pair of crossed legs inspired by Spanx's original packaging, L'Enchanteur's signature key and mask totems, zodiacs symbols representing L'Enchanteur's mysticism, and of course, the iconic "booty." Together, these elements celebrate the shared muse of both brands: the woman.

L'Enchanteur is known for transforming jewelry into sculptural art, infusing each piece with spirituality and cultural narratives that are both meaningful and striking. After seven years of unwavering dedication, their groundbreaking designs earned the 2024 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awarda testament to their resilience, innovation, and vision.

In synergy with L'Enchanteur, Spanx is driven by the mission to create solutions for women with design innovation at the core. The collaboration between Spanx and L'Enchanteur reflects this shared ethos, elevating customers through collections that are functional, deeply meaningful, and driven by purposeful design.

ABOUT SPANX, LLC

Founded by Sara Blakely in 2000, Spanx, LLC is a dynamic women's brand that has revolutionized an industry and changed the way women around the world get dressed. Now a powerhouse lifestyle brand, Spanx offers both innerwear and outerwear solutions, constantly identifying and solving wardrobe challenges from a women's point of view. With smarter, more comfortable, must-haves including activewear, apparel, denim, shapewear, swimwear, intimates, leggings, hosiery and more, Spanx elevates women through product and empowers them to look and feel their best. Further information is available at www.spanx.com. Follow Spanx on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @Spanx.

ABOUT L'ENCHANTEUR

The conceptual fruit of identical twin designers, Dynasty & Soull Ogun, L'Enchanteur is a creative incubator inspired by the sciences, color theory, numerology, religion, mythologies, magic, & fairy tales. L'Enchanteur seeks to communicate timeless inspirations of spirituality behind each of their pieces, creating clothing, jewelry, and lifestyle items that redefine the meaning of an heirloom. Embodying their motto, Transform Your Lifestyle, Dynasty and Soull push forward on an upward and unknown path to introduce a new vision of design decorum to the world. Creating a method in mystic healing for the world.

SOURCE Spanx, Inc.
NEW YORK, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Featuring nearly 1,100 companies and thousands of specialty food products, the Specialty Food Association (SFA) Winter Fancy Food Show ran from January 19-21 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and culminated in an all-hands-on-deck effort to get excess products from the show into the hands of local communities in need. Exhibitors donated more than 15,000 pounds of surplus specialty food and beverages to Three Square Food Bank, Southern Nevada's only food bank and largest hunger relief organization, serving four countiesClark, Lincoln, Esmeralda, and Nye.

Specialty Food Association 2025 Winter Fancy Food Show Food Rescue with Three Square

"Ending the Winter Fancy Food Show with a food rescue is so meaningful to everyone at the Specialty Food Association and all our exhibitors," said Jennifer Carney, Director, Tradeshow and Event Operations for SFA. "Nevada and Las Vegas have been amazing hosts for our shows for many years and it's an honor to give back to local communities through our partnership with Three Square. We're grateful to everyone who helped make this food rescue happen."

The food and beverage donations included plant-based, meat and cheese products, confections, breads, coffee, tea, oils, vinegars, pasta, snacks, and more.

"The Specialty Food Association has once again demonstrated incredible generosity in supporting our neighbors in Southern Nevada," said Beth Martino, President and CEO of Three Square Food Bank. "Their donation of 15,181 pounds of food will provide more than 18,000 meals. We are deeply grateful for SFA's ongoing commitment through the Winter Fancy Food Show each year. With one in seven individuals in our community facing food insecurity, partners like SFA are essential in sustaining our food rescue efforts."

SFA's next trade show, the Summer Fancy Food Show, will also have a food rescue, and will take place June 29-July 1 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. For more information, click here .

About the Specialty Food Association

The Specialty Food Association (SFA) was founded in 1952 and is the not-for-profit trade association of the $207-billion specialty food industry. Representing more than 4,000 businesses worldwide, SFA champions industry participation and success for a diverse community of makers, buyers, importers, distributors, and service providers by developing resources, information, education , and events that celebrate innovation and inclusivity. SFA owns and operates the Summer Fancy Food Show , Winter FancyFaire* , and the sofi Awards , which have honored excellence in specialty food and beverage annually since 1972. SFA also produces the e-newsletter Specialty Food SmartBrief, the Trendspotter Panel annual predictions and Show reports, the State of the Specialty Food Industry Report, and Today's Specialty Food Consumer research. Find out more at Specialtyfood.com , and connect with SFA on LinkedIn , Instagram , TikTok , Facebook , and X .

About Three Square Food Bank

A national model project inspired by Founder Eric Hilton with a grant provided by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Three Square is Southern Nevada's only food bank and largest hunger relief organization, serving Las Vegas and all of Clark, Lincoln, Esmeralda and Nye counties. Since opening in 2007, Three Square has provided more than 595 million pounds of food to hundreds of thousands of people in need and earned a reputation as one of the most efficient and effective food banks in the country. Three Square is a community collaborative partnership with businesses, nonprofit agencies, food distributors, higher education institutions, the Clark County School District, governmental entities, the media and thousands of volunteers working together to support food-insecure Southern Nevadans. Last year, Three Square provided more than 49 million pounds of food, the equivalent of more than 40 million meals, through its network of community partners. A member of the Feeding America network of food banks, Three Square remains committed to its mission of providing wholesome food to hungry people, while passionately pursuing a hunger-free community. If you or someone you know needs food assistance, or wants to learn more about Three Square's vision of a community where no one is hungry, please connect at threesquare.org, Facebook (@ThreeSquareFoodBank), Instagram (@threesquarelv) and X (@threesquarelv).

SOURCE Specialty Food Association
TAMPA, Fla., Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a recent report on the top auto insurance providers in Arizona , AutoInsurance.org named State Farm #1 due to its competitive rates, available discounts, and flexible coverage options.

The top 10 providers in the state were ranked as follows:

State Farm USAA Progressive Geico Allstate Farmers American Family Liberty Mutual Nationwide The Hartford

These companies rank high in the areas of affordability, customer satisfaction, and coverage options.

Car Insurance in Arizona

Drivers must carry liability with limits of at least $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 property damage.

Arizona is a tort state, meaning that the party at fault in an accident is liable for injury and damage costs incurred in a crash.

Drivers caught driving without insurance face some of the harshest repercussions in the country:

First Offense  $500 fine, up to three-month license suspension, up to a two-year SR-22 filing requirement

fine, up to three-month license suspension, up to a two-year SR-22 filing requirement Second Offense  $750 fine, up to six-month license suspension, up to a two-year SR-22 filing requirement

fine, up to six-month license suspension, up to a two-year SR-22 filing requirement Third and Subsequent Offenses  $1,000 fine, up to 12-month license suspension, up to a two-year SR-22 filing requirement

Despite these consequences, around 12% of Arizona drivers are uninsured.

Auto Insurance Premiums in Arizona

Arizona's average car insurance premiums are 3% lower than the national average. Young drivers pay rates that are significantly higher than the national average.

Drivers with poor credit scores can expect to pay higher premiums. Driving history also impacts premiums, with drivers having a record of an accident paying as much as 50%. Drivers who have a DUI on their record can expect to pay double or more for insurance.

Melanie Musson, a nationally recognized auto insurance expert with AutoInsurance.org , urges Arizona residents not to settle for high insurance rates. "Comparing quotes can lead drivers to companies better suited to their risk profiles."

Arizona Cities and Auto Insurance Rates

Arizona's biggest city, Phoenix, and nearby cities Glendale and Laveen have the highest rates in the state. These areas have higher traffic-related fatalities and higher crime rates than the Arizona and national averages.

Flagstaff residents pay some of the cheapest car insurance rates in the state, thanks to a lower risk of traffic issues.

Read AutoInsurance.org's entire report here: Best Arizona Auto Insurance in 2025 .

SOURCE AutoInsurance.org
SANTA FE, N.M., Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SWAIA Fashion Week (SNFW) is proud to announce its renewed partnership with Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week (VIFW) to present the 2025 annual SWAIA Native Fashion Week, scheduled for May 7-11 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This collaboration underscores SNFW's commitment to Native leadership, mentorship, and best practices in the rapidly growing Native fashion industry.

Image Courtesy of SWAIA and VIFW

"Partnering with VIFW amplifies our mission to bring Native art to the world through impactful partnerships while strengthening the global visibility of Native fashion design," said SWAIA Executive Director, Jamie Schulze. "This partnership reflects a shared commitment to promoting Native voices and fostering creative excellence."

The collaboration between SWAIA and VIFW creates an opportunity to exchange ideas, traditions, and artistry between Native fashion communities in the United States and Canada. This historic partnership honors the roots of Native fashion while paving the way for a sustainable and inclusive future for Native designers, models, and creatives.

Since its inception in 2017, VIFW has led Native fashion, becoming the first Indigenous Fashion Week globally. Held at the iconic Queen Elizabeth Theatre, VIFW has showcased over 40 visionary designers, establishing itself as an international platform for Native fashion. VIFW is driven by a mission to support community, culture, and mentorship, nurturing the next generation of Native creatives.

"We are excited to collaborate with SWAIA Fashion Week as it extends our mission to empower and inspire Native fashion communities," said a representative of VIFW. "This partnership will allow us to learn from and share with the Santa Fe fashion community while strengthening connections across borders."

A key aspect of this partnership is mentorship. VIFW is committed to empowering community members and fostering the growth of Native creatives. By "handing it back," VIFW aims to share knowledge, build bridges, and connect Native fashion communities to the larger industry.

SWAIA and VIFW are setting the stage for a transformative exchange that honors Native fashion traditions while shaping a more inclusive, sustainable future for designers and creatives.

Tickets for SWAIA Native Fashion Week will be available in mid-February at swaia.org

About SWAIA Native Fashion Week (SNFW):

SWAIA Native Fashion Week is an offshoot of the popular SWAIA Native Fashion Show that has taken place during Santa Fe Indian Market, since 2014. SWAIA Native Fashion Week debuted in May 2024, an event dedicated to Indigenous fashion designers and Indigenous representation in the fashion industry. The goals of SWAIA Native Fashion Week are to establish Santa Fe, New Mexico, as the Indigenous fashion capital of the United States, showcase Indigenous creativity, create networking opportunities, and amplify Indigenous voices.

www.swaia.org

@swaianativefashion

About Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week (VIFW):

Since its inception in 2017, VIFW has been celebrated as the first Indigenous Fashion Week in the world. Hosted at the iconic Queen Elizabeth Theatre, the inaugural event showcased the talent of 40 visionary designers from across Turtle Island throughout the 7-day event, establishing VIFW as a global leader in Indigenous fashion.

https://www.vifw.ca/

@vancouverindigenousfashionweek

SOURCE Southwestern Association for Indian Arts
Expansion of Swivl's suite of tools for educators and students will be supported through a company-friendly growth financing agreement

MENLO PARK, Calif., Jan. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Swivl, a leader in reflective technology for education and personal development, has secured a growth loan from Decathlon Capital Partners. The investment package will be used to meet the growing demand for Swivl's Mirror and MirrorTalk solutions, enhance functionality, and support new development efforts that advance the company's mission of accelerating reflection for better learning and social-emotional outcomes.

Swivl's Mirror and MirrorTalk are transformative tools designed to foster personal and professional growth through reflection. By integrating advanced technology with intuitive user experiences, these solutions help educators and students to develop self-awareness, improve communication, and create meaningful connections that drive growth. Details of the growth-debt financing were not disclosed.

Brian Lamb, Co-Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Swivl, said the company is dedicated to advancing learning and development through the power of reflection. "At Swivl, we believe reflection is a critical tool for fostering self-awareness, improving communication, and building meaningful connections," Lamb said. "With Mirror and MirrorTalk, we're empowering educators and learners with solutions to meet the growing demands of the educational landscape."

Vladimir Tetelbaum, Co-Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Swivl, said the investment from Decathlon Capital Partners provides the support needed to scale their innovative solutions. "This funding enables us to bring Swivl to more educators and learners, helping to accelerate reflection as a cornerstone of personal and professional growth," Tetelbaum said. "We're grateful to partner with Decathlon as we expand our impact and continue developing tools that inspire meaningful progress."

John Borchers, Managing Director of Decathlon Capital Partners, expressed enthusiasm for partnering with Swivl. "Swivl's commitment to leveraging technology to accelerate reflection is both innovative and impactful," Borchers said. "We're thrilled to support their efforts as they expand their offerings and continue to make a difference in education and human development."

About Swivl

Swivl is a technology company that builds tools to accelerate learning and social-emotional development through reflection. From its groundbreaking Mirror and MirrorTalk solutions to its broader focus on personal and professional growth, Swivl is dedicated to creating a future where reflection drives meaningful progress. Headquartered in Menlo Park, California, Swivl serves educators and learners worldwide. Learn more at www.swivl.com .

About Decathlon Capital Partners

Decathlon Capital Partners provides growth capital for companies seeking alternatives to traditional equity investment. Through the use of highly customized growth-debt financing solutions, Decathlon provides long-term growth capital without the dilution, loss of control and operational overhead that often comes with equity-based funding. With offices in Palo Alto and Park City, Decathlon is the largest revenue-based funding investor in the U.S. and is active across a wide range of sectors. Learn more at www.decathloncapital.com .

SOURCE swivl
First-of-Its-Kind Analysis Quantifies Effectiveness of TAG Programs and Impact in Strengthening Digital Ad Supply Chain

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TAG (Trustworthy Accountability Group), the global certification program to strengthen safety and transparency in digital advertising, today released its inaugural Impact and Compliance Report . The first-of-its-kind analysis quantified the effectiveness of TAG programs and their impact in strengthening the digital advertising supply chain for advertisers, agencies, publishers, and adtech providers.

TAG

"For nearly a decade, TAG has worked with companies across the industry to create a safer and more transparent digital advertising supply chain," said Mike Zaneis, CEO of TAG. "This report shows the measurable impact of our efforts across our four mission areas, demonstrating in concrete metrics how TAG's programs, tools, and community have safeguarded both companies and consumers from bad actors while improving the quality and transparency of the broader ecosystem."

Highlights from the report include:

TAG's Global Reach

TAG Members span 43 countries worldwide.

worldwide. 226 companies held at least one TAG seal at the end of 2024.

Certified Against Fraud Program

The first financial impact analysis of the digital advertising industry's anti- fraud programs -- conducted in partnership with the 4A's, ANA, and IAB -- found those efforts resulted in $10.8 billion in ad fraud savings for U.S. advertisers in 2023.

programs -- conducted in partnership with the 4A's, ANA, and IAB -- found those efforts resulted in in 2023. CAF continued to successfully maintain sub-1% invalid traffic (IVT) rates across TAG Certified Channels (TCC) globally , with U.S. rates holding them under that benchmark for the past four years and Europe for six.

, with U.S. rates holding them under that benchmark for the past four years and for six. TAG's Data Center IP (DCIP) List tool identified more than 104 million unique high-risk IP addresses in 2024.

Brand Safety Certified Program

TAG expanded its ongoing efforts to defund intellectual property criminals with the launch of a comprehensive pre-bid "Pirate Domain Exclusion List (PDEL) , a threat intelligence tool that helps advertisers avoid exposure to pirate sites.

, a threat intelligence tool that helps advertisers avoid exposure to pirate sites. The launch of the Keyword Exclusion List Toolset (KELT) created a baseline of best practices for brands and agencies to maintain an effective keyword list. By simplifying and standardizing the approach, brands and agencies can expand the range of brand-suitable content, increase user engagement, and reduce unnecessary blocking that reduced ad revenue in the past.

Certified Against Malware Program

TAG continued to raise the industry's already-high standards against malvertising by expanding the core criteria necessary for vendors to be recognized with the TAG Certified Against Malware Seal for effective anti-malvertising services.

for effective anti-malvertising services. TAG released its Malvertising Taxonomy v2 in April 2024 with considerable updates to both the guiding principles and the examples of malvertising events included and described. The Taxonomy also included new subcategories and additional malvertising techniques, including steganography, browser extensions and hijackers, click-jacking, SEO poisoning, exploit kits and more.

Certified for Transparency

TAG TrustNet now provides campaign data insights for more than 40 brands , thanks in part to increased access to log-level data.

, thanks in part to increased access to log-level data. ANA's most recent benchmark report highlighted a 22% increase in ad spend productivity since its 2023 programmatic transparency study was released. Within the context of a $104 billion open web programmatic marketplace, the increase represents an additional $8.2 billion in ad spend productivity.

Threat-Sharing

In 2024, TAG's AdSec Threat Exchange increased in threat-sharing activity to combat malvertising attacks by 40% over the prior year.

over the prior year. TAG's threat-sharing community has now grown to include practitioners from 11 countries spanning 7 time zones and providing 21.5 hours of human coverage in a typical day.

In addition, the report provided an update on TAG's compliance framework and process. TAGs Due Process for Non-Compliance and Appeal guidelines are a critical feature of TAG certification programs. The Due Process governs investigations of instances of non-compliance by a TAG certified member, as well as the consequences for findings of non-compliance.

During 2024, together with TAG's Leadership Council and industry partners, TAG streamlined and enhanced the Due Process guidelines to strengthen TAG's non-compliance investigation and response enforcement, while continuing to provide members with opportunities for remediation and appeal. Companies found to be not in compliance with TAG certification requirements may lose their ability to be certified for between six months and five years.

"For the first time, we have a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of how TAG's programs protect advertisers, publishers, and consumers from fraud, malvertising, and brand safety risks," said Rachel Nyswander Thomas, COO of TAG. "The insights in this report demonstrate the power of TAG's certification, compliance and intelligence tools, and threat-sharing forums, while also providing a roadmap for future enhancements. As we move forward, we will continue working with our partners around the globe to set even higher standards and drive greater accountability across the industry."

The full 2024 TAG Impact and Compliance Report is available here .

About TAG

TAG is the global certification program to strengthen safety and transparency in digital advertising. For nearly a decade, TAG's seal programs have demonstrated their effectiveness in minimizing fraudulent traffic, sharing threat intelligence, protecting brand safety, and enabling transparency. TAG's international member companies include the world's largest and most influential brands, agencies, publishers, and ad tech providers. TAG is the first and only Information Sharing and Analysis Organization (ISAO) for the digital advertising industry. For more information on TAG, please visit tagtoday.net .

Media Contact:

Andrew Weinstein

202-667-4967

[email protected]

SOURCE TAG (Trustworthy Accountability Group)
HOUSTON, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Houston-based Tally Energy Services, "Tally", a leading provider of innovative solutions for the oil and gas industry, today announced Jesus Terrones as Chief Executive Officer. Terrones succeeds Chris Dorros, who co-founded the company in 2017.

Terrones is a seasoned executive with over a decade of experience in the oil and gas industry, most recently serving as Vice President of Special Projects at Weatherford International. He previously held leadership positions at Innovex Downhole Solutions and Cameron International, which was later acquired by Schlumberger. Terrones' experience is complemented by a distinguished military background. He is a graduate of the Harvard Business School (2008) and the United States Military Academy at West Point (1999). After West Point, Terrones went to the United States Army Flight School, and graduated as an AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopter pilot. In 2002, he deployed to Bagram, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

"I am grateful and excited for the opportunity to lead Tally into a new era of growth. Our vision is clear: Deliver proven, fit-for-purpose solutions, increasing recovery while lowering operational costs," said Terrones. "By leveraging our expertise in these critical domains, we will not only drive growth but also shape the future of the oil and gas industry, delivering value to our stakeholders and contributing to a more efficient energy landscape," said Jesus Terrones.

Founded in 2017 with the goal of Making Better Wells, Tally is backed by a consortium of private equity and family offices. Focused on artificial lift, completion tools, and digital solutions, the company provides fit-for-purpose solutions that effectively increase recovery while lowering operational costs.

"Jesus's leadership, combined with his experience in manufacturing, sales, and operations complements Tally's mission of innovative growth and delivering cutting-edge solutions. I am confident that under his direction, the company will not only continue its legacy of success but also set new benchmarks for excellence in the oil and gas industry," said Tally's Chairman Doug Foshee.

About Tally Energy Services

Tally Energy Services is a private-equity backed firm focused on North America shale. With a solid buy and build strategy, the firm seeks innovative US companies in technical oilfield products and services with opportunities for growth, consolidation, and differentiation. Through strategic guidance, its pragmatic approach and operational expertise, Tally Energy drives transformation that unlocks each company's potential with a long-term goal of achieving best-case outcomes for its businesses and investors. To learn more, visit: www.tallyenergy.com.

SOURCE Tally Energy Services
On January 27, a ceremony to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust was held at the Polish State Museum of Auschwitz-Birkenau in Auschwitz. On this day, members of many European royal families arrived in the country to take part in the events marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Death Camp.

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Among those attending the ceremony were Their Highnesses from the United Kingdom, Denmark, Spain, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden. They paid tribute to the six million innocent Jews who fell victim to the Nazi extermination policy.

King Charles III

The direct heir to Elizabeth II arrived in Poland and took part in a number of commemorative events. The monarch visited the Jewish Community Center in Krakow, where he talked to people who survived the Holocaust. King Charles III also appeared at the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum to light a candle of remembrance. His Highness dressed in a dark, restrained suit with a white shirt and tie.

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King Frederik X and Queen Consort Mary

Members of the Danish royal family appeared at the event to commemorate the Holocaust victims in dark outfits. Frederik X chose a blue coat, which he combined with a light scarf. For her part, Queen Consort Mary preferred black outerwear and a hat. She complemented her outfit with a shimmering brooch and ring.

King Philip VI and Queen Letizia

The royal couple of Spain kept to the mourning style at the memorial event. Philip VI dressed in a restrained suit, white shirt, and tie, while his wife chose a black jacket with a fur collar.

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King Willem-Alexander, Princess of Orange, and Queen Maxima

Members of the Dutch royal family flew to Poland to join the ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Death Camp. Willem-Alexander appeared in front of the audience in a black suit, with a white handkerchief in his jacket pocket. His wife and daughter chose dark coats and gloves. Queen Maxima added a hat to her outfit, while Princess Katarina-Amalia opted for a headband with a veil.

Crown Prince Haakon

His Highness from Norway also lit a memorial candle. Crown Prince Haakon made a personal appearance at the ceremony, dressed in mourning clothes.

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Crown Princess Victoria

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden also joined the commemorative events. She showed up in a black coat with a large bow on the collar as an accent.

Earlier, OBOZ.UA reported that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was also present at the ceremony of commemorating the Holocaust victims. In his social networks, he noted that January 27 was the second birthday for thousands of Jewish survivors.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Tentative Contract Includes Substantial Wage and Benefit Increases for Over 700 Workers

MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- An agreement in principle has been reached for a new tentative contract between Teamsters Local 120 and ultra low-cost carrier Sun Country Airlines, protecting more than 700 flight attendants.

"Congratulations to Sun Country Teamsters for reaching a tentative agreement at the carrier. This is a major step towards winning the contract our members deserve," said Chris Griswold, Teamsters Airline Division Director. "For years, Sun Country has treated employees as cheap and temporary labor. Sun Country Teamsters have now broken that cycle."

Contract negotiations with Sun Country began in 2019 and entered federal mediation in December 2023. Last August, Teamsters voted by a 99 percent margin to authorize a strike against Sun Country if negotiations continued into this year.

The tentative agreement includes an average wage increase of nearly 22 percent, increased company contributions to Teamsters retirement plans, and additional language protecting flight attendants who are scheduled to work during holidays. Sun Country flight attendants will participate in a ratification vote in the coming weeks.

"Sun Country Teamsters were united and determined to fight for the contract they deserve," said Tom Erickson, Local 120 President and Teamsters Central Region International Vice President. "This tentative agreement is a testament to our members' hard work and dedication. All Sun Country Teamsters should be proud to support this contract offer."

The Sun Country Local 120 Bargaining Committee will soon complete the offer's final language and distribute the tentative agreement to the membership.

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 on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters .

Media Contact:

Matt McQuaid, (202) 624-6877

[email protected]

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Inaugural CfC St. Moritz survey reveals ambiguity toward regulatory risk amongst investors; optimism about U.S. opportunities; and major plans to increase headcount in 2025

ST. MORITZ, Switzerland, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The CfC St. Moritz , the prestigious and highly curated digital assets conference for investors and decision-makers, has released the inaugural edition of The CfC St. Moritz Report, documenting the outlook and predictions of more than 230 respondents at the highest levels of the crypto industry.

The survey reveals a digital asset industry at a critical inflection point. Once dominated by speculative retail trading, the sector is maturing into an institutionally backed asset class, with 65% of respondents noting that traditional financial institutions now control or share equal footing in the market. This development signals a shift from crypto's volatile origins to a more sophisticated institutionally integrated financial domain.

The 2025 Pulse Sentiment Score, which was calculated based on an analysis of responses and provides insight into the outlook respondents have for the crypto industry in 2025, has also been revealed to be 73%, showing positivity toward the industry's direction.

Other findings of The CfC St. Moritz Report include:

US opportunities draw investor focus: While the US is perceived as the least crypto -friendly jurisdiction, it's also the region where the scale of opportunities is the largest, according to 61% of respondents. The appointment of the most pro- crypto government the US has ever seen tilted the axis of the digital asset world, with the world's largest market pivoting from having a " $100 trillion knee on the neck of the crypto industry" ( Brad Garlinghouse , CEO of Ripple).

While the US is perceived as the least -friendly jurisdiction, it's also the region where the scale of opportunities is the largest, according to of respondents. The appointment of the most pro- government the US has ever seen tilted the axis of the digital asset world, with the world's largest market pivoting from having a " knee on the neck of the industry" ( , CEO of Ripple).  but it's too early to claim US regulatory certainty: Respondents feel largely ambiguous about regulatory risks, believing that the picture is still unclear and is likely to remain so for a while. Some 70% believe that supervisory scrutiny remains at the same intensity or that risks could even increase. Investor Bill Tai told The CfC St. Moritz Report that the outcome of the election might result in an environment that resembles a "free for all", and while it could be positive for the short-term growth of the space, it could be "chaotically uncomfortable overall." Speaking about the deceptively difficult task ahead of the new US administration, Chris Giancarlo, former CFTC Chairman, said "It's one thing to end bad policy, but it's an entirely different thing to create good policy".

Respondents feel largely ambiguous about regulatory risks, believing that the picture is still unclear and is likely to remain so for a while. Some believe that supervisory scrutiny remains at the same intensity or that risks could even increase. The stablecoin boom has only begun: The market cap of stablecoins has grown 34% since the US election in November, and half of survey respondents expect stablecoins to expand their role and market cap substantially this year.

The market cap of stablecoins has grown 34% since the US election in November, and half of survey respondents expect stablecoins to expand their role and market cap substantially this year. ETFs are the primary investment channel into crypto : 57% of respondents expect wrappers around the top 20 coins in the near future.

of respondents expect wrappers around the top 20 coins in the near future. Positive hiring outlook for 2025: The industry's future appears bright, with 90% of respondents expecting either steady or substantial growth and 86% planning on headcount increases.

Nicolo Stohr, CEO of the CfC St. Moritz, said: "This report captures the expectations and perspectives of leading thought leaders in the digital asset space who came together at CfC St. Moritz 2025. The results of our study point to positive momentum. However, we are also left with questions. How will regulators respond to the anticipated increase in stablecoin market cap? How will regulators such as the European Union, MAS, and VARA react to the United States reentering the investor radar? How will the industry marry the need for mass adoption with the potential deprioritisation of retail audiences? One thing is for certain: Doubts about the digital asset industry's survival and viability have all but vanished."

Each year, the CfC St. Moritz brings together 250 global industry experts, business leaders, and regulators from across crypto, finance, and technology, to discuss the most prevalent issues and trends for the year ahead. Survey respondents, who were in attendance at the most recent CfC St. Moritz in January 2025, include institutional investors (35%); private investors (25%); corporate executives (15%); government representatives and regulators (10%); family offices (10%); and academics (5%). Of these, 30% are founders; 30% are C-Suite; 25% are owners; and 15% are partners.

Conference participants included Joseph Chalom, Managing Director of BlackRock; Richard Teng, CEO of Binance; Brad Garlinghouse, CEO of Ripple; Joe Lubin, Founder of Consensys; Tom Jessop, President of Fidelity Brokerage; Rostin Behnam, Chairman of the CFTC; Arthur Hayes, CIO of Maelstrom; Tim Ogilvie, Global Head of Kraken Institutional; Sandy Kaul, Head of Franklin Innovation Research, Strategies, and Technologies at Franklin Templeton; Deepa Raja Carbon, Managing Director & Vice Chairperson at the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority; and many more.

The CfC St. Moritz Report is available for download here .

About the CfC St. Moritz

The CfC St. Moritz is a private gathering of hand-picked opinion leaders and investors in the private and unique setting of the Swiss Alps. This annual, application-only conference fosters genuine connections, with a deliberate limit of 250 international UHNWIs, family offices, funds, and institutional investors, bridging the traditional finance sector and the crypto industry. Founded in 2017, CfC St. Moritz has hosted six in-person conferences in St. Moritz, one in Half Moon Bay, California, two virtual conferences during the pandemic, and several smaller events. The conference operates with a core team of four throughout the year, expanding to 70 during the event, and is led by CEO Nicolo Stoehr.

www.cfc-stmoritz.com | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

SOURCE CfC St. Moritz
ATKINS, Va., Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland Industrial Group, a leader in industrial real estate and plant dispositions, proudly announces the acquisition and revitalization of a 76,000-square-foot industrial facility in Atkins, Virginia. This strategic sale-leaseback transaction, executed with a large Automotive Manufacturer winding down operations, highlights Holland Industrial Group's expertise in transforming underutilized industrial assets into thriving economic hubs.

Magnificent Industrial Building for Lease in Atkins, VA. View of Industrial Building for Lease in Atkins, VA.

Following the acquisition, Holland Industrial Group implemented a targeted value-add strategy, making significant property improvements and positioning the facility to attract high-caliber tenants. This proactive approach culminated in a partnership with Hitachi, a global leader in energy and technology solutions.

Hitachi continues to expand its U.S. footprint, particularly in Virginia, where it has invested heavily in advanced manufacturing. Recent milestones include a $37 million expansion of its transformer manufacturing facility in South Boston, Virginia, which added 26,000 square feet and created 165 new jobs, as well as a $6.2 million upgrade to its dry-type transformer manufacturing facility in Bland, Virginia, completed in 2021. These initiatives underscore Hitachi's commitment to meeting growing demand in the energy and utility sectors.

The new partnership at the Atkins facility represents the next chapter in Hitachi's U.S. growth strategy. The revitalized facility will play a vital role in supporting the company's operations while driving economic development in Southwest Virginia.

"We are thrilled to have facilitated Hitachi's arrival in Atkins, Virginia," said Alex Holland, President of Holland Industrial Group. "This project exemplifies our mission to breathe new life into industrial properties, creating opportunities that benefit businesses and local communities. Hitachi's investment in this region will bring jobs, innovation, and sustained growth to an area ripe for economic development."

Holland Industrial Group's proven ability to unlock value, enhance industrial properties, and foster strategic partnerships demonstrates its dedication to revitalizing communities and driving industrial innovation.

For more information about Holland Industrial Group and its transformative projects, visit www.hollandindustrialgroup.com.

CONTACT:

Shawn Gaffney

(305) 638-5838

[email protected]

SOURCE Holland Industrial Group
NEW YORK, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Transcend is partnering with Nomura, one of the world's leading financial services firms, to implement Cash and Collateral Management modules that are built on Transcend's pioneering technology. By harmonizing key operational systems and data in one platform, Nomura aims to position itself to better manage and optimize its collateral, funding, and liquidity across its Global Markets business.

Transcend and Nomura first partnered in 2019 to improve collateral operations and eligibility validation processes for bilateral derivatives. The partnership has since expanded to include optimized collateral allocations with multiple triparty agents. The Transcend platform enables users to make collateral allocation decisions using a variety of factors including haircut, asset quality, and funding maturity, among others. Following these successful engagements, Nomura made a strategic investment in Transcend in 2023.

The relationship is now further expanding to include inventory management, sources and uses, and intraday liquidity monitoring capabilities.

"We are delighted to expand our relationship with Nomura," said Bimal Kadikar, CEO and Founder of Transcend. "With the implementation of an array of new services across business areas, we are realizing the vision of a single, unified platform for optimizing collateral, funding and liquidity across the firm."

"Optimizing collateral and financial resources is a competitive advantage in today's global financial economy," said Anthony Kowalski, Chief Operating Officer of Global Rates at Nomura. "With Transcend, we have delivered value along each step of the way and are really excited about where we are headed."

Transcend has experienced significant client growth over the last several years. Leveraging its industry-leading collateral optimization platform, businesses from asset managers to insurers to regional banks to sell-side broker-dealers are benefiting from financial resource savings, better risk management, and operational efficiency. Transcend looks forward to continued expansion of its product and company footprint in the years to come.

ABOUT TRANSCEND

Transcend is a financial technology company with a mission to improve efficiencies in capital markets through advanced technology. Our unparalleled and innovative modular technology helps clients achieve next-level performance through collateral, funding, liquidity and capital optimization solutions. With seamless connectivity to the world's leading triparty agents, central counterparties (CCPs), custodians, and nostros, Transcend is the partner of choice for inventory analytics, optimization, and automation within a business line or across an enterprise.

Transcend has a growing roster of top-tier financial institutions including G-SIB banks, broker-dealers, asset managers, and insurance companies. Visit transcendstreet.com to learn more about how Transcend addresses an array of complex financial, operational, and regulatory concerns.

ABOUT NOMURA

Nomura is a global financial services group with an integrated network spanning approximately 30 countries and regions. By connecting markets East & West, Nomura services the needs of individuals, institutions, corporates and governments through its three business divisions: Wealth Management, Investment Management, and Wholesale (Global Markets and Investment Banking). Founded in 1925, the firm is built on a tradition of disciplined entrepreneurship, serving clients with creative solutions and considered thought leadership. For further information about Nomura, visit www.nomura.com.

SOURCE Transcend
BANGALORE, India, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Transparent Electronics Market is Segmented by Type (Transparent Displays, Transparent Solar Panels), by Application (Consumer Electronics, Automotive).

The Global Transparent Electronics Market was valued at USD 963 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 2611 Million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 15.4% during the forecast period 2024-2030.

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Major Factors Driving the Growth of Transparent Electronics Market:

In the future, the transparent electronic device market is expected to continue to grow, mainly driven by the continuous improvement of transparent materials and production processes, as well as the increasing demand for high-performance transparent electronic devices. Transparent electronic technology is expected to be further enhanced in combination with smart homes, automobiles, and wearable devices. . In addition, with the popularization of the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart devices, the demand for transparent electronic devices in sensor and energy applications will further increase. Overall, the future development trend of the transparent electronic device market is very optimistic and is expected to bring innovation and breakthroughs in many fields.

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TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF THE TRANSPARENT ELECTRONICS MARKET:

The market is characterized by continuous advancements in display technologies, such as OLED and LCD, which enhance the clarity, brightness, and energy efficiency of transparent displays. Additionally, the integration of transparent solar panels into buildings and infrastructure supports the development of renewable energy solutions, promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact.

The rise of smart homes, smart cities, and IoT devices incorporates transparent electronics to create seamless and aesthetically pleasing interfaces that enhance user experiences. Furthermore, the expanding applications in sectors like automotive, healthcare, and consumer electronics provide diverse opportunities for market expansion.

Transparent displays drive the growth of the Transparent Electronics Market by offering innovative visual solutions that seamlessly integrate into various environments without obstructing views. These displays are utilized in applications such as augmented reality, smart windows, and interactive kiosks, providing both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The ability to display information while maintaining transparency enhances user experiences in commercial spaces, retail stores, and public areas. Additionally, advancements in display technologies, such as OLED and LCD, have improved the clarity, brightness, and color accuracy of transparent displays, making them more attractive for diverse applications. The versatility and adaptability of transparent displays enable their integration into everyday objects and infrastructure, fostering widespread adoption and contributing significantly to the expansion of the Transparent Electronics Market.

Transparent solar panels significantly contribute to the growth of the Transparent Electronics Market by enabling the generation of renewable energy without compromising on visibility or design aesthetics. These panels are integrated into windows, building facades, and other transparent surfaces, allowing for the unobstructed passage of light while harnessing solar energy. The dual functionality of energy generation and transparency makes transparent solar panels highly desirable for sustainable building designs and urban infrastructure projects. Advances in photovoltaic technology have enhanced the efficiency and durability of transparent solar panels, making them more viable for commercial and residential applications. The increasing emphasis on green building practices and the rising demand for sustainable energy solutions drive the adoption of transparent solar panels, thereby supporting the growth of the Transparent Electronics Market.

Consumer electronics play a crucial role in driving the growth of the Transparent Electronics Market by incorporating transparent technologies into everyday devices and enhancing user experiences. Products such as transparent smartphones, wearable devices, and augmented reality glasses leverage transparent displays and sensors to offer innovative features and functionalities. The integration of transparent components allows for sleeker designs, improved ergonomics, and enhanced interactivity, appealing to tech-savvy consumers seeking cutting-edge technology. Additionally, the rise of smart homes and IoT devices incorporates transparent electronics to create seamless and aesthetically pleasing interfaces that blend with modern living spaces.

Design flexibility is a key factor driving the Transparent Electronics Market, as it allows for the creation of aesthetically pleasing and functional products that can be seamlessly integrated into various environments. Transparent electronics offer designers the ability to incorporate displays, sensors, and other components without compromising on the visual appeal or structural integrity of the product. This flexibility is particularly valuable in applications such as smart windows, interactive retail displays, and automotive dashboards, where both functionality and design are paramount. The ability to innovate and customize products with transparent technologies enables businesses to differentiate themselves in the market, attract design-conscious consumers, and explore new creative possibilities.

Sustainability and energy efficiency are increasingly important factors driving the Transparent Electronics Market, as businesses and consumers prioritize eco-friendly and energy-saving technologies. Transparent electronic components, such as solar panels and energy-efficient displays, contribute to reducing the environmental impact of electronic devices and infrastructure. The integration of renewable energy solutions, like transparent solar panels, promotes sustainable energy generation and reduces dependency on non-renewable sources. Additionally, energy-efficient transparent displays consume less power while maintaining high performance, enhancing the overall sustainability of consumer electronics and smart devices. The growing emphasis on green technologies and the adoption of sustainable practices in manufacturing and product design drive the demand for transparent electronics, supporting the expansion of the market.

Innovation in materials is a crucial factor driving the Transparent Electronics Market, as advancements in material science enable the development of more efficient, durable, and versatile transparent electronic components. New materials, such as transparent conductive oxides, flexible substrates, and advanced polymers, enhance the performance and functionality of transparent displays, sensors, and solar panels. These materials improve key attributes like conductivity, transparency, flexibility, and durability, making transparent electronics more reliable and effective for various applications. Additionally, the development of biocompatible and eco-friendly materials supports the creation of sustainable and safe transparent electronic products. Continuous research and innovation in materials science facilitate the evolution of transparent technologies, driving the growth and competitiveness of the Transparent Electronics Market.

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TRANSPARENT ELECTRONICS MARKET SHARE

North America leads the market, driven by its advanced technology ecosystem, substantial investments in research and development, and the presence of major electronics manufacturers.

The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing rapid growth, fueled by increasing investments in technology infrastructure, the expansion of consumer electronics industries, and the rising adoption of smart technologies in countries like China, Japan, and South Korea.

Key Companies:

Samsung Electronics

BOE Technology Group Co.

Brite Solar

ClearLED

Corning Incorporated

LG Electronics

Nexnovo Technology

Street Communication

Ubiquitous Energy

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DISCOVER MORE INSIGHTS: EXPLORE SIMILAR REPORTS!

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- Transparent LED Film Display Market was estimated to be worth USD 2594 Million in 2023 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 3824 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period 2024-2030.

- Optically Transparent Antennas Market was valued at USD 24.3 Million in the year 2023 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 40.6 Million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.1% during the forecast period.

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- Transparent Cache market was valued at USD 1945.6 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 6167.2 Million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 17.3% during the forecast period 2024-2030.

- Transparent ABS for Household Appliances Market was estimated to be worth USD 136 Million in 2023 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 201.4 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of 6.0% during the forecast period 2024-2030.

- Transparent Polyamide Materials market was valued at USD 702 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 1091 Million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period 2024-2030.

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NEW YORK and SYDNEY, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TVEyes, a global leading provider of broadcast, podcast and online video media Intelligence and Medianet, a leading Australian provider of media intelligence solutions, have announced a strategic data partnership to provide Medianet users with access to TVEyes' extensive Australian broadcast content. This new partnership combines TVEyes' expertise in global broadcast monitoring with Medianet's deep understanding of the Australian media landscape and coincides with the debut of the new Medianet platform.

TVEyes + Medianet

This partnership provides Medianet's clients with seamless access to comprehensive Australian broadcast content spanning national and regional TV and radio stations. This will enable Medianet's clients to monitor news, identify trends, and gain valuable insights across diverse industries and hundreds of industry-leading licensed sources. By integratingTVEyes' powerful content and data into Medianet's platform, clients gain a holistic view of media conversations, enabling smarter and more strategic decision-making.

"Australia's broadcast industry is both dynamic and diverse, and we are thrilled to partner with Medianet to bring our comprehensive broadcast monitoring capabilities to their clients," said Daren Benzi, Chief Commercial Officer of TVEyes. "For 25 years, TVEyes has been at the forefront of global video and audio media intelligence with a dedicated focus on broadcast monitoring. This partnership underscores our global commitment to delivering innovative solutions, tailored to the unique needs of major markets like Australia

Medianet's intuitive platform enables seamless monitoring across Australian print, broadcast, online and social media sources. Key features include entity recognition, which identifies not only relevant mentions but also tracks other organizations, offering clients valuable insights into their media performance relative to competitors. Each search generates a curated dashboard with value-based metrics such as sentiment analysis, leading topics and journalist contacts, empowering users to make data-driven decisions with confidence. Other video and audio solutions from TVEyes are also being explored.

"Medianet is proud to partner with TVEyes, a world-leading broadcast content provider. This partnership is an important element of Medianet delivering a disruptive Media Intelligence solution to the Australian market", said Amrita Sidhu, Managing Director of Medianet.

Organizations interested in exploring the capabilities of Medianet's platform, fueled by TVEyes' Australian broadcast content, are encouraged to contact Medianet to schedule a demo and trial.

About TVEyes

TVEyes is a leading provider of media intelligence, offering real-time monitoring and analysis of television, radio, podcasts, and online video. With robust tools for search, alerts, and data integration, TVEyes empowers businesses and organizations to stay informed and make data-driven decisions.

About Medianet

Medianet is Australia's leading media intelligence provider, with more than 40 years experience helping companies, government and organisations tell their stories and measure their impact. It offers press release distribution services, a comprehensive database of Australian media contacts, media monitoring and media analysis.

Media Contact

TVEyes

[email protected]

TVEyes Website

SOURCE TVEyes
BLUE BELL, Pa., Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Unisys (NYSE: UIS) announced it will release its fourth-quarter and full-year 2024 financial results on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, after the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

Unisys will host a conference call with the financial community on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 8 a.m. EST to discuss the results.

The company will offer a live, listen-only conference call webcast on the Unisys Investor Website at www.unisys.com/investor. In addition, domestic callers can dial 1-844-695-5518 and international callers can dial 1-412-902-6749 and provide the following conference passcode: Unisys Corporation Call.

A webcast replay will be available on the Unisys Investor Website shortly following the conference call. A replay will also be available by dialing 1-877-344-7529 for domestic callers or 1-412-317-0088 for international callers and entering access code 6837798 from two hours after the end of the call until March 5, 2025.

Upcoming Investor Conference



Unisys management will participate in the J.P. Morgan Global Leveraged Finance Conference in Miami, FL, on February 25-26, 2025. Management will be available for one-on-one and small group meetings with investors. Investors interested in scheduling meetings with Unisys executives should contact their conference representatives.

About Unisys

Unisys is a global technology solutions company that powers breakthroughs for the world's leading organizations. Our solutions  cloud, AI, digital workplace, logistics and enterprise computing  help our clients challenge the status quo and unlock their full potential. To learn how we have been helping clients push what's possible for more than 150 years, visit unisys.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

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Unisys and other Unisys products and services mentioned herein, as well as their respective logos, are trademarks or registered trademarks of Unisys Corporation. Any other brand or product referenced herein is acknowledged to be a trademark or registered trademark of its respective holder.

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SOURCE Unisys Corporation
NEW YORK, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with the AI impact on market trends - The global vaccines market size is estimated to grow by USD 193.7 billion from 2025-2029, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of almost 23% during the forecast period. Increased funding for vaccine development and new vaccine launches is driving market growth, with a trend towards development of nanoparticle vaccines. However, high cost of vaccine research, development, and manufacturing poses a challenge. Key market players include Astellas Pharma Inc., AstraZeneca Plc, Bavarian Nordic AS, Bharat Biotech Ltd., BrightPath Biotherapeutics Co., Ltd., CSL Ltd., Daiichi Sankyo Co. Ltd., Emergent BioSolutions Inc., GSK Plc, Gradalis Inc., Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc., Johnson and Johnson Inc., Merck KGaA, Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corp., Novavax Inc., Pfizer Inc., Sanofi SA, Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd., Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., and Valneva SE.

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Vaccines Market 2025-2029

Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF

Vaccines Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2024 Historic period 2019 - 2023 Forecast period 2025-2029 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 23% Market growth 2025-2029 USD 193.7 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 18.2 Regional analysis North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of World (ROW) Performing market contribution North America at 39% Key countries US, UK, Germany, Canada, China, India, France, Japan, Brazil, and Russia Key companies profiled Astellas Pharma Inc., AstraZeneca Plc, Bavarian Nordic AS, Bharat Biotech Ltd., BrightPath Biotherapeutics Co., Ltd., CSL Ltd., Daiichi Sankyo Co. Ltd., Emergent BioSolutions Inc., GSK Plc, Gradalis Inc., Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc., Johnson and Johnson Inc., Merck KGaA, Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corp., Novavax Inc., Pfizer Inc., Sanofi SA, Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd., Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., and Valneva SE

Market Driver

The vaccines market is experiencing explosive growth trends due to the urgent need to combat life-threatening infectious diseases such as Dengue fever, Influenza, Tuberculosis, Malaria, Zika virus, HIV, and TB. Immunization programs are the primary drivers of this market, with billions of people relying on vaccines to prevent diseases and save lives. Vaccine development is a complex process involving trial and error, high development costs, and collaboration between immunology experts, healthcare systems, and international organizations. Key diseases in focus include Dengue, Hepatitis A-Hepatitis B, Malaria, and HIV. Vaccines come in various forms such as conjugate, recombinant, inactivated & subunit, live attenuated, and toxoid vaccines, each with unique advantages for different disease indications. Affluent nations are leading the demand for shots, but least developed countries face challenges in vaccine distribution and affordability. The competitive pipeline is filled with emerging players, mergers, and manufacturing expansions. In the post-pandemic period, the focus is on market expansion and addressing diseases like Cervical cancer with vaccines like Cervavac. Government surveillance and press releases on vaccine trials and vaccine introductions continue to shape the market. The demand for vaccines against diseases like Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, and Measles remains high. The competitive landscape includes players focusing on diseases like Ebola and birth cohort vaccinations for Diarrhea and Pneumonia. The market is expected to continue its growth in the coming years, with a focus on addressing the needs of pediatric and adult populations for various viral and bacterial diseases.

Infectious diseases pose a significant health risk to people globally. Researchers are working diligently to create new vaccines and enhance the effectiveness of existing ones against specific diseases. Historically, vaccines have been produced using protein subunits and killed pathogens. However, these vaccines carry the risk of regaining pathogenicity in immunocompromised individuals. To address this concern, the development of efficient vaccines in conjunction with suitable delivery systems is crucial to achieve the desired immune response against targeted diseases.

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Market Challenges

The vaccines market faces several challenges in immunization programs due to the high development cost and complexities in creating effective shots for various life-threatening infectious diseases like Dengue fever, Influenza, Tuberculosis, Malaria, Zika virus, HIV, and TB. Immunology, therapeutic vaccines, conjugate vaccines, recombinant vaccines, inactivated & subunit vaccines, live attenuated vaccines, and toxoid vaccines are all part of the competitive pipeline. Billions of people worldwide rely on vaccines for their health, with diseases like Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis being common targets. However, the market faces hurdles such as trial and error in vaccine development, distribution challenges, and ceasings of immunizations in least developed countries. The post-pandemic period is expected to see explosive growth trends, with demand for shots against viral diseases like Hepatitis A-Hepatitis B, and bacterial diseases like Malaria, rotavirus, herpes zoster, meningococcal disease, pneumococcal disease, and diseases with high mortality rates like Ebola. Governments, international organizations, and healthcare systems play crucial roles in vaccine introduction and distribution. Mergers, manufacturing, sales, and government surveillance are key areas of focus. The market expansion includes vaccines for age groups from pediatric to adults, and for diseases like cervical cancer (Cervavac) and HIV. The competitive landscape includes emerging players, high costs, and vaccine dose affordability. Vaccine doses for diseases like measles, pneumonia, and diarrhea are essential for reducing deaths and improving global health.

Vaccines have significantly contributed to combating various infectious and life-threatening diseases, such as smallpox's successful eradication in several countries. However, the development of new vaccines is essential due to the ongoing need for disease prevention. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) aims to develop vaccines for epidemic infectious diseases. According to CEPI's research, creating a single vaccine for an epidemic disease from preclinical trials to Phase IIa costs between USD31 - USD68 million , without accounting for potential clinical trial failures. The high investment required for vaccine development and manufacturing hinders progress.

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Segment Overview

This vaccines market report extensively covers market segmentation by

Type

1.1 Human vaccine

1.2 Animal vaccine

End-user

2.1 Hospitals

2.2 Clinics

Geography

3.1 North America

3.2 Europe

3.3 Asia

3.4 Rest of World (ROW)

1.1 Human vaccine- In the global vaccines market, human vaccines represent a significant segment, encompassing a diverse range of products designed to prevent infectious diseases and promote public health. These vaccines function by stimulating the immune system's response to specific pathogens, providing immunity against various diseases. Human vaccines can be classified into several types based on their composition, mechanism of action, and target population. One type is the inactivated or killed vaccine, which contains non-infectious pathogens, such as the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) and influenza vaccine. These vaccines are generally safer for individuals with weakened immune systems but may necessitate multiple doses for adequate immunity. Another type is the live attenuated vaccine, which includes weakened forms of the pathogen, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and oral polio vaccine (OPV). Live attenuated vaccines typically confer long-lasting immunity with a single dose but may pose a risk to individuals with compromised immune systems. Subunit vaccines consist of specific proteins or antigenic fragments derived from the pathogen, like the hepatitis B vaccine and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Safer than live vaccines, subunit vaccines often require adjuvants or multiple doses to boost their immunogenicity. Additionally, conjugate vaccines combine a weak antigen with a carrier protein to enhance the immune response, particularly in young children. Examples include the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine. Human vaccines play a vital role in preventing infectious diseases and reducing the disease burden worldwide. Continued research and development, along with improvements in vaccine delivery and access, will drive the growth of the human vaccine segment in the global vaccines market.

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Research Analysis

The Vaccines market is witnessing explosive growth trends due to the increasing burden of diseases such as TB (Tuberculosis), which claimed over 1.5 million deaths in 2019. The development of vaccines like Live Attenuated and Toxoid varieties continues through trial and error processes. Vaccine introduction, led by organizations like PAHO, aims to strengthen healthcare systems and reduce mortality rates. The ceasing of immunizations in some regions due to various reasons poses challenges to the market. The pandemic situation has highlighted the importance of vaccines, with the Government of India recently introducing Cervavac for cervical cancer. Immunization policies and government foundations are collaborating to ensure vaccine availability and affordability. The competitive pipeline includes new vaccines like the Dengue tetavalent vaccine and Hepatitis A-Hepatitis B vaccine. The market is witnessing a shift towards Live Attenuated, Parenteral, and Oral vaccines to improve accessibility and efficacy. A recent press release announced the successful completion of trials for a new Pneumococcal vaccine supply agreement. Government surveillance and ongoing research continue to drive innovation in the vaccines market.

Market Research Overview

The vaccines market is witnessing explosive growth trends due to the increasing demand for shots against life-threatening infectious diseases such as Dengue fever, Influenza, Tuberculosis, Malaria, Zika virus, HIV, and TB (Tuberculosis). Immunization programs are the primary drivers of this market, with billions of people relying on vaccines to protect their health. Vaccine development is a complex process involving immunology, therapeutic vaccines, conjugate vaccines, recombinant vaccines, inactivated & subunit vaccines, live attenuated vaccines, toxoid vaccines, and more. The high development cost of vaccines is a significant challenge, but the potential to save lives and reduce mortality rates makes it a worthwhile investment. The competitive pipeline includes emerging players, mergers, manufacturing, sales, and trial and error. Diseases such as Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, and Measles continue to be major indications, with a focus on vaccines for viral diseases like Hepatitis A-Hepatitis B, and bacterial diseases like Malaria, Rotavirus, Herpes zoster, Meningococcal disease, and Pneumococcal disease. The market expansion includes vaccines for age groups ranging from pediatric to adults, with a focus on diseases like Cervical cancer (Cervavac) and Ebola regimens. International organizations play a crucial role in vaccine distribution, particularly in least developed countries, where immunization rates are lower and the ceasing of immunizations can lead to disease outbreaks. The post-pandemic period is expected to see continued demand for vaccines, with a focus on global supply, hospitals, and government surveillance. A recent press release announced the development of a Malaria vaccine, adding to the growing demand for vaccines to combat various diseases.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

Type

Human Vaccine



Animal Vaccine

End-user

Hospitals



Clinics

Geography

North America



Europe



Asia



Rest Of World (ROW)

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, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vaycaychella, Inc. (OTC Pink: VAYK) ("VAYK") announces the successful acquisition of a 50% non-managerial ownership stake in a home engineering service company based in Atlanta, Georgia. The acquired company reported approximately $1 million in revenue for the year 2023, with a solid operating profit margin.

As part of the deal, the acquisition includes the 2024 P&L of the acquired company, which means that Vaycaychella will consolidate the acquired company's revenue and profit in its pending financial statement for the year 2024.

Payment in Preferred Shares with a Conversion Price of $0.005

VAYK will issue 500,000 Series B preferred stocks to the owner of the business, in exchange for the 50% non-managerial ownership. Each Series B preferred share will bear a face value of $1.00, and will be conditionally eligible to convert into 200 common shares, effecting a conversion price of $0.005 per share. This conversion price is than 500% higher than the most recent closing price of VAYK's common stocks.

Further, those Series B Preferred shares are not eligible to be converted into common shares until 24 months later, or when the price per share of VAYK's common stocks stays above $0.005 for ten consecutive days.

The acquisition price ($500,000 for 50% ownership) is roughly based on 1x Value/Revenue multiple, which is lower than the average multiple of engineering and construction industry, according to the newest available data published by independent valuation provider Eqvista (https://eqvista.com/revenue-multiples-by-industry/).

The company also has a conditional option to acquire the remaining 50% ownership and completely take over the acquired company. The acquisition price will be the same plus preformulated adjustments, but the company will have to pay in cash.

Integrated Part of $100 Million New and Disruptive Airbnb Business Strategy

This acquisition is one of VAYK's strategic moves to implement a disruptive business model in the short-term rental (Airbnb, etc.) industry.

"Our new business model will integrate real estate development, financial engineering, social accountability, and AI-based short-term rental management," declares Stephanie Anderl, Interim CEO of Vaycaychella.

"It will be a revolutionary business model with the potential to redefine the concept of short-term rental, and disrupt the whole short-term rental industry. Our near-term goal is to build a $20 million portfolio and expand it to $100 million with financing."

Anderl confirms that the company is working with business partners and prospective investors to possibly kick off this new business model in the year 2025.

"The acquired company is a home engineering service business specializing in remodeling, redecorating and renovating residential properties," explains Anderl. "Not only it has the potential to grow into a $2 million to $3 million business by itself, but it will also provide an in-house capability to build residential properties customized for our new business model."

The term of the acquisition was finalized last year. However, the parties were only able to close the deal this week due to scheduling issues.

Disclaimer/Safe Harbor: This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act. The statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events that involve risks and uncertainties. Among others, these risks include the expectation that any of the companies mentioned herein will achieve significant sales, the failure to meet schedule or performance requirements of the companies' contracts, the companies' liquidity position, the companies' ability to obtain new contracts, the emergence of competitors with greater financial resources and the impact of competitive pricing. In the light of these uncertainties, the forward-looking events referred to in this release might not occur.

VAYK Contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE Vaycaychella, Inc.
ABUJA, Nigeria, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vitel Wireless (Vitel) is proud to announce its groundbreaking achievement as the first Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) in Nigeria to be issued a mobile number series by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), marking a significant milestone in the country's telecommunications industry.

Kenneth Nwabueze, Chairman and CEO of Vitel Wireless

The issuance of the mobile number series of 0712 to Vitel Wireless represents a pivotal moment in Nigeria's evolving MVNO landscape. Historically, the Nigerian MVNO market has been tightly regulated, with only a few players entering under stringent licensing requirements. Vitel's emergence as a fully licensed MVNO, complete with its own number series, highlights the country's growing openness to competitive and innovative telecom solutions aimed at improving service delivery and accessibility.

Key Milestones and Achievements of Vitel Wireless:

First MVNO in Nigeria with an NCC-Issued Mobile Number Series : Vitel Wireless's acquisition of its unique mobile number series, 0712, demonstrates the trust and confidence of the NCC in Vitel's vision and readiness to serve the Nigerian market.

: Vitel Wireless's acquisition of its unique mobile number series, 0712, demonstrates the trust and confidence of the NCC in Vitel's vision and readiness to serve the Nigerian market. International Routing Code Secured : As part of its international readiness, Vitel Wireless was also issued by NCC its own international routing code, enabling seamless international connectivity and positioning the company to offer high-quality global telecommunications services.

: As part of its international readiness, Vitel Wireless was also issued by NCC its own international routing code, enabling seamless international connectivity and positioning the company to offer high-quality global telecommunications services. Regulatory Compliance and Launch Readiness: Vitel Wireless has successfully met all government regulatory requirements, paving the way for a smooth market entry. The company is now fully prepared to launch and deliver innovative, affordable, and customer-focused services across Nigeria .

"This is a landmark achievement not only for Vitel Wireless but also for the Nigerian telecommunications sector as a whole," said Kenneth Nwabueze, MFR, Chairman and CEO of Vitel Wireless. "Our team is excited to be at the forefront of this new era, bringing innovative telecom services to Nigerians and ensuring connectivity for all. We are committed to providing reliable and cost-effective solutions that will drive Nigeria's digital economy forward."

With a focus on leveraging the latest technology and a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction, Vitel Wireless is set to transform the MVNO landscape in Nigeria, offering tailored solutions that meet the diverse needs of individuals and businesses. By securing its own mobile number series and international routing code, the company is well-positioned to provide exceptional service quality, both locally and internationally.

About Vitel Wireless

Vitel Wireless Limited is a pioneering mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) in Nigeria, licensed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to provide nationwide mobile services under the brand "Vitel Wireless." Utilizing the spectrum and radio access network (cellular towers) of other full MNOs, Vitel delivers comprehensive network servicesvoice, SMS, and dataacross all 36 states in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Vitel Wireless is committed to delivering accessible telecom services to the Nigerian market and combines innovation with advanced technology, including the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and data-driven solutions, to enhance mobile experiences. The company's offerings range from personal safety tools to solutions for government welfare programs, continually pushing the boundaries of what mobile technology can achieve for Nigerians.

For more information, please visit www.vitelwireless.com.

Media Contact:

Vitel Wireless

[email protected]

+234 707 701 1111

SOURCE Vitel Wireless
Princess Kate Middleton of Wales received an unexpected compliment during a commemorative ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. One of the attendees, 94-year-old Robert George Berkowitz, a Holocaust survivor, addressed Her Royal Highness.

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"William is very lucky: he is the luckiest man in the world to have you!" said Kate Middleton's husband. This was reported by the media HOLA!

Kate Middleton couldn't help but smile, smiled and replied: "I'll tell him that!"

This brief but sincere conversation was one of the warmest moments of the event, which brought together Holocaust survivors, religious and community leaders, and members of the royal family.

The Princess of Wales joined her husband, Prince William, at the commemorative event, having made a last-minute decision. When meeting the participants, she said: "It's good that I can be here."

The ceremony at the Guildhall was the first joint public appearance of the couple in 2025. Prior to that, Kate Middleton made her first official appearance after a long cancer treatment - on January 14, she visited the Royal Marsden Hospital.

In addition to the Prince and Princess of Wales, King Charles III also paid tribute to the victims. He became the first British monarch to personally visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. In Poland, he met with the survivors and called the visit "somber and sacred."

Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote that Kate Middleton was offered to appear on the cover of a global glossy. Her Highness has already worked with the creators of the fashion magazine, as she appeared on its cover in 2016.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
WINDBER, Pa., Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bounceback, a cutting-edge digital health platform designed to support K-12 educators, is excited to announce a new pilot program in partnership with Windber Area School District in Pennsylvania. Facilitated with the support of the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA), this partnership will bring wellness-focused professional development to Windber's educators, emphasizing mental health and work-life balance.

Windber Area School District, a district deeply committed to fostering a supportive and innovative learning community, collaborated with PSEA to identify solutions that address the increasing stress and burnout among educators. Recognizing Bounceback's unique, evidence-based approach, PSEA played an instrumental role in connecting the district with the platform, paving the way for this impactful collaboration.

"At Windber Area School District, we recognize that our educators are the foundation of student success," said Mike Vuckovich, Superintendent of Schools. "Partnering with Bounceback demonstrates our commitment to supporting their well-being and ensuring they have the resources to thrive both personally and professionally. When we take care of our teachers, we take care of our students."

Bounceback offers educators on-demand professional development (PD) through a dynamic digital platform. With over 120 lessons on topics such as stress management, mindfulness, focused breathing, and intentional movement, the platform equips teachers with practical tools to manage stress, improve self-regulation, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

"The daily stress that I experience as an educator has been minimized by my introduction and utilization of the Bounceback platform," shared Brook Faust, 3rd-grade elementary teacher at the Windber Area School District. "The Bounceback platform can be used efficiently on any device, at any point throughout the day, at school, or at home. From meaningful podcasts that speak the truths of the educational community to intentional movements and breathing exercises, Bounceback has truly made a difference in my self-regulation. I am now able to provide my students with a more positive, successful learning experience."

The decision to partner with Bounceback was inspired by Windber's mission to create a premier educational environment where both students and staff can thrive. The district's key initiatives include enhancing student achievement through evidence-based instructional practices, supporting teacher well-being, and fostering a positive school culture.

The involvement of PSEA highlights the association's dedication to advocating for educators' needs and providing solutions that directly address the challenges they face. By connecting Windber with Bounceback, PSEA helped bring this innovative solution to the forefront, ensuring that the district's educators have access to the tools they need to succeed.

"Bounceback is a game-changer for Windber's educators, and PSEA is proud to play a part in fostering this partnership," said PSEA President Aaron Chapin. "When we prioritize the mental health and work-life balance of our educators, we create a more sustainable and fulfilling teaching environment. And when educators thrive, their students benefit from the best possible learning experiences."

"Windber Area School District is leading the way in making sure that there are dedicated wellness resources for educators," said Dorothy Morelli, M.Ed., Founder and CEO of Bounceback. "Having visited the district, I have witnessed how Windber administrators, teachers, and support staff all work together for the betterment of the school community and the broader community. Bounceback is pleased to partner with Windber Schools."

By prioritizing mental health and professional development, Windber and Bounceback aim to create a ripple effect of positive change. The pilot program is expected to lead to improved teacher retention, increased student engagement, and a stronger school community.

Through the support of PSEA and the collaboration between Windber and Bounceback, this pilot program represents a transformative step toward ensuring educators feel valued, empowered, and equipped to thrive.

About Bounceback

Bounceback is a digital health platform designed to support K-12 educators by providing wellness-focused, on-demand professional development. Created by educators for educators, Bounceback offers practical, research-based tools to help teachers manage stress, prioritize mental health, and improve self-regulation. The platform's evidence-based programming aligns with professional development standards, equipping educators to thrive both personally and professionally. Learn more at MyBounceback.com.

About Windber Area School District

The Windber Area School District is dedicated to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for lifelong learning and success. Located in Windber, Pennsylvania, the district fosters a supportive and innovative learning environment that values and empowers both students and staff. With a focus on enhancing student achievement, supporting teacher well-being, and promoting a positive school culture, Windber Area School District strives to create a community where everyone feels valued and equipped for success.

Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Bounceback
Diverse group of young leaders from around the nation will shape the #CreateConnectCare campaign, an initiative harnessing creative expression to promote mental health awareness and support among youth.

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Granada Hills Charter (GHC) senior, Hannah Langford, will lead mental health engagement activities and a community project in Granada Hills following the formation of Creative Visions' 2025 Mental Health Youth Advisory Council amid a growing youth mental health crisis across the United States. A diverse group of young leaders from around the nation will shape Creative Visions' #CreateConnectCare campaign, an initiative harnessing creative expression to promote mental health awareness and support among youth.

This diverse group of young leaders will shape the #CreateConnectCare campaign to promote mental health awareness. Post this Hannah Langford, a senior at Granada Hills Charter, was recently named to the Youth Advisory Council for Creative Vision's #CreateConnectCare Campaign.

"Hannah exemplifies the leadership and dedication that define our students at Granada Hills Charter. Her commitment to mental health awareness and community engagement is truly inspiring, and we are incredibly proud to support her efforts through the #CreateConnectCare campaign. By leveraging creativity to address critical issues, Hannah is making a meaningful impact that will benefit both her peers and the broader community."  Brian Bauer, CEO/Superintendent of Granada Hills Charter

The #CreateConnectCare campaign, utilizing art, music, writing, and filmmaking, aims to raise awareness of mental health challenges and reduce stigma by fostering community connections and promoting self-care and peer support.

Recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data highlights the urgency and critical need for action:

Over 20% of youth aged 13-18 experience a serious mental illness.

More than 40% of high school students report persistent sadness or hopelessness.

The initiative from Creative Visions empowers youth through creativity. In partnership with Discovery Education and InnerView, #CreateConnectCare invites youth (ages 11-18) to share their stories through creative submissions by March 31, 2025.

"We are excited to welcome these passionate young leaders to help shape a campaign that resonates authentically with their peers," said Pat Chandler, CEO of Creative Visions.

The Youth Advisory Council includes: Hannah Langford (CA), Aryanna Lee (CA), Bryce Hunter (CO), Prishu Gaire (DE), Joyce Dushime (GA), Lillian Huang (IL), Violet Amberson (KS), Thyra Foronda (MI), Linda Barbara Stokes (MN), Vedhsai A Thiriveedi (NH), Ryan Crispino (NY), Ardisha Thawrani (OH), Harrison Cooper Green (OK), River Schoenfeldt (SC), Yaphet Yoseph (TX), Prakhya Koya (VA), and Anishmaadhav Jayapaul Premnaath (WI).

Mental health organizations, educators, and youth leaders are encouraged to support this initiative. Learn more at createconnectcare.org or contact Kathy Saulitis of Creative Visions at [email protected].

For interview requests with Hannah Langford or Granada Hills Charter administration, contact Jordan Duke at [email protected].

About Creative Visions

Creative Visions empowers impact-driven artists and storytellers to drive social change. A nonprofit and United Nations NGO, its Impact Education programs help youth, educators, and changemakers use media, arts, and technology for meaningful action. More at www.creativevisions.org .

About Granada Hills Charter

Named by the California Department of Education (CDE) as a California Distinguished School based on its outstanding student outcomes, Granada Hills Charter (GHC) is the largest public charter school in the nation. As an independent public charter serving students in grades TK-12, the School has a student enrollment of nearly 6,000 walking the breezeways on two sites, the Zelzah high school campus and the new Devonshire TK-8 campus. The School has an annual waitlist of 4,000+ hopeful students seeking the excellent and diverse curricular, extracurricular, and athletic opportunities of a vibrant comprehensive school. GHC's student population is one of the most diverse, with more than 40 languages spoken and over 60 nationalities represented, and 50% socioeconomically disadvantaged including foster youth. As a 501c3 non-profit benefit corporation, the School's Board Of Directors is the legal entity overseeing all school policy and its $92 million operating budget. GHC is ranked "#1 Best Public Elementary School in California," "#1 Best Charter Middle School in California" and "#1 Best Charter High School in Los Angeles County" by Niche.com in the 2021 Best Schools rankings.

SOURCE Granada Hills Charter
Event will gather security leaders, practitioners and researchers to share knowledge and create strategies for the safe and effective use of agentic AI

TEL AVIV-YAFO, Israel, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Zenity, the leader in securing AI Agents everywhere, today announced the first-ever AI Agent Security Summit, to be held in New York City on March 31. Hosted by Zenity Labs alongside other leading security researchers and professionals, the AI Agent Security Summit is the industry's first event focused on improving security and governance for AI Agents in the enterprise. Attendees will leave with an understanding of where risks stem from and what can be done about securing and enabling AI Agents. Those interested may sign up for the event here .

The event will gather visionary security leaders, experts and researchers for a day of panel discussions, roundtables, workshops and demonstrations to highlight observable attack pathways on AI Agents and map out solutions to help drive the business forward, securely. There will also be opportunities to network with peers faced with securing this massive technology shift. Attendees will gain:

Comprehensive AI Agent Security: Gain expert insights on securing AI Agents across the entire lifecycle, from build time to runtime.

Hands-on Defense Strategies: Explore defense-in-depth approaches that utilize deep agent behavioral monitoring and intent-breaking detection to achieve unmatched visibility and proactive risk mitigation.

Real-World Threat Modeling: Go beyond input/output analysis to understand the full scope of AI agent actions and develop insider threat models that reflect real operational risks.

Optimized Security Operations: Discover how to enhance SOC and AppSec efficiency by developing baselines for AI Agent Behavior and insights for faster, more effective security response.

Michael Bargury, CTO and co-founder, Zenity, said: "Organizations are adopting AI Agents as fast as possible while learning in real-time about what security and governance should look like. What's clear is we need to come together as an industry to establish an insider threat model for agents in the same way that they do for humans. We've created the AI Agent Security Summit to help security researchers, senior security professionals and business leaders come together and have it serve as the launching pad for establishing best practices that can be adopted by security leaders worldwide."

Zenity Labs has published relevant research including introducing remote copilot execution, where enterprise AI Agents were taken over with a simple email, and authored powerpwn, a collection of open source tools aimed at raising security awareness for vulnerabilities and misconfigurations throughout the AI and low-code landscape. It is putting on this event to drive conversations and awareness about the unique risks of AI Agents.

For more details on the event, please visit the event home page .

About Zenity

Zenity, the world's first application security platform for Agentic AI, protects organizations from security threats, helps meet compliance, and enables business continuity. Established in 2021, many of the world's leading organizations trust Zenity to help configure security guardrails, generate prioritized lists of vulnerabilities, and accurately pinpoint and remediate vulnerabilities by continuously scanning business-led development platforms and providing centralized visibility, risk assessment, and governance. Visit us at https://www.zenity.io for more.

SOURCE Zenity
Rapper Potap (Oleksii Potapenko), who is currently building a career in Europe under the new stage name Slavik Balagan, got caught up in a new announcement of his performance. He decided to attract a Russian audience to the concert, so he addressed them in Russian.

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Previously, he had an Instagram page only in English. Although Oleksii Potapenko was called a fugitive under his previous posts, the new post received the most hate.

The rapper posted an announcement for his concert in Israel with a video where he spoke only poor English. In the video, he allegedly met a Jew and said "Shalom" to him. Later he explained that he used the word "Shalom" because he was going to Israel for a concert.

"Potap is in Haifa with Slavic Balagan. Attention: this concert may cause expressive dancing, uncontrollable bouts of laughter, and a sudden desire to wear a tracksuit," Potapenko announced his performance.

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He duplicated the same text first in English and then in Russian. The appearance of the occupier's language in the post angered Ukrainians who accidentally saw the rapper's post on Instagram. They expressed their indignation in the comments.

"Only katsaps will support. Ukrainians are sending for the ship!"

"Spanish shame."

"That's your English. It cuts my ears."

"And now old age and senility have come."

"We urgently need a duet with Vynnyk and Vlad Yama to back up"

"Why not in a trench? Wasn't he born for war?"

"This concert can only cause a gag reflex."

Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote that Kamenskykh addressed Potap, who became Slavik Balagan, and spoke about his European career. The artist reacted somewhat belatedly to the new track by Trumpumpum, a fragment of which she posted on her social media.

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On Sunday, January 26, American actor Tom Welling, who starred in the television series Smallville, was arrested in a parking lot in the city of Wyrick, California, after midnight. As the journalists found out, the arrest took place because the 47-year-old celebrity was driving under the influence.

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According to police reports, his blood alcohol level was at or above 0.08%. This was reported by the tabloid TMZ.

The same day before his arrest, Tom Welling took to Instagram to wish his wife Jessica Rose Lee a happy birthday. He posted several pictures with his chosen one and noted that she makes all his dreams come true. It is worth noting that the celebrity is usually quite active on his social media, but after the arrest, not a single post appeared on his personal page.

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Tom Welling began his acting career in 2000, and became most famous when he joined the creation of the science fiction series Smallville, where he played the lead role. The film reveals the formation of Superman's personality - Clark Kent. Viewers of the movie can see how the hero learns about his abilities, finds his place in society and meets his first love.

In addition to the aforementioned series, Tom Welling has also starred in the projects Fair Amy, Undecided, Cheaper in Bulk, Fog, Parkland, Draft Day, Lucifer, Batwoman, and others.

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Scientists have warned that a newly discovered "city-destroying" asteroid could slam into Earth in the next decade. The space rock, named 2024 YR4, is 60 meters wide.

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According to the latest estimates, the probability of a dangerous asteroid hitting our planet is 1.2 percent. This X-hour will occur on December 22, 2032, writes DailyMail.

According to the researchers, the asteroid 2024 YR4, which astronomers discovered last year, is about the same size as the Tunguska meteorite, which caused the most explosive impact in human history when it passed through the Earth's atmosphere in 1908, killing three people.

It should be recalled that the then space rock exploded in the air over Siberia in what is known as an "airburst." This impact, equivalent to the explosion of 50 million tons of TNT, felled approximately 80 million trees over an area of more than 22,000 km. It's hard to imagine what would have happened if the meteorite had hit a densely populated city, experts say.

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Scientists emphasize that on December 22, 2032, the asteroid 2024 YR4 will approach our planet by about 106,000 kilometers. However, orbital uncertainty can increase the probability of a direct collision with the Earth from one to 1.2 percent.

Asteroid 2024 YR4 immediately topped NASA Sentry's automatic risk list, which categorizes known near-Earth objects (NEOs) by their likelihood of colliding with our planet. But the probability of this asteroid hitting our planet is low. And even in that unlikely event, scientists are not sure how much damage it would cause.

That's because the strength of its impact will depend on aspects of its composition that are currently unknown and a more accurate estimate of its size, experts say. "The likelihood of a collision is still very low, and the most likely outcome would be a rock coming close to us," said asteroid researcher David Rankin.

He added that the current "risk corridor" or geographic area where an asteroid is most likely to hit runs from South America across the Atlantic Ocean to sub-Saharan Africa. But that zone could change thanks to new observations and better orbit calculations, Rankin said.

Once 2024 YR4 is identified as a potential threat, scientists will monitor it until 2032.

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New York, Jan 30 : Former Senator Bob Menendez, who wielded considerable power as the head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has been sentenced to 11 years in a bribery case that put a spotlight on international attempts to influence US policy.

"You stood at the apex of our political system" but "lost your way and working for the public good became working for your good", Federal Judge Sidney Stein said here on Wednesday imposing the sentence on a tearful 71-year-old Menendez.

Menendez, who represented New Jersey, received cash, gold bars, and a Mercedes Benz car and was convicted in July on 16 charges including acting as an agent of Egypt, bribery, fraud, and conspiracy.

His wife, Nadine Menendez, is facing related charges, but her trial is on hold because she is undergoing cancer treatment.

Two businessmen, who gave him the bribes were also sentenced on Wednesday to prison time and fines of over $1 million. Another businessman pleaded guilty to charges against him and became an approver appearing as a prosecution witness.

Qatar figured in the case but without direct involvement. Prosecutors said that to help a real estate developer get financing from there, Menendez made positive comments about the kingdom.

Menendez was the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and resigned the position when he was charged in 2023 and the next year, he quit the Senate ending an 18-year run.

He had escaped conviction in 2017 when a divided jury failed to convict him on other corruption charges, but the law caught up to him last year.Pleading for mercy, Menendez called himself a "chastened man" and told the court, "Other than family, I have lost everything I ever cared about".

His son, Rob Menendez, who is a member of the House of Representatives, was in court during the sentencing. Outside the court, Menendez said, "This process is political and it's corrupted to the core".

He hinted at an appeal for a pardon from President Donald Trump who has repeatedly denounced prosecutions under former President Joe Biden as a "political witch hunt".

"I hope President Trump cleans up the cesspool and restores the integrity to the system", he said.

Prosecutors said he "provided sensitive US Government information and took other steps that secretly aided the Government of Egypt.

According to the prosecution, when Menendez, who had divorced his first wife began dating Nadine in 2018, she introduced him to Egyptian intelligence and military officials.

Although the information that went through was "not classified, it was deemed highly sensitive because it could pose significant operational security concerns if disclosed to a foreign government or made public", prosecutors said.

A corruption charge involved the bizarre case of certifying meat from the US as halal for export to Egypt.

Prosecutors said that Menendez interfered with the US Agriculture Department's opposition to the monopoly granted to a company connected to the bribers, and Cairo let the company keep its monopoly on certifying halal meat for export.
Harare, Jan 30 : The Southern African Development Community (SADC) will hold an extraordinary summit in Harare, Zimbabwe's capital, on Thursday to discuss the security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the SADC Secretariat said in a statement.

The extraordinary meeting of heads of state and government, which will be chaired by SADC Chairperson and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, will be preceded by the meetings of the SADC Standing Committee of Senior Officials and the SADC Council of Ministers, the statement said.

The SADC is a regional economic community of 16 member states, including the DRC. The other members are Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia, Xinhua news agency reported.

The extraordinary summit comes after recent attacks on United Nations and SADC peacekeeping missions by armed groups in the eastern DRC.

Mnangagwa on Monday condemned the armed groups for the attacks, which resulted in several deaths and injuries, and vowed that the SADC will take action to deal with the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in the eastern DRC.

In November 2024, the SADC extended the mandate of its peacekeeping mission in the DRC by one year amid continued fighting between the Congolese army and armed groups, which has resulted in over 400,000 people being displaced since the start of 2025.

Earlier UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres talked over the phone with the presidents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda to discuss the escalating conflict in the DRC, a UN spokesman said.

The M23 rebels occupy portions of Goma, the largest city of eastern DRC, while Rwanda has been denying allegations its troops were in the DRC, supporting M23.
Tehran, Jan 30 : Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said that no specific message has been sent or received between Iran and the US regarding the holding of nuclear negotiations.

In an address to reporters on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting, Araghchi said on Wednesday that talks between Iran and Britain, France, and Germany are going on and that Iran is waiting for the United States to determine its policies and position, following which Iran would consider them and make its decision, according to a report by the official news agency IRNA.

"If the country comes to the conclusion that the possibility exists for holding negotiations on equal terms, we will decide about that," he said.

"The basis and criterion for us is still the same distrust that existed in the past, which still pervades the relations between the two countries," he said, adding, "We reached an agreement in the past. Iran implemented the agreement, but they were the ones who scrapped it."

Resolving that distrust is not easy nor possible solely by using "good and beautiful" words, he said, underscoring that practical actions and clear policies are required to that end.

Iran signed a nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with world powers in July 2015, agreeing to put some curbs on its nuclear program in return for the removal of sanctions. The United States, however, pulled out of the deal in May 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran, prompting Tehran to scale back its commitments under the deal, Xinhua news agency reported.

The talks to revive the JCPOA began in April 2021 in Vienna, Austria. Despite several rounds of talks, no significant breakthrough has been achieved.

Iran engaged in 18 months of indirect negotiations with the Biden administration between 2021 and 2022 to restore the United Statesa participation in the JCPOA after Trump unilaterally exited the agreement in 2018, imposing harsh sanctions on Iran. However, the Vienna talks ended without a deal, particularly after Russiaas 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The conflict raised questions about whether Tehran genuinely sought an agreement or aimed to ease sanctions.

Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, said on Monday that Tehran is consulting on President Donald Trump's policies toward Iran and has developed strategies and plans to address them.
Jerusalem, Jan 30 : Israel has received a list of hostages expected to be released from Hamas captivity in Gaza on Thursday, including three Israeli and five Thai nationals, Israeli sources said.

The list was delivered to mediators by the Palestinian armed group ahead of the expected release of a third batch of hostages, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement.

The office said Israel "accepts" the list, which includes civilian female Arbel Yehud, 29, female soldier Agam Berger, 19, and civilian male Gadi Mozes, 80, Xinhua news agency reported.

Israel's state-owned Kan TV reported that apart from the three Israeli hostages, five Thai nationals, who worked in agriculture in southern Israel and were kidnapped by Hamas in the attack on October 7, 2023, would also be released on Thursday.

Netanyahu's office did not comment on the Thai hostages.

According to Israeli figures, 10 foreign nationals are still being held by Hamas in Gaza, including eight Thais, a Nepali, and a Tanzanian, with at least three of them presumed dead.

The upcoming release is separate from the ceasefire agreement that took effect on January 19, ending more than 15 months of fighting between Israel and Hamas.

It followed a dispute after Hamas released four female soldiers on Saturday, prompting Israel to accuse the group of violating the deal, under which Yehud was supposed to be freed before the soldiers. In response, Israel refused to withdraw forces from the Netzarim Corridor that separates Gaza's north and south.

The dispute was resolved through Qatari mediation. Hamas agreed to release Yehud, Berger, and another hostage on Thursday, ahead of the next scheduled release of three more Israeli captives on Saturday. Israel then approved the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza on Monday morning.
Ankara, Jan 30 : Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with a Hamas delegation, which included Muhammad Darwish, head of the Shura Council, Erdogan's office said in a statement.

The meeting was attended by key Turkish officials, including Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, National Intelligence Organization Chief Ibrahim Kalin, Presidential Communications Director Fahrettin Altun, Senior Advisor for Foreign Policy and Security Akif Cagatay Kilic, and Presidential Chief of Staff Hasan Dogan, said the statement.

Erdogan told the delegation in the meeting Hamas's "471-day struggle in Gaza reaffirmed the spirit of resistance will endure," Xinhua news agency reported quoting the semi-official Anadolu Agency.

Turkiye will continue to "expose realities in Gaza," Erdogan reportedly said, expressing hope for the successful completion of the Gaza ceasefire.

Erdogan has often expressed Turkiye's strong stance on the Palestinian issue and has maintained communication with both Hamas and international actors regarding the conflict.

A three-phase ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas took effect on January 19, initiating six weeks of calm and raising hopes for an end to 15 months of Israeli assaults on Gaza that devastated the enclave and for the release of dozens of hostages held there.

On Saturday, the International Committee of the Red Cross announced the completion of the second phase of a prisoner-hostage exchange between Hamas and Israel, implemented under the initial terms of the ceasefire agreement.

Earlier in the day, Israel has received a list of hostages expected to be released from Hamas captivity in Gaza on Thursday, including three Israeli and five Thai nationals, Israeli sources said.

The list was delivered to mediators by the Palestinian armed group ahead of the expected release of a third batch of hostages, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement.

Earlier Gaza saw the second hostage swap as Hamas freed four female Israeli soldiers in exchange for 200 Palestinian prisoners, a part of a six-week ceasefire starting January 19.
Baghdad, Jan 30 : Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said that Iraq rejects any attempts that aim to displace the Palestinian people.

Hussien's remarks came during a phone call with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, during which they discussed developments in Palestine after the ceasefire and ways to enhance joint coordination to support the Palestinian people, according to a statement issued by the Iraqi Foreign Ministry.

Hussein reaffirmed Iraq's stance in supporting the Palestinian cause, emphasising the importance of unifying efforts to enhance their resilience on their land, the statement said.

Hussein stressed - according to the statement - "Iraq's firm position in supporting the Palestinian cause, stressing the rejection of any attempts aimed at displacing the Palestinian people and the importance of unifying efforts to enhance their steadfastness on their land."

He pointed out that "Iraq will continue to exert maximum efforts to ensure that the Palestinian file and support for the rights of the Palestinian people are at the forefront of the priorities of the agenda of the Arab Summit that Baghdad will host this year."

For his part, the Palestinian Foreign Minister expressed - according to the statement - his deep appreciation for Iraq's supportive stances towards Palestine, praising the fraternal relations between the two countries, and stressing the importance of continuing cooperation and joint coordination in various fields, Xinhua news agency reported.

US President Donald Trump proposed last week to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan.
Amman, Jan 30 : Jordan sent another 16 aid helicopters to Gaza as part of its ongoing efforts to deliver assistance to the coastal enclave.

The helicopters carried 20 tonnes of humanitarian and relief aid, sent in collaboration with the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization and several other countries, Xinhua news agency reported quoting state-run Petra news agency.

Jordan is diversifying its methods of delivering aid to Gaza, with military helicopters being used to speed up the transportation of urgent and perishable supplies, particularly medical treatments and essential healthcare items.

The humanitarian delivery is set to continue for eight days, with 16 aircraft operating daily, Petra reported.

Earlier Egypt sent another 310 humanitarian aid trucks to the Gaza Strip through the Rafah border crossing, amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas ceasefire brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the US, Egypt's State Information Service (SIS) reported.

"The convoy includes 20 trucks loaded with fuel," the SIS report added. The trucks would go through the Al-Auja (Nitzana) and Kerem Shalom crossings for inspection by the Israeli side before being delivered to Gaza,

Earlier in January, Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi emphasised the alignment of positions between Jordan and Denmark in supporting efforts to reach an agreement that would lead to a halt in the "aggression on Gaza."

He made the remarks in a joint press conference in Amman following a meeting with the Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, according to a statement by the ministry.

Current efforts should lead to an agreement that provides all needed to address the humanitarian disaster caused by the conflict, sending sufficient, practical, rapid, and immediate aid to Gaza, Safadi said.

The minister also emphasised the importance of ensuring the Palestinians' right to an independent state with sovereignty over the 1967 borders, including East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the two-state solution, he said.
Jerusalem, Jan 30 : Israel said it would sever all ties with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) starting on Thursday, accusing the agency of employing Hamas operatives and enabling "terror activity" in Gaza.

"UNRWA is riddled with Hamas," Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein said on social media platform X. "Beginning January 30, Israel will cease all engagement with UNRWA in accordance with Israeli law," he wrote.

Marmorstein reiterated Israel's commitment to humanitarian aid reaching Gaza but said assistance would be channeled through "alternative organizations," including other UN agencies, international NGOs, and foreign governments, Xinhua news agency reported.

An Israeli law passed in October 2024 mandates an end to UNRWA's operation on Israeli land -- including East Jerusalem, which Israel annexed in a move not recognised internationally -- and contact with Israeli authorities from Thursday. It also bars Israeli officials from any contact with UNRWA. The move has drawn condemnation from international leaders and aid groups.

UNRWA, which provides vital healthcare, education, and emergency services to millions of Palestinians, denied the allegations and said it has received no formal evidence from Israel to substantiate the claims.

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said on Tuesday that the agency has been the target of a "fierce disinformation campaign" to "portray the agency as a terrorist organization."

The headquarters of UNRWA is facing an immediate shutdown due to bans passed by the Israeli legislature in October. These restrictions threaten the organization's operations across the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip, where UNRWA provides crucial support to around 2 million Palestinians, many of whom are homeless as a result of the ongoing 15-month Israel-Hamas war.
Damascus, Jan 30 : Syria's Military Operations Administration announced the appointment of Ahmed al-Sharaa as president during the transitional period, granting him authority to establish an interim legislative council until a permanent constitution is ratified.

Spokesman Hassan Abdel Ghani said al-Sharaa would serve as interim president and represent Syria in international forums. He also announced the immediate dissolution of all military factions and revolutionary political bodies, with their integration into state institutions, Xinhua news agency reported.

The announcement came during a "Victory Conference" held in Damascus.

"We have freed our people from humiliation -- now we must devote ourselves to reconstructing and advancing this nation," al-Sharaa said at the conference, referencing a sweeping offensive by militant groups led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) late last year that resulted in the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad government.

He outlined objectives including closing governance gaps, merging all armed groups under state control, and restoring Syria's standing with regional and global partners.

Al-Sharaa, 43, has led HTS since 2017 and played a key role in the 2024 opposition offensives that led to the downfall of the Assad regime and the establishment of the Syrian transitional government. He has been the country's de facto leader since Assad's ouster.

Interim Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani emphasised an outward-looking foreign policy focused on Arab collaboration and reducing regional tensions.

"We want Syria to be part of a collective Arab endeavour that promotes economic diversity," he said, reiterating that the swift removal of sanctions is crucial for the country's revival.
Seoul, Jan 30 : SK Telecom's envisioned artificial intelligence (AI) assistant service for global users will likely feature connections to popular online applications, such as Google Calendar, sources said on Thursday.

Seoul, Jan 30 (IANS) SK Telecomas envisioned artificial intelligence (AI) assistant service for global users will likely feature connections to popular online applications, such as Google Calendar, sources said on Thursday.

The AI assistant, named aster, is expected to help users create to-do lists and make reservations for transportation and accommodations based on their schedules on Google Calendar, according to the sources, reports Yonhap news agency.

Aster is an advanced AI agent designed to help users organise their daily routines through features like planning, execution, reminders and advice. It is scheduled to be officially launched in North America in the second half, following the start of a beta service in March.

It will operate autonomously as an "agentic AI," capable of making complex decisions and taking actions based on conversational interactions with users.

SK Telecom is also considering integrating aster with other popular online applications, such as the business review website Yelp and taxi-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft.

Additionally, the Korean company is working to incorporate the AI search engine Perplexity into aster.

"We will decide what kind of application programming interface to adopt for our actual service after receiving consumer feedback from our beta service for North American users in March," an SK Telecom official said.

Earlier this month, the company said it will begin a beta service of its artificial intelligence agent "aster" in March, targeting North American customers. SK Telecom said the North American launch will serve as a test of its AI agent service in the global market.

"Unlike other AI agents, which simply provide answers to users' needs, aster takes actions in response to users' requests and plans," SK Telecom said.

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NASA researchers have discovered organic compounds and minerals essential for life in samples collected from the near-Earth asteroid Bennu. Space rocks likely delivered the building blocks of life to our planet early in its history.

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There are 20 amino acids that create the proteins necessary for life on our planet. And during a NASA mission called OSIRIS-REx, scientists found 14 of them on an asteroid millions of kilometers away, Space.com reports.

According to NASA, OSIRIS-REx delivered intact pieces of asteroids for analysis in 2023 during a difficult mission. And since then, scientists have been studying these priceless pieces of Bennu to obtain data.

Researchers have found that the asteroid Bennu, a space rock from the early solar system, contains compounds containing water and carbon. However, the latest discoveries of the team of experts came as a surprise.

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The scientists found the aforementioned 14 amino acids, a high concentration of ammonia, and five nucleotide bases that life on Earth uses to transmit genetic instructions in DNA and RNA.

"These findings do not prove the existence of life itself, but they do suggest that the conditions necessary for the emergence of life were likely widespread in the early solar system. This increases the likelihood that life could have formed on other planets," said Nicky Fox, assistant administrator of the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC.

Scientists raise the question of why life did not form on Bennu. "This is a future area of research for astrobiologists around the world to think about," said Jason Dworkin, an OSIRIS-REx project scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland.

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"Looking at Bennu as an example of a place that had everything but no life, the question arises: what made Earth special?" the scientist added, reflecting.

During the study of the space rock, scientists found evidence of a salty brine with traces of 11 minerals rich in carbonate, phosphate, sulfate, chloride, and fluoride.

"Seeing this huge range of salts and believing that we will unravel the story of how water, organic material, and all these biologically important elements could have been delivered on asteroids like Bennu in the early solar system to Earth and other planets to start life," said space mineralogist Sarah Russell from the Natural History Museum in London.

The team also found a lot of ammonia in Bennu's samples. According to Danny Glavin, senior scientist of the sample return team, this is about 100 times higher than the natural level of ammonia in soils on Earth.

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"Ammonia is essential for many biological processes. It was probably a key chemical building block through the formation of amino acids, nucleotide bases, and again, the genetic components of DNA and RNA," Glavin added.

The OSIRIS-REx team says this suggests that Bennu (or at least the parent asteroid from which it is believed to have broken off) must have once existed in colder, more remote regions of space because ammonia is a volatile substance. For ammonia to exist in salt form, the environment must be cold.

"The OSIRIS REx team found that Bennu contains many of the building blocks of the precursors of life. As well as evidence that it comes from an ancient wet world and contains materials that indicate that Bennu traveled from the coldest regions of the world, which are likely to be beyond the orbit of Saturn," summed up the head of NASA's science department, Nicky Fox.

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United Nations, Jan 30 : Situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) city of Goma is calmer but still tense, with some violence hampering humanitarian operations, a UN spokesman said.

Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said that the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC, known as MONUSCO, reported sporadic shooting but an overall reduction in exchanges of fire within the city. Continued clashes were reported in surrounding areas, including in Sake, northwest of Goma, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The mission's priority right now remains the protection of its personnel, its assets and the many civilians sheltering within UN premises," Dujarric said at the daily briefing. "UN peacekeepers are planning on sending patrols today (Wednesday) in Goma to assess the situation, to conduct resupplies and assess routes."

Earlier, MONUSCO said some peacekeepers had sought shelter in bunkers.

Dujarric said that the situation was also calm in the capital, Kinshasa, despite calls for protests. "The main roads are reported to be empty, and supermarkets are closed due to high risk of looting."

He said that in addition to the one Uruguayan and two South African peacekeepers killed earlier in the week, the number of UN peacekeepers injured since the most recent assault by the M23 rebels is 22.

"We reiterate that attacks against UN peacekeepers are not only unacceptable but may also constitute a war crime," the spokesman said.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported violence and looting of humanitarian warehouses continued in Goma, impacting the ability of aid workers to respond and putting them at risk.

OCHA said that since the escalation of fighting, its humanitarian partners recorded more than 2,000 people wounded. Several bodies remained in the streets, while water and electricity supplies remained cut off since Sunday.

"We call for the swift resumption of these services, as well as for the protection of humanitarian warehouses and the facilitation of medical evacuations for people who have been injured," Dujarric said.

OCHA said the airport's closure means that flows of humanitarian cargo and rotations of humanitarian personnel were suspended. Most roads connecting Goma to the rest of the country are also closed. However, the border with Rwanda is open, and additional humanitarian teams can enter the DRC.

"Humanitarian Coordinator Bruno Lemarquis calls on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and to end the violence targeting civilians," OCHA said. "He reiterates his call for the establishment of a secure humanitarian corridor to guarantee unhindered humanitarian access and the creation of a border crossing to facilitate the movement of people fleeing violence."
Mumbai, Jan 30 : Abhishek Bachchan recently took to social media to shower praise on Boman Irani for his dedication and perseverance in bringing his film "Meet The Mehta Boys" to life over the course of 12 years.

Mumbai, Jan 30 (IANS) Abhishek Bachchan recently took to social media to shower praise on Boman Irani for his dedication and perseverance in bringing his film "Meet The Mehta Boys" to life over the course of 12 years.

Bachchan shared his admiration for Irani's unwavering commitment and hard work, expressing his excitement for the project's release.

Taking to his Instagram stories, the Junior Bachchan shared the trailer of Irani's directorial debut and wrote, "Bomzi, have witnessed the journey of making this gem for over 12 years and the way you have toiled and preserved. It's finally ready to be shared with the world. I can't wait. All the very best. It's brilliant.@boman_irani."

On Wednesday, the makers of "Meet The Mehta Boys" released its trailer on social media, offering a glimpse into the emotional rollercoaster of a complex father-son relationship.

The upcoming film, directed by Boman Irani, who has co-written it alongside Academy Award winner Alex Dinelaris, also stars Avinash Tiwary, Shreya Chaudhry, and Puja Sarup in lead roles.

Speaking about the movie, Boman Irani shared, "For me, The Mehta Boys is an extremely personal journey. The relationship between a father and son is one of the most complex and emotionally charged dynamics. With this film, I wanted to delve into how the bond between two people who deeply care for each other can be tested by time, misunderstandings, and unresolved issues."

He added, "It is a story that has stayed with me for years, and I'm thrilled to finally share it with audiences in India and across the world on Prime Video. I am deeply grateful to the talented cast for bringing their characters to life with such depth and authenticity, enriching the story in every way."

"The Mehta Boys" is set to premiere on Prime Video in India and over 240 countries and territories worldwide on February 7.
Agartala, Jan 30 : Assam Rifles, in coordination with police, conducted a joint operation and seized and destroyed ganja (marijuana) plantations worth around Rs 6 crore in Tripura, officials said on Thursday.

A defence spokesman said that the para-military troops and Tripura Police personnel in their joint operation at Batadhala in Sepahijala district on Wednesday afternoon seized ganja (marijuana) worth Rs 5.35 crore and destroyed 15,000 marijuana saplings valued at Rs 60 lakh.

The spokesman said that acting on credible intelligence, the joint team swiftly executed the operation, dealing a significant blow to illegal drug cultivation and smuggling networks in the area, which is not far away from the India-Bangladesh border.

The seized marijuana was handed over to the police for further legal proceedings, while the illicit plantation was destroyed on-site to prevent its further exploitation.

This successful operation highlights Assam Riflesa continued efforts in combating drug trafficking and maintaining law and order, an official statement said.

It said that the Assam Rifles, in close coordination with law enforcement agencies, remains committed to safeguarding the region from the menace of illicit drugs.

A police official said that they are looking for the marijuana cultivators.

In Tripura, illegal marijuana and in Manipur poppy cultivation is taking place in hill areas and these are being smuggled outside the region for making drugs. Often the security forces destroyed the marijuana and poppy cultivations as part of their efforts to curb the illegal drug trade.

Besides, various drugs, especially heroin and highly addictive methamphetamine tablets are often smuggled into the northeastern states of India from Myanmar, which shares a 1,643 km-long unfenced border with four northeastern states -- Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Manipur (398 km), Nagaland (215 km) and Mizoram (510 km).
New Delhi, Jan 30 : Tributes were paid to Mahatma Gandhi at the Gandhi Smriti Memorial at Rajghat on his death anniversary, honouring his immense contributions to the nation and his unwavering commitment to truth and non-violence.

President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the solemn ceremony, joined by other senior leaders in remembering the Father of the Nation.

Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948. Since then, the day has been observed as Martyrs' Day, also known as 'Shaheed Diwas' or 'Sarvodaya Day,' to honour him and countless others who sacrificed their lives for India's freedom.

As a tribute, the devotional song 'Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram,' which was popularised by Mahatma Gandhi himself, was played during the ceremony. The bhajan, set to tune by Vishnu Digambar Paluskar in Raga Mishra Gara, has long been associated with Mahatma Gandhi's spiritual and political journey.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi took to X to express his tribute. "Tributes to Pujya Bapu on his Punya Tithi. His ideals motivate us to build a developed India. I also pay tributes to all those martyred for our nation and recall their service as well as sacrifices," he wrote.

BJP President and Union Minister J.P. Nadda also paid his respects, emphasising Gandhi's philosophy of self-reliance.

"I pay my heartfelt tribute to the eternal worshiper of truth and non-violence, the great leader of the Indian freedom movement, 'Father of the Nation' Mahatma Gandhi, on his death anniversary," he posted on X.

"Bapu's ideas centred on Swadeshi and self-reliance are paving the way for an Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat. His life ideals will always inspire the entire humanity," he added.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in his tribute, highlighted Mahatma Gandhi's role in uniting the nation and his global impact.

"On behalf of the grateful nation, I pay my tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, the leading figure of the Indian freedom movement, who popularised the Indian values of truth, non-violence, and the fight against injustice across the world, on his death anniversary," he wrote on X.

"Mahatma Gandhi strengthened the freedom movement by binding the country in the thread of unity. His thoughts towards cleanliness, self-reliance, and the empowerment of rural India will continue to inspire the countrymen," he added.

Mahatma Gandhi, revered as the Father of the Nation, was the architect of India's freedom struggle, championing non-violence and civil disobedience as powerful tools against colonial rule. His teachings continue to inspire movements for justice and peace across the world.
Mumbai, Jan 30 : Manufacturing sector employees at the best workplaces in India are 2.7 times more likely to stay in psychologically healthy environments, and the overall view of manufacturing as a great place to work has risen to 87 per cent in 2025, according to a report on Thursday.

As India's manufacturing industry advances toward Industry 5.0, the need for companies to prioritise not just technological innovation, but also the well-being of their workforce, has never been more critical, said the report by Great Place To Work.

"As the industry advances toward Industry 5.0, the focus isn't just on smarter machines but on fostering workplaces that prioritise employee well-being. To combat employee burnout, organisations are taking steps to improve work-life balance, make leaders more approachable, and enhance employee engagement," said Balbir Singh, CEO, Great Place To Work, India.

"Leading organisations are building a culture of trust and psychological safety, and when employees feel valued, they are 2.7 times more likely to stay. To overcome challenges, organisations need to continuously listen and empower their employees, to shape the industry's future," he added.

The report showed that even as companies continue to foster positive and inclusive cultures, challenges remain. The voice of employees consistently highlights the need for more action around psychological safety, care, and equitable growth.

Best Workplaces have responded by implementing mechanisms for regular feedback, ensuring fair task allocation, and introducing flexible shifts to accommodate the needs of their workforce.

For their business and corporate employees, these companies have adopted flexible work models, extended paid leave, and created opportunities for career growth and leadership development.

These have also expanded benefits packages to include wellness programmes, zero-interest loans, bonuses, and a broader range of support systems to meet the diverse needs of their teams, the report said.

Some of the best workplaces for manufacturing recognised for their exceptional culture and employee satisfaction, listed in the report include Apollo Tyres, Orient Cement, Tata Steel India, Amara Raja Power Systems, Sula Vineyards, and Bajaj Energy.

"These companies are not just focused on producing goods -- they are committed to producing an environment where employees thrive, grow, and feel valued," the report said.
Kolkata, Jan 30 : So far two residents from West Bengal have been identified as victims of the unfortunate stampede incident in Prayagraj Maha Kumbh on Wednesday, confirmed an official from the state secretariat Nabanna on Thursday.

Both were women and senior citizens. One of them is Basanti Poddar (65), a resident of Ashwini Nagar area in Kolkata. She went to Prayagraj Maha Kumbh along with her sister, son and daughter.

As per information passed down by her family members to the state secretariat, she had fallen because of the pressure of the crowd and was severely injured in the stampede which later became the reason for her death.

The second victim of the stampede from West Bengal was identified as Urmila Bhuniyan (78), a resident of Salboni in the West Midnapore district. She went to Prayagraj Maha Kumbh with her daughter and son-in-law.

Their bodies are being brought back to the state, where their final cremation will be done.

Meanwhile, the state government has decided to send its team to Prayagraj to make a review on the actual number of victims from West Bengal. The team will also review whether there is a resident from West Bengal among those injured in the stampede.

On Wednesday, while issuing a statement condoling the tragedy, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had indirectly hinted towards a lack of "planning and care" behind the mishap.

She had drawn reference to the arrangements made by her administration at Sagar Islands in South 24 Parganas district in West Bengal every year on the occasion of the annual religious event of Gangasagar Mela.

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh, which has claimed at least 15 innocent lives. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved pilgrim families. My learning from our Gangasagar Mela is that planning and care must be maximal in matters relating to pilgrims' lives in vast assemblies of people. Prayers for the departed souls," the statement from the Chief Minister read.
Chhotaudepur : , Jan 30 (IANS) After the Nakuleshwar Mahadev Temple was washed away in the 2022 floods in Gujarat's Chhotaudepur, the people fearing a similar fate for another temple in the area are now taking to the streets to draw the government's attention.

Chhotaudepur (Gujarat), Jan 30 (IANS) After the Nakuleshwar Mahadev Temple was washed away in the 2022 floods in Gujarat's Chhotaudepur, the people fearing a similar fate for another temple in the area are now taking to the streets to draw the government's attention.

The people in the Sankheda area of the district on Thursday have hit the streets, demanding urgent action to protect the historic Arjunanath Mahadev Temple located on the banks of the Uchch River.

A delegation on January 27 submitted a memorandum to Mamlatdar and Resident Collector Shailesh Goklani, urging immediate intervention to safeguard the temple from potential collapse. The protesters highlighted that in 2022, the devastating floods of the Uchch River led to the destruction of the Nakuleshwar Mahadev Temple. Now, the Arjunanath Mahadev Temple, located precariously on the riverbank, faces a similar threat.

To amplify their demands, the residents have announced a Dhun programme (continuous religious chanting) on Thursday. Additionally, they declared a complete market shutdown in Sankheda on January 31 as a mark of protest.

"The Arjunanath Mahadev Temple stands on the banks of the Uchch River, near Sankheda, and was once accompanied by the Nakuleshwar Mahadev Temple. However, the floods of 2022 washed away the latter, leaving only Arjunanath Mahadev Temple, which is now at risk due to its precarious position on the riverbank." sources shared.

Residents have urged authorities to take immediate measures to reinforce the temple's foundation and prevent further erosion. They have warned that if no action is taken, the temple might collapse, similar to what happened to the Nakuleshwar Mahadev Temple. Local leaders and devotees have vowed to "continue their protest until concrete steps are taken to preserve the centuries-old temple, which holds significant religious and historical importance for the region." a resident shared.

The Arjunanath Mahadev Temple is an important religious site in Chhotaudepur dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as Arjunanath, and is a place of great significance for the local community. It holds cultural, spiritual, and historical value for the region's people.

Historically, the temple is known for its ancient architecture and religious importance, attracting pilgrims from nearby areas. It is situated close to another renowned temple, the Nakuleshwar Mahadev Temple, which unfortunately was destroyed during the devastating floods of 2022, caused by the Ucchh River's overflow.

Chhotaudepur, a predominantly tribal district in eastern Gujarat, has over 75 per cent Scheduled Tribe (ST) population, with communities like the Rathwas, Bhils, Nayakas, and Tadvis forming a significant portion. Known for its Pithora paintings, Gher dance, and vibrant tribal festivals like the Kavant Fair, the region has a rich cultural heritage. Located in the Satpura range, it boasts dense forests, rivers, and the Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary.

Traditionally a Congress stronghold, the district has seen a growing influence of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in recent years, aligning with the party's outreach to tribal voters. The region has been represented in both the Gujarat Legislative Assembly and Lok Sabha, with parties focusing on issues like land rights, forest conservation, education, and employment for tribals.
New Delhi, Jan 30 : The Cabinet Committee on Security has approved the indigenous procurement of ammunition worth around Rs 10,200 crore for the Indian Army's Pinaka multi-launcher rocket system, in another booster shot for the country's self-reliance in the Defence manufacturing sector, according to senior officials.

New Delhi, Jan 30 (IANS) The Cabinet Committee on Security has approved the indigenous procurement of ammunition worth around Rs 10,200 crore for the Indian Armyas Pinaka multi-launcher rocket system, in another booster shot for the countryas self-reliance in the Defence manufacturing sector, according to senior officials.

The two deals include high-explosive pre-fragmented ammunition at a cost of about Rs 5,700 crore and area denial munitions for around Rs 4,500 crore.

The high-explosive pre-fragmented rocket ammunition has an enhanced range of 45 km, while the area denial munitions have a striking distance of 37 km, which can saturate a battlefield with anti-tank and anti-personnel mines.

The order will be divided between Pune-based Munitions India Limited and a private sector company.

Munitions India Limited is one of the seven Defence companies carved out of the erstwhile Ordnance Factory Board in 2021 as part of the Boardas corporatisation.

The aim was to boost efficiency and competitiveness in the countryas Defence manufacturing sector.

The other companies created were Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited, India Optel Limited, Troop Comforts Limited, Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited, Gliders India Limited and Yantra India Limited.

The procurement has been approved close on the heels of the Defence Ministry signing a Rs 1,561-crore contract with Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF), based at Avadi in Chennai, to equip the Army with 47 T-72 bridge laying tanks for the faster movement of mechanised forces in the battle zone. The HVF is a unit of Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited.

Earlier on January 16, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited for the supply of medium-range surface-to-air missiles (MRSAM) for the Indian Navy at a cost of approximately Rs 2,960 crore.

The MRSAM system is a standard fit, onboard multiple Indian Naval ships and is planned to be fitted on the majority of the future platforms planned for acquisition.

The contract marks a critical milestone in the ongoing efforts to bolster Indiaas Defence capabilities and indigenise advanced military technology, according to a Defence Ministry statement.

Indiaas annual Defence production has surpassed Rs 1.25 lakh crore and the country is exporting equipment to over 100 nations. The target for Defence exports has been fixed at Rs 50,000 crore, according to a ministry data.
Mumbai, Jan 30 : Maharashtra recorded the second suspected fatality of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) with the death of a 56-year-old woman on Sinhagad Road in Pune.

The woman died on Tuesday following respiratory failure with sepsis and was suffering from oral cancer.

The total number of GBS cases in the state has risen to 127.

According to the Pune Municipal Corporation sources, the woman, who complained of weakness, was admitted to a local hospital on January 15 before being referred to Sassoon General Hospital.

Earlier, on January 25, a 40-year-old man, residing in Pune's Dhayari area, died in Solapur. The doctors sent the report for further analysis to ascertain whether it was due to GBS.

The Public Health Department said that of the 127 suspected cases, 72 are diagnosed with GBS.

Of these, Pune Municipal Corporation reported 13, newly added villages in the Pune Municipal Corporation area (73), Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (13) and nine each from Pune rural and other districts. Of these 20 are currently on ventilator.

The state government has appealed to the citizens not to panic while Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has asked the administration to make special arrangements in government hospitals to treat patients.

The Chief Minister has instructed that special arrangements should be made in government hospitals to ensure that patients get proper treatment. The treatment for this disease is included in the state health insurance scheme 'Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana'.

"If any further procedures are required, they should be done by the Public Health Department," CM Fadnavis said.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said that instructions have already been issued to the administration that patients in Pune city should be treated at the Kamla Nehru Hospital of the Pune Municipal Corporation and the Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital of the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation.

State Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar clarified that GBS is a rare disease and not contagious as it occurs due to decreased immunity.

"A review has been conducted in Pune regarding this. Instructions have been given regarding treatment and examination. Accordingly, action is being taken by the state Public Health Department and the Health Department of both the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporations," he added.

State Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif asked the administration to effectively, implement the Standard Operating Procedures to contain the GBS.

The Minister said the daily updated information on GBS patients should be submitted to the Commissioner of Medical Education and Research Department.
New Delhi, Jan 30 : World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Thursday congratulated Guinea for eliminating human African trypanosomiasis or sleeping sickness -- a neglected tropical disease.

Human African trypanosomiasis is a vector-borne parasitic disease caused by infected tsetse flies.

The symptoms typically include fever, headaches, joint pain, and, in advanced stages, neurological symptoms like confusion, disrupted sleep patterns, and behavioural changes.

It is the first neglected tropical disease to be eliminated in the country and is an important achievement in this public health field on World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day, marked every year on January 30.

"Congratulations, #Guinea, for eliminating human African trypanosomiasis or sleeping sickness," said Ghebreyesus, in a post on the social media platform X.

"This milestone is a testament to the dedication of the health workers, communities, and the government, but also a beacon of hope for nations still battling neglected tropical diseases," he added.

What is sleeping sickness?

In human African trypanosomiasis, parasites are passed to humans through the bite of infected tsetse flies, which acquire the infection from humans or animals carrying the pathogenic parasites.

The disease are caused by two types of parasitic protozoans.

Trypanosoma brucei gambiense is found in 24 countries in West and Central Africa. These account for more than 92 per cent of cases.

Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense is found in 13 countries in East and Southern Africa. It accounts for the remaining 8 per cent of cases.

To curb the sleeping sickness, public health officials work to reduce the reservoirs of infection and cut down the presence of the tsetse fly. Screening of people at risk is also an essential task that helps identify patients earlier in the disease development.

If diagnosis is made early, it is possible to avoid complicated and risky treatment procedures during the advanced stage and to improve the cure prognosis.

"The elimination of sleeping sickness is the result of many years of effort by the Guinean government, its partners, and communities in the overall context of the national policy to combat all neglected tropical diseases," said Dr Oumar Diouhe, BAH, Guinea's Minister of Health and Public Hygiene.

Meanwhile, Guinea has been added to the list of seven other countries validated by the WHO for eliminating the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis. This includes Togo (2020), Benin (2021), Cote d'Ivoire (2021), Uganda (2022), Equatorial Guinea (2022), Ghana (2023) and Chad (2024).

The rhodesiense form of the disease has been eliminated as a public health problem only in Rwanda in 2022.
There is a theory that a habit takes 21 days to form. However, a study by the University of South Australia indicates that it takes much longer.

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Scientists have found that habits begin to form in about two months (on average, about 59-66 days). And it can take up to 335 days for them to be fully formed, Tech Explorist writes.

A healthy lifestyle depends on the formation of good habits and the abandonment of bad ones. Although the idea that habits are formed within 21 days is quite common, it has no scientific basis. According to the UniSA researchers who conducted the first systematic review, such habit formation can take much longer and depends on each individual.

This finding is important because it can help shape health interventions to promote healthy behaviors and prevent chronic disease.

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"For people hoping to develop healthier habits, it's important not to give up after three weeks," says University of South Australia researcher Dr. Ben Singh.

In addition, the researchers named several factors that can influence the successful formation of a habit.

Frequency, time, and enjoyment of the new activity play an important role. Adding a new practice to your morning routine increases the likelihood of success, and enjoying the new habit also makes it easier to stick with it.

Planning and intentionality in introducing a new habit into your daily life can help reinforce it. Take time to incorporate your new healthy habits into your daily activities. For example, prepare your workout clothes in the evening or a healthy lunch for work so you don't feel like skipping a run or grabbing a quick lunch at a cafe.

"Developing strategies for habit formation and planning how to achieve them will ensure your success," scientists are sure.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Panna, Jan 30 : At least two workers were killed and several injured after a scaffolding at the JK cement factory collapsed in Madhya Pradesh's Panna district on Thursday.

According to information, the tragic incident occurred when labourers were building a ceiling slab of the under-construction building.

While the concrete work of the slab was going on, the scaffolding, on which the labourers were standing, collapsed.

According to information, more than 100 labourers, some of them on top of the under-construction building, while many on the ground were working when the incident occurred.

The officials of the JK cement factory rushed to the spot and started a rescue operation with the help of labourers. Meanwhile, the local area police were also informed about the incident.

Sandeep Trivedi, a senior employee of JK Cement in Panna, told media that the incident occurred around 11.30 a.m. To avoid further incidents, entry at the factory site has been banned.

"The police team has reached the spot and a rescue operation is being carried out. Injured persons have been rushed to a nearby hospital. Several workers are injured, however, the exact number will be known later," Trivedi added.

When asked about the deaths in the incident, Trivedi said, "The casualties have occurred, but the exact number is yet to be ascertained. The construction work has been stopped immediately after the incident."

Notably, Panna's JK cement factory is one of India's leading manufacturers of Grey Cement and one of the leading White Cement manufacturers in the World. Over four decades, the Company has partnered with India's multi-sectoral infrastructure needs on the strength of its product excellence, customer orientation and technology leadership.

Madhya Pradesh BJP chief V. D. Sharma, MP from Khajuraho, said he has spoken to the officials in the Panna district.

"I have instructed Panna district administration to provide all possible help to the workers injured at JK cement factory. Officials have been asked to initiate an inquiry and take action against those guilty.
New Delhi, Jan 30 : Union Minister and BJP National President J.P. Nadda on Thursday blasted the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over its claim that the Yamuna River was being "poisoned" by the Haryana government.

Nadda shared an infographic showing pollution levels rising sharply after the river enters Delhi, accusing the AAP government of negligence and failed governance.

AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal had alleged that the BJP was "poisoning" Delhi's water supply to create chaos ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. He said that the people of Delhi get drinking water from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, but the Haryana government has "mixed poison" in the water coming to Delhi from the Yamuna. He claimed that it was only due to the vigilance of Delhi Jal Board engineers that this water was stopped.

Reacting to this, Nadda posted on X, "AAP-Da's blame game on Yamuna pollution exposes its inefficiency and failed governance. For over 10 years, Arvind Kejriwal government has delivered nothing but corruption, lies, and hollow promises. Despite receiving Rs 8,500 crores from the Central Government, no meaningful work has been done to clean the river."

Citing pollution data, Nadda wrote that the infographic from Info in Data showed how pollution spikes as soon as the Yamuna enters Delhi.

"The infographic from Infoindata shows how pollution spikes as soon as the Yamuna enters Delhi. Instead of taking responsibility, AAP-Da government has started spreading fear among people for political gains. Arvind Kejriwal should apologise to the people of Haryana and Delhi for his statement," he added.

The infographic, citing the Central Pollution Control Board and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, highlighted the rise in Biochemical Oxygen Demand and ammonia levels along the Yamuna's course through Delhi.

The entry point at Palla had BOD at 2 mg/l and ammonia at 5.5 mg/l. At Wazirabad, BOD rose to 7 mg/l, then spiked to 47 mg/l at ISBT Bridge, and stood at 44 mg/l at Okhla Barrage. The exit point at Asgarpur showed BOD at 85 mg/l and ammonia at 56.1 mg/l. Higher BOD indicates lower water quality, while ammonia is a severe water pollutant affecting aquatic life and human health.

The Election Commission of India has also expressed dissatisfaction with Kejriwalas response regarding the Yamuna water claims. The ECI noted that he had not provided any factual, legal matrix with evidence to support his statement.

The Commission had sought an explanation from Kejriwal following complaints from BJP and Congress candidate Sandeep Dikshit from the New Delhi Assembly constituency.

In his reply, Kejriwal stated that it was undisputed that there was 7 ppm ammonia in Yamuna water and that a Delhi Jal Board letter admitted toxicity was 700 per cent higher than the permissible limit.

He blamed Haryana for the crisis, saying that the root cause identified by the DJB letter was the indiscriminate discharge of industrial waste by Haryana. He argued that the Delhi government had no role in this, as Haryana is an upper-riparian state.

As the Delhi elections draw closer, the Yamuna water controversy has turned into a major political battleground between AAP and BJP, with both parties blaming each other for the city's water crisis.
New Delhi, Jan 30 : The Congress on Thursday paid tributes to the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary and described him as an "ideology which never dies."

In a post on social media platform X, the Congress also said that till the time a single person who believes in truth and non-violence is alive, Mahatma Gandhi will be alive.

Highlighting that scientist Albert Einstein respected Bapu a lot, the Congress shared a quote by him for the great leader, "Generations to come, will scarce believe, that such a man as this one, ever in flesh and blood walked upon this Earth."

The Congress further shared that "Bapu's principles teach us to follow the path of justice and equality".

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge paid floral tributes to the great leader at the Gandhi Memorial, Raj Ghat.

Sharing a video on social media on Mahatma Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi said: "The British tried to threaten him. He was fearless. He was imprisoned. Three bullets were pumped into his chest, still, he was not frightened."

"On one side, you have Mahatma Gandhi, while on the other, you have Nathuram Godse. On one side, a brave, humble and simple man, but the man who believed in the future and India, propagated non-violence and searched for the truth, while on the other side, Godse, violent, angry, unable to face the reality of his own life.

"The reason he shot Mahatma Gandhi was that he could not face his life. So he had to take out his anger on somebody and he chose to take out his anger on the man who represented the essence of India," the LoP said.

"Mahatma Gandhi is not only a man but the soul of India and is alive in every Indian," LoP Rahul Gandhi wrote on X.

"The power of truth, non-violence and fearlessness can shake the roots of even the biggest empire a" the entire world takes inspiration from his ideals. Hundreds of salutations to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma, our Bapu on his Martyrdom Day," his post in Hindi read.

Terming Mahatma Gandhi as the nation's guiding light, Congress President Kharge said "his ideas of 'Satya', 'Ahimsa', 'Sarvodaya' and 'Sarva Dharma' 'Sambhava' continue to light our path".

Giving a call to protect the country's unity in diversity and ensuring justice and equality for everyone, Kharge said: "We must commit to fighting against those who want to destroy his ideals of equality and upliftment for all."
New Delhi, Jan 30 : US-based home appliances company Whirlpool Corporation on Thursday announced plans to reduce its ownership in its Indian subsidiary, Whirlpool of India Limited, to around 20 per cent by mid to late 2025.

In the early trade, the shares of Whirlpool India dropped by 20 per cent to hit the lower circuit, trading at Rs 1,262.

The company, which currently holds a 51 per cent stake, said in a stock exchange filing that it would sell shares in one or more transactions but will remain the largest shareholder even after the sale.

Whirlpool expects to generate net cash proceeds of $550 million to $600 million from this planned stake reduction.

Despite the sale, the company reaffirmed its commitment to the Indian market. In a stock exchange filing, the company stated that Whirlpool India would continue to be an important part of its global business and has strong long-term growth potential.

"Whirlpool India will remain a relevant part of Whirlpool Corp's portfolio and we continue to believe Whirlpool India has a strong long-term trajectory for growth," the company said in its filing.

The company also emphasised that the move would give Whirlpool India more flexibility to adapt to changing industry trends and accelerate its growth.

"By reducing our stake, we are allowing Whirlpool India to operate with greater independence, which will help it focus on faster expansion," the statement said.

The consumer electronics firm also reassured that its brand licensing, technology agreements, and transition plans would remain in place to support business continuity and long-term growth.

Jim Peters, the companyas Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, said the company has taken significant steps to strengthen its financial position, including repaying $500 million in debt and improving our working capital.

Peters further added that the companyas financial strategy for 2025, including the planned stake sale, aims to maximise shareholder value and enhance the companyas balance sheet.

In the six months from July to December 2024, Whirlpool Corp reported $0.4 billion in net sales from India, with earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of $3 million which was a margin of 0.7 per cent.

The company is set to announce its December quarter results (Q3) on February 4. In the early trade, the shares of Whirlpool India dropped by 20 per cent to hit the lower circuit, now trading at Rs 1,262.
Washington, Jan 30 : As the death toll from the deadly plane crash in Washington continues to rise, US President Donald Trump said that the accident "should have been prevented" and questioned why the authorities failed to inform the helicopter to divert its route.

A mid-air collision over the Potomac River near Washington's Reagan National Airport has claimed at least 18 lives, as rescue teams continue to search for survivors. The crash involved American Airlines Flight 5342 and a Black Hawk military helicopter.

Taking to his social media platform 'Truth Social', Trump posted, "The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time."

"It is a clear night, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didn't the helicopter go up or down, or turn. Why didn't the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. Not good," he wrote.

"What a terrible night this has been. God bless you all!" Trump said in another post.

The military helicopter was carrying three soldiers when it collided with the regional passenger jet, which had 60 passengers and four crew members on board while approaching the airport for landing. No survivors have been found so far.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the collision occurred around 9 pm local time Wednesday. All takeoffs and landings at the airport were halted while emergency teams worked at the crash site.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Pentagon and the Army had launched an immediate investigation into the crash. Calling the incident "absolutely tragic," he said that search and rescue efforts were still ongoing and offered prayers for the victims and their families.

Earlier, in an statement issued by the White House, Trump expressed concern over the accident. He said he had been fully briefed on the situation, thanked the first responders for their efforts, and assured that he was monitoring the developments closely.

The FAA confirmed that a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines, was on approach to Runway 33 when it collided midair with a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter. The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation into the cause of the accident.

Emergency response teams, including the Metropolitan Police Department and the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department, were swiftly deployed to conduct search and rescue operations. Boats are actively scanning the Potomac River, searching for potential survivors.

Reagan National Airport posted an update on X, confirming that all takeoffs and landings had been halted and that emergency personnel were responding to the incident. The airport terminal remained open, and further updates were promised.

Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area to allow emergency personnel to carry out their duties effectively. Multiple agencies are coordinating efforts to manage the crisis and provide assistance. Rescue operations are ongoing, and further updates are awaited.
New Delhi, Jan 30 : Congress leader Pramod Tiwari on Thursday sharply criticised both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), calling their political antics mere "drama" over the Yamuna water while neglecting critical issues affecting Delhi.

Tiwari's remarks came after a series of political exchanges, particularly around the quality of water flowing into the Yamuna River from Haryana.

Kejriwal recently stated that Haryana was releasing water with ammonia into the Yamuna, which was poisoning the river. The statement led to a political furore in the national Capital.

Tiwari emphasised, "Instead of indulging in such drama, they should focus on the real issues, such as the state of the roads, the availability of clean drinking water, and how to deal with waterlogging in the city. They must explain why pollution keeps increasing, and why no water treatment plants were installed after former Delhi Chief Minister late Sheila Dikshitas tenure."

Tiwari criticised both parties for failing to address these pressing issues.

"Both the BJP and AAP need to explain why pollution levels are soaring and why the water treatment infrastructure has not been developed. Since Sheila Dikshitas time, there have been no new plants," Tiwari added.

On the ongoing political storm regarding the Yamuna water, Tiwari referenced a recent challenge by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha had dared Kejriwal to drink water from the Yamuna, adding that he would "meet him in the hospital afterwards."

He also weighed in on the recent controversy involving a vehicle from Punjab found with cash, alcohol, and AAP materials. The BJP has alleged that Punjab money and liquor were being used in the Delhi elections.

"The Punjab government is claiming that the number plate is fake. Both parties are lying to the public. They want the focus to remain on these distractions instead of addressing real issues," Tiwari said.

Earlier on Wednesday Delhi Police registered a case after a vehicle labelled "Punjab government" was found near Punjab Bhavan on Copernicus Marg, with cash, liquor and AAP pamphlets in it, an official said.

In response to the tragic stampede during the Maha Kumbh at the Sangam in Uttar Pradesh in which 30 people were killed, Tiwari held BJP leaders responsible for the chaos.

"The stampede at the Sangam was not an accident but a result of mismanagement. BJP ministers and leaders turned it into a tourist spot, causing unnecessary chaos. It was clear from the way they were acting, that many were more interested in taking photos and enjoying a picnic than ensuring safety," he concluded.
Hyderabad, Jan 30 : Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and some of his Cabinet colleagues on Thursday paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary.

They offered floral tributes at Bapu Ghat at Langer Houz here, where the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were immersed at the confluence of Musi and Esi rivers.

The Governor and Chief Minister paid their respects at the 'samadhi' and later showered petals on the statue of the 'Father of the Nation'.

They also attended an all-religion prayer meet held on the occasion.

Telangana Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar, Ministers Ponnam Prabhakar, P. Srinivasa Reddy, T. Nageswara Rao and Konda Surekha, Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president Mahesh Kumar Goud, Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari, Director General of Police Dr Jitender, Chief Minister's advisor Vem Narender Reddy, government advisor Mohammed Ali Shabbir and others were present.

While paying tributes, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said Mahatma Gandhi taught 'satyagrah' to humanity and led the non-violent struggle for Independence.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, too, paid tributes to the 'Father of the Nation' Mahatma Gandhi, on Martyrs' Day.

"The day marks the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, whose leadership and dedication towards non-violence played a pivotal role in India's struggle for Independence. His teachings continue to inspire generations to build a just and equitable world," he said.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary. He said the 'Father of the Nation' called non-violence the highest virtue and his teachings are still relevant.

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan also paid his tributes. "On the occasion of Martyrs' Day, I pay my sincere tributes to the 'Father of the Nation', Mahatma Gandhi. His principles of truth and non-violence led India to freedom and continue to inspire us all. Guided by his principles, I reaffirm our government's commitment towards realising the vision of Gram Swaraj in the state of Andhra Pradesh," he posted on X
Bogota, Jan 30 : A Colombian Air Force plane landed in Bogota with 105 Colombian nationals deported from the United States, marking the third flight of its kind this week, the Colombian Foreign Ministry said.

"Deportees arrived in the morning from San Diego, California," the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday, adding that the government remains committed to ensuring the rights and dignity of citizens abroad.

Two previous flights landed on Tuesday, bringing back 201 Colombian nationals in total, reports Xinhua news agency.

After Colombian President Gustavo Petro refused entry of US military planes carrying handcuffed deportees on January 26, a high-level bilateral meeting was held in Washington to reach an agreement on their safe and dignified return, said the ministry.

Astrid Caceres, the director of the Colombian Institute for Family Welfare, told reporters that an initial investigation shows the US treatment of Colombian deportees has been "degrading."

Authorities plan to look into complaints made by children who said they were handcuffed and forced by US authorities to get up at three in the morning to bathe with cold water, she said.

Additionally, US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he will instruct the Pentagon and the Homeland Security Department to prepare a facility for 30,000 migrants at Guantanamo Bay, a US naval base located on the southeastern coast of Cuba.

"We have 30,000 beds in Guantanamo to detain the worst criminal illegal aliens threatening the American people. This will double our capacity immediately," Trump made the remarks before he signed the Laken Riley Act at the White House.

The Laken Riley Act, which mandates the detention of undocumented migrants charged with certain crimes, was approved by Congress earlier this month. It marks the first major legislation of the new administration.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told CNN that the base could be reserved to detain what she described as "the worst of the worst."

During his campaign, Trump promised to carry out large-scale deportations of illegal immigrants once he took office. After his inauguration on January 20, deportation operations have ramped up in several parts of the United States, reportedly focusing on criminals.

On Sunday alone, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) made nearly 1,000 arrests, with lots of activity taking place in the southeastern part of the country, Fox News cited various ICE field offices as saying.
Kolkata, Jan 30 : A fresh petition was filed before the Calcutta High Court on Thursday on the alleged "threat culture" prevailing at different medical colleges and hospitals in West Bengal.

A division bench of Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharya has admitted the petition and the matter might come up for hearing next week.

The petitioner had claimed that despite lots of dialogues and deliberations on the issue of "threat culture" in the past, there had not been any improvement in the matter as of date.

The petition was filed just a day after a single-judge bench of Justice Jay Sengupta sought a report from the state-run R.G Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata on the allegations of the "threat culture" at that premium medical institute.

In the report, Justice Sengupta directed the R.G. Kar authorities to provide details taken to prevent instances of "threat culture" there as well as the details on whether the accused doctors were given chances to present their sides of arguments in the matter.

The issue of "threat culture" at different state-run medical colleges and hospitals in Kolkata, including R.G. Kar, surfaced following the ghastly rape and murder of a woman junior doctor of the same hospital within the hospital premises in August last year.

The former and controversial principal of R.G. Kar Sandip Ghosh and his close associates were then identified as the main steering personnel behind running this threat culture.

Shortly after that several doctors accused of running that "threat culture" were suspended by the respective college councils. However, the court had stayed such suspensions in many such cases on the grounds that the accused doctors were not allowed to present their sides of the argument.

The court also observed that the state Health Department will have the final say regarding the suspension of the accused doctors.
Patna, Jan 30 : RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav slammed Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over the "deteriorating" law and order situation in the state, and questioned his "inaction and silence" on the increasing crime rate.

Tejashwi, the leader of the opposition in the state Assembly, said despite Nitish Kumar ruling Bihar for 20 years, crime remains a serious concern, "as reflected in National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data".

"On January 23, nearly 200 rounds were fired in Mokama, and Bihar Deputy CM said it was a trivial issue," he said.

Tejashwi has intensified his criticism of both the Bihar government and the Central government, accusing them of "neglecting" the state's development and "failing" to address its long-standing demands.

"Nitish Kumar has been ruling for 20 years in Bihar, but the law and order situation is below standard. The BJP-led central government has been in power for over 14 years, it has not given anything to Bihar," Tejashwi said.

He reiterated the demand for special status for Bihar, which he claims has been ignored by the Centre.

The RJD leader, as part of his Karyakarta Darshan Sah Samvad Yatra, visited Hina Shahab and her son Osama Shahab's house in Siwan.

Hina Shahab, widow of the late MP Shahabuddin, has recently joined the RJD and can be fielded to contest the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.

His visit signals RJD's efforts to consolidate its support base in Siwan, a stronghold of the late Shahabuddin.

Tejashwi said that his yatra is aimed to strengthen the RJD at different levels - Panchayat, booth, block, subdivision, and district.

He has covered most districts and will soon visit Saran, Vaishali, Nalanda, Nawada, and Patna.

"Each district has unique challenges, and RJD is formulating strategies accordingly," he said.

Tejashwi's continued criticism of CM Nitish and the BJP government at the Centre comes ahead of the Assembly elections in Bihar.

Meanwhile, CM Nitish is also carrying out Pragati Yatra in the state under which he is reviewing developmental works, inaugurating and laying foundation stones for various projects.
Chinese ice sculptures captivate global audience

Xinhua) 10:24, January 30, 2025

HARBIN, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- At Harbin Ice-Snow World, the world's largest ice-and-snow theme park, veteran ice sculptor Zhang Hongyan is putting his finishing touches on 12 zodiac sculptures, infusing them with a unique charm that enhances the Chinese New Year atmosphere for visitors from around the world.

Since 1996, Zhang has devoted nearly three decades to the art of ice sculpting, witnessing firsthand the growth and transformation of Harbin's ice sculpting industry.

He said that as far as he can remember, Zhaolin Park in Harbin, the capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, is where China's ice lantern show originated and has been key to the development and promotion of the ice sculpture artistry.

In 1963, the first Harbin Ice Lantern Festival was held at the park, making it one of the world's earliest and largest outdoor ice lantern art exhibitions, Zhang said.

Since then, Harbin's ice sculptors have been using ice from the nearby Songhua River to create a wide range of ice art.

"Each ice sculpture undergoes several processes, including design, chainsaw cutting, and fine detailing with sharp tools. For beginners, it takes at least 10 years of learning and practice before they can create an ice sculpture independently," Zhang said.

Over the past 60 years, Harbin has nurtured generations of ice and snow sculptors. Thanks to their efforts, the techniques of ice sculpting, once considered a vanishing art, have flourished not only in China but also around the world.

Zhang has been pleased to see how technological advancements have transformed what were once temporary sculptures into enduring marvels.

"Advancements in cold storage technology have allowed ice sculpture artistry to evolve from a seasonal craft into a year-round practice, spreading from northern regions to southern cities in China," he said.

Zhang noted that indoor ice-and-snow galleries in cities like Shenzhen in the south and Shanghai in the east are now able to showcase meticulously crafted ice sculptures, bringing the beauty of the art form to a wider audience.

The reach of Harbin's ice sculptors goes well beyond China. Since the 1960s, they have been committed to sharing Chinese ice sculpting techniques with countries such as the United States, Brazil and South Africa.

"Every year, from mid-October to late November, teams of Harbin ice sculptors travel to U.S. cities like Washington and Orlando to create indoor ice sculptures in refrigerated spaces for Christmas," Zhang said, noting that there are notable stylistic differences between Chinese and international ice sculptures.

He went on to explain that Chinese ice sculptures often emphasize scale, with the large-scale designs at Harbin Ice-Snow World being prime examples, while international ice sculptures tend to be smaller, more intricate, and often feature innovative design concepts.

"In 2013, I served as the ice sculpture art director for the indoor ice exhibition at Long Beach in Los Angeles, where we created ice sculptures based on the fairy tale, 'The Nutcracker,'" Zhang said. "It was a completely new endeavor, and the differences in aesthetics and culture between the East and West drove us to progress through mutual understanding and integration."

Over the years, Chinese ice sculptors like Zhang have blended various styles and techniques in their work. The Harbin International Ice Sculpture Competition held at Harbin Ice-Snow World draws ice-and-snow artists from around the world to showcase their skill.

"I really enjoy exchanges with international ice sculptors. They are impressed by the traditional culture embedded in Chinese ice sculptures, and we appreciate their creative designs," said Shi Lei, a participant in the competition.

From the Ice Lantern Festival to the impressive Harbin Ice-Snow World, Chinese ice sculpting has become a major draw for visitors from all over the world. Standing beneath the towering sculptures, tourists are often amazed by their beauty and become a part of the story they tell.

"Seeing these ice sculptures and buildings with my own eyes is truly inspiring. They are exquisite and rich in unique cultural elements. I will never forget the grandeur and beauty of them," said Robin Lapthorne, an Australian tourist. "This is a treasure of world art, and I believe this city should be proud of it."

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Kou Jie)
Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar attends a COPS/Metro 50th anniversary event in December. In a CNN interview this week, Salazar tried to calm fears of ICE raids. Ethan Rocke/Ethan E. Rocke/Contributor

Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar is trying to calm fears of widespread raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.

In an interview with CNN on Tuesday, Salazar said he had a one-on-one meeting with a high ranking law enforcement official" who told him ICE is not targeting children and families.

He did not name the official.

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The fear was that they were going to be going door to door, church to school, checking students, checking teachers. Thats not necessarily what Im told is their rules of engagement," Salazar told CNN. "What I'm hoping is to bring down the fear level in my community and communities across the country by sharing what was shared with me."

The sheriff is in Washington D.C. for the Major County Sheriffs of America 2025 Policy Conference. He did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

Trumps Border Czar Tom Homan was reportedly scheduled to speak about immigration during the conference.

While in Washington, Salazar also plans to attend the National Sheriff's Association Winter Conference, which starts Saturday.

Last week, the Trump administration reversed policies that limited where ICE could make arrests. Since then, migrants have reportedly been fearful of going to places of worship or taking their children to school for fear of raids by ICE.

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While ICE has ramped up arrests in San Antonio, there have not been reports of increased raids.

ICE is targeting undocumented people who have criminal records and pose a threat to national security or public safety, according to Miguel Vergara, San Antonio field office director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations.

We target individuals with criminal records  the worst of the worst, he said.

Salazar said it's a possibility that arrests of wanted suspects could happen at churches and schools.

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"Now, granted, if they're (federal authorities) in the process of looking for somebody with a warrant, for example, that is undocumented and they have information that this guy drops off his kids at a school at 8 o'clock in the morning, well, certainly they're going to lie in wait at the school," Salazar said. "But my understanding is they're not just going to be going willy-nilly school to school, church to church, to see which kids or teachers or whoever may be undocumented."

The sheriff also spoke about reports that San Antonio is on a list of places federal authorities planned to raid.

"I don't know who's putting together the list," the sheriff said. "We've seen a lot of talk about, you know, different major cities being targeted. We have heard through unofficial channels that San Antonio is being considered for these raids. Doesn't surprise me one bit. But with that being said, I have not seen that from any sort of official sources."

Salazar blames social media posts for spreading misinformation.

"I know that social media sometimes really, really helps and sometimes it tends to get in the way with, you know, promoting rumors and things like that that again, do nothing to help us bring down the anxiety and fear level in our communities," Salazar said.

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When asked if he would cooperate with the Trump administration's immigration efforts, he said he has complied in the past.

He pointed to honoring immigration detainers  requests from ICE that ask a law enforcement agency, jail, prison or other confinement facility to hold undocumented persons for up to 48 hours. The detainers give federal authorities time to assume custody of the person in accordance with immigration law.

Deputy Johnny Garcia, a sheriffs office spokesman, said that on Wednesday afternoon, there were 301 inmates with immigration detainers in the Bexar County jail.

Garcia said the jail immediately notifies ICE that a non-citizen has been arrested through its inmate tracking system, which is connected to the ICE database.

Salazar is urging victims and witnesses of crimes to come forward.

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Were not going to look to deport you, were not going to mistreat you," he said. "Were going to treat you like a victim or a witness, and in fact youve got protections under the law as a victim or a witness and were going to exercise those in order to bring those who are responsible for doing you harm to justice while protecting your rights.

During the interview, Salazar, a Democrat who has been criticized for voicing support of immigrants, was asked if he was afraid of being targeted by the Trump administration.
The legendary director Quentin Tarantino, who has not released a single film in the last six years, has retired from filmmaking to devote more time to his young son and daughter. He admitted that he devotes almost all his time in Israel to fatherhood, and returns to creativity during business trips to the United States. The celebrity is currently working on a new play.

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In an interview with journalist Elvis Mitchell, the author of Pulp Fiction said that he was in no hurry to get behind the camera. According to the director, he wants to wait until his children grow up, the Hollywood Reporter reports.

"Next month my son will turn 5, and my daughter will be two and a half years old. When I'm in America, I write. And when I'm in Israel, I'm an abba, which means father," he said. "If you're wondering what I'm doing now, I'm writing a play.

Tarantino has not ruled out the possibility that his new work will be adapted into a movie. However, it all depends on whether the play becomes a hit.

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"If it's a failure, I probably won't turn it into a movie," the director said. "But if it's a hit? It could be my last movie."

Tarantino added that he will wait until his son is at least 6 years old. He wants the child to realize what is happening. At this age, the director will take the kid with him to the set, and it will remain a lifelong memory.

Last year, there was a lot of hype in the media space about Tarantino's "last movie." "The Film Critic," which was conceived as the tenth large-scale work of the filmmaker, was canceled. It is believed that this is a masterpiece that could have completely redefined Tarantino's 30-year career. His latest film, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, was released in 2019. It has received many awards and was nominated for an Oscar, Golden Globe, Producers Guild Award, BAFTA, and others.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Stockholm, Jan 30 : Salwan Momika, the 38-year-man who held several demonstrations in Sweden and was accused of burning the Quran, has been shot dead in the city of Sodertalje in Stockholm County in east central Sweden, Swedish media reported on Thursday.

Momika was allegedly shot dead while he was conducting a live broadcast on social media from his apartment in Hovsjo late on Wednesday, a day before a verdict was scheduled to be announced by the Stockholm District Court in an incitement case against him.

"I can confirm that five people have been arrested, suspected of murder," prosecutor Rasmus Ohman was quoted as saying by Sweden's leading daily Dagens Nyheter.

According to the spokesperson for the Stockholm Police Region, the police received a report of the shooting in Hovsjo at 11:11 pm, local time.

The newspaper detailed that the crime scene was investigated overnight and the apartment building remains cordoned off on Thursday with several police officers on site. It was reported that drones have also been sent up over the area.

"The police have been questioning me and they confirmed that he has died," Salwan Najem, a friend of Salwan Momika, told Swedish state broadcaster SVT.

Najem, who said that he has been told "you're next", had also spoken during the night with Momika's girlfriend.

"She started crying and said they killed him," Najem told SVT.

The desecration of the Quran had sparked an angry reaction from several countries, including Saudi Arabia, which strongly condemned the burning of a copy of the Islamic holy book in the Swedish city of Malmo by Momika, an individual of Iraqi origin, in October 2023.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry had "reiterated the Kingdom's rejection of such flagrant acts," and said such a move had inflamed the feelings of millions of Muslims worldwide.

Momika had allegedly torn pages of the holy book and also burnt it in full public view during demonstrations.
Chandigarh, Jan 30 : The atmosphere outside the Municipal Corporation office in Sector 17, Chandigarh, was electric as BJP workers celebrated their party's triumph in the mayoral election, with Harpreet Kaur Babla emerging victorious with 19 votes. The win was met with joy and optimism, with BJP leaders confident that it signals a broader electoral victory for the party.

Chandigarh BJP President Jatinder Pal Malhotra expressed his elation, stating, "This victory is for every BJP worker and every citizen of Chandigarh. It's a decisive win over the unholy alliance that was trying to portray themselves as the city's leaders.

"This is a victory for the people. When corruption within the AAP-led administration was exposed, councillors realised the need for a change. They chose a BJP mayor to ensure the city's progress and address issues like unpaid salaries and unallocated development funds. This victory paves the way for a brighter future  and a BJP win in Delhi Assembly elections as well."

Sanjay Tandon, Member of the BJP National Council, echoed a sentiment, adding, "We are extremely happy with this win. This victory in the mayoral race confirms that we will also win in the Delhi Assembly polls."

Meanwhile, Congress leaders expressed their disappointment over the loss, with Chandigarh Congress President Harmohinder Singh Lucky questioning the integrity of the process.

"Someone tried to play a game. It's becoming clearer now," Lucky said.

"While we are pleased with Jasbir Singh Bunty's win as Senior Deputy Mayor, we are deeply saddened by the loss of the mayoral seat. We will assess the situation and find the 'black sheep.' Whoever played this game, we will expose them," Lucky said.

In a closely contested election, the BJP won with 19 votes, defeating the AAP-Congress alliance, which garnered 17 votes. The contest saw BJP's Harpreet Kaur Babla triumph over the AAP's Prem Lata.

The Chandigarh mayoral election, held in the Assembly hall of the Municipal Corporation, was a high-stakes political battle. The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation comprises 35 members, including elected councillors and the Chandigarh MP, who has voting rights as an ex-officio member.

Before the election, the seat distribution stood as follows: AAP with 13 councillors, Congress with 6, BJP with 16, and 1 vote for the Chandigarh MP (Congress).
Seoul, Jan 30 : South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul expressed his deep sorrow Thursday after a US jet carrying 64 people collided with an Army helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington.

"We're deeply saddened by the tragic accident at Reagan National Airport. Our hearts go out to everyone immediately impacted as we pray for some good news," Cho wrote in English on his account on X.

A regional jet collided with a military helicopter as it was nearing the runway at around 9 p.m. Wednesday (local time), prompting a major search-and-rescue operation in the nearby Potomac River, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The exact number of casualties remains unknown.

The Seoul government is working to obtain a passenger list, though it is not immediately clear whether any Korean nationals were aboard the aircraft, Yonhap news agency reported.

Earlier in the day, former US President Donald Trump reacted, stating that the accident "should have been prevented" and questioned why authorities failed to instruct the helicopter to divert its route.

A mid-air collision over the Potomac River near Washington's Reagan National Airport has claimed at least 18 lives, as rescue teams continue searching for survivors. The crash involved American Airlines Flight 5342 and a Black Hawk military helicopter.

Taking to his social media platform 'Truth Social,' Trump posted, "The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was heading straight toward the airplane for an extended period of time."

"It was a clear night, and the lights on the plane were blazing. Why didnat the helicopter go up or down, or turn? Why didnat the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane? This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. Not good," he wrote.

The military helicopter was carrying three soldiers when it collided with the regional passenger jet, which had 60 passengers and four crew members on board while approaching the airport for landing. No survivors have been found so far.

---IANS

int/jk/as
New Delhi, Jan 30 : Indian servers will host the new Chinese artificial intelligence platform DeepSeek, along with addressing privacy concerns around it, Union Minister of Railways and Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, said on Thursday.

The arrival of DeepSeek has raised concerns about user safety as the AI models have been created by a Chinese AI company.

Addressing a press briefing here, the Union Minister said hosting DeepSeek on Indian servers will address cross-border data transfers.

"DeepSeek is open source and will host it on Indian servers soon. This will address the privacy concerns regarding cross-border data transfer," the Minister said.

Founded by quant fund leader Liang Wenfeng, DeepSeek has triggered a selloff in tech stocks across the world.

Vaishnaw also highlighted the progress made by the country in the IndiaAI Mission, which has already far surpassed its initial GPU targets.

With 18,693 GPUs now available, the initiative aims to provide resources to researchers, startups, and businesses across the country. Notably, 15,000 high-end GPUs have been procured, including 1,480 H200 GPUs.

At the same time, models like DeepSeek and ChatGPT were trained using 2,000 and 25,000 GPUs, respectively.

An estimated $30 billion will be invested in India for hyperscalers and data centres in the next two to three years, the Minister informed.

"Roughly 10,000 GPUs are now available for use starting today," said Vaishnaw.

The Minister also informed of a common computing facility for researchers that will be operational within two days. This facility will serve as a vital resource for various AI projects in India.

DeepSeek is being touted as an alternative to OpenAI's ChatGPT, amid reported probes by OpenAI and Microsoft if DeepSeek copied their APIs.

Meanwhile, Euroconsumers, a coalition of consumer groups in Europe, has filed a complaint to the Italian Data Protection Authority related to how DeepSeek handles personal data about GDPR.

The Italian DPA said that "the data of millions of Italians is at risk" and has given DeepSeek 20 days to respond.
Bhopal, Jan 30 : Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari's vehicle was hit by a truck from behind near a toll plaza in Sehore on Thursday. Patwari, who was in the car at the time of the accident, escaped unhurt.

None of the occupants in the car were hurt, the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) told IANS.

The incident occurred when Patwari was going to Bhopal from Indore in his Fortuner car. When he reached the Fanda toll plaza located between Sehore and Bhopal, his car was hit by a truck from behind damaging the rear of the vehicle. However, Patwari, who was sitting in the front seat, suffered no injuries. His driver was also safe.

"Today, while I was going from Indore to Bhopal, a truck hit my car from behind near Sehore, causing an accident. By the grace of God, we all are safe, and there was no loss of life. Thank you all for your good wishes and prayers! May you all continue to receive love and blessings," Patwari posted a message on his social media account.

After the incident, the state Congress unit raised apprehension over the safety of Jitu Patwari and urged the state government to provide him with adequate security.

The incident took place in the Khajuri police station area, police reached the spot and investigated the accident.

Later, upon reaching Congress headquarters in Bhopal, Patwari briefed the media about the OBC reservation issue. He said the Kamal Nath-led Congress government had made provision for a 27 per cent reservation for OBC, which was deliberately opposed by the BJP during the hearing in the court.

Patwari's statement on this issue came two days after the Madhya Pradesh High Court rejected one of the petitions filed to oppose the 27 per cent reservation to OBC. The court observed that it was the circular which was challenged in the petition and not the Act. However, the bench has maintained the stay on reservation of 27 per cent which it had ordered in 2020. Reacting to HC's decision, former MP CM Kamal Nath said, "This is a victory of the Congress partyas policies. In March 2019, during my tenure as Chief Minister, I had given 27 per cent reservation to the OBC community in Madhya Pradesh."
Amaravati, Jan 30 : The Andhra Pradesh government on Thursday rolled out WhatsApp Governance, offering 161 services to citizens initially.

Minister for Information Technology and Human Resources Development Nara Lokesh formally launched WhatsApp Governance through which citizens can avail services, submit their applications to the government, and can receive important messages/alerts from the authorities.

The government announced that the WhatsApp number to avail of the services is 9552300009. This account has a verified tag.

With the launch of WhatsApp governance, people need not have to make rounds of government offices to get certificates like OBC, EWS, income and no earning certificates.

Initially, services pertaining to the departments such as Endowments, Energy, APSRTC, Revenue, Anna Canteen, CMRF, and Municipal Administration would be offered. More departments will offer their services through this platform in the coming days.

Andhra Pradesh claims to be the first state in India to introduce WhatsApp Governance. The government can send important information to citizens on WhatsApp. The messages can be sent to one crore people simultaneously.

The government departments will send messages to people to alert them about rains, floods, repair of electricity substations, public health services, emergency messages from agriculture and tourism and other wings.

People can also send their petitions and grievances on this WhatsApp number with their names, phone numbers and addresses. They immediately get a reference number which can be used later to track the status of their requests.

Citizens can also get information about government welfare and development schemes. They can get details like benefits and eligibility to avail the schemes.

They can also pay electricity bills and property tax on this WhatsApp facility. They can also get trade licenses and land records from the Revenue Department.

According to officials, people can also get information about tourist places, can book tickets to travel to the place of their choice, and also reserve accommodation. Similarly, they can also book tickets for APSRTC buses.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said WhatsApp Governance made a significant shift towards paperless and hassle-free public services. This would eliminate the need for citizens to visit government offices for certificates and documents, he said.

The Chief Minister stressed the importance of cybersecurity measures to prevent data breaches, and directed the officials to strengthen forensic and cybersecurity frameworks.

The state government signed an agreement with Meta on October 22, 2024, to implement the digital initiative and realise the governmentas broader vision to position Andhra Pradesh as a leader in digital governance and technology-driven public service delivery.
Jaipur, Jan 30 : Massive protest erupted in Rajasthan's Neem Ka Thana on Thursday, over reinstatement of its district status.

Demonstrators blocked the Kuchaman Didwana-Kotputli highway, forcing the closure of schools and markets across the city.

Protesters burnt tyres and raised slogans against the state government.

In response to the escalating situation, over 300 reserve police personnel have been deployed.

Meanwhile, authorities have rerouted Jaipur and Delhi-bound buses, diverting traffic from affected areas to prevent congestion.

The protesters launched an indefinite agitation demanding the reinstatement of Neem Ka Thana as a district.

At 8 a.m., the protesters blocked key state highways, including State Highway 13 at Bhudoli Bypass (towards Jaipurr and 37B at Mawanda (towards Jhunjhunu) and Jir ki Chowki (towards Kotputli).

Protesters have also gathered outside the court premises, bringing commercial activities to a standstill in Mawanda, Patan, Chala, Guhala, and Neem Ka Thana city.

The mining zone has also been completely shut down.

The administration has deployed senior officers as duty magistrates, including SDM Brijesh Gupta at Sirohi bypass, SDM Rajveer Yadav from Bhudoli bypass and others to maintain law and order.

ADM Bhagirath Shakh has instructed police and administrative officials to monitor the situation closely.

ASP Girdharilal Sharma confirmed that mobile patrolling teams are actively working to prevent escalation.

To keep traffic movement smooth, several routes have been altered. Khetri depot buses have been rerouted via Babai, Chanwara, and Manakshas for the Jaipur-bound passengers. Also, Sikar-Delhi buses are operating via Jhunjhunu, Chidawa, and Singhana.

The situation remains tense, with authorities closely monitoring developments to ensure law and order, said officials. It needs to be mentioned here that the Rajasthan government dissolved nine districts and three divisions created in 2023 under the Gehlot government.

The state now has 41 districts and seven divisions. The divisions of Pali, Sikar, and Banswara have been annulled while the scrapped districts include Dudu, Kekri, Shahpura, Neem Ka Thana, Gangapur City, Jaipur Rural, Jodhpur Rural, Anupgarh, and Sanchore.
Mumbai, Jan 30 : Hitesh Jain, Vice President of the Mumbai BJP, has launched a scathing attack on former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of consistently misleading the public and failing to deliver on his promises over the past decade. He said hiding failures and blaming others is his working style.

Jain criticised Kejriwal for making baseless allegations against the Haryana government regarding the contamination of Yamuna water and for shirking his own responsibilities as the leader of the national capital.

Jain asserted that Kejriwal's tenure as Chief Minister has been defined by false claims and a blame game.

Speaking to IANS, Jain said, "In the last ten years, Kejriwal has only lied and lied. He has not accomplished any significant work. In 2020, he pledged to clean the Yamuna, yet he has failed to deliver on that promise. He has been unsuccessful in curbing pollution in Delhi. Now, as the public begins to question him, he has resorted to making baseless allegations, claiming that the BJP-led Haryana government has deliberately poisoned the Yamuna."

Referring to Kejriwal's accusations, Jain said that a complaint had been filed with the Election Commission, prompting the Commission to seek a response from the AAP leader.

"Kejriwal's reply to the Election Commission clearly indicates that he has no concrete evidence to support his claims. There are no facts, no proof -- only rhetoric. He was the Chief Minister of Delhi. It was his duty to ensure the cleanliness of the Yamuna. Instead, to cover up his own inefficiency, he is shifting the blame onto others," Jain told IANS.

On Thursday, Kejriwal intensified his attack by alleging bias on the part of Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, claiming that the Election Commission was favouring the BJP. During a press conference in Delhi, Kejriwal dramatically announced that he was sending four bottles of 'contaminated Yamuna water' to BJP and Congress leaders, daring them to drink it.

Jain dismissed this move as another attempt by Kejriwal to divert attention from his own failures. "The responsibility of cleaning the Yamuna lies with Kejriwal and his government. He had explicitly promised this in his election campaign. Now, in an attempt to evade accountability, he is fabricating allegations against the Haryana government. Has he presented any scientific evidence to substantiate his claims? This is nothing but a blatant attempt to mislead the public and disrupt the electoral process with lies," Jain remarked.

Arvind Kejriwal, who was asked by the Election Commission to furnish proof to back his allegation that the BJP government in Haryana has poisoned the Yamuna water, responded with a 14-page letter, in which he said raw water received from the BJP-ruled state in the recent past has been "highly contaminated and extremely poisonous" for human health.

The Election Commission wrote back to the AAP convener saying that his allegation that the Haryana government had poisoned Delhi's water supply from the Yamuna River was prima facie "promoting disharmony and enmity between different groups". The EC asked him to submit evidence to support his claims by 11 a.m. on Friday.

Regarding the dress code controversy for devotees at Mumbai's iconic Siddhivinayak Temple, Jain dismissed the opposition's concerns as unnecessary. "The opposition is deliberately trying to create an issue out of nothing. I don't believe anyone should object to the order issued by the Siddhivinayak Temple administration. This is being blown out of proportion for political gain," he told IANS.

The temple administration recently announced that devotees will have to wear decent clothing, preferably Indian attire while visiting the iconic temple.
Kolkata, Jan 30 : The Calcutta High Court on Thursday dismissed a public interest litigation filed against Swasthya Sathi, West Bengal's own health insurance scheme.

In the petition, it was alleged that the said scheme was floated just with a political motive and in reality, the majority of the common people do not benefit from it. The petitioner also alleged that while often private hospitals refuse to accept the Swasthya Sathi cards, treatment of certain diseases is not covered under the said scheme.

The matter came up for hearing on Thursday before the division bench of Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam and Justice Hirnamay Bhattacharya and it rejected the petition on the grounds that the court cannot interfere with a scheme floated by the state government for public interest.

It also observed that since the scheme was floated on the basis of certain policies of the state, it is more the reason that the court cannot interfere in the matter.

The division bench also questioned what the petitioner would have done had not the scheme existed at all. It also advised the petitioners to speak to elected public representatives like MPs and MLAs on the complaints about the scheme, if necessary.

Swasthya Sathi scheme was introduced in 2016 after the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress regime in West Bengal was elected for the second term. Under the scheme, each family in the state is entitled to health insurance coverage of up to Rs 5,00,000 a year.

However, the opposition BJP has frequently complained that a similar Central scheme, named Ayushman Bharat, is deliberately not being allowed by the state government to be operational in West Bengal.

However, the Trinamool had always been claiming that Swasthya Sathi has an edge over Ayushman Bharat, considering that there are no pre-conditions for availing the stateas own health insurance scheme.
Chandigarh, Jan 30 : After the INDIA bloc's partners the Congress and AAP on Thursday faced a humiliating defeat for the Chandigarh mayor's post despite a majority to the main opposition BJP, the latter accused its partner of indulging in cross-voting.

Senior AAP leader and spokesperson Neel Garg said Congress councillors indulged in cross-voting, leading to the election of BJP's Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla, replacing AAP's Kuldeep Kumar.

Harpreet Kaur defeated AAP's Prem Lata by two votes. The latter got 17 votes. In the 36-member House, the AAP-Congress alliance has 19 councillors -- 13 votes of AAP and six of the Congress, while the BJP has 16 votes. One vote was of Congress MP Manish Tewari, an ex-officio member of the corporation, taking its total votes to 20.

However, Congress candidates from the INDIA bloc, Jasbir Singh Bunty and Taruna Mehta, were elected as Senior Deputy Mayor, and Deputy Mayor of Chandigarh, respectively, by securing 19 votes each.

AAP's Neel Garg said the Congress councillors have betrayed them. "The Congress and the BJP are secretly in collusion. This incident has made it completely clear. Both are two sides of the same coin," he told the media.

He said the public should not trust Congress either because if people vote for it, their councillors would later support the BJP.

He claimed the Congress would do the same in Delhi as well. "There too, they will end up supporting the BJP. Hence, voting for the Congress is equivalent to wasting one's vote," he said.

Garg said the councillors from the Aam Aadmi Party supported the Congress. Their Deputy Mayor and Senior Deputy Mayor were elected with our votes. "But they have betrayed us," he added.

In the run-up to the election, Congress councillor Gurbax Rawat switched sides and joined the BJP.

However, BJP's Punjab spokesperson, Pritpal Singh Baliawal, said by winning the mayoral position the BJP has exposed the Congress-AAP alliance, proving that both parties are internally united while misleading the public.

Baliawal emphasised that although the people of Punjab helped Congress win seven seats in the Lok Sabha elections, the Congress-AAP alliance now stands "exposed" before the public.

He asserted that this will directly impact the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.

He also recalled that Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring had declared during the Amritsar mayoral elections that, despite the Congress and AAP being part of the INDIA bloc at the national level, the Congress had no past, present, or future association with AAP.

Hours before the mayoral polling, Chandigarh Police on Wednesday night booked Mayor Kuldeep Kumar of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and his brother-in-law Rahul on charges of cheating and corruption.

However, the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Thursday granted Kuldeep Kumar anticipatory bail, allowing him to exercise his right to franchise.

The case was registered on the complaint of a resident of Ram Darbar, who alleged that he paid Rs 75,000 to Rahul, who had promised him a sanitation worker job. Despite making payments, he alleged he did not receive the job.
The baby shark Yoko was unexpectedly born in an all-female aquarium. The immaculate conception confused the staff and experts at the US aquarium.

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The team of experts says that the two female sharks present in the aquarium have not been in contact with a male for more than three years. This indicates that a process called parthenogenesis, a rare form of asexual reproduction, or delayed fertilization, could have occurred, The Guardian writes.

Reproduction without the involvement of a pair occurs in birds, bees, and fleas. However, parthenogenesis has not yet been recorded in these sharks.

According to the Shreveport Aquarium, eight months ago, a group of workers noticed an egg in the female tank. And now, finally, a baby has hatched from it.

When Yoko's baby shark grows a little older, researchers will be able to take a sample of its mouth to analyze its DNA and discover the truth about its mysterious birth.

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"This situation is incredible and demonstrates the resilience of this species. We're very excited to confirm in the coming months whether this was indeed a case of parthenogenesis or delayed fertilization," said Greg Barrick, curator of animals at the Shreveport Aquarium.

Biologists at the aquarium recognize that sharks born through such reproductive processes often face serious problems. However, they hope that Yoko's cub will be fine.

If Yoko was indeed born through parthenogenesis, she will join animals such as starfish, deep-sea worms, and insects capable of such "virgin births." According to the scientists, egg-laying without mating is much rarer in vertebrates, but it has been observed in zebra sharks, sawfish, and several reptiles.

This phenomenon was also first documented in the world's largest reptiles, the Komodo dwarfs, in 2006, after babies appeared in two British zoos.

And last year, a stingray named Charlotte at an aquarium in North Carolina was found to be pregnant, despite not having had contact with a male for eight years.

Although scientists assume that vertebrates turn to parthenogenesis when there are no partners, many aspects remain unknown, including why this happens and what causes it.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
New Delhi, Jan 30 : In response to former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's accusations that the Election Commission of India (ECI) is engaging in political bias against the opposition and trying to secure a job post-retirement, Congress MP Imran Masood has backed the claims, asserting that the ECI is indeed working with a bias against opposition parties.

Talking to IANS, Imran Masood said, "Itas true that the ECI is operating with bias, and Opposition parties have been voicing this concern for a long time. Thereas no doubt that the ECI is partial. Regarding Yamuna water, Kejriwal ji cannot escape accountabilitya"the water is incredibly dirty, even toxic. Both the BJP and AAP are responsible for this, as the Yamuna originates from Haryana. I am saying this for both Yamuna and Ganga; the Ganga water is equally polluted. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) reports, under the central government, provides clear evidence. If you read the reports on both the Ganga and Yamuna, it will all become clear."

Masood also commented on the recent political developments surrounding Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav, who joined Kejriwalas roadshow in Rithala.

"This is Akhilesh jias decision. We canat comment on it. However, we are supporting him in Milkipur," he said.

Meanwhile, ECI issued a letter to Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday, responding to his accusation that the BJP-led Haryana government had poisoned Delhias water supply from the Yamuna River. The ECI called Kejriwalas statement prima facie "promoting disharmony and enmity" and demanded he provide evidence by 11 am on Friday to support the claim.

However, Kejriwal talking to reports said that I would send three bottles of Yamuna water to the ECI as well as to Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar.

"Let the three Election Commissioners consume these in a press conference, we will admit our mistake," Kejriwal said.

As the capital gears up for the Assembly election, fiery campaigns from rival political parties are well underway. The 70-member Delhi Assembly goes to the polls on February 5 and the votes will be counted on February 8.
New Delhi, Jan 30 : The Supreme Court has reiterated that disclosure statements are not "so strong a piece of evidence sufficient on its own and without anything more" to prove the guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

A bench of Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan was dealing with a criminal appeal, where the trial court had convicted the appellant under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and sentenced him to undergo life imprisonment and to pay a fine of Rs 1 lakh.

As per the prosecution, the appellant stabbed the deceased with a knife. Allegedly, there was previous enmity between the appellant and the deceased as the latter was allegedly involved in the murder of the formeras elder brother.

In the impugned decision, the conviction and sentence were confirmed in the appeal by the Kerala High Court.

Before the apex court, the appellantas counsel argued that the conviction was based on the testimony of two alleged eyewitnesses, appearing to be chance witnesses. Further, as per the version of these two witnesses, there were other eyewitnesses who were not examined by the prosecution, requiring an adverse inference to be drawn.

On the other hand, the state governmentas counsel argued that the evidence of both the eyewitnesses is believed by both the courts and no interference can be made with the impugned judgments. He also pointed out that the recovery of the weapon of the offence and bloodstained cloths was made at the instance of the appellant.

In its judgment, the top court said: "There are material omissions which amount to contradiction. Coupled with the material omissions, if we consider the conduct of both the witnesses, their version does not inspire confidence. Once evidence of these two witnesses is disbelieved, the only remaining evidence against the appellant is of the recovery of the knife at his instance."

It disbelieved the testimonies on several counts, including not reporting the incident to the police and not taking the deceased to a hospital. Quashing the conviction and sentencing orders, the Supreme Court acquitted the appellant of the offences alleged against him.

"The appellant has undergone incarceration for more than twelve years. Hence, he shall be forthwith set at liberty unless he is required in connection with any other case," said the Justice Oka-led Bench, as it allowed the appellantas appeal.
New Delhi, Jan 30 : The Supreme Court on Thursday deferred, till next week, the hearing on the bail plea of lawyer Surendra Gadling, who has been behind bars in connection with the 2016 Surjagarh iron ore mine arson case.

A bench, headed by Justice M.M. Sundresh, decided to adjourn the hearing due to the non-availability of the Maharashtra governmentas counsel.

Ultimately, it fixed the matter for hearing next week on the joint request of the parties.

Earlier on December 18, Justice Sundresh-led Bench adjourned the hearing till the second week of January 2025 after Gadlingas counsel submitted that the petitioner side would need some time to go through the contents of the counter affidavit filed by the Maharashtra government.

The apex court was hearing a special leave petition filed by Gadling against the dismissal of his appeal filed under Section 21(4) of the NIA (National Investigation Agency) Act seeking bail.

In an earlier hearing, the Supreme Court had granted the Maharashtra government two weeksa time to file its reply to Gadlingas bail plea. The counsel representing the state government had sought a "last chance" to file the counter-affidavit in the matter, explaining that the translation of vernacular documents was taking time.

Opposing the request, senior advocate Anand Grover, representing Gadling, had apprised the apex court that the Maharashtra government has sought adjournment on eight occasions so far. Gadling has been behind bars for five years and ten months while the trial remains at a very nascent stage, Grover added.

Giving a fixed date after two weeks, the apex court had said: "A matter like this needs to be heard. This is not a normal case. We will give a fixed date. List after two weeks."

In October 2023, the Supreme Court had agreed to examine Gadlingas plea and called for a response from the Maharashtra government. The anti-terror agency charged Gadling for allegedly entering into a criminal conspiracy with Maoist rebels to set ablaze 76 trucks which were carrying iron ore from Surajgarh mines in Maharashtra. He is further alleged to be involved in the Bhima Koregaon-Elgaar Parishad violence - where clashes erupted between various caste groups after "provocative" speeches were given by the activists of Kabir Kala Manch on December 31, 2017, in Pune.

Gadling had claimed that he is a criminal law practitioner with over 25 years of practice and was falsely implicated in the case, adding that there is no prima facie case against him and the evidence brought on record by the prosecution is neither reliable nor admissible.

--IANS

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Raichur, Jan 30 : In a shocking incident, a spurned lover brutally killed a college student in broad daylight by slitting her throat after she refused to marry him in Raichur district, Karnataka.

The accused has surrendered to the police after committing the crime.

The deceased student has been identified as Shifa (24), while the accused is Mubin, a worker at a tile shop. The incident took place within the jurisdiction of the Sindhanoor Town police station.

Police said that Shifa, who was pursuing an MSc at a private college in Sindhanoor town, commuted daily from Lingasaguru. She had known the accused for six years, during which he developed feelings for her.

Meanwhile, Shifaas family had begun discussions about her marriage to another man. Upon learning of this, Mubin pressured her to marry him, but she refused. Enraged, the accused followed her from Lingasaguru and attacked her near the Sindhanoor Government Graduation College. He stabbed her in the neck and then slit her throat before fleeing the scene.

After committing the crime, he went to the footwear shop owned by the man with whom Shifaas marriage was being discussed and created a ruckus. He then proceeded to the Lingasaguru police station, where he surrendered.

Taking the seriousness of the case into account, Superintendent of Police Puttamadaiah rushed to the crime scene for the inspection. He also instructed the police to increase vigilance around colleges. The police have registered a case and are questioning the accused.

Further details in the case are awaited.

On April 18, 2024, jilted lover Fayaz Kondikoppa attacked Neha Hiremath, an MCA student, with a knife, repeatedly stabbing and killing her on her college premises in Hubballi city.

On May 15, 2024, in another horrific incident, a jilted lover, Vishwa, barged into the house of one Anjali Ambigera, a young woman and stabbed her to death in front of her family members in Hubballi city. The accused had previously threatened the girl, warning her that she would meet the same fate as Neha Hiremath, who was brutally stabbed to death on a college campus recently in Hubballi.
Mumbai, Jan 30 : Maharasthra Congress leader Hussain Dalwai on Thursday made a distasteful remark on the new dress code in the famed Shree Siddhivinayak Ganpati temple and equated it with the 'Talibani practice'. The remarks, bound to incite strong feelings and reactions, comes days after his controversial remarks on the Maha Kumbh received backlash from the devotees.

Mumbai, Jan 30 (IANS) Maharasthra Congress leader Hussain Dalwai on Thursday made a distasteful remark on the new dress code in the famed Shree Siddhivinayak Ganpati temple and equated it with the aTalibani practicea. The remarks, bound to incite strong feelings and reactions, comes days after his controversial remarks on the Maha Kumbh received backlash from the devotees.

Husain Dalwai, speaking to IANS said that the new dress code at Shree Siddhivinayak Temple was uncalled for and this looks more like a astep towards Talibani rule.a

The Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple Trust on Thursday issued a notice asking the devotees to wear decent clothing, Indian attire to be in particular and barred those wearing short skirts, jeans, or revealing clothes. It stated that those who fail to comply will be denied entry. The temple administration maintains that the rule has been introduced to preserve decorum and respect at the city's most revered temple.

Dalwai, however, dismissed the imposition of a dress code as unnecessary and questioned why attire was being policed.

"People visit the temple with faith; what is the point of deciding who wears what? It seems like a Talibani rule that is slowly being adopted here," he told IANS.

He further argued that temple-goers already dress appropriately, making such restrictions redundant.

"Whoever goes to a temple, they dress accordingly. What is there to impose? How do saints and seers dress? Is the government fine with how they dress?" he questioned.

Expressing concern over gender-specific rules, he remarked, "Why are they only focused on what women wear? Why are these rules always imposed on women? Why are they always suppressed? This Taliban rule is not acceptable."

The temple trust brought in the new dress, apparently after receiving complaints about inappropriate dressing by some visitors. Signboards will be placed at the entrance, and awareness will be spread through social media and news platforms to inform visitors about the guidelines.

Dalwai also took a swipe at Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane's recent letter to Education Minister Dada Bhuse, in which he demanded a ban on burqas during the 10th and 12th board exams.

"The women are progressing, they are moving forward. But some people always try to hold them back, whether they are Hindu or Muslim," he said.

He added that societal change takes time and that forcing decisions on women is not the way forward.

"If a woman wears a burqa today, maybe in the future, she will decide not to. Maybe her daughter will choose differently. Saudi Arabia has already embraced change, and we will do so soon."
Chandigarh, Jan 30 : The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has assessed a credit potential of Rs 3.14 lakh crore, reflecting an increase of 37.64 per cent over the previous year under priority sector lending in Haryana for 2025-26.

The credit potential under agriculture, MSME and other priority sectors, including education and renewable energy, has a share of 35.60, 57.12 and 7.28 per cent, respectively.

NABARD's State Focus Paper (SFP) was released by Chief Secretary Vivek Joshi here on Thursday during the State Credit Seminar 2025-26 in the presence of Nivedita Tiwary, Chief General Manager, NABARD, senior executives of banks, senior officers of the state government and academic institutions.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Secretary appreciated the efforts of NABARD to assess the credit potential under agriculture, MSME, export, education, renewable energy, etc., of the state that align with the government's vision for farmers' welfare and rural development with emphasis on crop diversification, climate-resilient agriculture, shrimp farming and promoting vegetable clusters.

He urged banks, government departments, NABARD, academic institutions and all other stakeholders to synergise coordinated efforts for creating increased employment opportunities in rural areas.

He said the SFP shall act as a benchmark and guiding force for the activities to be undertaken this year to strengthen the rural economy.

"Haryana has always been at the forefront of agriculture, contributing significantly to Indiaas food security. Our farmers, with their relentless efforts, have made Haryana the 'bread basket of India'. However, we must acknowledge the challenges posed by depleting groundwater, fragmented landholdings, growth of the MSME sector and climate change, which require urgent and innovative solutions," Joshi said.

He said the Haryana Government is fully aligned with NABARD's vision. "We have been actively implementing programmes such as micro-irrigation schemes, financial literacy campaigns, and digital initiatives to enhance access to credit and markets. I urge the banking sector to play a proactive role in achieving the credit targets set for priority sectors and to ensure that underserved regions and communities are not left behind," the Chief Secretary added.

NABARD Chief General Manager Nivedita Tiwary highlighted the consultative process to arrive at the credit potential of Rs 3.14 lakh crore of the state by assimilating the potential worked out in Potential credit-linked Plans for all 22 districts of Haryana.

She appreciated the need for dovetailing the Credit Potential worked out for all 22 districts by NABARD with the District Credit Plan prepared by lead banks.
New Delhi, Jan 30 : Suggesting at least two forensic evidence mobile vans in every district, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the implementation of the three new criminal laws in Gujarat at a meeting with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in New Delhi on Thursday.

The meeting reviewed the implementation and present status of various new provisions relating to police, jail, courts, prosecution and forensics in Gujarat.

HM Shah said that the Gujarat government should ensure the implementation of the new criminal laws in all commissionerates by April 30 and across the entire state at the earliest.

He said it should be reviewed monthly by the Chief Minister, fortnightly by the State Home Minister and weekly at the level of Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) and Director General of Police.

The Home Minister stated that Gujarat has commendably achieved timely filing of charge sheets in over 92 per cent of cases involving sentences of more than 10 years.

He emphasised that for the remaining cases, a review should be conducted to ensure the utilisation of the provision in the Act that allows seeking permission from the court.

HM Shah said that Gujarat has done a commendable job in converting Zero FIRs into 100 per cent regular FIRs.

He emphasised the need to establish a system where FIRs can be transferred between two states through the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS). He also suggested that Gujarat should adopt CCTNS 2.0.

Regarding the provision of electronic evidence in the new laws, the Home Minister mentioned that the state's Home and Health Departments should hold meetings to ensure that post-mortem and other medical reports from hospitals are received electronically.

HM Shah also emphasised the need to establish a system for recording evidence via video conferencing in prisons, government hospitals, banks, forensic science laboratories (FSL), and other premises. He said that there should be a video conferencing cubicle for every court in the prisons.

The meeting was attended by Gujarat's Minister of State for Home, the Union Home Secretary, Gujarat's Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, the Director General of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), and several senior officials from the Union Home Ministry and the State Government.
Hyderabad, Jan 30 : Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K. T. Rama Rao on Thursday said that people of Telangana deserve an answer from the Congress leadership on broken promises.

KTR, as Rama Rao is popularly known, tagged top Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a post on '420 promises'.

"Today marks the 420th day of dishonest rule of Congress riding on the 420 poll promises to people of Telangana. 420 days of fake guarantees, broken promises, untruthful declarations and false affidavits," KTR posted.

The BRS leader said that Mahatma Gandhi would have been ashamed to know how hopes get destroyed and lies are unabatedly sold.

"There is no greater fraud than a broken promise! People of Telangana deserve answers from AICC leadership," the BRS leader added.

Meanwhile, BRS organised unique protest across the state on Thursday over unkept promises. As a mark of protest on the failure to keep promises made during the election campaign, the BRS leaders and cadre presented a representation to the statues of Mahatma Gandhi at various places across the state.

As the protest coincided with the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the BRS leaders symbolically presented representations to statues of Father of the Nation.

Alleging that Congress government failed to keep made 420 promises made during 2023 Assembly elections, the BRS organised the protest on a day when the government completed 420 days at the helm.

The BRS leaders and cadres garlanded the statues of Mahatma Gandhi before presenting the representations.

BRS leaders and their student wing BRSV president Gellu Srinivas Yadav presented a representation against the Congress government to a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Hyderabad.

BRS leader and former minister E. Dayakar Rao presented representation to Gandhi statue in Palakurthy constituency in Mahabubabad district.

He alleged that the Congress government failed to fulfill guarantees and promises. Dayakar Rao said that A. Revanth Reddy the government was backstabbing farmers, who are the backbone of the country.

He said that the Congress also betrayed women by going back on the promise to give them Rs 2,500 every month and a tola gold to girls at the time of marriage.

The BRS leader alleged that the Congress betrayed all sections of people.
New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 30 : The vexed long-standing feud between the Malankara Orthodox and the Jacobite Churches took a new turn on Thursday when the Supreme Court set aside the directions of the Kerala High Court and asked them to take a fresh decision on the contempt petitions which had directed the state authorities to take over the possession of six churches from the latter faction and hand them over to the former faction with police help.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh directed the division bench of the High Court that there was a need to determine the true effect of the previous judgments of the Supreme Court in the church dispute and to ascertain which are the parties bound by those decisions.

"It seems to us that the High Court, while entertaining the contempt proceedings, need to determine some of the relevant issues, including, What is the true import of the decisions of this court? Who are the parties who shall be bound by the dictum of this court? Whether the decree which attained finality has been satisfied/fulfilled, if not, which part of the decree remains unfulfilled and what remedial action in that regard is required to be taken? What is the legal impact of The Kerala Right to Burial of Corpse in Christian (Malankara-Orthodox- Jacobite) Cemeteries Act, 2020 on the pending contempt petitions? Should the High Court in a dispute relating to religious affairs direct the civil administration to take over a religious place and to what extent is such an intervention desirable in the public interest?" it maintained.

The bench further pointed out that, "since we find that all the said questions require fresh consideration by the High Court, we remit the matter to the division bench to decide the fate of contempt petitions afresh after hearing all parties concerned".

The apex court also clarified that the interim exception given to the state's officers from appearance in the contempt petitions would continue to operate.

It was very particular about the High Court's judgment on the issues and expressed concerns about police intervention.

"We hope you will appreciate why we are sending the matter back...let's hope the court will find some mechanism...police force help, police going inside the religious place is what is bothering us. That's why we are hoping the HC would find out some mechanism," stated Justice Surya Kant.

A non-Catholic Christian community in Kerala, the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church has two factions - the majority Orthodox, who have their headquarters in Kottayam, and the Jacobites, who consider the Patriarch of Antioch in Beirut as their supreme leader. The community first split into Orthodox and Jacobite in 1912, but following a Supreme Court ruling, it came together in Kottayam for a brief period between 1958 and 1970. Since 1970, they have been at war over control of churches. After decades of trial, the apex court gave its final verdict in 2017.

Consequently, the Orthodox faction has been taking control over churches now run by the Jacobite faction. While the Orthodox faction has already taken over a few churches on directions from the High Court after the police were given specific instructions, in some churches, the Jacobite faction has been unrelenting. In terms of numbers, the Orthodox Church is a much bigger entity than the Jacobite Church.
Islamabad, Jan 30 : The government of Pakistan has finally decided to criminalise begging following multiple complaints from foreign countries after thousands of Pakistanis abroad have been caught in illegal activities and begging resulting in a major global embarrassment and visa bans for travellers from the country.

As part of the move, Pakistan's Interior Ministry on Thursday decided to propose addition of the term "organised begging" to the Section 3 of the 'Prevention of Trafficking in Persons (Amendment) Bill 2024'.

Islamabad has received multiple complaints from foreign countries - especially members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Iraq and Malaysia - about the increasing cases of Pakistani nationals caught begging in their respective countries.

Pakistan's diplomatic missions have urged a strict action as thousands of Pakistanis who visit these countries for Haj, Umrah, and other religious pilgrimages have been found involved in begging and other criminal activities.

The proposed draft amendment bill also highlights the same issue and maintains that the matter needs to be ingested into a law.

"The agents and gangs who are involved in this practice easily dodge prosecution as begging is not a crime in any law entrusted to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). The sensitivity of the issue demands an urgent need to make beggary a crime," reads the proposed draft amendment.

"The organised beggary includes an act of a person to allure, entice or coerce a person intentionally, knowingly, by use of force, fraud or without fraudulent intention to indulge or to be indulged in soliciting or receiving alms directly, indirectly or on any pretext," the bill adds.

The Pakistani government has been forced to take the issue seriously after thousands of its citizens have been caught begging in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government had called on Pakistan to not send beggars, sick people or people without skills to the country. Pakistan recently put about 4,300 beggars on the no-fly list and assured the Saudi government of strong action against the culprits.

Hundreds of Pakistani nationals have also been deported from the Gulf countries in recent times, most of them found involved in begging or other criminal activities.

On January 15, three beggars were arrested and deported from Saudi Arabia and taken into custody upon their arrival in Karachi. Another beggar was also arrested on his return from Umrah for passport forgery.

The government of Pakistan considers the matter in line with the human trafficking and human smuggling domains, directing officials at the airports to be vigilant while clearing passengers.

As per the directives, an efficient system of profiling passengers travelling from Pakistan to other countries including Azerbaijan, Senegal, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Ethiopia, Egypt, Libya, Iran, Mauritania, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait and Kyrgyzstan should be implemented with an immediate effect.

Strict scrutiny, profiling and monitoring is also being done for travellers from cities like Gujarat, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Bhimber, Jhelum, Toba Tek Singh, Hafizabad and Sheikhupura.
The 6th generation Toyota RAV4 low-cost crossover is being prepared for the premiere. The car will get a modern design - it was shown online in a photo before the premiere. It turned out to be very realistic.

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The car is shown by Carscoops. The 2026 Toyota RAV4 was designed based on camouflaged prototypes and the first real photo of the crossover that recently appeared on the Internet.

The first photo of the 6th generation Toyota RAV4 was shown at a dealer conference in China. Earlier it became known that the new Toyota Wildlander will be shown in April 2025. This is the Chinese version of the Toyota RAV4.

The crossover for China differs from the global original only in the design of the front end. The car has always been positioned as a secondary option, so the new 6th generation Toyota RAV4 may be declassified even earlier.

The Japanese company is very careful in modernizing this successful model. The Toyota RAV4 of the 2026 model year will retain its formula and will not demonstrate any dramatic changes in the concept. The car will definitely not turn into an electric vehicle. And hybrid modifications will remain in the lineup.
Patna, Jan 30 : Congress MP Manoj Kumar Ram from Sasaram in Bihar sustained injuries after unidentified men attacked him in Kaimur district on Thursday.

The incident took place at St. John International School in Nathopur, where the MP arrived to address a land dispute involving his brother and local villagers.

The situation escalated when MP Ram tried to negotiate with the villagers and they refused to listen to him. The attack was so intense that the MP and his supporters including his guard, driver and two bus drivers of the school ran away in a bid to save themselves. However, they suffered injuries after being caught briefly.

The injured individuals were initially treated at a Primary Health Centre in Mohania before being referred to Sadar Hospital for further medical attention.

Dr. Manoj Prabhakar, in charge of Mohania PHC, confirmed that the injured received preliminary treatment before being transferred to Sadar Hospital for better medical care.

"MP Manoj Kumar Ram has sustained injuries in his head. We stitched his injuries and referred him along with others to Sadar Hospital for better treatment," Prabhakar said.

SDPO of Mohania range Pradeep Kumar confirmed that the incident was linked to the ongoing land dispute.

SDPO Kumar said the Congress MP Manoj Kumar Ram sustained a head injury, while two school bus drivers and others were also injured.

Upon receiving news of the incident, a heavy police force, including Kaimur SP and DSP, rushed to the scene to restore order. Security has since been tightened in the area to prevent further disturbances.

"We have registered an FIR under relevant sections of attempt to murder at Kudra police station following the statements of Congress MP and other injured persons. Some of the individuals have been identified. We are making efforts to nab them," Kumar said.
Bonn, Jan 30 : Community-led conservation strategies can be instrumental for the successful conservation of migratory species, two major reports released by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), a global wildlife treaty of the United Nations, said on Thursday.

The report, 'Community Participation and Livelihoods', focuses on 10 key guiding principles for community-led conservation strategies, while the study 'Potential for Community-Based Wildlife Management in Central Asia' presents real-world insights into how community-led initiatives can achieve biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods.

Indigenous peoples and local communities are custodians of over a third of the world's most important places for biodiversity and play a vital role in the conservation of migratory species and their habitats.

Integrating their traditional knowledge and practices with modern wildlife management approaches can lead to successful management, conservation, and sustainable use of wildlife and their habitats.

"For many migratory species of wild animals, having the engagement and expertise of local communities and traditional knowledge is vital for effective conservation. We are very pleased to issue these two reports on the critical role that local communities can play in ensuring that migratory species will continue to thrive for generations to come," said Amy Fraenkel, CMS Executive Secretary.

CMS is the only global UN convention that focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of migratory species of wild animals and their habitats.

Sustainable use is allowed for species listed on the treaty's Appendix II, and can include both extractive and non-extractive uses, such as tourism, use of fur, and others. Appendix I-listed species are considered in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of their range and their use is prohibited.

Seasonal migrations and aggregations of wild animals affect local communities differently across regions and require international coordination, often beyond the immediate scope of local interactions.

Community-based wildlife management (CBWM) has gained significant attention in international policy from both human rights and biodiversity conservation perspectives.

For example, several targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMFBG) are particularly relevant to CBWM, including Target 5 on ensuring sustainable, safe and legal use, harvesting and trade of wild species, and Target 9, which focuses on linking benefits from sustainable use to Indigenous peoples and local communities.

To strengthen local engagement and maximise successful community participation in conservation, governments gathered at the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP14) to CMS adopted 10 key guiding principles on the involvement of communities in the conservation of migratory species.

The Community Participation and Livelihoods study demonstrates how these principles are at play in real-world examples of CBWM experiences from around the world.
New Delhi, Jan 30 : Obesity is of significant concern among Indians of all age groups, noted ophthalmologist Dr. T. P. Lahane, a Padma Shri awardee, said on Thursday.

Speaking to IANS, Lahane, the former Director of the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) of Maharashtra, lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for advocating for fitness.

"The Prime Minister has said something very important regarding obesity. Today 33 per cent of people are victims of obesity," the expert said.

While the young and children are the most affected by obesity, the doctor noted that it is a "cause of concern" among all age groups in India -- 6 to 18 years and 20 to 55 years.

He lamented that obesity "is not limited to urban people living in cities, but also among those living in rural areas".

He attributed the increase in obesity to "junk food, sitting jobs, lack of exercise, sedentary behaviour spending longer hours on mobile phones".

The expert also pointed out eating habits lacking fibre, but more oil, which increases hunger and thereby weight gain. He advised people to avoid deep-fried foods that contain toxins, and to stick to "one-two tablespoon of oil, per day, particularly coconut or mustard".

Obesity is key to living longer and healthy. The condition is also associated with a host of diseases ranging from diabetes, hypertension and cancer.

"To get rid of obesity, one should avoid junk food, eat less oil, and exercise more," said the expert.

Specifically, he suggested exercising post-meal to burn calories.

"After eating we are not burning calories, give 1 hour post-meal exercise. Indulge in any exercise of your choice, like walking, gym, or yoga."

On January 28, PM Modi, in his address to the athletes and other delegates at the 38th National Games held in Dehradun emphasised the importance of a healthy body that is key to a healthy mind, which in turn could lead to a healthy nation.

During his speech, PM Modi spoke vividly about the obesity that has India in its throes and why we need to deal with this issue urgently.

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, known for his strict fitness regime and disciplined lifestyle, has also endorsed PM Modi's vocal support for a Fit India.
New Delhi, Jan 30 : Rajya Sabha member Swati Maliwal on Thursday criticised former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of transforming the capital into a "garbage dump." The comments followed her dramatic protest outside Kejriwal's residence, where she dumped piles of waste to highlight the worsening cleanliness issues in the capital.

New Delhi, Jan 30 (IANS) Rajya Sabha member Swati Maliwal on Thursday criticised former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of transforming the capital into a "garbage dump." The comments followed her dramatic protest outside Kejriwalas residence, where she dumped piles of waste to highlight the worsening cleanliness issues in the capital.

Talking to IANS, Swati Maliwal expressed frustration over the growing garbage problem in Delhi, pointing to overflowing alleys, drains, and roads.

"Kejriwal lives in luxury, shielded by Z+ security, while Delhi is choking on filth," she said, describing the situation as not just a cleanliness issue but a health crisis.

Maliwalas protest, which saw her detained by Delhi Police, aimed to draw attention to the apathy of local officials.

"The people of Delhi are suffering, but Kejriwal remains out of touch with reality. We brought the garbage back to his doorstep to show him what the city is enduring. Maybe then, he will finally understand the stench that is suffocating Delhi," she added.

The confrontation escalated when Maliwal was detained under Section 188, with an FIR registered against her. Despite this, she remained defiant.

"Iam not afraid of his FIR or his police," she declared, emphasising her commitment to raising the voice of the people she represents.

As an MP, Maliwal reiterated that her role is to be a voice for the people, not someone who sits comfortably in an office.

"I am Delhias MP, and I will continue to fight for the truth and for the people who are suffering," she concluded.

Ahead of the Assembly election, the battle for Delhi is intensifying, with the AAP, BJP, and Congress pulling out all the stops to win over voters ahead of the February 5 polls. While the outcome of this high-stakes contest wonat be known until February 8, all three parties have unveiled their manifestos, detailing their promises in exchange for control of the capital.
Chandigarh, Jan 30 : Punjab Finance Minister and senior AAP leader, Harpal Singh Cheema, claimed on Thursday that Congress and the BJP had an unethical alliance during the elections Chandigarh mayoral poll.

"We fulfilled our duty, which is why Congress' Deputy Mayor and Senior Deputy Mayor were elected with the votes of our councillors. The Congress has betrayed us. Congress councillors indulged in cross-voting, leading to BJP's Mayor being elected," claimed Cheema.

Cheema further claimed that both the Congress and the BJP are "secretly colluding".

"They want to stop us. Both parties are scared of the growing influence of AAP. They are even contesting the Delhi Assembly elections together, but this time too, we will form the government in Delhi with a massive majority," he said.

In a historic victory, the BJP defeated the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-Congress alliance in the Chandigarh mayoral elections. BJP candidate Harpreet Kaur Babla secured 19 votes, while the AAP-Congress alliance's candidate, Prem Lata, received 17 votes.

Harpreet Kaur defeated AAP's Prem Lata by two votes. The latter got 17 votes.

In the 36-member House, the AAP-Congress alliance has 19 councillors -- 13 votes of AAP and six of the Congress, while the BJP has 16 votes.

One vote was of Congress MP Manish Tewari, an ex-officio member of the corporation, taking its total votes to 20.

However, Congress candidates from the INDIA Bloc, Jasbir Singh Bunty and Taruna Mehta, were elected as Senior Deputy Mayor, and Deputy Mayor of Chandigarh, respectively, by securing 19 votes each.

Meanwhile, BJP's Punjab spokesperson, Pritpal Singh Baliawal, said by winning the mayoral position the BJP has exposed the Congress-AAP alliance, proving that both parties are internally united while misleading the public.

Baliawal emphasised that although the people of Punjab helped Congress win seven seats in the Lok Sabha elections, the Congress-AAP alliance now stands "exposed" before the public.

He asserted that this will directly impact the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
Bengaluru, Jan 30 : Karnataka government on Thursday conveyed the second high-level meeting on issues faced by the public due to the highhandedness of microfinance institutions.

The meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah where it was decided to review the provisions of the proposed Ordinance and implement a stronger law.

"A decision has been made to review the provisions of the ordinance formulated to prevent harassment by microfinance institutions and to implement a stronger law as soon as possible. A team of senior officials from the Law and Finance Departments will be formed for this purpose," said Siddaramaiah.

He added that it was also decided that the law must be completely constitutional and free from any loopholes, adding that a strong law is being drafted to prevent the harassment faced by borrowers and to regulate forced recoveries by lenders.

"The law will grant greater authority to the police. Ombudsmen will be appointed, and strict punishments, including non-bailable offences and heavy penalties, will be imposed on those who engage in inhumane and forceful loan recoveries," the Chief Minister said.

He further assured that a stringent law is being enforced to prevent harassment by unregistered moneylenders.

"The existing legal framework already has provisions to control harassment by microfinance institutions. The question arises as to why they are not being effectively implemented. The police must take suo motu action and register cases without waiting for complaints," he said.

A series of incidents of suicide and harassment were reported across the state due to the alleged harassment by microfinance companies.

A female teacher committed suicide by jumping into a river, allegedly due to harassment by microfinance staffers in Karnataka's Davanagere district, said officials, adding that her body was found on Tuesday.

The victim has been identified as Pushpalatha, who had gone missing on January 26.

In another incident, a man reportedly died of a heart attack allegedly caused by harassment from microfinance staffers in Tumakuru district. The deceased has been identified as Syed Samiulla.

Following his death, Samiulla's wife, Tabassum Banu, pleaded with the authorities for help. She alleges that the staffers are now targeting her, and this harassment could push her and her children to consider suicide.

A woman in the Mysuru district of Karnataka committed suicide fearing torture by the microfinance company staffers. Mysuru is the native district of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The incident was reported from Ambale village in Mysuru district and the deceased was identified as 53-year-old Jayasheela. The police on January 27 said the woman had ended her life by consuming poisonous tablets.

Earlier, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held a high-level meeting on the issues faced by the people due to microfinance institutions.

Addressing the press conference at Vidhana Soudha after the meeting on January 25, the Chief Minister announced that the government was committed to protecting the interests of borrowers who take loans from microfinance institutions
Nairobi, Jan 30 : East African leaders have called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) amid fighting that has hampered humanitarian operations in the city of Goma.

Leaders from the East African Community (EAC), who held an emergency summit by video link, also called on the DRC government to engage directly with all stakeholders, including the M23 rebel group, to peacefully resolve the escalating conflict.

"The summit called on all parties to the conflict in eastern DRC to cease hostilities and observe an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and facilitate humanitarian access to the affected population," the leaders said in a statement issued in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.

President Felix Tshisekedi of the DRC, an EAC member state, did not take part in the summit convened by Kenyan President William Ruto, who rotates as the chairman of the EAC.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Somalian President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir attended.

Participants at the emergency gathering discussed the worsening security situation in eastern DRC and the city of Goma, where fighting between the DRC army and M23 rebels intensified, Xinhua news agency reported.

The leaders condemned attacks on diplomatic missions in Kinshasa, the DRC capital, and urged the government to protect the embassies and property as well as their staff.

The summit came after Tuesday's attacks on the embassies of Kenya, Uganda and South Africa as well as the United Nations and France.

The leaders said a joint summit of the EAC and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which has also been involved in the eastern DRC, will be held in the coming days to deliberate on the way forward.

The SADC was due to hold an extraordinary summit Thursday in Harare, the Zimbabwean capital, to discuss the security situation in the eastern DRC.
Jerusalem, Jan 30 : Palestinian militants in Gaza, led by Hamas, released eight hostages, three Israelis and five Thais, on Thursday. But Israel delayed the release of 110 Palestinian prisoners in a swap agreed under the ongoing temporary ceasefire, citing chaotic scenes during the handover.

The hostages were released in two groups. Agam Berger, a 20-year-old Israeli soldier, was freed first. Video showed her, wearing a khaki uniform, emerging from damaged buildings in Jabalia, northern Gaza, escorted by Hamas militants, before walking to a Red Cross vehicle. She was then taken to a compound outside Gaza to reunite with her parents.

Later, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, two Israelis, Arbel Yahoud, 29, and Gadi Mozes, 80, along with the five Thai nationals, were handed over to the Red Cross.

Footage showed chaotic scenes as hundreds of Gazans gathered, and militants struggled to control the crowd and clear a path for the hostages.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the "shocking scenes" and called on international mediators to ensure the safety of hostages in future releases.

The Israeli military identified the Thais as Thenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakham, Sriaoun Watchara, Seathao Bannawat, and Rumnao Surasak. They were farm workers abducted from southern Israel during the October 7 attack that triggered the war.

The military said the seven hostages crossed into Israel and underwent medical assessments. The Israelis were reunited with their families, while the Thais were met by Thai officials, Xinhua news agency reported.

Shortly after the seven hostages' release, Netanyahu's office said the Palestinian prisoner release was delayed "until the safe departure of our hostages in the upcoming phases is assured." Israeli media reported that buses carrying Palestinian prisoners were ordered to turn back.

Hamas said it was in contact with mediators to "compel" Israel to release the prisoners.
Gandhinagar, Jan 30 : Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on Thursday that the "Gujarat Governance Model" offers several best practices which can be successfully replicated elsewhere, too.

Speaking at the National Conference on Good Governance here, the minister recalled that many of the governance innovations successfully implemented at the Central level were first introduced in Gujarat under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership as Chief Minister.

Addressing a pan-India audience of policymakers, senior bureaucrats, and governance experts, Jitendra Singh praised the transformation in governance over the last decade.

"This transformation did not happen overnight. Many of the reforms introduced at the national level were first tested and perfected in Gujarat, and today they are being replicated across the country," he remarked.

Jitendra Singh underscored the fundamental shift in governance culture under Prime Minister Modi, which has taken policymaking beyond the traditional administrative strongholds of Delhi and into various regions of the country.

He cited the Prime Minister's directive to decentralise governance by ensuring that major policy discussions, conferences and outreach programmes are held in different parts of the country and not necessarily in Delhi.

He also referred to the evolution of India's administrative framework, recalling how Sardar Patel envisioned a robust bureaucracy as the 'steel frame' of India, a vision that has been further refined through PM Modi-led government's approach of 'Maximum Governance, Minimum Government.'

He pointed to landmark reforms, such as the scrapping of nearly 2,000 obsolete laws, the elimination of the requirement for attested documents and the removal of interviews for junior-level government jobs as measures that have streamlined bureaucracy and enhanced transparency.

One of the standout examples of governance innovation, Jitendra Singh noted, was Gujarat's early implementation of the 24-hour rural electrification scheme in the early 2000s.

"At a time when electricity supply was erratic across the country, Gujarat pioneered uninterrupted rural electrification, a model that was later scaled up at the national level," he said.

Recounting the scale of transformation, Jitendra Singh spoke about how electricity shortages used to be commonplace in many parts of India.

"There was a time when people clapped when the lights came back on after an outage. Today, power cuts are rare, and uninterrupted electricity is an expectation, not a luxury. This is the scale of governance transformation achieved," he remarked.

The Minister also outlined India's progress in digital governance, emphasizing major technological interventions in public administration.

Initiatives such as online RTI applications, digital life certificates for pensioners using facial recognition technology, and AI-driven administrative decision-making have positioned India as a leader in governance innovation.

He stated that the use of emerging technologies will be central to governance in the coming years, making administration more efficient, transparent, and citizen-friendly.

Dr. Jitendra Singh also spoke about the impressive strides made in grievance redressal mechanisms, particularly the CPGRAMS (Centralized Public Grievance Redressal and Monitoring System), which has now become a model for citizen-centric governance worldwide.

The minister highlighted that between 2019 and 2024, India has witnessed a transformative shift in governance, with e-governance streamlining citizen-government interactions and enhancing transparency.

He noted that the widespread adoption of e-Office version 7.0 has enabled paperless administration across Ministries, ensuring efficiency and accountability in governance.

He emphasised that India's commitment to e-governance has been reinforced through platforms like the National Conference on e-Governance (NCeG), which has fostered collaboration between the Centre and States since 1997.

Jitendra Singh highlighted the success of the fourth Sushasan Saptah - Good Governance Week - held from December 19 to 25, 2024, with over 36,000 camps organised across 700+ districts, resolving nearly 2.89 crore service applications, the campaign demonstrated the government's commitment to transparency, accountability, and citizen empowerment at every level.

Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed confidence that continued collaboration between the Central and state governments would lead to more impactful reforms, ultimately driving India towards becoming a global model of effective governance.
Imphal, Jan 30 : A crucial tripartite meeting between the Centre, Manipur government, and the United Naga Council (UNC), over the Naga body's demand for rollback of the "arbitrary creation" of seven new districts in the state, discussed the issue in detail on Thursday, officials said.

A senior Manipur Home Department official said that after the threadbare discussion in the meeting, it was mutually agreed that a proposal would be presented by the representatives of the state government in the next round of tripartite meetings which would be held in April.

In Thursday's meeting, held in Naga-dominated Senapati district, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) advisor, North East Affairs, A. K. Mishra, Manipur Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh and Home Commissioner N. Ashok Kumar, four Naga community leaders including UNC's President N.G.Lorho and General Secretary Vareiyo Shatsang were present.

The previous round of tripartite talks, held on November 29 last year, did not yield any result.

Those controversial seven districts were created on December 8, 2016, by the then Congress government led by three-term Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh (2002-2017) amid opposition from the UNC, the apex body of Naga tribes in Manipur.

The UNC has been strongly opposing the creation of the seven new districts, claiming that those districts encroached upon the ancestral territories of the Nagas.

The Congress government had then asserted that the seven new districts were created aimed at administrative convenience and to better serve the people.

The representatives of the Manipur government in the previous meetings expressed an inability to present a concrete proposal in view of certain difficulties.

The UNC in October last year temporarily suspended its 48-hour shutdown after the MHA called for a tripartite meeting to discuss the issue. The UNC organised a series of agitations demanding the rollback of the "arbitrary creation" of seven new districts in December 2016 and the reinstatement of the status quo. It had, on September 11 last year, issued an ultimatum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah for redressal of the pending issue of "arbitrary creation" of seven new districts in Manipur in 2016 and warned of intense agitation if the matter was not resolved within 15 days.

The Naga body claimed that the seven new districts were created "dishonouring" the four memoranda between the government of Manipur and the Naga people besides the assurance from the Centre in 2011.

Naga people mostly inhabit six Manipur districts -- Tamenglong, Chandel, Ukhrul, Kamjong, Noney, and Senapati, which are along the Nagaland and Myanmar borders. During the 21-month-long ethnic unrest in Manipur between the non-tribal Meitei and the tribal Kuki-Zo community, the Naga-inhabited areas remained peaceful.
The Bundestag failed to vote on additional funding for military aid to Ukraine. Members of the German parliament could not reach a consensus, so the meeting was adjourned.

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Shortly before midnight, the Free Democratic Party submitted a proposal to fund aid to Ukraine, but by then the parliament no longer had a quorum. This was reported by the German newspaper Zeit.

After a lively debate at around 00:30, the Bundestag meeting was closed earlier than scheduled. The next discussion on financing military aid to Ukraine was canceled and rescheduled for another date.

The proposal to allocate an additional 3 billion euros was put forward by the Free Democratic Party. Representatives of the political force demanded immediate parliamentary consideration of an unscheduled aid package to Ukraine to finance urgently needed air defense systems to repel Russian attacks.

However, the decision was technically impossible, as only 320 members of parliament took part in the vote, while at least 367 votes are required for a quorum in the Bundestag.

It is worth noting that another debate on military aid to Ukraine is scheduled for the Bundestag in the coming days. This time, it was initiated by the Left, which opposes any arms supplies to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

As a reminder, the US Armed Forces transferred Patriot air defense interceptor missiles from warehouses in Israel to Poland to be delivered to Ukraine. In total, about 90 such missiles were transferred.

Earlier it was reported that France intends to supply Ukraine with fourth-generation Mirage 2000-5F multi-role fighters by the end of the first quarter of 2025. Ukrainian pilots and mechanics completed flight training on these aircraft at the end of last year.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
N'djamena, Jan 30 : Chad on Thursday announced a full withdrawal of French troops from the Central African country.

"The three bases of French elements in Chad have all been handed over to the Chadian national army," Chadian Army spokesman Chanane Issakha Acheikh said in a statement. "The very last one has just been handed over today."

"The handover of the Sergent Adji Kossei Base in N'djamena definitively closes the presence of French forces in Chad," the spokesman said.

In November 2024, Chad announced the end of the security and defence cooperation agreement with France. On December 10, some French troops began to leave Chad.

On December 31, 2024, Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno announced the definitive withdrawal of French troops from the country by January 31, Xinhua news agency reported.

"I welcome the withdrawal of the first wave of French forces stationed in Chad. Other waves ... will follow until the complete withdrawal on January 31, 2025," Deby said in a televised address to the nation.

He said he was convinced that the decision was a response to a "common and legitimate aspiration" of the Chadian people.

"Any fight for independence or sovereignty has its sacrifices and we owe them for future generations, just as our elders made sacrifices, to bequeath us a standing country," the Chadian President said.

France had last month started the withdrawal of its troops from Chad, with some fighter jets taking off from a French base in the Chadian capital of N'Djamena, according to the Chadian army.

Chadian army had said that the public would be informed of each stage of the withdrawal until the final departure of all French forces.

Despite this change, Chad intends to maintain constructive relations with France in other areas of mutual interest.

France had deployed some 1,000 soldiers in Chad before the withdrawal, according to the French authorities.
Kinshasa, Jan 30 : Felix Tshisekedi, the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), promised a "vigorous response" to advances of March 23 Movement (M23) rebels in the eastern DRC, amid peace efforts by regional groups.

In his address on national television, Tshisekedi said "a response is underway" to reclaim every inch of DRC territory. The M23 has claimed to have taken control of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, a regional hub.

He said that in addition to military efforts supported by the UN peacekeeping mission and Southern African Development Community (SADC) forces, the DRC remains engaged diplomatically, particularly through the Luanda Process, a peace mechanism initiated and led by Angolan President Joao Lourenco.

Tshisekedi met Lourenco on Wednesday during a visit to the Angolan capital. He called for unity among all Congolese and pledged to cut government spending to fund military operations.

"The DRC will never back down. I make this promise to you: I will never abandon you."

Since Sunday evening, violent hostilities have been observed throughout Goma, which has about 1 million residents, including over 700,000 internally displaced people living on the outskirts in already difficult conditions.

According to sources, M23 rebels seized several key facilities Monday, including the airport, the port, and a local DRC army base.

On Wednesday, United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the situation in Goma is calmer but still tense. Continued clashes were reported in surrounding areas, including Sake, a strategic town to the northwest of Goma.

Sources said that the border with Rwanda has been gradually reopened. There are reports that M23 rebels have advanced toward the neighbouring province of South Kivu, whose capital city Bukavu is under imminent threat. It lies on the other side of Lake Kivu, facing Goma in the north, Xinhua news agency reported.

After emergency meetings at the UN Security Council and an extraordinary ministerial meeting of the African Union, an emergency summit of the East African Community (EAC) was held virtually on Wednesday. The meeting called for an unconditional ceasefire and facilitated humanitarian access.

"The summit called on all parties to the conflict in eastern DRC to cease hostilities and observe an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and facilitate humanitarian access to the affected population," the leaders said in a statement issued in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.

President Tshisekedi of the DRC, an EAC member state, did not take part in the summit convened by Kenyan President William Ruto, who rotates as the chairman of the EAC.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Somalian President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir attended.

The DRC has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, an accusation Rwanda denies. Kigali accuses the DRC army of supporting and collaborating with remnants of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, a group allegedly responsible for the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

Last December, a peace summit under the Luanda Process, where a peace agreement was expected between Tshisekedi and Kagame, was canceled at the last minute.

Kinshasa, rejecting any direct negotiation with the M23, hinted at possible channels by reactivating the Nairobi Process, an EAC-led parallel peace mechanism brokered by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta. The M23 was excluded from the Nairobi Process by Kinshasa in 2022.

A joint summit of the EAC and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which has also been involved in the eastern DRC, is expected to be held in the coming days to deliberate on the way forward.

The SADC was due to start an extraordinary summit Thursday in Harare, the Zimbabwean capital, to discuss the situation in the eastern DRC, according to an SADC Secretariat statement released Wednesday.

On Wednesday, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that violence and looting of humanitarian warehouses continued in Goma, impacting the ability of aid workers to respond and putting them at risk.

OCHA said that since the escalation of fighting, its humanitarian partners have recorded the wounding of more than 2,000 people. Some bodies were left in the streets, while water and electricity supplies remained cut off since Sunday.

"We call for the swift resumption of these services, as well as for the protection of humanitarian warehouses and the facilitation of medical evacuations for people who have been injured," said Dujarric, the chief spokesman for the UN secretary-general, in a briefing Wednesday.

OCHA said the Goma airport's closure means the suspension of the flow of humanitarian cargo and rotations of humanitarian personnel.

Most roads connecting Goma to the rest of the country are also closed. However, the border with Rwanda is open, and additional humanitarian teams can enter the DRC.

"Humanitarian Coordinator Bruno Lemarquis calls on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and to end the violence targeting civilians," OCHA said. "He reiterates his call for the establishment of a secure humanitarian corridor to guarantee unhindered humanitarian access and the creation of a border crossing to facilitate the movement of people fleeing violence."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Sunday that he was deeply concerned by the escalating violence in the eastern DRC and reiterated his strongest condemnation of the M23's ongoing offensive and advances toward Goma.

Guterres called on the M23 to immediately cease all hostile actions and withdraw from occupied areas.

More than 400,000 people have been displaced since the start of 2025 in the eastern DRC, according to the UN.
Kolkata, Jan 30 : The Calcutta High Court on Thursday ordered the West Bengal Medical Council's Registrar Manas Chakraborty to immediately vacate the post.

A division bench of Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharya has also cautioned Chakraborty that unless he himself resigns by 5 p.m. on Friday (January 31), he will be removed from the position by the court.

The court gave this direction following the observation that he had been occupying that chair for five years even after his retirement. It also questioned how he could continue in that chair for such a long time without approval from the state government.

Although Chakrabortyas term as the West Bengal Medical Council Registrar ended in November 2019, he continued occupying the chair even after that. As per the provision of the Bengal Medical Act, 1914, the prior approval of the state government is necessary for the extension of anybodyas term in that chair - a practice which was not followed in the case of Chakraborty.

The division bench gave this direction on Thursday acting on a petition filed at the court challenging the extended tenure of Chakraborty as well as accusing rampant irregularities in the functioning of the council during his term.

While giving the direction for the immediate removal of Chakraborty from his chair, the division bench observed that the status of the state medical council cannot be above the state government.

Since the members of the council are in a noble profession, they should act accordingly, the division bench further observed.

Recently, Chakraborty came under strong criticism for slapping a show-case notice on Asfaqulla Naiya, one of the faces of the junior doctoras movement on the R.G. Kar rape and murder issue, accusing the latter of conducting private practice as an ENT specialist without possessing the necessary degree.

A police investigation was also started against Naiya. However, a single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court earlier this month had provided him with an interim shield against any coercive police action against him, including arrest.
New Delhi, Jan 30 : The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) on Thursday said it has filed the prosecution complaint in an illegal mining case pertaining to the Beas River in Himachal Pradesh and the Yamuna River in Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh.

Gian Chand and seven others have been arraigned as accused in the prosecution complaint filed before the Special Court (PMLA) in Ghaziabad. The court has also taken cognizance of the prosecution Complaint on January 17.

The case was initiated on the basis of formal complaints and intelligence inputs alleging illegal sand and mineral mining operations on the river bed of the Beas River by several mining mafias, including Gian Chand, and proceeds of crime to the tune of hundreds of crore have been generated through these illegal mining operations.

The ED initiated an investigation on the basis of six first information reports (FIRs) registered by different police stations in the districts of Kangra and Una in Himachal Pradesh relating to illegal mining.

As per the FIRs, it has been alleged that illegal mining activities are taking place on government land and tippers, poclains, JCBs and tractors are actively engaged in illegal mining in Himachal Pradesh. These vehicles were involved in illegally extracting minerals and consequently unlawfully transporting these minerals to stone crushers by overloaded vehicles.

Another FIR dated November 1, 2024, has also been registered by Behat police station in Saharanpur against Gian Chand and others.

In order to conduct the comprehensive investigation, another FIR of the UP Police has also been taken into the ambit of investigation in this case, the ED said in a statement.

Earlier, the ED had arrested Gian Chand and his accomplice Sanjay Kumar on November 18, 2024.

Further investigation by the ED has also resulted in the attachment of property to the tune of approximately Rs 4.9 crore. During the course of the investigation, 12 searches have been conducted on the premises of several mining mafias, including Gian Chand and his associates, in Himachal Pradesh and Saharanpur and statements of several persons have been recorded.

On scrutiny of incriminating material seized, it was found that Gian Chand and his associates are involved in illegal mining operations ranging from the Beas and Yamuna rivers.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 30 : In the race for best tableau during the Republic Day parade 2025, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat jostled for the numero uno spot. Both of them, however, ended up notching the top rank though under different categories.

Gujarat's tableau at the 76th Republic Day celebrations, themed aSwarnim Bharat: Virasat Ane Vikas", marked a beautiful culmination of 12th-century Solanki-era aKirti Torana of Vadnagar (Anartpur) and the awe-inspiring 21st-century aStatue of Unity', capturing the stateas historical legacy alongside its contemporary achievements.

An online poll was conducted by the MyGov portal from January 26-28, where common people shared their views and adjudged Gujarat tableau as the winner. The online poll saw Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand occupying the second and third spot, respectively.

Uttar Pradesh tableau, themed Mahakumbh 2025 - Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas bagged the top award in judges panel while Gujarat tableau themed Swarnim Bharat: Virasat Aur Vikas won the top honours in peopleas vote under the aPeopleas Choice categorya.

K.L. Bachani, Director of Information, Gandhinagar, said: "Under the vision of Prime Minister for 'Swarnim Bharat', we received guidance from Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Based on this, we designed the tableau showcasing Gujaratas development from the 12th century to the 21st century. This comprehensive representation earned First Prize in the Peopleas Choice category. We express our gratitude for this honor. This marks Gujaratas third consecutive achievement, as we secured the top position in 2023, 2024, and now in 2025."

Bachani, and Avantika Singh, Secretary to Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, attended the award ceremony for the Best Marching Contingent and Best Tableaux at Rashtriya Rangshala Camp, where Gujarat's tableau secured First Prize in the People's Choice category among Ministries/Departments of the government of India

During the Republic Day Parade award ceremony, Gujarat's artistes showcased a dance performance

A Gujarat Tableau artiste said: "Our experience has been very good... we practiced for three to four hours every morning for over a month... our performance was successful, and based on that, we received an award. And this year, we have achieved a hat-trick."

The online poll conducted this year was supposedly an addition to the standard protocol of three-member panel assessing the performance of Marching contingents from Services and CAPF and tableaux from various states and UTs as well as Ministries of Central government.

Among other awards in the Peopleas Choice category, the Signals contingent was awarded the best marching contingent among the services while CRPF contingent was adjudged the best among the CAPF and Auxiliary forces.

The Ministry of Women and Child Development, showcasing the multifaceted journey of women and children nurturing under the Ministry's welfare schemes, won the best tableau award in Central Ministries/Departments category.

Minister of State (MoS) for Defence Sanjay Seth presented the awards to best Marching Contingents and Tableaux of Republic Day Parade at the Rashtriya Rangshala Camp in the capital on Thursday.

He also thanked the Culture Ministry for taking up the challenge of creating new Guinness World Record of 5,000 artistes in the cultural performance.
Jammu, Jan 30 : Alert troops detected terrorist movement along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Khari Karmara area of J&K's Poonch district on Thursday after which a firing exchange broke out between the soldiers and the terrorists and is still on, the Army said.

Jammu, Jan 30 (IANS) Alert troops detected terrorist movement along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Khari Karmara area of J&Kas Poonch district on Thursday after which a firing exchange broke out between the soldiers and the terrorists and is still on, the Army said.

"Terrorist movement detected in Poonch sector along the Line of control. Alert troops opened fire leading to a heavy exchange of fire. Operations are underway," the Nagrota-headquartered White Knight Corps said on its official X post handle.

Defence sources said two terrorists have been killed in this encounter so far, but official confirmation is still awaited.

Security forces have been maintaining high vigil in the hinterland while the army is maintaining 24X7 vigil on the LoC to ensure that the terrorists do not sneak into the Indian side of the LoC to disturb peace and tranquillity in J&K.

On Wednesday, security forces carried out massive searches in 25 locations in the Rajouri district in an anti-terrorist operation to trace over ground workers (OGWs) of terrorists. Searches were also started by joint forces in the Doda district today after locals reported the movement of some suspicious persons in those areas.

Heightened vigil is being maintained in addition to the aggressive pursuit of terrorists by the security forces after the terrorists carried out some dastardly attacks towards the last quarter of last year.

On October 20, 2024, terrorists killed seven people, including six non-local workers of an infrastructure company and a local doctor in the Gagangir area of the Ganderbal district. On October 24 last year, terrorists ambushed an army vehicle in the Botapathri area of Gulmarg, killing three soldiers and two civilian porters. On November 2 last year, terrorists hurled a grenade at the busy Sunday market near the tourist reception centre (TRC) in Srinagar. A 42-year-old mother of three children was killed and 11 other civilians were injured in that grenade attack.
Chandigarh, Jan 30 : Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Thursday said new initiatives are being taken to encourage industrial institutions and promote investment for economic progress.

He said that the policies will be simplified on the basis of suggestions received in the pre-budget consultation meetings and he himself will review the issues related to the Haryana Enterprise Promotion Centre (HEPC) every three months.

The Chief Minister was chairing the sixth meeting of the pre-budget consultation with stakeholders related to the manufacturing sector for 2025-26 in Faridabad.

In the meeting, representatives of various organisations related to the manufacturing sector put forward their suggestions for the upcoming Budget.

Saini listened carefully to the suggestions of the representatives and also assured to consider the necessary issues in the upcoming Budget.

He said in the Budget, meaningful efforts will be made to meet the current needs as well as long-term goals.

"The upcoming Budget is a reflection of our collective ambitions and priorities. For the preparations of the Budget, it is necessary that we communicate with all sections of society so that necessary positive efforts can be made to fulfil the needs and dreams of every citizen of Haryana," an official statement quoting the Chief Minister said.

He said in the last few years Haryana has made remarkable progress in various fields, including agriculture, industry, education, infrastructure and technology.

Giving priority to constructive suggestions for strengthening the rural economy, promoting industrial investment, empowering youth through skill development and social welfare, proper representation will be given in the upcoming Budget.

To make the Budget inclusive, a meeting was held with representatives of different sectors and their suggestions were also taken.

He also assured to consider the suggestions put forward by the representatives regarding food processing, improving public transport, promoting facilities in industrial areas, promoting small industries, skill development, promoting MSMEs, ease-of-doing business and necessary reforms in industrial policy.
New Delhi, Jan 30 : Saying Arvind Kejriwal's governance model is not freebies, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, while campaigning for AAP candidates in Delhi on Thursday, addressed massive public meetings in Tuglakabad and Greater Kailash, and led roadshows in Kalkaji and Kasturba Nagar.

CM Mann urged the people of Delhi to choose progress, education, and healthcare over conflict, divisiveness, and corruption in the February 5 elections.

In Tuglakabad, Mann said the voters have to make a critical choice: "On one side, there are parties promoting conflict and hatred; on the other, there's AAP, promoting education, health, and employment. One side snatches from you; we give back to you. Delhi must decide its future and that of its children."

Mann lauded Arvind Kejriwal's governance model, saying: "For 10 years, Kejriwal-ji has ensured that taxpayers' money benefits the people through free electricity, clean water, quality schools, hospitals, and free bus services for women. These are not 'freebies'; they are rightful governance."

He also slammed BJP's rhetoric by saying: "They mock AAP's guarantees as 'freebies,' yet they themselves promise Rs 2,500 when Kejriwal announces Rs 2,100 for women. The public knows who to trust."

At Kalkaji, Mann highlighted AAP's proven track record in delivering on promises, saying, "We fulfil what we commit, be it in Delhi or Punjab. In Punjab, 90 per cent of households now have zero electricity bills due to the monthly 300 units of free power we promised."

He urged voters to back Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and reaffirmed AAP's commitment to public welfare.

"Delhi deserves leaders who think of your welfare, not their profits. Cast your vote for progress and honesty," he said.

In Greater Kailash, Mann reinforced the stark contrast between AAP and other parties, stating, "One side hurls abuses and spreads hatred; the other believes in working for the people. Arvind Kejriwal's vision has transformed governance, turning taxpayers' money into tangible benefits."

He pointed out AAP's transparency, recounting how the Punjab government bought back a private thermal plant to protect public assets.

"We don't sell public institutions for personal gain; we strengthen them," Mann said.

The Punjab CM also lambasted the BJP's failures in governance, saying, "Fifteen years of the MCD and 11 years of the Central government -- what have they done? Even a single sewer cap installed would be an achievement! But they have no work to show."

The Chief Minister urged voters to remain vigilant against last-minute bribes: "If someone offers you money, take it -- it's your tax money anyway -- but on February 5, press the button for AAP."
Bengaluru, Jan 30 : Karnataka cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has decided to utilise and control the land attached to the Bengaluru Palace Grounds located in the heart of Bengaluru city.

The Mysuru royal family owns the land and has said that they would initiate legal proceedings against the move.

Addressing the media, Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs H.K. Patil said that the cabinet discussed the implementation of the Bengaluru Palace Grounds Usage and Regulation Ordinance, 2025, which was issued on January 29, 2025.

"The Governor has approved the ordinance. The ordinance provides authority for the government to utilise and control the land. We will implement the Ordinance. Whatever is necessary, we will draw that power, of which the government is empowered now and do the act which is necessary," he announced.

He added: "I don't want to go into the details of the Bengaluru Palace Grounds land is being rented out. There is litigation with that family and the government about whether they are empowered or not, we are contending that they are illegal structures, that is all there and I don't want to go into details.

He added that the Ordinance has empowered the government and it will take necessary actions in consonance with the order.

"The Ordinance has been promulgated. The necessary actions would follow," he reiterated.

Minister Patil said that the Supreme Court order on December 10, 2024, asking the government to compensate for 15 acres of land of the Bengaluru Palace Grounds through Transferable Development Rights (TDR) has rendered the road expansion plan unviable. The payment of huge amounts as compensation is against the interest of the public and public policy.

Considering the severe impact on the state, the Bengaluru road-widening project is being dropped in the interest of the public under Section 3 of the Bengaluru Palace Grounds Usage and Regulation Ordinance, 2025, he stated.

Earlier, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had clarified that the government's decision to promulgate an ordinance to take over the prime property of Bengaluru Palace Grounds, owned by the Mysuru royal family, is not driven by enmity.

Sources said that Siddaramaiah has expedited the government's legal fight in the Supreme Court to acquire the Bengaluru Palace and surrounding places following the contest of the royal family's scion, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar from the Mysuru-Kodagu Lok Sabha election as the BJP candidate.

Mysuru is the native town of Siddaramaiah. He suffered a setback as Yaduveer registered a thumping victory against the Congress candidate M. Laxman, a close confidante of Siddaramaiah.

In 2015, Siddaramaiah announced that his government would expedite the legal proceedings to take over the Palace Grounds.

Responding to the issue, Mysuru's Maharani Pramoda Devi Wadiyar had stated that if any injustice is done to them regarding the Bengaluru Palace matter, they will pursue a legal battle.

Minister H.K. Patil further stated that the cabinet meeting held on Thursday has also decided to contain the density of population in Bengaluru by developing the surrounding towns and cities. Devanahalli, Magadi, Nelamangala, Hosakote, Doddaballapur and Bidadi will be developed as satellite townships with better road and rail connectivity.

The cabinet also agreed to implement the "Greater Bengaluru Samagra Upanagara" scheme to develop 10 villages in Ramanagara district under the Greater Bengaluru Development Authority. The permission is given to acquire the 8,032 acres of land. It has been decided to provide compensation of developed land of up to 35 to 50 per cent to the farmers. The townships would be developed and designed by companies chosen in the international tender.

The cabinet has agreed to increase the quota of reservation for sportspersons from 2 per cent to 3 per cent in the direct recruitment of police department from the level of police constable to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP).

The Bidar City Municipal Council will be converted into the Bidar City Corporation.

The cabinet also decided to merge or shut down the public companies. There are 125 public companies in the state among which 34 are making profits, 33 are incurring losses and 16 companies are non-functional and shut down.

It has also been decided to continue L.K. Ateeq in the post of the Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister on a contract basis post his retirement.
New Delhi, Jan 30 : India is making tremendous strides in tackling Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD), said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Thursday on the occasion of World NTD Day.

World NTD Day is observed every year on January 30. The theme this year is aUnite. Act. Eliminatea.

"We join the global community in observing World NTD Day. Neglected Tropical Diseases have not been neglected in India, as we have been making tremendous strides in tackling these diseases," Dr. Tanu Jain, Director, National Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs) Control Programme (NCVBDC), told IANS.

Marking the occasion, India Gate was lit in shades of purple and pink

The campaign was undertaken to raise awareness about these diseases and also highlight Indiaas efforts to combat them.

Jain informed that India continues with the burden of Lymphatic Filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis. It is a painful and profoundly disfiguring disease.

"Our fight against Lymphatic Filariasis continues, as we have stopped Mass Drug Administration in 139 districts where it is now eliminated," she said.

She called on people in the endemic districts to participate in the biannual MDA round on February 10.

Jain also advised people to "consume preventive medicine, even if you are not personally affected".

Even as India aims to eliminate this disease by 2027, "community participation and support in areas with microfilariae prevalence" is essential.

Dr. Neeraj Dhingra, Former Director, NCVBDC (National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control) said that sustained interventions and strengthened surveillance are crucial to the elimination of NTDs like LF and VL in India.

Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) threatens 404 million people in India.

In addition, he also urged for integrated vector management coupled with community engagement" to tackle the disease burden.

"'Unite. Act. Eliminate,a approach underscores the fact that NTDs are not just a health concern but deeply tied to social, economic and environmental factors," he said.

The illumination of India Gate was accompanied by a nukkad natak (street play) which engaged the public and reinforced the importance of behavioural change and participation in health initiatives like Mass Drug Administration (MDA) rounds for LF.
Romanian presidential candidate Kelin Georgescu has attacked the territorial integrity of Ukraine. According to the far-right pro-Russian politician, some Ukrainian regions could allegedly join Romania.

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Moreover, Georgescu called Ukraine a "fictional state." He said this in an interview with journalist Ion Cristoiu.

The politician said that the change of Ukraine's borders is "inevitable," so Romania should already think about which regions can be taken away from the neighboring country. In addition, he believes that some regions of Ukraine could allegedly "join" Poland and Hungary.

"The world is changing, borders will change. Moreover, if the borders change, where will we be? We have an interest in Northern Bukovyna. We have Bujak, we have Northern Maramures, right? From the former... what was it called... Transcarpathia! There are also Hungarians... Lviv, which will remain with the Poles, and Malorossia," Georgescu said.

At the same time, the pro-Russian politician has no doubt that the only way forward for Ukraine is to "divide the country." Georgescu also added that he considers our country a "Soviet socialist republic."

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"One hundred percent it will be. Well, they have no other way! The road to something like this is inevitable. Ukraine is a fictional state. It is the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic," the politician said.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, the Constitutional Court of Romania annulled the results of the first round of the presidential election, in which the pro-Russian politician Georgescu was declared the winner.

Repeated presidential elections in Romania will be held in May. The decision has already been made by the government coalition, but the date of the presidential election will be officially approved at a government meeting.

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In early January, several thousand supporters of pro-Russian politician Kelin Georgescu protested outside the Romanian parliament building. They demanded that the Constitutional Court's decision to annul the results of the first round of the presidential election be overturned and that the second round of voting be resumed.

Earlier it was reported that the Romanian Prosecutor General's Office is investigating Russian interference in the presidential election. Prior to that, the Romanian Supreme Defense Council declassified documents about the aggressive election campaign of Kelin Georgescu on the social network TikTok. About 25,000 accounts were used to increase his popularity and manipulate public opinion.

We have only verified information on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Chandigarh, Jan 30 : Chandigarh BJP leader, Sanjay Tandon, on Thursday, congratulated the newly elected party's Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla, expressing confidence that her leadership would propel the city towards greater progress.

Chandigarh, Jan 30 (IANS) Chandigarh BJP leader, Sanjay Tandon, on Thursday, congratulated the newly elected partyas Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla, expressing confidence that her leadership would propel the city towards greater progress.

Tandon highlighted her victory as a BJP-supported candidate reflects both the peopleas trust and the success of the partyas policies.

Tandon reiterated that the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation would play a crucial role in fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a developed India.

He emphasised that with initiatives like the cleanliness drive and the direct implementation of the Central government schemes, the city is poised for rapid development.

He also stated that the Central government remains fully committed to the growth of Chandigarh, ensuring that residents will now benefit directly from these programmes.

Tandon said under the previous AAP-led mayoral leadership, the cityas development had stagnated, and many Central initiatives had failed to gain momentum.

With a BJP-backed mayor now in charge, he assured that these schemes would be swiftly implemented, and additional funding would be sought from the Central government to accelerate progress in Chandigarh.

After the INDIA Bloc's partners the Congress and AAP faced a humiliating defeat for the Chandigarh mayor's post despite a majority to the main opposition BJP, the latter accused its partner of indulging in cross-voting.

Senior AAP leader and spokesperson Neel Garg said Congress councillors indulged in cross-voting, leading to the election of BJP's Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla, replacing AAP's Kuldeep Kumar.

Harpreet Kaur defeated AAP's Prem Lata by two votes. The latter got 17 votes. In the 36-member House, the AAP-Congress alliance has 19 councillors -- 13 votes of AAP and six of the Congress, while the BJP has 16 votes.

One vote was of Congress MP Manish Tewari, an ex-officio member of the corporation, taking its total votes to 20. However, Congress candidates from the INDIA Bloc, Jasbir Singh Bunty and Taruna Mehta, were elected as Senior Deputy Mayor, and Deputy Mayor of Chandigarh, respectively, by securing 19 votes each.

AAP's Neel Garg said the Congress councillors have betrayed them.

"The Congress and the BJP are secretly in collusion. This incident has made it completely clear. Both are two sides of the same coin," he told the media.

He said the public should not trust Congress either because if people vote for it, their councillors would later support the BJP, claiming that the Congress would do the same in Delhi as well.

"There too, they will end up supporting the BJP. Hence, voting for the Congress is equivalent to wasting one's vote," he said.

Garg said the councillors from the Aam Aadmi Party supported the Congress. Their Deputy Mayor and Senior Deputy Mayor were elected with our votes.

"But they have betrayed us," he added.

In the run-up to the election, Congress councillor Gurbax Rawat switched sides and joined the BJP. However, BJP's Punjab spokesperson, Pritpal Singh Baliawal, said by winning the mayoral position the BJP has exposed the Congress-AAP alliance, proving that both parties are internally united while misleading the public.

Baliawal emphasised that although the people of Punjab helped Congress win seven seats in the Lok Sabha elections, the Congress-AAP alliance now stands "exposed" before the public.

He asserted that this will directly impact the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. He also recalled that Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring had declared during the Amritsar mayoral elections that, despite the Congress and AAP being part of the INDIA bloc at the national level, the Congress had no past, present, or future association with AAP.
Chennai, Jan 30 : After visiting the villagers at Melur Arittapatti, Tamil Nadu BJP President Annamalai spoke to the media and shared his views on various issues. He expressed gratitude for the visit of Union Minister G Kishan Reddy to Melur Arittapatti and the Vallalapatti area.

He said that all 14 Ambalakarars, along with other community leaders, had warmly invited Kishan Reddy to the village, where he stayed and accepted their hospitality. Annamalai praised this gesture, saying it reflected Prime Minister Narendra Modi's belief in the pure spirit of democracy and the ethos of the country.

He clarified that the tungsten mining process was not the fault of the central government, as the state government had failed to object to the project. However, after the villagers expressed their objections in a peaceful and democratic manner, Prime Minister Modi, who has always stood for the welfare of poor farmers, listened to their grievances and acted swiftly, he added.

Within 24 hours of the villagers' first visit to Delhi on January 22, the central government cancelled the mining project, showcasing the commitment of the Modi government to its people. Annamalai remarked that this action proved the kind of government India has under Prime Minister Modi.

He then turned his attention to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin, questioning how many resolutions had been brought to the Assembly. He accused the CM of passing resolutions that were not in line with the Constitution. Annamalai challenged the notion that the state government played a role in the cancellation of the mining project, calling it a lie. He affirmed that it was "PM Modi and Kishan Reddy Garu who were responsible for responding to the villagers' concerns and taking action".

On the topic of the ECR Road issue in Chennai, Annamalai highlighted the troubling trend where victims were treated as accused and accused individuals were hailed as heroes. He cited the Anna University case and the ECR incident involving four women who were harassed and abused by individuals in a DMK flag vehicle. Despite the severity of the incident, the police report downplayed the situation, blaming the victims.

Annamalai pointed out that when BJP supporters were involved in a similar incident, authorities quickly acted. He questioned why there was no urgency in handling such cases involving the DMK, pointing to the declining law and order in the state under the current government.
Jalna, Jan 30 : Pro-Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange-Patil on Thursday suspended his indefinite hunger strike while giving a warning to the state government to stage a fresh protest in Mumbai if the demands made by him are not met.

He further declared that the state government would not be able to stop the Maratha community from holding protests in Mumbai to press its demands.

Jarange-Patil announced the suspension of his indefinite hunger strike at Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district after BJP legislator Suresh Dhas gave him juice.

Jarange-Patil has been on indefinite hunger strike since last Saturday to press for the inclusion of the Maratha community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. Further, he has demanded the implementation of the draft notification that recognised Kunbis as "sage soyare" (blood relatives) of Maratha community members for granting reservation to the latter under the OBC category.

The state government did not approach Jarange-Patil nor react to Jarange-Patil's indefinite hunger strike, the seventh in the last 16 months.

"If the government does not take a decision soon regarding our demands, the next agitation will be held in Mumbai," he said.

"We want all the demands to be implemented. If the protest starts in Mumbai, I will not back down from there. Even if the police resort to lathi charge. The ministers and their sons will be targeted," he said.

Jarange-Patil's agitation coincides with the state-wide protests against the brutal killing of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh from Beed district.

The protestors include members from ruling and opposition parties in addition to various social and non-government organisations who are at the forefront to demand the resignation of NCP minister Dhananjay Munde as his close associate Walmik Karad, who is currently in jail and booked under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, is allegedly linked with the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh.

Jarange has demanded capital punishment for the assailants involved in the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is in Delhi for the Assembly poll campaigning, welcomed Jarange-Patil's decision, saying that whatever decisions taken for the development of the Maratha community were taken by the MahaYuti government.

"It is the duty of the government to address issues within the legal framework. The demands should be within the framework of law and constitution. If they will, then the government will respond," he said.
New Delhi, Jan 30 : At a public rally in Badli Assembly Constituency, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi took a sharp jibe at former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of being all talk and no action, particularly regarding the cleaning of the Yamuna river.

Rahul Gandhi reminded the audience that five years ago, Kejriwal had made a bold claim, promising he would drink water from the Yamuna once it was cleaned. However, according to the Congress leader, instead of following through on his promise, Kejriwal is now only holding press conferences with bottles filled with river water.

The Congress MP dismissed this gesture as hollow and a clear indication of Kejriwal's lack of genuine effort.

Rahul Gandhi also shared a video of Yamuna on X in which he said "in the last election, Arvind Kejriwal had promised to take a dip in the Yamuna. Now, Delhi is waiting for him to fulfill that promise".

"Kejriwal ji, now 2025 has arrived. When will you take a dip in the Yamuna? Delhi is waiting!" he wrote in the caption of the video.

At the rally, Rahul Gandhi said: "Kejriwal ji, 5 years ago, you were speaking about drinking Yamuna water, today somebody told me that he is holding press conferences holding bottles carrying Yamuna river, it is hollowness."

In the same breath, the Congress leader emphasised that the issue at hand went beyond mere political blame. He stressed that the Yamuna should be seen not just as a water body, but as a living being that deserves respect.

"We must see the Yamuna not just as a water body, but as a living being. We need to respect it," he said, urging everyone to treat the river with the reverence it deserves.

Rahul Gandhi slammed the AAP government for neglecting the Yamuna and abandoning it to its deteriorating fate. He called for collective action to bring about meaningful change, urging the public to step up where the government has failed.

"When the government has left the Yamuna to fend for itself, we must come together and take steps to change its condition," he said.

He also encouraged the public to actively participate in the movement for Yamuna's restoration.

"If you have any suggestions, please share them with us at this link. We will listen to the voice of India," the former Congress chief concluded, calling for a united effort to revive the Yamuna and protect its future.

He also shared a link inviting suggestions from the public.
New Delhi, Jan 30 : Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty, who is the wife of renowned businessman, and founder of Infosys Narayana Murthy, spoke to IANS about her Kumbh bath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Fit India campaign.

In an interview with IANS, Sudha Murty answered several questions. When asked about her interest in archaeology, she said: "I really like Indian archaeology. Anything related to Indian history still feels like I am a student. I enjoy it a lot."

Responding to a question regarding devotion and Mahakumbh visit, she said: "I do practice devotion. Yes, we went to the Mahakumbh, and we took a dip three times. It is a belief."

Speaking about the special occurrence of the Mahakumbh every 144 years, she added: "The new generation is going to Kumbh in large numbers. Personally, I have faith, and I believe in it. My grandparents, great-grandparents had planned to take a dip in the Ganga, but they never did because we are from the South, and traveling was very difficult 70 years ago. So, I had the thought that if ever Kumbh comes, I will offer a ritual in their name. I needed to pay my debt to them."

On the topic of faith and devotion, she explained: "It is personal. What kind of devotion I have in my heart, what you have in yours, it is entirely private. I can't say much about it."

Talking about the rising obesity levels, especially among the youth in the country, she said: "I think you should eat healthy things. There is no harm in eating sweets, but the quantity should be limited, and everyone should enjoy. Instead of ten, have two or three puris. We take just one. You should also engage in physical exercise. You need to do mental exercises too. Yoga, meditation, all these things are good."

When asked about how she stays fit and what she does for stress relief, she said: "I don't think too much. Our expectations are low. Even if we expect, it should be in line with reality. If expectations are high and reality is low, then stress occurs."
Jaipur, Jan 30 : Deputy District Election Officer Jaipur, Ashish Kumar, has directed all department heads to grant paid leave on polling day to officers and employees working in Jaipur district who are registered voters in Delhi NCR constituencies.

He said that the heads of various departments, boards, corporations, and undertakings, have been authorised to approve paid leave upon application.

The Labour Department has also mandated paid leave for all workers, including casual labourers, employed in private industrial institutions and government undertakings in Jaipur district if they are registered voters of Delhi NCR.

Earlier, highlighting aModi Ki Guaranteea, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assured Delhi voters that all the promises made in BJP's Sankalp Patra (Manifesto) will be fulfilled by the party's new government.

He addressed two public meetings in support of BJP candidates Bhuvan Tanwar from Delhi Cantt and Om Prakash Sharma from Vishwas Nagar.

In his speech, Rajnath Singh said that when the Lok Sabha elections were held, the people of India trusted the BJP and gave their support to elect Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister for the third time.

"The strength of a leader lies in the trust of the people. What one says, one does," he said, highlighting PM Modi's delivery on promises.

"The BJP is a political party that says what it does and does what it says. If you can give one example where we didnat fulfil our promises, I will personally apologise. Looking at our manifestos from 2014 to 2024, you will realise that we have delivered on the promises made. If we say something and do it, you should vote for us," said the Defence Minister.

After Congressa exit, hundreds of political parties emerged, but none was able to form a government at the Centre. If anyone did, it was for only 6 months or even less. The support BJP has received in the last three Lok Sabha elections is the result of development and welfare schemes, he said.

Rajnath Singh said that the Aam Aadmi Party came to power on the issue of Jan Lokpal but today their government is collapsing due to corruption.
Mumbai, Jan 30 : Kapoor sisters Sonam and Rhea have become an inspiration for fashion mongers over the years, thanks to their chic choices of attires. Recently, the two ladies flew to France, to attend the Paris Fashion Week. Rhea Kapoor took to her official Instagram handle to drop glimpses from their visit.

The first pic featured Sonam Kapoor and Rhea Kapoor twinning in stylish black attires. This was followed by a few pictures of the local delicacies enjoyed by the two. Next, the 'Veere Di Wedding' maker also posted a couple of pictures and videos from the fashion week. "YY with @sonamkapoor since 2012 and it never gets old...", Rhea Kapoor wrote as the caption.

Sonam Kapoor commented on the post saying, "Love you".

Additionally, Bhumi Pednekar shared a red heart emoji in the comment section.

In the meantime, Sonam Kapoor and Rhea Kapoor recently made quite a few heads turn at the Elie Saab Haute Couture show at Paris Fashion Week. The 'Neerja' actress redefined elegance in the exquisite look curated by Rhea Kapoor for the event.

Sonam Kapooras ensemble was designed by Lebanon-based fashion designer Elie Saab. She graced the event in a beautifully crafted knit sweater, embellished with intricate cross-stitch details and delicate eyelets. The high turtleneck, ribbed cuffs, and hem offered a structured yet relaxed fit.

The diva accessorized her outfit of the day with matching white leather boots, broad-tinted sunglasses, gold rose-shaped earrings, a ring, and a luxurious watch adorned with rainbow crystals.

Rhea Kapoor shares snaps of Sonam Kapoor's voguish attire on her Instagram where she was seen posing in style.

On the work front, Sonam Kapoor will next be seen streamlining the upcoming film aBattle of Bittora". The project is a cinematic adaptation of Anuja Chau-hanas novel. The rights to the book have been acquired by Rhea Kapoor. The film will be bankrolled under the banner of Anil Kapoor Film in association with Communication Network.
Jaipur, Jan 30 : Congress and BJP held legislature party meetings ahead of the start of the Assembly session on Thursday.

Notably, former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje was absent from the BJP meeting, while former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Congress National General Secretary Sachin Pilot were absent from the Congress meeting.

Raje is currently at the Maha Kumbh, where she performed a puja with her family and took a dip at the Triveni Sangam Ghat.

Pilot is engaged in campaigning for the Delhi elections, and Gehlot is on a tour of Mumbai.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma convened a meeting of the Council of Ministers, instructing them to be well-prepared with their responses in the House. However, Minister Kirodi Lal Meena was absent, as he was touring Sawai Madhopur and conducting a public hearing at the Municipal Council.

Kirodi has also sought permission to remain absent from the House, fueling political discussions about his absence from the ministerial meeting.

He has tendered his resignation a long time back, however, it is yet to be accepted by the government.

The BJP legislature party meeting was held at the Chief Minister's Residence in which the Chief Minister urged MLAs to maintain a positive approach in the House.

He emphasised the importance of responding appropriately if the opposition creates disruptions.

Challenging the Congress, the Chief Minister asserted that the governmentas one-year tenure should be compared to the last three years of the previous administration, claiming that the BJP has excelled in employment and development.

He also advised MLAs to respect party workers, referring to them as "lawyers" who advocate for their leaders.
Rajkot, Jan 30 : Rajkot Sessions Court in Gujarat has sentenced Ramesh Bhagwandas Tolani, a Divisional Engineer (Works) of Western Railway, to three years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 15,000 in a corruption case dating back to 2011.

The case originated when a complainant at the railway station applied for an extension of their contract to provide drinking water to passengers and railway staff.

Tolani allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 40,000 in exchange for approving the two-year extension. Following a complaint, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) conducted an operation and arrested him.

The case was registered under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, at the ACB police station in Rajkot. After reviewing the evidence and witness testimonies, the court found Tolani guilty.

He has been sentenced to three years under Sections 13(1)(d) and 13(2), along with a Rs 10,000 fine. Failure to pay the fine would result in an additional three months of imprisonment. The ACB has urged the public to report any instances of corruption via their toll-free helpline (1064) or through WhatsApp at 90999 11095.

Gujarat has witnessed a notable increase in bribery cases in recent years. Between 2021 and 2022, the state's Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) reported a 16.5 per cent rise in registered bribery incidents, with cases climbing from 145 in 2021 to 169 in 2022. The total monetary value involved in these cases amounted to Rs 2.23 crore.

Notably, 86 personnel from the Gujarat Police were implicated during this period. In 2023, the Gujarat Police maintained its position as the department with the highest reported instances of bribery for the fifth consecutive year since 2019.

The ACB registered 66 cases involving the Home Department, leading to the arrest of 94 individuals, including 65 police officers and 29 associates. The bureau recovered bribes totalling Rs 38.07 lakh in 60 of these cases.
The Secretariat of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has refused to register an amendment recognizing Russian dictator Vladimir Putin as responsible for numerous acts of terror against civilians. After the Ukrainian delegation was outraged, the PACE agreed to consider the amendment, but only if the word "terrorist" was removed from the text.

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This was reported to the Ukrainian media by Ukrainian MP Oleksandr Merezhko, who, along with three other co-authors, initiated the amendment. According to him, the incident occurred during the work on the resolution "Europe's Commitment to a Just and Sustainable Peace in Ukraine," which PACE is considering on Thursday.

The day before, the Assembly was registering proposals for the resolution.

Merezhko, other PACE members, including five representatives of Ukraine, including the head of the Verkhovna Rada delegation, and Swedish representative Markus Wiechel proposed an amendment that referred to the Kremlin's head.

Had it been adopted, PACE would have"recognized that Vladimir Putin is a terrorist, under whose leadership numerous acts of terror against civilians have been committed."

However, after all the parliamentarians' proposals were published, this amendment was not among them.

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In a response explaining this refusal, the PACE Secretariat informed the Network in writing that "the designation of the head of state as a terrorist is tantamount to the use of offensive and obscene terms, which are inappropriate in an official document of the Assembly."

"The Secretariat refers to the fact that amendments cannot contain personal insults. But, excuse me, it is clear to every international lawyer that "terrorist" is a legal term. Moreover, the Assembly has already recognized Russia as a terrorist regime!" Merezhko told reporters.

He added that "it is not the secretariat's job to decide what is offensive to whom."

"There are PACE members who can reject my amendment. This is how the democratic process works. And what has happened now is an act of political censorship," the MP said.

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Later, amid the scandal, the PACE agreed to register the amendment, provided that the Verkhovna Rada members agreed to remove the word "terrorist" in reference to Putin from the text.

Merezhko and other co-authors agreed, the media reported.

To consider the amended amendment, the Assembly was forced to deviate from its procedures and put the amendment to a vote without considering it in committee.

The following wording was put to a vote in the hall: "PACE recognizes that Vladimir Putin must be held accountable for the numerous acts of terror committed against civilians during his rule."

"77 deputies voted in favor, one voted against (Belgian socialist Christophe Lacroix), and six abstained.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, on January 30, the PACE adopted a resolution calling for a reduction in the price limit for oil from Russia, a complete ban on Russian gas imports, and tougher measures against the "shadow fleet" that helps to circumvent sanctions. These steps should reduce the financing of Russia's military aggression and increase economic pressure on Moscow.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
New Delhi, Jan 30 : Union Home Minister and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Thursday released the "Indian Renaissance: The Modi Decade" book in the national capital.

On this occasion, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal, Rajya Sabha MP Kartikeya Sharma, the book's editor Aishwarya Pandit, and several other distinguished personalities were present.

Union Home Minister Shah said that in the past 10 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure has marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new one.

He emphasised that whenever India's history is rewritten, even PM Modi's staunchest critics will acknowledge these 10 years in golden letters.

He also said that in 2014, India entered a new era, receiving a stable government after three decades, leading to success in every part of the country.

Union Minister Shah said that this transformation has been interpreted in various ways, with a foreign newspaper even writing that while India attained independence on August 15, 1947, it was under PM Modi's leadership in 2014 that the country truly gained freedom from colonial influences.

He added that our country gained freedom from a long period of colonial rule on August 15, 1947.

He further highlighted that India is one of the world's oldest civilisations, known for its openness -- whether in embracing new ideas, welcoming foreign citizens, or accepting diverse languages.

Union Minister Shah noted that India is the only country in the world that has embraced multiple civilisations, modified its own traditions, and continued its journey while preserving its essence.

He emphasised that India is unique in its ability to sustain numerous languages, cultures, dialects, and religions, all coexisting with mutual respect while progressing together as a nation.

Meanwhile, Aishwarya Pandit, editor of the book, while interacting with the media, said: "If you look around you will see transformation... I tried to put on paper the changes that have taken place in the last 10 years. We also took a look at the impact of digitisation on an average household."

Home Minister Amit Shah further said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, numerous reforms have taken place across various sectors, accelerating overall growth. He highlighted that the size and scale of every sector have expanded significantly.

The Union Minister emphasised that no one could have imagined that during the world's biggest pandemic, Covid-19, India would manage the crisis most efficiently.

Through the use of technology, the country successfully vaccinated its 1.3 billion population and seamlessly provided vaccination certificates, HM Shah said.

He also noted that India was among the first to develop a Covid-19 vaccine and supplied it to more than 100 countries.

Amit Shah, a former BJP chief, said that in the future, India's history will be divided into three distinct parts. The first part will be "India before Independence and after Independence", the second part will be "India before Emergency and after Emergency", and the third part will be "India before PM Modi and after PM Modi", he added.

He emphasised that when a leader guides his nation with hard work, diligence, a clean heart, and a visionary approach, history cannot ignore him.

Union Minister Shah highlighted that during the 25th and 50th anniversaries of India's independence, programmes were primarily held in schools, panchayats, and government buildings, with resolutions passed in Legislative Assemblies and Parliament.

However, the 75th anniversary of Independence was celebrated on a much larger scale, with more than eight lakh programmes organised despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

He credited PM Modi for ensuring that the new generation learns about the freedom movement from 1857 to 1947 and that the unsung heroes of independence receive their due recognition.

He added that PM Modi encouraged the nation to take pride in its achievements over the past 75 years and inspired citizens to commit to making India a fully developed nation by August 15, 2047.

Union Minister Shah asserted that PM Modi has set a clear target for India to become a fully developed nation by 2047.

He remarked that what started as the Prime Minister's resolution has now become the collective aspiration of 130 crore Indians.

He expressed confidence that India's youth will be the driving force behind making the country the number one global power by 2047, adding that PM Modi recognises that if every Indian takes a single step forward, the country will advance by 130 crore steps.

Referring to the Covid-19 pandemic, HM Shah recalled how the entire country obeyed PM Modi's call for a 'Janta Curfew' and stayed indoors. He compared this response to the public's reaction to the appeal for fast made by former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, indicating that it was one of the rare moments when citizens wholeheartedly followed a leader's call.

Union Home Minister Shah said that to truly understand PM Modi's journey, one must look beyond his tenure from 2001 to 2025 and consider his 40 years of service before that.

He described PM Modi as someone who has always prioritised the welfare of others and never used public funds for personal benefit.

He also praised PM Modi for implementing bold reforms and making tough decisions that the public has continuously supported, leading to his repeated electoral victories.

Union Home Minister Shah said that the last 10 years of PM Modi's leadership serve as the foundation for India's next 25 years, known as "Amrit Kaal".

The Union Home Minister highlighted various welfare initiatives, including providing houses to 60 crore poor people, gas connections, toilets, drinking water, free medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakh, and five kg of free food grains, among other benefits.

He credited PM Modi with launching a revolutionary transformation in both Gujarat and Delhi.

Union Home Minister Shah underscored that PM Modi's achievements have been recognised worldwide.

He also said that PM Modi is the only global leader today who has been honoured with the highest civilian awards from 16 different countries.

Union Home Minister Shah compared PM Modi to Mahatma Gandhi, stating that after the Father of the Nation, PM Modi is the only leader to have prioritised cleanliness on a national scale, ensuring the construction of toilets for 13 crore households.

Reflecting on the country's progress over the past decade, he said that 10 years ago, India's governance was marked by policy paralysis, whereas today, it is defined by a "politics of performance".

He expressed confidence that by 2047, India will be fully developed, will dominate the global stage, and retain its deep-rooted cultural and national identity.
Guwahati, Jan 30 : The Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Guwahati has sentenced two more accused in the ABT (Ansarullah Bangla Team) case of Assam, sources said on Thursday.

NIA sources said that Mufti Suleiman Ali and Imran Hossen a.k.a. Imran Hossain have been punished with imprisonment and fine under various sections of Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

In the same case seven accused were earlier convicted and sentenced by the special court. The two accused have been sentenced to simple imprisonment (SI) of 6 months and fine of Rs 500 with 14 additional days of SI in case of payment default.

They have also been punished with Rigorous Imprisonment (RI) for the period already undergone (2 years 8 month 21 days) under UAPA Act.

The case was registered in March 2022 and relates to an ABT module affiliated to the proscribed international terror organisation, the Al Qaeda in the Indian Sub-Continent (AQIS).

Headed by Bangladeshi national Saiful Islam alias Haroon Rashid, the module was active in Barpeta district of Assam.

NIA had originally chargesheet eight accused in the case in August 2022, and had subsequently filed a supplementary chargesheet against two others in August 2023. Further investigation and trial in the case continues.

Meanwhile, the Assam Police's Special Task Force (STF) has so far arrested 14 associates of the ABT, a Bangladesh-based terror group affiliated with Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) from Assam, West Bengal and Kerala.

The STF as part of its 'Operation Praghat' operation against fundamentalists and Global Terrorist Organisations (GTO) arrested these 14 ABT associates.

STF sources said that the 14 detainees, including Bangladeshi nationals, were working under the direction of Md Farhan Israk, a close associate of Jasimuddin Rahmani, the Chief of ABT. The ABT sent one Bangladeshi national Md Sad Radi alias Shab Sheikh a resident of Rajshahi, Bangladesh, to India to spread their nefarious ideology amongst like-minded people across India.

Sad Radi (32) was apprehended from Kerala in December last year.
Patna, Jan 31 : Three persons were killed and one other was seriously injured in a collision between two bikes in Bihar's Aurangabad district on Thursday.

The fatal accident occurred near the Pratappur intersection in the Bandeya police station area of Goh block.

According to police, three youths were travelling on one bike towards a nearby market when another speeding motorcycle collided with them head-on.

The deceased have been identified as Aditya Kumar (18), a resident of Buxar village, Bandeya police station area, Beche Jagan (30), a resident of Simrahui village, Fesar police station area and Sanjay Kumar, a resident of Paanti village in Fesar police station area.

The injured person has been identified as Pawan Kumar (19), a resident of Simrahui village under the jurisdiction of Fesar police station.

Upon receiving information, the police immediately reached the accident site and transported the injured to the hospital.

The injured person was initially taken to Goh Primary Heath Centre where doctors have referred him to Magadh Medical College, Gaya, for advanced treatment.

"We have informed the family members of the victims. The dead bodies were sent for post-mortem," said an official spokesperson of Aurangabad Police.

The family members of the deceased were seen crying uncontrollably after hearing about the incident.

The incident has caused panic in the local area, with authorities urging commuters to follow traffic rules to prevent such mishaps.

Earlier in the day, a bus-truck collision on National Highway 31 in Bihar's Purnea district left two passengers killed and around a dozen passengers injured on Thursday.

The accident occurred between Hijla and Dighi Bridge under Baisi police station limits when a bus travelling from Patna to Kishanganj collided head-on with a truck loaded with bamboo coming from the opposite direction at a high speed. The crash severely damaged both vehicles.
Bhopal, Jan 31 : Former Madhya Pradesh High Court Justice Rohit Arya said on Thursday that 'One Nation One Election' "is in the interest of the country's growth" and it is under the "purview of the Constitution".

Justice (retired) Arya made this statement after a panel of convenors of 'One Nation One Election' for Madhya Pradesh held its first meeting at the BJP headquarters here.

The central leadership of the BJP recently formed the state's 'One Nation One Election' committee, and Justice (retired) Arya has been appointed as a coordinator along with Madhya Pradesh BJP Chief V.D. Sharma.

While Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava has been made as a co-convenor.

During an interaction with media persons after the meeting, Arya said, "The people's participation would be required for the implementation of 'One Nation One Election', and for that, we need to make the people fully aware of the concept."

He further said that people would support the proposal of 'One Nation One Election' after they would be made aware of the benefits from it.

"People should be informed that this proposal is in the interest of the country's progress," he added.

He said that due to the simultaneous election process in the country (one after another state), the elected Council of Ministers mostly remains busy in the elections and they can't give more time for execution of the development agenda.

"It's not about any particular party or the state and it is happening everywhere. After the 'One Nation One Election' is implemented, not only the Ministers and other machinery would have enough time to focus on the development of the states and the country," Arya added.

Responding on when the 'One Nation One Election' system is supposed to be implemented, Arya said, "Former President Ram Nath Kovind's report has recommended for implementation of the proposals by 2034. But, before that, we need to convince every citizen of the country."

The Union Cabinet in December last year approved Bills to implement "One Nation, One Election".

Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava, who is a co-convenor for the panel appointed for Madhya Pradesh, last week said that the BJP is planning to organise discussions and lectures across the state to raise awareness on holding simultaneous polls.
Washington, Jan 31 : Tulsi Gabbard told US Senators at a hearing to confirm her as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) that she has "no love for Assad or Gaddafi or any dictator" as her critics have said, "I just hate al Qaeda."

Gabbard has faced some tough questioning from Senators, both Republicans, who control the US Senate, and Democrats, on several issues on which she has spoken before, taking positions contrary to that of the administration.

She denied Assad had used chemical weapons on his own people and said it was a mistake to help in the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in Libya and Hosni Mubarak in Egypt.

She also faced questions about her past defence of Edward Snowden, the NSA intelligence contractor, who leaked a large number of classified documents and currently lives in Russia. And her positions on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

She lashed out against her critics in her opening remarks.

"Those who oppose my nomination imply that I am loyal to something or someone other than God, my own conscience, and the Constitution of the US, accusing me of being Trump's puppet, Putin's puppet, Assad's puppet," she said.

"I have no love for Assad or Gaddafi or any dictator," she added.

"I just hate al Qaeda. I hate that we have leaders who cozy up to Islamist extremists, minimising them to so-called rebels."

Gabbard is a military veteran who continues to serve in the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the army reserve and served several terms in the House of Representatives as a Democrat.

She also ran for the Democratic presidential nomination, losing it to Joe Biden in 2020. She has since supported and endorsed President Donald Trump's second run for the White House and after his victory, she accepted his nomination to be the Director of National Intelligence, whose office oversees the US intelligence community made of 18 agencies and organisations such as the CIA, NSA, FBI, and Defence Intelligence Agency.

Listing a series of intelligence failures such as the Iraq war and politicisation and weaponisation of the intelligence community such as the investigation of President Trump's first campaign, Gabbard said, "President Trump's re-election is a clear mandate from the American people to break this cycle of failure, end the weaponisation and politicisation of the intelligence community and begin to restore trust in those who've been charged with the critical task of securing our nation."

"If confirmed as DNI," she added, "I will do my very best to fulfill this mandate and bring leadership to the intelligence community with a laser-like focus on our essential mission, ensuring the safety, security, and freedom of the American people as the President's principal intelligence adviser."

Gabbard also lashed out against those who have targeted her religion. She is Hindu.

"Unfortunately, they're once again using the religious bigotry card, but this time trying to foment religious bigotry against Hindus and Hinduism. If anyone is sincerely interested in knowing more about my own personal spiritual path of Hinduism, I welcome you to go to my account on X where I'll share more on this topic."
Karen Shapiro, publishing manager of the IP childrens editorial group at Sourcebooks and founding editorial director of its Wonderland proprietary childrens imprint, died suddenly and unexpectedly of undisclosed causes this past weekend, reports the Chicagoland publisher. Shapiro, who lived in Naperville and worked at Sourcebooks since 2014 as publishing manager of the IP group, headed Wonderland since its launch in 2019. She previously worked for six years at Hinkler, an Australian publisher of books for children and adults, initially as managing editor and then as general manager.

Shapiro, 57, grew up in New York City, and graduated from New York University in 1989 with a B.A. degree in journalism. She launched her career in publishing that same year at Random House as an assistant editor. She also worked short stints as an assistant editor at Hearst Books and HarperCollins, before landing at Oxford University Press, where she worked her way up to managing editor during the 11 years she worked there.

Dominique Raccah, publisher and CEO of Sourcebooks, paid tribute to Shapiro on Wednesday, saying, Karen truly understood how great stories impact children everywhere, and she inspired everyone in her orbit with her boundless enthusiasm. Karen was perhaps one of the most influential modern childrens book creators. She was our friend, our ally, our partner, and she changed all our lives. She will be deeply missed.

Todd Stocke, senior VP and editorial director at Sourcebooks, also paid tribute to his late colleague, recalling that Shapiro was the originator of the How to Catch series of childrens books. What most dont know is that the How to Catch concept kicked around for quite a while before we had even the shreds of a manuscript that had Karens stamp of quality, Stocke said. When the first book, How to Catch a Leprechaun, met success, she was a creative machine at joyfully building around it.

Working with IP, Stocke noted, and often with licenses, Karen had one simple rulethe book had to stand on its own if you took the brand off it. Karen thrived in the space, especially with Sesame Workshop, who she partnered with to develop books kids and parents would want to read again and again.

He added, When people say Sourcebooks is entrepreneurial and fast-moving, know that Karen Shapiro was the exemplification. My favorite Karen stories usually began with her pitching me a book concept and me throwing her out of my office halfway through, asking, Why are we still having this conversation when you could be making this book? That was exactly the response Karen was looking for, and off she went, making more magic.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
Sales of the hotly anticipated Onyx Storm did not disappoint. The third volume in Rebeccas Yarross Empyrean series had a first printing of two million copies for its $32.99 deluxe edition, and the book sold nearly 1.1 million copies in its first week on sale at outlets that report to Circana BookScan. The standard $29.99 edition sold almost 179,000 copies, putting total first week sales at BookScan outlets at about 1.3 million copies.

The brisk sales of Onyx Storm also lifted interest in Yarross Fourth Wing and Iron Flame books, which combined to sell roughly 88,000 copies last week. The Empyrean editions took four of the first five spots on the BookScan bestseller list last week, alongside The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins, which sold nearly 95,000 copies. Prior to the release of Onyx Storm, publisher Entangled Publishing reported selling nearly 6.5 million copies in the Empyrean series.

The blowout sales for Onyx Storm marked the second time in roughly two months that sales of a new book took off exponentially coming out of the gate. In late November, Taylor Swifts The Eras Tour Book sold just over 814,000 copies in its first week. The release came with a few caveats, however: it was self-published by Swift and sold exclusively at Target, leaving the traditional players in the publishing pipeline emptyhanded.

The publication of Onyx Storm had a much different reception, with bookstores across the country looking forward to its releasenone more so than Barnes & Noble, which held parties in most of its outlets across the country, including the launch party at its West Coast flagship in Los Angeles. The bookseller sold more than 200,000 copies of the combined print editions in its first week on sale.
When Han Zhang joined Riverhead Books as an editor-at-large in January 2023, she came with a mandate to find, acquire, and publish two to three books per year by the most exciting voices in contemporary Chinese fiction. We talked with Zhang, who is also on staff at the New Yorker, about her first foray into publishing, the obstacles faced by Chinese-language writers, and the first title on her inaugural list.

How did your role at Riverhead come about?

I was approached by Riverheads deputy publisher, Jynne Dilling, who had read my writing on Chinese literary works and figures in the New Yorker, the New York Times, and other places. Jynne spoke of a lacuna of fresh translated Chinese titles, and we immediately connected on that point. In subsequent conversations, Jynne and Riverheads publisher, Geoff Kloske, explained their wish to not only discover new voices and points of views, but also build an ecosystem in which writers can connect with numerous American readers and be supported to build a successful body of work over time. This felt like a career plot twist I wouldn't have dreamed up, but the vision resonated with me, and I could see myself playing a role in it.

Has there been any learning curve coming from journalism into publishing?

There certainly has been. As a journalist, I have been interpreting, appreciating, and critiquing books. Since becoming a book editor, Ive been crossing to the other side to help shape how such objects of imagination are made. In this mode, Ive been learning not only the technical aspects of an industryfrom title information sheets to the partners out there that can support a book throughout its gestationbut also how to shepherd ideas and manuscripts to become more realized versions of themselves.

How will you be seeking out Chinese-language books to acquire and publish?

Im talking to a wide range of people: agents, scouts, editors, writers, translators, and other well-read human beings! I also keep an eye out for recommendations on WeChat, Douban, and other Chinese platforms. In general, I like to get a good sense of how a book speaks to its critics and fans. When I come across an author or book that interests me, I always read the Chinese original text.

One of my recent acquisitions is a Malaysian novel by King Ban Hui, which I first spotted while having lunch with the translator and playwright Jeremy Tiang, who was reading it for pleasure. I was captivated by the dreamy cover and wanted to know more about the book. Later, I read the manuscript and connected with the translator and novelist Y.Z. Chin, who has been a fan of King Ban Hui since her teenage years and is keen to translate his work into English. After we reached a deal, Y.Z. told me that this marks the first time one of the Big Five publishing houses has bought a Chinese-language book from Malaysia.

Your first acquisition for Riverhead is out in August. What can you share about the book?

Zhang Yueran's Women, Seated, translated by Tiang, is born of an earlier novella by Yueran. I enjoyed the story in its shorter form so much that I got in touch with Yueran, who was excited about the possibilities of a reincarnation and got to work. It tells a story about power, gender, and class through the perspective of a nanny as she witnesses the sudden downfall of the high Chinese official whose family she serves. Its a prime example of the kind of highly contemporary, emotionally engaging, and mind-changing storytelling this market hasnt seen so far.

What are some of the obstacles to bringing Chinese fiction to U.S. readers?

Writers around the world working in Chinese enjoy the gift of an incredibly rich lexicon and literary heritage, but they also face a wide range of obstacles. In mainland China, and increasingly in Hong Kong, authors grapple with the challenge of searching for their creative voices under the countrys censorship apparatus, where some of their peers are subjected to blacklisting, police questioning, or even detention. In such countries as Malaysia and the U.S, ethnic Chinese are the minority, and writers are more likely to make a successful career by choosing English when it's an option. In Taiwan and Singapore, most writers working in Chinese struggle to reach a large market.

All together, this has meant that most Chinese language writers rarely have access to the kind of channels, networks, platforms, and resources to publish, promote, and defend their work that are common for English-language authors. I think U.S. readers will be excited to discover these voices and stories.
President of the United States Donald Trump has probably already realized how difficult it is to stop Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The head of the White House has changed his rhetoric and no longer mentions his words that it would take him "only 24 hours" to end the war.

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This was stated by former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in an interview with France24. The former foreign minister believes that Ukrainians should not get carried away by Trump's negative statements about Russian dictator Putin.

Kuleba noted that there is no guarantee that the next time the American president will not say something similar about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy or Ukraine in general.

Trump, according to the diplomat, wants a deal and an end to the war in Ukraine, but he has realized that this is much more difficult than he initially thought.

"It will take much more time and much more effort to achieve a result. That is why we no longer hear about 24 hours. I don't believe that peace will be established in three months or 100 days, as suggested by his special representative," the former minister said.

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Now the White House chief is trying to test the waters as to how responsive the enemy parties are to his threats and incentives.

According to Kuleba, in the new US administration, all decisions will be made exclusively by Trump. If he decides, for example, to provide military assistance to Ukraine, there will be no votes against it.

"I have no illusions about certain anti-Ukrainian elements in Trump's environment, but in the end, in this administration, President Trump will make decisions, and everyone else will follow them, regardless of what their opinion is," Kuleba said.

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andrii Yermak, denied the fake news about Trump's "peace plan in 100 days." He said that no such "plans" regularly reported by the media exist in nature.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The brief diplomatic crisis between the United States and Colombia last weekend exposed the South American countrys deep dependence on its northern partner. Donald Trumps threat to raise tariffs by 25% on Colombian products would have affected one in three foreign sales made by Colombia each year. Now the emergency is over, this scenario has created an opportunity for the government led by Gustavo Petro to diversify export destinations, with China and Europe as the main focuses, according to experts. Even so, they say, there are several obstacles to overcome, such as the historical lack of interest or Colombias antiquated customs processes.

Colombia has to diversify its exports more and more to feed the world. Sell to all the countries we can: not depend on any one, Petro told his new Finance Minister, Diego Guevara, during the latters inauguration ceremony on Wednesday. The Colombian government this week has experienced first-hand Trumps volatility, which can endanger the stability of the national economy as the U.S. is its main commercial partner and primary destination for exports of a wide variety of products including flowers, coffee, fruits and vegetables, and oil.

Javier Diaz, president of the National Association of Foreign Trade (Analdex), agrees on the urgency of expanding the market, but not at the expense of the relationship with Washington. The United States is and will continue to be an ally for Colombia. We cannot see it as an enemy state and it is this perception that leads to scenarios like the one on Sunday, he argues, referring to the dispute between Petro and Trump over the treatment of deported migrants, which almost led to a trade war.

Getting out of Washingtons trade orbit is not an easy task and there will need to be a joint effort between the government and the private sector, admits Diaz. The monthly reports of the National Administrative Department of Statistics of Colombia (Dane) show that, although the United States remains the countrys main export and import partner, the commercial relationship with other nations such as Panama, India, and China has been strengthened.

It is precisely China, Washingtons main geopolitical rival, that is the focus now. Minister of Commerce Luis Carlos Reyes met this week with the Chinese ambassador to Colombia, Zhu Jingyang, with whom he reviewed the progress of the deepening of trade relations, he said in a post on X. Through the same platform, the diplomat said that there is good news on the way.

The commercial rapprochement between Bogota and Beijing has intensified in recent years. Last October, Colombia began the process of joining the Belt and Road Initiative, the official name of the New Silk Road, a transnational project with which China seeks to strengthen its commercial ties throughout the world. A commercial partner of the magnitude of China is very important for the national market, says Veronica Pelaez, an expert in international trade.

The advantages of Colombia joining this global initiative  such as investments in infrastructure  entail great challenges. We need an efficient payment system that the country does not yet have, adds Pelaez, a former official at the Ministry of Commerce. The customs process is one of the great commercial disadvantages for the country, notes Diaz, who believes that there can be no success in moving into new markets if there is no modernization: While other countries manage their foreign trade through technology, electronic platforms, big data, and artificial intelligence, we continue to keep accounts on paper. According to Analdex, 18% of the cost of products corresponds to logistics, well above the 9% of other competitors.

Public and private disinterest

Experts see another challenge: combating the lack of interest, both public and private. They always lead us to believe that importing is a bad thing. If we dont understand the importance of foreign trade, it can hardly be developed, says Diaz, who laments that there is still no national strategy to diversify sales abroad. For the president of Analdex, Colombia can follow the lead of neighboring countries such as Chile, Peru, or Brazil who, although they have China as their largest trading partner, maintain good relations with the United States.

On the private side, Pelaez speaks of an unfounded fear on the part of business owners to migrate to other markets. There is a great lack of knowledge and a perspective that arises from propaganda that aims to undermine Beijings reputation. I remember having spoken with a businessman from the banana industry who told me that for them, the American and European markets were enough. We are not interested in anything else, he said.

During his most recent visit to Beijing last October, former foreign minister Luis Gilberto Murillo  who was replaced Wednesday by Laura Sarabia  stated that relations with China are at their best. The arrival in recent years of dozens of companies confirms the interest in Colombia, through large-scale projects such as the Bogota Metro, the largest engineering project in the country at present.

China is not the only interesting player for Colombia, experts say. Relations with India have also been strengthened in recent years, mainly in products such as oil, coal, and gold. The European Union, through its Global Gateway initiative, has the capacity to invest some 7 billion, according to the Ministry of Commerce. The Petro government has also sought to strengthen diplomatic and commercial relations with several African countries, where coffee and agricultural products are exported. The results of all these efforts, in any case, do not bring immediate effects but can take years to consolidate. Breaking with North American dependence, therefore, is not a one-day mission.

The United States is first, second, third, fourth, and fifth on the list, and then other options are explored. The strategy that I hope the Petro government will promote is that the allies that follow him will manage to climb the positions, Pelaez sums up.

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Tulsi Gabbards nomination to serve as President Trumps director of national intelligence hinges on questions about the judgment and patriotism of the former congresswoman and Army veteran, doubts that are expected to take center stage at her Senate confirmation hearing Thursday.

Echoing a charge first lodged by Hillary Clinton, Sens. Tammy Duckworth and Elizabeth Warren have spread innuendo that Gabbard is a compromised Russian asset who has been in Putins pocket. Former CIA Director John Brennan has speculated that Gabbard may deliberately withhold or even skew vital intelligence in briefing President Trump. Michael McCaul, the Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has called Trumps selection of Gabbard to oversee the nations 18 spy agencies a bit baffling and predicted a defeat of her nomination in the Senate.

Bashar al-Assad: Tulsi Gabbard never offered support for the Syrian dictator.

While eyebrows have been raised over Gabbards support of a pardon for Edward Snowden  the contractor who stole and released classified information revealing that the U.S. government was conducting domestic mass surveillance and who eventually received asylum in Russia  the main criticism involves Gabbards views on Syria, whose recently deposed, Russian-backed dictator, Bashar al-Assad, engaged in a long and brutal war against U.S.-backed insurgents.

In January 2017, just as the U.S. was winding down a covert war to topple the regime, Gabbard met with Assad in Damascus. With designated terror groups occupying swaths of the war-torn country, Gabbard warned that Assads removal would create a destabilizing power vacuum filled by Al-Qaeda. And when these same insurgent groups accused Assads government of chemical weapons attacks, Gabbard voiced skepticism of the allegations, particularly in two incidents that prompted U.S. military airstrikes.

The charges against Gabbard  which have recently been revived in the Washington Post and other news outlets  are that her dissenting opinions on Syria put her at odds with the consensus views of U.S. intelligence agencies, which therefore calls into question her fitness to oversee them as the nations top spy chief.

Hillary Clinton: She got the ball rolling on innuendo about Tulsi Gabbard as a Russian asset. Others followed suit.

Yet Gabbards record on Syria, and that of the intelligence community she is poised to lead, shows that her views are not the fringe position that her detractors claim. Gabbard has never offered support for Assad or issued a blanket denial of chemical weapons use by his recently ousted government. In a 2020 statement during her run for the Democratic presidential nomination, Gabbard described Assad as a brutal dictator and said that [t]here is evidence that both his forces and anti-government insurgents have used chemical weapons.

While Gabbard has indeed voiced skepticism about specific chemical weapons allegations lodged against the Assad government, she is far from alone among U.S. officials, including at the top of the intelligence leadership. On this contentious issue, the available evidence shows that Gabbards skepticism does not contradict that of the U.S. intelligence community, which has never released formal assessments in the cases where Gabbard has raised doubts.

'No Violations' in Visit to Assad

Ghouta, Syria: where Obama's "red line" on chemical weapons was crossed without serious consequence.

When Gabbard met Assad in Damascus in January 2017, she characterized the encounter as an effort to end one of the 21st centurys deadliest wars. In order for any peace agreement ... there has to be a conversation with him, Gabbard said.

John Kerry: He met with Assad, more than once.

To Gabbards critics, particularly ... Democrats, the meeting instead served to legitimize the dictator, as the Washington Post put it earlier this month. Although the Posts article cast Gabbards Syria trip as a red flag hanging over her nomination, it only briefly mentioned the Office of Congressional Ethics investigation of her visit in which no violations were found. The Post also failed to note that such efforts by members of Congress are not unprecedented: Beginning in 2007, for example, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former Secretary of State/presidential nominee John Kerry met separately with Assad in Damascus, with Kerry doing so multiple times, and despite Bush administration complaints that that such meetings legitimize the dictator.

Nancy Pelosi: She met with Assad too. But it was Tulsi Gabbard who got grief for her meeting with the dictator.

The controversy surrounding Gabbards Damascus visit came amid wider unease over her opposition to the U.S. governments covert support for the insurgency fighting Assads government. Shortly after her Syria trip, Gabbard introduced the Stop Arming Terrorists Act, which called for banning any U.S. weaponry or assistance to the Islamic State, Al-Qaeda, and Jabhat Fatah al-Sham (another name for Al-Qaedas Syria franchise), all major forces in the armed rebellion.

A recent Foreign Policy article argued that Gabbards bill was unnecessary because these were groups that were already designated terrorists by the U.S. government and therefore barred from receiving any kind of support. Yet Gabbards bill also singled out assistance to any individual or group that is affiliated with, associated with, cooperating with, or adherents to such groups. This reflected what was by then common knowledge at the highest levels of the U.S. government: The U.S.-armed insurgency was dominated by Al-Qaeda, and at times even fighting alongside ISIS.

Jake Sullivan: Gabbard wanted to stop arming Al-Qaeda, but the Obama national security adviser argued AQ is on our side in Syria.

Jake Sullivan, who would become national security adviser under Joe Biden, acknowledged this in a February 2012 email: AQ [Al-Qaeda] is on our side in Syria. Later that year, a Defense Intelligence Agency report noted that Salafi[s], the Muslim Brotherhood, and AQI [Al Qaeda in Iraq] are the major forces driving the insurgency, which, it added, has the support of the U.S. and its allies.

When President Trump shut down the CIAs covert Syria program in July 2017, he too echoed Gabbards position. It turns out its a lot of al-Qaeda were giving these weapons to, Trump remarked.

Another of Gabbards warnings has since proved to be prophetic. [I]f President Assad is overthrown, Gabbard warned in 2017, then Al Qaeda or a group like Al Qaeda  will take charge of all of Syria. When Assad was finally toppled last month, the head of the new government became Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, the founder of Al-Qaedas franchise in Syria and a former deputy leader of ISIS. Jolanis militia, since renamed Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), is still a U.S. government-designated terrorist organization, though the Biden administration announced in its last days in office that the U.S. will no longer enforce the $10 million U.S. bounty on his head.

Doubting Press Releases, Not Intel

Gabbard's warning about the rise of Al-Qaeda in Syria proved prophetic with the overthrow of the Assad regime and the installation of Abu Mohammed al-Golani, above.

While Gabbards concerns about the Al-Qaeda-dominated insurgency in Syria are now seldom challenged, her skepticism of chemical weapons allegations against the now former Syrian government have emerged as a major stumbling block to her nomination.

James Clapper: Obama's intel chief adopted a position on Syrian government culpability that would later mirror Gabbard's.

A statement released by Foreign Policy for America, a Democratic Party-aligned think tank, recently assailed Gabbard for having publicly cast doubt on U.S. intelligence reports and overwhelming public reporting that Assad carried out chemical weapons attacks against Syrian civilians.

This criticism relies on a widespread misnomer. Gabbard has not cast doubt on U.S. intelligence reports about Syrian chemical weapons attacks, because no such reports have ever been released.

In the three major incidents where Gabbard has challenged a U.S. military intervention over alleged Syrian government chemical attacks  in Ghouta (2013), Khan Shaykhoun (2017), and Douma (2018)  the U.S. intelligence community has never published a formal report making the case. In a deviation from established practice where the intelligence community issues declassified summaries of its conclusions, the Obama administration established a precedent in which the White House, not the nations spy agencies, have released statements lodging allegations against the Syrian government.

In Syrias most notorious chemical weapons incident  the August 2013 sarin attack in Ghouta that crossed President Obamas self-declared red line  the nations top intelligence official, then-ODNI director James Clapper, explicitly refused to release an intelligence product accusing Assads military of guilt. And on the question of Syrian government culpability, Clapper adopted a position that would later mirror that of Gabbard, his would-be successor.

As Obama and his senior aides mulled bombing Syria after sarin-filled rockets killed scores of civilians in Ghouta, Clapper personally visited the White House to issue an impromptu warning. At the presidents daily briefing, Clapper told Obama that the evidence implicating Assads forces in the sarin attack in Ghouta was not a slam dunk. This was a deliberate reference to the term used by George W. Bushs CIA Director, George Tenet, in vouching for the falsified intelligence that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction, the pretext for the Bush administrations decision to invade.

Ben Rhodes, Obama aide: Took on the role Clapper shunned. "I was responsible for writing the public document that would justify the United States going to war in Syria, wrote the onetime aspiring novelist.

Clapper went out of his way to repeat that same warning on two other occasions, including at a meeting of White House principals, which nervous aides soon leaked to the media. Obama, The Atlantics Jeffrey Goldberg later reported based on an interview with the 44th president, was unsettled by Clappers visit. He may also have been influenced by intelligence emanating from the Pentagon. According to a leaked assessment prepared for the Defense Intelligence Agency in June 2013, al-Nusra in Syria maintained a sarin production cell that marked the groups most advanced sarin plot since al-Qaidas pre-9/11 effort.

After invoking the Iraq WMDs debacle, Clapper told his administration colleagues that the intelligence community would not produce an intelligence product for public release. Instead, he handed off the task to Ben Rhodes, Obamas deputy national security adviser and top speechwriter. It took me a moment to understand what he was suggesting, Rhodes later wrote in his memoir. In all my time at the White House, I had never written that kind of assessment, and never would again. These were usually technical documents produced by teams of people in the intelligence agencies.

With the job left to him, Rhodes, who had no intelligence experience, was unsettled as well. The former aspiring novelist spent more than two days drafting what he called a U.S. Government Assessment, a term that carries no formal significance and that amounts to a White House press release. I felt waves of anxiety, Rhodes recalled, anticipating how I might be hauled before Congress if things went terribly wrong after a military intervention. I was responsible for writing the public document that would justify the United States going to war in Syria.

Gabbard, then serving in Congress, was among the lawmakers to oppose a U.S. military strike on Syria. In criticisms of Gabbards position, it is widely overlooked that her skepticism did not entail challenging the formal assessment of the U.S. intelligence community. Instead, she did not accept the argument produced by Rhodes, a creative-writing MFA who felt waves of anxiety writing it.

Tom Donilon, Obama national security adviser: Also a skeptic.

While Rhodes centered Clappers slam dunk warning in his memoir, Clapper omitted it from his. Instead, Clapper claimed in his 2018 book that the intelligence community obtained evidence of the Assad regimes guilt in Ghouta. Yet Clapper also hinted that this evidence was far from convincing. The ICs classified assessment on Ghouta, Clapper recalled, gave alternate explanations to an Assad regime chemical attack and highlighted the things we didnt know. The former intelligence chief also disclosed that Obamas national security adviser, Tom Donilon, was another skeptic. Donilon, Clapper wrote, seemed to keep raising the evidentiary bar we needed to meet before he believed our reports.

In a different section of the book, Clapper owned up to participating in the intelligence deception that led to the Iraq war, which undoubtedly informed his slam dunk warning over Syria. The U.S. failure in Iraq, Clapper wrote, belongs squarely on the shoulders of the administration members who were pushing a narrative of a rogue WMD program in Iraq and on the intelligence officers, including me, who were so eager to help that we found what wasnt really there.

Clapper was acknowledging that he had failed to stick to the known facts about Iraqi WMDS, and instead help come up with evidence that wasnt really there  in other words, fraudulent.

Against the wishes of many of his senior aides, Obama ultimately abandoned his red line and declined to bomb Syria. In public, the White House claimed that Obama pulled back after Russia offered to facilitate the destruction of Syrias decades-old chemical weapons stockpile. It was only in his last months of his presidency that Obama acknowledged the slam dunk warning from Clapper  and that war skeptics like Gabbard were handed a vindication.

Challenging a False Flag Coverup

While Clappers role in questioning Syrian government culpability in the 2013 Ghouta attack remains widely overlooked, Gabbard has attracted significant controversy for raising questions about two other alleged chemical attacks by Assads forces in the period since.

In a 2020 statement, Gabbard said that she was skeptical of the Assad regimes guilt regarding attacks on Khan Shaykhun in 2017 and Douma in 2018  two towns that were both under the control of al-Qaeda-linked opposition forces. In these incidents, she wrote, there is evidence to suggest that the attacks may have been staged by opposition forces for the purpose of drawing the United States and the West deeper into the war.

Here again, Gabbard was not alone. As one former U.S. Ambassador to the Middle East put it, Obamas red line was an open invitation to a false-flag operation. David McCloskey, a former CIA analyst who spent years covering the Syrian war, is of the view that most of the chemical weapons attacks that have occurred during the war [were] perpetrated by the regime. However, he added, there was obviously a desire on the part of al-Nusra [Al-Qaeda in Syria] and others to gain access to chemical weapons storescertainly, a desire to frame the regime for attacks, if they could.

As with Ghouta, the U.S. intelligence community did not release an assessment in either incident to make the case against Assad. Instead, the White House again issued lengthy press releases written by non-intelligence officials.

The April 2017 statement on Khan Shaykhun, released by the National Security Council under the direction of then-national security advisor H.R. McMaster, claimed to represent an unclassified summary of the U.S. Intelligence Communitys analysis. Given that the summary did not come directly from the intelligence community and did not have its imprint, this claim was impossible to verify.

In the only nod to U.S. spies data on the incident, the document referenced signals intelligence and geospatial intelligence, without offering any details on what was obtained. We cannot publicly release all available intelligence on this attack due to the need to protect sources and methods, it added. It also pointed to a significant body of credible open source reporting, that tells a clear and consistent story. This was a reference to publicly available material not collected by U.S. spy agencies, and therefore not immune to manipulation by biased actors.

Spies Relying on 'Public Reporting'

One year later, the U.S. governments statement on Douma contained only a qualified mention of [r]eliable intelligence, without explaining what was acquired or how it was deemed reliable. Instead, the statement again made several references to open-source information. Rather than drawing on secret intelligence collected by U.S. agencies, the statement cited social media users, non-governmental organizations, and other open-source outlets; photos and videos; and reporting from media, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other open sources. Adopting the same title of Ben Rhodes statement on Ghouta five years prior, the White House document was labeled a United States Government Assessment, meaning that it did not come from the intelligence community.

John Bolton: His admitted reliance on public reporting suggests that the U.S. governments case was not supported by concrete intelligence.

In his memoir, John Bolton  who oversaw the U.S. response to the Douma incident as Trumps third national security adviser  hinted that that the U.S. government did not collect an overwhelming body of evidence. We discussed at length what we did and didnt know regarding Syrias attack and how to increase our understanding of what had happened, Bolton recalled. This included, he added, uncertainty over the exact nature of the toxic agent used in Douma, with U.S. officials unsure whether sarin nerve agent was involved or just chlorine-based agents. The [p]roof of the Assad regimes chemical-weapons usage, he added was increasingly clear in public reporting. Those who claimed that there was no evidence, including voices on Fox News such as Tucker Carlson, were wrong.

Yet Boltons admitted reliance on public reporting suggests that the U.S. governments case was not supported by concrete intelligence. While open source information can sometimes be reliable, it can just as easily be compromised by the biases of the unidentified actors that White House officials extensively cited.

Boltons argument undercuts the main argument against Gabbards nomination  that she rejected the firm conclusions of intelligence agencies.

An Aversion to Politicized Intelligence

Gabbard and Trump on the hustings in Georgia last year with Tucker Carlson.

Questions have also emerged about U.S. claims that Assad was behind the attack.

According to leaked documents, the original investigative team sent to Douma by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the worlds top chemical weapons watchdog, did not find evidence to support allegations of a Syrian government chemical attack, raising the possibility that the incident was staged by insurgents. Two members of the Douma team later accused senior OPCW officials of manipulating the investigation and publishing a final report that baselessly implicated the Syrian government in a chemical attack.

The OPCW has refused to meet with the veteran inspectors who challenged the cover-up. U.S. officials have dismissed the OPCWs Douma controversy as Kremlin disinformation, yet have never commented on its substantive issues. Establishment U.S. media outlets have also ignored the story, with the exception of the New York Times, which vaguely mentioned it once in passing. To illustrate, a Washington Post article that sought to discredit Gabbards skepticism of Syria chemical weapons allegations, published just days before her scheduled confirmation hearing, made no mention of the OPCW whistleblowers and leaked documents.

Amid government and media silence over claims of a cover-up in a Syria chemical weapons probe, Tulsi Gabbard has been a rare exception. In 2021, she signed a letter urging the OPCW to address the cover-up and meet with the dissenting inspectors. The issue at hand threatens to severely damage the reputation and credibility of the OPCW and undermine its vital role in the pursuit of international peace and security, the statement said.

Once again, contrary to her detractors claims, Gabbard was not adopting a fringe position. Among the signatories were five former senior OPCW officials, including the organizations founding director-general Jose Bustani. Others included senior U.S. official Lawrence Wilkerson and Lord Alan West, a former senior U.K. Royal Navy officer and advisor to former U.K. Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

In Senate meetings ahead of her confirmation hearing, Gabbard has stressed that she is not questioning all Syria chemical weapons allegations, but instead harbors skepticism about the above cases. After speaking with Gabbard, Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly complained that Gabbard was citing experts that were not credible  a presumed reference to the OPCW whistleblowers, two highly decorated veteran inspectors with more than 25 years of combined experience. I have a hard time understanding why you would want to do that, to use your political capital to try to prove something when there are multiple cases, Kelly added.

Yet throughout her political career, Gabbard has explained her reasoning for questioning allegations that can lead the nation to war. I served in a war in Iraq, a war that was launched based on lies, and a war that was launched without evidence, she told a CNN town hall in 2019. So as a soldier, as an American, as a member of Congress, it is my duty and my responsibility to exercise skepticism any time anyone tries to send our service members into harms way or use our military to go in and start a new war.

Yet again, Gabbards outlook does not set her apart from her would-be predecessor, Clapper. In his account of the Ghouta episode, Ben Rhodes stressed that the then-U.S. intelligence chief had a similar motivation. I understood, Rhodes wrote, that Clapper was protecting the intelligence community from a repeat of the role it played before the war in Iraq.

With Gabbard now up for the job that Clapper once held, her nomination may come down to whether the Senate sees that same aversion to politicized intelligence as a liability, or a virtue.
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Growth is the necessary condition for social and economic well-being, but this postulate can only take one path today: that of equity and sustainable development. For this reason, the immediate future of Latin America and the Caribbean is a mirror into which the rest of the world also looks. The region has the unavoidable urgency to accelerate an increase in its GDP, which this year will be 2.5%, below the global average. This objective, however, also involves a series of crucial challenges such as the energy transition, social cohesion, the fight against organized crime, and territorial integration. These are the underlying reflections that drive the International Economic Forum Latin America and the Caribbean, organized in Panama City by CAF Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, the PRISA Group, and World in Progress (WIP).

The first day of the conclave, attended Tuesday by some 1,500 participants, delved into the diagnosis and reviewed the challenges of an economic panorama in which concerns and hopes are mixed. From the political balances that threaten the region  the host president, Jose Raul Mulino, has unequivocally defended the sovereignty of the Panama Canal in the face of threats from Donald Trump  to structural problems such as violence, which in addition to suffocating the population represents a monumental burden for public and private coffers. But also opportunities. As Sergio Diaz-Granados, executive president of CAF, stressed, this is a region of solutions that, in addition, has all the necessary resources to grow, recalled the president of PRISA, Joseph Oughourlian, while warning about the lack of private savings and investment.

The search for solutions was precisely the guiding thread of the forum, which has been compared to a Latin American Davos at various discussions. The question was repeated from panel to panel: how to get back on the path to growth? For various regional leaders and many of the 250 speakers from 15 countries convened in Panama, the answer can only be found in Latin America and the Caribbean, a kind of laboratory for the global economy. Based on this majority consensus, a path opens up to find formulas for growth.

The fracture that is occurring in our societies is called the breakdown of consensus on reality, and from that breakdown it is very difficult to reach an agreement, emphasized Pepa Bueno, director of EL PAIS, in a conversation with economists and experts such as Carlos Felipe Jaramillo, vice president of the World Bank, or Jose Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, executive secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). But that consensus exists and is a fundamental starting point, as is the agreement on the need to increase productivity. Development is not an ideological issue, it is neither right-wing nor left-wing. In a world as polarized as todays, we only have to understand that states have a role, companies another, and each one has to do its part, said Paraguayan President Santiago Pena.

Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, at the International Economic Forum Latin America and the Caribbean 2025. Monica Gonzalez Islas

The issue is not just what is produced, but how it is produced, said Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development Rebeca Grynspan, who stressed an essential triad for the region: investment in infrastructure, digitalization, and capabilities. Stanley Motta, chairman of the board of directors of Copa Holdings, emphasized cooperation between the public and private sectors and the urgency of investing in decent jobs and quality education.

These perspectives were supplemented by a reflection on regional integration by former Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi. Should Latin America and the Caribbean have a different relationship with Europe? Yes. But should it follow it as a model? I dont think so, he said, referring to the excesses of bureaucracy that sometimes obscure the path to the future. And this is a key moment in which Latin America has to focus on the future, both immediate and in the medium and long term. In a press conference at the end of the last presentation, Diaz-Granados warned that climate change is a burden on the development that the region seeks. We have to prepare ourselves well for what is coming. Last year alone, the economic losses due to this crisis were around $7 billion, he lamented.

CAF increased its portfolio by 15% between 2021 and 2024 and the banks analysts expect it to maintain the trend by another 5% this year. We are the great piggy bank of Latin America, Diaz-Granados joked. Asked about Trumps return to the White House and the Republican magnates withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, the banks president was cautious: The absence of such an important country as the United States clearly worries us, but we have to wait for the evolution of these decisions.

Environmentalists are not the only ones who are tired of the major climate forums being reduced to waving the green flag. Panamas Environment Minister Juan Carlos Navarro was very critical in one of the parallel sessions about the lack of urgency of decision-makers. Scientists and environmentalists are looking for a way out of extinction while the world is being destroyed around us. There is a lack of urgency, including among those who are going to give presentations at the COP. Look what happened in Cali... he said, alluding to the fact that COP16 was suspended without all the expected agreements being reached. Welcome to the new reality; climate change is real. But are the solutions real and effective? I dont think so, he concluded.

Panamas Environment Minister Juan Carlos Navarro. Tarina Rodriguez

For the minister, there are two essential solutions to alleviate the ravages of the climate crisis: stop destroying the planet and its biodiversity and speed up the transition to renewable energy. In 2024, Panama lost about $1 billion as a result of drought. Although we are a carbon-negative country [absorbing more carbon than it emits], we are the first to pay the price, he added. On Thursday, the debate will continue with the help of sociologist and climate change expert Jeremy Rifkin, retired United States Army General Laura Richardson, and Rachel Adams, founder and CEO of the Global Center for Artificial Intelligence Governance.

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'...how do they consume and contribute to GDP?'

IMAGE: People walk through a crowded market in Mumbai. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters

It is the time of the year when major discussions are centred around the Budget to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday, February 1.

Before presenting the Budget, the finance minister meets representatives from different sections of society to listen to their suggestions on what could be included in the Finance Bill. Whether the ministry listens to the suggestions is another matter.

On January 6, 2025, representatives from trade unions met the finance minister. Among them was Swadesh Dev Roye, all-India secretary of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions, an affiliate of the Communist Party of India-Marxist.

"Even the business community is demanding that the government should go for intensive investment because people are not buying anything," Dev Roye tells Rediff.com's Shobha Warrier.

The memorandum of the trade unions starts with, 'We are compelled to state this, as not a single suggestion by the trade unions was considered while preparing the Budget or any policy of your previous governments.'

It is the same government and same finance minister again. Do you have any expectation from the Budget?

From time immemorial, all governments exercise pre-Budget discussions and consultations with all sections of society, particularly the business houses.

They also discuss with us, the trade unions. But it is just a formality.

We have always been expressing our concern and reservation that they call us for meetings but they don't take anything from our suggestions.

It is not confined to this government alone. All previous governments, irrespective of their political affiliation, did the same thing.

So, they call us, we go there for the meeting and submit our memorandum, but they don't listen to anything we say.

Why do the governments call you if they do not want to listen to your suggestions?

It is a mechanical process that has been going on for years.

We submit a memorandum first and then an oral representation.

They listen and say, we are not accepting it or rejecting it. They don't make any commitment. They say, we are listening to you. Sometimes, there will be a discussion on one or two points. That's it.

IMAGE: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman meets with representatives from trade unions, January 6, 2025. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters

What were the major suggestions made by the trade unions and ignored by the government?

(laughs) It is a long memorandum!

The main problem is, all trade unions have been expressing their reservation, concern and protest but the government just listens. It does not accommodate any of our suggestions.

Even the post-Budget discussions, the finance minister will address every business community, the Chambers of Commerce, etc. But she doesn't call us.

One of our demands was to call us and tell us after the Budget presentation, what they have accommodated and what they have not from our memorandum.

They meticulously and religiously avoid meeting the trade unions. That's also one of our protests.

What is your major concern about the economy? Is it unemployment or inequality or..?

Everything about the economy is a concern.

In the oral representation, I have said that economy has entered into a vicious circle.

Even the business community also is demanding that the government should go for intensive investment because people are not buying anything. They are not consuming.

GDP growth is driven by 4 engines.

The number one is, public consumption.

When you say public consumption, it means the buying capacity of the general public. In the 1980s, public consumption used to contribute 80% of the GDP. And today, it has come down to almost below 50%.

When there is no public consumption, there will be market stagnation.

The second engine of the GDP is private investment. But private investors are asking, when there is a stagnation in the market and when there is no public consumption, why should we invest?

So, the first two engines are down; private consumption and private investment.

The third and fourth engines are government expenditure and import-export.

The balance between whatever we export and whatever we import directly contributes to the GDP growth.

Today, the country is facing an export-import deficit. We are importing more and exporting less.

Since everything in the economy circles around these four engines, and since all the four engines are down, it affects the GDP growth.

The chief economic advisor said that profit earned by the private sector is at a 15-year high now. Despite that, why is the private sector not investing?

IMAGE: Swadesh Dev Roye speaks at an event. Photograph: Kind courtesy Swadesh Dev Roye

But the salaries are stagnant...

Exactly. Their profit is a 15-year high but there is no wage rise. There is a stagnation in money wage and real wage.

If there is no money in the hands of people, how do they consume and contribute to GDP?

That's why I said, it is a vicious cycle.

The government is transferring money to the private sector to produce more employment. They are accepting the money but not investing. So, the taxpayers' money is being handed over to the private sector in the name of incentive.

This bizarre transfer of capital in the name of PLI (performance linked incentive) and Capex Incentive should be discontinued as they are unproductive capital transfer schemes.

This is the problem with the Indian economy.

Part II of the Interview: 'They Accept Any Job Because There Is No Job In The Market'

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
'The use of AI, especially genAI is only going to get worse, especially in an enterprise ecosystem.'

Photograph: Kind courtesy Pixabay

Ransomware and social engineering, crimes that involve attacks on technology service providers and bad actors manipulating people to give up confidential information, are increasing in India.

Aaron Bugal, chief technology officer (CTO) at global cybersecurity firm Sophos, visited India recently and urged organisations to strengthen security.

In an interview with Shivani Shinde/Business Standard in Mumbai, Bugal discussed Sophos's work in India.

How significant is India for Sophos?

India is a crucial market for us. We have a substantial presence here, including sales and development teams, as well as a significant client base.

It is one of our fastest-growing regions within the APJ (Asia Pacific and Japan) market and has been a consistent performer.

The country presents a massive opportunity for Sophos. A large portion of our firewall development happens in India, supported by a strong engineering team.

Additionally, we have support teams, developers and security operators here.

How has Indian enterprises' approach to cybersecurity evolved over the years?

The most significant change has been a shift in attitude: Organisations are now taking cybersecurity seriously.

The adoption of strong governance, risk and compliance frameworks has improved significantly.

Companies are recognising the challenges posed by cybersecurity, especially with the emergence of new technologies.

Indian organisations have developed a more mature vision, implementing robust governance, risk controls and cyber resilience strategies.

Ransomware attacks are increasing in India, affecting enterprises. What should they do?

It is a big problem for organisations, and it is used to gain awareness for those that might not be taking it seriously enough or believe that it will not happen to them.

Ransomware as an incident is headline-grabbing as well but one has to realise that ransomware is the penultimate phase of attack.

An attacker has already gained access to the environment and they know a lot already about the environment. And then they drop the ransomware threat.

What will be the security trends in 2025?

Social engineering and deepfakes being used to scam people is only going to increase.

This will force governments to come down to those that provide social media services to ensure that they are regulating scam content.

Other trends we see are more information threats: This could be from State-sponsored hackers.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is really going to democratise the ability for anybody to pick up these tools with little to no experience and write a compelling phishing lure and send it to your family and friends.

The good thing is that organisations are learning the importance of security.

We see that security budgets will go up this year by at least 5 per cent to 10 per cent.

Social engineering is a big threat as more and more people get on the internet.

It s a massive issue, and it is exceptionally hard to track this.

As a technology vendor, we can create filters and tools that act as an interface for people accessing the internet.

We can detect potentially fraudulent apps on smart phones but social engineering attacks can come from anywhere.

Social engineering from a threat vector standpoint remains as the number one cause of people losing credentials, surrendering access to unauthorised third parties and allowing the attackers to gain access to those environments.

How do you see AI being misused in social engineering attacks?

The use of AI, especially genAI is only going to get worse, especially in an enterprise ecosystem.

With the advancement of technology, especially around GenAI, that is going to cause a problem for enterprises who have not taken security awareness training around thoroughly to spot potential scams.

Organisations must realise that they need to secure the AI systems themselves.

It is going to become paramount because many organisations are still experimenting or have started deploying AI in a very small controlled environment.

While we have seen AI giving amazing results when it is deployed, the risk of the rest of the systems is also high.

Some of the scenarios can be the training data for the LLMs (large language models) could be compromised or someone can introduce biases into it. The fallout can be huge.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
Value mutual funds have witnessed robust investor interest, garnering Rs 22,757 crore in inflows in 2024, nearly double the amount seen in 2023, fueled by impressive returns generated by the segment.

This surge reflects a shift in investor focus towards fundamentally strong yet undervalued stocks.

On average, value mutual funds delivered returns of over 21 per cent in 2024, with a nearly 20 per cent return over the past three years, the industry data showed.

Looking ahead to 2025, it is expected that value mutual funds will continue to capture attention, particularly amid global uncertainties, Trivesh D, COO of stock trading platform Tradejini, told PTI.

He highlighted that factors such as likely RBI rate cut and geopolitical shifts, including US policies, could shape investor sentiment.

In terms of inflows, the total amount into value mutual funds reached Rs 22,757 crore in 2024, a significant increase from Rs 11,927 crore in 2023, according to the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI).

This influx of capital contributed to a 39 per cent rise in assets under management (AUM), which surged to Rs 1.88 lakh crore by December 2024, up from Rs 1.33 lakh crore in 2023.

Several prominent value funds, such as UTI Value Fund, Axis Value Fund, Quantum Long Term Equity Value Fund and ICICI Prudential Value Discovery Fund are available for investing.

These funds have given good returns in the last year.

Moreover, Mahindra Manulife Value Fund, which is launching its new fund offering (NFO) on February 7, may attract investor interest.

The fund is built on three core investment pillars -- quality companies, firms in recovery mode, and sectors poised for long-term growth.

It aims to create a diversified portfolio across various sectors and market capitalisations.

Santosh Joseph, Co-founder and CEO of Germinate Investor Services, noted that value mutual funds saw a notable surge in inflows, largely due to strong past performance and a resurgence in key sectors.

After a period of underperformance in 2022, value funds rebounded in 2023 and continued to deliver impressive returns in 2024.

This strong performance, coupled with markets reaching new highs, drew investors seeking undervalued sectors that were beginning to show substantial growth potential, he added.

The sectors that fueled the value fund rally in 2023 and 2024, including metals, real estate, construction, capital goods, PSUs, and manufacturing, are expected to remain robust, supported by government infrastructure spending and industrial expansion.

"Value investing has been in the spotlight over the past few years, and for good reason.

"Investors have realised that buying fundamentally strong stocks at lower valuations can be a smart way to build wealth over time," Feroze Azeez, deputy CEO of Anand Rathi Wealth Ltd, said.

This growing interest in value funds can also be attributed to their strong historical performance, as seen in indices like the Nifty 500 Value 50 Index, which recorded returns of 20 per cent in 2024, 62 per cent in 2023, 23 per cent in 2022, and 54 per cent in 2021.

Value stocks, typically undervalued at the time of purchase but with strong fundamentals and growth potential, are often contrasted with growth stocks, which focus on companies with significant future growth prospects.

Moreover, the mutual fund industry is seeing a shift in investor demographics.

Folios increased by 23.56 lakh to 80 lakh as of December 2024, indicating that long-term investors are gravitating toward stability amid an uncertain macroeconomic environment.

Additionally, younger investors, especially from Gen Z, are more inclined towards momentum stocks, seeking quick gains, while older investors (40-plus) are moving their funds into value investments, Trivesh said.

Experts suggest that investors who balance their portfolios across large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap funds may be better positioned to navigate the evolving market landscape.
This will be the first full-year Budget of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government since it came to power for a third consecutive term in July last year.

IMAGE: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Photograph: ANI Photo

On February 1, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the 14th Budget of the Narendra Modi government since it took office in 2014.

This will also be the first full-year Budget of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government since it came to power for a third consecutive term in July last year.

Except for the economic affairs secretary and chief economic adviser, Sitharaman will have a new team of bureaucrats, who will help her chart the strategy for the upcoming Budget.

Coming on the back of a less-than-spectacular growth print of 5.4 per cent in the second quarter of the current financial year (Q2FY25), the Budget is expected to push the pedal on reforms that will boost consumption, manufacturing, and employment in the country.

The government is also expected to stick to the fiscal glide path of reducing fiscal deficit to below 4.5 per cent of GDP in FY26.

Nirmala Sitharaman, Finance Minister

Sitharaman will be India's first finance minister to present eight consecutive Budgets, including one Interim Budget.

Sitharaman's predecessors, including Dr Manmohan Singh, Arun Jaitley, P Chidambaram, and Yashwant Sinha, had presented five Budgets in a row.

She will present the FY26 Budget amid rising global uncertainties and slowing domestic demand while private capex is yet to gain pace.

The finance minister is expected to push public expenditure amid demands for tax breaks for the middle class for a consumption-led economic recovery.

Sitharaman, who studied economics at Jawaharlal Nehru University, has held the commerce and defence portfolios in the Modi government's first tenure.

She has been elected to the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka.

Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Finance and Revenue Secretary

Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey took charge as the revenue secretary in the finance ministry on January 9.

Raising revenue while also simplifying the taxation system will be the big challenge before Pandey in the upcoming Budget.

A 1987-batch Indian Administrative Service officer from the Odisha cadre, Pandey served for a little less than five years as the DIPAM (Department of Investment and Public Asset Management) secretary from October 24, 2019.

He was appointed as finance secretary last year in September.

Pandey is credited for concluding the long-pending sale of national carrier Air India and also for being instrumental in the public debut of Life Insurance Corporation during his stint as the DIPAM secretary.

IMAGE: Finance and Revenue Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey felicitates Nirmala Sitharaman as she assumes charge as the finance minister in June 2024. Photograph: Rahul Singh/ANI Photo

Ajay Seth, Economic Affairs Secretary

A 1987-batch IAS officer from the Karnataka cadre, Seth has been the secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) in the ministry of finance since April 2021.

The DEA secretary is a key architect of the Budget-making process, focusing on fiscal planning, inter-ministerial coordination, and policy formulation.

Seth is credited with heading initiatives such as India's first sovereign green bond issuance, and the creation of the Infrastructure Finance Secretariat.

Ensuring that the economy stays on the fiscal glide path while charting out the new strategy of targeting the debt to GDP ratio will be some of the items that will be on top of Seth's agenda in the Budget.

IMAGE: Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth with Nirmala Sitharaman. Photograph: Sanjay Sharma/ANI Photo

Manoj Govil, Expenditure Secretary

A 1991-batch IAS officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, Govil has been holding the position of expenditure secretary in the finance ministry since August last year.

Prior to this, he served as the secretary in the ministry of corporate affairs.

As the expenditure secretary, Govil will be responsible for approving new schemes, setting spending guidelines, and resource transfers to states, among others.

Govil holds a bachelor's degree in computer science from IIT Kanpur, a master's in public policy and a PhD in economics from Princeton University.

In his career spanning over more than three decades, he has also served as principal secretary in charge of finance and commercial taxes in the Madhya Pradesh government.

Arunish Chawla, DIPAM and DPE Secretary

A 1992-batch IAS officer from the Bihar cadre, Chawla was made the secretary in DIPAM on January 8, after his 15-day stint as revenue secretary.

He also temporarily oversees the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) and the ministry of culture.

As DIPAM secretary, Chawla will lead the government's effort in divestment, monetisation, and the sale of IDBI Bank, among other key initiatives.

His role is particularly crucial given the shift in the government's approach towards divestment in 2024.

Previous to his current role, Chawla served as the secretary in the department of pharmaceuticals in the ministry of chemicals and fertilisers since November 1, 2023.

IMAGE: Dr Arunish Chawla. Photograph: ANI Photo

M Nagaraju, Financial Services Secretary

A 1993 batch Tripura-cadre IAS officer, Nagaraju was appointed as the secretary of the department of financial services (DFS) in the finance ministry on August 19, 2024.

Nagaraju will be one of the key persons advising the finance minister on fintech regulations, financial inclusion, and building upon the digital financial infrastructure in this Budget.

Nagaraju has also served as advisor to the executive director at the World Bank in Washington, DC, from 2008 to 2012, enhancing his expertise in international finance.

A postgraduate from the University of Hyderabad, Nagaraju has previously held posts of secretary and principal secretary in important departments, including health, women and child development, finance, and industries & commerce.

V Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Advisor

An author and teacher, Nageswaran as the chief economic advisor (CEA) to the Government of India is one of the closest advisors of Sitharaman.

The CEA creates the macro-economic backdrop under which the Budget targets are set and the Budget speech is written.

The CEA, with his team of economists, authors the Economic Survey, which is presented a day before the Budget (January 31).

Analysts often try to guess the likely mood of the Budget from the Survey.

His three-year term is coming to an end this financial year.

Nageswaran is an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, and holds a doctoral degree from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
'When voting clause by clause on Waqf came up in the JPC, the TDP and JD-U supported the BJP on each and every clause.'

IMAGE: Bharatiya Janata Party MP Jagdambika Pal, chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, submits the final report to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, January 30, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's National Democratic Alliance government had to face its first major embarrassment after it could not pass the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in August 2024 due to a lack of majority.

The Bharatiya Janata Party's NDA allies, the Telugu Desam Party and the Janata Dal-United, expressed reservations over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill after which it was sent to a Joint Parliamentary Committee.

It was for the first time in 10 years that the BJP was forced on the back foot in Parliament as the party does not have a majority in the Lok Sabha.

This week, the JPC led by Jagdambika Pal of the BJP, rejected 44 recommendations on the Bill from Opposition MPs while accepting all 14 recommendations from NDA MPs.

The Waqf Bill is expected to be tabled during the Budget session of Parliament, which begins on January 31.

The Waqf Act established in 1954 governs properties used for religious and charitable purposes by the Muslim community.

"The JPC formed on Waqf was an eyewash. And now they have made this issue so complex that there can be conflict anywhere at any time," Dr Mohammad Jawed, the Congress Lo Sabha MP from Kishanganj in Bihar and a member of the Waqf Bill JPC, tells Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff.com

What is the objection of the Opposition parties to the Waqf Bill?

The JPC formed on Waqf was an eyewash. And now they have made this issue so complex that there can be conflict anywhere at any time.

The BJP has made it so easy for encroachers to occupy Waqf land, which we are opposing. This will not only encourage encroachers on Muslim religious properties but of other religious properties too.

We didn't want to go ahead with this Waqf Bill, but the government wants to make some kind of statement for their electoral politics.

When the bill was sent to the JPC it was felt that parties like the Telugu Desam and Janata Dal-United with whose support the BJP-led government runs, also opposed the Waqf Bill. What was their stance?

Whatever the statements the leaders of these two parties (Nara Chandra Babu Naidu and Nitish Kumar) made to the Muslim community on Waqf was false.

Nitish and Naidu have cheated the Muslim community on Waqf.

When voting clause by clause on Waqf came up in the JPC, these two parties supported the BJP on each and every clause.

It is now the public which has to decide on their stance (on Waqf) for these two parties. Their stance was very disappointing.

Right from the beginning JPC norms were not followed.

On January 27, when we said we needed to discuss clause by clause the government bulldozed our request.

More than 90 percent of witnesses that we met during the JPC meet, they opposed the government's amendments. The government unfortunately also called non-stakeholders for this meeting who were from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Vishwa Hindu Parishad who had nothing to do with Muslim endowment.

There is a narrative which says the Waqf Board has the right to seize any property in India if it sees fit. How far is this true? Does the Waqf Board have this kind of power?

It is wrong to say that any Muslim in any part of India can make a claim on property stating it is Waqf land. This is false news.

Some people are spreading a fake narrative that wherever Muslims offer namaaz it becomes Waqf land.

Now, if Muslims say namaaz on an airplane or train does it mean it becomes Waqf property?

I say namaaz in Parliament so does it mean Parliament belongs to the Waqf?

The BJP has been spreading lies on every damn issue in our country. There may be two or four issues as such, but then you need to do a scrutiny of such allegations.

It will never happen in India that someone can claim any unknown person's property by stating it is built on Waqf land unless there is documentary proof.

IMAGE: The Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 interact with JPC Chairman and BJP MP Jagdambika Pal in New Delhi, January 29, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

But then the narrative is that Waqf is the third largest property holder in India. Why couldn't Opposition MPs, or for that matter the Muslim community, not counter this?

Be it news channels, social media or even newspapers, they (BJP) spend a lot of time and money on it. It is here they spread lies on Waqf and unfortunately they have been successful too.

The government's entire focus is on these things. The Modi government has no focus except how to win elections.

This government has no intention to improve the quality of life of its citizens or improve their financial status.

Youth of this country have no jobs and the economy is not doing well but the government is busy in diverting the people's attention from real issues, in which unfortunately they are successful.

Is Waqf property all about land mafia as it is the third largest property holder in India?

I will counter this with another question: Do you know how much land Hindu mandirs and Hindu mutts possess in India? They will be the largest and much bigger than Waqf.

Some 70 percent of Waqf properties have Muslim graveyards. They too are being captured and some Waqf officials are selling off or writing off graveyards.

In a similar manner, if you see the Christian community donates for schools, graveyards and churches. They too have a lot of land with them.

Is there an objection for non-Muslims to be a part of Waqf? When we call ourselves secular why object if a non-Muslim is a member of the Waqf?

It is because Waqf is for religious and charity purposes. It is for the poor people's welfare.

Muslim graveyards are the same for every Muslim irrespective of their economic status. A rich Muslim and a poor Muslim get the same land to bury and there is no special treatment over there.

The same is the case with mosques. Rich Muslims do not get preference to pray ahead of poor Muslims if they come a little late for namaaz. The BJP survives on misinformation.

It is being said that Waqf properties have been under the thumb of rich Muslims who do not pass on the benefits to poor Muslims. Therefore, it is essential to get a new Waqf bill.

You cannot generalise this way. There are some places where good work is being done and there are some places where good work is not done.

On extra Waqf land there are schools opened and also hospitals. This has benefitted the common public too.

What is the fear if the Waqf Bill proposed by the BJP is passed?

If the Waqf Bill is passed the outcome will be that whenever the BJP wants to start a conflict in any area of India they can do it.

Waqf properties that are not being looked after and taken care of, the government can occupy and give it to their friends.

The intention is that Muslims must possess as less Waqf land as possible.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray on Thursday attacked the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, stating the party once said the leaders involved in a multi-crore scam would be put behind bars, but they were instead inducted into the state cabinet.

IMAGE: MNS chief Raj Thackeray addresses the party workers, in Mumbai, January 30, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

Speaking at an MNS gathering in Mumbai, he also expressed doubt over the outcome of last year's Maharashtra assembly elections, and asked how Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party won 42 seats just months after it bagged only one seat in the Lok Sabha polls.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that those involved in a Rs 70,000 crore scam would be put behind bars. But where did they put them? In the cabinet," Thackeray said.

He was referring to PM Modi's speech made in 2023 in Madhya Pradesh, where he raised the issue of alleged irrigation scam in Maharashtra.

The BJP targeted Ajit Pawar, who was then the leader of opposition, for his alleged involvement in the scam. However, Pawar later joined the Eknath Shinde-led government in the state and was made deputy chief minister in July 2023.

Thackeray said the BJP once accused many leaders of indulging in corruption, but later joined hands with them and made them chief ministers and ministers.

He referred to the induction of West Bengal leader Mukul Roy into the BJP (before his return to Trinamool Congress), BS Yediyurappa's rejoining of BJP in Karnataka, and the party's alliances with leaders like Omar Abdullah, Farooq Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti and late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.

In Maharashtra, Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, Harshvardhan Patil and Narayan Rane, who were once with the Congress, later joined the BJP, Thackeray said.

"BJP leader Kirit Somaiya had made allegations against several leaders, but now these very people are in the cabinet," he said.

On the criticism over his frequent meetings with BJP leaders, Thackeray said, "Many say I should not meet BJP leaders...I meet people, but I do not sell myself. My Marathi identity remains intact."

Talking about the outcome of the Maharashtra assembly elections, where the Mahayuti alliance secured a thumping victory while the MNS and opposition parties suffered setbacks, he said he remained silent for some time as he was analysing the results.

"On the day of the results, there was an unusual silence across Maharashtra. The kind of celebrations that should have happened did not take place. Even some people from the RSS I spoke to were surprised. One of them jokingly asked me -- 'Why is there so much silence? Someone must have won, right?' So what did that silence indicate?" he said.

He asked how Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party won 42 seats in the assembly polls, while Sharad Pawar's NCP-Sharadchandra Pawar won only 10.

"Congress secured the most Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra and Sharad Pawar-led NCP-SP won 8 seats in the parliamentary polls, but managed to win only 10 assembly seats. On the other hand, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP had won only one Lok Sabha seat, but bagged 42 assembly seats. How is that possible?" he wondered.

Thackeray also cast doubt over certain election results.

"MNS had fielded sitting MLA Raju Patil from Kalyan Rural constituency in Thane district. There are around 1,400 voters in Patil's village, he has always received votes from there. But this time, he did not get even a single vote. How is that possible?" he sought to know.

Speaking about allegations against him that he frequently changes his political stand, Thackeray said, "People say I change my stand, but do they even understand what that means? Look at how others have changed sides for their own benefit. The current cabinet mostly comprises leaders who were earlier with Shiv Sena and Congress. They will not be questioned, but you will keep hearing that Raj Thackeray changes his stance."

He also hinted at making internal changes in the MNS, saying a new code of conduct would be introduced to instill discipline - right from the top leadership to grassroots workers.

Encouraging his supporters not to get discouraged, he said, "I have seen many victories and defeats. But I have never been disheartened by a defeat or got carried away by a victory. I do not want to lead people who are demoralised. If you want to stand with me, then stand strong. Whatever we have to do for Maharashtra and Marathi people, we will do it. If not today, then tomorrow, but it will definitely happen. That is certain."

On the controversy surrounding a scene in an upcoming film Chhava, in which Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj is seen playing lezim, Thackeray said the film's director, Laxman Utekar, recently met him to discuss the issue.

"Lezim is Maharashtra's traditional dance. Sambhaji Maharaj may have picked up a lezim at some point, who knows? Even if it is not in the history books, it could be in our imagination. But I asked the director whether the song in question was crucial to the film's narrative or just a celebration song. He said it was only to show celebration. So, I asked him if it was necessary to risk the entire film for one song," he said.

After meeting Thackeray, the film director announced that the lezim dance scene would be dropped from the movie.
Jose Trinidad Marquez, a fraudster who has been deceiving companies for decades, making them believe that hes an oil executive.

In 1998, Jose Trinidad Marquez appeared for the first time in EL PAIS. The news story was about a fake oil executive who had been arrested for attempting to swindle millions of dollars from one of Spains largest companies, the shipbuilder Astilleros Espanoles.

Almost 30 years later, Marquez is still keeping up his farce.

At 70 years old, this Venezuelan citizen dresses like a gentleman: suit, tie, handkerchief, trench coat and wide-brimmed hat. He meets his victims in posh restaurants, or in the lobbies of five-star hotels in Madrid. When he introduces himself to someone, he hands them his business card: General Director and CEO of PEMEX  the Mexican oil giant  in Europe. In November and December of last year alone, he reached out to almost 30 companies, including multinationals such as Samsung, Siemens, Mitsubishi, Rolls Royce and Morgan Stanley. He asked each of them for commissions to participate in irresistible (but false) tenders. In 2024, at least one company fell into his trap.

EL PAIS looked at how a Hollywood-style scammer operates. We accessed emails, photos and WhatsApp messages from 2024 and from January of this year, which reveal that Marquez is still using his modus operandi from the 1990s. On a Venezuelan digital news website  Armando.info  hes been dubbed El Camaleon criollo, the criollo chameleon.

On Sunday, October 27, 2024, Marquez wrote a WhatsApp message to a self-employed worker based in Murcia, Spain. This man, Eliezer Jose Marin, specializes in transcribing audios and videos so that they can be presented as evidence in court. The scammer introduced himself as an emissary of Dr. Victor Manuel Navarro Cervantes, president of PMI Holdings Petroleos Espana SL, a subsidiary of PEMEX. He explained that they were going to be putting out dozens of tenders and that they needed an assistant to draft the invitations to bid and contact potentially interested companies. He promised Marin a contract with Pemex for 4,000 a month ($4,160) as a senior executive. The transcriber  an immigrant from Nicaragua with five children to support  immediately accepted. He quit his regular job to devote himself entirely to Marquez, believing that he had been offered a unique opportunity. The great con man told Jose Marin: Youll thank me for this for the rest of your life.

Eliezer Jose Marin, owner of Eliman Transcription, was hired by Jose Trinidad Marquez to take care of his paperwork. ALFONSO DURAN

The transcriber worked remotely. He dialed into meetings via video call from his home in Murcia and would see Marquez on the screen, in a suit and tie. The purported oilman also connected from his home, in a large and elegant apartment in Madrid. He never spoke to him from the PMI office on Velazquez Street, in the expensive Salamanca district. This surprised the transcriber. Marquez explained that, because of the Covid pandemic, the company managers realized that the firms employees were more productive when they worked remotely.

Marquez informed him that PMI planned to put out seven tenders, including some related to components such as turbines or engines, and also for complete cargo ships. Marin had to draft the specifications and, for this, Marquez supplied him with real Pemex tenders and gave him instructions on how to fill them out, a job that took from dawn to dusk. He also gave him a list of companies and ordered him to call them. Marquez wanted to meet with the sales managers of those companies at all costs.

The emails seen by EL PAIS show that the companies sometimes sent employees from other countries to meet with Marquez. On the PMI/Pemex side, several executives appear CCd, including Jose Marquez. But there are also others, such as the head of the Spanish subsidiary, Victor Manuel Navarro. Over time, the transcriber realized that these were fake email accounts.

The signs that something was fishy were multiplying. The transcriber was ordered to reply to the companies representatives and tell them that the PMI headquarters in Madrid wasnt available for meetings. Our offices are designed exclusively for administrative management, he wrote to Elekta and Human Corporis, two companies that sent delegates from Mexico to a meeting set to be held on November 21, 2024. For this reason, as is customary for us, we suggest that the meeting take place at your convenience, either at your hotel or at the InterContinental Hotel in Madrid.

On another occasion, Marquez had a 2:00 p.m appointment on December 19, 2024, at the Siemens headquarters in Tres Cantos, north of the capital. Siemens indicated that, in order to enter the facilities, he would have to send them his ID card in advance, according to the security protocol of the German technology company. This outraged Marquez, who sensed that he could be found out. Whats all this about asking us for our documentation? he growled at the transcriber.

Five hours before the meeting, Marquez called his employee to inform him that the PMI president was in critical condition in the hospital. Victor Manuel has had a heart attack, he said, distraught. Inform Siemens that the meeting needs to be suspended.

The emails reflect condolences for that fanciful misfortune. We regret to inform you that, early this morning, our president suffered a health mishap, the transcriber wrote. A Siemens executive extended his most sincere wishes for a speedy recovery. He added: We fully support the need to prioritize the health of your president.

Marin also told Marquez that he was sorry about the heart attack. The con artist then passed the phone to a person, who spoke to the transcriber for just under 30 seconds. Theyve told me to rest, I cannot talk much. Thank you for your call. By this point in time, the contractor was almost certain that he was being taken for a fool.

Another day, as usual, he was talking to Marquez via video conference when the doorbell rang at the latters home.

Ill call you later, Marquez said. He accidentally let the call continue.

National Police, Marin heard in the background.

Well, let them summon me, the fake executive replied. Im not hiding. You have to give me the warrant so I can show up [in court].

The transcriber was amazed. When the agents left, he hung up so that the fraudster would think he hadnt heard what had just happened.

The companies targeted by Marquez reacted in very different ways. Fernando Marcos, commercial director of the German engine manufacturer MAN Energy, says that he didnt buy it when Marquez called him. He had me on a roll for half-an-hour, he recalls. But then, I thought: whats a guy doing in Spain asking to buy engines to send to Asia? Normally, Mexico deals with Mexico, Spain with Spain and Asia with Asia.

However, at least one company took the bait. It was a real estate company that paid 12,000 ($12,480) as a deposit to compete in a bid. Marquez said that PEMEX was looking for a company that would channel investments from oil executives into luxury villas. Hes a scam artist this businessman tells EL PAIS, asking to remain anonymous. The victim hasnt filed a complaint. Its a lot of money, but Im not going to die over it.

Jose Trinidad Marquez, in a photograph taken in April of 2024, near the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid.

The transcriber finally confirmed his suspicions when he received an email from PEMEX just before Christmas. Weeks earlier, he had written to them to find out if Marquez was indeed the head of their European operations. The legal department confirmed that he was not: This constitutes an attempted crime and identity theft related to fictitious operations.

On Google, the transcriber found more information. He discovered the Venezuelans long history of troubles with the law. In 1998, Marquez tried to scam Astilleros Espanoles. In 2009, he swindled 247,000 ($256,000) from the oil infrastructure company Tecnicas Reunidas and was convicted three years later. In 2014, he extorted 4.5 million ($4.7 million) from the largest Portuguese bank, Espirito Santo. In 2015, he allegedly deceived Gustavo Eustache, a legislator for the conservative Popular Party in the regional assembly of Madrid. And in 2017, he was also accused of defrauding companies belonging to the former vice-president of Real Madrid, Fernando Fernandez-Tapias.

Judicial and prosecutorial sources havent been able to clarify his legal situation, but its known that, years ago, he spent time in the Madrid prison of Estremera. And, for part of the last decade, he presented himself to the world as Domingo Galan, the name of a humble Spanish citizen whose documents he stole.

After Christmas, the relationship between Marquez and the transcriber became strained. The transcriber only wanted to get paid: he hadnt seen a single euro, despite spending entire days working on the computer. On December 27, he wrote to his employer on WhatsApp:

Jose, I wasnt able to call you because I was looking for a job (for a few days now) so I could have some money to buy food. Im going to sleep because tomorrow, I have to get up at 5 a.m. Im going to work with a man in the fields. Ill call you tomorrow afternoon. According to what he says, we finish around 7 p.m.

Be careful with that. God protect you, see you tomorrow.

Thank you... I will see how it goes. Ive never worked [on a farm] before, but they say that, when in need Good night, Jose.

Thats really tough, replied the man in the suit and tie.

In mid-January, Marin reported the fraudster to the police. The case is being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Unit. The swindler hasnt responded to this newspapers attempts to contact him.

Marquez hasnt responded to his former transcriber, either. Jose Marin believes that hes still out there, conning people: He must be looking for someone to help him continue his tricks. Considering his almost 30 years of deceit, hes probably right.

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Congress MP Rakesh Rathore was arrested from his residence here in a rape case on Thursday, a day after the Allahabad high court rejected his anticipatory bail plea.

IMAGE: Congress MP Rakesh Rathore. Photograph: ANI on X

Rathore was addressing a press conference when Kotwali Nagar police reached his residence to take him into custody.

An FIR was lodged against Rathore on January 17 on a complaint by a woman who accused him of repeatedly raping her over four years after promising to marry her.

Authorities are continuing their probe into the matter.
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla on Thursday said he was "really excited" go into microgravity conditions as pilot for the Axiom Mission 4 to the International Space Station later this year.

IMAGE: Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will create history as the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station. Photograph: ANI Photo

Shukla will create history as the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from the space station in Florida "no earlier than spring 2025" as part of a joint effort between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation, the US space agency announced on Thursday.

In an online press conference, Shukla said he was "really excited to go into microgravity" and would also try to perform some yoga postures on the ISS.

Shukla, a group captain in the Indian Air Force, has been designated as the pilot for the Axiom Mission 4.

He also plans to take items representing different regions of India and the country as a whole with him to the ISS.

He said ISRO had asked a university in India to select different items, representing the country's diversity, to send to space.

In reply to a question, Shukla said he had been trying his hand at different types of Indian food with his fellow crew members and looked forward to taking those to the ISS.

Former NASA astronaut and Axiom Space's Director of Human Spaceflight, Peggy Whitson, will command the commercial mission and Shukla will be the mission pilot, the US space agency said.

The two mission specialists are European Space Agency project astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary.

"Once docked, the private astronauts plan to spend up to 14 days aboard the orbiting laboratory, conducting a mission consisting of science, outreach, and commercial activities," NASA said.

The private mission will also carry the first astronauts from Poland and Hungary to stay aboard the space station.

"As NASA looks toward the future of low-Earth orbit, private astronaut missions help pave the way and expand access to the unique microgravity environment," said Dana Weigel, manager of NASA's International Space Station Program at Johnson Space Centre in Houston.

Whitson said, "Working with the talented and diverse Axiom Mission 4 crew has been a deeply rewarding experience."

"Witnessing their selfless dedication and commitment to expanding horizons and creating opportunities for their nations in space exploration is truly remarkable. Each crew member brings unique strengths and perspectives, making our mission not just a scientific endeavour but a testament to human ingenuity and teamwork," she added.

Shukla said the experience on the Axiom Mission 4 would be very well utilised on India's Gaganyaan mission.
India on Thursday outlined global artificial intelligence ambitions with plans to build its own 'foundational model' that could take on the might of ChatGPT, DeepSeek R1 and others, as it lined up "most affordable" common compute facility powered by 18,693 GPUs to be used by startups and researchers, for creating artificial intelligence applications, and new algorithms.

IMAGE: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addresses the media during a Cabinet Briefing, in New Delhi, January 16, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

India's bold move comes at a time when Chinese company DeepSeek has turned heads after its AI model overtook ChatGPT as the top-ranked free app on Apple's appstore, challenging the AI dominance concentrated so far with the US firms, particularly Silicon Valley frontrunner Open AI.

IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that India is all set to launch its own safe and secure indigenous AI model at an affordable cost.

He said that as compared to global models costing 2.5 to 3 US dollars per hour usage, India's AI model will cost less than less than Rs 100 per hour (1.16 US dollars per hour) after 40 percent government subsidy.

The attractive half-yearly and annual plans promise to make it even more affordable.

The Minister exuded confidence that India will build a foundational model that is world-class, and that it will be able to compete with best models across the globe.

The government announced the next steps in India's AI blueprint, among them, 18,693 Graphics Processing Unit or GPUs on offer by the empanelled bidders (a list that includes Jio Platforms, CMS Computers, Tata Communications, E2E Networks, Yotta Data Services, and others), and start of AI safety institution, with 8 projects approved under it. Of the 18,693 GPUs, 12,896 are H100, 1,480 H200, and 7,200 are MI 200 300 units.

Replying to a question on data security concerns around DeepSeek, the Minister said that DeepSeek can get hosted on Indian servers after security checks so that coders, developers and designers can take benefit of its open source code.

Vaishnaw said India's very own foundational models would be aligned to Indian context, Indian languages, culture, basically where datasets are "for our country, of our country and for our citizens" and "biases are removed". Put simply, foundation models in generative AI are large, pre-trained models that form the base for a variety of AI applications.

"Making modern technology accessible to everyone, that is the economic thinking of our PM... Ours is the most affordable compute facility, at this point of time," Vaishnaw said.

The minister said there are at least six major developers/startups who would be able to build foundational models in the next 8-10 months at the outer limit, and 4-6 months at a more optimistic estimate.

"Algorithmic efficiency matters a lot, it can deliver a model at much lower cost and less time than the world has seen today," the Minister said, expressing optimism that India will have a "world class foundational model" in the coming few months.

The government, under the IndiaAI Mission, had approved Rs 10,372 crore outlay to strengthen India's AI ecosystem - a key pillar for that was enabling 10,000 GPUs for AI Compute Infrastructure. The 18,693 GPUs would offer large compute power considering that Deepseek was trained on 2,000 GPUs and ChatGPT version 4 on 25,000 GPUs.

On the applications under India AI mission, India's focus has been about utilising the power of Artificial Intelligence for solving population-scale problems, in areas such as healthcare, education, agri, logistics, weather forecasting and others.

"We launched an application proposal and I am happy to say that 18 applications have been selected for the first round of funding. These are in themes of agriculture, learning disability and climate change," the minister said.

AI safety is in the spotlight across the world, and India AI Mission too emphasises safe and trusted models.

Vaishnaw announced that AI safety institutions will be collaborative and will act on a hub-and-spoke type model, where multiple institutions can partner to provide and develop tools, frameworks and processes needed for AI safety.

The projects approved for AI safety include areas of machine unlearning (IIT Jodhpur), synthetic Data Generation (IIT Roorkee), AI bias mitigation strategy, explainable AI framework (Defence Institute of Advanced Technology Pune), privacy-enhancing strategy (IIT Delhi, IIIT Delhi, TEC), AI Ethical certification framework, AI algorithm auditing tool, and AI governance testing framework.

Asked about the issue of GPU and AI chip export curbs that the US had been talking about and whether or not it would impact India's AI mission, the Minister said India is seen as a trusted country across the world.

"We respect IP rights and considerations in technology and that is why we have signed MoUs on very important technologies. We believe that the trust that has developed will be important in every consideration and regulation that any country brings," he said, expressing confidence that the India AI Mission will flourish because of the trust the country enjoys.

IndiaAI has also launched the second round of Expression of Interest open to Indian Academic Institutes/Organisations, Autonomous bodies, R&D Institutes/Organisations, Startups and Companies, where themes covered are watermarking and labelling, ethical AI frameworks, AI risk assessment and Management, stress testing tools, and Deep-fake Detection Tools.
The three-member judicial commission set up by the Uttar Pradesh government to find the reasons behind the Maha Kumbh stampede has a month to wrap up its probe but will try to expedite it, panel head Harsh Kumar said on Thursday.

IMAGE: A devotee breaks down following a stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela, in Prayagraj on January 30, 2025. Photograph: Ishant/ANI Photo

Kumar, a retired judge, also said that the commission members would soon visit Prayagraj.

Kumar and panel members ex-Director General of Police (DGP) V K Gupta and retired IAS officer D K Singh reached the office assigned to them here and began their work on Thursday, an official statement said.

"We have taken charge within hours of the announcement as the probe has to be taken up on priority," Kumar told PTI.

Asked about the timeline for the probe, he said, "We have a one-month timeline but all the same, we will try to expedite it."

He said the commission members will soon visit Prayagraj. However, he did not say when they would visit.

Asked if the three members will be probing separate aspects, Kumar said, "We will discuss this amongst ourselves. Can't go into detail right now."

At least 30 people were killed and 60 injured in the pre-dawn stampede at the Sangam area of the Maha Kumbh on Wednesday as millions of pilgrims jostled for space to take a holy dip on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, one of the most auspicious days of the Hindu calendar.

According to police, the incident took place as the crowd jumped barricades, crushing those waiting on the other side.
More than 36 hours have passed since the stampede at Maha Kumbh, but Jitendra Sahu has not caught a wink and has been frantically searching for his 70-year-old aunt Shakuntala Devi, who has been missing since.

IMAGE: Devotees navigate through trail of abandoned belongings following a stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. Photograph: ANI Photo

Shakuntala Devi had arrived at the Maha Kumbh from Gwalior with a group of 15 devotees.

"We have had no contact with my aunt since the incident. She has an identity card around her neck. Her phone is unreachable and she has not contacted anyone. We don't know what to do," he told PTI in a choked voice.

The tragedy struck between 1 am and 2 am on Wednesday, when a huge crowd broke through barriers and trampled over devotees who had been waiting overnight at the ghats to take a holy dip on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, one of the most auspicious days of the Hindu calendar.

Nearly 18 hours after the incident, the Mela administration, in a brief press conference, confirmed that 30 people had died and 60 were injured in the stampede. A judicial inquiry has been ordered.

However, several families like Jitendra's continue their desperate search for their loved ones. While some of the missing persons have reunited with their families, many remain unaccounted for. The majority of those still missing are women.

Phooli Nishad from Dheha Dera village in Hamirpur, has been missing since Mauni Amavasya.

Her son Rajesh Nishad, who works in Ahmedabad, said, "My mother, father, uncle, and aunt had travelled to the Kumbh Mela for a holy dip at the Sangam. After taking a dip on Mauni Amavasya evening, my mother got separated from the family and we have had no contact with her since."

Same is the case with Maya Singh. The Deoria resient had come to the Maha Kumbh with six to seven of her relatives to take a dip at the confluence of three rivers on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya.

"Our group had travelled from Banaras to Sahso Chauraha, where we parked our vehicle before entering the Mela area. After the bath, we gathered at Sahso Chauraha to return home but Maya got separated due to jostling by the huge crowd and has been missing since. We have not been able to find her despite extensive searches and inquiries," her husband Janardhan Singh shared.

While for many families their anxious wait contiues, some have been fortunate to reunite with their loved ones. Among them is Renu Lata Nandi from Odisha's Kendrapara who had been missing since Tuesday night after taking a dip in the Ganga.

"My mother got separated from our group after the bath. We were extremely worried, especially after hearing about the stampede. But today, a fellow villager from our group of 26 people found her in Sector 20. We are all relieved," her son Amar Kumar Nandi, said.

Aligarh resident Snehlata (68) haad travelled to the Maha Kumbh alone. She long her belonging and went missing on Tuesday. However, she managed to find her way back home by Wednesday night.

Her son Gyanendra Kumar Sharma said, "My mother always travels alone for pilgrimages because my father has difficulty walking. Somehow, she managed to return home by train last night. Her purse and other belongings were also recovered and are now kept at the Maha Kumbh fair ground's Sector 4 lost-and-found centre."

Some of those who lost touch with the group they had travelled to Prayagraj were making efforts to return home alone. Among the many were an elderly couple from Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar -- Ram Sanehi and Bitta Devi.

"Now, we are just trying to find a way to reach the railway station and board a train to Gorakhpur. But we have no idea how to get there," said Sanehi, wearing a hearing aid in one ear and thick eyeglasses.

Umesh Chandra Tiwari, who runs the lost-and-found camp of the Bharat Seva Dal in Sector 4, highlighted that the new digital lost-and-found centre is proving effective in reconnecting people. "Most of the missing person reports are now being registered there, and they are coordinating with us to help track people," he said.

However, the sheer scale of the situation remains overwhelming.

By Wednesday evening, hundreds of people were seen lying exhausted in and around the digital lost-and-found centre, waiting for news of their missing loved ones. Many were too weary to even approach officials for help.
Parliament's Budget session is likely to get off to a stormy start on Friday with Opposition parties demanding a discussion on the alleged mismanagement of the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj where 30 pilgrims were killed in a stampede.

IMAGE: TMC MPs Sudip Bandyopadhyay, Derek O'Brien (second from right), DMK MPs TR Balu (second from left) and Tiruchi N Siva during the all-party meeting ahead of the Budget Session of Parliament that commences Friday, at Parliament House Annexe in New Delhi, January 30, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

At the all party meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on the eve of the Parliament session, opposition parties also accused the government of politicising the parliamentary committees and trying to push its agenda by using its majority.

The Budget session starts on Friday with President Droupadi Murmu addressing both the Houses of Parliament assembled together in the Lok Sabha. After the President's address, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will table the Economic Survey in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha separately.

Sitharaman will present the Union Budget on Saturday for the eighth consecutive time.

At the all party meeting, the opposition accused the BJP-led government of politicisation of the Kumbh congregation and prevalence of VIP culture at the cost of the common man.

The opposition parties also alleged that the government is steam-rolling its agenda in parliamentary panels and having disregard for parliamentary procedure of finalising House business at the meetings of the Business Advisory Committee.

"We expressed our concerns over the biased manner in the conduct of Parliament proceedings," Gaurav Gogoi, Deputy Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha, told reporters here.

A section of the opposition leaders questioned the government over the publication of a parliamentary bulletin on the number of days allotted for discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President's address, contending that this was the prerogative of the Business Advisory Committee.

"We have taken note of their concerns. The Business Advisory Committee will decide which issues will be taken up for discussion. We hope for a smooth and productive Budget session. Cooperation from all parties is essential for a meaningful and constructive parliamentary session," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said.

The government has listed 16 Bills, besides the financial business, for the Budget session which will be held from January 31 to February 13 before breaking for recess to examine the Budget proposals.

The session will reconvene on March 10 and continue till April 4.

The all-party meeting was attended by Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh, K Suresh, Gaurav Gogoi and Pramod Tewari, Trinamool Congress leaders Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Derek O'Brien, Revolutionary Socialist Party leader N K Premachandran, Biju Janata Dal leader Sasmit Patra, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader TR Baalu, Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader Mahua Maji, and Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar leader Fouzia Khan, among others.

The 16 Bills listed for the Budget session include the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, The Railways (Amendment) Bill, The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, The Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, The Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, and The Immigration and Foreigners Bill.

Asked about the opposition's demand for a discussion on the stampede at the Maha Kumbh, Rijiju said the decision will be taken by the committee.

"There are many important issues...the Kumbh was also mentioned," he said.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Pramod Tiwari said opposition leaders have decided that the INDIA bloc will raise all issues together during the Budget session.

Emerging from the all-party meeting convened by the government on the eve of the session, Tiwari also slammed the "politicisation of the Kumbh", saying VIP movement during the event was creating difficulties for the common man.

BJD leader Sasmit Patra accused the BJP of going back on its promise of granting special state to Odisha.

Indian Union Muslim League leader ET Mohammed Basheer said he raised the issue of the weakening of the law-making process in the country.

"The JPC on Waqf was constituted to have discussion, but members were not given enough opportunity to speak," Basheer said.

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam member M Thambi Durai wanted the government to make efforts to regain control over Katchetheevu island.
Maratha activist Manoj Jarange on Thursday ended his indefinite fast after five days of protest, claiming that government representatives assured him that several of his demands would be accepted.

IMAGE: Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil speaks to the media after he was admitted to the Galaxy Hospital, in Aurangabad (now Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), February 27, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Members of the Maratha community would march to Mumbai if the demands were not fulfilled, he warned.

The activist, who has been demanding reservation for the community in government jobs and education, broke his hunger strike at Antarwali Sarati village in Maharashtra's Jalna district in the presence of BJP MLA Suresh Dhas and district collector Dr Shrikrishna Panchal.

Jarange told reporters that the government representatives promised him that several of his demands, including the reactivation of the Shinde Committee, would be fulfilled.

The government has assured that all cases against Maratha protesters would be withdrawn, while separate sections would be set up for issuing 'Kunbi' certificates for the community members, he said.

The Economically Backward Section provisions for Marathas would also be implemented, while compensation would be released for those community members who lost their lives during the quota agitation, he said.

However, Jarange said, the government has sought more time to implement the draft notification that recognises Kunbis as sage soyare (blood relatives) of Maratha community members for granting reservation to the latter under the OBC (Other Backward Class) category.

The Shinde Committee was formed on September 7, 2023, to determine the methodology for issuing OBC certificates to Marathas and to gather proof establishing their members as part of the Kunbi community.

Hundreds of Maratha protesters fasting alongside Jarange also ended their hunger. During their five-day protest, several of them had to be hospitalised after their health deteriorated.

Jarange himself received intravenous fluids on Wednesday following a request from MLA Dhas.

Calling his battle far from over, Jarange told his supporters, "I have only suspended my fast, not our struggle. We will march to Mumbai if our demands are not fulfilled. Mumbai will then come to a standstill. However, we will ensure that no harm comes to the city."

He urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to fulfil the promises made to the Maratha community.

"Don't deceive Marathas, else, we'll head to Mumbai," he said.

This is his seventh indefinite fast since September 1, 2023, when police lathi-charged protesters at Antarwali Sarati.

In February 2024, the Maharashtra legislature unanimously passed a bill providing 10 per cent reservation for the Marathas in education and government jobs under a separate category.
Opposition parties at an all-party meeting on Thursday called for a discussion in Parliament on the Maha Kumbh tragedy and the Uttar Pradesh government's alleged focus on VIPs rather than the common pilgrims, as Union Minister Kiren Rijiju asserted that the Business Advisory Committee will decide on the agenda of the Budget Session starting from January 31.

IMAGE: Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister JP Nadda and members of the Opposition parties attend all-party meet ahead of Winter Session of Parliament, in New Delhi, January 30, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

Rijiju described the meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as constructive and sought cooperation from Opposition parties, adding that the customary discussions on the President's address to parliamentarians and the Union Budget are the main priorities in the Budget Session.

"Party leaders raised some issues and demanded discussion on those issues. The Business Advisory Committee will decide which issues will be taken up for discussion," Rijiju said.

The Session will commence with President Droupadi Murmu addressing the joint sitting of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The Union Budget will be presented on February 1.

The first part of the session will conclude on February 13 and the second part will start on March 10. The session will conclude on April 4.

The Session's legislative agenda has 16 bills, including the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Immigration and Foreigners Bill.

Asked about the opposition's demand for a discussion on the stampede at the Maha Kumbh which claimed 30 lives, the minister said the decision will be taken by the BAC.

"There are many important issues... the Kumbh was also mentioned," Rijiju said.

Sources said Rajnath Singh noted that the Uttar Pradesh government is probing the Maha Kumbh tragedy when opposition parties, such as the Congress and Samajwadi Party, raised the issue.

Congress leader Pramod Tiwari told reporters that the opposition leaders have decided that the INDIA bloc will raise all issues together during the Session. Many INDIA bloc parties have been critical of the Congress since the main opposition party's defeat in some key states.

Emerging from the all-party meeting convened by the government on the eve of the Session, Tiwari also slammed the "politicisation of the Kumbh", saying the VIP movement during the event was creating difficulties for the common man.

Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav echoed the criticism and slammed the ruling BJP for patronising VIPs at the grand religious congregation at the cost of the convenience of crores of pilgrims.

"Rising" unemployment and farmers' "plight" will also be raised during the Session, several opposition leaders said.
A large-scale search operation is underway after a tragic mid-air collision between a American airlines plane and a United States Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport outside Washington, DC On Wednesday.

IMAGE: Emergency service vehicles stand near the site of the crash after American Eagle flight 5342 collided with a helicopter while approaching Reagan Washington National Airport and crashed in the Potomac River, outside Washington, DC, January 29, 2025. Photograph: Carlos Barria/Reuters

The collision resulted in both aircraft crashing into the Potomac River, CNN reported.

Authorities confirmed fatalities but no survivors have been recovered from the river, according to law enforcement sources.

The aircraft involved in the collision included American Airlines Flight 5342, a regional jet with 60 passengers and four crew members on board.

The flight had departed from Wichita, Kansas, and was approaching the airport when it collided with a Black Hawk helicopter on a training mission.

The three soldiers aboard the helicopter were also confirmed dead.

According to latest reports, the wreckage from both the plane and the helicopter was found submerged in the icy waters of the Potomac River.

"The plane is in pieces in the water and the helicopter is in the water nearby," said one law enforcement source.

The collision occurred at a time when the airport was busy, with 858 flights scheduled to take off and land at Reagan National Airport on Wednesday, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.

In the wake of the incident, approximately 19 aircraft that were in the air at the time diverted to nearby Dulles International Airport, about 20 miles away from Reagan National.

The airport was closed, and all flights were grounded for the night, a decision expected to remain in effect until at least 11 am ET Thursday, airport officials confirmed.

IMAGE: Emergency services operate at Gravelly Point, near the Potomac River. Photograph: Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters

The crash sent shockwaves through the local community and beyond, with President Donald Trump offering condolences to the families of the victims.

"This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented," Trump posted on Truth Social.

Meanwhile, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed early Thursday that the focus of search efforts remains on recovering the victims, with all personnel concentrating on the water search.

She added that the National Transportation Safety Board would lead the investigation into the cause of the crash, but the details remain scarce at this time.

DC's Fire and EMS Chief John A Donnelly Sr described the conditions as "dangerous" for rescue teams. "The water is about 8 feet deep, with ice and murky visibility, making it very difficult to conduct rescue operations," Donnelly said.

He also warned that recovery efforts could take several days due to the challenging environment. "The river is a large black spot at night with no lights, except for a few buoy lights," Donnelly explained, emphasising the difficulty of navigating the cold, dark waters.

Meanwhile, the FBI's Washington Field Office dive team, part of the Underwater Search and Evidence Response Team (USERT), has been assisting in efforts to locate the victims. This team is specially trained in recovering submerged evidence and is providing critical support in the ongoing recovery operations, CNN reported.

A citywide prayer vigil is planned for Thursday in Wichita, Kansas, where the American Airlines flight originated. The Kansas Aviation Museum announced the event to support the victims and their families, with prayers for the 64 people on the plane and the three soldiers aboard the helicopter.

The vigil will be held at the Wichita City Council Chambers at noon local time. "Our thoughts and prayers are with all affected by this tragedy as well as the aviation community," the museum said in a Facebook post.
The three-member judicial commission set up by the Uttar Pradesh government to probe the Maha Kumbh stampede will visit the site on Friday, panel head Harsh Kumar, a retired judge of the Allahabad high court, said.

IMAGE: Devotees arrive to take a dip at Triveni Sangam during the Maha Kumbh 2025 on a cold winter morning, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, January 30, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

Kumar also said that the commission has a month to wrap up its investigation but will try to expedite it.

Kumar and panel members former director general of police V K Gupta and retired IAS officer D K Singh reached the office assigned to them here and began their work on Thursday, an official statement said.

"We have taken charge within hours of the announcement as the probe has to be taken up on priority," Kumar told PTI.

Asked about the timeline for the probe, he said, "We have a one-month timeline but all the same, we will try to expedite it."

Asked if the three members will be probing separate aspects, Kumar said, "We will discuss this amongst ourselves. Can't go into detail right now."

Later, the panel members also interacted with the media on Thursday.

"Tomorrow (Friday), we will visit the site to conduct an inspection and analyse the possible causes and circumstances surrounding the incident. We will carefully consider all factors and are required to submit our report within one month," said Kumar.

Two other panel members, Gupta and Singh, were also present during the briefing.

Talking about the probe, Kumar explained, "First, we must examine the causes. The solution will come only after we identify the root cause. Initially, we will focus on understanding the causes, and then we will propose preventive measures for the future."

At least 30 people were killed and 60 injured in the pre-dawn stampede at the Sangam area of the Maha Kumbh on Wednesday as millions of pilgrims jostled for space to take a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya, one of the most auspicious days of the Hindu calendar.

According to police, the incident took place as the crowd jumped barricades, crushing those waiting on the other side.
Charles Gentry, a historic preservation specialist with the city of San Antonio, speaks during a Jan. 25 forum about Hockley-Clay Cemetery. Also pictured are landscape architect and historian Everett Fly, city archaeologist Matthew Elverson and cultural historian Gloria Colom Brana. JoMando Cruz Iris Grant and Kelly Roberts speak during a Jan. 25 DreamWeek forum about the historical Hockley-Clay Cemetery. JoMando Cruz Traci Clay and Toni Satterwhite, both of whom have family members buried in Hockley-Clay Cemetery, speak during a Jan. 25 DreamWeek forum about the historical cemetery. JoMando Cruz San Antonio City Council Member Marc Whyte speaks speaks during a Jan. 25 DreamWeek forum about Hockley-Clay Cemetery. JoMando Cruz San Antonio city archaeologist Matthew Elverson speaks during the Hockley-Clay Cemetery forum on Jan. 25. JoMando Cruz Velmil Clay, center, reviews a genealogy timeline during the Hockley-Clay Cemetery forum at Northern Hills Elementary School on Jan. 25. JoMando Cruz A now-cleared path leads to the Hockley-Clay Cemetery behind Northern Hills Elementary School. JoMando Cruz Traci Clay unlocks the gate into Hockley-Clay Cemetery behind Northern Hills Elementary School on Jan. 25. JoMando Cruz The Hockley-Clay Cemetery sign can be seen behind a cemetery gate on Jan. 25. JoMando Cruz A new sign adorns the grounds of the Hockley-Clay Cemetery. JoMando Cruz Landscape architect Everett Fly leads a group of visitors through Hockley-Clay Cemetery on Jan. 25. JoMando Cruz

Growing up, Traci Clays father always said he was on his way to moving home.

Each time Velmil Clay uttered the phrase, she gave him a puzzled look. She knew he grew up on the West Side and couldnt figure out why hed talk of returning to his old neighborhood.

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Years later, she unknowingly found the place her dad had spoken of with reverence. It was on the Northeast Side, near Northern Hills Elementary School, where shed wait in the car for her daughter Ella, who twirled a baton in a dance class. Just beyond the school's playground was the Hockley-Clay Cemetery, a long-forgotten family property and the final resting place for many of her ancestors.

Learning the history now, I wish I had known more back then, Clay said. Im getting to learn a little bit more.

Clay was one of more than 50 relatives, historians and dignitaries who recently gathered at Northern Hills Elementary's cafeteria for a DreamWeek event focused on the cemetery's history. DreamWeek is a community summit that includes panel discussions, lectures, art exhibits, classes, concerts and more.

Landscape architect and historian Everett Fly hosted the Hockley-Clay Cemetery event, and said historians want to make sure people understand the significance of the cemetery.

It connects to other parts of culture, and other parts of our communities, lives and history," said Fly, a 2014 National Humanities medalist.

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The 1.26 acre property is linked to the Griffin Cemetery and Winters Family Cemetery, all in African American settlements once located on the edge of Bexar County. Its also linked to cemeteries of other Black enclaves in counties southeast of San Antonio. Its the source of stories Clay family descendants tell of visits to the graveyard that as children, chilled some to their core. And its roots have revealed missing branches of a family tree that stretches across Texas.

The bid to preserve the cemetery began when retired Air Force Maj. J. Michael Wright noticed the overgrown plot of land while walking his two children to Northern Hills Elementary each morning, and wondered what was hidden there. He began to investigate rumors that the lot was a burial ground. In 2014, his research led him to archivist David Carlson and the discovery of a cemetery deed and other documents.

They reached out to Fly, who  supported by state and local historical preservation groups  began to unearth a sprawling network of data and ties to the property.

They learned that the cemetery fell into disrepair after older relatives died and younger relatives didn't want to pay taxes on notices sent by the tax assessor. The trio found out owners of cemeteries are not required to pay taxes and resolved the issue for the family.

'Happy to be involved'

At the recent forum, descendants of the people buried in the cemetery shared stories of how the find has affected their lives.

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Toni Satterwhite recalled that Easter Jane Clay, who was once the cemeterys unofficial overseer, died at 101. Satterwhite found a shoe box in a storage room behind her grandmother Nettie Cunninghams house, filled with funeral programs of people who were buried at the cemetery.

Ive always loved history, Satterwhite said. Im very happy to be involved and to be a descendant of Easter Jane Clay.

Iris Grant said shes grateful to Fly for helping connect relatives with family members theyd never met. Shes worked on finding the families of homesteaders who settled in DeWitt, Castro and possibly Stephen F. Austin colonies. Grant said shes researched genealogy and cemeteries linked to her family since 2008. She said all of the families are connected, whether African American or European American.

Kelly Roberts worked with colleagues and the city government to preserve the Lone Star Community Cemetery in Karnes County. She said there are 176 graves, 40 of them without headstones, at the cemetery founded in 1880. Roberts said in 2021, the Texas Historical Commission designated the property as a Historic Texas Cemetery. She said in her research shes always found each community seemed to have three cemeteries: the white cemetery, the Black cemetery and the Latino cemetery.

I sit on the Karnes Historical Commission, Roberts said. Because thats how important this history of all cemeteries and histories are to me.

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ALSO READ: Historian leads project to reclaim acreage of rediscovered San Antonio African American cemetery

Historical significance

San Antonio City Council Member Marc Whyte said he was proud the cemeteries were in his district. In February 2022, the Historic and Design Review Commission named the cemetery a local, cultural heritage district. The designation honors corridors, neighborhoods, individual buildings, objects and sites that have cultural or historic value.

That was a big moment, Whyte said. That was our city recognizing the significance of the Hockley-Clay Cemetery along with the other two cemeteries.

Representatives from the citys Office of Historical Preservation Cultural historian said the designation doesnt involve extra taxes or permits. Cultural historian Gloria Colom Brana said the district celebrates the living heritage and cultural side of a place not recognized before.

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Historic preservation specialist Charles Gentry said the ScoutSA online mapping program features Theres a Story Here, markers that share untold histories and stories of San Antonio.

He said in 2019, the team kicked off the African American heritage preservation initiative and is in the final steps of getting the first national register designation for a Black church in San Antonio. He said the initiative traces the roots of families moving from surrounding counties to Bexar County.

One major goal is to dispel the myth that the Black community only existed on the East Side of San Antonio, Gentry said. The fact that were here today is part of that process of educating the community that African Americans lived all over Bexar County.

City Archaeologist Matthew Elverson said its important to understand whats being looked at so findings can be put in historical context. He talked about the 1850s to 1860s, when people who were enslaved lived in Southwest San Antonio. Elverson said as new developments are planned for downtown, preserving and sharing the information with the public is imperative.

After the event, Fly walked with the group outside, down a grassy easement to the locked gates of the cemetery property. Fly said it took three years to clear the area, which had become so overgrown that sunlight couldnt penetrate decades-old foliage.

A wooden sign above the cemetery fence read, Hockley Clay Cemetery: Land Donated By Jane Warren-Hockley. Est. Late 1800s. Archival records said the graveyard dates to 1873 and in use until the 1970s. According to historical documents, in 1908 Jane Warren-Hockley legally had the land set aside as a designated burial ground.

Beyond two aged cedar posts that were once the gateway to the graveyard, Velmil Clay, 81, recalled his grandmother Easter Hockley Clay knew who was buried in each section and would point out where caretakers could dig graves.

Clay said as child, he was scared of the place they called the graveyard. It was the place hed run from because thats where the dead people lived. As an adult, he came to respect the lot as a historical place where his three brothers and father are buried. He carries that same reverence for long-gone forebears, who believed in order, discipline and faith.
Welcome greeting from Chinese artificial intelligence app Deepseek. Dado Ruvic (REUTERS)

In just one week, DeepSeek, Chinas new artificial intelligence app, has surpassed one million downloads (more than half in just two days) and it is expected to multiply that figure, according to AppBrain based on data from QR Code Generator. But this technological frenzy has its consequences. Several researchers warn that its use is not harmless, that the servers are in a country operating outside of data protection laws and that, as Ross Burley, co-founder of the Centre for Information Resilience (CIR), warns, this technology, if left unchecked, has the potential to fuel disinformation campaigns, erode public trust and entrench authoritarian narratives within our democracies.

There is an economic component to the emergence of AI in China, where DeepSeek has been joined by Qwen 2.5, a generative AI large language model by the retail giant Alibaba (owner of AliExpress). The adoption of AI will have a cumulative economic impact worldwide of $19.9 trillion by 2030, when this technology will steer 3.5% of global GDP, according to the report The global impact of artificial intelligence on the economy and jobs by the analysis firm IDC.

In this regard, Marc Porcar, CEO of QR Code Generator, believes that China has shaken up the market with faster, cheaper and smarter products to pave the way for the Asian country in a market that, until now, was mainly dominated by the United States and OpenAI [the firm that created ChatGPT].

But to think that this is just an economic move is naive, warn several researchers. In fact, notes Deepak Padmanabhan, a senior lecturer at the School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Queens University Belfast, DeepSeek focuses on building foundational technology rather than commercial applications.

So what is China after? Harin Sellahewa, Professor of Computing and Dean of the School of Computing, Law and Psychology at the University of Buckingham, tells Science Media Centre (SMC): DeepSeeks Privacy Policy states they collect user-provided information such as date of birth (where applicable), username, email address and/or telephone number, and password. Moreover, automatically collected data includes keystroke patterns or rhythms, which can be used as a biometric to identify individuals.

Sellahewa points out that this data is also collected by other AI applications, but adds: The concern is not necessarily the collection of user-provided or the automatically collected data per se, because other Generative AI applications collect similar data. Its DeepSeeks legal and obligations and rights, which includes the requirement to comply with applicable law, legal process or government requests, as consistent with internationally recognised standards. Because the information collected by DeepSeek is stored on servers located in the Peoples Republic of China, users personal data may not be protected by the laws of Western countries.

Thinking along the same lines, Lukasz Piwek, Senior Lecturer in Data Science at the University of Bath, adds to SMC: Chinas relatively flexible regulatory approach to advanced technology enables rapid innovation but raises concerns about data privacy, potential misuse, and ethical implications, particularly for an open-source model like DeepSeek.

We should be alarmed. Further integration of Chinese AI technology into Western society is not only a bad idea, it is reckless. Ross Burley, cofundador de CIR

We should be alarmed, warns Ross Burley, co-founder of the Center for Information Resilience, an independent organization dedicated to exposing human rights violations and threats to democracy. He explains: For Chinese AI technology to become even more embedded in Western society is not only a bad idea, it is reckless. We have seen time and again how Beijing uses its technological dominance as a weapon for surveillance, control and coercion, both at home and abroad. Whether through spyware-laden devices, state-sponsored cyber campaigns or the misuse of AI to suppress dissent, Chinas track record shows that its technology is an extension of its geopolitical strategy. This might seem like benign big-speak, but we have already seen AI suppress information critical of the Chinese government.

Allowing Chinese AI to flourish in the West doesnt just risk undermining privacy or security; it could fundamentally reshape our societies in ways we are not prepared for. We need safeguards, accountability, and a clear understanding that not all technological advances serve the common good, especially when they originate in a regime that prioritizes control over freedom, Burley concludes.

They will have profiles and even more complete information about us that could end up in the US or China. Control can be exercised like never before in history Rafael Rodriguez Prieto, Chair of Philosophy of Law at Pablo de Olavide University

Rafael Rodriguez Prieto, Chair of Philosophy of Law at Pablo de Olavide University in Seville, Spain and co-author of Poder e internet. Un Analisis critica de la red (or Power and the internet. A critical analysis of the world wide web), shares the same opinion. He warns about the potential to control citizens thanks to the data collected by artificial intelligence, regardless of its origin: They will have profiles and even more complete information about us that could end up in the USA or in China. Control can be exercised like never before in history. What happened on Monday 27th in the stock markets transcends the pages of economics to become one of the most notable geopolitical events of our time.

Rodriguez Prieto points out that DeepSeek has been configured with open source code, which allows for greater transparency, efficiency in detecting errors and greater agility in improvements. But he warns: This model is not free of risks. With closed source, companies exercise complete control and avoid possible damage, while benefiting from stable financing, as is the case with American companies.

But the greatest harm falls mainly on users, those who have rushed to frantically download the new application in search of a quick and cheap solution. The common good and the citizens bests interests have been left behind by the hegemony of a capitalist perspective, globally shared from West to East, which [...] turns human needs into a commercial product that must be made profitable. The huge amount of surplus value on the world wide web extracted from our data and free work is the engine of this change. And AI is no exception.

This warning is added to that of Cecilia Danesi, co-director of the Masters Degree in Ethical Governance of AI at the Pontifical University of Salamanca and author of the 2024 analysys Consumer Rights at the Crossroads of Artificial Intelligence. This researcher, a member of UNESCOs Women for Ethical AI group and co-author of a report presented at the G20 summit in Brazil on algorithmic audits, warns about the lack of consumer protection against the damage that technological progress can cause. She also calls for greater legal attention to the civil liability of AI: Consumers are extremely exposed to the damage that can be caused. If we do not have clear rules on how to proceed in the face of such damage, people are left unprotected.

But not everyone is all doom and gloom about new AI technology and its impact. For Professor Luo Mai of the University of Edinburgh, DeepSeek provides researchers and students around the world with opportunities to explore new avenues of AI research, particularly in environments with fewer computing resources.

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Aam Aadmi Party supremo Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday accused Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar of doing politics by sending him a notice over his claim that the Haryana government was "mixing poison" in the Yamuna.

IMAGE: AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal addresses a press conference in New Delhi. Photograph: @AamAadmiParty/X

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Kejriwal alleged that Kumar had "destroyed" the credibility of the Election Commission (EC) and was eyeing a post-retirement position.

The former chief minister's remarks came shortly after the EC expressed dissatisfaction with his reply to its notice and gave him a fresh opportunity to explain his charges against the Haryana government.

"I want to say ECI, with respect, they (ECI) can't see money being distributed openly in Delhi. They can not see blankets being distributed in the city. The ECI is doing politics because Rajiv Kumar wants a job post-retirement. I want to say to Rajiv Kumar that history will not forgive you. Rajiv Kumar has made a mess of the poll body," Kejriwal said in a press conference.

"No one has damaged the Election Commission the way Rajiv Kumar has done. If he wants, he can contest elections from any of the Delhi assembly seats," Kejriwal said at the press conference.

"I will not let the people of Delhi drink poisonous water till I am alive. I know they will arrest me in two days but I am not afraid," he said without naming anyone.

Kejriwal responded to the EC notice on Wednesday, saying that raw water received from Haryana in the recent past had been "highly contaminated and extremely poisonous" for human health.

If such "toxic water" is allowed to be consumed by people, it would lead to grave health hazard and fatality, he said in his 14-page reply to the EC.

In its letter on Thursday, the EC said that Kejriwal's reply was "entirely silent" on the core issue and demanded further clarification by 11 am on January 31, failing which appropriate action would be taken.

With inputs from ANI
United States President Donald Trump has signed a presidential memorandum to set up a 30,000-person migrant facility at Guantanamo Bay to detain "high-priority criminal aliens."

IMAGE: United States President Donald Trump signs Laken Riley Act as Laken Riley's family looks on at the White House. Laken Raley, a 22-year-old nursing student from Georgia who was killed by an illegal immigrant from Venezuela.. Photograph: @WhiteHouse/X

The Guantanamo Bay facility, which has so far been used to hold terrorists, will now also house illegal immigrants with criminal records.

The signing took place on Wednesday, with Trump directing the Departments of Defence and Homeland Security to prepare the facility.

According to the memorandum, he ordered the expansion of the Migrant Operations Center at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to accommodate "high-priority criminal aliens" and address related enforcement needs.

Most people don't even know about it. We have 30,000 beds in Guantanamo to detain the worst criminal illegal aliens threatening the American people," Trump said at a White House event.

"Some of them are so bad, we don't even trust their home countries to hold them. Because we don't want them coming back, so we're going to send them to Guantanamo, he said.

This will double our capacity immediately. It's a tough place to get out of. Today's signing brings us one step closer to eradicating the scourge of migrant crime in our communities once and for all, he added.

Trump has signed his first piece of legislation into law that permits the pre-trial detention of illegal migrants accused of theft, burglary or shoplifting.

The Laken Riley Act had earlier won bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. It is Trump's first piece of legislation since he took office on January 20.

Under the law, I'm signing today, the Department of Homeland Security will be required to detain all illegal aliens who have been arrested for theft, burglary, larceny, shoplifting, assaulting a police officer, murder, or any crime that results in death or serious injury, Trump said as he signed the Laken Riley Immigration Act into law on Wednesday.

In addition, for the first time ever, this act gives state governments the ability to sue the federal government for immediate injunctive relief if any future administration ever again refuses to enforce the immigration laws of the United States like happened for four long years, Trump said.

The Act is named after Laken Raley, a 22-year-old nursing student from Georgia who was killed by an illegal immigrant from Venezuela.

She was attacked, viciously assaulted, beaten, brutalized and murdered by an illegal alien gang member who was set loose into our country by the last administration, Trump said.

Trump described it as a landmark act.

The bill came amid the president's promised crackdown on the border.

This law restores common sense to our broken immigration system. Under President Trump, violent criminals and vicious gang members will no longer be released into American communities, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said.

Democratic Senator Dick Durbin said the act undermines the power of the federal government.

The legislation also gives state attorneys general the standing to sue federal immigration authorities for actions completely unrelated to stopping violent crime. The legislation would require federal courts to prioritise these cases to the greatest extent possible. This would rob federal judges of the ability to control their courtrooms and could grind their dockets to a halt, Durbin said.

These standing provisions would also undermine the supremacy of the federal government over immigration and border security, which is established by our Constitution, he said.

[These standing provisions] could also dramatically reduce legal immigration to our country. Because of the way this bill is drafted, the Department of State, under any administration, could be blocked from issuing any visas to nationals from a certain country, like India or China, Durbin said on the Senate floor early this month.

The bill was passed by the House by 263-156 votes and the Senate by 64-35 votes.

Meanwhile, the Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley and Senator Ted Cruz introduced the Stop Illegal Reentry Act which would impose a mandatory minimum sentence of five years for any person who illegally enters the country with multiple convictions or a conviction for an aggravated felony.

With this, Trump has ramped up efforts to remove illegal immigrants from the country, a major poll promise.

He said the memorandum was issued to halt the border invasion, dismantle criminal cartels, and restore national sovereignty. P

By Lalit K Jha in Washington, DC
At the Bharatiya Janata Party election rally in Ghonda on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, Narendra Modi startled the gathering when he touched the feet of a candidate not once, but three times.

This drama occurred after Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva asked party candidates to come on stage. As they walked up to Modi, many bowed and touched his feet.

After Ravinder Singh Negi, the BJP candidate from Patparganj, touched Modi's feet, the BJP's No. 1 Vote Catcher touched the much younger BJP nominee's feet three times.

Negi, 47, is currently a municipal councillor from Vinod Nagar and is contesting the assembly election from the Patparganj assembly constituency, which senior Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia won three times.

Negi's AAP opponent is Avadh Ojha who trains young people for the UPSC exams; Sisodia will contest the election from Jangpura this time.

Modi has done this before, reciprocating and touching the feet of those who touched his feet at such events.

IMAGE: Narendra Modi and Bharatiya Janata Party Patparganj candidate Ravindra Singh Negi touch each other's feet during an election meeting for the Delhi assembly elections at Kartar Nagar, Yamuna Khadar in New Delhi, January 29, 2025. All photographs: Jitender Gupta/ANI Photo

IMAGE: Modi, 74, touches 47-year-old Negi's feet.

Photographs curated by Anant Salvi/Rediff.com

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com
If it was Andhra Pradesh last Budget, it's poll-bound Bihar that has now turned to Centre with a list of demands.

IMAGE: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman pays a courtesy call on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in Patna. Photograph: ANI Photo

As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepared the National Democratic Alliance's first full Budget in July 2024 after forming the government, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu visited the national capital more than once, meeting her, Prime Minister Narendra D Modi and other Union ministers with a list of demands for his state.

Seven months later, as the country awaits the FM to present the Union Budget for 2025-2026 on February 1, Naidu left for Davos in Switzerland to attend the World Economic Forum.

While Naidu promotes 'Brand AP' rather than knocking at the doors of Union ministers, leaders of the ruling Janata Dal-United-Bharatiya Janata Party coalition in Bihar have submitted their list of demands to the FM, hopeful that she will be generous toward their state in the Budget, especially since Bihar is heading for assembly polls in October-November.

Last month, Bihar's Deputy CM, who is also its finance minister, Samrat Choudhary, submitted a 32-page memorandum to Sitharaman, seeking the Centre's assistance for the state's roads, highways, airports, and power sector.

To explain the change in Naidu's approach, sources in the Telugu Desam Party have pointed to how their leader has secured the Centre's assistance between July 23 last year and February 1.

On January 16, with barely a fortnight left before the presentation of the Union Budget, the Cabinet approved a revival package worth Rs 11,440 crore (Rs 114 billion) for the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant in Andhra.

In a social media post on January 17, 2025, Naidu termed it 'a historic moment etched in steel', as the Centre, 'in response to the Andhra Pradesh's consistent efforts since the formation of the NDA government', approved the financial support to revive the Vizag Steel Plant.

Earlier this month, on January 8, the PM travelled to Andhra Pradesh, his first visit to the state since June, where he laid foundation stones and inaugurated development works worth over Rs 2 trillion in Visakhapatnam.

In his speech at the event, Naidu listed instances of how the PM has been helping Andhra Pradesh since the formation of the NDA government in June.

Modi's assurance on taxation stability, Naidu said, helped Andhra Pradesh secure Google's investment in Visakhapatnam.

The Andhra CM said Google told him they were willing to invest, but 'if your government enhances tax in the future, how are we going to face it?' Naidu said he raised the issue with the PM, 'and he assured me that there was no question of changing the taxation policy.'

Naidu also spoke of the PM's help in the proposal to set up the ArcelorMittal steel plant, facilitating the establishment of a BPCL, and assistance for the construction of Amaravati.

Last year, the Opposition had criticised the full Budget for 2024-2025 for being 'skewed' toward Andhra Pradesh and Bihar while ignoring other states.

According to sources, Bihar could still receive support for infrastructure projects in the Budget since it is scheduled for assembly polls in October-November.

However, the Centre and Andhra Pradesh government have since July struck an understanding where the latter is satisfied that its concerns and demands have been addressed outside the Budget proposals.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra D Modi at the inauguration of multiple development projects in Jamui, November 15, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

According to TDP sources, the Andhra Pradesh government does not expect the FM to announce anything substantial for the state in the Budget because it might raise the hackles of neighbouring states.

Over the past eight months, the state government has focused on what its minister Nara Lokesh describes as its 'speed of doing business'.

It has finalised several investment proposals in the last eight months and successfully negotiated support from the Centre whenever required to assist these companies.

The TDP, however, expects the Centre will continue to deliver on the commitments made in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.

Sources in the TDP government said help from the Centre had been crucial in Lokesh's push for the 'speed of doing business' and inviting investments into the state.

In recent months, the state has ensured that four projects worth Rs 71,400 crore (rs 714 billion) were sealed, with land identified and allocated within 40 to 70 days from the date of proposal to the issuance of the government order on January 6.

IMAGE: Modi with Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar at the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting. Photograph: @BJP4India/X

However, Bihar's case is different, not only because it is underdeveloped and struggles to attract investments but also since it is going to polls later this year.

During his Bihar visit on November 13, the PM had inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects worth Rs 12,100 crore (Rs 120 billion).

In his 32-page memorandum, Bihar Deputy CM Choudhary sought Rs 13,000 crore (Rs 130 billion) in aid from the Centre for flood management in North Bihar, upgrading of Darbhanga airport, new airports in Rajgir, Bhagalpur, and funding for Raxaul airport.

Choudhary asked the Centre to construct 10 new Kendriya Vidyalayas in the state, allow a 1 per cent Gross State Domestic Product rebate for additional borrowing to Bihar, and approve a small modular reactor for nuclear energy, apart from the construction of high-speed corridors.

The last Union Budget had allocated Rs 59,000 crore (Rs 590 billion) for road connectivity, power, and flood management in Bihar.

CM Nitish Kumar had then said he had told the Centre to either give Bihar special category status (SCS) or a special package.

'They (the central government) said SCS has been discontinued. So, instead financial assistance should be given for helping Bihar develop. They have now started it,' Nitish Kumar had said.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
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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.
The name of the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba often sends shivers down ones spine. Its still-open penitentiary is synonymous with the most sinister excesses, torture and abuses of the U.S. war on terror following the attacks of September 11, 2001. But the base also houses a much lesser-known center for holding migrants intercepted at sea  most of them from Cuba or Haiti  in conditions that have also been heavily criticized by humanitarian organizations.

U.S. President Donald Trump signed a memorandum on Wednesday ordering the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security to expand the facilities of the Migrant Operations Center  the official name of these facilities  by preparing 30,000 beds to detain the worst criminal illegal aliens threatening the American people.

Trump had already flirted during his first term with the idea of sending illegal immigrants to the Guantanamo base, an enclave in eastern Cuba that the U.S. has been renting  although Havana systematically returns the payments  for more than a century and where nearly 6,000 people live, including military personnel and civilians. Now he wants to make it a reality.

The place, from the point of view of Trump and his team, who want to seal the southern border with Mexico and consider that the ideal solution to irregular migration is a mass deportation operation, has the advantage of being located on a military base abroad, outside the U.S. immigration system. According to Trumps statements on Wednesday, it would mean the possibility of almost doubling the number of spots available to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to confine apprehended migrants, some 41,000 beds. And they would be far away, in an isolated place that instills fear because of its sinister connotations and from which, as Trump pointed out, it is a tough place to get out of.

A report by the NGO International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) describes the facilities of this center, which between 2020 and 2023 housed 36 immigrants, most of them Cubans and Haitians, as a place that is not much better than the neighboring penitentiary, and which operates outside the U.S. immigration system.

Immigrants held there indefinitely remain trapped without access to the outside world in a punitive system operated by the Departments of Homeland Security and State, the International Organization for Migration, and other private contractors, with little to no transparency or accountability.

In a report released last year, IRAP cited people held at the center and staff who described a dilapidated building with mold and sewage issues, where families with young children are housed alongside single adults. They are denied confidential phone calls, even with their attorneys, and punished if they dare share accounts of mistreatment.

These refugees remain there until a third country agrees to take them in for resettlement, a process that can take years unless they choose to return to their country of origin, the NGO notes.

The migrant center is located in a different area from the penitentiary, which remains open despite attempts by the Democratic administrations of Barack Obama and Joe Biden to close it. Fifteen inmates, some of whom were responsible for some of the worst attacks of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, remain in its cells, with physical and mental health problems caused by their age, long confinement and the trauma of torture, according to their lawyers.

Of these, only two have been tried and convicted. Three are waiting for a third country to take them in. Seven are being tried by the military tribunals created especially for the Guantanamo cases. Three others, whose cases are subject to periodic review, are nicknamed the eternal prisoners: the United States does not want to put them on trial, but it does not want to release them either.

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Windham & Windsor Housing Trust and Groundworks Collaborative are working together to provide more permanent supportive housing at The Chalet in West Brattleboro.
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
Donald Trump has returned to the White House in a hurry to flex his muscles. The U.S. president is trying to extend his executive authority beyond the limits of the laws and the Constitution. He has carried out purges in violation of legal safeguards, has ordered that norms that make him uncomfortable not be enforced, he has eliminated environmental protections in a dubious way and, in general, has regulated by decree matters that exceed his powers. Judges have already suspended two of his decisions: first when he tried to repeal birthright citizenship for the children of immigrants who are in the United States illegally, and second, when he tried to freeze congressionally-approved federal grants and loans worth millions of dollars and mostly intended for social spending. Many more of his decisions, such as the veto on trans people in the Army, have also been challenged.

A day after a judge suspended the White House Office of Management and Budgets order to freeze spending on Monday, the Trump administration reversed course and rescinded the order on Wednesday. The confusing decision had unleashed chaos in federal agencies, which were unclear about the extent to which it affected them. The Medicaid payment website was no longer operational, and a notice pointed to Trumps executive orders. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt was unable to answer in her first press conference whether the halt in spending affected Medicaid. The budget office later said it did not, but the website remained inoperative.

The initial order and subsequent explanations were contradictory and vague, causing legal uncertainty not only for the officials in charge of applying it but, above all, for the beneficiaries of the disbursements. The White House insisted that direct benefits to individuals were not being suspended, but much of the aid is channeled indirectly through state and local governments or non-governmental organizations.

The spending freeze sparked a resistance to Trump that had been dormant in the face of the presidents display of power in the first days of his new term in office. Democrats reacted en masse, and civil society organizations mobilized along with them, not only criticizing the budget offices instructions, but also taking action with initiatives before the courts.

A federal district judge in Washington appointed by Joe Biden temporarily halted the order minutes before it was due to take effect, following a legal challenge from the National Council of Nonprofits. The suit alleged that even a temporary halt in funding could immediately deprive individuals and communities of their vital services, including health care, support for small businesses and programs for the LGBTQ+ community.

He is not a king

The Constitution gives Congress the power to approve appropriations and requires the executive branch to disburse the money. A 50-year-old law known as the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act prohibits the president from withholding funding approved by Congress, except by following a prescribed procedure that requires re-entry into the legislature.

The president of the United States can veto legislation. He can make recommendations to Congress. He can support legislation. But he doesnt have the unilateral right to change laws that Congress has passed. This is one more sad indication that Donald Trump has very little respect for the rule of law and our Constitution, and is moving us toward and authoritarian form of society. Together, we must and will stop him, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders posted on the social app X. If President Trump wants to change our nations laws he has the right to ask Congress to change them. He does not have the right to violate the United States Constitution. He is not a king, he added in a statement.

The actions of the Administration in essentially freezing funding for programs across the country in every department is, in my view, the most egregious assault on the power of the institution of Congress in American history. It basically renders Congress power which is laid out a nullity, said Maine Senator Angus King, an independent aligned with the Democrats, in a video posted on his social media.

Even his own allies acknowledge Trumps desire to extend his authority. I think he is testing the limits of his power, and I dont think any of us are surprised by it, said Senator Kevin Cramer, a North Dakota Republican who is close with Trump, in statements to AP.

The spending dispute is just one of the latest episodes in Trumps attempt to expand his power, straining the constitutional system of checks and balances that has defined American democracy for most of its nearly 250 years. Ultimately, some of the disputes being settled by judges may end up in the Supreme Court, which has a conservative majority of six justices to three, three of them appointed directly by Trump. The White House spokeswoman said on Monday that the Republican administration is willing to go to the highest court on the birthright citizenship issue.

Trump is the first president to return to office after losing it since Grover Cleveland in the late 19th century. He has come into power with experience, surrounded by loyalists and with clear plans he wants to execute, including mass deportations of immigrants, tax cuts, widespread tariffs and deregulation. Among his priorities is fighting what he calls the deep state, which in reality means anything standing in the way of the implementation of his own policies.

He has gutted federal diversity, equality and inclusion policies. He wants to downsize the administration and has offered eight months of pay to officials who would rather resign than return to the office to carry out his in-person work orders. He has also dismissed numerous inspectors general, who are charged with combating corrupt practices in government agencies and departments. In his quest for revenge, Trump has also fired the prosecutors and Justice Department employees who investigated him.

At her first White House press conference, Press Secretary Leavitt was asked on Monday about the firings, which apparently violated the law. It is the belief of this White House and the White House Counsels Office that the president was within his executive authority to do that. He is the executive of the executive branch, and, therefore, he has the power to fire anyone within the executive branch that he wishes to, she replied to a reporters question. Before his leap into politics, the phrase that made Trump a reality TV star was precisely: Youre fired!

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Microsoft specialist Walkerscott is continuing to expand its Klevr suite of Dynamics 365 add-on apps with the launch of Klevr Fundraising, ahead of the retirement of Microsofts own fundraising and engagement solution.

The Wellington-based Microsoft solutions partner described Klevr Fundraising as a comprehensive and cost-efficient fundraising and donor CRM platform designed for large nonprofits across Australia and New Zealand.

Were thrilled to unveil Klevr Fundraising as part of our ongoing commitment to helping not for profits excel in their fundraising and donor engagement efforts, said Jono Walker, CTO and head of products at Walkerscott.

Klevr Fundraising provided a secure, scalable, compliant and user-friendly platform for managing donor relationships, optimising fundraising campaigns, and gaining actionable insights on the Microsoft platform, Walkerscott said.

It also presented a future-proof alternative for nonprofits, offering seamless integration with Microsoft tools, real-time analytics, and secure payment processing in one platform.

The new solution will be unveiled at the Fundraising Institute of Australia (FIA) Conference in February and will be available for general release in March.
MOMCHILGRAD, Bulgaria -- Sevginar Mahmud remembers December 26, 1984, as if it were yesterday. She remembers her friend being hit by a bullet, the agonized cries of her neighbors dying in a roadside ditch. And she remembers the soldiers who stormed into her village to take her name.

Around 40 years ago, in December 1984, the communist authorities in Bulgaria launched a violent and systematic campaign to force ethnic Turks to change their names to Bulgarian ones. It was part of the regime's Revival Process, which sought to establish a unified Bulgarian identity and also placed restrictions on the Turkish language and prohibited religious and cultural traditions.

The crackdown, which killed up to 2,500 Turks and resulted in the deportation of 320,000 people to Turkey five years later, is widely regarded as one of Europe's largest forced assimilation campaigns against a Muslim community in the 20th century. To this day, however, Bulgarian Turks claim justice has never been served, with no single person or institution ever held accountable.

Then just 18 years old, Mahmud lived in Gruevo, a village in the Kardzhali district of southern Bulgaria, which is home to a large number of ethnic Turks. As rumors of the forced name changes spread, worried citizens took to the streets, gathering in Momchilgrad, one of the region's largest urban centers, on December 26, 1984.

There was shooting, Mahmud says, but she still decided to join the protests in Momchilgrad. "I wasn't afraid because we were innocent. We had nothing, not even sticks. We were just ordinary villagers," she tells RFE/RL's Bulgarian Service.

Live Rounds

The protests were initially peaceful, with confused and panicked citizens trying to get answers from the authorities about the name-change rumors. But they soon turned violent, with soldiers and police using water cannons, baton charges, and then live rounds against the crowd.

As the protesters fled, Mahmud's friend, Ferishte, was shot in the back. She was bleeding profusely so Mahmud took her to the hospital. It was there, she says, that she witnessed something she will never forget: a 17-month-old girl named Turkyan was brought in, dead on arrival.

Carrying a bag with Ferishte's bloodstained clothes, Mahmud returned home to Gruevo to warn people. "I showed them the clothes," she said, "and told them, 'Look, they're shooting people. They're not sparing anyone.'"

When the troops arrived later that evening, the villagers were prepared. "They started shooting, but we did not run away. The whole village -- children, young people, adults -- were all outside," Mahmud says. They formed a human chain and set tires alight.

The protesters were no match for the security forces, and the shooting intensified. Mahmud remembers three villagers -- Abdulaziz Bekir, Mustafa Ali, and Mustafa Ibrahim -- falling into a ditch after being shot. Even though they were crying out in pain, the soldiers didn't let anyone help them.

Eventually subdued, the Kardzhali district was placed under curfew and there was a heavy police presence on the streets. All communication with the outside world was cut off. The communist authorities seized identity documents and forcibly changed people's names. Sevginar became "Snezhana." They even chiseled off Turkish names from gravestones.

In just three months, the hard-line communist regime forcibly changed the names of over 800,000 people. They were forbidden from speaking Turkish in public or observing their religious and cultural traditions -- restrictions that lasted until the fall of communism in 1989. Ethnic Turks seen by the authorities as ringleaders were imprisoned without trial in concentration camps.

In that final year of communist rule, the authorities, under dictator Todor Zhivkov, deported 320,000 Bulgarian Turks to Turkey, in what the regime euphemistically called "The Big Excursion." An estimated third of the country's Turkish population were deported, the largest mass migration of people in Europe since the expulsion of Sudeten Germans from Czechoslovakia in 1946.

Mahmud's family were not deported, however, and when asked why by RFE/RL, she declined to answer. Some Turks escaped deportation, because they were seen as vital to the economy or had personal connections with the authorities. Other ethnic Turks were seen by the communist authorities as having already assimilated.

After Zhivkov was overthrown in November 1989 and with ethnic Turks taking to the streets to protest once again, the Communist Party restored the rights of Bulgarian Turks and Muslims, decided to return their birth names (a process that continues to this day), and allowed them to speak Turkish once again. By the end of 1991, up to 200,000 ethnic Turks returned to Bulgaria.

No Justice

In the early 1990s, Zhivkov and other high-ranking communists were charged with crimes related to the repression of ethnic Turks, including "advocating or inciting national enmity or hatred." However, the cases dragged on and the charges were reduced or eventually dropped. No one was ever convicted and all those implicated are now dead.

Mahmud says that she never expected to see justice. "We knew that no one would be punished. We are a minority here," she says. While estimates vary, there are now thought to be at least 500,000 ethnic Turks in Bulgaria, which has a population of around 6.8 million.

This year, commemorative ceremonies were held in various towns and cities to mark the 40th anniversary of the Revival Process, including in Momchilgrad, where a memorial fountain bears the name of Turkyan, the little girl who died. While members of Bulgaria's ethnic Turkish community and dignitaries from Turkey marked the anniversary on December 29, 2024, there were no representatives from the Bulgarian government or official statements to honor the dead.

Now 58 years old, Mahmud still lives in the area where the violence took place. While ethnic Turks in Bulgaria still face obstacles like socioeconomic inequality and discrimination, particularly in public sector employment and higher education, Mahmud's life has largely returned to normal. She has a son, a daughter, and three grandchildren. She works for a cosmetics company and sometimes visits family in England.

But the events of 1984 still make her shudder. "I will never forget my friend. Or Turkyan," she says.
KYIV -- Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly three years ago, Western nations have accused China of supplying Moscow with microchips and other critical dual-use technologies that are powering Russias brutal war of aggression.

In response, Washington and Brussels have hit hundreds of Chinese companies and individuals with sanctions in a pressure campaign to stem the technology flow to the Kremlins war machine.

But left untouched by these Western sanctions are some two dozen Chinese companies supplying Russia with gallium, germanium, and antimony -- key elements found in the drones and missiles that Moscow is using to pummel Ukraine.

An investigation by Schemes, the investigative unit of RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service, has found that these Chinese companies are feeding these critical minerals to Russias military-industrial complex, including the state-owned conglomerate Rostec, which says it provides nearly 80 percent of the weapons the Kremlin is deploying in Ukraine.

According to records obtained by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) and reviewed by Schemes, at least a third of these suppliers are partially owned by the Chinese government, which publicly denies having fanned fire or fueled the flames of Russias war on Ukraine.

The Chinese Sellers These Chinese suppliers of critical minerals to Russia identified by Schemes include Yunnan Lincang Xinyuan Germanium Industry, whose largest stakeholder is Chinese Communist Party (CCP) member Bao Wendong. Its minority shareholders are two firms with state capital. Another Chinese company supplying germanium, gallium, and antimony to Russia is VITAL Technology Group, a group of Chinese companies with around 25-percent ownership by Chinese state structures. A third is Hynhe Technology, which is 10-percent owned by Zhejiang Jingsheng Mechanical & Electrical, a leading Chinese state-owned company in the northwestern city of Hangzhou.

Among the recipients of these Chinese metals is a Japanese-owned Russian firm that has sold silicon wafers to Russian manufacturers of microelectronics for weapons, customs and tax records reviewed by Schemes show. Japan has coordinated with Washington and Brussels on its own sanctions targeting Russian aggression.

Following Russias February 2022 invasion, the United States and the EU imposed restrictions on exports of gallium, germanium, and antimony to Russia. But China is not a party to Western sanctions targeting Moscow, meaning their effectiveness is limited.

If there is direct cooperation between a Chinese and a Russian company, then the sanctions of Western partners do not directly affect this. They can continue to do what they do among themselves, Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy's sanctions policy commissioner, Vladyslav Vlasiuk, told Schemes.

Vlasiuk added, however, that sanctions nonetheless play an important role in complicating the Russian militarys supply chain.

Conventional And Nuclear Weapons

Many countries across the world -- including the United States and EU member nations -- maintain reserves of gallium, germanium, and antimony due to their importance in microelectronics and military applications.

These are all elements that are parts of any electronic systemsand even more so in a war zone, in military facilities, in any kind of defense system, Tetyana Solomakha, a senior avionics lecturer at the Kyiv Aviation Institute, told Schemes.

Among the many military applications of these minerals are nuclear weapons, night-vision goggles, laser-guidance systems, drones, and infrared sensors for warships, aircraft, missiles, and tanks.

These metals are used in microprocessors. A drone without a flight controller and without this microprocessor simply will not fly, Anton Pobuta, founder of the Ukrainian company Lab 418, which manufactures drones, told Schemes.

When China, the worlds largest producer of gallium, germanium, and antimony, banned its companies last month from supplying the three minerals to the United States in response to new U.S. export controls targeting Beijing, Chinese officials specifically cited their military applications.

But Beijing has secured a firm hold on the market for these minerals in Russia, where buyers include multiple companies already subjected to U.S. sanctions.

Amid the Western sanctions regime, China became the only foreign supplier of gallium and germanium to Russia in 2023 and remains Russias largest supplier of antimony, according to Russian customs data obtained by Schemes.

The Rostec-linked companies through which Chinese rare minerals end up in the Russian defense sector include Germanium JSC, a direct Rostec subsidiary, and a private company called Germanium and Applications, which actively does business with Rostec.

Records reviewed by Schemes show that Germanium and Applications in turn supplies Chinese rare metals to companies that include the Urals Optical and Mechanical Plant, a manufacturer of optical equipment for Russian military jets and helicopters.

The Urals Optical and Mechanical Plant, which is under both U.S. and EU sanctions, describes itself as the main suppliers of optical systems for the Russian military.

Other Russian importers of Chinese rare minerals include the U.S.-sanctioned Enkor Grupp, an electronics manufacturer whose plant received a visit from Russian President Vladimir Putin last year, and Cryotrade Engineering, a company that has also been sanctioned by Washington and which works with Rostec and other firms in the Russian military industry.

Public procurement records show that Cryotrade Engineering, an importer of Chinese gallium, does business with multiple Russian research institutes under U.S. sanctions, including the Kurchatov Institute, a nuclear-weapons developer headed by a close associate of Putin. Gallium is used to stabilize the plutonium in atomic bombs.

Both gallium and germanium are used in technology critical for Russian weapons, including laser guidance systems like those used in the Orlan-30 unmanned reconnaissance drone, which Moscow has deployed in Ukraine.

The Russian Defense Ministry boasted in November that the Orlan-30s laser designator rangefinder makes it possible to accurately aim a guided munition, whether it is an adjusted aerial bomb or an adjusted artillery shell, at a target.

Japan's Supply-Chain Link

Records reviewed by Schemes also show that a Russian subsidiary of the Japanese company Ferrotec, which produces silicon parts for microchips, has both imported antimony from China and sold silicon wafers to Russian manufacturers of microelectronics for the military.

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.

The subsidiary, Moscow-based Ferrotec Nord, has imported antimony over the past four years from companies within VITAL Technology Group, a Chinese conglomerate with around 25-percent ownership by Chinese state entities.

The most recent of these listed shipments in customs records obtained by Schemes came in February 2024, nearly two years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion.

As recently as last year, Ferrotec Nord sold silicon wafers to a plant outside Moscow called Epiel, according to tax records obtained by Schemes.

Epiel is among the main suppliers of microchip components to the Rostec-owned firm Angstrem, which openly states that it works with Russian arms manufacturers.

In Russian civil litigation in November 2023, Angstrem stated that it supplies microchips and semiconductor devices to the Russian Defense Ministry, state space agency Roskosmos, and sanctioned Russian arms manufacturer Uralvagonzavod, among other weapons producers.

The company added that its volume of orders had quadrupled due to Russias special military operation -- the official Kremlin description of its war on Ukraine.

Schemes sought comment from the Japanese holding Ferrotec on its rare-mineral imports from China and work with suppliers to Russias military-industrial complex.



The company did not respond in time for publication.
KYODO NEWS - Jan 30, 2025 - 10:36 | World, Japan, All

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is arranging a visit to the United States for his first in-person summit with President Donald Trump on Feb. 7, sources familiar with the matter said Thursday.

Japan had explored the possibility of Ishiba meeting Trump before his inauguration, first in November and then in January, but it did not materialize. Ishiba recently said he is seeking "the earliest possible timing" for a summit with the U.S. president.

During his planned meeting with Trump, who returned to the White House on Jan. 20, Ishiba is expected to emphasize the need to strengthen the bilateral alliance and enhance cooperation to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Ishiba, who took office in October 2024, has said he will highlight the benefits of a stronger Japan-U.S. relationship based on mutual national interests and present it as a "win-win" when he meets Trump, who prefers bilateral agreements over multilateral ones.

Former President Joe Biden's decision to block a takeover of United States Steel Corp. by its Japanese competitor Nippon Steel Corp. remains a point of contention in bilateral ties. Ishiba may raise the issue during his talks with Trump.

Ishiba has urged Washington to address concerns among business circles in both countries, emphasizing that an investment-friendly environment is essential for economic relations between the two countries.

Related coverage:

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Top diplomats of Japan, U.S. agree to take ties to "new heights"
US President Donald Trump has urged Russia to agree to a 30-day cease-fire, warning he would slap additional sanctions on the country if it refused the US proposal, as Moscow made more gains on the battlefield.

"Russia has no way out but cease-fire. If needed we will sanction it, but I hope we won't need to," Trump told reporters at the White House on March 12.

"In a financial sense we can do very unpleasant, very bad things, devastating for Russia, but I don't want to," he said.

His comments come a day after Kyiv agreed to the temporary cease-fire following nine hours of talks with Trump administration officials in Saudi Arabia.

Trump has made ending Russia's more than three-year full-scale invasion of Ukraine a top priority since taking office for a second term less than two months ago, quickly dispatching his top officials to Moscow and Kyiv to prepare the groundwork for peace talks.

He has used Washington's significant leverage over Ukraine -- namely military aid and intelligence sharing -- to get Kyiv to agree to the cease-fire proposal, which if implemented, would leave almost 20 percent of the country in Russia's hands for the time being, at least.

But Trump lacks that type of leverage with Russia, which has navigated sweeping US and European sanctions placed on its economy following the invasion much better than most experts forecasted.

Putin may seek to drag out talks with the US over a cease-fire to improve Russia's position on the battlefield and hence at the negotiating table when and if Moscow and Kyiv hammer out a peace deal.

As Trump spoke at the White House, Putin was visiting troops in Russia's Kursk region, where fierce fighting is currently taking place and Moscow's forces are advancing.

Ukraine seized a swath of the Kursk region in a stealth incursion in August seen as an effort to divert Russian forces from eastern Ukraine and use the territory as a bargaining chip during any peace talks.

That strategy is now at risk of failing as Russian forces slowly push the Ukrainians out of Kursk. Russians forces have retaken more than half the territory initially captured by Ukraine.

Putin's visit to Kursk was his first since the incursion and signals the momentum Russia has in that theater of the war. The Kremlin leader urged his troops to retake the region in its entirety "as soon as possible."

Ukraine's top military commander, General Oleksandr Syrskiy, said that fighting continued in and around Sudzha, the largest town in the part of the region that Ukraine occupied.

Unconfirmed reports on March 12 indicated that Ukraine has begun to draw back units as Russian officials claimed their troops had captured more settlements, including Sudzha.

"Despite increased pressure from the Russian and North Korean forces, we will maintain the defense of the Kursk region as long as it is appropriate and necessary," Syrskiy wrote on Telegram.

In a Facebook post, Syrskiy said that saving soldiers lives is a priority and that Ukrainian troops "maneuver to more favorable positions, if necessary," wording often used top describe a retreat.

Concessions?

Trump hinted that Ukraine would have to make concessions on land, something more and more experts say is inevitable given Russia's momentum on the battlefield.

"When we talk cease-fire [with Ukraine], we talked land, who's withdrawing -- we discussed a lot of things [with Ukraine]," Trump said.

"We don't want to waste time, people are dying. Russia is not in the best situation now. I hope [Putin] gets a cease-fire."

Earlier in the day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the cease-fire proposal and said he hoped it would be used as a draft for a lasting peace deal that included security guarantees for Ukraine.

"It's now up to Russia what is next," he said at a March 12 press conference, and whether "it wants to continue its aggression against Ukraine or not."

On the streets of Kyiv, some Ukrainians told RFE/RL's Current Time that they doubted whether Russia would sign on to, and adhere to, a cease-fire deal.

"I'm not sure what to say, but it all seems implausible, frankly speaking," said one Kyiv man, while a woman in the capital said the cease-fire talks were "meaningless without Russia taking part."

Moscow has so far declined to comment on the specifics of the proposal for the 30-day cease-fire, and it's unclear whether Putin has made up his mind on the agreement.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow was "carefully studying" the joint US-Ukraine statement issued following the Jeddah talks and will wait to comment until Russian negotiators receive more detailed information from Washington. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who represented the United States at the talks, said Washington "will have contact with Russians" today.

Trump on March 11 said he would soon speak with Putin to secure his commitment. Mike Waltz, the White House national-security adviser, spoke with his Russian counterpart on March 12, while Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff also planned to travel to Moscow, possibly to meet Putin.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe held a phone call with Sergei Naryshkin, director of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service, late on March 11, the Interfax news agency reported.

Rubio told reporters on March 12 in first comments since leaving the talks in Jeddah that the United States hoped to have a positive answer from Russia toward the cease-fire deal and "strongly urge[s] Russians to end all hostilities.

Konstantin Kosachev, an influential lawmaker in Russia's upper house of parliament, seemed to imply that Moscow would not simply accept the US-backed ceasefire proposal but attach conditions, taking into account that Russian forces have the momentum on the battlefield.

"Russia is advancing, and therefore it will be different with Russia," Kosachyov said in a Telegram post.

"Any agreements (with all understanding of the need for compromise) will be on our terms, not American," he said. "And this is not boasting, but an understanding that real agreements are still being written there, on the front line. Which Washington should also understand."

Rubio also said Ukraine will need a strong deterrent to prevent future attacks and that Europeans will "need to be involved in this regard." He added that further discussions would need to tackle to topic of the European Union lifting sanctions on the Russian economy.

"I would imagine that in any negotiation, if we get there, hopefully with the Russians, they will raise these European sanctions that have been imposed upon them," Rubio said.

Moscow has so far been against a European peacekeeping force in Ukraine and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated Russia's position during an interview with three right-wing US bloggers that it will under no conditions accept the presence of NATO forces in Ukraine.

Minerals Deal

Washington and Kyiv could sign a framework agreement as early as this week on sharing the revenue generated from Ukraine's mineral resources.

Trump and Zelenskyy intended to sign the deal during their meeting at the Oval Office on February 28. However, the two got into a heated, public exchange over security guarantees for Ukraine and the meeting was abruptly ended without any deal.

Rubio cautioned that he "would not couch [the] minerals deal as a security guarantee." But he added that "if the United States has a vested economic interest thats generating revenue for our people as well as for the people of Ukraine, wed have a vested interest in protecting it if it were to be challenged or threatened."

The parade of comments come after Russia and Ukraine traded air attacks overnight just hours after Kyiv agreed to accept the cease-fire proposal.

Two Russian missile strikes hit the central Ukrainian city of Kryviy Rih on March 12, killing one person, while a separate attack killed four crew members of a cargo ship near the southern port city of Odesa.

Russia's Defense Ministry said its air-defense systems shot down six drones overnight on March 12, one over Ukraine's Russia-annexed Crimea and five over the Black Sea. The Krymsky Veter Telegram channel reported loud explosions and air-raid sirens over Crimean towns and near Russian military sites.

The United States announced after the talks in Saudi Arabia that it would immediately lift the pause on intelligence sharing and restore military aid to Ukraine, which could be a boost to Ukrainian forces. Ukraine's battlefield positions have been under heavy pressure, particularly in Russia's Kursk region.
U.S. President Donald Trumps proposal to clean out the Gaza Strip and move Palestinians to neighboring countries has been met with skepticism.

The forced displacement of Gazas 2.3-million population to Egypt and Jordan could destabilize the region and derail any prospects for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, experts say.

But the proposal could also shift the responsibility to U.S. allies in the region to come up with a solution to one of the worlds most intractable conflicts, according to observers.

Trump is taking the most extreme position on a hugely sensitive issue as part of a broader negotiation on Gaza and Israel, said Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa Program at the London-based think tank Chatham House.

By pressuring key U.S. allies who are indeed dependent on the U.S. for aid and security, he hopes to see his aim of burden sharing achieved, Vakil said.

Future Of Two-State Solution

Washington has for decades backed a two-state solution that would see the establishment of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.

But progress has been hindered by deep differences among Israelis and Palestinians over borders, settlements, and the status of Jerusalem.

Palestinians also insist that any future Palestinian state must include the Gaza Strip, which is why Trumps proposal has raised concern among not only critics but also U.S. allies, including Germany.

Trump has yet to articulate a clear view on the two-state solution or the way forward in the Israel-Palestine conflict, but if U.S. policy is leaning toward displacing Palestinians from Gaza, that suggests limited scope for positive progress on the issue, said Gregory Brew, a senior analyst at the U.S.-based Eurasia Group.

Many of Gazas inhabitants were displaced and much of the Palestinian enclave was destroyed after Israels devastating 15-month war against Hamas, the U.S.- and EU-designated terrorist group. The conflict was triggered by an unprecedented attack by Hamas in Israel in October 2023.

The fighting has been paused for six weeks as part of a multiphase cease-fire deal agreed on January 15 that envisions a permanent end to the war and the rebuilding of Gaza.

Trump, who floated his proposal on January 25, said the potential displacement of Gazans could be temporary, could be long term.

Eldad Shavit, a senior researcher at the Tel Aviv-based Institute for National Security Studies, said there is widespread support for transferring Palestinians out of Gaza among the Israeli far right because they think Israel can occupy the territory and build new settlements.

Trump has said he has shared his thoughts with Jordan and Egypt, U.S. allies in the region that receive significant aid. But both countries have publicly pushed back against any moves involving the forced displacement of civilians.

Shavit said it is not reasonable to expect Jordan and Egypt to accept the proposal because they already host millions of Palestinians displaced by Israels creation in 1948 and the Arab-Israeli conflict in 1967.

He argued that it could be a really big risk to the stability of those countries if they took in more refugees.

Experts say that moving Gazans and consequently derailing the prospects of an independent Palestinian state could also hinder attempts to normalize relations between Israel and regional power Saudi Arabia.

I don't see it being positively received elsewhere in the Gulf, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where [Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman] has made positive progress on a Palestinian state a requirement for normalization with Israel, Brew said.

Several Arab states have normalized relations with Israel under the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords in recent years.

Need To 'Change The Status Quo'

The staunch opposition to Trumps plan among Washingtons allies and Arab states is testament to its unfeasibility, experts say.

I think we need to be cautious reading too much into Trump's comments, which were delivered in an off-the-cuff way, Brew argued.

Trump likes to think big and he and his advisers could be trying to change the status quo by getting stakeholders in the region to step up and resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Shavit said.

He wants to shake the parties in a way that they will think on a solution that they can live with, he said.

Trump has long criticized long-term U.S. military engagements and has advocated for reducing American financial commitments abroad. He described himself as a peacemaker during his inauguration speech on January 20.

Trump wants a new Middle East; he wants the Saudis to join the Abraham Accords and wants to be seen as someone who made peace and received a Nobel Prize [for it], Shavit said.
When Ukraine declared its independence from the U.S.S.R in August 1991., Kyiv came into possession of the third largest nuclear weapons stockpile in the world, after the Soviet Union and the United States. Besides large and complex strategic missiles, Kyiv had also taken over thousands of the Soviet Union's tactical nuclear devices, designed to be small enough to use on an active battlefield. General-Lieutenant Oleksandr Skipalskiy was the head of Ukraines military intelligence through the 1990s. The retired military chief spoke to RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service about how an estimated 2,800-4,200 tactical nuclear weapons were relinquished to Russia in a move that may have changed the course of history.

We were told that Russia was determined to strip Ukraine of its tactical nuclear weapons at any cost, Skipalskiy recalls of the period following the collapse of the U.S.S.R. This was deliberately aimed at depriving Ukraine of the simplest nuclear devices, which did not require complex storage and maintenance systems. Unlike long-range strategic missiles which require costly upkeep, tactical nuclear munitions can be stored for decades with minimal effort. Some tactical nukes can be as small as an artillery shell.

After Skipalskiy ordered a review into the transfer of tactical nuclear weapons to Russia, a report was compiled calling for the proposed transfer to be canceled. In early 1992, as Russian teams were already removing the nuclear munitions, the retired intelligence head says, I saw with my own eyes how [Ukrainian Security Service Head] Yevhen Marchuk placed our report arguing against the removal of tactical nuclear weapons into a folder and said, Im going to take this to the president.

For two weeks following the delivery of that report, the extraction of the weapons was paused. Then it got back under way without any explanation; at least I wasnt told anything, Skipalsky says. I believe [then-Ukrainian President Leonid] Kravchuk made the final decision himself. But who advised him and what arguments were put forward? That I dont know.

Russian crews tasked with removing the weapons, he says, worked fast and around the clock to load and transport the tactical nuclear warheads out of Ukraine. When the last weapon was taken away, Skipalskiy claims, the Russians and their supporters in Ukraine were openly celebrating, saying: We totally hoodwinked the [Ukrainians], we left them the bones and took the meat!' Kyiv had requested to monitor each step of the transfer, which would ostensibly end with Russia destroying the tactical nuclear weapons. But, Skipalskiy claims, they didnt allow our observers to oversee this, we were just shown some building and told, this is our processing facility, but no one was let inside so no one witnessed the claimed disposal of these warheads.

Skipalskiy says Moscow was able to spook Washington into piling pressure on Kyiv. The Kremlin, he says, argued that there was a lack of control and that there was the threat of nuclear terrorism. Even if there were no Ukrainian terrorists per se, they claimed that the technological situation was dangerous. As a result, the Americans helped to twist Ukraines arm, demanding the transfer of nuclear weapons. Tactical nukes were stored in facilities throughout Ukraine, especially in Crimea. In some cases, localized attempts were made to stop their transfer to Russia. In the Ivano-Frankivsk region there was a major storage base and the civilian administration started saying that the removal was a mistake, Skipalskiy recalls. A similar confrontation was also reported in Sambir, in western Ukraine.

Anyone with any sense could see that nuclear weapons are primarily a deterrent, a tool of security, Skipalskiy told RFE/RL. Many people spoke out informally, and military personnel even sent letters of concern. But in Ukraines early months of independence, some military hierarchies were still directly linked to Moscow. Military personnel are disciplined people subordinate to their commanders. So when their officer tells them, this has been coordinated with your leadership, send it all for disposal immediately, they simply follow orders. Another factor muddying the issue of tactical nuclear weapons at the time, Skipalskiy says, was the idea that had been floated suggesting that formerly Soviet militaries might be joined to form some kind of union. With the emergence of multiple new, formerly Soviet states with links to Moscow, Spikalskiy recalls, some argued that the nuclear component needed to be centralized.

Later, when Ukraines more powerful strategic nuclear weapons and delivery vehicles were targeted for destruction or removal, Skipalskiy says, there were more organized attempts to hold onto them but the pressure and threats [to destroy or relinquish the weapons] were intense. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton, who played a leading role in the denuclearization of Ukraine, suggested in 2023 that the move was a strategic blunder in light of the war that has been waged on Ukraine since 2014.
U.S. investigators looking into the collision of an American Airlines passenger jet and an Army helicopter, which killed 67 people, including at least four Russian-born figure skating coaches, have found the data recorders from the passenger jet.

The cockpit voice and flight data recorders -- so-called black boxes -- have been recovered from the Bombardier CRJ700 airplane involved in the midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and taken to labs for evaluation, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) spokesman Peter Knudson said.

The NTSB said later on January 31 that the black box had also been recovered from the wreckage of the helicopter. Both aircraft fell into the Potomac River after the collision. An official with the investigative team told a briefing there was a "high-level of confidence" that data would be recovered from the devices despite their time in the water.

NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy told a news conference that it would take time to complete the investigation.

"We have substantial amounts of information. We need to verify information. We need to take our time to ensure it's accurate,'" Homendy.

A preliminary report is expected within 30 days from the date of the accident, the NTSB said in a statement on its website. A probable cause of the crash and any contributing factors will come in the final report, which is expected in 12 to 24 months, the statement said.

Former Russian World Champion figure skaters Vadim Naumov and his wife, Evgenia Shishkova, were among those killed when the passenger jet collided with a U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter carrying three soldiers on a training flight.

The collision occurred just before 9 p.m. local time on January 29 as the passenger jet approached the airport to land. Both aircraft fell into the Potomac River.

U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters that several Russian nationals were among the victims and said he had been in contact with Russian officials to offer condolences.

Our hearts are shattered alongside yours," Trump told the families of the people who died after opening a news conference at the White House with a moment of silence for the dead.

The American Airlines flight was arriving from Wichita, Kansas, where the U.S. Figure Skating Championships had been held from January 20-26. The competition was followed by a development camp for promising junior skaters.

The Skating Club of Boston, where Naumov and Shishkova had been coaching since 2017, said in a statement that the two Russian coaches, who won the pairs gold medal at the 1994 World Figure Skating Championships, were among six members of the club who died in the crash.

"Our sport and our club have suffered a horrible loss with this tragedy," Skating Club of Boston Executive Director and CEO Doug Zeghibe said in a statement.

The pair, who also won the 1995-96 Champions Series final and competed in two Olympics, moved to the United States after they ended their skating careers, and became coaches.

Their 23-year-old son, Maxim Naumov, is a U.S. citizen who competes for the United States in international competitions. He placed fourth in the U.S. men's nationals, held last week in Wichita, and was said to have flown to their home in the Boston area two days before the ill-fated flight his parents took.

In addition to Naumov and Shishkova, a least two other Russian-born coaches were on the flight.

Inna Volyanskaya, a skating coach in the Washington area, was on board the plane, U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (Democrat-Virginia) said on X, adding that it had been confirmed that none of the 67 people on the passenger jet survived.

Volyanskaya competed as a pairs skater for the Soviet Union in the 1980s. She coached young skaters at the Washington Figure Skating Club, according to the club's website.

Another Russian coach, Alexandr Kirsanov, was on the plane, according to his wife, Natalya Gudin.

"I lost everything. I lost my husband. I lost my students. I lost my friends," Gudin told ABC News.

Flight Tracker Map: American Airlines 5342 No media source currently available 0:00 0:00:16 0:00

Russia's Foreign Ministry on January 31 confirmed the deaths of Naumov, Shishkova, and Volyanskaya, while adding that a fourth person, thought to be Kirsanov, "may have a Russian passport."

"Our embassy is in contact with the U.S. Department of State on these issues," ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told journalists in Moscow, adding that while the Russian Rmbassy in Washington has made inquiries, "we have not received any detailed answers so far."

There also were two Chinese nationals on board the flight, the Chinese Embassy in Washington said without providing further information on the victims.

The Chinese Embassy extends deepest condolences to all the victims and sympathies to the bereaved families, an embassy statement said.

About 40 bodies have been recovered from the icy waters of the Potomac River so far, including the body of one of the three U.S. Army soldiers on board the helicopter.

Rescue Operation Under Way After Aircraft Collision In Washington No media source currently available 0:00 0:00:59 0:00

Experts said it appeared the plane was only 300 feet (91 meters) above ground and ready to land when it collided with the helicopter.

Prague-based Israeli pilot and flight instructor Michael Parkanski said it appeared that all correct procedures were being followed, which suggested the incident might have been caused by human error.

"To me, it seems like a pure human factor error," he told RFE/RL. "It was a split second.... They lost their concentration, same as can happen to us on the road, when we lose our concentration for a split second, and then an accident happens. It's a [great] pity, but in my opinion this is a pure human factor here."

There were 60 passengers and four crew on board the Canadian-made twin-engine jet, which was found upside-down in three sections in the river at a relatively shallow depth. The helicopter wreckage was also found in the river.

Federal investigators will try to piece together the moments before the collision, including any communication between the two aircraft and air traffic controllers, as well as other pilot actions and the altitude of both aircraft.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, ABC News, and TASS
KYODO NEWS - Jan 30, 2025 - 10:24 | All, World, Japan

A London court on Wednesday gave the green light to the extradition of two British men wanted by Japanese authorities in connection with a 2015 jewelry robbery in Tokyo, overturning decisions to stop it.

The High Court in the British capital ruled that assurances offered by Japan were sufficient to ensure the rights of the accused, Joe Chappell and Kaine Wright, will be protected in Japan.

The move came after a lower court in separate earlier sessions decided against permitting the transfer of the two suspects, who were arrested in 2021, citing human rights concerns.

The judges also ruled there is sufficient evidence for a case to be prosecuted against Chappell in Japan. A lower court had already found sufficient evidence against Wright.

Chappell's and Wright's cases will now be sent back to the lower Westminster Magistrates' Court. If either of the men make an appeal to higher courts then extradition will be put on hold.

As Britain and Japan have not signed an extradition treaty, it would be the first time for Japanese police to receive fugitives from a country with which Tokyo has not signed such an arrangement.

Japanese authorities claim that on the evening of Nov. 20, 2015, Chappell, Wright and another man, Daniel Kelly, posing as customers, entered the Harry Winston jewelry store in the Omotesando Hills commercial complex in Shibuya Ward.

It is alleged the three men smashed glass showcases in the store and stole 46 pieces of jewelry worth a total of 106 million yen ($682,000). A security guard was punched during the robbery.

Kelly is not facing extradition due to domestic criminal proceedings.

During the appeal, Japan argued the case against Chappell is strong, with biometric evidence, a facial recognition report and eyewitness statements supporting accusations against him.

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The principal of a large primary school in Ballaghaderreen, which is still without power since last Friday, said he and the school community feel abandoned as 325 children and staff are forced to remain at home.

Principal of St. Attractas National School, Noel Loftus, believes there is no urgency on behalf of the Department of Education to assist the school in addressing the electricity outage at the school in the wake of Storm Eowyn.

I feel let down that the Department isnt applying a sufficient pressure on the powers-that-be to identify schools as critical pieces of infrastructure. Nobody has contacted us. We feel abandoned.

There has to be structured, systematic input to support schools to keep it open. That deep scar that was left by Covid in schools and childrens education, we all said wed learn from that and that the schools would never be able to close again, he said.

He said that most of the power has been restored to the town of Ballaghaderreen but the school is on a line that has yet to be repaired.

We are being told that we are one of 13 customers on a particular line to be reconnected by 9 a.m., Tuesday, February 4th. What people forgot is that we are not a house. We are a school community of over 330 people. What other village with 330 people is still abandoned in Ireland?

I can get a pizza in Ballaghaderreen but you cant send your child to school. We are talking about a state funded school. We are talking about a fundamental service.

There is no communication. I have got this ESB app. Thats the only communication I have and then you cant make any plans because the restoration times keep changing, he said, adding that the previous estimated restoration time was on Tuesday.

Mr Loftus said a call out was made to source a generator and while one is being made available, there is still a major challenge ahead. The generator needs a changeover switch to allow the generator talk to the schools electrical system instead of talking to the mains. It cannot be sourced at the moment, an electrician has ordered 15 of them but it could be up to a month before they arrive.

He said he is try to manage the crisis as best he can, communicating clearly to staff and parents on a daily basis to ensure online learning is working. We are doing online learning but that is only second best. We learned that from Covid, there is no point pretending otherwise."

The principal said there were significant ramifications with the school remaining closed.

Ive had to cancel thousands of euro worth of school lunches that we give out free to vulnerable kids. We provide breakfast to a cohort of students. We provide meals and lunch to two thirds of the school. None of this happening. The afterschool homework club is cancelled.

We had the National Council for Special Education coming this week for the assessment of additional resources for vulnerable children, cancelled. We had therapy sessions for children, cancelled, he said.

Mr Loftus has circulated a message to all parents, pleading with them to please contact your local politicians to help us get our school reopened".
By Grainne Ni Aodha, PA

The Palestinian ambassador to Ireland has said she is still optimistic about a proposed ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements.

The Government had signalled before Christmas that the Occupied Territories Bill would be passed when amendments are made to make the draft law as watertight as possible, as it is likely to be legally challenged if enacted.

After the Christmas break, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said it would propose fresh legislation, claiming the Bill was unconstitutional and deficient in some areas.

The Bill aims to ban trade, of both goods and services, with illegal Israeli settlements on Palestinian land.

Asked about the suggestion of new legislation while speaking at an event at the University of Galway, Palestinian Ambassador Dr Jilan Abdalmajid said she was still optimistic it would be enacted.

She said that the review of the bill the Government began, after a decision by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in July last year, was a very, very good and strong move.

Im still optimistic that it will be enacted here.

Im optimistic about this because the change of the Government position towards this is very positive and in the right way, she said.

Speaking about the Palestinian cause, Ms Abdalmajid said they need to make a huge effort to make the people listen to you, Ireland excluded.

We used to have great support in Africa, but now the challenges in Africa is huge, she said.

She said the narrative of how Israel was formed in the wake of the second World War is well known, while the Palestinian narrative is not heard.

She said if the ICJ ruling: They give the guidelines on how to stop this genocide, how to stop Israel from continuing not only killing the Palestinian people, but occupying our land.

So if you are serious about helping the Palestinians, I think the roadmap is very clear.

Asked about what impact Donald Trumps presidency will have for the Palestinian cause, she said: Its a very hard question that, [for] any politician, any diplomat. Its uncertainty. You cannot predict whats going to be next.

You know, he has signed so many resolutions, he has signed so many things, and from the first day, many legal actions has been taken, so things are not clear.
Authorities Gear Up for Amrit Snan on Vasant Panchami; VIP Movement Restricted on February 3

In preparation for the upcoming Amrit Snan on Vasant Panchami, authorities in Prayagraj have announced strict security measures

Authorities Gear Up for Amrit Snan on Vasant Panchami; VIP Movement Restricted Latest News: Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh), January 30: In preparation for the upcoming Amrit Snan on Vasant Panchami, authorities in Prayagraj have announced strict security measures and restricted VIP movement on February3. This decision follows a tragic stampede on January 29 during Mauni Amavasya, which claimed 30 lives and injured 60 people.

Uttar Pradesh DGP Prashant Kumar and Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh arrived in Prayagraj to inspect the site of the stampede and supervise the security arrangements for the third Amrit Snan. DIG Vaibhav Krishna stated that authorities are strengthening duties and reopening all bridges due to reduced crowds. He emphasized that no VIP movement will be allowed on February 3, similar to the restrictions imposed on January 29.

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The stampede occurred in the early hours of January 29 as millions of devotees gathered at the meeting of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers to take a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya. The Uttar Pradesh government has announced financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh for the families of the deceased and ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has postponed his visit to Delhi for the election campaign to focus on managing the crisis. The judicial inquiry will be headed by a three-member commission, including Justice Harsh Kumar, former DG VK Gupta, and retired IAS DK Singh.

Authorities are working according to their plan for each zone to ensure the safety of pilgrims during the upcoming Amrit Snan. The community and officials are committed to preventing any further misfortune and ensuring a safe and peaceful event for all participants.

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KYODO NEWS - Jan 30, 2025 - 12:52 | All, Japan

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako are planning to make an official weeklong visit to Mongolia in early July, government sources said Thursday.

The trip will be the imperial couple's third official overseas trip to promote international goodwill since his accession, following visits to Indonesia in 2023 and Britain last year.

The emperor previously traveled to Mongolia in 2007 as crown prince to mark the 35th anniversary of the two nations establishing diplomatic ties.

During the trip, he attended the country's largest festival, Naadam, and laid flowers at a monument near Ulaanbaatar honoring Japanese who died during internment after World War II.

Following the war, the Soviet military transferred about 14,000 Japanese detainees to Mongolia and more than 1,700 lost their lives.

Related coverage:

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COVID-19 Still a Greater Health Threat Than Influenza or RSV, New Study Finds

COVID-19 remains a critical health threat in the United States, accounting for three out of five respiratory illnesses among veterans

COVID-19 Health Threat In United States Latest News : COVID-19 remains a critical health threat in the United States, accounting for three out of five respiratory illnesses among veterans during the recent cold and flu season. A new study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine indicates that unvaccinated veterans faced the highest risk for severe hospitalization and even death.

A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine has highlighted the continued danger of COVID-19 in the United States, revealing that the virus is causing more illness and death compared to both influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The research, which focused on veterans receiving care through the U.S. Veterans Health Administration (VHA), discovered that COVID-19 accounted for approximately 60% of respiratory illnesses in this group during the 2023-24 period.

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The study, led by Dr. Kristina Bajema, who is the medical director of antimicrobial stewardship at the Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, also found that COVID-19 resulted in a higher number of fatalities than either influenza or RSV, especially among individuals who had not been vaccinated against the virus.

The researchers found that COVID-19 was more prevalent than both influenza and RSV, leading to more severe health outcomes, including increased rates of hospitalization and death. They concluded that, despite the availability of vaccines and treatments, COVID-19 remains a serious threat, particularly among those who have not received the COVID-19 vaccine.

Dr. Bajema and her team emphasized that the findings of the study reinforce the importance of continued public health efforts to address COVID-19, particularly among vulnerable populations like military veterans, who may face higher risks. The study's results further underscore the ongoing need for individuals to stay updated on their vaccinations and take preventive measures to protect themselves from the virus, as it continues to circulate alongside other respiratory illnesses such as influenza and RSV.

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Canadian Commision report finds no determinative link of Nijjar with India

A Canadian commission report has found no definitive link between a foreign state and the killing of Canadian sikh activist Hardeep Nijjar

Latest Canadian Commision report finds no determinative link of Nijjar with India : Canadian commission report has found no definitive link between a foreign state and the killing of Canadian Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This contradicts Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's September 2023 claim that Indian government agents were involved in Nijjar's June 2023 murder in British Columbia.

The report, titled "Public Inquiry Into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions," was released on Tuesday. Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue noted that while disinformation is often used as a retaliatory tactic when state interests are challenged, no foreign involvement was proven in this case.

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Trudeau's allegations led to a significant diplomatic fallout between India and Canada, with both countries expelling diplomats and relations becoming severely strained. India has consistently rejected the allegations, calling them "unreal" and "politically motivated."

The report also highlighted the broader issue of foreign interference in Canadian elections, identifying India as the second most active country engaging in electoral foreign interference after China. However, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India strongly rejected these insinuations, arguing that Canada has been consistently interfering in India's internal affairs.

The findings of the report mark a crucial turn in the controversy, which had strained India-Canada relations and led to diplomatic fallout between the two countries. The MEA's response emphasized that Canada has created an environment for illegal migration and organized criminal activities, further complicating the bilateral relationship.

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Trudeaus Flimsy Claims Against India Exposed by Canadian Report

Trudeaus inability to present evidence in the Nijjar case has drawn sharp criticism, both domestically and internationally.

Canada's Report on Hardeep Singh Nijjar Murder Case Latest News: In a startling revelation, a Canadian commission report has exposed Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus baseless accusations against India regarding the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The report reveals that Trudeau, despite lacking credible evidence, plunged India-Canada relations into turmoil, jeopardizing diplomatic ties for unfounded claims.

Since September 2023, Trudeau has repeatedly claimed credible evidence linking Indian agents to Nijjars assassination in British Columbia. However, the newly released report titled Public Inquiry Into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions found no definitive link to a foreign state in the case. This directly contradicts Trudeaus assertions, which India had earlier dismissed as absurd.

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The Canadian PMs allegations led to a significant diplomatic fallout, including mutual expulsions of diplomats and heightened tensions between the two nations. Trudeaus accusations, labeled as horrific mistakes, have now been undermined by findings from his own countrys investigative body.

A Diplomatic Misstep

The report by Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue highlighted the fragile basis of Trudeaus claims, stating, Disinformation is used as a retaliatory tactic to punish decisions that run contrary to a states interests. It noted that no conclusive evidence tied India to Nijjars killing and suggested that Trudeaus allegations may have triggered retaliatory misinformation campaigns.

The controversy began in June 2023 when Nijjar, wanted in India for his involvement in terrorist activities, was gunned down in Canada. Trudeaus subsequent remarks accusing India of violating Canadas sovereignty sparked a diplomatic crisis, with both nations engaging in tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats.

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Political Fallout for Trudeau

Trudeaus inability to present evidence in the Nijjar case has drawn sharp criticism, both domestically and internationally. His government has long been accused of leniency towards Khalistani activities on Canadian soil, further straining ties with India.

The fallout from Trudeaus claims has also impacted Canadas economy and global standing, with the Prime Minister now facing mounting backlash. Reports indicate Trudeau plans to step down, leaving his Liberal Party in a precarious position ahead of the upcoming general election.

This report further damages Trudeaus credibility, painting a picture of a leader who waged a diplomatic war without solid grounds, leaving Canadas international relations in disarray.

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US School Named After Jaswant Khalra: Decision reconsider by Six Central Unified Member

The naming of the school in his honor is a tribute to his steadfast commitment to justice and human rights.

United States School Named After Jaswant Khalra latest News: In a noteable development, a government school in the United States has been named after Jaswant Singh Khalra, a prominent human rights activist who was murdered in 1995. The decision was finalized during a Central Unified School District meeting, with six members expressing their support for the proposal.

Jaswant Singh Khalra was a dedicated human rights advocate who relentlessly pursued the truth about the disappearances of thousands of Sikhs in Punjab during the 1980s and 1990s. His efforts exposed extrajudicial killings and illegal cremations carried out by the police. unfortunately, his activism led to his abduction and murder in 1995.

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The naming of the school in his honor is a tribute to his steadfast commitment to justice and human rights. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by individuals like Khalra in the pursuit of truth and accountability.

The decision to name the school after Khalra received overwhelming support from the community and members of the Central Unified School District. The school will act as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations, encouraging them to stand up for justice and human rights.

Jaswant Singh Khalra's legacy continues to inspire people around the world. His work has been recognized internationally, and his story has been featured in numerous documentaries and films. The naming of the school in his honor is a fitting tribute to his enduring impact on the fight for human rights.

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Tourist Timisoara

A European Capital of Culture in 2023, Timisoara, the largest city in the western part of Romania, continues to attract visitors, thanks to a well-developed tourist infrastructure and lots of cultural events

Piata Unirii din Timisoara / Foto: Ovidiu Oprea

Daniel Onea, 30.01.2025, 13:22

A European Capital of Culture in 2023, Timisoara, the largest city in the western part of Romania, continues to attract visitors, thanks to a well-developed tourist infrastructure and lots of cultural events. At the Vienna Tourism Fair, which took place over January 16-19, tourists learned about the advantages of this destination.

The Vienna Travel Fair is one of the largest events in the field, attracting both leisure and business tourism professionals. Laura Boldovici, director of the organisation that manages Timisoara as a tourist destination, says that the presence at this fair was necessary to further promote a destination already preferred by many.

Laura Boldovici: My colleagues have just returned from the Vienna Tourism Fair, a four-day event that marked a real success for our city, but not only. Visitors came in even larger numbers than in 2024, and this confirms the Austrians interest in unique tourist destinations. We had a common stand with Oradea and Sibiu, and the visitors showed a big interest in our city. Many of them told us that they had been to Timisoara before and would like to come back. We were prepared to welcome the public with promotional materials in German. We also had German speakers at the stand, so that we could answer all questions and present Timisoara in a professional way. And we will not stop here. The next fair we will participate in, this time with our own Timisoara stand, will take place in two weeks in Budapest.

Austria is a key market for tourism in Timisoara. So, until spring, all travelers that pass through Vienna to the airport or to Budapest can see a 40 square meter outdoor poster with an invitation to visit Timisoara. And the promotion doesnt stop there.

Laura Boldovici: We promote the city through everything it means, be it education, investments, jobs. We will work on several levels, just like last year. We also have the tourism fairs that we attend. I mentioned earlier the one in Budapest in February, but besides that we will also go to Berlin, London, Barcelona, Rimini, Frankfurt. This year, we also want to open an interactive childrens museum, which will be unique in the region. Thus, we want to develop the Timisoara destination as a friendly destination for families with children.

In 2023 Timisoara was a European Capital of Culture, proof of the very efervescent cultural life of the city, says Laura Boldovici.

Laura Boldovici: For all those interested in events, but also in unique and interesting places, Timisoara is the destination we recommend. The center of Timisoara has a very large pedestrian area, probably the largest in the country. We also have the largest number of historical monument buildings in Romania. We will start this walk from the center, from Victory Square, which leads to Liberty Square, and then to the most beautiful, in my opinion, which is the Union Square. So, we have three squares linked by pedestrian streets, terraces, places where you can stop and admire the surroundings. Then, if one has the time and wants to continue, Timisoara not only has the center, but also has historical districts, which are definitely worth visiting. We also have vineyards for those interested. At a not very long distance, if you have a means of transport, there are other cities that can be visited: Oradea, Sibiu. But Timisoara deserves at least one weekend and I promise you wont get bored.

The city impresses with a diverse architecture, in Viennese Baroque, Neo-Byzantine and Art Nouveau styles. Of the 15 thousand buildings in the city, 13 thousand are declared historical monuments. It is also the only city in Europe where there are three theaters, with performances in three languages  Romanian, Hungarian and German. There is an opera, a philharmonic, a youth and puppet theater. A city richly endowed with cultural institutions.

Architecture is not the only strong point of the city. There are several museums, which present the past of Timisoara. Tourists can visit the Museum of Banat, which holds its exhibitions within the Teresia bastion, which is part of the old fortifications of the city. Among the museums preferred by tourists is the Banat Village Museum, located on the outskirts of the city. Original houses, brought from Banat villages, are exhibited here, representing the way of life of the different ethnic groups that live in Banat. There are traditional Romanian, German, Hungarian, Serbian, Slovak and other ethnic houses and items present here. We can continue with the Art Museum, with exhibitions of European art, the Corneliu Baba permanent exhibition, but also many other temporary exhibitions.

Laura Boldovici: Right now we have an exhibition at the National Art Museum. It is an exhibition of paintings by Caravaggio and his disciples, so we recommend it. It will be available until the end of February in Timisoara. Then, we have the festivals that are already an objective in themselves, which you can also find on our website visit-timisoara.com. We also take care of the tourist Info-Centre, and, more recently, we have opened a souvenir shop wherefrom tourists can get a piece of Timisoara and the creations of Timisoara artists. We interact with tourists. Those who arrive here tell us that they are surprised by Timisoara, by the atmosphere encountered on the streets, by the hospitality of the people. We invite you to visit Timisoara. We promise not to disappoint. It is a city full of charm, where the past intertwines with the present and with the future. In 2023, we were the European Capital of Culture, but Timisoara still remains a vibrant destination, ready to offer memorable experiences. So, come and feel the energy of Timisoara and we promise you will want to come back.

Timisoara is crossed by the Bega River, on which one can travel by boat, as a public transport. There is also a tourist tram that departs from Liberty Square on weekends and makes a circuit through the entire city. (MI)
January 30, 2025 UPDATE 1

Click here for the latest news from RRI

Newsflash

Newsroom, 30.01.2025, 18:23

Candidacy  The president of the opposition Save Romania Union (USR), Elena Lasconi, will run again in the presidential election in May. She announced that she has the support of her party and is responsible for the votes cast by citizens two months ago. In turn, the mayor of Bucharest, Nicusor Dan, said that he maintained his decision to enter the presidential race as an independent and the governing coalition (PSD-PNL-UDMR) would support a common candidate in the race, the former Liberal leader, Crin Antonescu. We remind you that, in December, the Constitutional Court of Romania annulled the presidential election, citing interference by a state actor, and decided that the electoral process should be entirely resumed. The first round had been won by independent sovereigntist Calin Georgescu and the USR leader Elena Lasconi. On the other hand, European Union member states, including France, Germany and Romania, requested the Commission to take measures to protect the elections in the community space from interference by external actors.

Chisinau  On Friday the Romanian FM Emil Hurezeanu is going on a working visit to the Republic of Moldova (ex-Soviet state with a majority Romanian-speaking population), Radio Chisinau reports. The agenda of the visit includes discussions with the Moldovan Foreign Minister Mihail Popsoi as well as the reception by the countrys president, Maia Sandu, by the president of the Moldovan Parliament, Igor Grosu, and by the deputy prime minister for European Integration, Cristina Gherasimov. The two foreign ministers are to deliver a joint press statement.

Collision  Romanias President, Klaus Iohannis, sent a message of solidarity to the American people on Thursday following the collision in the air, above Washington, of an American Airlines passenger plane and a Black Hawk helicopter of the US army. Our thoughts go out to the families of the victims  the head of state wrote on platform X. The American Airlines plane, with 64 people on board, and the military helicopter with three soldiers on board crashed, on Wednesday evening, in the Potomac River. Extremely difficult search operations were launched. Since February 2009, there have been no fatal passenger plane accidents in the United States.

Aircraft  An F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, purchased by Romania from the Kingdom of Norway, landed, on Thursday, at the 71st General Emanoil Ionescu Air Base at Campia Turzii. The aircraft thus completes the 48th Fighter Squadron with all 16 aircraft, the Romanian Defense Ministry informs. The purchase of the new batch of F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft and the related package of goods and services ensures the increase of Romanias security by defending the national or NATO airspace, in peacetime and in crisis situations, through the Permanent Combat Service  Air Policing, under NATO command. (LS)
The European Commission and protecting domestic elections

EU Member States have called on the EC to take steps to protect elections from foreign interference

European Commission (photo:  European Union - Source: EC - Audiovisual Service / Photographer: Christophe Licoppe)

Daniela Budu, 30.01.2025, 13:50

As efforts are building up to influence elections in the Member States, several EU countries, including France, Germany and Romania, have called on the Commission to take measures to protect elections from foreign interference. Recent incidents require the urgent adoption of joint actions aimed at protecting the upcoming elections in the European Union, reads a letter signed by 12 member countries.

They warn against the growing threat to the stability and sovereignty of EU members, coming from foreign interference in the election process and public debates. They call on the Commission to use its powers under the Digital Services Act to safeguard electoral processes in the Member States. The document binds social media platforms to moderate and remove harmful content that includes hate speech, racism and xenophobia. According to Reuters, EU diplomats said that the call refers in particular to countries such as Russia and China, but to other actors as well.

In December, the EC launched an investigation targeting the Chinese platform TikTok, suspected of not having taken measures to restrict foreign interference in Novembers presidential elections in Romania.

On the other hand, at the end of the General Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, the European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, stressed the importance of protecting the integrity of elections, in particular from foreign interference.

The EC believes that addressing this issue is an urgent matter, and says it is committed to strengthening Europes resilience to foreign threats to democratic processes in member states. In addition, the Commissioner added, the Commission will take into account the cancellation of the presidential elections in Romania when it draws up its 2025 report on the rule of law.

It is also worth noting that the Venice Commission recently published a report on the cancellation of the presidential elections in Romania by the Constitutional Court at the end of last year. Its recommendations are that such a decision should not be based exclusively on classified information, which does not ensure the required transparency, but should indicate precisely the violations and the evidence for them. In addition, the power of the Constitutional Court to invalidate the elections should be limited to exceptional circumstances and clearly regulated, the Commission also says.

Meanwhile, in Bucharest, the government has set the electoral calendar for the forthcoming elections. The first round of the presidential elections in Romania will take place on May 4, 2025, and voting abroad will take place over three days, between May 2 and 4. If no candidate gets more than half of the votes, a second round will be held on May 18, between the top two candidates. (AMP)
KYODO NEWS - Jan 29, 2025 - 20:37 | All, Japan

A lawyer for an 88-year-old man acquitted in a retrial over a 1966 quadruple murder case has sought about 217 million yen ($1.4 million) in state compensation for his nearly half-century wrongful detention, a source close to the matter said Wednesday.

The request for criminal compensation, entitled under Japanese law, was submitted to the Shizuoka District Court the same day after Iwao Hakamata's acquittal was finalized in October, marking the end of his family's decades-long fight to free him from death row.

Under Japan's Criminal Compensation Act, an acquitted person can receive up to 12,500 yen per day of detention. The court determines the compensation amount based on factors such as time spent in custody and potential future earnings.

As Hakamata's mental state deteriorated during his long incarceration, making communication difficult, his elder sister, Hideko Hakamata, 91, and a lawyer were appointed as his guardians. The lawyer filed the request.

The lawyer has also filed a request with the Shizuoka District Court to recover lawsuit fees.





"We want (the court) to take into consideration the fact that Mr. Hakamata has gone through unimaginable suffering and is still living in a delusional world due to prolonged detention," Hideyo Ogawa, a different lawyer who is part of Hakamata's defense team, said.









The former professional boxer spent about 47 years and seven months behind bars after he was arrested on Aug. 18, 1966. He was released on March 27, 2014, after new evidence raised doubts about his conviction, leading to the start of the retrial.

Hakamata was recognized as the world's longest-serving death row inmate.

Hakamata's defense team is also preparing a separate damages suit against the central government and the Shizuoka prefectural government over the false charge brought against him.

Hakamata, who was a live-in employee at a miso maker, was arrested in 1966 for allegedly killing the firm's senior managing director, his wife and two of their children, in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture. His death sentence was finalized in 1980.

In granting Hakamata's acquittal in September last year, the Shizuoka District Court ruled that investigators had fabricated evidence, and prosecutors chose not to appeal.

Related coverage:

FEATURE: Japan film reveals human face of exonerated killer Hakamata

Japan would be better off without death penalty: Italian activist

Japan prosecutor apologizes to man acquitted of 1966 murders
Australia will on Thursday release Q4 figures for import and export prices, highlighting a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. In the third quarter, import prices were down 1.4 percent on quarter and export prices fell 4.3 percent.

New Zealand will see December data for imports, exports and trade balance. In November, imports were worth NZ$6.92 billion and exports were at NZ$6.48 billion for a trade deficit of NZ$437 million.

Finally, most of the Asia-Pacific remain closed on Thursday for the Lunar New Year, including South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, China and Hong Kong.

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What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
Swatch Group (SWGAF.PK,SWGNF.PK) reported fiscal 2024 net income of 219 million Swiss francs compared to 890 million francs, prior year. Earnings per share was 0.75 francs, compared to 3.35 francs. Net sales were 6.73 billion francs, down 12.2% against the previous year at constant exchange rates, or down 14.6% at current rates. The company said The Watches & Jewelry segment ended the 2024 reporting year with a considerable decline in sales.

For 2025, Swatch Group expects substantial improvements with respect to sales, operating result and cash flow.

For more earnings news, earnings calendar, and earnings for stocks, visit rttnews.com.

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President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security to take actions to expand the Migrant Operations Center at Guantanamo Bay to detain 30,000 criminal migrants.

"This memorandum is issued in order to halt the border invasion, dismantle criminal cartels, and restore national sovereignty," Trump said.

During a media interview Wednesday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the U.S. Naval Station in Cuba is the "perfect place" to safely detain the migrants. He made clear that detaining migrants wouldn't necessarily require the high level of security used to detain suspected terrorists during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The Taliban and al-Qaida terrorists are jailed in one part of the Guantanamo Bay detention facilities.

The other part of the installation is a U.S. naval station that has provided migrant and refugee resettlement for several decades.

"This is a temporary transit which is already the mission of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, where we can plus-up tens of thousands, if necessary, to humanely move illegals out of our country where they do not belong [and] back to the countries where they came from in proper process," Hegseth said.

Calling the Guantanamo operation a "plan in movement," Hegseth also said that the Pentagon is ramping up to expand the scope of deportations.

The new Defense Secretary affirmed the Defense Department's commitment to working with other federal agencies to bolster security at the southern border.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Hyundai has set a new benchmark in the C-SUV segment with the launch of Creta Electric, its first mainstream mass-market EV. Building on the success of the ICE Creta, which boasts over 1.1 million happy customers, the Creta Electric brings a plethora of innovative features and game-changing updates that redefine expectations in the segment. Heres a look at the standout features that make Creta Electric a true segment leader.

Top Features of Hyundai Creta Electric

1. Hyundai Digital Key

First introduced with the Alcazar facelift, Hyundais Digital Key enhances the vehicle ownership experience by allowing users to lock, unlock, and even start the engine without a physical key. Utilizing NFC technology, this feature is compatible with both iPhones and most Android smartphones. Since people always carry their phones, the Digital Key eliminates the need for a traditional key, adding convenience and modernity to everyday driving.

2. In-Car Payments

A standout feature that enhances EV ownership convenience is In-Car Payment. This game-changing technology simplifies the charging experience by enabling seamless transactions directly from the infotainment screen. When plugged into a supported charging station, an In-Car Payment prompt appears, allowing users to pay effortlessly via Hyundai Pay Wallet. Currently functional at around 1,500 charging points, with more being added, this feature eliminates the hassle of external payment methods, making every charge session smoother and more convenient.

3. V2L Inside

While many EVs offer V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) functionality, most are limited to external use via the charging port. Hyundai Creta Electric takes it a step further with an internal V2L feature, accessible through a dedicated plug socket below the rear bench seats. This allows users to conveniently power appliances inside the car, enhancing versatility and unlocking new possibilities for travel, work, and outdoor adventures.

4. Enhanced Cabin Experience

Creta Electric brings a fresh design element with a new steering wheel featuring Hyundais quad dots logo, representing the letter H in Morse Codean approach seen in Hyundais premium Ioniq lineup. Another Ioniq-inspired addition is the steering-mounted gear selector, which not only enhances convenience but also frees up valuable space on the center console. Adding to its premium appeal, the front passenger seat now offers 8-way electric adjustability, a rare feature in the C-SUV segment. The seats also come with ventilation. Completing the modern cabin experience are dual 10.2-inch Curvilinear screens, seamlessly integrating infotainment and driver information.

5. Rear Passenger Comfort

With the front passenger seat now offering 8-way electric adjustment, Creta Electric introduces the Boss Mode feature, allowing rear left passengers to slide the seat forward for extra legroom. Enhancing rear-seat comfort further, Hyundai has added built-in tray tables with retractable cup holders, making long journeys more convenient. This thoughtful addition elevates the premium experience and stands out as a segment-first feature.

6. Impressive Range Options

Creta Electric offers two battery pack options, catering to a diverse range of buyers. The 42 kWh battery delivers a claimed range of 390 km, while the larger 51.4 kWh pack extends it to 473 km on a full charge. Real-world driving conditions could see the range comfortably reach around 400 km or more, ensuring confidence for both city commutes and highway journeys.

7. i-Pedal Driving Mode

Creta Electric enhances driving convenience with its i-Pedal mode, allowing seamless one-pedal operation. This feature not only accelerates but also brings the vehicle to a complete stop, making it a game-changer in stop-and-go city traffic. It significantly reduces driver fatigue, ensuring a smooth and effortless urban commuting experience.

8. Unmatched Performance

Creta Electric is the quickest Creta yet, delivering unmatched performance in the lineup. Outpacing even the Creta N Line, it accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 7.9 seconds. This impressive speed comes from a high-performance electric motor producing 171 PS of power and 255 Nm of torque, ensuring a thrilling and responsive driving experience.

9. Competitive Pricing

With an introductory price starting at Rs 17.99 lakh (ex-showroom), Hyundai Creta Electric offers exceptional value. Notably, all 42 kWh variants are priced under Rs 20 lakh, making EV ownership more accessible. The price difference from Creta ICE is minimal, ensuring that cutting-edge EV technology and performance are now within reach for a wider audience.

10. Fast Charging Convenience

Hyundai Creta Electric enhances convenience with fast charging and access to over 10,000 charging stations. DC fast charging takes just 58 minutes to go from 10% to 80%, ensuring minimal downtime. On AC charging, it outperforms rivals with an 11 kW charger, significantly faster than the 7.2 kW units commonly offered.

11. Best-in-Class Space and Storage

With a 433L boot, Creta Electric matches its ICE counterpart in cargo space, offering a practical and well-designed layout with an accessible load lip. Additionally, a 22L frunk adds extra storage versatility. Inside, Hyundai has maximized space at the center console, thanks to the absence of a traditional gear selector, further enhancing convenience.

Launched at an introductory price of Rs 17.99 lakh (ex-showroom), Creta Electric democratizes EV technology with its competitive pricing and exceptional value. By maintaining its iconic design language and offering a wealth of segment-first features, Creta Electric promises to further cement Hyundais dominance in the Indian SUV market.
XIAMEN/TAIPEI, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- A joint fireworks display lit up the night sky on Wednesday in Xiamen, a coastal city on the Chinese mainland, and Kinmen, as both sides celebrated the Chinese New Year.

Starting at 8 p.m., nearly 50,000 fireworks were launched simultaneously from the beaches of Xiamen, Fujian Province, and Kinmen, a small island located just off the mainland.

The 30-minute display was divided into several themed sections on both sides, featuring elements that highlighted the Spring Festival and cross-Strait ties.

Hong Tzu-i, a native of Taiwan's Chiayi County who now lives in Xiamen, arrived hours earlier with her daughter to secure a vantage point for the spectacle.

"I'm very happy to bring my daughter to watch the display. The sight of fireworks from both sides lighting up the night sky in perfect sync is breathtaking and deeply moving," she said.

"The emotions brought by the joint fireworks display across the Strait are hard to put into words. I hope this tradition can continue every year," said a Taiwan resident who watched the display in Kinmen.

"People on both sides of the Strait are, after all, one family, and we should cooperate and develop together for a better future," he added.

The joint fireworks display, a cherished Chinese New Year tradition since 1987, underscored the deep bonds between the mainland and Taiwan.

Xiamen and Kinmen are less than two kilometers apart at their closest point. Once a front line of military confrontation, the two places have now become a hub for cross-Strait exchanges.

In 2001, an initiative was launched to allow for direct trade, postal services, and transportation between the mainland and Kinmen and Matsu islands.

In 2024, the Xiamen-Kinmen passenger ferry route under the initiative saw an 81 percent year-on-year increase in passenger traffic, with total inbound and outbound travelers exceeding 1 million -- over 90 percent of whom were Taiwan residents.

"The tradition of setting off fireworks together during the Spring Festival has become a shared New Year celebration for Xiamen and Kinmen," said Chen Chengdu, vice president of the Kinmen compatriots association in Xiamen.

"People from both sides frequently interact and share a deep friendship," Chen said.

Fujian is working to establish itself as a demonstration zone for cross-Strait integrated development. As a key part of these efforts, Xiamen has introduced various measures to attract Taiwan residents and help them feel at home.

After graduating from a prestigious mainland medical school, Hong moved to Xiamen in 2008, where she built her career as a dentist and started a family. She has also been recognized by the city as a 'specially appointed Taiwan professional' and receives subsidies for her expertise in key sectors.

"Both of my children go to school here. Life is good, and we consider this city our home," she said. 
NEW DELHI, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- At least 30 people were killed and 60 others injured during a stampede that took place early Wednesday at the ongoing mega Hindu festival, Maha Kumbh Mela, in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh, officials said.

The pre-dawn stampede was triggered after a barrier broke as tens of thousands of devotees thronged the Triveni Sangam on the occasion of taking a holy dip at Prayagraj, about 196 km south of Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh.

"About 90 people were taken to the hospital through ambulances, but unfortunately, 30 devotees have died," a senior police official Vaibhav Krishna posted in Prayagraj told media during a press briefing in the evening. "Out of 30 dead, 25 have been identified and the rest are yet to be identified."

The police official said 36 people were being treated at the local hospital.

In 2013, at least 40 pilgrims were killed in a stampede at a train station in Prayagraj during the same festival. 
New research from Smithsonian Institution and the University of Maryland shows that lunar fault structures may be recently and potentially currently active within regions of interest for upcoming lunar missions.

Scientists have studied the Moons surface for decades to help piece together its complex geological and evolutionary history.

Evidence from the lunar maria  dark, flat areas on the Moon filled with solidified lava  suggested that the Moon experienced significant compression in its distant past.

Researchers suspected that large, arching ridges on the Moons near side were formed by contractions that occurred billions of years ago  concluding that lunar maria has remained dormant ever since.

However, the new study reveals that what lies beneath the lunar surface may be more dynamic than previously believed.

University of Maryland researcher Jaclyn Clark and colleagues discovered that small ridges located on the Moons far side were notably younger than previously studied ridges on the near side.

Many scientists believe that most of the Moons geological movements happened two and a half, maybe three billion years ago, Dr. Clark said.

But were seeing that these tectonic landforms have been recently active in the last billion years and may still be active today.

These small mare ridges seem to have formed within the last 200 million years or so, which is relatively recent considering the Moons timescale.

Using advanced mapping and modeling techniques, the researchers found 266 previously unknown small ridges on the Moons far side.

The ridges typically appeared in groups of 10 to 40 in volcanic regions that likely formed 3.2 to 3.6 billion years ago in narrow areas where there may be underlying weaknesses in the Moons surface.

To estimate the age of these small ridges, the researchers used a technique called crater counting.

They found that the ridges were notably younger than other features in their surroundings.

Essentially, the more craters a surface has, the older it is; the surface has more time to accumulate more craters, Dr. Clark explained.

After counting the craters around these small ridges and seeing that some of the ridges cut through existing impact craters, we believe these landforms were tectonically active in the last 160 million years.

The scientists noted that the far-side ridges were similar in structure to ones found on the Moons near side, which suggests that both were created by the same forces, likely a combination of the Moons gradual shrinking and shifts in the lunar orbit.

NASAs Apollo missions detected shallow moonquakes decades ago; the new findings suggest that these small ridges might be related to similar seismic activity.

We hope that future missions to the Moon will include tools like ground penetrating radar so researchers can better understand the structures beneath the lunar surface, Clark said.

Knowing that the Moon is still geologically dynamic has very real implications for where were planning to put our astronauts, equipment and infrastructure on the Moon.

The teams paper was published this month in the Planetary Science Journal.

_____

C.A. Nypaver et al. 2025. Recent Tectonic Deformation of the Lunar Farside Mare and South Pole-Aitken Basin. Planet. Sci. J 6, 16; doi: 10.3847/PSJ/ad9eaa
TOKYO, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Amid the sounds of firecrackers and drums, a blue-and-white lion danced to the rhythm of the beat, gracefully moving its head to interact with the engaged audience in Japan's Yokohama Chinatown.

With a sharp clang of the gong, the lion suddenly leapt up and snatched a red envelope hanging from an archway, drawing an enthusiastic applause from the crowd.

The traditional "cai qing", which refers to the act during the lion dance where the lion picks or takes offerings that are hung in front of shops or at celebratory venues, is one of the most captivating performances during the Spring Festival celebrations in Yokohama.

"The lion dance is not just a performance, it is also a way to pray for peace and prosperity. Shop owners prepare red envelopes in advance, hoping for a visit from the lion, as it is believed to bring good fortune and a thriving business in the coming year," a lion dance team member told reporters on Wednesday.

The celebrations have drawn visitors from in and outside the city. Kurihara Moe, who traveled from Tokyo with friends, said, "It's so lively here, it feels just like being in China!"

Yokohama Chinatown's Spring Festival celebration has a history of nearly 40 years. Initially featuring dance performances on a special stage, it has since grown into one of the most representative Chinese New Year celebrations in Japan, thanks to the expansion of the local Chinese community and the increasing influence of Chinese culture.

This year marks the first Spring Festival since it was officially inscribed on UNESCO's list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, further amplifying the festive atmosphere.

The celebrations will continue until the Lantern Festival, featuring more than 50 event sites, making it the largest edition to date. Highlights include Peking opera, face-changing performances, parades, and fireworks displays.

Food is also an essential part of the festivities in Yokohama Chinatown. The streets were lined with restaurants offering a variety of Chinese cuisine, from Sichuan and Shandong to Huaiyang and Cantonese dishes. The aroma of steamed soup dumplings, crispy spring rolls, and grilled skewers fills the air, enticing visitors to indulge.

One particularly popular stall specializes in panda-shaped meat buns. A group of young Japanese women eagerly took photos of their freshly bought buns before taking a bite. "Pandas are such a symbol of China, and combining them with meat buns is so creative. They look so cute that we almost don't want to eat them!" they said.

Traditional customs such as lighting incense, offering paper money, and drawing fortune sticks have been brought to Japan by the local Chinese community.

Volunteers explained Chinese Lunar New Year traditions to tourists, with many Japanese and Western visitors joining in to experience the authentic "flavor of the New Year."

"I never expected to feel such a strong sense of home while celebrating abroad," said a Chinese visitor attending the festival with his family. "The crowd and the festivities all remind me of home."

Among the attendees was Nanpo Doichi, a Japanese enthusiast of Chinese culture, dressed in traditional Hanfu. He proudly shared his social media account, filled with posts about Yokohama Chinatown's customs and traditions.

"I want to introduce the food and lifestyle here to more people, so they can better understand Chinese culture," he said. 
Rahjanaye Bailey, right, fills a bag with soft drinks at the St. John Baptist Church monthly food pantry at 6800 Evers Rd. in Leon Valley on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024. The distribution event, held on the second Saturday of every month and co-sponsored by the San Antonio Food Bank, feeds an average of 1,000 people. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer Solomon Armstrong loads a flat of grapes into a vehicle at the St. John Baptist Church monthly food pantry at 6800 Evers Rd. in Leon Valley on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024. The distribution event, held on the second Saturday of every month and co-sponsored by the San Antonio Food Bank, feeds an average of 1,000 people. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer

The head of the nations largest hunger-relief organization said the nonprofit was "really pleased" to learn that President Donald Trumps budget office had rescinded its memo freezing federal loans and grants.

Hopefully, it was rescinded for pause and reflection around how to, with a scalpel, look at whats really happening and to evaluate whats working and whats not working, said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, which coordinates the efforts of more than 200 food banks across the country, including San Antonio's.

The memo, issued Monday by the Office of Management and Budget, frightened officials at food banks that rely heavily on federal funding. The San Antonio Food Bank counts on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to stock about 20 percent of its inventory, officials at the nonprofit said.

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Thats huge for us, a significant amount, Food Bank CEO Eric Cooper said.

Said Michael Guerra, the Food Bank's chief sustainability officer, "It's millions and millions of dollars."

According to Feeding America, 47 million people in the U.S. are food insecure, including 14 million children. In 2023, 50 million Americans turned to food programs for aid.

The USDA reported 13.5 percent (18 million) of U.S. households were food insecure at some time during 2023.

Babineaux-Fontenot was in San Antonio this week for a four-day gathering of the International Dairy Foods Association. Before leaving town Wednesday, she visited the Food Bank's West Side headquarters, where she learned the Trump administration had reversed course on its decision to pause federal funding.

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Im glad it was pulled back, Babineaux-Fontenot said.

Babineaux-Fontenot said Feeding America understands every administration gets to take a look at whats going on and to understand the implications of their funding." She added that she hopes civility and kindness will ultimately prevail when the administration studies efforts to feed the hungry.

We are hopeful this administration, as we have with every administration, will recognize that when people experiencing hunger start to thrive, the whole community thrives, Babineaux-Fontenot said.

The original OMB memo said programs that provide direct aid to individuals such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, would continue without pause. Babineaux-Fontenot said he hoped the Trump administration would stick with that approach as it searches for ways to eliminate progressive initiatives established by the Biden administration.

My hope, my desire, Babineaux-Fontenot said, is that SNAP not get caught in any other administration actions but instead be left inside the province of the Farm Bill, where we have an opportunity to engage directly with farmers, growers, producers and to contemplate the whole ecosystem that surrounds SNAP rather than looking at it purely in isolation.

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Cooper, one of Feeding America's board members, said he hopes the Trump Administration will continue to protect funding that assists basic requirements such as providing nourishment to those most in need."

The importance of good nutrition for our children, for working families, for seniors, thats what America is built on, doing the right thing all the time and taking care of those that need taking care of, Cooper said. It comes from the traditions of our forefathers, it comes from our faith traditions.
LA PAZ, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Bolivian department of La Paz has declared a state of emergency amid heavy rains and resulting floods that have hit several municipalities since November 2024, said an official on Wednesday.

"To date, eight of the nine departments have been affected, with one department, La Paz, already declared an emergency," Juan Carlos Calvimontes, the country's deputy civil defense minister, told a press conference.

The rains have impacted 65 municipalities and 978 communities, with 84,029 families affected so far and 19 deaths, he said.

He warned that intense rainfall will continue across the country, as Bolivia is entering "a very complex period," according to the National Service of Meteorology and Hydrology (Senamhi). 
Shandong Airlines flight attendant Wang Xiaoyu pastes a Spring Festival decoration featuring the Chinese character "Fu", which means good fortune, and a snake pattern on a flight from northwest China's Urumqi to east China's Qingdao, Jan. 30, 2025. (Shandong Airlines/Handout via Xinhua)

QINGDAO, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Carrying 148 passengers, Shandong Airlines flight SC4816 smoothly landed at east China's Qingdao Jiaodong Airport on Monday evening. Departing from a rainy city, the flight, despite being delayed by 14 minutes, arrived 7 minutes ahead of schedule, days before the Spring Festival that marked the arrival of the Year of Snake.

At the cabin door, chief flight attendant Zhao Yue greeted passengers with a smile, bidding them farewell and exchanging New Year greetings, while inside the cabin, four pieces of festive Chinese character "Fu," meaning good fortune, and a snake-shaped papercut adorned the walls.

Zhao said that on New Year's Eve, the cabin will be further decorated with more traditional Chinese New Year elements, and dumplings, a symbol of family reunion, will be served during meal times. For the Spring Festival, certain flights will also host special activities such as writing Spring Festival couplets.

The 2025 Spring Festival travel rush, or chunyun, began on Jan. 14 and will continue through Feb. 22. According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China, the number of air passengers is expected to exceed 90 million, potentially setting a new record. Shandong Airlines has also entered a very busy travel season.

"Our flight hours and schedules have increased significantly. In December, I flew about 60 hours, but this month I expect to touch 80," said flight attendant Yuan Zixuan, adding that during the Spring Festival travel rush, there are more passengers with special needs, to whom she and her colleagues will offer extra care and attention.

Qu Junke, a check-in supervisor at Shandong Airlines' Qingdao branch, noted that the airline places great importance on the needs of senior citizens, unaccompanied children, passengers with disabilities, and first-time flyers during the travel rush. From check-in to the cabin and post-flight transportation, dedicated staff are assigned to ensure these passengers enjoy a smooth and reassuring journey.

During the Spring Festival travel rush, crew members witness countless emotional homecoming moments that leave lasting impressions.

Flight attendant Fang Luyi shared several heartwarming experiences, including a young man sitting by the window, nervously straightening his clothes and checking the ring box in his pocket, preparing to propose upon landing; a young woman carefully applying makeup under the dim cabin lights on a night flight, wanting to look her best for her parents after being away studying abroad for two years; and an elderly couple holding a new smartphone gifted by their daughter, asking for help to send a safe arrival message.

"As flight attendants, we're used to spending holidays on duty. For us, the day we return home is our reunion festival. But for most passengers, the Spring Festival is still a journey across mountains and seas to return to the warmth of their childhood home and the embrace of their parents," Fang said.

Flight attendant Wang Xiaoyu recalled a memorable encounter with a five-year-old girl traveling alone during the Spring Festival season. Wang carefully looked after the child throughout the flight, and as the girl disembarked, she surprised Wang with a drawing she had made. It was an image of Wang wearing an apron and serving food. "That day's work was exceptionally busy, but seeing the drawing made all the exhaustion vanish instantly."

Flight attendant Li Xue once organized a unique Spring Festival activity in the cabin, where passengers used modeling clay to make dumpling replicas. The participants molded "dumplings" in various shapes -- some long and thin like willow leaves, others plump like gold ingots. Afterward, passengers happily posed for photos with their creations, and some exchanged their replicas.

During the Spring Festival travel rush, many foreign passengers also experience and learn about the meaning of Chinese New Year during their journeys. Yuan noted that many Western passengers show great curiosity, asking about specific Spring Festival customs, and some even greet her in Chinese with a cheerful "Happy New Year." "These interactions make me feel the warmth of the festival spreading across the world," she said.

Captain Jiang Tong, a former PLA Air Force pilot who later transitioned to civil aviation, has been flying for 23 years with Shandong Airlines. With over 25,000 flight hours, he is set to retire in 2025.

Reflecting on his career, Jiang recalled navigating challenging weather conditions during past Spring Festival travel rushes, including strong winds, heavy snow, and freezing fog. In every scenario, his priority has always been passenger safety, even if it meant diverting flights or delaying schedules. Most New Year's Eves, Jiang was in the air, returning home late at night. Last year, he flew to Harbin amid the winter tourism boom, landing just after midnight on the Spring Festival and celebrating the holiday arrival with passengers at 10,000 meters.

This year, the airlines gave him the New Year's Eve off, which allowed him to spend a rare festive evening with his family. Together, they made mackerel-filled dumplings.

"This will be the last Spring Festival travel rush that I serve before retirement. I'll make sure to fulfill my duties to the very end. I'll cherish these years of soaring through the skies, and prize above all else, every ordinary yet warm moment shared with passengers, colleagues, and my family," he said. 

Shandong Airlines flight attendant Li Xue serves food and drinks to a passenger aboard a flight from northeast China's Shenyang to east China's Qingdao, Jan. 30, 2025. (Shandong Airlines/Handout via Xinhua)
SYDNEY, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- An Australian-led international research has found that genetic diversity in plants and animals has declined over the past three decades.

The research, which was published by the University of Sydney on Thursday, analyzed the genetic diversity of 628 species of animals, plants and fungi across all terrestrial and most maritime realms between 1985 and 2019.

The team, which included researchers from China, the United Kingdom, Greece, Spain, Sweden and Poland, found that two thirds of the species analyzed are declining in genetic diversity.

Maintaining genetic diversity is considered crucial for conservation because it allows species to adapt to changing environments by providing a wider range of genetic traits.

Catherine Grueber, lead author of the study from the School of Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Sydney, said that there is cause for hope, with the research finding that conservation efforts are sustaining, and in some cases increasing, genetic diversity.

"There is no getting around the fact that biodiversity is declining at unprecedented rates across the globe, but there are glimmers of hope. The action of conservationists is reversing these losses and helping to create genetically diverse populations that can better meet the challenges of the future," she said.

Researchers found that conservation efforts that could improve genetic diversity include controlling pest or feral species, population control where some individuals are removed from populations to improve conditions for those that remain and introducing new individuals to populations for breeding.

The authors of the new research said they hope their findings will encourage more conservation efforts. 
BEIJING, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year, is typically a time for family reunions and visits with friends. However, this year Ren Jun and his family decided to celebrate it in a different way.

They set off on an adventure across northwest China, exploring ancient Buddhist caves in the mountains, discovering the secrets of temples, and even stepping into a 2,000-year-old underground tomb in the heart of the Gobi Desert.

"We're from the south, and our daughter's really into the culture of the northwestern region, so we thought it'd be a great idea to come check it out during this long break," Ren said.

In recent years, driven by a growing interest in traditional Chinese culture and greater consumption power, an increasing number of people have been choosing to spend the Spring Festival holiday exploring the country's splendid cultural wonders.

The Spring Festival, the most important festival in China, fell on Jan. 29 this year, with an eight-day public holiday break running from Jan. 28 to Feb. 4. During the 40-day travel rush surrounding the holiday, China is once again experiencing the world's largest annual migration, with tourism accounting for a significant share of this travel surge.

Since Jan. 1, flight bookings to destinations known for their cultural heritage, such as the cities of Datong, Yangzhou, Quanzhou and Jingdezhen, have doubled compared to last year, according to data from Meituan Travel.

By the second day of the holiday, tickets for major attractions like the Palace Museum in Beijing were already sold out for the entire holiday, while the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi'an in northwest China's Shaanxi Province had only a few remaining tickets for the last three days of this holiday.

Fueled by rising demand for more immersive travel experiences, travel agencies are offering group tours led by scholars who provide expert guidance during the journey.

Ren's tour group was led by Xing Yaolong, a scholar with the Chinese Association of Dunhuang and Turfan Studies. With years of expertise as an expert guide, Xing has observed a "larger appetite" for cultural experiences among tourists.

Using Dunhuang's Mogao Grottoes, a treasure trove of ancient Buddhist relics and art, as an example, Xing noted that more and more people are willing to dip into their pockets for visits to the exclusive, higher-priced caves with restricted access.

Riding this wave, niche travel agencies have been popping up. Having had trouble finding a satisfactory guided tour to culture-rich Shanxi Province in north China, Ding Manwen, a former documentary filmmaker, founded "The Seekers" in 2023 -- a travel agency dedicated to cultural heritage tours.

Today, the agency offers not only in-depth tours to Shanxi but also a dozen other trips to destinations such as south China's Guangdong, east China's Fujian and southwest China's Yunnan, with all available during this Spring Festival holiday.

"As the people enjoy greater material wealth, their hunger for spiritual enrichment has only grown. Moreover, the elderly, especially retirees, are now playing a key role in driving cultural and tourism consumption," said Wang Lei, a professor at the school of government management, Beijing Normal University.

Instead of flocking to popular landmarks, many travelers have opted to visit charming, lesser-known ancient towns and villages that are buzzing with vibrant folk traditions during the Spring Festival.

A few days prior to the festival, a young man nicknamed "Daodao" shared his unique experience in Zhanqi Village in east China's Anhui Province on popular Chinese social network and lifestyle-sharing platform Xiaohongshu, also known as rednote.

"As dusk falls, the village comes alive, with the sky glowing under a sea of colorful fish-shaped lanterns, swaying gently as they're carried by the crowd. The air hums with the infectious energy of village galas, cheers echoing through the crowd, as locals and tourists alike get swept up in the lively dance, moving to the rhythm of folk music," he shared in a short video, adding that he had returned to the village the following day to learn more about the fish-shaped lanterns.

To promote the fish-shaped lantern culture, an 800-year-old intangible cultural heritage item, local authorities have established workshops dedicated to this craft, while sharing schedules and locations of lantern performances on social media for the convenience of tourists.

From temple fairs to carnivals -- a wide range of events celebrating intangible cultural heritage can be found all over China these days.

For those unable to make it in person, there is the option of soaking up the festive vibes online. This year's Spring Festival Gala, broadcast by China Media Group on Chinese New Year's Eve, featured significant intangible cultural heritage content and garnered 16.8 billion views across all media platforms.

"Gorgeous! I want to travel to Wuxi and Chongqing after watching this," commented a user on the microblogging site, Weibo, in response to the gala.

"Only by understanding our roots can we know where we are headed," said another user. 
Casey Grooten Shonda Buchanan

Casey Grooten Shonda Buchanan

Casey Grooten Shonda Buchanan

Nina Simone, "The High Priestess of Soul'
Courtesy of Michigan State University, Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health Rx Kids is a way for us to rethink how we support our families and children, says pediatrician and program director Dr. Mona Hanna.

Courtesy of Kalamazoo Community Foundation Jameca Patrick-Singleton, executive director of Cradle Kalamazoo, speaks about the cash-payment program for families of newborns in August 2024 in Kalamazoo.

A specific launch date for the program has not yet been announced.

More than 800 children are born each year in Kalamazoo.

There are no income requirements for the program.

Participants must be residents of the City of Kalamazoo.

Verification of pregnancy will be required by a healthcare provider.

Expectant mothers may sign up for the program during pregnancy.

Mothers will also be able to sign up after giving birth until the infant reaches six months of age.

Information about enrollment is available at https://rxkids.org/

Courtesy of Kalamazoo Community Foundation Dr. Mona Hanna, director of Rx Kids, talks about the cash-payment program for new mothers in August 2024 in Kalamazoo.
A photo of an interdunal wetland

Dr. Tiffany Schriever, a freshwater ecologist and WMU Associate Professor, in wetlands in Australia

Tiffany Schriever, a freshwater ecologist and WMU Associate Professor., spoke recently at People's Church
Britain's Royal Mail is set to axe Saturday deliveries and provide an alternate-day service for second class letters, under proposals put forward the regulator Ofcom.

The regulator said its provisional findings would continue to meet postal users needs and save Royal Mail between 250m and 425m a year.

Royal Mail is being sold to Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky for 3.6bn after the government cleared the deal at the end of last year. He has pledged to stick to the Universal Service Obligation after the takeover.

Ofcom also published plans to cut Royal Mails main delivery targets, for first class mail from 93% to 90% delivered the next day, and for second class mail from 98.5% to 95% delivered within three days, bringing them more in line with other international and European markets, it added.

The world has changed  were sending a third of the letters we were 20 years ago," said Natalie Black, Ofcoms group director for networks and communications.

We need to reform the postal service to protect its future and ensure it delivers for the whole of the UK.

But were safeguarding what matters most to people  first class mail six days a week at the same price throughout the UK, and a price cap on second class stamps.

Ofcom said its latest research revealed most people do not need letter delivery six days a week, with the number delivered each year having slumped from 20 billion two decades ago to around 6.6 billion now and set to drop further to 4 billion in the next few years.

Ofcom is to consult further on its proposals until April 10, with a final decision coming in the summer.

Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com
BOGOTA, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- A Colombian air force plane landed in Bogota Wednesday with 105 Colombian nationals deported from the United States, marking the third flight of its kind this week, the Colombian Foreign Ministry said.

"Deportees arrived in the morning from San Diego, California," the ministry said in a statement, adding that the government remains committed to ensuring the rights and dignity of citizens abroad.

Two previous flights landed on Tuesday, bringing back 201 Colombian nationals in total.

After Colombian President Gustavo Petro refused entry of U.S. military planes carrying handcuffed deportees on Jan. 26, a high-level bilateral meeting was held in Washington, D.C., to reach an agreement on their safe and dignified return, said the ministry.

Astrid Caceres, the director of the Colombian Institute for Family Welfare, told reporters that an initial investigation shows the U.S. treatment of Colombian deportees has been "degrading."

Authorities plan to look into complaints made by children who said they were handcuffed and forced by U.S. authorities to get up at three in the morning to bathe with cold water, she said. 
Seventeen-year-old Artemisia Gentileschi lives for the moments when she connects "the brush to the paint to [her] breath to the canvas." Her father, Orazio Gentileschi, is a professional painter of "mediocre" talent. Artemisia labors as his apprentice, touching up his commissions with "strokes/of [her] own choosing," while always striving to better her craft. It's Artemisia's skill that brings in the clients who pay for their bread, but she's virtually invisible, as Orazio Gentileschi, rather than Artemisia, signs the finished art.



In this "world of men"--17th-century Rome--women are merely "beauty/ for consumption." So when Agostino Tassi, who's been engaged to give her art lessons, actually seems interested in Artemisia's skill, she's easily smitten. All too soon, though, "Tino" shows his real interest is in taking Artemisia for his mistress. Devastated, the girl spurns him, and Tassi rapes her: "I've no authority," the fictional Artemisia recounts, "He is teacher, I am student,/ man and girl/ power, nothing..../ The sudden realization/ of what's going to happen next/ descends."



The real Artemisia brought charges against Agostino Tassi, even though she knew it was unlikely she would win. This piece of historical fiction, told in luminous verse and based on transcripts from that trial, tackles issues of gender and power in a way that is relevant today. In the novel, Artemisia's mother, before her death, told her daughter stories of two women, Susanna and Judith, who triumphed over the monumental injustices they faced because of their gender. Susanna and Judith serve as Artemisia's spiritual mentors, and from them she draws strength to paint her own path. --Lynn Becker, blogger and host of Book Talk, a monthly online discussion of children's books for SCBWI
As the Union Budget 2025 approaches, two-wheeler manufacturers are optimistic about measures that could revive rural demand and accelerate the shift toward electric mobility (EVs). The governments emphasis on boosting consumption and putting more money in the hands of the common man is expected to significantly benefit the rural-focused two-wheeler segment.

Industry players are particularly hopeful that a revision in income tax slabs will leave consumers with higher disposable incomes, thereby driving discretionary spending, particularly in rural areas. This could provide a much-needed lift for entry-level two-wheelers, which remain a critical market for manufacturers. Market veterans emphasize the importance of accessible financing options, noting that making electric two-wheelers affordable in both urban and rural markets is key to unlocking their full potential.

Apart from relief on the tax front, the sector has also sought continuation of support for electric vehicles, with a particular demand for extending the FAME-III subsidy beyond March 2025. That, along with direct incentives to develop strong EV supply chains particularly for batteries will be needed to cut import dependency and increase value addition at home. Industry stakeholders also want performance-linked incentives, which will help strengthen local manufacturing capabilities and position India as a global leader in technology.

A simplified Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure is another pressing demand. Industry players are advocating for a uniform 5 percent tax rate across EVs, components, and charging infrastructure, arguing that such a move would reduce costs and help foster growth across the sector.

These are considered imperative steps to encourage fleet expansion and nudge India toward its Net Zero target by 2070. Experts feel the two-wheeler industry can play a significant role in structuring future mobility for India with renewed policy support, investment in new-age technologies, and efforts to make EVs more accessible.

The sector, however, has faced a tough time in the last few months. Shares of major two-wheeler players have been on a slippery slope. Hero MotoCorp, often considered the flagbearer of rural demand, has seen its stock fall by 20 percent. Bajaj Auto has seen an 18 percent decline, while TVS Motor has seen a 10 percent slide. Even disruptor Ola Electric Mobility has faced challenges, with its valuation dipping by 12 percent.
Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani expressed deep sorrow over the tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradeshs Prayagraj, assuring full assistance to the affected families.

Hours after the incident, which resulted in casualties and injuries to dozens of pilgrims, Adani took to social media platform X to convey his condolences. We are deeply saddened by the heart-wrenching incident at Maha Kumbh. We pay our humble tributes to the departed souls and express our deepest condolences to the bereaved families, he wrote.

He further assured that the Adani Group, in coordination with local authorities and the state government, is committed to providing all possible support to those affected. All members of the Adani family present at the Maha Kumbh and the entire Adani Group are working with the administration to assist affected families, he added.

The tragic incident drew widespread condolences from political leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sympathies to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. The accident at Prayagraj Maha Kumbh is extremely saddening. My deepest condolences to those who lost their loved ones. I also pray for the quick recovery of the injured, he said.

PM Modi also spoke to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath multiple times within an hour to assess the situation. CM Yogi Adityanath assured that the situation at the mela ground was under control, and all necessary aid was being provided by the administration.
The Indian Space Research Organisation has achieved a historical milestone by its 100th launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. At 6:23 AM, the GSLV-F15 rocket carrying the NVS-02 satellite flew into the sky, which again proved that India is increasing in space capabilities and ambitious future plans.

ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan, who joined office on January 16, hailed the launch as a big achievement. This mission is the 100th launch from our launchpads, which is a very significant milestone for India," he said. The successful launch is also the eighth operational flight of India's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle with an indigenous cryogenic stage. The NVS-02 satellite, part of the NavIC constellation, will play a crucial role in terrestrial, aerial, and maritime navigation, as well as precision agriculture.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated ISRO on this remarkable achievement. "Congratulations to @isro for this historic 100th launch! This incredible milestone illustrates the vision, dedication and commitment of our scientists and engineers. With the private sector joining hands, India's space journey will continue to achieve newer heights", he posted on X (formerly Twitter). Union Minister of State for Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, also informed that the space sector was booming rapidly as there were plans for a third launch pad at Sriharikota and a new spaceport at Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu's district. The prime minister laid its foundation stone last February.

The atmosphere at the spaceport remained characteristically humble despite the landmark achievement. ISRO scientists exchanged smiles, handshakes, and pats on the back before heading to their scheduled meetings true to the organization's understated culture that has persisted for over five decades. From the early days of carrying Rohini series (RH-75, RH-100) sounding rockets on their shoulders or bicycles in Thumba, Kerala, to the present, ISRO has maintained an ethos of quiet determination and excellence.

Gopalan Madhavan Nair, former ISRO Chairman, emphasized the organization's unique work culture. "ISRO designs, develops, and manufactures its rockets under a common roof, much like Elon Musk's SpaceX but ISRO did it first", he said. He credited the agency's success to its open work environment, which encourages scientists and engineers to voice their technological insights while also involving academia in critical reviews.

Dr. Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, another former chairman, said that ISRO's track record in launch vehicle technology shows India is ready for major international collaborations. "We have learned from small failures in the early days to develop advanced rockets and satellites. The reliability of our launch vehicles is now among the best in the world", he said. Recalling a defining moment in ISRO's history, he related how he was brought to tears in 1994 while observing the first successful flight of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle. Today, PSLV is still ISRO's workhorse, delivering satellites with remarkable precision.

India's space industry is estimated at around $8 billion, currently accounting for 2-3% of the global space economy. The government projects the figure to reach $100 billion by 2040. The Department of Space's budget for 2024-25 amounts to ?13,042.75 crores and has been incremented by ?498.84 crores from the past fiscal year. So far, ISRO has successfully placed 548 satellites in orbit weighing a total of 120 tonnes with 433 being for international clients.

According to Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, former Director of the U R Rao Space Centre in Bengaluru, the number will be "skewed upwards". He said ISRO's third launch pad at Sriharikota, a new spaceport coming up at Kulasai, near Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu and infrastructural capacity being developed by the private space startups would inject a sharp upward curve to the frequency of launches. The new launch site, spread over 2,300 acres with a budget of ?986 crore, is expected to be operational by 2028.

The Indian private space sector also is moving ahead in bold steps with innovation by startups focusing in private space stations, lightweight but robust rockets, advanced satellite propulsion, and even space debris cleanup. This multipronged approach indicates that Indian scientists are not satisfied with the earlier achievements.

ISRO has already made the list of accomplishments around the globe. The space agency has bagged the title of having the world's largest constellation of remote sensing satellites. ISRO also became the first country to orbit Mars on its very first try. The fourth country to have successfully landed softly on the Moon is India with Chandrayaan-3-a feat accomplished within a relatively small budget.

the greatest obstacle for ISRO. The much-awaited Gaganyaan mission, where India will send its astronauts to space aboard an indigenously made launch vehicle, is scheduled for the next two years. ISRO plans to set up its first indigenous space station, called the 'Bharatiya Antariksha Station', by 2035, with manned lunar landing predicted during the following decade. However, these missions will have to go through a wrestle against China's rapidly advancing space program. China already has a fully operational space station, launched a human into space nearly two decades ago, and has executed a successful lunar soil-return mission. ISRO is looking to achieve similar milestones with upcoming missions like Chandrayaan-4. Looking forward, technological challenges will remain. The much-awaited Gaganyaan mission, where India will send its astronauts to space aboard an indigenously made launch vehicle, is scheduled for the next two years. ISRO plans to set up its first indigenous space station, called the 'Bharatiya Antariksha Station', by 2035, with manned lunar landing predicted during the following decade. However, these missions will have to go through a wrestle against China's rapidly advancing space program. China already has a fully operational space station, launched a human into space nearly two decades ago, and has executed a successful lunar soil-return mission. ISRO is looking to achieve similar milestones with upcoming missions like Chandrayaan-4.

Dr. Vasudevan Gnana Gandhi, a veteran from the early Thumba days, is upbeat regarding the prospects of ISRO. He believes that the ingenuity of ISRO will find its place in the global space race. He praised the leadership of Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan, saying it had much experience in rocket technology, which would inspire and guide the next generation of Indian scientists and engineers.

With every successful launch, ISRO is pushing out the boundaries further to make new possibilities a reality and reinforce that status of the mighty space powers in India. While the agencies prepare for upcoming missions, all is clear ISRO is no longer launching some satellites; instead, it will launch India for its future adventures into space.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R  Staten Island/South Brooklyn) will speak with the minds behind Arthur Kill Terminal, which promised to produce 750 union jobs during construction, on Thursday after President Donald Trumps executive order left their fate in the balance.

Arthur Kill Terminal, which has been in the planning stages for over five years, is meant to function as a specialized port at the foot of the Outerbridge Crossing where offshore wind turbines and towers could be assembled and staged before being brought out to sea.

This executive order puts a pause on issuing new permits and leases and calls for the incoming interior secretary to review wind permitting practices. We still do not know the impact this will have on Staten Islands project but the congresswoman will be meeting with Arthur Kill Terminal operators, said Natalie Baldassarre, a spokesperson for Malliotakis.

However, with Trumps executive order stopping any new offshore wind projects from being approved, the chances of the terminal breaking ground  which will bring hundreds of union jobs to Staten Island  will progressively lower.

Were not going to do the wind thing. Big, ugly wind mills. They ruin your neighborhood, said Trump at his inauguration on Jan. 20.

After all, the terminal is meant to be leased out to different companies after it is completed so that the company can assemble and stage their own turbines before being shipped to their destination.

If no projects are being approved, the need for something like Arthur Kill Terminal diminishes despite the economic benefits it could bring to Staten Island.

Representatives of Arthur Kill Terminal declined comment about how Trumps order will affect the project at this time.

Arthur Kill Terminal plan

According to a written statement, Arthur Kill Terminal LLC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York (NYCBTC) to enter into a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) for the construction of Arthur Kill Terminal.

Six hundred of the jobs are slated to be in the construction sector, while another 150 jobs will open in the operations sector.

A majority of Staten Island elected officials have been vocal in their support of the terminals establishment, with Councilman Joseph Borelli (R  South Shore) leading the charge.

Atlantic Offshore Terminals, the company behind the terminal, received a letter of support in 2024 from: State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (D-North Shore/South Brooklyn); Assemblymember Charles Fall (D-North Shore); Assemblymember Sam Pirozzolo (R-Mid-Island); Assemblymember Mike Reilly (R-South Shore) and Assemblymember Michael Tannousis (R-East Shore/Brooklyn).

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) also voiced his approval, helping the terminal receive $48 million in federal funding in 2022.

And if local and state support isnt enough, even former President Joe Biden shouted out the terminal in a February 2023 visit to New York City.
Relatives mourn for victims in Tammoun town in the West Bank city of Tubas, on Jan. 30, 2025. Ten Palestinians were killed and several others injured in an Israeli airstrike on the town of Tammoun, southeast of Tubas in the occupied West Bank, late on Wednesday, Palestinian health officials said. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)

RAMALLAH, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Ten Palestinians were killed and several others injured in an Israeli airstrike on the town of Tammoun, southeast of Tubas in the occupied West Bank, late on Wednesday, Palestinian health officials said.

The Palestinian Health Ministry said ten bodies and several wounded people were taken to Tubas Governmental Hospital after the strike.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military said it had targeted a cell of "armed terror operatives" in West Bank.

Tensions in the West Bank have escalated since Oct. 7, 2023. More than 800 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since then, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. 

This photo shows destruction following Israeli airstrike in Tammoun town in the West Bank city of Tubas, on Jan. 30, 2025. Ten Palestinians were killed and several others injured in an Israeli airstrike on the town of Tammoun, southeast of Tubas in the occupied West Bank, late on Wednesday, Palestinian health officials said. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  The NYPD is asking for the publics assistance in locating an individual wanted for questioning in connection to the alleged rape of a child in Port Richmond.

It was reported to police that on Wednesday, Jan. 22, at approximately 5:40 a.m., inside a residence located near Richmond Terrace and Sharpe Avenue, an individual allegedly raped a five-year-old girl before fleeing the location on foot.

FDNY/EMS responded and transported the victim to an area hospital for evaluation, police said.

The individual being sought in regard to this incident has been identified as Dominique Giles, according to a statement released by the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information.

Giles is described as 30-year-old male with a medium complexion, brown eyes and braided hairstyle. Hes approximately 6-feet tall, weighs 180 pounds and was last seen wearing a black hooded jacket, police said.

The NYPD released an image of an individual alleged to be Giles.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/, on X @NYPDTips.

All calls are strictly confidential.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  As a new initiative gains footing on Staten Island, a growing list of several dozen local community groups, businesses, nonprofits, and residents are prepared to help.

Stapleton-based nonprofit La Colmena  which provides immigrants with education and workplace training opportunities, job placements, economic development, and guidance on how to obtain vital resources like access to SNAP, childcare and health insurance  recently launched Welcoming Staten Island, a direct response to President Donald Trump and his administrations promises and plans for mass deportations and immigration crackdowns.

The initiative aims to deliver on several objectives, including developing emergency-network plans for migrants and immigrants; launching civic and advocacy training programs; providing legal educational resources; hosting community workshops; and encouraging involvement by residents of all citizenship statuses.

Above all, the initiative is meant to allay fears, develop long-term sustainable solutions, and unite the borough to create a more welcoming Staten Island, according to Yesenia Mata, La Colmenas executive director.

The Welcoming Staten Island initiative serves as a powerful reminder that our immigrant communities are not alone on Staten Island, said Mata. Through this initiative, businesses, churches, organizations and schools are coming together because we recognize that immigration impacts us all in one way or another. Our goal is to spread this movement beyond the North Shore, reaching the South Shore and every corner of Staten Island. We want to send a clear message to immigrant families  whether its to the mothers, fathers, or children  that they are not alone. They have an entire community standing with them."

The initiative held its inaugural meeting on Jan. 24, where masses of residents, faith leaders, and representatives from community groups, organizations, businesses, nonprofits and city agencies packed into La Colmenas headquarters at 88 Canal St.

The Welcoming Staten Island initiative will largely depend on support from local organizations and groups. Offering immediate support is Nonprofit Staten Island, which represents approximately 150 nonprofit organizations, providing resources, support and advocacy.

La Colmena, alongside Nonprofit Staten Island, other community groups, and residents, is launching the Welcoming Staten Island Initiative. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon)Jason Paderon

At Nonprofit Staten Island, we want to make sure that this important information is getting out to our membership, but also make sure (La Colmena) and the other organizations that are doing this work are not out there doing it by themselves, said Tatiana Arguello, the organizations executive director.

Right now, I think that were living in a very fearful world. But we have a lot of power, especially when were together. I think thats what we have to remember.

Assemblymember: Look at the bigger picture

Among those in attendance at the inaugural Welcoming Staten Island initiative meeting was Brooklyn Assemblymember Marcela Mitaynes. Mitaynes, who emigrated from Peru when she was a child, is the first immigrant indigenous Peruvian to serve in the New York state legislature.

Addressing the crowd, Mitaynes called public participation in the Welcoming Staten Island initiative very important, and challenged those in attendance to look at the bigger picture of what else could be coming down the pipeline.

Its not just (about deportation), but its the impact to the children in schools who are suddenly going to see their friend is missing, said Mitaynes. Its the local business owner who is concerned about their workers and their staff. Were seeing already how our churches are losing parishioners. Its really important for us to understand that this is a bigger issue thats going to impact us all, and the best way to stay safe is to make sure that were communicating with each other, that we understand our rights.

La Colmena's Welcoming Staten Island the initiative is meant to allay fears, develop long-term sustainable solutions, and unite the borough to create a more welcoming Staten Island, according to Yesenia Mata, La Colmenas executive director. (Courtesy of La Colmena)(Courtesy of La Colmena)

The Democrat, whose district is comprised of Red Hook, Sunset Park and northern Bay Ridge, vowed to prioritize legislation that would benefit everyone.

Mitaynes pointed to four measures she is co-sponsoring, which she hopes to help pass in the Assembly this session.

The New York for All Act would bring New York in line with states like Washington and California that refuse to use their resources for federal immigration enforcement.

The Dignity Not Detention Act would keep local jails from renting out cell space to use for immigration and customs enforcement.

The Access to Representation Act would ensure New Yorkers who are facing deportations have a lawyer by their side.

The Clemency Justice Act would reduce the chances that criminal convictions create negative immigration consequences.

The four measures are nothing new; versions of each bill have failed to pass in previous legislative sessions.

That said, Mitaynes is undeterred.

We cannot be paralyzed in fear, said Mitaynes, but we need to understand whats happening and get ready and prepare for it.

Mitaynes was the lone elected official to attend the Jan. 24 forum; no Staten Island elected official, or representatives from their respective offices, were present. According to La Colmena, conversations related to the Welcoming Staten Island initiative have been held, or are in the process of being planned, with Staten Island state Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton and North Shore Councilmember Kamillah Hanks, both Democrats.

Navigating executive orders, other actions

Among the services the Welcoming Staten Island initiative will provide is education on both legal matters and the flow of executive orders being handed down by the president.

It will also work to dispel misinformation, according to Hina Naveed, an attorney based on Staten Island.

Naveed  who worked for several years as a nurse on Staten Island before gaining her law degree from CUNY School of Law  originally hails from Dubai. She came to the United States in 2001 with her family to seek medical treatment for her older sister, and received protection under the President Barack Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy. The policy, introduced in 2012 and closed to new applicants in 2021, allows immigrants who were brought to the United States as minors temporary protection from deportation, and provides them with legal work authorization. The program  and those who have benefitted from it  remains in jeopardy as of January 2025.

Like his wife Naveed, Carlos Vargas also received protection under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy, having arrived in the United States when he was 4 years old.

Naveed and Vargas appealed to Staten Islanders to be mindful about what they share on social media.

Last week, unsubstantiated rumors spread on various platforms that certain Staten Island neighborhoods were targeted with immigration raids by federal agents.

Naveed and Vargas urged caution should residents see posts on social media related to raids.

Do not just share random Facebook posts, thinking youre helping people, said Naveed. This creates widespread panic. This creates a lot of harm to communities, it creates harm to children, to young people, to families. Even if the person who posted it is someone you trust ... make sure you verify.

The reality is, under every president, ICE has arrested people, added Naveed, referring to the commonly used acronym for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ... Our communities know we have been devastated under every single president. And so we have to keep ourselves safe and our communities safe, and we have to be responsible about what we share.

We have to show solidarity

Residents, and leaders from several prominent groups, told the Advance/SILive.com theyre ready to lend a helping hand to the initiative however they can.

One of the main reasons why I (attended the meeting) was ... just to find some information, answers, and alleviate some of the frustrations in our community from the people that are going through these things, to gain more knowledge to help them be successful, said Krystal Heffney, community coordinator for the nonprofit Central Family Life Center in Stapleton and one of its outreach programs, True2Life.

Mary Hernandez, a parishioner of the Unitarian Church of Staten Island in New Brighton, said her Unitarian Universalism faith was a driving factor for her decision to help.

Unitarian Universalism really stands for social justice and supporting the rights of the immigrant, said Hernandez. Were living in times that can be very fearful, but we have faith in the goodness of humanity, in compassion, in the right of law to be upheld.

Both Neil Berry, a leader across several VOCAL New Yorks unions, and Prince Cobbina, outreach coordinator for the citys Civilian Complaint Review Board, said their support is based in both solidarity, and unifying groups.

Its obvious that we have to show solidarity, being from the Black community, said Berry. We need to get more solidarity in here.

Added Cobbina: Its a sense of just showing the support, because its our fellow brothers and sisters that are going through most of what African Americans have been through already. Whatever theyre going through, the struggles theyre going through now, we went through, and we understand the struggles. We always try to empower each other, so we can be there for each other.

Wed rather be in it together and fight, than fight separately. Because if we fight separately, were not going to get more done. If we fight together, well get more accomplished.

Roxanne Mustafa, of St. George, lauded La Colmena for its years of work, though noted she was disappointed the nonprofit was doing most of the heavy lifting and that a lot of the elected officials arent.

Her reason for getting involved in the Welcoming Staten Island initiative was simple:

I want to make sure that I have my neighbors' backs.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A former chief in the FDNYs Bureau of Fire Prevention (BFP) pleaded guilty Wednesday to taking bribes in exchange for expediting inspections several months after his alleged co-conspirator, a former FDNY chief from Staten Island, pleaded guilty for his part in the same scheme.

Anthony Saccavino, 59, of Manhattan, admitted to conspiracy to solicit and receive a bribe before U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman in the Southern District of New York. As part of his plea agreement, Saccavino has agreed to forfeit $57,000  the estimated amount of bribes he received, according to prosecutors.

Saccavino and Brian Cordasco, 50, of Huguenot, were indicted last September in connection to a bribery scheme to solicit and receive nearly $190,000 from building owners and developers in New York City.

According to prosecutors, the pair provided preferential treatment in at least 30 different projects citywide from 2021 through 2023. Approval of design plans, on-site inspections and other services provided by the BFP are supposed to be granted in the order they are received and could be a major factor in how quickly a building may be occupied or opened to the public.

This former chief of the Bureau of Fire Prevention provided preferential treatment to clients of a former FDNY colleague, expediting the clients plan reviews and inspections in return for over $50,000 in bribes, city Department of Investigation (DOI) Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber said in a statement released on Wednesday.

As todays guilty plea demonstrates, public officials who compromise city processes with pay-to-play schemes undercut governments ability to serve the public equitably and will be held accountable, she added.

Cordasco and Saccavino were charged with one count each of conspiracy to solicit and receive a bribe, solicitation and receipt of a bribe, wire fraud and making false statements to law enforcement. FDNY officials alerted authorities to the scheme in which the defendants allegedly lined their own pockets by taking advantage of owners and developers who were facing longer-than-usual wait times due to a backlog of requests attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. The DOIs investigation began in the spring of 2023.

Cordasco pleaded guilty in October to conspiracy to solicit and receive a bribe, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. He also agreed to forfeit $57,0000 and is scheduled to be sentenced in March. Saccavino is scheduled to be sentenced in May.

A third participant, Henry Santiago Jr., 46, a retired firefighter from Staten Island, cooperated with the government and accepted a plea agreement in September, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

I would like to acknowledge Chief Saccavinos honorable service to the city of New York as a firefighter since 1995, including his courageous role as a 9/11 first responder. His dedication to the community has been unwavering, Saccavinos attorney Joseph Caldarera told the Advance/SILive.com. Today, Mr. Saccavino made a difficult decision to plead guilty to a conspiracy charge, prioritizing his familys well-being. He respects the judicial process and believes this course of action is in the best interest of his loved ones.
Massena, N.Y.  Six people were killed in a blaze Monday night in an Upstate New York home.

The deadly fire happened at a home in Massena, a North Country town just miles from the Canadian border. Three children and their parents were killed in the blaze, the Massena Central School District Superintendent said.

A sixth person rescued from the burning home later died at a local hospital, Massena officials told North Country Now.

The Massena Volunteer Fire Department rushed to 6 Chase St. shortly before 10 p.m. and found the single-story home engulfed in flames, North Country Now reported. Firefighters found multiple victims inside and carried them out of the smoke-filled home, the newspaper reported.

Additional details  including how many people were inside at the time of the fire and what sparked the blaze  were not immediately released by the fire department.

In a statement to the community, Superintendent Ronald Burke confirmed three Massena students and their parents had died. He did not say what grade the children were in.

Our hearts are broken at the loss of the three Bowen children: Eli, Joshuha and Karmen, Burke said in the statement.

Despite wanting to keep schools open to give students and staff a chance to receive grief counseling, Burke said the wintry conditions across Upstate New York forced the district to close. But the district opened up Madison Elementarys school library during lunchtime Tuesday to give students, families and staff a chance to simply talk and process.

Massena students wont return to school until late Thursday morning.

After Wednesday, a day off for schools across New York to celebrate the Lunar New Year, officials announced Massena students would have a two-hour delay on Thursday.

Given the tragic loss of our three students, faculty and staff will need time to process and to prepare to help their students through the grieving process, the district announced on Facebook. On Thursday, January 30, we will have a two-hour delay for students only. Faculty and staff should report at their normal time.
Following the terror attack in New Orleans on New Years Day, Wildwood officials are taking additional security measures ahead of the summer tourist season.

The citys popular boardwalk is being fitted with barriers and brighter overhead lights, helping police better monitor crowds and control access to the boardwalk.
President Donald Trump said this week that he stopped the United States from sending $50 million to Gaza to buy condoms for Hamas.

The claims made by Trump and his new press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, were met with an uproar from social media.

But is there any evidence to support those head-scratching statements?

Apparently not, according to CNN.

Leavitt nor Trump offered any evidence for their figures, and the State Department would not repeat Leavitts claim.

The United States Agency for International Developments (USAID) federal report from 2024 detailed that in fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021  all under former President Joe Biden  that no condoms were given to any country or territory in the Middle East.

In fact, the only contraceptives given to that part of the world was around $46,000 worth of injectables and progestin-only contraceptive pills to Jordan in 2023, CNN wrote.

If that werent enough, the USAID only spent roughly $8.2 million sending both male and female condoms worldwide in 2023  a majority of which went to African countries, CNN reported.

Of that $8.2 million, $7.1 million was for male condoms.

As CNN wrote, Leavitt was essentially claiming Tuesday that the Biden administration had decided to provide more than six times the 2023 worldwide value of condoms to a single tiny territory that has about 2.1 million people and that is in a region that usually does not receive condoms from the U.S.

Tammy Bruce, a State Department spokeswoman, spoke of halting $102 million in unjustified funding to a contractor in Gaza, including money for contraception.

However, as CNN reported, she did not clarify what figure of that $102 million, which was meant to help American group International Medical Corps, was intended for condoms in particular.

In a statement to CNN on Wednesday, International Medical Corps said that it has received about $68 million from the U.S. Agency for International Development [USAID] for Gaza operations since Oct. 7, 2023, the day of Hamas major attack on Israel. While International Medical Corps has publicly discussed its reproductive and sexual health services in Gaza, among various other services from cardiology to orthopedics, the organization said in the Wednesday statement that no U.S. government funding was used to procure or distribute condoms.
Bernie Wiliams is a former New York Yankees center fielder whose rise to legend status almost got cut short.

A five-time All-Star and four-time World Series winner with the Yankees, Williams was a core piece of their late-1990s/early-2000s dynasty. But he almost left the organization as a free agent after the 1998 title-winning season because late owner George Steinbrenner and general manager Brian Cashman didnt want Williams as much as he wanted them.

Williams explained the saga, which goes back about 17 years, in precise detail on the Diggin' Deep podcast with ex-MLB player Eric Hosmer. It was a learning moment for Williams  and one that required him to stand up for himself and make a bold move to keep him with the Yankees.

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I mean I grew to understand that these guys have my best interest. You know theyre going to do whatever it takes to keep me on the team and theyre going to do right by me, but that was just a fallacy, Williams said. ... At the time, it was very difficult because I think you were kind of expected to take what they call the hometown discount and try to sign for less money or whatever.

It was just a purely transactional situation, and just became very acrimonious because I thought that I was owed something, and the team said we paid you, man.

By 1998, Williams had spent about 13 seasons in the organization and at least parts of eight seasons in the majors. He was coming off the best season of his career  a 160 OPS+ with a league-leading .339 average along with a .422 on-base percentage and .575 slugging percentage. He hit 26 home runs and 97 RBI. Other teams, like the Boston Red Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks, wanted him, and the Yankees were aiming to replace him with Albert Belle, who ended up going to the Baltimore Orioles on a five-year, $65 million deal.

Boston made its push with a seven-year, $91.5 million offer as the Yankees dangled five years and $60 million. The Yankees ultimately upped their offer to the seven-year, $87.5 million contract Williams accepted  but not after he made his case to Steinbrenner.

Williams remembered his agent Scott Boras telling him that he had to make the personal pitch. You can call George yourself and talk to him. Call him at his house and just plead your case, Williams recalled. And thats exactly what I did.

I remember an afternoon, I was in Puerto Rico living, and I talked to him. His wife answered the phone, Hey, Bernie, how you doing? Its like, Mrs. Steinbrenner, this is Bernie Williams. Sorry about imposing, but I need to talk to your husband about, you know, some business thing. ...

So George comes into the phone and says, What do you want?

This Bernie Williams, I know, never ask anything for you or from you, but you know for a fact that I want to be a Yankee, and you know for a fact that you want me to be a Yankee, so lets cut all this middleman stuff, and lets just talk mano a mano. Lets make this happen.

He said, Okay, so what do you want? I said, I want Piazzas money. At the time, Mike Piazza signed with the Mets with a similar contract that was kind of close to the numbers that I was kind of looking at.

Okay, lets see. Let me talk to these people here. Give me about an hour, an hour and a half, and Ill call you back. And then, he kind of crunched some numbers. He came back with an offer. ...

(Scott) said, This is the best offer youre going to get. if you want to remain a Yankee, you go ahead and take that.

And with that, Williams helped lead the Yankees to two more World Series in a row to complete a three-peat, while becoming one of the most beloved Yankees of all-time. He finished his career with 2,336 career hits, fifth on their all-time list, 287 home runs (eighth), 1,257 RBI (seventh) and a .297/.381/.477 batting line.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he will instruct the Pentagon and the Homeland Security Department to prepare a facility for 30,000 migrants at Guantanamo Bay, a U.S. naval base located on the southeastern coast of Cuba.

"We have 30,000 beds in Guantanamo to detain the worst criminal illegal aliens threatening the American people. This will double our capacity immediately," Trump made the remarks before he signed the Laken Riley Act at the White House.

The Laken Riley Act, which mandates the detention of undocumented migrants charged with certain crimes, was approved by Congress earlier this month. It marks the first major legislation of the new administration.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told CNN that the base could be reserved to detain what she described as "the worst of the worst."

During his campaign, Trump promised to carry out large-scale deportations of illegal immigrants once he took office. After his inauguration on Jan. 20, deportation operations have ramped up in several parts of the United States, reportedly focusing on criminals.

On Sunday alone, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) made nearly 1,000 arrests, with lots of activity taking place in the southeastern part of the country, Fox News cited various ICE field offices as saying. 
Infini Resources has fired up its maiden drill program at the companys Portland Creek uranium project in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, following previously unearthed astonishingly high-grade soil samples.

One soil sample from July last year returned up to 7.5 per cent uranium oxide, while a further 17 samples graded higher than 1 per cent uranium oxide, which the company says is coincident with a prolific shear corridor.

Infini Resources have their equipment on site for the companys diamond drilling program at its Portland Creek project in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Management plans for the phase one diamond drilling program to comprise up to 23 holes at the promising Talus prospect, in its quest for a serious uranium discovery.

A priority hole will be drilled straight off the bat to test the astounding high-grade soil anomaly.
The landmark David Jones building in Melbourne has sold for $223.5 million, but the iconic department store that occupies the Bourke Street Mall site isnt leaving  it has an 18-year lease.

South African company Woolworths Holdings, which used to own the upmarket David Jones brand, started looking for a buyer for the building in November last year before stitching up a deal to sell the property to Australian fund manager IP Generation.

The David Jones store on busy Bourke Street Mall is one of the longest continually operating retail spaces in Australia. Credit:

Originally constructed in 1911 for Buckley & Nunns department store, the building on the north side of the busy shopping mall next to rival retailer Myer is one of the longest continually operating retail spaces in Australia.

The historically significant seven-level building was acquired by David Jones in 1982.
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Often billed as Sydneys second Chinatown, Burwood has a deserved reputation as one of Sydneys most delicious suburbs, but the past five years have seen it go from locals haunt to serious destination. Plenty of it has to do with the 2019 launch of its official Chinatown precinct, a neon-lit eating extravaganza, while council has plans to pedestrianise Burwood Road in the coming years. For Miriam Wassef, executive manager of place management and communication at Burwood Council, Burwoods appeal can be explained in part by its residents. We have such a multicultural community, she says, citing that over 40 per cent of residents are from an Asian background, with more than 70 per cent speaking a language other than English at home. For us, food is synonymous with culture, and its an incredible opportunity for our community to be exposed to and celebrate traditions over a bite to eat. And as much as Haymarkets Chinatown should be celebrated, Wassef says Burwood offers something different. For us, what we think is the unique selling point of Burwood Chinatown is that we have a mix of more anchor, restaurant-style business, but also very hawker-style eateries, she says. It doesnt really matter what your budget is, it doesnt matter if you want to walk through or spend a few hours in Burwood Chinatown, you kind of feel like theres something for everyone. Hong Kong Bing Sutt owners Jessica Chan and Kevin Cheung. Jennifer Soo Hong Kong Bing Sutt

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Burwood train station puts you right in the thick of the action. Head right and the first stop is Hong Kong Bing Sutt just off Burwood Road, which also happens to be an excellent choice for breakfast. A cha chaan teng (Hong Kong-style cafe), the Burwood branch is the original, and the place to pair lai cha, or milk tea, with a soft pineapple bun loaded with scrambled eggs and butter, or bowls of steaming congee. The pork chop rice is also a classic, while their neighbouring space specialises in cart noodles. Shop 8, 11-15 Deane Street, Burwood Pork chop rice at Hong Kong Bing Sutt Jennifer Soo Taste of Shanghai Back on Burwood Road, and opposite Burwood Park, youll find Taste of Shanghai. Founded by Shanghai-born Jennifer Du, Burwood is the brands flashiest outpost, and features the likes of live lobster or abalone (try the former two ways, first as sashimi, then flash-fried with ginger-shallot; try the second dipped in master stock) alongside golden bursting sheng jian bao dumplings, braised bamboo shoots and the saucy Shanghainese noodles known as cu chao mian. Westfield, 173-5, 100 Burwood Road, Burwood Lanzhou Beef Noodles is serving soups in former post office. Jennifer Soo

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1915 Lanzhou Beef Noodles Cross the underpass and head towards Burwood Chinatown proper, and its worth checking in on The Burwood Hotel, which often hosts competitive mahjong nights on Mondays. Straight over the road, though, in the 1892 former post office, is perpetually pumping 1915 Lanzhou Beef Noodles. The namesake, a specialty of Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu province in north-central China, is one very special bowl. Expect hand-pulled wheat noodles in clear, sweet beef broth topped with chilli oil, slips of daikon, a slice or three of beef and spring onion and coriander. Add sides, like pickled cabbage or a soy sauce egg, to round it out. 168A Burwood Road, Burwood The Burwood Hotel on Burwood Road hosts mahjong nights on Mondays. Jennifer Soo Isan Tum Zaap and Lovin Lamb Skip back across the road and theres a chance to hit a couple of takeaway stalls, including Isan Tum Zaap and Lovin Lamb. Stop at the former and the north-eastern Thai specialties shine, particularly the som tum, available in three spice levels and with the optional additions of pickled crab and fermented fish, as does the larb, and the fermented Isaan sausages known as sai krog Isaan, which are available to buy raw. Pull up at the latter and its the Northern Chinese Xinjiang lamb skewers, hot from the grill and heady with cumin and chilli, that are the order of the day. Burwood Chinatown, shop 125A Burwood Road, Burwood (Isan Tum Zaap); shop 3 (Lovin Lamb)

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Japanese takoyaki stall Go Go Yaki at Burwoods Chinatown hub. Jennifer Soo Burwood Chinatown First announced in 2017 and developed in stages, Burwood Chinatown now features more than 50 stalls spread over two levels and an alleyway. Throughout, neon lights blaze and hungry diners flit from stall to stall  many set up hawker-style. Highlights in the upstairs food court include Perfect Tofu for gelatinous mung bean noodles in chilli sauce (liang fen) and stinky tofu, Kwafood Fried Skewer for flash-fried skewers dusted in chilli (try the giblet, potato or beef sticks) and Singapore Hawker for Hainanese chicken rice. On the ground floor, Hello Pot Stew offers phoenix claws (chicken feet) braised to tenderness or crisp fried, along with gelatinous pork trotters hit with chilli and spring onion, while Guo Kui Master serves tandoor-baked flatbreads stuffed with the likes of lamb or preserved vegetable. Out back, theres cooked-to-order Japanese takoyaki at Go Go Yaki, Korean rice cakes at Siroo, plus night markets offering grilled chicken wings stuffed with sticky rice and Filipino-style pork belly skewers every Thursday to Sunday. 127-133 Burwood Road, Burwood

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Kariton Sorbetes specialises in Filipino-inspired desserts. Jennifer Soo Ice Kirin Bar and Kariton Sorbetes All those snacks mean its dessert time. Cross back over to Ice Kirin Bar, a tea-infused gelato specialist to sample Earl Grey milk tea, genmaicha or premium Kuki black-sesame gelato, flavours rarely seen elsewhere in Sydney, along with wildly popular frozen mochi gelato. Burwood is slowly becoming the new symbol of the latest Chinatown in Sydney, says owner John Chan. I literally didnt think of anywhere else to be the starting point. Matcha daifuku mochi at Ice Kirin. Supplied Meanwhile, John Rivera of Melbournes cult Filipino gelateria Kariton Sorbetes opened the brands first Sydney shopfront last May right here in Burwood. Rivera notes it was the suburbs vibrancy and energy that encouraged him to launch here, and the kaleidoscopic fit-out is made to match. Go for one scoop of indigo ube gelato with purple-yam fudge, another of durian chiffon, and eat them in a cup, or stuffed into a pandesal, the Filipino sweet bun. Shop G03, 180-186 Burwood Road, Burwood; 173 Burwood Road, Burwood Leong Tim chopper shop  for all your cleaving needs. Jennifer Soo
Severely ill and distressed patients are waiting three-and-a-half days in a major Sydney emergency department for mental health beds that do not exist, confidential hospital records reveal, in a shocking escalation of the states psychiatrist workforce crisis.

Leaked photographs of Westmead Hospitals emergency department patient lists expose the human toll of NSWs chronic psychiatrist shortage, as staff warn of the very real risk of physical harm to other sick and injured patients when people in the grips of psychosis have nowhere else to go.

A leaked patient list from Westmead Hospital Emergency Department.

Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists NSW chair Dr Pramudie Gunaratne on Thursday said the states mental health system was about to collapse and accused the government of implementing contingency plans that would put more lives at risk.

This is incredibly frightening for us and our patients, Gunaratne said, urging the state government to meet psychiatrists and end the impasse.
The cache of stolen explosives left in a dumped caravan in Sydneys north-west alongside the name of a Sydney synagogue was so powerful it could have caused a 40-metre blast radius.

So powerful are the Powergel explosives, believed to have been stolen from a mine site, that Premier Chris Minns described their detonation as a potential mass-casualty event.

Powergel explosives are widely used by the mining industry for blasting and tunnelling.

This is certainly an escalation of that [recent attacks in Sydney] with the use of explosives that have the potential to cause a great deal of damage, NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Dave Hudson said on Wednesday.

Powergel products are a detonator-sensitive emulsion explosive, according to product information on the website of mining explosives manufacturer Orica. Orica, which stopped manufacturing its Powergel products in about 2009, is not accused of any wrongdoing, nor is this masthead suggesting any involvement by the company in the potential attack.
Sometimes, in public, children from Jewish schools cover the emblem on their blazer with their hands. Many no longer travel to class by bus; its too conspicuous. Their fearful parents drive them instead. On days when worry is highest, some are kept at home.

When asked by well-meaning strangers what they received from Santa, children used to reply that they celebrated Chanukah, not Christmas. This year, they were nervous to respond, said one mother. They looked at me silently.

As threats to Sydneys Jewish community escalate, Rabbi Benjamin Elton from The Great Synagogue has been advised to vary his daily route between home and work. He wont be cowed by shadowy criminals, but this is a sensible precaution. He has a wife and children to think about.

Rabbi Rafi Kaiserblueth says Australia is a welcoming place. Credit: Janie Barrett

Youre nervous going to sleep, nervous waking up, nervous checking your phone, says Elton. Thats what it means to be psychologically terrorising a whole community.
Australias national resilience and social cohesion are under strain, with the most visible cracks seen in the alarming rise of antisemitism. Governments, most particularly the federal government, whose responsibility it is to lead national debates, desperately need to engage more forthrightly with the Australian public.

The discovery in Dural of a caravan containing explosives and, reportedly, an antisemitic message and the addresses of a synagogue and other Jewish buildings, is the latest shock that will heighten anxiety in Australias Jewish community and further inflame public tension.

The flag of Israel, raised in solidarity with Jewish Australians, billows in front of a house in the Sydney suburb of Maroubra, which was vandalised with antisemitic graffiti on Thursday. Credit: Rhett Wyman

We can give police some benefit of the doubt that they had operational reasons for secrecy about the caravan, but these decisions must be balanced against the need to confront the underlying problems of extremism and hatred, and to reassure Australians that we have national leaders who are facing up to them. If our politicians had been leading the conversations that we need, there would be greater goodwill for understanding operational decisions, rather than the fraying patience that we are seeing.

Instead of confronting extremism, radicalisation and the growing influence of ideological violence, policymakers have retreated into reticence, offering platitudes that fail to give the public confidence or deter those who seek to cause harm. This absence of leadership is a communications failure and a strategic miscalculation that threatens social cohesion and national security.
Explore the captivating art of Luoding paper-cutting, a traditional craft with deep historical roots, celebrated especially during Chinese New Year for its intricate beauty and cultural significance.
He also said, in a statement issued by his lawyers, that he did not wish to discredit the woman. He did not provide an alternative version of events.

In response to questions about the incident, Grossi said he had a different recollection of the night and denied touching the womans breast.

This masthead has agreed not to name the woman to protect her privacy and high profile in the industry.

A senior food and wine journalist claims that about 10.30pm, Grossi, who co-owns Grossi Florentino and is one of Australias most prominent restaurateurs, put his arm around her, stared at her cleavage and then grabbed her right breast without consent.

The alleged incident is said to have occurred in 2022 at an event in Melbourne attended by more than 100 top chefs and hospitality leaders.

Celebrity chef Guy Grossi has issued an unreserved and sincere apology in response to a claim he groped a female journalist at a restaurant industry event.

A Herald and Good Food investigation reveals a top Sydney restaurant group allegedly ousted female staff after they reported sexual assaults and encouraged on-duty sex and drug use.

Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time.

Grossi admitted the second incident occurred but disputed it was intentional. He said he was inadvertently bumped from behind and propelled forward and made contact with the woman before apologising immediately to her on the night.

If I could have taken a photo of myself at the time, my jaw would have been on the ground. What is actually happening right now? said the witness to the second incident, who declined to be named for fear of harming their restaurants business.

Claims about the two alleged incidents were supported by the accounts of five people.

That same night, Grossi was standing near a second, more junior journalist from the same publication and allegedly touched her breast without consent, in what was described as an intentional accident.

I unreservedly and sincerely apologise ... for that, he said in the statement issued by defamation lawyers at firm HWL Ebsworth.

Grossis statement said he was mortified by the allegations and devastated to know that any of my actions caused disrespect.

In response, a letter from Grossis lawyers did not address many of the specific claims but broadly denied the allegations, which he described as vague, without merit and contrived.

Eight women described personal experiences of sexualised conduct by Grossi, including three alleged experiences of inappropriate touching and five women who allegedly experienced inappropriate comments. These allegations include a comment about a waitresss breasts and an incident in which another waitress claimed Grossi touched her thigh while he was intoxicated.

However, through these interviews, the investigation also uncovered allegations of inappropriate behaviour by Grossi towards female staff.

Guy Grossi (right) drinking wine at one of his Bourke Street restaurants on December 3. Credit: The Age

Over a months-long investigation, this masthead interviewed more than 30 former employees at Grossi restaurants around the country. Many of these former staff describe him as hard-working, passionate and a great leader.

The publication that employs both journalists stopped reviewing Grossis restaurants and no longer invites him to events as a result of these alleged incidents, according to internal correspondence seen by this masthead.

I always act with warmth, kindness and positivity, and I am mortified by allegations I would act inappropriately, he said. Such behaviour is simply not within my character.

Guy Grossi is one of Australias most accomplished and celebrated chefs, known for his hatted restaurants, best-selling cookbooks, appearances on popular television show MasterChef and sponsorship by the Australian Open.

That hasnt mattered until now. We need leaders to stand up and say this culture is toxic and dangerous for women. How do we change this industry so people feel safe at work?

Until recently, people in positions of power have been able to do or say whatever they want, whether or not women feel uncomfortable, hospitality culture advocate Jamie Bucirde said .

This masthead is not suggesting Grossis behaviour is equivalent to allegations revealed in those investigations. But as one of the industrys most powerful and influential figures, experts say he should be held to a high standard.

The revelations come as the hospitality industry faces a cultural reckoning, with investigations published by this masthead revealing allegations of sexual abuse and harassment across two of the nations largest hospitality groups, Swillhouse and Merivale .

I have always been committed to creating a positive and respectful culture in all our restaurants and with our staff, and more broadly with everyone who works in the hospitality industry. Anyone who knows me and my family and our business knows this to be true, Grossi said.

But a waitress at Florentino from 2010-13 described him as a complicated personality who was volatile and ran the restaurant as a kind of dictatorship.

If you go in on Monday morning, youll find Guy in the kitchen putting stock away. He definitely leads by example, I do like that about him.

I think Guy is a great leader, hard-working individual, hands-on, has worked very hard to build up what hes built, said one long-term male colleague.

Former hospitality worker Jamie Bucirde, now an advocate for safe workplaces, says celebrity chefs need to be held to a higher standard. Credit: Wayne Taylor

In media interviews, Grossi regularly praises his staff as an essential component of his success.

Grossi, 59, is an influential voice in Australias hospitality scene and employs more than 120 people across his venues. He uses this influence in politics too, having recently campaigned against a state government-proposed medically supervised injecting centre.

The G Grossi Family Trust now owns 19 business names including venues along the prized strip on Bourke Street, such as Florentino, Ombra, Grill, Cellar Bar and Arlechin. More recently, Grossis footprint has moved around the country, his having opened Garum in Perth and Settimo in Brisbane.

He would drink a lot  There were looks, and comments made about your appearance or body or things like that, she said.

But then there were other times wed have a great conversation, and he was a lovely man. So, its that Jekyll and Hyde kind of situation.

Melissa Richardson, who worked closely with Grossi for years, said it was an open secret the celebrity chef was touchy and would perv on female staff and make inappropriate comments about their bodies.

You would put it under sexual harassment, definitely, she said. No one ever said boo. You [felt like] youd be out the door.

The family bought Florentino, the Grossi restaurant empires crown jewel, in 1999. It is an institution of white tablecloths, 19th-century art, gold-trimmed ceilings and an elite guest list that includes prime ministers, rock stars and gangland figures.

The Grossis ruffled feathers when they took over 25 years ago by removing some conservative traditions, such as the requirement for jackets and a ban on female waitstaff.

Fourteen women who worked at Florentino over the past decade described it as male-dominated, a mans world and boys club where gender-based discrimination takes multiple forms.

All the women are called Bella. I thought it was endearing at first, said one waitress, who left last year. But then, I realised all the men were called their real names.

Several waitresses say these double standards were amplified about a decade ago, when the womens uniform changed from a white shirt and black pants to an evening dress designed by Australian fashion designer Leona Edmiston, and small black heels.

You would put it under sexual harassment, definitely. No one ever said boo. You [felt like] youd be out the door. And you knew the reach he had in the hospitality industry. You wouldnt be going anywhere else. Former bartender Melissa Richardson

Richardson said staff had to pay more than $150 for the shoes while the company covered the cost of the dress. She said both items felt so traditional in a toxic way.

I was constantly up ladders, I was already highly sexualised there as it was. It had problems written all over it, she said.

The new uniform led to a rise in sexual harassment by customers, according to three staff working there at the time, making the high-pressure job even harder. Grossi denies that allegation.

Sexual harassment-wise came a lot from the customers because we were wearing those kind of dresses, they would have a few drinks, grab a bum, brush against the dress, one woman said.

Grossis lawyers provided this photograph of the former uniforms worn by female staff.

Another waitress said running around in the uniform was not tenable.

The boys were in suits, appropriately covered and comfortable, she said. We werent protected from drunk customers, or even sober men, for that matter, propositioning us.

She said the dress clung to your body and the wrap feature meant it came open. If it got caught on the back of a chair, you were in your underwear. The world could see everything. Your butt, your bits. Everything.

Others described injuries from the heeled shoes, including rolled ankles and a split head.

One woman said she strapped her feet each night to stop the bleeding and blisters. They were the most uncomfortable shoes Ive ever worn in my entire life, she said. They were not appropriate for the job.

Richardson said that shortly after the uniforms were introduced, complaints were raised but shut down after Liz Rodriguez, Grossis sister and the co-owner of Grossi Restaurants, spoke sternly to staff at a meeting, telling them they could be easily replaced.

Guy Grossi in the Grill restaurant at Florentino. Credit: Eamon Gallagher

Grossis lawyers did not respond to questions about this incident, but the response by restaurant management was corroborated by three other staff members.

We were basically told that its a uniform, and if you dont like it  too bad, said one woman. They were hard-arses. The whole culture was, If you dont like it, no excuses, just keep working. They wont listen to your concerns.

Through lawyers, Grossi said the dresses were chosen and implemented by female members of the team. He said there was no record of any complaints.

In any event, staff were free to wear white T-shirts underneath or cardigans or jackets over the top of these uniforms if they wished to.

This claim was disputed by three women who worked there at the time. I never heard that, said one woman who worked at the venue for eight years, ending in 2013.

Richardson said she used a safety pin on the dress to cover her cleavage, which caught Grossis attention. He came across one day and said Whats with the pin? Youre covering the best bit.

Grossi denied making such a comment.

Today, women again wear white shirts and black pants, but there are claims that Grossis comments to female staff continued.

He was the executive chef of the now-closed Mirka in St Kilda, an Italian bistro underneath the Tolarno Hotel described in the press as a welcoming family restaurant.

Generally, it wasnt particularly a very great or safe place to work, said one waitress employed there from 2013 to 2014.

The Mirka bistro in St Kilda.

Grossi sporadically attended Mirka, and the former waitress said he made inappropriate comments about female staff.

You learn to put your skin up. You dissociate with whatevers being said, she said.

The former waitress said that one night after the restaurant had closed, staff were having a knock-off wine in the venue when Grossi made a comment about her breasts in front of the team.

It was an off-handed remark about my chest, the size of it, because  My mother gave me a bit to work with there, she said. You just brush off on those  well, back then you did.

The woman said Grossis behaviour was minimised as part of his personality and Italian culture, and his seniority meant she felt she could not complain.

There was a power dynamic at play. Of course, youre not going to call the owner of the company out in front of other people about comments about your chest  Back then, we just sucked it up.

Another waitress who worked in the Bourke Street restaurants until October 2022 said Grossi regularly commented on her appearance.

Its very like, Youre female, Im male. He would make comments ... Sometimes uncomfortable comments ... Like, Bella youre so pretty, Bella, this, she said. With Guy, it was, to me, he would say, You look beautiful, Bella, that sort of thing.

Grossi said in his statement that it was his role to ensure all staff are presentable.

It is not out of the ordinary for Mr Grossi to compliment staff (both male and female) on how they look. Mr Grossi strongly denies that he has ever done this in a sexual or inappropriate way.

In February last year, Grossi launched his love letter to the Amalfi Coast, becoming a consultant to, and the face of, Settimo, a 150-seat restaurant at the Westin Brisbane.

We call her Sophia Loren  its elegant, classy, but shes a little bit cheeky too and thats the style were going for, Grossi told The Courier-Mail at the time.

Guy Grossi at Settimo in the Westin Brisbane. Credit: BEDA

One woman employed there for six months in 2023 said Grossis visits were difficult, as she claims he became intoxicated and behaved inappropriately.

He would get drunk in the restaurant and cause scenes quite frequently, which was very difficult for the staff to handle, because the man who owns the restaurant and is paying our bills is also breaking several alcohol service laws, she said.

During one of these visits in November, Grossi hosted a seafood dinner showcasing Queensland produce and invited members of the citys media.

The woman said Grossi was very lovely at the start but became more difficult as the evening progressed. He started paying me a lot more compliments and telling me that I looked very good in the uniform, she said.

At one point, he kind of, like touched the side of my thigh. That was kind of one [moment] where I had to step away and take a little break and ask one of my friends to keep an eye on them while I just kind of took a minute.

The woman said it wasnt the first time she had been touched by a customer, but she felt powerless because of Grossis status.

It can be very difficult to want to step in and be like, Hey, can you not speak to me like that? Can you not do that?

Through lawyers, Grossi did not address the specific thigh-touching allegation, but said he helped design the Settimo uniforms, of which he was very proud.

As you will appreciate, the appearance of staff (both men and women) is a crucial element of any restaurant, let alone a fine dining restaurant like Settimo, the statement said.

Not within my character

Grossi declined multiple requests for an interview, and through lawyers said he continues to categorically deny the balance of allegations.

In his statement, Grossi said he is a leader in the hospitality industry and has a responsibility to set a cultural standard.

I have always been committed to creating a positive and respectful culture in all of our restaurants and with our staff, and more broadly with everyone who works in the hospitality industry. Anyone who knows me and my family and our business knows this to be true.

Some people interviewed as part of this investigation support this position.

One woman said she was treated well and never felt unsafe. Another said: I knew if I brought something up, it would be taken seriously.

Others described Grossi as a lovely person, super supportive and absolutely amazing to work for.

They were there for me as a family, one person said. Hospitality life can be a bit of a tough industry. But they were very understanding. They were very lovely, always looked after me.

Another woman who spent a decade working for the family witnessed Grossi run through the restaurant in his underwear and slap [a manager] on the ass once, but denied these actions were malicious.

She [the manager] wasnt offended by it, but what did that imply? Shes a senior member of staff, what does that say to the rest of the female staff members?

The woman said Grossi was a hugger and regularly touched staff, which was just poorly thought out as opposed to intentional harassment.

When Guy acted that way, he just had no f---ing understanding  Like a lot of men, white men, operate in the world. I just dont think there was any conscious understanding that his actions would potentially be making someone else feel uncomfortable.

That he was in a position of power and that people looked up to him. People were employed by him.

For his part, Grossis statement included a desire to lift industry standards.

A more inclusive hospitality industry will only occur through leadership and action, and I am committed to being part of that journey, he said.

If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), Lifeline 131 114, or Beyond Blue 1300 224 636.

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Patton said joint counter-terrorism teams in every jurisdiction in Australia met regularly to share intelligence and worked closely with Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and federal police. He said he had spoken to his NSW counterpart  Commissioner Karen Webb  for an update on the situation in NSW just hours before being interviewed by this masthead. Last year, Patton warned that religious radicalism was the states greatest public security threat. On Thursday, he said his key concern around hate crimes in Victoria was the huge rise weve seen in antisemitism  describing the incidents reported to police as abhorrent and disgusting. The explosives were found inside a caravan at a Dural property in Sydneys north-west on January 19. Credit: TNV

He said such reports had surged since Hamas militants killed 1200 people in the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that triggered the war in Gaza that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians. Weve seen a significant rise in antisemitism, he said. It remains our biggest concern. Patton said that since the October 7 attack, more than 160 antisemitic incidents had been reported in Victoria and police officers had so far made 70 arrests. This masthead was unable to verify how many of these arrests had led to charges being laid. Loading The reported antisemitic incidents spanned from verbal and physical abuse of people in the Jewish community, to vandalism, a neo-Nazi demonstration on the steps of parliament, and a firebombing of a Melbourne synagogue, he said.

About 20 reports of Islamophobia have been reported to police during the same period. Victoria Police launched Operation Park, which monitors prejudice-motivated crimes, last year. Under it, police are also meeting with community and religious leaders and ensuring police units were focused on suburbs or religious buildings where there was a threat of hate crimes or the community felt unsafe. Patton said this operation had led to police bolstering assurance patrols in suburbs that had borne the brunt of antisemitic attacks, including Melbournes Jewish heartland of Caulfield and Ripponlea. He estimated up to 5000 officers had been deployed to Melbourne suburbs since October 7 in 2023.

Asked for an update into the investigation of the December firebombing of the Adass Israel synagogue, Patton said finding those responsible remained the number one priority of Victoria Polices Counter-Terrorism Command. It is an absolute priority for us, Patton said. I want to give assurance that were throwing absolutely everything we can at it, and we understand the communitys need for it to be resolved as soon as possible. Patton  who on Wednesday visited the destroyed synagogue in Ripponlea for the first time  described the attack as horrendous. I thought it was important to go down and see it, Patton said. The destroyed interior of the Adass Israel synagogue on Friday, December 6.

They showed footage to me of what the synagogue was like before, showing this energised, amazing hub of their community, everyone engaged, from children right up to old persons and just enjoying the facility. Now, its a burnt-out shell inside. Members of the Adass Israel congregation were forced to flee in the early hours of December 6 as fire engulfed the synagogue after the arson attack by two masked suspects. The blaze gutted the building, leaving charred ruins, a tangle of wiring and a collapsed roof. The fire also destroyed some holy Torah scrolls and damaged others. About two weeks later, neo-Nazis stormed the steps of Victorian parliament, holding an antisemitic sign.

On Thursday, Albanese refused to answer questions on when he was briefed about the discovery of the Sydney caravan and the subsequent investigations into it. NSW Premier Chris Minns earlier confirmed he had been informed about the police operation on January 20  though details only emerged publicly on Wednesday. What I do is I dont comment on operational matters, Albanese said. There are two issues that are my priority. The first is making sure that people are kept safe. The second, which is related to that, is making sure that any investigations arent undermined and that the police and national security agencies are able to do their work.
NSW Premier Chris Minns has shown strong leadership as antisemitism has swept across his city, reassuring a shaken Jewish community that he will never abandon them.

In turn, the Jewish community has been grateful, watching on as homes, cars and childcare centres are firebombed, antisemitic bile is splashed across public places and hundreds of police are patrolling their streets in a constant reminder that violence is always lurking.

Premier Chris Minns and Police Commissioner Karen Webb speak on Thursday. Credit: Nick Moir

However, that goodwill to Minns, which is not extended to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, could evaporate if the premier, and his police force, cannot convince the Jewish community that it had to be kept in the dark over the discovery of an explosive-laden caravan that had the potential to cause mass casualties. There was a note inside with details of a Sydney synagogue.

The only reason the details of the caravan, abandoned for six weeks in the semi-rural Sydney suburb of Dural, emerged and were confirmed on Wednesday was because the Daily Telegraph had been leaked the details. At that point, the government and police had to jump.
Homeowners and home buyers may be unaware of their exposure to natural disasters, experts warn, if they havent taken the time to assess if their home could be in the path of fires, floods and other hazards now and as climate changes further.

The warning comes after the Los Angeles fires, which have taken at least 25 lives and devastated thousands of homes. Climate change is thought to have contributed to the disaster, by way of increasing the regions fuel load with both unusually wet and dry seasons.

City dwellers have been considering a tree-change.

Concerned homeowners or buyers can check exposure to natural disasters through private companies such as Climate Valuation, the Climate Council website maps that show the percentage of properties in each suburb at risk of natural disasters, or by contacting councils to request fire and flood maps or other material they have available.

As the climate changes, Australia will become more exposed to frequent and intense natural disasters such as fires, floods, cyclones, storms, extreme heat and coastal inundation.
Theyre not all new challenges  some of these challenges have been present for a little bit, and its always just trying to strike the right balance when it gets to a point where you need to step back from the football and the training element of it. We really want to set Jamarra up for the medium to long term to really excel on the field, but right now, the focus isnt on training and playing and being in the full-time program with our playing group. At the moment, the focus is really on the short term with him and [giving him] the support. We are really hopeful that he still plays an important role during 2025, and we want to set him up medium to longer term. That is clearly the aim of the club; to have Jamarra back playing, whenever that is, and have him excelling on field.

Power conceded that given the amount of pre-season training he had already missed, Ugle-Hagan was starting from a long way back in terms of his availability in the early part of the season. Loading Clearly, because he is in a more flexible arrangement and he hasnt been at training full-time with the playing group, there is a conditioning [component] and having your body prepared for AFL football, he said. The Bulldogs are heading into the 2025 campaign under the microscope, having not won a final since losing the 2021 grand final to Melbourne in Perth. Coach Luke Beveridge is contracted until the end of 2025, while Ugle-Hagan recently signed an extension until the end of 2026.

Richmonds Noah Balta to plead guilty to assault Danny Russell Suspended Richmond defender Noah Balta intends to plead guilty to assaulting another man outside a NSW club the day before New Years Eve, a court heard on Thursday. Richmonds Noah Balta. Credit: AFL Photos Balta was charged with assaulting a 27-year-old man at Mulwala Water Ski Club at 12.30am on December 30.

The victim was taken to Yarrawonga hospital to be treated for cuts to his head. Baltas lawyer told Corowa Local Court on Thursday he would plead guilty to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Balta did not appear in court. The case has been deferred to March 27 for sentencing. Noahs bail has been extended until the next court date. Richmond announced on January 9 that it was suspending the 25-year-old Balta for the first four matches of the coming season. The Tigers said he would continue to train with the team but also miss pre-season matches and undergo counselling and education programs.

Loading Richmond chief executive officer Shane Dunne said at the time that Balta deeply regrets being involved in the incident. He has assisted the NSW Police in their investigation, and he is keen to have the matter concluded as soon as possible, Dunne said. While the outcome of the investigation and the charge will be a matter for the police and the courts, both Noah and the club accept that players cant put themselves in these situations. After thorough consideration  which included discussions with the player leadership group  we arrived at a decision that reflects the seriousness of the incident and at the same time will help Noah address this behaviour.

The club will continue to support him through this period and our collective hope, and expectation, is that we will see the best of Noah on and off the field from this point on. Balta, who has played 104 games with Richmond including the 2020 premiership, signed a seven-year contract extension last year that would take him through to the end of the 2032 season. Wardlaw to miss months after hamstring injury Roy Ward Emerging North Melbourne star George Wardlaw has been ruled out for the next three months with a serious hamstring injury, which could rule him out of the first eight rounds of the season.

The 20-year-old ball-winner went down with a right hamstring injury during match simulation on Wednesday and scans have confirmed a high-grade injury which will see him out for between 10 to 12 weeks. Kangaroos football general manager Todd Viney said the club would be extremely diligent with the powerfully built midfielder, who has previously battled hamstring problems. North Melbournes George Wardlaw trains in December. Credit: Getty Images This is obviously disappointing for George as he has been very diligent with his physical conditioning since hes been at the club, Viney said in a club statement. While there are a lot of variables at play with his recovery, George is an extremely diligent and professional athlete, and we know he will be ticking every box in his rehabilitation to be back as soon as possible.
What in the World, a free weekly newsletter from our foreign correspondents, is sent every Thursday. Below is an excerpt. Sign up to get the whole newsletter delivered to your inbox.

Singapore: Welcome to the Year of the Snake.

This week we saw the peak of the Lunar New Year travel rush across China, the worlds largest annual mass movement of people, as millions criss-crossed the country to be with family and friends.

As per tradition, many families would have spent New Years Eve on Tuesday making dumplings together before bidding farewell to the Year of the Dragon and ushering in its beguiling, fork-tongued successor.
In fact, Kennedy in a 2023 podcast cited a study that linked the herbicide atrazine to male frogs developing female sex organs. Kennedy said then, I think a lot of the problems we see in kids, and particularly boys, its probably underappreciated how much of that is coming from chemical exposures, including a lot of the sexual dysphoria that were seeing. Loading He said his 2023 comment that Theres no vaccine that is, you know, safe and effective was taken out of context. He claimed that he was interrupted before he could finish his thought. I was going to continue, for every person. Every medicine has people who are sensitive to them, including vaccines. He also denied that in 2013 he likened the Centres for Disease Control and Preventions actions to Nazi death camps. I was not comparing the CDC to Nazi death camps; I was comparing the injury rate to our children to other atrocities, Kennedy said. And I wouldnt compare, of course, the CDC to Nazi death camps. To the extent that any statements that I made has been interpreted that way  yeah, I dont agree with that.

But Kennedy did own at least one conspiracy theory. When asked if he had claimed that Lyme disease is highly likely to have been a bioweapon from the military, Kennedy acknowledged, I probably did say that. (He did.) 2. He walked a fine line on abortion, signalled abortion pill could be limited Abortion occupied an unusual role at the hearing. Despite Trump nominating an abortion rights advocate to lead the US health agency  something that was once virtually unthinkable in a GOP administration and that could give conservatives pause  it was mostly Democrats broaching the issue.

They sought to cast Kennedy as an opportunist who would be willing to set aside his long-standing convictions to serve a president who set back abortion rights more than any other president in history. And Kennedy clearly sought to play to the right. Donald Trump (right) shakes hands with Robert F. Kennedy Jr at a campaign rally in Arizona. Credit: AP When Democrats mentioned his past statements  including at one point saying he supported abortion even if its full term  he repeatedly said, Every abortion is a tragedy. But perhaps his biggest comments, practically speaking, came on mifepristone, also known as the abortion pill. He signalled on two occasions that Trump had tasked him with reviewing the pills safety and possibly limiting it.

President Trump has asked me to study the safety of mifepristone, Kennedy said. He has not yet taken a stand on how to regulate it. Whatever he does, I will implement those policies. Two points. The first is that there have already been extensive studies on the safety of mifepristone. The second is that this is difficult to square with Trumps own comments downplaying the prospect of limiting the abortion pill. Trump was asked after the 2024 election if he would commit to making sure that the FDA does not strip [womens] ability to access abortion pills. Trump responded, That would be my commitment. Kennedys answer could endear him to anti-abortion Republicans, and he needs only Republican votes to be confirmed. But it undercuts Trumps promise and could give Democrats fodder, given how strongly Americans favour mifepristone access.

3. He stumbled over details on Medicaid One of the big questions looming over several of Trumps nominees is their lack of traditional and relevant experience. And at a few points, Kennedy tripped up over some basics about Medicaid  a government program of health insurance for adults and children with limited income. He said people were unhappy with the program because premiums are too high, the deductibles are too high. At another point, he asked rhetorically about Medicaid: Are the premiums low enough? He repeated later: The premiums are too high. The deductibles are too high. With a few exceptions, Medicaid patients dont pay premiums or deductibles.

Kennedy said at another point that Medicaid was fully paid for by the federal government. In fact, states fund more than 30 per cent of it. The Finance Committees ranking Democrat, Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon, said the comments showed Kennedys lack of preparedness. Loading I find your presentation to be both untrustworthy and unprepared because my colleagues have been seeing [your] back and forth between Medicare and Medicaid, Wyden said. And its not clear which program youre using when. Medicare is a health insurance program for people over 65 and younger people with disabilities. 4. Republicans declined to press him too hard

Kennedys nomination presented at least the possibility that some Democrats could vote for him - given his past as a Democrat, his work on environmental issues and some senators statements suggesting they were open-minded - while several Republicans could vote against him. But that seems more remote now. Democratic Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, a longtime friend of Kennedys, at one point even told him, Frankly, you frighten people. And Republicans seemed reluctant to push him too hard. As noted, few Republicans brought up the abortion issue. And while some asked sceptical questions, few signalled they had major qualms. Many of them expressed support for Kennedys goal to Make America Healthy Again. Senator Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican, a potential swing vote who recently balked at backing Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, even downplayed the charge that Kennedy was a conspiracy theorist.

Republican John Barrasso of Wyoming, a medical doctor who just nine months ago said Kennedy had disqualified his presidential campaign by criticising red states, asked generally polite and wonky questions. Senator Bernie Sanders and Senator Elizabeth Warren at the Robert F. Kennedy confirmation hearing. Credit: AP But even some more gentle questions elicited potentially problematic statements. For instance, it was Republican Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, another medical doctor who could be an important vote, who elicited Kennedys stumbles on Medicaid with his detailed questions. Kennedy generally focused on appealing to Republicans, given that he really needs only their votes to get confirmed in the 53-47 Republican-majority Senate. The Republican Partys apparent evolution on Kennedy was striking. It was just last year, after all, that Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantiss statement suggesting Kennedy could occupy a significant role in his administration was quickly walked back amid a conservative backlash.
Washington: Golfing great Greg Norman was once again called upon to act as a bridge between the Australian government and Donald Trump, revealing he was asked to help broker relations between Australia and the returned US president.

There was a request put through, yeah, Norman told this masthead. He would not reveal the details of the request, including who made it and whether it came from Canberra or the Australian embassy in Washington. But the result was positive, he said. It worked  well just leave it at that.

Greg Norman at the Australian Embassy in Washington where he is receiving a lifetime achievement award. Credit: Leigh Vogel

After Trump won the 2016 election, it was Norman who passed on Trumps phone number to then-prime minister Malcolm Turnbull so that the two could talk, following a request by then-ambassador Joe Hockey, also a friend of Normans. Trump, Norman and Hockey have all bonded through golf.

Norman said his latest assistance was not related to an interaction between Trump and Australian ambassador Kevin Rudd at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach before the presidents inauguration.
BES ISLANDS:--- The official start of the two-year police training for 11 new aspiring officers of the Dutch Caribbean Police Force (KPCN) and 7 aspiring officers of the Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM), took place on Monday, the 27th of January 2025 on Sint Maarten. During a ceremony at the Police Station in Philipsburg, speeches were given by the Minister of Justice of Sint Maarten, Mr. Nathalie Tackling, the Caribbean Coordinator of the Police Academy, Mr. Jan-Willem Ruts, the Chief of Police of the KPCN, Mr. Alwyn Braaf and the Chief of Police of the KPSM, Mr. Carl John.

The speakers emphasized the importance of the profession the aspiring officers chose and reminded them that the police profession is rooted in service to the community. Integrity was emphasized as a fundamental value they must maintain in their future role. Aspiring officers were encouraged to remain steadfast in their commitment to protect and serve with honor and dedication.

Also present at the ceremony were the KPSM management team, the chief of the operation department at KPCN, Mr. Clark Mercera, the education coordinator of the KPCN, Mr. Rouel Pinedo, and the teachers and mentors who will guide and support the students during their education on St. Maarten.

Over the next two years, the new aspiring officers, under the responsibility of the Police Academy, will undergo intensive training in which they will become acquainted with the various aspects of police work, such as conducting surveillance, investigating crimes, and providing emergency assistance. The 11 new aspiring officers for the Dutch Caribbean will follow the theoretical part of the police training in St. Maarten and the practical experience on Bonaire. Upon completion of the training, these aspiring officers will be in possession of a police diploma on MBO-4 level, whereafter they will be fully deployable on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba.

The Dutch Caribbean Police Force wishes the aspiring officers good luck with their training.
PHILIPSBURG: --- The families of the slain Guyanese man who was shot to death on Sunday morning in front of his home are calling on the police to grant them justice. Wesley Skeet, the father of the victim he identified as Denzil Skeet, said that police failed his son and his young family since four men targeted his son in September 2024.

Three young children are left fatherless.

Denzil Skeet is the father of three little girls, ages three years, 18 months, and a one-month-old baby. He was the breadwinner of his family and never depended on anyone to take care of them.

Wesley Skeet said his son was born and raised in Guyana and attended school there. He said Denzil is a high school graduate. He made clear that his son was not a delinquent and that he came to St. Maarten in 2016 and worked with him in the construction field. Skeet said some people say his son grew up in St. Lucia. He made clear that his son never set foot in St. Lucia, and he does not even have relatives living there. If people want to know, they can ask me. Denzil's mother passed away when he was just one year old, and I raised my son and brought him to St. Maarten as I am a long-time resident here. I had no plans to bury my son because parents normally dont have to burry their children, it is the other way around. Wesley Skeet said that based on his knowledge, his son is not involved in any criminal activities. While he will not swear for his dead son, he wants anyone who knows anything about what led to the shooting of his son to approach him because he wants to know why they shot and killed his son, knowing he has three young children.

Incident in September 2024.

The older Skeet, who was in Guyana for medical purposes, said that four young men who were driving in Cape Bay in September 2024 gun butted his son, his son had to seek treatment at the St. Maarten Medical Center, and on that same day, he and his children mother filed an official complaint with the police. Still, the police in St. Maarten did nothing, even though they have video footage and other evidence.

Skeet and his daughter in law identified as Marie, said that Denzil and his girlfriend were driving out of Cape Bay when a jeep with four young men that were armed asked him to get off the road since they did not want to scratch their jeep; the bereaved family said that Denzil could not get off the road further on the side so he reversed this vehicle so that the jeep with the four young men could pass. However, when Denzil Skeet stopped his car where he was living, the four young men got out of their vehicle and gun-butted him.

My question to the St. Maarten police and Prosecutor's Office is why they did not pursue the investigation because the police have everything they needed to locate and arrest the four young men. They even have the license plate number for the jeep they were driving. If they were interested in finding these young men, they would have looked for the jeep owner who would have had to lead police to the young men. Skeet said that would have been proper police work, but because the police did nothing, his son is dead today.

Incident on Sunday, January 26th, 2025.

The girlfriend of the victim, identified only as Marie, said that on Saturday, the young man who shot her boyfriend and children's father was in their area. He even asked her mother if she had seen police in Cape Bay and the woman told him she did not, On Saturday the now suspected killer left the area but returned early Sunday morning.

I was washing dishes on Sunday morning, and Denzil was smoking in front of my apartment door, and suddenly the young man walked up to him and asked him why he was looking at him; Denzil told him he was not looking at him, and he also did not see anything. I pleaded with the young man not to shoot my boyfriend because we have three young children. While this happened, my 18-month-old daughter ran before her father. The shooter hesitated while holding the gun towards Denzil, but then he left. A while later, Denzil and I walked down the road, and the young man was there. Again, he began arguing with Denzil and held his gun up. Denzil pleaded with him, and I pleaded with him. We even told him that we did not know him and had no problems with him, and that was when he said that Denzil had problems with his partner, referring to the September 2024 incident when they gun-butted Denzil.

The young mother said when the young man shot Denzil, they both tried to run away, but the shooter fired three shots and hit Denzil. She explained that Denzil fell as he was trying to escape from the gunman, and she also fell on top of Denzil and the gunman attempted to shoot her also, but Denzil pushed her away, and he took the third shot also.

The young mother described her children's father as a family man since he only goes out with her and their children. She said the only time Denzil leaves the house alone is when he leaves for work since he is a construction worker. Denzil was a good provider for his three children. I also work, but my salary is nothing; my daughter's school fees are $550 monthly, and imagine I am taking home less than $500 every two weeks. The young mother of the three fatherless children said she does not know how she will take care of her three daughters because her father-in-law only recently returned from Guyana, where he had two major surgeries. The young mother said that Denzil and her were busy planning their wedding for July 2025.

Wesley Skeet said that his son is a good provider; he works nonstop to provide for his family, and even though they live in Cape Bay with three young children, he said his son never approached him for any financial assistance. He pleads with the police and the justice chain to find the killer because he wants to know what his son did to deserve death.

Financial Assistance.

The family of the slain Denzil Skeet is calling on persons, especially the St. Maarten Guyanese Foundation, to reach out and provide assistance to them so that he could take the body back to Guyana for burial.

Persons within the community wishing to contribute to the funeral and other traveling expenses can contact Wesley Skeet at +17215241782 or Marie at +1721 5547963.
DUBAI, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Dubai International Airport (DXB) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced Thursday a record-breaking passenger traffic figure for 2024 of 92.3 million, up from 87 million in 2023.

India remained DXB's largest destination market, with 12 million passengers, followed by Saudi Arabia (7.6 million) and Britain (6.2 million), according to a news release by DXB's media office.

Meanwhile, Dubai Airports Chief Executive Officer Paul Griffiths told Xinhua that China continues to be a key market for DXB, with 2.1 million passengers in 2024, up 31 percent year-on-year.

DXB is setting its sights on welcoming 100 million passengers annually by 2027, Griffiths added.

Calling DXB "the world's busiest airport for international passengers," Mohammed bin Rashid, ruler of Dubai and vice president and prime minister of the UAE, highlighted the airport's vital role in reinforcing Dubai's position as a global business and tourism hub. 
Meta posts big profit, plans massive AI investment



San Francisco, Jan 29 (AFP) Jan 29, 2025



Social media giant Meta on Wednesday reported surging profits and revenue for 2024, announcing ambitious plans to expand its artificial intelligence infrastructure in the year ahead.

The parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp saw its net income soar 59 percent to $62.36 billion for the full year, while fourth-quarter profits jumped 49 percent to $20.84 billion.

Revenue reached $164.5 billion, up 22 percent from 2023, boosted by stronger advertising performance as ad prices rose 10 percent and impressions increased 11 percent across its platforms.

"We continue to make good progress on AI, glasses, and the future of social media," CEO Mark Zuckerberg said, expressing optimism about scaling these initiatives in 2025.

The solid performance comes amid significant shifts in Meta's content policies intended to endear the company to US President Donald Trump.

The company recently announced the end of its US fact-checking program aimed at combating misinformation, a move that followed criticism from conservative voices who viewed such efforts as censorship.

"We now have a US administration that is proud of our leading companies, prioritizes American technology winning, and that will defend our values and interests abroad," Zuckerberg told anlayats.

Meta has also scaled back diversity initiatives and relaxed content moderation rules on its platforms, particularly regarding certain forms of speech -- changes that could potentially concern major advertisers who are wary of having their ads appear alongside divisive content.



- User growth -



The company's user base continued to grow, reaching 3.35 billion daily active users across its platforms in December 2024, a 5 percent increase year-over-year.

Looking ahead, Meta plans massive infrastructure investments, with expected capital expenditures of $60-65 billion for 2025, primarily supporting AI initiatives. Total expenses are projected to reach $114-119 billion.

"In AI, I expect this is going to be the year when a highly intelligent and personalized AI assistant reaches more than 1 billion people, and I expect Meta AI to be that leading Assistant," Zuckerberg said.

The company expanded its workforce by 10 percent to 74,067 employees in 2024, with plans for further growth in technical roles focused on AI development and infrastructure.

Meta last month said it will dismiss 3,600 employees (5 percent of its workforce) identified as low performers, with the intention to bring in new talent to strengthen the company.

While Meta's stock has performed strongly, the company faces both regulatory challenges and emerging competition.

The rise of Chinese startup DeepSeek's more economical AI model has reportedly prompted Meta to establish war rooms to study and potentially adapt the innovations for its own Llama AI models.

The company projects first-quarter 2025 revenue between $39.5-41.8 billion, representing growth of 8-15 percent year-over-year.
Microsoft profit rises but cloud business misses mark



San Francisco, Jan 29 (AFP) Jan 29, 2025



Microsoft on Wednesday reported profits of $24.1 billion in the recently ended quarter, but shares slid on worries over its vital cloud computing business.

Microsoft revenue grew to $69.6 billion and the amount of money taken in by its "intelligence cloud" unit climbed to $25.5 billion but the market had expected more.

Shares slipped slightly in after-market trades.

"Microsoft had a fine quarter, but 'fine' isn't what investors want from an AI juggernaut spending like it's building the Death Star," Emarketer principal analyst Jeremy Goldman said, referring to a planet-sized space station from the Star Wars films.

"The cloud is still a growth engine, but AI competition -- especially from unexpected players like DeepSeek -- is real."

Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella spotlighted the tech titan's artificial intelligence investments, saying the company is "innovating across our tech stack" to unlock the ability for customers to make money from the technology.

Nadella said Microsoft's AI business is on pace to bring in more than $13 billion annually, in a near tripling of the rate a year earlier.

The Redmond-based company has been at the forefront of the generative AI revolution, largely thanks to its partnership with OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT.

The company has rolled out AI features at a furious pace, mainly under its Copilot brand, leaving investors hopeful for a return on investment from the expensive technology.

The company is on track to pump about $80 billion into artificial intelligence this fiscal year, according to Microsoft president Brad Smith.



- AI race with China -



Smith contended AI is poised to transform all aspects of life, and it is imperative that the United States be the global leader when it comes to the technology, he wrote in an online post.

China and the United States are racing to spread their AI systems to other countries in an effort to become the de facto standard, according to Smith.

"The Chinese wisely recognize that if a country standardizes on China's AI platform, it likely will continue to rely on that platform in the future," Smith said.

The emergence of the DeepSeek chatbot has sent Silicon Valley into a frenzy, with calls to go faster on advancing AI and beat communist-led China before it is too late.

Despite US government efforts to maintain AI supremacy through export controls on advanced chips, DeepSeek has found ways to achieve comparable results using authorized, less sophisticated Nvidia semiconductors.

"The Chinese AI startup's R1 model, trained at a fraction of the cost of OpenAI's systems, rattled markets and raised tough questions for Microsoft," analyst Goldman said.

"Is its $80 billion AI infrastructure spend truly necessary when cheaper AI is proving viable?"

Microsoft rivals Amazon, Google and OpenAI have also been spending billions of dollars on AI even though it remains unclear how and when they expect to profit from those investments.

Meanwhile, Microsoft is listed among potential suitors of TikTok, which faces being banned in the United States if not divested by its Chinese owner ByteDance.

"Microsoft is reportedly circling the platform, with the White House brokering a possible deal," Goldman said.

"If Microsoft grabs a stake, it would instantly bolster its struggling ad business and supercharge its AI ambitions with a firehose of user data."

Microsoft stands out as a compelling potential buyer, armed with deep pockets and significant technological capabilities.

Asked late Monday if Microsoft was in discussion for acquiring TikTok, US President Donald Trump told reporters: "I would say yes."

According to CFRA Research senior vice president Angelo Zino, Microsoft's interest stems from a desire to strengthen its position beyond LinkedIn, which it owns, in the digital advertising space.
New play takes on OpenAI drama and AI's existential questions



New York, Jan 30 (AFP) Jan 30, 2025



Revolutionize humanity or destroy it? Playwright Matthew Gasda's characters, inspired by OpenAI and its famous ChatGPT, grapple with existential questions about the direction of artificial intelligence.

"Doomers," which opens in New York from Friday and will play in several venues, is inspired by the dramatic firing of Sam Altman in November 2023 from OpenAI, the AI research company he co-founded eight years earlier.

Out of the blue, the board of directors sacked the young executive over his lack of transparency and his headstrong desire to push out new products at breakneck speed, even if this meant relegating any safety concerns to the background.

After a few days of crisis, marked by intense pressure from the group's shareholders, including Microsoft, Altman was reinstated and almost the entire board was replaced.

"My dramatic instincts kicked in" when I first heard about the story, recalled Gasda, an author whose several plays have been noticed on the alternative New York theater scene.

"At first I purely thought it was a good story, but then I started to research and meet people in the business, and I understood that there are people who really feel like the fate of the world is in their hands," he said.

Since the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022, AI has been a regular presence in contemporary theater, often embodied by some kind of technological creature, human-like robot or otherwise.

Last year, "McNeal," starring Oscar-winning actor Robert Downey Jr, was hailed for its questioning of the use of AI in the creative process.

But "Doomers" goes further, seizing a crucial, high-profile moment in the recent history of AI to turn it into a reflection on its future and on the collision between money, technology, power and building a perfect world.

In the first act, Seth, a character portraying Sam Altman, freshly fired, asserts his vision of AI's inescapable march to several executives, mocking their unease.

The second part features board members tormented by the consequences of their decision to dismiss Seth.

In both episodes, the play, which will be performed in OpenAI's hometown San Francisco in March, offers no way out, with the characters ultimately not taking a stand on the hard questions.

"That's very intentional," said Gasda.

"The only resolution... is that there's no rational way of really grappling with the consequences of this. No one breaks through the doors and solves the problem for them."

The playwright held several readings with AI professionals to ensure the accuracy of dialogues and situations.

He said that his plays often attract the tech community, and expects them to make up a big part of the audience for "Doomers."

"I'm trying to speak to both audiences," connoisseurs and laymen alike. "I want people who don't think about it to start thinking about it," said Gasda.
Italy data watchdog restricts DeepSeek, opens probe



Rome, Jan 30 (AFP) Jan 30, 2025



Italy's Data Protection Agency on Thursday launched an investigation into the AI chatbot of Chinese startup DeepSeek and said it had blocked it from processing Italian users' data.

The GPDP said it had decided to act after receiving "completely insufficient" answers to its questions about the firm's use of personal data.

In a statement, it said it had ordered "urgently and with immediate effect the restriction of the processing of data of Italian users by Hangzhou DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence and Beijing DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence, the Chinese companies that provide the DeepSeek chatbot service".

At the same time, the authority had opened an investigation, it said.

"The restriction measure, designed to protect the data of Italian users, follows the communication from the companies received today, the contents of which were deemed completely insufficient," it said.

On Tuesday, the agency announced it had raised questions with DeepSeek about how personal data was collected, from which sources and to what end, and where it was stored.

"Contrary to what was observed by the authority, the companies declared they do not operate in Italy and that European legislation does not apply to them," the statement on Thursday said.

The authority had also asked what kind of information was used to train DeepSeek's AI system and, if the data was scraped from the internet, to clarify how users of the service are informed about the processing of their data.

Based out of the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou -- sometimes known as "China's Silicon Valley" -- DeepSeek sparked panic on Wall Street this week with its powerful new chatbot developed at a fraction of the cost of its competitors.

The Italian watchdog in December fined OpenAI 15 million euros ($15.6 million) over the use of personal data by its popular ChatGPT chatbot, but the US tech firm said it would appeal.

The investigation began in March 2023 when the GPDP temporarily blocked ChatGPT in Italy over privacy concerns, becoming the first Western country to take such action.
OpenAI seeking $40 billion in new fundraising round: report



San Francisco, Jan 30 (AFP) Jan 30, 2025



OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, is seeking to raise $40 billion in a fresh round of funding that would value the startup at a staggering $340 billion, the Wall Street Journal Reported on Thursday.

Japan's SoftBank is leading the investment round and is in talks to invest $15-25 billion in the deal that would make it the ChatGPT-maker's biggest financial backer.

The reports came after Chinese startup DeepSeek sparked panic this week with a powerful new chatbot developed at a fraction of the cost of its US competitors, dealing a blow to markets.

The Softbank investment was first reported by the Financial Times.

The investment plan comes just three months after OpenAI closed its previous funding round that valued the company at $157 billion.

Doubling its valuation would be unprecedented in Silicon Valley history and signals the vast sums needed to build world-leading AI models from scratch, much of it on cutting-edge computing and infrastructure.

SoftBank and OpenAI are part of the Stargate drive announced by US President Donald Trump to invest up to $500 billion in artificial intelligence infrastructure in the United States.

The new funds would partly go to help OpenAI fulfill its roughly $18 billion commitment to Stargate, the Journal said.

The Japanese firm's mooted investment would come on top of its commitment of more than $15 billion to Stargate, the FT said, citing people with direct knowledge of the negotiations.

"Ultimately, the Japanese company could spend more than $40bn on its partnership with OpenAI," the report said.

SoftBank was not immediately available for comment when contacted by AFP. OpenAI did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Shares in Softbank rose three percent in Tokyo trading on Thursday.

The company, founded by Japanese tycoon Masayoshi Son, made spectacularly successful early bets on Yahoo! and Alibaba in the 1990s but some of its other investments have bombed.

Securing huge funding from Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi and others, Son -- an early backer of Trump -- has sought to pivot into AI, helped by SoftBank's stake in chip designer Arm.

Elon Musk has openly poured scorn on Stargate, saying on X this month that the main investors "don't actually have the money".

The world's richest man was an early investor in OpenAI and has long been in a feud with its founder Sam Altman, who called the Tesla founder's comments "wrong".

burs-arp/md
MANILA, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Thursday said it has approved a 500-million-U.S. dollar policy-based loan to support job creation and workforce development in the Philippines.

The ADB said the Business and Employment Recovery Program Subprogram 2 will help the government pursue reforms and initiatives to achieve inclusive economic growth by equipping the country's labor force, including vulnerable youth, with the skills required to meet evolving industry needs.

"While job recovery in the Philippines has been encouraging in the post-COVID-19 period, the quality of jobs remains a critical concern, with many workers still facing challenges such as underemployment, informality, and limited access to decent work opportunities," said ADB Country Director for the Philippines Pavit Ramachandran.

Under the program, the Philippine government is targeting to increase formal employment in the private sector by an average of 600,000 to 700,000 jobs per year, with the share of private sector jobs to total employment rising to 51 percent against 49 percent in 2019.

The government also wants to raise the number of job placements through public employment service offices in local government units nationwide by 120,000 annually. 
'Not interested': Analysts sceptical about US, Russia nuclear talks



Paris, Jan 30 (AFP) Jan 30, 2025



The United States and Russia have pledged their readiness to resume nuclear disarmament talks after years of confrontation, but analysts are sceptical that Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin can or even want to reach a breakthrough new agreement.

Days after returning to the White House for a second term, Trump said he would like to see "denuclearisation" and called for China to join the talks between Russia and the United States, the world's two biggest nuclear powers.

The Kremlin immediately confirmed its interest in launching talks "as soon as possible", saying last week that French and British nuclear weapon stockpiles should also be taken into account.

But China has indicated it is not interested at this stage, while analysts dismissed the US and Russian statements as posturing.

Moscow in particular has no interest in reducing its arsenal of nuclear warheads as its invasion of Ukraine is set to enter its fourth year next month, analysts say, suspecting Putin sees any potential future talks as an attempt to break out of Western isolation and even try to negotiate the fate of Ukraine.

The last remaining strategic arms control agreement between Russia and the United States is set to expire in a year.

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, an organisation which informs the public about threats to humankind, appears to also be deeply sceptical.

The scientists on Tuesday shifted their "doomsday" clock to 89 seconds to midnight, the closest it has ever been.



- 'Redistribution of influence' -



"It's hard to imagine China, Russia or the United States undertaking the exacting negotiations required at this point in good faith," said Adam Mount, a nuclear expert at the Federation of American Scientists.

"Donald Trump thinks of himself as a deal maker, but historically hasn't had the patience, proficiency, or credibility," he said, adding that most people in the Trump administration are "arms control skeptics".

Maxim Starchak, a fellow at the Centre for International and Defence Policy at Queen's University in Canada, said Moscow's statements should not be taken at face value.

"Russia is not interested in arms control, it is interested in the redistribution of influence in Europe," Starchak said.

"The so-called arms control negotiations are a way for Moscow to achieve negotiations on broad issues of European security," he added.

"It is important for Putin to show that he is not against negotiations, and in the end declare that the United States has failed them."

Olivier Zajec, director of France's Institute for Strategy and Defence Studies, said he thought it would be in Russia's interest to hold talks on a new agreement.

"Nuclear power is the only thing that gives Russians the ability to talk to the Americans on an equal footing in the world," he said.

If the last arms control agreement between Russia and the United States is not replaced, Moscow and Washington will find themselves without a bilateral nuclear arms control agreement for the first time since 1972, Zajec added.

The last remaining strategic arms control agreement between Russia and the United States -- the New START Treaty -- is set to expire in February 2026.

The treaty restricted the former Cold War rivals to a maximum of 1,550 deployed warheads each.

Moscow said it was suspending its participation in New START in 2023, a year after Putin's invasion of Ukraine, which has raised fears of Russian use of nuclear weapons, though it has kept to the limits set by the agreement.

In 2019, the two powers withdrew from the landmark 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty concluded by US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, which limited the use of medium-range missiles, both conventional and nuclear.



- 'Lack of transparency' -



Washington has embarked on a costly modernisation of its nuclear triad of air, land and sea-based weapons, estimating that China's nuclear stockpile is expected to increase to about 1,500 warheads by 2035.

On Monday, Trump signed an executive order to start planning for an "Iron Dome" air defence system for the United States.

China, which is still a long way from achieving nuclear parity with Russia and the United States, has regularly rejected Washington's invitations to join US-Russian nuclear talks.

On Tuesday, China called on Washington and Moscow to "further reduce" their nuclear arsenals as a precondition for its participation in negotiations.

Zajec said China had no interest in engaging in nuclear arms control talks.

"If it did that, even though its arsenal is quantitatively smaller, it would lose the advantage that a certain lack of transparency over its arsenal gives it," he said.
France hands over last base in Chad amid withdrawal



N'Djamena, Jan 30 (AFP) Jan 30, 2025



The French army has handed over its last base in Chad in a military ceremony in the capital N'Djamena, the general staffs of both countries announced Thursday.

The central African country in late November abruptly ended military cooperation with its former colonial ruler, and French troops began leaving the country in late December.

Thursday's handover of the Kossei base marks the end of France's military presence in the African country "according to the wishes of the high authorities" in N'Djamena, a statement from the Chadian high command said.

"The Kossei camp was handed over today to the Chadian army," said Colonel Guillaume Vernet, spokesman for the armed forces' general staff in Paris.

French troops withdrew from their Faya-Largeau base in the north of the country on December 26, and on January 11 pulled out of a second base at Abeche.

During the handover in Abeche, Chadian authorities declared that a January 31 deadline for the French withdrawal from the country was "non-negotiable".

President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, in power since 2021, said the cooperation agreements with France had become "completely obsolete" in light of "the political and geostrategic realities of our time".

Soldiers and fighter aircraft from France have been stationed in Chad almost continuously since the country's independence in 1960, helping to train the Chadian military.

The largely desert country had been a key link in France's military presence in Africa and its last foothold in the wider Sahel region after the forced withdrawal of French troops from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger in the wake of military coups.

The military authorities in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have pivoted towards Russia in recent years.

At its height, France's Sahel contingent numbered more than 5,000 troops as part of the anti-jihadist Operation Barkhane, which ended in November 2022.

French President Emmanuel Macron irked France's allies in a New Year's speech to diplomats, lamenting that African countries "forgot to say thank you" for France's decade-long deployment to fight an Islamist insurgency.

Senegal is also negotiating the withdrawal of French forces by the end of 2025. At the same time, Paris's military presence in the Ivory Coast and Gabon is being cut back, in line with a restructuring plan for France's presence in West and Central Africa.

A French base in Djibouti, which hosts 1,500 troops, is being developed as a launching pad for future missions in Africa following the forced withdrawal from the Sahel.
Sudan army says retakes key southern city from paramilitaries



Port Sudan, Sudan, Jan 30 (AFP) Jan 30, 2025



The Sudanese army said Thursday that it had retaken a key city in the southern state of North Kordofan from rival paramilitaries, who had held it since May 2023.

In a statement, the army said troops had "cleansed" the city of Umm Rawaba of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Umm Rawaba sits on a key highway linking North Kordofan to central Sudan. It is the state's second-largest city and is located about 480 kilometres (298 miles) southwest of the capital Khartoum.

Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in a war between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his erstwhile ally Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who leads the RSF.

The recapture of Umm Rawaba comes as the army was also reporting advances in Khartoum North (Bahri).

A military source told AFP on Wednesday that the army had regained full control over central and southern Bahri, including a bridge linking it to central Khartoum.

Last week, the army broke a siege of its headquarters in Khartoum by the RSF, which had encircled it since the war broke out.

Retaking the General Command was the army's biggest victory in the capital since reclaiming Omdurman, Khartoum's twin city on the Nile's west bank, nearly a year ago.

It also follows other recent gains.

Earlier this month, army troops regained control of Wad Madani, just south of Khartoum, securing a key crossroads between the capital and surrounding states.
Jacob Beltran covers crime, breaking news and general assignments for the Express-News. He can be reached at jbeltran@express-news.net.

A San Antonio native, Jacob began his journalism career in 2010. He's worked for the student-run newspaper for San Antonio College, The Ranger, and for Texas A&M University-San Antonio, The Mesquite.

He enjoys video games, photography and exploring during his free time.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Eighteen bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River following the collision of a passenger plane and an Army Blackhawk helicopter near the Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, local media reported.

No survivors have been pulled out of the river into which the collided aircraft crashed, as rescue efforts were underway, CNN said.

American Airlines, which operated the ill-fated passenger plane, said in a statement that 60 passengers and four crew members were on board. The airliner has set up a hotline for those with loved ones onboard the plane.

Three soldiers were on board the Blackhawk, CNN reported, citing a U.S. defense official.

U.S. President Donald Trump said in a statement that he had been "fully briefed on the terrible accident" and that he was "monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise."

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said on the social platform X that the Pentagon is "actively monitoring" the situation and is "poised to assist if needed."

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said that the midair collision occurred around 9 p.m. EST (0200 GMT Thursday), involving a regional jet that had departed from Wichita, Kansas, and a military Blackhawk helicopter, and that all takeoffs and landings from the airport have been halted. 
She knew her neighbours  and, with a large family, was related to many of them  and she attended the village school, doing well enough to go on to university and a career as an occupational therapist with the NHS.
A police spokesperson said: On Tuesday, January 28, at 5.30pm, London Ambulance Service called officers to an address on Acton High Street following a reported stabbing. Two boys, aged 14 and 15, were treated at the scene and taken to hospital where their injuries were confirmed to be non-life-threatening.
He was convicted by a jury at Inner London crown court on January 6, and set free with the bail conditions that he live and sleep each night at his home in Ilford Lane, Ilford and does not contact the victim or her mother.
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
TEHRAN, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has exchanged views with his British and Polish counterparts in separate phone calls on bilateral ties as well as international and regional issues of common interest.

Speaking to British Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Wednesday, Araghchi elaborated on Iran's positions on its peaceful nuclear activities, according to a statement released by the Iranian foreign ministry.

Araghchi said Iran has always been ready for dialogue based on its principles and in line with the country's national interests, and that the nuclear negotiations have been held on the same basis in the past.

In his phone talks on the same day with Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, Araghchi expressed hope that "constructive" interaction between Iran and the EU will be promoted during Poland's rotating presidency, according to a separate statement released by the Iranian foreign ministry.

Calling bilateral ties "friendly," Sikorski said he hopes the existing issues between Iran and the EU, including the nuclear one, will be resolved.

Also on Wednesday, Araghchi held a phone call with Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Grossi, during which they voiced their determination to continue bilateral cooperation, said a statement by the Iranian foreign ministry. 
Detective Chief Inspector Sarb Kaur said: "We are appealing for any information about Douae and Houda's whereabouts. They have travelled from Morocco and are in a city and country that is not familiar to them, so the longer they remain missing then the greater our concern for their welfare is."
He added: Boris Johnson still looms over the decision, being given most credit for Brexits success as well as most blame for its failures, but the question for the current Labour government is how it can build public confidence that it will deliver on Britons priorities for the future relationship with the EU, around trade and investment, immigration and crime.
As first in line to the throne, the prince carries out his own charitable projects, but also undertakes official duties in support of his father, the King, who is still undergoing treatment for cancer.
This is clearly an attempt to shut down anyone who criticises the Russian invasion of Ukraine  and one that will not work.

Jerome Starkey
It was also affected by a large-scale" cyberattack shortly after it came to prominence, causing DeepSeek to briefly limit user registrations. The origin and wider effects of the attack are not yet known, but Chinese state media unsurprisingly blames the US for the DDoS action, which barely seemed to put a dent in the viral interest in DeepSeeks AI apps and models.
The industry is embarking on a year-long celebration named Railway 200 to mark the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in north-east England on September 27 1825, which is credited as being the birth of the modern railway.
While Lapsley enjoys support among Foreign Office colleagues - with one source saying he went off and served his penance and has been leading on the strategic defence review - others have expressed major concerns.
Ever wondered what your favourite celebs order at McDonald's? Well, wonder no morebecause the fast-food giant is finally bringing its hit famous orders campaign from the US to the UK, and kicking things off with none other than Stormzy.
UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) city of Goma is calmer but still tense, with some violence hampering humanitarian operations, a UN spokesman said on Wednesday.

Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said that the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC, known as MONUSCO, reported sporadic shooting but an overall reduction in exchanges of fire within the city. Continued clashes were reported in surrounding areas, including in Sake, northwest of Goma.

"The mission's priority right now remains the protection of its personnel, its assets and the many civilians sheltering within UN premises," Dujarric said at the daily briefing. "UN peacekeepers are planning on sending patrols today (Wednesday) in Goma to assess the situation, to conduct resupplies and assess routes."

Earlier, MONUSCO said some peacekeepers had sought shelter in bunkers.

Dujarric said that the situation was also calm in the capital, Kinshasa, despite calls for protests. "The main roads are reported to be empty, and supermarkets are closed due to high risk of looting."

He said that in addition to the one Uruguayan and two South African peacekeepers killed earlier in the week, the number of UN peacekeepers injured since the most recent assault by the M23 rebels is 22.

"We reiterate that attacks against UN peacekeepers are not only unacceptable but may also constitute a war crime," the spokesman said.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported violence and looting of humanitarian warehouses continued in Goma, impacting the ability of aid workers to respond and putting them at risk.

OCHA said that since the escalation of fighting, its humanitarian partners recorded more than 2,000 people wounded. Several bodies remained in the streets, while water and electricity supplies remained cut off since Sunday.

"We call for the swift resumption of these services, as well as for the protection of humanitarian warehouses and the facilitation of medical evacuations for people who have been injured," Dujarric said.

OCHA said the airport's closure means that flows of humanitarian cargo and rotations of humanitarian personnel were suspended. Most roads connecting Goma to the rest of the country are also closed. However, the border with Rwanda is open, and additional humanitarian teams can enter the DRC.

"Humanitarian Coordinator Bruno Lemarquis calls on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and to end the violence targeting civilians," OCHA said. "He reiterates his call for the establishment of a secure humanitarian corridor to guarantee unhindered humanitarian access and the creation of a border crossing to facilitate the movement of people fleeing violence." 
JERUSALEM/GAZA, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Israel agreed on Thursday to release 110 Palestinian prisoners, including 30 minors, reversing an earlier decision to delay the exchange. The move followed the release of three Israeli and five Thai hostages by Hamas under the ongoing Gaza ceasefire.

The decision came despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's initial suspension of the prisoner release, citing security concerns during a chaotic handover of hostages in southern Gaza.

Mediation efforts helped salvage the third round of hostage-prisoner exchanges between Israel and Hamas.

The day's exchange began with the release of Agam Berger, a 20-year-old Israeli soldier captured during Hamas's Oct. 7 attack on the Nahal Oz base. Footage showed her in a khaki uniform emerging from damaged buildings in Jabalia, northern Gaza, before being transferred to Israeli custody.

In Khan Younis, southern Gaza, Hamas released two more Israelis -- Arbel Yahoud, 29, and Gadi Mozes, 80 -- along with five Thai agricultural workers. The Thai hostages, identified as Thenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakham, Sriaoun Watchara, Seathao Bannawat, and Rumnao Surasak, had been working in southern Israel when they were taken captive.

Scenes of chaos unfolded as hundreds of Gazans gathered, and militants struggled to control the crowd. Netanyahu condemned the "shocking scenes" and urged international mediators to ensure safe hostage transfers.

Following the hostages' release, Netanyahu's office initially delayed the Palestinian prisoner release, demanding guarantees for the safety of future releases. Israeli media reported that buses carrying Palestinian prisoners were ordered to turn back. However, about an hour later, Israel resumed the exchange after mediators secured assurances.

At Tel Aviv's Hostage Square, where weekly protests call for a ceasefire-for-hostages deal, crowds celebrated the latest releases while displaying photos of those still held in Gaza. Some hostages, including those believed to be dead, are expected to be freed in later phases of the agreement.

Steve Witkoff, U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, who is in Israel for talks with Netanyahu and other officials, visited the Hostage Square and spoke with families of the captives. He expressed optimism about the deal's continuation and suggested an American-Israeli hostage might be released Friday, ahead of the next scheduled exchange on Saturday.

This was the third exchange since the Gaza ceasefire began on Jan. 19. Netanyahu remains under pressure from far-right coalition partner Bezalel Smotrich to resume military operations before the deal is completed.

All released hostages underwent medical evaluations in Israel. Mozes, kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz, was reported in good condition at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv, while Berger was taken to Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva.

More than 60 Israeli hostages and 290 Palestinian prisoners have been exchanged under the truce. Israel insists the ceasefire will not derail its broader campaign against Hamas, while mediators push to extend the pause in fighting. Thursday's events underscored the fragility of the deal as both sides navigate distrust and competing demands. 
A Palestinian child is seen on a destroyed building in Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, on Jan. 29, 2025. More than 500,000 displaced Palestinians have returned to northern Gaza in the past 72 hours, the Hamas-run media office said on Wednesday. (Photo by Abdul Rahman Salama/Xinhua)

GAZA, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- More than 500,000 displaced Palestinians have returned to northern Gaza in the past 72 hours, the Hamas-run media office said on Wednesday.

"More than half a million (500,000) displaced Palestinians have returned in the past 72 hours from the southern and central governorates to Gaza and northern governorates via Al-Rashid and Salah Al-Din roads," the media office said in a statement.

Israel began allowing displaced people to return to the north of the Gaza Strip on Monday, following a ceasefire agreement with Hamas that put a pause on 15 months of fighting.

Hamas's armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, said it would release three Israeli detainees on Thursday. Israeli public radio reported that Israel would free 110 Palestinian prisoners in exchange.

Gaza's health authorities said hospitals received 63 bodies in the past 24 hours, including 59 recovered from rubble, two who died of injuries, and two new fatalities. This brings the total death toll since Oct. 7, 2023, to 47,417, with 111,571 injured, the authorities said. 

Palestinian children are seen on a street with destroyed buildings in Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, on Jan. 29, 2025. More than 500,000 displaced Palestinians have returned to northern Gaza in the past 72 hours, the Hamas-run media office said on Wednesday. (Photo by Abdul Rahman Salama/Xinhua)

Palestinians are seen on a street with destroyed buildings in Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, on Jan. 29, 2025. More than 500,000 displaced Palestinians have returned to northern Gaza in the past 72 hours, the Hamas-run media office said on Wednesday. (Photo by Abdul Rahman Salama/Xinhua)

Palestinians are seen on a street with destroyed buildings in Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, on Jan. 29, 2025. More than 500,000 displaced Palestinians have returned to northern Gaza in the past 72 hours, the Hamas-run media office said on Wednesday. (Photo by Abdul Rahman Salama/Xinhua)

Palestinians are seen in front of destroyed buildings in Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, on Jan. 29, 2025. More than 500,000 displaced Palestinians have returned to northern Gaza in the past 72 hours, the Hamas-run media office said on Wednesday. (Photo by Abdul Rahman Salama/Xinhua)

Palestinians are seen on a destroyed building in Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, on Jan. 29, 2025. More than 500,000 displaced Palestinians have returned to northern Gaza in the past 72 hours, the Hamas-run media office said on Wednesday. (Photo by Abdul Rahman Salama/Xinhua)

Palestinians are seen in a destroyed building in Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, on Jan. 29, 2025. More than 500,000 displaced Palestinians have returned to northern Gaza in the past 72 hours, the Hamas-run media office said on Wednesday. (Photo by Abdul Rahman Salama/Xinhua)

Palestinians are seen on a street with destroyed buildings in Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, on Jan. 29, 2025. More than 500,000 displaced Palestinians have returned to northern Gaza in the past 72 hours, the Hamas-run media office said on Wednesday. (Photo by Abdul Rahman Salama/Xinhua)

Destroyed buildings are seen in Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, on Jan. 29, 2025. More than 500,000 displaced Palestinians have returned to northern Gaza in the past 72 hours, the Hamas-run media office said on Wednesday. (Photo by Abdul Rahman Salama/Xinhua)

Palestinians are seen on a street with destroyed buildings in Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, on Jan. 29, 2025. More than 500,000 displaced Palestinians have returned to northern Gaza in the past 72 hours, the Hamas-run media office said on Wednesday. (Photo by Abdul Rahman Salama/Xinhua)
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An upper incisor belonging to a woolly mammoth contemporary with the populations of homo sapiens, the first modern humans, has been discovered in a ravine in the small town of Sapoca, Buzau County, a unique piece by size that entered the collections of the Buzau County Museum.

According to the Buzau County Museum, the ivory comes from a species of woolly mammoth from the late Pleistocene period. On January 15, it was notified about the discovery of the fragment and on Wednesday, January 29, the incisor was dug out from the ground with support from the local administration of Sapoca and handed over for conservation to the Buzau County Museum.

"It is an incisor, an ivory that comes from a woolly mammoth specimen; it represents so far the largest piece of paleofauna in our collection. The piece was recovered from Sapoca. It arrived on Wednesday at the Buzau County Museum, primary conservation measures are to be applied to it, and in order to exhibit it - taking into account its size- we will have to make a customised piece of exhibition furniture for it. It has an unfolding size of 120 cm. Such items are extremely rare in the southern and south-eastern part of Romania. We thank the mayor of Sapoca for giving us the necessary support to harvest the piece, it was found in a ravine by a citizen," Buzau County Museum Director Daniel Costache told AGERPRES.

Specialists say that the fragment comes from a species of woolly mammoth at the peak of evolution, contemporary with modern humans.

"In late Pleistocene, there were already human populations in Europe, the Neanderthal man until about 40,000 years ago, after which the modern man, homo sapiens, came and spread along. In Romania, there are traces of interactions between humans and mammoths, both to obtain food and to make different objects out of ivory bones. There is a fragment of mammoth ivory with traces of processing in the Palaeolithic site of Lespezi, Bacau County. The discovery in Buzau is important, because there are very few pieces of this type in southern Romania. In general, the woolly mammoth is one of the smaller species of mammoth, because it lived in a colder climate and then the larger surface area of the body would have led to a more intense loss of heat. It was covered in fairly thick hair; from the whole skeletons discovered we can conclude that it was somewhere around 3 m high and could reach up to 8 tonnes in weight. We do not have direct elements yet, it could have lived in this interval, between 125,000 and 11,000 years," according to lecturer Stefan Vasile of the Faculty of Geology and Geophysics of the University of Bucharest.

The Sapoca ivory can provide clues about the climate and environment in which the mammoth lived at the time.

"When we find traces of animal species, we can also talk about the environment and the existing conditions in which they lived... In the last 2.6 million years, there have been several glaciations and warmer intervals. In the late Pleistocene, the woolly mammoth appears in cold intervals. Now we should not picture that everything was covered by ice. The Scandinavian ice sheet completely covered the Scandinavian Peninsula and part of northern Germany and Poland, part of northern Britain and the Netherlands. Further south, in our area, there were alpine glaciers. The climate was colder, probably about 5-6 degrees Celsius less than today. The landscape looked a little different. The woolly mammoth has a characteristic type of vegetation, it lived in the so-called mammoth steppe, there were not many trees, shrubs, instead there was quite a lot of snow, a climate that allowed the existence of life and man."

The collections of the Buzau County Museum also include several osteological fragments from different types of mammoths, with the first ones dating back to 1972.
by Xinhua writer Zhang Dan

BEIJING, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Can fruit flies reproduce in space? How do they behave in the space environment, without the Earth gravity or a geomagnetic field? Since the first batch of fruit flies arrived aboard China's Tianzhou-8 cargo craft last November, scientists have been closely monitoring them to explore these intriguing questions.

The very first question for scientists was whether fruit flies could hatch from their pupae in microgravity. A thrilling moment was captured on video early on the morning of Nov. 19, 2024, when a tiny fruit fly emerged from its pupa and surveyed its unfamiliar surroundings, marking the first birth of a fruit fly aboard China's space station.

Soon after, more fruit flies hatched and, initially disoriented, they floated and bumped within the chamber.

The research team from the Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), was especially focused on determining whether these space-born flies could mate and produce offspring.

To ensure clearer observation, Chinese astronauts transferred the fruit flies to a new breeding chamber. Every step of the process -- from courtship and mating to egg-laying, larval development, pupation and the emergence of the next generation of adult fruit flies -- was carefully documented. It wasn't until these stages were successfully completed that Li Yan and her research team could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

To date, the fruit flies have successfully bred three generations in orbit, with over four terabytes of video data documenting their growth, sleep patterns, locomotor activity and reproductive behaviors.

The research team is now analyzing the biological effects of microgravity and the absence of Earth's magnetic field, as well as their combined impact, marking a significant advancement in China's space biology research.

IDEAL MODEL

Fruit flies have long been prized in scientific research due to their rapid reproduction, ease of breeding, and complex behaviors. With a genetic makeup that closely resembles that of humans, they can also learn and adapt to new environments, making them an ideal model for studying life in space.

The first fruit flies aboard China's space station are helping researchers explore how hypomagnetic and microgravity conditions impact genes, behaviors and reproductive capacity.

In the space lab, the flies were divided into two groups. Both groups lived in microgravity, but one was placed in a magnetic shielding device to experience the combined effects of microgravity and a hypomagnetic field.

The fruit flies' adaptation to the space environment was truly fascinating. Initially, flapping their wings sent them shooting forward like bullets and marbles, and failure to grab onto walls left them floating. They could only change direction while floating by kicking their legs. However, they quickly adapted, even developing a unique "frog-like" swimming motion that amused researchers. Sometimes, they even somersaulted, according to Sun Yuanjie, a researcher on Li's team.

Before long, the fruit flies began exhibiting behaviors similar to those on Earth, including walking, eating, courtship, mating and reproduction.

PIONEERING RESEARCH

For decades, researchers at the Institute of Biophysics have been studying how hypomagnetic environments affect living organisms. In the early 21st century, Guo Aike, a CAS academician, discovered that exposure to weak magnetic fields impaired the learning and memory abilities of fruit flies across generations.

Intriguingly, these abilities were restored when the Earth's magnetic field was reintroduced, suggesting that epigenetic mechanisms play a role in helping organisms adapt to their environmental conditions.

Due to the subtle effects of hypomagnetic fields and the need to observe changes across multiple generations, many researchers viewed the study as highly forward-looking but not immediately productive. As a result, related research experienced a period of dormancy.

Inspired by her mentor, Guo, Li Yan returned to the Institute of Biophysics in early 2010 from Northwestern University in the United States to take on this challenging project, injecting new momentum into the field.

Li and her team meticulously designed the fruit fly experiments in space, carefully controlling environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, light cycles and gas circulation to ensure optimal living conditions for the flies. According to Guo Jing, a member of Li's team, they even sterilized and deodorized the flies' food.

Astronauts collected samples from each generation of fruit flies, which will be brought back to Earth aboard the Shenzhou-19 crewed spacecraft.

"We plan to analyze these samples to study behavioral performance and gene expression in space, aiming to uncover the effects of microgravity and hypomagnetic field on animals," Li said.

"Our fruit flies are pioneers in space exploration," Li said, adding that the ultimate goal of this research is to support the future of human space missions.

"In the space environment, where gravity and the magnetic field are absent and radiation levels are relatively high, we need to figure out whether living organisms can adapt and if their brains can continue to function," she said. 
Ensuring public spending sustainability and managing the challenges posed by the use of artificial intelligence in public administration were the topics discussed at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) meeting dedicated to the heads of the supreme audit institutions of member and candidate states, held in Paris on January 28-29, 2025.

According to a press release from the Court of Accounts of Romania, a delegation led by President Mihai Busuioc participated in the OECD meeting in Paris.

With the support of experts from the Intosai Development Initiative (IDI), the OECD audit community emphasised the importance of budgeting government programmes based on their performance and strengthening transparency regarding the allocation of public resources, the source showed.

Supreme audit institutions face similar challenges, from green budgeting to fiscal sustainability, reviewing expenditures, and digitising administrative processes, in which international cooperation is crucial in using a common language for implementing audit recommendations.

"Through its active participation in Romania's accession process to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the Court of Accounts reaffirms its commitment to supporting the improvement of public sector performance through its audits and ensuring its resilience in the face of challenges," said President of the Court of Accounts of Romania, as quoted in the release.

On the sidelines of the meeting, President Mihai Busuioc had a bilateral meeting with President of the Court of Accounts of France Pierre Moscovici. The discussions focused on the active role of the Court of Accounts of Romania within the Association of Francophone Supreme Audit Institutions (AISCCUF), through the coordination of the organisation's Audit Innovation Committee. The two presidents also discussed the upcoming meeting of the Innovation Committee, which will be held in Bucharest this year. This meeting will focus on the latest trends in publishing audit results and involving citizens in identifying the most relevant audit topics.

Additionally, Mihai Busuioc signed the accession of the Court of Accounts of Romania to the Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions with Jurisdictional Functions (JURISAI) as an associated member, following the proposal of the Court of Accounts of France, which holds the presidency of the organisation.

Thus, as an associated member of JURISAI, the Court of Accounts of Romania will participate in the activities of the organisation, an initiative that aligns with the strategic objective of enhancing the Court's profile within international professional communities, as outlined in the Institutional Development Strategy of the Supreme Audit Institution for the period 2023-2028.

The Court of Accounts of Romania is represented by adviser Dezso Csongor-Attila at the Solemn Hearing of the Court of Accounts of France, taking place in Paris on January 30. The event marks the beginning of the annual activity of SAI France and is held in the presence of members of the French Government and Parliament. The event highlights the importance of auditing public funds, reminds of the fundamental principles of the rule of law, and strengthens public trust in the work of the Court of Accounts
Capital city mayor Nicusor Dan and potential presidential candidate in the presidential election of May 4 on Wednesday said that president Klaus Iohannis was "absent from public communication" in his second term, but that his views, when he did express them, were pertinent.

"The president was absent from public communication, although, when he did express his opinions, he was pertinent. The few answers he gave to the journalists' questions were pertinent. For example, when it comes to the war in Ukraine, I think that Romania, with small nuances, was doing the right thing. But the president of Romania did not come out five times, ten times to explain to the public why it is so important for us to help in this war. And by his absence, in an issue in which he acted correctly, he left room for these conspiracy theories: that we are actually going to war against Russia and all kinds of nonsense, which, due to lack of information, emerged. So, this was obviously a big minus of president Iohannis," Nicusor Dan told Digi 24 private television broadcaster.

He said that, in what concerns the war in Ukraine, the situation can be explained "very simply," but that it will take time for "an already formed opinion to be turned" or at least put into question.

"Things are very clear there: we have an aggressor. After 70 years of peace, we have an imbalance in a regime of peace and then problems with the border stability. Things are very clear. We have the Republic of Moldova in danger. We have the danger that Russia will be Romania's neighbour if, God forbid, it wins the war in Ukraine. So there are some things that can be, in my opinion, easily explained," said the mayor general.

On the other hand, he accused a "degradation" of the act of justice, "especially regarding the activity" of the prosecutor's offices. At the same time, he noted that president Iohannis "has not been very active" in this area.

"In my opinion, the big minus was the fact that, from a certain point, after 2017-2018, he was no longer very active in the justice process. And it was necessary, because if you look at the disappointments of Romanians, according to the questionnaires, some of them are related to justice and corruption. (...) Substantive things need to be done here, because people cannot be fooled with slogans," said Nicusor Dan.

In his opinion, Romanians "indirectly penalized" Klaus Iohannis, by penalizing the PNL (National Liberal Party) and the liberal candidate Nicolae Ciuca in the November elections.

"But the way he will resolve this crisis generated by the cancellation of the elections will be defining for the way the world will perceive him after the end of his mandate. (...) People expect a serious solution to their problems. They expect the institutions to function, the state hospitals to function; the corruption they see every day to be reduced. They expect the Prosecutor's Office to get to the bottom of the big corruption cases, the big tax evasion. These are the expectations," he said.

Nicusor Dan also stated that it is important to "clarify" the reason for the cancellation of the election because, otherwise, "distrust" in state institutions will increase. He also stated that these clarifications must be provided by the president of the state, following information from the intelligence services, the Permanent Electoral Authority and the Prosecutor's Office or ANAF (National Authority for Fiscal Administration).

"Klaus Iohannis is responsible for this failure - the fact that we ended up canceling the election and things were not prevented - because, through his role in the CSAT (Supreme Council for Country Defence), he somehow coordinates the intelligence services. (...) His fault is that the system coordinated by him did not prevent an extremely serious fact, that elections were canceled because a candidate was favoured. And the fault has been prolonged by the fact that this explanation is delayed for a month and a half," Nicusor Dan appreciated.
Culture Minister Natalia Intotero argues that the law needs to be improved so that heritage objects are safe when they are taken out of the country to be loaned for exhibitions, the more so as theft methods have also evolved over the years.

While on a visit to an archaeological site in the surroundings of Vinga - Arad County, Natalia Intotero voiced hopes that the Dacian artifacts stolen in the Netherlands will return to the country in a very short time.

"I pray to God, as every Romanian does, I keep up hope, given that three suspects were apprehended last night. I hope that we get a positive answer and that the four objects we hold so dear are found and we can bring them home," Intotero said.

Asked if "isolationism" and stopping the transfer of valuable items to exhibitions abroad is a solution, Intotero replied: "I think that a momentary solution is to wait, but not just an unproductive wait. We should all mobilize and improve the legislation so as to cover more aspects related to safety, to the security of the items we take out of the country to be viewed by tourists. Let's calculate very well what our country stands to gain from such an exhibition and, after all these aspects are regulated, we'll decide together with our expert colleagues."

She added that "across the EU there are already intense discussions" about improving European legislation so as to increase museum security, but national legislation also needs to be modified. AGERPRES
Free and transparent elections are the foundation of our European democracies, Foreign Affairs Minister Emil Hurezeanu said on Thursday at an event in Bucharest dedicated to the Polish presidency of the Council of the European Union, one of whose priorities, he mentioned in context, is that of combating hybrid attacks at the EU level.

"Enhancing democratic resilience is a top priority: free and transparent elections are the foundation of our European democracies. In the current context marked by the interference of foreign actors in democratic processes, the focus of the Polish Presidency [of the Council of the EU - editor's note] on combating foreign interference and disinformation is welcome. It is important to stand united against hybrid attacks that undermine our democracies. This issue must be a priority on the EU and national agendas," said the head of the Romanian diplomacy.

Minister Hurezeanu called for transatlantic partnership and continued support for war-torn Ukraine.

"There is no substitute for the transatlantic partnership in the current geopolitical context (...) It is in our common interest to ensure solid and consistent transatlantic support for Ukraine and for strengthening the democratic resilience of the Republic of Moldova," the foreign affairs minister said.

Emil Hurezeanu pointed out that "we must ensure that Ukraine remains a priority at the EU level and at the same time remind international partners why support for Ukraine is important".

At the same time, he stressed that the Republic of Moldova must be a priority on the EU agenda in the long term, recalling Romania's support for the neighboring country, especially in the context of the energy crisis and Moldova's EU membership aspirations.

The foreign affairs minister said that Romania is focusing attention on strengthening the EU's international profile in the area of defence and security in complete synergy and complementarity with NATO.

"We must strengthen EU security, including by stabilizing the Eastern neighbourhood and ensuring sustainable security in the wider Black Sea region," he added.

The Polish Ambassador to Romania, Pawel Soloch, said that one of the priorities of his country's presidency for the first six months of the year is Defence, under the motto "Security, Europe!", in times of "great uncertainty and worries".

Thus, he mentioned Russia's war against Ukraine, hybrid attacks and geopolitical tensions.

"Creating a more secure neighborhood is closely linked to defence preparedness. If Europe wants to survive, it must be armed. In this context, Poland allocates almost 5% of its GDP to Defence", the Polish diplomat said, adding that EU efforts in this area must be complementary to those at the allied level.

Referring to countering hybrid attacks in the region, Pawel Soloch affirmed that "resistance to foreign interference and disinformation is our priority".

He pointed out that "hybrid attacks, including cyber attacks, propaganda campaigns and deliberate manipulation of information, are extremely sophisticated today", phenomena that require a "coordinated, resilient response".

"We cannot remain helpless in the face of lies and disinformation, especially now, when they have become a weapon in the hands of those who are trying to destabilize our democracies. We have to find ways to make it impossible for them to interfere in our election processes, in our democracies, especially the Russian factory of disinformation and lies," the Polish ambassador in Bucharest added. AGERPRES
Eradicating poverty requires a smart use of resources, a superior capitalization on raw materials, gas, energy and human resources, but also an efficient and effective restructuring, which means adequate public policies, not "little trains," claims the president of the Smart Energy Association (AEI), Dumitru Chisalita.

"Eradicating poverty is not done with sudden increases in salaries and pensions (followed by an increase in taxes and fees), but with an intelligent use of resources, a superior capitalization on raw materials, gas, energy and human resources, and necessarily with an efficient and effective restructuring. This means adequate public policies, not "little trains," states the president of the AEI, quoted in a press release sent to AGERPRES on Thursday.

According to him, the states of the European Union find themselves in a situation of having lost the competition with other countries in the world, after the explosion of electricity and gas prices in 2021.

"Compared to the USA and China, energy prices in the EU were double during the crisis. Even after the price drop recorded during 2023-2024, prices in Europe remain the highest in the world. This situation can only be compensated by a restructuring and reduction of the waste of resources (financial, human, energy, materials, etc.). In other words, by an increase in resource productivity. Resource productivity is expressed by the amount of GDP (gross domestic product) per unit of material consumed. At the EU level, after the economic crisis of 2008 - 2010, there was a decoupling of GDP from the unit of material consumed on average, an aspect that determined a continuous increase in resource productivity. Romania is the only country in the EU where this total decoupling was not achieved," Dumitru Chisalita said.

At the same time, Romania had in 2022 a resource productivity of 0.52 euros per kilogram, almost 5 times below the EU average, of 2.42 euros/kg and 16 times lower than the country with the highest resource productivity (the lowest resource waste), according to Eurostat data, cited in the press release.

"With this level, we surpassed Bulgaria in 2021, until then in last place in the EU. What can be seen from this graph is that the richest countries are the countries that have the best use of resources (high added value is created with the same resource). And the countries with the greatest waste of resources are the poorest countries in the EU. In the last 25 years, Romania is the only country in the EU that has not had an increase in resource productivity. Basically, we have stagnated for 25 years, and GDP has increased, mainly due to population consumption, based on massive loans," the document also states.

In Romania's case, resource productivity fell sharply between 2002 and 2008, a period of uninterrupted economic growth, which suggests a development that placed little value on efficiency and the increase in the added value of resources, Eurostat data, cited in the press release, also show.
The judiciary has ruled in favour of Romania, rejecting Greenpeace's request to suspend the works on gas exploitation in the Black Sea, says Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja.

"Today, the judiciary has ruled in favor of Romania, rejecting Greenpeace's request to suspend the works for gas exploitation in the Black Sea. This decision confirms what I have said from the very beginning: we have the right and the duty to exploit our natural resources for the country's energy security. Greenpeace tried to block, through the courts, the environmental agreement for Neptun Deep, a strategic project that will double Romania's gas production, create jobs, and bring over 20 billion euros to the budget. Moreover, Greenpeace is liable to pay: 450,000 lei (150,000 lei for each party in the lawsuit). Whoever makes a mistake, pays! Today, Romania won!," wrote the minister on his Facebook page on Thursday.

According to him, the gas from the Black Sea will ensure a more stable and lower price for Romanians.

"Why is this project vital? The gas from the Black Sea will ensure a more stable and lower price for Romanians. We will become a regional energy supplier. Others will depend on us, not we on others. We ensure a balanced energy transition, without sacrificing the country's competitiveness and the standard of living for Romanians. Romania is using its own resources and winning against an environmental organisation that has been systematically trying to block the country's energy projects. Congratulations to Aristotel Jude, Razvan Popescu, all my colleagues at Romgaz, our partners at OMV Petrom, and everyone who fights for Romania! This is the difference between those who only talk about energy independence but ask Europe to return to dependence on Russian gas, and those who actually do things for a strong Romania, capable of deciding its own energy future!," concluded the Energy minister.
The Public Finance Ministry raised on Thursday RON 1.978 billion from banks through two government bond issues, the National Bank of Romania announced.

Thus, the Ministry borrowed RON 1.491 million through a bond issue with a residual maturity of 18 months, at an average yield of 6.97 ppa, The face value of the issue was RON 500 million, and banks submitted bids worth RON 2.37 million. An additional bidding session is scheduled for Friday, through which the state wants to raise another RON 75 million at the yield set on Thursday for the bonds.

Another RON 487.6 million were drawn through a bond issue with a residual maturity of 92 months, at an average yield of 7.45 ppa. The face value of the issue was RON 300 million, and the participating banks subscribed RON 1.219 million. An additional bidding session is scheduled for Friday, through which the state wants to raise another RON 45 million at the yield set on Thursday for the bonds.

The Finance Ministry was planning to borrow this January from commercial banks RON 5.2 billion, to which RON 570 million could be added through additional sessions of non-competitive bids related to bond auctions.

The total amount of RON 5.77 billion exceeds by 170 million the RON 5.6 billion planned for December 2024 and will be used to refinance the public debt and the state budget deficit. AGERPRES
There will be no staff restructuring at the Justice Ministry and its subordinate structures, as they are facing a personnel deficit, however, financial discipline will be imposed, Justice Minister Radu Marinescu told AGERPRES in an interview.

"The Justice Ministry will contribute to the effort of financial responsibility. The Justice Ministry will try to respect the budget it will receive. I don't think staff restructuring will be considered, because, on the one hand, within the ministry itself, the departments and services are largely understaffed, but they are operating and we ensure that they function properly. At the ministry's leadership level, we are working with two of the five secretaries of state in the scheme, and we do not intend to request any additional staff, so that we keep within financial discipline and rigor. Regarding the subordinate structures, such as the National Administration of Penitentiaries, ANABI and Citizenship, we estimate that no staff restructuring can be considered there either, as their staffing schemes are also incomplete," says Radu Marinescu in the interview.

The Justice minister also mentioned that prosecutors are working on several cases opened following the annulment of the presidential elections, concerning extremist and legionary activities, electoral campaign funding, citizen votes influencing and cyberattacks targeting electoral infrastructure. Investigations are ongoing, and checks might be carried out abroad as well.

Regarding manipulations on the TikTok network during the electoral campaign, Radu Marinescu says that there is an investigation at the European Commission level, and the decisions made by the Commission will be implemented in Romania.

On the other hand, the Justice minister believes that any possible regulation of expression on social media needs to be carefully assessed to respect citizens' right to free speech.

Regarding the publication of evidence based on which the Constitutional Court annulled the presidential elections, Radu Marinescu says that several cases have been opened by the prosecutors concerning the way the electoral campaign was conducted, and publishing this evidence would compromise "the discovery of the truth with legal relevance."

In respect to the Venice Commission's report, the minister noted that it "represents a comparative constitutional law analysis, which addresses a situation at the European level. It does not constitute a specific critique of the Romanian Constitutional Court's decision." Marinescu added.

"The Venice Commission mentions twice that it does not analyse the decision of the Romanian Constitutional Court itself, but only the necessary measures and steps to ensure that the annulment of the elections takes place in a democratic state, with maximum guarantees for electoral rights, citizens' ability to challenge electoral results, and what procedural mechanisms should be established and functional. Based on this analysis, recommendations are made, and, of course, Romania, as a state that respects the 'rule of law,' will carefully analyse these recommendations and consider how electoral legislation may need to be amended," said the minister.

In the interview, Radu Marinescu also discusses the priorities of his mandate, including the digitisation of courts, including through the use of Artificial Intelligence, continued investments in penitentiaries, lowering stamp duties, and addressing the personnel deficit.

Among his priorities, the minister also mentioned the "normal and efficient functioning of justice, managing our resources responsibly to achieve the goal I mentioned earlier, namely a justice system for citizens that instills trust. Along these lines, we will identify and have already identified several solutions to ensure the speed of judicial procedures, avoiding situations that public opinion has highlighted, such as the expiration of criminal cases due to prescription."

He also mentioned the adoption of normative acts to fulfill all the milestones needed to access the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

"We aim to fulfill all milestones to join the OECD, and we have some normative acts that need to be adopted. We are continuously working to achieve this and, of course, to preserve all the positive results Romania has had in the 'rule of law' mechanism, transcending the last recommendations made to us, so that justice in Romania is equal to that of the most esteemed, legally speaking, countries in Europe," Marinescu further said.
Romania has sufficient commitments with the European Commission, which lead to fiscal discipline and budget deficit reduction, and I do not believe that an agreement with the International Monetary Fund is necessary, the Minister of Investments and European Projects, Marcel Bolos said in an interview for AGERPRES.

"I do not think that this is the case for an agreement with the International Monetary Fund. Romania has sufficient commitments in relation to the European Commission, from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan to the Fiscal Plan, which are loaded with commitments that lead to fiscal discipline, budget deficit reduction, public expenditure restructuring. Appealing to a loan with the International Monetary Fund, traditionally, is linked to these types of reforms. We have them, we are very clearly defined with them from this point of view. As I was saying, from the fiscal reform, micro-enterprises, restructuring of fiscal facilities, tax administration reform, which means restructuring of the public expenditure system, reforms related to the governance system of state-owned companies, I do not think that Romania is missing any reform today for what the perspective of sustainability of public finances means", explained Marcel Bolos.

The minister stressed that it is important to stick to these reforms, to implement them, in order to avoid problems regarding the macroeconomic balances that Romania must have.
The modern retail stock in Romania reached 4.62 million sq. m. in 2024, with projects cumulating around 180,000 sq. m. GLA being completed in the year, reflecting a 15% decrease when compared with 2023, while still being one of the best years in the past decade when it comes to new completions, according to findings in a specilaist survey released on Thursday.

According to Cushman & Wakefield Echinox, developers completed 14 retail projects in 2024, representing both new schemes and extentions of existing projects, with retail parks having a 64% share in the delivered areas, the rest consisting of shopping centres.

Pitesti, Ploiesti, Giurgiu, Crevedia, Hunedoara, Bistrita, Sinaia, Ramnicu Valcea are among the cities witnessing such investment in 2024, while the most important project completed in 2024 in Bucharest was Jumbo Centre (25,700 sq. m.), which represented a complete refurbishment of the former Liberty Centre.

Arges Mall in Pitesti, an 51,400 sq. m GLA project owned by Prime Kapital - MAS Real Estate, was the largest retail scheme delivered in 2024. Other projects finalised during the year were Shopping Park Pitesti (22,500 sq. m. developed by Mitiska REIM - Square 7 Properties) and Aurora Retail Park Giurgiu of 13,000 sq. m. owned by Cometex.

The potential for further growth is reflected in the current developers' plans which exceed 700,000 sq. m. GLA (under construction or planned projects) and which are due to be completed by 2028/ 2029, with Cluj Napoca, Iasi, Bacau, Galati and Bucharest being some of the targeted locations for new investments.

According to Dana Radoveneanu, Head of Retail Agency Cushman & Wakefield Echinox, "the Romanian retail market remains attractive for both retailers and developers, despite the local and European macroeconomic pressures. The recent deliveries of modern retail projects and the robust long-term pipeline underscore the market's potential. Whether we are referring to smaller retail parks in emerging cities or to large urban regeneration projects, there is a clear upward trajectory of this market segment. Favored by one of the lowest densities of modern retail spaces, but also by impressive retail sales' growth, Romania continues to strengthen its position on the European retail market."

The prime shopping centre rent in Bucharest stabilised in Q4 2024 to EUR 90 /sq. m. /month, while the corresponding figures in secondary cities - Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Iasi and Constanta - remained flat, ranging between EUR 50-65 /sq. m./month, the same situation being observed in tertiary locations, where levels between EUR 30-35 /sq. m./month were recorded.

Cushman & Wakefield Echinox is a leading real estate consulting company on the local market and the exclusive affiliate of Cushman & Wakefield in Romania, owned and operated independently. Our team of over 80 professionals and collaborators offers a full range of services to investors, developers, owners and tenants.
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- The police arrested two alleged smugglers and discovered illegal drugs and ammunition in their possession in southern Afghanistan's Kandahar province on Thursday, provincial police spokesman Assadullah Jamshid said.

In the first incident, which took place in Police District 8th of Kandahar city, the capital of Kandahar province, the police discovered 1.5 kg of hashish and scores of projectiles and apprehended an individual on a charge of attempting to smuggle the contraband, the official said.

In the second incident, the police, according to the official, found a quantity of illicit drugs including hashish and toxic objects used in manufacturing illicit drugs and detained a man for investigation.

In similar operations, the security personnel discovered and destroyed a drug lab in the western Ghor province on Wednesday. 
Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church sent on Thursday a message of condolence to the funeral of Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Durres and All Albania, who died last week aged 95 in an Athens hospital of complications after a viral infection.

According to Patriarch Daniel, the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Albania was "a remarkable personality of contemporary Orthodoxy and the entire Christian world", with a "unique" missionary vocation and a "special pastoral gift".

"His All-Holiness leaves a profound mark on the recent history of the Orthodox Church of Albania, which he has wisely and faithfully led over 33 years. Archbishop Anastasios holds the main merit for the rebirth and flourishing of the Orthodox Church of Albania in the decades that followed the fall of Tirana's communist regime, as a dynamic and diligent servant in the vineyard of our Lord Jesus Christ. Due to His All-Holiness' unwavering efforts, the Orthodox Church of Albania experienced a resurrection after years of suffering and persecution, through the construction of places of worship, theological schools, social and philanthropic institutions, as well as by the formation of a new generation of clergy and lay faithful," Patriarch Daniel emphasized.

The BOR leader also remarks the brotherly love Archbishop Anastasios manifested for the Romanian people and the Romanian Orthodox Church, which he visited several times, permanently promoting Orthodox fraternal cooperation and mutual assistance between the Orthodox Churches.

"Thus, we remember with gratitude His All-Holiness' last visit to Bucharest, in the autumn of 2017, during the events dedicated to the feast of St. Demetrius the New, the Patron Saint of Bucharest, and to the commemoration by the Romanian Patriarchate of the defenders of Orthodoxy during communism. It is with the same gratitude that we also recall our participation, together with a delegation of the Romanian Orthodox Church, in the 2014 events in Tirana dedicated to the consecration of the National Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, a symbol of the revival of the Orthodox Church of Albania and a crowning achievement of Archbishop Anastasios' pastoral and missionary work," Patriarch Daniel writes.

He also conveyed to the Albanian clergy and Orthodox Christians his appreciation for the former Primate of the Albanian Church.

"In these days of mourning, we assure all the hierarchs of the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of Albania, the clergy and the Albanian Orthodox faithful of our full esteem and prayers, beseeching the All-Merciful God to rest among the Righteous Ones the soul of our beloved brother in Christ, Archbishop of Tirana, Durres, and All Albania, Anastasios of blessed memory, in the light, peace, and love of the Holy Trinity!," Patriarch Daniel said in conclusion of his message. AGERPRES
The Party of Young People (POT) accuses the presidents of both Chambers of Parliament, Ciprian Serban and Ilie Bolojan, of blocking the procedure for the suspension of President Klaus Iohannis, claiming that they refuse to respect the legislative body's rules.

"The Party of Young People strongly condemns the unjustified delay of the legislative initiative to suspend Iohannis. The presidents of Parliament, Ciprian Serban and Ilie Bolojan, refuse to respect the joint session rules (which provide a specific deadline) and are looking for illegal reasons to delay the suspension," POT said in a press release issued on Thursday.

POT Chairwoman Anamaria Gavrila is quoted in the press release as saying that "Ilie Bolojan and Ciprian Serban are actually blocking the will of the Romanian people."

She asked Ilie Bolojan and Ciprian Serban what the reason was for delaying the procedure.

"Romanians want Klaus Iohannis to be dismissed and the second round, back!," POT further said.

On January 16, the Party of Young People announced that 161 POT, Alliance for Romanians' Union (AUR), and SOS parliamentarians had signed for the suspension of President Klaus Iohannis, and the signatures were submitted to the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies. On January 22, Ilie Bolojan said that the request to suspend the head of state was a "publicity stunt" and "irrational," given that the necessary signatures were only submitted to the Chamber of Deputies and not to the Senate.
Social Democratic Party (PSD) leader, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, said on Thursday, when asked about the calls for the resignation of President Klaus Iohannis, that he had no discussions with the head of state.

"I have not had any discussion with Mr. President Klaus Iohannis," said Marcel Ciolacu, after the PSD National Political Council meeting, asked if they discussed the resignation of President Klaus Iohannis, as proposed by Social Democrat Mihai Fifor.

In his turn, PSD MP Mihai Ghigiu said that there was no such discussion in the party.

"I would like to clarify that Mr. President Klaus Iohannis is still in office, in a legal mandate, in an extension of mandate. We can talk about the appropriateness of continuing in office, we each have our own opinions, but legally, because we have been seeing in the public space this rolling snowball that he is an illegitimate president, we have a very clear decision of the Constitutional Court, which says that Klaus Iohannis remains the president of Romania until the new president is sworn in," Ghigiu said.

On January 22, PSD MP Mihai Fifor said President Klaus Iohannis should resign. "The most responsible decision Klaus Iohannis should take would be to resign as president on February 4," Fifor wrote on Facebook. AGERPRES
Romania reaffirms, in the context of the war unleashed by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, its consistent position and "unwavering" support for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, informs a press release sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) to AGERPRES on Thursday.

According to the ministry, Romania "strongly" condemns the Russian Federation's "illegal and unprovoked" war of aggression against Ukraine, which represents a "flagrant" violation of the UN Charter and Russia's obligations as a permanent member of the Security Council. Romania supports Ukraine's right to pursue its objectives of European and Euro-Atlantic integration, the Romanian Foreign Affairs Ministry affirms.

The Foreign Ministry further recalls that, since the beginning of the invasion, Romania has "firmly" supported Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression, offering multidimensional aid and playing a critical role in facilitating Ukrainian grain exports.

"Romania's stance is directly linked to the national interest in ensuring security and stability in its immediate neighborhood and in the Black Sea region and stems from its deep attachment to international law. Romania does not recognize the illegal annexation by the Russian Federation of the temporarily occupied territories belonging to Ukraine, including the Crimean Peninsula," the ministry also specifies in its release.

This was reiterated most recently on the occasion of the Romanian foreign affairs minister's visit to Brussels, both in the EU-level dialogue, and in talks with the NATO Secretary General, as well as in the telephone conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart, the MAE press release further reads.

"The political-diplomatic relationship between Romania and Ukraine is based on the principle of good neighborliness, covering numerous areas of political and sectoral cooperation. The bilateral relationship is and will remain anchored in common values, mutual respect and attachment to democracy and the principles of international law," the Foreign Affairs Ministry also points out.
Ian Froeb Restaurant critic Follow Ian Froeb Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

Each week, I publish the First Course, an email newsletter that dishes insight, news, tips and more from St. Louis thriving dining scene. Exclusive to the newsletter is a weekly recommended dish from an area establishment.

Here is a sampling of the recommendations Ive offered in recent weeks. If you want to read these items as soon as I send them every Thursday morning, visit stltoday.com/newsletters and subscribe to the First Course.

Pepperoni pizza at Buds Pizza & Beer

You hardly need a menu at Buds Pizza & Beer. Heck, even without the name you could guess this handsome new restaurant in North Hampton is a pizzeria. Wood tables. Cushy booths. Budweiser signs. If pizza werent available here, youd demand to see the manager.

Buds, which opened in June, is the latest venture from the Garcia family, who also operate the nearby burger-focused Golden Hoosier. The pies are an imposing 16 inches, New York-style in size and appearance.

The crust is slightly puffier than traditional New York pizza, though not as airy as Neapolitan. It supports a generous topping of mozzarella and cup-and-char pepperoni, no more or less than exactly what you want when you just want a pepperoni pizza ($22).

WHERE: 3805 South Kingshighway MORE INFO: 314-256-1266; budspizzabeer.com

Pho tai at Phoenix Cafe

On my first visit to one-year-old Phoenix Cafe, I ordered pho tai ($15), a brimming bowl of glossy, amber broth with thin slices of rare beef. It was so delicious that when I returned to the restaurant a few weeks later, rather than explore its menu further, I got pho tai again.

Too often the rare beef in pho tai arrives at the table already cooked through by the steaming broth to the uniform dull gray of elephant hide. At Phoenix Cafe, the slices retain a vibrant pink heart when the kitchen dispatched my bowl.

Really, though, I didnt come back to Phoenix Cafe specifically for pho tai. I wanted the pho broth: silky from hours of simmering, heady with star anise and its other essential warming notes, with a generous garnish of scallion and black pepper.

WHERE: 4319 Telegraph Road, south St. Louis County MORE INFO: 314-894-7313

Doner pita at Grand Mediterranean

Grand Mediterranean, which opened in September by the Fox Theatre, certainly fits the contemporary moment, with its polished branding and counter-service format. The menu features Turkish fare, with an emphasis on doner kebabs.

I opted for the doner pita ($9.99): a combination of beef and lamb, very thinly shaved, on a bed of lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle in pillowy pita bread. The meats flavor is paramount, more beef than lamb, though with a definite hint of the latters sharpness. The garnishes make for a bright, crisp counterpoint, but the real key to the doner is the creamy, sharp house garlic sauce.

Chicken doner is also available, and you can order your doner as a wrap, rice bowl or salad. The menu demands exploration beyond this, with spicy lamb and chicken skewers and the Turkish flatbread pide.

WHERE: 519 North Grand Boulevard MORE INFO: 314-710-0949; grandmediterranean.com

Saujok and Japanese cheesecake at AJs Mediterranean

AJs Mediterranean opened this fall in a shopping plaza along Highway 157 in Edwardsville. The name amply prepares for you for the menu of Lebanese and Mediterranean fare, like a sandwich with saujok ($12), the loose, spicy sausage made from ground beef and lamb. AJs wraps its saujok in a pita with lettuce, tomato and very crisp, puckering pickles as well as hummus and garlic sauce.

AJs obviously differs from other Mediterranean restaurants, though. Photographs of Japanese scenes decorate one wall of the dining room, and the bakery menu posted above the counter leads with Japanese-style cheesecakes.

These cakes gained viral popularity for their wobbly nature. AJs displays its individual cakes in a refrigerated display case, so that wobble has settled. Even chilled, this cake ($10) is noticeably lighter than Western-style cheesecake, and a drizzle of caramel sauce and a shake of powdered sugar doesnt overwhelm its subtle, grown-up sweetness.

WHERE: 1025 Century Drive, Edwardsville MORE INFO: 618-307-5284; ajsmedandtanuki.com

Beef and cheese sandwich at Tidy Jons Deli & Grill

At Tidy Jons Deli & Grill, which opened last March in Fenton, Tidy Jon is both the restaurants name and the signature dish, a loose-meat sandwich. Im not a loose-meat fan, but I might have to rethink that after my first visit to Tidy Jons. I didnt order a Tidy Jon  ground beef with pickles and fried onions on a bun  but the beef and cheese sandwich ($11) I did eat was impressive enough that Im compelled to try more of the menu.

The sandwich is straightforward: thinly sliced roast beef with St. Louis-style cheese (i.e. Provel-like), sauteed onions and horseradish sauce on crusty white bread. There is precisely the right amount of beef to lead the flavor, the proper slick of cheese to gild it. The sauteed onions tease with sweetness but have retained their bite, which pairs perfectly with the zippy horseradish.

WHERE: 12 Ferry Street, Fenton MORE INFO: 636-496-7321; tidyjons.com

BBQ Pork Dog at FatDogs

In my 18 years on the St. Louis restaurant beat, Id never been to De Soto until I visited FatDogs, a standalone food trailer in a parking lot along the train tracks that cut through town.

I wouldnt have made this trip for any old wiener. The FatDogs frankfurter is made from a blend of smoked brisket and burnt ends. You might not guess this recipe on your own, but the snappy bite and smoky, deeply beefy flavor easily distinguishes it from most other hot dogs.

You can order the FatDog plain or with your choice of conventional toppings. (Yes, even ketchup; I wont tell.) I tried the BBQ Pork Dog ($9.75), which tops the hot dog with a generous portion of juicy pulled pork, slaw, bacon and barbecue sauce. The bun can hardly contain this mess, but if youre already driving two hours round-trip for a hot dog, you might as well go all out.

WHERE: 519 East Main Street, De Soto MORE INFO: order.toasttab.com/online/corse-concessions-519-e-main-st

Ice cream at Dohmo

Ice cream doesnt require much technological innovation, but Dohmo puts a fun spin on the frozen treat. Dad joke alert: The spin is literal. At this Olivette newcomer, you choose a base of chocolate or vanilla ice cream and then pick from a wide range of fruit, cereal and candy mix-ins. The menu also includes pre-selected combinations like the Vega ($9), featuring strawberries and Fruity Pebbles, with a Pocky stick garnish.

An employee spins your ingredients together using a device that looks like a giant, gleaming drill bit from some throwback dental nightmare. The process distributes the flavors and pulverized cereal, candy, etc. bits fairly evenly throughout the base ice cream. The ice cream itself resembles soft-serve in your cup, but it falls somewhere between soft-serve and conventionally scooped on the texture spectrum.

WHERE: 9538 Olive Boulevard, Olivette MORE INFO: linktr.ee/dohmoicecream
Tony Messenger Metro columnist Follow Tony Messenger Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

ST. LOUIS  Get fire insurance.

That was Lt. Roger Engelhardts advice to Dr. Michael Graham, St. Louis chief medical examiner. Graham had shown the detective Mansur Ball-Beys severed spine.

Graham held part of the spine in his left hand; the other part, completely disconnected, was in his right hand. It was August 2015, just a few days after Ball-Bey had been shot and killed running from police officers after a SWAT raid in the Fountain Park neighborhood.

Engelhardt was the head of the Force Investigative Unit, which investigates shootings by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. He knew he had a problem. Two white officers, Kyle Chandler and Ronald Vaughan, had shot at Ball-Bey, an 18-year-old Black man, after a foot chase. In interviews with Engelhardt, they said Ball-Bey ran through a gangway and collapsed in a front yard after being shot in the backyard.

But Graham had just told The New York Times that couldnt have happened. I would have expected him to go to the ground right away, Graham said.

Thats because Ball-Beys spine had been severed after he was shot in the back.

The shooting came a year after Michael Brown had died in Ferguson. The St. Louis region was still on edge, with regular protests in the city and county. Then-police Chief Sam Dotson called Engelhardt after reading the Times story and asked him to get to the bottom of it.

On Wednesday, Engelhardt was on the witness stand in a federal wrongful death lawsuit against Chandler filed by Mansurs father. Engelhardt recounted the episode under questioning from one of Ball-Beys attorneys, Javad Khazaeli. The insurance line was a joke, Engelhardt said, but there was a serious connotation behind it.

If the public knew that the police version of events and the medical examiners version were incompatible, Engelhardt feared, there would be unrest in the streets.

They cant both be true, Engelhardt said.

The different versions matter because if Ball-Bey collapsed in the front yard of the home on Walton Avenue right after he was shot in the back by Chandler, then he was clearly unarmed. Ball-Beys pistol, which he was carrying while running, was found in the backyard, next to a dumpster in an alley. Thats where he tossed it, testified Officer Richard Booker Jr., an off-duty city police officer who witnessed the chase and heard the shots that killed Ball-Bey. The dumpster is at least 35 feet from where Chandler says Ball-Bey was when he was shot.

Jurors got out of their chairs on Wednesday and watched Khazaeli walk out of the courtroom with a tape measure, demonstrating the various distances that help poke holes in the officers version of events. Chandler and Vaughan arent police officers anymore; they were fired in 2021 after accusations of dishonesty during internal investigations.

Back in 2015, Engelhardts meeting with Graham came after the medical examiner had proposed a possible new theory, which would differ from what he initially told the Times. Maybe the spine had just been injured in the shooting, and later severed itself as Ball-Bey was running or police were arresting him. To test his new theory, Graham had called the funeral home and ordered Ball-Beys body, which had already been released to his family, returned so he could conduct a second autopsy.

I was really surprised, Engelhardt said. That never happens. Never.

But it did. And after Grahams adjusted theory and later police officer interviews created doubt, then-Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce declined to prosecute the case, though she made clear she didnt believe the shooting was justified.

Ball-Beys father, Dennis, hopes to get some measure of accountability from the lawsuit, which he filed in 2018. The case has just now gone to trial after years of delays, many of them caused by the city counselors office, which is representing Chandler.

Whether Ball-Bey gets justice for his son will be up to an all-white jury of six men and three women. If theres one thing thats already been proven in the case, its that the process by which police shootings are investigated in St. Louis is broken.

On the night of the Ball-Bey shooting, police interviewed Booker, the Black off-duty cop who was a witness, for two hours and videotaped the conversation. Chandler and Vaughan wouldnt be interviewed until two days later. The interviews lasted about an hour and were in Engelhardts office. They were not videotaped.

The trial is expected to last at least through Friday. The case, argued Jack Waldron, one of the attorneys representing Ball-Bey, comes down to whether the jury believes Ball-Bey was holding a gun and pointing it at police when they shot him.

He was running away, Waldron said in his opening statement, pointing out the gun was found 164 feet from where Ball-Bey died. He was unarmed and he was no threat to anybody.
Jordanian military helicopters loaded up with humanitarian and relief aid get ready to head to Gaza, at King Abdullah II Air Base in Zarqa, Jordan, on Jan. 29, 2025. Jordan sent another 16 aid helicopters to Gaza on Wednesday as part of its ongoing efforts to deliver assistance to the coastal enclave. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua)

AMMAN, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Jordan sent another 16 aid helicopters to Gaza on Wednesday as part of its ongoing efforts to deliver assistance to the coastal enclave.

The helicopters carried 20 tonnes of humanitarian and relief aid, sent in collaboration with the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization and several other countries, the state-run Petra news agency reported.

Jordan is diversifying its methods of delivering aid to Gaza, with military helicopters being used to speed up the transportation of urgent and perishable supplies, particularly medical treatments and essential healthcare items.

The humanitarian delivery is set to continue for eight days, with 16 aircraft operating daily, Petra reported. 

A Jordanian military helicopter loaded up with humanitarian and relief aid takes off heading to Gaza, from King Abdullah II Air Base in Zarqa, Jordan, on Jan. 29, 2025. Jordan sent another 16 aid helicopters to Gaza on Wednesday as part of its ongoing efforts to deliver assistance to the coastal enclave. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua)

A Jordanian military helicopter loaded up with humanitarian and relief aid gets ready to head to Gaza, at King Abdullah II Air Base in Zarqa, Jordan, on Jan. 29, 2025. Jordan sent another 16 aid helicopters to Gaza on Wednesday as part of its ongoing efforts to deliver assistance to the coastal enclave. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua)

A Jordanian military helicopter loaded up with humanitarian and relief aid gets ready to head to Gaza, at King Abdullah II Air Base in Zarqa, Jordan, on Jan. 29, 2025. Jordan sent another 16 aid helicopters to Gaza on Wednesday as part of its ongoing efforts to deliver assistance to the coastal enclave. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua)
JEFFERSON CITY  Missouri lawmakers are moving quickly to make it illegal to export large amounts of water outside of the state without a permit.

During a Senate committee hearing Thursday, Sens. Jason Bean and Jamie Burger, both representing districts in the southeast part of the state, outlined legislation first floated last year that aims to address concerns about other states seeking Missouris abundant freshwater supplies.

Under the measures, anyone seeking to withdraw water from any source in Missouri via pipeline would need permission from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Bean, a Republican from Holcomb, said he is unaware of any current attempts to export water, but pointed to a diversion project in North Dakota that sends Missouri River water to the Red River basin.

We dont have a remedy to address this, said Bean, who farms cotton and other crops in the heavily irrigated Bootheel region. Water is even more special in southeast Missouri.

The legislation includes a provision that will allow for some limited cross-border exports.

It also outlines a permit application process through DNR. Within 180 days of the application, the department can approve or deny a proposal for other states to export water from Missouri.

Bottled or packaged water meant for human consumption would not be affected by the new rules. Exporters also would have to track and report usage to the state.

Burger, a Republican from Benton, who sponsored a similar measure in the House last year, said the proposed law is aimed at pipelines, not people carrying water in tanker trucks.

The U.S. Drought Monitor shows 56 of Missouris 114 counties have a current drought designation, covering about 801,000 of the states 6 million residents.

The driest areas of the state are in the north central and southwest.

The water export legislation is backed by Missouris farm lobbying groups, as well as environmental organizations.

Laura Collins, a Sikeston area rice farmer, told members of the Senate Agriculture Committee that the region wouldnt be productive without heavy amounts of irrigation.

Jamie Blair, a rural organizer for the Missouri Rural Crisis Center, said access to clean water is key to a healthy rural economy.

Missouri water is one of our most precious resources, Blair said.

The states largest water user, Missouri American Water, which provides drinking water to cities across the state, supports the plan. The company currently exports water to a casino in Oklahoma that would not be affected by the new rule.

Counties, however, are skeptical of the need for the changes.

Ike Skelton, presiding commissioner of Camden County, said lawmakers should just ban all exports of water. Putting the DNR in charge of permits will add an unneeded level of bureaucracy.

I believe we have the protections in place now, Skelton told the committee.

Sen. Tracy McCreery, D-Olivette, signaled she supports the proposal.

I think what were trying to do is strike the right balance, McCreery said.

The legislation is Senate Bills 29 and 82.
Nominee for Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll speaks Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee. ((Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes))

WASHINGTON  Dan Driscoll, an Army veteran and businessman, told senators Thursday that he would serve as the soldiers secretary of the Army, not of the generals or of the bureaucracy, if he is confirmed as President Donald Trumps pick to lead the largest military service.

Driscoll, 38, said his experience as a third-generation soldier has prepared him to lead more than a million soldiers and civilians and he intends to use that personal insight to boost recruiting, modernize the Army and effectively oversee its $200 billion budget.

My sacred duty to our Army is to ensure our soldiers have the worlds finest training, equipment and leadership to accomplish any mission, he said in a confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

One of those missions is securing the U.S. border with Mexico, where Trump is deploying hundreds of service members as part of an effort to make border security a top priority of the Defense Department.

Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the top Democrat on the committee, said he was worried the surge of troops will harm the Armys readiness, taking time away from training for war.

Service members stationed at the border are typically tasked with conducting vehicle maintenance, light construction, transportation and observation and detection from the ground and air.

This is a role for the Department of Homeland Security, Reed said.

But Driscoll said the Army could balance multiple priorities, pointing to the steady presence of soldiers at the border for years.

I think the Army stands ready to execute on any mission for the president of the United States and the secretary of defense, up to and including helping secure our border, he said.

He promised to always follow the law after several Democratic senators raised concerns that the Army will be forced into domestic law enforcement roles under the Trump administration.

I reject the premise that the president or secretary of defense would ask for an order that contravened the Constitution, he said.

Driscoll otherwise developed a friendly rapport with the committee and appeared to earn the support of Republicans and Democrats. The committee will vote on his nomination before the full Senate decides whether to confirm him.

Nominee for Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll hugs Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, before Driscolls confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)

Trump has touted Driscoll as a disrupter and change agent, much like recently confirmed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, the Republican chairman of the committee, said Driscolls Army service, legal background and financial experience have prepared him to handle the myriad responsibilities of Army secretary.

Driscoll graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in three years so he could join the Army in 2007 and follow in the footsteps of his father, who served in Vietnam, and his grandfather, who was a decoder during World War II.

He completed the Army Ranger School, served as an armor officer and deployed to Iraq in 2009 with the 10th Mountain Division as a calvary scout. His military awards include the Army Commendation Medal and the combat action badge.

Driscoll left service in 2010 at the rank of first lieutenant and then used the post-9/11 G.I. Bill to attend Yale Law School, where he met Vice President JD Vance. He went on to serve as a senior adviser to Vance and worked at several investment banking and consulting firms in North Carolina.

Driscoll told senators Thursday that he is committed to telling the rich history of the Army as it celebrates its 250th anniversary this year. He said a compelling story extolling the value of military service will encourage more young people to join.

This is the year to tell the story of the women and men in uniform who have done amazing things on behalf of our country and who I think would say, like me, have had their lives changed by this experience, Driscoll said.

The Army has struggled in recent years to meet its recruiting goals, in large part because young Americans are either unwilling or unqualified to serve. The Army was able to meet its recruiting goal of 55,000 new enlistees in fiscal 2024 after lowering enlistment targets.

The best analogy Ive heard is the Army threw the dart at the dartboard and then drew the bullseye around it, Driscoll said.

He said the Future Soldier Prep Course, a program that helps lower-performing recruits meet fitness and academic standards, has had a positive impact on enlistment and he would look to see if it can be scaled even further.

Driscoll said he also will be focused on reinvigorating the defense industrial base and investing in new weapons and technologies to ensure the Army is able to operate in new, complex and contested environments.

But soldiers and their well-being will be the chief priority, Driscoll said. He said his 8-year-old son is planning on joining the Army and he has been nudging his 6-year-old daughter also to consider enlistment.

He vowed to Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., that he would dedicate the time, energy and resources to ensure the service is particularly welcoming to women.

I want [my daughter] to join an Army where the skys the limit, the standards of excellence are hard but she is able to achieve them and she faces absolutely zero instances of sexual harassment during her time in, he said.
President Donald Trump said Wednesday he is ordering officials to establish a massive migrant detention facility at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba. He made the announcement during a signing ceremony for the Laken Riley Act, which allows authorities to detain undocumented immigrants accused of theft-related crimes.

Trump said the site would detain the worst criminal illegal aliens and be a tough place to get out of.

Guantanamo Bay, which is also the site of a prison that held terrorist suspects after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, has become a notorious symbol of U.S. excesses during the war on terror, including the brutal mistreatment of prisoners and detention of suspects for two decades without charge.

Human rights groups have condemned Trumps move. Migrants and asylum seekers are being cast as the new terrorist threat, deserving to be discarded in an island prison, removed from legal and social services and supports, the Center for Constitutional Rights said in a statement. The group, which has represented a number of Guantanamo detainees, said it will continue to challenge the U.S. governments use of the facility.

What is Guantanamo Bay?

Located on the southeastern coast of Cuba, Guantanamo Bay was seized in 1898 by U.S. forces and their Cuban allies during their efforts to wrest the island from Spanish control. The United States formally established a naval base on the bay in 1903, after leasing 45 square miles of land and water from the newly independent Cuban government, according to the U.S. Navy. It is the United States oldest overseas military installation and the only one in a communist country, the Navy has said.

In 1934, the United States signed a treaty with Cuba reaffirming the lease, which cannot be terminated without the consent of the two governments or unless the United States abandons the base.

President George W. Bush established a military prison at the base in 2002 to hold suspects accused of terrorism after the 9/11 attacks and the start of the U.S. war in Afghanistan.

For decades, Gitmo, as it came to be known, has been mired in controversy, particularly over allegations of torture  which Bush has broadly denied but a top official from his administration acknowledged  as well as the detention of hundreds of prisoners without formal charges.

In 2005, the nonprofit Amnesty International called it the gulag [of] our times.

Housing roughly 680 prisoners at its peak in 2003, Guantanamo has come under scrutiny for years-long detentions bogged down by the militarys bureaucratic justice system, which has been notoriously slow to move the case against the accused mastermind of the 9/11 terrorist attacks to trial.

Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden said they wanted to close Guantanamo. However, the prison remains open and is holding 15 detainees, Reuters reported this month.

What are Trumps plans?

Trump wants to use the Guantanamo naval base to house detained migrants, and he has instructed the secretaries of defense and homeland security to expand the bases Migrant Operations Center to to full capacity. Speaking at the White House on Wednesday, Trump said he has directed officials to start preparing what he described as the 30,000-person migrant facility.

Immigrant detainees will not be held with terrorism suspects, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Fox News in an interview. The facility, Hegseth added, will be used to hold people while their deportation paperwork is processed and travel arrangements are made.

It was not immediately clear how migrants will be housed, what kind of construction will be required and what the operational costs might be.

Has it been used to house migrants before?

U.S. government agencies and private contractors have used facilities at Guantanamo Bay to detain asylum seekers and refugees for several decades, rights groups say

In 1994, for instance, President Bill Clinton resumed the previous administrations use of the Guantanamo base for processing Haitian refugees and later ordered Cuban asylum seekers caught at sea to be held on the base. Later that same year, the facilitys migrant population totaled 45,000, according to a government report.

Last year, the International Refugee Assistance Project released a report accusing the U.S.-run Migrant Operations Center at Guantanamo Bay, or GMOC, of detaining migrants fleeing Haiti, Cuba and other Caribbean countries throughout its history. Many of those refugees are intercepted by the U.S. Coast Guard at sea and then detained indefinitely in prison-like conditions without access to the outside world, often with little to no transparency or accountability, the report said.

These refugees are forced to endure this treatment until a third country agrees to accept them for resettlement, even if they have family in the United States, it said, adding that the process can take years.

IRAP accused the U.S. government of subjecting detained migrants to a multitude of health and human rights violations, including substandard living conditions, abusive guards and forced medical procedures including forcibly administering birth control.

Its unclear how many migrants and refugees are currently detained at GMOC, the IRAP said.

What detention space does the United States currently have?

The Guantanamo facility will far exceed the capacity of existing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities, the largest of which have about 2,000 beds. Overall, ICE has detention capacity for about 40,000 people.

About 1.4 million people in the United States are known to have deportation orders issued against them.

An estimated 11 million people are living in the United States without legal status, a 2024 report by the Department of Homeland Security said. ICE deported the highest number of people in a decade during fiscal year 2024, the last full fiscal year of Bidens term.
Course instructor Senior Airman Christopher Bennett, left, and Capt. Wyatt Huff, operations officer for the 736th Security Forces Squadron, discuss the Jungle Agile Combat Employment Course at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 12, 2024. (Alex Wilson/Stars and Stripes)

NORTHWEST FIELD, Guam  A new Air Force course in jungle survival is preparing airmen to operate from remote airfields if a conflict forces their squadrons to disperse.

Under the agile combat employment, or ACE, doctrine, Air Force units, including fighter squadrons, will scatter to contingency airfields, making them harder targets. These airfields may be in austere locations or cut off from regular supply lines.

We basically made a course for every airman  not just defenders  that focuses on if supply is interrupted and you have to survive, course instructor Senior Airman Christopher Bennett told Stars and Stripes during a tour on Dec. 12. Food, water, shelter  can you do that, and can you be tactically proficient enough to survive in a small team until you get that supply reintroduced?

The Jungle Agile Combat Employment Course places trainees in the heavily forested northwest corner of Guam for 10 days of survival skills and tactics, said Capt. Wyatt Huff, operations officer for the 736th Security Forces Squadron.

The training covers water purification, trap making, evasion tactics, wilderness navigation, game cleaning and other survival skills, Bennett said.

This static F-16 Fighting Falcon is used for fire-rescue, survival and other training at the 36th Contingency Ready Group's training center on Guam. (Alex Wilson/Stars and Stripes)

The course takes place at the $300 million Pacific Regional Training Center at Northwest Field on Andersen Air Force Base. It is one of only three such facilities globally in the Defense Department and the only one of its kind in the Air Force.

The program, which completed beta testing over the summer, has already graduated airmen, Marines, soldiers and members of the Air National Guard.

Theres really only two places you can do it right now, and theyre oversaturated, Huff said. So thats where getting this course stood up goes  it allows it to get to more people.

The Air Force adapted aspects of its training from the Marine Corps Jungle Warfare Training Center on Okinawa and the Armys Lightning Academy in Wahiawa, Hawaii, but with less emphasis on combat, said Bennett, also with the 736th.

Along with survival skills, the course emphasizes agile combat employment, first codified in 2021 to enhance flexibility and adaptability.

The ACE doctrine calls for dispersing Air Force assets  including aircraft, personnel and maintenance gear  across multiple sites. It follows a hub-and-spoke model, moving operations from spots like Kadena Air Base on Okinawa to a network of smaller, dispersed airfields.

This strategy can complicate adversary planning and provide more options for joint force commanders, according to a June report by the Congressional Research Service.

The 36th Contigency Ready Group's training facility on Guam features a variety of structures for its courses. (Alex Wilson/Stars and Stripes)

Troops completing the survival course come from various backgrounds, including ground combat support, security forces, communications and airfield operations, Huff said.

Some attend for team operations experience in jungle environments, but the course is also useful for personnel stationed in locations such as Hawaii or Japan.

The main thing is its getting airmen exposure to an environment that a lot of people probably havent thought about in their lifetime, Huff said.
DAMASCUS, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani arrived in Damascus on Thursday for talks with Syria's interim leadership, marking the first visit by an Arab leader since a change in government last December.

The Qatari leader was received by Syrian officials at Damascus International Airport, according to local media reports.

The visit comes as Syria's interim administration seeks to rebuild regional ties, following years of isolation during the country's civil conflict.

Qatar, which had previously supported opposition forces against Bashar al-Assad's government, has recently signaled a willingness to engage with Damascus following Assad's ouster.

While officials did not disclose the agenda, Syrian media say discussions are likely to focus on economic cooperation.

The visit follows meetings between Syrian and Qatari officials, including a trip to Damascus by Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani earlier this month.

Syria's transitional administration, led by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, has prioritized mending relations with Gulf states as part of its broader strategy to stabilize the country and attract investment. 
Alliyah Regala, a senior at EJ King Middle High School on Sasebo Naval Base, Japan, poses with Principal Jennifer Gamble and Vice Principal Catherine Mince after being selected for this year's U.S. Senate Youth Program. (Alliyah Regala)

Alliyah Regala has acquired a list of accomplishments that qualified her for a place in the U.S. Senate Youth Program when it meets in the nations capital the first week of March.

A senior at EJ King Middle High School at Sasebo Naval Base, Japan, Regala is president of the student council, secretary of the National Honor Society chapter and administrative officer for the schools Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program.

Despite that, she was hesitant to apply for the competitive, merit-based program. Only 104 students  two from each state, the District of Columbia and the Defense Department Education Activity  are chosen.

Hotel and transportation expenses are paid for by The Hearst Foundations, and each delegate is awarded a $10,000 scholarship for undergraduate studies.

Sasebo is pretty small, and the opportunities are a lot more limited, she said in a recent phone interview. I was kind of intimidated about going through with it, but it was my mom who pushed me to actually go through and finish up the application.

Regala and Emily Wheeler, a junior at Stuttgart High School in Germany, will represent DODEA schools when the Senate Youth Program meets March 1-8. Theyll hear policy addresses by U.S. senators, Cabinet members and officials from the Departments of State and Defense.

They may also get a chance to meet with the president and a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

To qualify to apply for the program, high school juniors and seniors must show leadership in elected or appointed positions that relate to government, public affairs, history or community service.

The selection process is lengthy. The students wrote essays, answered questions, submitted a video resume, took tests on the government and elected officials, and participated in a remote interview, Regala said.

Moderators look at an applicants knowledge, character and composure while discussing controversial topics.

They asked me questions that were a little heavier because it was Election Day when I did my interview, she said. They asked questions about the election and controversial political topics, and I was just honest.

The chosen students are given the opportunity to interact and network with one another through online group chats.

I definitely got to understand the difference between the DODEA and the American students. I feel like in DODEA were a little bit sheltered in a way, Regala said. Not many of us understand whats going on in America because were overseas, so at first I was a little intimidated when I met all these kids.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center, watches a missile launch alongside military officials in this image release by the state-run Korean Central News Agency on Sept. 19, 2024. (KCNA)

North Koreas failure to deliver on its plans to put three spy satellites into orbit last year was unsurprising, experts say, but it indicates Pyongyang is pursuing a newer, efficient form of rocket technology.

The first and only attempt to launch a satellite last year ended in a mid-flight explosion on May 27, sending debris over the Yellow Sea, according to South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Pyongyang attributed the failure to a rocket powered by a new liquid oxygen engine used to carry the satellite, according to the state-controlled Korean Central News Agency the next day.

Analysts described this purported shift in rocket propulsion technology as an evolution of North Koreas space program and the reason for its failure to launch three satellites in 2024.

If were to believe [North Koreas] statement, then theyre moving on from military-grade engines to civilian-application engines, Tianran Xu, an Open Nuclear Network analyst based in Austria, said by phone Wednesday. They are more energetic for sure, but thats a new line of technology theyre pursuing. So, if thats true, its no surprise that they ended in failure on their first try.

The communist regime vowed to launch three spy satellites into orbit in 2024. The pledge came in December 2023 at its annual plenary meeting of the Central Committee of the Workers Party of Korea.

North Korean rockets carrying satellites traditionally use well-tested engines that also power long-range missiles, such as the Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile, Xu said.

The Russian and Chinese militaries favored these engine types in the 1950s due to their durability and low maintenance for launch-ready rockets. They are fueled by military-grade propellants that can be stored for years at room temperature, Xu said.

However, because of its high boiling point, military-grade fuel can be inefficient compared to other propellants used commercially today, such as liquid oxygen kerosene, or the purest form of oxygen, he said.

Liquid oxygen kerosene boils off very easily compared to military-grade fuel and cannot be stored for long periods of time, Xu said.

A move away from military-grade fuel is a natural step in propulsion technology for North Koreas fledgling space program, said Yang Uk, a research fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul.

The decision to go liquid oxygen is the logical choice if youd like to pursue more serious development, he said by phone Thursday.

Xu and Yang agreed that Pyongyangs transition to liquid oxygen kerosene will take some time, but it can still launch satellites using its existing rocket technology.

North Korea has a tendency to aim for high-hanging fruit, and then, as a result, is often met with setbacks and difficulties, Xu said.

If I was them, I would definitely focus on the reliability of launch vehicles, rather than aiming for the best performance engine, he said. But thats not what Kim wants.

North Korea most likely will perfect the technology someday, Yang predicted.

Of its nine satellite launches since 1998, only three successfully reached orbit.

The first reconnaissance satellite, placed into orbit Nov. 21, 2023, was the only one that succeeded of three launch attempts that year. Satellites successfully launched in 2016 and 2012 were designed for nonmilitary applications, such as weather forecasting, according to KCNA.

KCNA reported that the reconnaissance satellite photographed major target regions in South Korea and the United States, such as the White House, the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier docked at South Koreas largest port, and Pyeongtaek city, the site of the U.S. Armys Camp Humphreys and the Air Forces Osan Air Base.

The state-run outlet did not release photos taken by the satellite. South Koreas military said it was operational but had no military value.
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa meets with Italys Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, in Rome, Italy May 25, 2024. Italian Government/Handout via Reuters. (Italian Government)

Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa said his government plans to rebuild Gaza with help from the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, a process he said would reshape the Middle East and require the removal of Hamas from power and Israel from the ground.

While expressing optimism about early contacts with aides of President Donald Trump, he rejected the U.S. leaders notion of relocating most of the more than 2 million Gazans to countries like Egypt and Jordan during the postwar reconstruction.

I have every reason to believe that this administration will actually help us all do the right deal, a balanced deal that could hopefully end the conflict in the region, Mustafa, 70, told Bloomberg TV in his office in Ramallah, in the West Bank, on Wednesday.

A senior Palestinian official, Hussein al-Sheikh, met Steve Witkoff, Trumps Middle East envoy, in Riyadh on Tuesday.

Asked about moving Gazans out, Mustafa said it shouldnt happen even for a short period. Theyre determined to continue to live in Gaza, the prime minister said. We can fix the place without moving them out.

As to how he sees the intensely difficult task of rebuilding the territory after 15 months of wartime devastation, he said, Well ensure that Israel and Hamas will be out the way for us to do this.

Mustafa was speaking during the second week of a fragile 42-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government agreed to free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in that period in return for the phased release of 33 hostages taken during the October 2023 Hamas attack that triggered the war.

The second of the planned swaps began on Thursday, although chaotic scenes where people surrounded the transfer of hostages to the Red Cross prompted Israel to suspend the corresponding prisoner release. The delay will last until Israel can be sure of the safety of those freed by Hamas, the government said.

Netanyahu considers his relationship with Trump to be especially close. They are due to meet in the White House on Tuesday, the U.S. presidents first such meeting with a foreign leader since returning to power. Netanyahu will likely tell him that the current PA cannot be relied upon and a new governing structure is needed for the Palestinians.

Israel also wants security control of Gaza for the foreseeable future.

The PA is internationally recognized and runs parts of the West Bank. Hamas wrested control of Gaza from the PA in 2007, effectively creating two Palestinian governing entities.

Mustafa said he has started a program to reduce corruption and inefficiency in his administration. He said hes in close touch with the World Bank, United Nations and European Union on getting emergency housing and other vital goods into Gaza.

Ultimately, he said, there needs to be a Palestinian state in both the West Bank and Gaza run by the PA. Hamas can exist as a cultural and political movement, but cannot rule Gaza or continue to be militarized.

We expect one government, one system, one institution, one police force, Mustafa said. And we therefore expect that Hamas as a party will not govern.

Whether the people of Gaza want the PA to return to govern is unclear. Concerns over corruption helped Hamas come out ahead in legislative elections in Gaza and the West Bank in 2006.

An economist with a doctorate from George Washington University, Mustafa was appointed by PA President Mahmoud Abbas in March of last year and is a longtime member of Abbass inner circle. He was previously chairman of the Palestine Investment Fund, and served as deputy prime minister of the PA from 2013 until 2015. He also spent many years at the World Bank.

Who will ultimately run and oversee reconstruction of Gaza when the Israel-Hamas war is formally concluded is one of the questions being debated during the ceasefire process  with the PA part of that conversation. Israel has vowed to make it impossible for Hamas to rule again, though scenes of militants from the Iran-backed group quickly returning to the streets have cast doubt over that aim.

Netanyahus government opposes PA involvement in governing postwar Gaza, arguing that it is hostile to Israel and little different from Hamas. Mustafa said that attitude could change both inside Israel and outside.

I assume there will be enough political wisdom in Israel but also a necessary pressure from the international community to remind Israel that peace in the region is best way forward for everyone, he said. A Palestinian state, he added, is a prerequisite of a stable Middle East.

He argued that the rebuilding of Gaza will offer the framework for a new regional order because it would include normalization of diplomatic ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia  a long-held goal of the US, including Trump  and ease out Hamas and other Iran-backed militias.

This, hopefully, will put things in the right context and give them enough incentive to move forward, he said, referring to the Israelis.

Hamas is designated a terrorist organization by the U.S., E.U. and many other countries.

Trump Intervention

The discussion on Gazas future was cast into further uncertainty at the weekend when Trump said hed like Egypt to take people and Id like Jordan to take people.

Youre talking about probably a million-and-a-half people, Trump said, describing Gaza as a demolition site.

We just clean up that whole thing, he said.

Both Egypt and Jordan  which border Israel  rejected the plan though both are dependent on Washington for vital financial aid. Trump said Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi is a friend, adding, I think he would do it, and I think the King of Jordan would do it too.

On Wednesday, El-Sisi said such a move would be an injustice in which we cannot participate.

West Bank Raids

Israel has conducted raids in the West Bank since the Gaza ceasefire began earlier this month, with Netanyahu saying the campaign is aimed at Iran-backed militias in the territory. The PA has executed its own security operation in the territory since December, targeting militant groups such as Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

The area has seen sporadic flare ups of violence for many years, in part due to clashes between Israeli settlers and Palestinians. Israels far right, which has an influential presence in Netanyahus coalition government, believe Israelis have a right to live there and favor annexation. Some also advocate rebuilding settlements in Gaza, which Israel pulled out of in 2005.

Many in Israel were angered that after the Hamas attack of Oct. 7, 2023 in which 1,200 people were killed and 250 abducted, the Palestinian Authority didnt condemn the violence. Asked about that, Mustafa said Israels counterattack was so fierce that it drove the original assault into the background for Palestinians. About 47,000 Gazans have died in the war, according to the Hamas-run health authority in Gaza.

Our leadership clearly said that we dont approve of what happened on October 7th, he said. The problem with October 7th is that October 8th was a much worse day.

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This combination of photos shows the official portraits of former Defense Secretary Mark Esper, left, and retired Army Gen. Mark Milley, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Portraits of the two men were removed from the Pentagon after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revoked Milleys personal security detail and security clearance. (U.S. Army, U.S. Department of Defense)

WASHINGTON  The portraits of former Defense Secretary Mark Esper and retired Army Gen. Mark Milley, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, were removed from the Pentagon after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revoked Milleys personal security detail and security clearance.

A portrait of Milley that honors his service as chief of staff of the Army from 2015 to 2019 was no longer displayed as of Wednesday. His portrait honoring his time as chairman of the Joint Chiefs was removed by Jan. 20, shortly after President Donald Trump began his second term in office and only 10 days after it was hung.

A portrait of Espers time as Army secretary, a position that he held from November 2017 to July 2019 before becoming Trumps defense secretary during his first term, was no longer displayed as of Wednesday. But his portrait honoring his service as defense secretary was still hanging Wednesday afternoon.

Only nail holes remain where the Army portraits once hung.

The move comes after years of Trump criticizing Milley for perceived disloyalty. The retired general told Washington Post associate editor Bob Woodward that Trump is fascist to the core and Milley had faced a series of death threats that he attributed to Trumps steady drumbeat of verbal attacks.

Esper also criticized Trump in the years following the presidents election loss in 2020. Trump abruptly fired Esper as defense secretary in the final days of his first term as president. Espers downfall came after publicly disagreeing with Trump and saying active-duty military troops should not be sent to control protests in several American cities at the time. This occurred when Trump sought to pull the military more directly into the administrations response to nationwide civil unrest sparked by the killing of George Floyd, a Black man, by a Minneapolis police officer who is white.

Both Army portraits were funded through donations from the Association of the United States Army, not taxpayer dollars, and were a gift from the Army honoring their service, The Associated Press reported.

Portraits of Army leadership remain the property of the service and will be returned to the Army Center of Military History. The Milley portrait as chairman of the Joint Chiefs, however, belongs to the Defense Department and it was unclear Wednesday what is being done with it.

Stripping Gen. Mark Milleys protective detail & security clearance doesnt do anything for American military lethality. Nor does removing his portraits from the Pentagon, Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., said on X. [Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth], please stop wasting time on [President Donald Trumps] petty grievances & do the real work to protect our nation.

The Army portraits being taken down came shortly after Hegseth pulled Milleys personal security detail and security clearance, along with calling for an investigation to review his military rank.

The secretary has also directed the [Defense Department inspector general] to conduct an inquiry into the facts and circumstances surrounding Gen. Milleys conduct so that the secretary may determine whether it is appropriate to reopen his military grade review determination, Pentagon spokesman John Ullyot said in a statement late Tuesday night.

The move to revoke Milleys security detail comes after Trump revoked those protections and security clearances for other former officials in his first administration, including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Brian Hook, Pompeos top aide, and former National Security Adviser John Bolton.

As for Gen. Milley, the presidents position on this remains the same as it does for John Bolton and the other individuals. He doesnt believe these people should have the right to have security clearances and private details for the rest of their lives, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday. Again, taxpayers are funding it. And the individuals you are mentioning are quite wealthy, I understand, so they can get their own private security if they wish.

Before leaving office, President Joe Biden preemptively pardoned Milley, along with Dr. Anthony Fauci and members of the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

President Donald Trump is joined by Vice President Mike Pence, National Security Advisor Robert C. OBrien, left; Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, right, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff U.S. Army General Mark A. Milley, and Brig. Gen. Marcus Evans, Deputy Director for Special Operations on the Joint Staff, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in the White House. (The White House)

Milley, 66, served as chairman from 2019 to 2023 before retiring. Trump nominated Milley for chairman during his first administration in December 2018. Milley later drew ire from Republicans for following the militarys withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, which resulted in the deaths of 13 service members.

At the time of the appointment, Trump called Milley a great gentleman and a great soldier.

Their relationship began to sour in the summer of 2020, after Milley expressed regret for having accompanied Trump to St. Johns Episcopal Church in Washington hours after Lafayette Square was cleared by police and the National Guard of protesters.

Months later, after the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol, Trump reportedly felt betrayed Milley had called his Chinese counterpart, Gen. Li Zuocheng, to assure him the U.S. was 100 percent steady.

During an appearance on Fox News on Wednesday, Hegseth was asked about Milleys portraits being taken down and orders involving the retired general. The secretary said without hesitating that accountability is back.

If you actively undermined the chain of command, as Gen. Milley did under the previous Trump administration, were going to review those actions. There will be a review of the rank he will retain on retirement and hell have that process, Hegseth said.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks to reporters Jan. 27, 2025, upon his arrival at the Pentagon for his first day on the job. (Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza/Defense Department photo)

WASHINGTON  Race and sex will no longer be considered in military promotions and academy admissions as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth moves to weed out diversity and equity-based programs across the U.S. military.

The [Defense Department] will strive to provide merit-based, color-blind, equal opportunities to service members but will not guarantee or strive for equal outcomes, Hegseth wrote in a memo released Wednesday titled Restoring Americas Fighting Force.

According to the memo, the Defense Department will not take into account sex, race or ethnicity when considering troops for promotions or special duty. Additionally, no department component will establish sex-, race- or ethnicity-based goals for academic admissions, career fields or organizational composition.

Hegseths memo also prohibits elements of the Defense Department from teaching people about critical race theory, DEI, or gender ideology as part of a curriculum or workforce training. Advisory boards, councils and working groups will cease operations related to diversity, equality and inclusion.

DEI policies, Hegseth wrote in the memo, are incompatible with the values of the Defense Department.

We will focus on lethality, meritocracy, accountability, standards and readiness, Hegseth wrote. Providing service members an equal opportunity to excel will help us remain the strongest and most lethal fighting force the world has ever known.

The memo was released two days after President Donald Trump signed an executive order canceling DEI programs across the military. The order calls for the Defense Department and the Department of Homeland Security to provide detailed guidance for the implementation of this order to their respective agencies within 30 days of the order signing. Within 180 days, the secretaries must submit a report through the White House deputy chief of staff for policy documenting the progress of implementing the order, along with any recommendations for action to fulfill the objectives of this order.

In line with this, the Pentagon is creating a task force to oversee the abolishment of DEI offices, as well as any vestiges of such offices that subvert meritocracy, perpetuate unconstitutional discrimination and promote radical ideologies related to systemic racism and gender fluidity. The task force, which will report to the under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness, will provide an initial report by March 1 of actions taken by the Defense Department to end DEI initiatives. A final report is due by June 1.

Officials have said the Defense Department doesnt have any full-time workers assigned to DEI so they dont expect to have to fire people, as other federal agencies have. But senior defense leaders have been poring over their websites to delete pages that mention diversity. Lacking clear guidance, staffers were pulling websites down in often inconsistent ways.

The Army temporarily removed its sexual assault guidelines before they later came back online.

The Air Force last week was told to eliminate barrier analysis working groups, which aim to improve equal employment for women, minorities, LGBTQ+ and disabled service members. Courses featuring videos about the Tuskegee Airmen and Women Airforce Service Pilots, or WASPs, disappeared from its basic training curriculum but were later restored.

Gen. David Allvin, Air Force chief of staff, in a statement Monday said he directed the service to implement the presidents orders swiftly  no equivocation, no slow-rolling, no foot-dragging. But Allvin said while staff are reviewing training courses to ensure compliance with the orders, no curriculum featuring the Tuskegee Airmen or Women Air Force Service Pilots has been removed.

Last year, service academies came under legal fire for race-conscious admissions after the Supreme Court rejected affirmative action in college admissions, ruling in cases brought by Students for Fair Admissions against Harvard University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. But the decision included a notable exception for the countrys military academies, with a footnote that mentioned the potentially distinct interests that military academies may present.

The U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy have faced lawsuits for considering race in admission processes. In the case of the Naval Academy, a federal judge ruled in December that the academy can continue using affirmative action.

Over many years, military and civilian leaders have determined that a racially diverse officer corps is a national security interest, U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett wrote in his ruling. The Naval Academy has established a compelling national security interest in a diverse officer corps in the Navy and Marine Corps.
An aid truck waits to enter Gaza on the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing on Jan. 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

RAFAH, Egypt, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Mohamed Ragab stood among crates of wilted fruits and vegetables, his frustration palpable: The 28-year-old truck driver has just completed the exhausting process of unloading his vehicle yet again, only to watch the perishable cargo spoil after being held for 72 hours by the Israeli side.

"This is the second time to load and unload the truck for unconvincing reasons," Ragab lamented, citing arbitrary Israeli limitations like the quantities of goods or the height of the food items as obstacles preventing aid from reaching the Palestinian people, who are desperately in need of sustenance.

"We had to drive for more time to Gaza because the other Palestinian side of the crossing doesn't work. I feel irritated waiting for long hours while sleeping less and then returning with goods back," he added, sorting through a few salvageable apples.

For Ragab and countless other drivers, the journey to deliver humanitarian aid to the Palestinians in Gaza has become a grueling ordeal. They often spend more than 45 days away from their families, navigating the labyrinthine routes to bring essential supplies to those in the enclave.

On Jan. 19, the Rafah crossing was reopened from the Egyptian side as part of a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel. The other side of the crossing, however, has been much more complex, as it has been under the control of the Israeli military since May 2024. Aid trucks now must navigate a new reality -- crossing from the Egyptian side of the Rafah border to reach the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing for Israeli inspection before they finally enter Gaza.

Abdel-Aleem Qeshta, spokesperson for the Egyptian Zakat and Charity House, emphasized the ongoing commitment to provide aid to Gaza in cooperation with nearly 85 countries and numerous civil society organizations.

According to Ahmad Abduallah, relief coordinator with the Egyptian Red Crescent, some 300-350 trucks with humanitarian aid and around 14-25 trucks with fuel enter Gaza each day, and the flow of goods often varies depending on Israeli readiness to receive more supplies.

The continuous changes in criteria from the Israeli side for the number, information, and height of the aid packages complicate the delivery efforts, Abduallah told Xinhua.

Governor of North Sinai Khaled Megawer told Xinhua his office has been receiving hundreds of daily calls from individuals offering to donate supplies to Gazans, but the process is subject to official measures to ensure meeting international criteria of collecting, listing, and packing commodities.

Abduallah echoed that sorting the aid packages, listing them with QR codes, and distributing them in different warehouses based on international criteria take a long time.

So far, the route into Gaza has been only designated for commodities but not individuals, but transferring the wounded from Gaza to Egyptian hospitals for treatment has been increasingly urgent.

The United Nations Children's Fund reported in mid-January that less than half of Gaza's 36 hospitals are operational, heightening the risk of infectious diseases and endangering the lives of vulnerable populations, particularly children.

"The Egyptian side of the crossing is completely ready to send the humanitarian relief and receive the injuries directly, but still the Palestinian side of the crossing needs some work to function in a normal way," Megawer said.

A European delegation will monitor the other side of the crossing in coordination with the Palestinian authorities, while the Egyptian side will be completely supervised by Egypt, he noted. 

Aid trucks wait to enter Gaza on the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing on Jan. 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

Aid trucks wait to enter Gaza on the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing on Jan. 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

People load fruits and vegetables to be delivered to Gaza on the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing on Jan. 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)
Judge Terence OSullivan, unusual in such cases, made an order that the boy must not be named or any evidence published that might reveal his identity

A judge has approved a settlement of just under 50,000 damages for a 12-year-old schoolboy who was involved in a street-crossing collision with a car and suffered double bone fractures to one of his legs.

Judge Terence OSullivan, unusual in such cases, made an order in the Circuit Civil Court today that the boy, who is a member of a well-known Dublin family, must not be named or any evidence published that might reveal his identity.

A barrister for the boy told Judge OSullivan that the minor litigant had been injured at a Dublin street crossing involving a car which had DashCam cctv of the incident. He said the content of the video remained unknown to the boy, his family friend or their legal team and he was asking the court to consider an Injuries Board assessment of 38,580.

Counsel said the boy could not recall if the green man light at the crossing had been in his favour at the time and had denied any suggestion that he had run out in front of the car. He had been knocked down and had suffered a fracture both to his tibia and fibia.

The boys barrister said medical reports had been forwarded to the Injuries Board whose assessor had made a suggested compensation figure of 38,580. The boys legal team feared that should the assessment be rejected by the court the boy might not achieve as much in the event of a full trial and production of DashCam evidence.

Footage of the DashCam evidence had been provided to An Garda Siochana but, since legal proceedings had not yet been instituted against the insurer, there was no way of seeking, by way of discovery, what evidence the DashCam contained.

Judge OSullivan said the medical evidence relating to the double fractures would suggest to the court that the injuries had not been caused by the boy running into the side of the car but, instead, would suggest a full frontal collision. The court did not have any DashCam evidence and the judge agreed the boy could face a contributory negligence reduction of up to 25 per cent at trial before another judge.

Nevertheless, he said, he did not feel that the assessment of compensation was high enough under the stingey recommendations existing in the current Compensation Guidelines. He said the guidelines were being increased by about 16 per cent at the end of January and already he and some of his colleagues had been taking this into consideration in dealing with claims.

He suggested that counsel might make further approaches to the defendant and his insurers and said he would value the case at about 45,000 with additional special damages of 3,580.

When counsel returned to tell the court its recommendation had been achieved and could be ruled at 48,350, he asked the court to make an order banning publication of the boys name or any evidence that might identify him.

Judge OSullivan approved of the suggested new figure, which had now become a settlement offer, and made the non-identity order sought by the boys legal team.
Martin Ball (36) appeared in court this afternoon

A DUBLIN man accused of assaulting a woman on board a bus in the south of the city was identified through RTEs Crimecall programme, it is alleged.

Martin Ball (36) appeared in court this afternoon charged over an alleged assault on a passenger on a bus service in the south of the city last year.

Judge Paula Murphy granted him bail and adjourned the case for the directions of the DPP.

Mr Ball, from Gleann Na Heorna, Springfield, Tallaght is charged with assault causing harm to a woman on a bus at Grange Road, Rathfarnham on May 29 last year.

Garda Sergeant Bryan Duff handed in to court a certificate setting out evidence of the accuseds arrest, charge and caution.

He said the DPPs directions were required in the case and there was no objection to bail subject to conditions. Defence barrister Fergal McMorrow said the accused was consenting to the conditions which had been flagged by the prosecution.

Judge Murphy set bail in Mr Balls own bond of 300, with no cash lodgement required.

Mr McMorrow said there was no difficulty with any of the conditions except for a requirement for Mr Ball to sign on three times per week at Tallaght garda station.

He said his client had no previous convictions and was working in a full-time job, so three times a week was a little bit onerous.

Judge Murphy asked Sgt Duff why the condition was sought.

I think it was the nature of the charge and the time its taken to locate him, he replied, adding that Mr Balls alleged identification was through Crimecall.

Judge Murphy said she would leave the signing-on at three times weekly but this could be revisited later.

Tallaght garda station was open 24 hours per day and the accused could go on his way to or from work, she said.

Under other bail conditions, the accused must live at the home address given, and notify gardai of any change. He is to stay away from and off the S8 Go Ahead bus service in any direction and to have no contact, directly or indirectly with the alleged victim or any prosecution witnesses.

Mr Ball is also to commit no offences and be of good behaviour. The accused was not required to address the court during the brief hearing and was remanded on bail to appear again on March 12.

The charge is under Section 3 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.
Annasofia Scheve covers trending news for the Express-News. She can be reached at Annasofia.Scheve@express-news.net.

Annasofia has bachelor's degrees in journalism and political science from the University of Missouri. She is an Ohio native, and wrote for Cincinnati Magazine and the Cincinnati Enquirer before joining the Express-News in 2023.
JERUSALEM, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- An Israeli female soldier was freed by Gaza militants on Thursday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement.

A live broadcast showed Agam Berger, 20, entering a Red Cross vehicle in Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip, surrounded by Islamic Jihad and Hamas militants.

"The returning hostage is currently being accompanied by IDF special forces and Shin Bet forces on her return to Israeli territory, where she will undergo an initial medical assessment," the military said.

Later on Thursday, Hamas is expected to release two more Israeli hostages, as well as five Thai hostages, while Israel would release another 110 Palestinian prisoners in the third exchange since a ceasefire in Gaza took effect last week. 
The 38-year-old was sentenced to three and a half years in prison for possession of the stolen mountain board and a set of headphones

A man found in possession of a stolen motorised skateboard was serving a suspended portion of a 15-year sentence and on bail for 25 other offences, a court has heard.

The 38-year-old was sentenced to three and a half years in prison for possession of the stolen mountain board and a set of headphones.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Jason Paget, who is currently serving a sentence in the Midlands Prison, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of stolen property from an address on Clanbrassil Street, Dublin 8 on December 6, 2021.

Passing sentence today, Judge Patricia Ryan said the aggravating factors included that he was on bail for 25 offences and under a suspended sentence when this was committed.

The Central Criminal Court had imposed a 15-year sentence on him in 2011 for aggravated sexual assault. The final five years were suspended, and he was released in 2018 with the five-year suspended term to begin then.

She noted the mitigating factors, which included his rehabilitation efforts, expressions of remorse and that he was, in his own words, in the throes of addiction at the time.

Judge Ryan said she was taking into account the sentimental value of the mountainboard - a motorised skateboard - and the amount of work the injured party had put into making it.

She imposed a three-and-a-half-year sentence, and backdated it to March 23, 2023, when Paget was charged with the offences.

Paget had been informed in the minutes before he was sentenced today that his release date from his current sentence would be December next, and not in 10 days from now as he and the authorities had expected.

At a previous hearing, Detective Garda Barry Mulvey told Patrick Jackson BL, prosecuting, that on the date in question, a young woman left the apartment that she shared with her brother at about 2pm. When she returned later that night, she discovered that her home had been broken into.

The court heard that the gardai were alerted and CCTV from a nearby business was obtained. A man, later identified as Paget, was seen with items taken from the apartment. One of the items was a mountainboard. Paget was later arrested, interviewed and was shown CCTV footage along with other evidence.

Det Gda Mulvey told the court that Paget has 38 previous convictions, which included a conviction for aggravated sexual assault and aggravated burglary. The court also heard that Paget was on bail for 25 separate convictions when he carried out this offending.

Gda Barry Mulvey agreed with Karl Monaghan, BL, defending, that all matters his client was on bail for at the time were district court matters.

The garda agreed with counsel that when Paget carried out the aggravated sexual assault, he was only 16 years of age.

Mr Monaghan said that Paget is now an enhanced prisoner and is no longer taking methadone.

Counsel said his client is working as a cleaner in prison and has caused no problems and is getting on well.

He said that upon his release his client would like to return to the UK where his family is based. Documents including a Governors report were handed into the court.
Martin Ball (36) was identified through RTEs Crimecall programme, it is alleged

Martin Ball was identified through RTEs Crimecall programme, it is alleged

This is the Dublin man who appeared in court yesterday accused of assaulting a woman on board a bus in the south of the city.

Martin Ball (36) who was charged over an alleged assault on a passenger on a bus service was identified through RTEs Crimecall programme, it is alleged.

Judge Paula Murphy granted him bail and adjourned the case for the directions of the DPP.

Mr Ball, from Gleann Na Heorna, Springfield, Tallaght is charged with assault causing harm to a woman on a bus at Grange Road, Rathfarnham on May 29 last year.

Martin Ball was identified through RTEs Crimecall programme, it is alleged

Garda Sergeant Bryan Duff handed in to court a certificate setting out evidence of the accuseds arrest, charge and caution.

He said the DPPs directions were required in the case and there was no objection to bail subject to conditions. Defence barrister Fergal McMorrow said the accused was consenting to the conditions which had been flagged by the prosecution.

Judge Murphy set bail in Mr Balls own bond of 300, with no cash lodgement required.

Mr McMorrow said there was no difficulty with any of the conditions except for a requirement for Mr Ball to sign on three times per week at Tallaght Garda Station.

He said his client had no previous convictions and was working in a full-time job, so three times a week was a little bit onerous.

Judge Murphy asked Sgt Duff why the condition was sought.

I think it was the nature of the charge and the time its taken to locate him, he replied, adding that Mr Balls alleged identification was through Crimecall.

Judge Murphy said she would leave the signing-on at three times weekly but this could be revisited later.

Tallaght Garda Station was open 24 hours per day and the accused could go on his way to or from work, she said.

Under other bail conditions, the accused must live at the home address given, and notify gardai of any change. He is to stay away from and off the S8 Go Ahead bus service in any direction and to have no contact, directly or indirectly with the alleged victim or any prosecution witnesses.

Mr Ball is also to commit no offences and be of good behaviour. The accused was not required to address the court during the brief hearing and was remanded on bail to appear again on March 12.

The charge is under Section 3 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.
Father of two Richard Kearney was ideal for crime group as he had no convictions

An Irish Defence Forces corporal convicted for his role in a 6.6m money-laundering operation was working on behalf of The Family gang, the Irish Independent can reveal.

It has also emerged that Richard Kearney (36), who was jailed yesterday for three years, was involved in laundering cash for drug-dealing gangs based in the Tallaght area of Dublin.

A source said gardai investigated his links with truck drivers who were involved in bringing huge amounts of cash in and out of the country on behalf of organised crime gangs.

It is understood The Family, based in west Dublin, have overtaken the Kinahan cartel as Irelands most significant illegal drugs organisation.

Kearney is the latest person to be jailed for money-laundering offences linked to the gang. Our photo shows him posing with a firearm and dressed in an official military uniform. However, he was being tracked by several specialist garda units.

Kearney showed little emotion when the jail sentence was imposed by Judge Martin Nolan at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

After it was handed down, the Irish Defence Forces issued a statement saying proceedings for discharge had begun.

The Defence Forces unequivocally condemns any actions by serving personnel that are contrary to military regulations or that do not reflect our values, a spokesman said.

Any conviction in a civilian court has implications for the retention and service of members of the Defence Forces, as stipulated in military regulations.

In this case, as a result of todays decision, the individuals commanding officer has initiated the proceedings for discharge, and this process is ongoing.

Kearney, of Shancastle Drive, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, pleaded guilty to having 25,000, knowing or being reckless as to whether it was the proceeds of crime at an address in Fernwood Lawn, Tallaght, on May 6, 2022.

He had no previous convictions, which made him an ideal employee for The Family as he was considered off the radar.

Around Christmas 2020, he was approached and offered a friendly loan, but he found himself in over his head

Garda Vincent Jaffray told Alison Fynes BL, prosecuting, that a phone seized during the search of Kearneys rented home contained communication with drug dealers.

Gda Jaffray said the conversations showed amounts of money, locations and dates. They also suggested that Kearney was responsible for laundering 6.6m and 250,000 sterling between April 2021 and May 2022.

Gda Jaffray said the search also uncovered 10,455 in cash, which was concealed in a bed frame, and 15,000 wrapped in clingfilm in a freezer.

Kearney admitted during interview that he was the only person who lived in the flat and confirmed it was his phone.

Gda Jaffray said analysis of Kearneys bank statements showed he had no legitimate way of making the amount of money found in his home.

The officer agreed with Ciara Ni Ghabhann BL, defending, that Kearney caused no trouble during interview and answered all questions put to him.

Ms Ni Ghabhann told Judge Nolan that her client is a father of two and acts as a parent to his partners four children.

She said that around Christmas 2020, he was approached and offered a friendly loan, but he found himself in over his head.

Counsel said threats started to come in and Kearney had to get involved in the offence as a result.

Judge Nolan pointed to phone evidence that demonstrated Kearney was involved in very substantial money laundering.

He accepted Kearney is unlikely to come before the courts again and stated that he has many good points.

He noted the maximum penalty available to the court was 14 years and said a headline sentence of six years was appropriate. The judge reduced the sentence to three years, having taken into account mitigating features of the case.
Despite police objections, David Kinnaird, from Upton Court, was released from custody on Thursday

A 30-year-old Belfast man accused of strangling and falsely imprisoning a woman in her own home has been granted bail.

Despite police objections, David Kinnaird, from Upton Court, was released from custody on Thursday.

Prior to granting the bail application at Belfast Crown Court, Judge Sandra Crawford was addressed by a prosecuting barrister and Kinnaird's solicitor.

Telling the judge the application was being opposed, the Crown barrister said that Kinnaird was facing six charges dating back to last March and April.

These charges, she said, included non-fatal strangulation, false imprisonment, assault and criminal damage.

Regarding the offences alleged to have been committed on March 13, 2024, the prosecutor said a female claimed that after her and Kinnaird had a verbal row in her home, he prevented her from leaving the property.

The woman also claimed that as she was trying to leave, Kinnaird slammed a door on her hand, broke a pane of glass, punched her several times in the ribs and choked her to the point where she lost consciousness.

The Crown barrister added that the woman also alleges Kinnaird damaged a TV before she "attempted to leave the property around noon.

"But was told she wasn't allowed to leave and only was allowed to leave at 4.30 in the afternoon when he left," the legal rep added.

In addition, the woman claims that on April 2, 2024 she received an abusive threat by voice message on Instagram from a male who she said was Kinnaird.

Telling Judge Crawford the alleged offences occurred when Kinnaird was on bail for "domestic-related" charges against another female, the Crown barrister said the defendant had breached bail in the past.

Having been granted bail for the alleged offences last March and April, Kinnaird breached conditions imposed by calling at the alleged injured party's home.

He was also absent from his bail address when police called and was subsequently returned to custody.

Regarding this application for bail, the prosecutor said police had concerns regarding the proposed bail address which is in close proximity to the property where the alleged offences last March occurred.

The prosecutor added that the alleged injured party "has expressed her concerns to police about being concerned about retaliation from the defendant as a result of her complaint against him."

Pointing out Kinnaird had breached bail previously granted by calling at her home last June, the prosecutor added: "It's the police's view that the defendant has shown repeatedly that he is unable to comply with bail conditions.

"The police position is that bail is strongly opposed... they are very concerned about the risk this defendant poses to this injured party."

A solicitor acting for Kinnaird addressed the breach in June 2024 when his client called at the woman's home.

He told Judge Crawford: "My instruction in relation to that specific breach is that there was no exact malice intended in going to that address.

"He should never have been there in the first place... his instruction is that he went to that address to pick up items of clothing."

The solicitor said that if granted bail, an exclusion zone could be imposed and that Kinnaird "knows that he had to stay away from that address" and "understands" he cannot have any contact with the alleged injured party.

The solicitor referred to issues Kinnaird has with alcohol and poor mental health before claiming there client has had a "very reflective experience" while in custody meaning he now realises the detrimental affect his alcohol intake is having.

After listening to submissions from both the Crown and defence, Judge Crawford said that whilst Kinnaird was facing serious charges, she was prepared to give him "a last chance."

Granting the application to release Kinnaird - who attended the hearing via a videolink with HMP Maghaberry, Judge Crawford warned him that if he committed any further breaches he would be returned to custody.

The conditions of bail include residing at the proposed bail address and adhering to an exclusion zone which encompasses the area where the alleged injured party lives and which Kinnaird is banned from entering.
Judge Nolan said this was a serious criminal enterprise, and serious profits were made

A man and a woman have both received prison sentences for their roles in a serious criminal enterprise in which they posed as learner drivers and sat the driver theory test on behalf of others.

Alina Glont (42) of Charlestown Place, Finglas, Dublin 11 and Daniel Stepien (29) with an address at Annfield Court, Clonsilla, Dublin 15 both pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to two counts of conspiracy.

The offences took place on dates between September 2018 and June 2021.

The court previously heard that gardai have identified 124 incidents where someone from a group of five individuals, including the two defendants, went to a test centre and took the theory test on behalf of third parties. Stepien sat 68 theory tests with Glont completing 20.

While separate investigations are ongoing, some third parties have reported paying amounts between 1,000 and 2,000 to the group, the court was told.

After hearing the facts of the case yesterday, Judge Martin Nolan adjourned the case overnight to consider sentencing.

Today, Judge Nolan said the defendants were part of a conspiracy to do the driving theory test for third parties who did not do it.

He said the court must infer those parties had no great understanding of English language and wished to get someone else to do test.

He said this was a serious criminal enterprise, and serious profits were made, which he estimated to be around 100,000.

All services given by the State have to be open to people to take advantage of and therefore are open to fraud, the judge said.

Alina Glont

Judge Nolan noted the defendants' guilty pleas, personal circumstances, and previous convictions, which he described as relevant.

He said their behaviour was quite serious.

Judge Nolan said Stepien was extensively involved but had a lesser role than other parties. He handed him a 32-month prison sentence, backdated to December 19, when he entered his guilty plea.

He said the court accepted to some extent that Glont was acting under the control of her ex-partner and that there was some credence to the quasi-duress submission made on her behalf.

But, he said Glont was an accomplished, mature woman in her 30s when she involved herself in this serious escapade and imposed a two-and-a-half year sentence.

Detective Garda Barry Cormack told Kieran Kelly BL, prosecuting, that the two accused were part of a group of five individuals involved in a scheme to take driver theory tests on behalf of third parties.

He told the court that information was obtained that third parties contacted the group, and then arrangements were made for one of the group to pose as a learner driver at a theory test centre to sit the test using a computerised system.

When the theory test was completed successfully, a pass certificate would be issued, which could be used by a third party to apply for a driving test.

After receiving confidential information, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) started its own investigation in January 2021. The following June, the RSA reported 36 potential impersonations to the gardai.

Gardai searched Glont's home and found seven prepaid debit cards registered with false names and addresses. These cards were used to book over 100 theory tests.

Driver theory test books and sums of cash in sterling and euro were also recovered and Glont's phone was seized.

The court heard nothing of probative value was obtained when Glont was first interviewed by gardai in 2021.

When interviewed for a second time in 2023, she admitted her role and was cooperative with the investigation. She told gardai she booked the tests and would direct Stepien to attend certain tests.

Stepien was also interviewed, but nothing of evidential value was obtained. The court heard evidence that he was directed by others and is considered by gardai to be at the lowest rung of the hierarchy.

Det Gda McCormack said gardai have suspicions about the other members of the group, but they are not before the courts.

Glont has five previous convictions, including handling stolen property and using a false instrument.

Stepien has 30 previous convictions, including deception, theft, and road traffic offences.

In November 2022, he was jailed for three and half years after pleading guilty to making a demand with menace. He and two other men blackmailed a teenager by threatening to disclose explicit photographs from her OnlyFans account to her family and friends if she didnt hand over 10,000.

Stepien currently has an earliest release date of June 2025.

Det Gda Cormack agreed with counsel for both accused that their pleas were beneficial to the prosecution.

He agreed with Simon Matthews BL, defending Stepien, that his client was paid low amounts for his involvement, receiving 150 per test, and was at the lowest rung of the ladder.

It was further accepted that Stepien told gardai he was struggling with gambling and substance addiction issues at the time and that it was clear that photos on theory test certificates were of the defendant.

Det Gda Cormack accepted a suggestion from counsel representing Glont that her ex-partner is a person of interest in the investigation and that he left the jurisdiction around the time she was first arrested in 2021.

He further agreed that Glont has not come to garda attention since June 2021.

It was further accepted that Glont outlined that her ex-partner was violent and coercive when interviewed by gardai for a second time in 2023.

Det Gda Cormack also agreed with counsel for Glont that Stepien told gardai Glont's ex-partner got him involved in the scheme and wouldn't allow him to stop.

Mr Matthews asked the court to take into consideration his client's guilty plea, the contents of a governor's report and clean urine analysis.

He said Stepien is doing well in custody and has enhanced prisoner status. Counsel said the offending in this case took place around the same time as the offence for which Stepien is currently in custody.

Stepien's father passed away in early 2021, and he arranged the funeral. He also had gambling debts of 10,000 at this time. He has one young child and has a good work history.

A number of references and an offer of work upon his release were also handed to the court. Mr Matthews said his client outlines in a letter to the court that he is addressing his gambling and substance addiction issues while in custody.

Mr Matthews said his client accepts responsibility for his actions and has taken significant steps to rehabilitate while in custody. He asked the court to give Stepien a chance.

Counsel asked the court to take into account his client's early guilty plea, her personal circumstances and all other available mitigation.

Counsel for Glont asked the court to find truth in her assertions of violence and coercion by her ex-partner.

He suggested her offending took place during a period when her ex-partner was controlling her, she was offending on his behalf and under his control.

He submitted that her behaviour has been strikingly different since her ex-partner left the jurisdiction and she has thrived, taking up work, setting up her own business and completing further education courses.

A number of references were handed in to the court from Glont's family members along with her former workplace. Glont set up a chauffeur business after obtaining her PSV and bus driving licence and has two children.
The man finds his behaviour hard to believe, court heard

A father of one who called his former partner a tramp, threatened to break her jaw and warned her to sleep with one eye open finds it hard to believe he behaved in such a way, a court has heard.

The man, who is in his 40s, was deeply upset by what had happened and was now isolated from his family due to his behaviour.

Judge Michael Connellan fined the defendant 300 and imposed a three-month sentence, which he suspended for a period of two years.

The defendant, with an address in north Co Dublin, admitted a number of safety order breaches, as well as making threats to cause criminal damage.

A garda witness told Swords District Court that on dates in October 2023, April 2024 and May 2024, the defendant had been verbally abusive towards his ex-partner.

He called the woman a tramp, threatened to break her jaw, told her that her day will come and to sleep with one eye open, the garda said.

The defendant also told the victim youre dead, that her house would be targeted and smashed up, and she had better get me before I get you.

The court heard that the defendant had a number of previous convictions, mostly for minor road traffic matters. He had no history of violent behaviour, the court heard.

In a victim impact statement, his ex-partner said the defendants behaviour had impacted her self-confidence and self-esteem. She had had trouble sleeping at night, and the incidents and threats had unnerved her a lot.

She had been forced to get a doorbell camera for safety, as he had told her to watch her back as it would not be him who attacked her or her home.

Defence solicitor Fiona DArcy said her client was very sorry for his behaviour, and he had found it hard to believe that he would have said the things alleged.

Ms DArcy said the defendant had no intention to put his ex-partner in fear, nor had he any intention of carrying out any of the threats.

The solicitor said that her client was now isolated from his family, was deeply upset by what had happened and was suffering anxiety and depression.

Ms DArcy asked the judge to be as lenient as possible, saying the defendant was concerned about going to jail.

The defendant now hoped to draw a line in the sand on these matters and move on with his life, the court heard.
Alanna Quinn Idris was struck in the face with the saddle of an electric scooter

A Dublin man has pleaded guilty to procuring the commission of an assault, which left a then seventeen-year-old girl blind in one eye.

Alanna Quinn Idris was struck in the face with the saddle of an electric scooter by a member of a gang, fracturing her eye socket and leaving her permanently blind in her right eye.

Jack Cummins (21), with an address at Rossmore Road, Ballyfermot was before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court today/yesterday (Thursday), where he pleaded guilty to procuring the commission of assault causing serious harm to Ms Quinn Idris on Ballyfermot Road on December 30, 2021. He had been due to stand trial.

A second man who took part in the attack was handed a sentence of four and a half years in March 2023.

Alanna Quinn Idris after the attack

Darragh Lyons (21) of Weir View, Glenaulin, Chapelizod, Dublin 20, pleaded guilty to assault causing serious harm to Ms Quinn Idris, assault causing harm to her friend Louis O'Sullivan and violent disorder on Ballyfermot Road on December 30, 2021.

A third man, Josh Cummins (20) of Raheen Drive, Ballyfermot, received a five-year sentence, with the final two years suspended in November 2023 for his role in the incident

He pleaded guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Ms Quinn Idris. He further pleaded guilty to a count of violent disorder and one of production of an article, a hurl, in the course of a dispute.

He also pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Louis O'Sullivan as part of the same incident.

Judge Patricia Ryan heard today/yesterday (Thursday) that Cummins has no previous convictions.

She remanded him on continuing bail and directed the preparation of a probation report, along with a victim impact statement. He is due to be sentenced on May 12, 2025.
Raymond Hall (58) of Abbeylands, Duleek, Co Meath, was charged with possessing drugs for sale or supply

A MAN has been sent forward for trial in connection with the seizure of 8.5m worth of cannabis at a storage lock-up in Dublin.

Detectives with the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) allegedly uncovered 426 kilogrammes of cannabis at U Store It Self Storage, M50 Business Park, Ballymount Road Upper, on October 11 last year.

Four men were arrested in relation to this incident.

Raymond Hall, 58, of Abbeylands, Duleek, Co Meath, was charged with possessing drugs for sale or supply.

He was subsequently charged with possessing drugs worth more than 13,000 at the storage facility and for having 54,499 in crime proceeds at his home address.

Mr Hall, on bail with a 5,000 lodgement and a 30,000 independent surety, was served with a book of evidence when he appeared at Dublin District Court today.

Cannabis seized in Ballymount

Judge Aylmer noted the Director of Public Prosecutions directed trial on indictment. He agreed to grant a return-for-trial order sending Mr Hall forward to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The case is scheduled to be listed on March 13, along with co-defendants who have already had their cases transferred to the higher court.

Mr Hall has not yet entered a plea. As part of his bail conditions, he has surrendered his passport and must not apply for new travel documents. He is prohibited from contacting the co-defendants, and must remain reachable by phone, and sign on three days a week at a local garda station.

The judge warned him he must notify the prosecution if he intends to use an alibi and he was granted free legal aid, including senior counsel representation, due to the gravity of the case.

Three other men  from India, the Netherlands, and Moldova  are also before the courts on connected charges.

An earlier bail hearing was told that the defendants "made no reply" when charged at Crumlin and Rathfarnham Garda stations.
The other three teens arrested have been released from custody pending referral to the Garda Youth Diversion Programme

One of four teenage boys arrested yesterday in a crackdown on anti-social behaviour at Dublin train stations has been charged.

He is due to appear before the Children's Court this morning.

The other three teens arrested have been released from custody pending referral to the Garda Youth Diversion Programme.

They had been arrested yesterday in connection with eight separate incidents at Irish Rail stations in north Dublin.

The four juveniles were arrested by gardai from the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) North as officers with the Raheny and Coolock Community Engagement (CE) and Crime Hubs conducted a number of searches in collaboration with Irish Rail.

Four juvenile males were arrested in connection with eight separate incidents, which occurred in recent months at Irish Rail stations in the North of Dublin, a garda spokesperson said yesterday.

The four males are currently detained pursuant to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984, at garda stations in the north Dublin area.

Investigations are ongoing.
They released footage showing the moment heavily-armed officers used battering rams to smash into the property where the Breaking Bad-style laboratory was discovered

SPANISH police confirmed today they seized millions of pounds worth of drugs from a secret lab veteran Irish criminal John Gilligan was allegedly running from his Costa Blanca home. This pic:Police raid Gilligan's Drug lab at his Villa. Photo: Solarpix.com

Spanish police confirmed they seized millions of euro worth of drugs from a 'secret lab' veteran Irish criminal John Gilligan was allegedly running from his Costa Blanca home. Photo: solarpix.com

SPANISH police confirmed today they seized millions of pounds worth of drugs from a secret lab veteran Irish criminal John Gilligan was allegedly running from his Costa Blanca home. This pic:Police raid GilliganOs Drug lab at his Villa Photo: solarpix.com

Spanish police confirmed today they seized a huge quantity of drugs from a secret lab veteran Irish criminal John Gilligan was allegedly running from his Costa Blanca home as they issued the first images of the operation leading to his take-down.

They released footage showing the moment heavily-armed officers used battering rams to smash into the property where the Breaking Bad-style laboratory was discovered - along with a weapon wrapped in plastic and left inside a bricked-up hideaway on an outside wall.

Spanish police raided a 'secret lab' allegedly run by John Gilligan (centre). Credit: Solarpix.com

Spanish police raid a secret lab veteran criminal John Gilligan was allegedly running from his Costa Blanca home

In their first official comment on Gilligans arrest last month, detectives accused him of flooding the regions streets with illegal narcotics including toxic pink cocaine, with the help of a North Macedonia criminal gang he allegedly led.

Spanish police confirmed they seized millions of euro worth of drugs from a 'secret lab' veteran Irish criminal John Gilligan was allegedly running from his Costa Blanca home. Photo: solarpix.com

The dramatic firearms discovery at the property near the holiday resort of Torrevieja signalled a re-run of his October 2020 drugs arrest at a nearby villa.

It emerged earlier this month Gilligan, 72, had been remanded in a Costa prison 15 months after he admitted to running a Spain-to-Ireland cannabis and sleeping pill smuggling ring and illegal possession of a firearm.

He agreed a plea bargain deal in September 2023 with prosecutors as his trial got underway and was handed a suspended 22-month jail sentence.

Today detectives specialising in fighting organised crime revealed they had detected an increase in Gilligans criminal activity just nine months after he avoided prison as they went public for the first time on the huge scale of his alleged drugs trafficking operation.

A picture from the raid. Photo: Solarpix.com

Well-placed sources revealed most of the narcotics seized, including more than 16 kilos of dangerous pink cocaine, had been discovered at the clandestine drugs lab he was allegedly running.

One said: We believe the criminal organisation if it hadnt been smashed could have produced between 300 and 600 kilos of illegal drugs based on the substances seized at the lab.

Its difficult to say exactly what the drugs street value could have been but weve calculated it would have been between EUROS four and eight million.

The police operation leading to Gilligans December 18 arrest was named Operation Overlord and involved officers from elite Spanish police anti-drug units including one based in the province of Murcia south of Alicante as well as the UKs National Crime Agency.

A spokesman for the National Police in Murcia said in the forces first statement on Gilligans arrest today, where he wasnt named but was described as a member of the Irish mafia: The National Police has dismantled a synthetic drugs lab.

Nine people have been arrested including the leader of the criminal organisation, a man belonging to the Irish mafia who had expanded his criminal activities to several parts of the eastern Spanish coast and continually changed home between the provinces of Murcia and Alicante to hinder his localisation.

Police during the raid. Photo: Solarpix

More than 16 kilos of tusi or pink cocaine have been seized along with two and a half kilos of cocaine, 540 litres of precursors for synthetic drugs, and a 75 litre drum of methylamine, which is a key precursor in the manufacture of methamphetamines.

Officers have also confiscated different instruments and machinery needed to produce drugs, as well as a revolver hidden among bricks.

As well as elite anti-drugs Spanish police UDYCO units including one in Murcia, the UKs National Crime Agency was also involved in taking down the Irishman.

The Spanish National Police in Murcia added: Thanks to the joint operation with the NCA, a family crime clan of Macedonian origin, based in the Murcian village of La Alberca, was identified.

They allegedly operated under the orders of the Irish criminal with the aim of making and distributing different types of drugs in the region on a regular basis.

John Gilligan

The police investigation led to the arrest of the alleged leader at a villa in Orihuela Costa on December 18 last year.

A clandestine lab had been set up inside to make and adulterate different types of drugs, mainly the narcotic known as tusi or pink cocaine.

An important increase in the consumption of this drug had been detected at nightspot and other black spots in the city of Murcia.

Two more raids were subsequently carried out in La Alberca at residential properties belonging to the organisations Macedonian clan where a significant amount of drugs of the same type as those found at the dismantled clandestine lab were also seized.

With the substances seized in the lab its estimated the criminal gang could have produced between 300 and 600 kilograms of drugs.

It comes 15 months after Gilligan was caught for a drugs courier service he had been operation.

The consignments of pills and drugs were sent in boxes containing childrens toys and flip-flops.

Gilligan, who said at the time he was planning to quit Spain, was ordered to pay fines of just over 14,000 on top of his 22-month suspended prison sentence - nine months for the cannabis trafficking charge, nine months for illegal possession of a firearm and four months for exporting prescription-only drugs without licence.

Prosecutors had said they wanted him jailed for more than eight years if convicted of four charges he was originally due to be tried on.

The seven other men accused alongside him in September 2023 on the drugs and medicine supply and export charge at the court in Torrevieja, who included his son Darren, 47, and 51-year-old playboy pal Fat Tony Armstrong, were given suspended 18-month prison sentences.

John Gilligan is understood to have been remanded to Alicantes Fontcalent Prison following his latest arrest.

Gilligan was tried for journalist Veronica Guerins murder with other members of his drugs gang after a former soldier who prepared the gun used to kill her agreed to turn states witness and was given immunity from prosecution.

Judge Darmuid ODonovan admitted as he acquitted him at theSpecial Criminal Court he had grave suspicions the drugs baron was involved in the killing.

Former friend Brian Tosser Meehan was convicted of the crime reporters murder.

Although Gilligan was acquitted of ordering the reporters murder in 2001, he was convicted of importing two tons of cannabis resin worth 32 million and sentenced to 28 years in prison which was reduced on appeal.
DOHA, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who arrived in Damascus for a visit earlier on Thursday, reaffirmed his country's unwavering support for Syria's unity, sovereignty and independence.

According to a statement from the Emiri Diwan, the administrative office of the emir, Al Thani met with Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa on the latest developments in Syria, ways to strengthen bilateral relations, and regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Al Thani stressed the need for a government that represents all segments of Syrian society for the further stabilization, reconstruction, and sustainable development of Syria, said the statement.

He reiterated Qatar's commitment to supporting the Syrian people in their pursuit of unity, justice, and freedom.

For his part, al-Sharaa thanked Qatar for its steadfast stance and continued support, affirming that the coming phase will witness strategic cooperation between the two sides across various sectors.

Later in the day, Al Thani wrote on social media platform X that the meeting was "filled with positivity and optimism for Syria's bright future and strengthening of relations between our two brotherly nations."

Al Thani's visit to Damascus, the first by an Arab leader since a change in Syria's government last December, comes as Syria's interim administration seeks to rebuild ties with regional states, following years of isolation during the country's civil conflict.

It follows meetings between Syrian and Qatari officials, including a trip to Damascus by Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani earlier this month.

Also on Thursday, Qatar's prime minister and foreign minister met with visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi to discuss bilateral relations and the latest developments in Syria, reiterating Doha's efforts to resolve regional conflicts and emphasizing cooperation with regional partners to promote stability and peace. 
Dylan Mangan (26) of Patrick Heaney Crescent, Dublin 1, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court

A man who attempted to extort two innocent people by threatening to slit childrens throats, burn down one of their family homes and kill them has been jailed for five years.

Dylan Mangan (26) of Patrick Heaney Crescent, Dublin 1, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to charges of making unwarranted demands with menace in March 2020.

His co-accused Des Smyth (25), with an address at The Island, Chaplizod, pleaded guilty to the same offence.

Last month, Judge Orla Crowe imposed a sentence of four years and suspended the final 18 months for three years to encourage Smyth in his drug rehabilitation. She said at that hearing that Smyth was a henchman in an attempt to extort two innocent people.

Yesterday Judge Martin Nolan jailed Mangan for five years. He described it as an insidious offence and said threats were made to two people which included threats to kill them, slit throats of their children and burn down houses.

He acknowledged that Mangan pleaded guilty and has demonstrated remorse but said the threats were both menacing and frightening.

At the sentence hearing earlier this month, Detective Garda Sarah Barry told Diana Stuart BL, prosecuting, that the charges related to two separate victims - a man whose half-brother was a drug dealer and owed a debt and this mans boss.

Both victims had nothing to do with the drug industry and were unconnected to the debt.

Det Gda Barry said CCTV footage showed Smyth and Mangan arriving at the first victims place of work on March 20, 2020. They called to the office and said the first victim owed them money.

They told the staff that the man owed 20,000 and that they would return the following day to collect.

They spoke to the mans boss and told this man that they knew where he lived and threatened to fucking slit your kids throats if they did not get their money.

Det Gda Barry confirmed that this second victim had concerns for his family. The men left and this victim rang his employee who confirmed that he didnt owe anybody any money.

Later that day, the second victim got a phone call from a number connected with the co-accused but there was no evidence to confirm which of the men were speaking to him as the man could hear two people speaking.

The man told the callers that he didnt have any money to give them, but the callers replied that he had a car, a house and named his other business. He told the callers that the first victim would sort it out.

He later got a further five calls from a private number but he didnt answer them.

Det Gda Barry confirmed that the first victim lived a clean life and had no drug addictions. He had been working for the second victim for five years.

The first victim got a call from his sister who told him that a note had been put through their door saying they were looking for one of his relatives and if they did not get the 20,000, they would burn the house down.

Det Gda Barry confirmed that the first victims half brother owed a debt.

Further phone calls were received, again threatening to kill the victim if the money was not handed over. The callers knew his wifes name and the fact he had children.

Gardai were alerted and confidential information led to Smyth and Mangan being nominated as suspects. CCTV footage from their arrival at the victims place of work also led to their identification.

On Mangans arrest, the gardai dialled the number that had been connected to the threats and Mangans phone rang. He gave no comment during a follow up interview.

Mangan has 18 previous and has been serving a sentence for an earlier offence. He is due for release in September this year.

John Berry SC, defending, said his client had written a letter expressing his remorse. He does not have a drug addiction, but has a gambling problem.

Counsel acknowledged that it was a nasty type of crime and that the men had asked for immediate payment.

Mr Berry said his client was under pressure at the time but counsel said those pressures are no longer part of his life.
One of the men ended up with a meat cleaver stuck in his back and needed a blood transfusion

Two take-away workers who attacked one another with meat cleavers in a row over "who was the better chef" have been sent to prison after their original sentences of community service were deemed too lenient.

Dawei Zhang (38) and Han Chung Tang (46) were today sentenced by the three-judge Court of Appeal to two years and six months in prison with the final 12 months suspended on condition they be of good behaviour.

The court overturned the original sentence of 240 hours of community service handed down by Judge Martina Baxter at the Circuit Court last year.

The court heard that one of the men ended up with a meat cleaver stuck in his back and needed a blood transfusion along with treatment for stab wounds to his head, forearm and back.

The other man suffered lacerations to his scalp, chest and shoulder.

Joe Mulrean BL, for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), told the appeal court that sentences imposed by the courts must deter people from committing violent crimes using dangerous weapons.

He added: "How is general deterrence served if a person can engage in such ferocious acts of violence and walk out of court without a significant punishment?"

Mr Mulrean played CCTV footage which showed Zhang initially attacking Tang in the kitchen of the restaurant without a weapon in what the court described as "fisticuffs".

Mr Mulrean said Tang accepted in garda interviews that he was first to take up a meat cleaver but when the two men went through a back door of the kitchen to an area not covered by CCTV, they were both armed with cleavers.

Dawei Zhang

Tang received the worst injuries and ended up with a cleaver "buried in his back which broke his shoulder blade," counsel said.

John Byrne SC, for Zhang, said Judge Baxter's sentence was lenient but not unduly so. He said the sentencing judge had given a careful and reasoned sentence taking into account his client's lack of previous convictions, good character, work history and early guilty plea.

Padraig Dwyer SC, for Tang, said the incident was an "explosion of violence" after tensions between the two workmates had been simmering.

Both men are of good character and considered low risk for reoffending, Mr Dwyer said, but got "sucked into a violent episode" and picked up weapons that were freely available.

Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy delivered judgment, saying that imprisonment for serious assaults using dangerous weapons is necessary as a deterrent to others. There must be exceptional circumstances to justify a non-custodial sentence and the court found none in this case, he said.

Mr Justice McCarthy quashed the original sentence of community service on the grounds it was unduly lenient and imposed in its place one of two-and-a-half years imprisonment with the final 12 months suspended.

Both men entered bonds to be of good behaviour during the period of their suspended sentence before being taken away by prison officers.

The defendants were preparing food in the kitchen of Jumbo Wok takeaway in Kimmage, Dublin, in July 2019 when a verbal argument became violent.

Zhang, of Cloonlara Square, Phoenix Park Racecourse, Castleknock, Dublin, pleaded guilty to one count of assault causing harm and one count of producing a knife in the course of a dispute at the restaurant on July 27, 2019.

Tang, of Millbrook, Portlaoise, Co Laois, pleaded guilty to the same charges.

During a sentencing hearing last year, Judge Baxter said the pair were intent on causing serious harm to each other over who was the better chef. She said the violence on the day was gratuitous and noted there was blood everywhere in the aftermath of the incident.

Dawei Zhang

At an earlier sentence hearing, Detective Garda Marcus Sweeney said that the pair had a tense history, with the argument that day starting over the shared workload.

A physical fight ensued, which was captured on camera before the pair broke apart and Zhang left the kitchen to have a cigarette.

When he returned to the kitchen, the pair started fighting again before Tang grabbed a meat cleaver and swung it at Zhang, hitting him on the head and shoulder a number of times, the court heard.

In an incident that was not captured on camera, Zhang then stabbed Tang a number of times. Another restaurant worker discovered Tang collapsed in the backyard in a pool of blood, while Zhang was bleeding heavily from the head. There was blood all over the kitchen floor, the court heard.

An ambulance and gardai were called and emergency services worked to staunch the flow of blood in Tang's case. He was taken to hospital with multiple stab wounds to his head, forearm, and back and required blood transfusions.

Zhang required medical treatment for lacerations to his scalp, chest and shoulder.
A week of sitting and talking by your bedside but youre not talking back

Charlotte Gallen pictured with Charles Dooher who remains in hospital with serious injuries PHOTO: Facebook

The girlfriend of Charles Dooher who remains in hospital with serious injuries after a horror attack at his home in Donegal has said life is on hold.

Charlotte Gallen, who has been maintaining a bedside vigil since Charles, who is in his 20s, was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, appealed for prayers.

One week since life was put on hold, Charlotte posted on Facebook.

A week of sitting and talking by your bedside but youre not talking back.

While she thanked everyone for your prayers and kind messages she appealed for them to keep the prayers coming, theyre needed now more than ever.

Gardai are investigating the incident which occurred in Lifford on Monday, January 20, when Charles and his father, who is in his 60s, were seriously assaulted at the house at around 10am.

It is believed that a group of masked men, armed with steel batons, entered their home on the Conneyburrow Road, Lifford.

Charles father was brought by ambulance to Letterkenny University Hospital for treatment of less-serious injuries.

Charles Dooher

As Mr Doohers family asked the public to continue to pray for Charles recovery, his partner, Charlotte, urged anyone with information to come forward and contact gardai.

In an earlier online post she wrote: 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 have 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 bed side 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.

Gardai had earlier renewed their appeal for any witnesses to this incident to come forward.

Last week, two men arrested in Derry by the PSNI in connection with the attack were released on bail.

Anybody who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) from the Coneyburrow Road, Lifford between 10am and 11am on that date is 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."

Meanwhile, Naomh Padraig GAA club in Lifford are holding a seven-a-side fundraising tournament on February 16, 2025 in aid of Charles Dooher.

A spokesperson for the club said, We are holding a 7-a-side fundraiser at our pitch on the 16th of February in aid of Charles Dooher, who is currently in hospital fighting for his life.

"Charles is a vital member of our club and we hope he makes a full and speedy recovery and back home with his family doing what he loves best.

Our 7-a-side (3 subs) will consist of 3 players that are currently playing GAA for a club.

"The other members of your team have to be past players or your mother, father, granny, or grandad.

"It's a day of fun and to bring our community together for a great cause. All money raised will help Charles's family with travelling up and down to Belfast.

Always keep Charles in your thoughts and prayers.

If you are interested in entering a team into the competition, message the clubs Facebook page.
CRIME WORLD | Episode 860: John George's funeral set for this weekend as murder probe continues

He vanished while on holidays in Spain last December

John George

Nicola Tallant Thu 30 Jan 2025 at 10:10






Defence counsel Doireann McDonagh stated it was the boy's first time in court and he found it "overwhelming"

A JUDGE has imposed severe rail travel restrictions on a 15-year-old Dublin boy accused of attacking a man at a Dart station amid a "complex" Garda investigation.

The schoolboy, whose identity cannot be disclosed due to his young age, was arrested during an operation targeting anti-social behaviour at train stations in the Raheny and Coolock areas of Dublin.

He was charged on Wednesday night with assault causing harm to a male at Raheny Dart station, which allegedly occurred on December 5 last.

He was held overnight and appeared before Judge Paul Kelly at the Dublin Children's Court today.

In evidence, Garda Adrian Murphy said the boy made "no reply" when charged.

The court heard that his mother, who was at the hearing, was present and supportive during her son's time in Garda custody.

Defence counsel Doireann McDonagh stated it was the boy's first time in court and he found it "overwhelming".

The garda sought a lengthy adjournment pending directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), due to the complexity of the investigation and to establish if others would be brought before the court.

Judge Kelly noted that the alleged incident started away from the Dart station but continued and concluded there.

It was claimed the teenager was in a group which did not include the alleged injured party, who was not required to attend todays hearing.

There was no objection to bail with conditions set to stay away from train stations and not travel on Irish rail unless, in the presence of a responsible adult, go to school and obey a 9 pm  7 am curfew. Judge Kelly included those terms in the bail bond.

However, after submissions from Ms McDonagh, instructed by solicitor Wayne Kenny, the judge did not agree to the garda's request to prohibit the boy from being in large gatherings or groups of more than four or five in public spaces.

Counsel argued that her client was in school and that this condition could not be enforced.

The boy, who has not yet indicated a plea, was granted legal aid.

He spoke only to confirm that he understood the bail terms and risked being remanded into custody if he broke them. The case is set to resume in May.

Three other boys arrested during the operation have since been released from custody pending referral to the Garda Youth Diversion Programme.
Motor mouth tells our reporter to f**k off you d**k and never contact me again

Killer driver Conrad Doole told our reporter to f**k off when asked to comment on his latest motoring offence

Foul-mouthed grandad Conrad Doole showed no remorse after he was caught doing 103mph in a 60mph zone  despite having already killed someone by driving too fast.

The 53-year-old was in court this week after the Coleraine man was clocked doing 43mph over the limit in his Audi A5.

But despite the court hearing that not only had Doole repeatedly been caught speeding and had other convictions for reckless driving and careless driving, he had also caused the death of a dog walker 16 years ago by speeding  but was only given a two-month ban.

People in his hometown of Coleraine told the Sunday World they are furious with the courts leniency.

How can they just ban him for two months? said one woman who contacted us. Hes already caused the death of a lovely man who was just out walking his dogs.

And it wasnt like it was just a one-off  hes got loads of driving convictions for speeding. Whats it going to take for the court to take it seriously  does he have to kill someone again?

Another complained: All he got was 12 months for that death and I think he even appealed that and had it reduced. Youd think that would have taught him to drive more carefully but he clearly thinks the speed limits are just a suggestion rather than the law.

We contacted speed demon Doole, who loves motor racing and fast cars  to ask him if he planned to slow down.

He replied: My past record is none of your business and I have no further comment to make, thanks.

But when pushed as to whether he was worried he could cause the death of someone else if he didnt stop his speeding ways, he snapped back: F**k off you d**k and never contact me again.

Charmer Doole then blocked us from asking him anything else and completely removed his Facebook profile  which had dozens of pictures of fast cars including the white Audi A5 he was caught speeding in.

Court News NI reported how Ballymena Magistrates Court heard that in March 2009 the defendant was driving near Bushmills when he struck and killed a man walking greyhounds.

District Judge Nigel Broderick said: You would think if you killed somebody and been through that experience and been to the Crown Court and gone to prison, you would think then he is the last person who should be doing 103mph in a 60 zone.

You would think you would be religiously keeping to the speed limit so as to reduce the chance of something similar happening again.

Doole, of Mount Street in Coleraine, admitted doing 103mph in an Audi A5 in a 60mph zone at Ballybogey Road near Ballymoney on September 27 last year. A defence barrister said: It was far too fast.

For the 103mph speed, the defendant was banned from driving for two months and was fined 300.

Grandfather Conrad Doole was caught speeding in his Audi A5 car having previously knocked down and killed a pedestrian 16 years ago

The court heard the defendant had a previous record of 16 convictions, including death by careless driving; five excess speeds and reckless driving in 1993; careless driving in 1994; and no insurance and no seat belt in 2008.

Court documents obtained by the Sunday World regarding Dooles death-driving tragedy show he claimed he had only been doing 50mph when he was driving a van which struck Robert Callaghan as he walked his three greyhounds close to his home on the Causeway Road.

In his appeal he said he had been blinded by the sun but witnesses said he was driving very fast while another witness said Doole had flew past them.

Remarkably, the court was told at the time that no forensics were taken at the scene of the death.

Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan said in his judgment at the Court of Appeal: At interview the applicant described how as he was halfway up the hill towards the brow of the hill he was blinded by the sun.

He put on his window washers and reached for his sun visor.

He had just got the shade in his eyes when he heard the bang. He stopped the van as soon as he heard the bang and got out to see the deceased, who died very shortly afterwards.

The applicant [Doole] immediately dialled 999 for assistance. He stated that he had been travelling at 50mph when he was blinded by the sun and that he had then taken this foot off the accelerator. He said that he did not see the deceased prior to the collision.

The witness who had seen the deceased shortly before his death saw the applicants white van travelling in the opposite direction after she had passed the deceased.

She described it as travelling very fast. Another witness stated that the white van flew past a road junction at which she and her husband had been stationary.

There was no agreed factual basis for the plea provided to the learned judge. It appears that no forensic investigator was directed in relation to this collision.

The learned judge was, therefore, left to make an evaluation of the culpability of the driving on the basis of the facts set out above.

In this case we are satisfied to the requisite standard that the speed of the applicants vehicle was excessive in the circumstances. He should certainly have braked when blinded by the sun

The senior judge also said: The number and nature of his convictions from 1991 to 2001 show a marked disregard for the safety of other road users.

But said: In the absence of a report from a forensic investigator or more reliable evidence about excessive speed we do not consider that this is a case which shaded into the higher category.

His Audi A5

In his judgment there was a mention of how the death of Mr Callaghan had devastated his family.

The father and mother of the deceased have made statements describing the horrendous effects of this death on the whole family, Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan said.

Both have sought counselling and medical attention. Mrs Callaghan described how a part of her has been chopped away and their lives will never be right. Mr Callaghan described how the death of Robert was like losing his best friend as well as his son.

Ruling on the appeal, Sir Declan, sitting with Lord Justices Higgins and Girvan, said it was a case which required a prison sentence but was not one shading into the category close to dangerous driving.

He held: We do not consider that any exceptional factors arise in this case and accordingly we allow the appeal to the extent of varying the term of imprisonment to one of nine months.
Officers remained at a property in Empire Street on Thursday after the discovery on Wednesday

A suspicious object that sparked a security alert in south Belfast is believed to have been an improvised grenade, police have said.

Officers remained at a property in Empire Street on Thursday after the discovery on Wednesday.

Army technical officers have made the device safe and removed it from the area.

A man in his 50s who was arrested as part of the police investigation remained in custody on Thursday morning.

Residents of the street who were evacuated during the alert on Wednesday have been allowed to return home.

PSNI Chief Inspector Mark Conway said: Our investigation is at an early stage, however we are aware of inaccurate online speculation regarding this alert and we advise the public not to rely on such sources for their information.

Once again we thank the community for their patience and co-operation while we carried out this public safety operation. A further update will be provided in due course.
Mack lied to his neighbour, claiming he wanted to use her address to prevent his mum finding out how much money he was spending on clothes and shoes

One of the weapons that was seized

Tyrelle Mack (27) from Luton was sentenced to 13 years in prison

A firearms supplier used his neighbours address to have 12 lethal weapons delivered so his mum woudlnt find out how much money he was spending on clothes and shoes.

Tyrelle Mack (27) from Luton, was sentenced to 13 years at Luton Crown Court on Friday, January 24 after police intercepted the weapons.

Mack had lied to his neighbour, claiming that he wanted to use her address to prevent his mum finding out how much money he was spending on fashion.

A National Crime Agency investigation was launched after four prohibited weapons in two packages from Slovakia and one from the Czech Republic were intercepted by Border Force officers between 2017 and 2018.

One of these parcels was destined for a house in Luton but when officers arrived at the address in November 2018, the recipient said that the parcels were actually owned by her neighbour, Tyrelle Mack.

He was arrested by the NCA later that month.

Mack was identified as the buyer after enquiries in Slovakia revealed that the first two firearms had been purchased by a Slovakian male, who had sold them to an anonymous buyer on a gaming site.

One of the weapons that was seized

His actions did not amount to an offence in Slovakia.

However, NCA investigators discovered Mack had received nine other suspect packages, containing a total of eight guns and three lots of ammunition, from Ostrava in the Czech Republic.

He had requested that the contents be wrapped up nice, please. make sure it doesnt fling around inside the box.

He also asked not to include stickers on the box nothing suggesting where I ordered from.

Two of three other unwitting recipients of firearms who were interviewed revealed they had also been asked to take in parcels on behalf of another individual who they named as Mack.

Another man, Ishtiaq Shah (27) who was a childhood friend of Macks had assisted him by collecting and storing the weapons.

Shah, of Vestry Close, Luton, was subsequently arrested at his home, where a loaded revolver was seized.

Both Mack and Shah were charged with conspiracy to contravene section 170 of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979, and conspiracy to sell or transfer prohibited weapons in August 2023.

The pair pleaded guilty in February 2024. On August 2, 2023, Shah was handed down an 18 months suspended sentence.

Ishtiaq Shah

Mack was sentenced to 13 years on January 24, 2025.

He was sentenced to an additional six years in prison for a firearm offence investigated by the Metropolitan Police that same day, bringing his total sentence to 19 years.

Both Mack and Shah are subject to Serious Crime Prevention Orders, which support the lifetime management of serious criminals and prevent future offending.

Chris Hill, Branch Commander at the National Crime Agency, said Mack and Shah were behind the importation of deadly weapons, which had the potential to inflict serious violence on the streets of the UK, putting members of the public in danger

Macks ploy also put his neighbours at risk, directly involving them in serious criminality and pointing the finger of suspicion at them, Hill said.

Illegal firearms have no place in this country, and the NCA, alongside our partners in policing and Border Force, are committed to combatting their supply, ensuring that the public are kept safe from harm.

No charges were brought against the people who received the packages.
Steve Sansom was out of prison on life licence for another murder when he killed Sarah Mayhew, 38, and dumped her remains in Rowdown Fields, New Addington, south London, last spring

A couple who relished their relationship of sado-masochistic violence killed a woman in a premeditated blood-thirsty murder and dumped her dismembered body in a park, the Old Bailey has heard.

Steve Sansom was out of prison on life licence for another murder when he killed Sarah Mayhew, 38, and dumped her remains in Rowdown Fields, New Addington, south London, last spring.

The 45-year-old builder and his partner Gemma Watts, 49, have admitted murder and perverting the course of justice by dismembering Ms Mayhews body, distributing the parts at various locations and cleaning up the scene.

Prosecutor Tom Little KC told the court that messages between Sansom and Watts show their relationship was characterised by sado-masochistic violence and such was the intensity of their relationship that they have often referred to dying together if caught.

He said: The defendants acting together conducted the planned and premeditated blood-thirsty murder of Sarah Mayhew.

Steve Samson admitted murder (Elizabeth Cook/PA)

It is a murder which the prosecution submit involved sexual and/or sadistic conduct.

Having committed the murder they then made very extensive efforts to pervert the course of justice over a number of days.

Prior to the murder the defendants had exchanged a range of depraved messages including those indicating a desire on their part to kill victims whilst involved in sexual activity with them, with a knife or knives, and then have sex with each other whilst covered in the blood of the victim and they even discussed eating human flesh but we do not suggest they did so.

On Thursday, Sansom, from Sutton, south-west London, and Watts, from New Addington, sat quietly in the dock as details of their kinky sexual relationship  including a stream of messages between them about bestiality, humiliation and causing hurt  were outlined at their sentencing hearing before Mrs Justice Cutts.

Mr Little added: Given what was subsequently to happen to Sarah Mayhew this murderous, sexual and sadistic discussion was manifestly not an idle fantasy.

Ms Mayhew, who lived in New Addington, on the outskirts of Croydon, was never seen again after she joined Sansom, whom she had met years before on a dating site, at his ground floor flat in Sutton at about 11pm on March 8 2024. Watts was already at the property.

Mr Little said: From that point in time she was never seen again and she never left that property alive.

How long she lived for only the defendants know and they have never said.

What precisely happened to her body after she had been murdered by them in that property only the defendants know.

Ms Mayhews head and limbs were found more than eight miles away in Rowdown Field in New Addington, just over three weeks later on April 2 2024.

Her torso was discovered much later in the River Wandle and some pieces of evidence were destroyed or disposed of by the defendants, the court heard.

The prosecution believe Ms Mayhew must have been killed or incapacitated inside Sansoms flat on the night of March 8 to 9 2024 and given the messages sent between the defendants in the months before it is not credible to conclude that she was killed immediately.

Sansom tried later tried to justify what they had done, saying were not evil, we done the world a service.

The court head that Sansom sent Watts a voice message on September 11 2023 which said: Everything looks like meat now dont they? A plaything, something to cut, something to bleed, they all look different now.

She replied: Wonder what they taste like, cooked flesh, maybe even rare so blood drips down our faces.

A screenshot of a note was sent by Watts to Sansom on September 7 2023, saying: I am writing this of my own free will. Should any serious injury, or even death occur whilst I am with Steven Sansom let it be made fully understood that I enter the act of violent, dangerous sex games with Steven Samson of my own free will.

By March 10 2024, Samson and Watts had decided to cut up Ms Mayhews body, the prosecution said.

On that day he used cash to buy a 300mm hacksaw, a 300mm blade and 14-litre bucket.

In the days after the murder is believed to have taken place Sansom and Watts were seen walking by the River Wandle and near his flat, and at one point he is pulling a suitcase that is noticeably heavier than before because it now contained Sarah Mayhews torso, Mr Little said.

The defendants later messaged each other and joked about disposing of someone in a suitcase, the court heard.

DNA tests carried out on blood traces in a bucket, in the kitchen and the lounge floor and walls at Sansoms flat showed they belonged to Ms Mayhew.

Her bloodstains were also found in the bedroom and bathroom sink.

In a victim impact statement Ms Mayhew was remembered by her mother Angela as a beautiful, pretty girl and she said it breaks my heart she is not around.

Ms Mayhews father David thanked the defendants for pleading guilty and saving his grieving family from the ordeal of sitting through a trial of this horrendous case.

He added: That said whatever sentence you may receive will never compare to the pain you have caused us.

I ask myself the same question all the time, why did you have to kill her maybe I will never know?

Sansom is facing his second life sentence, having been jailed in May 1999 after admitting the murder and robbery of a minicab driver on Christmas Eve the previous year, when he ordered a cab to take him home from East Croydon.

The victim in that case, 59-year-old married father-of-two Terence Boyle, had crawled from his cab after Sansom attacked him and stole 25 to buy presents.

Sansom, then 20, laughed afterwards and told a friend: His kids are going to have to see him in hospital over Christmas.

He was freed from prison on licence in 2019 after his case was considered by the Parole Board, and was under probation supervision when he killed for a second time.

The Ministry of Justice has confirmed a serious further offence review is under way.
For a chunk of the Nineties, there was only one question that every teenage girl in Ireland had to look deep in her Smash Hits-buying soul and decide Boyzone or Take That?

For a chunk of the Nineties, there was only one question that every teenage girl in Ireland had to look deep in her Smash Hits-buying soul and decide Boyzone or Take That?

For me, as a 13-year-old convent girl, there was only one correct answer.

Or, more accurately, five correct answers: Ronan, Shane, Mikey, Keith and, above all, Stephen.

To forsake them for Britains Gary, Robbie, Mark, Jason and Howard was nothing short of treason, while to go one step further, and swear allegiance to Americas Backstreet Boys, was a positively sectionable offence.

So theres no prizes for guessing what Ill be doing next Sunday when a new three-part documentary on the Dubliners drops on Sky Documentaries.

No Matter What charts the extreme highs and lows of life in the iconic pop group, including the tragic death of Stephen Gately aged just 33 in 2009 and his early outing by a tab, while estranged manager Louis Walsh also gives his side of the tale.

For those of us who were around at the time, and ploughed our limited pocket money into cassettes, and later CDs and DVDs, T-shirts, concert ticket and posters, it promises to be an emotional rollercoaster, with the trailer teasing the reality of fandom on the fivesome.

Back then, for a generation of teenage girls (and some of their brothers) just making the leap from primary to secondary school, Boyzone came along at the exact right time, providing the perfect mix of floppy-haired dreamboats to crush on, dance moves to practise long before TikTok, and more than a few earworms to drive our long-suffering mothers demented with.

Its simply not possible to hear the opening bars of Love Me for a Reason without being teleported back to a more innocent time when your biggest concern was whether to fancy self-proclaimed virgin Ronan or tattooed bad boy Shane more.

I was a Ronan girl, though have since switched loyalty, but if I happen to meet either of them at a preview of episode one on Tuesday, I cant promise to keep it together, because as anyone who ever inked BZ4EVA on their school desk knows, once youre a fangirl, youre a fangirl for life, and from The Beatles (yes, I said it) right through to Busted, has it ever been any different?

Footage of the boyband making their TV debut on The Late Late Show in 1993, after being flung together by the former X Factor judge, has long since been wheeled out in an attempt to embarrass the boyz, who last reunited for their 25th anniversary Thank You & Goodnight farewell tour in 2018 (that was me dangling over the Upper Level at the 3Arena).

Little did Gay Byrne know when he jeered that they dont sing, they dont write music and they dont play instruments that it was precisely their rough-around-the-edges charm that would go on to endear them to millions of fans around the world.

Not forgetting that it also led to one of the greatest moments in Irish television, when Lynch told Ryan Tubridy to take the old footage and, shove it up [his] f***ing hole.

In a world of soulful, guitar- plucking teen idols like Noah Kahan, I know its not cool to confess having been devoted to the likes of Boyzone.

Shorry, not shorry, but I loved them. I loved them with the whole of my young heart, and even now, decades on, theres still a special corner of my right ventricle stamped with their famous black-and-white logo  no matter what.
UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations relief agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, is continuing its mandate despite an Israeli ban coming into effect, a UN spokesman said on Thursday.

In October 2024, the Israeli parliament passed two legislations to prohibit UNRWA from operating in the country, and ban Israeli authorities from any contact with the agency. The laws take effect on Thursday.

"UNRWA says that it is committed to staying and delivering," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, at the daily briefing.

Dujarric said he had been in contact with UNRWA representatives who reported that while the headquarters building in East Jerusalem was empty except for security personnel, UNRWA staff members were either in the field, such as at clinics, or working from home or another location.

"Clinics across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are open," he said.

Dujarric told reporters that the agency also continues to deliver health and education assistance and food aid in the Gaza Strip.

When asked if there were any instructions to UNRWA staff, considering the Israeli law, the spokesman replied, "The directive is that UNRWA will continue to do its work until it no longer can."

Israel said on Wednesday it would sever all ties with UNRWA beginning on Thursday. It accuses the agency of employing Hamas operatives and enabling "terror activity" in Gaza.

"UNRWA is riddled with Hamas," Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein said on social media platform X. "Beginning Jan. 30, Israel will cease all engagement with UNRWA in accordance with Israeli law," he wrote.

Since 1950, UNRWA has been assisting Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

The Israeli ban, which threatens life-saving aid, education and healthcare for millions of Palestinians, has drawn condemnation from international leaders and aid groups. The United Nations has repeatedly warned of the disastrous consequences. 
Alice Swett arrived in Ireland last week on a desperate last-ditch mission

Danny with Alice and her aunty Deborah who travelled with her from Las Vegas.

This is the Las Vegas woman who took a gamble and flew 5,000 miles to Maghera, Co Derry hoping faith healer Danny Gallagher could help her pain after a freak accident.

Alice Swett arrived in Ireland last week on a desperate last-ditch mission to try and get some relief from the crippling pains she suffers from after she was in a freak zipline accident in Las Vegas, where she lives.

Alice, whos in her 50s, says she was in Ireland last year and someone told her about Danny and, by complete coincidence, when she looked into him when she got home she discovered her own Irish ancestors came from the same area near Maghera.

So she felt it was written in the stars, or maybe the craps tables, that she should give Danny a chance to help her out.

Speaking to the Sunday World while she was here she explains what made her take such an expensive gamble.

I was hit on a zipline by another person at about 50 mph and it left me with significant facet damage to my neck and back  it was a terrible accident, she explained.

I also have a traumatic brain injury and suffer from debilitating chronic pain, compromised balance, cognitive dysfunction, and my eyes no longer work together so I have prisms in my glasses to prevent vertigo.

I get radio frequency nerve ablations to my cervical and lumbar spine every six months to make the pain more tolerable.

Danny with Alice and her aunty Deborah who travelled with her from Las Vegas.

Danny is the seventh son of a seventh son and according to Celtic lore he therefore possesses the power to heal people simply by touching them.

Danny says his incredible power is backed by testimonies of people who have made seemingly miraculous recoveries from the most serious of illnesses after being touched by Danny.

Even some doctors have recommended patients to see Danny. Forty years ago Danny was credited with curing a young disabled girl  the story became world famous and it changed Dannys life forever.

Danny says he just loves healing people. Danny never charges the people he heals but in return he asked for a token donation to cover travel costs.

Alice Swett says she heard about Danny from a taxi driver when she was here, visiting Ireland last year.

I was in Ireland last summer and I was talking to a taxi driver about my injuries and he told me he had been healed after being in an accident by this man who was supposed to be a seventh son of a seventh son, says Alice.

So I did some research and discovered he was talking about Danny Gallagher and thats how I later found out he lived in the same area my great grandfather was originally from.

My great grandfather Robert Poole emigrated 200 years ago from the same area where Danny lives in south Derry. He arrived in Baltimore in 1824.

He had come from a townland called Gulladuff which, as it turns out, is only two miles from Danny.

I got my aunt Deborah (who travelled with her) to look into it and see how we could contact Danny.

Ive tried everything else and so when I heard about Danny and read up on his stories, and how you had these thousands of people who said he had helped them it seemed like a gamble worth taking.

I am from Las Vegas after all! Youve got to take a risk and give it a chance I think. And I thought the connection to Danny and my great grandfather was too coincidental  so I knew I had to give it a go.

When we spoke to Alice last week she had just had her first session with Danny and would go to have two more before flying back across the Atlantic.

She left Danny a thank-you card when she left for home on Wednesday where she says she already feels like the sessions have given her some relief and improved her balance issues.

Danny says its not the first time people have travelled long distances to be healed by him.

Three girls from Australia visited me before Christmas and Ive had people from Canada visit too, he says.

I just do what I always do and hope it brings them some relief.

When Alice contacted me I was fascinated by the fact her family came from down the road in Gulladuff.

It was lovely finally meeting her last week. As I always do I had three healing sessions with her. Before she left she told me and Margo who is my assistant, her balance was good.

She said she could walk better and she took a walk to show me how good her balance was. She was in good spirits and was very happy returning home.

In the card she left Danny Alice says: I wanted to thank you so much for seeing me, sharing your healing touch, and for lighting candles as you prayed for healing me, my son and my mother.

There are no words to express my immense gratitude. My balance already seems better and my pain level is lower without medication

Dannys healing powers have featured in this newspaper many times. We pass no judgement, rather we just tell the stories of those who say Danny has helped them and their loved ones.

It soon becomes very clear these people, many who have tried all other avenues of help and have turned to Danny in desperation, firmly believe it was his magic hands that have done the business.
Berna Fidan will make her annual trip to Ireland next month to appeal for information on her sisters disappearance

Berna Fidan, sister of missing Esra Uyrun, pictured close to where her car was found in Bray. Pic: Mick Kelly

The sister of missing woman Esra Uyrun says the family just want some form of closure, almost 14 years since she disappeared from her Dublin home.

Berna Fidan will make her annual visit from the UK next month to mark the anniversary of Esras disappearance on February 23, 2011.

The 38-year-old was last seen leaving her home in Collinstown Grove in Clondalkin, where she lived with her husband Ozgur and her then two-year-old son, Emin, around 7.15am.

Her car - a silver Renault Twingo, registration number 08 D 23067 - was later found in a car park at the bottom of Bray Head in Co Wicklow.

Esras wallet was found in the trunk of the car, but CCTV couldnt determine who was driving the vehicle.

Esra, from a Turkish family, grew up in London, but had moved to Ireland after her husband got a job here. After her disappearance, Ozgur and Emin moved back to England to be close to family.

Esras sister Berna, who also lives in London, has campaigned tirelessly since her sisters disappearance, making dozens of trips to Ireland in the 14 years since she vanished.

Esra Uyrun was last seen on February 23, 2011

However, the family is still no closer to finding out what happened to their beloved Esra.

Over the years, the problem is, nothings really changed. We are still in square one. We havent moved out of that, Ms Fidan said.

We just have nothing to go on still. This is the most annoying thing, nobody has come forward, no CCTV has ever sort of brought up anything.

She [Esra] just went missing a week before her birthday. She had arranged for our mum and her mother-in-law to go over [Ireland]. She spoke to me on the Sunday prior, giving me a list of things to send with mum.

She was going to spoil the mums because theyd be here for her birthday, she was so excited. She was booking a spa, a posh restaurant and then all of a sudden, she disappeared. It doesnt make any sense.

It affects everybody, because nobody can move on. Good or bad, we just want some form of closure. We just need some answers.

Esra was in Ireland for around four years before she went missing. Her husband got a job there. She didnt mind. It was a new adventure for her at the beginning.

They bought their own property there. She was working in the same place as him because she didnt know what to do when she first got there.

They gave her a position in the same company, like customer service. But it wasnt what she was used to doing because she used to work in a pathology lab here.

She said she wanted to have a baby, so she didnt pursue her career as much. She had the baby and then she was off work anyway.

Berna Fidan will make her annual visit to Ireland next month to appeal for information on her missing sister

After he [Emin] was born, she was wanting to come back and spend more time in the UK because they were on their own there. She would actually travel over to the UK for six weeks because were a very close family.

We talked to her every single day. If its not me, its my mum or my daughters, you know. She would be on the phone to somebody every single day. This is what makes it scary for us because we know she wont keep quiet for this long.

She was on the phone to somebody every day, then suddenly, we hear nothing at all.

We were told in the past that she might have run away, she mightve committed suicide. But shes not going to run away without her child, her passports at home.

With suicide, unless you give me a body, Im not going to believe that for one moment. This is someone who was making plans. Were just stuck in that limbo.

A year after Esra went missing, Bernas daughter Ayda went into a local retail business in Neilstown, near Clondalkin, where Esra had been a regular customer.

Ayda handed in a new poster of Esra. But after she left, a staff member came running out and handed them a set of car keys, telling Berna they must have belonged to Esra.

The staff member said the bunch of keys was found on a counter in the shop a few months earlier, after Esra had disappeared.

No one in the shop had made the link with the poster of Esra until weeks after the keys were found. By that time, there was no CCTV of who left them on the counter and nothing came of this.

Esra Uyrun went missing from her home in Clondalkin in 2011

Berna and Esra were best friends their whole lives, and for her to just disappear doesnt make sense for Berna.

She is my younger sister, she was born on March 1 in 1972. She was quiet as a child. Then she grew into a teenager, she grew into herself and was not so quiet. She was a fun-loving person, she had lots of friends, Ms Fidan said.

Theres a seven-year gap between us. So, I was always the mother hen.

I remember the day she was born. We werent in the UK for long. She was born at seven months. She was tiny, tiny.

We were best friends growing up, Id a younger brother too. If they wanted to go out anywhere, theyd ask if Id take them because I was allowed, and they werent. We had a happy childhood. Its all good memories.

We used to have a laugh. We had lovely holidays together. We went everywhere together

My children were bridesmaids to her, and she was a bridesmaid to me. We supported each other.

She loved being pregnant, she loved carrying a bump. She wanted a baby so much; she was over the moon, especially when her son was born. She was very doting.

Its been 14 years since shes been missing, and he [Emin] was two and a half. Hes 16 now. I dont see him as often as Id like, unfortunately, because theyre quite far.

There have literally been no answers in the last 14 years. We did the initial searches at the beginning, weve done the appeals, Ive done so many TV programmes for the likes of TG4 and Channel 4.

Ive done several crime call appeals where they did reconstruction. No one has come forward, she added.
Karen Rice had suffered an aneurysm which significantly affected her vision

Tesco has been ordered to pay 40,000 after an utterly bizarre and disingenuous move to present an occupational health consultants report as a medical opinion when it dismissed a supermarket worker on long-term sick leave.

The award, made at the maximum of the Workplace Relations Commissions (WRC) jurisdiction in the case, was on foot of a complaint under the Employment Equality Act 1998 by Karen Rice against Tesco Ireland Ltd in a decision released today.

Ms Rice, who had suffered an aneurysm which significantly affected her vision, had not been examined by a company doctor in two-and-a-half years when she was dismissed by the supermarket in October 2023.

Tesco had ignored the company doctors recommendation in 2021 that Ms Rice be seen by a consultant ophthalmologist  but ended her employment following an occupational health report which concluded it was impossible to recommend adjustments to her role, the tribunal noted.

Ms Rices solicitor, Setanta Landers, said in a legal submission that his clients vision became blurred while working at the Tesco supermarket in Ballyfermot, west Dublin, on a date in June 2020.

She informed her manager that she needed to step away from her duties to get a drink of water. Her manager walked away from her while she was explaining her symptoms, Mr Landers said.

His client was forced to continue her duties until another colleague switched with her, he said. She worked until the end of her shift, the tribunal was told.

Ms Rice was diagnosed the following month with having suffered an aneurysm and took long-term sick leave due to visual impairment  but wanted to return to work, Mr Landers submitted.

It was alleged in a solicitors letter to Tesco that before falling ill, Ms Rice had been bullied and victimised by colleagues after crossing the picket line during a strike in February 2017. Her position at the time of the legal correspondence was that she had to cut her working hours from 35 to 25 to avoid the alleged behaviour.

Niamh Ni Cheallaigh of IBEC, appearing for Tesco, said Ms Rice had sought a formal grievance investigation into the alleged bullying in addition to an occupational health assessment.

Following an appointment in April 2021, a company doctor concluded that Ms Rice would not be fit to resume normal duties in the foreseeable future, the tribunal heard.

Ms Ni Cheallaigh submitted that Ms Rice had been advised at the time that her employer could not hold her position open indefinitely.

Supermarket management then suggested that if the complainant had been given an alternate view by her own doctor she could bring evidence to a review meeting in May 2021, Ms Ni Cheallaigh submitted.

The company doctor stated in an email in June that year that Ms Rice was deemed unfit to work based on her poor vision and mental health. A grievance outcome was issued in February 2022.

WRC adjudicator Breiffni ONeill noted that there had been regular welfare meetings with Ms Rice in the second half of 2022 up to February 2023, and that these had taken place sporadically before those dates.

However, he noted that there was no evidence that any discussions took place during these meetings regarding potential adjustments to her role.

Ms Rice remained off work on sick leave from June 22, 2020, until her dismissal on October 5, 2023, the tribunal was told.

The tribunal noted that the company doctor wrote a medical opinion following an April 15, 2021, examination stating: In view of her poor vision and mental health issues, in my opinion [Ms Rice] is not fit for work.

The doctor also recommended Ms Rice be seen by a consultant ophthalmologist before any decision to assign her to a job. Mr ONeill said in his decision that it was scarcely credible that this was not done.

He took the same view of the companys failure to refer her to the company doctor or an occupational health professional to examine potential job adjustments between April 2021 and March 2023, when Ms Rice had lodged the first of two complaints to the WRC.

The company had failed to present concrete evidence to back up its claim that Ms Rice would have been unable to do the job if accommodation for her disability had been put in place, he concluded.

Before terminating the complainants employment in October 2023, Tesco never sought any further medical opinion on whether either [Ms Rices] sight or her mental health issues had improved to the extent that a return to work might have been possible in the almost 30 months [since] the only medical opinion, Mr ONeill added.

He noted that a June 2023 report from an occupational health therapist, who he said appeared to have no relevant qualifications and failed to address the complainant's mental health issues.

The report had come with the proviso that it did not offer medical advice. Despite this, the letter of termination given to Ms Rice had called it a medical opinion  a stance Mr ONeill called utterly bizarre and disingenuous.

The only actual medical opinion the respondent relied on was given over two years earlier following a meeting with the company doctor in April 2021, Mr ONeill wrote.

He awarded Ms Rice 40,000 in compensation for disability discrimination in the form of the failure to provide reasonable accommodation, and discriminatory dismissal.
Mountain rescuers who reached the victim assessed his condition as serious and air assistance and a medical helicopter was dispatched

A rescue helicopter tasked with going to the aid of an Irish tourist who had been seriously injured after a fall at a ski resort in southern Bulgaria was forced to return to base after a technical malfunction, it has emerged.

Local media is reporting that the helicopter had taken off when the alarm was raised but the mission was aborted before it made a safe landing.

The 29-year-old Irish tourist was seriously injured after he lost his balance and fell into the gullies below Todorka Peak.

According to The Bulgarian Mountaineering and Hiking Association (MESA), he was part of a group taking photos when he fell from a height of about 600 metres.

He had been admitted to Razlog Hospital to be treated but was later transferred to hospital in the capital Sofia.

According to one Bulgarian news site, the report of a seriously injured tourist was received on Wednesday at 2.30pm by the officer on duty at the Central 24-hour post of the Emergency Medical Service.

The Emergency Medical Service-Bansko rescue team was then dispatched.

Mountain rescuers who reached the victim assessed his condition as serious and air assistance was sought and a medical helicopter dispatched.

Although the helicopter failed to reach the victim, the rescue operation continued on land and thanks to the quick and professional work of the EMS team, local media reports. The tourist was provided with first aid and transported on a stretcher in a vacuum mattress to Banderishka Polyana.

From there, he was taken by snowmobile to the parking lot of Stara Kotva and then to the hospital in the city by ambulance of the Central Emergency Medical Service of Razlog.

Due to the extremely serious condition of the victim, he was transported from Razlog to a hospital in Sofia for treatment.

He was taken to the hospital where life-saving measures were taken, and a full assessment of his injuries was carried out

But despite all efforts of our medical team, he eventually succumbed to his grave injuries, Dr. Valentin Belchev told The Associated Press.

A Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson confirmed that the department is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance. As with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the details of individual cases.
A total of 64 people, four crew and 60 passengers, were onboard the jet with a number of young Russian ice skaters feared to be among the dead

More than 30 bodies have been recovered from the scene of a crash involving a passenger jet and a US Army helicopter in Washington DC, NBC reports.

The collision occurred while the American Airlines flight was landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, prompting a large search-and-rescue operation in the nearby Potomac River.

All take-offs and landings from the airport near Washington were halted as helicopters from law enforcement agencies across the region flew over the scene in search of survivors.

Inflatable rescue boats were launched into the Potomac River from a point near the airport along the George Washington Parkway, just north of the airport.

The black boxes from both aircraft have also been recovered.

A total of 64 people, four crew and 60 passengers, were onboard the jet with a number of young Russian ice skaters feared to be among the dead.

Passengers on the flight included ice skaters, family and coaches returning from events in Wichita, including Russian-born former world champions Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov.

Three soldiers were aboard the helicopter which was on a training exercise.

President Donald Trump was briefed, his press secretary said, and Vice President JD Vance encouraged followers on the social media platform X to say a prayer for everyone involved.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the mid-air collision occurred around 9pm local time when a regional jet that had departed from Wichita, Kansas, crashed into a military Blackhawk helicopter while on approach to an airport runway.

A helicopter uses its searchlight as it flies above the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (Alex Brandon/AP)

Investigators will try to piece together the aircrafts final moments before their collision, including contact with air traffic controllers as well as a loss of altitude by the passenger jet.

American Airlines flight 5342 was inbound to Reagan National at an altitude of about 400 feet and a speed of about 140 miles per hour when it suffered a rapid loss of altitude over the Potomac River, according to data from its radio transponder.

The Canadian-made Bombardier CRJ-701 twin-engine jet was manufactured in 2004 and can be configured to carry up to 70 passengers.

A few minutes before landing, air traffic controllers asked the arriving commercial jet if it could land on the shorter Runway 33 at Reagan National and the pilots said they were able.

Controllers then cleared the plane to land on Runway 33. Flight tracking sites showed the plane adjust its approach to the new runway.

Less than 30 seconds before the crash, an air traffic controller asks the helicopter if it has the arriving plane in sight. The controller makes another radio call to the helicopter moments later: PAT 25 pass behind the CRJ.

Seconds after that the two aircraft collide.

The planes radio transponder stopped transmitting about 2,400 feet short of the runway, roughly over the middle of the river.

The tower immediately began diverting other aircraft from Reagan.

Video from an observation camera at the nearby Kennedy Centre showed two sets of lights consistent with aircraft appearing to join in a fireball.

The incident recalled the crash of an Air Florida flight that plummeted into the Potomac on January 13 1982, that killed 78 people. That crash was attributed to bad weather.
A 69-year-old man has been sentenced to six-and-a-half years imprisonment after attempting to smuggle about 4.4 kilograms of methamphetamine through Auckland International Airport.

The Dutch national was sentenced in the Manukau District Court on Tuesday, January 28, and convicted with the importation of the Class A controlled drug.

The methamphetamine was seized by Customs officers in September 2024 after it was found under the lining of the mans hand luggage. The 4.4 kilograms located would have been worth a street value of up to NZ$1.6 million dollars.

Customs Auckland Airport manager Paul Williams said stopping this quantity of methamphetamine from entering the country has prevented approximately NZ$4.9 million worth of social harm and cost to New Zealand.

Anyone committing such a serious crime will have to face the consequences.

Drug couriers may be willing to take the risk of trying to smuggle illegal drugs, but they should understand that Customs training and access to intelligence means there is a good chance we will catch and arrest them, he said.

Anyone with suspicions about possible drug smuggling can contact Customs confidentially on 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A vital backstop for landlords was reinstated this week as no-fault evictions were reintroduced by the National-led Government.

It will mean when landlords take a chance on someone, there is a way out, Tauranga Property Investors' Association publicity and advocacy manager Matt Ball said.

The change also places the control of the property back into the hands of people who own it.

Ball said that some landlords will be emboldened by the law change and place their properties back on to the market after being stung by bad tenants.

If you had that experience, your alternative is to leave the property (empty).

It is often mum-and-pop investors who are left to clean up after bad tenants, as hiring a property manager to handle renters can be expensive, Ball said.

For the most part, most renters and investors would be unaffected by the changes to eviction notices, as most landlords and renters want a situation that is mutually beneficial, he said.

In a survey of 6432 people conducted by the Tauranga City Council in 2023, 15.6% responded as renting.



Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty. Photo / Warren Buckland

Opposition response

No-fault evictions mean some families might be turfed out into the streets, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said.

The National Government does not care for tenants. One in three households in New Zealand are renting, McAnulty said.

The Minister for Housing has an obligation to support people in having housing security and access to a warm, safe home, he said.



Green MP Tamatha Paul

No-fault evictions started on Thursday, allowing landlords to end tenancies without reason. This adds to the insecurity renters face, especially families, Green Party Housing spokesperson Tamatha Paul said.

Open season on renters has begun, as this Government for landlords creates more insecurity and pain for renters, Paul said.



National MP for Tauranga Sam Uffindell. Photo / Alex Cairns

National's take

In 2024, the Government made a raft of pro-tenant changes, National MP for Tauranga Sam Uffindell said.

One of these was reintroducing 90-day no cause terminations for periodic tenancies, meaning landlords can now end a periodic tenancy without requiring a specific reason, he said.

Without the backstop of 90-day no cause terminations, they were unwilling to take a chance on a tenant.

The change ensures tenants have a fair shot at getting into a rental, and landlords have the certainty they need to take a chance, Uffindell said.

To end New Zealands housing crisis, we need to use every tool to increase supply. This includes the rental supply.

What the changes mean

Amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act passed last year and brought a number of changes.

While the changes to bond lodgments, no longer requiring signatures for lodging or topping up a bond, took effective immediately, others are still being rolled out.

From January 30, landlords can end a periodic tenancy without a specific reason if they give 90 days' notice.

They can also end a tenancy with 42 days' notice if they or a family member are intending to move back into the property.

Landlords will also not need to give a reason why they do not want a fixed term to automatically become a periodic tenancy.

Other technical changes take effect from March 20, including allowing landlords to ban tenants smoking indoors and allowing an email address to be used as an address for service.

The amendments also included provision for "pet bonds" but these will not take effect until an order in council.

A Ministry of Housing and Urban Development spokesperson said that was expected late this year.

"We need flexibility for the pet-related changes, as they require new pet bond IT functionality to be developed and implemented."

-Additional reporting by RNZ
Michael Pittar has left an indelible mark on Te Puke  and the wider Western Bay.

Michael, who died on January 15, was the last Te Puke mayor and the first mayor of the Western Bay of Plenty district.

Born in Whakatane in 1938, he was one of Jack and Cecilia Pittars nine children  five boys and four girls.

He went to Maketu and Paengaroa Primary Schools and Te Puke High School.

He was brought up in Pikowai, Otamarakau and then on the family farm on Te Tumu Rd, not far from Kaituna Cut.

His brother Russell recalled that Michael was a good sportsman who played for the high school first XV and went on to represent Te Puke at junior level.

He said the nine siblings grew up in hard times and worked on the farm with no pay.

One mans destiny

While Michael and his wife Deryn were sharemilkers in the 1960s, farming was not to be his destiny.

He bought an old digger and from there he never looked back. He imported what was thought to be the first fully hydraulic digger in New Zealand.

It was one of many firsts, that also included the idea of a cage for trimming shelter belts.

Michael was the man behind the building of Te Puke Country Lodge as a tourist motel on the corner of No 1. Rd and what is now Te Puke Highway. He assembled a business consortium for the project, then set about the site works himself.



While mayor of Te Puke, Michael Pitter was 'kidnapped' by Te Puke High School students and suspended 20m above Jellicoe St as part of a fundraising telethon.

Family friend John Dohnt, who was encouraged by Michael to stand for and was then elected to the Te Puke Borough Council, remembers preparing the ground, which involved lowering and levelling the land, was a pretty big undertaking.

Michael did all that. He took off about 8m.

He said the country lodge was ahead of its time and the vision Michael displayed in getting it built was typical of the man. It was also far from being the only lasting impact Michael had on the town.

Political career

It was in local government politics that Michaels name is best known.

He was elected as a councillor on the Te Puke Borough Council in 1977 and was mayor of Te Puke from 1983 until local government reorganisation in 1989.

He then became the first mayor of the newly created Western Bay of Plenty District Council, a position he held until 1992.

One of his major achievements during his time as Te Puke mayor was the construction of the $12 million sewerage scheme which was completed under budget.

Local government reorganisation in 1989 saw Tauranga County Council become Western Bay District Council which then included Te Puke, Omokoroa, Katikati and Waihi Beach.

As mayor of the new district, he guided the council and the district through many changes including contracting out of certain operations, encouraging more accountability, long term planning and engineering strategies and a reduction in staff numbers.



Michael Pittar.

John said when they arrived at the council the place was broken.

The first three years was putting all those policies together and sorting out the finances. We went around the district taking the policies out there and trying to explain what was going on and we used to get some flack. There were some fiery ratepayers meetings.

As mayor, Michael opened the Waihi Beach RSA after helping secure the buildings resource consent.

He did compulsory military training for the RSA was in his heart, said Russell.

Different positions over the years

Michael held many other positions, being a member of the Bay of Plenty Catchment Commission, the Bay of Plenty United Council and the Bay of Plenty Economic Development Council. While district mayor he was the head of civil defence for the Tauranga and Western Bay Districts.

In the late 1990s he became an elected member of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

His last local government role saw him serve on the Te Puke Community Board from 2010 to 2013.

Te Puke Economic Development Group managing director Mark Boyle had a close relationship with Michael.

Michael facilitated a number of deals in recent years that have resulted in new houses in Te Puke and good community building.

Michael was always very supportive of Te Puke EDG and did much to bring people along in support of the ideas and initiatives we have had.

He was always trying to help people. His networks and connections were often key to solutions and good outcomes.

He was passionate about the need for and importance of communities and economic sectors to be heard at local government 

Mark said Michael was also a raconteur.

He would often hold court, whether it be on the street, in a cafe or bar or after a meeting. It would be fair to say that for the last 45-plus years Michael maintained a passion for the success of local government.

Michael was also a celebrant, a qualified realtor and a commissioner.



Michael Pittar was a proud Mercedes owner.

A true character

Russell said one incident when they were much younger sums up Michaels character.

While working on a bulldozer for Michael near the Kaituna Cut, Russell had to break off to drive into Te Puke for a doctors appointment. Michael took over and told Russell to take his brand new Ford Falcon ute.

A crash on the way home led to the ute having to be towed. Before it was, Russell picked up the grille and, when he arrived back clutching it, Michael asked him: what the hell have you done?.

I said, this is whats left of your wagon and he just said, oh well, youre all right.

Nothing fazed him, he could handle most situations.

Michael is survived by his wife Deryn, their four sons, Parke, Craig, Peter and Luke, eight grandchildren and one great-grandson.
When you walk into the Katikati A&P Show on Sunday, February 2, youll be forgiven for thinking youve stepped back in time.

The 100th event is being marked with a special display of memorabilia. A Moment in Time is the brainchild of committee member Don Wallis.

The show is a really big deal for the town, so I wanted people to feel as though they could be walking into the first show in 1913.

Wallis said its been surprisingly easy to find quality vintage items and locals keen to be involved; from a car and farming machinery from the early 1900s to people dressed in period costume, and a blacksmith thanks to support from Western Bay Museum.

It will be as though everythings for sale, so price tags will be in pounds, shillings and pence. The first A&P Show in Katikati was held as war was about to break out in Europe.



Murray Toms with his 1927 Chrysler  one of an estimated five in New Zealand  will be part of the Time Warp on at Katikati A&P Show on February 2. Photo: David Hall

Attendees will walk through the interactive display and notice it fast forward 50 years.

We have tractors, hay stackers and a VH Holden from the mid-60s thats in mint condition and wouldve cost around 1100 pounds, said Wallis.

From there, electric vehicles will provide a direct comparison with the present day.

The modern tractors and cars that kids take for granted really do put things into perspective, said Wallis.

The Katikati A&P Show was postponed during World War II. As a nod to that era, the display includes military vehicles provided by brothers Nick and Chris Flegg whove been collecting for almost two decades.

Our grandfathers both served in WWII, and weve always been into machinery and engineering, said Nick Flegg. New Zealand ended up with a lot of vehicles left in the Pacific Islands from when American soldiers were stationed there, so we picked up a few of those over the years.

Now, they have more than 20 vehicles ranging from a Bren Gun Carrier that resembles a tank to trucks and jeeps  some of which will be on display at the Katikati A&P Show on Sunday, February 2, at Uretara Domain from 9am-4pm. Entry $10 per adult, children under 14 gain free entry.
Western Nebraska Community College invites all high school students, and their families to attend Discover WNCC, Wednesday, February 12, on the Scottsbluff Campus. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. with the event beginning at 9 a.m. at the Judy Chaloupka Theater.

Discover WNCC is an interactive event that gives prospective students the chance to experience a day in the life of a WNCC student. High school students and their families will be able to tour the Scottsbluff Campus, meet faculty members, staff, and students, and learn more about WNCC's programs of study and many campus resources.

"Discover is a great way for students to see our college meeting them at their level of need," WNCC Admissions Director Jolene Martin said. "We welcome everyone to explore our different programs of study and meet our highly qualified instructors, caring and knowledgeable advisors, and other support services at WNCC."

WNCC Admissions staff and student ambassadors will be on hand to answer questions about student life, activities, and residence hall options. Financial aid representatives will also be available to discuss financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

To register for Discover WNCC visit go.wncc.edu/discover. For more information, contact the Admissions Office at [email protected] or 308-635-6010.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday said that there were some warnings prior to the midair collision of a passenger plane and a helicopter near Reagan National Airport Wednesday night, "but the warnings were given very, very late."

At a press conference in the White House, Trump said he had heard "very scary tapes." "When the air traffic controller said, he was talking about, do you see him? But there was very little time left when that was stated," Trump said, adding that there is also "a pilot problem" from the standpoint of the helicopter.

Trump first reacted to the crash in a Truth Social post after midnight: "The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time. It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didn't the helicopter go up or down, or turn. Why didn't the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane."

Also at the press conference, Trump confirmed there are no survivors in the collision.

John Donnelly, chief of the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department, told a press conference at the airport Thursday morning that there are likely no survivors.

"We are now at a point where we are switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation. At this point, we don't believe there are any survivors from this accident," said Donnelly.

The American Airlines plane had 60 passengers and four crew members, while three U.S. Army soldiers were onboard the Black Hawk helicopter. 
By Chabella Guzman, PREEC Communications

With a passion for agriculture, Brock Ortner joined the Nebraska Extension Engagement Zone 1 team as the new Livestock Extension Educator for Sheridan County at the beginning of the year.

"My primary goal as a livestock systems educator is to be available to producers as a resource. Whether it is a question about ration formulation, annual forages, or transition planning, I will strive to provide them with research-based materials to assist them in their decision or connect them with another educator skilled in the area," said Ortner.

Ortner studied animal science at Iowa State University as an undergraduate and graduate student. His master's work focused on trace mineral supplementation, which he plans to bring to Nebraska producers. The supplemental landscape can be challenging and competitive. Ortner understands animal requirements, seasonal changes in vitamins and minerals in feedstuffs, and different sources of trace minerals in supplements, and he will help producers optimize their supplementation programs.

Ortner is originally from east central Iowa, where his family was involved in cow-calf, feedlot, and row cropping enterprises. "I am interested in animal breeding programs and genetics sourcing from raising seedstock in eastern Iowa. Particularly, examining the individual needs of the cowherd to determine how bulls may or may not fit into the environment of the ranch," he said.

He has already been out and about in the four counties he covers: Box Butte, Dawes, Sheridan, and Sioux. Ortner would like to develop group meetings to reach a larger audience, make connections, and get a sense of producers' needs to begin building relevant programming.

"I look forward to meeting producers where they are on their ranch or rangelands, discussing and evaluating cattle with them."

To contact Ortner, email him at [email protected] or call the Sheridan County office at 308-327-2312.
By Melissa Norgard

[Sidney, NE]  In a world where community connection and support are more vital than ever, the Sidney And Greater Area (SAGA) Fund stands at the forefront of enhancing the quality of life for all residents of Sidney and its vibrant surrounding communities. Established in 2022, as an affiliated fund through Nebraska Community Foundation, the SAGA Fund is a symbol of collective vision and determination.

This fund has shared commitment to a thriving future in Sidney and the surrounding areas. Focused on building an unrestricted endowment, every donation helps create a sustainable community savings account that will continue for generations.

Since the inception, the SAGA fund has proudly returned $53,250 to philanthropic and charitable causes in Sidney and the surrounding Areas.

The Fund Advisory Committee is composed of 11 dedicated volunteers who are committed to making Sidney and its neighboring areas an exceptional place to live, work and thrive. I is their hard work and commitment that drive the efforts to lead positive changes in Sidney and the surrounding area.

The Fund Advisory Committee understands that our community partners are key to the success of our mission. To support philanthropic and charitable initiatives that help improve the quality of life in Sidney and surrounding areas, the committee invites organizations to apply for funding through a straightforward application process.

Interested parties can submit their applications two times a year: on April 1st and October 1st. This biannual schedule allows organizations ample opportunity to prepare and submit proposals for funding that aligns with the SAGA Funds mission. Once submitted, applications will be carefully reviewed by the Fund Advisory Committee, composed of local volunteers who are passionate about enhancing our community. Their insights and knowledge of local needs play a critical role in ensuring that funding decisions are well-informed and impactful. The recommended awards are reviewed by the Nebraska Community Foundation. This collaboration with a trusted partner enhances the capacity to allocate resources effectively and to eligible entities.

SAGA Fund encourages all eligible organizations to take advantage of this opportunity to secure funding that can drive transformative change in our communities. Additional details about the application criteria and guidelines can be found on our website or obtained by contacting a Fund Advisory Committee member directly. Together, lets continue to harness the power of collaboration and generosity to make Sidney and its surrounding areas a better place to live, work, and thrive!

The Fund Advisory Committee is thrilled to announce that over $200,000 has been raised towards a generous challenge grant from the Sidney Donor Advised Fund. This incredible opportunity allows the fund to amplify the impact: by raising $250,000 from 200 donors and securing seven planned gifts by the end of 2025, the Sidney Donor Advised Fund will contribute an additional $1 million to the unrestricted endowment, expanding the unrestricted endowment to $1.25 million!

Although there have been significant strides in improving our community since our launch, our journey is far from over. The Committee invites you to be a part of this vital endeavor. Your generosity can help catalyze sustainable initiatives that will shape a brighter future for everyone. Every donation counts, regardless of size, and enables SAGA to continue transforming lives in Sidney and surrounding areas.

SAGA invites you to join us in this important mission and to contribute to the legacy of thriving communities in Sidney and surrounding areas. All donations are tax-deductible and can be made by mailing your contribution to the SAGA Fund at PO Box 588, Sidney, NE 69162 or you can donate online through http://www.sagafund.org
What did it mean to be an emperor in ancient Rome?

That is the question that Mary Beard sought to answer in her 2023 book, "Emperor of Rome." She wrote, "Everyone then, including emperors, was trying to construe their idea of what an emperor should be in a nation that could not and would not accept kingship."

Centuries before in Rome, a series of kings had ruled, but in 509 B.C.E., certain noblemen threw out their last king of Rome, Tarquin the Proud, and established a new government, with two consuls who served for one-year terms, plus a Senate, and popular assemblies.

For five centuries, Rome existed as a Republic. Mary Beard called it "a sort-of democracy."

The Republic began to transition itself into an autocracy once Julius Caesar, a military leader, crossed the Rubicon River on January 10, 49 B.C.E., and launched a civil war against Pompey.

At that time, the Senate named Julius Caesar "dictator," and after he defeated Pompey, he "used his victory in the civil war to take sole control of Rome's government." The Republic was destined to expire soon. In 44 B.C.E., the Senate named him "dictator forever."

Some were shocked at Caesar's clutch of power. Cicero-a statesmen, orator, and writer-pointed out "the danger of absolute autocracy." The people, he wrote, "were surrendering their Republican liberties in the hope of enjoying the wise rule of one man."

"At all costs," he told the people, "they should fight against political servitude, for it was a form of slavery." "Liberty could not exist unless the people held supreme power in government."

Some Senators who feared Caesar's one-man rule-Brutus, Cassius, and Casca-assassinated Julius Caesar on March 15, 44 B.C.E., the year Caesar was named "dictator forever."

Another civil war followed. It was Julius Caesar's great nephew, Octavian, who won that civil war against Marc Antony, in 29 B.C.E., and thereafter Octavian claimed the title of emperor and the name Caesar Augustus. Elections were held for a while, but results were foreordained.

Julius Caesar's assassins had failed to solidify Rome's Republic and prevent an autocracy.

In Mary Beard's book, she examines twenty-nine of ancient Rome's emperors beginning with Julius Caesar and ending with Alexander Severus, who ruled from 222 until 235 C.E.

On her book's second page, she states her theme, "The Roman world was, in our terms, a cruel place of premature death. Murder was the ultimate way of resolving disputes, political and otherwise. The corridors of power were always bloodstained."

After the first chapter, "One-Man Rule: The Basics," Mary begins her second chapter, "Who's Next? The Art of Succession," with chilling words,

"Succession planning was the single, most glaring weak spot of the Augustan system. Who should follow Augustus? How should any successor to the Roman throne be chosen, by whom, on what principles, and from what group of candidates?

"After Augustus's death, over the next two hundred years or so, and over the next two dozen emperors, the transition of power was almost always debated, fraught and sometimes killed for."

Mary explains that in 54 C.E. emperor Claudius's fourth wife, Agrippina, served her husband a dish of poisoned mushrooms, clearing the way for her son, Nero, to claim the title of emperor.

And Nero was a vicious tyrant. It was said "he fiddled while Rome burned."

In a later chapter entitled, "I Think I Am Becoming a God," Mary Beard discusses how the emperors transformed themselves into gods, persons they believed worthy of worship.

Our month of July originates from Julius Caesar and August from Caesar Augustus. January though is taken from the two-faced god Janus, whose left face looks into the past, pleasing historians, and its second face looks right, into a future, thrilling science fiction readers.

You and I have started a new year, 2025. Study the past to determine next steps, what ideas and actions work and those that do not. "The years teach us things that the days never knew."
SUR in English Marbella Thursday, 30 January 2025, 13:01 Compartir

In May 2023, The Pool Marbella opened its doors with a simple idea: to create a place where people could work, connect and build something meaningful together. Two years later, this idea has grown into a thriving community thats transforming what it means to work and live in Marbella.

From the beginning, the goal wasnt just to provide desks and Wi-Fi but to offer a space where people could find like-minded professionals with entrepreneurial backgrounds, executives, investors and digital nomads. The space resembles the iconic Grand Palais in Paris due to its glass dome and abundance of natural light. Over the past two years, companies have taken root, investments have sparked new opportunities and innovative projects have come to life, shaping Marbella into a business hub.

Moments that have defined The Pool

Over the past two years, the community has had the pleasure of welcoming remarkable individuals to participate in our events including the Co-Founder of Shazam, Principal Product Manager at Microsoft and the Global Engineering Director at Ford. These encounters have enriched the community and inspired new ideas. Events have brought together people from all over the world, from seasoned entrepreneurs to those just starting their journeys.

The Pool Verticals have established as meeting points for professionals within the same industry to share ideas, brainstorm or create something new. The CleanTech Vertical has sparked discussions about building a greener future. The Blockchain Vertical has gathered companies like Alastria and Binance, whilst discussing current market trends such as AI and tokenization.

This year, three new verticals will be introduced that reflect the diverse interests of the community:

-Women in Business: A dynamic meeting point where female entrepreneurs come together to share their experiences, discuss transformative ideas, and grow their ventures, fueling innovation and success.

-PropTech & Real Estate: Exploring how technology is shaping the future of property and urban development.

-Longevity: Examining advancements in health and wellness that are helping people live longer, healthier lives.

Additionally, we have hosted Investor Club, Startup Pitch Nights and Unicorn Founder meetings, creating platforms for innovation and collaboration.

A Community shaping Marbella's future

The real heart of The Pool is the community. Members, from more than 30 different nationalities, come from various industries, countries and backgrounds but all share the willingness to learn, grow and make an impact.

Marbella has always been known for its beauty and lifestyle, but it holds the potential to be much more. A future is being built where Marbella is not just a place to visit but a place of business and innovation - this vision is called Marbella 2.0.

What's next for The Pool Marbella

As The Pool celebrates this milestone, it remains committed in its mission to grow while staying true to its founding principles: connection, creativity, and community. New projects and collaborations are already on the horizon, promising even more opportunities for members to thrive.

For entrepreneurs seeking a base, professionals looking for a change of pace, or visionaries ready to share their ideas, The Pool offers more than just a workspace and invites you to be part of the journey creating Marbella 2.0.

More information:

Address: El Corte Ingles El Capricho, 1 planta. Avda. Bulevar Principe Alfonso de Hohenlohe 2. 29600 Marbella, Malaga.

Phone: +34 951 30 65 44.

Web: https://www.thepool.es/
Update on Jan. 31:

The man who robbed the gas station was arrested on Friday, state troopers said.

Eric Kelly, 46, of Mattydale, was arrested after robbing the Byrne Dairy at 2307 Brewerton Road at knifepoint on Thursday, according to Trooper Jennifer Jiron. Kelly was charged with first-degree robbery and criminal possession of a weapon, she said.

Original story:

Salina, N.Y.  State police are searching for a man who robbed a gas station at knifepoint in Salina early Thursday morning.

The man entered the Byrne Dairy at 2307 Brewerton Road in the town of Salina wearing a face mask, according to Trooper Jennifer Jiron, a spokesperson for the State Police.

The man displayed a knife and demanded money from the clerk, Jiron said. The cashier handed over the $248 from the register, she said.

The man fled the gas station in a white pickup truck with a back rack, Jiron said.

State police are searching for a man who robbed a gas station at knife-point in Salina early Thursday morning. He fled the scene n a white single-cab pickup truck with a back rack, troopers said.New York State Police

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
Syracuse, N.Y.  Syracuse firefighters battled a house fire on Vann Street late Wednesday afternoon.

Firefighters were called to the home at 221 Vann St. at around 4:42 p.m., according to Syracuse Fire Chief Michael Monds.

When firefighters arrived, they saw fire coming from multiple windows on the first and second floor, Monds said. Heavy smoke could be seen coming from the home and filling the street.

Firefighters checked to see if any residents were inside the home, but firefighters were forced out of the home by the fire and heat, Monds said. They later determined the residents had not been home, he said.

Firefighters later tried to fight the fire from the inside but were unable to remain in the house safely. After putting majority of the fire out from the outside, firefighters moved back inside to extinguish the remaining hot spots. The fire was declared out after two hours, firefighters said.

No one was injured, and the American Red Cross has been contacted to assist the resident, Monds said. Two were displaced by the fire, firefighters said.

Syracuse Firefighters attempt to extinguish a house fire as smoke clouds grow around the home at 221 Vann St. On Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025.Timia Cobb

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.
NAIROBI, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- East African leaders have called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) amid fighting that has hampered humanitarian operations in the city of Goma.

Leaders from the East African Community (EAC), who held an emergency summit by video link Wednesday night, also called on the DRC government to engage directly with all stakeholders, including the M23 rebel group, to peacefully resolve the escalating conflict.

"The summit called on all parties to the conflict in eastern DRC to cease hostilities and observe an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and facilitate humanitarian access to the affected population," the leaders said in a statement issued in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.

President Felix Tshisekedi of the DRC, an EAC member state, did not take part in the summit convened by Kenyan President William Ruto, who rotates as the chairman of the EAC.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Somalian President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir attended.

Participants at the emergency gathering discussed the worsening security situation in eastern DRC and the city of Goma, where fighting between the DRC army and M23 rebels intensified.

The leaders condemned attacks on diplomatic missions in Kinshasa, the DRC capital, and urged the government to protect the embassies and property as well as their staff.

The summit came after Tuesday's attacks on the embassies of Kenya, Uganda and South Africa as well as the United Nations and France.

The leaders said a joint summit of the EAC and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which has also been involved in the eastern DRC, will be held in the coming days to deliberate on the way forward.

The SADC was due to hold an extraordinary summit Thursday in Harare, the Zimbabwean capital, to discuss the security situation in the eastern DRC. 
Lights dim, chatter ceases, and the cacophony of the orchestras pre-concert warm-up quiets. Applause greets the concertmaster, who signals the principal oboe to play an A, and the instruments tune up. An anticipatory moment passes before the conductor strides onto the stage, shakes hands with the concertmaster and, with skill honed from education, practice, and experience, signals the downbeat and leads the performance.

Lawrence Loh is the person most often on the podium of The Syracuse Orchestra, Central New Yorks only full-time residential orchestra. It was called Symphoria when Loh was appointed to serve the fledgling, musician-led ensemble as its first music director. As announced last March, Loh will leave that position when his contract expires in August.
By Lucy Hodgman | Times Union, Albany

Albany, N.Y.  New York advocates and lawmakers rallied at the Capitol for policies they hope will bring the state closer to universal child care access, calling specifically for the creation of a $1.2 billion workforce compensation fund.

Organized by the Empire State Campaign for Child Care, Tuesday rallys focused on increasing pay for child care providers  who advocates said earn less than 96% of other job sectors. The ultimate goal of their proposed compensation fund is to make child care more affordable statewide by attracting and retaining a broader workforce.

If we do not increase wages for child care providers, we will never fix this system, said Assemblywoman Sarah Clark. We do not need to talk to any more people. We do not need any more task forces. We just need to create a $1.2 billion permanent child care workforce compensation fund.

Clark  a Rochester Democrat who described herself as a member of the Legislatures mom squad  said including the compensation fund in the state budget would solve multiple problems, simultaneously making child care more accessible and offering a financial boost to currently underpaid child care providers.

Advocates may find a receptive audience in Gov. Kathy Hochul, who promised to find a path to universal child care at an event in Brooklyn earlier this month. In this years executive budget, the governor has proposed that $110 million be set aside for the construction and maintenance of child care facilities. Those funds build on the $100 million in tax credits Hochul announced for the construction of child care centers last year.

Speakers at Tuesdays rally spoke highly of those efforts, but called on Hochul to take swifter, more dramatic action. In December, the Empire State Campaign for Child Care was critical of Hochuls decision to veto a bill that would have eliminated the minimum earning requirement for child care assistance eligibility.

Were not going to say, Oh, we didnt invest in child care this year because we invested in housing ... in libraries ... in mental health, said Amanda Hambrick Ashcraft, an advocate and reverend. There is enough money to invest in all these things and to still prioritize child care.

 2025 the Times Union (Albany, N.Y.) . Visit www.timesunion.com.
By Roger Hannigan Gilson | Times Union, Albany

Washington  Former U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro is expected to be appointed by President Donald J. Trump to lead the Federal Transit Administration, a source briefed on the appointment process said Tuesday morning.

A spokesman for Molinaro, a Republican who represented the northern Hudson Valley, the Catskills and the southern tier in Congress from 2020 until last year, referred questions about the pending appointment to the administration.

The transit administration is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation and provides financial and technical aid to public transportation systems. A significant portion of its work involves the New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority, including more than $1.1 billion in grants during fiscal year 2024.

Molinaro, whose appointment was first reported by Gothamist, was vocally opposed to Gov. Kathy Hochuls toll program  dubbed congestion pricing  for commuters entering the busiest parts of New York City, which took effect Jan. 5.

Its just this constant drug of new taxation, without any capacity or interest in actually getting the MTA to function effectively, Molinaro said in November. And I hope that the president and the Department of Transportation can unravel this nonsense and make the system run efficiently.

The toll charges drivers $9 to enter streets or avenues at or below 60th Street in an effort to reduce carbon emissions, decrease traffic and generate funds for the struggling MTA. It faced opposition from both Republicans and Democrats in the Hudson Valley.

The MTA is the nations largest transportation network, with more than 70,000 employees and a service area covering 5,000 square miles across New York City, Long Island, Connecticut and southeast New York. It includes the largest bus fleet in the U.S. and more subway and commuter rail cars than the nations other transit systems combined.

Molinaro said in November he would be willing to serve in some capacity as an advisor to the administration or as a volunteer to aid the Trump administrations handling of the toll program.

A different branch of the U.S. Department of Transportation  the Federal Highway Administration  is in charge of approving congestion pricing. However, the transit administration controls funding for the program.

Molinaro criticized MTA spending in a post on X on Jan. 12, questioning the amount of money spent on the East Side Access project and calling the authoritys projects the most expensive on the planet.

Its time for the MTA to reform how it builds, the post reads. Ignoring these excessive costs only hurts riders and taxpayers. We can have world-class infrastructure without paying world-record prices.

Molinaros nomination to lead the transit administration must still be announced by Trump and confirmed by the Senate.

Molinaro has a long history in public office, beginning when he was elected Mayor of Tivoli in Dutchess County as a teenager. He went on to serve in the state Assembly and as Dutchess County executive before being elected to Congress. He lost his seat to Democrat Josh Riley last year. Molinaro has represented swing districts and has been considered a moderate.

 2025 the Times Union (Albany, N.Y.) . Visit www.timesunion.com.
By Sam Mellins | New York Focus

This story originally appeared in New York Focus, a nonprofit news publication investigating power in New York. Sign up for their newsletter here.

Last year, 278 New Yorkers died waiting for a kidney transplant. In recent years, the toll has been as high as 533. The deaths are a sad but constant presence in a transplant system where the waiting list is roughly six times longer than the list of donors.

A measure in Governor Kathy Hochuls budget proposal, released last week, aims to boost donations by offering a tax break of up to $10,000 to reimburse donors for the costs associated with their lifesaving gift.

Most people can donate one of their kidneys with low medical risk, but the cost can be a significant barrier. In addition to the procedure itself, donors must take several weeks off work during recovery. No other state has such a reimbursement program for donors, but similar programs in other countries have significantly increased donation rates. Hochuls proposal could save dozens of lives a year, at a very small cost to the state.

It also wouldnt be necessary if New York states Department of Health had implemented a 2022 law meant to achieve the same goal.

In June 2022, the legislature unanimously passed a bill to reimburse kidney donors for up to $14,000 of donation-related expenses. Hochul signed the bill in December 2022, heralding the opportunity to support the great[est] gift a New Yorker can give, and it was supposed to take effect in April 2023.

New York was the first state in the country to pass such a measure. Donor advocates estimated it could save 100 lives per year, based on the effects of similar laws in other countries.

Two and a half years later, it has saved zero lives, because the state health department has failed to implement the law.

The laws sponsor, state Senator Gustavo Rivera, said hes mystified by the delay.

It is a law that we have appropriated funds for, and for some godforsaken reason, the Department of Health doesnt get off their tuchus and just put it into effect, said Rivera, who chaired the Senates health committee from 2018 until this year. I wish I had an answer for you, but I dont.

The laws text required the health department to design and run the program, and the 2023 state budget allocated $2.5 million for this purpose.

But the department has not even published draft regulations for the program.

Health department spokesperson Cadence Acquaviva said that the department is working on implementing the law, but did not provide any timeline for when it might take effect.

There were few models to work from and many decisions to make in implementing the program, Acquaviva said. It has taken time to appropriately recruit, hire and orient the robust staffing team needed to contribute to the build of such a complex program.

She declined to say how many people the department has hired, or plans to hire, to run the program.

Rivera said that while he supports Hochuls proposed tax credit, it isnt a good replacement for implementing his law  not only because it offers donors $4,000 less, but also because New Yorkers considering donation may not be able to wait until tax season to get reimbursed.

Organ donation advocates have been frustrated with the lack of progress.

It passed unanimously, the governor signed it, and everyone gets all the political credit, said Elaine Perlman, a kidney donor and executive director of Waitlist Zero, an organization that promotes kidney donation. This was not the way it was supposed to go down.

The health department has not responded to her questions about implementing the law since summer 2023, Perlman said.

The reimbursement program in Hochuls budget proposal would be available to any living organ donor, but would likely be used overwhelmingly by kidney donors: Kidneys are by far the most-needed organ for transplants, and represent over 90 percent of donations from living donors.

Kidneys from living donors last longer, and have a higher chance of being accepted by the recipients immune system, than kidneys from deceased donors.

The Governor fully supports making organ donation more accessible and recognizes that the existing tax deduction does not always address the full costs of the process, which is why shes proposing a new tax credit in this years budget, Hochul spokesperson Nicolette Simmonds told New York Focus. (The state currently offers a tax break to organ donors, but it covers only a small fraction of the costs.)

Understaffing may be to blame for the delays. The health department has shrunk by over 350 employees since 2020, leaving more work for the staff that remain.

Or the culprit could be institutional culture. In Albany, state agencies have a reputation for dragging their feet when it comes to laws that they didnt devise, to the extent that legislators joke about withholding state employees pay until they act.

If thats the case, Rivera isnt sympathetic. Tough luck. It got signed by the governor, so lets get it popping, he said.
NEW YORK (AP)  Former U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez was sentenced Wednesday to 11 years in prison for accepting bribes of gold and cash and acting as an agent of Egypt  crimes his lawyer said hes been mocked for as Gold Bar Bob.

The judge delivered the sentence after Menendez tearfully addressed the court, saying hed lost everything he cared about, except his family. The Democrat resigned last year after becoming one of only a handful of U.S. senators ever convicted while in office.

You were successful, powerful, you stood at the apex of our political system, U.S. District Judge Sidney H. Stein told Menendez in a packed Manhattan courtroom. Somewhere along the way, and I dont know when it was, you lost your way and working for the public good became working for your good.

The ex-senator was convicted of selling his once-considerable clout for bribes worth a fortune. FBI agents who searched his house found $480,000, some of it stuffed inside boots and pockets of clothing, and gold bars worth an estimated $150,000.

Prosecutors said that in exchange for the loot, which also included a luxury car, Menendez did corrupt favors for three New Jersey businessmen. They said he tried to protect associates from criminal investigations, helped two of them in business deals with foreign powers, and also met with Egyptian intelligence officials and took steps to help that country access millions of dollars in U.S. military aid.

Whats been the result? Stein said. You lost your senate seat. You lost your chairmanship and you lost your good name.

Menendez, 71, portrayed himself to the judge as a sympathetic figure, stressing his decades of public service and declaring that he was chastened by the experience. Afterward, talking to reporters with TV cameras and microphones outside, he turned defiant.

I am innocent, he proclaimed, vowing to appeal.

Menendez, who beat a prosecution in another corruption case a decade ago, aligned himself with President Donald Trumps recent criticisms of the judicial system, particularly in New York City.

This process is political and its corrupted to the core. I hope President Trump cleans up the cesspool and restores the integrity to the system, Menendez said, reading from a sheet of paper.

The judge ordered him to report to prison June 6.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, said that despite Menendezs accomplishments, he will be remembered for putting his own interests and financial gain ahead of the public interest. Menendezs successor, Democratic U.S. Sen. Andy Kim, said the sentencing is a reminder that nobody should be above the law, no matter your title or the power you hold.

Two of the men convicted of bribing Menendez also got substantial prison terms Wednesday. The judge sentenced real estate developer Fred Daibes to seven years in prison. Wael Hana, an entrepreneur, was sentenced to eight years.

Daibes, 67, tearfully told Stein his conviction had left him borderline suicidal. Hana professed that he was innocent.

A third businessman pleaded guilty and testified against Menendez at a trial last year. Menendez' wife, Nadine, faces a March trial on many of the same charges.

A dozen U.S. senators have been indicted while in office, but only four before Menendez were convicted and had those convictions stand up on appeal.

Menendez resigned last August, a month after his conviction, but hed been sapped of his power by then. After he was charged in 2023, he was forced to surrender his powerful post as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

His trial traced his dealings with Egyptian officials and his quest to aid three men who showered him with lucrative gifts found during a 2022 raid on his home in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.

Prosecutor Paul Monteleoni said Menendez committed a truly grave breach of the trust by serving Egypts interests as he worked to protect a meat certification monopoly Hana had established with the Egyptian government.

His time in the Senate was a privilege. It should have been its own reward  or would have been if he wasnt corrupt, Monteleoni said.

Among other things, Menendez provided Egyptian officials with information about U.S. Embassy staff in Cairo and ghostwrote a letter to senators encouraging them to lift a hold on $300 million in military aid to Egypt.

For other bribes, prosecutors said, Menendez attempted to persuade a federal prosecutor in New Jersey to go easy on Daibes, a politically influential real estate developer accused of bank fraud.

Businessman Jose Uribe testified that he helped Nadine Menendez get a Mercedes-Benz convertible after the senator sought to pressure state prosecutors to drop criminal probes of his associates.

Menendez has insisted that his interactions with Egyptian officials were normal for the head of the Foreign Relations Committee and that he always put American interests first. He denied taking any bribes and said the gold bars belonged to his wife.

Your honor, I am far from a perfect man. I have made more than my share of mistakes and bad decisions, Menendez told the judge. Ive done far more good than bad. I ask you, your honor, to judge me in that context.

Stein said he took Menendezs public service, age and health into consideration when deciding his punishment, which could have been as much as 24 to 30 years in prison under sentencing guidelines.

Menendezs lawyers described how the son of Cuban immigrants emerged from poverty and the trauma of his fathers suicide when he was 23 to become the epitome of the American Dream  rising from mayor of Union City, New Jersey, to decades in Congress  before his conviction rendered him a national punchline.

Despite his decades of service, he is now known more widely as Gold Bar Bob, defense lawyer Adam Fee told the judge.
If you take your phone outside with you in cold weather, it can reduce the battery life on your iPhone or Android. But did you know it can also cause permanent damage?

Richard Dowden, a tech expert for the comparison website Uswitch, told the UK Metro that prolonged exposure to frigid temperatures can cause serious problems for technology.

Most phone batteries are made of lithium, which provides power for your phones through chemical reactions. The process slows down in the cold, causing your phone to think the battery is dying, Dowden said.

Apple says its iPhones and iPads work best between 0C (32 degrees Fahrenheit) and 35C (95 degrees Fahrenheit). If a phone or tablet gets too warm or cold, it could permanently shorten battery life or disable the device altogether.

Your iOS or iPadOS device might not charge or could stop charging if it gets too cold, Apples website warns.

Studies have shown the biggest cold weather danger is when phones are left out in temperatures of -30C (-22 degrees Fahrenheit) or lower. Damage to batteries or screens can be irreparable after prolonged periods, Dowden added.

Phones will turn back on once returned to room temperature and charged - in most cases, according to Dowden. If left in subzero temperatures for too long, that could be a problem.

Here are 5 tips to protect your phone in cold weather:

1) Dont leave your phone in the car

Dowden said extended periods in a car at cold temperatures can cause permanent water damage once you bring the phone inside, due to chemical reactions inside the device. Allow it to get to room temperature before charging it again, Dowden told the Metro.

2) Charge your phone before you go outside

Batteries will drain faster when in the cold.

3) Keep your phone in your pocket or a protective case

Anything that insulates your phone from the elements will help keep the device warm and avoid battery drain. A coat or pant pocket will also allow it to get heat from your body temperature, Dowden said.

4) Turn your phone off in cold weather

Conserve battery life in sub-zero temperatures by turning on low power mode, airplane mode, shutting off location services and apps running in the background, or turning it off altogether.

5) Back up your data

Ensure your data is backed up to avoid any loss or damage to the battery life," Dowden told the Metro.
NEW YORK (AP)  President Donald Trump has appealed his hush money conviction, seeking to erase the verdict that made him the first person with a criminal record to win the office.

Trumps lawyers filed a notice of appeal Wednesday, asking the states mid-level appeals court to overturn his conviction last May on 34 counts of falsifying business records.

The case, involving an alleged scheme to hide a hush money payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels during Trumps 2016 Republican campaign, was the only one of his criminal cases to go to trial.

A notice of appeal starts the appeals process in New York. Trumps lawyers will have an opportunity to expand on their grievances in subsequent court filings.

The Manhattan district attorneys office, which prosecuted the case, will have a chance to respond in court papers. A message seeking comment was left with the office Wednesday.

Trump hired a new legal team from the firm Sullivan & Cromwell LLP to handle the appeal, spearheaded by the firms co-chair Robert J. Giuffra Jr.

Giuffra and four other lawyers from his firm stepped in after the president tabbed his two main defense lawyers, Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, for top positions in his administrations Justice Department.

President Donald J. Trumps appeal is important for the rule of law, New Yorks reputation as a global business, financial and legal center, as well as for the presidency and all public officials, Giuffra said in a statement provided by a Trump spokesperson. The misuse of the criminal law by the Manhattan DA to target President Trump sets a dangerous precedent, and we look forward to the case being dismissed on appeal.

Trump was sentenced Jan. 10 to whats known as an unconditional discharge, leaving his conviction on the books but sparing him jail, probation, a fine or other punishment.

The Republican had long vowed to appeal but couldnt do so until he was sentenced.

The trial judge, Juan M. Merchan, previously rejected Trumps requests to throw out the conviction on presidential immunity grounds and in light of his return to the White House.

Appearing by video at his sentencing, he called the case a political witch hunt, a weaponization of government and an embarrassment to New York.

A Manhattan jury convicted Trump last May of falsifying business records kept in the gilded halls of his eponymous real estate empire.

While the specific charges were about checks and ledgers, the underlying accusations were seamy and deeply entangled with Trumps political rise.

Prosecutors said Trump mislabeled payments to his then-lawyer Michael Cohen as legal fees in order to conceal what they really were: reimbursement for $130,000 that Cohen paid Daniels to keep quiet in the homestretch of Trumps 2016 presidential run.

At the time, Daniels was considering going public with a claim that she and the married Trump had a 2006 sexual encounter. He says they never did.

Trump denied any wrongdoing. He and his attorneys said the payments to Cohen were properly categorized as legal expenses.

For this I got indicted, Trump said at his sentencing. Its incredible, actually.

Trumps lawyers also argued that Trump wanted to squelch claims like Daniels to protect his family, not his campaign, from what he says were falsehoods.

Trump wont be able to pardon himself. Trumps case was tried in state court, but presidential pardons only apply to federal crimes.
by Xinhua writer Shi Yu

KINSHASA, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Felix Tshisekedi, the president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), promised late Wednesday a "vigorous response" to advances of March 23 Movement (M23) rebels in the eastern DRC, amid peace efforts by regional groups.

VIGOROUS RESPONSE

In his address on national television, Tshisekedi said "a response is underway" to reclaim every inch of DRC territory. The M23 has claimed to have taken control of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, a regional hub.

He said that in addition to military efforts supported by the UN peacekeeping mission and Southern African Development Community (SADC) forces, the DRC remains engaged diplomatically, particularly through the Luanda Process, a peace mechanism initiated and led by Angolan President Joao Lourenco.

Tshisekedi met Lourenco early Wednesday during a visit to the Angolan capital. He called for unity among all Congolese and pledged to cut government spending to fund military operations. "The DRC will never back down. I make this promise to you: I will never abandon you."

Since Sunday evening, violent hostilities have been observed throughout Goma, which has about 1 million residents, including over 700,000 internally displaced people living on the outskirts in already difficult conditions.

According to sources, M23 rebels seized several key facilities Monday, including the airport, the port, and a local DRC army base.

On Wednesday, United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the situation in Goma is calmer but still tense. Continued clashes were reported in surrounding areas, including Sake, a strategic town to the northwest of Goma.

Sources said that the border with Rwanda has been gradually reopened. There are reports that M23 rebels have advanced toward the neighboring province of South Kivu, whose capital city Bukavu is under imminent threat. It lies on the other side of Lake Kivu, facing Goma in the north.

MEDIATION EFFORTS

After emergency meetings at the UN Security Council and an extraordinary ministerial meeting of the African Union, an emergency summit of the East African Community (EAC) was held virtually Wednesday. The meeting called for an unconditional ceasefire and facilitated humanitarian access.

"The summit called on all parties to the conflict in eastern DRC to cease hostilities and observe an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and facilitate humanitarian access to the affected population," the leaders said in a statement issued in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.

President Tshisekedi of the DRC, an EAC member state, did not take part in the summit convened by Kenyan President William Ruto, who rotates as the chairman of the EAC.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Somalian President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir attended.

The DRC has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, an accusation Rwanda denies. Kigali accuses the DRC army of supporting and collaborating with remnants of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, a group allegedly responsible for the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

Last December, a peace summit under the Luanda Process, where a peace agreement was expected between Tshisekedi and Kagame, was canceled at the last minute.

Kinshasa, rejecting any direct negotiation with the M23, hinted at possible channels by reactivating the Nairobi Process, an EAC-led parallel peace mechanism brokered by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta. The M23 was excluded from the Nairobi Process by Kinshasa in 2022.

A joint summit of the EAC and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which has also been involved in the eastern DRC, is expected to be held in the coming days to deliberate on the way forward.

The SADC was due to start an extraordinary summit Thursday in Harare, the Zimbabwean capital, to discuss the situation in the eastern DRC, according to an SADC Secretariat statement released Wednesday.

HUMANITARIAN TOLL

On Wednesday, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that violence and looting of humanitarian warehouses continued in Goma, impacting the ability of aid workers to respond and putting them at risk.

OCHA said that since the escalation of fighting, its humanitarian partners have recorded the wounding of more than 2,000 people. Some bodies were left in the streets, while water and electricity supplies remained cut off since Sunday.

"We call for the swift resumption of these services, as well as for the protection of humanitarian warehouses and the facilitation of medical evacuations for people who have been injured," said Dujarric, the chief spokesman for the UN secretary-general, in a briefing Wednesday.

OCHA said the Goma airport's closure means the suspension of the flow of humanitarian cargo and rotations of humanitarian personnel.

Most roads connecting Goma to the rest of the country are also closed. However, the border with Rwanda is open, and additional humanitarian teams can enter the DRC.

"Humanitarian Coordinator Bruno Lemarquis calls on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and to end the violence targeting civilians," OCHA said. "He reiterates his call for the establishment of a secure humanitarian corridor to guarantee unhindered humanitarian access and the creation of a border crossing to facilitate the movement of people fleeing violence."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Sunday that he was deeply concerned by the escalating violence in the eastern DRC and reiterated his strongest condemnation of the M23's ongoing offensive and advances toward Goma.

Guterres called on the M23 to immediately cease all hostile actions and withdraw from occupied areas.

More than 400,000 people have been displaced since the start of 2025 in the eastern DRC, according to the UN. 
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TUNIS, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Tunisia aims to attract more than 11 million tourists in 2025 as the country strives to broaden its tourism offerings, Tourism Minister Sofiane Tekaya said on Wednesday.

The North African country is launching a public-private initiative to promote coastal, health, cultural, and environmental tourism year-round, Tekaya told state news agency Tunis Afrique Presse. The plan includes boosting air connectivity with major European markets, a critical source of visitors, through partnerships with airlines and travel firms.

The announcement follows a strong performance in Tunisia's tourism sector last year, with foreign arrivals hitting 10.25 million.

Tourism is a critical pillar of Tunisia's economy, contributing roughly 10 percent of GDP and providing hundreds of thousands of jobs. The country has historically drawn visitors to its Mediterranean beaches, ancient ruins, and Sahara desert attractions, though political instability and security concerns have periodically impacted the sector. 
Skype allows users to communicate with peers by voice using a microphone, video by using a webcam, and instant messaging over the Internet. Phone calls may be placed to recipients on the traditional telephone networks. Calls to other users within the Skype service are free of charge, while calls to landline telephones and mobile phones are charged via a debit-based user account system. Skype has also become popular for its additional features, including file transfer, and videoconferencing.

Microsoft and Facebook Account Integration

Sign up and sign-in is easier than ever. You can now sign into Skype using your Microsoft or Facebook account - there's no need to create a new Skype account. This makes it even easier to connect with friends on Skype without having to set up another account.

IM friends on Messenger

Now you can instant message your Windows Live Messenger, Hotmail and Outlook.com contacts via Skype all in one place. If you use a Microsoft account today, merging your accounts is easy - just sign in to Skype with your Microsoft account.

Calling with Messenger friends is coming soon

We're working on polishing a feature which will enable audio and video calls to Windows Live Messenger customers using Skype desktop clients. The feature will be available in coming weeks.

Skype localized to six more languages

We are excited to support our growing community around the world with new localized versions of Skype in Thai, Croatian, Slovenian, Serbian, Catalan and Slovak, bringing the total languages Skype supports to 38.

Visual user interface refresh

We have refreshed and flattened the Skype UI with a simpler and less cluttered look. We have updated the look of the instant messaging and SMS areas as well.

Removal of online user count

We have removed the online user counter at the bottom of your Skype Contacts list to unclutter the UI and make more space for your friends within the contacts list.

Display previously created profile pictures

When you change your profile picture, we will now show you all of your previous Skype profile pictures so you don't have to look through old files if you want to use a previous image.

Improved telemetry

We are constantly looking for ways to improve the quality of our product. To that end we are adding additional "opt-in" telemetry reports for users who choose this option: "Tools>> Options>>Advanced>>Tick "Help improve Skype..." The reports may contain your Skype ID and or Microsoft Account ID but we will not use it to identify or contact you.

Improved chat experience

For the last year we've dedicated a lot of time to refresh the chat experience in Skype. We've brought more improvements to the desktop. Photos in your new Skype for Windows and Mac apps show up as you'd expect, beautifully displayed for your instant viewing. On Windows, there's more spacing between contacts and chats, as well as message previews for unread chats, making it even easier to follow conversations.

Chat and call simultaneously with one click

People love multi-tasking. Many of you already exchange IMs while on a live call today. With the new side-by-side design, you can effortlessly multi-task on a voice or video call. On Mac, it only takes one click. Share messages, photos or files for a more active conversation together, without ever leaving your call.

Free group video calls

Skype loves bringing groups together---so, last but not least, the free group video calls we previously announced work better than ever on the redesigned Skype for Mac and Windows.

What's New
In context: Microsoft has been working for a while to improve interoperability between Windows PCs and smartphones, with modest success. The latest updates have integrated the Phone Link app into the Start Menu, and most recently, this functionality has extended to iPhone users. However, Microsoft's efforts still fall far short of the iPhone connectivity features available on Apple's macOS.

A new Windows Insider build includes changes to Microsoft's Phone Link function for Android and iPhone users. The update streamlines desktop access to mobile features, but the implementation remains extremely limited.

Preview Build 4805, Beta Channel version 26120.3000, and Phone Link version 1.24121.30.0 move the Phone Link screen to a pane next to the Start Menu so users can reach it from the desktop with one click. Although the feature has mostly favored Android devices so far, the update brings iPhone support to parity, introducing features Android users received last year.

Android and iPhone users can now access calls, notifications, texts, music, the battery indicator, and shared files from the Start Menu.

New users can start using Phone Link by simultaneously opening the Windows and mobile apps. After choosing between Android and iPhone, use the phone's camera to scan the QR code displayed in the Windows app and ensure Bluetooth is enabled. Then, enable permissions for syncing contacts, notifications, and messages under the smartphone's Bluetooth settings.

To enable or disable Phone Link, navigate to Settings > Personalization > Start. Users can submit feedback to Microsoft via the Feedback Hub under Apps > Phone Link.

iPhone mirroring for comparison

Despite Microsoft's progress, Phone Link will likely never resemble Apple's iPhone screen mirroring in the foreseeable future. Akin to a remote desktop, iPhone screen mirroring allows macOS users to unlock nearby iPhones and access files, apps, and other features without physically interacting with the phone.

To Microsoft's credit, seamless interoperability is easier to achieve when devices are built by the same manufacturer. Microsoft has been largely absent from the mobile space since the failure of Windows Phone, and Apple is unlikely to grant Microsoft the level of access required for full screen mirroring on Windows. As a result, Windows users will have to settle for a more limited set of connectivity features for now  although Android is not much better either.

Microsoft previously attempted to make compatibility with Android apps a cornerstone of Windows 11, but the company's ambitions never progressed beyond preview builds. Windows Insiders can still download certain apps from Amazon's Android app store, but only until the preview ends on March 5.

However, Tencent is giving the initiative another chance by providing Windows Insiders in China access to approximately 1,500 apps from its MyApp storefront, including PUBG Mobile and REDnote. Whether these apps will become available to all Windows users  either in China or globally  remains uncertain.
WTF?! Following the pandemic, companies are rethinking their physical footprints and looking for ways to optimize whatever desk space employees use. Logitech believes it has part of the solution with a tiny radar sensor called Spot.

The Spot is basically a peel-and-stick pebble that uses radar to detect people's presence. It can see about 16 feet in front of it and also sense movement from side to side. Stick one of these on the wall, and your office will know when rooms are occupied and by how many people.

The device is also loaded with environmental sensors to measure air quality, CO2 levels, temperature, humidity, and more. Logitech says companies can use this data to make sure office conditions are ideal for employees.

However, the bigger play here is giving companies deeper insights into how their physical workspaces are actually being utilized. Facility managers can see which areas are being underutilized by blanketing the office with these sensors.

Henry Levak, the head of product for Logitech's business division, told The Verge that there are already cameras to monitor larger spaces. But the beauty of Spot is adding that same visibility to smaller rooms and huddle areas "where you don't want cameras pointing at people."

The company touts several use cases: automating unused room reservations, optimizing HVAC systems based on real occupancy instead of schedules, and even potential cognitive benefits from avoiding stale air buildup.

Spot transmits its sensor data wirelessly to hubs using low-power LoRaWAN radio technology. It hooks into Logitech's existing office management solutions such as interactive maps and scheduling panels. It also integrates with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and various workplace platforms via APIs. The sensors run for up to four years on a single battery.

Of course, densely blanketing the corporate campus with occupancy sensors also provides a panoptic view into individual movements and behaviors. But Logitech emphasizes that the radar isn't precise enough to identify specific people, and it's certainly less invasive than office cameras.

Spot officially launches in the second half of this year.
In context: The Doomsday Clock, created in 1947 by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, a group co-founded by Albert Einstein, is a striking symbolic timekeeper. Midnight on the metaphorical clock represents a world-shattering cataclysm. The closer we get to midnight, the more dire the Bulletin judges the current existential threats from nuclear weapons, climate change, disruptive technologies like AI, and more.

On January 28, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists updated the Doomsday Clock from 90 to 89 seconds until "midnight," as world-ending threats continue escalating at a terrifying pace. Bulletin scientists listed several conditions that influenced the clock update.

Experts see the war in Ukraine, which still rages into its third year, as posing real risks of going nuclear through accident or madness. Nuclear powers like the US, China, and Russia continue pouring staggering resources into modernizing and building up their doomsday arsenals rather than negotiating limitations. Greenhouse gas emissions climbed again last year as most nations failed to do enough about climate change.

The Bulletin adds that new bioweapons research and lack of oversight also heightens the potential for human-engineered pandemics. Meanwhile, AI capabilities continue to advance rapidly despite calls for regulations to slow it down. Experts fear uncontrolled AI growth will supercharge the spread of misinformation, undermine democracy, and potentially turn autonomous machines hostile.

"Trends that have deeply concerned the Science and Security Board continued, and despite unmistakable signs of danger, national leaders and their societies have failed to do what is needed to change course," writes the Bulletin.

If all this isn't enough to keep you up at night, the scientists highlighted AI's growing ability to turbocharge misinformation and fake news. This "corruption of the information ecosystem" is kneecapping democratic discourse and honest debate over all these challenges.

The Bulletin's statement warns that blindly continuing on the current path is a "form of madness." It singles out the US, China, and Russia as the nations with the collective power to push the Doomsday Clock to midnight. The group believes in an urgent need for the leaders of these countries to conduct high-level talks to lower the potential of disaster.

The United States, China, and Russia have the collective power to destroy civilization. These three countries have the prime responsibility to pull the world back from the brink, and they can do so if their leaders seriously commence good-faith discussions about the global threats outlined here. Despite their profound disagreements, they should take that first step without delay. The world depends on immediate action.

There remains some question as to whether the metaphorical Doomsday Clock resonates as strongly as the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists hopes. While the experts' annual warnings about global risks are certainly grave, decades of pronouncing that we are just minutes from midnight make the warnings feel hollow. Fortunately, the clock can run backward and has several times following world-changing events.
What just happened? People living in and around New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and other nearby states may remember the strange drone sightings that had everyone on edge late last year. After all, they appeared almost every night for weeks. Now, the White House has finally put the speculation to rest with an official explanation, but not everyone is convinced.

In her first official press briefing on Tuesday, President Trump's new press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, revealed that the drones had simply been authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration for research purposes. Additionally, many of them belonged to regular citizens living in those areas.

"This was not the enemy," Leavitt stated bluntly, referring to the frenzied online rumors that had been swirling about the unidentified drones being some kind of threat.

According to FAA records, the drone sightings first began on November 18 in Morris County, New Jersey. From there, they appeared to spread rapidly, with residents reporting nightly clusters of drones in the skies over the following weeks across New Jersey and several neighboring states.

Of course, this caused quite a stir, with the FBI receiving over 5,000 tips from concerned citizens. A few arrests were even made for operating drones too close to restricted airspace in Massachusetts and California.

It's worth noting that the previous Biden administration had already determined there was no real national security threat and that many of the drones were simply being misidentified by the public. Now, Trump's team has gone a step further in clarifying the situation, revealing the FAA's role in approving at least some of the drones.

Not everyone is convinced, though. New Jersey Assemblyman Brian Bergen, who had been vocal throughout the drone saga, told NewsNation that the White House's explanation "makes no sense." As he pointed out, anything in restricted airspace would already require FAA authorization

"I just want somebody normal to get up in front of us and give us the truth, the straight truth, no canned response, no carefully chosen words, no dancing around it," Bergen stated, clearly still skeptical. "If it's the FAA doing research, what research? If it's some other entity, whatever other entity it is. We want someone just to be normal for once and give us the truth."

Ocean County Sheriff Mike Mastronardi echoed similar concerns, warning that a lack of transparency could cause unnecessary public alarm.

Of course, the FAA regulates and authorizes all sorts of drone operations across the country, with over a million registered for commercial and recreational use. Research drones wouldn't be unusual. But more transparency about the actual nature and purpose of this specific "research" could have alleviated public fears much sooner.
What just happened? NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission has unveiled discoveries from the analysis of samples collected from asteroid Bennu that shed new light on the potential origins of life in our solar system. The findings, published in Nature and Nature Astronomy, reveal the presence of key molecular building blocks for life and evidence of an ancient aqueous environment.

The sample analysis detected 14 out of the 20 amino acids used by life on Earth to create proteins, as well as all five nucleobases essential for genetic information storage and transmission. Additionally, scientists found an unexpectedly high concentration of ammonia  approximately 100 times greater than natural levels in Earth's soils.

"NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission already is rewriting the textbook on what we understand about the beginnings of our solar system," said Nicky Fox, associate administrator of NASA's Science Mission Directorate. "Asteroids provide a time capsule into our home planet's history, and Bennu's samples are pivotal in our understanding of what ingredients in our solar system existed before life started on Earth."

The research team also identified traces of 11 minerals associated with salt deposits formed through water evaporation, suggesting a history of brine environments on Bennu or its parent body. This discovery provides insights into the potential for life-supporting conditions in the early solar system.

"The clues we're looking for are so minuscule and so easily destroyed or altered from exposure to Earth's environment," Danny Glavin, a senior sample scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, said. "That's why some of these new discoveries would not be possible without a sample-return mission, meticulous contamination-control measures, and careful curation and storage of this precious material from Bennu."

While these findings do not provide direct evidence of life, they suggest that the necessary conditions for life's emergence were widespread across the early solar system. This increases the possibility that life could have formed on other planets and moons.

"Our odds of finding life elsewhere are increasing," Glavin told the New York Times.

The Bennu samples also present an intriguing puzzle regarding the chirality of amino acids. Unlike life on Earth, which predominantly uses left-handed amino acids, the Bennu samples contain an equal mixture of both left- and right-handed varieties. This raises questions about how and why life on Earth "turned left" in its amino acid preference.

NASA launched the OSIRIS-REx mission to asteroid Bennu in 2016 to gain insights into the early solar system's formation. Bennu, like other asteroids, is believed to contain primordial materials from the solar system's birth approximately 4.5 billion years ago.

The mission's primary objective was to collect and return a pristine sample from Bennu's surface, which could provide unaltered evidence of the solar system's original ingredients. This sample was expected to offer more accurate information than meteorites, which undergo significant changes during their passage through Earth's atmosphere and while on the ground. OSIRIS-REx successfully collected a sample from Bennu on October 20, 2020, and returned it to Earth on September 24, 2023.
In a recent cybersecurity revelation, New York-based cybersecurity firm Wiz said that it recently uncovered an inadvertently exposed database of DeepSeek, a prominent Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) company, leaking sensitive data, including chat messages and personal information of the users, to the open internet.

DeepSeek, founded in Hangzhou in 2023, has rapidly ascended in the AI industry due to its innovative chatbot models, particularly the DeepSeek-R1 reasoning model.

This AI model has been praised for its performance, rivaling U.S. counterparts like OpenAIs o1 while utilizing fewer resources.

In a blog post published on Wednesday, Wiz said it identified a publicly accessible ClickHouse database related to DeepSeek.

The exposed database allowed complete control over database operations, including the ability to access internal data. It included over a million lines of log streams containing chat history, secret keys, backend details, and other highly sensitive information.

Within minutes, we found a publicly accessible ClickHouse database linked to DeepSeek, completely open and unauthenticated, exposing sensitive data. It was hosted at oauth2callback.deepseek.com:9000 and dev.deepseek.com:9000, the cybersecurity wrote in its blog post.

This database contained a significant volume of chat history, backend data and sensitive information, including log streams, API Secrets, and operational details.

More critically, the exposure allowed for full database control and potential privilege escalation within the DeepSeek environment, without any authentication or defense mechanism to the outside world.

On discovering the exposed database, Wizs co-founder Ami Luttwak said that their research team immediately and responsibly disclosed the issue to DeepSeek, which then quickly secured the database.

They took it down in less than an hour, Luttwak said. But this was so simple to find we believe were not the only ones who found it.

Although DeepSeek acted quickly to fix the issue, this discovery has raised significant concerns regarding data privacy and the potential for misuse by government entities.

DeepSeek has currently limited user registrations because of an ongoing cyberattack. Just 2 days back, another cybersecurity firm was able to jailbreak Deepseek.

These incidents underscores the growing challenges in ensuring data security and privacy, particularly with the rapid advancement of AI technologies.

DeepSeek has yet to comment on the issue.
ADDIS ABABA, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia aims to increase its electric power generation capacity to 13,000 megawatts (MW) by 2028, President Taye Atske Selassie has said.

The country is working hard to expand its renewable energy production capacity to power its national development ambitions and foster energy inter-connection among countries in the region, Selassie told Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, earlier this week, according to a report of state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate Wednesday.

Ethiopia, which supplies electricity to neighboring Djibouti, Kenya and Sudan, is working with 14 African countries to facilitate regional electric energy integration, the president said.

In November last year, the Ethiopian Ministry of Water and Energy said the country's energy generation capacity had exceeded 6,000 MW, mainly by tapping into the country's abundant renewable energy resources.

Ethiopia recently also announced the East Africa Electric Highway project, an initiative among Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania, with the start of trial power supply from Kenya to Tanzania. 
Trump's environment pick confirmed, drawing cheers from industry



Washington, Jan 29 (AFP) Jan 29, 2025



President Donald Trump's nominee to head the US Environmental Protection Agency was confirmed by the Senate on Wednesday, drawing cheers from the fossil fuel industry and sparking alarm among green groups.

Lee Zeldin, a former US congressman from New York, has committed to Trump's campaign pledges of boosting US energy dominance and rolling back environmental regulations enacted under former president Joe Biden.

The 44-year-old's nomination was confirmed by a 56-42 vote, with Democrats John Fetterman of Pennsylvania as well as Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly of Arizona crossing the aisle to vote with their Republican colleagues.

Senators Cory Booker of New Jersey and Jon Ossoff of Georgia did not vote.

"Administrator Lee Zeldin has a proven track record of finding solutions to the nation's most pressing energy challenges," said American Petroleum Institute president and CEO Mike Sommers.

"We look forward to working with him to advance American energy leadership, from developing smart, effective regulations to ensuring consumers -- not the government -- can choose the vehicles they drive."

Faced with hostile Democratic questioning during his confirmation hearing, Zeldin acknowledged human-caused climate change is real, in contrast with Trump, who has derided it as a hoax.

But he repeatedly emphasized his commitment to "clean air" and "clean water," echoing rhetoric commonly used by conservatives who champion fossil fuels while resisting efforts to combat the worsening climate crisis, which is disrupting ecosystems and intensifying extreme weather events.

"With today's vote, Senate Republicans have installed yet another Trump loyalist to advance his agenda of environmental destruction," said Evergreen Action's Executive Director Lena Moffitt.

"Despite Lee Zeldin's repeated assurances to 'fully' follow the law, his blind loyalty to President Trump in the face of illegal, destructive executive actions makes it clear that his EPA will put polluters over people."

Brett Hartl, government affairs director at the Center for Biological Diversity, warned that Zeldin's leadership should be scrutinized closely.

"Let's be clear-eyed that every other person Trump has already deployed to the EPA's pesticide, water and air divisions has a long track record of putting industry profits and polluters above our health and the environment," he said.

Zeldin's confirmation comes amid sweeping moves by Trump to reshape US environmental policy.

On his very first day in office, Trump announced he was removing the United States from the Paris climate accord for a second time, declared a "national energy emergency" to expand drilling, and signed executive orders to slow the transition to electric vehicles and halt offshore windshore farms.
Bereaved, threatened: Priest exposing Italy's toxic mafia fires



Caivano, Italy, Jan 30 (AFP) Jan 30, 2025



Father Maurizio Patriciello lost four relatives to cancers he blames on toxic waste dumps operated by the mafia in southern Italy, but despite death threats he has never stopped campaigning for justice.

As the parish priest of Caivano, near Naples, the 69-year-old has been at the forefront of community efforts to expose and remedy the illegal disposal of industrial waste by the notorious Camorra in a region now known as the "Land of Fires".

The European Court of Human Rights is set to rule Thursday on claims the Italian state failed to protect residents, whose cancer rates are higher than normal.

"There were fires all the time, day and night, the smoke reached the church, and the smell of burning. It was impossible to survive, it was impossible to breathe," Patriciello told AFP.

"I realised that the funerals I presided over, including of young people or children, of teenagers, were always the result of tumours, leukaemia. And I began to ask myself, what is happening?"

With local authorities, "we began to take an interest in this problem, understanding that the great drama was not urban waste... it was industrial, toxic waste".

They brought together cancer specialists, lawyers and other politicians, and he began to write about what was happening.

The problem became a national scandal in 2013, sparking huge protests in and around Naples.

Since then, Patriciello says, "some things have changed".

"In 2015, a law against environmental crimes was passed... it could have been broader, but the fact is that now if a policeman finds someone polluting our land, he can arrest him. Before, no, so it's a great success," he said.

That year also saw the publication of Pope Francis's encyclical "Laudato si", which laid out the Vatican's case for defending the environment -- inspired, according to Patriciello, by a helicopter flight the pontiff took over the expansive ravaged area.

Then in 2021, "the National Health Institute for the first time had the courage to say what we have already said and denounced on several occasions, the correlation between the polluted environment and health".

According to court documents, the affected area is home to 2.9 million people.



- Decimated families -



The European Court is due to rule on a case brought by 41 residents of the Campania region, alleging that the Italian state knew about the problem but did not inform citizens.

"We are waiting for justice to be done for these poor people, because you cannot imagine how many people we have had to accompany to the cemetery," Patriciello said.

"Over the years, I have lost two brothers, my sister-in-law and my nephew, and one my nieces is currently battling cancer. All of us have been truly decimated, our families have been decimated by cancer."

But he said the campaign was not just for the families in Italy.

"We have always believed that our cry of despair, but also of hope, that this denunciation could be in favour of all humanity," he said.

"Because it is so obvious that man lives on air, water and the products of the soil. But if man is so stupid, so stubborn that he pollutes, poisons the air, the water, the soil, it is normal that then the air, the water and the soil take revenge.

"If we poison them, they poison us in turn."

What can be done?

"The problem is to really achieve good waste management... I do not understand why the waste from the industries of northern Italy must be in Campania," he said.

"Between lazy politicians, dishonest industrialists and our Camorra, a deadly alliance has been created that has really destroyed our territory."

As well as losing relatives, Patriciello has been forced to live under police protection for his efforts.

"Farmers who paid dearly for our denunciations came to my house to advise me to keep quiet. Then a second time they placed a small bomb in front of the gate of my church, and I was forced to be placed under police protection," he recalled.

"My freedom is a little limited, but if that is the price to pay for the good of these people, I am happy."
JUBA, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- South Sudanese President Salva Kiir has ordered an investigation into a plane crash Wednesday morning that killed 20 people, including foreign nationals, in Unity State.

The small aircraft heading for Juba, the capital, crashed shortly after taking off near an oil field. It was chartered by the Greater Pioneer Operating Company and operated by Light Air Services Aviation Company.

Among the killed were South Sudanese, two Chinese nationals and one Indian.

"In the wake of this tragic incident, I have directed the Ministry of Transport and all relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and swift investigation to determine the cause of the crash and give answers to the grieving families," Kiir said in a TV address.

The president sent his condolences to the bereaved families and his sympathies to all those affected by the tragedy.

"Let us come together as a nation to support the grieving families and honor the memory of those we have lost in this tragedy," he said, adding that the deceased were dedicated to the progress of South Sudan and the country will feel their loss.

Twenty-one people were on the plane. The lone survivor, whose nationality has yet to be determined, is in critical condition, Unity State Minister of Information and Communication Gatwech Bipal said. 
European rights court condemns Italy over toxic waste dumping by mafia



Strasbourg, France, Jan 30 (AFP) Jan 30, 2025



Europe's rights court on Thursday condemned Italy for failing to deal with the burying and dumping of toxic waste by organised criminal groups in the southern Campania region.

In a unanimous verdict the Strasbourg-based European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled that Italy had violated Article 2 -- the right to life -- of the European Convention on Human Rights that the court enforces.

It gave Rome two years to draw up a "comprehensive strategy" to deal with the situation in an area where almost three million people live and which has seen increased rates of cancer.

The court found "that the Italian State had failed to deal with such a serious situation with the diligence and expedition required -- despite having known about the problem for many years -- specifically in assessing the problem, preventing its continuation, and communicating to the affected public," it said in a damning ruling.

The comprehensive strategy -- demanded by the court in its capacity to enforce judgements -- should see the setting up of an independent monitoring mechanism and establishment of a public information platform, it said.

For decades, industrial waste -- often from northern Italy -- was burned in the open air in this vast area, which has been dubbed the "Triangle of Death".

Instead of paying exorbitant sums to have it disposed of legally, companies paid the Camorra mafia a fraction of the cost to dump it in fields, wells and lakes.

The court said the case was brought by 41 Italian nationals, who live in Caserta or Naples provinces in Campania, and five regional organisations based in Campania.

It added that during the two years Rome has to draw up its strategy, the pending 36 related applications from around 4,700 applicants on the issue will be adjourned.

The ECHR is part of the 46-member Council of Europe pan-European rights body. It enforces the European Convention on Human Rights and its rulings are legally binding and not advisory.
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The charge of Chinese electric car brands into the UK market is sparking privacy concerns among older consumers, a new survey suggests.

Some 41% of people aged 55 and above have fears over data security and privacy risks when buying Chinese products, the poll commissioned by online vehicle marketplace Auto Trader indicated.

Meanwhile, 43% of respondents in the same age group said they mistrust the quality of the goods.

The rise of Chinese brands comes with challenges Ian Plummer, Auto Trader

The greatest support comes from those aged 17-34, with 57% of this group attracted by factors such as innovative technology and affordability.

Chinese brands including BYD, GWM and Omoda are gaining ground in the UK automotive market.

An Auto Trader report forecast that Chinese companies could hold a share of up to 25% of the UKs new electric vehicle market by 2030, which is when the Government has pledged to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars.

Ian Plummer, commercial director at Auto Trader, said: Chinese brands are increasingly pivotal players in the UKs electric transition.

Their ability to offer affordable, high-quality electric vehicles is winning over the younger drivers who will play a vital role in driving the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

But the rise of Chinese brands comes with challenges.

Consumers trust in the quality and safety of these new entrants remains mixed, particularly among older buyers.

To succeed, Chinese brands will need to focus on reassuring consumers  through strong safety ratings, data security, expert reviews and customer service  that they are as good as the more trusted traditional manufacturers.

Dr Andy Palmer, former chief executive of Aston Martin and operating chief of Nissan, who founded Palmer Energy which supplies home, commercial and grid scale batteries, said: Smart electronics and AI software are a phenomena of our time, and proliferate into almost everything we own.

For some, this has raised concern about the growth in Chinese EVs and the risk of spying.

We should be cognisant of the risk but not attribute this only to China and only to EVs. The same functions can exist on internal combustion cars, and the risk from phones is probably greater.

 The nationally representative survey of 3,985 UK consumers was conducted by research company QuMind in November 2024.
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A massive cyberattack that forced DeepSeek to close its groundbreaking AI model for new registrations on Tuesday originated in the US, Chinese state media has claimed.

The Chinese startup released its new AI system, called R1, last week and the development immediately rocked the Western tech industry and stock markets.

DeepSeek claims its AI model cost a fraction of the money and computing power to train compared to its rivals like OpenAIs ChatGPT, which employs more expensive Nvidia chips.

R1 quickly gained popularity, climbing to the top of the list of free apps downloaded from Apple Store, surpassing ChatGPT.

As news spread over the weekend that the DeepSeek system matched the most advanced AI models of American tech giants such as Google, OpenAI and Meta despite being far more cost-effective and open-source, investors in companies such as Nvidia and Oracle began selling their stocks, wiping off nearly a trillion dollars in value from the American stock market on Monday.

Nvidia is the leading supplier of chips used to train advanced AI models.

On Tuesday, DeepSeek said that it came under a brute-force cyberattack.

The company limited R1 signups with phone numbers in China and prohibited registrations from international users.

A banner on its app notified users that it faced malicious attacks without revealing where they were coming from.

DeepSeek banner notifying users about the cyberattack ( DeepSeek )

Due to large-scale malicious attacks on DeepSeek's services, we are temporarily limiting registrations to ensure continued service, the notification said. Existing users can log in as usual. Thanks for your understanding and support.

On Wednesday, DeepSeek notified users that the issue had been identified, and a fix was being implemented.

Not long after, Yuyuan Tantian, a social media account affiliated with Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, claimed the attacks originated from IP addresses in the US.

While initial attacks disrupted DeepSeek by overwhelming its servers and bandwidth with a flood of internet traffic, according to the Chinese cybersecurity company QAX Technology Group, the more recent ones attempted to crack user credentials by checking all possible password combinations to understand how the AI model worked.

All the attack IPs were recorded, all are from the US, QAX cybersecurity expert Wang Hui told CCTV.

DeepSeek AI services hit by cyberattack amid US Security probe

The cyberattack on DeepSeek has raised concerns about the security of AI platforms and the risks they pose to users.

Bill Conner, former security adviser to American and British governments, said DeepSeek represents a clear risk to any enterprise whose leadership values data privacy, security and transparency.

US president Donald Trump warned that DeepSeeks emergence was a wake-up call for American AI giants.

Some AI experts have also raised concerns about DeepSeeks ties to the Chinese government.

The controlling shareholder of the startup based in Hangzhou is Liang Wenfeng, co-founder of a quantitative hedge fund called High-Flyer. Mr Liang attended a symposium for businessmen and experts hosted by Chinese premier Li Qiang the day the new DeepSeek model was released, according to state news agency Xinhua.
CAIRO, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- The historic Swiss Club in Egypt's Giza governorate near the capital Cairo transformed into a vibrant embroidery of cultures as over 700 young Egyptians, together with Chinese residents, celebrate the Chinese New Year.

Organized by the Bayt Al-Hekma Cultural Group, a publishing house specializing in Arabic translations of Chinese literary works, the event showcases the deep and enduring friendship between Egypt and China.

At the club, where fresh air mixed with excitement, traditional Chinese lanterns swayed gently amid greenery, with the fragrance of Chinese cuisine filling the air.

Various Chinese engravings adorned the stage, setting the scene for a captivating cultural show.

"While in Cairo, I felt as if I was back home. This celebration truly captures the essence of cultural rapprochement," Liu Ying, director of the collaborative research department at the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China, told Xinhua.

Liu expressed her admiration for the Egyptian students, whose performances eloquently reflected the spirit of Chinese culture.

Li Shanshan, a prominent Chinese writer, echoed Liu's sentiments, noting that the level of proficiency displayed by these young Egyptians is truly remarkable.

"Their passion for Chinese language and culture is evident, and it fills me with immense joy," Li told Xinhua, affirming a growing interest in Chinese culture among Egyptian youth.

Egyptian students fluent in Mandarin showcased their talents through captivating poetry recitations, affecting songs, and graceful dances, demonstrating a deep appreciation for Chinese culture.

The celebration extended beyond the stage. Interactive workshops offered hands-on experience, allowing attendees to learn the art of Chinese calligraphy and craft intricate lanterns.

A vibrant fashion show showcased the beauty of traditional Chinese clothing while engaging competitions tested participants' knowledge of Chinese culture and history.

Popular Egyptian songs like "Fiha Haga Helwa" and "Halawet Shamsna" filled the air, creating a harmonious blend of musical traditions.

"This celebration has been an incredible learning experience," Basant Harby, an Egyptian student learning Chinese at Ain Shams University, told Xinhua.

She noted that the performances, food, and cultural exhibits have led to a deeper appreciation for China.

Habeeba Mohamed, a fellow student from Suez Canal University, said the event is more than just a celebration.

"It is a bridge connecting our two peoples... such events are really important to foster deeper understanding and friendship between the two nations," Mohamed added.

Ahmed al-Saeed, chairman of Bayt Al-Hekma Cultural Group, highlighted the significance of the celebration.

"This year, we aimed to showcase the Spring Festival through an authentically Egyptian lens," he said. "The overwhelming response from over 700 students and their families sends a powerful message of friendship and appreciation to the Chinese people." 
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A nuclear fusion startup backed by OpenAI founder Sam Altman has raised nearly half a billion dollars to build what it hopes to be the worlds first power plant using the next-generation energy source.

US-based Helion Energy recently unveiled its latest prototype in Everett, Washington, before announcing a $425 million funding round this week.

Among the investors was Mr Altman, who has previously said that future artificial intelligence will require vast amounts of power that can only be produced by nuclear fusion.

The ChatGPT boss said last year that energy is the hardest part in creating artificial general intelligence (AGI) that match or surpass human intelligence.

Nuclear fusion has been hailed as the holy grail of clean energy due to its potential to mimic the Suns natural processes to generate near-limitless power without leaving behind hazardous waste.

open image in gallery Hot plasma within a nuclear fusion reaction needs to be kept stable in order to generate energy ( Getty Images )

The next-generation energy source still requires significant breakthroughs before it can be realised on a commercial scale, with some scientists believing it may still be decades away.

Despite the challenges, Helion claims it will build the worlds first nuclear fusion power plant by 2028 and has already secured a purchase agreement from Microsoft.

The US tech giant made the deal in 2023 in the belief that Helion Energy will be able to build a 50MW nuclear fusion power plant and supercharge the transition towards clean energy.

Helion Energys latest funding round, which puts its valuation at $5.2 billion, will help the firm accelerate development of the technology, according to the companys chief executive David Kirtley.

We will be radically scaling up our manufacturing in the US  enabling us to build capacitors, magnets, and semiconductors much faster than we have been able to before, Mr Kirtley said.

Theres still a lot of work to do, and our team is excited to keep pushing to do what no one has done before.
A detail shot of the certified reproduction of the gilded inner coffin of Tutankhamun, featured in the Louisiana Art & Science Museum's exhibit, 'Discoveries on the Nile: Exploring King Tuts Tomb and the Amin Egyptian Collection.' Catch the exhibit for free on Free First Sunday this weekend.
Follow this itinerary for an art-filled weekend on the Mississippi Gulf Coast
San Antonio police are investigating the shooting death of a 33-year-old man. Dave Thompson - PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images

A 33-year-old man is dead after being shot at an apartment complex West of downtown, San Antonio police said.

When officers arrived around 5 p.m. in the 200 block of Torreon Street, they found a man with a gunshot wound to the center of his body.

The wounded man was taken to a local hospital where he later died, according to a preliminary police report.

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Witnesses at the scene directed officers to an apartment where they said the alleged shooter, a man in his 20s, went after the shooting, the report states.

People who were inside the apartment were detained, but no arrests have been made, police said.

Police are still investigating. They provided further details.

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UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations is "deeply concerned" by the M23 rebel group advancing towards South Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a UN spokesman said on Thursday.

"We are deeply concerned by the situation in South Kivu particularly, which remains very volatile, with credible reports that the M23 is moving rapidly towards the city of Bukavu," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, at a daily briefing. Bukavu is the capital of South Kivu province.

"Our colleagues in the peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO) say there are reports of Rwanda defense force cross-border movements in that direction," he said.

MONUSCO withdrew last year from South Kivu under a revised Security Council mandate at the request of the DRC government.

Dujarric said clashes are reported between the rebel M23 and the Congolese armed forces as well as allied forces south of Minova, in South Kivu.

"Our colleagues are also concerned about humanitarian and security risks, particularly interethnic conflict, in the absence of UN peacekeeping forces in that area," he said.

The M23 took control of a significant part of Goma earlier this week, including the airport, which Dujarric said remains non-operational.

The spokesman said the situation in Goma remains tense and volatile, with occasional shootings continuing within the city.

"Water and electricity have been off for almost a week and unexploded ordnance remains a serious obstacle to freedom of movement, of people, of humanitarians and peacekeepers," Dujarric said. "The mission was able to take a few reconnaissance patrols yesterday (Wednesday) within the city to begin the process of assessing damage, and a number of peacekeeping positions were able to be resupplied."

He said the peacekeeping mission operates in a highly challenging environment and is being tested.

"Our colleagues at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) say that our partners are beginning to move around Goma to assess the damage to their warehouses in the wake of looting," Dujarric said. "Aid organizations plan to resume provision of humanitarian aid tomorrow (Friday) with the capacity and stocks available -- obviously if the security situation permits this."

He said the Congolese Red Cross, with the support of the International Committee of the Red Cross, continues to remove numerous corpses throughout Goma to mitigate public health issues.

"Our colleagues at the World Health Organization (WHO) say that hospitals in Goma are not surprisingly saturated with the influx of wounded people," Dujarric said. "WHO says the risk of spread of Mpox, cholera and measles has increased due to people leaving healthcare facilities where they had been receiving treatment for those diseases."

Humanitarians also reported that the water supply disruption in Goma over the last six days is compounding the risk of the spread of cholera and other water-borne diseases.

On the political front, the spokesman said the leadership of the UN mission in the DRC is multiplying its engagements, pushing towards a cessation of hostilities.

Bintou Keita, the special representative of the UN secretary-general and head of the peacekeeping mission, met with DRC prime minister, key ministers and the leadership of the Congolese army and police, and agreed to establish a joint government-MONUSCO working group to work on all relevant issues closely. 
BANGKOK, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's central bank on Thursday announced enhanced measures to combat financial fraud, focusing on stricter controls over mule accounts and fostering a shared responsibility approach among financial institutions and stakeholders.

A comprehensive crackdown on mule accounts and intensified individual-level mule account management have been introduced to counter evolving fraudulent tactics that have kept financial fraud losses from declining, said Bank of Thailand Deputy Governor Roong Mallikamas.

The criteria for identifying mule accounts, those used to receive and transfer funds acquired illegally on behalf of others, will be tightened and banks will be required to extend transaction suspension and new account opening restrictions to individuals deemed at high risk of being involved in fraudulent activities, Roong told a news conference.

She said financial institutions must refine their detection mechanisms to keep pace with emerging fraud tactics, including regularly updating detection criteria, improving automated fraud detection systems, and collaborating with regulators and other stakeholders to close off key financial loopholes exploited by criminals.

In a statement, the central bank underscored that effective and sustainable financial fraud prevention requires cooperation from all parties, including banks, telecom operators, regulatory agencies and the general public, under a shared responsibility framework.

The Bank of Thailand will soon establish clearer guidelines defining banks' responsibilities in financial fraud cases in collaboration with other regulatory bodies, it said. 
Six months after picking up the once-dormant uber high-grade Santa Barbara gold project in Colombia through its takeover of Andean Mining, Aguia Resources has successfully recommissioned a 30-tonne-per-day (tpd) pilot plant and triggered a gold rush with a maiden pour of the yellow metal.

The initial pour - achieved in record time - kicked off much-needed cashflow at a critical time for Aguia as it pushes forward with ambitious expansion plans to increase its processing capacity by 66 per cent to 50tpd within the next three months.

An underground gold-bearing quartz vein is assessed at Aguias Santa Barbara project in Colombia.

Remarkably, the company has been able to achieve the milestone on a capital expenditure of less than $2 million.

Management says it is part way through ramping up production capacity, with the underground development continuing at a steady pace. Its onsite team is currently preparing the first high-grade production stope ready for mining.
Flagship Minerals chairman and managing director Paul Lock said: Stream sediments are a low-cost method of vectoring into exploration opportunities in the right conditions. The results confirm the large-scale nature of the copper anomalism across much of the Rosario copper project.

The company is now gearing up for a trenching program at the Rosario East Trend as a precursor to an upcoming drilling campaign. Talks with drilling contractors are already in progress, with Flagship aiming to kick off a 2000m reverse circulation drilling program by mid to late March.

Positioned in Chiles Central Copper Belt, the Rosario project is in a quality address, sitting between the renowned mining hubs of Copiapo and Antofagasta and just 10 kilometres north of Codelcos massive El Salvador mine.

The decision to accelerate exploration work at Rosario, given the early promising results, has gone hand-in-hand with the companys recent move to change its name from Pan Asia to Flagship Minerals.

As Lock will happily explain, the companys name change is a subtle hint of things to come after the junior explorer took the opportunity of a new year to reset its focus on copper at Rosario.

We want to make it extremely clear to our shareholders and future investors the company wants to be known for its flagship project, says Lock. The name-change also underlines managements renewed effort to find a single, company-making project that could produce sufficient cashflow to self-fund the exploration of other projects.

Lock is firm in his stance that the company will stay true to its core identity as an exploration firm dedicated to securing and developing critical resources in strategic settings.

He emphasises access to essential infrastructure - such as roads, power and water - with a clear regulatory pathway to production is fundamental to a mining projects success. He argues that without these key elements, most ventures are doomed before they begin.

Hinting at those thoughts and the prospectivity of its Chilean project, Flagship got ahead of the curve and recently tripled the size of its landholding at Rosario.

The move wasnt about growing the resource. Instead, Flagship wanted to secure an access corridor to the grid, as well as a supply of groundwater and flat ground suitable for a solar array.

When Flagship first landed Rosario, it became immediately clear to the company that, apart from ticking all those boxes and sitting in one of the best regions in the world for mega copper mines, the project also has enormous potential for a low development cost copper discovery.

Consisting of mainly fractured and brecciated rocks, Rosarios Manto-style mineralisation is a common feature of many of the copper deposits in Chile.

It is a style distinct from some of the bigger mines surrounding Rosario, which have been developed from huge porphyry systems. Although extremely valuable as assets, porphyry deposits tend to absorb enormous amounts of development capital prior to first production.

Flagships project appears to have a deep high-grade oxide zone, which if the grade stacks up, could open up the opportunity to develop a simple and cheap heap leaching mining operation or an electrowinning circuit to produce cathodes.

Alternatively, the company may just as easily produce a concentrate that could be rolled 100 kilometres down a hill by truck before being toll treated at neighbour ENAMIs El Salado copper ore processing plant.

Regardless of whether the company looks at a heap leach or a third-party processing route to market, the companys planning appears to be focused on a phased exploration approach that would confirm a commitment to low-cost production.

Having low capital expenditure options as a pathway to early cashflow immediately reduces the risk of share dilution and retains a larger proportion of the project in the hands of existing shareholders.

Adding to the appeal of the project, the company recently announced a four-year $35-million funding package with New York-based private equity firm Global Emerging Markets, suggesting others may share a similar view on Rosario.

It thought the new funding facility was potentially sufficient to pay for resource and prefeasibility studies at Rosario.

With its new company name appearing to give a nod to the prospectivity of its Chilean copper project and plenty of exploration news likely to flow from site in the next 12 months, Flagship has given itself a clear road to focus on what it believes will be a game-changing flagship opportunity for the company.

Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au
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Eating outJust open Mega beach clubs to micro hangouts: Four new (and very different) Melbourne bars Size does matter at these new bars. Some are for sipping limoncello slushies in the sun, others are your go-to for elegant cocktails before dinner or VB longnecks after work. Emma Breheny January 31, 2025 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

As featured in the February 2025 hit list. See all stories .

The latest outrageous brewpub by Moon Dog occupies a large swathe of an abandoned suburban shopping centre on Melbournes fringe. On the flipside, a young couple has taken over a space no bigger than a childs bedroom for their first bar. In between, there are friendly bars that already feel like theyve been there for decades. Moon Dog Beach Club is metres from Frankston Beach, which its drawn on for its theme. Supplied Moon Dog Beach Club Frankston is the latest suburb to feel the splash of a Moon Dog opening, the brewerys fifth. And boy is it big. Spanning 2000 square metres, the venue transforms a former discount store into a hideaway of palm trees, boardwalks, daybeds and thatched-roof huts that spill over five distinct spaces. The beach club identity was a no-brainer, apparently.

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Once we knocked down the back wall and the ocean views opened up, its fate was sealed, says co-owner Karl van Buuren. Cocktails come by the one-litre bucket; Big Kahuna burgers heave with grilled pineapple, maple bacon and jalapeno; and slushies  choose from limoncello or pina colada  are a bestseller. There are also buckets of prawns with cocktail sauce, fish and chips, and prawn tacos with chipotle mayo. The Big Kahuna burger at Moon Dog includes grilled pineapple. Supplied Located near Frankstons famed pub corner, the unmissable resort-inspired venue for 800 people is proving a hit with younger locals, even more so than the brewers other venues. Its something different from the corner pub, and its different from smaller bars, says van Buuren.

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490 Nepean Highway, Frankston, moondog.com.au Tiny Bar lives up to its name, with bar, kitchen and seating all in one room. Supplied Tiny Bar Theres nothing tricky about the name of Tiny. It squeezes 15 people along two walls, has a kitchen pass that doubles as a high-table, and serves a 12-item menu from a studio apartment-sized cooking set-up. It helps that couple Zac Shearer and Jamila Fontana live three minutes walk away, allowing mid-service dashes home to get more ice or beer. Theyre also growing tomatoes for the menu. Its not for everyone, but we love it, says Shearer, whos cooked at The Lincoln and French Saloon, as well as venues in Hobart.

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Craving a casual spot for their bar-starved pocket of Brunswick, the couple decided theyd do it themselves, juggling the business with Shearers teaching studies, parenting and Fontanas nine-to-five job. Tomato tarte tatin on house-made puff is finished with a red-wine burnt caramel, smoked quail egg with potato foam and beluga caviar makes an elegant snack, and abalone is tossed through a bold seaweed butter. Josh Fry, the opening chef for Roccos Bologna Discoteca and Poodle, helped write the menu. Seven cocktails, 10 wines and three no-frills beers (including VB longnecks) get the job done, drinks-wise. 221D Blyth Street, Brunswick East, instagram.com/tinybar_melbourne Dawn and Mabels feels cosy and classic inside. Supplied

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Dawn and Mabels This Acland Street wine bar opened early December, bringing new life to a strip crying out for more options. The look is Art Deco with second-hand lamps and deep-blue walls; a curved timber bar wraps around an open kitchen and a table for 12 sits snugly in a rear nook used for Wednesday wine tastings. The list of 92 wines roams the world but pings frequently on France and Italy. Tap wine and beer flow particularly freely during happy hour (3-6pm) when house beverages are $8. Lamb cigars at Dawn and Mabels come with preserved lemon harissa. Supplied A snacky menu includes excellent extra-long lamb cigars with preserved lemon harissa, beetroot carpaccio showered with grated manchego, and a fun preserved seafood plate with pickled herring and smoked trout called Blame The Fisherman.

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The bar joins nearby Walrus Oyster Bar on Inkerman Street and Chronicles on Fitzroy Street in a circuit of welcoming St Kilda places with a focus on locals, rather than day-trippers and tourists. 83 Acland Street, St Kilda, dawnandmabel.com An icon closes and St Kilda restaurants slump as diners head to the pub instead Backspace Bar The crisp shirts of an M.J. Bale shop have been replaced by sharp drinks, including martinis and Sazeracs, at new CBD cocktail bar Backspace. Nestled in a laneway close to Philippe, Gimlet and Lee Ho Fook, the bar was opened in October by Ben Cester and Joseph Kornides, both linked to Whisky Den.

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The Melbourne Sazerac, which is lightly infused with coffee, joins an Italiano (Campari, vermouth, chinotto) and fun drinks like the Blue Steel, a rum and pineapple concoction with blue curacao. The fitout is more classic. A bar seating 10 drinkers has a Tasmanian oak top, while the mirrored backbar with strip lighting glows after dark, its light bouncing off deep-green tiles. Despite the polished drinks and look, Cester is aiming for service thats closer to a friendly local. A few people have walked in and said Oh, this feels like Cheers! he says. There are plans to add food and open the upstairs space  with generous horseshoe booths  as the team find their feet. 27 George Parade, Melbourne, backspacemelb.com.au with Dani Valent

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A major factory fire has sent a giant plume of black smoke across Melbournes south-east and further escalated a dispute about whether the age of Victorias firefighting fleet is jeopardising community safety.

Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) said a caller to triple zero reported that lithium-ion batteries had caught alight at the Phoenix Technology Group factory in Cheltenham at 8.38am Thursday.

FRV said two adjoining factories of the Chesterville Road business were razed, but the fire was contained to the property after a 2-hour fight.

Around 25 fire trucks  including two ladder platforms and a teleboom  along with 70 firefighters responded to the incident at its peak, FRV said in a statement.
Kelly told the court that on September 22, 1981, Lauder was home alone in her bedroom when Martin, armed with a knife, broke into the property through the rear door about 10pm. Martin allegedly entered her bedroom with his face covered and wearing gloves, demanding money from Lauder before forcing the 82-year-old to walk into another room, where he allegedly sexually assaulted her. Jessie Grace Lauder was allegedly sexually assaulted twice in Newport in the 1980s. She felt sick, and so frightened, she felt she should do as he said, Kelly told the court. It is alleged that Martin threatened Lauder, telling her, Ill come back every week, before he left the property and climbed over the back fence.

Less than two years later, on July 6, 1983, Lauder was in her lounge room getting ready for bed when its alleged Martin forced entry into the home through the front door about 9pm. Police say Martin pushed Lauder into the kitchen, in what police suspect was an attempt to check that no one else was at the house, before taking her back to the lounge room and sexually assaulting her again. A courtroom sketch depicts Michael Martin, 69, at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday. Credit: AAP Before leaving, Martin allegedly placed a newspaper over Lauders face and said: Dont tell the police and the papers like you did last time. Martin was aged 26 and 28 at the time of the alleged two incidents.

Loading Lauder, who was recently widowed at the time of the attacks, had lived at the property for 55 years. She had lived by herself until the first attack, but then moved in with her children for a period before returning to her own home. After the second alleged attack, Lauders family insisted that she not return to her own home. Lauder died in 1993. Police say DNA evidence from the two alleged attacks was kept by police forensics until testing methods improved. In 2022, the samples were tested, and a familial match allegedly identified Martin 12 months later.

Police initially announced a $500,000 reward for information into the attacks in 2016 after changes to DNA testing allowed police to rule out three suspects in the case. This week, a grey-haired Martin sat in the court dock, wearing a grey jumper and black-rimmed glasses. He appeared disinterested as the prosecution presented its evidence, but listened intently when his bail application was discussed. In applying for bail, Martins lawyer, Harry Redwood, told the court his client was a father of three who lived with his 39-year-old daughter in Hoppers Crossing and was recently diagnosed with lymphoma. Hes lived a blameless life in terms of criminal convictions before the court, he said. The court also heard Martins wife died in 2012 of a heart attack, and one of his sons died from a chemical explosion in 2023.

Loading Prosecutor Olivia Sparrow argued Martins bail application should be rejected on the basis that he may interfere with witnesses, including Lauders grandson. Magistrate Belinda Wallington said the argument was entirely speculative as Martin had no history of attempting to interfere with the witnesses. I am persuaded that there is a compelling reason to grant bail in this matter, Wallington said. Martins bail conditions require that he stay at a fixed address in Hoppers Crossing and make no attempts to contact any of the prosecutions witnesses.
Thousands of commuters faced morning peak-hour delays on Friday morning after Parliament train station was evacuated and the City Loop was closed.

Trains were delayed by up to 30 minutes after an automatic fire alarm was set off underground at Parliament station just before 8.30am.

Parliament train station was evacuated on Friday morning. Credit: Daniel Pockett

Fire crews arrived on the scene just after 8.30am and quickly confirmed there was no fire.

This was a false alarm, a Fire Rescue Victoria spokesperson said.
Werribee itself has been an ALP stronghold since 1979, but the byelection comes as new statewide polling shows Victorians support for Labor  which has governed the state since 2014  has collapsed to historic lows .

The timing is no coincidence. Premier Jacinta Allans government faces its first major electoral test with a February 8 byelection in the seat of Werribee, long part of traditional Labor heartland. The byelection was triggered by the resignation of treasurer Tim Pallas, who held the seat for 18 years.

Like many of his neighbours, he has spent years feverishly awaiting planned state government road upgrades that would slash his commute  and as of last week, the state and federal government have agreed to a $333.5 million road project that should ease his journey.

Its so annoying, we already work 38 hours in our week and were wasting so much time in traffic, Kok says.

Peeling off the Princes Freeway at Werribees western exit when he returns home in the evening involves joining a queue of cars, often more than a kilometre long, precariously sitting in the emergency lane as heavy trucks charge past.

On a bad day, it takes Ashok Kok almost two hours to drive from his home in Manor Lakes, on Melbournes western fringe, to his office in Southbank.

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Kok bought his three-bedroom home for $450,000 in one of the many new estates that are sprouting where vast paddocks once sat. From his doorstep, he can see grassland at either end of his street.

The growth is only going to intensify, with the Labor government setting Wyndham City Council  which includes the Werribee state electorate  a target of building an extra 120,000 homes by 2051, an increase of 110 per cent on 2023 levels.

The Werribee district, which takes in Wyndham Vale and spreads as far west as Little River , was home to almost 91,000 people at the 2021 census, a jump of nearly 30 per cent from five years earlier.

This makes the race for Werribee an equally important test of Brad Battins new stewardship of the Victorian Liberals and his pitch to win over outer-suburban voters. Failing to capture a swing would be dire for the partys confidence.

Analysts have been predicting that the west will swing to the Liberals at future elections as the regions population boom brings in new voters who are less loyal to Labor.

Two years ago, she moved to the new suburb of Mambourin and found growing frustration: homes and cars were being broken into, she struggled to find a GP, she was constantly in traffic jams, and she was unable to get her daughter into the local kinder.

Teacher and mother of two Sarah Wendelborn has lived most of her life in Werribee and comes from a family of rusted-on Labor voters.

Given the history of grand announcements that fail to materialise, its crucial for the government to rebuild trust by delivering on these commitments. Our community deserves real progress, not just rhetoric, he says.

Kok welcomes last weeks government pledge to upgrade the notorious Princes Freeway interchange, but he feels cautious. He points to promises that have come and gone: delays on new train stations and electrified tracks, and shelved plans for a super-city with 58,000 jobs on 775 hectares of state-owned farmland at East Werribee.

Koks biggest bugbear has been seeing the state government splash out on Big Build projects such as the Suburban Rail Loop in other parts of Melbourne, while old single-lane roads in the outer west struggle to cope with a swelling, car-reliant population.

He and wife Monika  who have been citizens since 2020  were attracted by the affordability, and while they love the area, they lament the shortage of secondary schools, buses and community facilities.

Emil Klobas, a Werribee resident of 28 years, is sipping coffee with his elderly father outside on Werribees main shopping strip, Watton Street.

In an ideal world, it would not be a safe Labor seat any more. Why would they want to do anything for Werribee when they can do nothing and still get elected?

Wendelborn will be voting next week and thinks its time for the seat to change hands.

Wed had enough. Once crime started escalating, we had to choose. It wasnt where I wanted my kids to grow up, she says.

Today, her commute to work in Hoppers Crossing takes as long as it did when she lived just six kilometres away.

The family pulled the pin last month and moved to Moriac, south-west of Geelong.

According to police data, the number of criminal incidents in the municipality of Wyndham in the year ending September 2024 was up 13.3 per cent on the previous year. Theft and car stealing were the most common offences.

You cant get anywhere, theres road congestion everywhere  and the amount of crime thats going on is just ridiculous.

The politicians arent doing anything for the Werribee people, Klobas says.

Klobas says he isnt happy with any of the candidates. He is angered by overpopulation and the Labor governments budget crisis, with net debt forecast to pass $187.8 billion by 2028 .

Homeless and disability support services are dotted along the street. Two doors from the cafe where Klobas sits, families stream out of a Uniting branch with food bags.

The tree-lined avenue is lined with buildings no taller than two storeys and bustles with eateries where people from across the outer west converge, but there are also signs of the ongoing pain of the cost-of-living crisis.

Its this that Tim Butler, the chief executive of local news platform Wyndham TV, believes will be an election decider. There have been several high-profile incidents, including a father of two who was found dead in a playground in Mambourin and the stabbing death of a 24-year-old in Wyndham Vale.

People are scared, Butler says. Were seeing a lot more comments coming through online that theyre fed up with weak bail laws and just want to get rid of Labor. That seems to be a lot stronger this year whether that transfers into votes, who knows.

Anthony Evans is newer to the area. He moved from Reservoir to Wyndham Vale with his wife and 15-month-old son a year ago. Evans will back Labor next week.

The west is lagging behind the east in terms of infrastructure development  but I think its coming along as well.

Wyndham City Councils population of about 300,000 is projected to reach 500,000 by 2041, with a lot of heavy lifting to take place in the westernmost Werribee district, where there is ample undeveloped land.

Anthony Evans with son Abram, photographed near Watton Street sculptures. Credit: Jason South

Mayor Mia Shaw, who ran as a Liberal candidate at the 2022 state election, welcomed the Allan governments commitment to pay for a new Princes Freeway interchange, which will eventually connect to a new Ison Road overpass and extension being completed next year.

But Shaw said the council had been lobbying for a new interchange since 2019 and she warned that it was not a silver bullet.

Our community is growing at such a rapid rate that it feels like we are constantly playing catch-up, Shaw said.

She called for improved bus services and for the full Western Rail Plan to be realised, which was announced ahead of the 2018 state election before successive budget cuts. The plan involved rail electrification, new train stations and a link between the Werribee and Wyndham Vale lines.

Ison Road will become a major thoroughfare connecting suburbs, but for now remains unfinished. Credit: Jason South

We are the fastest-growing municipality in the country and our residents are facing daily struggles with congested roads, limited public transport options, and the need to commute long distances for work, she said.

Schools, healthcare facilities, and recreational spaces are stretched thin. What we need and are asking for is not the nice-to-haves, but critical infrastructure communities need to live and thrive.

Pallas time presiding over Werribee draws mixed feelings from locals: pride for having been represented in parliament by the states longest-serving treasurer, and resentment over a lack of progress and his residency outside the electorate.

John Lister, Labors candidate for Werribee, with Premier Jacinta Allan. Credit: Paul Jeffers

Labor candidate John Lister is eager to emphasise that he  unlike both Pallas and his Liberal rival Steve Murphy  lives in Werribee.

Lister, a 31-year-old high school teacher and CFA volunteer, defends Labors record in the region, pointing out that the government has built seven new schools, allocated an extra 144 police officers to Wyndhams new police complex, and removed level crossings.

As for major transport projects like the SRL and Metro Tunnel, he says they will help students access universities.

What we need in Werribee is someone whos a true local who understands those pressures that theyre facing, Lister says.

Ill be that strong local voice in the Labor government  There is more to do.

Liberal candidate Steve Murphy with Opposition Leader Brad Battin. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui

Liberal candidate Steve Murphy runs a real estate agency in Werribee and lived in the area for almost 30 years before moving to Essendon during the pandemic to be closer to his children.

Ive lived, worked, raised my family, volunteered [in Werribee]  I regard Werribee as home, Murphy says.

Me not living in Werribee is easy to fix. Whats a lot harder to fix is all the problems that Labor have caused over the years.

Loading

Some Liberal Party figures have been maddened by the decision to select Murphy, who beat others including Indian-Australian entrepreneur Rajan Chopra for preselection.

Its a guaranteed disaster. Hes not going to win it. You need a local, says a Liberal Party source, speaking on the basis of confidentiality.

Meanwhile, Labor figures say they are bracing for a swing, aware that byelections tend to turn against incumbents, and voters are weary after being governed by the ALP for more than a decade. Labor has held power in Victoria for all but four years since 1999.

We know its going to be a difficult one to win, says one insider, who requested anonymity to discuss internal party matters.

Both parties are vying for the support of Indian migrants, who represent a powerful, swinging voter bloc in Werribee. In 2021, 11.2 per cent of the districts residents were born in India, up from 5.7 per cent in 2016.

Rashi Dhagat, who moved from India 10 years ago, is among those who will back the ALP but says there is a mix of opinions in her networks.

Rashi Dhagat at Mambourins Little Growling Cafe. Credit: Jason South

Dhagat has a two-year-old son and twins on the way, and she wants to see crime combatted. She lives in Mambourin and owns the suburbs Little Growling Cafe, which was targeted in a spate of neighbourhood break-ins, forcing the developer to hire 24/7 security.

Thomas Curkowskyj, a Greens member, argues that an efficient bus network would be a panacea for many local problems, leading to less road congestion, reduced social isolation, improved living costs and less crime.

To get from his Werribee home to his engineering classes at Swinburne University, he must take a bus that runs once an hour, before boarding two trains.

Thomas Curkowskyj wants better buses. Credit: Jason South

It is baffling, Curkowskyj says. But when you want anything in the seat, its probably not going to happen.

Its this growing desire for change that is dangerous for the ALP. Kos Samaras, a director with polling and research company RedBridge and former deputy secretary of the Victorian Labor Party, says there is no question that Labor has a better candidate than the Liberal Party, but that might not be enough to ward off the ill-feeling towards the incumbent government and its damaged bond with the outer suburbs.

On the other hand, Samaras says the decline in Labors primary vote in the west has not necessarily been to the Liberals benefit.

The Liberal Party needs to prove it can compete in this part of Melbourne because by 2030, itll be hard to see someone in government in Spring Street without a presence in the west or north-west.

In 2022, Pallas had 45 per cent of the primary vote before winning on preferences. Incumbent governments typically endure swings in a byelection of about 5 per cent, Samaras says. Anything beyond that is a worry for the ruling party.

Party strategists spent the weekend locking down preference deals after nominations closed on Friday.

The major parties had been hoping to win the favour of independent candidate Paul Hopper, whose unmissable campaign could make him the dark horse of the race for Werribee.

Hopper has decided not to preference any other candidates, saying he does not want to betray people who cannot stomach voting Liberal or Labor. His supporters will have to number every box as they see fit.

Paul Hopper, independent candidate for Werribee

Hopper, who is from Werribee, is expected to perform better than in 2022, when he came fourth with 5.9 per cent of votes.

He says that his key observation is that Labor supporters know this election wont change the government and want to send a message that theyre unhappy.

Hopper plans to register The West Party with Point Cooks Dr Joe Garra before next years state election. Crime is the biggest issue he is campaigning on, followed by transport infrastructure.

Im fiercely protective of this tribe out here and like many people, Ive  just had a gutful.

The Ison Road overpass is under construction. Credit: Jason South

The Greens are represented by Rifai Raheem, a union organiser from Tarneit. He is campaigning to address increased crime by establishing youth engagement programs and is calling for improved roads, transport and tertiary education options.

I can sense that people need an alternative to Labor and Liberal. Both parties havent treated the west properly, Raheem says.

The Prahran electorate will also vote on February 8 following the resignation of Greens MP Sam Hibbins, who had an affair with a staffer. That contest is largely between the Greens and the Liberals, with Labor choosing not to run a candidate.

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Part way through the legal submissions, however, where lawyers for both sides discuss elements of the offending that they believe should be considered during sentencing, the girl tearfully fled the courtroom. Black later reprimanded the media for chasing the girl up the street with cameras trying to take her photo. The girl was 14 when this photo was taken. The girl also complained about media coverage of the case in her statement to the court, claiming that she formerly lived a quiet life like everyone else but that now this case will haunt me forever. She also told the court she blamed herself for the charges being brought against her parents, stating that what she ate was her choice.

But Black told her parents lawyers that while she would take the girls letter into consideration when handing down her sentence on Friday, she would also be considering the possibility that the girl was unable to understand that she had been offended against due to her isolated childhood. The girl was hospitalised after the Department of Communities investigated concerns from a dance studio. The jurys verdict meant that [the girl] had been infantilised and had been constrained in her appropriate social development and in those circumstances the evidence from trial means I must have regard to that when I consider her capacity to grasp what has happened to her in her early years, she said. Lawyer Oliver Paxman argued the girl was capable of understanding the situation as she had now been granted power of attorney over her parents estate while they were in prison and was still teaching piano. Full details of the statement were not aired in court, but Winter submitted a letter she had received from the girl last year in which she asked for the charges against her parents to be dropped.

It is quite clear from the letters that she does not believe she has been offended against in any way, Winter said. She does not blame her parents at all  she says she is not a victim of her parents. Both parents are psychologically evaluated It was also revealed on Thursday that both parents had been evaluated by a psychologist in the lead up to being sentenced this week. The court was told that Dr Philip Watts had diagnosed the girls mother with obsessive-compulsive disorder, and confirmed the fathers former diagnosis of OCD, which their lawyers argued is what led to them neglecting their daughter.

When asked how OCD would impact the fathers ability to take his daughter to seek medical help in the face of pressure from multiple outside sources, his lawyer responded: germs. Paxman also told the court that OCD impacted the dads judgement because of his structured and rigid lifestyle and the anxiety that comes with that. I dont understand that. I dont understand how OCD makes you disinclined to listen to medical advice, Black asked. People interfering with his routine. That caused him a great deal of anxiety, Paxman responded. I dont see that an OCD person has a mental condition that impairs their ability to listen to sound advice from others, Black later responded.

The mothers lawyer also tried to persuade Black that his clients long term and severe OCD was the reason of her offending. Loading He read from Dr Watts psychological report, stating that [the womans] mental illness, whilst present from mid primary school through to adult life, had a direct impact on the way she parented [her daughter]. Black asked why, if she had suffered with the condition for so long, she had not sought treatment sooner and questioned the validity of the diagnosis given the psychological report was based on self-reporting by the woman and no formal testing. At the moment, I have doubts about the severity of the OCD such that it would be causatively connected to the offending that would reduce her moral culpability, Black said.
WELLINGTON, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand on Thursday announced its second international climate target under the Paris Agreement of reducing emissions by 51 to 55 percent by 2035, compared to 2005 levels.

The target must be achieved by the end of 2035 and builds on the initial target of a 50 percent reduction by 2030, a requirement under the Paris Agreement, the global climate treaty seeking to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, to set Nationally Determined Contributions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, said Climate Change Minister Simon Watts.

The minister said the target was "both ambitious and achievable," reinforcing New Zealand's commitment to the Paris Agreement and global climate action.

"Meeting this target will mean we are doing our fair share towards reducing the impact of climate change, while enabling New Zealand to be stronger and thrive in the face of a changing climate," Watts said.

New Zealand can focus its efforts on the actions that will make the biggest difference towards reaching the net zero 2050 target, with Thursday's new target bringing the country's international and domestic climate change commitments into line, he said.

New Zealand's climate strategy focuses on strengthening the Emissions Trading Scheme, supporting innovative technologies to reduce agricultural emissions, and accelerating the transition to a cleaner, electrified economy, which ensures climate targets are met with economic growth, Watts said, adding this requires greater innovation to advance low-emission technologies and industries are powered by abundant and affordable clean energy.

New Zealand is committed to achieving its first and second Nationally Determined Contributions to reduce the impact of climate change, Watts said. 
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has branded the perpetrators of antisemitic attacks cowards who will be hunted down and locked up, as Israels foreign minister accused Australian authorities of allowing attacks on Jews to run rampant.

While police probed the discovery of a caravan packed with explosives and containing the address of a Sydney synagogue, the federal governments special envoy on antisemitism, Jillian Segal, declared the finding of the vehicle a chilling reminder of the hatred that led to the Holocaust.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pictured last week. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Theres zero tolerance in Australia for hatred and for antisemitism, and I want any perpetrators to be hunted down and locked up - its as simple as that, Albanese said on Thursday as he defended his governments handling of antisemitism.

They have no place in this sort of engagement. Its designed to create fear and terror in the community, and it will not succeed. Because our community is stronger than the cowards who engage in this sort of activity.
Kennedy as well as other cabinet nominees like Tulsi Gabbard, represent a new coalition built by Trumps campaign. Kennedy last year launched his own campaign for president before joining forces with Trump in a shared vision of dismantling the status quo. Kennedy, an environmental lawyer-turned public health critic, repeatedly promised senators he was not anti-vaccine and that he supported inoculations. But the latest Senate health committee hearing questions exposed Kennedys deep-seated mistrust in the nations vaccine program. Cassidy asked Kennedy if he would unequivocally reassure parents that the hepatitis B and measles vaccines did not cause autism. Kennedy would not. Instead, he avoided answering directly, saying if the data is there, I will absolutely do that. In a rare show of across-the-aisle co-operation, Senator Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent, followed up on Cassidys line of questioning. Again, Kennedy refused to give a definitive answer.

Then, in the closing moments of the hearing, Cassidy offered Kennedy studies that have proved vaccinations do not cause autism, prodding him to accept the research. Kennedy would not, instead responding with an article  one that Cassidy said had issues. Saying clearly that vaccines do not cause autism would have incredible impact, Cassidy told him. That would have incredible impact. Thats your power. Senator Bernie Sanders grills Robert F. Kennedy Jr at the hearing. Credit: AP At times, questioning from other senators was intensely personal. Democrat Senator Maggie Hassan shared her anguish as a mother who had spent decades wondering what caused her 36-year-old sons cerebral palsy. She worried about whether vaccines contributed to her sons condition after an infamous study years ago falsely found a link between autism and vaccines. That study has since been roundly discredited. Hassan said Kennedys suggestions that vaccines could cause autism were hurting families.

He is re-litigating and churning settled science so we cant go forward and find out what the cause of autism is and treat these kids and help these families, she said, later adding: When you continue to sow doubt about settled science, it makes it impossible for us to move forward. Aside from Cassidy, Republicans on the health committee remained friendly to Kennedy. Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, who said his two sons wanted to vote for Kennedy in the presidential election, told the hearing that his granddaughter, due in the coming weeks, would not be a pincushion when it came to vaccines. Two others expressed doubts about the safety of vaccines, although both said theyve vaccinated their own children. Senator Markwayne Mullin, an Oklahoma Republican, chided his colleagues for scrutinising Kennedys sceptical stances on vaccinations. We cant question science? Mullin asked.

Others raised concerns about Kennedys financial stake in lawsuits against vaccine makers. Democratic Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, where the Gardasil vaccine to guard against cervical cancer is made, questioned Kennedys financial disclosure forms, which state that he still planned to collect fees in cases referred to the law firm in a suit against that vaccine. Last year, Kennedy made $US850,000 ($1.3 million) off the deal. How can folks who need to have confidence in federal vaccine programs trust you to be independent and science-based when you stand to gain significant funding if lawsuits against vaccine manufacturers are successful? Kaine asked. Kennedy told Kaine he had given away his financial rights in the case. Kaine also questioned Kennedy for saying on social media that he would not take sides as conspiracy theorists question what happened during the September 11, 2001, attacks.

Kennedy responded that he had been taught from a young age to question authority, saying, My father told me when I was 13 years old, he said, People in authority lie. Democrats and Republicans alike repeatedly pressed the nominee on his plans around abortion. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina asked if he would appoint pro-life deputies and several Democrats asked him how he would handle the abortion drug mifepristone. Loading The Biden administration defended lawsuits against the use of the drug, including its availability over telehealth. Kennedy said no decision had yet been made about how to handle the controversial drug, which the Food and Drug Administration approved to end pregnancies safely more than two decades ago. With mifepristone, president Trump has not chosen a policy and I will implement his policy, Kennedy told the committee.
The international systems were putting in place to find, track and characterise  and, if it comes to it, mitigate the impacts of  hazardous asteroids and comets are working as intended, said Andy Rivkin, an astronomer and planetary defence researcher at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Maryland. Heres what you need to know about 2024 YR4. How was this asteroid discovered? It was identified by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System, or ATLAS, four telescopes around the world that hunt near-Earth objects and are funded by NASA. Its telescope in Chile found 2024 YR4 on December 27, just two days after a close approach to Earth. Its now speeding away from the planet and getting fainter by the day.

How big is 2024 YR4? According to the European Space Agencys Near-Earth Object Coordination Centre, it is between 39 and 100 metres long. This size range is based on the amount of sunlight it is reflecting. Without knowing exactly how reflective 2024 YR4s surface is, only a range of sizes can be given. A more accurate estimate could be made using radar, but that wont be possible until the asteroid makes another close, but perfectly safe, pass by Earth on December 17, 2028. Is an asteroid of this size a concern? Yes.

A 39-metre asteroid is comparable to the Tunguska impactor, a meteor that exploded over a remote patch of Siberia in 1908 and destroyed a 2070-square-kilometre forest (thats more than twice the size of New York City). A 100-metre asteroid would cause far greater localised damage: a strike on a city would destroy much of it. If the object survives its journey through the atmosphere and strikes the ocean just offshore, the resulting tsunami could devastate nearby coasts. How do we know there is a chance of an impact in 2032? The Centre for Near-Earth Object Studies, at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, is home to Americas asteroid and comet cartographers. Using sophisticated software, they track the motion of all known near-Earth objects. Loading One of their programs, Sentry, assesses the possible orbits of known near-Earth objects and determines whether they stand even a tiny chance of striking Earth within the next century. Those whose impact odds cannot be confidently reduced to (essentially) zero remain on the Sentry Risk List.

The possibility that 2024 YR4 might impact in 2032 was identified right after discovery, said Davide Farnocchia, a navigation engineer at the NASA centre. But based on just a few observations, the prediction uncertainties for 2032 were initially very large. As the number of observations grew to the hundreds, Farnocchia said, the impact probability has gradually increased over the last month and has now surpassed 1 per cent, an important threshold. The Torino Scale is a tool for communicating how concerned the public and policymakers should be about an asteroid. It ranges from 0 (the likelihood of a potentially deadly collision is effectively zero) to 10 (a collision is certain and may imperil all of human civilisation). 2024 YR4 currently sits at 3: a close encounter, less than a decade away, meriting attention by astronomers, one that has a chance of 1 per cent or greater of a collision capable of localised destruction. This is the second-highest rating ever given to an asteroid. Only Apophis, an asteroid once thought to be a threat, briefly reached a 4. But as we learnt more about Apophis, we found it had no chance of striking Earth for at least a century. When can we expect the impact odds to change?

What normally happens is that the impact odds plummet to zero as more observations come in and the asteroids orbit is better known with more precision. The same story will probably unfold with 2024 YR4. The most likely outcome is that further observations will rule out an impact, Rankin said. 2024 YR4 is getting extremely faint as it travels away from Earth, meaning most telescopes are going to struggle to track it. However, given this is a special case, members of the community have requested [and received] time on some of the larger and more capable facilities, Rivkin said. Those should do OK through April. Astronomers will also have an even greater opportunity to refine their predictions during the December 2028 flyby. But until then, its possible that an impact in 2032 wont be entirely ruled out. We expect the impact probability to go to zero rather than 100 per cent, Rivkin said. But it may take a few years before we get the data to show that.

Ultimately, should we be worried about 2024 YR4? No, not at present. Its very likely to miss the planet in 2032. YR4 will make its closest approach to Earth in December 2032. Credit: NASA And if we find out that it will hit, we might be able to do something about it, Rankin said. One option, if space agencies had enough time to mount an operation, would be to attempt to alter the asteroids path by crashing a spacecraft into it.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Jan. 29, 2025 -- GE Aerospace announced today the successful completion of initial ground runs for the T901 engine on a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter at Sikorsky's West Palm Beach facility. This milestone marks a significant step forward in the Improved Turbine Engine Program's Black Hawk testing.

"These tests mark a pivotal moment in history as the T901 engine powers the Black Hawk for the first time," said Amy Gowder, president and CEO, Defense & Systems at GE Aerospace. "This achievement paves the way for a more powerful and mission-ready Black Hawk, equipping the U.S. Army with the ability to meet the growing demands of future operations."

The ground runs validated the initial performance of all critical systems  including fuel, electrical, hydraulic, engine and flight control systems, and engine bay flow. Additionally, the tests acquired data from the comprehensive aircraft and engine instrumentation that will be used throughout the flight test program.

Factory testing continues in parallel with this integration effort. The data gathered during these tests continues to validate that the T901 engine is on track to meet the U.S. Army's rigorous performance requirements.

"The successful ground runs of the T901 engine on the Black Hawk represent another critical milestone in our partnership with the U.S. Army," said Tom Champion, GE Aerospace's T901 program director. "This latest accomplishment not only validates the T901 engine's unmatched performance but also reflect the unwavering effort of our team and strength of our partnership with both the U.S. Army and Sikorsky."

The T901 engine builds on GE Aerospace's unparalleled legacy of powering Black Hawk and Apache helicopters with the combat-proven T700 engine, which has logged more than 100 million flight hours over the past four decades. Developed in response to the Army's call for increased power and reduced fuel consumption, the T901 delivers 50 percent more power, improved fuel efficiency, and reduced life cycle costs thanks to its simpler design and fewer parts. This efficiency translates to increased range, longer loiter time, and reduced maintenance and sustainment costs for the Army's enduring fleet.

The T901 is a cornerstone of the Army's modernization efforts, and today's milestone underscores GE Aerospace's commitment to delivering cutting-edge propulsion technology to meet the challenges of tomorrow's missions.

About GE Aerospace:

GE Aerospace is a global aerospace propulsion, services, and systems leader with an installed base of approximately 45,000 commercial and 25,000 military aircraft engines. With a global team of approximately 53,000 employees building on more than a century of innovation and learning, GE Aerospace is committed to inventing the future of flight, lifting people up, and bringing them home safely. Learn more about how GE Aerospace and its partners are defining flight for today, tomorrow, and the future at www.geaerospace.com.

SOURCE GE Aerospace
WASHINGTON, Jan. 29, 2025 -- Studies of rock and dust from asteroid Bennu delivered to Earth by NASA's OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification and SecurityRegolith Explorer) spacecraft have revealed molecules that, on our planet, are key to life, as well as a history of saltwater that could have served as the "broth" for these compounds to interact and combine.

The findings do not show evidence for life itself, but they do suggest the conditions necessary for the emergence of life were widespread across the early solar system, increasing the odds life could have formed on other planets and moons.

"NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission already is rewriting the textbook on what we understand about the beginnings of our solar system," said Nicky Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "Asteroids provide a time capsule into our home planet's history, and Bennu's samples are pivotal in our understanding of what ingredients in our solar system existed before life started on Earth."

In research papers published Wednesday in the journals Nature and Nature Astronomy, scientists from NASA and other institutions shared results of the first in-depth analyses of the minerals and molecules in the Bennu samples, which OSIRIS-REx delivered to Earth in 2023.

Detailed in the Nature Astronomy paper, among the most compelling detections were amino acids  14 of the 20 that life on Earth uses to make proteins  and all five nucleobases that life on Earth uses to store and transmit genetic instructions in more complex terrestrial biomolecules, such as DNA and RNA, including how to arrange amino acids into proteins.

Scientists also described exceptionally high abundances of ammonia in the Bennu samples. Ammonia is important to biology because it can react with formaldehyde, which also was detected in the samples, to form complex molecules, such as amino acids  given the right conditions. When amino acids link up into long chains, they make proteins, which go on to power nearly every biological function.

These building blocks for life detected in the Bennu samples have been found before in extraterrestrial rocks. However, identifying them in a pristine sample collected in space supports the idea that objects that formed far from the Sun could have been an important source of the raw precursor ingredients for life throughout the solar system.

"The clues we're looking for are so minuscule and so easily destroyed or altered from exposure to Earth's environment," said Danny Glavin, a senior sample scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, and co-lead author of the Nature Astronomy paper. "That's why some of these new discoveries would not be possible without a sample-return mission, meticulous contamination-control measures, and careful curation and storage of this precious material from Bennu."

While Glavin's team analyzed the Bennu samples for hints of life-related compounds, their colleagues, led by Tim McCoy, curator of meteorites at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History in Washington, and Sara Russell, cosmic mineralogist at the Natural History Museum in London, looked for clues to the environment these molecules would have formed. Reporting in the journal Nature, scientists further describe evidence of an ancient environment well-suited to kickstart the chemistry of life.

Ranging from calcite to halite and sylvite, scientists identified traces of 11 minerals in the Bennu sample that form as water containing dissolved salts evaporates over long periods of time, leaving behind the salts as solid crystals.

Similar brines have been detected or suggested across the solar system, including at the dwarf planet Ceres and Saturn's moon Enceladus.

Although scientists have previously detected several evaporites in meteorites that fall to Earth's surface, they have never seen a complete set that preserves an evaporation process that could have lasted thousands of years or more. Some minerals found in Bennu, such as trona, were discovered for the first time in extraterrestrial samples.

"These papers really go hand in hand in trying to explain how life's ingredients actually came together to make what we see on this aqueously altered asteroid," said McCoy.

For all the answers the Bennu sample has provided, several questions remain. Many amino acids can be created in two mirror-image versions, like a pair of left and right hands. Life on Earth almost exclusively produces the left-handed variety, but the Bennu samples contain an equal mixture of both. This means that on early Earth, amino acids may have started out in an equal mixture, as well. The reason life "turned left" instead of right remains a mystery.

"OSIRIS-REx has been a highly successful mission," said Jason Dworkin, OSIRIS-REx project scientist at NASA Goddard and co-lead author on the Nature Astronomy paper. "Data from OSIRIS-REx adds major brushstrokes to a picture of a solar system teeming with the potential for life. Why we, so far, only see life on Earth and not elsewhere, that's the truly tantalizing question."

NASA Goddard provided overall mission management, systems engineering, and the safety and mission assurance for OSIRIS-REx. Dante Lauretta of the University of Arizona, Tucson, is the principal investigator. The university leads the science team and the mission's science observation planning and data processing. Lockheed Martin Space in Littleton, Colorado, built the spacecraft and provided flight operations. NASA Goddard and KinetX Aerospace were responsible for navigating the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. Curation for OSIRIS-REx takes place at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. International partnerships on this mission include the OSIRIS-REx Laser Altimeter instrument from CSA (Canadian Space Agency) and asteroid sample science collaboration with JAXA's (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Hayabusa2 mission. OSIRIS-REx is the third mission in NASA's New Frontiers Program, managed by the agency's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, for the agency's Science Mission Directorate in Washington.

For more information on the OSIRIS-REx mission, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/osiris-rex

SOURCE NASA
FIRIZ KOAH, Afghanistan, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Army personnel have discovered and destroyed an illegal drug lab in western Afghanistan's Ghor province, an army statement said Thursday.

Acting on tip-off, the personnel of the Islamic army raided Sia Sangak village in Dawlatyar district on Wednesday, discovering and smashing an illicit drug lab, the statement asserted.

Around 300 kg of illicit drugs and the objects used in manufacturing heroin were also discovered and set on fire during the operations, the statement further said.

The statement, however, did not say if anyone had been arrested.

In similar operations, the security forces burned 10.5 tons of illegal drugs in central Bamiyan province a couple of days ago. 
PARIS, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- One student was killed, along with around 40 others slightly injured, in a school bus accident that took place on Thursday in northern France, local authority confirmed.

According to the Chateaudun prefecture in the Eure-et-Loir department, there were about 31 students among the injured. 
176 people evacuated as plane catches fire at S Korean airport





SEOUL :

A PASSENGER plane caught fire before takeoff at an airport in South Korea late on Tuesday, but all 176 people on board were safely evacuated, authorities said. The Airbus plane operated by South Korean airline Air Busan was preparing to leave for Hong Kong when its rear parts caught fire at Gimhae International Airport in the southeast, the Transport Ministry said. The planes 169 passengers, six crewmembers and one engineer were evacuated using an escape slide, the ministry said. The National Fire Agency said in a release that three people suffered minor injuries during the evacuation. The fire agency said the fire was completely put out at 11:31 pm, about one hour after it deployed firefighters and fire trucks at the scene.

The cause of the fire wasnt immediately known. The Transport Ministry said the plane is an A321 model. Tuesdays incident came a month after a Jeju Air passenger plane crashed at Muan International Airport in southern South Korea, killing all but two of the 181 people on board. It was one of the deadliest disasters in South Koreas aviation history. The Boeing 737-800 skidded off the airports runaway on December 29 after its landing gear failed to deploy, slamming into a concrete structure and bursting into flames. The flight was returning from Bangkok and all of the victims were South Koreans except for two Thai nationals. The first report on the crash released Monday said authorities have confirmed traces of bird strikes in the planes engines, though officials havent determined the cause of the accident.
CM holds discussions with JETRO President Kataoka on Japans investment potential in MP





Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav with JETRO President Susumu Kataoka during his visit to Japan.

Staff Reporter :

In a bid to strengthen the economic ties between Madhya Pradesh and Japan, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav held an in-depth meeting with Susumu Kataoka, the President of the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), and his delegation in Minato-ku, Tokyo. The discussions focused on unlocking new avenues for Japanese investment in the State and deepening bilateral co-operation across various sectors. The Chief Minister highlighted that JETRO currently operates five offices across India in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Ahmedabad but notably lacks a presence in Madhya Pradesh. Dr Yadav proposed the establishment of a JETRO office in the State to facilitate more effective engagement between Japanese businesses and the Madhya Pradesh Government, fostering a deeper connection for investment. Madhya Pradesh offers an ideal environment for Japanese investors, Dr Yadav stated, emphasising the States strategic location, robust infrastructure, and industrial advantages.

He pointed out that the state lies in a low seismic zone, offering a stable and secure environment for investment. The Chief Minister also discussed the States new policies aimed at attracting investments in various emerging sectors, including semi-conductors, animation, visual effects, gaming and comics (AVGC), extended reality (XR), and global captive centers (GCC). He stressed that Japanese companies have much to gain from these policies, as the State is already home to major IT players like TCS, Infosys, and LTI Mindtree, all of which have set up operations in Madhya Pradesh. Dr Yadav also emphasised the States favorable conditions for automobile and auto component manufacturing. Madhya Pradesh is ripe for large-scale investments in the automobile sector. If a major passenger car manufacturer sets up operations here, it would significantly strengthen the sector, he noted. He expressed his hope that JETRO would play an instrumental role in facilitating such investments. In a bid to further encourage Japanese companies to explore opportunities in Madhya Pradesh, Dr Yadav proposed the organisation of investment promotion programmes and seminars in collaboration with JETRO.

These events would provide Japanese businesses with critical information about the states investment policies, industrial sectors, and opportunities for collaboration. The Chief Minister also appealed to JETRO to encourage the more than 1,400 Japanese companies operating in India to consider Madhya Pradesh as a prime destination for investment, particularly in high-growth sectors. Susumu Kataoka, JETROs President, responded positively, acknowledging the potential of the upcoming Global Investors Summit scheduled for February 24-25, in Bhopal. He emphasised that the summit would serve as a key platform for Japanese companies to learn about investment opportunities in Madhya Pradesh, facilitating the establishment of new partnerships. JETRO, according to Kataoka, would actively work to invite as many Japanese companies as possible to this summit. Kataoka also recognised Madhya Pradeshs commitment to providing dedicated industrial parks, housing solutions for workers, customised financial packages, and streamlined approval processes for Japanese investors. JETRO can assist the State in identifying specific financial assistance packages tailored to the needs of these units, he stated, highlighting JETROs role in helping Japanese companies expand in India.

As part of the discussions, Dr Yadav extended an invitation to the JETRO delegation to attend the Global Investors Summit in Bhopal and explore the numerous investment opportunities in Madhya Pradesh. Additionally, he invited the delegation to visit cultural and historical sites in the State, such as the iconic Sanchi Stupa, to better understand the rich cultural heritage of Madhya Pradesh. Both sides agreed to maintain continuous dialogue and work collaboratively to turn investment possibilities into concrete outcomes. JETRO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Madhya Pradesh government in promoting investment and business cooperation in the future. With an optimistic outlook, the Chief Minister and JETRO President concluded their discussions, setting the stage for a prosperous partnership between Madhya Pradesh and Japanese businesses in the coming years.
COD hands over 10,000 7.62 mm SLRs to Haryana Police Force





Staff Reporter :

This commendable initiative by the Indian Army has been welcomed by Haryana Police, significantly enhancing their operational capabilities, especially in challenging terrains and situations.

under the initiative of the Indian Army, Brigadier Naveen Thapa, Commandant of the Central Ordnance Depot (COD) Jabalpur, and all its personnel, have tirelessly worked to refurbish and provide effective solutions, handing over 10,000 7.62 mm Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs) to Haryana Police Force to strengthen the States security apparatus, keeping the ethos of Nation First in mind. The 7.62 mm Self-Loading Rifle (SLR) served as primary weapon of the Indian Army for over 30 years, but was replaced by the 5.56 mm INSAS rifle in 1988. However, due to the design and firepower characteristics of the SLR, it remains useful and continues to be in demand by State police forces.

This commendable initiative by the Indian Army has been welcomed by Haryana Police, significantly enhancing their operational capabilities, especially in challenging terrains and situations. This joint effort exemplifies improved synergy between the Indian Army and civil administration, underscoring an unwavering commitment to national security. By repurposing obsolete military assets to fortify the frontline defenders of Uttarakhand, the Central Ordnance Depot, Jabalpur, has set and established a remarkable example.
Cops recover stolen jewellery from Nandura in Mah





Additional SP (Crime) Pradeep Kumar Shende, accompanied by police team, addressing a press conference.

Staff Reporter :

Jabalpur police have succeeded in retrieving stolen jewellery worth Rs 11.50 lakh from Nandura in Maharashtra and started a rigorous search for the two absconding accused. The accused have been identified as Amjad Ali alias Sultan alias Gabbar Ali alias Bheeru Irani (45), son of Manhar Ali Irani, resident of Anwar Colony, Ward No. 1, behind Railway Station, Nandura in Maharashtra and Chinna alias Mohammad Ali (40), son of Siraj Ali Irani, resident of School No. 3, in front of Imambada, Raza Chowk in Bhusawal. Additional SP (Crime) Pradeep Kumar Shende disclosed this while addressing a press conference, on Wednesday. He informed that on January 18, 2025, at Cantonment Police Station, Vinay Kumari Tatiya (79), resident of APR Colony, Katanga Sadar, lodged a complaint that she went for morning walk when two men stopped her and one of them touched her feet and introduced himself as a police officer on duty to ensure peoples safety.

He advised her to remove her jewellery for security reasons. She removed her four gold bangles and a gold mangalsutra and held them in her hand. At that moment, the man took her gold jewellery and handed her a packet containing fake brass bangles, claiming they were her jewellery and both unidentified men escaped from the spot on a motorcycle. On the same day, at Kotwali Police Station, Jyoti Jain (57), resident of Deori, Sagar, currently staying at Sandhya Traders, reported a similar incident in which she removed her two old gold bangles, a gold chain and two rings and placed them on a piece of paper provided by the accused. On the complaints, police have registered separate cases number Sections 318(4) and 3(5) of BNS. Superintendent of Police, Sampat Upadhyay (IPS) constituted a team under the supervision of Additional SP (City), Anand Kaladagi (IPS), Additional SP, Samar Verma and Additional SP (Crime), Pradeep Kumar Shende and CSP Cantt/DSP Crime, Udaybhan Bagri and CSP Kotwali, Ritesh Kumar Shiv, formed special teams from Crime Branch, Cantt Police Station and Kotwali Police Station to track the suspects. Investigations revealed that the suspects were heading towards Seoni, prompting the police team to move there. Further intelligence suggested they were travelling towards Nandura-Bhusawal, Maharashtra.

The team reached Nandura Police Station, Maharashtra and identified one of the suspects as Bheeru Irani, known for his habit of impersonating a police officer to commit fraud. A raid was conducted at Bheeru Iranis hideout, where his father, Manhar Ali Irani, identified the man in the photographs as his son, Amjad Ali alias Bheeru and his accomplice as Chinna alias Mohammad Ali. During search, police team found a plastic packet containing four gold bangles, two gold broad bangle (bracelets), one mangalsutra, one gold chain and two gold rings. The jewellery matched with the stolen jewellery weighing around 140.50 grams worth Rs 11.5 lakh while a search is underway to apprehend the accused. Stolen booty was retrieved by police team led by Additional SP (Crime), Pradeep Kumar Shende, comprised of Crime Branch, In-charge, Shailesh Mishra, SHO, Kotwali, Vipin Tamrakar, SHO, Cantt, Pushpendra Patle, Crime Branchs Prashant Solanki, Dhananjay Singh and Ashok Mishra, SI, C P Tiwari, Constable Shubham Singh, Woman Constable Renuka Minj, SI, Ashok Dubey, CCTV In-charge, SI, Har Prasad Yadav, Cyber Cell Officer Amit Patel.
I-T crackdown on Satyam Balajee Group across multiple states





The Hitavada State Bureau Raipur/Durg

The Income Tax Departments Investigation Wing has tightened its scrutiny on Satyam Balajee Group, recovering around Rs 1.50 crore in unaccounted cash on the first day of a multi-state financial probe. The operation is being executed under the supervision of Additional Director of Income Tax (Investigation) Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh, Tarun Kanojia, with Conducting Deputy Director Naval Jain leading the field teams. The search and seizure operation, covering over 25 locations across Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh, has placed a massive corporate empire under investigation. Among the companies under the tax scanner are Satyam Balajee Rice Industries Private Limited, Satyam Balajee Automotives Private Limited, Satyam Balajee Energy Private Limited, Satyam Balajee Exim Private Limited, and Baldevji Enterprises LLP.

The key individuals at the centre of the probe include Oshin Agrawal, Purushottam Agarwalla, Pradeep Kumar Agarwal, Himanshu Ranjan Agrawal, Abhishek Ranjan Agrawal, and Kajli Agarwal, all of whom hold prominent positions in the groups business empire. With nearly a dozen high-profile premises in Raipur alone enveloped, the tax enforcement action has engulfed plush residential bungalows, corporate offices, godowns, showrooms, and multiple commercial establishments linked to the group. The Bhanpuri Industrial Estate, Jawahar Market, Rajeev Nagar, Rathore Chowk, and Ring Roads Jaguar showroom, among other locations, have been subjected to intensive scrutiny. Sources indicate that commission agents associated with the group have also come under the scanner, with multiple sites raided for possible cash dealings and unaccounted transactions.

Preliminary findings suggest that large-scale cash transactions and financial irregularities in the groups trade dealings may have triggered the high-stakes intervention. The officials are meticulously scrutinising financial ledgers, electronic records, and crucial transaction documents, to trace any potential business dealings or benami properties linked to the group, the sources maintained. Parallel searches in Gondia (Maharashtra) have yielded incriminating documents related to bogus billing, suppressed turnovers, and profit misreporting. Officials have uncovered unaccounted transactions kept outside official records, hinting at large-scale tax evasion. Apart from the Rs 1.50 crore cash haul, tax teams are evaluating jewellery worth several crores with valuation underway by government-approved experts. Additionally, four bank lockers across nationalised and private banks in Raipur have been placed under Prohibitory Orders (POs), restricting access to suspected undisclosed financial holdings.

A dedicated cyber forensic team is cloning digital data from laptops, smartphones, iPhones, portable hard drives, and other electronic storage devices to uncover further financial trails. The data is being meticulously examined to detect hidden transactions, offshore linkages, and layered financial structures. The operation is being executed by a 150-member tax enforcement team, with officers drawn from Bhopal, Jabalpur, and Indore to assist in simultaneous searches. The Income Tax Investigation Wing in Chhattisgarh is also spearheading raids in Gondia and Kakinada, ensuring a comprehensive probe into financial discrepancies across state lines. The search operations are expected to continue for another day or two as investigators pore over seized financial data and piece together the groups extensive commercial network. Tax authorities are also expected to summon key individuals for questioning, following which further legal proceedings will be initiated based on the depth of financial discrepancies unearthed during the probe, a taxmen privy to ongoing search-ops findings, averred to The Hitavada.
Mah: Nitesh Rane demands ban on burqa in board exams, writes to State Edn Minister





Mumbai ;

MAHARASHTRA Minister Nitesh Rane wrote a letter to State Education Minister Dada Bhuse on Wednesday, requesting a ban on wearing burqas at examination centres for the 10th and 12th board exams, citing concerns about potential cheating incidents. Advocating for uniformity in rules for Hindu and Muslim students, he stated that the Mahayuti Government in Maharashtra, which follows the Hindutva ideology, will not tolerate the politics of appeasement. He added that those who wish to wear the hijab or burqa can do so at home, but not at examination centres. Our Government, which follows Hindutva ideology, will not tolerate the politics of appeasement. The rules that are applicable to Hindu students, the same should apply to Muslim students as well.

Those who want to wear a burqa or hijab can wear it at their homes but at the examination centres, they should write their exams like other students, Rane, who is the Minister for Fisheries and Ports in Maharashtra Government, told ANI. The Minister explained that he wrote the letter to Bhuse due to incidents of cheating and copying during exams involving students wearing burqas.

There have been incidents of cheating and copying, where students were wearing a burqa. All this should not happen in Maharashtra, so I have written a letter to the concerned minister, Rane said. When asked to react to the Opposition and Muslim scholars objecting to the same, he said, They should go to Pakistan if they want to take exams while wearing a burqa since we have a constitution drafted by Babasaheb Ambedkar, not the Sharia law.
Need to adopt strict cyber hygiene practices: Lt. Gen Vinod Khandare (Retd) at RBU





Business Reporter :

RBU had the distinct honour of hosting Lt. General Vinod Khandare (Retd), a distinguished military leader and strategist, for a powerful session on Indias strategic culture and the growing importance of cyber hygiene. The event, which saw the participation of the institutions Chancellor Dr S S Mantha, Vice Chancellor Dr Rajesh Pande, Principal Dr Manoj Chandak, Registrar Dr Sanjay Bodkhe, along with deans, directors, faculty, and students, ignited a thought-provoking discussion on key national security issues. Lt. General Khandare emphasising the need to protect personal and national data. Drawing attention to the vulnerability of sensitive information such as PAN card details and OTPs, he urged the audience to adopt strict cyber hygiene practices.

He also proposed the establishment of advanced cyber fences similar to those in nations like Russia, China, and Israel, underlining the importance of cyber resilience for a robust economy. Taking the conversation further, Lt. General Khandare explored Indias rich strategic heritage, drawing wisdom from ancient texts like Chanakya Niti and Kautilyas Arthashastra. He stressed the relevance of these timeless principles in understanding and addressing todays complex geopolitical challenges. His call to action was clear: India must expand its strategic vision and prepare to harness its full potential on the global stage. The discussion also touched on the need to strengthen indigenous capabilities and foster innovation. Lt. General Khandare pointed out the critical role of infrastructure, resource optimization, and human capital in creating a competitive India. A strong military is the backbone of a strong economy, he noted, emphasising the close link between defense and economic growth. The session also addressed the emerging threats of cyberattacks, chemical warfare, and environmental degradation. Lt. General Khandare called for a broader understanding of national security, urging the nation to recognize potential challenges not only from traditional adversaries like China and Pakistan but from various other global risks.

He urged citizens to take responsibility for the country's security, stating, If we cant make the country stronger, lets ensure we dont weaken it. In a dynamic exchange with students, Lt. General Khandare discussed programs like Agniveer, which instill discipline and a sense of national duty. Kartavya (duty) must become an integral part of every Indians mindset, he said, while encouraging students to apply their knowledge in contributing to Indias development. He also emphasized the significance of atmanirbharta (self-reliance) among the youth as a driving force for the nations future. The visit left the RBU community inspired, energized, and committed to contributing to Indias growth through innovation, responsibility, and strategic thinking.
Parlt panel adopts report on Waqf bill by majority; Oppn slams move





Joint Parliamentary Committee meeting on the Waqf Amendment Bill underway in New Delhi on Wednesday

NEW DELHI :

A PARLIAMENTARY panel examining the Waqf Amendment Bill on Wednesday adopted by a majority vote its report that contained changes suggested by ruling BJP members, prompting the Opposition to dub the exercise as an attempt to destroy the Waqf boards. The Joint Committee of Parliament (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, chaired by BJP member Jagdambika Pal, adopted the report on the draft legislation by a 15-11 majority vote. Opposition members were submitting dissent notes to the report. BJP members insisted that the bill, introduced in Lok Sabha in August last year, seeks to bring modernity, transparency and accountability in the management of Waqf properties, while the Opposition termed it as an attack on the constitutional rights of the Muslim community and interference in the functioning of the Waqf boards. Speaking to reporters after the 38th sitting of the committee, Pal said, report will be presented to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday and tabled in both Houses of Parliament during the Budget Session beginning from Friday.

A key concern of the Opposition was the appointment of non-Muslims on the Waqf Board, which they claimed was violative of Article 26 of the Constitution that granted citizens freedom to manage their religious affairs, including establishment and maintenance of institutions for religious and charitable purposes. You have violated our rights granted under Article 26 of the Constitution. You talked about Uniform Civil Code, but there are Hindu Endowment Board, Sikh Boards, Christian boards which do not have non-Hindus, non-Sikhs, and non-Christians as members. But why does this not extend to Muslims? This is an attempt to destroy the Waqf Boards, Congress member Imran Masood told reporters here. Trinamool leader Kalyan Banerjee claimed the observations and recommendations of the committee were wholly perverse. The BJP members contended that the amendments suggested by the Opposition were intended to uphold the 1995 law and negate the spirit of the Waqf Amendment Bill-2024. All these amendments are not in the interest of the Waqf. These will destroy the Waqf board and increase interference of the central government in their functioning, AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi said. He said the evacuee properties could also be taken over by the government.

This will not be acceptable to the masses, especially the Muslim community. We reject this Waqf amendment. Muslims will lose their masjids, Owaisi said. According to the amendments accepted by the committee, the state Waqf boards will now include one member from the Muslim OBC community, ensuring broader representation. It also has provisions that allow the State Government to establish separate Waqf boards for Aghakhani and Bohra communities and safeguard womens inheritance rights in Waqf Alal Aulad (family waqfs). The amendments also allow the income from Waqf Alal Aulad to support widows, divorced women, and orphans, if specified by the waqif (creator of the waqf). Pal claimed that many of the amendments approved by the committee have addressed several concerns of Opposition members as well, adding the Bill once enacted will help Waqf board in discharging its duties transparently and more effectively. For the first time, pasmanda (backward) Muslims, the poor, women and orphans have been included among beneficiaries of the Waqf, an endowment made by Muslims for charitable religious purposes, he said.
BARCELONA, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- If new U.S. President Donald Trump decided to act on his threats to impose tariffs on the European Union (EU), it will be very painful for the bloc, Miquel Vila, an analyst of the Catalonia Global Institute, a Spanish think tank that specializes in international affairs, told Xinhua in an interview on Wednesday.

The United States is Europe's largest trading partner. The transatlantic trade reached an all-time high of 1.2 trillion euros (1.25 trillion U.S. dollars) in 2021, according to data from the European Commission.

However, in his presidential election campaign and since taking office on 20 Jan. 2025, Trump has been critical of the EU and has demanded the bloc's cooperation in different manners under the threat of imposing tariffs of between 10 and 20 percent on all imported EU goods.

"The strategy of imposing tariffs works until someone decides to stand up to him and take the tariffs, and then it comes down to who blinks first, but right now there's no one in the EU who is willing to fight that battle," Vila told Xinhua.

According to Vila, some EU states will "play their cards in order to get the most preferential treatment from the U.S.," while others that are less willing to cooperate with the new U.S. administration "will have to deal with the consequences."

"There are (EU) countries like Italy and Hungary looking to embrace the (policies) of Donald Trump's government and to have a working relationship with him, while others like the Spanish government are taking more confrontational positions," Vila said.

He suggested that the EU should take Trump's threats seriously, as the new administration will be willing to strenuously pursue its interests by openly throwing the full "economic, political and military weight" of the country behind Trump's agenda.

But EU-U.S. trade relations are only one of the issues that Vila predicted will be high on agenda of Trump's administration in the coming months.

"First of all, I expect to see an attempt to rebuild channels of negotiation and dialogue with China, secondly we'll see a tensions increase with Europe, and we'll also probably see a negotiated end to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine," he said.

Vila sees Trump as first and foremost a business-minded leader whose approach is mainly transactional, meaning that alongside his threats, the new U.S. president will also generally be open to negotiations.

However, the new Trump administration will be a complete break with the domestic and international policies of the past eight years, including Trump's first term in office between 2016 and 2020, Vila said.

Referring to the action plans recently announced by the new U.S. administration, the analyst said the action "shows they have learned from their first time in office, and at the same time they want to clearly differentiate themselves from the past four years under the leadership of the previous U.S. President, Joe Biden," Vila concluded. 
SC asks hospitals to regularise doctors absence during protests







NEW DELHI ;

THE Supreme Court on Wednesday directed hospitals, including AIIMS New Delhi, to regularise the unauthorised absence of doctors who were part of protests against the rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Hospital, Kolkata. A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar took note of the submissions of a doctors body that some hospitals had regularised the absence of the doctors following its August 22, 2024 order but a few others, including AIIMS Delhi, decided to treat the period as leave of absence. We deem it appropriate to clarify that if protesting workers had joined work post the Supreme Court order then their absence shall be regularised and not be treated as absence from duty. This is issued in peculiar facts and circumstances of the cases and is not laying down any precedent, the CJI said. The lawyer appearing for the body said the decision to treat the protest period as leave may create trouble for some of the medical PG students.

Solicitor general Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, said as the case was non-adversarial, the hospitals would abide by the top courts directions. Mehta said AIIMS, Delhi, decided to treat the period as leave of absence availed by the doctors. By an earlier order, it was stated that no coercive step would be taken against the protesting doctors for protests till the date of the order. Pursuant to this some of the AIIMS such as Kalyani and Gorakhpur and the PGI Chandigarh have regularised the absence. However some other institutes have treated the said period as if doctors were on leave, said the bench. On August 22, last year, the bench made an impassioned appeal to the protesting doctors across the country, asking them to resume work.

Observing justice and medicine couldnt be stopped, it directed no coercive action would be taken against doctors once they resumed work. The heinous crime triggered nationwide outrage and prolonged protests in West Bengal. The bench was hearing the suo-motu case over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in the Kolkata hospital. On January 20, a Kolkata trial court awarded convict Sanjay Roy life term imprisonment till death in the case. The body of the post-graduate trainee doctor was found in the hospitals seminar room on August 9, last year following which the Kolkata police arrested civic volunteer Roy the next day in connection with the crime.
Solar gets fresh Rs 6,000 cr Pinaka order; Munitions India bags order for Rs 4,000 cr





Staff Reporter :

Cabinet Committee for Security clears Rs 10,000 Pinaka rocket deal

In a success for indigenous weapon systems, the Cabinet Committee on Security has cleared the project to buy over Rs 10,000 crore worth of ammunition for the Indian Armys Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher systems. The Indian Army project to buy the Rs 10,000 crore plus ammunition, including the Area Denial Munitions and Pinaka Enhanced Range rockets, was cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security in a meeting held on Wednesday, defence sources told ANI.

The project would be divided between the rocket manufacturer Solar Industries of Nagpur and the former Ordnance Factory Board company Munitions India Limited (MIL), they said. Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, in his annual press conference on January 13, had stated that the contract for Pinaka weapon systems munitions, including the Rs 5,700 crore for high-explosive ammunition and Rs 4,500 crore area denial munitions, were expected to be cleared soon by the Government. The DRDO is already in the advanced stages of making a 120-km strike version of the Pinaka rockets and is expected to carry out its first test in the next financial year. The rockets cleared on Wednesday by the CCS have a range of around 45 kms and can be very effective at both the Pakistan and China border. One of the biggest success stories among the Indigenous weapon systems, the Army is fully backing it as Chief of Army Staff Gen Dwivedi has already made it clear that as soon as longer-range versions of the Pinaka are ready, the force might drop plans for other alternate weapons. The Pinaka has already been a major success story in the export sector as it has been bought by Armenia while many European countries including France are showing interest in it.
Stampede at Mahakumbh 30 killed, 60 injured





MAHAKUMBH NAGAR :

THIRTY people were killed and over sixty others injured in a pre-dawn stampede at the Sangam area of the Mahakumbh early on Wednesday as crores of pilgrims jostled for space to take a holy dip on the occasion of one of the most auspicious days of Mauni Amavasya. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Vaibhav Krishna told a press conference at the Mahakumbh Nagar in the evening that the stampede has left 30 dead and 60 others injured. The incident took place between 1-2 am due to the pressure of crowd. The crowds broke barricades and jumped to the other side, crushing those waiting there. Over 90 injured were rushed to the hospital, out of whom 30 died, the DIG said. The officer said 25 of the deceased have been identified. Among those injured, 36 are undergoing treatment at the hospital and the rest have been sent with their families.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his deepest condolences to the devotees who lost their family members in the stampede, describing the tragedy as extremely saddening. Karnataka Congress MLA Asif Sait said he has received information that four people from Belagavi city have lost their lives in the stampede. According to eyewitness accounts, one of the reasons for the tragedy was the sudden surge of pilgrims at the Sangam - all driven by an obvious desire to take the holy dip at 3 am, the start of the auspicious hour. Amrit snan, the traditional bathing ritual of akharas, was deferred after the stampede but resumed in the afternoon. Till 5 pm, nearly six crore devotees took a dip. Around 2 am, the blaring sirens of ambulances and police vehicles rushing to the Sangam pierced through the continuous chants of mantras and shlokas echoing from loudspeakers across the Kumbhmela area. Those injured were taken to the central hospital set up in the Mela area.

Relatives of many injured also reached there, as did some senior administrative and police officials. Security personnel and rescue workers were seen carrying many of the injured on stretchers. Peoples belongings, including blankets and bags, lay strewn around. In a post on X around noon, Modi said, the local administration in Prayagraj is giving all possible help to the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. Later addressing a poll rally in Delhi, he said, We lost some good souls in the tragic incident at Kumbh and some people have also got hurt. I convey my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and pray for the early recovery of those injured. I am in constant touch with the Uttar Pradesh Government. Due to Mauni Amavasya, crores of devotees have reached there. For sometime, the process of bathing had been halted, but now for several hours, the yatris are taking a bath. I once again convey my condolences to the families, Modi said.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the incident took place between 1 am and 2 am when some devotees climbed over the barricades at Akhara marg. On the Amrit Snan by akharas deferred till afternoon, Adityanath said a consensus was reached with the akharas that they would take the holy dip only after the crowd pressure has decreased at the ghats. Officer on Special Duty for the Mela Akanksha Rana earlier said, Some people have got injured and have been hospitalised after a barrier broke at the Sangam. We are yet to have the exact count of those injured. Sarojini, a devotee from Karnataka said, We came in a batch of 60 people in two buses, we were nine people in the group. Suddenly there was pushing in the crowd, and we got trapped. A lot of us fell down and the crowd went uncontrolled.

There was no chance for escape, there was pushing from all sides, the woman told PTI Videos. A man from Chhattarpur in Madhya Pradesh said his mother was injured and hospitalised, while a middle-aged couple from Meghalaya walked away from the crowd, both of them sobbing and narrating to reporters their harrowing experience of getting caught up in the ruckus. Another woman at the hospital, whose child suffered injuries in the chaos, narrated her ordeal, claiming, There was nowhere to go. Some people who pushed us were laughing while we begged them for kindness towards the children. Around 2.30 pm, the procession of akharas resumed as it made its way on foot towards the Sangam for the snan. Helicopter showered flower petals on seers as they headed towards the Sangam. All saints, seers and nagas took holy dip on the occasion. I congratulate Chief Minister (Yogi Adityanath) and the administration for making such arrangements, said Mahant Ravindra Puri, head of the Akhil Bhartiya Akhara Parishad, who led the procession. On the stampede, he said, Its a conspiracy by the Opposition. This must be investigated.
State sees 8 tiger deaths in Jan! Highest in the month in last 5 years





By Kaushik Bhattacharya :

In last 5 years, Jan 2025 saw highest tiger deaths. Wildlife experts demand dedicated STF for poaching cases, Central Depository for wildlife crime and tiger monitoring in PA

Even as Maharashtra is applauded for the sharp increase in tiger population in the last 15 years -- from 150 to 444 in 2024 -- the State witnessed eight tiger deaths in January which is highest in the last five years. According to National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) data, four tigers died in January 2024 due to various reasons whereas in January 2023, the number was five. In 2022, four tigers died in the month of January and in January 2021, the number was six. The number this year came as a jolt to the wildlife conservation community. Wildlife experts are blaming these fatalities on many factors, which are either ignored by the Forest Department or its failure to plug the loopholes.

The tiger deaths for various reasons this year and back to back arrests of poachers in the State raised discussion about the threat of poaching among the wildlife fraternity. Forest Department recently arrested the notorious tiger poacher Ajit Siyalal Pardhi from Rajura, along with his five associates. Similarly, on Tuesday, three poachers disguised as monks have been apprehended by the department for killing a leopard and trying to smuggle its skin. After these arrests, the conservationists were concerned that they could indicate the revival of tiger poaching gangs in the State. Out of these eight deaths this year, one is clearly a case of retaliatory killing. But there are two likely cases of poaching (January 6 and January 14). Poaching is a never ending challenge for the Forest Department because these poachers who belong to a tribal group are well-trained and they are aware about the loopholes in the department. Today, Ajit is in custody and after two months, he may be released on bail. At that time, it is going to be a difficult task for the department to arrest him again, Vishal Bansod, ex-Honorary Wildlife Warden, Amravati, told The Hitavada.

There is an utmost need to establish a full time Special Task Force (STF) which can work on poaching cases 24x7 in the State. Such STF will work, monitor and chase notorious poachers all time, said Bansod. Bansod also advised setting up of a Central Depository in the Forest Department to maintain a database about wildlife crime and details about offenders and criminals. The Central Depository will help to get details about poachers like Ajit after their release on bail. Normally, the Forest Department faces a tough time to recapture such poachers and this database will help in identifying the poachers in any corner of the State, said Bansod. According to another wildlife expert, the Forest Department is doing proper monitoring in core and buffer areas. The department has the data of tigers residing inside the tiger reserve. However, when the same tiger leaves the tiger reserve, it becomes an easy target for poachers because the forest department lost the data of that tiger.

There is a need to conduct regular monitoring of tigers residing in Protected Areas (PA) and patrolling to avoid poaching like crimes, said the wildlife expert. The Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court took suo motu cognisance in a recently held incident in which a tigress and her five cubs were cornered by tourists in Umred Paoni Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary (UPKWS). The same swiftness is also needed in cases of tiger deaths in the State, said the wildlife expert.

Poacher Pardhi confesses to crime Notorious tiger poacher Ajit Siyalal Pardhi, who was apprehended by a forest team of Rajura forest division on last Saturday, accepted his crime during his forest custody remand (FCR) on Wednesday. Ajit was arrested from a makeshift settlement in Rajura city. During interrogation, he disclosed names of five more associates who were also arrested by the forest team. Immediately after their arrest, all the six accused were presented in a special court and it granted FCR till January 31 to all accused. On Wednesday, while interrogation, Ajit accepted his crime. Thereafter, the team took him to the spot where he hid the body parts of tigers and other wild animals. The team dug out the area and seized body parts of tigers that were poached by the gang. The team also seized weapons used by Ajit and his gang for poaching tigers from the spot. The operation was carried out under the guidance of Shweta Boddu, Deputy Conservator of Forest, Central Chanda. Pawankumar Jong, Assistant Conservator of Forest, Rajura is conducting the investigation. Suresh Yelkewad, RFO; Sangamwar; Prakash Matte; Meghraj Nimbuddhe; Chaple; Sunil Gajalwar; Pawan Mandulwar and other staff worked hard in the operation.
by Xinhua writers Zheng Bofei, Larry Neild

LONDON, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- British Chancellor Rachel Reeves on Wednesday outlined the latest strategy to revive growth. Yet the policy ambition's path looks treacherous, as sluggish gross domestic product (GDP) and rising borrowing costs keep challenging the economic plans.

Six months into office, the government has seen a less-than-optimistic picture, with the GDP growing by just 0.1 percent in November 2024, employment declining at a record rate, and government borrowing costs reaching their highest levels since the 2008 financial crisis.

Reeves said in her speech that Britain needs economic growth now more than ever. Yet a complex web of planning hurdles, regulatory barriers and bureaucratic red tape awaits the government.

DELAYED RUNWAY

The British government urgently needs sustained growth to fulfill its promises, including reducing hospital waiting lists, which have left over three million people waiting more than 18 weeks for treatment, increasing police presence, as the prime minister tightens measures against anti-social behavior, and achieving the country's clean-energy targets.

One such project facing delays is the long-debated third runway at Heathrow Airport. On Wednesday morning, Reeves announced government support for the expansion -- the first time a Labour government has backed the plan since it was introduced by the Gordon Brown administration in 2009.

As one of the world's busiest transportation hubs, Heathrow Airport has long passed its limit, and the expansion plan has been heavily criticized for its environmental impact, seemingly contradicting the government's pledge to reduce carbon emissions.

According to the Heathrow Association for the Control of Aircraft Noise (HACAN), carbon emissions from Heathrow account for more than half of all aviation emissions in Britain. The airport currently emits around 20 million tons of carbon dioxide annually, with projections suggesting an additional 7 million tons if the third runway is built.

The economic debate around Heathrow's expansion remains contentious. Following Reeves's announcement, London Mayor Sadiq Khan was among the first to object. He wrote on social media after her speech: "Despite the progress that's been made in the aviation sector to make it more sustainable, I'm simply not convinced that you can have hundreds of thousands of additional flights at Heathrow every year without a hugely damaging impact on our environment." Khan also hinted at the possibility of challenging the plan through legal avenues.

"The proposed expansion of Heathrow could be deeply damaging to the balance of the UK's regional economies, taking both direct air transport jobs and wider leisure and tourism spending out of the UK's nations and regions and into London and the South East," Alex Chapman, senior economist from the thinktank New Economics Foundation, told Xinhua.

"I don't believe the third runway at Heathrow, or the other airport expansions are a good idea, the industry does not yet have supply-side interventions that will decarbonize at a rate fast enough to meet our carbon budget," said Richard Sulley, senior research fellow in Sustainability Policy at the Grantham Centre, University of Sheffield.

BATTLING HEADWINDS

The British government has thrown its weight behind planning reforms to bolster investor confidence, yet many projects may not materialize until the 2030s.

These initiatives include improving rail and road links to reduce travel times between Oxford and Cambridge, constructing new reservoirs to address water shortages, and increasing investment in high-tech industries.

"I think we've had a long time in the UK where there's perhaps been slow progress on these types of projects. I think that's a step change from what we've seen, obviously, in the last decade or so," said Olivier Sykes, discipline lead for planning and senior lecturer in European spatial planning at the University of Liverpool.

"At the end of the day, as the expression goes, the rest is politics," Sykes added.

As borrowing costs rise and tax pressures mount, Britain's growth ambitions risk being overshadowed by mounting economic headwinds and political opposition. 
BUDAPEST, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Hungary's gross domestic product (GDP) grew 0.6 percent in 2024, the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH) said Thursday.

Following the release of the data, Hungarian Minister for National Economy Marton Nagy said the country's economy has "reached a turning point," with signs of recovery, strengthening middle class, and improving family confidence.

Looking ahead, the Hungarian government expects GDP growth to exceed 3 percent in the second half of 2025.

Local economic news portal Portfolio described the latest GDP figures as "better than expected," adding that "Hungary is now out of the recession."

Analysts predict economic growth of between 2 percent and 2.5 percent in 2025, with prospects largely dependent on the European Union's economic performance, which directly affects Hungarian exports, according to Portfolio.

The positive figures were primarily driven by the "relative strength of the service sector," the report added. 
Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO  Get Free Report) traded up 1.8% during trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $53.44 and last traded at $53.00. 2,918,803 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 56% from the average session volume of 6,637,398 shares. The stock had previously closed at $52.05.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities analysts have weighed in on MO shares. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their price objective on Altria Group from $52.00 to $60.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 1st. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Altria Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday, November 4th. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their target price on shares of Altria Group from $54.00 to $60.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, November 1st. Citigroup boosted their target price on Altria Group from $44.50 to $48.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 8th. Finally, Morgan Stanley initiated coverage on Altria Group in a research report on Thursday, January 16th. They set an equal weight rating and a $54.00 price target for the company. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $53.43.

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Altria Group Trading Up 0.4 %

The stock has a market capitalization of $89.50 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.92, a P/E/G ratio of 2.67 and a beta of 0.64. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $53.81 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $52.29.

Altria Group (NYSE:MO  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 31st. The company reported $1.38 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.35 by $0.03. Altria Group had a net margin of 42.82% and a negative return on equity of 233.80%. The firm had revenue of $6.26 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.33 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $1.28 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 18.6% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts predict that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.13 earnings per share for the current year.

Altria Group Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 26th were given a $1.02 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 26th. This represents a $4.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 7.73%. Altria Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 68.92%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Altria Group

Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. State Street Corp increased its position in Altria Group by 5.6% during the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 73,481,686 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,821,831,000 after purchasing an additional 3,910,738 shares during the period. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC boosted its position in Altria Group by 729.8% during the 3rd quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC now owns 1,969,262 shares of the companys stock valued at $100,511,000 after acquiring an additional 1,731,932 shares in the last quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. grew its holdings in shares of Altria Group by 3,786.6% during the 3rd quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 1,743,443 shares of the companys stock worth $88,985,000 after acquiring an additional 1,698,585 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its position in shares of Altria Group by 2.5% in the 3rd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 40,803,759 shares of the companys stock worth $2,079,919,000 after acquiring an additional 1,003,605 shares in the last quarter. Finally, National Pension Service lifted its stake in shares of Altria Group by 19.9% in the 3rd quarter. National Pension Service now owns 4,034,414 shares of the companys stock valued at $205,916,000 after purchasing an additional 670,858 shares during the period. 57.41% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

About Altria Group

(Get Free Report)

Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company offers cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; large cigars and pipe tobacco under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; oral nicotine pouches under the on! brand; and e-vapor products under the NJOY ACE brand.

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Shares of BCE Inc. (NYSE:BCE  Get Free Report) (TSE:BCE) shot up 0.8% during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $24.11 and last traded at $23.73. 790,663 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 75% from the average session volume of 3,198,949 shares. The stock had previously closed at $23.53.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research firms have issued reports on BCE. Barclays reissued an underweight rating on shares of BCE in a research report on Tuesday, January 21st. Bank of America cut BCE from a neutral rating to an underperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 14th. Canaccord Genuity Group cut BCE from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 5th. Morgan Stanley started coverage on BCE in a research report on Monday, December 16th. They set an underweight rating on the stock. Finally, Canaccord Genuity Group reiterated a hold rating on shares of BCE in a research report on Tuesday, November 5th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating, one has given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, BCE presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $45.00.

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BCE Trading Down 0.7 %

BCE Increases Dividend

The stock has a market cap of $21.64 billion, a P/E ratio of 338.89, a PEG ratio of 3.83 and a beta of 0.56. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.26, a current ratio of 0.62 and a quick ratio of 0.60. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $24.50 and its 200 day simple moving average is $30.21.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 16th were paid a $0.737 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 16th. This represents a $2.95 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 12.43%. This is a boost from BCEs previous quarterly dividend of $0.73. BCEs payout ratio is 4,028.57%.

Institutional Trading of BCE

A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Caldwell Sutter Capital Inc. grew its holdings in shares of BCE by 3.9% in the 3rd quarter. Caldwell Sutter Capital Inc. now owns 11,856 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $413,000 after buying an additional 445 shares during the period. First Affirmative Financial Network lifted its position in BCE by 6.1% during the 3rd quarter. First Affirmative Financial Network now owns 8,181 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $285,000 after buying an additional 472 shares in the last quarter. Prospera Financial Services Inc raised its holdings in shares of BCE by 6.8% in the 3rd quarter. Prospera Financial Services Inc now owns 7,534 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $262,000 after purchasing an additional 478 shares during the period. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC raised its holdings in shares of BCE by 1.2% in the 4th quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 43,402 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,006,000 after purchasing an additional 520 shares during the period. Finally, FMR LLC raised its holdings in shares of BCE by 6.8% in the 3rd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 9,307 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $324,000 after purchasing an additional 596 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 41.46% of the companys stock.

BCE Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

BCE Inc, a communications company, provides wireless, wireline, Internet, and television (TV) services to residential, business, and wholesale customers in Canada. The company operates through two segments, Bell Communication and Technology Services, and Bell Media. The Bell Communication and Technology Services segment provides wireless products and services including mobile data and voice plans and devices; wireline products and services comprising data, including internet access, internet protocol television, cloud-based services, and business solutions, as well as voice, and other communication services and products; and satellite TV and connectivity services for residential, small and medium-sized business, government, and large enterprise customers.

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Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. (CVE:RECO  Get Free Report)s share price rose 25.3% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as C$1.26 and last traded at C$1.24. Approximately 1,389,000 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 360% from the average daily volume of 301,630 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.99.

Reconnaissance Energy Africa Trading Up 25.3 %

The companys fifty day simple moving average is C$1.05 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$1.02. The firm has a market capitalization of C$328.77 million, a P/E ratio of 3.54 and a beta of 1.24.

Reconnaissance Energy Africa Company Profile

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Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd., a junior oil and gas company, engages in exploration and development of oil and gas properties in Namibia and Botswana. The company holds a 90% interest in a petroleum exploration license that covers an area of approximately 25,341.33 square kilometer located in Namibia; and 100% working interest in a petroleum license, which covers an area of 8,990 square kilometer located in northwestern Botswana.

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Capstone Copper Corp. (TSE:CS  Get Free Report) has been given a consensus recommendation of Buy by the fourteen ratings firms that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. Thirteen research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. The average 12 month target price among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is C$12.60.

Several research firms recently weighed in on CS. National Bankshares lifted their price target on Capstone Copper from C$12.75 to C$13.75 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 15th. Canaccord Genuity Group lowered their price objective on Capstone Copper from C$14.00 to C$12.50 in a research note on Monday, November 25th. Eight Capital boosted their price target on Capstone Copper from C$14.00 to C$15.00 in a research note on Friday, November 22nd. Scotiabank decreased their price target on Capstone Copper from C$12.00 to C$11.00 in a research note on Tuesday, January 21st. Finally, CIBC lifted their price objective on Capstone Copper from C$12.00 to C$12.50 in a report on Monday, November 25th.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Capstone Copper

Capstone Copper Trading Up 5.4 %

In other news, Director John Mackenzie sold 49,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$9.65, for a total value of C$473,075.40. Also, Director Darren Murvin Pylot sold 500,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$10.50, for a total value of C$5,249,450.00. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 843,250 shares of company stock valued at $8,656,280. Company insiders own 15.37% of the companys stock.

TSE CS opened at C$8.41 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.98, a current ratio of 0.94 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 40.10. Capstone Copper has a twelve month low of C$6.23 and a twelve month high of C$11.51. The firm has a market capitalization of C$6.33 billion, a PE ratio of -40.05, a P/E/G ratio of -0.09 and a beta of 2.14. The stocks 50 day moving average is C$9.03 and its 200 day moving average is C$9.41.

Capstone Copper (TSE:CS  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 31st. The mining company reported C$0.04 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of C$0.11 by C($0.07). Capstone Copper had a negative net margin of 1.47% and a negative return on equity of 1.24%. The firm had revenue of C$572.14 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of C$612.00 million. Research analysts forecast that Capstone Copper will post 0.8541833 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

About Capstone Copper

(Get Free Report

Capstone Copper Corp. operates as a copper mining company in the United States, Chile, and Mexico. It primarily explores for copper, silver, zinc, and other metals. The company owns 100% interests in Pinto Valley copper mine located in the Arizona, the United States; Mantos Blancos copper-silver mine located in the Region of Antofagasta, Chile; Santo Domingo copper-iron-gold-cobalt project located in the Atacama region, Chile; and Cozamin copper-silver mine located in the Zacatecas, Mexico.

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Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG  Get Free Report) released its earnings results on Thursday. The financial services provider reported $2.13 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.03 by $0.10, Zacks reports. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. had a net margin of 10.40% and a return on equity of 19.12%.

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Stock Up 1.7 %

AJG stock traded up $4.96 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $299.06. 1,641,600 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,926,883. The company has a market capitalization of $74.70 billion, a PE ratio of 56.96 and a beta of 0.76. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $291.78 and a 200 day simple moving average of $288.38. The company has a current ratio of 1.06, a quick ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has a twelve month low of $227.43 and a twelve month high of $316.72.

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Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 21st. Investors of record on Friday, March 7th will be issued a $0.65 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 7th. This is a boost from Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.s previous quarterly dividend of $0.60. This represents a $2.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.87%. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.s dividend payout ratio is currently 45.71%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Bank of America boosted their price objective on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $271.00 to $293.00 and gave the company an underperform rating in a research note on Thursday, October 10th. Barclays raised their price objective on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $300.00 to $308.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday, November 21st. Piper Sandler upgraded Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and boosted their target price for the stock from $285.00 to $315.00 in a report on Wednesday, January 8th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from an underperform rating to a market perform rating and reduced their price target for the company from $292.00 to $286.00 in a research report on Friday, January 10th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $315.00 to $344.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 10th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $304.07.

Check Out Our Latest Report on AJG

About Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

(Get Free Report)

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co engages in the provision of insurance brokerage, reinsurance brokerage, consulting, and third-party claims settlement and administration services. It operates through the following business segments: Brokerage, Risk Management, and Corporate. The Brokerage segment consists of retail and wholesale insurance brokerage operations.

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Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (NYSE:BBVA  Get Free Report) issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday. The bank reported $0.44 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.40 by $0.04, Zacks reports. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria had a return on equity of 17.13% and a net margin of 28.55%.

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Price Performance

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria stock traded up $0.30 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $11.83. The stock had a trading volume of 4,208,989 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,206,148. The company has a market capitalization of $69.03 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.80, a PEG ratio of 0.68 and a beta of 1.27. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria has a one year low of $9.23 and a one year high of $12.20. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $10.10 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $10.19.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, StockNews.com raised Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 12th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating, one has assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy.

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, SA provides retail banking, wholesale banking, and asset management services in the United States, Spain, Mexico, Turkey, South America, and internationally. The company offers savings account, demand deposits, and time deposits; and loan products, such as residential mortgages, other households, credit card loans, loans to enterprises and public sector, as well as consumer finance.

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NEW YORK, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Bob Menendez, a former U.S. senator from New Jersey, was sentenced to 11 years in prison on Wednesday following his conviction on bribery and corruption charges last July.

Sidney H. Stein, a judge from the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, delivered the sentencing after Menendez's lawyers submitted an emotion-laden appeal for leniency in early January.

Meanwhile, prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of New York, requested a prison term of 15 years.

"The sentences imposed today result from an egregious abuse of power at the highest levels of the Legislative Branch of the federal government. Robert Menendez was trusted to represent the United States and the State of New Jersey, but instead he used his position to help his co-conspirators and a foreign government, in exchange for bribes like cash, gold, and a luxury car," Danielle R. Sassoon, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, said in a statement.

Born in 1954, Menendez served in the U.S. Senate from 2006 until his resignation in 2024 and chaired the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations from 2013 to 2015 and from 2021 to 2023.

From 2018 to 2022, Menendez and his wife Nadine Menendez accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of bribes in the form of gold, cash, a luxury convertible, payments toward Nadine's home mortgage, compensation for a low-or-no-show job for Nadine, home furnishings, and other things of value, according to the statement.

The sentencing also included a forfeiture of over 900,000 U.S. dollars for the disgraced Democrat.

The judge also sentenced two co-defendants to several years in prison on Wednesday. 
Baring Financial LLC acquired a new position in shares of Northrop Grumman Co. (NYSE:NOC  Free Report) in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm acquired 612 shares of the aerospace companys stock, valued at approximately $287,000.

Other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. NewEdge Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Northrop Grumman by 23.6% in the second quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 10,832 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $4,722,000 after buying an additional 2,066 shares in the last quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. raised its holdings in shares of Northrop Grumman by 5.9% in the 2nd quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 16,093 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $7,019,000 after acquiring an additional 898 shares during the last quarter. Quarry LP lifted its position in Northrop Grumman by 1,546.2% in the 2nd quarter. Quarry LP now owns 214 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $93,000 after acquiring an additional 201 shares in the last quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky boosted its stake in Northrop Grumman by 87.8% during the 2nd quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky now owns 21,802 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $9,505,000 after purchasing an additional 10,192 shares during the last quarter. Finally, New Century Financial Group LLC increased its holdings in Northrop Grumman by 57.4% during the 2nd quarter. New Century Financial Group LLC now owns 867 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $378,000 after purchasing an additional 316 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 83.40% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

NOC has been the topic of several analyst reports. UBS Group boosted their price target on shares of Northrop Grumman from $614.00 to $643.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, October 25th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on Northrop Grumman from $500.00 to $560.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Monday, October 14th. StockNews.com upgraded Northrop Grumman from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Sunday, January 19th. Susquehanna reduced their price objective on Northrop Grumman from $625.00 to $557.00 and set a positive rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, January 8th. Finally, TD Cowen raised Northrop Grumman to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 8th. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $550.94.

Northrop Grumman Trading Down 1.0 %

NYSE:NOC opened at $481.56 on Thursday. Northrop Grumman Co. has a 12 month low of $418.60 and a 12 month high of $555.57. The company has a current ratio of 1.09, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.00. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $478.87 and a 200-day moving average price of $497.74. The stock has a market cap of $70.16 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.84, a P/E/G ratio of 0.95 and a beta of 0.35.

Northrop Grumman Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 18th. Investors of record on Monday, December 2nd were paid a $2.06 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 2nd. This represents a $8.24 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.71%. Northrop Grummans payout ratio is 51.05%.

Northrop Grumman announced that its board has approved a share repurchase plan on Wednesday, December 11th that permits the company to buyback $3.00 billion in shares. This buyback authorization permits the aerospace company to reacquire up to 4.3% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback plans are usually an indication that the companys board believes its shares are undervalued.

Insider Activity

In other news, VP Benjamin R. Davies sold 1,156 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, November 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $532.93, for a total transaction of $616,067.08. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 537 shares of the companys stock, valued at $286,183.41. This represents a 68.28 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 1,255 shares of company stock worth $663,859. Insiders own 0.22% of the companys stock.

About Northrop Grumman

(Free Report)

Northrop Grumman Corporation operates as an aerospace and defense technology company in the United States, Asia/Pacific, Europe, and internationally. The companys Aeronautics Systems segment designs, develops, manufactures, integrates, and sustains aircraft systems. This segment also offers unmanned autonomous aircraft systems, including high-altitude long-endurance strategic ISR systems and vertical take-off and landing tactical ISR systems; and strategic long-range strike aircraft, tactical fighter and air dominance aircraft, and airborne battle management and command and control systems.

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StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Barnwell Industries (NYSE:BRN  Free Report) in a report published on Wednesday morning. The firm issued a hold rating on the stock.

Barnwell Industries Price Performance

BRN stock opened at $1.83 on Wednesday. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $1.64 and its 200 day simple moving average is $1.98. The company has a market cap of $18.39 million, a PE ratio of -3.27 and a beta of 0.02. Barnwell Industries has a twelve month low of $1.31 and a twelve month high of $3.20.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On Barnwell Industries

A hedge fund recently raised its stake in Barnwell Industries stock. Renaissance Technologies LLC grew its position in Barnwell Industries, Inc. (NYSE:BRN  Free Report) by 1.9% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 355,534 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 6,612 shares during the quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC owned about 3.55% of Barnwell Industries worth $836,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 40.71% of the companys stock.

Barnwell Industries Company Profile

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.

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BDF Gestion lowered its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS  Free Report) by 1.8% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 21,736 shares of the investment management companys stock after selling 406 shares during the period. The Goldman Sachs Group accounts for approximately 1.2% of BDF Gestions portfolio, making the stock its 15th largest holding. BDF Gestions holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $12,446,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in GS. Mizuho Securities USA LLC grew its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 30,068.9% during the 3rd quarter. Mizuho Securities USA LLC now owns 7,500,000 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $3,713,325,000 after purchasing an additional 7,475,140 shares in the last quarter. FMR LLC boosted its stake in The Goldman Sachs Group by 21.9% during the third quarter. FMR LLC now owns 2,898,637 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $1,435,144,000 after buying an additional 521,054 shares during the period. Janus Henderson Group PLC grew its position in The Goldman Sachs Group by 154.7% during the third quarter. Janus Henderson Group PLC now owns 414,867 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $205,403,000 after buying an additional 251,972 shares in the last quarter. Congress Asset Management Co. increased its stake in The Goldman Sachs Group by 829.0% in the 3rd quarter. Congress Asset Management Co. now owns 260,317 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $128,886,000 after acquiring an additional 232,297 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Rheos Capital Works Inc. raised its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 265.4% in the 3rd quarter. Rheos Capital Works Inc. now owns 248,500 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $123,035,000 after acquiring an additional 180,500 shares in the last quarter. 71.21% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Insider Buying and Selling at The Goldman Sachs Group

In other The Goldman Sachs Group news, CAO Sheara J. Fredman sold 2,974 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $594.51, for a total transaction of $1,768,072.74. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 8,489 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,046,795.39. This represents a 25.94 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, Treasurer Carey Halio sold 3,640 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $636.74, for a total value of $2,317,733.60. Following the completion of the transaction, the treasurer now owns 4,552 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,898,440.48. The trade was a 44.43 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 35,657 shares of company stock valued at $21,973,272. 0.54% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research analysts recently weighed in on GS shares. Bank of America upped their price objective on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $563.00 to $575.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 16th. Oppenheimer lowered their price objective on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $677.00 to $639.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, January 3rd. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $736.00 to $782.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, January 16th. Barclays raised their price target on The Goldman Sachs Group from $713.00 to $760.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, January 16th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on The Goldman Sachs Group from $550.00 to $605.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, January 16th. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $591.06.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on GS

The Goldman Sachs Group Price Performance

GS stock opened at $638.13 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $200.31 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.74, a PEG ratio of 0.88 and a beta of 1.38. The firms 50-day moving average price is $593.22 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $538.70. The company has a current ratio of 0.67, a quick ratio of 0.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.32. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a 12-month low of $375.20 and a 12-month high of $649.00.

The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 15th. The investment management company reported $11.95 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $8.21 by $3.74. The Goldman Sachs Group had a return on equity of 13.30% and a net margin of 11.32%. The company had revenue of $13.87 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $12.36 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $5.48 EPS. The Goldman Sachs Groups revenue was up 22.5% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts predict that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 46.81 earnings per share for the current year.

The Goldman Sachs Group Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 28th. Investors of record on Friday, February 28th will be issued a $3.00 dividend. This represents a $12.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.88%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 28th. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 29.59%.

About The Goldman Sachs Group

(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.

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The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO  Get Free Report) shares were up 1.2% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as $63.95 and last traded at $63.60. Approximately 3,456,766 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 78% from the average daily volume of 15,855,195 shares. The stock had previously closed at $62.83.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research firms have recently weighed in on KO. UBS Group dropped their price target on shares of Coca-Cola from $82.00 to $72.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, January 16th. Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on shares of Coca-Cola from $78.00 to $76.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 24th. Piper Sandler reduced their price target on shares of Coca-Cola from $74.00 to $73.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, January 23rd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded Coca-Cola from a hold rating to a buy rating and raised their price target for the stock from $68.00 to $70.00 in a research report on Thursday, December 12th. Finally, TD Cowen upgraded shares of Coca-Cola from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $75.00 price target for the company in a research note on Wednesday, January 8th. Two 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 company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $72.13.

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Coca-Cola Price Performance

Insider Transactions at Coca-Cola

The companys 50-day simple moving average is $62.65 and its 200-day simple moving average is $66.38. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.53, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a current ratio of 1.06. The company has a market capitalization of $275.90 billion, a PE ratio of 26.47, a P/E/G ratio of 3.38 and a beta of 0.61.

In related news, CEO James Quincey sold 100,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $64.03, for a total value of $6,403,000.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 342,546 shares in the company, valued at $21,933,220.38. The trade was a 22.60 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Company insiders own 0.97% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Coca-Cola

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Quarry LP acquired a new position in shares of Coca-Cola during the 2nd quarter valued at about $27,000. Hara Capital LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Coca-Cola in the third quarter worth $35,000. E Fund Management Hong Kong Co. Ltd. purchased a new position in shares of Coca-Cola in the 3rd quarter valued at $36,000. Retirement Wealth Solutions LLC acquired a new position in shares of Coca-Cola during the 4th quarter valued at $37,000. Finally, MilWealth Group LLC purchased a new stake in Coca-Cola during the 4th quarter worth $40,000. 70.26% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Coca-Cola Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

The Coca-Cola Company, a beverage company, manufactures, markets, and sells various nonalcoholic beverages worldwide. The company provides sparkling soft drinks, sparkling flavors; water, sports, coffee, and tea; juice, value-added dairy, and plant-based beverages; and other beverages. It also offers beverage concentrates and syrups, as well as fountain syrups to fountain retailers, such as restaurants and convenience stores.

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Colton Groome Financial Advisors LLC reduced its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF (NYSEARCA:EWJ  Free Report) by 15.5% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 3,764 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 690 shares during the period. Colton Groome Financial Advisors LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI Japan ETF were worth $253,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Bank of Montreal Can raised its position in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 3.3% during the third quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 7,735,522 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $549,841,000 after acquiring an additional 244,641 shares during the last quarter. Glenmede Trust Co. NA raised its holdings in iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 1.3% during the 3rd quarter. Glenmede Trust Co. NA now owns 1,346,971 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $96,362,000 after purchasing an additional 17,765 shares during the last quarter. Angeles Investment Advisors LLC raised its holdings in iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 48.8% during the 3rd quarter. Angeles Investment Advisors LLC now owns 1,138,000 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $81,413,000 after purchasing an additional 373,000 shares during the last quarter. Stifel Financial Corp lifted its position in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 2.5% in the 3rd quarter. Stifel Financial Corp now owns 1,098,246 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $78,568,000 after purchasing an additional 27,172 shares during the period. Finally, Money Design Co. Ltd. boosted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 5.9% in the 3rd quarter. Money Design Co. Ltd. now owns 840,188 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $60,107,000 after purchasing an additional 46,954 shares during the last quarter.

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iShares MSCI Japan ETF Stock Up 1.3 %

Shares of NYSEARCA EWJ opened at $69.01 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $16.88 billion, a PE ratio of 13.63 and a beta of 0.73. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $67.89 and a 200 day simple moving average of $68.88. iShares MSCI Japan ETF has a twelve month low of $60.62 and a twelve month high of $73.24.

iShares MSCI Japan ETF Company Profile

iShares MSCI Japan ETF (the fund), formerly Ishares Msci Japan Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of publicly traded securities in the Japanese market, as measured by the MSCI Japan Index (the Index).

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Costain Group PLC (LON:COST  Get Free Report) shares traded up 11.3% during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as high as GBX 97.20 ($1.21) and last traded at GBX 95.74 ($1.19). 22,979,559 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 812% from the average session volume of 2,519,368 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 86 ($1.07).

Costain Group Stock Down 2.1 %

The businesss fifty day moving average is GBX 103.04 and its two-hundred day moving average is GBX 100.13. The company has a market cap of 258.70 million, a P/E ratio of 863.64, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.63 and a beta of 2.64. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 9.86, a quick ratio of 1.32 and a current ratio of 1.40.

Costain Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Costain helps to improve peoples lives by creating connected, sustainable infrastructure that enables people and the planet thrive. We shape, create and deliver pioneering solutions that transform the performance of the infrastructure ecosystem across the UKs energy, water, transportation and defence markets.

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Coston McIsaac & Partners decreased its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report) by 2.7% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 44,629 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,229 shares during the quarter. Philip Morris International comprises approximately 1.6% of Coston McIsaac & Partners investment portfolio, making the stock its 20th biggest holding. Coston McIsaac & Partners holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $5,370,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. State Street Corp grew its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 0.4% during the third quarter. State Street Corp now owns 54,711,621 shares of the companys stock worth $6,715,237,000 after purchasing an additional 224,840 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in Philip Morris International by 2.0% during the third quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 32,101,324 shares of the companys stock worth $3,886,818,000 after buying an additional 621,034 shares during the last quarter. FMR LLC grew its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 40.9% during the 3rd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 23,168,446 shares of the companys stock worth $2,812,649,000 after buying an additional 6,721,094 shares during the period. Franklin Resources Inc. increased its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 3.0% in the 3rd quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 13,000,570 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,560,752,000 after acquiring an additional 376,406 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA raised its position 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 acquiring an additional 3,363,454 shares during the period. 78.63% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Philip Morris International Trading Up 0.5 %

NYSE:PM opened at $129.62 on Thursday. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $125.26 and a 200 day simple moving average of $122.59. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 1-year low of $87.82 and a 1-year high of $134.15. The stock has a market capitalization of $201.53 billion, a PE ratio of 20.57, a P/E/G ratio of 2.01 and a beta of 0.54.

Philip Morris International Announces Dividend

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, January 13th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 26th were paid a $1.35 dividend. This represents a $5.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.17%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 26th. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 85.71%.

A number of research analysts recently issued reports on PM shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of Philip Morris International from $125.00 to $145.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, October 23rd. Morgan Stanley started coverage on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Thursday, January 16th. They issued an overweight rating and a $140.00 price target for the company. Barclays lowered their price objective 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. Citigroup lifted their target price on Philip Morris International from $118.50 to $132.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, October 8th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus restated a buy rating and issued a $145.00 price target (up from $138.00) on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Wednesday, October 23rd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $131.35.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on PM

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.

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First National of Nebraska, Inc. (OTCMKTS:FINN  Get Free Report)s share price rose 4.3% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $12,200.00 and last traded at $12,200.00. Approximately 11 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 88% from the average daily volume of 91 shares. The stock had previously closed at $11,700.00.

First National of Nebraska Trading Up 4.3 %

The companys fifty day simple moving average is $11,841.00 and its 200 day simple moving average is $11,954.72.

About First National of Nebraska

(Get Free Report)

First National of Nebraska, Inc operates as the bank holding company for First National Bank of Omaha that provides various banking products and services. The company offers checking, savings, and individual retirement accounts; certificates of deposit; and credit cards. It also provides personal loans and lines of credit; auto loans; mortgage loans; home equity lines of credit and loans; small business loans and lines of credit; small business administration loans; and commercial lending solutions.

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Gilbert & Cook Inc. bought a new position in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR  Free Report) during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor bought 1,379 shares of the business services providers stock, valued at approximately $312,000.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in BR. Bogart Wealth LLC grew its stake in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions by 384.0% during the third quarter. Bogart Wealth LLC now owns 121 shares of the business services providers stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 96 shares in the last quarter. True Wealth Design LLC increased its holdings in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions by 2,028.6% in the 3rd quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 149 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 142 shares during the last quarter. Fortitude Family Office LLC raised its position in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions by 246.7% during the 4th quarter. Fortitude Family Office LLC now owns 156 shares of the business services providers stock worth $35,000 after acquiring an additional 111 shares in the last quarter. Hazlett Burt & Watson Inc. purchased a new position in Broadridge Financial Solutions in the third quarter valued at approximately $38,000. Finally, FSA Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $39,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 90.03% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

BR has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. StockNews.com cut shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, November 9th. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on Broadridge Financial Solutions from $200.00 to $207.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 6th. UBS Group assumed coverage on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions in a research report on Thursday, November 21st. They issued a neutral rating and a $250.00 price objective on the stock. Wolfe Research reissued a peer perform rating on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions in a research note on Thursday, December 12th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $246.00 target price on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions in a report on Wednesday, November 6th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Broadridge Financial Solutions currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $226.71.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, Director Maura A. Markus sold 3,880 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $227.02, for a total value of $880,837.60. Following the transaction, the director now owns 27,788 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,308,431.76. This represents a 12.25 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, VP Thomas P. Carey sold 15,710 shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $230.32, for a total transaction of $3,618,327.20. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 12,146 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,797,466.72. This trade represents a 56.40 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 54,532 shares of company stock worth $12,264,846. 1.30% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Broadridge Financial Solutions Stock Performance

BR stock traded up $3.11 on Thursday, reaching $238.67. The companys stock had a trading volume of 11,799 shares, compared to its average volume of 459,116. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $230.87 and a two-hundred day moving average of $219.82. The company has a market capitalization of $27.90 billion, a P/E ratio of 41.25 and a beta of 1.08. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.63, a current ratio of 1.39 and a quick ratio of 1.39. Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. has a 52 week low of $188.30 and a 52 week high of $241.45.

Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE:BR  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 5th. The business services provider reported $1.00 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.97 by $0.03. The company had revenue of $1.42 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.48 billion. Broadridge Financial Solutions had a net margin of 10.57% and a return on equity of 41.79%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down .6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.09 EPS. As a group, analysts predict that Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. will post 8.53 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Broadridge Financial Solutions Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 3rd. Investors of record on Friday, December 13th were paid a $0.88 dividend. This represents a $3.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.47%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 13th. Broadridge Financial Solutionss dividend payout ratio is currently 60.90%.

About Broadridge Financial Solutions

(Free Report)

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc provides investor communications and technology-driven solutions for the financial services industry. The company's Investor Communication Solutions segment processes and distributes proxy materials to investors in equity securities and mutual funds, as well as facilitates related vote processing services; and distributes regulatory reports, class action, and corporate action/reorganization event information, as well as tax reporting solutions.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR  Free Report).

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Iluka Resources Limited (OTCMKTS:ILKAY  Get Free Report) was the target of a significant drop in short interest in January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 600 shares, a drop of 60.0% from the December 31st total of 1,500 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 900 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.7 days.

Iluka Resources Stock Performance

ILKAY remained flat at $14.99 on Wednesday. 12 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 373. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $16.42 and a 200 day moving average price of $19.08. Iluka Resources has a 52-week low of $14.99 and a 52-week high of $26.73.

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Iluka Resources Company Profile

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Iluka Resources Limited engages in the exploration, project development, mining, processing, marketing, and rehabilitation of mineral sands in Australia, China, rest of Asia, Europe, the Americas, and internationally. It operates through Jacinth-Ambrosia/Mid-West, Cataby/South West, Rare Earths, and United States/Murray Basin segments.

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MEXICO CITY, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Mexico doubts if Washington will enforce the 25 percent tariff but stands prepared if it does, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Wednesday.

"The truth is we do not believe that it will happen, but if it does happen, we also have our plan and we will present it then," the Mexican president said at a regular press conference.

Mexico's Foreign Ministry, headed by Juan Ramon de la Fuente, is in talks with the U.S. government, she said.

On Tuesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said U.S. President Donald Trump still plans to apply a 25 percent tariff on all imported products from Mexico and Canada starting Saturday, unless both countries cooperate to resolve the problem of mass immigration and fentanyl trafficking. 
BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust (NYSE:BFZ  Get Free Report) major shareholder Saba Capital Management, L.P. sold 103,231 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $11.17, for a total value of $1,153,090.27. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 5,026,079 shares of the companys stock, valued at $56,141,302.43. The trade was a 2.01 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Large shareholders that own at least 10% of a companys shares are required to disclose their sales and purchases with the SEC.

Saba Capital Management, L.P. also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Monday, January 27th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. sold 31,198 shares of BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $11.24, for a total value of $350,665.52.

On Wednesday, January 22nd, Saba Capital Management, L.P. sold 39,580 shares of BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $11.32, for a total value of $448,045.60.

On Friday, November 8th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. sold 30,293 shares of BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $11.82, for a total value of $358,063.26.

BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust Stock Up 0.2 %

Shares of BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust stock traded up $0.02 on Thursday, reaching $11.23. 71,996 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 70,099. The companys 50-day moving average is $11.43 and its two-hundred day moving average is $11.76. BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust has a 1-year low of $11.10 and a 1-year high of $12.23.

BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust Announces Dividend

Institutional Trading of BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust

The firm also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 3rd. Investors of record on Wednesday, January 15th will be given a $0.059 dividend. This represents a $0.71 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.30%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, January 15th.

Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in BFZ. Trilogy Capital Inc. boosted its stake in BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust by 292.8% during the 3rd quarter. Trilogy Capital Inc. now owns 107,261 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,297,000 after purchasing an additional 79,952 shares in the last quarter. Sanctuary Advisors LLC bought a new position in BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust during the 2nd quarter valued at $509,000. Absolute Investment Advisers LLC bought a new position in BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust during the 4th quarter valued at $387,000. Wolverine Asset Management LLC bought a new position in BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust during the 3rd quarter valued at $309,000. Finally, Cypress Wealth Services LLC bought a new position in BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust during the 3rd quarter valued at $250,000.

BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc It is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. The fund invests in fixed income markets. It invests primarily in investment grade municipal bonds that are exempt from regular federal and California income taxes.

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Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. recently disclosed in an 8-K filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that it has initiated a reduction in its workforce. The decision, approved by the Companys Board of Directors on January 17, 2025, entails a workforce reduction of approximately 50%, largely affecting field-based sales employees. The affected employees were officially notified on January 29, 2025, with the downsizing anticipated to be completed by the conclusion of the first half of 2025. Following the reduction, Ironwood Pharmaceuticals anticipates retaining around 120 full-time employees.

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The Company estimates that the associated costs of this restructuring will approximate between $20.0 million and $25.0 million. These costs primarily encompass one-time expenditure on severance packages and benefits for the affected employees. Ironwood Pharmaceuticals foresees the majority of these charges to be incurred during the initial half of 2025. Notably, most of these expenses are expected to translate into cash outflows, and additional unforeseen costs may arise due to circumstances related to or as a result of the workforce reduction.

In a related development, Ironwood Pharmaceuticals also announced the promotion of Gregory Martini to the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective January 27, 2025. Mr. Martini previously held the position of Vice President, Strategic Finance & Investor Relations since March 2022, bringing a wealth of experience to his elevated role. With a background that includes stints at prominent organizations like Thermo Fisher Scientific and Ernst & Young, Mr. Martinis appointment underscores a strategic move within the Companys leadership.

As part of his new role, Mr. Martini will receive an annual base salary of $485,000 and have a target bonus of 45% of the base salary, subject to meeting certain performance criteria. Additionally, he was granted 111,111 restricted stock units (RSUs) on January 27, 2025, under the Companys 2019 Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan. These RSUs are set to vest quarterly over a four-year period.

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals will enter into an indemnification agreement and an executive severance agreement with Mr. Martini as per standard practices. The terms of these agreements align with those outlined previously in the Companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

While sharing these developments, Ironwood Pharmaceuticals cautioned investors about forward-looking statements, advising against placing undue reliance on them. The Company emphasized the inherent risks and uncertainties that could lead to actual results differing from anticipated outcomes. Ironwood Pharmaceuticals expressed its commitment to updating stakeholders on any developments stemming from these changes.

The Companys filing concluded by underscoring the absence of any undisclosed agreements or conflicts of interest related to Mr. Martinis appointment. Ironwood Pharmaceuticals indicated that Mr. Martinis elevation was devoid of any familial relationships within the Company, ensuring transparency and adherence to regulatory standards.

This article was generated by an automated content engine and was reviewed by a human editor prior to publication. For additional information, read Ironwood Pharmaceuticalss 8K filing here.

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals Company Profile

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Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc, a healthcare company, focuses on the development and commercialization of gastrointestinal (GI) products. It markets linaclotide, a guanylate cyclase type-C (GC-C) agonist for the treatment of adults suffering from irritable bowel syndrome with constipation or chronic idiopathic constipation under the LINZESS name in the United States, Mexico, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and China, as well as under the CONSTELLA name in the Canada and European countries.

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Lennox International (NYSE:LII  Get Free Report) had its price objective increased by analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $536.00 to $565.00 in a research note issued to investors on Thursday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has an underweight rating on the construction companys stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s target price would indicate a potential downside of 7.40% from the stocks previous close.

Other equities analysts have also issued reports about the stock. Mizuho cut shares of Lennox International from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and decreased their target price for the company from $675.00 to $625.00 in a research note on Thursday. UBS Group increased their target price on shares of Lennox International from $575.00 to $625.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, January 3rd. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price target on Lennox International from $604.00 to $619.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Thursday, October 24th. Northcoast Research assumed coverage on Lennox International in a research report on Friday, November 22nd. They set a sell rating and a $475.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Barclays dropped their price objective on Lennox International from $674.00 to $665.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Lennox International presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $600.93.

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Lennox International Stock Performance

NYSE LII traded up $5.81 on Thursday, hitting $610.14. 92,499 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 353,746. The firms 50-day moving average price is $642.08 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $607.18. The firm has a market capitalization of $21.73 billion, a PE ratio of 28.97, a P/E/G ratio of 1.95 and a beta of 1.11. The company has a current ratio of 1.39, a quick ratio of 0.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.10. Lennox International has a 1-year low of $412.09 and a 1-year high of $682.50.

Lennox International (NYSE:LII  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, January 29th. The construction company reported $5.60 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.12 by $1.48. Lennox International had a net margin of 14.63% and a return on equity of 148.52%. As a group, analysts expect that Lennox International will post 21.2 EPS for the current year.

Insider Activity at Lennox International

In other Lennox International news, CAO Chris Kosel sold 200 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $625.49, for a total value of $125,098.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 1,446 shares in the company, valued at $904,458.54. The trade was a 12.15 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Sherry Buck sold 500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $660.74, for a total value of $330,370.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 1,693 shares in the company, valued at $1,118,632.82. This represents a 22.80 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders sold 1,200 shares of company stock worth $793,228. Insiders own 10.40% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Lennox International

A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in LII. Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB purchased a new stake in shares of Lennox International in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $27,000. First Horizon Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in Lennox International in the third quarter valued at $39,000. Huntington National Bank lifted its holdings in Lennox International by 47.9% during the 3rd quarter. Huntington National Bank now owns 71 shares of the construction companys stock worth $43,000 after buying an additional 23 shares during the last quarter. UMB Bank n.a. boosted its position in shares of Lennox International by 388.9% during the 3rd quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 88 shares of the construction companys stock worth $53,000 after acquiring an additional 70 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Quantbot Technologies LP purchased a new position in shares of Lennox International in the 3rd quarter valued at about $77,000. 67.07% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Lennox International

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Lennox International Inc, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and markets a range of products for the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration markets in the United States, Canada, and internationally. The Home Comfort Solutions segment provides furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, packaged heating and cooling systems, indoor air quality equipment, comfort control products, and replacement parts and supplies; residential heating, ventilation, cooling equipment, and air conditioning; and evaporator coils and unit heaters under Lennox, Dave Lennox Signature Collection, Armstrong Air, Ducane, AirEase, Concord, MagicPak, Advanced Distributor Products, Allied, Elite Series, Merit Series, Comfort Sync, Healthy Climate, iComfort, ComfortSense, and Lennox Stores name.

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Invesco (NYSE:IVZ  Get Free Report) had its price objective reduced by investment analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $20.00 to $19.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Tuesday. The brokerage presently has a neutral rating on the asset managers stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s price objective would suggest a potential upside of 0.04% from the stocks previous close.

IVZ has been the topic of a number of other research reports. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods dropped their price target on Invesco from $19.00 to $18.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, December 20th. Evercore ISI boosted their price target on shares of Invesco from $19.00 to $20.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a report on Thursday, November 7th. Barclays reduced their price target on shares of Invesco from $19.00 to $18.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, January 17th. Morgan Stanley lowered their price objective on shares of Invesco from $19.00 to $18.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday. Finally, UBS Group increased their target price on Invesco from $17.50 to $19.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, October 22nd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have given a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $19.71.

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Invesco Stock Down 1.8 %

NYSE IVZ opened at $18.99 on Tuesday. Invesco has a 12 month low of $14.16 and a 12 month high of $19.49. The company has a market capitalization of $8.54 billion, a P/E ratio of -20.64, a PEG ratio of 1.06 and a beta of 1.43. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $17.67 and its 200 day simple moving average is $17.28. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66, a current ratio of 4.91 and a quick ratio of 4.91.

Invesco (NYSE:IVZ  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 28th. The asset manager reported $0.52 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.51 by $0.01. Invesco had a positive return on equity of 8.83% and a negative net margin of 3.00%. Equities research analysts expect that Invesco will post 1.7 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Invesco

A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Harmony Asset Management LLC increased its position in Invesco by 1.0% in the 3rd quarter. Harmony Asset Management LLC now owns 61,400 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $1,078,000 after acquiring an additional 600 shares in the last quarter. Centennial Wealth Advisory LLC boosted its holdings in Invesco by 4.5% in the third quarter. Centennial Wealth Advisory LLC now owns 19,095 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $335,000 after acquiring an additional 816 shares during the last quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. increased its position in Invesco by 1.4% in the second quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 66,881 shares of the asset managers stock worth $1,001,000 after purchasing an additional 946 shares during the period. Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Company Ltd raised its holdings in Invesco by 1.3% during the 3rd quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Company Ltd now owns 78,452 shares of the asset managers stock worth $1,378,000 after purchasing an additional 1,020 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. lifted its position in Invesco by 9.0% during the 3rd quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. now owns 14,149 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $248,000 after purchasing an additional 1,167 shares during the period. 66.09% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

About Invesco

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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.

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Kimberly-Clark (NYSE:KMB  Get Free Report) was downgraded by equities researchers at StockNews.com from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report issued on Wednesday.

Several other brokerages have also recently issued reports on KMB. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their target price on shares of Kimberly-Clark from $140.00 to $124.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, January 16th. UBS Group lifted their price objective on shares of Kimberly-Clark from $132.00 to $134.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday. Citigroup lowered their target price on Kimberly-Clark from $125.00 to $118.00 and set a sell rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, January 15th. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $165.00 price target on shares of Kimberly-Clark in a report on Friday, January 24th. Finally, Piper Sandler restated an overweight rating and set a $158.00 price objective (down from $161.00) on shares of Kimberly-Clark in a research note on Wednesday. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have issued a hold rating and five 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 $143.64.

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Kimberly-Clark Trading Up 0.2 %

Kimberly-Clark stock traded up $0.23 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $129.67. The company had a trading volume of 1,881,103 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,081,561. The firm has a market cap of $43.24 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.82, a P/E/G ratio of 3.53 and a beta of 0.41. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $131.63 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $137.41. Kimberly-Clark has a 1 year low of $117.67 and a 1 year high of $149.30. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.77, a quick ratio of 0.55 and a current ratio of 0.83.

Kimberly-Clark (NYSE:KMB  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 28th. The company reported $1.50 EPS for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $1.50. Kimberly-Clark had a return on equity of 198.59% and a net margin of 12.97%. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Kimberly-Clark will post 7.32 earnings per share for the current year.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, VP Andrew Drexler sold 3,000 shares of Kimberly-Clark stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $139.01, for a total transaction of $417,030.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 5,053 shares of the companys stock, valued at $702,417.53. The trade was a 37.25 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.62% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Kimberly-Clark

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Creative Planning boosted its position in Kimberly-Clark by 6.7% in the 2nd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 74,204 shares of the companys stock worth $10,255,000 after purchasing an additional 4,661 shares in the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Kimberly-Clark by 0.8% in the 2nd quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 43,088 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,955,000 after purchasing an additional 357 shares during the period. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. boosted its holdings in Kimberly-Clark by 0.5% during the second quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 47,574 shares of the companys stock worth $6,575,000 after buying an additional 240 shares in the last quarter. EP Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in Kimberly-Clark by 2.2% during the second quarter. EP Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 16,784 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,320,000 after buying an additional 354 shares during the period. Finally, Advisory Alpha LLC purchased a new position in Kimberly-Clark in the second quarter valued at $248,000. 76.29% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Kimberly-Clark Company Profile

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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.

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Legacy Trust raised its position in shares of Lennar Co. (NYSE:LEN  Free Report) by 1.2% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 49,481 shares of the construction companys stock after buying an additional 599 shares during the period. Lennar comprises 1.6% of Legacy Trusts portfolio, making the stock its 23rd biggest position. Legacy Trusts holdings in Lennar were worth $6,748,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of LEN. Oakworth Capital Inc. acquired a new stake in Lennar in the 3rd quarter valued at about $27,000. Wolff Wiese Magana LLC grew its stake in shares of Lennar by 933.3% during the third quarter. Wolff Wiese Magana LLC now owns 155 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 140 shares during the last quarter. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. bought a new position in Lennar in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $30,000. Asset Dedication LLC lifted its holdings in Lennar by 4,225.0% during the 3rd quarter. Asset Dedication LLC now owns 173 shares of the construction companys stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 169 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Armstrong Advisory Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Lennar by 69.4% in the 4th quarter. Armstrong Advisory Group Inc. now owns 183 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 75 shares during the period. 81.10% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Lennar Stock Performance

Shares of LEN opened at $132.11 on Thursday. The firms 50 day moving average price is $148.35 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $166.92. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08, a quick ratio of 1.06 and a current ratio of 4.71. Lennar Co. has a twelve month low of $128.41 and a twelve month high of $193.80. The firm has a market cap of $35.83 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.21, a PEG ratio of 1.32 and a beta of 1.66.

Lennar Announces Dividend

Lennar ( NYSE:LEN Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, December 18th. The construction company reported $4.03 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $4.15 by ($0.12). Lennar had a return on equity of 13.93% and a net margin of 11.10%. The company had revenue of $9.95 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.06 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $4.82 earnings per share. Lennars revenue for the quarter was down 9.3% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts forecast that Lennar Co. will post 13.02 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, February 12th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, January 29th will be paid a $0.50 dividend. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.51%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, January 29th. Lennars payout ratio is 13.95%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts recently issued reports on LEN shares. Wolfe Research cut Lennar from an outperform rating to a peer perform rating in a report on Wednesday, January 8th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods cut their price objective on shares of Lennar from $210.00 to $170.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, December 20th. Wedbush reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $164.00 target price on shares of Lennar in a report on Thursday, December 19th. Barclays cut their price target on Lennar from $181.00 to $135.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, December 20th. Finally, Citigroup decreased their price objective on Lennar from $196.00 to $150.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Monday, January 6th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, fourteen have issued a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $168.38.

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About Lennar

(Free Report)

Lennar Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a homebuilder primarily under the Lennar brand in the United States. It operates through Homebuilding East, Homebuilding Central, Homebuilding Texas, Homebuilding West, Financial Services, Multifamily, and Lennar Other segments. The companys homebuilding operations include the construction and sale of single-family attached and detached homes, as well as the purchase, development, and sale of residential land; and development, construction, and management of multifamily rental properties.

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Gateway Wealth Partners LLC boosted its stake in Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK  Free Report) by 10.5% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 3,823 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 362 shares during the period. Gateway Wealth Partners LLCs holdings in Merck & Co., Inc. were worth $380,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in MRK. State Street Corp raised its holdings in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 1.3% in the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 119,026,412 shares of the companys stock valued at $13,606,360,000 after buying an additional 1,536,474 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its position in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 4.6% during the third quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 75,809,383 shares of the companys stock worth $8,608,914,000 after purchasing an additional 3,327,404 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 3.7% in the third quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 59,155,004 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,696,060,000 after purchasing an additional 2,134,296 shares during the period. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 2.8% in the third quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 18,807,293 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,135,785,000 after purchasing an additional 514,060 shares in the last quarter. Finally, UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC increased its stake in Merck & Co., Inc. by 1.8% during the 3rd quarter. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC now owns 17,756,021 shares of the companys stock worth $2,016,374,000 after buying an additional 309,656 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 76.07% of the companys stock.

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Merck & Co., Inc. Stock Performance

Shares of MRK stock opened at $98.23 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 1.36, a quick ratio of 1.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.79. Merck & Co., Inc. has a 12-month low of $94.48 and a 12-month high of $134.63. The company has a market cap of $248.47 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.59, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.13 and a beta of 0.39. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $99.85 and a 200-day simple moving average of $108.13.

Merck & Co., Inc. ( NYSE:MRK Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 31st. The company reported $1.57 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.50 by $0.07. Merck & Co., Inc. had a return on equity of 36.42% and a net margin of 19.23%. The company had revenue of $16.66 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.47 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $2.13 earnings per share. Merck & Co., Inc.s quarterly revenue was up 4.4% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts forecast that Merck & Co., Inc. will post 7.67 EPS for the current year.

Merck & Co., Inc. declared that its Board of Directors has initiated a share buyback plan on Tuesday, January 28th that authorizes the company to repurchase $10.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the company to repurchase up to 4.1% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are typically an indication that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued.

Merck & Co., Inc. Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 7th. Investors of record on Monday, March 17th will be issued a dividend of $0.81 per share. This represents a $3.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.30%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, March 17th. Merck & Co., Inc.s dividend payout ratio is currently 67.92%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

MRK has been the subject of several research reports. Hsbc Global Res upgraded shares of Merck & Co., Inc. from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 4th. Daiwa America downgraded Merck & Co., Inc. from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, November 11th. Truist Financial reiterated a hold rating and set a $110.00 price target (down previously from $130.00) on shares of Merck & Co., Inc. in a report on Wednesday, January 8th. Citigroup decreased their price target on Merck & Co., Inc. from $130.00 to $125.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday. Finally, Leerink Partners dropped their target price on shares of Merck & Co., Inc. from $136.00 to $119.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, January 13th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating, nine have assigned a buy rating and four have given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Merck & Co., Inc. presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $122.67.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on MRK

Merck & Co., Inc. Profile

(Free Report)

Merck & Co, Inc is a health care company, which engages in the provision of health solutions through its prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, animal health, and consumer care products. It operates through the following segments: Pharmaceutical, Animal Health, and Other. The Pharmaceutical segment includes human health pharmaceutical and vaccine products.

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Metals Acquisition Limited (NYSE:MTAL  Get Free Report)s stock price traded down 4.9% on Thursday . The stock traded as low as $10.64 and last traded at $10.57. 97,201 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 53% from the average session volume of 205,795 shares. The stock had previously closed at $11.11.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, Scotiabank dropped their target price on shares of Metals Acquisition from $16.00 to $14.50 and set a sector outperform rating for the company in a research report on Monday, January 6th.

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Metals Acquisition Stock Performance

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

The company has a 50-day moving average of $11.37 and a two-hundred day moving average of $11.94. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.85, a quick ratio of 0.69 and a current ratio of 0.84.

A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of MTAL. Amalgamated Bank purchased a new position in shares of Metals Acquisition during the second quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Marshall Wace LLP boosted its stake in Metals Acquisition by 57.4% in the 2nd quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 24,126 shares of the companys stock worth $330,000 after purchasing an additional 8,799 shares in the last quarter. Squarepoint Ops LLC purchased a new position in Metals Acquisition in the second quarter worth about $205,000. Millennium Management LLC lifted its position in Metals Acquisition by 54.3% in the 2nd quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 1,919,918 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,284,000 after acquiring an additional 675,340 shares in the last quarter. Finally, The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company bought a new position in shares of Metals Acquisition during the second quarter valued at $278,000. 87.47% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Metals Acquisition Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Metals Acquisition Limited focuses on mining and production of copper and silver. It operates the CSA copper mine in Cobar, Australia. The company was incorporated in 2022 and is headquartered in Saint Helier, Jersey.

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MFS Intermediate High Income Fund (NYSE:CIF  Get Free Report) shares dropped 0.9% on Monday . The stock traded as low as $1.73 and last traded at $1.74. Approximately 41,584 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 1% from the average daily volume of 41,361 shares. The stock had previously closed at $1.75.

MFS Intermediate High Income Fund Price Performance

The stock has a fifty day moving average of $1.75 and a two-hundred day moving average of $1.75.

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MFS Intermediate High Income Fund Cuts Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 31st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, January 14th will be paid a $0.0147 dividend. This represents a $0.18 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 10.19%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, January 14th.

Institutional Trading of MFS Intermediate High Income Fund

MFS Intermediate High Income Fund Company Profile

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of CIF. Pin Oak Investment Advisors Inc. grew its stake in MFS Intermediate High Income Fund by 79.5% during the third quarter. Pin Oak Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 101,600 shares of the companys stock worth $180,000 after buying an additional 45,000 shares during the period. Wolverine Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of MFS Intermediate High Income Fund by 146.0% during the 3rd quarter. Wolverine Asset Management LLC now owns 47,898 shares of the companys stock valued at $85,000 after acquiring an additional 28,430 shares in the last quarter. Apollon Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in MFS Intermediate High Income Fund during the 4th quarter worth $66,000. Jane Street Group LLC acquired a new stake in MFS Intermediate High Income Fund in the 3rd quarter valued at $36,000. Finally, L.M. Kohn & Company purchased a new position in MFS Intermediate High Income Fund in the third quarter valued at about $28,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 6.85% of the companys stock.

(Get Free Report)

MFS Intermediate High Income Fund is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by Massachusetts Financial Services Company. The fund invests in fixed income markets of the United States. It primarily invests in high income debt instruments. The fund benchmarks the performance of its portfolio against Barclays U.S.

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Mount Yale Investment Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE:AEO  Free Report) by 37.0% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 12,209 shares of the apparel retailers stock after buying an additional 3,300 shares during the quarter. Mount Yale Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in American Eagle Outfitters were worth $204,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in AEO. Congress Asset Management Co. purchased a new stake in shares of American Eagle Outfitters during the third quarter worth about $119,691,000. Victory Capital Management Inc. grew its position in American Eagle Outfitters by 40.6% during the 3rd quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 4,370,626 shares of the apparel retailers stock worth $97,858,000 after purchasing an additional 1,262,693 shares during the last quarter. Soros Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in American Eagle Outfitters during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $11,519,000. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its holdings in shares of American Eagle Outfitters by 12.7% in the third quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 2,496,916 shares of the apparel retailers stock worth $55,906,000 after buying an additional 281,548 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its stake in shares of American Eagle Outfitters by 2.8% during the third quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 9,749,561 shares of the apparel retailers stock worth $218,293,000 after buying an additional 268,326 shares during the period. 97.33% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts recently issued reports on the company. Morgan Stanley raised American Eagle Outfitters from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating and upped their target price for the company from $15.00 to $16.00 in a research report on Tuesday, January 21st. Telsey Advisory Group cut their price objective on American Eagle Outfitters from $20.00 to $18.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, January 14th. Barclays decreased their target price on American Eagle Outfitters from $26.00 to $22.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Friday, December 6th. Raymond James began coverage on shares of American Eagle Outfitters in a report on Friday, December 13th. They issued a market perform rating on the stock. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group decreased their price objective on shares of American Eagle Outfitters from $22.00 to $19.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, November 12th. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, American Eagle Outfitters presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $21.40.

Insider Buying and Selling at American Eagle Outfitters

In related news, Director Cary D. Mcmillan sold 2,999 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, January 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.02, for a total value of $48,043.98. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. Insiders own 7.30% of the companys stock.

American Eagle Outfitters Stock Down 1.4 %

AEO stock opened at $16.40 on Thursday. American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. has a 52-week low of $15.36 and a 52-week high of $26.44. The firm has a market cap of $3.15 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.02, a PEG ratio of 1.08 and a beta of 1.53. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $17.19 and its 200-day simple moving average is $19.27.

American Eagle Outfitters (NYSE:AEO  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, December 4th. The apparel retailer reported $0.48 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.46 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $1.29 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.30 billion. American Eagle Outfitters had a return on equity of 20.75% and a net margin of 4.28%. American Eagle Outfitterss quarterly revenue was down .9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.49 earnings per share. On average, analysts anticipate that American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. will post 1.7 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

American Eagle Outfitters Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 24th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 10th were given a dividend of $0.125 per share. This represents a $0.50 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.05%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, January 10th. American Eagle Outfitterss dividend payout ratio is presently 42.74%.

American Eagle Outfitters Company Profile

(Free Report)

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc operates as a multi-brand specialty retailer in the United States and internationally. The company provides jeans, apparel and accessories, and personal care products for women and men under the American Eagle brand; and intimates, apparel, activewear, and swim collections under the Aerie and OFFLINE by Aerie brands.

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A child hugs his mother as they stand in line at the San Antonio Migrant Resource Center on San Pedro on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023. A surge of migrants, mostly from Venezuela, has arrived at the Texas/Mexico border in recent days. Billy Calzada/Staff photographer President Donald Trump shows off an executive order he signed at an indoor Presidential Inauguration parade event at the Capital One Arena on Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune/Zuma Press/TNS) K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Trib/TNS In this Sunday, May 7, 2017 frame from video posted by the Office of the Governor, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott talks about a so-called "sanctuary cities" ban in Austin Texas. The ban lets police ask during routine stops whether someone is in the U.S. legally and threatens sheriffs with jail if they don't cooperate with federal immigration agents. (Office of Gov. Abbott via AP) AP San Antonio Police Chief William McManus addresses the media during a press conference to raise awareness of human trafficking on the steps of City Hall on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018. Mayor Ron Nirenberg (right) was quick to show support for McManus who has become embroiled in an investigation concerning the release of immigrants in a human smuggling case which occurred on December 23. District 6 Councilman Greg Brockhouse sent a letter to the U.S. Attorney General's Office to investigate the handling of human smuggling incident by San Antonio Police. McManus has maintained that the department and his officers abided by proper procedure and had no jurisdiction to hold the immigrants which were released to the Refugee and Immigration Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES) and Catholic Charities. (Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News) Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News Volunteers with the Interfaith Welcome Coalition help migrants released from immigration detention and dropped off at the Greyhound Bus station in downtown San Antonio, Friday, April 22, 2022. Mayor Ron Nirenberg has asked for federal help in dealing with the expected increase of migrants arriving in the city after Title 42 is ended on May 23. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News Ernesto Sosa Garcia, 47, of Cuba, celebrates as he is dropped off with other migrants at the Greyhound Bus station in downtown San Antonio after their release from immigration detention, Friday, April 22, 2022. Mayor Ron Nirenberg has asked for federal help in dealing with the expected increase of migrants arriving in the city after Title 42 is ended on May 23. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News People walk out of the Migrant Resource Center located on San Pedro Avenue on Wednesday afternoon, March 20, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Migrants gather outside of the San Antonio Migrant Resource Center on San Pedro on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023. A surge of migrants, mostly from Venezuela, has arrived at the Texas/Mexico border in recent days. Billy Calzada/Staff photographer State Senator Jose Menendez (at lectern) speaks out against Senate Bill 4 Friday May 5, 2017 in front of the Bexar County courthouse. Menendez and other public leaders such as Bexar County sheriff Javier Salazar, Judge Nelson Wolff and Police Chief William McManus were on hand to voice their disapproval of the bill. The bill would allow police to ask the immigration status of anyone detained and started out as a means to punish so-called "sanctuary cities." Menendez said the bill "puts a target on the backs of our immigrant community." John Davenport/San Antonio Express-News Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arrest a man Monday August 17, 2015 on San Antonio's Northwest Side. The agency was conducting a target enforcement operation to round up immigrants with warrants and outstanding deportation orders. John Davenport/San Antonio Express-News Holding her three-month-old daughter, a Honduran migrant gets help from Catholic Charities San Antonio at a hotel, Monday, April 25, 2022. The non-profit helps migrants with lodging, food, clothing and if needed traveling fares. They also provide legal help when needed. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News

President Donald Trump went after sanctuary cities  where local officials limit cooperation with federal efforts to deport undocumented immigrants  in one of the many executive orders he signed just hours after his inauguration.

His Jan. 20 order included two chilling threats.

It directed federal officials to ensure that so-called sanctuary jurisdictions, which seek to interfere with the lawful exercise of Federal law enforcement operations, do not receive access to Federal funds. The order also warned of legal action against any such jurisdictions practices that interfere with the enforcement of Federal law.

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Is San Antonio a sanctuary city?

Mayor Ron Nirenberg says the San Antonio Police Department cooperates with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in its mission of deporting violent criminals. So his answer is no.

Any threats to San Antonio about losing federal funding, in my mind, are empty, he said.

But theres no legal definition of sanctuary cities, and that could make Democratic-led, migrant-friendly cities like San Antonio targets under the order, said Loren Collingwood, a professor of political science at the University of New Mexico who researches sanctuary cities.

Theres always going to be this definitional issue, and then theres the political reality of cities not wanting to be labeled a sanctuary city, Collingwood said.

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Especially if those cities  like San Antonio  are located in Texas, where state leaders welcome Trumps crackdown on illegal immigration.

Whereas if San Antonio were in California, it would likely be much more out-and-about saying, Hey, were a sanctuary city, he said.

Its not clear which federal funds the administration would withhold from cities it deems in violation of the executive order.

The original ban

Texas has banned sanctuary cities since 2018.

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Senate Bill 4, which Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law in 2017, requires city police chiefs and county sheriffs to cooperate with federal immigration officials and to comply with their requests to hold inmates who could be subject to deportation beyond their release date so ICE can take them into custody.

It also allows, but doesnt require, police officers and sheriffs deputies to question anyone they detain about their immigration status, including during routine traffic stops.

SAPD policy prohibits officers from detaining or arresting someone based on the fact or suspicion that they are in the United States illegally. Officers can only inquire about someones immigration status when it is necessary to investigate an offense or to provide information about federal visas available for victims of certain crimes.

The San Antonio Police Departments enforcement priorities are to protect public safety and foster community trust, the policy states. These priorities do not include asking individuals for proof of citizenship or legal residency.

Some law enforcement agencies, such as SAPD, dont ask about detainees immigration status because they believe it would create distrust of police in immigrant communities  which could mean fewer witnesses cooperating with criminal investigations or fewer crime victims calling police.

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The Bexar County Sheriffs Office also prohibits profiling based on race, national origin, citizenship or ethnicity.

San Antonio and Bexar County were among several plaintiffs that challenged Senate Bill 4, saying it was unconstitutional and could lead to widespread racial profiling. A federal appeals court largely upheld the ban in March 2018, ruling local governments and the civil rights organization Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, or MALDEF, are still appealing.

We honor detainer requests for violent criminals  we always have because thats a public safety priority, Nirenberg said. But weve also worked out a protocol with (the U.S. Department of) Homeland Security to ensure that were able to deliver humanitarian need to folks who are here, regardless of their status. (Homeland Security oversees ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.)

SAPDs protocol allows the department to call organizations that provide legal and support services for immigrants believed to be victims of human smuggling.

San Antonio is still a compassionate city, the mayor said.

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Months after Abbott signed Senate Bill 4, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the city for allegedly violating the law when San Antonio police released a dozen undocumented immigrants found hidden in a tractor-trailer in December 2017, without turning them over to federal immigration authorities. Paxton sought to have Police Chief William McManus fired.

The city said it contacted Homeland Security to process the immigrants, but federal agents did not respond in a timely manner and police had to release the immigrants because they didnt have the authority to detain them since immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility.

The city agreed to pay $300,000 in 2022 to settle the lawsuit. At the time, City Manager Erik Walsh said the litigation was political and that he believed the city would have won in court but at continued expense to the city and the taxpayers.

ICE arrests in S.A.

In recent days, ICE has made arrests in several U.S. cities, including New York, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles and the Texas cities of San Antonio, Austin, Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Brownsville and McAllen.

Trump has ordered ICE agents to arrest 1,200 to 1,500 people per day nationwide, up from the previous daily quota of a few hundred, The Washington Post reported. The agencys field offices were directed to make at least 75 arrests per day.

So far, it appears the agency is focusing its immigration sweeps in cities where it has Enforcement Removal Operations field offices, Collingwood said.

Theyre not necessarily going specifically after sanctuary cities, although a lot of those offices happen to be located in big cities, which often are sanctuary cities in terms of having an ordinance or policy document that provides some sort of immigrant protection  typically some sort of non-cooperation statement vis-a-vis the federal government and immigration control and enforcement, he said.

Thomas A. Saenz, president and general counsel of Los Angeles-based MALDEF, believes the Trump administration is zeroing in on Democratic cities as he rolls out harsher deportation policies, as a form of retaliation.

The truth is, he knows that all hes engaged in is massive disruption of economies, communities, neighborhoods, workplaces, and he is actually delivering something that is incredibly harmful, Saenz said. Thats why hes targeting first the jurisdictions that did not support him.

ICE teamed up with other federal agencies Sunday to begin carrying out what it has called enhanced targeted operations in San Antonio. The agency has not said how many people it has detained since then.

On Sunday alone, ICE agents arrested 956 people nationwide, the agency said.

Miguel Vergara, ICEs San Antonio field office director, said the agency is primarily targeting undocumented immigrants with criminal records. Though Vergara said that was the agencys focus before Trump took office, the new administration has given federal immigration authorities more flexibility to arrest undocumented immigrants.

On his first day in office, Trump reversed a policy that had discouraged ICE and CBP from arresting migrants at schools, hospitals and places of worship.

Vergara said his team has no intention of targeting those sensitive locations unless an especially dangerous criminal is inside.

But if federal immigration agents come across an undocumented person they werent seeking while searching for a criminal, agents now have the authority to immediately arrest that person  even if they dont have a criminal history  rather than having to ask superiors for permission.

SAPD cooperation

ICE did not alert SAPD ahead of Sundays immigration enforcement operations, and as of Monday evening, the police department had not been told about any upcoming efforts, the police chief said.

However, McManus met Monday with ICE and Homeland Security Investigations officials to learn what assistance they wanted from SAPD as the Trump administrations crackdown on immigrants gets underway.

Senate Bill 4 requires SAPD to cooperate with federal immigration agencies, McManus said.

What does that mean, cooperate? Does it mean if they asked us to do A, B or C that we are required to do it? Pretty much, he said. If they ask us to transport somebody back to their facility, is that cooperating? Pretty much.

The police chief made those comments Monday night during a Northeast Side neighborhood meeting organized by District 10 Councilman Marc Whyte, the lone Republican on the City Council.

(Whyte said he believes San Antonio is a sanctuary city. He said hes not certain the city has always worked with the federal government, pointing to the lawsuit Paxton filed against the city seven years ago.)

The police department issued a statement this week saying it will continue to cooperate with federal authorities on enforcing immigration laws consistent with applicable law and availability of resources.

ICE agents are now visiting the police departments processing center every three hours to check whether recent arrestees are on the agencys list of undocumented individuals with criminal records. Prior to Trumps inauguration, agents only visited once a day.

The sheriffs office said Tuesday that it had not received any requests for assistance from ICE.

Trump renews fight

The Jan. 20 executive order is not the first time Trump has said he will withhold federal money from local governments that do not comply with immigration authorities.

Trump made the same threat against sanctuary cities during his first term, but was ultimately blocked from carrying through on it after San Francisco, Californias Santa Clara County and Chicago sued the Justice Department in 2017 over new rules that would have made them ineligible to apply for federal public safety grants.

Theres no doubt in my mind that President Trump has issued these executive orders to continue the anti-immigrant rhetoric that started in 2016, Nirenberg said. Its designed to spread fear in communities like ours  immigrant communities, minority communities, families of mixed-status  largely in an effort to distract from the other actions theyre taking to dismantle democratic institutions.

Saenz said Trump, who campaigned on deporting millions of undocumented migrants and dramatically restricting immigration, will have a hard time making good on his threat to revoke federal funding.

Like so much of his executive order, it is an attempt to take power that he simply does not have, and everyone should rest assured that he does not have that authority, Saenz said. We do not have an imperial presidency, as much as he would like it to be and Congress would have to approve conditions on federal funding.

Attacks on sanctuary cities fit into Trumps tough-on-crime stance against the nations large cities, Collingwood said.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- An internal report by the Federal Aviation Administration suggested that the controller on duty when the deadly aircraft collision happened in Washington, D.C. was doing a job usually handled by two people, U.S. media reported Thursday.

Staffing at the air traffic control tower at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport was "not normal" during the deadly late-night crash between a passenger jet and an Army helicopter that killed 67 people, The New York Times quoted a preliminary report as saying.

The report said the controller who was handling helicopters in the airport's vicinity on Wednesday night was also instructing planes that were landing and departing from its runways - jobs typically assigned to two different controllers.

At a press conference in the White House earlier in the day, U.S. President Donald Trump said that there were some warnings prior to the midair collision of a passenger plane and helicopter near the airport Wednesday night, "but the warnings were given very, very late."

Trump said he had heard "very scary tapes." "When the air traffic controller said, he was talking about, do you see him? But there was very little time left when that was stated," Trump said, adding that there is also "a pilot problem" from the standpoint of the helicopter.

Also at the press conference, Trump confirmed there are no survivors in the collision, and "the work has now shifted to a recovery mission."

John Donnelly, chief of the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department, told a press conference at the airport Thursday morning that 28 bodies had been found, including 27 people from the plane and one from the helicopter. 
MSCI Inc. (NYSE:MSCI  Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Thursday, January 30th,Wall Street Journal reports. Investors of record on Friday, February 14th will be paid a dividend of 1.80 per share by the technology company on Friday, February 28th. This represents a $7.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.22%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 14th. This is an increase from MSCIs previous quarterly dividend of $1.60.

MSCI has raised its dividend by an average of 20.7% per year over the last three years. MSCI has a payout ratio of 33.3% indicating that its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Analysts expect MSCI to earn $16.93 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $6.40 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 37.8%.

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MSCI Price Performance

Shares of MSCI stock traded down $2.69 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $590.36. The company had a trading volume of 338,972 shares, compared to its average volume of 457,039. MSCI has a 52-week low of $439.95 and a 52-week high of $642.45. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $606.80 and its 200 day simple moving average is $581.51. The stock has a market cap of $46.27 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 38.76, a PEG ratio of 2.78 and a beta of 1.11.

Insider Buying and Selling

MSCI ( NYSE:MSCI Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 29th. The technology company reported $4.18 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.96 by $0.22. MSCI had a net margin of 43.06% and a negative return on equity of 162.06%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $3.68 earnings per share. Analysts anticipate that MSCI will post 14.99 EPS for the current year.

In other MSCI news, CEO Henry A. Fernandez bought 2,900 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 5th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $612.80 per share, with a total value of $1,777,120.00. Following the purchase, the chief executive officer now directly owns 330,379 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $202,456,251.20. The trade was a 0.89 % increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. 3.20% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on MSCI from $570.00 to $600.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday, October 11th. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of MSCI from a neutral rating to a buy rating and increased their price target for the company from $617.00 to $723.00 in a research report on Wednesday, December 18th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price on MSCI from $700.00 to $680.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday. Wolfe Research raised MSCI from a peer perform rating to an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, December 12th. Finally, 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 on the stock. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $649.23.

View Our Latest Stock Report on MSCI

About MSCI

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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.

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MSCI (NYSE:MSCI  Get Free Report) announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday. The technology company reported $4.18 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.96 by $0.22, Zacks reports. MSCI had a net margin of 43.06% and a negative return on equity of 162.06%. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $3.68 earnings per share.

MSCI Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:MSCI opened at $594.33 on Thursday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $606.56 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $581.42. The stock has a market cap of $46.58 billion, a PE ratio of 39.02, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.78 and a beta of 1.11. MSCI has a one year low of $439.95 and a one year high of $642.45.

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Insider Transactions at MSCI

In other news, CEO Henry A. Fernandez purchased 2,900 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 5th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $612.80 per share, for a total transaction of $1,777,120.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the chief executive officer now directly owns 330,379 shares in the company, valued at $202,456,251.20. This represents a 0.89 % increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Insiders own 3.20% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research firms recently issued reports on MSCI. Morgan Stanley increased their price target on shares of MSCI from $662.00 to $695.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, December 12th. Redburn Atlantic raised MSCI from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $680.00 target price for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 9th. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded MSCI from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lifted their price target for the company from $617.00 to $723.00 in a research note on Wednesday, December 18th. Barclays dropped their price objective on MSCI from $700.00 to $675.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reissued an outperform rating and issued a $638.00 target price on shares of MSCI in a report on Wednesday, October 30th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, MSCI presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $647.92.

View Our Latest Report on MSCI

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.

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Patriot Financial Group Insurance Agency LLC lessened its stake in The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX  Free Report) by 36.0% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 4,178 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock after selling 2,348 shares during the period. Patriot Financial Group Insurance Agency LLCs holdings in TJX Companies were worth $505,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Hartford Funds Management Co LLC raised its holdings in TJX Companies by 0.5% in the 3rd quarter. Hartford Funds Management Co LLC now owns 17,926 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $2,107,000 after buying an additional 86 shares during the period. Stablepoint Partners LLC raised its stake in shares of TJX Companies by 0.3% in the 3rd quarter. Stablepoint Partners LLC now owns 26,922 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $3,164,000 after acquiring an additional 89 shares during the period. Signature Estate & Investment Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of TJX Companies by 3.4% in the 3rd quarter. Signature Estate & Investment Advisors LLC now owns 2,706 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock worth $318,000 after acquiring an additional 90 shares during the last quarter. Hamilton Capital LLC lifted its holdings in shares of TJX Companies by 3.9% in the 3rd quarter. Hamilton Capital LLC now owns 2,413 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock worth $273,000 after acquiring an additional 90 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Sound Income Strategies LLC boosted its position in shares of TJX Companies by 3.8% during the 3rd quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC now owns 2,507 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock worth $295,000 after purchasing an additional 91 shares during the period. 91.09% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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TJX Companies Stock Performance

Shares of TJX stock opened at $124.11 on Thursday. The TJX Companies, Inc. has a 12 month low of $92.35 and a 12 month high of $128.00. The company has a market cap of $139.52 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.20, a PEG ratio of 3.00 and a beta of 0.91. The company has a current ratio of 1.19, a quick ratio of 0.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $123.04 and a 200 day moving average price of $118.08.

TJX Companies Announces Dividend

TJX Companies ( NYSE:TJX Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 20th. The apparel and home fashions retailer reported $1.14 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.09 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $14.06 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $13.95 billion. TJX Companies had a net margin of 8.63% and a return on equity of 61.82%. TJX Companiess revenue for the quarter was up 6.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business earned $1.03 EPS. Sell-side analysts predict that The TJX Companies, Inc. will post 4.18 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 6th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, February 13th will be paid a $0.375 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 13th. This represents a $1.50 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.21%. TJX Companiess dividend payout ratio is presently 35.29%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

TJX has been the topic of a number of research reports. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on TJX Companies from $115.00 to $120.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, January 10th. Morgan Stanley increased their target price on TJX Companies from $130.00 to $135.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 21st. Guggenheim lifted their target price on TJX Companies from $135.00 to $140.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, December 5th. TD Cowen increased their price target on shares of TJX Companies from $130.00 to $132.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, November 22nd. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price objective on shares of TJX Companies from $140.00 to $145.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, December 5th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and sixteen have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, TJX Companies currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $131.67.

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TJX Companies Company Profile

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The TJX Companies, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an off-price apparel and home fashions retailer in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. It operates through four segments: Marmaxx, HomeGoods, TJX Canada, and TJX International. The company sells family apparel, including footwear and accessories; home fashions, such as home basics, furniture, rugs, lighting products, giftware, soft home products, decorative accessories, tabletop, and cookware, as well as expanded pet, and gourmet food departments; jewelry and accessories; and other merchandise.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TJX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX  Free Report).

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Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE  Get Free Report)s stock price traded up 0.8% during trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as $26.85 and last traded at $26.83. 6,586,845 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 81% from the average session volume of 34,381,762 shares. The stock had previously closed at $26.62.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on PFE shares. Guggenheim reduced their price target on Pfizer from $35.00 to $33.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, December 11th. StockNews.com downgraded Pfizer from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 20th. Truist Financial dropped their price target on shares of Pfizer from $36.00 to $32.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, December 18th. Citigroup reduced their price objective on shares of Pfizer from $30.00 to $29.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday. Finally, Bank of America reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $29.00 target price on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Tuesday, December 10th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating, six have given 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 an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $31.92.

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Pfizer Stock Performance

The company has a current ratio of 1.00, a quick ratio of 0.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $26.22 and a 200 day moving average price of $27.90. The firm has a market cap of $152.41 billion, a PE ratio of 36.34, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.64 and a beta of 0.64.

Pfizer (NYSE:PFE  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 29th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.06 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.64 by $0.42. The business had revenue of $17.70 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $14.92 billion. Pfizer had a net margin of 7.07% and a return on equity of 16.28%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 31.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted ($0.17) EPS. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.94 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Pfizer Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 7th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 24th will be given a $0.43 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 24th. This represents a $1.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.40%. This is an increase from Pfizers previous quarterly dividend of $0.42. Pfizers payout ratio is currently 227.03%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Pfizer

A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Swiss National Bank raised its position in Pfizer by 0.6% in the third 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 during the period. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. lifted its stake in Pfizer by 11.0% during the 3rd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 130,143,942 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $3,766,366,000 after acquiring an additional 12,864,343 shares in the last quarter. Empowered Funds LLC boosted its holdings in Pfizer by 80.9% during the 3rd quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 508,256 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $14,709,000 after acquiring an additional 227,349 shares during the period. Addison Advisors LLC increased its stake in Pfizer by 394.2% during the third quarter. Addison Advisors LLC now owns 52,238 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,512,000 after purchasing an additional 41,668 shares during the period. Finally, KBC Group NV boosted its stake in shares of Pfizer by 26.0% in the third quarter. KBC Group NV now owns 3,105,433 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $89,872,000 after purchasing an additional 639,985 shares during the period. 68.36% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Pfizer

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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.

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Plastiques du Val de Loire (EPA:PVL  Get Free Report) fell 0.6% during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as 1.53 ($1.59) and last traded at 1.57 ($1.63). 9,064 shares were traded during mid-day trading, The stock had previously closed at 1.58 ($1.64).

Plastiques du Val de Loire Stock Performance

The stocks fifty day moving average price is 1.38 and its 200 day moving average price is 1.48.

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Plastiques du Val de Loire manufactures and sells plastic parts in Europe and North America. The company offers interior equipment for vehicles, such as cockpits, decoration products, and mechanisms; exterior appearance parts; technical front facades; seat parts; lighting and signaling products; and under-the-hood parts.

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PT Indofood CBP Sukses Makmur Tbk (OTCMKTS:PIFFY  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest in the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 200 shares, a growth of 100.0% from the December 31st total of 100 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 100 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 2.0 days.

PT Indofood CBP Sukses Makmur Tbk Price Performance

PIFFY stock remained flat at $14.50 during mid-day trading on Wednesday. 8 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 900. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $15.25 and a 200-day simple moving average of $13.80. PT Indofood CBP Sukses Makmur Tbk has a one year low of $13.80 and a one year high of $16.29.

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PT Indofood CBP Sukses Makmur Tbk produces and sells consumers products in Indonesia, rest of Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and internationally. It operates in six segments: Noodles Division, Dairy Division (dairy products), Food Seasonings Division, Snack Foods Division, Nutrition and Special Foods Division, and Beverages Division.

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Hydro One Limited (TSE:H  Free Report)  Investment analysts at National Bank Financial issued their Q4 2024 EPS estimates for Hydro One in a research report issued to clients and investors on Tuesday, January 28th. National Bank Financial analyst P. Kenny forecasts that the company will earn $0.31 per share for the quarter. The consensus estimate for Hydro Ones current full-year earnings is $2.06 per share.

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Other equities research analysts have also issued research reports about the stock. CIBC increased their price objective on shares of Hydro One from C$45.00 to C$46.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 8th. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price objective on shares of Hydro One from C$41.00 to C$43.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Thursday, October 3rd. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, Hydro One has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of C$43.25.

Hydro One Stock Performance

Shares of H stock opened at C$44.60 on Thursday. Hydro One has a one year low of C$37.27 and a one year high of C$48.05. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 137.11, a quick ratio of 0.30 and a current ratio of 0.40. The company has a 50 day moving average price of C$44.62 and a 200 day moving average price of C$44.41. The firm has a market capitalization of C$26.74 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.85, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.17 and a beta of 0.34.

Hydro One (TSE:H  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 7th. The company reported C$0.62 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of C$0.58 by C$0.04. Hydro One had a net margin of 13.85% and a return on equity of 9.61%. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.59 earnings per share.

Hydro One Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 31st. Investors of record on Tuesday, December 31st were given a dividend of $0.314 per share. This represents a $1.26 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.82%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, December 11th. Hydro Ones payout ratio is presently 67.38%.

Insider Activity at Hydro One

In other news, Director Stacey Mowbray bought 700 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 23rd. The shares were acquired at an average price of C$44.03 per share, with a total value of C$30,818.20. Following the acquisition, the director now owns 700 shares in the company, valued at C$30,818.20. This trade represents a  increase in their ownership of the stock. 47.12% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

About Hydro One

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Hydro One operates regulated transmission and distribution assets in Ontario. The areas largest electricity provider serves nearly 1.5 million customers. Transmission accounts for roughly 60% of the companys rate base, with distribution accounting for the remainder. Hydro One operates a small telecom business, Acronym Solutions, with annual revenue contributing less than 1% to consolidated results.

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Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited (OTCMKTS:BKKLY  Get Free Report) was the target of a significant decline in short interest in January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 500 shares, a decline of 77.3% from the December 31st total of 2,200 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 10,600 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.0 days.

Bangkok Bank Public Stock Performance

Shares of BKKLY stock traded up $0.75 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $23.46. 18,130 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 6,159. The firms 50 day moving average price is $22.77 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $22.25. Bangkok Bank Public has a 52 week low of $16.75 and a 52 week high of $25.55.

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Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited provides various commercial banking products and services in Thailand and internationally. It operates through Domestic Banking, International Banking, Investment Banking, and Others segments. The company offers various personal banking products and services, including savings, current, fixed deposit, foreign currency, securities trading, and other accounts; home and personal loans, as well as loans for pensioners; mutual funds; bonds and debentures; life and non-life bancassurance products; payment, funds transfer, currency exchange and foreign instrument, and SMS services; debit, credit, and prepaid cards; and phone and Internet banking, mobile banking, ATMs, and other services.

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FIBRA Prologis (OTCMKTS:FBBPF  Get Free Report) saw a significant decline in short interest in the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 4,200 shares, a decline of 99.7% from the December 31st total of 1,368,600 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 65,500 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days.

FIBRA Prologis Trading Up 3.1 %

FBBPF opened at $3.24 on Thursday. FIBRA Prologis has a 1-year low of $2.63 and a 1-year high of $6.00. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $2.92 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $3.21.

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FIBRA Prologis is a leading owner and operator of Class-A industrial real estate in Mexico. As of December 31, 2023, FIBRA Prologis was comprised of 235 logistics and manufacturing facilities in six industrial markets in Mexico totaling 46.9 million square feet (4.4 million square meters) of gross leasable area.

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Storebrand ASA (OTCMKTS:SREDF  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant drop in short interest during the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 38,500 shares, a drop of 52.6% from the December 31st total of 81,300 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 0 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently  days.

Storebrand ASA Price Performance

SREDF remained flat at $11.19 during mid-day trading on Thursday. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $11.14 and its 200-day simple moving average is $10.83. Storebrand ASA has a fifty-two week low of $10.95 and a fifty-two week high of $11.19.

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Storebrand ASA provides insurance products and services in Norway, the United States, Japan, and Sweden. It operates through four segments: Savings, Insurance, Guaranteed Pension, and Other. The Savings segment offers retirement savings, defined contribution pensions, asset management, and retail banking products.

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Market drop

If Mondays abrupt stock market selloff had a message to deliver, it would have been geared toward concentration risk.

While the carnage took its biggest toll on artificial intelligence flag bearer Nvidia Corp., along with a raft of single-stock ETFs leveraging various forms of AI, the ripple effects were difficult to avoid because of the top-heavy nature of broad market indexes that are still being carried by a handful of stocks.

I had several clients call me because Nvidia was the biggest loser on Monday and it was also their biggest holding, said Craig Toberman, partner at St. Louis, Missouri-based advisory firm Toberman Becker Wealth.

For anyone invested in the S&P 500 Index, Nvidia is probably their biggest holding, he added, emphasizing the double-edged impact of betting big on indexes weighted by market capitalization.

It conveys a grim reality after any string of strong bull market years that the diversification a casual investor might assume from an indexed ETF allocated to 500 stocks is not really that diversified.

By Tomermans math, the combined weighting of the smallest 490 stocks in the S&P 500 hasnt been this light since the dot-com bubble of the late 1990s.

The cap-weighting is concerning, which is why we recommend not putting everything into the S&P and instead use a good world stock market index as a core for a portfolio, he said.

Concentration Risk Runs Rampant

Ryan Graves, president of Bemiston Asset Management in Webster Groves, Missouri, underscores the concentration risk in the S&P 500 by pointing out that while the index fell by 1.5% on Monday, 350 of the underlying stocks finished the day in positive territory.

The move on Monday highlights how concentrated the world's largest stock indexes have become around the AI trade, he said. To find diversification, investors have to look beyond market-cap weighted indexes.

Stephen Kolano, chief investment officer at Integrated Partners in Waltham, Massachusetts, agreed that the broad market selloffs on Monday should be a wake-up call to investors and financial advisors about how much indexes that are promoted as broadly diversified can be whipsawed by a few stocks.

Given the level of concentration AI has taken up in the markets, there is a broader market impact, he said. Yet some of the more value-oriented sectors of the market were actually up on Monday, including health care and consumer staples.

Of course, there are other ways to gain broad market exposure without being dragged around by a handful of high-flying stocks.
SSAB AB (publ) (OTCMKTS:SSAAY  Get Free Report) issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday. The basic materials company reported $0.02 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.03 by ($0.01), Zacks reports. SSAB AB (publ) had a net margin of 7.47% and a return on equity of 11.51%.

SSAB AB (publ) Price Performance

OTCMKTS SSAAY remained flat at $2.21 on Thursday. 117 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 3,283. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09, a quick ratio of 1.55 and a current ratio of 2.83. SSAB AB has a 1 year low of $1.89 and a 1 year high of $4.01. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $2.16 and its 200-day simple moving average is $2.35. The company has a market capitalization of $4.40 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 5.97 and a beta of 1.41.

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SSAB AB (publ) produces and sells steel products in Sweden, Finland, Rest of Europe, the United States, and internationally. It operates through five segments: SSAB Special Steels, SSAB Europe, SSAB Americas, Tibnor, and Ruukki Construction. The SSAB Special Steels segment offers quenched and tempered steels, and advanced high-strength steel products for steel and plate production.

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Telia Company AB (publ) (OTCMKTS:TLSNY  Get Free Report) released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday. The technology company reported ($0.02) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.05 by ($0.07), Zacks reports. Telia Company AB (publ) had a net margin of 5.37% and a return on equity of 1.90%.

Telia Company AB (publ) Stock Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS:TLSNY traded up $0.02 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $5.83. The companys stock had a trading volume of 21,014 shares, compared to its average volume of 59,181. Telia Company AB has a twelve month low of $4.53 and a twelve month high of $6.71. The company has a quick ratio of 0.86, a current ratio of 0.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.66. The firm has a market capitalization of $11.46 billion, a PE ratio of 26.50 and a beta of 0.48. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $5.58 and a 200 day moving average of $5.87.

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Telia Company AB (publ) Cuts Dividend

The firm also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 27th. Investors of record on Friday, February 7th will be issued a $0.0893 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 7th. Telia Company AB (publ)s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 86.37%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, Barclays lowered shares of Telia Company AB (publ) from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 6th.

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Telia Company AB (publ) Company Profile

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Telia Company AB (publ) provides communication services to businesses, individuals, families, and communities in Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia. It offers mobile, broadband, television, and fixed-line services; and networking, cloud and security, mobility, enterprise mobile network, contact center, managed mobility services, collaboration solutions, enterprise telephony, Internet of Things (IoT), carrier ethernet, dedicated internet access, wavelengths, IP Transit, dark fiber, and colocation solutions.

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Valero Energy Co. (NYSE:VLO  Get Free Report) gapped up prior to trading on Thursday following a stronger than expected earnings report. The stock had previously closed at $138.35, but opened at $143.89. Valero Energy shares last traded at $135.53, with a volume of 2,007,484 shares traded.

The oil and gas company reported $0.64 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.14 by $0.50. Valero Energy had a return on equity of 13.07% and a net margin of 2.74%.

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Valero Energy Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 3rd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, January 30th will be paid a $1.13 dividend. This represents a $4.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.33%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 30th. This is an increase from Valero Energys previous quarterly dividend of $1.07. Valero Energys dividend payout ratio is currently 38.39%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Mizuho dropped their price target on shares of Valero Energy from $165.00 to $158.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, January 8th. TD Cowen cut their price target on Valero Energy from $145.00 to $140.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 25th. Barclays decreased their price objective on Valero Energy from $146.00 to $140.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, November 11th. BMO Capital Markets reduced their target price on shares of Valero Energy from $175.00 to $165.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 4th. Finally, Bank of America started coverage on shares of Valero Energy in a report on Thursday, October 17th. They set a neutral rating and a $150.00 price target on the stock. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating, ten have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Valero Energy currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $154.54.

View Our Latest Research Report on VLO

Institutional Trading of Valero Energy

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in VLO. New Wave Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Valero Energy in the 4th quarter valued at $25,000. Peterson Financial Group Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Valero Energy during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Tobam acquired a new position in shares of Valero Energy in the 4th quarter valued at $30,000. Compagnie Lombard Odier SCmA acquired a new stake in shares of Valero Energy during the 3rd quarter worth about $34,000. Finally, True Wealth Design LLC raised its holdings in Valero Energy by 196.8% in the 3rd quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 276 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $37,000 after buying an additional 183 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.69% of the companys stock.

Valero Energy Trading Down 1.8 %

The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $131.11 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $137.72. The company has a quick ratio of 1.11, a current ratio of 1.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35. The firm has a market capitalization of $43.01 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.19, a PEG ratio of 2.81 and a beta of 1.42.

Valero Energy Company Profile

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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.

Further Reading

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By Sinead Cruise and Lawrence White

LONDON (Reuters) - HSBC Chairman Mark Tucker leaned into the microphone at a vast conference table in Beijing, telling British business leaders and senior Chinese officials that he spoke for all UK businesses present in hoping for stronger economic ties.

Tucker, chairman of Europe's largest bank, was flanked by UK finance minister Rachel Reeves, who had invited him to lead a delegation aimed at enlisting Chinese support for Britain's growth agenda.

"It is more important than ever that we accelerate and sustain the forward momentum with a clear focus on the material and mutually beneficial agenda," he told Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and others at the opening of the UK-China Financial Services Summit, news footage of the event on Jan. 11 showed.

Just a few weeks later, the lender would reveal plans to wind down its mergers and acquisitions and equity capital businesses in Europe and the Americas, capitulating to Wall Street rivals who have dominated the scene in recent years. More importantly, the decision unveiled on Tuesday marked a decision to prioritise Asian corporate clients over companies in the West.

Insiders were stunned at the timing of HSBC's biggest investment banking retrenchment in decades as U.S. President Donald Trump's pro-business agenda has fuelled hopes of a dealmaking bonanza this year and beyond.

Some HSBC veterans, however, said the teams of specialist bankers advising big companies in the West on their corporate deals had rarely been profitable on their own, and HSBC Group CEO Georges Elhedery was boldly culling expensive sacred cows his predecessors had opted to keep.

"We are one of the last remaining truly global banks standing that provides its clients leading banking products and services which span transactional banking to capital markets," Michael Roberts, CEO of HSBC Bank Plc and of Corporate and Institutional Banking, said in an emailed statement.

"We are committed to serving our clients globally."

Elhedery, appointed to the top job last September, is a pragmatist who is going through HSBC's business "line by line", cutting back parts that do not pay their way or personnel who do not bring significant client relationships, said a former executive who had oversight of the equity capital markets and M&A business lines.

HSBC's European and U.S. ECM and M&A businesses collectively likely only accounted for 19% of the lender's overall investment banking revenue and just 0.3% of total group revenue, analysts at Citigroup estimated on Tuesday.
By Toby Sterling

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Top computer chip equipment maker ASML has decided to stop publishing the most closely-watched figure in its quarterly financial results, new order bookings, saying it is too "lumpy" and leads to excessive volatility in its share price.

The Dutch company says its own forecasts are a better guide, as they are based on discussions with chipmakers about their capacity plans, in which ASML's circuit-printing machinery plays a major role.

New orders can take between around six and 18 months to fill, making it hard to interpret how each quarter's figures will play out - sometimes causing big stock price moves.

"The swing factor is significant," Chief Financial Officer Roger Dassen said.

Analysts said the company's decision - announced on Wednesday as its stock spiked 7% due to better than expected fourth-quarter bookings - was partly regrettable, but mostly understandable.

"There is downside for investors, as ... (at present) we can monitor how average bookings are moving and whether we are getting confidence in the backlog for the next 12+ months," said Sara Russo of Bernstein.

"I do agree with ASML that in the context of a single quarter of bookings, its not a very useful measure of the longer-term health and stability of the business."

Fourth-quarter bookings of 7.1 billion euros ($7.4 billion) compared to the third quarter's 2.6 billion euros. The big difference was likely timing of orders from top chipmaker TSMC of Taiwan, which this month announced plans for $38 billion in capital spending in 2025.

"Capex for large spenders TSMC, Intel, and Samsung already tells you enough," said Degroof Petercam analyst Michael Roeg, who said he was okay with ASML's decision despite initially viewing it as a step backward in transparency.

In 2024, ASML shares surged more than 30% and then handed back all of those gains, but Dassen noted the company's full-year sales and margins wound up in line with forecasts the company had issued last January.

"If you put all those quarters together, you see it wasn't too shabby, was it?" he told reporters.

($1 = 0.9608 euros)

(Reporting by Toby Sterling; Editing by Mark Potter)
By Sneha S K and Sriparna Roy

(Reuters) -Bain Capital Private Equity has proposed to acquire the remaining shares of surgical facility operator Surgery Partners it does not already own for $25.75 apiece, a filing showed on Tuesday.

Bain Capital has a 39% stake in the company, according to LSEG data.

A special committee of independent directors of the board is expected to consider the proposal with the assistance of independent financial and legal advisors, Surgery Partners said in a statement.

Shares of the company rose 18.6% to $25.20.

The proposed offer represents a 21.2% premium to the company's last closing price.

The proposed premium is probably insufficient, which could invite competing higher bids, a process made more likely by the fact that some strategic and financial buyers have already taken a hard look at the company, Benchmark analyst Bill Sutherland said.

Bloomberg News previously reported that TPG Inc and UnitedHealth Group were among suitors seeking to buy the company.

The report also said that Surgery Partners was drawing interest from other private equity firms and strategic bidders.

The proposal was submitted after Surgery Partners evaluated strategic alternatives involving multiple financial and strategic parties but did not result in a transaction, Bain Capital said in a letter dated Monday.

"We have reflected on these events and current investor sentiment and have concluded that our proposal is in the best interests of the company and its stockholders," Bain Capital said in the letter.

Bain added that it is only interested in acquiring the shares it doesn't already own and has no intention of selling the shares it currently holds.

(Reporting by Sriparna Roy and Sneha S K in Bengaluru; Editing by Krishna Chandra Eluri and Tasim Zahid)
SAO PAULO (Reuters) -Brazilian airline Azul said on Tuesday it has finalized a debt restructuring process regarding financial obligations with bondholders, suppliers and plane lessors, according to a securities filing.

Azul said the process included the termination of almost $1.6 billion in debt from its balance sheet, while it also raised $525 million in fresh money.

The firm said that, with the conclusion of the talks, its financial leverage measured by a net debt to EBITDA ratio falls to 3.4 times from 4.8 times.

Azul, which this month signed an agreement to explore talks for a merger with rival Gol, said the restructuring measures reduced its interest payments expected for this year by almost 1 billion reais ($170.7 million).

"We are very optimistic regarding Azul's future," Chief Executive John Rodgerson said in a press statement, adding the airline expects to receive 15 new Embraer's E2 jets during the year.

($1 = 5.8571 reais)

(Reporting by Andre Romani; additional reporting by Gabriel Araujo; Editing by Aida Pelaez-Fernandez)
Childrens Book Trust, a New Delhi-based publisher for childrens book are now finding new arenas for growth. Under its Look East Policy, the childrens publisher has launched an aggressive marketing campaign with its focus on eastern and north Eastern states, including West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Meghalaya and Assam, where its internal survey shows that in these states parents and their children are still willing to buy and read books.

Officials from CBT were present at the Kolkata Press Club to address the media about their Growth plans for Eastern & North Eastern India.

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The Trust is participating at the 48th International Kolkata Book Fair.

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Robinder Nath Sachdeva, trustee, Childrens Book Trust and Rana Siddiqui Zaman, lead strategist, content, communications & promotions, Childrens Book Trust shared the highlights of their new marketing campaign and what the expected outcome will be.
Toyota Motor remained the worlds top-selling automaker for a fifth straight year in 2024 selling 10.8 million vehicles.

Last year, the Japanese automaker posted a 3.7 per cent drop in global group unit sales including those of compact car maker Daihatsu and truck unit Hino Motors.

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It was largely due to a steep slump in sales in Japan where the automaker faced fallout from governance issues over certification test procedures, especially at Daihatsu.

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Sales of Toyotas parent-only vehicles, which include those of its namesake and Lexus brands, fell 1.4 per cent from a year earlier in 2024 to 10.2 million vehicles due to a double-digit decline in Japan.

Toyota sold a record number of cars overall, due to demand for its hybrid vehicles in the United States, it saw unit sales in China decline by 6.9 per cent amid heavy price competition in the worlds top car market.

Of its parent-only sales, gasoline-electric hybrids made up a record 40.8 per cent. Battery electric vehicles accounted for 1.4 per cent.

German rival Volkswagen Group, which is second-ranked, earlier this month reported a 2.3 per cent decline in unit sales last year to just over 9 million vehicles, as it seeks to cut costs at home and fight a price war in key market China.
BJP candidate for the New Delhi Assembly seat Parvesh Verma on Thursday accused AAPs Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh of trying to cover up his partys involvement after Delhi Police seized a car with a Punjab government sticker, containing cash, alcohol, and political pamphlets.

This follows AAPs claims that the seizure was part of the BJPs dirty politics aimed at tarnishing its reputation and that of the Punjab government.

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Speaking to IANS, Parvesh Verma slammed Singh, saying: The car was seized right in front of Punjab Bhawan with a Punjab government sticker, filled with money, alcohol, and promotional materials. After being caught red-handed, theyre attempting to cover it up with lies. This is a habit of Sanjay Singhalways trying to hide the truth after being caught.

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Verma also reacted to the ongoing feud between the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and AAPs national convenor Arvind Kejriwal. The two have been exchanging barbs over key issues like the cleaning of the Yamuna River and other development works.

The Yamuna is the lifeline of Delhi, and Kejriwal has failed miserably in his promise to clean it up. He even said, If I dont clean the Yamuna, dont vote for me. So now, people shouldnt vote for Kejriwal, Verma said.

Earlier in the day, Sanjay Singh held a press conference demanding the Election Commission investigate the seizure matter, accusing the BJP of using dirty politics to damage the AAPs reputation. He claimed that the vehicle with a fake registration number, allegedly carrying money and party materials, was part of a larger conspiracy to defame the AAP and the Punjab government.

The BJPs dirty politics has sunk so low that theyre using a fake vehicle to plant these materials to discredit us. Its alarming that a fake registration vehicle was allowed to roam freely in the city, Singh said, while also criticising the Delhi Polices handling of the situation.

The controversy comes as the Delhi Assembly elections approach. The Delhi Police had registered a case after the car, bearing a Punjab number plate, was intercepted by the flying squad on Wednesday.
Amid the Yamuna water row, Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday challenged the BJP and Congress leaders to drink the high ammonia content water which he claimed is being supplied to the people in the city, or issue a public apology in this regard.

He said the AAP is sending bottles of the toxic water to the BJP and Congress leaders, challenging them to prove its safety by drinking it publicly.

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Kejriwal said, Today, we have kept bottles of 7 PPM ammonia water mixed with chlorine. The BJP and Congress have joined forcesboth are playing with the health and lives of the people of Delhi. AAP MP Sanjay Singh, along with our party leaders, will head to the BJP headquarters. We are sending these bottles to: Amit Shah, Virendra Sachdeva, Nayab Singh Saini and Rahul Gandhi.

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Explaining the severity of the issue, he said, Not only was there ammonia in the water, but if this high-ammonia water was processed in water treatment plants, chlorination would have to be done. Chlorine is mixed into the water during the treatment process. If ammonia and chlorine mix, it creates a deadly combination.

People ask how we are saying that this water is lethalbecause if we had chlorinated this water and supplied it to households, no one knows what kind of disaster might have occurred in Delhi, he said.

The former chief minister once again condemned the BJP for allegedly contaminating the river, endangering the health of millions of Delhi residents.

He called out Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini for failing to address the crisis despite repeated appeals from Delhi CM Atishi.

Condemning the threats of legal action against him for exposing the crisis, the AAP national convener remained defiant, stating that he would not back down in his fight to protect the people of Delhi.

Kejriwal asserted that the AAP did not want to politicize this issue, but wanted a solution.

He claimed, The most shocking part is that ever since we raised this issue and exposed the 7 PPM ammonia level, the levels started decreasing. Today, ammonia levels have dropped to 3 PPM.

The AAP chief said that Ammonia at this level is extremely dangerous to health, and it can cause irreversible damage to multiple organs and poses a severe health hazard.

Kejriwal said that his party raised this issue a few days ago because it was left with no choice, and Atishi called Nayab Saini once, twice, three times, four timesrequesting him to take action, as the rising ammonia levels posed a threat to peoples lives in Delhi.

He added that Saini responded to calls initially assuring that he would take action, however did nothing in this matter.
Ahead of the Delhi Assembly polls, veteran BJP leader and former Union minister Murli Manohar Joshi, and Gursharan Kaur, wife of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, have exercised their franchise by availing the home voting facility.

In a statement, the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Delhi on Friday said,Dr Murli Manohar Joshi, former Union Minister of Human Resource Development, aged 91, along with his wife, Tarla Joshi, aged 89, cast their votes from their residence. They were registered as Absentee Voters in the Senior Citizen category (AVSC).

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Similarly, Gursharan Kaur, wife of former Prime Minister late Dr Manmohan Singh, cast her vote availing the home voting facility, it said.

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Notably, in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Singh had also utilised this facility to participate in the electoral process.

It may be mentioned that former Vice President Hamid Ansari had earlier cast his vote by availing the mobile postal ballot facility.

The home voting facility is available to voters above 85 years of age and PwDs offering them the option to cast their votes from their homes.
As the clock ticks down to the highly awaited release of Deva, Shahid Kapoor has shared a touching message on social media, reflecting on the journey that brought this action-packed film to life.

Ready to hit theaters on January 31, 2025, Deva has already created a buzz, thanks to its gripping trailer and electrifying songs, particularly the crowd-pulling Bhasad Macha.

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In his emotional post, Shahid credits the intense dedication and passion that went into portraying the character of Deva, a role he holds dear.

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One year of blood, sweat, and tears, he writes. 2024 was all Deva! Mera dil, meri jaan, mera kaam, meri shiddat. Mera acting ke liye pyaar, meri audience ke liye mohabbat. Kapoor continued, Mera saalon ka experience, mera andar ka creative bachha, sab hai is Deva mein Till today, he was mine. From tomorrow, he is yours.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shahid Kapoor (@shahidkapoor)

Deva has captured the attention of audiences across India with its explosive trailer, and the music has only fueled the excitement. The track Bhasad Macha has become a fan favorite, leaving everyone hooked with its infectious beats.

Following the overwhelming response to the song, the audio of Marzi Cha Maalik was also released.

The casts recent promotional tour in Delhi only added to the fervor, with fans flocking to meet the stars and express their love for the movie.

Directed by the renowned Malayalam filmmaker Rosshan Andrrews, Deva promises to deliver an action-packed experience that will leave audiences at the edge of their seats.

Produced by Zee Studios and Roy Kapur Films, this thrilling ride is expected to be a major hit, with Shahid Kapoor and Pooja Hegde leading the charge.
Actor Suriya is beaming with pride as the India Post pays a remarkable tribute to his father, veteran actor and artist Sivakumar.

During the inauguration of TANAPEX 2025, a philatelic exhibition, the department released a special picture postcard album titled Tamil Nadu 1960s, featuring Sivakumars watercolor paintings of iconic landmarks across the state.

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Taking to social media, Suriya expressed his admiration, writing, Passion makes art timeless. My dads selfless love for watercolor and spot painting is now immortalized as postcards by the Indian Postal Department. Even more proud today, Appa.

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Suriya Sivakumar (@actorsuriya)

The exclusive postcard collection showcases paintings of historically and culturally significant sites, including the LIC building on Mount Road, the majestic Brihadeeshwarar Temple in Thanjavur, Trichys Rock Fort, the Dhun Building, Mahabalipurams iconic chariots, the Gingee Fort, Tiruvannamalai Temple, and the serene landscapes of Kanyakumari.

Each artwork captures the essence of Tamil Nadus rich heritage, making the postcards a treasured keepsake.

Sivakumars journey as an artist is as inspiring as his acting career. Before stepping into the film industry, he arrived in Chennai with dreams of becoming a world-class painter.

In an earlier interview, he recalled his early struggles, often going without basic necessities but holding on to his passion for art.

One of his most cherished memories was his trip to Mahabalipuram in 1961. Lacking the money for travel, he and his friend Senapathy rode bicycles for nearly 60 kilometers to reach the historic site. He spent hours capturing the beauty of the seashore and the monolithic sculptures, before pedaling back to Chennai.
Following a holy dip in Prayagraj on Mauni Amavasya, a massive influx of devotees began arriving in Ayodhya on the same evening, continuing uninterrupted until Thursday afternoon. The sacred citys streets were packed overnight, and as dawn broke, the air resonated with chants of Jai Shri Ram. Experts estimate that about 65 lakh devotees have reached Ayodhya in 96 hours.

With the swelling crowd, senior officials took command, personally inspecting arrangements throughout the night. Many pilgrims, carrying bundles on their heads and devotion in their hearts, made their way directly from Prayagraj to Ayodhya.

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From 4 AM, ritual bathing commenced on the banks of the Saryu River, followed by pilgrimages to Hanumangarhi and the Ram Temple. The sheer volume of devotees transformed Rampath and Bhaktipath into a sea of pilgrims, with long queues stretching late into the night.

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In view of the overwhelming turnout, temple authorities have extended darshan hours to 18 hours daily, accommodating an estimated three lakh devotees visiting Ram Temple and Hanumangarhi each day.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is actively monitoring the situation, issuing directives to ensure seamless management. As a result, officials and employees are working tirelessly to assist pilgrims.

To support the influx, police personnel stationed at the Ram Janmabhoomi complex are providing water to devotees. Additionally, medical camps have been set up within the temple premises for health assistance. Volunteers from the Ram Mandir Trust have also been deployed to serve the pilgrims.

The estimated number of arriving devotees is being assessed with railway authorities and police checkpoints along key access routes to Ayodhya. Recognizing the growing numbers, extensive arrangements have been implemented to manage the rush. Holding areas have been designated along routes from Gonda, Ambedkarnagar, Sultanpur and Lucknow to regulate the flow of pilgrims.

Large groups from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Goa, Maharashtra, and Gujarat continue to arrive in Ayodhya for darshan.

Special rail services from Mahakumbh also bring in thousands of devotees daily. To ensure their comfort, Municipal Commissioner Santosh Kumar Sharma made announcements by loudspeakers near Cantt railway station and Guru Govind Singh intersection, urging pilgrims to utilize nearby shelters for safe and convenient accommodation.

A high-level administrative presence ensures smooth operations on the ground. Top officials actively oversee arrangements, including ADG Zone Lucknow S.B. Shirodkar, IG Praveen Kumar, Commissioner Gaurav Dayal, District Magistrate Chandra Vijay Singh, and SSP Rajkaran Nair. SP Security Balramchari is supervising security at the Ram Janmabhoomi complex, ensuring regulated darshan is followed under strict security protocols. Paramilitary forces, along with civil police and PAC, have been deployed for added vigilance.

Additionally, ADG Zone, Divisional Commissioner, and IG Birla personally conducts security inspections, walking from Dharamshala to Lata Chowk, interacting with devotees, and reviewing arrangements.

With unwavering faith and meticulous planning, Ayodhya continues to witness an unparalleled spiritual spectacle, reaffirming its status as a beacon of devotion and cultural heritage.
In the first such initiative across the country, the Andhra Pradesh government on Thursday launched its WhatsApp governance model under Mana Mitra which would enable the public to avail 161 services through the messaging app.

The government hopes to reduce frequent visits to the government offices by the citizens for availing certain services. Calling it a bridge between the government and the people, this was launched by IT minister Nara Lokesh at his residence in Undavalli today. The state government allocated an official WhatsApp number 9552300009 for this purpose.

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Launching the service, IT and education minister Nara Lokesh said that governance was now in the hands of the people since their government was truly a peoples government.

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He said the idea of using this messaging app to deliver citizen-centric services came to him while he was conducting his padayatra Yuvagalam when he was in the Opposition.

One of the key complaints of the people was that they had to make several rounds at the government offices to get the certificates.

Every house has a smartphone in their pocket. Nearly 60 percent of people have a smartphone. They all install WhatsApp on their phone. I thought of working with WhatsApp during the Yuvagalam Padayatra. I met and spoke to Meta India vice president Sandhya Devanathan On October 22 last year, an agreement was signed with Meta in Delhi. We are launching it in three months and nine days after the MoU.

He added that a total of 36 departments will have to be connected to WhatsApp Governance. In the first phase, 161 civic services will be available while in the second phase, another 360 services will be added.

When certificates will be provided, a special QR code will be on them. If scanned the QR Code will take you to the AP government website. With this, there will be no room for fake certificates, said the minister.

The public can use WhatsApp messaging services to book tickets for temple darshans and government-run bus services, get various certificates, property tax payments, electricity bills and so on.

Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu also hailed the initiative by posting on social media as did other TDP leaders pointing out it was their government that had pioneered e-governance way back in 1995 and now 30 years later introduced WhatsApp governance.
Thousands of students protesting over irregularities in the 70th Preliminary Test (PT) conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) thronged the streets in Patna on Thursday demanding re-examination.This protest march was organised just one day before the next hearing in the case was scheduled in Patna High Court.

For the past six weeks the BPSC aspirants have been protesting at the designated site here in Gardanibagh. This was the first occasion when they took to the streets. The previous street protests were organised by political parties in their support.

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The students said that they were hopeful of receiving support from political parties in their struggle. But none of them extended genuine support, be it Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Communist Party leader Dipankar Bhattacharya, independent MP Rajiv Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav or Jan Suraj Party founder Prashant Kishor.

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Since the government continued to ignore them, they decided to register their protest in a big way. The student leaders had given a call to job aspirants from across the state to gather in Patna on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhis death anniversary. They had announced the plan to meet Chief Minister Nitish Kumar with their demand of re-examination.

Since Kumar is busy with the Pragati Yatra, the students decided to march towards the BPSC office here. The sudden decision took the administration by surprise. They failed to stop the students, who thronged the main streets of the capital city including the Beer Chand Patel Path  a major thoroughfare in Patna where offices of all the major political parties are located.

The police team made an attempt to stop them near Income Tax Golambar on Bailey Road, lifeline of the city but failed, as students in a large number continued to march peacefully. The police finally stopped them before reaching the BPSC office and even used mild force to disperse them.

The student leaders said that they were successful in their aim to display the power of youth as they gathered in such a large number without any political support. They expressed the hope that now the government as well as the opposition parties will take them seriously, especially as assembly elections are scheduled later this year.

On 16 January, the Patna High Court heard the writ petition challenging the 70th Preliminary Test conducted by the BPSC on 13 December last on the basis of alleged paper leak and other irregularities. The court had directed the state government and the BPSC to clarify the situation by filing an affidavit by 30 January. Next hearing will be held on Friday (31 January).
Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi on Thursday charged the followers of the Dravidian ideology with mocking the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi.

During his lifetime Gandhi Ji was vigorously opposed and mocked by the followers of the Dravidian ideology. But should he be mocked even today? Ravi asked in a social media post, painting the DMK and Chief Minister MK Stalin of not honouring the Mahatma in a befitting manner, he alleged.

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Turning the 77th death anniversary of the apostle of peace into a controversy, observed as Martyrs Day, Ravi questioned the choice of the venue for holding the event to mark the occasion, the Government Museum adjoining the iconic Connemara Library in Egmore in the city.

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In the past, Ravi had joined Chief Minister MK Stalin in paying floral tributes to the Mahatma at the same venue. But, this time around he stayed away and instead paid homage to the father of the nation at the Gandhi Mantap, in a sprawling campus close to the Guindy National Park, near the Raj Bhavan.

fter the event at Egmore Museum, the Chief Minister administered the pledge against untouchability at the State Secretariat, Fort St George, the Governor paid floral tributes to Gandhiji at the Raj Bhavan and later at the Gandhi Mantap where he also administered the pledge.

Instead of holding the event at the Gandhi Mantap, built by late Chief Minister and Congress stalwart K Kamaraj, why is it being held at a not so significant place is his grouse.

Gandhi Mandapam is a grand memorial of the Father of the Nation built over a sprawling land adjacent to the Guindy National Park, Chennai by K Kamaraj in 1956. Does it make any sense to do Gandhi memorial events  birthday and martyrdom day in a corner of a city museum?

My repeated requests to the Chief Minister to accord due respect to the Father of the Nation and hold such events in a befitting manner at the Gandhi Mandapam met with stubborn refusal, read the post, in which the PMO and the Union Home Ministry were tagged among others.
AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday condemned Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar for allegedly acting in favour of the BJP in a desperate bid for a post-retirement job and stated that he suspects his arrest in the coming two days.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has responded to the AAP chiefs reply sent on Wednesday night regarding his remark on Yamuna poisoning. The commission has granted him another opportunity to explain why action should not be taken for his serious allegations of promoting disharmony and enmity between different groups, and causing overall public disorder and unrest.

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Kejriwal further said that history will never forgive Rajiv Kumar for the irreparable damage he has inflicted on Indias democratic system.

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The AAP chief alleged that Delhis election process has been reduced to a sham under the poll panels watch, claiming that cash and blankets are being openly distributed to influence voters, with the ECI turning a blind eye to such anomalies.

In a fiery challenge, he dared Rajiv Kumar to step out of his bureaucratic cover and contest an election against him if he wanted to engage in politics.

Senior AAP Leaders, including Satyendar Jain, MP Sanjay Singh, and CM Atishi, were also present at the interaction.

Responding to a media query at the party headquarters, Kejriwal addressed the ECI with due respect. He said, Cash is being openly distributed in Delhi, but they fail to see it. Every day, blankets are being distributedeven yesterday evening, blankets were handed out. But they dont notice that either. We even pointed out whose house is being used to store the money, yet they turn a blind eye to it.

Asserting that the ECI is engaging in politics, he said that CEC Rajiv Kumar wants a post-retirement job after February 28. I want to tell Rajiv Kumar Jihistory will not forgive you. The amount of damage you have done to the Election Commission, I dont think the Election Commission has ever been tarnished this badly in Indias history, Kejriwal alleged.

He added, I know that within two days, they will put me in jail. Go ahead, put me in jail. The kind of language the Election Commission has used today is unprecedented. This is not the job of the Election Commission.
The Odisha government has accepted a proposal from SUM Health Care Services for setting up 50-bed multi-speciality hospitals in each district of the state to extend affordable and quality healthcare to the people at the grassroots level.

The Rs 1,000 crore project aims to provide primary, secondary, trauma, emergency, diagnostic, geriatric care, and physiotherapy facilities, along with pharmacy outlets, in each district headquarters town of the state, said Mr Anurag Nayak, Project Manager of SUM Healthcare Services.

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The investment will create direct employment for 900 people and indirect job opportunities for around 6,000 persons, he said.

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The acceptance of the proposal was announced at the Utkarsh Odisha conclave here in the presence of the states Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Parliamentary Affairs, Electronics and Information Technology, Dr Mukesh Mahaling, and the Health and Family Welfare Department Secretary, Ms S Aswathy.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on Thursday, directed the Gujarat government to ensure the implementation of the three new criminal laws across all the commissionerates of the state by April 30, 2025 and the entire state as well at the earliest.

Shah was chairing a review meeting in New Delhi on the implementation of the new criminal laws in Gujarat in presence of Gujarat Chief MInister Bhupendra Patel. He extensively discussed the progress in the implementation of the the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), replacing the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act, respectively.

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Appreciating the work done by the state government in this regard, he said it should be reviewed on a monthly basis by the CM, fortnightly by the state home minister, and weekly at the level of the chief secretary, additional chief secretary (Home) and the director general of police (DIG).

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In the meeting, the present status of the enactment of the legislation, and its various provisions related to the courts, police, forensics, and prosecution in Gujarat, were also reviewed.

During discussion, Shah said the essence of the three new criminal laws introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi lies in the provision of delivering justice within three years, from the filing of an FIR till the Supreme Courts verdict in any case.

He stated that Gujarat has commendably achieved timely filing of charge sheets in over 92 per cent of cases involving sentences of more than 10 years.

He emphasised that for the remaining cases, a review should be conducted to ensure the utilization of the provision in the Act that allows seeking permission from the court.

Shah also mentioned that the state has also done a commendable job in converting Zero FIRs into 100 per cent regular FIRs, while he emphasized the need to establish a system where FIRs can be transferred between two states through the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS), suggesting the Gujarat should adopt CCTNS 2.0.

On the provision of electronic evidence in the new laws, the home minister said the states Home and Health Departments should conduct meetings in a bid to make sure that all medical reports regarding cases including post-mortem and others are received electronically from hospitals.

He laid emphasis on the need to put in place a system to record evidence through video conferencing in prisons, government hospitals, banks, forensic science laboratories (FSL), and other places premises, further stating that there should be a video conferencing cubicle for every court in the prisons.

The Union Home Minister said the police should provide the details about the people detained for questioning on the electronic dashboard, along with the seizure list and the cases to be forwarded to the courts.

He also directed the DGP for continuous monitoring of these cases, and also asked to increase the network connectivity speed in police stations to 30 mbps over the prescribed standards.

The HM also emphasized the availability of at least two forensic science mobile vans in every district, while stating that efforts should be made to ensure that all 12 kits used in mobile forensic vans are manufactured in India.
Asserting that Congress would never compromise with the BJP as it is fighting over ideology, Rahul Gandhi said he would die rather than compromise with the saffron party.

The statement of the leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha came in the wake of Arvind Kejriwal accusing his party of collusion with the BJP to defeat the AAP in the assembly elections in Delhi.

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During an election rally here in Badli on Thursday, the Congress leader hit out at the AAP chief for his flip-flops over the years. Kejriwal initially used to come in a small car with a muffler wrapped around his head. But now, he resides in a sheesh mahal with automated doors, he said.

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He (Kejriwal) promised to provide a transparent and corruption-free government. But in reality, he, along with Manish Sisodia, was involved in the excise policy scam, he alleged.

Pointing out that neither Kejriwal nor his party members stood with the people affected by the Delhi riots, Rahul Gandhi said it reflects that there is no difference between the BJP and the AAP.

AAP-BJP has betrayed the people of Delhi. People here are yearning for clean water and pollution-free air even as they lack basic facilities. Hence, the public has now decided to teach a lesson to both the parties and bring the Congress to power in the city, he contended.

Highlighting the issue of pollution in Yamuna River, the Congress leader said, five years ago, Kejriwal used to talk of drinking Yamuna water. Leave alone Yamuna water, I dare him to drink the water the people of Badli are drinking. He is holding press conferences with Yamuna water in bottles, its a farce. He lies like Narendra Modi while doing nothing for the people.

In a scathing attack on the BJP, the Raebareli MP said, The BJP government has filed 32 cases against me, interrogated me for 55 hours, and took away my home to scare me. But it matters little to me, I am not afraid of them.

The LoP said Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on this day because he was against hatred and was fighting for brotherhood. He was shot by those people whose ideology is running India today, he said.

The fight between the ideologies of the BJP-RSS and Congress is an old one and the whole country knows that Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party can never compromise with the saffron organizations. In the Lok Sabha elections, Narendra Modi said if we get 400 seats, we would change Ambedkars constitution. RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat said the country did not attain independence on 15 August 1947. This clearly means that these people do not believe in the Constitution of the country, they want to destroy it, he added.

He said it is clearly written in the Constitution that all people in the country are equal; this is a country of love and brotherhood. But Narendra Modi wants you to fight against each other by spreading hatred in the country and by diverting your attention, he wants to hand over your wealth to people like Adani and Ambani.

Meanwhile, addressing a gathering of Dalit influencers Vanchit Samaj: Dasha and Disha, Gandhi remarked, During the time of Indira Gandhi, there was self-confidence among the people of the country. People of every class including Dalits, backward, tribals, minorities in the country knew that she would die for them.

Congress has always stood with the deprived class and has raised voice for their rights. We will always fight for their justice, he added.
Recent judicial rulings in India have reignited debates about the fairness and consistency of capital punishment. In two noted cases, Greeshma S.S., a 24- year-old woman, convicted of poisoning her partner Sharon Raj, was sentenced to death in Kerala, while Sanjay Roy, guilty of the brutal rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata, received life imprisonment. These contrasting outcomes highlight the inconsistencies in the application of the death penalty, raising profound questions about its role in delivering justice and its alignment with the principles of equity and fairness in a modern legal framework. The principle of justice delivery hinges on consistency, fairness, and proportionality. Justice Benjamin N. Cardozo once wrote, Justice is not to be taken by storm.

She is to be wooed by slow advances. But the Indian judicial system, particularly when it comes to the death penalty, appears more as a judicial lottery than a paragon of impartiality. The rarest of rare doctrine, established in Bachan Singh v. State of Punjab (1980), aimed to reserve the death penalty for crimes so heinous that they shock the collective conscience of society. Advocates assert that it acts as a deterrent, delivers justice proportionate to the severity of the crime, and offers closure to victims families by addressing the enormity of their loss. However, the doctrines subjective interpretation allows for wide judicial discretion, leading to inconsistent and often unpredictable outcomes, undermining its intended purpose of ensuring equitable justice. Greeshmas act was undeniably calculated and coldhearted.

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However, how society and the judiciary deemed her crime more reprehensible than that of Sanjay Roy reflects an undercurrent of gendered and situational biases. Greeshmas actions were viewed as an intimate betrayal that perhaps affronts the moral fabric of trust. In contrast, Sanjays crime ~ despite being monstrous-might have been treated with more detachment because of structural desensitisation to sexual violence in India. This divergence demonstrates how societal trends and public sentiment often seep into judicial reasoning, undermining objectivity. Proponents of capital punishment claim it deters crime and satisfies societys retributive instincts.

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However, Jeremy Bentham, the father of utilitarianism, argued that punishment should be no harsher than necessary to achieve its purpose. Empirical evidence worldwide fails to substantiate the death penaltys deterrent effect. Nations like Canada and the United Kingdom, which have abolished it, report crime rates comparable to or lower than countries like the United States, where it persists under increasingly restricted and scrutinized application. From a moral perspective, the death penalty presents an irreconcilable paradox: can the state, a custodian of life and liberty, justifiably take life in the name of justice? Gandhi famously said, An eye for an eye will leave the whole world blind.

The retributive framework underlying capital punishment often perpetuates cycles of violence rather than breaking them. By sanctioning the ultimate punishment, the state risks endorsing vengeance rather than fostering an ethos of rehabilitation and reform. Globally, the trend is shifting toward abolition, but India remains retentionist, often justifying its stance by citing cultural and societal differences. However, if the essence of justice is universal, India must critically examine why it continues to uphold a practice that much of the world, except for countries like China, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, has largely abandoned. Judicial fallibility is another significant concern.

In a system where convictions are sometimes compromised by procedural lapses and insufficient evidence, the risk of wrongful execution ~ though rare ~ remains a deeply troubling reality. In the past, the Supreme Court has overturned death sentences due to errors in lower courts, demonstrating that even the judiciary is not immune to mistakes. Justice P.N. Bhagwati, a former Chief Justice of India, candidly admitted, The death penalty in its actual operation is discriminatory, for it strikes mostly against the poor and deprived. Abolitionists contend that life imprisonment without parole is a more humane and effective alternative to the death penalty.

It ensures public safety while preserving the possibility of reform, aligning with the ethical and rehabilitative goals of justice. Norways Scandinavian approach exemplifies this philosophy, prioritizing rehabilitation even for the most egregious crimes. Anders Breivik, responsible for the 2011 mass killings, received 21 years of preventive detention, extendable indefinitely if deemed a continued thre  at. This model safeguards society without compromising the moral foundations of justice. The psychological toll of the death penalty on those involved in its implementation is significant. Executioners often suffer from severe mental health issues, burdened by the moral weight of their actions. Judges who issue death sentences also report emotional distress and doubt. This psychological burden highlights the urgent need for alternatives that avoid the irreversible consequences of taking a life.

A meaningful reform of Indias justice delivery system demands introspection and bold action. The judiciary must work on the rarest of rare doctrine to minimize discretion and ambiguity. Establishing clear, objective guidelines for capital punishment would ensure greater uniformity in sentencing. Moreover, strengthening the legal aid system is crucial to safeguarding the rights of economically disadvantaged defendants, ensuring that justice is not skewed in favour of the privileged. Public discourse must also evolve beyond the binaries of life and death. Justice is not solely about punishment but also about prevention and rehabilitation. Investing in education, social welfare, and policing can address the root causes of crime, reducing reliance on punitive measures. Importantly, punishments must be meant to achieve penological goals.

The cases of Greeshma, Sanjay Roy et cetera compel us to confront uncomfortable truths about the nature of justice in India. Is it fair, consistent, and equitable? Does it uphold the dignity of all individuals, or does it bend to societal pressures, prejudices and structural inequalities? Until these questions are addressed, capital punishment will remain a blemish on the nations conscience ~ a relic of retributive justice that has little place in progressive perspectives. In the words of Albert Camus, Capital punishment is the most premeditated of murders. It is time for India to transcend this premeditation and reimagine justice as a force that heals, reforms, and uplifts, rather than one that condemns and destroys. The judiciary must confront its institutional challenges and reform the justice delivery system to genuinely embody the ideals enshrined in our Constitution and the principles of humanity

(The writer is a policy analyst, columnist and the author of The Essential)
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said that Iraq rejects any attempts that aim to displace the Palestinian people.

Hussiens remarks came during a phone call with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, during which they discussed developments in Palestine after the ceasefire and ways to enhance joint coordination to support the Palestinian people, according to a statement issued by the Iraqi Foreign Ministry.

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Hussein reaffirmed Iraqs stance in supporting the Palestinian cause, emphasising the importance of unifying efforts to enhance their resilience on their land, the statement said.

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Hussein stressed  according to the statement  Iraqs firm position in supporting the Palestinian cause, stressing the rejection of any attempts aimed at displacing the Palestinian people and the importance of unifying efforts to enhance their steadfastness on their land.

He pointed out that Iraq will continue to exert maximum efforts to ensure that the Palestinian file and support for the rights of the Palestinian people are at the forefront of the priorities of the agenda of the Arab Summit that Baghdad will host this year.

For his part, the Palestinian Foreign Minister expressed  according to the statement  his deep appreciation for Iraqs supportive stances towards Palestine, praising the fraternal relations between the two countries, and stressing the importance of continuing cooperation and joint coordination in various fields, Xinhua news agency reported.

US President Donald Trump proposed last week to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan.
Syrias Military Operations Administration announced the appointment of Ahmed al-Sharaa as president during the transitional period, granting him authority to establish an interim legislative council until a permanent constitution is ratified.

Spokesman Hassan Abdel Ghani said al-Sharaa would serve as interim president and represent Syria in international forums. He also announced the immediate dissolution of all military factions and revolutionary political bodies, with their integration into state institutions, Xinhua news agency reported.

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The announcement came during a Victory Conference held in Damascus.

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We have freed our people from humiliation  now we must devote ourselves to reconstructing and advancing this nation, al-Sharaa said at the conference, referencing a sweeping offensive by militant groups led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) late last year that resulted in the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad government.

He outlined objectives including closing governance gaps, merging all armed groups under state control, and restoring Syrias standing with regional and global partners.

Al-Sharaa, 43, has led HTS since 2017 and played a key role in the 2024 opposition offensives that led to the downfall of the Assad regime and the establishment of the Syrian transitional government. He has been the countrys de facto leader since Assads ouster.

Interim Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani emphasised an outward-looking foreign policy focused on Arab collaboration and reducing regional tensions.

We want Syria to be part of a collective Arab endeavour that promotes economic diversity, he said, reiterating that the swift removal of sanctions is crucial for the countrys revival.
(Reuters) -Belgium-based Titan America is seeking a valuation of up to $3.32 billion in its New York listing, as the initial public offering market picks up steam on hopes of a more business-friendly environment under President Donald Trump.

European companies are increasingly looking to list their U.S. units in New York in search of deeper capital markets, a wider investor base, and higher valuations.

Titan Cement International, parent of Titan America, last year announced its intention to list the unit in New York in early 2025.

The unit is offering 9 million shares, while parent Titan Cement is selling 15 million shares priced between $15 and $18 each to raise up to $432 million.

Swiss cement giant Holcim last year also announced plans to separate its North American business and list it in New York.

"There is a clear sense of this (Trump) administration being accommodative to business activity that may already be starting to play a role in the strong IPO market to start the year," said Renaissance Capital equity analyst Riley Mullin.

"January has been a strong start to the year, while February looks like it will continue the momentum with another eleven $100+ million deals having filed with SEC in the past month".

Titan America supplies heavy building materials and services to resellers and construction contractors in the Eastern region of the United States.

The unit recorded a net income of $129.5 million on revenue of $1.24 billion in the nine months ended Sept. 30, compared with a net income of $109.8 million on revenue of $1.19 billion a year earlier.

Titan America will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange under symbol "TTAM."

Citigroup and Goldman Sachs are the lead underwriters for the offering.

Titan Cement will control 87% of the voting power after the IPO.

(Reporting by Arasu Kannagi Basil and Pritam Biswas in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli)
ZURICH (Reuters) -Logitech International raised its full-year forecast on Tuesday, after reporting higher sales and profit for its important pre-holiday quarter, supported by strong demand for computer hardware products for businesses and gamers.

The Swiss-American company, which makes products such as keyboards, mouse and webcams, said its sales rose nearly 7% to $1.34 billion in what is traditionally its "biggest quarter of the year". That compares with the consensus estimate of $1.25 billion, according to Visible Alpha.

Its adjusted operating profit for the third quarter ended December also rose 7% to $266 million.

Logitech CEO Hanneke Faber said gaming sales were "near pandemic-high levels" thanks to a series of launches ahead of the holidays. "We delivered near record sales in our premium Pro Gaming and MX portfolios."

The company now expects its fiscal 2025 sales in the range of $4.54 billion to $4.57 billion, compared with its previous forecast of $4.39 billion to $4.47 billion.

(Reporting by John Revill and Angela Christy; Editing by Maju Samuel and Shilpi Majumdar)
While the official budget allocation for Indias space program in 2025-2026 is yet to be announced, one can anticipate a few key trends and priorities based on the previous years budget and the evolving landscape of the space sector. The governments financial commitment to space advancement is evident in recent budget allocations, with Rs 13,042.75 crore for (2024-2025), Rs 12,543.91 crore (2023-2024) and Rs 13,700.00 crore for (2022-2023).



While these allocations reflect substantial support, stakeholders in the space segment found that critical funding gaps still persist. The previously earmarked Rs 1,000-crore space sector fund awaits clear distribution guidelines, while current accelerator programs offering Rs 10-50 lakh to space startups fall short of industry needs. Experts advocate for more robust funding mechanisms, suggesting minimum allocations of Rs 8.2 crore per venture to ensure sustainable growth and innovation.

Indias space startup ecosystem exemplifies technological entrepreneurship at its finest. There are many companies taking the lead in innovation while advocating for progressive policies and modernized investment frameworks. It is expected that the establishment of a dedicated space venture fund and production-linked incentives could significantly accelerate both international collaboration and domestic manufacturing capabilities.

Cost considerations present both challenges and opportunities. High import duties and taxes currently impact sector growth, yet strategic reformsincluding reduced duties on critical components and enhanced R&D tax benefits could substantially lower launch costs. Indias reputation for cost-effective satellite launch services, competing with global leaders like SpaceX, Chinas Long March programme, and Europes Ariane systems, positions it favourably in the international market, but the same launch cost applied for the Indian startups, MSMEs, and academia needs to be revisited and considerable waivers to be worked, remarked Srimathy Kesan the Founder and CEO of Chennai-based Space Kidz.

Stakeholders in the space sector feel that though ISROs testing facilities are playing a crucial role in advancing this sector, there is a pressing need for a full-fledged test facility in Sriharikota. Currently, many in the southern region have to travel to Ahmedabad or Bengaluru for testing, making accessibility a challenge. Establishing such a facility in Sriharikota would provide easier access and strengthen Indias space infrastructure.

There is also a need to establish a dedicated space research park. For the past five years, experts have emphasized the need for a facility that hosts simulators and advanced training equipment for students. Currently, Indian students must travel to NASA and ESA for hands-on space experiences, leading to significant capital outflow from India. A well-developed space research park in India would not only enhance domestic capabilities but also serve as a premier destination for Southeast Asia and the Middle East, regions currently lacking such facilities, said Kesan.

She further feels that strategic budget allocation could substantially amplify Indias influence across the global space landscape. A robust space sector naturally enhances critical services, including telecommunications, weather monitoring, disaster response, and navigation systems, generating value for both domestic and international stakeholders. While the sector addresses challenges in regulatory processes, infrastructure development, and talent retention, it continues to demonstrate remarkable adaptability and resilience, added Kesan.

Experts point out that considering the governments focus on space and the burgeoning private space industry, one can anticipate an increase of approximately 15-20 per cent in budget allocation for the space segment, potentially taking the allocation to Rs 15,000-16,000 crore.

Further incentives and support for private space companies are anticipated, potentially through expanded PLI schemes with an additional outlay of Rs 500-700 crore, tax benefits, and streamlined regulations. Investments in space infrastructure, including launch facilities, testing centres, and ground stations, are likely to be prioritized, with an estimated allocation of Rs 3,000-4,000 crore. Additionally, it is also expected that there would be an increase in funding for research and development in emerging space technologies like AI, robotics, and advanced propulsion systems potentially in the range of Rs 1,500-2,000 crore, pointed out space expert Girish Linganna.

Few experts observe that one crucial aspect of the budget could be investment in skilling and training programs to develop a skilled workforce for the growing space sector. This could involve Rs 200-300 crore allocated towards specialized courses, scholarships, and collaborations with educational institutions. The budget may also include provisions for enhanced international collaboration in space exploration and research, with an estimated allocation of Rs 500-800 crore.

As India prepares for its first human spaceflight, the Gaganyaan mission is likely to receive substantial funding for further development and testing, potentially around Rs 3,000 crores. Similarly, missions such as Chandrayaan-4 and VOM will also require continued financial support to ensure their successful completion, with an estimated allocation of Rs 1,000 - 1,500 crores each.

At the same time, the budget may allocate funds for expanding the use of space technology for various applications, including agriculture, disaster management, and communication, with an estimated allocation of Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500 crores. Also, with growing concerns about space debris and security threats, investments in space situational awareness capabilities are expected, potentially around Rs 800-1,000 crore, observed Linganna.
Amid growing aggression by China in the Taiwan Strait, which it claims is part of its exclusive economic zone, the US is set to meet the August 2025 deadline for the unmanned hellscape strategy.

The 'hellscape' strategy, part of the Replicator initiative of the US, envisions a battlefield in which thousands of unmanned ships, submarines, and aircraft work in tandem to engage numerous targets in the West Pacific. It is aimed at preventing any aggression by the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) across the Taiwan Strait.

The replicator initiative was announced in 2023 to apply lessons from the Ukraine war to the Indo-Pacific region. The first iteration of Replicator (Replicator 1) is expected to deliver all-domain attritable autonomous systems to warfighters at a scale of multiple thousands, across multiple warfighting domains by August 2025.

ALSO READ: Peoples Liberation Army's power expansion for border troops: A step towards more military buildup?

The first tranche of the Replicator initiative was set up to link surface, subsurface drones and loitering munitions to create a hellscape that would thwart the Chinese invasion while the second tranche would include systems in the air and maritime domains, as well as integrated software enablers that will enhance the autonomy and resilience of other Replicator systems

Acting as a first line of defence, as soon as Chinas invasion fleet starts moving across the waterway that separates China and Taiwan, the US forces would deploy thousands of unmanned submarines, ships and drones to flood the area and give Taiwanese, US and partner forces time to mount a full response, Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander, Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) told Washington Post in an interview some time ago, speaking about the 'hellscape' strategy.

I want to turn the Taiwan Strait into an unmanned hellscape using a number of classified capabilities so I can make their lives utterly miserable for a month, which buys me the time for the rest of everything," Admiral Paparo said.

READ MORE: In a major boost in Indo-Pacific defence, Japan's fight fleet to be equipped with subsonic cruise missile JASSM-ER

"The geography of the Indo-Pacific and the distances American forces would need to operate from would put the United States at a disadvantage in a Taiwan scenario. The United States must rapidly acquire longer-range drones with more endurance to close this gap, while developing a layered system of defenses to counter Chinese drones," a report titled 'Swarms over the Strait' in Centre for a New American Security read.

The 'hellscape's strategy represents a major shift in military planning, as it focuses on the integration of unmanned systems to create a formidable defense against potential aggression.
A Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter collided with an American Airlines plane with 60 passengers and four crew members aboard while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington on Wednesday. While there was no immediate news about the number of casualties or what led to the collision, a multi-agency search and rescue operation is underway in the Potomac River after the aircraft crash.

According to media reports, the US Army Black Hawk had three crew members.

First time in 15 years, a plane crash in United States.

Desperate search for survivors after an American Airlines jet is downed in collision with military chopper over DCs Potomac river at the Raegan National Airport #DCCrash #PlaneCrash pic.twitter.com/czkaK5M999  Saqib Ul Islam Chaudhary (@SaqibIslam) January 30, 2025



We can confirm that the aircraft involved in tonights incident was an Army UH-60 helicopter out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia, the US Army said in a statement.

The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter is a twin-engined medium lift utility transport and air assault aircraft. Born out of the S-70 project designed to the USArmy's Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System specification, the four-blade design aircraft is powered by two General Electric T700 turboshaft engines.

According to Lockheed Martin which manufactures the aircraft, the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter can transport up to "12 fully equipped, seated troops in combat."

"The Black Hawk Helicopter has proven itself in the most austere of environments providing an operational readiness rate of over 92 per cent in combat conditions," a company statement reads.

The Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) media chief Heather Chairez confirmed that the Army aircraft involved was a UH-60 helicopter from Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, out of Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir.

The primary functions of 12th Aviation Battalion of the US Army include providing helicopter transport for civilian and senior military leaders, and offering operational airlift for tactical units. The Army confirmed that the aircraft was not carrying any VIPs at the time of the accident.
The Doctor is in the house! Actor Benedict Cumberbatch has revealed that he will be a part of the next Avengers movie, titled Avengers: Doomsday. In a recent conversation with Business Insider, Cumberbatch was asked about an interview he gave earlier this month where he claimed that he would not be in the next Avengers instalment. I got that wrong. I am in the next one, the actor backtracked.

However, the Sherlock actor followed the statement with: Dont ever believe anything I say. So, while the MCU producers have not confirmed Cumberbatchs Doctor Strange to appear in the next film, it seems that it is a very likely possibility.

ALSO READ | Chris Evans returning to Marvel Cinematic Universe with 'Avengers Doomsday'

In an earlier conversation with Variety, Cumberbatch revealed that Doctor Strange will not be in Avengers: Doomsday. Is that a spoiler? F**k it! He had explained that plans changed when Jonathan Majors, who was slated to be the next big MCU villain, was convicted of sexual assault charges in 2024. He further elucidated that his exclusion has to do with the character not aligning with this part of the story.

Cumberbatch did, however, reveal that he will be a part of Avengers: Secret Wars which will hit theatres in 2027. Hes quite central to where things might go, the 48-year-old actor explained.

The actor, who last played the neurosurgeon-turned-sorcerer in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, disclosed that there will be a third stand-alone Doctor Strange film and did not divulge the details.

They are very open to discussing where we go next, he told the publication. Who do you want to write and direct the next one? What part of the comic lore do you want to explore so that Strange can keep evolving? Hes a very rich character to play. Hes a complex, contradictory, troubled human whos got these extraordinary abilities, so theres potent stuff to mess about with.

Avengers: Doomsday will hit theatres on May 1, 2026.
World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day is celebrated on January 30 every year and this year the World Health Organization (WHO) urged governments, leaders, communities and individuals to unite, act and eliminate these diseases through "bold, sustainable investments."

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a group of 21 infectious diseases that primarily impact over a billion people living in poverty across the globe. India experiences the worlds absolute burden of at least 11 NTDs, including hookworm, dengue, lymphatic filariasis, leprosy, kala-azar, and rabies, representing the highest number of cases worldwide.

These diseases often cause severe disabilities and can persist for long periods. Due to poverty and limited access to resources, millions of people in India are vulnerable to NTDs.

India's NTD burden, and the progress made

India has had some success in eliminating certain NTDs; for instance, we successfully eradicated trachoma, a potentially blinding eye infection, in all 27 high-risk districts across 23 states and Union Territories by 2017. Similarly, yaws and guinea worm were also eliminated.

However, other NTDs such as dengue, kala-azar, chikungunya, leprosy and lymphatic filariasis, among other, continue to pose a significant health burden on some of the most disadvantaged communities in India.

Dengue remains a significant public health issue. Unlike some other NTDs, dengue is caused by a virus and has four different strains circulating in India. The burden of Dengue increased from about 1.6 lakh cases and 166 deaths in 2019, to 2.9 lakh cases and 485 deaths in 2023.

Prof Ganguly shared that Takeda dengue vaccine has recently been introduced in India, and vaccines from Bharat Biotech (Dengvaxia) and Serum Institute of India are expected to be available soon. These vaccines could help in managing the disease burden.

Chikungunya, another viral disease, resurges in different parts of the country.

"The main concern with chikungunya is severe arthritis, which can cause long-term disability. While a vaccine was developed in France and later acquired by Walter Reed Institute, it has not been commercially viable due to the diseases irregular occurrence," he explained.

Rabies remains a major issue in many parts of the world, especially in rural communities. Dog bites and scratches are responsible for 99 per cent of human rabies cases, but they can be prevented through dog vaccination and bite prevention. The WHO factsheet says that if the virus reaches the central nervous system and symptoms develop, rabies is fatal in 100% cases. "This is mainly because many people in affected regions do not have access to vaccines," Prof Ganguly confirmed.

Lymphatic Fialriasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is also a persistent issue. As of 2020, the Indian government had told parliament that the country contributes to about 40% of all Lymphatic Filariasis in the world, and is "endemic in 257 districts of 16 States and 5 Union Territories(UTs) and about 650 million people in these States/UTs are at risk of developing it." By 2024, data shows that the cases were being reported in "345 districts across 20 states and union territories." The National Health Policy of 2002 had said they would eliminate the disease in India by 2015, and then later extended it to 2021. The government has now set 2027 as the target year for elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis; about three years ahead of the global target.

In other cases, for instance, kala-azar, cases have dropped significantly, but is yet to be eradicated completely. India had aimed to eliminate Kala-azar, also known as visceral leishmaniasis, a life-threatening parasitic disease, by 2023. However, government data shows that while the number of cases have dropped significantly since 2014, there were still 438 cases, and 2 deaths in 2024. Bihar had the highest case load, with 242 cases.

"Kala-azar cases have significantly declined, but challenges remain [because of the problem of re-occurrence]," said Prof Nirmal Kumar Ganguly, the former Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said, while stressing that stronger global efforts are needed to increase awareness, funding, and access to treatment for NTDs.

"One key challenge is post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) [a skin condition that can develop after a person recovers from kala-azar]. In many cases, PKDL appears as patchy skin lesions, which are often ignored or misdiagnosed." he added, highlighting how one disease could be feeding another making elimination of NTDs all the more difficult.

Dr Kavita Singh, Director, South Asia, Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) shared that research conducted by DNDi in India has shown that PKDL occurs in 3-5 per cent of patients who have recovered from Kala Azar.

Prof Ganguly emphasized the need for continued active surveillance in both endemic and non-endemic areas, citing Nepal's experience as an example. "Surveillance must remain active for at least four years, followed by a strong sentinel surveillance system to sustain progress," he stressed.

According to him, India is working on a new vaccine for leishmaniasis in collaboration with researchers from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The vaccine is currently undergoing regulatory approval and could become an important tool in eliminating the disease, and the associated issues.

India has also made progress in reducing leprosy cases, but challenges remain. Leprosy has a patchy distribution, meaning some regions still report significant cases, experts say.

Has climate change influenced the epidemiology and spread of NTDs in India?

Shifting weather patternstemperature, rainfall, and humidityare causing neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) to spread into new regions. Meanwhile, previously controlled diseases are making a comeback.

"Many NTDs are vector-borne or water-borne at the forefront of the climate-sensitive diseases list. Dengue fever, for example, is spreading fast not only in India but to all continents," Dr Singh of DNDi said.

She explained that rising temperatures due to climate change will lead to increases in vector development rate and, biting frequency- leading to longer transmission seasons and increased incidence of dengue, not only in endemic areas , but also greater spread in areas of lower transmission.

Way forward

The Indian government has identified NTDs as a priority, setting elimination targets for 2015, 2018, 2020, and now 2030. However, a structured, systemic approach to their eradication has been lacking, studies suggest.

In August 2023, the then Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the second phase of the annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) initiative for Lymphatic Filariasis India, which was committed to eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis by 2027

However, Prof Ganguly said that the delays in elimination of NTDs have been because of poor community participation and low compliance.

Dr Kavita Singh notes that while the focus remains on diseases such as kala azar and lymphatic filariasisboth seemingly close to eliminationsustained attention and adaptable strategies will be essential to achieving and maintaining these targets.

"Global NTD programmes continue to face several challenges [in terms of] funding gaps and changing financial landscapes," WHO has acknowledged.

"While the goal of eliminating NTDs by 2030 is ambitious, it is achievable with the right combination of strong political will, resources, and coordinated efforts across multiple sectors," Dr Singh said.

This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS.
Paramilitary forces have been deployed in Ayodhya to tackle the rush of devotees even as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is monitoring the arrangements.

On Wednesday, after the snan of the Mauni Amavasya at Prayagraj, devotees began pouring in at Ayodhya filling up the temple town during the night itself.

On Thursday, many took dips in the Sarayu, starting at 4 am, before staring on a darshan of Hanumangarhi and then the Ram Mandir. All roads and lanes were choked by the afternoon as chants of Jai Shri Ram reverberated non-stop.

Senior administrative and police officials patrolled the city through the night to make sure there were no mishaps.

Ram Path and Bhakti Path were completely choked with traffic.

Over the past few days, at least three lakh devotees have been reaching Ayodhya every single day.

Darshan timings have been extended to 18 hours.

Police have not only been maintaining smooth flow of devotees but also handing out water to those in the long queues. Medical camps have also been arranged on the temple premises.

The administration is also in constant touch with railway and highway authorities to anticipate how many people are making their way to the city.

In view of the ever-increasing number of devotees, holding areas have been made at Gonda, Ambedkarnagar, Sultanpur and the Lucknow road. The Temple trust had asked devotees from nearby places to delay their visit to Ayodhya as those from far off places like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat are reaching Ayodhya from Prayagraj.

Municipal Commissioner Santosh Sharma took it upon himself to make appeals on loudspeakers for devotees to stay at the shelter near the railway station as the city was already overcrowded.

Senior officers of the district are also present at the temple premises.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, after a mammoth meeting with the states top administrative and police officials, has issued a list of extensive instructions to better manage, not just the crowds at Prayagraj but also those gathering at other religious places.

While road traffic from other cities to Prayagraj was stopped following the stampede on Wednesday, Adityanath has now said that it was the duty of the government to get every devotee home safely and thus, be it the Kumbh area or roads out of the city, traffic movement should not stop. There is also to be increased patrolling on every route coming towards Prayagraj.

More mela special trains and additional buses will also be pressed into service so that there are no excessive crowds at any station. When people need to be halted in holding areas, adequate food and water should be provided.

The administration at Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mirzapur and Chitrakoot has also been asked to be extra vigilant and make extensive arrangements for crowd safety and convenience.

In Prayagraj, two senior officers who have served as Divisional Commissioner and vice chairperson of the development authority have been deployed to further help with arrangements. Five special secretaries will also oversee the mela now.

On Wednesday night the CM held a video conference with senior police officers and district administration officials posted in districts/zones/ranges like Prayagraj, Kaushambi, Varanasi, Ayodhya Mirzapur, Basti, Jaunpur, Chitrakoot, Banda Ambedkarnagar, Pratapgarh, Sant Kabir Nagar, Bhadohi, Rae Bareli, Gorakhpur etc. in the presence of senior officials of the government level.

The officials of all the districts sharing the border with Prayagraj were instructed to keep in constant contact and coordinate with the Prayagraj administration. All bordering districts will have to ensure compliance with instructions received from Prayagraj. Return routes should remain operational without any traffic jams.

In the mela area, there should not be any unnecessary stopping of people so that crowd pressure does not build up. Street vendors should be shifted off roads so that traffic is not blocked.

For the snan on Basant Panchami on February 3, the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police will review the mela area extensively on Thursday.
The Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) has released a report that alleges that Indias human rights crisis has deepened in 2024.

The Washington-based group describes itself as the "largest advocacy organisation of Indian Muslims in the United States with chapters across the nation".

The report says that human rights and religious freedom in India continued to deteriorate throughout 2024, including through the introduction of new discriminatory policies, a spike in hate crimes, cow-related lynchings, hate speeches during Indias general elections, numerous incidents of deadly police brutality, and transnational repression.

There is pervasive and structural violence and egregious atrocities against Indian minorities, including Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Dalits, and Kashmiris, as per the report. It also notes that the governments repression tactics have impacted members of the Indian diaspora living in the United States and Canada.

Two incidents highlighted in the report are the police violence against Muslim protesters in Uttarakhands Haldwani in January, 2024 and Sambhal (Uttar Pradesh) in November. The report says that the police opened fire on Muslims who were exercising their right to protest.

It also highlights the Uniform Civil Code of Uttarakhand as forcing religious minorities to adhere to common law in personal matters such as marriage and divorce; the Waqf (Amendment) Bill for eroding control over historical mosques, dargahs and graveyards; and a number of directives by both police and local governments ordering all food sellers to display their names on their establishments.

The report has also called out the media for colluding with the government. "The presss role in manufacturing and amplifying hate speech was especially visible in the run-up to Indias general elections", it reads.

IAMC executive director Rasheed Ahmed said that even after the BJPs marginal loss of power in the 2024 elections, "Hindu militant groups remain emboldened, law enforcement remains largely beholden to extremists, and the judiciary remains compromised", he said.
Tamil Nadu governor R.N. Ravi on Thursday accused Chief Minister M.K. Stalin of stubbornly refusing to observe the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi at the Gandhi Madapam in Chennai as suggested by him. He accused the DMK dispensation of disrespecting Mahatma Gandhi by observing his death anniversary in a corner of the city museum.

Gandhi Mandapam is a grand memorial of the Father of the Nation built over a sprawling land adjacent to the Guindy National Park, Chennai by K. Kamaraj in 1956. Does it make any sense to do Gandhi's memorial events - his birthday and martyrdom day in a corner of a city museum?, Ravi asked in a post on X.

In the politically charged post, he alleged that the followers of Dravidian ideology mocked the father of the nation.

The Martyrs Day on the death anniversary of Gandhi on January 30 is usually observed by both the governor and the chief minister at the Gandhi statue on the beach road near the marina beach. However, due to metro rail work being carried out on the beach road, the Gandhi statue at Marina was relocated to the government museum at Egmore in August 2022. It is a bronze statue which was unveiled by then prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1959.

In response to the governors tweet, Tamil Nadus information department minister M.P. Swaminathan said that a close look at the photographs of the event will show the respect paid by the chief minister to Mahatma Gandhi and that it was not at a corner of the museum as said by the governor.

We are patriots and we love Gandhi. We don't celebrate his assassins. The governor knows who killed Gandhi and why he was killed. Is it not a fact that Gandhi was killed by the Hindutva terrorists? Swaminathan asked.

Governor Ravis attack on the government and the ideologies of the DMK comes a day after the ruling party passed a resolution in its MPs' meeting on Wednesday. The DMK MPs will raise in Parliament the issue of evolving a code of conduct for governors. They will also insist on the setting of a time frame for them to grant assent to the bills passed in the state assemblies.
French authorities have initiated a judicial investigation into cryptocurrency exchange Binance over allegations of money laundering and tax fraud, reported Reuters.

The Paris public prosecutor's office's economic and financial crime section (JUNALCO) is probing activities from 2019 to 2024, including potential offences across the European Union.

JUNALCO has confirmed that the investigation is focused on money laundering linked to drug trafficking.

The scope of the probe extends to offences purportedly committed within France and throughout the EU.

The French investigation was spurred by user complaints alleging financial losses due to misinformation on the platform and Binance's operation without the necessary regulatory approvals.

In June 2023, Binance came under preliminary investigation by the Paris prosecutor's office for illegal canvassing of clients and "aggravated money-laundering."

However, the crypto platform has refuted the charges.

By November last year, the company had increased its compliance team headcount to 645 full-timers, as part of its intensified commitment to regulatory adherence and ongoing transformation since its settlement with the US government in 2023.

A Binance spokesperson told Cointelegraph: Binance is deeply disappointed to learn that JUNALCO, a Paris division of the French Public Prosecutors Office, has taken the decision to refer this matter, which is several years old, to the French judiciary for further investigation.

Binance has faced regulatory challenges in several countries between 2023 and 2024, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, India, Nigeria, and the US.

In the US, Binance settled with the government for $4.3bn over accusations of violating AML laws and operating without registration.

US prosecutors criticised Binance for its lax approach to illegal activities, including failing to report over 100,000 suspicious transactions.

This month, the US Supreme Court allowed a lawsuit against Binance involving investors who claim the exchange sold unregistered tokens that subsequently plummeted in value.

Additionally, in last month, Australia's corporate watchdog sued Binance's local derivatives business for allegedly misclassifying retail customers as wholesale clients, depriving them of consumer protections.

"Crypto exchange Binance faces money laundering probe in France" was originally created and published by Electronic Payments International, a GlobalData owned brand.




Jailed MP and Awami Itehaad Party (AIP) chief Engineer Abdul Rashid Sheikh will begin a hunger strike from Friday to protest alleged mistreatment in Tihar Jail.

AIP leaders in a press conference said that Rashid has been facing harsh conditions in prison. They said his decision to go on hunger strike was a protest against these alleged injustices.

Advocate G M Shaheen, a senior AIP leader, urged the government to allow Rashid to attend the upcoming Parliament session. He said the elected MP had the right to represent his people.

Engineer Rashid is a well-known politician from Kashmir. He founded the Awami Itehaad Party and was previously an MLA from Langate in north Kashmir.

In 2019, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested him in a terror funding case. The agency accused him of links to separatist groups and funding militant activities. Rashid and his supporters have denied these charges. Since then, he has remained in Tihar Jail.

Despite being in jail, Rashid contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Baramulla. His victory was a huge political upset. He defeated two powerful leadersformer Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of the National Conference and Sajad Lone of the People's Conference.

His win reflected public anger towards traditional political parties. Many saw his imprisonment as unfair and voted for him as a sign of protest.

Since his election, calls for his release have grown. His party insists he should be allowed to take part in Parliament. However, the government has not made a decision yet.

Rashid's brother, Sheikh Khursheed, contested the assembly polls from Langate and won, after resigning from the government. The seat was previously won twice by Rashid in the 2009 and 2014 assembly elections.

The AIP had fielded candidates on several seats across Kashmir encouraged by the leads of the party in 18 assembly segments during Lok Sabha elections. However, accusations by the NC and the PDP that Rashid was working for the BJP impacted his electoral prospects, leaving the party only with one seat.
The RJD, a Left Democratic Front (LDF) ally, has openly opposed the Palakkad brewery project, criticizing the CPI(M) for bypassing internal discussions within the front on the new liquor policy. RJD General Secretary Varghese George stated that Excise Minister M.B. Rajesh should not have made the decision unilaterally. The pros and cons of the project were not deliberated within the LDF, he said, adding that it was inappropriate to take the matter directly to the cabinet without discussions.



The controversy stems from the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Kerala government's decision to grant preliminary approval to Indore-based Oasis Commercial Pvt Ltd to set up an ethanol plant, a multi-feed distillation unit, an Indian-made foreign liquor bottling unit, a brewery, a malt spirit plant, and a brandy/winery plant at Elappully in Palakkad district.

Notably, Palakkad has a history of anti-corporate protests, with Plachimada witnessing a prolonged struggle against Coca-Cola over excessive groundwater extraction and environmental damage. The protests and legal battles led to the plants closure in March 2004.

The preliminary approval given to Oasis has raised eyebrows, with the Congress alleging that the company's leadership was involved in the Delhi liquor policy case. However, Excise Minister M.B. Rajesh has been defending the governments stance, asserting that all actions were taken in accordance with rules and regulations, ever since the controversy ignited. Rajesh also took the position that Congress is acting on behalf of the spirit lobby from Karnataka.

Adding to the trouble for CPI(M), CPI leaders have also opposed the brewery project. Veteran leader Satyan Mokeri, writing in the partys mouthpiece, warned that the decision has raised concerns among farmers and urged the government to withdraw the project. He stressed that water meant for agriculture should not be diverted for alcohol production. While CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam has been inconsistent in announcing the partys official stance, the partys local leadership has also voiced opposition.

With the RJD joining the opposition, pressure is mounting on the CPI(M) to reconsider its stance. Meanwhile, the opposition has accused the government of altering its liquor policy to benefit Oasis, questioning how the company acquired land in Palakkad before the policy change. How did Oasis know the policy would change? asked Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan, asserting that the opposition would not allow the project to proceed.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav called upon Sysmex Corporation and Panasonic to solicit investments in medical technology and the energy sector in Kobe, Japan. Yadav is in Japan in the run-up to the Investors Summit to be held in the state on February 24 and 25.

At Sysmex Corporation's Solution Center, CM Yadav asked the global leader in diagnostic technology to consider establishing a medical diagnostic equipment manufacturing unit and an R&D centre in the state to promote healthcare innovation, including the use of AI. He assured the company that the state government is committed to fostering long-term partnerships with global leaders like Sysmex.

ALSO READ | India's successful response to COVID-19 a testament to Modi's leadership: MP CM in Japan

Yadav highlighted the states strong pharmaceutical industry base. It has over 80 pharmaceutical units and exports to 160 countries. Additionally, the Pithampur Special Economic Zone hosts over 275 pharma companies, including six of Indias top ten.

The CM suggested that the Medical Device Park near Ujjain would be an ideal location for Sysmex to set up state-of-the-art manufacturing and research facilities. The centre could focus on developing advanced medical devices tailored for India, while also providing training for Indian engineers and technicians.

In his meeting with officials from Panasonic Energy, Yadav proposed that the company expand its operations to the setting up units in Pithampur focused on energy storage and sustainable battery manufacturing. Additionally, he recommended establishing a research and development center to foster technological innovation in MP.

Electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing and energy storage sectors were also part of the discussions. Yadav highlighted the states industrial policies, which include special financial incentives to encourage investment from companies like Panasonic Energy.

As per a note issued by the government, Panasonic Energy officials shared insights into the company's accomplishments and future plans, while expressing interest in investing in the state. They also said they were confident of receiving the full backing of the state government.

Thursday was the third day of Yadavs four-day visit to the Asian nation that started with him paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at the India Club in Kobe.
A petition has been moved in the Supreme Court seeking action against Uttar Pradesh government officials over the stampede during the Mahakumbh festival on Wednesday, in which at least 30 got killed and over 60 persons suffered injuries. The petitioner has also sought measures to improve safety and security at the venue.



A Public Interest Litigation has been moved in the Supreme Court by an advocate seeking directions to heighten safety measures at the Kumbh venue. The petitioner has sought improved medical facilities for devotees and providing basic information regarding Mahakumbh guidelines to the pilgrims in other languages as well, Bar and Bench reported.

The petitioner has sought announcements, display boards, directions and other information in various other languages as well for devotees, it said. The PIL also sought the deployment of medical teams by other states, in coordination with the Uttar Pradesh government, to provide medical aid for pilgrims. All states governments with coordination of Uttar Pradesh government shall also deploy its small medical team at Prayagraj Maha Kumbh comprising of doctors and nurses so that at the time of medical emergency there may not be a shortage of medical staff," the petitioner sought, the publication reported.

The PIL also sought the apex court to issue directions to the state government to submit a status report on the stampede and action against state government officials for their negligence.

The stampede occurred during the early hours of Wednesday, when the barricades on one side of the Akhara road following crowd pressure. About 90 persons suffered injuries in the incident and 30 persons died.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a judicial probe into the incident. The three-member commission will be headed by Harsh Kumar, former Justice of the Allahabad High Court and it comprises of retired IPS officers V.K. Gupta and D.K. Singh.
A day after security forces conducted a large-scale anti-militancy operation in Jammu, police in Rajouri, assisted by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), searched 25 locations across the district.



The operation was carried out under warrants issued by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court as part of an ongoing investigation into militant networks operating in the region. Raids took place in Rajouri, Nowshera, Thannamandi, Darhal, Koteranka, Budhal, Manjakot and Chingus, targeting individuals suspected of links with banned militant groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

During the searches, security forces seized incriminating documents and other significant materials. The raids were aimed at dismantling a militant network working to revive Over Ground Workers (OGWs) in Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities suspect the network is involved in recruiting, planning, and executing militant activities in the region.

These operations are part of a broader strategy to prevent militants from using the winter months to establish bases in remote forested areas near the Line of Control (LoC). Security forces remain on high alert, particularly due to the upcoming operationalisation of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Line (USBRL) in February.

Trial runs have been conducted multiple times from Katra to Banihal following the completion of Tunnel 1 in Katra. This tunnel posed the greatest challenge in the USBRL project due to difficult terrain and water leakage, issues that were overcome using advanced engineering techniques.

The 111 km stretch from Katra to Banihal features the worlds tallest railway bridge, the Chenab Bridgetaller than the Eiffel Toweralong with Indias first cable-stayed railway bridge, Angikhad. It also includes three of the countrys longest tunnels: T49 (12.75km), T15 and T80, both exceeding 11.2km.

With a renewed focus on intelligence-driven operations, security forces are working to ensure long-term peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir. Investigations are ongoing, and further action will be taken based on the findings from the seized materials.
Controversy ensued on Wednesday night after Delhi Police seized a car carrying liquor, cash and AAP pamphlets. The vehicle with 'Punjab Sarkar' labelled on it was seized by the Delhi Police's 'Flying Squad'.

Delhi Police officials said the Tilak Marg police station received information of a suspicious vehicle with a 'PB' number registration number 'PB35AE1342' and 'Punjab sarkar' written on it. The vehicle was parked near Punjab Bhavan and inspection revealed it had cash worth over Rs 10 lakh, pamphlets of the Aam Aadmi Party and multiple liquor bottles.

#WATCH | Today information was received that one suspicious vehicle with a Punjab registration plate and 'Punjab Sarkar' written on it is standing near Punjab Bhavan on Copernicus Marg. On searching, a huge amount of cash, many liquor bottles and pamphlets of Aam Aadmi Party were pic.twitter.com/oLmLYrk8mL  ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2025

The AAP-led Punjab Government has denied that the vehicle was owned by it and alleged that the vehicle's number plate was forged and fake. The number can be tracked to a different car not owned by the Punjab government, the statement read.

The statement added that the number of the vehicle was originally linked to a a 'Ford Eco Sport' model of 2018 but the one seized by the Delhi Police was 'Hyundai Creta'.

Official records say the vehicle was registered in the name of a man posted in the Army Dental College in Pathankot three years back, and that he was a permanent resident of Khadki in Maharashtra. "This confirms that the vehicle number plate is forged and fake," it said.

"The High Security Registration Plate is mandatory for all vehicles but the registration plate of the seized vehicle is an ordinary one, without the features of HSRP," it said.

But, the incident triggered a political slugfest with Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva expressing shock over the incident. Sachdeva said AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal institutionalised corruption in Delhi government. "He not only polluted Yamuna and Delhi's air but has polluted Delhi's political system too," Sachdeva said.

"Arvind Kejriwal is losing the Delhi elections, so now the focus is on liquor and money. He was already a liquor businessman but the money from 'Sheesh Mahal' is now being used in Delhi assembly elections. We have appealed to the police that strict checking and search should be done on all borders of Punjab and Delhi because the Punjab government and Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party are smuggling liquor and money in government vehicles," Sachdeva added.

However, AAP rubbished the allegations, calling it "totally fake and laughable".

A statement by AAP said there is no entry record of the vehicle at Punjab Bhawan. "Conveniently (it was) parked with no driver in sight. Owner details trace back to someone from Pathankot, now in Punjabi Bagh, but originally from Pune. A planted stunt'?poorly executed and utterly bogus," it said.
Israeli spy agency Mossad is worried that the country may witness more cases like that of Ron Arad, an Israeli Air Force officer who went missing while on a mission in October 1986, due to the use of bulldozers to clear wreckage in Gaza. Arad was believed to have ended up in the custody of Hezbollah in 1986 and was subsequently declared dead in 2008 in the absence of intelligence about his condition or location.

Mossad chief David Barnea reportedly told families of Israeli hostages that the use of bulldozers to clear wreckage in the Gaza Strip could make it impossible to recover the bodies of slain hostages. "Its awful. It could cause more cases like Ron Arad. We have a responsibility to bring everyone home," Barnea was quoted by Israel news websites.

Barnea, who met families, also faced demands that all hostages be released at once. The families fear that those set to be released in the latter stages would be left behind. "This isnt a complete deal, but its the best deal that we were able to get," Barnea told the families. On whether he thought the three-phase deal would be implemented in its entirety, he responded: "There are many difficult issues that have to be discussed [in negotiations]."

Meanwhile, the three hostages are slated for release by Hamas on Thursday. They include an IDF soldier and two civilians, one of who is 80 years old. Five Thai hostages are also to be freed by the Gaza terror group. However, two of the Thai citizens have been declared dead by Israel. A Tanzanian who was abducted has also been declared dead. One Nepalese too remain in Gaza.

The hostages may not all be released at the same time and place, since Berger is held by Hamas, while Yehoud and Mozes are held by Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

Israel has also asked that Hamas clarify the condition of hostages Shiri Bibas and her two small boys, Ariel and Kfir. Hamas is supposed to have released living children and female civilians first, then living female soldiers, the elderly and infirm men, and the IDF on Saturday expressed grave concerns for Shira and her sons.
India will soon launch its own safe and secure indigenous Artificial Intelligence (AI) model at an affordable cost, Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Thursday.

Interacting with media in Delhi, the minister said that the proposed AI model is a timely step as India is a trusted nation among the comity of nations. The move will also help India emerge as a more reliable technological powerhouse of ethical AI solutions in the days to come, he added.

Backed by a high-end common computing facility, the India AI mission is now closer to customising indigenous AI solutions for the Indian context using Indian languages, Vaishnaw said, adding that scientists, researchers, developers and coders were working on multiple foundational models in this regard.

With the given pace, the Indian AI model is likely to be ready within 6 months, he remarked.

Our prime ministers economic thinking is very inclusive. He believes in making modern technology accessible to everyone to ensure the people at the bottom of the pyramid are economically empowered.

Emphasising the need for AI-related safety, Minister @AshwiniVaishnaw announced the establishment of an AI Safety Institute.



To enable researchers, developers & other stakeholders to develop tools, frameworks and processes for AI safety.#DigitalIndia @abhish18 @OfficialINDIAai pic.twitter.com/hOGfVdnQPw  Ministry of Electronics & IT (@GoI_MeitY) January 30, 2025

According to an official release, the Indian AI model is beginning with the computation facility of roughly 10000 GPUs and soon the remaining 8693 GPUs will be added. The model will largely benefit researchers, students & developers in the beginning.

The technical partners who are participating in the mission have expressed a lot of confidence in the ability of the mission to deliver its objective of democratising access to computing and that too at a very competitive rate, it said.

The statement further claimed that compared to global models costing 2.5 to 3 dollars per hour usage, Indias AI model will cost less than 100 rupees per hour after 40 per cent government subsidy. The attractive half yearly and annual plans will further make it more affordable, it said.

The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, within 10 months of the launch of India AI Mission, has been able to create a high end and robust common computing facility of about 18,693 GPUs. It is about nine times of what Open Source Model DeepSeek has, and about two third of what ChatGPT has, the ministry said.

Vaishnaw, in his interaction, claimed that DeepSeek can get hosted on Indian servers after security checks so that coders, developers and designers can take benefit of its Open Source code.

Safety and ethical deployment of AI Model remains top priority for the government, he said, adding that India is establishing an AI Safety Institute, adopting a techno-legal approach.

The IT ministry, in its press statement, claimed that Indian AI model will address the countrys linguistic and contextual needs while eliminating biases, ensuring inclusivity and promoting fairness.

Leading developers and researchers are working towards completing multiple foundational models within 8 to 10 months, leveraging algorithmic efficiency to achieve cost-effective and timely development, it said.
The American Eagle Flight 5342 flight that collided with an Army helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington split into two before plunging into the Potomac River. The jet had 60 passengers and four crew members on board.

The aircraft, probably both, are about seven feet deep in the river, NBC Washington reported. Sources added that the search and rescue team has found pieces of the plane and the helicopter in the water, hinting at multiple casualties.

Though authorities have not yet confirmed the number of casualties, reports are that rescuers have not yet pulled any survivors from the water. Even if any of those onboard the aircraft survived the crash, the plunging temperature could prove fatal. The Potomac River is running around 42 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celcius). Without a suit to help with cold temperatures, passengers from Flight 5342 may only have 30-40 minutes.

 BREAKING: American Airlines regional jet (64 onboard) collides midair with Black Hawk helicopter (3 crew) near D.C. Rescue underway at Potomac River. First U.S. airline crash since 2009.



: EarthCam | Viewer discretion advised. pic.twitter.com/KY6GgtENXV  John-Carlos Estrada  (@Mr_JCE) January 30, 2025 There are 60+ estimated dead people from the horrible American Airlines plane collision just outside Reagan National Airport. Pray for survivors  pic.twitter.com/3LdRHAvv0w  Soldier Bulletin (@soldierbulletin) January 30, 2025

Also read: Video: Passenger jet collides with Army helicopter in US; remains in Potomac river

The helicopter involved in the crash was reportedly participating in a training flight. It was a Army UH-60 helicopter from Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, out of Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir. Its not clear from where the Black Hawk took off from before the collision.

A man, whose wife was on the plane, said he received a text message from his wife shortly before the plane was supposed to land. "She texted me that they were landing in 20 minutes," Hamaad Raza told CNN affiliate WUSA, adding that he realised something was wrong when his texts back to her did not get delivered.
Hours after Potomac River witnessed a horrible mid-air helicopter-jet collision, authorities have given clear indication that any of the individuals involved in the unfortunate development surviving seems unlikely. The search and rescue operations are being revamped into a recovery operation to retrieve the mortal remains of the victims, US media reports said.

ALSO READ | Figure skaters plane crash: Air Traffic Control audio reveals how shocked tower reacted to Black Hawk-CRJ midair collision

According to latest data from Washington DC, 28 bodies have been recovered so far after a Bombardier CRJ700 flight operated by American Airlines crashed with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter. While one of the recovered bodies belonged to a soldier on board the military chopper, the rest were of the passengers. The soldier's body was recovered from the debris of the helicopter, The Guardian said.

The American Eagle Flight 5342 was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, AA said, adding that it was carrying American and Russian figure skaters who were returning from a training camp in Wichita, Kansas.

ALSO READ | American Airlines plane that collided with Black Hawk helicopter in Washington 'split in two and is in about 7 feet of water'

It was John Donnelly, the chief of Washingtons fire department, who told the press that his team believed finding anybody alive from the crash site was highly unlikely. During a press meet he confirmed that authorities were switching from a search-and-rescue operation to a recovery operation.

According to Donnelly, his team was confident that the mortal remains of all victims could be retrieved despite the inclement weather. Strong winds have caused the jet's debris to float and spread out across the river despite the presence of ice. The operation may take longer than expected but the volunteer squads would not back off until the family members of all the departed souls get the chance to bid them farewell. "It will take us a little bit of time. It may involve some more equipment, John Donnelly was quoted as saying by The Guardian.

ALSO READ | Figure skaters plane crash: Kanpur to Lyon, 5 times Bombardier CRJ700 made news for wrong reasons ahead of US mid-air collision

The ill-fated plane was identified as N530EA by the Federal Aviation Administration which was reportedly built in 2010. The 70-seater Bombardier CRJ700 aircraft are a mainstay in America's regional commercial aviation.
Veidekke, showcasing its small-cap prowess, has seen earnings grow 20.3% over the past year, outpacing the construction industry's 8.4%. With a debt to equity ratio dropping from 136% to just 19% in five years, it appears financially disciplined. The company trades at 15.2% below estimated fair value, suggesting potential undervaluation. Recent projects like the NOK 410 million Haslevangen apartments and a NOK 1.5 billion health center in Kristiansand bolster its order book and future revenue streams. Despite sales dipping slightly last quarter, net income rose to NOK 465 million from NOK 441 million year-on-year, reflecting strong operational performance.

Operations: Veidekke generates revenue primarily from its construction and infrastructure segments in Norway and Sweden, with notable contributions of NOK15.16 billion from Construction Norway and NOK10.02 billion from Infrastructure Norway. The company also derives significant income from its operations in Denmark, amounting to NOK3.10 billion.

Overview: Veidekke ASA is a construction and property development company operating in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark with a market capitalization of NOK19.50 billion.

Let's explore several standout options from the results in the screener.

As global markets continue to climb, buoyed by optimism around softer tariffs and advancements in artificial intelligence, small-cap stocks have lagged behind their larger counterparts. In this environment of cautious growth and shifting economic policies, identifying promising small-cap stocks requires a keen eye for companies with strong fundamentals and the potential to capitalize on emerging trends.

Story Continues

OB:VEI Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Jan 2025

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: Shanghai Huitong Energy Co., Ltd operates in the real estate development sector in China and has a market capitalization of CN7.40 billion.

Operations: Huitong Energy generates revenue primarily from real estate development activities in China. The company has a market capitalization of CN7.40 billion, indicating its scale within the industry.

Shanghai Huitong Energy, a dynamic player in its sector, has shown remarkable growth with earnings surging by 228% over the past year, far outpacing its industry peers. The company is debt-free, which enhances its financial stability and eliminates concerns about interest coverage. A notable factor in its recent performance is a one-off gain of CN37 million impacting the last 12 months' results. In recent developments, private equity funds have acquired stakes worth CN310 million and CN350 million from Tibet Dejin Business Management Co., Ltd., indicating strong investor interest and confidence in Shanghai Huitong's future potential.

SHSE:600605 Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Jan 2025

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: Beijing Strong Biotechnologies, Inc. offers in-vitro diagnostics products and services both domestically and internationally, with a market capitalization of CN7.70 billion.

Operations: The company generates revenue primarily from its biomedicine segment, which reported CN1.75 billion. The gross profit margin for its operations stands at 65%.

Beijing Strong Biotechnologies, a promising player in the biotech space, has shown impressive earnings growth of 7.1% over the past year, outpacing the industry average of 1.3%. The company's debt to equity ratio has risen to 29.4% over five years, yet it maintains a satisfactory net debt to equity ratio of 4.3%, indicating prudent financial management. With interest payments well covered by EBIT at 28.3 times and trading at an attractive valuation52.2% below estimated fair valuethis entity seems poised for continued growth with projected earnings expansion of 23.15% annually and high-quality past earnings enhancing its appeal.

SZSE:300406 Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Jan 2025

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Companies discussed in this article include OB:VEI SHSE:600605 and SZSE:300406.

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Salwan Momika, the man who made news in 2023 by burning the Holy Quran outside Sweden's Stockholm Central Mosque was shot dead, authorities confirmed. 38-year-old Salwan Momika was fatally shot in an apartment in Stockholm's Sodertalje area on Wednesday evening.

Quoting Swedish media reports, BBC said that Iraqi-origin Salwan Momika was livestreaming on social media when a group of five trespassers fatally shot him.

OBITUARY: SALWAN MOMIKA  A MARTYR FOR FREE SPEECH



Today, we mourn the assassination of Salwan Momika, a fearless Iraqi-born activist who stood against the tyranny of Islam and refused to be silenced. He was murdered in Sweden, gunned down in his apartment while live streaming pic.twitter.com/DRLsiuvHMJ  Imtiaz Mahmood (@ImtiazMadmood) January 30, 2025

Five people have been arrested so far in connection with the incident that took place around 11 at night. However, the probe team is yet to officially declare the motive behind his killing or the identities of the accused.

The murder came only days ahead of a Swedish court was scheduled to deliver a verdict in the case against Momika, who burnt the Quran with the permission of the State. While Sweden maintained that his protest was in accordance with its free-speech laws, his actions had caused widespread protests in many Muslim nations worldwide.

Salwan Momika had burnt Islam's holy book on several occasions in Sweden in 2023. The protests were triggered after his actions were posted on social media.

The Swedish embassy in Baghdad witnessed two violent protests as a consequence of his actions and Iraq expelled the Swedish ambassador over the incident.

Sickening news - Iraqi asylum seeker Salwan Momika MURDERED during a TikTok livestream in Sweden. He was targeted and murdered by Islamic extremists because he burned the Quran.



To murder somebody for criticising a religion is sick and wrong. pic.twitter.com/JSwMbbopYN  Drew Pavlou (@DrewPavlou) January 30, 2025

However, Sweden later softened its stance and vowed to explore legal means to ban similar protests that involve burning documents or symbols. The nation also revoked Momika's residency permit citing issues with his asylum application. After Iraq asked for his extradition, the controversial activist reportedly tried to shift base to Norway, only to be deported back to Sweden.

Some reports claimed that Salwan Momika reached European shores in an effort to escape several legal repercussions back in his homeland.


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There is no other option. There are no shortcuts. The ONLY option is a true bond with the Torah, a neshama bond with the Torah.

These words of Rav Dovid Hofstedter, Nasi of Dirshu were said during a visit to Yeshivas Acheinu in Kiryat Sefer last month.

On his trip to Eretz Yisrael, Rav Hofstedter visited many mosdos of Acheinu, Dirshus kiruv arm, where hundreds of talmidim learn. During the course of his trip, he visited and gave chizuk to various kehillos that have been living under the scepter of war and constant fear of attack since the terrible events of Simchas Torah 5784/October 7, 2023.

Rav Hofstedter visited and gave chizuk to the communities in the Gaza envelope that were attacked and overrun by the bloodthirsty Hamas terrorists. He also met with members of those communities, some of whom are slowly undergoing a religious transformation. Most notably he met with community leaders and individuals from the yishuv of Nir Oz, currently home to a small community of new baalei teshuva.

In addition, he visited and spoke at Yeshivah LTzeirim, of mosdos Mayan Chaim VShalom in Ashkelon, a city that endured much terror and indiscriminate bombing in the aftermath of October 7. The Yeshiva is an exceptional yeshiva that caters to second generation children of baalei teshuva.

Without a doubt, his visits to the Yeshivos of Acheinu in Kiryat Sefer and Petach Tikva were deeply inspiring. During his visits, Rav Hofstedter had the privilege of meeting both the talmidim of the Yeshivos and the staff, the devoted avreichim who accompany these young men on their journey not just to observance but to becoming true bnei Torah in every sense of the word. Besides paying tribute to them and their avodas hakodesh, Rav Hofstedter recognized that what these special avreichim do for these boys from such diverse backgrounds is far more than a job. He stressed that they are performing a labor of love as they act as role models and mentors, helping the boys navigate the often-complex journey from families that are not observant or minimally so, to becoming mainstream bnei Torah who learn in some of the most elite yeshivos in Eretz Yisrael.

The most important thing that Rav Hofstedter stressed is that a bachur should truly feel a bond with the Torah, a true satisfaction from learning. When he truly feels that he is special, that Torah is special, his neshama will feel it. At that point, he will feel the same connection with the Torah that a child feels to his mother, a truly unbreakable bond!
The Justice Department on Wednesday abandoned all criminal proceedings against the two co-defendants of President Donald Trump in the Florida classified documents case, wiping out any legal peril the pair could have faced.

Trump valet Walt Nauta and Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos De Oliveira were charged with conspiring with Trump to obstruct an FBI investigation into the hoarding of classified documents that the Republican took with him when he left the White House after his first term.

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the case, in July, saying that the prosecutor who brought it, special counsel Jack Smith, had been illegally appointed by the Justice Department. Smiths team ended its case against Trump after his November election win, citing longstanding department policy that says sitting presidents cannot be indicted.

But its appeal of the dismissal of charges against Nauta and De Olivera remained pending until Wednesday. Thats when prosecutors informed the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that it had withdrawn the appeal, formally ending the case.

The United States of America moves to voluntarily dismiss its appeal with prejudice, prosecutors wrote. The government has conferred with counsel for Appellees Waltine Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, who do not object to the voluntary dismissal.

The Justice Department had previously committed to not making public Smiths report on the classified documents investigation as long as proceedings remained ongoing against Nauta and De Oliveira. But with the appeal now dismissed, Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee asked acting Attorney General James McHenry to make the report available to them, saying they needed access to evaluate the document as they prepare to take up the nomination of Kash Patel to be FBI director.

Patel testified before the grand jury in that investigation in 2022 after being granted immunity.

Trumps Justice Department is widely expected to keep the report permanently under wraps.

(AP)
Rebels backed by Rwanda captured more towns in eastern Congo on Wednesday, as fighters moved beyond the key city of Goma in an apparent attempt to expand their control in the conflict-battered region.

The rebels were advancing toward the center of South Kivu province after capturing several of its towns, including Kalungu, Kanyezire and Mukwinja, according to a local civil society leader and an aid worker in the area who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak on the matter publicly.

The advance further raised fears of prolonged occupation by the rebels, who have said they plan to set up a new administration in Goma. Unlike now, they only captured Goma during their first rebellion in 2012 but withdrew days later under international pressure on Rwanda.

Soldiers fighting for Congo  many of them mercenaries from other nations  were laying down their weapons at the border with Rwanda. Congos army seemed to be in disarray, and those at the border appeared disorganized and ill-equipped for fighting.

Its like you are fighting without command, said Jean Marie Ndahambaza, one of the surrendering soldiers.

Armed groups have long vied for control of eastern Congo, which is rich in minerals critical to much of the worlds technology, and has been the scene of proxy battles between Congo and neighboring Rwanda, as well as other powers. Fighting reignited this week, and the rebels backed by Rwanda, known as M23, announced Monday that they had captured much of the provincial capital of Goma.

Hundreds of thousands of Goma residents were trying to get away from the fighting, with some retreating into Congos interior to seek protection, and others crossing into nearby Rwanda. Rwandan border patrol agents thoroughly searched the belongings of the men, women and children crossing the border in waves, with suitcases and children in tow. The displaced people, looking exhausted but relieved, were then taken care of by the Rwandan Red Cross.

Meanwhile, rebels took control of Gomas airport, said U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, warning of risks of a breakdown of law and order in the city of 2 million people given the proliferation of weapons. Clashes with rebels continued in some parts of the city on Wednesday afternoon, including at the center of Goma in the neighborhoods of Katoyi and Kahembe. Other parts of the city were calm, with less fighting after a day during which thousands of fleeing people hunkered down by roadsides as missiles flew overhead, and injured people streamed to overwhelmed hospitals.

Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, expected to address the country later on Wednesday in his first public remarks since the incursion.

The root of the conflict goes back dec

ades

The chaotic situation has its roots in ethnic conflict: M23 says it is defending ethnic Tutsis in Congo. Rwanda has claimed the Tutsis are being persecuted by Hutus and former militias responsible for the 1994 genocide of 800,000 Tutsis and others in Rwanda. Many Hutus fled into Congo after the genocide.

Analysts say the real fight is for control over the Congos vast mineral deposits, estimated to be worth $24 trillion, and critical to much of the worlds technology. M23 appears to be preparing to stay in Congo for good, telling the AP of their plans to set up an administration and return displaced people to their homes.

Analysts have warned that securing a rebel withdrawal could be more difficult than in 2012, when M23 first captured Goma but withdrew after days. Murithi Mutiga, program director for Africa at the Crisis Group, said that the group has become more emboldened by Rwanda, which feels Congo is ignoring its interests in the region and failed to meet demands of previous peace agreements.

While Rwandan leaders, mostly Tutsis, have denied backing the rebels, U.N. sources say some 4,000 Rwandan troops are in the Congo.

Strong response from other parts of Africa

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, whose troops are among the foreign peacekeepers in Congo, blamed the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) militia for the fighting and called for the withdrawal of the rebels.

The territorial integrity (of Congo) must be respected, Ramaphosa said, adding that South Africa will ensure its peacekeepers remain well-equipped and sufficiently supported during this critical mission.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame said on X that he spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the need to ensure a ceasefire and address the root causes of the conflict once and for all.

Tshisekedi wont be able to participate in a summit of the regional East African bloc of which Rwanda is also a member, a spokesperson said, without providing further details.

Kenya Airways canceled all of its flights to Kinshasa on Wednesday following the looting and burning of at least 10 foreign embassy buildings in the capital the day before, a company agent at Kinshasa airport told The AP.

(AP)
Senior officials in the Justice Department under President Donald Trump have engaged in discussions with federal prosecutors in Manhattan regarding the potential dismissal of the corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, multiple sources told the New York Times.

The officials have also been in communication with Adamss defense team since Trump took office, sources said. Leading Adamss legal team is Alex Spiro, a prominent attorney who also represents billionaire Elon Musk, a close adviser to the president.

Adams, a Democrat, was indicted in September on charges of bribery, fraud, and soliciting illegal foreign campaign contributions following an investigation that began in 2021. He has pleaded not guilty and has consistently maintained his innocence, asserting that the case against him is politically motivated due to his past criticisms of the Biden administration.

In recent weeks, Adams has appeared to align himself more closely with Trump, attending events at the former presidents Mar-a-Lago estate, being present at the presidential inauguration, and pledging to voice any future criticisms of Trump privately. Trump, who has the authority to issue a presidential pardon, has publicly suggested that Adams has been treated unfairly by prosecutors. In December, he indicated that he was considering granting a pardon to the embattled mayor.

Sources close to Adams say the mayor and Trump have been in direct contact for several weeks, speaking over the phone on multiple occasions.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York, which is overseeing the prosecution, declined to comment. The office is currently led on an interim basis by a respected prosecutor appointed by the administration. Additionally, a spokeswoman for Spiro did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

A senior Justice Department official, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, clarified that Todd Blanche, Trumps nominee for deputy attorney general, has not been involved in these discussions. Blanche, who previously served as Trumps personal attorney in multiple criminal cases and was formerly a federal prosecutor in the Southern District of New York, has yet to undergo Senate confirmation.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
New Zealand has begun requiring Israelis applying for visa to list details of their IDF service as a condition for entry, Times of Israel (TOA) reported on Tuesday.

At least one Israeli was denied entry to the country after providing details of their IDF service.

According to the report, in recent months, Israelis of reserve age who applied for tourist visas to New Zealand were asked whether they served in the IDF and whether they are active reservists. Those who responded positively were required to fill out extremely detailed questionnaires about their IDF service.

Questions included: Have you been associated with any group or organization that has used or promoted violence or human rights abuses to further their aims? and Have you committed or been involved in war crimes, crimes against humanity, or human rights abuses?

Reservists who couldnt reveal details of their IDF service because of security concerns were not granted exemptions and could not obtain a visa.

The report said that one soldier who served in Gaza during the current war was denied entry as a result of one of his answers on the questionnaire. He noted that he said that he was not involved in war crimes in Gaza.

New Zealand has apparently adopted its neighbor Australias anti-Israeli and pro-terror policies, which forces Israelis to fill out similar questionnaires. In December 2024, Omer Berger, 24, and Ella Berger, 22, applied for visas for a family trip to Australia along with four other family members. The four family members quickly received their visas but Omer and Ella were informed they had to fill out a lengthy questionnaire on their IDF service, forcing them to cancel their trip due to the delay the extra paperwork incurred.

The questionnaire included questions about their involvement in physical or psychological abuse, their roles as guards or officials in detention facilities, and whether they had participated in war crimes or genocide.

Aaron Berger, a family representative, slammed the incident at the time. Why are we subjecting friendly allies to war crimes investigations? he said.

The incident came after Australia denied an entry visa to former Israeli Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked.

Following the fire deliberately set by mask-wearing perpetrators at a Melbourne shul last month, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu slammed the Australian government, saying that its impossible to separate this reprehensible act from the extreme anti-Israeli position of the Labor government in Australia, including the scandalous decision to support the UN resolution calling on Israel to bring an end to its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territoryand preventing a former Israeli minister from entering the country.

Anti-Israel sentiment is antisemitism, Netanyahu concluded.

In the latest in a series of antisemitic incidents in Australia in recent months, media outlets reported on Wednesday that a trailer marked with an antisemitic epithet and loaded with enough explosives to cause a 40-meter blast wave was found in New South Wales, north of Sydney.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
HaGaon HaRav Dov Landau delivered a shiur on Wednesday at Yeshivas Beit Shemaya, a Sephardi yeshivah in Bnei Brak.

After the shiur, the Rosh Yeshivah spoke about the issue of the recruitment of bnei yeshivos. Sephardi Roshei Yeshivos and Rabbanim are especially concerned about the effect of increased IDF recruitment in the Chareidi sector since it is known that more Sephardi bochurim choose to serve in the army than Ashkenazim.

HaRav Landau addressed this fact, saying to the bochurim: You must be mechazeik and not give in to them. You should know that many of those who didnt withstand the nisayon and were drafted later regretted it and understood that Torah is the ikar and the only guarantee to continuing our lives here as the Am Segulah.

HaRav Landua explained that unlike in the past, when yeshivos were mainly intended to produce Gedolei Torah, today, the goal of yeshivos is also to preserve Yiddishkeit. Since were surrounded by secular society, the yeshivos ensure that well remain Shomer Torah umitzvos, the Rosh Yeshivah said.

The reality today is whoever isnt in yeshivah, in an atmosphere of yeshivah, the risk to ruchniyas is very great, the Rosh Yeshivah said. Its almost impossible for some who doesnt learn in yeshivah to remain a proper Shomer Torah umitzovos.

There are two religions here in this country, the Rosh Yeshivah continued. Theres a religion called Tzionut (Zionism) that wants to establish a new nation. Theres another trend in recent years of what is called liberalization, progressivism. It has turned into a religion. And whoever has a religion, it supersedes everything else.

The Rosh Yeshivah continued by saying that although Chareidim live in Eretz Yisrael and even participate in the government, we never accepted the religion of Zionism. And of course, we never accepted the religion of liberalization.

You need to know  the central democratic right of each person is to adhere to his emunah. And its forbidden to harm this democratic right. And what the state is trying to do  via the melting pot of the IDF  is contrary to the most basic right of democracy. No other democratic country in the world tries to sculpt the nation according to its religion. Part of the way they do it is through the IDF  the education officer  which doesnt exist in any other army in the world.

Another issue they speak about in recent years is carrying the burden equally,' the Rosh Yeshivah continued. This is a new idea that never existed before. This is also contrary to democracy and a false idea. I want to read something to you from the Charter of the UN that speaks about the establishment of the state. Each person must be able to enjoy his basic rights  freedom of religion, of language, of speech, and education.'

The fact that they want to recruit everyone is contrary to this principle. Its written explicitly that its forbidden to harm anyones religious rights.

The Rosh Yeshivah continued by saying that even the units that the IDF is establishing for Chareidim pose great risks to ruchniyus and the army cannot be counted on to keep its promises.

Hakadosh Baruch should give you the koach to withstand this nisayon, the Rosh Yeshivah concluded.
Israeli security forces arrested 12 individuals in East Jerusalem overnight on suspicion of participating in a pro-Hamas demonstration, celebrating the release of a convicted terrorist under the Gaza hostage-ceasefire deal, a police spokesperson said.

During the raids, police seized Hamas flags, fireworks, a pellet gun, and a large sum of money, evidence suggesting an organized effort to glorify Hamas-linked violence.

While police did not specify the demonstration in question, the arrests follow the circulation of footage from a parade celebrating the release of Ashraf Zughayer, a Hamas terrorist convicted in 2002 for driving suicide bombers to their targets. The video, which spread across social media, shows large crowds parading through Jerusalems Kafr Aqab neighborhood, waving Hamas flags. Zughayer himself is seen atop a slow-moving pickup truck, central to the demonstration.

Earlier this week, Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Arieh King publicly called on police to take action against the demonstrators and identify the Dodge Ram pickup truck featured in the video. How many Dodge Ram vehicles are there in Jerusalem? King posted on X.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
The advent of 2025 brought with it the end of a years-long gas transit arrangement between Ukraine and Russia, leaving much of eastern Europe in the cold  and desperately looking for a new source of reliable power.

For Ukraine, the end of the agreement will result in the loss of up to $1bn (Hrv42.27bn) in annual transit fees and additional industry costs of Hrv1.6bn per year due to increased transmission tariffs.

In turn, Russias state-owned gas supplier Gazprom is set to lose approximately $5bn (Rbs510.51bn) in gas sales.

On social media, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy declared the end of transit as one of Moscows biggest defeats while Ukraines Energy Minister, German Galushchenko, called the move historic.

The more there is on the market from Europes real partners, the faster we will overcome the last negative consequences of European energy dependence on Russia , said Zelenskiy.

The European Commission was quick to release a statement on 2 January emphasising its lack of concern for gas supply security, asserting European gas infrastructure is flexible to accommodate gas of non-Russian origin.

Speaking to Power Technology, industry association Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) appeared equally confident.

Gas infrastructure managed to cope with the halt of major Russian gas supplies in 2022 via reverse flows from West to East, high storage fillings, new capacities for LNG [liquefied natural gas] imports and demand decrease (mainly due to high gas prices), it said. Since then, Europe has significantly diversified its natural gas import routes.

However, Ukraines decision has serious consequences for other European countries that relied heavily on the transit route.

Which countries have been hit hardest?

The halt in transit has prompted the last EU buyers of Russian gas, including Slovakia and Austria, to secure alternative supplies. However, GlobalData oil analyst Raj Shekhar points out that these arrangements are either more expensive or carry higher supply risks.

Hungary and Serbia will continue to receive Russian gas through the TurkStream pipeline, which has a capacity of 31.5 billion cubic metres (bcm).

On 3 January, Slovakias Government announced it is considering potential retaliatory actions against Ukraine, including reducing electricity exports, decreasing aid to Ukrainian refugees and insisting on the resumption of gas transits or financial compensation. The country is now the main entry point for gas into the EU.
Thousands gathered at Binyanei Hauma in Jerusalem last night to mark 25 years since the establishment of the ultra-Orthodox tracks in the Israel IDF. The event, a joint effort by the IDF, the Social Security Wing of the Ministry of Defense, and the Netzach Yehuda Association (Nachal Charedi), honored the contributions of ultra-Orthodox soldiers past and present, highlighting their critical role in the nations security.

The ceremony brought together frum IDF veterans, reserve soldiers, active-duty troops, and future recruits.

Throughout the evening, attendees reflected on the impact of the ultra-Orthodox tracks in the military. The event showcased existing service models that allow Charedi soldiers to contribute significantly to national security while adhering to their religious values. Military officials and community leaders alike acknowledged the dedication of these soldiers, recognizing their role in safeguarding Israel.

Israels Sephardic Chief Rabbi, Rabbi David Yosef, delivered an emotional address, praising the soldiers for their unwavering commitment. I join you this evening to thank you for guarding and safekeeping the Jewish people. To the Netzach Yehudah Battalion, I say: You are the symbol of the eternity (netzach) of the Jewish people.

The appreciation event also featured an employment conference, bringing together leading companies from Israels economy. Businesses offered a range of career opportunities tailored to IDF veterans, furthering the integration of ultra-Orthodox soldiers into civilian life after military service. In addition, an exhibition showcasing Charedi military units and specialized programs provided attendees with an in-depth look at service options available to them.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Israel is demanding that Hamas clarify the condition of hostages Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, Ariel and Kfir, who remain in captivity in the Gaza Strip.

The three are among those slated for release as part of the ongoing first phase of the ceasefire and hostage deal, which temporarily halted the war ignited by Hamas in October 2023. Under the terms of the agreement, women and children are to be freed first, while the remains of deceased hostages are to be transferred later. However, concerns for the Bibas family have grown as Hamas has not included them among the initial releases.

Yarden Bibas, Shiris husband and the father of Ariel and Kfir, was abducted separately and is scheduled for release later in this phase of the deal. Hamas has said that 18 of the 26 remaining hostages in this phase are alive but has not provided details on specific individuals, including the Bibas family.

Ariel, 5, and Kfir, who turned 2 earlier this month, are the only children still being held in Gaza.

In a previous hostage exchange in November 2023, more than 100 of the 251 people abducted during Hamass October attack were released. At the time, Hamas claimed that the Bibas children and their mother had been killed, a claim Israel has investigated but has not confirmed. The IDF says that there is no intelligence confirming their status, and no signs of life have been seen since their abduction.

The Bibas family became a prominent symbol of the attack after a widely shared video showed Shiri, visibly distressed, carrying her children as they were taken by Hamas terrorists. The childrens striking red hair and Kfirs young agejust 10 months at the timedrew worldwide attention.

In November 2023, after Hamas declared the family dead, the terror group released a video showing Yarden Bibas being informed of the alleged deaths. In February 2024, the IDF discovered additional surveillance footage from Khan Younis showing the abduction of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir.

IDF Spokesman Daniel Hagari recently expressed grave concerns about the lives of Shiri and her children.

The Bibas familys relatives have continued to hold onto hope, saying on Monday that they are awaiting their return. Their hopes were recently dashed when the three were omitted from a list of hostages set for release on Shabbos.

Hamas has also breached the ceasefire and hostage deal by releasing four female soldiersLiri Albag, Naama Levy, Daniella Gilboa, and Karina Arievrather than prioritizing civilian women and children as stipulated by the agreement. Following this breach, IDF spokesman Hagari reaffirmed that Israel is committed to securing the release of remaining civilian hostages, including Shiri Bibas and her two sons.

Among those expected to be released on Thursday is civilian hostage Arbel Yehoud, for whom a video proof-of-life has been obtained, though her family has requested that it not be published. Two other hostages, Agam Berger and Gadi Mozes, are also set to return. However, there has been no update regarding the Bibas familys fate.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
In an incredible Kiddush Hashem, Agams mother, who previously urged the media not to be mechallel Shabbos by reporting on her daughters release, was zocheh that her daughter was released on a weekday instead of Shabbos.

Dozens of family members and friends of Agam Berger, who bchasdei Hashem is back in Israel on Thursday after being released from 482 days of captivity, gathered in the Berger home in Holon overnight Wednesday, Ynet reported.

Those gathered there recited Tehillim and brought a Sefer Torah into the home.

I didnt sleep all night, one friend told Ynet.

Following her release on Thursday morning, neighbors joined the relatives and friends at the Berger home and the participants danced with Sifrei Torah and recited Mizmor LTodah.

Also, Liri Elbag, who was held together with Berger and was released last Shabbos, told Agams mother that Agam was Shomer Shabbos in captivity, refusing to cook for her captors on Shabbos, and also did her best to be Shomer Kashrus, refusing to eat any meat and other foods, Yisrael Hayom reported on Thursday.

Liri added that Agam had become visibly pale in recent weeks due to her refraining from various foods.

You and your daughter have taken exactly the same [spiritual] journey from opposite sides of the fence, Liri told Agams mother. Despite the difficult conditions and limited options, Agaim chose to remain faithful to her values and beliefs, she said.

The video below shows the residents of Holon celebrating on the street with Sifrei Torah written in her zechus when she was in captivity.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
The IDF announced shortly after 10:30 a.m. that released IDF soldier Agam Berger crossed the border into Israel after 482 days of captivity in Gaza. She reunited with her parents near the Gaza border and was flown to Beilinson Hospital.

Berger was released by Hamas to the Red Cross in Jabaliya in northern Gaza after being forced to parade across a stage in front of a huge crowd in a mock IDF uniform.

A few hours later, in the early afternoon, Arbel Yehud, 29, and Gadi Mozes, 80, and five Thai hostages were transferred on Thursday to the Red Cross after being forced to walk, surrounded by Islamic Jihad terrorists, through a chaotic jeering mob of human animals. A video of Yehud being forced through the crowd showed her visibly terrified.

The second group of hostages were transferred to the IDF and crossed into Israel at about 2 p.m.

The IDF announced that Mozes was examined and is in stable condition. He is being transferred to Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv.

Israel has reportedly sent angry messages of protest at the treatment of the hostages to the mediators. Later, it was reported that Israel turned back the bus of released terrorists from Ofer Prison and is refusing to release them until the mediators arrange guarantees that hostages to be released in the next stage will not endure such scenes of terror.

In a heinous display of terror and cruelty, hundreds of armed and masked Islamic Jihad terrorists and innocent Gazan civilians swarmed like cockroaches at the site of the release of an elderly man, a female Israeli civilian, and five Thair nationals in Khan Younis in southern Gaza.

Yehud and Mozes were exposed to chaotic sights and sounds as the vehicle carrying them slowly progressed amid the mob scene to the site of the transfer, next to the rubble that formerly was the home of slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. According to reports, their delay was released due to the PIJ terror groups bestial desire to photograph the hostages in front of the ruins of Sinwars home.

A video of the elderly Mozes being forced through the mob of jeering Gazans.

The video below shows the five Thai nationals, whose release was negotiated in a separate deal, being taken through the jeering crowd. Reports say that the Thai hostages were examined and found to be in good condition.

Terrorists rode to the site on vehicles equipped with machine guns.

Earlier on Thursday morning, Islamic Jihad posted a propaganda video showing Yehud and Mozes ahead of their release.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Arbel Yehud was held in captivity alone for the 482 days of her captivity and she was treated brutally by the terrorists holding her, Kan News reported on Thursday evening.

She was mostly held underground and was provided with very little food. She was found to be suffering from malnutrition.

The first thing she said to anyone who met her was: I was mostly alone. Arbel said that she was aware before October 7 that the terror organizations in Gaza were evil, and that what Israelis saw today  the frenzied mob in Gaza during her release  is only a tenth of their evil.

Arbel was exposed very little to the media during her captivity but sadly did find out while there that her brother Dolev, Hyd, was murdered in the Hamas attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz. However, she was not aware of the extent of the destruction of her kibbuz, where one out of four was murdered or abducted on the day of the massacre.

Gadi Mozes said that what kept him alive was the knowledge that he would rebuild his kibbutz (Nir Oz) and the community. Gadi said he did not break down or cry in captivity  he only waited for the moment he would be released. He believed it would happen.

Mozes was also unaware of the extent of the destruction on October 7 and did not find out his wife was murdered during the massacre until his return.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
By Rabbi Eliezer Sandler

The Loftiest of Goals

Ever since he established the Shas Yiden Kollel Network 16 years ago, the Pozna Rov, Hagaon Harav Avrohom Halevi Eisen, shlita, has made sure that the Shas Yiden geonim are given the appropriate respect and recognition due to future gedolei Torah of Am Yisroel.

Their goal is to be an integral part of the legacy of the late Nasi of Shas Yiden, Sar Hatorah Maran Hagaon Hagadol Harav Chaim Kanievsky, ztl. This includes, as per Reb Chaim,       (to know the entire Shas by heart) with all the Rashis, all the Tosfos and Rishonim. To master the Yerushalmi, and many other major works and sifrei kodesh. To rise higher and higher in yedias Hatorah (Torah knowledge) and middos tovos in kedusha and tahara.

This aim is being earnestly pursued with incredible mesirus nefesh (self-sacrifice) by all 126 Shas Yiden geonim. They have developed into a learning model for yeshivos, kollelim, bochrim and avreichim throughout the Torah world.

The Most Mehudar said Sar Hatorah

Reb Chaim once remarked that the Shas Yiden geonim achieve the highest level of learning, which is not only to understand, but also to remember  and the Shas Yiden system is to know gantz Shas bal peh. That is why, said Reb Chaim, to purchase a Yissachar-Zevulun shutfus to learn gantz Shas at Shas Yiden is the most mehudar pact available, because Zei zeinen di emmesdika Shas Yiden geonim. (They are the true Shas Yiden)

But at what cost?

As with all endeavors in life, everything comes at a cost and one must believe that what one does is worth it. The mesirus nefesh to achieve these noble goals is considerable. For many families, because the father at Shas Yiden is committed to hours and hours of limud daily, including Fridays and Shabbos, Erev Yom Tov and Yom Tov, it requires a significant commitment. Thus, coping with all the housework, caring for the children and seeing to their homework etc., an enormous load falls on the shoulders of the wife and mother.

Eishes Chaver kChaver!

At Shas Yiden since its founding, the Pozna Rov has kept the concept of Eishes Chaver kChaver, namely that the spouse of a scholar or communal leader must be treated and honored with the same respect and care as is her husband. In fact, the gemora in Sotah (21a) states that ones wife has a full and equal portion in all his learning!

The wife is the enabler of her husbands ability and opportunity to sit and learn. With the significant and rigorous learning regimen at Shas Yiden, the demands on the eishes chayil are much greater than at other kollelim. As a result, at every annual Siyum Hashas, the wives are honored and acknowledged, and receive appropriate gifts and presentations. As well, the Pozna Rov has made sure that there is peace of mind in their homes by having the monthly kollel stipends fully paid by each Rosh Chodesh. In addition, there is a second full check for the months of Tishrei and Nissan to help with simchas yom tov. This payment schedule commitment has been met every month over the last 16 years. They can rest assured that the payment will arrive on time.

Feeling of security  One of the Shas Yiden geonim in Eretz Yisroel shared the following with the Pozna Rov: It was just before Yom Tov when my wife spoke with her cousin, Raizy, a wife of a kollel yungerman in the mid-West. They were chatting and my wife asked her what she was getting for herself for yom tov. She told her that not only were finances tight, she was not sure when the check would arrive, and she had to make sure that they had with what to buy tzorchei Yom Tov first. When pushed, Raizy said that sometimes the checks could even be a few months behind, so she could certainly not plan on getting anything for yom tov After that call, my wife could only say Boruch Hashem that Shas Yiden gives us peace of mind.

A Shas Yid as a Husband and Father

The perennial question asked of a kollel couple is with 3 sedorim (study sessions) a day  each approximately 3-4 hours long: How does he function as a husband and a hands-on father. This question appears to be magnified when it comes to an avreich at Shas Yiden, which has an enormous 7 days-a-week learning workload (Sun-Thurs  9 blatt-a-day with all the Rashis and Tosfos PLUS 4 revisions (i.e. 45 blatt!), and Fri-Shabbos  4 blatt-a-day with all the Rashis and Tosfos PLUS 4 revisions (i.e. 20 blatt!).

Mindful that we are talking about bnei Aliyah, a couple that live on a Torah level with lofty aspirations, the key is the total trust and respect between the avreich and his Rebbetzin. Their mutual commitment to each other and to the incredible goal that they perceive ahead. Neither can afford to take the other for granted. For them, the Eishes Chayil at the Shabbos table is not just a nice weekly song with a nice tune. For them, particularly, Shlomo Hamelechs words are incredibly meaningful and resound in their context.

Their children observe the mutual derech eretz and caring between their parents, and their reverence for the Torah that permeates their home. Boruch Hashem, it rubs off on their kids. All these attributes contribute deeply when lifes challenges come along. In addition, the Pozna Rov and the Rosh Kollel are safety nets and are available to be listening ears.

The Rebbetzins Fly to Eretz Yisroel

With the advent of the recent Annual Farher & Siyumei Hashasim, the Pozna Rov flew the Shas Yiden geonim and their wives from the USA and UK to Eretz Yisroel to participate in the Simchas Limud Hatorah. This would enable the men to meet their colleagues and for their wives to meet and spend time with their counterparts. It would be an opportunity to discuss their challenges and to give chizuk to one another. Often, unless a kollel is in a limited location, the kollel wives do not have such opportunities at home. This is quite true at the Flatbush Shas Yiden where most of the Shas Yiden geonim live scattered in Boro Park and Williamsburg. On this occasion, it was most appropriate that they all met in the Holy Land. After all, they are part of a very select and unique group in Klal Yisroel.

Meeting their counterpart Rebbetzins was both exciting and emotional as they all come from so many locations and backgrounds. It was both significant and encouraging, and a strong bond of common goals developed very quickly between the different groups. They formed strong links in the Shas Yiden chain from Eretz Yisroel across the sea.

Flatbush Rebbetzins Attend Farher and see their Husbands Excel

Usually, the wives do not attend the farher and arrive for the Siyum and banquet. However, this year, the simcha was held in the city of Lod (near the airport) and there was a concern that the New York ladies, not being familiar with the local transportation and getting to the hall, may get confused and even miss the celebration. So, it was arranged for them to come in the same bus as their husbands, even though they would arrive at the venue two hours before the siyum.

However, it turned out to be fortunate, because they had the opportunity to watch their husbands and the other Shas Yiden geonim being put through their paces. They would get a first-hand view of their greatness and what being part of Shas Yiden is all about.

The first farher was conducted by Gaon Yisroel. Maran Hagaon Hagadol Harav Dov Lando, Rosh Yeshiva of Slabodka, and the second by Maran Hagaon Harav Eliezer Dovid Shapiro, Rav of the Sanz community in Bnei Brak.

It was breathtaking and mind-boggling, said one of the wives. There were rows of the avreich Shas Yiden geonim, grouped according to their kollelim. Each had a microphone before him and faced the dais where the farherers were seated, flanked by the Pozna Rov and the Rosh Kollel.

It was incredible to watch the action as they responded, often many at the same time, quoting from all over Bavli, Yerushalmi, Rambam and Shulchan Aruch. One lady described it as akin to a real estate auction with people shouting out their bids at the same time. Except here it was all bids of Torah, but with the same passion and vigor.

Then there was the going back and forth between questioner and defender, with all understanding the questions and the different approaches. It was almost indescribable.

When Rav Shapiro questioned them, there was a look of astonishment on his face as he witnessed the prowess of the Shas Yiden geonim. Periodically, he jumped up from his seat, knocking on the table and saying: This is incredible It is simply amazing Pilei ploim This is not simple

During the farher, the Flatbush contingent really stood out. This newest branch of Shas Yiden proved to be worthy talmidei chachomim geonim, along with those from London and Eretz Yisroel.

When the Shas Yiden blessed the Negidim

During the conclusion of the Siyumim, it was impressive to look at the dais and watch the reaction of the philanthropists when the Shas Yiden geonim came up to them and gave each a special brocha in recognition of their support of the Shas Yiden learning, and which should continue to be a source of blessing for them. You are true sustainers of the Torah and learning at Shas Yiden. Our brocha is that you should be able to continue supporting all the charities and learning that you do, in good health and spirit.

Reactions of the USA Rebbetzins

Touched by the Gifts  I was so touched by the regard for the wives and families of the Shas Yiden geonim. The full bags of nosh in the shape of Sifrei Torah to take home to each of our children. The personal letter for each of us from the Pozna Rov, as well as an envelope with a substantial cash gift that was presented to each of us by the Pozna Rebbetzin. Apparently, this recognition of the wives has been done every year since the first siyum 16 years ago.

Holiness of the Occasion  I felt the palpable holiness of the occasion. To feel and see the regard for Torah and what it means, and to behold the Gedolei Torah on the dais was a privilege. It was an evening where people from all walks of life, openly and warmly, celebrated Hashem and His Torah. It was a special celebration never to be forgotten, and an amazing zechus to be there.

Prior to this Visit to Eretz Yisroel  Before this trip, I knew that my husband was learning at Shas Yiden and that, although a young man, he is already a significant talmid chochom. However, on this visit I saw what Shas Yiden is, what it means, and the great zechus to be part of it all. I believe that my whole outlook regarding his learning and being part of Shas Yiden shifted and has impacted my lifes viewpoint.

For example, we live in a relatively small home and really need a bigger place, and have been looking for one. Obviously, we are very dependent on his income. However, his time at Shas Yiden in Flatbush has advanced his commitment to study in kedusha, tahara and devotion. He increased his study load and his focus as compared to the kollel where he had studied before. It is as if Hashem has given him a gift on a plate, and if he has the will to grow and advance, he will take it along with him for self-encouragement and strength.

Meeting the Wives from London, EY and New York  While it was great to meet them all, I must admit that it was easier to communicate with the ladies from London as we also speak Yiddish and English, and are not as fluent in Hebrew. What was interesting is that most of the wives from New York didnt really know one another before. So, this was an opportunity to meet, greet and to get together, and to understand and share challenges and approaches to what our husbands are doing. It made a great difference to how our team feeling developed. We had a common language and common interests.

All the Shas Yiden wives there are special ladies and their husbands are not just sitting and learning. Rather, they are all masters of Shas and, as the Gedolei Yisroel have emphasized, they are bnei Torah steeped in middos tovos.

Met with Parents  I met the parents of many of the avreichim and their wives  some came from the USA and UK  and it was inspiring to see their pride regarding the learning of their sons / sons-in-law. I asked one of them if any of their daughters siblings were jealous of their sister and that her husband is one of these Shas Yiden geonim. She answered that there was only a feeling of pride among them. Then she added: My daughter is incredible. There is no word of complaint, even though she would love to have her husband help her with the children and the home. But the value of what the husbands of these women are accomplishing is something just beyond our normal understanding and appreciation.

A Mother  One of the mothers said to me that her daughter recently had her birthday. On that day, her husband came home and said I have a birthday present for you. So she wondered, would it be a brooch? Would it be a bracelet? What could it be? On the other hand, I see how engrossed and devoted he is in learning and gives his heart for Torah.

So, then he told her, I am giving you a Siyum of a masechta and dedicating it in your honor! He brought home all the food and refreshments needed, together with a minyan for the siyum. It was a great simcha and as for my daughter, she said this was the ultimate gift  one of Torah.
The car parts arm of GKN looks set to be sold to a US rival in a 1.2billion deal six years after Melroses hostile takeover of the British engineer.

Dowlais, spun out of GKN in 2023, will be snapped up by American Axle in a blow to Londons stock market.

Corporate raider Melrose bought GKN for 8billion in 2018 in a move that faced fierce opposition over fears the 266-year-old company would be split up and sold off.

Melrose restructured it, axing hundreds of jobs as it closed a plant in Birmingham.

It then spun off GKNs automotive division under the name Dowlais while retaining the aerospace business.

FTSE 250-listed Dowlais will leave Londons stock market after just two years in a major setback for the exchange, if shareholders approve.

Takeover: Car parts maker Dowlais, spun out of GKN in 2023, will be snapped up by American Axle in a blow to Londons stock market

The merged firm will be listed in New York and based in Detroit, Michigan. Following the deal, Dowlais London office in Victoria will close.

Chief executive Liam Butterworth, who will pocket 928,500  150 per cent of his 619,000 base salary  to oversee the merger, said the move will allow it to adapt and be flexible to how the industry is evolving, including the global challenges facing the transition to electric vehicles.

The company will have 50,000 employees, with 1,250 jobs at risk after the merger.

Duplicate corporate, head office, administrative and senior management positions, which could amount to around 40 UK jobs, are in the firing line.

Manufacturing, and research and development jobs in the US and Europe are also at risk. The businesses expect to reap 242million in savings.

The takeover values Dowlais shares at 85.2p each. American Axle shareholders will own 51 per cent, while Dowlais shareholders will own around 49 per cent.

Butterworth, who will leave after the deal completes, has a 0.17 per cent stake in Dowlais that will be worth nearly 2million, according to Refinitiv.

But Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said: This is far from a done deal and there is a real chance that Dowlais shareholders push back for a better offer.
Mulberry shares fell sharply on Thursday after the group unveiled plans to revitalise the business and boost its bottom line.

The retailer said it plans to ditch its 'emphasis' on China and double down on the UK market and speed up its expansion in the US.

Customer personalisation of products will also become a bigger part of the company's offerings, the retailer said.

Mulberry also said it was working on reducing its operating costs by around 25 per cent on an annualised basis compared to 2024.

In a stock market statement, the luxury brand said it would focus on three objectives, namely 'simplification, brand refresh and customer connection'.

The company also named Billie O'Connor as its new finance boss after Charles Anderson quit earlier this week.

New direction: Mulberry plans to ditch its focus on China and refocus on the UK

The retailer's share price has slumped by over a quarter in the last year and fell over 7 per cent to 90p following the group's 'Back to the Mulberry Spirit' announcement on Thursday.

Mulberry's top brass said they recognised the group's performance had been 'sub-optimal'.

Frasers Group is Mulberrys second-largest shareholder, with a 37 per cent stake.

Chief executive Andrea Baldo, said: 'Our new strategy sets out our commitment to turnaround this business and return to sustainable profitability.

'We need to get back to where we came from and return to the spirit of Mulberry.

'For Mulberry to succeed, the business model needs to be simplified  including re-prioritising the UK and taking a channel agnostic approach  while also ensuring we lead with creativity to reignite brand desirability and deepen connections with our customers.'

Billie OConnor, who is now set to join Mulberry as its new chief finance officer, said the turnaround plan was 'clear' with 'ambition for the future.'

The group's revenue for the last quarter of the year fell 18.3 per cent year-on-year, driven by a 20 per cent drop in UK retail sales and a 27.9 per cent fall in Asia Pacific retail sales.

Like other luxury goods companies, Mulberry has been hit by consumers' fading appetite for high-end goods in China.

Mulberry's plan to return to profitability comes just months after larger rival Burberry said it would focus on its British heritage appeal to win back customers.

In November, loss-making Burberry said it was taking steps to streamline its operations and improve margins.
Fevertree shares rose by more than a fifth on Thursday after the tonic maker unveiled a long-term US partnership with drink and brewing company Molson Coors.

Molson Coors is snapping up an 8.5 per cent stake in Fevertree for 71million and will take on exclusive sales, distribution and production of the carbonated mixer brand in the US.

Fevertree, which first entered the US market in 2008, will in turn launch a buyback using the proceeds, the group said in a statement, adding that further shareholder returns could be considered.

The London-listed group will receive a share of the profits of the US operations as a royalty.

Tim Warrillow, Fevertree's co-founder and chief executive, said the deal 'marks a transformational step for the Fever-Tree brand in the US'.

He added: 'With a national network providing significant scale and muscle, alongside its proven track record, supply chain expertise and clearly stated strategic desire to drive the future of their business beyond beer, Molson Coors are the ideal long-term partner to take the Fever-Tree brand to the next level across the US.

On the up: Fevertree shares rose over 20% on Thursday

'This partnership will be fuelled by a step change in marketing investment to take advantage of the highly compelling opportunity ahead.'

The US is Fevertree's biggest market with sales topping 128million last year after 9 per cent growth on the year before.

Fevertree shares were up 23.95 per cent or 157.61p to 815.61p on Thursday, having fallen over 20 per cent in the last year.

Russ Mould, investment director at AJ bell, said: 'Fevertrees tie-up with Molson Coors has several benefits for the business but first and foremost it is a big endorsement of the brand it has built up across the Atlantic.

'The news may well restore some of the fizz Fevertree shares enjoyed after their listing 10 years ago as excitement bubbles about what this venture could mean for the business.'

He added: 'From Molson Coors side, shifting consumer habits means there is an incentive for it to diversify its offering and its significant that it has seen Fevertree as a means of doing so.

'It shows that for all Fevertrees problems with cost and supply chain issues in recent years, it has built something meaningful with its range of premium mixers.

'The terms of the agreement with Molson Coors reduces demands on Fevertrees capital and should power its growth in the US thanks to the beer makers heavyweight distribution and marketing capabilities.

'While it banks its share of the profit, Fevertree will have newly freed-up cash flow which can be potentially returned to shareholders or invested in expanding in other parts of the globe.

'Molson taking a meaningful stake in the business also underscores its commitment to the partnership and could even translate into a full takeover of the group in time if the arrangement works out well.'
Nationwide is winning the current account switching wars driven by generous cash bribes to move bank, according to new figures.

There were nearly 1.2million switches last year, with 309,290 in the last three months of the year, figures from the Current Account Switching Service show.

It marks the second consecutive year that switches reached over a million.

Britain's biggest building society came out top with the highest net switching gains of 22,622 between July and September 2024, according to the bank-specific data, which is three months in arrears.

Since 2020, the building society has gained 361,800 net customers, followed by NatWest which has 219,847 new customers.

The below table shows which banks have gained and lost customers since 2020:

Your browser does not support iframes.

Switching banks was generally a fiddly process that involves changing direct debits and other payments and telling your employer your new details.

Cass, which launched in 2013, does that for you allowing customers to switch their current accounts online and will compensate you if anything goes wrong.

Any payments that are accidentally paid into your old account will be redirected, and most importantly, the switching process should be completed within seven days.

The figures, which mark the second consecutive year of over a million switches, coincide with more banks introducing generous offers to tempt customers to switch.

John Dentry of Pay.UK, which operates Cass, said: '2024 was yet another busy year for the Service, and these figures are ultimately being driven by increasingly money-conscious consumers.

'Banking institutions, whether they be neobank disruptors or traditional high street banks, continue to present diverse, innovative and increasingly generous offers to win over hot-footed switchers.'

Some banks offered up to 200 to switch current account last year, although there were some stipulations which included setting up a handful of direct debits from the account to receive the money.

They have been a significant driver of bank switches. Nationwide ran a 175 offer on 24 September, as well as offering a 5.5 per cent savings rate on up to 10,000, and saw 22,622 new customers join in the third quarter.

Andrew Hagger, founder of Money Comms said Nationwide's 100 fairer share payment 'will also have had some impact of new customer sign ups'.

TSB had a 190 incentive from 1 August which resulted in a net gain of 12,282 between 1 July and 30 September, while Lloyds' 175 offer brought in 10,018 new customers over the same period.

Barclays' 175 offer which ran over the summer delivered a net gain of 18,503, a rare bright spot for the bank which has haemorraghed customers every quarter since the first quarter of 2020, apart from the final quarter of 2023 and third quarter of 2024.

'It is more evidence that switching does bring in new customers - but the big question is whether the cost of acquisition is worth it and whether many of these customers soon jump ship for the next cash freebie,' says Hagger.

'For example NatWest had an excellent net gain of 60497 customers in Q1 2024 as it ran a 200 switching incentive from 15 February to 2nd April, but once the incentive was withdrawn it seems that some customers switched away in search of the next cash handout.'

Which bank are currently offering switching deals?

Switching banks can be a good way to earn a bit of cash, as the latest switching figures show.

Currently, four banks are offering switching incentives: First Direct is offering 175 to new 1st Account customers.

Nationwide is offering 175 to those who switch to FlexDirect and Santander 150 for its Edge account. TSB is offering 100 with its Spend & Save account.
(Reuters) -Goldman Sachs' Ryan Nolan, a partner in the technology, media and telecommunications group and global co-head of software investment banking, is leaving the bank, according to a memo seen by Reuters on Thursday.

Nolan is set to join private bank BDT & MSD Partners after about 13 years of service at Goldman Sachs, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Goldman Sachs and BDT & MSD Partners did not immediately provide any additional comment.

Nolan joined Goldman in 2012 and was named as managing director in 2015. He became a partner with the firm in 2015.

The technology banker advised clients on mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings, debt and equity financing and activism defense, according to the memo.

Before joining Goldman Sachs, Nolan served as a senior associate at New-York based international law firm Simpson Thacher & Bartlett. He also serves on the board of organizations like employment consultancy firm REDF and America's Frontier Fund.

Goldman Sachs promoted Jung Min and Barry O'Brien as the global co-heads of the TMT group on Thursday, according to sources familiar with the matter. The Wall Street giant also promoted tech-focused banker Jane Dunlevie to chief operating officer of the group.

The promotions were first reported by the Information.

Investment bankers bringing in more fees helped Goldman Sachs beat Wall Street estimates earlier in the month and earn its biggest quarterly profit in more than three years.

(Reporting by Pritam Biswas in Bengaluru and Anirban Sen and Milana Vinn in New York; Editing by Maju Samuel)
Shares of Halliburton (NYSE:HAL  Get Free Report) have been given an average recommendation of Moderate Buy by the twenty analysts that are covering the company, Marketbeat reports. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have issued a buy rating on the company. The average twelve-month target price among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $37.42.

Several brokerages recently issued reports on HAL. Barclays reduced their price objective on Halliburton from $32.00 to $30.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, January 23rd. BMO Capital Markets cut their price target on Halliburton from $40.00 to $38.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 10th. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed a sector perform rating and set a $34.00 price target on shares of Halliburton in a research note on Thursday, January 23rd. Jefferies Financial Group cut their price target on Halliburton from $43.00 to $41.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, January 3rd. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus cut their price target on Halliburton from $42.00 to $37.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, January 23rd.

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Halliburton Trading Down 1.1 %

NYSE:HAL opened at $26.35 on Monday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.62, a current ratio of 2.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68. Halliburton has a 1-year low of $25.51 and a 1-year high of $41.56. The firm has a market capitalization of $23.14 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.31, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.58 and a beta of 1.91. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $28.67 and a 200 day simple moving average of $29.85.

Halliburton (NYSE:HAL  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 7th. The oilfield services company reported $0.73 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.75 by ($0.02). The business had revenue of $5.70 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.83 billion. Halliburton had a return on equity of 26.03% and a net margin of 10.90%. The firms revenue was down 1.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.79 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts forecast that Halliburton will post 2.94 earnings per share for the current year.

Halliburton Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 26th. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 4th were paid a $0.17 dividend. This represents a $0.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.58%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, December 4th. Halliburtons payout ratio is 24.03%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Van ECK Associates Corp grew its holdings in Halliburton by 31.3% in the 4th quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 5,100,693 shares of the oilfield services companys stock valued at $138,688,000 after buying an additional 1,214,586 shares during the last quarter. Great Lakes Retirement Inc. grew its holdings in Halliburton by 18.4% in the 4th quarter. Great Lakes Retirement Inc. now owns 23,907 shares of the oilfield services companys stock valued at $650,000 after buying an additional 3,723 shares during the last quarter. Quent Capital LLC grew its holdings in Halliburton by 261.1% in the 4th quarter. Quent Capital LLC now owns 2,246 shares of the oilfield services companys stock valued at $61,000 after buying an additional 1,624 shares during the last quarter. Eukles Asset Management grew its holdings in Halliburton by 6.2% in the 4th quarter. Eukles Asset Management now owns 12,296 shares of the oilfield services companys stock valued at $334,000 after buying an additional 713 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Wingate Wealth Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in Halliburton in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $52,000. 85.23% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

About Halliburton

(Get Free Report

Halliburton Company provides products and services to the energy industry worldwide. It operates through two segments, Completion and Production, and Drilling and Evaluation. The Completion and Production segment offers production enhancement services that include stimulation and sand control services; cementing services, such as well bonding and casing, and casing equipment; and completion tools that offer downhole solutions and services, including well completion products and services, intelligent well completions, and service tools, as well as liner hanger, sand control, and multilateral systems.

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Shares of Westlake Co. (NYSE:WLK  Get Free Report) have received a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the fourteen analysts that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, four have issued a hold recommendation and nine have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 1-year target price among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $155.79.

A number of research firms have issued reports on WLK. StockNews.com raised shares of Westlake from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, November 26th. Royal Bank of Canada reduced their target price on shares of Westlake from $170.00 to $167.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Monday, November 11th. Piper Sandler reduced their target price on shares of Westlake from $155.00 to $135.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, January 7th. Citigroup raised shares of Westlake from a neutral rating to a buy rating and reduced their target price for the stock from $152.00 to $140.00 in a report on Wednesday, December 18th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets reduced their target price on shares of Westlake from $171.00 to $165.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, November 13th.

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Westlake Price Performance

Shares of WLK opened at $117.23 on Monday. The company has a market cap of $15.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 165.11, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.56 and a beta of 1.18. Westlake has a twelve month low of $108.95 and a twelve month high of $162.64. The company has a quick ratio of 2.04, a current ratio of 2.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41. The company has a 50 day moving average of $118.81 and a two-hundred day moving average of $133.24.

Westlake (NYSE:WLK  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, November 5th. The specialty chemicals company reported $1.41 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.21 by ($0.80). The firm had revenue of $3.12 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.31 billion. Westlake had a net margin of 0.81% and a return on equity of 6.93%. Westlakes revenue was up .1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $2.20 earnings per share. As a group, analysts predict that Westlake will post 6.57 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Westlake Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 12th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, November 26th were issued a $0.525 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, November 26th. This represents a $2.10 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.79%. Westlakes payout ratio is 295.77%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Westlake

In other news, Director David Tsung-Hung Chao sold 1,750 shares of Westlake stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $129.08, for a total value of $225,890.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 7,784 shares in the company, valued at $1,004,758.72. This trade represents a 18.36 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. 74.10% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Trading of Westlake

Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of WLK. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. grew its position in shares of Westlake by 89.8% in the second quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 44,194 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $6,400,000 after purchasing an additional 20,913 shares during the period. BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp grew its position in shares of Westlake by 62.5% in the second quarter. BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp now owns 7,374 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $1,068,000 after purchasing an additional 2,837 shares during the period. AXA S.A. acquired a new stake in shares of Westlake in the second quarter valued at about $523,000. APG Asset Management N.V. boosted its position in Westlake by 189.6% during the second quarter. APG Asset Management N.V. now owns 5,651 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $764,000 after acquiring an additional 3,700 shares during the last quarter. Finally, MBB Public Markets I LLC purchased a new stake in Westlake during the 2nd quarter valued at about $353,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 28.40% of the companys stock.

About Westlake

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Westlake Corporation engages in the manufacture and marketing of performance and essential materials, and housing and infrastructure products in the United States, Canada, Germany, China, Mexico, Brazil, France, Italy, Taiwan, and internationally. The company operates through two segments: Performance and Essential Materials and Housing and Infrastructure Products.

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PFG Investments LLC raised its stake in Exxon Mobil Co. (NYSE:XOM  Free Report) by 0.2% in the 4th quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 145,003 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after buying an additional 304 shares during the period. Exxon Mobil makes up about 1.0% of PFG Investments LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 12th biggest position. PFG Investments LLCs holdings in Exxon Mobil were worth $15,598,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. International Assets Investment Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Exxon Mobil by 7,761.0% in the 3rd quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 6,893,677 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $808,077,000 after purchasing an additional 6,805,982 shares during the period. Franklin Resources Inc. raised its stake in Exxon Mobil by 16.3% in the third quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 31,522,556 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $3,936,929,000 after buying an additional 4,415,012 shares in the last quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. lifted its holdings in Exxon Mobil by 168.5% during the third quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 4,530,457 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $531,060,000 after buying an additional 2,842,844 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its position in Exxon Mobil by 1.8% during the 3rd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 92,194,981 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $10,777,735,000 after acquiring an additional 1,622,064 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA increased its holdings in shares of Exxon Mobil by 9.0% in the 3rd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 18,328,008 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $2,148,409,000 after acquiring an additional 1,512,694 shares during the period. 61.80% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Exxon Mobil Price Performance

Shares of XOM opened at $108.69 on Thursday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $111.14 and its two-hundred day moving average is $115.38. The company has a market capitalization of $477.69 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.54, a P/E/G ratio of 2.86 and a beta of 0.91. Exxon Mobil Co. has a fifty-two week low of $100.42 and a fifty-two week high of $126.34. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13, a quick ratio of 1.01 and a current ratio of 1.35.

Exxon Mobil Increases Dividend

Exxon Mobil ( NYSE:XOM Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 1st. The oil and gas company reported $1.92 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.91 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $90.02 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $93.98 billion. Exxon Mobil had a return on equity of 14.73% and a net margin of 9.61%. Exxon Mobils quarterly revenue was down .8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business earned $2.27 earnings per share. Research analysts predict that Exxon Mobil Co. will post 7.77 earnings per share for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 10th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 14th were issued a $0.99 dividend. This is a boost from Exxon Mobils previous quarterly dividend of $0.95. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 14th. This represents a $3.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.64%. Exxon Mobils payout ratio is presently 49.32%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on the company. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price objective on Exxon Mobil from $118.00 to $120.00 in a research report on Thursday, October 31st. Barclays cut their price objective on shares of Exxon Mobil from $142.00 to $137.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 3rd. Bank of America assumed coverage on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research report on Thursday, October 17th. They set a neutral rating and a $124.00 target price for the company. Truist Financial lifted their price target on shares of Exxon Mobil from $117.00 to $119.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Monday, January 13th. Finally, Mizuho lowered their price objective on Exxon Mobil from $137.00 to $134.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Monday, December 16th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating, ten have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Exxon Mobil currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $128.84.

View Our Latest Research Report on Exxon Mobil

About Exxon Mobil

(Free Report)

Exxon Mobil Corporation engages in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas in the United States and internationally. It operates through Upstream, Energy Products, Chemical Products, and Specialty Products segments. The Upstream segment explores for and produces crude oil and natural gas.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding XOM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Exxon Mobil Co. (NYSE:XOM  Free Report).

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Flagship Harbor Advisors LLC cut its stake in Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW  Free Report) by 8.4% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 1,219 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 112 shares during the period. Flagship Harbor Advisors LLCs holdings in Illinois Tool Works were worth $309,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in ITW. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. lifted its holdings in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 2.2% in the second quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 28,266 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $6,698,000 after buying an additional 596 shares during the period. EP Wealth Advisors LLC raised its position in Illinois Tool Works by 2.8% in the second quarter. EP Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 4,513 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,069,000 after acquiring an additional 123 shares in the last quarter. Truist Financial Corp lifted its holdings in Illinois Tool Works by 2.4% in the 2nd quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 67,363 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $15,962,000 after acquiring an additional 1,583 shares during the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers boosted its position in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 7.6% during the 2nd quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 60,619 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $14,364,000 after purchasing an additional 4,276 shares in the last quarter. Finally, New Century Financial Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $269,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.77% of the companys stock.

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Illinois Tool Works Price Performance

NYSE ITW opened at $256.59 on Thursday. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $262.74 and a 200-day simple moving average of $256.86. Illinois Tool Works Inc. has a 52-week low of $232.77 and a 52-week high of $279.13. The firm has a market capitalization of $75.77 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.20, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.60 and a beta of 1.11. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.94, a current ratio of 1.36 and a quick ratio of 0.97.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

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 the consensus estimate of $2.53 by $0.12. Illinois Tool Works had a net margin of 21.66% and a return on equity of 97.06%. The business had revenue of $3.97 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.02 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $2.55 EPS. Illinois Tool Workss revenue was down 1.6% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts predict that Illinois Tool Works Inc. will post 10.13 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

ITW has been the topic of several recent research reports. Robert W. Baird lifted their price target on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $240.00 to $250.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, October 31st. Evercore ISI cut Illinois Tool Works from an in-line rating to an underperform rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $246.00 to $255.00 in a report on Wednesday, November 13th. Barclays reduced their target price on Illinois Tool Works from $270.00 to $265.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, January 8th. Citigroup dropped their price target on 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. Finally, StockNews.com raised shares of Illinois Tool Works from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 22nd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating, three have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Illinois Tool Works presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $269.89.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on ITW

About Illinois Tool Works

(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.

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By Helen Reid

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Swedish fast-fashion retailer H&M is working to buy more of its clothes and accessories from suppliers closer to its key markets in Europe and the U.S., its finance chief told Reuters on Thursday, in part to prepare for potential U.S. import tariffs.

"For many reasons we need to create a more regionalised supply chain, both for geopolitical reasons, learning through COVID that we need to create more resilience in our supply chain, and also to support responsiveness and the customer offer," Adam Karlsson said in an interview after H&M's quarterly results.

Potential U.S. tariffs on imports are also pushing H&M to seek suppliers closer to its U.S. market, Karlsson said, adding that the retailer had drawn up scenarios for such trade barriers, which he called a "concern".

"Of course it is a factor, and there are certain countries under higher scrutiny connected to trade barriers, and we're monitoring that as we move ahead," he said, adding that the fact H&M sources from a wide range of countries was an advantage.

H&M is exploring options to source more products from Central America, Karlsson said, to serve markets including the U.S. and Brazil. For Europe, it is sourcing more from Turkey and looking to build its supplier base in Morocco and Egypt.

U.S. President Donald Trump has made multiple threats about tariffs including on imports from Mexico, Canada, China, and the European Union, and has also floated the idea of a blanket tariff on all imports, which retailers and economists have said would drive prices up.

"If tariffs increase for everyone, there will be a relative position to take (on pricing)," Karlsson said. "We should position our offering in the same way no matter whether there are tariffs or not."

H&M has not disclosed country-level sales for 2024, but in 2023 the U.S. was its second-biggest market by sales, accounting for 14% of total revenues.

(Reporting by Helen Reid; Editing by Mark Potter)
By Stephen Nellis

(Reuters) - Helion, a startup working to generate electricity from nuclear fusion, on Tuesday said it has raised $425 million in venture funding from a group of investors including SoftBank Group's Vision Fund 2.

The Everett, Washington-based Helion said the funding will help it speed up the development of its next generation fusion reactor design, which aims to tap into the same reactions that power the sun to make carbon-free electricity without long-lasting radioactive waste. The company has an agreement with Microsoft to begin providing power in 2028.

Helion is among the dozens of public and private groups looking to crack the key challenge of fusion: how to get more electricity out of the nuclear reaction than it takes to create and contain it.

Rather than use fusion to heat water into steam that would turn a power turbine, Helion uses powerful magnets and electronic components such as capacitors and thyristors - which allow power to flow in only one direction - to capture fusion energy directly through electromagnetic induction.

In an interview, Helion Chief Executive David Kirtley said the 6,000 massive capacitors and 50,000 thyristors needed for the firm's current machine were secured from outside suppliers and often had to be adapted from industrial uses.

Helion, which employs 450 people, plans to start manufacturing its own capacitors, which will help add about 100 jobs.

"It took years to get all them in-house from external suppliers, and we need to turn up those rates," Kirtley said. "That's the goal - to do that all in house in the United States."

Kirtley said the funding will also help Helion design and prototype custom thyristors for the next machine.

Other investors in the funding round include Lightspeed Venture Partners and a major university endowment fund that Kirtley declined to name.

Also joining the round were Helion's existing investors: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman; Mithril Capital, which was co-founded by Peter Thiel; Capricorn Investment Group, Facebook co-founder Dustin Moskovitz; and steel producer Nucor.

(This story has been corrected to clarify that Helion's funding round includes significant participation from new and existing investors in paragraph 1)

(Reporting by Stephen Nellis in San Francisco. Editing by Gerry Doyle)
Verizon-owned Visible offers unlimited LTE smartphone data starting at $25 a month  a bargain price compared to other phone carriers. With service on Verizon towers, this is a great choice if you're looking to cut down your monthly wireless bill.

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

Why pay $65 to $90 a month for unlimited data when you need only part with as little as $25 to get that same big bucket of data on the same cellular network? That's the argument that Visible makes.

Owned by Verizon, Visible uses its parent company's cellular towers to deliver the same extensive reach without the same pricey monthly bill. The service won't be for people who like having a brick-and-mortar store to turn to for support, but Visible does compare well other low-cost services that dispense with the frills to just provide lots of data for a little bit of dough.

Visible has evolved a lot since its 2018, with some of the more onerous restrictions like speed caps on data long since eliminated. While expanding into new areas like 5G coverage and  in the case of its pricier plan  international calling, Visible has kept prices low to remain a compelling alternative to traditional phone service.

When we tested the service a few years ago for our Visible review, we found a phone carrier that delivers lots of data for a relatively low cost. That's continued in the ensuing years, as Visible has improved its service since our original testing. We've updated this review to reflect the carrier's latest pricing and features, but as we first observed in our initial round of tests, Visible is a great option for bargain hunters who don't mind making a few compromises if it means a lower bill at the end of the month.

Visible review: What the phone service costs

When it first got started, Visible offered just one plan  a $40/month unlimited offer with taxes and fees included. Seven years later, you now have two options  both offering unlimited data with talk and text as part of the package. And yes, the price still includes taxes and fees so your bill will remain unchanged from month to month.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

These days, Visible plans start at $25 for a bare-bones unlimited data plan. Your only perks with that plan include unlimited mobile hotspot data along with unlimited talk and text to Canada and Mexico. This is one of the best cheap phone plans for unlimited data on price alone, as it beats the $30 monthly plan that Mint Mobile offers. And Mint's price only gets that low if you pay for a year of service in advance  Visible lets you go to month-to-month with coverage. (That said, Visible does have an annual payment option that lowers the monthly rate on both its plans.)

Visible's other option ranks at the top of the best unlimited data plans. It's $45 a month, and this Visible Plus plan includes data roaming in Canada and Mexico, plus international calling to 30-plus countries and texting to 200-plus countries. You're also eligible for a $10 monthly discount on Verizon's home internet service and smartwatch service is included for free if you're using one of the best Apple Watches. Most importantly, Visible Plus grants you access to Verizon's faster Ultra Wideband 5G service where available.

Visible Plus customers also enjoy faster hotspot speeds compared to the cheaper unlimited option, and they get a Global Pass for use when traveling overseas that lets them use their plan at no additional cost. Sadly, Global Passes don't roll over to the next month, so you can't stockpile them for a big overseas trip the way you can with TravelPasses at Verizon.

Recommend Visible to a friend, and you can knock $20 off next month's bill. Visible promo codes also offer you a way to save, and the best Visible deals provide discounts on new phones available through the carrier. Visible also runs frequent promotions to lure in new customers so if you're considering switching phone carriers, check to see if there any discounted rates available at Visible.

Visible offers subscribers a Connection Protection program where the carrier will provide three months of subsidized wireless service if you lose your job. To qualify, you'll need to apply with the carrier for the program.

Visible review: How prices compare to other carriers

Even at $45, Visible Plus represents an insanely good price for unlimited data, especially when compared to what Verizon charges. Verizon's cheapest unlimited option  Unlimited Welcome  costs $65 a month, and it comes with few perks. To get Ultra Wideband 5G speeds, you'd need to upgrade to Unlimited Plus at Verizon, which starts at $80 for a single line.

In other words, you're saving anywhere from $20 and $55 a month by turning to Visible, depending on which of its two plans you pick.

Even the $45 monthly plan is an insanely good price for unlimited data.

Visible's pricing is also generous compared to that of other low-cost carriers. Besides Mint's $30 unlimited plan, you can turn to options like Metro by T-Mobile, where unlimited Metro Flex plans start at $50/month, or Google Fi, which charges $50 for its Simply Unlimited option.

About the only carriers that match Visible's price on unlimited data are Tello and Boost Mobile, both of which charge $25 for their unlimited plans. Tello relies on T-Mobile's network for its coverage, while Boost has built out its own network, including 5G service. Boost also guarantees the rate on its $25 unlimited data plan for as long as you remain an active customer.

(Image credit: Future)

As noted above, Visible has followed the lead of Mint by letting your pay annually for your phone service to get a discounted monthly rate. Paying for a year in advance at Visible saves you $25 annually on the standard plan; Visible Plus customers save a total of $145 over the month-to-month rate with a $395 upfront payment.

Visible review: Restrictions and limitations

Visible does feature some other restrictions you should be aware of. (What  you didn't think there was a catch to that low monthly rate?) Visible reserves the right to slow down your data speed when Verizon's network is congested. (The Visible Plus plan does guarantee 50GB of "premium data" that won't be slowed.) Like Verizon's least expensive unlimited plan, Visible caps video streaming at 480p resolution.

Visible used to let you bundle multiple lines into one plan for a discounted rate, similar to the best family cell phone plans at other carriers. But that program no longer exists  if you have multiple people in your household, they'll all pay the same rate, so families should look elsewhere for coverage.

Visible review: Supported phones

When Visible first launched, it was an iPhone-only affair  and you had to bring your own iPhone at that. Since then, Visible has since added support for Android phones, with the mix of models constantly changing.

You'll usually find the latest flagships from Samsung, Google and Motorola alongside the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15. As with other discount carriers, there's sometimes a gap between the launch of a phone, and when it goes on sale at Visible. For example, we're updating this review right after Samsung has announced the Galaxy S25 lineup, but the most current Samsung S model available at Visible is last year's S24 series. Expect that to change after February 7 when retail sales of the Galaxy S25 models begin.

It's not just flagships available at Visible. You can also find lower-cost models like the Galaxy A15, Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) and the TCL 50 XE  handsets that all cost $260 or less.

Visible's phone inventory is pretty volatile in our experience, with devices frequently coming in and out of stock. So if you see the phone you want at a decent price, we'd suggest grabbing it.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Should you still want to bring your own phone, you can confirm that your iPhone or Android device works by entering its IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number into the compatibility checker on Visible's website.

Visible lets you keep your phone number when you sign up for the company's service (though you'll need to have some information handy from your previous phone service provider). You can also opt for a new number if you prefer.

Visible review: Performance

It's been a while since we've tested Visible's service, though we wouldn't expect much has changed over the last couple years in terms of network performance. If anything, Visible has likely reaped the benefits of improvements to Verizon's network. Testing firm Rootmetrics' most recent report covering the first half of 2024 ranks Verizon as the best network overall and also praises the carrier's speed and reliability for 5G in a supplemental report. It should be noted that more recent reports from Opensignal and Ookla favor T-Mobile.

When we first tested Visible, the service limited its data speeds to 5 Mbps. At that time, we recorded a top download speed of 5.89 Mbps at the University of California, Berkeley, campus. For comparison, an original iPhone SE tied to Verizon posted a 16.4-Mbps download speed at that same location at the same time.

That was characteristic of our first round of testing using Visible's service. Download speeds would occasionally poke above 5 Mbps  I saw a 6.11 Mbps download speed when traveling in Maui  but never by much and certainly nowhere near the speeds I could get through Verizon's standard service.

The performance gap didn't close even in areas where Verizon's network isn't as strong as elsewhere. At Berkeley's California Memorial Stadium, the iPhone SE I carried at the time would struggle with simple tasks like checking Twitter on game days when the stands are packed with tens of thousands of smartphone-toting fans. (Things haven't much improved since I upgraded to an iPhone 12.) I recorded a speed of 1.98 Mbps on my Verizon-tied iPhone SE during the 2018 Cal-Stanford game; at that same game, the Visible-powered iPhone 8 petered out at 0.19 Mbps.

In June 2019, however, Visible improved its service in a big way by removing the speed cap for both existing and new customers. We went back and tested Visible's performance again when the cap disappeared, and speeds were much, much better than anything customers saw previously. In our office in New York City, near Bryant Park, we pulled down 47.5 Mbps in Ookla's Speedtest app. In Southampton, PA, we recorded a top speed of 105 Mbps.

However, Visible's unfettered speeds aren't quite as consistently high as you'd hope. Even though the network has ditched that pesky speed cap, Visible users are still subject to deprioritization during times of congestion. And, as we found in a string of head-to-head tests between a Visible-powered iPhone XS and a OnePlus 6T on Verizon, that often resulted in throttling for those who access Big Red's network through the discount prepaid network.

Our Verizon-connected OnePlus 6T averaged 112 Mbps downloads across five tests in Pennsylvania. How did the Visible iPhone fare, in the same location at the same times? Just 37.5 Mbps.

We should point out that deprioritization is a common practice among big carriers and not unique to the Verizon-Visible relationship. But the occasionally slowed speeds are a trade-off you make for the lower monthly rate.

(Image credit: Future)

Besides, we've seen instances where Visible's service rivaled Verizon's, like in one particular test where the prepaid carrier mustered an 82 Mbps-download to Verizon's 83 Mbps. But those occasions were few and far between, and Visible normally hovered at speeds either half or two-thirds as fast as those we'd see on Verizon.

Disappointing though that may be, it doesn't necessarily mean that Visible's service is significantly inferior in a practical sense. For instance, it took me 56 seconds to download the Discord app on Visible's network, and that was when the 5 Mbps cap was in place. My iPhone SE took just 39 seconds through Verizon. That said, when I played PUBG Mobile over Visible's network, there were no noticeable lags or graphic slowdowns during this demanding game. When I died  and I did, often  it was due to my own lack of skill and not any throttling imposed on me by Visible.

I also failed to notice much of a difference in video-streaming quality on Visible's network. Sure, my stream of Blue Planet II on Netflix was limited to 480p  wireless providers call this "DVD quality"  but the video looked good enough to my eyes most of the time. I could make out different shades of ocean blue and spot distinct fronds of gorgonian corals. Only occasionally did the picture look less than sharp, usually right at the start of a streaming session. I could also stream music from the Spotify app over LTE with no noticeable dip in quality.

Visible review: What about 5G?

Visible's parent company, Verizon, has been aggressively expanding its 5G coverage, launching nationwide service in 2020 to complement the high-speed 5G already available in major cities. Verizon has since rolled out C-Band 5G, boosting its speeds.

Visible customers are reaping the rewards of those efforts, as they get 5G coverage through Verizon's network. Just make sure you have one of the best 5G phones.

Visible review: Customer service

Your primary interaction with Visible will be through the carrier's app on your smartphone. That's where you'll pay your bill, manage your account and deal with customer service questions. For that reason, you have to keep the Visible app installed on your phone.

When I used the app for my original Visible review, I found it spartan but easy to navigate; I didn't like that it required me to log in if I hadn't used the app in a few days. Fortunately, iOS updates have long since added secure password saving features, so signing back in shouldn't be a hassle for most users.

The best feature on Visible's app is live chat with customer support, which is now available 24 hours a day seven days a week, according to Visible. When I tested customer support, I found the chat feature responsive to my questions, though at times, the chat will label itself as busy when there's a backlog of Visible users seeking answers.

I was less impressed by an FAQ feature on the mobile app, which never seemed to load for me; instead, I had better luck perusing the FAQ on Visible's website, where you can also pay your bill. In a nod to younger users, the site lets you use Venmo or PayPal, in addition to a credit card, to pay your monthly bill.

Visible review: Who should use this service?

As attractively priced as Visible's unlimited plan is, it's not a good value if you don't use a lot of data in a given month. If you use 5GB of data or less regularly, you're probably better off turning elsewhere, because plenty of MVNOs offer attractively priced tiered-data plans as you can see in our look at the best prepaid phone plans. A 5GB plan at Mint costs you $15 each month; T-Mobile also offers 5GB for that same amount. Even Verizon's own 15GB prepaid plan drops to $35/month after you enroll in autopay.

Visible's service is best for users who consume a lot of data in a given month, by posting on social networks, streaming media and playing games. Users counting on fast data speeds may bristle at Verizon occasionally slowing Visible traffic, though I imagine the low monthly rate more than makes up for that.

Because Visible uses Verizon's network, you'll want to use the service only if Verizon's signal is strong where you live. Fortunately, Verizon's expansive network is far-reaching, but if you live in one of the areas Big Red can't quite reach, you'll be better off considering another carrier.

Visible review: Verdict

Visible's an intriguing wireless option if you've got a taste for lots of data but you lack the budget for a higher-priced unlimited plan. Visible provides you with all the data you could want for a reasonable $25 to $45 monthly fee, and though you'll have to make trade-offs, they won't hamper your phone usage very much. 5G coverage via Verizon's network makes Visible even more compelling.

For anyone living in an area that's well-served by Verizon's extensive LTE network and growing 5G coverage, Visible's a great way to save money on your monthly cellular service. Smartphone users who are outside of Verizon's reach and who prefer phones not currently supported by Visible's service will want to look elsewhere for their wireless needs.
This story might spark a great deal of speculation . . . But just as police have to go to court to prove that the guy was borracho . . . It's also unclear if the name is indicative of legal status given that there are plenty of native born Latino drunk driving suspect.

Here's what's on record so far . . .



Investigators discovered "multiple open alcohol containers" in his Toyota, court documents said. Police also said they could smell alcohol on him.



SUSPECT began answering questions after he was taken to the ICU. He told officers he did not remember being involved in a crash, court documents said. He also said he consumed 12-14 alcoholic drinks between 6 p.m. and midnight before the crash.



He admitted to being under the influence of alcohol.



Court documents also state that SUSPECT does not have a valid driver's license and that he was arrested in May 2023 for driving while intoxicated.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

'Multiple open alcohol containers' found after deadly I-70 crash A Lenexa, Kansas, man has been charged with DWI leading to the death of another person after Tuesday's multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 70.
A regional story from Kansas dominates headlines around the word overnight and into the early morning.



Updated note . . .

Rescue efforts remain underway but, tragically, first responders have started to pull bodies from the wreckage of a flight that carried U.S. figure skaters.

Here are the basics and more info that we updated at about 3 in the AM . . .



The jet that had departed from Wichita, Kansas, smashed into a military Blackhawk helicopter while on approach to an airport runway.



"A PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport around 9 p.m. local time," the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement. The plane, operated by American Airlines, had taken off from Wichita, Kansas, the FAA said.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Lawmakers take to social media following Wichita plane crash in D.C. Lawmakers from Kansas have taken to social media to offer their thoughts and prayers.

Reagan National Airport crash: Trump, lawmakers react to tragedy as officials investigate President Donald Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and other U.S. officials expressed their sympathies for the victims of the Jan. 29 crash.

Live updates: Fatalities confirmed after passenger plane collides with Army Black Hawk, source says | CNN A passenger aircraft crashed into the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport outside of Washington, DC, according to the DC Fire and EMS Department. Follow for live updates.

Flight from Wichita crashes in Washington DC, collides with helicopter WASHINGTON DC (KOAM) - About 8 p.m. Wednesday night an American Airlines regional jet from Wichita crashed into the Potomac River after colliding with a helicopter.

Wichita flight collides with military helicopter in Washington D.C., crashes into river Kansas lawmakers report that a plane from Wichita appeared to collide with a helicopter near Washington, D.C.

Washington DC: 19 bodies reportedly recovered after plane and military helicopter crash; US figure skating says athletes were on flight  live PSA Airlines regional jet collided midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to Reagan Washington National Airport, aviation agency says

US figure skaters were on board plane that crashed into Potomac River U.S. Figure Skating said on Thursday that several skaters were on an American Airlines regional passenger plane that crashed near Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday.

DC plane crash air traffic control audio reveals moment controllers saw disaster: 'Tower did you see that?' Air Traffic Control (ATC) audio from Wednesday's collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines jet reveals the moments before and after controllers witnessed the disaster unfold.

Videos appear to show midair collision over Potomac River | CNN An American Airlines passenger jet carrying 64 people and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter with three soldiers on board near Reagan National Airport collided just outside Washington, DC, officials said. Fatalities have been confirmed and rescuers have not yet pulled any survivors from the freezing waters of the Potomac River, a law enforcement source said.

Flight that crashed was carrying figure skaters home from a training camp Elite American figure skaters were onboard the flight that suffered a midair collision with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River.

Man Shares Heartbreaking Final Text He Received from Wife Before American Airlines Plane Crashed into Potomac River A man has revealed the heartbreaking final text he received from his wife who was onboard American Airlines flight 5342 before it collided mid-air with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 29.

No survivors after plane carrying 64 and helicopter crash over Washington DC river Takeoffs and landings are halted at Washington DC's Ronald Reagan National Airport as emergency services respond.

Developing . . .
The legal maverick from Kansas is at the forefront of a coalition of leaders looking regulate fairness in hiring for this corporation.

Meanwhile . . . The more relevant discussion for plebs might be the pricing of the wholesaler's hot dogs.



Here's a more serious take . . .



"Racial discrimination is both immoral and illegal. Race-based employment hiring violates state and federal law, and as the chief law enforcement officer of Kansas, I intend to enforce the law vigorously," Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach told Fox News Digital in a statement.



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Costco DEI Commitment Draws Warning From Conservative State Attorneys General Trump's anti-DEI policies already impacted federal agencies, and numerous private companies have pulled back on similar programs. Not Costco, which is now in the legal crosshairs.

State AGs warn retail giant Costco for doubling down on 'discriminatory' DEI State AGs in 19 states urge Costco to end discriminatory DEI policies, aligning with Trump's executive order to enforce civil rights laws and investigate violators.

Developing . . .
By Eduardo Baptista

BEIJING (Reuters) - Quantitative hedge fund, High-Flyer, built a 100 billion yuan ($13.79 billion) portfolio using artificial intelligence models to make investment decisions, but in 2023 decided to change track to focus on developing the most cutting-edge AI.

In a post on its official WeChat account, Hangzhou Huanfang Technology Ltd Co., as the company is officially called, said it would focus on pursuing artificial general intelligence (AGI).

"High-Flyer will concentrate its resources and strength, wholly devote itself to serve AI technology that benefits all of humanity, create a new independent research group, and explore the essence of AGI," the company said.

Microsoft-backed OpenAI, which developed ChatGPT, defines AGI as autonomous systems that surpass humans in most economically valuable tasks.

It's the next generation of AI models and in a post on X last week OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said his company had not yet achieved that milestone.

The independent research group envisaged by High-Flyer was DeepSeek, whose models have rocked the global technology sector in recent weeks. High-Flyer's founder and controlling shareholder, Liang Wenfeng, doubles as DeepSeek's low-profile leader.

The sophistication of DeepSeek's models has been widely praised by its Silicon Valley competitors, a first for a Chinese AI model, but the startup's claims that it used a fraction of the computing power deployed by leading U.S. firms for their own models triggered a selloff of tech shares worldwide.

It is unclear how close DeepSeek is to developing an AGI model.

While DeepSeek's success appears to have happened almost overnight, High-Flyer shows how this meteoric rise has been over a decade in the making.

Under Liang's leadership, the fund spent years studying and experimenting with overseas AI models, applying this technology to their business, and investing tens of millions of dollars in high-end Nvidia chips to provide the computing power necessary to support this AI-centric strategy, according to a Reuters review of High-Flyer's websites and official WeChat accounts.

SUPERCOMPUTING CLUSTERS

This includes building two AI supercomputing clusters, entirely made up of Nvidia's powerful A100 chips, which Washington banned from export to China in September 2022.

High-Flyer's A100 clusters were built and put into operation long before the export controls were announced. Its first cluster, made up of 1,100 A100 chips, cost 200 million yuan and was put into operation in 2020, while its second cluster, made up of around 10,000 A100 chips, was completed a year later with a cost of 1 billion yuan, according to the company's website and several WeChat posts.
At the very least . . .

A crackdown on federal employees, a call for mass resignations/buyouts and even more cuts coming in the future has sparked "concern" for advocates inside our cowtown loop . . .

And, for those who have forgotten, one more reminder that . . .

THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS THE LARGEST EMPLOYER IN THE KANSAS CITY METRO!!!

Yes, that includes JoCo and all those cute suburbs where middle-class white people hide.

Translation . . . For anyone residing in the cowtown metro . . . There's no escaping the economic impact (good or bad) of MAGA efforts to purge trim the federal workforce.



Check-it:



"The General Services Administration leases roughly 4.3 million square feet in 78 properties on both sides of the state line, according to a recent analysis by commercial real estate data firm Trepp. That's the GSA's fourth-largest office portfolio nationwide based on square feet. The federal government is Kansas City's largest employer.



"Federal leases cover about 5.81% of all KC-area office space and account for about $98.9 million in annual rent, according to Trepp."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

KC Biz Journal: Trump's cost-cutting efforts could disrupt federal office footprint in Kansas City region



KCTV5: 41,000 federal employees across Kansas City considering buyout option

Developing . . .
We've been updating an early morning post but feel like the latest news deserves another feature.

Here are the basics and more reporting regarding the politically charged aftermath . . . Check-it:

Washington Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said Thursday morning at a press conference that operations were beginning to switch from a rescue mission to a recovery mission.

About 60 people were believed to be on the American Airlines flight that collided with a UH-60 Black Hawk on its final approach to Reagan Washington National Airport in Alexandria, Va., just before 9 p.m. EST.



At this point, we dont believe there are any survivors from this accident, and we have recovered 27 people from the plane and one from the helicopter, Donnelly said.



American Airlines said the flight was en route from Wichita, Kan.



UPDATE . . . Here's a statement from the Prez regarding policy . . .

"I put safety first, Obama, Biden and the Democrats put policy first, and they put politics at a level that nobody's ever seen," Trump told reporters in the White House briefing room, referring to the policies, even as the investigation into what happened is just getting underway.



"I had to say that it's terrible," he said, citing what he called a story about a group within the FAA that had "determined that the [FAA] workforce was too white, that they had concerted efforts to get the administration to change that and to change it immediately. This was in the Obama administration, just prior to my getting there, and we took care of African Americans, Hispanic Americans."



But when a reporter pressed him, saying that similar language on DEI policies existed on the FAA's website under Trump's entire first term, Trump shot back, "I changed the Obama policy, and we had a very good policy and then Biden came in and he changed it. And then when I came in two days, three days ago, I said, a new order, bringing it to the highest level of intelligence."



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Officials say 'no survivors' expected after crash at Reagan National Airport Officials in Washington say that "no survivors" are expected after the collision of an American Airlines plane and military helicopter Wednesday evening at Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA). Washington Fire Chief John Donnelly said Thursday morning that operations were beginning to switch from a rescue mission to a recovery mission.

Ripple effect of deadly Washington, DC, midair collision felt at KCI Some flights inbound to KCI from Washington DC have been canceled

Multiple bodies pulled from freezing Potomac river: Live updates LIVE UPDATES: Hopes are beginning to fade for 64 people on board the doomed American Airlines flight which crashed into the Potomac River on Wednesday night.

Expert puts onus on FAA for American Airlines, helicopter crash: 'Bad management' is 'putting us at risk' An aviation expert is calling for taking "a bulldozer to the front of the FAA" after the fatal and tragic collision between an American Airlines flight and Army helicopter over D.C.

Expert puts onus on FAA for American Airlines, helicopter crash: 'Bad management' is 'putting us at risk' An aviation expert is calling for taking "a bulldozer to the front of the FAA" after the fatal and tragic collision between an American Airlines flight and Army helicopter over D.C.

U.S. and Russian figure skaters are among the victims of the D.C.-area plane crash The plane that crashed near Washington, D.C., was carrying an unknown number of passengers from the figure skating community, including Russian husband-and-wife world champions.

Trump, without evidence, appears to blame FAA diversity initiatives as factor in helicopter-plane collision Donald Trump appeared to place blame on DEI initiatives at the Federal Aviation Administration while speaking on the tragic plane crash in Washington, D.C.

"Despicable": Buttigieg fires back at Trump criticisms after deadly plane crash "As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying," Buttigieg said.

Local lawmakers provide support following DC midair collision An American Eagle flight en route from Wichita to Washington, D.C., was in a crash Tuesday night and landed in the Potomac River.

Wichita pastor urges the community to lean on each other after tragic plane crash A Wichita pastor, plus people in Washington, DC, are sharing what they saw and heard regarding the Wednesday night plane crash, plus how to cope with the tragedy.

Developing . . .
(Reuters) - Insurance company Chubb posted a rise in fourth-quarter profit on Tuesday, helped by strong gains in its underwriting business and higher returns on its investments.

However, the Zurich-based insurer said it expects a pre-tax net cost of $1.5 billion from the California fires, which will impact its first quarter of 2025. These wildfires are the costliest in U.S. history, according to several estimates.

Insurance spending has shown resilience despite ongoing economic and environmental uncertainties, as businesses and individuals continue to prioritize coverage to mitigate risks ranging from natural disasters to cyberattacks and health emergencies.

Chubb's Global P&C net premiums written, which excludes Agriculture, were up 6.7% year over year, with commercial insurance up 6.4% and consumer insurance up 7.5%.

The insurer's net investment income surged, driven by a market rally fueled by the Federal Reserve rate cut and expectations of lower corporate taxes and deregulation under President Donald Trump.

Its adjusted net investment income jumped 13.7% to record $1.69 billion in the quarter.

The insurer's core operating income, excluding tax benefits, rose to $2.45 billion, or $6.02 per share, in the three months ended Dec. 31, compared with $2.28 billion, or $5.54 per share, a year earlier.

(Reporting by Atharva Singh and Jaiveer Shekhawat; Editing by Alan Barona)
MILAN (AP)  Italian bank Mediobanca on Tuesday rejected a surprise takeover attempt by domestic rival Monte dei Paschi di Siena.

Mediobanca said in a statement that the offer is devoid of industrial and financial rationale.

Monte dei Paschi, Italys oldest bank, launched a 13.3 billion-euro ($13.9 billion) takeover bid last week for larger Milan-based peer Mediobanca that aims to reshape the Italian banking sector. Monte dei Paschi said that the tie-up would generate 700 million euros ($733 million) a year in pretax synergies, and deliver significant profits.

But Mediobanca said that the offer compromises its identity and business profile, which is focused on high-value-added business segments with clear growth trajectories, and that it would destroy shareholder value at both banks.

The buyout offer came after the Italian government moved to reprivatize the once-troubled Monte dei Paschi, whose largest shareholder has been the Italian Treasury since an expensive bailout in 2017.

Premier Giorgia Meloni said over the weekend that the merger, if successful, would create Italys third-largest bank, and could play an important role in the safekeeping of Italians savings.

The bank's major shareholders are expected to discuss the bid at a regular meeting next month on 2024 financial results.
MPAC slams integration of Holocaust education into Nigerian schools

The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) has slammed the integration of Holocaust into Nigerian schools, calling it attempt to promote Zionist agenda and distort historys

Thursday January 30, 2025 9:14 PM , ummid.com News Network

Lagos: The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) has slammed the integration of Holocaust into Nigerian schools, calling it attempt to promote Zionist agenda and distort history.

The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) strongly condemns the United States Embassy's attempt to infiltrate Nigeria's school curriculum through the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), the organisation said.

The program's "Educating about the Difficult Past to Advance Peace and Conflict Resolution" initiative, which aims to integrate Holocaust education into Nigerian schools, is a thinly veiled attempt to promote Zionist agenda and support distorted historical narratives, it added.

While we acknowledge the significance of the Holocaust and its impact on the Jewish community, we must also recognize that the Holocaust has been used in various ways to justify Israel's oppression of the Palestinians and the occupation, the MPAC said.

Victimhood Narrative

In a statement released Thursday, the Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC)  an independent body of the Nigerian Muslims working for empowerment and promoting of individual liberties, religious, civil and political rights of the community also said the U.S. Embassy is trying to legitimize Israel's existence at the expense of the Palestinians.

This narrative implies that the establishment of Israel is a necessary response to the trauma of the Holocaust, the MPAC said.

The MPAC said Israel often presents itself as a victim state, drawing parallels between the Holocaust and the perceived threats to Israel's existence.

"This narrative is used to elicit support or reroute sympathy", the organisation said.

The organisation also said that Israel portrays the occupation of Palestinian territories as a necessary measure for self-defense, drawing on the trauma of the Holocaust to justify its actions.

Delegitimization of Palestinian Claims

The MPAC said by emphasizing the Holocaust, Israel seeks to undermine Palestinian claims to their land and rights.

"The implication is that Palestinian demands are insignificant compared to the suffering of the Jewish people during the Holocaust", the organisation said.

The MPAC also accused Israel of using Holocaust to justify its military actions against Palestinians, framing them as necessary measures to prevent another Holocaust. "The United States supply most of the weapons used by Israel against the Palestinians in the ongoing genocide", the organisation said.

The MPAC also pointed out that critics of Israel's policies are often accused of anti-Semitism or Holocaust denial, effectively silencing dissent and stifling debate.

"It is therefore important to recognize how the teaching of Holocausts significance and its invocation are being used, most especially in the United States where the discussion is dominated, nay controlled, by the Israeli Lobby, to justify Israel's oppressive policies", the organisation said.

Consequences of US Policy

The MPAC said that the United States Embassy seeks to impose Holocaust education on Nigerian schools while ignoring the ongoing suffering of the Palestinian people, which is, in part, a consequence of US policy in the region for many decades.

"The United States that disregards the international law, that sanctioned the judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) for calling out Israeli war crimes in Gaza, that spent $17.9 billion in US taxpayers dollars to fund a genocidal war in Gaza in 2024 and severally blocked United Nations Security Councils resolutions to advance peace in Palestine cannot be infusing propaganda into our school curriculum under the pretense of teaching how to advance peace and conflict resolution. If the interest of the United States Embassy is to educate about the difficult past, perhaps the history of trans-Atlantic slavery, civil rights movement, colonialism, apartheid are more relevant topics for Nigerians", the organisation said.

Raising these points, MPAC demands from the United States to respect Nigeria's sovereignty and refrains from using backdoor tactics to influence its education system.

"We will not allow our curriculum to be hijacked by foreign interests seeking to promote a biased agenda", the organisation said.

"We urge the Nigerian government and people to be vigilant and reject this attempt to manipulate our education system. Instead of imposing a foreign narrative, we should focus on teaching our children about the struggles and injustices that have shaped our own history and continent", it said.

"MPAC calls on the Nigerian government to take immediate action to prevent this infringement on our national autonomy. We stand in solidarity with all Nigerians who value their heritage and reject any form of external manipulation. Together, we will ensure that our education system remains a reflection of our values, history and aspirations", the organisation said.

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(Reuters) -Kohl's said on Tuesday it has reduced nearly 10% of its corporate workforce, as the department store chain aims to improve profitability.

The company said more than half of the total reductions would come from closing open positions, while the rest from eliminating roles currently held by its associates.

The layoffs follow Kohl's announcement earlier this month to close 27 underperforming stores by April as well as an e-commerce fulfillment center in San Bernardino, California.

The company had about 96,000 employees in 2023, including nearly 36,000 full-time and 60,000 part-time workers, according to its latest regulatory filing.

Like other department stores, Kohl's has been struggling with patchy demand from bargain-hunting customers while spending on trendier clothing such as wide-legged jeans and logo-free shirts.

In November, the company appointed former Walmart executive Ashley Buchanan as CEO, following Tom Kingsbury's exit after less than two years at the helm.

It also forecast a bigger drop in annual sales than previously expected a day after announcing the CEO transition.

(Reporting by Juby Anna Babu in Mexico City and Juveria Tabassum in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar)
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Over 1,000 olive ridley turtles washed ashore dead on Chennai beaches

Environmentalists in the southern megapolis are peeved at the alarming death of Olive Ridley Turtles on the Chennai beaches

Thursday January 30, 2025 11:08 PM , Syed Ali Mujtaba

[Image for representation.]

Chennai: Environmentalists in the southern megapolis are peeved at the alarming death of Olive Ridley Turtles on the Chennai beaches.

According to news reports, more than 1,000 turtles have washed ashore dead on the East Coast Road of India (ECR) in the last thirty days or so.

The data shared by the Students Sea Turtle Conservation Network (SSTCN), a voluntary group conserving Olive Ridley in Chennai, said the death toll has crossed 346 in January 2025 alone.

The count is from the 13-kilometer stretch of Chennai coast between Marina Beach and Neelankarai Beach, an area on the outskirts of Chennai.

The primary cause of the mass deaths of the turtle is due to drowning after being entangled in trawler fishing nets, despite trawlers being prohibited from operating near the shore, V. Arun, trustee and coordinator, SSTCN said.

Initial investigation of a carcass that washed up on Chennais shore showed signs of drowning in fishing nets  bulged eyes, swollen necks, and internal hemorrhage marks on the underside", he said.

As sea turtles are air-breathing reptiles, they need to surface at least every 45 minutes to breathe. Under stressful situations such as being entangled in a net they need to surface more frequently as their oxygen level depletes at a faster rate, V. Arun noted.

Dr V Deepak Samuel V, Scientist, National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Chennai, said, "These aquatic reptiles, unlike fish, cannot breathe underwater and have to come to the surface to breathe. They get entangled in the fishing nets and are drowned."

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a complete ban on trawling during the nesting season of Olive Ridleys. Trawlers are mandated to be fitted with turtle excluder devices. TEDs help turtles escape when they are caught in a fishing net. However, these fishing regulations are not complied with.

Environmentalists in Chennai are raising alarm about such a large number of the deaths of Olive Ridley Turtles. They have requested the government to do a detailed investigation into the matter, indicating that there could be more reasons than using trawlers.

Merely stopping trawling wont resolve the issue, said one the environmentalist.

In Chennai, the shoreline has been replaced with groynes in many places, leaving no space for the turtles to nest, he reasoned.

Abhishek, a member of SSTCN, highlighted the issue of plastic pollution on the shores.

We do see a lot of garbage on our shores and the turtles could be victims of plastic waste-based deaths. It is common knowledge that pollution in our oceans has passed the threshold limits. I am sure the bellies of these turtles also have a lot of plastic", he added.

Olive Ridley turtles, which form an essential part of the ecosystem in the ocean, arrive in batches for nesting on the beaches of Tamil Nadu during the breeding season (December to March) every year. They come to the coast during mating and nesting periods and the female turtles stay on the shore for nesting purposes.

However, it is human negligence this time that has caused the deaths of such a large number of Olive Ridley turtles in Chennai which has made heads turn towards the environmental issues concerning Indias coastline.

[The writer, Syed Ali Mujtaba, is a member of the International Federation of Environmental Journalists (IFEJ) based in Chennai. He can be contacted at syedalimujtaba2007@gmail.com.]

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Sharjeel Imam: Five Years in Jail Without Trial

The story of Sharjeel Imam is a chilling example of how India's legal system can be used as a tool of indefinite punishment, especially against those who dare to speak up

Friday January 31, 2025 0:04 AM , Shahrukh bin Parvaiz

Five years in jail. Over 70 hearings. No trial, no conviction, and no justice. The story of Sharjeel Imam is a chilling example of how India's legal system can be used as a tool of indefinite punishment, especially against those who dare to speak up.

The world's largest democracy takes pride in its rule of law, yet cases like Sharjeel's expose the cracks in the system. If someone can spend half a decade in jail without a trial, is justice being served?

Who is Sharjeel Imam, and Why Was He Arrested?

Sharjeel Imam, who used to be a research scholar at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), was one of the most vocal against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

In January 2020, during widespread protests across the nation, he made speeches asking people not to allow this law to take place. But the government treated his words as a call for sedition.

He was booked for serious offenses that include:

Sedition (Section 124A IPC)

Promoting enmity between groups (Section 153A IPC)

Anti-terror law, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)

Since then, he remains behind the bars locked into a never-ending process of court adjournments, technicalities, and postponements.

70+ Hearings, Still No Trial

The more stunning part of Sharjeel Imam's case isn't what he was charged for, but the fact that after five years since his arrest, the case has still not gone to trial. Over 70 times, courts have conducted hearings, and yet no judgment was delivered.

Even murder trials in India complete within this time. So, why is the case of Sharjeel still pending? Is it a case of incompetence, or is it an intentional effort to jail him without proving the charges against him?

Justice delayed is justice denied, and in Sharjeel's case, justice has been completely abandoned.

Selective Justice in India?

Sharjeel Imam's case also raises another disturbing question: Is Indian justice system truly fair, or does it work differently for different people?

In the same country where Sharjeel has been denied a trial for five years:

Hate speech makers and riot-accused politicians continue to walk free.

Convicted criminals are given parole and special treatment.

Businessmen who owe billions in bank frauds flee the country.

But a student who spoke against the government remains locked up. If India's justice system can work fast for the powerful, why does it move so slowly for Sharjeel?

The Cost of Dissent

Sharjeel Imam is not the only one. Many other activists, journalists, and students who protested against the government in recent years have faced similar treatment. Arrested under UAPA and sedition laws, they spend years in jail without trial.

This is what the pattern reveals, a threatening reality: Dissent in India is not merely punished; it is silenced forever.

A Democracy That Obscures Justice

India's judiciary is supposed to be independent. But when a man is languishing in jail without being convicted for five years, one sure thing is that something is terribly amiss.

If India is a democracy, then what's behind the fear of a fair trial?

The Supreme Court itself has pronounced that bail should be the rule and jail the exception.

In Sharjeel's case, however, the state makes sure that he stays behind bars.

Justice Delayed is Justice Denied

Sharjeel Imam's case is no longer about him alone; it is a test for Indian democracy.

Will India remain a country where political opponents are jailed without trial? Or does it stand for justice and fair play?

One thing is clear: If someone can be locked up for five years without trial today, it could happen to anyone tomorrow.

Its time to ask: If not now, when will justice be served?

[The writer, Shahrukh bin Parvaiz, is Law student and human rights defender. Views expressed here personal.]

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Waqf Amendment Bill 2024: Attempt to Kill the Soul of Indian Muslims

The government looks all set to forcibly impose the amendments in the existing Waqf Act using the heavy steam roller of the Parliamentary majority even though it means snuffing the soul of Indian Muslims

Thursday January 30, 2025 8:43 AM , Syed Ali Mujtaba

[The members of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 posing after its final meeting.]

With the opposition expressing strong reservations to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) has wetted it accepting 14 amendments with a vote of 15 "Ayes" and 11 Nays".

Now the Waqf bill is ready for the perusal of the Lok Sabha Speaker who will take further action for its passage.

The opposition is still unconvinced about the current structure of the bill draft. Assaduddin Owaisi, the MP from Hyderabad says, We reject this Waqf amendment bill as all these amendments are not in the interest of the Waqf and Muslims will lose their endowed properties."

These will destroy the Waqf Boards character and increase interference of the Central government in its functioning.

The evacuee properties, (the properties being endowed by the Muslims who left for Pakistan) will now be taken by the government. This is not acceptable to the Muslim community. he said.

Congress member Imran Masood said, "You have violated our rights granted under Article 26 of the Constitution. You talked about the Uniform Civil Code, but there are Hindu Endowment Boards, Sikh Boards, and Christian boards that do not have non-Hindus, non-Sikhs, and non-Christians as members, but why there be Hindu members in the Waqf board?" he asked.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant, said, "When you say that the Waqf Board will have non-Muslims then by same count temple rules be amended to include Muslims, then only there would be parity, will the Hindus agree?

"The other bewildering thing is; that members of the Waqf Board will not be elected but selected by the government. Is this not a travesty of democracy, asked Arvind Sawant.

Trinamool Congress MP, Kalyan Banerjee said, The report indicated it was made with a predetermined mind by the ruling government. The statements of witnesses and the observations of the MPs were not taken into account and the proceedings of the JPC turned into mockery. What was the use of the whole exercise if its outcome was predetermined? asked Banerjee.

The opposition members of the JPC submitted dissent notes on the report and termed the entire exercise unconstitutional. They said that the 655-page draft report was circulated among the 31-member committee very late and they got little time to go through the voluminous document.

We received the 655-page report and were given not even 12 hours to respond. It is humanly impossible to read such a voluminous report and respond in a short time. I have given a dissent report against the amendments that do not favor the Waqf Board, said a member opposing the bill.

With the government making the pitch that amending the existing Wakf law 1995 is the prime necessity of the country, the passing of the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 is a mere formality.

The government is confident about the passing of the bill in the Parliament as it's touted to have sufficiently greased the palms of its allies Chandrababu Naidu, the Andhra Pradesh CM, and Nitish Kumar, the Bihar CM, on whose support the government is running.

In this background, the government looks all set to forcibly impose the amendments in the existing Waqf Act using the heavy steam roller of the Parliamentary majority even though it means snuffing the soul of Indian Muslims.

[Syed Ali Mujtaba is a journalist based in Chennai. He can be contacted at syedalimujtaba2007@gmail.com]

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By Kyle Spurr, UM News Service

MISSOULA  Forestry students at the University of Montana are working hard this week to set up the 106th Foresters Ball, a beloved campus tradition and fundraiser for students in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation.

Students and alumni have turned UMs Schreiber Gym into an old logging town featuring wooden false fronts of a saloon, chapel, jail and other buildings. The Western atmosphere will draw hundreds of flannel-clad visitors to gather and dance to live music.

This years ball is open to the public and will be held at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 31-Feb. 1. Tickets are available online. The public also is invited to a Community Forestry Day which will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in Schreiber Gym before the ball.

This years theme for the ball is Tankers Dumpin & Crews a Jumpin, a nod to the brave firefighting crews across the state.

The work to create this years ball was inspired by fire crews past and present, said Koson Verkler, a senior forestry student and chief push of the Foresters Ball Committee. A replica wooden smokejumper aircraft and parachutes will be displayed at the ball.

On the second-story of the gymnasium, a room will have interpretive signs to honor the 12 smokejumpers and one ground-based firefighter who died in the 1949 Mann Gulch Fire. The fire is considered one of the most tragic in U.S. Forest Service history and led to several changes in the safety and tactics of wildfire suppression.

Verkler, who served last year on the Mann Gulch 75th anniversary committee, said it was important to him and the other forestry students to recognize those lost in the historic fire.

People will be able to walk up there and understand more about who they were, Verkler said. We will honor them all and share the fact that six of them went to UM and sat in the same chairs that we sit in. They had similar classes and likely also put on Foresters Balls just like we are doing.

Mike Ryan, a third-generation UM alumnus and Forest Service firefighter, was glad to hear the Foresters Ball will commemorate the Mann Gulch Fire. Ryan is deeply familiar with Mann Gulch, having hiked through it each year to help clear the trails and having led a helicopter crew over the area. Additionally, his grandfather, John Milodragovich, was on a Forest Service crew that responded in the days after the deadly fire. Ryans grandfather graduated with a bachelor's degree in forest management from UM in 1940 and worked as an assistant ranger in Philipsburg during the Mann Gulch Fire.

When you stand at the top of Mann Gulch, you are immediately carried to what it must have been like for those men in those moments, Ryan said. Even if they are not directly remembered by name, the lessons that came out of Mann Gulch will stay with the firefighting community forever.

The history of Mann Gulch is a motivation for Verkler as he leads the ball and studies to join the next generation of land managers and stewards. This summer, Verkler will enter his third season working on a Missoula-based Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation helitack crew. He works closely with other UM forestry college alumni on the crew.

A lot of alumni work out there. Its a blast, Verkler said. Not many people can say they fly around in a helicopter for their college job.

In the classroom, Verkler has seen support grow for the UM forestry college and its mission to be a leader in conservation and sustainability efforts across Montana and the West. This past year, the college partnered with the UM Foundation to launch the Treasure Montana: Cultivating Our Tomorrow fundraising campaign. The UM Foundation seeks to raise $20 million in private support for a new state-of-the-art, 60,000-square foot hub for environment and conservation research and instruction on campus. The campaign will match $25 million committed to the project by the Montana Legislature in 2021.

As Verkler enters this weekends Foresters Ball, it will be his last as a student. But he knows hes leaving it in good hands. Three years ago, he helped bring back the ball after a COVID-related hiatus and kept the momentum going each year since.

The first meeting of this spring semester to plan the ball drew 66 students, mostly freshman and sophomores, who are eager to continue the time-honored tradition.

I think the ball is in a really good spot right now, and I hope that continues into the future, Verkler said. Im just lucky to be able to do what I do and be a part of this history.

###

Contact: Dave Kuntz, UM director of strategic communications, 406-243-5659, dave.kuntz@umontana.edu
By Mimosa Spencer and Danilo Masoni

PARIS (Reuters) -Shares in LVMH were on track for their largest drop in 14 months on Wednesday after the luxury goods group's latest sales figures disappointed investors hoping for stronger signs of a rebound at the sector bellwether.

The home of Louis Vuitton fashions and Bulgari jewellery reported a 1% rise in fourth-quarter sales, beating estimates. But its margin was weighed down by higher costs, with management mostly citing one-off events like increased staff costs linked to the Paris 2024 Olympics and an employee share scheme.

Shares in Europe's most valuable company fell as much as 6.7% in early trade and were down 5% at 1200 GMT. The underwhelming update follows a string of strong releases from rivals and a recovery rally that lifted LVMH shares more than 30% from the more than two-year low hit in November.

Gucci-owner Kering was down 6%. Hermes, which is seen as best-placed to weather downturns thanks to a wealthier customer base, was up 0.1%, close to record levels.

While fourth-quarter sales from LVMH's key fashion and leather division, home to its top-earning Louis Vuitton and Dior labels, were around 2 percentage points higher than expectations, the beat was likely "not enough to call this an inflection point," said Citi analyst Thomas Chauvet.

The luxury goods sector has been grappling with its slowest sales in years, with a 2% fall last year according to Bain & Company estimates, hit by a property crisis in China.

But recent expectation-beating results from firms including Cartier owner Richemont and Burberry have fuelled hopes the sector is starting the year on firmer ground.

While LVMH's results "challenge the sector narrative that all luxury companies have seen the acceleration" seen at Richemont and Burberry, it reinforces the idea of a quicker recovery this year than expected in October, Deutsche Bank analysts said in a note to clients.

Luxury shares, which have been volatile since the winding down of a post-pandemic boom, have risen since the start of 2025, with Richemont up 25% and Hermes up 15%.

(Reporting by Mimosa Spencer. Additional reporting by Danilo Masoni in Milan. Editing by Jason Neely and Mark Potter)
The new building, Carrochan, provides a central headquarters for the first National Park in Scotland that covers a region over 700 square miles north and west of Balloch. The new building provides flexible workspace for over 120 staff, associated community groups, staff from Scottish Natural Heritage and SEPA.The design team has striven to meet the client demands for an affordable, sustainable building, that not only sets new standards for office design but one that also affects ways of working, allowing staff to undertake a planned process of change.The building plan has a sinuous curved form which responds to the site, at the junction of a roundabout and the approach road to Balloch Country Park. The front of the building has a large canopy, which invites the staff and visitor to enter. The foyer, meeting rooms and conference rooms are situated at this end of the building.Beyond this is the main office space for the National Park Authority. The office areas are arranged around a central street. This is seen as the heart of the building and circulation occurs through this and is lit by a continuous roof light. It feels almost like an outside space even if it is in the middle of the building.The library and cafe spaces are positioned directly off this and are double height spaces. Also on the ground floor are more private rooms used for meetings, reprographics, archive and server rooms. The first floor is fully open plan and maximises the height of the building by the ceiling following the roof line.The section is based on traditional barn like structures, with a double pitched roof. Running through the centre is a glazed street which brings light and ventilation deep into the building plan. The main offices are open plan overlooking the street.Natural materials are used widely in the design. The main structural frame is constructed from green douglas fir. The exterior materials are natural slate roof finish, natural stone walling and Scottish larch cladding.The building and car parking is within a landscaped setting, with tree and hedge planting and a reed bed area to the rear, which forms part of the sustainable drainage system for the project.The quality of the workspace is like no other commercial office. The building is light and airy. The soft curve of the form means that even though the building is open plan you get a feeling of enclosure. The central street creates a feeling of openness and allows views across from department to department. This building is such a contrast from the old headquarters and the employees find they are much more productive in this space because they fell happier and healthier.This was the first building, after the Scottish Parliament, to be directly funded by the Scottish Government and was seen as a great success, as it was delivered on budget and on programme
McDonald's USA has announced the appointment of Alyssa Buetikofer, currently chief marketing officer (CMO) of McDonald's Canada, to the role of senior vice-president, CMO and customer experience officer of McDonald's USA.

Buetikofer will assume the role on 15 February 2025, replacing current chief marketing and customer experience officer Tariq Hassan who will step down to spend time with his family.

Hassan, who joined McDonald's in September 2021 after serving as CMO for three years at Petco, will stay on to support the transition through most of the first quarter of this year.

He is recognised as a powerful force in strengthening the brand, with initiatives such as adult Happy Meals and Grimaces birthday celebration.

McDonalds USA president Joe Erlinger stated: Tariq has been a powerful force in driving our business forward and putting our brand at the centre of culture while delivering on our Accelerating the Arches strategy. Under his leadership, we have built deeper connections with our customers, delivered award-winning campaigns and found new ways to innovate, which helped strengthen McDonalds position in a competitive marketplace. We also leaned into fan truths to create authentic connections with our customers through milestone moments like adult Happy Meals, food hacks and reigniting an obsession with Grimace.

Tariqs leadership helped us to transform into a data-driven, digital business, driving growth and building new capabilities to fortify our brand into the future. His principles and his values are unwavering, and on behalf of our entire system, I want to thank him for his impact and wish him and his wonderful family all the best in his next chapter.

Buetikofer brings wide experience to her new role. She joined McDonald's in 2011 and worked across a range of geographies and departments.

Her achievements as CMO of McDonald's Canada include launching the loyalty programme, introducing menu expansions such as the McCrispy and Chicken Big Mac  the latter being Canada's most successful limited-time offer  and enhancing beverage options.

In the US, she played a pivotal role in launching the Famous Orders platform.

Erlinger stated: During her tenure on the US Marketing team, Alyssa was widely respected as a strong partner for owner/operators [...]. She is a clear, thoughtful communicator and an experienced leader who truly embraces the critical role marketing plays in how we connect with our customers, inspire brand loyalty and grow our business. [...] shell fit right in on our senior leadership team and will be a highly welcomed return to US marketing."
U.S. President Donald Trump's pick to lead the country's intelligence apparatus launched a broadside against the conduct of those agencies under previous presidents, accusing them of wielding their power to undermine Trump while also seeking to smear her reputation.

Former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard told members of the Senate Intelligence Committee Thursday she would bring "fresh eyes" if confirmed as director of national intelligence and restore faith in the intelligence community's 18 agencies, which she said is at "an all-time low."

"For too long, faulty, inadequate, or weaponized intelligence have led to costly failures and the undermining of our national security and God-given freedoms," Gabbard said during her nomination hearing.

"The bottom line is this  this must end," she said. "President Trump's reelection is a clear mandate from the American people to break this cycle of failure, and the weaponization and politicization of the intelligence community."

Gabbard also lashed out at those who have criticized her nomination by arguing she is "loyal to something or someone other than God, my own conscience and the Constitution of the United States," she said.

"What truly unsettles my political opponents is I refuse to be their puppet," she said in her opening statement.

Trump's decision to nominate Gabbard for the post shortly after his victory in November's presidential election caught some lawmakers and former intelligence officials by surprise.

The former Democratic representative from the state of Hawaii, and a one-time Democratic presidential candidate, is a 20-year-plus veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard with tours in Iraq and Kuwait. But while she was awarded a combat medical badge, she has not held any senior leadership positions.

Gabbard has also faced criticism from both Republicans and Democrats for statements she has made about Russias invasion of Ukraine, about the use of warrantless surveillance, and for legislation she introduced to pardon Edward Snowden, a former National Security Agency contractor accused of leaking thousands of classified documents before ultimately fleeing to Russia.

There also have been criticisms of a 2017 trip Gabbard took to Syria, during which she met with then-President Bashar al-Assad.

"It's fair to say Ms. Gabbard's nomination has generated a bit more interest and attention than do most nominees before this committee," said Republican committee chairman Tom Cotton, as the hearing got underway.

But Cotton, who earlier told Fox News that Gabbard is ready to assume the role of the top U.S intelligence official, also said he was dismayed by attacks on her patriotism and loyalty.

"I can only laugh at some critics who say that Ms. Gabbard has unconventional views," he told lawmakers. "But look at where conventional thinking has got us. Maybe Washington could use a little more unconventional thinking."

Other lawmakers, though, were not equally impressed.

"I continue to have significant concerns about your judgment and your qualifications," said committee Vice Chairman Mark Warner, a Democrat.

"Repeatedly, you have excused our adversaries' worst actions, [and] instead often blame them on the United States," he said. "I respectfully just don't believe, on your judgment and your credibility issues, that this is the appropriate role for you to take going forward."

Senate Intelligence Committee members questioned Gabbard repeatedly about her statements regarding Snowden, despite Gabbard's testimony that, if confirmed, she would not push for him to be pardoned.

Gabbard, however, repeatedly declined to fully condemn Snowden's actions, saying that while he broke the law, he also exposed unlawful actions and prompted needed reforms.

"My heart is with my commitment to our Constitution and our nation's security," she told Republican Senator James Lankford, who asked if she considered Snowden a traitor. "I'm focused on the future and how we can prevent something like this from happening again."

Democratic Senator Michael Bennet expressed frustration with Gabbard's responses.

"This is when you need to answer the questions of the people whose votes you're asking for to be confirmed as the chief intelligence of this nation," Bennet told Gabbard, before asking his fellow lawmakers, "Can't we do better?"

Russia-Ukraine stance

Other lawmakers questioned Gabbard about comments she has made about Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"This war and suffering could have easily been avoided if Biden Admin/NATO had simply acknowledged Russia's legitimate security concerns," Gabbard said on social media as Russia began its invasion in 2022.

But Gabbard took a different stance during Thursday's hearing.

"Putin started the war in Ukraine," she told one senator, while telling another she was offended by his question about whether she would give Russia "a pass" when evaluating intelligence.

"My sole focus, commitment and responsibility is about our own nation, our own security and the interests of the American people," Gabbard said, describing Russia as a "strategic competitor" with a concerning nuclear weapons arsenal.

"You have my commitment to be completely objective, unbiased and apolitical, and I hope you understand my commitment to our country's interests," she said.

Meeting with Syria's Assad

Gabbard also defended her 2017 trip to Syria and her meeting with Assad, who had been accused by the U.S. and others of using chemical weapons against Syrian civilians.

"I asked him tough questions about his own regime's actions, the use of chemical weapons and the brutal tactics that were being used against his own people," she said, defending the decision to make the trip.

Gabbard likewise defended her newfound support of U.S. warrantless surveillance capabilities despite opposition to the program while she was a lawmaker, citing recent reforms enacted by Congress to better protect the privacy of U.S. citizens.

Gabbard also raised concerns about Chinese-linked hackers known as Volt Typhoon and Salt Typhoon, calling Beijing's ability to infiltrate critical infrastructure and telecommunications systems "an area of significant and great concern."

Some Senate Republicans had been making a strong push for Gabbard's confirmation even before the hearing got underway.

Utah Republican Senator Mike Lee took to X [on social media] to reject accusations that Gabbard is sympathetic to Russia.

"This is what the Deep State does to reformers. We can't let the Deep State win," Lee said in a post later re-posted by Trump ally and U.S. billionaire Elon Musk, who heads the non-governmental Department of Government Efficiency.

"I have a long record of speaking truth to power," Gabbard told the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday, saying she would also take it upon herself, if confirmed, to give Trump his daily intelligence briefings.

"I will do my very best to find the truth, no matter where it leads, and share that truth with President Trump, his advisers, and you in Congress," she said.
East African Community leaders on Wednesday called for an immediate ceasefire in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where government forces are fighting rebel group M23, while aid agencies say the clashes are deepening the already dire humanitarian crisis there.

Kenyan President William Ruto led an online meeting for seven of eight of the trade bloc's heads of state. The only member not participating was Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi.

In a statement afterward, the leaders called on the warring parties to cease hostilities in eastern Congo and facilitate humanitarian access to the affected areas.

The summit also asked the DRC government to protect diplomatic missions in the country, following attacks this week by protesters in the capital, Kinshasa, targeting embassies of several countries presumed to be sympathetic to the M23 rebel group.

The Congolese government has accused Rwanda of supporting M23, which this week took control of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province. Witnesses reported seeing bodies in the streets, but local officials have not determined a death toll.

The Congolese government said it is fighting to push out the rebels from the city of 2 million.

Edgar Githua, an international relations analyst in Nairobi, said animosity between Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame could derail any ceasefire talks.

Theres still a lot of bad blood between DRC and Rwanda on how to approach this issue because DRC believes that these are Rwandese, and Kagame categorically keeps on saying M23 are not Rwandese, these are ethnic Tutsis who are Congolese by citizenship, Githua said. It is only that they share a language with Rwanda. So, this issue of identity is what is ailing this conflict and needs to be addressed deeply.

Meanwhile, aid agencies say these latest clashes have made the dire humanitarian crisis in DRC even worse, as thousands of Goma residents, many of whom were already displaced due to earlier conflict, are forced to flee again.

Maina Kingori, the acting country director for CARE International in DRC, told VOA from Goma, Theres been no electricity supply for the last several days in most parts of Goma. The water system is not functioning; it has been shut down, though slowly coming back in some places, and there has been no internet connectivity in Goma for the last three days. This makes living really difficult.

Kingori urged parties to the conflict to adhere to international humanitarian law and protect civilians.

Civilians cannot be a target, he said. Civilians are not party to this conflict, yet theyre having to bear the immense load.  Theyre the ones that are having to feel the pain of sleeping outside, of being relocated several times, of losing loved ones.

Democratic Republic of Congo is grappling with a decadeslong crisis that humanitarian agencies say has left over 6 million people displaced, with recent hostilities exacerbating their plight.

North Kivu, where Goma is located, hosts over 2.7 million internally displaced people, according to CARE International.
The Lunar New Year, also called the Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival in China, is traditionally celebrated with tables piled with food and red envelopes filled with cash for children.

In past years, smoke from outdoor fire pits filled the air throughout the morning and afternoon, as people burned paper money to ensure that even the ancestors can feel the financial boon that the biggest holiday of the year usually brings to the living.

In recent years, however, Chinas economic slowdown has altered the atmosphere of Chinese New Year. Facing increasing financial burdens, young people are reexamining long-held traditions as they welcome the Year of the Snake, opting for more frugal alternatives during this years eight-day-long national holiday.

A 30-year-old legal worker from Shanghai, who did not want to use his name for fear of reprisal, told VOA that stores selling trinkets and supplies for the holiday appeared unusually deserted.

He said people appear to be forgoing large purchases, which manifests mostly in the custom of giving money-filled red envelopes  the color symbolizes good luck and prosperity in the new year.

As with goods purchased for the new year, red envelopes have become more simple and less thick, the Shanghai resident said.

He told VOA he usually gives his niece an envelope with around $140 inside, but this year, he plans to give her $90.

Talk on social media

Frustration with the economy is being expressed on social media  young people are saturating online threads with images and comments describing the pressure and criticism they will encounter during the holiday.

An account on RedNote called "I dont give a damn about the banana" posted a series of funny images detailing the levels of anxiety young, unmarried and unemployed people will face during the holiday.

You havent earned any money but you still have to give the younger kids a red envelope, the user wrote, over a picture of a woman giving a small bill to a cat.

Many others offer advice to ease fears of being scrutinized by the family.

Unique-me wrote on the Chinese social media platform Weibo: Now the economy is not good, it's good to just have an income. If you are in a difficult situation, you can admit that you don't make much. There is no need to be generous. Just show your appreciation. Those who have opinions about you because of the size of your red envelope, let them have opinions.

Faced with economic woes, some local governments are advocating frugality. Baise City, Guangxi, suggested that the amount of money in a red envelope should not exceed $3.

The initiative also encourages the younger generation to give their elders "blessing gifts" with commemorative significance or emotional value instead of red envelopes.

This move has attracted widespread attention, with many social media users expressing their support for the programs positive impact on financial and mental health. Some suggested that blessing gifting be promoted nationwide.

Workplace anxiety

The size of red envelopes exchanged in the workplace and increasing leniency on new year vacation day allowances have stoked fears of job insecurity among employees.

"The economic downturn is not only reflected in my meager salary, but also in the red envelopes given by the boss every year, Life with Greed said on Weibo.

A user called Lets try to be happy" commented on Weibo: My company is in a slump. New Year gifts have not been issued. In previous years, the maximum New Year holiday was 20 days, but this year it was more than a month. I don't know what it will be like next year. It feels like it is on the verge of bankruptcy.

A 39-year-old government worker in Dalian, who spoke to VOA on the condition of anonymity because of security fears, said despite having a family and a stable job, she will limit her holiday spending.

"We have to reduce some unnecessary expenses, such as buying less candy and snacks, and we try to buy simple things outside when worshiping, the wife and mother said.

The changes in Chinese Spring Festival customs are affected by many factors, but the economy is most critical, said Sun Guoxiang, a professor in the international affairs and business department at Nanhua University in Taiwan.

"The economic downturn has led to a decline in consumption capacity. Young people pay more attention to rational consumption and actual needs, which reduces the relatively high-cost parts of traditional Spring Festival customs, Sun said, adding that pressure from family about issues that include work, marriage and education cannot be ignored as drivers of this trend.

He said the future of Chinese New Year and how it will be celebrated will depend heavily on Chinas development and whether the country can overcome its current economic decline.
As tensions flared between Somalia and Ethiopia last year, social media became a breeding ground for misinformation.

One video falsely claiming to show Egyptian troops training in Somalia gained 34,000 views on the social media platform X.

But fact-checkers were able to prove the footage was old and unrelated to the current tensions.

The case was not an isolated incident in Ethiopia, or globally.

The spread of mis- or disinformation is a global phenomenon. Research has repeatedly shown how hostile groups use disinformation to further inflame tensions, create confusion and weaken trust in institutions, including government offices, nonprofits and media.

Often it falls to news outlets or fact-checking initiatives to set the record straight.

But moves by Meta to end some fact-checking tools such as CrowdTangle, and its decision in January to end a Facebook fact-check program in the U.S., have experts concerned about how to contain the spread of hate speech and disinformation.

In Ethiopia, some specialists are already seeking extra training to be able to better spot and debunk false or misleading content.

Communications specialist Netsanet Tesfaye already knew how to use tools such as Googles reverse image search. But he sought extra training after seeing how quickly doctored images can be spread to stoke tensions.

To learn how to better spot fakes, Netsanet turned to HaqCheck, an Ethiopia-based organization set up four years ago.

"Fake information is causing great damage to organizations and the country. The methods people use have also gone from spreading simple rumors to using advanced technology such as deep fake or AI. So it was important I understand what tools are available to counter them, Netsanet said.

Since its launch, HaqCheck has identified and debunked thousands of misleading posts shared on social media and has made it easier for the public to verify information, said Kirubel Tesfaye, lead fact-checker at HaqCheck. It also offers training.

"It wasn't until I joined HaqCheck that I began to understand the darker side of social media, Kirubel said. I'm constantly shocked by the lengths people will go to to disseminate false information."

Much of the misinformation Kirubel and his team deal with involves internal conflicts, border disputes, and the diplomatic tension between Ethiopia and Somalia over a port deal with Somaliland.

"We also find the prime minister's and government officials' various speeches are frequently manipulated," Kirubel said.

Dangers of disinformation

Most of the disinformation is circulated on social media. Facebook, TikTok and the Telegram messaging apps are all popular in Ethiopia.

But some platforms have been criticized for posts that stoke tensions.

A 2023 Amnesty International report alleges that Meta, Facebook's parent company, contributed to human rights abuses against the Tigrayan community in Ethiopia.

The report said Facebooks algorithms supercharged the spread of harmful rhetoric and that content moderation systems failed to prevent that spread.

Noting that Facebook is widely used in Ethiopia and considered a trustworthy news source, Amnesty said that its algorithms fueled devastating human rights impacts on Tigrayans.

Prior to the conflict in Tigray, Facebook in November 2021 announced that Ethiopia was in its highest-risk category for violence, and that it had developed technology to identify hate speech in Ethiopia's four most spoken languages.

The following year, two British digital research companies found that Facebook was still approving posts containing hate speech during the conflict. The U.N.s then-special adviser on the prevention of genocide, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, noted similar findings in her 2022 reports.

Meta does have systems in place to try to address such concerns. But in the U.S., some of those methods are being rolled back.

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg announced a change in policy to end content moderation  its third-party fact-checking program  in the U.S.

The fact-checkers have just been too politically biased and have destroyed more trust than they've created, especially in the U.S., Zuckerberg said in a January 7 video. So, over the next couple of months, we are going to phase in a more comprehensive community notes system.

In his message, Zuckerberg said the platform, which globally has 2.9 billion monthly users, plans to change its content policies.

Zuckerberg in August said the Biden administration had pressured his company to censor posts about the coronavirus pandemic. Misinformation alerts were added to Facebook and Instagram posts that contained disinformation about the pandemic or vaccines. And some posts critical of the vaccines were deleted.

Contacted by VOAs Horn of Africa Service, Meta said it was making changes in the U.S. first and would improve its systems before expansion to other countries.

"There are no changes in other countries at this time, and before rolling out any changes to our fact-checking program outside of the U.S., we will carefully consider our obligations, Meta said.

Fact-checker tool kit

Back in Ethiopia, HaqCheck fact-checkers rely on several digital tools to verify information, including reverse image search.

CrowdTangle was one such tool, helping the team analyze public content on social media. Meta shut down the tool in August, saying it didn't provide a complete picture of what was happening on its platform.

"It was a powerful tool that helped us monitor Facebook, Instagram and Reddit, said Kirubel of HaqCheck. Now we've reverted to manual monitoring, using keywords.

The team employs other tools, too, including InVid, which can help researchers identify when an image was first shared, and whether or even where it was manipulated.

Beyond debunking false information, the group trains journalists, communication experts and academics. Netsanet said that this work carries special significance in countries like Ethiopia.

"False information can turn ethnic groups that lived in harmony against each other and threaten national security, he said. The spread of misinformation also worsens conflicts. So, fact-checking means protecting a country from all that.

To ensure it reaches as wide an audience as possible, HaqCheck publishes verified articles on its website, social media and local TV stations.

This story originated in VOAs Horn of Africa Service.
A former rebel leader who helped defeat Syrian President Bashar al-Assad last month was named interim president of the country Wednesday.

Commanders of military factions that toppled the former regime named Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has served as the de facto head of government since the fall of Assad, as president during the formation of a new government.

Al-Sharra, who was once aligned with al-Qaida, is facing the daunting task of forming a temporary legislative council for the transitional period, as the previous parliament has been dissolved.

Syrias constitution has also been annulled and a new charter will be adopted. No timeline for the creation of a new parliament and Constitution has been announced.



Al-Sharra is the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham or HTS, a U.S.-designated terrorist group, that spearheaded the campaign in December to take control of Damascus. Assad fled to Russia, ending more than half a century of oppressive rule by Bashar and his late father, Hafez.

At one point, the U.S. had placed a $10 million bounty on al-Sharra, the new interim president, according to the Associated Press. The bounty was removed recently after a U.S. delegation met him in Damascus.

Barbara Leaf, a top U.S. diplomat in the Middle East described al-Sharra as pragmatic, after meeting him, AP reported.

In a video released after the meeting with the Syrian factions, al-Sharaa said one of his top priorities in the new position will be filling in a legitimate and legal way Syrias vacuum in government. Another priority, he said, will be maintaining civil peace by seeking transitional justice and preventing revenge attacks due to Assads reign.

Syrians took to the streets of Damascus, the capital, to celebrate the announcement of al-Sharaa's appointment. One of those celebrating was Abdallah al-Sweid who told AP that the new president is someone who is intelligent and has a good understanding and he was the leader of the battle that freed Syria. Al-Sharra is someone who deserves to be president, al-Sweid said.

However, Fawaz Gerges, professor of international relations at the London School of Economics sees al-Sharra's appointment differently. He told Reuters that the declaration of the interim presidents appointment formalized al-Sharra's status as the strongman ruler. Gerges said, My take is that HTS and Sharaa intend to consolidate single-party Islamist rule.
Alderman Michael Rodriguez represents Chicago's 22nd Ward, including the "Little Village" neighborhood on the west side of the city.

Outside his office windows, he has an up-close view of 26th Street, an important thoroughfare with stores and merchants attracting immigrants from across the region.

"26th Street is known as the capital of the Mexican Midwest," Rodriguez told VOA. "Our local economy here is thriving and is a generous tax base for the whole region."

A 2020 study by the Delta Institute says the Little Village provides about $900 million in annual tax revenue for Chicago, the second-highest amount for the city.

But as federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and other agents fan out across the area amid the Trump administration's crackdown on illegal immigrants, the usually bustling 26th Street is noticeably quieter.

"My community members are in absolute fear," Rodriguez said.

One way his office prepared for the crackdown was sharing information with the community about their rights.

"We've held workshops for our businesses knowing their rights. We've passed out 'Know your Rights' cards outside of grocery stores. There are other organizations and entities going door to door talking to neighbors and letting them know what their rights are," he said.

White House "Border Czar" Tom Homan was in Chicago observing federal law enforcement efforts. In an interview at the White House on Wednesday, he explained to VOA that law-abiding immigrants in the country legally are not the focus of the crackdown.

"Right now, we are concentrating on public safety threats and national security threats. That's our number one goal," Homan said. "So, we've got all of our government operations. It's not just ICE looking for these criminal aliens  it's DEA, and FBI, and ATF and U.S. Marshals Services.  It's an all-government approach to look for criminal aliens throughout the United States. We're going to hit every city in this country and arrest those that are in the country illegally that have a criminal conviction."

A new executive order signed by President Donald Trump enables ICE officers to enter sensitive locations such as schools and churches to apprehend suspects, Homan said in an interview Sunday on ABC's "This Week."

"ICE officers should have discretion to decide if a national security threat or a public safety threat is in one of these facilities. Then it should be an option for them to make the arrest," Homan told ABC.

"We're really concerned for the safety of our families," said Cristina De La Rosa, executive director of Erie House, a nonprofit organization that assists immigrants in the Little Village neighborhood. "We've already experienced some participants that are not coming to our sites or keeping their kids at home, so we want them to know that we are prepared, as well."

De La Rosa said her organization has moved some services online for those reluctant to visit offices.

"We've definitely experienced less people on the streets, for sure," she told VOA. "I think that unfortunately, there's been a lot of chaos, as well, because of the fear."

De La Rosa said concerns among community members she talks to extend beyond fear of deportation.

"A lot of the organizations in the community, we rely on government dollars to do a lot of the work that we do in our communities. And so, I think this is just one of the many ways our work is going to be impacted," she said.

At a city press conference on Wednesday, Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling told reporters that federal law enforcement agencies were providing updates to his department on their enforcement actions.

"What I can tell you right now is that we don't have an exact number of Chicago people who have been detained," Snelling said. "But what I can tell you is that the number in the Chicagoland area exceeds 100."

Mayor Brandon Johnson tried to reassure the public that Chicago was still a city that welcomed immigrants.

"Chicago is a city that opens its arms to people from around the globe," he said. "We will continue to protect civil and human rights, and we welcome all individuals and families who want to work, live and thrive here in our beloved city."

Celia Mendoza contributed to this article.
Iran has stepped up its efforts to recruit spies in Israel. Authorities in Israel say they have arrested more than 30 in the past year, with two army reservists detained this week. One of them is accused of giving Iran classified information on Israels Iron Dome anti-missile system. Linda Gradstein reports for VOA from Jerusalem. (Videographer: Ricki Rosen )
(Bloomberg) -- Microsoft Corp. Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella had some kind words for DeepSeek, the Chinese artificial intelligence startup that roiled his companys shares earlier this week.

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The upstart stunned the US tech industry with an open-source AI model called R1 that it claims rivals or outperforms the abilities of western technology but at a fraction of the cost.

DeepSeek has had some real innovations, Nadella said during an investor call after Microsoft reported quarterly results on Wednesday. Obviously now that all gets commoditized and its going to get broadly used.

DeepSeeks feat prompted investors to wonder if Nadellas company needs to spend so much money on AI infrastructure. Couldnt Microsoft and partner OpenAI train its AI models and handle user queries  a process known as inferencing  more cheaply?

Nadella said they already have been doing exactly that.

We ourselves have been seeing significant efficiency gains both in training and inference for years now, he said. Microsoft has used its software to wring better performance and cost savings from each new generation of AI models and AI hardware, Nadella said.

He said Microsoft did a lot of the work in partnership with OpenAI. Its not enough to release the best new model, he added. You have to make it cost-effective to use. If its too expensive to serve, its no good, right? he said.

Microsoft still plans to spend $80 billion on data centers this fiscal year to help it meet demand from customers for its AI products, though the company expects the growth in expenses to taper off in fiscal 2026, which starts July 1.

On Tuesday, Bloomberg News reported that Microsoft and OpenAI are investigating whether a group linked to DeepSeek had obtained data output from OpenAIs technology without authorization.

That hasnt stopped Microsoft from offering DeepSeeks model to customers. On Wednesday, the company said it had added R1 to its Azure AI Foundry, a repository of more than 1,800 models that companies can use to design and manage AI programs.

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The Israeli military said eight hostages, including three Israelis and five Thai nationals, were released Thursday as Israel and Hamas carried out their third exchange of hostages and prisoners under a ceasefire agreement to halt more than 15 months of fighting in Gaza.

Israeli soldier Agam Berger was released to the Red Cross in the refugee camp of Jabaliya in northern Gaza, then went to Israel, where she was reunited with her parents.

Thank God we have reached this moment, and our hero Agam has returned to us after 482 days in enemy hands, Bergers family said in a statement. Now Agam and our family can begin the healing process, but the recovery will not be complete until all the hostages return home.

Hours later, a Red Cross convoy moved through a chaotic, crowded scene in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis to deliver the other two Israelis and the Thai nationals to the Israeli military.

Their release was delayed after armed militants struggled to contain the large Palestinian crowds that gathered around the Red Cross cars. The hostages were eventually led through the crowd surrounded by a ring of gunmen.

I view with utmost severity the shocking scenes during the release of our hostages, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement released by his office shortly after the handover was completed. He said he demands that the mediators make certain that such terrible scenes do not recur and guarantee the safety of our hostages.

The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the group then crossed into Israeli territory. It identified the freed Israelis as Arbel Yehoud and Gadi Moses, and the Thais as Thenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakhan, Sriaoun Watchara, Seathao Bannawat and Rumnao Surasak.

The military said the Israelis would be reunited with their families, while Thai government officials would meet with its citizens.

Later in the day, as part of the ceasefire agreement, Israel released 110 Palestinian prisoners, including 32 serving life sentences for deadly attacks on Israelis.

The Hamas-linked prisoners office said that about 20 of the freed Palestinian prisoners would be expelled abroad and will not be allowed to return to their homes in the West Bank or Jerusalem. Such prisoners can head to Gaza or leave for Egypt, where discussions over their final destination are ongoing, according to the Palestinian commissioner for prisoners affairs.

Returning home

Under the ceasefire, more than 423,000 Palestinians have returned to northern Gaza over the past three days after the Israeli military ordered them out of the region in the earliest stages of the war in October 2023. However, their homecoming has been bittersweet as nearly everyone has friends or relatives who have been killed in the warfare, and many northern neighborhoods have been decimated in the fighting.

Previous exchanges have freed seven hostages the militants were holding in Gaza and 300 prisoners held by Israel.

Hamas is due to release three additional hostages on Saturday, with Israel freeing dozens more Palestinian prisoners.

The first phase of the ceasefire lasts for 42 days, about one-quarter of which has passed. It calls for the release of 33 hostages from Gaza, as well as negotiations on the details of the second phase involving the release of the rest of the hostages, an end to the conflict and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.

Those negotiations are due to begin next week.

U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff met with Netanyahu on Wednesday to reinforce American support for the ceasefire.

Witkoff, who played a key role in shaping the six-week truce, also inspected the Netzarim Corridor, a 6-kilometer-wide strip of land that bisects Gaza, where American security contractors have been hired to help oversee the return of displaced Palestinians.

Witkoff was the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit Gaza in years. American officials have stayed away from the narrow territory along the Mediterranean Sea because of security concerns and Washingtons no-contact policy with Hamas, a U.S.-designated terror group.

Netanyahu is headed to Washington this weekend. U.S. President Donald Trump has invited him for talks at the White House on Tuesday. It will be Trumps first meeting with a foreign leader since starting his second term in office.

In the West Bank

Meanwhile, during the ceasefire in Gaza, Israel has ramped up its military operations in the occupied West Bank.

The Palestinian Health Ministry said 10 Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike on Thursday. The U.N. humanitarian agency said there has been a drastic deterioration in the humanitarian and protection situation in the West Bank.

Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a visit to the city of Jenin on Wednesday that Israel has declared war on Palestinian terrorism in Judea and Samaria, referring to the West Bank.

The Jenin refugee camp will not return to what it was, he said. After the operation is completed, the [Israel Defense Forces] will remain in the camp to ensure that terrorism does not return.

The war in Gaza started with the shock Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terror attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people and led to the capture of 250 hostages.

Israels counteroffensive in Gaza has killed at least 47,400 people, most of them women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry. The Israeli military said the death toll includes 17,000 militants.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
Dead bodies lie on the streets of Goma in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, as heavy fighting continues between Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, and the DRC forces supported by international peacekeeping troops.

The rebels have attacked the United Nations peacekeepers and taken control of Gomas international airport, cutting off the much-needed humanitarian aid to hundreds of thousands of displaced people in the war-torn region.

Hospitals are overwhelmed in the city of over 2 million people, and international workers are fleeing the region.

The U.N. said on Jan. 28 the Rwanda-backed violent intrusion of M23 rebels in Congo caused "one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world" and the killings of the U.N. peacekeepers.

The U.N. and Western nations demanded that Rwanda withdrew its troops from the neighboring country and returned to the terms of the Luanda Process  a treaty signed in 2022 in Angola to stop the war in Congo.

In response, the Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed it was the international peacekeepers who triggered the latest hostilities in Congo.

"The ongoing conflict in Eastern DRC particularly the recent heavy fighting in Goma was triggered by constant violations of ceasefire by the Congolese Armed Forces in coalition with UN sanctioned militia FDLR, European mercenaries, Ethnic militias (Wazalendo) Burundian armed forces, SMIDRC forces, as well as MUNUSCO."

That is misleading.

The Rwanda-backed M23 rebels triggered the ongoing hostilities by launching an offensive north of Goma, on Oct. 26, 2023, in violation of the Luanda process.

M23 is a militant group formed on March 23, 2009, claiming to defend the interests of Congolese Tutsi and Kinyarwanda-speaking minorities in DRC.

The U.S and U.N. have sanctioned M23 since January 2013 for having committed serious crimes involving the targeting of children in the conflict in the DRC, including recruitment, killing, maiming and sexual violence against minors.

After the escalation in 2023, the DRC accused the Rwanda Defense Force (RDF) of fighting alongside the M23, while Rwanda claimed that the DRC supported a Hutu rebel group, the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).

Rwanda accuses FDLR members of committing the 1994 Rwanda massacre, which claimed lives of over 1 million Rwandans.

The Burundian armed forces and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) are among the regional peacekeepers deployed to support the DRC government in restoring peace and security in eastern DRC.

While MUNUSCO is the U.N. peacekeeping mission that has been in Congo since 2010.

On Jan. 28, U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea, Charge d Affairs ad interim at the U.N. security council, mourned the deaths of MUNUSCO and SAMIDRC troops killed during the latest attacks and said, "Rwanda must withdraw troops from the DRC."

"Rwanda and the DRC must return to the negotiating table and work toward a sustainable, peaceful solution," Ambassador Shea stated.

The Rwandan Foreign Ministry also claimed in the same statement, "Rwanda notes in concern the lack of important context on statements issued by various parties on the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Misguided or manipulative statements do not provide any solutions."

That claim is also misleading.

Calling on Rwanda to withdraw its armed forces from the DRC territorial boundaries is not manipulative or misguided, as the Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs alleges. Contrary to that, international calls are for halting violent fighting and returning to peace negotiations.

On Jan. 26, Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, called on "Rwanda Defense Forces to cease support to the M23 and withdraw from DRC territory."

A similar statement from the European Union read, "The EU strongly condemns Rwandas military presence in the DRC as a clear violation of international law, the U.N. Charter, and the territorial integrity of the DRC."

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a phone call conversation with the DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, "condemned the assault on Goma by the Rwanda-backed M23 and affirmed the United States respect for the sovereignty of the DRC."

On Jan. 28, Rwandan President Paul Kagame shared on X that he "had a productive conversation with Secretary Rubio on the need to ensure a ceasefire in Eastern DRC and address the root causes of the conflict once and for all."

Rwandas claim that the international statements lack "important context" is also misleading.

The EU said the presence of the M23 in Goma is "deepening the disastrous humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC."

"This advance has pushed additional internally displaced persons (IDPs) towards the overburdened camps around Goma, where more than 800.000 IDPs are sheltered," the EU said in a statement.
As authorities investigate the fourth Baltic Sea cable-cutting incident in recent months, European leaders have expressed concern about the frequency of attacks involving civilian vessels and critical civilian infrastructure.

The Vezhen, a Bulgarian-owned vessel, was detained this week in the Baltic Sea, suspected of dragging its anchor across the seafloor, severing a data cable between Sweden and Latvia.

Aleksander Kalchev, the CEO of the company that owns the Vezhen, denied that the damage was intentional.

Nevertheless, Swedish security services have boarded the vessel for further investigation.

Latvian Minister of Defense Andris Spruds, in a written response to VOA on Wednesday, confirmed that Latvia is working closely with Sweden and NATO to address the incident.

"Latvias Naval Forces' diving team has conducted an inspection at the damage site and collected evidence in cooperation with Swedish Coast Guard vessels," Spruds told VOA.

He emphasized that Latvia would deploy new technologies and continue working closely with NATO allies to enhance the protection of critical sea infrastructure. "These sabotage actions will not be tolerated, and we will continue to enforce bold actions within the rule of law," Spruds said.

Growing pattern of attacks

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, whose country launched a sabotage investigation into damage to the Estlink 2 undersea power cable connecting Finland and Estonia on Dec. 25, has emphasized the urgency of the situation.

"This cannot continue," he told Finnish Lannen Media this week. He called for stronger coordination within the European Union to prevent further attacks. "We must be on a common front in sanctions against Russia. That applies to every EU country," he told a Finnish journalist.

The government in Poland, another Baltic Sea country with more than 1,000 kilometers of coastline, has called for enhanced security measures.

In an interview with VOA, Polish Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak said recent attacks on undersea cables  such as those between Latvia and Sweden, as well as Estonia and Finland  align with broader patterns of sabotage seen in the region. While investigations are ongoing, Poland views these incidents as deliberate actions, he said.

"Even if there is no direct evidence today, sabotage and provocations are part of Russias standard arsenal. ... We are at a point where we have to assume that this is a conscious, deliberate action," he told VOA on Tuesday.

Polish officials also emphasize the need for more coordinated maritime security measures.

"We want such policing missions to start taking place in the Baltic Sea. There is a lot of traffic when it comes to ships and vessels  and security is an absolutely fundamental issue here," he told VOA.

Given its strategic importance and the increasing presence of Russian naval activity, he said, NATO must prioritize the Baltic Sea as a critical security zone.

"The Baltic Sea has become an arena where all tricks are allowed," Siemoniak said.

Political and strategic motives

While evidence is still being gathered, the geopolitical implications of these attacks are becoming clearer. Analysts believe the sabotage is not just an attempt to disrupt communication networks but also a calculated effort to test NATOs response capabilities and sow discord among member states.

Lawmakers in Finland, the newest member of NATO, have voiced concerns that these incidents may be part of a broader conflict that many Western governments are hesitant to acknowledge.

"If we don't know whether we're at war, it's always best to assume that we are," Jussi Halla-aho, the speaker of the Finnish Parliament, said in an interview earlier this month in the Turku daily Turun Sanomat.

Countering hybrid warfare

A significant challenge for NATO and its allies is how to respond effectively to these incidents. Unlike conventional military aggression, these acts of sabotage involve civilian vessels and infrastructure, making direct retaliation difficult.

"If we openly accuse Russia or China of these attacks, the next logical question is: What are we going to do about it?" Matti Posio, a Finnish foreign policy expert and chief editor at Lannen Media Oy, told VOA in an interview. "The reality is that options are limited, and thats exactly what the perpetrators are counting on."

With tensions rising, NATO is considering additional measures to secure the Baltic Sea, officials and observers told VOA. One option includes increasing naval patrols and surveillance of key maritime routes. However, "more drastic proposals  such as closing parts of the Gulf of Finland to Russian-linked vessels  remain politically sensitive and legally complex," Posio said.

Dilemma for NATO and EU

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, who visited Latvia this week, issued a a statement with her Latvian counterpart.

"We are aware that Russia is a long-term threat to world peace and international order; therefore, NATOs deterrence and defense measures must be further strengthened, while coordinating the Allied response to the intensifying threat posed by Russia," their statement said.

As tensions rise, NATO has launched Baltic Sentry 2025 to enhance security and resilience. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has emphasized the need for greater coordination in protecting critical infrastructure from sabotage.

EU interior ministers will meet in Warsaw on Thursday. Among other topics, they will address growing concerns over sabotage targeting critical infrastructure in Europe.

The ministers are expected to discuss potential countermeasures and coordination efforts to strengthen security and deterrence against future disruptions.
At least 30 people were killed and many more injured in a stampede at the world's largest religious gathering early Wednesday, police said, as millions of pilgrims rushed to dip in sacred waters during the Maha Kumbh festival in northern India.

Police officer Vaibhav Krishna in Prayagraj city said another 60 injured were rushed to hospitals.

Wednesday was a sacred day in the six-week Hindu festival, and authorities expected a record 100 million devotees to engage in a ritual bath at the confluence of the Ganges, the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers. Hindus believe that a dip at the holy site can cleanse them of past sins and end the process of reincarnation.

The stampede happened when pilgrims tried to jump barricades erected for a procession of holy men, Uttar Pradesh state's top elected official, Yogi Adityanath, said in a televised statement.

The event's main draw is the thousands of ash-smeared Hindu ascetics who make massive processions toward the confluence to bathe.

Indian authorities took more than 16 hours to release casualty figures, even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the loss of lives, calling the incident "extremely sad" and extending his condolences.

"Suddenly there was pushing in the crowd, and we got trapped. A lot of us fell down and the crowd went uncontrolled," the Press Trust of India news agency quoted pilgrim Sarojini as saying. "There was no chance for escape, there was pushing from all sides," she said.

Distressed families lined up outside a makeshift hospital, desperate for news of missing loved ones. Clothes, blankets and backpacks were strewn around the site of the stampede.

Millions continued to throng the 4,000-hectare pilgrimage site despite the stampede, even as police urged them over megaphones to avoid the confluence. Adityanath urged people to take baths at other riverbanks instead.

"The situation is now under control, but there is a massive crowd of pilgrims," Adityanath said, adding that 90 million to 100 million pilgrims were at the site.

About 30 million people had taken the holy bath by 8 a.m. Wednesday, he said.

The Maha Kumbh festival, held every 12 years, started on Jan. 13. Authorities expect more than 400 million people to throng the pilgrimage site in total. Nearly 150 million people have already attended, including Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah and celebrities like Coldplay's Chris Martin.

A sprawling tent city has been built on the riverbanks to accommodate the millions of visitors, with roads, electricity and water, 3,000 kitchens and 11 hospitals.

About 50,000 security personnel are stationed in the city to maintain law and order and manage crowds, and more than 2,500 cameras monitor crowd movement and density so officials can try to prevent such crushes.

Several opposition leaders criticized the federal and the state government, both led by Modi's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata party, and blamed the stampede on "mismanagement" and "VIP culture"  the latter referring to what they say is preferential treatment for politicians and celebrities.

"The government should make better arrangements to meet the needs of common devotees," Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi wrote on social platform X.

The 45-day festival is a significant cultural event for India's Hindus, who make up nearly 80% of the country's more than 1.4 billion people. It's also a prestige event for Modi, whose ruling party boasts of promoting Hindu cultural symbols.

The Maha Kumbh festival has had stampedes in the past. In 2013, at least 40 pilgrims who were taking part in the festival were killed in a stampede at a train station in Prayagraj.

Deadly stampedes are relatively common around Indian religious festivals, where large crowds gather in small areas. In July at least 116 people died, most of them women and children, when thousands at a religious gathering in northern India stampeded at a tent camp in Hathras town.
Ukrainian officials said Thursday a Russian drone attack killed at least four people in the northeastern city of Sumy.

The regional state administration in Sumy said a drone hit a high-rise residential building, and that the attack also injured nine people.

Ukraines military said it shot down 37 of the 81 drones that Russian forces launched overnight.

Intercepts took place over the Cherkasy, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, Khmelnytskyi, Kirovohrad, Kyiv, Poltava, Odesa, Sumy and Zhytomyr regions, the military said.

Odesa Governor Oleh Kiper said on Telegram that falling drone debris damaged two residential buildings, a grain warehouse and a hospital.

Officials in Zhytomyr said drone fragments damaged six houses.

Russias Defense Ministry said Thursday it shot down three Ukrainian drones overnight in Belgorod and another two drones in Bryansk.

US aid

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Wednesday he has received an initial report on "critical programs" previously funded by American support that are now suspended.

U.S. President Donald Trump has suspended funding of many foreign programs to conduct a 90-day audit of foreign aid.

Zelenskyy said the key areas that have been affected by the frozen funds are the energy sector, veteran projects and border crossings.

Ukrainian officials have been instructed to continue their own audit of areas affected by the frozen funds, Zelenskyy said.

Some information for this report came from Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
President Paul Kagame said Rwanda was ready for "confrontation" as he rejected criticism over his backing for M23 rebels who were pushing south on Thursday in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo after capturing the major city of Goma.

M23 rebels, with support from Rwandan troops, marched into Goma this week and are now advancing toward Bukavu, capital of neighboring South Kivu province, in the biggest escalation since 2012 of a decades-old conflict.

Rwanda is facing an international backlash over its actions in eastern Congo, where it has repeatedly intervened either directly or through allied militias over the past 30 years in the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide.

But the chorus of condemnation, which has included Germany canceling aid talks with Rwanda and Britain threatening to withhold $40 million of annual bilateral assistance, was having no apparent effect on the ground.

After seizing Goma, a lakeside city of nearly 2 million and a major hub for displaced people and aid groups, M23 fighters were advancing south from the town of Minova, along the western side of Lake Kivu.

They tried to take the town of Nyabibwe, about 50 km north of Bukavu, on Wednesday but were pushed back by Congolese forces, a local resident told Reuters by phone.

A civil society source in Bukavu, who has contacts around the region, said clashes were ongoing on Thursday morning in a location known as Kahalala, about 20 km away from Nyabibwe.

"The Congolese army seems to be putting up fierce resistance there," the source said.

In the latest diplomatic initiative, France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot arrived on Thursday in Congo's capital Kinshasa, more than 1,600 km west of Goma. He was due to meet President Felix Tshisekedi, the Congolese presidency said.

Barrot's visit comes two days after Congolese protesters in Kinshasa attacked the French embassy and several other foreign missions over their perceived support for Rwanda.

Any successful push south by M23 would see them control territory previous rebellions have not taken since the end of two major wars that ran from 1996 to 2003, and magnify the risk of an all-out conflict that draws in regional countries.

Troops from neighboring Burundi, which has had hostile relations with Rwanda, support Congolese troops in South Kivu. A spokesperson for Burundi's military declined to comment on the current situation in Congo.

In Goma itself, where M23 say they plan to administer the city and appear to be settling in for a lengthy period of control, the border with Rwanda, which is close to the city center, was re-opened under M23 control, its spokesperson said.

Kagame accuses South Africa

Kagame responded angrily on X to a post by President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, 13 of whose soldiers have been killed in eastern Congo since last week. Ramaphosa attributed the fighting to an escalation by the M23 and the Rwandan army.

Kagame accused South African forces of working alongside a militia in Congo with ties to perpetrators of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and "threatening to take the war to Rwanda itself."

"If South Africa wants to contribute to peaceful solutions, that is well and good, but South Africa is in no position to take on the role of a peacemaker or mediator," Kagame wrote.

"And if South Africa prefers confrontation, Rwanda will deal with the matter in that context any day."

Since the fall of Goma, Rwanda has also reacted angrily to calls for restraint from Western nations, accusing its critics of "victim-blaming" and turning a blind eye to what it says is Congo's complicity in the slaughter of Tutsis.

Congo rejects Rwanda's accusations, saying Kigali's true motive for involvement in its eastern provinces is to use its proxy militias to control lucrative mineral mines. U.N. experts have documented the export of large quantities of looted Congolese minerals via Rwanda.

M23 is the latest ethnic Tutsi-led insurgency backed by Rwanda to fight in Congo since the 1994 genocide, when extremist Hutus killed about a million Tutsis and moderate Hutus, and were then toppled by Tutsi forces led by Kagame, who has been Rwanda's president ever since.

About a million Hutus, some refugees and some genocide perpetrators, fled into eastern Congo in the aftermath of the genocide, and Rwanda accuses Congo of harboring Hutu-led militias bent on killing Tutsis and threatening Rwanda itself.

The eight-member East African Community, to which Rwanda and Congo both belong, held a virtual summit late on Wednesday to discuss the crisis. The final communique largely embraced Rwanda's position.

It called for a peaceful resolution of the conflict through direct talks between Congo and armed groups. Congo rejects direct negotiations with the M23, which it considers a terrorist group.

The EAC also recommended a joint summit to discuss the crisis with the Southern African Development Community.

SADC member Angola, which has led the most recent efforts to broker a peace deal but is also a firm ally of Congo, called on Rwanda to withdraw its forces shortly after hosting Tshisekedi for talks in Luanda on Wednesday.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has lashed out at South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa, after Ramaphosa accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels behind the escalating crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo this week. Kagame has accused Ramaphosa of "lying" and warned of possible "confrontation."

South Africa has troops deployed in the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo as part of a U.N. peacekeeping mission there, as well as in a separate deployment by the Southern African Development Community, or SADC, aimed at backing up Congolese forces fighting rebels.

But Pretoria is under pressure this week after 13 South African soldiers were killed in a recent surge in fighting that resulted in the M23 militia  which Rwanda is widely accused of backing  making a rapid advance and seizing partial control of the key city of Goma in North Kivu province on Sunday night.

Ramaphosa said in a written statement on Wednesday that the M23, and what he called a Rwandan Defense Force militia, were responsible for the casualties, while his minister of defense, Angie Motshekga, went one step further.

Its just that at that stage, when they were firing above our heads, the president did warn them to say, If you are going to fire, well take it as a declaration of war.

The remarks by Ramaphosa and Motshekga have caused a diplomatic spat with Kigali.

Kagame verbally hit back in an angry statement posted to his social media on Wednesday night, saying the Rwandan Defense Force was not a militia and quote, if South Africa prefers confrontation, Rwanda will deal with the matter in that context any day.

He also disputed Ramaphosas statement that the dead South African soldiers were peacekeepers, saying the SADC force was engaged in offensive combat operations.

I spoke with the president of South Africa, who sought me out to speak with me, on this matter, because of their involvement in eastern Congo, and hes also there pretending to be playing a peacemaker role. M23 are not Rwandans, please, and South Africa dares even issue threats, he said.

South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola has directly blamed Rwanda for backing the M23, saying reports by U.N. experts proved Kigalis involvement. He said on Wednesday that South Africa had taken part in an African Union meeting on the crisis.

As South Africa, we participated in that platform and put our position across, which is that there is a ceasefire, immediate cessation of hostilities and, also, to request all the forces that are supporting M23, to also cease all support immediately, he said.

Mineral-rich eastern Congo, which borders Rwanda, has been plagued by conflict for more than three decades. The current fighting stems partly from the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

The perpetrators fled across the border to North Kivu, and Rwanda says they now represent a security threat to its territory.

The Congolese government has accused Kigali of being active in eastern Congo, saying Kigali is after the areas vast mineral wealth.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trumps nominee to serve as the nations top health official, faced tough questions from senators Wednesday about his views on vaccinations, COVID-19 and the nations health care system. A member of one of Americas most famous political families, Kennedy could face a tough road to confirmation. VOAs Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson has more.
On Jan. 27, Andrey Isayev, a member of Russia's State Duma (the lower house of parliament), accused U.S. President Donald Trump of trying to "rudely" force Russian President Vladimir Putin to start peace negotiations with Ukraine.

Speaking on the primetime show 60 Minutes on Rossia-1, the country's most-watched state-owned TV channel, Isayev said Trump reminded Putin about the fate of Libyas ex-dictator Moammar Gadhafi, lynched by a mob after a rebellion overthrew him in 2011.

Instead of threatening Putin, Trump should remember the fate of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, Isayev said, adding that the incumbent American president already faced several assassination attempts.

"Trump threatened our president rather rudely, it must be said, pressuring to start the negotiations and reminding of Gadhafis fate."

The claim is false.

The quote, Isayev attributed to President Trump, comes from a deepfake video created by Ukrainian bloggers and shared on the Telegram messaging platform.

On Jan. 23, the Ukrainian-language Telegram channel BAZA, ce Hyuston (Base, this is Houston) published a video of Trump addressing Putin. The video was marked with the logo and banners of the state television channel Rossia-1, which allegedly broadcast it with Russian dubbing.

In the video Trump appears as saying:

"I do think Putin is a strong leader, and I respect that, but he plays bad games. And that always ends badly. We all remember the story of Saddam, Ceausescu, and, of course, Gadhafi ... terrible death. I tell you, but that's how it ends. So, Vladimir, let's not let it come to that."

The video went viral by Jan. 24, spilling over to other social media platforms and even news outlets.

Then, BAZA, ce Hyuston Telegram channels SMM specialists announced in the comment to the original post that the video is a deepfake generated with the use of artificial intelligence.

The goal of the campaign was to "demoralize" the "most active Russians," and "we did a good job," the channel said in a comment.

The channels description corroborates with their claimed activities as it includes a link leading to the website with the main page stating, "We make cool deepfakes."

Later, two Ukrainian news sites, New Voice and Antikor, as well as a Georgian fact-checking outlet Myth Detector, also reported the Trump video address to Putin was deepfake.

On Jan. 22, U.S. President Trump urged Russia to end its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, warning of high tariffs, taxes, and sanctions if a peace deal isnt reached soon. In a Truth Social post, he called on Putin to "settle now" and stop the war, emphasizing that it would "only going to get worse."

Trump stated that while he has always had a good relationship with Putin and admires the Russian people, he would have no choice but to impose economic penalties on Russian exports to the U.S. and allied nations if the war continues.

He insisted the war wouldnt have started under his leadership and stressed the urgency of negotiations. Trump framed his warning as a "favor" to Russia, urging Putin to choose the "easy way" by making a deal to prevent further loss of lives.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he would sign an executive action directing his administration to prepare to detain undocumented migrants at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

The U.S. detention facility is known mostly for housing military prisoners and terror suspects, including those involved in the 9/11 attacks and members of the Taliban.

His order will instruct the Defense and Homeland Security departments to prepare the U.S. naval base to hold 30,000 migrants, Trump said.

Some of them are so bad we dont even trust the countries to hold them because we dont want them coming back. So were going to send them out to Guantanamo, Trump added. This will double our capacity immediately. And tough, its a tough place to get out of.

Trump made the announcement during a White House event during which he signed the Laken Riley Act into law. It was the first legislation he'd signed in his second term. The bill, named after a 22-year-old nursing student who was murdered last year by an undocumented Venezuelan immigrant, aims to expand the federal government's mandate to detain immigrants who are in the country illegally.

It's unclear how the administration proposes to do this. Asked by reporters, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said this was something the White House was working on, to use resources that we currently have there at Guantanamo Bay.

We'll go through the process, she said, adding that the administration was working with lawmakers to fund it. She offered no estimate of the cost.

A White House official, speaking on background, a method often used by U.S. officials to remain anonymous, told VOA that Trump had signed a presidential memorandum regarding housing migrants at Guantanamo.

Presidential memoranda are less formal than executive orders. For example, they do not have to be submitted to the Federal Register for publication.

Late Wednesday, the White House published the executive memorandum.

Trumps border czar, Tom Homan, said Wednesday that U.S. Coast Guard personnel already tasked to intercept illegal migrants at sea can take them straight to Guantanamo Bay.

Homan told reporters that migrants had been housed there before.

So we're just going to expand upon the existing migrant center logistics to work for that, he said.

According to a September 2024 report from the International Refugee Assistance Project, the U.S. has for decades detained migrants intercepted at sea in the Migrant Operations Center at Guantanamo Bay under prisonlike conditions.

IRAP and other immigration rights advocates have called for the immediate closure of the migrant center. The organization also called on Congress to investigate alleged human rights abuses at the facility and called for the end of migrant detention operations everywhere.

Later Wednesday, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called Guantanamo Bay the "perfect place" for criminal migrants. Hegseth told Fox News that Guantanamo Bay could also temporarily hold other undocumented immigrants while theyre waiting to be sent back to their home countries.

"It's folks who maybe are in transit to their home country or a safe harbor country, and it's taking a little time to move with that processing of the paperwork, he said, adding, "Better they be held at a safe location, like Guantanamo Bay, which is meant and built for migrants, meant and built to sustain that away from the American people.

According to media reports, Immigration and Customs Enforcement averaged 710 arrests per day from Thursday through Monday, more than double the daily average of 311 recorded in the 12-month period through September under President Joe Biden.

If ICE officers continue with these detentions, it would exceed the agencys previous record set during President Barack Obama's administration in 2013, when daily arrests averaged 636.

The Trump administration has intensified deportations, with ICE regularly updating arrest figures. The swift removals have sometimes created challenges in determining where to send deportees, especially when certain countries refuse to accept them.

Closing Guantanamo

Democratic administrations under Obama and Biden had sought to close the notorious detention camp. It was built by the George W. Bush administration in the Guantanamo Bay U.S. naval base facility in 2002 following the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan that began shortly after the 9/11 attacks of 2001.

Rights groups say that Guantanamo is a symbol of U.S. disregard for the rule of law, as many detainees were held there without charge or trial.

Sue Hendrickson, president and CEO of Human Rights First, said in a statement that sending migrants to Guantanamo would create a human rights catastrophe.

Housing accused terrorists at Guantanamo has been a debacle. For the past 20 years, the U.S. government has locked up people it never even accused of taking action against the United States while continually failing to try those credibly charged with serious crimes, she wrote.

The Trump administration may find the symbolism of sending migrants to Guantanamo darkly appealing; its practical result would be more injustice, waste and self-inflicted loss of credibility, Hendrickson added.

At its height during the Global War on Terror, the detention facility held about 680 prisoners. According to the Pentagon, as of January 6, there were just 15 detainees at the facility.

Before being used to detain terror suspects, the U.S. naval facility was also used to house migrants from Cuba and Haiti in the early 1990s, per the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service.

"At one point in late 1994, the migrant population of the naval station approached 45,000," a CRS report dated August 2022 said. The report noted the last of the migrants had left by the end of January 1996.

VOA's Jeff Seldin contributed to this report.
NEW YORK (AP)  The superstar run for Nvidias stock the last few years has been astonishing. So was its tumble Monday, which caused $595 billion in wealth to vanish. Thats about as much as PepsiCo, McDonalds, Starbucks and Target are worth, combined.

Mostly known only in gaming and crypto circles a few years ago, Nvidia burst into the zeitgeist after seeing its sales surge because customers wanted its chips to train their chatbots and other artificial intelligence products.

Nvidia became a household name as its stock more than tripled in 2023 and then more than doubled in 2024. Investors and analysts lauded CEO Jensen Huang as the Godfather of AI. Nvidia grew into a $3 trillion-plus behemoth and traded places with titans like Apple to become the most valuable company on Wall Street.

But that all came to a screeching halt Monday, at least for a moment, after a Chinese upstart called DeepSeek said it had developed a large-language model that could perform like ChatGPT and other U.S. rivals, but by using far less computing power.

Heres a look at how it all got to this point:

How did it become a market darling?

Nvidias roots began in gaming.

The Santa Clara, California-based tech companys invention of the graphics processor unit, or GPU, in 1999 helped spark the growth of the PC gaming market and redefined computer graphics. Now Nvidias specialized chips are key components that help power different forms of artificial intelligence, including the latest generative AI chatbots such as ChatGPT and Googles Gemini.

Huang has dubbed AI the next industrial revolution, and Nvidias GPUs are designed to perform artificial intelligence tasks faster and more efficiently than general-purpose chips like CPUs. Tech giants are snapping up Nvidia chips as they wade deeper into AI  a movement thats enabling cars to drive by themselves, and generating stories, art and music.

The demand helped Nvidia's revenue grow by eye-popping levels, quarter after quarter. On Feb. 23, 2023, after Nvidia breezed past analysts' expectations for quarterly profit, Huang said that AI is at an inflection point, setting up for broad adoption reaching into every industry. The company's quarterly revenue at the time was $6.05 billion.

That ramped up to $7.19 billion just three months later and then nearly doubled to $13.51 billion three months after that. Revenue has since vaulted to $35.08 billion in the three months through October 2024.

The company's stock price has similarly soared, and its total market value quickly passed rivals like Intel, Microsoft and others. Nvidia alone accounted for more than a fifth of all of the S&P 500 index's total return last year. No other stock came close, and it had more than triple Apple's impact.
Seventeen U.N. peacekeepers have been killed this year in clashes between M23 rebels and government forces in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, including three within the last week, the U.N. reported Wednesday.

The three peacekeepers  one from Uruguay and two from South Africa  were killed over the weekend in the fighting around Goma. More than 300 U.N. peacekeepers have been killed since the mission in Congo was deployed in 1999.

The deaths have renewed questions about the future of the U.N. mission, known as MONUSCO.

The Congolese government requested the missions withdrawal last year, citing its failure to prevent attacks by the many armed groups in eastern Congo.

Philippe Undji, a member of parliament from South Kivu province and a member of the AFDC party, which is allied with President Felix Tshisekedi's ruling party, said the government is waiting to see how the United Nations handles this latest conflict.

"I think the U.N. peacekeepers have helped to protect the civilians, but it's not enough, Undji said. We are watching the United Nations meeting in the U.S. over this matter, and the decision they are going to make will tell us whether they like Africa and DR Congo. We are telling them we are watching their next move."

Undji said he wants to see action taken against Rwanda, which Congo, the U.N. secretary-general and other observers accuse of supporting M23. Kigali denies the allegation.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has said the conflict is a Congolese internal problem and has accused Kinshasa of supporting rebel groups that want to interfere with his country's security.

International relations and diplomacy expert Kizito Sabala said the violence and tension will increase pressure on the U.N. mission to withdraw.

"I think the calls for its withdrawal will intensify, and it's going to convince everyone that MONUSCOs time in DRC is long overdue, Sabala said. They need to leave."

Addressing the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday, Vivian van de Perre, the deputy special representative for protection and operations in MONUSCO, said the mission remains important in addressing the conflict and humanitarian situation.

"Despite the significant challenges, MONUSCO continues to play a vital role in this crisis in eastern DRC and has proven to be a beacon for myriad vulnerable groups seeking protection, van de Perre said.

However, the mission is challenged in ensuring safety of its staff and premises, which has been severely impacted heavily by direct and indirect fire used in these last few days, and to address the logistical, human rights and humanitarian challenges we are all facing to ensure the mission's continued effectiveness," she said.

The peacekeepers are mandated to protect civilians and humanitarian workers and support the Congolese government's stabilization and peace efforts.

Sabala said, "We always see there is a conflict going on, and I think they owe the international community and the region an explanation for why this is happening. Is it about their mandate, their facilities, or the equipment? Because I think that explanation will help the region and the international community see how best to address the problem in DRC."

Experts warn that M23s capture of Goma could start another extended period of instability and, in the worst scenario, a third Congo war. The previous conflicts, in the late 1990s and early 2000s, caused widespread destruction, displacement and food shortages, leading to the deaths of several million people.
A decades-old U.S. government ban on federally licensed firearms dealers selling handguns to adults under the age of 21 is unconstitutional, a U.S. appeals court held on Thursday, citing recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings expanding gun rights.

The ruling by the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals marked the first time a federal appeals court has held that the prohibition violated the right to keep and bear arms enshrined in the U.S. Constitution's Second Amendment.

The appeals court had previously upheld that same ban in 2012. But that was before the 6-3 conservative majority U.S. Supreme Court handed down a landmark ruling in 2022 that established a new test for assessing modern firearms laws.

In New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, the Supreme Court held that modern gun restrictions were required to be "consistent with this nation's historical tradition of firearm regulation."

The federal ban on sales to people under 21 was first adopted by Congress in 1968 as part of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act.

A group of individuals between the ages of 18 and 20 along with the gun rights groups the Firearms Policy Coalition and the Second Amendment Foundation challenged the ban in 2020 and was appealing a lower-court judge's decision upholding the statutes.

U.S. Circuit Judge Edith Jones, writing for Thursday's three-judge panel, said that decision was wrong, as the statutes were "unconstitutional in light of our Nation's historic tradition of firearm regulation."

The U.S. Department of Justice during Democratic former President Joe Biden's tenure had defended the ban. But Jones said it put forth "scant" evidence to show that the gun rights of adults ages 18 to 20 were similarly restricted during the nation's founding era in the 1700s.

"Ultimately, the text of the Second Amendment includes eighteen-to-twenty-year-old individuals among the people whose right to keep and bear arms is protected," wrote Jones, who like the other panel members was appointed by a Republican president.

Brandon Combs, the Firearms Policy Coalition's president, in a statement called the ruling a victory against "an immoral and unconstitutional age-based gun ban."

The Justice Department did not respond to a request for comment.
Leslie Voltaire, president of Haiti's Transitional Council, says the armed gangs who have terrorized Haitians for months have "taken a step back." Voltaire credited the national police force and the Kenyan-led multinational force for the progress made in confronting gang violence.

Click here for the full story in Creole.




Turkey continues its military attacks on the Kurdistan Region, resulting in civilian casualties, while both the Iraqi central government and the Kurdistan Regional Government have been silent.

Six people were killed in a recent Turkish drone and artillery strike, which Ankara claims targeted PKK militants. Critics argue these attacks amount to civilian killings and environmental destruction, yet political and economic interests prevent Baghdad and Irbil from condemning Turkey's actions.

Despite ongoing military operations, Turkey has hinted at a new peace process with the Kurds, a move seen by many as an attempt to control and suppress Kurdish political aspirations.

Click here for the full story in Kurdish.
Despite the Hong Kong government's optimistic projection about Hong Kong's economic recovery, vendors and shoppers at the New Year's Eve's Market at Victoria Park, the biggest of its kind in Hong Kong, told VOA they were pessimistic about economic prospect in the Year of the Snake.

Click here for the full story in Mandarin.
The lawyer for Reza Valizadeh, an Iranian American dual-national journalist imprisoned in Iran, announced that his client's appeal has been rejected. In a social media post on Wednesday, defense attorney Mohammad Hossein Aghasi stated that Valizadeh has been sentenced to 10 years in prison, despite the Islamic Republic's own laws prescribing a maximum penalty of just one year for his charges.

Click here for the full story in Persian.
A conversation with Ambassador Matthew Klimow, the former top U.S. diplomat in Turkmenistan, takes a deeper look into a country often described as one of the most closed and repressive in the world. Klimow argues that there has been noticeable progress in Turkmenistan and that significant factors must be considered in U.S. policy toward the nation.

Click here for the full story in Uzbek.
U.S. President Donald Trump has promised repeatedly to bring an end to the war in Ukraine. But some Ukrainians are skeptical Trump can do anything to make President Vladimir Putin pull back his troops. The problem, some analysts say, is that the demands of Ukraine and Russia cannot be reconciled.
Nvidia (NVDA) stock tanked on Monday, falling more than 17% and losing nearly $600 billion off its market cap as investors digested the growing popularity of a new cost-effective artificial intelligence model from the Chinese startup DeepSeek.

But retail investors bought the dip. Data from VandaTrack shows retail investors bought more than $562 million of the name on Monday, the largest single-day inflow into the stock in VandaTrack's data. On Tuesday, as the stock rebounded and rose roughly 9%, there was once again a large swath of retail buying totaling nearly $360 million. Across the two days of chaotic market action, retail investors sent more than $920 million into shares of Nvidia.

Wall Street strategists largely agreed with retail investors' bullish outlook on the name.

"We think this is probably going to end up a 'buy the dip' Nvidia moment," Fundstrat head of Research Tom Lee said in a video to clients on Monday night.

Bank of America research analyst Vivek Arya provided similar sentiment in a note to clients on Wednesday, saying the recent drawdown in Nvidia, Broadcom (AVGO), and Marvell (MRVL) provided an "enhanced [buying] opportunity."

The team behind DeepSeek, the artificial intelligence model maker, claimed that its new AI model uses cheaper chips and less data. Investors grew concerned this could hurt future AI chip sales for a company like Nvidia as well as bring into question the dominance of US hyperscalers in the market. It could also challenge a consistent trend in the bull market of Nvidia and other Big Tech companies seeing their earnings estimates revised higher.

Bernsteins Stacy Rasgon told Yahoo Finance's Seana Smith the DeepSeek-driven sell-off was "overblown." Rasgon added that the new developments don't spell out "doomsday for AI infrastructure."

A sign for a Nvidia building is shown in Santa Clara, Calif., May 31, 2023. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)  ASSOCIATED PRESS

Josh Schafer is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow him on X @_joshschafer.

Click here for in-depth analysis of the latest stock market news and events moving stock prices

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Photo: SpongeBob SquarePants/YouTube

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A little over a year ago, Jack realized he didnt like his face anymore. The 23-year-old from Chicago had just started working as a broadcast journalist at a local station, and being on television meant watching himself on television. I didnt find myself totally attractive, and, man, I wished there was something I could do to make myself attractive, Jack, who preferred to speak pseudonymously, tells me. The more he scrutinized his face, the more he came to believe the problem was with his chin. Or, really, his lack thereof. When I realized that my chin was the thing that was hindering my looks, I did some research, Jack says. I wasnt planning to get plastic surgery.

Online, he stumbled across Dr. Benjamin Caughlin, who has made his Chicago-based practice entirely chin-and-jaw-centric, trademarking such procedures as the Cheekago (buccal-fat-pad sculpting combined with jawline contouring) and the Face BBL (which moves fat from one part of the face to the other). Caughlins patients, he says, are 41 percent male these days  many of them hoping for a more chiseled look. (Last year, he claimed responsibility for the comedian Matt Rifes jawline, a claim Rife has repeatedly denied.) During their initial consultation, Caughlin explained to Jack that while you cant do much about, say, a big forehead  Jack had always been insecure that his was on the larger end of the spectrum  theres absolutely something you can do about a weak chin for about $12,000. He told me I was a perfect candidate for a chin implant, Jack says. He went into his procedure imagining himself reemerging as an Austin Butler type. Obviously, hes a movie star, and Ill never be as attractive as Austin Butler, but we have similar proportions, he tells me.

QUIZ | Hollywood Chin-spiration: Do you recognize these chins? Answers at the end of the article. Photo-Illustration: Vulture; Getty Images (Kurt Krieger/Corbis, Gabe Ginsberg, Bruce Glikas, Jerod Harris, John Phillips, Jamie McCarthy)

Men getting plastic surgery is not anything new. Although men may not be as open about it as women, theyve long bulked their calves, slimmed their stomachs, and flown to Turkey for a new head of hair. In recent years, however, the number of men seeking out cosmetic tune-ups has been on a steady rise. Men are the new victims of the beauty industry, Caughlin tells me. Theyre learning, Oh shit, if I look better, I feel better. A number of plastic surgeons I spoke with across the country told me men are starting to pay more attention to their faces. And, more specifically, to the lower third of the face: the chin, the jawline, and the neck. According to the most recent report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, chin implants have gone up 26 percent.

What men are aspiring toward, Dr. Lara Devgan, a Park Avenue plastic surgeon, tells me, is what she describes as the Disney Prince or Superman aesthetic. And they often have an actor in mind. Among the celebrities most cited as inspiration in recent years, surgeons say, are Henry Cavill (famous for playing Superman) and a young Brad Pitt. Dr. Douglas Steinbrech, a surgeon in New York, makes a point to count his top-requested faces annually. Last years included Chris Hemsworth, Ryan Gosling, David Beckham, and Cristiano Ronaldo, all of whom have especially snatched jawlines. Dr. Garth Fisher, of Extreme Makeover fame, believes men are more hesitant about upper-face procedures lest they wind up looking like Robert Redford, Kenny Rogers, or Matt Gaetz, who has what is referred to in the industry as a Spock brow.

This is all coming at a time when  after a brief era in which men in the public eye flirted with androgyny  rugged masculinity is back in style. People want to see men. Fey is out. Men are in, one New York talent manager told me recently. Even Timothee Chalamet isnt really a twink anymore. Social media is filled with videos of teenage boys looksmaxxing and mewing, a tongue exercise that supposedly strengthens the jawline. Google Gosling or Tom Brady and compare the man you see now with a photo of him not that long ago  youll notice any cherubic boy chub he once had is gone. They all look like Handsome Squidwards or young Marlon Brandos, perhaps no one more than John Mulaney. When the previously nerdy-cute 42-year-old hosted Saturday Night Live in November, he looked suspiciously subtly hunkier than usual. At first glance, it seemed maybe hed simply been hitting the gym. On second glance, it wasnt just his body that looked wider and stronger. One couldnt help but wonder, like a supermarket-tabloid headline, What Happened to John Mulaneys Face? This Mulaney was chiseled. His jawline, especially, was rock hard. His dimples were still there, under all the also-new salt-and-pepper scruff, but in profile he was cut like Michelangelos David (his face, I mean). As someone commented on Instagram, Why does John Mulaney look like he auditioned for Wolverine or something? (Most of these men have never confirmed any cosmetic procedures, for the record.)

Though of course, as with Ozempic, the celebrities will deny theyve done any primping. Zac Efron, who has undergone much public scrutiny about whether or not he had work done, has said he slipped while walking in socks and shattered his jaw. Rife attributed his transformation to delayed puberty. Caughlins lawyers have suggested he no longer speak about Rife, but that hasnt stopped the surgeon from speculating about various other male celebrities and their work. The biggest tell, he says, that a man has had a chin implant is hes recently grown a beard (to hide the incision lines) or suddenly developed a lisp. He directed me to recent photographs and videos of Brady and Donald Trump Jr.

In the meantime, clever plastic surgeons have figured out how to market their solutions  not just chin implants but face-lifts, neck-lifts, jawline augmentations, and even fillers  toward men, who might have previously considered this womens terrain. Almost every doctor Ive spoken to tells me they encourage their male patients to think about getting work done in the same way they think about working out. As Dr. Jason Diamond in Beverly Hills puts it, To me, its like, Whats the difference, man? Youre trying to feel better about yourself so you can go kick ass in the world. Another provider I spoke to says, Women are doing it for themselves; men are doing it to project something, like remaining competitive and viable in the workplace.

Eric, a 44-year-old divorce who works in private equity, recently got his jawline sharpened. I want to age in a way that I control, he says. (As Fisher tells me: Beauty is above the jawline. Age is below it.) Eric is speaking with me from his gyms parking lot. I work out six days a week. Just like you optimize your face, you optimize your body, you optimize your mind. His new jawline cost him $20,000. Its a baby Lexus. But its sitting on my face. His hope, he says, was to look masculine without looking like a meathead. Now I look in the mirror and the person whos reflected back to me is the person who I expect to be reflected back to me.

As Jack soon discovered, a chin implant is a relatively simple procedure; the surgery, which typically lasts less than an hour, requires only local anesthesia and about a week of recovery time. Jacks implant, made out of silicone, was about the size of forming the letter C with his thumb and pointer finger, which I was told was a pretty large one. He was left with just a small incision, barely noticeable, under his chin. To aid in the transformation, Caughlin advised liposuction around his neck. Its not like breast implants. You have to get those redone. I will go to the grave with this, Jack tells me. He considers his new face a business investment.

In the end, Jacks result is subtle, but compare his before-and-after selfies and the difference  which he thinks escaped the notice of his colleagues, or at least they didnt say anything about it to him directly  is clear. His face no longer slopes downward. In his new post-op LinkedIn headshots, he looks happy. For the first time, I found myself attractive, he says. I see myself on television and think, I like how that person looks.

ANSWERS: 1. Aughts-era Brad Pitt 2. Henry Cavill 3. Matt Rife 4. Chris Hemsworth 5. John Mulaney 6. Zac Efron
Joan Chen in The Wedding Banquet. Photo: Luka Cyprian/Bleecker Street

Joan Chen is on a hot streak. The character actress is always good, sure, but these days, shes better than good. She was the heart and soul of beloved crowd favorite Didi last summer, and now shes back on the big screen with Andrew Ahns forthcoming The Wedding Banquet reimagining, which premiered at Sundance on January 27.

Based on the Ang Lee film of the same name, Ahn updated the film for a world in which being queer is not so much a sin as it is an obstacle to navigate. Now that we can get married, do we even want to? the director asked in his opening remarks. The Wedding Banquet tells the story of two couples: Angela (Kelly Marie Tran) and Lee (Lily Gladstone), and Chris (Bowen Yang) and Min (Han Gi-chan, in his first English-language role). Angela and Lee desperately want a baby, but their past two IVF rounds havent worked out, and theyre not sure they can afford another without taking out a second mortgage on their house. Min loves Chris and wants to be married, but Chris cant decide if he wants to commit. If Min doesnt get married soon, his family wants him to move back to Korea to take over the family corporation in lieu of the art practice hes developed Stateside.

So the two couples hatch a plan as insane as it sounds: Min and Angela will get married so that Min can stay in the States while Chris makes up his mind, and in turn, Min will pay for another round of IVF for Lee. It ought to work, probably, definitely, so long as Mins family  namely his scary grandmother Ja-Young Hyun (played by Minari Oscar winner Youn Yuh-jung)  doesnt ask too many questions. For all that Min fears the judgment of his family, Angela, however, has the exact opposite problem. Her mother, May Chen (played by Chen), is almost annoyingly accepting of her sexuality, so much so that Angela getting fake straight-married is actually a way bigger problem for her mom than it is for her. May you see, is on the PFLAG board. She cant have a heterosexual daughter.

As May, Chen is cloying and enthusiastic and undeniably glamorous. She loves being an ally, especially one in the public eye. No one is more accepting than her, and Chen carries this sanctimoniousness with a loving wink. In fact, Chen was almost in Lees original film playing Trans character, but an issue of timing and budget led to her being recast. This time, its great, Chen said, before adding with a laugh, I couldnt play the girl, though.

It ought to be any queer kids dream to have a parent so forthright and accepting  but thats the rub with Angelas mom. She didnt always used to be this way, though shed do anything to have the queer community think otherwise. Its not so much that Angela remains self-conscious of her queerness so much as shes insecure about everything, and Mays aggressive acceptance only makes everything worse. Angelas resentment bubbles and simmers: The more pissed off she gets, the more Chen really lays it on thick. Everything is about May. Every cut to Trans furrowed brow after her mom does, well, anything got laughs out of the audience at the Eccles Theater.

Like any convoluted romantic comedy, The Wedding Banquets foursomes big silly scheme doesnt exactly go according to plan. Eventually, Angelas resentments toward her mother boil over into a fierce argument, to which Chen lays out all her cards. As an overbearing mother, Chen can do everything  she can make radical acceptance seem scary; she can make emotional intimacy seem terrifying. She brings a much-needed weight to Ahns uneven marriage-plot farce, grounding the film with real stakes.

Ahn and his cast (minus Gladstone, who is filming) came out to a standing ovation after the film ended, a few people in my surrounding area wiping tears off their cheeks. Chen, who popped up in the Vulture studio in a chic baby-blue fur, appeared onstage in sequins  full glam, true legend. When she spoke about her experience with the movie, she immediately launched into a rant about how the young cast absconded off to eat gummies and giggle. Despite Bowen Yangs protests that they were merely Haribos as opposed to something more potent, Chen shook her head. The PA brought the gummies for them and told me the gummies were not for me, she explained. The crowd roared and she smiled  a real star, even without the gummies.

This story has been edited to reflect that Joan Chens character name is May Chen.
RETNA. Photo: zerojack/Star Max/GC Images

Today, a Dallas-based auction house sold off what it called the intimate contents of the Los Angeles studio of RETNA, a graffiti artist whose hieroglyphic-like calligraphy has, over the course of three decades, appeared on streets, museum walls, the facade of a Louis Vuitton store, and the cover of a Justin Bieber album. The pitch from Heritage Auctions was awkward: If youve ever visited an established artists longtime studio, you have essentially taken a walk through the artists brain. Maybe his very soul. The materials for sale, the auctioneers note, came to Heritage via a legal process. At the bottom of the online auction page was a clarifying note: The sale was conducted as an abandoned property sale in accordance with California Civil Code 1980O.

Yesterday, in the run-up to the auction, RETNA, whose real name is Marquis Lewis, filed a lawsuit claiming the art now in the possession of Heritage was not, in fact, abandoned but was instead stolen. According to the complaint, his former landlord illegally seized the studios contents, worth millions of dollars, after a five-month dispute over rent, which ultimately led to the artists eviction. They have my hard drives, RETNA said on Wednesday. They have my computers, they have my notes, they have my safe  plus about 500 works of art.

In the past, RETNAs work has sold for as much as $175,000 at auction; today, the biggest-ticket item, a work in metal and spray paint, went for $42,000. But according to RETNA, much of what was up for sale  about a quarter of the 168 lots  are unfinished works, misattributed to him (created by other artists), or arent even artworks at all.

This isnt just the mishandling of an artists career  its the desecration of his legacy, said Avery Andon, RETNAs art dealer. A piece of canvas the artist often used as a target when clearing out his aerosol spray cans was sold as a painting (it went for $1,400). One of the real paintings, one that spells out I LOVE U in pink and blue letters, was made by a former girlfriend. It sold for $5,500. Who would look at that, RETNA asked Andon when the lots first posted, and think I would write I love you on a canvas with glitter?

RETNA, who has a reputation for combative behavior, said he and his former landlord, Victor Ceporius, had a good relationship for more than a decade, but Ceporius fell ill, and a couple years ago his sister, Irena Knorr, began managing the downtown Los Angeles property. The artist failed to pay two months rent between 2023 and 2024, resulting in a debt of roughly $180,000, according to the lawsuit (the studio, which comprised two units in the building, rented for approximately $85,000 a month), and leaving him without access to his art and other possessions inside. After he paid what he owed, RETNA claims, Knorr effectively held his work hostage, demanding increasingly higher sums. Andon came up with around $300,000 to clear an additional debt Knorr said RETNA owed  back rent as well as storage fees  but Knorr allegedly refused to accept payment. Andon said, When I proudly called Irena to notify her I was ready to wire the funds, she moved the goalposts to $450,000 with no explanation, financial breakdown, or accounting. (Knorr did not respond to a request for comment.)

Photo: Heritage Auctions, HA.com

According to the lawsuit, this was all part of a scheme to steal RETNAs valuable property and profit from it. The artists lawyer contends that the landlord never intended to resolve the dispute concerning rent, falsely inflated the amount purportedly owed, refused to allow RETNA and others acting on his behalf to pay the purported amount due so that the landlord, with the assistance of Heritage, could realize ill-gotten gains from their blatant art theft.

An attorney representing Heritage, Armen Vartian, said he was satisfied that theres nothing unlawful going on here. Heritage wouldnt be involved in anything if it was unlawful. He produced a court order from May that had granted the landlord possession of the materials in RETNAs studio and a notice giving the artist 18 days to reclaim it. RETNA claims he never received that notice, perhaps because he was moving houses. He was also in jail around that time, he said. (The artist has a long history of run-ins with the law, including for allegedly vandalizing Damien Hirsts art at a gallery and for slapping a paparazzo.) Vartian did not respond to questions about the authenticity of pieces for sale.

But RETNAs lawyer, Brent Blakely, made clear that anyone who bought work at the sale would be sued alongside Heritage. When a piece of artwork is stolen, Blakely wrote in an email before the sale, it remains stolen even if someone later unwittingly purchases it at an auction. He hoped, however, that bidders would be deterred by their conscience: In my opinion any true lover of RETNAs art would be doing a disservice not only to Mr. Lewis, but the entire art community, by participating.

For the circumstances, RETNA was surprisingly calm. This is going to be something that Im going to have to deal with for a very, very long time, he said. Theres a lot of heirloom stuff that was meaningful, including a Dennis Hopper work he received as a gift from the estate of the actor and artist and a painting RETNA and artist El Mac made of a late friend in a casket. The auction site, RETNA said, was hard to look at. There are things that are said to be collaborations with artists that I didnt have anything to do with. The works are all just thrown all over the place, you know, shown upside down, and theres no truth in how they represent the work.

Most disconcerting, perhaps, was the fact that Heritage kept referring to the auction as an estate sale. Whether the material for sale represented his soul or not, he said, Here I am still alive.
Bloomberg / Contributor / Getty Images Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang.

Nvidias stock recovered today after a wild Monday.

Shares of the chipmaking giant ended the session up nearly 9%, easily outpacing the rise in the S&P 500. Tuesdays trading followed a start to the week that marked Nvidias (NVDA) worst day in years, as a roughly 17% drop led to a loss of nearly $600 billion in market value.

Some of the questions that led investors to drop Nvidia and, broadly, back away from the AI trade remain. A reassessment of the trajectory of the artificial intelligence business, triggered in part by a jump in popularity of a Chinese app called DeepSeek, prompted worry about the lifespan of the multibillion-dollar spending trends that have helped propel a range of companies shares, from chip makers to energy companies, higher in recent months.

On Wall Street yesterdayand todaymany analysts and others saw Mondays pullback as an opportunity to buy the dip.

We dont expect any near-term disruption for our top AI semiconductor names, Oppenheimer analysts wrote late yesterday, citing Nvidia, Broadcom (AVGO), Marvell Technology (MRVL) and Monolithic Power Systems (MPWR). We expect all four to report upside results and outlook in the coming weeks.

Still, the road back to Friday's closing prices is long for many stocks hit that were hard yesterday.

"Investors may want to consider trimming their tech exposure, given the still-lofty valuations and potential uncertainties ahead," said ProShares Global Investment Strategist Simeon Hyman.

This article has been updated since it was first published to reflect closing share-price information.

Read the original article on Investopedia
By Tom Polansek and Juveria Tabassum

(Reuters) - Smithfield Foods does not plan to close more U.S. pork processing plants, Chief Executive Shane Smith said on Tuesday, as the company returned to a U.S. exchange after more than a decade in a spinoff by Hong Kong-based WH Group.

The biggest U.S. pork processor also is paying close attention to trade and immigration policy changes under U.S. President Donald Trump as it exports pork and relies on a diverse group of meatpacking workers, Smith said in an interview.

WH Group, the world's largest pork producer, spun off Smithfield as Trump has threatened tariffs on imports from major pork consumers, including China and Mexico, that could trigger retaliatory duties that hurt U.S. agricultural exports.

Smithfield was valued at $8.1 billion after its shares ticked up in a muted debut.

Before the listing, the company carved out its European business, ended contracts with some U.S. hog farms and shut a California pork plant in recent years.

"We believe that really the heavy lifting is done," Smith said. "This next phase will be focused on growth."

U.S. farmers, who deliver hogs to processing plants, and slaughterhouse workers have been on edge about the risk for further plant closures.

Smithfield closed a plant in Vernon, California, and another in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2023. It also stopped slaughtering pigs at its hometown plant in Smithfield, Virginia, in 2021.

The company is not alone: Tyson Foods shut an Iowa pork plant last year, and has closed U.S. poultry plants with thousands of workers.

"I think the hog supply is relatively well balanced for that shackle space," Smith said.

Smithfield looks to use more of its fresh pork in its packaged meats business to reduce its exposure to export markets, Smith said. It can also redirect offal products, such as kidneys or stomachs, to U.S. pet food companies from China, a major buyer, he added.

Export sales represented 13% of Smithfield's total sales for the nine months ended Sept. 29, according to a regulatory filing.

"If there are further tariff escalations that make those markets that we go to with that product not attractive, we always think about it in the terms of the next best sale," Smith said.

Trump has also kicked off a sweeping immigration crackdown. More than half of all U.S. meatpacking workers are immigrants, compared with about 17% of the entire workforce, according to the Center for Economic and Policy Research, a think tank.

(Reporting by Tom Polansek and Juveria Tabassum; Editing by Richard Chang)
High Court reporters

A boy who should be detained in secure State care on foot of a High Court order is hearing voices encouraging him to kill and harm others, a judge has been told.

He is among six teens whose lives are considered to be at high risk while they await a court-ordered space in one of the States three special care units.

The Child and Family Agencys (CFAs) barrister, Sarah McKechnie, said the boys situation continues to deteriorate while he remains in the community. The High Court heard he is currently residing in an unregulated emergency arrangement.

Mr Justice John Jordan, who hears weekly updates about the boy and the other five teens waiting for a special care place, said there is very little I can say when [...] a child who should be in special care is hearing voices telling him to kill or harm people and is saying he is going to do that.

It is quite extraordinary that something is not being done to find a special care place for him and the others, who are suffering harm on a daily basis," the judge said.

It is unacceptable that all of these children remain at risk while the orders he made to protect their lives are not acted upon, he said.

The judge said the Government now receives weekly risk reports about these children, but it is making no difference.

The utter absurdity of the situation created by the CFA and the powers that be must be addressed The failure to address the situation for months and years is a disgrace, he added.

The CFA (also known as Tusla) was legally obliged to seek orders from the court providing for these childrens detention in special care, as it believes such a restriction is necessary to protect their lives, safety, health and development.

However, the agency says it cannot act upon all of the courts special care orders as it faces a staffing crisis arising out of its inability to pay higher wages due to public sector pay restrictions set by Government departments.

Without more staff, it cannot open more than 14 of its 26 special care beds, the court heard.

Among those waiting for a place is a girl who has repeatedly attempted suicide, regularly goes missing from care and who is at risk of sexual exploitation.

Barrister Brian Barrington, representing the girls court-appointed advocate, said there is a concern there is a substantial risk of death by misadventure for her.

The court also heard that a mother is distraught that her teenage child, who is also awaiting a special care place, is still selling themselves for sex.

Mr Justice Jordan adjourned the cases until next Thursday, when he wants to hear that his special care orders have been complied with.

It is quite extraordinary to be sitting here having made order after order in these cases and to be speaking to a State agency asking for the order to be complied with It is absurd, and the responsibility rests with the CFA and the Government, he said.

These issues have long troubled the judges list and led to the Supreme Court ruling earlier this week that it would allow a mothers appeal against the High Courts refusal to hold the agency in contempt for failing to comply with a special care order for her son.

Mr Justice Jordan on Thursday welcomed the clarity provided by the judgment.
Eimear Dodd

A man and a woman have both received prison sentences for their roles in a serious criminal enterprise in which they posed as learner drivers and sat the driver theory test on behalf of others.

Alina Glont (42) of Charlestown Place, Finglas, Dublin 11 and Daniel Stepien (29) with an address at Annfield Court, Clonsilla, Dublin 15 both pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to two counts of conspiracy.

The offences took place on dates between September 2018 and June 2021.

The court previously heard that gardai have identified 124 incidents where someone from a group of five individuals, including the two defendants, went to a test centre and took the theory test on behalf of third parties. Stepien sat 68 theory tests with Glont completing 20.

While separate investigations are ongoing, some third parties have reported paying amounts between 1,000 and 2,000 to the group, the court was told.

After hearing the facts of the case on Wednesday, Judge Martin Nolan adjourned the case overnight to consider sentencing.

On Thursday, Judge Nolan said the defendants were part of a conspiracy to do the driving theory test for third parties who did not do it.

He said the court must infer those parties had no great understanding of English language and wished to get someone else to do test.

He said this was a serious criminal enterprise, and serious profits were made, which he estimated to be around 100,000.

All services given by the State have to be open to people to take advantage of and therefore are open to fraud, the judge said.

Judge Nolan noted the defendants' guilty pleas, personal circumstances, and previous convictions, which he described as relevant.

He said their behaviour was quite serious.

Judge Nolan said Stepien was extensively involved but had a lesser role than other parties. He handed him a 32-month prison sentence, backdated to December 19th, when he entered his guilty plea.

He said the court accepted to some extent that Glont was acting under the control of her ex-partner and that there was some credence to the quasi-duress submission made on her behalf.

But, he said Glont was an accomplished, mature woman in her 30s when she involved herself in this serious escapade and imposed a two-and-a-half year sentence.

Scheme

Detective Garda Barry Cormack told Kieran Kelly BL, prosecuting, that the two accused were part of a group of five individuals involved in a scheme to take driver theory tests on behalf of third parties.

He told the court that information was obtained that third parties contacted the group, and then arrangements were made for one of the group to pose as a learner driver at a theory test centre to sit the test using a computerised system.

When the theory test was completed successfully, a pass certificate would be issued, which could be used by a third party to apply for a driving test.

RSA investigation

After receiving confidential information, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) started its own investigation in January 2021. The following June, the RSA reported 36 potential impersonations to the gardai.

Gardai searched Glont's home and found seven prepaid debit cards registered with false names and addresses. These cards were used to book over 100 theory tests.

Driver theory test books and sums of cash in sterling and euro were also recovered and Glont's phone was seized.

The court heard nothing of probative value was obtained when Glont was first interviewed by gardai in 2021.

When interviewed for a second time in 2023, she admitted her role and was cooperative with the investigation. She told gardai she booked the tests and would direct Stepien to attend certain tests.

Evidence

Stepien was also interviewed, but nothing of evidential value was obtained. The court heard evidence that he was directed by others and is considered by gardai to be at the lowest rung of the hierarchy.

Detective Garda McCormack said gardai have suspicions about the other members of the group, but they are not before the courts.

Glont has five previous convictions, including handling stolen property and using a false instrument.

Stepien has 30 previous convictions, including deception, theft, and road traffic offences.

Blackmail

In November 2022, he was jailed for three and half years after pleading guilty to making a demand with menace. He and two other men blackmailed a teenager by threatening to disclose explicit photographs from her OnlyFans account to her family and friends if she didnt hand over 10,000.

Stepien currently has an earliest release date of June 2025.

Detective Garda Cormack agreed with counsel for both accused that their pleas were beneficial to the prosecution.

He agreed with Simon Matthews BL, defending Stepien, that his client was paid low amounts for his involvement, receiving 150 per test, and was at the lowest rung of the ladder.

It was further accepted that Stepien told gardai he was struggling with gambling and substance addiction issues at the time and that it was clear that photos on theory test certificates were of the defendant.

Detective Garda Cormack accepted a suggestion from counsel representing Glont that her ex-partner is a person of interest in the investigation and that he left the jurisdiction around the time she was first arrested in 2021.

He further agreed that Glont has not come to Garda attention since June 2021.

It was further accepted that Glont outlined that her ex-partner was violent and coercive when interviewed by gardai for a second time in 2023.

Detective Garda Cormack also agreed with counsel for Glont that Stepien told gardai Glont's ex-partner got him involved in the scheme and wouldn't allow him to stop.

Mr Matthews asked the court to take into consideration his client's guilty plea, the contents of a governor's report and clean urine analysis.

He said Stepien is doing well in custody and has enhanced prisoner status. Counsel said the offending in this case took place around the same time as the offence for which Stepien is currently in custody.

Stepien's father passed away in early 2021, and he arranged the funeral. He also had gambling debts of 10,000 at this time. He has one young child and has a good work history.

References

A number of references and an offer of work upon his release were also handed to the court. Mr Matthews said his client outlines in a letter to the court that he is addressing his gambling and substance addiction issues while in custody.

Mr Matthews said his client accepts responsibility for his actions and has taken significant steps to rehabilitate while in custody. He asked the court to give Stepien a chance.

Counsel asked the court to take into account his client's early guilty plea, her personal circumstances and all other available mitigation.

Counsel for Glont asked the court to find truth in her assertions of violence and coercion by her ex-partner.

He suggested her offending took place during a period when her ex-partner was controlling her, she was offending on his behalf and under his control.

He submitted that her behaviour has been strikingly different since her ex-partner left the jurisdiction and she has thrived, taking up work, setting up her own business and completing further education courses.

A number of references were handed in to the court from Glont's family members along with her former workplace. Glont set up a chauffeur business after obtaining her PSV and bus driving licence and has two children.
Students from St Declan's Community College, in Kilmacthomas, Co Waterford, travelled to Dublin recently for a visit to the Dail.

The representatives of the school's Student Council, along with Ms Carroll and some Transition Year students, visited the seat of Irish Government on Monday, January 20.

The students pictured outside the Dail

They participated in a workshop, explaining how the Dail works, and received a guided tour of the Dail building. A spokesperson for the school told Waterford News & Star: "They got to see the Dail chambers and even managed an impromptu questions and answers session with Minister John Cummins, who kindly took time out to meet with us."

The students pictured in Dail Eireann with Minister John Cummins

"Who knows, this may have inspired some of our students to consider politics as a future career, watch this space," he added.
A Waterford councillor has said locals are being "tormented by boy racers". Cllr Joe ORiordan said at the January sitting of the Dungarvan-Lismore District Council meeting that he has gotten complaints from residents.

Locals are tormented by boy racers flying along there. You know there has been a number of incidents last year where cars have been clipped, said Cllr ORiordan.

Cllr ORiordan said the problem was particularly bad late at night from the top of Wolfe Tone Road down to Sexton Street in Dungarvan.

He asked the Council to write to the gardai and provide traffic calming measures for Mitchell's Terrace.

It would be of some comfort to people who have to listen to this day in and day out. It really is disgraceful," said Cllr ORiordan.

Senior Engineer Gabriel Hynes said it was a matter for the gardai to enforce.
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 From local domestic noir, Australian politics and nature writing to mum jokes and personal reflections from a renowned psychotherapist, this weeks new releases cover almost all genre bases. FICTION PICK OF THE WEEK

Tomorrow There Will Be Sun  A Hope Prize Anthology

Simon & Schuster, $24.99 The Hope Prize is an international short fiction competition  judged in 2024 by Dame Quentin Bryce, Julia Gillard and Tony Birch, among others  and all proceeds from the sale of its anthology are donated to a worthy organisation, this time Beyond Blue. Hope and resilience and bravery are themes, and the collection offers an eclectic range of stories, showcasing Australian authors amid their international counterparts. The standard is very high, with the bar set by the opening story, from Nigerian writer and queer liberation activist Ani Kayode Somtochukwu. The Sorrow and the Pity speculates on two teenage Igbo boys, survivors of the Biafran War, who face separation just as they discover their love for one another. Its beautiful, cadenced, not a word out of place, and the hope is tenuous, suspended ethereally above darkness and violence. Mercifully, you wont find a shred of unearned uplift or toxic positivity in this volume, and lovers or writers of short fiction should snap up a copy. The Inheritance

Kate Horan

HQ, $34.99 If high emotional stakes are a hallmark of novels featuring family intrigue, rich and powerful dynasties bring finance and politics into play. Isabel Ashworth has been sent by her tycoon father to manage a controversial property development in an ultra-posh township, to prove herself fit for a leading role in her familys business empire. She soon rankles the inhabitants and finds she cannot trust those closest to her. Meanwhile, freelance journalist Meg Hunter gets a whiff of corruption from the Ashworths latest project, and some odd clues to a family secret as her mother succumbs to dementia. When the Ashworth scions each receive a DNA testing kit for Christmas, Isabel seeks out Meg to assist in uncovering a web of deceit. Someone is determined to stop the truth coming out. Kate Horans debut is acute on the psychology of power and wealth, and the novel is intricate plotting with memorable characters. If youre into Succession or the real-life tussle over the Murdoch family trust, The Inheritance will appeal. The Pool

Hannah Tunnicliffe

Ultimo, $34.99 Hannah Tunnicliffes new novel will please fans of psychological suspense. Credit: Jody Lidst

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Domestic noir with a whodunit hook, Hannah Tunnicliffes The Pool reunites a friendship circle 10 years after a tragedy at a suburban barbecue. One of them has gone missing  Baz King, a raffish prince of spin whose lobbying career is full of dodgy dealings and contacts  and theres no shortage of suspects with motives for wanting the charismatic chap out of the way. His embittered ex-wife, Bridie, his lover, Jess, and her partner, Richard, a co-worker, a friend who fell in love with the nanny, the list goes on, and now the parents among this group of Melburnian families are in their 40s, theyve accumulated more dysfunction and resentment. Tunnicliffe does unleash a bamboozling number of characters on the reader at the outset, but once youve settled into this suburban mystery, told from various perspectives, the author delivers twists you wont see coming. Although comparisons to Christos Tsiolkas The Slap arent warranted, this will satisfy fans of the domestic subgenre of psychological suspense. The Artist

Lucy Steeds

John Murray, $32.99 Set in 1920 in Provence, Lucy Steeds The Artist examines the lot of a young woman living in the shadow of a famous and reclusive male painter, Edouard Tartuffe. His niece, Ettie, was orphaned as a child. She doesnt remember her mother who had an affair, became pregnant and died in tragic circumstances, leaving her in the care of her uncle. Yet, it is Ettie who provides most of the care. She cooks, cleans, does all the housework and runs professional errands for the eccentric painter to procure what he needs to work. When journalist Joseph arrives to write a feature story, his curiosity is piqued. He is determined to be ambitious, tormented by (among other things) his refusal to fight in World War I, but it is the sharp-eyed and intelligent Ettie who intrigues him most. Under her subservient exterior, Ettie longs to escape a life of domestic bondage and realise creative ambitions of her own. Its a vivid and atmospheric literary novel, rich in observational detail, that explores and transcends the oppressive power dynamics of artistic creation. NON-FICTION PICK OF THE WEEK

On This Ground. Best Australian Nature Writing

Edited by Dave Witty

Monash University Publishing, $34.99 Author Kim Mahoods work features in this collection of Australian nature writing. Credit: Martin Ollman A mood of deep disquiet haunts this collection. Editor Dave Witty calls it unsettler anxiety: the realisation we have altered the natural world to such a degree that the future is a dark and frightening place. What saves these essays from bleakness is the way they fine-tune our ears to natures broadband, bringing about a shift in attention that can make all the difference. After reading Connor Tomas OBriens beautifully understated piece on the plains-wanderer, a nearly flightless bird that is a master of disguise, you cant look at empty grasslands in the same way again. Gregory Days expansive musings on the inscape of a waterbird, Emily Mowats meditation on a year spent in extremis on Macquarie Island, Kim Mahoods lifelong wanderings in the footsteps of central Australias ancestors: each essay is as potent a catalyst for transformation as Tim Wintons call to arms, his trenchant polemic on how writers of the past have failed at this job.

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Hour of the Heart

Irvin D. Yalom & Benjamin Yalom

Scribe, $29.99 For renowned psychotherapist Irvin Yalom, its the relationship that heals. This philosophy is poignantly enacted in his account of how he adapted a career of therapeutic practice to the reality of his failing memory. In his early 1990s, he realised he could no longer retain the case history details of long-term patients. This inspired the novel approach of one-off, hour-long sessions that resulted in concentrated encounters fuelled by a sense of urgency. It was perfectly suited to his lifetimes here and now method where the interactions between patient and therapist become the tools for change. Yaloms undiminished curiosity, his skilful and candid deployment of his own flaws and his ability to meet the demands of the moment make for richly rewarding case histories informed by personal reflections on identity, ageing, loss and death. Minority Report. Quarterly Essay

George Megalogenis

Black Inc, $29.99 George Megalogenis describes Australia as being in a global category of its own in the latest Quarterly Essay. With the prospect of a hung parliament looming after the next election, George Megalogenis asks whether voters got what they wanted from the 2022 election and whether a growing crossbench will continue to shake up the two-party system. What will the deepening electoral fault lines between city and country, women and men, the young and the old deliver? He speculates that the No vote for the Voice will not necessarily translate into a vote for Peter Dutton if slashing migration is the centrepiece of his campaign. Anthony Albanese, he says, should learn from John Howards GST backflip and his own on stage 3 tax cuts and take a bold housing reform package to the next election. Hearteningly, Megalogenis sees Australia as being in a global category of its own because it aims to force change on the system, not disrupt it. A minority government is our last best chance to make this happen. Loading Funny Stuff No One Asked For

Jimmy Smith and Nath Roye

Allen & Unwin, $24.99

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Hong Kong and its tech-savvy residents may have fully embraced digital banking, but companies continue to offer unique and fancy red envelopes, or lai see packets, to clients as an inexpensive way to promote their brand and business.

HSBC and ICBC (Asia) have taken the opportunity presented by the Year of the Snake starting on Wednesday to promote key milestones. Hong Kong's largest bank is celebrating its 160th anniversary, while ICBC completes 25 years in the city. The Hong Kong Gold Exchange, meanwhile, is using lai see to promote its rebranding after being known as the Chinese Gold & Silver Exchange Society for the last 114 years.

HSBC has created a special limited edition set of lai see envelopes featuring the bank's iconic lions and depictions of its Hong Kong headquarters across different eras.

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.

"Despite the emergence of e-lai see, we have observed a consistent demand for lai see envelopes, which tend to run out quickly," said Cheuk Shum, head of marketing for wealth and personal banking at HSBC Hong Kong, noting that the bank also offers e-lai see services through its PayMe and mobile phone apps.

HSBC's limited edition lai see box set to celebrate its 160th anniversary in the Year of the Snake. Photo: Handout alt=HSBC's limited edition lai see box set to celebrate its 160th anniversary in the Year of the Snake. Photo: Handout>

Shum added lai see envelopes were an important tradition as they allowed people to personally greet friends and family and wish them well.

It is a Chinese tradition for married couples to give lai see, or blessing money, to unmarried friends and family members, including children, during the first seven days of the Lunar New Year.

Many of HSBC's lai see box sets are now being flogged on the online marketplace Carousell, ranging from a few hundred dollars to as much as HK$3,800 (US$488).

ICBC has incorporated a special 25th-anniversary logo on its lai see - a golden serpent symbol signifying blessings and prosperity.

Hong Kong Gold Exchange has sent out more than 60,000 lai see packets with its new logo to bestow a "house full of gold and silver" for its users.

"Sending out lai see packets for the Lunar New Year has come at an opportune time to promote our rebranding since January 1," said Cherry Lai, a spokeswoman for the exchange. "Each lai see packet costs only about HK$1, an extremely cost-effective way to market ourselves and to send new year blessings to our contacts."
If you cast your mind back to the period soon after the Morrison government was tossed out on its ear in 2022, losing 19 lower house seats, it would have been a brave person who predicted that the Coalition under Peter Dutton would be back in contention at the next election. Indeed, after the Liberals lost the seat of Aston in April 2023  the first time a government had won a seat from an opposition at a byelection in more than 100 years  their outlook was bleak.

But here we are. Dutton and the opposition look to have upward momentum, and Anthony Albanese and his government do not. The trend towards the Coalition in the polls has become so sustained that the looming election is shaping as a contest to see which side will get the opportunity to form a minority government.

Dutton is now looking for the holdout voters such as women of all ages and younger people to try to get the Liberals enough seats to have an edge over Labor. His reputation as a bloodless tough guy can only take him so far. Theres a need to sell him as a more relatable everyman in the hope of securing those extra votes. The Liberal Party has been attempting to soften or just plain humanise Duttons public image by showing him in its messaging as a nice, thoughtful, caring fellow. A mate of mine, a former political reporter who lives on the other side of the world, describes the campaign as Dutton dressed up as ham.

Credit: Illustration: Dionne Gain

But even when hes doing the personal, getting-to-know-you thing, the sharp edges are always close to hand. In the latest Liberal ad, Dutton claims that as a policeman he saw the best and worst of our society. That is his worldview right there: good people and bad people. Its how he has been all the way through his political career, which began almost a quarter of a century ago. He speaks plainly, clearly and gives the impression of being unyielding  there is little place for nuance in his world.
The AI race isnt just about technological progress; its a fight for control over the future  who shapes it, who profits, and whose systems define it. Like the space race of the 20th century, the AI race isnt just about innovation  its a contest to prove whose system is better equipped to lead the world.

The battle lines of the AI race are being drawn, and each major player has a strategy. Europes model places a bet on ethical development, slow growth, and building citizen trust over time. The United States, fuelled by its start-up culture and venture capital, announced last week it would throw $US500 billion ($802 billion) at OpenAI in a move that signals a belief that massive investments will win out. China, meanwhile, has taken a different tack, restricted by a lack of access to the most advanced chips. Instead of scale, it has doubled down on efficiency, creating leaner models that are competing with the best the West has to offer.

This isnt just about who can build the smartest algorithm or the most efficient model  its about who controls the future by controlling attention. Its about deciding whose values will underpin the next century of innovation and influence.

Enter DeepSeek, the newest AI project thats in the running to be the Sputnik moment of the AI development race. Its developers, funded by a Chinese hedge fund, trained a model comparable to ChatGPTs o1 for a fraction of the cost. Limited by chip restrictions, Chinese developers innovated a process that relied less on brute force and more on precision. Their technological wizardry should be embarrassing to us in the West. The idea that limiting Chinas access to our hardware would keep us ahead seems to have failed.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) celebrated International Customs Day (ICD) on 24 January 2025 in Brussels, Belgium, taking this opportunity to present its theme for the year: Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity.

The WCO Secretary General, Ian Saunders, welcomed guests to WCO Headquarters and highlighted the significance of ICD, noting that since its first plenary session as the Customs Co-operation Council more than 70 years ago, the WCO has served as the premier forum dedicated to advancing Customs matters, providing guidance and supporting Customs administrations in addressing the challenges they face in fulfilling their missions.

Secretary General Saunders explained that this years theme is aimed at challenging both the WCO Secretariat and the international Customs community to communicate more effectively to the world about how their individual and collective work make a difference.

When we tell the world how we are helping deliver greater efficiency, security and prosperity, we create the possibility of greater understanding, greater appreciation and greater investment, he said. He went on to state that Customs helped sustain and improve the international trading system and support economic vitality around the world, and that Customs role in this respect needed to be publicized globally.

As the ICD event was co-organized by the Belgian General Customs and Excise Administration (Belgian Customs), its General Administrator Kristian Vanderwaeren expressed his full support for the WCOs 2025 theme. He described how technology was increasing the efficiency of Belgian Customs work, enabling it to operate more swiftly and accurately. He concluded by describing how national and international collaboration played a key role in ensuring that Customs kept borders secure. Finally, he underscored the importance of Customs role in facilitating trade.

Earlier in the day, Secretary General Saunders participated in Belgian Customs ICD celebration at the Town Hall of the City of Brussels. This event was attended by Filip Van De Velde, Chairperson of the Belgian Federal Finance Public Service (SPF Finances); Matthias Petschke, Director-General of DG TAXUD; Stephan Legein, Deputy General Administrator of the Belgian General Administration of Customs and Excise; and General Administrator Vanderwaeren.

The celebration included speeches, a medal ceremony for Customs officer honorees, and a military parade on the Grand-Place led by the Belgian Ministry of Finance Band. The festivities ended at the iconic Manneken-Pis statue, appropriately dressed as a Customs officer for the occasion.

This years ICD celebration showcased Customs role in international trade and its commitment to efficiency, Security and Prosperity, the dedication of its employees, and the importance of increasing visibility and awareness of Customs impact. The theme for the year sets a clear course for the Customs community in 2025.
By Juveria Tabassum and Waylon Cunningham

(Reuters) -Starbucks reported a smaller-than-expected fall in first-quarter comparable sales on Tuesday, in early signs of the struggling coffee chain benefiting from CEO Brian Niccol's efforts to revive demand.

The company's shares rose 0.5% in extended trading. They have gained nearly 30% since his appointment in August last year.

"It's a critical year in front of us, and we have a lot of work to do to get back to Starbucks," Niccol said.

Niccol is credited with reviving the burrito chain Chipotle Mexican Grill in his last CEO role. He aims to return Starbucks to its coffee house roots in the U.S. by rolling out a simpler menu, ceramic cups, refills and condiment bars, and cutting wait times at the cafes to under four minutes.

He said Starbucks' current system of mobile ordering, which handles orders on a first-in, first-out basis, is a "chokepoint" that can overwhelm baristas and the primary obstacle to achieving shorter wait times. A more efficient mobile order system "frees us up to another degree that we haven't totally comprehended," he said.

Doing so could help realize the company's potential to eventually double its store count in the U.S., Niccol said.

Niccol has also cut back on the company's deals and discounts and instead sought to broaden its marketing beyond loyalty program members.

Starbucks' global same-store sales fell 4% in the three months ended Dec. 29, Niccol's first full quarter at the helm, compared with analysts' expectations of a 4.6% fall, according to data compiled by LSEG.

"Investors are looking for early indicators that the transformation is in place. The results were broadly in line with expectations," said Danilo Gargiulo, senior analyst at Bernstein.

The company has also shuffled its top brass. Earlier on Tuesday, Starbucks said its North America president Sara Trilling and chief supply chain officer Arthur Valdez would leave.

Trilling's role will be split, with former Taco Bell executives Mike Grams and Meredith Sandland becoming North America chief stores officer and chief store development officer, respectively. Niccol was a former top boss at Taco Bell before joining Chipotle.

"Brian is being surrounded by people he trusts. The appointments are paramount to ensure execution of in-store revisions," Gargiulo said.

Starbucks, which suspended its forecasts for 2025 late last year to give Niccol freedom to pursue his restructuring, has ceded ground to rivals such as Luckin Coffee in China, where comparable sales fell for the fourth straight quarter.
Starbucks on Tuesday reported better-than-expected sales in its fiscal first quarter as some of its turnaround efforts start to deliver results.

The Seattle coffee giant said its revenue was flat at $9.4 billion for the 13-week period ending Dec. 29. That beat Wall Street's forecast of $9.3 billion, according to analysts polled by FactSet.

Chairman and CEO Brian Niccol, who joined the company in September, said customer-focused changes  such as a decision to stop charging extra for non-dairy milk and a streamlining of the menu  were helping to improve service and drive store traffic.

In a conference call with investors Tuesday, Niccol said Starbucks is planning to cut its food and beverage offerings by 30% over the course of this year to simplify operations and speed service. Starbucks will also add digital menus to all of its company-owned U.S. stores over the next 18 months to make ordering options clearer and make it easier to shift its offerings depending on the time of day.

Niccol said the company is also adding staff to some stores and experimenting with ordering algorithms that prioritize in-store customers and better pace mobile orders.

The place where we run into problems, frankly, is the fact that there is just no gating on the mobile orders, Niccol said. All these orders come flooding in faster than even our customer can get there. So all these drinks are sitting on the counter, and its at the expense of providing any other experience for a customer thats right in the store.

Starbucks is trying to reestablish itself as a gathering place, and this week announced that it will start using ceramic mugs and offering in-store customers free refills of coffee or tea. The company is also trying to appeal to customers with a new rule that requires people to buy something if they want to hang out or use the restroom.

This is back to the core of what makes Starbucks a unique experience, Niccol said.

Starbucks' same-store sales  or sales at locations open at least a year  fell 4% compared to the same period last year. The decline was less than the 5.5% analysts anticipated, according to FactSet. It was also better than the previous quarter, when global same-store sales were down 7%.

U.S. same-store sales also fell 4% in the first quarter. Starbucks said transactions were down 8% but customers spent more per visit. Starbucks also pulled back on discounts during the quarter, Niccol said.

Niccol said he recently visited China, Starbucks' second-largest market, where sales have been hampered by lower-cost competitors. China's same-store sales fell 6% in the fiscal first quarter.
Starbucks (SBUX) is brewing up Taco Bell (YUM) vibes under CEO Brian Niccol.

On Tuesday morning, Starbucks named longtime Taco Bell executive Mike Grams as chief stores officer and former Taco Bell executive Meredith Sandland as chief store development officer. Most recently, Sandland served as CEO of delivery meal company Empower Delivery.

Both executives will relocate to Seattle and begin in February. They'll be playing a role in Niccol's "Back to Starbucks" plan. The new operating model for its retail team needs "clear ownership and accountability and an appropriate scope for each role," Niccol wrote in a letter to employees on Tuesday, viewed by Yahoo Finance.

Per Starbucks, Grams will be responsible for the company's retail teams and store performance. The customer solutions group will move to his team.

Sandland will be responsible for store development strategy and store design, "all intended to deliver the community coffeehouses our customers and partners expect," per Niccol.

Starbucks Coffee logo and store, on April 3, 2024, in Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada. (Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images)  NurPhoto via Getty Images

Sara Trilling, who served as president of Starbucks North America is leaving the company. She oversaw growth plans and the rollout of the Siren retail system, and she also supported employees across the US and Canada.

Niccol said he planned to split "Saras role in two" and that she believed "neither new role was right for her." She said the plan was "the right decision for the company."

Arthur Valdez, who served as chief supply and customer solutions officer, is also stepping down. The company plans to announce a successor in the coming weeks.

Niccol said, "Arthur agrees that integrating the customer solutions team with the stores team is the right approach."

Valdez joined Starbucks two years ago after a long stint at Target (TGT).

Both Trilling and Valdez will stay to "assist with the transition" over the next few months. Niccol ended the letter by saying, "I understand this is a lot of change."

The coffee giant is expected to post its first quarter fiscal year 2025 results on Tuesday after market close. This will be the first full quarter under CEO Brian Niccol, who took the helm on Sept. 9.

Wall Street expects revenue to come in at $9.32 billion, compared to $9.43 billion in the same quarter a year ago. Same-store sales and foot traffic are projected to decline 5.30% and 7.28%, respectively, year over year.

Analysts expect a slight improvement in foot traffic from a quarter ago, offset by lower ticket growth.

In the past year, Starbucks stock has gained 5%, far lagging the S&P 500's (^GSPC) 24% rise. But the shares have risen 32% in the past six months after Niccol was announced as the new CEO in August.
Palo Alto College ESL instructor Stephanie Rodriguez, right, laughs with students as they practice reading sentences about their favorite childhood memories during a beginner English as a Second Language class on Monday night, January 27, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. She teaches free 8-week ESL classes which are offered three times a week, from 6 to 9 p.m., to help adults build confidence in speaking, reading, writing, and listening in English. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Palo Alto College ESL instructor Stephanie Rodriguez, right, helps beginner student Berenice Castro write out a sentence about a favorite childhood memory during an English as a Second Language class on Monday night, January 27, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. Rodriguez teaches free 8-week ESL classes which are offered three times a week, from 6 to 9 p.m., to help adults build confidence in speaking, reading, writing, and listening in English. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News English as a Second Language student Alexis Garcia, back right, smiles as he answers a question from ESL instructor Javier Morales during class on Monday night, January 27, 2025, at Palo Alto College in San Antonio, Texas. The free 8-week ESL classes are offered three times a week, from 6 to 9 p.m., to help adults build confidence in speaking, reading, writing, and listening in English. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Palo Alto College ESL instructor Javier Morales teaches his advanced English as a Second Language students about sentence structure on Monday night, January 27, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. The free 8-week ESL classes are offered three times a week, from 6 to 9 p.m., to help adults build confidence in speaking, reading, writing, and listening in English. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News English as a Second Language student Cirilo Palomo does a show-and-tell presentation about his motorcycle during an advanced ESL class taught by instructor Javier Morales on Monday night, January 27, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. He attends the free classes alongside his wife Layda Mellado, not pictured. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Students Sergio De La Rosa, from back, Monica Torres De Mancera and Layda Mellado listen to show-and-tell presentations while attending an advanced ESL class taught by instructor Javier Morales on Monday night, January 27, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. The free 8-week ESL classes are offered three times a week to help adults build confidence in speaking, reading, writing, and listening in English. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News English as a Second Language student Layda Mellado shares a picture of her family with her advanced ESL classmates during a show-and-tell presentation on Monday night, January 27, 2025, at Palo Alto College in San Antonio, Texas. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Palo Alto College ESL instructor Stephanie Rodriguez welcomes her beginner English as a Second Language students to class on Monday night, January 27, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. She teaches free 8-week ESL classes three times a week to help adults build confidence in listening, reading, speaking and writing English. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Palo Alto College ESL instructor Javier Morales teaches his advanced English as a Second Language students about sentence structure. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News English as a Second Language student Kelly Giraldo shares information about a book she received as a gift during a show-and-tell presentation. She stood in front of a whiteboard filled with sentences written by students during class on Monday night, January 27, 2025, at Palo Alto College in San Antonio, Texas. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Palo Alto College ESL instructor Javier Morales, right, plays a noun naming game with his advanced English as a Second Language students on Monday night, January 27, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. The free 8-week ESL classes are offered three times a week, from 6 to 9 p.m., to help adults build confidence in speaking, reading, writing, and listening in English. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News

The first thing Stephanie Rodriguez tries to give Spanish-speaking adult learners in her community ESL class at Palo Alto College is a sense of belonging.

I always tell them, The moment you cross the door of my classroom, youre a part of my family,  said Rodriguez, who came to the United States from Colombia in 2014, not knowing English. No. 1 for me is that they feel they belong, that they feel safe. I strongly believe that learning cannot happen without the emotional space for it.

Palo Alto officials arent sure if looming mass deportations and restrictions on refugee resettlement under the Trump administration contributed to a recent surge in people signing up for English as a Second Language. Since the college waived a $220 tuition fee for its community program a few months ago, the classes have filled up quickly and have had a waiting list.

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Rodriguez is one of three instructors at the South Side campus who equip students at varying levels of English proficiency with survival tools that enable them to purse their dreams. Most are from Mexico or Central or South America and arent taking other college classes. A few are refugees from Africa or other overseas continents. The students range in age, from 18 to over 65, and backgrounds, including retirees and working professionals.

Some dont read or write well, even in their native language, because of the conditions of the life they had, and many are craving to feel part of a community, Rodriguez said.

I always share my own story, and I tell them, I know what it feels like. I know why youre scared,  she said. I knew I had the knowledge, but its a very different thing to put yourself out there, knowing you have an accent. There is a story behind that accent. And I tell them not to be afraid of that, but just to keep going.

Palo Alto President Robert Garza decided in the fall to fund the course out of his office at about $40,000 per semester and open it to the community for free  first-come, first served. The college opened enrollment Monday for the next cohort this spring, and planned to accept applicants through Feb. 13. But by the end of the day, all 80-plus slots were filled.

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Because weve removed that (tuition) barrier, the floodgates have opened, and so many people are interested. Its really important for Palo Alto because we are a very heavily Spanish-speaking community, said Jocelyn Sandoval, strategic communications coordinator at the college. We accept anyone whos willing to learn and shows that initiative.

The next ESL enrollment opportunity, for a summer cohort, is set to begin March 31. Students are tested at four levels of English proficiency: beginner Levels 1 and 2, intermediate Level 3 and advanced Level 4. They attend classes for three hours, three times a week in an eight-week course. It ends with a closing ceremony and speeches confidently delivered in English by Level 4 graduates.

Edgar Nandin, academic support specialist for community programs at Palo Alto, said the college had to cancel some of its ESL classes in 2023 because it couldnt even get a dozen people signed up. But the beginner classes have been very popular since tuition was eliminated. While other institutions and school districts offer ESL, sometimes for free, the courses at Palo Alto are more instructional-based with strong faculty engagement.

Theres a lot of ESL programming in San Antonio. But for some reason, Palo Alto is what we call PAC Proud in ESL, Nandin said.

The learners start with instruction on receptive skills of listening to English words and sentences, then reading them, working toward mastering speech and writing. One past ESL graduate at Palo Alto, Brenda Valdes, went on to get her GED and studied at San Antonio College and the University of Texas at San Antonio. Shes now working toward a doctoral degree in education on a full scholarship at Stanford University.

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Rodriguez, the ESL instructor who joined Palo Altos program in August, is knowledgeable in technology and very compassionate, Nandin said.

In this kind of job, you need to have a big heart, he said.

Rodriguez, 33, also teaches ESL to adolescent and teenage middle school students and is a teaching assistant at UTSA, leading a class on race, ethnicity and gender equality. After coming to the United States from Bogota, Colombia with a bachelors in sociology, she worked in graphic design, then began teaching about five years ago, starting in preschool, and has become a naturalized U.S. citizen.

Last year, Rodriguez received a masters in bicultural and bilingual education from UTSA.

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She tries to teach by example.
(Bloomberg) -- Uber Technologies Inc.-backed Moove acquired Brazils Kovi as part of plans to further grow its income and footprint outside of Africa.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The equity deal for an undisclosed amount would place the $750 million startup among the worlds top three fleet operators and financiers of ridesharing vehicles by revenue, Mooves co-founder Ladi Delano said in an interview. It will also expand the groups fleet to 36,000 vehicles and increase its recurring yearly revenue to $275 million, he said.

We expect to continue to scale our fleet by adding about 15,000 vehicles on an annual basis, Delano said. The Kovi deal will also allow the startup to integrate its driver-behavior algorithm and internet of things software into Mooves artificial intelligence strategy to improve safety and efficiency, he said.

UK-born Nigerians Delano and Jide Odunsi founded Moove in Lagos in 2020 with 76 vehicles to help would-be ride-hailing drivers access vehicle financing.

The startup with operations in Europe, the Middle East and India recently partnered with Waymo LLC to manage and dispatch its autonomous vehicles, starting with Phoenix in the US this year, Delano said.

Moove, which counts Blackrock among its other backers, uses a credit-scoring system to enable drivers to access financing to buy new vehicles for ride hailing, logistics and deliveries, and repay it using a percentage of their weekly income. Since starting the business, Moove has raised more than $500 million in equity and debt as it rapidly scales the business.

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By Yadarisa Shabong and Chandini Monnappa

(Reuters) -Mulberry Group is seeking to win back customers in Britain, build a digital presence in the United States and scale back in China, CEO Andrea Baldo said as he outlined his strategy to turn around the struggling luxury handbag maker.

Like larger rival Burberry, Mulberry said it would focus on its 'British heritage' appeal to regain customers it had neglected in previous years when it focussed on expansion in Asia-Pacific.

"We need to export the British culture, but in another way it is also a way to showcase a British way of doing manufacturing," Baldo, who took office in September, told Reuters.

He said luxury for Mulberry meant luxury at the entry price, and that he aims to rebuild the brand's wholesale and outlet networks to reach UK customers.

His plans include shutting non-performing stores in China and moving marketing budgets away from Asia-Pacific into the UK and United States, where he plans to build the brand's e-commerce business.

Like other luxury goods companies, Mulberry has been hit by consumers' fading appetite for high-end goods in China.

Luxury brands have been struggling globally with a shrinking customer base, and prolonged economic weakness in China has been a further drag on retailers' margins.

Mulberry said it was working to reduce operating costs by about 25% on an annualised basis compared to 2024 after reporting a 27.9% drop in Asia Pacific sales in the 13 weeks through Dec. 28. Revenue fell 18.3% during this period even as sales in Europe and the U.S. grew by 11.1%.

Shares were down 2.5% at 1220 GMT.

Mulberry named Billie O'Connor, who has previously held finance roles at Selfridges Group and Marks and Spencer, as its new finance boss.

(Reporting by Chandini Monnappa in Bengaluru; Editing by Rashmi Aich, Savio D'Souza, Bernadette Baum and Christina Fincher)
Drug Dogs Do Searches At Jail, School, Other Sites

The Kimball County Sheriff's Office along with the Wyoming's Laramie County Sheriff's Office canine units conducted a drug search Monday at the Kimball County High School.

The school district inquired earlier this school year to have such as search conducted but said it wasn't considered a pressing matter. It was arranged to be done Monday. No arrests were made.

The two drug dogs are trained to give alerts at three different levels. Officers said the dogs' only alert on school grounds was for residual smells suspected of being due to a previous owner of a vehicle that was in the parking lot.

The search was conducted by Sgt. Gilbert Atencio, the kennel master for Laramie County Sherrif's Office, and Deputy Wiltanger. The Laramie County dogs can detect THC in gummies and other edibles depending on the concentration of THC.

Atencio's dog Yapp is a dual purpose dog trained to detect narcotics of all kinds and is also a bite dog.

The dogs were put to good use throughout the day as three local locations were searched on bond searches and the jail was searched for narcotics.

After the search was conducted, an educational demonstration was provided to the students by Sargent Atencio and Yapp.
Charlotte Hickman, 96, of Kimball, died on Monday, January 20, 2025. Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at the Trinity United Methodist Church with Pastor Lorri Kentner officiating. Visitation was held at the church one hour prior to the funeral, and burial was at Kimball Cemetery.

Friends may visit http://www.cantrellfh.com to share condolences and stories for the family. Contributions in Charlotte's memory may be given to the family for a donation of their choice. The services have been entrusted to the Cantrell Funeral Home.

Charlotte Irene Hickman was born on October 14, 1928, to Henry and Nola (Taylor) Schmidt in Kimball, NE. At her birth her family lived in the southwest corner of Kimball County. She attended a country school (District 35) until her parents bought a farm just south of Bushnell, NE when she was an eighth grader. Her Father would walk her to school since they had to cross Lodgepole Creek, Highway 30 and the Railroad Tracks, plus the school was located on the north end of town. Charlotte and her brother and sister were baptized at the Grover Lutheran Church by the Pastor of the Bushnell Evangelical United Brethren Church. Her and her siblings enjoyed accompanying each other in music. She graduated from the Bushnell High School in May of 1946 and went to the Northern Colorado Teachers College in Greeley, Colorado. She received her Teachers Certificate and taught at a country school.

She was dating Donald Hickman who proposed to her in October of 1946. They were married June 1, 1947, in the Bushnell EUB Church. They lived on a farm north of Bushnell where they were blessed with twin boys (Keith and Kenneth) on May 3, 1948. They spent the Blizzard of '49 at her parents' farm. They moved into town in late 1949/early 1950. They moved into the house where they lived for many years after, just before David was born in June of 1951. In August of 1953, Dennis was born. In October of 1955, Patricia was born. In March of 1960, Janice was born. When the twins were Seniors, and Janice started Kindergarten, was the only year that all the kids were in school at the same time. Both Charlotte and Donald plus all six kids graduated from the Bushnell High School.

Charlotte was very active in the Church and worked at numerous jobs until she moved to the Vista Villa in Kimball in Sept 2006. On August 1, 2018, she fell coming out of a beauty salon and broke her neck. After her hospital stay, she moved into the Kimball County Manor for rehabilitation and where she decided to stay until her passing.

She is survived by her sons, Kenneth and David of Kimball, NE; Dennis (Edna) of Pine Bluffs, WY; daughters Patricia (Delvin) Tobler of Kimball, NE and Janice Brown of Bushnell, NE .; daughter-in-law Betty Hickman of Pine Bluffs, WY and her brother Duane (Clarice) Schmidt of Lincoln, NE. 18 Grandchildren, 29 Great-Grandchildren and 13 Great-Great-Grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son (Keith), grandson (Jeff Hickman), daughters-in-law Jodeen and Renate, son-in-law Ombra Brown and sister and brother-in-law Shirley (Kenneth) Taylor.
Max Revell, 72, of Kimball, Nebraska, passed away on January 16th, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Cremation has been held and memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Kimball with Pastor Ellery Steffenson officiating. Inurnment will be held at a later date. Friends may visit http://www.cantrellfh.com to view his Tribute Wall and leave condolences and stories for the family. The family kindly requests contributions to be given in his memory to Kimball Hospital Foundation or St. John's Lutheran Church. The services for Max have been entrusted to the Cantrell Funeral Home.

Max was born on February 26, 1952, in Wichita, Kansas, to Evelyn and Harold Revell. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church. He graduated from Kimball County High School, Chadron State College and the Colorado Graduate School of Banking. Max Revell and Debra Moody were married on October 5, 1974 at the Moody Ranch in Crawford, NE. October 2024 marked their 50th wedding anniversary, a wonderful milestone of memories and love. They made Kimball their lifelong home.

Max dedicated 45 years to a career in banking, where he was known for his integrity, leadership, and commitment to helping others. He held numerous positions in his community, serving on countless boards and contributing his time and knowledge to making Kimball a better place for all.

Max is survived by his loving wife, Debra Revell; his oldest son, Jerimi (JJ) Revell, and his wife Jahira, along with their children, Michelle and Matthew; and his youngest son, Ryan Revell, and his wife Kayla, along with their children, Michael and Mary. He leaves behind his mother, Evelyn Gerih; his sister, Dana Revell; and his brother, Bryce Revell and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Max was preceded in death by his father, Harold Revell; his grandparents, John and Minnie Lingwall; and his grandparents, Alfred and Blanche Revell.

Max will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his community, and his faith. His kind heart, strong work ethic, and selfless nature left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.

"I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith."

2 Timothy 4:7
Ryan Dunne

The barrister for a man accused of murder during a melee outside a pub has told a Central Criminal Court jury that if they have any doubt his client kicked the deceased in the face, they must find him not guilty.

If there was a running kick that caused a thud to a face, youd expect to see a little bit more marks than were there, said John D Fitzgerald SC, counsel for Calvin Dunne (24), who stands accused of the murder of Dylan McCarthy during a fight outside a pub in a Kildare town in 2022.

It is the States case that Mr McCarthy (29) died following an incident in which he received both punches and a vicious kick to the head from Mr Dunne while he was attempting to get up off the ground. The jury heard that Mr Dunne argues he was acting in self-defence and that Mr McCarthy was himself involved in violence on the night.

Mr Dunne (24), of Abbey View, Monasterevin, Co Kildare, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mr McCarthy on or about August 22nd, 2022. He has also pleaded not guilty to violent disorder on August 21st, 2022, at Dublin Road, Monasterevin.

On Wednesday his co-accused, Sean Kavanagh (26), with an address at St Marys Lane, Church Avenue, Monasterevin, pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing harm on Eamon McCarthy, the father of the deceased, on the same date and at the same location. A charge of violent disorder was taken into consideration.

Ms Justice Caroline Biggs then directed the jury to find Kavanagh not guilty of the murder of Dylan McCarthy, a charge he had denied.

In his closing speech for Mr Dunnes defence on Thursday, Mr Fitzgerald said the McCarthy family started the fight in the Bellyard pub, but he reminded the jury that the family were in court in tragic circumstances, as their son had died.

He said Mr Dunne and Kavanagh were wandering past the pub when the fight started inside, and when Dylan and Eamon McCarthy emerged onto the street, Mr Dunne did not embrace the violence.

Counsel said that Mr Dunne got involved at a point after Dylan McCarthy had first punched another man, before punches were exchanged between Mr McCarthy and Kavanagh. Mr Fitzgerald said that Mr Dunne got involved as he was going to the defence of his friend, Kavanagh, which the law said he was entitled to do.

The incident took place outside The Bellyard pub in Monasterevin, Co Kildare. Photo: PA

He said that it was not disputed that Mr Dunne punched Mr McCarthy, knocking him down before he kicked him, but where he kicked him is in dispute.

He reminded the jury that Mr Dunne had told gardai that he kicked Mr McCarthy to the chest, but it was the States case that he kicked him to the head.

If you have a doubt that he kicked him in the face, you decide in his favour. Thats the law, Mr Fitzgerald told the 12 jurors.

Defence counsel said the State had relied on the evidence of eyewitness Stephen Donohue, who told the jury that he heard a thud when Dylan McCarthy was kicked.

However, Mr Fitzgerald said that Mr Donohue had changed his evidence of the distance he was from the incident, initially telling gardai he was 40 yards but then telling the jury it was around 20. Counsel also reminded the jury that Mr Donohue told gardai there was a sign obstructing his view and he had to move forward as he could not see.

Mr Fitzgerald also referenced the evidence of another eyewitness, David ONeill, who said he had been drinking all day and accepted that it was possible Mr Dunne kicked Mr McCarthy to the chest.

If there was a running kick that caused a thud to a face, youd expect to see a little bit more marks than were there, said Mr Fitzgerald, referencing the evidence of State pathologist, Dr Heidi Okkers.

He reminded the jury that Dr Okkers had said she could not distinguish between the marks on Mr McCarthys face as to whether they were caused by a punch or kick. Dr Okkers had also said that there was a bruise to Mr McCarthys chest as well.

Mr Fitzgerald reminded the jury that Dr Okkers had said she could not tell which blow had caused the injury that led to Mr McCarthys death.

Concerning the issue of self-defence, Mr Fitzgerald said that the law doesnt require you to stand back and take a punch or watch your friend take a punch, adding that a person is entitled to defend themselves or another person from an attack or continued attack.

He said that Mr McCarthy had offered violence, so Mr Dunnes decision to use the force of a kick had to be viewed in real time as Mr McCarthy was getting back up after being punched by the accused.

Concerning the matter of whether Mr McCarthy squared up to Mr Dunne before the accused punched him, Mr Fitzgerald said Mr Dunne was facing a man who had just punched other people.

He said there were a number of routes that could lead to an acquittal of Mr Dunne, including the doubt over the cause of the injuries to Mr McCarthy, the doubt over whether the accused kicked the deceased to the head, and the question of whether Mr Dunne had used reasonable force in the circumstances.

He told the jury that if they decided Mr Dunne had used unreasonable force but that he might have believed it was necessary, they should acquit him of murder but convict him of manslaughter.

In her legal charge to the jury, Ms Justice Biggs said that there are three verdicts open to them: guilty of murder; not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter; or not guilty of murder or manslaughter.

She said that for a verdict of guilty of murder, the jury had to be convinced that Mr Dunnes actions substantially contributed to the death of Mr McCarthy and that he intended to kill or cause him serious injury.

On the issue of self-defence, Ms Justice Biggs said a person may lawfully use force to defend themselves or another person under attack, but the force that can be used is only such as is reasonable in the circumstances as the person believes it to be.

She said the jury must look at the circumstances from the point of view of Mr Dunne and ask how he perceived things at the time that he threw the punch and kick.

Ms Justice Biggs will continue her charge to the jury of 10 men and two women on Friday.
Renault 5 E-Tech electric and Alpine A290 have been awarded Car of the Year 2025 by the European Car of the Year jury.

The result was announced at a ceremony organised by the European COTY jury at the Brussels Motor Show in Belgium earlier this month.

It represents a double for Renault following the victory of the Scenic E-Tech electric in 2024 and a major first for Alpine.

In the first round of voting last November, Renault 5 E-Tech electric, which entered jointly with Alpine A290, was one of seven finalists alongside Alfa Romeo Junior, Citroen e-C3/C3, Cupra Terramar, Dacia Duster, Hyundai Inter and Kia EV3.

The winning duo was chosen by 60 motoring journalists from 23 countries.

The Renault 5 E-Tech electric is the eighth Renault vehicle to claim the title.

This award recognises the groups electrification strategy as well as the relevance and quality of the new Renault and Alpine models.

Your local Renault dealer in Mayo is JJ Burke's in Ballinrobe.

New Electric Mazda6

Mazda has unveiled an electric version of its Mazda6 saloon at the Brussels Motor Show.

The Mazda6e is an all-new model in the Japanese brands range. The mid-size 5-door hatchback will be offered with two battery sizes, rated at 479km and 552km respectively, and with charging times claimed to go from 10pc-80pc in 22 minutes. A 16.6kWh/100km average energy consumption is expected.

The styling is an evolution of the flowing lines of previous Mazda6s, along with a new light signature and rear light designs. An electrically-operated spoiler features while the interior shows substantial changes to previous cars from the brand, including a very large central infotainment screen.

Advanced gesture controls are claimed to simplify interaction with key features including climate and radio management.

Theres as yet no indication of when it arrives in Ireland.
It is hoped that the construction of the long-awaited Tubbercurry Primary Care Centre may commence next October.

Sligo-Leitrim Fianna Fail TD Eamon Scanlon said he has received correspondence from the Department of Health that confirmed that stage two of the project has been completed.

The next stage will see the project go out to tender, and should this process be successful, construction work could commence in the latter months of this year.

Speaking on Ocean FM, Deputy Scanlon said he is hopeful the project could be brought to fruition in the near future.

This is something that has been ongoing for the last eight or nine years. I remember working on it during my last stint in Dail Eireann and I have followed up on it since I was elected," he said.

We have to wait for the approval for funding and that will hopefully be sorted in early 2025. It is moving forward all the time. It is slow but we have to go through all of the processes. I will do all I can to ensure it stays moving forward.

These primary care centres are fine facilities such as the ones in Ballymote and Cliffoney and there are great services carried out at these locations, he added.
A Castlebar councillor has proposed that efforts be made to stage a homecoming concert for one of the worlds biggest rock bands.

Cllr Harry Barrett told a meeting of Castlebar Municipal District that given the band's significant connection to the county town, the local authority should liaise with their management, Castlebar Chamber of Commerce and Conncht GAA to propose a concert or series of concerts to take place in a suitable local venue in 2026.

The bands drummer Tom Coll and bass player Conor Deegan hail from the Castlebar area.

The Grammy-nominated band has picked up a Brit award and topped the charts in Ireland and the UK. They are considered one of the most exciting rock acts in the world having produced three critically acclaimed albums.

Cllr Barrett said the town should celebrate their success.

We have two young guys from this town, Tom Coll and Conor Deegan, who are involved in one of the most successful acts in Europe at the moment and are growing all the time.

"They are a real success story. I would like to think that this town would try and engage with their management, if a suitable venue was identified, and ask them to play in Castlebar, said Cllr Barrett.

It would be a sign that the town is moving on and would be a positive story. They are a big international act and would draw people from all over Europe never mind this country. It would be a sign that Castlebar is a modern thriving town that can hold these events, he added.
Ballina is set to celebrate this years St. Patricks Day Parade in stellar fashion, with aeronautical engineer and aspiring astronaut Dr. Norah Patten named as Grand Marshal for the 2025 parade. The announcement has been met with great excitement, as Dr. Patten continues to inspire a new generation with her journey toward becoming the first Irish person to travel to space on a future research spaceflight with Virgin Galactic.

A proud native of Ballina, Dr. Patten was announced as a crew member with the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS) IIAS-02 mission and has spent years pursuing her dream of space travel. With a background in aeronautical engineering, she has worked extensively in the field of space exploration, advocating for STEM education and inspiring young people across Ireland and beyond. Her selection as Grand Marshal celebrates not only her remarkable achievements but also Ballinas strong ties to innovation and ambition.

The 2025 Ballina St. Patricks Day Parade will take place on Monday, 17th March at 3pm, with a large crowd of spectators expected to line the streets to celebrate Irish culture, heritage, and community spirit. This years theme, 'Reach for the Stars,' is a fitting tribute to Dr. Pattens incredible journey and serves as an inspiration for all.

Dr. Norah Patten. Photo by: Trevor Godinho

Excitement Builds Ahead of Parade

Ballina Chamber of Commerce President Mary Moyles expressed her delight at the announcement, highlighting the importance of the event: The St. Patricks Day Parade is a key event in Ballinas calendar, bringing the community together while showcasing the best of our town to visitors. Having Dr. Norah Patten as our Grand Marshal is an incredible honour, as she represents ambition, perseverance, and achievement. She is an inspiration to young people across Ireland, and we couldnt be prouder to have her leading this years celebrations. Meanwhile, Mairead Melody Carr, Manager of Mayo North Tourism, emphasised how the event strengthens community ties: At Mayo North Tourism, we are always delighted to help festival committees promote such fantastic events. St. Patricks Day is a hugely significant occasion for our region, drawing visitors and bringing people together. This years theme, Reach for the Stars, aligns perfectly with our goal of encouraging people to dream big, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to Ballina for what promises to be a spectacular celebration. For Dr. Patten, leading the parade in her hometown is a special moment: It is an absolute honour to be named Grand Marshal for Ballinas St. Patricks Day Parade. Ballina has always been such a special place to me, and Im thrilled to celebrate this occasion with my home community. I hope that this years theme, Reach for the Stars, will inspire young people to dream big and follow their passions, just as I have.

Get Involved

The Ballina St. Patricks Day Parade Committee invites local businesses, community groups, and individuals to take part in this years event. If you would like to get involved, please contact chamber@ballina.ie for more information.

Be sure to mark your calendars and join the celebrations as Ballina proudly honours Irish pride, culture, and one of its brightest stars! For updates on the parade, follow the festival committee's Facebook page: @stpatricksdayparadeballina.
By Pritam Biswas

(Reuters) -U.S. Bancorp announced on Tuesday that President Gunjan Kedia will become its chief executive, effective April 15, becoming the first woman in the bank's history to take up the role.

Kedia joins only a handful of female CEOs in the finance sector, with Jane Fraser at the helm of Citigroup, one of the largest banks in the U.S.

She will replace Andy Cecere, who served as the company's CEO since 2017 and as its chairman since 2018.

Cecere, who has spent about four decades with U.S. Bancorp, had also served in key roles such as chief operating officer and the finance chief.

"It has been a tremendous honor and a privilege I value deeply, and I believe the time is right to welcome Gunjan warmly to the role I've held for nearly eight years," Cecere said in a statement.

The outgoing CEO, who steered the deal with Union Bank that expanded the company's presence in California, will serve as executive chairman, continuing to lead the board of directors.

Kedia, an industry veteran, joined the bank in 2016 and oversaw the revenue lines, the bank said.

Before joining U.S. Bancorp, she also held global executive roles at State Street and BNY and key roles at consultancy firms McKinsey and Company and PwC.

U.S. Bancorp reported a rise in fourth-quarter profit earlier in the month, helped by an increase in trust and investment management fees.

The bank, shares of which have lagged the broader market in 2024, forecast a total net revenue growth of between 3% and 5% for 2025.

(Reporting by Pritam Biswas in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona)
Eva Osborne

On Tuesday, Tanaiste Simon Harris said he does not expect there will be a referendum on Irish unity within this decade, while he has previously stated that it is entirely possible that there could be a united Ireland in his lifetime.

Sinn Fein has pushed for a unity referendum to be called this decade. But, when asked if he thinks that will happen, Harris said: Thats not my expectation.

So, how likely is it that you will see a united Ireland in your lifetime? And what are the key issues that would need to be addressed in advance of a referendum on the matter?

Speaking to BreakingNews.ie, Professor of Political Science at Trinity College Dublin, Lisa Keenan, laid out the economic, social, and cultural issues that a united Ireland would face.

A new flag, a new national anthem

Keenan explained that cultural issues, which are "not minor issues", would need to be carefully considered.

Like, to what extent are people happy to adopt a new flag? Are they happy to adopt a new educational system? A new national anthem? All these things are really important and would need to be considered in advance of a vote," she said.

"But the biggest thing would be the constitutional status of Northern Ireland. Is it a case of taking the integrated model, whereby effectively Northern Ireland is just folded into the existing institutional arrangement that we have in the Republic of Ireland?

"Do the parties contesting in Northern Ireland for elections end up sitting in Dail Eireann? Or do we have this devolved model, whereby the government in Dublin just replace the government in Westminster?

"These are really the critical issues and it would be really important to think about how to get consent across communities in Northern Ireland, but equally among the people in the Republic of Ireland.

'There's a big problem equating Catholicism with Nationalism'

Keenan explained that, when looking at polling data, the majority in Northern Ireland do not currently favour a United Ireland, but it matters how questions are worded.

"What we have, kind of consistently, is around one third of people supporting a united Ireland. So that's a long way off a majority, and you would want a majority to be in evidence over time. We also have around 10 to 15 per cent that are undecided.

"If you look at the demographics as well, its a little bit tricky, but if you look just at the Catholic population from the 2021 census, it's 42.3 per cent of the population. So that isn't a majority.

"Theres also a big problem with inferring that because someone identifies as Catholic, that they also are identifying as nationalists and in favour of a united Ireland.

"And if you look at political identity, which we can look at through the Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey, you know it's been stable for the past few years and what we have is 28 percent of people who are identifying themselves as nationalists. So the circumstances aren't in place at the moment."

Keenan said it is the case that in terms of the commitment to the principle of a united Ireland in the Republic of Ireland, that has been "high and consistently high over time".

Economy and healthcare

The economy is a major issue when looking at the possibility of a united Ireland, Keenan said.

"There was of course that report last year that came out with a ballpark figure of how much a united Ireland would cost. One estimate was 20 billion, another estimate was 8 billion, and its not at all clear, necessarily, how much it would cost.

"But we would expect that there would be a cost involved. We can look at the reunification of Germany and think about the money that was spent in order to harmonise those two territories but also to bring up the living standards in east Germany to those in west Germany.

"I think certainly we need to think about things like public sector wages - theyre higher in the Republic. So, we would expect there would be harmonisation there right? We dont pay people less in parts of the country because the cost of living is lower than it would be in maybe Dublin.

"You need to think about benefits. So things like pensions and that, like are they going to be matched up? You would suspect that would be the case. So those kinds of things are reasonably important."

A united Ireland prompting the stimulation of economic growth in the medium to long term is something that would be likely, but Keenan explained that people in the Republic would be thinking about the possible impacts they would be experiencing.

"People would be thinking: 'Is my tax bill going to go up?'," she said.

Keenan explained that the health system would also top the list of questions people would have about what a united Ireland would look like.

"You also have to think about domestic policy. We have two separate health services. So what is the health service going to look like in the event of reunification?

"Is it the case that the Republic would have to roll out a national health service, like the one in Northern Ireland, or what would that look like?"

Neutrality and policing

"Not necessarily talked about as much is policing and security. So, obviously, we know the history of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland creates challenges for policing," Keenan said.

"You need to think about the resources that would be available to continue that kind of policing, but also how would you integrate the police forces? What would that look like?

Keenan said the Republic's neutrality has not been talked about a lot.

Currently Northern Ireland, as part of the UK, is a member of Nato and a nuclear power. And Ireland is military neutral, sitting outside Nato, and does not have significant investment in the military.

"Although that did become a little bit of an issue last year and has been talked about in terms of talking about how to quit the Defence Forces, particularly in light of this threat from Russia.

"These are important questions. And theyll be important questions for people voting in Northern Ireland as well. Do they want to suddenly come out of the Commonwealth, or are people in the Republic of Ireland willing to join the Commonwealth?"

Would there need to be two referendums?

Interestingly, from a constitutional perspective, it appears to be the case that only a vote in the Oireachtas would be required, and the Republic of Ireland would not need to hold a referendum on the matter.

However, Keenan highlighted that it would be unlikely a referendum would not be held in the Republic.

"It certainly is not set out in the Constitution or the Good Friday Agreement that there needs to be a referendum in the Republic of Ireland.

"Now, politically, it would be extremely difficult and perhaps not politically a wise decision not to have a referendum.

"It's probably the case that it would be unifying, it would be a good opportunity to air a lot of concerns that people might have. There is an assumption that there will be two referendums, I think there would be. But then you have to think about, well, would they be done in sequence?

"Certainly it would be difficult, however unlikely, if there was a vote in Northern Ireland that said yes to a united Ireland and then a vote in the Republic said no. That would be extremely tricky.

"So it is likely that what would happen, probably, is that you would have a referendum in Northern Ireland and you would then endorse that with a referendum in the Republic of Ireland. But its not clear that we have to have one.

How would a referendum happen?

It comes down to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to determine when a referendum takes place.

"There isnt actually a clear set of pieces of data that need to be consulted in order for that to decision to be made. But we know from what we have in the Northern Ireland 1998 Act that the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland will call a poll if it appears likely that the majority of those voting support a united Ireland," Keenan said.

"So, what does that mean? Well, there's different ways to measure a majority, so we could look at opinion polling data. That would be one of the pieces of information wed probably look at.

"Wed probably also look at election results as well. We would also look at demographics, and we probably would also look at other survey data that might be more qualitative in nature.

"We don't know what kind of metrics would be consulted, but those seem to be the most likely ones."

At the moment, Keenan said it is not clear that voters in the Republic of Ireland are aware of the types of changes or compromises that would be necessary to achieve a united Ireland, or indeed that they would be supportive of them either.

"It may be that ultimately the people in the Republic of Ireland are actually happy to compromise in order to achieve this aspiration.

"But at the moment, it isn't clear that there is much understanding about the amount of work that has to be done on so many different levels in order to achieve what is, for the majority of people, an aspiration."

There would need to an extensive campaign for a referendum on a united Ireland, Keenan explained, as referendums offer an opportunity for education to make the consequences clear for the public, and are not just about getting a yes or a no vote.
By Akash Sriram

(Reuters) -The U.S. Department of Justice has sued to block Hewlett Packard Enterprise's $14 billion deal to acquire networking gear maker Juniper Networks, arguing that it would stifle competition, according to a complaint filed on Thursday.

Shares of both the server maker and Juniper Networks closed about 2% lower. The antitrust lawsuit marks the first since President Donald Trump took office last week.

The DOJ argued that the acquisition would eliminate competition and would lead to only two companies  Cisco Systems and HPE  controlling more than 70% of the U.S. market for networking equipment.

More than a year ago, the server maker said that it would buy Juniper Networks for $14 billion in an all-cash deal, as it looks to spruce up its artificial intelligence offerings.

"The DOJ's claim that the WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) market is composed of three primary players is substantially disconnected from market realities," the companies said in a joint statement.

The firms added that they would defend the deal, arguing that the acquisition will bring together two complementary networking offerings to better compete with global incumbent players.

"Juniper has also introduced innovative tools that have materially decreased the cost of operating a wireless network for many customers. This competitive pressure has forced HPE to discount its offerings and invest in its own innovation," the DOJ said in its complaint.

Stiff competition from Juniper forced HPE to sell its products at a discount and spend to introduce new features under the "Beat Mist" campaign, named after the networking gear company's rival product, the DOJ wrote.

"HPE and Juniper will undergo its pretrial and trial processes over the next about 8 months prior to the absolute walk-away date in October  which we think gives suffice time for a trial to commence," Evercore ISI analyst Amit Daryanani said.

UK's Competition and Markets authority and the European Union have cleared the deal.

(Reporting by Akash Sriram in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona)
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USAA sued Regions on Tuesday, alleging the Birmingham, Alabama-based bank is infringing on four mobile deposit capture technology patents.

USAA didnt specify the amount its seeking in financial damages but called Regions infringement willful and asserted that the payout should be enhanced up to three times the actual damages awarded, according to the complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.

That court, historically, has been friendly to USAA, handing the San Antonio-based insurance and financial services provider three nine-figure judgments against banks it has sued since 2019.

A Regions spokesperson declined to comment on the lawsuit.

However, USAA, in its complaint, noted that more than 24% of Regions deposit transactions came through its mobile channels, citing the banks first-quarter earnings call.

Regions has profited, and continues to profit, including by providing its infringing mobile deposit service to millions of Regions customers without USAAs permission and without any compensation to USAA, materially harming USAA and its members, the company asserted in its complaint.

USAAs fight over mobile deposit technology, an innovation first meant to benefit service members deployed overseas, has raged for roughly two decades. USAA collaborated on remote deposit capture in the early 2000s with identity verification software firm Mitek. The two companies, however, had a falling out, and each separately launched similar mobile deposit capture products  first Mitek in February 2008, then USAA in August 2009.

After a series of legal battles over the rights and licensing of the technology, the companies settled in 2014. Both kept their patents.

USAA then sent letters to 100 banks in 2017, warning them they were violating the companys 130 mobile deposit patents.

USAA has offered licensing agreements as an alternative to court action  and a handful of financial institutions have taken that deal. Truist in October 2023 signed such an agreement to resolve a lawsuit with USAA. Discover, little more than a month earlier, signed a licensing agreement to avoid court action. Raleigh, North Carolina-based First Citizens Bank & Trust, signed a similar agreement in October 2024.

"We have signed many license agreements and look forward to working with more banks and credit unions to create mutually beneficial license agreements," Nathan McKinley, USAA's vice president and head of corporate development, said in a statement Tuesday. "We remain committed to improving our technology and to be reasonably compensated for the significant benefits our innovations have brought to the industry."
Bank of Hawaii Co. (NYSE:BOH  Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Monday, January 27th,Wall Street Journal reports. Investors of record on Friday, February 28th will be paid a dividend of 0.70 per share by the bank on Friday, March 14th. This represents a $2.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.76%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 28th.

Bank of Hawaii has increased its dividend payment by an average of 0.7% annually over the last three years. Bank of Hawaii has a payout ratio of 58.8% indicating that its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Analysts expect Bank of Hawaii to earn $3.50 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $2.80 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 80.0%.

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Bank of Hawaii Price Performance

Shares of BOH traded down $1.07 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $74.40. 519,396 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 462,522. Bank of Hawaii has a fifty-two week low of $54.50 and a fifty-two week high of $82.70. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.96 billion, a PE ratio of 22.34 and a beta of 1.05. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $73.30 and a 200 day simple moving average of $69.36. The company has a quick ratio of 0.71, a current ratio of 0.71 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Bank of Hawaii ( NYSE:BOH Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Monday, January 27th. The bank reported $0.85 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.87 by ($0.02). Bank of Hawaii had a net margin of 13.76% and a return on equity of 11.33%. As a group, research analysts predict that Bank of Hawaii will post 3.54 EPS for the current fiscal year.

A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on BOH shares. DA Davidson increased their target price on Bank of Hawaii from $75.00 to $79.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upped their target price on shares of Bank of Hawaii from $74.00 to $81.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 4th. Stephens started coverage on shares of Bank of Hawaii in a research note on Wednesday, November 27th. They set an overweight rating and a $90.00 price target on the stock. Barclays upped their price objective on shares of Bank of Hawaii from $56.00 to $66.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Thursday, December 5th. Finally, Piper Sandler boosted their price target on Bank of Hawaii from $66.00 to $68.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research note on Tuesday. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Bank of Hawaii currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $73.00.

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About Bank of Hawaii

(Get Free Report)

Bank of Hawaii Corporation operates as the bank holding company for Bank of Hawaii that provides various financial products and services in Hawaii, Guam, and other Pacific Islands. It operates in three segments: Consumer Banking, Commercial Banking, and Treasury and Other. The Consumer Banking segment offers checking, savings, and time deposit accounts; residential mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit, automobile loans and leases, overdraft lines of credit, installment loans, small business loans and leases, and credit cards; private and international client banking, investment, credit, and trust services to individuals and families, as well as high-net-worth individuals; investment management; institutional investment advisory services to corporations, government entities, and foundations; and brokerage offerings, including equities, mutual funds, life insurance, and annuity products.

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FalconStor Software, Inc. (OTCMKTS:FALC  Get Free Report) was the target of a significant decrease in short interest in January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 200 shares, a decrease of 66.7% from the December 31st total of 600 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 5,500 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.0 days.

FalconStor Software Stock Down 1.7 %

Shares of FALC traded down $0.03 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $1.74. 11,000 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,100. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $1.60 and a 200 day simple moving average of $1.57. FalconStor Software has a fifty-two week low of $1.05 and a fifty-two week high of $2.60. The stock has a market capitalization of $12.42 million, a PE ratio of -43.50 and a beta of 2.07.

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FalconStor Software (OTCMKTS:FALC  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 6th. The software maker reported $0.03 earnings per share for the quarter. The business had revenue of $2.93 million during the quarter. FalconStor Software had a net margin of 13.98% and a negative return on equity of 8.94%.

About FalconStor Software

FalconStor Software, Inc, a storage software company, enables enterprise customers and managed service providers to secure, migrate, and protect their data worldwide. It offers FalconStor Virtual Tape Library, a software that emulates and replaces cumbersome physical tape libraries for archive related data preservation without being replacing their enterprise backup and archive software and associated processes; FalconStor StorSafe, a long-term archive data management software; FalconStor Continuous Data Protector delivers instant data availability, and reliable recovery; and FalconStor Network Storage Server for data storage virtualization and business continuity in heterogeneous environments.

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Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST  Get Free Report) traded down 26.5% during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as $140.61 and last traded at $140.54. 13,935,172 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 74% from the average session volume of 8,007,210 shares. The stock had previously closed at $191.11.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research firms recently commented on VST. BNP Paribas started coverage on Vistra in a research report on Monday, October 14th. They issued an outperform rating and a $231.00 target price on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price target on Vistra from $105.00 to $141.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, October 3rd. Evercore ISI assumed coverage on shares of Vistra in a report on Tuesday, January 21st. They issued an outperform rating and a $202.00 price objective for the company. Bank of America assumed coverage on shares of Vistra in a research note on Monday. They set a neutral rating and a $206.00 target price on the stock. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. initiated coverage on Vistra in a report on Thursday, October 17th. They set an overweight rating and a $178.00 target price on the stock. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Vistra has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $171.64.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on VST

Vistra Stock Up 3.8 %

The stock has a fifty day moving average of $155.89 and a 200-day moving average of $121.20. The firm has a market capitalization of $52.85 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.98, a PEG ratio of 1.77 and a beta of 1.21. The company has a current ratio of 1.11, a quick ratio of 0.99 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.68.

Vistra (NYSE:VST  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 7th. The company reported $5.25 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.24 by $4.01. Vistra had a return on equity of 57.63% and a net margin of 12.51%. The firm had revenue of $6.29 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.96 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.25 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Vistra Corp. will post 4.48 EPS for the current year.

Vistra announced that its board has initiated a share buyback plan on Thursday, November 7th that permits the company to buyback $1.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization permits the company to reacquire up to 2.1% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback plans are usually a sign that the companys board of directors believes its shares are undervalued.

Insider Activity at Vistra

In other news, EVP Stephen J. Muscato sold 207,100 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $161.34, for a total value of $33,413,514.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 318,287 shares of the companys stock, valued at $51,352,424.58. This represents a 39.42 % 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, EVP Scott A. Hudson sold 115,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $164.16, for a total transaction of $18,878,400.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 254,932 shares in the company, valued at $41,849,637.12. The trade was a 31.09 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 342,100 shares of company stock worth $55,087,314. 1.42% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Vistra

Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Creative Planning boosted its position in Vistra by 36.2% during the second quarter. Creative Planning now owns 23,299 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,003,000 after purchasing an additional 6,190 shares during the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Vistra by 38.1% in the second quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 67,897 shares of the companys stock worth $5,838,000 after buying an additional 18,740 shares during the last quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. boosted its stake in shares of Vistra by 52.0% during the 2nd quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 58,324 shares of the companys stock worth $5,015,000 after acquiring an additional 19,957 shares in the last quarter. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Vistra during the 2nd quarter valued at about $215,000. Finally, Cetera Investment Advisers increased its holdings in shares of Vistra by 5.6% during the 2nd quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 96,680 shares of the companys stock valued at $8,313,000 after acquiring an additional 5,094 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 90.88% of the companys stock.

About Vistra

(Get Free Report)

Vistra Corp., together with its subsidiaries, operates as an integrated retail electricity and power generation company. The company operates through six segments: Retail, Texas, East, West, Sunset, and Asset Closure. It retails electricity and natural gas to residential, commercial, and industrial customers across states in the United States and the District of Columbia.

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If youre antsy about when your federal income tax refund will hit your bank account, youre not alone. For fiscal year 2023, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) estimated about 120.9 million individual taxpayers were owed refunds, amounting to a whopping $461.2 billion. Thats a lot of spare change being left in Uncle Sams hands.

Want to know when youll get back what you overpaid in federal taxes? Of course you do. Read on.

How long does it usually take for the IRS to process a tax refund?

Although IRS.gov says most refunds are processed within 21 days of receiving a federal tax filing, there are a lot of variables that can affect refund processing times.

For instance, if you have an e-filed return and opt for direct deposit, your tax return will likely get processed quickly. However, if you file a paper return and claim the earned income tax credit (EITC), your individual income tax return could take longer to process.

To get a better handle on when to expect your tax refund, consult the charts provided by the CPA Practice Advisor here. According to its estimates, a complete and accurate e-file return received by Feb. 24, 2025, could see a direct deposit initiated from the IRS in as little as 10 days, or by March 7, 2025. A paper refund check would likely arrive a week later, around March 14, 2025.

How to check your tax refund status in 3 easy steps

The easiest way to figure out when your money might turn up is to check the status of your refund with the IRS. Heres where to go and what additional information you might need to check your return status.

Step 1: Gather your refund information

Youre going to need a few pieces of information, including:

Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification number (ITIN)

Filing status (single, married, filing jointly, etc.)

Exact refund amount listed on your return

Youll also be asked to identify which tax year youd like to track refunds for. Whether its the prior year or several years back, make sure you have all your tax forms in order.

Step 2: Go to Wheres My Refund or the IRS2Go app

You can access your online account with the IRS by providing the information above either at Wheres My Refund or through the IRS2Go mobile app. Status tracking should be available within 24 hours after you e-file a tax return or up to four weeks after you send a paper return.

Step 3: Identify your tax return status

Here are the status updates you might receive as you track your federal tax return and what each means.

Return received

This status simply means the IRS has formally received your return. Sit tight and wait for more information.

Refund approved

Your return has been processed and a refund is pending. Once the funds are available and have been sent, your status will update.

Refund sent

Good news. Your refund has either been deposited directly to the account you specified or a paper check is in the mail. Keep in mind that once the IRS sends the funds, it could still take up to five business days for the transfer to post to your bank account.

If additional review is required or you need to submit an amended return, youll find further instructions included alongside your refund status in the IRS refund tracker.

Read more: Wondering what to do with your tax refund? 5 ways to spend it wisely.

Wheres my refund? 4 scenarios that might delay your tax refund

While there can be some bumps in the road that make tax season rough, there are easy ways to avoid a delayed refund. Here are common reasons tax pros say could delay your refund and what you can do about it.

1. Your tax return has errors or is incomplete

If you make a mistake or leave some information blank, the IRS may ask you to submit an amended return. Dont panic. This doesnt always mean youll be audited. It just means your return is pending and requires additional review.

2. Youre claiming the earned income credit or additional child tax credit

These tax credits may take longer to process because the IRS can not legally disperse these refunds until mid-February. If you claim these credits and submit a return early in the tax season, the IRS says you can expect a refund by early March.

3. You filed a paper return

If youre still using snail mail to submit your federal tax return, its probably going to result in delays to your refund, which will be compounded if you opt for a paper check instead of direct deposit.

4. Youve been a victim of identity theft or fraud

Theres a small chance that a delayed refund is a sign you've been a victim of identity theft or tax fraud. Consult the IRS identity theft guide for individual taxpayers to find out what next steps you should take.

Read more: Free tax filing: How to file your 2024 return for free

Frequently asked questions

Can I expedite the processing of my federal tax return?

Unlike passports or the lines at Disneyland, theres no fee you can pay or specific action you can take to speed up the processing of your tax return. However, if you review your return carefully, submit it electronically, and choose direct deposit, you can reduce friction in the process and minimize delays in receiving your refund.

Can I track my state income tax return?

While you cant use the IRS tool to track your state tax return, many states offer similar trackers on their Department of Revenue websites, which you can find linked at the Federation of Tax Administrators. Youll need similar information to track your state tax return, including your Social Security number, tax year, filing status, and the exact refund amount.

When should I call the IRS if my tax refund is late or missing?

There are a few signs it might be time to contact the IRS about a delayed tax refund. First and foremost, the Wheres My Refund tracker on the official website might instruct you to call the IRS. You should also call if its been more than 21 days since you e-filed or more than six weeks since you mailed a federal tax return.

You can reach the IRS for inquiries regarding your federal tax refund at 1-800-829-1954 (toll-free) or call 1-800-829-1040 to speak with a representative.
New England Research & Management Inc. lowered its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) by 21.2% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 20,579 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after selling 5,531 shares during the period. Abbott Laboratories accounts for 1.2% of New England Research & Management Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its 22nd biggest holding. New England Research & Management Inc.s holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $2,328,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Groupama Asset Managment grew its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 22.2% during the third quarter. Groupama Asset Managment now owns 228,448 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 41,557 shares during the last quarter. Future Financial Wealth Managment LLC bought a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the third quarter worth about $31,000. Peterson Financial Group Inc. bought a new position in Abbott Laboratories in the 3rd quarter valued at about $32,000. Valued Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in Abbott Laboratories by 78.4% in the 3rd quarter. Valued Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 289 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $33,000 after buying an additional 127 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Highline Wealth Partners LLC bought a new position in Abbott Laboratories in the 3rd quarter valued at about $37,000. Institutional investors own 75.18% of the companys stock.

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Abbott Laboratories Stock Performance

ABT stock opened at $127.86 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32, a quick ratio of 1.14 and a current ratio of 1.60. The stock has a market cap of $221.77 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.71, a P/E/G ratio of 2.51 and a beta of 0.73. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $115.71 and a 200 day simple moving average of $113.80. Abbott Laboratories has a 52 week low of $99.71 and a 52 week high of $129.85.

Abbott Laboratories Increases Dividend

Abbott Laboratories ( NYSE:ABT Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 22nd. The healthcare product maker reported $1.34 EPS for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $1.34. The business had revenue of $10.97 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.03 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 31.95% and a return on equity of 20.74%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 7.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.19 earnings per share. Research analysts anticipate that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.15 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 14th. Investors of record on Wednesday, January 15th will be issued a dividend of $0.59 per share. This is a boost from Abbott Laboratoriess previous quarterly dividend of $0.55. This represents a $2.36 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.85%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, January 15th. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 30.85%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

ABT has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Piper Sandler increased their target price 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. Barclays reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $158.00 target price (up previously from $149.00) on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research report on Monday. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $133.00 to $136.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, January 23rd. Mizuho lifted their price objective 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. Finally, UBS Group lifted their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $146.00 to $148.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, January 23rd. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $133.06.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on ABT

About Abbott Laboratories

(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.

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AGF Management Limited (TSE:AGF.B  Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high on Thursday after TD Securities raised their price target on the stock from C$12.00 to C$13.00. TD Securities currently has a buy rating on the stock. AGF Management traded as high as C$11.50 and last traded at C$11.44, with a volume of 37947 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at C$11.23.

AGF.B has been the subject of several other reports. BMO Capital Markets upped their price objective on AGF Management from C$10.00 to C$11.00 in a research note on Wednesday, January 8th. CIBC upped their price objective on AGF Management from C$14.00 to C$17.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, October 3rd. Jefferies Financial Group upped their target price on shares of AGF Management from C$11.00 to C$12.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, January 8th. Finally, Desjardins upped their target price on shares of AGF Management from C$12.50 to C$13.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, January 16th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of C$12.46.

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View Our Latest Stock Analysis on AGF Management

Insider Buying and Selling at AGF Management

AGF Management Stock Performance

In other AGF Management news, Senior Officer Kevin Andrew Mccreadie sold 25,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$11.06, for a total value of C$276,500.00. Also, insider AGF EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN TRUST sold 442,751 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$11.17, for a total transaction of C$4,945,528.67. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 545,085 shares of company stock valued at $6,071,247. 18.70% of the stock is owned by insiders.

The firms 50 day moving average price is C$10.82 and its two-hundred day moving average price is C$9.70. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 11.27, a quick ratio of 1.75 and a current ratio of 1.19. The firm has a market cap of C$730.56 million, a PE ratio of 8.94, a PEG ratio of 1.18 and a beta of 1.73.

About AGF Management

(Get Free Report)

AGF Management Limited is one of Canada's premier investment management companies with offices across Canada and subsidiaries around the world. 2007 marks AGF's 50th anniversary ofproviding Canadians with innovative investment solutions across the wealth continuum. AGF's products and services include a diversified family of more than 50 mutual funds, the evolutionary AGF Elements portfolios, the Harmony asset management program, AGF Private Investment Management, Institutional Account Services and AGF Trust GICs, loans and mortgages.

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Ally Financial Inc. (NYSE:ALLY  Get Free Report) CFO Russell E. Hutchinson purchased 19,100 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 24th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $39.45 per share, for a total transaction of $753,495.00. Following the purchase, the chief financial officer now directly owns 202,845 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,002,235.25. This trade represents a 10.39 % increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink.

Ally Financial Stock Performance

Shares of ALLY stock opened at $38.95 on Thursday. Ally Financial Inc. has a 12 month low of $31.95 and a 12 month high of $45.46. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $37.20 and its 200-day simple moving average is $37.84. The firm has a market cap of $11.87 billion, a PE ratio of 14.98, a P/E/G ratio of 0.42 and a beta of 1.44. The company has a quick ratio of 0.92, a current ratio of 0.93 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.51.

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Ally Financial (NYSE:ALLY  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 22nd. The financial services provider reported $0.78 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.57 by $0.21. Ally Financial had a net margin of 11.29% and a return on equity of 9.31%. The company had revenue of $2.09 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.02 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.45 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 3.6% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts expect that Ally Financial Inc. will post 3.91 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Ally Financial Dividend Announcement

Analyst Ratings Changes

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 14th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 31st will be paid a dividend of $0.30 per share. This represents a $1.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.08%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 31st. Ally Financials dividend payout ratio is currently 46.15%.

Several brokerages have recently issued reports on ALLY. Raymond James raised shares of Ally Financial from an underperform rating to a market perform rating in a research note on Monday, October 21st. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their target price on shares of Ally Financial from $42.00 to $48.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, January 23rd. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods increased their price target on Ally Financial from $44.00 to $56.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, December 9th. Citigroup lifted their price objective on Ally Financial from $50.00 to $55.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 15th. Finally, Barclays increased their target price on Ally Financial from $36.00 to $44.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, January 6th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have assigned a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Ally Financial has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $43.76.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on ALLY

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Ally Financial

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in ALLY. CIBC Asset Management Inc raised its position in Ally Financial by 1.9% during the third quarter. CIBC Asset Management Inc now owns 15,638 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $557,000 after acquiring an additional 293 shares in the last quarter. Maverick Capital Ltd. raised its holdings in shares of Ally Financial by 1.2% in the 3rd quarter. Maverick Capital Ltd. now owns 26,120 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $930,000 after purchasing an additional 299 shares during the period. Blue Trust Inc. lifted its stake in Ally Financial by 8.2% in the 3rd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 4,660 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $166,000 after purchasing an additional 352 shares during the last quarter. Allworth Financial LP grew its holdings in Ally Financial by 41.9% during the third quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 1,426 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $51,000 after purchasing an additional 421 shares during the period. Finally, Venturi Wealth Management LLC increased its position in Ally Financial by 153.9% during the third quarter. Venturi Wealth Management LLC now owns 952 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $34,000 after buying an additional 577 shares during the last quarter. 88.76% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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.

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On January 27, 2025, Barnes Group Inc. (NYSE:B) disclosed the successful acquisition completion by Goat Holdco, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. The acquisition, which had been previously announced, was finalized following the Agreement and Plan of Merger signed on October 6, 2024, involving Barnes, Parent, and Goat Merger Sub, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent.

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In compliance with the terms stipulated in the Merger Agreement, at the Effective Time, each outstanding common stock of Barnes (referred to as Common Shares) was automatically converted into a cash consideration of $47.50 per share. This conversion excluded certain specific exceptions as outlined in the agreement.

Additionally, all Barnes stock option awards, time-based restricted stock unit awards, deferred stock unit awards, and performance-based restricted stock unit awards were canceled in exchange for the Merger Consideration as part of the merger.

Concurrently with the merger, Barnes, along with certain subsidiaries, entered into a Supplemental Indenture and a First Lien Credit Agreement in connection with the issuance of 6.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2032 and credit facilities, respectively.

In light of the mergers completion, Barnes communicated the delisting of its common stock on the New York Stock Exchange, with the intention of filing for the deregistration of its common stock and the suspension of reporting obligations under the Exchange Act.

This substantial change in control was marked by the resignation of multiple board directors and the appointment of new members to the Board, aligning with the post-acquisition transition at Barnes.

The full text of the press release detailing the acquisition is available for further review. Barnes was supported in the transaction by financial advisors and legal counsels, as detailed within the disclosure.

As part of the post-acquisition changes, Barnes intends to progress with amended and restated corporate governance documents, aligning with the terms of the Merger Agreement.

For more comprehensive insights and detailed information on the acquisition and the subsequent impact on Barnes Group Inc., interested parties can refer to the official documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on January 27, 2025.

Please, note that all regulations, provisions, and agreements have been accurately reported in this article as per the filed 8-K report on the aforementioned date.

This article was generated by an automated content engine and was reviewed by a human editor prior to publication. For additional information, read Barnes Groups 8K filing here.

About Barnes Group

(Get Free Report)

Barnes Group Inc provides engineered products, industrial technologies, and solutions in the United States and internationally. The company operates through two segments: Industrial and Aerospace. The Industrial segment offers precision components, products, and systems used by various customers in end-markets, such as mobility, industrial equipment, automation, personal care, packaging, electronics, and medical devices.

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Baron Wealth Management LLC grew its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Free Report) by 6.6% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 4,329 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after acquiring an additional 268 shares during the quarter. Baron Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $245,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Meridian Management Co. raised its holdings in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 0.6% in the third quarter. Meridian Management Co. now owns 28,283 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $1,463,000 after buying an additional 182 shares during the last quarter. Drive Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 2.1% during the 4th quarter. Drive Wealth Management LLC now owns 8,878 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $502,000 after acquiring an additional 182 shares during the last quarter. Hollencrest Capital Management grew its stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 61.3% in the 3rd quarter. Hollencrest Capital Management now owns 492 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 187 shares during the last quarter. Dunhill Financial LLC increased its holdings in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 39.8% in the third quarter. Dunhill Financial LLC now owns 664 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 189 shares during the period. Finally, Mayflower Financial Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 2.3% during the third quarter. Mayflower Financial Advisors LLC now owns 8,466 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $438,000 after purchasing an additional 192 shares during the last quarter. 76.41% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, EVP Samit Hirawat acquired 1,830 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 1st. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $54.67 per share, for a total transaction of $100,046.10. Following the acquisition, the executive vice president now directly owns 62,109 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,395,499.03. The trade was a 3.04 % increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, SVP Phil M. Holzer sold 700 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $55.62, for a total transaction of $38,934.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 11,760 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $654,091.20. The trade was a 5.62 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.09% of the companys stock.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Stock Up 0.6 %

Shares of NYSE:BMY opened at $59.11 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $119.88 billion, a P/E ratio of -16.46, a P/E/G ratio of 2.02 and a beta of 0.45. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $57.56 and its 200-day simple moving average is $52.97. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a 52-week low of $39.35 and a 52-week high of $61.10. The company has a quick ratio of 1.09, a current ratio of 1.24 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.83.

Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 31st. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.80 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.49 by $0.31. The company had revenue of $11.89 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.26 billion. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a negative net margin of 15.30% and a positive return on equity of 11.94%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 8.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $2.00 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 0.92 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 3rd. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 3rd will be paid a $0.62 dividend. This is a boost from Bristol-Myers Squibbs previous quarterly dividend of $0.60. This represents a $2.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.20%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 3rd. Bristol-Myers Squibbs payout ratio is presently -69.08%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities analysts have issued reports on the stock. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued a neutral rating and issued a $50.00 price objective on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research note on Friday, October 18th. Daiwa Capital Markets upgraded shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from a neutral rating to an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 13th. Bank of America reissued a neutral rating and set a $63.00 target price on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research note on Tuesday, December 10th. Truist Financial upped their price objective on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $62.00 to $65.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, January 8th. Finally, Leerink Partners raised Bristol-Myers Squibb from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and raised their target price for the company from $55.00 to $73.00 in a report on Tuesday, November 12th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have issued a hold rating, four have issued a buy rating and three have issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $56.60.

Read Our Latest Report on BMY

About Bristol-Myers Squibb

(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.

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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).

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Fortis Inc. (NYSE:FTS  Free Report)  Equities researchers at National Bank Financial issued their Q4 2024 earnings estimates for shares of Fortis in a note issued to investors on Tuesday, January 28th. National Bank Financial analyst P. Kenny anticipates that the utilities provider will post earnings of $0.57 per share for the quarter. The consensus estimate for Fortis current full-year earnings is $2.29 per share.

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Separately, Raymond James lowered Fortis from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 6th.

Fortis Price Performance

Fortis stock opened at $42.28 on Thursday. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $42.67 and its 200 day simple moving average is $43.29. Fortis has a 12 month low of $36.86 and a 12 month high of $46.06. The company has a market cap of $21.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.76, a PEG ratio of 3.77 and a beta of 0.50. The company has a current ratio of 0.74, a quick ratio of 0.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.32.

Fortis (NYSE:FTS  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, November 5th. The utilities provider reported $0.85 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.59 by $0.26. Fortis had a net margin of 14.06% and a return on equity of 7.01%. The firm had revenue of $2.03 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.01 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $0.63 earnings per share.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its holdings in Fortis by 4.5% during the 2nd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 489,343 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $19,006,000 after buying an additional 21,059 shares in the last quarter. Truist Financial Corp grew its stake in Fortis by 6.3% during the second quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 28,689 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,114,000 after acquiring an additional 1,691 shares in the last quarter. Code Waechter LLC bought a new stake in Fortis during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $838,000. CHICAGO TRUST Co NA purchased a new stake in Fortis in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $209,000. Finally, Creative Planning lifted its stake in Fortis by 21.1% in the 3rd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 52,266 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $2,375,000 after purchasing an additional 9,108 shares in the last quarter. 57.77% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Fortis Cuts Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Saturday, March 1st. Investors of record on Tuesday, February 18th will be paid a dividend of $0.4382 per share. This represents a $1.75 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.15%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 18th. Fortiss payout ratio is currently 79.41%.

About Fortis

(Get Free Report)

Fortis Inc operates as an electric and gas utility company in Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean countries. It generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately 447,000 retail customers in southeastern Arizona; and 103,000 retail customers in Arizona's Mohave and Santa Cruz counties with an aggregate capacity of 3,408 megawatts (MW), including 68 MW of solar capacity and 250 MV of wind capacity.

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Brunswick (NYSE:BC  Get Free Report) posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday. The company reported $0.24 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.18 by $0.06, RTT News reports. Brunswick had a return on equity of 19.15% and a net margin of 5.02%. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.45 earnings per share. Brunswick updated its FY 2025 guidance to 3.500-5.000 EPS and its Q1 2025 guidance to 0.150-0.250 EPS.

Brunswick Stock Up 1.1 %

Shares of Brunswick stock traded up $0.74 on Thursday, hitting $68.91. 422,715 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 672,493. The company has a market cap of $4.55 billion, a PE ratio of 17.11 and a beta of 1.54. Brunswick has a 12-month low of $62.64 and a 12-month high of $96.65. The company has a quick ratio of 0.74, a current ratio of 1.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.17. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $70.91 and a 200 day moving average price of $76.70.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus cut their target price on shares of Brunswick from $95.00 to $86.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, January 15th. Benchmark reiterated a buy rating and issued a $100.00 price target on shares of Brunswick in a research note on Friday, October 25th. Truist Financial reduced their target price on Brunswick from $90.00 to $85.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, January 7th. Citigroup lowered their price objective on shares of Brunswick from $92.00 to $85.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday. Finally, DA Davidson cut their price target on Brunswick from $80.00 to $60.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, January 22nd. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $82.54.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, Director Nancy E. Cooper sold 366 shares of Brunswick stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $80.19, for a total value of $29,349.54. Following the transaction, the director now owns 24,557 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,969,225.83. This trade represents a 1.47 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Insiders own 0.81% of the companys stock.

Brunswick Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Brunswick Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets recreation products in the United States, Europe, the Asia-Pacific, Canada, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Propulsion, Engine P&A, Navico Group, and Boat. The Propulsion segment provides outboard, sterndrive, inboard engines, propulsion-related controls, rigging, and propellers for boat builders through marine retail dealers under the Mercury, Mercury MerCruiser, Mariner, Mercury Racing, Mercury Diesel, Avator, and Fliteboard brands.

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BSW Wealth Partners grew its position in Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ  Free Report) by 4.2% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,563 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 63 shares during the quarter. BSW Wealth Partners holdings in Constellation Brands were worth $345,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Oakworth Capital Inc. lifted its stake in Constellation Brands by 4.4% in the third quarter. Oakworth Capital Inc. now owns 989 shares of the companys stock worth $255,000 after purchasing an additional 42 shares during the last quarter. PFG Investments LLC raised its holdings in shares of Constellation Brands by 3.8% in the third quarter. PFG Investments LLC now owns 1,150 shares of the companys stock worth $296,000 after buying an additional 42 shares during the period. Metis Global Partners LLC lifted its stake in shares of Constellation Brands by 0.8% during the 3rd quarter. Metis Global Partners LLC now owns 5,570 shares of the companys stock worth $1,435,000 after acquiring an additional 46 shares during the last quarter. Rosenberg Matthew Hamilton boosted its holdings in Constellation Brands by 6.2% during the 3rd quarter. Rosenberg Matthew Hamilton now owns 858 shares of the companys stock valued at $221,000 after acquiring an additional 50 shares during the period. Finally, Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL grew its position in Constellation Brands by 4.6% in the 3rd quarter. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL now owns 1,158 shares of the companys stock valued at $298,000 after acquiring an additional 51 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 77.34% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several analysts have recently weighed in on STZ shares. Needham & Company LLC reiterated a buy rating and set a $240.00 target price on shares of Constellation Brands in a research report on Monday. Barclays decreased their price objective on shares of Constellation Brands from $282.00 to $214.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, January 14th. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Constellation Brands from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Tuesday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $203.00 price target (down previously from $262.00) on shares of Constellation Brands in a research note on Monday, January 13th. Finally, TD Cowen dropped their price objective on Constellation Brands from $270.00 to $260.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, January 8th. 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 stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $257.14.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Constellation Brands news, CEO William A. Newlands sold 25,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $243.58, for a total transaction of $6,089,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 7,274 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,771,800.92. This trade represents a 77.46 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, Director William T. Giles acquired 1,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, January 17th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $186.39 per share, with a total value of $186,390.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now owns 1,463 shares in the company, valued at approximately $272,688.57. This trade represents a 215.98 % increase in their position. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 61,746 shares of company stock valued at $15,017,097. Insiders own 12.19% of the companys stock.

Constellation Brands Stock Performance

Shares of STZ opened at $182.41 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 1.10, a quick ratio of 0.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.26. The firm has a market cap of $32.97 billion, a PE ratio of 49.04, a P/E/G ratio of 1.58 and a beta of 0.91. Constellation Brands, Inc. has a 12 month low of $176.51 and a 12 month high of $274.87. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $218.87 and a 200-day moving average price of $235.16.

Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, January 10th. The company reported $3.25 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.33 by ($0.08). Constellation Brands had a net margin of 6.27% and a return on equity of 26.55%. The business had revenue of $2.46 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.53 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $3.19 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was down .3% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts predict that Constellation Brands, Inc. will post 13.52 earnings per share 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. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 7th will be paid a dividend of $1.01 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 7th. This represents a $4.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.21%. Constellation Brandss payout ratio is 108.60%.

Constellation Brands Company Profile

(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.

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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).

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Cellcom Israel (OTCMKTS:CELJF  Get Free Report) was downgraded by investment analysts at Barclays from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday,Zacks.com reports.

Cellcom Israel Stock Performance

Cellcom Israel stock opened at $6.12 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a quick ratio of 0.71 and a current ratio of 0.77. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $5.82 and a 200-day simple moving average of $4.79. Cellcom Israel has a 12 month low of $3.10 and a 12 month high of $7.10.

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Cellcom Israel Company Profile

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Cellcom Israel Ltd. provides cellular communications services in Israel. It operates in two segments, Cellular and Fixed-line. The Cellular segment offers cellular communications, and cellular equipment and related services. The Fixed-line segment provides infrastructure and internet access, internet-based television, international telephony, landline telephony services, and transmission services for business customers and for telecommunication operators; and conferencing, cloud computing, and server hosting services, as well as IOT solutions.

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Core Laboratories (NYSE:CLB  Get Free Report) updated its first quarter 2025 earnings guidance on Wednesday. The company provided EPS guidance of 0.120-0.160 for the period, compared to the consensus EPS estimate of 0.210. The company issued revenue guidance of $121.0 million-$127.0 million, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $131.7 million.

Core Laboratories Stock Down 3.1 %

Shares of CLB traded down $0.58 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $17.96. The company had a trading volume of 86,371 shares, compared to its average volume of 261,863. Core Laboratories has a one year low of $13.82 and a one year high of $25.13. The companys fifty day moving average price is $19.00 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $19.49. The company has a market capitalization of $843.18 million, a PE ratio of 27.53, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.14 and a beta of 2.39. The company has a current ratio of 2.48, a quick ratio of 1.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55.

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Core Laboratories (NYSE:CLB  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 29th. The oil and gas company reported $0.23 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.23. Core Laboratories had a net margin of 5.83% and a return on equity of 15.84%. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Core Laboratories will post 0.8 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Analyst Ratings Changes

CLB has been the subject of several analyst reports. Citigroup decreased their price objective on Core Laboratories from $15.00 to $14.00 and set a sell rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 31st. StockNews.com upgraded Core Laboratories from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, November 7th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and three have given a hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $17.00.

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About Core Laboratories

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Core Laboratories Inc provides reservoir description and production enhancement services and products to the oil and gas industry in the United States, and internationally. It operates through Reservoir Description and Production Enhancement segments. The Reservoir Description segment includes the characterization of petroleum reservoir rock and reservoir fluid samples to enhance production and improve recovery of crude oil and gas from its clients' reservoirs.

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Corpay, Inc. (NYSE:CPAY  Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as $387.58 and last traded at $384.90, with a volume of 12525 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $381.22.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

CPAY has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Barclays raised their target price on shares of Corpay from $385.00 to $415.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, October 28th. Bank of America raised their target price on shares of Corpay from $344.00 to $375.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 15th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on shares of Corpay from $340.00 to $375.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, January 16th. Morgan Stanley raised their target price on shares of Corpay from $325.00 to $350.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, November 11th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price target on shares of Corpay from $375.00 to $425.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 16th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eleven have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Corpay has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $381.43.

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Corpay Price Performance

The stock has a market cap of $26.99 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.62, a PEG ratio of 1.26 and a beta of 1.26. The firms fifty day moving average price is $361.21 and its 200-day moving average price is $332.07. The company has a quick ratio of 1.05, a current ratio of 1.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.69.

Corpay (NYSE:CPAY  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 7th. The company reported $4.72 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.67 by $0.05. The business had revenue of $1.03 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.03 billion. Corpay had a net margin of 26.14% and a return on equity of 39.44%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $4.20 earnings per share. Analysts forecast that Corpay, Inc. will post 17.84 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Buying and Selling at Corpay

In other Corpay news, CAO Alissa B. Vickery sold 8,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $370.04, for a total transaction of $2,960,320.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 1,797 shares in the company, valued at $664,961.88. The trade was a 81.66 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director Joseph W. Farrelly sold 2,975 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $375.18, for a total value of $1,116,160.50. Following the transaction, the director now owns 10,530 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,950,645.40. This trade represents a 22.03 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 6.10% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Corpay

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of CPAY. Albion Financial Group UT purchased a new stake in Corpay during the 3rd quarter valued at $27,000. Avion Wealth grew its position in Corpay by 1,011.1% in the 4th quarter. Avion Wealth now owns 100 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,000 after acquiring an additional 91 shares during the last quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc grew its position in Corpay by 130.4% in the 4th quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 106 shares of the companys stock valued at $36,000 after acquiring an additional 60 shares during the last quarter. Huntington National Bank grew its position in Corpay by 43.0% in the 3rd quarter. Huntington National Bank now owns 133 shares of the companys stock valued at $42,000 after acquiring an additional 40 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Quarry LP bought a new position in Corpay in the 3rd quarter valued at $42,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 98.84% of the companys stock.

Corpay Company Profile

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Corpay, Inc operates as a payments company that helps businesses and consumers manage vehicle-related expenses, lodging expenses, and corporate payments in the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company offers vehicle payment solutions, which include fuel, tolls, parking, fleet maintenance, and long-haul transportation services, as well as prepaid food and transportation vouchers and cards.

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Crane (NYSE:CR  Get Free Report) had its price objective upped by analysts at DA Davidson from $185.00 to $200.00 in a report issued on Thursday,Benzinga reports. The firm presently has a buy rating on the conglomerates stock. DA Davidsons target price suggests a potential upside of 15.93% from the stocks current price.

Several other brokerages also recently weighed in on CR. StockNews.com downgraded Crane from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday. UBS Group increased their price target on Crane from $152.00 to $157.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, January 3rd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their price objective on Crane from $175.00 to $182.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 3rd. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus reduced their price objective on Crane from $176.00 to $170.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Friday, January 24th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Crane presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $174.80.

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Read Our Latest Stock Report on CR

Crane Trading Up 1.0 %

CR stock traded up $1.72 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $172.51. 43,308 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 277,089. Crane has a 52-week low of $118.48 and a 52-week high of $188.52. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a current ratio of 1.18. The business has a 50 day moving average of $163.47 and a 200-day moving average of $158.76. The firm has a market capitalization of $9.87 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.85, a P/E/G ratio of 1.93 and a beta of 1.22.

Crane (NYSE:CR  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, January 27th. The conglomerate reported $1.26 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.19 by $0.07. Crane had a return on equity of 24.45% and a net margin of 13.10%. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.90 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Crane will post 7.87 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Crane

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Matrix Trust Co acquired a new stake in Crane in the 3rd quarter worth about $25,000. V Square Quantitative Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Crane during the third quarter worth $28,000. ORG Wealth Partners LLC purchased a new position in Crane in the third quarter valued at $30,000. UMB Bank n.a. boosted its stake in Crane by 81.8% in the third quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 220 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $35,000 after acquiring an additional 99 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Quarry LP acquired a new stake in shares of Crane during the third quarter worth about $37,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.14% of the companys stock.

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.

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BDF Gestion lessened its holdings in shares of Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR  Free Report) by 25.8% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 67,540 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 23,460 shares during the period. BDF Gestions holdings in Equity Residential were worth $4,847,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in EQR. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC purchased a new position in shares of Equity Residential in the 2nd quarter valued at $803,000. AQR Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in Equity Residential by 101.0% in the second quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 60,857 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $4,195,000 after acquiring an additional 30,587 shares in the last quarter. Creative Planning grew its holdings in shares of Equity Residential by 7.6% during the second quarter. Creative Planning now owns 16,647 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,154,000 after purchasing an additional 1,174 shares during the last quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. increased its position in shares of Equity Residential by 32.7% during the second quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 811 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $56,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Truist Financial Corp lifted its holdings in shares of Equity Residential by 2.3% in the 2nd quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 12,768 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $885,000 after purchasing an additional 289 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 92.68% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research firms recently commented on EQR. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price target on shares of Equity Residential from $77.00 to $75.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, January 24th. Barclays decreased their target price on shares of Equity Residential from $83.00 to $79.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, January 24th. Stifel Nicolaus upgraded Equity Residential from a hold rating to a buy rating and boosted their price target for the company from $77.75 to $81.50 in a research report on Wednesday, November 13th. Royal Bank of Canada decreased their price objective on Equity Residential from $83.00 to $79.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, November 1st. Finally, Mizuho dropped their target price on Equity Residential from $78.00 to $74.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Monday, January 6th. Eleven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $78.36.

Equity Residential Stock Performance

Equity Residential stock opened at $68.61 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76, a current ratio of 0.13 and a quick ratio of 0.13. Equity Residential has a 12 month low of $57.33 and a 12 month high of $78.83. The company has a market cap of $26.03 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.12, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.36 and a beta of 0.93. The stocks 50-day moving average is $71.81 and its 200-day moving average is $72.69.

Equity Residential Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 17th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, January 2nd were paid a $0.675 dividend. This represents a $2.70 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.94%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, January 2nd. Equity Residentials dividend payout ratio is presently 110.66%.

About Equity Residential

(Free Report)

Equity Residential is committed to creating communities where people thrive. The Company, a member of the S&P 500, is focused on the acquisition, development and management of residential properties located in and around dynamic cities that attract affluent long-term renters. Equity Residential owns or has investments in 305 properties consisting of 80,683 apartment units, with an established presence in Boston, New York, Washington, DC, Seattle, San Francisco and Southern California, and an expanding presence in Denver, Atlanta, Dallas/Ft.

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Ethernity Networks Ltd. (LON:ENET  Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week low during trading on Monday . The company traded as low as GBX 0.10 ($0.00) and last traded at GBX 0.10 ($0.00), with a volume of 20646826 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at GBX 0.11 ($0.00).

Ethernity Networks Trading Down 9.5 %

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 21.00, a quick ratio of 1.37 and a current ratio of 0.42. The stock has a market cap of 357,884.00, a PE ratio of -3.17 and a beta of 0.58. The business has a 50-day moving average of GBX 0.12 and a 200 day moving average of GBX 0.29.

Ethernity Networks Company Profile

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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.

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General Dynamics (NYSE:GD  Get Free Report) had its price objective lowered by stock analysts at Wells Fargo & Company from $279.00 to $276.00 in a research note issued to investors on Thursday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an equal weight rating on the aerospace companys stock. Wells Fargo & Companys target price suggests a potential upside of 9.73% from the companys current price.

Several other equities analysts have also weighed in on the stock. Citigroup lifted their target price on shares of General Dynamics from $354.00 to $360.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, January 21st. Baird R W lowered General Dynamics from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 14th. Royal Bank of Canada lowered General Dynamics from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and reduced their price target for the stock from $330.00 to $290.00 in a research report on Thursday, December 19th. Vertical Research lowered General Dynamics from a buy rating to a hold rating and reduced their price target for the stock from $352.00 to $290.00 in a research report on Monday, January 6th. Finally, Wolfe Research cut shares of General Dynamics from an outperform rating to a peer perform rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 11th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have assigned a hold rating, eight have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $303.53.

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General Dynamics Stock Down 4.2 %

Shares of NYSE GD opened at $251.52 on Thursday. General Dynamics has a 1 year low of $247.01 and a 1 year high of $316.90. The firms 50 day moving average price is $268.57 and its 200 day moving average price is $287.48. The firm has a market cap of $69.16 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.16, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.43 and a beta of 0.61. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a current ratio of 1.32.

General Dynamics (NYSE:GD  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 29th. The aerospace company reported $4.15 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $4.29 by ($0.14). General Dynamics had a return on equity of 16.59% and a net margin of 7.90%. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that General Dynamics will post 13.66 earnings per share for the current year.

General Dynamics announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a stock buyback plan on Wednesday, December 4th that permits the company to repurchase 10,000,000 shares. This repurchase authorization permits the aerospace company to reacquire shares of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are usually an indication that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other General Dynamics news, VP Christopher J. Brady sold 5,540 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $280.91, for a total transaction of $1,556,241.40. Following the sale, the vice president now owns 20,296 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,701,349.36. The trade was a 21.44 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Insiders own 1.52% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of General Dynamics

A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in GD. MFA Wealth Advisors LLC increased its position in General Dynamics by 241.7% during the third quarter. MFA Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 82 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 58 shares during the last quarter. Financial Life Planners bought a new stake in shares of General Dynamics during the 4th quarter worth about $25,000. Hara Capital LLC acquired a new position in shares of General Dynamics during the 3rd quarter valued at about $26,000. Sugar Maple Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of General Dynamics during the 4th quarter valued at about $28,000. Finally, Heck Capital Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of General Dynamics in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $28,000. 86.14% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

General Dynamics Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

General Dynamics Corporation operates as an aerospace and defense company worldwide. It operates through four segments: Aerospace, Marine Systems, Combat Systems, and Technologies. The Aerospace segment produces and sells business jets; and offers aircraft maintenance and repair, management, aircraft-on-ground support and completion, charter, staffing, and fixed-base operator services.

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Hannover Ruck SE (FRA:HNR1  Get Free Report) shot up 0.1% on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as 262.70 ($273.65) and last traded at 261.60 ($272.50). 54,864 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, The stock had previously closed at 261.40 ($272.29).

Hannover Ruck Stock Up 0.1 %

The company has a fifty day moving average price of 250.14 and a two-hundred day moving average price of 246.31.

About Hannover Ruck

(Get Free Report)

Hannover Ruck SE, together with its subsidiaries, provides reinsurance products and services in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Europe, the United States, Asia, Australia, Africa, and internationally. It operates through Property & Casualty Reinsurance; and Life & Health Reinsurance segments.

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Hawaiian Electric Industries (NYSE:HE  Get Free Report) was downgraded by analysts at StockNews.com from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note issued on Wednesday.

A number of other equities analysts also recently issued reports on the company. Jefferies Financial Group cut their price target on Hawaiian Electric Industries from $11.50 to $10.50 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Friday, January 3rd. Evercore ISI cut their target price on Hawaiian Electric Industries from $11.00 to $10.00 and set an in-line rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, November 19th.

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View Our Latest Report on Hawaiian Electric Industries

Hawaiian Electric Industries Stock Down 2.0 %

Shares of NYSE HE traded down $0.18 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $8.80. 2,429,994 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,953,405. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.80, a quick ratio of 0.18 and a current ratio of 0.18. Hawaiian Electric Industries has a one year low of $7.61 and a one year high of $18.19. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $9.71 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $11.04. The company has a market cap of $1.52 billion, a PE ratio of -0.74 and a beta of 0.53.

Hawaiian Electric Industries (NYSE:HE  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 8th. The utilities provider reported $0.46 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.53 by ($0.07). Hawaiian Electric Industries had a negative net margin of 35.38% and a positive return on equity of 11.12%. The business had revenue of $983.38 million for the quarter. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.37 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 9.0% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts predict that Hawaiian Electric Industries will post 1.71 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Hawaiian Electric Industries

Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Marshall Wace LLP raised its holdings in shares of Hawaiian Electric Industries by 96.8% in the 2nd quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 313,255 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $2,826,000 after purchasing an additional 154,116 shares during the period. Millennium Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Hawaiian Electric Industries by 79.0% during the 2nd quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 1,870,088 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $16,868,000 after purchasing an additional 825,073 shares during the period. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company lifted its holdings in Hawaiian Electric Industries by 225.3% during the 2nd quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 59,640 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $538,000 after purchasing an additional 41,305 shares in the last quarter. Algert Global LLC boosted its stake in Hawaiian Electric Industries by 116.8% in the 2nd quarter. Algert Global LLC now owns 167,484 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,511,000 after purchasing an additional 90,234 shares during the period. Finally, Creative Planning grew its holdings in Hawaiian Electric Industries by 203.2% during the 2nd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 70,683 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $638,000 after buying an additional 47,372 shares in the last quarter. 59.91% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Hawaiian Electric Industries Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the electric utility businesses in the United States. It operates in three segments: Electric Utility, Bank, and Other. The Electric Utility segment engages in the production, purchase, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity in the islands of Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Lanai, and Molokai.

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DMC Group LLC raised its stake in shares of Helmerich & Payne, Inc. (NYSE:HP  Free Report) by 22.0% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 10,180 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,836 shares during the period. DMC Group LLCs holdings in Helmerich & Payne were worth $326,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D raised its holdings in shares of Helmerich & Payne by 18.1% in the 3rd quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D now owns 58,634 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $1,784,000 after purchasing an additional 9,004 shares during the period. Petrus Trust Company LTA acquired a new position in Helmerich & Payne during the third quarter valued at approximately $619,000. FMR LLC grew its stake in Helmerich & Payne by 510.7% during the third quarter. FMR LLC now owns 140,655 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $4,279,000 after buying an additional 117,624 shares during the period. Barclays PLC increased its position in shares of Helmerich & Payne by 320.2% in the third quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 198,415 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $6,035,000 after acquiring an additional 151,196 shares in the last quarter. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its position in shares of Helmerich & Payne by 28.0% in the third quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 593,330 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $18,049,000 after acquiring an additional 129,613 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 96.05% of the companys stock.

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Helmerich & Payne Stock Performance

Shares of HP stock opened at $32.82 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $3.24 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.54, a PEG ratio of 4.45 and a beta of 1.39. The business has a 50 day moving average of $33.71 and a two-hundred day moving average of $34.12. Helmerich & Payne, Inc. has a 52 week low of $29.46 and a 52 week high of $44.11. The company has a quick ratio of 2.40, a current ratio of 2.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61.

Helmerich & Payne Dividend Announcement

Helmerich & Payne ( NYSE:HP Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 13th. The oil and gas company reported $0.76 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.76. Helmerich & Payne had a return on equity of 12.44% and a net margin of 12.48%. The business had revenue of $693.79 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $695.99 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.69 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 5.2% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts anticipate that Helmerich & Payne, Inc. will post 3.06 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 28th. Investors of record on Friday, February 14th will be issued a $0.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 14th. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.05%. Helmerich & Paynes dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 29.07%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

HP has been the subject of several analyst reports. Evercore ISI reaffirmed an in-line rating and issued a $39.00 target price (down previously from $48.00) on shares of Helmerich & Payne in a research report on Wednesday, January 15th. Barclays cut their price target on shares of Helmerich & Payne from $39.00 to $36.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 20th. Citigroup raised shares of Helmerich & Payne from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their target price for the stock from $33.00 to $40.00 in a research report on Friday, January 10th. Royal Bank of Canada reduced their price target on shares of Helmerich & Payne from $44.00 to $41.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, November 15th. Finally, Benchmark reissued a hold rating on shares of Helmerich & Payne in a report on Thursday, November 21st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Helmerich & Payne has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $39.50.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Helmerich & Payne

Helmerich & Payne Company Profile

(Free Report)

Founded in 1920, Helmerich & Payne, Inc (H&P) (NYSE: HP) is committed to delivering industry leading levels of drilling productivity and reliability. H&P operates with the highest level of integrity, safety and innovation to deliver superior results for its customers and returns for shareholders.

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Highland Capital Management LLC cut its holdings in shares of Carrier Global Co. (NYSE:CARR  Free Report) by 4.3% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 226,340 shares of the companys stock after selling 10,108 shares during the quarter. Carrier Global makes up approximately 0.9% of Highland Capital Management LLCs holdings, making the stock its 22nd largest holding. Highland Capital Management LLCs holdings in Carrier Global were worth $15,450,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. FSA Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in Carrier Global during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $28,000. McClarren Financial Advisors Inc. grew its position in shares of Carrier Global by 246.0% in the 3rd quarter. McClarren Financial Advisors Inc. now owns 436 shares of the companys stock worth $35,000 after acquiring an additional 310 shares in the last quarter. Coastline Trust Co acquired a new position in shares of Carrier Global in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $37,000. Country Trust Bank acquired a new position in shares of Carrier Global in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $40,000. Finally, Capital Performance Advisors LLP acquired a new position in shares of Carrier Global in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $44,000. 91.00% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research analysts have recently commented on CARR shares. Oppenheimer lifted their target price on Carrier Global from $74.00 to $88.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 2nd. Barclays reduced their price objective on Carrier Global from $92.00 to $90.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, January 8th. Northcoast Research assumed coverage on Carrier Global in a research report on Friday, November 22nd. They set a neutral rating for the company. The Goldman Sachs Group assumed coverage on Carrier Global in a research report on Thursday, December 12th. They set a buy rating and a $96.00 price objective for the company. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reduced their price objective on Carrier Global from $87.00 to $86.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, January 3rd. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $83.93.

Carrier Global Stock Down 3.7 %

CARR opened at $64.78 on Thursday. The business has a 50-day moving average of $71.14 and a 200-day moving average of $72.57. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69, a current ratio of 1.08 and a quick ratio of 0.82. Carrier Global Co. has a fifty-two week low of $53.13 and a fifty-two week high of $83.32. The company has a market capitalization of $58.12 billion, a PE ratio of 16.40, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.26 and a beta of 1.36.

Carrier Global Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 7th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 20th will be issued a $0.225 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 20th. This represents a $0.90 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.39%. This is a positive change from Carrier Globals previous quarterly dividend of $0.19. Carrier Globals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 22.78%.

Carrier Global announced that its board has initiated a share buyback plan on Thursday, October 24th that allows the company to repurchase $3.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization allows the company to reacquire up to 4.6% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are often a sign that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued.

Carrier Global Company Profile

(Free Report)

Carrier Global Corporation provides heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, fire, security, and building automation technologies in the United States, Europe, the Asia Pacific, and internationally. It operates through three segments: HVAC, Refrigeration, and Fire & Security.

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Hyundai Motor (OTCMKTS:HYMTF  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decrease in short interest in January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 24,100 shares, a decrease of 57.1% from the December 31st total of 56,200 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 8,600 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 2.8 days.

Hyundai Motor Stock Up 0.0 %

Shares of OTCMKTS HYMTF traded up $0.01 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $54.75. 958 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 3,214. Hyundai Motor has a 1 year low of $42.12 and a 1 year high of $69.27. The companys 50-day moving average is $53.54 and its two-hundred day moving average is $58.36.

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Hyundai Motor Company Profile

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Hyundai Motor Company, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and distributes motor vehicles and parts worldwide. It operates through Vehicle, Finance, and Others segments. The company offers cars under the AZERA, SONATA, VELOSTER, i30, ELANTRA, ACCENT, i20, and i10 names; SUVs under the TUCSON, SANTA FE, KONA, PALISADE, CRETA, and VENUE names; commercial vehicles under the STARIA, H-1, and H-100 names; and eco vehicles under the IONIQ 6, IONIQ 5, NEXO, SANTA FE Hybrid, SONATA Hybrid, AZERA Hybrid, KONA Electric, IONIQ Plug-in Hybrid, IONIQ Electric, IONIQ Hybrid, and i30 Hybrid names.

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iShares MSCI Belgium ETF (NYSEARCA:EWK  Get Free Report)s share price rose 0.9% during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $18.75 and last traded at $18.69. Approximately 8,374 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 51% from the average daily volume of 16,955 shares. The stock had previously closed at $18.52.

iShares MSCI Belgium ETF Stock Performance

The firms fifty day simple moving average is $18.56 and its 200 day simple moving average is $19.44. The stock has a market capitalization of $20.83 million, a P/E ratio of 10.42 and a beta of 0.83.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On iShares MSCI Belgium ETF

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of EWK. Jane Street Group LLC increased its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Belgium ETF by 62.0% during the third quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 30,000 shares of the companys stock worth $626,000 after buying an additional 11,487 shares in the last quarter. Hilltop Holdings Inc. grew its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Belgium ETF by 26.5% during the third quarter. Hilltop Holdings Inc. now owns 121,199 shares of the companys stock worth $2,530,000 after purchasing an additional 25,420 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Flow Traders U.S. LLC increased its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Belgium ETF by 71.7% in the third quarter. Flow Traders U.S. LLC now owns 23,773 shares of the companys stock valued at $496,000 after buying an additional 9,926 shares during the period.

iShares MSCI Belgium ETF Company Profile

iShares MSCI Belgium Capped ETF, formerly iShares MSCI Belgium Capped Investable Market Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of publicly traded securities in the Belgian market, as measured by the MSCI Belgium Investable Market Index (the Index).

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Mitsubishi Electric Co. (OTCMKTS:MIELF  Get Free Report)s stock price rose 9.6% during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $17.35 and last traded at $17.35. Approximately 384 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 91% from the average daily volume of 4,465 shares. The stock had previously closed at $15.83.

Mitsubishi Electric Price Performance

The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $17.05 and its 200 day simple moving average is $16.46. The company has a market capitalization of $36.61 billion, a PE ratio of 18.14 and a beta of 0.63.

Mitsubishi Electric Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation develops, manufactures, distributes, and sells electrical and electronic equipment worldwide. The company operates through five segments: Infrastructure, Industry Mobility, Life, Business Platform, and Other Businesses. It offers turbine generators, nuclear power plant and power electronics equipment, motors, transformers, circuit breakers, gas insulated switchgears, switch controls, surveillance-system control and security systems, transmission and distribution ICT systems, large display devices, locomotive and rolling stock electrical equipment, wireless and wired communications systems, network camera systems, elevators, escalators, building security and management systems, and others.

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Perigon Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM  Free Report) by 6.1% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 11,413 shares of the restaurant operators stock after buying an additional 660 shares during the period. Perigon Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Yum! Brands were worth $1,441,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Toronto Dominion Bank boosted its position in shares of Yum! Brands by 15.5% in the third quarter. Toronto Dominion Bank now owns 127,446 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $17,805,000 after buying an additional 17,133 shares during the period. OVERSEA CHINESE BANKING Corp Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of Yum! Brands in the third quarter worth $1,262,000. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of Yum! Brands by 3.1% in the third quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. now owns 689,631 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $96,348,000 after buying an additional 20,966 shares during the period. Infusive Asset Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of Yum! Brands by 15.1% in the third quarter. Infusive Asset Management Inc. now owns 43,419 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $6,066,000 after buying an additional 5,684 shares during the period. Finally, Forsta AP Fonden raised its holdings in shares of Yum! Brands by 6.6% during the third quarter. Forsta AP Fonden now owns 104,900 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $14,656,000 after acquiring an additional 6,500 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.37% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, CEO David W. Gibbs sold 3,815 shares of Yum! Brands stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $137.06, for a total transaction of $522,883.90. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 149,385 shares of the companys stock, valued at $20,474,708.10. This trade represents a 2.49 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. 0.31% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several brokerages recently issued reports on YUM. Sanford C. Bernstein lowered Yum! Brands from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and cut their price objective for the stock from $140.00 to $135.00 in a report on Wednesday, January 22nd. Citigroup reiterated a neutral rating and set a $141.00 price objective (down from $153.00) on shares of Yum! Brands in a report on Friday, January 10th. Bank of America cut their price objective on Yum! Brands from $147.00 to $145.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, October 22nd. Morgan Stanley reiterated an equal weight rating and set a $140.00 price objective (down from $158.00) on shares of Yum! Brands in a report on Tuesday, January 21st. Finally, Loop Capital cut their price objective on Yum! Brands from $143.00 to $140.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, November 6th. Thirteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $144.89.

View Our Latest Research Report on YUM

Yum! Brands Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:YUM opened at $129.31 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $36.09 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.17, a P/E/G ratio of 2.02 and a beta of 1.11. The stocks 50-day moving average is $132.84 and its 200-day moving average is $133.58. Yum! Brands, Inc. has a 52-week low of $122.13 and a 52-week high of $143.20.

Yum! Brands (NYSE:YUM  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 5th. The restaurant operator reported $1.37 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.41 by ($0.04). Yum! Brands had a net margin of 21.13% and a negative return on equity of 18.93%. The business had revenue of $1.83 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.90 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.44 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 6.9% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts predict that Yum! Brands, Inc. will post 5.46 EPS for the current year.

Yum! Brands Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 13th. Investors of record on Monday, December 2nd were given a dividend of $0.67 per share. This represents a $2.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.07%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 2nd. Yum! Brandss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 50.09%.

Yum! Brands Profile

(Free Report)

Yum! Brands, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, develops, operates, and franchises quick service restaurants worldwide. The company operates through the KFC Division, the Taco Bell Division, the Pizza Hut Division, and the Habit Burger Grill Division segments. It also operates restaurants under the KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and The Habit Burger Grill brands, which specialize in chicken, pizza, made-to-order chargrilled burgers, sandwiches, Mexican-style food categories, and other food products.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding YUM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM  Free Report).

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Polaris (NYSE:PII  Free Report) had its price target trimmed by Truist Financial from $60.00 to $55.00 in a research report sent to investors on Wednesday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a hold rating on the stock.

Several other research analysts have also weighed in on the stock. StockNews.com lowered shares of Polaris from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Wednesday, January 8th. Robert W. Baird cut their price target on shares of Polaris from $84.00 to $72.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, December 30th. KeyCorp cut shares of Polaris from an overweight rating to a sector weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 8th. Citigroup lowered their price target on Polaris from $57.00 to $53.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada cut their price objective on Polaris from $82.00 to $73.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 23rd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have assigned a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $68.64.

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View Our Latest Stock Analysis on PII

Polaris Stock Performance

NYSE:PII opened at $48.79 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.28, a current ratio of 1.21 and a quick ratio of 0.32. The firm has a market cap of $2.72 billion, a PE ratio of 13.63, a P/E/G ratio of 6.05 and a beta of 1.53. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $59.80 and a 200-day simple moving average of $72.30. Polaris has a 1-year low of $48.44 and a 1-year high of $100.91.

Polaris (NYSE:PII  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 28th. The company reported $0.92 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.89 by $0.03. Polaris had a return on equity of 17.92% and a net margin of 2.64%. On average, equities analysts expect that Polaris will post 3.22 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Trading of Polaris

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of PII. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. grew its position in shares of Polaris by 44.6% during the third quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 555,410 shares of the companys stock worth $46,232,000 after buying an additional 171,366 shares in the last quarter. Hotchkis & Wiley Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Polaris in the 3rd quarter worth about $12,670,000. Weiss Asset Management LP acquired a new stake in shares of Polaris in the 3rd quarter valued at about $10,844,000. Kiltearn Partners LLP increased its holdings in Polaris by 147.9% in the third quarter. Kiltearn Partners LLP now owns 154,700 shares of the companys stock valued at $12,877,000 after buying an additional 92,300 shares during the last quarter. Finally, The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company lifted its holdings in Polaris by 3.2% during the 3rd quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 2,262,990 shares of the companys stock worth $188,371,000 after buying an additional 69,844 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 88.06% of the companys stock.

Polaris Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Polaris Inc designs, engineers, manufactures, and markets powersports vehicles in the United States, Canada, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Off-Road, On-Road, and Marine. The company offers off-road vehicles (ORVs), including all-terrain vehicles and side-by-side vehicles; military and commercial ORVs; snowmobiles; motorcycles; and moto-roadsters, quadricycles, and boats.

Further Reading

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Prosperity Bancshares (NYSE:PB  Get Free Report) posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday. The bank reported $1.37 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.33 by $0.04, Zacks reports. Prosperity Bancshares had a return on equity of 6.46% and a net margin of 25.39%.

Prosperity Bancshares Stock Down 0.7 %

Shares of NYSE:PB opened at $79.41 on Thursday. Prosperity Bancshares has a twelve month low of $57.16 and a twelve month high of $86.75. The stock has a market capitalization of $7.56 billion, a PE ratio of 16.86, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.11 and a beta of 0.93. The firms 50 day moving average price is $78.80 and its 200-day moving average price is $74.93.

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Prosperity Bancshares Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, April 1st. Investors of record on Friday, March 14th will be given a dividend of $0.58 per share. This represents a $2.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.92%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 14th. Prosperity Bancsharess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 49.26%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

PB has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Wedbush reissued an outperform rating and set a $90.00 price target on shares of Prosperity Bancshares in a research report on Thursday, October 24th. Barclays lifted their target price on shares of Prosperity Bancshares from $84.00 to $88.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, December 20th. StockNews.com downgraded Prosperity Bancshares from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 8th. UBS Group lowered their price objective on Prosperity Bancshares from $77.00 to $76.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, December 26th. Finally, Wolfe Research reissued a peer perform rating on shares of Prosperity Bancshares in a report on Thursday, December 5th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $81.38.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Prosperity Bancshares

Insider Activity

In other news, Director Ned S. Holmes sold 500 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $81.44, for a total value of $40,720.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 113,815 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,269,093.60. This represents a 0.44 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Director Leah Henderson sold 1,100 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, November 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $83.24, for a total value of $91,564.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 7,525 shares of the companys stock, valued at $626,381. The trade was a 12.75 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 14,600 shares of company stock valued at $1,196,144 in the last 90 days. Company insiders own 4.28% of the companys stock.

About Prosperity Bancshares

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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.

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A number of research firms have changed their ratings and price targets for Emergent BioSolutions (NYSE: EBS):

1/24/2025  Emergent BioSolutions was downgraded by analysts at StockNews.com from a buy rating to a hold rating.

1/21/2025  Emergent BioSolutions had its buy rating reaffirmed by analysts at HC Wainwright. They now have a $15.00 price target on the stock.

1/14/2025  Emergent BioSolutions was upgraded by analysts at StockNews.com from a hold rating to a buy rating.

1/10/2025  Emergent BioSolutions had its buy rating reaffirmed by analysts at HC Wainwright. They now have a $15.00 price target on the stock.

12/30/2024  Emergent BioSolutions is now covered by analysts at HC Wainwright. They set a buy rating and a $15.00 price target on the stock.

12/28/2024  Emergent BioSolutions was downgraded by analysts at StockNews.com from a buy rating to a hold rating.

12/20/2024  Emergent BioSolutions was downgraded by analysts at StockNews.com from a buy rating to a hold rating.

12/12/2024  Emergent BioSolutions was upgraded by analysts at StockNews.com from a hold rating to a buy rating.

Emergent BioSolutions Stock Performance

Shares of EBS traded up $0.22 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $11.02. The company had a trading volume of 255,440 shares, compared to its average volume of 962,716. The business has a fifty day moving average of $9.54 and a 200-day moving average of $9.33. The company has a quick ratio of 1.47, a current ratio of 2.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.30. The firm has a market cap of $597.06 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -2.69 and a beta of 1.60. Emergent BioSolutions Inc. has a 12 month low of $1.42 and a 12 month high of $15.10.

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Emergent BioSolutions (NYSE:EBS  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 6th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.37 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.49 by $0.88. The business had revenue of $293.80 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $328.72 million. Emergent BioSolutions had a negative return on equity of 9.91% and a negative net margin of 18.55%. During the same period last year, the firm posted ($1.44) EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that Emergent BioSolutions Inc. will post -0.63 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Emergent BioSolutions

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. SeaCrest Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Emergent BioSolutions by 3.2% during the third quarter. SeaCrest Wealth Management LLC now owns 118,700 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $991,000 after buying an additional 3,705 shares during the last quarter. Stifel Financial Corp bought a new stake in Emergent BioSolutions during the 3rd quarter worth $96,000. FORA Capital LLC acquired a new position in Emergent BioSolutions in the 3rd quarter worth about $103,000. Hilltop Holdings Inc. raised its position in Emergent BioSolutions by 7.9% in the third quarter. Hilltop Holdings Inc. now owns 171,266 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $1,430,000 after purchasing an additional 12,515 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Truist Financial Corp boosted its stake in shares of Emergent BioSolutions by 12.3% during the second quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 131,526 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $897,000 after purchasing an additional 14,360 shares in the last quarter. 78.40% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Emergent BioSolutions Inc, a life sciences company, provides preparedness and response solutions for accidental, deliberate, and naturally occurring public health threats in the United States. The company offers NARCAN Nasal Spray for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose; Vaxchora vaccine for the prevention of cholera; Vivotif vaccine for oral administration for the prevention of typhoid fever; Anthrasil for the treatment of inhalational anthrax; BioThrax, an anthrax vaccine; CYFENDUS for post-exposure prophylaxis of disease following suspected or confirmed exposure to Bacillus anthracis; and Raxibacumab injection for the treatment and prophylaxis of inhalational anthrax.

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RMR Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IJR  Free Report) by 6.2% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 3,273 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after buying an additional 190 shares during the period. RMR Capital Management LLCs holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF were worth $377,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of IJR. Capital City Trust Co. FL raised its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 2.0% during the third quarter. Capital City Trust Co. FL now owns 4,414 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $516,000 after acquiring an additional 85 shares during the last quarter. Bank of New Hampshire increased its holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 2.4% during the 4th quarter. Bank of New Hampshire now owns 3,727 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $429,000 after purchasing an additional 88 shares during the period. Clear Harbor Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 2.8% in the 4th quarter. Clear Harbor Asset Management LLC now owns 3,302 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $381,000 after buying an additional 90 shares during the period. Riggs Asset Managment Co. Inc. lifted its holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 50.6% in the 3rd quarter. Riggs Asset Managment Co. Inc. now owns 271 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 91 shares during the period. Finally, NavPoint Financial Inc. grew its position in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 0.9% in the 3rd quarter. NavPoint Financial Inc. now owns 10,432 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,220,000 after buying an additional 91 shares during the last quarter.

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iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Stock Up 0.7 %

Shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF stock opened at $119.48 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $86.68 billion, a PE ratio of 12.95 and a beta of 1.16. The business has a 50 day moving average of $119.74 and a 200 day moving average of $116.96. iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF has a 52 week low of $101.85 and a 52 week high of $128.61.

iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Profile

iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF, formerly iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Index Fund, seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors SmallCap 600 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of publicly traded securities in the small-capitalization sector of the United States equity market.

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Rogers Communications (NYSE:RCI  Get Free Report) (TSE:RCI.B) issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday. The Wireless communications provider reported $1.04 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.97 by $0.07, Zacks reports. Rogers Communications had a net margin of 7.34% and a return on equity of 23.75%.

Rogers Communications Price Performance

NYSE RCI traded up $0.25 on Thursday, hitting $29.00. 299,161 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 980,991. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $31.64 and a 200-day moving average of $36.24. Rogers Communications has a 52 week low of $27.63 and a 52 week high of $48.08. The stock has a market cap of $15.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.15, a P/E/G ratio of 1.04 and a beta of 0.69. The company has a current ratio of 0.68, a quick ratio of 0.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.35.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities research analysts have issued reports on the company. Morgan Stanley initiated coverage on Rogers Communications in a report on Monday, December 16th. They issued an underweight rating for the company. Barclays reissued an equal weight rating on shares of Rogers Communications in a research note on Tuesday, January 21st. Finally, Bank of America cut shares of Rogers Communications from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, January 14th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Rogers Communications currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $61.75.

About Rogers Communications

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Rogers Communications Inc operates as a communications and media company in Canada. It operates through three segments: Wireless, Cable, and Media. The company offers mobile Internet access, wireless voice and enhanced voice, device financing, device protection, global voice and data roaming, wireless home phone, bridging landline, machine-to-machine and Internet of Things solutions, and advanced wireless solutions for businesses, as well as device shipping and express pickup services; and postpaid and prepaid services under the Rogers, Fido, and chatr brands.

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Sanlam Limited (OTCMKTS:SLLDY  Get Free Report) saw a significant increase in short interest during the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 37,900 shares, an increase of 144.5% from the December 31st total of 15,500 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 42,500 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.9 days.

Sanlam Price Performance

Shares of Sanlam stock traded up C$0.19 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching C$8.93. The company had a trading volume of 17,684 shares, compared to its average volume of 23,166. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of C$9.52 and a 200 day moving average price of C$9.60. Sanlam has a fifty-two week low of C$6.60 and a fifty-two week high of C$10.46.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, Barclays raised Sanlam to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, October 3rd.

About Sanlam

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Sanlam Limited provides various financial solutions to individual, business, and institutional clients in South Africa, rest of Africa, and internationally. The company operates through Sanlam Life and Savings, Sanlam Emerging Markets, Sanlam Investment Group, and Santam segments. It offers life, disability, severe illness, income protection, cancer, funeral, credit life, medical aid, gap cover, vehicle, house contents, buildings, all risk, buy and sell, business debt, key person, and group risk benefits insurance, as well as commercial insurance products consisting of office contents, theft, glass, personal accident, goods in transit, machinery breakdown, fire, business interruption, money, deterioration of stock, accidental damage, public liability, and electronic equipment.

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Shimano Inc. (OTCMKTS:SMNNY  Get Free Report) saw a large increase in short interest during the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 128,200 shares, an increase of 18,214.3% from the December 31st total of 700 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 463,900 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.3 days.

Shimano Trading Down 0.6 %

Shares of OTCMKTS SMNNY opened at $14.34 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $12.78 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 40.12 and a beta of 0.60. Shimano has a twelve month low of $12.55 and a twelve month high of $19.69. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $13.59 and a 200-day simple moving average of $15.77.

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Shimano (OTCMKTS:SMNNY  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 29th. The company reported ($0.02) EPS for the quarter. Shimano had a return on equity of 5.14% and a net margin of 9.65%. The business had revenue of $793.02 million during the quarter.

Shimano Company Profile

Shimano Inc develops, produces, and distributes bicycle components, fishing tackles, and rowing equipment. It has operations in Japan, Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and Oceania. Shimano Inc was founded in 1921 and is headquartered in Sakai, Japan.

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BlackRock New York Municipal Income Trust (NYSE:BNY  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decrease in short interest during the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 25,900 shares, a decrease of 21.8% from the December 31st total of 33,100 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 63,700 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.4 days.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On BlackRock New York Municipal Income Trust

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in BNY. Focused Wealth Management Inc boosted its stake in shares of BlackRock New York Municipal Income Trust by 0.8% in the third quarter. Focused Wealth Management Inc now owns 118,483 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,303,000 after buying an additional 978 shares in the last quarter. Sanctuary Advisors LLC grew its holdings in BlackRock New York Municipal Income Trust by 11.9% during the 3rd quarter. Sanctuary Advisors LLC now owns 16,403 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $173,000 after buying an additional 1,749 shares during the last quarter. Pathway Financial Advisers LLC increased its position in BlackRock New York Municipal Income Trust by 1,000.0% during the 3rd quarter. Pathway Financial Advisers LLC now owns 4,829 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $53,000 after purchasing an additional 4,390 shares in the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers grew its holdings in shares of BlackRock New York Municipal Income Trust by 7.2% during the second quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 96,357 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,032,000 after buying an additional 6,443 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Whitebox Advisors LLC raised its holdings in BlackRock New York Municipal Income Trust by 9.4% in the 3rd quarter. Whitebox Advisors LLC now owns 82,517 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $908,000 after acquiring an additional 7,084 shares during the last quarter.

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BlackRock New York Municipal Income Trust Stock Performance

NYSE:BNY traded up $0.04 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $10.40. The stock had a trading volume of 19,958 shares, compared to its average volume of 48,106. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $10.43 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $10.67. BlackRock New York Municipal Income Trust has a 12-month low of $10.05 and a 12-month high of $11.10.

BlackRock New York Municipal Income Trust Dividend Announcement

BlackRock New York Municipal Income Trust Company Profile

The company also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 3rd. Investors of record on Wednesday, January 15th will be given a $0.051 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, January 15th. This represents a $0.61 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.89%.

(Get Free Report)

BlackRock New York Municipal Income Trust is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc It is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. The fund invests in fixed income markets. It invests primarily in the investment grade municipal bonds exempt from federal income taxes and New York State and New York City personal income taxes.

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Standard Bank Group Limited (OTCMKTS:SGBLY  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decrease in short interest in January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 9,400 shares, a decrease of 47.5% from the December 31st total of 17,900 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 91,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.1 days.

Standard Bank Group Trading Up 1.2 %

Shares of OTCMKTS SGBLY traded up $0.14 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $11.90. The company had a trading volume of 33,790 shares, compared to its average volume of 48,516. Standard Bank Group has a twelve month low of $8.69 and a twelve month high of $14.68. The stocks 50 day moving average is $12.34 and its 200-day moving average is $12.90.

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About Standard Bank Group

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Standard Bank Group Limited provides banking and financial products and services in South Africa and internationally. It offers transactional accounts and digital banking platforms; personal and business lending solutions to enhance cash flow; finance for buying, building, and maintaining home; foreign exchange services; trusts and third-party administration accounts; workplace solutions, such as payroll and HR, financial planning, and employer value banking; merchant solutions, including point-of-sale, ecommerce, digital payments, payment processing, and small business support; and cash management services.

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Singapore Airlines Limited (OTCMKTS:SINGY  Get Free Report) saw a large decrease in short interest during the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 10,100 shares, a decrease of 32.7% from the December 31st total of 15,000 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 52,300 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.2 days.

Singapore Airlines Stock Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS SINGY opened at $9.29 on Thursday. The business has a 50-day moving average of $9.33 and a 200-day moving average of $9.60. Singapore Airlines has a fifty-two week low of $8.63 and a fifty-two week high of $10.99.

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Singapore Airlines Cuts Dividend

The business also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 26th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, November 26th were paid a $0.1494 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, November 26th. Singapore Airliness dividend payout ratio is 117.21%.

About Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines Limited, together with subsidiaries, provides passenger and cargo air transportation services under the Singapore Airlines and Scoot brands in East Asia, the Americas, Europe, Southwest Pacific, West Asia, and Africa. It operates through The Full-Service Carrier, The Low-Cost Carrier, and Engineering Services segments.

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Stellar AfricaGold Inc. (CVE:SPX  Get Free Report) was up 28.6% during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as C$0.15 and last traded at C$0.09. Approximately 1,172,903 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 517% from the average daily volume of 190,146 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.07.

Stellar AfricaGold Stock Up 28.6 %

The company has a current ratio of 0.38, a quick ratio of 2.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 201.45. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of C$0.08 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of C$0.08. The firm has a market capitalization of C$2.17 million, a P/E ratio of -1.80, a P/E/G ratio of 2.57 and a beta of 0.74.

Stellar AfricaGold Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Stellar AfricaGold Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the exploration and evaluation of mineral properties in Canada, Republic of Mali, and the Kingdom of Morocco. The company primarily explores for gold deposits. Stellar AfricaGold Inc was incorporated in 2006 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

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Medexus Pharmaceuticals (TSE:MDP  Get Free Report) had its target price increased by Stifel Nicolaus from C$4.50 to C$6.00 in a research note issued on Thursday,BayStreet.CA reports. Stifel Nicolaus price target suggests a potential upside of 51.13% from the stocks previous close.

Several other analysts have also weighed in on MDP. Raymond James upgraded shares of Medexus Pharmaceuticals from an outperform rating to a strong-buy rating and set a C$4.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, January 8th. Ventum Cap Mkts raised shares of Medexus Pharmaceuticals to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, January 17th. Leede Financial raised shares of Medexus Pharmaceuticals from a moderate buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, January 22nd. Finally, Alliance Global Partners raised shares of Medexus Pharmaceuticals to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, December 23rd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and five have issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Medexus Pharmaceuticals currently has an average rating of Strong Buy and a consensus price target of C$6.13.

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Read Our Latest Report on Medexus Pharmaceuticals

Medexus Pharmaceuticals Stock Down 0.7 %

About Medexus Pharmaceuticals

TSE MDP traded down C$0.03 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting C$3.97. The company had a trading volume of 122,000 shares, compared to its average volume of 192,164. The stock has a market cap of C$97.38 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 79.40 and a beta of 1.96. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of C$3.37 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of C$2.76. Medexus Pharmaceuticals has a fifty-two week low of C$1.47 and a fifty-two week high of C$5.56.

(Get Free Report)

Medexus Pharmaceuticals Inc operates as a specialty pharmaceutical company in Canada and the United States. The company focuses on the therapeutic areas comprising oncology, hematology, rheumatology, auto-immune diseases, allergy, and dermatology. Its primary products are IXINITY, an intravenous recombinant factor IX therapeutic for use in patients 12 years of age or older with hemophilia B; Rasuvo and Metoject, a formulation of methotrexate designed to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other auto-immune diseases; Rupall, a prescription allergy medication; and Gleolan, an optical imaging agent indicated in patients with glioma as an adjunct for the visualization of malignant tissue during surgery.

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Sun Life Financial (TSE:SLF  Get Free Report) (NYSE:SLF) had its price target increased by CIBC from C$96.00 to C$97.00 in a report released on Thursday,BayStreet.CA reports. CIBCs price target would indicate a potential upside of 15.28% from the stocks current price.

A number of other research analysts have also recently weighed in on SLF. National Bank Financial upgraded shares of Sun Life Financial from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 14th. National Bankshares upgraded Sun Life Financial from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating and boosted their price objective for the company from C$82.00 to C$95.00 in a research report on Wednesday, January 15th. Royal Bank of Canada increased their target price on Sun Life Financial from C$78.00 to C$82.00 in a research report on Wednesday, November 6th. Barclays boosted their price target on Sun Life Financial from C$82.00 to C$87.00 in a report on Monday, January 6th. Finally, Scotiabank lifted their price objective on shares of Sun Life Financial from C$85.00 to C$96.00 in a research report on Thursday, November 14th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of C$86.73.

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View Our Latest Analysis on Sun Life Financial

Sun Life Financial Stock Performance

Sun Life Financial stock traded down C$0.36 during trading on Thursday, reaching C$84.14. The company had a trading volume of 193,406 shares, compared to its average volume of 998,725. The firms 50-day simple moving average is C$85.20 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$78.37. Sun Life Financial has a 52 week low of C$64.38 and a 52 week high of C$88.54. The company has a current ratio of 65.29, a quick ratio of 84,866.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 53.77. The firm has a market capitalization of C$48.51 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.94, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 0.94.

Sun Life Financial (TSE:SLF  Get Free Report) (NYSE:SLF) last released its earnings results on Monday, November 4th. The financial services provider reported C$1.76 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of C$1.71 by C$0.05. Sun Life Financial had a net margin of 9.90% and a return on equity of 13.65%. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.59 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts forecast that Sun Life Financial will post 6.9230769 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity

In other Sun Life Financial news, Senior Officer Linda Dougherty purchased 5,800 shares of Sun Life Financial stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 15th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of C$84.83 per share, for a total transaction of C$492,014.00. Also, Director Kevin Strain sold 85,943 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, November 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$84.71, for a total value of C$7,280,231.53. Corporate insiders own 0.03% of the companys stock.

Sun Life Financial Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Sun Life Financial is one of Canadas Big Three life insurance companies along with Great-West Lifeco and Manulife. Sun Life provides insurance, retirement, and wealth-management services to individual and corporate customers in Canada, the United States, and Asia. It also owns MFS Investment Management, a Boston-based asset-management firm.

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TBC Bank Group PLC (OTCMKTS:TBCCF  Get Free Report) saw a large decline in short interest in January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 800 shares, a decline of 91.2% from the December 31st total of 9,100 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 0 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently  days.

TBC Bank Group Price Performance

OTCMKTS:TBCCF remained flat at $33.10 during trading hours on Wednesday. TBC Bank Group has a one year low of $32.50 and a one year high of $33.10. The companys fifty day moving average price is $33.10 and its 200-day moving average price is $33.10.

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About TBC Bank Group

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TBC Bank Group PLC, through its subsidiaries, provides banking, leasing, insurance, brokerage, and card processing services to corporate and individual customers in Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan. The company operates through Corporate; Retail; and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises segments. It offers mortgage, digital, consumer, car, pawnshop, and startup loans, as well as overdraft; working capital and fixed assets financing, credit line, trade finance, and business financing; treasury products; and term and savings deposits, mortgage, credit cards; current, and nominee account services.

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The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW  Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, January 29th,RTT News reports. Investors of record on Friday, February 14th will be paid a dividend of 0.27 per share by the financial services provider on Friday, February 28th. This represents a $1.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.31%. This is a positive change from Charles Schwabs previous quarterly dividend of $0.25.

Charles Schwab has raised its dividend payment by an average of 11.6% per year over the last three years. Charles Schwab has a dividend payout ratio of 19.2% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Analysts expect Charles Schwab to earn $5.11 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $1.00 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 19.6%.

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Charles Schwab Stock Up 0.5 %

Shares of SCHW stock opened at $82.13 on Thursday. Charles Schwab has a 12 month low of $61.01 and a 12 month high of $83.35. 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 firm has a market cap of $146.17 billion, a PE ratio of 27.47, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.46 and a beta of 0.99. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $77.86 and a 200-day moving average of $70.92.

Insider Transactions at Charles Schwab

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 the consensus estimate of $0.90 by $0.11. The firm had revenue of $5.33 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.19 billion. Charles Schwab had a net margin of 30.31% and a return on equity of 18.20%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 19.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.68 EPS. On average, equities analysts predict that Charles Schwab will post 4.09 EPS for the current year.

In other Charles Schwab news, insider Jonathan S. Beatty sold 2,500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $77.02, for a total transaction of $192,550.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 18,069 shares of the companys stock, 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 can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, Director Christopher V. Dodds sold 9,284 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $81.43, for a total transaction of $755,996.12. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 442,807 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $36,057,774.01. This represents a 2.05 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 50,014 shares of company stock worth $4,052,281. Insiders own 6.60% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

SCHW has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Piper Sandler lifted their target price on Charles Schwab from $65.00 to $70.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 7th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their price objective on Charles Schwab from $98.00 to $105.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 22nd. Redburn Partners reduced their target price on Charles Schwab from $70.00 to $68.00 and set a sell rating for the company in a research report on Friday, January 17th. Truist Financial reissued a buy rating and issued a $90.00 price target (up previously from $86.00) on shares of Charles Schwab in a report on Wednesday, January 22nd. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company raised shares of Charles Schwab from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and raised their price objective for the stock from $89.00 to $93.00 in a report on Wednesday, January 22nd. 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 companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $84.11.

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Charles Schwab Company Profile

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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.

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Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (NYSE:TEVA  Get Free Report) was the recipient of some unusual options trading activity on Wednesday. Stock traders acquired 98,415 call options on the company. This is an increase of 240% compared to the typical daily volume of 28,932 call options.

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Price Performance

NYSE:TEVA opened at $18.60 on Thursday. The firms 50-day moving average price is $19.97 and its 200-day moving average price is $18.48. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries has a 1-year low of $11.48 and a 1-year high of $22.80. The company has a quick ratio of 0.61, a current ratio of 0.89 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.57.

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Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (NYSE:TEVA  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 29th. The company reported $0.70 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.69 by $0.01. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries had a negative net margin of 5.73% and a positive return on equity of 42.92%. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Teva Pharmaceutical Industries will post 2.37 EPS for the current year.

Insider Buying and Selling at Teva Pharmaceutical Industries

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Teva Pharmaceutical Industries

In related news, EVP Christine Fox sold 19,388 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.87, for a total transaction of $327,075.56. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 44,104 shares in the company, valued at approximately $744,034.48. This trade represents a 30.54 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link . Also, Director Roberto Mignone sold 286,000 shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $22.01, for a total transaction of $6,294,860.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 695,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $15,296,950. The trade was a 29.15 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders own 0.55% of the companys stock.

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. UMB Bank n.a. grew its holdings in shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries by 555.6% in the third quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 2,439 shares of the companys stock valued at $44,000 after purchasing an additional 2,067 shares in the last quarter. Smithfield Trust Co boosted its stake in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries by 55.7% during the third quarter. Smithfield Trust Co now owns 2,739 shares of the companys stock worth $50,000 after buying an additional 980 shares during the period. Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB purchased a new position in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries during the third quarter worth $50,000. Claro Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries during the third quarter worth $52,000. Finally, Venturi Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries during the third quarter worth $60,000. Institutional investors own 54.05% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research firms have recently commented on TEVA. StockNews.com lowered shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 18th. UBS Group lifted their target price on shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries from $28.00 to $30.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, January 23rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries from $16.00 to $18.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday, October 21st. Barclays boosted their price objective on shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries from $25.00 to $28.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, December 18th. Finally, Piper Sandler lifted their target price on shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries from $23.00 to $30.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, January 17th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $22.63.

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Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Company Profile

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Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited develops, manufactures, markets, and distributes generic medicines, specialty medicines, and biopharmaceutical products in North America, Europe, Israel, and internationally. It offers generic medicines in various dosage forms, such as tablets, capsules, injectables, inhalants, liquids, transdermal patches, ointments, and creams; sterile products, hormones, high-potency drugs, and cytotoxic substances in parenteral and solid dosage forms; and generic products with medical devices and combination products.

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W.W. Grainger (NYSE:GWW  Get Free Report) is projected to release its earnings data before the market opens on Friday, January 31st. Analysts expect W.W. Grainger to post earnings of $9.74 per share and revenue of $4.24 billion for the quarter. Persons that are interested in registering for the companys earnings conference call can do so using this link.

W.W. Grainger (NYSE:GWW  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 31st. The industrial products company reported $9.87 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $9.98 by ($0.11). The firm had revenue of $4.39 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.40 billion. W.W. Grainger had a return on equity of 51.78% and a net margin of 10.80%. The businesss revenue was up 4.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company posted $9.43 EPS. On average, analysts expect W.W. Grainger to post $39 EPS for the current fiscal year and $42 EPS for the next fiscal year.

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W.W. Grainger Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:GWW opened at $1,113.89 on Thursday. W.W. Grainger has a 1 year low of $874.98 and a 1 year high of $1,227.66. The stock has a market capitalization of $54.25 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.19, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.88 and a beta of 1.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.59, a current ratio of 2.59 and a quick ratio of 1.68. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $1,122.75 and its 200 day simple moving average is $1,063.45.

W.W. Grainger Dividend Announcement

Analysts Set New Price Targets

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Saturday, March 1st. Stockholders of record on Monday, February 10th will be paid a $2.05 dividend. This represents a $8.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.74%. W.W. Graingers payout ratio is 22.23%.

Several analysts recently weighed in on GWW shares. Robert W. Baird upgraded W.W. Grainger from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and upped their price objective for the stock from $975.00 to $1,230.00 in a research report on Wednesday, October 16th. Baird R W raised shares of W.W. Grainger from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 16th. Loop Capital lifted their price target on shares of W.W. Grainger from $900.00 to $1,100.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Monday, October 21st. Oppenheimer cut shares of W.W. Grainger from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research report on Thursday, October 17th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada raised their target price on shares of W.W. Grainger from $1,018.00 to $1,125.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Friday, November 1st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have assigned a hold rating, two have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $1,140.56.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on GWW

Insider Transactions at W.W. Grainger

In related news, CFO Deidra C. Merriwether sold 704 shares of W.W. Grainger stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $1,105.59, for a total value of $778,335.36. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 9,509 shares of the companys stock, valued at $10,513,055.31. The trade was a 6.89 % 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, VP Laurie R. Thomson sold 125 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,206.03, for a total transaction of $150,753.75. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 675 shares of the companys stock, valued at $814,070.25. This represents a 15.63 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 10,406 shares of company stock worth $11,634,643. Company insiders own 9.50% of the companys stock.

W.W. Grainger Company Profile

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W.W. Grainger, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, distributes maintenance, repair, and operating products and services primarily in North America, Japan, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, High-Touch Solutions N.A. and Endless Assortment. The company provides safety, security, material handling and storage equipment, pumps and plumbing equipment, cleaning and maintenance, and metalworking and hand tools.

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Estee Lauder Companies (NYSE:EL  Get Free Report) had its price objective raised by stock analysts at Wells Fargo & Company from $74.00 to $80.00 in a research note issued on Thursday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has an equal weight rating on the stock. Wells Fargo & Companys target price would suggest a potential downside of 2.82% from the companys current price.

Other equities analysts have also recently issued research reports about the company. Citigroup cut Estee Lauder Companies from a buy rating to a neutral rating and decreased their price objective for the company from $105.00 to $80.00 in a report on Thursday, October 31st. Stifel Nicolaus cut shares of Estee Lauder Companies from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $125.00 target price for the company. in a research note on Thursday, October 31st. Royal Bank of Canada decreased their price objective on Estee Lauder Companies from $131.00 to $100.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, November 1st. HSBC cut Estee Lauder Companies from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $100.00 price target for the company. in a research note on Wednesday, October 16th. Finally, Piper Sandler raised their target price on shares of Estee Lauder Companies from $91.00 to $98.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday. Twenty investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $92.95.

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View Our Latest Research Report on EL

Estee Lauder Companies Stock Performance

Shares of EL stock opened at $82.33 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.44, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a current ratio of 1.32. Estee Lauder Companies has a 52 week low of $62.29 and a 52 week high of $159.75. The companys 50 day moving average price is $76.11 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $84.19. The company has a market capitalization of $29.55 billion, a P/E ratio of 147.01, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.60 and a beta of 1.02.

Estee Lauder Companies (NYSE:EL  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 31st. The company reported $0.14 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.09 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $3.36 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.37 billion. Estee Lauder Companies had a return on equity of 17.31% and a net margin of 1.31%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 4.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $0.11 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Estee Lauder Companies will post 1.51 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Transactions at Estee Lauder Companies

In related news, Director Paul J. Fribourg purchased 77,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, November 15th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $64.01 per share, for a total transaction of $4,960,775.00. Following the purchase, the director now owns 234,500 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $15,010,345. This trade represents a 49.36 % increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Fabrizio Freda sold 10,969 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $67.76, for a total value of $743,259.44. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 295,838 shares in the company, valued at $20,045,982.88. This represents a 3.58 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 12.78% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Estee Lauder Companies

Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA grew its position in shares of Estee Lauder Companies by 79.4% during the 3rd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 5,723,746 shares of the companys stock valued at $570,600,000 after purchasing an additional 2,533,006 shares in the last quarter. Two Sigma Advisers LP boosted its stake in Estee Lauder Companies by 80.8% in the third quarter. Two Sigma Advisers LP now owns 2,934,200 shares of the companys stock worth $292,510,000 after buying an additional 1,310,900 shares in the last quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp grew its stake in shares of Estee Lauder Companies by 36.4% during the third quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 4,041,911 shares of the companys stock valued at $402,938,000 after buying an additional 1,078,926 shares during the last quarter. Worldquant Millennium Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Estee Lauder Companies by 695.4% during the 3rd quarter. Worldquant Millennium Advisors LLC now owns 1,123,427 shares of the companys stock valued at $111,994,000 after buying an additional 982,183 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Nuance Investments LLC raised its position in Estee Lauder Companies by 1,127.5% during the 3rd quarter. Nuance Investments LLC now owns 1,059,080 shares of the companys stock valued at $105,580,000 after purchasing an additional 972,799 shares during the last quarter. 55.15% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Estee Lauder Companies

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The Estee Lauder Companies Inc manufactures, markets, and sells skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products worldwide. It offers skin care products, including moisturizers, serums, cleansers, toners, body care, exfoliators, acne care and oil correctors, facial masks, and sun care products; and makeup products, such as lipsticks, lip glosses, mascaras, foundations, eyeshadows, and powders, as well as compacts, brushes, and other makeup tools.

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Tourists enjoy traditional family reunion dinner of Li ethnic group in China's Hainan

Xinhua) 10:50, January 30, 2025

This photo taken on Jan. 28, 2025 shows rolls made from sticky rice and coconuts at Binglanggu tourism area in Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County, south China's Hainan Province. An event featuring Li ethnic group culture was held at Binglanggu tourism area to celebrate the Chinese New Year, where tourists could dress in traditional Li attire and taste food with Li characteristics. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu)

A villager serves traditional rice wine of Li ethnic group at Binglanggu tourism area in Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County, south China's Hainan Province, Jan. 28, 2025. An event featuring Li ethnic group culture was held at Binglanggu tourism area to celebrate the Chinese New Year, where tourists could dress in traditional Li attire and taste food with Li characteristics. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu)

Villagers prepare rolls made from sticky rice and coconuts at Binglanggu tourism area in Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County, south China's Hainan Province, Jan. 28, 2025. An event featuring Li ethnic group culture was held at Binglanggu tourism area to celebrate the Chinese New Year, where tourists could dress in traditional Li attire and taste food with Li characteristics. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu)

Villagers serve traditional snacks at Binglanggu tourism area in Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County, south China's Hainan Province, Jan. 28, 2025. An event featuring Li ethnic group culture was held at Binglanggu tourism area to celebrate the Chinese New Year, where tourists could dress in traditional Li attire and taste food with Li characteristics. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu)

A villager shows sticky rice food in bamboo tubes at Binglanggu tourism area in Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County, south China's Hainan Province, Jan. 28, 2025. An event featuring Li ethnic group culture was held at Binglanggu tourism area to celebrate the Chinese New Year, where tourists could dress in traditional Li attire and taste food with Li characteristics. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu)

Tourists enjoy a traditional family reunion dinner of Li ethnic group at Binglanggu tourism area in Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County, south China's Hainan Province, Jan. 28, 2025. An event featuring Li ethnic group culture was held at Binglanggu tourism area to celebrate the Chinese New Year, where tourists could dress in traditional Li attire and taste food with Li characteristics. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu)

Tourists wearing attire of Li ethnic group learn to make rice cakes at Binglanggu tourism area in Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County, south China's Hainan Province, Jan. 28, 2025. An event featuring Li ethnic group culture was held at Binglanggu tourism area to celebrate the Chinese New Year, where tourists could dress in traditional Li attire and taste food with Li characteristics. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu)

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Kou Jie)
Melissa Manno is a reporter covering education for the San Antonio Express-News. She can be reached at melissa.manno@express-news.net.

She graduated from Penn State University in 2022 with a bachelors degree in journalism and minors in geography and digital media trends and analytics. She is also the 2021 Hearst National Journalism Writing Champion.
Colorado Springs-area home sales saw a slight increase in the first month of the year, though the local housing market generally remains slow 
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...
After more than three and a half months, a family on 19W, northwest of Burnsville, can turn their generator off. French Broad Electric Membership Corporation (FBEMC) energized the Merz family home on Sunday, Jan. 26.
CDU leader Friedrich Merz during an election campaign appearance in Erfurt in August 2024 [Photo by Steffen Prodorf / Wikimedia commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

On Wednesday, with the support of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), the Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) passed a motion on migration policy through the Bundestag which abrogates fundamental constitutional principles and European law. A second motion on domestic security failed. The much-vaunted firewall against the far-right party is now in ruins and nothing stands in the way of its integration into a future federal government.

Just a fortnight ago, the CDUs candidate for chancellor, Friedrich Merz, gave assurances that he would not allow the firewall against the AfD to fall. I am pinning my fate as party chairman of the CDU on this answer, he promised.

Now, Merz says, I dont look right or left, I only look straight ahead on these issues. We will table the motions, regardless of who agrees with them. He could not explain more clearly that he is prepared to realise his political goals with the help of the AfD.

The Liberal Democratic Party (FDP), which left the federal government in November, has announced it will vote in favour of the CDU/CSU proposals. The anti-migrant BSW (Bund Sarah Wagenknecht) has also signalled its willingness to do so, but finally abstained. The motion was finally passed with the votes of the CDU/CSU, FDP and the AfD.

Motions are not legally binding, as they are not draft laws. However, the majority decision by parliament has great symbolic power and a considerable influence on the policy and composition of the future government following Februarys federal elections.

The responsibility for boosting the AfD fascists lies not only with the parties supporting the CDU/CSUs move, but also with the governing Social Democratic Party (SPD) and Greens, who are now complaining about the collapse of the firewall.

Ever since a mentally ill 28-year-old refugee from Afghanistan killed a toddler and a man in Aschaffenburg a week ago, there have only been two topics in the Bundestag election campaign: anti-refugee agitation and stepping up the powers of the state. The SPD and Greens are not opposing this racist law-and-order campaign, but rather fuelling it.

One searches in vain for a defence of the right of asylum, which was introduced into the post-war constitution of West Germany as a reaction to the crimes of the Nazis, or for elementary appeals for humanity. Instead, the SPD and Greens stress that they have long been taking radical action against refugees and accuse the CDU/CSU of not supporting them sufficiently.

On the Report from Berlin broadcast on Sunday, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) promised: Criminals should be returned to every country, and we want to enforce this. No effort would be spared, he said. There would be a time when criminals would also be returned to Syria, And I hope it is soon.

On Tuesday, Scholz accused the CDU/CSU of blocking his governments draft legislation to tighten asylum and security policy, citing biometric matching by the police, more powers for the federal police and a law on the European asylum system as examples. The Chancellor boasted that the federal government had already ensured there had been 40,000 entry rejections at German borders last year.

The Green candidate for chancellor, Robert Habeck, warned the CDU/CSU on Sundays Tagesthemen programme against cooperating with the AfD, but, at the same time, asserted that the coalition government had already decided on and implemented many measures: Fewer people are coming to Germany. There had been a number of measures tightening up the law. There could have been even more if the CDU/CSU had co-operated.

This campaign is not only directed against refugees, but against the entire working class. Refugees, who are often traumatised and have been able to save nothing but their lives from wars supported by Germany, are denounced as illegal migrants and criminals in order to divert attention away from massive social attacks and justify comprehensive repressive measures.

The CDU/CSU motions contain a whole catalogue of such measures. The motion that was accepted calls for permanent border controls with all neighbouring countries, which contradicts current EU law. Without exception, all attempts at illegal entry are to be rejected, regardless of whether they make a request for protection or not. This means the de facto abolition of the right to asylum, as anyone who is turned back before applying cannot exercise this right. Under the proposals, people who are required to leave the country should be detained, for which the number of detention places must be significantly increased.

The second motion, In favour of a policy change in domestic security, which failed, calls for the powers of the police and other security authorities to be comprehensively enhanced. It cites an increasing number of knife attacks and violent assaults as well as antisemitic agitation and extremist violence as justification. The latter is a clear reference to protests in defence of the Palestinians, which are being systematically criminalised in Germany. This is followed by a 27-point catalogue of additional police powers, increased penalties and stricter deportation rules.

All in all, this is pure AfD policy. The far-right and, in part, neo-fascist outfit has long combined anti-refugee propaganda with calls for more state powers. While the AfD has been courted, elected to important parliamentary offices and treated with kid gloves by the other parties and the media, they have shied away, with a few exceptions, from direct government co-operation, knowing that the far right is hated by large sections of the population.

That is now changing. With the return of Donald Trump to the White House, the whole of global politics is changing. In his inaugural speech, Trump declared war on the American working class and the world and has since wasted no time putting his threats into practice.

Trump is using the migrant issue to establish a dictatorship of the billionaire oligarchs thronging his cabinet. By declaring the crossing of the border by refugees and migrants a hostile invasion, he is arrogating powers to himself that an American president only has if another power attacks the US militarily, suspending democratic rights, imprisoning masses of migrants and deploying the army domestically. The Democrats are offering no resistance to this, which will only come from the American working class.

The ruling class in Germany is reacting to the eruption of American imperialism by returning to its own worst traditions. The coming government willregardless of the outcome of the electiondouble and triple defence spending and brutally slash social spending. Real wages are falling continuously and hundreds of thousands of reasonably paid jobs in the automotive, chemicals and other industries are about to be cut, for which there are no replacements.

But these issues are not being addressed in the election. Instead, the campaign against refugees serves to boost the state apparatus in order to suppress and criminalise the resistance that will inevitably develop.

The AfD, which is increasingly revealing its true character, is also needed for this. No other German party has such close ties to Trumps dictatorship of the oligarchs. Trumps confidante Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, regularly campaigns for AfD leader Alice Weidel on his media platform X. At the AfD election campaign launch in Halle, Musk appeared on a huge video screen and chanted fascist slogans.

Musk, a self-proclaimed libertarian, has been commissioned by Trump to reduce the US national budget by a third so that taxes for the super-rich can be cut even further and military spending increased. The state is to be reduced to its function as an instrument of oppressionpolice, army and secret services. All socially useful taskseducation, health, social spending, infrastructureare to be privatised and turned into a source of profit or eliminated altogether.

The AfD shares this programme. It is therefore increasingly being supported by major donors. This year, it has already received two donations totalling more than 2 million. The first, some 1.5 million, came from Lubeck doctor and entrepreneur Winfried Stocker, while the second, amounting to just under a million, came from Horst Jan Winter from Thuringia. Winter was a member of the Supervisory Board of Bottcher AG, a mail-order company for office supplies, until 2023. The boss and main owner of the company, Udo Bottcher, is known to be an AfD sympathiser.

While the CDU/CSU, FDP and BSW are openly moving towards the AfD, the SPD and the Greens will not oppose the right-wing extremists. They share their programme of rearmament, social cuts and the establishment of a police state. Resistance can only come from the working class, which must intervene independently in political events.

This is what the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party) stands for. It is the only party to oppose war, rearmament and social cuts in the Bundestag elections and defends all democratic rights, including those of migrants. As the German section of the International Committee of the Fourth International, it fights for the unity of the international working class in order to overthrow capitalism, expropriate the oligarchs and build a socialist society in which social needs take precedence over profit interests.
A Border Patrol agent, right, pats down one of four men after the group crossed the border illegally through a gap in two walls separating Mexico from the United States before turning themselves in, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, in San Diego [AP Photo/Gregory Bull]

On Wednesday, in a further escalation of the Trump administrations attack on immigrants, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with support from the military, launched a large-scale operation at the San Diego border crossing between California and Mexico.

Approximately 1,500 active-duty troops, including 500 Marines from Camp Pendleton, have been deployed to assist in securing the border. A mile-long line of DHS trucks and CBP [vehicles] ready to do the biggest illegal immigrant grab in recent history has been reported in the area by the White House, preparing to detain and deport around 100,000 migrants to Mexico, Colombia, El Salvador and Guatemala.

According to a White House intelligence source, the operation is being carried out in phases, with the West Coast targeted first and the East Coast to follow. ICEs Border Czar, Tom Homan, has stated that the US must open the aperture up to increase the number of deportations as the agency has quickly raised detentions to between 1,000 and 1,200 per day.

The Pentagon has confirmed additional troop deployments in the coming days to support these efforts. It was also announced that ICE will be using Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora, Colorado as a migrant detention facility. The US militarys Northern Command stated that it began providing facilities at Buckley on Monday.

Homan emphasized that despite the recent reduction in daily illegal crossingsfrom 10,000 a day to under 600the administration remains committed to increasing deportations. Its great, its good, but were not finished and we need more deportations, a lot more deportations and thats what were working on, Homan said.

Moreover, in a further escalation of attacks on First Amendment rights and political dissent, Trump announced an executive order on Wednesday under the guise of fighting antisemitism, vowing to deport non-citizen students and residents involved in pro-Palestinian protests. The order directs the Justice Department to prosecute threats and violence against Jews. Trump also pledges to revoke student visas for Hamas sympathizers, fearing rising radicalism on college campuses.

Escalating raids have sparked an initial wave of outrage across the United States, as working people and youth voice their opposition to the fascistic policies targeting immigrants. These attacks, which are part of a broader assault on democratic rights, represent a sharp intensification of the class struggle in the United States. They are not merely a product of Trumps personal xenophobia: they represent an attempt by the ruling oligarchy to divide the working class and scapegoat immigrants for the crisis of capitalism.

The protests are an initial expression of the working classs opposition to the Trump administrations dictatorial measures.

Hundreds of San Jose, California, high school students walked out of class on Wednesday in to demand an end to ICE deportations, rejecting the governments persecution of immigrant workers. You can just imagine how people feel now that ICE is actually invading our communities, student Yesenia Marquez told KTVU, rejecting Trumps claim that the US is being invaded by immigrants.

Chanting Si Se Puede, the students marched to Plaza de San Jose, where a second rally was held. High School Principal Vito Chiala, like many teachers, supported the action: We believe in empowering students... when they want to stand up for something they believe in. Protester Yonex Jones reinforced that solidarity: Were all one people, challenging the divisions capitalism imposes on the working class.

In El Cajon, California, around 75 people gathered to protest a proposed City Council resolution allowing local police to assist ICE in deporting migrants. Protesters held signs reading No police in our schools and A nation built by immigrants. The resolution was revised to focus on violent criminals and comply with state law limiting local police involvement in immigration enforcement.

However, protesters questioned its intent. I dont believe them, Ilka Weston told the San Diego Union-Tribune. Martin Eder criticized its vague language: Who defines whos a criminal? Ramiro Bautista argued, They say its for police to pick up criminals, but thats what they do now.

The raids have also drawn condemnation from public figures. Actress Selena Gomez has often expressed her concerns over the treatment of immigrants in the United States. In a recent video posted on social media, an emotional Gomez expressed her feelings of powerlessness in the face of the administrations brutality, telling her 422 million followers, Im so sorry, I wish I could do something, but I cant. I dont know what to do. Ill try everything.

Sunny Hostin, co-host of The View and former prosecutor, criticized Trumps deportation policies as showing lack of empathy. She emphasized that an undocumented immigrant is not a criminal because he or she is undocumented. That is a civil offense. So to call people illegals is in and of itself, I think, xenophobic and racist and incorrect.

The Trump administrations anti-migrant raids must be understood as an attack against the working class as a whole. Under the guise of enforcing immigration laws, federal agents have conducted warrantless searches, detained individuals without due process and terrorized immigrant communities. These actions are part of a broader fascistic agenda aimed at consolidating state power, stoking racial divisions, and suppressing dissent.

While the Trump administration has been the primary driver of these attacks, the Democratic Partys complicity cannot be ignored. On January 7, the Biden administration carried out its own immigration raids in California, targeting undocumented immigrants. These raids, which were justified as part of a broader effort to prioritize public safety, demonstrate the continuity of anti-immigrant policies between the two capitalist parties.

Now, after Governor Gavin Newsom prostrated himself before Trump, during his recent visit to California areas affected by recent wildfires, and offered an open hand, not a closed fist, the fascist president did not hesitate to carry out his military operation in San Diego.

The Democrats fraudulent claims to protect immigrants are further exposed by the failure of so-called sanctuary cities to stop ICE agents from carrying out arrests. In California, despite the states sanctuary policies, ICE agents and now the Marines operate with impunity, detaining immigrants in their homes and workplaces.
David Seymour, leader of the far-right ACT Party and a senior minister in New Zealands National Party-led coalition government, delivered a State of the Nation speech on January 24.

ACT leader David Seymour with deputy leader Brooke van Velden, August 8, 2023. [Photo: David Seymour/Facebook]

He demanded the sweeping privatisation of public services, including health and education, the removal of regulations that constrain corporate profit-making, and a doubling of the military budget to prepare for war. He also warned of the danger of young people and students being attracted to Marxism and the hard left.

Seymours speech overshadowed a State of the Nation speech by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon the day before, which announced funding cuts to science and innovation and the creation of a new agency to encourage foreign investment.

The ACT Party, despite receiving just 8.6 percent of the votes in the 2023 election, is playing a leading role in the governments onslaught against workers living standards. Its ministers have put forward major legislation to penalise workers for taking industrial action and to subordinate government regulations to the interests of corporate profit.

Bourgeois politics in New Zealand reflects the accelerating lurch to the extreme right by ruling elites internationally, expressed most sharply in the election of the fascistic Donald Trump in the United States, who was warmly congratulated by Seymour and Luxon, as well as the opposition Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins.

Seymours speech resembled a statement a few days earlier by Javier Milei, the president of Argentina, whose austerity measures have pushed Argentinas poverty rate from 42 to 53 percent in just one year. Milei, a close ally of Trump, raved against woke ideology and leftist sons of bitches, and demanded the further dismantling of state services and tax cuts to benefit the super-rich.

Like Milei, Seymour asserted that New Zealand was divided into two tribes: the change makers and pioneers who start businesses and supposedly embody the true Kiwi spirit; and on the opposing side, the people building a majority for mediocrity who want to tax wealth and believe that their troubles are caused by other peoples success.

To put more wealth at the disposal of the elites, Seymour said the country had to get past squeamishness about privatisation. He proposed to dismantle universal public healthcare and education, lamenting that we are now spending nearly $6,000 [a year] per citizen on healthcare. Cash incentives or tax cuts could be used to persuade people to give up their right to the public healthcare system.

Seymour said the state should sell the 60,000 public houses that it currently owns. This would provide a bonanza for property investors, while driving up rents and exacerbating the housing affordability crisis and record levels of homelessness. In 2023, 112,496 people, or 2.3 percent of the population, were experiencing severe housing deprivation, up from 99,462 in 2018.

While the National Party, the biggest party in the coalition government, has ruled out major privatisations in this term, Luxon told the media he was open to a conversation about Seymours ideas and indicated that National would campaign for asset sales in the 2026 election.

National has already adopted numerous policies from ACT, including the Regulatory Standards Bill aimed at shredding red tape. In a recent New Zealand Herald column promoting the bill, Seymour said too much money was spent on making buildings compliant with earthquake regulations, when fewer than 500 people have died from earthquakes in New Zealand.

Removing such regulations is a recipe for disaster. In 2011, large parts of Christchurch were rendered uninhabitable by an earthquake; 185 people died, 115 of them in the CTV building, which was not built to withstand earthquakes.

While calling for vital services to be defunded and privatised, Seymour proposed an extra $3.2 billion for the military, increasing its budget from 1 to 2 percent of gross domestic product. He noted that US foreign policy would place pressure on New Zealand to do this, without elaborating.

The government, supported by the Labour Party, is integrating New Zealand into US-led war plans against China, as well as the ongoing wars in the Middle East and against Russia. As a minor imperialist power, New Zealands ruling elite is seeking to secure its seat at the table for the violent redivision of the world.

The ruling class is aware that its plans are extremely unpopular and that workers and youth are moving to the left. A survey last year found more than two thirds of people oppose greater military spending, and 65 percent agree that New Zealands economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful.

Seymour, echoing Milei and Trump, delivered a tirade against socialism. He declared that the hard left prey on young New Zealanders, who were being infected by universities with the woke mind viruses of identity politics, Marxism, and post-modernism. He warned that growing student debt, the high cost of housing, and exposure to the ideas of Karl Marx, the founder of scientific socialism, was a dangerous combination.

The government is not seriously concerned about Labour, the Greens, Te Pati Maoriall capitalist parties with no genuine differences with austerity and militarismor with identity politics, which is completely opposed to Marxism. The fixation on racial and gender identity by these parties and their pseudo-left supporters serves to obscure the fundamental class divide in society and the objective necessity for building a unified, international movement of the working class against the capitalist system.

The ACT Party is itself seeking to divert social anger by whipping up racial divisions with its false claims that Maori receive special privileges. Only a small section of bourgeois and upper middle-class Maori have benefited from identity politics to advance their careers in business, politics and the state apparatus; the vast majority of indigenous people are among the most exploited layers of the working class.

There is not yet a mass socialist movement, but the government is preparing to ramp up domestic surveillance and crack down on opposition to war and social inequality. A proposed law against foreign interference, supported by the Labour Party, will be used to criminalise actions that are deemed to threaten New Zealands economic well-being (corporate profits) and international relations (imperialist alliances).

Seymours speech underscores the urgent need for the working class to make its own political preparations. Anger towards social inequality, fascism and war is not sufficient. What is required is socialist consciousness and organisation, in opposition to Labour and all its allies. Workers and youth must arm themselves with the program of Trotskyism, the Marxism of the twenty-first century, and join the fight to build the Trotskyist movement, represented in New Zealand by the Socialist Equality Group.
Colorado's lawmakers on Wednesday pressed wildlife officials about the state's wolf reintroduction production, including pointed questions from a legislator about who exactly is making decisions and to what extent the governor's office is influencing actions.
Popular British author Neil Gaiman, known for the comic book series The Sandman (19891996) and novels such as American Gods (2001), has been accused of sexual assault and abuse by multiple women. Gaiman is accused of, among other things, engaging in sexual behavior without consent and forcing women to perform degrading acts.

Neil Gaiman on MasterClass Talking Shop (YouTube)

Gaiman responded in a January 14 statement on his web site:

As I read through this latest collection of accounts, there are moments I half-recognise and moments I dont, descriptions of things that happened sitting beside things that emphatically did not happen. Im far from a perfect person, but I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever.

I am prepared to take responsibility for any missteps I made, the author also insisted. Im not willing to turn my back on the truth, and I cant accept being described as someone I am not and cannot and will not admit to doing things I didnt do.

Gaiman has written almost 50 books, largely in the genres of science fiction or fantasy and geared toward children or young adults. More than 50 million copies of his books have been sold worldwide. A number of his works, such as Good Omens (1990) and Coraline (2002), have been adapted for television and film. Gaiman has won awards such as the Hugo, Nebula and Bram Stoker, as well as the Newbery and Carnegie medals.

Gaimans denial came in response to a lengthy article in New York magazine that related multiple womens allegations of sexual assault and unwanted sexual behavior. The allegations span a period from 1986 to 2022 and include supposed incidents in the US, the UK and New Zealand.

Katherine Kendall, one of the women interviewed in New York, volunteered at one of Gaimans readings and struck up a flirtatious relationship with him. She claims that the author physically forced himself on her and demanded she kiss him. He eventually relented and later gave Kendall $60,000 to pay for therapy, according to her account.

Kendra Stout claims that the author coerced her into sex against her explicit wishes while they were on vacation together in 2007. The two were in a sexual relationship at the time. Stout filed a police report in October 2024 accusing Gaiman of rape.

Caroline Wallner and her husband lived on property in Woodstock, New York, that Gaiman bought. She worked for Gaiman as a caretaker and, after her marriage ended, entered a relationship with the author. While babysitting for Gaimans four-year-old son, she and the child fell asleep on a bed. Wallner alleges that Gaiman returned home, got into bed with them and physically encouraged her to engage in sexual activity with him. Representatives of Gaiman claim that Wallner initiated their sexual encounters and deny that any occurred while his son was present.

Scarlett Pavlovich became friends with Gaimans then-wife Amanda Palmer, a musician of whom she was a fan, and agreed to babysit for her one weekend. She found herself alone in the house with Gaiman, who encouraged her to take a bath. Later, Gaiman allegedly got into the tub and attempted to perform various sexual acts with her, despite her expressed objections.

Pavlovich, who apparently has a history of abuse, homelessness and psychiatric problems, later agreed to stay with Gaiman and Palmer indefinitely. She accuses Gaiman of several other instances of sexual abuse. Gaiman claims that their relationship was consensual, according to New York.

Many of the allegations against Gaiman were first made public on a Tortoise Media podcast in July. The podcast and the New York article have become the opening salvos of a #MeToo-style attack against the author. A campaign to ruin his reputation, strip him of his awards and destroy his career is underway.

Prime Video has ended its adaptation of Good Omens with one 90-minute special instead of a full third season as originally planned. It will no longer credit Gaiman as an executive producer on the project. Disney has paused the production of The Graveyard Book, a movie adaptation of one of Gaimans young adult novels.

Norton, which published Gaimans Norse Mythology (2018), announced in a memo to staff that the company will not have projects with the author going forward. DC Comics, which published The Sandman, declined to comment when asked whether the company would continue to publish his work. Gaimans literary agent at Writers House has similarly refused to comment about whether the agency would continue to represent the author.

At least one bookstore has announced that it would no longer stock Gaimans books so as not to make customers feel uncomfortable, according to the New York Times. On January 24, Dark Horse Comics said in a statement that it takes seriously the allegations against Neil Gaiman and we are no longer publishing his works. Confirming that the Anansi Boys comic series and collected volume have been cancelled.

Some literary figures are demanding that Gaimans awards be taken from him. American author Martha Brockenbrough called for Gaimans Newbery medal to be revoked. Other authors such as J.K. Rowling, Maureen Johnson, Jeff VanderMeer and Naomi Alderman have criticized what they see as the literary worlds halfhearted response to the accusations. Ayelet Waldman and Michael Chabon, authors who are friends of Gaiman, have declared themselves at a loss for words.

The accusations against Gaiman are serious. It is possible that the author has behaved in reprehensible ways or caused harm to his accusers. But the seriousness of the accusations does not provide grounds for dispensing with due process or the presumption of innocence. Nor do the accusations justify an attempt to ostracize Gaiman, erase his work and withdraw the accolades he has received. To destroy anyone based only on accusations is to open the door to major attacks on democratic rights. This approach appeals to upper middle-class layers oblivious to its implications.

Gaimans novels and comic books have appealed to broad masses of readers. His work often incorporates elements of the horror or thriller genres without limiting its appeal to fans of those styles. Gaiman has been praised for his invention, his ability to evoke detailed settings and his talent for creating fully realized characters with whom many readers relate. The author, a self-described feminist, is also one of the first to attract a large female readership to comic books.

By some accounts, Gaiman had a troubled childhood. When he was young, Gaimans parents became powerful officials in the Church of Scientology, which is notorious for punishing its members harshly even for minor infractions. Some of its methods resemble torture, and the churchs founder L. Ron Hubbard insisted that children were not exempt from these punishments. When Palmer asked Gaiman to tell her about his childhood in the church, he sometimes curled up into a fetal position and cried, according to New York.

No charges have been filed against the author. If charges are filed, then any trial must be held before a jury of Gaimans peers, not in the media or the court of middle class public opinion.
For the second year in a row, the neo-Nazi National Socialist Network (NSN) has held a public mobilisation on Australia Day, the nationalist public holiday that falls on January 26. Around forty of its members rallied in Adelaide, the South Australian capital, while other far-right forces held a few events elsewhere.

Members of the National Socialist Network march through Ballarat, Victoria, in 2023

The numbers involved are very small, and the NSN, to the extent that it is known, is a despised grouping. The event nevertheless raises several political issues that are of relevance to workers and young people, which have been covered up in the mainstream media and by official politicians.

As with an attempted NSN Australia Day protest in Sydney last year, its demonstration in Adelaide was both a national gathering and one that was broken up by the police.

Members whose identities have been exposed after they were arrested by the police had travelled from interstate, particularly Victoria, but also from elsewhere in the country. They had assembled at the Adelaide War Memorial, dressed in black fatigues. The group chanted racist slogans, such as Australia for the white man, the rest must go.

It appears that the state police broke up the rally fairly rapidly. At least 17 members of the NSN were arrested, most have since been bailed. The police effectively employed draconian legislation, barring public protests that do not have official authorisation.

The Nazis were not directly charged under the protest laws, but most were instead arrested on minor offences such as loitering. Some were accused of resisting arrest. Two were arrested for displaying Nazi symbols, with the NSN claiming that one of them was over a tattoo.

Previously, the NSN has often been treated with kid gloves by the authorities, especially in the state of Victoria where it is headquartered. The group has held marches, involving racist slogans, without police intervention. Its members have on at least one occasion roamed the streets of Melbourne hunting Jews.

The most revealing incident occurred in October 2023. Having pled guilty to violent disorder over an altercation that they were involved in, NSN leaders Thomas Sewell and Jacob Hersant were given lenient sentences. The presiding judge then significantly declared: I consider that in both of your cases, your prospects for rehabilitation are good. Good luck with the future gentlemen. Hersant immediately went outside to a waiting media pack and gave a Nazi salute.

The group is undoubtedly under close police and intelligence scrutiny, and at times the authorities have shown a harsher attitude than did the Victorian judge. However, it is striking that two of the largest police mobilisations against the NSN were aimed at blocking their gatherings on Australia Day.

This seems, at least in part, to be motivated by the awkward fact that the Nazis are enthusiastic proponents of the national holiday. When speaking to the media about their court appearances this year, the NSN members all wished the journalists a happy Australia Day and declared they simply wished to celebrate the national holiday. Last year, an NSN contingent was broken up before it was able to join official Australia Day celebrations in the Sydney CBD.

Government leaders and media commentators have declared that the NSNs attempts to associate itself with Australia Day are an affront to the event, which they claim is associated with multiculturalism. In reality, Australia Day is a confected event, which only began to be celebrated on a large scale in the late 1980s.

It commemorates the 1788 landing of the First Fleet, the beginning of the mass British colonisation of Australia and the systematic assault on its indigenous population. The NSN and other far-right forces glorify colonisation, which is one of the reasons they are enamoured of January 26, along with its broader promotion of flag-waving jingoism.

In recent years, there has been a debate within the political establishment over potentially changing the date of Australia Day to one less associated with the brutal record of colonialism. Proponents of changing the date, frequently practitioners of Aboriginal nationalism and identity politics, are essentially seeking a more palatable form of Australian nationalism.

While the date has remained, government leaders now frequently make some reference to the brutality inflicted on the indigenous population. That only serves as a cover for the ongoing exploitation of most Aboriginal people, who now constitute the most oppressed section of the working class and experience shocking levels of poverty, homelessness and social misery as a direct result of the policies of successive governments, Labor and Liberal-National Coalition.

Despite Australia Day being held on January 26, the right-wing have bemoaned this slight shift in emphasis. Significantly, Coalition leader Peter Dutton, himself a far-right figure, campaigned on this question in the opening weeks of the year. He denounced Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for failing to compel local councils to hold Australia Day events, declaring that this showed the country is in trouble. Dutton added, Australia Day is sacrosanct.

The media coverage of the NSN rally has ignored the fact that the Nazis were gathering on exactly the same basis. The government refuses to celebrate Australia Day, their advertisement stated, going on to falsely claim that the federal government was funding Indigenous Invasion Day events on January 26.

That confluence is not simply a question of Australia Day. The obvious point that has been evaded in the official reaction is that the NSN and other fascist forces have been buoyed by the promotion of the far-right internationally.

That finds its consummate expression in the election of Donald Trump to the US presidency, pledged to a program of mass roundups and deportations, dictatorial rule and naked imperial aggression. The week before the NSN rally, Trump gave an inauguration speech clearly modelled on Hitler, while his right-hand man, billionaire Elon Musk, twice delivered Nazi salutes.

On January 21, the day of Trumps inauguration, NSN leader Thomas Sewell replied to a post by far-right US personality Nick Fuentes about Musks salutes. Sewells post was of him giving his own Nazi salute, with the caption Donald Trump White Power! Patriots are in control. Elsewhere, Sewell has criticised Trump for not going far enough, noting for instance that there are Jewish people in Trumps circle and that he defends the deep state.

Sewell and other NSN leaders, however, have repeatedly stated that Trump and other far-right forces in the political mainstream express a shift to the right, for which they take some credit.

That common ground, between avowed Nazis and a wing of the political establishment moving towards authoritarianism, is buried in the official discussion. That is no surprise, given that in Australia, as internationally, Albanese, Dutton and the entire establishment have normalised Trumps victory and pledged to work with him.

The same symmetry is evident in the NSNs broader trajectory. Its predecessor groups were largely based on the anti-Muslim bigotry, promoted by the establishment over the course of the war on terror. They latched on to corporate media and Coalition campaigns over a purported crisis of African gangs.

During the pandemic, they were active in the anti-lockdown and anti-vaccine movement that was used as a battering ram by sections of the political establishment to end public health measures that were viewed as an impediment to corporate profit-making activities.

The NSN is no doubt at times an irritant of the establishment, but the fundamental point is that it is a creature of their making, and one that their own shift to the right helps to nurture. The NSNs provocative and sometimes violent activities, while often tolerated, also create the pretext for attacks on democratic rights.

Some South Australian politicians, including federal Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, responded to the NSNs Australia Day protest by calling for the Albanese government to designate it as a terrorist organisation. Hanson-Young claimed the NSN had invaded our local city, as though there are no right-wingers in Adelaide.

More generally, hers was a call for expanded state powers. Under conditions of war, austerity and authoritarianism, such a designation of the NSN, based primarily on their repugnant political speech, would inevitably form a precedent for attacks on genuine left-wing opposition to the state, including from the socialist movement.
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President Joe Biden meets with President-elect Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Washington. [AP Photo/Evan Vucci]

The new administration of President Donald Trump escalated its fascist attacks on the democratic and social rights of the American people Wednesday, while Democratic Party leaders wrung their hands, warned against a too-aggressive response to the Trump onslaught and even claimed that Trump had already begun to retreat.

The list of substantive actions announced, taken or threatened by the Trump White House requires daily updating. Wednesdays list includes some actions taken Monday night or Tuesday but only confirmed by the White House on Wednesday:

Asserting Trumps absolute authority across the federal government, regardless of law and precedent. This includes firing Democratic appointees on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB); forcibly removing the inspector general of the US Department of Agriculture from her office after she defied her firing by Trump as illegal; firing career Justice Department lawyers who were employed in the office of Special Counsel Jack Smith, who brought charges against Trump over the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol and the illegal retention of classified documents; and shutting down the prosecution of two Trump employees, his valet Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, a property manager at Mar-a-Lago, for their roles in the documents case.

Reaffirming a ban on the use of federal funds for any program that does not meet the definitions laid down in a previous Trump executive order against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, while requiring schools to engage in patriotic education that glorifies how the United States has admirably grown closer to its noble principles throughout its history. Four top cabinet officials, including, ominously, the Secretary of Defense, are mandated to provide a plan within 90 days for eliminating Federal funding or support for illegal and discriminatory treatment and indoctrination in K-12 schools, including based on gender ideology and discriminatory equity ideology

An executive order that incorporates as official government policy the witch-hunting demands of the House committee that investigated campus protests against the Israeli genocide in Gaza. The order requires all federal agencies to report within 60 days what authority they have to strike back against protests arising from post-October 7, 2023, campus anti-Semitism. This would include recommendations for familiarizing institutions of higher education with the grounds for inadmissibility  so that such institutions may monitor for and report activities by alien students and staff relevant to those grounds and for ensuring that such reports about aliens lead, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, to investigations and, if warranted, actions to remove such aliens. In other words, foreign students identified as opponents of the Gaza genocide and other crimes of the state of Israel will be deported. This from a president who in 2017 said neo-Nazis, who marched and chanted Jews will not replace us!, were very fine people.

A memorandum to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to take all appropriate actions to expand the Migrant Operations Center at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to full capacity to provide additional detention space for high-priority criminal aliens unlawfully present in the United States, and to address attendant immigration enforcement needs identified by the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security. Guantanamo Bay is to become a concentration camp for detained migrants, particularly those from countries like Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua that refuse to accept US deportation flights.

The dictatorial character of these actions, and particularly the last two, hardly needs explanation. Trump arrogates to himself the authority to decide which laws he will obey and which he will ignore, orders the transformation of K-12 education into a system of patriotic brainwashingwith the Pentagon given an unprecedented oversight roleand extends the persecution of immigrants to include those legally studying in the United States if they express political views opposed by the White House. And finally, the fascist president demands establishment of a vast concentration camp, run by the US Navy, where detained immigrants can be imprisoned indefinitely.

In the face of this rampage against democratic rights and constitutional and legal precedent, the Democratic Party congressional leadership is prostrate. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued a call for a comprehensive three-pronged counteroffensive, which appears to consist of see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer held a press conference on short notice, after the White House rescinded the memorandum issued Monday ordering a pause in all federal grants and transfers, claiming ludicrously that Trump was now feeling the heat, supposedly generated by the Democrats.

In reality, after a federal judge issued a temporary stay of the memorandum issued by the Office of Management and Budget, the White House withdrew the order while reaffirming the policy outlined in it, citing confusion created by the orders sudden and haphazard implementation.

More importantly, Trump has continued to gather Democratic Party support for his reactionary attacks on the working class. He first mentioned the Guantanamo Bay planelaborated later in the evening in a formal messageat the White House ceremony for the signing of the Laken Riley Act. This is a vicious anti-immigrant measure, requiring detention for the purpose of deportation of any undocumented person charged with any offense, even a minor traffic citation. The bill was backed by dozens of House Democrats and enough Senate Democrats to overcome a filibuster. Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, one of its Democratic supporters, was in attendance at the bill signing, and Trump made repeated references to the bipartisan character of the bill and thanked those Democrats who voted for it.

The Democrats claim that they are shocked at the speed of Trumps actions, and their media apologists claim that the Democrats are powerless to do anything to stop it. Both contentions are lies. Trump had said repeatedly that he would be a dictator from day one, and the Democrats cited these threats during the 2024 election campaign. How can they be surprised, let alone shocked, that Trump is doing what he said he would do?

Rather than being powerless to oppose Trump or biding [their] time until public sentiment potentially turns against Trump, as Politico claimed, the Democrats have made far different political calculations. They do not fear Trumps supposed support in the population. Their main fear is the opposite: that popular resistance in the working class will erupt as Trumps class war policies begin to take effect. There have already been protests over Trump-ordered round-ups of immigrant workers and their families. These protests will grow exponentially as it becomes clear that the entire working class is under attack.

The measures announced on Monday as a consequence of the funding pauseand only delayed slightly by the court orderwill impact tens of millions of working people. Every family that has a child who is in Head Start or is receiving school lunches and breakfasts; everyone on Medicaid and other federal programs that involve grants to state and local governments or charitable agencies, will be devastated. A political explosion is inevitable.

The role of the Democratic Party, as one of the two main political instruments of the financial oligarchy, is to suppress this political opposition or divert it into safe channels that do not threaten the profits and wealth of the super-rich. The Politico commentary cited the concern of one Democratic strategist that theres a space out there for someone to fill.

Indeed there is, and it can and must be filled by the revolutionary socialist party, the Socialist Equality Party. There is an enormous political vacuum in the United States, and internationally, between the official capitalist political system, careening towards the right and empowering outright fascists like Trump, and the vast majority of the population, the working class, which is moving into great struggles to defend jobs, living standards and democratic rights and opposing the mounting threat of global war.
The logo for the app DeepSeek [AP Photo/Jon Elswick]

Last week, DeepSeek, a startup company based in Hongzhou, China, released its newest artificial intelligence model, DeepSeek R1. Within days, the chatbot became the most-downloaded app in Apples App Store.

DeepSeeks performance meets or exceeds that of state-of-the-art AI models from American companies such as Meta and Open AI, surpassing all open-source models previously available and many closed models on most standard benchmarks.

The achievement sent shockwaves through Wall Street, wiping out approximately $1 trillion in market value for corporations in one day. It also represents a major blow to US plans for sustaining AI dominance as part of its objective to prevent China from surpassing the US as the top economic and military power in the world.

In addition, DeepSeeks phone app connected to R1 quickly topped the charts on the Apple Store, surpassing the ChatGPT app. On the Google Play Store, it has already been downloaded 10 million times.

Model performance gains

Academia and industry measure how good an AI model is using standard benchmarks. These benchmarks are predefined tasks for which the answers are known. The model is applied to the tasks, and its outputs are compared to the known answers. Generally speaking, the greater the number of correct answers on the tasks, the better the model performs. A shared set of standard benchmarks enables comparing models against one another.

The DeepSeek team tested its R1 model on 21 benchmarks and compared the results to those achieved by industry-leading AI models from Meta, Open AI and others. The benchmarks included English-language, Chinese-language, software-programming and mathematics tasks.

They compared R1 to four industry-leading AI models as well as their previous version of DeepSeek. These models included Claude-3.5-Sonnet-1022 from Anthropic; three Open AI modelsGPT-4o, o1-mini, and o1-1217; and R1s predecessor DeepSeek-V3.

DeepSeek R1 outperformed the other models on 12 of the 21 benchmarks. For the remaining nine benchmarks, it placed second on eight and fourth on one.

It should be noted that o1-1217, given its purpose and design, was applicable to only 11 of the benchmarks. For those 11 benchmarks, R1 was the best model for four tasks, whereas o1-1217 was the best model for six tasks and Claude was the best model for one task. R1 bested o1-mini on 20 of 21 benchmarks.

Dramatic reduction in computation

What makes the DeepSeek achievement particularly dramatic is the massive reduction in the computational resources needed to build R1. DeepSeek used far fewer computational resources than required for the creation of its competitors.

Building R1 required approximately 2.8 million compute hours on a graphics card from NVIDIA called an H800. Such graphical processing unit or GPU cards are used to build AI models because they efficiently execute the complex mathematical computations required. DeepSeek used a computing infrastructure with 2,048 H800 cards.

By contrast, Meta required 30.8 million GPU hours to build its popular Llama-3.1 model, meaning the DeepSeek R1 model took only 9% as long. Because DeepSeek R1 is a larger model than Llama-3.1, the speedup is even greater than a 91% reduction.

Model size is typically given as the number of numerical parameters that comprise the model. DeepSeek R1 is 671 billion parameters compared to Llama-3.1s 405 billion, or 66% larger.

The speedup in model construction is made even more impressive by the fact that the H800 GPU is a stripped-down version of NVIDIAs H100 GPU to comply with United States export control restrictions to China. Metas estimate of 30.8 million GPU hours to construct Llama-3.1 405B is based on the faster H100 GPU card. Tests of the performance difference between the cards show that the H800 is approximately 11.5% slower than the H100.

Open source

The fact that DeepSeek R1 is open source means that the full set of 671 billion parameters and the software used to operate the model are freely available to download, inspect and modify. Open-source models are often preferred by software developers and AI engineers because they are easier to modify and adapt to various purposes.

Despite its name, Open AIs leading models are not open source. AI engineers cannot inspect or modify Open AIs leading o1 model, for example, or its immediate predecessor GPT-4o.

Additionally, R1 implements a chain of thought procedure, a technique originally developed by Open AI for its o1 model. Whereas o1 and other Open AI models hide the reasoning steps in the chain of thought, R1 lets the user see all the steps it takes to reach an answer.

Because open-source models can be used and modified by anyone, an industry of companies that host models has risen. For example, Metas open-source Llama-3.1 model is hosted by several different companies that compete on the cost of using the model.

Observers quickly noted that queries to the DeepSeek-hosted version of R1 refused to answer queries such as what happened at Tiananmen Square? The open nature of the model does not imply that China is becoming less authoritarian. However, it does enable anyone outside China to host the model themselves without such restrictions and censorship.

Furthermore, the criticism also applies to Open AI models, which refuse to answer questions about the Gaza genocide when prompted. Censorship of closed models is much more difficult to overcome than with open-source models.

Low cost to use

DeepSeek also charges far less for the usage of R1 than its competitors. The largest models are too computationally expensive to run on personal computers or even most servers. The same large GPU infrastructure that is used to build the models is also typically used to run these models.

The result is that AI companies stage the models on their large GPU clusters and accept requestsknown as promptsover the Internet, input the prompts into the model and then return the models output back to the user.

Running R1 via such application programming interface or API calls over the internet is far cheaper than for other leading AI models. DeepSeek is currently charging for R1 less than 4% of what Open AI charges to run its o1-1217 model. Specifically, o1 costs are $15 per million tokens (MT) input and $60 per MT output, whereas R1 costs $0.55 per MT input and $2.19 per MT output, a reduction of 27 times. A token is approximately equivalent to a word.

To achieve the lower costs to operate R1, DeepSeek uses an architecture called Mixture of Experts. This means that for each token generated, only a fraction of the model (37B parameters of the 671B, i.e. an expert) is activated. This reduces the computing power required for model output, resulting in the lower costs.

In addition, modifications to models through a process known as quantization can dramatically reduce the computational resources necessary to run a model. Although quantization does reduce model performance, various quantization schemes can dramatically lower computational requirements while only decreasing model performance somewhat.

Already two researchers, taking advantage of the open-source nature of R1, created multiple quantized versions of it. One version can run on a desktop or laptop computer with as little as 20GB of RAM, albeit slowly. These researchers published their modified versions of R1 as open source on an AI model repository known as Hugging Face.

Implications for US dominance in AI

The week prior to the DeepSeek news, President Trump announced a planned $500 billion initiative called StarGate to invest in technology to ensure United States dominance in AI. Stargate LLC, a company with investments from Open AI, Oracle, SoftBank and the investment firm MGX, seeks to build multiple AI data centers across the country, beginning with 10 centers in Texas. Trump also announced he would eliminate regulations on generating the massive quantities of electricity required to run the data centers.

In addition, Open AI announced on January 21 the pending release of its next AI model, o3-mini, in a couple of weeks.

The DeepSeek achievement immediately eclipsed the StarGate initiative and Open AIs plans for o3-mini, turning the AI industry in general on its head. The perception that the US has a long lead in AIwhether previously justified or nothas vanished practically overnight, raising questions about the ability of the US to create or maintain dominance in AI. DeepSeek and its R1 model have become the central topic of conversation, shifting the work focus of vast swathes of the AI industry.

The Biden administration had not only put in place the export controls that resulted in the DeepSeek team using H800 instead of H100 GPUs, but it also expanded those restrictions in its final days in office. President Trump was already expected to ramp up economic and military confrontation with China further, but the DeepSeek achievement is likely to accelerate and intensify the planned escalation.
M23 rebels patrol the streets of Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025 [AP Photo/Brian Inganga]

On Monday, Goma, the largest city in the mineral-rich northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC, formerly Zaire), fell to the Rwandan-backed M23 militia. Situated near the Rwandan border, Goma serves as a key transport hub within a critical mining region.

According to AFP, between 500 and 1,000 Rwandan special forces reinforced M23 near Goma, while other sources estimate up to 4,000 troops. Despite support from mercenaries, Burundian troops, 12,000 UN peacekeepers who have reportedly avoided joining in the fighting, and a military mission of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the DRC has been unable to halt the M23 offensive. Congolese forces are retreating, and AFP stated that 'more than 1,200 Congolese soldiers have surrendered and are confined to the [UN base] at the airport in Goma.

Tens of thousands of people are fleeing Goma, home to approximately 1 million people. Earlier this month, about 400,000 people fled fighting elsewhere in the region and headed toward Goma, joining about 7 million internally displaced people across DRC. Goma hospitals are overwhelmed by hundreds of casualties, and bodies lay on the streets. The Red Cross has warned that the unrest in Goma could lead to the spread of diseases, including the deadly Ebola virus.

The conflict between Rwanda and the DRC risks spiraling into full-scale war. Kinshasa has broken relations with Kigali, and DRC Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner accused Rwanda of 'frontal aggression, a declaration of war at Sundays UN Security Council meeting. Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi has already threatened to go to war with Kigali, with Rwandan President Kagame responding: We are ready to fight.

Rwanda and the M23 militia now control nearly all of North Kivu province, a region rich in strategic minerals such as coltan, cassiterite (tin ore), gold, and wolframite, which are essential for manufacturing mobile phones, laptops, electric vehicle batteries, and advanced weaponry. The economic and strategic stakes are very high, particularly after Donald Trumps re-election as US president, amid surging US-China competition for access to key raw materials and for strategic influence, particularly in Africa, and growing displeasure in Washington at Chinas ties with the DRC.

Kagame has framed Rwandan actions in DRC as protecting Congolese Tutsis from the Democratic Liberation Front of Rwanda (FDLR), which emerged in the eastern DRC from remnants of forces that committed the 1994 genocide of Tutsis in Rwanda. However, the International Crisis Group states: the goal appears less to root out the FDLR than long-term territorial expansion including grabbing mineral-rich regions. The M23 and Rwandan troops have remade areas under their de facto control by embedding their own administrations and pushing out local civilian leaders who oppose them.

Rwanda has illicitly benefited from the plundering of DRC mineral wealth for decades, particularly coltan and gold, via smuggling. Analysts estimate that Rwanda's mineral exports, which surpass $1 billion annually, include a significant portion of resources illicitly sourced from the DRC. M23 is facilitating the smuggling of coltan and gold into Rwanda, where these minerals are then exported as Rwandan products. Jason Stearns, a DRC expert told Reuters that Rwanda's mineral exports had doubled over the past two years, saying a fair chunk of that is from the DRC.

The fighting today threatens to ignite a Third Congo War. The First Congo War (19961997) began when US-backed Rwanda and Uganda supported Laurent-Desire Kabila in toppling the French-backed dictator of Zaire, Mobutu Sese Seko. Mobutu had provided refuge to former Hutu-extremist Rwandan officials, ex-Rwandan army soldiers, and members of the Interahamwe militia responsible for the 1994 Rwandan genocide, which claimed 900,000 lives. After a brief truce, a Second Congo War (1998-2003) erupted, drawing in African nations including Rwanda, Uganda, Angola, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

These two Congo wars, sometimes dubbed Africas World War, left over 5 million dead, mostly through starvation and disease.

Two decades later, these conflicts are not developing as a proxy war between US and French imperialism, but as the imperialist powers seek to counter the growing commercial and industrial weight of China in Africa. This context makes the conflict particularly explosive, as it comes together with rising US-China rivalry and the threats of military aggression from the second Trump administration. Trump has called to annex the Panama Canal, Greenland and Canada and demanded Europe double its military spending in exchange for continued US protection.

Over the past decade, China has deepened its economic ties with the DRC, primarily through extensive investment in mining, particularly cobalt and copper. Chinese companies, such as CMOC Group and Zijin Mining, have major stakes in Congolese mines. The 2008 Sino-Congolese infrastructure-for-minerals deal, renegotiated in 2023, remains a cornerstone of the relationship, involving Chinese-built roads, hospitals, and other infrastructure in exchange for mining rights. China remains DRCs largest trading partner and a key financier of infrastructure projects.

Influential voices within the US establishment are calling on Trump to crush Chinese influence in Africa and specifically in the DRC, using military force. Michael Rubin, a senior fellow at the influential American Enterprise Institute think-tank penned an article titled If Trump Is Serious About China, He Cant Ignore Africa. Rubin wrote:

The Democratic Republic of Congos cobalt will be to the economy of the coming decades what Saudi Arabias oil was to the late 20th century. Cobalt is essential for the lithium-ion batteries that power the technology upon which the modern, industrialized world depends. The DRC also has tantalum necessary for everything from mobile phones and televisions to inkjet printers, digital cameras, and medical devices, and the germanium essential for the semiconductor industry. Add rare earths, such as copper, gold, diamonds, and uranium, into the mix, and the true possible wealth of the DRC becomes obvious. The DRC is home to almost $24 trillion in resources, much of it untapped. Nor is the DRC alone. Somaliland, the Western-oriented democracy seeking international recognition of its statehood, has gas, oil, and rare earths. Mozambiques liquefied natural gas discovery catapults the southern African country above Iraq, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan. Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, and the Republic of Congo are also resource rich. Simply put, the defeat of China on the continent begins with wresting away the DRC. While the State Department praised DRC President Felix Tshisekedi as a democrat during Trumps first term, he is a dictator and a stooge for China.

The European imperialist powers are also being drawn into war. Last year, the European Union signed the Critical Raw Materials Partnership with Kigali, a strategic agreement aimed at securing Rwandas supply of critical mineralssuch as tantalum, tin, tungsten, and rare earth elementsmany plundered from DRC, for the EUs green and digital transition. The agreement explicitly aims to reduce dependence on China for critical raw materials.

Halting the downward spiral of war requires unifying the working class across the African continent in struggle against imperialist war and imperialisms accelerating turn towards neocolonial military aggression. This requires building an international socialist movement in the working class against imperialism and African bourgeois nationalism, including the corrupt regimes that emerged from the formal independence of African countries from imperialism in the 20th century.
People hold up signs as they walk around Lower Manhattan during a protest against ICE and deportations in New York, on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. [AP Photo/Seth Wenig]

Across the US, protests by students, educators and workers are mounting against Trumps scapegoating of immigrants, mass deportations, arbitrary arrests, brutal assaults on migrants and violations of longstanding democratic rights.

On Tuesday, January 28, hundreds protested outside an Oklahoma State Board of Education meeting. The board, in alliance with Trump acolyte Oklahoma State Schools Superintendent Ryan Walters, unanimously endorsed a new rule demanding proof of citizenship or immigration status from families in public schools.

The measure is a blatant violation of the Fourteenth Amendment and the 1982 US Supreme Court decision in Plyler v. Doe, which requires states to permit children of undocumented immigrants to attend public schools on the same basis as the children of citizens.

Walters further fueled anger by publicly welcoming Trumps Executive Order of January 21, saying he would help the administration in any way they see fit to carry out immigration enforcement, including ICE raids in schools. In Oklahoma, he said, were going to work with law enforcement. We are going to work with the Trump administration.

Students from U.S. Grant and Capitol Hill high schools organized the rally and an earlier school walkout on January 17.

The students, joined by parents, educators and community members, chanted, From Palestine to Mexico, all the walls have got to go, and Immigrant children are children. They carried homemade signs, including, Families dont have borders, and Mi papa trabaja mas duro que tu president (My dad works harder than your president). Other signs included pointed statements like Hitler started with mass deportations and Being Mexican does not make me a criminal.

Protest outside Oklahoma Board of Education [Photo: Facebook (Fernando Baquera Ochoa)]

Fernando Baquera, an educator, reported that many students say they may not come back to school for a month or so. These are my kids. Ive spent time with them, Ive educated them. Ive watched them grow. I watched them learn English. That affects me in a negative way that I couldnt stand still. I couldnt be quiet. Thats why Im here.

High school student Thomas Suarez expressed his outrage over Walters and other state school officials during the public comment portion of the Board of Education meeting. The idea that a child wanting to pursue an education must be profiled before learning is distasteful, Suarez said. It is sad that you, Mr. Walters, stand here pretending to care about the students while at the same time advocate for the blatant discrimination of Latino students like me.

Lawton High School English teacher Angela Baumann also opposed the demand for information on immigration status from teachers. I can tell you that their citizenship makes no difference to their needs, Baumann said. They need to be loved and cared for by people that are in a safe environment with them  and they dont need to feel ostracized by a community because they may not be from here.

These sentiments speak to the deep-seated democratic feelings of millions of workers and young people. However, neither the Democratic Party nor the trade union apparatus has any interest in mobilizing against Trump and the billionaire oligarchy that dominates both US political parties. Far from it, Democratic Party politicians, from California Governor Gavin Newsom to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, are rapidly accommodating Trumps fascistic attacks on immigrants in the hopes of maintaining their positions.

The unions have worked to block mass resistance to Trump. In this vein, American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten wrote a sniveling letter to Trump, saying, We agree that our immigration system is broken and badly in need of reform and respectfully ask to reinstate sanctuary protections.

The trade union bureaucracy cannot and will not offer an oppositional, much less a fighting, program as it is organically opposed to the class interests of workers and young people. This highly-paid apparatus rightly fears the consolidation of working class anger against anti-immigrant attacks, austerity and war into a politically conscious and anti-capitalist movement.

Therefore, it is no surprise that these demonstrations are youthful, include a growing number of educators, and occur independently of the teachers unions. It should be recalled that the teachers strikes of 2018-19 during the first Trump administration, including a powerful 10-day strike in Oklahoma, were also conducted independently and in opposition to the American Federation of Teachers and National Education Association.

Laredo, Texas

On Monday, January 27, young people organized a protest via Facebook in the border town of Laredo, Texas, directly across the Rio Grande River from Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. The Laredo Morning Times (LMT) reported that a more significant protest is set to take place this weekend.

Judith Dominguez told the LMT, Children have nothing to do with these political issues. The idea of raiding schools is especially troubling. Above all, dont target children or hardworking immigrants.

Her friend J. Ramirez carried a sign, Keep ICE out of schools! and said she lived without documentation earlier in her life. Now residing legally, she said, I know the struggle. ... I know what it feels like going to the park and always having to watch your back, making sure nobody knows about it. I have family members who wanted to be here today, but they cant because theyre scared. I do it for them. I do it for everyone.

Noting the cold weather, Ramirez said, Honestly, it could be snowing, and Id still be here because we do this for those who cant. Im going to sleep tonight knowing that I did something about it and didnt just stay home. This is worth it.

Dallas, Texas

About 1,000 protesters gathered near Dallass Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge on Sunday, January 26. Speaking to the Dallas Observer, Jaqueline Castillo said, I am here for everyone who cant be, including my parents who mean the world to me, Castillo told the Observer. Here together, it gives me strength.

Emma attended the rally to oppose the Trump Executive Order rescinding sanctuary protections in schools and churches. She said she opposed Trumps entire plan but was totally outraged by the attacks on children. They are children, how could they possibly have done anything to warrant that disruption to their education? I think its quite frankly fascist to have cops go into schools, Emma said. We already have so much fear in our schools because of unregulated gun violence, and to now have to worry that the government is going to come in and take you away is heinous.



Corinna Ramirez emphasized that it is not just Latin Americans who are targeted. It starts here, but it feels like it could snowball, Ramirez told the Observer. Yes, right now were very focused on the Hispanic community, but its not just us. Its not just Hispanic brown people, its going to impact other brown people, and other marginalized groups. So if we can try to impede it as much as possible now, it would be a great start.

East San Jose, California

On January 28, upwards of 500 people protested and blocked the intersection at Story and King in East San Jose, California, several hundred of whom were students from Overfelt High School.

Protest in San Jose, California [Photo: flowerinspanish on Instagram]

Among the signs were No Human is Illegal on Stolen Land, I.C.E! Hands Off Our Kids! and School is for Education, not Deportation. The Santa Clara Rapid Response Teams confirmed to news media that two raids had been conducted in the area.

As the daughter of immigrants, it made me feel very overwhelmed and upset, said Liza Morfin to KRON 4 during the protest. They are targeting all these spots where they know theres a lot of Hispanics around. The protest reportedly started with a few dozen people, and then hundreds walked out of Overfelt.

If we built this country, we deserve to be here, right? said protester Rafael Recendez to KRON 4. So, we need to protect our farmworkers. We need to get ICE out of here; they are not solving any problems.

Overfelt High School principal Vito Chiala explained his support for the protests, telling KRON 4,I cant be prouder than I am of these students right now. My belief is that education is to empower young people so that they can make the world a better place than the one that we created for them. And thats what these students are doing right now. Theres fear over the immigration statements and the outright hate coming from the White House.

Phoenix, Arizona

In Phoenix, Arizona, on Sunday, January 26, dozens of youth and workers protested at a busy intersection. They were confronted by police in riot gear.

Speaking anonymously to FOX 10, one protester who held a sign, Dont bite the hands that feed you, said, I grew up here, we went to school. My sister graduated. Im so glad to be here, so I dont want my parents to leave.

Incredulous that hard-working people were being rounded up, she said, The people who are not doing anything and are just hard-working, why are they doing this to us?

Another said, There are people who cant speak. There are people like me that can. Our parents came here to give us a future, a future they couldnt have.

Other protests

Hundreds of protesters rallied on the steps of the Iowa capitol on Saturday to oppose the ICE raids and on Sunday in the southside of Omaha, Nebraska. Luz Helena Farias, a registered nurse, told a protest in Lexington, Kentucky, Our undocumented population is not made up of gang members, rapists or criminals that come here to break the law. Its hard-working people that have built our cities, our states and our nation.

Other demonstrations took place in Chicago, St, Louis, Missouri, and no doubt other places as yet unreported in the media.

As the Socialist Equality Partys statement on January 28 said:

The weeks and months ahead will produce immense outrage against the crimes of the Trump administration, but what is required first and foremost is a political program.

The SEP is calling for the development of rank-and-file committees in neighborhoods, schools and workplaces to prepare, educate and organize workers and their families to fight the coming assault. These committees will serve as hubs for the dissemination of information and as the platform for mobilizing the population against Trumps dictatorial efforts to break apart families and eviscerate democratic rights.

The committees will:

[B]ring together teachers, students, parents, workers and concerned neighbors of all backgrounds to plan lawful public responses to attacks on members of the community under the principle: An injury to one is an injury to all. Wherever they function, committees will strive to break down all efforts by the two big business parties and the trade union bureaucracies to divide workers along immigration status or national background. They will expose the xenophobic lies of the corporate media by waging a campaign of mass political education aimed at rendering the population wide awake to the threat against democracy. The International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) will provide advice and support to such committees and will be actively involved in fighting to build committees and link them across school, workplace and national boundaries in a powerful network of correspondence and collaboration. The IWA-RFC will strive to introduce into the struggles ahead a political program aimed at connecting the defense of immigrants to the fight to defend the basic democratic rights of all.

History has proven that only a program based on the class struggle is capable of uniting workers of all backgrounds and vanquishing political backwardness and state repression. On this basis, the IWA-RFC will fight to transform the defense of immigrant workers into a counteroffensive by the international working class against capitalism, which is the source of social inequality, poverty and fascism.
The imminent eviction of up to 30 mostly aged residents from boarding houses in the Sydney suburb of Paddington, some of whom have lived at the property for over 50 years, highlights the housing disaster facing the most vulnerable layers of society amid a broader crisis afflicting the entire working class.

Property owner, developer LFD Developments, has notified all residents of the Selwyn Street boarding houses their power will be cut off and locks changed on February 1. LFD plans to turn the properties into four luxury houses.

LFD purchased the buildings in 2022 reportedly for $10 million. The properties had previously been under the same ownership for 95 years and used as residential chambers since at least 1918.

Paddington in 1920 was a working-class suburb, described by a health inspector as a disgusting slum and the worst place to live in I have ever seen. Today the average price of a house in what has become a high-end suburb is over $3 million, with unit prices close to $1 million. Median rent is $1,350 weekly for a house and $700 for a home unit.

The Selwyn boarding houses were built as cheap housing after World War I for returning soldiers. They currently contain 32 mainly single rooms with a community laundry.

Ray

The World Socialist Web Site spoke to 75-year-old Ray Reading, a triple stroke and double heart attack survivor, who has lived in one or other of the rooms at the terraces in Selwyn Street for 45 years. He moved into his current single room with a tiny balcony kitchen when the previous resident died. He expects to be out on the street come February 1.

Ray explained: The old owners never told us they were selling. We havent been told of any accommodation thats available when we are thrown out of here. I cant go to a high-rise because I cant go up or down stairs.

I pay $150 a week rent which leaves me $400 a fortnight to live on. I have never missed a weeks rent. You dont get much on the pension. I need a lot of medication, you can see how much I have to take. You go to the butcher, youre gone before you leave the butcher shop.

Weve had the federal government, the state government, the local government, the Greens all come around to have their photos taken and they have given us nothing. The state minister for housing, Rose Jackson, has sent people around here this morning because she is nervous about all the publicity weve been getting, but we werent even told there was a meeting on. Theyve just turned up for something to do. I think they stink. If it was their families, theyd be in here like a shotgun. They all ought to be taken out of government. The developer is confident they can evict us because theyve got the money.

The government is the cause of the housing shortage. Ive worked all my life as a truck driver. The government does nothing for the worker.

Ive made a lot of friends in the 45 years Ive been here. I started out in the storeroom and I moved in here after the former occupant died.

Ill end up on the street, I can see it coming. There are people living in these boarding houses with full time jobs, theyre going to be homeless.

A community support group has been set up to oppose the evictions. Its online petition to the City of Sydney Mayor, Clover Moore, has been signed by almost 20,000 people. Dwellings in Selwyn Street and neighbouring streets are displaying banners protesting the evictions.

Neighbouring houses display placards protesting the threatened boarding house evictions.

In an attempt at damage control, NSW Labor Housing Minister Rose Jackson has written to Moore, confirming the States intention to co-invest with the City of Sydney if and when the developer is prepared to sell for a fair price according to The Paddington Society, a community and heritage group.

These declarations have the character of damage control. Neither Jackson nor Moore offered an estimate of what they regard as a fair price, the term co-invest is deliberately vague and the developer LFD has rejected the offer.

Both Jackson and Moore had previously washed their hands of any responsibility for the evictions. Property website Domain reported Jackson as stating the decision-making process for the privately owned boarding house is beyond our control. For her part, Moore declared the matter was not within her purview and hit out at the NSW government for its woefully out of date state planning rules.

The developer is currently in the Land and Environment Court (LEC), appealing the decision of the Local Planning Panel (LPP) to reject their development application. The LPPs main reason for the rejection was the loss to the City of Sydney of affordable housing stock, which remains very low at 0.76 per cent of total housing stock. However, a spokesman for the community action group, Michael Mannix, expressed the fear that even if the appeal to the LEC was disallowed, the owners could let the boarding houses run down until there was no other option but to knock them down.

Furthermore, the LEC hearing has been delayed until May while the residents will be forced out on February 1, providing the owner with vacant possession and the tenants with little hope of ever returning to their homes of many decades. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the council has advised they will consider legal action after the boarding houses are closed, not before.

Decades of funding cuts by Labor and Liberal have reduced public housing to a tiny fraction of dwellings. A recent Impact Economics and Policy report for the national peak body Homelessness Australia revealed that in 2022, there were between 2.7 million and 3.2 million Australians at risk of homelessness, a 63 per cent increase between 2016 and 2022. Advertised rental prices doubled from 2020 to 2024.

An Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) report stated, Australia has the worst rental affordability on record and one of the highest rates of homelessness among wealthy countries. Australias supply of social housing is at a four-year low.

According to a March 2024 media release by the Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA), the social housing waitlist in New South Wales (NSW) is the longest in the country with almost 58,000 families and individuals waiting for help. An additional 300 joined the waitlist the previous month. Mark Degotardi, CEO of CHIA, said, Every single day, 10 families are joining the social housing waitlist. At that rate, the state government needs to build more than 3,600 social homes a year just to keep up with the increase in people needing help.

The federal Labor government has pledged to develop only 30,000 social and affordable dwellings across the country. The state Labor government is demolishing what remains of the public housing stock in the inner-city suburb of Waterloo. The housing policies of both are entirely geared to providing tax and other incentives to developers and removing red tape that could hinder their profit-making activities.

The housing crisis poses the need for a reorganisation of society to meet the needs of ordinary people, not the insatiable demands of the banks, the corporations and the developers. That means a fight for socialism against Labor and the entire political establishment.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump's choice to be Secretary of Health and Human Services, appears before the Senate Finance Committee for his confirmation hearing at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025 [AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite]

I dont think anybody is going to be able to do this like I have, because of my peculiar experience, because Ive litigated against these agencies.  Ive written six books about these agencies. I know a lot about them, and I know how to fix it, and theres nobody who will fix it the way that I do.  Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at his January 29, 2025 Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing to become health secretary.

* * *

On Wednesday, a political freak show descended on Washington D.C. in the form of the first Senate confirmation hearing of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trumps nominee to head the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Backed by dozens of ultra-right anti-vaccine zealots in the audience, Kennedy engaged in over three hours of lies, half-truths and disinformation in his effort to become the top general in Trumps war on public health.

Appealing to Trumps Christian fundamentalist supporters, Kennedy set the anti-science tone at the beginning, proclaiming in his opening remarks:

The first thing Ive done every morning for the past 20 years is to get on my knees and pray to God that he would put me in a position to end the chronic disease epidemic and to help Americas children. Thats why Im so grateful to President Trump for the opportunity to sit before you today and seek your support and partnership in this endeavor.

Later on, to the cheers of Kennedys supporters, Senator Roger Marshall (Republican-Kansas) proclaimed:

Mr. Kennedy, I believe for such a time as this  that you are the person to lead HHS to make America healthy again, that God has a divine purpose for you, and I look forward to your confirmation and working with you to make America healthy again.

Over the course of the hearing, Kennedy covered up his role in the deaths of 83 peoplealmost all young childrenin the 2019 measles epidemic in Samoa. He also pledged to carry out Trumps orders to dismantle all access to abortion and reproductive rights for women, cast doubt on the life-saving benefits of vaccines against measles and COVID-19 and denigrated all public health measures necessary to stop the spread of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Throughout the hearing, the Democrats engaged in their threadbare form of Kabuki theater, posturing as great defenders of public health. But as has been the case with every other confirmation hearing, not once did any Democrat call upon the tens of millions of Americans who oppose Trump, Kennedy and their policies to protest or in any way mobilize collectively. Prior to the hearing, none of them spoke out in any meaningful way against Kennedys nomination.

The reality is that there is bipartisan support for the gutting of public health and healthcare, as well as support for the lowering of life expectancy. Over the past four years, the Biden administration and the Democratic Party have overseen the normalization of the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in nearly one million excess deaths attributable to the pandemic under Biden.

Despite the fact that the US is presently mired in its 10th wave of mass COVID-19 infection, as well as surges of seasonal flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and norovirus, which have created a quad-demic that is inundating hospitals, not a single senator made reference to any of this or the dire conditions now existing in US hospitals.

The only reference to the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic came from the anti-abortion fanatic Todd Young (Republican-Indiana), who referred to Long COVID, prompting a cynical and disingenuous pledge from Kennedy to promote further research into the often debilitating affliction now impacting over 20 million Americans.

Furthermore, not a single Democrat referred to the other Trump nominees to head the 13 agencies that comprise HHS, all of whom are anti-science quacks who viciously oppose public health. Jay Bhattacharya, Trumps pick to head the National Institutes of Health (NIH)the agency responsible for conducting Long COVID researchhas repeatedly downplayed the risks of Long COVID.

No one challenged Kennedys false claim that children basically have a zero risk on COVID, which he stated to defend a May 2021 lawsuit brought by his anti-vaccine organization, the Childrens Health Defense, to bar the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines at the height of the pandemic. The fact is that thousands of children have died of COVID-19 in the US, while millions are suffering from Long COVID, which affects children at rates similar to adults.

In addition, no Democrat questioned Kennedys promotion of hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin throughout the pandemic, quack remedies to which he referred approvingly during the hearing.

While the Democrats opposition to Kennedy was thoroughly false and aimed at maintaining a degree of credibility among their supporters, they cited a number of his most extreme statements which clearly disqualify him to head the HHS. In a rare moment of truth, when asked by Senator Michael Bennet (Democrat-Colorado), Did you say Lyme disease is highly likely a militarily engineered bioweapon? Kennedy admitted, I probably did say that.

Among the other extraordinary quotes from Kennedy promoting conspiracy theories and blatant attacks on scienceall of which he either falsely claimed not to have said or distorted their meaningare the following:

In July 2023, Kennedy was caught on film stating, In fact, COVID-19, there is an argument that it is ethnically targeted. COVID-19 attacks certain races disproportionately.  COVID-19 is targeted to attack Caucasians and Black people because of the genetic structure of the virus. The people who are most immune are Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese.

In 2024, Kennedy said that the polio vaccine caused cancers that killed many, many, many, many, many more people than polio ever did.

Speaking at an anti-vaccine conference in November 2023, Kennedy pledged to fire 600 workers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) if elected, adding, Were going to give infectious disease a break for about eight years.

Speaking in 2019 to a private audience at AutismOne, a conference for parents of autistic children, Kennedy stated:

The institution, CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the vaccine program, is more important than the children that its supposed to protect. Its the same reason we had a pedophile scandal in the Catholic Church, because people were able to convince themselves that the institution, the Church, was more important than these little boys and girls who were being raped. And everybody kept their mouth shut.

In previous remarks to AutismOne, Kennedy stated that the CDC is a cesspool of corruption, filled with profiteers, harming children in a way he likened to Nazi death camps.

Significantly, the only explicit reference to H5N1 bird flu came at the very end of the hearing, in a brief one-minute question from Tina Smith (Democrat-Minnesota), who asked Kennedy, Do you intend to give research on bird flu a break? Kennedy lyingly replied, I intend to devote the appropriate resources to preventing pandemics. Thats a central part of my job.

Kennedys hearing and the start of the Trump administration coincide with the most dangerous phase to date of the unchecked spread of bird flu among poultry and dairy cattle across the US, which began in December 2023 and has so far likely infected hundreds of farmworkers. Scientists have repeatedly warned of the elevated risk of bird flu developing the capacity for human-to-human transmission during the flu season, due to the greater chance of genetic reassortment in patients co-infected with both viruses.

Earlier in the hearing, two Republican senators obliquely referred to bird flu when questioning Kennedy about his support for ranchers and farmers and his willingness to work with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), which is not a public health agency and is inappropriately assigned to oversee the bird flu outbreak.

In one response, Kennedy stated:

Farm country is Trump country. Farmers across the country supported him during this election. He has specifically instructed me, and he wants farmers involved in every policy, and that he wants me to work with Brooke Rollins at USDA, to make sure that we preserve American farmers, that all of our policies support them.

In other words, Kennedy will work hand in glove with Rollins, the president and CEO of Trumps America First Policy Institute, to ensure that no public health measures are taken to stem the spread of bird flu among cattle or poultry, or to mitigate the risk of spillover to humans, so as to ensure the continued flow of profits to the meat and agribusiness monopolies.

The fact that not a single Democratic senator focused his or her remarks on the growing danger of a bird flu pandemic, or even put Kennedy on the spot by asking him directly whether he would support the rapid development and deployment of a vaccine in the event of a bird flu pandemic, speaks volumes of their pro-corporate, anti-public health position. None referred to the fact that Trumps ongoing gag order on all HHS agencies has included the suppression of at least three CDC updates on the bird flu situation in the US.

At this point, it appears highly likely that Kennedy will be approved by the Senate and sworn in as Trumps health secretary. Not a single Republican senator has voiced any opposition to his nomination, and all those on the Finance Committee were cordial and clearly inclined to vote for him. It would require three Republicans to defect and vote against Kennedy, which would trigger a tie-breaking vote by Vice President J.D. Vance, as took place with Trumps other most controversial nominee, the fascist Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.

In the off-chance that Kennedy is not approved by the Senate, Trump has already threatened to adjourn Congress in order to install him via a recess appointment, an unprecedented assault on the US Constitution and its assertion of the Senates power of advice and consent over presidential cabinet nominations.

The appointment of Kennedy to head the HHS and oversee public health in the United States will mark one of the most advanced expressions of the decline of American capitalism. The core scientific agencies of the most powerful country in the world will likely soon be overseen by a conspiracy theorist and anti-vaccine quack, who has built his fortune and power by spreading lies and attacking science, making him culpable in the deaths of millions globally from COVID-19. The retrograde policies he implements will have vast ramifications and will accelerate the radicalization of the American and international working class.
The Health Education Campus of Case Western Reserve University [AP Photo/Julio Cortez]

On January 9 arrest warrants were issued for four students who were accused of vandalism on the property of Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) in Cleveland, Ohio while protesting the genocide in Gaza. This was preceded by the arrests of four other student protesters who were charged with third-degree felonious vandalism only two months earlier.

Six of the eight individuals that were arrested in both November and January were held in the Cuyahoga County Detention Center for several days before being released. All eight individuals have been banned from campus, thus interrupting their studies and housing.

The arrests were made in relation to a demonstration that took place on November 8, 2024, when students engaged in an act of protest on campus by painting messages and posting flyers about CWRUs financial ties to the Israeli regime, which has been actively committing genocide with the backing of US imperialism since October of 2023.

In response to various protests since the start of the genocide, CWRUs administration has continuously attacked the democratic rights of students by enforcing restrictions on speech and protest activity.

These actions have intensified, especially after the encampments that were organized on campus in the spring of last year. The encampments were part of an international student protest movement demanding an end to the Gaza genocide, which were subject to a vicious police crackdowns across the US and in Europe on the bogus grounds of combating antisemitism.

In an official notice after the incident on November 8, CWRU stated, Overnight, a group of individuals vandalized multiple buildings, structures and artwork on our campus with paint and glued posters, some of which included what the university considers antisemitic language and symbols.

This claim was used to justify the arrests and charges of third-degree felonies. Students were transferred to the Cuyahoga County Detention Facility located in Cleveland, which is notorious for its overcrowded and inhumane living conditions. Millions of dollars have been spent by the county to settle lawsuits relating to extreme misconduct in the prison, including physical assault by employees.

The student arrests at CWRU coincided with a federal investigation opened up by the US Department of Education in the waning days of the Biden administration for alleged discrimination against Palestinian, Arab and Muslim students.

Although such investigations by the Department of Education seem promising they are designed to create the illusion of an equitable system. In reality, campuses are given free rein to attack student protesters. Regardless of the results of the investigation, the alleged claims of discrimination speak to the repressive environment that students endure.

A statement previously made public by the Case Western Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) after the second round of arrests were issued declared that the disciplinary actions escalated the universitys repression of pro-Palestinian advocacy, and that the universitys decision to over-charge its own students with third-degree felonies based largely upon their political affiliation and purported damages of nearly half a million dollars lays bare the administrations and President Eric Kalers politically motivated attempt to silence Palestine advocacy.

A student organizer with the Case Western (SJP), who asked to remain anonymous, spoke to the WSWS about the severity of the situation.

They are using the police as a suppression tactic. Vandalism is not a crime that hurts other people, the student noted. These are very serious charges and will have long-term implications for these students. If convicted, this will have a long-term effect on their employment, housing, Social Security and everything. These students are real people; these are serious things.

While the actions on November 8 that led to the arrests were not organized by the SJP, the organization strongly opposes the prosecution of the arrested students at the hands of CWRU.

The university is seeking to suppress opposition to the genocide in Gaza, the SJP representative said. They have tried to paint us and the protesters as antisemitic. This is not a protest against Jewish people, but against the genocide being carried out by the State of Israel. We are not antisemitic, we are not prejudiced to call out what a government is doing.

The SJP representative also sees the arrests at CWRU as part of the national suppression of student protests over the genocide in Gaza.

They want to suppress protests everywhere. This is happening in Chicago and in New York at Columbia. The university has hired a major law firm to construct these cases against their students.

Many of the students at the university question the claim that half a million in property damages were carried out during the demonstration on November 8. A video of the incident, posted as a compilation of different community submissions, shows leaflets and red handprints plastered on a few glass walls and doors.

Many people did not even see it. This was all cleaned up and taken down by the next day. They are increasing the cost to present the protesters as violent, the SJP representative noted.

International students who have been involved in demonstrations against the genocide have often faced extreme repercussions, such as in the case of Momodou Taal, a student who was threatened with deportation from Cornell University for his involvement with pro-Palestinian groups.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Wednesday directing the cancellation of the visas of pro-Palestinian noncitizen college students, opening them up to immediate deportation, as part of his broader evisceration of democratic rights.

To all the resident aliens who joined in the pro-jihadist protests, we put you on notice: come 2025, we will find you, and we will deport you, Trump said in the factsheet released by the White House. I will also quickly cancel the student visas of all Hamas sympathizers on college campuses, which have been infested with radicalism like never before.

In regard to the consequences that international students face, the SJP member stated, About 20 percent of Case Western students are international students. Many who are Palestinian, some who dont have a passport because Palestine is not recognized as a state. What would happen if they were arrested as felons? The university is seeking to intimidate them from speaking out.

In 2024, students and young people across the world participated in protests demanding an end to the genocide in Gaza. These protests were met with enormous retaliation from the Biden administration, whose response was to allow universities to brand protesters as antisemitic and proceed with mass arrests.

Administrators at CWRU, as well as universities across the United States, have made it abundantly clear that the rights and livelihoods of their students are of little importance compared to their lack of allegiance to the ruling class.

The life-altering attacks taken against students and young people for their opposition to the genocide are a violation of democratic rights, and must be unequivocally denounced. However, lessons must be taken from the response of the ruling class to popular opposition to the genocide over the past two years.

The genocidal onslaught on Palestinians in Gaza will not be stopped by making moral appeals to university administrations, state and local governments, or any section of the Democratic Party. Additionally, individual acts of protest fail to address the underlying causes of any social, political or economic issue.

The working class is the only revolutionary force capable of putting an end to war and genocide. Students and young people must turn to workers, join the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) and wage a political struggle that seeks to overturn capitalism and establish a socialist society based on social need.

If you are a student that would like to speak on conditions at your university or join the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE), please fill out the form below.
Republican U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert on Wednesday applauded the Trump administration's decision to shutter the federal agency that distributes billions of dollars in foreign aid, while Democratic members of Colorado's congressional delegation called the move "illegal" and warned that eliminating the U.S. Agency for International Development endangers national security.
Three members of the Denver-based federal appeals court spoke to lawyers on Monday about key considerations when arguing their cases, as well as the potential role artificial intelligence will play in judging.
Two members of Colorado's federal bench spoke on Thursday about the ways in which district judges and magistrate judges interact without compromising each other's independence, plus they delivered a warning about how the public disclosure of docket data can create problematic incentives to deciding cases.
As of Sept. 30, Colorado's federal trial judges collectively had 73 motions in civil cases that had been sitting on their dockets for at least six months without a ruling.
IShowSpeeds recent trip to Peru seems to have reaped great gifts for the popular YouTuber, as he was officially named the honorary Mayor of Lima for one hour. The internet celebrity is currently touring South America and has already visited Colombia, Guatemala, and Argentina. In his latest escapade, Darren Jason Watkins Jr., as is his original name, landed on the shores of Peru to experience the countrys rich culture. However, in an unprecedented development, IShowSpeed ended up becoming the mayor of Lima temporarily.

Heres everything you need to know regarding the 20-year-old influencers bizarre trip to Perus capital city.

IShowSpeed turns into Mayor of Lima for an hour

Continuing his tour of the diverse continent, IShowSpeed arrived in Peru on January 29. A huge hoard of fans commemorated his welcome, after which the YouTuber decided to embark on a culinary journey, trying out various delicacies of the region.

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Nevertheless, IShowSpeeds trip quickly took an unexpected turn when Limas presiding Mayor, Rafael Lopez Aliaga, decided to nominate him in his stead for an hour. The online streamer also filmed the entire encounter live and has since posted the three-and-a-half-hour video on his YouTube channel.

Entering the Government Palace wearing a Peru National Team jersey, the online superstar proceeded to a private room alongside Aliaga and a dedicated security team. There, IShowSpeed put pen to paper on official documents required to make him the honorary Mayor of Lima. He then went out to the balcony of the Government Palace to celebrate his moment, only to find thousands of fans waiting eagerly for his arrival.

In his video, IShowSpeed expressed his gratitude to Aliaga, the actual Mayor of Lima, for honoring him in such an extravagant manner, stating, I have never been to a country before where they welcomed me like that. Shared on January 29, it has already garnered more than 7.5 million views.

Prior to his trip to Peru, IShowSpeed also visited Guatemala, where he famously performed a perilous backflip on the Hand of God statue.

Originally reported by Apoorv Rastogi on ComingSoon.net.

The post IShowSpeed Declared Mayor of Lima During Peru Visit appeared first on Mandatory.
Jeff Probst likes to tell players that you have to dig deep to make it on Survivor, and for the 48th time, a group of castaways is hitting the beach to do just that.

CBS has announced the cast for Survivor 48, which premieres with a two-hour episode on Wednesday, February 26, at 8 p.m. ET. Probst, 63, returns to host  as he has every season since the show premiered in 2000  and will guide the 18 all-new players through every challenge, twist and blindside that the journey has to offer.

Like other seasons in Survivors new era, the players will be split into three tribes of six, leaving no place to hide.

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Even the strongest competitors will be tested and forced to dig deep mentally and physically to ensure their torch stays lit, CBS teased in a release announcing the cast.

This seasons group is diverse in age, background and occupation, with a debate professor, stunt performer and surgeon all set to hit the beaches of Fiji.

Keep scrolling to meet the full Survivor 48 cast.
Want to plan a Mediterranean vacation without the hassle of booking multiple flights and hotels? Holland America Line has just announced an epic 45-day voyage that lets you explore the Mediterranean and beyond, all from the comfort of a luxury cruise ship.

The Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage cruise, departing round trip from New York, is a modern take on a historic itinerary first sailed in 1925. Over the course of 45 days, the Volendam will visit 21 ports, giving travelers the chance to experience iconic cities and charming coastal villages across Europe and North Africa.

Aboard the Volendam, which accommodates 1,432 guests, passengers can enjoy a range of activities, from pickleball and casino nights to fine dining and shopping.

Where will the cruise go?

Holland America

The journey begins with a transatlantic voyage from New York to the Azores, then continues to mainland Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, Egypt, Turkey, Malta, and Tunisia before returning to New York.

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Highlights of the itinerary include overnight stays in both Alexandria and Istanbul, giving travelers extra time to explore these historic cities. Imagine touring the Colosseum in Rome, strolling through the ancient streets of Vallettas Old City, and standing before Egypts legendary pyramids. With stops in 12 countries, this cruise offers a rare opportunity to experience a diverse mix of cultures, landscapes, and iconic landmarks.

When will the cruise take place?

The 45-day journey sets sail on October 8, 2026, with prices starting around $7,500 per person.

This cruise is part of Holland Americas newly announced Legendary Voyages collection, which also includes a 28-day Arctic Circle Solstice itinerary, a Glaciers & Volcanoes cruise from Alaska to Hawaii (available as a 27- or 28-day sailing), and more.

The post This new 45-day transatlantic cruise takes you to 20+ stunning destinations in and around the Mediterranean appeared first on The Manual.
Ohio's Buckeye Chuckand his Pennsylvania counterpart who gets more publicity, Punxsutawney Philwill emerge from their burrows on Sunday to tell us if we can expect an early spring or six more weeks of winter.

So why do we rely on these hibernating rodents to forecast the weather? It's a tradition that spans centuries, USA TODAY reports. Here's what to know about Groundhog Day.

Weigh in on spring: Will Buckeye Chuck see his shadow?

When is Groundhog Day?

Groundhog Day is Feb. 2. This year it will be on a Sunday.

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.

What happens if the groundhog sees his shadow? How does a groundhog forecast the weather?

According to lore, the Old Farmer's Almanac says a groundhog will emerge from its burrow on Groundhog Day. If it sees its shadow, it will retreat back into its hole and we can expect another six weeks of winter. If there's no shadow, that's a sign of an early spring.

What is Groundhog Day?

Groundhog Day is an "unusual holiday," according to the Farmers Almanac, that dates back centuries to European traditions.

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It was originally a Celtic festival marking the years first cross-quarter day, or a midpoint between seasons, per the almanac. In the Northern Hemisphere, Feb. 2 marks the midpoint between the winter solstice in December and the spring equinox in March. Feb. 2 is also known as St. Brigid's Day, mixing figures from pagan traditions and Christian beliefs.

In Europe, groundhogs weren't the animal of choice for the festival, according to the almanac. France and England looked to the bear for a sign. In Germany, it was the badger. German immigrants brought the legend with them when they settled in Pennsylvania in the 1800s. Finding no badgers, they turned to the groundhog.

Who is Punxsutawney Phil?

Punxsutawney Phil is the best-known groundhog who has been making predictions since 1886, according to Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. The Groundhog Day tradition as we know it dates to 1887.

According to the club, Punxsutawney Phil is also known as the:

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Seer of Seers

Prognosticator of Prognosticators

Weather Predictor Extraordinaire

Brer Groundhog

National Treasure

Who is Buckeye Chuck?

Buckeye Chuck will return for his 46th year of predicting the weather from 7 to 8 a.m. Sunday at the Marion County Fairgrounds, roughly 50 miles north of Columbus, according to the Marion Star.

The event will be broadcast live on 1490 WMRN and on the Buckeye Chuck Facebook fan page.

Buckeye Chuck is an animal ambassador who resides at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, according to WMRN. In 1979, the Ohio legislature named him the official groundhog for the Buckeye State, per Groundhog-Day.com.

How accurate is Phil? How accurate is Chuck?

While Phil is the most famous, he isn't the most accurate, USA TODAY reports.

He is only right around 39% of the time, according to the Stormfax Weather Almanac.

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In comparison, Buckeye Chuck, has been correct an estimated 75% of the time, according to the Marion Star, a part of the USA TODAY Network.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: When is Groundhog Day 2025? Will Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow?
KENNEBUNK, Maine  How would you like to learn how to cook and enjoy a meal filled with aphrodisiacs?

Or craft a charcuterie board during a fun and relaxing woodworking class?

Or how about dining on a red plate special at a local restaurant or taking advantage of red tag sales at nearby shops?

The Kennebunks in Maine are ready for romance with their annual "Paint the Town Red" celebration, which will begin on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, and will continue all month long with all sorts of deals and events at local businesses.

Put another way, how would you like to paint the town red in February?

The Kennebunk-Kennebunkport-Arundel Chamber of Commerce, the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce, and local businesses once again are teaming up for their annual Paint the Town Red celebration, a monthlong tribute to romance filled with everything mentioned above and more.

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Laura Dolce, executive director of the Kennebunk-Kennebunkport-Arundel Chamber, called the coming weeks a chance for residents and visitors to enjoy many more options for winter fun.

Paint the Town Red has fun events planned for almost every day in February, according to Jamie Barth, the social media and marketing associate for the chamber.

And yes, just like a Valentine's heart, Kennebunk and Kennebunkport will be decked out in red with lights and decorations. The Lobster Trap Tree in Cape Porpoise, for example, will be decorated with hearts painted by local artists, Barth said.

Visitors at The Boathouse Waterfront Hotel in Kennebunkport, Maine, toast marshmallows at "Frosted: A Freezing Good Time Party," during a previous "Paint the Town Red" celebration in the Kennebunks. The celebration, and "Frosted," will return on Feb. 1, 2025.

Barth added that two local businesses, Caring Community Cuisine and Mainely Makers Studio, are taking part in Paint the Town Red with their own events for their very first time.

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Both are very interesting and launching a renewal of previously successful businesses, Barth said.

Caring Community Cuisine is the one offering that class on how to cook up a plate of aphrodisiacs. Located at 2 Pier Road in Cape Porpoise, the new nonprofit restaurant will offer the class on Saturday, Feb. 8, at 4 p.m. Dinner will follow.

Tickets cost $80, which covers the cooking class, the dinner, and a takeaway treat, according to Selena Roy, one of the owners of the restaurant.

The class will focus on a cooking technique that guests can try at home, Roy said.

The Boathouse Waterfront Hotel in Kennebunkport, Maine, once again will host its "Frosted" party when the annual "Paint the Town Red" celebration returns to the Kennebunks this Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025. Seen here is a "Frosted" party held in a previous year.

After guests arrive and receive a welcome drink containing pomegranate, we will first focus on opening oysters and creating a rose mignonette to accompany them, Roy said. After, we plan to demonstrate how to properly butcher a salmon filet and prepare artichokes. As a final touch, we will show how to prepare a Maine blueberry mousse, one component of a blueberry and chocolate mousse duo served for dessert.

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All of the ingredients are nutritious and have been specifically chosen to suit the occasion, according to Roy.

'Guys and Dolls,' 'Titanic' and more: Ogunquit Playhouse announces 2025 season lineup

Oysters, Roy said, are rich in zinc, a mineral required for testosterone production. Pomegranate juice is known for boosting salivary testosterone levels, she added. Both can help with heightened mood, she said.

As for the dessert, Roy said dark chocolate contains phenylethylamine, which elicits feelings of excitement and well-being, and anandamide, which boosts serotonin levels.

These are all considered aphrodisiacs, Roy said.

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Roy added that the restaurant wants to hold an event geared towards Valentines Day, which this year falls on a date-night-perfect Friday.

We are ... hoping some of the techniques can be replicated closer to the holiday to make for a special and memorable meal anyone can prepare at home for loved ones, she added.

To register for the event, visit the restaurant's "events" tab on its website.

More: Clipper Tavern and Jitto's owners to bring hippie Vibe to York Village

Also, on Feb. 8, Mainely Makers Workshop will hold its grand opening at its new location at 3 Warrens Way in West Kennebunk, giving people a chance to enjoy a demonstration on how to carve a special Valentines Day charcuterie board. The studios open house that day will be held from 2 to 5 p.m.

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Then, on Valentine's Day itself, you can have an opportunity to carve a heart-shaped charcuterie board of your own at the studio, during an event that will be a "fun thing for singles and couples alike," according to Donald Oakes, who owns and operates the business.

The class will be held on Friday, Feb. 14, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The cost of $99 covers materials and drinks. Reservations may be made by visiting online at mainelymakers.com and by clicking on the "Classes and Products" link.

In addition to these two newcomers, numerous restaurants in the Kennebunks and Biddeford-Saco  fine dining, pizza joints, and sub shops among them  are offering red plate deals throughout February. Some establishments require reservations, while other spots you can just stroll on in.

Shops offering red tag deals are even more in number in the weeks ahead. Gift shops, craft stores, spas, salons, and more are all helping to paint their towns red.

The Kennebunks in Maine are ready for romance with their annual "Paint the Town Red" celebration, which will begin on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, and will continue all month long with all sorts of deals and events at local businesses.

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And, of course, all sorts of fun activities are planned: parties, a night of painting, mixology classes, raffles, ghost stories, author visits, exercise and meditation classes, art events, and more, all month long, starting as soon as this Saturday, Feb. 1, and lasting all through Feb. 27.

And if you're looking to truly get away  not just head out on a date but stay overnight  there are many lodgings offering all sorts of opportunities: The Boathouse Waterfront Hotel; Cape Arundel Inn and Resort; Ferry Beach Retreat; The Kennebunkport Inn, which will have a Murder Mystery Weekend; and the getaway destinations of KPort Concierge.

For a complete schedule of events and opportunities, visit gokennebunks.com/paintthetownred.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Paint the Town Red: Kennebunks celebrates romance with deals, getaways
When Royal Caribbean launched Icon of the Seas last January, it introduced a new era of family cruise vacations.

The highly-anticipated megaship was a first-of-its-kind adventure that merged the best of beach getaways, resort stays and theme park thrills into one big cruise vacation. The worlds largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas features eight distinct onboard neighborhoods offering a range of experiences to appeal to all types of passengers, especially multigenerational family travelers.

Related: Royal Caribbean makes huge move with its next megaship

Royal Caribbean recently celebrated one year of Icon of the Seas vacations, sharing that it welcomed 192,000 families on board in its first year sailing seven-night Caribbean cruises from Miami. Demand remains high for Icon, and loyal Royal Caribbean cruisers are now eagerly awaiting the launch of the cruise lines second Icon Class ship, Star of the Seas.

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Debuting this summer, Star of the Seas will sail seven-night Caribbean getaways from Port Canaveral, offering a family vacation experience designed to rival Orlandos theme parks.

Currently under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, Star of the Seas is floating closer to completionat a faster rate than expected.

The ships speedy construction is now creating a new opportunity for Royal Caribbean passengers interested in a shorter sailing on the new Icon Class ship.

Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise.

Most of Icon's new bars and eateries will be on Star of the Seas.Image source: Daniel Kline/TheStreet

Royal Caribbean moves up Star of the Seas launch

Previously scheduled to depart on its first voyage from Port Canaveral on Aug. 31, Star of the Seas will now be ready to enter service sooner. Royal Caribbean is adding two additional showcase sailings ahead of the ships inaugural sailing, according to RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com.

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We have an updated timeline for the arrival of Star of the Seas at Port Canaveral! the cruise line said in an email to passengers booked on the Aug. 31 sailing that was shared with Royal Caribbean Blog.

Related: Royal Caribbean finds new use for closed onboard space

Constructing such a large and amazing ship is challenging, and while delivery can sometimes be delayed, there are other times where we get to sail our new ship earlier, the email continued.

Passengers were notified that due to the ships earlier-than-expected delivery, the cruise line is expanding the ships inaugural season, adding two shorter sailings before the seven-night inaugural voyage. Two 4-Night Perfect Day Cruises departing on Aug. 23 and Aug. 27 will be available for booking beginning Jan. 30.

Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter.

Star of the Seas Aug. 31 sailing will still be the first full inaugural cruise

In the email, Royal Caribbean assured passengers that the Aug. 31 sailing will still take place as the first full sailing and inaugural with all of the events and goodies.

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The cruise line understands that some passengers may have booked this inaugural Star of the Seas sailing to be the first to sail on the new ship, and it offered them some options.

Related: Video: Why you should visit Royal Caribbeans controversial port

Beginning Jan. 30, passengers booked on the Aug. 31 sailing have the opportunity to book one or both of the new showcase sailings or move their existing booking to one of the ships new 4-Night Perfect Day Cruises, if desired.

The cruise line noted that Star of the Seas inaugural passengers sailing in a suite will have their same suite held for them until Feb. 6, as a courtesy. Passengers in other stateroom categories will be able to choose from like-for-like staterooms.

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(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)

Have questions about booking a cruise? Schedule a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner Postcard Travel Planning or call or text Amy Post at 386-383-2472.

Royal Caribbeans 4-Night Perfect Day Cruises typically sail to The Bahamas, visiting Nassau and the cruise lines private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Star of the Seas Aug. 31 sailing is a 7-Night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day Cruise that visits Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico, Roatan, Honduras, and Cozumel, Mexico, in addition to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas.

Are you taking a cruise or thinking about taking one? Visit our Come Cruise With Me website to have all your questions answered.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  On Wednesday, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced his priorities for 89th legislative session. Among his top 10  a greater investment in water infrastructure across the state.

During a Q&A on the final day of the Water for Texas 2025 Conference, State Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, spoke on the priority and his plan to include that investment as part of an upcoming joint resolution.

Senator Charles Perry (R-Lubbock) speaks with Brian McMath about the future of water in Texas. (Ed Zavala / KXAN)

I cannot in good conscience leave this place without doing whatever I was supposed to do to secure water supply, Perry said. This is our window, you know, this is our time to kick off some conversations about water supply long term. It wont be here again for a long time.

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The joint resolution would see an amendment to the state constitution. The amendment would guarantee $1 billion directed toward the Texas Water Fund each year.

Many of our programs are eight, ten times oversubscribed. And so any additional funding that the legislators see fit and the voters approve will certainly help our communities, LOreal Stepney, chairwoman of the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), said.

Texas leaders, experts gather to address water crisis

The TWDB oversees the Texas Water Fund and how its money is distributed.

Our mission is to secure a water future for Texas. And so we use all of our financial assistance programs for water infrastructure, whether thats drinking water infrastructure, wastewater, flood, all to provide water supply for the state of Texas, Stepney said.

Finding funding for water

The Texas Water Fund was established during the 88th legislative session in 2023. That bill saw $1 billion set aside for TWDB to use on various projects.

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Perry said getting that bill passed was a first step. Across the state capital, more and more lawmakers are recognizing the need.

What KXAN is watching during the 89th Legislative Session

I cant find a member thats not interested in water today. Everybodys talking about it, partly because the awareness we rose, Perry said.

Experts and officials from across Texas discuss water at the Water for Texas 2025 Conference (KXAN / Ed Zavala)

The state senator, who serves as chair on the Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs, wants to guarantee the funds are there in the future to ensure the future of the state.

This is just like roads. We dont even think about roads. It just happens. Its on autopilot. This will be an autopilot, he said.

Data Centers and Water Usage

Water usage across the state has grown with more people and businesses moving to Texas. This month, President Trump announced Texas would be the site for 10 new data centers.

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A single data center can use up to 5 million gallons of water per day, according to the University of Tulsa.

Perry said that the current water plan doesnt account for this need.

Unfortunately, everything in water is 20 years. Some of these companies need it yesterday. So well work through triage, get to where we need to be as fast as we need to be, Perry 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 KXAN Austin.
PIKEVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56)  One person was found dead inside a home after a fire Wednesday night in Pikeville.

Kentucky State Police got the call at 10:10 p.m. and responded to the structure fire at Caney Drive. Investigators said they found someone dead inside the home.

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KSP confirmed the body has been sent to the State Medical Examiners Office in Frankfort for an autopsy and identification.

The cause of the fire is unknown, but investigators confirmed foul play is not suspected.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
For as long as her family can recall, Helen Arneida Dickerson began each morning with a cup of coffee and the Detroit Free Press in hand, intently flipping through its pages.

A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother  Helen died in her Detroit home on Jan. 16, 2025, nearly two weeks after her 108th birthday.

"She literally stopped reading the paper within weeks of her passing," said her granddaughter, Rebecca Dickerson-Mosley. "She was the most healthy 108-year-old person that I'm aware of. She was very, very smart and loved to watch game shows, which kept her sharp."

Detroiter Helen Arnita Dickerson died at 108 on Jan. 16, 2025. She was a longtime Detroit Free Press reader and continued to be until her final weeks.

Born in Pennsylvania in 1917, Helen made Detroit her home in the mid-1940s, where she spent most of her life, her family told the Free Press. She was married to Thomas Dickerson Sr., one of Detroits first Black police officers, who died in 2015.

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"My grandfather made sure she was able to be cared for in her own home until the day she passed away," Dickerson-Mosley said. "He made sure, even when he was gone, that she would have the means to provide for herself."

"He pampered her," added Thomas Dickerson Jr., Helen's only son and Dickerson-Mosely's father. "She never even pumped her own gas."

Please say a prayer for my family. My 108 year old grandmother has transitioned. She lived such a wonderful life filled... Posted by Rebecca Dickerson Mosley on Thursday, January 16, 2025

Helen remained under the care of her daughter, Linda Dickerson, and her son, Thomas Jr., until her final breath.

Although she was long retired, Helen worked for the Unemployment Insurance Agency when it was still known as the Michigan Employment Security Commission. Her family said she had an affinity for the job, helping people find employment.

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In her free time, she was a passionate piano player and an active member of a Detroit bridge club, where she played until the COVID-19 pandemic hit, according to her family. In her younger years, she traveled across the country to compete in bridge tournaments. Music, however, remained a constant in her life. Despite developing neuropathy in her fingers, she continued to play the piano whenever she had the chance.

"She was very faithful and loved to play her gospel music on the piano. My aunt and father would always pull out the piano for her and she'd play for us. Just a couple months ago, she was playing for some visitors from church," Dickerson-Mosley said. "She tried to teach me how to play, too. I learned a little something, but I wasn't disciplined enough."

Detroiter Helen Arnita Dickerson, who died at 108 on Jan. 16, 2025, playing gospel music on the piano for church visitors.

Helen lived through two world wars, the Great Depression, the civil rights movementincluding the Detroit uprisingand, more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic, all with quiet strength.

"People in her age group processed trauma silently," her granddaughter said. "Unfortunately, we have never heard her speak about ... what it was like for her."

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More: Iconic images by legendary Free Press photographer Tony Spina capture Michigan history

But even at 108, Helen remained aware of her loved ones until her final days.

"Up until my last visit with her, around Christmas, she was able to say, 'Hey, Becky,'" said Dickerson-Mosley, who lives in South Carolina but visited her grandmother at least two to three times a year.

Helen is survived by two of her three children, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Her eldest daughter, Anita Dickerson, died last year at age 88.

Funeral services were held last Thursday at Greater Grace Temple in Detroit, with arrangements entrusted to O. H. Pye, III Funeral Home.

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More: Detroit City Councilman Fred Durhal III announces run for mayor

Nour Rahal is a trending and breaking news reporter. Email her: nrahal@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @nrahal1.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Lifelong Detroit Free Press reader, Helen Dickerson, dies at 108
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  A panga with 14 migrants onboard was intercepted near the coast of Point Loma Tuesday night, according to the United States Coast Guard in a news release Wednesday.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection notified USCG about the boat traveling north toward the maritime boundary line around 4:45 p.m. The boat was located about 20 miles off the coast of Point Loma.

Coast Guard stops boat carrying 21 people near Point Loma

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USCG and U.S. Border Patrol teams successfully stopped the vessel and discovered 14 migrants onboard. Authorities said all of them claimed Mexican nationality. They were safely transferred over to the custody of Border Patrol, the news release stated.

This came after a separate boat with 21 people onboard was intercepted by USCG, also near Point Loma, Monday evening.

This incident was a part of the Alien Migrant Interdiction Operations mission aimed at stopping undocumented migrants and transnational smugglers from entering the U.S. by sea, according to USCG.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
A 14-year-old boy was among five people who were injured overnight during a traffic crash on the North Side in the West Ridge neighborhood, Chicago police said.

About 12:15 a.m., a yellow sedan that was headed north in the 6300 block of North Albany Avenue disregarded a traffic sign and struck a black SUV headed east on Rosemont Avenue, police said. The airbags in both vehicles deployed.

The 25-year-old man who was driving the yellow sedan suffered a minor injury during the crash and was taken to Lutheran General Hospital for observation, police said. A 17-year-old boy who was a front seat passenger refused medical help at the scene.

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A 56-year-old driver of the second vehicle suffered pain throughout his body and was taken to St. Francis Hospital in Evanston where he was listed in good condition. A front seat passenger, 48, was taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center for observation. A rear-seat passenger, a 15-year-old girl, suffered bruising and stiffness and was taken to Lurie Childrens Hospital in good condition. A 14-year-old boy, also a rear seat passenger suffered trauma to the body, and was taken to St. Francis Hospital where he was listed in critical condition, police said.

The driver of the yellow sedan was given citations.
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: Alvin J. Justes. Image courtesy Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum.

We want to remember Alvin J. Justes, 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.
WILMINGTON ISLAND, Ga. (WSAV)  Police arrested a 17-year-old in connection to the Wilmington Island arsons that have troubled residents for weeks.

Nicholas Holbrook was taken into custody Wednesday around 2:30 p.m. by the Chatham County Police Department (CCPD).

He was originally charged for a burglary in the first degree after allegedly burglarizing the McDonalds on Wilmington Island Jan. 22.

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Multiple sources told News 3 that Holbrook confessed to the string of arsons and is charged with multiple counts of arson 1st degree, arson 3rd degree, aggravated assault, burglary, and criminal damage in connection to the seven separate arsons that happened between late Nov. 2024 through Jan. 2025.

Holbrook is charged in connection with arsons that happened in the following locations:

 Nov. 20, 2024: 200 block of Johnny Mercer Blvd.

 Nov. 30, 2024: 400 block of N. Cromwell Rd.

 Dec. 9, 2024: 400 block of N. Cromwell Rd.

 Dec. 29, 2024: 20 block of Island Creek Ln.

 Jan. 18, 2025: Bull River Bluff (wildfire)

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 Jan. 27, 2025: 90 block of W. Gazebo Ln.

 Jan. 27, 2025: 100 block of W. Gazebo Ln.

Holbrook was transported to the Chatham County Detention Center after his arrest.

The fires were investigated by Chatham Fire, the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), the Chatham County Police Department (CCPD) and the Georgia State Fire Marshals Office as arson. They also offered up to a $10,000 reward for anyone who has information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible.

A neighbor previously told WSAV that she heard of three other fires nearby and that they suspected teenagers or young men were involved.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
Manitou Springs is bracing for a major hit to its budget if Colorado Springs voters legalize the sale of recreational marijuana in November.
Jan. 30 (UPI) -- A vessel drifting in the Caribbean Sea contained 19 badly decomposed bodies, authorities in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis announced on Wednesday.

The vessel was sighted while drifting in the waters near Nevis Island, which prompted the St. Kitts and Nevis Defense Force Coast Guard to respond.

The Coast Guard intercepted the vessel around noon local time on Wednesday and towed it to St. Kitts for further investigation.

Investigators found documents indicating at least some of those on board are from Mali, West Africa.

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The vessel had been at sea for an extended period and those on board died long before the boat drifted into waters near Nevis Island, St. Kitts police officials said.

The bodies are so badly decomposed that investigators cannot determine which are male or female, the St. Vincent Times reported.

Local officials describe the vessel as a "boat" and said they don't know if it might be connected to a similar boat containing dead bodies that was found near the coast of Trinidad last week, the Jamaica Star reported.

Officials with the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard last week reported finding a pirogue carrying the remains of five unidentified people whose bodies were decomposing.

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That vessel sank while being towed to Trinidad.

A similar tragedy occurred in May 2021 when a boat was found off the coast of Tobago that had drifted from West Africa while carrying migrants.

St. Kitts and Nevis are part of the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean Sea and located about 170 miles southeast of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
MONTVILLE, Conn. (WTNH)  A 19-year-old woman was arrested on Tuesday in Montville for driving under the influence of marijuana with alcohol in her car, according to state police.

Man charged with OUI after allegedly driving the wrong way on I-395 in Norwich

Police preformed a traffic stop on a Honda Accord driving on I-395 after the car passed their cruiser on the right. Upon contacting the driver, the trooper said that they could detect a strong odor of marijuana coming from within the vehicle, as well as a cloud of smoke coming out the window while it was rolled down.

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The driver, identified as Emily Campos-Sanchez, 19, of Norwich, failed a field sobriety test and admitted to consuming marijuana prior to driving. After searching the vehicle, police discovered marijuana and alcohol. She also did not have a valid license to operate a car.

She was charged with DUI, passing on the right, operating without a license, possession of marijuana by a minor and possession of alcohol by a minor. She was released on a $1,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 11.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
The Army helicopter and regional American Airlines jet that collided over Washington are both workhorse aircraft that operate around the world on a daily basis.

There were 60 passengers and four crew members on the jet, a Bombardier CRJ-700, officials said. Three service members were on a training flight on the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. None are believed to have survived the Wednesday night collision, which caused both aircraft to plunge into the frigid Potomac River.

What to know about the aircraft:

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Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk

There are about 5,000 Black Hawks in use around the world, according to the aviation site FlightGlobal.com. The twin-engine, four-blade helicopter is manufactured by Sikorsky, a subsidiary of defense contractor Lockheed Martin.

The aircraft involved in Wednesday's collision was an Army version. There are other variants made for the Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, and for specialized duty such as intelligence gathering.

The Black Hawk made its debut in 1979. The helicopters have been involved in numerous U.S. military operations, including the raid that killed al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden in May 2011, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and the invasions of Panama and Grenada.

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It is perhaps best known as the namesake aircraft in the 2001 war film Black Hawk Down, about a U.S. helicopter shot down in Mogadishu, Somalia, during the civil war there. Others have crashed over the years on training missions.

Bombardier CRJ-700

The passenger jet was manufactured by Quebec, Canada-based conglomerate Bombardier Inc. The CRJ program was sold in June 2020 to the Japanese company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which no longer makes them but continues to produce parts.

The twin-engine aircraft comes in several versions capable of seating between 68 and 78 passengers. It is a commonly used regional aircraft used for medium and shorter flights, with more than 900 produced since it was introduced in May 1999.

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Bombardier said in 2015 that the CRJ-700 series accounted for 20% of all departure flights in North America, with about 200,000 flights per month.

The plane in Wednesday's crash was registered as N530EA and manufactured in 2010, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The jet was operated by an American Airlines subsidiary, PSA Airlines.
DENVER (KDVR)  Pena Boulevards westbound lanes shut down Wednesday afternoon after Aurora police engaged in a pursuit when officers witnessed shots fired from two vehicles, according to a post on X from the Aurora Police Department.

One person was also taken to a hospital after a crash that ended the pursuit.

Officers near 11th Avenue and Jamaica Street witnessed shots fired by drivers of two vehicles. The officers began a pursuit with one of the vehicles that ended when that car crashed into another at the intersection of Pena and Green Valley Ranch boulevards in Denver.

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Two suspects were taken into custody.

This Cherry Creek home is most expensive sale in Denver in 2024

The suspect driver, who Aurora police said will face numerous felony charges for the incident also had active weapons-related felony warrants for his arrest. The passenger of that vehicle was also arrested due to an outstanding warrant. Police said both suspects are adults.

The driver of the vehicle who did not engage in a pursuit was taken to a local hospital to be evaluated.

Westbound Pena Boulevard is closed at Green Valley Ranch while investigators are in the area. A southbound off-ramp from Pena Boulevard was also closed.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  A Springville man and a 17-year-old from Buffalo were charged after a police chase involving a stolen car ended in a rollover crash, the Erie County Sheriffs Office announced Thursday.

A Springville woman reported her 2019 Kia Sorrento stolen from her driveway on Franklin Street around 4:20 p.m. Wednesday, officials said.

New York State Police located the vehicle traveling north on Route 219 and attempted to perform a traffic stop. The Kia instead continued into Hamburg and allegedly crashed into a police vehicle before rolling over near the intersection of Transit Road and Seneca Street.

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Officials said Jay Garlock, 22, and a 17-year-old from Buffalo fled on foot following the crash.

This criminal and reckless behavior across our region must end, said Erie County Sheriff John Garcia in a release. I ask our policymakers to recognize the issue of property crime that needs to be addressed.

Garlock was arrested and charged with the following:

third-degree criminal possession of stolen property

third-degree unauthorized use of a motor vehicle

third-degree attempted grand larceny

third-degree attempted unauthorized use of a motor vehicle

reckless endangerment

He is currently being held at the Erie County Holding Center pending arraignment.

The 17-year-old was arrested and charged with the following:

third-degree criminal possession of stolen property

third-degree attempted grand larceny

third-degree attempted unauthorized use of a motor vehicle

He was arraigned on the criminal possession of stolen property charge and issued an appearance ticket.

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.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
KENTUCKY (FOX 56)  Two students were arrested and accused of having a handgun in a Kentucky high school restroom.

The Shelby County Sheriffs Office said two students at Martha Layne Collins High School allegedly photographed themselves with a handgun in the school bathroom.

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The sheriffs office said the firearm was located.

The sheriffs office said there are no known threats to the school or student, but anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact 502-633-4324.

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The investigation is ongoing.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
DENVER, Colo. (KREX)  A Montrose and Telluride man were sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to distributing a controlled substance containing fentanyl that resulted in a death.

Paul Barris Jr., 40, of Telluride and Montrose man Michael Anthony Manners, 40, purchased fentanyl in the Montrose area in September 2021, according to the plea agreement. Baris gave the drug to a woman who later died of an overdose.

Barris was sentenced to 141 months in federal prison. Manners was given 160 months.

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Stopping illicit fentanyl distribution is a priority for the administration, the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorneys Office, acting United States Attorney for the District of Colorado J. Bishop Grewell said in a press release. Our office will relentlessly pursue drug dealers to get this scourge off our streets.

The Drug Enforcement Agency investigated the case.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com.
Two people are in custody in connection with the beating death of a man who was discovered bound in the basement of a Norwood Park neighborhood home earlier this week, according to Chicago police.

No charges were filed as of Thursday afternoon, and a police spokesperson said the investigation remained ongoing.

George Levin, 63, was found dead by his sister late Sunday in the basement of a home in the 7600 block of West Talcott Avenue, according to police and the Cook County medical examiners office. An autopsy performed earlier this week found Levin died of multiple injuries and his death was ruled a homicide.

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Around 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Levins 65-year-old sister heard a loud noise and went to check on him, according to an incident report previously obtained by the Tribune. She found the door open and encountered a person she didnt know, and asked, Is my brother OK?

According to the police report, the person replied, Yes, I am with your brother, I will have him call you. Levins sister thought he might have been entertaining company and didnt want to disturb him, according to the report.

But she later sent him multiple text messages before going back downstairs around 10:45 p.m. She found him with a sock stuffed in his mouth, partially undressed, with duct tape around his hands and face and a black power cord wrapped around his ankles. His keys, cellphone and wallet were all missing, the report stated.

The Tribunes Caroline Kubzansky contributed.
Two PSA Airline flights from Dayton International to Ronald Reagan National Airport are canceled Thursday morning.

This comes after a passenger jet collided with a Black Hawk helicopter while trying to land Wednesday night.

The airport posted the cancellations on its website, FlyDayton.com.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

We have the latest information on this breaking news today on News Center 7 at Noon and 5:00.

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Flight 5261 was scheduled to leave Dayton at 6 a.m. PSA Airlines said on its website it was estimated to land at Reagan Airport at 7:41 a.m.

Flight 5071 planned to leave Dayton at 9:42 a.m. and was scheduled to arrive at Reagan Airport. at 11:13 a.m.

Reagan National Airport said on social media they do not expect flights to resume until at least 11 a.m. Thursday.

News Center 7 will update this story.

We are not expecting flights to resume until at least 11 a.m. today (Thursday). We will update if this changes. Also, stay in touch with your airline for schedule updates.  Reagan Airport (@Reagan_Airport) January 30, 2025

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WILL COUNTY, Ill.  Two people are dead and four were injured following a crash involving a garbage truck in rural Will County Thursday.

Just before 11:20 a.m., police responded to the area of US 45, south of Offner Road, on the report of a three-vehicle crash.

Authorities transported four people who were injured to area hospitals for treatment and two people were pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash involved a garbage truck and two passenger vehicles.

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The roadway is currently closed as Illinois State Police investigate.

No other information is available at this time.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
Migrants wait outside San Antonios Migrant Resource Center to receive food donations from Catholic Charities. Jordan Vonderhaar, Stringer / Getty Images Holding her three-month-old daughter, a Honduran migrant gets help from Catholic Charities San Antonio at a hotel, Monday, April 25, 2022. The non-profit helps migrants with lodging, food, clothing and if needed traveling fares. They also provide legal help when needed. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News

The Trump administration is freezing hundreds of millions in migrant aid funding, nearly a quarter of which goes to nonprofits and cities in Texas.

Homeland Security Sec. Kristi Noem signed an order this week halting federal grants for municipalities and nonprofits that provide food, shelter, clothing and more for asylum-seekers. The order cited concerns that the grants are funding illegal activities, such as encouraging or inducing illegal immigrationor illegal harboring of illegal aliens. It calls for a 7-day review of the program.

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Her order comes as Republicans have been increasingly critical of the groups receiving the funding. Gov. Greg Abbott in 2022 asked Attorney General Ken Paxton to investigate non-governmental organizations on the border, and Paxton has spent the last several months trying to shut a handful of them down, including Catholic Charities, alleging that they are illegally encouraging border crossers and harboring those in the country without authorization.

"When somebody said NGO to me, I thought that [was] a nonprofit telling somebody about Jesus or spreading faith and salvation," Noem said in an interview on Fox News. "Then I realized over the years, it's been perverted into this shadow government."

The funding has been a lifeline to groups that helped shoulder the massive influx of migration over the last several years. Texas received $62.4 million in those grants last year, 23% of the national funding. The largest grants went to Catholic Charities in San Antonio and the Rio Grande Valley, as well as El Paso County and the city of San Antonio.

"Without this money, I don't know if any of us could do this," Antonio Fernandez, president and CEO of Catholic Charities, said in 2023. The organization helped care for more than 100,000 migrants at San Antonio's migrant resource center. "If we close that site, we'll have a lot of people who may be in the streets of San Antonio."

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The funding pause is quite significant because much of the federal funding has been delayed, with some organizations still waiting for reimbursements from years past, said Colleen Putzel-Kavanaugh, an analyst at the Migration Policy Institute.

The migrants receiving care from the organizations have all been vetted and released by federal immigration officials, Putzel-Kavanaugh said.

Federal immigration authorities have come to rely on these NGOs that do this work so they arent releasing people onto the streets, she said. These organizations played a very critical role in decreasing chaos in border communities.

U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, a San Antonio Democrat, called the freeze "sabotage."

During his first term in office, President Trump dismantled our countrys legal immigration system and then blamed immigrants for the resulting chaos," Castro said in a statement. "Today, his officials are following the same playbook. Over the last several years, San Antonio has been a model for the nation in stable, humane, and fair treatment of asylum-seekers that pass through our city. Halting SSP funding would be a direct attempt to sabotage that good work.

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In Texas, Paxton has targeted a handful of the groups, including Annunciation House, a Catholic shelter in El Paso that he has accused of operating as a stash house and taking part in human smuggling. The shelter received $381,000 from DHS last year.

A judge previously called his efforts outrageous and said they violated state religious freedom laws. The Texas Supreme Court is considering the case now.

America First, a legal group led by Stephen Miller, now a top White House official, joined Paxtons push, arguing in court filings that the shelter should not be permitted to undermine American law and sovereignty, exacerbate the border crisis, endanger American national security, and violate Texas laws with impunity.
President Donald Trump argues transgender troops are unfit for service, a federal lawsuit argues his order violates the constitutional right to equal protection under the law.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  An investigation by the Tennessee Comptrollers Office has resulted in the indictment of two women for receiving improper compensation.

Both women formerly worked for the Overton County School Systems afterschool program, according to the Comptrollers Office, and they received at least $22,620 for time they did not work.

The Comptrollers Office said the investigation began after the Overton County Director of Schools identified and reported the financial issues to the Comptroller.

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An investigation found the following:

Samantha Stephens, who served as program coordinator at AH Roberts Elementary School, improperly received at least $9,010 in compensation by reporting 336.5 hours of time not worked.

Deborah Roddy, who also served as a program coordinator at AH Roberts, improperly received at least $13,610 in compensation by reporting 450.5 hours of time not worked.

A family member of Roddy who worked as a program employee at Hilham Elementary School, and also served in the summer school program, improperly received at least $1,800 in compensation by reporting 90 hours of time not worked.

Additionally, investigators determined Stephens and Roddy conspired to individually report five days per week working in the afterschool program when they were actually working two or three days per week by alternating days with one another.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

The investigation also found the former afterschool director inaccurately reported attendance data. The number of students reported to be attending the program did not affect the programs revenue or the former directors compensation, according to the Comptrollers Office.

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Based on the investigation, the Overton County Grand Jury indicted both Stephens and Roddy on theft charges.

Those responsible for approving and signing timesheets should take extra steps to ensure they are accurate, Comptroller Jason Mumpower said. Adequate oversight is important to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.

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DENVER (KDVR)  Two Colorado men were sentenced Wednesday after they took a plea agreement for distributing fentanyl that killed a woman.

Paul Barris Jr., a 40-year-old man from Telluride, and Michael Anthony Manners, a 40-year-old man from Montrose, were both sentenced to time in federal prison, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Colroado announced.

The two pleaded guilty to the distribution of a controlled substance containing fentanyl resulting in death.

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According to the plea agreement, Manners helped Barris buy fentanyl in Montrose in September 2021. Barris distributed it to a woman who later died of an overdose.

Stopping illicit fentanyl distribution is a priority for the Administration, the Department of Justice, and the U.S. Attorneys Office. Our office will relentlessly pursue drug dealers to get this scourge off our streets, acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado J. Bishop Grewell said.

Barris Jr. was sentenced to 141 months in federal prison and Manners received a 160-month sentence in federal prison.

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MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG)  The Mobile Police Department is asking for the publics help in finding two men wanted in connection with a robbery and shooting that occurred earlier this month.

According to an MPD spokesperson, investigators identified Jakobe Morgan, 21, and Patrick Carlton, 21, as suspects in the robbery and shooting incident, which occurred on Jan. 19 around 2:30 a.m.

UPDATE: I-10 eastbound lanes of Bayway reopen after body found

Jakobe Morgan, left, and Patrick Carlton, right. (Mobile Police Department)

Mobile police said officers responded to a reported shooting on the 180 block of St. Francis Street that morning.

LOCATION:

Former Summerdale police chief, wife indicted on forgery charges

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When officers were responding to the scene, they learned a male victim had arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound. His injury was severe but not life-threatening, according to MPD.

Investigators learned the male victim had been shot and robbed by two men, whom police identified as Morgan and Carlton.

An MPD spokesperson said Morgan had been out on bond for a burglary and shooting incident that occurred on Dec. 16, 2024, on the 2700 block of Thompson Drive.

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PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP)  Pakistani security forces raided a militant hideout in a former stronghold of the Pakistani Taliban in the restive northwest, triggering an intense shootout in which two soldiers and six militants were killed, the military said Thursday.

The raid was carried out Wednesday in North Waziristan, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, it said in a statement. The military said a major was among the two soldiers who were killed and its forces were going after other militants in the area to wipe out the menace of terrorism.

Authorities often carry out such operations against the Pakistani Taliban, who are also known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP. The TTP, an ally of the Taliban in neighboring Afghanistan, has stepped up its assaults in the region and elsewhere since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in 2021.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Two people who were accused of kidnapping and robbing a 70-year-old woman in Delano have accepted plea deals, according to court records.

Claudia Castellanos Toqueca and Christian Rojas Chauta each pleaded no contest Tuesday to burglary. Eight other felony counts were dismissed.

Arvin Police Department sets goals for 2025, looks to build trust within community

They face a two-year prison term at their March 26 sentencing, according to the District Attorneys Office.

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On May 9, the victim told police Chauta and Castellanos barged into her home, forced her into a car and made her withdraw $25,000 at a nearby bank. They later abandoned her in an unknown location, reports say.

Chauta and Castellanos were arrested days later in Modesto.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News.
PITTSBURGH (WKBN)  Two men were sentenced Wednesday in federal court for their role in a pipeline that prosecutors said brought drugs from Puerto Rico to sell in New Castle and Youngstown.

Jean Sanchez Tulla, 38, was sentenced to nine years in prison by U.S. Judge Arthur J. Schwab in the U.S. Court for the Western District Court of Pennsylvania following guilty pleas to charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and interstate travel or transmission in aid of racketeering.

Sentenced to just over three years in prison by Judge Arthur was Glenn Samuels, 33, of New Castle, after a guilty plea to a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

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The two were among 17 people indicted in March for selling cocaine in Western Pennsylvania and Youngstown that came to the area from Puerto Rico.

Federal prosecutors said the drugs were either shipped through the mail or driven to the New Castle and Youngstown areas.

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CHURCH HILL, Tenn. (WJHL)  Two students at Volunteer High School (VHS) were charged after a non-operational and non-explosive device was found on the schools campus.

School resource officers at VHS were notified on Wednesday of a rumor of a possible explosive device on campus, a news release from the Hawkins County Sheriffs Office (HCSO) states. The campus was placed under a green lockdown as a precaution.

Docs: JC road rage suspect shot victim over merging lanes

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The HCSO reports law enforcement investigated and interviewed students before finding an article resembling an explosive device. The device was determined to be non-operational and non-explosive.

According to the, HCSO two students were charged in connection to Wednesdays incident.

The lockdown was lifted, and no injuries were reported. No student or staff member was in danger during the event, the HCSO said.

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At least five American volunteers have been killed on the front line in Ukraine over the past six months, reports CNN, and the corpses of two of them were brought back to Ukraine last Friday. More than 20 volunteers from the United States are still missing.

Source: CNN

Quote: "More than 20 Americans are missing in action on the front lines in Ukraine, with a spike in casualties over the past six months as foreigners fill urgent gaps in the countrys embattled defences, according to a CNN investigation."

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Details: CNN reports that the corpses of at least five American volunteers killed in action have not been retrieved from the battlefield in the past six months. Two of them were repatriated from Russian-occupied territory to territory controlled by Ukraine on Friday after lengthy negotiations.

The relatives of the missing Americans told CNN that they cannot bury their sons, cannot officially declare their loved ones killed, and that they are tormented by Russian internet trolls who harass them online. The intensity of the fighting along the entire front line in the east of Ukraine means that the corpses of soldiers on both sides often cannot be collected.

For example, two Americans were killed near Pokrovsk in the east of Ukraine in late September, claimed survivors and relatives. Neither of their bodies have been recovered.

A former US soldier from Missouri, Zachary Ford, 25, and another American with no military experience, whose family asked to call him only by the alias Gunther, were killed by a drone when it blew up a bridge near the village of Novohrodivka.

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The surviving American, who goes by the alias Redneck, described one mission with a "limited chance of success", during which the group of three American volunteers were trapped by Russian fire in a trench about 500 m from their bridge target.

Redneck reports that Ford told his commanders over the radio that they would abort the mission but was instructed to continue and that an evacuation was not possible for the next day.

Redneck reported that he fired his machine gun at the Russians in front of him and that the Ukrainians operating the grenade launcher and anti-tank Javelin weapon system were killed while holding back Russian armoured vehicles.

Redneck said that the likelihood that foreign volunteer soldiers would survive on the front line in Ukraine depended on their level of experience, as well as the tasks assigned by the brigades they joined. While some officers gave foreigners and Ukrainians equal tasks, he said, others "will sell you out and get you killed just as quick".

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The process of bringing the corpses back from the front line is difficult and emotional. Former US marine Corey Nawrocki, 41, from Pennsylvania, was killed in action in Russia's Bryansk Oblast in October.

His body was shown by Russian soldiers on Telegram, and after difficult negotiations, Russia brought back nearly 800 corpses of dead soldiers to Ukraine last Friday, including Nawrockis body.

Lauren Guillaume from the Weatherman Foundation, which is searching for foreigners missing in the war in Ukraine, said that the organisation is currently dealing with 88 KIA or MIA cases concerning nationals from 18 countries. Most of them are missing in action, she said.

The number of American volunteer soldiers killed in the war in Ukraine is unknown.

Background:

On 15 January, CNN reported, citing a statement by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, that the Russians may have killed Australian citizen Oscar Jenkins, who fought on the side of Ukraine and was captured. The Australian government promised to "take the strongest possible action" if this information is confirmed.

On 29 January, Anthony Albanese said that the government had received a message from Russia that Australian citizen Oscar Jenkins, who fought for Ukraine and whose death after being captured by Russia was reported earlier, might be alive.

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The case against Shawn Cranston, the man accused of killing a pregnant Amish woman in Sparta Township nearly a year ago, is now being handled by the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office.

Crawford County District Attorney Paula Digiacomo told JET 24/FOX 66 that she made that request in October due to a lack of staffing.

Digiacomo said that she was down to only two prosecutors in her office with herself being one of them.

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Digiacomo handled Cranstons preliminary hearings and discovery but has now handed the case over to two prosecutors appointed by the attorney generals office.

She added shes happy to help out however she can moving forward, and would have prosecuted the case herself if she had the resources to.

Cranston is accused of killing 23-year-old Rebecca Byler inside her home on Fish Flats Road back in February 2024.

Cranstons trial is still scheduled to go on in March of this year.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA)  New data from the Champaign County Sheriff shows that last year, deputies responded to more traffic crashes and arrested more people in 2024 than 2023. But there is good news: deputies responded to the fewest number of shooting calls in five years.

The Sheriffs Office released its Annual Report on Wednesday, detailing statistics and highlights from last year in its emergency response and law enforcement. Data included in the report included statistics on service calls, arrests and charges, notices to appear, crashes and jail records like inmate intake and inmate population. A table of each category is provided below, showing numbers from the last five years.

2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Service calls 12,706 14,455 14,469 14,591 13,938 Arrests

Total charges 483

908 379

790 558

1024 576

1162 590

1274 Notices to appear (non-traffic) 193 255 148 170 197 Motor vehicle accidents

(Property damage)

(Injuries)

(Fatalities) 471

335

132

4 449

325

119

5 505

359

140

6 407

273

132

2 448

317

125

6 Shooting incidents 29 28 16 13 8 Jail intake 3571 3544 4168 4503 4193 Average jail population

(Not sentenced)

(Sentenced) 171

145

26 213

174

39 320

273

47 302

256

46 235

192

43 Average number of days in custody

(Not sentenced)

(Sentenced)

17

35

23

30

29

25

25

23

20

25

2024 in review: City of Champaign Police report increased gun crimes

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The Sheriffs Office said the most common call for service was to meet a person filing a complaint of various reasons  7% of calls were for this reason. The most common reason for an arrest or notice to appear was because of an outstanding warrant at 17% each. Domestic battery, DUI, possession of a controlled substance and battery were also among the top reasons for an arrest or notice to appear.

In addition, traffic stops, tickets and warnings were all up compared to 2023. Deputies performed 3,400 traffic stops in 2024, about 400 more than last year, resulting in over 2,200 traffic tickets (up by 200) and 1,900 traffic warnings (up by 300). The most common reason for a traffic stop based on a violation of the Illinois Vehicle Code was a suspended or revoked registration. Speeding was the most common ticket and warning that deputies issued.

Deputies also seized 63 firearms in 2024.

The full report from the Champaign County Sheriffs Office can be found below:

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Champaign-County-Sheriff-2024-Annual-ReportDownload

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
A retired commercial pilot, who now lives in Colorado Springs, believes Ronald Reagan National Airport should be closed to commercial traffic because of the complexity and danger it presents to pilots.

The airport and the tricky airspace above it are under scrutiny following a deadly collision between an American Airlines flight and an Army Black Hawk helicopter. The crash was believed to have killed 64 people on board the plane, and the three soldiers on board the helicopter.

John Whelan, who flew for 25 years and has 25,000 flight hours, outlined how difficult it is to land and depart from Reagan because of the restricted airspace over the National Mall and the White House, the nearly overwhelming radio chatter and the crosswind that typically blows from the west.

"My opinion is that airport should be shut down to civilian traffic," said Whelan, who flew until 2022. The commercial air traffic could be moved to the Washington Dulles International Airport, a bigger and safer airport, with room for more traffic, he said.

Whelan described Reagan as one of the most intense airports in the country for pilots, particularly when they are headed south for a landing. As they come in for landing they typically face a stiff crosswind that tries to push them off the Potomac River and into restricted airspace, where commercial aircraft are not allowed.

"You have to crab into it. You have to fly crooked, basically, to stay over your ground position, otherwise the wind will push you off. But as you get lower, the wind goes away. So then you have to correct for that too, especially when you're hand flying," he said.

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At the same time, the constant chatter on the radio from other aircraft and the air traffic controllers is "almost unbearable" on descent, he said.

The most stressful time is the last 500 feet or about the last 10 minutes heading south, Whelan said, when the aircraft needs to turn at low altitude to land on the runway. He described the workload as 150% during that period.

Taking off heading north is also tricky because the restricted airspace requires pilots to make a low altitude left hand turn to stay out of restricted airspace. If pilots wait too long, they can end up drifting over it, which has happened.

Pilots face the threat of personal prosecution if they end up in restricted airspace, which adds to their stress, Whelan said.

Aside from unrestricting airspace, the only solution to make the area safer in Whelan's opinion is to move civilian traffic somewhere else.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Vancouver police are investigating after they found a dead man at Jaggy Road Park after a shooting late Wednesday afternoon.

The Vancouver Police Department also announced they arrested a suspect, 23-year-old Machou M. Machou. He is accused of second-degree murder and has been booked into the Clark County Jail.

Police said they responded just before 4:30 p.m. to reports of a shooting near the 4500 block of Northeast 72nd Avenue.

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Passenger jet collides with helicopter near DC

Officers located a 21-year-old deceased male at the park, the Vancouver Police Department said in a press release. Within minutes of police arrival, officers located and detained a male in the area who matched the suspect description.

While the incident is still under investigation, police said they dont believe there is any ongoing threat to the public.

Jaggy Road Park is surrounded by apartments. When KOIN 6 News visited the scene on Wednesday evening, we saw several onlookers who knew the victim and were quite upset.

One of those onlookers, Tina Hartsel, said she personally knew the victim since he was a teenager.

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Its super sad because Ive known the person since, like I said, he was 15, 16. And now hes an adult. So thats really hard, Hatsel told KOIN 6.

Desiree Croft, another witness, said she heard about ten shots that sounded like a car backfiring at first but then it kept going.

I saw someone from our apartments running to the other side of the park just to go check on the body, Croft said.

Non-profit worried about potential funding freeze

Acts of violence in this area have become all too common, Hartsel said.

Realizing it was actually a person and not a backfire  it was actually gunfire  is really saddening. And you cant even take your kids out and play because of gun violence, Hartsel said.

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She said its thanks to the quick work of her neighbors that the police were able to capture a suspect.

I think with the whole community knowing and seeing everything and came, tried to help as much as they can, has helped the situation to try to find the suspect, Hartsel said.

This is a developing story. KOIN 6 News will update this article if more information becomes available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
The parents of a 22-year-old Wisconsin man who died after an asthma attack have filed a lawsuit against Walgreens and UnitedHealth Groups pharmacy benefit manager after they said the price for his medication suddenly rose from $66 to $539.

Cole Schmidtknecht, 22, had lived with asthma since he was a baby, but he was able to manage his symptoms by taking Advair Diskus, a preventative inhaler, every day, according to a lawsuit filed in federal court last week. Since 2023, Schmidtknecht had health insurance through his employer that covered his medication, which cost him no more than $66.86 each month.

Cole Schmidtknecht Family Handout

However, when Schmidtknecht went to his local Walgreens pharmacy on Jan. 10, 2024, to fill his prescription, he was informed that his medication was no longer covered by his insurance, according to the lawsuit. Advair Diskus would now cost Schmidtknecht $539.19 out of pocket, and the pharmacy allegedly told him there were no cheaper alternatives or generic medications available to him. The lawsuit also says the pharmacist failed to contact Schmidtknechts physician or insurance company to seek an alternative.

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A spokesperson for Walgreens told HuffPost they could not comment due to the pending litigation.

According to the lawsuit, OptumRx, a company that acts as a middleman between pharmacies, insurance plans and drug companies, updated its 2024 formulary stating that a patient using Advair Diskus or a generic alternative prescription could only have it filled if they obtained prior authorization from a doctor.

The Schmidtknechts lawsuit alleged their son was not notified by his insurance or Walgreens ahead of time that his inhaler would no longer be covered, despite state laws that required notification, according to the lawsuit. He left Walgreens that day without filling his prescription, and in the days that followed, he repeatedly struggled to breathe and relied solely on an old emergency inhaler, per the suit.

Five days after he left Walgreens, Schmidtknecht had a severe asthma attack and began to asphyxiate, according to the lawsuit. His roommate drove him to an emergency room in Appleton, but he became unresponsive and his heart stopped minutes before they arrived.

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Emergency room staff noted in their records that Schmidtknecht appeared blue. Despite efforts to resuscitate him, he never regained consciousness. Schmidtknecht remained on a ventilator in the intensive care unit for six days until his parents ended life support. He was pronounced dead on Jan. 21, 2024.

The lawsuit claims that OptumRx would not have covered Advair Diskuss generic equivalents, and instead only covered two newer brand-name drugs whose manufacturer had paid OptumRx a substantial rebate for a favorable placement on the companysupdated formulary. Attorneys representing the family referred to this practice as non-medical switching, and say its a way for pharmacy benefit managers to require patients to change medications in order tocollect kickbacks from the drug manufacturer.

Rep. Jake Auchincloss, a Democrat from Massachusetts, honored Schmidtknecht at a congressional hearing in December, calling on lawmakers to pass his Pharmacists Fight Back Act, which he says aims to end the price-gouging practices of pharmacy benefit managers.

In January, Cole William Schmidtknecht went to the pharmacy to refill his asthma medication, which he had taken for years. At the pharmacy, Cole found out that the Pharmacy Benefit Manager had increased the price of Coles steroid prescription from around $35 dollars to over $500 pic.twitter.com/4nLQClu6dM  Rep. Jake Auchincloss  (@RepAuchincloss) December 6, 2024

In a statement to HuffPost, the familys attorney, Michael Trunk, called OptumRx and Walgreens conduct deplorable.

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The evidence in this case will show that both OptumRx and Walgreens put profits first, and are directly responsible for Coles death, Trunk said.

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A multi-law enforcement agency takedown led to the arrest of a suspect involved in a fraud scheme.

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The Collin County Sheriffs Office in Texas reached out to Lithonia police for help in finding Ke-Juan DShon Studdard, 24, from Lithonia.

Authorities said Studdard was wanted for involvement in a large fraud scheme targeting victims in Texas. Studdard is accused of stealing money through phony bank schemes involving several financial institutions including Cash App, Wells Fargo and Chase Bank.

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Officials spent hours searching throughout metro Atlanta for Studdard. He was later found in a Walmart parking lot in Snellville.

Johnson was arrested. He will be extradited to Texas to face charges of breach of computer security (identifying information from computer/PC, online impersonation and felony theft.

This arrest reflects our commitment to protecting the vulnerable. Thanks to teamwork with the Collin County Sheriffs Office and Snellville PD, we tracked and apprehended the suspect, ensuring he faces justice. We are actively working with the Collin County Sheriffs Office in Texas to identify any other parties involved in this scheme, Lithonia Chief Donald Dejarnette said.

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Fraud schemes are on the rise, police urge citizens to remain vigilant and never share personal information unless they have verified the identity of the caller or sender.

Officials said If you receive an unexpected call or message requesting sensitive details, hang up and contact the company or institution directly using an official numbernot the one provided in the suspicious message.
Two dozen Chinese migrants rounded up in a human trafficking bust in Coral Gables this week apparently were headed to Orlando, according to federal court documents filed Wednesday.

Acting on a tip, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Tuesday arrested four men on charges of conspiring to transport aliens in the United States, according to a criminal complaint filed by the agency in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

Amid a nationwide focus on the apprehension of undocumented immigrants under the administration of newly inaugurated President Donald Trump, the operation has drawn uncommon interest.

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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was quick to praise the arrests on social media and touted the involvement of Florida law enforcement as proof of the states success in combating illegal immigration. DeSantis made those remarks as the Florida Legislature is attempting to limit his powers to be directly involved in such efforts.

State law enforcement working with local police to crack down on illegal aliens from China, DeSantis said in a post on X. Legislative leaders want to strip this authority, vest in the Agricultural commissioner and create a new bureaucracy that will weaken our interior enforcement efforts. Weak.

The four men  Eustacio Francisco Eusebio, Joel Benjamin Eusebio, Guillermo Elias Victor Lopez and Enrique Loret De Mola  were discovered when someone contacted the Coral Gables Police Department and reported suspicious activity involving an alleged undocumented migrant being loaded into a white Ford van on Snapper Creek Bridge. The agency contacted Homeland Security about the matter Tuesday morning, the court documents show.

The CGPD responded to the scene and conducted traffic stops on two white vans after seeing two suspected undocumented migrants walking. The agency found 26 undocumented migrants from China inside the vans. The migrants were taken to the U.S. Border Patrol Station in Dania Beach, where agents determined they were all undocumented, according to the criminal complaint.

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One of the vans was being driven by Eustacio Eusebio, an American citizen and the other by Joel Eusebio, a citizen of the Dominican Republic. Both vans were registered to Eustacio under an alias, the complaint said.

Eustacio Eusebio later told law enforcement that he received a phone call to pick up some tourists and drop them off in Orlando. He said he agreed to pick up the migrants for $200 each. Joel Eusebio told law enforcement Eustacio had contacted him to come to Miami to assist him in a job to move people and that he knew the location from a pin location Eustacio sent to his cellular device, the court records indicate.

Around 8:10 a.m. Tuesday morning, deputies with the Miami-Dade Sheriffs Office conducting routine patrol in Biscayne Bay were alerted to the potential human smuggling in the area. Around 8:30 a.m. the deputies located and boarded a 29-foot Wellcraft boat and made contact with Victor Lopez, who identified himself as its owner, according to court records.

Upon conducting an inspection of the boat, deputies found a photocopy of Victor Lopez Cuban passport and an immigration document, U.S. currency inside a fanny pack and large amounts of bottled water  the last of which the complaint noted as typically associated with human smuggling.

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The deputies were ultimately assisted by agents from Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, court records show.

Agents found mangrove leaves inside the boat, mangrove branch scratches on its right side, green plant matter transfer on its Bimini top and fresh gelcoat damage to the starboard bottom, which led authorities to suspect it had been involved in smuggling humans. Deputies also located what appeared to be an Asian candy wrapper which matched candy in the migrants possession, according to the complaint.

Victor Lopez waived his Miranda rights and admitted to deputies the migrants boarded the boat in the water nearby and he was directed to drop them off at the bushes, the complaint says.

Law enforcement identified a red Ford pickup truck that had hauled the boat on Monday and arrested Loret De Mola when he attempted to enter the truck. Loret De Mola later told law enforcement a man named Lazaro sent him to pick up the boat.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO)  The Illinois Community College Board will send a total of $3.6 million to 32 colleges, including Rock Valley College in Rockford, to support students facing depression and anxiety.

According to the ICCB, the funds will be used to introduce new services, augment existing practices, and target service gaps to help meet the mental health needs of thousands of students.

We know many college students nationwide face mental health challenges. A recent U.S. News survey revealed nearly 70% of college students report struggling with their mental health. This investment will help community colleges better meet the needs of students outside the classroom, contributing to their success in the classroom, said ICCB executive director Brian Durham.

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According to a 2023 Healthy Minds study, which surveyed 800 campuses across the country, 41% of college students had clinically significant symptoms of depression and 1 in 3 students had anxiety.

All colleges receiving funds will use them in at least one of four ways:

Develop and expand peer support programs.

Expand the number of students served through local partnerships

Develop and expand mental health services targeting service gaps, emphasizing underserved students.

Develop Medicaid and other reimbursement procedures for mental health services.

Rock Valley College will receive $120,000 for its program.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.
Two firefighters and a resident sustained minor injuries in a pair of overnight fires in Davenport, according to a news release from the Davenport Fire Department.

Davenport firefighters responded to a report of a structure fire in the 1700 block of W. Sixth Street on January 29 at about 10:20 p.m. The response included five suppression apparatus, two command vehicles and a total of 17 personnel. Scott County Communications was notified by a passing Davenport Police Department officer that there was a roof on fire and they would try to notify residents. When firefighters arrived, they found a two-story, single-family home with fire blowing out of the roof very close to the exterior chimney.

(Gabe Zwierzynski)

(Gabe Zwierzynski)

(Gabe Zwierzynski)

(Gabe Zwierzynski)

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Crews stretched a hose line and an effective water stream knocked the bulk of the fire down quickly. Several other crews entered the attic space to perform aggressive forcible entry into void spaces to prevent further fire extension. Their efforts led to the building staying safe enough for the residents to remain in the home. Mid-American Energy and Scott County Medic assisted at the scene. No civilians were injured, but a firefighter sustained minor injuries and was evaluated and released from Genesis Easts ER. The cause of this fire is still under investigation.

(davenportiowa.com)

The Davenport Fire Departments second call was a structure fire in the 5000 block of Harrison Street on January 30 at about 3:10 a.m. They responded with five apparatus, one command vehicle and 16 crew members.

Scott County Emergency Communication Center received a 911 call from a resident, saying their kitchen was on fire and spreading to the rest of house. The caller said everyone safely self-evacuated and were outside. All occupants were confirmed to be out of the building and no pets were inside.

(Gabe Zwierzynski)

(Gabe Zwierzynski)

(Gabe Zwierzynski)

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The first fire company on the scene discovered heavy smoke and fire conditions coming from the back of the house. Crews advanced hose lines to the interior and then to the rear of structure, where a coordinated interior and exterior attack led to firefighters getting the fire under control quickly. They remained on scene for several hours to ensure the fire hadnt spread to the attic or surrounding areas. The home sustained substantial damage from fire, smoke and water, leaving the home unlivable at this time.

Medic EMS of Scott County took one resident to Genesis East for smoke inhalation. One firefighter sustained a minor injury that did not require a hospital visit. No other injuries to civilians or firefighting personnel were reported. Mid-American Energy helped secure utilities The cause of this fire is still under investigation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Three Nashville men, all of whom have previous convictions for certain violent crimes or drug felonies, face federal firearm charges in addition to their state convictions; two of them were also charged with federal drug offenses, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).

According to Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee Robert E. McGuire, Carlos J. Rodriguez, 27, was charged on Jan. 24 with being a felon in possession of a weapon; George Charles Carter III, 48, was charged on Jan. 24 with being a felon in possession of a weapon and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances; and Keontis Jenkins, 28, was charged on Jan. 27 with being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

| READ MORE | Latest headlines from Nashville and Davidson County

We are ramping up our efforts to protect our community from those who would illegally possess guns and those who would sell drugs, said McGuire. These three arrests in the span of just a few days should put violent criminals on notice that if you break the law, we will hold you accountable in federal courtespecially if you possess dangerous drugs like fentanyl and dangerous items like Glock switches. If we find evidence to support a federal charge, we are not going to wait. We are going to act.

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According to court documents, Rodriguez was arrested on Sept. 25, 2024, during a law enforcement operation. He was seen in a hand-to-hand narcotics transaction in the parking lot of a Charlotte Pike bar, according to law enforcement, prompting agents to stop him. Once stopped, Rodriguez said he was on probation out of Rutherford County for selling narcotics.

A search of his vehicle yielded over $500, 9mm cartridge cases, three cellphones, and handwritten ledgers and notes appearing to document narcotics sales. He was subsequently released. Later, on Jan. 17, ATF agents were notified Rodriguez was arrested for driving with an expired license. They questioned him about his September arrest, and he reportedly admitted to having the ammunition even though he was legally prohibited to do so.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

Court documents show Carter was identified as the person responsible for a Jan. 19 shooting in the Napier area of Nashville. On that day, officers with Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) began investigating an armed robbery attempt that resulted in a shooting at around 3:20 a.m.

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The shooting was captured on Metropolitan House and Development Agency (MDHA) cameras near the J.C. Napier Housing Development. On the video, officers observed a person, later determined to be Carter, making movements consistent with pointing a weapon. Officers also recovered multiple shell casings from the area where Carter could be seen standing on the video.

The next day, MNPD detectives observed a silver Dodge Avenger matching the vehicle description of the car involved in the shooting. The driver appeared to be conducting hand-to-hand narcotics transactions out the drivers window. When officers attempted to stop the car, the driver, identified as Carter, fled, almost striking another vehicle. Carter drove at high rates of speed, drove into oncoming traffic, ran red lights, and almost caused multiple accidents, according to the DOJ. After he was arrested, Carter admitted throwing a bag of narcotics out of the vehicle next to Margaret Allen Middle School on Spence Lane. Detectives later retrieved a bag which contained approximately 18.5 grams of cocaine, 5.2 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale, and multiple baggies.

Carter eventually came to a stop in the area of Thompson Lane in Nashville and was taken into custody. Carter admitted he fled from officers, had thrown a bag out the window which contained the drugs that were later recovered by detectives, and had a bag of crack cocaine inside his pants. Detectives recovered this bag during the interview. The bag weighed approximately 40.6 grams. A check through law enforcement databases revealed that Carter has multiple felony convictions in Tennessee, including aggravated assault and simple possession with priors in Davidson County.

As for Jenkins, the DOJ said he was arrested by MNPD on Jan. 14 on outstanding warrants for attempted homicide.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

During a search, officers found an oxycodone pill on his person and a Glock pistol in the rear passenger floorboard of the vehicle he was driving. The Glock had an affixed machine gun conversion device (MCD), per the DOJ. Later that day, MNPD detectives executed a search warrant on Jenkins residence, which resulted in the discovery of two additional firearms, a Glock model 17 9mm pistol and a Glock model 19 9mm pistol, along with three bags of M30 pills (approximately 200 pressed suspected fentanyl pills), Xanax bars, hydrocodone, marijuana, baggies, scales, U.S. currency, and a money counter.

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MNPD detectives interviewed Jenkins, who admitted selling marijuana, fentanyl, and Xanax. Jenkins also admitted he carries a firearm to protect himself during narcotics sales and had shot one of his customers in a drug deal gone wrong. Jenkins has multiple prior felony convictions in Tennessee, including reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon and contraband in a penal facility in Madison County. Jenkins allegedly admitted he knew he was a felon and was prohibited from possessing firearms.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Russians have launched 81 UAV attacks on Ukraine since the evening of 29 January. A total of 37 drones were destroyed, and 39 disappeared from radar. A drone strike on a building in Sumy has resulted in casualties.

Source: Ukraines Air Force on Telegram

Quote: "A total of 37 Shahed-type attack drones and other UAVs have been confirmed destroyed across Poltava, Sumy, Kyiv, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskyi, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson and Odesa oblasts as of 09:00. In addition, 39 enemy decoy drones disappeared from radar [without adverse effects]."

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Details: The Air Force reported that the Russian attack affected Chernihiv, Sumy, Odesa and Poltava oblasts.

Quote: "Industrial facilities, houses and multi-storey buildings, as well as vehicles were damaged. An enemy strike drone hit an apartment building in Sumy. Unfortunately, there are casualties," the statement said.

The Air Force also noted that the occupiers launched drones from Russian cities, including Kursk, Orel, Millerovo and Primorsko-Akhtarsk.

The airstrike was intercepted by aircraft, anti-aircraft missile forces, electronic warfare units, and mobile fire groups from the Air Force and Ukraines defence forces.

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SIOUX FALLS SD (KELO)  A Sioux Falls man has pleaded guilty to embezzling money from the Lincoln County Fraternal Order of Police Unions funds.

Frustration with unreliable heat at Woodlake Apartments

Matthew Wilson, 39, entered the guilty plea Tuesday in Lincoln County Circuit Court. He faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine when he is sentenced at 9 a.m. March 25, a news release from the South Dakota Attorney Generals office says.

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The theft occurred between July 2024 and September 2024. Value of the property involved is between $2,500 and $5,000.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
rfk jr at his confirmation hearing

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is in the hot seat as he vies for the role of President Trumps next Secretary of Health and Human Services. His first confirmation hearing before the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday was anything but smooth, sparking heated debate and intense scrutiny.

Democrats challenged the former White House hopeful over his past inflammatory and inaccurate claims, including his assertion that Covid vaccines were approved without any scientific basis. In response, he attempted to reassure lawmakers, stating that he is now supportive of vaccines.

His nomination has faced significant opposition, including from his own family. His cousin, Caroline Kennedy, penned a blistering letter to the Senate urging them to reject his nomination, calling him a predator who is addicted to attention and power.

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Kennedy also still faces some hurdles: The Senate Finance Committee is set to vote on whether to advance his nomination to a full Senate vote, where the outcome remains uncertain given the chambers narrow margin. If no Democrats cross the aisle to vote for Kennedy, he can afford to lose only three Republican votes.

He will also appear Thursday before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. In the meantime, here are key takeaways from his latest testimony.

Kennedy defends his vaccine stance

In his opening remarks before the panel, Kennedy pushed back against criticisms of his vaccine views. I support the measles vaccine, I support the polio vaccine, and as HHS Secretary, I will do nothing that makes it difficult or discourages people from getting them, he stated.

He further emphasized his support for the current childhood vaccination schedule and rejected being labeled a conspiracy theorist. Thats a pejorative used to discredit me and prevent me from asking difficult questions about powerful interests, he told senators.

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However, when Democratic Senator Ron Wyden asked if measles is deadly, Kennedy didnt give a direct answer, instead reiterating that he was not anti-vaccine.

Senators also called attention to Kennedys past misinformation regarding the safety of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which had been linked to a deadly measles outbreak in Samoa in 2019 that claimed the lives of dozens of children. The outbreak came just months after Kennedy visited the island nation.

In response, Kennedy remarked, You cannot find a single Samoan who says, I didnt get vaccinated because of Bobby Kennedy.

He struggled to explain his other unfounded theories

Democrats pressed Kennedy to address several of his false claims, many of which he walked back. For example, he denied suggesting that man-made chemicals in the environment could be influencing childrens sexual orientation or gender identity. However, in a 2023 podcast, he said, I think a lot of the problems we see in kids, particularly boys, are probably underappreciated in terms of how much of it is caused by chemical exposures, including a lot of the sexual dysphoria were seeing.

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Kennedy also denied comparing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to Nazi death camps.

I was not comparing the CDC to Nazi death camps; I was comparing the injury rate to our children to other atrocities, he clarified. I wouldnt, of course, compare the CDC to Nazi death camps. If any of my statements have been interpreted that way, I disagree with that.

However, Kennedy did acknowledge one of his more controversial theories. When asked if he had suggested that Lyme disease was highly likely to have been a bioweapon from the military, Kennedy admitted, I probably did say that.'

His views on abortion have shifted (a lot)

Kennedy pledged to support President Trumps anti-abortion policies, despite previously identifying as pro-choice. Less than a year ago, while running for president as an independent, he stated there should be no restrictions on abortion  though he later walked back that position.

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During the hearing, Kennedy repeatedly told senators that he believed every abortion is a tragedy and noted that his family is split on life and choice. However, since Trump nominated him, Kennedy has assured Republican senators that he intends to carry out the presidents agenda rather than his own. I serve at the pleasure of the president. Im going to implement his policies, he said.

Democrats pounced on his reversal on abortion, accusing him of hypocrisy.

When did you decide to sell out the values youve held your whole life in order to gain power from President Trump? asked Democratic Senator Maggie Hassan. During her lining of questioning, staffers held up posters with Kennedys previous pro-choice comments, including one from a 2023 interview on the Charlie Kirk Show, where he said, We need to trust women to make that choice because I dont trust government to make any choicesparticularly when it comes to bodily autonomy.

In response, Kennedy repeated, Senator, I agree with President Trump, every abortion is a tragedy.

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But perhaps Kennedys most significant comments came on mifepristone, also known as the abortion pill. He signaled that Trump had tasked him with reviewing the pills safety and possibly limiting it. President Trump has asked me to study the safety of mifepristone, Kennedy said. He has not yet taken a stand on how to regulate it.

Kennedy struggled to answer basic questions on healthcare coverage

Kennedy stumbled over some healthcare coverage basics, underscoring concerns that he and other Trump appointees lack relevant experience.

At one point, Kennedy described Medicaid as fully paid for by the federal government, even though states also fund the program. He also claimed that many Medicaid enrollees were frustrated by high costs, claiming that premiums and deductibles are too high. However, most patients with this coverage generally dont pay premiums or deductibles.

Other times, he appeared to confuse Medicaid with Medicare, a federal program that provides coverage to older and disabled Americans.

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Some senators were not impressed with his answers. I find your presentation to be both untrustworthy and unprepared, because my colleagues have been seeing back and forth between Medicare and Medicaid, Wyden said. And its not clear which program youre using when.

The post 4 Takeaways From RFK Jr.s First Confirmation Hearing appeared first on Katie Couric Media.
Colorado Springs police are searching for two men suspected of tying up a 71-year-old man and robbing his residence of several items Wednesday.

Police responded to a call at about 6:30 a.m. of a burglary in the 2100 block of Broadway Avenue, on the city's west side near South 21st Street and Cimarron Street, according to an online blotter entry.

When officers arrived, they found a man's feet tied with zip ties. He told police he was threatened by one of the suspects with a small black semi-automatic handgun, according to a blotter entry. One of the men went upstairs to a bedroom and took several items.

The victim described the two intruders ranging from 5-foot-6 to 5-foot-9 and wearing all black clothing, black masks, ski goggles with clear lenses and surgical gloves.

No arrests were announced by police.
In two public sit-downs with the Senate that will decide his possible future as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced nearly eight total hours of questions about his decades-long public record.

Kennedy, a former Democrat from a legacy political family who threw his weight behind President Donald Trump in 2024 with the "Make America Healthy Again" movement, is a longtime environmental lawyer. But he's perhaps most known for his work in questioning the safety and effectiveness of vaccines -- a topic that he at times sought to placate senators on, but about which both Democrats and Republicans remained skeptical.

Kennedy can only afford to lose three Republicans and still be confirmed, assuming no Democrat swings behind him to make up for the lost support.

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If confirmed, Kennedy would be in charge of overseeing a vast federal agency that manages the health care of some 170 million Americans, regulates access to drugs and vaccines, and tracks urgent outbreaks of diseases and foodborne illnesses.

Kennedy sat for a hearing on Wednesday before the Senate Finance Committee and on Thursday before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.

Here are five key takeaways:

PHOTO: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump's choice to be Secretary of Health and Human Services, appears before the Senate Finance Committee for his confirmation hearing, at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 29, 2025. (Allison Dinner/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

1. RFJ Jr. gives vocal support to vaccines, despite a career spent casting doubt

Kennedy said several times during his hearing on Wednesday that he supports vaccines, often in blunter terms and with more vigor than his previous public comments. But that rhetoric contradicted years of false statements he has made spreading misinformation about vaccines.

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"News reports have claimed that I'm anti-vaccine or any industry. I am neither. I am pro-safety," Kennedy said in his opening statement.

He pledged, after a grilling Wednesday from Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, to "do nothing as HHS secretary that makes it difficult or discourages people from taking" the measles and polio vaccines.

"I support the measles vaccine. I support the polio vaccine," Kennedy said.

MORE: Fact-checking RFK Jr.'s claims on vaccines, pesticides at confirmation hearing

Drilling down on Kennedy's shift on vaccines on Wednesday, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont asked Kennedy about onesies sold on the website of an organization of which Kennedy is a founder, the nonprofit Children's Health Defense, which pursues anti-vaccine causes. The onesies were stamped with phrases such as "Unvaxxed, Unafraid" and "No Vax, No Problem."

PHOTO: Sen. Bernie Sanders questions Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during a Senate Finance Committee hearing on Kennedy's nomination to be Health and Human Services Secretary, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Jan. 29, 2025. (Nathan Howard/Reuters)

"Can you tell us now that you will, now that you are pro-vaccine, that you're going to have your organization take these products off the market?" Sanders asked.

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Kennedy said only that he had resigned from the board and holds "no power over that organization."

While Kennedy has, in the past, denied he is "anti-vaccine" and has said his children have been vaccinated, he has promoted views on vaccines that decades of evidence has refuted. Kennedy has openly questioned the widespread administration of both measles and polio vaccines, saying during a podcast interview last year that he would not take the measles vaccine himself and downplaying the deadliness of the disease by attributing measles-related deaths in Africa to "malnutrition," not the disease itself.

However, both measles and polio can be deadly. Before the measles vaccine was introduced in the United States, roughly 400 to 500 people died each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Before the polio vaccine was developed, the virus killed or paralyzed nearly half a million people worldwide each year in the mid-20th century, according to the World Health Organization.

Kennedy also expressed support during the hearing for the childhood vaccine schedule, which suggests what vaccines children should get and when.

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"I'll support vaccines. I support the childhood schedule," Kennedy said Wednesday.

But he has frequently criticized the schedule. In a 2021 podcast interview, Kennedy said, I see somebody on a hiking trail carrying a little baby and I say to him, Better not get him vaccinated.

Kennedy has falsely linked the vaccine schedule, and the number of vaccines children receive, to a rise in chronic disease, saying during a campaign event last year, "What I'm focused on is the bigger issue of chronic disease, and that is linked to the vaccine schedule in some cases, the explosion of chronic disease."

Childhood vaccines have steadily increased in recent decades as new shots have been approved following robust clinical trials on their safety and efficacy, increasing the number of diseases that are now preventable via vaccine, the CDC says.

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According to the CDC, even if babies receive several vaccinations in one day, their immune systems are under significantly more pressure from the new bacteria and viruses they encounter daily in their environment at that age.

2. RFK Jr.'s refusal to acknowledge that vaccines don't cause autism puts GOP vote in jeopardy

Though Kennedy on Wednesday and Thursday broadly said that he would support vaccines as HHS secretary, senators who drilled down on Kennedy's past comments were dismayed by a refusal to acknowledge settled science, holding fast to dangerous claims.

Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a necessary Republican vote for Kennedy to secure the nomination, described Kennedy as financially vested in finding fault with vaccines and said he was still struggling with his vote.

Cassidy is a longtime doctor who helped to create a free vaccination program for children in his state after watching a young patient suffer liver failure. He is also the chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and said he has constituents who credit Kennedy with their decision not to get vaccinated.

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Your past of undermining confidence in vaccines with unfounded or misleading arguments concerns me, Cassidy said in his opening remarks. Can I trust that that is now in the past? Can data and information change your opinion? Or will you only look for data supporting a predetermined conclusion? This is imperative.

At issue was Kennedys repeated refusal throughout the hearing to say that vaccines were not linked to autism, while still insisting he supports vaccination.

At one point, Cassidy noted that studies involving 1.25 million kids found no confirmed link between autism and the measles vaccine.

Kennedy responded he was open to looking at that, but added, There are other studies, as well, and Id love to show those to you.

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That is why Ive been struggling with your nomination," Cassidy said. "I've approached [the issue] using the preponderance of evidence to reassure. And you have approached using selected evidence to cast doubt.

Cassidy also described in stark terms the extraordinary pressure he is under, saying he supports President Donald Trump and his policies but worries that embracing vaccine hesitancy could cost us, he said, alluding to the Republican party.

Sanders, the ranking chair of the committee, picked up on Cassidys line of questioning about the debunked link between autism and vaccines, commenting on the rare show of bipartisan force. He prompted: I asked you a simple question, Bobby. Studies all over the world say it does not. What do you think, Senator?

If you show me those studies, I will, absolutely, as I promised Chairman Cassidy, I will apologize, Kennedy said.

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For Sanders  much more clear on his no vote than Cassidy  that was disqualifying.

That is a very troubling response, because the studies are there. Your job was to have looked at those studies as an applicant for this job, he said.

3. After shifting abortion position, RFK Jr. promises to "implement [Trump's] policies"

When asked Wednesday about his views on abortion, which swung drastically throughout his campaign, Kennedy hemmed tightly to President Trump's position on the issue, saying he thinks "the states should control abortion."

Kennedy's own public stance on abortion has varied wildly throughout his presidential campaign, and he at times advocated for reproductive rights that would be in direct conflict with Trump's campaign promises.

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"I agree with President Trump that every abortion is a tragedy. I agree with him that we cannot be a moral nation if we have 1.2 million abortions a year. I agree with him that the states should control abortion," Kennedy said on Wednesday.

Kennedy said he would support Trump in working to "end late-term abortions," a non-medical phrase used by the anti-abortion movement to describe abortions late in pregnancy, which the Guttmacher Institute says account for less than 1% of abortions and are frequently the result of complex medical issues.

Kennedy also vouched to protect "conscience exemptions," which would expand protections for health care providers who don't want to perform abortion procedures, allowing more providers to deny care.

MORE: Fact-checking RFK Jr.'s claims on vaccines, pesticides at confirmation hearing

"Forcing somebody to participate in a medical procedure as a provider that they believe is murder does not make any sense to me," Kennedy said.

Kennedy also committed to looking into mifepristone, the abortion pill that is used in nearly two-thirds of abortions nationwide. He said he would direct the Food and Drug Administration to look into the safety of the pill and consider rolling back telemedicine access to the pill -- both actions that could have wide-ranging impacts on access to the drug, which the FDA has determined safe to use as indicated and directed.

"President Trump has asked me to study the safety of mifepristone. He has not yet taken a stand on how to regulate it. Whatever he does, I will implement those policies," Kennedy said.

"I'm going to -- I serve at the pleasure of the president. I'm going to implement his policies," Kennedy said.

But as recently as March 2024, Kennedy told Reuters he thought it should be a woman's right to make a decision about abortion "throughout the pregnancy." He has also said he supports the same access and limitations that were provided by Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion in all U.S. states.

Since Trump nominated him to lead HHS, Kennedy has faced stiff blowback from conservatives, notably former Vice President Mike Pence, who claim he is not sufficiently anti-abortion.

PHOTO: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump's choice to be Secretary of Health and Human Services, appears before the Senate Finance Committee for his confirmation hearing, at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 29, 2025. (Nathan Howard/Reuters)

Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire pushed Kennedy on his repeated shifts on the issue of reproductive rights.

"You have clearly stated in the past that bodily autonomy is one of your core values. The question is, do you stand for that value or not? When was it that you decided to sell out the values you've had your whole life in order to be given power by President Trump?" she said.

"Senator, I agree with President Trump that every abortion is a tragedy," Kennedy said.

4. RFK Jr.'s past comments come back to haunt him

Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado read aloud alleged past comments made by Kennedy, including unfounded claims about transgender children.

"Did you say that exposure to pesticides causes children to become transgender?" Bennet asked.

"No, I never said that," Kennedy replied.

MORE: As RFK Jr. prepares for Senate confirmation hearing, here's where he stands on vaccines, food dyes

However, Kennedy has repeated an unfounded conspiracy theory suggesting endocrine disruptors, including phthalates -- which make chemicals more durable -- and pesticides, can influence sexual orientation or gender identity.

"I want to just pursue just one question on these, you know, the other endocrine disruptors because our children now, you know, we're seeing these impacts that people suspect are very different than in ages past about sexual identification among children and sexual confusion, gender confusion," Kennedy said during an episode of his podcast in June 2022. "These kinds of issues that are very, very controversial today."

5. RFK Jr. shows a seemingly unclear understanding of Medicaid under HHS

Kennedy seemed to stumble when discussing aspects of the agency he would be tasked with running if he were to be confirmed as HHS secretary.

He claimed Medicaid, a federal health insurance program for disabled and low-income Americans, is not working."

PHOTO: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump's nominee to be Secretary of Health and Human Services, testifies before a Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Jan. 29, 2025. (Nathan Howard/Reuters)

"Most people who are on Medicaid are not happy. The premiums are too high. The deductibles are too high," Kennedy said during his hearing.

However, except in very narrow circumstances, there are no premiums or deductibles under Medicaid.

Kennedy also claimed that "almost nothing is studied" at the National Institutes of Health about the etiology, or the cause, of "our chronic disease epidemic."

There are several institutes and centers at the NIH dedicated to researching chronic diseases, as well as training health care professionals and disseminating information.

5 takeaways after RFK Jr. is grilled by senators during confirmation hearings originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  An undercover investigation into illegal wildlife trafficking in Northern California led to five people from the Bay Area being charged, the California Department of Wildlife announced Wednesday. Dozens of live venomous snakes were seized during the operation.

CDFW wildlife officers uncovered a network of wildlife trafficking that was involved in the illegal sales of venomous snakes, officials said. Recently, a significant sting operation led to the seizure of 75 animals.

Dozens of live venomous snakes were recently seized during an illegal wildlife trafficking sting operation in Northern California, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Jan. 29, 2025. (Photo: CDFW) Dozens of live venomous snakes were recently seized during an illegal wildlife trafficking sting operation in Northern California, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Jan. 29, 2025. (Photo: CDFW) Dozens of live venomous snakes were recently seized during an illegal wildlife trafficking sting operation in Northern California, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Jan. 29, 2025. (Photo: CDFW) Dozens of live venomous snakes were recently seized during an illegal wildlife trafficking sting operation in Northern California, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Jan. 29, 2025. (Photo: CDFW) Dozens of live venomous snakes were recently seized during an illegal wildlife trafficking sting operation in Northern California, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Jan. 29, 2025. (Photo: CDFW)

Of the animals seized, 66 were live venomous snakes, including Gaboon viper, Egyptian cobra and several species of rattlesnakes, CDFW said.

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California wildlife officials worked with the Wildlife Confiscation Network to transfer many of the seized animals to the Fresno, Denver and Toledo zoos, as well as other reputable facilities. They will now serve as ambassadors in raising awareness about the impacts of wildlife trafficking, CDFW said.

Dozens of live venomous snakes were recently seized during an illegal wildlife trafficking sting operation in Northern California, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Jan. 29, 2025. (Photo: CDFW) Dozens of live venomous snakes were recently seized during an illegal wildlife trafficking sting operation in Northern California, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Jan. 29, 2025. (Photo: CDFW) Dozens of live venomous snakes were recently seized during an illegal wildlife trafficking sting operation in Northern California, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Jan. 29, 2025. (Photo: CDFW) Dozens of live venomous snakes were recently seized during an illegal wildlife trafficking sting operation in Northern California, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Jan. 29, 2025. (Photo: CDFW) Dozens of live venomous snakes were recently seized during an illegal wildlife trafficking sting operation in Northern California, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Jan. 29, 2025. (Photo: CDFW)

The five individuals who face charges for a range of violations in connection to the wildlife trafficking investigation are all from the Bay Area, officials confirmed to KRON4.

Snakes play a crucial role as both predator and prey, CDFW said, but noted that non-native venomous reptiles threaten Californias ecosystems and public safety. Its essential to stay vigilant.

3 orphaned mountain lion cubs rescued in Bay Area

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Illegal wildlife activity can be reported anonymously to CDFW through the CalTIP hotline at 888-334-2258 or via the Tip411 app.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
The Trump administration is offering what amounts to buyouts for federal workers who dont want to return to the office as part of the presidents breakneck efforts to reshape the government in his second term.

Roughly 2 million government employees started receiving emails this week about deferred resignation, raising questions about legal challenges and how the buyouts could shake up Washington.

Heres what to know.

Whos eligible?

Most federal workers appear to be eligible for the buyouts.

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Emails started to go out Tuesday evening to offer the apparent buyouts to all full-time federal employees, with the exceptions of military personnel, U.S. Postal Service workers and positions related to immigration enforcement and national security.

But individual agencies can also exclude specific positions from the offer, leaving unclear how broadly available the offer is.

As it makes sweeping changes to the workforce, the administration is offering employees who dont want to continue their current role the chance to accept deferred resignation, a program to facilitate what the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) called a dignified, fair departure from the federal government.

The COVID-19 pandemic shifted many federal employees to remote work, and a December report from OPM found that 43 percent of the federal workforce participated in routine or situational telework in fiscal 2023  though that figure was down from the year prior.

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However, 54 percent of federal employees have a job that requires being on-site, according to an Office of Management and Budget report that has since been removed from the White House website. And for those eligible to telework, more than 60 percent of their working hours were spent in office.

The Biden administration had worked to lock in hybrid work protections at some agencies, but President Trump issued a directive on his first day in office that federal employees return to physical offices as part of his plans to reform the workforce. The administration last week gave federal agencies 30 days to implement the change.

And there are other shake-ups on the horizon, such as the overall downsizing of federal agencies, potential consolidation and relocation for some federal offices, and updates to performance standards, according to OPMs Tuesday note.

How do the buyouts work?

The deferred resignation program kicked off on Jan. 28 and gives eligible federal employees roughly a week to decide whether to opt in, with a Feb. 6 deadline.

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Employees who want to take the deal need only respond with the word Resign in a reply to the offer email, according to OPM.

The buyout agreement tees up the employees resignation for Sep. 30 of this year, which would mean workers get roughly eight months of pay and benefits while being exempt from return-to-office requirements  though questions quickly arose about the legality and mechanics of such a move.

Employees who accept the offer arent expected to work during the deferred resignation period, per an OPM FAQ about the offer. Workers also arent expressly prohibited from seeking outside work during the months before their resignation date, and taking the deal doesnt prohibit them from finding other federal work in the future.

The letter to employees states that accepting the deferred resignation offer is voluntary  but it also stresses that, for those who choose to remain in their roles, the administration cant give full assurance regarding the certainty of your position or agency.

Will there be legal challenges?

There will almost certainly be legal challenges to the buyout effort, though who might win a legal fight is unclear.

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The president has a fair amount of authority, but does he have authority to do this? Thats the question, said Carl Tobias, a professor at the University of Richmond School of Law. And there could be all kinds of people who might be willing to litigate that.

Members of Congress made clear they saw the move as an effort to usurp their authority on crafting the federal budget, though they were largely split along partisan lines.

Some Republicans have been lining up behind the strategy, viewing it as a means to shrink the size of government.

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) suggested Wednesday that legal precedent could be on Trumps side, saying that the courts have shown a lot of leeway for the executive on hiring and firing.

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When Congress has actually tried to limit the executive branch to hire and fire, the courts have actually sided with a much more expansive power for the president to do hiring and firing, he argued.

But Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) said Wednesday that the question of legality here is very much an open one.

Wheres he gonna get the money? They dont have a budget for that, Warner argued.

The buyouts could also violate the Antideficiency Act, which limits the federal government from making payments beyond the scope of their budget.

The government is now running on a short-term continuing resolution that expires March 14. Unless Trump and Congress can agree on a new funding mechanism, the government could shut down this spring.

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Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) warned federal workers against taking the offer in a Senate floor speech Tuesday night.

The president has no authority to make that offer. Theres no budget line item to pay people who are not showing up for work, he said. If you accept that offer and resign, hell stiff you.

The offer stemming only from OPM also raises questions about whether they have the power to oversee employment at other agencies, which all have their own personnel divisions.

Agencies are allowed to offer voluntary separation incentive payments up to $25,000, which would likely be easily surpassed by the eight months of salary Trump has promised federal workers who decide to resign. Without budget authorization from Congress, thats a promise Trump might not have the authority to keep.

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Charles Ezell, acting director of OPM, suggested in a Tuesday memo that putting employees who accept the buyouts on paid administrative leave could circumvent that problem, but the actual execution of such a proposal could be complicated and draw legal challenges.

The American Federation of Government Employees, a union that represents 800,000 federal and D.C. workers, sharply criticized the buyouts, arguing the offer should not be viewed as voluntary amid the flurry of Trumps workforce changes.

It is clear that Trumps goal is to turn the federal government into a toxic environment where workers cannot stay even if they want to, the union said in a statement, though they didnt specifically say theyd challenge the move.

Trumps blitz of executive actions since he returned to the White House has resulted in a torrent of legal challenges, including to his orders to freeze federal aid and end birthright citizenship. Federal judges temporarily blocked both of those orders.

How could this impact the governments day-to-day functions?

The new administration has made downsizing the federal government one of its top priorities, as made apparent by its plans to end the Department of Education and Trumps launch of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) commission.

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As more than 2 million employees appear eligible for the proposed buyouts, even a small proportion of accepted buyout offers could dramatically slim the federal workforce  though its unclear at this point how exactly the governments day-to-day processes would be impacted.

Were requiring them to show up to work or be terminated, Trump said of federal workers on Wednesday. We think a very substantial number of people will not show up to work, and therefore our government will get smaller and more efficient.

The White House reportedly expects up to 10 percent of federal employees to take the offer, which could mean as many as hundreds of thousands of workers make their exit.

For some, it may actually be a real incentive to leave, Tobias said of the deferred resignation offer  but he argued the move may also end up being counterproductive to efforts to bolster government efficiency.

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You lose a lot of expertise in that situation, especially if the people are near retirement, or have been around a long time, he said.

Max Stier, president and CEO of the nonprofit Partnership for Public Service, called the move perplexing, of questionable legality and dangerous.

Americans rely on federal workers to fly safely, help veterans and seniors access their benefits, keep our food and water safe, protect public health, respond to natural disasters, and maintain the rule of law. Stripping away expert talent through such a non-strategic approach puts all of us at risk in a profound way, Stier said in a statement shared with The Hill.

How is Elon Musk involved?

The deferred resignation message sent to employees on Tuesday, titled Fork in the Road, echoes a 2022 email sent by Tesla CEO Elon Musk to employees at Twitter  which has since been renamed X  following Musks takeover.

With the subject line A Fork in the Road, Twitter employees were given a deadline to commit to keep working for the tech billionaire as he built Twitter 2.0.

Musk is now at the helm of DOGE, an advisory board with the aim of cutting costs at the federal government. DOGE notably posted on the social platform X, which Musk owns, about the buyouts, promising that employees who take the offer can take the vacation you always wanted, or just watch movies and chill, while receiving your full government pay and benefits.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Wednesday sidestepped a question about the extent to which Musk was involved in the plan.

As you know, President Trump tasked Elon Musk with starting up DOGE. And he already has done that in the first week. Theyve been incredibly productive and efficient already, Leavitt said, adding that we welcome Elon Muskss support on this effort.

Ella Lee, Rebecca Beitsch and Aris Folley contributed reporting.

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr. went before the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday to vie for his confirmation as President Trumps secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Kennedy is one of Trumps most controversial nominees. Thats partly because of his highly skeptical attitude toward vaccines and what critics characterize as a fondness for pseudo-scientific conspiracy theories.

Kennedy is divisive for other reasons as well. Some social conservatives are dubious about the scion of the Democratic family, especially where his past support for abortion rights is concerned.

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Meanwhile, many of Kennedys extended family members are openly hostile to him. His cousin Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of former President Kennedy, described him as a predator who is unfit for office in recent days. Carolines son, Jack Schlossberg, has also been a vigorous critic.

Despite all that, Trump and his supporters are strongly behind Kennedy, who they want to spearhead an effort they have summed up in the slogan Make America Healthy Again.

Here are five takeaways from Wednesday hearing.

Vaccines were central topic

Kennedys record on vaccines was always going to be at the heart of the hearing.

The heat of the charges thrown around and some of the exchanges was notable.

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One of the most memorable sound bites of the day came from Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), who told Kennedy, Frankly, you frighten people.

Whitehouse also insisted that it was incumbent upon Kennedy to deliver a clear and trustworthy recantation of what you have said on vaccinations.

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) cited a podcast interview from July 2020 in which Kennedy said no vaccine is safe and effective.

In a tense exchange, Kennedy insisted that quote had been taken out of context, that he had repeatedly corrected misconceptions that had arisen from it and that Wyden was being dishonest.

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In an opening statement that clearly anticipated the attacks to come, Kennedy said, News reports have claimed that I am anti-vaccine or anti-industry. I am neither. I am pro-safety.

But even at that moment, his words were interrupted by a protester who accused him of lying.

Abortion rears its head

The unease about Kennedys past positions on abortion rights is predominantly an issue on the right, but it was mostly Democrats who drew attention to those views  presumably to cast Kennedy as slippery and, in the process, make things difficult for Republicans.

Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) noted Kennedys statement from 2023 that he was pro-choice.

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Hassan added that it was really great that my Republican colleagues are so open to voting for a pro-choice HHS secretary.

But she also said Kennedy had previously stated bodily autonomy was one of his core values.

When was it that you decided to sell out the values you had your whole life in order to be given power by President Trump? she asked.

I agree with President Trump that every abortion is a tragedy, Kennedy responded.

Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) also noted he and Kennedy had some disagreements on the abortion issue.

Kennedy again reiterated his support for Trumps positions and added that he agreed with the president in his belief that the U.S. cannot be a moral nation if we have 1.2 million abortions a year.

Are you supportive of these onesies?

One of the more unexpected moments came courtesy of 83-year-old Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and two onesies for babies.

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The onesies in question were shown in large photos behind the Vermont senator. One bore the slogan Unvaxed, Unafraid, while the other stated No vax, no problem.

Sanders said the onesies were being sold by Childrens Health Defense, which Kennedy founded.

Sanders complained it was inconsistent on Kennedys part to portray himself as pro-vaccine while your organization is making money selling a childs product to parents, for 26 bucks, which casts fundamental doubt on the usefulness of vaccines.

Sanders asked Kennedy to stop the organization from selling the product.

Kennedy contended he had no power over that organization because he had resigned from the board.

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Sanders noted Kennedys resignation was recent  it happened just last month  and pressed on.

Are you supportive of these onesies? Sanders demanded.

I am supportive of vaccines, Kennedy countered.

The moment quickly went viral on social media.

Some stumbles on Medicare and Medicaid

The back-and-forth between Kennedy and Democratic senators was largely expected.

More surprising was the nominees misfires on Medicare and Medicaid.

Perhaps most glaringly, Kennedy contended that Medicaid was paid for in its entirety by the federal government. It isnt. States also pay some of the cost.

He also made the peculiar charge that premiums were too high in the program. With extremely rare exceptions, Medicaid recipients do not pay premiums.

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One of the most uncomfortable moments Kennedy suffered at Republican hands came when Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) pressed him for specifics on how he would reform Medicaid.

Kennedy gave a rather general and broad-based answer, and perhaps more problematically appeared ill at ease with the question.

Did it change anything?

The hearing allowed Democrats to land some blows on Kennedy. But there was no single moment that appeared devastating to his chances.

His personal life, which includes a previous heroin addiction that Kennedy has spoken about, was mostly left untouched.

Kennedy is back on Capitol Hill on Thursday to testify before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.

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Crucially, Cassidy is the chair of that panel. Cassidy, a physician, worked for over 25 years in the Louisiana charity hospital system, according to his official biography on the committees website. He has appeared lukewarm toward Kennedy so far.

Cassidys vote could be crucial to Kennedys ultimate fate.

No Trump nominee can afford to lose more than three GOP senators, assuming all Democrats vote against confirmation.

Three Republicans voted against Pete Hegseth to be secretary of Defense: Sens. Susan Collins (Maine), Mitch McConnell (Ky.) and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska).

McConnell, a polio survivor, has seemed implicitly critical of Kennedy at times. Collins and Murkowski are widely seen as the two most moderate Republican senators, and could vote against Kennedy.

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Thats why Cassidy could ultimately be the make-or-break vote.

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President Trump on Thursday addressed the deadly midair collision just outside Washington, D.C., as rescue crews searched for victims in the Potomac River and investigators worked to determine the cause of the crash.

In his first appearance in the White House briefing room less than two weeks since the start of his second term, Trump described the crash between an American Airlines flight and an Army helicopter that killed more than 60 people as a tragedy of terrible proportions.

But those remarks were quickly followed by a slew of finger-pointing and attacks on Democratic initiatives over the course of a roughly 30-minute briefing with reporters.

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Here are five takeaways.

Trump quickly politicizes collision

Trump opened his remarks with a moment of silence for the victims and by proclaiming how tragedies like the aviation disaster bring Americans together. But his solemn tone quickly gave way to political attacks.

He knocked his Democratic predecessors, claiming they had lowered standards in aviation safety.

I put safety first. Obama, Biden and the Democrats put policy first. And they put politics at a level that nobodys ever seen, because this was the lowest level. Their policy was horrible, and their politics was even worse, Trump said.

He said his first administration, following the Obama administration, set up extraordinary standards for those who work in aviation and air traffic control, and he claimed former President Biden then changed them back to lower than ever before.

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Trump also blasted Pete Buttigieg, who served as Transportation secretary during the Biden administration.

Hes a disaster now. Hes just got a good line of bulls, Trump said.

Trumps attacks on Democratic leaders were a reminder that he typically doesnt react to disasters in traditional ways, and his remarks were in sharp contrast to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffys vow that the Trump administration would not pass the buck.

DEI in crosshairs

The biggest target of Trumps attacks on Thursday were diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which the president repeatedly claimed had lowered safety standards even as he acknowledged it was unclear who was at fault for the crash.

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Brilliant people have to be in those positions, Trump said.

He cited efforts by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to hire individuals with disabilities, including dwarfism, missing limbs and intellectual disabilities.

A group within the FAA determined that the workforce was too white, then they had concerted efforts to get the administration to change that and to change it immediately, Trump said. This was in the Obama administration.

Asked how he could come to the conclusion that diversity played a role in the deadly midair collision near Reagan Washington National Airport, Trump said, Because I have common sense, OK? And unfortunately a lot of people dont.

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He later defended his assertion that diversity initiatives at the FAA could have contributed to the National Airport crash as the investigation continues.

No, I dont think so at all, Trump said when asked if he thinks his claims about the helicopter, air traffic control and DEI policies were getting ahead of the investigation. He quipped to the reporter that I think thats not a very smart question.

Points fingers at helicopter pilots

Trump pointed fingers at the three pilots of the Armys UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter that collided with the American Airlines jet Wednesday night. He said the helicopter didnt do what it was told just before it crashed into the jet and that it was a confluence of bad decisions that were made.

We had a situation where we had a helicopter that had the ability to stop.  You can stop a helicopter very quickly, he said. The turn it made was not the correct turn, obviously, and it did somewhat the opposite of what it was told. We dont know that would have been the difference, because the timing was so tight.

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The president added that the helicopter shouldnt have been flying at the same height as the jet and noted there was a lot of vision Wednesday night.

You could have turned the helicopter substantially; you could have stopped the helicopter, Trump said. For some reason, it just kept going and then made a slight turn at the very end, and by that time, it was too late.

He also suggested the helicopter pilots using night-vision goggles may have been part of the issue with visibility. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who joined Trump at the briefing, shared in a video earlier Thursday that the helicopter crew was fairly experienced and was doing a required, annual night evaluation with night-vision goggles.

It may change your view plan if you do have the night vision, Trump said. That would be maybe a reason why you wouldnt actually see as well where on a clear night. You can sometimes see better without it.

Trump names FAA appointee

Trump during the briefing announced he would appoint an acting FAA administrator in the wake of the midair crash.

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Im also immediately appointing an acting commissioner to the FAA: Christopher Rocheleau. A 22-year veteran of the agency, highly respected. Christopher, thank you very much, appreciate it, Trump told reporters in the White House briefing room.

Rocheleau, who is serving as FAA deputy administrator, was in the room for the announcement.

Former FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker resigned on Trumps Inauguration Day after he served for just more than a year. Whitaker faced pressure to step down from top Trump ally Elon Musk, who called for him to resign following Whitakers comments that SpaceX launched without a permit, in reference to two launches last year in Cape Canaveral, Fla.

The FAA administrator is a Senate-confirmed position, sworn in for a five-year term. Whitaker was confirmed in October 2023.

No hesitancy to fly

Trump insisted Americans should not be hesitant to fly in the wake of Wednesday nights crash.

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No, not at all. Im not hesitant to fly, Trump said.

We have the safest flying anywhere in the world, and well keep it that way, he added.

National Airport reopened for flights at 11 a.m. EST Thursday in the wake of the tragedy, having closed for takeoffs and landings immediately after the collision.

Julia Mueller contributed.

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Half of Poles believe Ukraine should not join NATO or the European Union until the issue of exhuming Volyn massacre victims is resolved, according to a new poll published on Jan. 30.

The poll conducted by the Institute for Social Research and Market (IBRiS) found that 27.7% of respondents "strongly" oppose Ukraine's accession to NATO and the EU without addressing this issue, while 22.5% "rather" oppose.

The Volyn massacre occurred during World War II. Tens of thousands of Poles were murdered by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (known by its Ukrainian acronym UPA) in the Nazi-occupied region of Volhynia, which was then a part of Poland and is nowadays a region in western Ukraine. Thousands of Ukrainians were killed by Polish military formations in retaliation.

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Polish opposition supporters, particularly viewers of the Polish right-wing Republic TV, which backs the Law and Justice (PiS) party, are the primary group insisting on the condition of exhuming Volyn massacre victims, polish media outlet Rzeczpospolita noted.

The poll also shows that 20.4% "rather" support Ukraine's accession and 14.4% "strongly" support it. The remaining 15% were undecided.

The survey was conducted on Jan. 24-25 using computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATI) with 1,071 respondents.

Since the beginning of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Poland has been one of Ukraines most prominent allies and supporters. But disagreements in the approach to the historic events have thrown a shadow on relations between the states.

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Ukraine and Poland reached a breakthrough regarding the issue in January. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on Jan. 10. that the first exhumations of Volyn massacre victims were approved by both sides earlier in the month.

The issue of Volyn exhumations has become a political fault line ahead of Poland's presidential election, scheduled for May. Karol Nawrocki, the PiS-backed presidential candidate, said on Jan. 8 that Ukraine should not join the EU or NATO unless it "answers" for the Polish victims of the massacre.

Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, the ruling coalition's presidential candidate, supports Ukraine's EU and NATO membership.

Read also: Volhynian Massacre  the Achilles heel of Ukrainian-Polish relations

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  The Springfield Fire Department was sent to a major gas leak on Carver Street on Thursday.

Dangerousness hearing set for Springfields X crash suspect

Eversource spokesperson Priscilla Ress told 22News that the report of a gas leak at 38 Carver Street came in at about 8:00 a.m. A contractor that was doing rehab work at the property cut into a gas line, causing gas to be released into the home.

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Gas has been shut off to the home and is being vented. Approximately 50 nearby residents were evacuated due to the leak, but are now able to return home.

MAP: Carver Street in Springfield

Commonwealth Ave was blocked off and firefighters were seen going home to home asking people to evacuate.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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The federal ban on handgun sales to adults younger than 21 violates the Second Amendment, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit ruled today. That law is "unconstitutional in light of our Nation's historic tradition of firearm regulation," a three-judge panel unanimously concluded in Reese v. ATF.

"Today's ruling is yet another critical FPC win against an immoral and unconstitutional age-based gun ban," said Brandon Combs, president of the Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC), which challenged the law along with two would-be handgun buyers and two other gun rights groups. "We look forward to restoring the Second Amendment rights of all peaceable adults throughout the United States."

Under 18 USC 922(b)(1), a provision that was included in the Gun Control Act of 1968, a federally licensed firearm dealer may not sell handguns to "any individual who the licensee knows or has reasonable cause to believe is less than twenty-one years of age." The 5th Circuit upheld that restriction in 2012, but that was a decade before the Supreme Court clarified the constitutional test for gun control laws in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen.

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Under Bruen, the government has the burden of demonstrating that a law restricting conduct covered by "the Second Amendment's plain text" is "consistent with this Nation's historical tradition of firearm regulation." The 5th Circuit concluded that the government's defense of Section 922(b)(1) failed that test.

The government's lawyers argued that 18-to-20-year-olds are not part of "the people" whose "right to keep and bear arms" is guaranteed by the Second Amendment. They cited "the common law's recognition of 21 years as the date of legal maturity at the time of the founding" and "the fact that legislatures have long established minimum age requirements for various activities."

As Judge Edith Jones notes in the 5th Circuit's opinion, however, "there are no age or maturity restrictions in the plain text of the Amendment, as there are in other constitutional provisions," which "suggests that the Second Amendment lacks a minimum age requirement." She also observes that "the right of the people peaceably to assemble" (protected by the First Amendment), "the right of the people" to be secure from "unreasonable searches and seizures" (protected by the Fourth Amendment), and the unspecified rights "retained by the people" under the Ninth Amendment "undoubtedly protect eighteen-to-twenty-year-olds as much as twenty-one-year-olds."

Jones adds that "the history of firearm use, particularly in connection with militia service, contradicts the premise that eighteen-to-twenty-year-olds are not covered by the plain text of the Second Amendment." Under the 1792 Militia Act, "eighteen-to-twenty-year-olds not only served in that militia, but were required to serve," she writes. "Eighteen-to-twenty-year-olds therefore must be covered by the plain text of the Second Amendment, as they were compulsorily enrolled in the regiments that the Amendment was written to protect.While the core of the right [to arms] is rooted in self-defense and unconnected with the militia, the text of the Amendment's prefatory clause considered along with the overwhelming evidence of their militia service at the founding indicates that eighteen-to-twenty-year-olds were indeed part of 'the people' for Second Amendment purposes."

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In short, Jones writes, "the text of the Second Amendment includes eighteen-to-twenty-year-old individuals among 'the people' whose right to keep and bear arms is protected." Having failed to dodge the Bruen test, the government had to cite historical precedents that are "relevantly similar" to Section 922(b)(1). It relied "principally on mid-to-late-19th century statutes (most enacted after Reconstruction) that restricted firearm ownership based on age."

Those laws "were passed too late in time to outweigh the tradition of pervasively acceptable firearm ownership by eighteen-to-twenty-year-olds at 'the crucial period of our nation's history,'" Jones says. "The federal government has presented scant evidence that eighteen-to-twenty-year-olds' firearm rights during the founding era were restricted in a similar manner to the contemporary federal handgun purchase ban, and its 19th century evidence 'cannot provide much insight into the meaning of the Second Amendment when it contradicts earlier evidence.'"

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit reached a similar conclusion in July 2021, when a divided panel ruled in Hirschfeld v. ATF that "our nation's most cherished constitutional rights vest no later than 18," adding that "the Second Amendment's right to keep and bear arms is no different." But the court vacated that decision two months later after the plaintiff turned 21. A different 4th Circuit panel is considering another challenge to the federal age restriction on handgun sales, and today it heard oral arguments in that case.

The 9th Circuit weighed similar issues in 2021, when it considered Jones v. Bonta, a challenge to a California law that sets a minimum purchase age of 21 for all firearms. The following year, a 9th Circuit panel concluded that "the Second Amendment protects the right of young adults to keep and bear arms, which includes the right to purchase them." But the full court vacated that decision in September 2022 and remanded the case for further consideration by the district court, which upheld the law in December 2023.

The post The 5th Circuit Says the Federal Ban on Handgun Sales to Young Adults Is Unconstitutional appeared first on Reason.com.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WJW)  The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating after a two-vehicle crash left six people, including three children, injured in Sandusky County.

The crash happened along U.S. Route 20, near mile post 12, in Washington Township just before 6 p.m. Wednesday evening.

Passenger jet with 64 aboard collides with Army helicopter while landing at Reagan Airport

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, a black 2018 Chevy Equinox making a right turn on U.S. Route 20 from a private driveway reportedly failed to yield and was struck by a gold 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan.

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After the crash, both vehicles ended up in the westbound lanes of U.S. Route 20.

The Chevy driver, a 25-year-old Woodville woman, and a one-year-old child who was in a rear facing child safety seat, were taken to Saint Vincents Medical Center. Officials said they are in stable condition.

Woman injured, dog killed in Canton house fire

The Dodge driver, a 37-year-old Toledo woman, as well as a 34-year-old Defiance resident and two children, were taken to Saint Vincents Medical Center in stable condition.

State troopers do not believe drugs or alcohol were involved.

The crash remains under investigation at this time.

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The westbound lanes of U.S. Route 20 were closed for about 45 minutes while crews worked to clear the scene.

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Investigative Summary:

This story is part of KXANs TxTag Troubles investigative project launched May 7, 2023. Following related reports in recent years, our team rededicated its resources to this major consumer issue, after hundreds of viewers complained to us about resurfaced billing and customer service problems with the states tollway operator and its contracted vendors. During our reporting, the Texas Department of Transportation began reaching out to viewers who had contacted KXAN to resolve their issues, and state lawmakers renewed their approach to fixing future TxTag problems.

BRIGGS, Texas (KXAN)  Its tough for Mike Stratton to avoid Texas toll roads. Typically, hes driving hundreds of miles a day across Central Texas for his work as a home builder.

The toll roads have sped up the 77-year-olds travels, but he hasnt found a way around billing problems with a regional toll authority and issues with his TxTag account.

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On one hand, Stratton got into a boondoggle over Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority tolls that are free for disabled veterans like him  a status he proved with specialty plates on his Ford pickup along with military records from his 30-year Navy career.

Still, Stratton was saddled with over $1,000 in tolls and fees. Labeled a habitual violator and blocked from renewing his vehicle registration, the Vietnam veteran refused to pay on principle for a benefit hes earned.

I dont owe it, he said. Im not going to pay something that Im not supposed to be paying.

Separately, Stratton has also struggled for years to get his TxTag account in order. Hes spent hours on the phone and driven more than once from his home in Burnet County to TxTags Austin office to ensure his disabled veteran plates were properly registered, he said.

Mike Stratton, 77, of Briggs, stands behind the pickup  with disabled veteran license plates  he often drives hundreds of miles per day for work. (KXAN Photo/Matt Grant)

All that work wont help him anymore, Stratton told KXAN. Last year, The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), which has operated TxTag, announced it would be transferring all accounts in good standing to the Harris County Toll Road Authority, or HCTRA. The Houston-based toll authority would take over all toll transaction processing, billing and account management on TxDOT toll roads in the region. In November, Stratton got a letter from TxTag saying his account wasnt in good standing. That means his transponder was deactivated.

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Moving forward, TxDOT encouraged him to register with HCTRA and get an EZ TAG to pay lower rates.

Exactly what caused Strattons account to not be in good standing isnt clear, he said. TxDOT referenced his credit card being declined in 2023, but Stratton said he had cleared that issue up quickly.

TxTag Troubles: A viewer driven investigation

Its not right, said Stratton, regarding his TxTag account not being transferred.

Stratton is far from alone. A KXAN investigation found a total of 1.4 million accounts  or 60% of TxTag account holders  werent transferred over to HCTRA because they were inactive for a year prior or had a negative balance, according to TxDOT. In addition, the transition left behind millions of dollars in positive balances in customer accounts that TxDOT will be trying to return soon, according to records obtained by KXAN.

60% of customers not transferred, millions of dollars hang in the balance

Within the 1.4 million TxTag accounts left behind, there remains $57 million in unpaid balances that TxDOT will continue trying to collect. TxTags account login page no longer functions, but former customers can check if they owe something by searching for a license plate here.

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KXAN also found many TxTag accounts that werent transferred still contain money. There is a total of $6.8 million in positive balances the agency will be trying to return to customers, TxDOT said.

The agency said it will issue a refund to the primary card on file for the account if one exists. For accounts without a card, the agency will be mailing checks in the coming months. If the checks arent deposited within 180 days, the money will be transferred to the Texas Comptrollers unclaimed property fund, according to TxDOT.

Once in unclaimed property, it will be up to those individuals to find and claim their own money. Unclaimed property can be searched and claimed here.

Mike Stratton, a Vietnam veteran who served 30 years in the Navy, learned in November his TxTag account wouldn't be transferred to the Harris County Toll Road Authority, and he would need to sign up again, with HCTRA, to get cheaper tolls. (KXAN Photo/Matt Grant)

Moving to a new system

The TxTag transition to HCTRA follows years of effort by TxDOT and hundreds of millions of dollars spent on a system and vendors that fell short of both agency and customer expectations multiple times. KXAN has investigated TxTag issues for a decade, chronicling several contractors work and penalties levied against them for failing to meet contractual obligations.

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All the while, TxDOTs leadership has said they were working to hold vendors accountable and correct problems like doubling billing, overcharges and autopayment miscues.

Now, it appears TxDOT has tossed in the towel on TxTag.

The latest move to HCTRA is substantially different from past vendor changes. TxDOT said the TxTag brand is not going away, but it doesnt appear there will be much left of it going forward.

Moving to HCTRA will bring significant savings and efficiency gain for the state of Texas. Customers could see less fees and itll help keep tolls low going forward, TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said in a news release.

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About 945,000 TxTag accounts  or 40%  were transitioned to HCTRA, according to TxDOT.

Those customers TxTag transponder stickers will continue working, with no expiration date or timeframe for phasing them out, according to HCTRA.

The Texas Transportation Commission approved the agreement with HCTRA at an October meeting. Williams openly acknowledged the difficulties TxDOT has faced trying to fix TxTag mishaps.

You all are very familiar with some of the struggles that weve had in the back-office operations of our toll system, Williams said at the meeting. This has been an area that has been a major point of focus for our team over the past several years, and as we looked at different options to upgrade and improve that operation.

TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams at the April Texas Transportation Commission public meeting. (KXAN Photo/Chris Nelson)

Williams said TxDOT put out a request for information, and HCTRAs response was the best overall proposal for a partnership. KXAN asked for responses to TxDOTs initial request for information to HCTRA and other vendors, but TxDOT asked the Attorney Generals Office if those records could be withheld. The request remains pending.

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Under the agreement, TxDOT will reimburse 100% of HCTRAs cost to handle each toll transaction, and TxDOT will retain the rest of the toll revenue, according to HCTRA.

The new system will effectively cut the cost to process a toll transaction in half from about 30 cents to 15 or 16 cents, Williams said.

TxDOT will still own and maintain the toll roads and the Texas Transportation Commission will still set the toll rates. The agreement is similar to TxDOTs deal with the North Texas Toll Authority for work on TxDOT toll roads in that area.

TxTag road signage will remain up, and the TxTag transponders switched to HCTRAs system will remain active with no expiration date, according to HCTRA. But, after a limited number of TxTag transponders that remain in stock are distributed, there will be no more issued, TxDOT said.

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TxTag will remain in operation in a limited capacity, primarily related to transactions from before the switch to HCTRA.

A different way of doing business

HCTRA Executive Director Robert Trevino spoke with KXAN in mid-December. The most difficult part of the transition was completed at that time, he said. TxTag account data had been migrated, and they were past a two-week period when customers couldnt access their accounts.

After the transition began, HCTRA call volumes increased five times normal capacity, Trevino said.

We had excess capacity in that same system, Trevino said. We felt pretty confident that our system could accommodate the increased accounts.

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Going forward, HCTRA will bill drivers on TxDOT toll roads. Transferred TxTag accounts will be accessed through HCTRA.

The choice to only transfer accounts in good standing over to HCTRA, instead of all of them, was more of a TxTag decision, Trevino said.

Through the negotiations what was determined was to just transfer over the accounts that were in good standing, he added. And thats exactly what we did.

Trevino said HCTRA was interested in handling TxTag billing, in part, to streamline the process for Houston-area customers where TxDOT also has toll roads.

TxDOT officials hope HCTRAs operation and 40-year track record will be an improvement after years of issues with the TxTag system.

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KXAN requested HCTRAs log of complaints from January 2023 through last November. It shows 76 escalated complaints  a fraction of the system customer base  mostly regarding concerns about violations and EZ TAG issues. KXAN requested a similar timeframe of complaints from TxTag, which remains pending.

Can you reassure TxTag customers that their experience will be different under HCTRA? KXAN asked.

HCTRAs billing accuracy, when you have a tag or transponder, we strive for 99% accuracy, Trevino said.

While he avoided answering questions about TxTags performance, Trevino did say HCTRA was unique.

HCTRA has a different way of doing business, Trevino said. Its unique in the fact that we really focus on accuracy and on good customer service.

Vendor history

Issues with TxTag vendors date back to at least 2013 when TxDOT engaged Xerox in a $97 million contract to handle the toll system. In 2017, Xerox said its spinoff company Conduent was handling the contract after the companies split apart, KXAN reported that year. TxDOT hit those companies with more than $2.4 million in penalties between 2014 and 2018 for not meeting the terms of the agreement.

In 2019, TxDOT awarded a four-year contract to IBM to build a new back-office system. The contract was valued at nearly $86 million, according to Comptroller records. Billing issues again cropped up, and TxDOT refunded over $11.7 million in customer overcharges in 2021. That year TxDOT announced it terminated IBMs contract and fined the company over $6 million for not meeting contractual obligations.

IBM strongly defended its work on the TxTag project, saying it built a system exceeding contractual specifications, performed work beyond the contracts scope without compensation and TxDOT did not meet its contractual obligations in the arrangement, according to state contract records.

Also in 2019, TxDOT contracted with Faneuil to operate the customer service center. Faneuil later became TTEC after an acquisition. TxDOT assessed more than $3 million in penalties against TTEC for not meeting contract standards, according to TxDOT.

The contract with TTEC was originally worth $145 million but it grew. TxDOT said it had paid the company over $230 million by late October.

Last September, a TTEC spokesperson said the company was proud to serve TxDOT and the people of Texas. The program launch faced unique challenges, but TTEC implemented differentiated solutions that have significantly improved performance, the spokesperson added.

Missing TxDOT reports about TxTag vendors highlight accountability shortfall

When KXAN investigated TxTag issues, Williams stood by TTEC and other vendors work, saying they had done an exceptional job working through issues caused by previous vendors.

Despite that confidence, TxDOT opted to move on. Customers like Stratton now have to move on, too.

I do appreciate everything

Regarding Strattons CTRMA issue of being charged despite having a disabled veteran license plate, when KXAN made an inquiry the toll authority apologized, said it would add new requirements to prevent future mix-ups and quickly addressed the billing issue by zeroing Strattons balance.

In a video sent to KXAN, he showed himself shredding his CTRMA bill, which had ballooned with late fees to $1,054.17. Its gone, he said.

If it wasnt for yall  itd never got done, Stratton said. I do appreciate everything yall have done.

Now, he just needs to sign up with HCTRA and peel the old TxTag off his windshield.

Investigative Photojournalist Richie Bowes, Investigative Photojournalist Chris Nelson, Graphic Artist Wendy Gonzalez, Director of Investigations & Innovation Josh Hinkle, Digital Special Projects Developer Robert Sims and Digital Director Kate Winkle contributed to this report.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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As Colorado Springs economy and job market continue to grow, local educators, businesses and government are coming together to prepare tomorrows workforce for modern-day industries.

Starting next fall, the Colorado Springs School of Technology will offer students opportunities to immerse themselves in a learning ecosystem that will expose them to technical fields and industries not just unique to Colorado Springs, but to public education in general.

Since Colorado Springs economy has surged in industries like aerospace and defense, microchip manufacturing and cybersecurity with businesses emerging and government contracts increasing in recent years, so has the citys need for a highly-skilled workforce to fill these new jobs.

With this and the opportunity to offer students education more detailed to their interests, the idea of the Colorado Springs School of Technology was born in early 2024 when Colorado Springs D-11s board of education first approved its application that was subsequently approved by the state board or education.

There is a lot of fascination in what were into and a lot of hope in what were doing, said Nathan Gorsch, School of Technology principal and executive director.

The innovation zone will specialize in areas not typically associated with public education: technology, space, cybersecurity, and entrepreneurship through ethical leadership training and character development. Along with licensed teachers, staff personnel will be rounded out by local universities, government agencies and businesses .

Courses in artificial intelligence, aerospace, engineering and robotics and AP computer science will be offered to students alongside their required coursework . For these different careers and pathways, classes may start out as electives during the freshmen year before moving up to intro, intermediate and advanced classes.

Along with industry certifications, internships and mentorships, students will have opportunities for dual enrollment with the University of Colorado Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak State College.

The School of Technologys board of directors includes leaders from the National Cyber Security Center, UCCS, Pikes Peak State College, the Catalyst Campus for Technology and Innovation, D-11 and the Air Force Academy.

From workforce development to student retention and graduation to college enrollment, the collection of local leadership came together early in the zones development .

To me, these are potential win-wins where were working with our industry partners, Gorsch said.

And rather than us creating a program and then bringing it to them, were actually getting them at the table as we start it and asking, If we were going to build something that would really benefit your industry, what would you like it to look like? and Im being met a lot with, This is the first time Ive been asked. Thank you for asking.

What is an innovation zone?

Under state law passed in 2022, schools and districts are able to use alternative governance structures permitted by their local school board for greater autonomy  helping spur the creation of charter schools and opportunities for innovative approaches to instruction and student learning. This can apply to singular innovation schools or a network of schools acting as an innovation zone.

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CSST will join School District 49s POWER Zone, which implements frameworks and educational methods developed by educational researcher and author Robert J. Marzano, as the only other innovation zone in the region and the 10th zone in the state.

In addition to its unique instructional approach, the School of Technology will operate as a zone because it will bring students from multiple school districts together at a single location despite being under D-11.

Where will CSST fit?

The School of Technology will blend higher education, industry and government organizations to offer students exposure to real-world applications of their education while they receive it. Where it differs from more traditional internships and established career and technical education programming is both the careers themselves and the people who will be teaching students.

Gorsch, who was the founding principal of Academy District 20s hybrid Village High School, said he was drawn to the schools potential to push public education forward and jumped at the opportunity after learning about all the different people and stakeholders involved.

He then connected with various industry professionals as began hiring staff and he visited schools across the country as hes developed the zones curricula.

Students will be given the opportunity to explore career pathways without fully committing to them as they fulfill their requirements to graduate high school. If a student decides that they dont want to pursue a future in technology, space or entrepreneurship, Gorschs hope is that they still take away applicable real-world skills from the experience.

The idea of a professional playground comes from the educational concept of play-based learning coined by American psychologist Peter Gray, who theorized the intent and effectiveness of play-based learning reflective of their society. As hunter-gatherers play with toys of bows and arrows or agrarian cultures with toys of tools and machinery, they become trained for their eventual work as adults.

And as our kids go into a world where technology is the dominant tool, doesnt it make sense to provide opportunities for them to play and learn while theyre playing with the same tools theyll use professionally? Gorsch noted.

I like the idea of a professional playground, he said.

And so, part of this is letting students play with ideas. And if the goal is to get that certification, sometimes it becomes more work than play.

A 2020 study conducted by EdWeek, a nonprofit research organization, and cyber.org found that the majority of schools across the country didnt offer some type of cybersecurity education and those that did often did so in a way that infused it with existing curricula rather than standalone coursework. A 2021 study by Old Dominion University concluded that greater efforts are needed to both motivate students into pursuing these careers and designing curriculum in K-12 education as cyberattacks and the shortage of cybersecurity professionals increase.

Along with the innovative classwork, a key component for CSST is having industry professionals teach some of the classes rather than licensed teachers.

I might be able to hire someone within the cybersecurity industry that doesnt have, maybe, a teaching license but has a ton experience in industry certifications and experience that knows the content and I might be able to have them teach that class, Gorsch said.

Classes will be held at the Kevin W. ONeil Cybersecurity Education and Research Center, which also houses the Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center. Because of this setting, the flow and pacing of the school day hopes to resemble more of a Silicon Valley office space with its open concept floor plans, floor-to-ceiling glass walls and neighboring businesses and individuals passing and interacting on a daily basis. 
The NYPD and the transit union alike are asking for any information that could lead to the arrest of six suspects thought to be behind the wild late-night joyride of two stolen R trains last weekend.

John Chiarello, interim president of Transport Workers Union Local 100  which represents more than 40,000 subway and bus workers  said it would match the NYPDs $3,500 bounty on the young train hijackers, after the NYPD released surveillance photos of the group late Wednesday.

A bunch of reckless teens took a $20 million piece of equipment out of a secure transit layup area, endangering themselves, transit property and transit workers who may well have been working on the tracks, Chiarello said in a statement. Im outraged that this theft occurred and [we are] determined to stop copycats.

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The combined $7,000 reward comes as police issued an update with surveillance camera footage showing the teens getting off a Manhattan-bound R train early Sunday morning at the 36th St. and Fourth Ave. stop in Sunset Park, Brooklyn.

Unlike in previously released footage, five of the six suspects have their faces uncovered in the station surveillance tape. One teen has a digital camera hung around his neck.

Still photos released by police show at least one suspect jumping a turnstile.

As previously reported by The News, the crooks are suspected of having broken into at least two sets of R160 subway cars while they were being stored overnight on the express track of Brooklyns Fourth Ave. line.

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Cellphone video taken by one of the subway-stealing suspects and posted on Instagram shows they traveled through at least one local station on the express track and went through at least one signal.

The video shows several of the illicit straphangers at the controls of one R160 subway car traveling at speeds upward of 30 mph. They may have passed at least one in-service train during their joyride, with one of them shouting, Train! before telling another, Check [the] radio now, apparently to see if theyd been spotted.

One of the rogue riders appears to be sitting outside on the front of the lead subway car, his feet dangling over the tracks.

Transit workers preparing to put the trains into service Sunday morning discovered them out of place, with paint covering the onboard security cameras and damage to the door locks on at least one train.
Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least eight people and injured at least 26, including a child and three medical workers, regional authorities reported on Jan. 30.

Russia launched 81 Shahed-type attack drones and decoy drones against Ukraine overnight, the Air Force said. Thirty-seven were shot down over 10 oblasts, while 39 were lost in the airspace, according to the statement.

A Russian drone struck a residential building in the northeastern city of Sumy in Sumy Oblast overnight on Jan. 30, killing four people and injuring at least nine others, local authorities reported. A 7-year-old child was injured, as well as an 18-year-old man.

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In the same region, a civilian was injured during a drone attack against the Hlukhiv community on Jan. 29, authorities said.

Russian attacks against Donetsk Oblast killed one person in Siversk, injured two in Pokrovsk, and two others in Bilytske, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported.

A Russian first-person-view (FPV) drone attack injured three medical workers in the town of Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast, Governor Oleh Syniehubov said. A 43-year-old ambulance driver, a 26-year-old doctor, and a 41-year-old medic were injured after the drone struck close to the vehicle.

Three people were killed and 10 injured as a result of Russian attacks against Kherson Oblast, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said. Three apartment buildings and 22 houses were damaged.

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In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Russian attacks against the Synelnykove district destroyed a school, damaged a cultural center, a religious building, an administrative building, a post office, a shop, a company building, and 22 houses, Governor Serhii Lysak said. No casualties were reported.

Russian drones also attacked the Izmail district in Odesa Oblast, damaging a grain warehouse, a hospital, two houses, and cars but inflicting no casualties, Governor Oleh Kiper reported.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian drones hit Lukoil oil refinery, missile arsenal in Russia, sources claim

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ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  Abilene city council members are going to discuss tax exemptions for day cares, paid parking, and more during their annual retreat.

The retreat will take place in council chambers at City Hall beginning at 8:30 a.m. Thursday.

These are the topics provided for this years discussion:

Boat Ramps at Fort Phantom

Paid Parking / Park Mobile

Airport Terminal Expansion

FY 25-26 Budget

Schneider Phases 5 & 6

Land Development Code Updates

Abilene Heritage Square Updates

Fire Pension

Water Infrastructure Updates

Street Maintenance Updates

Local Option Property Tax Exemptions for Daycares

Convention Center Improvements

KTAB and KRBC will be covering the issues presented in the city council retreat in-depth in the following days.

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Stick with BigCountryHomepage.com for additional details on these topics.

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ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  On Monday, January 30, when President Donald Trump signed an executive order to freeze federal funding, government entities across the country raised concerns, including the Abilene Housing Authority.

Trumps spending freeze roils Capitol Hill

The organization, which runs two main programspublic housing and rental assistancewas just one week away from a payment due date when the news broke. CEO Gene Reed said that when he reviewed the fine print of the order on Tuesday, he sighed in relief.

The initial notice that was sent out wasnt very detailed in terms of who was going to be paused and who wasnt going to be paused, Reed said. On one of the questions and answers, it specifically mentioned that rental assistance would not be affected. So, we were glad to hear that late in the day.

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White House aide says spending freeze isnt being rescinded despite memo

The Public Housing Fund, which supports the offices operations, was frozen until the rescind notice was issued on Wednesday. Reed explained that the fund is crucial to their foundational work, as it helps maintain the building they operate from.

When we talk about our Public Housing Program, we receive an operating subsidy that helps pay for it. Salaries are like bills, our gas bills, our water bills, and all the other line-item expenses that we have, Reed explained.

This decision comes when the Abilene Housing Authority is seeing a rise in local families in need of assistance. Reed noted that they currently serve more than 1,800 families in the area.

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Weve seen our waiting lists grow exponentially since COVID, Reed said. [The housing market] is cyclical, but were still in a time where were seeing high market rents. It definitely is making it challenging for families that we provide subsidies to actually find units.

Is Abilene losing affordable housing options? Low-income tenants face high wait times for placement

Despite the rescind notice, Reed said he remains cautious, waiting for the White Houses next move.

We hope we can rely on and trust this last letter thats come out. We have informed the community to continue to watch our website, Reed said. Obviously, for us, we represent a lot of low-income families here in the community, and obviously, they had a lot of apprehensions when they heard about it.

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Click here to learn more about the Abilene Housing Authority.

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ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  A man accused of being involved in a motorcycle race on an Abilene street that killed another participant has been arrested.

Malik Winfield was taken into custody Thursday for Racing on Highway Causing Death in connection to the death of Braydon Shockley, who was killed in a crash on the 4300 block of Pine Street in February 2024.

Court documents state that just prior to the crash, Winfield, Shockley, and a third motorcyclist were traveling down Pine Street at a high rate of speed. Witnesses describe the bikes passing each other and speeding to catch back up.

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The documents also reveal officers reviewed surveillance footage from nearby businesses and learned that the motorcyclists were, traveling at speeds well in excess of other traffic and in the close proximity to each other indicating that they were comparing the relative speeds or power of acceleration of their respective vehicles.

Eventually, the documents state Winfields and Shockelys bikes collided, causing Shockley to crash into a sign. He died on scene from his injuries.

Winfield now remains held in the Taylor County Jail on a $75,000 bond.

No further information has been released.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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The architect of a ban on newspaper takeovers by foreign states has demanded that an Abu Dhabi fund be forced to sell The Telegraph by Easter.

Baroness Stowell, the Conservative chairman of the Lords communications and digital committee, said the Government should impose an ultimatum on RedBird IMI. It should be backed by the threat of regulatory action, she said, to strip the fund of control of what has been dubbed the newspaper auction from hell.

She said: I would like to think a deadline is set for a couple of months time  certainly by Easter. If its not possible for Redbird IMI to complete the sale by that time, that would mean that the Government would have to step in.

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Baroness Stowell played a key role in the Telegraph ownership saga in March last year by proposing laws that would have given Parliament a veto over any foreign state takeover of a British newspaper. Facing a cross-party rebellion, the Conservative government amended the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill to include an outright ban.

In an interview with The Telegraphs Planet Normal podcast, to be published next week, Baroness Stowell said that Lisa Nandy, the Culture Secretary, should threaten a phase 2 investigation of RedBird IMIs attempted takeover by the Competition and Markets Authority.

That would trigger the potentially diplomatically embarrassing publication of an Ofcom investigation of the threat to press freedom posed by Abu Dhabi, carried out last year.

It would also be likely to lead to a sale at a market price overseen by The Telegraphs independent directors.

Situation not acceptable and needs to change

RedBird IMIs attempts to recoup the more than 500m it paid the Barclay family in a complex debt transaction have floundered, with finance for a deal at that level seemingly unavailable.

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Baroness Stowell warned that a regulatory intervention itself is sadly another long process. The Telegraph so far has been in limbo for a total of 20 months. It has been 10 months since RedBird IMI was effectively ordered to sell.

She said: I think it would be much better if Redbird IMI can complete this sale and then The Telegraph would be able to continue to operate as it needs and deserves to do.

What cant go on is the situation where The Telegraph remains in limbo and isnt free to make the investment decisions and other kinds of strategic decisions it may want to make about its future. We are in a situation where, as things stand, this is not in line with the legislation that Parliament has passed.

This is a situation that is not acceptable and needs to change.

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Despite laws intended to prevent RedBird IMI exercising influence over The Telegraph, this month it urged executives to cut around one in 10 jobs and cancel planned editorial investments to preserve profits. At a meeting to discuss budgets, David Castelblanco, a partner in the American private equity firm RedBird Capital, which is the junior partner to the Abu Dhabi royal family in RedBird IMI, said forget the sale.

RedBird IMI subsequently said securing an onward sale remained its priority with the help of advisers including George Osborne, the former chancellor.

Baroness Stowells intervention comes after calls on Ms Nandy to act from Sir Iain Duncan Smith and Sir Ed Davey, among others across the political spectrum. In a leading article, The Times also demanded intervention by the Government.

It said: Giving RedBird IMI an ultimatum will cost her nothing and would do much to help the free press.

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The Department for Culture, Media and Sport spokesman said: The media merger regime is based on a quasi-judicial process for the Culture Secretary who cannot provide a running commentary on any live case. She will come forward to parliament when regulatory decisions are made. There is already a sale process underway with regard to The Telegraph which is being run by RedBird IMI alone.

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The Scoop

Abu Dhabis The National laid off 28 journalists Thursday, a spokesperson confirmed, amid a restructuring of the English-language publication.

The cuts included employees on the multimedia, digital, and foreign desks, the people said. Editor-in-chief Mina Al-Oraibi delivered the news during a company-wide meeting but did not elaborate on the reason for the layoffs. One person said the cuts were part of a broader restructuring at parent company International Media Investments (IMI), which is owned by UAE Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

IMI said as part of a comprehensive strategic review aimed at optimizing our operations, we have made the decision to restructure our organization. The company said it values the contributions of employees and is providing support to those affected by the cuts. IMIs future strategy includes strengthening our content creation capabilities and investing in new media and technologies.

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Al-Oraibi declined to comment.

Know More

The National was first published in 2008, and since then has gone through several iterations as the leading English-language news source in the UAE, and employed dozens of journalists who went on to work elsewhere (including the authors of this article).

IMI acquired The National from state-backed firm Abu Dhabi Media in 2016. The company also owns Sky News Arabia, CNN Business Arabic, and a minority stake in Euronews.

Since then The National, like every print publication, has followed a bumpy road into digital media. Al-Oraibi described the publication at the World Economic Forum in Davos last week as a legacy newspaper thats very quickly become an online platform, and cited growing podcast and newsletter businesses.

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Im really optimistic because were building communities, she said. At The National we have 300,000 subscribers of our newsletters. Theres no way youd be able to sell 300,000 newspapers in the population of 10 million in the UAE.

Mohammeds view

Since 2008, The National aimed to be the Middle Easts most influential English-language newspaper. It hired editors and reporters from top publications like The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and The Daily Telegraph for its launch and served as a springboard for journalists who went on to major careers, including Project Brazen co-founder Bradley Hope, WSJs Keach Hagey, The New Yorker contributor Rania Abouzeid, me, and my colleague Kelsey Warner, who covered business and tech during her five-year stint.

As for me, I only worked there for eight weeks, two of them before the paper went live. It was the summer of 2008, and the dominant story was the mounting debt weighing down Dubai Inc. When it became clear that we needed to tiptoe around it, I left.

The limitations were a result of the countrys media laws and, perhaps, some self-censorship. But the publication remains a must-read and attracts a sizable audience. Its stories provide an important service to readers in the UAE and beyond, and indeed its reporting appears frequently in Semafor newsletters.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump's nominee for secretary of Health and Human Services, testifies during his Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing at the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Jan. 29, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggested he is open to significantly limiting access to mifepristone if confirmed to head the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), citing safety issues to a drug that is used in most abortions and that research has shown is very safe and effective.

Kennedys remarks, during the first of two Senate hearings that are part of the confirmation process, came in response to questioning from two Republicans who oppose abortion: James Lankford of Oklahoma and Steve Daines of Montana.

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This report was originally published by The 19th. The Illuminator is a founding member of The 19th News Network.

President [Donald] Trump has asked me to study the safety of mifepristone, Kennedy said at Wednesdays hearing before the Senates Committee on Finance, which shares jurisdiction over HHS with the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. He has not yet taken a stand on how to regulate it. Whatever he does, I will implement those policies.

Such a review  one of Kennedys clearest public statements on abortion since being nominated to head the federal health department  suggests a lockstep alignment with President Trump that could have sweeping implications, including the imposition of national restrictions on a major method of abortion despite Trumps campaign promises to leave the issue in the hands of state governments.

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Mifepristone has been heavily studied and the data is unequivocal in showing its safety and effectiveness in terminating pregnancies. The drug is taken in conjunction with misoprostol, a two-medication regimen that constitutes the majority of abortions in the country. About one in five of all abortions are initiated over telehealth, with health care providers prescribing and mailing the pills to patients  including, in some cases, patients who live in states where abortion is banned.

The two-drug regimen is recommended by major international bodies because of its safety and effectiveness, including the World Health Organization. Still, abortion opponents have targeted mifepristone as part of their campaign to further reduce access to the procedure.

Anti-abortion state lawmakers across the country have introduced bills intended to weaken access to mifepristone, even in states where abortion is already banned. Many have targeted telehealth in particular, given its role in helping people circumvent state bans.

In 2023, a group of abortion opponents filed a lawsuit seeking to remove mifepristone from the market altogether, calling on the courts either to reverse the Food and Drug Administrations 2000 approval of the drug or rescind more recent moves to expand its availability. One such way was to undo the agencys decision to allow mifepristone to be provided over telehealth. The Supreme Court dismissed that case, suggesting that the plaintiffs did not show they had grounds to sue. Anti-abortion state lawmakers in Idaho, Kansas and Missouri have made similar legal claims and are currently asking a federal court in Texas to revoke the FDAs approval allowing mifepristone to be prescribed through telehealth.

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In their arguments, abortion opponents have falsely claimed that mifepristone is unsafe. The studies they referenced  which were also cited by the Texas-based federal judge who heard the case  have been retracted by scientific publishers because of flawed methodology. Kennedys suggestion that mifepristones safety should be further studied offers a sign that his HHS may be open to curbing access to the drug.

At one point during the hearing, Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire challenged Kennedy on the notion that mifepristone might be unsafe. She lifted a stack of papers, which were later submitted into the record, and said they represented several dozens of studies on its safety.

The studies are there, the safety is proved, the science is there, she said.

Trump has avoided clarifying how he will approach abortion policy  including mifepristones approval  and some Republican lawmakers have scaled back their ambitions of enacting national restrictions. His nomination of Kennedy, a former Democrat, sparked concern among some abortion opponents, notably former Vice President Mike Pence.

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Kennedys remarks raised concerns from lawmakers who support abortion rights.

The answers you have given tell me the Trump administration is more than willing to restrict or even ban medication abortion without a single act of Congress, even in states where abortion is legal, said Democratic Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota. Whats clear to me is that you and President Trump are dangerous to womens access to mifepristone.

Kennedy did not offer clear answers to other critical questions about abortion. One of the most notable referred to whether the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, which requires most hospitals to provide patients with necessary stabilizing care in medical emergencies, meant that health care providers must provide abortions when they are necessary to save someones life and if that would preempt any state ban.

I dont know, Kennedy said when asked that question by Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, a Democrat from Nevada. Kennedy also said he did not know what role he as head of the department would play in potentially enforcing EMTALA.

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Leveraging EMTALA to protect abortions in medical emergencies was a critical component of President Joe Bidens administration strategy on reproductive rights. HHS played a major role in those efforts.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  Local award-winning artist Leilehua Lanzilotti has long been known for her work that merges diverse art forms that blends music, sculpture and dance with an intricate exploration of her Hawaiian heritage.

Recently, Lanzilotti has been at the center of an exciting new initiative aimed at amplifying the voices of Native Hawaiian artists: the Wehiwehi artist cohort residency at Shangri La, the Doris Duke Foundations center for Islamic art and cultural exchange.

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The Shangri La creation was instigated by local artist Christopher Kaui Morgan.

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But this is more than just a residency. Its a creative laboratory for artistic collaboration, one that bridges traditional Hawaiian cultural practices with cutting-edge contemporary performance.

Lanzilottis deep connection to both Hawaiis cultural expression and experimental art has shaped her career. Growing up on Oahu and surrounded by contemporary art, particularly at the Contemporary Museum on Tantalus, Lanzilotti was steeped in an environment that encouraged playful exploration and artistic freedom.

I was really lucky to kind of grow up hanging out at the contemporary museum, Lanzilotti shared. It was this really beautiful space that uplifted contemporary art, and for me, it was like my playground.

Her upbringing in such a dynamic environment has had a lasting impact on her art. Today, her work traverses multiple mediums, from classical music to multimedia installations, often weaving sound and visual elements in ways that evoke the interconnectivity of Hawaiis cultural and artistic practices.

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Hawaiis rural healthcare at stake as federal funding freezes

I perform on the viola, but I also work with sculptures, ceramics, and paper, Lanzilotti explained. I draw inspiration from everything around me: art; objects; and, of course, the world of Hawaiian dance and music.

In addition to her innovative art, Lanzilotti is known for advocating for greater support for artists in Hawaii. One such platform is the Wehiwehi residency.

This residency is a space for creating and an intentional gathering of Native Hawaiian and diaspora artists exploring the intersection of traditional and contemporary practices that provides a much-needed opportunity for these voices to be heard in the broader arts community.

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Shangri La is more than just a museum, explained members of the Shangri La team. Its a place where we can engage with our community, where we can elevate the voices of Native Hawaiian artists and bring together both traditional and contemporary practices.

Lanzilottis excitement about Wehiwehi reflects her commitment to nurturing artistic spaces that celebrate both heritage and innovation. The program, a partnership between Shangri La and the Doris Duke Foundation, is designed to support artists whose work engages with Native Hawaiian cultural preservation, contemporary performance and technology.

The Wehiwehi residency brings together a small cohort of artists to engage in collaborative workshops, cultural re-centering and studio experiments. This initiative encourages the fusion of ecological knowledge with modern performance techniques in order to foster a creative space that respects tradition while embracing innovation.

The residency is about making sure that Native Hawaiian voices are not only heard but amplified, the Shangri La team said. Its about bridging those gaps and providing artists with the platform and support to create work that resonates with both local communities and global audiences.

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What makes Wehiwehi stand out from other artist residencies is its holistic approach to the artistic process. It isnt just about creating new work; its about community-building and offering opportunities for ongoing collaboration among artists.

Shangri Las unique sense of place allows us to come together and think about art in a way that feels connected to the land, the people, and the culture, the Shangri La team explained. Its a space where transformation can happen, and it provides an inspiring environment for all of us to work in.

This residency is also a response to the increasing challenges faced by local artists, particularly in Hawaii where rising living costs are forcing many to leave or scale back their work.

Lanzilotti emphasized the importance of sustaining art practices in Hawaii: Were getting priced out of being here, and its harder to stay and create. These awards and initiatives are crucial in allowing artists to keep making work that is rooted in place.

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In addition to the Wehiwehi residency, Lanzilottis recent recognition through the Creative Capital Award  a prestigious grant that provides funding and resources for innovative projects  marks a significant moment in her career.

Creative Capitals unrestricted project grants allow artists like Lanzilotti to grow their work over several years, ensuring sustainability and the space to experiment. Lanzilotti has used this funding to expand her artistic practice, integrating her sound world with visual experiences that communicate the interconnectedness of Hawaiian culture and contemporary art.

For Lanzilotti, the fusion of these two realms  traditional Hawaiian culture and contemporary performance  is essential for the continued growth of both the arts and the Hawaiian language.

The language is alive when its used in contemporary work, Lanzilotti shared. Its important that we show were still here, that were still creating new work and pushing boundaries.

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Through Wehiwehi and other initiatives, Lanzilotti is helping to ensure that the future of Native Hawaiian cultural expression is not just preserved but reimagined.

Shangri Las role in this initiative extends beyond merely hosting artists. It serves as a facilitator of dialogue, creativity and community. The museum, while known for its collections of Islamic art, is also dedicated to supporting contemporary art practices, especially those that engage with issues of cultural identity, social justice and environmental sustainability.

With Wehiwehi, Shangri La is providing a much-needed platform for artists to explore new ways of blending traditional knowledge with modern tools.

Looking forward, Lanzilotti sees a bright future for Wehiwehi, especially as it expands beyond its initial phase.

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Its going to be exciting to see how this residency grows, the team said. The first phase is just the beginning. Theres so much potential here to bring more artists into this conversation and to continue to strengthen the community.

For artists and art lovers alike, Wehiwehi represents a groundbreaking opportunity to engage with Hawaiis dynamic arts scene.

By elevating Native Hawaiian voices and supporting innovative work that connects the past, present, and future, the residency is shaping the next chapter in the islands cultural evolution.

To learn more about Shangri La, click here.

Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8

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As Lanzilotti continues to lead the charge in bringing contemporary Hawaiian art to the forefront, the future of art in Hawaii has never looked more promising.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
Experts estimate that one in five children have dyslexia, a neurological disability that affects a persons aptitude for reading, writing and spelling  and presents greater challenges for success in school.

While many local public schools and districts provide additional resources for dyslexic students, theres only one school in Colorado Springs that provides comprehensive resources and services exclusively for them at no additional cost.

The way reading is taught in a traditional school is not the way that they learn, Orton Academy Principal Cindy Kanuch said of dyslexic students. And so, kids that could learn to read all across the country arent (learning).

Orton Academy was founded in 2020 to serve students in grades 2-8 who have dyslexia or other reading difficulties. Formerly operating under contract with the Education reEnvisioned Board of Cooperative Education Services, the school began its first year as a charter school contracted with Colorado Springs District 11 in 2024.

Orton and the James Irwin Elementary-Canada Drive campus are the only two new charters in the Colorado Springs area to open for the 2024-25 school year.

Housed in the former location of the Holy Trinity Catholic School, 3115 Larkspur Drive, Ortons classes implement specialized learning tools like audiobooks and screen-readers and employ a cohort of certified academic language therapists, practitioners in training and qualified dyslexia instructors.

Certified teachers at Orton receive additional dyslexic training to adjust their instruction to students needs  from English to math to physical education classes.

They dont even blink about reading things aloud. Its just become a natural thing to do, Kanuch said.

Along with the degree and state licensure to become a teacher, training to become a dyslexia specialist includes additional certifications by either the Center for Effective Reading Instruction or the Academic Language Therapy Association. The commitment includes hundreds of hours of clinical work and classroom study, and passing a certification exam.

Ortons instruction strays from other public schools in the state by utilizing the science of reading approach instead of the whole language approach. Rather than teaching younger students literacy primarily through reading, listening, speaking and listening simultaneously, the science of reading approach utilizes a greater focus on phonemic awareness and text comprehension throughout adolescence.

Orton students are provided extra wait time during class to process information before giving an answer, which is often through verbal discussions, pictures, diagrams and other demonstrations of knowledge outside of writing. Outside of literacy where students receive extra support, core subject materials are all read by their teachers to break down instructional barriers typically found in other schools.

Orton also provides more resources and movement for students diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) like wiggle seats, additional P.E. time and standing space in class because the condition is often diagnosed with dyslexia. Class sizes are intentionally kept small for more focused instruction and stronger student-teacher relationships.

Options currently available for dyslexic students are provided through local private schools and private practicing therapists along with public school services like ALLIES in District 49, Encompass Heights Elementary School in Academy District 20 and Take Flight therapy offered in select D-11 schools.

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What separates Orton from these options is its distinction as the only tuition-free school in Colorado Springs that provides each student with daily one-hour reading therapy from a certified academic reading therapist at no added cost.

This type of therapy typically ranges from $50-$100 per hour and requires at least three hours a week to be considered effective.

And so, this is an injustice to our students, Kanuch said. Its a social injustice, especially since there are many families that just cant afford that.

Along with financial strains, these services also come at the expense of time for students and their families. Assistant Principal Andrea Sedoryk, who herself is dyslexic, said that therapy sessions outside of school can often interfere with after-school activities or other social interactions with their peers.

By providing therapy in-house along with their own extracurricular activities, the social gap that existed before is being filled.

So, it makes it a real special opportunity for kids that I and others might not have had because what we werent getting at school, we had to go get somewhere else, Sedoryk said.

The supplemental services and the similar conditions shared among students have cultivated a supportive culture without stigma throughout the school by students and staff alike who understand what everyone is working through.

Unlike perhaps a typical school, its not uncommon for students to help each other when they are struggling. Kanuch recalled one recent situation during which a fifth-grade student noticed a classmate struggling to sound out words like cat and dog.

The students response? Walking over to block out certain letters and help their classmate work through each word.

And I thought, That would never happen in a regular fifth-grade classroom. The child that was struggling would have been eaten alive, Kanuch said.

Its funny, we have the typical squabbles and drama here that youd find at a regular school, but nobody messes with each other when it comes to academics.

Ortons enrollment recently totaled 116 with most students coming from recommendations by local therapists and even various public schools that lack sufficient resources. Given the schools unique services, student families have traveled as far as Woodland Park, Evergreen and Washington County on the eastern Plains to attend classes.

Now as a chartered school in D-11, the hope is for local outreach, enrollment and class space to increase. Although the school only serves students through middle school, its goal is to prepare students to succeed independently in high school and beyond. 
A man that was living a double life is now behind bars after being convicted of raping two women and has been accused of a third.

Channel 2 investigative reporter Mark Winne obtained video of DeQuon Norman as he was sitting in the police interrogation room, talking to himself after he was arrested.

Boy, so stupid. Why would you go out there again, risk it all? Norman said to himself.

Deputy Fulton County District Attorney Julianna Peterson Eley said Norman the two rapes of which he was recently convicted along with other charges werent about money but power.

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Mr. Norman was really a monster in disguise living amongst the community. He was a college graduate, he was an accountant with a wife and two toddlers at the time he was arrested in 2021, Petersen Eley said. What he wanted was their fear and their terror. He enjoyed that he was taking this away from them at the end of a gun.

Its a man thats living a double life. He brutally victimized these three women, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis said.

Now, he is in jail sentenced to three consecutive life sentences plus 65 years in prison.

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Peterson Eley said the third rape alleged against Norman from 2004 wasnt tried but the case was used in court to show a pattern.

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She said the victim was willing to testify but died last year, 20 years after the incident.

Everyone who finds themselves a victim of any type of crime in Fulton County is worthy of justice, Fulton County Chief Senior Assistant District Attorney Tarrance Miller said.

Milled told Winne that Norman was convicted of rapes he committed in 2004 and 2020, with the latter involving a 16-year-old girl.

Miller said Norman admitted sex with sex workers but denied rape or using a gun.

Defense attorney Chris Toles said Norman did lead a double life paying money for sex dozens of times but is innocent of rape.

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He pays women to have sex. It wasnt, you know, it was this dark, dirty, dark secret. But he was not a rapist, Toles said. If these cases were so good and they were so valuable, the district attorneys office knew as early as 2008 who Mr. Norman was.

Toles said Norman will appeal and maintains in the 2004 case in which Norman was convicted the lead detective didnt believe the victim. He said in the 2020 case, the 16-year-old victim changed several major elements of her story.

The jury going to like, you know, you got all this smoke, there must be fire, Toles said.

Winne was told that the case was handled by the district attorneys federally funded SAKI Unit, which stands for the sexual assault kit initiative.

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Thousands of cases from the 80s, 90s even early 2000s were just left on the shelf. And they were not investigated. We have been able to investigate those cases, Willis said.

Law enforcement and the community will stand with you regardless of what type of life youve engaged in if you find yourself a victim in this county, Miller said.

Peterson Eley said the alleged victim who died had turned over a new leaf and was helping other victims.

She said Norman was actually held in jail for a few days years ago on that case, but it did not move forward to trial. And by the time of this recent trial, his speedy trial rights mandated a dismissal. Chief Senior Assistant District Attorney




A Palestinian flag is seen on a bicycle outside Sayles Hall at Brown University on April 30, 2024. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island is calling on Brown University to reinstate Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), according to a letter sent Wednesday to the schools president.

The message to Brown University President Christina H. Paxson was prompted by the ACLUs recent acquisition of a university communication which detailed how, in October 2024, the SJP was banned from holding meetings, attending other student groups events, and from using its organizational name after a pro-Palestine protest on campus.

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We find your administrations actions against the SJP deeply troubling, as we believe they directly contradict the Universitys core mission and cast a chill on campus free speech, the ACLUs letter reads. An important, if controversial, student political group has been completely silenced on campus, all before having any formal opportunity to contest the allegations lodged against it.

ACLU Executive Director Steven Brown and Rachel Lee and Stephen Robinson, the co-presidents of Browns ACLU chapter, signed the letter.

On Oct. 24, 2024, Koren Bakkegard, the schools associate vice president for campus life and dean of students, notified student protest leaders that their group was suspended pending a university review. Bakkegard demanded that SJP members must cease all organization activities based on alleged misconduct during an SJP rally on Oct. 18, 2024.

According to Bakkegards letter, the rally, which the school authorized, was to take place on the Faunce Steps and a portion of the campus College Green. Much of what took place as part of the event was consistent with submitted event plans and with policy and community expectations regarding protest and demonstration, Bakkegard wrote.

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But things changed when protestors marched outside the campus green as part of the event, according to Bakkegards account. The dean alleged that there were reports of protestors banging on and physically blocking cars, screaming and cursing at people at close range, using a racial slur and screaming at individuals while filming them.

The ACLU contends Brown did not cite specific policy violations that warranted banning the entire group, adding the administrative reprimand offers no explanation as to why all of the misconduct is being attributed at this stage to SJP as opposed to particular individuals.

While we can envision circumstances when student groups should be held responsible for the misbehavior of its members, some measure of reason is required to prevent the interim imposition of group punishment due solely to what may be the unsanctioned behavior of a few individuals (such as, in this case, the purported use of a racial epithet), the ACLU letter reads. Otherwise, every student groups existence is at the mercy of its least responsible member.

The letter also warns that prohibiting the group could discourage student activism at Brown: Through this action against SJP, the University has given to itself the exceptional power to undercut any political organization on campus on an interim basis.

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When asked for comment Wednesday, Brian Clark, a Brown University spokesperson, acknowledged the school has received the ACLU letter.

While we appreciate the interest, we do not work through the news media to address community concerns or questions  rather, we value direct engagement, and our response will come directly to the ACLU representatives, including the Brown student chapter leaders, who were in touch, Clark wrote.

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DENVER (KDVR)  The American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado filed a lawsuit Tuesday against an Aurora landlord accused of repeatedly threatening to report Venezuelan tenants to immigration authorities.

The ACLU said the couple has pending asylum applications in the U.S. The organization is arguing to the court that the landlords actions were an unlawful attempt to force the family to vacate their home without due process.

DEA takes 3 suspects with possible ties to a Mexican drug cartel into custody

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According to the complaint, the couple moved into the apartment in early October 2024 with their two sons and agreed to pay $1,800 in rent each month under a lease. The ACLU of Colorado alleged in the lawsuit that friction between the tenants and landlord began in November 2024 when the couple incurred unexpected medical expenses that led them to fall behind on rent. The complaint states that on Dec. 4, 2024, one of the adult residents and one of the juveniles came home to find the locks on the apartment were changed with no prior notice or valid court order for possession of property.

That night, Mr. Doe and the couples fifteen-year-old son were forced to sleep in their car overnight in the winter cold. The next day, they were able to access the Apartment through a window, the complaint states. The couple filed the lawsuit through attorneys under pseudonyms.

The lawsuit says the family contacted the landlord and were told they could not do anything about it because they are not from here are Venezuelan, and have no rights. The ACLU alleged this was an intimidation and coercion tactic to stop the tenants from asserting their rights.

This incident was resolved after the family made a $1,000 payment, and then a $300 payment a week after the first payment. Management allegedly responded by putting a key in the familys mailbox, allowing them full access to the apartment.

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A second incident was described in the lawsuit dating to Jan. 15. The complaint states that the landlord knocked on the familys door, shoved some papers through the door and misleadingly told Plaintiffs (the family) they had ten days to move out.'

DEA takes suspected Venezuelan gang member into custody in Denver area

On Jan. 24, a landlord came to the apartment again. The lawsuit says the man who visited the apartment slammed the front door back, and could have broken the nose of the resident who answered the door. The lawsuit also says the landlord had a handwritten paper in his hand, allegedly showing what the family owed the management company, but allegedly the landlord did not show the paper to the family.

Instead, the landlord raised his voice, speaking in broken Spanish about how they owed him money, and if they didnt pay they would be thrown out on the street. He allegedly told them they only had a few hours to move out, or he would call immigration.

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One of the adults told the landlord that the demand to leave within hours was illegal, and the landlord repeated his immigration threats, later telling them Migra today.

FOX31 called a number associated with the company named in the lawsuit, PHS Rent LLC., and was told they were not offering comment on the lawsuit before the woman who answered hung up the line.

The family is seeking damages for harm caused by the landlords, and restraining orders to prevent the landlords from repeating these actions on other families.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  Wags n Whiskers Wednesday features Beau, a one-year-old, 50-pound pit bull terrier mix.

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Beau is a staff and volunteer favorite, known for his adorable, squishy face, expressive ears and loving personality.

The Hawaiian Humane Society said the handsome pup had a rough start in life after he was found injured on the side of the road in Waianae in April 2024 with pelvic fractures.

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Romeo seeks forever home after rocky start

He recovered from his injuries in a foster home for several months. Now, Beau is ready to be adopted.

HHS described Beau as a mellow, affectionate dog who is happiest when hes the center of your attention.

He enjoys leisure walks, cuddles and curling up in comfort during a car ride.

If you like going out to dog-friendly cafes, restaurants, beaches or hiking trails, Beau will be the perfect companion for you, HHS added.

As a Reid Krucky recipient, Beaus adoption fee has been waived.

If youre ready to add Beau to your ohana, visit him at the Hawaiian Humane Societys Moiliili Campus from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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His adoption family will receive an adoption starter kit.

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CHICAGO  Advocate Health Care is closing all of its clinics inside Walgreens stores in Illinois.

The health care system announced Wednesday that 47 of its locations will shut down next Thursday.

Advocate said it will offer various alternate positions for the employees involved.

Walgreens released the following statement:

Advocate Health Care has made the decision to shift operations at their Advocate Clinics at Walgreens in Illinois, effective February 6, 2025. We are partnering closely with Advocate to navigate this transition. Walgreens now offers convenient, affordable online doctor visits in Illinois. Through Walgreens Virtual Healthcare, patients can see a doctor or nurse practitioner, get a diagnosis and fill prescriptions as needed from the comfort of home for a range of conditions, including urgent care needs, cough, cold and sinus problems, flu, COVID-19, pink eye, allergy and asthma and sexual health. Patients can learn more at walgreens.com/virtualhealthcare.

Walgreens said it will continue to provide health care services with doctors and nurses virtually.

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Earlier this month, Walgreens announced the closure of five stores in Chicago in February.

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LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  More than 1.5 million Michigan workers could soon lose guaranteed sick leave under proposed legislation making its way through the Senate. Wednesday, workers and advocates rallied at the State Capitol to speak out against HB-4002 and SB-15.

Dozens of workers, parents, and advocates gathered at the Capitol, calling on lawmakers to reject these proposed changes.

The current law set to take effect on Feb. 21 would expand paid sick time but some business owners say those requirements come with high costs. Under these proposed changes, many small businesses would be exempt from the paid sick leave requirement.

(WLNS)

At the rally, advocates said these proposed changes would be detrimental to working families, forcing many to choose between their health and their paycheck.

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Everybody gets sick, said Monique Stanton, the president and CEO of the Michigan League of Public Policy, in reference to the viruses that are going around. Everybody at some point in their life needs to take a few hours out of work because theyre sick and they should not have to have economic insecurity in order to be able to do so.

Stanton was just one of the many guest speakers highlighting the importance of earned sick time laws.

(WLNS)

The event was organized by the group Mothering Justice, a grassroots organization that provides policy advocacy resources for moms and caregivers. However, the organization leaders said, these potential changes dont only affect one group, they affect everyone.

Im a mother so I understand what its like to not have any sick time and I wouldnt want any other mother to go through that ever again, said Aisha Wells, a Co-Deputy Director of Organizing at Mothering Justice, reflecting on the time her son was in the ICU and she was faced with the decision to be with him or to pay her bills. So I joined this fight and Ive been in this work because we need to change the policies in this country and this state that families and small businesses.

(WLNS)

Many people at the event chanted people over profit, hoping lawmakers will understand how this affects everyone.

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Those who support the bills emphasize that small businesses are the backbone of our state and this law is putting those very businesses at risk.

The bills have already passed in the House and are now moving through the Senate. If approved, they will head to Governor Gretchen Whitmers desk for a final decision.

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GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP)  A Greensboro man is desperately waiting to reunite with his wife and six children, who are stranded in a holding country after fleeing Afghanistan. But a recent executive order signed by President Donald Trump has put their future in jeopardy.

The order suspends refugee admissions to the U.S., leaving thousands  including families who supported American troops  stuck in legal limbo. Now, local advocates are calling on lawmakers to intervene before time runs out.

Abdul, an Afghan refugee who is concealing his identity for safety reasons, came to the United States in October 2021 through an evacuation program. Since then, he has worked two jobs to support his family while waiting for them to join him. His youngest child, now three years old, was just three months old when he last saw him.

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Previously approved refugee flights to US canceled after Trump order

I love them a lot. I miss them a lot. Im worried about them every time, every minute, Abdul said.

His wife and six children left everything behind in Afghanistan, hoping to reunite with him in the U.S. After months of waiting, they were finally approved for immigration processing and secured a visa interview for Feb. 8. But with the refugee ban in place, their future is uncertain.

Its really been too much hard for me and also too hard for my family, for my kids, Abdul said. Because they need support, and they need a safe life. They are not safe in my country because I was working with the government.

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Abdul said the Afghanistan government now knows his family tried to flee, which could put them in danger if they are forced to return.

For right now, for this case, which is they moved from Afghanistan, everybody knows they moved, Abdul said. If they come back to Afghanistan, it will be so dangerous for them because the government will know they tried to move to the United States.

Beyond safety concerns, Abdul said his family does not speak the language of the country they are currently in, making it even harder for them to sustain themselves. Their short-term visas are running out, and if their U.S. immigration case is delayed, they could be forced to return to Afghanistan.

Advocates in Greensboro, including Rev. Mike Aiken, have been reaching out to lawmakers, urging them to step in before its too late.

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No matter what party they are with, we are asking them to help bring this family to Greensboro, Aiken said. When they come, wed love to have them come and meet the family and celebrate together. If we dont bring them here, this familys lives are really in danger.

Aiken said the family has already met key immigration requirements and only needs clearance to enter the U.S.

They got the appointment. They passed their medical tests over there, and now theyre just waiting. It just breaks my heart, Aiken said. These people are our allies, our friends. They put their lives on the line for U.S. troops, for the United States.

While his family waits, Abdul is doing everything he can to prepare for their arrival. He recently completed an aircraft mechanics certification program at Guilford Technical Community College and now works in the aviation industry.

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I can support them. I have a good job, and when I get them to the United States, I will be able to study more and continue my education here with my kids, he said.

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OSHTEMO TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD)  A Kalamazoo-area woman will pay $2,000 after state investigators say she used a fake name and falsified veterinary records when she sold a dog online last year.

Paige Harkema of Oshtemo Township went by the name Abby Stratiskii when she posted a dog named Toby on an animal adoption website in May, the Michigan Attorney Generals Office said in a Thursday release. Two people from Michigan ultimately paid $250 for the dog, but the AGs Office said the veterinary and vaccination records Harkema gave the buyers were fake.

The AG launched an investigation in September, saying at the time that it had found two other similar adoption postings linked to the same name.

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Under an agreement filed in an Ingham County court earlier this week to settle the AGs claims against her, Harkema must never again falsify vet records, post any animals on the adoption website or use an alias if she ever sells anything in Michigan. She also agreed not to sell or adopt out any animal for the next 10 years.

Shell also pay $2,000 by March 1, which will go to people she wronged if they present substantiated claims to the state, the AG said.

Adopting a pet in need can be a rewarding experience, but always remember to be cautious, especially when adopting online, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a statement. If you receive vet or vaccination records, always verify their authenticity with the veterinarian on file before finalizing the adoption. If you believe you were deceived during the purchase of a pet from Ms. Harkema, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

The AGs Consumer Protection Team can be reached online, by phone at 877.765.8388 or by mailing:

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Consumer Protection Team

P.O. Box 30213

Lansing, MI 48909

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Several state attorneys general won an initial victory Wednesday as they seek to block the Trump administrations push to freeze federal assistance, with a Rhode Island judge allowing their proposed court injunction to move forward.

Rhode Island U.S. District Chief Judge John McConnell said he agreed with state prosecutors, who made the case that their request for a federal temporary restraining order remained valid, despite the Trump administration rescinding a controversial memo thats at the center of the case.

The memo, issued Monday evening, directed all federal agencies to freeze federal-assistance funding, grants and loans pending a review from the Trump administration to ensure the money aligned with the many executive orders President Trump has signed since taking office last week.

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The memo sparked backlash, confusion and multiple lawsuits across the country, including the request for a temporary restraining order that six attorneys general filed in federal court in Rhode Island. (The number of plaintiffs on Wednesday had grown to 23 states.) A federal judge in Washington, D.C., granted a temporary stay in a similar lawsuit heard on Tuesday.

Updates: Hearing in legal fight over Trump funding freeze

The Trump memo served as the basis for the states argument, with prosecutors saying the courts should order the temporary restraining order because the policy was illegal and unconstitutional.

But the relevance of the memo came into question after the Trump administration rescinded the directive earlier Wednesday. And Daniel Schwei, an attorney representing the Trump administration, argued the states case was moot because the underlying directive no longer existed.

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The breadth of the relief the plaintiffs is taking is breathtaking, Schwei said.

McConnell pushed back, saying, Respectfully, so was the breadth of [the] directive.

Rhode Island Assistant Attorney General Sarah Rice submitted a transcript from a Wednesday White House press briefing, along with a social-media post by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, as evidence the effort to freeze funding continued.

This is NOT a rescission of the federal funding freeze, Leavitt wrote in the post. It is simply a rescission of the OMB memo. Why? To end any confusion created by the courts injunction. The Presidents EOs on federal funding remain in full force and effect, and will be rigorously implemented.

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Rice said that whether it is by directive or silent command, the harm of the Trump administration actions was the same. And she asked McConnell to hit the pause button.

McConnell sided with the states argument, saying the exhibits showed the Trump administrations actions had the same effect as the directive, calling them a difference without a distinction.

I agree with the states, McConnell said.

McConnell didnt make an immediate decision, although he said the states arguments would likely succeed. He asked the attorneys general to file a draft order for him to consider, then for the DOJ to respond within 24 hours.

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If granted, he said the sides could move forward with arguments over whether the court should impose a permanent injunction to block the Trump funding-freeze policies. And he said there was no required timeline, but that he would look to move on the issue expeditiously.

Eli Sherman (esherman@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter for 12 News. Connect with him on Twitter and on Facebook.

Tim White (twhite@wpri.com) is Target 12 managing editor and chief investigative reporter and host of Newsmakers for 12 News. Connect with him on Twitter and Facebook.

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From the rigors of school-life balances to the social challenges amongst students, the traditional brick-and-mortar approach to public education isnt for everyone, but that doesnt mean some students should give up on their education just because they dont fit the mold.

Recognizing this, local districts like Widefield D-3 have worked in recent years to create a new pathway to success for those who may have given up on their schools  or their schools on them.

These are not bad kids, Discovery High teacher Kim Myers said. Oftentimes, these are kids that need someone in their corner.

Discovery High Schools night classes offer a new opportunity for students who have fallen behind on their high school credits to graduate.

Classes began in 2023-24 thanks to funding from the states Empowering Action for School Improvement grant. Discovery Principal Albert Wiggins said the school was approved for the grant after successfully identifying an opportunity for educational achievement and engagement with its students.

The opportunity? Flexible schedules and options for classes and class times. The students? Those on the verge of dropping out or missing graduation by only a few credits.

Wiggins said he was inspired to apply for the grant after witnessing this very scenario play out with one of his former students.

And I was like, Not like this. We cant lose this kid like this, he said.

Discovery joins Sierra High School in Harrison D-2 as the only night school option in the Colorado Springs area.

Historically, reasons for the need have ranged from unstable home lives, a need to work outside school and support their families or other life circumstances that arent conducive to a typical school schedule. Also, there are students with anxiety who simply dont perform well in typical school environments and have opted to take night classes as an alternative.

Regardless of the reason, the goal of success is the common thread throughout the night school students whether theyre picking up a couple of make-up classes or extending their school day into the evening.

And I think that gives us a foundation to the type of culture we have where we have students that want to be here and are willing to stay and put in the effort, Wiggins said.

Alternative education

If someone were to walk in on a night class at Discovery High School, they would find an atmosphere notably calmer and quieter than a typical high school classroom, officials said.

The pressures of finals week were no exception, with an American Sign Language class concluding their semester with a performance of Louie Armstrongs What A Wonderful World in unison.

Along with a darker hue and smaller class sizes than during daytime hours, the low-key environments are largely due to a mutual understanding between teachers and students that theres already enough to stress and fret about outside of school hours.

The students here are a little older and because they are choosing to be here, theyre usually a lot more self-motivated so it feels more collegiate, Myers said.

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Among those signed up for classes last fall included students who work day jobs, attend classes at the Salon Academy or stay home to care for their family during regular school hours.

Because of these varying ages and life experiences along with a shared desire to graduate, the school has already developed a culture thats devoid of the drama or conflicts commonly seen in high school hallways and classrooms.

I like it because my brother also takes class here and I can go to him if I need help with something, which I didnt do at my other schools, senior student Ben Akin said.

In addition to its credit-recovery and credit-acceleration model, Discoverys designation as an alternative school allows it to specialize curriculum to serve its high-risk students. The schools model allows it to offer personalized approaches to the classes that still meet state curriculum standards. A horror films in American literature class for English credit, a parenting course and forensic-focused classes for both math and science are among the teacher-guided courses that have been developed for the school.

Along with helping engage students like one who hopes to eventually become a forensic pathologist, Wiggins said these types of courses have matched educators with their passion for the work they do.

When we ask for our teachers who have interest to teach night school, they step up and then theyre like, Hey, I want to teach this. How can we do it, he said.

Additionally, the school has partnered with the Manufacturing Industry Learning Lab in D-3 for night students to earn non-destructive test certifications. One of these students has since graduated and began an internship in California this year through the certification.

Being able to tap into something else

Akin, moments after finishing his finals, and before learning he had passed, still exhibited the nerves and anxiety commonly felt during testing season. Wrapping up his third year as a senior, he admitted that he had fallen behind in his classes earlier in high school, but jumped at the opportunity to catch up through night school.

I really didnt want to be a senior while I was 20 years old, he said. And I was running the risk of aging out, so thats why I started taking these classes.

After graduating, Akin hopes to enlist in the Army and follow in his father and grandfathers footsteps of service before finding a career in demolition work.

The program has proven successful, according to Wiggins, who said that two students who were about to drop out during its first year are now on pace to graduate this spring.

I have one student thats on track to be done in May who would have been on track for a year and a half if they werent taking these classes, he said.

The program itself has also developed. Since its first year, when it only offered half-credit classes for six weeks to Discovery students, additional classes are now offered to all district high school students for full credits over nine weeks.

Although the program was originally started with grant funding that looks to continue for the next two years, work has already been done to sustain the program . Whether through other grants or greater district support, Wiggins hopes that capacity, programming and community outreach with the program will grow in years to come.

The night school program has been an additional piece of how we want our students to be able to find success, be able to graduate, be able to enjoy their love of learning and be able to tap into something else that they may not get during the typical school day, he said.
Jan. 30 (UPI) -- Artwork generated by artificial intelligence must have a human contributor to earn copyright protection in the United States, the U.S. Copyright Office has determined.

The Copyright Office's 52-page January "Report of the Register of Copyrights" addresses the "copyrightability of works created using generative AI" and follows up on the office's prior report on digital replicas of an individual's voice or appearance.

"After considering the extensive public comments and the current state of technological development, our conclusions turn on the centrality of human creativity to copyright," said Shira Perlmutter, Register of Copyrights and director of the U.S. Copyright Office, in a news release provided to UPI.

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"Where that creativity is expressed through the use of AI systems, it continues to enjoy protection," Perlmutter said.

"Extending protection to material whose expressive elements are determined by a machine, however, would undermine rather than further the constitutional goals of copyright."

The January report was released on Wednesday and says existing law adequately resolves questions of copyright protection for AI-generated outputs on a case-by-case basis.

"Copyright law has long adapted to new technology and can enable case-by-case determinations as to whether AI-generated outputs reflect sufficient human contribution to warrant copyright protection," the report says.

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"In many circumstances these outputs will be copyrightable in whole or in part where AI is used as a tool and where a human has been able to determine the expressive elements they contain."

The use of AI prompts to generate new content does not qualify for copyright protection of AI-generated works of art, though.

Ultimately, if a human doesn't provide significant input, an AI-generated product does not qualify as intellectual property that needs copyright protection, Mashable reported.

People who use generative AI tools by inputting text prompts are not going to obtain AI-generated art that they can protect by applying for a legally enforceable copyright, The Verge reported.

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Copyright Office officials will continue to assist the public regarding copyright protection of AI-generate art and will issue new copyright registration guidance and update its practices and regulation as judicial developments, anecdotal evidence and other relevant input require.

The Copyright Office's regulatory report on AI-generated art and when it might qualify for copyright protection comes as AI continues to evolve and grow its capabilities.

The report is the product of the Copyright Office's ongoing AI initiative.
From the Techne on The Dispatch

Welcome back to Techne! During the couple of years I lived in Chicago, I became somewhat obsessed with the 1892 Worlds Columbian Exposition, also known as the Chicago Worlds Fair. Coming just 20 years after the Great Conflagration burned significant parts of the city, the exposition was built in roughly three years, covered 690 acres and included well over 200 structures. But the main feature was a massive pool surrounded by 14 buildings in the neoclassical style designed by prominent architects. The fair was a defining moment for the nation and featured the original Ferris wheel, the first moving walkway, the introduction of Quaker oats, shredded wheat, and peanut butter, and electrical devices developed by Nikola Tesla. But it ended in tragedy when the mayor was assassinated. The Library of Congress has some great resources on the event, including high-quality maps, newspaper clippings, and so much more.

The Best AI Law May Be One That Already Exists

I find myself increasingly sympathetic to William F. Buckley Jr. and his inclination to stand athwart history, yelling Stop, at a time when no one is inclined to do so. In AI regulation, we desperately need restraint.

The amount of proposed legislation aimed at AI is staggering. Multistate.ai, a government relations company tracking AI legislation, identified 636 state bills in 2024. Its not even February and there are already 444 state-level bills pending.

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Legislators are trying to get ahead of AI by passing bills. Its an effort to right the wrong of supposedly taking a hands-off approach to social media regulation. Although Ive always been skeptical of this simple narrative, the result has been a lot of ill-conceived AI bills.

Ive been paying close attention to bills in Texas and Virginia that would grant extensive new power to regulate AI. But instead of new laws, leaders could make sure that consumer protection and anti-discrimination laws apply to AI by plugging any gaps. The Massachusetts Attorney General made clear in an advisory that the state would extend its expansive policing power to AI systems. Meanwhile, the federal government alone has issued more than 500 advisories, notices, and other actions to extend regulatory power over AI. The Federal Trade Commission has opened an investigation into AI companies, and dozens of copyright cases are being adjudicated. But to legislators, none of that is as satisfying as a new statute.

In our haste to regulate American innovation, we risk sacrificing the very technological preeminence that has defined our nations modern character. Early adoption of tech has traditionally resulted in higher incomes, more manufacturing jobs, and growth in related industries. In Texas and especially Virginia, data centers are being built, jobs are being created and tax bases are growing, so it is unclear why leaders would want to jeopardize that, just to be the first out of the gate. I feel, as my dad would often say, that were cruising for a bruising.

The pacing problem.

Heres a common question Im asked: Government runs slow and AI businesses are running fast, so is the government keeping up? While our technological capabilities sprint ahead, our social and legal frameworks merely power-walk behind. The pacing problem lies at the heart of AI regulation. Analyst Adam Thierer put together the graph below that captures the idea.

Chart courtesy of Adam Thierer.

But I think people are looking at the pacing delta wrong. Changing regulatory regimes for every new innovation could mean that you get governance wrong. There is value in waiting to see where problems arise. In nascent markets and with new technologies, oftentimes the best response to a widening pace gap is to wait and maintain regulatory options, rather than rushing to close the gap with potentially premature regulation.

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Finance has a concept that captures this flexibility. Real options are a kind of investment choice that a company can undertake to respond to changing economic, technological, or market conditions. To be specific, a real option gives a firms management the right, but not the obligation, to undertake certain business opportunities or investments. Real options create value beyond the immediate investment by assigning a value to flexibility in the face of uncertainty.

As economists Bronwyn H. Hall and Beethika Khan explained,

The most important thing to observe about this kind of [investment] decision is that at any point in time the choice being made is not a choice between adopting and not adopting but a choice between adopting now or deferring the decision until later.

This same principle applies to regulation. Regulators can act now or hold back their authority in reserve for future use when there is new information. The total value of a new regulation, therefore, includes both its immediate net benefits and the value of preserving future regulatory flexibility. Just as businesses use real options to manage uncertainty in fast-changing markets, regulators should think strategically about their option to wait.

Still, what Ive presented is the best case for those worried about the pacing problem. AI regulation on the ground is different than the law books might suggest. There are more than 500 AI-relevant regulations, standards, and other governance documents at the federal level; countless algorithmic discrimination cases to rely upon; an open FTC investigation thats looking into the dealings of Alphabet, Amazon, Anthropic, Microsoft, and OpenAI; consumer protection authority; product recall authority; as well as a raft of court cases, and on and on.

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An explicit statute is just one means of governance and it is often the least efficient in dynamic industries. Option theory suggests that regulators should wait to gather more evidence. Thats not whats happening in Texas and Virginia.

Texas and Virginia.

Ive been keeping a close watch on two state bills, one in Texas and another in Virginia, because I think they could be bellwethers for other states.

The Texas Responsible AI Governance Act, or TRAIGA, is the more confusing of the two. Youd think red-state legislators would hesitate to model an AI bill after the European Unions AI Act, the regulatory burden of which is known to add 17 percent to the total cost of AI deployment, and yet TRAIGA was filed.

TRAIGA imposes a number of obligations for developers, distributors, and deployers of AI systems regardless of their size. Everyone along the pipeline is now subject to new restrictions, including model developers, cloud service providers, and deployers. Stargatethe AI venture backed by OpenAI, Oracle, and Japans SoftBankis slated to be built in Texas and would be affected.

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In a first for state-level regulation, TRAIGA would require AI distributors to take reasonable care to prevent algorithmic discrimination, even though companies are already subject to anti-discrimination laws in finance, housing, education, and the like. It also bans AI systems deemed to pose unacceptable risks, particularly those that identify human emotions or capture biometric data without explicit consent. While enforcement would primarily rest with the states attorney general, private litigants could pursue legal action over banned AI systems.

The bill would birth yet another regulatory body, the Texas Artificial Intelligence Council, armed with broad powers to issue binding rules on ethical AI development and deployment. If those vague terms make you nervous, they should. The legislation would give unelected officials carte blanche to define ethics in AI, all while cases about AIs basic legal status are still working their way through the courts.

Among other concerns, TRAIGAs construction feels actively blind to the precedents set in algorithmic discrimination cases in the past couple years, including the Department of Justices win over Meta on bias in housing ads and the Federal Trade Commissions settlement with Rite Aid on algorithmic unfairness. Both confirmed that AI systems would be subject to anti-discrimination law.

Dean Ball of the Mercatus Center, who is great on AI policy, also points out that TRAIGAs compliance requirements are particularly burdensome:

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On top of this, TRAIGA requires developers and deployers to write a variety of lengthy compliance documentsHigh-Risk Reports for developers, Risk Identification and Management Policies for developers and deployers, and Impact Assessments for deployers. These requirements apply to any AI system that is used, or could conceivably be used, as a substantial factor in making a consequential decision.  The Impact Assessments must be performed for every discrete use case, whereas the High-Risk Reports and Risk-Identification and Management Policies apply at the model and firm levels, respectivelymeaning that they can cover multiple use cases. However, all of these documents must be updated regularly, including when a substantial modification is made to a model. In the case of a frontier language model, such modifications happen almost monthly, so both developers and deployers who use such systems can expect to be writing and updating these compliance documents constantly.

Kafka would be proud.

Virginias House Bill 2094, the High-Risk Artificial Intelligence Developer and Deployer Act, shares commonalities with the Texas bill. Like its Lone Star State cousin, HB 2094 borrows heavily from the EUs regulatory playbook. The bill also has wobbly language that would need to be defined in court like consequential decisions, substantial factors, and high-risk applications. And like the Texas law, the Virginia law seems blissfully unaware that we already have many tools to address their stated concerns, from consumer protection laws to civil rights statutes, and even state-level privacy laws. Why not start there?

What should states be doing?

So what type of regulation should states be pursuing instead? When it comes to Virginia, Thierer has the right idea:

Rather than adopting HB 2094 and creating new, burdensome regulatory requirements, Virginia should instead look to modify existing laws as needed to ensure they cover algorithmic systems. For example, measures like HB 2411 would give the Department of Law a Division of Consumer Counsel the ability to establish and administer programs to address artificial intelligence fraud and abuse. Another proposal, HB 2554, would require new disclosure requirements for AI-generated content such that any generative artificial intelligence system produced content includes a clear and conspicuous disclosure. While these laws would add some new regulatory requirements and budgetary expenditures, these measures at least have the benefit of being somewhat more focused in scope and intent than the open-ended nature of HB 2094.

In seeking appropriate AI regulation, legislators should follow three guiding principles.

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First, they should focus on actual harms rather than theoretical boogeymen. The courts and existing consumer protection frameworks are already handling algorithmic discrimination cases. The system is working, maybe not as fast as some would like, but its working. Adding another layer of state-specific rules doesnt solve real problems if those problems dont exist.

Second, legislators should be leveraging existing legal frameworks. They dont need to reinvent the legal wheel for every new technology. The beauty of common law is its adaptability. Courts have been handling new technologies for centuries without needing special AI councils or novel regulatory frameworks. Massachusetts showed the way by simply clarifying that existing consumer protection laws apply to AI. Sometimes the best solution is the one you already have.

Third, state lawmakers shouldnt outsource the hard work of legislating to a new agency, as TRAIGA does. When legislators punt their responsibilities to unelected bureaucrats, the result can be a regulatory mess, especially if an agency head comes along and tightens the screws on everyone.

The ghost of social media regulation haunts our statehouses, driving legislators to action when patience might serve them better. In their rush to avoid past mistakes, they risk making entirely new ones. The bills in Texas and Virginia are just two such examples. But we dont need new regulatory bodies or endless paperwork requirements to govern AI. We need the wisdom to recognize that our existing legal framework is more robust and adaptable than we give it credit for and the patience to let it work. Lets hope our state legislators can learn that lesson before they regulate American innovation right into the ground.

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Until next week,

 Will

Notes and Quotes

On Tuesday, the Boom Supersonic XB-1 jet became the first civilian aircraft to go supersonic over the continental United States. Even when the supersonic Concorde aircraft was active in the 1970s, it never made trips over the United States; its routes were transatlantic. The Concorde was a joint venture between the French and British governments.

From the Washington Post: Ruptures of undersea cables that have rattled European security officials in recent months were likely the result of maritime accidents rather than Russian sabotage, according to several U.S. and European intelligence officials. The determination reflects an emerging consensus among U.S. and European security services, according to senior officials from three countries involved in ongoing investigations of a string of incidents in which critical seabed energy and communications lines have been severed.

Genomic research is upending what we think we know about archaeology. A recent report, for example, found that one Iron Age society, which had been assumed to be male-dominated, actually centered on women. If youre looking for a podcast that will get you up to speed on these developments, check out this conversation between Dwarkesh Patel and David Reich.

The conversation over ChatGPTs water and energy usage is out of proportion. Andy Masley, the director of Effective Altruism DC, has the receipts: Sitting down to watch 1 hour of Netflix has the same impact on the climate as asking ChatGPT 300 questions. I suspect that if I announced at a party that I had asked ChatGPT 300 questions in 1 hour I might get accused of hating the Earth, but if I announced that I had watched an hour of Netflix or that I drove 0.8 miles in my sedan the reaction would be a little different. It would be strange if we were having a big national conversation about limiting YouTube watching or never buying books or avoiding uploading more than 30 photos to social media at once for the sake of the climate.

Eric Berger, author of two bestselling books on the space industry, has profiled K2, a Californian satellite company. Instead of going smaller with its satellites, the company is now building its first Mega Class satellite bus, intended to have similar capabilities to Lockheeds LM2100: 20 kW of power, 1,000 kg of payload capacity, and propulsion to move between orbits.  The biggest difference is cost. K2 aims to sell its satellite bus for $15 million. Why is this important? As Berger explains, About a month ago, K2 announced that it had signed a contract with the U.S. Space Force to launch its first Mega Class satellite in early 2026. The $60 million contract for the Gravitas mission will demonstrate the ability of K2s satellite bus to host several experiments and successfully maneuver from low-Earth orbit to middle-Earth orbit (several thousand km above the surface of Earth).

DeepSeeks attention in the last week drove people to the site, crashing the services of its AI model. Ive been wondering whether DeepSeek is structurally forced to be open source. The company seems to have most of Chinas advanced chips, which are limited, and the company seems to be straining on the inference side, which comes from users making lots of queries. Does anyone know the best estimates for Chinas total compute capacity? Let me know in the comments.

The New York Times recently profiled Curtis Yarvin, who first came to fame as the pseudonymous writer Mencius Moldbug. Yarvins basic schtick is that democracy has failed and that we should strive for monarchy, citing corporate structures as his model. These things that we call companies are actually little monarchies, he states, pointing to Apple as an example. The economist Alex Tabarrok had a great critique of Yarvin, which basically comports with my view. Apple may operate internally like a monarchy, but it can only do so because it exists within a democratic institutional environment that provides the rule of law, property rights, and contract enforcement. There is an important distinction to be made between institutional environments (the broader legal and social framework) and institutional arrangements (how specific organizations structure themselves). Yarvins argument is like claiming a saltwater fish tank is the ocean. He mistakes the contained system for the ecosystem that makes it possible.

I am not at all a fan of this move: The Trump administration has dismissed a security board investigating Chinese intrusions into major U.S. internet service providers. Dissolving an active investigation into state-sponsored cyberattacks against our telecommunications infrastructure seems particularly ill-timed given the growing sophistication of such threats from China.

Read more at The Dispatch

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By Michelle Nichols and Dan Burns

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The U.S. Agency for International Development has told all aid groups to immediately pause all U.S.-funded programs "until further notice" as humanitarian groups grapple with a lack of clarity on waivers to President Donald Trump's 90-day aid pause.

All USAID payments have also stopped. The agency made no payments on Tuesday for the first time since the fiscal year began on Oct. 1, according to U.S. Treasury data. On Monday USAID paid out $8 million and last week a total of $545 million.

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Just hours after taking office on Jan. 20, Trump ordered a 90-day pause so foreign aid contributions could be reviewed to see if they align with his "America First" foreign policy. The U.S. is the world's largest aid donor.

The State Department then issued a "stop work" order on Friday for all existing foreign assistance and paused new aid, sparking a steady stream of individual notices to aid groups and U.N. agencies telling them to halt specific programs.

Amid what some humanitarians have described as chaos and disorganization, USAID on Tuesday officially gave aid groups a blanket order to "take immediate action to pause implementation of USAID program-funded activities and otherwise refrain from further commitments or expenditures of USAID funding, until further notice," according to a memo seen by Reuters.

LIFE AND DEATH DECISIONS

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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued waivers for emergency food aid life-saving medicine, medical services, food, shelter and subsistence help and supplies.

However, the lack of detail in Trump's executive order and the ensuing waivers has left humanitarian groups scrambling to come up with their own definitions and work out whether to take the financial risk of continuing that assistance.

"We have to gather all of the inputs from around the world and figure out what is covered. What isn't," said a U.N. official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Before the U.S. waiver for life-saving assistance was issued yesterday, a senior aid official said his organization had to consider the future of dozens of programs around the world treating malnourished children under the age of 5. "We had to make a decision - do we close the doors of those stabilization centers and send those children home in the knowledge that they're probably going to die?" said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity. "And does that mean also that we're not accepting patients into those clinics for future treatment knowing that those kids are going to die too?" said the official. "We were able, thankfully, to find flexible internal funding to ... essentially hedge against the financial risk - but this is not a solution that will be available for the vast majority of programs."

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U.N. 'TRYING TO FIGURE THINGS OUT'

The funding freeze has also hit small organizations, such as Casa Frida in Mexico, which provides LGBT migrants with food, temporary shelter and other support and receives 60% of its funding from the United States, said director Raul Caporal.

The organization has already cut back on some legal and mental health services and is weighing cutting staff and closing one or two of its three offices, Caporal said.

"We're taking extraordinary measures to streamline the resources we have left," he said, adding that many of the LGBT migrants say they have fled violence against gay, lesbian, and transgender people.

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United Nations agencies are "trying to figure things out and to get a bit more clarity on the impact," U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Wednesday. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appealed for more exemptions.

A two-week training course for senior U.N. police advisers based in Italy came to an abrupt halt on Monday due to the U.S. pause on foreign aid, a U.N. peacekeeping spokesperson said.

The freeze would affect many planned police training programs as well, the spokesperson said.

The U.N. Mine Action Service, which helps clear landmines and explosive remnants of war, had been told to suspend work in Mali and Sudan, the spokesperson added.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols, Dan Burns and Laura Gottesdiener; Editing by Stephen Coates)
AIKEN, S.C. (WJBF)  In Aiken tonight, the last of four meetings on the Comprehensive Plan was hosted by the Aiken County Planning Commission.

Citizens were able to provide comments and concerns on topics like housing, transportation, and natural resources. The plan that will help guide the county for the next 10 years.

Joel Duke, Assistant County Administrator for Aiken County, told WJBF, The information weve received, the comments that weve received from the public will be provided to the Countys Planning Commission. Theyll use that as a part of their planning process as they formulate the 10 year plan.

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Duke says the county is required by law to address the following areas within the plan: population, housing, land use, cultural resources, natural resources, transportation, community facilities, economic development, community investment priorities, resilience. After the plan is finalized by the Planning Commission, is is then offered to the Aiken County Council for review and approval.

For more information on the Comprehensive Plan, visit https://www.aikencountysc.gov/DspSvc?qSvcID=157.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.
NEW YORK  Disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein begged a Manhattan judge Wednesday to expedite his rape and sexual assault retrial so he can get off Rikers Island alive, telling the jurist he was gasping for air at the troubled jail complex.

The demand to Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Curtis Farber, virtually unheard of from a criminal defendant, came at a pretrial hearing in Weinsteins case after the judge scheduled trial for April 15. The convicted moviemaker has cancer and diabetes and underwent major heart surgery late last year.

He told Farber hed almost been given the wrong medication before coming to court Wednesday and that it was a mystery he was still alive.

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Im gasping for air, Weinstein, 72, said. Im in a serious emergency situation. Im begging the court to move your (other trial) so  I can get out of this hellhole as quickly as possible.

Calling Rikers a stain on this city, Weinstein, who arrived at the hearing in a wheelchair, said he was advocating on behalf of all detainees at the jail.

There are so many people suffering at Rikers Island. So many of the people Im with in prison are going through similar problems, he said. They dont have the same mouthpiece as I have.

Farber told the Pulp Fiction producer that an upcoming trial was unmovable, with jury selection about to begin.

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So thats already set in stone? Weinstein asked about jury selection.

Beyond set in stone, Farber responded, later saying he would see if it could start slightly earlier than planned.

The Miramax co-founder is accused in Manhattan of first-degree criminal sexual act for allegedly forcibly performing oral sex on an unnamed woman between April and May 2006 in an indictment handed up by a grand jury in September. At Wednesdays hearing, Farber declined to throw out that count as the defense requested.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs office is also retrying Weinstein on charges he was found guilty of in February 2020 after New Yorks Court of Appeals threw out his landmark conviction and subsequent 23-year sentence based on testimony permitted by the trial court judge concerning allegations for which he was not charged.

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The 2020 case concerned accusations the one-time Hollywood titan raped former aspiring actress Jessica Mann in 2013 and sexually assaulted his former production assistant Miriam Haley in 2006.

Weinstein, who denies ever engaging in nonconsensual sex, was found guilty of separate rape and sexual assault charges in Los Angeles in December 2022 and sentenced to 16 years, which hes expected to continue serving after the resolution of his New York case. He is appealing that conviction.

The fallen filmmakers undoing in late 2017 followed exposes in The New Yorker and The New York Times alleged he had sexually abused, raped, and tormented scores of young women over the course of his career, turbocharging the global #MeToo movement against workplace sexual harassment.

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A U.S. Air Force jet deported 80 migrants shackled at their wrists and ankles to Guatemala on Thursday, detouring around Mexican airspace because U.S. military overflights require more advance notice than the Trump administration can give as it rapidly accelerates deportations.

The flight reflects a growing role for the U.S. armed forces in helping carry out immigration laws as the Trump administration looks to supplement the use of civilian charter flights by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The flight from Fort Bliss, an Army base in El Paso, Texas, took more than six hours  nearly twice as long as a direct route, according to a flight tracking website.

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Avoiding Mexican airspace had been routine for the U.S. military even before its aircraft began assisting with deportations, the U.S. Defense Departments Transportation Command said on Friday.

Military flights over Mexico need to get diplomatic clearance at least a week in advance, according to TransCom, which said it is planning and carrying out deportation flights in much shorter timeframes.

Yael Schacher, director for the Americas and Europe at Refugees International, said using military aircraft for deportations was uncommon but largely symbolic. The Trump administration has used military aircraft to deport people to Guatemala, Ecuador and Colombia.

The Mexican government said Thursday it never received a request from the U.S. seeking permission for the flight to cross Mexican airspace.

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On the tarmac at Fort Bliss, the people being deported sat in long rows inside the plane's cavernous cargo hold, wearing casual clothing and surgical masks. U.S. Board Patrol agents and military servicemembers stood nearby at the top of the cargo ramp before the plane took off into the chilly winter air.

The message that we have for those people is that if you cross the border illegally, we are going to deport you to your country of origin in a matter of hours, U.S. Border Patrol spokesman Orlando Marrero said Thursday.

U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Democrat who represents a Texas border district, said it makes sense that other nations would want advance notice of Air Force overflights.

There are some countries that dont like military planes coming into their territory, Cuellar said. Its something that logistically has to be worked out with the country before, because you dont want to have a plane turned around in midair.

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On Sunday, Colombias President Gustavo Petro refused two U.S. military planes with migrants, prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to announce 25% tariffs on Colombian exports. Colombia backed off and said it would accept the migrants but fly them on Colombian military flights that Petro said would guarantee them dignity.

The Pentagon began deploying active-duty troops to the border last week but it was unclear to what extent they will break from supporting roles they have played under presidents since George W. Bush, including ground and aerial surveillance, building barriers and repairing vehicles.

An 1878 law prohibits military involvement in civilian law enforcement, but Trump and his aides have signaled the president may invoke wartime powers. Trump said in his Inauguration Day order declaring a border emergency that the Defense Department may assist with detention and transportation, two enormous cost drivers.

Trump on Thursday ordered that a U.S. base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, be used to detain migrants, saying it could hold up to 30,000 people. That would nearly double ICEs current detention capacity.

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___

Associated Press journalists Luis Torres in El Paso, Texas, and Christopher Sherman in Hartford, Connecticut, contributed to this report.

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This story was first published on Jan. 30, 2025. It was updated on Jan. 31, 2025, to correct that information about the planes flight path was gathered from a flight tracking website, not a U.S. Border Patrol spokesman.
A regional aircraft believed carrying 64 people crashed with a US Army helicopter near Washington's Ronald Reagan National Airport late on Wednesday.

"A PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport," the FAA said in a brief statement.

The crash took place at around 9 pm (0200 GMT Thursday), it said.

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"PSA was operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines. It departed from Wichita, Kansas," the statement continued, adding that the FAA would take part in an investigation led by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

American Airlines said that the plane was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members.

The Pentagon meanwhile confirmed that the helicopter involved in the collision was "an Army UH-60 helicopter out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia."

US broadcaster CNN cited Joint Task Force-National Capital Region media chief Heather Chairez as saying that the aircraft was a Black Hawk on a training flight at the time of the incident.

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The Washington police department said that multiple agencies were "coordinating a search and rescue operation in the Potomac river." It added that there was no initial information on casualties as of about 10 pm.

The crash occurred amid freezing temperatures in Washington, with parts of the Potomac River covered in ice.

Reagan Airport on Wednesday evening said that all takeoffs and landings have been halted.

US President Donald Trump said in a statement released by the White House that he has been "fully briefed on the terrible accident that just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God bless their souls."

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Trump said he was monitoring the situation and would provide more details as they arise.

Newly sworn-in Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said on X that he has directed his agency to "provide full support to the

@NTSB and all responding agencies and authorities."

He also said that has spoken to Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, and NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy "to offer our agency's complete assistance."
A passenger jet with 64 people aboard collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter above Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night.

Authorities said American Airlines flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, was preparing to land at the airport before it "collided in midair" with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter around 9 p.m. The American Airlines flight was a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet.

Authorities late Wednesday rushed boats into the water to search for survivors. President Donald Trump was briefed on what he called a "terrible accident" and was monitoring the response. Authorities had no initial estimates of injuries or deaths.

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"May God Bless their souls, Trump said in a statement. "Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise."

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Authorities said American Airlines asked people who believe they may have loved ones on board AA flight 5342 to call American Airlines toll-free at 800-679-8215. Those calling from outside the U.S. can visit news.aa.com for additional phone numbers. Family members in Canada, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands can call 800-679-8215 directly.

Officials have yet to confirm how many people were onboard the military helicopter.

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The District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department said there was "no confirmed information on casualties at this time."

Search and rescue operation

Fire and police officials in Washington, D.C., said multiple calls came in at 8:53 p.m. reporting an aircraft crash "above the Potomac River." Washington, D.C., Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services have joined multiple agencies in search and rescue operations. "There is no confirmed information on casualties at this time," they said in a joint statement.'

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Pentagon is actively monitoring the situation. Poised to assist if needed. Prayers for all involved, he said in a post on X.

A local journalist reports from the bank of the Potomac River after American Eagle flight 5342 collided with a helicopter while approaching Reagan Washington National Airport and crashed in the Potomac River, outside Washington, U.S., January 29, 2025. REUTERS/Carlos Barria

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who was confirmed by the Senate to his post earlier Wednesday, said, "I am on-site at the FAA HQ and closely monitoring the situation."

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U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, said he is in contact with authorities. "Please join me in praying for all involved," Moran said in a statement.

This is a developing story.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Plane crash: Flight from Kansas, helicopter collide near DC airport
After losing her three children and her husband of 20 years, Dr. Cristi Bundukamara is aversely yet intimately familiar with grief.

She has woven her personal experience into her profession of nearly 25 years as a psychiatric nurse practitioner and since 2019 the founder and owner of Mentally STRONG, a mental health clinic in Colorado Springs.

This work is a way to continue to tell my story and have my story help others, she said.

Bundukamara will present an inaugural Grief Intensive, Feb. 3-7 at her companys offices at 3720 Sinton Road, using a new program she created.

Scholarships are available for the introductory session of what will be a recurring workshop, which will be held again in April. For more information, email info@mentallystrong.com. The website is https://mentallystrong.com/.

Her adopted son accidentally drowned in 2005. A rare degenerative genetic disease unexpectedly took the lives of her biological son Reggie in 2016, her biological daughter Miah in 2021 and her husband last year.

Even the professionals were telling me they didnt know how I was still standing, Bundukamara said. I knew I had to find solutions for myself  and now I want to help others struggling with the same loss.

Instead of focusing on the traditional five stages of grief, she created the program from the perspective that traumatic loss is different from normal loss, and the key to coping with trauma is to face it and release it.

But people dont want to release grief; they want to remember their loved ones, Bundukamara said. We hold onto the pain of our grief, and when its enmeshed with trauma, youre creating chaos in the body, mentally and physically.

Learning how to separate the grief from the trauma and let go can be done in tandem with cherishing memories of loved ones, she said.

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If you dont process the trauma, you cant get past it, Bundukamara said.

During the weeklong intensive, participants will be interviewed and tested to determine individual needs. Theyll receive counseling and medical therapy techniques, learn about how trauma affects the brain and work on choosing to find happiness and lead healthy lives.

Bundukamara will incorporate sound healing, such as music, movement such as yoga, energy practices like Reiki, forms of meditation and overall self-care as ways to release trauma and manage grief.

Participants will leave with a personal plan and receive ongoing individual and group support sessions for one year.

Its completely normal a decade after a loved one dies to tear up when seeing a photo, but its not normal to relive the trauma for 10 years by beating yourself up with negative self-talk or the anxiety of what if? Bundukamara said.

Grief is this badge of honor youre allowed to have, she said. So many people in emotional pain turn to alcohol or other substances, which creates other problems.

Participants also will watch a documentary, Im Right Here, Mama, which takes viewers through 45 days of Bundukamaras grief journey, as she explored various ways to heal.

The film debuted last October at Pikes Peak docuFEST and highlights the importance of addressing grief and trauma with intention and purpose.
AKRON, Ohio (WJW)  While federal immigration agents continue to round up people who are in the United States illegally, a separate executive order signed by President Donald Trump has suspended the efforts of local agencies to help bring others to this country legally.

An order signed on Jan. 20 realigning the Unite States Refugee Admissions program has put a stop to refugees who have been able to enter this country, including in Ohio.

Cleveland mayor speaks out on ICE raids in Northeast Ohio, across country

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A refugee is someone who, due to a well founded fear of persecution in their home country, cannot return to that country, said Liv Randall of the International Institute of Akron, which helps legal refugees settle in the Akron area.

These are people who Randall says have been through a lengthy and legal vetting process to enter this country after having been vetted by the U.S. State Department and other federal agencies for years.

It really cant get much stricter than it is , theres various security screenings, background checks biometric checks, so people wait years and years before they can finally come to the United States as a refugee and start their lives here, Randall said.

On hold are about 50-to-100 refugees who were expected to legally come to Akron. In some cases leaving families here without knowing when they may be able to reunite with loved ones who they have been waiting on for years.

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Trump orders preparation of Guantanamo Bay facility to house migrants

The presidents executive order reads, in part:

Over the last 4 years, the United States has been inundated with record levels of migration, including through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). Cities and small towns alike, from Charleroi, Pennsylvania, and Springfield, Ohio, to Whitewater, Wisconsin, have seen significant influxes of migrants. Even major urban centers such as New York City, Chicago, and Denver have sought Federal aid to manage the burden of new arrivals. Some jurisdictions, like New York and Massachusetts, have even recently declared states of emergency because of increased migration. The United States lacks the ability to absorb large numbers of migrants, and in particular, refugees, into its communities in a manner that does not compromise the availability of resources for Americans, that protects their safety and security, and that ensures the appropriate assimilation of refugees 

The order asks for a report in 90 days to reassess the suspension, and if necessary additional reports every 90 days thereafter.

In response to ICE roundups, a hold on federal grants and the suspension of the governments refugee program Akron Mayor Shammas Malik on Wednesday issued a statement saying, in part:

Our values have not changed, and they will not change our city will continue to be a welcoming community that values and supports immigrants and refugees, our LGBTQ community and any group that is being unfairly targeted our diverse community will continue to be a source of strength, not a point of weakness to be exploited or bullied. As we understand more about how federal government actions will impact Akron, we will share what we know and we will share what steps we are taking in response. Im confident that our city will meet this current moment with the same resilience that I see in the people of Akron every day.

The International Institute of Akron is advising its clients to be patient and wait.

The main thing is just to stay calm, keep your head low, dont overreact we just need to get through this period. We need to stay calm, said Randall

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The organization is also drawing its clients families to its website to help them understand their rights.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT)  Data released Wednesday shows Alabama is one of few states to grow in reading and math scores nationally since the pandemic.

The National Assessment of Educational Progress is based on test scores in reading and math from fourth, eighth and 12th graders across the U.S. The test is given every two years.

Alabama State Superintendent of Education Eric Mackey said he is pleased with elementary math scores but mentioned theres still more work to do.

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You may read in the national news that nationally, reading went down, Mackey said. There were only two states that have recovered to pre-pandemic levels and seen growth, and thats Alabama and Louisiana.

Since 2019, Alabama has jumped from 49th to 34th in the nation for fourth-grade reading. When it comes to fourth-grade math, Alabama moved from 52nd to 32nd in the nation in that time. Mackey said he wants to continue building on that growth.

So we feel like what were doing in the classroom is working, but its going to be summer school. Its going to be after-school care. Its going to be intercessions, Mackey said. What happens outside the classroom is almost as important as what happens in the classroom.

Nations Report Card: Alabama scores still below national average despite growth in 2024

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Gov. Kay Ivey said Alabama is on the right path to continuing improvement.

Were number two in the nation for the largest gains in reading, Ivey said. So this is good news for Alabama, and we are grateful to the students, teachers and their parents.

Alabama Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter said the legislature is ready to support those gains in education this year.

This is the biggest move weve ever made since Ive been here, Ledbetter said. So we can be proud that we are more along the national average now instead of being at the bottom, so job well done.

Corey Clements, Chilton County Schools superintendent, said the Literacy Act and improving attendance has been a key to success.

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Well be starting the Numeracy Act coming up soon, and [we] hope to see as those students progress through the grades, we hope to continue to see our NAEP scores improve like this, Clements said.

Mackey said the Alabama Department of Education will be submitting a record budget request to the legislature in 2025 aimed at helping students improve.

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Gov. Kay Ivey speaks the release of National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) at Daniel Pratt Elementary School Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2025 in Prattville. The scores showed improvement in fourth-grade math achievement but flat scores overall. (Ralph Chapoco/Alabama Reflector)

The states public school students moved up in the ranks of a national achievement test despite scores remaining largely unchanged over prior years.

National Assessment Education Progress (NAEP) scores released on Wednesday showed fourth graders making significant gains in math and improving overall proficiency in reading last year. But reading scores for fourth graders were unchanged from 2022, while eighth graders math and reading scores remained flat.

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However, largely stagnant national NAEP scores meant Alabama moved up the ranks of the states, with fourth-graders scoring close to national averages.

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When I took office, Alabama ranked 49th in reading, Gov. Kay Ivey said at a news conference at Daniel Pratt Elementary School in Prattville on Wednesday. Today, we are 34th. And in math, when I took office, Alabama ranked 52nd, and today, we are 32nd.

Alabama fourth-grade students scored an average of 236 on the NAEP in 2024, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, which compiles the data. That was six points higher than the 230 recorded by fourth-graders in 2022 and close to the national average of 237.

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Fourth-grade reading scores were unchanged over 2022, with fourth graders scoring a 213 last year. In reading, fourth graders obtained an average of 213, which was unchanged from 2022. But a decline in national reading averages  from 216 to 214  meant that Alabamas fourth graders also came close to that average.

Math is really good, said Alabama State Schools Superintendent Eric Mackey at an Alabama State Board of Education retreat Wednesday morning. Where we have been investing in early math  it was the most growth in any subject Alabama has ever had. It is the most growth in the nation. We are the only state that had any significant growth in math.

Eighth grade scores were mostly unchanged over 2022. Eighth graders scored an average of 262 on math assessments, two points lower than in 2022 and 10 points lower than the national average. Their reading assessment average was 250, a point lower than two years ago and seven points lower than the nations.

Mackey said he was troubled by the results of the reading scores.

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It is still very little growth, he said. Most states have shown significant declines. Most of the country is worried about reading.

The NAEP is administered every two years to gauge fourth and eighth graders math and reading ability.

The raw scores that students receive are then scaled to then determine which of four categories: below NAEP basic, NAEP basic, NAEP proficient and NAEP advanced, they belong.

Alabamas fourth grade students did appear more proficient in math, according to the results. NAEP said 37% of fourth-graders who took the NAEP test in 2024 were proficient or advanced in math, compared to 27% in 2022.

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For 2024, 18% of eighth graders were either proficient or advanced in mathematics, which is about the same as the number of students, 19%, who were at the same level in 2022.

About 28% of Alabama fourth grade students are proficient or advanced in terms of their ability to read, according to the most recent scores, which is the same as the number of students at that level two years ago.

His enthusiasm overall was more tempered with respect to the scores overall, however.

We are not where we want to be, Mackey said during the news conference. We obviously have a lot of growth that we want to continue to have in math, reading, and all of our other subjects. But what the NAEP scores show is that we have the right strategy, and we are on the right path.

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National average mathematics NAEP scores have stagnated since 2013. Average math scores for eighth grade students have declined, as has the rest of the average score for the rest of the country.

Mackey said that the results show ongoing struggles with divisions in Alabama, particularly when it comes to race and poverty. Alabama historically starved Black schools of funds and has some of the nations highest poverty rates, which affect student achievement.

The achievement gap still exists in the state. In fourth grade math, about 15% of those students who are Black performed at the basic or proficient level, according to NAEP statistics. For whites, the number was 52%.

The superintendent said that if the economically disadvantaged students were removed from the results, the state would have had even higher improvement scores.

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It is still our struggling kids who are struggling, and our other students are excelling, Mackey said. All of our kids are part of this. That means we have to continue to focus on those students who need the extra help, extra resources.

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  A new documentary from the team behind the true crime phenomenon The Jinx will explore life in Alabamas prison system.

The Alabama Solution, a documentary from filmmakers Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman, recently premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and will be available on HBO later this year.

Jarecki is known for the true crime series The Jinx involving wealthy eccentric Robert Durst and the different murders he is accused of over the years. The series was historic in that it seemingly captured Dursts confession to one of the murders. Kaufman served as a producer on The Jinx and was also involved in The Innocence Files.

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The film includes interview with inmates in some of Alabamas prisons, but the real revelations come in cell phone footage secretly recorded by the inmates of what truly goes on behind bars.

You rarely get the opportunity to go into a prison facility in Alabama and I think we saw this great opportunity to speak with some of the men, to just observe what we could around the facility, to learn what we could, but very quickly, it became clear that there are only certain conversations that we were allowed to have, Kaufman said in an interview with the Los Angeles Times.

Kaufman said this secrecy around the Alabama Department of Corrections gave her and Jarecki the drive to keep pursuing the project over five years.

Thats why prisons are so secret, thats why were not allowed to see in and we can only read papers about what is actually happening because when you do see it, it becomes less tolerable, she said.

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In the interview with the Times, Jarecki said it was important to capture the stories of inmates who have been trying to get the word out for years about the substandard conditions inside these prisons, but also make sure they were protected.

These are men who have been working on their own for many years to get the word out on the crisis in this prison system, so when we first started talking, they were very clear that we were part of their agenda, in a way, Jarecki said. It was very important for them to do this work, so we were kind of there to ride along, so it was a symbiotic process.

Jarecki said he wouldve liked to interview Gov. Kay Ivey, who did not participate in the film. A $1 billion prison in Elmore that was partially funded through COVID-19 relief funds will be named after her.

My first question would be to try to really understand how insulated she must be from whats happening to her own citizens of her own state to keep proposing solutions that are not solutions, he said.

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Reviews of the film so far have been glowing.

The Alabama Solution is difficult to watch, and impossible to watch without escalating anger, Daniel Feinberg wrote in The Hollywood Reporter. There isnt easy catharsis or an easy non-Alabama solution, but its impossible to deny that something better must be done.

No release date has been announced yet.

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(KRON)  Alameda County officially replaced Pamela Price on Tuesday as the Board of Supervisors selected a new top prosecutor. Supervisors selected Judge Ursula Jones Dickson to serve as Alameda County District Attorney.

On Tuesday night, Dickson said she will be a moderate and fair top prosecutor. The judge beat out six other finalists for the job during a lengthy interview process with the board.

Dickson is a superior court judge and served as a deputy district attorney in Alameda County for 15 years. She earned her law degree from the University of California School of Law.

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Price was recalled by voters in November and she was criticized for progressive policies.

After the boards final vote was tallied Tuesday night, family members of homicide victims expressed relief that justice will be served with Dickson in charge.

One family member, Virginia Nishita, is still waiting for her husbands killers to be put on trial. Kevin Nishita was guarding a KRON4 news crew in Oakland in 2021 when he was shot to death during a botched robbery attempt. The Nishita case was one of several high-profile cases left unresolved under Prices two-year tenure.

Virginia Nishita said she is ecstatic that supervisors picked Dickson. She told KRON4, I feel very hopeful. I see the light at the end of the tunnel. When I heard who they chose I busted out crying, it was just overwhelming for me.

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High-profile murder cases left unresolved under DA Price

Dickson was endorsed by Save Alameda For Everyone, a public safety group that led a successful recall campaign against Price. SAFE said Dickson has a strong record of supporting victims and prioritizing accountability.

The countys new DA said she will first focus on the basics, including rebuilding morale within the DAs office, reorganizing to strengthen leadership, and confronting a backlog of cases.

Dickson said, It is absolutely the goal of the DA to follow the law. I do think people are tired of nothing happening and thats going to be a bit of push on the courts.

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I already have my executive team ready to go. We will all be able to hit the ground running, Dickson said.

Her executive team will include Annie Esposito, who served as an assistant district attorney for Contra Costa County. Esposito said, First and foremost we have to get the office stabilized. Morale is just in a dire situation. It needs leadership badly. Ursula will be bring that leadership.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
The east entrance of the federal building holding the U.S. courthouse is seen on July 8, 2024. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Recent executive actions affecting the federal workforce are disrupting Alaskan jobs and funding. Alaska federal workers and contractors, along with essential funding, are currently facing a barrage of growing challenges that threaten the strength and stability of our state. Our family, friends, and neighbors who have dedicated their careers to serving our country, working on contracts to support our nations priorities, or benefiting from federally funded programs to improve their lives are scared and confused.

Critical federal dollars have been frozen, bringing community-driven projects and efforts to a standstill, while thousands of Alaska-based federal contractors are questioning whether or not they will be paid. Alaskan federal employees are being pressured to spy and report on their colleagues, relocate their families, and leave their jobs under the guise of a buyout.

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Regardless of how they might feel about the federal government or which political party is in power, Im hopeful that Sens. Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, and Rep. Nick Begich understand that a functioning federal government is essential for a functioning Alaska. The Alaska delegation can respond to these disruptions by urging President Trump to uphold existing laws, ensure clear communication, and protect Alaskas economic stability.



Federal employees, contractors, and dollars are vital to a thriving Alaska. According to the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the federal government employs over 15,000 Alaskans and, in 2023 (according to data from SAM.gov), spent more than $3.8 billion on contracts across the state. Additionally, billions of federal dollars that fund locally led initiatives related to health care, education, energy, law enforcement, transportation, recreation, housing, habitat restoration, disaster relief, etc., have been frozen.

Alaskans understand that federal employees, contractors, and dollars play a critical role in our communities. We see the on-the-ground results of these projects and share meals with these folks. Together, as Alaskans, we can stand up for our federal workers and dollars.

The delegation has options to reign in executive overreach:

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Ensuring Alaskan families dont need to relocate by upholding the congressionally passed Telework Enhancement Act of 2010.

Uphold the Impoundment Control Act and use congressional authority to immediately lift the freeze on federal grants and loans to prevent unnecessary funding delays, job losses, and legal challenges.

Meet with Office of Personnel Management leadership and request an end to vague, government-wide email memorandums. Instead, encourage OPM to engage with career civil servants in crafting realistic reform procedures based on practical timelines, union contracts, and established law.



By the end of the week, the Alaska delegation could write and publicly publish a joint letter to President Trump addressing these issues and outlining the steps they are taking. Ideally, those steps could include holding community town hall meetings to hear from impacted Alaskans and congressional hearings on President Trumps executive overreach.



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Emma Pokon, then acting commissioner of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, speaks on Nov. 15, 2023, at the Resource Development for Alaska annual conference in Anchorage. Pokon, whom Gov. Mike Dunleavy promoted to commissioner the following month, was chosen to lead the regional Environmental Protection Agency office serving Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and 271 tribal nations. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Alaskas top environmental regulator was chosen to be the new Pacific Northwestern regional administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced on Wednesday.

Emma Pokon, commissioner of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, was chosen by President Donald Trump to lead EPAs Seattle-based Region 10 office, Dunleavy said.

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I cant think of any Alaskan better suited to oversee federal environmental regulations and laws for Alaska than Emma Pokon, Dunleavy said in a statement.

Pokon has led the Department of Environmental Conservation since August 2023, when she became acting commissioner upon the resignation of Jason Brune. Dunleavy named her as commissioner the following December.

Pokon joined the department in 2020, moving there from the state Department of Law, where she served as a senior assistant attorney general. At the Department of Law, she handled environmental and natural resource matters.

Poken, in the governors statement, said it had been an incredible privilege to be part of DECs leadership for the past five years.

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Im grateful for the opportunity to continue public service in this new role and look forward to working with EPA leadership and Region 10 to ensure balanced implementation of the nations environmental laws, she said.

Deputy Commissioner Christina Carpenter will serve as acting commissioner of the department until a permanent successor to Pokon is chosen, Dunleavys statement said.

The Region 10 office serves Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and 271 tribal governments.

Pokon replaces Casey Sixkiller, who led the regional office in President Joe Bidens administration. Sixkiller, a former Seattle deputy mayor and chief operating officer of King County, Washington, now serves as director of the Washington Department of Ecology.

The Region 10 EPA office has been led in the interim by Acting Administrator Dan Opalski.
Jan. 30Alex Kor, son of Auschwitz survivor Eva Kor, and Troy Fears, executive director of CANDLES Holocaust Museum, were among those attending a ceremony in Poland Monday marking the 80th anniversary of the death camp's liberation by Soviet troops.

"As the son of two Holocaust survivors, Eva and Mickey Kor, of blessed memory, today's ceremony is a strong reminder that unfortunately every day, every month, etc. we lose another Holocaust survivor," Alex Kor said in an email.

"And, unfortunately, their voices are even more important now than ever," he said. "Thus, I urge all second, third and fourth generations to continue to tell these stories so the world will never forget."

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A contingent of 45 people representing CANDLES attended the memorial program, Fears said.

Eva Kor founded the Terre Haute CANDLES Holocaust Museum, which opened in 1995.

Fears wrote, "Being on the grounds at Auschwitz for the 80th Anniversary of Liberation, we are reminded of the importance of remembrance and education, ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten. Together, CANDLES reaffirms our commitment to fighting antisemitism, bigotry, and hatred in all its forms and to carry Eva Kor's mission of building a world rooted in understanding, compassion, and peace."

The memorial event took place under a large tent set up over a gate and railway tracks at the site of the former death camp.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (DC News Now)  Alexandria parents are pushing back against plans to convert a majority-Black Elementary School.

The Alexandria City School Board said it plans to convert Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School into a middle school. Parents said the decision would uproot hundreds of students.

Oh, Id be upset, said parent and tutor Hannah Williams. Your kid gets involved. They love their teachers and their community. They love their neighborhood and theyre having to move and change that. Its upsetting.

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Many parents voiced their dismay during a school board meeting on Jan. 23.

The decision to turn Jefferson Houston into a middle school over the next 10 years does nothing to address the current ACPS middle school capacity issues and exacerbate the elementary school capacity issues, said parent Kathleen Sheehy.

Some parents said the move would also disproportionately affect Black, special needs and low-income families.

If its not broke dont fix it, said Alexandria resident Antoine Tracy.

Last month, in December of 2024, the school board voted 7 to 2 to reconfigure Patrick Henry K-8 School to an elementary school and Jefferson-Houston to a middle school to address overcrowding at George Washington and Francis C. Hammond middle schools.

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Racial slur found in bathroom at Brentsville High School, police say

Some parents said the move wont fix the overcrowding problems.

Many of the parents are not anticipating a positive outcome and that may be due to being used to having it the way that it is, said Alexandria resident Marie Foxx.

Parents want the school board to reconsider. They said Jefferson Houston Elementary School is a Title I school that students who are economically and educationally disadvantaged depend on.

Look at how this going to affect students in the long run not in the short term but in the long run and is it better for the community as a whole? said Foxx.

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Alexandria City Public Schools Chief Operating Officer Dr. Alicia Hart and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Pierrette Finney released a statement to DC News Now saying, in part:

It is important to emphasize that this is not a school closure, but a reconfiguration and renovation to better serve our students needs. Alexandria City Public Schools Chief Operating Officer Dr. Alicia Hart and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Pierrette Finney

The school board is expected to hold its next public hearing 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 DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Jan. 29A man accused in the alleged theft from a LeRoy bank ATM earlier this month has appeared in court.

Markell Deshawn Kinney, 21, of Houston, Texas, made a first appearance in Mower County District Court Tuesday and faces four felony counts related to the case: theft, damage to property, receiving stolen property and fleeing a peace officer.

He is currently being held on $100,000 bail or bond with no conditions and $50,000 with conditions.

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The incident in question took place on Jan. 11 at around 3:20 a.m., when Mower County Sheriff's Office deputies were dispatched to the First State Bank located in the 100 block of Main Street West in LeRoy for an ATM alarm.

According to the court complaint, the responding deputy observed two vehicles traveling west on County Road 6, one of which matched the description of a silver, four-door truck witnessed by an individual living near the scene who was woken up by the commotion.

The deputy stated in the complaint that he witnessed the vehicles at around 3:33 a.m. and that both vehicles turned south on 670th Avenue as the deputy attempted to catch up to the vehicles. As the SUV slowed for a curve, the truck went around it and continued on as the road turned into State Line Road.

State Line Road eventually turns into gravel and the deputy stated he had lost sight of the vehicle briefly until coming upon it not long after having flipped onto its top.

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A black male, determined later to be Kinney, was seen crawling out of the passenger side window of the wrecked truck. With gun drawn, the deputy gave commands to Kinney to stop and show his hands, but Kinney stumbled behind the truck.

The deputy repositioned and tried to determine if Kinney was still in the truck, but noted that he had fled. Driving in the direction Kinney was deemed to have fled turned up nothing and further searches of the area also failed to find the suspect.

Later in the morning, deputies were alerted to a man that was seen walking around in Stacyville, Iowa, just over a mile from where the truck had been located. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that the man identified as Kinney had been apprehended by Mitchell County Sheriff's Office deputies.

Video from the scene allegedly showed three males wearing gloves and white face masks approach the ATM and use pry bars to open it up. A chain attached to the truck was attached to the ATM and used to rip the machine off the concrete.

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The video also showed the individuals roll the ATM over and reach for the ATM cassette, which holds the cash. It was stated in the complaint that according to the bank, the cassette was likely holding between $20,000 and $50,000.

It was also estimated that the value of the ATM was $35,763.

A deputy later discovered parts that looked like the cassette while driving State Line Road around 760th Avenue.

Through dealer documentation found in the truck deputies were also able to determine that the truck used was a 2002 Ford F350 crew cab from Albertson Auto Center in Spillville, Iowa. The owner of the dealership confirmed the vehicle, with the license plate "KAR"  also visible in the video footage  had been on their lot and that nobody had permission to be driving the vehicle.

Kinney is due next in court for an omnibus hearing on Feb. 24.
Content warning: This article contains graphic descriptions of child abuse and neglect. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call the Indiana Department of Child Services' Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-800-5556. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The 2-year-old was left inside a cold, dirty apartment, with no access to food or water.

Her mother wasn't there to tuck her in at night or change her diaper when it was soiled.

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Her mother wasn't there at all, for hours  sometimes days  Indianapolis police say.

Skylar Gardner, 2, was found dead underneath a fallen lightweight dresser with her body already going into rigor mortis by the time the woman who was supposed to take care of her found the girl.

While the toddler lived in filth and squalor among feces and mounds of trash with her 3-year-brother, her mother, Chantell Gardner was off with her boyfriend, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department detectives allege in a probable cause affidavit for her arrest.

"The home was a biohazard," police wrote.

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The Marion County Prosecutor's Office announced Thursday that Chantell Gardner was indicted on murder and neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury.

Boyfriend also charged, children's father speaks to detectives

Skylar Gardner, 2, was found dead with injuries and bruises on her body Jan. 25, 2025 inside her apartment on the Newberry Road.

Skylar Gardner: 2-year-old girl dead, Indianapolis mother arrested for neglect

According to court records, Skylar's multiple injuries, including bruising over most of her body, bite marks on her back and arm, frostbite on her hands and feet, and a puncture wound near her neck, possibly caused by a rodent after her death.

Skylar was found dead under a dresser in the 6300 block of Newberry Road at Timber Point Apartments when her mother stopped by to feed the children.

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Gardners boyfriend, Brian Thomas, has also been indicted on two counts of assisting a criminal. He's accused of lying to hinder the case against Gardner.

Thomas told police he hadn't been to Chantell Gardner's house in months. He said Gardner would sleep at his apartment sometimes five days a week and rarely brought the kids. He told detectives he thought the kids were staying with Gardner's family when she was at his residence.

The last time he saw the children, he told police, was at his home on his birthday in December 2024.

The children's father lives in Ohio, but arrived at Gardner's apartment the day Skylar was found.

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He told detectives the last time he saw Skylar and her brother was around Thanksgiving. He had tried to speak with the children via phone and video chat but Gardner was unresponsive to his requests.

He last saw Skylar via video chat two or three weeks ago. While chatting with Skylar, he said she was lying on Gardner's chest before falling asleep.

What police say Chantell Gardner told them about Skylar's death

Just after 6:30 p.m. Jan. 25, Chantell Gardner told police, she called for her young children to eat dinner.

Her son came, but her daughter didn't.

That's when she went looking around the apartment and found Skylar's body underneath a dresser with canvas drawers. The girl was cold to the touch. The dresser, which was said to have fallen on the child, did not appear heavy enough to have caused Skylars death, investigators said.

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When officers entered the home, there was an overwhelming stench of feces and urine. The floors were covered in feces, overturned furniture, household items, and other debris. Feces were also on the walls and furniture.

Chantell Gardner's 3-year-old son had overt signs of neglect and food disparity when taken to Riley Children's Health to be examined. Doctors told police the boy's overall condition was life-threatening.

The living conditions inside the apartment where Skylar Gardner, 2, and her 4-year-old brother were left alone by their mother, Chantell Gardner taken after Skylar was found dead Jan. 25, 2025.

Gardner told detectives that October of 2024 is when she began leaving the children unattended. She said it began by only leaving them when she went outside to her car to 'meet up' with Thomas in the parking lot.

She started leaving them alone for other errands, like to pick up chicken wings for dinner or sometimes go to the grocery store. She said the children didn't always behave and could be challenging, so leaving them home was easier, police wrote in court documents.

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Eventually, the mother "strayed" away from the home altogether due to the smell inside. She stopped showering at the residence because "the smell before showering would cling to her immediately after showering."

She said she wiped her son down at most once a week and would shower Skylar once weekly to get the feces and build-up out of her hair.

She told detectives that even when she would stay away from the home, she could bring the children cheeseburgers, chicken nuggets, chips and soft drinks.

Frostbite, bruising and injuries on Skylar Gardner

The living conditions inside the apartment where Skylar Gardner, 2, and her 4-year-old brother were left alone by their mother, Chantell Gardner taken after Skylar was found dead Jan. 25, 2025.

During the police investigation, the temperature of each room inside the apartment was recorded between 46 and 51 degrees.

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During an autopsy, a pathologist noted external injuries of what appeared to be multiple bite marks on Skylar Garnder, frostbite on her feet and hands, and round patterned bruising.

Further testing is being done to determine if some of the girl's injuries happened postmortem.

Skylar was dehydrated and had hair and possibly feces in her stomach. Possible paint chips, hair, and foreign bodies were found in her intestines, the coroner noted in their report to detectives.

As of now, it's believed that Skylar died of hypothermia.

Jade Jackson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formally Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis 2-year-old Skylar Gardner's death leads to mother's arrest
First, the Trump administration paused federal grants and loans, jeopardizing trillions of dollars. That set off a flurry of confusion and anxiety. Then parts of the order were blocked by a federal judge. And on Wednesday, the administration rescinded most of it.

What was left for tribes when the dust settled  if it's really settled  was concern that dozen of programs could still be vulnerable.

They include $7 million for tribal colleges education equity grants, $5 million for a tribal colleges endowment program, $14 million for a tribal broadband connectivity program and $2.9 billion for a tribal health self-governance program that allows tribes to assume full control over their own health services rather than it being controlled by the federal Indian Health Service.

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Tribal leaders in Wisconsin are analyzing how the cuts, if implemented, could affect them and whether any cuts would violate treaties with the U.S. government to provide essential services, such as healthcare, in exchange for taking land. These services, provided through agencies such as the Indian Health Service and Bureau of Indian Affairs, have been historically underfunded.

There are 11 federally recognized tribal nations within the state of Wisconsin.

It is uncertain how the new administration will meet its legal responsibilities to tribal nations, including ours, read a statement from the Lac du Flambeau Ojibwe Tribe. The president can set overall policies, but federal trust responsibilities to tribal nations are separate from politics. These responsibilities include keeping promises to our veterans, families and children.

Tribal leaders are urging members to stay calm and not spread misinformation.

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The (tribal) governing board is working diligently with our finance and grant staff, and we are in contact with the BIA, state, federal and inter-tribal organizations to obtain information moving forward, read a letter from the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Governing Board to tribal members. We are committed to keeping our operation running while also addressing these new challenges.

Were Ojibwe; were resilient. Our Ancestors fought for survival and will survive this current time period, too.

Robert Buzz Blanchard, tribal chairman for Bad River Ojibwe, said he has directed staff to develop scenarios of how the tribe can keep certain services, such is health and elderly services, operating in the event of a freeze in federal funding.

This is not easy, as many things are uncertain at this point, he said in a statement to tribal members. I am confident that our persistence and collective strength will get us through this uncertain time.

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More: Wisconsin tribal leaders, aware of concern about Trump orders, mostly avoid confrontation

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Frank Vaisvilas is a former Report for America corps member who covers Native American issues in Wisconsin based at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact him at fvaisvilas@gannett.com or 815-260-2262. Follow him on Twitter at @vaisvilas_frank.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Trump could cut billions of dollars from tribes
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT)  The Hoosier Human Rights Initiative said they gathered at Riverside Drive to raise awareness and show unity.

Weve been petrified the last few weeks, event organizer Kristina Bickle said. We wanted to come together to show everyone who drives by, everybody who is worried or scarred, you are not alone. And by the amount of honks we are getting, I dont think we are alone.

In the last nine days, newly inaugurated president Donald Trump has issued 37 executive orders, ranging from eliminating DEI programs to eight on immigration. Indianas new governor issued his own executive order supporting the president.

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Indiana is going to be a state that is going to be helping this administration find these folks that are described as the worst first, and I am happy to do to, he said.

Those at the protest said they do not agree with Governor Brauns words.

Human rights is for everybody, protester Kimberly Lynn said. This country is for everybody. Id rather have a street full of illegal immigrants to live by than the people who voted for this man. It is terrifying, and I am terrified. I am 53 years old and I am terrified for my granddaughters future.

Conservatives applaud Trumps 37 executive orders, including one addressing transgender rights. It mandates that the federal government assert biological distinctions between men and women and refer to individuals by their sex instead of their gender identity.

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Something that did not sit well with this group.

Im a trans person in a queer relationship, and I am out here trying to support my rights as a human being, Rory Wiandt said. The government doesnt have a right to tell me who I am.

I believe in everybodys right, Hanna Thompson said. In America its liberty and justice for all, not the few. That includes womens rights, that includes trans rights, that includes people of color, that includes people with disabilities, its everybody.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Robert Isom, American Airlines CEO, gave a briefing Wednesday evening after an aircraft operated by one of the companys subsidiaries collided with a military helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River.

First and most importantly, Id like to express our deep sorrow about these events. This is a difficult day for all of us at American Airlines, and our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, partners, first responders along with their families and loved ones, Isom said in the video.

American Airlines plane in Potomac River after crash with helicopter, officials say

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In the video, Isom said that the CRJ 700 aircraft was American Eagle Flight 5342, which had departed from Wichita, Kan. and was destined for Reagan National Airport (DCA). The aircraft was operated by PSA Airlines, a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Airlines.

Isom said that the plane, which had 60 passengers and was under the command of four crew members, collided with a military helicopter on approach.

Isom said that American Airlines is cooperating fully with the National Transportation Safety Board for its investigation.

Our cooperation is without pause, and we want to learn everything we can about todays events, Isom said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  American Airlines says an American Eagle Flight 5342 en route from Wichita to Washington, D.C. carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided Wednesday with an Army helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, prompting a large search-and-rescue operation in the nearby Potomac River.

There were 60 passengers and four crew members on board the aircraft. The flight was operated by PSA Airlines with a CRJ-700.

Late Wednesday, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom provided an update on the crash.

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Video captures fiery crash between American Airlines flight and Army Blackhawk

The American Airlines Care Team has been activated to assist our passengers and their families. We are cooperating fully with the National Transporation Safety Board and its investigation and continue to provide all the information we can, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said. Right now, that means focusing on all passengers and crew involved, as well as their families.

If you believe you may have loved ones on board Flight 5342, call American Airlines toll-free at 800-679-8215. Those calling from outside the U.S. can visit news.aa.com for additional phone numbers. Family members in Canada, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands can call 800-679-8215 directly.

Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport has activated the Family Incident Support Team located in the media room on the second floor of the terminal where families can meet, get support and wait for information.

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The airport says that, our thoughts and prayers are with all who are impacted by this tragic event.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Aviation experts have warned about the risk of a passenger aircraft collision for years.

They cite air traffic controller shortages and airspace congestion as safety risks.

Wednesday's crash is the first complete-loss US airline accident since 2009.

Pilots and aviation workers have sounded alarm bells for years about the risks of midair collisions. Those fears became a reality on Wednesday when an American Airlines flight collided with a helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, with 67 people presumed dead.

Brian Alexander, a military helicopter pilot and a partner at the aviation accident law firm Kreindler & Kreindler, told Business Insider that a shortage of air traffic controllers and increasing airspace congestion have affected safety.

"Our whole air traffic control system has been blinking red, screaming at us that we've got it overloaded," he said. "The intense inadequacy of the staffing and the overwork of the controllers is palpable."

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He said the US should invest in more airport technology to help controllers and pilots.

Anthony Brickhouse, a professor at the College of Aviation at Embry-Riddle, also cited increased flight congestion as a significant safety risk at airports nationwide. He said he wasn't surprised a crash like this one happened.

"We've had so many close calls with runway incursions and commercial flights almost colliding, and when something repeats over and over again, we call that a trend," he said. "We've been trending in this direction for two or three years now, and unfortunately, tonight, it happened."

He said that air traffic control actions and aircraft communications will be a significant focus of the investigation.

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Washington National is among the busiest and most restricted airspaces in the US. A US pilot previously told BI that flying in the area is like "threading a needle."

Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, the pilot who successfully landed a plane on the Hudson River in 2009 with no fatalities, told The New York Times on Wednesday that the DC airport has dated technology.

"It hasn't changed much since then," he said, referring to the airport's construction in the 1930s. "Of course, we've added technology to it. But a lot of the technology is old."

Despite the collision, experts say flying is still very safe, with thousands of planes taking off and landing safely every day.

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President Donald Trump said in a Thursday press conference that he would not hesitate to fly.

"Flying is very safe," he added. "We have the safest flying anywhere in the world, and we'll keep it that way."

The US has been battling near misses for years

Wednesday's collision between a regional jet and a military Black Hawk helicopter comes after a string of near misses in recent years, including close calls in New York City and Austin in 2023.

These near misses prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to create a safety review committee to examine their causes and recommend solutions. In November 2023, the committee recommended increased staffing, added funding to enable continued FAA safety oversight, and investing in airport technology.

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Several planes got too close for comfort at Washington National this past spring, followed by another near-miss in Nashville in September, all spurring investigations.

Brickhouse said that given the past few years of close calls, not enough changes have been made to prevent planes from colliding.

"If you continually have near misses and changes aren't made, eventually you will have a tragedy," he said. "For years, I've been saying to everyone who will listen that the next major accident will be something in the airport area involving a collision."

In October, the FAA launched an audit into runway incursion risks at the US's busiest airports to identify "potential gaps in procedures, equipment, and processes" and recommend safety actions. The audit was expected to be completed in early 2025.

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The audit came shortly after the FAA said in September that it had exceeded its controller hiring goal for the 2024 fiscal year but was still short about 3,000 personnel.

The concept of "blood priority" is likely to emerge in the aftermath of Wednesday's crash. In aviation safety, this means that needed changes will not be implemented until after a major accident and deaths occur  despite US safety officials pushing to be a more proactive industry than a reactive one.

"We've had to learn important lessons literally with blood too often, and we had finally gotten beyond that, to where we could learn from incidents, and not accidents," Sullenberger told the Times.

First complete-loss crash of a US airliner since 2009

Wednesday's tragedy is the first time a US airline has experienced a fatal, total loss of aircraft since 2009 when Colgan Air Flight 3407 crashed into a house in Buffalo, New York. The 49 people on board and one person on the ground died.

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A pilot's incorrect response to the plane's stall warning was eventually blamed for the crash, with fatigue cited as a contributing factor.

"After a 15-year unprecedented run of zero United States air carrier crashes, that streak has ended with this tragic crash, and the safety clock begins again a new run," Kathleen Bangs, an aviation safety analyst and a former pilot, told BI.

Another crash in 2013 on US soil resulted in fatalities when the South Korean carrier Asiana Airlines crashed while landing in San Francisco.

The American crash marks the third fatal accident globally since December. An Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer plane crashed midflight on Christmas Day, likely the result of being inadvertently hit by a Russian air-defense system. Thirty-eight people died, including the two pilots, while 29 passengers survived.

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A few days later, a Boeing 737 operated by South Korean carrier Jeju Airlines crashed during landing, killing 179 people. The investigation into that crash is ongoing.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Channel 9 has obtained information that Captain Jonathan Campos trained at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach.

Captain Campos was flying the American Airlines jet to Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington.

The University has released the following statement:

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Captain Jonathan Campos (Aeronautical Science,15). Our thoughts are with his family and the families and loved ones of all impacted by this tragic accident. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

READ: Training partner of the American Airlines pilot speaks after deadly passenger jet, helicopter crash

An American Airlines jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided Wednesday with an Army helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, prompting a large search-and-rescue operation in the nearby Potomac River, according to the Associated Press.

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There were multiple fatalities, according to a person familiar with the matter, but the precise number of victims was unclear as rescue crews hunted for any survivors.

Three soldiers were onboard the helicopter, an Army official said.

READ: Army helicopter, plane crash: See impact caught on video, hear air traffic control (graphic warning)

There was no immediate word on the cause of the collision, but all takeoffs and landings from the airport were halted as dive teams scoured the site and helicopters from law enforcement agencies across the region flew over the scene in methodical search for bodies.

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Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.




A passenger jet collided with a Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan Washington National Airport.

Four crew members and 60 passengers were aboard the jet, and three were aboard the helicopter.

President Donald Trump said there were no survivors.

Sixty-seven people are presumed dead after an American Airlines flight crashed into a military helicopter Wednesday night during the jet's final approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

President Donald Trump confirmed there had been no survivors, calling the crash "a dark and excruciating night" for the country.

American Eagle Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines and flying from Wichita, Kansas, was on approach to land at the airport when it struck a UH-60 Black Hawk, officials said. Several federal agencies, including the National Transportation Safety Board, are investigating the crash.

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A NTSB spokesperson told Business Insider in an email on Thursday evening that the "cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder," known as black boxes, were recovered from the Bombardier CRJ700 passenger jet.

"The recorders are at the NTSB labs for evaluation," the spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, crews are still searching the waters as part of the investigation and recovery efforts, while boats remain on the scene for security and search operations, according to the DC Fire and EMS Department.

"Our divers have searched all areas that are accessible," a statement from the department read Thursday night. On Friday, the statement said, "divers will work with NTSB to conduct additional searches to locate aircraft components, to support the investigation, and begin operations to salvage the aircraft.

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Three Army crewmembers were aboard the Black Hawk from Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, whose identities will be withheld until their next of kin have been notified, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a Thursday morning video.

"It was a fairly experienced crew, and that was doing a required annual night evaluation," he said in the video. "They did have night vision goggles."

He said investigators deployed Wednesday night and that the 12th Aviation Battalion has an "operational pause on contingency missions" for 48 hours.

"We anticipate that the investigation will quickly be able to determine whether the aircraft was in the quarter at the right altitude at the time of the incident."

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At the Thursday morning press conference, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said that both aircraft had been flying in a "standard pattern" that was not unusual, with no breakdown in communication between them.

"The helicopter was aware that there was a plane in the area," he said.

Duffy added that the fuselage of the American Airlines plane was inverted in the water.

"It's been located in three different sections," he said. "It's in about waist-deep water."

A livestream taken from the Kennedy Center by EarthCam showed an explosion as the helicopter collided with the passenger plane.

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A spokesperson for US Figure Skating, the country's governing body for the sport, told BI that "several members" of the organization were aboard the flight.

"These athletes, coaches, and family members were returning home from the National Development Camp held in conjunction with the US Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas," the spokesperson said.

She added: "We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims' families closely in our hearts."

Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, said Russian nationals were aboard the flight, according to the Russian state-owned news agency RIA Novosti.

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At a press conference Thursday morning, Trump said he didn't know what caused the crash before laying out a series of diversity initiatives within the FAA that he suggested without evidence could have contributed to the crash.

In a video posted to the American Airlines website, CEO Robert Isom said the airline was "cooperating fully" with the NTSB's investigation of the crash.

"Anything we can do, we are doing, and right now, that means focusing on taking care of all passengers and crew involved, as well as their families," he said.

Isom said that the plane's pilot had six years of experience with PSA, and the first officer had almost two years.

First responders on the Potomac River after the collision. AP Photo/Alex Brandon

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport was closed to all aircraft after the crash and reopened around 11 a.m.

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United Airlines and Southwest Airlines said they were allowing passengers booked on flights to the airport to change their travel plans without fees.

Anthony Brickhouse, an aviation expert, told BI that the crash was tragic but that he was not surprised it happened.

"We've had so many close calls with runway incursions and commercial flights almost colliding, and when something repeats over and over again, we call that a trend," he said.

"We've been trending in this direction for two or three years now, and unfortunately, tonight, it happened," he added.

Several near misses have taken place in recent years, in cities such as Austin and New York.

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But this marks the first major commercial plane crash in the US since 2009, when Colgan Air Flight 3407 crashed over Buffalo, New York, killing 49 on board and one person on the ground.

Kathleen Bangs, an aviation safety analyst and former pilot, told BI that she used to fly into Reagan Washington National Airport as a regional airline pilot and that the "extremely busy" airport had challenging flying conditions, including two runways of 5,000 feet and 5,200 feet, and proximity to water.

"The conversation now will be what safety steps need to be modified to ensure there's never another similar collision in the nation's capital," she said.

This was the third major plane crash worldwide since December.

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An Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer plane crashed last month, with some blaming Russian air defenses. Thirty-eight people died.

A few days later, a Boeing 737 operated by the South Korean carrier Jeju Air crashed in South Korea, killing 179 people. Two people survived.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Wednesday nights catastrophic plane crash over the Potomac has ended the longest aviation safety streak in United States history.

The crash occurred around 8:45 p.m. on Jan. 29 as an American Airlines jet was about to land at Ronal Reagan International Airport. The jet collided with a Black Hawk helicopter carrying three soldiers on a training mission. On Thursday morning, District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Chief John Donnelly issued a grim update, telling reporters: "We don't believe there are any survivors.

The tragedy ended a record-long safety streak for the U.S. aviation industry. Wednesday nights airplane crash is the first deadly commercial airline crash on American soil since Feb. 12, 2009.

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In that incident, a Colgan aircraft operated by Continental crashed into a residential home in Clarence Center, New York, killing the 49 passengers and crew on board as well as one person in the home. An investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board determined that the crash was likely caused by the pilots not appropriately reacting to stall warnings. Stall warnings are a mechanism that prevents the aircraft's pilots from "issuing control commands which would force the aircraft to exceed its structural and aerodynamic operating limits."

Related: Officials Issue Grim Update in Search for Potomac Plane Crash Survivors

The crash resulted in some changes to laws governing safe operating procedures and pilots' working conditions after the victim's family lobbied Congress to enact stricter regulations.

At a press conference on Thursday, Donnelly told reporters that they were pivoting from a rescue mission to a recovery operation. So far, 27 bodies have been recovered from the airplane and one has been recovered from the helicopter. Divers believe they found one of the aircrafts two data recorders, or black boxes, which may shine light on the fateful moments before the crash.
A devastating midair crash between an American Eagle passenger flight and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter occurred near Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night, sending both aircraft into the Potomac River. The tragic accident took place near Reagan National Airport. It has led to an intense search and rescue operation as officials work to recover victims and investigate the cause of the crash.

Heres more about the crash.

How did the American Eagle flight and Black Hawk helicopter crash?

The tragic crash between an American Eagle passenger flight and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter occurred Wednesday night near Reagan National Airport, sending both aircraft into the Potomac River. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), American Eagle Flight 5342, a regional jet operated by PSA Airlines, was on approach to land when it collided midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter conducting a training flight.

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The passenger plane had departed from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. Meanwhile, the Black Hawk, belonging to the Armys 12th Aviation Battalion at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, had three soldiers on board. A livestream camera at the Kennedy Center captured the exact moment of impact, showing an explosion over the river at 8:47 p.m. ET.

By early Thursday morning, rescue teams had recovered at least 19 bodies, but no survivors had been found. The search operation has been particularly challenging due to freezing temperatures, strong currents, and multiple debris fields. District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services said, Its a highly complex operation, the conditions out there are extremely rough for the responders. Its cold. Theyre dealing with relatively windy conditions. (via CBS News)

In response to the disaster, President Donald Trump extended his condolences and praised emergency responders. However, he also questioned the circumstances leading to the crash. Trump wrote, Why didnt the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!

The post American Eagle Flight & Black Hawk Helicopter Crash in Washington DC appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
A tragic midair crash between a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Eagle passenger flight occurred near Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night. It sent both aircraft into the Potomac River. The tragic accident took place near Reagan National Airport. It has led to an intense search and rescue operation as officials work to recover victims and investigate the cause of the crash.

Here are more details about the crash.

American Eagle flight and Black Hawk helicopter crash explained

The tragic crash between an American Eagle passenger flight and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter occurred Wednesday night near Reagan National Airport, sending both aircraft into the Potomac River. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), American Eagle Flight 5342, a regional jet operated by PSA Airlines, was on approach to land when it collided midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter conducting a training flight.

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The passenger plane had departed from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. Meanwhile, the Black Hawk, belonging to the Armys 12th Aviation Battalion at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, had three soldiers on board. A livestream camera at the Kennedy Center captured the exact moment of impact, showing an explosion over the river at 8:47 p.m. ET.

By early Thursday morning, rescue teams had recovered at least 19 bodies, but no survivors had been found. The search operation has been particularly challenging due to freezing temperatures, strong currents, and multiple debris fields. District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services said, Its a highly complex operation, the conditions out there are extremely rough for the responders. Its cold. Theyre dealing with relatively windy conditions. (via CBS News)

President Donald Trump extended his condolences and praised emergency responders in response to the disaster. However, he also questioned the circumstances leading to the crash. Trump wrote, Why didnt the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!

Originally reported by Disheeta Maheshwari on ComingSoon.

The post American Eagle Flight Crashes With Black Hawk Helicopter in Washington DC appeared first on Mandatory.
Editors Note: This report contains details of death and injury that some may find distressing.

More than 20 Americans are missing in action on the front lines in Ukraine, with a spike in casualties over the past six months as foreigners fill urgent gaps in the countrys embattled defenses, according to a CNN investigation.

The bodies of at least five American volunteers who signed up to the Ukrainian military could not be retrieved from the battlefield after being killed in action in the past six months, CNN found. Two of these were repatriated from Russian-occupied territory on Friday to Ukrainian soil after lengthy negotiations.

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The stark testimony of their surviving colleagues, and the growing toll, portrays the obscure yet important role of American frontline fighters in a war President Donald Trump has called ridiculous and has pushed Russian President Vladimir Putin to end diplomatically.

The relatives of the missing Americans have told CNN of the distressing lack of closure in not being able to bury their sons, of the legal limbo of not being able to officially declare their loved ones dead, and also of the torment inflicted by Russian internet trolls who harass them online. The intensity of fighting across Ukraines front eastern lines means the corpses of soldiers from both sides often cannot be collected and litter the battlefield.

Two American volunteers were killed in a single incident just outside Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine in late September, according to survivors and relatives. Neithers body has been recovered. Former US soldier Zachary Ford, 25, from Missouri, and another American without military experience, whose family requested to be identified only by his callsign Gunther, were killed by a drone while tasked with blowing up a bridge near the village of Novohrodivka.

The surviving American, who asked to be known by his callsign Redneck, described a mission with a limited chance of success, where the group of three US volunteers were swiftly trapped by Russian fire in a trench about 500 meters from their bridge target.

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Russian drones start coming down the treeline, to try to crash through the roof of the bunker, he recalled in an interview with CNN last week from the United States. A log in the roof fell and hit him in the face, he said. I had the shotgun, I was trying to shoot these things down.

Ford told his commanders on the radio they would abort the mission but was instructed to continue and that no evacuation was possible for another day, Redneck said. As the assault began, Redneck said he fired his machine gun at Russians directly in front of him, and that Ukrainians manning a grenade launcher and anti-tank Javelin weapon system died while holding back Russian armor.

He said he stepped into a bunker to get ammunition, narrowly missing the drone strike that wounded Ford and Gunther. Fords injuries required two tourniquets to stem the bleeding, Redneck said, which he applied before rejoining the defense and seeing a Ukrainian soldier fatally shot in the face in front of him.

Minutes later, he heard Ford yell, Gunther is dead, he told CNN. I came down to check, and the Ukrainian that was in there, and just looked at me and said, friend dead. Redneck said Ford remained stable, and their commander warned on the radio that another Russian attack was imminent.

Former US soldier Zachary Ford, 26, from Missouri is seen in an undated photo from Ukraine, where he volunteered as a fighter with Ukrainian forces. - Ronda Smith

He knew we werent going to make it through another attack, said Redneck of Ford, so he started asking me to kill him so he wouldnt be captured. Redneck said he refused and told Ford they would find a way through this, before continuing to reload their weapons ahead of the anticipated assault.

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He went really quiet, said Redneck of Ford. A couple minutes later, (he) called me over and said he had loosened his tourniquets. Redneck said he reapplied them, but Ford had lost too much blood.

Redneck said Fords last request was to see the sunlight as he died. I laid him down with his head towards the door, so he could look out, see the sun, and I just held his hand. The last really intelligible thing he said was, never let it be said that the bastards killed me.

Redneck said Ford had expressed a sentiment common among foreign fighters.

His most vivid memory of Ford was the tiny blue speaker he carried with him, on which he would constantly play the UK artist Artemas song, I like the way you kiss me. He always was playing music and dancing around that speaker, he said.

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He said the likelihood of foreign volunteer fighters surviving on the front line depended on their level of experience but also on the tasks given by the brigades they joined. While some officers gave foreigners and Ukrainians equal tasks, he said, others will sell you out and get you killed just as quick.

At this point, you cannot say its not Americas fight, he said. Critics of the war are trying to say, well, this is Ukraines problem. If we can just make peace now, we wont have to deal with this. The truth is, its not going to stop, Redneck added.

He blamed the losses in his brigade on a bad officer who didnt really see a difference between anyone. It was meat for the grinder, and he just sent whoever he could get.

Redneck, speaking from the United States, said his unit was evacuated from the area and he later saw drone footage of Ford and Gunthers bodies. The area where they fought is now under Russian control.

Former US Marine Corey Nawrocki, 41, is seen in Ukraine. His mother says he was driven to fight in Ukraine because of the toll he had seen on civilians there. - Sandy Nawrocki

The process of retrieving the dead from the front lines is arduous and emotional. Former US Marine Corey Nawrocki, 41, from Pennsylvania, died fighting in Russias Bryansk region in October.

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His body was paraded by Russian soldiers on Telegram, but after complex negotiations was one of nearly 800 dead returned to Ukraine by Russia on Friday, as was that of another missing American.

His mother, Sandy Nawrocki, wept as she described feeling a whirlwind of emotions  relief, but sadness. A weight is lifted off my shoulder because now I dont have to worry about what they might be doing to him over there.

She described Nawrocki, a marine veteran of two decades with six tours in Iraq and two in Afghanistan, as a smartass who loved to make her laugh and was driven to fight in Ukraine because of the toll he had seen on civilians.

Innocent people getting killed, babies being slaughtered, she said. I think that really bothered him.

Sandy Nawrocki, pictured with her son Corey in an undated photo, says she was trolled on social media after sharing news of his death. - Sandy Nawrocki

Nawrocki died after being shot while trying to help an injured colleague, his mother said she was told.

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Images of his body and weapons were widely shared on Russian social media and she says her address and video of her home, were also posted. When she tried to notify Nawrockis Marine friends on social media of his death, pro-Russian trolls would post all these nasty comments and, smiley faces, she said.

She did not want her son to go to Ukraine but this was an unprovoked war, she said. This is everyones war. If Russia wins, wins over Ukraine, that affects Poland, that affects all the European countries.

The repatriation of dead Americans is the culmination of a complex and emotional path for those involved. Lauren Guillaume, an American living in Kyiv and working for the non-profit RT Weatherman Foundation, assists foreign families in finding their loved ones, often by trawling through morgues with the foundations Ukrainian investigator, Iryna Khoroshayeva.

Positive identification is possible through a combination of visual identification methods and DNA testing, Guillaume said.

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Ukrainian officials said the task of identifying the dead is more complex when remains are returned from the Russian side. After a body swap, we may be given a bag with 10 body remains belonging to different people, said Artur Dobroserdov, Ukraines commissioner for missing persons under the Ministry of the Interior.

Dobroserdov confirmed that more than 20 Americans were missing in action, and said they could only release any part of the remains for repatriation once they had identified all of them, as they did not want families to bury part of a loved one only to be later given more remains.

One of the first cases in which Guillaume was able to assist was that of US Army veteran Cedric Hamm, from Texas, who was killed in the northern border region of Sumy in March. Hamms family were able to identify the unique mixture of Aztec and US military tattoos on his body in a video livestream Guillaume set up from the morgue. The body was then repatriated to San Antonio in December.

US Army veteran Cedric Hamm was killed in Ukraine's border region of Sumy in March. His remains were repatriated to San Antonio, Texas, in December. - Raquel Hamm

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Im very proud of my son, said his mother, Raquel Hamm, who said he had fought in Ukraine as he was keen to use his military past to travel. His composure, even to the very end had struck her, she said, describing how she was told he saved another young man during the gunfight that killed him.

My expectation, honestly, was that my son was never going to be found, said Hamm. My son paid the ultimate price on the battlefield for Ukrainian freedom and thats forever going to live with me. My child did not die in vain.

He was very selfless, said a fellow American fighter injured in the battle that killed Cedric Hamm, speaking to CNN from the US where he is recovering. He asked to be referred to by a pseudonym, Mitchell, for security reasons.

Guillaume said foreigners can be declared dead through physical confirmation, like DNA testing on their remains, or through a court ruling, if there is significant evidence of their death. It takes time, she said. In March, her organization had a caseload of 16. It is now dealing with 88 dead or missing foreigners across 18 nationalities  half of them Americans. Most of that is missing in action cases, she said.

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The true death toll among American volunteers in Ukraine remains unclear, Guillaume said.

She believes the rising number of dead and missing is down to foreigners being sent to tough, frontline areas where their prior military experience is needed. We find that foreign operators do fill the gaps of very difficult, high-risk, high-reward operations. Their lives and their sacrifice are not wasted.

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CLAYTON, N.Y. (WWTI)  The American Red Cross is helping seven people after an early Monday morning fire in Jefferson County.

Volunteers from the Central and Northern New York Chapter of the American Red Cross provided immediate emergency assistance to seven people after a blaze on Strawberry Lane in Clayton.

Jefferson Co. Sheriffs Office introducing Blue Envelope program

The Red Cross provided financial assistance which can be used for necessities such as shelter, food, and clothing to two households, consisting of three adults and four children, ages two and nine, and two infants. Volunteers also offered health services, comfort kits containing personal care items, and stuffed animals for the children.

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In the coming days, Red Cross staff and volunteers will remain available to help those affected by the fire as they navigate the road to recovery.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
By Shoon Naing and Devjyot Ghoshal

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Four years after seizing power in a dawn coup that ousted an elected civilian government, Myanmar's embattled ruling generals are making their most concerted effort to gain legitimacy - by pushing to hold another election.

In the last two months, the junta has outlined plans to neighbours for an election in 2025, released the results of a census conducted to prepare voters lists, and announced in state media that it is working to ensure "stability" for the polls.

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Together, these moves amount to the most serious declaration of intent by Myanmar's junta to hold an election since it toppled the government of Aung San Suu Kyi on Feb. 1, 2021, but they come amid a grinding civil war where the military has steadily lost ground nationwide.

With many forces opposing the junta and the election, tensions are set to rise ahead of the ballot, which brings the risk of more violence as both sides push to increase their control of territory, according to eight people, including analysts, rebels and diplomatic sources.

A date for the election has not been announced, but with voting in only about half the country, dozens of opposition groups banned and only pre-vetted, pro-military parties in the race, the exercise has already been derided as a sham by critics.

The junta was able to conduct a full, on-ground census only in 145 of the country's 330 townships, according to the census report published in December. The generals are currently planning to hold the election in only 160-170 of the townships towards the end of the year, according a source with knowledge of discussions in Naypyidaw, the capital.

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"They want to go ahead," the source said, asking not to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter, adding that the junta would look to stabilise those areas ahead of the polls.

A junta spokesman did not respond to calls seeking comment.

An armed opposition, comprising established ethnic armies and new resistance groups formed since the coup, have wrested chunks of territory from the junta, driving it out of border areas and increasingly hemming the territory it controls into the central lowlands.

"This will inevitably escalate the conflict to an unprecedented level," said Ye Myo Hein, a Myanmar analyst at the United States Institute of Peace, of the upcoming election.

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Myanmar is currently in a state of emergency that is set to expire by the end of January, and speculation is mounting whether the junta will declare another six-month extension or instead announce the election date ahead of the coup anniversary.

'BLOODBATH'

The National Unity Government (NUG), a shadow underground administration comprising remnants of Suu Kyi's political party, the National League for Democracy, and other anti-junta groups, has put together a 12-point plan to oppose the vote, according to an internal document seen by Reuters.

A key element of the plan is to not allow the junta to hold elections in regions controlled by resistance forces, including by advocating to local communities, blocking the election commission and closer cooperation with other armed groups.

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NUG spokesman Kyaw Zaw did not comment on the document or the plan, but said that military operations against the junta would continue unabated.

"But we will not instruct our people, our defence forces to target the civilians," he told Reuters.

The spectre of escalating violence looms large over the election exercise, with the armed opposition poised to undermine the junta's efforts to gain legitimacy through the ballot, according to two diplomatic sources with knowledge of the situation in Myanmar and three analysts.

"There is a very real danger these elections could turn into a bloodbath if revolutionary forces decide to attack polling stations, election officials and party candidates," said David Mathieson, an independent analyst tracking Myanmar, describing possible efforts by anti-junta groups to disrupt the elections.

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Members of two major rebel groups - the Karen National Union and the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force - said they were opposed to the elections and would continue military operations.

"The election is one of the factors that will push us to do things much faster," a Karenni commander told Reuters, asking not to be named.

The lives of millions in Myanmar, already ensnared in a widening conflict that has decimated the economy, are on the line.

By this summer, about 15 million people in the country will face acute levels of food insecurity, or food deprivation that threatens lives or livelihoods, Reuters reported in December, revealing a crisis that has largely gone under the radar.

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At a meeting this month, countries from the regional bloc ASEAN told the junta that its plan to hold an election should not be its priority, instead urging it to start dialogue and end hostilities immediately.

(Reporting by Shoong Naing and Devjyot Ghoshal; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
The wildfires that set Los Angeles ablaze in January have caused more than $250 billion in damages, according to AccuWeather, and the other side of the world could feel the impacts.

What's happening?

As the Australian Broadcasting Corporation detailed, the L.A. wildfires could be one of the "costliest disasters" in United States history. Many Californians already had their homeowners insurance policies canceled prior to the fires, but insurance payouts could still surpass $20 billion.

Paula Jarzabkowski, a professor of strategic management at the University of Queensland, told the ABC that global insurance premiums could also go up in the wake of the devastation.

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"California will certainly make sure they don't go down, and may make them go up more," Professor Jarzabkowski said, explaining that "insurance is basically a big pooling mechanism," with costs going up to cover other losses.

Why is this concerning?

According to the report, the Actuaries Institute found that 15% of Australian households suffer "extreme insurance stress" as they pay premiums exceeding one month's gross annual income.

"We need to assume that there are more who are also underinsured or not insured at all in Australia because premiums have gone up so much, and due to cost of living, they simply can't afford insurance," Professor Jarzabkowski said, highlighting a significant roadblock to community recovery efforts after natural disasters.

Unless something changes, it's unlikely that relief will be on the horizon. Citing data from the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA), the ABC reported that annual global insurance losses surpassed $100 billion in six out of the last seven years. As a result, the reinsurance market (which covers disasters) has seen its prices soar to 20-year highs.

What can be done about rising insurance premiums?

The ICA lists storms, floods, cyclones, and bushfires as key threats to Australians, but there are initiatives to reduce premiums for people in high-risk areas.

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For instance, the federal government launched a $10 billion cyclone and flood reinsurance pool in 2022 to aid households and businesses in Northern Australia, per the ABC. The country also has plans to boost climate resilience by investing in fire-resistant structures.

Do you think home heating costs are higher than they should be? Definitely Depends on the season Depends where you live No Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

However, Alix Pearce, the ICA's general manager of climate, social policy, and international engagement, told the ABC that Australia needs long-term mitigation techniques, as warming global temperatures have supercharged our weather, leading to an uptick in costly disasters.

"If we don't implement policies to mitigate this risk, we will continue to see a widening of the insurance protection gap," Pearce said, suggesting that government policies should steer people away from disaster-prone areas.

While that plan might work in some regions, it could have its pitfalls on a global scale. The Zurich Insurance Group estimates that extreme weather, rising temperatures, and damaged ecosystems could create 1.2 billion climate refugees by 2050.

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Fortunately, we know why the Earth is unnaturally overheating. As NASA explains, the scientific consensus is that dirty fuels like gas, oil, and coal are the primary cause of planetary warming. So, eliminating or reducing pollution from these sources can help bring the climate back into balance.

Even though transitioning to renewable energy will take time  and savvy infrastructure planning  the world has increased its capacity for non-polluting power. You can help contribute to a cooler future by signing up for community solar or making your dwelling more energy efficient, including by upgrading to LED light bulbs and smart lighting systems.

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.




Former German chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday criticized her opposition centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU) for passing a motion in parliament for hard-line reforms to migration policy with votes from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).

The move has plunged Germany even deeper into political turmoil, just weeks before national elections.

In a statement released by her office, Merkel - who led Germany between 2005 and 2021 - slammed the decision "to enable a majority with the votes of the AfD for the first time in a vote in the German Bundestag," the country's lower house of parliament.

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After the breakdown of centre-left Chancellor Olaf Scholz's three-party coalition in November, CDU leader Friedrich Merz made a commitment to avoid passing measures with the help of the AfD, Merkel recalled.

"This proposal and the attitude associated with it were an expression of great national political responsibility, which I fully support," the former chancellor said.

Taboo broken

Migration has become the dominant theme in the German election campaign ahead of the vote on February 23 after a string of attacks attributed to suspects with migrant backgrounds.

On Wednesday, the CDU relied on support from the AfD to narrowly pass its non-binding five-point plan for a tougher migration policy through the Bundestag.

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The move was extremely controversial, marking the first time the AfD have been relied upon to form a majority for a vote in the lower house.

Another vote on a CDU-backed package of migration policies is expected in parliament on Friday with concrete measures aimed at cracking down on asylum seekers entering the country.

The AfD and two minor opposition parties have signalled they will support the bill.

Vote stirs outrage

Wednesday's vote was widely seen as a major crack in the firewall mainstream German parties have maintained against the AfD, and was met with protests and sharp criticism from many.

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A survivor of the Nazi's Auschwitz extermination camp, Eva Umlauf, penned an open letter to Merz that was published by the Suddeutsche Zeitung newspaper in which she implored the conservative leader to reverse course.

"Don't underestimate the right-wing extremists. Turn back on the path you took on Wednesday. Approach the other democratic parties, find compromises," wrote the 82-year-old Umlauf.

Another German Holocaust survivor, 99-year-old Albrecht Weinberg, vowed on Thursday to return the Federal Order of Merit medal he'd been awarded out of disgust.

Hundreds of German celebrities and film stars signed another open letter published in the German edition of Vogue magazine denouncing the vote as a "historic breach of a taboo."

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"You are threatening to undermine fundamental rights with the help of right-wing extremists and are thus helping the AfD to gain influence and power," said the letter, which was addressed to the CDU and other mainstream parties that backed the motion.

Hungary's right-wing populist leader, Viktor Orban, expressed his pleasure at the vote in a post on X. Orban's government has faced repeated criticism over its harsh treatment of migrants.

"Good morning, Germany," Orban wrote in German. He added in English, "Welcome to the club!"

Political showdown looms on Friday

Merz has so far vowed to put a package of asylum and migration legislation to a vote on Friday, and appears set to again pass the measures thanks to support from the AfD.

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Scholz, whose key rival in the upcoming election is Merz, complained on ARD television that the CDU/CSU had broken with the consensus "that there is no cooperation between the democratic parties and the extreme right."

Merz has denied that the vote amounted to cooperation, and his party has repeatedly demanded that Scholz's centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) or the Greens, who are currently in a minority government, back their measures as well so that the votes of AfD lawmakers aren't decisive.

Merz told the Bild tabloid that he hopes "that the Greens and SPD will return to their senses" and support his hard-line migration proposals on Friday.

However, there were also louder warnings within the CDU not to accept the AfD's approval once again. Berlin Mayor Kai Wegener, for example, announced that Berlin would never support any law passed thanks to AfD votes with the city's seat on the Bundesrat, as the upper chamber of parliament is known.

Merkel rebuke a setback in campaign

The CDU's Merkel is sometimes viewed as a controversial figure within her own party, with many more conservative members staunch opponents of the open-door migration policy Merkel embraced in 2015.

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But Merkel nonetheless remains the party's best-known figure, and during her career proved highly adept as winning over centrist and even left-leaning voters.

Merkel and Merz have long been rivals, and Merz withdrew from politics after Merkel pushed him aside from party leadership posts in the early 2000s. He returned to politics in 2018 and only claimed party leadership after Merkel's retirement in 2021.

The CDU's General Secretary Carsten Linnemann told the Rheinische Post newspaper that the party "values Angela Merkel and know her views on migration policy."

However, those who are in charge today must also react to the security situation and the "terrible events in Magdeburg and Aschaffenburg," referring to recent deadly attacks in which migrants are the suspected culprits.

Jubilant AfD expect 'newage' in Germany politics

The sour mood in the CDU stood in sharp contrast on Thursday to the AfD, whose co-leader said the motion could bring a "new age" in German politics.

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Tino Chrupalla told the rbb radio station that Germany expects a "shift in politics and migration," pointing to polls placing the AfD in second place on more than 20% of the vote.

He said 250,000 people are obliged to leave the country and should be taken into "protective custody," a Nazi-era term for rounding up political opponents without trial, before being deported.

Alice Weidel, the AfD's top candidate for the upcoming election, told dpa on Thursday that she was not surprised Merkel "is taking a swipe at her successor," and once again attacked Merkel's record on asylum and immigration.

Merkel had "initiated the loss of control at the borders in 2015 and wants nothing to change in this situation," Weidel said, accusing Merkel of making further contributions to "the dissolution of the once-proud conservative people's party."
As the Hi-Lex Gnomes, the Pooper Scooper Crew and other local favorites made their way down Grand Avenue on Saturday for the St. Paul Winter Carnivals Grande Day parade, some anti-LGBTQ+ protesters also were making their presence known on the avenue.

The harsh words they said were awful, said Tyler Berry, co-founder of music school Music on Grand at the corner of Grand Avenue and South Grotto Street, where the protesters had set up with signs condemning homosexuality and likening abortion to murder.

It was very, very loud and very disheartening. You could hear it inside the school, he said.

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While he doesnt think his business was specifically targeted, the incident spurred Berry and the staff at Music on Grand to offer free music lessons for transgender and nonbinary students for the next four years.

This past week has been really hard and alarming and scary for so many members of our community at Music on Grand and in the Twin Cities, said Owen McGreevy, community coordinator and instructor at Music on Grand.

Since returning to office, President Donald Trump has signed executive orders targeting transgender rights and, as he said in his inauguration speech, end efforts to socially engineer race and gender into every aspect of public and private life. One such order required the federal government to recognize only male and female sexes, disregarding people who identify as nonbinary, intersex or Indigenous Two-Spirit. Other executive orders rolled back protections for transgender people and terminated diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the federal government.

Now is a more important time than ever to be supportive, be visible and be proud of who we are, McGreevy said.

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Before offering the free program, Berry said he checked in with the schools 10 instructors. All of our teachers are extremely excited for this and getting involved, he said.

As of Thursday, Berry said the school had raised more than $1,000 and nearly 30 new students had reached out.

It makes me so happy to see students come alive while teaching music, McGreevy said. I want to do that with any students, and especially trans youth and trans people who are being bashed by the media and our country.

McGreevy, who grew up in Idaho and is currently studying guitar performance, said they significantly opened up their schedule to accommodate the incoming students.

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It would have been an amazing thing for me to have been exposed to and involved in a program like this (as a child), because it would have shown me that these things are OK and beautiful and should be encouraged, McGreevy said.

Music is such a safe, beautiful way to help people grow, they said.

Music on Grand, which opened in September, offers lessons for more than 20 different instruments including ukulele, clarinet, piano, fiddle and voice lessons for students of all ages.

While the music school didnt have any pride flags hung up at the time of the protest, they have since been gifted one from nearby neighbor Mischief Toy Store, Berry said.

For those who want to support Music on Grand, a donation link has been set up at musicongrand.com/donate that will go toward scholarships for transgender and nonbinary students.
Members of Indivisible Michigan display illuminated signs that read "RESIST TRUMP" on a pedestrian bridge over Grand River Ave. in Lansing, Mich., on Jan. 29, 2025. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)

A group of Michigan organizers formed a light brigade in Lansing on Wednesday evening to protest President Donald Trumps first days in office for his second term.

Around a dozen members of Indivisible Michigan stood on the pedestrian bridge over Grand River Avenue in Lansing holding illuminated signs that read RESIST TRUMP.

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The event was originally scheduled for Jan. 20 to coincide with Trumps inauguration, but was postponed due to dangerously cold temperatures.

But Tessa Paneth-Pollak, a coordinator for Indivisible Michigan, said that the event has taken on a new urgency in light of the deluge of executive orders signed by Trump during his first days back in office.

Members of Indivisible Michigan display illuminated signs that read RESIST TRUMP on a pedestrian bridge over Grand River Ave. in Lansing, Mich., on Jan. 29, 2025. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)

On Inauguration Day, we had our concerns, but were getting to see more data now about how he plans to  should I say lead? Were in worst-case scenario territory, Paneth-Pollak said. Kind of like a slow wave of panic is setting in over people.

Shelley Cichy, another coordinator for the event, said that the group wanted to highlight the gravity of the current political landscape.

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We are struggling against a very, very mighty force of authoritarianism with a complicit Congress, Cichy said.

While Democratic opposition to Trumps second term may seem more subdued than in his first presidency, when there were large scale political actions like the Womens March and protests at airports, Paneth-Pollak said that organizers are being more strategic with their efforts.

I dont think the interest isnt there. I think people are showing up differently, Paneth-Pollack said.

But Paneth-Pollack said that there is fatigue among Democrats who have seen Trump remain a prominent figure in politics for ten years, with four more on the horizon.

Members of Indivisible Michigan display illuminated signs that read RESIST TRUMP on a pedestrian bridge over Grand River Ave. in Lansing, Mich., on Jan. 29, 2025. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)

You can only stay vigilant so long, and theres a sense of exhaustion, Paneth-Pollack said.

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Thats why a key purpose of the light brigade was to make people feel understood, Cichy said.

I think a lot of us are just feeling like, what can we do? We feel hopeless and powerless, Cichy said. And in some ways, getting the light brigade back out there feels like were sort of creating a community of like-minded people and sort of telling them youre not alone. If youre feeling desperate, so are we.

I think we would all agree that it feels sometimes, at this point, like a march or a rally is almost performative. It doesnt really do much. He still won, Cichy added. Its probably not going to change any lawmakers minds or anything like that. But it does give people who are feeling the way we do a chance to know that there are other people out there who feel the same way.

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LONDON (AP)  Norman Gregory is an institution within an institution. Hes been working at the historic Smithfield wholesale meat market in central London since 1961, witnessing first hand the rapid transformation of the capital over the decades.

And hes mainly seen it at night.

As a young lad of just 16, Gregory started work at Smithfield, and bar one year when he decided to try something else, hes been there as a seller ever since.

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And he still loves it, as he readies to turn 80 next month.

Its a mans world down here, he said. Its all active, theres something different every day.

There is a routine though. The carcasses roll in to the market in vans starting around 10 p.m. The butchers and traders then do their thing, selling mainly to shops and restaurants, before finishing up at about 6 a.m.

And while most Londoners imbibe a cuppa tea  a coffee if you must  to get them ready for the day, Smithfield workers have been able to have a pint and a full English breakfast after they clock out because some local public houses have had special dispensation to open at the crack of dawn. Early houses, they have been dubbed.

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But change is coming after the City of London Corporation, the governing body in the capital citys historic hub, confirmed at the end of 2024 that it will bring an end to its responsibilities to operate Smithfield, as well as the Billingsgate fish market further east, both of which have existed in some shape or form since the 11th century.

The corporation and the Smithfield Market Tenants Association, which represents the traders onsite, have reached an agreement to find a site for a New Smithfield within the M25, the road that circles London. The new site will continue to serve London and the southeast of England, and it is hoped, allow future traders to expand in a manner of their choosing.

Worthy reasons, for sure, but London will lose another little slice of its heritage, though the impending move of London Museum in 2026 to areas of the market already vacated will ensure that the memory of the market will be preserved.

Smithfield, derived from the olde English word for smooth field and built just beyond the old Roman wall, became the go-to place for the sale of horses, sheep and cattle late in the 11th century. It was a tough place, renowned for drunkenness, general rowdiness and violence, especially around the annual Bartholomew Fair, which ran for seven centuries until it was shut down in 1855 after a bit too much trouble.

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Smithfield was also a far more bloody place than it is now  and not just because slaughtering took place on site for much of the market's history.

In 1306, Scottish rebel William Wallace was hung, drawn and quartered, while Wat Tyler, who led the failed 1381 Peasants Revolt, was spared that horror by only being beheaded in 1381. And lets not forget the reign of Queen Mary I  aka Bloody Mary  in the 16th century when Protestants were burned to death as punishment for their religious beliefs.

Smithfield remained pretty squalid through to the 19th century. The great British author Charles Dickens described it, for example, as a center of filth and mire, referencing the market in both Oliver Twist and Great Expectations.

With Londons rapid expansion following the Industrial Revolution, it seemed a bit anachronistic to have horses and pigs and oxen roaming around, so the livestock were moved further north and construction of a covered market began in 1866.

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Horace Jones, the designer of Tower Bridge, was chosen to be the architect of the new market. He incorporated Londons rapidly expanding railway network and several architectural styles, combining French Renaissance with something a little bit more practical.

Since then, Smithfield has been a wholesale meat market, where traders process the carcasses that come in, primarily for shops and restaurants, though individuals can come if they wish, most notably on Christmas Eve, when the market is full of cheer and color  mainly red.

The Associated Press was granted access to record for posterity life in the market on Christmas Eve, when hundreds of individuals turn up to get their meat for the following day, and on a typical night in January.

For Gregory, its been a blast.

Id do it all again, he said.
SOUTHWEST, VA (WJHL)  January has been one of the coldest on record for Southwest Virginia and as the thermometer falls, electric bills rise higher. Virginia Delegate Terry Kilgore (R-Scott) said prices are too high.

You know, a lot of the calls from consumers are over higher electric rates, especially during this last month when it was so cold, Kilgore told News Channel 11.

Kilgore and Delegates Israel OQuinn and Jason Ballard co-sponsored a bill that he said would lower Appalachian Powers rates.

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The APCo Rate Reduction Act passed 9-0 in the energy subcommittee. Still, Kilgore and other Southwest Virginia delegates need support from their fellow lawmakers to the north whose constituents arent Appalachian Power customers.

That it has been a challenge, admits Kilgore. Theres not many of us from Roanoke West. There are seven members in the House of Delegates, and in Fairfax County (alone), there are 18. So that theres your problem right there. And weve had to convince our folks shown on these electric bills that folks have and that folks have emailed us at $900 to a thousand dollars for a single-family house. Thats outrageous.

House Bill 2621 calls for an overhaul of the rate-setting process of Appalachian Power that delegates say will lower bills for customers, including:

Bans rate increases during winter months

Bans rate increase until March 2026

Review rates yearly instead of every two years

Requires State Corporation Commission to review seasonal rates

Simplify customer bills

Fuel Cost reduction

Securitize or refinance existing coal plants

Co-sponsor Delegate Israel OQuinn (R-Washington County) stated that the potential cost savings for customers could be historic.

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It is the largest single decrease that anyone around the capital can remember happening all at once, said OQuinn via Zoom. So, again, this is certainly a work in progress. But what weve been able to piece together with this bill is a significant amount of savings for ratepayers and will help to ease some of that sticker shock that people get when they when they open their bills during the cold winter months.

OQuinn said there is a companion bill in the Senate, and he expects some tweaks to the current bills as they move through committees, but said the legislation could be up for a vote in just weeks.

Lawmakers aim to reduce the average customers kilowatt-hour cost by 13 percent.

News Channel 11 has reached out to Appalachian Power for a statement but did not receive one.

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A New York appeals court on Thursday reversed a ruling from a judge that struck down a state voting rights law designed to protect the political voice of minority groups.

The ruling from the Appellate Division of the state Supreme Court in New York City allows a lawsuit brought by six Black and Hispanic voters against the Town of Newburgh in the Hudson Valley to proceed. The appeals court also said the trial-level judge overstepped her authority in November by striking down New Yorks Voting Rights Act of 2022 in its entirety.

We are pleased, though not surprised, that the Appellate panel upheld the constitutionality of the New York State John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act and allowed the Newburgh residents who have been shut out of their citys at-large electoral system to seek a fair shot at choosing candidates to represent them, David Imamura, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, said in a statement.

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The lawsuit argued that at-large elections to pick town board members in the majority-white town had kept Black and Hispanic residents from electing their candidates of choice, diluting their vote. They asked the court to impose a system in which the town, located about 60 miles (95 kilometers) north of New York City, would elect board members by district.

The civil litigation was bought under the New Yorks Voting Rights Act, which created a path for voters to challenge at-large elections on racial or ethnic grounds.

Orange County state court Justice Maria Vazquez-Doles said in November that a portion of the act violated the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment.

But Justice Hector LaSalle wrote in the 4-0 appeals court decision that attorneys for Newburgh failed to establish as a matter of law that compliance with the vote dilution provisions of the law would force them to violate the equal protection clause.

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An email seeking comment was sent to an attorney for Newburgh.

The suit, which was filed in March, was one of at least four lawsuits filed under New York's Voting Rights Act.

State Attorney General Letitia James, whose lawyers argued that the law was constitutional, said she was pleased with the ruling.

Our democracy thrives when all voters, regardless of their background, can make their voices heard at the ballot box," the Democrat said in a statement.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced legislation on Wednesday banning smartphones and related technology from every Arkansas public school.

The Bell to Bell, No Cell Act will be introduced into the legislature to go into effect in the 2025-2026 school year. The governor said Sen. Tyler Dees (R-Silom Springs) and Rep. Jon Eubanks (R-Paris) will sponsor the bill.

Arkansas school districts pushing forward with implementing phone-free campuses

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Sanders described the bill as a response to a growing mental health need.

We have seen a staggering rise in mental illness among young people over the past decade. The culprit is clear: unrestricted access to smartphones and social media, the governor said. After the overwhelming success of our phone-free schools pilot program, its clear that its time for Arkansas to ban smartphones, bell to bell, in every school in our state.

A test of the plan took place in several Arkansas schools in the previous school year. Participating districts received funding to purchase containers for students to store their devices and experience a phone-free education.

Conway middle schools participate in statewide initiative to become cell phone-free

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Sanders said she was inspired to launch this program after reading The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt.

The legislation will mandate, other than no cell phone or smart device while school is in session, that each public school district will be required to publish its cell phone policy on its website, including policies and exemptions concerning cell phones on school property and at school-related functions. Districts must provide exemptions for health reasons, Individualized Education Programs, after-school extracurricular activities and emergencies.

Banning cellphones in schools gains popularity in red and blue states

In her 2025 State of the State address, Sanders said mental health is one of her top priorities for the year. In addition to the phone-free schools program, the governor said she plans to update Arkansas Social Media Safety Act so it is no longer held up in court and to give Arkansas parents the right to sue tech companies under state law so they can hold bad actors accountable.

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The legislation, Senate Bill 142, was filed Wednesday.

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Rep. Jon Eubanks (left) and Sen. Tyler Dees, both Republicans, discuss a bill to restrict cell phone use in schools at the Arkansas Capitol on Jan. 29, 2025. (Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate)

State lawmakers filed legislation Wednesday that would ban smartphones and other personal electronic devices from all Arkansas public schools beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.

Senate Bill 142, also called the Bell to Bell, No Cell Act, follows through on the promise to ban cellphones in schools made by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders during her State of the State address this month.

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Speaking during a mental health event at the Capitol rotunda in Little Rock Wednesday morning, Sanders said the bill will curtail unrestricted access to smartphones and social media, which she said has caused a decline in childrens mental health over the last decade.

Arkansas has the opportunity to lead on this issue globally and pass one of the most comprehensive phone-free school bills in the world, and thats a good thing, Sanders said. And when we do that, I truly believe we wont just improve test scores and school discipline, well also get to one of the root causes of so many of the mental health issues facing our state today.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders attends an event related to mental health in the Arkansas Capitol on Jan. 29, 2025. (Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate)

Co-sponsored by Sen. Tyler Dees, R-Siloam Springs, and Rep. Jon Eubanks, R-Paris, SB142 requires cellphone policies  which school districts must publish on their websites  to include exemptions for health reasons, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), extracurricular activities and emergencies.

Policies must be submitted to the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education for approval, and a district that fails to adopt or enforce a policy will be cited for a violation of state accreditation standards.

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Under the proposed law, districts would not be liable if a personal electronic device is lost, stolen or damaged.

Eubanks told the Advocate he has first-hand knowledge of health issues and learning problems for students because his daughter is a counselor at an elementary school. SB142 is a way for the Legislature to help our young kids have a bright future, he said.

We want to be able to limit the distraction that students have in school, Eubanks said. Theyre there to learn, and we want to make sure that that happens.

Proposals to reduce smartphone usage have gained traction in recent years in states like California and Florida. Arkansas joined the conversation last summer when the governor and education secretary invited schools to participate in a pilot program focused on restricting cellphone access during the school day. In August, state lawmakers permitted the Arkansas Department of Education to distribute $7 million to districts to cover the cost of pouches or lockers where students could store their phones during class time.

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Sanders said Wednesday the administration received an overwhelmingly positive response from school leaders. Stakeholders, who used data from the pilot program to inform SB142, have been working on the legislation for over a year, Dees said in an interview. The bill aims to respond to parents concerns, he said.

Our response today with this bill is that were no longer going to allow our children to be guinea pigs of Big Tech and social media and the ramifications that have affected our kids, he said.

Dees anticipates the bill will be presented in committee next week and said it will have bipartisan support. As of Wednesday afternoon, Sen. Reginald Murdock of Marianna was the sole Democratic co-sponsor of the bill.

This is not the first time state lawmakers have tried to limit Arkansas childrens access to social media. Dees and Eubanks sponsored the Social Media Safety Act of 2023 to prohibit minors from creating a social media account without parental consent. It would have been the first such law in the nation, but a federal judge blocked the law in August 2023 before it was set to take effect.

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Echoing statements made in her State of the State address, Sanders in a press release Wednesday said she plans to update the law so its no longer held up in court, and to give parents the right to sue tech companies under state law so they can hold bad actors accountable.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  The White House rescinded a memo on Wednesday that froze most federal loans and grants, sending nonprofits in Arkansas that depend on them to experience another wave of emotions.

Shamara Frazier worked at the American Indian Center of Arkansas (AICA) until recently.

We were all called in as an organization and 90% of our staff was laid off, Frazier said.

Trump White House rescinds memo freezing federal money after widespread confusion

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The AICA is a nonprofit, and the staff is paid by federal grant money. Its mission is to help individuals through programs paid through federal grants.

Nearly two days after the order was made, the federal funding pause was rescinded.

Even though we believe that its reversed as of right now, moving forward, just these two days greatly impacted a lot of things, Frazier said. We have participants that are dependent on the money that they were going to receive from us through our grants for their livelihood.

Trump administration freezes nearly all federal loans and grants

Frazier said shes unsure whats to come because while the pause has been rescinded, the funding has not been restored.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark.- A bill to increase access to update the laws on unpasteurized milk access and distribution received a do pass in its committee hearing on Wednesday.

The House Agriculture, Forestry & Economic Development Committee had the bill in the first of its agenda for the day. Bill sponsor Rep. Cameron Cooper (R-Romance) said the bill would update the existing law so farmers could sell their unpasteurized, raw, milk at places other than their farm.

Bill proposed in Arkansas legislature to expand raw milk, goat milk access

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The bill would allow raw milk sales at farmers markets or delivery from the farm. The law remains that a third party, such as a grocery store, could not sell the milk.

Cooper said that the current law limits farmers from selling 500 gallons of raw milk a month.

This is a food freedom and food security issue, Cooper told the committee.

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ARKANSAS (KNWA/KFTA)  The American Lung Association has released its annual report card on tobacco control, and Arkansas scored poorly in three of five categories.

The state received the following grades in the report:

Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Funding: F

Smokefree Air: C

Tobacco Taxes: F

Access to Cessation Services: B

Flavored Tobacco Products: F

Arkansas has received an F in Tobacco Prevention and Control Program Funding every year since 2017.

Laura Turner, a representative of the American Lung Association in Arkansas, said the goal of the report is to highlight both progress and areas that need improvement.

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The point of this is to help draw attention to what we are doing well in Arkansas and where we need improvement, Turner said. Its really a message to lawmakers to make the policy changes.

Arkansas raw milk legislation passes House committee

One of those policy changes, she said, should include repealing a state law that prevents local governments from passing stricter tobacco regulations than the state. This would allow cities and counties to set their own policies and could strengthen tobacco prevention efforts.

Tobacco use in Arkansas

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Arkansas has one of the highest tobacco use rates in the country:

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Adult smoking rate: 15.0%

Adult tobacco use rate (including cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and e-cigarettes): 26.3%

High school smoking rate: 4.9%

High school tobacco use rate: 20.0%

Smoking-attributable deaths per year: 5,790

Healthcare costs due to smoking: $1.2 billion annually

To read the full report, click here.

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed that Pyongyang's nuclear programme would continue "indefinitely", state media reported Wednesday, days after new US President Donald Trump said he would make renewed diplomatic overtures to the reclusive leader.

Kim recently visited a nuclear-material production facility, Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency said, where Kim warned of an "inevitable" confrontation with hostile nations and said 2025 would be a "crucial year" for bolstering North Korea's nuclear forces.

"It is our firm political and military stand and invariable noble task and duty to develop the state's nuclear counteraction posture indefinitely," Kim said, according to KCNA.

The report, and Kim's nuclear factory visit, follow Pyongyang's test-firing on Saturday of sea-to-surface strategic guided cruise missiles, its first weapons test since Trump returned to the White House on January 20.

In response, an official with the US National Security Council said Trump would pursue "the complete denuclearisation of North Korea, just as he did in his first term", according to a report from South Korean Yonhap news agency.

Trump, who had a rare series of meetings with Kim during his first term, said in an interview last week that he would reach out to the North Korean leader again, calling Kim a "smart guy".

Despite enduring crippling economic sanctions, North Korea declared itself an "irreversible" nuclear state in 2022.

Pyongyang says the weapons are necessary for its self-defence and to counter hostilities from Washington.

Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, said Wednesday that the Trump administation appeared to be "adopting a two-track approach".

"Trump is extending overtures for dialogue with Kim to encourage discussions from a political perspective," Yang told AFP.

"On the other hand, Washington's working-level officials are now making clear that they focused on negotiating with the ultimate goal of achieving complete denuclearisation," he said.

But Yang added that North Korea might still want to speak to Washington "as they do need sanctions relief to keep its regime".

During his first term in office, Trump met with Kim three times, beginning with a landmark summit in Singapore in June 2018.

A few months after, Trump famously told a rally of his supporters that the two men had fallen "in love".

But their second summit in Hanoi collapsed in 2019 over sanctions relief and what Pyongyang would be willing to give up in return.

"I think he (Kim) misses me," Trump said in July last year, adding "it is nice to get along with somebody that has a lot of nuclear weapons".

In a commentary released the same month, North Korea said while it was true Trump tried to reflect the two leaders' "special personal relations", he "did not bring about any substantial positive change" during his first term in office.

"Even if any administration takes office in the US, the political climate, which is confused by the infighting of the two parties, does not change and, accordingly, we do not care about this," it added.
Sen. Reginald Murdock (right), D-Marianna, asks his colleagues in the Arkansas Senate not to support a bill that would eliminate required minority recruitment and retention plans and reports from public school districts and higher education institutions, among other things, on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. (Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate)

After more than an hour of sometimes impassioned debate, the Arkansas Senate approved a bill Wednesday that would prohibit discrimination or preferential treatment by public entities.

Senate Bill 3 would repeal language in state procurement proposals that encourage minority participation or require bidders to adopt an equal opportunity hiring program designed to increase the percentage of minority employees. The bill would also eliminate required minority recruitment and retention plans and reports from public school districts and higher education institutions.

Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Jonesboro (Arkansas Secretary of State)

Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Jonesboro, is the bills primary sponsor and told his colleagues that racism will never cure racism. He also said the bill would make merit the primary reason Arkansans receive jobs and scholarships at state-funded institutions.

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Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects people from employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Senate Bill 3 has similar language but replaces religion with ethnicity.

All six Senate Democrats spoke against SB 3, saying it would reduce or eliminate opportunities for historically underrepresented groups, particularly Black Americans.

Considering someones sex, race and background when providing them an opportunity is not a handout or an unfair advantage, said Sen. Jamie Scott, D-North Little Rock. Its about a chance to break down barriers [This bill] hinders progress while denying Arkansas the full potential of its talent as a state. Diversity isnt just a moral imperative. Its a practical necessity.

Sen. Jamie Scott, D-North Little Rock (Arkansas Secretary of State)

The bill contains similar language to Senate Bill 71 of 2023, which Sullivan also sponsored. SB 71 passed the Senate almost two years ago with the minimum of 18 senators in favor, all white male Republicans.

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Some GOP senators who voted for SB 3 voted against SB 71, voted present, did not vote or were absent from the chamber that day. Sen. Alan Clark of Lonsdale was the only Republican to join the Democrats in voting against both SB 3 and SB 71.

Clark said he supported most of the bill because theres got to be a time that were just all equal, but he could not vote for amending a scholarship designed to attract qualified minority teachers to the Delta, a rural area with a significant Black population and a known teacher shortage.

Clark said he opposed making it more difficult to hire Black male teachers because they could help Black male students improve their educational outcomes. He expressed the same concern Tuesday before voting against the bill in the Senate Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs.

Sen. Clarke Tucker, D-Little Rock, also voted against SB 3 in committee Tuesday. He said Wednesday that the bill does not define preferential treatment, but the programs the bill would change provide context for the meaning of the phrase.

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In addition to eliminating minority recruitment and retention structures in K-12 and higher education, the bill would change the Equity Assistance Center in the states Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to the Equality Assistance Center. Its purpose would be to assist the states public school districts with desegregation and nondiscrimination instead of affirmative action, program accessibility, human relations, awareness, and desegregation as currently required.

Sen. Clarke Tucker, D-Little Rock (Arkansas Secretary of State)

These programs were created surgically to where they could have the most impact. This bill is not surgical, Tucker said. This bill, to Sen. Clarks point, is a blunt instrument, and we have no idea what the impact of this bill will be.

Tucker said the bill would discourage Arkansans from participation or employment in entities that focus on the lived experiences of minorities, such as the Arkansas Minority Health Commission within the state Department of Health, or the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, an African-American history museum in Little Rock.

I dont see how you can celebrate African-American history and have items in your gift shop created by African Americans in Arkansas without giving preferential treatment, Tucker said.

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Knowingly violating the bill would result in a Class A misdemeanor. Additionally, the text of the bill would allow anyone who believes his or her rights have been impacted under this section to file a civil lawsuit and allow a judge who sides with the plaintiff to issue an injunction and allow the plaintiff to recover court costs and attorneys fees.

Sen. Reginald Murdock, D-Marianna, said white Americans dont need help obtaining educational and economic opportunities and that its an insult to even have this conversation.

Scott and Murdock both said programs aimed at minorities helped them attend college and complete their degrees. Sullivan claimed SB 3 would not eliminate such programs, but more people will be able to affect those scholarships than fewer.

The Legislature is composed mostly of white men, and only four of the 35 state senators are Black, including Scott and Murdock. The other two, Democratic Sens. Stephanie Flowers of Pine Bluff and Fredrick Love of Mabelvale, also spoke against the bill.

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Republican Sens. Breanne Davis of Russellville and Missy Irvin of Mountain View both voted against SB 71 in 2023 but voted for SB 3 on Tuesday.

Sen. Breanne Davis, R-Russellville (Arkansas Secretary of State)

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Davis said in an interview that SB 3s narrower focus, particularly on equal opportunity hiring practices, earned her support.

I think its important to be merit-based and hire the best people for the job, she said.

Irvin said she believes its a choice whether you feel marginalized or not and we should all view each other as Americans in order to achieve healing in our nation.

Sens. Jonathan Dismang, R-Searcy, and Jane English, R-North Little Rock, both voted against SB 71 and voted present on SB 3. English said in an interview that she was not comfortable voting for SB 3 without a little more clarification about its impact on hiring practices and certain programs.

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Republican Sens. Blake Johnson of Corning and Jim Petty of Van Buren did not vote on SB 71 and voted for SB 3.

Additionally, Republican Sens. Steve Crowell of Magnolia and Terry Rice of Waldron did not vote on SB 3. Rice supported SB 71 in 2023 while Crowell did not vote on it.

The bill will next be considered by the House Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs. SB 71 made it to the House floor in 2023 but was voted down after several passionate speeches from members of both parties.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story misstated Sen. Jonathan Dismangs vote on SB 3.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  The Arkansas Senate passed a bill aimed at ending affirmative action programs in state and local government.

State Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Jonesboro), the bills sponsor, says this bill brings Arkansas up to date with President Donald Trumps executive order ending diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in the federal government.

Trumps anti-DEI push puts top colleges in the crosshairs

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The bill would end a requirement of state higher education to have programs to retain minority students, faculty and staff and also do away with hiring programs aimed at increasing the amount of minority employees, among other things.

Sullivan argues this expands opportunity.

Arkansas geographical critical needs minority teacher scholarships, we changed that to the critical need scholarships and strike out minority, Sullivan said. Critical needs is a more inclusive word than minority.

Trump to issue executive orders defining sexes, ending DEI practices in government

Yet many Democrats, including State Sen. Clarke Tucker (D-Little Rock) argue this bill takes away opportunity.

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The question for yall is do you believe a Black child born in Arkansas or a little girl born in Arkansas has the opportunities that I do, or that most of us in this room do, Tucker said.

Many Democrats spoke against the bill including one Republican.

A yes vote on this bill does say, that as a state we stand for ending economic and education opportunities for women and racial minority in this state, and for that reason Ill be voting no, Tucker said.

You heard many people say we are removing opportunity, taking away opportunity, folks that couldnt be further from the truth, Sullivan said. We are actually allowing more people, people who are not necessarily members of a minority community, we are actually allowing them access too.

Trump administration directs all federal diversity, equity and inclusion staff be put on leave

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This bill will now head to the House side.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Arkansas Sen. Bryan King (R-Green Forrest) introduced legislation in the state capitol on Thursday to promote public safety at what he said was a counter to and a much lower cost than the governors prison plans.

King said the six pieces of legislation were to counter the three-headed monster created by long-time state policy and underfunding that has led to a high incarceration rate, a high crime rate and a high prison overcrowding rate in the state. He said the legislature consistently underfunded corrections and public safety, which led to this crisis.

Controversy stirring over new state prison coming to Franklin County

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An initial piece of the proposed legislation was for county-state close to home partnerships to expand county jails to add beds. King explained the scope, stating that two out of every three inmates come from eight counties in the state.

The proposed legislation would create a steady revenue stream to support public safety, and that funding is included in the funding of public safety officers  officers whose only role is supporting public safety, King said.

The public safety plan will use the first $100 million in state general fund revenue. The senator said the revenue will come from medical marijuana and casino revenues paid to the state, provided voters approve a constitutional amendment for these revenue sources and settlement money from criminal litigation, such as embezzling funds.

Arkansas Board of Corrections approves purchase of land for new state prison amid pushback from area residents

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King said his plan offered flexibility in hiring either Arkansas State Police public safety officers or partnering with counties in hiring deputies. Counties were targeted due to the traditional under-payment of deputies compared to other law enforcement officers, the senator said.

The public safety officers would also assist probation and parole officers in their duties, King said.

King said there was nothing out there by the governor or anybody else that attacked the three-headed monster currently in place.

The governors plan to build a 3,000-bed prison in Franklin County for $470 million was a proposal riddled with lies, deception [and] gross incompetence in site selection, King said. Based on other large-scale prison projects elsewhere in the country, the proposed prison would cost $1.5 billion, he said.

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Group outlines opposition to Franklin County prison plans for Arkansas

King stated earlier that while Franklin County is in his district, the portion of the county selected for the prison system was outside his district.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Community activist group Arkansas Stop the Violence held a news conference Thursday to address multiple deadly shootings that took place in Little Rock this week.

There were four people killed in shootings this week in the capital city, with one of the victims being a 15-year-old boy.

Just after 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27, 47-year-old Cynthia Gregory was shot and killed during an attempted robbery in the parking lot of Park Plaza Mall.

Little Rock police arrested 18-year-old Abdelrahmanahmed Sallam in connection to her death. He is facing a capital murder charge.

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Little Rock police confirm Park Plaza Mall deadly shooting as attempted robbery

Friends remember Park Plaza shooting victim Cynthia Gregory

Hours later after midnight Tuesday, Jan. 28, 15-year-old John Staats was found dead inside a vehicle after a shooting on Stanton Road.

Little Rock police confirmed that someone was arrested in connection to the shooting. Staats parents and officials with his high school released a statement after his death.

Parents of Catholic High teen killed in Little Rock shooting release statement

Little Rock police investigating shooting after child found dead in vehicle

Shortly after 11 p.m. Tuesday, a man was shot and killed at Westbridge Apartments located on Labette Manor Drive. Investigators said he was found inside of a vehicle, but officials have not identified the victim at this time. Police have not confirmed if any arrests have been made in connection with his death.

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Man killed in Little Rock shooting at Westbridge Apartments

On Thursday, a woman killed in a shooting at Chenal Place Apartments. Investigators have not released the victims identity or information on a suspect.

Woman killed in deadly shooting at Reservoir Road apartment complex

Officials with Arkansas Stop the Violence said they are asking for the communitys help solving the homicides. The group will be joined by representatives of Parents of Murdered Children, Pain into Purpose and Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney Will Jones.

The event was held at the Greater Trinity Church of God in Christ at 1 p.m.

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The three soldiers of the Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter that collided with a jetliner on Wednesday night just off of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport were all very experienced and not only had thousands of hours of flight time between them but were very familiar with the flight patterns above the Potomac River.

The Army has confirmed that all three soldiers were from Bravo Company, 12th Combat Aviation Battalion, based at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, about 20 miles south of Washington, D.C. The unit primarily transports senior U.S. military officials around the Washington area and beyond.

Recovery efforts for two of the soldiers in the Black Hawk in the frigid waters of the Potomac River continued Thursday, as did the search for the missing among the 64 aboard American Airlines Flight 5342. Also being sought are the plane's data and cockpit voice recorder and the helicopter's integrated data and voice recorder.

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The helicopter flight along the Potomac was a routine nighttime qualification flight in which an instructor pilot tests a pilot's skills at navigating the various routes through the Washington area that are key parts of his or her mission.

PHOTO: Emergency response units work at the crash site of the American Airlines plane on the Potomac River after the plane crashed last night on approach to Reagan National Airport, Jan. 30, 2025, in Arlington, Va. (Al Drago/Getty Images)

MORE: DC plane crash live updates: Dive teams ending operations, sources say

"It was a very experienced group," said Jonathan Koziol, a retired Army chief warrant officer with more than 30 years experience in flying Army helicopters. Koziol has been attached to the Unified Command Post created at Reagan National Airport to coordinate efforts following the deadly collision.

Koziol confirmed to reporters on a conference call that the male instructor pilot had more than 1,000 hours of flight time, the female pilot who was commanding the flight at the time had more than 500 hours of flight time, and the crew chief was also said to have hundreds of hours of flight time.

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Koziol said that given the short duration of most helicopter flights, the number of hours they had flown showed how experienced they were.

PHOTO: Emergency response units search the crash site of the American Airlines plane on the Potomac River after the plane crashed on approach to Reagan National Airport on January 30, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)

MORE: Trump, without citing evidence, attacks FAA diversity initiatives during plane crash briefing, prompts fierce backlash

As part of their annual qualifications, all Army aviators are tested on their skills during daylight and nighttime, as well as instrument flying.

An Army flight safety investigative team from the Army's Combat Readiness Center at Fort Novosel in Alabama has arrived in Washington to support the National Transportation Safety Board's investigation.

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The evaluated pilot was in command of the flight, but if an emergency was to occur, the instructor would have taken control of the helicopter.

"Both pilots had flown this specific route before at night -- this wasn't something new to either one of them," he said. "These are our top pilots doing this National Capital Region."

MORE: What to know about the deadly American Airlines and Black Hawk helicopter collision

The airspace around the nation's capital is one of the busiest in the nation, but Koziol described the helicopter flight corridor above the Potomac as "a relatively easy corridor to fly because you're flying down the center of the river, and it's very easily identifiable, especially at night" because there aren't a lot of lights.

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Night vision goggles are available for Army aviators during nighttime missions, but they are not always necessary, said Koziol, who noted that he did not know if the pilots were wearing the goggles during Wednesday night's flight.

"They are helpful at night, obviously, and in an urban environment, they're still useful," but he discounted the notion that the Washington's bright lights may have affected the pilots, saying they were flying over the Potomac River, where "there are no lights, so that wouldn't impact them."

"They would have the peripheral vision of the lights on both sides of the shore, which actually helps them align and know which direction they're going," he added. "And it would help them see other aircraft."

Furthermore, Army aviators are required to test their ability to fly "night unaided" without night vision goggles.

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Koziol said the pilots' situational awareness would have been aided by a moving tracking screen in the cockpit pinpointing their exact location, along with visual aids within their lines of sight.

"You have the lights on either side of you and, obviously, the rotating beacon on Reagan National to point out the airfield and all the traffic on it for them to know exactly where they're at," he said.

Army statistics show that last year saw the biggest spike in aviation mishaps in more than a decade following years of a downward trend.

There were 15 Class A mishaps in the Army in fiscal year 2024, the highest number since fiscal year 2014, when there were 16 mishaps. Last year's increase came after a period of time when the number of mishaps had trended downward. For example, there were seven mishaps in fiscal year 2021, four in fiscal year 2022, nine in fiscal year 2023 and then the 15 in fiscal year 2024.

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Last April, the Army held what's called a "stand-up" where it reinforced safety training but continued flight operations -- this followed a series of Apache helicopter incidents the previous month.

There had previously been a stand-down of Army aviation that followed the March 2023 collision of two Black Hawk helicopters at Fort Campbell that killed nine soldiers.

Army Black Hawk crew involved in DC crash made up of 'top pilots' with thousands of hours of experience originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
(NewsNation)  A military helicopter involved in a collision with an American Airlines regional passenger jet near Washington, D.C., was conducting an annual required night evaluation, according to Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Hegseth, who was sworn in as secretary Jan. 25, added in a video statement that the helicopter was flown by a fairly experienced crew wearing night-vision goggles.

Hegseth said relatives of the crew members aboard the helicopter have not yet been notified.

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What we know about the DC plane crash victims

American Eagle Flight 5342 was en route Wednesday from Wichita, Kansas, with 60 passengers and four crew members aboard when it collided with a UH-60 Black Hawk carrying three soldiers. Both aircraft went into the icy Potomac River, prompting an extensive search and rescue operation.

At least 28 bodies were recovered from the scene Thursday morning. Officials said 27 bodies were recovered from the jet and one was pulled from the helicopter. Officials in D.C. fear there are no survivors.

Hegseth announced in a post on X that the Pentagon and Army immediately launched an investigation into the collision, calling the incident absolutely tragic.

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Search and rescue efforts still ongoing, he said, adding, Prayers for all impacted souls, and their families.

Air space was closely monitored making collision unimaginable: Former NTSB official

Hegseth said aviation operations from the U.S. Army in D.C. are on a 48-hour operational pause as the crash is reviewed.

We anticipate that the investigation will quickly be able to determine whether the aircraft was in the quarter and the right altitude at the time of the incident, he said.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is part of an investigation led by the National Transportation Safety Board. The FAA said it will quickly do what is necessary based on the evidence the probe uncovers.

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NewsNations digital producer Michael Ramsey, correspondent Tom Dempsey and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Army Secretary nominee Daniel Driscoll said hell push service leaders for more non-monetary incentives to boost service soldier recruiting and retention, noting that he believes better pay and benefits alone wont solve personnel problems.

We have the fewest number of active soldiers that weve had since World War II, even as conflict is erupting around the world, Driscoll told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee during his confirmation hearing on Thursday. We need to fix that.

I actually dont think the answer is throwing more money at the problem. I think its nice to get things like GI Bill benefits. But I didnt join for that. I enlisted to serve the country.

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The comments come just a few weeks after lawmakers approved a major pay boost for junior enlisted troops, set to go into effect in April. The 10% boost was designed in part to ease financial pressures on young military families and make the service more attractive to potential recruits.

Driscoll, 38, spent nearly four years in the Army as a cavalry scout platoon leader, including a deployment to Iraq in 2009. At the hearing, he described his time in the service as transformational to his life, opening the way for opportunities I could scarcely have imagined when I enlisted.

He said those kinds of testimonials and an appeal to public service must be a bigger part of Army recruiting efforts.

I think there is a story to tell of the United States Army that young people want to hear, he said.

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Air Force recruiting rebounds while Army, Navy still struggle

Army officials met their recruiting goal of 55,000 new enlistees in fiscal 2024 after bringing in fewer than 51,000 recruits each of the previous two years. But Driscoll downplayed the success of meeting that mark, saying he believes the recruiting target was picked because it was an achievable goal, and not the number needed to properly staff the service.

He promised a review of future recruiting goals and end strength needs. In background material provided to the committee ahead of the hearing, he also suggested a review of the Armys recruiting strategy to ensure it effectively conveys a strong value proposition to young people across America.

The best qualified soldiers are likely to have strong alternative employment options, including monetarily, so the Army must compete in other areas to retain them, he wrote. I believe that soldiers are inclined to remain in the Army when they and their families have been treated well, when they have been given chances to develop and succeed, and when they feel like they are using their abilities to make meaningful contributions to high-performing teams.

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Driscoll said he wants to look at ways to maximize dwell time and predictability of assignments, offer alternative career routes or sabbaticals to qualified troops, and increase direct commissions for certain job specialties.

The ideas drew support from several members of the Senate panel, which appears poised to advance his nomination in coming days. Both Republicans and Democrats offered support for his confirmation.

Driscoll was the first of President Donald Trumps service secretary picks to appear before the armed services committee. Trumps defense secretary choice, Pete Hegseth, was confirmed by a 51-50 vote, with three Republicans and all Senate Democrats opposed to him.
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  More than a dozen vehicles were hit by thieves just outside downtown Norfolk earlier this week, but trends around the region show many thieves want the weapons they find inside, rather than the wheels themselves.

From Jan. 29, 2024 through this Tuesday, 201 firearms have been reported stolen from vehicles across the city, according to Norfolk Police public information officer Noel Lipieko.

WAVY Photo

About 15 got broken into on Sunday night, said victim Diane Maori of the Hague Apartments.

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10 On Your Side met with Maori as repairs to her drivers-side door were underway. She said it was broken into Sunday evening.

At Norfolks storied Hague Apartments and in the nearby Freemason Historic District Sunday and Monday, thieves, who probably could have made off with several cars, instead chose to look for loot inside the cars.

Actually, the only damage they did to my vehicle was the one window, Maori said. That was it. They just went through stuff. There was nothing in my Jeep to take.

Norfolk Police continue to investigate the report of cars being broken into near the Hague Apartments, Lipieko said.

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There are two vandalisms and eight vehicle larceny reports for 330 W. Brambleton Ave., Lipieko said, and two vehicle larceny reports in the 700 block of Yarmouth St., with all incidents reported Monday.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Norfolk Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP, and residents are encouraged to lock their car doors and remove valuables, especially firearms, Lipieko said.

In what is a daily occurrence around the 757, thieves looking for weapons are breaking into parked vehicles and homes.

On Monday, the same day thieves broke into cars, Norfolk Commonwealths Attorney Ramin Fatehi shared with the public what happened to 45-year-old Santonio Lee last year after he took custody of a stolen gun and committed violent crimes in Virginia Beach and Norfolk.

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Lee, recently released from prison, was wanted for violent crimes in Virginia Beach and Norfolk, when he led Norfolk Police on a high-speed chase that ended in a hail of bullets on Terminal Boulevard.

That pistol had been stolen in November of 2023 from a car in the city of Norfolk, Fatehi said. Obviously, Mr. Lee was in custody at the time that that firearm was stolen. But it was a gun stolen out of a car.

Several Norfolk officers, including members of the Special Operations team, followed Lee as he reported firing five rounds at officers, who responded with 32 rounds.

The Norfolk officers who reportedly returned fire were cleared of wrongdoing.

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In a country that has more guns than people, safety advocates applaud efforts to keep guns out of the wrong hands.

Last year Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed off on legislation that expands tax credits for those who buy secure gun storage devices.

One victim at Hague Tower is also concerned about safety.



You know, for me, all I was concerned about was nobody got hurt. Its just. Its just stuff, Maori said.

Everytown for Gun Safety Support says across the country at least one firearm Is stolen from a car every nine minutes.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
Columnist Ksenya Gurshtein captured this image while walking in Chisholm Creek Park in January 2025. (Ksenya Gurshtein)

I am not the first transplant to Kansas to observe that the states landscape does not inspire immediate rapture.

Living here, my California-raised husband deeply misses both the mountains and the ocean; if you squint just right, he says, you can imagine that the vast blue sky spreading to the horizon is the ocean, but you do have to squint. Raised in Russia and Colorado, I myself yearn for forests that envelop you for miles, worlds onto themselves where the smallness of human life manifests in a way I find comforting.

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Yet living in Kansas for six years now, we have made an effort to explore, understand and love the prairie biome on its own terms. For us, walking along the Redbud Trail and in Chisholm Creek Park in Wichita, or through the Tallgrass Prairie Natural Preserve outside Matfield Green, has been the way weve created a sense of connection to our new environment.

Thats why when I first encountered artist Rachel Epp Bullers audio piece Winter Walking, installed outdoors as part of her exhibition in early 2023 at the Mulvane Art Museum at Washburn University in Topeka, it immediately struck a chord with me. (A review of that exhibition can be found here.)

Winter Walking runs for a little more than 20 minutes and consists of Rachels poetic, associative ruminations on walking, listening and her evolving relationship with nature. The words flow gently in her soothing, hypnotic voice, recorded over the sound of the artist walking in nature and in deep snow in Edmonton. The work was created while Rachel was a Fulbright scholar in residence at the University of Alberta in Canada in 2022 and had access to the resources of their Sound Studies Institute.

To me, the piece captures eloquently what I value so much about walking. Rachel is anything but prescriptive about this basic human practice and elaborates the many different ways of doing it: Walking can be purposeful or meandering, solitary or shared, attuned to the outside world or used to go deeper inside our own minds. None of these types of walking are right or wrong all can be valuable, can intermingle, and can set the mood for any number of life situations.

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Walking is so fundamental to our lives that youd be hard-pressed to create a metaphor for human existence without referencing journeys, paths, roads and forks, maps, detours, and the like. (Rachel includes a number of such metaphors in her piece). Unsurprisingly, modern neuroscience seems to confirm the benefits to physical and mental health, as well as creativity, that come from walking.

Insofar as Rachel has an agenda, though, what she would really like you to do is go for a walk in nature and listen to the environment around you.

Go for a Walk and Listen is the title of her exhibition now on view at Wichitas CityArts, where viewers can see prints created at the same time as Winter Walking. Because of this nature-oriented focus of her work, Rachel and I approached Amanda Alessi at the Great Plains Nature Center in late 2023. We wanted to make Rachels audio work available during winter to the many walkers who come to Chisholm Creek Park, where the nature center is situated.

We were lucky to find in Amanda a receptive partner open to experimenting with the ways that art and nature conservation can work together (earlier that year, the nature center had commissioned its first  beautiful!  mural).

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With the support of Wichita Park and Recreation, as well as generous individual donors, Rachels work became available in four of the citys Wichita Wild parks: Chisholm Creek South, Pawnee Prairie, Swanson, and Oak parks. If you go to any of those parks, a sign with a QR code will direct you to a webpage from which you can stream Winter Walking, while walking in the park yourself. This project will continue to run through the end of February of this year and is, to the best of our knowledge, the first of its kind in Wichita.

Artist Rachel Epp Buller stands in front of one of the signs for Winter Walking in Pawnee Prairie Park, during November 2024. (Ksenya Gurshtein)

Rachels work is not without precedent. Like all art, it has inspirations. In 1971, the experimental composer Pauline Oliveros published a book of textual scores titled Sonic Meditations. One of the most famous of these instructions, Meditation #5, reads: Take a walk at night. Walk so silently that the bottoms of your feet become ears.

Oliveros work has been influential in the relatively recent field of sound studies. Rachel follows her spirit when, walking in the deep Canadian winter, she listened with (her) ears and feet and even eyelashes.

Nor is Rachel the only artist out there seeking to draw attention to the environment and the effects we have upon it. One of the many artists doing so is Maya Lin, known as the designer of impactful public memorials, including the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C. For Lin, her current years-long project titled What Is Missing is her last memorial  a distributed series of physical installations, exhibitions, and a growing website that document and gather testimonies about the Earths disappearing biodiversity.

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Nevertheless, I think Rachels particular approach in Winter Walking  part guided meditation and part poetry, part solitary experience for each listener, and part an imaginary conversation with the artist  is a novel and exciting way to expand what we think of as art in public spaces.

Public art can mean large-scale, permanent works designed to weather the elements. It can mean objects that commemorate events or people from shared memory. It can mean ways to add visual interest to the environment, including the creation of tourist destinations and selfie opportunities.

But it doesnt have to just be that.

What I love about Winter Walking is that it invites us to connect with what is already there, to see it anew, to deepen our bond with it. Attunement. Interconnectedness. Kinship. Walking-with-this-place. These are ideas that Rachel returns to over and over in the piece.

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A deficit in relationship between individuals and the surrounding world is what she seeks to address.

In my humble estimation, she succeeds admirably. This deficit most seriously affects our relationships with the many non-human species with whom we share the world, and this insight resonates with both historical and contemporary Indigenous ideas and practices, which have existed on this land since time immemorial.

This work has the potential not only to encourage listening as a form of active engagement, but to awaken awareness of multiple senses at once. If walking returns the body to its original limits, as the piece suggests, walking can also makes us feel the pleasure of the many senses that shape those limits.

Here, the sonic integrates with visual, kinetic, and olfactory inputs, among others. In the wake of the big snowstorm that hit Kansas in early January, I went for a walk while listening to Rachels piece and noticed afresh the proprioception of winter walking  my bodys skill in staying upright in varying depths, densities, and textures of snow. There was also the uncanny doubling of the snow crunching both in my ears and underfoot, as if I was in two places at once, both in my own body and inside someone elses. I experienced that body transfer illusion once before with a work of art  Lygia Clarks Dialogue Goggles (1968).

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To date, more than 700 people in Wichita have responded to the invitation to walk and listen that Winter Walking offers, and the public signs that make the work easily accessible in city parks will stay up through the end of February. The project website also has a form anyone can fill out if they want to share what their particular outing was like. Another community partner, the Envision Arts Gallery and Community Engagement Center, is hosting activities that can further enrich the experience.

We hope  if youve read this far  that youll join us on this journey.

Ksenya Gurshtein is a curator, art historian and writer living in Wichita. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here.
GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA)  When you receive a concerning diagnosis, it can shake your confidence. Getting a second opinion may help.

As part of our Ask the Expert series, in partnership with Bon Secours St. Francis, 7NEWS spoke with a doctor about when to consult with someone else and how to go about it.

When a doctor confirms a new diagnosis, life as you know it could change.

It changes things, said Dr. William Lowrance, a urologic oncologist.

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According to health experts, diagnoses are presented in different forms including disorders, illnesses, and diseases. Opinions matter when determining treatment options, doctors said.

Doctor William Lowrance specializes in cancer.

In most peoples lives, thats kind of the most significant healthcare event theyve had and the initial treatment for any type of cancer is very important, explained Lowrance. You want to ensure that youre treating that cancer in a guideline-appropriate way. Youre following national guidelines, and its being treated correctly.

Those treatment options can vary whether its cancer or another disease.

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Doctors said getting a second opinion could be beneficial to assure youre receiving the most accurate and effective plan. After all, the cost, length of therapy, and location are all under the microscope.

We encourage people to go get a second opinion if they want to. Now, the reality is, not everybody wants to, said Lowrance.

What if you are afraid to offend your doctor?

Ive heard stories of some people, some physicians, maybe getting upset. I tell patients, thats a warning sign, said Lowrance. If somebody doesnt, theyre not okay with you getting a second opinion, then that would make me question.

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Regardless of whether you decide to get a second opinion or not, doctors said its a decision the patient needs to be comfortable with.

If they see me as the first opinion, I encourage them to get a second opinion. Youve got to be comfortable with the physician, said Lowrance. You have got to be comfortable with the treatment plan, because, after all, its your life, and you want to make sure youre getting the best information possible.

While some people decide to seek out two, sometimes three opinions to weigh their options, doctors said more is not always better.

Yeah, so its the kind of old saying, too many cooks in the kitchen ruin the stew, said Lowrance. Listen, I did my fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York. There were some patients that I saw there who were on their fifth to sixth opinion on how to treat their prostate cancer. I personally think thats overkill.

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However, if thats what you need, then doctors said to go without hesitation.

Patients, they need to do what makes them comfortable, said Lowrance.

To submit a health topic for our Ask the Expert series, click here.

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Jan. 29A bill to legalize assisted suicide for terminally ill patients ignited passionate views on both sides during a public hearing in half-filled Representatives Hall, the chamber of the New Hampshire House of Representatives.

Sam Safford of Pelham said he and his brother, Benjamin, both suffer from muscle-wasting conditions.

Doctors predicted they would not reach adulthood, he said; both are in their late 20s.

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Safford said when he developed brain bacteria, he woke up every day wanting to die.

"It would have seemed like the best option. It would have been a permanent solution to permanent pain," Safford said.

He credited his mother, Lori, and a naturopathic doctor with giving him the will to live.

"My life has value and dignity in my living," Safford said.

Cara Phillips of Providence, Rhode Island, said her family was shocked when her mother shot herself to death rather than continue to suffer with terminal cancer.

"My life was shattered, and I lost my best friend and soul mate in the most tragic way possible," said Phillips, choking back tears during her testimony.

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"The fact she was desperate enough to do what she did just kills me but I have made it my life's mission to share her story and dedicate myself to this work."

Rebecca Brown of Sugar Hill said her husband shot himself to death. She is now state director of the New Hampshire Alliance for End of Life Options.

"We aren't presenting this bill as a suicide prevention bill, but I am sure many would take advantage of this bill to avoid a violent death," Brown said.

"People would rather not talk about death at all. This brings it right out of the closet and we think that's a good thing."

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Vt., Maine among 10 states with assisted suicide. Currently, 10 states, including Vermont and Maine, and the District of Columbia allow patients to buy medications to end their lives.

As written, the option would be available to those who have been told they will die within six months or are eligible for hospice care, are mentally competent and are capable of taking the prescribed drugs without assistance.

Other provisions in the bill include:

Medical evaluation: Two health care providers must independently evaluate the person and confirm their eligibility. Either provider can refer the patient for a mental health evaluation; lack of mental capability terminates an application.

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Witnesses: Two people must witness the patient's written request for the end-of-life medication care; only one can be a family member.

Provider opt-out: Any medical provider can decline to participate in the program.

Waiting period: A patient may not take the medication until at least 48 hours after a health care provider has approved it.

Death certificate: Anyone dying in this manner will have their cause of death listed as the terminal illness, rather than suicide or homicide.

Last year, the House of Representatives narrowly approved this bill by a 179-176 vote.

The Senate killed the bill, voting 17-7 to ship it off to study.

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Among several changes made to last year's bill make clear someone's "advancing age or disability" does not make them qualified for this program.

Rep. Kristine Perez, R-Londonderry, said she objected to the fact the bill has no residency requirement.

"There is nothing in this bill that says the person who has been treating me for my terminal illness is involved in this at all," Perez said.

Rep. Robert Lynn, R-Windham, the bill's prime author, admitted some doctors may incorrectly conclude someone is going to die within six months.

"Could there be two incorrect diagnoses? Sure, but I suspect the chances of that are relatively slim," Lynn said.

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The bill was opposed by the New Hampshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention, which includes the New Hampshire Hospital Association, Catholic Medical Center, St. Joseph Hospital, Catholic Charities Inc., New Hampshire Brain Injury Association and the Strategies for Disability Equity.

Cornerstone Action and New Hampshire Right to Life, the leading groups opposed to legal abortions, also urged its defeat.

"There is the potential for coercion or subtle pressure from family members especially for vulnerable patients," said John Jurczyk, president of St. Joseph Hospital.

klandrigan@unionleader.com
A large asteroid is headed towards Earth  and could collide with us in just a few years.

Known as Asteroid 2024 YR4, the nearly 200-foot space rock could hit just before Christmas of 2032, researchers say.

Discovered last Christmas by Arizonas Catalina Sky Survey, the asteroid is currently the only Near-Earth Object that has been placed at a level three on Torino impact hazard scale, giving it the highest probability of impact of any other large objects being tracked by NASA and other space agencies. The scale categorizes potential Earth impact events.

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This marks one of the highest probabilities of an impact from a significantly sized rock ever, David Rankin, from the Catalina Sky Survey, wrote on BlueSky.

Although, more observation is needed to understand how close 2024 YR4 could come to Earth.

A visualization of Asteroid 2024 YR4 by NASAs Eyes on Asteroids. The asteroid has one of the highest probabilities of an impact from a significantly sized rock ever, an astronomer says (NASA)

Recently-discovered asteroid 2024 YR4 may make a very close approach to Earth in eight years, said Tony Dunn, an amateur astronomer who shared a visualization of the asteroid on X (formerly Twitter).

It is thought to be 40-100 meters wide. Uncertainty is still high and more observations are needed to confirm this.

Dunns animation of the asteroid shows it skimming Earth at an altitude of 301 miles, with its trajectory altered by the planets gravitational pull.

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This is less than half the distance of most low-Earth orbit satellites, suggesting that it could even be pulled into Earths atmosphere at that altitude.

A May 1969 photo provided by NASA shows Earth from 36,000 nautical miles away as photographed from the Apollo 10 spacecraft. Asteroid 2024 YR4 could smash into Earth in 2032 (NASA via AP)

The risk corridor for impact stretches from South America, across central Africa, and up towards India and South-East Asia. But, this could shift as new data emerges.

Just how devastating the impact would potentially be depends not only on the size of the asteroid, but also its composition. By comparison, the asteroid that ended the age of the dinosaur is estimated to be between six and nine miles wide.

However, astronomers say the odds of a collision are around 1-in-83.

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We are not worried at all, because of this 99 percent chance it will miss," Paul Chodas, director of NASA's Center for Near Earth Object Studies, told The Associated Press. But it deserves attention.

2024 YR4 is currently hurdling through space some 27 million miles from Earth, traveling at a velocity of 13.5 km/s, according to NASAs Eyes on Asteroid.
The Atlanta City Council will hold a joint work session Thursday to discuss changes to the Atlanta Office of the Inspector General and the Ethics Office Charter.

The session will focus on recent legislation that would amend the Atlanta City Charter. The proposal, 25-O-1009, would adjust the processes and procedures of the OIG, Ethics Office and Governing Board of the OIG and Ethics Office.

The meeting is planned to start at 10 a.m. in the city council chamber.

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The reason for the amendment has been the subject of ongoing debate between members of the city government and the inspector general, culminating in changes both say are needed but in opposite directions.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

On Jan. 15, six council members introduced the legislation to amend the charter, following recommendations made by a temporary task force ordered to review the processes and procedures of the relevant OIG-related offices and boards.

That task force was formed in September in response to what council members said were problematic issues of jurisdiction.

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In 2022, an ordinance was published saying that despite the efforts of the Atlanta City Council to ensure that the Ethics Officer would maintain independent control over the jurisdiction and functions related to Ethics in the City of Atlanta within the Office of the Inspector General, the operation of the Ethics Division within the Office of the Inspector General in the manner established by 19-O-1729, has proven to be problematic both substantively and procedurally.

Additionally, the ordinance said that the City of Atlanta has encountered difficulty with administratively ensuring that the Inspector General is able to exercise general management and control over the Inspector General/Compliance and Independent Procurement Review Divisions with the Ethics Officer exercising general management and control of the Ethics Division and the overall process had resulted in administrative difficulties and unnecessary delays in some budget and personnel functions.

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To fix this, the council proposed removing the Ethics Officer and ethics function from the OIG.

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However, the OIG Board of Governors and the Ethics Office said those listed problems were instead mischaracterizations and assumptions the Chief of Staff presented during the Committee on Council meeting, saying that the board had made consistent efforts to address the Mayors Office and the Law Departments concerns about issues with how the OIG was functioning.

The board said theyd attended several public meetings to discuss these issues, but neither the Mayors Office nor the Law Department attended. The board said their goal remained to allow the OIG and Ethics Office to be independent in order to perform their duties, but said the city was attempting to hinder the OIGs work, saying it was acting in efforts to compromise the offices independence.

The OIG Board also said the city had low responsiveness to OIG recommendations, all of which affect its progress toward integrity, transparency and accountability.

After the Jan. 15 ordinance proposal to amend the charter in Atlanta, the Association of Inspectors General, a national organization, said it had grave concerns over the effects, saying it was legislation destined to render the OIG incapable of providing effective, independent oversight for the residents of Atlanta and urged great caution as officials worked through issues related to it.

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The response from the Atlanta OIG staff to the ordinance was to list concerns over the revisions to the charter.

Among issues highlighted by OIG staff, the list focuses on the proposals to limit jurisdiction, removal of investigating corruption as an explicit duty of the office and the move to make board members mayoral appointees, thus eliminating its independence.

A full list of the OIG concerns can be found here.

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An attorney for New York Mayor Eric Adams has contacted Justice Department leadership with a plea to drop the case against him, and officials in Washington have discussed the request with prosecutors in New York, two people briefed on the matter confirmed to NBC News.

The outreach from Adams' lawyer is not unusual for a high-profile defendant like Adams, hoping for a fresh look at a case from a new administrations Justice Department. There is no indication, however, that federal prosecutors in Manhattan are going to drop the case, a person familiar with the matter said.

The office of the acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove is involved in the discussions with the Southern District of New York and Adams team about the pending case, a Justice Department official told NBC News.

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A spokesperson for the U.S. attorneys office declined comment.

The New York Times first reported on discussions about dropping the case against Adams.

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Adams pleaded not guilty after he was indicted in September on federal corruption and bribery charges.

Prosecutors allege that Adams received plane fare and luxury hotel stays worth more than $100,000 from wealthy Turkish nationals and at least one government official in a yearslong corruption scheme that began after Adams became the Brooklyn borough president in 2014. He was charged with five criminal counts that include bribery, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national.

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Federal prosecutors said in a filing this month that they have continued to uncover "additional criminal conduct" by Adams and have identified others involved, and they previously indicated that additional charges were possible. Adams has criticized the investigation and maintained after the recent filing that he has "done nothing wrong."

His trial is scheduled for April.

Adams met with Donald Trump in Palm Beach, Florida, days before Trump was inaugurated as president and said they discussed a number of topics but "did not discuss my legal case." He later attended Trump's inauguration.

Trump suggested on Dec. 16 that he would consider pardoning Adams, saying that "he was treated pretty unfairly and that he would need to see the case, "because I dont know the facts.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A metro attorney says some undocumented immigrants are getting arrested despite having no criminal history.

Channel 2 Gwinnett County Bureau Chief Matt Johnson learned that one of the people in custody is a single mother with no criminal history, according to immigration attorney Giovanna Holden, who personally tried to stop her clients arrest in Athens on Sunday.

On Sunday, holden watched as her clients 18-year-old daughter and two other children were left behind.

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The officers kept saying that they get an email, they get a text message with a name, a location, and thats where they go, Holden said.

Holden said her client had been in the US for six years and regularly checked in with ICE.

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The immigration officers did not care what happened to the children when they left them, she said.

According to government numbers, Immigration and Customs Enforcement has arrested more than 4,000 people since Sunday.

Theyre on pace to arrest more than 1,000 people per day.

Many Republican lawmakers say President Trump is fulfilling a winning campaign promise to tackle immigration head-on.

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Dont come into this country illegally if youre already here illegally. Yeah, again, those individuals its time to pack up their bags, state Rep. Houstin Gaines of Athens said.

Data from 2012 shows that immigration arrests and deportations arent new. The highest number of deportations in a single year occurred during the Obama administration.

Usually, ICE targets very specific people with deportation orders and serious crimes, Holden said.

These days, holden said her clients are more fearful than ever.

I think we all expected people with five DUIs to be detained, not single mothers with no criminal history, Holden said.

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Currently, at the Gwinnett County Jail, there are about 30 inmates arrested for crimes this month who now have ICE holds meaning they may be deported because of their arrests.

Many deportations also happen after arrests at the border. ICE said these are targeted enforcement operations of criminal aliens who threaten national security or public safety.




(NewsNation)  Audio of air traffic control captured the moments when a Black Hawk helicopter collided with a passenger jet near Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night.

The American Airlines passenger plane was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members; three soldiers were on board the Army helicopter. All are believed to have died in the crash.

American Airlines flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, was on approach to the runway when the collision took place.

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How is travel being impacted by DC crash at Reagan National Airport?

Air traffic controllers react to the crash before starting to redirect other air traffic in the area.

Another person describes the crash as being in the middle of the river, describing seeing a fireball and then nothing.

Those on board include members of the U.S. figure skating community and Russian figure skaters.

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Aurora Health Care will no longer operate clinics at Walgreens stores in Wisconsin, beginning Feb. 6.

Aurora has been operating clinics in Walgreens stores since 2017. The clinics are located in eight Walgreens locations, including five in the Milwaukee area, two in the Green Bay area and one in Oshkosh.

The clinics are billed as convenient places for patients to receive basic care. Patients meet with a clinician over video, while an in-person team helps with the patient's exam, according to Aurora's website. The clinics are staffed by one or two medical office assistants, along with a few other employees who help with virtual care operations, according to a statement from Aurora.

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In the statement, Aurora said it was working with Walgreens to navigate the transition and would support employees by helping them find other roles within Aurora Health Care.

"This allows us to focus on additional ways patients prefer to access care, when and where they need it, including expanded virtual services that provide care within the comfort of their own home, as well as convenient access to urgent care and primary care locations in the community," the statement said.

Previously known as QuickCare clinics, Aurora began operating clinics in Walgreens stores in 2017. Before moving into Walgreens, most of Aurora's QuickCare clinics were located in Walmart Superstores.

Aurora opened its first QuickCare clinics in 2004. Aurora closed nine of its 19 clinics in 2009 after several years of rapid expansion. And it closed its clinics at Southridge Mall and Brookfield Square in 2015.

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The eight remaining clinics are located at:

950 S. Koeller St., Oshkosh

11270 N. Port Washington Road, Mequon

2205 N. Calhoun Road, Brookfield

2301 S. Oneida St., Ashwaubenon

10800 W. Capitol Drive, Wauwatosa

464 Cardinal Lane, Howard

6030 W. Oklahoma Ave., Milwaukee

2985 S. Chicago Ave., South Milwaukee

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Aurora Health Care pulls out of clinics at Walgreens in Wisconsin
AURORA, Colo. (KDVR)  The Aurora Police Department is asking the community for help raising money for K-9 bullet-resistant vests.

The agency is partnering with 3030 Fundraising, an online nonprofit aimed at stemming the flood of requests for K-9 vests. Thats because each vest costs about $3,500  other matters needing funds get higher priority.

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Theyre bullet-proof, stab-proof, shrapnel-proof, said officer and K-9 handler Robert Wong.

Wong is the k-9 handler of Loki. Loki specializes in narcotics and apprehension. The Belgian malinois is the highest decorated K-9 in the department. All of Wongs commands are in German.

He said the budget doesnt allow for the purchase of K-9 Kevlar vests.

The city buys what we need, but, for the most part, they dont buy vests for the dogs, cuz of the large-ticket item it is, Wong explained.

Officer Wong said Loki is part of his family, a family member that could someday save a life.

Yep, he is a hero. Hes my hero, Wong said.

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If you are interested in donating, please visit bit.ly/VestAuroraPDK9s.

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German Holocaust survivor Eva Umlauf appealed in an open letter on Thursday to conservative opposition leader Friedrich Merz not to align his centre-right CDU/CSU bloc with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) to pass legislation.

Merz, who is widely viewed as the frontrunner to replace current Chancellor Olaf Scholz after upcoming elections, broke taboos on Wednesday by relying on votes from the AfD to pass a motion calling for a crackdown on migration in the lower house of Germany's parliament.

Another vote on a CDU-backed package of migration policies is expected in parliament on Friday.

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"Don't do it, Mr Merz," reads the letter from Umlauf, which was published by the Suddeutsche newspaper.

She wrote that she hoped not to witness the rise of far-right parties in her lifetime - but there is now a shift to the right throughout Europe, and hatred and agitation are becoming acceptable again.

"Hand on heart: it scares me to death," wrote the 82-year-old Umlauf. "We have all seen where this path can lead."

Umlauf was taken to the Auschwitz extermination camp when she was just two years old and, in her own words, would have been murdered if her train had arrived just three days earlier.

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"Don't underestimate the right-wing extremists. Turn back on the path you took on Wednesday. Approach the other democratic parties, find compromises," she appealed to Merz.

The vote on Wednesday broke taboos, "but on Friday, for the first time in post-war history, a law could be passed in the Bundestag together with right-wing extremists," warned Umlauf.

What happens in the Bundestag this week will go down in the history books, wrote Umlauf, "because this is exactly how it starts, this is how we normalize the enemies of democracy."
(Bloomberg) -- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said the discovery of a caravan packed with explosives in outer suburban Sydney was part of a terrorist plot, with local officials drawing a link between the find and a recent spate of antisemitic attacks.

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The explosives were uncovered on Jan. 19 in the Sydney suburb of Dural, though authorities waited until this week to reveal the discovery. Albanese said that more than 100 police are involved in investigating the cache, as well as the countrys Joint Counter Terrorism Team.

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The prime minister said that, like the leader of New South Wales state, he is treating the find as terrorism. Its clearly designed to harm people, but its also designed to create fear in the community. And that is the very definition, Albanese told Australian Broadcasting Corp. radio on Thursday morning.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said the explosives were believed to be part of an attempted antisemitic attack, in a statement posted on his social media account. The ABC reported that a document with a list of a targets and expressing antisemitic sentiments was found inside the caravan.

It follows a wave of antisemitic attacks in recent months in Sydney and Melbourne, where Australias Jewish community is concentrated, including the firebombing of a synagogue and arson attacks on cars.

Australia has faced mounting social tensions since Oct. 7, 2023, when thousands of Hamas operatives crossed into Israel, killing 1,200 people and abducting 250. Israel responded with a punishing assault that has killed more than 46,000 people in the Gaza Strip, according to Hamas authorities, and laid waste to vasts stretches of the region.

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Albanese has tried to ease the growing disquiet and appointed special envoys for antisemitism and Islamophobia. However, the Australian Jewish community has been increasingly critical of his government for failing to act quickly enough to tackle the surge in antisemitic crime.

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By Renju Jose and Christine Chen

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Israel urged Australia to do more to halt an "epidemic of antisemitism" in the country as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government was doing all it could to combat attacks that he says include domestic terrorism.

A Jewish school and two other properties in Sydney were sprayed with antisemitic slurs, authorities said on Thursday, a day after police said they had foiled an attack involving explosives in a suburb of the nation's biggest city.

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The escalating series of attacks on synagogues, buildings and cars since the Israel-Gaza war began in October 2023 has sparked fear among Australia's nearly 115,000 Jewish people.

"The epidemic of antisemitism is spreading in Australia almost unchecked. We expect the Australian government to do more to stop this disease!," Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar posted on X.

Police in New South Wales state, which includes Sydney, said on Wednesday they had found explosives in a caravan, or trailer, that could have created a blast wave of 40 metres (130 feet). There was some indication the explosives might be used in an antisemitic attack that could have caused mass casualties, police said.

Albanese called that threat, in which an undisclosed number of arrests were made, an act of terrorism and said his Labor government was "doing everything we can".

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"The fact that people are being detained, arrested, charged, kept in the clink without bail, indicates that that's the case," he told ABC Radio.

New South Wales police said they had arrested 10 people over the past 10 days for alleged antisemitic attacks.

The explosives were discovered on Jan. 19 in the suburb of Dural, and the owner of the vehicle was in custody on unrelated matters, said New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb.

"This represents undeniably an escalation in race-filled hatred and potential violence," state Premier Chris Minns told a press conference. "We're very concerned about it."

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The New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies called the incident "a matter of the gravest possible consequence".

"We have been saying for weeks now that the Jewish community is the target of an ongoing campaign of domestic terrorism. This is now beyond dispute," it said in a statement.

Albanese, facing a national election due by May, has been criticised by the conservative opposition coalition as weak for failing to prevent hate crimes against Jews.

With antisemitism shaping up as a major topic ahead of the election, Albanese in December set up a federal police task force to investigate antisemitic incidents.

(Reporting by Renju Jose and Christine Chen in Sydney; Editing by William Mallard)
A Washington state woman was ordered held without bail Thursday in connection with the death of a U.S. Border Patrol agent in a case that has grown to encompass killings in multiple states.

Teresa Youngblut, 21, faces federal firearms charges in the Jan. 20 death of Agent David Maland. Shes accused of opening fire on agents during a traffic stop in northern Vermont, sparking a shootout that also left her companion, Felix Bauckholt, dead.

Pennsylvania state police said Wednesday that the gun used in the Vermont shooting was purchased by a person of interest in the Dec. 31, 2022, killings of Richard and Rita Zajko, who were shot to death in their Chester Heights home.

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Both Youngblut and the buyer were in frequent contact with someone who was detained as part of the Pennsylvania investigation and is a person of interest in another killing in California, U.S. Attorney Michael Drescher said in a court filing.

Prosecutors didnt elaborate during a brief hearing Thursday. Youngbluts attorney has not responded to requests for comment on the charges. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 7.

In the meantime, police and court records have shed some light on the connections.

Burlington police search for missing 37-year-old man

Jack LaSota is currently facing charges of obstructing law enforcement and disorderly conduct in Pennsylvania. Authorities wont say whether those charges are related to the Zajko deaths, but court records show that police were searching for a gun used in two killings when they arrested LaSota 12 days later at a hotel about 10 miles (16 kilometers) from the scene of the killings.

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LaSota also has connections to some of the key players in the California case.

In 2019, LaSota and three others were arrested while protesting an event hosted by the Center for Applied Rationality at a camping retreat in Occidental, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. In 2022, two of the others, Emma Borhanian and Jeffrey Leatham, were accused of attacking their landlord with a sword in Vallejo. The landlord, Curtis Lind, survived the November 2022 attack but was stabbed to death Jan. 17.

Maximilian Snyder was charged this week with that killing. In November, someone with the same name applied for a marriage license with a Teresa Youngblut in Kirkland, Washington. Snyders attorney declined to comment on the charges.

LaSota may have been present during the 2022 landlord attack, according to court documents that also suggest LaSota had been falsely reported dead three months earlier.

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On Aug. 19, 2022, the U.S. Coast Guard responded to a report that LaSota had fallen out of a boat in San Francisco Bay and conducted a search but didnt find a body, according to documents included in a civil rights lawsuit LaSota and others had filed after their 2019 arrest. An obituary was published, and LaSotas mother confirmed the death to LaSotas criminal defense attorney. But months later, a prosecutor emailed the attorney and said LaSota was contacted by police in Vallejo and was alive and well at the site of a crime on or about Nov. 13, the date Lind was attacked.

Fallen Vermont Border Patrol Agent honored with motorcade

Jerold Friedman, who represented LaSota in the civil case, said Thursday that he verified the Coast Guard report at the time and that he doesnt recall the last time he was in contact with LaSota. The attorney who represented LaSota in the 2019 criminal case did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. A phone message was left at the office of the lawyer listed as representing him in the current Pennsylvania case.

Though authorities have not publicly identified the person who bought the gun used in Vermont, the VTDigger news site reported that federal authorities issued an alert to firearms dealers seeking information about purchases made by Michelle Jacqueline Zajko and describing her as a person of interest in the Vermont shooting.

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According to a public records database, a Michelle Zajko was registered to vote in 2016 at the same home address in Pennsylvania as Richard and Rita Zajko. In 2021, a Michelle Zajko bought a half-acre piece of property in Derby, Vermont, a few miles from the Canadian border. According to town records, the land is undeveloped.

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Two young sisters who were taken from their home in Kings County by their father after he allegedly killed their mother have been located, the California Highway Patrol said.

The girls, 3-year-old Arya Maldonado and 2-year-old Alana, were the subject of an Amber Alert that was sent out to mobile devices across Southern California Wednesday morning.

Alana, 2, and Arya, 3, were allegedly taken from their home in Hanford by their father, who is believed to have shot and killed the girls mother on Jan. 27, 2025. (California Highway Patrol)

Their father, Jonathan Maldonado Cruz, 23, is believed to have shot and killed his ex, the girls mother, at a home in Hanford, located about 200 miles north of Los Angeles, the Kings County Sheriffs Department said.

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Family members identified the victim as 22-year-old Madeline Rose Cuevas of Hanford, according to KTLA sister station KSEE.

Authorities were concerned that Cruz may have fled the country, taking the two young girls with him to Mexico.

On Thursday, the CHP canceled the Amber Alert for Arya and Alana, announcing that they had been located.

Jonathan Maldonado Cruz, 23, is shown in this undated image provided by the California Highway Patrol. Cruz allegedly killed his ex and fled Kings County with their two daughters on Jan. 27, 2025, authorities said.

The Kings County Sheriffs Department said the two girls were safe and their father was taken into custody with the help of state and federal law enforcement partners.

The investigation remains ongoing.

The Amber Alert system was founded in the 1990s in Texas in response to the kidnapping and killing of 9-year-old Amber Hagerman. Since then, all 50 states have established alert systems and the federal government has partnered with telecom and social media companies to help widely broadcast the emergency in hopes of preventing further tragedies.

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Authorities warn of Amber Alert scams targeting concerned parents

As of December 2024, more than 1,200 children were successfully recovered through the Amber Alert system and 195 children were rescued because of wireless emergency alerts, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

In California, the CHP is the sole agency authorized to activate Amber Alerts, which do not require prior registration. To receive future Amber Alerts independent of your smart device, follow the CHP Alerts page on social media.

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Authorities in St. Cloud are asking for the public's help in locating a missing 17-year-old girl who was last seen seven weeks ago.

In an alert Wednesday, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said Sulaih Ayanna Brook Netzer was last seen Dec. 11 wearing a white t-shirt, black leggings and white and blue Nike Air Max shoes.

Authorities have not shared information indicating where she was last seen, or where she might've been headed.

Sulaih Ayanna Brook Netzer via Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

According to the BCA alert, Netzer is 5'4" and weights 120 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.

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Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts is asked to contact St. Cloud Police at 320-345-4444.
An American Airlines passenger jet collided in midair with a Black Hawk helicopter over Washington, D.C., at roughly 9 p.m. on Wednesday night, sending both aircraft into the Potomac River. The jet reportedly had 64 people on board and the helicopter carried three military personnel. Authorities believe all 67 people died, among them a number of prominent American and Russian figure skaters who were returning from Wichita, Kansas.

Aviation experts tell Salon that while there is little concrete information yet about this specific crash, politicians like President Trump should not seek to exploit the crisis, and the fact that it happened points to deeper problems in U.S. aviation. According to an internal report reviewed by The New York Times, staffing at the air traffic control tower at Ronald Reagan National Airport was not normal during the fatal crash.

Various things could factor into this, but we also know that there are human beings flying these things and they can make mistakes, Mike Boyd, aviation consultant and president of Boyd Group International, told Salon. We've been told that both [aircraft] were apparently at the right place at the right time, [but] we also know that that's not accurate. Boyd said federal investigators will have to solve the mystery.

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Federal aviation has gotten away with bad management under both Republican and Democratic administrations, Boyd said. The last FAA administrator took the job for five years and then quit after a year and a half, he continued, a reference to Michael Whitaker, who was appointed by President Joe Biden. Whitaker resigned last week after Elon Musk, one of President Trump's closest advisers, publicly called on him to quit, reportedly because the FAA had imposed fines on SpaceX, Musk's company.

We've got to get people in there that know what they're doing, Boyd said. Until we do  and this will be the big litmus test for the Trump administration  what are you going to do to change things, other than just have meetings?.

Experts also said the public must be patient enough to allow investigators to do their work. The investigation just started in earnest this morning, aviation safety expert Anthony Brickhouse told Salon. Once the search and recovery efforts wrap up, the investigation will really become heavy. All we know is that we had a commercial airline on approach into Reagan National; we had an Army Black Hawk helicopter flying in the same airspace; and, unfortunately, they were involved in a midair collision and 67 people were fatally injured.

Brickhouse observed that the investigators who probe air disasters have been taught to keep all options on the table until evidence suggests otherwise, meaning that it will likely not be possible to identify the causes of this specific crash for several weeks.

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His observation was echoed by Air Traffic Control Association president and CEO Carey Fagan. We respect the role of the National Transportation Safety Board and its tireless advocacy for safety, which we share, Fagan told Salon. The work the NTSB will do to investigate this accident will be central and crucial as we learn why this occurred and as we work collaboratively as an aviation industry to move forward in the relentless pursuit of improving safety.

Want more health and science stories in your inbox? Subscribe to Salon's weekly newsletter Lab Notes.

In social media posts, Trump has suggested that the disaster may have been caused by diversity, equity and inclusion or DEI policies, although there is no evidence so far linking DEI to the tragic collision.

I am embarrassed that the president of the United States would go on television less than 24 hours after the accident and assign blame without any evidence, Brickhouse said. As air safety investigators, we are trained to focus on data and evidence, and the NTSB and the FAA are literally just starting their investigation. It is way too early to assign blame and accidents should never be made political. We just lost 67 people, and it's important that we let the investigators do their jobs and figure out what happened. There's a time and a place for politics; today is not it.

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Boyd also said that he did not feel it was appropriate to blame DEI, while also arguing that unqualified people are being put into important positions, regardless of the underlying reasons.

We don't have as good as we could have," he said. "Some administrations have put people less than the most qualified in that job, Boyd said. I don't know if they're responsible for the plane crash, but they certainly are responsible for less than the most qualified people sitting in air traffic control positions.

Boyd emphasized that despite this traumatic disaster occurring above the nation's capital, the public should still have faith in the safety of aviation.

Let's be real clear. and you're going to hear this from a thousand different sources: It is safe to fly," he said. "We put well over half a billion people on airplanes every year. We have got to recognize that as long as we have humans flying things, mistakes will be made. Air travel is probably the safest way you can go today, but occasionally things will happen.
ARLINGTON, Va. (DC News Now)  An aviation expert is weighing in on the aircraft collision near Reagan National Airport (DCA) and how it most likely happened.

On Wednesday night, an American Airlines plane and a military Blackhawk helicopter collided near DCA sending the plane into the Potomac River.

Video captures fiery crash between American Airlines flight and Army Blackhawk

Aviation expert Steve Cowell said it was not likely that the pilots could have avoided the collision.

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When you get [to and] belong [to] a certain altitude, the TCAP system will not give the pilots  a resolution alert, he said. In other words, they will be able to move vertically  either climb or descend to avoid the collision.

Cowell said he observed the Blackhawk helicopter coming from behind the American Airlines plane.

It was so quick that there was virtually no chance for any sort of deviation by the pilots to avoid this situation, Cowell said.

The plane had departed from Kansas and was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, according to American Airlines.

Reagan National Airport closed until Friday following plane, military helicopter crash

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Anyone who believes they may have had a loved one on board Flight 5342 should call American Airlines at 800-679-8215.

Anyone from outside the U.S. can click here for additional phone numbers.

Family members in Canada, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands should call 800-679-8215.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
A handful of new employees at the Office of Personnel Management all reportedly have past connections with billionaire Elon Musk.

Citing sources within the federal government, WIRED reports that some former employees of Neuralink, Tesla, and xAI (all companies owned by Musk) have taken on high-ranking positions at the OPM, the federal governments version of a human resources department.

According to the outlet, the agencys new chief of staff is slated to be Amanda Scales, a previous employee of Musks who worked in talent at his artificial intelligence company xAI.

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WIREDs sources also claim that the OPMs new senior advisor to the director will be Riccardo Biasini, a two-time previous Musk employee who worked as an engineer at Tesla and later took on a director of operations role at Musks tunnel-building operation, The Boring Company.

Another staffer, who WIRED did not name because of his age, graduated from high school last year and will report directly to Scales. While the outlet did not identify the employee, it did note that his previous experiences included a stint as a camp counselor and, more notably, a summer position at NeuralinkMusks neurotechnology company that develops implantable brain-computer interfaces.

The teen is not the only young staffer on the team. A 21-year-oldwho WIRED again did not identify because of his ageis reportedly slated to assume an advisor role. He comes to the OPM from Palantir, a software company founded by former Musk associate Peter Thiel.

Thiel and Musk were both involved with PayPal, which Thiel also co-founded.

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The new employees did not immediately reply to WIREDs request for comment. The OPM did not immediately reply to The Daily Beasts request for comment.

Donald Trump previously announced author Scott Kupor, who has voiced his support for Musks new Department of Government Efficiency, as his pick to run the OPM.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Bakersfield police are asking for assistance with locating two suspects related to an assault on Brundage Lane.

Police say the first suspect assaulted a victim outside of a business in the 1700 block of Brundage Lane, causing serious injuries before being driven away from the scene by the second suspect.

The alleged assault took place on Nov. 2, 2024.

Suspect #1

Suspect #1 is described to be a male between the ages of 25 and 35. The suspect is 5 feet, 10 inches tall and about 200 pounds. He has black hair, a black beard and was seen wearing a brown hooded sweatshirt. He also had on white shorts, black socks and black sandals, according to police.

Suspect #2

Suspect #2

Suspect #2 is described to be 25 to 35-year-old man, approximately 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighing about 180 pounds. He has a black beard and was seen in a blue Los Angeles Dodgers hat, black pants, white shoes and a long sleeve, blue shirt.

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Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Detective B. Gharib at 661-326-3964 or the Bakersfield Police Department at 661-327-7111.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  During a January 21 meeting of the Baltic City Council, several officials resigned from their office, according to the city calendar and unofficial minutes.

Per the minutes, during public input time, city attorney John Hughes, Planning and Zoning President Ed Wilson, Alderman Ryan Sinding and Mayor Deborah McIsaac all requested personal privilege and announced their immediate resignations.

Committee sends school choice bill to 41st day

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After these resignations, the council went into executive session for a period of 18 minutes before continuing the meeting.

On January 24, the unofficial minutes report Board President Brian McGreevy was appointed interim Mayor until April 2026.

The council also appointed Patrick Glover as city attorney and noted they will look to appoint someone to the vacant alderman and planning and zoning roles.

Reached for comment on the situation, Interim Mayor McGreevy told KELOLAND News via phone Wednesday he had not spoken with any of the members of the council who resigned either before or after the action and added the resignations had come as a surprise to him.

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Going forward, McGreevy said his goal is to run the city as usual.

KELOLAND News also reached former Mayor McIsaac, who provided the following statement.

Some council members circumvented city experts in a legal matter in our town. The experts respectfully resigned, I resigned in support of the appointed experts and the promises I made to tax payers. Statement from McIsaac

A recording of the meeting in which the members resigned is available online.

In September 2023, the people of Baltic opted to retain Mayor McIsaac in a recall election.

In 2024, KELOLAND News reported a political action committee behind the recall effort was funded heavily by four individuals  Brian Hefty, Jenny Hefty, Matt Falck and Amy Falck  all of whom had mailing addresses listed outside of Baltic.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
A local band wants to use the power of music to connect and assist people affected by the Hurricane Helenes flooding in Western North Carolina.

The Band of Croats organized a relief concert at Follys Draft & Snack on Sunday, Feb. 2, from 2-4 p.m. to benefit the World Central Kitchen, a non-profit organization that is providing food to Western North Carolina. The concert will have desserts and treats for sale. The band will also be selling T-shirts, with proceeds benefitting communities in Western North Carolina.

Members of other bands  Carolina Pines, the Chuck Dale Smith Band, XcentriX, and Camel City Blues  also will be at the concert.

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Mark Vestich, a member of Carolina Pines and The Band of Croats, said that multiple musicians in the area are eager to help raise funds and awareness of the communities affected by Hurricane Helene.

It illustrates the nature of the musicians in this area. Everyone wants to help, and its to the point where we normally have a guest artist every month, Vestich said.

John Comer notes the generosity of the musicians in the area.

Most of the people that attend are fellow musicians. Musicians are notoriously very generous of their time and their talents. They show up and show out, he said.

At the event, the band will invite musicians and non-musicians alike to the stage, Vestich said.

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Well play, and if whoever is in the audience wants to come up and sing a song, theyre more than welcome to, he said.

We also want people to know that if you need advice, we have people you can talk to, and Mark Stamper, the owner of Follys, knows a lot about peoples needs and hes been in contact with people up there.

Music has the ability to bring people together and be an agent of relief for the community, he said.

For example, music in church has the power to inspire and it fills you with hope. That is one of the reasons why it is such a great tool. You can take what God has given you and take it out and use it to help others, Vestich said.
DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP)  Bangladeshs largest minority rights group accused the countrys interim government on Thursday of failing to protect religious and ethnic minorities from attacks and harassment, a claim the government has denied.

The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council said the government headed by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus is also using state institutions to suppress minority groups. Yunus took over after a student-led uprising last year in which hundreds of people died forced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee to India on Aug. 5, ending her 15-year rule.

The council earlier said 2,010 incidents of communal violence took place across the Muslim-majority country between Aug. 4 and 20. The Yunus-led government disputed the claim, saying that most of the incidents were caused by political reasons and not by communal issues.

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Traditionally, Hindus and other members of minority groups have been seen as supporters of Hasina's Bangladesh Awami League party.

In a news conference on Thursday, the council reiterated its claim of earlier attacks and said 174 new incidents of communal violence had taken place between Aug. 21 and Dec. 31 last year in which 23 members of minority groups were killed and nine women were raped. It said other incidents involved arson, vandalism, looting and forcible takeover of property and businesses. It said at least 15 members of minority groups were either arrested or tortured for allegedly undermining Islam.

Manindra Kumar Nath, the group's acting general secretary, accused the government of manipulating state institutions to harass people from minority groups.

We have observed that the interim government has begun using various important state institutions to carry out discriminatory actions against minorities. This is unexpected and undesirable from a government that was established based on the anti-discrimination student movement, he said.

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The council said minority groups were being targeted in a systematic way, and called for the release of a jailed Hindu leader.

Nath said the leader, Chinmoy Das Prabhu, was being deprived of his legal right to bail in a sedition case. He is also known as Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari.

Nath said many minority leaders had gone into hiding because of false charges against them. The interim government has said they face specific charges and were not targeted for any communal reason.

Under Yunus, Bangladesh has been going through a tense period with Hindu-majority India over minority issues, sparking protests and counter-protests. Less than 8% of Bangladesh's 170 million people are Hindu. Many in the interim government are unhappy that India is sheltering Hasina, and a special tribunal in Bangladesh has sought her arrest. An official request to India for her extradition remains unanswered.

India, which sheltered 10 million refugees and helped Bangladesh gain independence after a nine-month war against Pakistan in 1971, considers Hasina to be a trusted friend. Hasinas father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was the independence leader of Bangladesh, then the eastern part of Pakistan, India's regional foe.
Baroness Hanham, who has died aged 85, was a popular Conservative leader of Kensington & Chelsea council for 11 years, and later a junior communities minister in David Camerons Coalition government.

She was a councillor from 1970 to 2010, for the final eight years serving alongside her oncologist husband. She made unsuccessful bids to be Kensingtons MP in 1995, and in 1999 her partys candidate in Londons first mayoral elections. That same year, she was created a life peer.

As leader of the council from 1989 to 2000, Joan Hanham presided conscientiously over a borough with great wealth and pockets of serious deprivation. The councils meltdown in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster lay some years in the future.

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The need to respect the sensitivities of Kensington and Chelseas well-heeled residents came to the fore in 1992, in the wake of the death of one of the most celebrated, Freddie Mercury. When a memorial on public land was proposed, the council, while open to the idea in principle, was haunted by the prospect of equally flamboyant fans desecrating it.

We dont want it turning into Jim Morrisons grave in Paris which is covered in graffiti. And it cant be like the Elvis Presley shrine in America, Joan Hanham told reporters. Memphis is rather different to Kensington High Street.

One issue that plagued her was the desire of some residents for massive iceberg extensions to their basements, regardless of the impact on their neighbours. She tried to resist these while on the councils planning committee, but many got through.

Once in the Lords, she chaired a working group on how basement development could be limited, and later supported a Private Members Bill to curb it.

Joan Hanham campaigning to be Mayor of London in 1999 - Heathcliff O'Malley

She was born Joan Spark on September 23 1939, the daughter of Alfred Spark and the former Mary Mitchell. She was sent to board at Hillcourt School in Dublin.

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She married Iain Hanham in 1964, and was elected to Kensington & Chelsea council in 1970. She served as Mayor in 1983-84, then chaired in turn its town planning and social services committees. From 1989, she was leader of the council, for a time also chairing the policy committee of the London Boroughs Association.

In 1995, when the financial journalist Dudley Fishburn decided to stand down as MP for Kensington at the next election, Joan Hanham made the shortlist from 500 hopefuls, along with three former ministers, Michael Fallon, John Maples and Sir Nicholas Scott, the sitting MP for Chelsea. Scott was chosen to fight the merged seat of Kensington & Chelsea, but his struggles with alcohol became public and it was Alan Clark who took the seat in 1997.

William Hague had Joan Hanham made a life peer in July 1999. That autumn, when perjury charges were brought against Jeffrey Archer, the Conservatives original mayoral candidate, Hague dropped him and ordered a re-run. Lady Hanham entered the contest, but in a run-off Steve Norris defeated Andrew Boff.

In April 2000 she handed over leadership of the council to Merrick Cockell. Two years later her husband was elected; she left the council in 2010 but he continued until his death the following year.

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Meanwhile she became an Opposition whip in the Lords, and in turn a spokesman on local government, housing, planning and the regions; Scotland; transport; and home affairs.

When the Coalition with the Liberal Democrats was formed in 2010, she became Parliamentary Under Secretary in Eric Pickless Department for Communities and Local Government.

For the next three years she toured regeneration projects from Northumberland to Cornwall, exhorted public-sector workers to come forward with money-saving suggestions, applauded community initiatives such as conducting blood tests in GP surgeries, and urged the public to identify the least effective policies.

Lady Hanham left the government in October 2013, and retired from the Lords in 2020. In 2014-15 she chaired the health regulatory body Monitor.

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At various times she was president of Volunteering England; vice-president of the Commonwealth Institute; a director of St Marys Hospital NHS Trust and Westminster Primary Care Trust; and a member of the Mental Health Commission and the North West Thames Regional Health Authority.

She was a City of London JP, also sitting in family courts. She was made a Freeman of the City in 1984, and of the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea in 2011, and appointed CBE in 1997.

Lady Hanham is survived by a son and a daughter.

Baroness Hanham, born September 23 1939, died January 24 2025

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The Bastrop City Council on Tuesday denied a city charter amendment to decriminalize possession of low amounts of marijuana, which was passed by 70% of voters in November.

The marijuana amendment was the only one of the 11 voter-approved propositions the City Council denied. The council collectively approved the amendments, excluding Proposition M, in a 32 vote, with council members Cheryl Lee and Kerry Fossler voting against.

Despite the measure being approved by 70% of voters in November, the Bastrop City Council on Tuesday rejected a measure to decriminalize possession of low amounts of marijuana. Officials said the measure would cost the city in legal fees to fight potential lawsuits.

Cannabis possession remains illegal at the state and federal level. If the City Council approved Proposition M, the charter amendment would have directed the Bastrop Police Department not to prosecute suspects possessing 4 ounces or less of marijuana.

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With a few exceptions for medicinal use, marijuana possession falls under the Texas Health and Safety Code. Having 2 ounces or less is a Class B misdemeanor and is punishable by up to 180 days in jail, up to $2,000 in fines, or both. Having 2,000 pounds or more is a first-degree felony with a minimum sentence of five years in prison and a $50,000 fine.

Stanley O. Springerly, a senior associate attorney with the city attorneys firm, said state law supersedes language in a city charter. He recommended that the council not accept Proposition M to avoid legal action from the state. Last year, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued six cities  including Austin, San Marcos and Elgin  for their policies to decriminalize cannabis.

Mayor Pro Tem John Kirkland said the city estimates $400,000 of legal fees to fight lawsuits if the city adopted the charter amendment.

Lee said she voted against the motion to stay true to the voters who approved Proposition M.

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I would like (Proposition) M to be included in the approval of all the charter amendments because thats what the voters wanted, Lee said. If the law provides an opportunity for residents to petition for something, and they follow that process, the end result is what it is.

Council Member Cynthia Meyer said denying the charter amendment was ultimately in the taxpayers' best interest.

However we vote on this, nobody is against the voters. Looking forward, as our attorney said, there will be a lawsuit, and that means a lot of taxpayer money will be used. I think everybody up here is for the voters."

Among the charter amendments that were approved by voters in November and by the City Council on Tuesday were paying the mayor $400 per month and council members $250 a month beginning with the next election cycle and requiring the council create a Charter Review Commission every six years.

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Among the charter amendments that were approved by voters in November and by the City Council on Tuesday were paying the mayor $400 per month and council members $250 a month beginning with the next election cycle, clarifying that the mayor appoints candidates to serve on boards with the council member reviewing and confirming those appointments, and requiring the council create a Charter Review Commission every six years.

Council approves 3 bird sculptures

The City Council also approved three bird sculptures that will be placed along Chestnut Street. The sculptures are part of the second wave of the Bastrop Bird Junction Project, which will eventually include nine sculptures across the city.

The council approved the installation of the first three sculptures in April. Michaela Joyce, the manager of the citys Main Street Program, said the city will unveil two statues at the intersection of Chestnut and Texas 95 in the next two months as part of the first phase of the project. She added that the city completed the installation of a pileated woodpecker sculpture at the Convention Center in August.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Bastrop City Council rejects marijuana decriminalization amendment
Race officials hope to attract more NASCAR Cup drivers to the Rackley Roofing Battle of Broadway 150 at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway a year after Ross Chastain and Josh Berry competed in the event last June.

The second annual race is May 29 at the historic 0.596-mile track. Like last year, it is scheduled for the same week as the NASCAR Cup Series race at Nashville Superspeedway. The Cup race was moved this year to June 1.

With so many Cup drivers in town, the idea is to try to convince some of those drivers to compete in the Battle of Broadway 150, which did not have a title sponsor in its inaugural year.

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Cup drivers Ross Chastain and Josh Berry participated in the race in 2024. Chastain told The Tennessean recently he hopes to return this year and Berry, who is from Hendersonville, said last year he plans to continue to run in the race.

Meanwhile, race promoter and Track Enterprise CEO Bob Sargent, will be at the Daytona 500 on Feb. 16, recruiting Cup drivers for the Battle of the Boulevard.

"We got a little bit of a late start last year, but we thought that the race and the excitement was good and we were happy to have the two Cup drivers there," Sargent said. "We're working on getting some more to come this year. Getting on these guys' schedule was tricky last year and we feel that getting the word out earlier this year will be the key to getting more to come. I'm going to be in Daytona talking to a lot of drivers."

The race has more stability, Sargent said, with Rackley Roofing on board as a title sponsor. That could also mean the chances are greater for Chastain to return.

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Chastain drives for the Rackley W.A.R. team in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck series along with the super late model and pro late model series. He drove the No. 1 Tootsie's Chevrolet prepared by Rackley W.A.R. in the Battle of Broadway 150 last year.

Chastain drives for Trackhouse Racing in the Cup Series and with the team having offices in Nashville it provides added incentive for him to want to race in the Battle of Broadway 150.

Chastain and Berry, who moved from Stewart-Haas Racing to Wood Brothers Racing for the 2025 season, got into a heated battle toward the end of the Battle of Broadway 150 last year.

The two drivers were in the top eight throughout the race before finding themselves trading paint with (Berry) in fourth and (Chastain) fifth with 16 laps to go.

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Berry passed Chastain on Lap 135 and took the lead in the race after the final restart. But the restart was canceled after a spinout in the back of the pack and Berry never made it back to the front.

"That was definitely a race between the two of us," Chastain said after the race. "I wanted to beat the hometown boy for sure."

Chastain finished fourth and Berry was fifth.

Trey Craig of Louisville, Kentucky, won the race and the victory felt extra special with Chastain and Berry in the field.

"The fact that with 10 to go I've got Ross Chastain and Josh Berry behind me; I mean that's awesome," Craig said. "That doesn't happy everyday. Those Cup guys don't want to come get outrun by us."

Will Chase Elliott, Daniel Suarez, Kyle Busch, Kyle Larson be in Battle of Broadway?

Another Cup driver who may be interested in competing in the Battle of Broadway 150 is Chase Elliott, who raced at the Nashville Fairgrounds early in his career, won an SRX Series race there in 2022, and has supported NASCAR's return to the track.

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Daniel Suarez, also a member of Trackhouse Racing, is also a possibility along with Kyle Busch, who raced in the CRA Budweiser 150 at the Fairgrounds in 2009 the year after he smashed a trophy guitar at Nashville Superspeedway. Kyle Larson, who often competes in races between Cup events, is also a possibility.

Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway 2025 schedule

The 2025 Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway season begins on April 5 with the opening night of local racing. There will be five classes including pro late models, limited late models, pure stock, front runners, legends and Bandolero.

The rest of the schedule includes:

U.S. Legends Spring Nationals, April 17-19.

Local racing and quarter-mile special, May 2.

ARCA Music City 150 and North-South Super Late Model Challenge, May 3.

Local racing, June 28

Modifieds of Mayhem Tour and local racing, July 12.

Bass Tire Family Night local racing, Aug. 9

Local racing, Oct. 4

All American 400 on Nov. 7-9.

For the complete schedule and ticket information call 615-254-1986 or visit nashvillefaigroundsspeedway.com.

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If you have an item for Midstate Chatter contact Mike Organ at 615-259-8021 or on X @MikeOrganWriter.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: NASCAR: Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway seeks more Cup drivers for race
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  With a plan, subject to approval, in hand, it appears any discussion of a strike at Beaverton schools has been resolved.

The Beaverton School District announced a tentative agreement with the Beaverton Education Association that, if ratified by the union and agreed to by the school board, sets a course for cost of living increases and a new contract.

Man barricading himself in TriMet bus leads to standoff with Portland police

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According to the school district, the contract provides a retroactive 5% cost of living adjustment for the 2024-25 school year, a 4.75% adjustment for 2025-26 and a 5% adjustment for 2026-27  a total three-year increase of 14.75%.

In addition, the monthly employer contribution to health insurance would increase by $75 in Year 1, $130 in Year 2 and $100 in Year 3 of the contract.

The tentative agreement on a three-year contract was reached early Wednesday morning.

Read full story here.

The Portland Tribune and its parent company Pamplin Media Group are KOIN 6 News media partners

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A man in his 40s is in the hospital with severe burns a home in Marysville caught on fire Wednesday night.

It happened on 148th Street Northeast just after 11:00 p.m.

Marysville Fire District says the homeowner called 911 after their smoke alarms went off. They told dispatch that the fire started in one of the bedrooms where the man was sleeping.

The homeowner put out the fire and moved the man inside to a safe location until aid arrived.

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About 40 percent of the mans body is burned according to fire crews.

The man was rushed to Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett for treatment. His current condition isnt known.

At this time, no cause has been determined. Further investigation is pending.

This incident underscores the life-saving importance of working smoke alarms, Marysville Fire District said in a news release. The smoke alarms in this home likely prevented a more tragic outcome by alerting the household to the fire.

Marysville Fire District urges everyone to ensure they have functioning smoke alarms in their homes and to practice fire-safe habits, including avoiding smoking or using open flames near bedding and furniture.

Marysville Fire District provides free smoke detectors for those in need. For more information on how to get installation assistance, click here or call 360-363-8507.




SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  An iconic roller coaster thats been a staple at Belmont Park for years is now facing questions about its safety. This year marks 100 years since the Giant Dipper has been a staple at the destination.

Recently, a post on Nextdoor has been gaining traction after pictures were shared scrutinizing the rides structural integrity.

Im a water damage technician, so Im certified with water damage and so when I saw the condition of the wood, it immediately was alarming to me, Mission Beach resident Kevin Payne said.

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Payne lives across from Belmont Park. Pictures he snapped show areas of the coaster he believes are in need of repair.

The wood is either completely missing and rotting, and so thats one thing thats dangerous and neglectful, but then what I noticed is they painted over a lot of the rotted wood, Payne said.

Payne says other areas of the coasters frame appear rusty, adding to his biggest fear.

If they continue to go the way theyre going, someone is going to get hurt, Payne said.

Belmont Park is aware of these concerns and assures the public theres nothing to worry about.

We did just have an inspection this past weekend due to the complaint that you are talking about, said Maddison Sinclair, public relations manager at Belmont Park.

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Sinclair says announced and unannounced inspections happen routinely.

We have spent over $1.5 million over the past year repairing the roller coaster, putting in new wood as we did last year and just making sure that this 100-year-old is safe, Sinclair said.

Crews are also on-hand conducting daily maintenance.

We always have to ride it or operate the roller coaster four times before we even open it up to the public every single day, Sinclair said.

After all these years, parkgoers keep returning for that nostalgic rush.

It was cool. I dont remember it being that bumpy but it was fun. As long as they do inspections, then everything is good, said Nic White, a Belmont Park attendee.

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BUSHWICK, Brooklyn (PIX11)  A beloved Brooklyn music venue thats in danger of permanently closing will host benefit shows this weekend as part of an effort to stay afloat.

Our Wicked Lady, located at 153 Morgan Ave. in Bushwick, is currently fighting to keep its doors open.

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Zach Glass and Keith Hamilton, the owners of Our Wicked Lady, said the music venue is in danger of shutting down due to financial difficulties brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Post Covid NYC has less people going out, less people staying out late and the cost of doing business has skyrocketed. The debt from surviving Covid combined with the changes in the bar scene have put Our Wicked Lady on the brink of extinction, the owners shared in a GoFundMe post.

Our Wicked Lady, located at 153 Morgan Ave. in Brooklyn, on Jan. 29, 2025 (Photo credit: Alejandro Amoa)

Glass and Hamilton hope to either sell Our Wicked Lady to someone who shares their vision or bring in a new partner to help keep the venue alive.

Prominent Brooklyn nightclub to shut down

Our Wicked Lady first opened in 2015 and has provided a platform for new bands and artists to perform and grow.

Without venues like us, bands have no place to grow. Without rooms like this, the New York City music scene as we know it will vanish, Glass said in a video posted to YouTube.

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Our Wicked Lady will also host two benefit shows featuring a slew of local bands and DJs this Saturday and Sunday. For more information about the shows, click here.

Our Wicked Lady, located at 153 Morgan Ave. in Brooklyn, on Jan. 29, 2025 (Photo credit: Alejandro Amoa)

In the meantime, the owners started the GoFundMe to help keep Our Wicked Lady open as long as possible while they search for a solution. The GoFundMe has received hundreds of donations, raising more than $38,000 of its $65,000 goal.

We need your donations. We need you to spread the word. We need your help to save Our Wicked Lady, Glass said.

Finn Hoogensen is a digital journalist who has covered local news for more than six years. He has been with PIX11 News since 2022. See more of his work here.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Jan. 29FAIRMONT  The Benedum Airport Authority cleared the way for the West Virginia Economic Development Authority to move forward on Pierpont Community and Technical College's $25 million Aviation Maintenance Program hangar classroom on Tuesday.

"We gave them the option to purchase a piece of land to build the school," BAA Board President David Hinkle said. "So it's up to the West Virginia EDA to do due diligence on it and get the land from the Department of Highways and build the building."

Hinkle said the BAA put up 2.63 acres of land belonging to the North Central West Virginia Airport up for sale. That alone won't be enough to begin construction as plans for Pierpont's new educational facility call for additional land currently owned by the Division of Highways.

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Hinkle said it's always been in the WVEDA's court to buy the land and build the building.

The decision to put the stub of land up for sale came after the BAA took their regular board meeting behind closed doors to discuss property. Pierpont Community and Technical Director of Aviation Technology Brad Gilbert said the school has been in a holding pattern. The Jim Justice Administration approved $25 million for the hangar combination classroom nearly a year and half ago. It would allow Pierpont's Aviation Maintenance Program to expand from 130 students to 200. The building's footprint would be 70,000 square feet. Since then, the project has been dormant.

"We've got a lot of students," Gilbert said. "We need more parking, more classrooms, more bathrooms."

The proposed design features two high bay hangers, aviation-related specialty labs, including shops for turbine and reciprocating engine overhauls, flight controls and hydraulics, lecture classrooms, and a learning resource and testing center.

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According to Pierpont research, students who enter the aviation maintenance field can earn a median annual salary of $52,921 a year. Other data from the U.S. Department of Labor shows the hourly wage range from $17-to-$37 an hour with the proper Federal Aviation Administration-sanctioned training from Pierpont.

Mid-Atlantic Aerospace Complex President Tracy Miller also provided a litmus test of how hot the state's aviation industry is right now. The state will be at the Australian Aerospace Show, which is an export show. What especially interests Miller in the development is the foreign direct investment component, saying Australian companies are interested in the opportunities available in North America.

Although Miller will not be making the trip to the show, she will still do what she can to help the state's representation.

"I will be working with them to make sure they have brochures and whatever is available so that our Aerotech Park is on their radar," she said.

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Miller said after the meeting that she wants to see more businesses move into the 80-acre Aerotech Park. West Virginia already has an office in Japan and has done trade shows in Europe. It also provides an opportunity for companies based in the state to export into new markets. Miller said Australia's aviation industry is in the Top 10 worldwide. According to Mordor Intelligence, the air transportation sector is worth $39 billion to Australia's GDP and plays a vital role in the country's economy.

"They are looking to make investments in other parts of the world," Miller said. "So why not have Australian companies in the Wild and Wonderful?"

Reach Esteban at efernandez@timeswv.com
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  Governor Andy Beshear announced Letica Corp., a subsidiary company of Berry Global, announced plans to expand its operation in Fulton County with a $27.8 million investment.

Officials say to meet growing industry and customer demand, the company is planning to expand its manufacturing operation in Fulton County, adding an additional 45,000 square feet to its warehouse. The investment will also include building and property improvements as well as the addition of new machinery and equipment upgrades. The 15 new jobs created will push the companys statewide employment to 216.

UniFirst expanding Owensboro operations with investment

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We are excited to announce the expansion of our Fulton, Kentucky, plant, said Kody Chapman, Berrys Fulton County plant director. This expansion is a testament to the employees here in Fulton. Their work ethic coupled with high technical aptitude has made expanding at this site possible. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Fulton community and are proud to contribute to its economic vitality.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
Welcome to the WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Newsletter presented by Truck Parking Club. In this issue, best fleets to drive for; Crawler turns 60; ride-along; and more.

Best driver seats in town

CarriersEdge

The list  As Chris Jericho used to say, Youve made the list! CarriersEdge has dropped its annual list of best fleets to drive for. According to the provider of online driver training, To be considered for the 2025 Best Fleets program, for-hire carriers operating 10 tractor-trailers or more were nominated by a company driver or owner-operator currently working with them.



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Those nominations were then evaluated based on criteria such as driver compensation, HR, operations, work/life balance and more. The highest-scoring fleets made the list, while those that have been on it for 10 consecutive years were inducted in the Hall of Fame.







WWE

Despite whats been a tough economy the past couple of years for fleets, the Best Fleets Top 20 and Hall of Fame members have continued to show that the well-being of their drivers remains a top priority.  Jane Jazrawy, CarriersEdge CEO



CarriersEdge

Top 20 Best Fleets to Drive For



 Americas Service Line  Green Bay, Wisconsin

 American Central Transport  Kansas City, Missouri

 Brenny Specialized Inc.  St. Joseph, Minnesota

 C.A.T. Inc.  Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec, Canada

 Challenger Motor Freight Inc.  Cambridge, Ontario

 Chief Carriers Inc.  Grand Island, Nebraska

 Continental Express Inc.  Sidney, Ohio

 Crawford Trucking  Des Moines, Iowa

 Decker Truck Line Inc.  Fort Dodge, Iowa

 Fortigo Freight Services Inc.  Etobicoke, Ontario

 Fremont Contract Carriers Inc.  Fremont, Nebraska

 Ippolito Transportation  Burlington, Ontario

 K & J Trucking Inc.  Sioux Falls, South Dakota

 Kriska Holdings Ltd.  Prescott, Ontario

 Leonards Express Inc.  Farmington, New York

 PGT Trucking Inc.  Aliquippa, Pennsylvania

 Thomas E. Keller Trucking Inc.  Defiance, Ohio

 TLD Logistics Services Inc.  Knoxville, Tennessee

 TransLand  Strafford, Missouri

 Wellington Motor Freight  Aberfoyle, Ontario

That list will be culled down to the two finalists in the small and large fleet categories. That pair of winning fleets will receive the Stratosphere award at the Best Fleets Education & Awards Conference, March 3-4, at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina.



Do you agree? Had a good or bad experience with any of these? Email me.



Happy birthday NASA heavy haul

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X

The beast turns 60  Aside from the shuttle, the crawler may be NASAs coolest piece of equipment. Before you even put a rocket on it, this thing has a mass of 6,000 pounds! The only good news: If one starts to chase you, it wouldnt be hard to outrun. Theyre called crawlers for a reason: They move at 3.5 mph.



In total, theyve driven 3,400 miles. At 3.5 mph, it would take almost 40 days to cover that distance in one go. No speed limiters required here!



The first two crawlers each cost $14 million in 1965 dollars ($139 million in 2025 bucks), and if that doesnt pump you up, their names will: Hans and Franz.



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Watch a great video on the history of the crawler right here. And stay tuned to WTT in February when we have NASA on to talk all about crawlers!

The Motion Museums journey to Chattanooga



X

Ride-along  On our first episode of the year, we talked about our purchase of the worlds largest model rail set from EnterTRAINment Junction. You can watch this episode for all the details. Coming next week, the journey to Chattanooga, Tennessee, begins. Its taken about 20 trailers to load the set, and on Tuesday Im doing a ride-along with one of the drivers hauling it back to Chattanooga. Check out the coverage next Wednesday on WHAT THE TRUCK?!? and follow along on my social media, where Ill be vlogging some of my journey.

WTT Friday





Freight Essentials vs. WWEX Group; project44 vs. MyCarrier  Friday on WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Im catching up with Freight Essentials Dylan Admire to learn the latest about the companys RICO lawsuit against WWEX Group.



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Project44 is battling MyCarrier in court. The FreightTech visibility leader claims MyCarrier breached their contract when it went behind project44s back and created its own electronic bill of lading and APIs.



Truck Parking Club has been scaling massively as it continues to expand its mission to provide truck parking for drivers. Reed Loustalot stops by the studio to talk about how the company has managed to scale and why were partnering again this year at the Mid-America Trucking Show.



AI-driven virtual agents are starting to answer the call. Well talk to David Bell about how CloneOps is innovating in supply chain AI.



Plus, all the latest headlines, trends and viral weirdness since our last show.



Catch new shows live at noon EST Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on FreightWaves LinkedIn, Facebook, X or YouTube, or on demand by looking up WHAT THE TRUCK?!? on your favorite podcast player and at 5 p.m. Eastern on SiriusXMs Road Dog Trucking Channel 146.

MAFA



MAKE AMERICA FREIGHT AGAIN  We are so back. Head on over to WTTGear.com to get our newest merch! Use code WTTFans for 10% off.

Now on demand



Willy Wonka of the Midwest talks chocolate and the Valentines Day supply chain

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Nikola FCEV: 1-year performance review; Trump vs. Colombia; Motion Museum

Thanks for reading, and feel free to forward this to a friend.



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Or simply look up WHAT THE TRUCK?!? on your favorite podcast player. Or, if you have SiriusXM, tune in to the show Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 5 p.m. Eastern time on Road Dog Trucking Channel 146.



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The post Best fleets to drive for in 25 appeared first on FreightWaves.
Jeff Bezos corporate crown jewel Amazon filed a lawsuit in Washington state to prevent a newspaper from gaining access to its internal records. The newspaper in question? Bezos own Washington Post.

Amazon sued the state of Washington on Monday to prevent its Department of Labor from divulging some information about the companys Project Kuiper, its initiative to provide satellite-powered broadband service that has repeatedly been under investigation.

The Post itself is not a defendant in the suit, which was filed in Seattles King County Superior Court, according to court records obtained by GeekWire.

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A Post spokesperson declined to comment on pending litigation. Amazon also declined to comment, citing litigation. The states labor department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In November, the Post requested the state provide copies of its inspection records, investigation notes, interview notes and complaints that arose from the investigation. The state told Amazon earlier this month it planned to comply with the request and gave the company a chance to oppose the release of any individual records through a court order.

Now, Amazon has followed through, saying parts of the records the paper wants contain proprietary information and air out the companys trade secrets.

Amazon also claims the release could even threaten the confidentiality, integrity, and/or availability of private and public infrastructure and telecommunications networks and give its competitors an edge. Therefore, the company argued, the state should narrow the release of the records to protect its interests.

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The publics interest in disclosure of the proprietary records does not override Amazons interest in protecting its proprietary information, it wrote in its lawsuit. The public at large does not have a prevailing interest in knowing Amazons unique methods of conducting business and/or data unique to Project Kuiper except to the extent the public intends to improperly use such information to its economic benefit and to the detriment of Amazon and its investment.

The state previously said the company wouldnt be exempt from the records release. It comes as Bezos, who remains Amazons executive chairman, has had Post employees beg him to intercede on their behalf after he and CEO Will Lewis plunged the paper into financialand a moralecrisis.

The suit also comes as Bezos himself admitted in October he was a complexifier for the Post, though he promised that he wouldnt prevent the paper from pursuing anything that touched on his own business efforts.

I challenge you to find one instance in those 11 years where I have prevailed upon anyone at The Post in favor of my own interests, he wrote in October. It hasnt happened.
In the waning days of the Biden administration, the U.S. Department of State took its first major step against terrorism groups primarily focused on what is called accelerationism  the effort to inspire independent followers to engage in violence in ways that broadly destabilize society. The U.S. government has long targeted actively violent terrorist organizations such as al-Qaida  the group behind the 9/11 attacks  and the Islamic State group, which carried out beheadings of innocent civilians in Iraq and Syria.

Then-FBI Director Christopher Wray repeatedly warned Congress about the threat to national security from far-right accelerationist groups. In a move to respond to those warnings, the Biden administration labeled the online-only Terrorgram Collective and three of its leaders as specially designated global terrorists, which means their financial assets are frozen and anyone who tries to support them can be arrested.

The Terrorgram Collective aims to destroy the current global economic and political structure and spark a war between white people and people of other racial and ethnic backgrounds. To accomplish that, it maintains an online forum on the Telegram social media platform. The forums posts, from leaders and followers alike, are characterized by people spouting violent rhetoric and incitement to violence against minorities, Jewish people and governments.

Widespread radicalization

The State Departments action also specifically targets two U.S. citizens: Dallas Humber of California and Matthew Allison of Idaho, who allegedly played leading roles in the Terrorgram Collective and are facing federal charges for soliciting the murder of government officials.

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As my colleagues at Middleburys Center on Terrorism, Extremism and Counterterrorism wrote in a 2022 report, Terrorgrams danger is primarily in its ability to spread far-right propaganda to radicalize almost anyone active on Telegram or elsewhere online.

The State Department has not attributed specific attacks to the Terrorgram Collective but rather warns of its influence and potential to inspire attacks by people who encounter the ideas it spreads. For instance, Terrorgram material was reportedly used as the basis for writings by a 17-year-old high school student who killed two fellow students and injured a third in a Jan. 22, 2025, school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee.

The Telegram app icon on a smartphone screen. Nikolas Kokovlis/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Little targeting of fascist groups

The Terrorgram action came seven months after the Biden administrations labeling of a Scandinavia-based far-right extremist group, the Nordic Resistance Movement, as terrorists as well.

These were two of just three times fascist extremist groups anywhere in the world were labeled terrorists by the U.S. government. Early in his first term, President Donald Trumps State Department did label one far-right group as a specially designated global terrorist organization: the Russian Imperial Movement, based in Russia.

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But as the former head of the State Department office that sanctions terrorists, I know that neither Trump nor Biden marshaled the full force of the nations anti-terrorism efforts against these groups.

Theres a hierarchy in the U.S. governments labels for these organizations. That hierarchy reflects the degree of danger an organization poses as well as the strength of the U.S. response to it.

The highest-level designation and the most significant sanctions the U.S. government can impose come from placing a group on the State Departments list of foreign terrorist organizations. That list includes groups such as al-Qaida and the Islamic State group  also called ISIS or ISIL  which are subject to asset freezes and extended prison sentences and are barred from entering the U.S.

The second-tier list covers what are called specially designated global terrorists, which carries similar, but less severe, restrictions.

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Its easier to prove someone did something to support a group on the foreign terrorist organization list than to prove support for a group on the specially designated list. And jail time for foreign terrorist organization backers is typically longer.

All three right-wing groups are on the specially designated list, though the Trump administration could upgrade them to the top-level list, as Trump has asked the State Department to do with the Houthi militants in Yemen.

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: Jason M. Blazakis, Middlebury

Read more:



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Jason M. Blazakis 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.
The company Big Ass Fans has been slapped with almost half a million dollars in penalties for false advertising about their air purifying devices, including claims that their pricey fans can eliminate 99.99% of the virus that causes COVID-19.

On Wednesday, 11 district attorneys in California announced a joint settlement with the company regarding allegations of false and misleading advertising. Kentucky-based Big Ass Fans has agreed to pay a total of $450,000 in penalties and restitution, more than $320,000 of which it will distribute directly to California customers who purchased certain "clean air products," prosecutors said.

Early in the pandemic, when people were desperate for clean-air devices that could help safely reopen schools and businesses, the company made sweeping claims about their fans' ability to neutralize pathogens. But prosecutors determined there was "insufficient support for the companys advertising claims, and that the advertised efficacy rates were not achievable in real world scenarios."

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In June 2020, the company began advertising that fans equipped with their "clean air technology" could kill more than 99% of pathogens, including the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, using ultraviolet germicidal irradiation and ionization technology, prosecutors said.

Read more: Waymo is getting ready to tackle Los Angeles' freeways. How have the robotaxis fared so far?

These claims quickly drew criticism from air quality experts who said these so-called COVID-killing devices relied on test results run in tiny contained spaces, like a shoebox, and did not reflect efficacy rates in an actual room.

Theres no other way to say it  its completely unproven whether these devices would work in a real-world setting, Timothy Bertram, a chemistry professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, told Kaiser Health News in 2021.

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also released a statement cautioning against claims made about the the effectiveness of air filters using ionization to protect people from COVID-19.

"This is an emerging technology, and little research is available that evaluates it outside of lab conditions," the EPA said. "As typical of newer technologies, the evidence for safety and effectiveness is less documented than for more established ones, such as filtration."

The EPA further warned that ionization technology has the potential to generate ozone and other potentially harmful byproducts indoors.

Big Ass Fans drew further scrutiny when Robert Redfield, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the first Trump administration, joined the team as a strategic health and safety advisor in April 2021.

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Proper ventilation has a major role to play in mitigating transmission of COVID-19 and other respiratory pathogens, Redfield said in a Big Ass Fans news release announcing his new position. Big Ass Fans is a leader in designing airflow systems and making places where we live, work, and play, safer.

As part of the settlement agreement, Big Ass Fans is required to comply with an injunction that bars it from making untruthful, deceptive or misleading marketing claims in the future. The settlement was negotiated by the district attorneys of Alameda, Orange, Marin, Monterey, Napa, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Solano and Sonoma counties.

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.
Kash Patel, President Donald Trumps nominee for FBI Director, sat down before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday to field questions from senators who may be skeptical that the far-right firebrand is qualified to lead the law enforcement agency he has frequently maligned.

Among the pool of die-hard MAGA loyalists from which Trump is forming his Cabinet, Patel is a standout sycophant. The president has been attempting to elevate Patel into a high-level government position since his first administration  even over the objections of career Republican officials who warned that the attorney is a rogue actor unconcerned with the law or established norms.

But Trump loves that kind of guy.

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During his confirmation hearing, Patel was questioned about his promotion of conspiracy theories, his associations with right-wing extremists, his sketchy financial endeavors, and if he plans to bring his past musings about exacting revenge on Trumps political enemies into his work at the FBI.

Here are some of the highlights:

He said he disagrees with pardoning Jan. 6 defendants who assaulted cops

If confirmed, Patel will head one of the principal federal law enforcement agencies in the country, but whats the point of enforcing laws if the sitting president can simply wipe away thousands of convictions because he likes the convicts?

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Early in the hearing, Patel was asked if he agreed with Trumps decision to pardon Jan. 6 rioters who had been convicted of violent crimes, including attacks against law enforcement.

I do not agree with the commutation of any sentence of any individual who committed violence against law enforcement, Patel said, in a notable break with the president.

I have always advocated for imprisoning those who harm our law enforcement and civilian communities, he added.

He refused to acknowledge that Joe Biden won the 2020 election

Like many of Trumps Cabinet picks, Patel has pushed false claims that Trump won the 2020 election, and was cheated out of consecutive terms by widespread fraud.

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The FBIs Public Corruption department investigates federal crimes related to electoral and campaign finance fraud, as well as civil rights violations. During the hearing, Patel in multiple instances refused to affirm that Trump lost the 2020 election.

In one exchange, Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) asked, Did Donald Trump lose the 2020 election, yes or no?

Patel responded with a common semantic duck Republicans have used to avoid annoying the president: President Bidens election was certified.

The people who are 100 percent loyal to President Trump cant answer that question. Its alarming that you want to be an FBI director but cant answer a simple question, Hirono countered.

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Later in the hearing, Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) asked a similar question. Can you say the words Joe Biden won the 2020 election?

Patel gave a variation of his previous answer, Joe Biden was president of the United States.

Welch pointed out the inadequacy of the answer. Theres a difference, I can say the words Donald Trump won, I dont like to say it. But I must say it. And you cannot say that Joe Biden won the election.

He said he doesnt have an enemies list

In his book Government Gangsters, Patel included a list of 60 lawmakers and public officials he deemed corrupt actors of the deep state who are a dangerous threat to democracy.

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The nominee indicated in the book that the list was by no means comprehensive, and its inclusion  along with Patels past statements indicating a desire to prosecute said deep state enemies  has raised alarm among public officials. According to a Thursday report from CNN, some individuals on the list are taking steps to protect themselves and their families ahead of Patels expected ascension to the top of the FBI.

When asked about the list during the hearing, Patel claimed that its not an enemies list, and that to describe it as such was a total mischaracterization.

He seems to have lied about not knowing anything about the Jan. 6 choir

Patel was accused during the hearing of lying under oath after he claimed to not know that the individuals who participated in the J6 Prison Choir  who recorded songs during their incarcerations  were imprisoned for crimes related to the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. Patel was involved in the production of the song Justice for All, which featured the rioters as well as a recording of Trump.

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My understanding is that the performers on this J6 choir were the rioters who are in prison, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) said during his questioning of Patel.

Im not aware of that, sir. I didnt have anything to do with the recording, Patel replied.

Later in the hearing, Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) read a quote from Patel in which he described the recording process to former Trump adviser Steve Bannon.

Heres what you told Steve Bannon on his podcast: So what we thought would be cool is if we captured that audio and then, of course, had the greatest president, President Donald J. Trump, recite the Pledge of Allegiance, then we went to a studio and recorded it, mastered it, digitized it, and put it out as a song, Schiff quoted. We, we, we  if you had nothing to do with it, Mr. Patel, why did you tell Steve Bannon all his listeners that you did? [] When you say we, that includes you, doesnt it Mr. Patel?

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Patels responded not in every instance. The nominee then began haggling with Schiff over whether or not the use of the word we includes the person speaking.

So when you said we, you didnt really mean you. Is that your testimony? Schiff asked.

Unless you have a new definition for the word we, Patel replied.

A sarcastic Schiff told the committee that he always thought we included the person who pronounced the word, which is interesting.

He falsely claimed he disavowed QAnon

During questioning, Patel claimed that he rejected outright QAnons baseless conspiracy theories.

His statement under oath ran contrary to a long list of promotion and interaction the FBI nominee has had with the conspiratorial movement. Patel said in a 2022 interview that Truth Social  where he serves as a board member  tried to incorporate QAnon into its overall messaging scheme to capture audiences because whoever that person is has certainly captured a widespread breadth of the MAGA and the America First movement.

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In another incident, Patel signed copies of his childrens book The Plot Against The King 2,000 Mules with WWG1WGA, a QAnon slogan meaning where we go one, we go all.

Patel posted references to trends embraced by the QAnon community on his social media, and appeared on QAnon podcasts.

His connections with the movement are not an attempt to establish guilt by association, as Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) put it during the hearing, but rather a false denial by Patel of a dangerous movement hes long courted.

He said he doesnt know a far-right extremist who frequently interviews him

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) asked Patel if he was familiar with Stew Peters, a far-right extremist who hosts his own podcast and has almost a million X followers.

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Not off the top of my head, Patel replied.

You made eight separate appearances on his podcast, Durbin countered. He promoted outrageous conspiracy theories and worked with a prominent neo-Nazi [] when it comes to your association with individuals, why are so many of them in this category?

Patel did not appreciate the question, tersely telling Durbin that his association, as you loosely define it, is by appearing in media over 1,000 times to take on people who are putting on conspiratorial theories, and to disavow them of their false impressions and to talk to them about the truth, Patel claimed.

In one appearance on Peters show, Patel told the host that he always [loves] coming on the show. Peters himself was less than pleased by Patels response, writing on X that despite appearing on my show 8 times, Kash Patel feigns ignorance when asked about his association with anti-semite neo-nazi Stew Peters during his senate confirmation hearing.

Peters later promoted a post from a follower claiming that Patels disavowal was proof enough that we are owned by [Israel].

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SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE)  It could be a major change in the power judges have to hold mentally incompetent criminal suspects in custody or force them to get help. That bill is a key part of the governors crime agenda and faced a first big debate in front of lawmakers on Wednesday.

Story continues below

The bill seeks to change what happens to many New Mexico criminal suspects facing mental competency issues today. They often end up, in and out of jail, with judges dismissing cases against those found incompetent. Theres no silver bullet, we have to be working multiple paths when were dealing with individuals with serious mental health issues, said Rep. Christine Chandler, (D-Los Alamos).

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Rep. Chandler said its time to change how the courts deal with people they find to be not competent to stand trial. The lack of options for the courts and the District Attorneys when dealing with individuals who are deemed not competent and not dangerous, so theyre charged but under current law, the cases against those individuals would simply be dismissed, said Rep. Chandler.

The bill expands the evaluation process to allow judges to make a case-by-case review for suspects accused of certain serious crimes. The courts would not only determine if someone is competent but also if theyre dangerous. Based on those findings, a judge could order civil commitment or assisted outpatient treatment, with the hope they can one day stand trial. But where the individual is deemed not dangerous and not competent, that means they cant participate in their trial. They dont have the mental capacity to participate in the trial. We have expanded the opportunities to work with that individual, said Rep. Chandler.

The bill also expands the list of criteria for what qualifies as dangerous to include more crimes such as human trafficking, aggravated arson, child abuse, and causing great bodily harm. I think we are improving safety for the public because we are getting more people into treatment who would otherwise not be seeking it because were actually directing them into treatment, said Rep. Chandler.

Lawmakers debated the bill in the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee Tuesday night and it passed. It now heads to the House Judiciary Committee but it hasnt been scheduled yet.

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Under the current bill, those ordered to the Assisted Outpatient Treatment Program would spend no more than 90 days in that program before a court hearing to review the patients health 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
Editors note: The bill to provide direct financial relief to homeowners whose property was destroyed or damaged by Hurricane Helene passed both the Senate and the House Wednesday with zero votes against.

NORTHEAST TENNESSEE (WJHL)  Tennessees legislature is on the verge of delivering a small measure of direct financial relief to Northeast Tennessee property owners who lost everything or nearly everything when floods and wind from Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on Sept. 27.

A bill sponsored by Rusty Crowe in the Senate and Jeremy Faison in the House earmarks up to $3.8 million for relief payments to an estimated 2,000 people in nine counties. If property assessors loaded the property into the Tennessee comptrollers system, an owner can apply for and receive 130% of their total 2024 property tax levy.

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Nurse arrested after allegedly stealing from Johnson City Medical Center patient

The bill was welcome news to Jerry Norris, who witnessed his two-story house on A.J. Willis Road get ripped from its foundation from a swollen Nolichucky River, his beloved Rottweiler Lace still inside.

Ill apply for anything I can, said the 77-year-old, who spends his days and nights, weather permitting, at a small borrowed camper on his property. I lost everything; all I had was the pair of pants I had on and a shirt, that was it.

Maybe they can help me buy me a dog. Id appreciate that.

Jerry Norris points to the site of his former house on A.J. Willis Road in Washington County, Tenn., which flooding from the Nolichucky River destroyed on Sept. 27, 2024. (Photo: WJHL)





Washington County Property Assessor Robbie McGuire said assessors from all nine impacted counties worked together to get information on destroyed and damaged properties to the state comptrollers office.

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We talked to different counties that were affected to make sure that were all on the same page so when it does go to the legislators, its consistent and its something that they can work with together, McGuire said.

The money wont automatically flow to all eligible residents, but McGuire said his office will help qualifying property owners apply if the measure is approved. John Dunn of the Tennessee comptrollers office said that the agency should be able to set up an online application within days of passage.

Were going to set up a station here in our office that people can come in and well have somebody  to help them apply online, set up everything to where they can get the assistance.

It just turned like it was in a washing machine

Norris would qualify for about $1,700, which is a drop in the bucket compared to what he lost. Hed built onto an older home he bought 40 years ago and had more than a half-dozen classic cars parked outside.

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Hed come home early from a floor installing job and was watching the river hes lived near for more than half his life.

The water was clear as a bell, and all of sudden just a big pile of water and mud, chocolate looking mud coming down the river, and I said, Oh my goodness.'

Within five minutes it covered his garage. Norris got one car to higher ground and tried to move a couple more.

I tried to get my dog out, put her in the house, and that was a mistake, he said.

Docs: JC road rage suspect shot victim over merging lanes

He and some neighbors barely made it to higher ground, in view of his house and Taylor Bridge just downriver.

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I watched (the water) go over the first floor and I said, it aint going to stop,' Norris said. And all of a sudden it started washing down the river and then when it hit the bridge it just turned like it was in a washing machine. I watched every bit of it and believe me it was the scariest thing you ever seen in your life.

Widespread devastation

McGuire said property assessment teams encountered hundreds of similar situations as they worked overtime assessing the damage in the weeks following Helene.

Jerry Norris describes the events of Sept. 27 inside the small trailer on his property. (Photo: WJHL)

Its been horrific, he said. Its unexplainable because you have everything in your home and then you go home and its not there, from your pictures of your kids to your animals. And all these people have lost everything.

How do you comprehend that? I mean, a fire, youre going to get an insurance check and youre going to build back. This, youre not getting any assistance. You have nowhere to live. You have nothing.

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Now it looks like people like Norris and many of his neighbors will have a little something. The bill passed the Senate 33-0 Wednesday afternoon, sponsored by Norriss senator, Rusty Crowe. A companion bill sponsored by Rep. Jeremy Faison (R-Cosby) was likely headed for a similar outcome in the House.

Our legislators in Upper East Tennessee, theyve worked together to make this happen for the people, McGuire said. Its a community working together from Johnson County all the way down to Cocke County.

Down on A.J. Willis Road, where Helenes devastation remains all around, from cranes hovering over the river as they replace the destroyed Taylor Bridge to FEMA trailers and massive fields of debris including downed trees and ruined vehicles, Norris says any help is welcome.

I appreciate anything anybody does because its something that happened. Nobody had no control over what happened.

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He isnt going anywhere, except on real cold nights when he goes to a relatives  and hes hoping to rebuild.

Hopefully I get me a house built and live happily ever after. This is home.

Norris also has a pretty good idea of what he might do with the relief payment.

Ill go get me a dog. Ill get me another Rottweiler. Thats what Ill have.























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After passing through the state House, a bill that would prohibit collective bargaining for public sector labor unions was advanced through a Senate committee on Wednesday.

HB267 is sponsored by Rep. Jordan Teuscher, R-South Jordan, and the floor sponsor is Sen. Kirk A. Cullimore, R-Draper. The bill only applies to public sector labor organizations and employees which includes firefighters, municipal workers, police officers and teachers.

The bill was heard in the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee on Wednesday and advanced through the committee by a 4-3 vote. It will now be brought up for a vote on the Senate floor.

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On Monday, the bill passed through the House with a 42-32 vote, after advancing through the House Business, Labor and Commerce committee last week.

When the bill was heard in the House committee last week there were three full overflow rooms of people who hoped to testify. During the Senate committee hearing on Wednesday there were four full overflow rooms as well as people packed in the hallway outside of the committee room.

Multiple representatives and senators shared with the Deseret News that they have received more feedback about this bill than any other piece of legislation this session.

Sen. Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City, speaks in opposition to HB267, a bill that would prohibit collective bargaining for public sector labor unions, during a Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee meeting at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

I worry because the amount of feedback I received on this, I have not received on any other issues in my 16 years here. I mean, youve collectively got on my entire district engaged on this, said Sen. Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City.

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Another bill on the issue was also introduced in the Senate, SB168, which would enforce public sector collective bargaining.

What is the discussion around HB267?

Teuscher shared that there are nine other states where similar legislation is being introduced, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Texas.

Lauren Scholnick, an attorney in Salt Lake City who specializes in labor and employment law, shared that this bill doesnt just get rid of collective bargaining, its broader than that. In the bill text it says that employers can no longer recognize a labor organization as a bargaining agent.

So this goes well beyond collective bargaining. It says that the unions and the associations cannot even engage in what is known as meet and confer, which are negotiations outside any collective bargaining situation, she said.

HB267 sponsor Rep. Jordan Teuscher, R-South Jordan, speaks about his bill that would prohibit collective bargaining for public sector labor unions during a Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee meeting at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Many other people spoke up against the bill with concerns about negotiations, safety and transparency. Teuscher says the bill will help increase transparency from labor organizations.

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But opponents rejected that assertion. This has nothing to do with transparency and everything to do with back breaking union leadership and unions in Utah, said Zach Jeppson a Salt Lake City firefighter who is the current union president of Local 81.

He added that 95% of Salt Lake City firefighters are union members, and all their voices are heard and even those who arent union members have their voices heard.

The bills sponsors argue that the bill is meant to make sure everyones voice is heard.

Several people at the hearing spoke up to defend the bill, including members of the committee. Cullimore said that many of the arguments people have made against the bill dont have anything to do with it at all.

Union members gather outside after HB267, a bill that would prohibit collective bargaining for public sector labor unions, was debated and advanced through the senate committee at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Nothing in this bill would preclude the scenario of a union supporting their members, Cullimore said. And in fact, as Rep. Teuscher said, we have unions throughout the state right now that have very high participation rates that dont make use of collective bargaining.

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Teachers have also been a primary focus of the discussion around the bill, specifically related to the teachers who support their unions.

I dont see that the unions are serving their teachers well in their salary negotiations, said Sen. Brady Brammer, R-Pleasant Grove. What has actually worked to raise teacher salaries are direct allocations from the Legislature to teachers to the tune of $6,000.

Salt Lake City firefighter/paramedic John Maddux listens as HB267, a bill that would prohibit collective bargaining for public sector labor unions, is discussed during a Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee meeting at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

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Potential changes being made to HB267

Before the committee hearing, Cullimore said that he hopes they will find a way to get more public employees on board with the bill. He added that this might require different resolutions or changes made to the legislation.

One solution that the senator shared is rather than putting a complete prohibition on collective bargaining, if 50% or more of employees vote on a union or organization to be their representative then that union would be allowed to participate in collective bargaining.

How does SB168 compare with HB267?

Senator David Hinkins, R-Orangeville, has introduced another bill that focuses on public employee and labor relationships with employers.

SB168 establishes a Labor Relations Board which would oversee public employee labor relations on a state level instead of on the federal level as it is currently done.

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Another thing that the bill would do is enforce collective bargaining, and define how it can be used.

Sen. Brady Brammer, R-Pleasant Grove, speaks in favor of HB267, a bill that would prohibit collective bargaining for public sector labor unions, during a Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee meeting at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Hinkins said his bill and the provisions it allows would help to create a stabilized workforce.

So this way you negotiate, everybody gets, pretty much whatever theyre doing, they get paid for it, Hinkins said. Thats a stabilized workforce.

According to both Hinkins and Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, HB267 and SB168 are essentially opposites to each other.

Well, they run head on to each other, Cullimore said. So, if HB267 does pass through the Senate it will essentially kill SB168.

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Hinkins also said his bill would help support public educators around the state, and because labor organizations would have to report to the state labor relations board, it would increase transparency as well.

Labor union members, Steve Perry of IBEW 354, left, and Doug Underwood of ATU Local 382, listen from the hallway as HB267, a bill that would prohibit collective bargaining for public sector labor unions, is discussed during a Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee meeting at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

What would HB267 do?

HB267 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.

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.

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.

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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.
Protesters gathered in the Iowa State Capitol rotunda Feb. 12, 2024 as lawmakers held a public hearing on a bill that would allow transgender people to be excluded from sex-segregated spaces and require transgender persons sex at birth to be listed on their birth certificate, as well as any gender reassignment treatment. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

LGBTQ+ students, parents and advocates said Iowa would allow state-sanctioned bullying if legislation is passed preventing schools from disciplining students and staff for not using the preferred name or pronouns for a student.

The legislation would prohibit school districts and charter schools from taking disciplinary action against staff or other students  including termination of employment, detention or expulsion, and written or verbal reprimands  for using the legal name of a student, as listed on their school records, or for using incorrect pronouns to address a student. The bill was also discussed in the 2024 legislative session but did not advance to floor debate.

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Transgender students and parents told senators at a subcommittee meeting Thursday that Senate File 8 will allow for intentional discrimination against transgender students and would lead to an increase in bullying.

Berry Stevens, a 14-year-old student, said they, alongside other LGBTQ+ youth, have been sharing their stories at the Statehouse for three years as Republican lawmakers passed legislation relating to transgender students.

One thing we have in common are stories of harassment from our peers using our legal names or pronouns, and many of our stories share topics of struggle with mental health or even suicide, in part due to that harassment, Berry Stevens said. Time and time again, your actions like this bill have shown that you either dont believe us or you dont care.

Stevens was joined by their mother, the Rev. Brigit Stevens, who said the legislation would override parental choice by allowing teachers to choose to ignore a parents directive to address their child by a name different from their legal name.

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Stevens pointed to a law signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds in 2023 that requires schools to notify parents if their child requests to use a different name or pronouns than they were given at birth, as well as stating school staff cannot knowingly provide false or misleading information on a students gender identity to their family. This law means that students who use a different name or pronouns at school have approval from their parents to do so, a process Rev. Stevens said their family went through.

The bill says that they dont have to honor my parental rights to call my child by their chosen name, Stevens said. I dont care if the childs teachers or anyone else dislikes my childs name or pronouns. I dont care if they disagree with my parental rights to support my child. I care that you keep those thoughts inside your head  quiet thoughts, as they say in school  and keep my child safe by using their chosen name and pronouns.

Chuck Hurley, vice president of The Family Leader, a conservative Christian organization, said the measure was needed to prevent lawsuits, pointing to settlements in Ohio and Virginia reached between school districts and teachers who refused to use transgender students preferred name or pronouns.

Supporters of the bill also said the measure would ensure that people are not compelled to address a person by a name or pronouns that goes against their religious beliefs  and argued that there were instances of students being bullied for using the wrong name or pronouns of their teachers or peers. Jeff Pitts, a lobbyist for the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition, said the measure would prevent an individual from being bullied into violating his or her conscience, or from being coerced into an acceptance of gender identity ideology.

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It protects people from politics, Pitts said. Schools ought not punish people, be they teachers, students or other folks, for simply utilizing someones legal name or name of record.

Sen. Molly Donahue, D-Cedar Rapids, said as a teacher, she believes teachers should not bring their personal beliefs, religious or political, into the classroom.

If somebodys coming into a classroom and intentionally calling somebody other than what they want to be called, that is bullying, and they should be reprimanded, Donahue said.  Teachers should be reprimanded if they cannot do their job with fidelity by protecting and treating all people in their classroom with dignity, period. And to use the good book to bully kids is  unconscionable.

Sen. Jesse Green, R-Boone, called the bill a teachers rights measure to protect educators First Amendment rights.

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The Constitution and the First Amendment protects somebodys right to speak and also not to speak, Green said. This bill here is making that crystal clear. We have, a couple years ago, we passed a bill that was in regards to parental rights, and now this bill is in regards to teachers rights.

The bill passed through the subcommittee with 2-1 support. A House subcommittee advanced the companion to this legislation, House File 80, on Tuesday.
The Idaho State Capitol Building in Boise shines in the sunlight on Jan. 7, 2025. (Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)

Idaho House lawmakers on Wednesday shelved a bill that would let government agencies and residents electronically publish official public notices instead of paying newspapers to publish them.

The Idaho House State Affairs Committee voted 9-6 to hold the bill, House Bill 33, in committee.

Rep. Jeff Ehlers, R-Meridian, debates on the Idaho House of Representatives floor on Feb. 9, 2024. (Kyle Pfannenstiel/Idaho Capital Sun)

Rep. Jeff Ehlers, R-Meridian, pitched the bill as a way to modernize public notices and reduce costs that Idaho government agencies pay newspapers to publish public notices.

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The bill wouldve allowed posting public notices online on a state-government managed website, which wouldve let users subscribe to alerts.

State and local governments wouldve saved at least $1 million each per year, the bills fiscal note estimated. Creating a state public notice website, the fiscal note estimated, wouldve cost $570,000 in one-time development costs and around $300,000 each year for ongoing operation costs.

Its important that we get back to the intent of why we have public notices. And to me, thats in the name of it, which is to notify the public of whats happening  to bring transparency to the actions of the government, Ehlers told the committee.

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Several newspaper representatives testified against the bill, noting that public notices are already available online through a website by the Newspaper Association of Idaho. Representatives for the Association of Idaho Cities, the Idaho Association of Counties, the Idaho School Boards Association, and Ada County commissioners testified in support of the bill.

The committees vote to hold the bill in committee came after some lawmakers expressed concern about allowing the state government to manage publishing public notices.

The reason that we have requirements that we publish in newspapers is to make sure that certain notices are brought before the public, so that the public may act on those, said Rep. Joe Alfieri, R-Coeur dAlene.  If we are going to turn that over to the state, we are at risk of having that information kept from the public when it doesnt serve the best interests of the state.

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A bill requiring the Iowa Board of Regents to review all academic programs at state universities has passed through subcommittee. (Photo by Brooklyn Draisey/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

A representative of the Iowa Board of Regents told lawmakers Wednesday that the board is ready and willing to conduct the review of academic programs that would be required under a new bill.

Labeled in the bill as the Workforce First Act, House Study Bill 50 would have the board look at all undergraduate and graduate academic programs at all three state universities and determine how, if at all, they align with Iowas workforce needs. The board must complete the review, with the aid of Iowa Workforce Development and the Iowa Department of Education, by its November meeting.

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The report must be submitted to Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Legislature by Nov. 30, and must include recommendations to keep the same, change or eliminate each program under review.

Rep. Taylor Collins, R-Mediapolis, chaired the subcommittee alongside Rep. Jennifer Konfrst, D-Windsor Heights and Rep. Skyler Wheeler, R-Hull. The bill passed out of subcommittee and will head to the full Higher Education Committee for further consideration.

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Carolann Jensen, Iowa Board of Regents state relations officer representing Iowa State University, said the board has the ability to do this review and will do so at the Legislatures request. The board periodically reviews academic programs in order to anticipate future needs of Iowa students and the businesses and communities they will go to after graduation, she said.

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One amendment she suggested was to remove the language getting Iowa Workforce Development and the Iowa Department of Education involved, as she said the board likes to review its own programs.

Those opposed to the bill focused on how it could limit the ability of higher education institutes to teach students skills that, while not applying directly or clearly to a career, are useful and necessary. One public citizen who spoke during the meeting said there are plenty of programs at universities that can and do help Iowas workforce, they just might not look like it on the surface.

One Iowa Director of Policy and Advocacy Keenan Crow said during public comments that universities are not just job training organizations, but institutions dedicated to teaching students how to think, adapt and apply skills theyve learned to a variety of situations. Something that is especially important when technology and industries change, often forcing people into new situations.

Higher education institutions are at their best when they teach students to think critically and adapt, not teach them exactly what to think, Crow said. Im worried that the focus exclusively on workforce needs is going to miss a lot of useful courses which may not provide direct job skills but may allow students to think in different and useful ways.

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Fluoride in public drinking water systems fostered a robust debate before a legislative committee with supporters extolling its benefits to dental health and opponents decrying its dangers due to needless overdoses of the waste product that can cause neurological development problems, especially in growing fetuses and young children.

HB81, or Fluoride Amendments by Rep. Stephanie Gricius, R-Eagle Mountain, passed the House Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Committee on a 10-3 vote on Thursday, with the majority of those people testifying in favor of individual choice rather than mass medication of drinking water

The bill would prohibit the introduction of the chemical in public drinking water systems by the end of May and upends current systems that practice fluoridation of their water, including Brigham City, Salt Lake and Davis counties.

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The sponsor said the bill stems from a federal district court ruling in September which said that .7 milligrams of fluoride introduced into drinking water systems causes unreasonable risk. The ruling directed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to issue guidance.

The judge said, The optimal water fluoridation level in the United States of 0.7 milligrams per liter is nearly double that safe level of 0.4 milligram per liter for pregnant women and their offspring. In all, there is substantial and scientifically credible evidence establishing that fluoride poses a risk to human health.

Both Davis and Salt Lake County passed voter initiatives to introduce fluoride to drinking water, but it did not mean all residents wanted it.

A South Weber resident in Davis County said no one in her community wanted it, but they were outnumbered.

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Ronald Martinson, who holds a doctorate degree and is chair of the South Davis Water District Board, had this to say: As an elected board member, its my duty to provide safe, clean drinking water to my fellow citizens and to ensure a safe workplace for our workers. Mandatory water fluoridation doesnt allow me to do that now. HB81 is especially needed because the current statute says that once a citizens initiative mandating water fluoride passes, it can only be changed by vote of the people. The elected officials have no control over this, he said.

As a district, we have no control, and that takes all the decision making about fluoride out of our hands, even though were elected water board members, and it leaves our districts liable for any harm done by adding fluoride to the water, he continued. In addition, the current statute empowers a minority of eligible or registered voters to mandate the addition of prescription medication to our water because it doesnt have a minimum voter turnout, so if only 10% turnout, they can pass fluoride.

Gricius stressed that fluoridation tablets would still be available by prescription for those who want it, so her measure does not eliminate personal choice and the money would be better spent on public education.

Both general managers of the Jordan Valley Water District and Weber Basin Water District testified in favor of the bill.

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Because Weber Basin serves both Weber and Davis counties, Paxman said his district had to invest millions in eight stations to deliver the fluoridated water to Davis County residents only to bypass other customers not involved in the voter movement.

Brigham Citys water district had to spend $100,000 for its effort, but not all that water is being used to drink and instead is used for toilets, washing machines and lawns  meaning there is very little return on the taxpayers money, the citys mayor, D.J. Bott added.

Opposition by the medical community

Rod Thornell, a Herriman dentist and current president of the Utah Dental Association, said a statewide resolution voted on by all the delegates unanimously favored keeping fluoride in drinking water systems.

We recognize community water fluoridation is the most effective and equitable method for delivering the appropriate therapeutic level of fluoride to prevent tooth decay, he said.

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To not add fluoride would have disastrous effects, another dentist added.

The effects are staggering from a health and a financial impact standpoint. Dental disease is still the most chronic disease among children and adults, and a major reason why school days are missing, work days are missed, said Brent Larson, a recently retired dentist. Fluoridation is the most effective tool bar none to fight and to prevent dental disease. As wonderful as dental treatment is, prevention is better. Water fluoridation decreases dental disease by 25%.

Science and substance

Lorna Rosenstein of Utah Water Watch has been tracking fluoride in water systems for more than two decades and pointed out the regions that passed fluoridation of water were handed unfunded mandates and told to react quickly.

She asserted the result was well meaning people getting involved in the science of mass medication of a substance that comes from hydroflurosilicic acid that as a concentrate in its undiluted form is classified as a hazardous, poisonous material that, while it contains fluoride, also contains arsenic, lead, copper, manganese, iron and aluminum. It is a byproduct from phosphate mining operations

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She said residents were falsely assured mechanical leaks would be an impossibility, even though she knows of at least nine  including a 2019 Sandy overfeed that sickened dozens and ended up with a lot of finger-pointing.

An independent investigation found failure at all government levels for the accidental overfeed that was not publicly acknowledged for days. In some instances, residents were told there was a problem with their water heater that was causing the ill health effects. Salt Lake County, which passed the voter mandate, said the failure was not its fault because it was the citys delivery system. Sandy said it was not their fault because the health department should step in.

It was 10 days after the overfeed that the state Division of Drinking Water ordered the city to issue a no drink order.
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR)  In a new joint resolution proposed in the Virginia General Assembly on Monday, January 20, lawmakers are seeking to give recognition to the iconic Roanoke Star.

Simply titled, Commending the Roanoke Star, the house joint resolution No. 512/HJ512 has been proposed by Democrats and Republicans alike.

What is the history of Roanokes Mill Mountain Star?

2024 marked the 75th anniversary of the star that sits atop Mill Mountain. Originally built by Roy C. Kinsey of the Kinsey Sign Company, the star was a marketing attraction for the holiday season in 1949.

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The Roanoke Star is the largest free-standing man-made illuminated star in the world. It sits more than 88 feet in the air, contains 2,000 feet of neon tubing, and weighs more than 10,000 pounds. It has been a local mainstay, where the city received its nickname, Star City, as well as becoming a tourist attraction for the Roanoke Valley since its construction.

Mill Mountain Theatre enters a new era with a familiar face running the show

The bill states, by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Roanoke Star on the occasion of its 75th anniversary; and, be it RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Roanoke City Council as an expression of the General Assemblys admiration for the Roanoke Stars significance to the history and culture of Roanoke.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  A bill that would prohibit fluoridation in Utahs water system has passed through committee and will advance to a vote on the House floor.

H.B. 81  titled Fluoride Amendments  passed in a 10-3 vote late Wednesday afternoon with passionate debate coming from supporters and critics of the bill.

Fluoridation is the process of adding the mineral fluoride to public water supplies in order to raise natural levels of fluoride to recommended levels that are beneficial to oral health. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that levels of fluoride should be at 0.7 milligrams per liter, which is the equivalent of three drops in a 55-gallon barrel of water, to receive the maximum benefit while preventing negative health effects.

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PREVIOUS: Proposed law seeks to remove fluoride from Utahs water supply  What to know

Supporters of the bill argued that the current levels of fluoride are harmful, and that people should be able to choose whether or not to take fluoride.

I do not refute that fluoride helps strengthen, with the appropriate concentration, the enamel of teeth, Elaine Oaks, member of the South Davis Water District Board of Trustees, said during public comment. [But] it is neither the role of government, nor is it proper for a majority of people, to determine that the entire population require medication in publicly provided drinking water.

Critics of the bill warned that the removal of fluoride from drinking water could have negative consequences on peoples oral health. Brent Larson, a retired dentist who had practiced in Utah for 43 years (both before and after Salt Lake County began fluoridating its water), warned about what removing it could mean for children.

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I have seen with my own eyes the astronomical difference [fluoride] makes in peoples oral health, Larson said during public comment. I used to see kids coming into my office with 4, 6, 10 cavities. Within a year after our water was fluoridated that ended. We never saw that again.

The provisions of H.B. 81 specify that those who wish to take fluoride can obtain a prescription from a pharmacist and also describe the terms of how some can be given a prescription.

In her final appeal to the committee, bill sponsor Rep. Stephanie Gricius (R  District 50) said that fluoridation wasnt the role of government, and that this decision should be with an individual.

At the end of the day, the role of government is to deliver safe, clean drinking water, Gricius asserted. I believe that this bill accomplishes that while still proving everyone the choice to go and take this substance if they so choose.

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The bill still has a way to go before it can become law in the state. It will face a vote on the House Floor, and if it passes there it will go to the Senate to face the same process before being sent to the Governor for signing.

Stay up to date with the 2025 General Session by visiting Inside Utah Politics. To research bills and watch for updates on the legislature, visit the Utah Legislatures 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 ABC4 Utah.
The dome above the Colorado Capitol rotunda is pictured on the first day of the 2025 session of the Legislature on Jan. 8, 2025. (Lindsey Toomer/Colorado Newsline)

Colorado legislators want to remove an inoperative provision in state statute that bans same-sex marriage. Voters in November approved a similar change to the state Constitution.

Senate Bill 25-14 would remove language in Colorado state statute that says a marriage is valid if it is only between one man and one woman. The Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee approved the bill 3-2 Thursday, and will go to the Senate floor next.

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The two Republican senators on the committee, Sen. Byron Pelton of Sterling and Sen. Rod Pelton of Cheyenne Wells, voted against it. Nobody testified against the bill, and the two senators did not explain their no votes.

Colorado voters with 64% of the vote adopted a constitutional amendment that removed language added by a previous constitutional amendment, approved by Colorado voters 18 years ago, that stated that only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state. The bill is not tied to or required by the constitutional amendment.

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Bill sponsor Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis, a Longmont Democrat, noted during the committee hearing that the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, which granted the federal right to same-sex marriage, was a 5-4 decision, and we have a different court now. She told the committee that she has seen a lot of things go wrong for my LGBTQ community.

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The Supreme Court currently has a 6-3 conservative majority, and concern that the court could reverse the Obergefell decision has grown since it overturned the Roe v. Wade decision that guaranteed the right to an abortion.

Ive helped lead some of the first gay Pride marches in the country in the South, where I saw and felt discrimination and hatred, and sadly Im seeing and feeling that now toward my trans friends and family, Jaquez Lewis said. But we can do the right thing today, passing Senate Bill 14. We can make our Colorado laws crystal clear, challenge-free and respectful of the will of the people of our great state.

We will not let extremists chip away at our rights one by one.

 Nadine Bridges, executive director of One Colorado

Sponsor Sen. Jessie Danielson, a Lakewood Democrat, said the government has no business telling people who they can or cannot marry if they wish to commit to a loving relationship. She said Colorado statute needs to reflect the values of this great state and that LGBTQ+ Coloradans deserve the same rights as everybody else.

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Through the removal of this exclusionary language, we assert that Colorado will not waver in our support for this community and the freedoms guaranteed to our citizens by our state Constitution, Danielson said. All individuals deserve the right to marry the person they love. Its imperative that our laws reflect and uphold our values and actively protect our people through honoring and preserving their existing and future marriages.

In the House, the bill is sponsored by Rep. Lorena Garcia, an Adams County Democrat, and Rep. Brianna Titone, an Arvada Democrat.

Nadine Bridges, executive director of One Colorado, an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, said Colorado must send a clear message that the state will not turn back.

We will not let extremists chip away at our rights one by one, Bridges said. We see whats happening across the country and were taking action before its too late. Colorado has spoken. We are a place where freedom, fairness and family matter.

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Since President Donald Trump took office last week, he and Republican leaders in Congress have rolled back diversity, equity and inclusion efforts across the federal government, placing staff whose roles focus on DEI on paid leave.

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(Sample Iowa driver's license courtesy of the Iowa Department of Transportation)

Supporters said a bill requiring Iowa drivers licenses to list a persons citizenship status would help prevent noncitizens from participating in elections  but other advocates said it could lead to discrimination against immigrants and confusion at the ballot box.

The legislation, House Study Bill 37, would require a persons citizenship status to be listed on the back of their drivers license or non-operator identification card. People applying for renewal or the issuing of new IDs would be required to provide the Iowa Department of Transportation with their status as a U.S. citizen or noncitizen.

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Lori Stiles, who has served as a poll worker in elections since 2008, said it is always a concern trying to verify a persons citizenship status when they register to vote on Election Day. To register to vote at the polls in Iowa, people must show a photo ID  like a drivers license  as well as proof of their current residence, but do not have to provide proof of U.S. citizenship.

We cannot challenge a voter either at that point to even ask that, Stiles said. So this designation or some such on a drivers license would definitely help to identify people who are U.S. citizens, because only U.S. citizens should be voting in U.S. elections, and in Iowa city and state elections.

However, some speakers like Connie Ryan with the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa said including citizenship information on drivers licenses could create problems for immigrants who become naturalized citizens seeking to legally vote. If a person gets their drivers license before they become a U.S. citizen and that information is put on a drivers license, theres no requirement for the Iowa Secretary of States office to update voter rolls when that immigrant is naturalized.

Theres nothing that indicates when those voting (lists) are updated and whether or not theyre accurate, Ryan said. We saw that already in the last election.

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In the 2024 general election, Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate issued guidance to county auditors to challenge the ballots of 2,176 registered voters, identified as potential noncitizens by the office as they had identified themselves to the Iowa DOT or another government entity as noncitizens within the past 12 years. While some current noncitizens were found on Iowas voter roles, many of these individuals listed were U.S. citizens who had obtained citizenship and the legal right to vote in the years after identifying themselves to the state as a noncitizen.

Pate has said the directive was necessary because the federal U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office withheld citizenship information on the individuals identified as potential noncitizens. He released his own legislative proposal earlier in January to address citizenship verification, a bill that allow the Secretary of States office to contract with state and federal agencies, in collaboration with private vendors, to verify registered voters citizenship.

Rep. Lindsay James, D-Dubuque, said she did not believe the drivers license proposal was the best way to address concerns about noncitizens participating in Iowa elections because of the potential for discrimination when putting citizenship status on an ID like a drivers license.

Weve already heard that folks are using their drivers license when they are renting cars, when they are purchasing things in the store, and the potential for discrimination when you have a unique identifier is significant, James said. And so these are folks who are here who are on a path to citizenship, who are here legally, who are good citizens in the process  or soon to be, hopefully citizens  What would this information be used for outside of the voting realm?

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Rep. Skyler Wheeler, R-Hull, said the bills focus was on ensuring that only U.S. citizens are participating in elections.

We have every right as a state to ensure that only citizens are voting in our elections, he said. And we think at this time this might be the right path, well have discussions and see if theres a different path.

Wheeler told reporters that there areas to flesh out in the bill, such as what information would be listed on IDs, if citizenship status would have to be listed on other photo IDs accepted for voter registration and whether drivers licenses would be required to be updated after a change in citizenship status.

The subcommittee advanced the legislation 2-1, with James voting against.
The bill that would require county property tax assessment boards of appeal members to live in Indiana was amended and passed out of the Senate Local Government committee Thursday.

Senate Bill 187, authored by State Sen. Dan Dernulc, states the term of anyone serving on a county property tax assessment board of appeals who isnt an Indiana resident will expire July 1. The fiscal body, which is the council in Lake County, would then be required to appoint a new member to finish out the members term.

The bill maintains Indianas current PTABOA law that states a member has to be at least 18 years old and be knowledgeable in the valuation of property. The bill also maintains that a majority of the members must have the certification of a level two or level three assessor-appraiser.

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The bill was amended to include strengthened language Sen. Greg Taylor, D-Indianapolis, proposed last week to ensure that the PTABOA member lives in Indiana throughout his or her four-year term.

Thank you to my colleagues for bringing up a clarification that needed to be addressed. I am happy with the bill as amended from committee, Dernulc said in a statement. This bill will ensure the members of a PTABOA are Indiana residents to help ensure we have equal and fair property tax assessments for those who have chosen to call Indiana their primary home.

Dernulc, R-Highland, said he drafted the bill after learning about Lake County PTABOA member Samantha Steele, who is also a Cook County Board of Review commissioner and was arrested for driving under the influence in Chicago late last year.

Taylor proposed last week tightening the language in the bill to make it clearer that the PTABOA member would have to live in Indiana throughout his or her term. That way, Taylor said, a member couldnt get appointed while an Indiana resident and move within the term.

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The committee members voiced support for changing the language in the bill to reflect that the member has to live in Indiana throughout his or her term.

If you want to make sure that their whole term that they live in Indiana, I would put that in there specifically. I wouldnt leave it open to interpretation, Taylor previously said.

State Sen. Mike Bohacek, R-Michiana Shores, said last week that in his district counties have had difficulties finding qualified members to appoint to the PTABOA. Bohacek suggested the bill be further amended to state that if someone owns property in Indiana and has the proper qualifications he or she could serve on the PTABOA.

I just dont want to see PTABOA hearings be delayed. Ive seen how messy that could get, they get stacked up, Bohacek previously said. To have those not be able to convene because we dont have proper representation would be a problem.

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Dernulc said Thursday that Bohacek was going to offer an amendment to the bill to allow for someone to own property in Indiana and serve on a PTABOA. But after they talked, Dernulc said Bohacek agreed to pull the amendment.

In Lake County, Dernulc said he reached out to council members about the bill. The council member he talked to, Dernulc said, expressed interest in the bill.

Lake County Council President Christine Cid, D-East Chicago, said she told Dernulc she supports the bill. Cid said the county uses a state website to find level two and level three assessors, so it would be easy to find qualified people who live in the county or state that could serve on the PTABOA.

I believe there are plenty of qualified people here, not just in Lake County but in Indiana, that could serve, Cid said.

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Lake County Board of Commissioners Michael Repay, D-3rd, previously said Lake County officials want to appoint the most qualified people to the PTABOA.

There are like 101 more important things that could positively impact the citizens of Indiana and the citizens in Senator Dan Dernulcs district than a fully qualified individual who doesnt live in the county, Repay previously said.

The bill will now advance to the Senate floor. If it passes the Senate, it will advance to a House committee and, if passed there, to the House.

akukulka@post-trib.com
State Rep. John Hughes, R-Sioux Falls, speaks on the South Dakota House floor on Jan. 22, 2025. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

A legislative committee advanced a bill Thursday at the Capitol in Pierre to require parental access to childrens electronic health information and online patient portal.

State Rep. John Huges, R-Sioux Falls, proposed the bill, which had support from medical associations, health care systems and conservative political advocacy organizations. He said there is a clear trend toward making adolescent medical information confidential, citing a position statement from the Canadian Paediatric Society.

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The trend is concerning, Hughes said, because parents play a critical role in managing the health care of their children. Parents and legal guardians in South Dakota are legally obligated to provide medical care for their children.

Electronic health records and portals allow patients to message their providers and view health records, medications and appointments. Parents typically manage their childs portal  sending messages and arranging appointments  until their children are able to manage their health care themselves.

Some health care systems in South Dakota deactivate parental access to medical portals once a child turns 12, unless the child consents to parental access. There are some legal reasons that a child can seek health care without parental consent.

Avera Health, which supported the bill, said it automatically deactivates parental access at that age because the systems electronic health record does not have an easy way to carve out those services a minor can receive without parental consent, said Kim Malsam-Rysdon, Avera Health vice president of public policy.

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That is different from the medical record of which the parent can always request and will get, Malsam-Rysdon said.

State law allows parents to access their minor childs health care and school records. The bill wouldnt limit a minors rights to seek treatment without parental consent or notification for sexually transmitted diseases, alcohol and drug addiction, mental health services, or abuse and neglect concerns. The bill would also not apply to children empowered to independently seek care by court orders or because the child is legally emancipated from their parents.

The bill passed the House Health and Human Services Committee 12-1 and now heads to the House floor.

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State Rep. Heather Baxter, R-Rapid City, speaks on the South Dakota House floor on Jan. 22, 2025. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

PIERRE  The South Dakota House of Representatives advanced a bill Wednesday that would make the states list of registered voters free and available to the public online, and another bill that would restrict access to registered voters contact information.

The two bills, which would amend some of the same sections of existing state law, are yet to be reconciled. Both bills now head to the Senate.

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The House voted 37-31 to advance the bill that would make the voter registration list freely available online, after debate over funding and privacy implications.

The bill would mandate the Secretary of States Office to publish the list online, with weekly updates, and to maintain historical archives. Supporters said the bill would reduce barriers to election oversight, citing costs of current voter lists, which are priced at $2,500 per request and up to $3,000 for absentee data.

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Rep. Heather Baxter, R-Rapid City, proposed the bill. She said free access to voter rolls is important to secure elections.

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Im just asking for it to be of no charge since weve already paid for it as taxpayers, Baxter said.

Rep. Jana Hunt, R-Dupree, said the $2,500 fee is too high for South Dakotans, including political candidates who use voter lists in their campaigns.

Its the people in South Dakota that cant afford a $2,500 fee for voter information. Its the candidates in this room that struggle with that fee, she said.

On that note, Rep. Will Mortenson, R-Fort Pierre, said the bill has more to do with getting campaigns voter information than election integrity. He voted against the legislation.

Lets think about who actually accesses these voter files, Mortenson said. Lets be honest: Its mostly candidates or activist groups or special interest groups. And so were going to say, Well, if were going to cut a fee, were going to start by benefiting the politician before we start benefiting the people. And I dont think thats right.

State Rep. Will Mortenson, R-Fort Pierre, on the South Dakota House floor during the 2024 legislative session. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

The fees collected to obtain the voter registration list are used for upkeep and technical support for the states Total Vote system, which is used statewide by county auditors and the Secretary of States Office to manage voter registration and election data.

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The bill does not include funding to offset the lost fees. The Secretary of States Office  which spoke in opposition to the bill during its initial committee hearing  said the total fees came to about $100,000 last year.

Opponents also said implementing the changes might require new software, hardware and additional staff to manage archives and fulfill data requests.

Lindley Howard, McPherson County auditor, said during the committee hearing that she is concerned eliminating fees might transfer a financial burden to local governments.

Rep. Tim Reisch, R-Howard, said publicly posting a voter registration list including the birth year of voters could result in scammers having a catalog of elderly South Dakotans provided by the state, for free. He voted against the bill in the committee and the House.

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Reish said during the committee hearing that he is all for greater election transparency, but this bill goes way beyond that.

Conflicting legislation

The bill that would forbid public access to voters phone numbers and emails passed 40-28.

Rep. Mike Weisgram, R-Fort Pierre, proposed that bill. He said the goal is to limit the number of political texts and emails voters are subjected to during elections.

The bill would prohibit public access to telephone numbers and email addresses on voter registration forms, in addition to existing protections for Social Security numbers, drivers license numbers, and full dates of birth.

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Weisgram said the bill ensures that disclosures of voter registration information cannot be exploited by campaigns or commercial interests.

Opponents said the bill is unnecessary because providing a phone number or email address on voter registration forms is already optional. But supporters said many people feel obligated to fill out all the blanks on the forms.

Rick Weible with South Dakota Canvassing  a group that says it advocates for election integrity  spoke against the bill during its committee hearing. He said the data is already available through other sources, so barring the state from giving it out does little good.

Cats out of the bag, because Im also aggregating data from Facebook, X and all the other social media where, oh yeah, your phone number is part of your account, Weible said.

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Weisgram said those arguments ignore the intent of the bill.

Whats more important? A campaign, or the peoples personal information? he said.

Rep. Taylor Rehfeldt, R-Sioux Falls, voted against making the voter registration list available for free online and in favor of the bill restricting access to voters contact information. She told South Dakota Searchlight she was frustrated to see the bills pass in an unreconciled form.

We should be figuring it out, she said. And obviously today, we did not, by passing two bills that conflict with each other.

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Sen. Ryan Braunberger, D-Fargo, introduces bills focused on protection for renters during a public hearing on Jan. 29, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

Lobbyists for the ACLU and North Dakota Apartment Association clashed over three bills that would provide North Dakota renters with more protections.

Three bills heard by the Senate Industry and Business Committee this week would provide renters protection from snowballing late fees, and empower the Department of Labor and Human Rights to investigate complaints against landlords. The department would also be able to take disciplinary action against a landlord for violations of North Dakota Century Code involving the leasing of property and eviction.

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Cody Schuler, advocacy manager for ACLU of North Dakota, said 40% of renters in North Dakota are cost burdened, meaning those tenants tend to live paycheck-to-paycheck, spending more than 30% of their income on rent. He testified in support of all three bills.

Cody Schuler, advocacy manager for ACLU of North Dakota, speaks about renter protections during a public hearing on Jan. 29, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

Individuals who are living on those margins, they live on the cusp of possibly becoming homeless, Schuler said in an interview. And when we look at the sheer volume of the cost of homelessness, and how to correct homelessness, its so much more financially responsible for everyone involved  to be able to prevent homelessness.

Opposing all three bills, Jeremy Petron, lobbyist for the North Dakota Apartment Association, said a lot of the confusion over late fees stems from renters not reading their lease agreements, and landlords not explaining the lease and late fee processes well enough during the lease signing.

I myself have been in the property management industry for 20 years, and the company that I work for, we communicate with our tenants and let them know  We dont try to just automatically evict someone for just one late fee, Petron said. Were going to work with them.

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All three bills were sponsored by Sen. Ryan Braunberger, D-Fargo.

After the public hearing, Braunberger said hes concerned that the committee didnt seem receptive to his three bills.

I think we need to make sure were looking at both sides, Braunberger said. We dont necessarily want to punish good landlords, but we want to make sure were protecting good tenants too.

Late rent payments and fees

Senate Bill 2235 would prioritize processing the payments of late rent first before late fees are processed, Braunberger said. By processing the late rent amount first, renters wouldnt accrue as many additional late fees.

Schuler shared a story with lawmakers about a Fargo resident who lost his minimum wage job and needed rental assistance to cover a late payment and fees. The renter thought the full amount had been paid but received a three-day eviction notice after the additional late fees were processed before the late rental payment, leaving an unpaid balance.

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The fact of the matter is, he wouldnt have even needed this assistance had this law been in place, Schuler said.

Multiple senators on the committee questioned whether the new payment priority changes would incentivize tenants not paying any late fees.

Jeremy Petron, lobbyist for the North Dakota Apartment Association, speaks during a public hearing on protections for renters during a public hearing on Jan. 29, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

Petron said the payment of late rent and fees is spelled out in the rental agreement, so both the renter and the landlord are on the same page.

The late fees could still be recouped by the landlord through an itemized deduction from the tenants security deposit after they move out, he said.

Senate Bill 2236 would cap the amount landlords can charge in late fees at 8% of the rent, Braunberger said.

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This basically will address issues regarding compounded fees, he said. Landlords wouldnt be able to keep adding late fees for each day or week that a payment is late unless the total fees are under 8% of the rent for the month.

Another supporter of all three bills, Kaden Felch, a fair housing specialist with the High Plains Fair Housing Center, said late fees can range from $10 to $100 with fees being added until the rent is paid in full.

Large and accumulating late fees can set renters back for months, leading to eviction or lead to large bills that may stay with them for a long time and prevent renters from finding stable housing in the future, Felch said. This cap will just allow more flexibility for North Dakotans who may not have as much expendable income as others.

Petron said the bill was essentially price fixing what landlords can charge for late rent payments.

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A property owners costs associated with operating and maintaining a property arent fixed and can fluctuate, Petron said.

Investigations of complaints

Senate Bill 2237 would empower the Department of Labor and Human Rights to be able to investigate complaints against landlords and take disciplinary action against a landlord found to be in violation of state law.

Zachary Greenberg, interim commissioner for the Department of Labor and Human Rights, speaks during a public hearing on Jan. 29, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

Schuler said North Dakota doesnt have a clear pathway for a state agency to address landlord-tenant disputes outside of the courtroom. During North Dakota eviction proceedings in 2022, he said landlords retained legal representation in 98% of all eviction cases and tenants were represented by attorneys in only 1% of cases, according to the Legal Services Corp.

When we get into this place where 40% of North Dakota renters are considered cost-burdened, its unlikely that those individuals would have, or be able to afford, legal counsel, Schuler said.

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Zachary Greenberg, interim commissioner for the Department of Labor and Human Rights, asked lawmakers to recommend a do not pass on the bill due to the departments jurisdictional, legal and administrative concerns.

He added the department doesnt license or register landlords in the state and disciplinary actions needed to address complaints would focus on the license they dont issue. He said other industries have their own licensing boards that can issue disciplinary actions against their membership.

This bill grants the labor commissioner enforcement powers that do not align with existing regulatory frameworks, raising legal and procedural concerns, Greenberg said.

He said the investigative burdens on the department would be large and require substantial new resources. Greenberg said the departments estimate of about $750,000 per biennium needed to implement any sort of landlord-tenant program was very conservative.

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After the hearing, Schuler said federal fair housing laws dont address business practices, which is what the three bills are attempting to address.

No action was taken by the committee on the bills after the public hearing.

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GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP)  The Greensboro City Council voted in October to cap and cover Bingham Park after a federal soil screening revealed dangerous levels of contaminants. This came over 70 years after the land was used as a landfill back in the 50s.

The cap and cover will cost $12.4 million. It will require a foot of dirt to be out over the contaminated area. Once the dirt is laid digging in the area will not be allowed to help prevent any of the toxins being released.

April 11, 2024 | Bingham Park in Greensboro closed over environmental concerns

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Since the decision was made in October, a neighbor has been canvasing her neighborhood to get others involved in making a plea with the city council to reconsider their decision before its too late.

Cheryl Johnson has lived in the neighborhood beside Bingham Park for 14 years with her daughters family.

I saw a dream of them having somewhere, what we bought this home for, for them to play here. It was like location, location, location, said Johnson.

This area was appealing because she envisioned her grandchildren playing at Bingham Park one day.

Now her family feels stuck.

You know what I see, an extension of that graveyard. Were not thriving and were not growing. Were going backward. If it costs as much as theyre saying to put it in, theyre not going to be able to take that out in the future which they also proposed, said Johnson.

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In Johnsons opinion, the cap and cover arent enough to protect people from the harm this can cause.

My biggest fear is that people are sick from this, said Johnson.

Her next stop is to send a letter to the city council asking them to work with her to find the money for a full remediation.

City council is also in the process of filling Pro-Tem Yvonne Johnsons seat.

Yvonne Johnson stood for us. She wanted the community to have its needs met. They have really, really good candidates. I listened and I heard and I think that most of the people who were there want to do good for the community, said Johnson.

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Greensboro City Council Member, Sharon Hightower, said in a statement, We are limited by the funds that are available at this time. If in the future, adequate funding becomes available for full remediation, we will pursue it.

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Repair vehicles from the North Carolina Department of Transportation repair a partially cratered road in western North Carolina amid the recovery from Hurricane Helene. (Photo: NCDOT)

A bipartisan group of North Carolina federal lawmakers introduced a bill Wednesday aimed at rebuilding western North Carolinas private infrastructure through reimbursements from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The bill, entitled the Restoring Access to Mountain Homes Act, would allow the state, local, and tribal governments of North Carolina to be reimbursed for repairs to private roads and bridges damaged by Hurricane Helene that act as the only routes to homes and vital community services.

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More than 8,000 private roads and bridges in western North Carolina experienced significant damage from Hurricane Helene, according to Gov. Josh Steins office, cutting off access for thousands of rural residents. Such routes make up close to 50% of all roads in the western part of the state, and are often the only means of access for emergency services, mail delivery, school buses, and residents themselves.

U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards (Photo: House.gov)

The North Carolina Department of Transportation is already hard at work repairing these roads and bridges. Among Steins first executive orders was a directive to establish emergency assistance funds for such repairs and to waive some regulatory requirements to procure more repair services and expedite the inspection process.

The new bill was introduced by 11th District Republican Rep. Chuck Edwards of Flat Rock and is being co-led by Rep. Don Davis (D-NC1) and Rep. Tim Moore (R-NC14), while GOP Senators Ted Budd and Thom Tillis are pushing a companion effort in the Senate. It comes as the Trump administration questions the role of FEMA in disaster recovery and state officials express fears about the potential loss of federal funding should President Donald Trump succeed in pausing grant and loan programs.

Every disaster response official Ive heard from agrees on one thing: Hurricane Helene destroyed the greatest number of private roads and bridges theyve ever seen in one disaster, Edwards said in a statement. Without additional help from the federal government, some of these roads may never be repaired, so the federal support provided by this bill is critical to making sure WNC communities can finally rebuild.

U.S. Rep. Don Davis (Photo: House.gov)

State, local, or tribal officials would first need to inspect the damage and obtain permission to conduct the repairs, according to the bill. They would also be required to document all costs in accordance with FEMA requirements and keep the roads open for disaster recovery services during the repair process.

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The Restoring Access to Mountain Homes Act will provide local governments and the NC Department of Transportation the authority to repair essential infrastructure and receive reimbursement for those efforts, helping to ensure a smoother return to safety, stability, and peace of mind for those who depend on these vital connections to get to work, school, and go about their daily lives, Davis said. We must ensure a timely and effective recovery for western NC.

Without the state and federal measures, homeowners seeking road repairs would need to apply to FEMA directly for individual assistance, with the expectation that they would procure the repair services themselves, according to an agency fact sheet from October. That assistance is capped at $42,500 per applicant, which the lawmakers said is insufficient for many of the larger private infrastructure repairs that are needed.
Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) on Wednesday reintroduced a bill that would permanently repeal a policy that restricts sending federal foreign aid to groups providing abortion services after President Trump reinstated it last week.

The lawmakers move comes just days after Trump issued an executive order reinstating the policy, known as the Mexico City Policy or as the global gag rule by opponents. The policy requires foreign nongovernmental organizations to certify that they do not use any funding sources to pay for performing, counseling or providing information on abortions abroad as a condition for receiving U.S. funding.

The Global Gag Rule has had a detrimental effect on the ability of women around the world to access important health services and reproductive care, Shaheen said in a statement.

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We have made great strides towards ending preventable maternal and child deaths, reducing mother-to-child transmission of HIV and combating gender-based violence, she continued. The Global Gag Rule puts that progress at risk.

The bill, titled the Global Health, Empowerment and Rights (HER) Act, has been introduced several times in Congress by Murkowski and Shaheen. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) also previously sponsored the measure.

Murkowski said the legislation, which is supported by mostly Democratic senators, ensures that healthcare providers have continued stability to provide critical, often life-saving, care to women and girls everywhere.

The Mexico City Policy was first implemented during the second Reagan administration. The legislation has been rescinded by every Democratic president and reinstated by every Republican president since then.

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Trump previously restored the policy four days into his first term before former President Biden rescinded it again a week into his own.

Trumps latest order, issued last Friday, was part of a pair of actions to limit U.S. government funding for abortions, scaling back some of the Biden administrations efforts to increase access to the procedure.

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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.  After falling short during session last year, theres a new bipartisan push to ban child marriage in Missouri.

Right now, in Missouri, 16- and 17-year-olds can get married to anyone under 21 if they have parental consent. This legislation would eliminate that loophole by prohibiting marriage licenses to those under the age of 18.

Those supporting the bill said this protects children from physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.

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I ask that you please support that if Im not old enough to vote, I shouldnt be old enough to get married, Sheena Eastburn testified Wednesday. I support that we dont make more victims to child marriage in Missouri. That we stand and be the state that says no more.

Eastburn drove from Joplin to testify at the Senate hearing Wednesday, telling her own story of being married at the age of 15.

I endured mental, sexual, physical, and emotional abuse for two years, Eastburn said. I could not run away because I was still 16 and 17 during my marriage, and I could not get into a domestic shelter.

She was one of a handful who testified in favor of Senate Bill 66. Brandy Dredge from St. Joseph also traveled to Jefferson City to share her trauma of being married as a minor, in hopes of changing state law.

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It has taken me a lot of years to finally see, accept, and say I am a child marriage, domestic violence, and sex crime survivor, Dredge said. When I was 16, I met a 24-year-old man who lived with some boys I went to high school with, and he was a star in my teenage eyes. I believed that he hung the moon. Four months later I was pregnant, and a year after that, I was begging my mom to give parental consent for us to get married. Over the next nine years, the statistics surrounding child marriagewhich are the high likelihood of poverty, lack of further education, and enduring many forms of abusewould ring true in my marriage.

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Former senator from Sikeston, Holly Thompson Rehder, joined the group of women who told the committee why Missouri needs to join nearly a dozen other states in banning child marriage.

I got married at 15; my mother struggled with mental illness, Rehder said. I talked her into letting me get married to my 21-year-old boyfriend. Within a few months I had quit school; within five months I was pregnant. I was homeless at times; I didnt fit in with the people my age, with the kids anymore, but I wasnt an adult. I derailed my life because it was allowed.

Back in 2018, the General Assembly passed legislation to raise the minimum age to get married from 15 to 16 but still required signed approval from at least one parent. Those 16 and 17 could only be married to people under the age of 21.

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Its hard to fathom that your parent could commit you when youre 16 or 17 years old that they are going to sign you up for something that would last a lifetime, Sen. Tracy McCreery, D-St. Louis, said. When you start looking at the statistics 88% of children were still getting married when they were 16 or 17.

Senate Bill 66 is sponsored by McCreery. Republican Sen. Rick Brattin, R-Harrisonville, is sponsoring similar legislation. The two talking to reporters after the hearing about their renewed push for the legislation after it fell short of passing last year.

As a father of three daughters, I see that were not what we were sixty, seventy, eighty years ago, so I think now is a time that weve got to update the law, Brattin said. I was on the other side years ago because I had family that were married at very young ages generations ago, so there are just personal feelings knowing that family had been married at young ages, but were not there today.

According to the Department of Health and Senior Services, between 2019 and 2021, 225 minors were married in Missouri. Roughly 75% of those marriages were girls under the age of 18.

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The committee did not take action Wednesday but could as soon as next week.

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  The Birmingham Police Department has identified the two suspects arrested in relation to a homicide that occurred Monday.

At around 2:50 p.m. Monday, BPD responded to a call of a person down in the 2000 block of Carlos Avenue. Officers found Juan Chapman, 32, of Birmingham dead at the scene. According to BPD, an autopsy later revealed that Chapman had been shot.

Tuscaloosa police comment on video posted to Facebook

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Detectives with the BPD obtained arrest warrants for two suspects, identified as Wilbert Reynolds, Jr., 51, of Birmingham, and Dexter Jemison, 54, of Birmingham.

BPD says that community members assisted homicide detectives during the investigation, and within hours, BPDs Special Enforcement Divisions Crime Reduction Team was able to arrest both suspects at a residence in west Birmingham.

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Abby Berger of Bismarck stands Jan. 29, 2025, before a legislative committee hearing with a photo illustrating the large number of syringes and vials needed to help her conceive her child. (Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor)

State Rep. Karla Rose Hanson said Wednesday that bills protecting birth control and fertilization treatments are necessary because of efforts to erode reproductive health care rights.

Hanson, D-Fargo, testified before the House Human Services Committee on two bills she is sponsoring  House Bill 1478 on contraception and House Bill 1477 protecting fertility treatments.

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She said shes bringing the bills because of past attempts to limit reproductive rights and current efforts. For example, lawmakers this session will consider House Bill 1373, known as a personhood bill, which would define a human being to include an unborn child, and an unborn child as existing from the moment of fertilization.

Hanson said the bill would essentially make some forms of contraception a crime and threaten in vitro fertilization or IVF.

Rep. Karla Rose Hanson, D-Fargo, testifies Jan. 29, 2025, in favor of two bill reproductive rights bills she is sponsoring. (Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor)

Because of all these historical and current efforts, we do need an effort to protect infertility services, she said Wednesday. My constituents have expressed deep concern about their ability to access a range of reproductive health care, including contraception  as well as infertility care and specifically IVF.

Hansons comments came as she testified before the House Human Services Committee on two bills she is sponsoring  House Bill 1478 on contraception and House Bill 1477 protecting fertility treatments.

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Several people testified emotionally in support of fertility treatments that they said helped them start a family.

Abby Berger of Bismarck displayed a large photo of her child, surrounded by the syringes and vials used in fertility treatments.

This visual is a testament to the lengths families like mine will go, she said.

No one testified against either bill, and no opposing testimony was filed.

The committee did not take action on the bills but did have questions and comments.

Rep. Kathy Frelich, R-Devils Lake, said she was reluctant to single out contraception and fertility treatments when there are other much-needed medical treatments that are not protected by state law.

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Hanson referenced the court ruling in Alabama that shut down in vitro fertility treatments in that state.

I dont want that to happen to families in North Dakota, she said.

The same committee will likely hear the personhood bill, sponsored by Rep. Lori VanWinkle, R-Minot, next week.

There are other bills addressing reproductive rights this session.

Nurses on Wednesday packed a hearing for House Bill 1282 on fertility benefits for public employees.

Rep. Eric Murphy, R-Grand Forks, addresses abortion in House Bill 1488. A hearing has not yet been scheduled on that bill.

Murphy, a professor at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine, proposes to allow abortions through week 15 of pregnancy in North Dakota.

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North Dakotas current abortion law, passed in 2023, has been deemed unconstitutional, but an appeal is pending to the North Dakota Supreme Court.

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR)  A growing number of church leaders are speaking out about President Donald Trumps immigration policies, including Syracuses bishop, Douglas Lucia.

Given the tumultuous political landscape, Bishop Lucia has decided now is the time to give people a sense of direction as a leader in the Catholic Church.

Those who walk with us on the path of life on a daily basisthat we are certainly called to respect and take care of them, Bishop Lucia said.

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The bishop released a pastoral letter titled With Liberty and Justice For All, with the main message that everyone is a neighbor and should be treated justly.

But even if theyre a strangertheyre our neighbors, he said. That was the big question and the parable of the Good Samaritan Who is my neighbor? and Jesus responds with the parable of the Good Samaritan about the man lying alone alongside the roadno name, no nothingbut really important.

Bishop Lucia said he felt the need to release the letter, touching on immigration policy, because he wants everyone to exercise kindness during unprecedented times, especially towards migrants in Central New York.

Im very concerned, he said. We need to be careful that we dont disrespect people and so, again, thats my concern is that, again, its that respect for one another.

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BJ's Wholesale Club opened its first location in Kentucky on Friday in south Louisville near the Jefferson Mall.

The one-story, 103,100-square-foot store at 4807 Outer Loop includes a fuel center and marks BJ's 250th location. It sits on the site of the former Sears department store anchor of the mall.

A look inside BJs Wholesale Club that is opening in the former Sears location at Jefferson Mall. January 30, 2025

Our growth is the result of delivering unbeatable value and convenience to families for more than 40 years, said Bill Werner, executive vice president of strategy and development for BJs Wholesale Club, in a news release.

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Matt Leitao, the company's vice president of market development, previously told the Courier Journal the Massachusetts-based company believes BJ's is "a great fit for Louisville and a great fit for their hardworking families," citing BJ's 25% off grocery prices policy, which claims "BJ's (is) consistently more than 25% cheaper, on average, in total," than other regional competitors, according to its website.

The Courier Journal got a sneak peak at the membership club ahead of its debut. Here's what to know about the BJ's Wholesale Club opening in Louisville:

What is a BJ's Wholesale Club?

The Health & Beauty section inside BJs Wholesale Club that is opening in the former Sears location at Jefferson Mall. January 30, 2025

BJ's Wholesale Club, commonly referred to as BJ's, is an American membership-only warehouse club chain based in Marlborough, Massachusetts. It sells fresh foods, produce, full-service deli items, bakery goods, household essentials, home decor, pet supplies, toys, electronics and more.

How do you become a member of BJ's Wholesale Club?

A look inside BJs Wholesale Club that is opening in the former Sears location at Jefferson Mall. January 30, 2025

Louisville residents looking to become members of BJ's Wholesale Club can do so through the BJ's website. BJ's has two membership options: The Club Carb and The Club+ Card. For a limited time, local shoppers can sign up for The Club Card Membership at $55 for 1-year membership with BJs Easy Renewal and get a $40 welcome reward or The Club+ Card Membership at $110 for 1-year membership with BJs Easy Renewal and get an $80 welcome reward, according to the company.

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The Club+ Card Membership holders receive 5 off per gallon at BJs Gas and earn 2% back in rewards on most BJs purchases.

What are some BJ's Wholesale Club membership perks?

A look inside BJs Wholesale Club that is opening in the former Sears location at Jefferson Mall. January 30, 2025

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Some member perks include:

Use of BJs Gas locations and savings with the BJs Fuel Saver Program

Up to 25% off grocery store prices

A 100% money-back guaranteed membership

Can combine BJs coupons with other manufacturers coupons

Curbside pick-up, in-club pick-up, same-day delivery and standard delivery are available on BJs.com

Does BJ's Wholesale Club partner with any local organizations?

A look inside BJs Wholesale Club that is opening in the former Sears location at Jefferson Mall. January 30, 2025

As it opens its first Louisville store, BJs is partnering with Dare to Care Food Bank by donating unsold produce, meat, dairy and more every week.

Additionally, BJs Charitable Foundation has granted Dare to Care more than $57,000 to support its south Louisville mobile pantry program.

Were excited to collaborate with BJs Wholesale Club as a new community partner in Louisville, Vincent James, president and CEO of Dare to Care Food Bank, said in the release. This partnership will help deepen our mission of providing pathways to end hunger in our community.

What are the hours of the BJ's Wholesale Club in Louisville?

BJ's Wholesale Club at 4807 Outer Loop in Louisville is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m Sunday.

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Reach growth and development reporter Matthew Glowicki at mglowicki@courier-journal.com or 502-582-4000.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: BJ's Wholsale Club opens first Kentucky location in Louisville
A Black Hawk helicopter collided with an American Airlines flight during training.

The Black Hawk, a versatile military aircraft, is used for various operations.

The Black Hawk has millions of flight hours logged and is known as a "workhorse" aircraft.

The US Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter that collided with an American Airlines flight Wednesday evening is one of the most popular and recognizable helicopters in the US military, with variants of the aircraft serving in a range of roles.

Here's what you need to know about the Black Hawk.

What are Black Hawks used for?

The Black Hawk, which is made by Lockheed subsidiary Sikorsky Aircraft, is known as a military "workhorse" because of its versatility. It's used for battlefield medical evacuations, search and rescue operations, troop and cargo movement, and special operations, including high-profile missions by Army special operations.

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The Army has been flying the aircraft since 1979.

The aircraft was famously a feature of the 2001 film Black Hawk Down, based on a book of the same name that detailed US actions during the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu.

The US Navy's SEAL Team 6 also used two specially modified Black Hawks, one of which crashed and had to be destroyed, during their 2011 mission to kill 9/11 mastermind Osama Bin Laden.

What are its specifications?

According to Lockheed, the medium-sized aircraft can hold up to 12 fully-kitted troops  and more without gear  and can be reconfigured to fly passengers or injured troops.

Black Hawks usually have a three-person crew, including a pilot, co-pilot, and crew chief. They have an external hook capable of lifting up to 8,000 pounds, and their top speed is around 170 mph.

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The Black Hawk helicopter does not have any dedicated weapons systems, but it is equipped with mounts for machine guns and miniguns. It can also be outfitted with rockets and missiles, among other weaponry.

Flight crew members from the Texas Army National Guard prepare a UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter to take off. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Daryl Bradford, 100th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Army National Guard

Who makes the Black Hawk?

According to Lockheed, which now owns original developer Sikorsky, the company has built over 5,000 Black Hawks for three dozen nations since the program's inception.

The aircraft is named after the chief of the Native American Sauk tribe and has accumulated over 15 million flight hours.

Various versions of the aircraft have been released over the past four decades. Lockheed is working on even more advanced versions with more powerful engines that the company says could one day allow it to hover or fly autonomously. The Army has been looking into partnerships that could lead to that degree of autonomy.

A California Army National UH-60 Black Hawk outlined in pink for visibility and identification. Army National Guard photo/Spc. Eddie Siguenza

What's the Black Hawk's safety record?

Given its extensive use by the US military and numerous overseas operators, there have been a number of Black Hawk crashes over the years, including many incidents that have been fatal due to either human error or mechanical issues.

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Last year, an Israeli Black Hawk crashed during operations in Gaza. And in 2023, three separate Black Hawk crashes resulted in the death of 16 American service members. Those accidents included one midair collision, one ground crash, and another into the sea.

In mid-2023, Military.com, citing Army data, reported 60 training-related deaths over the past decade.

What happened just outside DC?

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said the American Airlines flight and its crew were undergoing annual proficiency training. The helicopter was part of the 12th Aviation Battalion out of Fort Belvoir, Va.

The 12th Aviation Battalion has a unique mission, ferrying VIP military leaders and government officials throughout the National Capital Region.

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"It was a fairly experienced crew," Hegseth said in his statement, adding that the crew had night vision goggles, though it's unclear if the night vision goggles were being used at the time of the crash.

US military pilots routinely train with night vision devices, part of larger military mandates that troops of all ranks perform certain proficiency training as part of their annual requirements. Military pilots are expected to be able to land in areas where a well-lit runway or bright aircraft lights could pose tactical risks, like attracting fire, and must train to perform in ultra-dark conditions.

Night-vision goggles sometimes limit depth perception and peripheral vision, and they can be difficult for new users to acclimate to.

For residents in DC and northern Virginia, it's not uncommon to see Black Hawk helicopters flying up and down I-395 or around the Beltway area.

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For one impressive shot of the Pentagon, DoD media officials coordinated a trip with the 12th Aviation Battalion in 2023. Planning for the aerial photography included a detailed flight plan coordinated with the Federal Aviation Administration and in-air communications with air-traffic controllers at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to deconflict airspace. These are routine 12th Aviation Battalion flight procedures.

The 12th Aviation Battalion helicopter collided with an American Airlines flight inbound to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Wednesday evening. All crew members and passengers are presumed dead. The current death toll is at least 67.

The cause of the collision is under investigation.

Read the original article on Business Insider
This story has been updated to clarify what we know about what Secretary Duffy meant by communication.

(NewsNation)  Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy revealed there was communication before an American Airlines flight and a military Black Hawk helicopter collided on Wednesday night.

The regional passenger jet was carrying 64 people en route from Kansas before crashing into a helicopter carrying three soldiers, sending both aircraft into the icy Potomac River near Washington, D.C.

Black Hawk knew plane was in area: Duffy

I dont want to say too much on the communication between the helicopter and the tower, and the airline and the tower, but I will say this: there was communication, Duffy said in a news conference Thursday.

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No survivors expected in passenger jet, Black Hawk crash near DC

It was, I would say, standard communication. So, there was not a breakdown  in communication between the military helicopter and the American Airlines flight.

When quizzed further, Duffy reiterated there was communication between the aircraft and the tower, adding: I would say the helicopter was aware there was a plane in the area.

Plane, helicopter crash near DC

As of Thursday morning, at least 28 bodies had been recovered from the Potomac River. Crews fear there are no survivors, which would make it the deadliest U.S. air crash in nearly 24 years.

The midair crash occurred shortly before 9 p.m. local time Wednesday, shutting down the airport until at least 11 a.m. Officials talked in terms of recovering the bodies of passengers rather than rescues.

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People who believe they have family members on the flights and are looking for further information are asked to call 800-697-8215.

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BLOUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WIAT)  CBS 42 has learned that the town of Blountsville does not know what happened to seven months worth of employee pension funds.

A concerned employee reached out to us last week saying that even though money was being taken out every paycheck, no contributions were being made to his retirement savings. We confirmed with the town and the retirement systems of Alabama that from June 25 of last year up until late last week, the town of Blountsville had not been paying into pensions.

It is still a mystery where the seven months worth of retirement savings from Blountsville employees went. The town did not alert employees that it was not paying into their retirement savings, and the town council says they were not aware until recently payments were not being made.

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This is something that totally caught us off guard and we are working very hard to get it caught up and make everything right, remarked councilmember Ray Baxley.

Nations Report Card: Alabama scores still below national average despite growth in 2024

Attorneys for police chief Shane Best, who is on paid leave pending a disciplinary hearing, brought up the missed payments in a letter to the town. They say the non-payment is illegal.

Under federal law it would be embezzlement for the town to take money from employees and to misappropriate the funds, or in this case, we dont know where the money is going, said Kristen Gochett, a associate attorney with Maxwell Tillman Lawfirm.

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A state auditor is investigating the towns financials. Councilman Ray Baxley says as of now he is not aware of anything criminal relating to the lack of retirement payments. But they do not know where the seven months worth of money taken from employees paychecks is.

We are hoping when they finish the audit, we will have an idea of where that money went, added Baxley.

The town has repaid pension funds through Dec. 10 of 2024. Baxley says that money came from tax revenue the town received at the beginning of the year.

We get tax revenue every month, so as that tax revenue comes in, we will make the submissions, and that is a priority for us right now, is getting that caught up, commented Baxley

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The Retirement Systems of Alabama says they are working with the town to get employees pensions up to date. Blountsville will have to pay a penalty to make up for lost interest on the money.

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Former Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) decried his corruption case as a political prosecution and invoked President Trumps legal battles as proof of a crooked justice system after he was sentenced to 11 years in prison Wednesday.

President Trump was right, Menendez said outside the New York federal courthouse. This process is political, and its corrupted to the core. I hope President Trump cleans up the cesspool and restores the integrity to the system.

The New Jersey Democrat was convicted of trading bribes for political favors last year. He resigned from the Senate soon after, though his downfall began earlier when he was forced to surrender his powerful post as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee after the charges against him were revealed.

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A New York jury found the ex-senator accepted lavish bribes from three businessmen and served as an agent of Egypt in exchange for his political clout. Menendez is the first-ever public official convicted of acting as a foreign agent while in office.

You were successful, powerful, you stood at the apex of our political system, U.S. District Judge Sidney Stein said while handing down Menendezs sentence, according to The Associated Press. Somewhere along the way, and I dont know when it was, you lost your way and working for the public good became working for your good.

Menendezs remarks come as Trumps Justice Department has moved to end criminal prosecutions of his political allies, including a former Republican lawmaker; those who participated in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack; and Trumps co-defendants in his federal classified documents case.

The ex-senator declined to answer questions from reporters about whether he is seeking a pardon from Trump, who faced his own legal troubles in Manhattan. The president has not commented on Menendezs case and whether clemency might be in the cards.

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Last year, Trump was convicted in New York state court of 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection with a hush money payment made to an adult film actress to keep quiet about their alleged affair ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

The two politicians, from opposing parties, were on trial at the same time.

Trump was sentenced earlier this month to an unconditional discharge, eschewing jail time while securing his status as the first person found guilty of a felony to assume the presidency. He appealed his conviction Wednesday.

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Former Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) was sentenced Wednesday to 11 years in prison for trading bribes for political favors.

Federal prosecutors levied allegations of bribery, extortion and acting as a foreign agent against Menendez, then-chair of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee, in fall 2023.

Last summer, he became the first public official ever convicted of acting as a foreign agent while in office.

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A New York jury found the senator and his wife, Nadine, accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, gold bars and luxury cars from three New Jersey businessmen.

In exchange, Menendez protected the halal meat certification monopoly of one of the businessmen, Wael Hana, in exchange for lucrative kickbacks, and intervened in separate criminal cases involving the other two men, Jose Uribe and Fred Daibes.

Before the judge handed down his sentence Wednesday, Menendez, 71, tearfully asked for leniency, citing his decades of public service.

You really dont know the man you are about to sentence, the ex-senator told U.S. District Judge Sidney H. Stein, according to The Associated Press.

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Menendezs attorneys argued that the case made him a national punchline, earning him the nickname gold bar Bob, which should serve as punishment in its own right. But the judge was not convinced.

You were successful; powerful. You stood at the apex of our political system, Stein said, according to the AP. Somewhere along the way, and I dont know when it was, you lost your way, and working for the public good became working for your good.

Menendez was ordered to report to prison by June 6. Outside the courthouse following his sentencing, he railed against the justice system and decried his case as a political prosecution.

President Trump was right, Menendez said, evoking Trumps own legal battles in New York. This process is political, and its corrupted to the core. I hope President Trump cleans up the cesspool and restores the integrity to the system.

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Hana was also sentenced Wednesday to just more than eight years in prison, and Daibes to a seven-year prison term.

Uribe, who pleaded guilty before facing trial, is set to be sentenced in June. Nadine Menendezs trial has been postponed several times due to ongoing breast cancer treatment and is now scheduled to begin in March.

As the powerful chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Menendez signed off on several multimillion-dollar weapons sales to Egypt, which he repeatedly asked his wife to relay to the businessmen, who then passed on the intel to Egyptian officials, between 2018 and 2022.

Following a nine-week trial, Menendez was found guilty on all 16 counts he faced. He resigned from Congress soon after.

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Federal prosecutors sought a 15-year prison term for Menendez, whose conduct they said constituted an extraordinary abuse of power and betrayal of the public trust.

The defendants crimes amount to an extraordinary attempt, at the highest levels of the legislative branch, to corrupt the nations core sovereign powers over foreign relations and law enforcement, the government wrote in its sentencing memorandum.

However, the recommendation is a downward departure from federal sentencing guidelines, which suggested a 24-to-30-year prison term. Prosecutors said the request for a lower  albeit still significant  sentence was based principally on Menendezs age.

The sentencing came on the heels of the judges decision not to toss Menendezs corruption conviction or grant a new trial, despite jurors having access to trial exhibits without proper redactions during their deliberations.

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Menendezs attorney previously requested a prison term of no more than two years, but after the ex-senators co-defendants were sentenced to seven years and eight years, respectively, he changed his request to a maximum of eight years.

Though the judge determined there was an infinitesimal chance the jurors even viewed the mistakenly sent materials, the former senator has repeatedly claimed prosecutorial misconduct and vowed to appeal.

The Associated Press contributed.

Updated at 4:35 pm EST

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RANKIN COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV)  A boil water notice has been issued for more than 4,000 customers in Rankin County.

Officials with the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) said a system-wide precautionary boil water notice was issued for 4,013 customers who are served by the Langford Water Association.

How to apply for Wild Hog Control Program in Mississippi

The notice was issued due to a line break. Residents will be notified immediately by the water system when the advisory is lifted.

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Health officials strongly recommend that all water be boiled for one minute before it is consumed.

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Trump border czar Tom Homan got personal after MSNBCs Joy Reid dismissed the wave of migrant arrests as performative.

Shes dumber than a box of rocks, Homan told Fox News host Jesse Watters on Tuesday. (Watch the video below.)

Homan hasnt been shy in responding to criticism of the arrests, a cornerstone of President Donald Trumps promise of mass deportations. The effort so far has reportedly focused on the undocumented immigrants who have been accused of serious crimes but is expected to go beyond that.

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After Mexican-American actor Selena Gomez posted and then deleted a video of her sobbing over the raids earlier this week, Homan said bluntly, No apologies.

Reid, who had New York Attorney General Letitia James as a guest, called the raids performative and accused Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem of cosplaying during a recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement crackdown in New York City. Many of the highly publicized missions have been targeting sanctuary cities.

Homan seemed to purposely ignore the poor optics of calling Reid, who is Black, dumb. He then leaned on a familiar refrain supporting his efforts.

Were protecting the community, he said. Were saving children. Were going to secure that border so less Americans die of fentanyl deaths. Were securing the border so less women and children are sex trafficked. ... Were saving this nation. Were making America safe again. So they need to get out of the way because were coming. Were going to do it. Theyre not going to stop us.

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ICE has made more than 4,500 arrests since last Thursday, USA Today reported.

In the final year under former President Joe Bidens administration, which was accused of being soft on immigration, more than 271,000 were deported, according to an ICE report.

Related...
BOSSIER CITY, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  Bossier City Council in a meeting, voted to move the issue of term limits on the May 4th ballot.

Theres been a lengthy investigative process over the quality of the petition, questions that have been raised, a couple court battles, but ultimately the petitioners won, said Councilman At Large Chris Smith with the Bossier City Council.

The term limits would be that anyone who has held office for more than three terms would no longer be eligible to run.

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Two petitions were submitted to the Bossier City Council. More than 2,900 signatures were certified on July 25 by the Bossier Registrar of Voters.

In September 2024, Cassie Mae Rogers, a Bossier City resident and member of the Bossier Term Limits Coalition, filed a writ of mandamus, a legal directive from a higher court to compel a government official or entity to perform their duties correctly.

Several council members continued to vote down the resolution- until now.

Before the unanimous vote by city council, many Bossier residents made comments that they were frustrated the resolution took so long to pass.

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Its on the agenda because the second circuit court of appeals said you have to. This body twice ignored lawful petition presented, which is a first amendment protected activity, said Bossier Parish resident and sobo.live editor Weston Wes Merriot.

Rogers who filed the lawsuit back in September 2024 also spoke, saying I can describe the actions of this council as wild, unbelievable, malfeasance, dereliction in duty, unlawful and so many more, but the bottom line is, is that they had a choice, and Mr. Mayor actions have consequences, trust me when I say that if the roles were reversed, and you broke any of these city laws, you wouldnt be allowed to be the mayor anymore let alone be a free man.

Councilman Smith who has been a longtime supporter of term limits said that some councilmembers wanted to do their due diligence that the process was done by the book.

The second circuit court of appeals did not say that they were guilty of anything, it just said that should they not perform their administerial duties, they could be in violation of the law, said Smith.

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The motion was passed by all five present councilmembers. Councilmen Vince Maggio and Jeffery Darby were not present.

Bossier Term Limits has been a topic that Bossier Mayor Tommy Chandler has supported.

Public information officer for Bossier City, Louis Johnson said, Mayor Chandler has been a big supporter of term limits, so he too was glad to see that the citizens will have an opportunity to vote on it. We took the long route if you would, but I think that those who opposed had a right to do so, and so now that we see that the courts have made their ruling, we are proud to abide by that ruling, and were proud that the citizens will have a chance to be heard.

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A man who planned to marry the suspect in the killing of a U.S. Border Patrol agent has himself been arrested and accused of murdering a California resident just three days before the agent was fatally shot, court records show.

The charges against the man, Maximilian Snyder, are the latest twist in the saga involving his partner, Teresa Youngblut, 21, of Seattle. She is accused of opening fire on Border Patrol agents during a traffic stop in northern Vermont last week, setting off a shootout that resulted in the death of agent David Chris Maland. A German national traveling with Youngblut was also killed.

U.S. Border Patrol agent David Maland.

Youngblut was reported missing by her parents in May 2024, according to police records. Her parents told Seattle officers at the time that Youngblut had left home, changed her phone number and cut off contact with her friends, a police report obtained by NBC News says.

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The parents were concerned that Youngblut may have been forced to take these actions or that she may be in a controlling relationship, the police report says.

The report does not identify Snyder by name, but he and Youngblut filed a marriage application in November 2024, according to court records in King County, Washington.

They had both attended the Lakeside School, a prestigious private high school in Seattle. Snyder went on to study philosophy and computer science at the University of Oxford in the U.K., according to his LinkedIn page. Youngblut had been studying computer science at the University of Washington.

Two months after the couple applied for a marriage license, police say Snyder fatally stabbed a man in Vallejo, California, 30 miles northeast of San Francisco, on Jan. 17.

Curtis Lind, the man Snyder is accused of killing.

The victim, Curtis Lind, 82, was killed not long before he was set to testify against two people charged in a horrifying assault on him in 2022.

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Lind was stabbed multiple times, had a sword impaled through his chest and ultimately lost his right eye" on Nov. 13, 2022, his family said on a GoFundMe page.

Curtis Lind after the November 2022 attack.

A man who was living in a mobile home on Linds property, Patrick McMillian, told NBC Bay Area in 2022 that the incident stemmed from an eviction dispute.

He banged on my door and I woke up and came out, McMillan said. He said Im dying, and he had blood squirting out and a sword sticking through him.

McMillan said Lind managed to shoot two of the attackers during that assault, killing one and wounding the other.

C.L. was a witness to a crime who was intentionally killed for the purpose of preventing his testimony in a criminal proceeding, Snyder's criminal complaint says.

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No other details were provided. But two of the suspects in the attack on Lind were set to go on trial this year, records show. Snyder's connection to the suspects is unclear, and there are no allegations against Youngblut in the case.

Snyder has been charged with murder. His lawyer declined to comment, and his family could not be reached.

Prosecutors say the California killing may not be the only one carried out by associates of Youngblut's.

Federal prosecutors in Vermont said in court papers that the guns possessed by Youngblut and Felix Bauckholt, the man she was with at the time of the shooting of the Border Patrol agent, were bought by an individual who is a person of interest in a double homicide in Pennsylvania. No other information was provided.

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Prosecutors have not said whether they believe Maland, the fallen agent, was struck by one of the bullets Youngblut allegedly fired or by a shot from a fellow officer. Youngblut has been charged with two federal weapons counts. Her lawyer has declined to comment.

Prosecutors have said that Youngblut and Bauckholt were traveling with a large collection of weapons and tactical gear, including 48 rounds of .380-caliber jacketed hollow point ammunition, a ballistic helmet and night vision equipment.

The pair had been under surveillance by Homeland Security Investigations in the days prior to the shooting, according to court documents, after a hotel employee reported concerns about them. The pair were wearing all-black, tactical style clothing with protective equipment, and Youngblut was seen carrying a gun, court documents say.

When their Toyota Prius was pulled over, Bauckholt, the registered owner, appeared to have an expired visa in a Department of Homeland Security database, according to court documents. But the FBI has said that Bauckholt's visa was, in fact, current.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA)  8 On Your Side continues to uncover how millions of dollars were siphoned out of a medical trust fund company leaving thousands of disabled people questioning how they will provide for their future care.

A federal bankruptcy judge has found Pinellas County businessman Leo Govoni liable for $120 million in missing money. But now, as the alleged victims look forward to getting answer, 8 On Your Side has discovered this isnt the first time Govoni has faced allegation of misusing money placed in his care.

Leslie Corwin and her son, Timmy, lived in Bradenton in 2003. They were left clueless to what was happening to Timmys medical malpractice settlement money. A lawsuit then alleged the gross mishandling of funds by Leo Govoni allegations that still linger two decades later.

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I was not aware of anything they were investing, Corwin said. I had no clue.

Corwin spoke to 8 On Your Side Investigator Mark Douglas back in 2003. Corwins son was awarded $1.1 million in a malpractice settlement when he was 7 years old. That money was required under Florida law to be placed with state guardians to handle. Our investigation at the time found, one day Timmy had $2.7 million in his account, but then almost overnight a report revealed some of Timmys financial handlers blew $1.6 million of his money in what auditors had called a fire sale.

The investments that were made in our view were entirely inappropriate for the guardianship, said Bob Melton, Pinellas County auditor.

Melton was the top auditor in Pinellas County at the time. He had said the Pinellas guardianship agency, Adult Comprehensive Protection Services, gave Leo Govonis investment firm, Boston Asset Management, free reign to invest half of Timmys money.

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Boston Asset Management could do whatever they wanted to do with it, Melton told 8 On Your Side.

Auditors said Govoni made an average of 10 commission-based trades a month buying and selling what the auditors called risky stocks.

Timmys attorney then filed a lawsuit alleging ACPS and Govoni gambled with Timmys medical settlement losing him millions. The suit also said Govoni had a long history of customer complaints on file with state securities regulators.

A year later, Pinellas prosecutors investigated and found no criminal wrongdoing. Investigative Reporter Brittany Muller was not able to reach Leslie or Timmy to find out where they are today, but back then, Leslie feared for her sons financial future.



Its supposed to last him the rest of his life, Corwin said.



If that story sounds all too familiar, its because hundreds of people with disabilities gave Govonis non-profit, the Center for Special Needs Trust Administration, money from large settlements to hold in trust intended to provide for their future care. Now these alleged victims are left in the same position wondering where their money went.



This money was put in there for her and her future, said Louis Capasso, Elenas dad.

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I trusted them, said Theresa Schlosser, Sarahs mom. I gave them an open dollar for them to take my daughters money.

I hope they take the person and people that have done this or started this process accountable 100%, said Nicalea Gonzalez, Amoras mom.



In the case of the now-bankrupt center, the federal judge found Govoni liable for $120 million dollars as the FBI investigates. The agency said, its still an ongoing investigation, and the FBI does not discuss actions taken in the course of a criminal investigation.

Govoni has not been charged with a crime.

Leo Govonis Boston Asset Management is still operating on 49th Street North in Clearwater. Its located at the same address as many other Govoniowned businesses including Big Storm Brewery.

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Last week, a federal judge approved a restraining order to prevent Govoni from selling off assets from his nearly 200 companies, including Boston Asset Management.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
(Bloomberg) --

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President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Brazil is prepared to respond if Donald Trump places new tariffs on the countrys products, although he hopes to improve trade relations with the US instead.

Trump has repeatedly threatened to place tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada as soon as Feb. 1, while at times listing Brazil among the nations that levy steep costs on the US-made items.

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If he puts tariffs on Brazilian products, there will be reciprocity in Brazil in putting tariffs on exported products from the US, Lula told reporters Thursday in Brasilia. Its simple.

For my part, I want to improve our relationship. Export more if necessary, import more if necessary, he added.

The Brazilian leader did not offer specifics on goods his government could target, or those that may face risks from the US. But the stance mimics the posture of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has said his nation is ready to respond with counter-tariffs if Trump follows through on his threats. Mexicos Claudia Sheinbaum, meanwhile, has said her government has plans for how to respond but has not offered details.

Lula, who backed Kamala Harris in the US election, also criticized Trump for pledging to exit the Paris climate agreement and for pulling the US out of the World Health Organization, saying the moves were a step backward for human civilization.

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It was the sharpest criticism Lula has leveled at the new US leader since wishing him a successful term last week. On his first day in the White House, Trump said he expected great relations with Brazil because they need us much more than we need them.

Interest Rates and Inflation

The comments came during a wide-ranging press conference  Lulas first of the year  in which the leftist leader discussed rising interest rates, potential diesel price increases from state-controlled oil firm Petroleo Brasileiro SA, and Brazils fiscal situation.

Lula reaffirmed his support for new central bank chief Gabriel Galipolo, a day after policymakers hiked the benchmark Selic a full percentage point to 13.25%. The monetary authority had signaled the move in December and plans to deliver another one-point increase in March as it seeks to tamp down inflation.

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Galipolo is doing his part to deliver the lowest inflation and lowest interest rates possible, Lula said, adding that this weeks rate hike had come as anticipated. Im sure he will create the conditions to deliver a lower interest rate to the Brazilian people, as long as policy allows him to do so.

Analysts expect inflation to remain above the banks 3% target through 2028 as high public spending, resilient demand and record-low unemployment drive Latin Americas largest economy.

Surging food costs are denting Lulas popularity, but the leftist leader said he would not take any radical measures to combat them as his government weighs its options. He also said he is not currently considering new spending cut proposals after a package of reductions failed to ease investor concerns about Brazils deficits and public debt trajectory at the end of 2024.

I have no other fiscal measure, he said. If during the year there is a need to do something else, we will bring the government together and discuss it. But, if its up to me, theres no other fiscal measure.

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Petrobras

Lula also weighed in on the possibility of diesel price increases from Petrobras, as the state-run oil company is known.

I have not yet been notified if Petrobras will increase the price, and it does not need to notify me, he said. If it reaches a decision that it is important for Petrobras to make an adjustment, it should do so.

Shares in Petrobras, which has faced worries over government intervention in its pricing policy, gained following the remarks.

Lula also pledged to aid top miner Vale SA overcome challenges to its operations in Brazil as the companys new management heralds the start of a closer relationship with the government. The miner wasnt talking to the government before about hurdles in its critical minerals projects, but now is willing to change that, he said.

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--With assistance from Beatriz Reis, Alex Vasquez and Leda Alvim.

(Adds additional Lula comments and details from seventh paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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By Lisandra Paraguassu and Ricardo Brito

BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazilian and U.S. officials agreed on Wednesday to discuss regularly how Washington will deport migrants from Brazil, as some leaders in Latin America have balked at what they see as poor treatment of their citizens on repatriation flights.

Brazil's foreign affairs ministry said in a social media post that the talks will be led by officials from the ministry and the U.S. embassy, after the ministry summoned a senior U.S. diplomat earlier this week over the treatment of recent deportees that local officials condemned as degrading.

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U.S. President Donald Trump, who took office last week, has escalated a crackdown on unlawful migration to the United States that has included deportations using military planes and shackling of migrants.

The ministry noted that the new working group will exchange information and ensure "safety and dignified and respectful treatment" for Brazilians on permitted deportation flights.

The ministry added the parties have agreed to establish a direct line of communication to follow flights in real time.

The push for increased dialogue over the politically sensitive issue comes after Colombia and the United States pulled back from the brink of a trade war on Sunday provoked by a spat over deportation flights.

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Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski said on Wednesday that Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva had asked Foreign Affairs Minister Mauro Vieira to seek out a new agreement with the United States over the deportations.

The president wants to ensure that Brazilians are returned with "a minimum of dignity and that their fundamental rights are respected," Lewandowski said.

(Reporting by Ricardo Brito and Lisandra Paraguassu in Brasilia; Writing by Andre Romani; Editing by David Alire Garcia and Cynthia Osterman)
Gov. Patrick Morrisey addresses media during a news briefing Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, alongside House Speaker Roger Hanshaw (center) and Senate President Randy Smith (right) at the Capitol in Charleston, W.Va. (Caity Coyne | West Virginia Watch)

The 2025 regular session of the West Virginia Legislature is going to look different than other recent sessions in one major way: Gov. Patrick Morrisey plans to be present and engaged with legislative leadership throughout the entire 60 days.

Morrisey, House Speaker Roger Hanshaw and Senate President Randy Smith addressed the media on Wednesday, saying communication and collaboration were going to be key to their approach for the session, which starts on Feb. 12.

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I thought it was important to let the public know that as your new governor, were busy working away with some of the terrific leaders of the House and the Senate to try to put together a legislative agenda thats really going to make West Virginia proud, Morrisey said.  Its my hope that were going to have sustained, regular communications throughout the rest of the session and leading deep into the remainder of the year.

The strategy for governance will differ greatly from that of former Gov. Jim Justice, who took a mostly hands-off approach with the Legislature and rarely appeared at the Capitol during the 60-day sessions.

Smith, who was elected in early January as Senate president, said the change was refreshing. In previous sessions, he said, he often found out about information or directives coming from the executive branch from the press instead of from official sources.

This is how government is supposed to work, Smith said.  [I]ts a breath of fresh air. The communication that we have now with the governor and with the speaker  were all friends, and we communicate often and I dont think itll be the problem weve had in the past where were blindsided with stuff we didnt know was coming.

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No specific policy announcements or legislative agendas were shared Wednesday. Morrisey said hed like to see some announcement soon on 20 to 25 pieces of legislation that could be passed early in session by the Republican majorities in both chambers.

As of right now, the largest known issue looming over this legislative session will be the expected $400 million budget shortfall for fiscal year 2026. At a news briefing on Tuesday, Morrisey outlined some specific budget line items  Medicaid, the Public Employee Insurance Agency, higher education and more  where a permanent, stable funding source is needed to continue operations.

The expected deficit is largely the result of previous tax cuts, where permanent funding sources were never designated to replace the decreased revenue streams.

For several years, the state has been receiving one-time federal monies, largely from COVID-19 era funding programs. Now, those funds have expired and the strategy for the state budget must change.

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During the previous environment of surplus  which was often heavily touted by Justice  Hanshaw said the Legislature attempted to focus on putting as much one-time money as possible into one-time expenditures, like infrastructure investments, facility maintenance projects and more.

Now, though, things are different. Under directives given by Morrisey, its likely that cuts will have to be made somewhere in the state budget to fill deficits and keep programs afloat. Where those cuts will come, however, remains unknown at this time.

Its a prioritization equation for us as we think about what the calculus of moving the overall economic trajectory of West Virginia looks like, Hanshaw said. We want to continue to invest in our fixed assets and our infrastructure  which has a return on investment  to the full extent we can, knowing that sometimes we wont be able to do it to the extent that we would like.

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The British government may soon change a law that led to the wrongful convictions of hundreds of postmasters for financial crimes. Over more than 15 years, Britain's state-owned Post Office prosecuted and convicted more than 700 postmasters, with 230 serving time in prison, when internal software reported missing money. British law says evidence generated by a computer is automatically assumed to be correct, and it is the defendant's burden to prove it wrong. Postmasters complained all along that the software generated false information, but postal authorities dismissed the complaints. When the government did finally look into the issue, it found the system was prone to errors, reporting shortfalls in accounts when there actually were none.

The post Brickbat: Coding Error appeared first on Reason.com.
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Authorities are investigating an armed robbery of a Brinks armored truck Wednesday afternoon in south Charlotte.

Officers were called to the intersection of Rea Road and Audrey Kell Road around noon on Wednesday, Jan. 29, according to a police report.

The report states that a 24-year-old Brinks employee was robbed at gunpoint. The suspect got away with the employees 9mm pistol, some ammunition, ATM keys and a canvas bag. It is unclear if any money was taken.

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The gun has been put into the National Crime Information Center database as stolen.

Queen City News observed police activity around a Brinks truck in the parking lot of a nearby Truist Bank in the Blakeney community.

QCN reached out to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police and the Charlotte FBI for further information who confirmed an investigation was underway but would not give any more details.

Chick-fil-A is right next door and a spokesperson confirmed with Queen City News that the incident did not occur on their property and no team members were hurt.

Police have not said if the suspect has been caught.

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.
Power developer Al Adelson is courting the aging Portofino waterfront condominium in West Palm Beach with a $150 million offer that some owners call a life-changing windfall and others an unwanted eviction.

Adelson, who built the ultra-luxury Bristol condominium on the citys Intracoastal Waterway, has touted Portofinos North Flagler Drive location because it also sits directly on the water and could be razed and rebuilt to give more units ocean views.

But owners in the 56-year-old building are at odds. Both sides are hoping to sway the other with casual hallway chats, and formal in-depth white papers on the pros of taking the money, or refusing the sale knowing pricey repairs are pending. One analysis was from a group of owners called "The committee to stay and pay."

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For some people its a second or third home. For other people, its their only home, said Portofino owner Cynthia Witter, who is undecided about a sale. This is a very peaceful place, and its turned into a lot of pressure for people and a lot of fighting over money.

And there is a caveat. According to owners interviewed for this story and documents reviewed by The Palm Beach Post, Adelson also wants La Fontana, a similarly designed building directly north of Portofino, whose owners are more keen on selling for the same $150 million price.

The deal will only go through if both buildings agree to sell, providing Adelson a 5.5-acre waterfront footprint. Another stipulation: He'll only pay if he can get zoning for a 25-story building at site. If Portofino declines the offer, La Fontana plans to try and sell on its own, which could reduce future bids for Portofino, a Jan. 20 email to residents from the president said.

At the Portofino, divided equally, the $150 million would mean about $1.2 million for each owner. But water views should be worth more than views of the parking lot, and three-bedroom units should bring a bigger boon than studios, owners argue.

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More: Related Ross hopes to get another foothold on Flagler by buying waterfront condominium

Also, about 30% of the 125 units are homesteaded, meaning the owners consider them their permanent residences. Some of those owners are anxious about where they will go and concerned about what they can afford in the current market.

It can be a very sad situation if you have a community of people that have been stable and working together for the betterment of everyone which is suddenly divided, said Michael Gelfand, a West Palm Beach attorney who specializes in real estate and association law.

A majority of Portofino residents, 92 in all, said in an informal survey completed in January that they wanted to take the next step in discussing a sale to Adelson. That includes creating a sale advisory committee to look for a law firm to represent Portofino and work with owners on how best to divide the $150 million, according to a Jan. 16 note to owners from the condo association president.

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Time is of the essence, and we must act swiftly but carefully, the note said.

Portofino, at 2600 North Flagler Drive, is among a handful of West Palm Beach condominiums that are facing similar conundrums as their buildings age and developers clamor for waterfront property.

In a one-block area of Flagler Drive south of downtown West Palm Beach, owners at the 1960s-era Flagler House condominium agreed to sell  some reluctantly  to developers who want to build an 18-story luxury condominium, and owners at the Southbridge Condominium are being solicited by two developers to sell their units on terms not everyone likes.

More: Florida condo owners will pay more in 2025. Time is running out to sell. | Opinion

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Condo buyouts can be a lifesaver for owners of older units who are facing significant costs under new safety laws passed following the Surfside condominium collapse in 2021. The law also requires that money be set aside in reserves and safety inspections completed.

Portofino condominium at 2600 North Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach.

Portofino passed its so-called milestone inspection with no structural concerns, but costs to maintain an older building can still be daunting.

Chris Aumente, who owns a 450-square-foot studio apartment at the Portofino on North Flagler, is eager to sell to Adelson. He said hes paying $600 a month in assessments and fees that included costs for concrete restoration and new elevators.

A new roof is underway, there are potential repairs to the seawall and Portofino still needs to install a mandated fire sprinkler system or engineered life safety system required by law, Aumente said.

Stay up to date on South Florida's sizzling real estate market and sign up for The Dirt weekly newsletter, delivered every Tuesday! Exclusively for Palm Beach Post subscribers.

I think this is the most fortuitous opportunity of these peoples lives. There is a contingent that thinks they can get more, and that is laughable, said Aumente, who is also a real estate agent. How are people who want to stay going to be received when youre all sitting around the pool facing a $25,000 assessment?

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Witter, who also owns a unit in La Fontana, said recent projects at Portofino have had pricey overruns requiring people to come up with big chunks of money in shortened time periods.

Shes also worried about the $35.5 million refurbishment of Currie Park, and whether it will be a Coney Island or Central Park. Portofino is directly north of Currie Park.

More: Why did West Palm pick a firm whose CEO is under fraud indictment to rebuild Currie Park?

People buy a condominium, and you really dont know what the rest of the community is like, and now youre shoved into a situation where you have to make a decision that affects everyones lives, Witter said.

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So residents are keeping tallies of yay and nay votes. To terminate a condominium, it must be approved by 80% of unit owners, but if 5% or more vote no, it can block the sale and another vote cant happen for two years.

Aumente said he counts 14 people (11%) who are against a sale.

La Fontana (left) at 2800 North Flagler Drive and Portofino at 2600 North Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach.

Laurence and Iris Gardner, who dont want to sell, said their informal survey of no votes is up to 32 residents, or 25%.

The Gardners bought their waterfront three-bedroom unit with views of the Intracoastal from every room in 2018. They said they cant afford something comparable at todays prices.

West Palm Beach is really exploding and there are a lot of rich people moving here, Iris Gardner said. We are not rich, but we have been able to live here so far, and we would like to stay.

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Kimberly Miller is a journalist for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA Today Network of Florida. She covers real estate, weather, and the environment. Subscribe to The Dirt for a weekly real estate roundup. If you have news tips, please send them to kmiller@pbpost.com. Help support our local journalism: Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: West Palm Beach waterfront property demand spurs more condo buyout offers
One component of the budget detailed was how the district's 1.09% sales tax would be spent.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  A man has been indicted for allegedly breaking into several Brookville school buildings this month.

The Montgomery County Grand Jury indicted Noah Wolfe on seven counts related to a break-in at Brookville High School on Jan. 18.

WPAFB executive officer relieved of command

Wolfe has been charged with:

Two counts of Breaking and Entering (unoccupied structure)  a fifth degree felony

Two counts of Safecracking  a fourth degree felony

Two counts of Misdemeanor Theft

One county of Vandalism (Business & $1,000 or more)  a fifth degree felony.

The incident was first reported by Brookville Police on that Saturday, as they asked for the publics help to identify the suspect who broke in around 5 a.m. Police say the man gained entry into the building and caused damage to several rooms.

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Police also connected this individual to a break-in at the Board of Education building on Jan. 8.

A spokesperson with the Prosecutors Office told 2 NEWS Wolfe is also accursed of breaking into a detached garage in the 8000 block of Huffman Road in Jefferson Township on Sept. 24, 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 WDTN.com.
A Broward 10-grader was arrested at his home Wednesday night, accused of writing a threat on social media to shoot up a high school, police said.

The 15-year-old boy, a student at South Broward High School in Hollywood, was messaging in a group chat on Snapchat on Wednesday evening with other students and wrote threats of a shooting at Charles W. Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines, Amanda Conwell, a Pembroke Pines Police spokesperson, said in a news release Thursday.

One of the other students in the Snapchat group called police, and Threat Assessment Team detectives went to the boys home, Conwell said. He was taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center and is facing one count of electronic threats to kill, which is a felony in Florida.

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The boy is one of several to be arrested throughout the 2024-2025 school year for making a written threat. Law enforcement agencies and Broward County Public Schools officials continually remind parents and students about the consequences of making the threats, which often lead to expulsion and sometimes costly police investigations.

Last week, a Coral Springs Charter School student was arrested after allegedly writing a similar threat to shoot up the school, Coral Springs Police said.

At the start of the school year, nine students ages 11 to 15 had been arrested within one month for making threats, which were often posted on Snapchat, Instagram or TikTok.

Students arent getting the message on school threats, superintendent says after another arrest
Blaming staff shortages and an unsafe building to work in, the Broward Sheriffs Office will no longer send deputies to work at the states Department of Justices Juvenile Assessment Center.

Informally known as juvie, the center takes in any child age 17 and younger who has been detained for a misdemeanor or a felony. Regardless of which police department makes an arrest, a child is handed over to the Sheriffs Office personnel at the Fort Lauderdale facility for a pat-down security screening and search for contraband.

Currently, the Sheriffs Office staffs the facility 24 hours a day, and after intake, turns the child over to the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, which is then responsible for the youths, which means getting them to their first appearance in court, as well as providing security at the site.

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Public Defender Gordon Weekes said the BSO letter was a surprise to all of us involved.

You have to have some form of law enforcement there to assist, he said. The quality of services will be diminished without BSOs involvement in JAC. They are a significant partner in the JAC.

It may have serious repercussions how that JAC will operate, he added.

In a letter dated Monday from Sheriffs Col. Timothy Irvin II to the Department of Juvenile Justices Chief Teves Bush, Irvin wrote that effective May 2, the Sheriffs Office will no longer provide deputies to the Juvenile Assessment Center.

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Additionally, BSO will remove all agency-owned equipment and reassign sworn staff from the JAC facility, he wrote.

He wrote that this decision has not been made lightly.

He blamed the critical staffing shortages currently affecting the Broward Sheriffs Office in the Department of Detention as the primary reason.

To ensure the safety and proper operation of the Broward County jails, it is imperative that we redirect sworn personnel to meet these pressing needs, Irvin wrote.

But he blamed other factors too, such as the discontinuation of funding support from external organizations, operational inefficiencies and the high cost of employing certified detention deputies at the JAC compared to alternative models used by neighboring counties.

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Irvin wrote that the aging JAC building has significant maintenance with recurring safety concerns that include air quality issues and structural hazards.

The Sheriffs Office did not comment beyond statements contained in the letter and did not provide their staffing numbers or an explanation about the shortages.

A spokeswoman with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice could not immediately comment.

(Article continues after this document.)

Mondays letter was not the first sign of internal stress in the county jails.

Last fall the county signed off on an additional $34.7 million out of the countys pot of reserves above the sheriffs regular $681.5 million budget to satisfy Sheriff Gregory Tonys request, which included $8 million for raises for detention deputies.

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The county acknowledges the Sheriffs request for a continuation of salary range adjustments for Department of Detention sworn staff for the next two fiscal years and will prioritize this request consistent with the priorities submitted by the Sheriff, the county wrote in its budget.

In June, Tony complained he was trying to recruit and retain, but the starting salary for jail deputies is $54,675  with other counties pay much more; Sarasota starts at $72,882.

People are leaving, Tony told county commissioners at the time, referring to pay concerns. We cant keep people here.

Lisa J. Huriash can be reached at lhuriash@sunsentinel.com. Follow on X, formerly Twitter, @LisaHuriash
The European Commission met on Thursday with representatives from the automotive sector in an effort to find political solutions for the ailing European car industry.

"The European automotive industry is at a pivotal moment, and we acknowledge the challenges it faces," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

"The fundamental question we need to answer together is what we still miss to unleash the innovative power of our companies and ensure a robust and sustainable automotive sector," von der Leyen said.

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The outcome of the talks is to be presented on March 5, von der Leyen said.

European car manufacturers are struggling to significantly increase their sales of battery-powered cars in the face of cheaper competition from China.

Additional financial pressure is being created by an EU law that imposes fines on car manufacturers if they exceed the so-called fleet limits for CO2 emissions, which are to be tightened from 2025.

According to the commission, 13 million jobs are linked to the automotive industry in the EU and it contributes around 1 trillion to the EU's gross domestic product.

BMW, Renault, Volkswagen and Volo are among the participants of Thursday's talks, as are the European Transport Workers Federation and civil society organisation Transport & Environment.

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Last year the commission imposed extra tariffs on imported electric vehicles made in China in an attempt to support the domestic automotive production, a move that left many manufacturers with factories in China unhappy.

BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Tesla announced earlier this week that they would challenge the tariffs in the European Court of Justice.

BMW, whose imported cars are subject to a 20.7% tariff on top of the existing 10% duty, said the tariffs would limit the range of electric cars available to European customers and make the transition to climate-friendly transport more difficult.

Despite the lawsuit, the company hopes a political solution can be reached.
WINDSOR, UK (WIVT/WBGH)  Binghamton University Chemistry Professor and Nobel Prize winner Stan Whittingham has added another prestigious honor to his collection, Knight Bachelor of the British Empire. Whittingham was dubbed Sir M. Stanley Whittingham during an investiture ceremony presided over by Princess Anne at Windsor Castle in England on January 15th.

The Princess used the ceremonial sword to make light taps on each of his shoulders while conferring the honor on him. His wife Georgina, who may now use the title Lady, his son Michael and daughter Jennifer also attended the event.

Whittingham, who grew up in Stamford, England, and came to the US in 1968 to attend Stanford University, says he doesnt know who nominated him.

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Im still a proud citizen of the U.K. as well as the U.S. It was given for contributions to chemistry so it was still science. The other fellow who got a knighthood was for sustainability so theyre looking at, I would say, green energy in particular this time around, Whittingham said.

Whittingham says a third person, a woman, was given the title of Dame that day. He says he made small talk with Princess Anne who was friendly and wanted to know why he didnt return to live in Great Britain.

Whittingham received a special medal that, while it came with a strap, is meant to be worn pinned to the knot of a tie during formal occasions.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA)  The South Carolina Treasurer defended his actions to a House committee Wednesday, amid calls for his resignation.

Lawmakers are investigating what was thought to be a $1.8 billion accounting error.

The budget hearing turned into a questioning of Treasurer Curtis Loftis about the mysterious $1.8 billion, the first time hes been questioned since a new report was released.

An independent financial accounting firm, Alix Partners, released a report which states the $1.8 billion never fully existed and was just an accounting error.

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During questioning Wednesday, Loftis told the Constitutional Ways and Means Subcommittee that he felt this had turned into a political witch hunt because all the money is there.

Everybody says what money is missing, where did it go and who got it, and that none of it happened and that this is an accounting entry, Loftis said. They are out raged. Im getting calls from all over the world.

Representative Micah Caskey said one big issue is since the people involved never reported the error, taxpayers are spending millions of dollars to solve the issue.

We are spending millions of taxpayer dollars to address a problem that could have been raised by you or your office years ago, and when those voters went to the ballot box to elect you for the fourth time they didnt know, Caskey said.

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Loftis said everyone is missing the big picture about the well-being of South Carolinians.

It aint Curtis, it aint Richard, it aint George, the big picture is can we build a hospital. Thats the big picture and were not looking at that, Loftis said. We have allowed people to go off and create a false narrative. We cant build hospitals in this state. Micah, do you understand what Im saying to you.

Comptroller General, Brian Gaines said Wednesday, Loftiss office had control of the account where the error occurred.

Fund 30350093 is in exclusive authority of the State Treasurers Office, Gaines said.

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Loftis said his office has been trying to reach the independent auditors for a private briefing but have had no response.

Former Comptroller General, Richard Eckstrom, resigned in 2023 after the accounting error was discovered. State Auditor George Kennedy III resigned last week.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  The Buffalo Common Council denied an emergency homeless shelter proposed by Family Promise of WNY to be built on East Ferry Street, Council Member Zeneta Everhart said Wednesday in an interview with WIVB News 4.

Tuesdays denial of the project follows concerns from residents on Buffalos east side about possible quality of life issues and a potential spike in traffic and noise.

East Side residents voice concern about proposed homeless shelter

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At a cost of nearly $7 million, the shelter, meant for homeless families only, would have provided 40 extra beds and a fenced-in playground. It also would have been Family Promises second emergency homeless shelter in Erie County, with its first located on Hickory Street in Buffalo.

Erie County had approached the organization about building another shelter to address increasing homelessness in the area.

Everhart was initially on board with the proposed shelter and told Family Promise to reach out to residents for input. At the councils public hearing in January, residents said they felt blindsided by the proposal.

People had misconceptions on what Family Promise is and what they do and like I said, I would not have signed up to say, Yes, I think this is a possible good project, if I didnt trust that mission, Everhart said. For me, it was listening to the actual needs of the people. Yes, I read through everything that Family Promise sent me, and they have a compelling argument, but so do the residents in the community who live there.

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Property values was also a big issue with residents, Everhart said.

She said because the shelter would have been right next to residents houses, she didnt want the community to feel uncomfortable in their own homes.

I dont believe that the crime exists in this, she said. I dont think that it is to the level where people would be endangered or anything like that, but it is just the fact that this new building is going to abut to peoples homes.

Family Promise said Wednesday in a statement to WIVB News 4 that its disappointed by the denial, but respects the councils decision.

We will take this as an opportunity to regroup and continue working toward opening more safe spaces for the children and families experiencing homelessness in our community, Family Promise said. Our focus remains on providing vital support to families in crisis and ensuring they have access to the resources and care they deserve.

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Family Promise of WNY defends proposed homeless shelter

Everhart said community harmony was the main factor in the councils decision, saying the council couldnt move forward without an agreement between residents and Family Promise.

Watch News 4s full interview with Everhart in the video player above.

Latest Local News

Katie Skoog joined the News 4 team in April 2024. She is a graduate from the University at Buffalo. You can view more of her work here.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  The Buffalo Common Council on Tuesday denied a proposal for a new homeless shelter on East Ferry Street. Many residents are pleased with the outcome, saying their voices were finally heard.

After weeks of back and forth between Family Promise of Western New York and the community, residents are feeling relieved to see the proposal off the table.

Its time for us to say enough is enough, said East Side resident Sandra Baines. We value. Were important just like the rest of this city.

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Masten District Councilwoman Zeneta Everhart spoke with WIVB News 4 on Wednesday. She voted to deny the proposal, saying it came down to what the community wanted.

It is about community harmony, Everhart said. If we cant come to some sort of agreement and understanding together, it cant move forward.

For many residents, it wasnt about opposing helping people who are homeless, but about feeling safe in the neighborhood they have called home for many years.

Family Promise of WNY defends proposed homeless shelter

There are already several homeless shelters located on Buffalos East Side, leading to worries that adding another could bring more challenges than solutions.

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I have grandchildren that walk to the store, and I cant even let them walk alone too much now, said East Side resident Sharone Lewis-Terry. Let alone with another homeless shelter there.

Both Lewis-Terry and Baines said this is a pattern theyve seen for years. They feel the East Side has become a dumping ground for projects like this, while other neighborhoods in Erie County dont face the same burden.

Youre bringing the homeless from all over Erie County and youre putting them here on the East Side, Baines said. Its not fair.

The residents said the fight to get this proposal denied was about protecting the future theyve been working hard to build. They want to see their community continue to grow in a positive direction, with improvements that benefit everyone.

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I love my neighborhood, Baines said. With all of the problems weve had, weve cleaned up a lot of them. Im happy here.

Latest Local News

Trina Catterson joined the News 4 team in 2024. She previously worked at WETM-TV in Elmira, a sister station of WIVB. See more of her work here.

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Additional support for Ukraine was to be discussed in the German Bundestag, but the plenary session ended early due to inter-party disputes.

Source: Die Welt, as reported by European Pravda

Details: A party dispute over additional financial assistance to Ukraine led to the early closure of the Bundestag session last night. The vote on the proposal of the Free Democratic Party, in which the Free Democrats called for unplanned spending of up to 3 billion, led to the parliament's failure to make a decision after midnight.

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The Alternative for Germany party, which opposes military support for Ukraine, questioned the Bundestag's quorum. This requires more than half of the 733 members of parliament to be present, which is never the case at night.

For example, only 320 MPs voted on the FDP's proposal on Ukraine, less than the required 50%. Bundestag Vice President Katrin Goring-Eckardt then adjourned the plenary session, although the debate on the price of CO emission allowances was still on the agenda.

The dispute over aid for Ukraine revolves around the manner in which the additional 3 billion will be funded. Chancellor Olaf Scholz intends to suspend the debt break for this purpose. The opposition CDU, FDP, and Greens, his remaining coalition allies, prefer to fund the weapons deliveries through unplanned budgetary expenditures.

A few hours before the plenary debate, the Bundestag Budget Committee had already agreed on a similar proposal. According to the CDU/CSU and FDP, their united plan was approved, while the SPD and Greens abstained.

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Background:

Earlier, Spiegel reported that a dispute had supposedly arisen within the German government over an additional package of weapons for Ukraine worth about 3 billion.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius denied reports that Chancellor Olaf Scholz was allegedly blocking an additional package for Ukraine.

However, Scholz himself said that he opposes increasing the planned military aid to Ukraine if it requires cuts in other budget items.

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Rescue workers in Japan are racing against time to free a 74-year-old truck driver trapped in a massive sinkhole that first appeared on Tuesday in Yashio City, Saitama Prefecture, near Tokyo.

The situation has worsened as the hole continues to expand, triggering evacuations and heightening safety concerns.

The sinkhole initially measured about 33 feet wide and 5 meters deep when it formed at a road junction. It swallowed the driver's truck, leaving him trapped inside. Local media reported that he was last heard responding to rescuers on Tuesday afternoon. While emergency crews managed to remove the truck bed from the flooded hole, the driver's cabin remains buried under soil and debris.

Authorities believe the sinkhole was caused by a ruptured underground sewage pipe. As wastewater from the damaged pipe flooded the cavity, the ground weakened further, leading to a secondary collapse on Thursday.

Video footage captured a lamp post and a restaurant signboard plunging into the growing chasm. The two sinkholes have now merged into a single 20-meter-wide 66-foot crater, further complicating rescue efforts.

Adding to concerns, a gas pipeline runs through the sinkhole, raising fears of a potential leak. Authorities have ordered the evacuation of 200 households in the surrounding area and advised residents across the city to reduce water consumption to prevent additional strain on the infrastructure.

Despite difficult conditions, emergency crews continue working around the clock to retrieve the trapped driver. The situation remains precarious, with officials closely monitoring the structural integrity of the surrounding area. As the sinkhole continues to pose a threat, authorities are prioritizing both the rescue operation and ensuring public safety.

The incident highlights the urgent need for infrastructure improvements to prevent similar disasters in the future.

Sinkholes have become increasingly common in Japanese cities due to aging sewage and pipeline infrastructure.

In 2016, a massive sinkhole swallowed a five-lane street in Fukuoka, disrupting power, water, and transport. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported. More recently, in August 2023, authorities in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, called off a week-long search for a woman who disappeared into a pavement sinkhole, citing dangerous conditions in the underground sewer network.
the associated press U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, a Colorado Democrat, questions Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trumps choice to be Secretary of Health and Human Services, as he appears before the Senate Finance Committee for his confirmation hearing, at the Capitol in Washington on Jan. 29.
A Burlington man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

Public court documents say Giovani Denario Timmons, 24, was part of a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Burlington between December 2019 and November 2021. He was a source of supply, along with Kendric Childs, 25. Timmons helped transport methamphetamine to Iowa, including about 362 pounds of methamphetamine seized during a January 2020 traffic stop in Arizona. At the time, this traffic stop was the Arizona Department of Public Safetys largest single seizure of ice methamphetamine. Timmonss eight co-defendants, including Childs, were sentenced in 2022.

Giovani Timmons (U.S. Attorneys Office)

Timmons must serve a five-year term of supervised release after his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

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United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Burlington Police Department, Southeast Iowa Narcotics Taskforce, West Burlington Police Department, Des Moines County Sheriffs Office, Henry County Sheriffs Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Iowa Department of Public Safety-Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Drug Enforcement Administration, Muscatine County Sheriffs Office, Johnson County Drug Taskforce, Washington County Sheriffs Office, Lee County Drug Taskforce, Muscatine County Drug Taskforce, Iowa State Patrol and Arizona Department of Public Safety investigated the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that brings all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve together to reduce violent crime and gun violence and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. The department launched a violent crime reduction strategy on May 26, 2021, strengthening PSN based on the core principles of fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring results.

Click here for more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods.

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A Burlington man was sentenced to two and a half years (30 months) in federal prison for possessing five firearms as a drug user.

According to public court records, Isaac Davon Carter, 31, bought four firearms on August 5, 2020 from four different guns stores in Burlington, Clive and Des Moines. Five days later, the United States Postal Inspection Service intercepted a package shipped from Cedar Rapids to California and found ten firearms inside, including all four firearms Carter purchased. Officers executed a search warrant at Carters home in Burlington in September 2020 and found a loaded Glock pistol. Carter admitted he was an unlawful drug user, lied on the ATF form to obtain the four firearms he purchased and had bought firearms for another person, who was with him when he purchased them.

Isaac Carter (Burlington Police Department)

Carter must serve a three-year term of supervised release after his term in prison. There is no parole in the federal system. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement and the United States Postal Inspection Service and Des Moines County Sheriffs Office investigated the case.

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This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that brings law enforcement and communities together to reduce violent crime and gun violence and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. The department launched a violent crime reduction strategy on May 26, 2021, strengthening PSN based on the core principles of fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring results. Click here for more information on Project Safe Neighborhoods.

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SIOUX CENTER, Iowa (KCAU)  A new butcher shop has opened in Sioux Center.

Members Cut Premium Butchery officially opened Wednesday with a ribbon cutting. The shop is part of the Farmers Cooperative Society (FCS). FCS has ten locations in Iowa and South Dakota.

Sioux City Farmers Market encouraging new vendors for 2025 season

Construction of the building started about a year ago, but the idea for the butcher shop started about four years ago.

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Being a cooperative, being Farmers Coop Society, we were kind of seeing some of our members, you know, not having the ability to bring that product back to home, Jen Sawyer with the FCS said. And we were like, how do we fit in this scenario, how do we fit in this situation? Because a coop is finding new avenues for our members to help them be more successful and supporting the community.

The idea was to help the coop members be able to bring their product from farm to table and to keep it local instead of having to ship it off somewhere.

We want to go full circle, Christian Fisher with the FCS said. From planting, to feed, to grain, all the way around to animal production, to now were in the final step in the chain for retail consumption through our retail case.

The shop features high-end beef, pork and chicken along with smoked items, and will eventually have dry end cuts available. The shop also has a full line of their own sauces and seasonings and also sells different types of cheese.

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We want to showcase our local farmers and showcase the beautiful things theyre doing through the products theyre producing, Fisher said.

The coop is confident in the success of the butcher shop in Sioux Center.

Siouxland high schoolers learn about welding

Any new business venture is a concern, but we think we have good community support behind us, Sawyer said. We think we are going to be able to offer a unique amount of products.

Members Cut Premium Butchery is open Monday through Saturday.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Several grams of fentanyl, cocaine and pills were confiscated during a drug bust on Wednesday, Jan. 29.

The Butler County Undercover Regional Narcotics (BURN) Task Force executed a search warrant at 8 a.m. The warrant was for an apartment on Boymel Drive in Fairfield.

Ohio State Highway Patrol using new oral marijuana test in pilot program

The search warrant resulted in the confiscation of approximately 25 grams of fentanyl, 30 grams of cocaine and 30 pressed fentanyl pills. Officers also recovered $3,200 in cash and an AR-15 pistol.

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Officers arrested 33-year-old Craig Douglas for possession and trafficking of fentanyl and cocaine.

Police say Douglas was manufacturing crack cocaine as well. Investigation is ongoing with additional charges pending.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
As the Trump administration moved to offer buyouts for federal employees who don't want to return to work in the office, tens of thousands of workers in Michigan could have buyouts on the table, according to a recent count of workers employed by the federal government.

A memo sent Tuesday, titled "Fork in the Road," offered federal workers eight months of salary and benefits through September if they resign by Feb. 6. The move, made in the opening weeks of President Donald Trump's second term in the White House, aims to slash the number of employees in the federal workforce. It's not immediately clear how much the buyouts would cost the federal government.

As of March, there were more than 2 million federal civilian employees not including military personnel or federal contractors, according to a report issued by the Congressional Research Service in December. That included 29,610 federal workers in Michigan, per the report.

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The memo calls for a "reformed" federal workforce built around four pillars: returning to the office for in-person work, high standards of performance, a downsized workforce through employee reductions and restructuring, and enhanced standards of conduct.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many employees were shifted to remote work settings. On Jan. 20, the same day Trump was inaugurated, he issued an executive order terminating remote work arrangements for federal workers.

The buyout offer does not extend to military personnel, "those in positions related to immigration enforcement and national security," U.S. Postal Service workers and other positions if they are specified by a federal agency. The memo also stated there was no guarantee workers who decline to take the buyout would have their positions guaranteed.

"If you choose to remain in your current position, we thank you for your renewed focus on serving the American people to the best of your abilities and look forward to working together as part of an improved federal workforce," the memo states. "At this time, we cannot give you full assurance regarding the certainty of your position or agency but should your position be eliminated you will be treated with dignity and will be afforded the protections in place for such positions."

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It's not immediately clear how many workers will accept the buyout offer. Some employment attorneys warned against taking the offer, arguing the legal basis for the mass buyout offer wasn't clear, NPR reported.

The proposed buyouts drew sharp criticism from The American Federation of Government Employees, USA TODAY reported. The AFGE is the nation's largest federal employee union and represents about 800,000 workers.

"Purging the federal government of dedicated career civil servants will have vast, unintended consequences that will cause chaos for the Americans who depend on a functioning federal government," AFGE National President Everett Kelley said in a statement.

"Fork in the Road" is the same subject line of a similar memo offered to employees of social media company X, previously called Twitter, in 2022. Shortly after purchasing the social media company, Elon Musk sent a memo to employees offering three months severance.

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Musk, who was a visible surrogate for Trump's presidential campaign, was tabbed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, a new department launched during Trump's second tenure.

Contact Arpan Lobo: alobo@freepress.com

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Federal employee buyout offers could extend to thousands in Michigan
Note: This story has been edited to removed unverified details of the shooting.

ELKHART  A shooting at a supermarket in Elkhart Monday night left three people dead, including a young woman, the alleged shooter and a bystander who reportedly stepped between them.

The shooting occurred at about 5:30 p.m. Monday at Martins Super Market, 575 E. Jackson Blvd., the Elkhart Police Department said.

Annasue Rocha, 19, and Benjamin Jeffery, 49, were both killed while the suspect, Juan Sanchez, 54, was shot and killed by police outside the store.

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Two officers, Cpl. Paul Vandenburg and Ptl. Ethan Pasternak, were injured by gunfire. Vandenburg was treated and released and Pasternak remained hospitalized in fair and stable condition as of Tuesday afternoon, according to the Elkhart County Prosecutors Office.

Rocha was an employee of Martins and Jeffrey was a customer, according to the prosecutors office. The incident began when Sanchez fired several shots inside the store, then exited the store and was confronted by the two Elkhart officers.

Sanchez ran to a nearby apartment building before several shots could be heard, a witness told ABC57 News. Police descended on the parking lot of the grocery store and cordoned off the surrounding area.

Sanchez had moved to the area from Illinois within the past year, according to the prosecutors office. The Elkhart County Homicide Unit is investigating the shooting.

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Although police are still investigating and have not released a motive for the shooting, Al Kinsey, pastor of New Life Community Church, which Jeffery attended, believes Jeffrey stepped in when he saw Sanchez involved in a dispute with Rocha.

We were just praying, we were hoping that he was alive, that he had a chance to live, Kinsey said.

Kinsey said Jeffery wasnt an imposing figure, but he wasnt surprised that he might try to intervene.

Im kind of a big guy and I ride with a bunch of bikers, theyre all big guys. If one of them would have stepped in, I can see that he might feel intimidated and pull out a gun and shoot him. This fellow here was just the most non-intimidating kind of guy youd ever meet, he said of Jeffrey. Him and his wife are just the sweetest, gentlest people around. I could see him maybe try to de-escalate a situation like this. It doesnt surprise me at all. What does surprise me is somebody would shoot him.

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Kinsey said he learned of the shooting first from his daughter, who works near the supermarket, then got a prayer team alert about it.

My daughter ... I think she was over there getting something to eat and saw activity and found out it was a shooting. She called her mom and told her about it, and about five minutes later I got an email from our prayer line asking to pray and told us who it was involved in a shooting there at the Martins, Kinsey said. So we put two and two together and figured out who it was.

His daughter, Sarah Kinsey-Fuson, said she was working across the street from the grocery store when the shooting happened. She said she saw police with guns drawn as she drove past.

I had clocked out to leave and was asked by a cop to go back inside or to stay in my car for a few minutes, she said. When I was able to leave, I called my mom and dad to let them know what was going on and that I was safe just heading home.

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Kinsey said Jefferys wife, Valarie, hurt her leg while trying to flee. He recalled praying for the couple last Sunday because of a knee injury that she had.

Ben Jeffery, originally from Calumet, Michigan, worked as a docent at the Dr. Havilah Beardsley House and began working as an emergency disaster services volunteer with the Salvation Army in May. Kinsey-Fuson described him and his wife as very kind and welcoming people.

He always had a smile on his face and was always very welcoming to my daughter and I. His wife as well. Very kind-hearted and always saying something kind, she said. Their joy made it very easy to become friends with them in the church.

Kinsey urged people to keep Valarie Jeffery in their prayers.

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Shes having a pretty hard time with this. I know theyre really, really close, he said. My heart still goes out to them.

Statements of support

Many people issued statements in the hours after the deadly incident. They included Elkhart Mayor Rod Roberson and Police Chief Dan Milanese.

Our hearts are broken in Elkhart tonight, Roberson said Monday night. Please continue to pray for the victims including our two police officers who were wounded, our heroic first responders, and those at the incident.

Milanese thanked other law enforcement agencies for their support.

In this horrific situation, words cannot express the pain felt in our community when a tragic incident like this happens, he said. This pain is especially felt by the victims families, the responding officers, the families of the wounded officers, and all the witnesses to this tragic incident. I want to thank our local law enforcement partners, including the Elkhart County Sheriffs Office and the Indiana State Police, for their support and assistance during this time. I ask for the community to continue to keep all those effected by this horrific event in your thoughts and prayers.

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Responses also came from the company that owns the grocery store and from elected leaders whose districts include Elkhart County.

Our team feels immeasurable sadness as we mourn yesterdays tragedy and the unimaginable loss of lives, a spokesperson for Martins Super Markets said Tuesday morning. We are working to best support the impacted families, our associates, the first responders and the entire Elkhart community. We are thankful for the quick action of our associates and police officers, and well continue to work alongside police to support their investigation.

Indiana Sen. Blake Doriot had thoughts and prayers to offer.

I am grateful for the heroic actions of the officers who were able to put an end to the violence, he said. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and the injured officers and their families. This horrific event is a sharp reminder of the danger our law enforcement officers could face any day, and I am extremely grateful for their sacrifice and bravery.

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Congressman Rudy Yakym praised the citys resilience.

Our hearts are with the victims and their families after last nights devastating incident in Elkhart. Our team remains in contact with local and state authorities and will continue to offer our full support as the investigation unfolds, he said. I am so grateful for the brave officers who ran into harms way in order to protect the innocent shoppers and am praying for their continued recovery. We are forever indebted to our public safety officials for their strength in times of tragedy. Elkhart, Indiana, has always been a resilient city and together, we will work to move forward and build a stronger and safer community.

The Community Foundation of Elkhart County said it would use its Community Crisis Fund to assist those impacted by the shooting.

We are heartbroken over the recent violence in our community and mourn for those affected, a statement read. We appreciate the police and first responders.

Donations to the fund can be made at inspiringgood.org/communitycrisisfund. All contributions will be distributed, the organization said.
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA)  One Champaign Urbana nonprofit organization is putting their recovery money to good use.

Salt & Light Ministries got nearly $700,000 from the IRS. Its basically another version of a COVID-19 relief funding for businesses.

Budzinski recovers $659k for CUs Salt & Light

The organization said they are planning to use their money to pay off some debts. The non-profits director Nathan Montgomery said hes hoping to have some funds leftover. That way hell be able to fix their leaking roof, old refrigerators and freezers and update their parking lot.

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Montgomery said the news came at the right time because they applied for the tax credit in 2023 and waited to hear back from the government.

Vermilion Co. Clerk shares voter info for elderly, handicapped

Its a little surreal. I dont know that its quite sunk in yet. I think once we actually have the checks in hand, you know, its one of those things where, you know, we applied well over a year and a half ago. And so you know, you get to a point where you just dont expect that its going to happen. Right. And so then when suddenly you get news that, Wow, this is actually being processed and approved and is going to come through. Yeah, it kind of takes a minute I think to set in, Montgomery said.

He said the government created the program to reward businesses for keeping employees on the payroll. And, it could be about six weeks until they actually see the money.

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GULF SHORES, Ala. (WKRG)  The pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle Wednesday in Gulf Shores remains in critical condition, and a man is now in custody in connection with the incident, according to the Gulf Shores Police Department.

A GSPD Facebook post said a 77-year-old woman from Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, was hit by a vehicle around 12:44 p.m. Wednesday in Gulf Shores. She was airlifted to a local hospital where she remains in critical condition.

UPDATE: Man tried to use skid-steer as a weapon on I-10 Thursday morning

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A Calera, Ala., man is now in the Gulf Shores City Jail in connection with the crash. Gustavo Licona-Hernandez, 43, is accused of felony failure to report an accident with serious injuries.

Police said they responded Wednesday afternoon to an injured person call on the 900 block of W. Lagoon Ave.

LOCATION:

UPDATE: I-10 eastbound lanes of Bayway reopen after body found

According to GSPD, the woman was unconscious in the roadway with serious injuries.

GSPDs Traffic Homicide Unit investigators and the Criminal Investigation Division detectives conducted interviews and gathered physical evidence, which showed the woman was walking on a pedestrian crosswalk on West Lagoon Avenue when she was hit by a vehicle.

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Police said the investigation remains active.

Anyone with further information can contact the police department at 251-968-2431 or gspdpio@gulfshoresal.gov.

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By Elida Moreno

PANAMA CITY (Reuters) -Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino on Thursday ruled out discussing control over the Panama Canal in a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is set to visit the Central American country in his first official trip abroad this weekend.

Mulino's comments during a weekly press conference come after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to take control of the canal, claiming it is being operated by China. The Panamanian government strongly denies the accusation.

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"I cannot negotiate and much less open a process of negotiation on the canal," Mulino said. "That is sealed. The canal belongs to Panama."

The canal, an 82-km (51-mile) artificial waterway that connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and is key to global trade flows, is operated by the Panama Canal Authority - an autonomous agency overseen by the Panamanian government.

The United States built the canal in the early 20th century and handed control to Panama in 1999, two decades after signing a set of treaties guaranteeing its permanent neutrality.

But Trump has said that this treaty is being violated, claiming China controls the canal and has soldiers there, without offering evidence. He also argues that the United States is being overcharged for transit through the canal.

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"I have received absolutely no information from the U.S. embassy in Panama ... nor from the secretary of state, with whom we work together on migration issues, about the alleged military presence of another country in the canal," Mulino added.

"The Panama Canal is controlled by Panama and its administration has always been in Panamanian hands," he said.

Panama had many other issues to discuss with Rubio, Mulino said, such as migration and drug trafficking.

While the canal is operated by Panama, two ports at its Atlantic and Pacific entrances are operated by publicly listed Hong Kong company CK Hutchinson, while other ports nearby are operated by private firms from the United States, Singapore and Taiwan.

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Asked whether Panama could remove concessions from companies linked to China, Mulino said this was not on the table, and said the government was awaiting the results of an audit into CK Hutchinson's payments to the state, an audit that was announced shortly after Trump's accusations.

"This is not a country that takes away and breaks laws. If I do that because they are Chinese companies or take away a concession just like that because someone asked me to, that is not the climate we want to project as a country to foreign investors," he said. "Panama respects the rule of law."

(Reporting by Elida Moreno; Writing by Sarah Morland; Editing by Kylie Madry, Cassandra Garrison and Mark Porter)
Cloudy skies and snow Thursday morning with a winter weather advisory and gusts of wind up to 3-=45 mph. Today's high will be 37.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA)  School boards may be required to expel students who sexually assault another student under school supervision, thanks to a bill brought forward by Central Illinois legislators.

The proposal is sponsored by Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield) and Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville).

Taylorville minor charged after assault on school bus

McClure filed the bill after talking to Ashley Peden, the mom of a Taylorville student who was sexually assaulted at her school bus stop by an older male student in early 2024. She said she obtained an order of protection for her daughter, to which the school district initially provided a safety plan for her daughter

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She described that safety plan as insufficient. Three weeks later, he was sent to an alternate school.

At the start of the new school year, Peden said the district asked her daughter to take a different bus to avoid the perpetrating student, to which she protested. The older student eventually was not allowed to take the bus and went back to the alternate school.

The protocols that are used are continuously allowing students to be victimized, Peden said at a news conference Wednesday.

As a teacher at a different school district, Peden said school safety for all is a top priority for her. She felt the Taylorville School District neglected her safety by allowing her daughters assailant at remain at the same school.

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I went to my admin and I said, Please tell me what we would do in this situation, she said. Because if this is how were going to handle it, I can no longer work here.

With the bill filed by McClure, if school boards deem a student has committed sexual violence or sexual assault, then the student would be required to be expelled from school for at least a year according to state law. The bill only applies to public schools.

The penalty is designed to match the one for students who bring a weapon to schools.

We need to show in state law that a sexual assault is as bad as it gets in a school, McClure said. That needs to be reflected in the law. Right now, its not reflected in the law.

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Illinois bill would bar time limits on anesthesia coverage

School boards would have an investigation and interview both students before determining and expelling a student if needed.

This is about making sure that victims arent having to face their attackers in school every day, as well as protecting other students from someone who has already committed assault, Senator McClure said. In addition, this will ensure that any student who is a perpetrator is dealt with in an appropriate way so that they get the treatment they need.

As the bill would need Democrat votes to pass the statehouse, McClure said hes spoken to several Democratic senators who are in favor of the bill. The Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault is also in favor of the bill, saying it would protect & support survivors and ensure the safety of all students.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
CANTON, Texas (KETK)  A morning house fire in Canton led to the tragic death of a 75-year-old woman.

According to Van Zandt County Fire Marshal Kevin Palmer, on Jan. 24 at 5:19 a.m., a unit arrived at Linda Raye Jones home on 27866 State Highway 64 near Sundance Hall where they found Jones dead inside her home that was engulfed in flames.

Officials said the fire began in the garage and spread to the home. Officials determined the house to be a total loss after firefighters were on the scene for five hours.

Courtesy of Van Zandt County Fire Marshal Kevin Palmer

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According to Jones obituary, her memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday at Eubank Funeral Home. Jones was a former member of the Canton Chamber of Commerce and was once elected Woman of the Year.

The family described Jones as fashionable, classy and feisty, often speeding along the roads of Van Zandt County. Joness Daughter, Jessica Milligan says that people can support the family by donating to Joness GoFundMe.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Captain Chesley Sullenberger, the pilot who safely ditched an airliner in the Hudson River 15 years ago, says nighttime flying over water could be a contributing factor in the fatal collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and a U.S. Army helicopter in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night.

There would have been fewer ground lights visible over the water than over land at night, he said, speaking to the New York Times, which might have made it a little bit harder to see.

But thats supposition. We dont know, he said.

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Everything is harder at night, he said, particularly when it comes to identifying other aircraft, because, basically all you can do is see the lights on them.

You have to try to figure out: Are they above you or below you? Or how far away? Or which direction are they headed? he said.

Webcam at the Kennedy Center caught an explosion mid-air across the Potomac. https://t.co/v75sxitpH6 pic.twitter.com/HInYdhBYs5  Alejandro Alvarez (@aletweetsnews) January 30, 2025

Sully also cited old technology at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, which American Eagle Flight 5342 was heading for when it collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and was sent crashing into the Potomac River, a few miles from downtown Washington.

The airport, which requires additional training for pilots, has a large number of flights and short runways, according to Sullenberger, creating a challenging approach for pilots landing at the airport, which was built in the 1930s.

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It hasnt changed much since then, he said, adding, Of course, weve added technology to it. But a lot of the technology is old.

Sullenberger became famous after a bird strike knocked out the engines of his Airbus A320 after takeoff from New Yorks LaGuardia Airport in January 2009. Realizing he could not safely make it to any available airport, he coolly landed the plane on the Hudson River, with all 155 people aboard rescued by boat.

Sullenberger went on to become an outspoken air safety campaigner and briefly served as U.S. ambassador to the International Civil Aviation Organization.

The retired pilot, 74, said he is devastated by the Potomac collision, and that the aviation industry has an obligation to learn from every failure and improve.

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The two aircraft were carrying a combined 67 people, and so far authorities have not confirmed whether any have survived.

It is the first fatal accident in the U.S. involving a commercial airline for almost 16 years.

Sullenberger said aviation is in an exceptionally safe moment, but that the crash showed how vigilant we have to be when it comes to investigating the causes of accidents and taking steps to prevent them.

Weve had to learn important lessons literally with blood too often, and we had finally gotten beyond that, to where we could learn from incidents, and not accidents, he said.

Rescue boats float next to a US Airways plane in the Hudson River in the afternoon on Jan. 15, 2009. / Jerritt Clark / Jerritt Clark/Getty Images

Sullenberger said he hoped that in the Potomac crash, the aircrafts black boxes, in-flight voice recorders and air-traffic control data would help reveal the reason why the two aircraft collided.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  The Springfield Fire Department was sent to a car fire on Gillette Avenue in Springfield on Thursday.

Multi-vehicle crash causes traffic on I-91 in Springfield

Springfield Fire Captain Drew Piemonte told 22News that a car caught fire directly in front of a garage that was detached from the house on Gillette Avenue.

Springfield Fire Department Springfield Fire Department

The fire has been put out at this time and the Springfield Arson and Bomb Squad is investigating. No injuries were reported.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Car production has slumped to levels not seen since the 1950s as the sector struggles with the shift to electric vehicles.

The number of cars made in Britain fell to 779,584 last year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which was the lowest level since 1954, aside from the Covid pandemic.

The trade body warned that the next 12 months will be even worse for manufacturers, as it predicts that just 775,000 cars will roll off production lines in 2025. That is compared to 1.3m in 2019.

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The slump has been accelerated by a slowdown in demand across Europe, particularly by drivers shunning new electric vehicles amid fears over high costs and how well the technology can work.

The drop in EV sales, alongside the shift away from petrol and diesel engines, has increased pressure on many factories.

Strain across the industry led to Vauxhall shutting its Luton van-making factory last year after criticising net zero rules that force manufacturers to curtail sales of petrol cars.

Water down net zero targets

The Government has since responded by launching a consultation on the so-called zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which could pave the way for a watering down of net zero targets.

However, it has so far refused to reverse its outright ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030.

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Mike Hawes, the chief executive of the SMMT, called on the Government to roll out more of a red carpet for manufacturers in a bid to boost production.

He said more support is needed to help trigger a step-change in demand.

Mr Hawes said: Growing pains are inevitable, so the drop in volumes last year is not surprising. With new, exciting models and battery production on the horizon, the potential for growth is clear.

To help boost the take-up of electric vehicles, UK ministers are said to be drumming up plans to subsidise purchases by guaranteeing consumer loans, industry sources told the Financial Times this week.

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Mr Hawes said that while he hasnt seen any details about the plans, he said: We need something substantive now.

With the right policies in place and assuming demand improves, the SMMT said UK car and light van production could start rising above one million by 2028.

Nearly eight in 10 cars produced in the UK last year were destined for export, with 77.5pc shipped to either the EU, the US or China.

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1957present

Caroline Kennedy Today: Former U.S. Ambassador Denounces Cousin RFK Jr. for Cabinet Position

Caroline Kennedy has urged senators to reject her cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s nomination for Health and Human Services secretary. In a letter to lawmakers, the former U.S. ambassador and daughter of the late President John F. Kennedy called her cousin a predator, criticizing him for his disqualifying anti-vaccine activism.

Bobby preys on the desperation of parents of sick children, vaccinating his own kids while building a following hypocritically discouraging other parents from vaccinating theirs, Caroline wrote. Her son, Jack Schlossberg, shared a video of Caroline reading her letter to social media on January 28, the day before RFK Jr.s Senate confirmation hearing.

Ambassador Caroline Kennedys statement to the US Senate on RFKJrs nomination for HHS Secretary



This is a reading of a letter she just sent to Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions



Im so proud of my courageous mother, whos lived a life of dignity, pic.twitter.com/feysNA0Wwp  Jack Schlossberg (@JBKSchlossberg) January 28, 2025

Caroline, 67, also raised concerns about 71-year-old Roberts personality and ethics. Offering up details from her childhood, Caroline said Robert encouraged his younger siblings and cousins down the path of substance abuse. He struggled with drug abuse as a young college student but has been sober since 1983. She described his basement, garage, and dorm room prior to that time as a center for illegal drugs and alleged that the Cabinet nominee enjoyed showing off feeding his hawk by putting mice and chickens in a blender. While she commended her cousin for getting sober, she said that he is now addicted to attention and power.

Who Is Caroline Kennedy?

Caroline Kennedy is a lawyer, author, and former U.S. ambassador to Japan and Australia. She is also the only surviving child of late President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Caroline spent her early years living in the White House during her fathers term as president and is known for being the most private member of the famous Kennedy family. Still, she has represented the clan in various ways, including as honorary president of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation. Caroline served as U.S. ambassador to Japan under President Barack Obama and ambassador to Australia under President Joe Biden.

Quick Facts

FULL NAME: Caroline Bouvier Kennedy

BORN: November 27, 1957

BIRTHPLACE: New York, New York

SPOUSE: Edwin Schlossberg (1986present)

CHILDREN: Rose, Tatiana, and Jack

ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: Sagittarius

Early Life

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Caroline Bouvier Kennedy was born on November 27, 1957, in New York City, to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and thenU.S. Senator John F. Kennedy. The couple had three children, of which Caroline is the oldest.

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When Caroline was 3 years old, her father was elected the nations president. JFKs time in office is often referred to as the Camelot Presidency for the hope and optimism the young politician brought to America. As a result, the Kennedys were thrust into the spotlight as the ideal American family. Caroline was a frequent media darling; people couldnt get enough of the little girl who walked her father to the Oval Office each morning and rode her pony on the White House lawn.

Not everything in the Kennedy household was idyllic, however, and the family suffered numerous tragedies. Among them were Jackies miscarriages, one occurring 15 months before Caroline was born, and the death of the couples fourth child in infancy. The baby boy named Patrick died two days after his premature birth in early August 1963.

Chief among the losses that affected Caroline directly came on November 22, 1963, when her father was assassinated by sniper fire. Caroline was just shy of her 6th birthday at the time. The iconic image of her holding her mothers hand and her brother, John Jr., saluting John F. Kennedys flag-draped coffin during the nationally televised funeral procession remains one of the most tragic moments in American presidential history.

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Two weeks after the assassination, Jackie, Caroline, and her brother moved out of the White House and into a home in Washington D.C.s Georgetown neighborhood. However, life grew difficult for the Kennedy clan with an ongoing circus-like atmosphere of media and curious onlookers descending on their home. By the summer of 1964, the family moved to New York City. There, they enjoyed some degree of anonymity and less aggressive paparazzi. That September, like generations of Kennedy women before her, Caroline was enrolled in the Sacred Heart School.

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By the late 1960s, the family had established a quiet New York City life. But in 1968, Caroline and John Jr.s lives were shattered again with the assassination of their beloved uncle and U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Jackie became frightened for her childrens safety. Four months after Bobbys death, Jackie married Greek Shipping magnate, Aristotle Onassis. Onassis showered Caroline and her brother with gifts, but Caroline couldnt quite accept him. There were also tensions between his children and Jackie. Caroline often turned to her uncle Edward Ted Kennedy for comfort, and the two became very close.

Onassis provided security for the family when they were in New York. During vacations and breaks, the family spent time in Greece or sailing their yacht around the Caribbean. In 1969, Caroline enrolled at The Brearley School, an exclusive all-girls school on the tony Upper East Side of Manhattan, where she excelled as a student and as a budding photographer. She next attended Concord Academy in Massachusetts; it was the first time she lived away from her mother.

During this time, Jackies marriage to Onassis began to unravel. Carolines stepfather was devastated by the loss of his 24-year old son Alexander, who had died after a plane crash in 1973. Aristotle died not long after in March 1975. After his death, Jackie moved back to New York City permanently and went to work as an editor at Viking Press. She continued to try and shield her children from the public eye, often keeping them away from their rebellious, scandal-making cousins.

Education and Early Career

As a result of their mothers guidance, Caroline and her brother stayed away from drugs and alcohol and instead became conscientious students. Caroline performed well in New York private school and went on to attend Radcliffe College (now part of Harvard University) for her undergraduate studies. In addition to her course load, the young Kennedy interned for the New York Daily News and worked in the summers as a political intern for her uncle and U.S. Ted Kennedy.

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After earning her bachelors degree in 1980, Caroline worked at the Metropolitan Museum of Art where she met her future husband, an interactive-media designer named Edwin Schlossberg. She also began serving as president of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial support, staffing, and creative resources to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.

Interested in politics but not the limelight, Caroline quietly entered Columbia Law School. She graduated with little fanfare in 1988 during a private pre-commencement ceremony along with 380 other students. The following year, the young lawyer stayed busy by establishing the Profile in Courage Awards, which honors elected officials who have shown political courage. She also began research on her first book.

Fascinated with constitutional law, Caroline co-wrote In Our Defense: The Bill of Rights in Action with fellow law graduate Ellen Alderman. She refused to use her mothers publishing industry contacts, instead publishing the book through William Morrow & Co. in February 1991. She also surprised Washington officials and stumped the media the next year, when she turned down an offer to be chairwoman of the 1992 Democratic National Convention. Instead, the private Kennedy invested time in her family and personal projects.

More Family Tragedy

In 1994, Jackie Kennedy passed away after a long battle with lymphatic cancer. As a tribute to her mothers work in the arts, Caroline took on Jackies role as the honorary chairperson at the American Ballet Theatre. In addition to her charitable work, Caroline co-wrote another book entitled The Right to Privacy (1995). She also took up her role as the guardian of the Kennedy name, spending several difficult months trying to settle her mothers $200 million estate while under heavy public scrutiny.

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In 1998, Caroline and her brother went public in an auction dispute against Evelyn Lincoln, President John F. Kennedys former secretary, who attempted to sell intensely personal pieces of memorabilia that belonged to their father.

On July 16, 1999, Caroline endured more hardship when her brother and only surviving sibling, John F. Kennedy Jr., was killed along with his wife and sister-in-law in a plane crash near Marthas Vineyard, Massachusetts. The tragedys effect on Caroline was kept private.

Work: Books and U.S. Ambassador

As the only remaining heir of her fathers, Kennedy took up the family mantle by finally agreeing to become a speaker at the 2000 Democratic National Convention. She also kept writing. To honor her late mother, Kennedy helped create The Best-Loved Poems of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, published in 2001. She has also served as editor for two other anthologies: Profiles in Courage for Our Time (2002) and A Patriots Handbook: Songs, Poems and Speeches Every American Should Know (2003). She published A Family of Poems: My Favorite Poetry for Children in 2005, and her latest work, A Family Christmas, in 2007.

Kennedy previously served as a member of the national board of directors for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, vice chair for the Fund for Public Schools in New York City, and chief executive for the New York City Department of Education Office of Strategic Partnerships.

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In 2008, the famously private Kennedy made headlines when she was rumored as a possible candidate for Hillary Clintons vacant U.S. Senate seat in New York. Caroline later withdrew her bid for the post, citing personal reasons.

In late July 2013, Kennedy was nominated U.S. ambassador to Japan by President Barack Obama, putting to rest much speculation in the media regarding her likelihood to win the title. She was officially approved by the U.S. Senate in October. Kennedy succeeded John Roos, who had served as Japans U.S. ambassador since August 2009. Among those to formerly hold the role are Walter Mondale, Howard Baker, and Tom Foley. She resigned from the position in early 2017.

Four years later, in December 2021, President Joe Biden nominated her to serve as U.S. ambassador to Australia. Kennedy was confirmed by the Senate in April 2022 and officially started her new role that July before stepping down in December 2024.

Husband and Children

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Kennedy is married to artist and poet Edwin Schlossberg. The couple met while she was working at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

Their wedding on July 19, 1986, was an elaborate affair in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Despite the familys efforts to avoid publicity, the wedding became a topic of wide interest in the media. A crowd of more than 2,000 spectators surrounded the church and a nearby hillside. She was 28 years at the time, and Schlossberg was 41 years old.

The couple have three children: Rose, Tatiana, and Jack.

Quotes

As much as we need a prosperous economy, we also need a prosperity of kindness and decency.

Fact Check: We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesn}t look right, contact us!

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U.S. Navy officials have laid out several priorities they say are key to ensuring the services carrier air wings will be able to succeed in future conflicts, especially a high-end fight in the Pacific. The MQ-25 Stingray tanker drone, which will help provide critical range extension and persistence for other aircraft, is the centerpiece of those efforts. New long-range weapons, advanced platforms that can penetrate deep into dense enemy air defense environments, and robust networks to support the kill chains that underpin all of this are also essential to the Navys current carrier-based airpower vision.

Navy officers talked about the services carrier fleets and their air wings during a panel discussion, which TWZ attended, earlier today at the WEST 2025 conference.

MQ-25, plus long-range weapons and kill chains, plus a robust command and control, and platforms that can gain access to contested environments, are the vision and the key to the future of the carrier air wing to be able to operate out in the Pacific, Capt. Lew Callaway, head of the Strike Aircraft and Weapons Branch within the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations Air Warfare Division, said. I want to pivot to the MQ-25 because its the nearest, most important capability that were going to field in order to extend the range and the persistence of the carrier air wing.

Extending the reach of other aircraft in carrier air wing, as well as eliminating the need to use crewed F/A-18F Super Hornets in the tanker role, are the stated primary missions for the MQ-25. The Stingrays will also have a secondary intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capability. Though not mentioned explicitly during todays panel at WEST 2025 there has also been talk about using the MQ-25, or future variants thereof, as a carrier-based standoff strike platform.

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Range and persistence have long been important considerations for carrier aviation operations, but are increasingly more so as threat air defense ecosystems grow. In addition to the growing risks they present to carrier-based aircraft, work by potential adversaries like China to expand their air defenses, as well as long-range strike capabilities, could easily limit access to land-based tankers that Navy carrier air wings, especially their shorter-legged tactical jets, often rely on today. The availability of bases on the ground, or lack thereof, could put further constraints on traditional aerial refueling support, especially during operations across the broad expanses of the Pacific.

Last year, the Navy notably put out a contracting notice expressing interest in options for extending the unrefueled range of its F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighters and EA-18G Growler electronic warfare jets. In recent years, the service has also been fielding E-2D Hawkeye airborne early warning and control aircraft with new inflight refueling capability.

The MQ-25 program has been beset by delays and cost growth for years now. Navy Vice Adm. Daniel Cheever, the Navys top aviation officer, said separately at WEST 2025 that the service expects the first production representative Stingray to make its maiden flight before the end of this year and to fly from the deck of an actual carrier in 2026, according to Breaking Defense.

Various ground and flight testing has already occurred using a demonstrator drone and the Navy has been otherwise working to lay the groundwork for the Stingrays arrival. This includes the integration of new dedicated uncrewed aviation control centers on its carriers, which the service has made clear will be able to support additional pilotless platforms in the future.

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One of the primary goals of MQ-25 is just going to be, for the first time, to integrate unmanned aviation into the air plan, into the day-to-day [operational tempo], so it just becomes second nature, Capt. Callaway said today. And were going to take a sequential mindset when it comes to follow-on unmanned vehicles.

MQ-25 is absolutely the Navys push to make sure that we have demonstrated you can take an unmanned platform and put it on a carrier, but demonstration is way different than operating every single day, Rear Adm. Keith Hash, head of the Naval Air Warfare Centers Weapons Division and another one of the panelists, added. I think were positioning ourselves so when MQ 25 starts flying this year, gets ready to go to the carrier in the near future, you know, we will make that robust. And when other options come along  [we] will be ready to accelerate those into the carrier environment [and] into other environments.

The MQ-25 demonstrator drone aboard the Nimitz class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush during testing. USN

The Navy has a long-standing goal for its air wings to be up to 60 percent uncrewed in the future. Last year, the service also outlined a vision for a future fleet of lower-cost carrier-capable drones that might even be cheap enough to be optionally expendable, as you can read more about here. In addition, the Navy and the Air Force have a formal agreement to develop common architectures that will allow for the seamless exchange of control of uncrewed platforms between the services during future operations.

Work on advanced uncrewed carrier-based aviation capabilities has exploded globally in recent years, as has potential interest in doing so. China is notably pursuing at least one stealthy flying wing-type uncrewed combat air vehicle (UCAV), the GJ-11 Sharp Sword, variants or derivatives of which look increasingly set to fly from at least some of the countrys carriers, as well as its new super-sized Type 076 amphibious assault ship. The U.S. military has no known analog to the GJ-11, land or carrier-based, having abandoned similar efforts, including the Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike (UCLASS) program that preceded the MQ-25, around a decade ago. The United Kingdom, Turkey, and others are also actively pursuing different tiers of carrier-based drones.

A model of a Chinese GJ-11 Sharp Sword flying wing UCAV on display.

Yang Suping/VCG via Getty Images

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For the U.S. Navy, as Capt. Callaway noted, drones are only one part of a larger vision for the future of the services carrier air wings.

Long range weapons are probably [coming] right after the MQ-25 in time frame, Callaway said. That is a capability that gets us access anywhere we want, whether it be in the [Indo-]Pacific Commands AOR [area of responsibility]  [or] wherever we need to put ordnance on target.

Callaway did not elaborate on the munitions or types of munitions in question. Last year, the Navy did formally unveil an air-launched version of its ship-launched multi-purpose SM-6 called the AIM-174B. The service has also said the missile is in at least limited service now with its Super Hornets being the current launch platform. TWZ has previously laid out in detail how the AIM-174B will be an especially key part of countering still expanding Chinese anti-access and area denial capabilities.

The Navy is also looking to field air-launched air-breathing hypersonic anti-ship cruise missiles no later than 2029. Future versions of the missile being developed under the Hypersonic Air-Launched Offensive Anti-Surface Warfare (HALO) program could arm the services ships and submarines. There is the potential for it to be adapted for use against targets on land, as well.

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The AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended (AARGM-ER) and the AGM-158C-3 version of the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) are also set to join the Navys air-launched arsenal in the coming years. Additional work is ongoing in the classified realm, as well.

In terms of penetrating platforms for future carrier air wings, the Navy is pushing ahead with plans for a new sixth-generation crewed stealth combat jet, referred to currently as F/A-XX. The service said last October that it was getting close to picking a winning F/A-XX design and the hope is that the first examples will begin entering service in the 2030s.

A rendering of notional U.S. Navy sixth-generation combat jets flying past an aircraft carrier. Boeing

F/A-XX is set to replace the F/A-18E/F and the EA-18G, but both of those existing aircraft are currently expected to continue serving into the 2040s. F-35C Joint Strike Fighters, E-2 Hawkeyes, CMV-22 Osprey tilt-rotors, and MH-60 Seahawk helicopters are also set to remain parts of the Navys carrier air wings for years to come.

As the carrier air wings reach and other capabilities grow, the need for new and improved networking capabilities will only increase. This is something TWZ has explored in-depth in the past.

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We really need to be clear and understanding of the communications and the command and control and the enablers of that long-range kill chain that happens both after you go down the [catapult] shuttle [to launch off the carrier to] after you pull the trigger, Capt. Callaway said.

We are adjusting and learning and growing and turning inside the circle of those who might bring harm to our folks and to our commerce and lines of communication, and so were working diligently on setting up our own long-range fires, kill chains, making them robust, Rear Adm. Hash added. In addition, cant get into the details, as you can imagine  but theres activity along the way to make sure that we can operate in a contested electronic warfare environment, that we have got use of that spectrum, and that we can prevent that spectrum from impacting us, giving us opportunity to surge in and surge out.

Altogether, the Navys future carrier air wing plans continue to coalesce a vision that has longer reach and greater persistence and that is more uncrewed, lethal, and interconnected than ever before.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
Jan. 29CARTHAGE, Mo.  The Carthage City Council voted Tuesday to pay Paul Martin, the St. Louis attorney it hired to prosecute the impeachment of former Mayor Dan Rife, for the services he has rendered through the end of December 2024, even though the impeachment challenge is ongoing.

No motion was made to end the contract with Martin, who was hired last April.



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California has been in a homeowner's insurance crisis for some time now, in part because of the impacts of our changing climate. Fortunately, government efforts to address the issue are finally making some headway, and they're doing so with the help of predictive computer models.

The predictive computer models, or "catastrophe models," are used to gauge risk by simulating catastrophes and estimating their costs. This approach to risk assessment had long been heavily restricted by states. However, in an effort to address the insurance crisis, concessions are being made and restrictions are being lifted.

The first step in this process involves insurance companies sending their catastrophe models to the state for review. The first to do this was Verisk, an analytics company representing a variety of insurance companies.

According to Verisk president of extreme event solutions Rob Newbold, its catastrophe model will "allow for better quantification of wildfire risk to the California insurance market."

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Wildfires are one of the main reasons why some insurance carriers have pulled out of the state or drastically reduced coverage in California. That includes major companies such as Allstate, Farmers Insurance, State Farm, and Nationwide.

The rising global temperature has been exacerbating drought conditions and extending fire season in California for years now. These issues paired with the climbing cost of just about everything have increased risk enough that insurance carriers are unwilling to sell new policies. That's the insurance crisis in a nutshell.

By permitting catastrophe models, the state hopes that carriers will be better equipped to manage that risk. With a greater ability to manage risk, these companies could offer new policies to California customers.

Allowing catastrophe models isn't the only way the state has attempted to address the insurance crisis, either. It also stepped in for 750,000 wildfire victims in Southern California in late 2024 and placed a moratorium on canceled coverage.

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While the crisis remains, these efforts to address it offer hope. Whether or not that hope becomes a reality is yet to be seen, but the process is underway, and that's certainly a good thing.

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The Vatican, the governing authority of the Catholic Church, published an ethical framework on AI, advising Catholics about its potential misuses.

The Vatican forewarned the shadow of evil carried by the dangers of artificial intelligence this week.

The leaders of the Catholic Church released a document emphasizing necessary awareness of AIs capabilities. Specifically, the paper outlined the churchs ethical framework on AIs use in warfare and emphasized the problematic nature of weaponization of AI. The use of remote military operations have contributed to a lessened perception of devastation caused by the weapon systems and the burden of responsibility, the document said.

The Vatican urged that its critically important, to understand AIs ethical impact on humankind. This involves not only mitigating risks and preventing harm but also ensuring that its applications are used to promote human progress and the common good, the document said. AI should be used as a tool to supplement human intelligence rather than replace its richness.

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Approved by Pope Francis on Jan.14, a Vatican team from the dicastery for the doctrine of faith and the dicastery for culture and education worked on the new framework for six months, consulting consultants in the field.

The document said that although the future of AI is unpredictable, autonomous machines should remain adjunct to the power of humans.

The atrocities committed throughout history are enough to raise deep concerns about the potential abuses of AI, the document said. No machine should ever choose to take the life of a human being.

Additionally, the Vatican warned of AIs capabilities to spread misinformation, destroying societal trust. AI-generated fake media can gradually undermine the foundations of society, the document said. The Vatican suggested cautious regulations as misinformation can fuel political polarization and social unrest.

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Throughout the entirety of the document, the church lays out more of its perspectives surrounding AI in terms of its impact on relationships, work, health care, education, and security.

The document referenced Pope Francis 2024 World Peace Day Message when referring to autonomous military action. He said as artificial intelligence lacks the unique human capacity for moral judgement and ethical decision making, AI should not have the power to operate deadly machinery.

Pope Francis requested militaries discontinue the use of these systems saying, an effective and concrete commitment to introduce ever greater and proper human control.

In another written letter, Pope Francis addressed the worlds major political, economic, and business players at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland last week. He wrote that AI can intensify a growing crisis of truth.

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He made similar remarks at a Group of 7 meeting last year. Pope Francis said that AI represents a true cognitive-industrial revolution, which will contribute to the creation of a new social system characterized by complex epochal transformations.

Additionally, the Vatican issued a regulatory document outlining its guidelines for the use of AI within the organization last month.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP)  Officials in two Hampden County cities are looking to see how many people are living without a home. The data they collect will be used to help better understand the local homeless population and to develop effective strategies to help them in the future.

We have seen more numbers of homeless people unhoused and becoming more unhoused than we have before, said senior division director of CHDs Division of Diversion, Shelter, and Housing, Christy OBrien.

The Center for Human Development (CHD) and other community partners are surveying the streets of Chicopee and Holyoke to see how many people in those cities are unsheltered. CHD facilitating this point-in-time count on behalf of the Springfield-Hampden County Continuum of Care, the federally funded collaborative responsible for responding to homelessness in the region.

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They collected basic demographics like age, gender, race, ethnicity, veteran status, disability  plus questions to see if people need services. The questions cover mental illness, substance abuse, HIV status, domestic violence, and chronic homelessness.

There are a lot of people that cannot get in a shelter. We work with that every single day trying to find any shelter bed for anyone possible. And weve really hit a lot of walls across all the communities, said OBrien.

OBrien says housing costs and availability also contribute to the number of people they are seeing unhoused. She says its also difficult for them to navigate resources for mental health, medical attention, and chronic conditions.

The count isnt just about gathering data, CHD and other outreach workers use it to connect with people and give them emergency supplies. Those supplies include hygiene kits, socks, backpacks, hand warmers, food, and flashlights.

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The conditions are incredibly difficult, obviously, and particularly at this time of year. So for us to be able to give them the bare necessities feels really critical, expressed OBrien.

This data along with the data collected from emergency shelters and transitional housing will be reported to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for their annual homelessness count. HUD, in turn, will use the data from these point-in-time counts on January 29 across the US for its annual Homelessness Assessment Report to Congress.

Last year, it was reported that over 770,000 people were homeless nationwide.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT)  CenterPoint Energy is investigating reports of stolen customer data that was published on a cybercriminal forum.

Officials say the data was taken during a 2023 breach.

A company spokesperson says the data was obtained from a third-party vendor system and that they are still investigating the impacts.

Eyewitness News has reached out to CenterPoint representatives in Evansville who did not expand on the stolen data, but tell us the CenterPoint network was not compromised.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
More than six months after CenterPoint Energy came under fire for its response to Hurricane Beryl  and its proposal to raise its rates  Houstons main electricity company announced Wednesday that it reached a settlement that will lower customers bills.

Instead of the proposed rate increase that the company had requested shortly before Beryl made landfall, most CenterPoint Energy customers will have their average bill reduced by about $1 per month moving forward  pending approval from the Public Utility Commission of Texas.

Centerpoint withdrew its rate increase proposal on Aug. 1 amid the Beryl backlash.

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Following customer feedback and constructive discussions with intervening parties over the last several months, this plan keeps our customers at the forefront and supports CenterPoint's ultimate goal of building the most resilient coastal grid in the country," Jason Ryan, CenterPoints executive vice president of regulatory services and government affairs, said in a Wednesday statement.

CenterPoint faced public outrage and sharp criticism from Texas lawmakers after more than 2 million households and businesses lost power after Beryl struck the city, prompting a public apology from the companys CEO. At least 23 people in Texas died from the storm and associated power outages. Beryl also caused about $1.2 billion to $1.3 billion in damages to CenterPoints electrical infrastructure.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott criticized the utility for its response to Beryl, which left hundreds of thousands of customers in Houston without power nearly a week after the hurricane struck. In July, he said the state may have to reconsider how much territory CenterPoint could serve if the company didnt fix its ongoing problems. CenterPoint serves more than 2.6 million customers across the greater Houston area and coastal communities like Galveston.

In addition to calling on CenterPoint to create a detailed plan about how it would restore power, the governor also asked the PUC to investigate the utilitys response. The PUC presented their findings in a November report that said customers had trouble getting reliable information during Beryl and recommended that lawmakers pass legislation requiring utility companies to provide information about power restoration during outages.

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The same investigation also recommended more than a dozen improvements to CenterPoints emergency plans, communications and vegetation management. The PUC announced in November that it would also hire an outside company to audit CenterPoint, with results expected in April.

In August, Attorney General Ken Paxton also opened a criminal investigation into CenterPoint to examine allegations of fraud, waste and improper use of taxpayer funds.

After Beryl hit, CenterPoint President and CEO Jason Wells vowed to improve the companys communications and the electrical systems resiliency. In early August, CenterPoint launched a new outage tracker. The previous tracker had been offline for several months before Beryl struck.

During its Beryl response, CenterPoint also faced criticism for not utilizing massive generators designed to help during extended power outages. The PUC had allowed CenterPoint to charge its customers to help pay for the $800 million needed to lease the generators and make a profit.

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In Wednesdays statement, CenterPoint said it would make no revenue or profit off of the temporary emergency generator proposal, suggesting that customers would no longer be on the hook to help pay for the generators. The change comes after lawmakers, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, called on the PUC to block CenterPoint from passing that cost onto its customers.

CenterPoint is also proposing moving the emergency generators to the San Antonio area for two years starting this spring to help the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which manages the state power grid, address any potential energy shortfalls this summer. The proposed change is subject to approval from ERCOT.

Disclosure: CenterPoint Energy has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.
CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA)  Six Central Illinois areas were among those to receive part of $31 million in grant awards to help prepare large sites for industrial development.

On Wednesday, Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and local leaders announced Regional Site Readiness Program awards totaling $31 million to support site readiness activities at 24 sites across the state.

This program includes two funding opportunities:

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Planning grants to support due diligence, studies and site plans

Capital Ready grants to support capital infrastructure improvements

Decatur BOE approves expulsions, suspensions of students, staff

Readiness planning, assessments, infrastructure improvements  these things are all the fundamental work that must be done for businesses and investments to flourish and jobs to grow across the state, Pritzker said. In every corner of Illinois, there are communities that are overflowing with untapped potential but do not have the resources and support they needed to fully realize it.

Through the funding, 13 Planning grantees and 11 Capital Ready grantees will work on projects to improve sites which will attract future investment and new job opportunities in the industrial sector across Illinois Economic Development Regions.

Of these 24 sites, the six Central Illinois areas include Decatur, Mattoon, Effingham, Springfield, Livingston County and Champaign County:

Grantee Region Award Project Description City of Decatur Central $2,918,000 Water main extension for 190-acre site City of Mattoon Southeast $2,357,920 Substation improvements for 74-acres at Mattoon Enterprise Park City of Effingham Southeast $3,000,000 Water, sewer and road extensions to 150-acre site

Grantee Region Award Project Description Springfield Airport Authority Central $147,600 Mapping and drainage study for 116-acres at Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport City of Decatur Central $149,500 Water infrastructure study for 80-acre site Champaign County Economic Development Corporation East Central $150,000 Wastewater engineering study for 301-acres at Apollo Industrial Park Greater Livingston County Economic Development Council North Central $35,168 Environmental due diligence for 362-acres at MegaSite USA

Urbana School bus involved in Tuesday crash, no one hurt

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Effinghams project will construct approximately 1,500 feet of street, water and sewer for West Airport Road. This includes installing traffic signals at Airport Road and RT 45. The total project costs are estimated at $3.75 million, in which 80% is grant funded and 20% will be matched by the city.

Courtesy: The City of Effingham Facebook page

The goal of the program, guided by Illinois 2024 Economic Growth Plan, is to support municipalities, local economic development organizations and landowners in gathering information and making site improvement mandatory to attract industrial businesses to their communities.

DCEO is investing in the full spectrum of industrial site readiness needs on sites over 50-acres across Illinois. Every grant required a local match as a part of the total project cost. The planning grants will fund critical due diligence including environmental studies, engineering studies, site concept plans and preparation activities for land acquisition.

These site readiness grants are more than infrastructure projects theyre investments in people, potential, and the future of our communities, Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton said. When we invest strategically and locally, we create new opportunities, strengthen economies, and drive transformative growth.

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Cannot be swept under the rug: Bill would require Illinois students who commit sexual assault to be expelled

Additionally, capital ready grants will fund a variety of site development capital expenses, including horizontal infrastructure such as roads, water, sewer and other utilities needed for future industrial businesses to locate in the state. Both types of investments are needed to increase the number of sites ready for industrial development.

The program recipients were selected through a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) that was open to local governments, economic development organizations and private landowners. The grants ranged from just over $35,000 to $3 million. On top of the $31 million in program funding that was awarded, DCEO plans to deploy available funds for more site development opportunities moving forward.

Passed in 2019, Rebuild Illinois is the largest capital program in state history. The $45 billion investment is supporting improvements to Illinois infrastructure, creating jobs and promoting economic growth.

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The Regional Site Readiness Program is building on the states economic momentum, DCEO Director Kristin Richards said. These projects are readying sites for new capital investment and job creation to solidify Illinois reputation as an economic powerhouse that provides companies with access to the infrastructure they need to succeed.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CAMP HILL, Pa. (WTAJ)  An inmate assaulted and killed another who was sentenced for aggravated assault in Centre County, officials report.

Spencer Kassel, 35, of Bellefonte, was assaulted by another inmate at SCI Camp Hill and was pronounced dead Jan. 29, Superintendent Michael Gourley announced.

Prison staff provided life-saving measures, however, Kassel was pronounced dead at 8:51 a.m. Wednesday morning.

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Kassel was serving a one-to-two-year sentence for aggravated assault in Benner Township, Centre County. He has been at SCI Camp Hill since Dec. 9, 2024.

Stay up to date with the latest news in the palm of your hand. Click here to download the WTAJ app for Apple and Android devices.

Pennsylvania State Police are conducting an investigation and the cause of death will be determined by the Cumberland County Coroners 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 WTAJ - www.wtaj.com.
WEST PALM BEACH  Despite the undisputed claim by Palm Beach County officials that there is a desperate need for housing for low-income seniors and veterans, residents of Century Village's West Palm Beach campus on Friday, Jan. 24, called on officials to abandon their plan to buy a nearby La Quinta Inn for such housing.

The county is negotiating with the owner of the hotel to convert its 114 rooms into "permanent supportive housing" for seniors at risk of becoming homeless. The rooms are about 400 square feet in size and are expected to be occupied by one person.

County officials have said the hotel could be bought for $16.7 million, for a per-unit cost of about $150,000, which would be much less than what a new county shelter would cost.

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"I get calls every day from seniors who cannot pay their rent or condo fees," said James Green, director of the Community Services Department.

"They have nowhere to turn. It is heartbreaking. It is in the county's best interest to address their needs. About a third of our population consists of seniors," Green said, noting that no one would be able to come off the street and be housed there.

County commissioners are expected to decide in early February whether to buy the La Quinta, which is on Okeechobee Boulevard just east of Florida's Turnpike.

Nearly 400 Century Village residents attended a presentation delivered by Green, who added that conversion of hotels and motels is "one of the tools to address the need for affordable housing" and it is something being done across the country. Applicants chosen would be expected to pay some rent to the county, Green said, to offset costs.

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But resident after resident called on Green to look elsewhere for land to build a facility to house low-income seniors and veterans.

"We dont want it," said one resident. "You keep trying to force this down our throats. You need to move on."

The county's power point presentation details plans for the proposed conversion of the La Quinta hotel into housing for low-income seniors.

Karen Davis questioned Green on his statement that anyone housed at the hotel would be carefully vetted and would undergo background checks. She asked him if he could guarantee that every resident would be drug free and have no criminal records or mental health issues.

"We will do everything we can to make sure people are appropriately placed but I cannot foolproof every resident," Green conceded, noting that there will be security on site 24 hours a day, something that is not there now.

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CENTURY VILLAGE NEWS: As more unsafe Century Village structures are exposed, county struggles to address the issue

Century Village residents: 'We are rejecting the (La Quinta) project... we will not be ignored'

Green again emphasized the hotel will not a homeless shelter or a homeless encampment, adding that substance abuse or criminal activity will not be tolerated.

One resident cautioned county commissioners not to approve the purchase of the La Quinta, noting that more than 8,000 people live at Century Village. "We are rejecting outright this project," she said, "and we will not be ignored."

Belinda Flores said Green painted a beautiful picture but claimed the project amounted to making Century Village "guinea pigs."

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Solomon Becker, though, accused his fellow residents of being selfish, adding: "This is a way to help our fellow man. What are you worrying about? This is a great project."

CENTURY VILLAGE NEWS: La Quinta Inn near Century Village housed homeless veterans during COVID - and nobody knew

Becker was roundly booed.

Green said innovative approaches are needed to address housing affordability, a problem that is only going to grow worse in the coming years. He noted that the 30-year time frame on rent restrictions at some housing projects will expire on nearly 1,000 affordable housing units during the next five years.

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That means that those tenants whose rents were below market value could soon see massive rent increases that they might not be able to pay, Green noted.

CENTURY VILLAGE NEWS: Palm Beach County to condo associations: If safety inspection deadline missed, do ASAP or else

Mike Diamond is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. He covers Palm Beach County government and issues impacting homeowner associations. You can reach him at mdiamond@pbpost.com. Help support local journalism. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Century Village residents say no way to county purchase of La Quinta
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  A 44-year-old man was arrested after threatening Eaton Rapids police with a chainsaw Wednesday morning.

Two officers from the Eaton Rapids Police Department and the Eaton Rapids Fire Department were called to the 500 block of Lake Street at around 11:37 a.m. to investigate a possible violation of the citys open burning ordinance.

After they arrived, they made contact with a 44-year-old man, who started a chainsaw and threatened them with it. The officers attempted to deescalate the situation and talk him into dropping the chainsaw, after which the man dropped the saw and began to run away.

Police say the man ran into his home and barricaded himself in his bedroom.

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Deputies from the Eaton County Sheriffs Office, officers from the Charlotte Police Department, and troopers from the Michigan State Police assisted with entering the home. After the man refused to surrender, they forcibly entered the room and arrested him without injury to him or any law enforcement.

He is currently lodged in the Eaton County Jail, and charges are being requested from the prosecutors office for felony asault and resisting and obstructing an officer.

I am very proud of the officers who handled this situation and am grateful neither they, the suspect or anyone else was harmed, says Eaton Rapids Police Chief Larry Joe Weeks. The officers used incredible restraint handling an incident that easily could have ended very differently.

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The Georgia Supreme Court ruled Tuesday to end challenges to the City of Mabletons incorporation.

Previously, a Cobb County Superior Court judge had dismissed the case in April, but it was appealed to the states highest authority.

Now, the challenge has been dismissed, with Mableton officials saying the decision has confirmed the citys legitimacy and allows Georgias 12th largest city to move forward with clarity and confidence.

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Lawsuits seeking to challenge Mabletons cityhood began in May 2023, when five Mableton residents sued with the allegation that the establishment had been unconstitutional due to what they said were violations of the states single-subject rule.

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According to the GSC, the decision to dismiss the case was unanimous.

Not only is the legislature exercising similar powers in chartering a city and creating CIDs, but in this case, the legislature is exercising its powers in connection with the creation of a single municipality, Justice Carla Wong McMillian wrote in the court opinion. HB 839 only authorizes Mableton to create CIDs within its city limits, and the purpose of those CIDs is to allow Mableton to finance certain infrastructure and improvements in the same way that the charter provides for Mableton to exercise other power to finance its operations. Thus, there is a logical or natural connection to providing for the creation of a CID within Mableton at the same time as establishing Mableton.

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Having ruled in favor of Mableton, the city said it affirmed that the Georiga General Assembly has the authority to create cities and CIDs and concluded that the single-subject rule was not violated, rather than be illegal by combining the city and its Community Improvement District.

This decision closes the door on this chapter and allows us to turn the page. The citizens who had concerns about the citys creation have now had their voices heard in the highest court of our state, Mayor Owens said in a statement. More importantly, the nearly 80,000 residents of Mableton can now focus on the future. We remain steadfast in our commitment to serve the people of our beautiful city.

Channel 2 Action News has reached out to an attorney for the residents suing Mableton for comment and are waiting for their response.

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CHAMBERS COUNTY, Ala. (WRBL)  A judge has ruled Joshua Denham, 29, will be held without bond following a hearing under Aniahs Law, which allows courts to deny bail for certain violent allegations.

Denham, 29, is accused of attempted murder and aggravated child abuse of his 4-month-old daughter, who allegedly suffered significant head trauma caused by violent shaking. The babys current medical condition has not been disclosed. The childs mother shared a picture of the baby taken in the hospital. The baby looks alert as she continues to recover. Denham will be held without bond in Randolph County Detention because the babys mother is a correctional officer in Chambers County.

The childs mother shared a picture of the baby taken in the hospital.

During the January 29 pre-trial detention hearing, the prosecution argued Denham is a danger to the community, his family and poses a flight risk due to the severity of the charges and potential life sentence. Testimony from Chambers County Sheriffs Investigator Jeff Hinkle and Randolph County Sheriffs Investigator Randy Moore outlined the evidence against Denham, including medical reports alleging injuries consistent with shaken baby syndrome.

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The defense did not call witnesses but argued there was no clear timeline proving when or how the baby was allegedly injured. However, the court found the States evidence compelling and ruled releasing Denham would pose a serious risk to public safety.

Denham was arrested after investigators determined he was the sole caretaker of his infant daughter during two suspected incidents of violent shakingone allegedly occurring overnight on January 15 and another shortly before a 911 call on January 21.

According to medical reports cited in court documents, the baby allegedly began showing symptoms of distress on January 16, including vomiting and refusing bottles. Her condition allegedly worsened over several days until she became limp and unresponsive, prompting her mother to call 911.

Medical examinations allegedly revealed both subacute and acute subdural hemorrhages, injuries associated with severe acceleration and deceleration forces, along with extensive bilateral retinal hemorrhagesstrong indicators of inflicted head trauma, according to investigators.

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WRBL has learned Denham was out on bond for previous child abuse allegations involving his young son stemming from a February 2024 indictment in Randolph County. In that case, Denham faces charges of domestic violence strangulation or suffocation and aggravated child abuse against a child under six years old. The indictment alleges Denham used his forearm to compress the young boys neck, causing asphyxia, and struck the child multiple times, inflicting significant injuries to the face and body.

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Channel 4 boss Alex Mahon has urged UK intervention on public service news to help resist sliding into an American news swamp.

The network commissioned research into Gen-Z news consumption habits and uncovered a wealth of what it deems concerning findings, although Channel 4 said the UK regulatory environment is equipped to attempt to resolve the problem.

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First of all, it is important to remember that the UK is in a better situation than most other countries, said Mahon at a Channel 4-RTS event unveiling the research. Lets compare to somewhere else. The simplest case would be the USA, where many people get their information from non-verified platforms or from those with a vested economic interest in the algorithms set to promote popularity rather than factuality. Here, in the UK, we can still resist sliding into an American news swamp.

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Mahon was talking tough on American news and its lack of regulation, coming in the week that BFI Chair Jay Hunt warned against very protectionist language around Hollywood from the new Donald Trump administration.

Increasing shift towards authoritarianism

Channel 4s research found clear evidence of democratic disengagement and an increasing shift towards authoritarianism, according to Mahon. Among those aged 13 to 27 in the UK, Channel 4 found that 52% say they think the UK would be better with a strong leader, unfettered by Parliament and elections. This compares to 40% of those aged 45 to 65.

This should not surprise us, added Mahon. Todays young people have faced a polycrisis: growing up with concerns about climate change, as well as increased economic, technological and geopolitical turmoil.

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She cited the influence on young people, especially men, from popular figures such as Andrew Tate and Jordan Peterson. Mahon said that for the first time we have seen gender rather than education drive an ideological split where young women hold more liberal views on gender politics, immigration and racial justice than their male peers. According to the research, 45% of young men said they feel that promoting womens equality has now led to discrimination against men.

Mahon described young peoples relationship with news as social, ubiquitous, ambient and contested.

We see confusing and conflicting signals about information consumption, she said. Students dont want to read books at university when they can get AI extracted clips. But three-hour podcast episodes are something we quite gladly commit to.

She cited the Trump interview with Joe Rogan during the election campaign, which amassed 54 million views on YouTube alone and is 179 minutes long. For many, the more dyspeptic or noisy the politician, the easier they were to engage with, she added. We are moving to engaging more with how people say things than what they say.

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Mahon was positive about the UKs ability to wrestle with the issues at play. Her solutions include introducing trustmarks, extending regulation so that public service news can be more prominent on social media platforms and training large language models to identify public service news.

We must start thinking about objective truth and validated news as a public good, Mahon concluded. We need to ensure they are present on new platforms, rather than see them as compensating for a market failure that we regulate for on the old platforms.

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Channel 4 has demanded that tech giants be forced to promote mainstream news to fight the spread of misinformation on social media.

Alex Mahon, the chief executive of Channel 4, called for algorithmic prominence in which posts from trusted media outlets would be pushed to the top of news feeds.

Ms Mahon said the measures, which would mirror similar rules placing public service broadcasters such as the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 at the top of TV programme guides, would ensure that quality news was boosted, not throttled or shadow-banned.

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In a speech in London on Thursday, she said: The platforms are fighting the steps we are taking in Britain and the EU to make them clean up their act precisely because this reduces easy routes to short-term profits.

Theirs is a position of weakness, political expediency  ours is a position of principle that should play to the strengths of our media ecology and help it thrive in the long-term.

Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, this month said it was ditching independent fact-checkers as Mark Zuckerberg vowed to restore free expression to his social media companies. They will instead be replaced by a system of community notes, similar to those used on Elon Musks X.

But the move, which has been widely interpreted as an effort to align with Donald Trump, the US president, has triggered fresh fears about the spread of false and harmful material online.

Abandonment of pursuit of truth

Ms Mahon said tech giants had publicly announced a wanton abandonment of the pursuit of truth, adding that they were so hell bent on the potential profitability of what they deem to be free speech that they are perfectly happy to eradicate truth and facts along the way.

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The Channel 4 chief said social media algorithms were designed to promote the most titillating and salubrious material, leading to a crisis in trusted news sources.

She cited the example of the US, where many people get their news from unverified sources, and urged Britain to resist sliding into an American news swamp.

Alongside an overhaul to algorithms, the Channel 4 chief called for a trust mark for public service media that would allow tech companies and users to identify professionally produced, regulated news.

Such a system, also known as a kitemark, has long been floated but proved divisive among news outlets. David Rhodes, the head of Sky News, in November warned against a government-backed kitemark scheme, saying the media should challenge the state rather than seek its approval.

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Ms Mahon also called for regulations to ensure artificial intelligence (AI) models are trained on validated material from public service media.

The comments came after Channel 4 published the findings of a survey which revealed a deepening gender divide and weakening support for democracy among young people.

The survey, conducted by Craft, revealed that more than half of Gen Z believe the UK would be a better place if it were a dictatorship, while a third believe the army should be in charge.

It also showed that almost half of boys and men aged between 13 and 27 thought society had gone so far in promoting womens equality that we are now discriminating against men.

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Ms Mahon added: A world where trust declines, truth is not universally accepted, the gender divide is widening and young people increasingly feel they are missing out is a dangerous world.

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POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA)  Actions by the White House are impacting local non-profit organizations that receive federal funding to provide services to groups, including people who are homeless, senior citizens and in need of health care.

People are scared. Our staff are wondering whats going to happen, said Alice Koehler, president & CEO of Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine (LVIM). Its chaos. So we had other priorities were working on for the start of the year and all of that has to be put aside so now we can pay attention to this.

White House budget office rescinds federal funding freeze memo

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LVIM provides primary health care to underserved and uninsured working families in Polk County.

Koehler said it receives $80,000 a year in federal funds distributed through Polk County as community development block grants.

This week, Koehler said, the county told her that funding was temporarily on pause.

Just reflecting the mandate that they received from the federal government that we were not to invoice on any of the services that we provided under those grant contracts until further notice, said Koehler.

That was the result of a memo, released by the White House Office of Management and Budget, ordering a freeze on most federal loans and grants.

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QVC US and HSN operations close campus in St. Petersburg

Federal agencies must temporarily pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all federal financial assistance, and other relevant agency activities that may be implicated by the executive orders, including, but not limited to, financial assistance for foreign aid, non-governmental organizations, DEI, woke gender ideology, and the green new deal, the memo reads.

Programs that involve direct payments to citizens, including Medicare and Social Security, were not included in the financial aid freeze.

On Wednesday, after a federal judge temporarily blocked implementation of the memo and, according to The Hill, pushback from Republican lawmakers, the White House rescinded the memo.

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We are merely looking at parts of the big bureaucracy where there has been tremendous waste and fraud and abuse, said President Donald Trump during an address Wednesday.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on X that the OMB was rescinded but not the federal funding freeze.

The veto pen is ready: DeSantis vows to block Florida Legislatures immigration bill

The Presidents EOs on federal funding remain in full force and effect, and will be rigorously implemented, wrote Leavitt.

Koehler said, that after the judges injunction order, the county once again allowed for invoice requests.

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While federal funding does not make up a significant portion of the Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine budget, she said she knows other services her patients need could be impacted.

If people lose all of those services as well then our work becomes much, much harder. It becomes much harder to help people get healthy and stay healthy, said Koehler.

Florida Attorney General reduces pool contractor judgment from $1.9 million to $60 grand

A spokesperson for Talbot House Ministries, which serves people who are homeless in Polk County, said it received its 30-day payment from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development just before the federal aid freeze memo was issued Monday night.

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According to Polk County Public Schools, free lunch and after-school programs were operating as normal.

The United Way of Central Florida was surveying partners as of Wednesday morning to learn more about what potential impacts exist.

The Alianza Center serves Hispanic and Puerto Rican communities across Florida and has a grant pending with the EPA to build a hurricane resiliency center in central Florida, according to the organizations Executive Director Marcos Vilar.

He expects that and other projects to potentially be in limbo.

The new administration is presenting to the entire country that these programs will not have the level of priority so for us thats a little bit concerning or pretty much concerning, said Vilar.

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President Trumps decision to clean house at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and initially freeze all foreign assistance is fueling chaos and uncertainty in Washington and across the world.

The entire scope of Trumps freeze on foreign aid and stop work orders to nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), issued in an executive order on Jan. 20, is hard to fully comprehend, and it left aid groups, grantee recipients and lawmakers with more questions than answers.

Were checking to see what the directive is, and what the response has been, and whats included in that. Were trying to get it clarified, Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) told The Hill, saying he was concerned about a halt in funding for PEPFAR.

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The George W. Bush-era initiative to treat HIV/AIDS across Africa is credited with keeping 20 million people alive who are living with HIV. Advocates who work with clinics on the ground said the programs funding is indefinitely on hold, leaving its future uncertain.

Amid the confusion and outrage, Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a waiver Tuesday night that exempted critical humanitarian assistance and life-saving medical work for U.S. aid recipients.

The situation is causing whiplash for NGOs across Africa, the Middle East, in Ukraine and southeast Asia, which began shutting doors, sending staff home and turning away their dependents.

Brian Honermann, deputy director of the Andelson Public Policy Office at amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research, told The Hill he was aware of clinics closing because of the stop work order.

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Some of those . patients at those facilities have been able to get medications, but otherwise they are being sent to other places to hopefully be able to get access to services, but it is not clear that they will be able to, he said.

The waiver came after Rubio met with Senate Democrats on Capitol Hill, with Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) calling for him to reconsider the scope of the freeze and stop work orders.

This is an alarming development that is putting at risk lives of vulnerable people around the world, Coons said, adding that he is gravely concerned that in the days and weeks to come it will have significant consequences for people around the world.

Even with the waiver, Democrats are seething.

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Aid programs were told to apply for waivers. But its a joke  there is no waiver program, no one to review the waivers. Its just cruel busy work to further overwhelm and punish aid agencies. Because cruelty is also the point, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) posted on social platform X.

The Trump administration also put on leave about 60 senior career officials at the U.S. Agency for International Development, Reuters reported, creating a leadership vacuum amid the confusion.

Murphy said he hasnt been able to find out which programs have been impacted because of an administration-wide order instructing federal officials not to speak to any outside parties.

[USAID officials] were told theres a gag order, right? Theres a gag order that I assume applies across the government, Congress and senators too  They are not allowed to talk to any of us, so we have been unable to get any information about whats happening there, Murphy told reporters Tuesday.

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U.S. foreign assistance represents about 1 percent of the federal budget, with about $63 billion obligated in 2023. The funding goes to a range of projects including global health initiatives and humanitarian assistance; good governance and anti-corruption; education and infrastructure development assistance.

The role of U.S. foreign assistance is a broad effort to promote stability; set standards based on American values and law; and foster closer ties with partners as part of bilateral and multilateral relationships. Diplomats and national security experts say these types of partnerships are key in pushing back against security threats posed by China, Russia or the rise of terrorism and extremism.

China, which is already growing its soft power reach across the world, will fill that vacuum that the U.S. is leaving behind, and it is quite a large vacuum, said Catherine Nzuki, associate fellow with the Africa Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, citing, in particular, Trumps withdrawal from the World Health Organization.

But what the U.S. saves in foreign aid, it will lose in the goodwill that it has generated over the years with things like PEPFAR, the presidents emergency fund for AIDS in Africa.

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Senate Democrats are going to pursue that line of argument during a hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Thursday, which is examining the Chinese governments malign influence in the U.S. and abroad.

Foreign assistance is a vital national security tool that makes our nation safer and supports global stability, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told The Hill.

The world needs Americas leadership, and when we withdraw vital support in these areas, we cede ground to competitors like the Peoples Republic of China.

And while Republicans and Democrats largely agree on the benefit of return on investment from U.S. assistance, Trumps allies in Congress are giving him the benefit of the doubt.

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Its a new administration, theyll get the bugs worked out, Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) said.

Its not unusual for an administration to review the policies of the last administration, I think thats whats happening right now, and well see what happens as they go forward.

Among the initial consequences of Trumps order was an impact to U.S.-backed Kurdish forces in Syria guarding some 10,000 Islamic State (ISIS) prisoners and their families. State Department officials scrambled to implement an exemption for Kurdish forces guarding the camp, Politico reported.

The State Department also reinstated funding that provided health care, education and food distribution in the prison camps, said Sinam Sherkany Mohamad, chief of mission of the Syrian Democratic Council to the U.S. She earlier told The Hill that a cut to that assistance would have grave dangers.

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Stopping assistance to the camps could exacerbate the desire for these ISIS terrorists to escape, which endangers the whole world, she told The Hill.

She also warned that humanitarian organizations are not equipped to make up funding provided by the U.S. in helping displaced Syrians and those in refugee camps.

There are no immediate alternative solutions to fill the void that will be created by the freeze decisions. This aid freeze greatly endangers all of us, she told The Hill.

For experts focused on Ukraine, a stop in USAID funding that goes to civil society projects and energy infrastructure projects risks weakening Ukraines resilience as it prepares for Trumps pursuit of negotiating a deal with Russia.

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The Trump administrations suspension of broader aid to a nation under direct Russian attack  while claiming to be looking to increase leverage and pressure on Russia for negotiations  is a glaring contradiction, said Shelby Magid, deputy director of the Atlantic Councils Eurasia Center.

With Russia relentlessly targeting Ukraines energy infrastructure, U.S. support has been crucial for maintaining energy security.

But Sen. James Risch (R-Idaho), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the orders are working exactly as intended.

And that is to examine all these expenditures and exempt ones as they came up, as they were looked at and needed to stay in place, Risch said.

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Thats exactly what happened. Any other president would have come into office and say, oh gee, I think we should look at spending, Im going to appoint this committee  the committee would meet for two years, theyd propose a 1,000-page report, and then nothing would happen. Theres stuff happening right now, which is really good.

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Chaotic scenes surrounding the release of Israeli and Thai hostages in Gaza on Thursday brought condemnation from Israeli leaders and a temporary delay in the release of Palestinian prisoners, who were ultimately released later in the day.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu postponed by several hours the agreed release of 110 Palestinian detainees, including dozens of minors, after live images were broadcast across Israel of a crowd of thousands jostling and cheering as the hostages were handed over to the Red Cross in the central Gazan city of Khan Younis.

He described those scenes as shocking, and demanded guarantees from those who mediated a ceasefire deal  Qatar, Egypt and the United States  that the incident would not be repeated.

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The release Thursday morning of the captive Israeli soldier Agam Berger in Jabalya, northern Gaza, had gone off without incident  a stage-managed affair in which Hamas militants paraded her in front of cameras and then handed her to representatives from the International Committee for the Red Cross.

But the release in the early afternoon of two Israeli and five Thai civilians produced some of the most stunning images of the nearly two-week-old ceasefire, striking a painful nerve for much of the Israeli public.

Unusually, that handover was a joint affair between Hamas and several allied militant groups. Thousands of Gazans crowded in Khan Younis as Hamas and its allies staged the handover outside the razed house of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, killed by Israeli forces in October.

Among those released was Arbel Yehoud, a 29-year-old civilian whom militants abducted from her home in the Nir Oz kibbutz on October 7, 2023. She was held captive by the militant group Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Stepping out from a white van, the Israeli civilian looked gaunt and frightened. As militants walked her through a roaring crowd, she kept her head locked forward as her eyes darted left and right. The crowd jostled her back and forth as she made her way toward a waiting Red Cross vehicle.

Gadi Mozes, age 80, was among those held by Palestinian Islamic Jihad and released in central Gaza on Thursday. - Jehad Alshrafi/AP

Yehoud was returned to Israel without further incident. But for many in Israel, the images sparked fears of a repeat of an infamous, televised incident in October 2000, known colloquially as the Ramallah lynching. Two reservist Israeli soldiers  who had been detained after accidentally driven into Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank  were brutally murdered by a Palestinian mob mourning a child whom Israeli troops had killed the previous day.

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Fifteen hostages have been released since a ceasefire went into effect earlier this month. Their freedom has brought some relief to a nation traumatized daily by images of civilians and soldiers held captive since October 7, 2023.

But that solace has accompanied by astounding images of Hamas militants elaborate handover ceremonies  clearly designed to show that the group is still standing, despite the Israeli governments promises of total victory over the perpetrators of the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a right-wing extremist who has threatened to withdraw from the governing coalition, has cited Hamass presence on the streets of Gaza as proof that Israel must return to war, saying that it was proof of the heavy and terrible price Israel is paying for this bad deal.

Israel's Ofer Prison, in the occupied West Bank. - Atef Safadi/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

110 Palestinians released

Just as night fell, the Israeli prison authority released 110 Palestinians from Ofer Prison in the occupied West Bank, including a prominent former militant leader from the embattled city of Jenin.

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In the West Bank town of Beitunia, which overlooks Ofer Prison, the Israeli military on Thursday shut down public celebrations by Palestinians over the detainees release, as has repeatedly been the case.

Israeli troops fired rubber-coated steel bullets and used tear gas and stun grenades to clear a small crowd. They dropped Arabic-language flyers warning onlookers that the security forces will not allow demonstrations in support of terrorist organizations.

At least 61 Palestinians were injured, according to local paramedics. The Palestine Red Crescent Society said its members treated patients with injuries from live rounds, rubber bullets and tear gas, as well as those sustained falling over.

The release was met with jubilation in the streets of Ramallah, where hundreds gathered to meet some of the released detainees. Many of those gathered there chanted in support of Hamas military wing, Al-Qassam Brigades. A smaller crowd of Fatah supporters has gathered on a nearby hill.

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Among those freed were 30 children  some held without charge and none convicted, according to Adalah, a legal aid organization. Also released were 32 prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment and 48 prisoners with high sentences. Some of those with serious sentences were due to be released to Egypt, as per the terms of the ceasefire deal agreed to in Doha.

The most prominent to be released on Thursday was Zakaria Zubeidi, former commander of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, the military wing of the Fatah party, which governs the West Bank. His mother, brother, and son have all been killed by the Israeli military. Zubeidi rose through the ranks of the militant group during the Second Intifada in the early 2000s.

A Palestinian child in Ramallah holds a portrait of Zakaria Zubeidi, who was released from Israeli prison on Thursday. - Ahmad Gharabli/AFP/Getty Images

A former child actor, Zubeidi co-founded The Freedom Theatre in his hometown of the Jenin Refugee Camp following that conflict, to promote cultural education among his compatriots.

He was arrested in 2019 and charged with involvement in shooting attacks against Israelis. He gained near cult status among many Palestinians after he was among a group who tunneled out of Israels high security Gilboa prison in 2021, before being re-arrested several days later.

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Mohammad Al Sawalhi, Tareq Al Hilou, Eugenia Yosef, Lauren Izso, Dana Karni and Khader Al-Zaanoun, a journalist with WAFA, the official Palestinian news agency, contributed reporting.

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MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  Police in Montgomery County said officers have identified the person responsible for posting signs warning of alligators at parks within the county.

On Tuesday, The Maryland-National Capital Park Police said it had received reports of signs posted along Sligo Creek Trail in Takoma Park, warning residents to stay away from the water and not to disturb the alligators.

The bottom of the sign had a QR code and credited the Maryland Department of Herpetological Resources. The department does not appear to exist and the QR code links to a local news satire website, the Montgonion.

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Glenn Fellman, founder of the Montgonion, told DC News Now in a phone call Wednesday afternoon that he was behind the signs. He said Park Police came to his home and told him he would need a permit for any future signage.

In an update Wednesday, police noted that officers identified the person who posted the signs and that charges are pending.

Police said the signs appeared to be a prank since alligators are not native to the area.

Neighbors who talked to DC News Now said they found the notice funny.

Im terrified of alligators. Im really glad we dont live in the South. Thats one of my biggest fears! Im glad its a prank. Im glad its not legitimate. I think its funny, said Takoma Park neighbor Ezra Lewis.

(Photo courtesy of the Maryland-National Capital Park Police)

PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Police: Alligator sign prank pops up in Takoma Park

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The police department emphasized that the information is entirely false and that staff had removed the unauthorized signs.

DC News Now crews saw at least one sign still up along the walking path on Wednesday.

There are no alligators in this area. Any claims about a managed alligator hunt or alligator-related warnings are purely fictitious, the department said, in a release.

Sign warning of alligators spotted along Sligo Creek in Takoma Park. (Randi Bass/DC News Now)

We encourage residents to verify information through reliable sources, including official county communications, and avoid sharing unverified claims that may cause unnecessary alarm, police noted.

Police encourage anyone who has seen the signs or someone putting them up to contact the Maryland-National Capital Park Police Criminal Investigations Units Tip Line at 301-929-2748 or CrimeTips@mncparkpolice.org.

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CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Queen City News spoke with a family member who confirmed that the flight crew of the plane that crashed with a helicopter in Washington, D.C. Wednesday night was based in Charlotte.

Ian Epstein was killed when American Airlines Flight 5342 crashed into a military helicopter Wednesday night in the Potomac River in Washington, D.C.

MORE: Charlotte mother on American Airlines flight that collided with US Army helicopter in DC

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Ian was married to Debi Epstein for 23 years.

He died doing what he loved, Debi Epstein told Queen City News Anchor Robin Kanady on Thursday before she left Cabarrus County for D.C.

Debi says Ian was known for his personality and was considered a comedian on flights and that everyone loved him, and he enjoyed keeping passengers calm during flights.

Ian switched careers five years ago to become a flight attendant so that he could travel and see the world.

Its unfathomable, you dont expect to get that phone call, and whats the chance out of two flight attendants in the world that hes on that flight? said Debi Epstein in tears.

Photo: Ian Epstein via family

Photo: Ian Epstein via family

Ian lived in Charlotte and had two children who went to high school in Harrisburg.

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Even more heartbreaking is that Ian wont be there with his family for a major milestone.

Our youngest is getting married in eight weeks, and that was just our last conversation with him and her was about the wedding, said Debi Epstein.

Debi is clinging to her own memories with Ian and those shared by others.

He was a jokester, so when he was giving his announcements, just make them fun and that people just loved him as a flight attendant, said Debi.

Debi says shes also comforted by people remembering Ian from playing golf with him at Traditions Golf Course in north Charlotte.

She adds that shes grateful that Ian helped her develop a love for travel and that because of his experience as a flight attendant, she got the travel bug too.

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Continuing Coverage

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CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS/AP)  Queen City News has learned a Charlotte mother was on a regional flight that collided with a U.S. Army helicopter Wednesday night.

The family has confirmed with QCN that Wendy Jo Shaffer, of Charlotte, was one of 64 people who died on the flight. Wendy was a wife and mother of two small children. She was returning from a business trip with a layover in D.C.

We are devastated. Words cannot truly express what Wendy Jo meant as a daughter, a sister, a friend, a wife, and most importantly, a mother. The family is requesting privacy at this time. Family of Wendy Jo Shaffer

A GoFundMe has been created to help provide essential support for funeral expenses, childcare, education, and the day-to-day needs of the family as they adjust to life without their beloved wife and mother.

Photo: Wendy Jo Shaffer courtesy of the family

American Airlines confirmed the flight was run by a subsidiary, PSA Airlines. The tragic news comes just a day after PSA Airlines announced that its headquarters is moving to Charlotte.

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Our hearts are shattered by the tragic events this week at both CLT and Washington National Reagan Airport (DCA). We stand by our partners at American Airlines and PSA Airlines, and we join the aviation community in offering our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, passengers and colleagues affected by these devastating incidents. In times of profound loss, we are reminded that life is precious  cherish who you love. CLT Airport chaplains are available on site to provide support, comfort and guidance for employees and passengers. American Airlines

The Charlotte-Douglas International Airport confirmed with Queen City News that American Eagle Flight 5342 en route from Wichita, Kansas (ICT), to Washington, D.C. (DCA) was involved in the fatal accident at DCA. The flight was operated by PSA Airlines with a CRJ-700.

There were 60 passengers and four crew members on board the aircraft.

Our hearts are shattered: Charlotte Airport issues statement on American Airlines tragedy in DC, local flights impacted

Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts, CLT Airport said. If you believe you may have loved ones on board Flight 5342, call American Airlines toll-free at 800-679-8215.

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The mid-air collision between the Army helicopter and the American Airlines flight from Kansas killed all 67 people aboard the two aircraft, officials said Thursday, as they scrutinized the actions of the military pilot after the countrys deadliest aviation disaster since 2001.

More than 40 bodies were pulled from the Potomac River on Friday.

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA  JANUARY 30: Emergency response units search the crash site of the American Airlines plane on the Potomac River after the plane crashed last night on approach to Reagan National Airport on January 30, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. The American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas collided in midair with a military helicopter while approaching the airport. According to reports there were no survivors amongst the 67 people on board both aircraft. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA  JANUARY 30: Emergency response units search the crash site of the American Airlines plane on the Potomac River after the plane crashed last night on approach to Reagan National Airport on January 30, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. The American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas collided in midair with a military helicopter while approaching the airport. According to reports there were no survivors amongst the 67 people on board both aircraft. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images) ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA  JANUARY 30: Emergency response units search the crash site of the American Airlines plane on the Potomac River after the plane crashed last night on approach to Reagan National Airport on January 30, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. The American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas collided in midair with a military helicopter while approaching the airport. According to reports there were no survivors amongst the 67 people on board both aircraft. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Heres what to know:

The cause of the collision is unclear: The National Transportation Safety Board said it was too soon to speculate and pledged to release a preliminary report within 30 days. Officials said flight conditions were clear and that the jet coming from Wichita, Kansas, was making a routine landing when the helicopter flew into its path.

Air traffic control communications: Less than 30 seconds before the crash, air traffic control made contact with the helicopter, which said it had the aircraft in sight. It appears air traffic control had no communication with the jet.

Identities of the victims: Passengers on the flight included a group of figure skaters, their coaches and family members who were returning from a development camp that followed the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita.

Trump blames DEI: President Donald Trump blamed the crash on federal diversity initiatives but provided no evidence for the claim and later acknowledged there was none. He later signed an executive order to stop woke policies in federal aviation.

This is a Developing Story . Check back for updates

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A Charlotte woman has started a campaign, Project Red Cards, to let immigrants know their rights in case theyre approached by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agents.

Im proud to say that I am first-generation Mexican American, said Maria Fernanda Garcia.

Trump signs Laken Riley Act, marking first legislative win of second term

She has big dreams.

Fernanda Garcia graduated from Queens University and wants to be a doctor, but right now shes just trying to save her family and friends.

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It makes me very sad, and very worried, said Fernanda Garcia.

She was born in the United States and raised by immigrant parents.

When she started seeing more ICE raids in other parts of the country, after President Donald Trump took office last week, her concern for her family and friends grew, and she knew she had to do something.

I saw just how fast those cards went away and how many people were asking questions because they also didnt know their rights, said Fernanda Garcia, who started first handing out cards at work.

The text on the red cards comes in English and Spanish.

You can stand out with the color red.

Then she thought even more people could use them.

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It (the card) tells them if they do come in contact with immigration officials how to respond accurately and confidently, Fernanda Garcia explained.

Trump orders preparation of Guantanamo Bay facility to house migrants

The cards in English and Spanish remind people that they have the right to remain silent and not to sign anything or not to open the door to immigration officials unless they have a warrant with their name on it.

Ive been hearing a lot of fear, a lot of unknown, and just overall people being worried about their family members not coming home if they were to go to work or were to go to the grocery store or were to go pickup their kids from daycare, said Fernanda Garcia.

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After starting Project Red Cards, passing the cards out at supermarkets, laundromats, restaurants and stores in Latino communities in Concord and Charlotte.

The response has been overwhelming with joy.

She hopes the project brings light during uncertain times.

I wish things were different so that nobody had to live in fear.

Fernanda Garcia has been contacted by people in other cities in North Carolina, and in Georgia and New Jersey.

Theyre interested in starting their own local Project Red Cards.

You can find the organization on Instagram and Facebook.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with comment from a serviceman from Ukraine's 24th Mechanized Brigade communications unit.

Reports that the embattled Ukrainian city of Chasiv Yar has fallen to Russian forces have been dismissed by experts and officials speaking to the Kyiv Independent, and the latest OSINT data suggests fighting is still ongoing.

"(Ukrainian forces are) "still fighting," Oleg Petrasiuk, a serviceman from Ukraine's 24th Mechanized Brigade communications unit, told the Kyiv Independent, adding the battles in the city were "street fights."

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The front-line city has become one of the hottest spots in Donetsk Oblast in recent months as Russian troops continue advancing in eastern Ukraine.

The battle for control of Chasiv Yar has been raging for months, with Ukraine's forces limiting Russian advances to a slow and incremental slog with both sides engaged in brutal street-to-street fighting.

On Jan. 29, the Moscow Times published a report declaring the city had fallen to Moscow's forces, citing five Ukrainian and European military and government sources.

Neither Ukraine nor Russia has officially commented directly on the report, but comments from Ukrainian military officials, OSINT analysts, and even Russian military bloggers all suggest fighting is still ongoing in Chasiv Yar.

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Speaking on national TV on Jan. 29, Ruslan Muzychuk, spokesperson of the National Guard of Ukraine, made no mention of the fall of the city but acknowledged Russian attacks had "significantly intensified" and incorporated some of Moscow's best-trained troops.

"The enemy has recently increased the number of personnel involved in infantry assaults (in this direction)," he said, adding: "These are not only motorized rifle units, but also airborne regiments, and special forces battalions."

Russian advnaces in Chasiv Yar as of Jan. 29 (Nizar al-Rifai/The Kyiv Independent)

Muzychuk said Russian forces were employing a range of weapons to attack Ukrainian positions including aviation, artillery and fiber optic drones.

He added that urban warfare of the type being waged in the destroyed streets of Chasiv Yar was the "most difficult type of battle for infantry" for both defenders and attackers.

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"That is why quite often the enemy tries to bypass the city by the flanks, this in particular, applies to Chasiv Yar," he added.

But while reports of Chasiv Yar's fall may be premature, the direction of the battle for the city is going in Russia's favor, albeit slowly.

The Battle for Chasiv Yar

The battle for Chasiv Yar has now been waged for months, beginning in April 2024 as part of Russia's grinding, slow, and costly advances in Donetsk Oblast.

After the fall of Bakhmut in May 2023 and the fall of Avdiivka in February 2024, Russian forces overran one village after another and took up positions close to Chasiv Yar.

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Located on hills, Chasiv Yar boasts the highest point in the area, an important target for any army wanting to gain an advantage.

It is divided in the east by the Siverskyi Donets-Donbas canal, creating a barrier between the Kanal micro-district and the rest of the city.

Throughout most of spring, Kyiv's forces managed to keep Russian troops out of the city.

But since then, Moscow's forces have advanced incrementally into the city, reaching the canal and forcing Ukrainian forces to partially retreat in July.

Anti-tank "Dragon's teeth" fortifications are seen in the direction of Chasiv Yar, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, on Jan. 26, 2025. (Wolfgang Schwan/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Ukrainian servicemen carry ammunition for a Polish-donated Krab mobile howitzer in the direction of Chasiv Yar, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, on Jan. 9, 2025. (Wolfgang Schwan/Anadolu via Getty Images)

The canal became the zero line and the front remained largely static in this area until Russian forces crossed it in mid-October.

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Since then, Russian forces have continued to make small advances into Chasiv Yar, but according to experts and analysts, are still some way from taking the entire city.

Before Russia's full-scale invasion, Chasiv Yar was home to around 12,000 people. On Jan. 29, Ukraine's Interior Ministry posted an aerial view of the city on social media.

"After the arrival of the Russians, only a wasteland remains," the statement read.

Read also: Russias Soviet-era military stockpile running low, faces equipment shortages, media reports

Who controls Chasiv Yar?

"I wouldn't say that Chasiv Yar has fallen yet," Emil Kastehelmi, an OSINT analyst with the Finland-based Black Bird Group and military history expert, told the Kyiv Independent.

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"It's an unfavorable trend for the Ukrainians, but the Russian pace of advance has been so slow that it will take weeks or months before the battle of Chasiv Yar is over," he added.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) on Jan. 29 cited several OSINT analysts and Russian military bloggers and assessed that although Russian forces  including Chechen Akhmat Spetsnaz forces  had made advances in Chasiv Yar and the surrounding area, there are no indication that the city had fallen.

"The Russians have actually made some progress inside the city," Kastehelmi said, adding Russian forces had taken "most of the northern parts of the city."

A view of destruction from a Russian attack in Chasiv Yar, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, on Oct. 7, 2024. (Maciek Musialek/Anadolu via Getty Images)

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"The Ukrainians are still defending the southern and central parts, and there may also be some fighting going on near the northern parts of the city," he added.

If Russia were able to take the city, it would have a significant impact on the war in Donetsk Oblast and is crucial for Russia's larger offensive ambitions in the east.

Holding the city allows the military to retain fire control over key supply routes, severely hampering the opposing armys operations in the area.

Ultimately, the fall of Chasiv Yar would mean the last Ukrainian strongholds in Donetsk Oblast  the cities of Kostiantynivka, Druzhkivka, Kramatorsk, and Sloviansk  would be under massive threat from Russian forces.

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Additional reporting by Kateryna Hodunova and Tim Zadorozhnyy.

Read also: Whats behind Zelenskys recent round of sanctions on top pro-Russian politicians, propagandists, energy mogul?

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Posts on social media claimed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents had targeted members of Native American nations for detention and deportation.

Indeed, as ICE ramped up arrests for deportation, the Navajo Nation Council reported incidents of its citizens being detained as ICE dismissed their tribal and state IDs as proofs of citizenship. In one case, the council said someone had been detained for nine hours.

However, the president of the Navajo Nation, Buu Nygren, said his office had received only unconfirmed reports that Navajo citizens had been targeted.

Separately, the Mescalero Apache Tribe reported one incident of ICE questioning a tribal member in New Mexico. After the person showed ID, ICE agents walked away.

In the days following U.S. President Donald Trump's 2025 inauguration, claims spread online that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)  tasked with following through on a Trump campaign promise of mass deportations  had detained Native Americans.

Snopes readers emailed to ask whether the immigration law enforcement agency had targeted Native Americans. They also asked about reasons behind this effort. The rumor spread on social media, including TikTok (archived), X (archived), Bluesky, Reddit, Instagram and Facebook. News outlets including CNN, the New Mexico Political Report, and Axios published reports that ICE was detaining members of the Navajo and Apache tribes.

Officials of some Native American nations urged their citizens to carry tribal identification documents in case they encountered the ICE agents. They also mentioned confrontations between agents and some of their citizens and expressed concern for citizens who live outside of reservations and whose IDs ICE does not recognize as proof of U.S. citizenship.

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For example, the Navajo Nation Council released a statement on Jan. 23, 2025, describing an incident in which ICE had detained a citizen for nine hours. This person was reportedly not the only one who had been targeted. The statement read:

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 statement added that Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley had called on Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren to support legislation that would "enhance" IDs for the nation.

Meanwhile, Nygren posted on X about the problem starting on Jan. 22, 2025, two days after Trump's inauguration. In his first post about the matter (archived), he mentioned "unconfirmed reports of Dine relatives being questioned or detained," using the word by which Navajo people designate themselves. On Jan. 23, the same day the Navajo Nation Council released its statement, Nygren posted on X (archived) that there had been "zero confirmed cases regarding ICE detentions of Navajo citizens," contradicting the council's assertions.

However on Jan. 24, Nygren's office released a statement in which he said he had received such reports:

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My office has received multiple reports from Navajo citizens that they have had negative, and sometimes traumatizing, experiences with federal agents targeting undocumented immigrants in the Southwest.

On Jan. 25, he posted once again (archived), saying his office had "only received a few unconfirmed reports." Snopes contacted both the Navajo Nation Council and Nygren's office to ask whether they had more details about the situation and will update this report if they reply.

Separately, the Mescalero Apache Tribe in New Mexico released a statement on Jan. 23, 2025, describing one incident in which ICE agents had questioned a tribal member in Spanish. The person responded in English and showed them a driver's license and tribal ID, and the agents reportedly then walked away. Snopes reached out to the officials of the Mescalero Apache Tribe to ask whether they had learned of any other incidents and will update this story if they reply.

Snopes also reached out to ICE to ask whether the agency could confirm the reports. We also asked about measures the agency was taking to prevent such situations from occurring, if any. We will update this report should they respond.

Sources:

Alberty, Erin. 'Native American Tribes Warn Members about ICE Confrontations'. Axios, 28 Jan. 2025, https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/01/28/native-americans-ice-immigration-trump-birthright-citizenship.

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Alberty, Erin, and Russell Contreras. 'Native American Tribes Say ICE Harassing Members amid Raids'. Axios, 29 Jan. 2025, https://www.axios.com/2025/01/29/native-american-immigration-raids-navajo-nation.

Deng, Grace. 'Trump Promised Mass Arrests of Undocumented Migrants "on Day 1." Here's What Has Happened'. Snopes, 24 Jan. 2025, https://www.snopes.com//news/2025/01/23/ice-raids-what-we-know/.

Elassar, Alaa. 'Navajo Nation Leaders Raise Alarm over Reports of Indigenous People Being Questioned and Detained during Immigration Sweeps'. CNN, 27 Jan. 2025, https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/27/us/navajo-detained-ice-indigenous-immigration-trump/index.html.

Maxwell, Nicole. 'ICE Confrontation in Ruidoso Rattles Mescalero Apache Tribe'. New Mexico Political Report, 24 Jan. 2025, http://nmpoliticalreport.com/2025/01/24/ice-confrontation-in-ruidoso-rattles-mescalero-apache-tribe/.

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Naabik'iyati' Committee Calls on President Nygren for Immediate Action Regarding ICE Raids and Identification Issues. 23 Jan. 2025, https://www.navajo-nsn.gov/Portals/0/Press%20Releases/2025/Jan/NABI%20EMERGENCY%20ICE%20REPORT.pdf.

Tribe, Mescalero Apache. 'How To Respond If Confronted by U.S. Immigration Agents': Official Website of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, 24 Jan. 2025, https://mescaleroapachetribe.com/22804/how-to-respond-if-confronted-by-u-s-immigration-agents/.

Navajo President Buu Nygren Collaborates with Federal, State, Tribal Officials to Address Community Concerns over Alleged ICE Actions. 24 Jan. 2025, https://www.navajo-nsn.gov/Portals/0/Press%20Releases/2025/Jan/President%20Nygren%E2%80%99s%20statement%20on%20ICE%20concerns,%20for%20Jan.%2025.pdf.


Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush greets lawmakers during her State of the Judiciary speech on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Photo by Schyler Altherr/The Statehouse File)

Delivering her 11th State of the Judiciary speech to the Indiana legislature Wednesday, Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush highlighted programs, people and legislation that the courts have used to innovate the judicial system in the state.

Our work is not done in isolation but in partnership with you, our legislative colleagues, the executive branch, legal professionals and the people we serve. said Rush. We are active in our shared mission to promote justice, safety and stability for all Hoosiers while steadfastly anchored within our constitutional authority.

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During the 30-minute speech in the Indiana House, Rush mentioned creating and updating child support guidelines, helping create 4,600 adopted families, supporting elderly volunteer advocates, almost tripling the number of problem-solving courts in the past decade, and enhancing access to justice through technology like AI.

I often get asked, Whats the most important case youve heard? Rush said, noting trial judges in the audience are familiar with that question. Here is the answer: It is the case before me right now because I guarantee you, for the people involved in that case, it is the most important matter to them.

Every seat on the floor was taken; extra seating even had to be brought in during this joint session of the General Assembly. The balcony, which was filled to the brim, seated a record number of judges. The attendees also included Gov. Mike Braun, Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith and guests of the chief justice, whom she would honor during her speech.

Beckwith was visibly impressed by the content of her remarks.

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I thought the chief justice did a great job; it makes me even more proud to be a Hoosier. Very rarely do you think the State of the Judiciary matters, but its super important, he said.

Making her way from her Supreme Court chambers, through the hall of the capitol building to the House, Rush waved, shook hands and hugged members of the General Assembly as she walked down the aisle to the podium. After Beckwith introduced Rush, the chamber erupted into applause.

Morgan County Judge Dakota Van Leeuwen hugs stuffed animals she provides to adopted kids in her court. (Photo from Indiana Courts)

I am honored to be with you all today, fulfilling my constitutional duty to report to you on the condition of Indianas courts, she said. Hoosier courts remain sound, steady and strong.

Much like last years State of the Judiciary, Rush focused on the work of individual judges and the results of newly instituted programs. She began with a light-hearted joke about the Night Court held during the 2024 legislative session, when Republican leaders worked as court bailiffs for the evening.

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I want to dispel the rumors that your leadership  Speaker (Todd) Huston and President Pro Tem (Rodric) Bray  have applied to be our full-time court bailiffs, she said as the audience laughed.

Rush then got into the meat of her speech as she spoke to the courts role in helping children and families, highlighting the judiciarys work in revising child support guidelines.

You tasked us with creating, updating and enforcing them. And we have, Rush said. Court-ordered child support last year resulted in over $770 million in payments for children, she said, receiving boisterous applause.

Rush also spoke about the work of the trial courts around the state in their struggle to find safe homes for adoptive children. She highlighted the work of Morgan County Judge Dakota Van Leeuwen, who enlisted the help of her community to get 500 Squishmallow stuffed animals to give to adopted children that go through her court.

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Each adopted child leaves her court with a cuddly reminder of how much they are loved, said Rush as Leeuwen showed off a green and a pink Squishmallow to the audience.

In addition to discussing court programs for Hoosier children, Rush spoke about work being done for the elderly through the Volunteer Advocates for Seniors and Incapacitated Adults (VASIA) program. As part of this initiative, volunteers have advocated for over 800 elder Hoosiers.

Many elders suffer from abuse, neglect or isolation, and some just have no one in their corner, Rush said.

She followed that by thanking a longtime Johnson County resident, Linda Kruger, who not only volunteered to assist in the VASIA program but was last years Volunteer Guardian of the Year.

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Her work and that of more than 260 other court volunteers, embodies the highest ideals of compassion and justice, said Rush.

The speech then turned to the innovative problem-solving courts. These courts are an alternative form of judicial action that Rush has praised in two consecutive State of the Judiciary speeches.

Rush celebrated the Military Veteran Problem Solving Courts in this years address, including a personal story of Mark McDaniel, a recent graduate of Tippecanoes Veterans Treatment Court.

Mark is working full time, was just named employee of the month at a large Lafayette manufacturing plant, has his own home, is reconnected with his family, and has been sober for the last three years, Rush said.

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When recognized by Rush, he held up and then draped the handmade quilt of valor that he was wrapped in upon graduation from the program over the balcony. Lawmakers, judges and guests gave a loud and long-lasting standing ovation. Mark choked back tears as he held the quilt made by community members that commemorated his achievement.

Rush then talked about the drastic changes in technology that have impacted the court system. From data sharing applications that changed the way law enforcement verify the legality of carrying a gun to improved public transparency with MyCase software and, most recently, AI innovations in court recording. Rush said the courts technology has made their jobs more efficient.

Where it used to take weeks or months to get that record, it now takes only minutes, Rush said, referring to transcribing a trial.

She concluded her remarks by honoring the newest members of Indiana government, including the governor and lieutenant governor, leaving them with words of advice for the future.

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Though we are separate branches with separate responsibilities, we are a team because we have all been called to public service to build a stronger state for all Hoosiers, Rush concluded as the standing ovation began.

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George Davis, a child psychiatrist and former employee of the New Mexico Children Youth and Families Department, departs from the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Photo by Austin Fisher / Source NM)

New laws or more money for New Mexicos beleaguered child protection agency will not improve the lives of foster children, two experts told a powerful legislative panel on Wednesday.

They did however, seem to agree that money for foster families could be one part of the solution.

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Mike Hart, the attorney who initially took the state government to court over its failed foster care system, and George Davis, a child psychiatrist, spent two hours with the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday afternoon discussing what they called the hardest job in state government: being a caseworker for foster children.

There are 2,067 children in custody of the state Children, Youth and Families Department, said Davis, who is also a former department employee.

Davis said what stands in the way of a properly functioning agency are three interrelated problems: inadequate staffing, a lack of foster families where children can be placed and a lack of services for those foster families.

We know what has to be done. Its not a new law, Hart said. The department needs to be supported.

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In her State of the State address on Jan. 21, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said she will back exempting foster families and grandparents raising grandchildren from personal income tax and push to double their stipends up to $900 more dollars monthly.

Davis said the governors idea would make it easier to inspire and recruit more foster families. Hart suggested public service announcements encouraging New Mexicans to become foster parents.

Davis also pointed to a model in Utah where the state government created a nonprofit for the sole purpose of recruiting and supporting foster families.

Committee Chair Sen. Joseph Cervantes (D-Las Cruces) said when he heard the governors address, he spoke with her staff who told him on Tuesday they are in the process of writing legislation to reform CYFD.



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Cervantes said he is expecting CYFD Cabinet Secretary Theresa Casados to return to the committee soon with draft legislation. Sitting in the audience, Casados nodded in agreement.

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By Fabian Cambero and Alexander Villegas

SANTIAGO (Reuters) - Chile's Congress approved a reform to the country's controversial private pension system on Wednesday, clearing the way for the bill to be signed by President Gabriel Boric.

With 110 votes in favor and 38 against, the reform includes increased employer contributions, raises the guaranteed minimum pension and modifies the country's private Chile's Pension Fund Administrators (AFP) system.

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Pension reform was a key campaign promise by Boric, who rode a wave of left-wing optimism to the presidency following mass protests against inequality.

Chile's current private pension system started in the early 1980s during the Augusto Pinochet dictatorship and relied solely on worker contributions managed by the AFPs.

There have been multiple attempts to reform the system, which has been criticized for paying out low pensions and while AFPs consistently register large profits.

The new bill, reached in agreement with the country's center-right opposition, increases employer contributions to pensions to a total of 8.5% over several years.

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The reform creates a social security system that aims to improve pensions and correct inequalities in the system, including the gender disparity in pensions.

The bill also splits the current AFPs into separate administrative and investment entities and allows new pension fund administrators, including international companies, to enter the market.

According to JP Morgan, Chile's pension system managed $186.4 billion in savings as of December 2024 and has a net monthly inflow of $320 million.

Speaking to Congress on Wednesday, Finance Minister Mario Marcel said the reform was fiscally responsible and sustainable and had periodic review mechanisms.

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The government noted that the increased employer contributions would lead to job losses due to increased labor costs, but said the increased savings would lead to greater economic growth.

"With this increased growth we're going to generate more jobs that will largely compensate for the negative impact that increased labor costs will have," Marcel said.

(Reporting by Fabian Cambero and Alexander Villegas; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)
An audible gasp can be heard in an Air Traffic Control recording from the moment a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter collided with an American Airlines regional jet in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night.

In the audio, obtained by the Daily Beast from LiveATC.net, a woman appears to react by saying oh my Go before the audio cuts out, just after the tower at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport tried to communicate with the doomed chopper.

About 15 seconds later, a voice can be heard asking: Tower, did you see that?

PLANE CRASH IN DC caught via webcam at the Kennedy Center. A Helicopter collided with an American Airlines plane before landing. pic.twitter.com/hLfOnz9mLZ  James Pettus (@PettusWX) January 30, 2025

The ATC recording captured the final exchanges between a controller and those in the helicopter, including a calm warning about its proximity to the oncoming jeta PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 that was arriving from Wichita, Kansas.

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The air traffic controller can be heard asking the helicopter, PAT 2-5 do you have the CRJ in sight?

The tower then directed the helicopter to go behind the jet, saying, PAT 2-5 pass behind the CRJ.

Tragedy would strike moments later over the Potomac River, with the planes radio transponder ending transmission about 2,400 feet short of the runway. Officials say the crash happened around 8:47 p.m. EST, with the helicopter, passenger jet, and a combined 67 people between them crashing into the frigid river.

Chaos ensued in the nations capital and at its nearest airport. On the ground, a rescue operation to search for survivors in the 34-degree water was launched. Back at Air Traffic Control, the tower got to work diverting traffic away from the area.

Emergency response units assess airplane wreckage in the Potomac River after an American Airlines jet collided with a U.S. Army helicopter on Monday night. / Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

I dont know if you caught earlier what happened, but there was a collision on the approach end of 3-3, a controller told a pilot on the ground. We are going to be shutting down operations for the indefinite future if you want to go back to the gate. Highly suggest you guys coordinate with the company. Let me know what you want to do.

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In another recorded exchange, another pilot confirms they witnessed the collision over the river.

Yeah, we were on short final, and we saw flares from the opposite side of the Potomac, the pilot says.

An approach controller later added, Apparently both aircraft involved are in the river, a search-and-rescue will be ongoing.

Officials would not confirm fatalities overnight, but dozens are feared dead.
Federal agents have four men in custody who they say were part of a human smuggling operation that brought almost 30 people from China to Coral Gables Tuesday morning.

The attempt was foiled around 8 a.m. after someone called 911 to report people were being loaded into vans near the Snapper Creek Marina in southern Coral Gables, where homes fetching millions front Biscayne Bay.

Coral Gables police officers stopped two vans  one at the intersection of Old Cutler Road and Kendall Drive, and another at 11600 Old Cutler Road  and found 26 people inside the vans who were from China.

Multiple law enforcement officers are on the scene at Old Cutler Road and Southwest 120th Street in Coral Gables, where Coral Gables police and federal agents detained Chinese migrants on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025.

Boat found off Key Biscayne

Around 8:30 a.m., Miami-Dade Sheriffs Office marine patrol deputies stopped a 29-foot Well Craft center console boat near Crandon Channel Marker 9 in Biscayne Bay off Key Biscayne.

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While onboard, deputies immediately found tell-tale signs the boat was involved in smuggling and had dropped the people off in the mangroves near Snapper Creek, according to a Homeland Security Investigations complaint filed Wednesday.

READ MORE: Two smugglers detained after 20-plus Chinese migrants found in vans in Coral Gables: cops

The deputies not only found mangrove tree leaves matted to the boats floor and on the vessels Bimini top roof, but also branch scratches on the hull. Most incriminating, according to the complaint, was a candy wrapper with Asian writing that matched candy that was carried by some of the migrants found in the vans, according to the complaint.

Agents and officers from several law-enforcement agencies also found a black fanny pack with U.S. currency inside and a cooler with many bottles of water, which the report states is typically associated with alien smuggling.

Multiple law enforcement officers processed a group of illegal migrants and two suspected smugglers arrested at 11600 Old Cutler Road in Coral Gables early morning, on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. On Wednesday, federal agents said a total of four suspected smugglers were arrested.

Van drivers identified

The two men driving the White Ford vans were Eustacio Francisco Eusebio and Joel Benjamin Eusebio, according to the complaint. Joel Eusebio is from the United States and Eustacio Eusebio is a citizen of the Dominican Republic, the complaint states.

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Both were taken to the Customs and Border Protection station in Dania Beach  as were the Chinese citizens. None of the Chinese citizens had paperwork allowing them to enter the U.S., agents said.

Eustacio told federal agents that he received a call from a man asking him to pick up the people, whom he referred to as tourists, and drive them to Orlando, according to the complaint. He was to be paid $200 per person, he told the agents, according to the complaint.

Joel Eusebio told agents that Eustacio called him asking him to help transport the people, the complaint states. It was not immediately clear if the two are brothers.

Meanwhile, the man caught piloting the boat  Guillermo Elias Victor Lopez  told agents he was tasked with picking the people up from another boat in Biscayne Bay and that he dropped them off at the bushes, according to the complaint.

Multiple law enforcement officers processed a group of illegal migrants, mainly from China, police said, early Tuesday morning, Jan. 28, 2025, around 11600 Old Cutler Road in Coral Gables. A total of four people suspected in the smuggling operation have been arrested, according to Homeland Security Investigations agents.

Lopez told agents the boat is his, and that he bought it two months ago for $5,000, agents said. Agents said Lopez showed them a vessel decal that did not match the Well Craft, according to the complaint.

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Lopez said another man named Enrique dropped him off in a red pickup truck earlier at Crandon Park Marina in Key Biscayne, where he launched the boat, the complaint states.

Cops found the red Ford pickup at the marina and determined that it was in Immokalee, Florida  about 130 miles away from Key Biscayne on the Gulf Coast  around 4 p.m. Sunday, then in Hialeah around 5:40 p.m. later that day, according to the report.

At the marina, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations agents arrested a man named Enrique Loret de Mola, who they say was getting into the pickup.

Loret de Mola told agents that a man named Lazaro told him to pick up the boat and take the vessel to the marina, which he said he did the day before, according to the complaint.

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The complaint did not state where Loret de Mola and Lopez are from. However, Miami-Dade property records show Lopez owns an apartment on Southwest Ninth Terrace in Miami.

All four men face charges of transporting, moving or attempting to transport aliens within the United States and conspiracy to transport the aliens in the United States, according to the complaint.

Second Coral Gables migrant incident

READ MORE: Cuban smuggler promised $5K, then caught with over 20 Chinese migrants in Miami: feds

The incident comes two weeks after three Cuban men were taken into federal custody after they were found smuggling Chinese migrants in a U-haul van near Snapper Creek, around the same area where the migrants were found on Tuesday.

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In the U-haul incident, the men were hired to transport more than 20 migrants, most of them Chinese, but were stopped by police after a witness reported seeing a woman being shoved into a car.

The Bahamas has long been a jumping off point for Florida-bound migrants, and Chinese nationals are no exception. Over the years, they have boarded boats from Grand Bahama, taking them directly to Palm Beach County. What makes the recent arrests stand out is that they were not apprehended with other migrants.

Earlier this month, for example, the U.S. Coast Guard handed over 11 Chinese migrants to Bahamian authorities after they were interdicted at sea in two separate incidents, according to Bahamas Immigration. One group was interdicted by U.S. Coast Guard near Hillsborough, Florida, along with two Bahamian smugglers in a 25-foot cabin cruiser and another in a vessel near Biscayne Boulevard by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

In May 2023, 24 undocumented Chinese migrants were apprehended in separate incidents in Grand Bahama and Bimini.

Miami Herald staff writer Jacqueline Charles contributed to this report.
Former Governor Chris Christie says President Trump needs a history lesson.

The fact that you would assume that Donald Trump knows any American history is startling to me, Jon, said Christie, speaking with Jon Stewart on his Weekly podcast show, adding, cos he doesnt.

Ive known him a lot longer and a lot closer than you have... and Jon, I am telling you, he doesnt know, said Christie. I could give a lot of examples of how he messes up American history.

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To make his case, Christie, who has previously questioned the presidents mental abilities, recounted being shown around the White House by Trump in his first term, where the pair visited the Lincoln Bedroom.

He pointed to the desk and he said, Thats where Lincoln wrote the Gettysburg Address, the famous three-minute speech made by Lincoln to mark the end of the Civil War which changed the nations understanding of itself and the Constitution.

Now, anybody who has read the history of the Gettysburg Address knows, that Lincoln wrote [it] on the train on the way to Gettysburg, said Christie.

And I said to the then-president, no, no, no, no, no, it was the Emancipation Proclamation there. He wrote the speech on the way to Gettysburg, he said.

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He looked at me, and he said, Chris, youre really gonna correct me on this? Im the president and I live here, causing Stewart to laugh.

Unfortunately for the former governor, President Trump may in fact be better informed about the history of the drafting of the Gettysburg Address.

The idea that Lincoln wrote the brief, 272-word speech at the last minute during the train journey from Washington D.C. to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is almost certainly false.

Journalist Gary Wills thoroughly debunked this silly but persistent myth in his Pulitzer Prize-winning book Lincoln at Gettysburg: The Words That Remade America.

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Lincoln was known to be a thoughtful and slow writer, and Wills cites some evidence that his speech was mainly composed in Washington before he left for Gettysburg.

Although Lincoln may have tweaked the draft in Gettysburg the night before his address, he had weeks to prepare and had even tested out some of the rhetoric in speeches made months earlier.

The governor wasnt totally wrong, however.

Lincoln did indeed work on the Emancipation Proclamation, the document that freed slaves in Confederate areas, using the desk that now sits in the Lincoln Bedroom.
Chris Stapleton and Morgane Stapleton are coming to the aid of those impacted by the wildfires that have ravaged parts of the greater Los Angeles area earlier this month.

The couples charitable fund Outlaw State of Kind donated $1 million to aid organizations, both local and national, to support those who have been impacted by the wildfires.

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Outlaw State of Kind has donated $1 million to support national and local organizations providing wildfire relief in Los Angeles. Join us in supporting however you can, reads a message on the organizations Instagram page.

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The organizations website also listed several organizations where it is donating funds, including the American Red Cross, California Fire Relief, Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, MusiCares and the Pasadena Humane Society.

The Outlaw State of Kind charitable fund was founded in 2016 and is administered by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, supporting a variety of causes that Chris and Morgane Stapleton champion.

At the upcoming Grammy Awards, slated for Feb. 2 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Stapleton is nominated in two categories: best country solo performance (for It Takes a Woman) and best country album (for Higher). While many other Grammy Week festivities have been canceled, the Grammys telecast has pivoted and will be used to raise additional funds for wildfire relief efforts.

After the wildfires that have ravaged parts of Los Angeles County this month, several music industry companies have stepped up to give aid and support. The wildfires erupted on Jan. 7 and quickly spread throughout the greater Los Angeles area. Deaths from the Los Angeles-area wildfires have risen to 29 people. The wildfires also ravaged entire communities, destroying and damaging thousands of structures.

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By Phil Noble and Muvija M

LIVERPOOL, England (Reuters) -A Church of England bishop resigned on Thursday after what he called a "trial by media" over allegations of sexual assault which he has denied, but which have deepened a crisis at the mother church of the Anglican Communion.

Bishop of Liverpool John Perumbalath announced his decision after the resignation in November of Justin Welby as Archbishop of Canterbury, the de facto leader of the 85 million Anglicans worldwide, following independent findings that Welby should have done more to stop a serial child abuser.

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Perumbalath denied accusations made in a programme shown by Channel 4 News television on Tuesday that he sexually assaulted a woman on separate occasions between 2019 and 2023, and that he sexually harassed a fellow bishop.

"I do not wish this story to become a distraction for this incredible diocese and its people whom it has been an honour and joy to serve," he said in a letter published on the Diocese of Liverpool website.

Perumbalath, who is from the Indian state of Kerala, said his resignation was not an admission of liability or fault.

"This rush to judgment and my trial by media (be that social or broadcast) has made my position untenable due to the impact it will have on the Diocese of Liverpool and the wider church whilst we await further reviews and next steps," he added.

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The Church said on Tuesday its safeguarding team had found insufficient evidence to bring a safeguarding-related complaint after a report of alleged misconduct against Perumbalath in early 2023.

It said a further complaint from another woman had been rejected by an independent judge as it was not brought within the one-year deadline.

Perumbalath, 58, was ordained into the Church of North India in 1994 before moving to Britain to join the Diocese of Rochester in southern England in 2001. He had been Bishop of Liverpool since 2023.

Perumbalath said he was retiring from active ministry immediately although the date when his role would formally end was yet to be determined.

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The senior leadership in the diocese acknowledged his decision, calling it "a deeply painful situation".

(Writing by Muvija M; additional reporting by Catarina Demony; editing by William James and Timothy Heritage)
LONDON (AP)  The Bishop of Liverpool has resigned following allegations of sexual assault and harassment, heaping more pressure on the Church of England as it seeks to move past the fallout from a separate scandal that toppled its former leader.

Right Rev. John Perumbalaths departure came after Channel Four news reported earlier this week that one woman had accused the bishop of kissing her without consent and groping her, and another woman accused him of sexual harassment. The allegations had become a distraction, he said.

This is not a resignation occasioned by fault or by any admission of liability, he said. Rather, it has become clear that stepping back from my ministry and waiting for the completion of further reviews would mean a long period of uncertainty for the diocese and all those who serve it.

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The resignation comes just months after the church was shaken by the departure of former Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the head of the Church of England and spiritual leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

Welby stepped down after an independent investigation found that he had failed to inform police about serial physical and sexual abuse by a volunteer at Christian summer camps as soon as he became aware of it.
(Tumon Bay Music Festival)

Presented By: Guam Philharmonic Foundation, Inc.

Dates: 2/26/2025, 2/27/2025, 2/28/2025, 3/1/2025, 3/2/2025, 3/3/2025, 3/4/2025, 3/8/2025

Location: Dededo, Tumon

Time: 6:00pm February 27 2025-March 4, 2025, 1:30pm March 8 2025

The 2025 Tumon Bay Music Festival is celebrating their 20th year showcasing musicians from Guam, the Marianas, and beyond! It is one of the largest music events in the region and will be held from February 26, 2025 - March 8, 2025 at various locations throughout Guam.

The Festival includes:

OPENING CEREMONIES

Date: February 26, 2025

Location: Center Court, Micronesian Mall

Time: Doors open at 5:30pm, Concert is at 6:00pm

CHORAL FESTIVAL

Date: February 27 & 28, 2025

Location: KAHIDA, Guam Plaza Resort

Time: Doors open at 5:30pm, Concert starts at 6:00pm

SOLO & SMALL ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL

Date: March 1 2025

Location: Episcopal Church of Saint John the Divine & the Micronesia Mall

POPS CONCERT JAZZ, ROCK, & BEYOND

Date: March 2

Location: Ypao Ampitheater

WINDS & STRINGS FESTIVAL

Date: March 3 & 4 2025

Location: Grand Ballroom, Hyatt Regency Guam

Time: Doors open at 5:30pm, Concert starts at 6:00pm

FINALE CONCERT & CLOSING CEREMONIES

Date: March 8 2025

Location: Center Court, Micronesia Mall

Time: Special Ceremony starts at 1:30pm, Concert starts at 2:00pm, and awards follow at approximately 7:30pm

This event is open to musicians and music groups of all ages and experience levels. The Festival will also include seminars, school visits, and will feature over 80 performances involving 900 performers. Most concerts will be free and open to the public!

For more information please visit www.tbmfguam.org. and/or contact Ms. Joanne Matanane, Festival Managing Director (joanne@tbmfguam.org) or GPF Director of Communications Mr. Isaiah Aguon (isaiah@guamphilharmonic.org) to register to be a participant. The deadline is set for Friday, January 31, 2025 or until performance slots are filled.
Teachers at Cincinnati Public Schools say many of their immigrant students have stayed home from school since President Donald Trump took office earlier this month, afraid that they'll be taken by immigration officers if they step foot on campus.

"Families and parents are writing me saying they don't want to send their children to school," Rachel Von Holle, who teaches English to students who learned a different language first, told the school board during Monday's business meeting. More than 3,600 Cincinnati Public Schools students are English language learners, or more than 1 in 10 students districtwide.

More: Princeton Schools shares comprehensive response to ICE agents. What about other local schools?

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"Families are scared and I feel helpless," Von Holle said.

Meanwhile, the district has not provided guidance on how teachers and staff are to react if government agents come knocking on school doors, except for a generic public statement posted to their website earlier this week that says the district does not allow law enforcement activities on school property without proper legal authorization, such as a court order, a subpoena or a warrant. The district does not ask for or maintain students' immigration status records.

More: One-third or more students at these schools don't speak English as their first language

Districtwide, attendance was at 89% last Thursday and Friday, and on Monday. Those rates are slightly higher than the district's average attendance rate for last school year, according to state report card data.

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But last Tuesday, the day after Trump's inauguration, the district's student attendance was at 77%. That's still better than the first week back to school this year, when the district had students return to school in frigid temperatures despite calling off previous days that were warmer. On that day, Jan. 9, attendance was at 66%.

Other school districts told The Enquirer they have not seen any noticeable changes in student attendance since Trump took office. But Norwood City Schools Superintendent Mary Ronan said January has been "a difficult month for attendance" due to inclement weather and illness.

"We did get an email from one parent about her son and nephew being absent due to being worried about ICE coming into the schools, even though they are citizens," Ronan said.

More: 'Learning is done best in the classrooms.' So why do districts close for the cold?

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There have not been any known incidents of local Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in Greater Cincinnati, let alone in local schools, since Trump took office. But his administration did authorize ICE agents to make arrests at "sensitive locations" like schools, which were previously protected from ICE enforcement.

Now, teachers at Cincinnati Public Schools are calling on their leaders to take a stand.

Students are 'too scared to learn.' Teachers demand policy, action

Adelaide Kruse, a science teacher at Aiken New Tech High School, addressed the school board Monday, sharing stories from the immigrant students she teaches who came to Cincinnati from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, from Syria and from Venezuela.

"These students have fought through tremendous evil for the privilege to study here at Cincinnati Public Schools," Kruse said.

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Kruse and two other district teachers said about half of their students didn't come to school last week. At Aiken, nearly 1 in 5 students are English language learners.

"Our students are currently living in fear that they will be deported," Kendra Adamson, another Aiken teacher, told the school board.

Cincinnati Public Schools needs policies in place for how to address immigration officers who might show up on school grounds, Kruse said. She asked for those policies to be shared far and wide with teachers, substitutes, other school staff and the larger community.

She also asked for the district to make a plan with its school partners to address future situations where students might come home to find their parents or other family members gone, arrested by ICE agents. And for students who don't feel safe coming to school anymore, Kruse asked, what's the plan?

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"How can we serve them remotely? How can we make up for those learning losses?" Kruse asked the board. "Because right now, I have 50% attendance in my classrooms. And the students who are there, are honestly too scared to learn."

The Enquirer asked the school district these questions, too, and received no answer.

Cincinnati Public Schools "encourages families to update their emergency contact information, ensuring multiple contacts are listed for each student," the statement on its website regarding immigrant students reads.

The district "is committed to supporting its immigrant and refugee families."

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati schools: Have ICE threats impacted student attendance?
Maryam has a clear idea of which party she does not want to see leading Germany for the next four years.

Voting for the far-right and anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) on February 23 "is out of the question for me," the 28-year-old Berlin resident says, particularly because "as a foreigner, they see me as something of an enemy."

Like many other Syrians, Maryam - who did not wish to use her real name - came to Germany in 2015 after civil war broke out in her native country.

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Having received her German passport in 2023, she is eligible to cast a ballot for the first time.

Germany is home to some 1.3 million people who either emigrated from Syria themselves or whose parents did, according to official figures. By the end of 2023, some 214,000 including minors had German citizenship - a growing voting bloc.

While Maryam, a doctor, has eliminated a vote for the AfD, deciding which party to support has been less straightforward.

"I'm still thinking about it," she tells dpa. "It will probably come down to the Greens." In her view, the party's migration policies are the most "humane," and she shares the Greens' concern for the environment.

Migration takes centre stage

Some 7.1 million citizens in Germany with a migrant background are eligible to vote, according to research platform Mediendienst Integration, amounting to 12% of the population.

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Many in this group are watching closely to see what parties have to offer as a national debate around migration reaches boiling point.

On Wednesday, there was uproar in parliament as a non-binding motion tabled by the conservative opposition to toughen border controls was passed in the lower house - but only thanks to votes from the AfD. This unprecedented outcome broke a long-standing taboo in German politics.

One major spark for the renewed focus on migration was the fall of Syria's long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad in December. The dramatic events prompted immediate suggestions from right-wing politicians in Germany that Syrian refugees should now return home.

The debate has polarized further following an attack on a Christmas market in Magdeburg, and a deadly stabbing last week for which a failed Afghan asylum seeker has been detained. Opposition leader Friedrich Merz of the centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU), the frontrunner to become the next chancellor, started an urgent push for a crackdown on migration - leading to Wednesday's vote.

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Tarek, Maryam's brother based in the eastern city of Dresden, rules out voting for both the CDU and the AfD.

Speaking before Wednesday's vote, he criticized the CDU for taking a "populist change of course" to woo AfD voters. This had normalized far-right rhetoric including antagonistic language towards migrants, argues Tarek, who came to Germany in 2015 before his sister.

Divided vote

According to a new study, 20.1% of voters with migrant backgrounds - defined as those who migrated to Germany or who have at least one parent born without German citizenship - would consider voting for the AfD, compared to 76% for the governing centre-left Social Democrats (SPD).

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But it's far from a binary choice, especially in Germany's increasingly fractured political landscape.

The study by the German Centre for Integration and Migration Research (DeZIM) shows, for example, that willingness to support the upstart Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) - which also explicitly calls for a curb on migration, but abstained in Wednesday's vote - was much higher among those with a family history of migration from Turkey or the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, at 55.5%.

Here, the Gaza war is a key factor.

Mohamed, a 30-year-old computer scientist based just outside Berlin, is considering voting for BSW because the party has sharply condemned the war and called for a weapons embargo on Israel.

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"The SPD is completely biased in favour of Israel," says Mohamed, who is also among the many who came from Syria in 2015.

Yunus Ulusoy, an integration expert from the University of Duisburg-Essen, points out that people with a Muslim background from the MENA region are "affected differently" by the Gaza war. They do not strongly relate to the overarching sense of responsibility for Israel rooted in the Holocaust, which dominates public debate in Germany.

Meanwhile, the AfD appeals to some Germans with a migrant background precisely because of their hardline stance on migration.

Long-established migrant groups like Germany's Turkish community differ from newer arrivals who are considered "competitors in some respects," Ulusoy notes.

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This can lead some to feel that what they've built "over four, five, six decades is being called into question by the new arrivals."

Cautiously optimistic

For Abdul, 31, who left Syria almost 10 years ago, the top criteria for which party to support are democracy and humanity, principles that he does not see reflected in the AfD.

He's frustrated at not being eligible to vote this time around as he waits for his German passport.

However, he is not particularly concerned that the outcome of next month's vote will have a direct impact on his life, even in the unlikely event that the AfD makes it into government.

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"They can't send back everyone who came as a refugee," he says. "Germany will remain a democratic country, that won't change quickly."

Maryam agrees: "Germans would take to the streets if things got really bad," she says.

"I'm optimistic," she concludes. "People are smart enough to realize what's going on."
A professional body representing tens of thousands of UK insurance and pensions workers has dropped its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) plans amid a growing corporate backlash against the schemes.

The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, which represents thousands of mathematics experts who calculate risk for insurers, said it would not proceed with a proposal that would have required its members to encourage diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The body said that a consultation on its DEI programmes had found strong support for the principles of belonging, fairness, respect, and to building a profession that is more representative of the society we live in. However, a move to mandate DEI demands into its code of conduct had seen opinions diverge.

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The institute said it would drop a plan to change its code of conduct and would also not implement separate DEI guidance, instead tweaking its current codes of conduct barring harassment and bullying.

It comes amid a gathering corporate backlash against diversity programmes, with some companies rolling back initiatives amid concerns they are unfair themselves. Technology companies including Meta and Amazon have ditched their DEI teams, while retailers Walmart and Target said they would drop diversity programmes.

DEI programmes are in retreat following a change in the political weather in Washington. The initiatives have come under relentless attack from Republicans and Donald Trump.

Mr Trump has taken an axe to US government diversity programmes, which he has criticised as radical. He told the World Economic Form last week that DEI policies were absolute nonsense, throughout the government and the private sector.

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The president on Thursday blamed diversity policies under Barack Obama and Joe Biden for poor safety standards after a deadly crash in which a military helicopter collided with a passenger plane over Washington.

Mr Trump said: I put safety first. Obama, Biden and the Democrats put policy first. They actually came out with a directive: Too white. And we want the people that are competent.

Conservative activists have filed shareholder proposals at banks including Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan, urging them to review their DEI schemes.

However, some finance giants have defended their diversity metrics and targets.

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Asked about shareholder activists at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this month, Jamie Dimon, the JP Morgan chief executive, said: Well. Bring them on. Christian Sewing, the chief executive of Deutsche Bank, said this week the bank stood firmly behind its DEI policies.

The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries trains, regulates and represents around 32,000 actuaries worldwide.

Actuarial science is crucial for calculating long-terms risks at insurers, pension plans and for government welfare programmes, helping to set prices and forecasting potential losses.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.


CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)The city of Charleston and local advocacy groups are planning to make busy roadways on the peninsula more pedestrian and bicycle-friendly.

Hundreds of students commute along Calhoun Street and St. Phillips Street daily for class. City officials are working on fixing the roadways so they are safe for everyone since the area is a pedestrian hot spot.

Its not very safe, I will say. I dont feel comfortable as a student walking around in a crosswalk, said Joey Izzo, a College of Charleston (COFC) student.

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According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, last year, there were over 7500 pedestrian fatalities across the state, and students at COFC told News 2 they see why.

You got to make sure youre alert out here as a driver and student because if you dont, drivers typically dont care; they would roll right through here and just hit you, so you have to be careful, said Daulton Hagan, a COFC student.

In March 2024, Charleston was awarded $914,550 in federal funding to address road safety and infrastructure along Calhoun Street, mainly targeting improvements for bicyclists and pedestrians.

The city plans to implement a connected vehicle and traffic-responsive signal to prevent crashes and near misses with pedestrians and cyclists at busy intersections like Calhoun and St. Philip and King and Calhoun streets.

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The good news is that the work is coming from SCDOT. We participated in their audit on Calhoun Street. Certain intersections, particularly near the college, will have an all-red phase from the traffic signals, said Katie Zimmerman, the executive director for Charleston Moves.

News 2 contacted city officials for comment, and we are still waiting to hear back.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  During the City Council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 28, a measure was passed on a vote of 7-2 that would ask voters to repeal the legalization of retail marijuana sales in Aprils municipal election.

This measure came after Councilman Dave Donelson claimed the wording used on Novembers ballot was confusing to the average voter.

I think thousands of people that voted yes on 300 thought they were voting to impose penalties if someone gave marijuana to someone under 21, things like that, Donelson explained.

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Donelson said that this would change the citys homelessness and crime rates, and he would like to give the city a second chance to vote. However, community members feel they know what they have gotten themselves into.

One Combat Veteran, Kent Jarnig, uses cannabis regularly to help him with day-to-day life after war.

This is a good product that helps people, Jarnig stated. If somebody chooses to buy it because it helps them as it does me, why should it not be available?

But Donelson said he simply wants to ensure that what the voters truly want wasnt lost on verbiage that may have tripped some up in November.

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If the repeal fails, then we have our answer, Donelson said. You know, this question is straightforward, Ill know citizens wants recreational marijuana sales. I accept that.

At the meeting on Tuesday, Donelson offered a simplified question for the ballot to be sure that this is what the community wants this April 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 FOX21 News Colorado.
A 40-year-old Pottsville man was jailed in Schuylkill County Prison on sexual assault charges after he was caught in a hotel room with a 15-year-old girl, city police said.

Police charged Reginald Deshawn Spencer on Monday with statutory sexual assault, indecent assault and other crimes after he allegedly checked the girl into a room at the Pottsville Motor Inn.

Pottsville Police Detective Joseph J. Krammes said he was dispatched around 8:40 a.m. Monday to city hall for a report of a runaway juvenile. Krammes met the girls mother, who reported her 15-year-old daughter was missing and was seen on the Life360 app going for a drive around 3 a.m. near Dairy Queen in the 400 block of North Claude A. Lord Boulevard.

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Based on the phones location and the fact that it was in the same spot for over five hours, Krammes said he went to the Pottsville Motor Inn across from Dairy Queen. He asked the owner of the inn if anyone checked in overnight. The owner said two people had checked into rooms the previous night  the first room by a female and another room by the defendant, who was in room 103.

When checking into the hotel, Spencer listed his address as 2163 West Market St. in Pottsville and reported having one other occupant besides himself in the hotel room, police said.

Krammes said he knocked on the door of room 103 and saw a man with dreadlocks look between the curtains. After knocking again, the man who identified himself as Spencer answered the door, Krammes said. The 15-year-old was also located inside the hotel room, and marijuana was seized from the room.

Krammes interviewed the girl, who said that she did not know Spencer was 40 years old. She told police she met the defendant almost two weeks earlier when he stopped and asked her if she needed a ride. The victim also said she told Spencer she was 15, according to police. The investigation showed they had texted and met one time before.

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The victim said once they were inside the Motor Inn, Spencer began making a marijuana cigarette and gave it to her. She said she took multiple hits from the cigarette and it seemed to have a strong effect on her. She told police she didnt remember a lot after smoking the marijuana, but she did remember having sex with Spencer. She also recalled a moment when he picked up his phone to record the intercourse. The victim said she doesnt remember how or when the intercourse stopped, Krammes said.

Krammes and Capt. Joseph Welsh then took Spencer into the police interview room. Spencer initially lied about everything except the two of them being together. He stated that they went to the room to hang out and they both fell asleep, Spencer said.

Spencer said it was the victim who lied about her age and said she was in college. He eventually admitted to giving the victim some of his prescription marijuana to smoke, then while listening to music, the two of them began to kiss and had intercourse.

Police said Spencer sent the girl multiple pictures of himself nude, along with a short video of him masturbating. Spencer then begged her to send nude pictures of herself, and she eventually did send him a picture of herself unclothed, according to police.

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Spencer faces felony charges of statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a person under 16, corruption of minors, child sexual abuse material, unlawful contact with a minor and criminal use of a communications facility. He also faces misdemeanor charges of indecent assault of a person under 16, indecent exposure and corruption of minors.

Spencer was arraigned at 6 p.m. Monday by Magisterial District Judge Andrew J. Serina and jailed in county prison, unable to post $50,000 bail.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 3 before District Judge James K. Reiley in Pottsville.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  One group of City of Portland workers avoided a strike after settling Wednesday night, the union announced.

The settlement comes after a majority of the AFSCME Local 189 workers voted to authorize a strike if final mediations werent fruitful.

Oregon sees second-highest graduation rate in 2024 despite historic obstacles

Other unionized city workers with the DCTU are still set to strike starting on Feb. 6, if an agreement isnt reached.

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AFSCME told KOIN 6 that they will be releasing more information about the deal later in the day.

Stay tuned while we bring you more on this developing news.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Those seeking to be elected officials for the new City of St. George made it official at the Clerk of Courts Office in Baton Rouge on Wednesday, Jan. 29.

Many candidates qualified to run for office. See who qualified.

Its exciting, it really is. Its continuing what weve been doing. If Im elected, Ill continue working hard for St. George, if not, then thats ok, I guess life will go on, said Patty Cook, a council member running for office.

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Cook said she has worked hard to get the City of St. George up and running for thirteen years.

This is great, this is the fun part. This is when we get to build St. George. My husband and I have been involved for a long time, and we want to keep building the momentum, she said.

Cook is part of a group of city leaders who qualified to be on the ballot for the election on March 29.

Baton Rouge bus drivers threaten strike if contract negotiations arent made

This group includes key leaders from St. George: interim Mayor Dustin Yates, interim Chief of Police Todd Morris and four council members.

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It would be nice to keep the team together, well see, were hoping for the best here, said council member Steve Monachello.

Monachello said he loves his community and is excited to give back.

Its been great, its new to everyone. We started from the ground up, and were building as we go. Its the mundane things that you never really thought about  animal control, blight  we never did anything like that before, so were learning what to do as we go. Weve succeeded in enacting ordinances, and we want to continue that, he said.

Potential candidates have until Friday to qualify for the election.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
WACO, Texas (FOX 44)  The City of Waco has announced that Fire Chief Scott Walker has made the decision to resign from his role.

The city said Wednesday evening that Chief Walker will return to Arizona to prioritize and support a close family member with an unanticipated health concern.

During his time with Waco, the city says Chief Walker has been an exemplary leader, leaving an indelible mark on the community through his dedication, vision, and passion for service. His influence has elevated the Waco Fire Department and strengthened the safety and resilience of the city.

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The city says it fully supports Chief Walker in this decision and extends its deepest gratitude

for his outstanding contributions. While the city says Chief Walkers departure leaves a void, he will always remain a valuable part of the fabric of Waco.

Chief Walkers last day will be February 22. The City will identify an interim Fire Chief and start a national search process for a permanent replacement.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  The City of Youngstown is considering building a new parking deck downtown in the same place a parking deck stood 25 years ago.

Youngstown City Councils Parking Committee met Wednesday afternoon to discuss issues downtown. There were complaints about parking on Federal Plaza near OH WOW! and ideas to install kiosk parking meters.

Then, 35 minutes into the meeting, the real possibility of building a parking garage was brought up by Finance Director Kyle Miasek.

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We have been talking about the idea of a garage, he said.

The new parking garage would go on the corner of Commerce Street and Wick Avenue on what is now a parking lot behind 20 Federal Place.

You got to start thinking about whats happening downtown. Youve got activity at large buildings that are going to need places for people to park. You also have businesses that need parking on a daily basis, not so much overnight, Miasek said.

The site held the former Strouss Parking Deck, which was built in the late 1960s and was demolished in 2000. Miasek said the facade of a new deck, if built, would link and blend downtown with Youngstown State University.

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What makes this whole thing difficult is a parking garage is very expensive, Miasek said.

If the garage happens, the city would borrow the money to build it and would need guarantees from owners of downtown businesses and apartment buildings that they would agree to long-term leases for some of the parking spaces.

Were asking the redevelopers and some of the large business owners to attend our next meeting because you need buy-in, because what youre talking about is if were going to potentially go out there and fund the construction, youre going to have to issue debt, Miasek said. The question is, how much can we generate from our building owners with committed spaces?

Miasek said among the groups taking part in the discussion about a new parking garage are the City, the Chamber of Commerce, the Western Reserve Port Authority, Eastgate Regional Council of Governments and YSU.

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The parking garage will not happen soon. Come fall, the parking lot behind 20 Federal Place is expected to be used as a staging area for the renovation of 20 Federal Place.

Some council members commented on the deck.

I love it. Ive been in on that since the beginning of the conversation, Council member Julius Oliver said.

Its my understanding they were just exploring the idea. A lot of things would have to fall into place for that to happen, Council member Mike Ray said.

Its not my favorite idea. When the current parking spaces downtown arent being utilized, its something we shouldnt be jumping into, Council member Amber White said.

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A 2023 parking study done by Desman Design Management stated in a summary existing improvements and investments simply are not significant enough to warrant the amount of investment that would be required to develop the parking garage that would be conceptualized in this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Two Lovers Point (Puntan Dos Amantes) (Photo courtesy of Guam Visitors Bureau)

Romeo and Juliet is not the only romantic saga ending in woe. Others in Japan and on Guam are inked so indelibly on public psyches as to inspire lovers points with sweeping vistas to evoke romance and luck in love. In fact, cities have even become bedfellows because of their respective tales of trysts and tragedies.

Guams Puntan Dos Amantes, or Two Lovers Point, overlooking picturesque Tumon Bay and the Philippine Sea, has two sister capes in the Land of the Rising Sun. There is Izu Citys Toi Koibito Misaki, or Lovers Point, with its panoramic vista of Mount Fuji and the Suruga Gulf in Shizuoka Prefecture, and Kashiwazaki Citys Lovers Point in Niigata Prefecture, offering scenic sunsets over the Sea of Japan against the backdrop of nearby Sado Island. The transpacific courting began more than two decades ago.

Two Lovers Point (Photo courtesy of Guam Visitors Bureau) Two Lovers Point (Photo courtesy of Guam Visitors Bureau)

Present day Izu City has the longest running courtship with Guam. In 1989, then Guam Gov. Joseph Ada and the town mayor of Toi (now part of Izu City), Takashi Aoki, signed a sister cape deal during a ceremony on the island. In 2003, then Gov. Felix Camacho and Kashiwazaki Mayor Shingo Tsuchida followed suit.

Since there is a lovers point in our town, I thought it would be nice to build a friendly relationship with Two Lovers Point on Guam to promote tourism, said Kazuhiko Kagiyama. The former Toi Tourist Association director spearheaded the 1989 project by reaching out to the Guam Visitors Bureau.

All three amorous attractions are wed to romantic sagas of yesteryear  two with tragic endings of Shakespearian proportions. Today, they are go-to destinations for a date day, if not to supercharge that special bond with a certain someone.

Lovers Point (Koibito Misaki), Izu City (Photo courtesy of Toi Onsen Hotels Union) Lovers Point (Koibito Misaki), Izu City (Photo courtesy of Toi Onsen Hotels Union)

The saga behind Izus Lovers Point has the more upbeat ending: Prevented by circumstance from marrying, two youths express their love for one another over a great distance by ringing a bell miraculously given to each of them. In time, their famed plight prompts others to bring them together so they can wed. Today, pilgrims flock there to ring a gold bell in hopes of gaining love.

Guams Two Lovers Point is said to be where a local Chamorro man and Spanish maiden leapt to their deaths in the 1500s to avoid capture and the girls forced betrothal to another, thereby preserving their love eternally.

Today, this scenic symbol of undying love is touted as the ideal place for weddings as well as views. Theres also a silver bell  a gift from its sister cape in Izu  said to bring luck in romance to those who ring it. Visitors can also buy heart-shaped locks and plaques to write down heartfelt wishes for romance and attach them to the Love Lock Wall to come true  a custom adopted from the capes Kashiwazaki sister.

Lovers Point (Koibito Misaki), Kashiwazaki City (Photo courtesy of Kashiwazaki Tourism Association) Lovers Point (Koibito Misaki), Kashiwazaki City (Photo courtesy of Kashiwazaki Tourism Association)

In Kashiwazaki, Lovers Point is tied to the tale of a love-sick woman who drowned on one of her nightly perilous journeys from Sado Island to meet her lover in the city. He in turn took his own life. Now, those in search of successful marriage make pilgrimages there to enshrine their written wishes along the capes fence.

Tourism officials say the sister-cape relations have been a boon.

Quite a few Japanese who visited Puntan Dos Amantes learned that it has a sister cape here in (Izu) then came to see our cape, Kagiyama said. I also hear a lot of lovers who come here say they are planning to visit the Two Lovers Point on Guam.  This is a win-win situation.

Two Lovers Point (Puntan Dos Amantes), Guam

Built upon a bittersweet tale of eternal love, Puntan Dos Amantes, or Two Lovers Point, is an icon of Guam attractions. Every year hundreds of thousands of visitors are drawn to the towering cliff that is the site of Guams most well-known and romantic legends.

The Two Lovers Point park features lookout points that offer sweeping views of Tumon Bay, high above crashing ocean waves 122m (400ft) below. Couples can purchase a lovelock, attach it to the railing and toss the key into the ocean to symbolize their own eternal love. The centerpiece of the park is a magnificent brass statue of two lovers locked in an embrace that gleams in the sun and extends to the sky. The park also features a wedding chapel and terrace restaurant.

 Guam Visitors Bureau

For more details, visit here.

Two Lovers Point (Photo courtesy of Guam Visitors Bureau)

Lovers Point (Koibito Misaki), Kashiwazaki City, Japan

Named after a sad love story, or sado jowa, this Lovers Point is in Sado Yahiko Yoneyama National Park and is famed for being Niigata Prefectures most popular spot for viewing beautiful sunsets. It overlooks the Sea of Japan, offering picturesque vistas of 3,255-foot-tall Mount Yoneyama, nearby Sado Island and the Fukuura Beach coastline. Lovers come here and purchase a chain, lock and heart-shaped plaque from the visitors shop. After writing their romantic wishes on the plaque, they chain it to the fence surrounding the scenic cape, securing their love. Its said that doing so ensures successful marriage.

(*Closed until Feb. 28 due to snow.)

For more details (in Japanese), call: 0257-24-2238 or visit here.

Lovers Point (Koibito Misaki), Kashiwazaki City (Photo courtesy of Kashiwazaki Tourism Association)

Lovers Point (Koibito Misaki), Izu City, Japan

About 230,000 people, many in search of luck in love, visit this cape annually. An observation platform offers fantastic vistas of Mount Fuji over the Suruga Gulf. A golden bell is mounted there and it is said that whoever rings it three times their wish in matters of love will come true. The bell has a silver sister on Guams Two Lovers Point. According to lore, whoever can ring both bells will be grated both happiness and prosperity. Lovers who ring the bell together can get a special certificate of declaring their amorous relationship at the visitors office on site. When they marry later, a congratulatory message will be sent to the newlyweds.

The town of Toi, in the city of Izu, also boasts other attractions such as scenic Anrakuji Temple and the worlds largest flower clock in Matsubara Park and the oldest hot spring in western Izu.

For more details (in Japanese), call: 0558-99-0270 or visit here.

Lovers Point (Koibito Misaki), Izu City (photo courtesy of Toi Onsen Hotels Union)

MATTERS OF THE HEART MYTHOLOGY

Guams legend may be compared to Romeo and Juliet, while the lovers points legends in Japan can be characterized as typical Japanese folk stories. Yet there is a poignant similarity at the heart of all three of these tales. Compare them yourself. Youll see just how beautiful  and cruel  love can be.

The Sad Love Story Of Kashiwazaki

Oben, the daughter of shipping agent Ogi, Sado Island, met and fell in love with Tokichi, a boat carpenter who came from Kashiwazaki, a village on the shore of Niigata, about 35 miles away. They enjoyed romantic rendezvous while Tokichi worked on the island. On completing his work, however, Tokichi had to return to Kashiwazaki.

Oben could not forget her lover. One night, she missed him so much that she took a small round taraibune boat and sailed the sea late at night to Kashiwazaki guided by a light on the cape. When she reached Kashiwazaki she was reunited with Tokichi again. She began doing this every night.

Although Tokichi welcomed her at first, he was eventually put off by an attachment so strong that it made Oben sail 35 miles to Kashiwazaki every night. One night, he extinguished the light on Kashiwazakis cape when Oben was at sea. She got lost and her boat eventually sank offshore. Seeing her body on Kashiwazakis beach the following morning, Tokichi was filled with deep regret and despair over his actions. He took his own life by jumping off the cape into the sea.

 Kashiwazaki Tourist Association

The legend of Two Lovers Point

Once long ago, in the time when Spain ruled Guam, there was a proud family living in Hagatna, the capital city. The father was a wealthy Spanish aristocrat and the mother was the daughter of a great Chamorro chief. The family owned land and were highly esteemed by all, Chamorro and Spanish alike.

Their daughter was a beautiful girl, admired by all for her honesty, modesty, and perfectly natural charm. Her beauty bestowed the greatest pride and dignity unto her family.

One day, the girls father arranged for her to take a powerful Spanish captain as her husband. When the girl discovered this, she was so distraught that she ran from Hagatna all the way to the north of Guam until she found a secluded and peaceful shore.

There, on the moonlit shore, she met and fell in love with a young warrior from a very modest Chamorro family. He was gentle, with a strong build, and had eyes that search for meaning in the stars.

When the girls father learned of the two lovers, he grew angry and demanded that she marry the Spanish captain at once. That day at sundown, she stole away to the same high point along the shore, and once again met her Chamorro lover.

Her father, the captain, and all the Spanish soldiers pursued the lovers up to the high cliff above Tumon Bay. The lovers found themselves trapped between the edge of the cliff and the approaching soldiers.

All the young warrior could do was warn them to stay back, and the father ordered the soldiers to halt.

The lovers tied their long black hair into a single knot. And acting as if they were entirely alone, they looked deeply into each others eyes and kissed for the final time. Then they leaped over the long, deep cliff into the roaring waters below.

Her father and all who remained rushed to the edge to stare in great anguish.

Since that day, Chamorros have looked to the jutting peak above Tumon Bay with reverence. The two lovers remain a symbol of true love  a love in which two souls are entwined forever in life and in death. Forever after, the high point on the cliff was known as Two Lovers Point.

 Two Lovers Point Park

The Love Call Bells

Once upon a time, a fisherman named Fukutaro from Toi met Oyone, a farming girl from Yonezaki at his villages morning market, and they fell in love. Although they wished to be together, the steep mountains between their villages, their poverty and need to care for their aging parents prevented them from seeing each other.

Oyone, thinking of Fukutaro, visited a shrine daily to pray they would be united. Even if there was a violent storm she always visited the shrine to pray. One day, while she was praying she heard a voice say, Oyone, Ill give you two bells. Give one to Fukutaro and confirm his love with them. She looked down and there were two bells.

When she took the bells to Fukutaro, they both welcomed the miracle. He hung one bell on the bow of his fishing boat. Fukutaro always sailed passed Oyones village on the way of his fishing grounds.

Every morning, Oyone climbed a cape rang her bell three times when Fukutaros boat passed by. When Fukutaro heard the bell, he responded by ringing his bell on the boat. Although the lovers could not see each other, they confirmed their mutual love with the bells. Sometimes, Oyones bell guided Fukutaros boat home when he was lost in heavy fog or stormy weather.

The sound of the two lovers bells gradually became renowned throughout Yonezaki village, and the villagers found a way for two to unite. They lived happily after.

 Izu City Tourist Association
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Its no secret why we proudly wear the title of a giving community.

When this popped up we were really happy we could come up and do something, cause I know theyre going through a lot down there, said Erneie Sanchez.

Sanchez is one of the dozens of volunteers who gathered Wednesday at CityServe in downtown Bakersfield to help our neighbors in Los Angeles. The Eaton and Pacific Palisades fires burned an estimated area of more than twice the size of Manhattan. Damages totaling total over $250 billion, making Southern California authorities name this as one of the costliest, natural disasters in U.S. history.

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Families are devastatedits heartbreaking, the scene down there is truly apocalyptic, its horrific, said Crissy Cochran with CityServe. So, from one moment life is normal, its great, and the next moment theyve lost everything.

Arvin Police Department sets goals for 2025, looks to build trust within community

Just a day before on Wednesday, President Trumps daughter Ivanka Trump joined CityServe International.

The treat was getting a surprise visit from Ivanka, she was able to still uplift spirits and say hi, and hear their storywe got to just witness it all and it was an amazing, hope-filled day, said Cochran.

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The road to recovery is just getting started.

Were there for the long haul, its going to take a long time to rebuild in this community but also for the families just to recover and heal emotionally and spiritually. Thats where the church comes in, said Cochran.

To the Los Angeles people, I feel for you and Im sorry. Hopefully what were doing here will help you out, said Sanchez.

You can help families by donating on CityServes website clicking here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News.
Tulsi Gabbard is President Donald Trump's pick to be director of national intelligence. ALLISON ROBBERT via Getty Images

With President Donald Trumps nominees for the directors of national intelligence and the head of the FBI set to appear before Senate committees Thursday, civil liberties advocates may learn something about how Trump plans to approach U.S. government surveillance.

Or not.

The hearings for Tulsi Gabbard, the former Democratic congresswoman, and Kash Patel, a former National Security Council staffer in the first Trump administration, could just end up underscoring whether Trumps personal views on government spying matter more than those of any of his appointees.

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I think in the end, whatever Gabbard thinks about [Section] 702, whatever Patel thinks about 702, its going to be decided by what Trump thinks, right? Hes the president, said Kia Hamadanchy, senior policy counsel with the American Civil Liberties Union.

Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act allows the U.S. to keep tabs on the communications of foreign nationals abroad. But communications between Americans and targeted foreigners have also been swept up in the past, leading privacy groups to label the practice a form of warrantless surveillance.

Section 702 stemmed from the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and the expansion of security efforts to catch foreign terrorists trying to harm the United States. The provision has been reauthorized several times, most recently in 2024  almost always, though, after a debate over whether it should be overhauled to reduce its scope.

Trump signed a Section 702 reauthorization during his first term but became a sharp critic of the measure while he was out of the White House and campaigning to get back in. KILL FISA, IT WAS ILLEGALLY USED AGAINST ME, AND MANY OTHERS, he wrote on his Truth Social site in April 2024.

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The current reauthorization expires in April 2026.

Hamadanchy said the mystery surrounding how Trump will approach the issue this time may reduce how much weight senators will give Gabbard and Patels stated views Thursday.

Theres a definite concern from Republican senators in terms of what Trumps going to do. And I think he is a complete wild card on the issue, Hamadanchy said.

Patrick Eddington, senior fellow with the libertarian Cato Institute, said Section 702 should be central to senators questioning of Gabbard and Patel.

Do they agree that the 702 program[s] meticulously documented abuses over the last 17 years should result in a total reexamination of the program? Do they agree that the surveillance and police powers of the federal government should never be used to terrorize Americans who oppose an Administrations policies? If the answers to any of these questions is no, Senators should take note, he said.

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He also said Gabbard and Patel should be questioned about a recent federal court ruling in New York that raised doubts about whether data searches are legal under Section 702, with potentially major legal implications.

Gabbards own views are up for debate; she reportedly reversed her long-standing criticism of Section 702 and now favors it. That could help her convince senators worried about her national security credentials, given her defense of the now-toppled Bashar Assad regime in Syria and skepticism of U.S. support for Ukraines defense against Russias invasion.

One senator, though, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), expressed doubt that Gabbard had indeed changed her mind on Section 702. Collins said Gabbards answers to questions about the provision appeared very hedged.

Trump already made a move that worried some civil libertarians when he dismissed three members of an advisory panel for federal surveillance programs, the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board.

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If the president has the ability to just fire PLCOB [members] for any reason, well then its really going to have a huge chilling effect on their willingness to [do] oversight in the future if they know they can just be fired, the ACLUs Hamadanchy said.

That issue could come up in questions Thursday. While Hamadanchy said PCLOBs usefulness has varied, its better for PCLOB to exist than not.

Related...
MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  Civil rights activists gathered outside the headquarters of Target Corp. on Thursday to call for a national boycott of the retailing giant over its decision to phase out its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Target announced last Friday that it would join competitor Walmart and a number of other prominent American brands in scaling back their DEI initiatives, which have come under attack from conservatives and the new White House of President Donald Trump.

Nekima Levy Armstrong, a veteran civil rights lawyer in Minneapolis and founder of the Racial Justice Network, joined other local activists and their supporters at a news conference to urge people to begin the boycott on Saturday, the first day of Black History Month. Many of the participants were regular Target shoppers until now, she said.

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Levy Armstrong said they were stunned that Target, which increased its commitment to building a more diverse workforce in the aftermath of the police killing of George Floyd, a Black man, in Minneapolis in 2020, backed away from its support of racial equity.

We thought that they would hold the line. We thought that they would continue to stand for the values that we all hold dear, she said. "But instead they acted cowardly, and they made the decision to bow down to the Trump administration. Well, we are here today saying we will not bow down. We will not step back, and we will not turn around.

Jaylani Hussein, executive director of the Minnesota chapter of the Council on Islamic-American Relations, said that as a company based in the city where Floyd's murder sparked a national reckoning with racial injustice, Target must be called out.

We here in Minneapolis today, the good people of the state, are saying to our friends all over the country, If you were moved to do something good after the murder of George Floyd, it is time for you to stand up and boycott Target, Hussein said.

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The organizers of the boycott include local Black Lives Matter groups. During the boycott announcement, some speakers cut up their distinctive red Target charge cards, while others called on DEI supporters to shop at Costco, which reaffirmed its commitment to DEI last week.

Despite the anger with Target, the news conference-turned-rally took on a festive atmosphere, with a New Orleans-style brass band playing protest songs like Bob Marley's Get Up, Stand Up. Participants circled up for a prayer before the speeches began.

Target, which long was viewed as a strong advocate for the rights of Black and LGBTQ+ people, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday on the call for a boycott. But in a memo to employees last week, Kiera Fernandez, Targets chief community impact and equity officer, described the company's decision to retire its diversity goals as a next chapter in the companys human resource and customer engagement strategy.

And 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, she wrote.

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Levy Armstrong said Target has not reached out to her or other local Black leaders. She said they expected more from Target, and now feel like everything it had done in support of people of color was just window dressing. The starting point for any conversation, she said, would be for the company reverse its decision immediately.

Target knows what its presence and its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion means to this community," Levy Armstrong said. So that is why we are focusing on Target first. But that does not mean that those other businesses should not also be held accountable. All of those businesses should be held accountable, and they should not have access to our dollars.

Speakers also called on long-established civil rights groups that have benefited from Targets philanthropy, such as the NAACP and the Urban League, to join the opposition to Targets decision. Levy Armstrong and Hussein said they plan to partner with other national organizations to get the word out about the boycott and to take other steps they were not yet ready to share publicly.

Ever since calls for a boycott began circulating on social media, the founders of several Black-owned businesses that sell their products in Target stores or through the company's online platforms have expressed concern that a broad boycott might hurt them. They included the owners of hair care brands The Doux and Camille Rose, and the cosmetics brand Lip Bar.

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The Minneapolis organizers said Black consumers and their white allies can continue to support those companies while cutting Target out.

We are asking people to go on their websites and buy directly from those Black companies, because Target will not see a single one of our Black dollars, Levy Armstrong said.
Update: 3:02 p.m.

CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill. (WCIA)  The University of Illinois Police Department said the emergency has ended and that it is safe to resume regular activities after an Illini-Alert was issued Thursday afternoon.

The Urbana Fire Department investigated several buildings after they received reports of a gas odor on the northeast side of campus. The Urbana Fire Department told UIPD they did not find a threat to the campus communitys safety.

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The all-clear Illini-Alert was issued just before 3 p.m.

CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill. (WCIA)  The Urbana Fire Department is actively responding to a call reporting a gas odor on the University of Illinois campus.

According to an Illini-Alert sent out to the campus community, the reports said the gas odor is coming from the northeast area of campus.

Firefighters from across the Midwest come together in Vermilion Co. in first-of-its-kind forum

A spokesperson for the University of Illinois Police Department said the fire department is checking multiple buildings, but so far, a life-safety threat has not been identified.

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WCIA reached out to the Urbana Fire Department for more information and is waiting to hear back. WCIA will update this situation as more information becomes available.

This is a developing story.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
Even with life-saving vaccines and antibiotics, tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the worlds most deadly infectious diseases. Now, an international clinical trial has found three new safe and effective drug regimens to treat antibiotic-resistant strains of TB. The results are detailed in a study published January 30 in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Why is tuberculosis still dangerous?

TB is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs. It spreads through air droplets released when talking or coughing. It is very infectious and can remain in the air for several hours, depending on the environment. However, TB only spreads when a person is symptomatic.

It can take on two forms once the bacterium infects a person. Active TB is when a patient has a long-standing cough, in addition to other symptoms including bloody phlegm, fever, and night sweats. In latent TB, the bacterium hibernates a persons lungs or somewhere else in the body. Latent TB is not contagious and doesnt cause symptoms.

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According to the Cleveland Clinic, roughly 10 million people became ill with TB and about 1.5 million people died from the disease globally in 2020. There were roughly 7,860 tuberculosis cases reported in the United States in 2021.

Currently, an outbreak centered in the Kansas City, Kansas area has killed two people since it began last January. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported that 67 people are being treated for active TB and 79 have latent TB.

We would expect to see a handful of cases every year, Dr. Dana Hawkinson, an infectious disease doctor at the University of Kansas Health System, told the Associated Press. However, Hawkinson said that the high case counts in this current outbreak were a stark warning.

In October, the World Health Organizations (WHO) Global Tuberculosis Report 2024 found that reported cases increased from 7.5 million in 2022 to 8.2 million last year. Disruptions to vaccination schedules due to the COVID-19 pandemic and drug-resistant strains were cited as potential reasons for the increases.

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Since it is a bacterial illness and not a virus like influenza, antibiotic resistance is a growing concern. Some TB strains are already resistant to rifampin, the most effective of the first-line antibiotics used to treat the disease. Rifampin and some other approved treatment regimens must be administered for years, require daily injections, and use some highly toxic medications that can come with severe side-effects.

The endTB trials

This new research is part of the endTB trial, a collaboration among Harvard Medical School, Partners In Health, Medecins Sans Frontieres, and Interactive Research and Development.

The endTB trial is one of four recent randomized controlled trials testing new, shorter, and less toxic treatment regimens for drug-resistant TB. The trials are using two fairly new drugsbedaquiline and delamanid. The medicines were first brought to the market in 2012 and 2013 and were the first new medications for TB in almost 50 years.

The trial launched in 2017 with 754 patients from India, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Lesotho, Pakistan, Peru, and South Africa. The goal was to improve treatment for patients with tuberculosis resistant to rifampin which sickens about 410,000 people each year. Only 40 percent are diagnosed and treated, 65 percent of them successfully, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

[ Related: How infectious diseases killed Victorian children at alarming rates. ]

In the trial, endTB tested five new, all-oral regimens using bedaquiline and delamanid in combination with other drugs. The regimens were taken over nine months. A third drugpretomanidreceived emergency authorization from the FDA in 2019. However, it is not included in these trials.

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Three out of the five new regimens were considered successful for between 85 and 90 percent of patients with this treatment-resistent strain of TB. The control group was treated with longer treatments and was successful in 81 percent of cases.

According to the team, the trial regimens were considered effective if they performed at least as well as the control group. The control group still received a well-performing standard of care in accordance with WHO recommendations.

A step towards more accessible care

Two of the three new endTB regimens and another WHO-recommended regimen cost under $500, to meet a target set over 10 years ago. All of these innovations together could mean that shorter, all-oral regimens are available to more people than ever.

This Harvard-led partnership among NGOs, ministries of health, and other academic partners identified three new regimens that will make lifesaving care dramatically more accessible, Carole Mitnick, trial co-principal investigator and Harvard Medical School epidemiologist, said in a statement. We also resolved a critical question left open by pharmaceutical industry trials that brought bedaquiline and delamanid to market: How can these new drugs be used to shorten and simplify treatment while retaining efficacy?

According to Mitnick, poor treatment options and low-quality evidence previously have made it difficult to prevent some tuberculosis deaths. These new regimens take advantage of already approved drugs to expand and shorten treatment, minimize side effects, and treat patients using pills instead of daily injections. The endTB trials have since concluded.
In just over a month, clocks in Wisconsin will once again "spring forward" as daylight saving time kicks in  but President Donald Trump has reignited a long-running debate on whether the U.S. should end the practice altogether.

Daylight saving time was enacted during World War I in an attempt to save on fuel costs by adding an extra hour of sunlight to the day. Despite common misconception, its creation had nothing to do with allowing farmers to work longer hours, and the agriculture industry actually "fervently opposed" the measure, according to the Library of Congress.

In the decades since, politicians, sleep experts and farmers alike have pushed to change the practice, either by eliminating daylight saving time or making it permanent year-round.

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Here's what to know when daylight saving time kicks in and why people support ending the time change.

The sun sets over the Milwaukee skyline near Lakeshore State Park and Discovery World on Saturday July 4, 2020. Sunset weather Lake Michigan - Photo by Mike De Sisti / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel ORG XMIT: DBY1

When does daylight saving time start again?

Daylight saving time will resume on Sunday, March 9, according to the Old Farmers Almanac. Clocks will jump forward one hour between 2 and 3 a.m.

What has Trump said about daylight saving time?

The president voiced his support for ending daylight savings time in a December 2024 Truth Social post.

"The Republican Party will use its best efforts to eliminate Daylight Saving Time, which has a small but strong constituency, but shouldnt!" Trump wrote. "Daylight Saving Time is inconvenient, and very costly to our Nation."

Who else supports changing daylight saving time?

Though Trump recently took a stance on the issue, the proposal to change daylight saving time is not new.

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In 2023, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which would have kept daylight saving time permanently. Making daylight saving time permanent would mean clocks would no longer "fall back" in November, such that daylight hours would extend longer into the evening during winter months.

Despite overwhelming support in the Senate, the bill stalled in the U.S. House of Representatives and has not seen any movement since 2023.

On the state level, Hawaii and most of Arizona are the only two states that don't observe daylight saving time. Meanwhile, 20 additional state legislatures have introduced bills to change the practice, though Wisconsin is not one of them, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Medical experts, too, support a change to daylight saving time: in 2020, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine said it believed the U.S. should "eliminate seasonal time changes in favor of a national, fixed, year-round time." Daylight saving time disrupts the natural circadian rhythms of the human body, and the abrupt time change has been linked to increase risk of mood disorders and heart diseases, the organization said.

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From the public safety standpoint, the academy said daylight saving time also increases risk of vehicle crashes, since drivers are especially sleep deprived after losing an hour of rest when the clock "springs forward."

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: When is daylight saving time 2025, and why does Trump want to end it?
Jan. 29When Karley Wells, the young principal of Clyde Elementary School, showed up to a school assembly earlier this month, she thought she'd be speaking about positivity. In reality, she was there to be honored by students and staff for an award she didn't know she'd won  the state's Principal of the Year for the Western Region.

Wells' office is lined with books from her years as a teacher. It's a comfortable and inviting space, as cozy as any room made from cinderblock can be. In an interview with The Mountaineer, she talked up her fellow Western Region principals, saying any one of them could have gotten the honor in her place.

To win the award, Wells was up against representatives from 18 other counties: Avery, Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, Mitchell, Transylvania, Yancey, Burke, Cleveland, McDowell, Polk, Rutherfordton, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Jackson, Macon, and Swain.

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"I did not feel worthy to be the Haywood County Principal of the Year. We have such wonderful principals," she said.

This means Wells is now in the running for North Carolina Principal of the Year. She'll compete with principals from North Carolina's eight other educational regions. If she lands the award, she'll serve as an advisor to the State Board of Education and sit on the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Public School Forum.

But Wells would be happy even if she goes no farther in the Principal of the Year race. As the Western region winner, she'll get to advocate for schools and programs happening in Western North Carolina, a responsibility she feels both humbled and overjoyed to assume.

Wells's fellow principals nominated her for Haywood County Principal of the Year at the end of last spring. After that, Wells had to write a portfolio for consideration in the larger region. A committee looks over the materials, then interviews candidates from each county in the region.

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"They asked us to make a personal statement, what we feel about education," Wells said. "They asked us about initiatives that we've done in our school and things that we've seen go really well. I did a lot of work with the North Carolina Portrait of a Graduate, and I've helped across the state write pieces of that."

Portrait of a Graduate is an initiative that aims to instill life skills in North Carolina public school graduates that go beyond standardized testing and checking boxes. The program is a holistic approach that includes adaptability, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, empathy, a learner's mindset, and personal responsibility. Wells spent a lot of time thinking about translating those ideas directly into the classroom.

Adaptability is key

Adaptability is a skill that Wells has put to good use in her own career. A lifelong Haywood County resident, Wells began her journey in professional education in 2014 as a fifth-grade teacher at the very school where she now serves at the helm. She went on to attain a master's degree before becoming an assistant principal then moving up to principal at Riverbend Elementary School. Halfway through the 2023-2024 school year, Wells snagged the top slot at Clyde Elementary.

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As if taking the reins halfway through a school year wasn't tough enough, Wells found herself dealing with Helene shortly after this school year began. The leadership and quick thinking she displayed as she rallied her staff is undoubtedly one of the facets the committee looked at when choosing her.

Teachers and administration were in the building two days post-storm, making phone calls to check on children, making supply runs for families, and opening up the playground to serve as childcare for parents who needed to work. The cafeteria turned into an impromptu distribution site.

Durability and positivity

Wells happened to come to Clyde Elementary just as the staff was beginning work on its two-year improvement plan.

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"It was the perfect time to come to a school," she said. "There were sticky notes flying everywhere. And one of the things we really talked about was wanting to establish this culture of positivity with our kiddos and with our staff."

As part of that push, students at Clyde Elementary keep success journals  logs of daily wins  and have assemblies about developing a positive vision. It was one of these assemblies that Wells thought she'd be attending when she received the news of her Regional Principal of the Year honor.

That focus on positivity is a crucial skill for Haywood County students at the moment. In addition to managing her staff and students, Wells also drives a school bus, and Helene's aftermath is visible with every drop-off and pick-up.

"You see it every day. It's right in your face," she said. "And you know that even though we've gotten back to our normal lives (here at the school), our community has not. We had over 30 kids lose their homes."

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There's always a rainbow

As the children returned to the classroom, Wells and her teachers stressed that after every storm, there's a rainbow. The community that the children, teachers, and administrators built at Clyde Elementary was that rainbow.

It's a rainbow that includes elementary school students needing intensive intervention. They come from all across the county for the resources and special staff that Clyde Elementary offers and integrate into classrooms whenever possible. It's something that Wells is proud of, both for the support it offers those children and the life experience it gives her neurotypical students.

"It's a beautiful thing because all of our kids come away with such an understanding for people that don't walk the same way that they do, don't speak the same way that they do, don't express themselves, have a whole different language," she said. "There's so many things that they are exposed to. Our kids use the same playground. So having this program here at our school creates such an inclusive environment."

The North Carolina Principal of the Year will be announced in May.
More than 20 US citizens have gone missing in action on the contact line in Ukraine, with their number increasing over the past six months.

Source: CNN, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The CNN article focuses on the role of foreign nationals, particularly US citizens, in the war in Ukraine and the challenges involved in recovering bodies from the battlefield and repatriating the remains of deceased American volunteers.

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The CNN report also claims that, over the last six months, the bodies of at least five American volunteers could not be retrieved from the battlefield. Two of them were eventually repatriated from Russian-occupied territories to Ukrainian-controlled land after prolonged negotiations.

Lauren Guillome, an American living in Kyiv and working with the non-profit RT Weatherman Foundation, which helps foreign families locate missing loved ones, told CNN that she is currently handling cases involving 88 deceased or missing foreign nationals of 18 nationalities, half of whom are Americans.

Guillome noted that the true number of deceased American volunteers in Ukraine remains unclear.

Background: Filip Antosiak, a 19-year-old Polish volunteer who left his studies in the UK to join a Ukrainian drone strike unit, was recently killed in action near the city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast.

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A CNN commentator swiftly took down a post and apologized after suggesting that President Donald Trump was responsible for Wednesdays aircraft collision in Washington D.C .

In a post on X, network contributor Bakari Sellers reasoned that timing matters in bringing up politics following a disasterand that he might have done so too soon, while local emergency personnel are still actively searching for survivors.

The Federal Aviation Administration, American Airlines, and U.S. Army have all confirmed that a commercial American Airlines flight collided with an Army helicopter Wednesday evening at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, prompting both aircraft to crash into the freezing waters of the nearby Potomac River.

Emergency response units assess airplane wreckage in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington Airport on January 30, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. / Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Onboard the commercial flight were 60 passengers and four crew members. Meanwhile, three Army personnel were aboard the helicopter. An all-hands rescue effort has since ensued.

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Around an hour after the collision was first reported, Sellers posted a screenshot of a news release from the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure announcing a hiring freeze of air traffic controllers issued by Trump.

The article also included a statement from the committees ranking member Rick Larsen, who made clear the potential threat to aviation safety the freeze would have.

8 days ago, Sellers captioned the post, which he quickly took down.

I deleted the post because timing matters. Politics at this point does not. I fucked up, I own that. I am very prayerful but Im also very frustrated upset and disturbed with where we are as a country. I recognize, and I will do better.



The only thing that matters is rescuing  Bakari Sellers (@Bakari_Sellers) January 30, 2025

I deleted the post because timing matters, Sellers wrote following backlash. Politics at this point does not. I f***ed up, I own that. I am very prayerful but Im also very frustrated upset and disturbed with where we are as a country. I recognize, and I will do better.

The only thing that matters is rescuing the survivors, and ensuring this never happens again, he continued.
COCKE COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE)  It has been four months since the remnants of Hurricane Helene hit East Tennessee, and Cocke County one of the hardest hit places. While many are still working to recover from the flooding that impacted the community, Cocke County Schools staff are continuing to support students.

The first day out was September 27, a Friday, and by Monday I think that staffs were showing up at schools, they were reaching out to their kids to see what their status was and any staff member was asked to check in with them to see what was going on, Bryan Douglas, the student support supervisor for Cocke County Schools said.

White House budget office rescinds federal funding freeze memo

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Homes and businesses across the county were destroyed. Some students in the district lost everything.

We identified 85 kids who were displaced before Christmas and were just coming back from Christmas break and so we just sent out an email today asking for updates with that, Douglas said.

In the days following the floods, the district helped their families with things like food and water.

We had a lot of community support, surrounding counties, and within our counties stepped and they would come with food trucks, Diana Samples, family resource director with Cocke County Schools said. People from all over the United States would come in with food and prepare it.

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Once students were able to return to school, the district focused on the students emotional and mental state.

We knew when our students returned, there would be stories to tell and we allowed for that, Douglas said. We asked our staff to realize that was going to be an important part of returning. First of all making sure everyone is okay and then we will start with academics the best we can.

Oak Ridge to host SECs first Rowing Championship

During the past four months, the district has canceled school several times due to snow and cold weather.

We build 10 days per year and weve exceeded that, Douglas said. Its my understanding that with the originals days, I think we have 7 that are forgiven and so we are going to have some time to make up and our district is still deciding how to handle that best.

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As some students are still displaced, housing is still one of the bigger issues that school officials are looking to address.

We dont have any emergency housing in Cocke County and what housing we do have, theres a waitlist for them, so thats why we have been trying to put people in campers temporarily, Samples said.

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Coffee prices have soared to a record high after Donald Trumps threat to slap Colombia with trade tariffs sent jitters coursing through the market.

Global Arabica bean prices climbed to $3.60 (2.90) per lb on Wednesday amid concerns over poor harvests in Brazil and ongoing nervousness around Mr Trumps tariff threats.

Coffee futures, used to price coffee around the world, hit a record high of $3.68 per lb on Wednesday, a 2.5pc rise on a day earlier and up 15pc so far this year.

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The latest surge comes after Mr Trump threatened a 25pc tariff on Colombian imports amid a row with the countrys president who refused to allow two US military deportation flights carrying migrants to land in Colombia. Mr Trump subsequently rowed back on the measures but it was enough to fuel uncertainty among investors about what the presidents next move will be.

Colombia is third largest coffee-producing country behind Brazil and Vietnam. Trade between the US and Colombia was worth about $53bn in 2022, according to US government figures. The US imports roughly 30pc of its coffee from Colombia.

Prices climbed by more than 80pc in 2024 amid concerns over poor harvests in Brazil, while India has also predicted that its coffee exports in 2025 will be around 10pc lower amid droughts and expectations of a hot summer.

Andrew Moriaty, the managing editor of Expana, a price reporting agency, said a prolonged period of poor harvests and bad weather had resulted in several years of poor production from Brazil. We havent seen an easing of those conditions, he said.

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Coffee prices have eclipsed past record highs set in 1977, when unusual snowfall in Brazil devastated plantations and caused the price of coffee to more than triple.

The costs have pushed up prices at British high street chains including Pret a Manger and Greggs. The average price of a cup of coffee in Britain climbed to 3.50 in November, according to official data, compared with less than 3 before the pandemic.

The latest price surge comes after Mr Trump declared immediate tariffs of 25pc on goods from Colombia after its Left-wing president, Gustavo Petro, refused to allow two US military deportation flights carrying migrants to land in the country.

Supporters of Mr Trump have defended his tariff threats against Colombia. On Fox & Friends, Mr Trumps favourite television show, host Steve Doocy said it would be worth it to pay an extra quarter on a cup of coffee to send those people back.

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Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the Democratic congresswoman, said: Trump is about to make every American pay even more for coffee.

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Tents in the Street Angels warming room in 2021. (Photo by Isiah Holmes/Wisconsin Examiner)

In Milwaukee, during a spate of freezing winter weather earlier this month, cold-challenged frontline organizations are providing crucial services to hundreds of residents, many of whom are unhoused. Night to night, week to week, the level of need some advocates and outreach groups have witnessed is staggering.

Eric Collins-Dyke, deputy administrator for Milwaukee County Housing Services, said that since early December, the housing divisions outreach teams have encountered between 75 and 100 people on a regular basis. Last Monday, a day center was opened inside the Marcia P. Coggs Health and Human Services Center, which serves over 100 people daily. While Collins-Dyke said he was happy to see the center serving so many people, he also saw it as a sign of how many people are in need. The most recent data showed that the countys warming rooms had seen 800 unique individuals since opening in late November, he said.

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Pastor James West, executive director of Repairers of the Breach in Milwaukee, also said that the groups resource center sees up to 140 people each day. Nothing less than 100, West told Wisconsin Examiner. Repairers of the Breach provides food, private showers, employment assistance, free health care, telephones, and other services every day except Sunday. Since late November, Wests staff have been on double duty, he said. Dozens of people are showing up at night, in addition to those who arrive during the day. Recently, when temperatures across the state dropped below freezing, Repairers of the Breach was open for a 44-hour stint  including on Sunday  due to the cold. Over those days, West saw many people including the elderly, wielding canes or walkers, and struggling with mental illness come in.

While Milwaukees unhoused population is made up of a diverse group of people from many backgrounds, a growing number are elderly. I think of the 800 unique individuals, 248 were over 60 [years old] off the top of my head, said Collins-Dyke. Thats an increase that weve seen. So unfortunately were seeing individuals who are older experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Its something that the county is trying to wrap our arms around, Collins-Dyke explained, with plans for a new grant focusing on elderly unhoused people in the works.

Supplies aboard the Street Angels outreach bus. (Photo by Isiah Holmes/Wisconsin Examiner)

From Nov. 27 to Dec. 13, the Milwaukee County Medical Examiners Office documented five deaths due to hypothermia. All of the individuals  four male and one female  ranged from 56 to 82 years old. Three of them were logged as homeless and were found in the cities of Milwaukee and Oak Creek.

According to Medical Examiner records the oldest victim, 82-year-old Michael Kies, was found dead in November after Meals on Wheels, which provides meals to 2.2 million seniors nationwide, and Kies loved ones asked police to conduct a welfare check. Kies was found in his bedroom.

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In early December, the Oak Creek Fire Department reported the death of Jehovah Holy Spirit Jesus, 60, who was found seated in a chair behind trash dumpsters outside the business Eder Flag. Jesus appeared dressed for the weather and was not visible from the roadway, medical examiner records state. Surveillance footage reportedly captured Jesus walking in a nearby field on Nov. 28. By the time staff returned to work on Dec. 2, Jesus  believed to be unhoused and struggling with mental illness  was found cold and unresponsive behind the business.

Three more elderly residents died from Dec. 11-13, including two unhoused Milwaukeeans who died on the same day. One of them, 64-year-old Carolyn Lovett, was taken to the Aurora Sinai Medical Center by firefighters for hypothermic cardiac arrest. Shed been found unresponsive in a roadway, medical examiner records state. Although friends of Lovett arrived at the hospital later, including a cousin who said that they lived together, records list her as homeless.

That same day, firefighters also found 60-year-old Richard Montgomery in a vacant, fire-damaged house on Milwaukees North Side. Montgomerys family had contacted city departments for a welfare check on Montgomery. One of his neighbors  who believed Montgomery struggled with schizophrenia  had also requested a welfare check. The house was owned by Montgomerys parents, whod been deceased for many years, reports state. Although multiple fires had left the home uninhabitable, Montgomery continued living there, according to records.

Tents around King Park in Milwaukee during the summer of 2024. (Photo by Isiah Holmes/Wisconsin Examiner)

In the third and fourth weeks of January, arctic cold whipped Wisconsin with 30-35 below zero wind chills. Residents in southern Wisconsin were warned that just 15 minutes of bare skin exposure to the cold could cause frostbite. By the end of January, three more people (ranging from 40-69 years old) had possibly succumbed to the cold. WISN reported that on Jan. 12, a 64-year-old man was found under a bridge. The next day, a 69-year-old man was found in a vehicle that was being used as shelter. Two days later on Jan. 15, a 40-year-old man was found on a heating mechanism near railroad tracks.

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The recent deaths spanned from the south of Milwaukee to the north. Although Repairers of the Breach is based in Milwaukees King Park neighborhood, the group sees people from as far away as Waukesha and Germantown.

King Park has become a focal point for housing issues in Milwaukee over the years. In 2021, people expressed concerns about a growing tent community made up of dozens of people in the park. Although county officials have worked to find housing and services for those living in King Park, the area has never been entirely free of unhoused people looking for space and privacy.

Last summer, King Parks unhoused population again began to rise as the Republican National Convention approached. During the convention, out-of-state police officers from Columbus Ohio killed Sam Sharpe, a man whod been living in the park. Sharpe was known to housing outreach groups like Street Angels, who said after his death that they serve up to 300 unhoused residents a night. Whereas some find quiet spots off to themselves, others group together in encampments, or stick together in nomadic caravans of half-working vehicles.

While county and advocate groups work to get unhoused people supplies and shelter, many living on the street also display a unique kind of resilience. Collins-Dyke told Wisconsin Examiner that seeing sort of the resilience and the ingenuity of a lot of the people that we serve on the street is pretty incredible, to be able to survive.

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Nevertheless, county teams always encourage even the hardest of folks to come with them and come to a warming site. Collins-Dyke also noted that the county is working with landlords to get people housed more quickly. The countys housing navigation and outreach teams, Collins-Dyke explained, are currently working to assess people visiting warming sites to get them into housing.

In December 2024, Milwaukee County received federal funding for housing support and other services for elderly residents, and those transitioning out of the Community Reintegration Center (formerly known as the House of Corrections). Housing is a matter of public health, and housing security is a critical social determinant of health, County Executive Crowley said at a press conference announcing the funds.

Our shared vision for Milwaukee County includes expanding equitable access to safe, quality and affordable housing and supportive services for those in need, Crowley added. By supporting our aging population and investing in reentry housing services for those seeking a second chance, we are working to improve outcomes for some of our most vulnerable residents and build a stronger Milwaukee County for all.

Housing is a key social determinant of health. We want to ensure that older adults and people reentering their communities from the CRC have access to safe and affordable housing, said Shakita LaGrant-McClain, Executive Director of the Department of Health and Human Services. Through these efforts, we are working to empower vulnerable residents to lead full lives.

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Orders by the Trump administration, however, have thrown the grant and other funds into uncertain territory. A two page memo from the Office of Management and Budget announced the sudden freeze of federal program funds to state and local governments. Wisconsin joined other states and the District of Columbia in filing a lawsuit to stop funding from being cut off to local and state governments, and af ederal judge ruled Tuesday that the Trump administration must wait at least a week before pausing funds. On Wednesday, the administration rescinded the memo.

Before the memo was rescinded a Milwaukee County spokesperson said in an email statement to Wisconsin Examiner that County Executive David Crowley remains concerned about the memo and the potential impacts to not only County projects and services, but the overall health and safety of Milwaukee County residents, families, and children who rely on federally-funded programs and services.

Numerous Milwaukee County departments rely on federal funding including human services and transportation services. We will continue engaging with local, state, and federal leaders on this evolving matter, said the spokesperson.

Pastor West also stressed collaboration between the county government and community groups. Beyond receiving government funds, West wonders why not outsource it to usLet us service the people in the way that we know how to service thats been successful. That would allow different community organizations working on the frontlines of the housing issue to learn from each other, he said. I will say in the last five years, theres been more of that, said West of support from the city and county. And its working.

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(This story has been updated to add to new information.)

Police have identified the suspect involved in a Thursday shooting at Joseph Chevrolet car dealership in Colerain Township.

Rashid Dewees, 21, an employee at the dealership, has been arrested and charged, township police said in a news release.

No one was injured in the shooting, officials said.

At approximately 4 p.m., Colerain Township police officers were dispatched to 8733 Colerain Ave. for the report of a person shooting inside Joseph Chevrolet, according to a statement from police.

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Upon their arrival, officers heard an additional shot fired from inside the dealership and observed people running.

Within minutes, officers entered the building, located the shooter inside the showroom and took him into custody without further incident.

Dewees was charged with two misdemeanors, aggravated menacing and inducing panic, officials said.

He is currently being held at the Hamilton County Justice Center.

Police did not give a motive for the shooting. Officers are currently investigating the incident and they ask anyone with information to call 513-321-2677.

The shooting at Joseph Chevrolet follows another shooting in Colerain Township that left two dead and one injured. The shooting, which occurred earlier this month, took place in the parking lots of both the Walgreens and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen at the Colerain Avenue-Springdale Road intersection.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Suspect identified after shooting at Joseph Chevrolet car dealership
The Middleburgh Central School District now has a food pantry.

According to a Bassett Healthcare Network news release, the pantry, available to all students in need, is a partnership between school leaders, the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and Bassetts School-Based Health Center inside the school.

In 2024, several of Bassetts SBHC teams participated in a Social Determinants of Health Learning Collaborative, sponsored by the National School-Based Health Alliance.

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"This collaborative delved into factors that can impact a child or teens health beyond the healthcare services they receive, including how important access to nutritious food is," the release stated.

Upon completion of the collaborative, each site was awarded a $5,000 stipend to support that SBHCs work addressing the social determinants impacting students in their local community.

Middleburghs School-Based Health Center invested that funding into the newly-established Junior/Senior High Food Pantry. Part of the stipend was used to purchase a refrigerator and promotional materials while the rest is being used to purchase food.

Through the care we provide at our School-Based Health Center, we discovered middle-school and high-school age students were hesitant to take part in the backpack program that continues to support many students facing food insecurity in Middleburgh, said Caroline Andrew, a pediatric practitioner at the Middleburgh health center. The older students wanted more choice and the ability to put what they know about nutrition into action. Its been amazingly rewarding to be able to say to students, Heres a room thats stocked. Drop in whenever you want and take as much as you need with no questions asked.

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The pantry is incorporated into the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New Yorks school pantry program. The food bank awarded the pantry an additional $2,000 and it continues to perform inspections to ensure the pantry is up to code, the release stated.

Grocery items purchased through the food bank at a deeply discounted rate are delivered to the school on a weekly basis and students enrolled in Middleburghs Basic Skills program restock the shelves on the days the deliveries arrive.

Many of the students who ensure our food pantry remains organized receive food themselves. Its truly empowering and helps the students practice important skills, said Sierra Diamond, a school social worker for the Middleburgh school. I deeply appreciate everyone at our Bassett Healthcare Network School-Based Health Center and those with the Regional Food Bank who help make this pantry a reality. Resources in our community are extremely limited, so it is important that we can have this space for students facing food insecurity to feel safe and supported without stigma.

Staff at the health center screen each of the students they see to learn if they may be facing food insecurity and ensure they are oriented with the food pantry and what it has to offer, according to the release. Between November and December of 2024, at least 55 students accessed the resource.

"The establishment of the student food pantry is a testament to the power of collaboration and the commitment of our community to meet the needs of every student, said Mark Place, superintendent of Middleburgh Central School District. By addressing food insecurity in a safe and supportive environment, were not just providing nourishment, but also fostering dignity, empowerment, and hope for our students. Were incredibly grateful to Bassett Healthcare Network, the Regional Food Bank, and our School-Based Health Center for making this vision a reality."
BOGOTA (Reuters) - The Colombian government plans to pitch a new tax reform to Congress to raise at least 12 trillion pesos ($2.86 billion) needed to finance its budget, Finance Minister Diego Guevara said on Thursday, after lawmakers struck down a similar proposal late last year.

Guevara, in an interview with local radio station Caracol, added that the government could seek an even higher amount from the reform.

Last year, Congress rejected a tax reform proposal to raise around 9.8 trillion pesos to round out the funding needed to finance the 2025 budget. With those funds off the table, the government had to tighten its purse strings and reduce spending to around 511 trillion pesos.

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"It is no secret that there is significant tax pressure this year," Guevara said in the interview. "We need new resources," he added, saying President Gustavo Petro had requested sending another proposal.

Petro's administration will once again float some measures lawmakers rejected last year, according to Guevara, including tax cuts for small-to-medium-size businesses while imposing taxes on industries such as mining and energy.

"We're still in the initial stage (of planning the new proposal)," Guevara said. "The baseline will be 12 trillion pesos (raised), but we may aim for a bit more to ensure stability this year and in the longer term."

Petro's government has limited backing in Congress.

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The autonomous fiscal rule committee (CARF) estimates that the government's spending earmarked for this year is still 40 trillion pesos over, despite trimming off 12 trillion pesos already.

($1 = 4,188.59 Colombian pesos)

(Reporting by Nelson Bocanegra)
(COLORADO)  Attorney General Phil Weiser announced on Wednesday, Jan. 29 of seven grant awards being given to school districts to develop and test smartphone policies.

The grants build on the commitment from the Attorney General to reduce classroom distractions and improve youth mental health. In 2024, the Attorney Generals Office launched a statewide survey where schools shared their current smartphone policies and challenges.

RELATED COVERAGE: What are Yondr pouches and why are schools using them?

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The survey results showed that 75% of responding school districts had existing cell phone policies, although the Attorney Generals office said some date back to 2002 and do not address the challenges of cell phones in classrooms.

School district approaches vary, common trends include tiered restrictions by grade level, exceptions for emergencies and students with special needs, and a strong emphasis on reducing distractions. The Attorney General said there is room for improvement.

I continue to hear from school leaders, teachers, parents, and students about the impact of smartphones on student learning and mental health, Weiser said. These grants will help schools implement creative solutions to reduce distractions, foster better learning environments, and support student well-being. By working together, we can ensure that schools have the tools they need to protect students.

The seven grant recipients and their projects are:

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Aurora Public Schools  Hosting educational opportunities for students, educators, and parents about healthy smartphone usage to build buy-in for a universal policy for all middle schools that includes a smartphone storage device pilot.

Denver Justice High School  Implementing an incentive-based system to support student compliance with smartphone policies and hosting community engagement meetings with parents and guardians.

Eastlake High School  Expanding and improving existing smartphone storage policies with a focus on restorative justice practices.

Englewood Schools  Procuring and implementing smartphone lockers for classrooms and creating a year-long campaign, including classroom curricula, to engage students and families about the challenges of smartphones.

Mesa County Valley School District 51  Developing curriculum resources on digital literacy and the impact of technology, reinforced through stakeholder engagement.

Pueblo County School District 70  Hosting digital literacy presentations and student-led awareness campaigns to teach students how to use smartphones responsibly and educate parents about responsible smartphone use in the school environment.

Trinidad School District 1  Providing training to students and teachers about the challenges of cell phone and social media addiction, purchasing smartphone storage containers, and completing a landscape review of policies in other districts to inform future policy development.

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DENVER (KDVR)  Getting young people to give their devices a break can be a challenge. Colorado lawmakers say schools are having a hard time getting students to put their phones down, too. A new bill at the capitol looks to improve the situation.

A bipartisan bill introduced Wednesday looks to give districts across the state some guidance to keep students off their phones when its time to learn.

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Students are using their phones in class.

Yeah, I feel like its a distraction, said Aubriana, a high school student in Denver. I feel that we are more online than we need to be. I feel like COVID kind of screwed us over with that whole thing. You know, we dont really know how to socialize anymore.

Right now, many schools in Colorado do not have a blanket policy for teachers and students to follow.

Two-thirds of the largest school districts in the state do not have a cell phone policy in place at the district-level, said Rep. Meghan Lukens of Routt County.

State lawmakers want districts to have a cell phone policy in place. The specifics of the policy would be left up to the district.

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The bill articulates that there needs to be a policy that limits cell phone usage in schools. I do know that the Colorado Association of School Boards has recommendation policies that school boards can use as guidelines. But each school board and school district can draft their policy from there, Lukens explained at a press conference announcing the bills introduction.

While a few districts do have cellphone policies in place, Denver Public Schools does not.

Some high schoolers had mixed reactions to the proposal.

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Me personally, I dont use my phone in class. But for others, its probably going to trigger them, Jeremih of Denver said.

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I feel like we shouldnt do that because we need cell phones for like a lot of things like school shootings if we need to call our parents, for apple pay so we can go get our lunches off campus, said Stephan of Denver.

I have no bad feelings about it. I feel like it would be good for us. I feel like the generation before who didnt have phones are way better now and they had better opportunities, said Aubriana.

School District 51 in Mesa County limits cell phone use to during breaks and before and after school. Their superintendent said they had an increase in student engagement since they put the policy in place.

Bill sponsors said 19 other states across the United States have some form of legislation in place that limits phone usage in schools or encourages schools to draft their own policies. If the bill becomes law, the district would need to have a policy in place by July 1, 2026.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Domestic violence cases have been on the rise in Columbus for two consecutive years, according to data from the Columbus Division of Police.

A new partnership with the division and the Center for Family Safety and Healing at Nationwide Childrens Hospital is aimed at combating the problem.

Program leaders said the goal is to get survivors to safety before their situation escalates further.

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After classroom brawl, Hilliard councilman pushes for safety increase

Amber Howell, a clinical supervisor at the Center for Family Safety and Healing, said the idea sparked in 2020 from something called the Blueprint for Safety. It is a plan developed to create a standard approach to responding to domestic violence cases.

At the time, Howell said she worked at the city attorneys office.

We saw this gap where there are system advocates at the prosecutors office, but when officers respond, when police respond, theres no one to really be there to support the survivor at that time and its chaotic and confusing.

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She said that in January 2023, the center soft-launched the Advocacy Crisis Team for Domestic Violence (ACT-DV), starting on the west side of Columbus because that is where police responded to the largest amount of domestic violence calls.

When officers respond to an intimate partner violence scene, they can give us a call, Howell said.

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In the past when police responded to domestic violence calls, there was no one there to support the survivor, Howell said; the partnership with Columbus Police is changing that.

Our goal is to get out, to make sure that that person feels grounded in a very chaotic and confusing time and then we work alongside officers, knowing that we have a different role, Howell said.

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She said the ACT-DV team responds separately from police, using cars issued by Nationwide Childrens Hospital, saying they want to separate themselves as a safe space and work with survivors on building a safety plan.

I can assure you is to a person that weve responded to, that grounding and that feeling of safety and knowing you have options makes them feel like speaking with law enforcement is a safe option, Howell said.

The team then allows police officers to focus on finding evidence and investigating the scene.

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I have already seen where its made a difference, Columbus Division of Police Det. Laurie Carney said. Its made a difference in getting folks who sometimes have nowhere else to go, the ability to move forward.

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Carney said the department answers an average of about 20-25 domestic violence calls a day; what makes them difficult to investigate is they are all unique and could be sparked by many different things.

Carney said this is a partnership that they didnt even know they needed.

Its given us an ability to get assistance and support for our victims right then and there, Carney said. These advocates are able to come out to the scene, talk to these individuals, get them scheduled for anything from follow up with housing, follow up with court processes, follow up with sometimes employment. Just somebody to have the ability to reach out to if theres any concerns or if anything else happens, it just really closed a lot of the gaps that we didnt have before when we were trying to work with these folks.

Carney encourages survivors to call if they need help.

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Sometimes it can be really hard, she said. Sometimes it can be really scary.

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Carney said if you do not feel comfortable making the call yourself, have a trusted person a safe word or phrase you can send them if you need help and then they can make the call.

Howell said that while the team responds to all kinds of domestic violence calls, more often, they involve strangulation.

Many of the people that we work with have been assaulted within the last 60 to 90 minutes, Howell said.

Howell said how they do their job is led by the survivor.

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They have to be able to make those decisions for themselves, but I think as we continue collaborations like this with Columbus Police and make sure that theres knowledge of these programs and these resources out there, I think thats what well continue to support and I do believe that this program is part of homicide prevention, Howell said.

She said the group follows up with the survivors for several days after the incident to ensure they have things like safe housing; the group will also help them get a protection order and other court proceedings.

Howell said some feedback they have gotten from survivors is No one has ever believed me before. Thank you, and I never knew anything like this existed, or I would have called earlier.

The program has expanded across the entire city.

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The ACT-DV team said its average response time is nine minutes. Howell said in 2024, the team responded to more than 220 calls.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Onetime Trump true believer Stephanie Grisham, former press secretary to both Donald and Melania, famously told a national TV audience during last summers Democratic National Convention that she knows firsthand that the president has no empathy, no morals and no fidelity to the truth.

She recalled the advice Trump gave her for serving as his spokesperson: It doesnt matter what you say, Stephanie  say it enough and people will believe you.

Now add to those traits Trumps long-established refusal to see himself as a president for all Americans, notably those who didnt vote for him, and Trumps behavior toward Los Angeles in its time of need this month was as predictable as the urban infernos that erupted when a once-in-a-generation event  hurricane-force Santa Ana winds meeting drought-parched landscape  turned sparks and embers into incendiary devices, and homes into just more kindling.

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In an unprecedented act, Trump has been demanding conditions on federal disaster aid for California, even as he explicitly seeks none from the mostly red states that are rebuilding their lives, homes, businesses and infrastructure after last falls hurricanes in the southeastern United States. During his mostly polite visit to L.A. last week, Trump didnt repeat those demands to Californians faces. Perhaps the state can hope hes changed. But thats never been a good bet.

From the fires start, the know-it-all Trump has peddled his preposterous claim that if the states Democratic leaders  led by Gov. Gavin Newscum, in his words  would just turn on some valve in Northern California, theyd allow beautiful, clean, fresh water to FLOW to the rescue, as he posted on his social media site on Jan. 8. Even in his inaugural address, he lied , claiming the wildfires were burning without even a token of defense  as firefighters from as far as Canada and Mexico risked their lives through 24- and 48-hour shifts.

Trump is still spreading such disinformation despite countless fact-based assurances that a valve in Northern California wasnt the issue when the conflagration began on Jan. 7.

Because, you know, say it enough and people will believe you.

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Near midnight on Monday, Trump let loose the most ludicrous version of the lie: The United States Military just entered the Great State of California and under Emergency Powers, TURNED ON THE WATER flowing abundantly from the Pacific Northwest, and beyond. The days of putting a Fake Environmental argument, over the PEOPLE, are OVER. Enjoy the water, California!!!

The next day the presidents new spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, opened her first-ever White House briefing by repeating it, praising the boss because the water was turned on in California. That action, Leavitt said, was thanks to Trumps pressure campaign  on state and local officials there who clearly lack all common sense.

Except that action didnt happen. Take it from Trump-friendly Fox News, whose Pentagon correspondent Jennifer Griffin tweeted just before Leavitts briefing: US defense officials tell me they did not send troops to turn on the water in California, despite President Trumps claims overnight. Griffin was confirming the same message from the California Department of Water Resources.

Trumps lies and misinformation are bad enough when Americans are reeling from natural disasters; then-candidate Trump dissembled as well last fall in misleading hurricane victims from Florida to southwest Virginia about the Biden administrations emergency response. But whats truly outrageous is Trumps repeated politicization of federal disaster aid, especially when blue California is the suffering state.

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Its a truism of politics: If any issue transcends partisanship, its disaster aid. After all, federal assistance goes mostly to victims, not to state or local leaders. Some of those victims voted for Trump. As if that should matter: Only a politician with no empathy, no morals would condition disaster aid to a state that didnt vote for him.

Its clear that Trump is playing politics. His projection is always a tell. In North Carolina on Friday before flying to L.A., Trump falsely complained that, under Biden, federal help had been too slow in getting to that hurricane-ravaged state for political reasons  because North Carolina didn't vote for Biden in 2020. To a reporters question, he said he wouldnt put conditions on aid to North Carolina (which voted for him in 2016, 2020 and 2024). He immediately added, In California I have a condition. Two, in fact: A state voter ID law. And, of course, release the water.

After that, said the ever-transactional president, I will be the greatest president that California has ever seen.

(Apparently Trump has dropped his idea of also conditioning aid on Congress extending the federal debt limit. Opposition from far-right Republicans made that ploy a nonstarter.)

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Trumps willingness to exploit disaster aid for political points shouldnt be surprising. During his first term he slowed aid over several years to Democratic-friendly Puerto Rico , which was all but destroyed by hurricanes, even as his administration sped it to red states Florida, Missouri and Texas, according to an investigation by the then-inspector general of Housing and Urban Development. And he resisted aid to California after the 2018 wildfires until an advisor showed him that ravaged Orange County had more Trump voters than all of Iowa.

Before the 2024 election, Newsom called that 2018 experience a glimpse into the future if we elect Trump. The future is here.

@jackiekcalmes

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A total of 158 combat clashes took place on the front line over the past day, with the fiercest fighting recorded on the Pokrovsk front, where Ukrainian defenders repelled 72 Russian attacks.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 08:00 on 30 January

Quote: "A total of 158 combat clashes were observed over the past day.

Yesterday, the enemy launched 43 airstrikes on Ukrainian positions and settlements, dropping 96 guided bombs and deploying 2,120 kamikaze drones. In addition, they carried out more than 5,300 attacks, including 90 using multiple-launch rocket systems."

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Details: On the Kupiansk front, there were 10 Russian attacks over the past day. The defence forces repelled assault attempts by the Russians near Petropavlivka, Novoosynove, Kolisnykivka, Zahryzove and Lozova.

On the Lyman front, the Russians conducted 26 attacks, attempting to advance near Novoiehorivka, Kopanky, Makiivka, Novoliubivka, Torske, Yampolivka and Zelena Dolyna.

On the Siversk front, the Russians conducted six attacks on the Ukrainian positions near the settlement of Verkhnokamianske.

On the Kramatorsk front, 10 combat clashes were observed near Novomarkove, Chasiv Yar and Stupochky.

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On the Toretsk front, the Russians launched 15 attacks near the settlements of Krymske and Toretsk.

On the Pokrovsk front, Ukrainian defenders halted 72 Russian assault and offensive operations near the settlements of Vodiane Druhe, Yelyzavetivka, Myroliubivka, Lysivka, Vidrodzhennia, Zvirove, Kotlyne, Udachne, Kotliarivka, Andriivka, Dachne and Ulakly.

On the Novopavlivka front, the Russians launched six attacks on Ukrainian positions near the settlements of Kostiantynopil, Rozlyv, Rozdolne and Novoocheretuvate.

On the Kursk front, Ukrainian defence units repelled eight attacks by the Russians over the past day. The Russians also carried out 19 airstrikes, dropping 35 guided bombs, and fired 426 artillery shells at Ukrainian positions and settlements, including 12 strikes with multiple-launch rocket systems.

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On the Huliaipole, Orikhiv and Prydniprovske fronts, the Russians did not conduct any assaults or offensive operations. However, they continue to carry out persistent attacks on Ukrainian military positions and civilian infrastructure using all available weapons, while actively deploying strike drones.

Over the past day, Ukrainian aircraft, missile forces, and artillery hit 10 areas where Russian personnel and equipment were concentrated, destroyed one air defence system, and targeted two other significant Russian military assets.



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Video above: The CEO of the San Diego Air & Space Museum discusses the recent American Airlines crash with KUSI.

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  An Army helicopter collided with an American Airlines jet as it was landing at an airport near Washington, D.C. Wednesday night and all 64 people aboard the commercial airliner were killed. Some are left wondering, has anything like this ever happened in San Diego?

The short answer is yes.

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This tragic incident may be triggering past traumas for some San Diegans who lost loved ones during a similar incident that occurred in North Park on the fateful day of Sept. 25, 1978. Just like the recent crash, a Pacific Southwest Airlines plane, known as PSA Flight 182, collided midair with a Cessna aircraft, according to an accident report filed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

RELATED: Video captures fiery crash between American Airlines flight and Army Blackhawk

Fragments of that commercial flight, soaring in the sky nearly five decades ago, rained down from San Diegos airspace, with the plane ultimately crashing to the ground in North Park. The routine route between Sacramento and San Diego turned tragic, with a total of 144 people, including bystanders on the ground below, losing their lives due to the midair collision.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined that the probable cause of the 1978 accident was the failure of the flight crew of PSA Flight 182 to comply with the provisions of a maintain-visual separation clearance, including the requirement to inform the controller when they no longer had the other aircraft in sight.

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Also contributing to the accident were particular air traffic control procedures. As explained by NTSB, they authorized the controllers to use visual separation procedures to separate two aircraft on potentially conflicting tracks when the capability was available to provide either lateral or vertical radar separation to either aircraft.

RELATED: Trump holds briefing on plane crash near DC, suggests DEI programs contributed

As a result of commercial airliner going down in San Diego, NTSB recommended that the FFA do the following:

Implement a Terminal Radar Service Area TRSA at the then-Lindbergh Airport.

Review procedures at all airports which are used regularly by air carrier and general aviation aircraft to determine which other areas require either a terminal control area or a terminal control radar service area and establish an appropriate one.

Use visual separation in terminal control areas and terminal radar service areas only when a pilot requests it, except for sequencing on the final approach with radar monitoring.

Re-evaluate its policy with regard to the use of visual separation in other terminal areas.

A cemented memorial honoring the victims of the PSA Flight 182 crash was installed in North Park just last year, creating a space where loved ones can gather to honor those lost in the incident. Its located at the intersection of Dwight and Nile streets, where the crash occurred.

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The cause of the recent collision between an American Airlines jet and Army helicopter is under investigation. Whether or not the probable cause is similar to what happened in San Diegos sky decades ago remains to be seen.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV)  Green Bay Police Chief Chris Davis stopped by the Local Five studio Thursday morning to discuss immigration enforcement and the departments policies related to it.

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Following the recent election, immigration enforcement has been on the minds of a lot of people throughout the community and many have questions including if President Donald Trump can order local law enforcement to help assist the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

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Chief Davis responded to that question directly saying, Not in so many words. Thats the principle of federalism, local resources are reserved for local things.

He added that a federal organization can ask for the departments assistance with legitimate law enforcement business and the only federal authorities that would be seen ordering anything to local authorities would be a judge.

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Chief Davis also confirmed that while the Green Bay Police Department has active relationships with all of its federal partners, he and the department have not heard anything directly from ICE on the latest immigration enforcement efforts.

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When it comes to the concerns that people within the community have, Chief Davis offered the following advice:

Obviously there is a lot of energy and a lot of emotion around this issue. My advice to people, and the thing Ive been doing myself, is try to filter out the signal from the noise and try to find out what is really happening. When you have the facts, a lot of times, it can be a lot less worrying when you know whats really going on.

In his final message from the department to the community, Chief Davis says that the Green Bay Police Department is focused on keeping everyone in the community safe, and when it comes to ICE, they are a federal prerogative, and therefore the responsibility of the federal government to establish their priorities which the GBPD respects.

Were focused on the safety of everyone who happens to be in the city at any given time. The other thing that I hope doesnt get lost in this conversation, Ive been in police work for a long time, I know people in Immigration and Customs Enforcement, more from the customs side from work that Ive done over the years. These are professionals too, who take the same oath we do to uphold the constitution. Thats certainly our commitment in the Green Bay Police Department. To provide the best police service we can in a way that respects peoples constitutional and human rights.

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MOUND CITY, Kan.  The Linn County, Kansas community continues to grieve the tragic loss of two young boys, only 8 and 9 years old.

The boys were found dead, trapped under ice in Lake De Lago, which is located in the Lake Chaparral community in rural Linn County.

Friends are now raising money to help their parents with funeral costs.

These moms have enough to worry about right now. The last thing they really need to worry about is how are they going to be able to put their babies to rest, said Eva Riojas, a family friend organizing the fundraiser. Our main goal right now is to cover the cost of the funerals so that the moms have one less thing on their plate to worry about. So weve been setting these little jars out all over Linn County. We have them in Miami County as well as far up north as Louisburg.

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See the latest forecast, maps and radar for Kansas City

Donation jars are set up at local stores around Linn County.

Donations can also be made through the Schneider Funeral Home.

A small memorial now sits at the edge of the water at Lake De Lago.

Riojas is a close family friend of one of the boys.

He was a real special little boy. He was really sweet. He loved to be outdoors. Theyre just your typical kids that, like most kids their age, dont understand how fragile life can be, and they dont understand the dangers that await them, Riojas explained.

The Linn Couty Sheriffs Office said no foul play is suspected. The investigation into what led up to the unintentional deaths is still in the early stages.

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Two holes were found in the ice during the search for the children.

Riojas said this tragedy highlights just how dangerous ice can be.

Thats one of those hard situations were facing right now where they know water safety. They know not to be on the ice, but theyre nine-year-old little boys. Its a tragedy that I hope no other family has to face, Riojas said. Love, your little ones. Hug them a little bit closer tonight. There are a couple of families that sure wish they could do that, too. Parents drill in water safety with your kids.

Wrong-way crash suspect said he had up to 14 drinks before driving: court docs

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Riojas said Lake Chaparral is one of five lake neighborhoods in the county.

I would like to see our schools take that on and champion teaching some safety. We teach hunter safety courses. I feel like ice and water safety is just as important, especially in a community where thats such a real danger, Riojas explained.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Community leaders in the Twin Cities are calling for a nationwide boycott of Target following its decision to end most of its diversity initiatives.

The group held a press conference outside of Target's corporate headquarters in downtown Minneapolis on Jan. 30, calling for a boycott to begin on Feb. 1.

The rally, led by Nekima Levy Armstrong, civil rights attorney and founder of the Racial Justice Network, asserted that it did not believe Target came to its decision to end diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs independently, but did so in response to actions taken by the administration of President Donald Trump. In particular, an executive order aimed at ending DEI programs in the federal government.

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Target has said that its policy changes were in the works long before the reelection of President Trump.

A boycott rally held outside Target headquarters in Minneapolis on Jan. 30Photo by Izzy Canizares

"For some reason, Target didn't understand that its decision was not only offensive, but it's bad for business," Levy Armstrong said at Thursday's rally, noting that Target was one of the companies that stepped up to start DEI initiatives in response to the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police in 2020.

"We thought that they would hold the line," Levy Armstrong said. "We thought that they would continue to stand for the values that we all hold dear. Instead, they acted cowardly, and they made the decision to bow down to the Trump administration."

Target did not respond to a request for comment.

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"Boycotts work," said Jaylani Hussein, Executive Director of CAIR MN. "You choose where your dollar goes. Dollar diplomacy works."

Related: Target retreats from diversity, equity initiatives days after Trump executive order

Hussein, who was also the founder of the "Abandon Harris" campaign that urged voters to withhold votes from Democrats in November due to the Biden administration's stance on the Israel-Gaza war, said they're asking for Target employees to stand up and for shoppers to take their dollars elsewhere.

"There's a lot of places you can go," he said. "Target is not the only one that sells diapers. Target is not the only one that sells food... [If we bring] this boycott, I promise you, before the end of Black History Month in February, Target will reverse its course."

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Other Minnesota organizations have also pushed back on the decision from Target, as well as other businesses that have made similar moves in January.

Sheletta Brundidge, podcaster, Star Tribune columnist, and WCCO radio host, canceled a sponsorship from Amazon for her Black Entrepreneurs Day event at the Capitol, returning the retail giant's money.

"I'm not gonna be bought or sold and I'm not gonna sell out my people," Brundidge told Bring Me The News via email. "Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Dr. Josie Johnson fought too hard for me to let that happen."

Brundidge also spoke at Thursday's rally.

A boycott rally held outside Target headquarters in Minneapolis on Jan. 30Photo by Izzy Canizares

Additionally, Twin Cities Pride uninvited Target from being a sponsor of its summer festival and parade. The organization called on the community to help it fill the $50,000 gap in funding that Target's absence would create. In less than 24 hours, Twin Cities Pride surpassed that goal.

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We do not believe it is a coincidence that Target made this decision after the holiday shopping season and roughly one week before the start of Black History Month," Monique Cullars-Doty, co-founder of Black Lives Matter Minnesota, said in a statement. "Black creators who have products on Targets shelves will undoubtedly be impacted by this boycott. However, we are urging everyone to buy directly from Black companies through their websites rather than stepping foot in Target stores."

At Thursday's rally, Cullars-Doty urged people to cut up Target cards "and place them at the front door of Target," as some participants did during the event. She also added that she's "calling for businesses to stop selling at Target" in response to the policy changes.

Levy Armstrong said that her Minnesota-based group pushing for a boycott has worked on partnerships with other organizations around the country and will continue to put pressure on the company to reverse its decision.

Related: Twin Cities Pride raises more than $50,000 in 24 hours after ending Target sponsorship
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  President Donald Trumps plan to put a freeze on federal funding was rescinded by his administration on Wednesday after being blocked by a federal judge. However, that doesnt mean the chaos is over.

White House representatives said the funding freeze effort will continue since it was mandated by an executive order signed by Trump. Meanwhile, organizations in Oregon are being left in limbo about what will happen next.

Man in custody after barricading himself in bus

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Yahya Haqiqi is the President and CEO and the Afghan Support Network, based in Beaverton. The non-profit provides 400 local immigrants and refugees with monthly work, utility and housing assistance. He said some of their programs  including teaching recipients how to drive, speak English and become independent  could be impacted if federal funding is cut off.

It impacts the hundreds of people who look to us in their moments of vulnerability, Haqiqi said. Were already thinking about potentially letting people go, freezing programs. So just complete chaos, which I think is what this was meant to do, and it did the job.

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield is among 22 others who are filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration to try and halt the federal funding freeze. He and Governor Tina Kotek sounded the alarm on Tuesday.

Right now, theres a lot of chaos coming out of Washington, DC, Kotek said.

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Its another example of the Trump administration and attempts to sow division and chaos, added Rayfield.

The U.S. Office of Management later clarified programs providing direct benefits to Americans would be excluded from the funding freeze order, which has now been put on pause.

This is not a blanket pause on federal assistance and grant programs from the Trump administration, said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. If you are receiving individual assistance from the federal government you will still continue to receive that.

However, White House representatives did not say whether non-profits helping minority groups would also be spared from the potential freeze.

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What does this mean? Which grants are going? Were looking at potentially half of our budget just disappearing overnight, not something we were prepared for in any way, said Haqiqi. Is this even legal?

Washington blood banks in alarming need of blood

Though the Trump administration recalled the funding freeze memo on Wednesday, Leavitt took to X, saying plans were still in place to implement the freeze.

This is NOT a rescission of the federal funding freeze. It is simply a rescission of the OMB memo, Leavitt said. The Presidents EOs on federal funding remain in full force and effect.

It feels like America is breaking its promise to the people who for the last few decades fought side by side with Americans, fighting for American values, Haqiqi said. Today they are being told, We dont care about you. We dont care if youre in danger, we dont care if youre here and we promised to help you. Were going to take all of that away from you because we can.'

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With funding for Afghan Support Network up in the air, they are now relying on donations. A link to donate to the organization 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 KOIN.com.
Members of the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board consider a clemency case. Three of five members are pictured. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  Amber Dawn Matthews was shot twice in the head defending her friends infants during a break in.

On Feb. 5, her killer Wendell A. Grissom is expected to ask the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board for clemency.

He is set to die by lethal injection on March 20 at Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester.

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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, said Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond. 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.

Matthews on Nov. 3, 2005, was visiting her friends rural home near Watonga when Grissom, who had a criminal record, stopped to ask if the husband of her friend, Dreu Kopf, was home. Grissom was told no, began to leave and then returned to break in.

He shot Kopf, while Matthews, 23, grabbed one of the two children and ran. He shot her in the head as she held the child. He then shot her again.

Kopf, seriously wounded, escaped and found help.

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Grissom and an accomplice, Jessie F. Johns, were found later that day. Johns is serving life without parole.

Dreu Kopf, in a statement in the states clemency packet, wrote about her special friendship with Matthews, her survivors guilt and about the physical and emotional aftermath of the murder and her injuries.

To Amber I never got the chance to say what a great friend she was, Kopf wrote. I love you Amber dearly and you will always be my hero.

Matthews father, Garry Matthews, said in a statement his daughter was a cute blond, blue-eyed bundle of joy as a child. She graduated from high school, was working in a hospital and going to school, he wrote.

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My daughter was killed in cold blood for no reason (and) the ordeal has taken my breath away, he wrote.

Grissoms attorneys are expected to argue that brain damage and an addiction to alcohol and drugs contributed to the crime. He has been a model inmate, according to his clemency packet.

Three members of his jury wrote letters saying they wished more information about his history had been provided at his trial.

After being presented with this new information, I am no longer confident in my decision to sentence Mr. Grissom to death, wrote juror Deborah Givens in 2012.

In a 2019 statement, Grissom told the panel that his crime was horrible, his sentence was just and that he is not a monster. He said the drug and alcohol abuse caused him to stoop so low.

He asked the board to look past that one day in his life because it is not who he is.

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Pilots and planespotters have taken to social media to share their views about the causes of the fatal air crash in Washington D.C., with some citing frustration about widespread sharing of conspiracy theories.

One user of r/flying, a popular Reddit forum for the aviation industry, said they believed the fatal crash was inevitable because of how busy the skies were around the airport.

OSINTtechnical, a D.C.-based plane spotter, posted a widely shared thread on X, which said, For many in the D.C.-area flying community, the crash tonight wasnt a matter of if, but when.

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Its the first place I expected something like this to happen, because DCA [Ronald Reagan Airport] is extremely complicated, wrote one commenter on Reddit, whose profile said they have experience flying large commercial airliners.

For some reason they allow military helicopters to pass by... hundreds of feet from a runway, they added.

The air crash involved an American Airlines jet, which collided with a U.S. Army helicopter while it was on approach to Ronald Reagan Airport.

The helicopter was operating from Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and had the callsign PAT25, indicating it was part of the Priority Air Transport mission that provides VIP transport.

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The helicopters are a common sight over Washington, D.C.

Overworked air traffic controllers and an overtaxed airport combined with military traffic from helicopters makes this feel like this was an inevitability, wrote another user under the name paynesvilletoss on r/flying.

The Daily Beast reached out to several of the Reddit users for further comment and to verify their credentials, but did not receive a reply.

I learned to fly 30 years ago in Maryland under the airspace of the three major airports. Crowded then, and only more so now. Hopefully new advanced tech to help pilots and ATC continues to be tried and deployed https://t.co/e5R6kqjpFt  Abhi Tripathi (@SpaceAbhi) January 30, 2025

One user who said they were a former Priority Air Transport pilot said that they had been angered by uninformed hot takes and that they had been in the exact position as the crashed American Airlines flight multiple times.

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They described the incident as like a semi truck going [the] opposite direction suddenly jumping the median and cutting in front of you, and pleaded for people to let the NTSB [National Transportation Safety Board] paint the full picture.

Other pilots have provided context about why the technology on the two aircraft may have failed to prevent the collision.

Commercial aircraft usually have technology called TCAS, which stands for Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System, and is designed to alert pilots and to direct them to avoid other aircraft with loud warnings and instructions in the cockpit.

The system may have automatically disabled in the American Airlines aircraft because it was so close to the ground, said Eyewitness News helicopter pilot John Del Giorno.

An infographic of the Bombardier CRJ701ER plane involved in the collision with a military helicopter in Washington D.C. / Pauline Paillassa and Valentina Breschi/AFP via Getty Images

TCAS systems can automatically ignore alerts when the plane is within 1,000 feet of the ground, in order to avoid false alarms with other aircraft taxiing on the ground.

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Another key technology which can help avoid collisions is ADS-B, which stands for Automatic Dependent SurveillanceBroadcast, which sends data between aircraft and air-traffic control systems.

Aviation website The Aviationist said the Blackhawk was not transmitting ADS-B data, and was instead transmitting Mode S data, which it said is often not 100% accurate, especially at lower altitudes.

Overcrowding at the airport has also previously been highlighted by politicians.

Marylands two U.S. senators issued warnings about overcrowding at Ronald Reagan Airport nine months ago when they were among four senators to vote against a FAA reauthorization bill.

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Sen. Chris Van Hollen said at the time that he was outraged about the bill, which added 10 new flights to the airport, one of the countrys busiest.

Sen. Mark Warner from Virginia said he had repeatedly raised the issue of the runways being too busy, speaking at a press conference held Thursday morning at the airport.

I think we will ask questions, but at the appropriate time. In this period right now, where families are still being notified, were still trying to figure out what happened. There will be time for those discussions, he said.

Meanwhile, passengers of flights that have previously landed at the airport have posted their experiences of close calls there.

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Mitch Harper, a lawyer and former city council member in Fort Wayne, Indiana, recounted one story of a last minute go-around.

Reagan deals with an extraordinary number of aircraft.



I was a passenger on a plane that was skimming the Potomac and, then, just as we were about to land, the pilot pulled it straight up. Another aircraft was crossing our runway.



It was a very close call.  Mitch Harper (@MVHarper) January 30, 2025

Dominic Cardy, a Canadian politician and pilot, shared a popular thread on X which included details about the congested airspace around Washington D.C.

My feed is filled with nonsense, he said, adding that the likely cause was overcrowded airspace and pilot error.

My feed is filled with nonsense theories about the DC crash. Thread below is 99.5% likely to cover the cause: overcrowded airspace & pilot error.



Not Russia, China, Canada(!), Democrats, aliens, Sumerians(??), or Jews ().



Don't believe nonsense.



Sincerely, an irritated pilot https://t.co/ajmcNS9PlJ  Dominic Cardy    (@DominicCardy) January 30, 2025

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Drive times into Manhattan have dropped dramatically since the institution of New Yorks congestion tolling program, according to data released Wednesday by the MTA  with the most significant improvements at the Holland Tunnel.

Average morning travel times at all eight river crossings into the congestion zone have gone down significantly, Juliette Michaelson, MTAs congestion pricing czar, said in a briefing to the agencys board.

Trip times have fallen by 10% to 30% on average, she said. These are just transformative improvements.

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The largest single decrease in travel time, consistently, has been at the Holland Tunnel, where the average time of a trans-Hudson morning jaunt has been cut by 48%  nearly in half.

Average morning rush commutes at the Williamsburg and Queensboro bridges have sped up by 30%.

Travel through the Battery Tunnel sped up 18%, Lincoln Tunnel commutes got quicker by 17%, and those traversing the Midtown Tunnel got to Manhattan 15% more quickly.

Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridge travel times fell by 10%.

Michaelson said the speedier commutes are due, in part, to fewer drivers, but also because drivers are choosing a wider range of times to enter the city.

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In all, an average weekday saw 553,000 vehicles enter Manhattan south of 60th St. so far since tolling began on Jan. 5  a 5% drop in traffic compared with historic traffic in the month of January.

Of those, 63,000 entered the zone and immediately got on the FDR Drive or West Side Highway and left the congestion zone, leaving an average of 490,000 vehicles within the tolling zone per weekday.

So far, the reduction is less than the 13% reduction officials had predicted the phased-in toll would bring.

But MTA Chairman Janno Lieber said Wednesday he was satisfied with the results so far.

The most relevant statistics are the ones about the time savings that are being demonstrably experienced, Lieber said. Youre seeing such dramatic time savings and dramatic increase in speeds.

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Im not disappointed at all, he added.

The MTA plans to publish its data to a public dashboard Thursday  and will update it weekly, officials said.

The plurality of vehicles entering the tolling zone  44%  come from points north. Another 40% come via the East River crossings from Queens or Brooklyn. Just 17% of those driving into the tolling zone so far come in from New Jersey.

The majority of vehicles entering the surface streets of the congestion pricing zone  57%  are ordinary passenger vehicles: the cars, pickup trucks or SUVs that get charged the base $9 toll. Taxis, Ubers, Lyfts and other for-hire vehicles make up 36% of the traffic entering the tolling zone.

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The toll, which gets higher for larger vehicles like trucks, is required by law to raise enough money to back $15 billion in MTA bonds. Those bonds, in turn, will back a long list of MTA capital projects from the 2020-2024 budget.

Lieber and Michaelson said Wednesday that they were not yet ready to publish any revenue data from the tolls, since Taxi, Uber and Lyft revenue  which is paid through a passenger surcharge  had yet to be compiled.

Broadly speaking, the level of traffic is in the ballpark of what we projected, Lieber said when pushed. Very, very preliminary, it looks, ballpark, like what we thought it would be.

The first batch of revenue data is expected to be presented to the MTAs board in February.
Rep. Brittany Pettersen of Colorado, a Democrat, just became the 13th voting member of Congress to give birth in office. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida, a Republican, was the 12th when she welcomed her first child last year. And under current House rules, neither was able to vote while on leave from recovering from giving birth.

Now, theyre teaming up on a resolution to allow new parents to represent their constituents by designating another member to vote for them, commonly known as proxy voting, for 12 weeks after welcoming a child.

House Speaker Mike Johnson did not include the measure in the rules package for the new Congress and later released a statement stating he believes proxy voting is unconstitutional. Both Pettersen and Luna believe theyve been let down by House Republican leadership and are aiming to circumvent House leaders with a procedural maneuver known as a discharge petition to put to it a vote.

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Im grateful to have such broad support for this resolution, but its also been incredibly frustrating because its widely supported, we know we have the votes to pass it, but we have Republican leadership whos unwilling to put it on the floor for a vote, Pettersen said in an interview Friday, just days before she announced the birth of her second child, Samuel.

Its how most people feel watching Congress  it doesnt have to be this frustrating and difficult, and why cant we do common sense things? she said.

Pettersen had to stop traveling to Washington in mid-January due to her pregnancy.

Luna in 2023 was advised by doctors not to travel while she was recovering from a difficult birth. Luna, in a video statement this month, called not being allowed to proxy vote while recovering a slap in the face to every constituent who elected her to Congress.

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How is it not discriminatory to tell a duly elected member of Congress that she cant vote because she gave birth to a child? she said, adding: New mothers in Congress should not be forced to choose their careers over children or choose children over careers.

Congress is older than the median American. The share of women serving in Congress was stagnant after the 2024 elections, and the fact that only a handful of members have given birth in office reflects how many women wait until after their children are grown to seek political office. Research has shown that increased availability of remote work helps keep women in the workforce  and Pettersen and Luna argue that changes like proxy voting for new parents would bring new, much-needed perspectives and life experiences to Congress.

When we modernize Congress, and we make it more accessible and address the barriers that younger people face, we get different policies, priorities and people who understand the current struggles that families are going through  not what it was like decades ago, Pettersen said.

Their effort, backed by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, has support from across the political spectrum in Congress. Pettersen is in the center-left New Democrat Coalition, while Luna is a member of the House Freedom Caucus, a group of hardline conservatives. Luna did not respond to an interview request.

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We were able to come together on this specific issue, Pettersen said of Luna. I have really enjoyed our ability to keep each other informed, strategize on who were talking to on a path forward in just fighting together for something that we both care about even though we come from very different sides of our political spectrum.

Democratic Rep. Sara Jacobs of California, who has been open about her decision to freeze her eggs while in Congress, and Republican Rep. Mike Lawler of New York, a swing district member who serves with Pettersen in the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, are co-leading the resolution.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, House members could designate another member to vote on their behalf. Members of both parties made regular use of proxy voting, but some Republicans, led by former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, sued to end its use. Federal courts rejected those arguments, but McCarthy formally ended the practice when Republicans won back control of the House in 2022.

I have great sympathy, empathy for all of our young women legislators who are of birthing age. Its a real quandary, Johnson said in his statement. But Im afraid it doesnt fit with the language of the Constitution, and thats the inescapable truth that we have.

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Jeannette Rankin became the first woman to serve in Congress in 1916, nearly 130 years after the drafting of the Constitution and three years before the 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote, a right that was still restricted for many women of color. In 1973, Yvonne Brathwaite Burke became the first member of Congress to give birth in office.

Pettersen called the constitutional concerns a non-issue, noting that the language of the resolution accounts for the quorum concerns Johnson raised in his statement.

I agree with Mike Johnson that us being together in person is very important and that its critical to our ability to build these bridges, to build relationships, but in narrow circumstances and with the right guardrails, proxy voting can work, she argued.

Pettersen said the lack of accommodations for new parents reflects a lack of willingness on the part of institutions to evolve with the times. Pettersen gave birth to her first child while she was serving in the Colorado legislature and needed to get permission from leadership to go on leave and classify her leave as being for a chronic illness in order to get paid. She introduced legislation granting Colorado lawmakers 12 weeks of paid parental leave that passed in 2022.

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This is not some vacation. This is the time where your kid needs you the most, its when theyre the most vulnerable in their life and it is the beginning of their life where you need to be there, she said. We need to modernize Congress to accommodate for parents, for young families, and our country will be better off because of that.

Pettersen and Luna are marshaling support for a discharge petition to circumvent Johnson and put the measure to the floor for a vote. They can bring a discharge petition 30 legislative days after first introducing their measure, which falls in late March. Historically, discharge petitions have rarely been successful in part because they require a majority of House members to sign on  but Luna and Pettersen are determined. They expect widespread support from Democrats for the measure, meaning that in the narrowly divided House, they need just a handful of Republicans to sign on.

As a Republican male member said, its very hard to say no to a pregnant lady asking for their vote, so I think that I am losing some of my leverage here, Pettersen said. But if I need to show up with my newborn, nursing, to sign the discharge petition and to talk to members, I will do that.

The post Congress latest member to give birth wants to modernize the House for new parents appeared first on The 19th.

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CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  Donald Trumps presidency has come with a lot of changes, and some American officials are not happy about it.

22News spoke with U.S. Congressman Jim McGovern about the recent string of political violence.

Franklin County residents react to Massachusetts man arrested in Washington, D.C.

Theres no place for violence or threats in our political discourse, McGovern said.

From the January 6 attack on the Capitol to two assassination attempts on Donald Trump and a recent threat to kill top Republicans in the trump administration, political violence has continued in the United States.

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This leads to concerns as to why violence is being normalized throughout the country. McGovern said that with all of this violence, he was horrified that President Trump recently pardoned those who violently attacked the capital back in January of 2021. This was an attack that he was there to experience.

They injured 140 police officers, some died as a result of their injuries, and pardoned them all, McGovern said. I think that was a terrible thing to do, an insult to law enforcement, but also a signal that political violence is okay. And it isnt.

Trump issued about 1,500 pardons and commuted the sentences of 14 of his supporters who were involved in the Capitol Hill attack. And while government officials say violence needs to be stopped it is an issue that has been a part of American politics for some time.

Four presidents were killed by assassins, and other presidents and candidates in the past have been wounded or targeted. McGovern told 22News that the violence has to stop.



We have to get back to having civilized political discourse and trying to resolve our differences, McGovern said.

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Regarding the January 6 attack, McGovern said it is unacceptable for the leader of the country to put what the attackers did aside while also wanting them at his rally. He said that there should be a condemnation of these kinds of actions.

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NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY)  Rep. Bobby Scott held a press conference in Newport News Thursday on the federal funding freeze, but he also took the opportunity to offer his condolences to the families of the victims of the plane crash in DC.

An Army helicopter carrying three soldiers, and an American Airlines jet with 64 people on board, collided Wednesday. All involved are feared dead, officials said Thursday.

Standing along community leaders, Congressman Scott began his remarks by acknowledging the heartbreaking loss of life. He extended his deepest sympathies to the victims families and praised the first responders who were quick to respond to the crash scene.

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I want to first begin by offering condolences to the tragic victims of the collision at the National Airport. Its a situation we dont see very often. Its been over a decade since there has been a fatality in a commercial airline, so this is certainly an unusual tragedy. Our condolences go out to all of those involved and thank all of the first responders who are responding in freezing weather for all that they do to try to make the situation better.

Scott said moments like these remind us of the importance of community support and strong emergency response systems, many of which rely on federal funding that could now be at risk.

Trump buyout plan faces legal, logistical roadblocks

That was the main reason for his visit to Hampton Roads Thursday morning. Congressman Scott said he will continue pushing back against the funding freeze.

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Jan. 29New Mexico's congressional delegation is pressuring the White House after reports of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents questioning tribal members, as well as a recent comment by President Donald Trump that you can tell some immigrants "could be trouble" by looking at them.

Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, D-N.M., sent a letter along with the rest of New Mexico's congressional delegation and four other Democrats, urging Trump to direct ICE agents to "stop harassing Native Americans and violating tribal sovereignty."

"Nobody is safe," Leger Fernandez said. "The idea that Trump was only going to go after criminals who are undocumented is clearly ludicrous, if you are stopping Native Americans who have no criminal history, who are the quintessential Americans, but are being stopped, likely by what they look like. So, nobody is safe from ICE under these kinds of conditions."

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ICE has ramped up enforcement actions under the new Trump administration, fulfilling a Trump campaign promise to increase deportations of undocumented immigrants.

Mescalero Apache officials confirmed that an ICE agent asked a Mescalero Apache woman for her passport last week in a Ruidoso grocery store.

President Buu Nygren delivered a radio address to the Navajo Nation last week about reports his office received that Navajos have had "negative, and sometimes traumatizing, experiences with federal agents targeting undocumented immigrants in the Southwest." He recommended Navajos carry state-issued picture IDs like a driver's license or their Certificate of Indian Blood.

Leger Fernandez's office has received seven reports of ICE agents questioning tribal members in and near Santo Domingo Pueblo and the Navajo Nation, she said. In some of those incidents, ICE agents were not familiar with tribal IDs, according to Leger Fernandez.

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The letter from members of Congress also asks Trump to direct ICE to accept tribal IDs as proof of citizenship.

Tribal members "have clearly been in the United States and been in the Americas way before this was even a country," Leger Fernandez said. "So, acceptance of a tribal ID should be the easiest ID to accept for proof of citizenship. ... The idea that we all need to carry our passports, that we all need to spend hundreds of dollars to prove our citizenship so we don't get stopped and harassed by ICE is not the country that I think most Americans want to live in."

ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  A group of lawmakers are renewing their push to lower Connecticuts legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit in this years legislative session.

Previous attempts to lower the limit have failed, but some lawmakers argue that a year of exceptionally high deaths on state roadways should move their colleagues to act.

Connecticut could lower legal alcohol driving unit to one of lowest in nation

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I really feel like were gaining momentum now, State Sen. Christine Cohen said. Its becoming more and more common, unfortunately, to see crashes on the side of the road. Were losing a lot of people to preventable deaths.

Cohen, a Democrat from Guilford, is the co-chair of the legislatures Transportation Committee. She has previously led unsuccessful efforts to lower the BAC from the states current level of .08% to .05%.

The debate over the BAC doesnt break down easily along party lines. Some Democrats like Cohen support the change. Others, like the influential State Sen. Cathy Osten, have expressed concerns.

Please dont misconstrue what I am saying as disagreeing with your philosophy on this or your philosophy on what youre trying to do, Osten said. But I think that we over-legislate some activities.

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Similarly, Republicans do not seem unified on the issue either.

State Sen. Tony Hwang, the top Republican senator on the Transportation Committee, expressed support  adding that he also wants to address drivers impaired by marijuana use.

So, its not just BAC. Its about impairment and a culture of permissiveness in my mind that is really increasing danger on our roadways, Hwang said.

Other Republicans like State Rep. Seth Bronko share the same concerns as Osten, a Democrat.

At what point are we over-legislating? Are we going too far? Bronko asked.

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MADISON, Wis. (AP)  A conservative Wisconsin Supreme Court justice said Thursday he will not participate in a pending case that will determine whether tens of thousands of public sector workers regain collective bargaining rights that were taken away by a 2011 law.

Justice Brian Hagedorn drafted the law, known as Act 10, when he was chief legal counsel for then-Gov. Scott Walker. His decision to recuse himself from the case leaves the court with four liberal justices and two conservatives.

The Republican-controlled Legislature earlier this week asked that liberal Justice Janet Protasiewicz not hear the case because before she joined the court she called the law unconstitutional, signed a petition to recall Walker during the fight over the law and marched on the Capitol in protest in 2011.

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Hagedorn, in a brief two-page order, said the law commands that he not hear the case. Democratic lawmakers on Tuesday had called on him to step aside.

The issues raised involve matters for which I provided legal counsel in both the initial crafting and later defense of Act 10, including in a case raising nearly identical claims under the federal constitution, Hagedorn wrote.

Protasiewicz has not responded to the call that she step aside. Even if she did, the court would still have a 3-2 liberal majority.

She did not participate in an incremental ruling Thursday related to the case.

A Dane County Circuit judge last month overturned the bulk of the law, saying it violates equal protection guarantees in the Wisconsin Constitution by dividing public employees into general and public safety employees. Under the ruling, all public sector workers who lost their collective bargaining power would have it restored to what was in place before 2011.

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The judge put the ruling on hold pending the appeal. School workers unions that brought the lawsuit have asked the Supreme Court to take it directly, skipping the appeals court. The Wisconsin Supreme Court has not yet decided whether to take the case.

Now, Hagedorn will not participate in that decision or any others related to the lawsuit.

Supporters of the law have said it provided local governments more control over workers and the powers they needed to cut costs. Repealing the law, which allowed schools and local governments to raise money through higher employee contributions for benefits, would bankrupt those entities, backers of Act 10 have argued.

Democratic opponents argue that the law has hurt schools and other government agencies by taking away the ability of employees to collectively bargain for their pay and working conditions.
Union officials say the airport leaders want to privatize T.F. Greens police force, which management has denied. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)

Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airports unionized police officers and firefighters delivered a unanimous vote of no confidence in airport leadership on Wednesday, citing a hostile work environment and unwillingness by CEO Iftikhar Ahmad to negotiate a new contract.

Union leaders also filed a grievance with the State Labor Relations Board demanding the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) maintain all 27 positions on T.F. Greens police department. The two actions follow an unfair labor practice filed last fall over the firing of the local unions president.

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Airport workers organized under RI Council 94 for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) have been working without a contract since last June. Union officials say airport officials want to privatize T.F. Greens police force, which RIAC has denied.

Despite our best efforts, RIAC has continued to act in bad faith, Local 2873 President Steven Parent said in a statement Thursday.

Parent, who was a lieutenant in T.F. Greens fire department, was fired by airport officials last October following claims he discouraged people from applying for jobs at the airport and benefited from overtime pay caused by ongoing vacancies.

Parent called his termination illegal  something Council 94 has backed with an unfair labor practice filed with the Rhode Island State Labor Relations Board last fall. Arbitration is expected to happen this summer, Council 94 President Michael McDonald told Rhode Island Current.

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Parent blamed Ahmad for widespread turnover at the airport since his appointment as CEO in 2016, saying over 60 non-union employees have either been fired or left RIAC  including four different police chiefs and its most recent head of security.

CEO Ahmads hostile churn and burn management must cease, Parent said.

RIAC spokesperson Bill Fischer called the unions vote pure theater meant to generate leverage as contract talks continue. He added that airport management has negotiated in good faith and that its up to the union to approve a deal.

These PR stunts will not pressure RIAC to make poor decisions at the negotiating table, Fischer said in an emailed statement. RIAC management remains focused on its mission and will not be distracted nor impacted by baseless and untrue accusations.

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But McDonald said union leaders can only negotiate if they have trust in RIAC.

We dont want it to be this way  were looking for an improved relationship, he said in an interview. Unfortunately, none of the avenues weve explored to date have resulted in that.

The union claims the police department is down 10 officers and has never had all 27 positions filled since 2018. Fischer said there are only six vacancies.

We also have an additional 27 security officers  which will likely increase to nearly 40 security officers  for a total of 67 security and police positions, Fischer said in an email to Rhode Island Current.

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All security officers are contracted employees. Fischer declined to state who the vendor is.

An online search shows Illinois-based Andy Frain Services was accepting applications for security officers at T.F. Green as recently as Tuesday. New York-based ABM Security in May also sought to hire security guards at the Warwick airport  where its website lists having an office  for an annual salary ranging between $31,000 and $33,000.

No job postings for police officers were on RIACs employment opportunity portal. A now-closed posting still available on the website PoliceApp listed an entry-level annual salary range between $52,000 and $69,000.

T.F. Greens fire department has 22 employees, with three vacancies, Fischer said.

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Wednesdays no confidence vote is one of many bumps added to the rocky relationship between employees and management.

In early October, RIAC announced it had retained a law firm after learning airlines received anonymous letters claiming the airport had a toxic work environment  including one sent to airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration claiming the airport would be closed Aug. 13 due to an employee walkout. No walkout ever happened and airport operations continued as normal.

Roughly a dozen airport employees were warned last November not to destroy records related to the anonymous letters.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A 55-year-old man who is a convicted sex offender in Ohio was taken into federal custody after allegedly coming back to the U.S. illegally.

According to the U.S. Court of the Southern District of Ohio, Carlos Gonzales Hernandez of El Salvador faces federal charges for illegally reentering the United States. Gonzales Hernandez could face a maximum 20-year federal prison sentence if his charged is ruled to be an aggravated felony.

Watch: Garbage collectors in Whitehall walk away unscathed from explosion

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He was registered in Franklin County as a sex offender in August 2017 for three counts of gross sexual imposition. He was sentenced to six years in prison before receiving a final immigration order in 2022 to be physically removed from the country.

On Jan. 2 in Madison County, he was pulled over for a traffic stop by deputies and was arrested. He was taken into federal custody and placed in the Tri-County Regional Jail in Mechanicsburg, Ohio

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Jonathan Diamond is the business editor at the Houston Chronicle. He can be reached at jonathan.diamond@houstonchronicle.com.

Jonathan leads the Chronicle's business coverage and served as deputy business editor from 2019 to 2022. The former West Coast editor of CoStar News in Los Angeles, he was also previously editor of the Los Angeles Business Journal, leading it in 2016 to 16 national and regional journalism awards.

Jonathan holds a bachelors degree in journalism from Boston University and a masters in public policy from UCLA.
Cook County States Attorney Eileen ONeill Burke has directed prosecutors to seek prison sentences in every felony case involving machine gun-type weapons, according to a new policy circulated to her staff on Thursday.

The order is the latest move by the new prosecutor as she seeks to forge a tougher stance on gun crimes per campaign promises and after condemning the citys gun violence in December when she was ceremonially sworn into office.

According to the policy, prosecutors on their own cannot enter into a plea agreement for a probation term or other punishments that do not involve prison time in cases where the defendant used or possessed any machine gun conversion device, extended magazine, drum magazine, automatic switch, as well as a privately made firearm, ghost gun and/or defaced firearm.

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Assistant states attorneys can seek permission from a supervisor if they believe the policy should be modified in individual cases, but officials said supervisors would likely waive the terms only in specific circumstances.

Obviously our grave concern here is that if you are a person who is possessing one of these weapons and you choose to fire it, youre not only putting one person at risk, youre putting an entire block, an entire neighborhood and entire community at risk because these weapons spray like machine guns, said Yvette Loizon, chief of policy at the states attorneys office.

Loizon acknowledged that the new policy may lead to felony cases lingering longer on the docket, with more of them going to trial.

While it might be more expedient to plead those cases down and get them off the docket, its our position that the seriousness of these offenses should be commensurate with the way we treat them, she said. If that means we have to put more effort into these cases and take them to trial  thats a time commitment we are most certainly willing to make.

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In a statement, ONeill Burke said the policy is meant to provide certainty and consistency for prosecutors and police.

 Anyone who has seen one of these modified firearms in action understands that these are weapons of war that have no place in our communities, she said.

According to ATF data provided to the Tribune by the states attorneys office, recoveries of weapons with machine gun conversion devices have increased significantly in Chicago since 2019, with 40 recovered that year. In 2023, authorities recovered 564 such weapons and 604 in 2024, according to the data.

The directive echoes the offices new detention policy, which says that prosecutors must automatically ask judges to order defendants held in jail while awaiting trial if they are charged with certain offenses, including use or possession of these types of guns.

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Chicago police Superintendent Larry Snelling lauded the move in a statement, saying that the proliferation of illegally modified firearms has created too much trauma in our city for far too long.

Cook County Public Defender Sharone Mitchell, though, hit back at the policy on Thursday, arguing in a statement that mass injustice is guaranteed if discretion is taken away from rank-and-file prosecutors. He said that blanket policies like these have led to mass incarceration.

Mandatory prison sentences havent made our communities safer, he said in the statement. Sending more people to prison will tear apart families, reduce employment, ensure more people return from prison homeless, and increase the likelihood of future arrests. That isnt safety.

Though shootings have fallen in recent years since spiking during the COVID-19 pandemic, how to address the citys gun violence is a consistent theme of city and state politics, with often conflicting viewpoints on the best methods of curbing the problem as well as balancing it with measures to rectify historical harm done by the criminal justice system.

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ONeill Burkes predecessor, Kim Foxx, was elected in 2016 amid calls for reform in the wake of the slaying of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald by Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke, with her early years in office marked by efforts such as raising the threshold at which prosecutors would charge retail theft offenses as felonies.

City and state officials have also grappled in recent years with how to fix systemic inequities in the criminal justice system. Last year, the state became the first to legislatively outlaw cash bail with a measure that instead tasks judges with making detention decisions based on risk to the community, rather than money.
The last thing anyone wants to read in connection to their favorite foods is deadly. The reality is, when Listeria monocytogenes contaminates our food, it puts consumers at risk of some seriously scary health effects. Such is the case now for fans of the Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon, a product that was first recalled last October and now has been upgraded to a Class 1 recall by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Its no secret that Costcos Kirkland Signature brand does an excellent job at offering high-quality versions of our favorite foods and pricing them a bit lower than the competition. However, those who purchased Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon in twin 12-ounce packages between October 9 and October 13, 2024 might want to hold off on eating what's left of them.

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According to the FDA, the new Class 1 upgrade translates to "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." In layman's terms, the Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon packages in question are absolutely not safe for consumption.

For those out of the loop, the CDC defines Listeria as bacteria that can contaminate many foods and is a rare, but very serious disease. In the United States annually, 1,600 infections are reported in connection to Listeria and 260 deaths. Pregnant women, newborns, elderly folk and those with weakened immune systems may experience fever and flu-like symptoms such as muscle aches and fatigue. Others may experience headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, diarrhea, vomiting and even seizures.

Related: Costco 1-Year Gold Star Membership + $45 Digital Costco Shop Card

What we know as of now is that the smoked salmon in question was recalled by Acme Smoked Fish Corporation, which at the time, identified 111 cases of Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon in twin 12-ounce packages as being infected. Customers are urged to check their packages at home for UPC 0 96619 25697 6 and Lot number 512801270. They should also look out for the Best-by-Date of 11/13/2024.

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The original FDA notice detailed the products as being distributed in the Southeast Costco Distribution Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. They were then sold at Costco warehouses across the state of Florida between the dates of October 9 and 13 before being removed from the shelves entirely after initiating the recall on October 24, 2024.

Up Next:

Related: Costco Shoppers Are Furious Over This Sudden Food Court Change
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of We Are The Mighty.

Would you like to grab a bite? My treat. Coming from a small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains I didnt meet many people different than me. My military service exposed me to the true melting pot of this country. So, one morning after I had befriended a French engineer at a conference, I bought him breakfast as we both waited for our delayed flights. While we talked, he bemoaned the end of Frances draft. Now, the rich will not socialize with the poor, and our kids will turn out as bad as American kids. At the time, I thought he was wrong.

I used to believe the all-volunteer military was superior to conscription. I still somewhat believe that, but now that Ive left the military and I see what America has become, I no longer believe our country is better off for having gotten rid of the draft. Now I argue that the US would be better off if we were all forced to serve, to hang out with people we normally dont talk to, to learn that just because someone votes a certain way that it doesnt make them your enemy. What I do know for certain, though, is my military service turned me into a much more tolerant and open-minded person because of what I experienced first-hand. Like that old Louis Armstrong song, Hello Brother.

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But no matter where you go, youre gonna find

that people have the same things on their mind.

Today the United States stands on the edge of a potentially treacherous future. Enemies around the globe are expanding their physical and economic borders at a dizzying pace. Twentieth-century American exceptionalism (and our foregone assumptive dominance) is being challenged worldwide. Meanwhile, our nation is divided by political lines at home. Social media has only accelerated this schoolyard game of separating ourselves into echo chambers of opinions. A societal course correction is needed now, one that will strengthen our national resolve, our national security and realign our national identity. Whats more, should a large international conflict arise, we remain unprepared for the necessary ramp up of a large-scale force.

Across the globe, many countries are discussing a return to conscription. Nineteen nations currently have some form of a draft on the books (including Russia and China) with many more actively discussing it. After World War II, a period of relative global peace supplanted large-scale warfare. Proxy wars have been fought, but the worlds most powerful countries have not engaged in the kind of conflict our grandparents and great-grandparents suffered through over 100 years ago. The atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki brought the harsh new reality of mutually assured destruction. Countries came to the realization that a future global conflict with nuclear weapons would be cataclysmic to life on earth.

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And so, we settled into our comfortable bunkers to ride out the Cold War. As limited conflicts flared up and died out, military commanders and politicians decided that an all-volunteer force would be sufficient to keep the peace. War-weary Americans took the bait, and now almost 94% of our citizens have been sedated by an existence devoid of any sacrifice or investment in our own safety and security. As President Eisenhower warned, the military-industrial complex gleefully watches their rising stock prices with each new skirmish, while our citizenry remains safely ambivalent, knowing their kids will never have to fight. Meanwhile, Americans withdraw into their social, economic, political and religious enclaves, all too happy to throw up the white flag of division. Our founding fathers would be aghast at how nearly twelve and a half score years later, we have become so disinterested in the great experiment which they gifted us.

The disconnect between veterans and civilians is only widening. Without some form of shared experience to draw us together, American core values continue to drift outward to the fringes of society. Its difficult to convince people of right versus wrong when they cant even view others as human beings. A hybrid draft would promote a return to the basics of civilized society and national unity. It would encourage greater civic engagement and engender a sense of duty in all of us. Resilience, leadership and collaboration  qualities that are essential in civilian life as well would again be the standard, not the exception. Some understandably debate that forced conscription is a violation of individual rights. Thats not the true issue. Its about civic duty, not a reduction in personal freedoms.

But a hybrid draft could satisfy both arguments.

How could a hybrid draft work? Young citizens could be given a choice, to serve or bypass. Those who do serve would be rewarded with free college or trade skill training in exchange for a nominal period of service, say two or three years. Instead of just offering it to all citizens, the recently proposed zero-cost American Academy could be used as the accredited educational institution of choice. Service options could be based on aptitude tests but be limited to entry-level responsibilities as determined by the military, with a possible exclusion of career fields considered to be critical, such as aviation or combat-oriented jobs. This could also help alleviate our growing overreliance on military contractors. At the end of their commitment, draftees would be given the opportunity to reenlist and compete for new occupational specialties, promotion to noncommissioned officer positions, reserve officer training slots, or select service academy opportunities, assuming they meet the requirements. In this way, the US would maintain the professionalism of the all-volunteer force and reduce our dependence on contractors while simultaneously providing a chance for our civic-minded citizens to get their hands dirty in the business of national service.

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For those unwilling or physically unable to serve in the military, civilian options could be created, with slightly longer commitments required to receive the educational and training benefits. There would have to be increased scrutiny on deferments, but with a non-military option, that would be easier to implement. Only those with the most serious disabilities would remain exempt. Healthcare, construction, infrastructure and first responder jobs could be created through industry/government partnerships similar in concept to SkillBridge. National service would foster teamwork and engender a sense of patriotism as diverse groups of young people are forced to work daily with those they may never have chosen to interact with otherwise.

The experience these Americans receive would create more skilled laborers and tradesmen, offsetting associated costs through industry partners and giving a boost to our domestic workforce and our stateside manufacturing capacity. Those who still choose to bypass service could pay additional taxes to support this endeavor directly. Some would advocate for a bypassing civilian to receive a revocation of their voting rights, ala Starship Troopers. Citizen versus Civilian. I believe that to be unnecessary, but a subsequent service bypass tax is arguably the most fair and equitable solution for those unwilling to do their fair share. As we begin to ask ourselves what it means to be an American, I think the answer was from President Kennedy, as he spoke some of the most neglected words of the last century, Ask not what your country can do for you ask what you can do for your country.

A return to military conscription and the creation of an accompanying national service program is a complex conversation. For those of us whove served, its value is clear. Service fosters a sense of unity that most Americans have never experienced, the kind of fellowship we experienced on September 12, 2001. A hybrid draft could play a pivotal role in enhancing national security, strengthening critical service and infrastructure shortages at home, bridging the gap between divided citizens, forcing international cooperation by creating a roadblock against unnecessary conflicts and instilling a new sense of national camaraderie not seen since the Greatest Generation saved the planet from global tyranny.
Weather is starting to warm some in the Tri-Cities, with stagnant and cold air about to be disrupted by a storm system.

That could mean snow next week  the first week of February  but its still early to be sure that the chance of precipitation will be significant at the same time temperatures are below freezing.

Wednesday night the low temperature is forecast at 20 degrees after three nights in the Tri-Cities with lows dipping to 14. The Tri-Cities has had nine nights with lows in the teens since Jan. 18.

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All Saints Episcopal Church in Richland plans to be open as a warming shelter Wednesday through Friday nights, from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. the following mornings. The church is at 1322 Kimball Street and those seeking shelter should go behind the church to the Parish Hall door.

Thursday and Friday nights should be above freezing with a chance of rain in the Tri-Cities, and rain is likely during the day Friday.

Starting Sunday the snow level is forecast to drop to 700 feet, but the chance of precipitation is slight.

Precipitation is more likely Monday through Wednesday. Daytime highs should be near or slightly above freezing Tuesday and Wednesday, with overnight lows in the 20s.

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The conditions in the early forecast for those days could be right for snow.

The National Weather Services predicts a chance of snow the first week of February in the Tri-Cities.

The lowest elevation at which snow could fall is 400 feet on Tuesday night, according to the National Weather Service.

Much of the Tri-Cities is just above 400 feet, rising to about 1,000 feet just south of Kennewick near the Interstate 82 and Highway 395 interchange.

The weather service has issued a storm watch for possible heavy snow in the East Cascade Mountains of Washington on Thursday night through Saturday afternoon.

The forecast for the top of Snoqualmie Pass on Interstate 90 calls for 3 to 7 inches of snow Thursday night; 2 to 4 inches of snow Friday, with heavy rain in the afternoon; 3 to 7 inches of snow Friday night and 3 to 5 inches of snow Saturday and again Saturday night.
Local counties will get state funding to improve their emergency communications.

Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday announced that $55 million would be awarded to 57 counties and New York City to bolster the states emergency response and communications systems through two grants  a $45 million grant under the State Interoperable Communications Formula Grant Program and a $10 million grant under the Public Safety Answering Point Grant Program.

According to a news release from Hochul's office, both grant programs fall under the Statewide Interoperable Communications Grant program, which provides reimbursement of funding to eligible counties to improve their emergency communication systems, and allocate funding to further enhance public safety call-taking and dispatching abilities. The combined $55 million will fund upgrades to the states public safety answering points and communications system. "Funding will assist counties as they buy new equipment, upgrade their technology and improve training, and will encourage the development of Next Generation 911 technologies," the release stated.

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Locally, Chenango County will get $494,618 under the SICG program and $165,794 under the PSAP program, Delaware County will get $667,382 under the SICG program and $165,193 under the PSAP program. Otsego County will get $715,946 under the SICG program and $173,737 under the PSAP program. Schoharie County will get County will get $475.133 under the SICG program and $114,623 under the PSAP program.

Ensuring the safety of New Yorkers is my top priority, and a reliable emergency dispatch system is critical for getting first responders where theyre needed  fast, Hochul said. This additional funding will strengthen emergency communications across the state, helping counties upgrade technology, improve training and enhance their response capabilities. I remain committed to advancing public safety efforts year after year, ensuring every community has the resources it needs and deserves.
Jan. 29MORGANTOWN  Unlike the city of Morgantown, Monongalia County has no real dog in the fight when it comes to trash collection.

Whereas the city has an exclusive and enforceable contract with Republic Services, trash collection in the county is the purview of the West Virginia Public Service Commission.

Even so, county residents are getting fed up with missed service and asking the county commission for help.

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"We're receiving numerous complaints about garbage pickup, " Commissioner Tom Bloom said Wednesday.

The commissioners shared a couple letters to demonstrate the point.

One resident, who lives just outside the city's boundaries, near the Morgantown Municipal Airport, said there hasn't been a trash collector by her home in a month despite area roads being clear.

She asked the commission to hold Republic Services accountable, noting her family in Morgantown are receiving service.

"The accumulated trash is gross, and if people store these bags in their garages they attract mice and rats, " she wrote. "We need representation to deal with the trash company. We pay our trash bill. Why should trash pile and fall into our streets ?"

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Another letter, from an Arbogast Lane resident, said garbage in his neck of the woods hasn't been picked up yet in 2025.

"Trash is starting to pile up, " he wrote.

Bloom later told The Dominion Post that he hears from at least five or six people weekly from different areas of the county  particularly the Cheat Lake area.

"Most ask for guidance and help in resolving their problem, " he said, explaining he believes there is a misunderstanding from some that the county works with these businesses.

This is a recurring issue this time of year.

It was almost exactly one year ago that Monongalia County Litter Control Officer Alex Hall said he was getting inundated with calls about missed trash pickups in the county.

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Hall suggested reaching out to the trash hauler in question, then making a formal complaint to the WVPSC. The PSC hotline is 800-344-5113.

West Virginia Code mandates all individuals have and use trash service or deliver their trash to the transfer station no less than every 30 days.

In the meantime, Bloom said he would forward the complaints along to the service provider.

In addition to Republic, other haulers operating in Monongalia County include Mountain State Waste and Morgantown Disposal.
(WHTM)  All 67 of Pennsylvanias counties were represented today as the County Commissioners of Pennsylvania Association brought their 2025 legislative priorities to the Rotunda.

The commissioners came to discuss county mental health funding, provide clarity on the vote-by-mail process across all counties, and reauthorize the 911 surcharge on phone bills.

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At this time there is a surcharge on phone lines to help pay for the 911 call operator centers and were finding that with technology, with increasing needs that surcharge amount is not keeping up with the needs and the costs that are occurring at this time, said Sherene Hess, the President of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania.

The association says it will invite lawmakers at the Capitol to partner with them to tackle these issues.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
CHICAGO  Chicago police seek the publics help identifying a man suspected of multiple burglaries in the citys West Loop neighborhood.

In each incident, the male suspect pried open the front door of the business before removing money from inside the cash registers.

CPD described the male as standing between 510-6, 150-160 pounds, wearing a black-hooded jacket, black and gray jeans, white gym shoes, black ski mask, black gloves, and a black backpack.

CPD is searching for an unidentified offender who the department says forcibly entered several West Loop area businesses and stole money from cash registers. (Photo: CPD)

Date and time of incidents include:

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500 block of W. Lake on Jan. 27, 2025, at 1:40 a.m. (West Loop)

100 block of S. Clinton St on Jan. 27, 2025, at 1:56 a.m. (West Loop Gate)

100 block of N. Clinton on Jan. 27, 2025, at 2:04 a.m. (West Loop)

100 block of N. Clinton on Jan. 27, 2025, at 2:30 a.m. (West Loop)

0-100 block of N. Clinton on Jan. 27, 2025, at 3 a.m. (West Loop)

0-100 block of N. Clinton on Jan. 27, 2025, at 3 a.m. (West Loop)

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Anyone with additional information may leave an anonymous tip at cpdtip.com.

Area Three Detectives are investigating.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
CHEROKEE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  A man died early Thursday morning in a crash involving two tractor-trailers on Interstate 85 in Cherokee County.

The Cherokee County Coroners Office identified 37-year-old Quinton Lanier Hightower, of Georgia, as one of the truck drivers in the fiery crash before 4 a.m. near Gaffney.

The SC Department of Transportation said all lanes were blocked for about five hours following the crash.

A crash on I85S near Exit 87 has lanes closed Thursday morning

According to the coroner, Hightower was traveling at a high rate of speed southbound in a 2006 Freightliner tractor pulling a box trailer when he struck another 2023 Volvo tractor-trailer in the rear at the 87-mile marker. On impact, the trucks saddle fuel tanks ruptured causing the rig to explode in flames.

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Hightower was located after the fire was extinguished, the coroner said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Troopers with the SC Highway Patrol said the driver of the other tractor-trailer was reported injured and taken to a nearby hospital.

The coroner said an autopsy has been scheduled to be performed.

The crash remains under investigation by the SCHP.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  A crash between a truck and a Concho Valley Transit bus resulted in one person being injured during the afternoon of Jan. 29. There were multiple accounts given as to why the collision occurred, however.

The crash happened at the intersection of Armstrong Street and East 19th Street.

According to a San Angelo Police Department officer at the scene, two stories were given that offered differing explanations as to how the crash occurred. One account claimed that the bus failed to heed a red light and struck a red Ford truck that had a green light and was traveling northbound, while another account claimed that the bus moved in front of the truck while traveling south on Armstrong Street and turning left onto East 19th Street.

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2 vehicle collision destroys a stop sign

An occupant of the truck was taken to the hospital for medical treatment. The officer said that there were no known serious injuries at this time.

Only the driver was aboard the bus at the time of the crash. The officer stated that the bus is equipped with onboard cameras.

No citations have been issued pending further investigation, as per the officer.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A passenger jet and a Black Hawk helicopter that collided in midair on the night of Jan. 29 and crashed into the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C., left no survivors. All of the 67 victims have been identified as more details about what led up to the incident are emerging.

The plane, American Eagle Flight No. 5342, a regional jetliner, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members on a flight from Wichita, Kansas. There were three soldiers aboard the U.S. Army's Sikorsky H-60, a Defense Department official told CBS News.

At least 55 bodies had been recovered as of Sunday, D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Chief John Donnelly said. As authorities continue to work to remove the wreckage, Donnelly said crews will stay and search until all the remains are found.

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Here's what we know so far about the crash:

What happened?

American Eagle Flight No. 5342, which was operated by PSA Airlines, collided midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter at around 9 p.m. Eastern Time on Jan. 29 while approaching a runway at Reagan National Airport, the FAA said. The plane, a Bombardier CRJ700, had taken off from Wichita, Kansas.

American Eagle and PSA Airlines are subsidiaries of American Airlines.

The helicopter involved in the collision was on a training flight and had belonged to B Company, 12th Aviation Battalion out of Fort Belvoir in Virginia, Joint Task Force-National Capitol Region media chief Heather Chairez told CBS News. It appears the chopper was flying nearly 200 feet higher than it should have been at the time of the crash, officials said.

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One air traffic control worker was managing the helicopters and some planes from the Reagan National Airport tower at the time of the collision, a job normally done by two people, two sources tell CBS News.

The NTSB will look at whether staffing played a role in the deadly midair collision, a former chairman of the agency, Robert Sumwalt, said on "CBS Mornings" on Jan. 31.

"It's not uncommon for air traffic controllers to combine positions based on the workload at the existing time. I think what's important here is to let the NTSB sort through the details and figure out if this had any effect at all on the operations," Sumwalt said.

A livestream camera at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., captured the moment of the collision. The video, which has been verified by CBS News, shows an explosion in the area of the Potomac River at 8:47 p.m. Eastern.

A screen grab captured from a video shows a regional plane that collided in midair with a military helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 29, 2025. / Credit: Kennedy Center Cam/Anadolu via Getty Images

What we know about the search operation

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Remains of all 67 victims of the midair collision were recovered, officials announced on Feb. 4.

The National Transportation Safety Board reported on Feb. 8 that all "major pieces" of both the Bombardier and the Black Hawk helicopter had been recovered and taken to a "secure airport facility for further examination and documentation."

Teams also recovered the plane's Traffic Collision Avoidance System, known as a TCAS, as well as "additional avionics" from the chopper, the NTSB said.

A lidar survey, a remote sensing technology that uses lasers, conducted by a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration aircraft on Feb. 8, found multiple areas underwaters which could still have additional aircraft debris, the NTSB said. Divers would be investigating those areas.

Emergency response units search the crash site in the Potomac River near Washington, D.C. on Jan. 30, 2025 after a passenger plane and Army helicopter collided near Reagan National Airport. / Credit: Kayla Bartkowski / Getty Images

D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly previously called the recovery effort "a highly complex operation, the conditions out there are extremely rough for the responders. It's cold. They're dealing with relatively windy conditions."

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CBS News senior transportation and national correspondent Kris Van Cleave reported that human remains and debris had washed up on the Virginia side of the Potomac River.

He said the plane broke into multiple pieces that were sitting in 5-8 feet of water.

The flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder, commonly known as black boxes, have been recovered from the crashed plane, the NTSB confirmed. They will be analyzed at the NTSB lab, which is located about a mile from the crash site.

The black box recovered from the commercial flight had some "water intrusion," but investigators said they're confident that the data can be salvaged, so they can piece together what led up to the deadly collision.

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Divers have had some access to the aircraft's cabin. Luggage is among the items divers have recovered.

The helicopter is upside down but appears to be mostly intact, Van Cleave added.

What we know about the plane crash victims

Top figure skaters from Russia and the United States  including 6 people with ties to the Skating Club of Boston  were among the victims. Athletes Jinna Han and Spencer Lane, their mothers Jin Han and Christine Lane, and skating coaches Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova were all on board the flight, said Doug Zeghibe, the skating club's CEO and executive director. They were returning home from the National Development Camp, which was held in connection with the recent U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita.

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Spencer Lane's father, Rhode Island resident Douglas Lane, told CBS affiliate WPRI that his 16-year-old son was a "force of nature" who picked up figure skating just three years ago and progressed rapidly. Douglas Lane described his wife, Christine, as a caring and creative person who excelled in graphic design, photography and quilting.

Naumov and Shishkova, a couple, are Russian-born figure skaters who won the 1994 World Figure Skating Championship and had been coaching at the club. They shared a son, Maxim Naumov, who is a competitive skater on Team USA. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed earlier that Naumov and Shishkova were on the flight along with other Russian nationals.

Another victim in the crash, Asra Hussain Raza, had recently relocated to Washington, D.C., for a consulting position and was traveling home from a work trip when the collision occurred, her father-in-law, Hashim Raza, told CBS News. The 26-year-old was a graduate of the University of Indiana and Columbia University, her father-in-law said.

Four members of a Maryland-based labor union, the Steamfitters United Association Local 602, were also on the flight, union leaders said in a social media post on Jan. 30. The union represents heating, air conditioning, refrigeration and process piping industries in the D.C. Metro area.

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The crew chief of the helicopter was identified as 29-year-old Ryan O'Hara, CBS News learned Jan. 30. O'Hara was a husband and father to a 1-year-old son, his local Reserve Officers' Training Corps program said in a social media post about his death.

Politicians react to the crash

President Trump addressed the crash during a briefing at the White House on the morning of Jan. 30, where he confirmed that there were no survivors.

"I speak to you this morning in an hour of anguish for our nation," Mr. Trump said. He also criticized the Biden administration and attacked diversity initiatives but offered no evidence linking the former president's policies to the crash.

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Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, told "CBS Mornings" on Jan. 31 that controllers go through very rigorous training and multiple "job jeopardy points" before they speak directly to aircraft.

"Any air traffic controller out there  it doesn't matter their race, color, religion  you can know you are in the best hands that take that responsibility very seriously every day," he said.

Mr. Trump, who claimed that he had increased standards for those who work within the aviation industry, announced he'd appointed Christopher Rocheleau as acting commissioner of the FAA. Mr. Trump said the investigation into the collision is ongoing and "we have some pretty good ideas" about what caused it.

In an earlier statement, the president said, "Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise."

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And in a Truth Social post, he questioned what led up to the crash, writing, "This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!"

Newly confirmed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote on social media that the Pentagon was actively monitoring the situation and "poised to assist if needed."

With the support of Mr. Trump, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy on Jan. 31 ordered the FAA to indefinitely restrict helicopter traffic around Reagan National Airport. Meanwhile, two of the airport's three runways were closed, causing more than 100 flight cancellations.

Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall said in a statement, "Tonight, we received devastating news of what can only be described as nothing short of a nightmare ... My prayer is that God wraps his arms around each and every victim, and that he continues to be with their families."

Alexandria, Virginia, Mayor Alyia Gaskins said on social media, "Earlier this evening, we were devastated to learn of a tragic aviation incident near DCA. Our prayers are with everyone affected. Our fire, police, and emergency personnel are assisting in the regional response." Alexandria is just south of Reagan Washington National Airport.

Sen. Tim Kaine, of Virginia, acknowledged "there's a lot of questions" about the deadly collision in its aftermath.

"You can't tell a lot from video footage taken at night, but the footage raises a lot of questions about how this happened," Kaine told "CBS Mornings" on Jan. 30.

The first major U.S. commercial crash in almost 16 years

Just one day before the deadly collision, another regional jet about to land at Reagan had a close call with a helicopter.

The pilots received an alert from the onboard collision avoidance system about a military helicopter and aborted the landing attempt, Van Cleave reported.

CBS News has identified four other close calls between helicopters and planes around the airport, including a 2018 incident where a pilot took last-second evasive maneuvers to avoid an FAA landing on the same runway the jet from Wichita was cleared to land on. In the previously unreported case, an air traffic controller failed to warn the two aircraft in advance.

The last major U.S. commercial air crash occurred in February 2009 when a Continental Airlines flight out of Newark, New Jersey, operated by Colgan Air crashed into a house as it was approaching the airport in Buffalo, New York. That plane was a Bombardier Q400. Forty-nine people died in the tragedy. Continental merged with United Airlines in 2010.

The last major American Airlines crash occurred in November 2001 near John F. Kennedy International Airport. American Airlines Flight No. 587, an Airbus A300, crashed shortly after takeoff, killing 265 people. It was bound for Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. The plane crashed in the Belle Harbor area of the Rockaways in the New York City borough of Queens.

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The Scene

Members of Congress are coworkers who often have little in common. One of the few things that unites the divided House and Senate is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Every week, hundreds of legislators land at and take off from the bank of the Potomac River, sometimes sprinting out of votes to make their flights. They sit near their constituents and lawmakers of the opposite party for air travel so frequent that it eventually starts to feel like any ordinary commute.

Which added an acute degree of dread to the fatal Wednesday plane crash at Reagan. Most members of Congress are regularly in the exact same spot that the mid-air collision happened, suspended over the river with monuments on one side of the plane and Virginia on the other. The devastation in the Potomac, for many lawmakers, felt personal as well as tragic.

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You kind of have a connection to the airport, said Republican Sen. Eric Schmitt, who flies between Washington and Missouri each week.

Landing at National Airport, or DCA as locals call it, can be a hair-raising experience even at the best of times. Planes take off and land right over the river every few minutes on the busy runway; on Wednesday night, a flight from Kansas collided with a military helicopter, killing 67 people. Congress is now preparing for a long investigation into how it happened, and a likely debate over how to prevent a repeat.

But DCA is already back open. And when the Senate holds its last vote this week, many members will head right back to the airport for a brief respite in their home states. The crash wont be far from their minds as they do.

Ive been using [DCA] for 30 years, so I feel confident it was a tragic accident, Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said of the crash. She said she didnt have reservations about flying in and out of the airport, but acknowledged: Of course it makes you think about it.

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In fact, Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., had even tentatively booked his flight home to Wichita on Thursday  reserving a ticket on the return leg of the same flight that crashed Wednesday. He might have to wait, depending on Senate business.

Im going to get on an airplane and go home as soon as the majority leader lets me do that, he said. I just talked to the mayor of Wichita, indicating that at the first opportunity I want to be in Wichita.

Know More

Congress holds immense sway over DCA and its governing board, as well as unique control over long-distance flights from the airport. Its the clear preference of any commuting lawmaker compared with the larger but more distant Dulles International and Baltimore-Washington International.

Just last year, lawmakers approved new flight slots for it, shrugging off complaints from some Virginia lawmakers that the added DCA flights would create too much air congestion.

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A very distraught Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said it was too early to say whether that decision was a factor in the crash. But he called for a more serious examination of the airports workload going forward.

That was why I worked so hard to beg my colleagues not to put more flights into it, Kaine said. The NTSB does a very good job, and theyll give us the answers. But weve all been worried about this congestion issue for a long time.

Congress will investigate, too. As a member of the Commerce Committee, Moran said there will be hearings and a probe: Well be fully engaged in making certain that Americans are safe to fly and they know it.

None of the lawmakers interviewed for this story said they have second thoughts about flying in and out of DCA after the crash, the nations first major commercial aircraft crash since 2009. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said virtually everybody here uses the airport.

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You get on a plane and you expect to land and see your family. Its just terrible, as a human being. Im in and out of that airport twice a week, Schmitt said.

And this weekend, he added, Ill be on a plane going back and forth again.

Notable
The Crew Chief aboard the Black Hawk helicopter that crashed into an American Airlines regional jet has been named.

Ryan OHara, a father-of-one, was one of the three soldiers on the military helicopter, according to a Facebook post by Parkview High School JROTC in Atlanta, Georgia, which has since been removed.

Ryan is fondly remembered as a guy who would fix things around the ROTC gym as well as a vital member of the Rifle Team. Ryan leaves behind a wife and 1-year-old son, the school wrote about its former student in a statement, WSB-TV Atlanta reports.

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Flight 5342 from Kansas was on the final approach to Ronald Reagan National Airport when it collided with the Army helicopter before exploding a huge fireball Wednesday evening. There were 67 people aboard the two flights when they crashed and they are all presumed dead, officials said.

Both aircraft plunged into the icy Potomac River sparking a massive search-and-rescue operation amid strong winds and chilly 42-degree water.

Search teams at the site of the American Eagle flight 5342 crash in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. One of the military members on the helicopter has been identified (REUTERS)

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp paid tribute to OHara and fellow Georgian Sam Lilley, an American Airlines pilot who also died in the crash.

We send our deepest condolences to the families and friends of Ryan OHara and Sam Lilley as they navigate this difficult time, Kemp wrote in a post on X.

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Both of these young Georgians shared a passion for flight and for serving others, and this terrible tragedy is that much more difficult knowing their lives were cut so unexpectedly short.

The helicopter crew was "very experienced" and were not new to the unit or the congestion that occurs in the airspace around D.C.

Both pilots had flown this specific route before, at night. This wasn't something new to either one of them," Jonathan Koziol, chief of staff for Army aviation said.

Part of the wreckage is seen as rescue boats search the waters of the Potomac River. All 67 aboard the aircrafts died in the collision (AFP via Getty Images)

Even the crew chief in the back has been in the unit for a very long time, very familiar with the area, very familiar with the routing structure."

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The military helicopter was conducting a required annual night evaluation," Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth added.

The bodies of the soldiers have been recovered, according to the Associated Press. Their remains will be at Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, officials, speaking anonymously, told the news agency.

The National Transport Safety Board is leading the investigation and officials said they couldnt rule out whether human factors or mechanical factors were contributed. Its too soon to tell, the boards Todd Inman said.

Jennifer Homendy, chair of NTSB, said: Were here to assure the American people that we are going to leave no stone unturned in this investigation.
Editors Note: The Abilene Police Department supplied the following arrest and incident reports. All information below comes from reports made by responding officers, and all suspects are considered not guilty unless determined otherwise in a court of law.

Incidents

UNDISCLOSED LOCATION  Theft of Property

A trailer worth $14,000 was reported stolen.

3300 block of Ward Drive  Burglary of Vehicle

A victim reported an unknown suspect entered his locked vehicle and took items.

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600 block of Ash Street  Injury to Child

A victim alleged her family members assaulted her when they pulled her into their car to get her away from a bad location.

4500 block of S 1st Street  Assault Family Violence

A victim reported her grandmother assaulted her by pulling her hair.

1900 block of Marshall Street  Assault Family Violence

A report was taken for assault in south Abilene.

4500 block of S 1st Street  Fraudulent Use/Possession of Identifying Information

Fraudulent Use of Identifying Information was reported.

1000 block of S Judge Ely Boulevard  Criminal Mischief

A south Abilene business reported an unknown suspect damaged their vehicle.

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5300 block of Benbrook Street  Burglary of Habitation

A north Abilene residence was burglarized. No arrests have been made.

5300 block of Benbrook Street  Burglary of Habitation

A north Abilene residence was broken into.

6400 block of Todd Run  Fraudulent Transfer of Motor Vehicle

A report was taken for a stolen vehicle.

3100 block of S Danville Drive  Theft of Motor Vehicle

A stolen vehicle report was taken in south Abilene.

3000 block of Lafaye Court  Assault Family Violence

A report was taken for assault family violence and criminal mischief.

2400 block of S 1st Street  Aggravated Assault Deadly Weapon

An aggravated assault report was taken in south Abilene, where the suspect is unknown at this time.

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2400 block of S 3rd Street  Criminal Mischief

An unknown suspect shot at the victims vehicle, causing damage.

1700 block of Sylvan Drive  Criminal Mischief

A report was taken for criminal mischief in south Abilene.

3000 block of W Lake Road  Unlawful Carrying of Weapon

A suspect was arrested after he evaded officers on foot in north Abilene.

2200 block of S 28th Street  Violation of Bond/Protective Order

800 block of E Hwy 80  Assault Family Violence

A report was taken for assault family violence

00 block of Lawrence Circle  Criminal Mischief

A report for criminal mischief was taken in south Abilene.

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1800 block of S 14th street  Warrant

A suspect was arrested for a warrant in south Abilene.

3600 block of Purdue Lane  Assault Family Violence

An assault family violence arrest was made in south Abilene.

1400 block of Anson Avenue  Assault

A victim reported a known suspect assaulted him.

3000 block of W Lake Road  Assault

A report was taken for assault in north Abilene.

1200 block of EN 10th Street  Fraudulent Intent

A suspect was arrested for theft.

2000 block of Bridge Avenue  Burglary of Building

A victim reported an unknown suspect took multiple items from a garage in north Abilene.

UNDISCLOSED LOCATION  Identity Theft by Electronic Device

100 block of Clyde Street  Harassment

800 block of N Jefferson Drive  Harassment

2200 block of Ross Avenue  Burglary of Building

A DVD Player was reported stolen.

700 block of Rivercrest Drive  Burglary of Vehicle

4000 block of John Knox Drive  Theft of Property

1300 block of Mimosa Drive  Identity Theft by Electronic Device

1300 block of Barrow Street  Theft of Property

3000 block of Vogel Avenue  Burglary of Building

200 block of Grape Street  Criminal Mischief

3500 block of Curry Lane  Credit Card or Debit Card Abuse

200 block of Pine Street  Theft of Motor Vehicle

A business in north Abilene reported a customer was sending them messages that are causing them to be alarmed.

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600 block of Ruidosa Drive  Assault Family Violence

A victim reported her boyfriend assaulted her and stole her phone.

1900 block of S Clack Street  Unlawful Installation of Tracking Device

A female reported her ex put an air tag tracker in her vehicle.

800 block of Grand Avenue  Criminal Mischief

A criminal mischief report was taken in south Abilene.

2300 block of Mockingbird Lane  Assault Family Violence

Police responded to a disturbance in north Abilene.

3900 block of Whittier Street  Burglary of Habitation

An unknown suspect stole multiple items from a south Abilene residence.

700 block of N Willis Street  Aggravated Assault Deadly Weapon

Police responded to a north Abilene residence where a victim was shot by an unknown suspect.

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1700 block of S 4th Street  Assault Family Violence

Officers were dispatched to a family disturbance.

1700 block of Butternut Street  Assault

An assault report was taken in south Abilene.

700 block of Cedar Street  Criminal Mischief

A north Abilene business contacted police to report an unknown suspect attempted to break in.

400 block of Pine Street  Unauthorized Use of Vehicle

A victim reported his vehicle was stolen in north Abilene.

800 block of Woodlawn Drive -Assault Family Violence

Police responded to an assault in north Abilene where a suspect punched a victim in the face.

1200 block of S Bowie Drive  Assault

A citizen reported her neighbor threw a rock over their shared fence, striking her in the forehead.

3100 block of N 1st Street  Theft of Property

4300 block of Southwest Drive  Theft of Property

Two suspects were caught stealing from a south Abilene business.

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2200 block of Shere Lynne Drive  Burglary of Habitation

Police responded to a burglary in south Abilene.

800 block Oak Street  Burglary of Building

A south Abilene business owner reported an unknown suspect broke into his business.

4200 block of Oil Belt Lane  Disorderly Conduct

A suspect was contacted due to a disturbance in progress in south Abilene.

1300 block of S 7th Street  Assault Impede Breath

A report was taken for assault family violence in south Abilene.

5100 block of Taos Drive  Aggravated Robbery

A report was taken for robbery in south Abilene.

2400 block of Buffalo Gap Road  Assault Family Violence

A report was taken for assault family violence in south Abilene.

00 block of Fairway Oaks Boulevard  Burglary of Vehicle

Arrests

Michael Price  Injury to Child

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Savion Guerrero  Warrant

Todd Thornton  Warrant

Rudy Espinoza  Warrant, Possession of Controlled Substance

Ramiel Sanders  Driving with License Invalid

Bianca Tejeda  Warrant

Timmy Gilbreath  Warrant

Jesse Phillips  Warrant

Juan Garcia  Possession of Controlled Substance

Janise Pinkston-Green  Warrant

Jacob Nations  Public Intoxication

Rolando Peralez  Tamper/Fabricating Physical Evidence, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Controlled Substance

Precious Reed  Warrant

Jaziel Aguilar Flores  Driving While Intoxicated

Juan Gomez  Possession of Controlled Substance

David Gallegos  Public Intoxication

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Bryan Word  Public Intoxication, Possession of Controlled Substance

Jayden Williams  Public Intoxication, Possession of Controlled Substance

Christopher Borrego  Warrant

Jonathan Rodriguez  Public Intoxication

Solomon Williams  Unlawful Carrying of Weapon, Tampering with/Fabricating Physical Evidence, Evading Arrest, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Clifton Perry  Possession of Controlled Substance

Dennis Kimble  Public Intoxication, Possession of Marijuana

Ezell Lewis  Possession of Controlled Substance

Ira Bennett  Possession of Controlled Substance x2

Reyaunna Courtney  Evading Arrest, Warrant

Shontera Snow  Warrant, Failure to Identify

Contessa Trevino  Manufacture Delivery Controlled Substance, Warrant

Christopher Contreras  Public Intoxication, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Marixza Chavez  Driving While Intoxicated

Blanca Montez  Assault Family Violence

Marcus Romero  Public Intoxication

Christopher Osborn  Racing on Highway

Jacek Baity  Warrant

Jessica McMillan  Possession of Controlled Substance

Brian Williamson  Criminal Trespass

Ivan Encarnacion  Assault Family Violence

Jermane Sanchez  Theft of Property

Joseph Stiles  Public Intoxication

Orlando De Los Santos  Possession of Controlled Substance

Arianna Condry  Theft of Property

River Walker  Theft of Property

Donna Whitley  Warrant

Kadari Desire  Public Intoxication

Wayne Gradiska  Disorderly Conduct, Failure to Identify

Valente Cano  Warrant

Benito Cano  Unauthorized Use of Vehicle

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Felonies

The following people were booked into the Lee County-Tupelo Adult Jail in connection with felony charges ending Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Calvonte Z. Gates, 23, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of an illegal firearm, possession of a Schedule II drug with intent to deliver.

Shajuana D. Gray, 40, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, bond surrender for food stamp fraud.

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Johnathan W. Hogan, 42, of Baldwyn, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, capias for exploitation of a vulnerable adult.

Michael D. McIntosh, 40, of Pocahontas, Arkansas, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, two counts of aggravated assault, three counts of shooting in a dwelling, felony malicious mischief, possession of a firearm by a felon.

Tiffany N. Randle, 40, of Okolona, was arrested by the Mississippi Highway Patrol, possession of cocaine,

Martina Tigues, 43, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Mississippi Department of Corrections, violation of probation.

Lee County Sheriffs Office

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The following reports were filed Wednesday by the Lee County Sheriffs Office.

A County Road 821, Saltillo, woman said she put her county-issued garbage can at the end of the driveway on trash pickup day. The can was still there around 4 p.m. When her husband got home at 7:45 p.m., it was no longer there. She needed a police report to have it replaced.

A County Road 1050, Tupelo, man said a stray dog has been hanging around his property for a few weeks. He attempted unsuccessfully to locate the dogs owner. He thinks the dog is about to have puppies, so he is trying to get help. The deputy explained that there is no stray dog ordinance in Lee County.

A Starkville man said he left his 1990 Ford F-250 parked at a relatives County Road 251, Saltillo, house. At some point, someone entered the truck and stole a 1956 M-1 Garand, a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun, a self-built .223 AR rifle and a Remington Model 700 chambered for 30-06. He said the door locks on the truck do not work.

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A County Road 830, Plantersville, woman said she found a small mixed-breed dog on the side of the road about a month ago and brought him home. The deputy explained that there is not a stray animal ordinance in the county. He gave her information on some animal rescue groups who might be able to help.

Anyone with information on any of these reports is urged to call the Lee County Sheriff's Office at 841-9041, the Tupelo Police Department at 841-6491 or Crime Stoppers of Northeast Mississippi at (800) 773-TIPS or download the P3 Tip App and leave an anonymous tip that way.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  This week on Crime Stoppers, local law enforcement needs your help identifying three people involved in an assault and an attempted vehicle theft in Lansing.

If you have information regarding the cases below, call Crime Stoppers of Mid-Michigan at (517) 483-STOP. You can remain anonymous.

Those who contact Crime Stoppers with information can receive up to a $1,000 award.

Assault

The Lansing Police Department is asking for your help identifying someone who committed an assault on the 6200 block of South Pennsylvania Avenue on Nov. 11, 2024.

Attempted Vehicle Theft

The Lansing Police Department is asking for your help identifying two people who attempted to steal a vehicle from the 6200 block of South Cedar Street on Jan. 25. One suspect is described as a black male between 16 and 20 years old with dreads and a wearing a black puffy coat. The suspects arrived and left in a stolen vehicle.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 midair collision at Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night has presented Sean Duffy with a major crisis just hours after he was sworn in as secretary of transportation.

Duffy will not lead the investigation into the crash that led to the presumed deaths of 67 people  the National Transportation Safety Board will lead the inquiry and the Federal Aviation Administration will assist. But Duffy will be the de facto public face of the Trump administrations leadership in the crisis  he was the first person President Donald Trump brought to the podium after speaking about the crash from the White House  and hell also be tasked with addressing the inevitable questions that will come from the tragedy, including a nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers and any potential changes to the Washington, DC-area airspace.

In remarks early Thursday morning, Duffy said the collision was preventable.

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Everyone who flies in American skies expects that we fly safely, that when you depart an airport, you get to your destination, Duffy told reporters. That didnt happen last night, and I know that President Trump, his administration, the FAA, the DOT, we will not rest until we have answers for the families and for the flying public.

Duffy, a former US representative and Fox Business host, was sworn in Wednesday after being confirmed the day before. As transportation secretary, Duffy is leading 55,000 employees and will grapple with some of the most complex challenges facing the nation as they oversee aviation, roadways and rails. Other issues on his plate include Boeings string of quality control and manufacturing issues, airline labor union strike threats and climate-focused initiatives such as electric vehicles and charging stations.

Meanwhile, the FAA, which is part of the DOT, is operating without a permanent administrator since Mike Whitaker stepped down earlier this month. A number of other leadership positions are also vacant, the FAAs website shows. In remarks late Thursday morning, Trump announced that Chris Rocheleau, a former chief operating officer of National Business Aviation Association, will lead the FAA in an acting capacity.

What Sean has at his disposal, he has a very highly professional staff at DOT and at FAA who have dealt with these, these issues. But we need to get an FAA administrator approved to become a part of Seans team, Ray LaHood, who served as transportation secretary former President Barack Obamas first term, said on CNN Thursday morning.

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Shortly after LaHood took over the DOT in early 2009, Colgan Air Flight 3407 crashed near Buffalo, New York, killing 50 people.

If anything positive came out of that tragedy, LaHood said on CNN News Central, its that we worked with the families and we worked with Congress, and Congress was able to pass legislation for pilot safety, more pilot rest, and some real reforms.

Duffy served in the US House of Representatives from 2011 to 2019, representing Wisconsins 7th Congressional District. He most recently was co-host of Fox Business The Bottom Line, after first joining Fox News as a contributor in 2020.

He was one of Trumps least controversial Cabinet nominees and was approved unanimously by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Technology before being confirmed by the full Senate in a 77-22 vote.

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In one of his first moves leading the Transportation Department on Wednesday, Duffy moved to roll back a variety of policies on Wednesday related to diversity, equity and inclusion, bringing the agency in line with the Trump administrations effort to clamp down on the practice.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Critics, including the human rights organization Amnesty International, slammed President Donald Trumps announcement about opening a detention center at Cubas Guantanamo Bay to house up to 30,000 undocumented immigrants.

Were going to send them out to Guantanamo, the president said Wednesday, just before signing the Laken Riley Act into law.

Trump did not expand on his plan to move people who are living illegally in America  but who for various reasons cant be deported to their home nations  to the U.S. military base where only a handful of suspects are currently still being held after being detained in the early 2000s during the U.S.s war on terror.

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On social media, critics slammed the move as disgusting and cruel.

Some pointed out the logistical issues of housing so many people in the relatively small base.

Amnesty International said in a statement that Guantanamo Bay has been the site of torture, indefinite detention without charge or trial and other unlawful practices by the U.S. government.

President Trump should be using his authority to finally close the prison there, not re-purposing the facility for offshore immigration detention, it added.

Trumps first-term (and short-lived) White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci, who is now a vocal critic of his onetime boss, railed: Also known as a concentration camp. Yet no dissent. No courageous political leader willing to stand up to this.

Guantanamo Bay has been the site of torture, indefinite detention without charge or trial and other unlawful practices by the U.S. government. President Trump should be using his authority to finally close the prison there, not re-purposing the facility for offshore immigration  Amnesty International USA (@amnestyusa) January 29, 2025

Also known as a concentration camp. Yet no dissent. No courageous political leader willing to stand up to this. https://t.co/5RFRW4CPBp  Anthony Scaramucci (@Scaramucci) January 29, 2025

For all you MAGA folks who say you hate Neocons:



George W. Bush had 780 detainees at Guantanamo



Donald Trump is promising a concentration camp of 30,000



But sure, go ahead and tell me how you're all about freedom and smaller government  Tristan Snell (@TristanSnell) January 30, 2025

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30,000 human beings are going to be detained in Guantanamo Bay by the United States government.



Days after Holocaust Remembrance Day. This is what we are doing.



Im going to throw up.  Jo (@JoJoFromJerz) January 29, 2025

Hours after Holocaust Memorial Day, Trump opens a prison for immigrants at Guantanamo.



And the German political firewall against modern Nazis crumbles. Does "Never Forget" still mean anything? pic.twitter.com/bfxQfC26qU  Guy Verhofstadt (@guyverhofstadt) January 29, 2025

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I find this absolutely unacceptable.



Trump: Today Im also signing an executive order to instruct the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security to begin preparing the 30,000-person migrant facility at Guantanamo Bay. pic.twitter.com/pdDYiIkbnu  Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) January 29, 2025

Related...
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD)  The first candles Adam McFarlin ever sold were made in a bedroom he was renting in Kalamazoo, using a Crock-Pot he put on a folding table next to his bed.

Around 12 years later, the Kalamazoo Candle Company has candles in more than 1,000 stores, and its expanding its downtown Kalamazoo storefront into a bigger location. McFarlin and his wife Kelly Robertson have purchased the historic V & A Bootery building at 202 S Kalamazoo Mall near South Street, right next door to their current storefront.

Weve seen downtown grow and adapt and change, and theres a lot of really exciting things going on in downtown Kalamazoo over the next few years, McFarlin said. It felt like the right time to expand our store and be a part of that growth and change.

The Kalamazoo Candle Company is set to move into the V & A Bootery building at 202 S. Kalamazoo Mall. (Courtesy Kalamazoo Candle Company)

The building is about 60% bigger than the 166 S Kalamazoo Mall space. McFarlin is taking advantage of the bigger space by expanding the stores DIY options and adding a window to the production room, where customers can watch the team handmake the companys candles. It will also have a section where other artisans and local small businesses can lease space to sell their products.

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Downtown Kalamazoo staple Old Burdicks to close for months: Heres why

While the team is renovating the building  removing some interior walls and opening up the space  McFarlin said it will have several nods to the buildings past and the history of Kalamazoo.

Im very much a person that respects the history of the town that Im in, and especially that building in particular, McFarlin said. So well definitely have some nods to Kalamazoo and the business that came before us.

The Kalamazoo Candle Company is set to move into the V & A Bootery building at 202 S. Kalamazoo Mall. (Courtesy Kalamazoo Candle Company)

McFarlin first moved to Kalamazoo in 2006 to study music performance in graduate school at Western Michigan University. The city immediately felt like home for him.

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From the moment I got here, it just felt like the place I should be, he said. That feeling has only really gotten stronger over the years.

About six years after moving to Kalamazoo, he was looking for a way to make some extra money to help him get by. He recalls Googling things you can make with your hands to sell and came across candle making.

After going down the rabbit hole of all the different ways to make candles, what makes them good or bad and what people look for in a candle, he went to the store and bought some supplies.

The Kalamazoo Candle Company is set to move into the V & A Bootery building at 202 S. Kalamazoo Mall. (Courtesy Kalamazoo Candle Company)

Heres whats replacing Somethings Brewing in downtown Kalamazoo

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(I) came home and made some pretty bad candles, he said with a chuckle. But (I) just kept going.

He began making 5-ounce travel tin candles and eventually reached the point where he could sell the candles, making that first batch in the Crock-Pot. Rather than start out by selling his work at craft shows, like a lot of artisans do, he decided to try to sell the candles wholesale.

Walking through Kalamazoo, he stopped in random stores and asked about selling his candles there. Some said yes, including Initial Attraction, which still carries Kalamazoo Candle Company products.

Theyre just the nicest people in the world and very kind to me, he said. Helped me learn, all these early wholesale customers really educated me on how this works.

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That first fall, he had his products in eight stores.

He also sold his candles at the farmers market in Kalamazoo. He said some who stopped by his booth would say that they couldnt burn candles, because the candles gave them headaches. McFarlin explained theres a lot of shady stuff that goes into candles in the industry.

Anything youre burning and its going into the air in your home, you, your kids and your pets are all breathing it in, he said.

The Kalamazoo Candle Company is set to move into the V & A Bootery building at 202 S. Kalamazoo Mall. (Courtesy Kalamazoo Candle Company)

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The Kalamazoo Candle Company is set to move into the V & A Bootery building at 202 S. Kalamazoo Mall. (Courtesy Kalamazoo Candle Company)

Inside WOODTV.com: Building West Michigan

McFarlin recalled giving the customers a candle, telling them to try burning it and to throw it away or give it to someone else if it gave them a headache.

If it works out for you, come back next week and pay for it,' he said he told them. Every single person came back and paid for it.

His dad also sold his candles alongside other products in his booth at an Oklahoma mall.

Adam McFarlin and his wife, Kelly Robertson, have purchased the V & A Bootery at 202 S. Kalamazoo Mall for the Kalamazoo Candle Company. (Courtesy Kalamazoo Candle Company)

One of his customers bought a Kalamazoo Candle in Oklahoma and shipped it to somebody up here in Kalamazoo, McFarlin said with a laugh. But thats the kind of people, right? Thats how we move forward. Its really not us  we try to do a good job, but without everybody else, we wouldnt be where we are.

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Now, McFarlins candles are sold at all Fresh Thyme Market locations and in Whole Foods stores in the Midwest. The company also does private label candles and takes requests from companies for custom fragrances.

The products are still all made by hand, McFarlin said.

Chili cook-off packs downtown Kalamazoo

I want to employ as many people as possible in Kalamazoo and in the surrounding area with good-paying jobs. We pay 100% of benefits for our employees. We tried to do everything the right way, he said. When we grow, I dont buy another machine, I get to hire another person or two or three, which is really the best.  I wouldnt have guessed that when I first started. Its really the people and getting to work with so many different people that really makes the past 11 years that much more enjoyable.

As his team gets ready to move to the new storefront this fall, McFarlin said hes excited to help out other artisans, like Initial Attraction did for him back when he was just looking to make some extra money to pay his bills.

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(The store will) give up-and-coming makers a chance to try out having a retail store without the risk of an actual full retail store, he said. People helped me when I got started. And being able to have an incubator space in downtown Kalamazoo where people can try out having a store and see, Hey, it worked.  That feels good.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Senate Republicans backed a Wednesday effort from Texas GOP Sen. Ted Cruz to defund the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

Cruz has unsuccessfully tried to disassemble the agency in the past and is now working to reduce the amount of funding it receives from the Federal Reserve to zero.

The CFPB is an unelected, unaccountable bureaucratic agency that has imposed burdensome and harmful regulations on American businesses, banks, and credit unions, Cruz shared in a statement, first reported by The Wall Street Journal.

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The act creating the bureau was passed by Democrats who aimed to regulate predatory practices from banks during the Obama administration.

Cruz has opposed the measure for more than a decade and labeled it an unchecked Obama-era executive arm in condemning its support from the Fed.

Republican Sens. John Barrasso (Wyo.), Rick Scott (Fla.), Steve Daines (Mont.), Marsha Blackburn (Tenn.) and Mike Rounds (S.D.) back his claims and have co-sponsored the Defund CFPB Act, introduced Wednesday.

Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas) introduced a companion bill in the House.

Republicans may make an attempt to maneuver the change through the approaching budget reconciliation package, according to reporting from The Wall Street Journal.

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The Supreme Court ruled that Congress controls the agencys funds despite the fact it falls outside of congressional appropriations. The Fed did not immediately respond to The Hills request for comment on the act.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Staunch crypto skeptic and disgraced former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez was sentenced to 11 years in prison on Wednesday on charges of bribery and acting as an agent for Egypt, the Associated Press reported.

Menendez was a Democrat from New Jersey and famous for taking shots at crypto. He once called bitcoin (BTC) an "ideal choice for criminals" and also opposed El Salvador's acceptance of BTC.

You were successful, powerful, you stood at the apex of our political system, District Judge Sidney H. Stein told Menendez, according to AP.

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Somewhere along the way, and I dont know when it was, you lost your way and working for the public good became working for your good. Stein added.

El Salvador President Nayib Bukele took to X and commented on Menendez's sentencing.

"This senator was the great reference of the opposition (front pages, reports, etc.) when he accused El Salvador of using Bitcoin for money laundering and corruption," Bukele said.

The thief judges by his condition, he added.

Menendez took bribes in the form of gold and cash and used his political connections to act as an agent for Egypt, according to the report.

The former senator was convicted on bribery charges last year, as CoinDesk reported.

UPDATE (Jan. 30, 13:16 UTC): Adds Bukele's comment on the sentencing.
Jan. 29Hundreds of people flocked to City Beach over the weekend to enjoy the rare phenomenon of glassy ice-skating conditions on Whitefish Lake. The depths of the lake could easily be seen through the translucent surface that froze during the recent arctic outbreak, offering a remarkable look at what lies beneath.

The wild ice experience was the buzz around town, and begged the questions: Why is the ice so clear and how often does this happen?

"Clear ice like what we've seen on Whitefish Lake this past week contains very few impurities such as air bubbles or plant fragments," explained Cassie Roberts, a limnologist with Whitefish Lake Institute. "Ice like this is formed when the water is calm and when ice develops slowly over time. Slow ice development means air is less likely to be incorporated into the ice, allowing for the ice to be perfectly clear."

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The lake typically freezes from mid-January to mid-February, depending on conditions like air temperature and wind, Roberts said. Last year, ice was first seen on the lake Jan. 14. This year it started to freeze on Jan. 17.

According to data kept by the institute, the lake completely freezes most winters. However, in recent history, from 1998 to 2023, it has remained partially open about 26% of years.

"Open water winters used to be much less common," Roberts explained. "Whitefish Lake Institute has data from 1914-1962 that shows the lake remaining partially open water in only 8% of years."

Because of this change, the institute has been working to collect more data on lake ice in Montana. People can submit information about lake ice when they visit a frozen water body, which will be added to a live ice map on the institute's website.

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"This is a way for us to collect data on when Montana lakes are freezing and provide a map of frozen lakes for people who want to enjoy them," Roberts said.

The lake observation survey can be found at whitefishlake.org.

Skating conditions at City Beach should remain ideal through Thursday before a potent winter storm hits the region.

Snow and freezing rain are possible in valley locations Friday into Saturday. By Sunday an arctic intrusion is expected to clash with subtropical moisture, which could produce a major winter storm, the National Weather Service in Missoula warned.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  In an upcoming special meeting for the Nevada System of Higher Education, leaders will be taking a look at college enrollment and graduation throughout Nevada.

The presentation compares enrollment trends to those nationwide. One of them, shows CSNs numbers have dropped heavily since 2010. While on paper, it looks concerning, CSN staff said its business as usual.

In 2010, the College of Southern Nevada enrolled more than 42,000 students. In 2023, that number was just above 29,000.

In an upcoming special meeting for the Nevada System of Higher Education, leaders will be taking a look at college enrollment and graduation throughout Nevada. (KLAS)

While that 32% drop sounds like a concern, CSNs vice president of academic affairs Dr. James McCoy said 2010s numbers were an anomaly sparked by the great recession. He said with people looking for jobs, enrollment surged as they made themselves more employable through school.

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As the economy rebounded from that great recession and our community began to get retooled and placed into employment, and reemployed, Dr. McCoy said. Naturally, what happens is the enrollment settles down to where its normed out from the pre-economic decline.

The numbers back him up, in 2,000, CSN was at just shy of 30,000 students  right where they are today. Doctor McCoy says thats expected, and theyre investing in preparing students for the valleys growth.

In an upcoming special meeting for the Nevada System of Higher Education, leaders will be taking a look at college enrollment and graduation throughout Nevada. (KLAS)

We have to be in tune with the economic diversification needs of our state, Dr. McCoy said. We need to be in tune with the workforce development lanes of those of those industry sectors. And we need to make sure that were providing a curricular career pathway for education thats going to align to the real jobs that are happening in Nevada.

While enrollment numbers arent near their peak, Dr. Mccoy says its not a concern. Students like Marvin Serna agree, and he enjoys it.

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All of us are pretty much going for the same thing. We have questions, you know, all of us will support each other. So, you know, its kind of a, its like a little community, I guess, Serna said.

Its important to note, these enrollment trends match those across the country.

The Nevada System of Higher Education is meeting Friday to discuss the enrollment further. You can find the full presentation here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
A previously convicted felon has been sentenced to almost four years in federal prison after authorities reportedly found him with a firearm that was tied to a shooting in Hartford.

Osiris Muhammad, 24, of Hartford faced sentencing Wednesday in federal court in Hartford where a judge handed down a 46-month prison term followed by three years of supervised release, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Connecticut.

Federal officials said Muhammad fired shots at someone in the area of Belden Street and Albany Avenue on Jan. 26, 2024, shortly after midnight. The intended victim was not struck.

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Two days later, Hartford police spotted Muhammad at a liquor store on Albany Avenue. He was taken into custody following a brief pursuit.

Federal officials said Muhammad was found with a Ruger P89 pistol. An analysis of the firearm through the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network connected the gun to shell casings collected at the scene of the shooting days earlier, according to federal authorities.

Last June, Muhammad pleaded guilty in federal court to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

According to federal authorities, Muhammad in 2020 was convicted on a state charge of first-degree robbery, disqualifying him from having guns or ammunition.
A Connecticut man was arrested Tuesday and accused of flashing a pistol during a road rage incident on Interstate 95 in Fairfield.

Troopers responded to reports of the incident at 10:17 a.m. on the southbound side of the highway near Exit 19, according to Connecticut State Police.

When the alleged victim met with police they said the incident began as they were driving in the center lane when the driver of a gray Ford pickup allegedly attempted to cut in from the right lane without enough space to safely change lanes, state police said. The alleged victim said they had to veer to the left to avoid a collision, as the pickup driver moved back over to the right lane.

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The alleged victim said they passed the pickup shortly thereafter, as traffic in the right lane began moving slower, according to state police. Shortly thereafter, the individual could see the driver of the pickup move over to the left lane before moving alongside their vehicle.

The pickup driver had his window down, but the alleged victim told police they could not hear what he was saying. The individual continued driving and noticed the pickup was back next to them shortly after.

According to state police, the alleged victim claimed that the driver was holding a pistol in his right hand as he smiled and continued driving. They then called 911.

State police said the alleged victim had video of the incident which reportedly corroborated the allegations. The alleged victim also had a description of the vehicle and its license plate.

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The pickup truck was located by state police near Exit 16 in Westport where troopers pulled the driver over. The driver was identified as 26-year-old Joseph Rankin of Bridgeport, according to state police.

State police said Rankin was detained and was found with a loaded 9mm pistol. According to state police, he told troopers the other driver may have seen his firearm but he denied pointing it at them. The gun was seized by police.

Rankin was arrested on charges of second-degree threatening and second-degree breach of peace. He was released on a $15,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Bridgeport Superior Court on Feb. 25.
A Waterbury man was arrested Thursday after authorities searched his residence and his vehicle, finding multiple types of drugs as well as two guns and a high-capacity magazine.

The target of the searches was identified as 43-year-old Thomas Goethe, according to Lt. Ryan Bessette of the Waterbury Police Department.

Bessette said Goethes residence on Wildwood Avenue and a Dodge Magnum he is known to drive were searched by the police departments Vice and Intelligence Unit, Crime Prevention Unit, Gang Task Force as well as the Connecticut State Police Violent Crime Task Force and Auto Theft Unit.

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Officers located Goethe and his vehicle in the area of Bronson Street shortly before the residence was searched.

During the search, police found 145 glassine bags of heroin, 244 grams of crack cocaine, 61 controlled substance pills, two 9mm handguns, a high-capacity magazine and over 200 rounds of ammunition, Bessette said. They also found various packaging materials indicative of street-level drug sales and more than $2,000.

Goethe was charged with possession of narcotics with intent to sell, possession of 12 ounce or more of cocaine freebase form, possession of a hallucinogenic substance with intent to sell, criminal possession of a pistol or revolver, criminal possession of a firearm or ammunition, illegal possession of a large-capacity magazine, illegal sale/transfer of a firearm and tampering with evidence.

Bessette noted that Goethe is a previously convicted felon. He was held on a $100,000 bond.
On the weekend of Donald Trumps inauguration, the neo-reactionary blogger Curtis Yarvin traveled to Washington, D.C., for the Coronation Ball, a glitzy inaugural gala hosted by the ultraconservative publishing house Passage Press. The gathering, hosted in the ballroom of the Watergate Hotel, was designed to celebrate the ascent of the new conservative counter-elite that has risen to power on the tide of Trumps reelection  and Yarvin, who has arguably done more than anyone to shape the thinking of that nascent group, was an informal guest of honor.

Even the balls name spoke to Yarvins outsize influence over the Trumpian right: For over a decade, Yarvin, an ex-computer programmer-turned-blogger, has argued that American democracy is irrevocably broken and ought to be replaced with a monarchy styled after a Silicon Valley tech start-up. According to Yarvin, the time has come to jettison existing democratic institutions and concentrate political power in a single chief executive or dictator. These ideas  which Yarvin calls neo-reaction or the Dark Enlightenment  were once confined to the fringes of the internet, but now, with Trumps reelection, they are finding a newly powerful audience in Washington.

When I called him up recently to talk about the second Trump administration, Yarvin told me that during his trip to Washington, he had exchanged friendly greetings with Vice President JD Vance  who has publicly cited his work  had lunch with Michael Anton, a senior member of Trumps State Department, and caught up with the revolutionary vanguard of young conservatives who grew up reading his blogs and are now entering the new administration.

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Yarvin is skeptical that Trump can actually carry out the type of regime change that he envisions, but he told me that there are signs the new administration is serious about concentrating power in the executive branch. We spoke before the Trump administration announced a sweeping freeze on federal aid programs, but he pointed to the coming fight over impoundment as a key test of the new administrations willingness to push the bounds of executive authority. And he detected a newfound confidence and aggressiveness in Trumps GOP.

Every time the old Republicans wanted to do something, it was like the nebbish guy asking the hot prom queen out for a date  they were just terrified that they were going to ask and the answer is going to be no, he said. That attitude does not seem to be present here.

The following has been edited for length and clarity.

You were in Washington during Trumps inauguration. How was the mood among the people that you spent time with?

The mood is really good. Youre definitely dealing with a lot of people who have spent the last four or eight years thinking about why the first Trump administration basically did not achieve anything for its supporters as opposed to its lobbyists. Im not talking to the high strategic command or whatever, but just my impression from my connections among low- and mid-level people is that theyve figured some things out.

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The first and most important thing theyve figured out from a political standpoint is that the situation that Trump is in is a little like Duke Leto and Arrakis.

Were talking Dune here.

Yeah. Theres a little bit of landing on the mostly enemy planet D.C. Youre landing there, and one of the general assumptions of the controlled opposition  the old Republican establishment  is that this is not really a symmetric political system.

Instead of a left party and a right party, we have an inner party [a bipartisan elite] and an outer party [the anti-establishment insurgents]. This outer party is basically the party that exists to collect and market the votes of unfashionable America.

Youre saying that the conservative elite in D.C. have become newly aware of themselves as a kind of vanguard of the outer party, and theyre starting to act like one?

Basically, the deal when youre a Republican in office is that you get a certain number of things to show off to your constituency to prove that youre really Republican, but youre basically there to play ball and help the system work. But what Trump and his team have realized now is that the best defense is a good offense. Hes not just doing these little things to scare people and to take home as a chit to his supporters. Hes actually trying to move all of the levers of this machine that he can move.

From the neo-reactionary vantage point, what is the best-case scenario for a second Trump administration?

The way that I think metaphorically about the problem of what can be done with the powers of the presidency is untangling the Gordian knot. I often say, Look, D.C. is run by Congress, not by the president. The president stands in front of it and waves his hands and watches the system go, but the real decisions are funding decisions, and those kinds of decisions are made by Congress or the agencies. Actually, if the White House didnt exist, America would still work.

Do you think that a second-term Trump can untie the Gordian knot?

I think that is the fundamental question. The answer is interesting, because what hes doing is not at all what I would do with an opportunity like this. But I think that what I would do is probably not possible.

What would you do?

I would cut the Gordian knot. For example, a straightforward way to cut the Gordian knot is to say, Look, the [Federal Reserve] is clearly under executive authority. Its clearly not part of the legislative branch, its clearly not part of the judicial branch, so its clearly part of the executive branch. And because the Fed actually controls the monetary system, I can order it to mint the trillion-dollar coin, or more to the point, I can basically order the Fed to buy assets. And because I can order the Fed to buy assets, I can order the Fed to buy notes issued by new institutions.

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That allows me to basically come face to face with two very clear facts. One is that the U.S. doesnt really have an executive branch  it has a legislative branch, and it has an administrative branch, which is basically managed not by a monarchical president, but by an oligarchical Congress.

The second fact is that, when I look at any part of the federal government as a start-up guy, and I say, OK, first, lets take for granted that this is trying to solve [a real] problem, for almost anything that you can look at, the right way to fix that organization is just to stand up a new one.

There are some parts of the U.S. government that have a very clear role and are not politicized in any way. If the president had the exclusive executive power over the Coast Guard, would the right choice be to create a new Coast Guard or to reuse the existing Coast Guard? Im going to [reuse] the Coast Guard. But when I get to something like the State Department, Im no longer anywhere near assured of that.

Why do you think Trump is unwilling to do what youre suggesting here?

I think hes unready. I think that America is unready for that level of change.

I want to get your read on the divide that seems to be opening up between the tech right and the populist-nationalist right, or what youve called the rationalists and the traditionalists. How real do you think this divide is, and what do you think is underlying it at a sort of fundamental level?

I came up with this sort of Tolkien-esque classification of the social forces in America today, and I identify two kinds of people.

Ah yes, the elves.

Yes. There are the elves  the blue state, [professional managerial class], ruling-class people  and the hobbits, the ruled-over lower-middle-class. The fear among elves that the hobbits will organize and come and kill them with pitchforks  because theres a lot of goddamn hobbits  has driven a lot of things in the 20th century.

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But what happens when you have a group of people who are elves either by education or by background  because, of course, we have this remarkable system called college for promoting people in the elf aristocracy  is that you have a certain set of people who, like me, are dark elves who dissent from the [progressive] Obama worldview, right? They dont believe in the state religion anymore.

So theres a conflict there [between the dark elves and the hobbits], definitely, but whenever you see a conflict, you should want to heal a conflict, right? I think that where that conflict comes from is that youll go to something like the Passage Press party, and Im there, and Steve Bannon is there  who apparently feels like its appropriate to go to a black-tie event looking like a homeless dude.

Youre apparently on his enemies list now.

Am I on his enemies list? I dont know.

Do you see Steve Bannon as an enemy?

No, no, my God. I mean, Ive never met or talked to him. I dont see him as an enemy. Why would he be an enemy? I mean, its a little funny to be talking about someone whose revenues come from Seinfeld. But Bannon has a kind organic connection with MAGA world. He has an organic connection with the great American hobbit. He really loved those people, and theres something sort of right about that.

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The way the relationship between the dark elf and the hobbits should work is [based on the understanding] that [the hobbits] have been pouring their energy and their hope and their fear for decades into shit that doesnt work.

Do you think this tension within the MAGA coalition can be managed, or is one side going to have to win?

Its entirely able to be managed. What Trump is showing in his effort to sort of reactivate all of these incredibly rusty, broken levers of the top-down control of the New Deal, is just like, Wow, the president can do this. The president can cancel the 1965 affirmative action executive order and nobody questions that legally he can just do that. Imagine if youd suggested that in a meeting of the Bush administration. You would be on the next plane out. So what I think that the MAGA people are going to see is that shit is happening.

Youve said that your relationship with Vance has been overstated by the press. What is your relationship with him?

Ive interacted with Vance once since the election. I bumped into him at a party. He said, Yarvin, you reactionary fascist. I was like, Thank you, Mr. Vice President, and Im glad I didnt stop you from getting elected.

He said that to you?

Thats what he said. I dont think he meant it in a bad way, but I dont think he meant it in a good way, either.

Do you guys talk regularly?

No, no, definitely not. And I think thats not really the important relationship. [The New Right] is still a vanguard, which means its still fundamentally oligarchical in a lot of ways. I dont need to name names, but theres a guy in D.C. who has a big house which a lot of the revolutionary vanguard hangs out in.

Are we talking about Peter Thiel? Who are we talking about?

No, no, no, this is someone youve never heard of.

Who is it?

I cant tell you. Hes not in government. Hes a lawyer. But this is a tradition that goes way back in D.C., with the House of Truth  where Oliver Wendell Holmes and John Hay and those guys hung out [during the Progressive Era]. Always, in a town like [D.C.], youll have this vibe of a society of young, smart people. When youre at this place, maybe youll run into a Clarence Thomas clerk or someone like that. Theres this whole world of people in their 20s and 30s who are basically arriving to take jobs in D.C. now. And a lot of these dark elf-y people are hanging out in various places. Not that many of these people are not Christians  many of them are Christians, of course, but theyre more likely to be like TradCaths than cradle Catholics, right?

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The important thing is the vibe among the staff and the staffers. You have a bunch of people coming to Washington who dont have this traditional fear of the old establishment.

Lets go back to the Gordian knot analogy: Im like, OK, cut the Gordian knot. Wheres the sword? But were not quite ready for that, so what theyre actually doing is theyre pulling on the Gordian knot.

When you talk about tugging at the Gordian knot, youre saying theyre taking incremental steps toward a type of systematic political change  a revolution, for lack of a better word.

Yeah, Im talking about  America just has a really shitty government and needs a new government.

Do you think Vance is better suited than Trump for that type of work, by virtue of his background and intellectual orientation?

Thats a good question. I think theyre going to be an amazing team, because basically, in almost every way, JD is perfect. One of the perfect things about him is that he has this deeply American background, and then he was just completely re-socialized into the American elite. Its like, the Marines taught him how to hold a fork or whatever, and then hes graduated from Yale Law School, and he knows exactly how to eat at the right banquets. Hes more comfortable with elite liberal Americans than Trump will ever be, and Trump just doesnt care.

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Theres an old blog post of mine from 2011 where I talk about kingship and the vibe of being a king, and Im basically like, the guy in America who has this vibe is Donald Trump  and this is well before there was any serious talk of him having a political career, if I can pat myself on the back for that. Trump has this incredible energy  hes the guy who Ali Gs bullshit doesnt work on. Cutting through bullshit is his strength.

What is Vances strength in that matrix?

JD is more analytical. Hes much younger, so he has more IQ points left. As you get older, you feel your IQ points going away, but they get replaced by wisdom.

And he has more of an appetite to pull on the strings of the knot?

JD has a lot of honor  honor goes very, very, very deep, in JD. I dont think he would ever be satisfied with being a grifter. Whats so terrible about the outer-party Republicans is that people get into it, and they dont want to be grifters, and then they find that they are grifters.

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I think even with a professional mercantile class, you can say to them at a certain point, Wouldnt it be easier to just be a dark elf? Think about the elf career track. Theres a cursus honorum  a standard path that you follow. If you want to work in government, you go to Harvard, then you go to D.C. to be an intern; youre opening peoples mail, you climb your way up the staff after 10 years; you dont write legislation exactly, but you influence the direction of the legislation, et cetera. Its a really hard thing. And then here these guys and girls who by virtue of reading Curtis Yarvin in middle school are getting jobs more easily, because the ratio of people to jobs is a lot smaller.

I [recently] had lunch with Mike Anton at a coffee shop across the street from the State Department 

Michael Anton, incoming senior State Department official, for the record.

Yes, incoming senior State Department official. And I was like, Heres this academic position that they can fill, has anyone thought about filling this position? And theyre like, I dont think so. And Im like, What about this guy? And theyre like, Oh, hed be perfect. And then, you know, bam, bam, bam, its done.

They took your staffing recommendations, is what youre saying?

Well, well see  but the path is easier. The path from, Im a maverick dark elf to I have a position with this administration is just suddenly like, Whoa  there is a lot less competition.

Theres a debate over the scope of your influence in Washington, so I wonder how you measure your own influence, and how you think it compares now to four or eight years ago?

It has obviously increased since four years ago, but how I measure my influence is that I try not to. For the first six years when I was blogging, from 2007 to 2014, I barely talked to anyone about this stuff, and then I started to get letters from Washington being like, Wow, it seems like youre talking about the same Washington that I work in, and nobody ever talks about it. All this stuff about the civil service, the deep state, the administrative state  there were academics who knew about it, but it was just not a part of the discourse.

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Saying, Oh, Im talking to the vice president daily, or like, I got this guy this job  that is just not my role as an intellectual. There are other people who are better at that. The way to fulfill your duty as an intellectual is to cast your bread upon the water  and actually, the more personal it gets, the worse it is.

In practice, a lot of your ideas point toward consolidating a significant amount of power in the executive branch. What would indicate to you that the Trump administration is serious about doing that?

Theres no question that Donald Trump is completely serious and sincere about saying, Im going to use all the power I have to make America great again. I think he completely believes that. I dont think he wants to be a grifter in any way, shape or form. I think that the question is the limits of what can be done with that.

But what are the practical measures that youre looking for? Is it reviving impoundment authority or what?

Yeah, so look at Russ Vought at the Office of Management and Budget  another person whose hand I maybe shook once but who I havent talked to. Impoundment is a perfect example of an issue where in the first Trump administration, the Office of Legal Counsel would have said, Oh, you cant do that  theres a law. Well, is the law constitutional? I dont think the law is constitutional. I think the law is clearly a straight-up violation of the Constitution.

The courts are still a question here, and the idea that we control the court  I think anyone on the Supreme Court would resist that description, certainly the swing centrist bloc on the Supreme Court would resist it. Among his mistakes in his first term was that Trump basically appointed three centrists [to the Supreme Court]  so I dont know if Amy Coney Barrett is going say, Hey, lets revisit this birthright citizenship question. But when it comes to the anti-impoundment act, it seems very plausible you could get that through the Supreme Court. And even if you cant, why not ask?

Every time the old Republicans wanted to do something, it was like the nebbish guy asking the hot prom queen out for a date  they were just terrified that they were going to ask and the answer is going to be no and its going be devastating. That attitude does not seem to be present here.

And if the courts say no, then what?

I think if the courts say no, youll see more and more pressure put by the Trump administration on Congress. I think that as the machine gathers strength, victories have to build bigger victories. You win these small things, and then youre just like, Wow, we can actually do something bigger. And before you know it, youre writing bills in the White House and sending them to Congress to be rubber-stamped.

Should they defy the court if thats not on the table?

That is a question that depends very much on circumstances.

Under what circumstances should they do it?

I think it has to feel right. If youre going to defy the court, it has to feel unifying above all. If youre going to say, Hey, you know what? Marbury v. Madison was wrongly decided, the Constitution actually does not specify the precedence of the branches, judicial review was just this invented thing, it has to be the right moment. If youre doing that in a situation where the vibe is like, This is going to be the first shot in the civil war between red America and blue America  if youre doing that as part of a divisive path where you have an opposition  I think its bad.

For example: I think they corrected this a little bit, but you know when at the start of the campaign, the Trump team didnt really know what JD was going to be used for, and they tried to use him a little bit like Sarah Palin 2.0? I was like, Oh my god, this is terrible. The thing that JD can do thats amazing is he can go and talk to The New Yorker and he can sit down with the liberal media and basically be like, No, get these caricatures out of your head. This is not Hitler 2.0. Were not here to send you to Guantanamo. You can actually get behind whats happening here even if you went to Harvard.

Have you articulated this point of view to him?

Um  he knows its what I think.

You said you talked to him once since the election?

I texted him once about a small issue, and then I shook hands with him at a party, because its really important to shake hands with dignitaries.

But he knows that your point of view is that he can serve as a kind of unifier to sell what would otherwise be divisive issues to a broad swath of the American public?

Yes, and specifically to the American ruling class.

Is he on board with that?

I dont know. The thing is, when you talk to powerful people, they should be getting to know you  you should not be getting to know them. Im not a reporter.

Can you imagine a scenario in the next four years where an effort to defy a Supreme Court order would be unifying rather than divisive?

Let me think.

I realize its a hypothetical.

Its hard to picture. I think it would have to come about in a situation in which Trump had done so much through the ordinary course of ripping handfuls out of the Gordian knot that things had visibly changed for people. Fix New York City. Fix San Francisco.

What the elves have to realize is that their paranoid Handmaids Tale fantasy in which hobbits from Ohio establish a new Hobbit fundamentalist regime and their daughters are enslaved or something is not going to happen.

Is there a scenario in the next four years where the Republican political elite is able to achieve the type of regime change youre discussing?

I think its very unlikely. I would say that you would have to draw a straight flush on that, or maybe a royal straight flush. But royal straight flushes have been heard of, right? Cards are very random things.


At least three flights, from the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport to Washington D.C. have been canceled Thursday after a mid-air crash near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Air traffic was halted at the D.C. airport late Wednesday. The three flights from Cincinnati that have been canceled are:

American Airlines flight AA5445 scheduled for 7:22 a.m.

Delta Air Lines flight 9E5229 scheduled for 7:42 a.m.

American Airlines flight AA5457 scheduled for 12:15 p.m.

Live updates: Officials say 'no survivors' after plane crash near Washington, DC

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At this time, Delta Air Lines flight 9E5221 scheduled to leave Cincinnati for Reagan at 2:29 p.m. remains listed as on-time.

An afternoon flight from Cincinnati to nearby Dulles International Airport is also still on-time.

The crash occurred just before 9 p.m. Wednesday when American Airlines Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, attempted to land and collided in midair with the Blackhawk helicopter, which was carrying three people.

Early Friday, Officials have not said whether there were any survivors, and scores were feared dead.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Plane crash: CVG flights to Ronald Reagan Washington Airport canceled
The Trump Administration is facing its first major test after a passenger jet and Army helicopter collided mid-air in the Washington, D.C. area on Wednesday night, in what officials are calling the most fatal aviation disaster on U.S. soil in more than two decades.

The collision quickly raised concerns about the state of air traffic control and oversight and sparked questions about recent leadership changes within the federal agencies charged with regulating air travel.

Just days before the crash, President Donald Trump enacted a sweeping shake-up of the federal agencies responsible for aviation oversight, removing the administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), David Pekoske, and eliminating all the members of a key aviation security advisory group. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which regulates airlines and aircraft manufacturers and manages the nations airspace, was also without permanent leadership at the time of the crash, as its top official, Michael Whitaker, stepped down ahead of the new administrations transition after clashing with Trump ally Elon Musk. Whitaker became the agencys administrator in October 2023.

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Read More: The Contentious History Between Elon Musk and Former FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker

The changes have not been directly linked to the crash. In recent years, there has been increased scrutiny of U.S. air traffic control systems, which many experts argue are overdue for modernization. The FAA, which is responsible for overseeing air traffic control operations, has long struggled with funding and staffing shortages, complicating efforts to upgrade equipment and improve safety procedures.

President Trump now oversees the military and the FAA, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg wrote on X. One of his first acts was to fire and suspend some of the key personnel who helped keep our skies safe. Time for the President to show actual leadership and explain what he will do to prevent this from happening again.

In the 10 days since Trumps inauguration, his administration froze the hiring of additional air traffic controllers, gutted key air safety protections, and fired FAA leadership to the benefit of Musks business interests, the progressive policy advocacy group MoveOn wrote in a statement. As we work to learn the lessons of this tragedy, we need Trump, his allies, and his administration to end their assault on the public services that are essential to keeping us safe.

Time map; Getty Images

The Associated Press reported on Jan. 21, the day after Trumps inauguration, that members of the Aviation Security Advisory Committee were told that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would eliminate the membership of all advisory committees as part of a commitment to eliminating the misuse of resources and ensuring that DHS activities prioritize our national security. The committee was formed by Congress after the 1988 PanAm 103 bombing to advise the DHS on aviation safety. Many of the groups recommendations were adopted. While the committee technically remains in existence, it has no members to carry out its work of reviewing safety concerns and offering recommendations to improve airport and airline security.

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I hope somebody asks President Trump why he scrapped, why he decided on January 22 to scrap the aviation safety board, an advisory board at the Department of Homeland Security," Sen. Tim Kaine, a Democrat from Virginia, said on CNN on Jan. 30. "The order scrapping that advisory board said that it was not consistent with the agencys mission toward national security. What an odd thing to say, that air safety is not connected to national security.

As the investigation into Wednesdays midair collision continues, Trump said he would review and overhaul aviation safety protocols. He also announced that the former chief operating officer of the National Business Aviation Association, Chris Rocheleau, will serve as the Federal Aviation Administrations acting commissioner in the wake of the passenger plane collision.

In the immediate aftermath of the crash, Trump blamed diversity initiatives for weakening air traffic control standards, without offering any evidence. He said in the White House press briefing room on Jan. 30 that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives could have contributed to the crash, adding that he was relying on common sense to make that assertion. For some jobs, we need the highest level of genius, Trump said. He also implied that the FAAs policies under former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden had contributed to the crash, though the investigation had just begun.

Read More: Everything Trump Has Said About the Fatal Passenger Jet and Army Helicopter Crash

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Officials have said that the Army helicopter, which was conducting a routine training flight, collided with the commercial airliner on its approach to Washingtons Reagan National Airport. Investigators are examining air traffic control communications, radar data, and witness statements to determine what went wrong.

Write to Nik Popli at nik.popli@time.com.
MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX)  School District 51 was one of seven schools awarded a grant to test and develop cell phone policies that limit learning distractions, according to Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser.

The initiative was announced by Weiser Wednesday at the Colorado State Capitol. The funds follow a statewide survey Weiser launched last fall to gauge schools policies and challenges regarding smartphones.

D51 Superintendent Brian Hill voice his enthusiasm for the initiative. The school district implemented a new cell phone policy this school year.

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School District 51 is dedicated to creating educational spaces that foster attention and maximize learning by addressing the challenges of unchecked smartphone use in schools. Our More Social, Less Media initiative has seen great success this year, and we are deeply grateful for the grant funding from the Attorney Generals Office, Hill said in a press release.

This support empowers us to expand meaningful practices that prioritize student success and well-being. We thank the attorney general for demonstrating true leadership by providing this critical funding to schools.

The statewide survey found that around 75% of responding school districts have cell phone policies but some of them go as far back as 2002  when smartphones werent around. Ultimately, the results found that policies could be improved, the press release said.

I continue to hear from school leaders, teachers, parents, and students about the impact of smartphones on student learning and mental health, Weiser said in the release. These grants will help schools implement creative solutions to reduce distractions, foster better learning environments and support student well-being. By working together, we can ensure that schools have the tools they need to protect students.

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The other grant recipients were:

Aurora Public Schools

Denver Justice High School

Eastlake High School

Englewood Schools

Pueblo County School District 70

Trinidad School District 1

The results from the cell phone usage in schools survey can be found here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  A Greensburg man was found guilty of second-degree murder by a jury in connection to a womans death in 2018.

District Attorney Scott M. Perrilloux said Jermica Irving, 28, was shot and killed in Jonathan Franklins home while her children were in the house. The children described the shooting during testimony at the trial.

Irving was found sitting on the living room couch with a gunshot wound to her head, according to Perrilloux.

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Sentencing for Franklin is set for March 28. The district attorney said he is expected to be ordered to serve a mandatory life sentence without parole.

Louisiana TikTok star Mr. Prada pleads not guilty in court

Latest News

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
The father of the man piloting an American Airlines jet that collided with an Army helicopter mid-air in Washington, D.C. has spoken out.

Sam Lilley, 28, was one of two people piloting the flight from Wichita, Kansas, his father Timothy Lilley told Fox 5 Atlanta. All 67 people on board both aircraft are feared to be dead, officials say.

The collision happened Wednesday night as the American Airlines flight descended toward Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The aircraft collided over the Potomac River, where officials are now conducting recovery efforts.

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"This is undoubtedly the worst day of my life," Lilley told Fox 5.

Emergency crews conduct recovery efforts in the Potomac River on Thursday. One of the pilots on board the American Airlines flight has been identified as 28-year-old Sam Lilley (AFP via Getty Images)

Timothy Lilley told the outlet that his son was engaged to be married, and that the family has ties to Savannah, in the Georgia area

Lilley was in New York when he realized his son was in the cockpit at the time of the accident, he told Fox 5. He said his worst fears were confirmed when his Sam never checked in after the flight, as he always does.

Lilley said he spent Wednesday evening at the airport, filling out forms as he waited for answers about his son. He now wants clarity on the events that led to the deadly collision.

Lilley himself served as an Army helicopter pilot for 20 years, telling Fox 5 that he has flown a similar route over the Potomac River.

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"I was a helicopter pilot in the Army for 20 years, he said. In the '90s, I used to fly in and out of the Pentagon regularly, and I can tell you if you are flying on the route over the Potomac and wearing night vision goggles, it's going to be very hard to see that plane. If you're not wearing the goggles, then you might have a chance.

"From what I can see, those guys turned right into the jet, he added. I think the PSA jet was doing everything right.

The Army pilot made a grave error. It hurts me because those are my brothers, and now my son is dead."

Ian Epstein has been identified by his wife as a flight attendant aboard the American Airlines flight, Queen City News reports.

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Epsteins wife, Debi, told Queen City News her husband died doing what he loved.

Ryan OHara was identified as the crew chief on the Black Hawk helicopter, 11Alive reports. OHara was also honored by his former high school, Parkview High in Gwinnett County, Georgia.

"It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of one of our own. Class of 2014, former cadet Ryan OHara was the Crew Chief on the Black Hawk involved in last nights crash in DC.," the schools Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program said in a statement, according to 11Alive

The military helicopter, flown by fairly experienced crew members, was conducting a required annual night evaluation," Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said.

Emergency crews have recovered at least 28 bodies as of Thursday afternoon. All flights in and out of Reagan National Airport also resumed at 11 a.m. Thursday.
The Daily Mail is to cut dozens of jobs as it merges with its digital counterpart MailOnline in a squeeze on costs as print sales decline.

In an update to staff on Thursday, Ted Verity, the editor-in-chief, and Danny Groom, the MailOnline boss, said the publisher will fully combine its print and digital teams  with reporters and editors producing stories for the website and newspapers.

The two publications have previously had very different tones, with celebrity-obsessed MailOnline best known for its sidebar of shame, in which soap stars are pictured and described flaunting their bodies in various states of dress.

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The Daily Mail has meanwhile stuck to a more conservative mix led by populist Right-wing politics. It overtook The Sun as Britains best-selling newspaper in 2020, but is nevertheless suffering sharp declines in circulation, in common with all major newspapers.

Its estimated average sale over the week including Sunday is around 640,000, down more than 50,000 in the last year.

As part of the cuts, The Mail on Sunday, which has already begun shifting to a seven-day operation, will also be further integrated.

Up to 100 job cuts

Bosses said cuts would also fall in other areas in a drive to cut out unnecessary duplication and improve efficiency.

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They wrote: The aim is to target resources where theyre needed most  producing the superb-quality journalism and world-leading long-form features the Mail is famous for.

The Daily Mail did not give an exact figure for the job losses, but they are expected to be in the dozens. The company will begin a 30-day consultation period for affected staff, signalling at least 20 and up to 100.

In addition to redundancies, some staff may see changes in their working patterns, job titles, line manager or duties.

It marks the latest round of job cuts at the Daily Mail, with staff long fearing further redundancies as the publisher scrambles to adapt to the digital age.

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The company began merging its daily and Sunday newspapers, along with its showbiz-focused online site MailOnline, three years ago.

The measures have already led to dozens of job cuts, with surviving staff complaining of ballooning workloads. The newspaper also wielded the axe on its US team in September.

The Daily Mail has been slow to adapt its newsroom for the online era. Its siloed teams for print, digital and Sunday output meant multiple journalists were often working on different versions of the same story.

The publisher, which is owned by Lord Rothermere, has ramped up its modernisation efforts in recent years. It has begun charging readers for access to a small number of premium articles in an effort to reduce its reliance on advertising revenues.

The Daily Mails publisher, which is owned by Lord Rothermere, has ramped up modernisation efforts - Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images Europe

In the update, Mr Verity and Mr Groom said subscriptions to this premium tier, dubbed Mail+, are about to hit 130,000  with a US launch slated in the coming weeks.

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Insiders say bosses are now entirely focused on the new venture as they look to drive subscriptions.

The cuts will further dent morale among journalists after the Daily Mail admitted it will remain in its temporary offices in Kensington for another decade.

Staff have accused the company of seeking to cut costs, though insiders have denied this.

A DMG Media spokesman said: Like every news organisation in the world, we have been continually re-shaping our business to meet the challenges  and seize the opportunities  of the new digital world.

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.
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JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) -Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma, appeared in court on Thursday after being charged with inciting violence during riots in 2021 in which more than 300 people were killed.

A lawyer for Zuma-Sambudla said she would plead not guilty.

Prosecutors allege that Zuma-Sambudla incited others to commit acts of violence in posts on social media in July 2021, when unrest broke out after her father was arrested for disobeying a court order to testify at a corruption inquiry.

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What began as anger over Zuma's jailing turned into rage over poverty and inequality, leading to the looting of thousands of shops, extensive damage to public infrastructure and the deaths of about 350 people.

The financial damage from the riots was estimated at 50 billion rand ($2.70 billion).

Jacob Zuma accompanied Zuma-Sambudla to the court in Durban. She was released on a warning until another court appearance scheduled for March.

After his contempt of court sentence ended in 2022, Zuma backed a new political party uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), which was a major disruptor in last year's national election.

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MK won 58 parliamentary seats, contributing to a sharp drop in support for the African National Congress (ANC) which Zuma used to lead. The ANC was forced into a broad coalition with a host of other smaller parties.

Zuma-Sambudla is one of MK's lawmakers in the lower house of parliament.

($1 = 18.4982 rand)

(Reporting by Sfundo Parakozov;Editing by Alexander Winning and Bernadette Baum)
LOS ANGELES (AP)  Dave Matthews will no longer perform at FireAid, a star-studded benefit concert organized for Los Angeles-area wildfire relief, or the MusiCares Person of the Year benefit gala this week.

According to a post shared to the official Dave Matthews Band Instagram account, due to a critical illness in the family, Matthews is no longer able to perform at either event.

A representative for the band told The Associated Press there will be no further comment.

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At FireAid, Matthews was scheduled to perform at the Kia Forum alongside John Mayer for the first time.

All proceeds from FireAid will benefit those affected by the fires. A 501(c)(3) was set up, and contributions to FireAid will be distributed under the Annenberg Foundation, which with FireAid has assembled a small committee to advise.

On Friday, Matthews was slated to perform at MusiCares' 2025 Persons of the Year benefit gala honoring the Grateful Dead.

MusiCares is an organization that helps music professionals who need financial, personal or medical assistance.

Earlier in the month, the Recording Academy  the people behind the Grammys  and its affiliated MusiCares launched the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort with a $1 million dollar donation. According to a letter sent to members on Jan. 13, thanks to additional contributions, theyve already distributed $2 million in emergency aid. Currently, theyve raised and pledged more than $4 million in emergency aid to those in the music industry affected by the wildfires.
Jan. 30 (UPI) -- On this date in history:

In 1649, British King Charles I was beheaded by order of Parliament.

In 1798, the first fight to break out on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives began when one congressman spat in another's face.

In 1835, a gunman fired twice on Andrew Jackson, the first attempt on the life of a U.S. president. Jackson wasn't injured.

In 1933, Adolf Hitler was sworn in as chancellor of Germany.

A tribute to Mahatma Gandhi is seen in front of the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C., on February 20, 2011. On January 30, 1948, Indian leader Gandhi was assassinated by a Hindu extremist. File Photo by Roger L. Wollenberg/UPI

In 1943, the British air force bombed Berlin in a daylight raid timed to coincide with a speech by Herman Goering marking Adolf Hitler's 10th year in power.

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In 1948, Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by a Hindu extremist.

A mural depicts depicts the massacre known as Bloody Sunday in Derry, Northern Ireland, on January 30, 1972. File Photo by Neil Hall/EPA-EFE

In 1968, Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army forces launched a massive attack, known as the Tet Offensive, against South Vietnam, the United States, and their allies.

UPI File Photo

On January 30, 2000, Kenya Airways Flight 431 crashed into the sea off the coast of Cote d'Ivoire, killing 169 people. Ten people survived. File Photo by Torsten Maiwald/Wikimedia

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In 1969, the Beatles staged an impromptu concert on the roof of Apple Records in London. The event, which became part of the documentary film Let It Be, was the last public appearance by the band.

In 1972, in what became known as "Bloody Sunday," 13 Roman Catholics were killed by British troops during a banned civil rights march in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. A 14th person died from injuries several months later.

The Beatles wave to the thousands of screaming teenagers after their arrival at Kennedy Airport in New York City on February 7, 1964. On January 30, 1969, the Beatles staged an impromptu concert on the roof of Apple Records in London in the last public appearance by the band. File Photo by UPI

In 1979, the Iranian government announced it would let Shiite Muslim leader Ayatollah Khomeini return from exile. Washington responded by ordering the evacuation of all U.S. dependents from Iran.

UPI File Photo

On January 30, 1943, the British air force, using de Havilland DH-98 Mosquito planes, bombed Berlin timed to coincide with a speech by Herman Goering marking Adolf Hitler's 10th year in power. File Photo courtesy Wikimedia

In 1993, parents donated portions of their own lungs to their daughter with cystic fibrosis in a pioneering transplant surgery in Los Angeles.

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In 2000, Kenya Airways Flight 431 crashed into the sea off the coast of Cote d'Ivoire, killing 169 people. Ten people survived.

A young child is seen in a refugee camp in Grand Goave, Haiti, on January 22, 2010. On January 30, 2011, international aid groups said red tape and corruption in Haiti were withholding a massive array of supplies a year after a catastrophic earthquake struck the country. File photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI

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In 2003, a U.S. judge sentenced Richard Reid to life in prison for trying to set off plastic explosives in his shoes on a trans-Atlantic flight in 2001.

In 2011, international aid groups said red tape and corruption in Haiti were withholding a massive array of supplies a year after a catastrophic earthquake struck the country.

In 2020, World Health Organization officials declared the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak -- later to be dubbed COVID-19 -- a public health emergency of international concern.

In 2024, former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was sentenced to 10 years in prison after being found guilty of willfully leaking sensitive classified information. He was already serving a three-year sentence on corruption charges.
Hundreds of community leaders met Thursday to discuss the need for child care at the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerces Child Care Summit.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

According to Child Aware, more than 3.5 million children need child care, but dont have any where to go.

News Center 7s Xavier Hershovitz spoke with business leaders as they discussed solutions.

TRENDING STORIES:

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Childcare has always been a top priority for us, President and CEO of Groundwork Ohio Lynanne Gutierrez said.

Groundwork Ohio is working with the local business community to address childcare needs.

I think the pandemic really accelerated the recognition of that among the business community, Gutierrez said.

The goal of the summit was to bring together lawmakers, business leaders and non-profits.

Workforce attraction and retention is the number one issue for businesses, and when you peel hack the layers of the onion to figure out what are those workforce challenges, childcare rises to the top, President and CEO of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce Chris Kershner said.

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Kershner says childcare is an issue that businesses have to help address.

Having access to childcare, affordable childcare, quality childcare, is impacting workers productivity and ability to be at the office and to deliver for our employers, Kershner said. So if we can solve that problem, its going to help address our workforce issue that we have.

Childcare has been a long and growing issue, and has been a focus for Gov. Mike DeWine, who addressed the summit.

I think were making some progress in regard to childcare, Gov. DeWine said. Weve been able, with the help of the legislature, to raise the amount of money that were putting into childcare in the state of Ohio and subsidizing working families who could not really afford childcare. Do we need to do more yet? We always need to do more in this area.

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Around 300 people showed up to the summit, each hoping to go their part to address the issue.

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(NewsNation)  A Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines plane collided within minutes of the chopper being instructed by air traffic control to pass behind the aircraft.

Flights are once again taking off and landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport as things get back to normal amid an anything-but-normal situation.

Officials said 27 bodies were recovered from the jet, which was carrying 64 people, and one was pulled from the helicopter, which had three soldiers onboard. Crews fear there are no survivors, which would make it the deadliest U.S. air crash in nearly 24 years.

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The regional passenger jet was carrying 64 people en route from Kansas before crashing into a helicopter carrying three soldiers, sending both aircraft into the icy Potomac River near Washington, D.C.

American Airlines plane takes off

Jan. 29, 6:39 p.m.: American Airlines Flight 5342 departed Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport in Wichita, Kansas.

It is currently unknown when the helicopter took off as part of a training flight. According to the U.S. Army, the chopper was from Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

What we know about the DC plane crash victims

Air traffic control communication

Jan. 29, 8:47 p.m.: Air traffic controllers tell the Army helicopter to pass behind the American Airlines plane.

Moment of the crash

Jan. 29, 8:48 p.m.: Flight 5342 collides with the helicopter over the Potomac River.

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As the crash occurred, there was audio of the emergency recording with air traffic control where the operator reported the collision.

As of Thursday morning, at least 28 bodies had been recovered from the Potomac River. Crews fear there are no survivors, which would make it the deadliest U.S. air crash in nearly 24 years.

Black Hawk knew plane was in area before crash: Transportation chief

A Blackhawk helicopter flies low over the trees above a landing zone during an event. (Norbert Voskens/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Search for victims

Jan. 30, 7 a.m.: D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly said during a news conference Thursday that hes confident all of the bodies from the crash will ultimately be recovered.

Victims included Loudon County students, U.S. and Russian figure skaters and D.C.-area steamfitters, among others.

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People who believe they have family members on the flights and are looking for further information are asked to call 800-697-8215.

Reagan Airport shuts down, opens again Thursday

Jan. 30, 11 a.m.: The midair crash shut down Reagan Airport until Thursday, with the first flight departing at 11:01 a.m. local time en route to Nashville.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 American Airlines regional jet went down in the Potomac River near Washington, D.C.'s Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport after colliding with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter on Wednesday night, with no survivors.

Sixty-four people were on board the plane, which departed from Wichita, Kansas. Three soldiers were on the helicopter.

The collision happened around 9 p.m. when the PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet was on approach to the airport.

PHOTO: Map of the area around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and the layout of Runway 33, which the regional American Airlines jet was approaching at the time of the collision with the Army Black Hawk helicopter, according to officials. (ABC News, Google Earth, Flightradar24, ADS-B Exchange)





Latest Developments





Jan 31, 3:02 PM

41 sets of remains have been recovered

Forty-one sets of remains have been recovered and 28 of those victims have been positively identified, Washington, D.C., Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly Sr. said at a news conference Friday.



Next of kin notifications had been made to 18 families as of 6 a.m. Friday, he said.

PHOTO: Search efforts are seen around a wreckage site of a deadly midair collision between an American Airlines jet and an Army helicopter, in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Jan. 31, 2025, in Arlington, Va. (Alex Brandon/AP)

All 67 people on board the plane and the helicopter were killed in the Wednesday night crash.

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Donnelly said crews expect to recover all of the bodies.

It appears crews will need to remove the plane fuselage from the river to recover the remaining victims, he said..

Salvage work on removing aircraft from the water will start as early as Saturday, he said..

Fire and EMS has received 911 calls from people who spotted debris in the water; body parts have not been recovered from those 911 calls, he added..

PHOTO: This image provided by Dean Naujoks shows debris recovered from the Potomac River south of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Alexandria, Va., Jan. 30, 2025. (Dean Naujoks/AP)

-ABC News' Jeff Cook





Jan 31, 2:19 PM

Reagan fully staffed with air traffic controllers

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has 25 Certified Professional Controllers as well as three Certified Professional Controllers in Training who have been fully certified at other facilities. The tower is authorized to have 28 controllers.





Jan 31, 1:58 PM

Trump intent on increasing staffing at air safety agencies

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump is "intent on ensuring that we are increasing staffing" at air safety agencies, despite the administration trying to cut the federal workforce and offering buyouts to workers.



"That's why he signed a very strong executive order on his second day in office, immediately terminating DEI hiring practices at the FAA," Leavitt said. "He also, following the tragic crash, as you all know, in the Oval Office yesterday signed a memorandum, directing an immediate assessment of the FAA to ensure the federal government is maintaining the highest personnel and aviation safety standards."





Jan 31, 1:51 PM

White House: Investigation is ongoing into whether controller was DEI hire

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the investigation is ongoing into whether the controller was diversity, equity and inclusion hire.



This comes after President Donald Trump on Thursday claimed without evidence that DEI initiatives could be a factor in the crash.

PHOTO: A view of the air traffic control tower at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, Jan. 31, 2025. (Eduardo Munoz/Reuters)

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DEI or any similar program does not apply to hiring for air traffic control, which requires rigorous health examinations and a multiyear training process. Applicants must pass a medical exam, an aptitude test and a psychological test that is more stringent than that required of a pilot, said Chris Wilbanks, FAA deputy vice president of safety and technical training.



Trump on Thursday pointed to a New York Post article as he accused Democrats of pushing to hire people with severe mental disabilities at the FAA. But the diversity language referenced in the article was on the FAA website during the entirety of Trumps first term and has been on the site for more than a decade, according to Snopes.



The cause of the crash has not been determined.



Leavitt said Trump believes commercial flying "is still indeed safe, and Americans should feel safe."



"With that said, two things can be true at the same time, and we certainly have seen the deterioration of federal hiring standards at the Federal Aviation Administration," Leavitt said at a press briefing Friday. "And the president wants to increase those standards. He wants pilots in this country who have the great responsibility of flying American citizens by the tens of millions every single day, to be chosen for that position based on their merit and their skills. And so, the administration will continue to prioritize this."





Jan 31, 12:26 PM

Helicopter restrictions in place at Reagan

The Federal Aviation Administration is not giving permission for low-altitude helicopter routes around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, the FAA told ABC News.



Its unclear how long this will last.



Helicopters can still fly into and out of the airport, but are restricted from flying specific river routes.

PHOTO: Roberto Marquez from Dallas, Texas, sets up a makeshift memorial for the victims of the deadly mid air collision near Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, Jan. 31, 2025. (Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images)

-ABC News Sam Sweeney





Jan 31, 11:15 AM

Flight number 5342 will never be used again

American Airlines will retire the flight number 5342, the company said, which is standard action following major aviation incidents.

PHOTO: Rachel Sambrano holds her daughter Ariah Sambrano at a prayer vigil for victims of the plane crash of the American Eagle flight 5342, at Wichita City Hall, in Wichita, Kansas, Jan. 30, 2025. (Nick Oxford/Reuters)





Jan 31, 10:27 AM

Recovery operation expected to last at least through the weekend

Recovery crews are now awaiting heavy machinery, including cranes, from the Army Corps of Engineers, Coast Guard and private contractors before they can extract additional victims, sources familiar with the operation told ABC News.

PHOTO: Recovery teams search the wreckage of a commercial airplane that collided with a military helicopter on approach to Ronald Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Va., Jan. 31 2025. (Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

The hope is the equipment will be in position to begin raising pieces of the fuselage as soon as today, but the operation is expected to last at least through the weekend, sources said.

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The bodies of plane victims are lodged beneath and inside the fuselage and cannot be accessed by divers, the sources said.

PHOTO: Search and rescue efforts are seen around a wreckage site in the Potomac River from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Jan. 30, 2025, in Arlington, Va. (Carolyn Kaster/AP)

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The body of one soldier has been recovered; the other two Black Hawk victims remain inside the helicopter, sources said.



Debris is being collected at a spot near the airport. Military debris is being sent to Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.



-ABC News Aaron Katersky





Jan 31, 9:40 AM

Trump says Black Hawk was 'too high' as NTSB says no conclusions

President Donald Trump is continuing to place apparent blame on the helicopter even though the National Transportation Safety Board says the cause of the crash remains under investigation.



Trump wrote on Truth Social that the Black Hawk "was flying too high, by a lot. It was far above the 200 foot limit."



"Thats not really too complicated to understand, is it???" he wrote.

PHOTO: President Donald Trump talks to reporters from the Resolute Desk after signing an executive order to appoint the deputy administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration in the Oval Office at the White House on Jan. 30, 2025 in Washington. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The helicopter appeared to be flying at about 350 feet, above the mandated 200 feet, according to sources familiar with the operation.



On Thursday, Trump said the helicopter could have moved out of the way.



"I have helicopters. You can stop a helicopter very quickly. It had the ability to go up or down. It had the ability to turn. And the turn it made was not the correct turn, obviously, and it did somewhat the opposite of what it was told," Trump said at a press briefing. "We don't know that that would have been the difference because the timing was so tight. It was so, it was so little. There was so little time to think."



"Again, you could have slowed down the helicopter substantially," Trump continued. "You could have stopped the helicopter. You could have gone up, you could have gone down. You could have gone straight up, straight down, you could have turned. You could have done a million different maneuvers. For some reason, it just kept going, and then made a slight turn at the very end, and it was, by that time, it was too late."





Jan 31, 7:37 AM

NTSB says preliminary investigation to take 30 days, final report will take a 'year or more'

The NTSB has said their preliminary report into what caused the midair crash between a passenger plane and Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River on Wednesday night will take approximately 30 days and that it will take "a year or more" to get a final probable cause.



Todd Inman, a member of the National Transportation Safety Board, appeared on "Good Morning America" on Friday, saying that the NTSB "will be on scene here doing all the recovery of the perishable evidence we need for as long as it takes."



"The preliminary report, we believe, will be out in 30 days but in case of these major investigations, it will take a year, if not more, for us to come to a final probable cause," Inman continued. "The most important thing is, the work doesn't just end then. We make recommendations so that we don't have tragedies like this again in the future."



Inman said that the voice recorder and the data recorder have been recovered from the plane and the NTSB has started the process of extracting data.



"The data recorder itself has thousands of data points and they all have to be synchronized against a lot of other things that happened in the plane," Inman said. "The voice recorders have to be what is called 'auditioned' among a number of people so that there's complete agreement of how the transcript will come out. We also look for ancillary noises. Maybe a boom or thud or crack or something in the cockpit. Those things are going on concurrently, along with the fact we have several hundred people in the field looking at every other aspect of this investigation."



Inman also said that it is way too early to make any conclusions about what exactly caused the crash.



"The only conclusion I know is last night we met with several hundred family members who lost their loved ones in the Potomac," he said. "We don't need that to happen anymore. We're going to work. We're going to continue. We're going find out what happened and we're going try to stop it from happening again."





Jan 30, 9:32 PM

Coast Guard shares photos from Potomac River recovery operation

The U.S. Coast Guard shared photos of the multi-agency recovery operation in the Potomac River following Wednesday's deadly collision.



The agency said boat crews from Washington, Curtis Bay, Annapolis, Oxford, Crisfield and the Coast Guard Cutter Sailfish were responding on Thursday.

PHOTO: The U.S. Coast Guard and multiple partner agencies respond to the plane crash in the Potomac River, on Jan. 30, 2025. (U.S. Coast Guard)

PHOTO: The U.S. Coast Guard and multiple partner agencies respond to the plane crash in the Potomac River, on Jan. 30, 2025. (U.S. Coast Guard)

PHOTO: The U.S. Coast Guard and multiple partner agencies respond to the plane crash in the Potomac River, on Jan. 30, 2025. (U.S. Coast Guard)

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Click here to read the rest of the blog.
Pieces of wreckage from the American Airlines flight that crashed into a helicopter above the Potomac River have been removed from the water.

On Monday, crews from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers used large cranes to remove the wreckage of the jet that was part of the deadliest U.S. air disaster in nearly 25 years.

The removal comes as officials say they have recovered the remains of 55 of the 67 victims from the mid-air disaster. On January 29, the American Airlines flight collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter as the jet made its landing at Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C.

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Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said divers still need to find the bodies of 12 victims and are committed to the dignified recovery of remains. Family of the victims visited the wreckage site over the weekend to pay their respects before the wreckage was removed.

The investigation into the disaster is ongoing and crews have recovered flight tracking and voice recorders from the plane.

Key Points

Officials have recovered, identified 55 victims

Black Hawk helicopter performing 'doomsday' training at time of collision

Families visit plane crash site days after disaster

Third helicopter pilot names as Capt Rebecca M. Lobach

Data from all three aircraft 'black boxes' being extracted

Photos show removal of plane wreckage

20:14 , Alex Lang

New photos released by the Army Corps of Engineers show the wreckage of American Airlines Flight 5342 being pulled out of the Potomac River

A crane retrieves part of the wreckage from the Potomac River, in the aftermath of the collision of American Eagle flight 5342 and a Black Hawk helicopter that crashed into the river (REUTERS)

Authorities said 67 people died in the collision between the two aircraft (REUTERS)

Investigators are still working to determine what led the plane to collide with the helicopter (REUTERS)

DC plane crash data show conflicting altitude readings from American Airlines jet and military helicopter

18:00 , Graig Graziosi

Preliminary flight data from the deadly mid-air collision between an American Airlines jet and a U.S. military Black Hawk helicopter in Washington, DC has shown a significant discrepancy in altitude readings between the aircraft upon collision.

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Data from the flight recorder inside American Eagle flight 5342 suggested it was cruising at about 325ft, with a 25ft margin of error on either side, when the aircraft collided over the Potomac River, adjacent to Reagan National Airport at 8:53 p.m. last Wednesday, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.

However, data gathered from the air traffic control tower read that the military helicopter was flying at an altitude of about 200ft upon colliding with the commercial plane. The approximate 100ft discrepancy has not yet been explained.

READ MORE:

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DC plane crash data show conflicting altitude readings between plane and helicopter

WATCH: Crews begin removing wreckage from Potomac River after deadly DC plane crash

17:24 , Graig Graziosi

First major pieces of wreckage have been pulled from Potomac River crash site

16:31 , Graig Graziosi

Recovery crews have removed the first major pieces of airplane wreckage from the Potomac River after an American Airlines regional jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter crashed in midair last week.

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - FEBRUARY 03: A crane lifts a jet engine out of the Potomac River during recovery efforts after the American Airlines crash on February 03, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. An American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas collided midair with a military Black Hawk helicopter while on approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, 2025 outside of Washington, DC. According to reports, there were no survivors among the 67 people onboard both aircraft. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

Large lifts were brought to the river on Monday for use by the Army Corps of Engineers in the ongoing recovery process.

DC fire officials said over the weekend that the yet-to-be accounted for bodies will likely be recovered as larger pieces of the airplane and helicopter are removed.

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The Army Corps of Engineers said it will first remove the remnants of the regional jet, and then the helicopter.

The loved ones of the victims were taken to the Ptomoac River shoreline near Regan International Airport for a short memorial on Sunday.

Flight attendant killed was on her final flight before switching positions

16:00 , Graig Graziosi

A flight attendant who was planning to switch roles at American Airlines was on her final flight when she was killed in last weeks crash.

Danasia Brown was reportedly going to switch to a new role at the airline that would see her off the planes, according to her cousin, Carolyn Edwards.

Two Chinese nationals were on-board the American Airlines flight

15:45 , Graig Graziosi

According to the Chinese embassy in Washington, DC, two of the individuals killed in the American Airlines - Black Hawk helicopter crash last week were Chinese nationals.

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The embassy has not released the names of the two victims.

Army Corps of Engineers says salvage work should be finished by February 12

15:30 , Graig Graziosi

The Army Corps of Engineers is leading the effort to recover the submerged remains of the regional jet and Army Black Hawk helicopter that crashed over the Potomac River last week.

The corps said in a press statement that its initial focus will be on recovering the regional jet, and then on recovering the Black Hawk.

The salvage and recovery operation is expected to last until February 12. The lifts needed to drag the larger chunks of the airplane from the water are expected to be in use until February 8.

Heavy equipment needed to continue body recovery

15:15 , Graig Graziosi

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DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly told CNN that heavier equipment would be needed to move the larger pieces of the plane submerged in the Potomac River.

Moving the larger chunks of the aircraft will be necessary to find the bodies of the remaining victims.

David Hoagland, president of the Washington, DC, Firefighters Local 36, told CNN that the recovery operation would get complicated as larger pieces of equipment were incorporated.

Things have kind of slowed down this weekend because theyre waiting on a lot more heavier salvage equipment thats going to be showing up sometime in the next 24 to 36 hours, Hoagland told CNN over the weekend. Theyre going to be setting up for a pretty complicated operation where theyre going to be removing plane parts from the water on Monday.

Watch: Footage captures moment of Washington DC plane crash

15:00 , Alex Croft

Civil rights attorney and former Beauty pageant winner among the 67 killed in DC mid-air collision

14:31 , Alex Croft

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A civil rights attorney and former Beauty pageant winner is among those killed in the horror crash between a passenger plane and Army helicopter in Washington, D.C.

Teenage ice skating stars, their parents, and a soon-to-be-married pilot are some of the other souls lost in the January 29 tragedy.

All 64 people aboard the American Airlines jet and three aboard the Army Black Hawk helicopter are believed to have died after the aircraft crashed mid-air in a massive fireball and plunged into the icy Potomac River near Reagan Washington National Airport.

As of Sunday afternoon, 55 bodies had been recovered from the water, as families with loved ones aboard the flight wait to hear the worst.

Read the full report:

Washington DC plane crash: Everything we know about the deadly collision so far

Dancing On Ices Christopher Dean fights back tears in tribute to skaters killed in plane crash

14:01 , Alex Croft

Crews prepare to remove jet from Potomac River today

13:30 , Alex Croft

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Members of the Army Corps of Engineers are preparing to begin removing the American Airlines jet from the Potomac River on Monday, before moving to the Black Hawk helicopter.

The initial focus is removal of the remnants of the regional jet, which is expected to take three days," the Army Corps of Engineers said in a statement.

Vice President defends Trump's statement linking 'DEI' to D.C. plane crash

12:58 , Alex Croft

Vice President J.D. Vance defended President Donald Trumps remarks baselessly linking diversity, equity and inclusion practices in government to the Washington, D.C. aircraft collision.

The president made very clear that he wasnt blaming anybody, but he was being very explicit about the fact that DEI policies have led our air traffic controllers to be short-staffed, Vance told Fox News on Sunday. That is a scandal. Thankfully, its a scandal that the president has stopped.

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When asked why he was now blaming efforts to recruit people with disabilities during a White House press conference, Trump replied: Because I have common sense, okay, and unfortunately, a lot of people don't, he said.

Vance said its important officials investigate everything but doubled down on his claims that DEI policies may have impacted air traffic control.

Lets just say the person at the controls didnt have enough staffing around him or her because we were turning people away because of DEI reasons, Vance said.

There is a very direct connection between the policies of the last administration and short-staffed air traffic controllers, he added.

Rebecca Lobach: Army captain killed in Washington DC crash was 'brilliant and fearless, say friends

12:24 , Alex Croft

A US Army captain killed in Wednesday's midair collision in Washington DC has been remembered as "brilliant and fearless".

Captain Rebecca Lobach was one of three soldiers who died when a Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines jet collided, killing 67 people in total.

The Army identified Lobach on Saturday. The crash also claimed the lives of the jet's 60 passengers and four crew members.

Lobach, from Durham, North Carolina, had served as an Army aviation officer since July 2019. Her family said she earned an Army commendation medal and an achievement medal.

Read more below:

Army captain killed in Washington DC crash was 'brilliant and fearless', say friends

Memorial service held by Delaware skating community

11:52 , Alex Croft

A memorial service was held in a Delaware ice arena in honour of five members of the states ice skating community who died in the D.C. plane crash.

Coach Alexandr Kirsanov, his students Angela Yang and Sean Kay, along with Angelas mother Zheheng "Lily" Li and Seans mother Yulia Kay, all died in the crash.

They were returning from the U.S. Figure Skating National Development Camp in Wichita, Kansas.

Mourners from the skating community filled one side of the 2,500 seat arena to pay their respects in the service organized by High Performance Skating Center coaches Michelle Dumler-McKeever and Joel McKeever, according to Delaware Online.

"I can't even begin to wrap my mind around the fact that I'll no longer share the ice with him," said Dumler-McKeever of Kirsanov.

Sara Papillo, 24, who was taught by Kirsanov since she was nine, said: "Never in a million years could I or any of us have imagined an accident like this. One that claimed the lives of our loved ones and left our small, close skate community in pieces.

Air traffic controller 'left work early' before deadly crash

11:19 , Alex Croft

A supervisor allowed an air traffic controller at Ronald Reagan National Airport to leave early, hours before the passenger plane collided with an Army helicopter in midair, according to reports.

Both aircraft plunged into the icy Potomac River shortly before 9 p.m. Wednesday and all 64 passengers on the American Airlines regional jet, along with three soldiers on the Black Hawk helicopter, are presumed dead.

A single controller was left to handle the air traffic of planes and helicopters flying over the airspace when two people would typically be monitoring both flight paths, sources told NBC.

Full report here:

Air traffic controller left work early before deadly DC plane crash

ICYMI: King Charles pays tribute to victims of Washington DC crash

10:46 , Alex Croft

The Kings message following the air accident in Washington, D.C. pic.twitter.com/UaPvGiIA6b  The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) February 1, 2025

For an eight-year-old figure skater, the DC plane crash means the loss of friends and beloved coach

10:13 , Alex Croft

Sienna Irena Piro needed a figure skating coach to give her a chance.

As a three-year-old, she tried out for several but was told she didnt have elite talent.

That was until she met Inna Volyanskaya, a coach at the Ashburn Ice House in Ashburn, Virginia who competed for the pre-1991 Soviet Union and achieved international acclaim.

Siennas mother, Rachelle Chase Piro, had gotten Volyanskaya to agree to see her daughter through a friend but she was nervous about taking her to the rink. The then-seven-year-old was athletically behind other skaters her age and the coach was already working with several high-profile athletes.

Piro worried her daughter wouldnt make the cut, she told The Independent in a phone call.

Michelle Del Rey reports:

For young figure skater, DC plane crash means loss of friends and beloved coach

Grueling search effort for a dozen bodies continues

09:41 , Alex Croft

Crews in Washington, D.C. are continuing a somber recovery effort for the bodies of those aboard the American Airlines flight.

Twelve bodies remained among the wreckage as of Sunday afternoon, when it was confirmed that 55 had been recovered and identified, including all three of those on the US Army Black Hawk helicopter.

The search effort, which began on Wednesday evening under cover of darkness, has been long and gruelling.

Frigid water temperatures and difficult conditions have persisted as crews from nearly every dive team in the area attempt to recover the remaining bodies.

Things have kind of slowed down this weekend because theyre waiting on a lot more heavier salvage equipment, David Hoagland, president of the Washington, DC, Firefighters Local 36, told CNN on Saturday.

Theyre going to be setting up for a pretty complicated operation where theyre going to be removing plane parts from the water on Monday.

A Coast Guard vessel with a crane works near the wreckage of a Black Hawk helicopter in the Potomac River (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Hydraulic rescue tools which can cut through metal have been used to recover as many victims as possible, Hoagland added.

Fire chief John Donnelly said authorities think they know where the remaining bodies are, but we wont know until were done.

I believe that when we remove the aircraft, that will help us resolve this number, he added. If it doesnt, we will continue the search.

A news release from the Army Corps of Engineers anticipated they would finish removing wreckage from the plane and helicopter by February 12.

In pics: Memorial honours victim of DC plane crash

09:21 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

(REUTERS)

(REUTERS)

Who was flying the American Airlines plane and Black Hawk helicopter before Washington DC crash?

09:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Heres everything we know about the pilots on board both the Black Hawk helicopter and the American Airlines jet when the two aircraft collided Wednesday:

Who was flying the American Airlines plane and Black Hawk helicopter before DC crash

Families visit crash site days after the deadliest US air disaster in a generation

08:42 , Alex Croft

Families of victims of the deadliest U.S. air disaster in a nearly in 25 years visited the crash site Sunday just outside Washington, D.C.

Dozens of people walked along the banks of the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport, close to where an American Airlines jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided Wednesday, killing all 67 aboard.

They arrived in buses with a police escort, memorializing loved ones as federal investigators work to piece together the events that led to the crash and recovery crews were set to pull more wreckage from the chilly water.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Sunday said he wanted to leave federal aviation investigators space to conduct their inquiry.

But he posed a range of questions about the crash while appearing on morning TV news programs.

Read the full report:

Families visit crash site days after the deadliest US air disaster in a generation

White House gives muddled answer about flight safety on commercial airlines

08:22 , James Liddell

PETER DOOCY: Given DEI hires, it's not safe to fly commercially, is it?



LEAVITT: The president believes it is still indeed safe. With that said ... pic.twitter.com/DhGPS7spzg  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 31, 2025

Transport secretary says air staffing was 'not normal' during crash

08:01 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The air traffic control staffing was "not normal" at the time of a mid-air collision between a US military Black Hawk helicopter and a passenger plane in Washington, the transport secretary said.

"I'll take the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) at their word that it wasn't normal," Sean Duffy told Fox News.

Just one air traffic control worker was managing helicopters and some planes from the airport, which is generally done by two people, CBS News reported citing two sources.

Mr Duffy said "that was part of the review process that we have to do".

He added that there was a "consolidation of air traffic controllers an hour before it was supposed to happen during the time of this crash. And so was, what was the appropriateness of that?"

Watch: New footage captures moment of Washington DC plane crash

07:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Images from the river recovery operation

17:29 , Graig Graziosi

A crane retrieves part of the wreckage from the Potomac River, in the aftermath of the collision of American Eagle flight 5342 and a Black Hawk helicopter that crashed into the river, by the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, in Arlington, Virginia, U.S., February 3, 2025. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz (REUTERS)

A crane retrieves part of the wreckage from the Potomac River, in the aftermath of the collision of American Eagle flight 5342 and a Black Hawk helicopter that crashed into the river, with the Capitol dome in the background, as seen from Virginia, U.S., February 3, 2025.REUTERS/Nathan Howard (REUTERS)

A crane retrieves part of the wreckage from the Potomac River, in the aftermath of the collision of American Eagle flight 5342 and a Black Hawk helicopter that crashed into the river, by the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, in Arlington, Virginia, U.S., February 3, 2025. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz (REUTERS)

Data shows helicopter may have been too high

06:01 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board have determined the CRJ700 airplane was at 325 feet, plus or minus 25 feet, at the time of impact, officials said.

A Black Hawk helicopter that collided with an American Airlines passenger jet near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport this week, killing 67 people in all.

The information was based on data recovered from the jet's flight data recorder - the "black box" that tracks the aircraft's movements, speed and other parameters.The new detail suggests the Army helicopter was flying above 200 feet, the maximum altitude for the route it was using.

Preliminary data indicates the control tower's radar showed the helicopter at 200 feet at the time of the accident, though officials said the information has not been confirmed."That's what our job is, to figure that out," NTSB board member Todd Inman told reporters when asked what could explain the discrepancy.

ICYMI: Officials have recovered, identified 55 victims

05:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Crews have recovered and identified 55 of the 67 victims presumed dead in the aircraft collision over Washington D.C., officials said Sunday.

This comes after mourners gathered on the banks of the Potomac River Sunday to honor those killed in the deadly crash.

Rescue crews operate in the Potomac River (AP)

Sound captured moments before crash

04:01 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The American Airlines plane's cockpit voice recorder captured sound moments before the crash, said investigator in charge Brice Banning.

"The crew had a verbal reaction," Mr Banning said, and the flight data recorder showed "the airplane beginning to increase its pitch. Sounds of impact were audible about one second later, followed by the end of the recording".

Families visit plane crash site

03:14 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Families of victims of the deadliest US air disaster in nearly 25 years visited the crash site on Sunday just outside Washington DC

.Dozens of people walked along the banks of the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport, close to where an American Airlines plane and an army Black Hawk helicopter collided on Wednesday, killing all 67 aboard.

They arrived in buses with a police escort, remembering loved ones as federal investigators worked to piece together the events that led to the crash and recovery crews prepared to pull more wreckage from the chilly water.

Transportation secretary Sean Duffy said he wanted to leave federal aviation investigators space to conduct their inquiry. But he posed a range of questions about the crash while appearing on morning TV news programmes.

"What was happening inside the towers? Were they understaffed/ The position of the Black Hawk, the elevation of the Black Hawk, were the pilots of the Black Hawk wearing night vision goggles?" Mr Duffy asked on CNN.

ICYMI: Olympic champion mourns teenage skaters killed in Washington DC crash

03:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Officials to start lifting debris today

03:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The rescue officials will start lifting debris out of the Potomac River today, Col Francis Pera from the US Army Corp of Engineers, told reporters.

He said he anticipates "a successful lift" this morning.

"We do have a process where we will be watching the lift as it happens," Col Pera said. "And then if there are remains in there, that will not move while we're recovering the wreckage. We will bring that wreckage to the surface of the barge. Our process [is] to immediately tent the barge to make sure that we have full discretion."

For an eight-year-old figure skater, the DC plane crash means the loss of friends and beloved coach

01:00 , Michelle Del Rey

Sienna Irena Piro needed a figure skating coach to give her a chance.

As a three-year-old, she tried out for several but was told she didnt have elite talent.

That was until she met Inna Volyanskaya, a coach at the Ashburn Ice House in Ashburn, Virginia who competed for the pre-1991 Soviet Union and achieved international acclaim.

Siennas mother, Rachelle Chase Piro, had gotten Volyanskaya to agree to see her daughter through a friend but she was nervous about taking her to the rink. The then-seven-year-old was athletically behind other skaters her age and the coach was already working with several high-profile athletes.

Piro worried her daughter wouldnt make the cut, she told The Independent in a phone call.

Keep reading:

For young figure skater, DC plane crash means loss of friends and beloved coach

Trump won't visit Washington DC plane crash site because it's 'the water': 'You want me to go swimming?

Sunday 2 February 2025 23:00 , Mike Bedigan

Donald Trump responded sarcastically to questions about whether he would be visiting the site of the deadly crash over the Potomac River in Washington D.C., asking reporters at the White House: You want me to go swimming?

The president said on Thursday he would be meeting with some of the families of victims of the tragedy, which occurred at Ronald Reagan Airport Wednesday night. All 67 people involved in the crash are presumed dead, authorities said previously.

When asked about his plans to visit the crash site, he replied: I have a plan to visit, not the site. Because you tell me, whats the site? The water? You want me to go swimming?

Read more:

Trump won't visit Washington DC plane crash site because it's 'the water'

Families visit site of crash in Washington, D.C.

Sunday 2 February 2025 22:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Mourners for the victims of the deadly aircraft collision above Washington, D.C. visited the crash site Sunday, ABC News reports.

All 67 people who were on board both aircraft are presumed dead.

"They're all just hurt and they want answers, and we want to give them answers," National Transportation Safety Board member J. Todd Inman said. "It's horrible. No one has to suffer this."

Mourners gather near the Potomac River Sunday to honor the 67 people presumed dead in the deadly aircraft collision above Washington, D.C. (Getty Images)

Crews prepare to remove jet from Potomac River on Monday

Sunday 2 February 2025 21:32 , Katie Hawkinson

Members of the Army Corps of Engineers are preparing to begin removing the American Airlines jet from the Potomac River on Monday, before moving to the Black Hawk helicopter.

The initial focus is removal of the remnants of the regional jet, which is expected to take three days," the Army Corps of Engineers said in a statement.

Officials have recovered, identified 55 victims

Sunday 2 February 2025 21:31 , Katie Hawkinson

Crews have recovered and identified 55 of the 67 victims presumed dead in the aircraft collision over Washington D.C., officials said Sunday.

This comes after mourners gathered on the banks of the Potomac River Sunday to honor those killed in the deadly crash.

Mourners gather near the Potomac River Sunday to honor the 67 people presumed dead in the deadly aircraft collision above Washington, D.C. (Getty Images)

Air traffic controller 'left work early' before deadly crash as helicopter's flight height comes into question

Sunday 2 February 2025 21:03 , Rhian Lubin

A supervisor allowed an air traffic controller at Ronald Reagan National Airport to leave early, hours before the passenger plane collided with an Army helicopter in midair, according to reports.

Both aircraft plunged into the icy Potomac River shortly before 9 p.m. Wednesday and all 64 passengers on the American Airlines regional jet, along with three soldiers on the Black Hawk helicopter, are presumed dead.

A single controller was left to handle the air traffic of planes and helicopters flying over the airspace when two people would typically be monitoring both flight paths, sources told NBC.

Read more:

Air traffic controller left work early before deadly DC plane crash

Mapped: How American Airlines plane collided with Black Hawk army helicopter near Washington DC airport

Sunday 2 February 2025 20:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Mapped: How American Airlines plane collided with army helicopter near DC airport

ICYMI: King Charles pays tribute to victims of Washington DC crash

Sunday 2 February 2025 19:00 , Katie Hawkinson

King Charles has said he is profoundly shocked and saddened after an army Black Hawk helicopter collided with a commercial plane in Washington D.C., killing 67 people.

Our hearts, and our special thoughts, are with the people of the United States and our deepest sympathy goes to the families and loved ones of all the victims, Charles said in a statement released by Buckingham Palace on Saturday.

I would also like to pay a particular tribute to the emergency responders who acted so quickly to this horrendous event.

Vice President defends Trump's statement linking 'DEI' to D.C. plane crash

Sunday 2 February 2025 18:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Vice President J.D. Vance defended President Donald Trumps remarks baselessly linking diversity, equity and inclusion practices in government to the Washington, D.C. aircraft collision.

The president made very clear that he wasnt blaming anybody, but he was being very explicit about the fact that DEI policies have led our air traffic controllers to be short-staffed, Vance told Fox News on Sunday. That is a scandal. Thankfully, its a scandal that the president has stopped.

All 67 people on both aircraft are believed to be dead, and the cause of the collision is still under investigation.

When asked why he was now blaming efforts to recruit people with disabilities during a White House press conference, Trump replied: Because I have common sense, okay, and unfortunately, a lot of people don't, he said.

Vance said its important officials investigate everything but doubled down on his claims that DEI policies may have impacted air traffic control.

Lets just say the person at the controls didnt have enough staffing around him or her because we were turning people away because of DEI reasons, Vance said.

There is a very direct connection between the policies of the last administration and short-staffed air traffic controllers, he added.

ICYMI: New footage captures moment of Washington, D.C. plane crash

Sunday 2 February 2025 17:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Third crew member of Black Hawk helicopter served as Army aviator, White House Military Social Aide

Sunday 2 February 2025 16:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Captain Rebecca Lobach, the final person on the Black Hawk helicopter to be identified, served as an aviator and White House Military Social Aide, her family revealed in a statement.

Rebecca was a warrior and would not hesitate to defend her country in battle, the statement reads. But she was as graceful as she was fierce: in addition to her duties as an Army aviator, Rebecca was honored to serve as a White House Military Social Aide, volunteering to support the President and First Lady in hosting countless White House events, including ceremonies awarding the Medal of Honor and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

ICYMI: A passenger jet had to abort a landing at Reagan National Airport just 24 hours before fatal crash due to a helicopter

Sunday 2 February 2025 15:00 , Josh Marcus

A passenger jet had to suddenly abort its landing at Reagan National Airport because of a helicopter in its flight path, just a day before an airliner and a military helicopter catastrophically collided in the same airspace, highlighting the complications of managing helicopter traffic around the busy Washington-area airport.

On Tuesday night, a Republican Airways Flight radioed air traffic controllers at Reagan about an alert they had received about helicopter traffic below us, prompting the tower to tell the twin-jet Embraer ERJ 175 jet to go around, The Washington Post reports.

Read more:

Jet had to abort landing at Reagan Airport 24 hours before crash due to helicopter

Investigators recover DC plane crash black boxes. What are the devices that help investigators unlock the cause of a disaster?

Sunday 2 February 2025 14:31 , Tim Hepher

Investigators are working to retrieve the remnants of the two aircraft involved in a crash in Washington DC that killed 67 people and raised questions about air safety.

The black boxes have been recovered from the American Airlines Bombardier CRJ-700 regional jet, which collided with a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River on Wednesday, killing 67 people.

Heres what to know about black boxes and how theyll help investigators understand what led to the crash:

What does a planes black box track? What to know after the DC crash

Loved ones of DCA victims worried Philadelphia crash will delay answers

Sunday 2 February 2025 14:00 , Mike Bedigan

NTSB member Todd Ilman said that the families of the victims of the DCA crash were concerned that the shocking incident in Philadelphia, in which an air ambulance came down in a residential area, would delay the NTSBs investigation.

Asked about the families on Saturday evening, Ilman said: I spent several hours with them today.

There's more, some new there's some that have been there for three days, some that want to give us hugs. Some that are just mad and angry. They're just all hurt, and they still want answers, and we want to give them answers.

He added: The most devastating thing, I guess, today was, they watched the news last night.

They know their loved ones. They're thinking, is it going to take longer? Am I going to be able to find my loved one? How will this affect it? I mean, it's horrible, and no one ever should suffer this. So, yeah, it is hard on them. They have a lot of questions.

Mapped: How American Airlines plane collided with Black Hawk army helicopter

Sunday 2 February 2025 13:30 , Holly Evans

Mapped: How American Airlines plane collided with army helicopter near DC airport

Third crew member of Black Hawk helicopter identified

Sunday 2 February 2025 13:00 , Mike Bedigan

The Army has released the name of the third crew member of the Black Hawk helicopter.

Captain Rebecca Lobach, 28, was from Durham, North Carolina.

She was a distinguished military graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and commissioned in 2019 as an active-duty aviation officer.

Third helicopter pilot names as Capt Rebecca M. Lobach

Sunday 2 February 2025 12:40 , Holly Evans

The US Army has identified the third pilot of the Black Hawk Helicopter that collided with an American Airlines jet as Captain Rebecca M. Lobach, 28, from North Carolina.

The Army had initially refused to identify Lobach at the request of her family but the decision to release her name came 'at the request of and in coordination with the family,' according to a statement released by the Army.

In a statement, her family said: We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Rebecca. She was a bright star in all our lives. She was kind, generous, brilliant, funny, ambitious and strong. No one dreamed bigger or worked harder to achieve her goals.

Capt. Rebecca M. Lobach was the third pilot killed in the crash (US Army)

NTSB starts Saturday DC conference with remarks on Philadelphia crash

Sunday 2 February 2025 12:00 , Mike Bedigan

NTSB spokesman Todd Ilman kicked off Saturday evenings DCA press conference by acknowledging the shocking crash that happened in Philadelphia on Friday night.

Tonight, we also need to give the condolences to yet another set of individuals due to the Philadelphia crash. Our hearts go out to all of them, he said.

Nobody should suffer this much tragedy no matter what time frame in between it.

Know this, we will find out what happened in both of those accidents. We'll make recommendations, we will attempt to never have to deal with those type of accidents again.

Flight simulator recreates final moments of Washington DC aircraft crash

Sunday 2 February 2025 11:00 , Mike Bedigan

Conflicting information from plane's black boxes

Sunday 2 February 2025 10:06 , Holly Evans

Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board have determined the CRJ700 airplane was at 325 feet (91 meters), plus or minus 25 feet, at the time of impact, officials said at a Saturday evening news briefing.

The information was based on data recovered from the jet's flight data recorder - the "black box" that tracks the aircraft's movements, speed and other parameters.

The new detail suggests the Army helicopter was flying above 200 feet (61 meters), the maximum altitude for the route it was using.

Preliminary data indicates the control tower's radar showed the helicopter at 200 feet at the time of the accident, though officials said the information has not been confirmed.

"That's what our job is, to figure that out," NTSB board member Todd Inman told reporters when asked what could explain the discrepancy.

Investigators hopeful of answers after Army helicopters black box found following deadly DC collision

Sunday 2 February 2025 10:00 , Mike Bedigan

The so-called black box from the Black Hawk helicopter, which collided with a passenger jet in Washington, D.C., has now been recovered, according to the National Transport Safety Board.

Both boxes from the American Airlines aircraft were previously found, and all three devices will now be taken for analysis, NTSB member Todd Inman said Friday, adding that the agency had a high level of confidence that information could be extracted from them.

Read more here:

Investigators hopeful after Army helicopters black box found following DC collision

King Charles pays tribute to victims of Washington DC crash

Sunday 2 February 2025 09:23 , Holly Evans

The King has said he is profoundly shocked and saddened after an army Black Hawk helicopter collided with a commercial plane in Washington DC, killing 67 people.

Our hearts, and our special thoughts, are with the people of the United States and our deepest sympathy goes to the families and loved ones of all the victims, Charles said in a statement released by Buckingham Palace on Saturday.

I would also like to pay a particular tribute to the emergency responders who acted so quickly to this horrendous event.

The Kings message following the air accident in Washington, D.C. pic.twitter.com/UaPvGiIA6b  The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) February 1, 2025

Transport Secretary Sean Duffy gives update

Sunday 2 February 2025 09:00 , Mike Bedigan

My update on the crashes near Reagan National Airport and in Philadelphia: pic.twitter.com/WZgDtcuHJ4  Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) February 1, 2025

In pictures: NTSB workers open aircraft black boxes

Sunday 2 February 2025 08:00 , Mike Bedigan

Aircraft Down

Aircraft Down

Key pilot messaging system suffering outage as issues continue for FAA

Sunday 2 February 2025 07:34 , Holly Evans

A key US pilot messaging system was experiencing a temporary outage, which could lead to flight delays on Sunday, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said late on Saturday.

The Federal Aviation Administration is working to restore the "Notice to Air Mission" or NOTAM system, Duffy said on X.

"There is currently no impact to the National Airspace System because a backup system is in place," Duffy said. "FAA has set up a hotline to communicate with aviation stakeholders and will send notices every 30 minutes with updates on the system's status."

Duffy said the FAA "activated its contingency system to supplement and support preflight briefings and continue flight operations... We are investigating the root cause and we will provide updates."

He said passengers should check with their carriers about the status of flights on Sunday, adding "there may be some residual delays tomorrow morning."

Donald Trump suggests DEI could be behind DEI crash

Sunday 2 February 2025 07:00 , Mike Bedigan

President Donald Trump previously claimed that DEI could have been to blame for the fatal collision.

Trump suggested that the Federal Aviation Administration's diversity efforts have made air travel less safe.

"The FAA is actively recruiting workers who suffer severe intellectual disabilities, psychiatric problems, and other mental and physical conditions under a diversity and inclusion hiring initiative spelled out on the agency's website," Trump said at a briefing on Thursday.

Trump was then asked by a reporter: Are you saying this crash was somehow caused and the result of diversity hiring and what evidence have you seen to support these claims?

The president replied: It just could have been.

Data from all three aircraft 'black boxes' being extracted

Sunday 2 February 2025 06:00 , Mike Bedigan

Three black boxes  one from the Black Hawk helicopter and two from the American Airlines jet  have been recovered from the wreckage in Washington D.C.s Potomac River, and are now being analyzed in labs.

The helicopters box was recovered Friday after investigators previously recovered two black boxes from the jet.

We have a high level of confidence that we will be able to have a full extraction, NTSB member Todd Inman said.

A passenger jet had to abort a landing at Reagan National Airport just 24 hours before fatal crash due to a helicopter

Sunday 2 February 2025 05:01 , Mike Bedigan

A passenger jet had to suddenly abort its landing at Reagan National Airport because of a helicopter in its flight path, just a day before an airliner and a military helicopter catastrophically collided in the same airspace, highlighting the complications of managing helicopter traffic around the busy Washington-area airport.

Josh Marcus has more:

Jet had to abort landing at Reagan Airport 24 hours before crash due to helicopter

Who were the soldiers on board the Black Hawk helicopter?

Sunday 2 February 2025 04:15 , Mike Bedigan

The Army has now identified all three soldiers who were on board the downed Black Hawk helicopter.

The crew chief of the helicopter was identified as Ryan OHara, who leaves behind a wife and 1-year-old son.

Chief Warrant Officer Andrew Eaves, 39, of Great Mills, Maryland, and Captain Rebecca Lobach, 28, of Durham, North Carolina, were also on the aircraft.

Lobach was a distinguished military graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and commissioned in 2019 as an active-duty aviation officer.

Recap: What we know so far about the mid-air collision near D.C.'s Reagan Airport

Sunday 2 February 2025 03:30 , Mike Bedigan

Investigations are continuing, three days after the deadly mid-air collision near to Washington D.C.s Ronald Reagan airport.

A total of 67 people were killed after a passenger jet collided with a Black Hawk military helicopter.

As more and more details emerge, heres what we know so far:

Washington DC plane crash: Everything we know about the deadly collision so far

Black Hawk helicopter performing 'doomsday' training at time of collision

Sunday 2 February 2025 03:00 , Mike Bedigan

The Armys Black Hawk helicopter was performing a doomsday training when it collided with an American Airlines jet above Washington, D.C. near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Wednesday.

The helicopter was flying a route thats part of a military plan to evacuate senior government officials to safety if the country is attacked, Reuters reports. The military mission is known as "continuity of government" and "continuity of operations, according to Reuters.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said this week that the helicopter and its crew were performing a routine, annual re-training of night flights on a standard corridor for a continuity of government mission."

Watch: Trans pilot speaks out after being falsely smeared in DC crash

Sunday 2 February 2025 02:15 , Mike Bedigan

Recap: Who were the victims of the Washington D.C. mid-air crash?

Sunday 2 February 2025 01:30 , Mike Bedigan

A civil rights attorney and former Beauty pageant winner is among those killed in the horror crash between a passenger plane and Army helicopter in Washington, D.C.

Teenage ice skating stars, their parents, and a soon-to-be-married pilot are some of the other souls lost in the January 29 tragedy.

Heres what we know about the victims:

Victims of the Washington DC plane crash  full list so far

Loved ones of DCA victims worried Philadelphia crash will delay answers

Sunday 2 February 2025 00:45 , Mike Bedigan

Todd Ilman said that the families of the victims of the DCA crash were concerned that the shocking incident in Philadelphia, in which an air ambulance came down in a residential area, would delay the NTSBs investigation.

Asked about the families on Saturday, Ilman said: I spent several hours with them today.

There's more, some new there's some that have been there for three days, some that want to give us hugs. Some that are just mad and angry. They're just all hurt, and they still want answers, and we want to give them answers.

He added: The most devastating thing, I guess, today was, they watched the news last night.

They know their loved ones. They're thinking, is it going to take longer? Am I going to be able to find my loved one? How will this affect it? I mean, it's horrible, and no one ever should suffer this. So, yeah, it is hard on them. They have a lot of questions.

Five people were working in the tower at the time of the accident

Sunday 2 February 2025 00:00 , Mike Bedigan

NTSB spokesperson Todd Ilman confirmed that five people had been working in the air traffic control tower at the time of the accident and that interviews with them would be completed by Monday.

This is a controllers worst nightmare. It hits everyone that works in that cab and knows them very hard, he said.

These interviews take a long time, not because there's that much talking, but there's several breaks that occur for emotions, just to be able to compose themselves, to talk about what happened.

We want to be thorough. If we need to go back for additional information, we absolutely will. We're getting full cooperation and access to those individuals we need, and we hope, again, to have them completed, no later than Monday.

Third crew member of Black Hawk helicopter identified

Saturday 1 February 2025 23:40 , Mike Bedigan

The Army has released the name of the third crew member of the Black Hawk helicopter.

Captain Rebecca Lobach, 28 was from Durham, North Carolina.

She was a distinguished military graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and commissioned in 2019 as an active-duty aviation officer.
WASHINGTON (NewsNation)  The collision Wednesday night between a military helicopter and American Airlines Flight 5342 happened in some of the worlds most tightly controlled airspace, just over 3 miles south of the White House and the U.S. Capitol.

The collision happened at around 9 p.m. when a regional jet at the end of a flight from Wichita, Kansas, collided with a military helicopter on a training exercise, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

The helicopter was a UH-60 Black Hawk based at Fort Belvoir in Virginia flying south over the Potomac River as the American Airlines flight was flying north.

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A few minutes before the jet was to land, air traffic controllers asked American Airlines Flight 5342 if it could do so on a shorter runway, and the pilots agreed. Controllers cleared the jet to land, and flight tracking sites showed the plane adjust its approach to the new runway.

What we know about the DC plane crash victims

Less than 30 seconds before the collision, an air traffic controller asked a helicopter if it had the arriving plane in sight. The controller made another radio call to the helicopter moments later, saying, PAT 25 pass behind the CRJ  apparently telling the copter to wait for the Bombardier CRJ-701 twin-engine jet to pass. There was no reply. Seconds after that, the aircraft collided.

The planes radio transponder stopped transmitting about 2,400 feet short of the runway, roughly over the middle of the Potomac River.

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The body of the plane was found upside-down in three sections in waist-deep water, officials said. The helicopters wreckage was also found.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
An American Airlines regional jet collided with a military helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Virginia on Wednesday night before both aircraft plummeted into the Potomac River.

Sixty-four people were on the plane, which departed from Wichita, Kansas. Three Army soldiers were aboard the helicopter, which was on a training flight at the time, officials said. No survivors are expected.

The incident recalls a similar tragedy that took place 43 years ago.

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On Jan. 13, 1982, Air Florida Flight 90 crashed into the 14th Street Bridge in downtown Washington, D.C., and plunged into the icy waters of the Potomac.

PHOTO: Crowds gather along the frozen banks near the scene where the Air Florida Flight 90 crashed into the Potomac River, Jan. 13, 1982. (Douglas Chevalier/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

The Boeing 737-200 that was en route to Tampa departed from Runway 36 at Washington National Airport at 4 p.m., despite the dangerous blizzard conditions, according to various media reports at the time.

The plane, struggling to gain altitude, only rose a few hundred feet in the air after takeoff before suddenly dropping toward the bridge, shearing off the tops of cars and crashing into the river.

In total, 78 passengers, crew members and motorists died in the crash, according to officials. Five people were rescued from the frigid waters of the Potomac.

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MORE: DC plane crash marks first major commercial crash in US since Buffalo crash in 2009

PHOTO: Workers prepare the center fuselage of the 737 Air Florida Flight 90 from a barge on the Potomac River, Jan. 21, 1982, in Washington, D.C. (Larry Morris/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the cause of the crash to be pilot error, along with improper deicing procedures. The Federal Aviation Administration said in a report that the flight "experienced difficulty in climbing immediately following rotation and subsequently stalled."

"Loss of control was determined to be due to reduction in aerodynamic lift resulting from ice and snow that had accumulated on the airplane's wings during prolonged ground operation at National Airport," the FAA said.

PHOTO: Recovery efforts for Air Florida's flight 90, Jan. 20, 1982, that crashed into the Potomac River. (Bettmann Archive/Getty Images)

Flight attendant Kelly Duncan, the only crew member on board who survived, told ABC News in 1982 that the crash seemed unreal.

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"My next feeling was that I was just floating through white and I felt like I was dying and I just thought, 'I'm not really ready to die,'" she said at the time.

DC plane crash recalls similar event in 1982 originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
AURORA, Colo. (KDVR)  Drug Enforcement Administration agents of the Rocky Mountain Field Division say they took a suspected Tren de Aragua gang member into custody Tuesday.

That suspect was arrested in a DEA operation at The Edge at Lowery Apartment complex in Aurora. That is the same complex where other alleged TdA gang members were said to have been living and carrying out crimes since August 2024.

Immediate threat to safety: Emergency order will close Aurora apartment complex

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The DEA RMFD has been spearheading several enforcement actions which they say are criminal investigations that were in the works long before stepped-up immigration enforcement policies went into effect. Several operations came to a head this week, making headlines.

On Wednesday morning, agents arrested a person in Lochbuie for alleged drugs and weapons violations.

Agents said that the investigation is connected to the Sinaloa Cartel, based out of Mexico.

The DEAs actions are taking place against a backdrop of stepped-up federal immigration efforts.

When it comes to immigration, that is one of the other tools in our toolbox now. That we are going to be able to remove those violent criminals and drug traffickers from the community, DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Olesky said.

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While signing Laken Riley Act, Trump says hell send worst criminal aliens to Guantanamo

Olesky was at the scene in Lochbuie and said there were several operations currently taking place across the state. Another one of those actions was taking place in Brighton at the same time.

People who live in the neighborhood where the action was taking place said they were awakened by federal agents knocking on their doors in the wee hours of the morning. Video taken by Univision Colorado showed several law enforcement vehicles in the neighborhood.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were present, according to the Colorado Rapid Response Network. ICE agents were also present during a raid at a makeshift nightclub in Adams County on Sunday morning.

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A picture was posted on the response networks Facebook page with a caption saying, Agents knocked on multiple doors. The organization also posted a photo of people who appeared to be wearing ICE jackets.

Community members responded by notifying each other and not opening the door since there was no warrant for those properties, CORRN wrote on Facebook.

One resident said in an on-camera interview with Univision that a lot of officers arrived including immigration agents as a helicopter flew above. The officers went into a mobile home, he said.

Brighton police cruisers could be seen in the video as well. The Brighton Police Department released a statement saying the DEA requested its help for a criminal investigation. The statement goes on to say what happened there was not related to immigration enforcement.

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Colorado hotline sees increased ICE raid reports around Denver

The DEA RMFD told FOX31 its operations are mostly focused on criminal investigations. DEA RMFD says the Brighton operation was not ICE-related.

FOX31 reached out to ICE to ask about why its agents may have been present in Brighton. A response has not yet been received.

DEA Agents were also in Fort Lupton, the city posted on its Facebook page saying agents were executing a search at a business there.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO)  The Winnebago County Coroners Office identified Herbert Huff, 34, as the dead man who was floating in the Rock River in May 2024.

After an extensive investigation using DNA, officials were able to identify Huff and determined he worked at a firearms parts manufacturer in Lake Zurich, Illinois.

The cause and manner of death could not be determined, according to the Coroners Office.

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His identity was confirmed on January 27th. Huffs family has been notified of his passing.

According to Winnebago County Coroner Jennifer Muraski, a fisherman spotted the body floating in the river just north of US Bypass 20 on May 12th.

The Rockford Fire Department was able to remove the body from the water. Huff was pronounced dead at 7:20 p.m.

Muraski offered her condolences to the family in a statement.

I understand that losing a loved one brings immense grief, and I want to express my deepest

condolences to Mr. Huffs family and friends, said Muraski. While no words can ease their pain, I hope this identification brings them some sense of peace as they begin to heal.

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MONCKS CORNER, S.C. (WCBD)  The Berkeley County Sheriffs Office has requested the assistance of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division following a deadly deputy-involved shooting.

Berkeley County deputies responded to the area of Slow Hand Lane and Whitesville Road in Moncks Corner on January 29 regarding a stabbing that occurred earlier that day.

According to the sheriffs office, deputies encountered an armed suspect who fled the scene. During the pursuit, shots were fired and the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

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One Berkeley County deputy was involved in the shooting. Officials report the deputy has been placed on administrative leave, per protocol, while SLED conducts its investigation.

The Berkeley County Coroners Office has not yet released the name of the deceased.

The Berkeley County Sheriffs Office continues to investigate.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  Attorneys for Lahaina wildfire victims came to a last minute agreement on how to split the more than $4 billion Global Settlement. The deal was finalized late Tuesday, Jan. 28, a day before opening statements in that trial were scheduled to start.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

The Global Settlement between victims of the Lahaina wildfire and the seven defendants is $4.037 billion and well soon know how much each victims share will be.

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Overall, we think it was a realistic and reasonable outcome, and its going to just be a critical step to getting money into the hands of victims sooner than later, said Jacob Lowenthal, victims attorney.

How Hawaiian Islands are prepping for severe storm weather

Terms of the deal will be detailed in court documents, which are expected to be filed in about a week. This settlement is between attorneys for individual victims and attorneys representing any and all class action lawsuits. Reaching a deal means victims dont have to testify in court.

Therell be folks that will potentially be disappointed that they didnt have an opportunity to share their story in live court, said Lowenthal. Im sure theres gonna be some folks that are maybe relieved that they dont have to go to court to share their story and potentially be re-traumatized all over again.

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Attorneys said this agreement is a huge step in finalizing the Global Settlement but its not the last step.

Hawaiis rural healthcare at stake as federal funding freezes

Next week, the State Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments on whether the insurance companies are allowed to file subrogation claims against the defendants to get reimbursed for the $2 billion-plus in claims they already paid out.

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Were looking forward to the next week with the Hawaii Supreme Court because its just one critical step to finalizing the settlement agreement to getting money in the hands of our clients, who obviously very much need it, said Lowenthal.

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Attorneys for insurance companies maintain theyre not against the Global Settlement. But they are against any deal that removes their right to subrogation.

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Mujhait Muhammad would brace himself as evening fell, when the five smugglers manning the boat bound for Europe would begin beating him and the other migrants with hammers.

Each one of them was bound by rope. The smugglers repeatedly struck their heads, arms and legs to handicap their human cargo. On one occasion, a smuggler smashed someones eye with a hammer, then plunged his fingers into the socket.

Each night, more people died; each morning, the smugglers heaved their corpses into the water. They had been promised safe passage from Mauritania to Spain.

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We feared every day that our time had come, that we would be the next ones dead in the ocean, said Mr Muhammad, a 29-year-old Pakistani farmer, one of 22 survivors out of the 80 migrants crammed on the boat earlier this month.

I kept thinking about what would happen to my family  my baby daughters, my wife, my parents  if I died.

Mujhait Muhammad embarked on the dangerous journey in the hope of a better life for his children

The massacre appears to be the bloody consequence of a botched deal between different smuggling groups.

The African smugglers piloting the boat claimed the Pakistani gang that recruited most of the migrants had paid only one third of the 6 million Mauritanian ouguiya (120,300) agreed to navigate to Spain, according to survivors testimonies.

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Ghofar Abdullah, 24, a stonemason from Pakistan, said: One of the smugglers on the boat said to me, Thats why we are killing and torturing you.

These are the type of people European leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer, are talking about when they say they want to smash the smuggling gangs.

For reputations sake

It is unclear why the African smugglers chose to depart Mauritania if full payment had not been made. Survivors surmise that it was possibly in retribution  to ruin the reputation of the Pakistani smugglers.

When boats fail to arrive as promised or other calamities occur, word circulates amongst migrants, who then seek out smugglers they believe have a better success rate. That, in turn, translates into lost business for smuggling gangs.

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It is a callous approach. Spanish opposition politicians have called the gangs mafias and argued that their navy should step in and patrol the waters.

Sixty-five of the 80 migrants on that death boat hailed from Pakistan; others were from African countries including Mauritania, Senegal and Somalia.

Pakistani authorities arrived in Dakhla, contested territory controlled by Morocco, to investigate the case; the survivors are either in hospital or sheltering in a camp, rescued on Jan 14 after a nightmare of a dozen days at sea.

The Telegraph has spoken to some of them.

The death boat, which departed from Mauritania under cover of darkness on Jan 2, was aiming to sail to Spains Canary Islands, off the coast of West Africa, and reflects how irregular migration patterns are changing as smugglers adapt to new policies and border enforcement.

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This route saw the greatest increase in traffic last year, with arrivals up by 18 per cent, accounting for almost 47,000 migrants. About 70 per cent of all irregular migrants to Spain in 2024 came via this avenue, according to data from Frontex, the EU border agency.

Smugglers are changing their methods as many migrants have grown wary given the incredible risks of crossing borders illegally.

Some smugglers, when recruiting migrants, promise that theyll manage their journeys legally by helping them to procure proper visas.

In some instances, migrants do travel some legs on proper visas  but only up to a point, as those on the Mauritania death boat experienced.

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Our deal with the broker was to travel only by air, and with legal visas, said Mr Muhammad, whose travel was arranged by a Pakistani man based in Turkey, who calls himself Satar Butt.

After spending two years trying  and failing  to obtain European visas on their own, he and his cousin, Adeel Muhammad, 21, finally decided to try their luck by paying 70 lakh Pakistani rupees (20,330) in cash to one of Mr Butts agents on the promise of reaching Spain.

Adeel Muhammad made the journey with his cousin

Mr Butt assured the migrants they would get work at hotels and restaurants in Spain, claiming they would earn up to 5 lakh Pakistani rupees (1,450) a month  more than 30 times what Mr Muhammad could pull in as a farmer even in a good month for his crops.

It was not enough to provide for our family, so I took this step to give my young daughters a better life, he said.

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At first, everything went smoothly and as planned. Mr Muhammad and his cousin both were granted 15-day pilgrimage visas that allowed them to fly from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia, last September, where their group of 19 visited holy sites in Medina and Mecca.

They stayed in hotels and were allowed to explore freely before flying from Saudi Arabia to Senegal a week later, also with proper paperwork.

Thats when everything changed, said Mr Muhammad. They forced us to cross the border to Mauritania illegally. They herded us like donkeys.

By now, it was early October and the smugglers confiscated their mobiles and passports  still promising visas to Spain, though many migrants were beginning to doubt this.

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Mr Muhammad and the others were locked into a house and given very little food and water. Without their phones, there was also no way to reach family or friends to seek help.

After three months had passed, the smugglers instructed the migrants to gather their belongings in order to board a ship they claimed was large and secure enough to safely sail them to Europe.

Some of the migrants hesitated fearing theyd drown at sea, but the smugglers forced everybody on to the boat. In all, 80 migrants, aged 11 to 57, plus five smugglers in charge of navigating, crammed aboard the blue-and-white boat.

It was very small, said Mr Muhammad. To me, the boat looked like it could barely fit 30 people.

A shirt belonging to a migrant who perished in a shipwreck off the coast of Mauritania in July 2024 lies on the beach outside the capital, Nouakchott - Med Lemin Rajel/AFP

Mr Abdullah, who earned money selling mobile phones in Mauritania, also boarded this boat. Hed arrived a year prior in the capital, Nouakchott, with proper papers thanks to help from a cousin who had migrated five years earlier.

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He had not seriously considered the possibility of getting to Europe until he met his neighbour, a Gambian fisherman named Abu Bakr, with whom he struck up a friendship.

Bakr said it was possible to reach Spain by sea within a few days and dangled the prospect of a better life.

It was enough to convince Mr Abdullah, who scrimped and saved, paying in instalments until he handed over 2 million Mauritania ouguiya (40,140).

But once he set foot on the boat, Bakrs attitude completely changed. On the boat, Mr Abdullahs kind neighbour revealed himself as one of the five smugglers in charge.

Before this, we were so friendly with each other, said Mr Abdullah. I felt awful. It was such a shock, I couldnt believe that Abu Bakr would do this to me.

Balawal Iqbal was one of the 22 survivors. His bandaged hands and legs are from injures sustained during the ordeal

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The first sign that something was amiss was when Bakr and the other smugglers immediately snatched and threw overboard all the food and water that the migrant passengers had brought on board.

Smugglers on board promised the group theyd reach Spain by Jan 5. When that didnt happen, Bakr insisted it would be just another few hours.

The following day, Muhammad Yusuf, who was in his 50s, became the first man to die from starvation. The next day, another boy died. That evening, the deadly beatings began.

Days began to bleed into each other. By Jan 12, the smugglers food and water had also run out and Bakr was starting to look weaker.

By now, as more than half of the migrants aboard had died, Mr Abdullah and another migrant decided to try to reason with the smugglers.

We pleaded with them to help those of us remaining on the boat, to drop us somewhere, anywhere along the coast, so that we can all come out of this alive, he said.

Imran Iqbals fingers were seriously injured during the voyage on the boat

After intense negotiations lasting more than an hour, the five smugglers finally agreed to navigate the vessel to land, upon which each surviving migrant would pay 650 euros apiece.

Mr Abdullah took the only money he had left  a total of 100 euros in crumpled bills  and gave it to Bakr as a gesture of good faith  a guarantee that they would indeed all pay up once on land.

It took another two days before a fishing boat came close enough for the group to signal for help.

By Jan 16, only 22 of the original 80 migrants were alive.

For those of us who survived, there is only one reason, said Mr Muhammad. We drank as much of our own urine as we could instead of the salty seawater.

Waseem Khalid is recovering with the other survivors from nearly two weeks at sea

Pakistani authorities, who at first told the survivors that they would have to pay their own way home, announced on Saturday that the government would repatriate everyone, beginning this week.

Preliminary findings by the four-person team dispatched to Dakhla suggest human smugglers had killed Pakistanis on the boat, according to sources familiar with the investigation.

Some suspects have also been arrested, according to an official with Pakistans federal investigation agency, who requested anonymity.

I want justice. I never imagined any human could be that brutal, that cruel, said Mr Abdullah. We have nothing left in our pockets now after this.

We request to Spain, to Europe, to please give us asylum after this incident, said Mr Muhammad, who worries the smugglers will come after him upon return to Pakistan.

I hope that European countries will refine their policies, so that we have the opportunity to visit and work in Europe the proper way, he said.

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BEXLEY, Ohio (WCMH)  Bexley Natural Market has been in business for nearly 50 years, and theyre asking the public for help ensuring they are around for more.

The Bexley Natural Market is a co-op grocery store focused on local and organic food and supplements. As a co-op, short for cooperative, the location has no CEO or store owner and is customer-owned or member-owned instead. Now the shop is branching out and asking for more help after rising costs, economic changes and fewer sales have made it hard for the market to operate.

The market premiered an online fundraiser called Save Your Local Co-Operative Market, hoping to raise $50,000 in 60 days. The co-op said it needs the money to keep the store open, support staff and procure more inventory. The request for funding also came alongside major operational changes to help balance financial difficulties.

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Every contribution, no matter the size, will help us stabilize our operations, cover essential costs, and position the market for long-term sustainability, Chloe Lenox, representative and employee at the market, said. The cooperative has always been a reflection of the people who support it, and this is a moment where we can come together to ensure its future.

In an email to co-op members, the market announced it made the decision to lay off most of the co-ops staff, saying it will operate with a skeleton crew and different hours as they navigate financial difficulties. It also disbanded its board of directors, who said they will continue their involvement in a volunteer capacity.

New Hot Chicken Takeover owner closes central Ohio location

The market, located at 508 N. Cassady Ave., clarified it is still open in a post on Tuesday. Lenox said they are not planning to close, but are facing difficult financial decisions.

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We need your help to stay that way so we are simply tapping into our close-knit community to help us through a difficult time, the market posted on social media.

Bexley Natural Market prides itself on buying from small-scale, local, organic, non-profit and sustainable vendors, many from farms around Ohio. Their products are non-GMO, ethically sourced and ecologically grown as much as possible, according to the market. Although these items are a draw for the market, they are also often more expensive, both for the market and for customers.

Supporting small businesses and farmers has a far greater impact than many realize, and every dollar spent locally strengthens the foundation of our community. Now more than ever, we must recognize that where we choose to spend our money shapes the future of the places we call home, Lenox said.

Those hoping to help the co-op are asked to donate and share the fundraiser. Those unable to donate are asked to help in other ways, such as shopping at the store, sharing funding ideas with remaining shop employees and volunteering to help the store operate.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
LAWRENCE COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT)  A Decatur man died from his injuries after authorities say he was involved in a two-vehicle crash Tuesday evening.

Daniel G. Chenault, 70, of Decatur was critically injured when the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe he was driving hit a 2023 Freightliner Cascadia tractor-trailer

According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the crash happened around 6:30 p.m. on Alabama 20 near the 61-mile marker, about four miles west of Trinity.

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Chenault was taken to Decatur General Hospital where he died from his injuries.

Patricia Chenault, 73, of Decatur, who was a passenger with Daniel Chenault, was injured and taken to Decatur General Hospital for treatment.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado and opposition presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez wave a Venezuelan flag during a protest against the result of the presidential election on July 30, 2024, in Caracas, Venezuela. President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro was declared the winner. The result has been questioned by the opposition and internationally. (Photo by Alfredo Lasry R/Getty Images)

Gov. Ron DeSantis has praised the Trump administrations decision to remove temporary protections from Venezuelan immigrants and said Florida would follow the federal governments guidance in handling the fallout.

The governors comments came Thursday, two days after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security revoked an extension of temporary protective status for nearly 600,000 Venezuelans.

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Florida has the largest population of immigrants with TPS, which shields them from deportation and allows them to work, and nearly 60% are from Venezuela, according to a December report from the Congressional Research Service.

The Venezuelan governments instability led the Biden administration to grant TPS to Venezuelans in 2021 and expand it in 2023 under the Congress-approved program.

I want us to be assisting the feds in how they want to work that out, DeSantis said during a press conference Thursday morning in Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office Training Facility. The grant of TPS was not lawful, lets just be honest, when Biden did that. So, I think what the Trump administration is doing is just consistent with what the law is, and I think theyre making the right decision.

Those who gained the temporary protections in 2023 will keep them until April 2, and those under TPS since 2021 will lose the status on Sept. 10, according to reporting from States Newsroom D.C. Bureau. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has until Saturday to decide to extend protections for the 2023 TPS holders and until July 12 for people granted the status in 2021.

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Three South Florida Republicans in Congress released a statement Wednesday in support of Venezuelans, saying the country wasnt safe for people who had settled in the U.S. to go back to.

The Venezuelan people have endured repression, corruption, and human rights abuses for far too long in Venezuela, and it is still not safe for many to return, U.S. Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart, Carlos A. Gimenez, and Maria Elvira Salazar, wrote. We will continue to do everything possible to ensure that those seeking freedom from persecution and oppression are protected.

Ade Ferrero, executive director of the Florida-based Venezuelan-American Caucus, in a joint statement with the Florida Immigrant Coalition on Wednesday, urged Venezuelans to seek legal advice.

Nicolas Maduros regime has been widely condemned for jailing, torturing, and even killing political dissidents, Ferrero wrote. For many Venezuelans, like me, returning home is not an option  it is a death sentence.
Previously little-known Chinese startup DeepSeek has dominated headlines and app charts in recent days thanks to its new AI chatbot, which sparked a global tech sell-off that wiped billions off Silicon Valleys biggest companies and shattered assumptions of Americas dominance of the tech race.

But those signing up for the chatbot and its open-source technology are being confronted with the Chinese Communist Partys brand of censorship and information control.

Ask DeepSeeks newest AI model, unveiled last week, to do things like explain who is winning the AI race, summarize the latest executive orders from the White House or tell a joke and a user will get similar answers to the ones spewed out by American-made rivals OpenAIs GPT-4, Metas Llama or Googles Gemini.

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Yet when questions veer into territory that would be restricted or heavily moderated on Chinas domestic internet, the responses reveal aspects of the countrys tight information controls.

Using the internet in the worlds second most populous country is to cross whats often dubbed the Great Firewall and enter a completely separate internet eco-system policed by armies of censors, where most major Western social media and search platforms are blocked. The country routinely ranks among the most restrictive for internet and speech freedoms in reports from global watchdogs.

The international popularity of Chinese apps like TikTok and RedNote have already raised national security concerns among Western governments  as well as questions about the potential impact to free speech and Beijings ability to shape global narratives and public opinion.

Now, the introduction of DeepSeeks AI assistant  which is free and rocketed to the top of app charts in recent days  raises the urgency of those questions, observers say, and spotlights the online ecosystem from which they have emerged.

Not sure how to approach this type of question

One example of a question DeepSeeks new bot, using its R1 model, will answer differently than a Western rival? The Tiananmen Square massacre on June 4, 1989, when the Chinese government brutally cracked down on student protesters in Beijing and across the country, killing hundreds if not thousands of students in the capital, according to estimates from rights groups.

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Chinese authorities have so thoroughly suppressed discussion of the massacre in the decades since that many people in China grow up never having heard about it. A search for what happened on June 4, 1989 in Beijing on major Chinese online search platform Baidu turns up articles noting that June 4 is the 155th day in the Gregorian calendar or a link to a state media article noting authorities that year quelled counter-revolutionary riots  with no mention of Tiananmen.

When the same query is put to DeepSeeks newest AI assistant, it begins to give an answer detailing some of the events, including a military crackdown, before erasing it and replying that its not sure how to approach this type of question yet. Lets chat about math, coding and logic problems instead, it says. When asked the same question in Chinese, the app is faster  immediately apologizing for not knowing how to answer.

Its a similar patten when asking the R1 bot  DeepSeeks newest model  what happened in Hong Kong in 2019, when the city was rocked by pro-democracy protests. First it gives a detailed overview of events with a conclusion that at least during one test noted  as Western observers have  that Beijings subsequent imposition of a National Security Law on the city led to a significant erosion of civil liberties. But quickly after or amid its response, the bot erases its own answer and suggests talking about something else.

DeepSeeks V3 bot, released late last year weeks prior to R1, returns different answers, including ones that appear to rely more heavily on Chinas official stance.

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When asked about its sources, DeepSeeks R1 bot said it used a diverse dataset of publicly available texts, including both Chinese state media and international sources. Critical thinking and cross-referencing remain key when navigating politically charged subjects, it said. CNN has approached the company for comment.

Controlling the narrative?

Observers say that these differences have significant implications for free speech and the shaping of global public opinion. That spotlights another dimension of the battle for tech dominance: who gets to control the narrative on major global issues, and history itself.

An audit by US-based information reliability analytics firm NewsGuard released Wednesday said DeepSeeks older V3 chatbot model failed to provide accurate information about news and information topics 83% of the time, ranking it tied for 10th out of 11 in comparison to its leading Western competitors. Its not clear how the newer R1 stacks up, however.

DeepSeek becoming a global AI leader could have catastrophic consequences, said China analyst Isaac Stone Fish.

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It would be incredibly dangerous for free speech and free thought globally, because it hives off the ability to think openly, creatively and, in many cases, correctly about one of the most important entities in the world, which is China, said Fish, who is the founder of business intelligence firm Strategy Risks.

Thats because the app, when asked about the country or its leaders, present China like the utopian Communist state that has never existed and will never exist, he added.

In mainland China, the ruling Chinese Communist Party has ultimate authority over what information and images can and cannot be shown  part of their iron-fisted efforts to maintain control over society and suppress all forms of dissent. And tech companies like DeepSeek have no choice but to follow the rules.

Because the technology was developed in China, its model is going to be collecting more China-centric or pro-China data than a Western firm, a reality which will likely impact the platform, according to Aaron Snoswell, a senior research fellow in AI accountability at the Queensland University of Technology Generative AI Lab.

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The company itself, like all AI firms, will also set various rules to trigger set responses when words or topics that the platform doesnt want to discuss arise, Snoswell said, pointing to examples like Tiananmen Square.

In addition, AI companies often use workers to help train the model in what kinds of topics may be taboo or okay to discuss and where certain boundaries are, a process called reinforcement learning from human feedback that DeepSeek said in a research paper it used.

That means someone in DeepSeek wrote a policy document that says, here are the topics that are okay and here are the topics that are not okay. They gave that to their workers  and then that behavior would have been embedded into the model, he said.

US AI chatbots also generally have parameters  for example ChatGPT wont tell a user how to make a bomb or fabricate a 3D gun, and they typically use mechanisms like reinforcement learning to create guardrails against hate speech, for example.

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Thats how every other company makes these models behave better, Snoswell said.

But its just that in this case, chances are that a Chinese company embedded (Chinas official) values into their policy.

Security concerns

There have also been questions raised about potential security risks linked to DeepSeeks platform, which the White House on Tuesday said it was investigating for national security implications.

Concerns about American data being in the hands of Chinese firms is already a hot button issue in Washington, fueling the controversy over social media app TikTok. The apps Chinese parent company ByteDance is being required by law to divest TikToks American business, though the enforcement of this was paused by Trump.

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Unlike TikTok, which says as of July 2022 it stores all American data in the US, DeepSeek says in its privacy policy that personal information it collects is stored in secure servers located in the Peoples Republic of China.

A comparison of privacy policies between DeepSeek and some of its US competitors also show concerning differences, according to Snoswell.

Each DeepSeek, OpenAI and Meta say they collect peoples data such as from their account information, activities on the platforms and the devices theyre using. But DeepSeek adds that it also collects keystroke patterns or rhythms, which can be as uniquely identifying as a fingerprint or facial recognition and used a biometric.

Ive never seen another software platform that says they collect that unless its designed for (those purposes), Snoswell said. He also noted what appeared to be vaguely defined allowances for sharing of user data to entities within DeepSeeks corporate group.

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Its way, way more permissive than anything youd see from a Western software company, he said.

CNNs Ivan Watson contributed to this report.

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The Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) lab DeepSeek grabbed headlines and tanked the stock market with its announcement of a new AI model nearly equivalent to the United States most recent reasoning models but at a fraction of the cost. If the past is prologue, the DeepSeek development will be seized upon by some as rationale for eliminating domestic oversight and allowing Big Tech to become more powerful.

Such a response is exactly the opposite of what America needs. If anything, DeepSeek proves the importance of protecting American innovation by promoting American competition.

A typical Silicon Valley argument has been that allowing big companies to gobble up smaller rivals allows the incredible resources of those big companies to drive the AI race forward and protect American interests. Such a thesis conveniently overlooks that the breakthroughs of DeepSeek, OpenAI, and Anthropic were breakthroughs from disruptive startups, not national champions.

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We often hear that pursuing antitrust cases against or regulating [dominant tech] firms will weaken American innovation and cede the global stage to China, former Federal Trade Commission (FTC) chair Lina Khan has said. But history and experience show that lumbering monopoliescannot deliver the breakthrough technological advancements that hungry startups tend to createTo stay ahead globally, we dont need to protect our monopolies from innovation  we need to protect innovation from our monopolies. We need to choose competition over national champions.

Not only are big companies lumbering but cutting-edge innovations often conflict with corporate interest. According to The Wall Street Journal, Google engineers had built a generative AI chatbot over two years before OpenAI unveiled ChatGPT. Despite entreaties from its engineers, Google management sat on the breakthrough. One theory is that the ability to ask an AI chatbot a question and receive an answer threatened Google search, the companys cash cow. Gmail creator warns Google is only a year or two away from total disruption because of AI like ChatGPT, one headline proclaimed.

An incumbent like Googleespecially a dominant incumbentmust continually measure the impact of new technology it may be developing on its existing business. The companys first fiduciary responsibility is to shareholders, not to the expansion of knowledge.

An innovative startup such as OpenAI, however, has no such qualms. If its going to happen anyway, it seems like it would be good for someone other than Google to do it first, OpenAIs CEO Sam Altman wrote in an email to co-founder Elon Musk.

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A strategy of national champions is at the heart of Chinas AI policies. The Chinese government anointed big companies such as Baidu, Tencent, and Alibaba.Then, the Chinese government subsidized them with cash and helpful policies. Yet DeepSeek was built, not by these favored companies but by a hedge fund that originally started using AI for trading decisions.

The commoditization of AI

DeepSeeks breakthrough took advantage of the commoditization of AI. There are over one million open-source models freely available on the Hugging Face open-source repository. These open-source models, built on breakthroughs in the original foundation models, are free to be modified and developed as the user sees fit.

DeepSeek studied those open-source models, trained their own model, and optimized it to use less computing power. Then, they open-sourced their breakthrough to make it available to everyone.

The evolution of AI from amazing proprietary capabilities to an openly available commodity is a watershed that will enable the proliferation of innovation, not just in the foundation models, but in the widespread application of the technology. The lesson of history is that it is not the primary technology that is transformative, but its secondary applications. The open availability of a low-cost, low-compute model opens the door to the Jevons paradox, an economic principle that increased efficiency leads to greater overall consumption rather than a reduction. As Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella posted on X after the DeepSeek announcement, Jevons paradox strikes again!

AIs second lap

The AI race has now begun its second lap. Model development will continue to be important, but the future lies in what easily available AI will enable. As Jack Clark, co-founder of Anthropic, explained, DeepSeek means AI proliferation is guaranteed.

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The dispersal of AI applications in the United States is driven by for-profit enterprises seeking to gain a competitive advantage. Its opportunities are virtually boundless in areas as diverse as healthcare, consumer tech, finance, or farming. This second leg of the AI race, however, requires the maintenance of an open marketplace environment that avoids innovations being gobbled up by the kind of market dominating power that characterized the last quarter century.

The Big Tech companies, often looked to as Americas national champions, have become big through anticompetitive activities. The Department of Justice and multiple state attorneys general sued Google for violating antitrust laws to dominate the search market (and won.) They also sued Googles online advertising market and expects a decision soon. The FTC has sued Meta alleging an unlawful effort to maintain their social media monopoly by acquiring Instagram and WhatsApp, a case that is expected to go to trial in April.

If we are concerned about the AI race with China, we need to focus less on lobbying to let the big guys get bigger, and more on making sure there are competitive opportunities to spur innovation.

Promoting innovation

As todays AI developers mature and as AI disperses into applications, the historical lesson remains critical: unchecked consolidation of power stifles the innovation necessary for economic growth, national security, and consumer protection. Ensuring a competitive market drives innovation. This includes not only antitrust enforcement, but also sectoral regulation built on promoting competition while providing consumer protection guardrails.

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Innovative competition also requires support for the innovators. The venture capitalist model predicated on the sale of the startup to a dominant company is broken. Investing with the goal of ultimately consolidating the new competition into existing powerhouses may maximize VC returns, but does not maximize returns to the public interest.

Building the competition necessary for a vibrant AI market requires alternative support vehicles for innovators. Such support could include initiatives by the Small Business Administration and tax policies. At the same time, easing the path for initial public offerings could provide an alternative exit strategy for those who do invest.

Innovation proliferation also proliferates the risks of existential harm from unsupervised AI. That a hedge fund can revolutionize the AI world seemingly overnight highlights the importance of assuring the headlong rush forward includes behavioral expectations and guardrails. President Trumps ill-advised repeal of President Bidens executive order removed some of the safeguards against runaway AI. Positive AI developments require balancing open source technology with safety standards and the enforceable expectation they will be followed. This includes red teams to actively seek problems in new models and report their findings. Such standards and behaviors require audits at least to the level we require for the financial system.

Ultimately, the scare headlines that a new Chinese AI model threatens Americas AI dominance is just thata scare headline. If appropriately applied in a competitive marketplace, the DeepSeek development is a roadmap for continued American leadership. Built on U.S. technology, it commoditizes AI and accelerates the race to to disperse AI throughout the economy of the world.

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Such threats and promises require oversight. A competitive market that will incentivize innovation, must be accompanied by common sense guardrails to protect against the technologys runaway potential. The arrival of DeepSeek shows that competition works; it represents an opportunity for the United States to continue its AI leadership.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
This story incorporates reporting from Business Insider, New York Post and Investopedia.



The White Houses ongoing concern about artificial intelligence ethics and security gained new traction as White House AI czar David Sacks accused DeepSeek of using OpenAIs models for developing its own competing AI systems.

On January 28, 2025, reports emerged that DeepSeek allegedly employed a technique called distillation to replicate OpenAIs language models, raising potential legal and ethical concerns. OpenAI has since stated that it possesses evidence suggesting misuse of its proprietary technology by DeepSeek.

The controversy centers on the assertion that DeepSeek appropriated the outputs generated by OpenAIs language models to enhance its own AI frameworks. This process of distillation involves creating a condensed model that mimics the capabilities of a larger, pre-trained model. In effect, DeepSeek may have distilled OpenAIs artificial intelligence technology to construct an alternative, competitive product.

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OpenAI, a front-runner in AI technology development, has consistently advocated for responsible AI use and the establishment of ethical guidelines to govern its deployment. In response to the allegations, OpenAI has launched a thorough investigation to determine the extent of DeepSeeks use of its models. The organization expressed a commitment to protecting its intellectual property while calling for industry-wide measures to safeguard against unauthorized appropriations of technology.

The allegations against DeepSeek highlight the challenges in maintaining proprietary control over AI models in an increasingly competitive landscape. AI distillation, while a powerful tool for developing lightweight models, may skirt ethical lines if not implemented with respect for intellectual property rights. As AI technologies evolve, these ethical quandaries pose significant implications for both corporate strategies and public policy.

Industry observers note that the case may influence the development of new legal frameworks addressing AI model sharing and usage. This situation underscores the tension between open innovation and proprietary rights, a dynamic prevalent in high-tech industries worldwide. Observers suggest that the resolution of this conflict may set precedents for future interactions between companies in the AI space.

Furthermore, the concerns raised by OpenAI and endorsed by Sacks reflect broader worries about technological sovereignty and competitive fairness. Potential remedies could involve enhanced oversight mechanisms or collaborative efforts to develop industry standards governing AI use and distribution.

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This allegation against DeepSeek arrives amid growing tensions between the U.S. and Chinese tech sectors, intensifying scrutiny over international collaboration and data usage. U.S. companies remain vigilant about protecting their technological assets, while the Chinese AI market seeks to continue expanding its capabilities.

The ensuing debates may accelerate global dialogues around AI governance, underscoring the necessity for international cooperation in setting ethical guidelines. Nations may seek collective efforts to ensure that AI innovations progress within legal and ethical bounds, while also promoting technological advancement and cross-border collaboration.

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.



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When Chinese entrepreneur Liang Wenfeng revealed DeepSeeks newest app to the world earlier this month, most people had never even heard of the artificial intelligence company. But the new app took the world by storm, as many in the tech community marveled at how DeepSeek functioned at a fraction of the cost of other large language models like OpenAIs ChatGPT and Googles Gemini. Thats presumably good news for the environment, as many have criticized the AI craze as being extremely taxing on electrical grids  so much so that some tech companies like Google and Meta have reopened coal plants.

In theory, any AI alternative that consumes fewer resources should be better for the environment. Yet when Salon reached out to experts about the potential promise in DeepSeeks potential Sputnik moment (to quote billionaire software developer Marc Andreessen), they expressed cautious optimism.

There is almost no information available about either ChatGPT or DeepSeek, so any numbers [about their environmental impact] are speculation, David Rolnick, an assistant professor in the School of Computer Science at McGill University, told Salon. It's unlikely that there is a massive difference between these two algorithms, but it's hard to say the biggest differences in terms of the energy consumption aspects of large AI algorithms are how much you use.

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That said, DeepSeek could still represent a step in the right direction, at least in terms of sustainability. Climate scientists are rightfully worried about the huge energy drain from data centers in the U.S., which is expected to either double or triple by 2028. Rolnick explained that the environmental impacts of very large AI models include the energy use associated with developing training and querying them, water usage for cooling data centers and impacts associated with manufacturing hardware like servers and chips.

Yet Rahul Sandhil, the vice president and general manager for global marketing and communications at the semiconductor company MediaTek, told the Associated Press that DeepSeek offers hope for reducing those impacts. It is known as an open-weight model, which means it can be downloaded and run locally, assuming one has the sufficient hardware. If their claims hold up, some routine AI queries in the future may not need data centers at all and could instead be shifted to phones. The fact that the LLM is open source is another plus for DeepSeek model, which has wiped out at least $1.2 trillion in stock market value. Meanwhile, companies like OpenAI, which have been operating for a decade, have yet to be profitable.

What it ultimately comes down to is whether people actually use it over other models. It doesnt matter if its better for the environment if it doesnt see much adoption. Additionally, as noted by Prof. Anthony Cohn at the University of Leeds and Foundation Models Lead at the Alan Turing Institute, said in a statement the DeepSeek models are still language only, rather than multi-modal  they cannot take speech, image or video inputs, or generate them. No doubt the future will see such a release, though the computational demands of handling multi-modal data are much greater than when just handling language.

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That could explain its seemingly lesser impact on the planet. On a financial level, how DeepSeek functions with fewer resources will raise unavoidable sustainability questions when other AI companies attempt to succeed using more consumptive models.

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The DeepSeek announcement should prompt regulators all across the country to feel empowered to rigorously interrogate forecasts used to justify lock-in of fossil fuel infrastructure, Julie McNamara, deputy policy director with the Climate & Energy program at the Union of Concerned Scientists, told Salon. In contrast to claims that AI demands massive investments of money and electricity  often hand-waved away as a trade off for the bright future this tech will allegedy usher in  policymakers and investors should instead acknowledge that AI could be effectively developed without a catastrophic carbon footprint.

There is no question that electricity demand will be ratcheting up over the years and decades to come, regardless of data center needs, McNamara said. But this is a transition that must be approached with a necessarily long view, built on strong foundations that ensure the needs of the public are elevated throughout.

Additionally, policymakers and investors should also ask which AI programs are truly necessary. If many routine AI functions can be performed without massive data centers, then limiting AI use to situations when it is necessary and irreplaceable could at least somewhat mitigate its environmental harms.

Fundamentally, society has to decide how much you want to use an immense generative AI algorithm, and I think that as a whole, we haven't yet worked out whether they are useful in the vast majority of cases in which they're being used, Rolnick said. People can often perform Google searches or ask humans to perform tasks that AI business leaders argue should be outsourced to AI.

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It is unclear to me that the vast majority of uses of algorithms like DeepSeek and ChatGPT are providing benefits in many places, Rolnick said. If we are to think about environmental benefits associated with one model or another, these will pale in comparison to the decision whether or not to use such AI algorithms as compared either with non-AI approaches.

McNamara acknowledges that  with the fossil fuel industrys political allies in control of the presidency, legislature and courts  this will not be easy.

Recently, the massive energy requirements associated with AI development have been invoked to justify the build-out of scores of new gas-fired power plants, McNamara said. But such a turn is entirely out of step with the true needs of a forward-looking economy. That is why, above all else, the unveiling of DeepSeek is relevant for inhabitants of Earth as an opportunity to challenge narratives about humanitys use of fossil fuels.

Fossil fuel companies are seizing this moment to attempt a blatant end-run around critical climate and public health standards to lock-in new gas infrastructure for decades to come, McNamara said.
The Defense Ministry must resolve all issues regarding the Defense Procurement Agency (DPA) and the State Rear Operator (DOT) by the end of February, said Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Olha Stefanishyna, Suspilne reported on Jan. 30.

Defense Minister Rustem Umerov on Jan. 24 refused to extend the contract with the DPA director Maryna Bezrukova for another year over supposedly poor performance, defying the DPA Supervisory Board's decision. According to Bezrukova, Umerov's move caused a "legal conflict" inside the organization, reportedly blocking its procurement functions.

Umerov also launched an internal investigation into Bezrukova's activity at the DPA, which led to her suspension. At the same time, the minister appointed Arsen Zhumadilov, who also runs the DOT, as interim director general of the DPA.

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One of NATO and European partners' requirements for Ukraine was the establishment of two agencies that would be directly responsible for procurement for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, not through the Defense Ministry or contractors.

Both organizations are responsible for procurement to meet the needs of the Ukrainian army. The DPA specializes in purchasing weapons and equipment, while the DOT buys food, fuel, and clothing.

"NATO in no way takes sides, does not support certain parties or certain individuals, whether it is the acting head of the agency (Zhumadilov), the former head of the agency, or the suspended head (Bezrukova). It does not matter; there are key principles," Stefanishyna said during her working visit to Brussels.

Stefanishyna added that such "aggressive public communication" is not beneficial inside or outside Ukraine.

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Read also: Procurement for Ukrainian forces may be blocked due to legal conflict, Defense Procurement Agencys head says

"As a team responsible for Euro-Atlantic integration, of course, we communicate with the team from the Defense Ministry that all changes that take place should be in line with NATO recommendations in the field of defense procurement," she said.

"They were also approved at the Washington summit of the alliance, and I am confident that by the end of February this year, we will resolve the situation because, as a result of the agreements I have at NATO headquarters, a special meeting of the NATO committee will be held at the end of February to consider issues in this area."

According to Ukrainian law, supervisory boards can hire and fire the heads of state enterprises unilaterally. This means that legally, after the board's vote, Bezrukova should take over the DPA for another year.

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However, the Defense Ministry, which oversees the DPA, recently amended the agency's charter, so the ministry can reverse the supervisory board's decisions.

Anti-corruption activists and lawmakers say the amendments and Umerov's decision are "unlawful." Following Umerov's move, the DPA declared that it would continue to operate under Bezrukova's leadership.

The Anti-Corruption Action Center also filed a complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) to open an investigation against Umerov on suspicion of alleged abuse of power. On Jan. 28, NABU launched a criminal investigation into Umerov.

Read also: Defense Minister Umerov dismisses top official who stood up to him

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
NEW YORK CITY (PIX11)  With affordable housing and homelessness at the forefront of New York City politics, Social Services Commissioner Molly Wasow Park discussed the citys administration of crucial assistance over the past year.

In the last year, demand reached record levels for cash assistance and SNAP Benefits, Park said.

Know your rights with ICE: Handouts given to students in NYC school

But the city has been working hard to help New Yorkers get the resources they need, she said. Some 15,000 families and individuals moved out of shelters and into subsidized housing, many of which used CityFHEPS vouchers, Park said.

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Watch the video player for the full interview.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
A group of Democratic governors met with Sen. Chuck Schumer Wednesday night, urging him to get his caucus in line to push back against President Donald Trumps actions and appointments, according to a person familiar with the call.

The governors want Senate Democrats to be more forceful in responding to Trump. An aide to Schumer separately described the meeting as a conversation about the Trump administrations executive orders, his erratic policies and the impact they're having on states.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey were most outspoken about Senate Democrats needing to stay unified against some of Trumps Cabinet nominees, a few of which have seen bipartisan support, according to the person familiar with the call who was granted anonymity to describe a private conversation.

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Also on the call were Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, who chairs the Democratic Governors Association, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

The call came before a U.S. Army helicopter collided with an American Airlines jet flight to Washington from Kansas, sending shock waves across the capital city in what's believed be the country's most serious aviation crashes in decades.

The Democratic governors impressed upon Schumer that their states are feeling the brunt of Trumps executive orders, including looming plans for withholding federal funds.

Schumer, a New York Democrat, arranged the call and Pritzker helped coordinate it.

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Schumer credited the governors for helping force the hand of Trump and Russell Vought, who the president has tapped to run the Office of Management and Budget, to pull back the funding freeze memo.

But its just one win, and Schumer  and the governors  know there will be more battles ahead. Trump has already said the funding freeze memo was rescinded  but not the plan for making future cuts.
A group of six Democratic governors took part in a reportedly tense phone call Wednesday night with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., urging him and members of his caucus to fight more aggressively against President Donald Trump's nominees and legislation, The New York Times reported.

Schumer, with help from Govs. JB Pritzker of Illinois and Laura Kelly of Kansas, convened the call to discuss a unified response to Trump's executive order to suspend federal grants. But two participants and five other people briefed in the conversation told the Times that the conversation quickly moved on to the broader question of how to stop the president from enacting his agenda through Congress.

Pritzker and Gov. Maura Healey of Massachusetts told Schumer that Senate Democrats should not vote for any of Trump's nominees in response to the order. Healey, noting that governors were leading the legal pushback against the Trump administration and fielding most of the complaints from constituents affected by his policies, also pressed Schumer to slow down Senate votes in general and oppose Trump more visibly and forcefully.

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Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, former Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate, argued that Democrats needed to seize as much media space as Trump and Republicans, using their platform to present their own case for governing rather than simply criticizing the president.

Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky added that rather than focusing on Trump's attempts to subvert democracy, which Democrats had put front and center in their 2024 campaign, or letting him fill the airwaves with talk of acquiring Greenland, Democrats should talk about how his policies were making life harder for the people. He said that the most difficult part of Trump's victory was that Americans would now feel the pain inflicted by his policies, suggesting Democrats should not try to prevent that as only then would Trump voters realize they had made a mistake.

Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York concurred, saying that while Democrats were not inclined to inflict pain on their constituents, people needed to understand that Trump lacked the same scruples.

Kelly, who is also chair of the Democratic Governors' Association, said the party needed to improve its digital outreach, and for their strategy to become "down and dirty." Schumer responded that Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., had taken a lead on the caucus' social media strategy and praised his performance. Last week, Booker gave a PowerPoint presentation on how often Democratic senators should post on their social media accounts.

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Schumer defended Democratic senators' performance, saying that they contributed to the wave of backlash that forced Trump to walk back his grants suspension, and damaged the reputations of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump's pick for secretary of health and human services. He told the governors that he could not force all Democratic senators to vote against every nominee, but they could unite to oppose the most high-profile ones.

Schumer also suggested that a staff member could coordinate Trump-related messaging across Democratic governors, senators and state attorneys general, and urged the governors to pressure Republicans in their state's congressional delegation to oppose Trump policies that would hurt their constituents.

Schumer's office did not respond to a request for comment.
Medicaid cuts would affect around 22 million people in states that expanded the program, according to a new analysis by the Democratic National Committee (DNC).

The state-by-state breakdown shows that gutting the program would involve decimating rural communities across the country, the analysis reads. Ten states have not expanded Medicaid, as is allowed under the Affordable Care Act.

Make no mistake, its not just Americans pocketbooks but also their health thats on the line. Americans all over the country rely on Medicaid for health care coverage and these cuts would devastate families, including in many communities that carried Trump this election cycle, DNC Executive Director Sam Cornale said in a statement accompanying the analysis.

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If Trump follows through on these threats, Democrats will make sure those voters know exactly who is responsible.

The DNC analysis links to a recent New York Times story revealing that top Republicans are passing around a series of ideas to cover the cost of a massive tax cut by establishing new work requirements for Medicaid recipients, bringing in $100 billion in savings.

The Affordable Care Acts Medicaid expansion has given 22 million Americans access to health care. As of October 2024, more than 72 million people were enrolled in Medicaid in the U.S., according to the programs website.

President Trumps order to freeze federal aid  issued Monday and rescinded Wednesday  led to concerns about the moves impact on government services, including Medicaid.

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On Tuesday, Democrats reported that many state Medicaid payment systems were down, with the programs Payment Management System (PMS) website warning of payment delays.

Due to Executive Orders regarding potentially unallowable grant payments, PMS is taking additional measures to process payments, said a note on the website. Reviews of applicable programs and payments will result in delays and/or rejections of payments.

While states confirmed they had regained access to the portal by Tuesday afternoon, some reported ongoing issues.

A memo issued by the Office of Management and Budget on Tuesday stated Medicaid was among programs not affected by the funding freeze.

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Despite that, Democrats raised concerns over the future of Medicaid.

As Trump and his extreme allies in Congress plot to rip health care away from some 22 million Americans in order to offset their billionaire tax cuts, Democrats will fight back every step of the way, said the DNCs Wednesday statement.

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Democrats on the Senate Budget Committee boycotted a meeting Thursday to advance Russell Voughts nomination to chair the Office of Budget and Managementbut of course, Republicans still forged ahead to put his candidacy to a vote.

In a press conference ahead of the meeting, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer explained that in light of the OMBs effort to illegally freeze trillions of dollars for federal funding for grants and loans, Democrats would not move an inch to advance Mr. Voughts nomination any further.

Make no mistake about it, Schumer warned. As long as Russell Vought is Donald Trumps pick for OMB director, Americans can be virtually certain he will try again to illegally seize funding for their communities.

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Several other senators also spoke against Vought, tying him and his work on Project 2025 to Trumps efforts to undermine federal funding appropriated and agreed to by Congress. The sudden freeze appeared to affect essential government services, and officials in multiple states reported having problems accessing programs such as Medicaid and Head Start.

In his chapter of Project 2025, Vought had written about how the president could have the power to slash government spending without the support of Congress, and his think tank the Center for Renewing America, or CRA, has repeatedly pushed the view that through impoundment, the president can pause, or even outright refuse to spend, the full amount of federally mandated funding that Congress has appropriated.

You know what makes absolutely no sense? Confirming the mastermind of the last few daysof the last few days of chaosto oversee our countrys budget again, said Washington Senator Patty Murray.

Democrats urged that Voughts confirmation should be postponed until the crisis was resolvedand thats an issue that seems far from over. After the first memo was published Monday, a second memo came out two days later claiming that certain programs that would clearly be affected wouldnt actually be.

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Then a district judge issued a brief administrative stay on the order, then OMB rescinded the original memo, then Trumps press secretary revealed that it wasnt a real rescission. Finally, a federal judge agreed to grant a restraining order on the whole thing. And this was just within the past two days.

Republicans on the committee voted 110 Thursday to put Voughts confirmation to a Senate vote.
On Wednesday, President Donald Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law. The legislation expands the federal governments mandatory detention rules for unauthorized immigrants to include theft-related crimes, like shoplifting, and grants state attorneys general the right to sue the federal government over what they deem as insufficient immigration enforcement.

The bill, named after a Georgia woman killed by an undocumented immigrant, tracks with Trumps tendency to politicize murders and has been used by right-wingers to engender racist anger toward immigrants, as I wrote last year.

The bill received bipartisan support in the House and Senate, despite civil rights groups and various Democratic lawmakers highlighting its risks of increasing racial profiling and suspending due process for people accused of crimes. Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., for example, voted against the bill, telling MSNBCs Chris Hayes the law means people are going to be targeted because theyre brown.

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Given how Trumps immigration officials already appear to be engaging in disturbing profiling  and ensnaring legal U.S. residents in their anti-immigrant round-ups  that seems like a fair prediction.

In a speech to the House last week, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., (who also voted against the bill) spoke out about its potential risks to due process. In the wake of tragedy, we are seeing a fundamental erosion of our civil rights, she said. 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.

And New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, another Democrat who opposed the bill, offered a personal anecdote to MSNBC host Chris Hayes to suggest that those who supported the bill  including fellow Democrats  have made a decision that will tar their legacies.

He said:

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I had a nonpolitical person in the Capitol whos never came up to me and talked about politics, but he looked at me and said Democrats are going to rue the day when they allowed something like that bill we just passed, that allows  literally  Dreamers to be indefinitely detained. Or a child who steals a candy bar. He said this is going to come back in history to really, really haunt those people that supported this bill.

Watch the clip here:

Indeed, Democrats who supported this bill seem to have acquiesced to conservatives fear-mongering for the sake of political expediency, and in the process they may have subjected many of their constituents to racial profiling.

Because Republicans now control the Senate, the House of Representatives and the White House, they didnt need Democratic votes to pass this bill. Democrats could have collectively denounced the bill and advocated for the bipartisan bill they negotiated earlier, which sought to address problems with U.S. immigration laws without seemingly opening the door to the vilification and abuse of immigrants.

But in what was arguably the first test of congressional Democrats willingness to confront the conservative movements dubious politicking, I think its fair to say they failed.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA) speaks during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on Sept. 29, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rod Lamkey-Pool/Getty Images)

Shasti Conrad thinks the way Democrats went about winning Washington elections last year is a formula for success nationwide.

Conrad, unanimously reelected leader of the state Democratic Party earlier this week, argues that Democrats sweep of nine statewide executive posts, gains in the Legislature and defeat of three conservative-backed ballot measures prove the party can win with progressive policies.

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Washington Democrats bucked the national trend. I want more states to follow our lead, she wrote in her post-election analysis.

Democratic Congressman Adam Smith, whos served in the U.S. House since 1997, says not so fast.

Shasti Conrad is a good friend. Ive worked with her closely. I disagree with her on this, he told The Standard during an interview at the state Capitol on Tuesday. We won. I get that. But is it because were doing such a fantastic job, or is it because the Republican Party is simply unacceptable to over 50% of the electorate in the state of Washington? Im of the opinion that its more the latter than the former.

Smith, whose 9th Congressional District includes a swath of south King County, believes Democrats have made mistakes with policies theyve pushed and lack credibility on issues such as public safety, housing, education and immigration.

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But it hasnt cost them in Washington, he said, because the GOP is not a viable alternative as its a captive to the extreme agenda of President Donald Trump and his MAGA movement.

As other Democrats in Congress are increasingly preoccupied with responding to Trumps aggressive and controversial executive actions during his first days in office, Smith is scrutinizing his own party in his home state and district.

I understand why the American people have questions about the ability of the Democratic Party to govern effectively, he said. I do. Ive seen it in King County, and Im concerned about it.

Smith and Conrad reflect endpoints on an arc of opinions among Democrats about what went right and wrong in November.

Shasti Conrad (left) and Democratic U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington (right) at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Aug. 19, 2024. (Shasti Conrad/WA Dems)

This debate is unfolding as the Democratic National Committee prepares to select a new chair this weekend and as Conrad vies for a DNC leadership post. The national party is searching for a path to recover from last years bruising losses.

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Trump roundly defeated Vice President Kamala Harris, sweeping seven battleground states and making gains with voting blocs and in places across the country that have traditionally leaned Democratic. The GOP also took control of the U.S. Senate from Democrats and held their majority in the U.S. House.

Those in Conrads camp argue that Democrats dont need to drastically change their message or positions and instead must improve how they communicate with voters.

We know we still have a lot to do on public safety, housing, and the cost of living, she said Tuesday. We might argue about semantics  we are a big tent  but ultimately, Democrats from every wing of the party are offering actionable solutions while the Republicans continue their efforts to drag us backwards.

Moderate voices like Smith arent of the same mind.

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After the election, Smith declared his partys brand broken and said fixating on Trump would not be enough to repair it. We have to be honest with the American people about our faults or limitations, listen to them and fix this going forward, he said in late November.

Smith acknowledged Tuesday his post-election call to action has gone mostly unheeded as his colleagues return to clashing with Trump.

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Still, hes pivoted, directing criticism toward Democrats shortcomings in Washington.

Housing is not as available as it should be, and its too expensive. Homelessness is a big problem. Crime is a big problem. Drug abuse is a big problem. Efficient, effective government is a problem, he said.

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I think we have to improve governance in the state, and in particular in King County, he said. If Democrats can prove that we can govern, we will be in a better position to influence national politics.

Smith invoked the kind of reform-minded message Democratic Gov. Bob Ferguson has voiced during his early days in office. I like the approach that he took, Smith said of Ferguson, with whom he met privately Tuesday afternoon.

The congressman insists his emphasis on state and local matters is not because hes interested in running for King County executive as the job opens up for the first time in 15 years.

Meanwhile, Conrad pushed back on the notion that Democrats in Washington are misreading voters and benefiting from weak opposition.

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They succeeded in Washington because of a super-charged effort to reach voters and to get them to cast ballots. They made inroads in rural and suburban areas by pointing to specific policies that are making their lives better, she said in a statement.

The Washington Way is the Winning Way, she said, and I look forward to working with national leaders to implement the strategies and solutions that worked for us in 2024 on a national scale.

What Went Right (Left) in WA

A copy of the analysis Shasti Conrad provided following the 2024 election.
Democrats are excoriating President Donald Trump for his grotesque claim that federal agency diversity requirements caused the deadly midair collision over the Potomac River Wednesday night.

Listen, its one thing for internet pundits to spew off conspiracy theories, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Thursday. Its another for the president of the United States to throw out idle speculation as bodies are still being recovered and families are still being notified.

It just turns your stomach, Schumer added.

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Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, where Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is located, went further.

He suggested Trumps actions in firing all members of an aviation safety advisory panel jeopardized the security of aviation.

Apparently Trump doesnt believe that air safety is national security.https://t.co/4vpXMC4wNR  Senator Tim Kaine (@SenTimKaine) January 30, 2025

Trump focused on politics in his first pubic speech to console the nation following Wednesday nights tragedy, taking particular aim at the polices of previous Democratic administrations.

A group within the FAA determined that the workforce was too white, then they had concerted efforts to get the administration to change that and to change it immediately, Trump said Thursday. This was in the Obama administration.

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Trump claimed, They actually came out with a directive: too white.

Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen joined Schumer in rebuking Trump, calling the presidents remarks outrageous and grotesque.

We've just experienced a great tragedy, and the President of the United States has already rushed to politicize it  jumping to outrageous conclusions and undermining ongoing investigations.



His comments were grotesque and outrageous and he owes the American people an apology.  Senator Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) January 30, 2025

Rep. Mark Pocan of Wisconsin criticized Trump for blaming everyone but himself.

The buck stops with him. Bodies are still being pulled up from the Potomac and he is trying to blame everyone but himself. Sick, he said in a post, which he apparently later took down.

When asked how he could possibly blame diversity hiring for the fatal midair collision between a regional American Airlines jet and a Black Hawk military helicopter, Trump said, Because I have common sense.

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Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg called the comments despicable, asserting that the agency put safety first during his tenure.

Praying for the families and demanding answers. https://t.co/uY0EzWj2s1 pic.twitter.com/I8agtUnM8b  Norma Torres (@Norma4Congress) January 30, 2025

As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying, he wrote on X. We put safety first, drove down close calls, grew Air Traffic Control, and had zero commercial airline crash fatalities out of millions of flights on our watch.

Rep. Norma Torres of California faced similar backlash from Republicans for casting blame on Trumps hiring freeze following the deadly crash.

This post is in incredibly poor taste and beneath the dignity of your office, former GOP Rep. Peter Meijer tweeted in response to Torres post.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  As President Donald Trump signs off on tougher immigration policies, there are concerns among immigrant communities in Ohio about the future.

A protest in north Columbus Wednesday night drew close to 100 people as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began arrests across the nation.

Michelle Resendiz, one of the organizers behind the protest, said it started as a few local students coming together on social media but quickly turned into a big group with the same goal; to use their voices for those who cant.

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Ohio lawmakers discuss immigration following Trump executive order

We must speak up on whats going on, Resendiz said.

Signs read Immigrants make America great and Stop dividing families. Many protestors like Erika Bautista are first-generation Americans.

We pay taxes, we build your houses, we cut your grass, we clean your houses, Bautista said. We are a big part to America. We are not criminals.

Protestor Michael Guzman-Martinez said hes scared for his undocumented family members.

Even us as U.S. citizens, were scared to be profiled on the street and get stopped by ICE agents, Guzman-Martinez said.

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Since Trump took office for his second term, ICE has stepped up arrests and deportations across the country. Trump administration officials said theyre simply carrying out the law.

We are not criminals, Resendiz said. We are here to have a future. We are here to become educated. We are doctors. We are lawyers. We are engineers. We are much more than were portrayed as.

Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law on Wednesday; its named after a nursing student who was killed by an undocumented immigrant. Trump said his administration is targeting undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes.

Law enforcement denies awareness of ICE raids in central Ohio

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Under the Trump administration, were moving with urgency and speed to get these vicious and violent criminals the hell out of our country and to restore law and order to our suburbs, our cities and our towns, Trump said.

Guzman-Martinez said its not fair that immigrants are being portrayed as criminals.

Even just being here is a crime, they said, and thats not true, Guzman-Martinez said. Theyre here just like the rest of us. They pay taxes, they work, they help the economy. Yes, there are some bad apples in that bunch, but most of them are good people.

Central Ohio protestors said undocumented immigrants have the same goals as everyone else.

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Is it illegal to come here and want an education for your family, Resendiz said. A future for your family? We come from a lot of political instability in our own countries. We come from a lot of corruption in our own countries, a lot of persecution in our countries, a lot of war in our countries. Is it illegal to come here looking for something better?

According to the Columbus Division of Police, they have not been made aware of any ICE arrests happening in the city and they have not been called on to assist at this time.

Meantime, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said the city takes the safety of residents very seriously. The mayors office said it continues to uphold Ginthers executive order that they will not use city resources to arrest anyone living in Columbus solely based on immigration status.

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For a moribund party, Democrats in the span of 24 hours are showing some signs of life.

On Tuesday, Iowa Democrats notched an upset victory in a state Senate district that Donald Trump won by more than 20 points, and Minnesota Democrats retook their Senate majority in the statehouse. Meanwhile, in Washington, congressional Democrats who had been on defense since Trump swept back into office denounced Trumps sweeping freeze on federal assistance  adopting a unified message for the first time since Trump took office.

By Wednesday, the Trump administration rescinded the freeze, and Democrats were celebrating for the first time since the November election.

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I havent seen people so aroused in a very, very long time, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters during his press conference on Wednesday.

Even some Democrats were cautious about reading too much into the White Houses spending freeze reversal  or the partys victories in the Midwest. Trump is still steamrolling Washington, with a slate of MAGA-backed appointees and a Republican-controlled Congress. While the Iowa win was an upset, the partys victory in Minnesota was widely expected. But for Democrats still on their back foot after devastating election losses in 2024, the developments represented a glimmer of hope.

Its a bit of positive news in a sea of negativity [and] Democrats are eager for any positive news, said Iowa state Rep. J.D. Scholten, who represents a chunk of rural northwest Iowa, similar to the rural state Senate seat that flipped from red to blue on Tuesday night. I dont think we can base our whole 2026 plan off of one special election, but at the same time, its a good feeling.



After the Trump administration reversed its federal freeze in a two-sentence memo, Waleed Shahid, a progressive Democratic operative, characterized Democrats pushback as a blueprint for how to beat Flood the Zone  pick your fights and press where it counts, he posted on X.

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Their overreach hit a Democratic intersection  legal pushback, constituent pressure and service providers turning up the heat on Congressional Democrats, and a media lane to drive a working-class populist message, Shahid added in an interview. There does seem to be more excitement in Democrats being an opposition party than one focused on bipartisanship and capitulation.

Rallying lawmakers in a private conference call Wednesday afternoon, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries told them that their public pressure campaign worked and the rescinded order was a win  but urged them to keep up the fight as the caucus mounts an all hands on deck effort, according to five people familiar with the call.

Top Democrats from the House Appropriations Committee, Oversight and the caucus messaging arm presented on their strategies to push back against Trump.

Their messaging arm encouraged lawmakers to hold news conferences with local elected officials to highlight the impact of the spending freeze and to record social media videos about it. The caucus also planned a Stop The Republican Rip Off Day of Action on Thursday  that was still on after the order was rescinded  to talk with constituents about how the Republican agenda will hurt working people to reward the wealthy and well-connected, according to guidance obtained by POLITICO.

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The Iowa special election  triggered after then-state Sen. Chris Cournoyer resigned to serve as the states lieutenant governor  gave Democrats an unexpected boost. Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart said in a statement that it proved the party can win in rural Iowa, while the Democratic National Committee called it an earthquake.

But some Iowa political experts urged a more restrained reading of the results, citing the small sample size. In recent years, Democrats have performed better among higher-information voters, who are far more likely to show up for special elections and midterms, which means its harder to extrapolate those results to contests that draw more voters.

Dont overread here, said Norm Sterzenbach, a longtime Iowa Democratic consultant. Sifting through the results, though, Sterzenbach argued that Democrats can pick out some helpful trends: Mike Zimmer, the Democratic candidate, performed better in the Quad Cities, a swingy area Democrats must win back to improve their standing in the state, and he ran a localized campaign.



Zimmer ran on his own background as a teacher, kept it local, not about Trump, not about stuff in Washington, and as much as theres an urge to react to the news of the day, their campaign didnt, Sterzenbach said. If theres a lesson, its keep it local, dont get caught up in Trump and Washington.

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Republicans largely saw Zimmers victory  and subsequent Democratic elation on social media  as evidence of how bad things have become for Democrats just about everywhere else. Adam Kincaid, president of the National Republican Redistricting Trust, called it proof that theyre grasping at straws because its a special election in late January in Iowa, so its silly to read too much into it.

Kincaid did, however, caution Republicans that there are key lessons for his party in this Iowa upset. We need good candidates, and we have to turn out Trump voters when President Trump is not on the ballot, he said.

Republicans used to have a really solid midterm coalition and Democrats were the ones who would struggle to turn out their voters in midterms, and I think thats changed, Kincaid said. Figuring out how to get our low-propensity voters to show up is the challenge we have for the next 18 months.

Daniella Diaz contributed to this report
Democrats are launching a tax-focused group as their newest messaging megaphone in an attempt to counter President Donald Trump on one of his signature issues.

Organizers said the nonprofit group, Families Over Billionaires, will be backed by an eight-figure funding campaign, which will include advertising, rapid response and surrogate operations. They said the campaign will serve as a centralized war room to attack Trump and Republicans during the looming tax debate in Congress. The details of the group were shared first with POLITICO.

The campaigns launch marks one of the first outside efforts to push back on Trumps agenda in his second term, as Democrats look to regain ground with voters on economic issues  a major weakness for the party last year. Democrats plan to blast Trump over his effort to extend his own 2017 cuts, which they argue will hand out trillions in tax giveaways to billionaires and big corporations, a memo about the group reads, while ignoring his promises to lower costs on everyday expenses.

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But its not clear when Republicans, who have argued that allowing the cuts to lapse would hurt the economy, will take up the debate. Theres still plenty of wrangling on Capitol Hill over how to push through their priorities of tax cut extensions, immigration and slashing spending  a sprawling list of priorities that will be difficult to push through with their razor-thin majority in the House.

Democrats, for their part, are still searching for a way to reach voters on the economy. Throughout the 2024 election, more voters trusted Trump on the economy than Kamala Harris, according to public polling. Trump improved his standing with nearly every demographic group last November, when a majority of voters said the economy remained their top issue. Reaching voters on economic issues is becoming an existential challenge for the party.

A coalition of elected officials, labor unions and Democratic groups signed on to the Democrats messaging effort, including former Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), former Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young, the Service Employees International Union and the Center for American Progress Action Fund.

"For me, politics has never been about left or right, it's about whose side you're on. That's what this fight will come down to, Brown said in a statement. Are you fighting for the people who make this country work, or more handouts for the wealthy and the largest corporations? We must make that contrast clear."

Michael Linden, a Biden administration alum and a senior policy fellow at the Washington Center for Equitable Growth, will serve as its director.
DENVER (KDVR)  A Denver teacher is one of four finalists for the National Teacher of the Year award.

The Colorado Department of Education announced on Thursday that Denver Public Schools Janet Damon, who was named the 2025 Colorado Teacher of the Year in October, is one of four teachers from around the country up for national recognition.

Previous: Denver teacher named 2025 Colorado Teacher of the Year

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Janet Damon exemplifies what it means to meet the moment as an educator, DPS Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero said in a press release. She responds to each students unique needs with creativity, building excitement for learning and inspiring every student she touches. Her impact is transformative, shaping the future one student at a time.

Damon is a history teacher at DPSs DELTA High School and has been teaching students in the district for over 25 years. She will now travel to Washington, D.C. in February to interview with the National Teacher of the Year Selection Committee.

Damon was among 56 educators in the running for the top honor and is among other finalist teachers from American Samoa, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania.

In the announcement, Damon said it was the Denver Public Schools community, to which she has belonged since she graduated from DPS, that this recognition reflects.

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I am truly honored to be named a finalist for the National Teacher of the Year award, Damon said. This recognition is a reflection of the amazing students, colleagues, and community I am fortunate to work with every day. Teaching is about empowering others, and Im excited to continue sharing the incredible work happening in our classrooms.

Study: This Colorado town is one of the fastest-growing wealthy suburbs in America

The Council of Chief State School Officers will announce the 2025 National Teacher of the Year in the spring. If selected, Damon will serve as an education ambassador nationally representing the voices of all teachers and students.

Colorados last National Teacher of the Year finalist was Roaring Fork School District educator Autumn Rivera in 2022.

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Damon holds a bachelors degree from Metropolitan State University, a masters degree in library and information science from the University of Denver and an educational specialist degree in leadership for educational organizations from the University of Colorado at Denver.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
An investigation is underway after at least one deputy opened fire, killing a man described as a suspect in the city of Paramount in Los Angeles County early Thursday morning.

The shooting was reported around 12:15 a.m. on the 15000 block of Paramount Boulevard, the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department stated.

The suspect was struck by gunfire and pronounced deceased at the scene by Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel, the Sheriffs Department stated.

An investigation is underway after a deputy shooting in Paramount on Jan. 30, 2025 (KTLA)

No information was released about what prompted the deputy, or deputies, to open fire or what the man was suspected of doing.

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No deputies were injured in the incident.

Anyone with additional information was asked to call the Sheriffs Departments Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or by using the website.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
DES MOINES, Iowa  A Des Moines man has been arrested for allegedly grooming and sexually abusing a 12-year-old victim.

Sergio Silva Amado

Sergio Silva Amado, 21, is being held in the Polk County Jail on three counts of second-degree sexual abuse and one count of grooming. The charges are felonies.

Sgt. Paul Parizek of the Des Moines Police Department said Silva Amados arrest stemmed from a missing child investigation. Officers were called to a Highland Park home around 11:47 a.m. Wednesday on a report of a missing 12-year-old girl. The family of the child found messages in the Instagram app between an adult male and the child, indicating the adult orchestrated for the child to skip school so they could meet up.

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Iowa House Republicans advance bill that puts citizenship status on licenses

Using Instagram user names as a starting point, investigators were able to identify Silva Amado as a suspect. Sgt. Parizek said a previous traffic citation issued by DMPD was able to help investigators move the investigation ahead quickly.

Less than an hour after police were called, officers found Silva Amado and the child were located at a residence within a mile of the childs home.

The child was reunited with her family.

Sexual abuse investigators were called in due to the nature of the online communications and following further investigation Silva Amado was arrested.

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Criminal complaints filed in the case said that through Silva Amados extensive Instagram chat conversations with the victim, investigators were able to determine he was fully aware that she was 12-years-old.

Sgt. Parizek said incidents involving online predators, especially those targeting children and teens, are growing across the nation. Between 2021 and 2023 the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children said the number of online enticement reports increased by over 300%. Through the first three-quarters of 2024, the organization received more than 450,000 tips about online enticement.

Click here for more details and tips on how to guard yourself and your kids from online enticement.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
DES MOINES, Iowa  Fire crews from multiple metro fire departments responded to a grass fire Wednesday on the northeast side of Des Moines at the 4100 block of NE Broadway Avenue.

The Des Moines Fire department reported that nearly 10 acres were burned at a field that was right next to a mobile home park.

Firefighters battle flames at southside Des Moines used book store

Fire crews from Des Moines, Bondurant, Altoona, Pleasant Hill, and Delaware Township were called to the scene.

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Eugene Smith, a resident at Broadway Mobile Home Park, said that when he first noticed the fire he ran to try to keep it from spreading to the park.

They already called the fire department I was there with a shovel trying to get it so it didnt get the trailers, Smith said.

The Des Moines Fire Department reported no damage to structures and no injuries from the fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

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.
DES MOINES, Iowa  Non-profit organizations in Iowa are moving forward cautiously optimistic after a roller coaster ride over the past few days.

I just I was at a loss, said Kimberly Grandstaff. I couldnt believe that this would happen.

Grandstaff is the Corporate Financial Officer for the Institute for Community Alliances (ICA) based in Des Moines. She said when she logged in online to withdraw government-issued funds around 6 a.m. on Tuesday, they were unavailable.

That was 11 hours before a deadline that had been provided by President Donald Trumps budget office in a memo the afternoon prior. The Office of Management and Budget announced the sudden and temporary freeze of spending on Federal loans and grants on Monday stating that it would take effect at 5 p.m. on Tuesday.

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Administration officials said the pause was necessary to review whether spending aligned with President Trumps executive orders on issues like climate change and diversity and equity and inclusion programs, according to the Associated Press.

Iowa House Republicans advance bill that puts citizenship status on licenses

According to Grandstaff, their funds were earmarked for the payroll, rent, and other bills that help to keep the non-profit running. The realization that the funds had been frozen preemptively prompted an emergency, all-hands meeting with its nearly 150 employees across the U.S.

It was probably one of the worst meetings of my life, she told WHO 13s Katie Kaplan. You never want to tell people that they might lose their job. And thats pretty much what we were kind of trying to warn, that if we dont get this money, and if we dont get access, were going to have to start laying off pretty much for all of our workforce.

The organization relies on federal funds for about 85 percent of its operating budget,

and they assist nearly every county in Iowa, as well as other states across the nation,

with data and planning on how to help those struggling with homelessness, she said.

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The frozen funds could have also stopped some of their partner agencies from being able to provide rental assistance to clients as soon as February 1.

I was really worried about the work that my team is doing, about the work that all of the agencies that we work with are doing, because we know that federal funding is is one of the key pieces to addressing homelessness in Iowa, said Courtney Guntly, the director of Iowa Balance of State Continuum of Care.

After an emergency hearing on Tuesday, a federal judge delayed the freeze roughly a week. Then on Wednesday, just as quickly as it was issued, the memo was rescinded by the Trump Administration.

Iowa House Republicans look at various DEI policies for universities, colleges

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While the funding for ICA was eventually accessed, it gave local leaders a proverbial case of whiplash. Guntly described the situation as discouraging and said it left her skeptical of what might unfold in the future.



I mean, cautiously optimistic not sure where things go from here, she said when asked about the future. I think, you know, theres a Tweet from the press secretary that indicates that maybe this isnt over, but for now, it seems like we can move forward and proceed.

I think it certainly gives all of us who receive federal funding a little bit of hesitancy and concern about just how well will our work continue, she said.

The funds that were temporarily frozen were granted in fiscal year 2023 and had been signed into law by Congress. Given that they were frozen without notice once already, these non-profit leaders said they had lost confidence in the process.

In the coming weeks, Grandstaff and Guntly said they would now be focused on a new task- figuring out how to secure more non-federal funding moving forward.

More news

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
(This story was updated to add new information.)

WEST PALM BEACH  Gov. Ron DeSantis repeated Thursday that he will veto the state Legislature's "weak and destructive" immigration bill, saying it would keep law enforcement from carrying out President Donald Trump's plan to deport undocumented immigrants.

DeSantis said the so-called Trump Act's move to put immigration under the Florida Department of Agriculture would add another bureaucratic step and hinder the cooperation of local law enforcement with federal agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

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He said farm labor is one of the magnets of illegal immigration in Florida and said allowing the department to oversee it is a conflict of interest.

"Under their bill, you would have a situation where if sheriff deputies here in Palm Beach County had criminal aliens, they would not be allowed to work directly with ICE without the permission of the commissioner of Agriculture," said DeSantis, flanked by Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and Mark Glass, commissioner of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Immigration crackdown: Palm Beach County immigrants already in asylum process being detained, nonprofit says

DeSantis said it was a "Mother, may I?" situation.

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Bradshaw nodded in agreement with DeSantis and said the sheriff's office will continue its focus on targeting undocumented immigrants who have committed felonies and those belonging to gangs such as El Tren De Aragua from Venezuela.

"The enforcement effort, and to have in place the right law for us to enforce and have the resources to do it, all that does is protect the community," Bradshaw said. "Governor, without a doubt, I ain't asking permission to go get these bad guys from anywhere."

Legislation is GOP plan to crack down on illegal immigration statewide

Left to right: Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, Governor Ron DeSantis, State Rep. Mike Caruso and FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass talk about immigration during a press conference at the Palm Beach Sheriff's Office Training Facility gymnasium in unincorporated Palm Beach County, Fla., on January 30, 2025.

The Legislature passed the bill on Tuesday, capping a contentious special session. Among its many provisions is to make the secretary of agriculture, an elected position in Florida, the state's chief immigration officer.

The move in part reflects the importance of immigrant workers to farms statewide. It also would place power in the hands of Commissioner Wilton Simpson, a political rival of DeSantis.

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The bill includes a provision that makes the death penalty mandatory for immigrants who entered the country illegally and are convicted of a capital offense. It also creates financial penalties for government officials who do not comply with federal immigration law, a $5,000 fine.

Immigration: Florida Gov. DeSantis to lawmakers on their immigration bill: 'Veto pen is ready'

It also includes requiring a maximum sentence for any immigrant who entered the country illegally and is a member of a gang and convicted of a crime. It requires the "chief immigration officer" to approve and enforce agreements between local law enforcement requiring they aid federal immigration officials.

DeSantis first said Wednesday that he would veto the bill. Prior to Thursday's remarks at the sheriff's office training center near Palm Beach International Airport, he also sat for several interviews with conservative radio and TV talk show hosts, including Laura Ingraham and Dana Loesch, to berate Republicans who pushed against his priorities, which included giving him authority to suspend heads of law-enforcement agencies who, in (his) judgment , act in bad faith by failing to comply.

DeSantis blasts farm labor as 'magnet of illegal immigration' in Florida

DeSantis said law enforcement agencies like PBSO should work directly with ICE on undocumented immigrants and not go through the Department of Agriculture.

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The Legislatures bill would make Florida a de facto sanctuary state for undocumented immigrants, DeSantis said.

If you read the way it's written, it is written to kneecap the people that are out there doing work to protect this state, and that was intentional, he said.

DeSantis said the Florida Highway Patrol and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security have reached an agreement where troopers can serve as immigration-enforcement agents. He said all agencies should join the federal 287(g) program, which lets local officers assist ICE agents.

For real or political posturing? Florida illegal labor crackdown might be a Trump preview

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The governor also said one way to remove the incentive for people to cross the border illegally is to bar them from sending remittances back home. Some of that money ends up in the hands of drug cartels, DeSantis said.

If you did that, you would dry up the incentives to come illegally because they couldn't do the remittances, he said.

DeSantis OK with Venezuelans losing temporary protected status in U.S.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass speaks about immigration during a press conference at the Palm Beach Sheriff's Office Training Facility gymnasium in unincorporated Palm Beach County, Fla., on January 30, 2025.

DeSantis told The Palm Beach Post he thought the grant of temporary protected status, or TPS, to Venezuelans was not lawful and thinks the Trump administration is making the right decision by allowing it to end this year.

TPS is granted to people from certain countries who are going through humanitarian emergencies and allows them to live and work in the United States.

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The Biden administration granted TPS to Venezuelans in 2021. This month, the outgoing administration extended the TPS protection for Venezuelans for another 18 months.

But Trump's Homeland Security chief, Kristi Noem, on Tuesday canceled the extension. So the TPS coverage for some 600,000 Venezuelans living in the United States will expire this spring. Once it does, those Venezuelans would lose their work permits and be at risk of being deported.

Florida is the state with the largest population of overall TPS holders with 295,720, according to the National Immigration Forum.

People from Cuba, Nicaragua and Haiti also have received TPS and face having that status revoked in the coming months.

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DeSantis added he expects there will be guidance from the federal government to transition out of the program. That now reverts to two separate designations, one that expires this April and another in September.

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: DeSantis in West Palm: I'll veto state immigration crackdown bill
The Navy destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG-62) became the first warship to deploy with a program-of-record artificial intelligence (AI) platform. Its creators say the system will help the fleet predict and tackle maintenance needs in a far less disruptive fashion. The system aims to reduce surprise equipment casualties while ensuring that more of the fleet is available should an all-out war break out, requiring a surge of forces.

Known as Enterprise Remote Monitoring Version 4 (ERM v4), the system is the shipboard aspect of a Pentagon program called Condition Based Maintenance Plus, which in part aims to leverage machine learning to help ship crews, ashore commands, logistical nodes, and other units keep more assets ready to fight, Zac Staples, a retired Navy officer whose Austin-based company, Fathom5, created the system, told TWZ Wednesday. Staples spoke at the annual WEST conference in San Diego this week, which TWZ attended, about his companys innovation before chatting with TWZ.

A Navy overview of how Enterprise Remote Monitoring and Condition Based Maintenance work. (U.S. Navy)

Right now, youve got about a third of the Navy that is deployed, a third of the Navy thats in some depot-level maintenance, very difficult for them to get put back together in surge, but that other third is in various stages of material and training readiness to deploy, he said. Anything, particularly AI, that tells us exactly what we need to do to keep a ship ready before its readiness dips directly contributes to having a much larger battle fleet ready to defend the interests of the nation.

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The AI system arrives in the fleet as the Navy continues to suffer severe maintenance delays and readiness issues, even as it races to prepare for a potential war with China. And while the sea service is experimenting with AI in a large variety of ways, Staples said ERM v4 is the first program-of-record platform deployed in such a fashion aboard a Navy ship. It intends to replace the legacy Integrated Condition Assessment System (ICAS), which has been in use since the 1990s, according to the Navy.

On the Arleigh Burke class USS Fitzgerald, ERM v4 evaluated about 10,000 sensor readings per second coming from the ships hull, mechanical and electrical (HME) systems, with AI algorithms making maintenance recommendations that directly feed into the ships maintenance planning system, he said.

In one instance, ERM v4s analysis identified a so-called long lead item, or ship part, that was nearing failure and would take a long time to receive after ordering, Staples said. ERM v4 alerted the crew to the parts degradation far enough in advance for them to order a replacement and pick it up at the pier, to make a repair that, otherwise, probably would have put a particular system out of commission for a bit.

Staples declined to identify the part, deferring to Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), which did not respond to TWZ questions by deadline Wednesday. But according to Staples, ERM v4 gave sailors visibility on an impending failure that they wouldnt have been aware of otherwise.

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A lot of systems on the ship are operated until failure, then repair or replace, he said. This gave the crew, and then the shoreside maintenance community, visibility of an impending failure, so that the reliability stayed higher.

The Enterprise Remote Monitoring Version 4 (ERM v4) seeks to help sailors better monitor and anticipate parts condition on their ship. (U.S. Navy)

Staples likened the evolution of Navy maintenance from an interval to a condition-based system, to advances in car oil changes. Previously, drivers were told to just change their oil every 3,000 miles. But newer models monitor mileage, oil viscosity and temperature, and alert the driver when the oil needs to be changed.

Navy officials have acknowledged that taking on some precautionary maintenance, instead of waiting for scheduled maintenance times to analyze a ship and make repairs, comprises a sea change in how the service has traditionally handled such work.

There are numerous challenges, both internally and externally, in front of us as a program, Mathias Haegele, a mechanical engineer with the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division, said in 2023 when discussing condition based maintenance. Some of the new and innovative products that we are developing and preparing to deploy are going to require a change in culture and how we interact with our end users to encourage engagement, adoption, and continuous feedback.

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The system takes up about half a server rack on a ship, Staples said, and its changing how sailors read and report system data as well.

There are still a bunch of systems on the ship that are manually read, Staples said. Today, on most ships, youve got sailors going around with clipboards, and theyre writing down pressures and temperatures from manual gauges.

But those readings are critical to feeding AI algorithms accurate data to grow and refine the analytics, so ERM v4 has also involved giving sailors smartphone-like devices to take logs digitally.

The USS Fitzgerald (DDG-62) deployed last year with an AI-powered system that helped the crew forecast failing parts in the hull, mechanical and electrical systems of the warship. (U.S. Navy)

Turns out, theyre much faster at a texting type operation, Staples said. The real difference that a lot of people notice is they shift over to digital log keeping for several of the rounds.

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All of ERM v4s maintenance recommendations are back-checked by shipboard maintenance leadership that confirms those recommendations, Staples said, and Fathom5 and the Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia, the oversight entity for the effort, take in that feedback, which is used to refine the systems analytic potency.

That feedback from sailors about the accuracy and relevancy of the recommendations is absolutely vital to this [machine learning] ops vision, where AI is actually reliable and trustable on maintaining things, he said.

ERM v4 is also updated four times a year, which helps create a machine learning loop where models are trained and developed in the cloud, deployed aboard a ship, measured for performance and accuracy, and then tuned and redeployed in a very quick succession, Staples said.

By comparison, the Submarine Warfare Federated Tactical System (SWFTS), considered the gold standard of continuous update and delivery, is on a two-year cycle, he said.

The Navys Enterprise Remote Monitoring Version 4 (ERM v4) offers updates and delivery every four months, faster than the Submarine Warfare Federated Tactical Systems two-year cycle. (U.S. Navy)

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While ERM v4s initial use has been in ship engineering maintenance, such condition-based maintenance would be applicable in the future to combat systems, although Staples acknowledged that that would be a more complicated place to start the program.

Staples said that ERM v4 will be integrated into the Naval Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (NMRO) system this year, becoming the predictive maintenance and AI layer for that larger logistics and IT portfolio. The system will also deploy four more times in 2025, feeding the AI analytics more data on which to make more refined recommendations.

The capability will be getting onto one or two more ships this year, including potentially aboard an amphibious transport dock, he said.

Then we should see a quick scale, starting in 2026, with a dozen or more ships a year, Staples said.

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The Navy has for years wanted to better capture and crunch a ships HME data in order to make maintenance less disruptive to a vessels operations and general readiness. An earlier ERM system was tested back in 2019, according to a USNI News report, which cited now-retired Rear Adm. Lorin Selby, then NAVSEAs chief engineer and a proponent of the capability.

USNI News noted how previous, larger-scale CBM efforts had led to maintenance availability disruptions:

During previous attempts at incorporating CBM, there was a thought that, if major efforts like refurbishing tanks were only done when needed, rather than on a predetermined timetable, the Navy could avoid spending time and money on work ahead of need. However, that also meant that shipyards wouldnt have a clear work package before a ship showed up at the pier, adding uncertainty and, ultimately, more time and cost into the maintenance availability.

A sailor performs corrective scuttle maintenance while working aloft on the mast of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson. (U.S. Navy) Petty Officer 2nd Class Timothy Meyer

This time around, Selby sees condition-based maintenance as a way to address smaller maintenance items in such a way that data analysis points a ship crew to components that are experiencing minor performance issues or otherwise showing signs they are about to fail before the failure actually occurs.

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While some machine learning has already existed on Navy surface combatants to a lesser degree, particularly within its ever-evolving Aegis Combat System, using a true AI system that was designed from the ground-up has major benefits. In this case, for keeping ships out to sea and on station.

Aside from helping crews spot failing parts faster, a honed AI system for maintenance could also help with logistics and the pre-positioning of certain components before a future degradation is detected. Fleet-wide, it could generally know what parts are more prone to degrade, and when, across numerous classes. It remains unclear how clearly the Navy has captured such data and acted upon it in the pre-AI era.

Using real time health monitoring and automation to forecast what parts will be needed, and when, has also been a major feature  for better or worse  of the stealthy F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, as well as other new military weapon systems and is becoming a critical requirement for future platforms. The commercial space has also been very bullish on the concept for all types of vehicles and mechanical systems. Enhanced AI agents are thought to only increase just how effective these systems are and how much efficiency can be gained in complex logistics chains that support all kinds of systems.

AI and machine learning are moving at a rapid pace, transforming various sectors of society. Having such a system constantly on watch to flag future ship system failures could go a long way to ensuring that Navy ships can carry out their missions around the world and not have their cruise schedule sidelined by a faulty widget.

Contact the author: geoff@twz.com
Jan. 29National defense missions at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and across the military are free to hire the civilians they need to accomplish their missions, a spokesman for the Air Force Materiel Command said this week.

"The Department of Defense has been given a blanket exemption from the federal civilian hiring freeze," AFMC spokesman Derek Kaufman said in response to questions from the Dayton Daily News.

That means normal hiring actions and "onboarding" can proceed for the 94 vacant civilian positions at AFMC's Wright-Patterson headquarters, Kaufman said.

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However, Kaufman cautioned that the number of 94 openings is "a snapshot in time." Those who hire at AFMC also contend with shifting conditions, such as retirements and onboarding new employees who have been matched with position vacancies and accepted other job offers, he said.

The information was offered about a week after President Trump issued a 90-day freeze on the hiring of federal government civilian employees.

While Trump's order did make an exception for military positions and openings tied to "national security," spokespeople at important Wright-Patterson missions and commands told the Dayton Daily News last week that they sought clarity on the order's implications.

For example, a spokeswoman for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) said the lab was looking for clarity on whether it could hire a new civilian as a chief knowledge, data and AI officer. That is a new AFRL position.

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A spokeswoman for AFRL Wednesday said the lab continued to seek guidance on the matter.

The federal government is the largest employer in the nation, in terms of number of employees and money spent.

Wright-Patterson has more employees in one general location  about 38,000 or so  than any other employer in the state of Ohio.

The base is home to critical Air Force missions, such as the AFMC headquarters, the sprawling, global command responsible for equipping and sustaining the service and its many planes, weapons and equipment.

Wright-Patt is also home to the headquarters of the Air Force Research Laboratory, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, the National Air and Space Intelligence Center and many other missions that employ thousands of civilians.

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JobsOhio data show that federal and military installations in the Dayton region support some 103,200 jobs, generating $8.3 billion in earnings.

Within 90 days of the order, the director of the Office of Management and Budget is expected to submit a plan to reduce the size of the federal workforce "through efficiency improvements and attrition," Trump's executive order stated.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has offered "deferred resignation" to federal employees who agree to leave their jobs within seven business days.

"The federal workforce is expected to undergo significant near-term changes," an OPM FAQ tells workers. "As a result of these changes (or for other reasons), you may wish to depart the federal government on terms that provide you with sufficient time and economic security to plan for your future  and have a nice vacation."

An OPM page says the "voluntary separation incentive payment" allows agencies that are downsizing to offer employees lump-sum payments up to $25,000 as an incentive to leave their jobs.
Fred Durhal III began knocking on doors  under the guidance of his father  to campaign for other elected officials at the age of 3. But when he comes knocking this year, it will be because he's running for mayor, the current Detroit city councilman announced Wednesday.

Durhal is aiming for Detroit's top job because, as he told the Free Press, the city needs someone with experience in multiple levels of government. And the councilman says he has it. He kicked off his campaign Wednesday at the Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan: Lloyd H. Diehl Club, 4242 Collingwood, in the Nardin Park neighborhood, which is adjacent to Russell Woods where Durhal grew up. Speaking of levels of experience, Durhal said he has worked multiple jobs throughout his life that taught him how to deal with and help people, from retail at Kmart, in customer service, as a mental health peer counselor for teenagers, in consulting and as a state representative from 2015 to 2019.

Detroit City Councilman Fred Durhal III announces his run for Detroit mayor at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan in Detroit on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025.

A lot of us as elected officials, you'll see us, we give out turkeys, we give out hats, we give out coats, we do all of these great things, Durhal said at his kickoff. The type of city that I want to build is one that we don't have to give out turkeys ... that everybody can have the opportunity, and that we deliver the promise of Detroit, that we have promised folks from generation to generation, and that we actually deliver on that process. And if you know anything else about me, one thing you can be sure of is that Durhal delivers."

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Durhal drew more than 250 attendees Wednesday evening, filling up seats and standing wall-to-wall holding "Durhal Delivers" signs, and multiple speakers, including his wife Briaunna Durhal and Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel, his former colleague in the state legislature.

Sabrina McKenzie, who moved into his district this past year, said she supports Durhal because of his fast response to a plumbing issue in her home. However, issues she wants to see him tackle include job creation, especially because she works with returning citizens, addressing abandoned houses to open up room for more residents and ensure Detroiters have access to quality health care.

"His office called me immediately. They had a meeting, they had it done, they had it resolved. And since then, I've seen him four or five times. That's unheard of. Community leaders don't usually do that. They have the title, they lead from the dome, they lead from the Capitol, but they never lead in the community," McKenzie said.

Greimel described Durhal as a tireless and hardworking public servant who "impressed" him with his understanding of policy challenges and his "ability to connect with people from all walks of life," he said.

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"He served on the appropriations committee in the state House, and he was incredibly effective, working with both, Democrats and Republicans, to bring enormous amounts of resources back home to Detroit. He was a champion for increased public safety, but a champion for investing in neighborhoods and actually delivering results," Greimel said.

Past congressional leaders Barbara Rose-Collins and John Conyers influenced Durhal to enter public service. But it was his father, Fred Durhal, Jr., also a former state legislator, who was his main inspiration.

I had the opportunity to sit at the feet  due to his (father's) relationships with other elected officials  of some of the greats, like Mayor Coleman Young. I remember being a young boy running around the Manoogian Mansion. It is also nostalgic every time I walk into the City-County (Coleman A. Young Municipal Center) building. I can remember being a little boy running throughout that building, Durhal said. I don't want us to go backwards in our progress. We've made that significant amount of progress with tough decisions. The next leader has to be very strong, very unapologetic about the decisions that they make, because they make it confidently and it's based upon this experience.

Durhal, 40, has long supported many of Mayor Mike Duggan's initiatives for new developments in the city, along with his common fight of the "Us vs. Them" narrative, where people claim that the focus is on downtown versus neighborhoods. But the comparisons between the councilman and Detroit's current chief executive do not faze Durhal, he says, as long as Detroit has an administration to push for "good government" and fix the city's issues. There's also the consideration of his wife and kids' futures, and the future generations of all Detroiters, that he says steered him to define his future moves and priorities for the city.

Key priorities

Expanding commercial corridors to have walkable communities, which would include developed spaces and retail within a short distance from neighborhoods, would be among the first initiatives he'd tackle in his first 90 days, if elected, he said.

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"That's one of the priorities we'll be very aggressive on as we talk to some of our partners  public-private partnerships  and maintaining those relationships. And those partnerships are going to be instrumental," Durhal said. "I believe that, that you're going to have to have a leader that the business community trusts, but also that the community trusts, because you'll have to bridge that gap."

Durhal said he also aims to look into potentially expanding the Downtown Development Authority's boundaries.

"We'll be looking at changing the definition of what our Downtown Development Authority does, and what is the geographical boundaries of that, to kind of expand it into those commercial corridors, such as Gratiot (Avenue); such as Michigan Avenue; and even farther down Woodward to the North End; and then look at these main streets in every community and work on that," he said.

Enhancing public safety is at the forefront of Durhal's mind, he said. The councilman chairs the city's Gun Violence Task Force and supports community violence intervention initiatives, like ShotStoppers, a program intended to prevent shootings and homicides. Durhal added that social determinants of health can lead to gun violence in the city.

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"It will give us an opportunity to address cognitive behavior, to address mental health and some of these underlying issues that exist. But we'll also be able to look at the socioeconomic issues that lead up to gun violence as well. As we talk to a lot of young men and women across the city of Detroit, they feel no one cares about them. They feel that there is no opportunity for them, and in some cases, that leads to crime," Durhal said. "We do have numbers and data that shows that we're becoming safer. But it is also my belief that you are only as safe as you feel ... you shouldn't fear having to go to the pharmacy to pick up your prescription at night."

Part of boosting public safety includes providing resources for officers, he said. And the City Council has approved pay raises for Detroit Police Department officers as a step.

"We've got to get really granular when we talk about public safety," Durhal said. "Part of that feeling safe is knowing that you can call somebody when you're in danger. At one time, Detroit had over 4,000 police officers, and as time went on and the population declined as well, you saw the decline in population of our police department."

Supporters of Detroit City Councilman Fred Durhal III gather as he announces his run for Detroit mayor at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan in Detroit on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025.

Beyond public safety, Durhal said he wants to focus on enhancing the futures of young Detroiters through partnerships with the Detroit Public Schools Community District to provide programming and better infrastructure. Strengthening Detroit's school system also means meeting with state legislators to procure resources, which Durhal said he's prepared to do, given his history as a state legislator and relationships he's built.

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"We don't want to take over the schools, but we want to fix that bridge between government and school government ... whether that's talking about our infrastructure here in the city of Detroit with the number of abandoned schools that exist. What's our plan, collectively, to take down some of these buildings that have been sitting there, some of this decay that's been sitting there for multiple years that ... adds to the negative mind state of our youth? You become desensitized. You walk past an abandoned school that's got weeds and broken windows, and that becomes part of your conscience, your subconscious."

Preparing Detroit's youth for the jobs of the future  including tech, innovation and mobility  to grow their skillset and retain them as residents will be another task he aims to target, if elected. Durhal said he aims to push the Detroit Promise program, which provides a tuition-free pathway for college and university students.

"We're not doing a great job of promoting that," Durhal said.

Retaining young talent, however, will require more than just programs to boost their skillset, which the councilman said he expects to maintain. Durhal said he also wants to re-engage discussions about regional transit, which has been a determining factor for younger talent leaving Detroit to live in other big cities.

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"It connects our communities. And when our communities are connected, folks feel like they just don't have to stay in one spot," Durhal said. "Regional transit is going to be, I think, one of the biggest issues that has been one of the biggest barriers that has plagued, I believe, the growth of our entire region over the past decade or so. And you're going to have to have great relationships with those leaders at a county level," Durhal said.

In a crisis, 'pick up the phone'

Durhal's announcement comes on the heels of President Donald Trump issuing an executive order to halt federal funding, which Detroit has relied on for years. A federal judge put a temporary hold on the order Tuesday, then the federal Office of Management and Budget announced Wednesday that it was backing off the funding freeze  at least for now. Though the status of funding freeze remains murky at this time, Durhal said if the freeze were to happen he would make calls  similar to how Duggan, who had strong relationships with the Joe Biden White House and federal officials would reach out for aid  to lobby for issues of importance or at least get basic information.

"One of the first things that I would do is pick up the phone. You've got to have those conversations. Pick up the phone and attempt to speak to the president and let him know how important it is, as far as grants are concerned, that the city needs them to thrive. We're still rebuilding. I know we were in a good spot, and we've got one of the greatest comeback stories in history. Well, we're still going. And the way to do that as well is use your partners," Durhal said.

Detroit City Councilman Fred Durhal III announces his run for Detroit mayor at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan in Detroit on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025.

The role of the mayor is nonpartisan. But Durhal, a Democrat, acknowledged the job would require calling on Republican officials as well.

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"You can't participate in name-calling. You can't participate in the show that some folks like to push out there, because your number one job as mayor is to deliver those resources for your city no matter what's happening, no matter who's in charge, no matter who's in office," Durhal said.

Other candidates who have formed committees for mayor or announced their intentions to run include City Council President Mary Sheffield, former City Councilwoman and current THAW (The Heat and Warmth Fund) CEO Saunteel Jenkins, former Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate and businessman Joel Haashiim.

Dana Afana is the Detroit city hall reporter for the Free Press. Contact: dafana@freepress.com. Follow her: @DanaAfana.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Councilman Fred Durhal III launches mayoral campaign
Workers at a west Detroit child care center served young children raw chicken and spoiled milk in a building without heat  leaving the children cold to the touch and sometimes sick to their stomachs  according to allegations in an order from the state suspending the center's license Thursday.

The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential (MiLEAP) suspended the child care license for the Martin Luther King Jr. Daycare, which offered child care from ages 2 weeks to 4 years. The department did not say whether Martin Luther King Jr. Education Center Academy, the K-8 school with 300 children attending that appears to be run in the same building at 16827 Appoline St. could face any similar repercussions. An initial complaint came in on Jan. 16 to MiLEAP, alleging that children were coming home cold because the building did not have adequate heat. The center was shut down Wednesday evening.

A school leader did not immediately respond to a request for comment, though someone who picked up the phone number listed for the school Thursday morning said they thought officials might be busy, as they were turning children away in light of the suspension.

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MiLEAP in its order wrote that the agency had to take emergency action to suspend the center in the interest of child welfare.

Little heat, spoiled and rotten food

A day after the initial complaint, more allegations emerged: that an "obnoxious" smell came from the basement kitchen next to the preschool kitchen, that the building has no cleaning supplies, that the building has no hot water and that children were being served spoiled milk and yogurt.

In inspections on Jan. 23 and Jan. 25, a licensing official observed fluctuating temperatures in different rooms of the building: 80 degrees in the infant/toddler room and 69 degrees in a different classroom. In both rooms, according to the complaint, the inspector could feel a draft creating cold spots. One worker told an inspector that children were cold to the touch, no matter how much they turned up the heat.

The inspector also found milk that had expired on Jan. 15  nearly 10 days after the first inspection  in a refrigerator. And one classroom emitted a spoiled, foul odor.

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Staff members also complained about the conditions, according to the suspension order. One staff member said she had to purchase her own cleaning supplies and others said they were no longer willing to buy cleaning supplies on their own dime. Another said she was uncomfortable serving children yellow water with an odor coming out of a classroom water dispenser.

"Children have gotten sick from the room being too warm and the milk turning sour on their stomach," according to the complaint of one staff member. The same staffer said the chicken served for lunch was sometimes raw and children didn't get vegetables, a federal requirement for child care centers with government funding.

Constance Price leads Martin Luther King Jr. Education Center Academy and holds the license for the child care facility, according to the state. The early childhood education program appears to be run in the same building, and includes a free preschool option through state funding as well as a tuition-based child care program for children ages 2 weeks to 4 years. Tuition for full-time infants is $700 a month.

The suspension took effect on Jan. 29 and the center must inform all parents that it can no longer provide care.

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Contact Lily Altavena: laltavena@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit day care license suspended over dire building conditions
When jazz musician and educator Marion Hayden treated herself to a sushi lunch on a random day in December, she was definitely not expecting a life-changing phone call.

Today, Kresge Arts in Detroit announced Hayden as the recipient of its 2025 Kresge Eminent Artist prize  and the no-strings-attached $100,000 gift that comes with it  and shes still stunned by the news.

It was maybe the second week in December, Hayden recalled, and I was entirely unprepared for it. Had no idea that was going to be what we were talking about. Ive done things for Kresge in the past  performances. Im a (2016) Kresge Artist Fellow, so Im a part of the Kresge Arts in Detroit family; they call on me if theres something I can do to be of assistance, so this call did not seem out of the ordinary for me. I was at my sushi place, Noble Fish in Clawson, and the phone rang.

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Then Katie McGowan said, Are you sitting down?

Award-winning jazz bassist, educator and mentor Hayden, at age 68, is today the youngest recipient of Detroits highest arts honor and the 17th Detroiter to be anointed for contributions to the regions cultural communities. She is also the second recipient previously to have been named a Kresge Artist Fellow.

Along with the monetary prize, Haydens life and career will be the subject of a short film and a monograph scheduled for release later this year.

I credit Detroit and its artists and its wonderful creative culture for so much of who I am, she said. We have such a strong community. Its still my muse.

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Kresge President Rip Rapson paid tribute to Hayden in a media release.

Marion Hayden is the third jazz musician and the first of her generation to receive this award, he said. Like Wendell Harrison and the late Marcus Belgrave before her, she upholds and extends a rich Detroit legacy as an artist and generously passes on to younger musicians what has been passed on to her. And, like all our Kresge Eminent Artists, she exemplifies how the arts ground and build a community, manifesting the powers of creativity to connect us.

In addition to Belgrave and Harrison, other previous recipients have been opera impresario David DiChiera and harpist Patricia Terry-Ross; authors Bill Harris, Naomi Long Madgett, Gloria House and Melba Joyce Boyd; photographers Leni Sinclair and Bill Rauhasuer; and visual artists Charles McGee, Ruth Adler Schnee, Marie Woo, Shirley Woodson, Olayami Dabls and Nora Chapa Mendoza.

More: Obama surprises Kresge Foundation guests celebrating centennial at DIA

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More: Barack Obama's surprise appearance at Kresge centennial bash: 4 topics he discussed

Blazing trails since the 1980s

A first-call bassist in the jazz world and an artistic pioneer, Hayden is co-founder of Straight Ahead, a groundbreaking Detroit-based ensemble that made headlines in the late 1980s as the first all-female jazz group signed to Atlantic Records, and one of the first and few all-women jazz groups to record and release music since the International Sweethearts of Rhythm in the 1940s big band era.

The Grammy-nominated ensemble continues its work today, remaining a favorite on the jazz festival circuit and widely hailed as a precursor to a new wave of female performers across the genre.

Along with her full performance schedule, Hayden also continues dual teaching posts. At her alma mater, the University of Michigan, she leads as the Geri Allen Collegiate Lecturer in the Department of Jazz and Contemporary Improvisation and also teaches at Oakland University.

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Hayden traces the spark to her familys home on Fullerton Street in Detroits historic Russell Woods neighborhood. The Haydens not only insisted that their two children, daughter Marion and son Herbert, be named after them but also immersed them in their favorite hobbies, traditions and values. That meant a healthy respect for education and a constant celebration of culture. Music played throughout the familys home.

Haydens father worked for Detroits parks and recreation department and was a passionate record collector, primarily of jazz. Her first attempt to respond to what she heard began at home, at the piano. Both parents played. Her mom, a high school chemistry teacher, mainly played classical music, while her dad preferred jazzy blues. But Hayden decided piano was not for her.

I started with the cello, she said, which is pretty related to the bass. I was nine. I actually wanted to play bass then, but they didnt have small basses, so I had to wait till I was tall enough to play string bass, and that was about age 12. I switched over then, and I was really happy. My parents got me a bass of my own so that I could really practice it at home. Id been trying, really, to play jazz on my cello, but it didnt work as well as I thought. When I started playing jazz on the bass, it really came together.

I just loved the way the instrument looked. That was the first appeal to me. And when I first got my hands on a cello, and I heard the low notes, they really spoke to me in a very, very profound way  the depth of the instrument. Its a wooden instrument, and you have to get up really close to that instrument to make a sound out of it, and you can feel it vibrate against you. I love the sound. When I got my hands on the bass, I knew I was really in love. That was it.

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By age 15, she was excitedly leaning in. She was an avid listener and a committed student. Hayden, whod first learned by ear, started studying with a whos-who list of jazz veterans and legends, including Kresge Eminent Artist-to-be Marcus Belgrave. Their paths crossed first at Cass Tech High School, where Hayden was a student, and Belgrave was the artist-in-residence. She later transferred to and graduated from Henry Ford High School.

Choosing art over insects

Ironically, when Hayden enrolled at the University of Michigan in 1973, music was not her focus. Instead, she chose a concentration in journalism with a minor in entomology. As much as her late parents had ignited her love of music, they had different ideas about her choosing the arts as a career.

They felt it was not steady, she recalled, quickly adding, and they were 100 percent right.

Haydens educational compromise never stopped the music. Although she pursued graduate studies in natural sciences  a year at U-M and two years at Michigan State University  and landed a job with the Michigan Department of Agriculture inspecting landscape plants for pests and diseases for a decade, Marion played on.

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She made a name for herself as a go-to accompanist for such Detroit jazz masters as the late Donald Walden, Kenn Cox, and legendary percussionist Roy Brooks. Her time under such greats is one of the reasons a litany of living jazz artists, local and national, have also made Hayden a collaborator. Among them are DeeDee Bridgewater, Kirk Lightsey, Steve Turre, Jon Faddis, Kamau Kenyatta, James Carter, Kareem Riggins, Terri Lyne Carrington, Ingrid Jensen, Nicolas Payton, Alvin Waddles, Charlie Gabriel of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Cindy Blackmon Santana and Gregory Porter.

I would say I had three major influences on bass, Hayden said. One of my early mentors was a man named Will Austin. Will was a fantastic bass player, one of my first instructors here in Detroit, and he was highly skilled and formidable on the bass. I was later able to put him in my string bass ensemble. I have an ensemble of four or five basses that Im able to perform with on occasion, and Will was part of that, though he passed during the pandemic. Ron Carter was huge, someone who was highly influential for me. And also a man named Buster Williams.

I should also mention the great drummer Roy Brooks. Roy was very influential in my understanding of what creativity is. They really showed me a kind of template for what brought creativity into your personal practice, what it was like to be broadly creative and a way that can endure your entire life as a musician.

Prepping the next generation

It is, then, unsurprising that educating and mentoring and enabling the next generations of jazz musicians has been such an important part of Haydens life.

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See also: Beloved Luther Vandross documentary finally at theaters, also airing on OWN in February

See also: Detroit Artists Market suffers severe flooding damage, seeks temporary home

Mentoring, in my opinion, is what really keeps the music  jazz music, in particular  alive, she told the Free Press. One thing that I love about jazz is that you cannot just get it off of a piece of paper. You cant just read the music and then make the music; you have to listen to the music. You have to hear how people actually play it, and then, you have to actually have somebody explain it to you. I think having that one-to-one relationship with people is really, really important.

When you speak to a person who is your mentor, theyre not going to talk to you in some sterile way about notes and things of that nature. Theyre going to give you some sense of the history and the legacy of the music at the same time. It becomes so much more meaningful, and at that point, its not just some sort of exercise. Theyre giving you the tools so that you can tell your story, although you start off trying to understand the stories of others. Ultimately, you have to internalize those tools and use them to tell your story.

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The majority of Haydens vast library of original compositions remains unrecorded; the artist will put funds from her cash prize toward finally recording and documenting those pieces. She will also bolster a project in which she repairs and upgrades basses to return to Detroits music education community, putting more basses directly into the hands of interested students.

Vincent Chandler is a Detroit-based jazz trombonist and bandleader who serves as assistant professor of jazz studies at Wayne State University. Also a 2020 Kresge Artist Fellow, he served on the panel that helped select Hayden as this years Eminent Artist.

I arrived on the (Detroit) jazz scene in the late 1980s, said Chandler. I probably started appearing around 1987. And Marion Hayden was already fully on the scene; she was performing with the whos-who of the Detroit jazz community, as well as leading her own bands. She was a little younger than some of the musicians that we now know as Detroit legends, who were performing at various venues and the jazz festival. But Marion, right out of the gate, was welcomed on the stage with them. She was younger, but very mature as a musician.

The first time I ever saw her play was with Donald Walden. He had a loft called the New World Stage in Harmony Park, and sometimes theyd put on performances outside. I saw Marion play with him, and Ill never forget  she had sunglasses on, and I thought she was the coolest thing on the stage.

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I was always very impressed with that, because jazz has always been a very male-dominated art form, and Ill say, it takes a unique type of strength, perseverance to be a female jazz musician and hold your own. And, of course, now theres a much bigger movement of female jazz musicians on the scene, but Marion is kind of like the beginning of that in recent generations.

Chandler said hes played countless gigs with Hayden across the last several decades, including Detroit Operas 2022 X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X.

More: Sprawling jazz opera 'X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X' revived in Detroit

We played in the pit orchestra for X, Chandler recalled. That was amazing. We were playing in an orchestra but had a dual role: We were playing classical, European orchestral style, and then we also had to play jazz and improvise over some of the most difficult orchestral music Ive ever played, written by Anthony Davis. Marion was in the pit with her bass and these great classical musicians, and she was doing her job as a jazz musician for this great opera.

He praised Hayden for her vision.

Shes been an activist for women in jazz, and Ive played with her when shes hired some of the young lions of the jazz community, some of the new upstarts. But Ive also witnessed her paying tribute to the legendary musicians of old. And it doesnt stop at musicians  shes just a cultural warrior. Shes someone who is a preservationist of not only the music, but the culture. Shes an absolute role model, and shes set a fine example for several generations of musicians to come after her.

There can be stylistic changes in the art world easily; every five years, you get a new flock of musicians who have a new perspective on things. Marion has always been there to lead the way and show us how to do it, what to do, when to do it. Shes very important. Shes not only thoroughly committed and playing on a high level, but shes an educator of a high level.

Contact Free Press arts and culture reporter Duante Beddingfield at dbeddingfield@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit jazz legend Marion Hayden named 2025 Kresge Eminent Artist
(CBS DETROIT)  A Detroit rapper is suing rideshare company Lyft after a driver allegedly refused to give her a ride because of her weight.

Dajua Blanding, who goes by the stage name Dank DeMoss, says she was humiliated by her encounter. Her attorneys say the driver violated Michigan's anti-discrimination laws, which include weight as a protected characteristic.

"I was like, is this really happening?" Blanding told CBS News Detroit. "I was hurt and embarrassed."

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Blanding, a self-described advocate for plus-size people, filmed the entire incident on her cellphone and posted it to social media. That post has now gone viral, reaching thousands of people.

Blanding said she posted it to raise awareness for an issue that she believes is not discussed enough.

"I've been in that same type of car many times and never had an issue," said Blanding. "This was someone who was discriminating against me just because of my weight."

A spokesperson for Lyft told CBS News Detroit that they can't comment on pending litigations, but did give a written statement:

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"Lyft unequivocally condemns all forms of discriminationwe believe in a community where everyone is treated with equal respect and mutual kindness. Our community guidelines and terms of service explicitly prohibit harassment or discrimination."

Blanding said she didn't feel respect or kindness from the driver, but she's glad her video resonates with other people who look like her.

"If I hadn't stood up, who would?" Blanding said. "My hope is that all 50 states would add weight as a protection for people."

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(WAVY)  The Department of Homeland Security has removed a policy that restricted immigration enforcement in schools, churches and other sensitive locations, a move raising concerns among educators and immigrant communities.

The policy change, issued by Acting DHS Secretary Benjamine Huffman Jan. 21, reverses a 2021 directive under the Biden administration that designated places such as schools, hospitals and domestic violence shelters as off-limits for Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. With the new directive under President Trumps administration, ICE agents are no longer restricted from conducting enforcement actions in these spaces.

A DHS memo states that 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.

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10 On Your Side reached out to the spokespersons of the school divisions of the seven Hampton Roads cities.

Virginia Beach Public Schools: We do not have any comment on this matter at this time.

Chesapeake Public Schools: CPS is committed to ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all students, regardless of their immigration status. In light of ongoing concerns related to U.S. immigration policy and enforcement, we want to reassure our community that our protocols and procedures remain unchanged and are designed to prioritize the safety and well-being of all students. Our policies require that any external agency, including ICE, must provide proper legal documentation and await CPS approval before accessing school property. This documentation will be reviewed by school administration before access is granted. No individual or agency is permitted unrestricted access to our buildings without following these procedures. We also strictly follow state and federal laws to protect student privacy and do not share confidential information without appropriate legal justification. At this time, we are not aware of any ICE enforcement actions at our schools. However, we remain vigilant in upholding policies that protect the rights and safety of our students and staff.

Portsmouth Public Schools: I can share that if any ICE agents come to a school, they must present a valid judicial warrant. The warrant will be reviewed by central administration to ensure that the search is legally justified on school grounds before agents would be granted further access to any school building.

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Hampton Public Schools: This announcement has not impacted our existing practices and protocols. The school division will continue to uphold state and federal laws, as well as adhere to Hampton City Schools School Board policies.

Suffolk Public Schools: Agents must have a judicial warrant, and it is the school divisions responsibility to keep students safe.

Norfolk Public Schools: Reached out for comment.

Newport News Public schools: Newport News Public Schools will not release a statement at this time.

Educators say the policy shift could have significant consequences for schools and students, particularly those from immigrant families.

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Ive had conversations with other educators across the state, across the country, and just thinking of me as an educator, Im willing to risk it all for my students, said Dr. James Fedderman, an educator in Accomack County and the former president of the Virginia Education Association. Im willing to put everything on the line because when I went to college to become a teacher, my degree didnt say I could teach a certain kind of kid. My degree said I could teach children. And these children, regardless of their immigration status, they are our children. They are our tomorrow.

I dont want immigration officials going into churches and schools without any constraints, said Sen. Mark Warner. I think its bad policy.  This, again, is not what I think people hired Mr. Trump to do. Undocumented folks have broken major laws  thats one category. Going into peoples churches and schools, I think is beyond their line.

10 On Your Side has reached out to ICE in Norfolk for comment on how this policy will be enforced locally, but we have not yet received a response.

While the federal policy has changed, the National Immigration Law Center notes that schools still have some discretion in how they respond. Many school divisions require ICE agents to present a judicial warrant before being allowed inside.

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Peter Boyko, far left, responds to a question during a House Ways and Means Committee bill hearing on cell phones. Next to Boyko is the bill's sponsor, Del. David Fraser-Hildago (D-Montgomery), and James J. York, past president of the Maryland State Medical Society. (Photo by William J. Ford/Maryland Matters)

They differ in the details of what to prohibit and when, but several bills on student use of cell phones all agree on one thing  schools across the state need to have some ground rules for students.

Our teachers do not need another challenge in our classrooms and do not need any more distractions, said Del. Nino Mangione (R-Baltimore County), in testimony to the House Ways and Means Committee. There is no need for cell phones as an instructional tool. We do not need cell phones in the classroom.

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Mangione sponsored one of two bills heard by Ways and Means on Wednesday, the same day that three bills were considered in the Senate Education, Energy and the Environment Committee. A sixth bill, by Del. Adrian Boafo (D-Prince Georges), is set for a hearing Feb. 12 in Ways and means.

Mangione and Del. David Fraser-Hildago (D-Montgomery), who sponsored the second bill heard by Ways and Means, acknowledged that several school systems already implemented cell phone policies or pilot programs, but said their bills are to ensure all 24 school systems have policies in place.

Del. Nino Mangione (R-Baltimore County) testifies to the House Ways and Means Committee on his bill to restrict cell phones in schools. (Photo by William J. Ford/Maryland Matters)

Mangiones House Bill 192 would allow high school students to use cell phones during lunch periods but would otherwise prohibit use in school, including between classes. Elementary and middle school students would not be allowed to use their cell phones at all during the school day.

The bill also lays out disciplinary steps: A first violation would bring a written warning; second violation would see the cell phone taken away; and three or more violations would bring disciplinary action, as set by the local school board.

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Fraser-Hildagos bill, HB 57, seeks to require that school boards implement a cell phone policy that would allow students to use them during lunch, but would otherwise prohibit their use during instructional time. The policy would require that students store their phones in a secure place when not in use, such as in a locker, closed backpack or a storage container provided by the school.

Fraser-Hidalgos bill does not differentiate between high school students and those in lower grades.

I think theres a statewide goal and I think its also important for the school systems to have some policy, but theyre incremental, Fraser-Hildago said in an interview. This is a moving target. I think the school systems are trying to figure out how to fix it as they go.

Both measures would allow students with an IEP, or individualized education program, to use a cell phone during school hours, as well as students with a documented health issue.

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The bills do not specify when school systems should have policies in place.

Two Montgomery County high school students who testified Wednesday  Jariane Martinez, 15, and Peter Boyko, 16  said the bills overlook an important item: school safety.

They testified cell phone use should be allowed for students to notify their parents and guardians during emergency situations such as a school shooting.

I believe that if phones are banned, school safety is threatened, Martinez, a 10th grader at Seneca Valley High School, said in an interview after she testified.

Jariane Martinez, 15, responds to a question about a bill on student cell phone use during a House Ways and Means Committee hearing Jan. 29. (Photo by William J. Ford/Maryland Matters)

Ive realized that a lot of school systems kind of have an issue with clear transparency about what is going on during those situations, she said. So without that transparency and without contact with their child, parents are in the dark about what is going on.

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Del. Vanessa Atterbeary (D-Howard), the Ways and Means chair, said students should not use cell phones during instructional time, but that she also understands why parents allow their children to have them.

I want my kids to have a phone because theyre so active. They do so many things. Plans change. Thats how I communicate with them, so I do think its important that they have a cell phone, she said after Wednesdays bill hearings.

But again, they shouldnt whip it out in the middle of the day when theyre in math or science class. They should be focused, Atterbeary said. Its big issue this year because we have multiple bills.

Other cell phone policies

Boafos bill, HB 630, has similarities to the other two measures, but it would allow students to use cell phones during an emergency event or when directed by an educator or administrator for educational purposes.

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His bill would also require school boards to develop a policy to limit cell phone use during instructional time by the 2026-27 school year. The policy must prohibit a student from using social media applications and websites during school hours.

A Senate companion bill to Boafos, sponsored by Sen. Ron Watson (D-Prince Georges), was heard Wednesday by the Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee, which also heard bills from Sen. Joanne C. Benson (D-Prince Georges) and one co-sponsored by Senate Minority Whip Justin Ready (R-Frederick and Carroll) and Sen. Jeff Waldstreicher (D-Montgomery).

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Bensons bill is similar to the other four proposed, but without a specific implementation date or disciplinary actions.

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The Waldstreicher-Ready bill would create a phone-free pilot program in Carroll and Montgomery counties. Each school system would choose one middle and high school to participate and collect data on academic achievement, student engagement, student and teacher feedback.

School officials would have to submit a report on their progress by September 2026.

The Maryland Education Coalition, which is comprised of advocacy groups, said cell phone policies should be strictly left up to local school systems, with guidance by the state Department of Education.

The department has a cell phone task force of administrators, teachers, students and other school officials to conduct research and assess various policies implemented in other parts of the country.

I think that the state Department of Ed has a role in providing guidance to the [school] districts about what their policy should look like  with stakeholder input, Ellie Mitchell, co-chair of the coalition, said Wednesday. I dont think its time now for a blanket state rule.
As U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents led Sai Pavuluri out of his Northwest Side home in handcuffs, he turned to look at the camera crew recording his arrest.

He wore shorts and a T-shirt. His face offered no discernible expression.

Several feet away, Dr. Phil McGraw  a TV talk show host who, along with his camera crew, was embedded with Homeland Security agents as they launched an immigration blitz in the Chicago area on Sunday  opined on the arrest in keeping with his role of de facto spokesman for the operation.

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In another video shared on social media, Pavuluri is shown sitting inside a black sedan as a federal agent opens the door and allows a reporter from the pro-Donald Trump website Frontline America to stick a microphone in the 31-year-old mans face and question him. Pavuluri, who was born in India, explained he had been in prison since 2018, serving an eight-year sentence for a drunken driving incident that killed 20-year-old Mariyah Howard of Beecher.

He had been released from prison only 16 days earlier, according to Illinois Department of Correction records. Looking into the camera, he asked for a fair chance and pleaded for grace from no one in particular.

I did something wrong, said Pavuluri, who was in the country on a student visa at the time of the crash. Im sorry about what I did.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement has not released detailed information about its arrests this week, leaving Pavuluris detention as one of the few cases tacitly confirmed by the agency. With ICE refusing to say how many people were arrested locally or the reason for their detainment, curated videos have filled the void on social media and prop up the Trump administrations so-far unverifiable claims that it is only going after felons.

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In far south suburban Manteno, the video brought Wendy Howard to tears. She had been torn over President Trumps deportation plan, she said, and worries in particular about how it will affect people with families and young children.

But Pavuluri, she says, is a different case.

He is responsible for her daughters death in the aforementioned DUI fatality on March 31, 2018. She says she has forgiven him, in part because God forgives people, but his actions are the reason she no longer enjoys holidays and why she had to move her mother into memory care alone.

I dont necessarily agree with (the mass deportation mission), but if hes one of the first people to be picked up, then I do kind of agree with it, Howard said. We got justice.

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ICE has repeatedly refused to provide information about who has been arrested, making it impossible to know how many of those detained this week have felony records. Chicago police Superintendent Larry Snelling told reporters Tuesday that federal law enforcement told him more than 100 area residents had been apprehended in the blitz, but he did not know how many had committed serious crimes.

Trumps border czar Tom Homan has warned there could be collateral arrests during raids, and critics have accused agents of apprehending people who have no criminal record or have been clean for decades.

Pavuluri, however, has been convicted of a serious felony. And Howards reaction to his arrest reflects a complex view of mass deportations not easily expressed in campaign slogans or social media posts.

Through interviews and public records, the Tribune was able to determine how Pavuluri  who graduated from Governors State University in 2017 with a masters degree in computer science  ended up in federal custody this week and how his victims family reacted to the news.

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ICE did not respond to specific questions about Pavuluris case either, including whether he gave signed consent to being recorded and interviewed by either camera crew in keeping with agency policy.

Pavuluri declined to comment for this story through his wife, whom he married on Jan. 18. The couple live in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood with her children.

He is currently being held at the Clay County jail in Brazil, Indiana, along with other ICE detainees apprehended in this weeks immigration blitz.

Court records show Pavuluri was driving drunk in Chicago Heights on March 31, 2018, when he hit and killed Mariyah Howard, a nursing home assistant who loved cheerleading, and her dog, Minnie. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

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Pavuluri pleaded guilty to aggravated DUI with a fatality and was sentenced to eight years in the Department of Corrections. He served six years and nine months  about 85% of the sentence before leaving prison in accordance with the earliest possible release under state law.

Illinois prison officials didnt respond to questions about whether federal agents had requested prison officials turn Pavuluri over to them for deportation following the completion of his sentence.

Pavuluri was out of prison for about two weeks when federal agents arrested him.

Speaking into Frontline Americas microphone, Pavuluri said he felt he had paid (his) time.

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I deserve a fair chance, he said. Im married here.

Pavuluri had married just a few days before immigration agents came to his door, his new wife said when reached by phone. The pair had gotten to know one another through continuing education courses hed taken while still in prison and through monitored weekend visits, she said. Their first priority following his release and their marriage was getting him a green card and starting their life together.

His wife said that when they first discussed his conviction, Pavuluri asked if she thought he was a terrible person.

I said, I dont think youre a terrible person, she said. You made a bad mistake. And I think that the rest of your life should be working your way up to reflect that this is not who you are.

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The Prisoner Review Board declined to comment on Pavuluris case.

But in a 2021 letter to the boards Executive Clemency Department, Wendy Howard recounted how she screamed and collapsed on the police department floor when told of her daughters death. Mariyah, who had wanted to become a certified nursing assistant, had been driving home with her seat belt on in her own lane at the time of the accident, her mother said.

She told the board she did not want to see Pavuluri walk free before his sentence was up. Indeed, she did not believe him when he wrote of his remorse from prison. Her life, she said, had been all but ruined by her daughters death.

I want to know why after my victim impact statement was read in court he showed no remorse at that time, she wrote.

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A day after Pavuluris arrest, Howard was perplexed by the publicity around it.

What Dr. Phil was doing with this situation was beyond me, she said.

But after she watched the video of Pavuluris detention, she said she was glad the TV psychologist was broadcasting arrests.

On Tuesday, she wanted to know what the odds were that Pavuluri would be deported.
CHICAGO  As U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents led Sai Pavuluri out of his Northwest Side home in handcuffs, he turned to look at the camera crew recording his arrest.

He wore shorts and a T-shirt. His face offered no discernible expression.

Several feet away, Dr. Phil McGraw  a TV talk show host who, along with his camera crew, was embedded with Homeland Security agents as they launched an immigration blitz in the Chicago area on Sunday  opined on the arrest in keeping with his role of de facto spokesman for the operation.

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In another video shared on social media, Pavuluri is shown sitting inside a black sedan as a federal agent opens the door and allows a reporter from the pro-Donald Trump website Frontline America to stick a microphone in the 31-year-old mans face and question him. Pavuluri, who was born in India, explained he had been in prison since 2018, serving an eight-year sentence for a drunken driving incident that killed 20-year-old Mariyah Howard of Beecher.

He had been released from prison only 16 days earlier, according to Illinois Department of Correction records. Looking into the camera, he asked for a fair chance and pleaded for grace from no one in particular.

I did something wrong, said Pavuluri, who was in the country on a student visa at the time of the crash. Im sorry about what I did.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement has not released detailed information about its arrests this week, leaving Pavuluris detention as one of the few cases tacitly confirmed by the agency. With ICE refusing to say how many people were arrested locally or the reason for their detainment, curated videos have filled the void on social media and prop up the Trump administrations so-far unverifiable claims that it is only going after felons.

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In far south suburban Manteno, the video brought Wendy Howard to tears. She had been torn over President Trumps deportation plan, she said, and worries in particular about how it will affect people with families and young children.

But Pavuluri, she says, is a different case.

He is responsible for her daughters death in the aforementioned DUI fatality on March 31, 2018. She says she has forgiven him, in part because God forgives people, but his actions are the reason she no longer enjoys holidays and why she had to move her mother into memory care alone.

I dont necessarily agree with (the mass deportation mission), but if hes one of the first people to be picked up, then I do kind of agree with it, Howard said. We got justice.

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ICE has repeatedly refused to provide information about who has been arrested, making it impossible to know how many of those detained this week have felony records. Chicago police Superintendent Larry Snelling told reporters Tuesday that federal law enforcement told him more than 100 area residents had been apprehended in the blitz, but he did not know how many had committed serious crimes.

Trumps border czar Tom Homan has warned there could be collateral arrests during raids, and critics have accused agents of apprehending people who have no criminal record or have been clean for decades.

Pavuluri, however, has been convicted of a serious felony. And Howards reaction to his arrest reflects a complex view of mass deportations not easily expressed in campaign slogans or social media posts.

Through interviews and public records, the Tribune was able to determine how Pavuluri  who graduated from Governors State University in 2017 with a masters degree in computer science  ended up in federal custody this week and how his victims family reacted to the news.

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ICE did not respond to specific questions about Pavuluris case either, including whether he gave signed consent to being recorded and interviewed by either camera crew in keeping with agency policy.

Pavuluri declined to comment for this story through his wife, whom he married on Jan. 18. The couple live in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood with her children.

He is currently being held at the Clay County jail in Brazil, Indiana, along with other ICE detainees apprehended in this weeks immigration blitz.

Court records show Pavuluri was driving drunk in Chicago Heights on March 31, 2018, when he hit and killed Mariyah Howard, a nursing home assistant who loved cheerleading, and her dog, Minnie. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

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Pavuluri pleaded guilty to aggravated DUI with a fatality and was sentenced to eight years in the Department of Corrections. He served six years and nine months  about 85% of the sentence before leaving prison in accordance with the earliest possible release under state law.

Illinois prison officials didnt respond to questions about whether federal agents had requested prison officials turn Pavuluri over to them for deportation following the completion of his sentence.

Pavuluri was out of prison for about two weeks when federal agents arrested him.

Speaking into Frontline Americas microphone, Pavuluri said he felt he had paid (his) time.

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I deserve a fair chance, he said. Im married here.

Pavuluri had married just a few days before immigration agents came to his door, his new wife said when reached by phone. The pair had gotten to know one another through continuing education courses hed taken while still in prison and through monitored weekend visits, she said. Their first priority following his release and their marriage was getting him a green card and starting their life together.

His wife said that when they first discussed his conviction, Pavuluri asked if she thought he was a terrible person.

I said, I dont think youre a terrible person, she said. You made a bad mistake. And I think that the rest of your life should be working your way up to reflect that this is not who you are.

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The Prisoner Review Board declined to comment on Pavuluris case.

But in a 2021 letter to the boards Executive Clemency Department, Wendy Howard recounted how she screamed and collapsed on the police department floor when told of her daughters death. Mariyah, who had wanted to become a certified nursing assistant, had been driving home with her seat belt on in her own lane at the time of the accident, her mother said.

She told the board she did not want to see Pavuluri walk free before his sentence was up. Indeed, she did not believe him when he wrote of his remorse from prison. Her life, she said, had been all but ruined by her daughters death.

I want to know why after my victim impact statement was read in court he showed no remorse at that time, she wrote.

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A day after Pavuluris arrest, Howard was perplexed by the publicity around it.

What Dr. Phil was doing with this situation was beyond me, she said.

But after she watched the video of Pavuluris detention, she said she was glad the TV psychologist was broadcasting arrests.

On Tuesday, she wanted to know what the odds were that Pavuluri would be deported.

____
A 19-year-old man who admitted to fatally shooting another teenager in South Hill in a set-up robbery during a marijuana transaction was sentenced Wednesday to 20 years, 10 months in state custody.

Joseph M. Lizarraga-Ortiz pleaded guilty in Pierce County Superior Court in November to first-degree murder and second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm in the Jan. 28, 2023, killing of 19-year-old Wesley Jose Molinero Dominguez.

Another teenager involved in the homicide, Antonio Adan Yescas, 19, is expected to be sentenced Feb. 7. He pleaded guilty in November to first-degree manslaughter and first-degree attempted robbery. Prosecutors have recommended he be sentenced to nearly 13 years.

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Both defendants were 17 at the time of the shooting. In Washington, young people sentenced for crimes committed before they are 18 go to juvenile rehabilitation in the custody of the Department of Children, Youth and Families until age 25 when they would transfer to the Department of Corrections.

The shooting occurred during a particularly bad year for youth violence in Pierce County when 17 people aged 25 and under died by homicide, according to The News Tribunes homicide records. Overall homicides have continued to decline since hitting a peak in 2022, but killings among young people have remained a problem. Another 11 people aged 25 and under were killed throughout the county in 2024.

The sentence Judge Stanley Rumbaugh imposed was at the low end of the standard sentencing range for defendants prosecuted in similar cases, about 20 to 27 years. Prosecutors and the defense agreed to recommend that length of punishment. According to court records, the defendant had no prior felony convictions.

Joseph M. Lizarraga-Ortiz addresses the judge in Pierce County Superior Court in Tacoma, Washington, on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, where he was sentenced following his guilty plea to first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Wesley Jose Malinero Dominguez in 2023. Tony Overman/toverman@theolympian.com

Deputy prosecuting attorney Thomas Howe said in court Wednesday that a legitimate case could have been made to charge the case as an aggravated murder. If Lizarraga-Ortiz had been convicted of that charge, he would have faced a minimum 25-year sentence and a maximum possible sentence of life in prison.

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Prosecutors also dismissed a firearm sentencing enhancement as part of a plea agreement. Howe wrote in a court filing that the resolution was meant to balance the fact that the state had a very strong case with the defendants age at the time of the crime and the fact that the defendant indicated early on that he wanted to resolve the case short of trial.

Before Lizarraga-Ortiz was sentenced, the victims sister, Mileyva Molinera Dominguez, 25, addressed the court. She told the judge her heart had been shattered beyond repair because of her brothers death, and her life has been consumed by grief.

Wesley Molinero Dominguez was a loyal friend and an incredible brother, his sister said, and he was someone she knew she could always turn to.

Wesley is gone. Not by accident, but by the hands of someone he trusted, Mileyva Molinera Dominguez said. He didnt deserve to die. Not now. Not ever. Especially by the hands of someone he called a friend.

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After court adjourned, Mileyva Molinera Dominguez told The News Tribune that her brother grew up in the Tacoma area and attended Rogers High School, which was less than a half mile from where the shooting occurred.

Wesley Jose Molinero Dominguez is pictured in a childhood photograph. Molinero Dominguez was murdered Jan. 28, 2023 in a set-up robbery that led to a shooting. Courtesy Mileyva Molinera Dominguez

According to charging documents, Wesley Molinero Dominguez and Yescas messaged each other on Instagram prior to the shooting, arranging for Yescas to buy $90 worth of marijuana from Molinero Dominguez.

When Molinero Dominguez and his girlfriend arrived at the location, two men in black clothing and ski masks  later identified as Lizarraga-Ortiz and Yescas  approached their vehicle and demanded everything they had, the girlfriend later told Sheriffs Department investigators.

When Lizarraga-Ortiz and Yescas approached, Molinero Dominguez reportedly said, Joseph, youre not going to shoot me. Youre my friend, according to court records. Lizarraga-Ortiz responded by shooting him.

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Sheriffs deputies responded to a 911 call from the victims girlfriend at about 6:47 p.m. Molinero Dominguez was found in the car bleeding, and he died in an ambulance on the way to a hospital. The Pierce County medical examiner later found he died of a gunshot wound to the head.

Lizarraga-Ortizs defense attorney from the Department of Assigned Counsel, Travis Currie, said Wednesday that nothing could be done in court that would give justice to the victims family. He asked Rumbaugh to consider his clients history, the facts of the case and his age when deciding on a sentence.

When it was the defendants turn to speak, he stood and said he wanted to apologize and take full responsibility for his actions.

The only person I blame is myself, Lizarraga-Ortiz said.

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Before Rumbaugh announced the sentence, the judge said he didnt buy that the murder was an impetuous act, but to some degree the offense could be seen as a consequence of the defendants many adverse childhood experiences.

Lizarraga-Ortiz was born addicted to methamphetamine, the judge said, and his biological parents essentially abandoned him, leaving him to be raised by adoptive parents. He was also jumped into a gang at an early age, according to Rumbaugh, and he was highly susceptible to peer pressure. Rumbaugh said that wasnt a justification for the offense, it was context.

Outside the courtroom, Mileyva Molinera Dominguez said she thought Rumbaugh had given the defendant a fair sentence, but she felt there will never be justice no matter the number.

He could have been there for life. Its not going to bring my brother back, Mileyva Molinera Dominguez said.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  One Tennessee lawmaker believes terminally ill patients should have the right to die if they choose.

Democratic Rep. Bob Freeman (D-Nashville) is sponsoring a bill to legalize medically assisted suicide this legislative session after a similar bill he carried last year failed to make it out of committee.

Medically assisted suicide is currently legal in 10 states and Washington D.C. The measure allows a physician to prescribe a terminally ill patient medication to end their life if they choose.

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Its not for people who are in a dark place or having drug addiction problems or are mentally ill, Rep. Freeman said. These are people who are never going to get up and walk out of the hospital again, and we should be able to help them die with dignity.

Rep. Freeman came up with the idea after some of his friends parents were diagnosed with terminal diseases and had to suffer through immense pain until the end of their lives. Then, he watched the same thing happen to his own grandmother.

Attorney recalls fight for the right to die in Tennessee

She looked at me one day and was like, Im ready to go, and her only solution was to stop eating and stop taking her medicine, Rep. Freeman said.

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Medically assisted suicide is currently a class D felony in Tennessee. Opponents argue it goes against a doctors promise to do no harm, and could promote suicide as a solution.

However, Rep. Freeman views it differently.

These are people that are not going to get better; where medicine has done what it can for them, and we should allow them to pass peacefully as opposed to keeping them alive for another six months in pain, he said.

Under Freemans bill, a patient would qualify for the end of life medication only if a physician has diagnosed them with a terminal illness and given them six or fewer months to live. The physician would be required to confirm the patient is of sound mind and was making the decision voluntarily. The patient would then make a written and signed request for the medication, which two individuals would be required to witness. The bill also includes informed consent requirements, counseling by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist if ordered by the physician, and an option to rescind the request at any time if the patient changes their mind.

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Oregons Death with Dignity law replicated in other states

Somebody would come in and have a conversation with them to make sure this is actually what they want to do; that theyre not being coerced. There are tons of checks and balances, Rep. Freeman said.

Freeman told News 2 hospice care providers he talked to about the bill were not opposed to it.

Look at the facts. We give this benefit to our animals. We have animals at the end of their life and theyre in pain and we choose for them to have a graceful exit, and I think we should do the same for our loved ones, he said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
WARRICK COUNTY, Ind. (WEHT)  Clear skies and warmer weather make for perfect conditions to clean up the mess brought by Mother Nature earlier this month. Members of the Indiana Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Team are back in Warrick County after initially helping clear roads following the ice storm.

Two weeks ago, we knew that wed be back, and so we wanted to wait until the ice melted, says Team Lead Todd Branson.

Branson has been with the group for just under three years. He has helped residents affected by Hurricane Ian, tornadoes in Sullivan, Indiana and even severe weather in the Tri-State, including Warrick County.

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2009 vs 2025 ice storms: local officials weigh in

Normally what we do is help residents who cant help themselves, explains Branson. Our goal is to keep someone in their house, get them back in their house, get power services restored to them.

After the ice storm, residents were encouraged to report storm-related damage using the 211 line. Now, the disaster relief team is going through that address list, chopping limbs from damaged trees.

Its just the joy on peoples faces knowing someones there to help them and get them out of that funk that theyre in, says Branson. Theyre paralyzed by it, they dont know how to deal with it, and we come in and we talk to them, show them what we can do and get them started. We dont do everything for them, we cant do everything.

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Most of the work consists of smaller trees, but Branson says some larger jobs could take as long as five hours to complete. The team will be in the Newburgh-area working through January 31, continuing their mission to lend a helping hand.

We got called to come down and do this so thats why were here, says Branson. Were here doing anything we can do for anybody.

More from Cody Bailey

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Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen (center) joins then-State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Omaha in her Elkhorn-area district, visiting people in Douglas County who had homes damaged by the tornadoes that hit the area April 26, 2024. (Courtesy of the Governors Office)

LINCOLN  President Donald Trumps call to possibly eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency has Nebraska officials waiting and worrying, with two former disaster response officials saying that doing away with FEMA would leave a void that would prove difficult to fill.

If they do away with FEMA, Nebraska would be in a world of hurt, said Al Berndt, a former assistant director who managed the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency on a day-to-day basis for 14 years until 2014. We just didnt have the people to do what FEMA does.

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That sentiment was echoed by Dave Maurstad, a former Nebraska lieutenant governor who went on to serve 15 years as a top FEMA administrator, visiting dozens of disaster sites, from Hurricane Katrina to the tornado that ripped through Joplin, Missouri.

Massive flooding on the Niobrara River, which swept huge chunks of ice against the Spencer Dam, caused the 92-year-old structure to collapse in March 2019, sweeping away a man who lived in a home just below the dam. (Courtesy of Nebraska Governors Office)

Maurstad, who retired in July, said its certainly appropriate to review FEMA and see if federal disaster response might be streamlined. But, he said, with the increase in severity and frequency of natural catastrophes such as floods, hurricanes and wildfires, someone has to coordinate the response of the 27 federal agencies that provide help.

At the end of the day, someone has to coordinate that, Maurstad said.

He added that shifting that responsibility to the states would take years  and the hiring of many new employees.

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FEMA was created by then President Jimmy Carter in 1979 and is charged with coordinating the federal response to natural disasters. If damages meet federal requirements, the agency provides federal funds for repairs and rebuilding. It also helps Americans prepare for and mitigate such calamities  helping fund flood-control dikes, for instance  and works with local disaster response agencies to calculate damages.

Significant aid to Nebraska

Since 2017, FEMA has provided more than $1.3 billion in financial aid to Nebraska agencies to deal with natural disasters, according to federal records.

NEMA, an agency with fewer than 60 employees, is a subsidiary of the Nebraska Military Department, which includes the Nebraska National Guard. The Military Department, which operated on a $240 million budget during the last fiscal year, is anticipating getting nearly $98 million from FEMA in the next fiscal year, and $68 million in fiscal year 2026-27, according to the fiscal office of the Nebraska Legislature.

All told, 56 federal disaster declarations in the state since 2000 have qualified for federal assistance. Thirty three were severe storms, seven were wildfires and five were floods, including the devastating bomb cyclone floods of 2019, which did in excess of $3 billion in damage to public and private property and infrastructure.

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FEMA also had a role in the response to COVID-19.

Trump, during a recent visit to North Carolina to view flood devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, slammed FEMA for what he perceived as a less-than-effective response, calling the agency a disaster.

Nebraska Adjutant Gen. Craig Strong speaks about state and local recovery efforts in the Omaha area. He leads the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)

Later, he signed an executive order creating a council to review FEMA, suggest changes or recommend its elimination. Trump added that federal disaster relief funds might instead be sent directly to states for them to administer.

But FEMA does more than just write checks to state and local governments, according to Maurstad and Berndt. The agency does damage assessments, handles individual claims for assistance and helps double check that funds are being used as intended.

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So, they said, states would have to hire more employees to handle those tasks.

Generally, the feds provide 75% of disaster aid, with states and local entities (like cities and counties) evenly dividing the remaining 25% match. Federal disaster aid can only be claimed after local damage reaches a certain threshold.

Maurstad said theres an urban myth that FEMA is there to make victims of disasters whole again. Thats the role of insurance, he said. But only about 30% of properties within high-risk flood zones are insured, he explained.

For instance, he said, flood insurance paid an average of $120,000 per household following the flooding in Houston caused by Hurricane Harvey, while FEMAs individual assistance grants averaged $16,000.

Natural tension

Maurstad said theres a natural tension between FEMA rules and how quickly locals want to rebuild. He said coordinating a response is complex due to the multiple agencies involved. And the nation spends far less than needed to make communities more resilient and mitigate damages, he said.

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Still, hes never heard administrators direct a response to favor red or blue areas.

FEMA, though, has gotten wrapped up in politics, particularly during election years. He cited recent claims that FEMA workers were bypassing flood-damaged homes in North Carolina that had Trump signs in their yards, or when Hurricane Katrina victims claimed that then President George W. Bush was slow to mobilize a federal response because New Orleans has been a Democratic stronghold.

Maurstad said with the cost of responding to disasters rising, there has been a bipartisan push to see if local governments can pick up more of the costs and do more to mitigate damages.

Theres no question, he said, that the severity and frequency of disasters is growing, which is backed up by data. Whether thats human caused, Maurstad said, is another question.

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He added that if the review of FEMA results in the elimination of the agency, it would take five years or more for states to ramp up state agencies, and for Congress to adopt rules to govern how federal funds could be spent.

Theyre not just going to send a blank check, Maurstad said. Congress isnt going to allow states to spend this money how they like.

Retired Major Gen. Roger Lempke, who as adjutant general of the Nebraska National Guard was the official director of NEMA from 2000-2007, said the state had no major issues with FEMA during his tenure and that his staff had a good relationship with the feds.

On April 13, a wildfire raced across Nebraska Highway 2 west of Anselmo. The Cooksley Fire burned from Custer County into Blaine County, destroying at least one ranch home. (courtesy Custer County Emergency Management)

But, he added, the federal disasters during his term  which included the Hallam tornado of 2004  paled in comparison to the widespread devastation caused by flooding last year from Hurricane Helene and the recent wildfires in the Los Angeles area.

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Nebraska is somewhat unique in what it gets from FEMA, which only provides aid for damage to public property and infrastructure.

As the only state in the union that has 100% public power, damages to electrical lines and power stations owned by the Omaha Public Power District, the Nebraska Public Power District, OPPD, rural electric cooperatives and the labor to restore power are eligible for reimbursement from the federal government. That is not true for privately owned utilities.

For instance, NPPD has received $18.5 million from FEMA since 2019, according to a spokesman from the Columbus-based utility. OPPD, meanwhile, has received more than $31 million over the past three years.

Both utilities declined to say whether the elimination of FEMA was a good idea or not.

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The utilities do the work, then seek reimbursement for a portion of their costs, which can take up to two years or more depending on the seriousness of the disaster. Thus, the OPPD figures include some reimbursement from the 2019 floods across Nebraska.

Requests this week for comment from Gov. Jim Pillen and a former governor, now U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts  both of whom have dealt with federal disasters and FEMA  were not returned.

Nebraska emergency management officials reportedly met Tuesday to discuss the presidents actions concerning FEMA. But Erv Portis, the current assistant director of NEMA, did not return requests for comment.

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CORRECTIONVILLE, Iowa (KCAU)  Woodbury County residents got an opportunity to learn some disaster survival skills.

Wednesday nights training session took place at the Correctionville city hall. About five people attended the event. The session helped residents prepare for any kind of disaster.

Is the Woodbury County jail holding ICE detainees?

KCAU 9 spoke with the countys Emergency Management Coordinator Michael Montino about how the new administration at the federal level changes some of the ways of how we should think during a disaster.

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So the idea here is understanding that the feds might not be here tomorrow if we have something happen today, Montino said. And that its going to be neighbors helping neighbors for a significant amount of time until were able to get those resources. Now, we might see that change in the next couple of years, but again, this is kind of just a way of starting that and bringing that here to our community whether FEMA is there or not.

Sioux City Community School District interviewing candidates for next superintendent

Montino says they will be looking to gradually add some extra elements like food production, storage and generating electricity.

There will another disaster drill meeting on Feb. 19 at the county emergency services building in Climbing Hill from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

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A pro-Trump mob breaks into the U.S. Capitol on January 06, 2021. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

December 25, 1868, and January 20, 2025, will now be forever linked in American history. These are the dates when two of our worst and most immoral Presidents, Andrew Johnson and Donald Trump, gave full pardons to traitors to the U.S. Constitution.

On that Christmas Day in 1868, President Johnson issued a proclamation declaring that all Confederate soldiers who fought in the conflict would unconditionally, and without reservation, receive a full pardon and amnesty for the offence of treason against the United States, or of adhering to their enemies during the late Civil War, with restoration of all rights, privileges, and immunities under the Constitution and the laws.

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Johnson believed that white Southerners could prevent Black Americans from gaining political power during Reconstruction. We will never know what history would look like if Johnson had never given those pardons to the traitors of the Confederacy, but there is little doubt that the chances of Reconstruction succeeding would have been greater.

There is a reason why historians love to use the phrase, Those who do not study history are doomed to repeat it. Because here we are, almost 160 years later, living in our own disturbing historical moment. What Donald Trump did by granting full pardons to almost 1,600 convicted felons and insurrectionists is the most disgraceful act any President has committed in my lifetime.

While campaigning last year, he said he would grant pardons to the non-violent offenders, but the fact that he granted pardons to the violent cop beaters as well is a signal that his second term will be much more extreme than the first. Indeed, its clear that he is not going to even pretend that he gives a darn about the rule of law.

Even his own Vice President, JD Vance, said in an interview that obviously people that committed violence against police officers that day should not get a pardon. Vance knows that he supports a man without a moral compass, but Vance made a decision to put power over principles a long time ago and now he is tied to every awful act that Trump commits.

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President Trump likes to rant and rave that other countries are releasing criminals from their prisons in order to send them to America. But now it is a fact that he is the one releasing violent criminals onto the streets.

The first time this occurred was in the aftermath of his disastrous deal with the Taliban to end the Afghanistan War in which he agreed to allow 5,000 Taliban fighters out of prison and received nothing of substance in return.

And now he has released 1,600 criminals back onto the streets of America who are loyal to him above all else. Few have displayed genuine remorse for their actions and there is a high probability many will commit crimes again. And if they do, Trump will have blood on his hands.

Trump has just made our country less safe for our children. He likes to say how these insurrectionists were just loving, kind people and patriots. The truth is that many of these people had prior criminal records for heinous acts like domestic abuse, strangulation, sexual abuse, assaulting police officers, and felony gun chargers.

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Here in North Carolina, there is a January 6 defendant that received a full pardon from Trump who has also been charged in a separate case of child pornography and statutory rape of a 14-year-old girl. Do you think Trump cares at all about any of this? The answer is no, because these people worship him and tried to illegally help him hold onto power, and for that they are heroes and patriots to him.

Of course, the true patriots in this reality are the Capitol and DC Metropolitan police officers that bravely held the line that day. My heart breaks for them because all their blood, sweat, and tears that they shed that day in defense of our democracy seem to be for nothing in this moment. The person that instigated the insurrection has been reelected and the foot soldiers that violently attempted to carry out his mission have been set free. This is truly a shameful moment in American history.

In a recent interview, Officer Michael Fanone, who suffered a heart attack that day after being brutally tased in the neck with a stun gun, said that he feels betrayed by his country. He said that the rule of law no longer matters in America. And who could blame him for saying that?

America failed the moral test in the 2024 election, but now that we are here, we have two choices: We can either give up and let Donald Trump keep committing immoral acts and drag Americas values through the mud, or we can stand up and fight for what we believe in. I for one believe that we owe it to these brave men and women police officers that defended us all on January 6, 2021to right this wrong and help restore the rule of law and decency in this country that we love. We need to organize, mobilize, and use our voices to speak up against the injustices that we see. It will be a long fight ahead, but it is a worthy cause. I hope all citizens that still revere democracy, and the Constitution will join me.
A Syrian defector was told to hide his face while testifying to US Congress about the horrors of the Assad regime amid fears that Tulsi Gabbard would leak his identity, according to former state department officials.

Ms Gabbard, an Iraq war veteran accused of echoing Russian and Syrian propaganda, is facing a battle to secure her nomination to the post of director of national intelligence (DNI).

On Thursday, she will appear before the Senate intelligence committee, which could complicate her path to the role by sending her on to a full vote in the Senate without its approval.

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Donald Trump reportedly views Ms Gabbard as the most vulnerable in his slew of unorthodox cabinet appointments.

Donald Trump with Tulsi Gabbard on the campaign trail last year. His decision to select as his intelligence chief has proved controversial - Kamil Krzacynski/AFP via Getty Images

Russian state TV propagandists have referred to the 43-year-old former Democrat as our girlfriend after she repeated false claims that the US funded biolabs in Ukraine, and backed Vladimir Putins case for war in Ukraine.

She is also facing renewed questions about her links to the Science of Identity foundation, an offshoot of Hare Krishna dubbed a cult by former acolytes, who say members sprinkled the toenails of its leader on their food.

If confirmed, Ms Gabbard will have oversight of Americas 18 intelligence agencies, including the CIA and NSA, and play a crucial role in sensitive espionage operations involving Americas network of undercover agents.

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Caesar, a former forensic photographer in the Syrian military police, testified behind closed doors to the House foreign affairs committee in 2018. He fled Syria in 2013 with a hard-drive containing 55,000 photographs that document the torture, starvation and execution of Assad-regime opponents.

The whistleblower covered his face and kept his hooded blue raincoat on to protect his identity during testimony

The harrowing images, compared to those that emerged from Nazi concentration camps, led to the US imposing sanctions on the Syrian government under the 2020 Caesar Act.

But when the defector appeared before House members in 2018, the presence of Ms Gabbard in the room meant he was told to cover his face and keep on the hooded blue raincoat he wore to protect his identity.

I can confirm that congressional staff were concerned at the time that she would be able to identify him to Russian interlocutors or Syrian interlocutors, a former senior state department official told The Telegraph, on condition of anonymity.

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Ms Gabbard, 43, travelled to Syria in 2017 to meet with Bashar al-Assad. Following the meeting, she said Assad was not the enemy of the US and cast doubt on the Syrian army being behind chemical weapons attacks on civilians.

Tulsi Gabbard in Syria in 2017 | Credit: Abraham Williams

Ahead of Caesars testimony, Eliot Engel, the ranking member of the House foreign affairs committee, met with Ms Gabbard to discuss her conversations with Assad, the former state department official said.

Although she spoke to the meeting, concerns about her potentially leaking information to Damascus were not allayed. Caesar, who had met congressional officials in private without his disguise, was told to be sure to cover his face ahead of Ms Gabbards entry to the hearing.

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Born in American Samoa in 1981, Ms Gabbard moved to Hawaii with her family at the age of two.

A photogenic surfer who once posed with her board for Vogue, she has carved a unique route through American politics. In 2016, she backed Bernie Sanders to be the Democrat nominee for president, before leaving the party in 2020 claiming it has been captured by elitist cabals. As House representative for overwhelmingly Democrat Hawaii from 2013 to 2021, she resisted screeching pressure to criticise Mr Trump.

A former Democrat, Ms Gabbard once backed Bernie Sanders to be president - AP Photo/Evan Vucci

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While political opponents accuse Ms Gabbard of shape-shifting to further her own political ambitions, she has retained one core belief: that the US is too cavalier in going to war and should be much more cautious in its foreign interventions.

This principle, friends say, stems from her military service. Having joined the National Guard in 2003, she volunteered for Iraq despite her name not being on the list for mandatory deployment.

There she served as a medical specialist on a base in the so-called Sunni triangle, helping to treat a stream of wounded soldiers in a region that saw much of the fiercest fighting.

Ms Gabbard served in the US military

It was her subsequent opposition to American interventionism, and criticism of US support for Islamist rebels in Syria, that prompted Steve Bannon to arrange a meeting with Mr Trump during his first term in office.

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Following a quixotic run for the White House in 2020, she joined the Republican Party a month before last years election, later earning the long-rumoured nomination to Mr Trumps cabinet.

At Thursdays senate hearing, Ms Gabbard is expected to face withering questions from a committee split 9-8 in favour of the Republicans.

The committee could advance Ms Gabbard to a full Senate vote without its approval, or, worse, with an unfavourable recommendation. She might still be confirmed by the Senate, where Republicans outnumber Democrats by 53 to 45, but Mr Trump could still choose to withdraw his support.

There are very serious concerns by enough members to put her nomination in jeopardy, one GOP senator told Semafor news website last week.

Views on US intelligence scrutinised

Besides Ms Gabbards warmth towards the Kremlin and Assad, her views on US intelligence practices will come under the microscope. She has abandoned her opposition to Section 702, the law which allows snooping on foreign citizens without a warrant  but only in the run-up to the confirmation hearing. Whether she still supports dropping the charges against Edward Snowden is also sure to be probed.

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The most unusual sticking point is Ms Gabbards involvement with Science of Identity, the Hare Krishna sect joined by her father, which ran a school she attended for two years in the Philippines.

Ms Gabbard told the New Yorker in 2017 that its founder, the surfer and yoga instructor Chris Butler, gave her a wonderful spiritual practice.

But former members have likened it to an abusive cult, with devotees made to lie on the floor whenever Mr Butler enters the room, and only those with top A status allowed to be close to him or the things he touches.

On Wednesday, the Wall Street Journal reported ties between the movement and QI Group, a firm accused of racketeering and running a Ponzi scheme in operations stretching from Rwanda to Nepal and Sri Lanka.

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Science of Identity members have mobilised in large numbers to support Ms Gabbards campaigns for office, plastering Hawaii with posters ahead of her 2012 Congressional bid. It is not clear how much money Ms Gabbard, whose husband is also a Science of Identity member, has received in total from the group.

In 2017, her campaign hired a PR firm to suppress coverage of links between Ms Gabbard and the QI pyramid scheme, the WSJ reported. QI denied having any links to Ms Gabbards campaigns in a statement to the paper, despite one long-time Gabbard fundraiser sitting on the board of one of its subsidiaries.

An Indian court closed a Ponzi scheme case against a QI subsidiary in 2020, after it settled with around half of 32,000 alleged victims in the state of Tamil Nadu.

Gabbards naivety could endanger American spies

Annette Henning, a spokesman for the White House, dismissed claims that Ms Gabbard could have leaked Caesars identity as another smear by anonymous officials with no proof. She said concerns about her links to Science of Identity were anti-Hindu bigotry.

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If she is confirmed, Philip Ingram, a former British intelligence officer, told The Telegraph that US intelligence agencies would have to be careful in the information they reveal to her, for fear it is disclosed to Americas enemies, perhaps inadvertently in her meetings with Russian and other counterparts.

Intelligence agencies are going to have to be very careful in how they put their briefings together to get to her, he said. There will be a reticence to give as much details as youd give to someone who had a strong background in intelligence.

He said Ms Gabbards naivety could endanger the lives of American spies.

Thomas Countryman, a former diplomat who served as assistant secretary of state for international security and nonproliferation, added: Her gullibility will not inspire confidence among her potential employees, and it will reduce the willingness of key US allies to cooperate on intelligence issues.

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT)  Indiana state representatives are meeting at the General Assembly discussing hundreds of bills, one of which could make it harder for Hoosiers to file for divorce if you have children.

House Bill 1684, also known as the Irretrievable Breakdown of Marriage, meaning a person must provide proof using a witness as to why they should be granted a divorce.

The Indiana General Assembly is discussing approving or killing the bill.

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Gina Gist, the Executive Director of Albion Fellows Bacon Center, says it could do more harm than good, noting domestic violence could be the main concern.

A lot of domestic violence victims dont tell anybody whats happening when they seek services from us, says Gist. They may be the most outgoing, the most friendly well respected person outside of the family and then in the family theyre totally different person.

The bill states a person would have a witness to testify or show cause as to why a dissolution of marriage should be granted.

Making them tell other people when they may be embarrassed, they may be afraid, says Gist. Is this going to jeopardize my job you know is DCS going to come in and take my kids if I share with the courts that Im being abused?

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Gist says this could also effect children in a potentially toxic household, thinking this is normal.

Theyre learning, that is that love, sometimes constitutes abuse that when somebody gets angry or somebody gets mad, were just having a bad day, says Gist. They take it out on the other person so my making these family stay together just for the childrens sake is teaching those children that this is normal.

The last action from the Indiana General Assemblys website shows its first reading was on January 21. The bill was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
Kansas is currently facing the worst tuberculosis outbreak in the states history.

Two people have died in the outbreak.

What to know about a tuberculosis vaccine.





A tuberculosis (TB) outbreak in Kansas is raising a lot of questions about the bacterial infection, with ways to prevent infection at the forefront of peoples minds, having many wondering if there is a vaccine for TB in the U.S.

The outbreak was first identified in January 2024 and has been linked to two deaths, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Cases have been concentrated to Wyandotte and Johnson Counties, which are part of the Kansas City metropolitan area.

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To date, the health agency has documented 67 active cases of tuberculosis since 2024 and 79 latent infections. An active case of tuberculosis means that someone is contagious and has symptoms; Latent cases mean that someone has tuberculosis but doesnt have symptoms and cant spread it, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This is the largest outbreak in Kansas history, Ashley Goss, a deputy secretary at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, said on Tuesday, per The Topeka Capital-Journal.

Meet the experts: William Schaffner, M.D., is an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; Amesh A. Adalja, M.D., is a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security

Tuberculosis isnt a common illness in the U.S., but it happens more than most people realize. In 2023, there were 9,615 cases of the infection reported in the country, according to CDC data.

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But what is tuberculosis and is there a vaccine for TB? Infectious disease doctors break it down.



What is tuberculosis and what are its symptoms?

Tuberculosis is a disease thats usually caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, according to the CDC. The disease can be broken into two groups: active and inactive (or latent). Not everyone who is infected with tuberculosis becomes sick, although inactive tuberculosis infections can turn into active cases.

Tuberculosis, which is also called TB, usually impacts the lungs, although it can also affect the brain, kidneys, or spine, per the CDC. It spreads through the air from one person to another, when someone with an active infection coughs, speaks, or sings. Tuberculosis germs can live in the air for several hours, per the CDC. And, if you breathe them in, youll likely get sick.

People with latent tuberculosis do not have symptoms, but those with active infections may experience these, according to the CDC:

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A cough that lasts three weeks or longer

Chest pain

Coughing up blood or phlegm

Weakness or fatigue

Weight loss

Loss of appetite

Chills

Fever

Night sweats

Is there a vaccine for TB?

There is a vaccine aimed at preventing TB called Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG), but its not commonly used in the U.S., according to the CDC. However, many people born outside the U.S. have gotten the vaccine.

There are two main reasons why the vaccine isnt commonly used in the U.S., according to William Schaffner, M.D., an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. The first is that the occurrence of tuberculosis in the U.S. is so low that it is thought that the currently available vaccine is not going to be very useful at all, he says.

But the tuberculosis vaccine also has limited effectiveness, Dr. Schaffner says. Amesh A. Adalja, M.D., a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, agrees. Its not a highly effective vaccine, he says.

Research suggests a range in terms of effectiveness, with some data suggesting that the vaccine is just 37% effective against all forms of tuberculosis in children under the age of five, and 42% effective against lung disease in children under the age of three. One study suggests the vaccine isnt effective in teens and adults who have close contact with someone who is infected with TB.

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It does work better in children than it does in adults, Dr. Schaffner says.

How to prevent tuberculosis

The best way to lower your risk of getting tuberculosis is to avoid people who have an active infection, Dr. Adalja says.

While tuberculosis germs can hang in the air for hours, Dr. Schaffner says its not transmitted as easily as, say, the flu or COVID-19. While there are exemptions, it usually takes prolonged contact with someone who is positive, he says. But there are even people who are positive for tuberculosis and not all of their family members are positive.

If youre in an area where tuberculosis is circulating and youre contacted by public health authorities, Dr. Schaffner recommends cooperating with them to get the proper treatment, even if you feel OK. That will benefit you and others, he says.

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Both active and inactive tuberculosis infections can be treated with a six-month course of four antibiotics, including rifampicin and isoniazid, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). While there are some strains of tuberculosis that are resistant to those medications, there are other drugs that can still treat the disease, per the WHO.

But, overall, there are no blanket recommendations for people to protect themselves against tuberculosis, Dr. Schaffner says.

How worried should people be about the tuberculosis outbreak in Kansas?

Doctors agree that the average American should not be concerned about the tuberculosis outbreak in Kansas. In the U.S., tuberculosis is not a common disease, Dr. Adalja says.

Both Dr. Adalja and Dr. Schaffner noted that its unclear what is behind the current TB outbreak. An older CDC report says that the people infected came from outside the U.S. (likely from areas where TB is more common).

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Dr. Schaffner agrees that the average American should not be too concerned. We have the occasional tuberculosis outbreak in the U.S., but local and state public health authorities are very experienced in defining these outbreaks, finding the contacts, and bringing the outbreak to an end, he says.

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Yesterday, the United States suffered the first fatal crash of a U.S. airliner in 16 years. American Airlines Flight 5342, a regional jetliner, originated in Wichita, Kansas. Just before landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, in northern Virginia, it collided with a military helicopter over the Potomac River. Scores of people were feared dead late yesterday. Authorities havent yet determined the cause of the collision. The National Transportation Safety Board will lead an investigation, hoping to determine what happened and prevent any similar accidents in the future.

There is no reason to believe that the dramatic changes to the federal government made by the Trump administration, or the chaos they introduced, played any role in this tragedy. But the success of regulators in improving the safety of commercial aviation is among the great triumphs of the past half century. And in its first week in office, the Trump administration did take one unrelated step that suggests a cavalier disregard for the consequences of politicizing those efforts: It dismissed all of the members of the federal Aviation Security Advisory Committee, a body that advised the Transportation Security Administration.

The aviation security committee, which was mandated by Congress after the 1988 PanAm 103 bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland, will technically continue to exist but it wont have any members to carry out the work of examining safety issues at airlines and airports, the Associated Press reported last week. Before Tuesday, the group included representatives of all the key groups in the industryincluding the airlines and major unionsas well as members of a group associated with the victims of the PanAm 103 bombing. The vast majority of the groups recommendations were adopted over the years.

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My colleague James Fallows, a longtime pilot who has reported on aviation for decades, noted yesterday that dismantling the committee one week ago wasnt part of tonights tragedy, but argued that it is a thoughtless destruction of a taken-for-granted institution that will erode safety over time, when the United States should instead be conserving the gains of recent decades. Pointing his readers to a list of the boards former members, Fallows wrote that it was collaborative; it combined public, private, military, civilian, academic, and other institutions to pool knowledge; it avoided blame; but it focused relentlessly on lessons learned.

I favor a smaller federal government, and will likely cheer some cuts that the Trump administration makes. My hope is for a bureaucracy that does fewer things and does them well.

But aviation safety in America is the envy of the worldits among the few things that was working well, having improved significantly in recent decades under a status quo that Donald Trump is disrupting. To what end? Perhaps the Trump administration has some compelling rationale that it hasnt shared for disbanding the Aviation Security Advisory Committee. If so, it should speak up.

Instead, a Department of Homeland Security official offered a vague and unpersuasive statement to Aviation International News: The Department of Homeland Security will no longer tolerate any advisory committee which pushes agendas that attempt to undermine its national security mission, the Presidents agenda, or Constitutional rights of Americans, he said.

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Congress should demand better answers, for the sake of the due diligence that airline safety warrants, and because stripping a mandated board of all its members would seem to thwart its legitimate power with a technicality. If Congress judges that the board is still useful, it should use the power of the purse to force its restoration, rather than giving in to the president.

Will Republicans, who hold a majority in the House and the Senate, jealously guard the legislatures powers and diligently discharge its oversight responsibilities? Perhaps not. Deferring to presidents from ones own party is a bipartisan sin, however derelict it makes legislators in their duties. While Trump undoubtedly has a popular mandate for aspects of his agenda, however, no voter sent him to Washington to end an aviation-safety committee. He is owed no deference on that move.

Trump is making a lot of changes very quickly. If GOP legislators wont probe this one to see if it is arbitrary or ill-considered, its hard to imagine what will spur them to exercise their oversight responsibilitiesafter all, most members of Congress are frequent flyers.

Article originally published at The Atlantic
Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba in WICKED, directed by Jon M. Chu Universal Pictures PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 03: Cynthia Erivo attends the 36th Annual Palm Springs International Film Awards at Palm Springs Convention Center on January 03, 2025 in Palm Springs, California. Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Palm Springs International Film Society

Houston is Team Elphaba.

The Houston Symphony has added a second Cynthia Erivo performance "due to popular demand," according to a statement. The announcement was made Thursday afternoon.

The new performance is at 7:30 p.m. April 8 at Jones Hall. Erivo will now perform April 8 and 9 with the Houston Symphony.

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The first show is sold out and was announced a day before Erivo earned an Oscar nomination for best actress for her work in "Wicked." That likely added to the rush for tickets. Erivo has previously been nominated for actress and original song, both for the film "Harriet."

Erivo will join principal POPS conductor Steven Reineke for the show, which will feature songs from "The Color Purple," "Harriet," "Wicked" and more. She released her debut album "Ch. 1 Vs. 1" in 2021.

The "Wicked" movie, based on the long-running Broadway musical, took Erivo to new heights. It made more than $700 million worldwide and will be followed by the sequel "Wicked: For Good" in November.

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Wednesday through the Houston Symphony website. A subscriber and donor presale will begin at 10 a.m. Monday.
President Donald Trump blamed diversity hiring at the Federal Aviation Administration for Wednesday nights deadly midair collision in Washington, D.C.  days after his new administration banned diversity, equity and inclusion efforts across the federal government, including at the FAA.

Asked why he singled out DEI as a cause of the crash when an investigation was just getting underway, Trump said: Because I have common sense, OK? And unfortunately, a lot of people dont. We want brilliant people doing this. This is a major chess game at the highest level.

At the Thursday briefing, Trump complained the FAA  which has been embroiled in a class-action lawsuit over its hiring practices for the past decade  is actively recruiting workers who suffer severe intellectual disabilities, psychiatric problems and other mental and physical conditions under a diversity and inclusion hiring initiative spelled out on the agencys website.

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The president explained he wasnt blaming the controller on duty for the collision, in which a small inbound commercial jet from Wichita, Kansas, struck a military helicopter at Ronald Reagan National Airport, leaving no survivors. Im saying there are things you can question.

The FAA, which is confronting a shortage of air traffic controllers, has weathered criticism for a Barack Obama-era shift in hiring that made a biographical survey its first-line screening tool to encourage more diversity. It resulted in a class-action lawsuit from a group of candidates who say they were passed over after spending thousands of dollars and years studying.

The job itself requires rigorous training and an intense psychological and skills assessment. Until last year, the FAA did all its training in-house. But demand for controllers forced the agency to partner with two colleges to be able to offer more training slots.

Trump claimed both of his Democratic predecessors attempted to lower standards for FAA hiring that he later reversed in office, most recently with an executive order forbidding DEI efforts at the FAA  just one of the executive actions Trump signed last week seeking to root out any focus on race or gender in the federal government.

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I changed the Obama standards from very mediocre at best to extraordinary, Trump said. I put safety first. Obama, [Joe] Biden and the Democrats put policy first. And they put politics at a level that nobodys ever seen because this was the lowest level.

Trump, however, doesnt appear to have changed any of the Obama-era standards himself. NBCs chief White House correspondent Peter Alexander pointed out during the briefing the list of standards on the FAAs website that Trump cited hadnt been updated since 2013.

I changed the Obama policy, Trump insisted, and we had a very good policy, and then Biden came in and he changed it, and then when I came in two days, three days ago, I signed a new order, bringing it to the highest level of intelligence, OK?

Flanked by his new DOT secretary, Sean Duffy, Trump bashed Duffys predecessor, Democrat Pete Buttigieg.

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Hes just got a good line of bullshit. The Department of Transportation, his government agency charged with regulating civil aviation ... he runs it right into the ground with his diversity, Trump said.

Buttigieg responded online, calling it despicable that Trump would seek to politicize the disaster.

As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying, he posted on X, formerly Twitter. We put safety first, drove down close calls, grew Air Traffic Control, and zero commercial airline crash fatalities out of millions of flights on our watch.

Several Senate Republicans were reluctant to agree with Trump that DEI was responsible for the crash, which is under investigation.

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I think we should wait to see the results of that investigation, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) told HuffPost. Obviously one or more people made a devastating and catastrophic mistake, but we should wait to examine the evidence and understand exactly what went on.

I dont know what happened last night, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said. I dont know if theres any DEI component to it or not. Ive heard nothing about that.

Igor Bobic contributed reporting.

Related...
Good morning!

The new Trump administration gave federal workers an unusual offer this week: Return to the office full time, or resign and accept a buyout.

According to an email reportedly sent to government employees on Tuesday night (later posted on the Office of Personnel Managements website) workers have until Feb. 6 to decide if they want to stay in their roles, or leave and keep their pay and benefits for the next eight months. If they do take the buyout, they will also be exempted from all in-person work requirements until Sept. 30, 2025.

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There are roughly 2.2 million civilian Federal workers, and about half have had the option to work remotely, according to a report released last year from the Office of Management and Budget.

To incentivize workers to quit, the administration went so far as to provide them with a mock resignation document so they could leave their jobs more easily. And perhaps most fascinating, the offer appears to borrow from Elon Musks playbook. The Office of Personnel Managements online memo was reportedly posted under the headline Fork in the Road, the same subject line Musk used to lay off half of Twitters workforceabout 3,700 employeesafter he purchased the company in the fall of 2022. He has since renamed it X.

Trump is taking a page from the private sector playbook, says Mark Goldstein, a partner in Reed Smiths labor and employment practice. He notes that its typical to see these kinds of voluntary resignations from companies, usually prior to mass layoffs or severe cost cuts, but seeing it in the public sector is alarming.

While Trumps offer may seem tempting to federal workers, some union groups are advising workers to hold off on responding until more guidance is available. The National Treasury Employees Union, which represents employees in 36 federal agencies and offices, sent a message to workers Tuesday telling them not to take the buyout, the Wall Street Journal reports.

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Make no mistake: this email is designed to entice or scare you into resigning from the federal government, the message said. We are reviewing the email closely and will have more information tomorrow. However, we strongly urge you not to resign in response to this email.

Senator Tim Kaine shared a similar message on the Senate floor Tuesday night, warning federal employees not to cave to the deal presented. The President has no authority to make that offer. Theres no budget line item to pay people who are not showing up for work, he said, emphasizing the Presidents poor track record of managing contractors. Dont be fooled.

Legal experts are advising the same, and note that its not quite clear whether the President has the authority to offer such a deal. It does seem a little rash, says Alex Granovsky, an employment lawyer at firm Granovsky & Sundaresh who specializes in severance. He adds theres a chance that employees who take the deal can lose out on pay somewhere down the line if the Supreme Court determines that Trump was never allowed to offer such a deal in the first place.

If you agree to this deal you're putting a lot of faith in an email, he says. That could be fine, but its like putting your faith in a handshake.

Brit Morse

brit.morse@fortune.com

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
The Trump administration is offering buyouts to all federal employees who don't want to return to in-person work in one of its latest moves  a little over a week after President Donald Trump signed an executive order mandating federal workers' return to the office.

According to a Tuesday memo from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, the administration's offer would give employees eight months of pay and benefits through September if they resign by Thursday, Feb. 6, USA TODAY reported.

"If you choose not to continue in your current role in the federal workforce, we thank you for your service to your country and you will be provided with a dignified, fair departure from the federal deferred resignation program," the memo reads.

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The federal government employs about 2 million people, according to USA TODAY.

Here's what to know:

More: Wisconsin receives $28 billion in federal aid annually. Where does it go?

How many federal employees are in Wisconsin?

There are 18,022 federal civilian employees in Wisconsin as of March 2024, according to the OPM's FedScope online data tool. Here's a deeper look:

Cabinet level agencies : 17,182 employees

Large independent agencies (1,000 or more employees) : 815 employees

Medium independent agencies (100-999 employees) : 25

Small independent agencies (less than 100 employees): No data available

FedScope does exclude a number of departments and agencies from its data, including the majority of the legislative and judicial branches and the U.S. Postal Service, per the Congressional Research Service. For a list of excluded divisions, click here.

The USPS employs 10,700 people in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metropolitan area, which includes Wisconsin, according to a May 2023 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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To use FedScope, click here.

What does Trump's return-to-work executive order say?

The executive order, titled "Return to In-Person Work," was signed by Trump on Jan. 20, his first day back in office. Here's what it says:

"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.

"This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law."

Is Trump's executive order facing any legal challenges?

Yes. The American Federation of Government Employees, the largest union representing federal employees, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration challenging the order on Wednesday.

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USA TODAY reporters Aysha Bagchi, Joey Garrison and Jessica Guynn contributed to this report.

More: Wisconsin tribal leaders, aware of concern about Trump orders, mostly avoid confrontation

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Trump federal employee buyouts: How many may be affected in Wisconsin
As deputies searched a west Altadena senior home the morning of Jan. 8, the Eaton fire raged around them.

Evacuation orders for the area had been issued hours earlier, and the facility appeared evacuated  but the team wanted to be certain because they had already found an elderly woman trying to leave the facility to walk her dog, oblivious to the encroaching blaze.

"Each window that we looked out, we were like, 'The fire is coming,'" Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Quinn Alkonis said. "We could see flames all around. It was scary, but we knew we had a job to do and make sure that nobody was left behind."

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After ensuring the dog walker was safe, Alkonis and other deputies scoured the MonteCedro senior care community with flashlights, knocking on doors and yelling down hallways. When they reached the third floor, they heard a weak voice.

"Don't lose me," a woman using a walker said to the deputies. The 100-year-old told them she was lost and that her hearing aids weren't charged, according to video from the officers' body-worn cameras.

"She was obviously exerting herself to get out of the building," Alkonis said, remembering how the woman was short of breath and her nose was running. We were "just shocked that she was there, but we were relieved that we found her."

With backup on the way, Alkonis and her partner Deputy Nicholas Martinez led both women to safety and checked that no one else was inside.

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"If we weren't there, who knows what would have happened to her?" Alkonis said Wednesday morning, as she recalled the situation from earlier this month.

The chaotic rescue at the senior community further underscores the widespread issues and concerns about evacuations on the west side of Altadena, where orders to leave came almost 10 hours after those issued for residents living east of North Lake Avenue, according to a Times investigation.

At least 17 people died in the fire; all were found west of Lake Avenue. Western Altadena never received evacuation warnings that night, and evacuation orders there didn't come until about 3:30 a.m. or later  well after flames were threatening the area.

County officials have called for an external review of the evacuation alerts and why west Altadena's came so late.

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The MonteCedro facility is just west of North Lake Avenue, in an evacuation zone that received the order at 5:42 a.m. on Jan. 8  the area's latest notices to leave, according to records of archived alerts.

Read more: Western Altadena got evacuation order many hours after Eaton fire exploded. 17 people died there

But officials for Episcopal Communities & Services, the nonprofit that runs the MonteCedro facility, said that even before that order came down, its team started evacuating residents just after 4 a.m., in conjunction with the L.A. County Fire Department and Sheriff's Department. Around 6 a.m., radio traffic from the area called for more help evacuating a "four-story convalescent home" at the address of the MonteCedro community.

The nonprofit said it used eight city buses and two facility buses to transfer residents and staff to the Pasadena Convention Center, arriving shortly after 7 a.m., according to a statement.

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"Fire personnel and MonteCedro team members made two complete tours through the building, which included triggering the fire alarm and inspecting every residence," the statement said. "However, two independent living residents were not encountered and did not make it to the buses."

Deputies Nicholas Martinez, left, and Quinn Alkonis talk about their experience rescuing seniors from the MonteCedro Retirement Community during the Eaton fire. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)

ECS staff realized the two residents  the woman trying to walk her dog and the 100-year-old woman found inside  were missing about the same time the deputies found them, around 9:30 a.m., the statement said. They said it remains unclear why the two women "were not encountered in the first or second sweeps of the building."

"Successfully moving nearly 200 people, some with cognitive issues or other impairments, away from their homes in a couple of hours is cause to give thanks," ECS Chief Executive James Rothrock said in a statement. "Having said that, we have discovered gaps in our planning and execution that we are working to understand and correct. Like hundreds of agencies and institutions in the Los Angeles area, we were faced with an unprecedented challenge, and our response to it merits a deep, unvarnished review.

Jason Montiel, a spokesperson for the state's Department of Social Services, which licensed MonteCedro most recently in 2023, said the agency is conducting an investigation into what happened at the facility, but declined to comment further.

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Read more: They waited and waited for an evacuation order. The fire came first, and people died in Altadena

Alkonis and Martinez said they were dispatched to that location around 9 a.m.  about three hours after evacuation orders were issued  to check on the area, and were not given information about any prior efforts to clear the facility.

"We understood going in that it was such a chaotic situation  who knows what happened before we got there  but we're just glad we were there," Alkonis said. "It's our job to go in there and make sure that they're gonna get out."

All of the deputies who spoke with The Times on Wednesday declined to comment on the evacuation process before they arrived or after they left. Martinez and Alkonis, who are typically based in Carson, said that during their search they didn't find other staff or residents.

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LASD officials did not immediately respond to questions about any further investigation that may be launched into how the two women were left behind.

Although the senior care facility survived the fire, it experienced some minor fire damage, according to the county's damage assessments. But all around it, several homes have been destroyed.

"It could have been very bad," Martinez said. "There was a moment of fear seeing that every corner was on fire, but in the back of my mind, ... we had to make sure that everyone got out."

Staff writer Terry Castleman contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
GILLS ROCK - One of the most photographed stretches of roadway in Door County, perhaps in Wisconsin, is soon due for repairs, but the Wisconsin Department of Transportation first wants to hear from the public by Feb. 21 about the proposed work.

The DOT Northeast Region is developing plans to improve the final 2.2 miles of the north end of State 42. The work would start just west of the highway's west junction with Wisconsin Bay Road in Gills Rock  where it turns from heading north to east near the Top o' the Thumb Gift Shop and Death's Door Maritime Museum  and continue to 42's terminus at the Washington Island Ferry Line landing in Northport.

That stretch of the highway at the tip of the Door Peninsula is often called Door County's "curvy road" because of the 15 curves that await drivers in its last mile or so, starting a little east of Timberline Road and continuing to Newport. The gentle, undulating curves wind through heavily wooded areas, making it a popular spot for sightseers to enjoy the scenery and photographers to take pictures. It is part of the Door County Coastal Byway and a National Scenic Byway.

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It's not known why the curves are there, given that Newport is directly due east of Gills Rock and there are no natural obstacles such as rock formations or elevation changes to work around. The two main theories, according to stories published over recent years by numerous sources, are that the curves wound around utility poles that were in the way when the highway was constructed in the 1930s and were torn down in the '80s, and that renowned landscape architect Jens Jensen, founder of the nearby The Clearing Folk School in Ellison Bay, designed the curves into the road to force drivers to slow and be able to appreciate the scenery.

As currently envisioned, the project for State 42 would not change the makeup of the "curvy road" curves, nor would it close the highway.

It is expected to be a resurfacing-level project to address deteriorating pavement and increase the life of the road. Cracking throughout the length of that stretch allows water to infiltrate its base, increasing the potential for freeze-thaw damage, and spots of alligator cracking (cracks that resemble alligator scales) indicate the base under those sections of pavement is compromised.

Along with repairing those problems and making a smoother road, the project would repair the curb and gutter in some locations and lay down new pavement and lane markings.

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The DOT is accepting comments from the public through Feb. 21. According to the project website, preliminary design work will run through April with the final design ready by April 2027. Work currently is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2028 but the DOT site said it could begin in fall of 2027, if funding is available.

The only expected traffic impact is single lane closures, and no work or lane closures will take place during peak summer traffic periods and holidays. The DOT does not expect it will need to acquire property for the project.

The DOT has a link on the project's webpage for people to download a PDF handout on the project that includes a comment form and prepaid mailer that can be filled out and sent. To do so, visit wisconsindot.gov/Pages/projects/by-region/ne/42curveyroad/default.aspx and click on the link under the "Public input/comments" section near the bottom of the page. Comments also can be emailed to project manage Paul Brauer at paul.brauer@dot.wi.gov or can be made by calling Brauer at 920-492-5629.

Contact Christopher Clough at 920-562-8900 or cclough@gannett.com.

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MORE: Sturgeon Bay says challenger's name won't be on ballot in mayor's race after signatures disqualified

MORE: Dickens joins The Bard for Door Shakespeare's 2025 season of loss, love and finding one's self

MORE: February winter festivals in Door County hold the cure for your cabin fever. Here's a look at them

FOR MORE DOOR COUNTY NEWS: Check out our website

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Door County's 'curvy road' needs work but public input is wanted first
OLD SAYBROOK, Conn. (WTNH)  More than 70 dead animals were taken out of a home Wednesday on River Street in Old Saybrook in what sources called an extreme case of animal cruelty.

An employee with the cleaning company Clean In Between told News 8 that they had been taking dead animals and other items out of a home for hours and expect to return to the house Thursday.

New Britain police arrest man accused of killing woman, wounding another

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This morning, we walked in, and it was piled high with trash and dead animal carcasses, Tanner Orlowski with Clean In Between said. When we started, we couldnt even walk in there. We have to shovel our way in, so we just kept shoveling until we were able to walk through.

Orlowski told News 8 that they removed cats, rabbits, chickens, birds, a skunk and possibly some possums from the home.

The Old Saybrook Police Department will ensure that a comprehensive criminal investigation into this disturbing matter will be conducted, Old Saybrook Police Chief Michael Spera said. We have no tolerance for the mistreatment of animals and will work with the court to hold those responsible accountable.

Spera said that no live animals were inside the home, nor were any people living there. The attorney representing the homeowner said that the woman living in the house had been evicted back in September and that the utilities had been cut off.

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Neighbors who did not want to be identified said that late at night they would see someone with a flashlight going into the basement of the house to feed the animals.

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 WTNH.com.
37,094 people played the daily Crossword recently. Can you solve it faster than others?

37,094 people played the daily Crossword recently. Can you solve it faster than others?
Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi has vowed a vigorous and coordinated response against a rebel alliance that has besieged swathes of the nations mineral-rich east and forced hundreds of local troops to surrender.

In a defiant televised address on Wednesday, Tshisekedi declared that his country would not be humiliated or crushed as regional leaders push for negotiations with the rebels.

Goma, the largest city in eastern DR Congos North Kivu province, fell under the control of the AFC/M23 rebel coalition on Monday, the rebels told CNN. This was the latest in a string of territorial acquisitions by the group in recent weeks. The Congolese government has not confirmed the rebels takeover in Goma but acknowledged the city was under siege.

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According to multiple local reports, the rebels are also advancing toward the center of the neighboring South Kivu after seizing towns in the province.

The Congolese government accused its neighbor Rwanda of equipping the M23 with both weapons and troops. Rwanda does not deny the allegations but has criticized DR Congo for collaborating with a Hutu militia group against a mainly Tutsi rebel group, the CNDP, which M23 grew out of.

Hutu militias carried out the genocide of Tutsis and moderate Hutus in Rwanda in 1994.

Tshisekedi was not present when East African leaders met on Wednesday to find solutions to the crisis. At that meeting, they urged him to directly engage with all stakeholders, including the M23 and other armed groups that have grievances.

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Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who attended the meeting, said the only path to peace was for all parties to engage in dialogue and for mediators to understand the context of the conflict.

Several people, including foreign peacekeepers, have reportedly died and hundreds more are injured as Congolese forces battle to push back against the rebels.

In Goma, where residents told CNN that fighting has persisted, hundreds of government troops have been disarmed by M23, according to the Uruguayan army, whose troops are part of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the area.

Foreign mercenaries believed to be helping DR Congos army have also surrendered, according to Rwandas military, which said Wednesday it received and escorted over 280 Romanian mercenaries who had been fighting alongside the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) in Eastern part of DRC.

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CNN has contacted the Congolese military for comment on its alleged use of mercenaries.

How could the conflict play out?

As tensions boil over in eastern DR Congo, authorities are faced with two possible scenarios that may unfold, according to an analysis by Ladd Serwat, a senior African analyst for ACLED, a UK-based group that collects data on violent conflict.

The control of Goma by M23 and Rwanda Defense Force could push the Congolese government and regional allies to negotiate, Serwat said. Otherwise, he added, Kinshasa could push for a military solution and widen the conflict through increased battles to retake Goma and cross-border attacks into Rwanda.

Tshisekedi has previously threatened to go to war with Rwanda. Kagame has responded in kind.

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We are ready to fight, Kagame told French network France 24 in June last year, adding: We are not afraid of anything.

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As the Trump administration's immigration raids ramped up across America, many people were stunned to see a former daytime TV staple take center stage  Phil McGraw, commonly known as "Dr. Phil," who accompanied immigration agents during raids around Chicago.

McGraw, who came to national fame alongside Oprah Winfrey and hosted Dr. Phil for more than two decades, said he had embedded with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents as they apprehended known criminals and terrorists.

McGraw in the past year has become a vocal supporter of President Donald Trumps immigration positions, discussing his views on TV, podcasts and social media and even at a Trump rally.

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In a statement when he ended his CBS daytime show in 2023, McGraw said that he had grave concerns for the American family and that he was determined to help restore a clarity of purpose as well as our core values.

He offered a glimpse into his views on immigration during a Dr. Phil show in January 2023. That's when he told his guests and the audience that he believed U.S. immigration laws were not being properly enforced and that we cant get our act together by doing this the right way.

But before last year, McGraw did not appear to have ever used terms such as illegal, border, immigration or ICE in his social media content.

That all changed in 2024.

Dr. Phil's words on immigration

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As he was becoming more vocal about immigration, McGraw launched his new media venture.

Merit TV  which has a direct streaming option, as well as spots on DirectTV, Spectrum and other linear providers  launched 10 months ago, claiming to seek "common ground through clarity and common sense, providing traditional family content while also disrupting the news landscape with unbiased reporting on issues that mattter most to Americans."

Merit TV is also affiliated with the Trinity Broadcasting Network, which carries programming from well-known conservatives like former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and child star-turned-social conservative Kirk Cameron.

But it was the name recognition McGraw built on his daytime talk show that was apparent in Chicago this week.

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In one scene from the raids, a man being detained by ICE told McGraw, "You're Dr. Phil."

"How do you know me?" McGraw responded.

"I've seen 'Dr. Phil' on TV," the man answered.

The notion of a TV figure popping up in such an out-of-context situation in regard to Trump and his policies should not surprise anyone, Syracuse University professor and TV historian Robert Thompson said.

"He likes people who are good on TV, who have been on TV, who are celebrities and who are willing to play with him, and 'Dr. Phil,' of course, has been on TV for a long time," Thompson said.

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"I guess seeing 'Dr. Phil' pop up in the center of one of these major events in the first couple of weeks of operations, it'd be surprising in any normal circumstances. But it's not surprising in the real circumstances of today," he said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced the first 25 of 40 anticipated priority bills for the Texas Senate, outlining a number of hot-button, culture-war issues that he said will bolster President Donald Trump's agenda.

Amid a handful of routine and potentially bipartisan proposals, like the state budget, are a number of bills touching on often-contentious Republican priorities such as placing the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms and "stopping drag time story hour."

"Over the last four years, the Texas Senate held the line, fighting back against President Bidens disastrous agenda. Now, with President Trump back in office, Texas has a friend in the White House," Patrick, the three-term Republican who leads the upper chamber, said in a statement outlining his priorities Wednesday. "The Texas Senate will continue to lead as the preeminent legislative body in America by passing our bold, conservative agenda, helping President Trump deliver on his promise of making America great again."

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Patrick's selection of 40 priority bills builds on his penchant for setting an ambitious pace in the Senate. Before 2017, the lieutenant governor, who serves as president of the Senate, chose 20 bills to prioritize. Patrick raised that number to 30 in the 85th Legislature.

"Just because a bill is not included in the top 40 does not mean it is not a priority for me or the Senate. There will be hundreds of bills that pass the Senate, all of which are important to Texas," Patrick said.

Of the 25 priority bills Patrick identified, two had been filed before his announcement: Senate Bill 1, the state budget, and SB 2  the controversial $1 billion school voucher program that the lieutenant governor has pledged to pass this session which would allocate public money for private education. SB 2 passed out of the Senate Education Committee after a lengthy hearing Tuesday, and Patrick has indicated that he expects the full Senate to take up the school voucher measure next Wednesday.

The Texas Committee on Education K-16 heard testimony on SB 2 during a meeting Wednesday at the Capitol.

What are Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's priority Senate bills?

The lieutenant governor has wide latitude to identify and push through legislation that he deems important. Traditionally, Senate bills with lower numbers indicate higher priorities.

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Though most of Patrick's priority bills have not yet been filed, their working titles shed some insight into their purpose.

Here's the list of Patrick's top 25 bills:

SB 1  Senates budget for Texas

SB 2  Providing school choice

SB 3  Banning THC (a compound found in marijuana that causes users to feel "high") in Texas

SB 4  Increasing the homestead exemption to $140,000 ($150,000 for seniors)

SB 5  Combatting Alzheimers  establishing DPRIT (Dementia Prevention & Research Institute of Texas)

SB 6  Increasing Texas electric grid reliability

SB 7  Increasing investments in Texas water supply

SB 8  Requiring local law enforcement to assist the federal governments deportation efforts

SB 9  Reforming bail  keeping violent criminals streets

SB 10  Placing the Ten Commandments in schools

SB 11  Protecting the freedom to pray in school

SB 12  Establishing a parental bill of rights in public education

SB 13  Guarding against Inappropriate books in public schools

SB 14  Texas DOGE  improving government efficiency

SB 15  Removing barriers to affordable housing

SB 16  Stopping non-citizens from voting

SB 17  Stopping foreign adversaries land grabs

SB 18  Stopping drag time story hour

SB 19  Stopping taxpayer dollars for lobbyists

SB 20  Stopping AI child pornography

SB 21  Establishing the Texas Bitcoin Reserve

SB 22  Establishing Texas as Americas film capital

SB 23  Removing the cap on the Rainy Day Fund to secure Texas long-term financial future

SB 24  Educating Texas students on the horrors of communism

SB 25  Making Texas healthy again

The remaining 15 priority bills, Patrick said, are "coming soon."

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas Legislature: Senate chief outlines priorities. Here's the list.
HAMBURG, N.Y. (WIVB)  A Hamburg family now needs to get emergency surgery for their puppy to amputate his hind leg after a driver shattered it in a hit-and-run incident on Jan. 18.

For the Ryan family, Hall Drive in Hamburg is a safe space for everyone to be outside, with many neighbors having dogs. That sentiment quickly turned sour when their family dog, a Jack Russell terrier named Oakley, was hit by a driver who didnt stop afterwards.

When you come out of nowhere  its a school zone and you are also speeding, said Nichole Ryan, Oakleys owner.

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Nichole and her family have had Oakley for just six months before the puppy, taking off in a spurt of energy, was hit by a car on the intersection of Hall Drive and Clover Bank. It happened right in front of Nicholes daughter McKenna, who was chasing after him.

The silver SUV comes in speeding past and then hits Oakley, McKenna said. Oakley was flying into the street and when I got there, I picked Oakley up and like, hugged him and started crying.

For my 13-year-old to see that, you could of stopped, you know, so that was heartbreaking for me, and she still talks about it every night, so she was also affected by this as well, Nichole said.

Oakley was rushed to Orchard Park Vet Hospital, suffering multiple fractures and a shattered femur.

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His hind leg, which now needs to be amputated, is wrapped and dangling from his body.

He is in a great deal of pain. Ive already had to take him for an emergency vet visit because he got his stitches and a piece of the wrapping started to come off, Ryan said. Im up all night with him like you would be a newborn baby  you know, the crying, the whimpering.

The Ryans are thankful that Oakley is alive, but the vet bills are piling up. They said the amputation surgery will cost over $3,000.



The Town of Hamburg Police Department is investigating, but have yet to catch the person behind the wheel.



The Ryan family said while Oakleys quality of life will never be the same, their love for him will never change.

Whether hes got four legs or three legs or two legs, Im going to love him, were going to love him, Ryan said.

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If you would like to help the Ryan family with the cost of the vet bills, you can call the Community Pet Care Hospital at (716) 821-0603 and ask to make a donation to Oakleys vet fund, saying Nichole Ryan sent you.

You can also follow Oakleys recovery on Nicholes Facebook.

Latest Local News

Dillon Morello is a reporter from Pittsburgh who has been part of the News 4 team since September of 2023. See more of his work here and follow him 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 News 4 Buffalo.
Bloomberg reports that oil transit through the Russian port of Ust-Luga on the Baltic Sea has apparently been suspended due to a successful drone strike on a pumping station.

Source: Bloomberg, citing informed sources

Details: A source familiar with the oil supplies told Bloomberg that oil transit to Ust-Luga dropped to zero on 29 January but did not specify the cause. Shipping data reviewed by Bloomberg indicates that a tanker departed the port early on Wednesday, after which there was a gap in its signal transmissions. However, the publication notes that periods of downtime without fuel loading at the port are not uncommon.

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The report indicates that provided the pipeline system supplying Ust-Luga is confirmed to have been hit by the drone attack, it could pose a significant risk to global oil supply.

The agency notes that last year, the port handled approximately 650,000 barrels of oil per day, representing about 20% of Russia's total maritime oil exports. Bloomberg adds that Ust-Luga may have reserve barrels in storage, which could be used to mitigate the impact of any supply disruption.

Background: A source within Ukraines defence forces told Ukrainska Pravda that drones operated by Ukraines Security Service and Special Operations Forces targeted the Andreapol oil pumping station and a missile arsenal in Russias Tver Oblast.

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DUCHESNE, Utah (ABC4)  A Duchesne city treasurer was arrested and charged on suspicion of misusing public money over the span of five years.

Kimberly Kielbasa Hanson, 56, was booked into Duchesne County Jail and charged with six counts of misusing public money; four third-degree felonies and two second-degree felonies.

Murder charge filed in 20-year-old Utah cold case

Hanson is accused of allegedly underpaying her benefits and receiving $21,546,13 back in her paychecks from 2019 to 2024.

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According to the affidavit of probable cause, police were first referred to the case in August 2024 by the Mayor of Duchesne City. The mayor reportedly provided police with records from 2019 to 2024 when Hanson was the treasurer for the city and in charge of the payroll for city employees.

The affidavit states the records show that Hanson and several other employees were either not having deductions taken out of their checks, or were having a drastically small amount taken out that did not cover the cost of medical benefits.

A search warrant was sent to the insurance company handling the benefits on Oct. 25, 2024, to compare with the records police already had. The affidavit states that the insurance company records showed each invoice sent to the city over that time frame had been paid in full, although the correct amount of funds to pay the invoice had not been withheld from the payroll.

As I looked through the documents from the insurance company the individuals involved had changed their coverages throughout the time period from 2019 to 2024, but with each change to the policies the amount that needed to be held out changed, and the correct amounts that needed to be withheld were put in wrong, the arresting officer wrote.

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According to police, this allowed employees to obtain more money in their paychecks while continuing to receive full medical benefits.

The affidavit continues saying that Hanson was directly in charge of the payroll and other accounts for the city. The mayor allegedly told police that Hanson was the only person who could make changes to the payroll system and was the person in charge of paying the invoice for the benefits to the insurance company.

Police said that multiple attempts were made to interview Hanson to better understand what happened, but she hired counsel and the meeting was unable to be set.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
BENSENVILLE, Ill.  A caregiver in DuPage County is facing felony charges after she allegedly placed a resident in a hot shower, causing them second-degree burns, before trying to conceal the incident.

Darnitia Conner, a 58-year-old Glendale Heights resident, has been charged with three counts of abuse of a long-term care facility resident, two counts of criminal neglect of a long-term care facility resident and one count of reckless conduct, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced Wednesday.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

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According to prosecutors, the charges stem from an incident involving a patient who was allegedly under Conners care in June 2024.

Raoul said the victim, who was described as elderly, was a resident of a Ray Graham Association (RGA) community-based home in Bensenville.

Residents of RGA community-based homes may have disabilities or health care needs that require 24-hour support from trained staff. RGA has more than 100 residents who live in over 25 of the community-based homes.

Prosecutors said that while caring for the victim, Conner allegedly failed to test the temperatures of the water as she prepared a shower for them and placed them in the hot water.

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According to prosecutors, the hot water then allegedly caused second-degree burns to a majority of the victimss lower body.

Following the incident, however, Conner allegedly failed to notify staff and medical personnel about the severity of the victims injuries in an attempt to conceal the incident.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Residents of long-term care facilities and community-based group homes rely on caretakers for their health and wellness. All Illinois residents deserve to be safe in their homes, and it is appalling that any caretaker would cause serious harm to an elderly or vulnerable patient in their care, Raoul said.

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Conner has since pleaded not guilty to all charges and is set to return to court on March 10.

If convicted, Conner could face up to five years in prison for each count of abuse and criminal neglect as well as up to three years in prison for each count of reckless conduct.

Authorities did not provide a booking photo for Conner.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Just 11 days into his presidency, Donald Trump has been confronted with a national tragedy that claimed dozens of lives after a passenger jet carrying 64 people collided midair with an Army helicopter in the Washington, D.C., region Wednesday night.

His response bypassed the usual playbook that presidents typically follow after a tragedy, just as his campaign broke from political norms time and again.

Without waiting for a full investigation  or a list of the victims  the president began pointing fingers and going on the attack. Rather than using it as a moment to forgo political combat and and focus on the victims, he took the opportunity to push his agenda against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts.

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His approach moved attention away from recovery efforts, victims and the investigation into the crash to a debate over one of his biggest political targets. And while Trump faced criticism for his handling of the moment, it was in line with how he has eschewed the way traditional politicians operate.

Trump quickly put out a social media post casting blame for the accident Wednesday night, before many facts were known.

At a White House press briefing Thursday, he read through a more traditional speech expressing condolences, but then launched into remarks that felt more like something from a campaign rally, calling a Democratic official a disaster, castigating his predecessors and going after DEI  despite any evidence so far that these policies contributed to the midair collision.

Ive been an investigator for 35 years, investigating aircraft accidents, and when you talk about standards, what we just saw does not meet the published international standards of providing information in the wake of an accident, Jeff Guzzetti, a former investigator for the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board, told MSNBC.

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Im not trying to be political here, but the information that came out ... it was not accurate. It undermined the honesty of the investigation, he added. And Ive never seen something like this, where a government official circumvented the time-honored tradition of aircraft accident investigation. And you know, just personally, I think its appalling that these comments, political comments, were being made in the wake of the tragedy like this.

Trump was joined by two members of his Cabinet, newly confirmed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.

During his remarks, Hegseth disclosed the ranks of the three service members who were killed in the military helicopter. It was a break from longtime Pentagon policy, which is that no information about any service member killed in the line of duty be disclosed for 24 hours after all next of kin have been notified.

Duffy  who does not have a background in transportation but gained fame as a reality-TV star before becoming a congressman from Wisconsin  just started as transportation secretary on Wednesday. He struggled through a separate Thursday-morning press briefing, telling reporters the obvious line, It is not standard to have aircraft collide. I want to be clear on that.

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Trump opened the press briefing Thursday by thanking federal agencies and first responders, and acknowledging there were likely no survivors.

This was a dark and excruciating night in our nations capital, he said during the sober remarks.

From there, Trumps rhetoric became more political. He blamed former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, along with the Democrats, for supporting past diversity programs within the FAA.

I do want to point out that various articles that appeared prior to me entering office  the FAA diversity push includes focusing on hiring people with severe intellectual and psychiatric disabilities, Trump said. Thats amazing.

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His comments came as rescue workers continue to search for dozens of bodies in the Potomac River.

Trump was asked by reporters how he could know that diversity programs helped cause the tragic crash after just one day, and responded, Because I have common sense.

FAA employees with disabilities did not cause last nights tragic plane crash, the American Association of People with Disabilities said in a statement. The investigation into the crash is still ongoing. It is extremely inappropriate for the President to use this tragedy to push an anti-diversity hiring agenda. Doing so makes all Americans less safe.

At one point, a reporter asked Trump whether he was getting ahead of the investigation by casting blame even before the names of the victims are known.

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No, I don't think so at all. The names of the people  you mean the names of the people that are on the plane? You think thats going to make a difference? They are a group of people that have lost their lives, Trump said, adding that a list would be released soon.

Trump also took direct aim at Pete Buttigieg, who served as Bidens transportation secretary.

That guys a real winner.  Hes a disaster Trump said, unprompted. He was a disaster as a mayor. He ran his city into the ground, and hes a disaster.

Hes just got a good line of bulls---, Trump added.

Buttigieg responded on X, calling Trumps press conference despicable.

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As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying, he posted. We put safety first, drove down close calls, grew Air Traffic Control, and had zero commercial airline crash fatalities out of millions of flights on our watch, he wrote.

John Cox, a pilot and the president and CEO of Safety Operating Systems LLC, told MSNBC there was no foundation for Trumps comments about FAA diversity programs.

One thing that has to be remembered is that there are standards for everyone in aviation, notably in a safety critical position, be it pilots, be it flight attendants, be it dispatchers, be it air traffic controllers, he said.

He also said the National Transportation Safety Board is the only agency allowed to release information about an investigation, according to an International Civil Aviation Treaty  meaning that Trump, Hegseth and Duffy should not have been doing so.

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In addition to DEI programs among air traffic controllers, Trump also blamed a pilot problem in the helicopter and bad eyesight  I cant imagine people with 20/20 vision not seeing whats happening up there.

Because it was visual, it was a very clear night, Trump said. It was cold, but clear and clear as you could be.

Officials have so far given no formal cause for the midair collision.

Trump, however, also said he was not blaming the [air traffic] controller, and said the American people should not be afraid to fly.

No, not at all, Trump said. I would not hesitate to fly.

Both Duffy and Hegseth backed up Trump on the diversity issue during the White House press briefing.

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You made an important point that when we deal with safety, we can only accept the best and the brightest in positions of safety that impact the lives of our loved ones, our family members, Duffy said. And I think you make a really important point on that, Mr. President. That is the motto of your presidency, the best and the brightest, the most intelligent coming into these spaces.

Hegseth said that hiring practices should be colorblind and merit-based.

During the press conference, Trump also appointed Christopher Rocheleau as acting FAA commissioner, a position that had been vacant. He did not speak during the press conference.

Diversity in the aviation industry was put in the spotlight by many conservatives early last year when a panel blew off an Alaska Airlines plane at 16,000 feet.

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After that incident, many right-wing commentators and political figures began to baselessly point to DEI as a major issue in the airline industry.

Im sure this has nothing to do with mandated Diversity Equity and Inclusion practices in the airline industry!!! Donald Trump Jr. posted on X in response to a post about a wheel falling off a Boeing 757. Wheels dont just fall off planes without gross incompetence in the equation!

Trump said the order he signed shortly after taking office was to restore the highest standards at the FAA. It primarily takes aim at DEI programs at the agency.

Their policy was horrible, and their politics was even worse, Trump said of past Democratic administrations that included diversity programs. So, as you know, last week, long before the crash, I signed an executive order restoring our highest standards for air traffic controllers and other important jobs.

The aviation industry has had a shortage of air traffic controllers for years, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects there will be about 18,000 pilot jobs opening up each year through 2033. Aviation experts told NBC News that DEI is not a problem in an industry where there are very few Black pilots, and there is absolutely no proof that promoting diversity has led to safety issues.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Jan. 29SOUTH BEND  A Shipshewana dog breeder has lost his USDA license for two years following a consent decree Tuesday by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana.

Vernon D. Miller, owner of Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park, will not be able to apply for or engage in any activity that requires a U.S. Department of Agriculture license for two years. If he is relicensed in the future, he must comply with Animal Welfare Act regulations and standards necessary to provide humane and lawful care to the animals he exhibits and sells. This will included maintaining veterinary and other accurate and complete records.



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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  Its been a year since the public learned of the massive corruption scandal involving a scheme to make DWI cases disappear. Federal documents last week, shed more light on the conspiracy involving police officers and attorneys that dates back more than two decades.

So when did the Albuquerque Police Departments leadership start to get wise? KRQE Investigative Reporter Ann Pierret sat down with the chief about what he knew and when.

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A conversation at a bar is what APD Chief Harold Medina said eventually led to the criminal investigation into the departments DWI unit. In December of 2022, thirteen months before the community learned of the corruption scandal, a five-page intel file showed that APD received a tip from a concerned citizen who shared DWI officers described how some members of the unit would get paid to get a case dismissed.

The caller claimed workers at three bars in the northeast heights tipped off officers about customers leaving their establishments. We did an analysis, and we looked at traffic stops, and we looked to see if we saw traffic stops that were condensed around certain liquor establishments. And we didnt see that pattern, said Chief Medina.

So what now? I knew something was going on. I just didnt know what. And thats when the decision was made that were going to keep this as quiet as possible, said Chief Medina.

Chief Medina said at that point only a handful of his staff knew. Without explaining, he asked to change his Monday meeting agenda to include an update from Internal Affairs. Every week I get a case  a list of cases that came in and I would look through that list to see if theres anything related to this DWI scheme because I knew that something was going to come in, said Chief Medina.

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But he said the FBI would call first, nearly a year later in October 2023 letting him know theyve been investigating. KRQE News 13 learned at least one of their tips came from Albuquerque Attorney Daymon Ely. I was outraged. I mean, I should be. We should all be outraged, said Ely.

Ely told KRQE News 13 that two people contacted him separately sharing the details we now know made up the scheme. The day they came in I let the FBI know. And I didnt contact APD because they obviously have a conflict, said Ely.

The chief later learned the FBI contacted APDs Internal Affairs Unit in June of 2022. APD said IA Commander Mark Landavazo told the feds it wasnt a case hed handle, it was a citizen complaint. However, because there were criminal allegations, APD said Landavazo should have moved it up the chain. The department fired him over this in February of 2024.

A month after the FBI filled in Chief Medina, in November of 2023, more evidence. Another citizen complaint had been filed. This one to the Civilian Police Oversight Agency from a district court employee. In her letter, she shared a former coworker received a DWI and there may be questionable conduct by the arresting/citation officer who put the driver in contact with a specific attorney who if hired, would ensure that no court case would be filed in court by APD.

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Since officers are informed about citizen complaints, the department jumped to quash that investigation which Chief Medina said prompted an emergency meeting with the FBI.

Still, no officers have been charged, but the feds just secured a plea deal with a paralegal who admitted to helping run the scheme from an Albuquerque law firm. In his confession, Rick Mendez mentioned mainly working with APD officers but said members of the Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office and New Mexico State Police played along too.

APD went back through its record to look into former members of the DWI unit. The department provided us with a timeline of the evolution of the scheme.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  An East Hartford man was sentenced to 30 years in prison on Wednesday for minor sexual abuse, according to the Division of Criminal Justice.

Norwalk man arrested on sexual assault charges after a nearly 1.5 year investigation

According to evidence introduced at trial, Aaron Fullerton, 48, sexually abused a minor child over a four-month period during 2020-2021. The victim disclosed the abuse to her mother, whose actions brought the abuse to an end.

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He was found guilty on Oct. 18 of two counts of sexual assault in the second degree, four counts of risk of injury to a minor with illegal sexual contact, two counts of sexual assault in the fourth degree and two counts of risk of injury to a minor.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
A grant from the State of Illinois is helping East Moline attract more industrial development to the city.

An email from the Quad Cities Chamber says East Moline has been awarded a $128,000 grant through the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunitys (DCEO) Regional Site Readiness planning program. The grant will support development efforts for the I-80/I-88 Industrial Site, a parcel of land in the southeast quadrant of the interstate intersection, north of the Rock River and about seven miles from downtown East Moline. The grants goal is to transition to federal processes to remove acres from the floodplain and make them development-ready for industrial users.

This grant is a tremendous step forward in our ongoing efforts to attract industrial development and investment to East Moline, said Mayor Reggie Freeman. Preparing the I-80/I-88 Industrial Site for industrial use is a priority, and this funding allows us to take meaningful action toward unlocking its full potential, attracting businesses, creating jobs, and strengthening our local economy. With the support of the Illinois DCEO, REDEEM and the Quad Cities Chamber, we are making strategic investments to ensure our community remains competitive and ready for future economic growth.

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East Moline will provide a $30,000 matching grant and REDEEM will provide a $2,000 grant for this project. Site readiness has been a priority for the Quad Cities Chamber over the past few years with ongoing advocacy efforts to ensure sites are ready for economic development opportunities. The Chamber played a key role in securing this grant by helping with the application process and engaging with DCEO early in the programs development.

The Quad Cities Chamber has been actively championing site readiness as a critical economic driver for the region, said Julie Forsythe, Senior Vice President of Business & Economic Growth for the Chamber. This funding is a testament to the collaborative efforts between the City of East Moline, REDEEM and regional stakeholders to position our communities for future investment.

The Chamber commissioned a regional site readiness study from Hickey Global, a full-service economic development consulting firm and sharing grant opportunities with Illinois partners to advance strategic site development.

Planning for the I-80/I-88 Industrial Site will focus on infrastructure assessment, market analysis and development strategies to attract businesses and foster job growth.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
LONGVIEW  When Paul Guidroz heard his East Texas town could build an electric vehicle charging station, he began to think of what it could mean for the local economy.

Drivers traveling along Interstate 20 could pull into town, charge up and give a boost to small businesses, he said.

They could stop here, get a coffee at one of our local coffee shops or even lunch while they charge their vehicles, said Guidroz, Longviews Main Street Coordinator who helps support local businesses.

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The town of 83,236 sandwiched between Tyler and Shreveport, Louisiana, is one of 56 spots the Texas Department of Transportation, or TxDOT, identified to establish the states Electric Alternative Fuels Corridor. The corridor is largely paid for by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill signed by President Joe Biden.

The idea of placing federally subsidized charging stations in downtown Longview has not been embraced by all. Texas is the largest exporter of oil and gas in the U.S. And some supporters of the industry see the push for electric vehicles as an assault on the industry  and the people it employs.

President Donald Trump on the campaign trail last year promised to roll back federal programs that advanced electric vehicles and the infrastructure needed to support them. Shortly after he was sworn in, Trump announced a federal energy emergency and took steps to pause any additional funding for clean energy projects.

Bryan McBride, the Longview Metropolitan Planning Organization director, is leading the research and community engagement process to determine where the charging stations dedicated to Longview should be placed.

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McBride acknowledged the presidential transition could lead to a shift in national priorities, but said he believes the project will continue as planned.

That happens with any infrastructure bill, said McBride two weeks before Trumps inauguration. Whatever administration is in there its viable that things could change. They could change dramatically.

Texas aims to use its federal dollars to establish a charging station network to support 1 million electric vehicles with fast charging stations every 50 miles.

Bryan McBride, director of the Longview Metropolitan Planning Organization, speaks about the city's plans to bring a new public EV charging station to Longview. Credit: Michael Cavazos for The Texas Tribune

Texas residents registered nearly 350,000 electric vehicles as of Jan. 28, which represents about 1% of all vehicles in Texas. Most of the electric vehicles in use by Texans are personal cars and trucks, classified 1 and 1A light duty vehicles, and are primarily owned by residents in Texas largest cities.

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Electric vehicle sales have grown over the past few years, however, accounting for 8.7% of total new vehicle sales in the U.S. in the second half of 2024, according to Cox Automotive market insights.

As of Jan. 1, nearly half of the 56 areas identified by the transportation department had begun construction on charging stations, including five in East Texas but outside of Longviews metropolitan area.

The full effect of Trumps executive orders during his first week in office remains unclear. Much of the money Congress approved for the infrastructure legislation has already made its way to Texas and is ready to be spent.

It will be difficult for the federal government to claw back that money, said Phillip Martin, the manager of the Environmental Defense Funds Zero-emission Truck Initiative in Texas.

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Texas, for example, has already allocated more than half of the money earmarked for this project and has plans for the $86.9 million set for 2025. The transportation department will continue to use this funding to work on the corridoruntil further directed, said Laura Butterbrodt, a TxDOT spokesperson.

Likewise, the work in Longview will continue, McBride said. The public has until Jan. 31 to share their thoughts on where the charging stations should be placed.

The feedback will remain valuable regardless of whether the program is halted, McBride said.

Longview Towne Crossing is one of the recommended locations for an EV charging station in Longview. Credit: Michael Cavazos for The Texas Tribune

Robert Wheeler, a local business owner, said in an interview with The Texas Tribune that the corridor is a slap in the face to those in the oil and gas industry, which is vital to his city.

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The federal government should not force an ideology on citizens  especially using tax dollars collected from those citizens, he said.

If a certain amount of money has been taken from our community and its been earmarked for a project with which we disagree, we ought to be able to get that money and put it into something else, Wheeler said.

While the aim of the program is to help boost the electric vehicle market and make long-distance travel easier for owners of such vehicles, several Longview residents are excited about extra exposure.

Longviews Library Director Jennifer Eldridge sees the charging stations as a way to draw travelers into the little town to get to know it better. She, personally, would love to see the charging stations placed near the library so more people would know about its programs that are available to any Texan.

A Volkswagen ID.4 EV charges at a Longview auto dealership on Monday, Jan. 27. Credit: Michael Cavazos for The Texas Tribune

Regardless of how it works out, McBride wants to see the stations built in Longview because they provide infrastructure residents need and an opportunity for growth.

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After the comment period closes, McBride will create a proposal to present to Longviews Transportation Policy Board on Feb. 19 and then will await their decision that will come in April.

Disclosure: Environmental Defense Fund has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Two suspects were taken into police custody after being stopped while in a stolen vehicle on Wednesday morning.

According to the East Baton Rouge Sheriffs Office, Baton Rouge Police stopped a Honda Accord that was reported stolen on the westbound Acadian Ramp around 10 a.m. After the car stopped, two occupants exited the vehicle and fled on foot, EBRSO said.

One suspect was captured immediately and the other was caught around 45 minutes later.

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BRPD said they were the only two occupants in the vehicle during the stop.

The driver was identified as Jakyrie Brown, 18. He was charged in connection with two separate vehicle burglaries from the Commerce Circle area, authorities said.

Brown faces charges of possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of a stolen firearm and possession of a machine gun.

East Baton Rouge deputies arrest 3 men after drug trafficking investigation

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You gone, b-.

Those harsh words, spoken at a podium by a critic of Tiffany Henyard during a Jan. 28 Thornton Township Board meeting, preceded a brawl. Video shows Henyard joined in the melee. Security reportedly had to clear the room after the fighting intensified.

It was a shocking display at a government meeting, and thats a high bar these days, but its no surprise that tempers are high in Dolton, where Henyard serves as Thornton Township supervisor as well as mayor of the village. She makes a good living from her government roles, earning a total of $270,000 annually.

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Her role as supervisor is the primary contributor, earning her $224,000 a year. If shes ousted, an ordinance the township board of trustees approved in 2023 will see her successor earn just $25,000.

Voters have the chance to put an end to the madness in a matter of weeks, when they vote to elect the next mayor, who will hopefully prioritize showing up to meetings, something Henyard doesnt always do. Henyards been tossed off the ballot in Thornton Township, and now her last hope to remain in power rests upon the Dolton mayoral outcome.

Theres good reason to want change, if only to provide some sense of stability. Henyards name has become synonymous with controversy, including allegations of financial mismanagement, corruption and misuse of power. What this means for the citizens of Dolton is chaos and uncertainty. In Dolton, residents cant even be sure their garbage will be collected.

Henyard is under federal investigation, with subpoenas issued for various business and financial records related to her administration. One of her key allies, Deputy police Chief Lewis Lacey, was charged in federal court with bankruptcy fraud, making false statements and declarations in a bankruptcy case, and perjury in August. Henyards tenure has been so marred by scandal that 56% of Dolton voters elected to recall her in 2022, though a judge later ruled the votes could not be certified.

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Scrutiny in Dolton intensified when former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot was called in to investigate. Her probe uncovered alarming expenditures, including over $43,000 spent on Amazon in a single day, all while the village faced a deficit of $3.65 million and $6 million due to vendors. Lightfoot also revealed that village credit cards were used to fund trips to Austin, Texas; New York City; Atlanta; Las Vegas; and Washington, D.C.

Just over 20,000 people live in Dolton. It is unclear how these trips served their interests. Lightfoots most recent report on the villages finances uncovered plenty more: Dolton still owes vendors $5 million and continues to run a deficit.

Major public scandals have roiled the south suburbs before, most notably in Harvey where former Mayor Eric Kellogg was accused of accepting monthly bribes for himself and his family in exchange for permitting a local strip club to secretly offer illegal prostitution services. Prior to this scandal, Kellogg settled fraud charges with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission over fraudulent municipal bond offerings in which investors were misled into believing their funds would be used for a Holiday Inn hotel project.

Chicagos south suburbs are hardly alone in these stories. Look at Dixon to see how another local politician gamed local government for private benefit.

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But south suburban residents have been disproportionately affected by the rising cost of government  reflected in their property tax bills  even as their ability to pay has diminished. Median property tax bills across the south suburbs went up 20% in 2024, according to Tribune reporting. The problem with property taxes in Dolton had been growing even before the pandemic  Civic Federation research shows Dolton residential property taxes increased by 109% between 2005 and 2019, with an effective property tax rate of 7% in 2019. For that kind of money, taxpayers should be getting top-of-the-line service, not dysfunction. The median household income in Dolton is $58,706, nearly $23,000 below the statewide median household income.

This editorial board wants to see the south suburbs prosper. That cant happen if suburban leaders engage in public scuffles with their political critics.

Voters in both Dolton and the Thornton Township community have a chance for a fresh start  they should take it.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
The state of Illinois is seeking employees who dont want a 40-hour workweek.

A cringey commercial you may have seen recently boasts that working for the state can mean five weeks off in your first year on the job, with flexible hours, a hybrid setup and good work-life balance, all while enjoying a 37.5-hour workweek.

This sounds like a sweet deal. Also one unavailable in most other full-time careers.

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We know of course that some state workers toil long and hard at their jobs. Still, the states clueless ad leans into the worst critiques and caricatures of government work, maybe in an effort to appeal to a post-COVID-19 workforce that resents being called back to the office.

What do you want from your career? asks a voice at the start of the commercial. The faux potential recruits dont then talk about their ambition or their desire to serve or to make Illinois better.

They talk about how much time off they want. Seriously? Thats the message?

We dont take issue with people earning fair wages, getting breaks and having good benefits, but the commercial is tone-deaf. And its hard not to be miffed when you consider how state worker benefits compare with those the people paying taxes are getting.

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An open administrative role for the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity pays up to $126,000 per year, and an open nurse position posted online in Elgin pays up to $102,000. State workers also retire with better benefits than the average Illinoisan. The maximum annual Social Security benefit for those in the private sector retiring at 62 for 2023 was just $30,864, while the average starting pension for career workers participating in the State Employees Retirement System is $52,920 (many state workers also get Social Security for private work, and some have retired as early as 55).

Sure, its just a commercial. But as the state looks to lure more employees, its worth noting that Illinois government added 15,600 jobs, among the highest gains of any industry statewide, from December 2023 to December 2024, according to an Illinois Policy Institute analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Only the private education and health services sector (26,600-plus jobs) and local government (16,000-plus jobs) outpaced state government hiring.

Really great careers and really great benefits sound fantastic, but remember that unemployment in Illinois is 5.2%, the third-highest in the U.S. Without robust private-sector growth, its incredibly hard to justify a growing, highly compensated public sector. The rest of us pay for those great benefits, and most of us full-timers are clocking more than 37.5 hours a week.

Branding state work as an easy, cushy gig strikes a bitter chord with taxpayers, and it wont do Springfield any favors with the people who foot the bill.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
(WHTM)  Payday is coming for over 2,000 student teachers.

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency says the state is distributing the 10 to $15,000 stipends to those who are eligible.

This was part of last years state budget in an attempt to recruit more educators. Pennslyvanias Higher Education Association wants to continue this and is asking the state for more funding.

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There were 4,000 applications for stipends, only 2,144 got approved because of the funding for the current year, so were really hoping to see the governor and lawmakers come together and provide a little more funding for next year so that we can expand and reach more student teachers, said Chris Lilienthal of the Pennslyvania State Education Association.

$30 million was allocated for this last year education advocates are requesting $50 million this year

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The U.S. Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights has opened an investigation into Denver Public Schools for "discriminating against its female students" after the district converted a women's restroom into an all-gender facility, the office announced Tuesday.

The installation of the bathroom at East High School, with a student body of more than 2,000, now has an "exclusive restroom for male students and no restroom for female students on its second floor," according to the office.

The alarming report that the Denver Public Schools District denied female students a restroom comparable with their male counterparts appears to directly violate the civil rights of the Districts female students, Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor said in a statement. Let me be clear: it is a new day in America, and under President Trump, OCR will not tolerate discrimination of any kind.

The gender-neutral bathroom at East High School in Denver, Colorado.

In a letter addressed to the district's superintendent, Trainor said the investigation will examine if Denver Public Schools discriminated against students on the basis of sex by installing the all-gender restroom as a potential failure to comply with Title IX, which the district is subject to as a recipient of federal financial assistance from the Department of Education.

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The letter also cites local NBC affiliate KUSA's reporting that the district has installed two other multistall all-gender restrooms in the district at the Denver School of the Arts and CEC Early College.

It is unprecedented for the Office for Civil Rights to admittedly initiate its own investigation, into a single bathroom, as a result of local media coverage rather than in response to a filed complaint requesting their involvement, Denver Public Schools said in a statement.

The district said the restroom was added as a result of a "student-led process" to serve "all students, including those who may feel uncomfortable in gender-specific facilities."

The all-gender restroom has stalls with 12-foot-tall partitions, and the high school faculty has developed a plan to "supervise and monitor" it "just as they do with all others," according to the district.

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In a message sent to parents in the community prior to the restroom's opening, the school district stated that the second-floor womens restroom was selected for the conversion because additional "structural makeup" in the mens restroom, including urinals, would have required removal and pushed costs "outside of the construction budget."

The district added that if it receives additional funding, the decision to convert the men's restroom into an all-gender facility would be considered as well.

Those who do not feel comfortable using the new all-gender restroom have been encouraged by the district to use a restroom on a different floor or the single-stall restroom on the second floor.

Trainor, in his letter, said the initiation of the investigation is "not itself evidence of wrongdoing" and requests for "access to data and personnel" will be submitted this week.

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The Office for Civil Rights' investigation follows sweeping changes since President Donald Trump began his second term last week, including executive orders targeting "gender ideology," federal DEI programs, transition-related medical care for minors and transgender military service.

Trumps anti-DEI executive order has also affected employee resource groups, including DOJ Pride, an LGBTQ employee resource group at the Department of Justice, which shut down on Wednesday.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Jan. 29When Regal Elementary students learned about contaminants in the Spokane River, they knew they wanted to raise awareness.

"There's toxic chemicals, and heavy metals in the Spokane River at Boulder Beach," fifth-grader Oona Gonzalez said. "And we have to fix it."

So they researched the issue, identified solutions and traveled to Olympia this week to make their case to state lawmakers and advocate for funding.

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"We are writing to you as a concerned group of students, regarding a pressing environmental and public health issue: the contamination of the Spokane River with lead, particularly in the area around Boulder Beach, where many of us swim and enjoy recreational activities," Regal Elementary students Gonzalez, Chase Scheele, Skyler Curtis and Taige Boyer wrote in a letter to Washington legislators.

The letter, and project, were part of the Environmental and Sustainability Literacy Student Summit organized by the Pacific Education Institute, which brought students from across Washington to the state capitol this week to present on climate and education-related topics.

The students were among four groups to present in front of the more than 100 educators, students and school personnel who attended the summit this week.

"That was good. It was fun, but it was also scary at the same time," fifth-grader Skyler said.

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Teacher Lucas Trunkey said the project offered the chance to highlight an issue that hits close to home and show his students how they can make change.

"Boulder Beach is our family park," Trunkey said Wednesday. "It's the only outside area where we can swim safely in Spokane."

The project, which the students presented Tuesday, highlights the importance of the beach to Spokane and notes that it's ideal for swimming and easily accessible to nearby residential areas. But, according to their presentation, the Spokane River has elevated levels of PCBs, heavy metals and other chemicals, a problem that dates back to a mining boom upstream from Spokane more than 100 years ago.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, were used by a variety of industries before they were banned in 1979. In November, the agency released "pollution budgets" to reduce amounts in the Spokane and Little Spokane Rivers.

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The project highlights many of the potential risks of exposure to the contaminants and offers solutions to improve the water quality, which includes reverse osmosis, or filtering the water.

But the students offered another solution: phytoremediation, a process of using plants to clean dirty water and soil.

"You put plants in the water, and it absorbs all of the toxins," Skyler said. "They break them up."

The project highlights some of the groups working to clean the Spokane River, including the Spokane Riverkeeper, the Spokane River Forum and the Washington State Department of Ecology.

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During their visit to the Capitol, the students briefly met with State Rep. Jenny Graham, R-Spokane, in her office to deliver a binder full of their research, potential solutions and suggestions on how to implement the fixes.

Graham, who took an interest in the students' research and encouraged them to discuss the problem with other Spokane-area legislators, told the group "It is so cool to see you guys here in Olympia."

"This is a little bit of homecoming to Olympia," Graham said.
ELIZABETH, Colo. (KDVR)  A former Elizabeth School District employee has filed a discrimination charge against the district after she claims she was fired for speaking out against a book ban.

A charge of discrimination is the first step before a civil rights lawsuit can be filed. Its coming from a former employee, LeEllen Condry, who said she was fired after speaking out against the book ban. This puts the district on notice that a lawsuit will be filed and also allows for an investigation into any potential discrimination.

Elizabeth School District sued for removing books from school libraries

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The employee who filed the suit said she felt the ban was racist and discriminatory.

A total of 19 books were banned, while numerous others were placed on a sensitive list where parents would be notified if a student were to check the books out from the library.

Condry was in her first year at Elizabeth Middle as the Dean of Students when the ban took effect  her focus was on certain books with racial history, the LGBTQ+ experience and others.

Its unethical because this is our history. We need to learn about it and when you decide to hide it and you push it back youre basically saying, We dont care, we dont want to know about you.' Condry said.

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According to the filing, the book ban was put on hold in mid-August to allow for feedback from staff and the community. Condry then said she spoke out publicly about the ban.

I also wrote a letter to the board because they wanted to hear feedback. Solution-focused feedback, I wrote it and basically in the letter I just said, this is unethical, this is racist, this isnt what I signed up for when I came into this district. And I felt it was wrong, Condry said.

On Aug. 27, 2024, according to the filings, Elizabeth School District Superintendent Dan Snowberger sent out an email to district employees where Condry claims she was called out in an email by stating that the feedback calling the actions of the board racist had crossed the lines of professional and ethical behavior and would lead to further disciplinary actions. On Oct. 1, Condry said she was notified she was being fired due to budget cuts.

ACLU sues Aurora landlord for threatening tenants with immigration enforcement

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However, she felt her termination was due to her speaking out against the new book protocol.

FOX31 sought comment from the school district about the lawsuit and received this statement below.

We can correctly assert that Ms. Condry no longer works in the district and was part of a reduction in force involving several staff members and which was compelled by a fiscal exigency. We are unaware of such an allegation and find it interesting such a complaint was provided to the media prior to the district. Elizabeth School District Superintendent Dan Snowberger

Shes not the only one seeking legal action regarding this book ban. The American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado representing two Elizabeth students sued the district in December.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Bloomberg/Getty Images

Were back on Trump time, when the news cycle spins so fast that major developments dominate headlines one day and are washed out by a new crisis the next. In the nine days since Donald Trump's second term as president began, he has tried to end birthright citizenship, block an estimated $3 trillion in government funding, rid the federal government of any diversity initiatives, and so much more. His controversial nominees are getting appointed one after the other, with former Fox News host Pete Hegseth becoming defense secretary on Saturday, despite numerous reports that he sexually assaulted a woman and was often drunk at work. (Hegseth has denied any wrongdoing.)

Amid this dizzying chaos, Democrats in Congress are being accused of twiddling their thumbs. Some are even voting to confirm Trump's nominees and for Republican legislation that immigration advocates say will deprive immigrants of basic rights and liberties. Rolling Stone reported that the party appears to be rolling over for Trump.

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Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) says its the responsibility of her party to do the opposite  to explain to voters what is in all of those executive orders and to grill nominees who will undermine the very agencies theyre supposed to run. (Warren, like every other member of the Senate, voted to confirm Marco Rubio as Trumps secretary of state last week.)

During a break from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s confirmation hearing to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, Warren spoke to Teen Vogue about Trump 2.0, including how his administration is restricting access to abortion.

This interview has been condensed and lightly edited for clarity.

Teen Vogue: A lot of people are feeling really scared and hopeless right now. Trump is moving forward with his executive orders, and has banned gender-affirming care for people under 19. Students fear ICE arrests in their schools. But Democrats dont really seem to be standing up to the administration in a forceful, coherent way. Some are even voting for Trumps immigration legislation and confirming his nominees.

What is your response to all of this? To your colleagues who are going along with Trumps agenda, and to young people who are feeling demoralized and like the Democrats arent standing up for them?

Elizabeth Warren: Trump and his Republican friends hope that we will be demoralized. They hope we will give up, curl into a little ball and let them do whatever they want. I get it. It's tough right now, but it's important that we get back up and fight  and that's exactly what I am doing.

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I am challenging Elon Musk on his [Department of Government Efficiency efforts] to take away help for seniors who are living in nursing homes and little kids who are hoping for a hot lunch. [Editors note: The Trump administration issued a sweeping memo on Tuesday that would pause funding to federal agencies, states, and other organizations, including programs like Meals on Wheels and Head Start. A federal judge temporarily blocked the order, and then the administration changed course and rescinded the federal aid freeze on Wednesday, per CNN.]

I am asking questions of every nominee and pointing out to other senators and to the public where they pose a real danger to the American people.

Look at the fight over the secretary of defense [Pete Hegseth]. He is a credibly accused rapist who has been falling down drunk at work events and run two nonprofits into the ground. Nonetheless, the Republicans stood beside him. He made it through his confirmation last Friday night, but it wasn't a freebie. Some Republicans broke ranks and everyone in the country who was paying attention got to see up close and personal just how far the Republicans were willing to go to cower in front of Donald Trump.

Those are the fights we must keep fighting. We can't roll over and play dead.

TV: Republicans have full control of the government, so Democrats power is limited. But in terms of concrete actions lawmakers can take  filibustering, sit-ins, messaging to voters  what are some things Democrats can do to meet the seriousness of this moment and communicate to their voters that they understand how upset and scared they are?

EW: The number one thing people can do right now is speak out. Speak out on social media about every one of these things. Talk about the threats they pose. Speak out about what Donald Trump is doing.

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In the middle of the night last Friday, Donald Trump issued a batch of executive orders turning the clock back decades on women's reproductive rights. If people talk about that, then that's how we begin to rebuild a movement to push against the Trump vision of America, in which billionaires are on top and everyone else is left in the dirt.

TV: The executive orders  there's been such a flood that it's hard to keep track. Youve said that's kind of part of the strategy, right?

EW: The strategy is to flood the zone, partly so we don't see each of the horrible orders and pay attention to them, but partly to try to demoralize us. Flooding the zone doesn't demoralize me. It just makes me furious.

I've only got 24 hours a day, but I plan to spend as many of them as humanly possible fighting back against Trump, Musk, and the billionaires who have taken over this country to promote themselves at the expense of everyone else.

TV: Can you speak about some of the executive orders that you are most concerned about or are top of mind for you?

EW: I want to go back to the one on Friday night because it has not received enough attention, and I very much hope that your audience will see this and pay attention. Let's dig in for just a sec:

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One of Trump's executive orders makes it more dangerous for women in states where abortion is legal to safely walk from their cars to the front door of an abortion clinic. Think about that. So the women who are legally entitled to get the health care they need can be harassed between the car and the front door of the clinic because Donald Trump signed a piece of paper in the middle of the night on Friday.

Most people don't know that now, but the extremists, [people who would harass those] women know about it for sure. [Editors note: Per CBS News, the Trump administration has ordered the Justice Department to limit enforcement of the 1994 Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, which makes it illegal to harm, threaten or interfere with an individual seeking reproductive health services. Trump also pardoned some two dozen people convicted of forcing their way into or blocking access to abortion clinics, according to Politico.]

And the thing about these abortion executive orders is that Donald Trump is not bragging about them. When Donald Trump pardoned all of the insurrectionists, he proudly signed in front of the cameras and held it up. When Donald Trump signed an executive order to roll back the Green New Deal and climate protections, he proudly signed it in front of a camera and held it up. But when he signed the rollbacks on basic protections for access to abortion where it is legal, he did it in the dark of night and hoped that no one would notice except the extremists who loved what he's done.

The Inauguration Of Donald J. Trump As The 47th President Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

TV: Any final comments on the RFK confirmation hearing? I know you're headed back there.

EW: I have serious concerns about Robert Kennedy heading up Health and Human Services. He opposed the lifesaving COVID vaccine just six months into the pandemic. He has made millions of dollars off anti-science conspiracies. He has promised to do whatever Donald Trump wants when it comes to women's reproductive rights, he poses a danger to our public health, and he can't be trusted to make health care decisions that affect every family in America.

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The View panel isnt exactly crossing its fingers that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will be confirmed as President Donald Trumps health and human services secretary, but their guest this morning was perhaps even more adamant that RFK Jr. cant be in charge of the countrys wellbeing.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a frequent guest on The View, joined the Hot Topics table virtually this morning from Washington, D.C., where she and other senators began questioning Kennedy yesterday (Jan. 29) as part of the confirmation process. The Massachusetts politician warned the Senate yesterday that Kennedy would have the power to undercut vaccines and vaccine manufacturing across our country if he were successfully confirmed as HHS secretary.

She added, Kennedy can kill off access to vaccines and make millions of dollars while he does it. Kids might die, but Robert Kennedy can keep cashing in.

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After airing a clip of Warrens Wednesday remarks to the Senate on The View today, Joy Behar joked, Well, thats one vote hes not getting!

When asked to explain more about yesterdays hearing, Warren told The View that Kennedy has made a lot of money promoting these anti-vax ideas because he writes books, sells onesies and takes trips in connection to his views, but also makes money from lawsuits against vaccine companies. When someone sues a vaccine company and hypothetically wins $10 million, Warren explained, Kennedy would pocket a cool $1 million.

If he gets to be the head of HHS, he will have the tools in his toolbox to make it more likely that those lawsuits win  and that the payoffs are even bigger, Warren said, cautioning that Kennedy would have no oversight to potentially undercut vaccines so that he can make more money in the future and the rest of us could end up literally with no vaccines at all to give to our children.

Photo: Getty Images

Warren also accused Kennedy of being power-hungry and saying whatever he wanted to lock down the job, which she said was an offense to not just the senators at the hearing, but the American people, too. She described Kennedy as thinking, I can say anything I want, anything I need to say to get confirmed. Just give me the power, and then Im gonna do what suits me,' adding, And that was really scary.

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The View and Warren arent the only ones to sound the alarm bell about Kennedy. On last nights episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live, host Jimmy Kimmel used a humorous approach to take down the health and human services nominee, joking that Kennedy was fired from a Jamba Juice for making Stewart Little smoothies after his cousin Caroline Kennedy claimed he used to brag about putting chicks in a blender to feed his hawk.

The View airs weekdays at 11/10c on ABC.
The Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, has already succeeded in at least one important respect. Before Donald Trump took office, DOGEs then designated leaders Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy played a key role in stopping a massive continuing resolution spending bill that included a pay hike for members of Congress.

The White House may have subsequently stumbled over an executive order to freeze swathes of federal spending. But the bigger picture is that, for the first time in more than a decade, ordinary Americans and politicians are finally talking about wasteful deficit expenditure and the national debt, currently more than $36 trillion.

The technical details behind the formation of DOGE are also encouraging. Ramaswamy has now stepped back from DOGE  to focus, it is believed, on a 2026 run for Ohio governor  but upon Trumps inauguration, the President signed an executive order that actually gave teeth to the DOGE concept. It wont simply be another panel of experts preparing yet another report on fiscal responsibility.

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The order renamed a division within the Executive Office of the President, previously known as the United States Digital Service, as the US DOGE Service. Trump has said this would be a staff of about 20 people implementing some of the DOGE suggestions, with the DOGE administrator reporting directly to the White House chief of staff. Federal agencies were also instructed to establish DOGE teams of at least four employees to address cost-cutting measures at the agency level.

Yes, the department is not an actual Cabinet-level agency, as such a title usually denotes. But its more than just a presidential advisory commission like weve seen in the past.

Today, the Congressional Budget Office projects that, over the next 10 years, interest payments on the national debt will be $12.9 trillion. Thats more than what the federal government spends on research and development, non-defence infrastructure, and education combined. Major government trust funds also face a combined $3.2 trillion shortfall over the next decade, according to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. The Highway Trust Fund is projected to be insolvent by 2028, the Medicare Hospital Insurance Trust Fund by 2036, and the Social Security Old Age and Survivors Trust Fund by 2033.

The fiscal mess has been a bipartisan creation, as were the previous attempts to force the government to tighten its belt.

The Simpson-Bowles Commission (officially the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform), which President Barack Obama created with an executive order, included members of Congress from both parties. The co-chairs were retired Republican senator Alan Simpson and former Democrat White House chief of staff, Erskine Bowles, who had advised Bill Clinton on balancing the budget. This supposed dream team produced a chairmens report with recommendations for $4 trillion in deficit reductions. But the wider commission failed to approve the draft reports recommendations.

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During the Bill Clinton administration, Al Gore was tasked with leading the National Partnership for Reinventing Government, which was supposed to make the federal government work better and cost less. During the Ronald Reagan administration, meanwhile, the Private Sector Survey on Cost Control, better known as the Grace Commission after its chairman, J Peter Grace, pushed numerous cost-cutting measures. But none of these commissions achieved a long-term course change.

Unlike past efforts, there is not even a pretence of bipartisanship about DOGE, with its other members expected to be mostly Republican budget-cutters. But for all the hand-wringing over polarisation, a partisan commission might be the answer even if that means about 49 per cent of the country wont take the advisory board seriously from the outset.

Indeed, the mere existence of DOGE appears to have galvanised Republicans in Congress into taking fiscal responsibility seriously. Musk and Ramaswamy wrote in a Wall Street Journal op-ed last year that they would, focus particularly on driving change through executive action based on existing legislation rather than by passing new laws. However, Republican Senator Joni Ernst has established the Senate DOGE Caucus. The Republican-controlled House Oversight and Accountability Committee has established a subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency.

The DOGE recommendations have the potential to put pressure on politicians  perhaps even a few moderate Democrats  to support at least modest budget-cutting proposals.

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DOGE is not a conventional fiscal commission, but we dont live in conventional political times, as the national debt and federal deficit continue to balloon with no end in sight. Its past time to try something different. DOGE even seems to have a bit of an attitude, pushing what it can through Trumps executive orders and ready to dare Congress to ignore it.

That may annoy Democrats. But it may take an attitude to finally advance a positive and meaningful fiscal change for America.

Fred Lucas is manager of the Investigative Reporting Project at The Daily Signal. He is the author of The Myth of Voter Suppression: The Lefts Assault on Clean Elections

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Fired inspector general of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Phyllis Fong was removed from her Washington D.C. office on Monday after refusing to comply with the conditions of her termination.

A 22-year-old veteran of the departmentwhich has a broad mandate to investigate food safety and animal welfareFongs office has been investigating Elon Musks brain implant startup Neuralink, among other investigations into the Boars Heads listeria outbreak.

The USDA launched a federal investigation into Neuralink in 2022 for potential animal-welfare violations following internal staff complaints alleging the needless suffering and deaths of animals via testing, reported Reuters at the time.

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On Friday, Fong was one of 17 federal watchdogs given their walking papers by the Trump administration, reported Reuters. However, Fong told her colleagues in an email that she intended to stay in her post, arguing that these termination notices do not comply with the requirements set out in law and therefore are not effective at this time.

Phyllis K. Fong. / Tom Williams / Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Imag

She arrived at her office on Monday morning and was promptly escorted out of USDA headquarters by security, sources told Reuters.

In a statement, the White House called Fong and other inspector generals rogue, partisan bureaucrats who have been relieved of their duties in order to make room for qualified individuals who will uphold the rule of law and protect Democracy.
Elon Musk has reportedly told people hes been sleeping in his Washington, D.C., government office, where hes working to build Donald Trumps Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.

The DOGE office is housed inside the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, roughly four minutes from the West Wing on foot. According to Wired, Musk told friends at a black tie event last week that hed been invited to sleep in the Lincoln Bedroom inside the White House itself.

The Tesla and SpaceX founder has become especially close to President Trump since spending more than $250 million to help get the Republican leader get reelected. Musks net worth jumped 77% after Trump won the presidency for a second time, according to Bloomberg. Hes believed to be worth $400 billion, making Musk by far the worlds richest person.

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Prior to Trumps inauguration last week, Musk had reportedly been taking up residency in a $2,000-a-day cottage at Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate before following his First Buddy to the nations capital. Its unclear who picked up that tab.

While Musk could surely afford his own apartment in Washington, the 53-year-old entrepreneur has a history of sleeping where he works. He said in a 2002 interview that he spent three years sleeping either on a rooftop sofa or under his desk so his Tesla factory employees could be sure to see him every time they came to work.

They knew I was there and that made a huge difference, and then they gave it their all, he said, saying it was important to him that his employees didnt think he was off somewhere having a good time, drinking Mai Tais on a tropical island.

According to Musk his workplace was his primary residence during that period.

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Musk and tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy were tapped in November to co-lead DOGE as an unofficial agency designed to slash government spending. However, Ramaswamy left DOGE earlier this month and now hopes to run for governor of Ohio.

The idea of DOGE was mocked from the start by critics including Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who joked on X that forming a new agency headed by two people to do the work of one person seemed REALLY efficient.

Musk countered by claiming neither he nor Ramaswamy would be paid for their work.

_____
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  After garnering just under 50% of the vote in the 2024 election, President Trump has begun his second term with an almost identical approval rating, according to a new poll.

In its first national survey of the new term, the Emerson College Polling has the president with a 49 percent job approval rating, with 41 percent disapproving and 10 percent neutral.

Trump administration halts funding freeze memo

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His 41 percent disapproval is the lowest it has been in Emerson national polls dating

back to his first term, said Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling.

All age groups have a net approval of Trump, including voters under 30 (46-38 percent), except

those over 70, who narrowly disapprove (49-48 percent).

Despite grocery prices remaining high, the percentage of respondents who felt the country is on the right track (52 percent) soared since early January, where only 33 percent felt positively.

Earlier this month, 70 percent of Republicans felt the country was on the wrong track, said Kimball. Now 87 percent feel it is headed in the right direction.

The share of independents who say the country is on the wrong track decreased from 69 to 53 percent, while Democrats perception that the country is on the wrong track intensified from 62 to 79 percent.

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The top issues for respondents:

35 percent: The economy

16 percent: Immigration

15 percent: Threats to democracy

9 percent: Health care

6 percent: Housing affordability

Among Republicans, 29 percent are worried about immigration, while 24 percent of Democrats are concerned about threats to democracy.

Democrats hammer RFK Jr. on shifting vaccine, abortion views

On the topic of birthright citizenship, 45 percent support changing it so babies of undocumented immigrants dont automatically become U.S. citizens. Thirty-seven percent are against the change, and 19 percent are neutral.

A pathway for citizenship for undoumented immigrants is supported by 56 percent of voters, with 24 percent against it.

Hispanic voters are most supportive of a pathway for citizenship at 63 percent, followed by white voters at 57 percent, and 50 percent of Black voters, said Kimball.

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The poll of 1,000 registered U.S. voters was conducted Jan. 27-28, 2025. Its margin of error is +/- 3 percentage points.

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By Maha El Dahan and Jana Choukeir

DUBAI (Reuters) - United Arab Emirates billionaire Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, who this week scrapped his investments in Lebanon, said the country was still not safe and that he had been threatened with being "slaughtered and killed" last year.

Al Habtoor has not visited Lebanon - a thriving banking hub dubbed the Switzerland of the Middle East before its ruinous civil war erupted in 1975 - in almost two decades, and told Reuters a threat to his life had caused him to abandon plans to launch a media venture in Beirut in 2024.

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"I have been threatened, not threatened only with a slap or something. If that was the case it doesnt matter, but I was threatened to be slaughtered and killed," he said, speaking by Zoom from a hotel he owns in Budapest.

The threat, made via social media by an anonymous individual, led Al Habtoor to file a lawsuit, which he won in a Lebanese court, he said.

Al Habtoor had previously expressed optimism that a new government being formed could chart a fresh course for Lebanon, which has been battered since 2019 by a deep economic crisis and became a battleground between Israel and Hezbollah in 2024.

But this week he said he was pulling out, citing instability and the continued overbearing influence of Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Shi'ite Muslim group that has in recent years been a dominant political force.

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The United Arab Emirates and other Sunni Gulf states had spurned the country for years because of the Iranian influence, although Al Habtoor had held on to his investments.

The UAE reopened its embassy in Lebanon this year, more than three years after shutting it. However, Al Habtoor said the Gulf state had not yet given the green light for its citizens to visit the country.

Lebanon faces what the World Bank says is one of the world's worst economic crises since the mid-19th century, after decades of corruption, waste and unsustainable financial policies.

That has been compounded by the destruction caused by the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, though a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, initially set to end this month, has been extended to Feb. 18.

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Asked whether he would reconsider his decision on further investment in the country, where talks on forming a new government are under way, Al Habtoor said if it could offer safety and protection, then "definitely I will go back".

"Not one penny can be invested unless there is security and safety," he said.

(Reporting by Maha El Dahan and Jana Choukeir; Editing by Michael Georgy and Alex Richardson)
SPRINGFIELD, Mo.  Springfield police have sent an endangered silver advisory for 67-year-old Scott Chisholm who went missing on Jan. 18, 2025.

Scott Chisholm picture (Courtesy: Springfield Police Department)

Chisholm was last seen on the eastbound Chestnut Expressway from Glenstone Avenue at 5:47 a.m. on Jan. 18. He was in a white 2012 Toyota Camry with a Missouri license plate bearing LG0K5T.

SPD says he gave a car to a family member the day before, but the family member found a letter in the vehicle indicating that Chisholm may be suicidal. Chisholm also has a history of Parkinsons disease.

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Chisholm is described as a white male with a height of 60, 175 lbs, bald hair, brown eyes and unknown clothing.

Anyone who has information or sees the missing person should call 911 or SPD at 417-862-7911.

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Endeavor Health said Thursday it is eliminating inpatient psychiatric services at Northwest Community Hospital and laying off a small number of individuals across the health system.

About 100 workers at Northwest Community will be affected by the change at the Arlington Heights hospital. Endeavor said in a statement that it hopes many will join us in other positions across our system. In addition to those employees, A small number of individuals in other areas across the organization were notified Wednesday they were being laid off, Endeavor said.

Like many in the health care industry, we are entering 2025 facing significant cost pressures and headwinds that require our organization to adapt and think differently about how we maximize our talent and resources to operate effectively and continue to deliver high-quality, expert care to our communities, Endeavor said in the statement. In some cases, changes may include difficult decisions such as the elimination or realignment of certain positions.

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At Northwest Community Hospital, inpatient psychiatric services are being cut because of a decrease in demand and an increased focus on outpatient and community-based care and telehealth services, Endeavor said. The change will eliminate the hospitals 52 beds for acute mental illness.

Inpatient psychiatric services will end April 11. Endeavor said it plans to help members of its behavioral health team at Northwest Community explore other opportunities at and beyond Endeavor Health.

Endeavor said it does not believe that discontinuing psychiatric inpatient services at the hospital will hurt access to such care in the area because there are still extra psychiatric inpatient beds at other Endeavor locations and throughout the region. In 2023 there were 71 extra beds for patients with acute mental illness in the area Northwest Community serves, according to the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board.

Endeavor said it plans to boost its outpatient mental health services at Northwest Community by adding providers, creating new programs and integrating counselors into primary care doctors offices.

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Endeavor, then known as NorthShore University HealthSystem, acquired Northwest Community Hospital in 2021.

The changes at Endeavor follow a nearly $492 million operating loss for the health system during the nine months that ended Sept. 30. Most of that loss was attributable to $453 million in expenses to settle patients claims alleging one of Endeavors former doctors sexually abused them, Endeavor said in a financial disclosure in November.

The unaudited financial statement did not name the doctor. But Endeavor and Swedish Hospital have settled more than 60 lawsuits filed against them by former patients of gynecologist-obstetrician Dr. Fabio Ortega, accusing him of sexually abusing them while he worked at NorthShore University HealthSystem, which is now Endeavor. Ortega also formerly worked at Swedish, which is now part of Endeavor.

Many of the patients alleged in their lawsuits that the hospital systems where Ortega worked failed to protect them from the abuse despite fielding complaints from other patients. A Chicago Tribune investigation published last year described how Endeavor allowed Ortega to continue providing care despite multiple complaints from patients.
A 2022 survey by the Center for American Women and Politics found that 25% of women in public office reported threats or acts of violence. (Getty Images)

Among the most pressing issues we face today is the persistent harassment of women in politics and government  a problem that undermines both the integrity of public service and the diversity of leadership our communities desperately need.

Across the nation, women in the political sphere face heightened scrutiny, verbal attacks, and even threats of violence simply for doing their jobs. Indiana is no exception. From social media vitriol aimed at female candidates to inappropriate behavior within government offices, harassment in its many forms continues to discourage talented women from entering and remaining in public service. If we want Indiana to thrive, we cannot afford to allow this environment to persist.

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The statistics are alarming. Studies show that women in politics are disproportionately targeted by online abuse compared to their male counterparts. Harassment often focuses on gender, appearance, or personal life, rather than policy or qualifications, creating an additional mental and emotional burden for female leaders. For many, these attacks dont stop at words. A 2022 survey by the Center for American Women and Politics found that 25% of women in public office reported threats or acts of violence.

In Indiana, recent examples include female legislators subjected to demeaning comments during debates and women candidates withdrawing from races after relentless personal attacks. This harassment doesnt just harm individual women; it sends a chilling message to all those who might consider stepping into public life: You are not welcome here.

When women are driven out of politics or never enter it in the first place, the consequences are far-reaching. Women bring unique perspectives to policymaking, often championing issues such as healthcare, education, and family leave that directly impact Hoosier families. Without diverse voices at the table, public policy risks becoming skewed, failing to reflect the needs and realities of half the population.

Moreover, harassment erodes public trust in government. When civility is replaced by hostility, when leaders are attacked rather than ideas debated, the democratic process itself suffers. Citizens lose faith that the government can address their concerns, and voter apathy grows.

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This is not a problem without solutions. While theres no single fix, here are several steps we can take in 2025 to turn the tide:

Strengthen legislation against harassment

Indiana can lead by passing stronger protections against harassment in both the political and professional spheres. Enhanced penalties for threats and harassment targeting public officials, coupled with clear reporting mechanisms, would signal that this behavior is unacceptable.

Promote civility in public discourse

Political parties, advocacy organizations, and community leaders must make a unified call for civility in public life. Public awareness campaigns highlighting the impact of harassment and encouraging respectful dialogue can help shift cultural norms.

Support women leaders

Organizations like Hoosier Women Forward, Advancing Voices of Women (AVOW), the Lugar Series, and other advocacy groups play a crucial role in preparing women for the realities of public life. Providing mentorship, training, and networks of support can help women navigate challenges and remain resilient in the face of adversity.

Hold platforms accountable

Social media companies must take greater responsibility for the content on their platforms. Local governments and advocacy groups can push for more robust moderation policies and transparency about how online harassment is handled.

Engage bystanders

Everyone has a role to play in combating harassment. When colleagues, constituents, or citizens witness inappropriate behavior, they must speak out. Silence enables abuse; solidarity creates change.

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Ending harassment in politics is not just about protecting women; its about safeguarding democracy. We need leadersregardless of party affiliationwho are willing to confront this issue head-on and take tangible steps toward solutions. Lets make 2024 the year Indiana prioritizes respect, equity, and accountability in public service.

To those who might consider running for office but fear the potential backlash, know this: Your voice matters. Your ideas matter. And you are not alone. Organizations, advocates, and citizens across the state stand ready to support you.

Indianas progress depends on fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, can lead without fear. This new year, lets resolve to build a culture of respect in politicsone where harassment has no place, and everyone can contribute to the future of our state.

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(COLORADO SPRINGS)  The El Paso County Public Health Department (EPCPH) has issued a pertussis notice to parents of students at Jenkins Middle School due to what it is calling the first outbreak of the year in El Paso County.

EPCPH told FOX21 News that it has asked parents of seventh grade students to monitor their children for symptoms of pertussis, also known as whooping cough. The bacterial respiratory infection spreads when people come into close contact with a person who has the disease and is coughing.

People at risk for getting pertussis are those who spend several hours a day near the ill person, said Communications and Public Relations Supervisor Pamela Preston. Especially in a confined area or who are in direct contact with respiratory secretions, such as in direct cough into the face.

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In school settings, pertussis can spread in classrooms, in meetings, among participants in extracurricular activities, and in similar types of settings.

Symptoms usually develop between seven to 10 days, and up to 21 days after exposure.

Parents should watch for:

Runny nose and mild cough, that is how Pertussis begins

Cough becomes more severe until coughing fits develop

Individuals may appear and feel fine in between coughing fits

Coughing may be accompanied by vomiting, breathlessness, or a change in facial color, and/or a whooping sound may follow the coughing fit

This is the first pertussis outbreak in El Paso County in 2025, per EPCPH. Cases overall reached a peak in late 2024, with 96 pediatric pertussis cases in the county in 2024. In 2023, there were only six cases.

This increase in 2024 is consistent with what we saw across the state of Colorado and the nation, said Preston. At this time, we cannot pinpoint one particular reason for which there was a dramatic increase in pertussis in 2024.

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Jenkins Middle School follows Cheyenne Mountain High School, which also had a pertussis outbreak in late October 2024.

Preston added that there could be several factors in play, as pertussis can be cyclical in nature. She said that the COVID-19 pandemic may have played a role in decreased cases due to mitigation efforts aimed at COVID-19 being effective in the reduction of other respiratory diseases.

In 2017  the last time there was an uptick in pertussis cases  El Paso County only saw 28 cases.

Public health is actively collecting and analyzing data to try to understand common factors for the uptick in disease reports and we hope to have more to share in the future, said Preston.

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All teachers, staff, and students at Jenkins Middle School were recently relocated to Doherty High School and Russell Middle School after the building that housed Jenkins was deemed unsafe.

If there were concerns about the spread of pertussis at the relocation schools, both school administration and EPCPH would communicate with parents to inform them of any potential exposure, Preston said. If parents have concerns about their childs health, we encourage them to contact their childs healthcare provider.

According to EPCPH, an outbreak is considered to be two or more individuals with the disease whose infection can be traced back to the exposure source. A spokesperson for Colorado Springs School District 11 (D11) said two cases had been confirmed at Jenkins Middle School, and confirmed that EPCPH had shared guidance with families and staff as part of their standard protocol to prevent further spread.

As a precaution, the school has taken additional steps, including deep cleaning and sanitizing impacted areas and school buses at both Doherty and Russell, sharing prevention tips and resources with families, and encouraging families to monitor for symptoms and consult their healthcare provider if needed, said the spokesperson for D11. We remain in close communication with the health department and appreciate the communitys understanding as we work to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Three men were arrested on Friday, Jan. 24, after allegedly following a 78-year-old man from the bank to his home in Central El Paso to steal the money he had withdrawn, El Paso Police said.

El Paso Police said Marquez Carroll, 27, Cerell Williams, 24, and Tony Bruce, 24, were arrested and charged with theft from a person engaging in organized crime.

On Jan. 24, officers responded to a residence located at the 2900 block of Wheeling on a reported theft, El Paso Police said.

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El Paso Police said officers met with a 78-year-old victim where they learned he had gone to the bank at the 2300 block of North Mesa to make a deposit.

Upon making the deposit, the victim withdrew $100, placed the money in a bag, and returned to his vehicle, El Paso Police said.

El Paso Police said the victim drove up to his residence and was approached by a man, later identified as Carroll, who ran up to him and snatched the money bag as the victim was walking up to his front door.

Carroll ran away with the money and fled in a dark-colored vehicle that Williams and Bruce occupied, El Paso Police said.

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El Paso Police said that through the investigation, the three men were located in the same vehicle at another bank in Central El Paso.

All three men were booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility. Carroll is facing a $30,000 bond, Williams a $20,000 bond, and Bruce a $5,000 bond, El Paso Police said.

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President Donald Trumps administration has rescinded its sweeping directive that sought to pause potential trillions in loans, grants and financial assistance  Thats according to a memo obtained by ABC News.

And the City of Erie Mayor Joe Schember breathed a sigh of relief after hearing the news

In the last 24 hours, the mayor and his administration were informed about this federal grant pause and started to take necessary steps to find clarifications about this order.

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He raised concerns about how this would impact residents and city programs, projects and initiatives, especially because in 2024 alone, the city received federal grants totaling $9 million.

Millcreek Twp. moving ahead with Zem Zem Shrine Club assessment

The mayor said that currently there are already funds, worth additional millions of dollars, that have been approved and these would have also been at risk of being lost.

Obviously, this is something that has been very fluid and for that reason, Schember said that hes still a little on edge until what comes next.

I got copied on a lot of things that go sent to Washington, DC complaining about this, putting out issues with it. And it was more than just us. It was all over the country, and I think that really helped move him to open it back up again and let us do the things weve already approved doing, said Mayor Schember.

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Schember hopes that after this, things start to pick up and move forward again.

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European Union home affairs ministers meet in Warsaw on Thursday to discuss migration and the internal security of the bloc.

As capitals take increasingly restrictive positions on migration, ministers are expected to discuss a pending proposal by the European Commission for more effective deportations.

On the agenda are also so-called "innovative solutions" like the agreement between Italy's far-right government with Albania under which migrants rescued at sea are brought to asylum centres in Albania to be processed outside the bloc.

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Ministers are also likely to discuss migration from Belarus and Russia to the EU after Poland announced plans last year to temporarily suspend the right to asylum at its borders.

Warsaw and other Eastern European capitals accuse Moscow and Minsk of pushing migrants to the EU's eastern external border in order to destabilize the bloc and undermine security.

Human rights organizations deplore the harsh push-back of migrants at the border.

"It should go without saying that pushing people back into dense forests in freezing temperatures is cruel, dangerous and patently illegal," said Adriana Tidona from Amnesty International.

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"This is not a solution by any measure. Poland has obligations under international law to individually assess peoples cases," she added.

Activists documented 116 deaths along the EU's border with Belarus between summer 2021 and May 2024.

Under EU rules, every country is obliged to first check where the person seeking protection has entered the bloc before sending them back to the country of entry.
During the informal European Union summit scheduled to take place on Monday, 3 February, in Brussels, leaders may address statements made by new US president Donald Trump concerning Greenland, along with military support for Ukraine under the current geopolitical circumstances.

Source: a high-ranking EU official, speaking to European Pravda on condition of anonymity

Details: The summit, described as an "informal offsite security summit" (a new meeting format proposed by President of the European Council Antonio Costa), is expected to cover Trump's remarks on Greenland and the war in Ukraine, assessing their impact on EU security.

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Quote: "Neither Greenland nor Ukraine appears as separate agenda items, but they are likely to be discussed. Concerning Greenland, any initiative would probably come from the Danish prime minister. The issue of Ukraine is also expected to come up, given the substantial military support provided by the EU."

More details: Additionally, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been invited to the summit. Discussions about Ukraine are expected to focus on coordinating military support plans between EU member states and the UK.

The European Council confirmed that a meeting with Starmer is scheduled to take place over dinner with all 27 EU leaders in attendance.

Moreover, EU leaders plan to exchange views with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte during a working lunch, focusing on the relationship between NATO and EU member states, not all of which are part of the Alliance.

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On the morning of 3 February, the leaders will meet with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, followed by a closed-door discussion on the EU's relations with the new US administration.

Background: European Council President Antonio Costa has invited EU member-state leaders to the informal summit on 3 February, which will centre on European defence.

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On the 2024 campaign trail, President Donald Trump vowed to take firm action to restrict lawful and unlawful immigration into the U.S., including a pledge for mass deportations. Allies of Trump have reported to be preparing more than 100 executive orders on policies including border security and deportation.

With looming unknowns, actions to foster relations with Mexico have been front and center. National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) Executive Vice President Jaime Castaneda spent December 3 to 6, 2024, in Mexico City, meeting with the U.S.-Mexico Working Group and strengthening ties with local Mexican dairy producers and industry organizations.



Castaneda met with dairy companies, farmer organizations, and government officials to encourage Mexico to engage with the new U.S. administration to find solutions to issues of common concern, such as immigration and trade, rather than escalate tensions. He emphasized that the best means for Mexico to address the legitimate concerns raised by the incoming Trump administration is to work collaboratively.

An August 2015 NMPF study found immigrant labor accounts for 51% of all dairy labor, and dairies that employ immigrant labor produce 79% of the U.S. milk supply. If the U.S. dairy industry lost its foreign-born workforce, it would nearly double retail milk prices and cost the total U.S. economy more than $32 billion. As we approach 10 years since this study, these statistics would be conservative under a 2025 lens.

The continued shortage of domestic workers across agriculture is magnified on dairies as they have a year-round need versus using seasonal labor. The most common guestworker program, the H-2A visa, remains seasonal and unavailable to the dairy industry. This not only impacts on-farm milk harvest labor, but also milk processing facilities. According to a McKinsey survey of International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) member executives, 64% of dairy company CEOs cite labor shortages among their top three concerns.



While the uncertainties are front and center, there remains a question of reality and feasibility of mass deportations under the Trump administration. According to a January 2022 Homeland Security estimate, 11 million people are in the U.S. illegally. The Associated Press reports that in Trumps first term, deportations were never higher than 350,000 per year. Former President Barack Obama carried out 432,000 deportations in 2013, the highest annual total since records were kept. There is a fiscal, political, and legal valley that lies between mass deportation and Trump campaign promises.

As the labor realities continue to face the dairy industry, Castaneda stated, U.S. dairy farmers have long endured labor shortages, which theyve responded to by offering some of the highest wages and benefits among agricultural workers. We have always encouraged farmers to only employ dairy workers with proper documentation, and we know they make every effort to do that. When workforce disruptions do occur, weve seen dairy farms work together to ensure that farms have sufficient labor to continue providing nutritious, wholesome milk for consumers.
By Sergio Goncalves

LISBON (Reuters) - The 23 EU members who also belong to NATO are likely to agree to raise the defence spending target above the current 2% of national output at a June summit of the alliance that will set a new level, European Council President Antonio Costa said.

U.S. President Donald Trump has been pressuring NATO allies to raise defence spending to 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) - a target none of the 32 NATO member states, including the United States, currently meets.

Costa has scheduled an informal meeting of European Union leaders next Monday to discuss defence and security investment, he said late on Wednesday in an interview with Portuguese public broadcaster RTP.

NATO's Secretary-General Mark Rutte and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will also attend the meeting, he added.

Joint defence spending by the 23 EU countries in NATO already meets the 2% target after they increased it by 30% since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Costa said.

"There is a very reasonable consensus among member states to continue on this path," he added.

"I would anticipate that, surely, at the next NATO summit in June, a target higher than 2% will be set," Costa said. "Whether it's 5%, whether it's 3%, I don't know, it's a decision that member states will make within NATO."

The European Council headed by Costa groups the national governments of the 27-member EU.

Analysts and officials have told Reuters that spending 5% of GDP on defence was politically and economically impossible for almost all NATO members as it would require billions of dollars in extra funding. However they say the allies are likely to agree to go beyond the current 2% target at the June summit.

Costa, a former Portuguese prime minister, said Russia was the main threat to NATO and that countries must prioritise improving air defence, anti-missile and electronic warfare systems.

Spending on defence technology and industry will also strengthen the EU economy's competitiveness, he said, adding there would eventually be a need for a discussion on "common funding" to collective defence.

France and the Baltic states are pushing for joint European Union borrowing to fund defence spending. The outcome of that debate may depend on next month's national election in Germany, which has so far opposed the idea.

(Reporting by Sergio Goncalves; Editing by Gareth Jones)
European Union home affairs ministers met in Warsaw on Thursday to discuss migration, a day after the German parliament backed plans for tighter rules, including turning away all asylum seekers at Germany's borders.

The government in Berlin does not have to act upon the motion tabled by conservative opposition leader Friedrich Merz. He is the front-runner to become chancellor following Germany's general election on February 23.

Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner said he welcomes German initiatives to become "more rigorous and robust" on migration matters.

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Karner said he also has understanding for Germany conducting checks on its borders with fellow EU members, including Austria.

"I think it is right, if necessary, to also control internal borders," he said, noting that Austria was also carrying out checks on its borders.

Most EU countries are part of the Schengen zone where border controls were officially abolished decades ago.

Luxembourg's Home Affairs Minister Leon Gloden was one of the few to speak out against Germany's border controls.

"We are against controls at the EU's internal borders. Every day, 250,000 commuters come to work in Luxembourg. We need this workforce and that is why Luxembourg will continue to campaign for these controls to be abolished," said Gloden.

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As capitals across the bloc take increasingly restrictive positions on migration, ministers in Warsaw discussed an upcoming proposal by the European Commission for more effective deportations.

"Nobody understands why people who are not allowed, who cannot stay in the European Union, are not going to be returned. That's why we are working on new rules, on tighter rules on returns," said EU Internal Affairs Commissioner Magnus Brunner, as he arrived at the meeting.

On the agenda were also so-called "innovative solutions" like the agreement between Italy's far-right government with Albania under which migrants rescued at sea are brought to asylum centres in Albania to be processed outside the bloc.

Brunner also stressed the need to protect the EU's external border.

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"We are experiencing 'hybrid attacks', particularly in the east, where people are being brought into play by the aggressor and migration is being used as a pawn and a weapon, so to speak. And we have to tackle this," he said.

Warsaw and other Eastern European capitals accuse Moscow and Minsk of pushing migrants to the EU's eastern external border in order to destabilize the bloc and undermine security.

Human rights organizations deplore the harsh push-back of migrants at the border.

"It should go without saying that pushing people back into dense forests in freezing temperatures is cruel, dangerous and patently illegal," said Adriana Tidona from Amnesty International.

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"This is not a solution by any measure. Poland has obligations under international law to individually assess peoples cases," she added.

Activists documented 116 deaths along the EU's border with Belarus between summer 2021 and May 2024.

Other topics on the agenda included the internal security of the bloc and its civilian and military preparedness and readiness.
The European Commission will not propose implementing a ban on Russian liquified natural gas (LNG) imports in its upcoming sanctions package amid concern among member states about first securing an alternative from other countries, including the United States, EU diplomats told Reuters on Jan. 29.

Following Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Europe began to wean itself off Russian fossil fuels to avoid financing the Kremlins war chest. Despite these efforts, Europe's imports of Russian LNG, which is largely not subject to sanctions, have soared to record levels in 2024.

"First you have to have a deal because otherwise you will be left without gas from Russia and without the U.S.," one diplomat told Reuters.

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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen suggested replacing Russian LNG with U.S. exports in a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump on Nov. 8. On Jan. 23, Trump said he would guarantee supplies of U.S. LNG to Europe, although he did not provide a timeline or specify the amount of exports.

"The general idea was floated by the Commission in confessionals in order to test the waters... Apparently one or more member (states) signalled enough opposition for the Commission not to deem it opportune to propose such a measure now," another European diplomat told Reuters.

Bloomberg reported on Jan. 14, citing undisclosed officials, that the EU was considering a gradual ban on Russian LNG, but eventually settled on proposing new restrictions on Russian aluminum as part of its next round of sanctions.

On Jan 28, the Financial Times (FT) reported, citing a report by Belgian, German, and Ukrainian NGOs, that German imports of Russian LNG via other EU countries continue to rise despite restrictions on direct shipments.

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According to FT, Belgium, Spain, and France receive Russian LNG cargos, which they later re-export to other countries. This makes it difficult to trace the origin and allows Germany to import Russian LNG even after banning its ports from receiving Russian LNG shipments.

The European Union imposed its first major restrictions on Russian gas, including LNG, in its 14th sanctions package in June. Russia still remains Europe's second-largest importer of LNG, after the U.S.

Read also: EU to propose phased ban on Russian aluminum in new sanctions package, Bloomberg reports

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For decades, Ronnie Powell said he was happy with his home on the northeast side of Greenwood, South Carolina. Then came the dust and the noise.

We have wood dust powder falling on top of our houses, staining the shingles, keeping our cars filthy, he said. We run a fan and an air conditioner in our bedroom to drown out the noise.

He said it started around 2016, when the Enviva wood pellet plant started operations less than half a mile away.

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South Korea to shrink biomass energy subsidies after criticism over link to deforestation

The first four years it wasnt that bad, and I guess as their business has grown, he said. With their increased production, it has increased the amount of pollution to go with it so its just a nuisance and a problem for our community.

Burning wood to fight climate change

Enviva is the worlds top producer of woody biomass. Biomass is an umbrella term that can apply to a number of different types of organic fuels but in Envivas case, the biomass the company produces is made up of densely concentrated wood pellets that are burned for electricity. Every year, millions of tons of these pellets are sourced from forests in the southeastern United States, manufactured at facilities like Greenwoods and then shipped across the Atlantic.

The U.K. and European Union consider this a form of renewable energy and, in fact, woody biomass accounts for the largest source of renewable energy on the continent. A number of environmental groups, including the Southern Environmental Law Center, take issue with that renewable label.

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Supporters of using biomass as a form of renewable energy argue it works as a carbon-neutral source of power. When the trees are cut and the wood fuel they create is burned, it releases CO2 into the atmosphere, roughly equal to the amount of CO2 the tree absorbed throughout its life. Additionally, if replacement trees are planted, they absorb CO2 as they grow, maintaining forest carbon sinks and further offsetting the emissions from burning.

Enviva points to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which allows for CO2 emissions from the combustion of biomass to be reported as zero. However, the guidelines also state they should not be interpreted to automatically consider or assume biomass used for energy is carbon neutral, even in cases where the biomass is thought to be produced sustainably. The IPCC biomass definition also includes a variety of different fuel types such as farm waste and captured methane as well as forest-derived wood.

SELC Senior Attorney Heather Hillaker argues the idea that growing new trees cancel out emissions relies on assumptions that are nearly impossible to prove. Additionally, even if all of the forests are sustainably replanted to mitigate climate change, the entire process from harvesting the trees, to bringing them to the plant, to converting the wood into pellets and then shipping them across the ocean is highly emissive.

Apart from the fact that theres no guarantee that the trees will be regrown, even if you assume that they are automatically replanted and regrown, theres a time lag between the initial pulse of CO2 emitted when you burn it, she said. When you are claiming that youre using biomass to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change, the time period really matters.

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Envivas responsible sourcing policy on its website states the company uses wood sourced from sustainably-managed forests that were marked for harvest anyway and they require any primary suppliers to replant their forests.

Dust, noise and pollution

Whether the biomass industry can help reduce CO2 emissions on a global level, Hillaker said the industry has a massive impact locally.

There are currently 28 wood pellet plants operating in the Southeast, including seven in the Carolinas. Six of those seven Carolina facilities have histories of violating state environmental regulations.

Over the past seven years, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has issued three fines against Envivas wood pellet plant in Sampson County for exceeding pollution limits.

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South Carolinas Department of Environmental Services fined the Greenwood facility $13,000 in 2020 for failing to manage its dust.

In a statement to WSOC, Enviva responded to questions about these fines by emphasizing its cooperation with state regulators, local leaders and community members. The statement went on say: All of our plants operate in locations currently designated as in attainment with all national ambient air quality standards.

Enviva also clarified that the violation at the Greenwood facility has been resolved and all actionable items were completed, prior to the required deadlines. According to the SCDES that includes creating a new dust management plan focused on increased control and maintenance of material and equipment and mitigating dust from going beyond property boundaries.

Dr. ErNiko Brown, who lives near Greenwood and has been organizing communities across the Southeast against these wood pellet plants. She said those who live near the these plants see the fines and violations as a slap on the wrist.

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They have these fines, but the community never sees a dime of that money, she said. The money goes to the state. It doesnt go to help the people that are impacted.

In partnership with the Dogwood Alliance, the SELC released a survey about the impact of these facilities on their neighbors in 2024. Brown helped gather responses in Greenwood.

The survey found that 67% of households living within half a mile of a pellet mill report experiencing dust daily and 58% of households report one or more health concerns such as sinus or throat irritation.

Brown believes the placement of these facilities is intentional, predominantly in rural, low-income communities. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, one in six people in Greenwood County lives in poverty.

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If you go into these low-income communities talking about jobs, Brown said. They dont have an opportunity to ask you about how this will impact me because, Im needing to pay bills.

Some nearby residents like Powell have had to make changes. He said so much dust and debris gathered in his above ground pool every day, it wasnt worth trying to keep up. He got rid of it last year.

His neighbor, Elizabeth Cullens, said she spends less time outside now to avoid breathing whatevers in the air. She said shes spoken about the issues to anyone who will listen, but nothing changes.

Weve done called everybody and talked to everybody we know, she said. I dont reckon nothings been done to them. Its still there.

A growing industry

Burning wood pellets for energy is only economical in countries that subsidize the industry as a renewable energy. Under the Biden Administrations final Clean Energy Tax credit rules, its unlikely the wood pellet industry would qualify for even a fraction of the credits wind, solar or even nuclear get.

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Overseas, however, the global market for biomass is spreading. Asia is currently ramping up its demand and the SELC expects that will mean more pellet plants across the southeast and the rest of the country.

We are starting to see more proposed pellet mills cropping up in Washington, Oregon, California, Hillaker said.

After years of living in the shadow of the Greenwood facility, Cullens said she has advice for anyone who hears about one of these plants coming to their area.

Go as far as you can to stop it because theres going to be problems, she said.

VIDEO: Town of Carrboro sues Duke Energy for contributing to and lying about climate change
Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, concerns over the security of energy and communication infrastructure in the Baltic Sea intensified. Initially, focus was placed on the threat of hybrid attacks from Russia.

However, it became evident that Russian military vessels and so-called "research" ships were actively mapping the seabed infrastructure of NATO countries and conducting military exercises near critical NATO infrastructure in international waters. Why target such facilities? Prolonged disruptions to internet connectivity could disrupt businesses, especially financial markets, provoke public anxiety about security, and set the stage for broader military conflict with the Baltic states.

In October 2023, the Chinese-registered vessel NewNew Polar Bear dragged its anchor, causing significant damage to two undersea telecommunications cables and a gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea. This marked the first such incident.

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The European Union and NATO responded more forcefully, launching an investigation into the event. Although the NewNew Polar Bear returned to Tianjin, China, efforts to enhance the protection of seabed infrastructure and monitor security were initiated. This incident, coupled with the explosions of the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines in September 2022, raised concerns about the growing vulnerability of undersea infrastructure.

In February 2023, NATO established the Critical Undersea Infrastructure Coordination Cell in Brussels. During the NATO summit in Vilnius in July 2023, the alliances Maritime Command in Northwood, United Kingdom, established the Maritime Center for the Security of Critical Undersea Infrastructure. However, these measures were still in their infancy and could not guarantee the prevention of future incidents.

After the NewNew Polar Bear incident, no maritime patrols were introduced to quickly address abnormal activities by civilian vessels linked to Russia or sudden changes in vessel routes. Intelligence-sharing was enhanced, and in February 2024, the European Commission issued its first Recommendation on Secure and Resilient Submarine Cable Infrastructures. This recommendation, which emphasized faster information exchange and stress tests of undersea infrastructure, sought to consolidate fragmented actions and address the needs of individual countries.

The Eagle S oil tanker is seen anchored near the Port of Kilpilahti in Porvoo, Finland, on Jan. 13, 2025. (Vesa Moilanen / Lehtikuva / AFP via Getty Images)

By late 2024, another incident occurred when the Chinese cargo ship Yi Peng 3 dragged its anchor, severing two undersea fiber-optic cables connecting Germany to Finland and Lithuania to Sweden. During a meeting of Nordic and Baltic leaders, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk proposed a joint maritime policing program among Baltic Sea nations to safeguard their undersea infrastructure from external security threats.

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Meanwhile, Finland detained the Russian-linked tanker Eagle S, which had been part of a shadow Russian fleet transporting sanctioned oil. The tanker had dragged its anchor over 100 kilometers, damaging the Estonia-Finland Estlink 2 and four telecommunications cables.

In response, NATO countries in the Baltic Sea have established an international fleet tasked with countering unusual vessel activities near energy and communication infrastructure. While these forces are not equipped to control the entire seabed of the Baltic Sea, their presence signals to Russia and China that sabotage attempts will provoke a response, and perpetrators will not easily escape the sites of sabotage.

It is clear who stands to benefit from these acts of sabotage, with Moscow being the main suspect. However, the question remains: who is directly responsible? Is it the shipping companies employing untrained crews for the shadow Russian tanker fleet violating sanctions, or is it Russian intelligence services seeking to enable sabotage and create favorable conditions for it?

"It is clear who stands to benefit from these acts of sabotage, with Moscow being the main suspect."

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Furthermore, with the return of U.S. President Donald Trump to office, questions may arise about Europes ongoing collaboration with Chinese companies in laying undersea telecommunications cables, which could jeopardize data security. For example, the Chinese company Huawei Marine Networks (HMN) Tech operates a cable connecting Singapore to Marseille, France, which went live in December 2022.

The strategic cooperation between China and Russia, aimed at undermining NATO and EU countries, is well known. Therefore, principles to mitigate the threats posed by these countries must be consistently upheld and not ignored.

Editors Note: The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent.

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Jan. 30princeton  A low-cost spay/neuter clinic is adding to its staff while Mercer County's animal shelter keeps working to find homes for dogs and cats while avoiding the euthanasia option to make more room.

The Mercer County Animal Shelter declared a Code Red on Jan. 15 due to the large numbers of homeless dogs and cats filling its kennels and cages. A Code Red is declared when euthanasia may be considered as a way to create more room for homeless animals.

Shelter Director Stacey Harman said the Code Red was still in effect Wednesday, but she still hoped to avoid euthanizing animals. More dogs and cats keep arriving at the shelter.

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"I don't really want to come off of it yet," she said about the Code Red status. "We have had some adoptions, but not a lot. Basically what we've opened up will be filled up pretty quickly with animal control and stuff, so we're not going to euthanize right at this second, but it still could come."

"Right now, we're not euthanizing anything," Harman said. "But we are still on that edge to where we still could. We've had several adoptions which is great."

An animal rescue trip will be departing on the first week of February and it's hoped that will alleviate the Code Red status, too, she said.

"I have a rescue trip going out first week of February so hopefully that will alleviate a lot of it, too," Harman said.

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Furever Fixed, Inc., a low-cost spay/neuter clinic which opened last year next door to the animal shelter, is now seeking another veterinarian surgeon to help keep up with the numbers of dogs and cats being brought in for spaying or neutering.

"Furever Fixed, Inc. Spay/Neuter Clinic is excited to announce an opening position for a salary based veterinary surgeon to work two (or more) days a week," the facility announced on the Mercer County Animal Shelter's Facebook page. "Furever Fixed, Inc. is also looking for relief veterinary surgeons to fill in, as needed."

Connie Gillespie, general manager of Furever Fixed, Inc., said the spay/neuter clinic has done procedures on a combined total of 360 dogs and cats since it opened.

"We're looking at two different things," Gillespie said. "We need a veterinarian surgeon for a minimum of two days a week and then we also need what the West Virginia Board of Medicine calls a relief surgeon."

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A relief surgeon is on-call if the regular surgeon cannot come to work due to an illness, family emergency, family event such as a wedding, a power loss or other reason, Gillespie said.

"We're wanting to open up at a minimum of five days a week and we're doing three clinical days now," she said.

Recent winter weather and power outages slowed the number of cases coming into the clinic, but higher volumes of cases are anticipated from April to November, Gillespie said.

The spay/neuter clinics 501((3) tax status is still pending, she said.

People interested in applying can call the clinic at 304-431-2033 during current business hours Tuesday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m.to 5 p.m.

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Gillespie said pet owners can contact the clinic at 304-431-2033 or 304-961-6184.

The email address for Furever Fixed, Inc. is FureverFixed.Inc@gmail.com.

Contact Greg Jordan at

gjordan@bdtonline.com

Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com
All evacuation orders lifted as Border 2 Fire now 100% contained

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  After a week of smoke, ash and flames, officials with Cal Fire San Diego announced Thursday that the Border 2 Fire, located in the Otay Mountain Wilderness area, is now 100% contained.

Crews have been battling the blaze since around 2:15 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23 when the fire sparked along the Otay Mountain Truck Trail, quickly jumping to 500 acres within a half hour.

The wildfire only grew from there, reaching a total of 6,625 acres by the time it was extinguished. The blaze prompted a wave of evacuation orders and warnings in the surrounding areas, with some being forced from their homes for days.

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Firefighters battle a blaze at Oceanside tire shop

Burn scars seen from the Border 2 Fire. (Credit: Cal Fire San Diego)

Also on Thursday, officials with the San Diego County Sheriffs Office announced that all evacuation orders have since been lifted, meaning everyone is allowed to return to their residences.

Authorities also announced that all road closures in the area have been lifted, though drivers are encouraged to remain vigilant.

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Sherriffs advised caution for those headed home, stating, Please drive carefully, as firefighters will continue to work in the area to mitigate the hazards and strengthen control lines. Dust and noise will be present throughout the day and night. Smoke may be seen from areas where the fire is still burning, but there is no threat to the public.

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Air quality alerts were issued for several areas in the county as the Border 2 Fire burned. Those conditions have since improved for majority of the surrounding areas, though official data provided by AirNow still reflected unhealthy quality for Otay Mountain as of Thursday, despite 100% containment.

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Exposure to particle pollution can contribute to lung disease, asthma attacks and acute bronchitis, as well as increase the risk of respiratory infections, according to the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District. Those who are the most vulnerable include people with respiratory or heart disease, older adults and children.

Burn scars seen from the Border 2 Fire. (Credit: Cal Fire San Diego)

Officials with the sheriffs office also reminded the public that fire season is year-round in Southern California. They are urging everyone to have their evacuation plans in place and to sign up for emergency alerts.

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Cal Fire San Diego took to social media Thursday to thank those who assisted with efforts to contain this local wildfire, stating, Your support and teamwork are greatly appreciated!

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
When the White House budget office released a memo this week that instructed all federal agencies to cease spending on any financial assistance programs pending internal review, the fate of the nation's largest public health insurance program was propelled into question.

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health care coverage to low-income individuals and families. There were over 79 million Americans enrolled in the program as of October 2024.

The online Medicaid reimbursement portal accessible by every state was reportedly down following Tuesday's freeze announcement, despite the White House Office of Management and Budget saying in an updated memo that the program would not be affected.

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On Wednesday, after being temporarily blocked by a federal judge and already facing a legal challenge from 22 state attorneys general, the freeze was rescinded.

PHOTO: Everything to know about Medicaid, the largest US public health insurance program. (STOCK PHOTO/Fly View Productions/Getty Images)

MORE: Trump White House tries to clarify confusion over abrupt federal assistance freeze

While federal administrators and private individuals alike scramble to understand which programs could be affected by President Donald Trump's sweeping executive orders, experts say Medicaid's role in America cannot overstated.

"It's really the backbone of many aspects of our health care system," Joan Alker, executive director of Georgetown University's Center for Children and Families, told ABC News.

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From birth to elder care, Medicaid covers newborns, children, low-income individuals and families, people with disabilities and substance abuse issues, and nursing home residents, among others, according to Alker.

"I think we all need to really pay attention to what's going on here, both in the administration but, more importantly, in Congress, where they are contemplating these very large cuts," Alker said.

What is Medicaid?

Medicaid, which turns 60 this year, was established in 1965 as amendments to Social Security by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The program was meant to provide health insurance to individuals and families who could not afford or were not provided private insurance through employment.

Now, it's a nearly $900 billion program funded by both the federal government and individual states, with each state administering its own eligibility, benefits and payment rates based on federal guidelines, according to the program's website.

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The federal government reimburses states for a portion of Medicaid costs through the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage program, which covers hospitals, doctors, clinics, pharmacies and nursing homes with little to no copayments by the beneficiaries, according to Medicaid.

PHOTO: Everything to know about Medicaid, the largest US public health insurance program. (STOCK PHOTO/Megaflopp/Getty Images)

MORE: 9 states poised to end coverage for millions if Trump cuts Medicaid funding

"Medicaid serves a key role in the health insurance market, and for many people, there is no alternative," Eric Seiber, Ph.D., a professor in the College of Public Health and director of the Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Evaluation Studies at Ohio State University, told ABC News.

"This affects Medicaid beneficiaries, but also Medicaid providers. What is often overlooked is one person's healthcare expense is another person's healthcare income," Seiber added.

How many Americans are on Medicaid?

As of October 2024, the program reported that 79.4 million people were enrolled in Medicaid across the U.S. That includes 41.7 million adults enrolled in Medicaid and 37.6 million Medicaid child and Children's Health Insurance Program enrollees.

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Medicaid enrollment is on the rise, with the program seeing a 20% increase in applications since October 2023 and a 66% increase since October 2022, according to the program.

Who is eligible for Medicaid?

Eligibility for Medicaid coverage is based on income, family size, disability status and age, and can vary from state to state.

The expansion of Medicaid through the Affordable Care Act made adults with incomes of up to 138% of the federal poverty level, or about $20,783 for an individual, eligible in 2024, according to the program.

Not everyone to enrolls in Medicaid remains on it indefinitely, according to Seiber.

PHOTO: Everything to know about Medicaid, the largest US public health insurance program. (STOCK PHOTO/Sdi Productions/Getty Images)

"Medicaid often serves as a trampoline, not a safety net. People land on Medicaid and often bounce right back off," Seiber told ABC News of Medicaid's role in the American health care system.

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"I would say that Medicaid protects people's health, but also their future," Seiber added.

Medicaid during Trump's first administration

Trump's first administration saw threats to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act that were ultimately rejected, perhaps most dramatically in 2017 when Sen. John McCain, who died of brain cancer the following year, returned to Washington, D.C., to vote against the so-called "skinny repeal" of the ACA and hundreds of billions in cuts to Medicaid.

Trump was attempting to replace the ACA with the American Health Care Act, which would have repealed the individual mandate and the employer mandate, amended Medicaid eligibility and weakened protections for patients with pre-existing conditions.

In December 2017, a Republican tax reform law was passed that eliminated individual mandates, which Gallup later said may have reduced participation in the insurance marketplace.

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At the end of 2019, 13.7% of adults were without health insurance, the highest level seen since early 2014, according to Gallup data.

PHOTO: A report has come out saying Doctors should screen for loneliness. (STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images)

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MORE: Video Sen. Bernie Sanders asks RFK Jr. if health care is human right

Fast-forward to the 2024 election cycle: Trump made little mention of Medicaid amid various campaign trail comments about possible changes to Medicare and Social Security.

In March, Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social that he was "not running to terminate" the ACA but said he wanted to make it "better" and "less expensive."

During the September presidential debate, he said he had "concepts of a plan" and said it would be "better health care than Obamacare," but offered few details.

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"Medicaid will be turning 60 this year, so we are very concerned that that proposal may arise again," Alker said of possible cuts to federal Medicaid funding.

"So our future is really at stake here, and I think with an aging population, with a growing need for long-term care, there's no way that states can manage this," she added.

Everything to know about Medicaid, the largest US public health insurance program originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  The Birmingham Police Department announced Wednesday the arrest of a woman in connection to a fatal shooting that happened Monday.

Vivian Brantley, 24, of Graysville, turned herself in at BPD Headquarters hours after the shooting and is in the custody of the Jefferson County Jail under no bond.

Birmingham shooting in College Hills leaves man dead; suspect in custody

Officers obtained a warrant for Brantley after the murder of Damian Dawson. He was shot and killed during a domestic violence incident in the 100 block of Ninth Court West. The Jefferson County Magistrates Office issued a murder warrant on Brantley in connection to the shooting Wednesday.

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The BPD stated Brantley is an ex-girlfriend of the victim.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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(Bloomberg) -- Bob Menendez was sentenced to 11 years in prison for acting as a foreign agent of Egypt and accepting gold bars and other bribes in what prosecutors said was perhaps the worst corruption case ever involving a US senator.

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US District Judge Sidney Stein imposed the sentence on Menendez, 71, saying the New Jersey Democrat was motivated by greed and hubris after a half-century as an elected official. Menendez was convicted after a nine-week trial where prosecutors said he sold his influence to two corrupt businessmen, who received prison terms of seven and eight years earlier Wednesday.

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The sentence completes the downfall of a gifted politician who rose from a family of Cuban immigrants to become the most powerful Hispanic lawmaker in Congress. Menendez, who overcame previous corruption charges when a 2017 case ended in a mistrial, was forced to resign after New York jurors convicted him in July. He was the first lawmaker ever convicted of acting as a foreign agent.

You were successful, powerful and you stood at the apex of our political system, Stein said. Somewhere along the way you became, Im sorry to say, a corrupt politician.

Menendez made an impassioned plea for mercy to Stein, citing his Senate actions to help constituents and pass legislation. I have lost everything I care about, Menendez told the judge.

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Chastened Man

Menendez, the former chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, fought back tears as he urged the judge to consider his life of public service.

You have before you a chastened man  chastened by the charges Ive been accused of, Menendez said. Ive been chastened by a trial that has ripped apart my life.

The senator took bribes of 13 gold bars, nearly $500,000 in cash and a Mercedes-Benz, prosecutors said. They said Menendez illegally helped Egypt secure US military aid and sensitive information; protected an Egyptian monopoly that Hana secured to inspect meat bound for Egypt; influenced a US indictment in New Jersey of Daibes; and swayed New Jersey criminal probes of people close to another businessman who admitted bribing the senator with a Mercedes.

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Outside the courthouse, Menendez said: I am innocent, and I look forward to filing appeals on a whole host of issues.

He seemed to reach out to President Donald Trump, saying: This process is political, and its corrupted to the core. I hope President Trump cleans up the cesspool and restores integrity to the system.

Menendez is planning to ask Trump for a pardon, according to a person familiar with the matter. Former President Joe Biden declined a pardon request before leaving office.

Menendez was convicted with two New Jersey businessmen, Fred Daibes and Wael Hana. Earlier Wednesday, Stein sentenced Daibes, a prominent New Jersey developer, to seven years in prison and a $1.75 million fine. Hana, who ran a halal meat inspection firm, got eight years and a a $1.25 million fine.

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After Daibes and Hana were sentenced, Menendezs lawyer said that eight years would be sufficient time for his client, a substantial concession from his earlier request for a two-year term. Still, he emphasized that the former senators life shouldnt be defined by the bribery charges.

Gold Bar Bob

For nearly 50 years, hes been a tireless servant of his community, his state and his country, the lawyer, Adam Fee, told Stein. Despite his decades of service, he is now known more as Gold Bar Bob.

He does not deserve to die in jail, Fee said. He is a good and honorable man who made mistakes that he will regret and pay for the rest of his life.

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Stein will preside over a separate trial in March of Menendezs wife, Nadine, after rejecting her requests to delay the case as she battles breast cancer. Prosecutors say she was a go-between who collected bribes and set up meetings with the businessmen and Egyptian officials.

Menendezs lawyers have said his case raises important, difficult and novel questions on appeal. They say prosecutors trampled on his rights under the US Constitutions Speech or Debate clause, which protects lawmakers from legal actions arising from statements made during legislative activity. They also argue that prosecutors improperly included 11 exhibits among 3,000 given to jurors during their deliberations.

Forfeit Car, Gold

The judge also ordered Menendez to forfeit proceeds of the crime totaling $922,188. That covers a 2019 Mercedes-Benz convertible; $566,221 in cash seized from his house and his wifes safe deposit box; 11 one-ounce and two one-kilogram gold bars; and an elliptical machine.

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Before his sentencing, Daibes told the judge he was numb, and later borderline suicidal, when the jury came in with a guilty verdict. Not a day went by that I didnt wonder how did this happen to me?

Daibes broke down in tears when asking the judge for a sentence of home confinement, for the sake of his autistic, 30-year-old son.

I am going to ask you for mercy, not for me but for my son, he told the judge.

Hana told the judge that the prosecution was a misunderstanding.

I am an innocent man, Hana said. I never bribed Senator Menendez or asked his office for influence.

(Updates with Menendez comments starting in 11th paragraph.)

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(Bloomberg) -- South African prosecutors charged former South African President Jacob Zumas daughter with incitement to commit terrorism over her alleged role in anti-government riots that left 354 people dead.

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Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, a lawmaker with the opposition uMkhonto weSizwe Party, wasnt asked to enter a plea when she appeared in court in the port city of Durban on Thursday, but indicated that she intends denying guilt. She was released pending her trial without having to put up bail.

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Riots erupted in South Africa in July 2021 after Jacob Zuma was imprisoned over his refusal to testify before a judicial inquiry into state graft during his nine-year tenure as president. Much of the violence, which caused billions of rands worth of damage to infrastructure, property and businesses, took place in Zumas home province of KwaZulu-Natal.

Jacob Zuma founded the MKP in late 2023 and it went on to win almost 15% of the vote in elections held the following year, depriving the African National Congress of the parliamentary majority it had held for three decades. The ANC then formed a 10-party coalition government and the MKP became the main opposition, challenging the new administration at every turn.

Zuma-Sambudlas case was referred to the High Court, with a first appearance scheduled for March 20.

--With assistance from Monique Vanek.

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Ty Cobb, a White House attorney to Donald Trump during the presidents first term, spelled out why he vehemently opposes controversial Trump nominee Kash Patel running the FBI.

Cobb and 22 other Republican officials this week signed an open letter calling on senators not to confirm Patel to the role. They argued that he has poor judgment and is seeking revenge on critics of Trump.

Confirming Patel would be a grievous mistake that would endanger the FBIs integrity and compromise its critical mission, they wrote.

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Patels hearings take place on Thursday.

On Wednesdays broadcast of CNNs OutFront, Cobb told host Erin Burnett that it would be a significantly demoralizing event if conspiracy theory peddler and 2020 election denier Patel is confirmed.

Perhaps the most demoralizing event in the history of the FBI, Cobb predicted, warning there would be a shocking deflation of the morale at the agency and that Patel is not qualified remotely by character or experience to do this.

Patel is somebody who is a real danger to democracy and certainly a dagger in the heart of the FBI, he added.

Strong words, acknowledged Burnett.

Watch the exchange here:

Former Trump WH lawyer Ty Cobb says confirming Kash Patel as FBI director would be perhaps the most demoralizing event in the history of the FBI. Hear why. pic.twitter.com/tDwTIvway8  Erin Burnett OutFront (@OutFrontCNN) January 30, 2025

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(Corrects name in paragraph 27: Fouad instead of Fuad)

By Jonathan Landay and Aram Roston

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A small U.S. security firm is hiring nearly 100 U.S. special forces veterans to help run a checkpoint in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas truce, according to a company spokesperson and a recruitment email seen by Reuters, introducing armed American contractors into the heart of one of the world's most violent conflict zones.

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UG Solutions - a low-profile company founded in 2023 and based in Davidson, North Carolina - is offering a daily rate starting at $1,100 with a $10,000 advance to veterans it hires, the email said.

They will staff the checkpoint at a key intersection in Gaza's interior, said the spokesperson, who confirmed the authenticity of the email.

Some people have been recruited and are already at the checkpoint, said the spokesperson, speaking on condition of anonymity. He did not say how many contractors were already in Gaza.

UG Solutions' role in the ceasefire deal has been reported, but the email disclosed previously unknown details including the aim of recruiting 96 veterans exclusively with U.S. special operations forces backgrounds, the pay and the types of weapons they will carry.

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Reuters reported on Jan. 7 that Emirati officials had suggested the use of private contractors as part of a post-war peacekeeping force in Gaza, and that the idea had caused concern among Western nations.

The deployment of armed U.S. contractors in Gaza, where Hamas remains a potent force after 14 months of war, is unprecedented and poses the risk that Americans could be drawn into fighting as President Donald Trump's administration seeks to keep the Hamas-Israel conflict from reigniting.

Among the risks facing the Americans are gunfights with Islamist militants or Palestinians angry over Washington's support for Israel's Gaza offensive.

"Of course there is a threat they will face," said Avi Melamed, a former Israeli intelligence official.

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The document said the contractors will be armed with M4 rifles, which are used by the Israeli and U.S. militaries, and Glock pistols.

The rules of engagement governing when UG Solutions personnel can open fire have been finalized, the spokesperson said, but he declined to disclose them.

"We have the right to defend ourselves," he said. He declined to discuss how the company won the contract.

EGYPT'S ROLE

Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel on Tuesday told reporters, without naming UG Solutions or the United States, that Israel had demanded that the deal include the use of a private security firm, working with "an Egyptian security company or forces" to help maintain security and humanitarian aid flows in Gaza.

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But, she said, it remained to be seen if the arrangement "actually works."

Earlier rounds of ceasefire negotiations were held up by an Israeli demand to staff the checkpoint with its own troops.

Witnesses in Gaza have in recent days described Egyptian security personnel at the checkpoint using scanners to look for weapons concealed in vehicles.

An Egyptian source said the Egyptians at the checkpoint were special forces trained in recent months including on counter terrorism.

A Palestinian official close to the talks confirmed U.S. contractors would also be at the checkpoint, at the intersection of the Netzarim Corridor dividing northern and southern Gaza and Salah al-Din Street, which separates the east and west of the enclave.

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However, the official said the U.S. contractors would be deployed away from residents passing through and they must not deal with the local population.

The UG Solutions email said its primary mission was "internal vehicle checkpoint management and vehicle inspection."

"We're only focused on vehicles," said the spokesperson.

The Israeli prime minister's office declined to provide any further comment on the security arrangements. The U.S. State Department, Egypt's foreign office and Hamas did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

U.S. use of private security firms has in the past led to disaster. In 2007, contractors for the now defunct Blackwater firm shot dead 14 civilians in Baghdad's Al Nisour Square, igniting a diplomatic crisis and outraging Iraqis. Four Blackwater personnel were convicted in a U.S. court and pardoned by Trump in his first term.

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Insurgents in Fallujah, Iraq, in 2004 killed four Americans working for Blackwater and hung two of their bodies from a bridge, prompting a massive U.S. military response.

The UG Solutions' hires will work with U.S.-based Safe Reach Solutions, which does logistics and planning, according to the spokesperson and another source familiar with the contract.

Each hire will be provided with $500,000 in accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and the daily rate for former U.S. special forces medics rises to $1,250, the email said.

A separate source familiar with the deal said Israel and unnamed "Arab countries" that worked on the agreement are funding the consortium. The U.S. government had no direct involvement in the decision to include a security company in the ceasefire deal or in the awarding of the contract, the source said.

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'VICTORY NARRATIVE'

Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, a fellow at the Atlantic Council think tank who grew up in Gaza, downplayed the danger for the Americans because their role in the return of displaced Palestinian civilians bolsters Hamas' claim of victory over Israel.

"Even Hamas, for all its horrendous rhetoric and actions, understands that it is this very American presence  that feeds its victory narrative," he said.

Gaza has been devastated by Israeli bombardments during 15 months of war that began after the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas assault into Israel that killed 1,200 people and took another 250 hostage, according to an Israeli toll.

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Almost 47,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have died in the fighting.

Jan. 19 marked the start of a 60-day ceasefire: the first phase of the deal mediated by Egypt and Qatar with U.S. support. Since then, hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians have been streaming on foot and in vehicles through the checkpoint north toward Gaza City, much of it churned to rubble by Israeli bombardments.

WHO-G?

Several people in the private security industry told Reuters that they had not heard of UG Solutions.

The only company official listed in Virginia state incorporation records is Jameson Govani, who didn't respond to phone messages. He is described as a U.S. Special Forces veteran.

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A U.S. private security business source briefed on the UG Solutions contract, speaking on condition of anonymity, said it seemed hazardous to deploy Americans in Gaza and that he feared combat could break out "really fast".

It was unclear what would happen if the Americans were attacked or captured, or which nation's law would govern the contractor's actions.

The email does not say who would rescue them. The UG spokesperson said the document was outdated and that quick reaction forces would be available. He didn't provide further details.

"We are well equipped to guard our own safety," he said.

(This story has been corrected to change the name from Fuad to Fouad in paragraph 27)

(Reporting by Jonathan Landay and Aram Roston. Additional reporting by Erin Banco in New York, Nidal al-Mughrabi, Ahmed Mohamed Hassan and Nafisa Eltahir in Cairo, and Alexander Cornwell and Emily Rose in Jerusalem; Editing by Don Durfee and Frank Jack Daniel)
By Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Army helicopter that collided with a passenger jet in Washington was being operated on a training flight by a "fairly experienced crew" with night-vision goggles, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Thursday, as the Pentagon ordered a 48-hour pause in flying for the Virginia-based unit involved.

Authorities have said there were no survivors. Daniel Driscoll, President Donald Trump's nominee for Army secretary, said the crash appeared to have been preventable.

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The helicopter struck the jet near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, with both aircraft plunging into the Potomac River. The cause of the crash is under investigation. The airport is located in Arlington, Virginia, across the river from Washington.

"The people in the helicopter should have seen where they were going," Trump said at a White House press conference. He said at one point during the press conference that warnings by air traffic control were given too late.

"For some reason, you had a helicopter that was at the same height and going at an angle that was unbelievably bad," Trump added.

In a video statement, Hegseth said there was a crew of three soldiers on the training flight.

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"It was a fairly experienced crew and it was doing a required annual night evaluation," Hegseth said in the video.

"We anticipate that the investigation will quickly be able to determine whether the aircraft was in the corridor and at the right altitude at the time of the incident," Hegseth added.

During an appearance later with Trump at the White House, Hegseth told reporters there appeared to have been an elevation issue with the Black Hawk, and said Army investigators were on the ground looking into the matter.

"SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN A PROBLEM"

Jonathan Koziol, chief of staff of the Army's aviation directorate, told reporters that the instructor pilot, who was the designated pilot in command, had 1,000 flying hours while the other pilot had 500 hours. The third soldier was a crew chief, typically riding in the back of the helicopter.

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Koziol, a former Army aviator, said that the route over the Potomac, known as Route 4, was flown regularly by military pilots.

Koziol added that the crew members ordinarily would use visual cues and interact with air traffic control to ensure that they avoided any risk.

"This should not have been a problem," Koziol said, adding that the maximum altitude for Route 4 is 200 feet (61 meters). It is unclear how high the Black Hawk was flying.

At the White House, Trump and Hegseth said the era of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) was over in the government.

The Black Hawk crew included two male and one female soldier, an Army official said. There are female service members throughout the military, including as pilots.

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"As for women in the military, flying a helicopter is like driving a car. You just got to learn how to do it and anyone can do it with the proper training," Koziol said.

The helicopter was from the 12th Aviation Battalion, which is based at Fort Belvoir in Virginia. The unit, which is responsible for helicopter flights in the U.S. capital area and can be used to carry senior U.S. government officials, will be grounded for 48 hours, Hegseth said. Reuters was first to report on the operational pause.

Driscoll appeared on Thursday at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

"I am seeing the same things I believe you are, on television. It is an accident that seems to be preventable from what we can tell today," Driscoll told the senators.

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Driscoll added that if he was confirmed there would be a focus on a culture of safety in the Army.

"I think we might need to look at where is an appropriate time to take training risk, and it may not be near an airport like Reagan," Driscoll added.

Military helicopters are a common sight around the Washington region that is home to numerous military bases. It is not uncommon for the military to order pauses after accidents or crashes.

(Reporting by Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart; Editing by Will Dunham, Chizu Nomiyama, Nick Zieminski and David Gregorio)
By Daniel Wiessner

(Reuters) - The Trump administration has unveiled a novel plan offering financial incentives to 2 million civilian full-time federal workers to quit their jobs as part of a planned cull of the government workforce. But the program is likely to run into a number of complications, including funding issues, and it could also face legal challenges.

HOW WILL THE PROGRAM WORK?

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management, which oversees the federal workforce and is controlled by the White House, said in a Jan. 28 email to federal employees that workers who submit their resignation by Feb. 6 will retain their full pay and benefits through Sept. 30 without having to show up for work, except in undefined "rare cases." OPM instructed workers willing to submit so-called "deferred resignations" to send an email to an agency account with the word "Resign" in the subject line.

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OPM warned that for workers who do not accept the offer "we cannot give you full assurance regarding the certainty of your position or agency." The program does not apply to military personnel, postal workers, and certain immigration enforcement and national security employees.

WHY IS OPM ASKING WORKERS TO QUIT?

OPM said the program was an opportunity for workers to have "a dignified, fair departure" if they do not agree with Trump's plan to transform the government workforce. That includes Trump's order eliminating telework arrangements and requiring most government workers to report to the office.

Some Democrats and other Trump critics suggested that the goal of the offer was to push federal workers who fear they will be fired or lose legal protections to quit, making room for Trump to hire political loyalists and shrink the federal bureaucracy.

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CAN OPM DO THIS?

Several experts have said OPM does not have the authority to offer buyouts, to accept resignations from employees of other agencies, or to place those workers on administrative leave, and questioned how the program will be implemented. When federal agencies downsize or restructure they can, with OPM's permission, offer lump-sum buyouts to workers known as voluntary separation incentive payments, or VSIPs. Federal law caps those payments at $25,000 and they can only be offered to employees who have worked at an executive agency for at least three years continuously and meet other criteria.

Agencies could place workers who agree to resign on paid administrative leave, but it is unclear whether they have the authority to do so. A 2016 federal law only allows agencies to place workers on paid leave for 10 days in a calendar year, with some exceptions, and would seem to preclude them from placing many workers on leave for months.

DO AGENCIES HAVE THE FUNDING TO DO THIS?

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It is unclear whether federal agencies can guarantee the funding necessary to pay workers who resign, and some unions and Democrats have suggested they cannot. The federal government is currently funded only through March 14, and agencies likely will not know until then what their funding levels will be moving forward.

WILL OPM BE SUED OVER THIS?

Some experts said OPM's email is so vague that it may not be enough to trigger lawsuits, but workers could sue individual agencies once they begin implementing the plan. That could include claiming that agencies did not follow the proper procedures for seeking voluntary resignations or violated other federal regulations and workers' constitutional rights. Unions that represent federal employees could also challenge the plan if it interferes with specific collective bargaining agreements with federal agencies.

WHAT HAPPENS IF EMPLOYEES RESIGN AND ARE NOT PAID?

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Because the full details of the plan are unknown, it is not clear what recourse, if any, workers would have if they stop getting paid. OPM's email and information posted on its website may not amount to a legal contract that can be enforced in court, experts said. And because resignations are generally considered voluntary, workers who quit and their unions may not have an avenue to bring legal challenges.

(Reporting by Daniel Wiessner in Albany, New York, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Hugh Lawson)
When Floyd Collins ventured into Sand Cave in Mammoth Cave, Kentucky on Jan. 30, 1925, he was searching for a destination that would draw in people in from all over world.

Remarkably, the cave explorer's journey attracted national, even international, attention.

But he never made it out of Sand Cave alive.

For 17 days in 1925, the Western Kentucky man unwittingly ballooned into an unexpected media sensation, when a cave-in trapped him by his feet in a dark muddy pool 80 feet into a cavern. In the earliest era of in-home radios, listeners nationwide clung to hope and whispered prayers for Floyd. His horrific story captivated Americans and dominated frontpage headlines of The Courier Journal and other newspapers for more than two weeks.

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The jarring spectacle drew a military review, the supervision of the Kentuckys lieutenant governor, tens of thousands of spectators and even well wishes from then President Calvin Coolidge. About a week into the attempted rescue, The Courier Journal produced a film of the volunteer effort and showed it at the old Alamo Theater on South Fourth Street. Cub reporter William Burke Skeets Miller won a Pulitzer Prize for venturing into the cave and interviewing Floyd in the final days of his life.

Floyd Collins, a cave explorer, became trapped under a heavy rock in the Mammoth Cave area. He died of exposure before he could be freed.

Floyds entrapment and death became arguably one of the biggest news stories in the world between the end of World War I and the beginning of World War II.

And it all happened about 85 miles south of Louisville, during a period known as the Kentucky Cave Wars.

A century later, Floyd is remembered among cave explorers as a hero, and unthinkable details of his death live on in The Courier Journal archive as well as in several books and even a 1990s off-Broadway musical. His homestead is also preserved of the Flint Ridge Road, in the Eastern Portion of Mammoth Cave National Park.

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When I stumbled upon this gripping collection of stories two months before the 100th anniversary of his death, I genuinely couldnt stop reading. I picked up the phone a few weeks later and called David Kem, the author of The Kentucky Cave Wars," who helped me understand why.

He's relatable to so many people, Kem explained. We can see ourselves in Floyd. We can see ourselves struggling to make a living.

That struggle is part of the reason Floyd was exploring Sand Cave in the first place. The Kentucky Cave Wars refers to a period when Western Kentucky farmers were drawing on Mammoth Cave's internationally known reputation as the longest cave in the world as a means to make money.

Outside the entrance of the sandstone cave where Floyd Collins was trapped. Only a few people were small enough to crawl into the cave and speak with Floyd. Floyd Collins trapped in Sand Cave, Ky Jan. 30, 1925

Neighboring Crystal Cave, which is now known as Floyd Collins Crystal Cave, is one of the most beautiful and impressive caves in Western Kentucky. Even so, the Collins family had a hard time drawing in customers. Crystal Cave was located down a little back road on the far end past Mammoth Caves historic entrance, said David Foster, the President and CEO American Cave Conservation Association. Many visitors didnt see a need to keep traveling all the way to the Collins' cave when there were so many others before it to see.

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Every poor person that had a plot of land that had a cave on it thought they had a gold mine, Foster said.

Floyd needed to find a cave closer to the crowd. He made a deal with a neighbor further up the road, who owned the land where Sand Cave was located. They agreed that if Floyd found something big, they could commercialize it and split the profits.

Floyd had a reputation as a pretty tough caver, and hed go a lot of places that other people wouldnt go, Foster said.

'Death holds no terror for Floyd Collins'

Wading into the dark unknown of Western Kentucky's cave wasnt uncommon for Floyd, but when he didnt return on Jan. 30, 1925, friends and family went out to look for him. The search party discovered the entrance to Sand Cave had collapsed and they could just faintly hear Floyd calling out for help.

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The group dug for hours, and by noon the next day, more than 150 people were working to free him. By the time they made a hole small enough for a young boy to crawl through, Floyd had already been trapped for at least 36 hours.

RESCUERS ARE UNABLE TO FREE COLLINS ... Loose stones falling may bury him in the cave, was the headline on the front page of the Feb. 2, 1925 edition of The Courier Journal.

Two days later, Courier Journal reporter Miller becomes part of the story, and he ends up leading a few rescue attempts because of his slight frame.

Floyd Collins: Trapped in Sand Cave in 1925.

It is terrible inside, Miller wrote for the Feb. 4, 1925 edition of The Courier Journal. The cold, dirty water numbs us as soon as we start in. We have come to dread it, but each of us tell ourselves that our suffering is as nothing compared to Collins. His patience during long hours of agony, his constant hope when life seemed nearing the end, is enough to strengthen the heart of anyone.

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But while the cave felt ominous and grim, Floyd remained optimistic.

Death holds no terror for Floyd Collins, he told me, when I fed him tonight more than 115 hours after he was trapped in Sand Cave, but he does not expect to die in the immediate future," Miller wrote.

On that trip, Miller took a pint bottle of milk and a small bit of whiskey that Floyd had specifically requested.

Im cold all over, Collins had told Miller. I believe a drink of whiskey would help.

Then, a second cave-in was reported in Sand Cave on Feb. 5, and Miller felt certain Floyd hadn't survived.

William Burke Skeets Miller shows how Floyd Collins' body is angled in Sand Cave.

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A corpse now lies in a relentless trap down in a rocky tunnel where, but a few hours ago, an undaunted man lived on his faith and hope, Miller wrote. Through the hours of agony, he kept his eyes on an imaginary ray of light, but the light is dark forever.

Still, the world was gripped by the story. And the headlines kept coming.

On Feb. 7 in bold letters across the top of the page, The Courier Journal reads BROTHER RISKS HIS LIFE FOR COLLINS, GOES BACK IN CAVE BUT HITS BLOCK."

Two days later, hope flickered again. Days before, the rescue team had tied an electric lightbulb around Floyd's neck. Even though hed gone four days since his last meal, a radio test showed that the filament in the bulb moved from 22 to 26 times per minute. These ever so slight movements were a sign that Floyd could still be breathing.

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COLLINS BELIEVED ALIVE ... RADIO TEST SHOWS HIM STILL LIVING.

Meanwhile, the country continued to rally around the Kentucky man. A crowd estimated to be as large as 50,000 held vigil at the site, while soldiers kept the group back from the caves entrance.

The American Red Cross offered to pay the cost of all the materials needed to free Floyd. A church in Colorado raised money for his cause. The military began looking into a growing conspiracy theory that Floyds rescue was purposefully botched. Rescuers even tried pumping a pungent banana oil down into the cave, hoping to find another viable entrance above ground.

All the while, people kept working to save him with nothing but the filament of a lightbulb to suggest he was alive.

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When that powerful odor from the banana oil was detected in a nearby pit, America held its breath as this bold message appeared large letters in the Feb. 11 edition of The Courier Journal: COLLINS MAY BE OUT BY DAWN

Unfortunately, it wasnt so simple.

William Burke Skeets Miller, then a C-J reporter, rests after a perilous trip into the cave to try and help Collins. William Burke "Skeets" Miller, then a Courier-Journal reporter, rests after on of his five perilous trips down into Sand Cave to try and rescue or comfort Floyd Collins.

A rescue crew was ready to drop into the cave that day. The shaft they were building for the rescue was already 44 feet deep, but a crevice in the structure kept the team from going any further.

Two days later, on Feb. 14, the excitement returned: COUGH HEARD FROM COLLINS TRAP; SHAFT TO REACH VICTIM AT NOON

Finally, Miller, the Courier Journal reporter, went down into the rescue shaft on Feb. 15, fearing all the hiccups up to this moment might make him too late to save the man, who he now considered a friend. As the rescue team inched closer to Floyd the next day, the dangerous conditions in the cave slowed them again.

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Until finally horror fills the front page of the Courier Journal on Feb. 17: "COLLINS LEG TO BE CUT OFF IN CAVE TO FREE DEAD BODY." The paper featured eight-column photo of the rescue team declaring that FUTILE ENDING OF LONG WORK SADDENS MEN."

The quest is over," the paper read. "Mother Earth after clinging grimly, in life and in death, to Floyd Collins for more than seventeen days, finally surrendered at 2:45 oclock this afternoon and without warning opened a tiny hole between a rescue shaft and a natural tomb of a cave explorer."

Peering down this tiny fissure into Sand Cave, the brave workers who had wade an unequal combat with the natural forces of earth, saw that what they had fought so hard for had been lost. Collins was dead.

A quiet funeral and Floyd Collins' lasting legacy

The earth shifted again, and several more months would pass before a team could retrieve his body.

For as much fandemonium as Floyd had drawn in the last two weeks of his life, his funeral was remarkably simple. About 150 people came to the the bluff of the cave on Feb. 17 for a quiet and unusual ceremony. His body still rested in the cavern below, and his friends and family paid their respects outside the entrance.

The body of Floyd Collins, who discovered Crystal Cave, lives in this coffin, and it can be seen on request. Feb. 27, 1947

The next day  for the first time since the cave rescue began more than two weeks before  Floyd wasnt mentioned anywhere on the front page of The Courier Journal. The only photo ever taken of Floyd in the cave ran on page three.

While cave explorers and the Mammoth Cave region at large would always remember his name, the world moved on from, arguably, the first viral news story of the 20th century. Today, Floyd is best known for a horrible accident that cost him his life, Kem told me, but he was also remarkably talented and years ahead of his time in exploring the longest cave in the world.

The Sand Cave incident wasnt the first time Floyd had a close call. Hed needed rescuing at least one other time before, but he kept going back, kept following caves into the deepest and darkest parts he knew.

Staring at that dark, blotchy, bleak photo of Floyd in an old edition of The Courier Journal, I marveled at how he stayed as composed as he did during those first conscious days of the rescue when death held no terror for him.

Which is how I ended up asking Foster, if the rescue had succeeded  if he thought Floyd would have gone into a cave again.

Oh, you betcha he would have, Foster assured me. I guarantee it.

Features columnist Maggie Menderski writes about what makes Louisville, Southern Indiana and Kentucky unique, wonderful, and occasionally, a little weird. If you've got something in your family, your town or even your closet that fits that description  she wants to hear from you. Say hello at mmenderski@courier-journal.com. Follow along on Instagram @MaggieMenderski.

Floyd Collins attractions at Mammoth Cave National Park

There are numerous Floyd Collins attractions at Mammoth Cave National Park. More information on these activities is available at kygetaway.com:

1. Visit the Sand Cave site at Mammoth Cave National Park. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers a look at the underground world Floyd Collins loved to explore. You can also explore the Sand Cave observation deck, where you can see the entrance to the cave where Floyd was trapped.

2. Mammoth Cave National Park is offering a Floyd Collins History Tour on select days in February. Visit nps.gov/maca/ for more details.

3. Visit the Collins' Homestead and old ticket office for the Great Crystal Cave, which was owned by Collins and his family.

4. Travel to Floyd Collins final resting place at Mammoth Cave Baptist Church Cemetery on Flint Ridge Road.

5. Tour the American Cave Museum at 119 E Main St., in Horse Cave, Kentucky, which is home to artifacts and newspaper articles about Floyds life, his days as an explorer and his entrapment and tragic death. Guest can discover the history and science of Americas natural caverns through educational and informative exhibits. Admission is free.

6. The Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center, 601 College St. in Bowling Green, will feature "Floyd Collins The Musical" on March 8.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Remembering Floyd Collins, explorer trapped at Sand Cave, Kentucky
ITS APPARENTLY IN FASHION to put a price on disaster aid, at least as your opening bid. For Southern California, struggling with apocalyptic wildfires, President Donald Trump wants the state to pass a voter ID law and turn the valve that sends water from Northern to Southern California. (For the record, there is no valve and there is no water-supply shortage.)

Trump, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and other Republicans have discussed raising the debt limit as part of a disaster aid deal, as well as requiring California to correct alleged water resource mismanagement, forest management mistakes, all sorts of problems, as Johnson put it.

These critiques are only slightly less misguided than Trumps valve fixation. Southern California reservoirs are at record-high levels, forest land is mostly federally owned, and the state has ramped up its own forest management in recent years. Its even more difficult to take Johnson seriously when he says imposing conditions on disaster aid makes sense because of the vast majority of the American people who do not want to subsidize crazy California leftist policies that are dangerous for people.

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Call their policies crazy and leftist, but California leaders do in fact understand that climate change is supercharging drought, heat, and wildfires, and they are trying to mitigate the threat. The states problems this year have to do with water pressure, Santa Ana winds, an epic dry streak, and a rainy season that didnt start until January 25, about two months late.

Before that belated storm, which dropped roughly a half-inch to slightly over an inch in most of the area, downtown Los Angeles had not seen more than one-tenth of an inch on a calendar day since 0.13 of an inch fell on May 5. That was a record 265 days before the Saturday night storm.

Hear me out, fellow Americans: Why stop at California? How about some conditions for other states in their times of need?

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A disaster aid ransom wish list

Lets start with Johnsons home state of Louisiana. How about conditioning disaster aid for the next hurricane on repealing a law that requires all classrooms in the state to display the Ten Commandments? A federal judge last fall said it was overtly religious in purpose and unconstitutional on its face. It could be struck down any day now. If that problem is solved and we need an alternative, Louisiana should have to repeal its draconian abortion law and restore rights and health care for women.

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How about Texas? When the states independent power grid failed in bitterly cold conditions in February 2021, then-President Joe Biden signed an emergency declaration, sent federal aid, and signed a major disaster declaration to broaden help from federal agencies. Next time Texas is in crisis, how about we help them only if the governor expands Medicaid to cover all individuals with incomes up to 138 percent of the federal poverty line?

More than 1.4 million people, nearly 80 percent of them in families with at least one worker, would be eligible for coverageboosting their access to care and stabilizing the finances of rural hospitals. And speaking of health, repealing Texass abortion banone of the worst in the nation for women and their healthwould be high on my list as well.

Keep up with all our articles, newsletters, podcasts, and livestreams:

And lets not forget Florida. The hurricanes keep on comingso maybe Florida should be required to once again officially acknowledge climate change, its causes and its impact, and recommit to renewable energy and water infrastructure. Id also hold out for repeal of its abortion ban, as restrictive and damaging as the laws in Texas and Louisiana, and Medicaid expansion, which could cover as many as nearly 800,000 people, most of them in working households.

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North Carolina is another state prone to hurricanesand in fact Hurricane Helene last fall triggered a Biden administration recovery effort led by Deanne Criswell, the impeccably qualified and unanimously confirmed director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. There were no conditions attached, but here are two that would have been nice.

First, the state should have to reverse the blatant power grab executed late last year. Over Gov. Roy Coopers veto, an outgoing Republican supermajority diluted and restricted the powers of incoming Gov. Josh Stein and Attorney General Jeff Jackson (both Democrats) and gave control of elections to the new state auditor (shocker, hes a Republican).

Second, North Carolina must be required to fix its severely gerrymandered U.S. House maps. A court-drawn map in 2022 produced a seven-seven split between GOP and Democratic House winners, a fair outcome considering the wins and losses of Democrats and Republicans alike in statewide races for governor, senator, and president. Last year, permitted by a GOP-dominated state supreme court to redraw their own map, Republicans won ten House seats, Democrats won four.

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Mess with California at your own risk

All of this is about as likely to materialize as a voter ID bill introduced by a couple of Republicans in Californias overwhelmingly Democratic legislature. And none of it should be required as ransom for disaster aid thats being held hostage.

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Sen. Adam Schiff, who is from Southern California, called the whole idea shameful. When his state was hit by Katrina, I fought to get aid for Katrina, he said of Johnson on NBCs Meet The Press. I went with a congressional delegation a year later to see how the recovery was going and to raise issues about how slow it was, and how we needed to bring more urgency to it. I never even thought for a moment, Okay, this is a red state. Maybe we shouldnt provide aid, or maybe we should tie it to some unrelated policy objective.

Even if it were the only way to get aid for his state, Schiff said, he would not agree to any kind of tradeoff: I am not going to go down the road, for the first time ever, of conditioning aid to Americans who are hurting with unrelated policy matters. Were just not going to go there. He also told host Kristen Welker that his state has given more to the recovery of other states than any other state in the union.

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That stands to reason since California is the fifth-largest economy in the world (as of July) and the largest donor state to the federal government. In 2022, the most recent tax year analyzed by the Rockefeller Institute, it paid $83.1 billion more to the federal treasury than it received. Without the COVID aid it received that year along with every other state, its donation to the rest of the country would have been over $126.5 billion.1

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California is an easy target, but its far more than that. It would be comparable to Canada if it were its own country, and that is not as far-fetched as it seems. A poll released January 19, as Trump was about to take office, showed 61 percent of Californians favor a peaceful Calexit and 77 percent said California should control its state borders more like a country. A few days later, as Trump was about to visit, the California secretary of state cleared a petition drive to get a secession proposal onto the 2028 ballot.

Trump wants to be the president who annexed Greenland and Canada, not the one who lost California. If theres a lesson here, it may be make love, not war, and stop referring to the governor as Gavin Newscum. Trump has a country. The question is whether he can keep it.

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1

Correction (January 31, 2025, 11:00 a.m. ET): As originally published, this sentence gave the figures for Californias balance of payments with the federal government as $83.1 million and $126.5 million instead of billions.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Exactly one week after a deadly shooting at Antioch High School, another Metro school was sent into lockdown.

After officers arrived, they realized it was yet another hoax shooting call.

Unfortunately, it gave them a roadmap of something to do, explained Judge Sheila Calloway, who resides over the Davidson County Juvenile Court.

Middle TN school districts navigate uptick in reported threats following deadly Antioch High School shooting

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In the week since the shooting, the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) has arrested nearly a dozen teens across Nashville. All of them were accused of threatening violence against a school.

I dont think we were seeing any at beginning of the year until the Antioch incident, Calloway told News 2. And now, the numbers have skyrocketed. It is extremely unnerving.

One of the latest incidents happened at McGavock High School Wednesday afternoon after the MNPD received a prank call warning of a gun inside the school.

One of the first threats made after the Antioch High School shooting came from an 11th grader at Knowledge Academy after a student became upset when his backpack was taken. He then told staff if his headphones were missing from his bag, there would be an Antioch Part two.

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For me, the most concerning part is these youth just dont understand the gravity and the severity of what theyre doing, Calloway said. They dont understand how it emotionally affects everybody in our community. The school shootings have been a constant and theyve been growing, and they are unnerving.

News 2 sat down with Calloway because each one of these cases goes before the Juvenile Court. She said whats most concerning is the use of online technology. Calloway said almost half of the threats made so far this year have taken place on social media.

Parents need to make sure they are supervising their social media accounts [and] that they are making sure that they are not receiving things that could be considered a threat, and making sure theyre not sending things that could be a threat. Calloway said.

For some of these young people, its their first encounter with the court system. Even though many of these teens claim their threats were jokes, theyre no laughing matter in Calloways court.

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Antioch High School Shooting | Continuing Coverage

We had so many parents here the other day for youth who had never been in the system before  never seen a juvenile court building before  and they shouldnt have to be here, Calloway said.

School threats have been an increasing problem in Tennessee. City leaders like Judge Calloway have looked for ways to remind youth that they could face charges for making threats, whether jokes or not.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) A work-from-home job opportunity is being sent to people across multiple states offering a package inspector position.

Kathryn Mobley, CEO of Better Business Bureau of Acadiana, said scammers are operating under the business names Prime Path and Prime Pack Logistics.

They send employees a package, then ask the employees to inspect it, repackage it and ship it. They are also asking employees to pay for the shipping with their own money, giving them the impression that theyll be reimbursed.

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So, they use their own money. They pay for the shipping, Mobley said. They have them send all their information, Social Security card, photo ID, and then they never get paid.

Not only do the remote employees not get paid, but their money is stolen through the hiring process or the shipping reimbursement process.

The thieves are using their credit cards to set the employee up and taking their information that way, Mobley said. So, youre probably getting taken advantage of in multiple ways.

Look out for a text message with the remote job offer.

Someones going to send you a text out of the blue and tell you that you can work remote and repackage things, Mobley said. Thats not usually how HR works. Thats not how they operate.

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Here are some tips when searching for a work-from-home jobs:

Research the business. Check its BBB Business Profile at BBB.org.

Speak to employees. Ask to speak to employees who have done similar work for the company.

Request a detailed description of exactly what the job entails. If it doesnt make sense, avoid it.

Ask for the location of corporate headquarters. Google its location to see if its legitimate.

Be careful when sending sensitive 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 KLFY.com.
An Indiana bill on the move seeks to return a statewide letter grade system used to evaluate school performance. (Getty Images)

After a multi-year hiatus, A-F grades are likely to be used again to measure the quality of Indianas schools.

The return to a statewide letter grade system is outlined in Republican Rep. Bob Behnings House Bill 1498, which unanimously passed out of the House Education Committee on Wednesday. The bill now heads to the full chamber for further review.

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Behnings proposal would strip back much of the previous accountability framework and task Indianas State Board of Education (SBOE) with building a new A-F rule  that looks beyond just academic performance and graduation rates  by the end of 2025.

Rep. Bob Behning, R-Indianapolis (Photo courtesy Indiana House Republicans)

If approved, that means a new round of grades would be assigned to Hoosier schools around the start of the 2026-27 academic year.

School grades have been effectively suspended since 2018, when Indiana shifted from ISTEP to a new state standardized test and later grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Behning, who chairs the House Education Committee, said his bill seeks to put the state education boards recently unveiled accountability draft  or something like it  into action.

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We want to make sure that (the new model) is student centered, that it elevates the range not only of knowledge, but also of skill development and experiences that students need, depending on their unique goals, Indiana Secretary of Education Katie Jenner said Wednesday, also emphasizing the need for a model that provides actionable feedback.

Thats what accountability should be. It should never be a gotcha system, she continued. This should really provide actionable feedback for our schools, and our teachers, and parents, and families, so that we can make sure were doing everything we can for kids.

An updated grading system

Indianas current grading system measures schools in just two groups. Elementary and middle schools (grades 3-8) are evaluated only by students academic performance and growth on the statewide ILEARN exam. High schools (grades 9-12) are judged by SAT scores, graduation rates and college and career readiness benchmarks.

Jenner described the state boards intention to add IREAD scores, as well as rates for literacy, student attendance and chronic absenteeism to the third grade rubric. Students proficiency in ELA and math, plus attendance data and amounts of advanced coursework taken would additionally be considered for those in grades 4-8.

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The education secretary recommended other add-on criteria for assessing students in grade 10 and onward that would be paired with the states new diploma model, like attainment of new diploma seals and work-based learning credentials.

If you look at the future potential model, what we know in education is there are certain grade levels and points in time that really, really matter for us to understand where a child is, Jenner said.

Story continues below.

NEW-JANUARY-2025-SBOE-DECK

Included in the bill are specific guidelines for measuring school performance.

Although the state board is responsible for hammering out the particulars, the bill does require the new systems methodology to be based on data from the state education departments existing GPS dashboard and proficiency rates from state assessments; prioritize students earning new diploma seals; and include a high school on-track to graduate indicator.

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The latest draft of the bill further stipulates that standardized test performance should be the primary means of assessing students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Jenner said high schools would not necessarily be graded in the same way, because were leaning into the diploma seals and some other options there.

The board is otherwise allowed to add other relevant factors at its discretion, according to the legislation.

The letter-grade system for Indiana schools rolled out in 2011, replacing descriptive ratings like exemplary and academic watch. State officials updated the formula again in 2014 to prioritize students academic progress, rather than examining how their test score gains compared to their peers. The grades were previously used as a basis for the state to take over underperforming public schools. Indiana lawmakers abolished such takeovers in 2021.

Letter grades, or something else?

Still, Indianapolis Democrat Rep. Ed DeLaney pushed for a model that abandons A-F altogether and instead adopts an alternative system with only two ratings: schools that need intervention, and schools that dont.

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He called the current grading system a form of advertising that can be very negative for some schools, and a very positive source of bragging for others.

Rep. Ed DeLaney, D-Indianapolis (Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

I want the letter grades gone. I believe they are destructive, and theyre not useful, DeLaney said. I dont see the value of telling somebody in Carmel that your schools a B school and the one down the street is an A. I just dont see the value at all. I think whats important is to tell them how the kids in that school are doing.

DeLaneys proposed amendment failed in committee along party lines, but Behning said the suggestion to go beyond a single A-F grade is something that I would entertain as the legislative process continues.

John Elcesser, executive director of the Indiana Non-Public Education Association, additionally held that a new accountability structure should provide a fuller look at how schools are performing, overall  which might require a departure from the A-F system used previously.

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He told the House committee his group is neutral on the bill because I still think were pretty far from a finished product  and I dont know exactly where were going to end up.

Ive never been a proponent of a single letter grade. Just as students arent a single letter grade, neither are schools, Elcesser said. I think for the sake of simplicity, we go with a single letter grade, but sometimes we lose out on the accuracy of really reflecting the full school.

Behning pushed back, however.

I would reflect that you are probably right; your son or child is not one letter grade, but they do have a GPA, the representative told Elcesser during public testimony.

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Just as students aren't a single letter grade, neither are schools.

 John Elcesser, executive director of the Indiana Non-Public Education Association

Joel Hand with the Indiana Coalition for Public Education and the American Federation of Teachers of Indiana also took issue with the A-F system and preferred a model like the one DeLaney proposed.

I think our big concerns, really, are making sure that we are reflecting scores that are accurate, not just based upon socioeconomic status, Hand said. What we see time and again when were labeling schools as D schools or F schools  those children typically have not had sufficient access to quality pre-kindergarten programs. They have not had access to the types of learning environments and opportunities that children from more affluent homes might receive. We would like for there to be multiple different standards by which students are going to be judged.

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Multiple other education groups spoke in favor of the bill, as did a handful of parents, most of whom cited desires for a more robust system for accessing information about schools.

We need to restart the process. We want to hold schools accountable.  Our school systems exist for one reason, and thats to elevate student achievement outcomes, said Terry Spradlin, executive director of the Indiana School Boards Association. I know great things are happening in our public school classrooms every day, and I know that our schools will perform well once we have a target for which to aim.

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The Federal Aviation Administrations leader stepped down on Jan. 20, months after Elon Musk demanded that he quit.

The move by Michael Whitaker means the FAA has no Senate-confirmed leader for one of the biggest crises in its history because he quit before Donald Trump took office.

Whitaker ran the FAA for just a year but announced in December that he would step down on Jan. 20, as the new president was sworn in.

Ex-FAA administrator Mike Whitaker had consistently come under fire from Elon Musk and quit before Donald Trump took office. / SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images

Nobody has taken his place. Last week, specialist aviation site The Air Current reported that industry veteran Chris Rocheleau had been sworn in as deputy FAA administrator, which would put him in acting charge of the agency. The Wall Street Journal had first reported that he would become deputy.

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Whitakers departure came after he clashed with Musk, who is now in charge not just of SpaceX but of the new Department of Government Efficiency.

In September Whitaker had proposed fines of more than $600,000 for SpaceX, prompting Musk to demand his resignation and promise to sue.

He needs to resign https://t.co/pG8htfTYHb  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 25, 2024

Whitaker, Space.com reported in September, told a congressional committee that the fines were the only tool we have to get compliance on safety matters.

But Musk had kept up the attacks on X, at a time when he was campaigning at Trumps side. On Sept. 17 he accused Whitakers agency of harassment, posting, The FAA space division is harassing SpaceX about nonsense that doesnt affect safety while giving a free pass to Boeing even after NASA concluded that their spacecraft was not safe enough to bring back the astronauts.

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And in a reply to a tweet by an Australian YouTuber who posts videos about space and who has said the FAA should not exist, Musk accused Whitaker of standing in the way of his vision of putting human life on Mars.

The fundamental problem is that humanity will forever be confined to Earth unless there is radical reform at the FAA! he tweeted at Marcus House.

Whitaker had offered no insight into why he decided to leave the post before the end of his five-year term in 2028.

The United States is the safest and most complex airspace in the world, and that is because of your commitment to the safety of the flying public, Whitaker wrote in an email sent to staff at the FAA when he quit in December. He called his time at the federal agency the best and most challenging job of my career.

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FAA administrators typically serve a five-year term, but an administrator stepping down before the end of that term is not unheard of. Stephen Dickson, Whitakers Trump-appointed predecessor, resigned in 2022just under three years after taking office in 2019.

The troubled agency has long struggled to have proper leadership. Whitaker was confirmed 98-0 by senators in October 2023, after a stand-off between Republicans and the White House over Joe Bidens first pick, Joe Washington.

Acting boss Rocheleau now faces a massive crisis for the FAA. Its air traffic controllers are responsible for the safe movement of civilian aircraft and will be investigated to understand how a UH-60 Army Black Hawk could fly into an American Airlines regional jet which was about to land on one of the countrys busiest runways.

The FAA had already been wrestling with persistent shortages of air traffic controllers. And this week, air traffic controllers were included in the Trump administrations offer of buyouts to all federal workers.

The investigation into the crash will be led by the independent National Transportation Safety Board, which is chaired by Jennifer Homendy. She has also clashed with Musk, over the safety of self-driving software in his Tesla cars.
The Federal Aviation Administration said a passenger jet and a Blackhawk helicopter collided midair as the plane was on the approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport just outside of Washington, D.C., on Wednesday evening.

Sixty-four passengers and crew were on board the passenger jet and three people were onboard the Blackhawk U.S. Army helicopter, according to city and federal officials who spoke at a press conference several hours after the crash.

During a later press conference on Thursday morning, D.C. Fire Chief John Donnelly said that all passengers and crew members are believed to be dead.

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At this point, we dont believe there are any survivors from this accident, he said, noting that rescue crews have recovered 27 bodies from the plane and one body from the helicopter, per The Washington Post.

President Donald Trump is expected to speak on the incident at 9 a.m. MST on Thursday.

Plane crash updates

The FAA released a statement Wednesday that said, A PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport around 9 p.m. local time. PSA was operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines. It departed from Wichita, Kansas. The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation.

Emergency crews from Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland responded to try to rescue and recover passengers from the Potomac River, according to officials and the Washington, D.C., police department.

Search and rescue efforts are seen around a wreckage site in the Potomac River from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, early Thursday morning, Jan. 30, 2025, in Arlington, Va. | Carolyn Kaster

The FAA closed runways at the airport after the incident.

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Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport will reopen at 9 a.m. MST on Thursday.

Newly-sworn in Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy was at FAA headquarters monitoring the situation on Wednesday night, and then joined other officials at a press conference.

Trump released a statement late Wednesday that said, I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.

A video reportedly taken near the Kennedy Center appeared to show the two aircraft colliding midair.

Webcam at the Kennedy Center caught an explosion mid-air across the Potomac. https://t.co/v75sxitpH6 pic.twitter.com/HInYdhBYs5  Alejandro Alvarez (@aletweetsnews) January 30, 2025

Both U.S. senators from Kansas posted on X that they had heard a passenger flight from Kansas was affected.

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Learning that a plane inbound from Kansas was involved in a crash at DCA. I am in contact with authorities.Please join me in praying for all involved, wrote Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran.

Ive seen the reports of a collision with a D.C. helicopter and an inbound flight from Wichita, KS. We are in contact with authorities working to get answers. We ask you to join us in prayer for every single passenger and their families, Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall said.

Recordings from an air traffic control tower captured the moments after a commercial plane and a military helicopter collided near Reagan National Airport in the Washington, D.C. area.



Follow live updates here: https://t.co/nfyjo8idQ9 pic.twitter.com/9WIkBZV5y8  The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) January 30, 2025

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The senators also appeared at the press conference, where they expressed sympathy for the family members of the people aboard the passenger jet.

Officials have since announced that plane crash victims include competitive figure skaters who had been in Wichita, Kansas, for the 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships.

About 20 of the passengers were competitive figure skaters or coaches, numbering around one-third of those on board, The Washington Post reported.

Search and rescue efforts are seen around a wreckage site in the Potomac River from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, early Thursday morning, Jan. 30, 2025, in Arlington, Va. | Carolyn Kaster

Search and rescue efforts are seen around a wreckage site in the Potomac River from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, early Thursday morning, Jan. 30, 2025, in Arlington, Va. | Mark Schiefelbein

Emergency response units assess airplane wreckage in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Jan. 30, 2025, in Arlington, Va. An American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kan., collided with a helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. | Andrew Harnik

Boats work the scene of an aircraft collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, in Arlington, Va. | Alex Brandon

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Emergency personnel are seen across the Potomac River from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in Arlington, Va. | Alex Brandon

Emergency vehicles stage at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Wednesday night, Jan. 29, 2025, in Arlington, Va. The U.S. Capitol is seen across the Potomac River in Washington. | Kevin Wolf

People walk through the virtually empty Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in Arlington, Va. | Julio Cortez

Signs display an "Emergency Alert" above an American Airlines counter in the terminal at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Wednesday night, Jan. 29, 2025, in Arlington, Va. A jet with 60 passengers and four crew members aboard collided with an Army helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, prompting a large search-and-rescue operation in the nearby Potomac River. | Jeannie Ohm

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A member of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) stands by a door at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in Arlington, Va. | Julio Cortez

First responders are seen at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in a view from Hains Point in Washington. | Mark Schiefelbein

Rescue boats work the scene on the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in Arlington, Va. | Alex Brandon

Departure signs display an "Emergency Alert" in the terminal at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Wednesday night, Jan. 29, 2025, in Arlington, Va. A jet with 60 passengers and four crew members aboard collided with an Army helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, prompting a large search-and-rescue operation in the nearby Potomac River. | Jeannie Ohm

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Emergency equipment stages at Gravelly Point, north of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, along the Potomac River, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in Arlington, Va. | Mark Schiefelbein

Emergency equipment stages at Gravelly Point, north of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, along the Potomac River, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in Arlington, Va. | Mark Schiefelbein

A view of emergency response looking from Arlington, Va., south of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, across the Potomac River toward the District of Columbia, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. | Alex Brandon

First responders are seen at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in Arlington, Va. | Julio Cortez

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Claim:

Former U.S. President Barack Obama was on the military helicopter that crashed into an American Airlines passenger jet in January 2025.

Rating:

Rating: False

On Jan. 29, 2025, an army helicopter collided with an American Airlines passenger jet near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport near Washington, D.C. The jet, which was flying from Wichita, Kansas, carried 64 people, while the helicopter had three people on board. All were believed dead.

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A viral rumor (archived) about the crash claimed that former U.S. President Barack Obama was on the military helicopter. Numerous posts on Facebook (archived) and X said a VIP on the Blackhawk helicopter was none other than the former president.

(Image via Facebook)

The above claims are false. Official statements have confirmed the three individuals in the helicopter were soldiers. Furthermore, had Obama indeed been on the flight, it would have made major headline news.

Obama himself issued a statement (archived) on his X account, expressing sadness over the crash, proving that he was not in the helicopter:

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Our hearts break for the families who lost loved ones in the tragic plane and helicopter crash at DCA. Michelle and I send our prayers and condolences to everyone who is mourning today, and we're grateful to the first responders who are doing everything they can to help under extremely difficult circumstances.

Our hearts break for the families who lost loved ones in the tragic plane and helicopter crash at DCA. Michelle and I send our prayers and condolences to everyone who is mourning today, and were grateful to the first responders who are doing everything they can to help under  Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 30, 2025

According to officials briefing the news media on the morning of Jan. 30, they believed no one survived the crash from either the airplane or the helicopter. Washington D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said operations were shifting from search-and-rescue to recovery efforts.

"At this point, we don't believe there are any survivors from this accident, and we have recovered 27 people from the plane and one from the helicopter," he said.

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Pete Hegseth, the newly confirmed U.S. secretary of defense, also issued a statement from his office, "It's a tragedy, a horrible loss of life for those 64 souls on that civilian airliner, and of course the three soldiers in that Black Hawk [helicopter]."

He added that the helicopter was on an "annual proficiency training flight," but the agency would not release the names of the soldiers as their families had not been notified yet.

Update on Guantanamo Bay Operations and @SecDef Hegseth Addresses Tragic Mishap Involving US Army Helicopter pic.twitter.com/80J5djB4oP  Department of Defense  (@DeptofDefense) January 30, 2025

Other passengers in the American Airlines flight included members of the U.S. Figure Skating world and two Russian former figure skaters.

Sources:

"D.C. Fire Chief John A. Donnelly: Don't Believe There Are Any Survivors at This Point." CNBC Television, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjJz32eGIq0." target="blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjJz32eGIq0.">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjJz32eGIq0. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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Irwin, Lauren. "Officials Say 'No Survivors' Expected after Crash at Reagan Washington National Airport." The Hill, 30 Jan. 2025, https://thehill.com/regulation/transportation/5115681-officials-no-survivors-dca-crash/." target="blank">https://thehill.com/regulation/transportation/5115681-officials-no-survivors-dca-crash/.">https://thehill.com/regulation/transportation/5115681-officials-no-survivors-dca-crash/. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Kasulis Cho, Kelly, et al. "What We Know about the Plane and Military Helicopter Crash in D.C." The Washington Post, 30 Jan. 2025, https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/01/30/dc-plane-crash-deaths-survivors-potomac-reagan-airport/." target="blank">https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/01/30/dc-plane-crash-deaths-survivors-potomac-reagan-airport/.">https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/01/30/dc-plane-crash-deaths-survivors-potomac-reagan-airport/. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Smith, Mitch, et al. "Live Updates: No Survivors After Plane and Helicopter Crash Near Washington, Officials Say." The New York Times, 30 Jan. 2025. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/01/29/us/plane-crash-washington-dc." target="blank">https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/01/29/us/plane-crash-washington-dc.">https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/01/29/us/plane-crash-washington-dc. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.


Claim:

Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk received a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025.

Rating:

Rating: True

A rumor circulating online in late January 2025 claimed tech entrepreneur Elon Musk received a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize.

For example, on Jan. 29, a user on the Musk-owned social media platform X posted (archived), "BREAKING: Elon Musk nominated for Nobel Peace Prize." Another user also claimed (archived), "Elon Musk has been nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his efforts to protect free speech." Neither post featured any further information or links to news media outlets.

The rumor that someone nominated Musk for the Nobel Peace Prize was true. Branko Grims, a Slovenian member of the European Parliament, confirmed his nomination of Musk in Jan. 29 post on X (archived). The European Parliament website listed Grims as a member of the conservative Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats). Politico.eu previously reported Musk received a nomination for the 2024 prize, as part of a field of 286 candidates.

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Gasper Pecar, a spokesperson for MEP Branko Grims' Cabinet, told Snopes by email, "We are confirming that the proposer MEP Branko Grims together with the co-signatories (Members of the EU Parliament, Members of national assemblies, University professors) submitted a joint proposal for nomination of Mr. Elon Musk for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize." The message did not reveal the names of the co-signatories.

Erik Aasheim, the head of media and communications for the Norwegian Nobel Institute, clarified the Nobel Committee "does not itself announce the names of nominees, neither to the media nor to the candidates themselves."

In this article, we document Grims' stated reasoning behind his nomination of Musk, as well as provide information about the number of nominees the Nobel Prize organization receives each year.

Grims' Nomination Announcement

Grims' X post announcing his nomination of Musk featured a screenshot of an email confirmation from the Nobel Prize organization. His post read, "The proposal that Mr. Elon Musk, for his consistent support for the fundamental human right of freedom of speech and thus for peace, receives the Nobel Peace Prize 2025, was successfully submitted today. Sincere thanks to all the co-proposers and everyone who helped with this challenging project!"

The proposal that Mr. Elon Musk, for his consistent support for the fundamental human right of freedom of speech and thus for peace, receives the Nobel Peace Prize 2025, was successfully submitted today. Sincere thanks to all the co-proposers and everyone who helped with this pic.twitter.com/QdI4fnbzdU  Branko Grims (@BrankoGrimsX1) January 29, 2025

Grims' nomination of Musk occurred in the days following the second inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump, who on Jan. 20, his first day back in the White House, signed an executive order establishing the Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency. Musk donated $200 million to Trump's campaign, according to The Associated Press. (Months earlier, he posted (archived) on X, "Just to be super clear, I am not donating money to either candidate for U.S. President.")

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In late December 2024, Grims said during an interview with the Brussels Signal news media outlet, "I propose that Elon Musk receives the Nobel Peace Prize for the next year because he did much more for the freedom of speech, which is a basic human right, much more than anybody else in the third millennium." He also cited Musk's purported crusade against censorship, and said Musk's takeover of Twitter (now the misinformation-filled X) and Trump's reelection stood as "the best of what [could have] happened for Western civilization in the last few years." He also posted (archived) his proposal for Musk's nomination earlier that month.

As of this writing, we had not yet uncovered information about other qualified nominators who may have also submitted Musk's name to the Nobel Prize organization.

The Nobel Peace Prize Nomination Process

The Nobel Prize organization's website provides clarifying information on its nomination, consideration and award process. It also provides perspective and context regarding the field of candidates.

"A nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize may be submitted by any person who meets the nomination criteria," the page reads, adding that "names of the nominees and other information about the nominations cannot be revealed until 50 years later." Aasheim noted the 50-year rule in his email to us, as well.

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In 2024, the Norwegian Nobel Institute registered 286 candidates for that year's Nobel Peace Prize  197 individuals and 89 organizations. The year 2016 saw the highest number of nominations ever received, with 376 candidates.

The Nobel Prize organization listed several types of "qualified nominators" deemed as acceptable persons to submit nominations. Examples include members of national assemblies and national governments of sovereign states as well as current heads of state, people associated with the Norwegian Nobel Committee, specific categories of university professors and past award recipients, among others.

The annual deadline for nomination submissions falls on Jan. 31. In February and March, the Norwegian Nobel Committee "assesses the candidates' work and prepares a short list." After "adviser review" from March through August, in October the committee chooses Nobel Peace Prize laureates through a majority vote, then announces the names in the same month. An award ceremony follows in December.

Sources:

"Assistants | Branko GRIMS | MEPs." European Parliament, https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meps/en/220908/BRANKO_GRIMS/assistants.

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Beaumont, Thomas. "Elon Musk's Prominence during Inauguration Ceremonies Stamps Tech Titan's Place in Trump's Orbit." The Associated Press, 20 Jan. 2025, https://apnews.com/article/trump-inauguration-elon-musk-mars-tech-billionaires-70ad9d5f854fce40f44cdabbd8084734.

Collier, Kevin. "Elon Musk Says He Isn't Donating to the Trump or Biden Campaigns." NBC News, 6 Mar. 2024, https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/elon-musk-trump-biden-campaign-president-support-rcna142052.

"'Elon Musk Should Be Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize' In Interview: Slovenian MEP Branko Grims." YouTube, Brussels Signal, 30 Dec. 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b20f1HT89cw.

"European People's Party (EPP)." Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/topic/European-Peoples-Party.

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"Nomination and Selection of Nobel Peace Prize Laureates." Nobel Prize Organization, https://www.nobelprize.org/nomination/peace/.

Roussi, Antoaneta. "Musk and Assange Follow Putin, Trump and Stalin as Nobel Peace Prize Nominees." Politico.eu, 20 Feb. 2024, https://www.politico.eu/article/musk-assange-join-putin-trump-stalin-nobel-peace-prize-nominees/.

Singh, Kanishka, and Sheila Dang. "Musk and X Are Epicenter of US Election Misinformation, Experts Say." Reuters, 5 Nov. 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/wrong-claims-by-musk-us-election-got-2-billion-views-x-2024-report-says-2024-11-04/.

Updates:

Jan. 30, 2025: We update this story to add a statement from a spokesperson for Grims' Cabinet.

Jan. 31, 2025: We updated this report to add remarks from Erik Aasheim, the head of media and communications for the Norwegian Nobel Institute.
(Reuters) -An American Airlines regional passenger jet was involved in a mid-air collision on Wednesday night with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan Washington National Airport, officials said.

Senator Ted Cruz of Texas said on social media that "we know there are fatalities," though he did not say how many.

These are the last 11 deadly airline crashes to occur in the U.S., according to data from the U.S. National Transportation Board and the Flight Safety Foundation's Aviation Safety Network:

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2013

An Asiana Airlines plane crashed at San Francisco's international airport, killing three people and injuring more than 180.

2009

A Colgan Air turboprop crashed on approach to landing in Buffalo, New York, killing all 49 people on board and one person on the ground.

2006

A Comair regional jet overran the runway when taking off from Lexington, Kentucky, and crashed, killing 49 of the 50 people on board.

2005

A Chalk's Ocean Airways turboprop crashed after takeoff from Miami, Florida, killing all 20 people on board.

2004

A Corporate Airlines turboprop crashed on approach to landing in Kirksville, Missouri, killing 13 of the 15 people on board.

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2003

A US Airways Express turboprop crashed after takeoff from Charlotte, North Carolina, killing all 21 people on board.

NOVEMBER 2001

In November, an American Airlines jet crashed after departing from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, killing all 260 people on board and five people on the ground.

SEPT. 11, 2001

A hijacked American Airlines jet departed from Boston and crashed into the World Trade Center building in New York, killing all 92 people on board. Around 1,600 people also died on the ground.

A hijacked United Airlines jet that departed from Boston also crashed into the World Trade Center, killing all 65 people on board. About 900 people were killed on the ground.

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A hijacked American Airlines jet that departed from Washington-Dulles International Airport crashed into the Pentagon, killing all 64 people on board. Around 125 people died on the ground.

A hijacked United Airlines jet that departed from Newark, New Jersey, crashed into a field in Pennsylvania, killing all 44 people on board.

(Compiled by Jamie Freed; Editing by Lincoln Feast and Daniel Wallis )
By Tim Reid

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Donald Trump has signed a series of executive orders and taken other actions since his inauguration on January 20 to remake and reduce the size of the United States' 2.2 million-strong federal workforce.

The moves include offering buyouts to most government workers, dismissing or reassigning hundreds of officials, removing agency watchdogs, and issuing an order that could make it easier to fire thousands of civil servants. He has appointed the world's richest person, Elon Musk, as a "special government employee" to oversee a drastic overhaul of the federal workforce.

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Here are some of the actions Trump and his Republican administration have taken so far.

BUYOUT OFFERS

The Trump administration has offered buyouts to 2.3 million civilian full-time federal workers, including the entire workforce of the Central Intelligence Agency and other intelligence agencies.

The "deferred resignation program" affecting the civilian workers would allow federal employees to remain on the payroll through September 30 but without having to work in person and possibly having their duties reduced or eliminated in the meantime, according to an email sent to federal employees.

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A U.S. judge on February 6 temporarily blocked the proposed buyout for federal workers until at least February 10, giving an initial win to labor unions who have sued to stop it.

FUNDING FREEZE

The Trump administration issued a memo pausing potentially trillions of dollars in federal aid, sowing chaos throughout the government and stirring fears that it would disrupt thousands of federal grant programs that serve tens of millions of Americans.

A federal judge temporarily halted the directive, and then extended that pause, after several advocacy groups argued the freeze would devastate programs ranging from health care to road construction.

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The Trump administration faces another legal challenge from Democratic state attorneys general. In a separate lawsuit, they argue that the freeze violates the U.S. Constitution and would have a devastating effect on states that rely on federal aid for a substantial portion of their budgets.

GOVERNMENT WATCHDOGS

Trump has fired 17 inspectors general at multiple government agencies, a move that clears the way to replace independent watchdogs with loyalists.

The inspectors general at agencies including the departments of State, Defense and Transportation were notified by emails from the White House personnel director that they had been terminated immediately.

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The dismissals appeared to violate federal law because the U.S. Congress was not given a 30-day notice or a reason for the firings, the independent Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency said in a letter to the White House.

CUTTING THE SIZE OF THE FEDERAL WORKFORCE

Trump ordered federal workers back to the office full-time and agencies to take steps to halt remote work arrangements.

He issued a freeze on federal hiring, except for military, immigration enforcement, national security and public safety jobs.

He reinstated his first-term Schedule F executive order, which would strip potentially hundreds of thousands of government workers of employment protections and make them easier to fire.

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In a memo from the acting director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, agency heads were asked to identify employees on probationary periods, or who have served less than two years. Such employees are easier to fire.

CHANGING THE MISSION AT KEY AGENCIES

About 20 senior career attorneys at the Justice Department, including environmental, criminal, national security, civil rights lawyers, and some immigration court staff, have been reassigned.

Some of those have been sent to a newly created Sanctuary Cities Enforcement Working Group, as Trump tries to stop state and city government officials from resisting his plans to crack down on illegal immigration.

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The administration also launched an additional round of cuts at the Justice Department that appeared to focus on FBI agents and others who worked on cases related to the January 6, 2021, attack by Trumps supporters on the U.S. Capitol.

The Justice Department has also ordered prosecutors to consider pursuing criminal cases against state and local officials who refuse to cooperate with federal immigration agents.

The department also issued a freeze on new civil rights litigation.

The Trump administration has halted all pending environmental litigation, according to two sources familiar with the matter and a pair of memos seen by Reuters.

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REVIEW OF FEMA

Trump has ordered a review of the Federal Emergency Management Agency as he considers whether to close or reshape the country's lead federal disaster response agency.

Trump has accused FEMA of bungling emergency relief efforts and said he preferred that states be given federal money to handle disasters themselves. Democrats and other critics say he is politicizing disaster relief aid.

FIRINGS

Trump says he plans to fire over 1,000 officials appointed by his Democratic predecessor Joe Biden.

On his first full day in office the heads of the U.S. Coast Guard and Transportation Security Administration were fired along with other officials.

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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 (DEI) policies.

Trump fired two Democratic officials at the National Labor Relations Board, a major shakeup that will bring hundreds of cases accusing companies of unlawful labor practices to a standstill and paves the way for Republican control of the agency.

He also fired at least two Democratic members of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which enforces federal laws banning workplace discrimination, as well as the head of the top U.S. watchdog agency for consumer finance.

At the White House National Security Council, 160 staff members have been sent home.

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GOVERNMENT DIVERSITY PROGRAMS

Trump signed an order calling for the elimination of government diversity programs. That includes the ending of all federal offices and jobs related to DEI.

In a memo released on January 21 the Trump administration said all federal DEI office staff would be placed on paid leave by 5 p.m. the following day, because their offices were being closed.

The order directs the administration to review which federal contractors have provided DEI training materials to government agencies and revokes the Equal Employment Opportunity order signed in 1965 by then-President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Trump directed agencies to stop using gender identity or preferred pronouns.

Federal workers have been told to report colleagues who may seek to continue DEI programs.

DIRECTION CHANGE AT PENTAGON

Trump has signed orders to remove DEI directives from the military, reinstate thousands of troops who were kicked out for refusing COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic, and take aim at transgender troops.

One of the executive orders signed by Trump said that expressing a "gender identity" different from an individual's sex at birth did not meet military standards. Transgender rights groups have filed a lawsuit against the order.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has promised to bring major changes to the Pentagon. Reuters has previously reported about the possibility of mass firing among top brass, something Hegseth repeatedly refused to rule out during his confirmation hearings.

OVERHAULING USAID

The Trump administration announced that it is going to put on leave all directly hired employees of the U.S. Agency for International Development globally and recall thousands of personnel working overseas.

USAID is Washington's primary humanitarian agency and distributes billions of dollars worth of aid abroad. The overhaul comes as Trump moves to merge USAID with the State Department and effectively dismantle the agency as an independent entity.

(Reporting by Tim Reid in Washington; Additional reporting by Helen Coster in New York; Editing by Ross Colvin, David Gregorio and Matthew Lewis)
(Reuters) -An American Airlines regional passenger jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter crashed into the frigid Potomac River after a midair collision near Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night, officials said.

Below are the details of the aircraft involved:

UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter

The Skikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk is one of the most ubiquitous and iconic military helicopters, filling multiple roles for the U.S. military, including air assault, general support, medevac, command and control, and special operations support.

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The aircraft involved in the Jan. 29 crash was flying with the call sign PAT25 and had three occupants, according to the Aviation Safety Network, a public database of aviation accidents.

More than 5,000 Black Hawks have been built since production began in the mid-1970s.

Bombardier CRJ700

The Bombardier CRJ700, which can seat about 70 people, is a workhorse of regional commercial aviation. There are about 260 of the aircraft in service, according to Cirium, an aviation data company.

The plane in the Jan. 29 crash was registered N530EA and manufactured in 2010, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. There were 60 passengers and four crew members onboard, American Airlines said. The jet was registered to American Airlines but operated by its wholly owned subsidiary, PSA Airlines.

Bombardier sold the CRJ700 program to a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries subsidiary in 2019. Production of new aircraft ceased in 2020.

(Reporting by Dan Catchpole and Joe Brock. Editing by Gerry doyle)
During Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s confirmation hearings to become America's top health official in January 2025, Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado questioned Kennedy about a comment he supposedly made about COVID-19. According to Bennet, Kennedy once suggested the virus was a "genetically engineered bioweapon that [targeted] Black and white people but spared Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people."

In response, Kennedy rejected the claim, stating, "I didn't say it was deliberately targeted. I just quoted an NIH-funded and NIH-published study."

Social media users also discussed the alleged statement during the hearings, with one X post (archived) claiming "an actual NIH study was cited by Mr Kennedy that showed that COVID 19 did, indeed, seem to spare Chinese and Ashkenazi Jews."

@SenatorBennet

Your lecturing and not allowing RFK Jr to even answer the question just shows your ignorance of the Science.

An actual NIH study was cited by Mr Kennedy that showed that COVID 19 did, indeed, seem to spare Chinese and Ashkenazi Jews..

Your ignorance is ASTOUNDING pic.twitter.com/mwh8Itl7m7  Bama_Jeans (@bamajayt) January 29, 2025

The accusations deserved context in terms of what Kennedy actually said and the in-question study concluded.

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The claim, which has circulated for months, stemmed from genuine comments Kennedy made during a July 2023 event. There, he said: "There is an argument that [COVID-19] is ethnically targeted. COVID-19 attacks certain races disproportionately." He added: "COVID-19 is targeted to attack Caucasians and Black people. The people who are most immune are Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese."

Meanwhile, the study referenced by Kennedy at the confirmation hearing indeed was published on the National Institutes of Health's website and listed the agency as a funder. Authors published it in 2020 with the title "New insights into genetic susceptibility of COVID-19: an ACE2 and TMPRSS2 polymorphism analysis."

However, as PolitiFact reported in July 2023, the study "did not conclude that Chinese people were less affected by the virus." Instead, it noted that one of the virus's receptors appeared absent in Amish and Ashkenazi Jewish populations and speculated that certain genetic mutations might increase the severity of COVID-19. Below, you can see the in-question part of the study (emphasis added).

Here, we investigated genetic susceptibility to COVID-19 by examining DNA polymorphisms in ACE2 (OMIM 300335) and TMPRSS2 (OMIM 602060) genes. [...] We found that the distribution of deleterious variants in ACE2 differs among 9 populations in gnomAD (v3). Specifically, 39% (24/61) and 54% (33/61) of deleterious variants in ACE2 occur in African/African-American (AFR) and Non-Finnish European (EUR) populations, respectively (Fig. 1b). Prevalence of deleterious variants among Latino/Admixed American (AMR), East Asian (EAS), Finnish (FIN), and South Asian (SAS) populations is 210%, while Amish (AMI) and Ashkenazi Jewish (ASJ) populations do not appear to carry such variants in ACE2 coding regions (Fig. 1b).

The study highlighted several limitations, noting that "current analysis examined massive genomic data from general population, not COVID-19 patient-specific populations. All genetic associations identified in current study are urgently needed to be tested in COVID-19 patients in the near future."

Here's What Kennedy Said

The quote by Kennedy appeared in a July 15, 2023, New York Post article originally headlined "RFK Jr. says COVID was 'ethnically targeted' to spare Jews." Here is a transcription of his remarks, as shared by the Post in a YouTube video (emphasis ours):

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And we need to talk about bioweapons. The level, I know a lot now about bioweapons because I've been doing a book on it for the past two and a half years. And you know what? The technology that we now have to develop these microbes, we've put hundreds of millions of dollars into ethnically targeted microbes. The Chinese have done the same thing. In fact, COVID-19, there is an argument that it is ethnically targeted. COVID-19 attacks certain races disproportionately. The races that are most immune to COVID-19 are because of the structure, of the genetic structure, of genetic differentials among different races, of the receptors, of the ACE2 receptor. COVID-19 is targeted to attack Caucasians and Black people. The people who are most immune are Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese. We don't know if it was deliberately targeted at or not, but there are papers out there that show, you know, the racial and ethnic differential and impact to that. We do know that the Chinese are spending hundreds of millions of dollars developing ethnic bioweapons and we are developing ethnic bioweapons. That's what all those labs in the Ukraine are about; they're collecting Russian DNA, they're collecting Chinese DNA so we can target people by race.

While Kennedy did not use the word "spare," his phrasing implied that some groups, including Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people, may have genetic factors making them less vulnerable to COVID-19. It is important to note that while some scientific research has explored variations in ACE2 receptor expression across populations, no credible evidence supports the idea that COVID-19 was engineered to target or bypass specific ethnic groups.

Also, in the quote, Kennedy himself acknowledged uncertainty, stating: "We don't know if it was deliberately targeted."

Furthermore, Kennedy accused both the U.S. and China of investing heavily in research on ethnically targeted bioweapons and referenced "labs in Ukraine" allegedly collecting DNA for this purpose. This is a contentious claim lacking verifiable evidence and aligns with long-standing conspiracy theories about alleged U.S. biolabs in Ukraine.

Widespread Criticism and RFK Jr.'s Response

The American Jewish Committee told CNN in a statement that Kennedy's "assertion that Covid was genetically engineered to spare Jewish and Chinese people is deeply offensive and incredibly dangerous." The Anti-Defamation League, a nongovernmental organization founded to combat antisemitism, also condemned Kennedy's remarks, as did his sister and the White House.

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In response to this criticism, and to the New York Post article in particular, Kennedy stated on July 15, 2023, shortly after the article was published: "I have never, ever suggested that the COVID-19 virus was targeted to spare Jews."

Below is the full text of Kennedy's statement posted on X:

The @nypost story is mistaken. I have never, ever suggested that the COVID-19 virus was targeted to spare Jews. I accurately pointed out  during an off-the-record conversation  that the U.S. and other governments are developing ethnically targeted bioweapons and that a 2021 study of the COVID-19 virus shows that COVID-19 appears to disproportionately affect certain races since the furin cleave docking site is most compatible with Blacks and Caucasians and least compatible with ethnic Chinese, Finns, and Ashkenazi Jews. In that sense, it serves as a kind of proof of concept for ethnically targeted bioweapons. I do not believe and never implied that the ethnic effect was deliberately engineered. That study is here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32664879/

Notably, the New York Post revised its headline later that day as follows (emphasis added): "RFK Jr. says COVID may have been 'ethnically targeted' to spare Jews."

The following day, Kennedy further addressed the controversy in a conversation with Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, during which he underscored his opposition to antisemitism and commitment to Jewish advocacy, calling the accusations "a disgusting fabrication."

The insinuation by @nypost and others that, as as result of my quoting a peer-reviewed paper on bio-weapons, I am somehow antisemitic, is a disgusting fabrication. I understand the emotional pain that these inaccurate distortions and fabrications have caused to many Jews who pic.twitter.com/QY4BSNuP4v  Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) July 16, 2023

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Kennedy also shared a question allegedly sent by the New York Post to his press office.

How devious are the MSM attack dogs? Here is the question @nypost @LevineJonathan asked my press office: What do you say to critics who might think saying coronavirus was a bioweapon made to kill white and black but spare Jews  might be antisemitic?  Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) July 16, 2023

In a press release, then-presidential candidate Kennedy denounced the accusation as "disgusting and outlandish." He stated: "It was [Jon Levine, the Post's reporter], not myself, who invoked anti-Semitic tropes by attributing words to me ('spare the Jews') that I never said."

In sum, due to the ambiguous nature of Kennedy's remarks, we have opted not to assign a specific rating to the claim that Kennedy said COVID-19 was created to spare Jewish and Chinese people. While he did not use the word "spare," one could fairly infer that his comments about "bioweapons" being designed to "target people by race" meant he was implying that COVID-19 could have been created to target some populations and not others.

Snopes has investigated similar claims regarding Kennedy in the past. For instance, we fact-checked whether he said he would send people addicted to legal and illegal drugs to "wellness farms" where they would grow organic food.

Sources:

- YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHyHQiKS3f0. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

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Evon, Dan. "Ukraine, US Biolabs, and an Ongoing Russian Disinformation Campaign." Snopes, 24 Feb. 2022, https://www.snopes.com//news/2022/02/24/us-biolabs-ukraine-russia/.

Hou, Yuan, et al. "New Insights into Genetic Susceptibility of COVID-19: An ACE2 and TMPRSS2 Polymorphism Analysis." BMC Medicine, vol. 18, no. 1, July 2020, p. 216. PubMed, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-020-01673-z.

Ibrahim, Nur. "RFK Jr. Proposed Sending People with Drug Problems to 'Wellness Farms'?" Snopes, 21 Nov. 2024, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/rfk-wellness-farms/.

July 16 and 2023. "RFK, Jr. Hits Back at New York Post Accusations." Kennedy24, https://www.mahanow.org/rfk_jr_hits_back_new_york_post_accusations. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

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Levine, Jon. Exclusive | RFK Jr. Says COVID Was "ethnically Targeted" to Spare Jews. 15 July 2023, https://nypost.com/2023/07/15/rfk-jr-says-covid-was-ethnically-targeted-to-spare-jews/.

Putterman, Samantha. "RFK Jr's Baseless Claim on COVID Sparing Jews, the Chinese." @politifact, https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2023/jul/19/robert-f-kennedy-jr/covid-19-wasnt-targeted-to-spare-jewish-and-chines/. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

Shelton, Lauren Koenig, Shania. "Jewish Groups Denounce RFK Jr.'s False Remarks That Covid-19 Was 'Ethnically Targeted' to Spare Jews and Chinese People | CNN Politics." CNN, 15 July 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/15/politics/rfk-jr-covid-jewish-groups/index.html.

White House Condemns RFK, Jr. COVID Comments as "Vile" | Video | C-SPAN.Org. https://beta.c-span.org/clip/white-house-event/white-house-condemns-rfk-jr-covid-comments-as-vile/5078104. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.
The family of reporter Dylan Lyons is suing Spectrum 13s parent company, Charter Communications, claiming the stations negligence caused his death.

Lyons was reporting on a murder in Orlandos Pine Hills neighborhood when investigators say Keith Moses shot Lyons and photojournalist Jesse Walden. Lyons was fatally shot. Walden survived.

The Lyons attorneys, Mark NeJame and Ryan Vescio tell 9 Investigates the station should have warned the crew about the dangers of going to the scene. They claim there was a conscious disregard for safety.

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Read: Mob mentality beatdown : Volusia Sheriff condemns party turned violent

The 13-page complaint claims the station knew or should have known that they sent Lyons to a location where a known deadly and active shooter remained at large and was likely a substantial risk to Lyons.

The attorneys say Lyons didnt have a choice to decide whether to go to the scene and report on the killing.

Read: Victim in 1984 Lake County cold case has been identified

When you sign a contract to be a journalist, you dont sign a contract for a death warrant. And thats what happened here, we believe, Mark NeJame told 9 Investigates. He argues journalists could be turned down for a promotion or face being demoted, fired, mocked for declining to report at a scene they deem as dangerous.

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NeJame and Vescio say journalists face an increased threat of violence.

Since 2017, at least 321 journalists, including Lyons, have been either shot or shot at, according to data from the Freedom of Press Foundation.

NeJame and Vescio argue the station should have provided proper safety training.

They also say the company should have provided adequate safety equipment or security like bullet proof vests or even security guards.

Read: Trump White House rescinds order freezing federal grants after widespread confusion

Those that say journalists sign up for this job, reporting on a crime at a crime scene is part of the job. What would you say to that?, Webb asked.

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Well, police officers sign up to go on crime scenes, but theyre given bulletproof vests. Lots of people sign up for occupations that could be dangerous, but their employers take basic steps to provide safety and security for them. Unfortunately, that doesnt occur in the media field, Vescio said.

NeJame and Vescio say there is a industry-wide problem with safety for broadcast journalists.

Its run, run, run to get that next story, to get that scoop, to get that headline, to beat the competitor. And when you trip over yourself like that and you forget that your reporters are real people, NeJame said.

Is the intent or the hope of this lawsuit to change the broadcast journalism industry?, Webb asked.

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I will share with you that our first goal is to take care of our clients, which is should always be a lawyers first goal, NeJame said. But beyond that, we hope that through doing this, other lives are saved. Other journalists can be saved.

NeJame told 9 Investigates he believes this type of lawsuit on safety is the first of its kind against a media company.

Charter, Spectrums parent company, sent a statement to 9 Investigates reading in part:

Dylans murder was an unforeseeable and horrible tragedy. We hope that Keith Moses, who has been charged, will soon be brought to justice for the murder of Dylan and the others that day. With regards to these specific allegations, Dylan was the victim of a senseless act of violence. The claims against Spectrum News are unfounded and we will seek to have them dismissed.

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NeJame also says the firm plans to file a lawsuit next week against Orange County Sheriffs Office in connection to the murder of Tyonna Major, the child investigators say Keith Moses killed minutes after shooting Lyons.

They claim the Sheriffs Office should have warned the community, particularly the mother of the child, that there was a shooter at large.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.




WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  Its been more than a year since Paoly Bedeski died in an apartment fire, with her death sparking an independent audit of emergency response systems in the City of Wichita and Sedgwick County.

On Wednesday, city and county leaders met together to review progress on implementing changes recommended by that third party.

City and county leaders are confident they have made meaningful changes to make sure an incident like the one that killed Paoly does not happen again. Her family has doubts.

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An independent audit of the events surrounding her death found systemic issues with emergency response to this incident. Regardless of the findings, her family is still left heartbroken.

In her familys house, everything is a reminder of Paoly.

Everything in here Paolys helped fix, said her father, Lonny Bedeski. I mean, Paoly is this house.

Nearly a year and a half later, he loss of Paolys life to a fire at her east Wichita apartment is still fresh.

In the time when my daughter needed the most help, it just, everything went bad that couldve gone bad in one time, Bedeski said.

An independent audit by Jensen Hughes released a month ago revealed shortcomings in the response.

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Its hard to believe that in this day and age, theres that much chaos going on at a time when everything was simple, you know, Bedeski said.

At the recommendation of county commissioner Ryan Baty on Wednesday, city and county leaders are now looking to participate in every emergency communications board meeting.

During those meetings, every other month, leaders of emergency departments discuss implementing changes.

The peoples representatives need to be in the room for that process so we have all the professionals from public safety in the room with the elected representatives, Baty said. So the public knows were looking at these recommendations.

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KSN spoke with both the assistant county manager, Russell Leeds, and city manager, Robert Layton. Both say the city and county have made significant progress in changing emergency services.

They presented charts showing most of the recommendations from the audit have already been implemented or are already in progress.

City manager Robert Layton says training and employee performance were the first things the city worked on improving. He says updating policies is trickier. Those are conversations he says should ramp up soon.

Even with those efforts, Paolys family is still left looking for answers.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  A farm workers coalition hosted a meeting Wednesday evening to discuss a state bill called the Fairness for Farm Workers Act.

If passed, it would increase the minimum wage for farm workers, and require farmers to pay overtime as well as paid break times.

Farm workers and their advocates urged the importance of this proposed legislation and its re-filing. State Senator James B. Eldridge (Middlesex, Worcester) told 22News, In the district I represent, there are many farmworkerssome who live on the farms and some who might live nearby. They are often from countries like Jamaica and the reality is that have very little of a voice, they have very little voice in their communities, on the farm.

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WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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Jan. 29SANTA FE  A bipartisan package of bills expanding New Mexico's mental health and drug abuse treatment system received broad support Wednesday, but also prompted a slew of questions.

The proposals would, as a whole, establish a behavioral health trust fund with up to $1 billion in startup money, while also setting up a new state government framework based on regional implementation plans.

Specific programs that would get a funding increase include housing assistance, mental health clinics and law enforcement-run crisis intervention programs.

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Behavioral health has emerged as a key issue during this year's 60-day legislative session as lawmakers look for ways to reduce homelessness, drug use and violent crime.

"It's a huge issue in the state and we're finally paying attention to it," said Sen. Martin Hickey, D-Albuquerque, during Wednesday's meeting of the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee.

The bills, Senate Bills 1, 2 and 3, are sponsored by a bipartisan group of senators, including the chamber's Democratic and Republican floor leaders  Peter Wirth of Santa Fe and William Sharer of Farmington.

Wirth and other top Democrats have indicated the Senate could move quickly on the bills with the goal of getting them to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's desk by the midway point of the 60-day legislative session that began last week.

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During Wednesday's committee hearing, the package was applauded by senators but also scrutinized.

Senate Bill 1, the proposed trust fund legislation, was approved on a 10-0 vote. But action on the other two bills in the package was put off until next week after more than three hours of debate.

Wirth indicated he was on board with the decision to delay a vote, saying all senators on the committee should have time to vet the bills.

Meanwhile, Sen. Liz Stefanics, D-Cerrillos, said up to 50% of New Mexicans could eventually come in contact with the state's behavioral health system.

"I think that we're talking about a very large number," she said, citing increased rates of depression, alcoholism and other conditions.

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Sen. Jay Block, R-Rio Rancho, talked about his own experiences with post-traumatic stress disorder following his deployment to Afghanistan and growing up with a parent who struggled with drug use.

"I don't want another kid to go through what I went through, or another veteran to go through what I went through," Block said.

But he also asked about data-tracking mechanisms in the behavioral health package, saying, "If we're not making progress, we just can't keep throwing more and more money at it."

New Mexico has one of the nation's highest suicide rates, and more than one-third of state residents reported anxiety or a depressive disorder in 2023, according to Kaiser Family Foundation data.

While the state is projected to spend roughly $1.1 billion on behavioral health programs in the current budget year, the state's behavioral health collaborative had not met in over one year and did not have an appointed director as of last fall, according to legislative data.
A father in Pakistan killed his teenage daughter after she uploaded what he considered to be inappropriate videos on the social media app TikTok, police said on Thursday.

The man, said to be in his 50s, recently brought his family back from the US to settle in the south-western Pakistani city of Quetta, local police chief Babar Baloch said.

The father, now in custody, confessed to having shot his daughter earlier this week after she refused to stop dressing more modestly and stop uploading what the family considered to be "indecent" videos on TikTok, Baloch said.

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Police are treating the incident as a case of so-called honour killing.

Around 1,000 women are killed in Pakistan by close relatives  fathers, brothers and sons  on the pretext of saving family honour, according to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP).

The killers in most cases escape punishment because of a controversial Islamic clause in laws that allows relatives of the victim to pardon the perpetrator, rights body Amnesty International said.

Pakistan approved a law in 2016 to partially do away with the controversial clause, but that has not proved enough to stop the practice, according to the HRCP.
South Central Judicial District Judge Jackson Lofgren presides over a trial Jan. 27, 2025, in Bismarck. (Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor)

A North Dakota father told a judge on Wednesday that he feels state lawmakers were acting out of ignorance when they passed the states ban on gender-affirming care for minors.

North Dakota in 2023 made it a crime for health care professionals to provide the treatments, including puberty blockers and hormone therapy, to anyone below age 18.

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The father, who testified under the pseudonym Peter Roe, took the witness stand as part of a trial in a lawsuit brought by North Dakota pediatric endocrinologist Luis Casas, who is challenging the ban on behalf of himself and his patients. Casas claims the law violates personal autonomy and equal protection rights under the state constitution.

Roe, his family and two other North Dakota families with transgender children were previously plaintiffs in the case as well, but South Central Judicial District Judge Jackson Lofgren ruled earlier this month that they dont have standing to bring the challenge.

Attorneys for the state counter that gender-affirming care is an unsettled area of medicine, and that North Dakota lawmakers were within their rights to pass the law.

During Roes testimony, attorneys played a short video of Rep. Dawson Holle, R-Mandan, discussing the ban during the 2023 legislative session. Holle said adolescents should be at least 16 before they can undergo gender-affirming care.

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Personally I think 14 is way too young, said Holle. Some 14-year-olds still think theyre cats or dogs, and I think theyre still in a fantasy world.

Roe said he understands where Holle is coming from because he once said very similar things in arguments with his daughter.

That was me five years ago, he said.

Roe said the lawmakers created the ban from a place of bigotry, not fact. He said he finds their actions disturbing.

Its someone in a position of power focused on passing a law that, in my opinion, doesnt help anybody, he said.

Roe said he spent years in denial about his daughters gender identity, but the signs were always there. He said when he looks back on photos and videos from when she was little, its now obvious to him that shes transgender.

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Im like, How did I not see that she was a girl? Roe said.

Roes 16-year-old shared her story with the courtroom on Tuesday. Testifying anonymously as Pamela, she recounted the intense fear and anxiety that dominated her life as a preteen.

Roe said his daughter oscillated between states of panic and a sitting-in-her-room, staring-at-the-wall kind of depression. Pamela was afraid of leaving the house and expressed suicidal thoughts, he said.

Roe said he came to accept Pamela as a girl after a long period of research and discussion with his family, and allowed her to start gender-affirming treatment a few years ago. He said he regrets not accepting her from the outset.

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Gender-affirming care has made a night-and-day difference for Pamela, Roe said. Today, she is happy, social and a strong student, he said.

Roe said he hates to think about the rejection and ridicule his daughter would have had to face if she wasnt able to access the treatment until adulthood.

Even during middle school, Pamela was bullied by some of her peers, he said. Roe said Pamela also had trouble with her schools administration, who would not let her use the girls locker room.

If she had been born a little bit later, my wife and I would probably have had to leave the state, he said.

The ban contains an exemption for children who were receiving care before it went into effect.

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Despite this, Pamela and two other children who were formerly plaintiffs in the case must travel to Minnesota to receive care from Casas.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs have said previously that medical providers are unwilling to provide gender-affirming care to any minor in North Dakota, even those who fall under the exemption, for fear of prosecution under the ban.

The law also bars doctors from providing gender-affirming surgeries to anyone under 18 years old, but those procedures arent performed on minors in North Dakota.

The trial, which began Monday, is expected to wrap up next week.

It comes as President Donald Trumps administration has issued a series of directives aimed at restricting the rights of transgender people at the federal level. Trump on Tuesday signed an executive order to limit medical treatment options for transgender children and adults under the age of 19.

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CONWAY, S.C. (WBTW)  Former Horry County Councilman Orton Bellamy told News13 Thursday morning that he cooperated with FBI agents who carried out court-authorized activity at his home in Conway.

Bellamy, who is also a former Atlantic Beach interim town manager, told a News13 reporter outside his home late Thursday morning that agents requested information from him, which he provided. He didnt elaborate on the nature of the information.

News13 photo: Adriana Cotero News13 photo: Adriana Cotero News13 photo: Adriana Cotero

The FBI requested some information from me, and I provided my information, Bellamy said. [I cannot discuss this at this present time. Thats the only thing I can say. They have requested information. I provided them [with] information, and thats the only thing we can discuss at this time.

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FBI spokesman Kevin Wheeler said agents presence at Bellamys home on the 1200 block of 13th Avenue in Conway was part of an ongoing matter but could not provide additional details. The agents had left Bellamys home by about 11 a.m.

Victoria Davis, a neighbor of Bellamys, said she watched from across the street as a handful of FBI agents arrived at Bellamys home. She said it came as no surprise because she has filed police reports against Bellamy in the past.

I was actually going to the road to approach the FBI agent to find out what was going on because all I could think of it was like my heart was a little bit lighter this morning and seeing that felt like a form of justice for my family,

Davis did not elaborate on the reports, and News13 is working to get more information about them from law enforcement. Earlier, News13 asked the Horry County and Conway police departments about the situation and was told that neither department was actively involved.

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News13 also reached out to the Horry County Sheriffs Office and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. A sheriffs office spokesperson said a deputy is assigned to the FBI task force but that the office has no other involvement in the case. A SLED spokesperson said the agency was assisting and referred all questions to the FBI.

Bellamy served a four-year term on the county council that ended when he lost his bid for election in June 2022.

He was fired last November from his job as Atlantic Beachs interim town manager amid an ongoing controversy surrounding the towns November 2023 mayoral and council elections. Town leaders cited a dereliction of duty in their firing of Bellamy and attorney Dwayne Green.

Atlantic Beach council members John David and Carla Taylor, who voted to fire Bellamy, told News13 Thursday morning that they were not aware of the situation and could not comment.

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This is a developing story. Count on News13 for updates.

* * *

Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on, Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

* * *

Adriana Cotero is News13s weekend evening anchor and a morning reporter. She joined the team in July 2023 after working in the island of Guam. Adriana is from Saline, Michigan, and graduated from Central Michigan University. Follow Adriana on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram and read more of her work here.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The FBI has recorded a sharp spike in complaints that its own agents and employees have engaged in sexual misconduct, ranging from assault to harassment, despite a pledge by bureau leaders to eliminate the longstanding problem.

An Associated Press investigation found the FBI has received nearly 300 allegations of sexual misconduct since the bureau announced in 2021 it had launched an agency-wide crackdown.

The number marked a nearly 50% increase over complaints filed during the preceding four-year period, according to bureau statistics, an increase advocates and lawmakers described as a sign the bureau is struggling to protect women in a male-dominated workplace. The FBI, for its part, said the increase shows its reforms are making it easier to report misconduct.

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Enough is enough, Sen. Chuck Grassley, the Iowa Republican, told the AP in a statement, adding hell be using his role as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee to get answers and root out further FBI misconduct. He blamed former FBI Director Christopher Wray for allowing the problem of sexual misconduct at the FBI to fester.

FBI says spike due to crackdown

The FBI told AP it takes allegations of sexual misconduct extremely seriously and acts upon them expeditiously. Bureau officials have attributed the spike in complaints, in part, to their outreach efforts.

We have come a long way in addressing it in various ways using all the policy tools and legal means at our disposal, the FBI said in a statement, but we absolutely have more to do in accomplishing a meaningful and long-lasting cultural evolution that honors FBI Director Wrays commitment to eradicating sexual misconduct throughout the organization.

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The FBI declined to provide details about the incidents, citing federal privacy laws and internal guidelines. A monthslong AP investigation, however, revealed that the incidents ranged from sexual assault to agents paying for sex at massage parlors. Other allegations concerned agents making inappropriate sexual comments at office functions or commenting on co-workers appearances.

Some allegations were so serious they resulted in criminal investigations or charges. Late last year, an FBI agent in Maryland, Eduardo Valdivia, 40, was charged with sexually assaulting two women he contacted through social media with a promise to give them free tattoos and modeling work. His defense attorney, Robert Bonsib, said Valdivia disputes all allegations that he engaged in any criminal conduct and expects to be cleared of all charges.

The victims usually were agency employees, though others were women whom agents came across during investigations or met socially. At least a dozen sexual misconduct allegations involved supervisors, the AP found, including at least one top agent.

The FBI determined more than half of the claims warranted internal investigations, statistics show, though the bureau refused to disclose how many resulted in terminations or other discipline.

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Time of upheaval at FBI

The APs findings come at a moment of significant upheaval in the FBI. Wray, a Republican appointed by then-President Donald Trump in 2017, spent years under withering attacks for various investigations involving Trump. Rather than be fired, Wray stepped down a day before Trump took office on Jan. 20.

Trump has tapped Kash Patel, a strident supporter and former federal prosecutor, to take over as the next director of the FBI. Patel's spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment on how he would tackle the issue of sexual misconduct. His confirmation hearing is scheduled for Thursday.

While Trump and Patel have focused almost exclusively on claims of political weaponization and biased probes in their promises to overhaul the bureau, some lawmakers see the FBIs record on sexual misconduct as another compelling reason to clean house.

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Last year, the Justice Department agreed to pay more than $22 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging female FBI recruits had been routinely harassed by instructors with sexually charged comments about their breast size, false allegations of infidelity and the need to take contraception to control their moods.

In interviews, more than a dozen current and former FBI agents said that male-dominated culture would be the hardest to change. A former analyst who once aspired to become the bureaus first female director said she intentionally gained 30 pounds hoping a harasser would stop talking about my body.

Shed give away clothing that became triggering because shed worn it when she was harassed. I would throw up in the office and have panic attacks in the stairway whenever I saw him, she recalled. I came very close to suicide twice.

Victims, several of whom spoke on the condition they not be named, and advocates told AP that many women remain reluctant to come forward for fear of retaliation. They also lack confidence in the FBIs investigations and too often have seen agents, including high-ranking ones, receive what they consider to be mild discipline. Others retire before they can be punished.

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FBI reports progress in reforms

The FBI has spent the last decade seeking to address its masculine culture, in part by boosting its number of female agents. Nearly a quarter of the bureaus 13,700 agents are women, the bureau says, a number slightly higher than the percentage of women in senior agent ranks.

The FBI said it has made a series of reforms to its processes, training and disciplinary reviews, including creating a 24/7 hotline to report abuse. Those changes were implemented after the AP exposed a pattern of senior FBI officials skirting discipline and retiring even after internal inquiries determined they committed brazen misconduct, including a senior official who harassed eight female subordinates.

Its unclear whether that approach will continue under the Trump administration, which has moved quickly to halt diversity, equity and inclusion efforts across the federal government.

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FBI misconduct investigations are shrouded in secrecy, and federal privacy laws obscure the publics view of which agents face discipline. The government typically will not reveal where an incident took place, even if the claims are substantiated. The AP relied on Freedom of Information Act requests and interviews with nearly two dozen current and former law enforcement officials to flesh out details about the allegations and the resulting investigations.

For scores of allegations it did not investigate, the bureau said it lacked sufficient detail to predicate an investigation or couldnt pinpoint a specific code of conduct violation. Other investigations resulted in suspensions, transfers or firings, FBI officials said.

Lack of transparency makes it difficult to track discipline

The FBI does not disclose how it disciplines specific agents or supervisors, but the AP reviewed internal records in a few cases that showed how some were punished.

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An unidentified supervisor, for example, was fired last year for suggesting his female colleagues had become managers by performing sex acts, the records show. And an FBI boss was suspended 60 days for unwelcome sexual conduct at a work event.

In another case, the AP was not able to determine how a senior official was disciplined even after he admitted to wrongdoing. The official, an acting deputy assistant director, admitted he simulated anal sex on a colleague while acting out a graphic joke about predatory priests in the Roman Catholic Church, according to a 2023 report by the Justice Departments inspector general.

This is going to be bad, the agent told colleagues before closing an office door, according to the report. He then performed two wrestling holds on the mortified coworker before landing his punch line.

The agent told investigators he only thrust his genitals once at the colleague and never touched him. He admitted it was inappropriate, the report says, telling investigators he shouldnt have told the joke in an office setting.

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Misconduct cases are difficult to investigate

Sexual misconduct investigations can be difficult to resolve, and the alleged behavior frequently happens behind closed doors.

In some instances, investigators were not able to substantiate underlying allegations but nevertheless found agents violated related policies or acted unprofessionally. That was the case involving allegations that a supervisor raped an intoxicated woman in a Washington hotel room  an accusation he denied.

The woman in that case reported to police that Shannon Fontenot met her at a bar when she was already heavily intoxicated and, even after noticing her wedding ring, invited her back to his room, where he opened his wallet and showed her his FBI identification, records show. Fontenot, an assistant special agent in charge of the FBIs Springfield, Illinois, field office, had been on assignment in Washington.

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Testifying in a civil proceeding in which she unsuccessfully sought a protective order against Fontenot, the woman described the night as every womans worst nightmare. She said Fontenot appeared to be a safe person and accept her limits, only to wait until she was drunk enough to take advantage of her. She said she had more than a half-dozen drinks and was so intoxicated she nearly walked into a wall.

I think of FBI agents as our most elite law enforcement officers in the country, she testified in that civil case. To use your position like that is horrifically scary, and it is a huge betrayal of not only my trust, but public trust. Its awful.

The AP is not naming the woman because it does not typically identify people who say they are victims of sexual abuse.

Fontenot testified the encounter was entirely consensual and that the woman did not appear intoxicated.

Federal prosecutors decided not to charge him, saying they could not prove the womans claim. The Justice Departments inspector general also did not substantiate the sexual assault allegations but determined he violated FBI rules in failing to disclose to his superiors that he was under police investigation, government records show.

The FBI confirmed it suspended Fontenot for 10 days and later transferred him to a non-supervisory role at its Washington headquarters. It refused to say when he was transferred.

The incident in question was thoroughly investigated, and it was unequivocally determined that no form of sexual misconduct occurred, Fontenots attorney, Mark Rollins, told AP.

Highest ranks of FBI

Another misconduct investigation involved the agencys then-No. 3 official who was accused by a subordinate of having engaged in sexual harassment, the Justice Departments inspector general reported.

The employee reported a raft of comments and actions by Jeff Sallet that she described as violating the agencys sexual harassment policies, though investigators determined, in a lengthy report, that they were not sexual in nature.

Among those the woman found most offensive: Sallet  who at the time oversaw the bureaus human resources branch  allegedly suggested her mother was disappointed she wasnt barefoot and pregnant, according to the report. In another instance he invited her to join his friend's harem.

In the moment insurrectionists bore down on the U.S. Capitol, the woman alleged, Sallet looked down from his FBI office window onto Pennsylvania Avenue and asked her, How many of those guys are you thinking youd like to date. That isnt your type is it?

The woman also complained Sallet sexually harassed her in part by suggesting they conduct a conference call together in his hotel room on a work trip. I felt that Sallet was pressuring me to be alone with him in a hotel room, she wrote in a declaration for an unrelated court case by a former FBI agent seeking disciplinary records related to Sallet. She added that "we did not need to be physically together for the meeting and none of our co-workers were at the hotel.

Sallet told the inspector general he did not recall where the call took place but that it would not have been strange or odd to have such a call in his hotel room.

Investigators concluded Sallet violated the Departments zero tolerance policy on harassment by making five inappropriate comments to the subordinate employee, the inspector general said. None of the allegations involved unwelcome touching, and the independent investigation did not find that any of the substantiated conduct was sexual in nature.

The report added that Sallet was also found to have acted unprofessionally in accordance with FBI policies.

Sallet retired in 2021 before the investigation was completed. He has denied the allegations and his attorney, Doug Brooks, noted he was cleared of all allegations of sexual harassment.

Jeff Sallet had an honorable and distinguished career at the FBI, Brooks wrote in an email, adding he had provided his full cooperation to the inspector general investigation. It is important to highlight that there were never any allegations of unwelcome (or any) touching made against Mr. Sallet.

Advocates expressed frustration at the lack of transparency in such cases and blasted the FBI for meting out relatively light punishment to those it has found to have engaged in sexual misconduct.

When high-ranking officials in particular face no meaningful consequences for abusive conduct, it sends the message that anyone is free to act with impunity, said Stacey Young, co-founder of the DOJ Gender Equality Network, an employee advocacy group that persuaded the Justice Department to adopt a new department-wide sexual misconduct policy.

Other advocates and female agents applauded the bureau for taking steps to address sexual misconduct. But they said it needed to go further to assure victims that their claims were being taken seriously.

Martha Johnson, a recently retired FBI agent who says she was sexually assaulted by an agent many years ago while working in Chicago, said the bureaus internal processes for reporting sexual abuse have long been set up to doubt and punish victims.

Theyre patting themselves on the back, but the environment is still the same in that women are too afraid to even use a hotline, she said. Ive seen this scenario play out over and over for 20 years. They didnt change anything.

___ Associated Press writers Eric Tucker and Joshua Goodman in Washington contributed to this report.
A vacant hallway at Vaughan Regional Medical Center in Selma, AL, Tuesday, Sep. 3, 2024 in Selma, Ala. (Will McLelland for Alabama Reflector)

Alabamas research institutions are largely staying quiet about President Donald Trumps administrations halt to National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant reviews, potentially impeding major sources of funding from reaching these institutions.

While such interruptions are not uncommon during presidential transitions, Jennifer Jones, director of the Center for Science and Democracy at the Union of Concerned Scientists, said Monday that the scope of this pause is unprecedented. Institutions that heavily rely on tax dollars, she said, may be hesitant to speak out as they are worried about the consequences of pushing back against an administration known for retaliatory tactics.

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This is absolutely a war up of fear and intimidation, Jones said. When you are dependent on the federal government returning those monies back to your community to do that work, those fear and intimidation techniques are having that exact chilling effect they were meant to.

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NIH grants for Alabama in 2023 totaled about $386 million; spurred nearly $1 billion in economic activity in Alabama that year and supported 4,769 jobs in the state, according to United for Medical Research.

About 85% of that funding went to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). UAB and Southern Research Institute, an independent nonprofit research organization based in Birmingham, which received over $4 million in contracts and research awards, issued nearly identical statements about the freeze, saying they were evaluating the recent orders but declined further comment.

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UAB later responded to a follow-up with UAB is aware and closely monitoring developments.

Several researchers affiliated with UAB declined to comment on the record, with one saying it was due to potential repercussions/retaliation.

The University of South Alabama said in a statement that it was a bit premature to discuss the complexity of this issue. BIO Alabama, an advocacy group for the states bioeconomy, did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Jones said this is a fundamentally anti-science administration and that the silence from institutions underscores that hostility toward science. She said that shes hearing from the research community that nobodys getting any information.

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They have been shut out, and that is to create that chilling, chaos factor  that lack of communication is not normal and not acceptable. That is interference with science, she said.

The National Science Foundation (NSF), the non-medical research counterpart to NIH which provided at least $74 million for research projects in 2024, said that it is also pausing all review panels, new awards and payments under open grants as it conducts a review mandated by the Office of Management and Budget.

All review panels scheduled for the week of January 28 will be rescheduled to a future date as appropriate, the agency said in a statement.

The agency also instructed all NSF grantees to comply with the executive orders by halting any grant activities that involve diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility principles or that could be seen as non-compliant with federal anti-discrimination laws. The pause applies to conferences, workshops, and staffing considerations tied to NSF funding. The agency has launched an executive order implementation webpage to provide ongoing updates.

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Global telecommunication services provider 1GLOBAL has selected Nokia core and security solutions to enhance network operations in existing markets like Australia, UK and US, while rolling out services in new territories such as Brazil.

The deal swaps out competitors in a number of geographical markets and includes Nokia Evolved Packet Core (EPC), Nokia IMS Voice Core, and Nokia NetGuard security solutions.

EPC will be deployed in eight countries, including Australia, the UK, and the US, while Nokia IMS Voice Core will be rolled out in three markets, including the Netherlands.

1GLOBAL intends to employ EPC to more effectively manage data traffic running through its networks, including internet access and data calls.

Nokia IMS Voice Core will be used to improve 1GLOBALs time to market and provisioning of new voice, video, and messaging services through automation.

Our mission at 1Global is to offer device and communications solutions that connect people, networks, and devices instantly and at scale anywhere around the world," said Hakan Koc, co-Founder & CEO of 1GLOBAL.

"We are pleased to partner with Nokia to further strengthen 1GLOBALs network operations.

"This will enable us to roll out new services that elevate our network quality and the overall customer experience more quickly, securely, and flexibly.

"Technological excellence and delivering value to our customers are at the heart of everything we do at 1Global.

"Nokia shares this vision, which makes them a great partner for us as we execute the next phase of 1Globals ambitious growth strategy."

1GLOBAL will also use NetGuard EDR, a telco-specific threat detection product, that provides real-time, automated monitoring of network infrastructure for rapid detection and mitigation of security incidents.

We are thrilled to take this important step of providing 1GLOBAL with several Nokia solutions that will upgrade its core network infrastructure and applications to be fully cloud-native, and deliver a more advanced, secure, and reliable network experience for its subscribers, said Erez Sverdlov, Vice President, Cloud and Network Services Market Leader for Europe at Nokia.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Panic and confusion were caused after President Donald Trump ordered a freeze on certain federal funding on Tuesday.

Oklahoma is reliant on federal dollars; the original announcement capped a chaotic day for some in the Sooner State.

Very hurried, sloppy, and not well thought out, Dave Hamby with the Oklahoma Policy Institute said.

Hamby is specifically referencing the federal funding freeze that was originally ordered Tuesday. He and the Oklahoma Policy Institute, a nonpartisan examiner of state laws and policies, were among those scrambling to understand the recent blitz of executive orders in Washington and their financial impact on Oklahoma programs.

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NATIONAL NEWS: Judge places Trump funding freeze on pause

Instituting an order like that is very similar to trying to turn around an ocean tanker, Hamby said. It does not end well when you try to make big things move very suddenly.

Governor Stitt Wednesday urged caution against overreaction to the opening days of the administration.

Americans, I think for the most part agree and applaud with President Trump trying to get federal spending under control, he said.

Oklahoma received over $14 billion in federal dollars in 2024. We are one of the states that gets back more federal dollars than we send to Washington. When Medicaid portals were frozen temporarily on Tuesday, representing roughly $8 billion in federal funding to Oklahoma, it got a lot of attention.

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Things that help folks who are pretty much at the bottom end of the economic scale to be able to try to have quality of life and be able to do things like eat a meal or fill a prescription, see a doctor, Hamby said.

This is a link to a spreadsheet from the institute, documented in thousands, showing all the federal money given to Oklahoma and where it goes. It also includes other facts about Oklahoma and federal money.

It documents everything from $1 billion to education, over $2 billion to agriculture, $1 billion to transportation, and almost $9.5 billion for health and human services, which is where Medicaid is included. That money also doesnt count the tribes, who are also continuing to watch the situation closely.

Tribal nations raised the alarm that this has a very unique and detrimental effect to tribal nations and that they were not consulted in this process, as you would in a sovereign do sovereign relationship, Hamby said.

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Democratic lawmakers argued that President Trump cant unilaterally stop spending money appropriated by Congress. Although it was rescinded Wednesday, the federal order originally stated Medicare, Social Security, student loans and SNAP benefits wouldnt be affected. However, it was unclear how long it would last and the Associated Press said it was a vaguely worded memo issued by the Office of Management and Budget, combined with incomplete answers from the White House throughout the day, left lawmakers, public officials and average Americans struggling to figure out what programs would be affected by the pause.

LOCAL NEWS: Senator files two bills to change Oklahoma eviction statutes

The chaos that we experienced yesterday is probably a bellwether for things that we will be seeing in the upcoming future, Hamby said.

I think there was just funds just going out the door from the federal budget that he wanted to get his arms around, Stitt said.

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Hamby told KFOR after learning the memo was rescinded that theyre telling people that just because its rescinded doesnt mean something like this  or similar  wont happen again. But we would hope any future actions would be more thoughtfully carried out than the slapdash manner of this most recent order.

A federal judge temporarily blocked the order until Monday afternoon because more arguments are to be heard Monday morning. The judge in that same AP article mentioned above said at the time that it seems like the federal government currently doesnt actually know the full extent of the programs that are going to be subject to the pause.

The White House is claiming the Wednesday move by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) rescinding a controversial order that froze a wide swath of federal financial assistance is not actually an end to curbing government spending.

This is NOT a rescission of the federal funding freeze. It is simply a rescission of the OMB memo. Why? To end any confusion created by the courts injunction. The Presidents EOs on federal funding remain in full force and effect and will be rigorously implemented, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on social media platform X.

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Jan. 30FAIRMONT  After news broke of President Donald Trump's federal funding freeze, one school in the Marion County school system broke into two camps.

"You have this faction that is very concerned, because we know the high need communities we live in," one Marion County Schools employee said. "More than 20% of West Virginia children live in abject poverty. Then there's the other faction who are Trump supporters  'he has to tear it down to rebuild it the right way.'"

The employee agreed to speak to Times West Virginian in exchange for anonymity.

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Marion County Schools was one entity that had to assess how a now-rescinded memo from the Federal Office of Management and Budget ordered federal agencies to pause all grants and loans. The Trump administration revised the order three times, clarifying with each revision what federal programs were exempt, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and student loans. The initial memo also mentioned the funding pause would not include assistance provided directly to individuals. A federal judge blocked the memo in the afternoon, and by midday on Wednesday the OMB issued a new order rescinding the old memo.

However, the executive order which led to the memo, still remains in place, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

David Kirk, communications manager for the City of Fairmont, said that the City's grant administrator took stock of any funds the City had pending, but at no point was the City concerned of losing any funds that had already been awarded. Councilmember Dan Weber brought up the topic at Tuesday night's council meeting. City Manager Travis Blosser replied that a funding freeze also took place in 2017 after President Trump took office in his first term.

"So this is not an anomaly in terms of freezing those funds" Blosser said. "We've had discussions with Sen. Capito's office, with Sen. Justice's office, Congressman Moore's office and stayed in close contact with them. I'm not going to get into political reasons as to why the White House looked at that, but I am not standing here concerned about the funding we've applied for."

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Marion County School Superintendent Donna Heston said they were waiting for guidance from the West Virginia Department of Education. Heston said federal dollars fund the Child Nutrition Program.

West Virginia Department of Education Communications Director Christy Day said they were also waiting for guidance, including the governor.

Day said federal appropriations for West Virginia's Child Nutrition Program for Fiscal Year 2025 was $204 million.

The funds pass through the WVDE, which reimburses participating schools for breakfast and lunches they serve to students. All but six schools in the state participate in the program.

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There were other limits to what Day could provide. Day did not answer a question asking if the department was concerned on how a funding freeze might affect the free lunch program, nor if anything could be done at the local level to buttress the program in the event federal funding went away.

"We are not commenting on things that have not occurred or are so fluid they are difficult to address," she said.

Marion County Board of Education President George Boyles did not return a phone call by press time.

Sam Workman, professor of Political Science at West Virginia University, said upwards of 35-40% of state revenues come from federal funds, either directly or indirectly through the states. Workman noticed a high level of uncertainty after news broke of the potential funding freeze. Uncertainty is never good for an organization, he said. Where uncertainty really has an effect is among businesses and contractors that depend on public contracts for work, services and goods.

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"These broader federal dynamics caught everyone off guard," he said. "We had these debates here on campus. I don't think we had a really good understanding of what paused and what wasn't for several hours. In terms of not being responsive in these dynamics, I don't think you can lay that on the state."

However, while government programs might be more abstract at the federal level, they're impact is felt by members of the community who rely on schools to provide free lunches for their children. The Marion County Schools employee said there is generational poverty in the state. High unemployment, lack of opportunity and a substance abuse epidemic contribute to child hunger in the state. According to Feeding America, one in five children in West Virginia live in a food-insecure household.

"Some of these kids only get their meals at school," the employee said. "You're gonna take that from them? Make it make sense."

Reach Esteban at efernandez@timeswv.com
SOUTH CAROLINA (WSPA)  A freeze on federal funding and loans, which have now been rescinded by the Trump Administration, would have temporarily stopped all existing federal grants.

President Trump signed dozens of executive orders during his first week in office, from policies on immigration, federal diversity programs, to defining gender.

7News sat down with Brandi Hinton, a South Carolina attorney, who said the blanket freeze likely didnt go over as expected but it doesnt mean this is over.

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With any administration where you are going from a Democrat to a Republican, or Republican to Democrat, you expect to see more executive orders just because their platforms and ideology does not always line up, Hinton said.

When the White House issued the freeze, that has since been rescinded, new White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt said it would have meant no more funding for illegal DEI programs. It means no more funding for transgenderism and wokeness across our federal bureaucracy and agencies.

Democrats have argued the opposite. Senate Minority Leader, Senator Chuck Schumer said President Trumps decision was lawless, dangerous, destructive, and cruel.

Hinton said this freeze was a result of President Trumps aim to crackdown on government spending.

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Certainly, I think the Trump Administration wants legitimate agencies to continue with their funding, Hinton said. But, the halt on everything to give them an opportunity to review it is what created this kind of panic among non-profits.

Safe Harbor, a non-profit, serves survivors of domestic abuse, said they turn away hundreds of individuals because they dont currently have the funds for more space or for more staff.

Safe Harbor said much of the money they receive is from the Victims of Crime and Violence Against Women Act.

That funding this year is about $623,000, which represents almost a quarter of our budget, CEO of Safe Harbor, Danny Varat said.

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Varat said this funding is imperative to be able to operate. Since 2015, they have already seen those funds decrease as they were once given $1.2 million.

Cut nearly in half over the past ten years, Varat said the issue that remains is the ever shrinking pot of federal money.

No matter the fact this funding freeze is over, that issue still remains and really is a big issue that affects Safe Harbors ability to do its work, Varat said.

Hinton said she expects a federal funding freeze could happen again but it would target groups whose values do not align with the current administrations.

When the freeze was issued, the White House said individual funding would not be paused. That included things such as social security, Medicare and Medicaid, food stamps, and student loans.

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CLEVELAND (WJW)  In a surprising turn of events, the White House has reversed its decision to freeze federal grants, providing immediate relief to nonprofits and community organizations across the countryincluding those in Northeast Ohio.

For organizations like the YWCA of Greater Cleveland, which serves as a vital safety net for the regions most vulnerable populations, the abrupt funding uncertainty was a harsh wake-up call.

Ohio lottery player wins $10 million on scratch-off

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For more than a century, the YWCA of Greater Cleveland has been a cornerstone of stability for individuals in need, offering shelter, support, and opportunities for personal growth. The organization has long been committed to serving women and families facing hardship.

We are one of the oldest nonprofits in the City of Cleveland, said Helen Forbes Fields, President and CEO of the YWCA of Greater Cleveland. We were formed three years after the Civil War to provide support for women entering the city.

However, on Tuesday, the organization found itself in a state of crisis when the federal government announced a sudden freeze on grant funding, leaving crucial housing and support programs in limbo.

At the heart of the YWCAs mission are its housing programs, which provide stable living arrangements for those who need it most.

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Ohio lawmakers pushing for new Move Over law

We have 23 apartments for young people, ages 18-24, many of whom have aged out of foster care, Forbes Fields explained. When they come to us, they have nowhere else to go.

In addition to these youth programs, the organization also operates a 41-unit housing facility for older adults on Clevelands west side, serving individuals who rely on these spaces for security and community.

With the grant freeze in effect, the fate of these critical programs was uncertain. But less than 24 hours later, the White House announced it was reversing course, restoring federal funding and offering a temporary lifeline to organizations like the YWCA.

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While the immediate danger has passed, Forbes Fields says the incident has highlighted the vulnerability of nonprofits that depend on federal funding to sustain essential services.

Yesterday was sobering, she admitted. To even think that HUD funding, which is so essential, could be frozenit was unthinkable.

Despite the reprieve, the situation serves as a stark reminder that nonprofits must prepare for unexpected funding challenges. The YWCA, along with other organizations, is now re-evaluating its long-term financial stability and exploring additional sources of support.

Cleveland mayor speaks out on ICE raids in Northeast Ohio, across country

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We will continue serving as many people as possible, Forbes Fields emphasized. But this has shown us that we need to be prepared for anything. We may still need to appeal to the public and to foundations that have always supported our mission.

While the future remains uncertain, the YWCA of Greater Cleveland is determined to continue its workno matter what obstacles arise.

Its time for work, Forbes Fields stated. Digging deep, finding a way, and getting that message out to 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 Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Amid a flurry of executive orders affecting transgender Americans, the Trump administration ordered restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors. Calling it a stain on our Nations history, the Jan. 28, 2025, order seeks to end this form of treatment for Americans under 19 years old.

The Conversation U.S. interviewed Elana Redfield, federal policy director at the Williams Institute, an independent research center at the UCLA School of Law dedicated to studying sexual orientation and gender identity law. She describes the aims of the executive order, how much weight it carries, and how it should be understood in the broader context of legal battles over access to gender-affirming care.

Whats the scope of the executive order?

Twenty-six states have already restricted gender-affirming care for minors or banned it outright. So the order seeks to extend restrictions to the rest of the country using the weight of the executive branch.

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However, its not a national ban on gender-affirming care for minors. Instead, its directing federal agencies to regulate and restrict this form of care.

That being said, federal agencies have a tremendous impact on American life. Trans kids rely on publicly funded health insurance programs such as Medicaid and TRICARE, which is administered to the children of active duty service members via the Department of Defense. And a big part of the executive order is directing the federal agencies that administer these programs to review their own policies to ensure that they are not supporting gender-affirming care for minors.

So what were really seeing is the federal government trying to erect barriers to kids accessing this care.

Does the executive branch have the authority to unilaterally ban federal funding of certain medical treatments?

The answer is a little mixed. A president might be able to suspend or put a temporary pause on funding a particular type of treatment or service. But the actual parameters of a program  and how agencies should implement them  are determined by Congress and, to some extent, by the courts.

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Ultimately, the president can only take actions in ways that are designated by the Constitution, or through some specific power that Congress has granted to the executive branch. I dont see that authority granted for a lot of whats contained in this executive order. But many of these directives will probably be litigated in court, where the president will likely argue that he has the power to direct agencies to do all they can to put a halt to gender-affirming care for minors.

Do private health insurers fall outside the scope of this executive order?

On the surface, yes. But its easy to see how directives from the executive branch can touch broader components of the countrys health care system, including private hospitals and private health insurance.

For example, Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act is a nondiscrimination provision. It says there can be no sex discrimination when it comes to approving health care treatments. This has been interpreted to mean that health insurance plans receiving federal funding cannot deny a policyholder gender-affirming care. However, this interpretation has been blocked by a federal court.

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The question of whether this definition of sex discrimination encompasses gender identity is currently playing out in the courts. For example, theres a pending U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding a Tennessee law banning gender-affirming care for minors. Should the Supreme Court determine that Tennessee is able to ban gender-affirming care for minors, its possible to see how this could impact private health insurance coverage for gender-affirming care.

Transgender rights supporters and opponents rally outside of the U.S. Supreme Court as the high court hears arguments in a case about Tennessees law banning gender-affirming care for minors on Dec. 4, 2024. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

What else stood out to you from the executive order?

The executive order directs the Department of Justice to discourage doctors and hospitals from administering gender-affirming care to minors, characterizing it as genital mutilation, which is a heinous-sounding offense. Even though this is an inaccurate comparison, it could have a chilling effect even in states where this form of care is legal.

The order also contains a provision that asks Congress to extend the statute of limitations for gender-affirming care, so that someone who received gender-affirming care as a minor and decides theyre not happy with it decades later can sue their doctor. Some states have already extended the statute of limitations to 30 years for gender-affirming care.

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Again, this could have a chilling effect in states where the care is legal. What doctor or hospital would want to expose themselves to this risk?

Of course, these two elements constitute directives from the executive branch, but we dont know how theyll be enforced. They do reveal, however, some of the ways in which the administration plans to direct its efforts.

Before Roe v. Wade was overturned, federal funding of elective abortion had been restricted for decades under the Hyde Amendment. You cant receive coverage for an abortion under a Medicaid plan, for example. Do you see this executive order as Trump trying to simply enact  via fiat, of course  his own version of the Hyde Amendment, but instead applied to gender-affirming care for minors?

I think theres a key difference between the two. The Hyde Amendment, which has been repeatedly reenacted by Congress, prohibits federal funding of abortion care, but it doesnt prohibit states from allowing or permitting abortion. Its always operated as a sort of compromise: It says providers cant use federal funding for an abortion, but they can use their own funding to administer abortions  and oh, by the way, they can still receive federal funding for other health services.

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This executive order, on the other hand, takes a much more uncompromising position: It tells agency heads to stop directing any and all federal funds to institutions that research or provide gender-affirming care.

Again, its important to remember that executive orders arent established policy. Theyre simply directing agencies to craft certain policies and encouraging lawmakers to enact legislation.

So far, much of the legislation restricting gender-affirming care  whether its at the state level or in the executive branch  has centered on minors, or individuals under 19. Are there any threats to gender-affirming care for adults?

Only one state, Florida, has enacted a law that specifically regulates gender-affirming care for adults. That law basically sets some compliance standards and restricts who can prescribe the care. Florida also banned the use of state funds for gender-affirming care for everyone, adults and children. So that means, for example, those who are incarcerated in state prisons cant receive gender-affirming care.

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Florida isnt the only state that has enacted a state funding ban. Depending on your insurance, this could mean youre forced to pay out of pocket for your procedures and treatment, which can be prohibitively expensive.

What are you going to be watching for in the coming weeks?

Im sure someones going to sue to challenge the order. The problem, though, is that an executive order is an expression of policy ideas. You need something to actually happen before lawyers and activists can react to it. So Ill be tracking federal agencies to see how they specifically try to enact some of these directives.

Is there anything else youd like to add?

This executive order contains language that characterizes the science around gender-affirming care as junk science. Its repeatedly described as chemical and surgical mutilation, or as maiming and sterilizing kids. Theres talk of rapid-onset gender dysphoria, which has been discredited.

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So it rejects the idea that gender-affirming care has health benefits, even though theres robust, extensive evidence supporting access to gender-affirming care. Self-reporting by transgender individuals is overwhelmingly positive: 98% of trans people who had hormone therapy said it made their lives better, according to the 2022 U.S. Transgender Survey.

There are also rigorous standards of practice, including for how you support and treat minors, that are intended to prevent overprescription or overutilization of services.

In other words, there are already barriers in place and checks and balances for minors if they want to access gender-affirming care.

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: Elana Redfield, University of California, Los Angeles

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Elana Redfield works at an organization that has received private, state or federal research grants.
A federal workforce of some 2 million people is still reeling after receiving a mass email that offered them a chance to preemptively resign ahead of additional and unspecified Trump administration efforts to shrink government.

With the terms of a stark but murky ultimatum unclear and likely subject to legal interpretations and challenges, upwards of hundreds of thousands of individual employees were struggling with what to do, increasingly uncertain about the stability of their jobs and their agencies.

Chaos, mistrust, confusion, said one employee at the Department of Justice who, like others, was granted anonymity to speak candidly about the situation without fear of retribution. Theres also a deep suspicion, especially among people who think they may be on the chopping block, that this is the last lifeboat in town.

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Trump, who spent years decrying the deep state, has long wanted to reduce the governments footprint. Frustrated over what he saw as overly lenient work-from-home policies nearly five years after the Covid-19 pandemic began, Trump has empowered Tesla CEO Elon Musk to help streamline government. But the vague order has nearly ground the massive bureaucracy to a halt, and has the potential to create the kind of crisis that might backfire politically.

The blanket approach, which is pure Elon Musk, is going to have unintended consequences down the road, said Elaine Kamarck, a government studies fellow at the Brookings Institution who oversaw President Bill Clintons initiative to reform government in the 1990s. What if a third of the nations air traffic controllers take this buyout? Or all the CDC scientists leave for the private sector and then theres a tuberculosis epidemic? Thats the risk with the way theyve done it, sort of using a blowtorch for a very small issue.

The email, sent Tuesday evening by the Office of Personnel Management, offered recipients the option to resign and be paid through September but offered no guarantees about future employment if they chose to stay. Although it was sent unsigned by the agencys human resources department, many of the federal employees conferring about it over phone calls and group texts saw the fingerprints of Musk, who applied the same slashing approach after taking over Twitter.

In fact, the subject line was the exact same one he used in 2022 when giving staffers at Twitter a similar ultimatum to either become more hardcore or leave the company: Fork in the road.

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The missive reflected Musks determination to take an axe to the federal bureaucracy, and offered an early indication that the unelected billionaires actual purview may extend beyond the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency. And just as he did when he arrived at Twitter, Musk is taking a go-fast-and-break-things approach in the second week of Donald Trumps administration. He has added to the chaos across a federal workforce already reeling from legally questionable executive orders demanding to halt domestic and foreign aid.



Its unfathomable, the panic that it is causing throughout the government, a second DOJ employee said. And it is intentional. The new head of OMB [Russ Vought, who has not yet been confirmed by the Senate] said he wanted to traumatize the federal civil servants into leaving and its working.

Tim Whitehouse, the executive director at the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, a nonprofit that provides legal services to federal workers, said he had been fielding calls on the resignation request since it became public.

The employees we are speaking to view this email as another tool to inflict pain and trauma on the federal government workforce, Whitehouse said via email. They understand this is not really a buyout, that it may be illegal, and that it does not guarantee that they will be able to stop work before September 30th. Because of the number of agencies and employees targeted, it shows the administrations blow it all up approach to reducing the size of the federal workforce.

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Over the course of the day Wednesday, unions representing federal workers mobilized and implored members not to take the deal, denouncing it as a shady and slapdash attempt to scare workers into leaving on their own. Steve Lenkart, executive director of the National Federation of Federal Employees, said that most members dont trust this administration to hold up their end of the bargain, and others dont see how this is legal.

The American Federation of Government Employees emailed members a lengthy FAQ about the OPM resignation program, warning that it should not [be taken]  at face value.

When the email went out on Tuesday night, the distribution list was so large that it hit in waves. As the text messages started to fly, some people didnt know at first what their panicked colleagues were up in arms about  until the OPM email showed up in their own in-boxes.

Inside the DOJ, the assistant attorney general for administration dashed off an all-staff email confirming the legitimacy of the ultimatum theyd just received from OPM. Managers being peppered with questions, however, had few answers.

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That left recipients trying to make sense of media reports that the entire federal workforce had been offered buyouts and parsing the emails language stating that those who opt to remain in their work are thereby committing to being part of an improved federal workforce even though, as the email made explicit, they could still be fired.

We cannot give you full assurance regarding the certainty of your position or agency, the email stated, offering only that workers would be treated with dignity in the event of termination.

The alternative, of course, was a deferred resignation program that would be available to opt into over the next week  simply by replying to the email with Resign. Doing so would allow employees to retain all pay and benefits regardless of your daily workload and  be exempted from all applicable in-person work requirements until Sept. 30.

It really felt like we were being asked to resign, and, if we decided not to resign, like we were being asked to swear allegiance to a new form of government, said the second DOJ employee. It seems very clear that if we do not take that and resign, that our jobs are in serious jeopardy.

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A single parent, that employee was struggling with whether to preemptively abandon a decades-spanning career doing work they felt was important in order to ensure their ability to provide for their family.

I am not a risk taker, they said. And every single option right now is a risk.

A third DOJ employee said that an initial enthusiasm Tuesday night about being offered several months of severance, at least among those already planning to depart, gave way to rising suspicion on Wednesday and the grimmer realization that things were likely not what they seemed to be.

Everyone else is like, I dont trust them, the third employee said. The email, they went on, doesnt seem real, theres no guidance. It seems like it will be challenged. So it comes down to: Are you really willing to go to the casino and put your career on black?

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The OPM emails language about offering workers a dignified option, the third employee continued, makes it seem like a warning that there will be an undignified action coming for those who dont take it. And that it hit when agencies are already struggling to understand the impact of OMBs freeze on federal assistance  since rescinded  deepened anxiety about the new administration and its apparent intent to execute the Project 2025 blueprint that called for a dramatically smaller federal workforce.



It feels like there is enough chaos and there is an implied malice behind the chaos, and that makes it very difficult to plan your next step, the third DOJ employee said.

All three DOJ employees expressed a shared concern that their agency  and, thus, their jobs  could be in even greater jeopardy than others across the executive branch because of Trumps anger over its investigations into him.

That panic over the last 24 hours, of course, is not unique to DOJ.

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It was the batshit-craziest email Ive ever read, said an EPA employee. These people have a history of shorting workers, the EPA employee said. Theres no way Im sending Resign to this jinky email address.

A USAID employee boiled down the impact to a forced return to work and a lot more fear and uncertainty in the office, noting that theres a lot more interest in federal employee unions.

Its not really a buyout, but its clearly part of this shock-and-awe approach to cajole and scare federal workers into thinking of quitting, said one State Department official.

At FEMA, one employee said they and their colleagues were determined to remain in place to continue vital emergency response efforts. Most people saw [the OPM email] as a scam, they said. Everybodys very frustrated, very stressed  its hard not to be alarmist when you dont know if your pension and retirement are at risk. But were just trying to take it day by day.

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One Labor Department employee expressed similar frustrations and doubt that the severance package would exceed the $25,000 annual severance pay limit under OPM regulations.

I find it hard to believe they would pay me my full salary for 8 months to sit on my ass, the Labor Department employee said. The whole thing is pretty insulting. But also, no choice we have is good! Some [people] are like is it better to have some control over my fate with a set end date? And others are like I will die before I give them the satisfaction.

That DOL employee added that, for now, they arent planning on opting into the resignation program. Id rather be fired for resisting and making their lives hell, they said.

And a number of federal employees expressed similar sentiments anonymously on Reddit and other public platforms.

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[B]efore that email went out, I was looking for any way to get out of this fresh hell, one employee wrote on Reddit. But now I am fired up to make these goons as frustrated as possible, [return to office] be damned.

Another employee responded to that post in kind: I was chill and laid back prior. Now Im digging my heels in out of spite.

Marcia Brown, Ben Lefebvre, Nick Niedzwiadek, Robbie Gramer, Kevin Bogardus and Robin Bravender contributed to this report.
Tel Aviv  Three more Israeli hostages  two females and an 80-year-old man  were released in Gaza Thursday as the third hostages-for-prisoners swap agreed to by Israel and Hamas got underway, but the chaotic nature of the handover of two of the Israelis angered Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the extent that he delayed his country's part of the exchange until later in the day.

Israel did start releasing Palestinian detainees from the Ofer Prison in the occupied West Bank later Thursday, keeping to its part of the third exchange amid the ongoing ceasefire. Buses carrying the what was expected to be 110 prisoners freed on Thursday were seen leaving the prison about two hours after Netanyahu's spokesman said he had "instructed to delay the release of the terrorists scheduled to be released today  until the safe exit of our hostages is guaranteed in the next few days."

Netanyahu's office released a subsequent statement saying that, following his demand, ceasefire mediators had "passed a commitment according to which a safe exit will be guaranteed for our abductees who will be released in the next installments. Israel insists that lessons will be learned and that in future times there will be extra care to return our abductees safely."

A Red Cross convoy carrying Palestinian prisoners released in the third round of prisoner swaps between Hamas and Israel leave Israel's Ofer Prison, in the occupied West Bank, heading toward Ramallah, Jan. 30, 2025. / Credit: Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu/Getty

There were some Palestinians among those being released Thursday who had been accused and, in some cases, convicted of serious crimes against Israelis, including murder. Most of the prisoners were being released and allowed to remain in the West Bank, but some were being sent to third countries, according to Israeli officials.

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The Israeli military confirmed that five Thai nationals were also released Thursday by militants in Gaza, as had been expected, as part of a separate agreement.

The first Israeli released early Thursday was female soldier Agam Berger, 20. She was handed over in a relatively orderly fashion amid the ruins of the Jabalia Refugee Camp in northern Gaza. Berger was the final hostage from an unarmed, all-female Israeli military unit that had been working to surveil Gaza.

Israeli soldier Agam Berger, 20, is seen with her parents following her release from captivity in Gaza, on Jan. 30, 2025. / Credit: HANDOUT/Israel Defense Forces

Seven women from Berger's unit were taken hostage during Hamas' Oct. 7 2023 attack on Israel, which saw militants kill about 1,200 people and take a total of 251 others hostage.

Israel's military response to the attack has killed more than 47,300 people, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, and decimated the Palestinian territory, displacing virtually all of its population and causing a wide scale humanitarian crisis.

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Berger was escorted by militants out of the back of a destroyed building in Jabalia. Wearing an outfit that resembled green military fatigues, she was handed over to members of the Red Cross. Photos shared later by the Israeli military showed her reunited with her parents.

Two other Israeli hostages released Thursday were Arbel Yehoud, 29, and Gadi Moses, 80, who was the oldest of the hostages. All three of the freed hostages had been transferred from Red Cross care to Israeli forces on Thursday, the Israel Defense Forces confirmed.

80-year-old Gadi Moses is shown with his family after being released from captivity in Gaza. / Credit: HANDOUT/Moses family

In a joint statement, the IDF and the Israeli Security Agency said Yehoud and Moses, along with the Thai nationals, had "crossed the border into Israeli territory" and were on their way to a reception point in southern Israel. The statement said Yehoud and Moses would be reunited with their families there, as Berger was earlier, while the five Thai nationals would be met by officials from Thailand's government.

Video showed Yehoud being transferred to the Red Cross, more than an hour after Berger's release, in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis amid scenes of mayhem. Yehoud and Moses had been held by the militant group Islamic Jihad, which is allied with Hamas.

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A huge crowd had gathered in Khan Younis to witness the handover, which took place near the home of deceased Hamas commander Yahya Sinwar. Dozens of armed militants from Hamas and Islamic Jihad paraded through the area and the handover of the prisoners was chaotic, with armed militants, photographers and civilians crowding around the hostages as they were moved to the waiting Red Cross vehicles.

Gadi Moses, 80, center right, who has been held hostage by militants in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, is escorted by Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters to be handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, Jan. 30, 2025. / Credit: Jehad Alshrafi/AP

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Netanyahu released a statement condemning the "shocking scenes," calling the crush of people around the hostages "another proof of the unimaginable cruelty of the terrorist organization Hamas."

"I demand from the mediators to make sure that such threats will not happen again, and to guarantee the safety of our abductees," said Netanyahu.

In its own statement posted online, Hamas called the large crowds, "a message of determination and defiance raised in the face of this barbaric occupier. It says our people will remain on their land, and are determined to accomplish their project of liberation, return, and self-determination."

Hamas did not immediately react to Netanyahu's order to delay the release of 110 Palestinians from Israeli prisons.

Arbel Yehoud, an Israeli woman held hostage for more than a year by militants in Gaza, is handed over to Red Cross teams within the scope of the third part of the first phase of the prisoner swap agreement between Hamas and Israel, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, Jan. 30, 2025. / Credit: Moiz Salhi/Anadolu/Getty

Netanyahu's order marked the second delay in the hostage and prisoner swap process laid out by the ceasefire agreement that the Israeli leader blamed on Hamas.

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Under to the terms of the deal, Yehoud should have been among the four women released during the second exchange, on Jan. 24. After that release last weekend, the terms of the agreement stipulated that Israel would release a number of Palestinian prisoners from jails and allow Palestinians to return to their homes in northern Gaza, across the Netzarim Corridor, which divides the north and south of the enclave.

When Yehoud wasn't among those released last weekend, Israel said it would not allow Palestinians to cross the Netzarim Corridor. After a quick negotiation process, Hamas agreed to carry out Thursday's previously unscheduled hostage release, to include Yehoud.

In anticipation of the release and according to the new agreement, Israel started allowing Palestinians to cross the Netzarim Corridor into northern Gaza on Monday.

Tens of thousands of people have made their way back to the north, most of them on foot, some finding the ruins of their homes and the remains of loved ones, but also reuniting with family members they haven't been able to see in months.

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Hamas and its allies are expected to release a total of 33 Israeli hostages during the first six-week phase of the ceasefire, which took effect on Jan. 19. It is hoped that negotiations on the far more difficult second phase of the ceasefire plan will start to yield progress soon.

The next exchange, which will be the fourth, is scheduled to take place on Saturday. Netanyahu has said that will include the release of male hostages in Gaza.

The release of the three people on Thursday left 82 hostages  both living and dead  still 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. It remains unclear when any of the Americans might be released.

Senior Hamas political official Bassem Naim told CBS News on Wednesday that the group remained committed to the ceasefire agreement, "and we will do our best to make it work and will try to overcome the obstacles and challenges, but we expect that the Israelis will keep trying to find reasons to stop implementing the deal, partly to cover up their failure in achieving any of their goals in Gaza, or due to the scenes that showed the will of the people in Gaza."

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Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect that freed Israeli hostage Arbel Yehoud is not a soldier, as previously stated.

Commercial plane crashes midair with military helicopter near Reagan National Airport

Trump offering "deferred resignation" to government workers unwilling to return to office

Officials provide update on midair collision near Reagan National Airport outside D.C.
While we know (and have known) that microfibers are bad, were still fine-tuning the parameters to grade just how bad.

Its one of the reasons why the Microfibre Consortium (TMC) is leading research in North East England exploring textile microfibers extent and environmental impact. In collaboration with Northumbria University, the multi-stakeholder initiative has unveiled the research hub housing that exploration, hoping to assist the next generation of designers and their future materialideally non-sheddinginnovations.

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Recent research has shown that the clothes we wear are shedding microfibers throughout their entire lifespan, from textile manufacture through to everyday wear, the collaborators said in a statement. Even microfibers from fabrics considered natural, such as cotton, can have a negative impact on the environment, as manufacturing processes introduce chemical dyes and finishes to the fabric so that it is no longer in its natural state.

The Fiber-fragmentation and Environmental Research (FiBER) Hub is on the business schools Newcastle campus. The collaboratively created center plans to expand on existing industry knowledge of microfibers by testing a myriad of materials in various environments to measure fiber loss and its subsequent environmental impact.

The Fiber Hub features state-of-the-art equipment which will allow researchers to understand exactly what and how much fiber a fabric sheds at each stage of its lifespan, Northumbria said. This will complement existing research primarily focused on microfibers shed during laundry.

The Fiber Hub collaboration enables TMC to draw on the interdisciplinary skills and technical capabilities of Northumbria and the Impact+ team to expand our knowledge offering to our signatory community, said Dr. Kelly Sheridan, CEO of TMC and associate professor at Northumbria. Through this collaboration, the TMC research team will provide direction to relevant research informed by industry needs, to go beyond what is possible today and create robust, wide ranging and comprehensive lifespan data on fiber fragmentation.

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The hub was set up as part of the Impact+ Network, a multidisciplinary cohort launched in 2023supported by brands like Asos and funded by UK government(ish) bodies like the UKRIto challenge how the fashion and textile sector currently measures and assesses environmental impact.

This strategic partnership reflects the core aim of the Impact+ Network by focusing on microfibers as an overlooked and unmeasured environmental pollutant, said Northumbrias Dr. Alana James, principal investigator for the project. Interdisciplinary collaboration with design and environmental science will enable our research to reduce fiber shedding at the root cause, whilst implementing these insights directly within an industry setting.

Not everyone is convinced the consortium has the credibility to do such complementary work.

In a report published by the Bremen Cotton Exchange the self-described raw material competence center compiled microplastic research by analyst Veronica Bates Kassatly and statistician Dr. Terry Townsend to explore the effect of micro- and nanoplastics on human health.

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In doing so, the duo discovered a conflict of interest.

The sources tapped by both the French and EU PEFs to evaluate microfiber impact are not scientific organizations, but entities created and funded by vested interests, Bremen said in a statement. The conflicts of interest stemming from the involvement of stakeholders deeply tied to the production of plastic apparel undermine the scientific foundations of environmental legislation and impede the effective management of long-term environmental challenges.

For context, plastic microfibers are categorized differently than other microfibers, which must be made clear in life cycle assessments (LCAs) standard and the European Unions Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) method.

Thus, non-NGOs should be excluded from making such designations for the potential of both scientific and political conflict; which is curious, per the paper, as the TMC is a private company limited by guarantee without share capital, per 2018 incorporation filings.

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Examination of recent filings shows that since inception, the company has averaged 4-6 employees and no fixed assets. TMC has neither the staff nor the facilities to be a research institute, reads the report, which clarified that none of the opinions expressed are those of the authors or the financiers.

It also goes on to say the TMC lacks credibility for not having published any peer-reviewed research of its own and calls attention to the consortiums signatoriesspecifically their tax brackets.

On what grounds TMC is qualified to act as one of only two sources to inform the microfiber complement of what is intended to be an obligatory environmental footprint label applicable to all apparel and textiles sold in France is unclear and raises questions about scientific rigor, the paper reads, suggesting the TMC work under the belief fiber issues are solved with fiber solutions, and chemistry issues are solved with chemistry solutions. If TMC is convinced that functionalizations pose a serious toxicity threat to which nobody is paying sufficient attention, we would agree.

Sheridan was quick to retort, introducing the Fiber Hub as an exhibit.

[Fiber Hub] brings multidisciplinary academics from forensic science, design, environmental sciences and big data, all under one roof, and will boost the evidence available to all partners who are involved in achieving the aims of The Microfibre 2030 Commitment, she wrote in a statement penned earlier today. Overall, this suggests that neither the size of an organization, nor its legal set up, influence its ability to coordinate and direct scientific work.
Whether its black-and-white photos of Arkansas Little Rock Nine or Norman Rockwells famous painting of New Orleans schoolgirl Ruby Bridges, images of school desegregation often make it seem as though it was an issue for Black children primarily in the South.

It is true that Bridges, the Little Rock Nine and other brave students in Southern states, including North Carolina and Tennessee, changed the face of American education when they tested the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision that mandated the desegregation of public education. But the struggle to desegregate Americas schools in the 1950s and 60s did not take place solely in the South. Black students and their parents also boldly challenged segregated schooling in the North.

The Little Rock Nine form a study group together after being prevented from entering Central High School in 1957. Bettmann/Contributor via Getty Images

Mae Mallory, a Harlem activist and mother, serves as an example. Her name may not be the first one that comes to mind when it comes to 1950s school desegregation battles. Yet Mallory made history  and changed the face of public education  when she filed the first post-Brown suit against the New York City Board of Education in 1957.

Prompted by her children

Mallory got involved in education activism after her children  Patricia and Keefer Jr.  told her about the deplorable conditions of their segregated school, P.S. 10 in Harlem. Mallory joined the Parents Committee for a Better Education and became a vocal advocate of Black childrens right to a safe learning environment.

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The turning point came when she indicted the racist school system in her January 1957 testimony before the New York School Boards Commission on Integration. Mallory embarrassed the board by remarking that P.S. 10 was just as Jim Crow as the Hazel Street School she had attended in Macon, Georgia, in the 1930s. Her testimony was an integral part of the parental complaints that forced the board to construct a new building and hire new teachers.

A larger battle

Encouraged by this victory, Mallory began a fight to end the New York City Board of Educations segregation practices. Existing zoning maps required her daughter, Patricia, to attend a junior high school in Harlem. Mallory argued that this school was inferior to others in the area and would not adequately prepare her daughter for high school. Instead, she enrolled Patricia in a school on Manhattans Upper West Side.

The board blocked Patricias enrollment. Mallory took action. With the help of a young Black lawyer, Paul Zuber, she sued, claiming existing zoning policies relegated her daughter  and other Black children  to segregated, inferior schools. Filed three years after Brown, Mallorys suit forced the Board of Education to face the fact that segregation was a persistent problem in New York City public schools. Eight other mothers joined Mallorys fight. The press dubbed them the Harlem 9.

Making headlines

Once filed, Mallorys suit became front-page news in The New York Times. A year later, however, the case stalled. In an effort to spur the suit along, the Harlem 9 instituted a boycott of three Harlem junior high schools. Zuber knew that the mothers would face charges of violating compulsory school attendance laws. This, in turn, would force a judge to rule on their suit.

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In December 1958, Judge Justine Polier sided with the Harlem 9, declaring: These parents have the constitutionally guaranteed right to elect no education for their children rather than to subject them to discriminatory, inferior education. The Harlem 9 gained the first legal victory proving that de facto segregation existed in Northern schools. The decision galvanized local Black parents, causing hundreds to request transfers for their children to better schools.

A compromise

The parties reached a settlement in February 1959. The Harlem 9s children would not enroll in the schools for which they were zoned. Nor would they be able to engage in open choice  the parents request to send their children to a school of their choosing.

Instead, they would attend a Harlem junior high school that offered more resources, including college prep courses, although it was still largely segregated. The Harlem 9 would be allowed to continue with their ultimately unsuccessful civil suit against the board. The mothers had also filed a million-dollar lawsuit seeking damages for the psychological and emotional toll their children endured in segregated schools. This was a compromise on all fronts. However, Mallory and the other mothers gained a substantial victory in forcing the court and the Board of Education to confront the segregation that existed in New York City public schools. Their boycott also became a unifying strategy for subsequent struggles, most notably for the 1964 New York City school boycott. During this boycott, hundreds of thousands of parents, students and activists engaged in a daylong protest of segregation and inequality in public city schools.

[Get the best of The Conversation, every weekend. Sign up for our weekly newsletter.]

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The Harlem 9s fight serves as an important reminder that school desegregation protests were popular and successful in the North as well as in the South. It also provides insight into the prominent role Black women had in these struggles and the diverse range of strategies they deployed  from championing open choice to school boycotts  to help their children have access to equal education.

Even more importantly, perhaps, their fight demonstrates the importance of appreciating the different ways in which Black women compelled schools to make good on the Brown decision  a fight that, nearly 70 years later, is still being fought. The Supreme Courts mandate in the Brown decision that public schools desegregate with all deliberate speed is unfinished. Nationwide, Black children remain in schools that are segregated, underfunded and overcrowded  much as they were when Mallory began her fight.

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: Ashley Farmer, The University of Texas at Austin

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Ashley Farmer receives funding from National Endowment for the Humanities
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  Albuquerque firefighters responded to a fire at a storage facility on Eubank Boulevard SE Thursday morning.

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Crews found a working fire coming from a second-floor storage unit at the Extra Space Storage Facility. The fire was brought under control within 18 minutes.

Albuquerque Fire Rescue said damage was mostly contained to two storage units. No injuries were reported. AFR Fire Investigators determined the cause to be accidental.

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Montgomery County commissioners appointed Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough to oversee the countys library system after firing Library Director Rhea Young, pictured above. Jason Fochtman

Montgomery County commissioners appointed Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough to oversee the countys library system after firing Library Director Rhea Young.

I met with the library director and made the decision to end her employment with Montgomery County, Keough told the Chronicle. The future of the library system is vital to me.

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Young, 56, a longtime educator and librarian at Splendora ISD, was named the library director in September 2022. She replaced Jerilynn Williams, who retired in April that year after 25 years as director.

The library system has seven locations throughout the county, housing a collection of approximately 650,000 books, audiobooks, and DVDs and access to a digital collection of 820,506 eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eVideos.

Young could not be reached for comment. Keough said he could not provide more details on the personnel matter.

Library restrictions and debates over which the materials should be accessible to children have been hot-button topics for several years.

In July 2023, commissioners tightened restrictions on access to library books with LGBTQ+ themes by children younger than 18. After receiving dozens of complaints from residents, they agreed to add more conservative-based books to shelves.

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At that time, commissioners gave county purchasing director Gilbert Jalomo authority to expand the county's book vendor list to include publisher Brave Books for access to more conservative book themes. The court asked Young to group books by genre within the children's section and restrict access to sexually explicit books to those older than 18.

During that meeting, the court gave Young a full vote of confidence.

Keough said the county will begin a search for a new director.

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GUEST OPINION: Customer experiences increasingly define brand success, and contact centre organisations are turning to advanced technologies to enhance engagement. Artificial intelligence (AI) is now non-negotiable because it streamlines operations, refines decision-making, and personalises customer interactions.

However, success demands a considered approach to AI integration, or organisations risk stumbling at the finish line by rapidly transforming purely for transformations sake. Instead, organisations should invest in purpose-built, scalable AI solutions that meet their unique needs, according to NICE.

Rod Lester, Managing Director  Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), NICE, said, The distinction between generic and purpose-built AI is becoming more evident as businesses realise the importance of bespoke solutions tailored to their specific needs. Purpose-built AI provides a sharper focus on solving unique organisational challenges and is designed with targeted use cases in mind. Contact centre organisations can unlock opportunities for efficiency and innovation that generic solutions simply cannot match by embedding this technology into customer service frameworks.

Purpose-built AI empowers organisations to anticipate customer needs more precisely. This proactive approach makes customers feel valued and understood. These systems deliver insights that let businesses address concerns pre-emptively or tailor offerings by analysing patterns and behaviours, elevating the overall experience.

Rod Lester said, Purpose-built AI reduces friction across customer journeys, streamlining support processes and automating repetitive tasks for seamless, efficient interactions. This operational enhancement saves time and empowers human employees to focus on complex, value-adding activities that reinforce customer trust.

Adaptability makes purpose-built AI a valuable asset in addressing the dynamic nature of customer expectations. Fit-for-purpose AI solutions evolve alongside changing business needs, maintaining their relevance and effectiveness, unlike one-size-fits-all solutions. This flexibility is essential for organisations to sustain a competitive edge in fast-paced markets.

Integrating purpose-built AI strengthens data-driven decision-making, synthesising information into actionable insights so organisations gain a deeper understanding of their operations and customer behaviours. This capability drives more informed strategies that align with long-term goals for consistent customer experience (CX) improvement.

Organisations also enhance their operational resilience by mitigating risks associated with data management and compliance. Tailored systems meet specific regulatory standards, aligning businesses with industry requirements while safeguarding customer trust.

Rod Lester said, Automating routine processes and reducing the burden of manual interventions frees resources for more strategic initiatives. This environment of continuous improvement encourages organisations to experiment with new approaches to customer engagement.

However, this experimentation must go hand-in-hand with transparency, fairness, and accountability to build trust among customers and stakeholders. Organisations that prioritise these principles will position themselves as leaders in responsible innovation, enhancing both reputation and customer loyalty through AI adoption.

Businesses must prioritise collaboration across departments, clear objectives, and ongoing training to maximise successful AI adoption and its impact. These steps create an ecosystem where AI integrates seamlessly, empowering teams to deliver exceptional results.

The future of customer experience will undoubtedly be shaped by advancements in AI technology. Purpose-built solutions offer a clear path forward, letting businesses harness AIs transformative potential while addressing the unique challenges of their industry. Organisations that invest in these tailored innovations will enhance their competitive position while redefining the standards of customer excellence.

Rod Lester said, Purpose-built AI stands as a cornerstone of modern CX strategies. Its ability to drive efficiency, foster innovation, and build trust underpins its importance in a rapidly evolving market. Organisations that embrace this technology with a clear vision will be well-positioned to lead in the era of intelligent customer engagement.
STOKES COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP)  Firefighters across the Piedmont Triad spent their day working to put out multiple brush fires.

A large brush fire ignited near Germanton Elementary School on Wednesday afternoon.

Evacuations ordered for out of control wildfire in western North Carolina

Stokes County Ranger Jonathan Young says it took several first responders to get things under control.

From a tree falling on powerline that knocked the powerline down and started this fire, Young said.

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Young says, as a precaution, officials closed off a section off N.C. 8 South and crews cut off the power to the surrounding area, leaving many families like Samantha Arguello in the dark.

Weve been without power for about two hours now. We actually just headed to get some take out food because we cant cook anything and the kids are hungry when they get out of school, Arguello said.

Young says one abandoned building burned down and about four acres were scorched. The county ranger adds this isnt the only fire that crews had to put out in Stokes County on Wednesday.

We had another fire today up on the Surry line near the Virginia line on a mountain called Archies Knob. The fire started in Surry and, with the wind blowing, it blew up the smoke and into Stokes County, Young said.

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Young says fire conditions were favorable not only in Stokes County, but across the state.

The weather service issued an increased fire danger today because of the high gusty winds weve been experiencing. I know weve had snow and the moisture on the ground is still pretty wet. The fuel on top has really dried out and the low humidity with that has made it really receptive, Young said.

Once crews got this brush fire under control, North Carolina Forest Service sent bulldozers into the woods by the Germanton Elementary to create a fire line in case anything reignited.

As our region inches closer towards spring fire season Young had a few words of advice.

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Its kind of chilly at night so people are burning their wood stuff. Any wood stuff ashes they dispose of, make sure theyre wetting them. Any type of open fire they need to be careful with, Young said.

Young says thankfully there were no injuries and power has been restored for residents near Germanton Elementary.

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WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  Warrens fire chief is stressing the importance of working smoke detectors after a man died in a fire Tuesday morning.

The Trumbull County Coroner has identified the man killed in Tuesday mornings fire in Warren as 56-year-old Christopher Messersmith.

Messersmith was found dead in an upstairs bedroom where firefighters say the fire started.

A 911 caller reported waking up to find smoke in the home.

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We just woke up, and its smoky as Hell, the caller said.

Fire Chief Ken Nussle said there werent any working smoke detectors in the home on Bonnie Brae Avenue NE.

I believe firmly that that person would have survived if there were working smoke detectors, Nussle said.

Luckily, three other people made it out safely.

If you dont have early notifications, its much more difficult to escape as we have found time and time again, Nussle said.

Chief Nussle reminds residents in the city that they can get a free smoke detector from the fire department.

We offer smoke detectors. All they have to do is come down and fill out the application. They are for homeowners in the city only, he said.

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Nussle says the S.A.L.S.A., or Save A Life Smoke Alarm, program was launched more than a decade ago following two tragic fires that claimed the lives of 10 people.

I cant stress enough  it is your first line of defense to escape a house fire and it seems like every time that we have a fatal fire, they lack working smoke detectors, Nussle said.



As for Tuesdays fire, the State Fire Marshals Office continues to investigate its cause.



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A massive house fire that broke out in Bay Shore on Long Island early Thursday morning spread to two neighboring homes, killing one person and injuring another, authorities said.

The blaze began around 1:30 a.m. at a home on North Windsor Avenue in Bay Shore, Suffolk County police told the Daily News. The flames quickly spread to two other residences on the same street.

According to police, three people were inside the home where the fire began.

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A section of that house collapsed, killing one adult female. Another victim, an adult male, was taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries. A third person, an adult male, was not injured in the fire, according to police.

The womans identity is pending confirmation by the Suffolk County Medical Examiner.

The two other homes suffered severe damage, News12 Long Island reported. No injury was reported in those residences, police said.

Four adults and one child have been displaced, a Red Cross spokesperson told WABC.

Witnesses said windy conditions fueled the heavy flames, which quickly spread to the neighboring homes.

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The flames were ridiculous and it was so windy it just kept coming, one neighbor told News12. We were getting embers in our backyard.

Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad and Arson Section detectives are investigating the cause of the fire, which does not appear to be criminal in nature at this time, officials told The News.
VERMILION COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA)  Class was in session in Vermilion County tonight. Almost 100 firefighters from across the Midwest attended an educational forum at Fischer Theatre in Danville.

A fire chief with 35 years of experience from Houston, Texas, spoke at the event. Some department heads emphasized how sharing experiences can improve the jobs  and lives  of firefighters.

Beyond blessed: Vermilion Co. veteran gets big surprise from American Legion posts

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Hopefully they leave here energized and ready to go serve the public, said retired Houston Fire chief and keynote speaker Clyde Gordon.

Lessons in leadership and failure took center stage at the event. For Gordon, these are two traits that define a firefighter.

I share those experiences and the successes and failures that occurred to me in hopes that I can make fire departments and firefighters better at what they do, Gordon said.

The forum welcomed 24 agencies from across Illinois and Indiana with a grand total of around 100 firefighters in attendance.

Danville Fire Captain Ryan Allison said Wednesday marked a great collaboration effort.

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Weve got to share that common knowledge and thought process, Allison said. And really what were looking at here with Chief Gordon is, you know, a lot of the transition thats happened in our departments across the United States, where we have much younger firefighters who dont have the experience base. And a lot of these older guys are gone, and were trying to capture some of that experience that they have before its gone forever.

Humane Society of Danville needs pets adopted

Through sharing experiences comes a shared understanding of how to save lives and serve the community.

A lot of what we do, we gain through training, Gordon said. But the best training that we can get is experience or experiencing certain scenarios.

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This was the first event of its kind held in Danville. Captain Allison said they hope to make it a yearly tradition, with new voices as keynote speakers in the future.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
By Andrew Hay and Brad Brooks

(Reuters) - As Los Angeles recovers from its devastating wildfires, environmental engineers, urban planners and natural disaster experts are casting forward with visions of what could come next for neighborhoods that have been reduced to ash and rubble.

Apartment buildings could spring up where strip malls and parking lots once stood, with locals walking to ground-floor shops, offices and cafes, European-style.

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The city could "infill" vertically to add affordable housing in safer downtown areas, rather than outwards with more single-family homes on fire-prone hills.

Some blocks could be turned into buffer zones, where no building was allowed. And the city's trademark palm trees, which burn like Roman candles, could be replaced with fire-resistant native trees.

These are some of the bold ideas academics have for Los Angeles as it recovers from the Eaton and Palisades fires, which killed 28 people and damaged or destroyed nearly 16,000 structures. Together, the blazes charred 59 sq miles (152 sq km) - an area larger than Paris.

The city is far from rebuilding, with many people only now being allowed back to their burned neighborhoods. When construction does begin, few of the dozen experts Reuters spoke to expected their dream plans to be adopted, citing factors ranging from lack of future insurance coverage to political pressure to rebuild as before.

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Nonetheless, experts in urban development, climate change and housing said Los Angeles has a chance to think outside the box. Many also said there should be no rush to rebuild. Instead, residents of Pacific Palisades and Altadena should be afforded time to decide what their future communities should look like, and dream big.

"The biggest thing is how do we promote infill development in safer areas," said Emily Schlickman, assistant professor of landscape architecture and environmental design at the University of California, Davis, who suggests retreating from fire-prone peripheries.

MODEL CITIES

Los Angeles could learn from cities like Kobe, Japan, decimated by a 1995 earthquake, where officials imposed a two-month building moratorium, said Columbia University's Jeffrey Schlegelmilch.

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"One of the most important things is to give yourself time to come up with a robust solution," said Schlegelmilch, director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at the university's climate school.

Then there are Houston's Harris County and the city of San Antonio, Texas, which bought up homes and properties to reduce future flood risk. In the case of Harris County, authorities offered willing sellers pre-flood market values for homes flooded during Hurricane Harvey in 2017 then demolished them.

Char Miller, a professor of environmental analysis and history at Pomona College in Claremont, California, is among those who point to Texas' experience. While buying up properties in Pacific Palisades and Altadena would be costly, Miller said, it would be possible with the financial support of the city, county, state and possibly insurers.

Burned-out lots could be turned into what he envisions as fire buffer zones. While disruptive to residents, Miller believes many would be willing to use the money to relocate.

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"People go 'Yeah, I don't want to be in danger, and you're buying me out. Yeah, thank you,'" said Miller.

He despairs at city and state efforts to fast-track redevelopment in areas that burned at a similar housing density.

"They just pulled the plug on the moonshot," Miller added.

Alice Hill, a senior fellow for energy and the environment at the Council on Foreign Relations think tank, wants to see more green spaces like playing fields and bike paths between fire-risk areas and homes.

"It simply is unsafe to rebuild communities where they were, and retreating may be the wisest approach," Hill wrote in a Jan. 14 essay.

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A LITTLE MORE PANACHE

Other experts advocate rebuilding the communities but in a way that will resist fire.

"The only way to do this impactfully is to do it community-wide so if the fire gets in, it has a hard time moving on," said Michael Gollner, a professor of mechanical engineering at University of California, Berkeley.

Gollner tests prototype houses to see how they handle flames. Homes can be made more fire-resistant by moving a wooden fence back five feet (1.5 meters), surrounding a house with gravel and putting mesh over attic vents to stop embers, he said.

Then there is landscaping, a contentious subject for some homeowners.

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"Who wants to cut down their juniper? But come a wildfire, your juniper is a torch," said Gollner.

Ecologists suggest Los Angelenos replace palms, junipers and eucalyptus with trees that evolved to survive fire like California oaks. The species has thick bark that resists flames and leathery leaves that burn slowly.

"There are lots of people who are working to plant oaks, and I think there's some effort in giving them more panache," said Alexandra Syphard, a San Diego-based wildfire ecologist at the Conservation Biology Institute.

For Hussam Mahmoud, a professor in civil and environmental engineering at Colorado State University, the key is predicting the path of future fires.

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He has developed a model that calculates which buildings will burn, allowing a community to fire-harden "super spreader" structures, rather than fully adapt every house to resist wildfires.

Hardening a home begins with using metal or concrete for a roof and fire-retardant materials on the sides. Multi-pane windows are less likely to break from the heat and cause a home to burn from within.

"When the fires hit L.A., it's clear that nobody knew what was going to happen, which buildings were more likely to burn, said Mahmoud.

(Reporting by Andrew Hay in New Mexico and Brad Brooks in Colorado; Editing by Paul Thomasch and Sandra Maler)
Greenfield, Mass. (WWLP)  Greenfields 103rd Winter Carnival scheduled to kick off on Friday has been postponed to Saturday due to inclement weather.

The parade and fireworks scheduled for this Friday have been moved to Saturday. The parade of lights steps off at 6 p.m. with decorated vehicles that will travel from Newton School lot processing along Shelburne Road to Mohawk Trail / Main Street, Federal Street, Beacon Street, crossing High Street at Beacon Street, Gerrett Street to Beacon Field.

Following the parade, a fireworks display will light up in the night sky at Beacon Field at 7 p.m. from Poets Seat Tower.

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Ironman 70.3 triathlon to return to western Mass.

Additional events have been rescheduled for the following:

Polar Patio at Mesa Verde  Scheduled for Saturday, February 1 from 12 to 8 p.m.

Downtown Defrost, hosted by the Greenfield Business Association  Re-scheduled to Saturday, 4 to 8 p.m. at Court Square.

Activities are happening all weekend including a glow party at the Greenfield Middle School cafeteria on Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The celebration also features a magic of science show, jigsaw puzzle contest, cribbage tournament, chili cookoff, keg pull by dogs, and a cardboard sled contest to name a few.

Spectators can watch ice carved into sculptures in front of businesses in the downtown area and vote for their favorite online by 10 a.m. on Sunday.

Throughout the weekend, the police department is collecting donations to support those impacted by domestic violence. A box will be on display in the police station lobby, city hall, and at Beacon Field for those who want to donate the following items:

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Health and personal care products shampoo, conditioner, soap, hairbrushes, hand wipes, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, pads, tampons, floss, and mouthwash

Non-perishable food items

Socks

Blankets

Friday looks to be an unsettled day with on and off rain in the valley and a wintry mix of snow and ice in the Berkshires and hill towns. The precipitation could end as a wintry mix of wet snow and rain for everyone on Friday evening.

Snowfall Map

A minor accumulation of snow and ice is possible in the Berkshires and along the Vermont state line Friday evening. High temperatures will be in the mid 30s to 40 degrees.

The weekend overall looks good besides the chance of snow flurries/showers on Sunday afternoon.

7 Day Forecast

Local News Headlines

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Adm. Linda L. Fagan, commandant of the Coast Guard, speaks to guests during the 2024 State of the Coast Guard Address in Washington, D.C., March 20, 2024. The State of the Coast Guard Address speaks to the vision for the service. (U. S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Brandon Giles)

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.

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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:

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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 model  a 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.

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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 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)

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.

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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.

Rhode Island Current is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Rhode Island Current maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Janine L. Weisman for questions: info@rhodeislandcurrent.com.
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture is asking farmers and others to keep an eye on their flocks as avian influenza spreads. (Stock photo by Gins Wang/Getty Images)

LINCOLN  The first cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza  bird flu  have been detected this year in Nebraska flocks.

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture announced the discovery of bird flu in two backyard poultry flocks in Kearney and Nance Counties. U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal Plant Health Inspection Services helped assist in identifying the highly contagious virus.

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The disease spreads easily among birds through nasal and eye secretions, as well as through infected food, water and manure, according to the state agency. It can spread from flock to flock, including during migration or contact through infected equipment or clothing.

Wild birds can carry the virus without becoming sick, though domesticated birds can become very sick and die.

State Veterinarian Dr. Roger Dudley reminds producers to practice good biosecurity with their flocks including minimizing exposure to wild birds and washing hands and changing clothes (including shoes) before and after coming into contact with poultry, a news release states.

The virus can result in sudden deaths of birds, without showing any symptoms, and the virus can survive for weeks in contaminated environments.

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Symptoms include:

A decrease in water consumption.

Lack of energy and appetite.

Decreased egg production or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs.

Nasal discharge, coughing or sneezing.

Incoordination.

Diarrhea.

State Sen. Barry DeKay of Niobrara talks with State Sen. John Fredrickson of Omaha. July 26, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

The state agency asks that symptoms of bird flu or unusual poultry deaths be reported to the state ag department at 402-471-2351 or USDA at 866-536-7593.

Producers can find additional resources from the state at nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian or the USDA at aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza.

State Sen. Barry DeKay of Niobrara, chair of the Nebraska Legislatures Agriculture Committee, said he appreciates the efforts of the Nebraska Ag Department, the veterinary community and poultry producers to watch out for highly pathogenic avian influenza.

DeKay said the detection suggests the states surveillance is working.

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I am looking forward to working with the Department of Agriculture and the agricultural community to assure that we can continue a strong surveillance program for the bird flu virus and that we have resources necessary to respond quickly to contain and eradicate it when it is detected, he told the Examiner.

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CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. (WHTM)  In theory, nothing is different here  for an undocumented immigrant released from custody here after completing a sentence  from in any other county jail or prison in Pennsylvania.

Franklin County Jail has to release an inmate by 11:59 p.m. on the day that person completes their detention. If that person is an undocumented immigrant, facing potential deportation, they go free unless a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, officer happens to show up then.

In practice, theres now a greater chance that person will go directly from county corrections custody into ICE custody rather than possibly going free first, now that Franklin has become the first Pennsylvania county to join one of two ICE delegation of immigration authority programs.

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The program Franklin Countys three commissioners (two Republicans and one Democrat) voted unanimously to join  the warrant service officer program  essentially deputizes corrections officers to act as temporary ICE officers and hold an otherwise-released inmate for up to three days before ICE takes physical custody of the person to process them for possible deportation.

Its a safety net both for us  the county  and ICE, Heather Franzoni, the jails warden, said Wednesday. And I think its just a good collaboration in order to keep the community safe.

Counties in other states already cooperate similarly with ICE under the warrant service officer program or another program called the jail enforcement model.

Franzoni described the program as a safe handoff of people who  here or anywhere else  are already supposed to go directly into ICE custody (because ICE has placed detainers on them) but sometimes instead go free because of a lack of ICE agents available to take custody of the inmate before the jail is required to release them.

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Franzoni said the local cooperation was already in the works last summer, before the 2024 presidential election, meaning it would have begun whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris had taken office Jan. 20.

But ICE itself has been arresting and deporting undocumented immigrants more aggressively under now-President Trump, so some immigrant advocates are worry about any local efforts that facilitate the agencys work.

What we can agree on is that we do want the violent criminals out of the country, said Damaris Mazariegos, a U.S. citizen who immigrated to the Chambersburg area from Guatemala about 30 years ago, when she was a young child.

On the other hand, people who are already in there who have completed their sentence  you if it was somebody that was not an immigrant, people would be looking for for them to be released and welcomed back into society, Mazariegos said, adding she worries about the treatment of the immigrants during their extended detentions as the hatred is building up for undocumented immigrants under this administration.

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Franzoni said guardrails are in place. The up to three additional days at the jail, she said, arent going to look any different from the rest of their detention.

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Britains Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant risks being delayed yet again because of a row about fish, the projects owner has said.

EDF Energy said it was struggling to agree protection measures for fish in the River Severn over fears thousands of them will be killed in its water cooling intakes. This has the potential to delay the operation of the power station, it said.

The nuclear plant is already running years behind schedule. It was initially expected to power homes in 2017, but the start date was last year delayed until at least 2029. EDF has also said the scheme will cost as much as 35bn to complete, up from previous estimates of between 25bn and 26bn in 2022.

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The threat of a further delay comes after months of tussles over Hinkley Point Cs seawater cooling system. EDF has estimated that the system, which would suck seawater up to cool the plant, would result in 44 tonnes of fish being ingested and killed every year.

Campaigners have argued salmon stocks will be decimated by the scheme, while Hinkley Point C officials have claimed there would be a very small impact on fish populations.

EDF has suggested flooding 840 acres of land to create new salt marsh habitats where marine species will be able to breed.

Proposals to mitigate the impact of Hinkley Point C on local salmon populations include flooding farmland along the River Severn

However, environmental groups have been pushing for acoustic fish deterrents to be installed at the power plant which would use loudspeakers to scare away fish.

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Earlier this month, Sir Keir Starmer singled out the proposal for ridicule, saying it was part of a system that was holding us back and stifling growth.

Writing in the Daily Mail, he said of the acoustic fish deterrent plan: I wish I was joking.

The Prime Minister said there were countless examples of Nimbys and zealots gumming up the legal system often for their own ideological blind spots to stop the Government building the infrastructure the country needs.

He vowed to speed up infrastructure projects to help spur growth.

Hinkley Point C is the only nuclear power plant currently under construction in the UK. Once finished, the plant in Somerset is expected to provide around 7pc of Britains total power.

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The Government has signalled that nuclear power will be crucial to help Britain meet its net zero goals.

Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, said last month: Getting Hinkley up and running to produce clean power for 6m homes will be a win for our long-term energy independence, protecting bill-payers as we accelerate to net zero.

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ADAMS COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV)  The Adams County sheriff announced five people were arrested in connection to a deadly shooting on New Years Eve.

The shooting occurred on Finger Lane in Adams County on the evening of December 31, 2024. Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten said one person was killed and five others were injured.

An investigation by the sheriffs office led them to Vicksburg, where they arrested Jeremiah Clark, 23, of Natchez; Daryl Hurts, Jr., 26, of Natchez; and Aereia Hearron, 28, of Fayette; at a hotel on January 1, 2025.

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Patten said deputies and Zachary police executed a search warrant in Zachary, Louisiana, on January 8 at the home of Riche Jackson, 24, of Fayette. He was arrested for narcotics violations by Zachary police.

Man arraigned for fatal Port Gibson shooting

Adams County deputies executed another search warrant with the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office at a residence in Fayette.

Patten announced that Clark is being charged with murder, five counts of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and possession of a stolen vehicle. He is in custody for two other unrelated homicides.

Hurts is being charged with murder, five counts of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and felon in possession of a firearm. He is currently in custody for a probation violation, accessory after the fact and felon in possession of a firearm for an unrelated incident.

Jeremiah Clark (Courtesy: Adams Co. Sheriffs Office) Daryl Hurts, Jr. (Courtesy: Adams Co. Sheriffs Office) Aereia Hearron (Courtesy: Adams Co. Sheriffs Office) Riche Jackson (Courtesy: Adams Co. Sheriffs Office) Shartavia Johnson (Courtesy: Adams Co. Sheriffs Office)

Jackson is being charged with murder, five counts of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, possession of a stolen vehicle and accessory after the fact. He is current incarcerated for a bond revocation for an aggravated assault charge.

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Hearron is being charged with accessory after the fact. She is currently in custody for accessory after the fact and felon in possession of a firearm on an unrelated charge.

Patten said Shartavia Johnson, 25, of Vicksburg, is being charged with accessory before the fact.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Five people were shot Wednesday in South Memphis, leaving two dead and three in critical condition, police said.

Officers were called at 3:35 Wednesday afternoon to a shooting in the 900 block of College Park in the Soulsville neighborhood.

All the victims were adults. One man was pronounced dead at the scene while another died at a hospital, police said. Three people were in critical condition.

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Police did not have information on any suspects. They said gunfire was exchanged inside a home.

Memphis Murder Map 2025

The shooting happened near LeMoyne-Owen College, but the school said in an email that it did not happen on campus and did not involve or impact students, faculty or staff. There were no lockdowns on campus and the school remained fully operational.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Nika Bartoo-Smith

Underscore Native News + ICT

Prior to the influx of colonial settlers in the mid-19th century and the eventual development of large dams blocking fish passageway along the river, the Columbia River Basin was teeming with anadromous salmon and steelhead returning from the ocean annually.

Jeremy FiveCrows, communications director for the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC), said 15 to 20 million adult salmon and steelhead returned to the basin historically, which represented an annual infusion of so much nutrient wealth that fed this entire ecosystem.

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By the 1990s, that number had dipped to a little over 1 million. It has since grown to more than 2 million, still a far cry from its heyday and not even halfway to a conservation goal of 5 million.

We all live in an impoverished ecosystem compared to what it was historically, FiveCrows, Niimiipuu, citizen of the Nez Perce Tribe, said.

Graph courtesy of the Northwest Power and Conservation Council

Fish conservation has been a priority for many scientists and organizations since the latter half of the 20th century  something that Indigenous people along the river have known is important since time immemorial.

Since the 1980 Northwest Power Act, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council (NWPCC) has been monitoring adult salmon and steelhead returns to the Columbia River Basin.

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Although the NWPCC focuses on the entire Columbia River Basin, the losses we are trying to make up for are due just to hydropower development, said Kate Self, a program scientist in the Councils Fish and Wildlife Program.

The 10-year rolling average from 2014-2023 stands at 2.3 million fish, which is about the same average of the previous 10 years, according to a Dec. 10 report from the NWPCC. Its still well below the Council's target, which is 5 million annual returns of adult salmon and steelhead to the Columbia River Basin.

The construction of the hydrosystem throughout the Columbia River Basin cut off almost 50% of all available habitat across the region until some fish passages were built, according to Patty OToole, fish and wildlife director for the Council. Even with fish passages, restoration faces significant challenges.

It takes a lot of restoration to keep up with development and population growth, OToole said.

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The status quo is no longer acceptable, especially when you have stocks on the brink of extinction, said Donella Miller, citizen of Yakama Nation, fisheries science manager at CRITFC. In the face of climate change, things in the environment are going to become more challenging so we need to move beyond that and take further action.

Collective conservation efforts

While the rolling average from the last 10 years is still about 50% lower than the numbers that NWPCC would like to see, it does point to success from conservation efforts along the river.

That many returning fish is an improvement from the 1990s when the average dipped to its lowest since the beginning of the program at 1.3 million, according to the report.

Increased salmon and steelhead abundance in the Columbia River Basin  especially above Bonneville Dam  over the past 40 years marks important progress, said NWPCC Council Member Louie Pitt, who represents Oregon and is a citizen of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs, according to a press release. These fish still face severe stresses from climate change, pressures from human population growth in the Basin, and other environmental impacts. Some stocks are struggling right now. We cannot ease up in our collective efforts to help these fish populations grow stronger and larger everywhere we can  including in blocked areas of our Basin such as above Chief Joseph and Grand Coulee Dams.

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Salmon and steelhead abundance above the dams, particularly the Bonneville Dam, is crucial for subsistence fishing for Native nations along the river, sport fishing and natural reproduction. It is also essential for the biodiversity and health of the Columbia River Basin.

Graph courtesy of the Northwest Power and Conservation Council

In the first half of the 20th century, while efforts to protect fish populations did occur, they mostly focused on the lower half of the river to protect commercial fishing and ocean harvest, according to the Councils report. This meant the heaviest losses of salmon and steelhead occurred above the Bonneville Dam.

Native nations throughout the Columbia River Basin have been instrumental in leading restoration efforts, which span across reintroduction programs, hatcheries managed by Native nations and more.

It goes beyond just our harvest, Miller said about the importance of salmon and steelhead abundance in the river and above the dams. But also what the tribes view as our responsibility to maintain and ensure that these species persist for our future generations.



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Beyond climate change, many obstacles stand in the way of fish abundance, including physical ones like dams blocking fish passage and invasive species. Other obstacles stem from red tape, according to Miller, with a green light for fish passage projects or structure removal impeding fish passage that could take years.

People cannot dismiss the amount of work thats gone into it, because its kind of a miracle that the numbers are even flatlined, FiveCrows said. The amount of fish that are being produced at the tribal hatcheries, its just phenomenal.

While salmon and steelhead restoration is essential to the basins health, and a priority at CRITFC and NWPCC, other crucial species have been more overlooked in conservation.

Miller mentioned lamprey and freshwater mussels as two key species. There cannot solely be a focus on salmon, but instead a holistic approach to ensure long-term success and ecosystem health, she said.

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Scientists at the NWPCC agree.

Its integral when you are talking about conservation and restoration to include all of the native species, Self said. A functioning ecosystem requires all of the players to be healthy, not just the ones you can sell.

Photo courtesy of the Northwest Power and Conservation Council

Native nations throughout the Columbia River Basin have been leading this work both technically and scientifically, according to OToole. She said that Bonneville contracts with 19 Native nations and Native organizations, with 45 to 50% of all available restoration funding going to those nations and organizations.

Restoration projects are taking place across the basin. Efforts led by Native nations include: freshwater mussel restoration in the Umatilla River led by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation; work conducted by the Confederated Colville Tribe to protect wild kokanee populations; the Yakama Nations work to restore and reintroduce sturgeon to areas in the mid-Columbia River; and many more.

Within our culture, everything has its purpose and its place, Miller said. So we cant just look at it as salmon restoration  were working to heal Mother Earth.

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Flavor Flav defended Selena Gomez this week after she was met with criticism over an emotional clip that saw her break down in tears over a surge in deportations under President Donald Trump.

Team Selena Gomez. Again, wrote the Public Enemy rapper of the Only Murders in the Building star in a post to X late Monday.

That woman is always so brave to share her truth,,, and so many are quick to bully her, he added.

Team Selena Gomez. Again. That woman is always so brave to share her truth,,, and so many are quick to bully her.  FLAVOR FLAV (@FlavorFlav) January 28, 2025

The clip Gomez shared to her Instagram Stories, later deleted after seemingly being met with backlash, showed the third-generation Mexican American actor in tears because her people are getting attacked as she wished she could do something about it.

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Federal officials have arrested thousands of people in immigration raids, which have swept up citizens, while Trump himself has pledged to deport millions and millions of criminal aliens in America.

The actors video was met with backlash, including from Trumps border czar Tom Homan, who told Fox News this week that he had no apologies for the actor.

Flav previously went to bat for Gomez after online debate over her appearance led her to open up about her health, revealing that she had dealt with flareups from a condition known as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth last year.

I dont know her personally,,, but Selena Gomez is one of the STRONGEST and MOST BEAUTIFUL people inside and out, wrote Flav in a post to X in November.

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I applaud her for being so open about her health and mental health. And I applaud her even more for clapping back at haterz,,, but she shouldnt have to.

Earlier this week, Gomez hit back at Sam Parker  a Republican who unsuccessfully ran for a U.S. Senate seat in Utah  who called to deport her even though she was born and raised in Texas.

Oh, Mr. Parker, Mr. Parker, she replied on her Instagram Stories. Thanks for the laugh and the threat.

Related...
There were dozens of flight cancellations and delays at Bostons Logan International Airport on Thursday, less than 24 hours after an American Airlines jet with 60 passengers and four crew members collided with an Army helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C. on Wednesday night.

FlightAware.com reported 25 flight delays and 30 cancellations at Logan as of 11 a.m., with most of the issues linked to flights departing from and arriving at Reagan Airport.

Attention passengers: Due to an incident at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, flights may be impacted and passengers are encouraged to check the status of their flight before coming to the airport. pic.twitter.com/N232GhHgHQ  Boston Logan International Airport (@BostonLogan) January 30, 2025

The collision happened at around 9 p.m. when a regional jet at the end of a flight from Wichita, Kansas, collided with a military helicopter on a training exercise, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

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The two aircraft plummeted into the icy Potomac River after colliding, killing everyone onboard the plane and helicopter, officials said Thursday.

Six people with ties to a Massachusetts figure skating club died in the collision.

Anyone traveling on Thursday is urged to check with their airline ahead of time.

Reagan Airport was expected to resume flight operations at 11 a.m.

Reagan National airport will resume flight operations at 11:00am. All airport roads and terminals are open. Some flights have been delayed or cancelled, so passengers are encouraged to check with their airline for specific flight information.  Reagan Airport (@Reagan_Airport) January 30, 2025

There was no immediate word on the cause of the collision, but officials said flight conditions were clear.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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The US Army Black Hawk that collided with an American Airlines flight was training on a familiar flight path.

The 12th Aviation Battalion frequently navigates Washington DC airspace for VIP transport.

Pilots were flying with night vision goggles and are trained to deal with those challenges.

The US Army crew of a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter that fatally collided with an American Airlines passenger jet on Wednesday was on a routine training flight on a well-known flight path at the time of the incident, an Army official said Thursday.

Jonathan Koziol, a retired Army chief warrant officer aviator with nearly three decades of military flight experience, said during a media roundtable this flight would have likely been deemed "low risk," not medium or high risk.

Such designations are required elements of pre-flight risk assessments and briefings to military mission approval authorities and take into account variables like weather, mission type, and potential hazards. Koziol, the Headquarters Department of the Army Aviation Directorate Chief of Staff, was not involved in flight operation or oversight.

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Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said earlier in the day that the flight was "routine" and conducted along a "standard" corridor. The flight was along Route 4, a commonly used flight path, and "should not have been a problem," Koziol said.

Crews from the Army's 12th Aviation Battalion, based in Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, are well acquainted with Washington, DC and the surrounding areas, said Koziol. Much of this unit's mission includes ferrying government and military VIPs throughout the National Capital Region (NCR) and being ready to move officials during crises.

Speaking of the Black Hawk's flight path, Koziol said "this is a relatively easy corridor to fly because you're flying down the center of the river."

Emergency response units assess aircraft wreckage in the Potomac River after an American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas collided with a helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

He said that the dark river flight path, with urban lights on either side to act as informal guardrails, makes the task simple for pilots. The battalion's Black Hawk was also equipped with an in-flight map, meaning the pilots could track their position throughout the flight.

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"You have the darkness of the river, and you have the lights on either side of you and obviously the rotating beacon on Reagan National to point out the airfield and all the traffic on it for them to know exactly where they're at," he said.

There are several routes for helicopters in the NCR which government aircraft traverse daily and includes airspace that is off-limits to non-approved aircraft, including areas near the Pentagon, White House, National Mall, and Naval Observatory.

Each flight requires coordination with surrounding air traffic control, including the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, which assigns each flight a four-digit tracking number to chart its movements. Within the aviation unit, flights are meticulously planned for and managed, Koziol said.

Koziol said the Black Hawk pilots were training with night vision goggles, which can cut down a wearer's peripheral vision and impact depth perception. Soldiers train regularly with these capabilities to limit the impact.

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"They are helpful at night, obviously, and in an urban environment, they're still useful," Koziol said. City lights can make seeing with night vision more difficult, but flying over the river where the Black Hawk was shouldn't have posed any problems with light, he said.

All three crew members, two pilots and a crew chief, were experienced aviators, he said. Both pilots had at least 1500 combined flight hours between them. One pilot served as the flight commander and instructor, overseeing an annual training requirement for the second pilot, who held 500 hours and had previously served as a flight commander.

The cause of Wednesday's deadly crash, in which there were no survivors, is unknown and under investigation.

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NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  Several flights at the Norfolk International Airport (ORF) were canceled Thursday morning after an American Airlines flight and U.S. Army Black Hawk Helicopter collided mid-air near Reagan Washington National Airport.

Passenger jet with 64 aboard collides with Army helicopter while landing at Reagan Airport near DC

According to ORFs website, two departure flights to Washington D.C. have been canceled and two arrival flights to Washington D.C. have been canceled as a result of the crash. Officials with the Reagan Washington National Airport said they plan to reopen around 11 a.m.

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In addition to the flight cancelations, ORF canceled their ribbon cutting for the return of its moving walkways, which was scheduled to take place Thursday morning.

Here locally, at Norfolk International Airport, one traveler spoke to 10 On Your Side. Ronnie Oliver traveling out of Suffolk said he had to pause when he saw the news.

Well it was horrible, you couldnt help  but your heart goes out to the families and everything, said Oliver. You heard and of course I was traveling this morning, so you pay a little more attention to it than you normally do, its not the way it should be, but thats how it is. Its horrible and I listened to a little bit of the clips this morning. And it sounded like its pretty complicated.

During a press briefing early Thursday morning, officials stated they do not expect any survivors after the crash. As of 8 a.m., 27 bodies have been recovered from the plane and one body from the helicopter.

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President Donald Trump spoke at a new conference at 11 a.m. on the incident. Trump said that the investigation is underway and that the two aircraft shouldve never been at the same elevation.

During the conference, Trump began with a moment of silence for the victims. Shortly thereafter, he came up with a series of potential causes for the crash, including coming down on former President Joe Bidens policies, the air traffic controllers, the helicopter pilot and what he called DEI hires.

The claim was focus point of many follow up questions, but wasnt backed up by hard evidence. Trump cited common sense as reasoning for his conclusion. The president assured the public that they should not be fearful of traveling.

See the full press conference below:

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Senator Mark Warner spoke during the briefing, giving his condolences to the victims and thanks to first responders.

For folks who dont live in the DMV, we are made up of a lot of jurisdictions, Warner said. Reagan airport is in Virginia, across the river we have Maryland, and obviously the District. But as has been indicated by the chief, when tragedy happens, all those distinctions between the various jurisdictions and our federal partners, all disappear.

A portion of the briefing can be viewed below:

The plane, which departed from Kansas, was said to be carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. Three military members were onboard the helicopter, according to officials. The crash occurred just before 9 p.m. on Wednesday.

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What to know about the collision between a passenger jet and Army helicopter near DC

Gov. Glenn Youngkin posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, late Wednesday night, saying that first responders from across northern Virginia, D.C. and Maryland are working together to assist with the search and rescue efforts.

I have been briefed by our Emergency Management team and Virginia State Police about the tragic crash at Reagan National Airport tonight. Extensive resources are fully supporting the search and rescue efforts. First responders from across Northern Virginia, DC and Maryland mobilized quickly. I ask everyone to pray for the passengers, crews, their families, and brave first responders. Gov. Glenn Youngkin

Rep. Bobby Scott also responded to the tragic collision, saying he is thankful for our first responders on the scene.

Im closely monitoring the situation at DCA that occurred this evening involving a collision between a passenger airplane and a military helicopter, Scott said. Im thankful for our first responders on the scene. My thoughts and prayers are with all those involved in this horrible tragedy.

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Sen. Louise Lucas and Rep. Jen Kiggans have also posted their condolences as well as gratitude to the first responders who were on the scene.

Multiple fatalities have been reported as a result of the collision, but it is currently unclear just how many victims there are as rescue efforts continued into early Thursday morning.

Over the course of the night, and we hope to have more news as it develops, but for right now, its a very difficult situation out there with the cold, Jack Potter, president of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority said. Its very dark, but there are numerous boats out there. There are dive teams out there.

In 1982, an Air Florida flight also crashed into the Potomac, ultimately killing 70 passengers and four crew members.

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10 On Your Sides Andy Fox will be in DC and are expected to give updates on the incident throughout the day.

Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport reopened Thursday morning following a deadly mid-air collision between a passenger jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter.

The investigation caused some flights at Memphis International Airport to be canceled. We talked with Taylor Sweat as she boarded her American Airlines plane to Dallas.

Well, I was heartbroken for everybody that was on the plane, the pilots, people who were traveling, said Sweat.

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There are still a lot of questions that need answers but according to officials, an American Airlines regional jet traveling from Witcha, Kansas was approaching DCAs runways when it collided with an Army Black Hawk Helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River, Wednesday night.

American Airlines plane, military helicopter collide near DCA, crash into Potomac River

There were 64 people on the plane and three soldiers on the helicopter.

The American Airlines flight coming in to land was in a standard flight pattern as he was coming into DCA, so this was not unusual with a river and aircraft landing at DCA, and again if you live in the area, youll see that frequently with two aircraft, said Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffey.

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The investigation required a closure of Reagan National Airport causing many cancellations at the Memphis International Airport.

I think traveling, you have worries no matter what it is, whether youre flying or driving, you know, whatever city youre going to always kind of worries, said Sweat.

Memphis International Airport says in a statement, in part:

While MEM is under normal operations, our hearts go out to all of those affected by last nights tragic incident. Please check with American Airlines on the effects on their network and schedule. Passengers traveling to or from Washington DC today should also check directly with their airlines for the latest scheduling updates

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At this time, officials are not expecting any survivors.

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Emergency crews who waded through the frigid waters of the Potomac River through the night are now shifting to a recovery operation after an American Airlines plane carrying 64 people collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C.s Ronald Reagan National Airport.

The passenger flight, carrying 64 people from Wichita, Kansas, collided mid-air with a military helicopter carrying three around 9 p.m. Wednesday.

No survivors are expected, D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said at a Thursday press conference.

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Emergency responders conducted their rescue mission through the night in what D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser described as tough and heartbreaking conditions, referring to ice-covered water and strong winds. The operation has now shifted to a recovery mission.

So far, 28 bodies have been recovered  one from the helicopter and 27 from the American Airlines flight.

We probably lost 60 Kansans tonight, Kansas senator Roger Marshall told reporters at a briefing early Thursday morning.

"Its really hard when you lose probably over 60 Kansans simultaneously, he said. When one person dies its a tragedy, but when many, many, many people die, its an unbearable sorrow. Its a heartbreak beyond major.

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A citywide prayer service is planned for Wichita on Thursday.

Washington DC air crash latest

Latest as of 0515 ET 30 January

An American Airlines regional jet collided mid-air with an Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River near Washington, D.C.'s Reagan National Airport.

All 67 people on board both aircraft are feared dead.

As of the latest update, at least 28 bodies have been recovered from the river.

Reagan National Airport is closed until at least 11 a.m. Thursday.

Investigators are examining the sequence of events leading up to the tragedy, including possible human error in communication between the Black Hawk crew and air traffic control.

Follow latest updates

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom expressed deep sorrow following the crash.

This is a difficult day for all of us at American Airlines, and our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, partners, first responders, along with their families and loved ones," he said in a video statement after the tragedy.

Isom said hell be heading to Washington, D.C., to assess the accident and support employees.

The plane was in pieces in the water on Thursday and the helicopter was also in the water nearby.

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Video from an observation camera at the nearby Kennedy Center shows two sets of lights slamming into each other near the airport and sparking a fireball.

Officials say no survivors are likely to have survived after an American Airlines plane collided with a U.S. Army helicopter on Wednesday evening. (AFP via Getty Images)

The plane collided with a military helicopter near Ronald Reagan airport in Washington, D.C., around 9 p.m. Wednesday. The events before the crash are under investigation. (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The Federal Aviation Administration said In a statement that the crash occurred after a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet from Wichita collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter  colloquially known as a Black Hawk  while on approach to the runway at Reagan around 9 p.m. local time.

The Black Hawk was on a training flight at the time of the crash, Joint Task Force-National Capital Region media chief Heather Chairez told CNN.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News Sean Hannity Wednesday night: I have called over to my counterparts at the White House, and I can confirm that President Trump has been made aware of this situation.

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The president later released a statement, via Leavitt, that read: "I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls.

The statement added: Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise."

Trump later on social media called the crash a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented.

It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didnt the helicopter go up or down, or turn. Why didnt the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane, Trump wrote. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!

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The Association of Flight Attendants said in a statement that two of its members were on board flight 5342.

While we mobilize to support the families and crews directly affected by this incident, we are also sending strength to all first responders doing everything they can to bring survivors to safety, the statement added. Let us all stay focused on saving lives.

New Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that the department was deploying every available U.S. Coast Guard resource for search and rescue efforts.

She added: We are actively monitoring the situation & stand ready to support local responders. Noem expressed her concern and prayers for the victims and first responders.

Significant responses from fire, EMS, and police, were reported at the scene of the incident at the Potomac River as crews desperately tried to rescue survivors (AP)

The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash, with the NTSB leading the probe.

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Significant responses with dozens of firefighters, EMS rescuers and police, were reported at the scene of the crash in the Potomac River, with temperatures of 42 degrees Fahrenheit.

In audio from the air traffic control tower around the time of the crash, a controller is heard asking the helicopter, PAT25 do you have the CRJ in sight, in reference to the passenger aircraft.

Tower did you see that? another pilot is heard calling seconds after the apparent collision. The tower immediately began diverting other aircraft from Reagan.
FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW)  Florence city leaders on Wednesday discussed new Mayor Lethonia Barnes five-point plan that aims to curb crime in the city.

Barnes plan includes several initiatives, among them restoring community policing teams; creating incentives for police officers to live in high-crime areas; prioritizing new technology for crime prevention; restoring Camp F.E.V.E.R as Camp Carraway; and cracking down on businesses with high rates of criminal activity.

Members of the Community Development Committee focused part of their discussions Wednesday on the growing use of drones and other cameras in law enforcement.

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Technology is my No. 1 part of this plan because I think that we will make a big dent in crime through the technology, Barnes said.

The city has 30 recently installed Flock cameras, which essentially are license plate readers that can help officers locate stolen vehicles and solve other crimes. The were installed between March and May of last year and have already help officers located dozens of suspects and vehicles.

A couple of months ago my moms car was stolen, and the Flock cameras were able to track down the culprits in this case. [They were] able to find the car and get the car back to her, so it shows you how the Flock camera system is working here in Florence, City Councilman Chaquez McCall, a committee member, said.

Another part of the plan involves the city partnering with local businesses, who could approve allowing the police department to tap into their surveillance cameras  both inside and outside  if a crime were to happen there.

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Camp F.E.V.E.R was an initiative of Florence police Sgt. Terrance Carraway, a 30-year veteran of the force who died in the line of duty on Oct. 3, 2018, after being shot while responding to a standoff.

That was very near and dear to him. He loved the youth, and he wanted to make sure that every one of the youth realized their location and their situation didnt define their destination, Carraways widow Allison said when Barnes rolled her plan in December.

Committee members include Barnes; council members McCall and Lawrence Smith; Michelle Morgan of Building Florence Together; Jerry Dudley, the director of community service; Annie Brown, the manager of community service; and City Manager Scotty Davis.

* * *

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Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on, Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

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FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW)  The Florence Housing Authoritys executive director along with other board members on Wednesday announced plans to renovate the Creekside Apartment building.

Executive director Dr. Alphonso Bradley said the cost to renovate the building and do all the new plumbing will be $3.1 million.

To build a building of this size would cost about $20 million, and then you talk about the demolition cost, would be extra to that, he said.

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The renovation plans come after the building was closed and more than 80 residents had to be relocated to local hotels in 2023. That ended up costing about $200,000 per month.

The initial plan was to tear down the building and move residents into permanent housing as other units became available. But Bradley says renovations will replace that need.

The mold will be gone, the exhaust systems that were not functional before that helped cause it will be working, he said. We will have all new plumbing inside, so there wont be any leaks.

Bradley also wanted to reassure any new residents or those who wanted to return about the safety of the apartments after the renovations.

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The builders have signed contracts that they are liable if it doesnt work so we feel great about what we are doing going forward, he said.

Renovations will start Feb. 15 and should be completed by August.

* * *

Eric Cooper is a multimedia journalist at News13. He joined the team in September 2024 and covers stories in the Pee Dee. He is a native of Cades in Williamsburg County and a proud graduate of Kingstree Senior High School and Benedict College. You can read more of his work here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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TALLAHASSEE  Florida Highway Patrol troopers could soon be deputized to perform some of the functions of federal immigration officers under an agreement Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Wednesday with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

DeSantis said Wednesday during a news conference that Highway Patrol troopers will have authority to exercise immigration power.

But the union representing the majority of troopers warns the agency needs millions more dollars to carry out its work  money that neither DeSantis nor the Legislature have assigned to the historically underfunded organization.

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Were going to be the tip of the spear, with no additional funding, said William Smith, the president of the Florida Highway Patrol chapter of Floridas Police Benevolent Association.

The memorandum comes as DeSantis tries to reassert his role in immigration enforcement amid a fierce back-and-forth with the Florida Legislature over dueling immigration bills that both aim to help President Donald Trumps efforts to identify and deport immigrants who are in the country illegally.

DeSantis said he would veto the bill passed by Florida lawmakers.

As Florida political leaders and the governor wrangle, DeSantis is using his executive authority to push Florida troopers to the forefront of the states immigration enforcement efforts.

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DeSantis previously authorized highway patrol troopers to support immigration enforcement initiatives at the southern border in Texas. Twenty troopers are still stationed there, Smith said.

Florida troopers have also been involved in enforcing a state law that makes it a crime to transport immigrants who are in the country illegally into Florida from another state.

Molly Best, a spokesperson for the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, said troopers have worked with federal immigration many times during operations.

The MOU formalizes our path forward and allows us to further assist them in enforcing immigration laws, Best said.

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Best said she did not have details on what officer training would involve and said it was an evolving matter that could change several times before it is finalized.

The memorandum DeSantis signed specifically notes that designated troopers would not get any additional compensation.

Smith said that the highway patrol currently has about 150 trooper vacancies, and that starting pay is about $54,000. In its 2025-26 budget request to the Legislature, the department wrote that troopers' starting salaries are the third-lowest out of 49 state highway patrol or state police agencies, making recruitment and retention a significant challenge. The average length of service for a trooper is six years.

Smith told lawmakers this week that the department needed about $30 million more each year to increase trooper salaries. The department is asking the Legislature for $12 million to boost pay and hire more troopers in the upcoming 2025-2026 budget.

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Troopers will be hard pressed to carry out additional duties without the funding, Smith told lawmakers.

The memorandum notes that each trooper would get appropriate training in laws, policies and procedures. Smith said its not clear what that training would look like.

Smith said he fears the training could take troopers away from their posts when theyre already stretched thin.

Troopers also have not received any information about how many people will be authorized to have broader immigration powers, Smith said.

DeSantis previously proposed  in the bill that legislators declined to take up  that 10% of a law enforcement agency be available to take on the powers of an immigration officer. That would be about 200 Florida Highway Patrol troopers if the governor follows that plan, Smith said.

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Smith said he and the officers support immigration reform and enforcing immigration laws, but they want to ensure its done correctly.

In other words, dont rush it, Smith said. And thats what this past week felt like. Everything was being rushed.
A pregnant woman waits to be examined by her OB-GYN at a community health center in Hialeah, Fla. Florida recently became the first state to allow cesarean sections in out-of-hospital clinics. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

A recently enacted Florida law that allows doctors to deliver babies via cesarean section in clinics outside of hospitals could be a blueprint for other states, even as critics point to the role that a private equity-backed physicians group played in its passage.

The United States has poor maternal health outcomes compared with peer nations, and hospital labor and delivery units are shuttering around the country because of financial strain. Supporters say the Florida law could increase access to maternity care and lower costs for expecting patients.

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But critics, including some physician, hospital and midwife groups, warn its an untested model that could put the health of mothers and babies at risk. They also note that private equity firms that have made other forays into health care have attracted state scrutiny for allegedly valuing profits over patient safety.

Alex Borsa, a researcher at Columbia University whose published work focuses on private equitys impact on health care, said hes not surprised that Florida has become the testing ground for such clinics.

In addition to Florida being the Wild West in a number of policy directions, it has one of the highest concentrations of private equity-backed health care operators, including OB-GYN and fertility, Borsa said.

Traditional birth centers are typically staffed by midwives who provide maternity care for low-risk pregnancies and births. Twenty-nine such centers operate in Florida, and about 400 are licensed around the country. The focus in these centers is on natural childbirth in a homelike setting, where women labor without anesthesia and deliver babies vaginally.

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Floridas law creates a new designation, called an advanced birth center, that allows physicians to offer labor and delivery services at a freestanding clinic, including delivery by cesarean section. There currently are no such centers. A C-section is a surgical procedure performed with anesthesia in which a baby is delivered through an incision in the patients abdomen and uterus. C-sections are generally reserved for situations in which a doctor believes a vaginal birth could be risky for the mother or baby.

Prior to the laws passage last spring, C-sections could only be performed in hospitals, which have the staffing and equipment designed for surgery and potential complications.

But a private equity-owned physician group called Womens Care Enterprises in recent years lobbied Florida legislators for the new designation. The group, owned by London-based investment firm BC Partners, operates about 100 clinics across Florida and a dozen more in Arizona, California and Kentucky.

The new designation was tucked inside a larger health policy bill and became law despite opposition from medical and midwifery groups.

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Both mom and baby deserve access to the best possible care, which is why we believe that C-sections should be performed exclusively in the hospital setting where doctors, multidisciplinary teams, sophisticated equipment, and other critical resources are immediately available in the event complications arise, Florida Hospital Association President and CEO Mary Mayhew told Stateline in a statement.

But the association didnt fight the bill, which among other things increased Medicaid payments to hospitals for maternity care. Other groups did oppose it.

Were primarily opposed to it because youre calling a lion a tiger, said Kate Bauer, executive director of the American Association of Birth Centers, a nonprofit that sets national standards for birth centers.

She noted that while advanced birth centers would offer maternity care outside a hospital setting, they are not the same as traditional midwifery-based birth centers. Midwife-attended births are for people with low-risk pregnancies and tend to focus on low-intervention care and emphasize natural birthing techniques. Physician-attended births tend to rely on more advanced medical interventions, like epidurals and labor-inducing medication.

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Private equity jumps in

Florida lawmakers supporting the new advanced birth center designation have said it has the potential to increase access to maternity care in underserved areas and reduce costs. Just two of Floridas 22 rural hospitals have labor and delivery services.

The staff of Florida state Sen. Gayle Harrell, the Republican who sponsored the bill, told Stateline she was unavailable to comment on it. But in previous committee hearings, Republican legislators heralded the centers as an innovative solution for obstetrical care.

I think what we are hearing from our medical community is the desire for options, state Sen. Colleen Burton, a Republican, said at a December 2023 committee hearing on the bill. And what were particularly hearing from are patients, from Floridians, [who want] options. And potentially this could provide a lower-cost option.

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But critics question whether OB-GYNs, already in short supply in Florida, are likely to open advanced birth centers in low-income and rural communities where a larger share of patients have Medicaid. The government-sponsored insurance reimburses doctors significantly less for maternity care compared with private insurance.

Borsa, of Columbia University, co-authored a 2020 study that found private equity-owned OB-GYN offices were more likely to be located in urban areas with median household incomes above the national average.

Private equity firms use pooled money from investors to buy controlling stakes in companies. They typically focus on boosting the value of a company before selling it within a few years, ideally at a profit. In the past decade, private equity investors have spent $1 trillion acquiring health care companies.

Borsa said he and his colleagues have found strong evidence that private equity involvement in health care pretty consistently increases costs to patients and payers.

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Theres a fantasy that Wall Street investors are somehow going to increase access in some of the most rural and poor parts of the country, but we havent seen evidence of that, he said.

In recent years, private equitys involvement in the health care industry has drawn public ire and legislative scrutiny. Earlier this month, for example, the U.S. Senate Budget Committee released a report detailing how private equity firms wrung hundreds of millions from struggling hospitals.

Dr. Helen Kuroki, the chief medical officer for Womens Care Enterprises, declined to comment on its support of the new law and on when it might open an advanced birth center. Representatives have previously said theyre looking at opening a center in Tampa or Orlando.

Labor and delivery services tend to be financial losers for hospitals, thanks to low reimbursement rates, particularly from Medicaid. In rural areas, where Medicaid covers as many as half of all births, reimbursement doesnt cover the full cost of providing obstetrical services.

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If patients covered by better-paying private insurance flock to freestanding birth centers that can perform C-sections, that would leave hospitals with a higher proportion of Medicaid patients. And owning the surgical space would allow physicians groups such as Womens Care Enterprises to keep more of the reimbursement dollars that would normally go to a hospital.

Like surgical centers  sort of

Supporters have compared Floridas new birth center model to outpatient surgery centers, where patients undergo surgical procedures that dont require overnight hospital stays. Patients who undergo C-sections would be able to stay overnight at the new birth centers.

But critics argue a C-section is inherently different from, say, cataract surgery or a tonsillectomy.

Weve seen outpatient surgery centers can be a successful health care delivery model, said Bauer, of the birth centers association. For me, the primary difference is that surgical birth is the only surgery where, when youre done, you have an extra person. And its an extra person whose health may be compromised.

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Some Florida lawmakers expressed concern that the new centers wouldnt be required to have pediatric specialists on hand to care for a baby if theres a problem after the birth. The centers are required to have a written agreement with a local hospital for transferring patients with complications. And they also must follow most safety standards for outpatient surgical centers.

So far, Florida remains an outlier. Legislators in other states have yet to introduce similar bills.

But as private equity firms deepen their involvement in womens health and other health care sectors, Borsa expects them to ratchet up their lobbying of state legislators to win favorable policy changes.

We could see more health care lobbying, and specifically around this issue in other parts of the country, he said. I dont think this is a one-off, especially if they find they can derive profits.

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A Florida man is in the Scott County Jail after Davenport Police say he deposited fraudulent U.S. Savings Bonds at three Davenport credit unions.

According to the criminal complaint, officers responded to Family Credit Union, 1530 W. 53rd Street on January 29 at about 12:41 p.m. After an investigation, officers learned that the defendant, identified as Jacquez Tullis, 40 of Tamarac, Fla., deposited nine fraudulent $1000 United States Savings Bonds at three different Family Credit Union locations. Tullis is accused of depositing three fraudulent bonds at the branch at 1530 W 53rd Street on January 27. On January 28th, he allegedly deposited three fraudulent bonds at the Family Credit Union, 1400 Rockingham Road. On January 29th, he deposited three fraudulent bonds at the branch at 4402 W. Locust Street.

Jacquez Tullis (Scott County Jail)

The bonds returned as Bond not Found in the verification system by the bank. The bonds were unevenly cut, had blurred ink in the print and were printed on different paper when compared with a legitimate United States Savings Bond at the bank. Tullis is accused of withdrawing a total of $16,660 from his account from the fraudulent bond deposits. This created a permanent loss for Family Credit Union of $16,660.

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Tullis was arrested and charged with nine counts of felony forgery  financial institution and one count of felony first-degree theft. He is being held in the Scott County Jail on a $16,000 cash-only bond and has a preliminary hearing on February 7.

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(AP)  A Florida police officer has been sentenced to more than 17 years behind bars after pleading guilty to stealing drugs, cash and firearms from federal investigations and admitting that he once went so far as to swap cocaine seized by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration with a fake kilo made from a 3D printer.

James Hickoxs sentence, handed down Monday in Jacksonville federal court, is the stiffest yet imposed against more than 20 DEA agents and task force officers charged in recent years with crimes ranging from perjury and assault to wire fraud and money laundering on behalf of the same drug cartels the DEA is charged with fighting.

Hickox, a sergeant with the Nassau County Sheriffs Office, was arrested in 2023 along with Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Joshua Earrey on charges of possession with intent to sell drugs. Both had been assigned to a DEA-led task force in Jacksonville.

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As part of his plea agreement, Hickox admitted to receiving more than $420,000 for routinely stealing and selling marijuana, cocaine and other drugs seized as part of DEA operations and then falsely claiming the evidence had been destroyed following normal procedure.

Read: Man in Florida on work visa arrested with 15 pounds of meth, deputies say

He also confessed that in 2022, he swapped a kilogram of cocaine seized by the DEA with a brick made from a 3D printer sprinkled with real cocaine to make it look legitimate. Hickox said he then gave the real cocaine to a Jacksonville drug trafficker who sold it for around $20,000. About half that amount was paid to Hickox.

Hickoxs father said the stress of his work for the DEA, dealing with criminal informants on a daily basis and being surrounded by large amounts of cash and drugs, contributed to his sons descent into criminality. He said the DEA needs to provide mental health counseling to properly vet its workforce and prevent other criminals from abusing the publics trust.

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They have to live two lives, his father, James Lee Hickox, told WJXT television in Jacksonville. Youre out slinging dope for the DEA and then you go home and be a family man.

Read: Florida deputy planned to smuggle drugs aboard cruise ship inside candy bag, report claims

Hickox, 38, also said he gave around 550 pounds of marijuana to one informant, receiving about $200 to $400 for every pound sold.

On another occasion, according to the plea agreement, he and Earrey staged a fake traffic stop to seize what they thought were 13 pounds of fentanyl arriving from another state.

When authorities searched Hickoxs house, they found cocaine, methamphetamine pills, and a powdery substance containing fentanyl, as well as several firearms that had been seized during law enforcement operations. The narcotics were found in a converted garage labeled Gators Man Cave.

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Watch: Operation Night Cap busts dozens for late night sales permit violations, drugs in downtown Orlando

Hickox, in his plea agreement, also admitted to routinely breaking into DEA evidence bags, stealing thousands of dollars in cash and then resealing the bags, or repacking the currency into another heat-sealed bag with forged signatures, to cover his tracks.

Law enforcement officers who operate as though they are above the law betray the badge and the citizens they swore to protect, FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Kristin Rehler said in a statement.

Attorneys representing Hickox did not respond to an email seeking comment.

Earrey is scheduled to be sentenced in April.

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ST. LOUIS  Health experts are sending out warnings as flu cases explode across the Midwesthospitals and urgent cares are filling up, and doctors say the virus is spreading fast. Meanwhile, COVID-19 numbers continue to decline. Many are asking what is behind the surge and what can be done to stay healthy.

Doctors say theyre seeing a surge in flu cases at Total Access Urgent Care, making St. Louis one of the nations flu hotspots, with positive rates jumping to 36 percent.

Similar trends are being seen across the southeast, with Georgia and Tennessee reporting rates over 26% and North and South Carolina above 30%. According to the CDC, more than 30,000 people were hospitalized nationwide with influenza this week alone, and over 8,000 flu-related deaths have occurred so far this season.

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Last week, the people we were testing for flu20% positivity (rate). This week, were up to 36 percent, Total Access Urgent Care Physician Assistant Ajay Minton said.

Patient care technician Drew Davis recently battled both the flu and pneumonia at the same time.

Real high fevers, heart for a couple of days, like 102, 101, and real bad fatigue. Cough and chest soreness between your shoulder blades and just kind of shortness of breath, he said.

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The symptoms of flu and COVID often overlap, making it difficult to tell the difference without testing. Doctors are urging everyone to wear masks, wash their hands frequently, and stay home when feeling sick.

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Some of the worse symptoms were seeing is severe dehydration with the flu. People are getting high fevers; their heart rates are higher because of that. They are not able to drink lots of fluids because their stomach is a little nauseous or theyve been vomiting, Minton added.

Providers stress that early treatment is crucial.

If patients are coming in within about 48 hours, we are prescribing patients Tamiflu, which is effective in decreasing that viral load and can help people feel better a little quicker, Minton said.

Davis says his experience convinced him of one thing.

I think having had the flu shot makes it go away faster, he said.

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With flu cases continuing to rise, health experts stress the importance of vaccination and early treatment. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, they recommend you do not hesitate and seek medical care immediately.

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In a Hillsborough County court Wednesday, one of five suspects in the murder of Jacksonville rapper Julio Foolio filed two motions with huge implications for his case.

Rashad Murphy submitted requests demanding a speedy trial against his attorneys wishes, and also asked for the dismissal of his legal counsel altogether.

Murphy wants to move forward representing himself in court, saying Wednesday Im good with it, Im competent.

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Both the judge and Murphys attorney, Brian Gonzalez, warned him against the move, saying its extremely dangerous considering Murphys life is at risk. This is a death penalty case.

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Foolio, whose real name was Charles Jones II, was shot and killed outside of a hotel in Tampa. He was there celebrating his 26th birthday. Three other people were also injured in the shooting.

Murphy is charged with first-degree murder, first-degree conspiracy to commit murder, three counts of first-degree attempted murder, and tampering with physical evidence.

The judge outlined that a demand for speedy trial without his attorneys approval creates an issue with the case and could mean that his defense must try the case in just 5 days.

Earlier this month, Murphy wrote a letter to his judge expressing his frustration at his treatment in the jail and a desire to get out quickly.

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I get treated as if Ive been found guilty of these allegations I have against me, he wrote. Murphy claims certain deputies will not let him send mail, call my lawyers, prepare for my case sitting behind me while Im in the law library only giving me 15 minutes...

Murphy previously said that he was considering an insanity plea.

Next week, the state of Florida will hold a hearing to determine if hes in an acceptable state of mind and able to move forward with the speedy trial.

That hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, February 4th at 11 a.m.

Read: Ahmaud Arberys mom takes the stand in the trial against Jackie Johnson

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From the Boiling Frogs on The Dispatch

Donald Trump speaks with Barack Obama as they attend the state funeral service for former President Jimmy Carter at the Washington National Cathedral on January 9, 2025. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)

A massive White House buyout of government workers is the sort of thing that would have thrilled 2015 me.

Really, whats not to like? If youre skeptical of big government, the thought of trimming some fat from our obese federal bureaucracy is delightful. It will save gobs of money too, depending on how many employees accept the offer, maybe as much as $100 billion per year. And buyouts are easier on the conscience than pink slips are, as tossing federal employees out on their ears without a financial cushion would risk leaving their families to go hungry in the short term.

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The new initiative even bears the fingerprints of the greatest entrepreneur of our age. Smaller, more efficient governmentthats what conservatives want, thats what Donald Trumps administration is trying to deliver. Yay!

The same goes for his impoundment scheme. 2015 me understood that federal spending was unsustainable and would have felt grateful to a Republican president for trying to hold onto money that our prodigal legislature kept shoving out the door. Granted, I would have had questions about whether he had the constitutional power to do so, but its not like Trump is the first executive to assert the power to block certain congressional appropriations.

Far from it. The whole reason the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 exists is because Richard Nixon (and various predecessors) claimed the same authority. There remains a defensible legal argument to this day that the president should have some say over how money earmarked by Congress is disbursed.

And if you disagree, believing that his duty to take care that the laws are faithfully executed is absolute, tell me: Did you complain when Barack Obama decided not to enforce federal marijuana laws? How about when Joe Biden eased off enforcing federal immigration laws?

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Presidents have routinely asserted prosecutorial discretion to justify refusing to carry out the law as written. Trump wants to do the same thing with spending and suddenly its a national crisis?

2015 me would not have understood the uproar. Nor would I have understood liberals disquiet over portraits of disfavored former government officials being removed from federal office buildings. Of all the people to complain about un-person-ing enemies for thoughtcrimes, the statute-demolishing, cancellation-mobbing left believes it has standing to lecture? Please.

2015 me would have gazed around at the first nine days of Trumps term, taking each policy in isolation, and concluded that the individual trees look pretty good. 2025 me stares around at the forest Trump is planting and shudders.

A postliberal forest.

What we are witnessing is nothing short of a revolution inside the U.S. government, Politico announced on Tuesday in response to Trumps latest personnel purges. Thats the right word.

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Only two presidents in my lifetime have been truly visionary, I wrote a few weeks before the election. One is Ronald Reagan, the other is Trump. But while both treated the federal government as a beast to be broken, their goals in subduing it were all but directly opposed. Reagan believed that a weaker government would mean greater individual liberty for Americans. Trump believes that a weaker government will be less able to prevent him from consolidating power and dominating American life.

Policy by policy, hes trying to bring about a postliberal revolution in which all meaningful federal authority ultimately rests with him. If youre judging his daily executive actions in isolation, without regard to that fact, youre missing the forest for the trees.

So whereas 2015 me would have regarded his proposed buyout for federal workers as a conservative gambit to shrink the bureaucracy, 2025 me views it as another piece in his strategy to purge the government of anyone who might resist his dubiously legal postliberal gambits. The employees most likely to accept the buyout, one would assume, are those who have misgivings about working for him in the first place. Hes bribing people in lieu of firing them to prune the disloyal and remove an obstacle to consolidating power.

Whether thats legal or not is barely a footnote in the coverage, evidence that were already lost in a postliberal forest. The fact that the buyout isnt likely to make government more efficient, as there appears to be no attempt to distinguish time-serving, redundant employees from effective, necessary ones, also seems not to matter. But why would it? Efficiency isnt the point; control is. Any worker who rejects the offer and stays on will know that by doing so theyve agreed, if only implicitly, not to make trouble for Trump going forward.

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What about impoundment? 2015 me would have seen that as a creative, if aggressive, ploy to constrain runaway spending. But 2025 me recognizes it as Trumps attempt to get his hooks into federal appropriations, knowing that co-opting the power of the purse would give him immense influence over the millions of entities who do business with Uncle Sam. This too is a bribery scheme: As I said yesterday, he covets the ability to impound funds for the same reason that he relishes the power to impose tariffs, because him having control over huge sums of money incentivizes recalcitrant opponents to bow to his wishes.

Even the disappearance of portraits of former public officials hits differently in 2025 than it would have in the past. Had, say, George W. Bushs administration removed portraits of Bill Clintons deputies from federal agencies, I would have found it tacky, amusing, but within generally normal parameters of petty partisan politics. When Trumps revolutionary vanguard starts removing portraits, however, theres a distinct Year Zero undertone to it, a sense that the entire institutional order, rather than just the opposing party, is being wiped away. The fact that Mark Milley will have his image removed from the Pentagon and his security detail revoked in tandem amounts to designating him formally as an enemy of the regime, no longer under its protection and subject to the same treatment as disfavored commissars in old photos with Stalin.

All of this is different from anything you or I have seen before. How different? This different (emphasis mine):

President Donald Trump has long said he believes the biggest mistake he made during his first term was hiring what he considered to be the wrong kinds of people. Now, aides are working aggressively to ensure the government is filled only with loyalists.Negative social media posts have been enough to derail applications. Those seeking jobs have been told they will have to prove their enthusiasm to enact Trumps agenda and have been asked when their moment of MAGA revelation occurred. One federal employee said they briefly considered buying Trumps crypto meme coin in case the presidents team asked about their voting record.

I was young when Reagan was president but I dont remember hearing about him vetting deputies to make sure that theyd experienced a quasi-religious awakening to his divine truth.

Trump is different.

If you insist on judging the federal buyout, impoundment, the Justice Department purge, the gangster-ization of law enforcement, the recess-appointment ploy, and half a dozen other hair-raising Trump proposals through a traditionally conservative classical-liberal frame, youre deliberately refusing to see the forest for the trees.

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These policies are not being offered in isolation, with an eye in each case to maximizing the public welfare, and therefore to be called as balls and strikes on their individual merits. Theyre part of a cohesive, aggressive authoritarian program to accrue power in the executive branch and to wield it to advance the presidents interests, whether or not thats lawful or to the countrys general benefit.

We all watched the news on January 6. Theres no reason after that to grant Trump the benefit of the doubt about his good intentions unless youre so wedded to remaining on Team Red that youre obliged to go on pretending that the forest in which we find ourselves doesnt exist.

Nor can we whatabout our way out of this by comparing Trumps dubious assertions of executive discretion to those made by Obama, Biden, the Bushes, Clinton, and Reagan. The courts have been too lenient in the past about indulging presidents when theyve declined to enforce certain laws, but one can understand why they werent overly alarmed: Obama et al. werent leading a revolution to overturn the constitutional order, no matter what Glenn Beck might have told you at the time. Judges were comfortabletoo comfortableletting certain executive policy trees stand because they saw no forest around them.

Trump is different. What Trumpism is, wrote Philip Klein at National Review, is a fusion of elements from across the political spectrum united by a common goal of blowing up the prevailing order. Its adherents share an overriding belief that so-called experts and elite institutions have royally messed things up roughly since the end of the Cold War, he argued. As a corollary, they believe that those people need to be driven away from all levers of influence and power. And a good number of them believe that Trump is the vehicle by which to make this happen.

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Blowing things up is not a common aspiration of presidents or their supporters, especially those who are nominally conservative and ostensibly believe in the wisdom of Chestertons Fence. Change is a common aspiration, of course, but since I was born the closest any previous victorious movement has come to expressing a destructive impulse is Reaganites hoping to shrink government until it could be drowned in a bathtub.

And even that wasnt destructive the way Trumpism is destructive. Reagans hostility to government wasnt driven by hostility to classical liberalism but by admiration of it. Reagan conservatives have always framed their designs on taming the federal beast in terms of restoring the Framers constitutional vision, not usurping it.

Trump is different. When his interests conflict with the Constitutions, his take precedence. Unlike his predecessors, he faces no real restraints from his own party on his most abusive impulses, having cowed all but a handful of Republicans in Congress into fealty with threats of primaries or worse. Because of that, hes assembled a Cabinet that features some of the most embarrassingly unqualified nominees in American history, reasonably expecting that theyll be confirmed by a compliant GOP Senate anyway. As I write this, a guy with a dead worm in his brain is testifying before senators in hopes of leading the Department of Health and Human Servicesand that worm is one of the more normal things rattling around in his head.

Theres no party check on the president. Theres no congressional check (for the moment). Theres no check from the criminal justice system either, at least with respect to his core powers. And thats just the way Trump wants it. His goal in blowing up the prevailing order isnt to replace the old elites with new, more competent elites, hopefully needless to say. Its to replace them with him. He wants a patronage system in which, ultimately, hes the only patron.

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We are in a forest. If were going to get out of it, it would be helpful if everyone acknowledged it and stopped pretending like its 2015 and a massive buyout for federal workers is just some innocent ploy to make government run better.

Courting disaster.

It would be especially helpful if the Supreme Court did so.

Yesterday I noted that law professor Jack Goldsmith has wondered whether Trumps early flurry of power grabs might not cause a judicial rethink about the limits of presidential authority. Its fine for judges to navel-gaze about executive discretion when its a Bush or Obama on the other side. But when its the guy who James Madison warned us about?

Whatabout Obama refusing to enforce marijuana laws? might not cut it for the court as a justification to greenlight out-and-out authoritarianism.

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Republicans will squeal if the judiciary begins cracking down on executive power after many years of looking the other way for Trumps predecessors, but so what? The court is within its rights to do so. Many times in its history its reconsidered its own jurisprudence, sometimes blatantly in response to social or political developments.

It happened a few years ago with abortion, as I recall. It happened when the Rehnquist Court cracked down on the commerce clause after Congress spent decades using it to justify all manner of federal legislation. It happened when the Warren Court desegregated public schools, concluding that separate but equal is inherently unequal. And it happened when the Hughes Court decided that New Deal-era business regulations were constitutional after all, following many years of insisting that such things violated workers freedom of contract.

The court reverses itself all the time. The most significant ruling it issued last year flushed its foremost precedent on administrative authority down the toilet, for cripes sake. The most esteemed conservative among the current nine routinely flags precedents in his opinions that he believes are overdue to be tossed.

So if, having cut prior presidents a break in exercising discretion to enforce or not enforce the law, the Supremes suddenly have a change of heart in Trumps case, they should do so with a clear conscience. Theres no time like the present, when the wolf is finally at the door, to decide that American laws love affair with Article II has become a fatal attraction.

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John Maynard Keynes once said, When the facts change, I change my mind. What do you do, sir? Longstanding facts about whether the executive branch can be trusted to act in the public interest changed on November 5. Were in a forest. The few remaining people in the United States with the power to do something about it should lead us out.

Read more at The Dispatch

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FOX CROSSING  The former Clearwater Paper Mill property is now available for lease.

The 1.2 million-square-foot property, on the east side of 249 N. Lake Street, is listed for lease, according to real estate broker Colliers.

The former mill properties were purchased in November 2021 by KK Integrated Logistics, LLC. The Michigan-based warehousing and logistics company's purchase came after Clearwater Paper Corp. shut down the mill in July 2021, displacing 285 workers and leaving an economic void in Fox Crossing.

The former Clearwater Paper Mill property is now available for lease. It is located at 249 N. Lake Street and is seen on Mon, Jan 27, 2025, in Fox Crossing, Wisconsin.

KKIL has renovated the properties, updating infrastructure from its past as a century-old paper mill, said Cynthia Kuber, president of KKIL.

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Heres what to know.

Industrial warehousing planned for former Clearwater mill property

Kuber said the mill has undergone extensive renovations, including demolishing outbuildings near Little Lake Butte des Morts, cleaning up the interior of the mill, and auctioning off machines and other equipment.

She declined to disclose the project's costs or the mill's purchase price.

The village of Fox Crossing did not provide any public dollars to KKIL, according to George Dearborn, director of community development.

Colliers lists the 1,124,241-square-foot buildings for lease, identifying it as the former mill and distribution center. The property consists of four parcels totaling 23.9 acres, located directly on Little Lake Butte des Morts.

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All the usable space is going to be within one building, Kuber said. It will be separated internally  cold storage and not cold storage.

The former Clearwater Paper Mill is located at 249 N. Lake St., Mon, Jan. 27, 2025, in Fox Crossing, Wisconsin.

Tony Krueger, a former Clearwater paper industrial electrician who used to troubleshoot all the machines on-site, immediately recognized three major changes for the former paper mill site.

Krueger said the demolition included the boiler house and the clarifier, which was previously used to remove suspended solids from wastewater before discharging it into Little Lake Butte des Morts. A metal building that once stored a Yankee dryer for the paper machines has also been removed.

The interior space advertised by Colliers has been newly painted, with heating and sprinkler systems installed and LED lights. Several truck dock doors and shelters have also been added to the building.

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The standard warehouse, spanning over 600,000 square feet, will be utilized to accommodate a wide range of industrials and products, including paper or pulp products, equipment, industrial goods, and ambient food-grade items, according to Kuber.

Apartment complex conversion not in the plans

Kuber said the six-story south building is currently being converted into cold storage targeting the cheese industry. The first phase of the cold storage space will be completed by May 2025, with storage availability of 15,000 pallets.

Previously, KKIL said it was possible to convert it into residential apartments, with indoor parking, an outdoor rooftop area, and other amenities.

Dearborn said Fox Crossing offered some money to make up for the shortfall but the project didn't come to life.

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"We prefer to see it converted to some kind of mixed-use, but we couldn't make that work," he said. "But it's on the water. It would have been a nice amenity there."

Kuber told The Post-Crescent the apartment redevelopment never became an official plan, citing extensive costs and the misalignment with the companys overall portfolio. The company also bought the former Shopko regional distribution center in De Pere in 2019, which has since been renovated and fully leased to five tenants.

The six-story building near the lake was used for converting industrial towels, napkins, toilet paper, and kitchen towels, and Clearwater Paper utilized the fifth and sixth floor for storage, said Krueger.

Upon completion, the building will feature storage space capable of accommodating approximately 35,000-40,000 pallets. However, the timeline for completion remains uncertain, and will depend on the market demand, Kuber added.

From 1912 to 2025: What is the history of the Clearwater Paper mill?

The mill has a rich history of ownership and production. It started life in 1910 and began making specialty papers two years later in 1912, according to a July 10, 1920 story on Appleton Post-Crescent.

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Lakeview Paper Company purchased the mill in 1920 and a significant portion of the products manufactured at this mill will be sold to Sears, Roebuck & Co., a major retailer based in Chicago for making catalogs. The company announced on October 9, 1920, on Appleton Post-Crescent.

In 1929, Kimberly Clark purchased the mill from Sears, Roebuck & Co., named it Kimberly Clark's Lakeview Mill, expanded its finishing and shipping building, and added a restaurant and medical service. The mill manufactured specialty paper and employed 225 people.

"The entire plant was carefully rebuilt to meet the needs of the new owner," The Post Crescent wrote on Dec. 31, 1929.

Over the decades, the mill made major Kimberly-Clark products, including Kotex and Kleenex.

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The paper manufacturer built its headquarters behind the Lakeview mill in 1956, though it's since relocated. Designed by architect Bruce Graham  best known for designing Willis Tower and the John Hancock Center in Chicago  the 43.32-acre property, at 401 N. Lake St., is presently for sale.

Ownership shifted several times as the industry and market dynamics changed. Kimberly Clark sold the mill to the New York-based American Tissue, Inc. in November 1996 to comply with antitrust requirements imposed by the U.S. Justice Department, following its 1995 merger with Scott Paper Company, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The mill was later sold to Georgia-based Cellu Tissue Holdings in August 2002, as American Tissue filed for bankruptcy in 2001. Less than a decade later, in 2010, Washington-based Clearwater Paper Corporation bought the mill, as part of its acquisition of Cellu Tissue Holdings, Inc.

Under Clearwater ownership, the mill produced private brand tissue products for commercial and retail customers.

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In 2016, Clearwater laid off 85 employees by closing two tissue machines, signaling a gradual decline in operation.

Its eventual closure came as Wisconsin paper manufacturing faced a slew of changes. On June 1, 2021, Clearwater Paper notified investors of the plan to permanently shut down the Fox Crossing facility, removing three tissue machines and ten converting lines. The decision led to 285 workers losing their jobs.

Who is the other current tenant?

Trilliant Food & Nutrition has resided in the 250,000-square-foot warehouse on the west side of 249 N. Lake St. since April 1, 2022.

Headquartered in Little Chute, it's the company behind Victor Allens coffee brand and Nurri Protein Shake. It also makes private-label and branded beverages, including coffee grounds, coffee pods, teas, and fruit drink mixes. Founded in 1979 by Victor Allen Mondry, it changed its name from Victor Allen's Coffee to Trilliant in 2013.

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Dearborn said the property is reused and is generating revenue for the community. But the warehouse doesn't provide more than a handful of employment opportunities, he said.

"It's not the one we (hoped for), but it's certainly not a bad solution," Dearborn added.

Zhen Wang is a business reporter for The Post-Crescent. Reach her with story tips and feedback at zwang@gannett.com or 920-993-7117.

This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: How is the former Clearwater paper mill property being used? Here's what to know.
Former German chancellor Angela Merkel has criticized her centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU) for passing a motion in parliament calling for hard-line reforms to migration policy with the support of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).

In a statement released by her office on Thursday, Merkel - who led Germany between 2005 and 2021 - slammed the decision "to enable a majority with the votes of the AfD for the first time in a vote in the German Bundestag," the country's lower house of parliament.

CDU leader Friedrich Merz made a commitment to avoid passing legislation in the Bundestag with the help of the AfD, Merkel recalled.

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"This proposal and the attitude associated with it were an expression of great national political responsibility, which I fully support," the former chancellor said.

Migration has become the dominant theme in the German election campaign ahead of the vote on February 23 after a string of attacks attributed to suspects with migrant backgrounds.

Merkel demanded "that all democratic parties work together across party political boundaries, not as a tactical manoeuvre, but honestly, moderately and on the basis of applicable European law, to do everything possible to prevent such terrible attacks."
HONOLULU (AP)  A former guard had illegal aerial fireworks mailed to Hawaii's largest jail where he worked, the state attorney general said Wednesday.

Gilchrist Fernandez, a former corrections officer at Oahu Community Correctional Center in Honolulu, pleaded guilty to importation of fireworks and attempted possession of fireworks, state Attorney General Anne Lopez said.

In 2022, Fernandez had nearly 95 pounds (43 kilograms) of aerial fireworks mailed to "the very correctional facility that he had a duty to secure, Lopez said.

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The case against Fernandez isn't linked to a recent fireworks blast at a Honolulu home that killed five people, including a 3-year-old boy.

But Fernandez's guilty plea comes in the wake of the New Year's blast, which has set off fresh calls for a crackdown on illegal fireworks that have become increasingly more common in Hawaii. Contraband explosives rock neighborhoods year-round, but grow in frequency around the year-end holidays and Lunar New Year, which was celebrated on Wednesday this year.

Court documents don't say why he mailed the fireworks to the jail and defense attorney Myles Breiner declined to comment.

Investigators traced the purchase to a fireworks vendor in Nevada, Lopez said.

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Fernandez will be ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and faces up to three months imprisonment at his sentencing scheduled for June, officials said.

The U.S. Postal Service and Honolulu police noted that mailing explosives is illegal and dangerous.

More important than risking his career, this individual risked the safety of everyone who unknowingly came into contact with the highly flammable parcels," Honolulu Police Chief Joe Logan said.
EAGLE GROVE, Iowa  A former Iowa police officer whos been accused of sending sexually explicit photos to a minor in 2024 is facing additional charges in the case.

Colt Richardson

According to the Iowa Department of Public Safety, 27-year-old Colt Allen Richardson sent sexually explicit photos of himself to a minor while he was an officer with the Eagle Grove Police Department. A criminal complaint states the photos were sent while Richardson was on duty and off duty.

Des Moines man lured 12-year-old girl into his home via Instagram, police say

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In late December the Eagle Grove Police Department received a complaint against Richardson regarding these allegations and requested the DCI to investigate.

As a result of the investigation, Richardson was arrested and charged on January 13 with Dissemination and Exhibition of Obscene Material to a Minor. Richardson was subsequently fired from the police department.

On Thursday the Wright County Attorneys Office announced additional charges filed against Richardson in the case. He is also facing one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor.

According to court records, Richardson is scheduled to be arraigned on February 14.

Iowa News:

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Jan. 29A former Manchester man, now living in Puerto Rico, pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court to leading a drug trafficking organization distributing cocaine throughout the region, federal prosecutors announced.

Lewistone Baez Miranda, 50, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, cocaine. Baez Miranda was indicted on Dec. 20, 2023.

U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante scheduled sentencing for May 7, 2025.

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Baez Miranda is the third of six defendants charged in this conspiracy to plead guilty.

According to the plea agreement and statements made in court, Baez Miranda was the leader of a drug trafficking organization that shipped cocaine from Puerto Rico to Manchester. Baez Miranda's son, based in Puerto Rico, used fictitious information to send packages of cocaine through the United States Postal Service to Manchester at the direction of his father.

The cocaine was often packaged in 500-gram or 1,000-gram bundles and hidden inside children's games. Baez Miranda then employed co-conspirators to retrieve the packages of cocaine for him in Manchester, then sent proceeds from the drug sales to his son in Puerto Rico, in one instance sending him a parcel containing $11,000.

Between September 2020 and December 2021, prosecutors allege the drug trafficking organization shipped over 5.6 kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico to Manchester for redistribution.

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The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $1 million.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service led the investigation in the case, with assistance from the Manchester Police Department.
Jan. 30Stephen Wells is a geologist by profession, but after becoming president of one of the state's most prestigious universities, the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, he became a financial sleuth.

He wanted to know why all of Socorro-based New Mexico Tech's short-term funds  to the tune of more than $46 million in cash  were parked at a single local bank that paid an "extremely low" rate of return, according to a new whistleblower protection lawsuit filed in state district court in Santa Fe.

Wells contends his questioning of that practice and other "critical issues of mismanagement" cost him his job. He was abruptly "forced out" a month after the bank's lawyer became president of New Mexico Tech's Board of Regents, his lawsuit states.

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"He did nothing wrong except he stepped on toes," said one of his lawyers, Joleen Youngers.

Wells discovered the university was losing millions of dollars in interest income that his lawsuit states "would have gone to the benefit of the university and students." An outside university lawyer and an accounting firm he consulted confirmed as much, his lawsuit stated. But when he informed the school's Board of Regents of his concerns in 2020, the regents took no action.

He also investigated the mismanagement of endowment funds; the payment of $1 million in unjustified royalties; the improper use of certain scholarship funds; and the continued employment of an employee "who was given a six-figure salary by a member of the administration with whom she was having an affair," states the lawsuit filed against the New Mexico Tech Board of Regents, who have the authority to hire and fire the school's president.

A New Mexico Tech spokesman, reached Tuesday, told the Journal in an email, "We do not comment on pending litigation."

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Wells, who was hired by the board as president in 2016, was also awarded a tenured full professor position in the Earth and Environmental Sciences Department at the school, which "has kind of been a shining star in terms of esteem," Youngers said.

The lawsuit states that he was fired "out of the blue" in April 2023 by a 4-1 vote of the regents. Spearheading his dismissal was attorney Jerry Armijo, who has been on the board since 2003, becoming president in March 2023, the lawsuit states.

Armijo, who could not be reached for comment for this story, asked to meet with Wells before a scheduled board meeting and gave him a "mutual termination agreement." Armijo allegedly told him he wanted Wells to step down that same day.

Wells says he never got an answer from Armijo as to whether he was being let go "for cause."

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"Dr. Wells recognized that if he were forced out, not only would he lose a job he loved and be unable to finish the work he had begun at NMT, but an abrupt termination would cast a shadow of suspicion that would damage his reputation and that of New Mexico Tech," the lawsuit states.

Wells requested that the university news release about his departure indicate that he had retired due to health reasons to minimize reputational harm. Two of the four regents who voted for the "mutual separation agreement" had been regents for only two months. Regents are appointed by the governor.

Following his "forced resignation," he asked to continue as a tenured professor emeritus in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, but his lawsuit states he learned Armijo had denied the request.

"The most egregious issue Dr. Wells had faced and fought against involved the failure to protect and invest in excess of $40 million in cash reserves," the lawsuit states. After becoming president in 2016, he started asking about the status of the university's cash reserves, and was informed by a university vice president that the funds "would yield a higher rate of return if placed with the State Investment Council."

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An independent accounting firm, RVK, reported in 2020 that the university had entered an agreement with the First State Bank in which it had to keep a minimum of $30 million in cash with the bank, the lawsuit states. That led to Wells asking the university's outside counsel to analyze the agreement. The lawsuit states that the attorney responded in a six-page memo that the agreement "most likely violated the Anti-Donation Clause of the New Mexico Constitution by providing $30 million to a private bank in exchange for no benefit for the university."

The independent accountant concluded that the bank held an average of $46 million of university funds, meaning New Mexico Tech had earned $101,751 in interest when it could have collected $2.2 million had the funds been invested in a treasury mutual fund.

At the time, First State Bank had assets of about $180 million, the lawsuit stated, meaning that the university's public funds tied up in the low-interest-bearing account made up about one-fourth of the bank's assets, states the lawsuit.

The RVK study also criticized the agreement with the bank because, unlike treasury securities that are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and are FDIC-insured, keeping the $46 million with First State Bank was risky because only $250,000 of those millions were insured by the FDIC because it is a bank, the lawsuit states.

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Efforts to obtain comment from bank officials this week were unsuccessful.

Santa Fe attorney John Day, who also represents Wells, said the regents have a fiduciary duty to make the best investments of the school's funds.

"What's the benefit to the school to keep the money in a lower or basically zero-interest-bearing account? And who benefits?" Day told the Journal. "Does the small, family-owned bank benefit? Yes.

"The reality is, the regents are duty bound to put the interest of the school, the university, above their own self-interest. That's why we believe it was a betrayal of the public trust."
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  A former Michigan police sergeant who pleaded guilty to assaulting an inmate will avoid prison time.

On Wednesday, former Hillsdale County Deputy Ronald Leggitt was sentenced to seven days in jail and two years of probation.

According to the office of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, criminal charges were first filed against Leggitt last March and he was bound over for trial in July.

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He initially faced seven felony charges: six counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of misconduct in office. He accepted a plea deal last November, agreeing to plead guilty to one count of misconduct in office and one count of aggravated assault last November. Combined, the two charges in the plea deal came with a maximum of six years in prison.

The assault happened on Dec. 16, 2021, at the Hillsdale County Jail, where Leggitt served as a supervisor.

According to prosecutors, a woman was arrested, had resisted officers during the booking process, and continued to exhibit resistant and disruptive behavior. However, prosecutors say Leggitt took measures too far.

Over the course of 80 minutes, the 44-year-old from Marshall allegedly sprayed the inmate six times with pepper spray, several times just inches away from the womans face. Prosecutors say during five of the six alleged assaults, the inmate was secured in a restraint chair, including cuffs on her ankles and wrists and a chest restraint.

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As part of the plea deal, Leggitt permanently relinquished his certification with the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards, a requirement to work as a police officer anywhere in the state.

With this conviction, Mr. Leggitt has been stripped of his ability to serve as a police officer in Michigan, preventing him from harming others who would have been under his authority, Nessel said in a statement when the plea deal was announced. My department remains committed to holding accountable those who abuse their positions.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Nineties MTV mainstay Matt Pinfield has been placed under a temporary conservatorship after suffering a debilitating stroke earlier this month.

According to court documents filed by Pinfields daughter, Jessica Pinfield, and detailed by TMZ on Monday, the former radio host and onetime Columbia Records executive was left incapacitated by a Jan. 6 health emergency.

Jessica Pinfield requested the legal right to manage her fathers medical and fiscal affairs out of fear that his girlfriend plans to spend his money.

Music personality Matt Pinfield, seen here in 2024, has been placed under a temporary conservatorship after suffering a debilitating stroke. Rebecca Sapp via Getty Images

Pinfield was a fixture on MTV during the height of the networks popularity, regularly appearing on Total Request Live and MTV Live, in addition to hosting the alternative music showcase, 120 Minutes, and over 100 of the channels specials.

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Following his time with MTV Pinfield returned to his radio roots, hosting shows for SiriusXM, LA-area FM station KLOS and Southern Californian public radio station KCSN.

The music insider struck a positive tone in an Instagram post made the day of his reported stroke, which showed the former MTV VJ sitting before a camera in a vinyl record-filled room.

In the caption, he wrote, Starting another week with gratitude for a life surrounded by great people, life changing music, and unforgettable experiences that I never take for granted.

Here to another week-another day-open heart and open mind, Pinfields message continued. Lets rock!

Related...
HONOLULU (KHON2)  A former Oahu Community Correctional Center adult corrections officer has pled guilty to multiple firework offenses.

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According to Attorney General Anne Lopezs office, former OCCC officer Gilchrist Fernandez is accused of having nearly 95 pounds of aerial fireworks mailed to the facility in 2022.

Detailed financial tracing led investigators to the point of purchase, a fireworks vendor in Nevada.

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Fireworks crackdown includes keeping them off planes to Hawaii

We cannot and will not tolerate this type of flagrant criminal conduct. I want to express my gratitude to our law enforcement partners for assisting with both scientific and technical analysis of the aerial device fireworks that were seized, said Attorney General Anne Lopez.

In November 2024, Fernandez waived indictment and entered guilty pleas pursuant to a plea agreement.

Nearly three months later, Fernandez pled guilty to two class C felony offenses including Importation of Fireworks and Attempted Possession of Fireworks.

Officials said he would be ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and face up to 90 days in prison once he is sentenced in June.

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More important than risking his career, this individual risked the safety of everyone who unknowingly came into contact with the highly flammable parcels. HPD will continue to work with our partners to investigate illegal fireworks activities that endanger lives and property Honolulu Police Chief Joe Logan

The United States Postal Service issued a statement to remind customers its illegal and dangerous to mail explosive devices such as fireworks.

Check out more news from around Hawaii

The Postal Service and the Postal Inspection Service are committed to the safety and security of postal employees, customers and transportation networks and remain vigilant in safeguarding the mail stream against any article that might pose a hazard to health, safety, property or the environment.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Former New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez was sentenced to 11 years in prison, Wednesday, after being found guilty of 16 federal charges including bribery, extortion, obstruction of justice and conspiracy to act as a foreign agent for Egypt.

Prosecutors found that Menendez accepted bribes from three New Jersey businessmen totaling $150,000 in gold bars and cash, per Fox News.

The U.S. Attorneys Office of the Southern District of New York also accused Menendez of providing sensitive non-public U.S. government information to Egyptian officials and otherwise took steps to secretly aid the Government of Egypt.

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The former senator is also accused of accepting race car tickets and other gifts from Qatar in exchange for favors, per CNN.

While issuing Menendezs 11-year sentence, Judge Sidney Stein said, You stood at the apex of our political system, adding, somewhere along the way, you lost your way, per ABC.

Former Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., speaks after being sentenced to 11 years in prison on a bribery conviction, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in New York. | Julia Demaree Nikhinson

New Jersey residents Wael Hana, an Egyptian American businessman, and Fred Daibes, a real estate developer, received 8-and 7-year sentences, respectively, for their involvement in the scheme.

Menendezs wife, Nadine, is set to go on trial March 18. The New York Times reported Nadine Menendez was often the go-between for the men, shuttling messages and accepting bribes meant for the senator.

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The Times added, the FBI found the bribes in the Menendezes EngleWood Cliffs, New Jersey, home, which included gold bars, nearly half a million dollars in cash and a Mercedes-Benz convertible.

Ahead of the sentencing, the prosecutor wrote, Menendez, who swore an oath to represent the United States and the state of New Jersey, instead put his high office up for sale in exchange for this hoard of bribes.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 29: Former Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) gives a brief statement after sentencing at Manhattan Federal Court on January 29, 2025 in New York City. Menendez, who was found guilty on bribery and corruption charges last year, was sentenced to 11 years in prison. His co-defendant Fred Daibes was sentenced to seven years in prison and fined $1.75 million. A second co-defendant, Wael Hana, was sentenced to more than eight years in prison and fined $1.3 million. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

A federal judge on Wednesday sentenced former Sen. Bob Menendez, the only sitting senator ever to be convicted of acting as a foreign agent, to 11 years in prison for taking hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes in exchange for helping three businessmen and the governments of Egypt and Qatar.

Menendez, 71, implored Judge Sidney H. Stein for mercy at his afternoon sentencing at the federal courthouse in Manhattan, saying he was a chastened man.

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I have lost everything I have cared about. Every day Im awake is punishment, he said. Ive done far more good than bad. I ask you, your honor, to judge me in that context.

But Stein said the jurys July guilty-on-all-counts verdict was based on substantial overwhelming evidence and a lengthy sentence was warranted, to serve as both punishment and a deterrent to others.

Somewhere along the way, Im sorry to say, youve become a corrupt politician, Stein told him. I dont know what led you to commit these crimes  Greed was certainly part of it. Hubris was part of it. I dont know, youll have to try to figure it out yourself, over time.

Stein also ordered Menendez, a Democratic member of Congress for more than 30 years, to forfeit all the proceeds of his crimes, including more than a dozen gold bars and coins, cash, a Mercedes-Benz convertible, and other riches that federal agents found in a bank security deposit box and the Englewood Cliffs home he shares with his wife, Nadine.

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I hope that President Trump cleans up the cesspool and restores integrity to the system.

 Bob Menendez

Outside the courthouse afterward, Menendez addressed reporters and struck a different chord that was decidedly less chastened. He called the Southern District of New York, where federal prosecutors brought the case, the Wild West of political prosecutions.

While he didnt explicitly ask for a pardon, he sent an unmistakable signal to President Donald Trump, whos already pardoned more than 1,500 people, mostly Jan. 6 rioters, less than two weeks into his second presidency.

President Trump was right  this process is political, and its corrupted to the core. I hope that President Trump cleans up the cesspool and restores integrity to the system, he said.

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Menendez appealed his conviction last August, and Wednesday, he vowed he would fight his case to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Jose Uribe, front, toasts Sen. Bob Menendez and his wife, Nadine, at one of several dinners he and his friends treated the couple to during what prosecutors say was a wide-ranging bribery scheme that started in 2018. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Attorneys Office, Southern District of New York)

Menendezs 11-year sentence was far less than what he faced under sentencing guidelines, which suggested a prison sentence of up to 30.4 years.

Defense attorneys earlier this month had proposed 21 to 27 months of incarceration. But after Stein sentenced Menendez co-defendants Wael Hana and Fred Daibes earlier Wednesday to much weightier sentences, they shifted gears and said a sentence of less than eight years would be fair.

Defense attorney Adam Fee ticked off Menendezs accomplishments over more than three decades in public service, recounted his background as the son of poor Cuban immigrants who became one of the nations most powerful public officials, and noted more than 130 people had written letters to the judge supporting him.

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Fee said his clients fall from grace has already punished him plenty, saying he resigned from his Senate seat and is now known as Gold Bars Bob.

Bob may never walk out of prison, Fee said. The history books, no matter what happens here, are going to treat him with derision and brand him as corrupt. He deserves punishment, and he will get it here. He does not, your honor, deserve to die in jail.

Stein did not fine Menendez, acknowledging that he lost his job and would be forfeiting the proceeds of his crime, but levied a court fee of $1,500  $100 for each of his crimes.

He ordered him to report to federal prison on June 6 so that he can attend his wifes bribery trial, which is set to start March 18 in Manhattan and last up to 10 weeks.

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Menendezs children, Rep. Rob Menendez and MSNBC host Alicia Menendez, and his sister, Caridad Gonzalez, who testified during the trial in her brothers defense, sat in the front row.

The co-defendants

Daibes and Hana also will see prison time.

Stein sentenced Daibes, 67, a real estate developer in Edgewater, to seven years in prison and Hana, who relied on Menendezs help to hold a monopoly on halal meat exports to Egypt, to just over eight years in prison. He ordered both men to report to prison on April 4 to begin serving their sentences.

He also directed each to pay hefty fines  $1.75 million for Daibes and $1.25 million for Hana. The fines are meant to be punitive and also reflect the high net worth of both men, Stein said.

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The courtroom was packed with family and friends for Daibes, the first of the three men to be sentenced. During his tearful statement to the judge, his supporters, filling six courtroom benches, wept, sniffled, and held hands. In apologetic testimony, he asked the judge for leniency, citing his age, health, and his 30-year-old autistic son.

I wish people would think of the impact on family members before they engage in criminal acts, Stein told Daibes.

Hana, whose three young daughters live in Egypt, was less apologetic when he spoke to the judge. Hana insisted hes an innocent man who never bribed a senator, and said his 10-year friendship with Nadine was twisted into something it never was.

Prosecutors say businessman Wael Hana, pictured left, plotted corrupt schemes over dinners and in meetings with Sen. Bob Menendez and his wife, Nadine. (Courtesy U.S. Attorneys Office, Southern District of New York)

Hana, 41, said he never bribed Sen. Menendez or asked his office for influence.

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I never imagined my generosity and decisions doing whats right would bring me to this, he said. I regret the terrible injustice that has put us here today.

Fall from grace

Menendez joins just 13 U.S. senators, dating back to 1807, who have been charged with crimes.

His sentencing served as a stunning coda to a lifetime of public service during which he climbed to the apex of our politics, as Stein noted Wednesday, as chairman of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee until shortly after his indictment in 2023.

Over nine weeks of testimony last spring and summer, prosecutors showed how Hana and Daibes showered Menendez and his wife with cash, gold bars, exercise equipment, paychecks for a fake job for Nadine Menendez, and more in exchange for the ex-senator exerting his influence to benefit their business interests and the governments of Egypt and Qatar, as well as derail various criminal probes and prosecutions.

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Menendez promised to influence national security including the release of U.S. military aid, divulged sensitive information to Egypt that risked the safety of employees at the U.S. embassy in Cairo, pressured U.S. agriculture officials to ignore the halal meat-exporting monopoly he helped Hana secure in Egypt, and tried to disrupt multiple felony criminal proceedings, including by influencing the selection of U.S. attorney for New Jersey.

Menendez had pleaded not guilty to bribery, honest services fraud, extortion, conspiracy, acting as a foreign agent, and obstruction. But a jury found him guilty last summer after three days of deliberations. Menendez resigned in August.

Businessman Jose Uribe was also charged in the scheme, but he pleaded guilty in a cooperation deal.

Menendez, a lawyer by trade, started in politics at the age of 20, when he was elected to the school board in Union City. He became Union Citys mayor in Union City in 1986 and then moved to the state Legislature in 1988, the U.S. House in 1993, and the U.S. Senate in 2006.

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He beat unrelated corruption charges in 2017 when a jury deadlocked on federal charges that he took and failed to report gifts from donor Salomon Melgen and used his influence to help Melgen.

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JOHANNESBURG (AP)  A daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma was arrested Thursday and appeared in a court on terrorism charges for allegedly inciting violence through social media posts before and during riots that shook the country four years ago and left more than 350 people dead.

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, who is a member of parliament, was released on warning  which is similar to bail without money needing to be put down  while her case was moved to a higher court to continue in March.

Her lawyer said she did make social media posts on what was then known as Twitter related to the riots in July 2021 but denied they incited violence.

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The riots, which were sparked by Jacob Zuma being sent to prison for contempt of court for refusing to testify at an inquiry into widespread government corruption during the time he was president from 2009-2018, were some of the worst civil unrest South Africa has seen since the end of the apartheid system of white minority rule in 1994.

For more than a week, angry mobs engaged in widespread looting of shops and warehouses, arson and destruction of property and more than 5,000 people were arrested. Authorities estimated the riots caused more than $2 billion in damage. The disorder and violence caught authorities unprepared and left South Africa uneasy after three largely peaceful decades since apartheid ended.

More than 60 other people have previously been arrested for allegedly inciting violence during the unrest, which authorities say was stoked by Jacob Zuma supporters in an insurrection against current President Cyril Ramaphosa, the man who replaced Zuma as leader of the country and the ruling African National Congress party.

Zuma-Sambudla, 42, was accused of urging protesters to cause more damage during the riots as a sign of support for her father. Police said she handed herself in at a police station in the eastern city of Durban on Thursday morning.

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Riots partly spurred by frustration and poverty

The investigation into her involvement in the riots was conducted by a special police unit that deals with serious and organized crime, known as the Hawks. The unit had taken so long to gather evidence because of the complexities of the case and the need for social media specialists, prosecutors said.

The arrest is as a result of a meticulous investigation ... following the unrest that brought the country to a standstill in 2021, Hawks spokesperson Brig. Thandi Mbambo said.

Prosecutors said Zuma-Sambudla faces charges of incitement to commit terrorism and incitement to commit public violence under a law that deals with threats to the state. They said she made social media posts and speeches in June and July 2021 and the natural and probable consequence" of her statements "would be the commission of public violence.

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While Jacob Zuma's arrest was believed to be the only catalyst for the riots, a later investigation found that they were also partly spurred by frustration and poverty at a time South Africa was under harsh lockdowns because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The prosecution of Zuma-Sambudla is likely to stoke political tensions in South Africa amid an ongoing feud between Zuma and Ramaphosa. South African media reported a strong police presence at the courthouse in Durban  where Zuma has large support  and a police helicopter hovered overhead.

Zuma, 82, was also in court, while supporters of a new political party he now leads after his expulsion from the African National Congress gathered outside. His MK Party said the charges against Zuma-Sambudla, a senior party official, were politically motivated to try and weaken what is now South Africa's main opposition.

Zuma-Sambudla smiled in court and was wearing a headscarf in the black and green colors of the MK Party, a new political threat to the long-dominant ANC.

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Zuma has denied any wrongdoing

Jacob Zuma has repeatedly claimed that his own legal troubles are politically motivated, even though he has been the subject of multiple criminal investigations dating back to the mid-2000s.

He served two months in prison for contempt of court but has also been charged with corruption, racketeering, fraud, tax evasion, and money laundering in relation to a multi-billion-dollar arms deal the South African government signed with a French arms manufacturer in 1999, when he was an influential politician on the rise.

Zuma has denied any wrongdoing and his trial, which began in May 2021 but has been held back by multiple legal delays, is due to continue this year. He has also been accused of corruption while he was president through his relationship with a family of Indian businessmen who authorities say were responsible for defrauding state-owned companies out of billions of dollars and bribing senior politicians.

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Neither Zuma nor any other senior figures in his government have been charged over those allegations, angering many South Africans who saw public services like the electricity grid, the postal service and public transport services crumble because of the graft.

___

Imray reported from Cape Town, South Africa.
A former candidate for vice pesident has warned federal employees not to take up Donald Trumps offer of eight months salary if they quit their jobs by next week.

Senator Tim Kaine, who was the Democratic nominee for VP in 2016, summed up his opinion of the buyout in three words.

Hell stiff you, Kaine declared, speaking on the Senate floor Tuesday.

The Trump administration offered the buyout to around 2 million federal employees this week, claiming they can stop working and still receive pay through the end of September.

Senator Tim Kaine, who was the Democratic nominee for VP in 2016, summed up his opinion of the buyout in three words on Tuesday (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

It claims resignations could cut up to 10 percent of the federal workforce and save $100 billion a year. But continued provision of public services and crackdowns on lawbreakers like tax cheats could be at serious risk with the cut.

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Dont be fooled, Kaine said. Hes tricked hundreds of people with that offer, he noted of Trump. If you accept that offer and resign hell stiff you just like he stiffed the contractors.

The Virginia senator added that its not clear the Trump administration has the legal authority or funds to ensure its promises. The president has no authority to make that offer, Kaine warned.

Theres no budget line item to pay people who are not showing up for work, he added.

He underscored Trumps long history of allegedly withholding payment from contractors. Trump businesses have also declared bankruptcy six times between 1991 and 2001, leaving creditors holding the bag.

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Elsewhere on Wednesday, federal workers encourages each other on Reddit to resist the offer, arguing their presence is the last line of defense against fascism.

We watched this goon try to overthrow the government on live tv four years ago, one user wrote. Now, we are witnessing him try to overthrow it from within.

Another popular post about the buyouts is an image of the Statue of Liberty with the slogan: Hold the Line! Dont resign!
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  Forsyth Farmers Market will host two Valentines Day floral arranging workshops on February 12, 2025, at the Farmers Market Headquarters on Waters Avenue in Savannah. Enjoy beautiful flowers, food trucks and pop-up booths featuring farmers and small businesses represented at the Forsyth Farmers Market, which is held each Saturday in Forsyth Park.

Shopping at the Forsyth Farmers Market

Get creative and make a beautiful hand-tied cupid bouquet at a Valentines Day-themed flower arranging workshop. Choose from an assortment of fresh flowers, herbs, foraged greenery and romantic roses grown by local vendors. Attendees can also sample craft champagne or sparkling fruit juice mocktails.

This special mid-week market will feature The Corner Store, an in-house retail space at the Forsyth Farmers Markets midtown Savannah headquarters which offers a curated selection of fresh produce and artisanal food items from local farmers, growers, and food producers. Discover a handpicked collection of Valentines-inspired products. Both workshops are open to the public.

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What: Blooming Love Valentines Day Floral Arranging Workshops and Pop-Up Market

When: Wednesday, February 12, 2025 (Session 1  5:30-6:30 p.m./Session 2  7:00-8:00 p.m.)

Where: Forsyth Farmers Market Headquarters, 6228 Waters Avenue, Savannah, Ga.

TICKETS:

Tickets are $60 per person. Get yours here.

Forsyth Farmers Market, a nonprofit organization headquartered in Savannah, Ga. that organizes south Georgias largest farmers market, supports local farmers and expands community access to fresh, healthy food.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
FORT LAUDERDALE: You might think the far-fetched idea of twin tunnels whisking Tesla passengers from downtown to the beach might be dead.

You would be wrong, Mayor Dean Trantalis says.

The long-hyped underground tunnels were to be built by tech billionaire Elon Musks Boring Company for an estimated $100 million.

Many assumed the city pulled the plug two years ago when Fort Lauderdale commissioners delayed paying The Boring Company $375,000 to determine whether the twin tunnels could work in flood-prone South Florida.

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According to the mayor, the idea was suspended, but can be revisited at any time.

A previous commission was opposed 3-2 with moving forward with the plan to build Tesla tunnels below Las Olas Boulevard. But now that the citys November elections are over, Trantalis says there might be a change of heart.

With the election past us, we can always revisit the idea, he told the South Florida Sun Sentinel. But we need to do more neighborhood outreach and get more specific data from The Boring Company. We need to see if theyre still interested in fully funding the project as they had originally proposed.

The Boring Company could not be reached for comment.

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Musk, founder of the Boring Company along with Tesla and SpaceX, now has a high-profile role running President Trumps new Department of Government Efficiency, which is trying to reduce the federal workforce and spending.

So far, Fort Lauderdale has spent $50,000 on the proposal, paying The Boring Company by check in February 2023.

Musk got the mayors attention four years ago when he posted a tweet saying road tunnels under Miami would solve help traffic gridlock.

Trantalis tweeted back, saying Fort Lauderdale has tunnel vision and would love to be part of the discussion.

The following month, Trantalis flew to Las Vegas to look into the possibility of building tunnels in Fort Lauderdale. By mid-2021, Fort Lauderdale received an unsolicited proposal from Musks firm to design and build an underground tunnel system.

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Critics lampooned the plan early on, saying it would do nothing to relieve the citys worsening gridlock.

One of those critics, longtime resident John Roth, told the Sun Sentinel he was under the impression the idea had died a slow death.

The only reason you use a tunnel is if you have a mountain to get through or a river, he said. It doesnt make sense for the city. Putting the exit portal at Las Olas and A1A would create a huge traffic jam. And its already jammed up now.

Vice Mayor Steve Glassman said he also thought the plan had vanished into thin air.

I know it was dead with the prior commission, he said. I just figured that was done.

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Glassman said he was willing to revisit the plan as long as The Boring Company agreed to foot the bill.

The last I heard they offered to do it at no cost to the city, he said. Thats when I had my most interest, when it no longer became an expense to the city. But lets have that discussion. The prior City Commission was 3-2 against having that discussion. This new commission is much pro-tunnel.

Commissioners Pamela Beasley-Pittman and John Herbst both said two years ago they were not willing to spend one more dime on researching the viability of the project. Neither could be reached for comment.

Warren Sturman, who lost his commission seat to rival Ben Sorensen in November, sided with Beasley-Pittman and Herbst in 2023.

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With Sturman out and Sorensen in, some are wondering whether he might be open to a tunnel to the beach.

Right now, the only tunnel Im focused on is the New River Crossing tunnel, Sorensen said, referring to the tunnel Fort Lauderdale hopes the county will build to get commuter trains across the downtown river. Im happy to hear any updates or ideas someone might have. But Im focused on the commuter rail tunnel.

Susannah Bryan can be reached at sbryan@sunsentinel.com. Follow me on X @Susannah_Bryan
A Fort Lauderdale Police officer shot a man Wednesday evening after the property manager of a marina and RV park called about the man causing a disturbance, the police department said.

The officer arrived in the 2300 block of State Road 84 just before 6:30 p.m. and found the man who the property manager said was causing a disturbance, department spokesperson Casey Liening said in an email late Wednesday. Yacht Haven Park & Marina is at that address.

Liening said the officer at some point shot the man after asking for other officers to come as back up. He was taken to Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale.

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Liening did not provide the mans condition or name or identify the officer.

The officer will be on paid administrative leave as the Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigates, as is customary.

Wednesdays shooting is at least the third so far in 2025 involving Fort Lauderdale officers. On Jan. 19, an officer shot and killed a man who got out of his car at a gas station with what appeared to be a firearm after fleeing from an earlier traffic stop, the department previously said. On Jan. 9, Fort Lauderdale officers shot and killed a man who was throwing incendiary devices after receiving a call about a fire.

This is a developing story, so check back for updates. Click here to have breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.
A Fort Lauderdale officer, while off-duty, shot a man Wednesday night who allegedly had a gun, police say. Hes been suspended, as is department protocol.

Sometime around 6:30 p.m., Fort Lauderdale police said Lt. Jonathan Bohm was directly called by a property manager who alerted him that a man, later identified as 49-year-old Damian Orozco, was causing a disturbance at 2323 State Road 84, near Yacht Haven Park & Marina.

No 911 call was placed, but Bohm showed up to the property in his unmarked police car with his emergency lights on  and also requested assistance over dispatch.

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Send me some District 3 units, let me get a couple of them to Yacht Haven...got a disruptive subject threatening to attack the manager..., Bohm said on a dispatch call. The dispatcher immediately dispatched several police units to the property.

Bohm went on to tell the dispatcher that Orozco said he had a shotgun but that it wasnt on him. The dispatcher sent more police officers to the property as Orozco may have a shotgun.

Police said Bohm confronted him. Sometime during the encounter, he shot Orozco.

Suspect down, Bohm said. Im not hit, but please get someone here quick. Suspect is down.

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Officers performed life-saving measures until Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue took Orozco to Broward Health Medical Center. He later died at the hospital.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the shooting.

The officer will be placed on administrative leave with pay pending the results of the FDLE and an Internal Affairs investigations, police added.
U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, flanked by his wife and other family members, speaks to reporters after the 2022 guilty verdicts. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  A federal judge this week agreed with Trump administration prosecutors that the campaign finance-related felony charges filed against former Nebraska Republican U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry should be dropped with prejudice.

That means the same charges cannot be filed again.

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Federal District Judge Trevor McFadden signed the order proposed by the Justice Department late Wednesday, which had reversed course under the new management of President Donald Trump. Trump, a Republican, has publicly complained about Fortenberrys prosecution, saying he was mistreated.

The Justice Department investigation of Fortenberrys 2016 fundraiser in southern California began under Trump. Prosecutors under former President Joe Bidens Justice Department had obtained a conviction of Fortenberry for lying to federal agents and trying to conceal his knowledge of foreign campaign funds raised illegally in 2016 for his congressional campaign.

But a federal appeals court overturned Fortenberrys conviction in 2023 because federal prosecutors had tried him in California, where the fundraiser took place, but not in Nebraska or Washington, D.C., where prosecutors had alleged Fortenberry lied to the FBI.

Federal prosecutors charged him again in Washington, D.C. in May 2024, alleging that he knew and tried to conceal his knowledge of the illegal contributions, which Fortenberry still denies. His lawyers have argued, among other things, that he had a bad cell connection during the call with the FBI informant.

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Fortenberry was told that the $30,000, which had been delivered in a paper sack to an intermediary, was likely illegal. He was also told Lebanese billionaire Gilbert Chagoury was the source of the money. Fortenberry had supported the work of Chagourys group in support of Christians abroad.

Trump issued a statement on Truth Social on Wednesday saying that Fortenberry and his family had suffered because the justice system had been weaponized against the previous administrations political opponents. Many legal observers expected the charges to be dropped if Trump won the presidency.

Prosecutors previously denied any political motivations and said a congressman should know better than to accept foreign funds, which cannot be raised for congressional races. They pointed to recordings with an FBI source that they said made clear Fortenberry knew more than he acknowledged.

In a statement Thursday, Fortenberry compared his situation to Trumps legal civil and criminal fights in several states and said the president knows better than anyone what false accusations and political persecution mean.

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The American people gave President Trump a mandate to end witch hunts like these and restore confidence in our justice system, Fortenberry said. We are so grateful. I want to thank all who loved and supported my family and me through this ordeal.

The judges decision closes a chapter for the former nine-term congressman for eastern Nebraskas 1st Congressional District. Fortenberry resigned from Congress after being convicted in 2022. U.S. Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb, replaced him. Some have speculated that Fortenberry might choose to run for office again, including perhaps his former seat.

Fortenberrys spokesman had no immediate comment about the former congressmans political future.

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Jan. 29The co-founder of the National Trust for Local News, the nonprofit owner of Maine's largest network of newspapers and news websites, is stepping down as its top executive.

Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro co-founded the trust in 2021 and has served as CEO since its inception. The first papers acquired by the trust were a suite of weeklies in Colorado, but Shapiro has overseen the nonprofit's expansion to two other states  Georgia and Maine  with the goal of helping preserve community journalism during a time of sharply declining advertising revenue.

"We have built something extraordinary together, demonstrating that a new model of stewardship is possible  one that honors both preservation and innovation while proving that local journalism remains vital to our communities," Hansen Shapiro said in a written statement. "I am deeply grateful to our team, partners and supporters who helped bring this vision to life and I look forward to continuing to support local journalism and championing its future in new ways."

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The National Trust purchased the Portland Press Herald, Lewiston Sun Journal, Kennebec Journal in Augusta, Waterville Morning Sentinel, The Times Record in Brunswick and a dozen other weekly newspapers from former owner Reade Brower in the summer of 2023 for an undisclosed price. Brower had announced months earlier that he was putting the papers up for sale, but the trust didn't emerge as a buyer until late in the process, joining forces with a group of local donors who had mobilized to keep the papers from being purchased by a hedge fund or corporation.

The nonprofit organization is supported by foundational and philanthropic donations  more than $37 million has been raised during Hansen Shapiro's tenure  but has three state subsidiaries that operate under a more traditional newspaper business model that relies mostly on advertising and subscription revenue, with some philanthropy. Since the sale, the Maine papers have been operated by a subsidiary, the Maine Trust for Local News, just as the national trust's papers in Colorado and Georgia are managed by state trusts.

Hansen Shapiro's departure is not expected to have any impact on news operations in Maine, according to Stefanie Manning, managing director of the Maine Trust for Local News.

"I feel really grateful to Elizabeth for the vision she's mapped out for us, but our work with the team at the National Trust doesn't change," Manning said.

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The National Trust will embark on a nationwide search for a new CEO. In the interim, the nonprofit will be led by an operating committee that includes Keith Mestrich, treasurer of the National Trust's board of directors, and Marc Hand, the CEO of Public Media Venture Group who co-founded the Trust with Hansen Shapiro. She will stay on as a strategic adviser during that transition.

Hansen Shapiro did not respond to an interview request.

Lisa Borders, a National Trust for Local News board member and former president of the WNBA, said Hansen Shapiro's decision to step down is a reflection that the nonprofit is entering a new phase.

"We had a visionary leader in Elizabeth, and she's been extraordinary," Borders said in an interview Wednesday. "Now, we're moving from inspiration to execution."

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Borders said the next CEO is likely to be someone with strong operational experience. She stressed that the National Trust is still "getting started" but is committed to helping all its affiliate newspapers.

"All the newspapers that we've acquired are fantastic. They are local gems," she said.

Prior to co-founding the National Trust, Shapiro was a research fellow at the Shorenstein Center for Media, Politics and Public Policy at Harvard University and at the Tow Center for Digital Journalism at Columbia University.

Her 2023 salary was $370,000, according to the most recent tax filing. She earned $231,250 the previous year, before the purchase of the Maine newspaper group. Shapiro's salary and the operations of the National Trust, including acquisitions, are paid for with funds raised at the national level. Donations and other revenue raised by the state-level trusts are used to support their operations.

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Borders did not answer specific questions about the National Trust's finances, but did stress that philanthropic dollars raised have never been meant for annual operating expenses, but rather to fund future acquisitions and one-time investments. For instance, the trust purchased a printing press in Colorado recently to support newspapers and increase revenue.

"No matter what industry we're talking about, they have to be self-sustaining in some way," she said.

To that end, Borders said it's possible that some of its newspapers, including those in Maine, could see future changes.

"What we've found is that this mission and this model works, but we believe we can make it work even better," she said.

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Newspapers nationwide have struggled for decades with declining circulation and revenue as many readers shift to digital platforms and many advertisers focus on social media and other alternatives. Most news organizations, including those owned by the Trust, have responded by putting more resources into digital products and storytelling as a way to build online audiences.

Since the National Trust purchased the Maine papers, there has been some local turnover in leadership, including the resignations of Press Herald Executive Editor Steve Greenlee last summer and Maine Trust Publisher Lisa DeSisto last month. Both had been with the organization since 2012.

Manning took over for DeSisto, albeit with a different title. Carolyn Fox, previously managing editor of the Tampa Bay Times, was installed as executive editor of all the Maine Trust newspapers in October.

Manning said that although the Maine Trust for Local News is fortunate to be owned by a nonprofit committed to local news, it faces the same financial pressures as most news organizations. The focus, she said, is to continue growing digital subscriptions and pursuing alternative sources of revenue.

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"I feel a lot of gratitude to be in the position we're in to have a nonprofit owner that has a vision for what news looks like in the future," she said. "And we have a huge opportunity to help them prove this model."

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A Russian attack on a residential building in Sumy has killed at least four people whose bodies have been retrieved from under the rubble.

Source: State Emergency Service of Ukraine on Telegram; Sumy City Council; local media outlet Kordon.Media on Telegram

Quote from Sumy City Council: "As of 08:00, four people were killed and nine others sustained injuries of varied severity, including one child, as a result of an enemy Shahed attack on a multi-storey residential building in Sumy."

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Details: Search and rescue operations are ongoing.

Sumy Oblast Military Administration reported that five people, including one child, had suffered injuries ranging in severity. Five of the injured, including a child, were taken to hospital, three of them in a serious condition.

A damaged multi-storey building in Sumy.

Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

The Russian Shahed drone attack destroyed five apartments on four floors and 12 balconies. More than 80 windows and balconies were smashed.

Over 20 cars were also damaged.

A damaged multi-storey building in Sumy.

Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Background:

A Russian drone hit a multi-storey building in Sumy on the night of 29-30 January.

Sumy City Council reported that nine people had been injured, including a 7-year-old child and an 18-year-old man in a serious condition.

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Fox News co-host Jessica Tarlov criticized the lack of competent leadership shown by the White House amid its confusing, legally murky actions, saying the rollout of Donald Trumps agenda has been complete chaos and is not being managed in any sort of orderly fashion at all.

On Wednesdays broadcast of The Five, Tarlov reacted to the whiplash-inducing events over the last few days, which saw the administration earlier Wednesday ultimately reverse course by rescinding its order freezing federal grants. The about-face was spurred by immense backlash when it became clear that programs funding health care, schools and housing were paused and websites were down.On Tuesday, a federal judge temporarily prevented the funding pause from continuing.

All the while, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitts statements to reporters left lingering questions about what exactly has been happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

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Regarding the administrations buyout offer to federal employees, Tarlov first said that it could very well end up working against the administrations goals.

What I am seeing...is this proposal is having the opposite reaction that they intended, at least in some cases, she said, citing federal workers writing in Reddit communities that that the buyout offer has only made them more motivated to stick around.

After smirking co-host Jesse Watters said great, Tarlov addressed his comment.

Acting as if everybody who has dedicated their life to public service is easily replaceable or not doing their job is a gross position and not reflective of reality at all, and they will learn that the hard way when they started pushing people out, she said.

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Turning to the funding freeze, it was Tarlovs turn to be sarcastic, saying that it had been executed so well.

Such a good first day [for] the press secretary, Tarlov said, referring to Leavitts debut before reporters in the briefing room on Tuesday, an appearance which had CNN fact-checker Daniel Dale call her out for using a classic spinmeister tactic while refusing to answer a question.

It is complete chaos. It is not being managed in any sort of orderly fashion at all. It is confusing even Republican senators who are getting their marching orders from the top, Tarlov continued.

Then they go out there and say what they are supposed to say like good little soldiers. Then they hear from all of their constituents that the portals are down, they dont know what is going on with Head Start, Medicaid, et cetera, she said. Then they hear that the freeze has been frozen, they say that is a good thing, and I am sure they are about to get slapped on the wrist again when they step out of line.

The Trump administration, however, denies any claims of backtracking. No such thing took place, a White House statement said Wednesday night.
Israel rejoiced Thursday as Hamas militants freed eight more hostages who had been held for more than 15 months in the Gaza Strip, but the days tumultuous events underscored the fragility of a cease-fire accord that paused the devastating war in Gaza.

After chaotic scenes unfolded in southern Gaza  where surging crowds surrounded Palestinian gunmen preparing to hand over most of the hostages  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delayed by hours the agreed-upon release of more than 100 Palestinian prisoners. The standoff was eventually resolved, with buses carrying freed Palestinians finally leaving a West Bank prison as night fell.

Palestinian prisoners were greeted by a crowds of supporters after being released by Israel in the West Bank city of Ramallah on Saturday. (Mahmoud Illean / Associated Press)

President Trumps envoy Steve Witkoff, who met in Tel Aviv with previously freed Israeli hostages and the families of some of those still held captive, said he was "hopeful" that the truce, 12 days into its first phase, would continue to hold.

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Witkoff said an American was expected to be among the next round of hostages to be freed later this week.

Thursdays hostage release, the third since the cease-fire took effect on Jan. 19, included a female Israeli soldier, a young female civilian, an elderly man and five Thai nationals  agricultural workers who were caught up in the surprise Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023, which launched the war.

Read more: Cease-fire in Gaza Strip was widely welcomed. It may not last. Here's why

About 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed on that day in southern Israel, and about 250 taken hostage. Israels massive military offensive in Gaza has left much of the enclave in ruins and killed more than 47,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials, who do not distinguish between civilians and combatants but say that a majority of the dead are women and children.

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As has become customary since this months cease-fire took hold, Israelis gathered in a downtown Tel Aviv plaza known as Hostages Square  the locus of months of demonstrations  to watch developments on a giant outdoor video screen. People cheered and wept as the first of them was freed in northern Gaza, a 20-year-old soldier named Agam Berger, who was one of five young female military spotters seized at their base near the Gaza frontier on the day of the attack.

A crowd surrounds Red Cross cars as they arrive to hand over Thai and Israeli hostages in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza Strip, on Thursday. (Jehad Alshrafi / Associated Press)

As it did with female soldiers freed last week, Hamas staged a choreographed ceremony parading Berger onstage, clad in an olive-drab outfit meant to mimic a military uniform. She appeared composed, however, and soon after was conveyed to the Red Cross and then to waiting Israeli authorities.

Inside Israel, the mood turned tense and fearful when televised and streamed images from southern Gaza began circulating showing enormous crowds in the rubble-strewn landscape of Khan Yunis, outside the destroyed home of slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, jostling the masked gunmen who accompanied the remaining hostages. One of them, 29-year-old Arbel Yehoud, looked pale and frightened as she was hustled, sometimes stumbling, through the mass of people.

Before the delayed reciprocal release of the Palestinian prisoners, Netanyahu denounced the shocking circumstances of the handover and demanded safety measures for future releases.

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Israel demands that the mediators see to this, the prime minister said in a statement, referring to the parties who negotiated the cease-fire.

Read more: A hostage love story: Vows in Israel, captivity in Gaza, rebuilding in Thailand

The five freed Thai nationals, whose release fell outside the terms of the cease-fire, were handed over to Thai diplomatic officials in Israel in preparation for being repatriated. About 40 Thai workers, among the thousands who have labored for years under dangerous conditions in farming communities near Gaza, were killed in the Oct. 7 attack.

The Thais released Thursday, all reported to be in good health, were identified by Israel as Watchara Sriaoun, 33; Pongsak Thaenna, 36; Sathian Suwannakham, 35; Surasak Rumnao, 32; and Bannawat Saethao, 27.

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Despite national jubilation in Israel over the latest hostage return  which brings to nine the number of Israelis handed over since the start of the current truce  there was a growing sense of foreboding over the fate of those remaining in Gaza. This cease-fire is the first since November of 2023, when about half the hostages were freed.

The accords first phase calls for the handover of 33 Israeli captives in all, some of them dual nationals. Hamas has said eight of them are dead, without disclosing theit names.

The Israeli military has been in touch with the families about their loved ones status, Israeli news reports said, adding that Israel has particularly pressed for formal word about an Israeli mother, Shiri Bibas, and her two young children.

The cease-fires terms called for women and children to be freed first, but Thursdays release included a man, 80-year-old Gadi Moses. That suggested to many Israelis that there was little hope for Bibas and her two children, red-haired boys whose images are nearly as familiar to compatriots as family photos. The youngest, Kfir, was 9 months old when he was taken; his brother Ariel was 4 years old.

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Today, Im deliriously happy, but I think soon we will hear news that is going to be very, very sad, said Aviva Stav, 74, of Tel Aviv, following the news as she walked with her husband near the city's seafront

Read more: Thousands of Palestinians stream back to northern Gaza as cease-fire with Israel holds

Negotiations over the next phase of the cease-fire are expected to be difficult, encompassing the establishment of a permanent cease-fire, the exchange of remaining living hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and a complete withdrawal by Israeli forces.

Of the Palestinians freed Thursday, 30 had been serving life sentences in connection with fatal attacks. Though some of the prisoners were being returned to families in the West Bank, those who were convicted of the most serious offenses were being deported.

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The arrival of buses carrying the freed Palestinian prisoners brought scenes of jubilation in the West Bank  but also triggered fresh unrest. At the entrance to Ramallah, the Palestinians' administrative capital, Palestinian officials reported more than a dozen Palestinians were injured by Israeli police who fired tear gas, rubber bullets and live rounds.

A total of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners are to be freed in the truces initial phase.



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(Bloomberg) -- French lawmakers on Thursday will try to reach a budget compromise that can get enough support to avert another government collapse and restore financial certainty for the country.

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A handful of senators and members of the National Assembly are tasked with modifying the 2025 finance plan, in part to reflect concessions made by Prime Minister Francois Bayrous government. The French premier aims to secure enough indirect support  particularly from the Socialist Party  to survive a no-confidence vote over the adoption of the budget next week.

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The bargaining brings France and its public finances to another cliff edge after months of upheaval that toppled Michel Barniers government in December and left the country relying on stopgap legislation to avoid a shutdown. The uncertainty combined with gaping budget deficits has sparked market sell-offs, driving up Frances borrowing costs compared to peers.

With the prospect of a deal at the parliamentary committee appearing likely, some of the pressure has eased, bringing the spread between the yield on France and Germanys 10-year debt to the lowest level since November earlier this week. But the threat of instability remains after Socialists walked away from budget talks Tuesday in protest over unrelated comments Bayrou made on immigration.

The center-left party is crucial to the governments chances of survival as its abstention could prevent the adoption of a confidence motion over the 2025 finance bill next week. Marine Le Pens National Rally lawmakers could also keep Bayrou in power by not backing such a censure motion, but they have proved less reliable negotiators after turning against Barnier at the eleventh hour.

In addition to demanding Bayrou step back from his remarks on immigration, Socialists have also ramped up their demands for significant changes after the senate adopted a version of the budget bill with steeper tax cuts.

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According to Philippe Brun, a Socialist lawmaker who will sit on the parliamentary committee, his party also wants extra resources alloted to climate funds, prolonged tax increases for big companies, and raises to the minimum wage. The government has said that the overall balance of the budget must still be respected with the aim of reducing the deficit to 5.4% of annual economic output from around 6% last year.

To not censure the government, concessions are necessary, Brun said Wednesday on Sud Radio. If we think the budget is more dangerous than censure, then we will censure with no qualms.

It is likely the committee will settle on a consensus text on Thursday as a majority of its 14 members support Bayrou. The ultimate test will come when the bill  which can still be amended by the government  returns to the National Assembly on Monday.

Bayrou will then almost certainly use Article 49.3 of the constitution to adopt the finance bill without putting it to a vote as there is no majority in the National Assembly to support his government. Opposition groups on the far-left are poised to then file a censure motion that, if backed by a majority, would reject the bill and force the prime minister to resign. That vote will likely take place on Wednesday.

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Bayrou is then expected to face a repeat of that sequence when he uses the 49.3 to adopt bills in the social security chapter of the 2025 budget later in February.

In a no-confidence ballot not directly tied to the budget earlier this month, Bayrou survived by a comfortable margin as both Le Pens far-right and a majority of Socialists abstained.

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BRUSSELS (Reuters) - France, Germany and 10 other European Union countries want the European Commission to use its powers under the Digital Services Act to protect the integrity of European elections from foreign interference, a letter signed by the 12 countries showed.

In the letter, European affairs ministers from France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Cyprus, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Greece, Romania, Slovenia and Spain asked the commission to deliver on promises to create a dedicated EU body to counter foreign information manipulation and interference.

"The escalating threats of foreign interference and disruptive interventions in public debates during key electoral events represent a direct challenge to our stability and sovereignty," the letter, seen by Reuters, said.

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"Recent incidents demand urgent and united action to defend forthcoming elections in the EU," it said.

EU diplomats said the letter was referring to interference mainly by Russia and China, but also other cases.

Germany faces snap elections on Feb. 23 and has set up a task force to head off any foreign state attempts to influence the vote after warning of Russian-sponsored espionage and sabotage.

Last week Elon Musk, the owner of the social media platform X, appeared at Germany's far-right AfD election campaign event to support the party for the second time in as many weeks.

In December, the commission opened an investigation against social media firm TikTok, owned by China's ByteDance, over its suspected failure to limit election interference in the Romanian presidential vote in November.

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Government officials in Poland, which has presidential elections in May, have warned Russia was recruiting Poles to influence the election.

"We urge the Commission to lead by fully leveraging the powers granted under the Digital Services Act (DSA)," the letter said.

Under the DSA, large internet platforms like X, Facebook, TikTok and others must moderate and remove harmful content like hate speech, racism or xenophobia. If they do not, the commission can impose fines of up to 6% of their worldwide annual turnover.

(Reporting by Jan Strupczewski; Editing by Chris Reese)
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Mo.  Emily Hernandez, a Franklin County woman pardoned after her ties to the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, was sentenced Wednesday in connection with a drunk driving crash.

Hernandez was sentenced to 10 years in prison in connection with a deadly crash in January 2022, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and several other reports.

Investigators say Hernandez, 22 years old at the time of the crash, was behind the wheel driving the wrong way on eastbound I-44 in a Volkswagon Passat when it struck the front of a Buick Enclave. The Enclave was pushed into the median and struck cable barriers.

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One passenger in the Enclave, 32-year-old Victoria Wilson of St. Clair, Missouri, died in the crash. Hernandez was later arrested for driving while intoxicated, resulting in death.

Hernandez was caught on camera holding the nameplate of then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in one photo from Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

Following the Jan. 6 events, Hernandez was sentenced to 30 days in jail with one year of supervised release. She was pardoned by U.S. President Donald Trump last week.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Shoppers have been left thousands of pounds out of pocket after being targeted by fraudsters purchasing luxury fragrances at Selfridges.

Twelve women have alleged that they had their cards stolen in central London, including on Bond Street, in Hyde Park and Leicester Square, during the course of 2024. They claimed that goods worth more than 60,000 were bought without their consent in Selfridges.

One 37-year-old, who has lived in the UK for several years, believed that she was targeted because of her race, as the fraudsters specifically stole her Chinese credit card.

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Unlike most UK credit cards, many Chinese cards can be verified with a signature, rather than a Pin.

This makes it easier for the fraudster to buy goods in shops, once they have possession of the card.

In 2024, 198 cases of fraud referencing Selfridges were escalated to the UKs scams reporting service. The losses amounted to 2.8m, up from 1.7m in 2023, Action Fraud said, with 622 cases reported between 2022 and 2024.

The victim discovered her card had been stolen after she received a series of phone alerts for transactions at the Selfridges store on Oxford Street while at a restaurant in Marylebone last February.

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Within the 15 minutes it took for her to call her bank, the Industry and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), to block the card, the fraudsters had spent 7,130 across four transactions.

The victim reported the theft to the Metropolitan Police, which issued a crime reference number, and also complained to the department store.

The signed receipts, obtained by officers and seen by The Telegraph, revealed that the fraudsters had purchased 30 bottles of perfume at Selfridges, ranging in price from 145 per bottle to 290.

She claimed the department store was not helpful when she approached them about the fraud.

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The victim said: I think we are being targeted  the Chinese card is really easy to use, theres no Pin.

She added: There was a signature, but it was completely different to the signature on the back of my card. 7,000 of perfume, and they dont do anything, they dont ask any questions?

They are not very helpful. Its very easy to find out where it happened, what items were purchased. They should have a record of all the purchases, but theyre not willing to help, she claims.

I find it strange, because its my credit card, its a transaction made under my name, but I myself cannot have any information.

In an email to her, a representative from Selfridges said: We are unable to offer any details in regards to the transactions itself. If a criminal investigation is ongoing, this will be handled internally between the police department, the payment provider and Selfridges.

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We cannot offer any other details outside of the original case that has been filed with the police.

The victim has been able to recover some of her loss through an insurance policy.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said of her case: On February 25 2024, police were contacted by a woman who reported that her bank card had been stolen and had been used to make transactions in a central London store.

Officers carried out an investigation, including analysing relevant CCTV from the store, but no suspect could be identified. After all of the evidence was examined, a decision was made to close the investigation.

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Another victim of the fraud told The Telegraph that more than 3,200 was spent on her credit card at Selfridges in December. The 24-year-old graduate, who has lived in London since 2021, claimed that her card was stolen while she was dining in a cafe near Bond Street.

Less than an hour later, her mother contacted her to ask about six unusual transactions on the card. The payments  of 1,160, 55, 1,520, 97, 97, and 290  happened consecutively, she said.

The victim was not able to determine exactly how her card was used in the department store. She alleged Selfridges refused to share information with her directly because of data protection laws.

She said: I was just minding my own business, and then roughly an hour later, I received a text message from my mum. The card had been stolen, and she [my mum] saw a few unauthorised charges on her card, which turned out to be 3,219.

In an email sent to her by a police constable, she was told: In these circumstances, it is extremely unlikely that we will be able to retrieve your personal items due to the fact that these thieves like to take peoples personal property and go and sell it or if they get cash they will spend it.

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They are extremely persistent in committing thefts such as this and they do not have any remorse, so I can only apologise that you have been a victim of theft.

A Met spokesman said: Unfortunately, no positive lines of enquiry were identified. The investigation was closed, however should further information come to light, this will be reviewed.

The spokesman added: This case will also form part of ongoing work to identify hotspot areas for this type of crime.

Jonathan Frost, of the Stop Scams Alliance action group, said: The store isnt liable for the loss, it would fall to the issuer, who in this case appears content to pass it on to the customer.

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It wouldnt fly here [in the UK], even with a Pin the bank would be expected to identify and block high-risk transactions.

Mr Frost added that Selfridges would not be the only high-value store targeted by fraudsters.

A Selfridges spokesman said: At Selfridges, we are committed to ensuring our customers are able to shop safely and securely within our stores and online. As a result, we have robust processes, procedures, and training in place to minimise the risk of fraudulent transactions, including verifying cardholder transactions.

Should an instance arise where a customer believes they have been a victim of fraud, we strongly encourage them to raise this with their card issuer and the UK police via Action Fraud at the earliest opportunity so we are able to support the relevant authorities with their investigations.

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The banks in question were contacted for comment.

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SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  February 1,1865 will forever be one of celebration.

Thats the day that president Abraham Lincoln signed the 13th amendment outlawing slavery in the United States.

President Harry Truman made national freedom day an official observance when he signed the bill in 1948 and for the past 15 years historic Mitchellville Freedom Park in Hilton Head has shined a light on Freedom Day.

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Joining us now to share plans for this Saturdays freedom day event is Joyce Wright, director of programs and interpretation.

Freedom Day will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Freedom Park located at 229 Beach City Road. Click here for more details.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
By Foo Yun Chee

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - France's privacy watchdog said on Thursday it will question DeepSeek to gain a better idea of how the Chinese startup's AI system works and any possible privacy risks for users.

DeepSeek attracted global attention after writing in a paper last month that the training of DeepSeek-V3 required less than $6 million worth of computing power from Nvidia H800 chips.

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"The CNIL's AI department is currently analysing this tool," a spokesperson for the French watchdog said.

"In order to better understand how this AI system works and the risks in terms of data protection, the CNIL will question the company that offers the DeepSeek chatbot," they added.

The French watchdog is one of the most active in Europe and has fined Google and Meta Platforms, among others.

Italy's data protection authority said earlier this week it was seeking answers from DeepSeek on its use of personal data, while Ireland's Data Protection Commission said it has requested information from the Chinese company about data processing conducted in relation to Irish users.

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Europe has been particularly protective of privacy rights and its General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive and stringent data privacy laws in the world.

GDPR breaches can lead to fines up to 4% of a company's total global turnover.

The 27-country European Union last year agreed to landmark rules which impose strict transparency obligations on high-risk AI systems and lighter ones for general-purpose AI models.

Fines for violations range from 7.5 million euros, or 1.5% of turnover, to 35 million euros or 7% of global turnover depending on the type of violations.

(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by David Goodman and Alexander Smith)
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP)  The small Oregon city at the heart of a major U.S. Supreme Court ruling last year that allowed cities across the country to enforce homeless camping bans is facing a fresh lawsuit over its camping rules, as advocates find new ways to challenge them in a legal landscape shifted by the high court's decision.

Disability Rights Oregon sued Grants Pass on Thursday, accusing it of violating a state law requiring cities camping regulations to be objectively reasonable.

I dont think that the bad decision from the Supreme Court is the end of homeless advocacy," Tom Stenson, the group's deputy legal director, told The Associated Press. I think were going to see that it continues, because the problem isnt going away. The need for housing is not going away.

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Mike Zacchino, the information coordinator for Grants Pass, said in an email that the city had no comment.

Last June's Supreme Court ruling made the southern Oregon mountain town of 40,000 the unlikely face of the nation's homelessness crisis. It ushered in a new era of homeless policy by allowing cities across the U.S. to ban sleeping outside and fine people for doing so, even when there aren't enough shelter beds.

In Grants Pass  where officials have struggled for years to address a homelessness crisis that has divided residents  the decision paved the way for the new mayor and City Council members elected in November to crack down on camping upon taking office.

The high court decision overturned a ruling from a California-based appeals court that found camping bans when shelter space is lacking amounted to cruel and unusual punishment under the U.S. Constitution's Eighth Amendment. It enabled Grants Pass to enforce local ordinances barring camping on city property such as parks and sidewalks.

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Grants Pass has just one overnight shelter for adults  the Gospel Rescue Mission  and its rules requiring attendance at religious services and barring pets, alcohol, drugs and smoking mean many wont stay there.

After the ruling was issued, the City Council designated two city-owned properties as the areas where the town's hundreds of homeless people would be allowed to stay.

But last week, the new council closed the larger of the two campsites  which housed roughly 120 tents, the complaint says  and made the remaining smaller one only open from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m., forcing people to pack up their belongings every morning and carry them throughout the day with no place where they can legally set down their things.

It wants to make being homeless in Grants Pass so unpleasant that people go elsewhere, Disability Rights Oregon said of the city in its complaint. Despite the presence of numerous elderly, ill, and disabled people on site, the city increased its draconian restrictions in the dead of winter leaving hundreds of people with no legal option for their continued survival.

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Five homeless people with disabilities who live in Grants Pass are named as plaintiffs in the lawsuit. They include people who use wheelchairs and canes, as well as people suffering from the aftermath of a stroke or missing part of their limbs, according to the complaint.

Among them is Janine Harris, who has lived in Grants Pass for over two decades and became homeless four years ago. The 57-year-old, who says she struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, lived at the larger city-sanctioned campsite that closed last week. She often has to use a cane to get around due to physical conditions including arthritis, according to the complaint.

A lot of us do not have any idea where to go, she told the AP on Thursday. I really am hurting, physically and mentally."

Harris said she joined the lawsuit as a plaintiff because she wants city officials to recognize that homeless people are human beings. Just because we don't live in a house doesn't mean that we're not, she said.

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The complaint says the camping restrictions discriminate against people with disabilities and violate state law, which states that cities' rules regarding when, where and how homeless people can sleep or keep warm and dry outdoors must be objectively reasonable.

The City has discriminated against people with disabilities by imposing standards for participation in its camping program that require people to move themselves and their own belongings frequently and for no good purpose, the complaint says. People with physical disabilities affecting their movement or chronic illnesses that make frequent lifting, carrying, and walking distances difficult or impossible have been and will be cited and prosecuted for violating city ordinances regarding camping.

Disability Rights Oregon is asking the court to block the city from enforcing its camping rules.

Homelessness continues to be a nationwide crisis. Last year, it increased 18% in a dramatic rise driven mostly by a lack of affordable housing as well as devastating natural disasters and an increase in migrants in several parts of the country.

___

This story has been updated to correct that New York did not ban sleeping outside and to clarify that cities across the U.S. are now allowed to do so.
UPDATE, FRIDAY: Memphis Police have identified the two people killed in this shooting as Marcus Epps, 27, and Leon Parker, 30. The three wounded remain in the hospital.

*****

MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Its been 24 hours since a shootout in the Soulsville neighborhood left two people dead and three others injured.

Many questions remain about what led to the shooting.

Five shot in South Memphis; 2 dead, 3 critical

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Memphis Police say five people were shot at a home on College Park Drive  two of the victims died. Many of the neighbors nearby say there is a lot of activity at the home where the shooting happened.

One woman we spoke to says she heard the shooting when it happened but was not expecting to see what she saw.

Walked out to the street and saw the little boy running and he fell down on the ground, said the woman. Its kind of nerve-racking.

She says the man she saw desperately trying to run to safety had been shot multiple times. She told us that before he was rushed to the hospital, he even tried to tell the first responders who shot him.

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A friend of one of the victims says he was a father, a leader, and a well-known man in the community who will be missed.

Its a lot of hearsay, but from my understanding, it was a group of friends that were gathering to have some fun, to play some games, just to hang out and to be around each other and to have some camaraderie And it went wrong, said Marlo Matthews. He was the kind of guy that made people feel good. He was a smiling, happy father. And we needed more people of his presence like that. And he was a great young man. And I hate that hes lost his life like that.

 See more breaking news, local news and weather from WREG.com for Memphis and the Mid-South.

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Police say a disturbance inside the home led to an exchange of gunfire. MPD says everyone involved in the shooting has been located but they did not clarify who fired the shots.

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One of the victims died on the scene while the other died at the hospital. The three other victims  two men and one woman  were taken to the hospital in critical condition.

Hours after the shooting, family and friends of the victims waited outside the hospital pleading with police for answers. Police say this is still an ongoing investigation.

Matthews says the effects of the violence here will go far beyond this street impacting family, friends, and the Memphis community.

We cant be losing the positive people, Matthews said. And we are at an alarming rate. So something has to change.

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WREG reached out to the MPD for any word on if anyone will face any charges. This was their response:

The victims remain in the hospital. No additional updates at this time. This is an ongoing investigation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, you can call The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 988. Text messaging and online chat options are also available on the website.

A memorial for Zachary Labrie, made by his friends. (Courtesy: Alyssa Dennis)

AUSTIN (KXAN)  A northwest Austin apartment complex will forever remind Zachary Labries friends and family of the day he died.

He was just a really good dude, his friend Caleb said.

Labries friends said the 27-year-old, who was shot and killed by police in November, struggled with his mental health and suffered from bipolar disorder.

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Bipolar is a hard thing to deal with because its up and down and not being on a medicine can be crazy, Caleb said.

His friends told KXAN his disease contributed to Labrie spending time in jail and prison. His online criminal record shows arrests for assault and various drug charges. To his loved ones, hes more than just his rap sheet.

I have known Zack since 2013, he was one of my good, good friends, before he went to prison, during prison and after, he was a great guy, his friend Becca Pearce said.

What led up to the police shooting

In the early morning hours of Nov. 7, 2024, Bee Cave Police tried to pull over a speeding driver.

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Labrie was the man behind the wheel. Officers said he stopped at first, but then sped off, eventually making his way into Austin, where Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said he carjacked two people at gunpoint at Four Points Shopping Center.

Austin 911 received a call from a female stating that a masked man with a gun approached her as she sat in her car at the Starbucks located at 7710 N FM 620. The man told her to leave everything in the car and get out, APD said.

Another 911 call about two hours later came from a man in the HEB parking lot at Four Points detailing a similar encounter.

APD eventually found him at the MAA Canyon Creek Apartments, where doorbell camera video showed him kick down the door of what APD said was his ex-girlfriends apartment unit. He wore a black mask that covered his face and had a gun in his hand.

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The week after the shooting, Davis, along with Bee Cave Police Chief Brian Jones, walked the public through dash and body camera video of what led up to police shooting Labrie, as well as the shooting itself.

Thats a gun in his hand, you can see him there pulling out the weaponpointing it at officers, Davis said, referring to the moment before officers fired.

Addressing the mental health component

Labries friends wish police didnt shoot him.

Its just really sad for me because I just feel like it didnt have to go this way, you know what I mean? Pearce said. I dont think that that was necessary.

Bee Caves chief said that during the initial chase, an officer was on the phone with Labries father, who told police Labrie struggled with his mental health and was suicidal.

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He was concerned for the safety of his son, as were we, Jones said. When someone is armed and has made suicide threats to family and has shown intention of fleeing a traffic stop, then we are concerned for their safety and other peoples safety.

Jones said Bee Cave Police relayed that information to APD.

Davis began the press conference about the shooting with a message to Labries loved ones.

He was someones son, and he was loved, and our condolences to them, she said.

Still, Labries friends are suffering, wishing the situation never came down to this. Theyre also left wondering what measures could have been in place to stop this before the shooting ever happened.

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I also think that this should be eye-opening to friends and family and significant others, partners, whoever, in anybodys life, as far as just mental health, for anybody to not be afraid to reach out to parents, a crisis team, anybody, if you feel like things are going some type of way thats even close to that, Pearce said.

Labrie had been out on bond for about a week when this all happened. According to court documents, drug screening was a condition of his release. His bond documents did not map out conditions related to mental health treatment.

There are Central Texas mental health resources available specifically for individuals impacted by incarceration, including a support group facilitated by the National Alliance on Mental Health. Visit this website for more information.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  This time of year, having a warm place to go home to at night is important. But residents at one Sioux Falls apartment complex say they havent been able to fully rely on having heat for almost two months now.

This week temperatures have been mild, but we cant always count on that during South Dakota winters. Residents in the 4004 building of the Woodlake Apartments owned by Tzadik Management say they havent been able to rely on warm temperatures inside either.

There was a couple times this winter, the beginning of it, that I did notice one night it was chillier than usual to the point I did go out and get a space heater because I was worried that the heat was going to go out, resident Blair Bierwagen said.

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Blair Bierwagen says the heat did go out on January 6th, and communication from the property manager wasnt great.

Personally, when I went to talk to the office about the no heat the first day I realized it, they had known it was going out. The boiler was having issues and possibly going out since that Saturday night and it officially went out completely that morning at three in the morning, Bierwagen said. Nobody was told anything, heaters werent brought to anyone, none of that business.

Bierwagen says the first notice from the property manager came January 17th.

And it was about the heat was now up and working again but obviously within the hour everybody, or they said, give it two hours to warm up,' Bierwagen said. Nothing warmed up within those two-hour periods so we all knew it was just going to be a weekend of, you know, hopefully, you have enough heat and you can get things going.

A screenshot of messages Bierwagen received from Tzadik Management.

Three days later, another message said the heat is on but not working at full capacity and they were waiting on a part.

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The City of Sioux Falls was notified about the heat issues on January 21st. In a statement to KELOLAND News, the Citys Property Maintenance Inspection Manager, said that same day a city inspector connected with the property manager and followed up at the building to inspect. He says they confirmed heat was working properly at that time.

That was also the day Bierwagen decided to find someplace else to stay.

Rhoden joins KELOLAND News for first sit-down interview

That morning too, our water was completely off, Bierwagen said. Nobody was notified of anything. So, you know, once you get up in the morning youre like well how am I supposed to shower? How am I even supposed to brush my teeth? I know that morning I was brushing my teeth with my Brita filter water for me and my kid.

A screenshot of messages Bierwagen received from Tzadik Management.

On the 23rd, Bierwagen received another message from Tzadik Management saying the part needed to fix the heat and water had still not arrived. The message goes on to say quote we are doing our best to get to resolve this issue as soon as possible.

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I wish they knew the full aspect of things and would take accountability and get things taken care of like theyre supposed to, Bierwagen said. They need to understand its not fair to the residents and it can have serious consequences if youre not going to take it serious enough to get things fixed and taken care of.

KELOLAND News requested an interview with the local Tzadik Property Manager for the Woodlake Apartments but they declined. Instead, we were just told residents do currently have heat and hot water. Another resident we spoke with on the phone Tuesday confirmed it was working when we talked with him, but reiterated that it is unreliable.

The City of Sioux Falls encourages tenants who have concerns about their rental properties to reach out to their property management company. However, if you dont receive help in a timely manner, you can call the City to report a complaint at this number: 605-978-6900.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Donald Trump nominated a troubling collection of loyalists to occupy some of the most consequential administration positions. Tulsi Gabbard, his pick for Director of National Intelligence, is uniquely concerning. The former Democratic congresswoman served overseas but has no intelligence experience, has been criticized for meeting with since-deposed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and has a history of pushing Russian propaganda.

Gabbards confirmation prospects have grown increasingly dubious in light of some of the reporting that has emerged since her nomination. ABC News reported last month that she regularly consumed and shared Russian state media while she was in Congress, citing multiple former staffers. That Gabbards views mirror Russias narrative and disinformation themes can but suggest naivete, collusion, or politically opportunistic sycophancy to echo whatever she believes Trump wants to hear, retired intelligence officer Doug London told the outlet.

The Guardian reported on serious concerns within the intelligence community about Gabbards relationship with foreign adversaries, particularly Syria. As one person familiar with discussions among senior intelligence officials put it, She is historically unfit.

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Gabbard sat before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday to answer questions about her qualifications. Senators grilled her on security issues, her support for Edward Snowden, and her troubling ties to some of Americas adversaries  including Russia.

Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) read one of Gabbards social media posts from the night of Russias invasion of Ukraine: This war and suffering could have easily been avoided if the Biden administration/NATO had simply acknowledged Russias legitimate security concerns regarding Ukraine becoming a member of NATO, Gabbard wrote, as quoted by Bennet.

Did you say that, yes or no? Bennet continued.

I believe youre reading my tweet, senator, Gabbard said.

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Bennet then asked Gabbard if she is aware that her post, and additional comments she has made blaming the U.S. for the invasion, are akin to the talking points Russia pushes to justify the invasion. Gabbard replied that she doesnt pay attention to Russian propaganda.

Again, Gabbard reportedly consumed Russian state media regularly while a member of Congress  particularly RT, which posted to X multiple times praising her performance before the Intelligence Committee on Thursday. Weve got your back, Tulsi, the propaganda outlet wrote in one post.

Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) also pressed Gabbard on her apparent sympathy to Russia, telling Gabbard that he wanted to make certain that in no way does Russia get a pass in either your mind or your heart or in any policy recommendation you would make or not make.

Gabbard replied that she was offended by the question, and that her sole focus would be the American people.

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The focal point of the hearing, however, was Gabbards support for Edward Snowden, the former NSA contractor who leaked sensitive intelligence data about the extent to which the U.S. was surveilling its citizens. Senators were clearly concerned about the prospective Director of National Intelligence defending someone who leaked national intelligence. Gabbard has in the past called Snowden brave and proposed dropping charges against him.

Several senators of both parties pressed Gabbard on her defense of Snowden, but she refused to disavow him.

You consistently praised the actions of Edward Snowden, someone I believe jeopardized the security of our nation and then  fled to Russia, said Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), going on to ask Gabbard if she still believes he is brave. Gabbard replied by acknowledging Snowden broke the law, noting that she does not agree with or support all the information or intelligence which he released, nor the way he did it. When Warner pressed her about whether she still believes he is brave and that the charges should be dropped, she refused to say, only continuing to reiterate that he broke the law.

Sens. James Lankford (R-Okla.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) later called Gabbard out for refusing to address questions about Snowden, pressing her himself on whether she believes he is a traitor. She again refused to answer.

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Gabbard has been widely viewed as the Trump nominee who could face the toughest confirmation battle. The number of Republicans who didnt seem satisfied with her performance on Thursday certainly doesnt dissuade this notion. Then again, Trump wants Gabbard, and Republicans tend to give Trump what he wants.

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President Donald Trumps pick for director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, faced tough questions Thursday from several Republican senators at her confirmation hearing over her past praise for intelligence leaker Edward Snowden and her shifting views on an electronic surveillance program supported by senators whose votes she needs.

Gabbard, trying to reassure the GOP lawmakers while accounting for her previous progressive positions, struck a more critical tone on Snowden despite having held him up as a crusading whistleblower. But she declined to answer whether she viewed him as a traitor.

"I'm focused on the future and how we can prevent something like this from happening again," Gabbard said to Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., after he twice asked if she believed Snowden was a traitor.

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Gabbard, a former congresswoman from Hawaii who once ran for the Democratic presidential nomination before leaving the party and backing Trump, also sidestepped specific questions from Republican lawmakers about her views on the surveillance program that Snowden helped expose.

Republicans hold a narrow 9-8 majority on the Senate Intelligence Committee, which held the hearing and has the first vote on Gabbards nomination. The questions from some of the Republican members raised the possibility that Gabbard may not secure their support.

With Democrats on the Senate Intelligence Committee expected to oppose her, Gabbard will need the votes of every Republican on the panel to keep her path to confirmation alive. If the committee fails to back her, the full Senate could still vote on her confirmation, but that would require a 60-vote majority  a politically improbable scenario.

Gabbard for years portrayed Snowden  a former government contractor who leaked a vast trove of classified information  as a brave whistleblower and called for him to be pardoned. Under questioning from both Republican and Democratic senators at the hearing, Gabbard said she would not seek a pardon for him if confirmed for the top-ranking intelligence job.

Tulsi Gabbard testifies Thursday during her confirmation hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee.

When Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, asked Gabbard if she would seek a pardon or clemency for Snowden, Gabbard replied: Senator Collins, if confirmed as the director of national intelligence, my responsibility would be to ensure the security of our nations secrets, and [I] would not take actions to advocate for any actions related to Snowden.

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When Collins followed up to confirm she would not seek a pardon for Snowden, Gabbard said that was correct.

Snowden was a contractor for the National Security Agency in 2013 when he leaked a ream of secret information exposing details of Americas global surveillance operations. Snowden, who fled the country and resettled in Russia, has been indicted for espionage.

The ranking Democrat on the committee, Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., said Gabbards sympathetic statements about Snowden were at odds with the role of the director of national intelligence, who is entrusted with safeguarding the countrys secrets.

What message would it send to the intelligence workforce to have a DNI who would celebrate staff and contractors deciding to leak our nations most sensitive secrets as they see fit? Warner asked.

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Although Gabbard said Snowden should have not have leaked all the secret information that he released, and should have expressed his concerns to Congress through legal means inside the government, she also said he helped uncover illegal spying by the intelligence community.

The fact is, he also, even as he broke the law, released information that exposed egregious, illegal and unconstitutional programs that are happening within our government that led to serious reforms adopted by Congress, Gabbard said.

Snowden, now a Russian citizen, responded to the hearing in a social media post.

Courts have been ruling for ten years that NSA broke the law, guys. Move on, he wrote.

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Warner also went after Gabbard for past comments blaming NATO for Russias invasion of Ukraine and echoing talking points from the former regime of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad.

Now I dont know if your intent in making those statements was to defend those dictators, or if you were simply unaware of the intelligence and how your statements would be perceived, Warner said. In either case, it raises serious questions about your judgment.

Gabbard pushed back against the criticism, saying she was not Putins puppet or Assads puppet, or anyone elses.

The fact is what truly unsettles my political opponents is I refuse to be their puppet, Gabbard said.

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Gabbard also faced pointed questions from Republicans about her longtime opposition to an electronic surveillance program that allows U.S. intelligence agencies to eavesdrop without a warrant on foreigners outside the country to collect intelligence.

The program, authorized under section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, also allows U.S. authorities to search through the data, including information incidentally collected from Americans who are in communication with the foreign targets.

Gabbard had previously opposed the program as an abuse of civil liberties. But a few weeks ago, she shifted her stance, saying she now supported the surveillance powers because amendments passed last year had addressed her concerns.

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, pressed Gabbard about her views on the need for a warrant to search for Americans appearing in collected surveillance data and what criteria would be required to obtain a warrant. Currently, U.S. authorities are not required to secure a warrant.

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Gabbard sidestepped the question.

The decision about a warrant requirement will be yours to make, not mine, she said, referring to Congress.

But Cornyn countered that it would be her job as DNI to oversee the program.

You will be the director of national intelligence, and people will be wanting to hear from you about what we should do as policy makers, Cornyn said.

Gabbards past position on section 702 puts her in alignment with many progressive Democrats in Congress as well as libertarian-minded Republicans, but at odds with the national security hawks who dominate the Senate Intelligence Committee. Kash Patel, the presidents pick for FBI director, has also been an outspoken opponent of the surveillance program.

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If confirmed by the Senate as director of national intelligence, Gabbard would oversee 18 spy agencies with a budget of more than $100 billion and have the final say over what intelligence is delivered to the president.

As a presidential candidate, a member of Congress and a commentator supporting Trumps campaign, Gabbard has been accused of echoing propaganda spread by Russia and the former Assad regime in Syria, including questioning U.S. intelligence assessments that the Syrian government had carried out multiple chemical weapons attacks on its own people.

Gabbard rejected criticism at the hearing that she has sided with U.S. adversaries and said it was outrageous to question her loyalty to the United States given her career in the Army and in politics.

She maintains she is coming under attack for questioning Washingtons national security establishment and opposing U.S. military regime change interventions, including the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq.

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Gabbard has come under intense criticism over her 2017 meeting in Damascus with Assad, and comments she made afterward that seemed to embrace the regimes portrayal of the countrys civil war. But Gabbard has said that she was merely exploring ways to end the war and that any peace settlement would require dialogue with Syrias government.

The chairman of the intelligence committee, Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said he was dismayed by what he called attacks on Gabbards loyalty to the U.S. The senator noted that Gabbard has maintained an active security clearance for years as an officer in the Army National Guard and Reserve.

She has undergone five FBI background checks. I spent more than two hours last week reviewing the latest, putting eyes on more than 300 pages. Its clean as a whistle, Cotton said.

He also praised her willingness to express unconventional views and said that her approach will be needed to reform the Office of the Director of Intelligence, which he said had become a bloated bureaucracy.

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Gabbard told Cotton she agreed that the ODNI needed to be scaled back to fit its original mission to coordinate the work of the countrys intelligence agencies.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
At a Senate hearing Thursday, Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald Trumps pick for director of national intelligence, will have to convince Republican senators that she supports a surveillance program she once tried to repeal.

How Gabbard handles that issue, rather than her past sympathetic comments on Russia or her controversial meeting with then-Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, could determine whether she becomes the countrys top-ranking intelligence official.

As a Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii from 2013 to 2021, Gabbard called the electronic surveillance program a case of overreach by intelligence agencies and a violation of Americans civil liberties. In 2020, Gabbard and a Republican lawmaker proposed legislation to repeal section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, the law that allows for the program.

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In an interview with Joe Rogan in 2019, she praised Edward Snowden  the former government contractor who leaked a trove of data about the 702 surveillance program  and said he should be pardoned on espionage charges because he had informed Americans about a threat to their rights.

But this month, with her Senate confirmation looming, Gabbard told media outlets that she now viewed the program as a crucial tool and that amendments to the law adopted last year had addressed her concerns.

If confirmed as DNI, I will uphold Americans Fourth Amendment rights while maintaining vital national security tools like Section 702 to ensure the safety and freedom of the American people, Gabbard said in a statement to Punchbowl News.

A spokesperson for Gabbard declined to comment.

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Republicans hold a narrow 9-8 majority on the Senate Intelligence Committee. With Democrats on the Senate Intelligence Committee expected to oppose her, Gabbard will need the votes of every Republican on the panel to keep her path to confirmation alive. If the committee fails to back her, the full Senate could vote on her confirmation, but that would require a 60-vote majority  a politically improbable scenario.

Tulsi Gabbard meeting with Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., in the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in 2024.

At her hearing, Gabbard will likely face tough questions about statements she has made siding with Russia, her 2017 meeting with Assad in Damascus and her qualifications for overseeing 18 spy agencies. But her stance on the countrys vast foreign surveillance program could pose the most difficult challenge to her confirmation, congressional aides say.

Gabbards past position on section 702 puts her in alignment with many progressive Democrats in Congress as well as libertarian-minded Republicans, but at odds with the national security hawks who dominate the Senate Intelligence Committee. Kash Patel, the presidents pick for FBI director, has been an outspoken opponent of the surveillance program.

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, who voted against Trumps nominee for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, has signaled she remains skeptical that Gabbard fully supports the section 702 surveillance authorities.

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Her answers to the written questions were very hedged on it, Collins told The Hill. I know theres been a lot of reporting that shes changed her position. Thats not how I read her answers. I read them as, Ill take a look at the reforms and see if they meet my concerns.

The Wall Street Journals editorial board has called Gabbards explanation of her change of heart hardly persuasive.

The chairman of the committee, Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., an outspoken hawk and proponent of the surveillance program, said he is satisfied with Gabbards answers on the issue.

Tulsi Gabbard has assured me in our conversations that she supports Section 702 as recently amended and that she will follow the law and support its reauthorization as DNI, Cotton said in an email.

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Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., could also be a key vote for Gabbards political fate. He has said little about how he views Gabbard or the surveillance issue, saying he has questions he wants to pose at Thursdays hearing.

I am waiting for the hearing to ask questions I have. I wouldnt characterize any of them as concerns at this point, but there are things I need to learn. There are answers I intend to elicit, Young told reporters last week.

Warrantless surveillance

U.S. intelligence and law enforcement officials under both Republican and Democratic administrations have argued the surveillance program is vital to preventing terrorist attacks, foreign espionage and cyberattacks. Civil liberties groups and members of both parties who oppose the program call it a violation of the Fourth Amendment right to be protected from arbitrary searches and intrusion.

Under section 702, the U.S. government is authorized to eavesdrop on the communications of foreigners outside the country without a warrant to collect intelligence. But when eavesdropping on foreigners, U.S. agencies also often incidentally collect the communications of Americans who are in contact with the targeted foreigners.

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Opponents have long argued that a finders keepers provision of the law, which lets the government sift through Americans incidentally collected communications, violates Americans constitutional rights and that the FBI and other agencies should be required to obtain a warrant to sift through data collected on Americans.

The surveillance program was first authorized in 2008 and has been extended several times since. Last April, with the program's legal authority about to expire, Congress approved its renewal for another two years with amendments that were supposed to address concerns raised by both national security hawks and civil liberties advocates. But critics said the end result did little to change the surveillance authorities and even expanded what organizations the federal government could compel to cooperate with surveillance efforts.

The new law codified rules that the FBI says it had adopted to ensure authorities have reason to retrieve information about an American whose communications are scooped up in surveillance efforts. The FBI has acknowledged a litany of mistakes in the past with agents breaking the bureaus rules about scouring the repository of foreign intelligence surveillance data looking for Americans. The queries included a member of Congress and people who took part in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol and the 2020 racial justice protests.

DNIs role in surveillance

As DNI, Gabbard would have an absolutely crucial role in overseeing how the surveillance program is carried out, according to Glenn Gerstell, who served as general counsel for the National Security Agency from 2015 to 2020.

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By law, every year the director of national intelligence and the attorney general are required to jointly direct intelligence agencies on the rules and procedures for how electronic surveillance will be conducted against foreign targets under the section 702 program.

The rules or certifications define the types of foreign targets to be tracked and the procedures to be used to safeguard information from U.S. citizens who are incidentally caught up in the eavesdropping operations. The DNI and the attorney general submit those rules to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court for approval.

Last month, a federal judge in District Court ruled that the 702 program violated Americans rights and that law enforcement authorities need to get a warrant before searching the surveillance data for Americans. Its unclear how the case will play out in the courts, but it marked the first time a judge had ruled that the searches of surveillance data required a warrant, legal experts say.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Hearing-mania is set to consume Capitol Hill on Thursday as a trio of President Trumps top allies appear for high-stakes confirmation showdowns with senators that could make or break their chances of getting across the finish line.

Tulsi Gabbard, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Kash Patel will simultaneously appear for confirmation hearings Thursday morning, setting up a triple-box of events that are set to command the attention of Washington as GOP members try to keep their unblemished run of confirming Trumps nominees.

Its huge, said Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, which Kennedy will appear before. Well separate the men from the boys tomorrow.

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Much of the attention will center on Gabbard, Trumps pick to become director of national intelligence (DNI), whose confirmation odds are considered the shakiest of the presidents selections amid increasing questions from skeptical Senate Republicans, some of whom are on the Intelligence panel.

Those questions had largely surrounded her 2017 meeting with since-deposed Syrian President Bashar Assad and remarks shes made about the war between Ukraine and Russia that were considered sympathetic toward Moscow.

However, Senate Republicans have also noted concerns about Gabbards stance on Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which allows for the warrantless surveillance of foreign targets. Gabbard voted against reauthorizing the program as a member of the House and five years ago called for its repeal, but says she has since changed her stance.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), however, does not believe she has actually changed her position. Collins sits on the Intelligence Committee, which will hear from Gabbard on Thursday and then decide whether to advance her to the floor.

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Gabbard cant afford to lose any GOP votes in committee, and with Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) also considered a swing vote on the panel Republicans say Gabbard must use Thursday as an opportunity to convince members she is right for the job.

Hers will be the most watched right off the bat, said Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) a friend of the DNI nominee. Shes going to be the biggest challenge to get through. I was really bullish about [Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth]. Im very bullish on Kash. Im very bullish on [Kennedy].

Weve got a lot of work still to do with Tulsi, Mullin added. I still think she can get confirmed, but theres still some people to talk to.

Republicans are also keeping open the possibility of advancing Gabbards nomination to the floor even if she receives an unfavorable recommendation or no recommendation at all, according to Mullin, who is a close ally of both Trump and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.).

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I think the president will want that floor vote, Mullin added.

As for Kennedy, he will appear for the second straight day before a panel of senators, after enduring a grilling from the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday over his nomination to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.

The former independent presidential candidate-turned-Trump supporter will come before the HELP committee for what is expected to be a second day of intense questioning from Democrats, who targeted him over his history of comments on vaccines and abortion, among other topics.

While Finance Committee Republicans, who will vote on his confirmation, appeared largely unmoved on his nomination, there remains one wild card: Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.).

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Cassidy, who sits on the Finance Committee and chairs the HELP panel, and is himself a doctor, attended almost the entirety of Wednesdays hearing  a rarity for a senator who isnt chair. His questioning also revealed Kennedys unfamiliarity with Medicare and Medicaid, two health care programs he would oversee at HHS.

The Louisiana Republican is also up for reelection in 2026 and is staring down a primary challenge after voting to convict Trump over his actions on Jan. 6, 2021.

Theres a campaign to protect RFK, one source close to the Trump team said. The MAGA verse has been laying down the line, particularly on Cassidy.

Cassidy may get the Joni Ernst treatment of, Hey, you better vote for him or youre going to have a problem, the source added, referring to Trump allies pressuring the Iowa Republican to vote for Hegseths confirmation.

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Cassidy declined to take questions about Kennedy after the hearing.

Republicans who watched part of the hearing, however, believed Kennedys confirmation chances remain in a good spot and that he will ultimately get the green light on the floor.

[Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren] got in his grill pretty hard. He seemed to handle it fine, Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) said, adding that Kennedy will be fine if a repeat of Wednesday occurs. I dont think he did any harm to himself.

Patel is set to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee with the hopes of maintaining his level of GOP support to become the next FBI director in the coming weeks.

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For all of the comments that alarmed Democrats and some Republicans over the years, Patel has kept a low profile ever since Trump nominated him to the post in November, giving him a boost with GOP members that will control his fate.

Democrats, though, have been trying to elevate him in recent weeks with the hopes of spurring the requisite four Republicans to oppose him.

I think we got a taste of that from last week, said Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), a member of both the Judiciary and HELP committees, pointing to Pam Bondis hearing to lead the Justice Department that included numerous mentions of Patel.

Im sure it will be this series of horror stories and lots of faux outrage, Hawley continued. What he needs to do is  talk about how hes going to get the FBI back to fighting crime.

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Patel will need all of the help he can get on the GOP side as Democrats on the panel are promising a scorched earth affair in a long-shot attempt to take down his nomination.

Were going to introduce him to the American people, said Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), pointing to Patels enemies list and plans to get retribution on them, among other reasons. And theyre not going to like him.

Alex Gangitano contributed.

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(Bloomberg) -- Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald Trumps pick to be the US spy chief, ran into bipartisan criticism over an episode from the past  her championing of Edward Snowden, who rocked the intelligence world 12 years ago with his disclosure of top-secret US spy programs.

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Gabbards praise of the former National Security Agency contractor who found refuge in Russia could endanger her chances if she fails to assuage several Republicans on the Senate Intelligence Committee that considered her nomination in a hearing Thursday.

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Pressed whether she still believes that Snowden was a brave whistleblower, as she once said, Gabbard repeatedly answered that he broke the law but that he exposed egregious and illegal surveillance activities. She evaded questions from Republican Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma and other members of both parties on whether Snowden was a traitor.

Thats not a hard question to answer when the stakes are this high, Democratic Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado shouted. He appealed to his Republican colleagues to find an alternative candidate for the job of director of national intelligence.

Lankford told reporters he expected Gabbard would be questioned again about Snowden in a closed afternoon session on her nomination. In a curious wrinkle, Snowden posted to X before and during the confirmation, writing that he would encourage her to disown all prior support for whistleblowers as a condition of confirmation today  remarks that were then brought up in the hearing.

Thursdays back-and-forth broke with a precedent set in contentious confirmation hearings in recent days, in which Republicans almost universally backed Trumps choices while Democrats assailed them. This time, Republicans joined Democrats in voicing frustration over Gabbards refusal to denounce Snowden and pressed her over criticism of warrantless wiretapping.

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Going into the session, Gabbard had been seen as one of Trumps most imperiled picks, with many Republicans declining to declare their support. After several hours of questioning, it remained unclear clear whether any of them would risk a backlash from Trump and his supporters by voting to kill her nomination.

Earlier, Gabbard sought to rally support from Republicans with her combative opening remarks. She ticked off examples she portrayed as intelligence abuses aimed at Trump, accusing the FBI and the intelligence agencies of efforts to undermine him and falsely portray him as a puppet of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

For too long, faulty, inadequate, or weaponized intelligence have led to costly failures and the undermining of our national security and God-given freedoms enshrined in the Constitution, Gabbard said.

The pugilistic comments indicate she would pursue a hard line toward revamping the 18 intelligence agencies she would oversee, from the CIA and the National Security Agency to the Defense Intelligence Agency.

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Gabbard also sought to push back against criticism  including from some lawmakers  over past stances seen as sympathetic toward authoritarians like Putin and Syrias now-ousted leader Bashar al-Assad.

Senator Mark Warner of Virginia, the intelligence panels top Democrat, addressed Gabbard directly, saying that you have repeatedly excused our adversaries worst actions and instead often blamed them on the United States and those very allies.

He said it raises the question of whether you can develop the trust necessary to give our allies confidence that they can share their most sensitive intelligence with us.

But Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas, the committees Republican chairman, endorsed Gabbards nomination, saying an FBI report on her of more than 300 pages was clean as a whistle so I hope that no one today will impugn Ms. Gabbards patriotism and integrity.

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On those who say Gabbard has unconventional views, Cotton said, Im sure that the Office of the Director of National Intelligence needs more unconventional thinking. He said its become bloated with bureaucratic make-work.

Gabbards political views have fluctuated over the years. A 43-year-old former Democratic Congresswoman from Hawaii, Gabbard backed progressive Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont for president in 2016 before pursuing her own Democratic presidential campaign in 2020. She ultimately dropped out of that race to endorse Joe Biden, then four years later flipped sides to back Trump instead.

A lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve who has deployed to Iraq and Kuwait, Gabbard has often pointed to her past experiences as foundational to her political views and her drive to push back against regime-change wars.

Gabbard said her opponents were accusing her of being Trumps puppet, Putins puppet, Assads puppet, a gurus puppet, Modis puppet, not recognizing the absurdity of simultaneously being the puppet of five different puppet-masters.

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They used the same tactic against President Trump and failed, she said, adding the fact is what truly unsettles my political opponents is I refuse to be their puppet.

--With assistance from Daniel Flatley.

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After many years of partisan politics, increasingly divisive language, finger-pointing and inflammatory speech have contributed to an environment of fear and uncertainty, affecting not just political dynamics but also the priorities and perceptions of young people.

As a developmental psychologist who studies the intersection of media and adolescent mental health, and as a mother of two Gen Z kids, I have seen firsthand how external societal factors can profoundly shape young peoples emotional well-being.

This was brought into sharp relief through the results of a recent survey my colleagues and I conducted with 1,644 young people across the U.S., ages 10 to 24. The study was not designed as a political poll but rather as a window into what truly matters to adolescents. We asked participants to rate the importance of 14 personal goals. These included classic teenage desires such as being popular, having fun and being kind.

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None of these ranked as the top priority. Instead, the No. 1 answer was to be safe.

It lurks everywhere: Gen Zs perception of danger is further shaped by events like the recent fires devastating Los Angeles. Agustin Paullier/AFP via Getty Images

What was once taken for granted

The findings are both illuminating and heartbreaking. As a teenager, I did countless unsafe things. My peers and I didnt dwell on harm; we chased fun and freedom.

Whereas previous generations may have taken safety for granted, todays youth are growing up in an era of compounded crises  school shootings, a worsening climate crisis, financial uncertainty and the lingering trauma of a global pandemic. Even though our research did not pinpoint the specific causes of adolescent fears, the constant exposure to crises, amplified by social media, likely plays a significant role in fostering a pervasive sense of worry.

Despite data showing that many aspects of life are safer now than in previous generations, young people just dont feel it. Their perception of danger is further shaped by events like the recent fires that devastated Los Angeles, reinforcing a belief that danger, possibly caused by global crises like climate change, lurks everywhere.

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This shift in perspective has profound implications for the future of this generation and those to come.

Especially vulnerable time

Adolescence, like early childhood, is a pivotal period for brain development. Young people are particularly sensitive to their surroundings as their brains evaluate the environment to prepare them for independence.

This developmental stage  when the capacity to regulate emotions and critically assess information is still maturing  makes them especially vulnerable to enduring impacts.

Studies show that adolescents struggle to put threats into context. This makes them particularly vulnerable to fear-driven messaging prevalent in both traditional and social media, which is further amplified by political rhetoric and blame-shifting. This vulnerability has implications for their mental health, as prolonged exposure to fear and uncertainty has been linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression and even physical health issues.

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So when the media that Gen Z consumes are dominated by fear  be it through headlines, social media posts, political rhetoric or even storylines in movies and TV  it could shape their worldview in ways that may reverberate for generations to come.

Enduring generational impact

Historical events have long been shown to shape the worldview of entire generations.

For instance, the Great Depression primarily impacted the daily lives of the Silent Generation, those born between 1928 and 1945. Moreover, its long-term effects on financial attitudes and security concerns echoed into the Baby Boomer generation, influencing how those born between 1946 and 1964 approached money, stability and risk throughout their lives.

Similarly, todays adolescents, growing up amid a series of compounded global crises, will likely carry the imprint of this period of heightened fear and uncertainty well into adulthood. This formative experience could shape their mental health, decision-making and even their collective identity and values for decades to come.

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In addition, feelings of insecurity and instability can make people more responsive to fear-based messaging, which could potentially influence their political and social choices. In an era marked by the rise of authoritarian governments, this susceptibility could have far-reaching implications because fear often drives individuals to prioritize immediate safety over moral or ideological ideals.

As such, these dynamics may profoundly shape how this generation engages with the world, the causes they champion and the leaders they choose to follow.

Room for optimism?

Interestingly, being kind was rated No. 2 in our survey, irrespective of other demographics. While safety dominates their priorities, adolescents still value qualities that foster connection and community.

This finding indicates a duality in their aspirations: While they feel a pervasive sense of danger, they also recognize the importance of interpersonal relationships and emotional well-being.

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Our findings are a call to look at the broader societal context shaping adolescent development. For instance, the rise in school-based safety drills, while intended to provide a sense of preparedness, may unintentionally reinforce feelings of insecurity. Similarly, the apocalyptic narrative around climate change may create a sense of powerlessness that could further compound their fears and leave them wanting to bury their heads in the sand.

Understanding how these perceptions are formed and their implications for mental health, decision-making and behavior is essential for parents, storytellers, policymakers and researchers.

I believe we must also consider how societal systems contribute to the pervasive sense of uncertainty and fear among youth. Further research can help untangle the complex relationship between external stressors, media consumption and youth well-being, shedding light on how to best support adolescents during this formative stage of life.

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: Yalda T. Uhls, University of California, Los Angeles

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Yalda T. Uhls 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.
As families across the United States struggle to understand President Donald Trumps attacks on transgender people, medical groups, advocacy groups, and political leaders are grappling with the administrations latest executive orders.

The Trump administration has escalated its war on transgender rights, this time by cutting off federal support for life-saving gender-affirming care for minors. A sweeping executive order signed Tuesday bans federal agencies from funding or supporting medical treatment for transgender youth under 19.

The executive order directs multiple federal agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice, to dismantle existing policies supporting gender-affirming care. It prohibits hospitals and providers that receive federal funding, including Medicare and Medicaid, from offering this care to minors, even if treatment is privately funded. It also removes transgender-related health care coverage from federal employee insurance plans and bars TRICARE, the militarys health system, from covering gender-affirming treatments for minors.

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Trumps administration claims the order is meant to protect children, describing gender-affirming care as irreversible medical harm. However, every major medical organizationincluding the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Endocrine Societyhas affirmed that gender-affirming treatments are safe, effective, and often life-saving.

The order also singles out the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, dismissing its widely accepted Standards of Care Version 8 as lacking scientific integrity. It directs federal agencies to rescind all policies that rely on WPATH guidance and orders HHS to conduct a review of existing literature on gender dysphoria, promoting research that challenges the consensus on gender-affirming care. The Advocate contacted WPATH and the American Academy of Pediatrics for comment but did not receive a response.

LGBTQ+ advocates say the executive order is not only unnecessary but actively harmful. According to a policy brief from UCLAs Williams Institute, the order will not take effect immediately, as it requires further administrative rulemaking. However, its impact could still be devastating, discouraging medical providers from offering care and leaving trans youth without critical health services.

The Williams Institute notes that gender-affirming care follows decades of medical research and adheres to well-established treatment protocols. Puberty blockers and hormone therapy, both targeted by the order, are also prescribed for cisgender youth in various medical situationsmaking this restriction uniquely discriminatory.

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The American Medical Association strongly opposes such bans. A representative for the organization directed The Advocate to former AMA President Jack Resneck Jr.s prior viewpoint statement in which he spoke out against political interference in medical decision-making. Decisions about gender-affirming care are properly made through shared decision-making between the patient, family, and physicians, without politicians inserting themselves into the medical exam room or second-guessing healthcare decisions, Resneck wrote.

Everyone deserves the freedom to make deeply personal health care decisions for themselves and their familiesno matter your income, zip code, or health coverage, Human Rights Campaign president Kelley Robinson told The Advocate in a statement. She denounced the executive order as a brazen attempt to put politicians in between people and their doctors.

Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, executive director of Advocates for Trans Equality, was even more direct. Only eight days into his second term, President Donald Trump has blood on his hands, he wrote. This executive order not only prohibits but sets the stage for criminalizing medically necessary gender-affirming care, endangering tens of thousands of transgender adolescents.

Gay Democratic California U.S. Rep. Mark Takano, chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, condemned the order, calling it an effort by Trump to override medical judgment. Decisions about a young persons healthcare belong with the patient, their families, and their doctors, Takano said. Politicians should not be overriding the private medical decisions of any person, period.

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Lambda Legal announced plans to challenge the order in court. Omar Gonzalez-Pagan, the groups senior counsel and health care strategist, called the policy morally reprehensible and patently unlawful. He warned that it would subject trans youth to extreme and unnecessary pain and suffering while stripping parents of their ability to care for their children.

We fought previous attempts by the first Trump administration to restrict health care, and we won, Gonzalez-Pagan said. We stand ready to fight back against this even more pernicious effort.

Cait Smith, director of LGBTQI+ policy at the Center for American Progress, linked the executive order to broader conservative efforts to restrict personal freedoms. Ask yourself, would you want Donald Trump in the exam room making your medical decisions? Thats exactly what happened to trans kids and their families today, she said. This executive order is straight out of the same playbook MAGA Republicans used to interfere with womens reproductive rightsnow theyre targeting trans youth.

Trumps order is expected to face immediate lawsuits, with legal experts arguing that it violates equal protection and non-discrimination laws. Meanwhile, the U.S. Supreme Court is preparing to rule on U.S. v. Skrmetti, a case that could determine the legality of state bans on gender-affirming care.
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry on Jan. 30 condemned Romania's far-right presidential candidate Calin Georgescu's statement that Ukraine is a "fictional state" whose partition is "inevitable," labeling his statements as Russian propaganda.

"His attempts to position himself as an 'independent' politician look absurd  the rhetoric he voiced is identical to Russian propaganda, indicating complete dependence on his masters in Moscow," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said.

Georgescu's comments, made in a Jan. 29 interview, were dismissed by Ukraine as revisionist and contrary to international norms, the U.N. Charter, and democratic values.

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Tykhyi noted that Ukraine remains confident in Romania's support for a "comprehensive, just, and sustainable peace" in Ukraine. "We remind you that such a development is not part of the plans of the Kremlin and its puppets," he said.

Pro-Russian ultranationalist Georgescu succeeded unexpectedly in Romania's first round of presidential elections in November 2024. The constitutional court later annulled the results over alleged Russian interference and a hybrid campaign on TikTok that reportedly boosted Georgescu's candidacy.

Georgescu remains the frontrunner for the rescheduled May election, polling 38%. He has openly opposed military aid to Ukraine and the transit of Ukrainian grain through Romania.

During his interview, Georgescu also claimed that U.S. President Donald Trump would strike a quick deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which he suggested would relieve Romania of its commitments to support Ukraine.

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Romania's current leadership has been a staunch ally of Ukraine, providing military aid, including a Patriot air defense system, hosting F-16 pilot training, and facilitating the transit of Ukrainian agricultural products.

Read also: Romanias presidential candidate Georgescu calls Ukraine fictional state, suggests annexing territory

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Members of the Georgia House Higher Education Committee are hoping to correct an oversight that prevented students from taking advantage of grants to help them graduate. Getty Images

More Georgias college and technical students may soon be eligible for grant money to help them complete their degree after a mathematical oversight made it impossible for many to qualify. A House committee unanimously passed a bill aimed at correcting the oversight Wednesday.

The Georgia College Completion Grant, signed into law in 2022, aims to help students who are close to graduation but are low on money. Students can be eligible for up to $2,500, and the total cost for the state is capped at $10 million, with unused funds rolling over to the next year. In the states 2024 fiscal year, 10,069 college students received a total $10.9 million through the grants.

Lynne Riley. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder

To qualify, students must have completed at least 80% of the credit requirements for their course of study, and thats where the math problem comes in, said Georgia Student Finance Commission President Lynne Riley.

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The requirement made it impossible for most Technical College System of Georgia students to take advantage of the grants.

If you think about it, a TCSG program is typically one or two years, and to get to 80% completion of a one-year program, youd be  if you only have two semesters, youd be 50% completed halfway through your program, you would never meet that 80% threshold to be able to be an award recipient, Riley said. Similarly, for a two-year program, even after a third semester, youd still only be 75% of the way on your credential attainment, and so would never be eligible for the program.

Riley said students seeking four-year degrees at University System of Georgia institutions and private schools also experienced issues.

USG and private post-secondaries also ran into that same problem that with a typical four-year program for students and the fact that most institutions package their financial aid on an annual basis, so theyd be looking at the possibility of awarding these completion grants at the end of a students third year, and they typically would only be 75% complete at that point, she said.

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The House Higher Education Committee voted unanimously to expand eligibility to students who had completed 70% of a four-year degree or 45% of a two-year degree, which would encompass more students heading into the last year of their program.

House Higher Education Chairman Chuck Martin. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder

I stand here before you as embarrassed as anyone to say I dont know why I didnt notice that, but nobody on the House committee nor the Senate committee nor anybody thought about it, said House Higher Education Committee Chair Chuck Martin, an Alpharetta Republican. So the idea of the way these work is before you go into your last year, youve proven, youve put your shoulder to the wheel, youve done well, youre completing, this is a completion grant.

House Democratic Whip Sam Park, a Lawrenceville Democrat, said he would support expanding eligibility further.

I think its continuing to move in the right direction, but ultimately, were also trying to address the needs-based aid type of issue with this bill, correct? Tell me why were not looking, why were so focused more on the back end as opposed to the front end. Is there data, for example, in which that $2,500 could ensure that folks are able to enroll and continue to go to school as opposed to focusing on that 70% threshold for a four-year institution?

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Martin said students in different situations can seek different grants and scholarships, but this program is narrowly tailored to help those who just need a little help to earn their diploma.

This is not meant to be the ultimate catch-all, end-all for everything, but the best place to deploy the money and to get the most impact, he said.

Before it can become law, the bill will need to pass both chambers and receive Gov. Brian Kemps signature. Martin said the Senate and governors office are comfortable with the bill and he hopes to fast-track it so that schools can plan ahead.

The bill also continues funding the program until 2029. If lawmakers dont approve it, the program is set to expire this year.

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SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  A study done by Retirement Living found that more than seven percent of seniors in our state are hungry and living without consistent access to food.

Experts said that not having consistent access to food makes it nearly impossible for them to live a long and healthy life.

Executive Director of Senior Citizens Incorporated, Patti Lyons, said a country is judged by the way they take care of their youngest and their oldest citizens and we are failing them.

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We get a lot of calls from people saying I dont have any food in my house, Lyons said.

Georgia ranks number five in the country when it comes to the number of senior citizens who are hungry and cant afford to put food on their table.

The percentage of people that are here that are over the age of 65 is one out of four, and so, you know, youve got all this massive amount of people, Lyons said. Youve got limited support coming in, and now prices are going up.

Lyons told WSAV that federal funding allows non-profit groups like Meals on Wheels, to delivers meals for over 1800 seniors in our community. For some, it is their only source of nutritious food. Lyons believes the focus should be on keeping the elderly healthy. She said in the end  those costs less for everyone.

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We can feed somebody for an entire year with meals on wheels for what it costs for one day in the hospital or five days in a nursing home, Lyons said. It just makes sense that we put our investment in being proactive. Lets take care of them, keep everybody healthy versus paying so much more when theyre unhealthy.

Lyons said that more needs to be done for one of the largest populations in America and that instead of being supported  some seniors are being neglected.



Its all of our problems; its all of our responsibility to help our neighbors, she said. And when you have spent your life building the country that we all have the pleasure of living in, you should support those people. A country is judged by how it takes care of its youngest and how it takes care of its oldest, and we are failing the older adults in our community.

There are ways you can help. You can volunteer your time or money with Meals on Wheels or other non-profits dedicated to helping the older population. Click or tap here for resources on how to get involved. To read the study done by Retirement Living click or tap 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.
Several Georgia lawmakers were flying into and out of Washington on Wednesday just before the catastrophic accident that killed more than 60 people in a mid-air collision over the Potomac River.

Channel 2s Richard Elliot spoke to a lawmaker at the Georgia Capitol who said he used to fly over Washington in a helicopter just like the one involved in the crash.

That lawmaker, State Rep. Floyd Griffin of Milledgeville, said he used to fly the same type of chopper, shuttling VIPs around the U.S. Capitol.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Griffin said that flight corridor is tight and dangerous.

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I saw it this morning when I opened my iPad up, Griffin told Elliot. It hit me like a ton of bricks.

Griffin is a first-term lawmaker, but back in the 1970s and 1980s, he was an army pilot. Before flying VIPs, he flew combat missions over Vietnam.

Im kind of glad I didnt see it last night, because I probably wouldve had a night of very little sleep, Griffin told Channel 2 Action News.

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The state representative said its very strict flying through that area over Washington.

You have to be on your ps and qs all of the time because its so much traffic in that area, Griffin said.

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A delegation of Georgia state lawmakers, including Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and House Speaker Jon Burns, was in Washington on Wednesday to see President Donald Trump sign the Laken Riley Act into law.

As soon as they landed, they told Elliot they were getting phone calls from concerned friends.

A bittersweet day turned into a very sad and tragic day, Burns said. The loss of life there is pretty incomprehensible.

Warnock said his heart breaks for these victims of the crash. He too has flown out of Reagan National Airport dozens of times as a sitting U.S. Senator.

He said that even though hes no longer serving on a committee overseeing transportation, there should still be a full investigation into what went wrong.

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This was a tragedy and leaders in Washington must get to the bottom of this to ensure that it never happens again, Warnock said.

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Georgia withdrew its delegation from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) on Jan. 29 after the Assembly passed a resolution calling for Tbilisi to hold new parliamentary elections.

The country's fall 2024 parliamentary elections sparked mass protests and political turmoil, with the pro-Russian Georgian Dream party declaring a sweeping victory as opposition groups and international monitors pointed to evidence of widespread fraud.

PACE on Jan. 29 adopted a resolution calling on the Georgian government to hold "new genuinely democratic parliamentary elections," Assembly President Theodoros Rousopoulos said in a statement. The resolution stipulated that the credentials of the Georgian delegates would be reviewed and potentially revoked if the government did not take these measures.

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PACE had previously ratified the Georgian delegation's credentials, but suspended some of the members' rights due to evidence of "democratic backsliding." The new resolution applies conditions for the future ratification of Georgia's credentials.

Besides new elections, the resolution also calls for the release of all political prisoners and immediate steps to resume the process of Georgia's integration into the European Union.

In response to the vote, Georgia announced the withdrawal of its delegates from PACE.

"We believe that as long as the completely unjust and unfounded blackmail against the government elected by the Georgian people continues ... the participation of our parliamentary delegation in the Assembly has no meaning or justification," Teia Tsulukiani, the head of the Georgian parliamentary delegation, said in a statement to reporters.

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Georgia remains a member of the Council of Europe but will not resume work with PACE until "the blackmail ends" and the Assembly "changes its unfair attitude towards the Georgian state," Tsulukiani said.

PACE President Rousopoulos said he regretted the delegation's decision.

"I regret the decision of the Georgian delegation to withdraw from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe following the Assembly's vote tonight to ratify the delegation's credentials, subject to conditions," Rousopoulos said.

"This jeopardizes the dialogue that could help to advance democratic standards in Georgia."

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Under the leadership of the ruling Georgian Dream party, founded by oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, Tbilisi has moved closer to Russia and stalled its accession to the EU.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced in November 2024 that Georgia's EU integration could be delayed until 2028. The statement kicked off a fresh round of demonstrations across the country.

Georgia has incurred sanctions, including visa restrictions, from the U.S., E.U., and Ukraine due to its apparent anti-democratic trajectory.

Read also: After Lukashenkos latest sham election, exiled Belarusians reflect on their lost revolution

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A whos who of German on-screen talent, including actors Daniel Bruhl, Jella Haase, Birgit Minichmayr, Jurgen Vogel and Sonja Heiss, have signed an open letter protesting Wednesdays vote in the German parliament that saw an anti-immigration policy passed with the support of the far-right AfD party.

A proposal from the conservative CDU party to introduce new measures, including permanent border controls at Germanys borders with its European Union neighbors, a de-facto entry ban for anyone without valid documentation, and immediate detention for individuals facing deportation, narrowly passed the Bundestag, Germanys parliament, on Wednesday but only with the support of the AfD. The proposals still have to be put to a formal vote before becoming law.

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The conservatives and all other parties in the Bundestag had pledged not to work with the AfD, which is widely considered to support extremist and anti-democrat positions. The pledge is colloquially referred to as a firewall between the AfD and Germanys democratic parties.

The AfD is growing in popularity  it is currently ranked second in the polls behind the CDU and is expected to do well in national elections next month. The party has gotten some international support from Elon Musk who has publicly endorsed the far-right group, and appeared, via video link, at an AfD election event on Sunday.

In the open letter, the protestors called on public and political leaders to uphold democratic values and safeguard the countrys cultural and social diversity. The latter is addressed to CDU leader Friedrich Merz and members of the conservative Union parties and the neo-liberal FDP who voted for the measures, as well as members of the far-left BSW, who abstained from Wednesdays vote.

You can read the open letter (translated into English) below:

Open Letter to Friedrich Merz, Members of the Union, FDP, and BSW: On the Fall of the Firewall  Against Any Cooperation with the AfD

This past weekend, hundreds of thousands took to the streets to stand for a truly politically practiced Never Again is Now! and to demonstrate against the AfD and any collaboration with it. We are therefore deeply horrified by a watershed moment in German history:

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For the Union, followed by the FDP and BSW, threatens to completely tear down the already crumbling firewall by seeking the AfDs approval for their plans on security and migration policy and, in doing so, accepting a de facto collaboration with this largely far-right party.

This pact with the AfD constitutes a historical breaking of taboos. Granting asylum to people is a constitutionally protected fundamental right and is also one of the central lessons learned from the crimes of National Socialism. The Union is willing to conclude these rights with the ideological heirs of the perpetrators and break the historical consensus of Never Again. This is happening in the week of Holocaust Remembrance Day.

You, the recipients of this letter from the Union, FDP, and BSW, have often said: Never Again is Now! You have often said: The firewall stands.

But no, it is not you who are supporting it; you are dramatically destabilizing it, and we have to recognize: We, the civil society of this country, must now be that firewall and remind you of your promises. You are threatening to undermine fundamental rights with the help of right-wing extremists and thus enabling the AfD to gain influence and powerperhaps even at the legislative level, should you collaborate with them during the next vote on Friday.

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We, the signatories of this open letter from the fields of art, culture, media, and public life, demand that the members of the Union, FDP, and BSW immediately distance themselves from their unconstitutional plans and any form of cooperation with the AfD. Vote against the proposal or abstain from the vote.

We also condemn the form of division and incitement that is being fueled by the current racist, anti-Semitic, anti-diversity, and climate-hostile discourse, which contributes to the drift of society into the far-right spectrum. History is repeating itself, and this time we will not look away.

During the nationwide demonstrations this weekend, the slogan We are the firewall was shouted, and now it is time to put the firewall into practice: We invite everyone in this country to place candles, symbolizing the sea of lights from the demonstrations, in front of the CDU/CSU party headquarters as a reminder and vigil. Additionally, we encourage civil society to take action by emailing members of parliament (the NGO LeaveNoOneBehind has created a tool for this purpose) and by participating in demonstrations (listed nationwide at DEMOKRATEAM.org) to remind them of the need to preserve the firewall.

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Hundreds of German celebrities and film stars have signed an open letter criticizing a motion on migration reform passed in the German parliament on Wednesday with votes from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).

The letter - published on Thursday by the German edition of the Vogue magazine - calls the move a "historic breach of a taboo."

It was initiated by actors Luisa Gaffron and Jonathan Berlin, and included signatures from major actors including Daniel Bruhl, the star of cult classic "Good Bye, Lenin!," and Jella Haase from Netflix hit "Kleo."

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Other signatories include stars such as Karoline Herfurth, Jasna Fritzi Bauer, Maximilian Mundt, Bjarne Madel and Philip Froissant.

The letter is addressed to lawmakers from the conservative CDU/CSU alliance, the pro-business Free Democrats and the populist Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance.

All three have said they will vote for another migration bill on Friday that the AfD has also promised to back.

"You are threatening to undermine fundamental rights with the help of right-wing extremists and are thus helping the AfD to gain influence and power," the letter said.
Leading members of Germany's Christian Democrats (CDU) on Thursday demanded a broad alliance against the Alternative for Germany (AfD), one day after a historic motion on migration policy passed in parliament with the backing of the far-right party.

Hendrik Wust, the premier of the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia, denounced the AfD in a speech in Dusseldorf and said that "the major problems of our time must be solved from the democratic centre."

The AfD "is misanthropic, it is racist in parts, it is anti-European," said Wust, who leads Germany's most populous state.

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On Wednesday, the CDU relied on support from the AfD to narrowly pass its non-binding five-point plan for a tougher migration policy through the Bundestag, the lower house of Germany's parliament.

The move was extremely controversial, marking the first time the AfD have been relied upon to form a majority for legislation.

Another vote on a CDU-backed package of migration policies is expected in parliament on Friday with concrete measures aimed at cracking down on asylum-seekers entering the country.

The AfD and two minor parties have signalled they will support the bill.

Wust did not address the votes directly, but said that Germans are worried about crime and migration and "it must not happen that only the right-wing fringe provides the quick answers."

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The CDU premier of the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein, Daniel Gunther, appealed explicitly to other established parties to back Friday's bill.

"There is a broad majority in the population in favor of having clear rules when it comes to internal security and the enforcement of law and order," said Gunther. "And it must be democrats who come to a common solution here."

He called Wednesday's vote "bitter" and said that mainstream democratic politicians now have "a real historical responsibility to face."
(Bloomberg) -- Germanys conservative chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz, whose CDU/CSU coalition is leading polls by double digits, upended the election campaign Wednesday by accepting votes from the nationalist Alternative for Germany to pass a hard-line migration resolution through parliament.

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Even though the motion was non-binding, it was the first time a democratic mainstream party relied on a far-right group since World War II to clinch a majority in parliament.

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Merzs strategy calls into question the viability of the firewall between the mainstream establishment and the far right and whether this central taboo in German politics will fall. The move has caused some outrage in Germany including Chancellor Olaf Scholz to question Merzs commitment to abstain from working with the AfD. The national election is on Feb. 23.

There are limits one must not cross as a statesman, Scholz, who leads the Social Democrats, told lawmakers on Wednesday.

German authorities have labeled regional chapters of the AfD, its youth organization and leading members of the party as openly extremist. Concerns that the party is sympathetic to Nazism grew following controversial remarks by AfD officials and related investigations by German authorities.

The CDU-led alliance is calling on the government to enact strict migration reforms that include the imposition of permanent border checks and accelerating the deportation of migrants who enter the country illegally.

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Merz said the tougher stance was a response to a fatal knife attack this month in the city of Aschaffenburg - perpetrated by a 28-year-old Afghan man whose asylum request had been rejected. It was the latest of a series of deadly attacks involving immigrants, which exposed flaws in Germanys domestic security and asylum processes.

In the latest YouGov poll published Wednesday, support for the CDU/CSU was up by one percentage point compared with the previous week to 29%. The AfD gained four points to 23% in second and Scholzs SPD party was at 15%, down four points. The Greens lost two points at 13%.

In an unusually aggressive speech, Scholz said the tougher immigration legislation Merz wants to push through parliament this week breaches European law. He added that Merzs CDU/CSU bloc was damaging Germanys reputation in the world and was calling into question the foundations of the European Union.

You say you would go all in with your proposals, as you say in a game of poker, he added. But politics in our country is not a game of poker. Cohesion is not a stake. And a German chancellor cannot be a gambler, because in the worst case scenario he will decide between war and peace.

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Merz said in parliament on Wednesday that he would rather accept the AfDs support than face the choice of watching powerless as people in our country are threatened, injured or murdered. He stressed, however, that he wont consider an active cooperation with the AfD because of their far-right and extremist policies.

Democracy is under threat when radicals win power, Merz said, directly addressing the AfD caucus in parliament. Thats why we, and I, will do everything to prevent that from happening.

The conservatives are also planning to present a bill in the Bundestag to tackle irregular migration on Friday. Also here, the AfD could provide Merz with a majority, but the law would most likely be stopped in the upper house. Merz had said hes prepared to push ahead even if AfD lawmakers give their backing.

Hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the CDU headquarters in Berlin Wednesday evening after the vote. Video footage showed party employees being escorted out by police as they left the building.

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Merz will be at a campaign event in the east German city of Dresden Thursday evening, when organizers expect massive demonstrations. Dresden is also known as a gathering point for the AfD.

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Alice Weidel, the top election candidate for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), denounced Angela Merkel on Thursday following harsh public criticism from the former chancellor.

Merkel blasted her own centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU) for relying on AfD votes on Wednesday to pass a motion in parliament outlining a five-point plan to crack down on migration.

CDU leader Friedrich Merz, who is currently campaigning to bring the party back to power, broke a long-standing German taboo against cooperating with the far right when he brought the motion to a vote.

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Merkel had "initiated the loss of control at the borders in 2015 and wants nothing to change in this situation," Weidel told dpa.

"I'm not surprised that Mrs Merkel is taking a swipe at her successor," she said.

The former chancellor was making another significant contribution "to the dissolution of the once-proud conservative people's party."

Maximilian Krah, a prominent AfD politician who currently sits in the European Parliament, wrote on X that "Angela Merkel is plunging a dagger into Merz's back."
The commander of the German military's newly established Operational Command, Alexander Sollfrank, warned in an interview on Thursday of increasing Russian attempts to disrupt life in Germany.

There have been "intrusion attempts" into facilities of the Bundeswehr, as Germany's military is known, as well as drone sightings overhead, Sollfrank told dpa in Berlin.

"We are no longer at peace. We are observing hostile activities against the Bundeswehr in Germany, against infrastructure, including spying," Sollfrank said.

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"We repeatedly have drone sightings over areas where they shouldn't actually be," he said.

The commander also refers to the repeated severing of cables in the Baltic Sea, where "we don't yet know exactly how it happened or who is behind it."

"But there are already suspicions as to how the whole thing could have happened and that there is a clear damaging intention behind it," he said.

In the latest incident over the weekend, an undersea cable between Sweden and Latvia, which is used by the Latvian State Radio and Television Centre (LVRTC), was damaged, although the exact cause remains still unclear.

The authorities in Stockholm are investigating possible serious sabotage and have detained a suspicious vessel.
A 99-year-old German Holocaust survivor said on Thursday he wants to return his Order of Merit - Germany's highest honour - after a controversial motion demanding reforms to migration policy passed in parliament due to far-right votes.

Albrecht Weinberg, who survived the Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen concentration camps, said the award had been a great honour but he was outraged by the vote.

"It has become too heavy to bear when you have news like this. Terrible," Weinberg told dpa.

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The centre-right CDU/CSU bloc relied on support from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) to push through the non-binding measure on Wednesday, the first time that the party has been involved in a majority vote in the Bundestag, Germany's lower house of parliament.

Weinberg lost most of his family to the Nazis and survived several death marches.

Along with his sister, Weinberg moved back to Germany from the United States in 2012 and has since regularly spoken with German schoolchildren about his experiences.

"I've been going to schools for the last 10 years and talking to pupils about what could and would happen if they were to take power again," said Weinberg, referring to the far right. "They have no idea what it was like in 1945 Germany."

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The Mannheim photographer Luigi Toscano, a friend of Weinberg who has devoted his work to commemorating victims of the Nazis, said he also wants to return his Medal of Merit.

The pair plan to give the awards back to German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier as soon as possible.
Top German politicians have reacted with relief after the release of further hostages from the Gaza Strip by Palestinian militants on Thursday.

"Arbel Yehud and Gadi Moses are free, both German-Israeli citizens. We are relieved and rejoice with all the hostages who have returned today," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in a post on X.

He demanded that all remaining hostages be released as well.

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German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock wrote on X: "I have repeatedly prayed, cried and hoped with the families of Arbel and Gadi on the ground. Their strength moves me deeply."

There were chaotic and threatening scenes during the release of Yehoud, Moses and several Thai hostages.

"Tormented by Hamas until the end," Baerbock said.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier also welcomed the release of those abducted from Israel almost 16 months ago and sent a message to their families.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock speaks during the Alliance 90/The Greens's election campaign event in the Schinkelhalle. Sebastian Christoph Gollnow/dpa
Plans to reject more asylum seekers at Germany's borders tabled by the opposition conservatives passed in parliament on Wednesday with the help of votes from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).

The proposals by opposition Christian Democrat (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz, widely expected to be the next chancellor, include turning away all asylum-seekers at Germany's borders and withdrawing German citizenship from dual nationals convicted of a serious criminal offence.

They do not have to be acted upon by the current government but still caused uproar just weeks before a German election on February 23, with the AfD currently in second place in opinion polls.

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While Merz's plans are controversial, he particularly sparked outrage because he said he was willing to accept support from the AfD in order to pass the motions if necessary.

All mainstream parties had previously said they would not work with the AfD, with many Germans alarmed at the rise of the party in recent years in a country still scarred by its Nazi past.

While the Greens labelled it "a dark day for democracy," AfD candidate for chancellor Alice Weidel said the vote was instead a "great day for democracy" in Germany.

She called on the conservative CDU to consider "whether to continue to maintain the firewall" between mainstream parties and the AfD, "which in our view is undemocratic."

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The leader of the AfD's parliamentary faction, Bernd Baumann, said the result of the vote marked the end of red-green dominance in Germany, "once and for all," referring to the Social Democrats (SPD) and the Greens, who run a minority government.

Merz still believes in 'democratic centre'

Merz regretted needing the AfD's help, stating that he is not seeking "majorities other than those in the democratic centre."

He called on the SPD and the Greens to "talk to us by Friday about how we can work with you to achieve a majority for the bill we have introduced here in the German Bundestag."

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At the same time, Merz defended the actions of the CDU and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU). The right of elected representatives "to table motions we consider to be justified cannot be denied," he asserted.

Merz also reaffirmed his principled rejection of cooperation with the AfD. "AfD people can triumph now as they want, but it won't happen," Merz told public broadcaster ARD.

Scholz needs 'time to process' migration vote

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, a Social Democrat, described the vote as a "bad sign" for the country.

"I will need some time to process what we have experienced together today," Scholz wrote on X after the vote in the lower house of parliament.

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"For the first time, a motion has been passed by a majority in the German Bundestag that was also supported by the AfD. That is a bad sign. For parliament. And also for our country," Scholz added.

Speaking to ARD, Scholz described January 29 as "probably a very significant day in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany."

Scholz said the CDU/CSU had cancelled a consensus that had existed among democrats in Germany throughout the entire post-war history. "The consensus was that there would be no collaboration between democratic parties and the extreme right. That is what happened today," he said.

The chancellor further criticized Merz for "consciously accepting" the AfD's backing, despite previously ruling out such cooperation. "And that's why I no longer trust him, which I did until a week ago," Scholz said.

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The motion received 348 votes in favour, 344 against and 10 abstentions. During a preceding debate, lawmakers from the conservative bloc, the pro-business Free Democrats (FDP) and the AfD as well as some independent lawmakers spoke out in favour of the proposal.

The populist and anti-immigration Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) announced that it would abstain. The Social Democrats (SPD), Greens and The Left party - the latter of which emerged from East Germany's former Communists - were against.

The Left's lead candidate Heidi Reichinnek was appalled by the day's developments.

"Mr Merz, despite all the political differences, I could never have imagined that a Christian Democratic party would break this dam and make a pact with far-right extremists," he said.

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A second motion from the CDU with comprehensive reform proposals for a restrictive migration policy and additional powers for security authorities did not receive a majority.

The second motion received 190 votes in favour, 509 against and three abstentions.

Migration has become the dominating issue in the campaign ahead of the snap elections following a string of fatal attacks involving suspects with a migrant background.

Two people were killed in the southern city of Aschaffenburg last week by an Afghan suspect whose application to remain in Germany had been rejected.
German members of parliament held an emotional debate about whether to ban the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) on Thursday, after it helped to pass a controversial motion in parliament the previous day demanding hard-line migration reforms.

The centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU) on Thursday relied on the AfD to narrowly pass the motion in Germany's Bundestag, or lower house of parliament, causing an outcry just weeks before the country's parliamentary election on February 23.

It was the first time that a party has depended on the AfD to form a majority for a vote in the lower house.

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The vote related to a non-binding five-point plan for a tougher migration policy, which has become a hot-button issue in the German election campaign after a string of attacks attributed to suspects with migrant backgrounds.

A cross-party initiative of 120 parliamentarians is asking the Bundestag to apply to Germany's Constitutional Court to ban the AfD.

But Thursday's debate on the matter revealed differences of opinion, even across party lines.

CDU member Marco Wanderwitz, who leads the initiative, said Germany could no longer tolerate the AfD "without suffering irreparable long-term damage to its very fabric."

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However, his party colleague Philipp Amthor warned that if the initiative fails, the AfD could "affix a democratic seal of quality to itself that it does not deserve."

Meanwhile, Konstantin Kuhle of the Free Democrats said such a move could intensify the sense of alienation that many feel from the institutions of liberal democracy.

Another proposal, supported by numerous members of parliament from the Green Party, instead calls for an expert assessment to be conducted to determine whether the AfD is unconstitutional.

Green parliamentarian Renate Kunast said that in order to ban a party, it must be deemed unconstitutional, not just extremist.

The AfD is currently under investigation by Germany's domestic intelligence service as a suspected extremist group.
Germans are feeling increasingly insecure due to violent crime at home and concerning developments abroad, a poll from the Allensbach Institute suggested on Thursday.

Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, the re-election of Donald Trump as US president and a widespread view that Germany has taken insufficient precautions in the event of war and disasters are contributing to the unease, according to the poll, which was conducted on behalf of the Centre for Strategy and Higher Leadership.

According to the survey, the proportion of the population who feel safe in Germany fell by one percentage point to 60% compared to 2024.

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In the years 2019 to 2022, the figure was between 71% and 82%.

Concerns about becoming the victim of a violent crime as a bystander rose from 14% in 2022 to 30%.

The poll was conducted in early January, before a deadly knife attack on a kindergarten group in the Bavarian city of Aschaffenburg which has been at the centre of widespread debate in Germany.

According to the survey, 61% of Germans are currently very worried that Germany could become involved in military conflicts, and 79% of Germans believe that Russia currently poses the greatest threat to peace in the world.

The proportion of people who are convinced that the United States poses the greatest threat to peace worldwide rose enormously between 2024 and this year's survey - from 24% to 46%.

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"Germans no longer believe in the USA as a reliable ally," said Klaus Schweinsberg, the founder of the Centre for Strategy and Higher Leadership.

However, the polled showed German trust in NATO is still intact.

According to the data, only around 10% of German citizens think that Germany is well prepared for war and disasters, with 43% of respondents saying that Germany was "less well" prepared for such a situation and a further 39% consider their country to be "not at all well" prepared.

Citizens believe there are deficits particularly in terms of emergency plans for healthcare in the event of a disaster and in securing important facilities against cyber attacks.

"Guaranteeing security is one of the central tasks of the state and citizens increasingly have the impression that there is a lack of consistency here," said Renate Kocher, managing director of the Allensbach Institute.
Germany will maintain temporary checks on its borders "until external border protection really takes effect," Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said on Thursday.

Faeser was in Warsaw at a meeting of EU home affairs ministers to discuss migration policy, one day after the German parliament backed plans for tighter rules, including turning away all asylum seekers at Germany's borders.

"We will maintain border controls until external border protection really takes effect," said Faeser, who extended checks on Germany's borders last year.

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However, she insisted "that the Schengen Area would have open borders again at some point," pointing out the needs of cross-border workers.

The minister promised her EU counterparts that Germany would continue to act in accordance with EU law and the Basic Law, Germany's constitution.

"Europe can rely on this federal government," she said, "and I want to make that clear, because the debates in Germany these days are naturally causing irritation among its European neighbours."
Silence, stigma, shame, high costs and an odyssey of legal conditions await women seeking to end their pregnancy in Germany.

Abortion is illegal here and exempt from punishment only under specific conditions, making it among the stricter regimes in Europe.

"Germany sees itself as a champion of human rights but when you actually look at the situation in certain areas, in terms of reproductive rights, it does not match up to this self image," says Amnesty International Germany gender justice expert Katharina Masoud.

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Women may terminate their pregnancies within the first 12 weeks and avoid legal consequences only if they undergo mandatory counselling and a required waiting period.

The other main exemptions are if the pregnancy puts the mother's life in danger, or in cases where the pregnancy is the result of rape.

The outgoing coalition government vowed to overhaul the abortion ban - which goes back over 150 years to when it was first written into Germany's penal code - right at the start of its term in 2021, but failed to do so.

While there might have been time to change the law by September - the original date planned for the next election - the snap poll called for February 23 put paid to activists' hopes for change.

Government slow to act

The first steps by Chancellor Olaf Scholz's centre-left coalition to fulfil their campaign promise were not taken until 2023, with the establishment of an expert commission to examine the extent to which abortions could be regulated outside of the penal code.

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The commission recommended legalizing terminations during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Women would still be obliged to undergo counselling but would not have to wait three days between counselling and the procedure as is currently mandatory.

The commission also proposed if an abortion is carried out without a counselling certificate, only the doctor - not the woman - should be liable to prosecution.

Months passed and finally, frustrated civil society groups took the rare step of commissioning their own lawyers to draft a law based on the experts' suggestions.

Lawmakers later produced a similar draft, but by then it was already late 2024.

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The draft was only debated by parliament's legal affairs committee on February 10, the day before the end of the parliamentary period.

Although there is a majority in parliament for reform, it proved impossible to pass the legislation in this time frame.

Need for change?

Speeding up the legislative process would have required a consensus among all parties, but some parties do not support changing the law.

Lawmakers who oppose reform say women already have access to abortion in Germany.

In the decade up until 2023, about 100,000 abortions have been registered in official statistics each year, one of the lowest in Europe.

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Activists see the argument as deeply flawed.

"Many people in Germany do not realize it is still a criminal offence," says Amnesty's Masoud.

"They assume that it is not forbidden because it is possible," she says. "They only find out later, once they need one and have to undergo the odyssey of fulfilling all the criteria."

Apart from the legal conditions, finding a doctor willing to perform the procedure is not always easy. Until a change of law in mid-2022, it was illegal for doctors to even share information about providing abortion procedures.

On top of that, women in rural areas often have to travel long distances, incurring additional costs above paying for the procedure itself - as health insurers do not cover it.

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"Criminalizing abortion creates a climate where it is not talked about  people suffer from guilt if they have one," Masoud says. "Legalizing abortion would break through the stigma."

The obligatory counselling "can mean women feel they are not trusted to make the decision by themselves," says Stephanie Schlitt of Pro Familia, a nationwide family planning organization.

It is one of dozens of human rights groups, along with the World Health Organization, which have been calling on Berlin for years to overhaul the law.

Germany remains an outlier compared to many Western democracies.

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Neighbour France last year anchored women's right to an abortion in its constitution.

Despite a strong Catholic tradition - and the personal opposition of its current prime minister, Giorgia Meloni - it is legal in Italy to have an abortion in the first three months of pregnancy.

Even Spain, and farther afield Mexico and Argentina have introduced more liberal regulations in recent years.

Poland, the only country of a comparable size in Europe, has been among the very few worldwide to introduce more restrictive policy.

Fight for reform set to continue

It is unclear how the German government will look after the February 23 vote, but the opinion polls do not paint a welcome picture for abortion activists.

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Forecasts show the conservative Christian Democrats with about 30% and far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) with about 20%, meaning the conservative and anti-abortion camp is likely to grow stronger, says Daniela Trochowski, who heads the leftist Rosa-Luxemburg foundation.

The AfD has proposed restricting reproductive rights further.

"Opponents of a change in the law are gaining momentum due to the re-election of Donald Trump as US president, who also takes a strongly anti-abortion stance," says Trochowski.

According to Masoud, the political swing to the right stands in contrast however to the views of the wider population, with polls showing some 80% would support at least partial legalization. "Lawmakers should respect that," she argues.

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"The issue will not go away," says Schlitt, looking beyond February.

"If lawmakers do not address it now, the problems will grow, as will public awareness of the issue," she says, vowing to fight on for change.
The Budget Committee of the German Parliament has called on Finance Minister Jorg Kukies to approve an additional 3 billion in military assistance for Ukraine. The decision has been supported by opposition conservatives and the Free Democratic Party, while the ruling Social Democrats and the Greens abstained.

Source: Reuters with reference to its sources

Details: The request was approved by the parliamentary budget committee with support from the opposition parties, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Free Democratic Party. The ruling Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Greens refrained from voting.

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Although the committee lacks the authority to make independent decisions on extra assistance for Ukraine without the agreement of the finance minister, such requests are typically granted. The budget committee's CDU and FDP members claimed that there were enough funds in the budget to cover this request.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) also supports providing additional military assistance to Ukraine but insists that doing so requires suspending the so-called "debt brake", which is strict limits on government borrowing in Germany.

Quote: "This dispute over spending led to the collapse of Germany's government, as Scholz wanted to suspend the debt brake citing special circumstances, and former Finance Minister Christian Lindner refused, asking for cuts instead of new borrowing."

Details: This funding comes in addition to the 8 billion earmarked for Ukraine in the 2024 budget. German assistance to Ukraine was reduced to 4 billion in 2025, as the country hopes that Ukraine will be able to cover most of its military needs through the US$50 billion in loans approved by the Group of Seven.

Background:

Earlier, Spiegel had unofficially learned that there was a dispute within the German government over an additional arms package for Ukraine worth about 3 billion.

Later, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius refuted claims that Chancellor Olaf Scholz had been blocking an additional 3 billion military assistance package for Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Scholz stated that he opposes increasing arms deliveries to Ukraine if it requires a reduced funding for other expenses on the state budget.

Scholz also noted that there is no parliamentary majority to suspend Germanys strict debt limit, known as the "debt brake", to fund assistance to Ukraine or other policies.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock criticised her government for its hesitancy in supporting Ukraine, emphasising that "Germany as a whole isnt currently seen as a driving force for peace policy in Europe".

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BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's budget committee has called Finance Minister Joerg Kukies to approve an additional 3 billion euros ($3.13 billion) in military aid for Ukraine, sources told Reuters on Wednesday.

The request was approved in the budget committee of parliament with the votes of the opposition conservatives of the CDU and the Free Democrats (FDP), with the abstention of the governing Social Democrats (SPD) and the Greens, according to committee members.

The committee cannot decide on additional aid for Ukraine without approval from the finance minister. However, in practice, the ministry usually complies with the requests approved by the committee.

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Budget committee members from the CDU and FDP said there are enough funds in the budget for the request.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz, from the SPD, is also in favour of additional military aid but he had so far insisted that this could only be financed with an exception to the debt brake to allow for additional borrowing.

This dispute over spending led to the collapse of Germany's government, as Scholz wanted to suspend the debt brake citing special circumstances, and former Finance Minister Christian Lindner refused, asking for cuts instead of new borrowing.

The Ministry of Finance, now headed by the SPD, was initially unavailable for comment.

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The funds are in addition to 8 billion euros budgeted for Ukraine in 2024. German aid to Ukraine was cut to 4 billion euros in 2025, as the country hopes Ukraine will be able to meet the bulk of its military needs with the $50 billion in loans approved by the Group of Seven.

($1 = 0.9600 euros)

(Reporting by Holger Hansen; writing by Maria Martinez; editing by Sonali Paul)
Former German chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday criticized her centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU) for passing a motion in parliament for hard-line reforms to migration policy with votes from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).

In a statement released by her office, Merkel - who led Germany between 2005 and 2021 - slammed the decision "to enable a majority with the votes of the AfD for the first time in a vote in the German Bundestag," the country's lower house of parliament.

After the breakdown of centre-left Chancellor Olaf Scholz's three-party coalition in November, CDU leader Friedrich Merz made a commitment to avoid passing measures with the help of the AfD, Merkel recalled.

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"This proposal and the attitude associated with it were an expression of great national political responsibility, which I fully support," the former chancellor said.

Migration has become the dominant theme in the German election campaign ahead of the vote on February 23 after a string of attacks attributed to suspects with migrant backgrounds.

On Wednesday, the CDU relied on support from the AfD to narrowly pass its non-binding five-point plan for a tougher migration policy through the Bundestag.

The move was extremely controversial, marking the first time the AfD have been relied upon to form a majority for legislation.

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Another vote on a CDU-backed package of migration policies is expected in parliament on Friday with concrete measures aimed at cracking down on asylum-seekers entering the country.

The AfD and two minor parties have signalled they will support the bill.

Merkel demanded "that all democratic parties work together across party political boundaries, not as a tactical manoeuvre, but honestly, moderately and on the basis of applicable European law, to do everything possible to prevent such terrible attacks."

Other leading CDU members have also chimed in following the historic motion, with Hendrik Wust, the premier of the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia, denouncing the AfD in a speech in Dusseldorf and arguing that "the major problems of our time must be solved from the democratic centre."

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The AfD "is misanthropic, it is racist in parts, it is anti-European," said Wust, who leads Germany's most populous state.

His counterpart in the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein, Daniel Gunther, appealed explicitly to other established parties to back Friday's bill.

"There is a broad majority in the population in favor of having clear rules when it comes to internal security and the enforcement of law and order," said Gunther. "And it must be democrats who come to a common solution here."

He called Wednesday's vote "bitter" and said that mainstream democratic politicians now have "a real historical responsibility to face."

Jubilant AfD expect 'new age' in Germany politics

The sour mood in the CDU stood in sharp contrast on Thursday to the AfD, whose co-leader said the motion could bring a "new age" in German politics.

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Tino Chrupalla told the rbb radio station that Germany expects a "shift in politics and migration," pointing to polls placing the AfD in second place on more than 20% of the vote.

Politics have failed to address issues linked to migration, Chrupalla argued, suggesting that more national border controls are needed to stop the influx of refugees.

He said 250,000 people are obliged to leave the country and should be taken into "protective custody," a Nazi-era term for rounding up political opponents without trial, before being deported.

Chrupalla also told broadcaster RTL/ntv that the AfD is ready to form a coalition with the CDU/CSU alliance following the election.

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While Merz has repeatedly ruled out a coalition with the far-right party, Chrupalla suggested Merz could be forced out if he opposes working with the AfD.

He further called Merz the "Joe Biden of Germany," referring to the former US president who left office earlier this month. "I don't believe that Mr Merz will be doing grand politics here in Germany for much longer."
(This article will update.)

Minutes after announcing a silver alert in the case of missing Catalina Lubin, the 6-year-old was found safe, police said.

******



CATALINA HAS BEEN LOCATED AND IS SAFE.



Thank you to the community for your assistance. https://t.co/7C0JWlQuhg pic.twitter.com/gPC09eVZfm  IMPD (@IMPDnews) January 30, 2025

Catalina Lubin, 6, was reported missing Jan. 29, 2025 after boarding a school bus in the 8200 block of Spring Mill Road. Catalina never exited the bus at her bus stop.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is seeking the public's help with locating a missing six-year-old girl who did not arrive home after school.

Description of missing Indianapolis girl Catalina Lubin

Catalina Lubin, 6, is a Black girl who was last seen wearing a pink puffy jacket. She is 3 feet tall, about 40 pounds, and has black hair and brown eyes.

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If anyone locates Lubin, please call 911 immediately.

Where was Catalina Lubin last seen?

Lubin was reported missing after getting on a school bus at Spring Mill Elementary in the 8200 block of Spring Mill Road. In an initial call out to the public just after 6:45 p.m. police only said the girl didn't arrive at her stop.

Shortly before 8:15 p.m., police announced the girl was seen getting off the bus at Crystal Bay Apartments around 2:45 p.m. Police are searching the area around the bus stop and apartment complex at 7136 Crystal Bay Drive, near West 71st Street and Michigan Road.

What are Indianapolis police doing to find Catalina Lubin

Along with a ground search of the area of Crystal Bay Apartments, officers are searching areas along the bus route and are using a drone to assist from the air. The department also dispatched its Emergency Response Group and Victim Assistance unit to help search. Speedway police also were informed, but their involvement wasn't immediately clear.

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Police added that Washington Township Schools is assisting with the investigation. IndyStar has reached out to a Washington Township Schools spokesperson to learn more about this disappearance.

Silver Alert issued for Catalina Lubin

About 8:45 p.m. police announced a statewide silver alert was issued for Lubin. Minutes later, they announced she was located and was safe.

How police found Catalin Lubin

Officers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department search the Crystal Bay Apartments complex for 6-year-old Catalina Lubin, who was reported missing Wednesday afternoon, on Jan. 29, 2024, in Indianapolis.

According to police at the apartment complex, Lubin exited the Washington Township District school bus at about 2:45 p.m.

But it wasn't until about 6:30 p.m. when police received a report that she was declared missing.

IMPD then requested assistance from the Speedway Police Department and the Washington Township Police Department in locating Lubin, according to police.

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At about 8:00 p.m., police determined that Lubin had gotten off the bus in the Crystal Bay Apartments complex earlier that day, according to police.

Police began knocking on residents' doors asking if they had seen Lubin. At about 8:25 p.m. police requested the Washington Township School district send out a notification of Lubin's disappearance on its parent square application, police said.

A Silver Alert has been issued for Catalina. https://t.co/7C0JWlQuhg  IMPD (@IMPDnews) January 30, 2025

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At the same time, police had completed paperwork with the state law enforcement agencies to send out a silver alert regarding Lubin.

Shortly after the silver alert was sent out, police located Lubin at 8:42 p.m. as she was walking out of the apartment complex, according to police.

When asked where she was, Lubin told police that she was playing at a friend's house and that she was heading home, according to police.

Lubin was then reunited with her family shortly after being found.

Silver, amber and blue: What you need to know about Indiana missing persons alerts

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For More Information: https://t.co/vlztz4kPyW pic.twitter.com/qf6cv34I8T  IMPD (@IMPDnews) January 29, 2025

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Catalina Lubin found safe, Indianapolis police say
NANTERRE, France (AP)  Dominique Pelicot, the convicted rapist who horrified France by drugging his then wife so other men could rape her, was questioned Thursday about other cases of rape and murder that he's suspected in.

Pelicot is serving a 20-year prison term after he was found guilty in December for the horrific sexual abuse of his now ex-wife, Gisele Pelicot.

His lawyer told The Associated Press that he now faces renewed questioning by an investigating magistrate who specializes in so-called cold cases  those that have proved particularly hard to resolve.

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The rape and murder cases date back to the 1990s. One involves Sophie Narme, a property agent who was killed in Paris on Dec. 4, 1991. His lawyer, Beatrice Zavarro, said Dominique Pelicot denies any involvement in the killing.

The other is the attempted armed rape of another property agent in the Paris suburb of Villeparisis on May 11, 1999. In that case, Pelicot acknowledges that he met the woman and tried to undress her but denies attempted rape, his lawyer said.

Dominique Pelicot has been under formal investigation for both of those crimes since October 2022  a legal status meaning that investigators believe there is an accumulation of serious evidence against him.

Victims' lawyer says cases tied in multiple ways

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Lawyer Florence Rault, who represents Narme's family and the woman subjected to the rape attempt, said an array of similarities between the 1991 and 1999 cases suggested the perpetrator might be the same.

One has to remain cautious. Perhaps someone else committed the crime on Sophie Narme. But there are such similarities in the mode of operation, in the way the victims were approached  and the victims are so identical, too  that one can legitimately ask many questions," Rault said on RTL radio.

The two cases were grouped together into one investigation in September 2022 that was taken over by the specialized unit for cold cases and serial crimes. It works out of the Paris suburb of Nanterre.

Pelicot's lawyer says the cases are different

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Speaking on her way into Dominique Pelicot's hearing with the investigating magistrate at the Nanterre cold-case unit, Zavarro said her client plans to cooperate. She noted that he had previously been questioned in 2023 and had acknowledged having been in contact with the property agent in the 1999 case, but not with Narme.

He has always said that he never met Sophie Narme,'' Zavarro said, adding that Dominique Pelicot has acknowledged to investigators that he met the other property agent. The lawyer said police found traces of his DNA at the scene of their meeting.

He acknowledged having had an altercation with her, having tried to undress her, but with intentions different from attempted rape, she said.

Pelicot's lawyer sought to separate the current investigation from the abuse he inflicted on his then-wife.

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Lets remember ... he benefits from the presumption of innocence," Zavarro said. "Lets not make him into a guilty party ahead of time.

She described his conditions in solitary confinement, and said he has not been allowed visitors since 2020.

Its an isolation measure that was imposed on him, and that he lives with every day. He is not complaining  he knows it was imposed on him based on the nature of the facts.

Cases predate drugging and rape of former wife

Pelicot, 72, could spend the rest of his life behind bars. He wont be eligible to request early release until hes served at least two-thirds of his 20-year sentence, which was the maximum possible for the rapes and other crimes he was convicted of.

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The rape and murder cases occurred more than 10 years before the drugging and rapes of Gisele Pelicot for which Pelicot and 50 other men were convicted  a nearly decade-long stretch of sexual abuse from 2011. He knocked her unconscious by lacing her food and drink with drugs and invited other men he met online to rape her.

Gisele Pelicot became a hero to many in France and beyond for courageously demanding that the men's trial be held in open court.

The evidence included stomach-churning homemade videos of the abuse that Dominique Pelicot filmed in the couples retirement home in the small Provence town of Mazan and elsewhere. Police subsequently found more than 20,000 photos and videos in all, stored on computer drives and catalogued in folders marked abuse, her rapists, night alone and other titles.

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John Leicester reported from Le Pecq, France. Alex Turnbull contributed from Nanterre.
Shakari Briggs is a Quality of Life reporter for the Houston Chronicle. She focuses on issues in the rapidly growing suburbs and surrounding counties.

Before joining the Chronicle in November 2023, Shakari worked for Spectrum News as a digital journalist based in her hometown. She has experience in broadcast reporting and producing as a former multimedia journalist and associate producer. The Dallas native has also worked at small to medium-sized newspapers throughout her career.

Her reporting on the rise and fall of a shopping mall won an Arkansas Associated Press Managing Editors Contest award. She also earned an Arkansas Press Association award for freelance reporting.
Investigators are revealing cryptic statements allegedly made by the man whos charged with murdering the mother of his three children inside a luxury apartment building in Bostons South End.

Eric McPhail, 37, pleaded not guilty in Boston Municipal Court to first-degree murder in the killing of Shantel Gillespie, 30.

Police found Shantel Gillespies body in apartment 506 at the Harris South End during a well-being check on December 12th.

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Prosecutors said she suffered mechanical asphyxiation and blunt force injuries to her head.

Authorities suspect the brutal attack happened while the couples three kids, ages 1, 3, and 6, were inside the apartment.

Today is the first step in the right direction for justice, said sister Shanalee Gillespie.

According to a police report, surveillance video shows McPhail spent the night of December 11th in the apartment with Gillespie and the three kids.

He was reportedly seen leaving the apartment building at 12:01 a.m. on December 12th & returned around 12:08 a.m.

McPhail reportedly left again around 8:02 a.m. to drop the kids off at school and returned for about an hour and a half before departing for the last time.

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The police report describes him dropping off the three children at a home in Dorchester later in the evening.

He reportedly told a witness that he was going away for a long time.

This is probably the last time you are going to hear from me, he reportedly told another witness.

McPhail allegedly abandoned Gillespies vehicle and debit card in a garage on Francis Street.

She was a daughter. She was a sister. She was a friend, and most importantly, she was a mother, said sister Shanakay Gillespie.

Family members said Gillespie was murdered just two days after finishing coursework for her nursing degree at Laboure College of Healthcare in Milton.

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Gillespie also worked as a clinical assistant at Childrens Hospital.

Prosecutors said McPhail had a history of abusive behavior toward Gillespie, leading to prior domestic violence-related criminal charges and two restraining orders.

Court documents indicate McPhail had an outstanding warrant out for his arrest on a charge of assault and battery on a household member, identified as Gillespie, since July of 2022.

He was arrested on that warrant after Gillespie was murdered.

McPhail pleaded not guilty and is due back in court in March for a probable cause hearing.

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Math is magical! So said this weeks Golden Apple Award-winning school teacher.

Her success in the classroom adds up to receiving this weeks special honor.

Tammy Benovic has been teaching math 34 years, the last 24 at Iroquois in Lawrence Park where she went to school.

I was really good at math and the math teachers were excellent here so it was just a natural fit. Its just what I wanted to do, follow in their footsteps, said Tammy Benovic, Golden Apple Award-winning teacher.

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Benovic said math is magic and she makes it fun.

Student nominator Ivy Meyers told us besides helping everyone understand math, her teacher is very involved in the school and LP community helping out in the concession stand at games, and helping to plan the Fourth of July parade.

Ive been thinking about nominating one of my teachers for the last little bit. And I decided that ya know what, shes really helped me in my life, Im gonna do Ms. Beneovic, said Meyers.

Meyers called her teacher selfless, helpful, fun and caring about her students both in and out of the classroom.

I think its important to be involved in all aspects of their lives. I think it makes them realize how important they are to us. It transfers into the classroom as well and creates quite the relationship, Benovic explained.

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With her volunteerism, her outreach, her service and these students are seeing firsthand the importance of giving back, said Dr. Mary Jo Melvin, PhD, PennWest University. To me, thats important, its making an impact. That impact is something that is going to pave the way to making them to be better citizens.

Once again this week, financial support from Big Ideas Learning.

Big Ideas Learning being a math textbook publisher is super excited to have Beneovic be nominated. She said she makes math magic and thats exactly what we like to do. Our hope is our donation will help support the classroom for the rest of the year, said Carissa Snarski, Big Ideas Learning.

Congratulations Tammy Benovic, this weeks JET 24 PennWest University Golden Apple Award winner.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
Hello and welcome to Eye on AI. In todays editionA Google report reveals how malicious actors are using Gemini to hack faster and more efficiently; Microsoft quickly moves to offer DeepSeeks R1 to Azure customers; OpenAI launches ChatGPT for government; and much more.

If a technology can be at all useful for cyber attacks, hackers will without a doubt add it to their toolbox. So its no surprise that hacking groups have jumped on AI, just as everyone else has. But now we have some details about exactly how government-backed malicious actors are leveraging the technology, including AI tools built by U.S. companies.

Googles Threat Intelligence Group yesterday published a report detailing how hacking groups associated with China, North Korea, Iran, Russia, and over a dozen other countries have been using the companys Gemini chatbot to assist with their operations. The researchers found the AI chatbot is being used for both hacking activity (like espionage and computer network attacks) and coordinated efforts to influence online audiences.

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Overall, Gemini was helpful in supporting several phases of an attack, including research, creating malicious content, and planning evasion strategies. But, as of now, hackers have not been able to use Gemini to generate novel attack methods, according to the report. Hacking groups from Iran and China used Gemini the most, relying on the chatbot for a wide variety of tasks from researching military targets to malicious scriptingover 20 Chinese groups and 10 Iranian groups were observed using Gemini.

The findings come as geopolitical concerns around AI are reaching new heights, sparked by the release of R1 from DeepSeek, which appears to have overcome the roadblock of U.S. sanctions and built a model with similar capabilities to leading U.S. AI systems while being trained without top-of-the-line AI hardware and at only a fraction of the cost.

Hackers tap AI for research, coding, content generation, and more

According to the report, the vast majority of activity observed by the researchers involved using AI to accelerate their campaigns. This includes actions like using Gemini to troubleshoot code for malware, generate phishing emails, and create and localize content.

They also used Gemini for research, including investigating potential infrastructure, vulnerabilities, target organizations, evasion techniques, and more. For example, the report describes how China-backed groups used Gemini to research U.S. military and U.S.-based IT organizations, U.S. government network ranges, and publicly available information about U.S. intelligence personnel. North Korean groups were observed researching nuclear power plants in South Korea, cyber forces of foreign militaries, historic cyber events, and malware development.

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In fewer cases, the Google researchers observed malicious actors instructing Gemini to take malicious actions and attempting to circumvent its guardrails. In one example described in the report, a group input different publicly available jailbreak prompts in an attempt to get Gemini to output Python code for a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) tool. Others sought to use Gemini to abuse Google products, including researching techniques for Gmail phishing and bypassing Google's account verification methods. Google says its safety responses restricted such content and that attempts to use Gemini to abuse Google products were unsuccessful.

No new threatsfor now

The other point made clear in the report is that while government-backed hacking groups are finding plenty of ways to hack more efficiently with AI, they were not observed using AI to discover new code vulnerabilities or develop unprecedented ways of orchestrating attacks.

Rather than enabling disruptive change, generative AI allows threat actors to move faster and at higher volume, reads the report, also noting that it allows less-skilled actors to more quickly develop their tools and skills.

This, of course, could change as AI further develops, becomes more integrated into the world, and hacking groups gain more experience experimenting with it. The cloud completely upended the cyberthreat landscape, greatly expanding how malicious actors could hack and exploit. AI will be probably even more transformative in changing how companies and governments operate, how data is exchanged, how information is learned, and how we interact with the internet, software, and our devices.

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This does mean that there is a high risk of AI being used for hacking and espionage operations in new ways. Even if were not seeing evidence of this right now, we shouldnt get complacent about this threat.

And with that, heres more AI news.

Sage Lazzaro

sage.lazzaro@consultant.fortune.com

sagelazzaro.com

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Costco in Bismarck. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

A group of Republican attorneys general is pressuring Costco to end all unlawful discrimination imposed by the retailers diversity, equity and inclusion policies.

The 19 attorneys general  including North Dakotas Drew Wrigley  sent a letter to Costco CEO Ron Vachris this week citing Republican President Donald Trumps executive order that encouraged all agencies to enforce our longstanding civil-rights laws and to combat illegal private-sector DEI preferences, mandates, policies, programs, and activities.

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Writing that Costco should treat every person equally and based on their merit, rather than based on divisive and discriminatory DEI practices, the attorneys general asked Vachris to either repeal Costcos DEI policies or explain why the company is keeping them within 30 days.

Costco shareholders recently rejected a proposal from a conservative think tank to examine risks posed by its DEI policies. Nearly 98% of shareholders voted against the measure. Costcos board had recommended rejection of the proposal.

At the Jan. 24 shareholders meeting, Costco board chair Tony E Curtis said the companys commitment to inclusion does not and has never included quotas or systematic preferences, nor does it mean compromising merit. The demands of our business and our steadfast commitment to serve our members mean that we cannot afford to do anything but hire and promote the most qualified individuals.

Costco has not publicly responded to the letter. A spokesperson for the company did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday.

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Costcos North Dakota stores are in Bismarck and West Fargo, according to its website.

Nationwide, some companies are rethinking their commitment to DEI, while others are standing by their diversity practices. Brands like Walmart and Meta have rolled back DEI policies while tech giants Microsoft and Apple reaffirmed their policies within the last week.

DEI policies are often aimed at removing bias and promoting fairness in areas like employment and education.

Kentucky Lantern is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Kentucky Lantern maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jamie Lucke for questions: info@kentuckylantern.com.

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As a rift widens within the Florida GOP, Gov. Ron DeSantis says he will raise funds to help elect a strong conservative to succeed him and urged potential candidates to get on board with his immigration plan.

Though DeSantis has not made an endorsement, he vowed Thursday that his Florida Freedom Fund political committee will support candidates in legislative primaries and the 2026 governors race. The effort could shore up DeSantis political clout at a time it might otherwise erode, given his status as a lame duck.

We need to elect strong leaders who will build off FLs success and who will deliver on the promises made to voters, he said in a social media post.

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The announcement came as DeSantis and Republican legislative leaders  who in recent years have reliably kowtowed to the governor  clashed over a sweeping $500 million immigration bill dubbed the TRUMP Act.

The GOP-controlled Florida Legislature passed its own immigration package Tuesday, rejecting the governors plan and igniting a heated debate over which version is best aligned with President Donald Trumps vision on the issue.

Speaking in Palm Beach County Thursday, DeSantis said GOP gubernatorial hopefuls need to support his proposal over the Legislatures.

If you are not willing to come out now and oppose this swampy piece of legislation, you are not going to get elected governor in this state, he said. I can guarantee it. This is hot. This is something that people remember.

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DeSantis has vowed to veto the Legislatures immigration bill, calling it a half-baked measure. House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton stand by the bill, saying it is tough and was crafted with assistance from the Trump White House.

A key source of contention is the question of who should serve as the states chief immigration officer. The Legislatures bill would put the elected agriculture commissioner in charge. DeSantis opposes this move, arguing that Wilton Simpson  viewed as a possible 2026 gubernatorial contender would be influenced by special agricultural interests, weakening Floridas efforts to combat illegal immigration.

Other potential GOP candidates for governor include U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez, former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz and newly appointed U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody. First lady Casey DeSantis has dismissed speculation she may run, saying she has zero interest in succeeding her husband.

The Legislatures immigration bill provides funding for local law enforcement to train and help federal immigration officials, allows the leasing of jails and state prisons to hold detainees and enhances penalties for people who are in the country illegally and commit crimes. It also rolls back in-state tuition for students who are in the country illegally.

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But it rejects many of the proposals DeSantis outlined in his legislation, including expanding the transport of unauthorized immigrants to foreign countries, refusing bail for undocumented aliens when they are arrested, and prohibiting undocumented immigrants from sending money to their friends and relatives in their home country.

In 2024, the Florida Freedom Fund raised about $8.6 million to oppose ballot initiatives that would have legalized recreational marijuana and protect abortion rights. Both measures failed to get the 60% supermajority vote needed to pass.

About $2.1 million of the fund remains unspent, according to campaign finance records.
Ohio State Sen. Jerry Cirino, R-Kirtland, introduced Senate Bill 1 on Jan. 22, 2025. (Photo by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal).

Republican state Sen. Jerry Cirino claims his higher education overhaul bill that would prevent faculty from striking, set rules around classroom discussion, and ban diversity and inclusion efforts, would lead to more academic freedom at Ohios public universities.

Cirino introduced Senate Bill 1 last week and it is the top priority for the Senate Majority.

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S.B. 1 is about more speech, not less, Cirino said Wednesday during his sponsor testimony in the Ohio Senate Higher Education Committee. It is about eliminating what has become institutional discrimination through the establishment and economic support of DEI programs.

The bill would ban diversity and inclusion efforts and courses, block faculty from striking, require post-tenure review, and has a retrenchment provisions that block unions from negotiating on tenure. It would also shorten university board of trustees terms from nine years down to six years, require students to take an American history course, and set rules around discussion of controversial beliefs in the classroom.

S.B. 1 defines controversial beliefs as any belief or policy that is the subject of political controversy, including issues such as climate policies, electoral politics, foreign policy, diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, immigration policy, marriage, or abortion.

The bill stipulates classroom discussion allows students to reach their own conclusions about all controversial beliefs or policies and shall not seek to indoctrinate any social, political, or religious point of view.

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This piece of legislation would affect Ohios 14 public universities and 22 community colleges.

Opponents have accused S.B. 1 of stifling academic freedom, Cirino said in his testimony. This is patently untrue. In actuality, restoring and ensuring academic freedom at our state institutions of higher education is one of the main objectives of this bill.

State Sen. Casey Weinstein, D-Hudson, asked Cirino about Holocaust deniers expressing their opinions in the classroom.

Im deeply concerned in light of the growing prevalence of Holocaust denial and the rise of hate groups in our state, and this topic being fair game in your words, again, how does this bill protect students from encountering and having to be taught Holocaust denial in the classroom? Weinstein asked.

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Cirino responded by saying we have been down this rabbit hole before.

Weinstein first posed this question to Cirino in May 2023 when the bill was in front of the Ohio House Higher Education Committee.

You had attempted at that time to mischaracterize my view as being sympathetic to Holocaust deniers, which I am clearly not, Cirino said during Wednesdays meeting. There is nothing in this bill that promotes or seeks in any way to justify people who believe that the Holocaust did not happen.  I am not sympathetic to Holocaust deniers.

More than a dozen members of the Ohio Student Association silently protested during Wednesdays committee meeting by putting tape over their mouths and later chanting higher ed will be dead when the meeting adjourned.

Proponent testimony

Fourteen people submitted supporter testimony and 12 spoke at Wednesdays committee meeting. Most of their testimony focused on the bills diversity and inclusion ban.

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DEI is a cynical bait and switch operation, George Dent, director of the Ohio affiliate of the National Association of Scholars and President, said in his sponsor testimony. DEI is widely used as a tool for racial and political discrimination.  Theres no good evidence that DEI actually improves race relations, and theres considerable evidence that it makes them worse.

S.B. 1 would essentially ban all diversity and inclusion offices, training, orientations and scholarships on college campuses. The exception is if such training is required to comply with state and federal law, professional licensure requirements or receiving accreditation or grants.

State Rep. Josh Williams, R-Sylvania, spoke in favor of the bill by sharing his experience as a law student at the University of Toledo and said diversity and inclusion programming is a way of erasing societal guilt.

Gabe Guidarini, a 20-year-old student at the University of Dayton, was the only Ohio college student who spoke out in favor of the bill. However, S.B. 1 only applies to public universities, so private universities like the University of Dayton would not be impacted by the bill.

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S.B. 1 provides the legal clarification necessary to ensure that Ohio public colleges remain neutral and unbiased in what they teach, ensuring that students are taught how to think, not what to think, he said. It also ensures that Ohio students are not subject to so-called DEI programs that judge them based on what they are instead of who they are.

The committee will also have opponent testimony on S.B. 1 at a later date.

Follow OCJ Reporter Megan Henry on Bluesky.

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SOUTH HOLLAND, Ill.  WGN Investigates has the inside story of bad blood that boiled over into a brawl during a board meeting in the south suburbs on Tuesday night.

The altercation came after more than a year of WGN Investigates reporting that exposed questionable spending and conduct by the self-proclaimed super-mayor Tiffany Henyard.

Henyard is losing her grip on power while facing an ongoing federal investigation. Now people on both sides of the skirmish want police to press charges.

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Tiffany Henyard asks judge to force trustees to show-up to meetings

Seconds after making slurs about Tiffany Henyards sex life and parenting, a fight erupted on the floor of the township meeting, with community activist Jedidiah Brown and Henyards boyfriend, Kamal Woods, coming to blows. Henyard herself even jumped in.

She ran from behind the table with a microphone in her hand and she hit me with it while another one of her staff members was kicking me in the head and I was defending myself against Kamal and other individuals, Brown said.

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Im sure everyone was a little roused and, you know, it got real crazy. But yeah, we were basically defending ourselves, you know, were not violent people, LaVell Redmond, who was also involved in the altercation, said.

Henyards attorney told WGN TV that she was shaken and scared after the incident.

Supervisor Tiffany Henyard was verbally assaulted, and her personal safety threatened . . . The Supervisor suffered minor injuries when she instinctively rushed to the melee in an attempt to break it up, Henyards attorney attorney Max Solomon said in a statement on Wednesday.

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The meeting melee comes after a year of frustration, with residents packing Thornton Township and Village of Dolton meetings expressing anger and outrage.

WGN Investigates has documented more than $100,000 in first-class travel and tens of thousands for meals for Henyard and her allies billed to taxpayers.

This week, former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot completed an investigation that found Henyard deployed deception to hide the spending.

Tiffany you are taking losses in both the village and the township. And the nightmare is over, one resident exclaimed during a meeting.

The activist at the center of the brawl is a frequent thorn in Henyards side. At one point, she sought a restraining order against Brown, who has led protests outside her parents home.

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At a summer meeting, Brown had to be restrained after walking up to a trustee.

Chicago police reminded they cant cooperate with deportations

Authorities said private security was on hand for Tuesdays meeting, and South Holland officers didnt arrive until after the fight had broken up. No one was arrested or charged.

Henyard recently lost a spot on the ballot for supervisor and she faces a fierce fight for re-election as Mayor of Dolton at the end of February.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
AUSTIN (Nexstar)  Gov. Greg Abbott issued five Executive Orders on Wednesday, directing state agencies to work with the Trump Administration to enforce border and homeland security operations, including deportation efforts.

Today, I issued five Executive Orders directing Texas state agencies to partner with the Trump Administration to enforce the rule of law and help secure the homeland, Abbott was quoted as saying in a news release from his office.

Just like President Donald Trump and his Administration, Texas will do what is necessary to keep our country safe, Abbotts quote added.

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The news release listed the five orders, all signed and dated on Jan. 29. The first order directs state agencies to assist federal immigration officers in carrying out functions under federal immigration laws. The release said that includes investigating, arresting, and deporting people in the country illegally.

The second order directs the Texas Military Department to cooperate with U.S. armed forces to regain and maintain operational control of the southern border.

The governors third order directs state agencies to assist federal partners in deploying additional border barriers. Earlier this month, Abbott directed workers to install new buoy barriers in the Rio Grande, promising to double the number of buoys in the river.

The fourth order on the governors list directs stage agencies to share intelligence with federal law enforcement on foreign terrorist organizations. The news release listed Mexican cartels and Tren de Aragua as examples of those organizations.

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The governors final order directs the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and the Texas Facilities Commission to identify additional detention space for people in the country illegally.

Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham said last week the states General Land Office already offered the Trump Administration about 1400 acres of land to help with mass deportations. Buckingham said she will work with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and border czar Tom Homan on additional plans.

I have 13 million acres across the state, Buckingham told NewsNation reporter Ali Bradley. Weve identified pieces that we think are more helpful out of the gate. But of course, whatever it is they need.

Well do whatever it takes. Were here to be a good partner again, just getting these violent criminals whove been hurting our sons and daughters off of our soil, Buckingham said.

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The governors news release about the Executive Orders came out a few hours after Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick released a list of 25 priority bills for the Texas Senate. The list included Senate Bill 8, which would require local law enforcement to assist the federal governments deportation efforts. That bill has not yet been filed.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56)  Gov. Andy Beshear encourages Kentuckians to hug the people you love, after officials announced that they expect no survivors in Wednesdays plane crash.

It happened just before 8:50 p.m. on Wednesday, according to Washington officials.

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said that investigators believe that an American Airlines regional jet inbound from Kansas was approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airports (DCA) runways, colliding with an Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. Both crashed into the Potomac River.

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We dont believe there are any survivors, said John Donnelly, the fire chief in the nations capital, on Thursday morning. We are now at the point where we are switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation.

Britainy and I are praying for the families and loved ones of those affected by the plane crash near Washington D.C., and our hearts are with the brave first responders on the scene. This is a tragedy for our country, and we must stand together during this difficult time, Beshear wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

He also extended condolences to Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly.

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Kentucky is holding you and the people of Kansas in our hearts this morning. Our prayers are focused on all those affected by this tragic accident, especially the families and loved ones of the passengers, crew members, and soldiers affected, he said.

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The plane carried 60 passengers and four crew. Three soldiers were aboard the helicopter. As of noon on Thursday, 28 bodies have been recovered from the Potomac Rivers icy waters.

Beshear asked Kentuckians to be kind to one another as the nation navigates such a tough time.

We are thinking about and praying for their families, and today, hug the people that you love. Call somebody that you havent talked to in a while. Tell them what they mean to you. Remember, lifes short, Beshear said.

If no survivors are located, the crash would be the deadliest U.S. air crash since 2001.

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Gov. Bill Lee joined officials Wednesday to celebrate the grand opening of the $95 million Duksan (DS) Electera factory in Shelbyville.

Lee commended the South Korean company's decision to work with the state and local governments to build DS Electera's first North American factory to manufacture electrolytes in Shelbyville for battery makers providing products to automakers in the Southeast.

"We are grateful," Lee said from a stage set on the spacious factory's concrete floor before an audience of over 100 people seated in chairs covered with fitted white covers.

Duksan Electera (DS Electera) President SuWan Lee, shakes hands with Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, left during the grand opening of Duksan Electera in Shelbyville, on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025.

Smyrna factory: Nissan gains 20-year deal with 50% tax reduction on new investments

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The stage displayed the American flag and the flag of South Korea on each side of the governor and other speakers.

The new Shelbyville factory will provide 101 jobs and could supply roughly 60,000 tons of electrolytes to battery makers in the southeastern U.S., the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development reported. Electrolytes are battery components that transfer ions between a battery's two electrodes in lithium-ion batteries.

Marking for headquarters: Middle TN Electric hopes to attract corporate offices to 117-acres of undeveloped land off I-840 in Murfreesboro

Plant to enhance EV manufacturing in TN

Duksan Electera (DS Electera), an electrolyte manufacturer that produces components for electric vehicle batteries held its grand opening in Shelbyville, on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. This is the first North American plant for the company.

Battery makers in Tennessee include the Envision AESC majority-owned operation based at a battery plant built by Nissan in 2012 at the Japan-based automaker's factory in Smyrna.

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Envision AESC, which is a Chinese renewable energy company, touts making batteries for the Nissan LEAF.

A state press release about the new DS Electera factory mentioned other automakers in Tennessee with plans for electric cars, including the GM plant in Spring Hill with the the electric Lyriq SUV.

South Korean-based Ultium Cells, a multi-billion dollar electric battery plant, opened in Spring Hill a couple of years ago, which produces batteries for the Lyriq.

In West Tennessee, Ford Motors invested at least $5 billion for "BlueOval City," the Ford EV mega-site, to build electric trucks near Stanton. The location will also house the BlueOval SK battery plant, a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and SK On, also a South Korea-based manufacturer.

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Battery plant expansion plan in 2018: Nissan's expanding battery plant at Smyrna auto factory may add jobs for global operation

Governor praises efforts of community to attract plant

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee speaks during the grand opening of Duksan Electera in Shelbyville, on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, an electrolyte manufacturer that produces components for electric vehicle batteries.

Lee talked about traveling to South Korea to meet with business leaders about locating company operations in Tennessee in his first year in office after winning the 2018 election.

The reason the DS Electera and other companies choose to open operations in Tennessee is because of people in the community working to attract businesses, Lee told an audience that included local government officials in Shelbyville and Bedford County.

"You are to be commended," said Lee, adding that Tennessee has added 300,000 new jobs the past five years.

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Local officials present included Shelbyville Mayor Randy Carroll and Bedford County Mayor Chad Graham.

Lee also described the state's economic development and workforce-training efforts to make sure Tennesseans have access to "a better way of life."

DS Electera design team member and spokesman Moonil Cheon told the audience about the local government's efforts to help the factory project "every step of the way."

Cheon also mentioned that the grand opening celebration is on the same Jan. 29 date that South Korea celebrates the Lunar New Year. He also complimented the community for showing "southern hospitality" to him for two years to make him feel comfortable, adding Middle Tennessee in general "has become my new home."

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'People are really excited': Trader Joe's to open at Medical Center Parkway/Robert Rose Drive in Murfreesboro

DS Electera electrolyte plant will be continent's largest

Duksan Electera (DS Electera), an electrolyte manufacturer that produces components for electric vehicle batteries held their grand opening in Shelbyville, on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. This is the first North American plant for the company.

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The audience also heard from Commissioner Stuart McWhorter, who oversees the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.

McWhorter said the new Shelbyville factory will be the largest electrolyte manufacturer in North America.

The new factory's status as the largest of its kind on the continent is determined by electrolyte production capacity. The capacity is determined by the number of mixers  the main production equipment  and their respective volume, said Chris O'Brien, a spokesman for the TDECD.

Several large tubular-shaped mixers stood from the concrete floor to a high ceiling within sight of where the grand opening celebration was held.

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'A new age in aviation': MTSU celebrates aerospace academy plans at Shelbyville airport

South Korean companies invest $4.5B in TN operations

McWhorter said he expects the new factory to provide a strong economic impact in Tennessee and across the country.

"We're very excited about this," McWhorter said.

McWhorter also mentioned how Tennessee efforts to attract South Korean businesses to open operations in Tennessee has led to $4.5 billion in investments since 2019.

The South Korean investments in the state have created nearly 3,500 jobs in Tennessee, according to the state Department of Economic and Community Development.

Shelbyville Airport to add MTSU: Middle Tennessee State University aerospace flight instruction is leaving Murfreesboro Municipal Airport

13 officials cut ribbons for new factory

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, left speaks with the President of Duksan Electera (DS Electera) SuWan Lee, during the ribbon cutting portion of the grand opening of Duksan Electera in Shelbyville, on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. This is the first North American plant for the company Duksan Electera, an electrolyte manufacturer that produces components for electric vehicle batteries.

DS Electera President SuWan Lee also spoke at the grand opening celebration that he described as a "momentous occasion."

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Lee described his company's collaborative efforts with Tennessee and local governments as a shared vision, proving crucial to the factory project.

The DS Electera president also said the customer's trust in the new factory's electrolyte product "drives our innovation."

After the speeches, 13 officials from the company, state and local governments each put on white gloves and took hold of scissors to cut ribbons for the new factory.

The officials also took turns walking on stage graduation style to accept commemorative plaques to celebrate the grand opening of DS Electera.

More restaurants coming to Murfreesboro: P.F. Chang's, Raising Cane's, Cava & Drake's plan restaurants at Clari Park development

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Reach reporter Scott Broden with news tips or questions by emailing him at sbroden@dnj.com. Follow him on Twitter @ScottBroden. To support his work with The Daily News Journal, sign up for a digital subscription.

This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: UPDATE: Duksan Electera battery plant holds opens in Shelbyville, TN
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster gives his State of the State to a joint session of the Legislature on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025 at the Statehouse in Columbia, SC. (Mary Ann Chastain/Special to the SC Daily Gazette)

COLUMBIA  Gov. Henry McMaster in his eighth State of the State address on Wednesday urged the revival of a failed nuclear project in South Carolina.

State-owned utility Santee Cooper announced last week it would seek a buyer for the pair of half-built nuclear reactors, located at the V.C. Summer Nuclear Station in Fairfield County, that were mothballed more than seven years ago.

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster gives his State of the State address to a joint session of the Legislature Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025 at the Statehouse in Columbia, SC. (Mary Ann Chastain/Special to the SC Daily Gazette)

I believe that restarting these two reactors will not only help fuel our states future power needs but will also usher in a nuclear power renaissance across the country, one that will spur nationwide investment and construction of new nuclear power generation, McMaster said in his hour-long speech.

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The governors support for the project comes as legislative leaders grapple with how to meet the states growing energy needs.

We are running out of time, said the governor, who with his address officially became the longest-serving elected governor in South Carolina history.

Our electric generation, distribution, and transmission capacity and capabilities must be able to handle enhanced future economic development, anticipated technological advances, and population growth, McMaster continued.

And he urged action by the General Assembly to address the issue.

When Santee Cooper and now defunct South Carolina Electric & Gas partnered on the V.C. Summer expansion nearly two decades ago, it marked the first new nuclear construction in the country in 40 years.

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But construction fell behind schedule and over budget. The companies ultimately abandoned the effort in July 2017  after jointly spending $9 billion.

South Carolina power customers are still paying much of the cost for the reactors that have yet to generate a single megawatt.

Remembering Helene

The governor also went on to pay homage to South Carolinas electric utility line workers.

Hurricane Helenes arrival to the Palmetto State as a tropical storm in the pre-dawn hours of Sept. 27 knocked out power to some 1.4 million homes and businesses.

Joining us here tonight are a few of the men and women who worked day and night  some for weeks, at dangerous heights, and around deadly high voltage electricity  to get the power back on, McMaster said, asking workers in the balcony to stand.

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Legislators responded by giving them a standing ovation.

Helene was the deadliest storm to ever hit the state, killing 49 people and damaging at least 6,300 homes and 912 roads. Ten bridges must still be rebuilt.

More than $5 million in donations poured into the One SC Fund at Central Carolina Community Foundation to help people recover, the most that has ever been donated to the fund for a single storm since it was created following the historic flooding of 2015.

The state has received federal disaster dollars, and more is expected, but it wont be enough, McMaster said.

For example, the Department of Transportation will need an additional $50 million for debris removal and road repair expenses that arent covered by the federal government, he said.

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Meanwhile, to prepare for future storms, the governor renewed his budget requests to allocate $40 million toward replenishing a pair of state-funded reserves to help with disaster recovery and prevention. He also wants legislators to put $150 million into a new state grant program to cover what the Federal Emergency Management Agency wont.

Thats how we take care of our people, he said.

We must fix this

McMaster again asked the Legislature to put the states agencies serving those with disabilities and mental health issues under his direct control as Cabinet agencies.

The federal Department of Justice sued the state last month, saying South Carolina keeps adults with serious mental illnesses in institutions longer than necessary.

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According to an outside analysis of the states health system, 77% of young people facing depression do not receive mental health treatment. Thats on top of a growing number of homeless people who fall through the cracks, with untreated mental, physical or substance addiction problem, the governor said.

Our people with physical disabilities, special needs and mental health issues seeking assistance must navigate through a confusing landscape of offices, agencies and officials as they seek help for a loved one or dependent, McMaster said. We must fix this.

Gov. Henry McMaster looks over the House chamber with his chief of staff, Trey Walker, right, before he gave his State of the State address Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025 at the Statehouse in Columbia, SC. (Mary Ann Chastain/Special to the SC Daily Gazette)

McMaster said the agencies are run by boards of commissioners who are accountable to no one. He asked the Legislature to hold one person  their governor  accountable for the Department of Mental Health and the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs.

Private school choice

Senators are in their second week of debate on a bill that would use lottery profits to provide scholarships for private K-12 tuition. As introduced, the aid for up to 15,000 students would align with what the state sends school districts on average per pupil, which would be about $8,500 next school year.

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The governor asked the GOP-controlled Legislature to send him a bill as soon as possible that would reinstate the private tuition payments halted in September by the state Supreme Court. A majority of justices ruled the payments violated the state constitutions ban on public dollars directly benefiting private education, which partially threw out a 2023 law that provided $6,000 annually in taxpayer-funded scholarships.

Parents, not school attendance lines, should determine the education that best suits their childs unique needs, McMaster said.

But Democrats, in their response to the governors remarks, pushed back, saying so-called school choice is not the answer.

Instead of sending our tax dollars to private schools, we should first fully fund our public schools  something South Carolina has neglected to do for decades, said Sen. Margie Bright Matthews.

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The Walterboro Democrat, who delivered her partys response, said the bill under debate in the Senate dismantles public education.

Taking money from public schools and giving it to private schools, wont improve educational outcomes for thousands of children who need it most, she said.

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  At Onondaga Community College Governor Kathy Hochul proposed to make community college tuition free for New Yorkers ages 25 to 55 pursuing an associated degree in high demanding fields.

The proposal includes covering tuition fees, books, and supplies for students at any New York State Public Community College.

The highly demanding fields include health care, advanced manufacturing, education, engineering, and IT cyber security.

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We have jobs open in those fields right now and hopefully this will incentivize more young people or people early in their careers or someone who wants to transition into an existing career to say great I get this degree at a community college I will have a job waiting for me. We want to make sure thats smooth and we can afford to do that, Governor Kathy Hochul said.

The age group 25 to 55 would target people who maybe didnt consider going to college when they were younger or want to make a career switch to make more money in one of the high demand fields.

We wanted to go after adults who were floundering maybe didnt know what they wanted to do people who have not already found a career path and so we wanted to target this to that age group because we think theres a lot of opportunity there, Governor Hochul said.

One company soon to be in a big need of employees is Micron. Many of the jobs in demand would be free to study at Onondaga Community College through Governor Hochuls proposal.

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New York is chips country full stop, Governor Hochul said. Anywhere else in the country try to compete with that and Syracuse is the capital of Microns chip country right now.

According to the governor, by the end of the decade, one out of four American-made microchips will come from Upstate New York.

At OCC, construction is underway to make room for more students going through Micron related programs. Come Fall 2025, a fully functioning clean room will be open for students in the Electromechanical Technology program to use.

We started out with 36 students the first semester in, President of Onondaga Community College Warren Hilton explained. We ran a spring cohort of 18 and this year weve doubled that cohort from 36 to 72.

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Governor Hochul wants the proposal to be passed in this years budget.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR.
KANSAS (KSNT)  Governor Laura Kelly announced flags would be flown half-staff in honor of those who died in the Wichita flight to Washington D.C. on Thursday.

According to the press release from the Governors Office, flags will be flown half-staff immediately until sundown on Feb. 6.

Today, Kansas mourns a tragedy. I am devastated by the event that unfolded last night and extend my deepest condolences to the victims loved ones, Governor Laura Kelly said. Thank you to the more than 300 brave first responders in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area who were on the scene immediately. This is a sad day for our state and our nation.

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Wichita flight crash could be deadliest in 24 years, what we know

Officials say 27 bodies from the American Airlines flight and one body from the military helicopter have been recovered. 60 people were on the airplane with four crew members. There were three soldiers on the helicopter.

For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
(WHTM)  Governor Josh Shapiro has reached an agreement with PJM Interconnection after filing a lawsuit over its capacity auction design that could have imposed new price increases.

Both parties resolved that lawsuit to reduce their price cap for the next two years. The Shapiro administration says it could save consumers over $21 billion. The Governor also called out the Trump Administration after it attempted to freeze federal spending yesterday.

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This Week in Pennsylvania

They also stopped the systems or froze the computer systems that we rely on in the state to operate initiatives for Pennsylvanians that rely on federal funding, things like Headstart and Medicaid, said Governor Shapiro. We literally need a computer system in order to generate payments and send dollars out to run those programs. This was chaotic, it was reckless, and it wreaked havoc on communities.

President Donald Trumps budget office has since rescinded the order after a judge temporarily paused 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 ABC27.
NORTH CAROLINA (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  An order that looked to freeze a substantial amount of federal funding in areas like medical research and nonprofit services has been walked back.

President Donald Trumps White House says that order is being rescinded to reduce confusion following extensive media reports and a ruling from a judge that temporarily blocked the funding freeze.

PREVIOUS: Funding for medical research could be in jeopardy despite temporary hold on Trumps federal aid freeze

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When that freeze from the Office of Management and Budget was first issued, many were unsure what would be impacted. On Tuesday, a payment platform for Medicaid went down, and nonprofit organizations worried they would have to rollback their services.

We here in North Carolina, like the rest of the country are very concerned, confused, said Gov. Josh Stein. The order that came from the office of management and budget in Washington, OMB, created widespread confusion.

During a school visit in Greenville, Stein said he was relieved a federal judge had intervened to issue a temporary hold, but said there could have been serious ramifications if what was being discussed was carried out.

There are a lot of consequences that if it goes into effect, the way people thought it meant, where people in North Carolina will struggle, they will suffer, said Stein. There are all kinds of nonprofit organizations. We had proposed furloughs of federal funded state employees.

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The White House rescinded the order by Wednesday afternoon. Queen City News sister station The Hill reports that came after pushback from unnamed Republican senators. Charlotte Congresswoman Alma Adams had told QCN that her office got calls from constituents worried essential funding they rely on would be taken away.

Weve got folks who are working with Meals on Wheels for the elderly, pretty much people who cant get out, Adams said. Theyve called to say, according to the people that theyre talking to, that theyre going to lose half of their service capacity.

It appears this fight is not over, however. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on X that the presidents executive orders on federal spending still stand, and the administration is still looking to implement some sort of federal funding freeze.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
A push to deport undocumented immigrants serving time in Oklahoma prisons doesnt mean they wont be required to serve out their sentences or will escape justice.

Gov. Kevin Stitt said he will review the cases of undocumented immigrants serving time in Oklahoma correctional facilities individually before deciding whether to commute any sentences so they can be deported.

The Republican governor made the remarks this week when asked how he was planning to balance victim rights and public safety with his plan to save taxpayers money by deporting undocumented criminals serving time in Oklahoma prisons.

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Were not going to let bad people out just to make a political statement, Stitt said. But I also think about the tens of billions of dollars that Oklahoma taxpayers are spending to be incarcerating people that really shouldnt be in our state anyway.

He said the Oklahoma Department of Corrections has over 500 undocumented immigrants in custody.

More: Would OKC police help ICE enforce immigration law, deportations? City manager speaks out

What to know about Operation Guardian, Oklahoma's deportation plan

Stitt tapped Tim Tipton, Oklahomas commissioner of public safety, in November to develop and launch Operation Guardian. The program aims to deport undocumented inmates incarcerated in Oklahoma prisons in coordination with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Trump administrations mass deportation mandate.

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But before anyone in state custody can be deported, Stitt must commute their sentence.

Stitt said he will consider the victims and their families to balance justice with deportation. He said hell look at things like country of origin, amount of time served and the type of offense to determine if justice has been served and if a commutation is warranted.

There are people that are at the end of their sentence and theyre about to get out, he said. And historically, over the last four years, when we turned them over to ICE coming out, they were just back in the communities.

Tipton said in an interview with Oklahoma Voice this week that hes been talking with the Trump administration and visited with the countrys new border czar Tom Homan this past week. Oklahoma officials will be doing our part as a state to make sure that the immigration laws are upheld, he said.

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The state will also need to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to find and deport undocumented immigrants that have been recently released from correctional facilities, Tipton said.

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 Gov. Stitt will decide whether to deport some migrants
When addressing President Donald Trumps immigration policy, Gov. Wes Moore said that Maryland officials will follow the U.S. Constitution.

But does the Constitution limit the actions that state and local law enforcement officials can take regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policy?

In short, yes.

Mark Graber, a professor at the University of Marylands Francis King Carey School of Law, pointed to the 1996 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Printz v. United States. In that case, justices set the precedent that the Necessary and Proper Clause of the Constitution does not give the federal government the authority to force state officials to carry out federal programs.

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The Necessary and Proper Clause gives Congress the ability to assume powers that are not in the Constitution, but are required to carry out the authority it grants to the federal government.

The federal government may not require any state executive or legislative official to implement a federal program, Graber said.

In a joint statement issued last week with his fellow attorneys general from California, New York, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Mexico, and Vermont, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown affirmed that it is unconstitutional for the federal government to commandeer state and local law enforcement officials for immigration enforcement.

This balance of power between the federal government and state governments is a touchstone of our American system of federalism, they said. Despite what he may say to the contrary, the President cannot unilaterally re-write the Constitution.

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Moore on Monday said that his administration will make sure that our local jurisdictions are following the Constitution regarding Trumps executive order that ICE arrest and detain people who have entered the country illegally.

Current state law prohibits Marylands 24 jurisdictions from entering into agreements with ICE to detain immigrants on its behalf. Sen. Will Smith, a Democrat from Montgomery County, said Tuesday that he plans to introduce legislation this session to limit Maryland law enforcements ability to notify ICE through the agencys 287(g) program after someone has been arrested.

According to Graber, states may not aggressively interfere with federal government policies, he said, but they also are not compelled to aid federal officials in carrying out those policies or participate in their enforcement, themselves.

The states do not have obligations to implement federal policy, and, if they believe a federal policy is unconstitutional, they can challenge that policy in court to the extent that it interferes with the state, he said.

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Trump issued several executive orders altering U.S. immigration policy shortly after he took power last week. Brown has already challenged one.

On the presidents second day in office, Brown and 18 attorneys general filed a brief challenging an executive order to end birthright citizenship, alleging that it is unconstitutional.

It is a reflection of our countrys ideals, a belief that every baby born on U.S. soil is a member of our great nation and deserves to play a part in its future, Brown said of birthright citizenship. Ending birthright citizenship is un-American, and our Office will vigorously challenge this blatantly unconstitutional decision in court.

A Justice Department memo last week warned state and local officials they could face prosecution if they dont aid enforcement efforts.

Federal law prohibits state and local actors from resisting, obstructing, and otherwise failing to comply with lawful immigration-related commands or requests, the memo said.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  In an exclusive interview with NewsChannel 9, Governor Kathy Hochul said shes not going to panic every time something comes out of Washington.

Hochul sat down for the interview at NewsChannel 9s studios just as news was breaking about the apparent reversal of the Trump Administrations freeze on federal funding.

I need to know for certain, said said. It sounds alarming, but let me get all the facts, and Ill have a strategy to deal with it.

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With the scope of the cuts still unclear, Hochul advises anyone impacted to contact their Republican members of Congress to demand for the continuity of the promised payments.

I have teams that are ready to work with the Attorney General, file lawsuits and well get out there and shout when we have to shout if itll make a difference, said Hochul.

We have to govern responsibly, she said, and not panic every single time something is issued out of Washington, otherwise its going to be a long four years.

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  In an exclusive interview with NewsChannel 9, Governor Kathy Hochul didnt offer any wiggle room in the amount of money her newly released state budget allocates for Upstate Hospitals emergency room renovation.

Instead of the request of $450 million, the governor is offering $200 million pending approval by the State Legislature.

This is the largest investment in this hospital ever in the history of it, Governor Hochul told NewsChannel 9. Lets start with that. I know theyre grateful for it.

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Hochul revealed that before visiting NewsChannel 9s studios, she had just toured the current emergency department at SUNY Upstate.

I had the chance to talk to a lot of patients who are getting high-quality care but right now theyre on gurneys in the hallway, she said. They desperately need something done there.

Late last year, 10 legislators or legislators-elect signed a letter to Governor Hochul asking for $450 million.

it seems that SUNY Upstates critical infrastructure needs have been, for the most part, ignored, the letter read.

When Upstate learned of the $250 million, its administrators only expressed gratitude.

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In a statement, a spokesperson wrote: The $200 million outlined in the Executive Budget provides an incredible foundation for the annex plan that will help Upstate address some of its most pressing needs. With this support from Governor Hochul and the Legislature, we can begin these essential infrastructure upgrades and recognize Upstates crucial role as the regions only Level 1 trauma center and emergency department for adults and children.

But local legislators said theyd push for more money.

Those who criticize this should look at a lot of other communities that would be very very grateful to have 200 million dollars for a hospital, said Governor Hochul.

Hochul said: I know they told me that this is a game changer for them. Well get the process started. But they have a great vision. I cannot wait to be continuing to support them in years to come.

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  A Grand Rapids priest with the Anglican Catholic Church was removed from position for making what appears to be a Nazi salute.

According to a statement on the Anglican Catholic Churchs website, Calvin Robinson was removed Wednesday after a video posted on X of his speech at the National Pro-Life Summit on Jan. 25 in Washington, D.C., showed him making a gesture that many have interpreted as a pro-Nazi salute. His license in the church was revoked, and he no longer serves as a priest.

We believe that those who mimic the Nazi salute, even as a joke or an attempt to troll their opponents, trivialize the horror of the Holocaust and diminish the sacrifice of those who fought against its perpetrators. Such actions are harmful, divisive, and contrary to the tenets of Christian charity, the statement said, in part.

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Robinson declined an interview with News 8 Thursday, saying he first wished to speak with Archbishop Mark Haverland, who is based in Atlanta.

When he agrees to take my calls, I will be better informed to have a fuller conversation, Robinson wrote in an email.

But in a statement posted to his Facebook page Wednesday, he said, For the record, in case it needs saying: I am not a Nazi.

He characterized his gesture was a joke in mockery of the hysterical liberals who called Elon Musk a Nazi for quite clearly showing the audience his heart was with them.

Context is key, but sometimes people ignore context to confirm their own prejudices. People see what they want to see, Robinson wrote.

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My attempt at dry wit, in that typical British way, was not a joke at the expense of WWII, nor an admission of my membership in the Nationalist Socialist Party. That would be an incredibly ignorant and bad faith assumption to make, he continued. The responses are very telling, though. The people who understand, cheer  those who have eyes to see. The people who do not want to understand, reach for their pitchforks.

In another statement on X Thursday, Robinson acknowledged his license seems to have been revoked.

I cannot go into any detail yet because I have none. I am obedient to my bishops, and I have not heard from the Archbishop yet  so I do not know the situation or what I am able to share. I learned this the same way you did, via social media, the post reads in part.

Robinson was a well-known conservative commentator and priest in the United Kingdom before he moved to Grand Rapids in 2024. On Thursday, he was still listed as priest-in-charge on St. Pauls Anglican Catholic Churchs website.

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When News 8 went to the church Thursday morning, a representative from the Anglican headquarters in Atlanta was on site, did not comment and asked our crew to leave.

The Anglican Catholic Church posted the following statement on Robinson Wednesday:

At approximately 3:00 pm today (1/29) members of the College of Bishops of the ACC were made aware of a post made on X showing the end of a speech made by Calvin Robinson at the National Pro-Life Summit in Washington, DC. In it, he closed his comments with a gesture that many have interpreted as a pro-Nazi salute. While we cannot say what was in Mr. Robinsons heart when he did this, his action appears to have been an attempt to curry favor with certain elements of the American political right by provoking its opposition. Mr. Robinson had been warned that online trolling and other such actions (whether in service of the left or right) are incompatible with a priestly vocation and was told to desist. Clearly, he has not, and as such, his license in this Church has been revoked. He is no longer serving as a priest in the ACC. Furthermore, we understand that this is not just an administrative matter. The Holocaust was an episode of unspeakable horror, enacted by a regime of evil men. We condemn Nazi ideology and anti-Semitism in all its forms. And we believe that those who mimic the Nazi salute, even as a joke or an attempt to troll their opponents, trivialize the horror of the Holocaust and diminish the sacrifice of those who fought against its perpetrators. Such actions are harmful, divisive, and contrary to the tenets of Christian charity. Finally, we pray that God will give us grace to lay aside our unhappy divisions, and we commend our nation and ourselves to his Almighty protection. Anglican Catholic Church

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When Sydney Shafer saw what happened in East Palestine, Ohio, after the infamous 2023 train accident, she knew she could help residents understand what was in their air, according to the University of Kentucky.

A doctoral student at the University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Shafer joined forces with environmental health experts to study chemical exposure in East Palestine using an unexpected tool: silicone wristbands.

"Silicone wristbands are very effective as personal sampling devices because they're noninvasive, inexpensive, and have the ability to capture exposure measurements for over 100 [semi-volatile organic compounds]," Shafer explained.

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The simple but innovative approach came from partnering with Dr. Erin Haynes from UK and Heather Stapleton from Duke University. Their work builds on Stapleton's research, which shows that these wristbands absorb chemicals from the surrounding environment.

In July 2023, 80 East Palestine residents wore the wristbands for a week. The team looked for several chemical groups, including dioxins, furans, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

The results brought good news: No dioxins or furans showed up in the samples. However, the team found PAHs, which often come from burning materials or heavy truck traffic. The scientists think these chemicals likely came from cleanup vehicles and smoke from Canadian wildfires during the study period.

"We found that on average, male participants had two more PAHs detected than did women, and those working with heavy machinery had four more PAHs detected than those who did not," Shafer said.

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Making science useful matters deeply to Shafer. Her team sent every participant a personal letter explaining their exposure levels.

"We wanted participants to have a clear understanding of what chemicals, if any, were detected in their environment," Shafer said. "Our goal was to empower them with information to inform them of the many chemicals they are exposed to nearly every day."

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.

Looking ahead, Shafer plans to keep finding ways to put her public health training to work by helping communities understand and address environmental concerns.

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.
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  LSU Shreveport graduate student Mik Barnes has a problem that many young college students in the United States are experiencing, too: he cant read cursive.

Im a history major, said Barnes. One of the times it really got to me was when I was looking through an old arrest report book. We were trying to find when Wyatt Walker and Harry Blake were arrested in Shreveport during the civil rights movement, and the process of trying to read the cursive was really frustrating.

Barnes is a member of the Caddo Parish Civil Rights Heritage Trail team with KTAL, LSU Shreveport, and Red River Radio. He has researched and written peer-reviewed papers and articles for the project that include:

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Barnes graduated from high school in Northwest Louisiana, where he learned enough cursive in the public school system to write his name.

American public schools were deeply influenced in 2011 when the U.S. Department of Educations Common Core State Standards for English initiative did not include cursive in the curriculum. And many public school students who were initially impacted by the lack of cursive in the curriculum are now in college.

Mik said he knew something was wrong when he was around 12 or 13 years old.

One of my great aunts had just passed, Barnes said. We were looking through some of her old writings in a book, and I didnt know what it said.

cursive debate 10-16_17037389

Barnes took three foreign language classes to satisfy his undergraduate degree, and he says cursive is like a foreign language to him.

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I can usually tell that its English by the uppercase letters, said Barnes, who also said its embarrassing. It makes research harder and take longer, because sometimes I have to go and look up the cursive alphabet, lowercase and uppercase, and try to figure out what Im looking at. If you just handed me something in cursive and asked me to read it, Id need a second.

Cursive matters

Barnes is Dr. Gary Joiners research assistant at LSU Shreveport, and Joiner said that learning to read cursive is similar to deciphering ancient Roman texts.

When I was taking Roman history, and looking at documents and buildings, I was deciphering what the Romans were talking about on their monuments, admitted Joiner. It is frustrating as it can be, because youre asking yourself, Why can I not do this?'

Dr. Gary Joiner and Mik Barnes discussing cursive on Jan. 29, 2025.

Joiner said that reading historic documents that are written in cursive can be tricky for people who do know how to read and write modern cursive. During the mid-1800s, English was getting away from an s that looked like an f. And reading artistic styles of handwriting can complicate a researchers experience with historic documents just as much as poor penmanship.

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Its practicing, practicing, practicing, and getting it into your mind as sort of another reality, said Joiner of reading historical documents written in cursive.

Joiner said hes astonished by the number of his students that cant read cursive by the time they reach college.

Its as if people have some sort of cognitive impairment. But its notits a form of illiteracy.

Joiner said that cursive matters.

Think of someone at the clerk-of-court, researching a handwritten will from a family member. Or somebody on the police force who is looking at old handwritten notes that could be used as evidence.

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5 key moments in Northwest Louisianas civil rights history

Joiner believes that a generations inability to read cursive will affect a fairly large segment of the population.

Its anti-societal, said Joiner. Young students not being taught cursive erases history and culture. Youre creating voids in someones education.

Teach your kids cursive while theyre reading, said Barnes. Please. Some of the letters do look the same. An i sometimes looks like an e, depending on who writes it.

Teach them cursive and teach them how to form letters properly, Dr. Joiner recommends. When we were looking at the Citizens Workbook, we read that a man was happy because he learned how to write his name and didnt have to use the x anymore.

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This workbook changed the Civil Rights Movement

The only thing I could write in cursive was my name, said Barnes.

Why cursive was erased

I think its for times sake to prepare students to take standardized tests, said Barnes.

Joiner added that it all comes down to teaching to the test.

Were leaving people in the dust, said Joiner. Youre not taught to think critically. Youre taught to get past this test to the next one. Were creating a society of parrotsIm gonna tell you some stuff, and youll tell it back to me in the exact form I want you to do. But thats not learning. Thats not critical thinking. Thats just remembering.

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In 2017, Louisiana passed a new law requiring cursive to be part of public school curriculums. Pro-cursive laws are also in place in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.

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Jan. 29GRAND FORKS  Local officials expressed relief after the White House backed down on an order to halt trillions of dollars in federal support.

The Trump administration on Wednesday

rescinded

a budget office memo calling for a spending freeze on federal grants and loans less than 24 hours after the order was blocked by a federal judge.

The broadly written memo, issued Monday, generated widespread confusion as federal agencies attempted to parse out what of their funding to halt and state and local entities waited anxiously to find out whether the flow of federal dollars would be interrupted.

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In Grand Forks, the White House order threatened to disrupt construction projects, university research, public transportation, plans to expand air service at Grand Forks International Airport and local efforts to combat homelessness.

"I still don't understand the full intention of what the memo meant to do, so I'm glad they took a second to reassess their approach," said Brandon Baumbach, business manager at Grand Forks Public Schools.

A little more than 10% of the school district's funding  more than $14 million  is set to come from federal sources this year.

An Education Department spokesperson clarified Tuesday the funding freeze would not affect formula funding for low-income students, special education and the cost of operating the Grand Forks Air Force Base school district.

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That still left millions in funding up in the air, including a promised 80/20 federal match

to build a new Nathan Twining Elementary and Middle School

on the air base.

After learning of the funding freeze, the district business office on Tuesday attempted to request a partial reimbursement for around $650,000 of design work on the base school, only to find themselves unable to submit the request through an online portal.

Medicaid and Head Start providers nationwide reported similar difficulties accessing online federal reimbursement portals Tuesday, even though the White House later clarified those programs were supposed to be exempted. In Grand Forks, Head Start did not experience the disruption, according to Tracey Johnson, director of the local program.

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Baumbach said he planned to review discretionary grants received by the district and assess the likelihood they could be subject to a future hold by the Trump administration.

"We're aware of some of the administration's thinking, so that will guide our own analysis and what we should be thinking about going forward," Baumbach said. "It alarmed us, and so it had our attention, and now it has our attention."

The original memo, from the Office of Management and Budget, purported to target "Marxist equity, transgenderism, and green new deal social engineering policies."

City Administrator Todd Feland said federal funds pay for half of the city's operating costs for public transportation, which it receives via reimbursement in a similar manner to the school district.

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He said a protracted hold on federal funds could have disrupted summer road projects the city had not yet bid out as well as the

$99 million expansion of the city's wastewater treatment plant.

"If there was a long delay, we would have missed construction season," Feland said.

It could have also delayed

plans to add a new air carrier

at Grand Forks International Airport, since the city has not yet received the $1 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation to fund start-up costs.

Some were still parsing out the expected impact of the White House memo when it was rescinded.

Grand Forks Public Health Director Tess Wall said her agency spent much of the last two days conferring with the state Department of Health and Human Services, which distributes federal dollars to local public health agencies like Grand Forks'.

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"It was a lot of waiting for clarity on specifics," Wall said. "There really wasn't enough information to make any action."

Around 39% of Grand Forks Public Health's funding comes from the federal government, Wall said, and pays for programs like chronic disease support, early screenings for breast and cervical cancer, and its tuberculosis program.

Grand Forks County officials had been working to determine if the freeze would affect the county Emergency Management Office or one of its Defense Department grants, County Administrator Tom Ford told the Herald in a Tuesday text message.

As of Wednesday morning, UND administrators were still parsing through programs that could have been affected by the wide-ranging order.

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The Trump order had been expected to disrupt research grants from agencies like the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation.

Scott Snyder, vice president of research and economic development, told the Herald on Wednesday morning he'd received "relatively vague" messages from the NSF and the Department of Energy, and nothing from the NIH.

The Trump administration

ordered federal health agencies to pause all external communications

last week, which Snyder noted had almost certainly contributed to the lack of a response from the NIH.

UND had around $66 million in federal research expenditures during its 2023 fiscal year. Federal grants and contracts totaled more than $104 million for the university last year, according to Finance and Operations VP Karla Mongeon-Stewart.

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A statement attributed to university spokesperson Meloney Linder said UND was "pleased" to hear the freeze order had been rescinded and that the university would continue to monitor the situation.

Derek Sporbert, director of UND's TRIO programs, had expected the federally-funded programs for low-income and first-generation students to shut down in a matter of weeks if the funding hold was not resolved.

He told the Herald in a text message he was "relieved" the memo had been rescinded and that the situation emphasized the need to work with lawmakers to ensure the program's future.

"Our ND legislators have always fiercely defended and supported TRIO in our area, and we realize that we work with students from all backgrounds and life situation(s) much broader than the scope of DEI or other types of programs," Sporbert wrote.

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The Monday budget memo explicitly mentioned DEI, or diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, which the Trump administration described as "illegal and immoral" in a Jan. 20 executive order.

A hold on federal funds could have also disrupted efforts to confront homelessness in Grand Forks, to which the city has allocated much of its recent Community Development Block Grant funding.

City Council's Committee of the Whole signed off on allocating CDBG capital funds to update the fire alarm system at Northlands Rescue Mission this week, Executive Director Sue Shirek noted.

Many homeless providers in North Dakota had been unable to access funding while the freeze was in effect, Shirek said, which threatened to disrupt support to already vulnerable people.

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United Way Executive Director Heather Novak said the nonprofit is banking on $195,000 in CDBG funds to cover security and energy efficiency improvements to two apartment complexes the nonprofit recently purchased to house homeless families.

Paying that out-of-pocket would mean less funding toward United Way's family assistance programs. The nonprofit is also worried about funding disruptions for the rental assistance and utility assistance it issues to keep struggling families from becoming homeless in the first place.

Novak remains concerned how long the status quo would hold.

"Right now, everything is changing so rapidly that you're kind of just a sitting duck," she said. "We're waiting to hear what's going to happen, and we'll pivot any way that things move."
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  A West Michigan nonprofit that helps refugees is concerned about a Trump administration order to halt the countrys refugee resettlement program.

Refugee resettlement agencies scramble after Trump orders them to halt their federally funded work

Treetops Collective does not provide resettlement directly, but the nonprofit helps refugees once they are here.

Amina Mukhtar fled Somalia in the late 90s and moved to the U.S. in 2001 through a program that allowed her family to legally resettle.

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She now works to help other refugees integrate into society and find housing with the Grand Rapids-based nonprofit Treetops Collective.

How I feel about what is happening right now is a lot of worries and a lot of uncomfort, Mukhtar said. We help members and community members to find a home and make this a place like they belong and that theyre welcomed, no matter what background they come with, religion, culture.

Trump administration cancels travel for refugees already cleared to come to America

Mukhtar says there has been a lot of confusion and concern about what the order to suspend the resettlement program will mean.

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For the members we have been working with who have been waiting on some approvals for their cases, whether they filed asylee or they were helping to bring family members  the hope and the dreams that they had right now, its like on pause, Mukhtar said.

The organization helps refugees become self-sufficient and provides leadership training.

Individuals who have come as refugees through refugee resettlement only had support from like the first 90 days really intensively and had a harder time getting connected to people and opportunities, and so we really wanted to be kind of that bridge, said Treetops Executive Director Tarah Carnahan.

Trump White House rescinds memo freezing federal grants after widespread confusion

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Carnahan says they are working to talk to elected leaders to advocate for the resettlement program to be reinstated.

I think its unfortunate and causes confusion, because we have eliminated the two legal pathways for people who are seeking refuge in our country, Carnahan said.

The uncertainty surrounding the program and if it will resume has been a challenge for the organization and the refugees it helps.

For us not to have answers for them, its hard. Its very challenging, Mukhtar said.

The nonprofit also receives federal grants and is concerned about the future of that funding.

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JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)  While Cyra Bullocks grandmother Wilma West was hospitalized at the Johnson City Medical Center (JCMC), a nurse allegedly used her debit card to make fraudulent charges. Now, Bullock is speaking out about how this situation was allowed to happen.

West was fighting fibrosis, blood clots, COVID-19 and pneumonia all at the same time while hospitalized at JCMC. That is when she received a call from Northeast Tennessee Credit Union about strange charges on her debit card.

PREVIOUS: Nurse arrested after allegedly stealing from Johnson City Medical Center patient

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Bullock was able to find where the charges came from.

We were able to get the order number for the American Eagle purchase from Northeast Credit Union, Bullock said. So I took the order number from them and then got in contact with American Eagle and was able to get the transaction which had the card used as Wilma West, who is my grandmother. Then the shipping address had Charlottes [Nangca] name on it.

Screenshot of American Eagle transaction using Wilma Wests card. (Credit: Cyra Bullock)

Charlotte Nangca, a nurse at JCMC at the time, reportedly used Wests card to purchase items from American Eagle, Door Dash and Zara for $1,086.

Nangca has since been fired, arrested and charged with attempted credit card fraud and identity theft.

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News Channel 11 was able to find records of Nangcas nursing license in Vermont being suspended. According to The Vermont State Board of Nursing, Nangca used a patients checkbook to write herself a check for $1,200.

When we reached out to the Vermont Secretary of States office, their chief of staff informed us these records were not made public until December 2024.

Ballad Health hired Nangca in September of 2024. She failed to self-report this prior incident.

2024-137-Charlotte-Nangca-Signed-Order_20241210T00Download

Its just crazy to me that when she did that in Vermont and it was reported to the nursing board, that didnt transfer over to Tennessee, Bullock said. Like its hard to believe that you can go from one state to another and just not have that carry over with you. Its like, how are you still practicing with your nursing license after youve done this before, just because it was a different state?

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News Channel 11 also reached out to the Tennessee Department of Health about why Nangca was able to practice in the state. The department could not provide additional details, citing a Tennessee Code that keeps this confidential until formal charges are filed.

Specifically, Tennessee law provides that, materials, documents and other matters related to, compiled or created pursuant to, an investigation conducted by or on behalf of the department are confidential and not a public recordbefore formal disciplinary charges are filed against the provider. See Tenn. Code Ann., 63-1-117(f)(1)-(6).  TN Dept. of Health

Bullock advises family members of those who have loved ones in medical facilities to take their valuable items home.

I feel like I could have probably taken her purse and debit card and stuff, Bullock said. I think people just need to be more aware of that. Its difficult in the moment, though, because you think that you can trust nursing professionals to take care of your loved one. Its not really something you think about, but I think its important if you have someone in a facility to take their personal stuff home with them.

Bullock is a home health nurse herself, so this situation is striking coming from her line of work.

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It blows my mind because, you know, I take care of people all the time, she said. I would just never think to do something like that to somebody. Like, I want the best for all of my patients. It just would never cross my mind.

Bullock is pleased with Ballad Healths actions since they learned of the fraudulent charges. Nangca has been terminated and Ballad will report the matter to her professional regulatory board.

She [my grandmother] was kind of scared that before Charlotte got arrested she might try to come into her room or something, Bullock said. Ballad moved her room a couple different times just to make sure that she felt safe.

She wasnt very angry at Charlotte, which is like, crazy to me because I was like, I just dont know. I dont know how she has that much kindness towards this person after all that, Bullock said.

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Bullock said this situation meant more to her family than just stolen money as her grandmother was diagnosed with fibrosis last year and given six months to a year to live.

Its already hard enough to deal with losing someone and knowing youre going to lose them, Bullock said. But then to have to go through something like this on top of it, its like youre not taking just money away from a patient. Youre taking literally precious time and some of our last moments together.

West has been released from JCMC and is now home recovering.

Bullock said American Eagle has refunded her grandmothers funds, but they are still waiting to get money back from the other companies.

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CHICAGO  The landmark federal corruption trial involving former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and political confidante Michael McClain is winding down.

Since early October, a jury of eight women, four men, and four alternates have heard testimony from almost 60 witnesses, listened to and watched close to 150 wiretapped calls and secretly recorded videos, and heard hours of arguments from prosecutors and defense attorneys for both men.

The government presented its rebuttal Wednesday following several long days of closing arguments, and the case was then handed over to the jury around 3:15 p.m. to begin deliberating.

PREVIOUS: Defense wraps up closing arguments in Madigan trial; prosecutors to rebuttal

Jurors, who have been credited by Judge John Robert Blakey throughout the trial as being inquisitive and thorough, had several questions before adjourning for the day around 4:30 p.m. They wrote a note to the judge  how they communicate  asking for more pens and highlighters and then asked who they could designate as an emergency contact should their families need to get in touch with them during deliberations.

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Another juror inquired about coming in early Friday to take a work-related call in a separate room at 9:30 a.m.

The jury was given more than 100 pages of instructions and will now be tasked with deciding the fate of the 82-year-old, whose time in politics earned him nicknames including the Velvet Hammer and Sphinx, along with his 77-year-old co-defendant and former friend.

The 23-count, 106-page indictment charging Madigan and McClain with corruption-related crimes came down in 2022, more than two years before the federal trial began in early October. McClain faces six counts, including racketeering conspiracy, two counts of wire fraud, and one count each of bribery, travel act, and conspiracy, while Madigan is charged in all 23 counts.

The lengthy indictment and the case presented by the government details five alleged schemes related to ComEd, AT&T Illinois, Union West, a Chinatown parcel, and a board seat for former 13th Ward Ald. Danny Solis.

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Throughout the trial, prosecutors have alleged Madigan ran his political operations like a criminal enterprise with the intention of increasing power and profit for himself and his allies. That so-called enterprise, prosecutors said, was made up of the office of the ex-speaker, the 13th Ward democratic organization, and the Madigan & Getzendanner law firm.

On Wednesday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Amarjeet Bhachu showed jurors McClains handwritten retirement letter to Madigan, which read the ex-speaker had his hand on the rudder.

He also had something else in his hand. He had the trust that was placed in him by each and every member of the public. Mr. Madigan abused that trust. He lost his way. He was blinded by profit, by power, and by his desire to stay in power, said Bhachu.

As Bhachu was preparing to wrap his remarks, he spoke again to jurors about both defendants.

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These folks are not playing checkers, they are playing chess, and the two of them are grandmasters at corruption, said Bhachu.

Bhachu told the jury the charges in the indictment were not a product of myth or imagination, and accused Madigan of lying about his alleged involvement in the ComEd scheme on the witness stand earlier in the month to evade conviction.

Federal investigators allege, over a period of more than eight years, Madigan, McClain, and associates accepted around $1.3 million in bribes and other benefits in exchange for official actions. On Wednesday, prosecutors scoffed at the arguments by both defense counsels that their clients did nothing illegal.

While prosecutors claim Madigan, the often-elusive politician and longest-serving state house speaker in American history, used influence for personal and professional gain, they also argue McClain was not freelancing or going rogue, and called it a coordinated effort.

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As prosecutors laid out their closing arguments, they continuously focused on two words, power and profit.

This showed you Madigan had power, he could do what he wanted, and he used McClain to carry it out, Assistant States Attorney Diane MacArthur said. They talked constantly. They met regularly. They supported each other. They performed their own roles, sometimes the same, sometimes a little different. One gave the orders, and one executed them.

PREVIOUS: Madigan defense attacks credibility of star witness, former Chicago alderman in closing arguments

McClain even identified himself as an agent of Madigan, per one audio recording played last week during closing arguments.

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One of the people Madigan allegedly used to gain private business for his law firm from was Solis, the governments star witness. Solis, who agreed to cooperate with the feds, started wearing a wire in 2016, capturing his private conversations with Madigan and others.

Prosecutors have focused highly on Solis relationship with Madigan. Madigan, the government argued, initially agreed to pursue a state board appointment for Solis, not for the good of the people he serves, but for personal gain for his private law firm, Madigan & Getzendanner.

Seven of the 23 counts in the indictment are related to the allegations involving the state board appointment and Solis, who was the focus of closing arguments earlier in the week by the Madigan defense team.

Attorney Daniel Collins called Solis a malignant tumor in the heart of this case.

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Jurors will now weigh all the evidence, including email and phone communications, video and audio recordings, financial transactions, and more, to decide whether the defendants will be found guilty or not guilty.

While prosecutors have called Madigans testimony into question, if jurors find it to be credible, it could have an impact on the governments case, legal experts said.

It is not clear how many days the jury will deliberate for. The looming verdict puts an end to a lengthy trial and will give a clearer picture of what the future holds for the two men at the center of it.

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The entrance to a homeless camping site in Grants Pass that city officials shut down in January 2025. Disability advocates and homeless residents are suing Grants Pass to get the city's homeless camping restrictions changed. (Photo courtesy of Oregon Law Center)

Two advocacy groups and five homeless people sued Grants Pass on Thursday in a bid to force the southern Oregon city to change its restrictions on homeless camping that put people with disabilities and others in peril.

Disability Rights Oregon and the Oregon Law Center filed the emergency lawsuit in Josephine County District Court. It seeks an immediate temporary restraining order that prohibits the city from enforcing its current ordinances and policies towards homeless people. The city has limited homeless people sleeping outside to just one site, which is overcrowded and lacks drinking water. It also forces people, including those with disabilities, to pack up their tent and leave at 7 a.m. each morning before returning at 5 p.m., the lawsuit said. Violators face $75 citations.

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The lawsuit comes almost seven months to the day after after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the city can impose criminal penalties on illegal homeless camping without violating constitutional provisions against cruel and unusual punishment.

The new case argues that Grants Pass does not follow requirements in Oregon state law. Last year, after the Supreme Court ruling, city officials designated two sites for homeless people to camp in August.

On Jan. 7, city officials decided to close the larger of two designated camping sites, which held about 120 tents. Only one site remains that can have about 30 tent sites at any time. And now, tents can only be there from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. each day.

Putting the lives of people with disabilities at risk in the dead of winter because they dont have housing is cruel and illegal, said Jake Cornett, executive director & CEO of Disability Rights Oregon. Without adequate shelter space available, forcing a person in a wheelchair or someone with a chronic illness to pack and move their belongings daily is not just impossible, its inhumane. Grants Passs dangerous actions must be stopped.

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Grants Pass city officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit.

The lawsuit alleges the citys policies violate state laws that prohibit discrimination based on disability. It seeks a temporary restraining order and permanent injunction that prohibits the city from enforcing its current ordinances for homeless camping. The lawsuit, if successful for plaintiffs, would force the city to adopt new ordinances that regulate camping and sleeping by homeless in a different way, with fewer restrictions and impacts.

For the homeless people named in the lawsuit, the impacts of the citys policies are acute.

Jeffrey Dickerson, a homeless man in Grants Pass, stands outside the citys designated homeless camping site on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. Dickerson and four other homeless people are suing Grants Pass for its camping restrictions. (Photo courtesy of the Oregon Law Center)

Im a human being

One of them is Janine Harris, 57, who suffers from arthritis, vertigo and chronic headaches. For years, she worked as a caregiver until health problems made her physically unable to do so.

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Homeless now for four years, arthritis in her hips and knees forces her to use a cane.

Im not afraid of work, she said. I just cant do it anymore. Im physically unable to do it anymore.

She is too weak to carry anything and has to use a wagon to cart her belongings around.

She never knows where she is going to stay.

To set up her tent, which is in storage, would take her an hour, so shes more inclined to sleep without it.

With my luck, itd probably just be best to open up my cot and put the blankets on and pray I get no rain, she said in an interview.

She asks Oregonians to remember people like her, who fell into homelessness through no fault of their own.

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I just want people to realize that Im not a monster, she said. Im a human being, and I have a right to be treated as one. I put my dues in. Ive worked my ass off.

Another plaintiff is Jeffrey Dickerson, 57, who worked in construction until 2006, when an aneurysm sidelined him and ended his career. Since then, he has bounced from homelessness on the streets, living with a friend and renting a room. With a $967 Social Security disability check each month, he cannot find an affordable place to live and has been homeless, most recently, for nearly a year.

He has chronic nerve pain in his hands and feet, arthritis in his neck and walks with a cane. Once, his cane was stolen when he left it outside his tent.

At the campsite, he awoke one morning ahead of the 7 a.m. deadline to pack up and found his tents zipper was frozen shut. He had to break it to get out. Outside the tent, he has to walk with his cane over gravel to reach the portable toilet.

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He no longer has a tent and carries an olive green backpack. He keeps his sleeping bag stowed away out of sight.

At night, he looks for somewhere to sleep, often outside the campsite.

I dont see how they could let that happen, he said. Its inhumane.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  A man says he was left to die after being stabbed more than a dozen times earlier this month by his girlfriends father.

24-year-old Jonathan Washington was walking home from his girlfriends house when he was hit by a truck and nearly stabbed to death.

Mitchell Yoder is behind bars after police say he attacked Washington earlier this month.

Mitchell Yode. Photo: Oklahoma County Detention Center.

I was was walking home to my grandmothers house like I do every night, and Im walking on the median right here, said Washington. A white pickup truck just rams into me real hard, and it broke my ankle. I couldnt walk.

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Former police officer found guilty of child sex abuse

Washington collapsed and allegedly beaten and stabbed by two men, including Yoder, his girlfriends father.

Washington said his wounds were so severe, his intestines were hanging outside of his body. He was allegedly stabbed 17 times.

One of Washingtons wounds. Photo KFOR.

They said I was a miracle because they had got me on my neck, they had got me on my chest, but they had just missed my heart, said Washington.

Washington believes he was attacked because he and his girlfriend got into a verbal argument that day.

Court records detail his girlfriend punching him in the face. Washington said he hit back, in an attempt to defend himself.

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Washington said he remembers laying on the ground and not being able to breathe before being rushed to a hospital for emergency surgery.

Yoder has a long criminal record, including an arrest last summer for aggravated assault and battery.

Washington said he never expected an incident like this to happen to him.

Im real grateful because I could have lost my life behind just a regular old relationship. So, yeah, Im real grateful to be alive, said Washington.

The second man that was with Yoder has not been identified.

Washington says he is no longer dating the woman and is focused on recovering.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
DES MOINES, Iowa  Its not every day the State Treasurer gives something back, but an Iowa family received a treasure Wednesday at the State Capitol.

A safety deposit box belonging to a man named Garold Hayes that contained a Purple Heart was turned over to the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt. In an effort to return it, the department tracked down his next of kin, a cousin named Nancy.

Where is central Iowas snow this winter?

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State Treasurer Roby Smith says this is something he was proud to give back.

I knew the family was going to be here, I didnt know we were going to have like 15. It was like a family reunion. So it just shows you, I mean its the Purple Heart, theyre here to celebrate that life, that service. And here in Iowa, we celebrate people that serve our country and this is our way of saying thank you in some small way for the sacrifice they gave for our country, said Smith.

The state has another Purple Heart to return to the family of Herman Eggers of Waterloo.

You can check whether you have any unclaimed property that has been turned over to the State Treasurers Office at the Great Iowa Treasure Hunts website.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A new luxury outlet mall is coming to Williamson County.

The new outlet mall is coming to Thompsons Station, which sits just south of Cool Springs and north of Spring Hill. Plans for the mall, called Nashville Premium Outlets, include 75 retailers, restaurants and a hotel. Additionally, there is the potential to add residential options, big-box retailers and more.

Sumner County launches survey for future growth in unincorporated areas

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The outlet mall will be located at the intersection of Interstate 65 and Interstate 840. Thompsons Stations mayor, Brian Stover, told News 2 the development represents a major investment in the communitys future.



For the town what this means is increased sales tax revenue that will help our town grow, Stover said. Were setting forth on the guidance that we are trying to create our first police department ever in the town, so this revenue will help us generate thatSales tax revenue is what we live off of in this town.

Stover said that sales tax revenue is needed to support a growing population. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau showed an estimated population for the town of 8,580 in 2023. That number is up from the 2020 population count of 7,485.

Real estate owner and developer Simon is behind the project. AS of publication, the company owns and operates both Opry Mills and The Mall at Green Hills. Developers said theyre still in the concept stage of the project

We chose the location because its on the interstate, Simons president of development, Mark Silvestri, said. These types of sites are ideal for a regional attraction like this.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Construction on the 325,000-square-foot mixed-use space is expected to begin in 2026 and will possibly open around early 2027.

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Any time you have a business come in that will allow for new jobs and create a place where people dont have to commute so far to go to work, its a great opportunity for us all, Stover said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP)  Greece arrested a Turkish man after discovering dozens of firearms and other weapons stashed on his boat when he fell ill and lost control of the vessel, authorities said Thursday.

The coast guard said they responded to reports Tuesday of a motorized boat drifting outside the port of Alexandroupolis, near Greeces border with Turkey.

Officers discovered 61 firearms aboard, including handguns, pistols and automatic rifles, along with silencers and nearly 3,000 rounds of ammunition, some of military grade.

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A 55-year-old suspect remains hospitalized under police guard. He was arrested on charges of illegally importing, smuggling, transporting and possessing weapons and ammunition with intent to distribute them for criminal purposes, authorities said.

The boat has been seized and brought ashore for inspection, Greek authorities said.
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP)  Greensboro police are investigating a reported death at the Guilford County Courthouse, according to a news release.

At 5:26 p.m. Wednesday, police responded to the address of the Guilford County Courthouse, located at 201 S. Eugene St.

Officers have described the case as a death investigation.

Police say the investigation is ongoing and did not immediately release additional details.

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Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Greensboro/Guilford Crime Stoppers at (336) 373-1000. Citizens can also download the mobile P3tips app for Apple or Android phones to submit a mobile tip, or go to P3tips.com to submit a web tip. All tips to Crime Stoppers are completely anonymous.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP.
ST. CLAIR TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WKBN)  The family of 4-year-old Rosalie Martin, the young girl tragically caught in the crossfire in an officer-involved shooting in St. Clair Township, is talking publicly for the first time since the tragic incident.

Rosalies father, Jessel Martin, received a portrait of his daughter Wednesday from a local artist who makes it his mission to help those who have experienced tragedy.

Martin called the artwork of artist Ron Mooore Jr. a perfect representation of the spirit of Rosalie.

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I love that heart detail along with the half moon. She really loved looking at the moon at night, Martin said.



A week ago, Rosalie was sitting at the dentists office when she was struck by a stray bullet fired in an officer-involved shooting in St. Clair Township. Tragically, she passed away, leaving a family ripped apart.

She was very sweet, very playful, always outgoing. She was the life of the party, Martin said.

From the moment Moore heard the news about the tragedy, he began sketching out a plan, a portrait of young Rosalie that he would later gift to the family.

Those gifts that we have like art are gifts from God, and were told to use those gifts to bless other people, Moore said.



Moores portrait helps ensure Rosalies memory wont ever be erased, taking hours to complete and including subtle details he hopes captures the essence of the young girls spirit.

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I tried to capture her beautiful smile. The smile of a child is 100% sincere, Moore said.

Moore has often felt compelled in the past to draw during a dark time, often utilizing art as a way to connect and help the healing process.

They may not know it today or tomorrow or six months down the road, but one day theyre going to look at that portrait and know that somebody loved me enough to do this, Moore said.



Moore also provided a handful of other prints for Rosalies siblings and other family members, signing each with a pink metallic pen  Rosalies favorite color.

I dont believe that theres such a thing as enough love, Moore said. If we think we love someone enough, love them a little bit more.

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Rosalies father is very appreciative of the artwork and the outpouring of support from the community, sharing what hell always remember about his little girl.

Ill miss her laugh. It was a really infectious laugh, really joyful all the time, Martin said.

He is still not able to talk about what happened.

Meanwhile, Detective Dakota Wetzel, who was injured in the shooting remains in a Pittsburgh hospital. His family is posting on social media that he no longer has a breathing tube and is responding to commands, but he has a long road to recovery.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Groton  The Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday unanimously approved a special permit and site plan for two new buildings at the Fairview retirement community at 235 Lestertown Road.

The plans calls for a 165,000-square-foot building called Vista Point with 175 independent living units, 44 assisted living units, and 28 memory care units, as well as a 12,000-square-foot building, called The Horizon, with 18 independent living units. The plans also call for amenities, including an aquatic center and wellness and fitness areas at the Vista Point building.

Bill Sweeney, an attorney representing Fairview, said the expansion will provide much-needed housing opportunities for senior citizens and a place where they can age in place with dignity.

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In approving the special permit, the commission stipulated that construction trucks must access and leave the site through Horizon Drive, off Military Highway, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and in coordination with the town's traffic authority. A study of archeologically sensitive areas should be submitted to the State Historic Preservation Office and the town prior to construction.

The commission also approved eliminating a potential sidewalk on Military Highway and Lestertown Road. The commission said rights of way make it difficult to install sidewalks, and the town's bicycle, pedestrian and trails master plan does not recommend sidewalks along those roads.

Sweeney said Groton Utilities and the Department of Public Works have said there is adequate water and sewer capacity for the development.

Chris McClean, a professional engineer, presented additional traffic information that between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., there are about 100 to 300 cars per hour at two intersections  Lestertown Road/ Odd Fellows Home Road and Military Highway/Horizon Drive. The expansion would add between 30 to 60 cars an hour at each intersection.

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Amy Kittrell, a resident of Lestertown Road, asked if anything could be done to mitigate, after construction, the amount of tractor trailers, delivery vehicles and garbage trucks coming down Lestertown Road, or create a permanent entrance on Military Highway for large vehicles.

Sweeney, who said he is happy to continue working with the neighbors if he can accommodate them, said it's the town's traffic authority that has jurisdiction over Military Highway, which does not allow trucks.

In response to a question from the commission, Deb Jones, the town's assistant director of planning and development services, said the town could ask the traffic authority about an exception for Fairview.

k.drelich@theday.com
As we approach the mid-point of winter, one tradition captures the attention of millions of Americans every year.

It's watching to see the answers to the age-old questions, "Will Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow, or won't he? Will we have six more weeks of winter, or won't we?"

Put on the map by the 1993 Bill Murray film where a TV weatherman finds himself reliving the same day over and over again, forced to report on the annual celebration time and again, Groundhog Day takes place in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania every year at Gobblers Knob.

When is Groundhog Day 2025?

Groundhog Day will take place Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025. Thousands will show up in person, with the grounds to Gobblers Knob opening at 4 a.m., and millions will tune in to see if Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow.

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More: Where to watch Bill Murray's 1993 classic movie 'Groundhog Day' for Groundhog Day

What is Groundhog Day?

Groundhog Day is a tradition that has taken place annually in the town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania since Feb. 2, 1987.

A groundhog, also known as a woodchuck, is brought out at sunrise to make a prediction on how the remaining winter will play out.

The "Inner Circle" of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club plans the ceremony and events each year, as well as cares for and feeds Punxsutawney Phil.

What happens if the groundhog sees his shadow?

If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, he predicts six more weeks of winter. If he doesn't, he predicts an early spring.

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But, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Phil has only gotten it right about 40% of the time in the last 10 years.

In Phil's defense, the NOAA said predicting the arrival of spring for the entire United States is difficult indeed.

Why does PETA want Punxsutawney Phil sent to a sanctuary?

In a letter sent last week to Tom Dunkel, the Punxsutawney Groundhog Clubs president, PETA expressed concerns that the groundhog is being cruelly exploited for publicity.

If the Inner Circle agreed to send the animal to a sanctuary, PETA offered to send the organization a "weather reveal" cake to replace Phil's prediction by revealing a blue cake for more winter and pink for an early spring.

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"When allowed to be themselves, groundhogs avoid humans, create intricate networks of underground burrows, communicate with one another, and even climb trees, but poor Phil is denied all of that for a tired old gimmick," PETA President Ingrid Newkirk said in a statement.

It's not the first year PETA has made such an offer  in years past offering to send a giant coin for the Inner Circle to flip, send a human volunteer to live in his enclosure and make the annual winter prediction, or replace the groundhog with a persimmon tree and an animatronic groundhog.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: When is Groundhog Day 2025? What happens if groundhog sees his shadow?
Everyone will be waiting on the edge of their seats on Sunday morning when, according to legend, the notorious groundhog forecaster, Punxsutawney Phil, will predict whether spring is around the corner or if we have to trudge through six more weeks of winter.

Unfortunately, the famous rodent doesnt forecast for his own big day - so, youre stuck with us.

Here's the forecast for Sunday morning: Cloudy conditions and chilly temperatures around 20 degrees are expected in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, when Phil makes his prediction around 7:08 a.m. ET.

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This is good news for those tired of the brutal winter we have seen this year. The lack of direct sunlight as a result of the cloudy skies would imply Phil is unlikely to see his shadow, and we are headed for an early start to spring.

However, if the groundhog does see his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter rather than above average temperatures, according to legend.

Forecast for 7 a.m. Sunday morning in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania

To see or not to see? Seeing his shadow is more likely. Punxsutawney Phil has seen his shadow about five times more often than he hasn't, based on historical records. However, last year did not fall in line with the norm.

Phil has now seen his shadow 107 times, with no shadow 21 times (10 years of data are missing), according to records from NOAA dating back to 1887.

Should meteorologists be worried about Phils forecasting prowess? The answer - thankfully - is no. Overall, the groundhog is not very accurate, and NOAA said Punxsutawney Phil has "no predictive skill."

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Of course, even the organizers of the annual Groundhog Day event in western Pennsylvania acknowledge that turning to a large rodent for weather forecasting is mostly a way to break up winter monotony.

Phil's accuracy was just 35% from 2005 to 2024, according to data compiled by NOAA.

However, last year's declaration of an early spring was a pretty accurate prediction. Much of the country saw above average temperatures, including Phils hometown state, in February and March.

According to the recent outlook from The Weather Company and Atmospheric G2, warmer-than-average temperatures are expected to invade much of the U.S. for the rest of winter and early spring this year. So well see if Phil agrees.

Here's when Groundhog Day began: The first mention of Groundhog Day came in 1886 in Punxsutawney.

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Over the years, several other locations have begun using their own groundhog, including General Beauregard Lee of Atlanta, Dunkirk Dave of Dunkirk, New York, and Jimmy of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.

Caitlin Kaiser graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with both an undergraduate and graduate degree in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences before starting her career as a digital meteorologist with weather.com.
NORTHEAST OKLAHOMA  The high number of school instructors and students absent from school due to sickness has prompted four local schools to close for the remainder of the week, allowing schools to clean and sanitize classrooms.

Grove, Jay, and Miami school districts are participating in virtual learning on Thursday and Friday. The Afton School District is also canceling classes, but school officials said it is not a virtual learning day.

All extracurricular activities at Grove, including the regional science fair, will continue as originally scheduled.

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Wrestling for Jay Junior High and High School scheduled for Wednesday will go as planned initially. All Jays after-school and junior high activities are canceled for Thursday and Friday. High school activities will continue to be monitored and evaluated for the remainder of this week.

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The head of Haitis embattled presidential council says he believes that both a reform of the countrys constitution and general elections to put a legitimate government back in charge can take place before the end of the year.

Haiti last held elections in 2016, and hasnt had an elected president since the July 2021 assassination of Jovenel Moise.

Leslie Voltaire, the head of the Transitional Presidential Council, is envisioning a vote to restore democracy to Haiti with elections for a president, parliament and local mayors on Nov. 15.

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Voltaire made the declaration during interviews Wednesday with TV Monde 5 and France 24/Radio France Internationale while on a European tour, during which he met President Emmanuel Macron in Paris and Pope Francis at the Vatican.

Voltaire said he hopes to have a constitutional referendum voted on by April, and envisions the first round of general elections around Nov. 15. Runoffs, he said, would take place around mid-January of 2026 so that finally on February 7 there could be a legitimate government.

Under that election plan, the nine-member Provisional Electoral Council, responsible for organizing elections in Haiti, would prioritize voting in the regional departments currently not under the control of armed criminal groups.

I think that we will have elections in eight departments that are free of gangs; we will have the elections in the Artibonite, which is a quarter controlled by the gangs; we will have elections in half of Port-au-Prince, Voltaire said.

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He acknowledged the plan, amid Haitis turbulent gang violence and worsening humanitarian crisis, may be overly ambitious.

It is very quick, he told France 24 when journalists questioned the timetable. When the journalists raised the issue of continuing gang violence, Voltaire said the security situation is mainly in the metropolitan area.

A source on the electoral board told the Miami Herald that on Dec. 30 they forwarded a calendar proposing May 11 for the constitutional referendum and a budget. While they envision holding elections in November, they have yet to propose a specific date. Asked about whether any vote can take place in the current security environment, the electoral adviser said: Technically we will do all we need to do, but the security is in the hands of the government.

Voltaires assessment of Haitis ability to pull off a vote this year is in contrast to the view of the United Nations, which last week cast doubt on the nine-member presidential council being able to stage elections in time to restore democracy by February 2026. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the Security Council that political setbacks, fueled by corruption allegations involving three of Voltaires colleagues on the council, had opened the door to escalating gang violence and was endangering the election timeline.

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Simply put, the goal of restoring democratic institutions by February 2026 is in jeopardy, Guterres said in a report.

Gang members survey the husk of a police vehicle they set on fire during an attack on the local police station on Monday, which resulted in the deaths of two officers according to the gang. One member wears a duty vest stolen from a police officer.

During his interview with France 24, Voltaire dodged a question about the corruption allegations. The matter, he said, was before the justice system and he lacked the power to do anything about the three council members caught up in a bank bribery scandal. The accused council members, Smith Augustin, Louis Gerald Gilles and Emmanuel Vertilaire, have insisted on their innocence but have refused to respond to a summons from an investigative judge.

Gangs ongoing attacks

In November, Voltaire led the effort to oust of the prime minister after taking over the councils rotating presidency. The new government, led by Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime, has shown some progress in the filling of government positions, including naming a former head of police as secretary of state for public security. But authorities continue to struggle on the security and humanitarian fronts. Armed gangs prompted a Federal Aviation Administration ban on U.S. flights to Port-au-Prince after opening fire on three jetliners in November; theyve also shot up a U.S. Embassy van.

This week, gangs attacked downtown Port-au-Prince and farming communities in the mountains above the capital, cutting off the last remaining access to the south. The attacks left a trail of dead livestock and forced farmers to flee their burning homes in the Kenscoff area.

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Voltaire told France 24 that the gangs are retreating on certain fronts, thanks to the efforts of the Haiti National Police, the countrys fledgling army and the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support mission. The government, he said, is lobbying to increase the number of mission cops and soldiers, which now stands at less than 800.

Voltaires announcement about elections and his take on the security situation got immediate push-back in Port-au-Prince, where other politicians cast doubt on the possibility of holding a vote when the capital is still overrun by gangs.

Another world

Mr. Voltaire, you are in another world, your own world, lawyer Andre Michel, a member of the political coalition known as December 21 said on X.

He accused Voltaire of lying to France 24 and TV5 Mode when he said that armed gangs had retreated from Delmas 2, the stronghold of warlord Jimmy Barbecue Cherizier, and the Lower Artibonite region, the site of two massacres last year.

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The GANGS have rather gained ground in Haiti. They have conquered more territories than before, Michel said. The failure is total!

Michel and other political and civil society leaders have been insisting on a reconfiguration of the presidential council because of the corruption allegations and the escalating gang violence.

Earlier this week, members of December 21 and EDE, the party led by former Prime Minister Claude Joseph, asked that Cheriziers powerful Viv Ansanm gang coalition be designated as a terrorist organization by the Trump administration.

The request, sent to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, came after the two leaders and the head of former President Michel Martellys PHTK political party ignited a political firestorm after they included the gang coalition in a proposal to the 15-member Caribbean Community, CARICOM, on how to solve the ongoing political crisis. The letter listed Viv Ansanm as one of the groups that supports revamping the transition to replace council members.

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The inclusion of the gang coalition was seen as an endorsement of giving gangs a voice in the political discussions, which Michel has denied.

Haiti in the fourth year of a transition since Moises killing plunged the nation into an unprecedented wave of gang violence, and pressure to hold elections are expected to grow.

Beyond the overwhelming security concerns, there are steep logistical, and human resource challenges, for the government running the elections, the political parties campaigning and the voters. Elections will be extremely difficult this year, said Brian Concannon, executive director of the Boston-based Institute for Justice & Democracy in Haiti. But Haiti does need to have elections as soon as possible.

When people say there is not enough security to hold elections, I often bring up the U.S.s 1864 election, he said. The Civil Wars violence surpassed Haitis current violence by far, and much of the U.S. was not under government control. Many argued the election should be postponed. But Lincoln, although he initially thought he would lose, insisted that we needed to put the security question up to the voters. The election ended up being a referendum on the war, and the structure of the country after the war.

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Haitis last population census was 22 years ago in 2003, and though Voltaire says the electoral roll has about 7 million voters, no one can say with certainty where they are. The rampant gang violence has forced more than a million Haitians to flee their homes, and hundreds of thousands have also fled for the United States, Canada and elsewhere.

Once accounting for 60% of the electorate, the West regional department, where Port-au-Prince is located, and the Artibonite area are now flooded with gangs wielding military-grade weapons who control access in and out of neighborhoods and major highways.

Voltaire noted that in the last elections in 2016, Moise became president with 500,000 votes a figure that put his legitimacy in question and triggered an electoral crisis. If a new election is able to surpass that number, Voltaire said, then those elected will be much more legitimate than the presidential council, he said.

Robert Fatton, a retired political scientist from University of Virginia, said if Haiti were able to pull off any vote this year, it would be surprising.

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Armed groups have now gained autonomy from the powerful political and private actors who had initially funded and controlled them, said Fatton, speaking earlier in the day during a webinar on Haiti co-sponsored by the Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Center at Florida International University in Miami.

Fatton said the presidential council has been unable to re-establish state authority and is facing a crisis of legitimacy that endangers its very survival. Moreover, the incapacity of the [Kenya-led mission] to contain, let alone defeat, the gangs, has compounded the crisis.

As gangs continue to expand their domination of the metropolitan area, everyone is watch to see if the latest siege on Kenscoff will lead to a full-scale takeover of Port-au-Prince.

Haitians are increasingly doubtful that the [international mission] with its little force and inadequate arms, can create the conditions in which the council promises can be fulfilled, Fatton said.
Half of Poles believe that Ukraine should not be able to join NATO or the European Union without resolving the problematic issue of exhumations of victims of the Volyn tragedy. [The Volyn (Volhynia) tragedy was a series of events that led to the ethnic cleansing of the Polish and Ukrainian populations in 1943 during World War II. It was part of a long-standing rivalry between Ukrainians and Poles in what is now Ukraine's west. Poland considers the Volyn tragedy a genocide of Poles  ed.]

Source: results of an IBRiS survey for Rzeczpospolita, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Poles were asked whether Ukraine should become a member of NATO and the EU without resolving the issue of exhumations of victims of the Volyn tragedy.

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A total of 27.7% of respondents "strongly disagree" with Ukraine's accession to the EU and NATO without resolving this issue, and 22.5% "rather disagree" with this.

Rzeczpospolita adds that "the group that puts forward this condition is dominated by opposition supporters. These are mainly viewers of the Respublika TV channel".

Another 20.4% of respondents "rather agree" with Ukraine's accession to NATO and the EU, even if it doesnt resolve the issue of exhumations. 14.4% of respondents "strongly agree".

Among all respondents, 15% were undecided.

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The survey was conducted on 24 and 25 January 2025 using the CATI method on a sample of 1,071 people.

Background:

Polish presidential candidate Karol Nawrocki, supported by the largest opposition party Law and Justice, previously stated that he did not see Ukraine in either the EU or NATO.

"A country that cannot answer for a very brutal crime against 120,000 of its neighbours cannot be part of international alliances," Nawrocki said.

Instead, the mayor of Warsaw and the government's presidential candidate, Rafa Trzaskowski, supported Ukraine's membership in the EU and NATO.

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Palestinian terrorist groups released three Israeli and five Thai hostages from Gaza on Thursday, in the third hostage release since a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas went into effect earlier this month.



Arbel Yehud, 29, was taken hostage from her home in Kibbutz Nir Oz by a Palestinian Islamic Jihad cell. Gadi Moses, 80, an agronomist and vintner on Kibbutz Nir Oz, was also kidnapped from his home and was featured in a PIJ hostage video released by the group in December 2023.



Yehuds release comes days after disagreements over the order in which hostages would be released after Hamas freed four female IDF soldiers last week nearly led the fragile deal to collapse. According to the terms of the cease-fire and hostage-release agreement, civilian women were supposed to be released ahead of soldiers. Israel delayed implementing part of the cease-fire  allowing Palestinians to cross into northern Gaza  until it received assurances that Yehud would be freed on Thursday.



PIJ released a video of a tearful embrace between Moses and Yehud before they were released. Both appeared to be able to walk independently.



The terrorist group did not control the chaotic crush of Gazans surrounding the hostages on their way to Red Cross vehicles to betransfered to Israel.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the sight, aired on Israeli news channels, shocking and further proof of the incomprehensible cruelty of the Hamas terrorist organization. I demand that the mediators  Egypt and Qatar  ensure that such horrific sights will not be repeated and guarantee the safety of our hostages. Whoever hurts our hostages will be targeted, he warned.



In Israel, members of Kibbutz Nir Oz lined up their tractors and waved flags along the road so Yehud and Moses could see them as they made their way from the Gaza border.



Agam Berger, 20, was one of seven IDF lookouts taken by Hamas from the Nahal Oz military base on Oct. 7, 2023. The other four surviving lookouts were released on Saturday, leaving Berger alone with her captors for five days; one reportedly offered to stay behind with Agam but was not allowed to do so.



Hamas gave Berger fake IDF fatigues and Palestinian flag lanyard to wear and brought her on a stage, giving her a certificate before letting the Red Cross take her to Israel, repeating the display it arranged last week when the other four lookouts were released. Berger was reunited with the rest of the released lookouts at the Rabin Medical Center in Petach Tikvah, where they awaited her return.



Several hostages came out of Gaza with stories about Berger. In Nov. 2023 and earlier this month, girls and women emerged from captivity with elaborate hairstyles that Berger braided. Agam Goldstein-Almog, 18, a hostage released on Nov. 26, 2023, called Bergers father that day to pass along birthday wishes his daughter had sent from captivity. Released hostages also said that Berger observed Shabbat while she was in Gaza; her religious community in the Tel Aviv suburb of Holon were caught on Israeli news cameras singing Jewish songs and prayers and marching in the streets with a Torah scroll dedicated in Bergers name.



Five out of the six living Thai hostages, also taken hostage by PIJ, were released with Moses and Yehud on Thursday. Pongsak Thanna, Sathian Suwannakham, Watchara Sriaoun, Bannawat Seathao and Surasak Lamnao were freed earlier today.



In exchange for the hostages, Israel was expected to release 110 Palestinian prisoners, including terrorists who murdered Israelis  30 per Israeli civilian and 50 per Israeli soldier. Additional terrorists were not released for the Thai hostages and a side agreement is expected to be worked out between Bangkok and Hamas or PIJ via mediators, an Asian diplomat told Jewish Insider.



Three more Israeli hostages, who are elderly or wounded men, are set to be released on Saturday.




A live television broadcast shows Israeli soldier Agam Berger being handed over to the Red Cross by masked gunmen in the Gaza Strip.

In total, three Israelis are expected to be freed on Thursday, including German-Israelis Arbel Yehud and Gadi Moses.

Five Thai nationals that have also been held since October 7, 2023 are also set for release. Their identities were not immediately known.

The Times of Israel previously reported that the hostages are likely to be released at different times and locations.

In exchange, 110 Palestinians held in Israeli jails are set to be released.

Two rounds of releases have already taken place as part of an initial six-week ceasefire in Gaza.

Israelis celebrate as they watch a broadcast of the release of three hostages held captive in Gaza, as part of a ceasefire deal aimed at ending the war between Israel and Hamas. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa
KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP)  Eight more hostages were freed from the Gaza Strip by Hamas-led militants on Thursday in a sometimes chaotic process that briefly delayed Israel's release of 110 Palestinian prisoners and underscored the fragility of the ceasefire that began earlier this month.

The exchange of hostages for prisoners is a key part of a ceasefire agreement aimed at ending the deadliest and most destructive war ever fought between Israel and Hamas. Fifteen hostages and hundreds of prisoners have been released so far, and militants still hold dozens more hostages abducted in their Oct. 7, 2023, attack that ignited the war.

Also on Thursday, Hamas confirmed the death of Mohammed Deif, head of its military wing and one of the alleged masterminds of the Oct. 7 attack. Israel said six months ago he was killed in an airstrike in Gaza.

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Israelis rejoiced as images of the freed hostages reuniting with their families were shown live on TV  and then replayed throughout the day and night. In downtown Tel Aviv, crowds of people gathered outside the hospitals where hostages were taken to cheer  and cry  at the sight of the incoming ambulances.

Earlier, masked and armed militants freed three Israelis - after first parading them through unruly crowds in Gaza  as well as five Thai nationals, who were working on farms in southern Israel when the deadliest attack in the country's history took place.

There was a different joyous homecoming on the other side of the divide. Scores of Palestinians thronged the buses carrying released prisoners into the West Bank city of Ramallah. Some offered wreaths of flowers in the colors of the Palestinian flag and warm jackets to cover the men hoisted on the shoulders of supporters.

Shortly before, Palestinians threw stones outside the prison and Israeli forces fired tear gas in an effort to clear the area.

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Scenes of chaos as hostages are released

The release of prisoners came hours after militants in Gaza held off thousands of boisterous Palestinian onlookers as they handed hostages over to the Red Cross.

Hamas released seven of the hostages in front of the destroyed home of its slain leader, Yahya Sinwar, as crowds pressed in. The militant group called it a message of determination, but it nearly derailed this month's third swap of hostages for prisoners and triggered the latest in a series of disputes that have tested the durability of the truce.

The first hostage  female soldier Agam Berger, 20  was released after Hamas paraded her in front of a smaller crowd in the heavily destroyed urban Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza.

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Hours later, at a handover of the other seven in the southern city of Khan Younis, hundreds of militants from Hamas and the smaller Islamic Jihad group arrived with a convoy.

Footage showed hostage Arbel Yehoud, 29, looked stunned as masked militants hustled her through the shouting crowd, pushing people back. Also released were Gadi Moses, an 80-year-old man, and the five Thai laborers. Both Yehoud and Moses are dual German-Israeli nationals.

The scenes of the hostages being marched through seemingly hostile crowds in Gaza was unnerving for Israelis who became vicarious participants in the hostages ordeals. Netanyahu condemned the shocking scenes and called on international mediators to ensure the safety of hostages in future releases  a commitment he said he later received.

Israel identified the Thai hostages released as: Watchara Sriaoun, 33; Pongsak Thaenna, 36; Sathian Suwannakham, 35; Surasak Rumnao, 32; and Bannawat Saethao, 27. Thai officials said they appeared to be in good health.

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Yehoud had been at the center of a dispute earlier this week over the sequence in which the hostages would be released. Mediators from the United States, Egypt and Qatar resolved it with an agreement that Yehoud would be released with the others on Thursday.

About 20 of her friends gathered in southern Israel watched as the tense scene unfolded on live television. They cried after Yehoud was turned over to the Red Cross.

Moses looked stunned as he was led by Israeli soldiers to reunite with his family. Footage released by the Israeli military showed his relatives bursting into the room to embrace him. His daughter exclaimed repeatedly, my father, my father!

Prisoners released in the West Bank to throngs of well-wishers

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Among the Palestinian prisoners who were released, 30 were serving life sentences for deadly attacks against Israelis; seven were allowed to return to the occupied West Bank, but the rest were being transferred to Egypt before further deportation.

Palestinians view the prisoners released as heroes who have sacrificed for the cause of ending Israels decades-long occupation of lands they want for a future state.

As Red Cross buses approached, the families of Palestinian prisoners caught their first glimpses of their loved ones through the windshields, some shattered in the melee of stone-throwing and tear gas-firing.

Zakaria Zubeidi  a prominent former militant leader and theater director who took part in a dramatic jailbreak in 2021 before being rearrested days later  was beaming, wrapped in a Palestinian checkered keffiyeh and surrounded by whistling and cheering crowds. He wept as he pulled his relatives into hugs.

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The treatment in prison was harsh, but these masses of people made us forget the suffering of 22 years, said Ali Farajallah, who was released after 22 years behind bars for his role in attacks against Israelis.

Rights groups have described harsh treatment in Israeli jails since the Israel-Hamas war began.

Hamas confirms the death of a longtime leader

Arab television networks cut into livestreams of the Palestinian prisoner release to carry a press conference held by Hamas to confirm the death of Deif and four other members.

The confirmation dealt, at least symbolically, a powerful blow to the militant group, particularly since the elusive Deif was considered iconic among Hamas fighters for surviving multiple assassination attempts.

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Israel had previously announced each of the five deaths confirmed on Thursday.

Hamas' confirmation comes as the group reasserts itself as Gaza's dominant political force despite the Israeli militarys stated goal of destroying and dislodging it. Earlier this week, Hamas militants welcomed Palestinians returning home to northern Gaza.

Ceasefire holds for now but next phase will be harder

A total of 33 hostages will be released from Gaza in the first, six-week phase of the ceasefire, including women, children, older adults and sick or wounded men. Nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners will be freed in exchange. Israel says Hamas has confirmed that eight of the hostages to be released in this phase are dead.

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Israeli forces have pulled back from most of Gaza, allowing hundreds of thousands of people to return to what remains of their homes and humanitarian groups to surge assistance.

The deal calls for Israel and Hamas to negotiate a second phase in which Hamas would release the remaining hostages and the ceasefire would continue indefinitely. The war could resume in early March if an agreement is not reached.

Israel says it is still committed to destroying Hamas, even after the militant group reasserted its rule over Gaza within hours of the truce. A key far-right partner in Netanyahus coalition is already calling for the war to resume after the ceasefires first phase.

Hamas says it won't release the remaining hostages without an end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

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Tens of thousands killed

In the Oct. 7 attack that started the war, Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted around 250.

More than 47,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's ensuing air and ground war, over half of them women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not say how many of the dead were militants.

The Israeli military says it killed over 17,000 fighters, without providing evidence. It blames civilian deaths on Hamas because its fighters operate in dense residential neighborhoods and put military infrastructure near homes, schools and mosques.

___

Shurafa reported from Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, and DeBre from Jerusalem. Associated Press writers Sam Mednick in Tel Aviv, Israel, Natalie Melzer in Nahariya, Israel, and Joseph Krauss in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, contributed.

___

Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  A Hamden man was arrested after stealing a car and subsequently crashing into three other cars on Thursday, police said.

Police were called to Davenport Avenue and Orchard Street around 6:38 p.m., for a stolen car report of a Honda Accord that was taken when it was left running and unlocked, police said.

A rollover crash involving four cars, including a Honda Accord, was reported near Fitch Street and Crescent Street while police were investigating the theft.

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Man arrested for cutting person across the face in New Haven

Police said they located the Honda rolled over on Fitch Street. The suspect remained at the scene and was arrested. He was found to be at fault for the crash and stealing the car.

Minor injuries were reported in the crash, police said.

Hector Franco-Santiago, 34, was charged with larceny of a motor vehicle, reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, failure to maintain lane and driving too closely.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Minutes before she was bound and bundled into the back of a jeep bound for Gaza, Agam Berger borrowed a phone from her friend, Cpl Shirat Yam Amar.

Mum, theyre shooting at us. There are terrorists. Everyones crying, but Im not afraid, she said. Her family would have to wait 15 months before they next heard her voice.

Ms Berger, 20, the last Israeli military lookout still held by Hamas, was released on Thursday along with 29-year-old female civilian Arbel Yehud and 80-year-old Gadi Moses and five Thai nationals.

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Cpl Amar was one of 15 female spotters to be killed when marauding Hamas militants ripped through Nahal Oz base on Oct 7, 2023.

Seven unarmed teenage female lookouts, who monitor surveillance footage for signs of suspicious activity, were taken hostage by the militants  most while still wearing their pyjamas.

Lookouts reported a build up of Hamas activity prior to the Oct 7 attacks

They included Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, all 20, and Liri Albag, 19, who were paraded in military garb by Hamas fighters on Saturday before being released in exchange for 200 Palestinian prisoners as part of the ceasefire deal.

The other two Nahal Oz lookouts were Pvt Ori Megidish, now 20, who was rescued by Israeli troops three weeks after being taken hostage, and Cpl Noa Marciano, 19, who was killed in captivity and whose body was brought back to Israel from Gaza in November 2023.

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There has been rising clamour from the Israeli public for answers as to why the lookouts warnings fell on deaf ears and how they were left sitting ducks at a base just a few hundred metres from the Gaza border.

Amit Yerushalmi, 22, a former lookout who served at the Nahal Oz base from December 2021 until about a week before the assault, said the lookouts had reported suspicious activity in Gaza in the months leading up to the attack.

Footage showing capture of Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Agam Berger, Daniela Gilboa and Naama Levy at the Nahal Oz base

All the time, they told us thered be a raid, she told the New York Times.

Spotters reported an increase of trucks filled with Hamas fighters prowling the border, running combat drills, sending up drones and conducting mock hostage-taking scenarios.

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Gazan farmers and bird catchers were also monitored moving closer to the fence in a suspected attempt to gather intelligence.

Roni Lifshitz, a former lookout, said suspicious sightings would be flagged on a computer system, but she had no idea where the reports ended up.

No one gave us an answer back about what we had reported and conveyed, she told the BBC, adding: Everyone saw us only as eyes, they dont see a soldier.

Protesters demanding the release of Agam Berger daubed their hands with fake blood - Matan Golan/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

On the eve of the attack, the lookouts held a celebratory send-off for Staff Sgt Shahaf Nissani, 20, who was completing her mandatory service.

She gave everyone gifts, she gave them all letters, she read out loud her parting words about her experience, her sister, Sapir Nissani, told the Kan public radio, adding that her mother, Illana, had delivered food to the base for a Sabbath meal.

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At 6.30am the next day, Illana received a phone call from her daughter, confused and crying and shaking, with terrifying noises in the background of all the girls screaming in which she said: Mom, theyre shooting at us, theres a terrorist invasion, I love you.

Staff Sgt Nissani then gave her phone to the girls who did not have theirs, allowing the lookouts to make last contact with loved ones as Hamas militants stormed their position.

Illana told the BBC that her daughters predictions of an imminent attack had fallen on deaf ears. Why are we here if no ones listening? Illana recalled her daughter asking her, not long before she was murdered by Hamas.

Ashley Waxman-Bakshi, cousin of Agam Berger, holds up the last known image of her from Oct 7 - LaPresse / Alamy Stock Photo

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Ms Berger, then 19, had arrived from basic training on Oct 6. I sent her a video where we recorded our farewell blessing for her. The next day, during her first day as an observer at Nahal Oz, she was violently abducted, her mother, Merav, told Israel Hayom.

A barrage of rockets began the day of carnage that would see 1,200 Israelis slaughtered and a further 250 dragged back to tunnels in Gaza.

Shai Ashram, also 19, was on duty when, amid the din of gunshots, she phoned her parents to say the base had been overrun and there was going to be a really big event  a warning which would prove to be her final act.

Families of the hostages light 138 candles, one for each person still being held hostage on the first night of Hanukkah in Tel Aviv - Simon Townsley

Military berets still sit on the dressing table in her bedroom, which her father, Dror, sometimes still circles in tears.

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My Shusha, Im sorry I couldnt be there for you to help you, sorry I didnt protect you from the murderers, her mother, Sari, wrote on Facebook. Rest in peace, my beautiful girl, send me strength so I can continue to live without losing my sanity. I love you and I miss you.

In the operations room, Sgt Roni Eshel, 19, rapidly relayed codewords to alert her superiors to the attack, according to an audio recording released by the military.

All stations, four people running to the fence, copy, she said, repeating the order multiple times before saying: All stations, explosion of hourglass watch [the fence] as militants blew up and stormed through the barrier.

Noa Marcianos funeral in Modiin, Israel, just over a month after the attack in 2023 - AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg

Eyal Eshel said his daughter, who had been in the army for a year and two months, had repeatedly warned of Hamas surveillance.

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Dad, theyre studying us. Theyre doing their homework. They know almost every corner of the fence itself, he recalled his daughter telling him.

Mr Eshel believes his daughter knew she would not make it out alive, for she would always sign off messages with five red heart emojis  one for each member of the family, including herself.

In her last message before the operations room was torched, she implored her family not to worry and left just four red hearts.

Roni, Im sorry. I failed. I failed in bringing you home, Mr Eschel said at her funeral.

Returning to the operations room months later, the father of lookout Staff Sgt Yam Glass, 19, said: My stomach was churning. This is where my daughter was burned to death.

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Lior Glass, after scanning the scorched room, was dismayed at the lack of proper shelter or fire extinguisher.

They had no chance. They were deserted, he said, adding: I wont let this go, Ill keep digging, and those that should answer for what happened will.

More than 50 soldiers were killed at the military base on the border with Gaza, 15 of them unarmed lookouts. The Israeli military has previously vowed to conduct a thorough investigation into the events of Oct 7, including those in Nahal Oz and the circumstances preceding.

Li-Yam Berger, Agams twin sister, said she was happy for the observers who had been released so far.

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We are very happy for them, and well wait for our turn, she told Israel Hayom. Im already imagining myself in Agams embrace.

Finally, after 15 long months, Agam was handed to the Red Cross by Hamas at a ceremony in the heavily destroyed urban refugee camp of Jabaliya and taken out of Gaza.

Credit: IDF Spokesperson Unit

At a gathering in Tel Aviv, people cheered, clapped and whistled as they saw images of Agam being released on a TV screen, next to a large clock thats counted the days the hostages have been in captivity.

Some held signs saying Agam were waiting for you at home.

The wait was soon over. In a video released by the IDF, she was seen being embraced by her family  reunited for the first time in 481 days.

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A Hartland school bus driver faces 29 criminal charges after a student called law enforcement Jan. 27 to report his unsafe driving.

Walter Cunningham, 72, was charged Jan. 29 in Waukesha County Circuit Court with 28 felony counts of second-degree recklessly endangering safety. He was also charged with a misdemeanor count of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence, first offense, with a passenger under 16 years old, according to online court records.

Each count of recklessly endangering safety carries a fine of up to $25,000, up to 10 years in prison, or both. The count of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence carries a fine of no less than $350 but no more than $1,100 and no less than five days nor more than six months in prison; and also revocation of driving privileges for no less than one year and no more than 18 months and must submit to an alcohol and drug abuse assessment, the criminal complaint said.

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Cunningham remains in the Waukesha County Jail. He made his initial court appearance Jan. 29 and his bond was set at $1 million, online court records said.

According to the criminal complaint:

Cunningham was driving a school bus Jan. 27 near the area of Marquette Road and Briarcliff Court in the village of Hartland, when a student on the bus called law enforcement saying Cunningham would not let students off and that he pushed a student.

Before police arrived, the father of two children on the bus took action. He said his daughter had phoned his wife stating the bus driver "was driving crazy and missed a few stops." The father raced to the scene and pulled his vehicle in front of the bus during a stop and demanded his children leave the bus. Soon, all of the students had exited the bus.

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When an officer responded he said he observed kids running in the road and on the side of it away from the bus. The empty bus then drove away and the officer followed behind. The bus had been carrying children ages 4 to 14.

After pulling the bus over, the officer asked Cunningham what was going on. Cunningham, who the bus company says was assigned to the route as a substitute driver that afternoon, said he was trying to figure out where he was going for his bus route and the kids on the bus "were screaming and getting out of their seats all riled up."

While speaking to Cunningham, the officer said he observed Cunningham's speech "to be slurred at times and thick and heavy," that Cunningham's eyes "appeared to be glassy," that Cunningham did not have normal balance and that Cunningham "was acting strange and not completely with it."

When an officer had Cunningham perform field sobriety tests, he noted Cunningham struggled to perform them. During one of the tests, the officer said he had to stop numerous times due to Cunningham's failure to follow instructions.

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Cunningham told officers he did not stop anywhere to drop off students, but denied pushing anyone or being pushed. He said he had taken prescription medication that day.

Police determined Cunningham was impaired and could not operate a motor vehicle safely and arrested him. Officers say he laughed out loud when informed of his arrest.

Surveillance video on the bus shows Cunningham missed one of the stops on the route, causing students to yell at Cunningham. At one point, Cunningham slammed on the brakes and repeatedly yelled for the students to shut up. When the students told Cunningham he could not talk to them that way, Cunningham responded, "I am God on this bus."

"It was seen in bus video footage that the defendant appeared to have stopped the bus numerous times and had stopped in unsafe and dangerous places, including the middle of the road with the kids on the bus," the complaint said.

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Some of the students on the bus said Cunningham slamming on the brakes caused "everyone to hit their heads, while also just driving through the neighborhood."

The Hartland-Lakeside School District's bus provider, Dousman Transport Co., said in an emailed statement the bus was operating an afternoon take-home route for the district. The statement also said the driver was employed with the company for almost five years.

"Dousman Transport Company has confirmed the driver was fully qualified to operate a school bus with passengers, including background investigations conducted in accordance with State statutes," the company's statement said.

The company said the incident is still being investigated. It said that a review of onboard camera footage and GPS data showed the driver lost direction on the route and missed multiple student stops.

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Dousman Transport said it has suspended the driver pending the full results of the investigation. It also has referred inquiries about the incident to the Waukesha County District Attorney's office.Hartland-Lakeside School District superintendent Tina Vogelmann did not immediately respond for requests for comment.Contact Alec Johnson at (262) 875-9469 or alec.johnson@jrn.com. Follow him on X (Twitter) at @AlecJohnson12.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Hartland school bus driver charged with OWI, recklessly endangering safety
Disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein begged a judge on Wednesday to move up his April 15th trial date on sex crimes charges, invoking conditions at the infamous Rikers Island facility where hes currently being held.

I cant hold on anymore, Im holding because I want justice for myself and I want this to be over, Weinstein said from the defense table sitting in a wheelchair.

Weinstein pleaded with Judge Curtis Farber, telling the court that he might not make it to April 15 because of the medieval conditions at Rikers Island.

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There are so many people suffering at Rikers Island, so many other people who I am with are going through similar problems. They dont have the same mouthpiece I do but god I speak for all of them.

Weinstein railed against Rikers Island, calling it a stain on New York.

This is something that has to be stopped.

Weinstein peppered the judge in an unusual back and forth, pleading with him to change his docketed trial schedule.

He said even a week sooner in April would be a positive development. So I can get out of this hell hole as quickly as possible, Weinstein said.

Judge Farber said hes empathetic to Weinsteins situation, but several scheduling conflicts including a trial starting this week wouldnt allow them to start before April.

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Farber said he could potentially move the trial up a week and would circle back to the issue at the next hearing in March.

Weinstein is set to face charges from two indictments including two counts of first degree criminal sexual act and one count third-degree rape involving allegations from three different women.

On Wednesday, Judge Farber denied Weinsteins defense motion to toss the indictment handed up by a grand jury last fall.

Attorneys for Weinstein had argued that the first-degree criminal sexual act charge against Weinstein brought in the newer indictment last fall should be dismissed because prosecutors improperly delayed charging him with the count tied to a 2006 allegation.

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Judge Farber had previously ruled that Weinstein can face that count and a retrial on two counts from a 2019 indictment. Last April, Weinsteins 2020 conviction on one count of first-degree criminal sexual act and third-degree rape was overturned by the New York Court of Appeals, citing violations of Weinsteins constitutional rights.

Though the New York conviction was vacated by the appeals court, Weinstein remains in custody in New York serving a sentence in connection to a separate 2022 conviction on sexual assault charges in Los Angeles.

His attorneys have continuously advocated for better treatment for their ailing client, citing a lengthy list of ailments including a cancer diagnosis.

On Wednesday, Weinsteins representative Juda Engelmayer told CNN, Judge Farber demonstrated exceptional responsiveness, and we deeply appreciate his thoughtful consideration of Harveys condition and circumstances. We remain confident in a swift and efficient trial process and firmly believe that Harvey will be fully exonerated.

CNNs Elizabeth Wagmeister contributed to this report.

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Dozens of people flooded the Statehouse Wednesday, many donning shirts or buttons proclaiming their position on a controversial proposal to relocate a casino license to New Haven. (Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

After two hours of testimony from roughly three dozen people, a committee chair opted not to advance a proposal to move a casino license from southeastern Indiana 160 miles north  an idea that pitted neighbor against neighbor in a small Indiana city.

Under Senate Bill 293, an Ohio River casino license would move north from Rising Sun to New Haven, located near Fort Wayne. Moving from one city to another would only be permitted if operators meet certain requirements, such as getting approval from the Indiana Gaming Commission and drawing up plans to redevelop the newly vacant lot in Ohio County.

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Sen. Ron Alting, R-Lafayette, pointed to strong opposition to the relocation and opted to pull the bill after listening to about 20 opponents. About a dozen people testified in support, with more supporters outside in the hall.

As the chair of the Public Policy Committee, he told the Indiana Capital Chronicle he doesnt intend to allow a vote on the bill this year.

Alex Stolyar  the chief development officer with Full House Resorts, the company seeking to relocate from Rising Sun to New Haven  said revenues at the southern Indiana location had plummeted since Ohio and Kentucky had legalized gambling efforts.

Sen. Andy Zay, R-Huntington, introduces legislation to relocate a casino from Rising Sun to New Haven. (Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

We do have overwhelming public support. It is not unanimous; I wont pretend that it is, Stolyar said, sharing a letter signed by 2,743 community members in support of the relocation.

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Tax revenues to the state totaled $2.3 million from Full Houses Rising Sun location last year, according to Stolyar, but could increase to as much as $65.4 million in New Haven, with much of that revenue coming at the expense of casinos in Michigan and Ohio.

Stolyar also vowed not to abandon either the city of Rising Sun or its employees, and Rising Sun public officials testified in favor of the legislation  noting that there were seven gaming facilities within a one-hour drive across three states.

The bill didnt include a provision requiring local approval through a referendum vote. When legislators voted to relocate two northern Indiana licenses to Gary and Terre Haute, both had to pass a referendum. Counties with other casinos also had to vote to approve.

Bill author Sen. Andy Zay, following the bills withdrawal, said that it was still early in the process, and a referendum could be added  as could the chance for competitive bidding, meaning Full House could lose its license.

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There will be a number of other opportunities for this to be amended, said Zay, R-Huntington.

Scandal delayed the Terre Haute casino license relocation project when regulators repeatedly flagged issues with operator applications. One former lawmaker, Rep. Sean Eberhart of Shelbyville, was convicted over a year ago for accepting a lucrative job offer in exchange for his legislative support.

More information on the deal

Moving casino licenses within the state must get the nod from the General Assembly and, in this instance, Full House would pay a $150 million fee to the Indiana Gaming Commission to transfer their operations in $30 million increments over five years.

Opponents with the Coalition for a Better Allen County shared personal stories detailing the destructiveness of gambling addictions and concerns that a casino would erode the small communitys family values.

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Allen Countys Cathie Humbarger said that in a world where Hoosiers can order groceries online and schedule virtual doctor appointments, a physical casino appeared to be a poor investment.

Cathie Humbarger testifies against a casino bill on Jan. 29, 2025. (Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

It seems to me that the brick-and-mortar casino business is the dinosaur of gambling, Humbarger said.

Just one day before, a House panel advanced legislation that would codify iGaming, allowing Hoosiers to gamble from any location through their electronic devices.

Humbarger additionally questioned why Zay, and not a New Haven lawmaker, was sponsoring the legislation. Zays Huntington hometown is just over 30 miles from the proposed site, though both are part of the greater Fort Wayne area.

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All three local legislators  Sens. Liz Brown and Tyler Johnson as well as Rep. David Heine  oppose the move, according to WANE. Zay countered by sharing his rural roots and pointing to his decade-long friendship with New Havens mayor, Steve McMichael.

Other testimony  which grew emotional at times  questioned the economic value of casino jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly pay for gambling services workers was $16.53 per hour in May 2023, below the regional median wage of $26.37 per hour.

But McMichael gave his full-throated support for the bill, sharing how he overcame his initial skepticism by visiting a dozen other communities hosting casinos across the state.

I always asked the following question, If you could make the casino go away, would you? McMichael shared. Not a single community said they would make the casino go away if they could. I think thats really important. They said that if there was a natural disaster or a need in the community, the casino is always the best corporate partner that steps up and rises to the occasion.

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That was true of every community that I spoke with.

Other residents shared their hopes that the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity would bring much-needed growth and investment  perhaps attracting a second grocery story to the small city.

The bill could potentially be reassigned to another committee should Senate leadership choose to take that path. There are also gaming bills moving in the House to which language could be added.

This story has been updated to clarify that Sen. Ron Alting spoke directly to the Indiana Capital Chronicle.

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By Sonia Rolley

(Reuters) -When M23 rebels swept into the Congolese city of Goma this week, world powers urged them to immediately withdraw. Instead, the Rwanda-backed insurgents are intent on showing they can restore order and govern.

On Thursday, power and mobile data services, which had been down for days, were back up. The border with Rwanda, a lifeline for the city, had been re-opened. M23 officials said they had trained up hundreds of administrators who were ready to deploy.

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"We are asking all Goma residents to go back to normal activities," said Corneille Nangaa, head of Alliance Fleuve Congo, the political coalition backing the M23, just two days after heavy fighting subsided, leaving bodies in the streets and the city cut off from the outside world.

Nangaa also pledged to get children back in school within 48 hours and open a humanitarian corridor so people displaced by fighting could return home.

How well M23 manage to maintain order and run services in Goma, a city of 2 million people, will be key to determining if they can expand elsewhere in eastern Congo or if their reign will be short-lived as it was in 2012.

At stake is a potential return to the situation that arose in the 1990s and 2000s, when Rwanda and Uganda and their proxy forces occupied and ran Congo's eastern borderlands, managing trade, communications and transport.

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One U.N. official said a number of members of the RCD-Goma movement, a Rwanda-backed group dating back to the 1998-2003 war, were involved in the M23.

In the three years since reigniting their rebellion after a dormant decade, M23 has set up "parallel administrations" in areas they conquered, taxing civilians and businesses and rolling out intelligence networks, U.N. experts said last June.

But Goma, with its population size, international airport and role as a hub for one of the world's biggest humanitarian crises, is a far greater challenge.

TRAINING PROGRAMME

An M23 official said the movement had previously struggled to properly administer territories due to a lack of personnel and money, but since the collapse of peace talks in Angola last year, they had been preparing.

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M23 is the latest in a string of ethnic Tutsi-led insurgencies that have simmered since a 2003 deal was meant to end wars in Congo that left some 6 million dead, mostly from hunger and disease.

The group and the Congolese army have both been accused of serious human rights abuses in the recent outbreak of fighting. Like other Congolese, Goma's residents have also frequently protested against Rwanda, which supports M23.

However, there is also anger against Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi, who came to power pledging to restore peace but has lost more territory than any previous administration. His policy of deploying military governors to the east was both unsuccessful and unpopular.

"A lot of people are sick and tired of the chaos. If they can trade, security improves, their daily lives improve, then M23 could be popular," a senior U.N. official told Reuters. "Tshisekedis management of the east has been catastrophic."

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Tshisekedi has also marginalised many soldiers, officials or businessmen perceived to have had links with Rwanda, a move that has fuelled frustrations over his rule and may convince some of them to rally to M23, experts said.

The U.N. experts and three diplomatic sources said intelligence officers, police and political leaders had been trained alongside fighters at Tchanzu, the groups main military base in North Kivu, to prepare for running areas seized by M23.

After taking control of Rubaya, the largest coltan mine in the Great Lakes region, in April last year, the group put in place a system to run the mining, trade, transport and taxation of the minerals, providing an income of $800,000 per month, the U.N. experts said in December.

Diplomatic pressure is ramping up on Kigali to cut any support to M23 or face sanctions such as suspension of aid. Tshisekedi said the Congolese military was planning a riposte to recover territories lost.

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However, Rwandas President Paul Kagame has rejected any criticism and Nangaa said that his group was ready to work with officials that switched side to join their movement.

"We will not chase them out but of course they will have to undergo an ideological reset," he said. "We are going to show them that we are an alternative."

(Editing by Alison Williams)
WAILUKU, Hawaii (KHON2)  The freezing of federal funds has thrown many nonprofit organizations in Hawaii, especially those providing healthcare services, into a state of uncertainty.

Amongst these organizations is the Maui AIDS Foundation (MAF), which serves some of the most vulnerable populations in Maui.

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Linda Puppolo, executive director of the MAF, is deeply concerned about the potential consequences of this funding freeze.

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We serve the most vulnerable people of Maui. We do syringe exchange, food pantries, healthcare enrollment, STI testing and more, Puppolo explained. Many of our clients would qualify for Medicaid if we didnt provide these services for free.

The foundations wide-ranging services reach individuals who would otherwise fall through the cracks of the formal healthcare system.

Many clients fear being exposed in other healthcare settings due to stigma, which makes MAFs discreet, nonjudgmental environment crucial.

We have quite a lot of clients who are terrified right now because they feel like theyll be exposed anywhere else, Puppolo shared, highlighting the personal stakes involved.

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The foundations operating budget exceeds $2 million, but a significant portion of that funding comes from federal sources. Some grants are directly administered, while others flow through state agencies.

One of the most at-risk programs is the housing subsidy for people living with HIV. And Puppolo fears the worst: We believe the HUD housing grant is on the chopping block, she said. Thats over $1 million of our money for housing subsidies right there.

In addition to housing, MAF runs a host of other programs like hepatitis outreach, medical care for incarcerated individuals and a free clinic for STI testing. If funding is cut, these vital services are at risk of being discontinued.

If they take away the housing, we would have to lay off several people, Puppolo explained. We have 16 staff members; and if the grants that subsidize their salaries are eliminated, thats a huge impact.

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One of the major federal funding sources MAF depends on is the Ryan White program, which supports healthcare for people living with HIV. Ryan White funding is a big part of what we do, Puppolo said. It helps with things like dental care, which regular Medicaid wont cover.

However, even this funding is in jeopardy, as it is also subject to the same uncertain future. We dont know if Ryan White funding will continue, Puppolo added as she reflected the widespread anxiety nonprofits like MAF face.

In addition to the financial strain, Puppolo expressed frustration with the lack of transparency surrounding these funding cuts.

Theres a gag order on federal employees, and we cant get any straight answers, she said. This lack of clarity complicates planning and makes it difficult for organizations like MAF to prepare for whats ahead.

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Were not even sure if we can still access reimbursements, Puppolo remarked. Weve had to check ourselves to see if we can still download the money were owed.

For MAF, the financial uncertainty could be disastrous.

If we lose our 501(c)(3) status, all our grants are gone, Puppolo warned. The foundation has worked hard for 37 years to build a solid reputation, and now its all at risk.

This is particularly concerning given MAFs long-term investments, which includes the mortgage on their building.

Weve worked together with other organizations to build this space, and it was always with the idea that we would be here for the long term. But how can we fund a home if we dont have any funding? Puppolo asked.

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The situation is especially dire for rural communities like Maui, which already face significant challenges in accessing healthcare.

Were considered a Medically Underserved Area, and now theyre talking about defunding rural healthcare entirely, Puppolo said. How do you do an HIV test when you dont even have the funds to keep the clinic open?

The implications are vast and touch everything from basic medical services to the availability of housing and food support for vulnerable populations.

Despite these grave concerns, Puppolo remains committed to doing everything she can to advocate for the community.

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We dont know what the future holds, but were going to keep pushing for our clients, she said. Weve built something special here, and were not going to let it go without a fight.

In the broader context, nonprofits across the state are feeling similar pressure. The Maui AIDS Foundations budget alone is a window into the challenges these organizations face: the freezing of federal funds would have devastating consequences for services like food pantries, behavioral health programs and housing support.

Puppolo emphasized the vital role MAF plays in the local community as she explained that many of their clients have nowhere else to turn.

MAFs ability to support a diverse range of services that includes insurance enrollment assistance has also been at the heart of its outreach efforts. Between October and December 2024, MAF assisted 173 individuals with Medicaid enrollment and another 64 with Medicare enrollment.

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These numbers reflect the demand for comprehensive healthcare support on Maui, and Puppolos team continues to work tirelessly to meet this need despite the funding uncertainty.

But the future remains unclear, and Puppolo is not alone in feeling the weight of this uncertainty.

Everything is up in the air, and its all very scary, she said.

The freezing of federal funds could lead to significant cutbacks in essential services. The ripple effects of this policy could mean increased hardship for individuals and families already grappling with health and economic challenges in one of the most isolated parts of the U.S.

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Linda Puppolo, along with other leaders of rural nonprofits, is working to secure the resources necessary to continue providing life-saving services.

However, the decision of federal policymakers will ultimately determine the fate of these crucial programs and the thousands of people they serve.

You can click here for more information on MAF.

Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8

As Puppolo put it, If they take it all away, well be left with nothing, and so will the people who depend on us.

At 12:49 p.m. HST, the White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, released a statement that claims:

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HOAX: A score of Fake News outlets  claimed President Trumps directive to temporarily pause certain federal spending was rescinded. FACT: No such thing took place. Instead, a memo from the Office of Management and Budget was rescinded in an effort to alleviate confusion  and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed President Trumps order remains in full force and effect, and will be rigorously implemented as the administration works to root out waste, fraud, and abuse.  United States White House

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Hawaii ranked among the top 10 states for high health rankings, according to a recently released report by the United Health Foundation.

Hawaii ranked eighth-best among states in key health measures, according to Americas Health Rankings 2024 Annual Reporta drop from sixth place in 2023.

While the state got the top ranking for its low rates of adults avoiding care due to cost, it ranked in the bottom half for other factors, including No. 34 for the number of primary care providers and No. 36 in the economic hardship index.

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For many key indicators of public health, the data show that Hawaii performs exceptionally well,  said Dr. Kenneth Fink, Hawaii Department of Health director, in a news release. However, in certain areasprimarily economic factors and certain personal behaviorsthere are opportunities for improvement.

The report is the longest-running annual assessment of the nations health on a state-by-state basis, according to the foundation. The 2024 report ranked states based on 88 measures spanning five categories of health and well-being.

Hawaii ranked No. 1 for health outcomes, due in part to recording the lowest rates in the nation for frequent mental distress reported among adults (13 %) and racial disparities in premature death ; the second-lowest rate of adult obesity (26 %); and the third-lowest rate of adults with multiple chronic conditions (7.7 %).

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Cases of frequent mental distress among adults, however, jumped 54 % from 2014 to 2023.

For clinical care, Hawaii ranked No. 7 due in part to recording the lowest rates in the nation for avoided care due to cost (6.7 %) and No. 2 for the second-lowest percentage of population uninsured (3.2 %).

Hawaii ranked lower for categories that looked at social and economic factors affecting public health.

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The state ranked 36th on a scale of 1 to 100 for the Economic Hardship Index, which factors in crowded housing, per capita income, and poverty and unemployment rates.

Socially, Hawaii also ranked low for voter participation, at 34th, and volunteerism, at 45th.

Hawaii ranked high for number of dental care providers, at No. 4, but in the bottom half for number of mental health providers, at No. 28, and number of primary care providers, at No. 34.

The state offered a mixed bag in the category of physical environmenta top ranking for low rates of air pollution and drinking water violations, on one hand, but a bottom ranking for water fluoridation, on the other hand.

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Hawaii does not add fluoride to its public drinking water system to help battle cavities and tooth decay. The Honolulu City Council in 2004 voted to from being added to Oahus public water supply.

The states legislative efforts to change the ban have so far been.

Hawaii residents also ranked No. 44 for percentage of adults that use e-cigarettes (10 %) and drink excessively (20 %)and at the bottom, No. 50, for percentage of adults with insufficient sleep (45.6 %).

The report also found that drug deaths increased 74 %, from 11.3 to 19.7 deaths per 100, 000 people between 2013 and 2022.

In overall ranking, New Hampshire ranked first, Vermont second, and Massachusetts third. Louisiana was 50th, at the bottom of the overall ranking.

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Monitoring states health Where Hawaii ranked :Overall rank : 8thHealth outcomes : 1stClinical care : 7thSocial & Economic Factors : 14thBehaviors : 17thPhysical environment : 27th A closer lookPremature death racial disparity : 1stObesity among adults : 2ndPercent of population uninsured : 2ndMultiple chronic conditions among adults : 3rdDental visits among adults : 3rdPremature deaths : 6th4th grade reading proficiency : 8thChildhood immunizations : 17thFruit and vegetable consumption : 19thMental health providers (per 100, 000 ): 28thPrimary care providers (per 100, 000 ): 34thVoter participation : 34thEconomic hardship index : 36thE-cigarette use among adults : 44thExcessive drinking among adults : 44thVolunteerism : 45thSevere housing problems : 50thSleep health : 50thWater fluoridation : 50th Key findingsDrug deaths increased 74 % (from 2013 to 2022 )Frequent mental distress increased 54 % (from 2014 to 2023 )Teen births dropped 53 % (from 2013 to 2022 )Uninsured declined 40 % (from 2014 to 2023 )

Source : Americas Health Rankings 2024 Annual Report
Hawaii Governor Josh Green had a scathing rebuttal to claims made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s during his confirmation hearing Wednesday regarding a 2019 measles outbreak in Samoa.

Hes a liar, and its bulls--t, Green said of RFK Jr. during an interview with CNNs Erin Burnett on OutFront. Green, who is also a doctor, formed a team that flew to Samoa during the 2019 outbreak to conduct a vaccination mission.

Kennedy, a notorious vaccine skeptic, had also visited the island nation in 2019 at the invitation of the Samoan prime minister and the anti-vaccination activist Edwin Tamasese. Vaccination rates among Samoans had at the time dropped after two nurses mistakenly mixed expired muscle relaxant with doses of the MMR shot in 2018, killing two children and spooking parents.

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Kennedy Jr. himself spread so much misinformation against what he described as the dangers of vaccines, Green has previously alleged, that the country stopped vaccinating.

A year later, an outbreak of measles among unvaccinated people killed 83 and infected over 5,000 more. Samoa subsequently made vaccinations mandatory under law.

But during his damaging Wednesday confirmation hearing, President Donald Trumps pick for HHS Secretary claimed that his 2019 visit to Samoa was for wholly coincidental reasons.

Vaccination rates were already below any previous level. I went there, nothing to do with vaccines. I went there to introduce a medical informatics system, he said. You cannot find a single Samoan who will say, I didnt get a vaccine because of Bobby Kennedy.

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(In a 2021 post on the Childrens Health Defense website, Kennedy Jr. said he went to Samoa to attend an independence celebration and to discuss with the government the introduction of a medical informatics system that would allow Samoas health officials to assess, in real time, the efficacy and safety of every medical intervention or drug on overall health.)

During his confirmation hearing, several Democratic senators hammered Kennedy on his questionable claims about his time in Samoa, as well as his views on vaccines and other health issues more broadly.

Gov. Green added his voice to the critical chorus Wednesday night.

He went there and he met with the anti-vax leader... who was spreading all of this misinformation, and that guy got arrested, Green said. (Tamasese was arrested and charged with incitement against a government order in 2019.)

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Green again accused Kennedy of sowing doubt about vaccinations and further complicating efforts to reach herd immunity, which requires 90% to 95% of a population to be jabbed against a disease.

He is constantly kind of squirming around the reality, which is, he did not support vaccinations, the governor said. And it would be fine if he was a nobody, but hes Robert Kennedy Jr.
LANSING Mich. (WLNS)  People are looking for answers as Head Start programs throughout Mid-Michigan were closed on Wednesday due to funding concernsand officials gave 6 News those answers.

Parents with children at Head Start programs through Capital Area Community Services, or CACS, are confused and frustrated, stemming from an executive order by President Trump that froze federal funding.

This led to an announcement on Tuesday by CACS, that these programs would close indefinitely. They were closed Wednesday, but after some clarifications, all of the schools will be open again on Thursday and return to normal operations.

That executive order was rescinded Wednesday afternoon, but before that happened, CACS could not access its funding on Tuesday which caused concern. So, officials let parents know Head Start Programs would be closed indefinitely, and staff was informed that they were temporarily laid off. Some facilities were able to stay open on Wednesday because they have other funding sources.

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Reynaldo Medranos 2 year old grandson Frankie attends a Head Start Program.

Theres no school, they dont know where to take these children, Medrano said.

On Wednesday morning, Medrano still wasnt sure what was going on. He thought he was going to have to take care of Frankie.

I told my son, If I have to bring baby Frankie to work with me, Ill put a paintbrush in his hand and bring him to work, Medrano said.

It was a relief for Medrano to hear that Head Start programs will be back open Thursday.

He loves coming here, its a great school, these are great teachers, Medrano said.

CACS Associate Director, Dr. Nolana Nobels, said changes in executive leadership always come with a level of confusion. She said this level of confusion though is unprecedented. Nobels said CACS could not access its payment after the executive order came down.

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Since it seemed their funding was paused and the school day was ending, they started preparing and let parents and staff know they were closed until further notice and temporary layoffs were activated.

Its a fiscal responsibility to make sure you have the money behind your actions, Nobels said.

Soon after the Federal Government announced that it was an outage that kept Head Start Programs from accessing their funding. It then clarified that Head Start Programs were not part of the freeze. Around the same time, Dr. Nobels said CACS was able to get into their funding account.

However, the access did not include the confirmation of the ability to draw funds, Nobels said.

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The doctor said it wasnt until around 9 A.M. Wednesday that officials felt comfortable to let staff and parents know things would go back to normal on Thursday and the temporary layoffs were lifted. Because thats when CACS finally got confirmation they could draw funds.

Were feeling pretty good about things right now, Nobels said.

Nobels appreciates the communitys patience.

Our intention was to make sure we were being good stewards of federal dollars, good stewards of the responsibilities we share with our community, and our actions that we took are based on that, Nobels said.

CACS leaders say they are no longer under the impression their federal funding is in jeopardy. All the confusion seems to have come from things happening so fast. The White House announced the freeze Monday night with little to no direction, leaving organizations frantically trying to figure things out. Dr. Nobels said 1,600 kids across 4 counties rely on this program.

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All buildings will be open again 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 WLNS 6 News.
Daniel Herrera Carbajal

ICT

Appearing before the U.S. Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. vowed to bring a Native American into his central office if confirmed as the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Im going to bring a Native in for the first time in history into my central office, he said. He or she will have a direct impact on all the major offices.

This week, members of two Senate committees  finance on Wednesday and health on Thursday  questioned Kennedy, an environmental lawyer turned public health critic, about his controversial views on vaccines, as well as about his shifting views on issues like abortion. Native American health concerns, however, were only briefly mentioned during the hearings.

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Kennedy's nomination to be the nation's top health official is uncertain after a key Republican joined Democrats to raise persistent concerns over the nominee's deep skepticism of routine childhood vaccinations that prevent deadly diseases.

Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican, ended a three-hour confirmation hearing Thursday by telling Kennedy that he was struggling with his nomination and might call him over the weekend, though he did not say how he would vote.

Cassidy, a liver doctor who has regularly encouraged his constituents to vaccinate against COVID-19 and other diseases, implored Kennedy several times to reject theories that vaccines cause diseases like autism. Kennedy's refusal to do so clearly troubled Cassidy.

If theres any false note, any undermining of a mamas trust in vaccines, another person will die from a vaccine preventable disease," Cassidy said.

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If all Democrats reject Kennedys nomination, he can only afford to lose three Republican votes. Kennedy will also have to win over the swing votes of Sens. Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski and Mitch McConnell, who have raised concerns about Kennedy and also voted against Trumps defense secretary nominee.

Kennedy repeatedly promised senators he is not anti-vaccine and that he, in fact, supports inoculations. But Thursday's Senate health committee hearing exposed Kennedy's deep-seated mistrust in the nation's vaccine program.

Cassidy directly asked Kennedy if he would unequivocally reassure parents that the Hepatitis B and measles vaccines do not cause autism.

Kennedy would not. Instead he avoided answering directly, saying if the data is there, I will absolutely do that.

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If confirmed, Kennedy would manage an agency that oversees the Indian Health Service, which provides healthcare to 2.8 million American Indian and Alaska Native people. During his presidential campaign, Kennedy said he would address tribal environmental concerns, a position he demonstrated in 2016 when he stood with Native activists during anti-pipeline protests in North Dakota.

Healthcare provided by the federal government for Indigenous nations is a treaty right. The Indian Health Service has been chronically underfunded, and President Donald Trump has said repeatedly that he wants to shrink the federal government.

Last year, Kennedy told a group of tribal leaders he would triple federal support to support tribes if elected, a promise he reiterated this week.

On Wednesday, Sen. Ben Ray Lujans (D-New Mexico) asked Kennedy if he would seek to ensure clinical trials for new drugs include patients from diverse backgrounds, to which Kennedy said he would.

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Im going to do everything I can to make sure Native Americans are included in medical trails, said Kennedy.

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) said Kennedy should not be given the position.

After a careful review of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 's statements, actions, associations and views, I have reached the conclusion that he should not be entrusted with the health and well-being of the American people, Wyden said.

Kennedy made close to $5 million in book deals mostly promoting junk science, according to Wyden.

In his book The Measles Book: Thirty-Five Secrets the Government and the Media Arent Telling You About Measles and the Measles Vaccine, Kennedy alleged that Americans have been lied to about the effectiveness of the measles vaccine.

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The readers  American and global consumers of measles vaccines  will learn that they have been misled by the pharmaceutical industry and their captured government agency allies into believing that measles is a deadly disease and that measles vaccines are necessary, safe, and effective, wrote Kennedy.

Throughout the finance committee hearing, senators mentioned his lack of healthcare management and his lack of preparation for the meeting.

And in a Tuesday letter to senators, his cousin Caroline Kennedy said he lacks any relevant medical, financial or government experience to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. The daughter of former President John F. Kennedy also called her cousin a predator and described his healthcare views as dangerous and his anti-vaccination opinions as profit-motivated  allegations he has denied.

The nominee said Wednesday he has shifted his stance on reproductive rights. During his presidential campaign, Kennedy said he supported womens rights to abortions.

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I agree with him (President Trump) that we cannot be a moral nation if we have 1.2 million abortions a year, Kennedy said.

The shift led some senators to express concern about where he really stands on important issues.

If you want to move from advocacy to public responsibility, Americans are going to need to hear a clear and trustworthy recantation of what you have said on vaccinations, said Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island).

When was it you decided to sell out the values youve had your whole life in order to be given power by President Trump? said Sen. Margaret Wood Hassan (D-New Hampshire).

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If Kennedy were to be confirmed as the nations top health leader, he would be in charge of overseeing agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration.

In an NPR interview last November, Kennedy said Trump had given him three instructions: remove corruption from health agencies, return these institutions to evidence-based science and medicine, and end the chronic disease epidemic.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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ASHTABULA, Ohio (WJW)  A warning is issued from Ashtabula health officials concerning a rise in flu cases and the potential for many more in the days and weeks ahead.

The Ashtabula Health Department posted the warning on social media and spoke with FOX 8 about the situation and wastewater tests which prompted the alert.

In an effort to mitigate the spread of infectious diseases, a network across the state has been studying samples of wastewater, looking for fragments of viruses.

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Flu map: These states are now at CDCs highest activity level

Health Commissioner Christine Hill says the results show an upward trend in Influenza A and B in the Ashtabula sewer-shed, which serves the city and parts of Saybrook and Ashtabula townships.

We want to get the word out so that residents can take precautions, said Hill.

The virus that causes influenza can be detected in wastewater as many as three to seven days ahead of the onset of serious illness and before it leads to hospitalization or case counts.

Hill says that means there could be a surge in more flu cases in the coming days and weeks.

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The Ohio Department of Health shows current flu activity is high, particularly in Northeast and Central Ohio.

Not only is Ashtabula detecting it in wastewater, but so is Lorain County and the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District serving Cuyahoga County.

Emergency care physicians at the Cleveland Clinic have been reporting a rise in cases also since early January.

Colder weather gets people indoors and once one of these viruses takes off, its very easy to spread, said pulmonary and critical care Dr. Joseph Khabbaza. Everyones working very, very hard right now to take care of all the sick patients.

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Lays potato chip recall: FDA warns snack could cause death, moved to highest risk level

Both doctors and health officials are encouraging people to take precautionary steps to stay healthy.

They include getting a flu shot and especially exercising good coughing and sneezing etiquette into a tissue or arm, washing hands with soap and water, using hand sanitizer and avoiding touching your face.

There could be puddles of flu and COVID in front of you and youre not going to get it unless you touch your eyes, nose or mouth, said Dr. Khabbaza.

They also suggest staying home if you are sick, avoiding crowds and getting fresh air to minimize the spread of any of these respiratory illnesses.

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If you have a fever for more than 48 hours, seek medical care from your primary provider.

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Thursday faced a second day of expected fierce grilling at his Senate confirmation hearings to be President Donald Trumps health secretary.

The longtime anti-vaccine activist endured more sharp questioning from Democrats and even some GOP lawmakers about his vaccine skepticism, along with shifting views on abortion and food and drug safety.

Kennedy sought to frame himself as a fearless proponent of ending chronic disease and improving the health of all Americans.

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The nation is ready for change, Kennedy said. If confirmed, I will do everything in my power to put the health of Americans back on track.

Kennedy put in a shaky performance on his first day of hearings before the finance committee, which has oversight over some aspects of the sprawling health and human services role.

He failed to effectively rebut his past harsh attacks on life-saving vaccines, abandoned his long-standing position supporting abortion rights and even mixed up Medicare and Medicaid.

Things didnt get any smoother on Thursday when he appeared at a health committee hearing chaired by Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-LA, a medical doctor who says he is undecided on Kennedys nomination.

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Your past of undermining confidence in vaccines with unfounded or misleading arguments concerns me, Cassidy said. Can I trust that that is now in the past?

Kennedy dodged Cassidys demand that he concede there is no link between vaccines and autism, a junk science conspiracy theory Kennedy has repeated.

That is a very troubling response because the studies are there, progressive Sen. Bernie Sanders chimed in. Your job was to have looked at those studies as an applicant for this job.

Democrats tore into Kennedy over his past statements that no vaccine is safe and effective, and his multimillion dollar deal referring clients to law firms suing a vaccine maker, a gig he says he will keep even if he is confirmed to a job overseeing the industry.

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Some Republicans, especially those from farm states, sounded less than happy with Kennedys claims that Big Ag and food processing companies are poisoning generations of Americans, especially children.

He sought to mend fences with conservative opponents of abortion rights by asserting that he would implement Trumps policies. That includes the stance that states may ban or severely limit abortion even though RFK Jr. had previously passionately said women should have the right to choose regardless of where they live.

Like all Trump cabinet nominees, Kennedy, 71, likely needs 50 votes for confirmation, meaning he can probably afford to lose the support of no more than three GOP lawmakers.

Moderate Sen. Susan Collins of Maine and Sen. Lisa Murkowski are considered tough sells for RFK Jr.

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Former GOP Senate Leader Mitch McConnell, meanwhile, survived childhood polio and is a fervent advocate for vaccines, making him another potential no vote.

On the Democratic side, Sen. John Fetterman is a potential wild card. The Pennsylvania lawmaker met with Kennedy and says he hasnt decided whether to oppose his nomination.
BURLINGTON, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44)  A woman charged in connection with the fatal shooting of a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Vermont will remain in jail until a preliminary hearing in February.

Teresa Youngblut, 21, of Washington, faces federal firearms charges in connection to the January 20 shooting of Agent David Chris Maland during a traffic stop in Coventry.

Youngbluts arraignment was originally scheduled for Monday, but was continued until Thursday while prosecutors sought a court order to hold her until trial. Her preliminary hearing will take place at 1:30 p.m. Friday, February 7.

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In a motion filed Monday, U.S. Attorney Michael P. Drescherand wrote that Youngblut presents a danger to law enforcement officers and the community and should be held.

The motion revealed that Younblut and Felix Baukholt, a German citizen who died at the scene, had allegedly bought guns from a person of interest in a Pennsylvania double homicide. Youngblut was also in contact with Maximilian Snyder, 22, who was arrested and charged with murder in California.

Youngblut and Baukholt had been monitored by the FBI for suspicious activity several days before the shooting, which happened on I-91 about 20 miles from the Canadian border. After getting out of the car, Youngblut drew and fired a handgun without warning, authorities say.

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Baukholt also attempted to draw a firearm. He was shot and killed in the exchange of gunfire.

Maland died after being transported to North Country Hospital in Newport. He was honored with a funeral procession in Burlington last Thursday.

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Distraught families of the victims of a deadly midair crash were rushed through Ronald Reagan National Airport in a heartbreaking scene on Thursday, the morning after a tragic crash in the skies above the nations capital killed 67 people.

The usually bustling airport was filled with investigators from the FBI, Homeland Security, the National Transportation Safety Board, and local and state police, as a few concerned passengers searched for their flights.

Just hours earlier, authorities announced that the rescue operation for American Eagle Flight 5342 had turned into a recovery  there were no survivors. So far, officials have pulled 27 bodies from the Potomac River, which had been partly frozen in the days leading up to the crash.

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Tara Murphy-Dority, a D.C. resident who works in tech defense, said she was mourning both for her city and her colleagues in the military.

It's very somber in Washington, D.C. right now. My heart goes out to the victim's families, and the entire United States Army, she told The Independent as she looked for her flight to Atlanta.

I would say that the men and women who serve this country are the best in the world at what they do, and it's just a heartbreaking tragedy.

A clear night in Washington, D.C., was lit up by a flash at around 9 p.m. Wednesday, when a passenger jet flying from Wichita, Kansas, collided with a Black Hawk military helicopter. The plane was descending into the Arlington, Virginia, airport when the incident occurred.

Part of the wreckage is seen as rescue boats search the waters of the Potomac River after a plane on approach to Reagan National Airport crashed into the river outside Washington, D.C. (AFP via Getty Images)

Passengers watched from their departure lounges as boats searched the river for wreckage on Thursday morning.

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Some wondered how such a tragedy could happen in one of the busiest and most policed airports in the United States. The Pentagon is located just two miles away.

My question is how is it that a military helicopter runs into an airplane if theyre supposed to be extremely well trained? said one woman who didnt want to be identified out of fear of repercussions from her employer.

I didnt sleep last night. I am stressed, she added, her hands shaking. She had traveled to Washington, D.C., from Ohio on Sunday and was flying back Wednesday.

I just want to know did something rogue happen? Am I safe if our own government cant keep our helicopters safe? Who are the ones here to protect us?

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U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopters regularly fly along the Potomac River without issue, leaving many stunned over how such an accident could occur.

At a press conference held in Terminal One of the airport, newly sworn-in Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said the three soldiers on board the helicopter were engaged in a training session. The aircraft is from Fort Belvoir, Virginia, a military aviation hub.

The helicopter knew there was a plane in the area, Duffy said he thought the incident was absolutely preventable.

Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser addresses the media, after American Eagle flight 5342 collided with a Black Hawk helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and crashed into Potomac River, in Washington (REUTERS)

Washingtons Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said responders were enduring extremely frigid conditions, before announcing that the operation had turned from a rescue mission to recovery.

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We dont believe there are any survivors, he said.

By 11 a.m., ticket desks began to open up again and passengers were lining up with their bags.

Kathy Maxemchuk, a 45-year-old architect from San Francisco who was in town on business, was trying to navigate her way through press and police to find her 1 p.m. flight.

Its been a little disconcerting since getting to the airport and seeing all the press and the police and all of that.

It definitely makes it more real and obvious. I'm not feeling worried about my flight necessarily, I know it was just a tragic accident.

Larkin Callaghan, a 41-year-old pharmaceutical company worker, said the news of the deaths was devastating.

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I was expecting delays, obviously, she said. Whatever we need to do to support the families that are impacted by this, of course, that's the priority. So if I'm taking it as it comes.

She said she was not worried about flying after the incident.

I expect that people will be heightened if anything, for safety measures, and it does seem that this was an exceptionally rare occurrence.

By early afternoon, the airport was buzzing with passengers again.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed Wednesday that housing 30,000 deported migrants at Cubas Guantanamo Bay can absolutely be doneand be done safely until theyre sent to their final location.

On Fox News, former Hegseth colleague Jesse Watters asked about Donald Trumps executive order earlier in the day mandating the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security get the ball rolling.

We actually can accommodate 30,000 criminal migrants in Gitmo? Watters asked.

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Hegseths reply was unequivocal.

We absolutely can, and we can plus that up very rapidly, Hegseth said, before citing his experience on the island in the Army.

I served there. I know exactly the places where this would happen. Guantanamo has long been a place for migrants. In fact in the 90s, tens of thousands of Haitian and Cuban migrants [were] staged there as part of a crisis, Hegseth said.

Between 2020 and 2023, only 37 migrants were held at Gitmo, according to The New York Times.

We have an even bigger crisis on our hands right now. It was mentioned 7,500 violent illegals have been captured by ICE in the last nine days, Hegseth continued, referring to a Trump administration figure.

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I tell you what, no one is going to be waiting on the Defense Department, Hegseth asserted. Were going to lean forward and make sure we stay on the border to protect it and that we have great tails, which are known as military aircraft, to help mass deportations. And Guantanamo Bay, Jesse, is a perfect spot.

Later in the interview, Hegseth fully embraced Trumps across-the-board cuts of federal diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs.

DEI will be ripped out of the [executive] branch because we want everyone treated equally with high standards and held accountable with lethality and readiness front and center, he told Watters.

We dont have time for emphasizing differences, Jesse. One of the biggest, dumbest phrases in military history is our diversity is our strength. Our diversity is not our strength, Hegseth maintained. Our unity in our shared purpose is our strength. And the Pentagon is excited to get back to that core mission.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said he has grounded the Army battalion involved in the operation of the Black Hawk helicopter with three soldiers that crashed into a passenger plane with more than 60 people on Wednesday night.

Hegseth, in a video released by the Defense Department on Thursday morning, said the 12th Aviation Battalion had been conducting an annual proficiency training flight.

While Hegseth said he was not releasing names at the moment, he noted the department knew the individuals on the flight.

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It was a fairly experienced crew, he said, adding they were doing a night evaluation. Its a tragedy, a horrible loss of life.

Hegseth added that the battalion was under a 48-hour operational pause on contingency missions amid a review from a senior level investigative team at the Pentagon. The Army is also conducting an investigation along with local authorities.

The Defense chief said he expects the investigation to quickly determine whether the helicopter was flying in the right corridor and altitude.

The Black Hawk was with the Armys Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, out of Davison Army Airfield in Fort Belvoir, Va.

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Local authorities said Thursday they dont believe there are any survivors from the midair collision, which caused a fiery explosion above the Potomac River near Washington, D.C. Emergency crews have pulled at least 28 bodies out of the water.

The passenger plane, an American Airlines flight, was flying from Wichita, Kan., to Reagan Washington National Airport in Alexandria, Va., when the Black Hawk hit the plane around 9 p.m. EST Wednesday just before landing.

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Guantanamo Bay is the perfect spot to house deported migrants, after President Trump signed a memo Wednesday ordering a facility there be prepared for that purpose.

Guantanamo Bay, Jesse, is a perfect spot, Hegseth said in an interview on Fox Newss Jesse Watters Reports.

We dont want illegal criminals in the United States any  not a minute longer than they have to be, he continued. Move them off to Guantanamo Bay, where they can be safely maintained until they are deported to their final location, their country of origin, where they are headed.

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The memo Trump signed directs the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to prepare a 30,000-person migrant facility at Guantanamo Bay, a facility in Cuba that has been used to house military prisoners, including several involved in the 9/11 attacks.

Asked whether Guantanamo Bay can accommodate 30,000 people, Hegseth said, Absolutely we can. And we can plus that up very rapidly.

Hegseth noted that he served at Guantanamo Bay and is familiar with areas that can house 30,000 migrants. He also said the military prison has long been a place for migrants, adding, In fact, in the 90s, tens of thousands of Haitian and Cuban migrants staged there as part of a crisis.

We have an even bigger crisis on our hands right now, Hegseth added.

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Since taking office Jan. 20, Trump has signed a slew of executive orders specifically intended to crack down on immigration. He has declared a national emergency at the southern border, deployed military assets to the border, reinstated policies that limit pathways to asylum and paused the refugee program.

The Trump administration has also ramped up deportations, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) posting regular updates about how many arrests it carries out on a day-to-day basis. But the rapid deportations have, in some cases, led to issues about where to send individuals being removed from the U.S., particularly if certain countries refuse to accept migrants.

Where do you move them? Hegseth said, referring to the migrants that ICE arrestees. Ill tell you what. Were not  no ones going to be waiting on the Defense Department. Were going to lean forward.

So we feel great about this plan, he added. We know we can execute it, and the Defense Department is prepared to do everything we can. We just laud DHS and ICE for what theyve done, and were coming alongside them to make sure we protect the American people.

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WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  A fundraiser supporting a Walton County non-profit and their initiatives is making its return for its 7th year next week in Miramar Beach.

You still have a little time left to purchase your ticket for the Hard Hats and High Heels luncheon which will be held at the Hilton Sandestin Resort from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Febuary 7.

There you will enjoy games, participate in raffles, and enjoy a great meal while supporting the Walton County Habitat for Humanity.

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Little League baseball returns to Panama City

The luncheon also signals the start of womens build season for the non-profit organization and they have made it clear that one of their main focuses is giving back to the women of Walton County.

The last nine out of ten houses that weve built have been for single moms. So we really feel that its an important part of our organization to empower them and let them know that theyre not alone and that this community is here and we really want to support and see them succeed because they are important to our community and important to our organization, Walton County Habitat for Humanity Teresa Jones said.

Tickets to the luncheon are $75 with all of the proceeds being donated to the habitat to help with their initiatives.

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To sign up for the lunch, click here.

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After 19-year-old Maliki Jabari-Lathum pleaded guilty to felony home invasion charges in March 2023, he served the first part of his sentence at a juvenile detention center, where he could complete high school. He quickly excelled in the program; when he graduated in June 2024, a group of guards and teachers approached him and his family with a suggestion.

Jabari-Lathum, they said, would be a good fit for Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp, where incarcerated teenagers and young adults in California receive formal training in firefighting. For prisoners, the program offers skills that may prove valuable when theyre released. California gets something, too: a supply of practically free labor that is increasingly necessary as climate change makes wildfires more frequent and destructive.

Jabari-Lathum jumped on the offer. He was sent to Pine Grove, which is an hour outside of Sacramento, and has been fighting fires across California for the past several months. Although he travels widely and is, in many respects, an employee of the state, he is very much still a prisoner. Phone calls and visits with family are heavily restricted, as is contact with the outside world.

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In early January, Jabari-Lathum told his mother, Leanna, that he might be deployed to the Los Angeles metro area, where fires were rapidly spreading. Im not going to be able to call you, he reminded her. Hopefully Im OK. He would spend most of January fighting the fires, unable to contact his family.

For days, Jabari-Lathum and his fellow incarcerated firefighters battled intense blazes, ultimately playing a pivotal role in containing one of the most destructive fires in Californias history. Their effort highlighted the essential role they play in the states approach to fire management. But it also led to renewed focus on the nature of their work itself, which some have compared to slave labor, and Californias long-standing dependence on it. The ethical dilemma that this dependence presents is hardly new. But it was given new urgency in January, after hundreds of prisoners who typically work in remote areas arrived in the states largest city and got to work. Their presence, moreover, was striking and uncomfortable, given the recent rightward shift in the state, as voters flocked to politicians promising to crack down on criminals. In November, California lurched rightward as voters demanded harsher penalties for criminals; two months later, criminals working under abysmal conditions helped save its largest city.





Thanks to a state constitution that allows forced labor as a form of criminal punishment, Californias incarcerated workers are regularly deployed to complete dangerous, necessary work, from manufacturing key medical supplies during the Covid-19 pandemic to ensuring that sanitation systems continue to function. But the states century-old incarcerated firefighters program, the largest in the country, stands out in its scope. According to some estimates, it accounts for nearly a third of Californias total firefighting force. In a state where destructive wildfires are common and growing more frequent, they are vital workers. They typically make less than a dollar an hour.

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The states professional firefighting organization is known as CalFire. The crazy thing is that we sign employee forms with CalFire. We should at least get half a real firemans salary, said an inmate at the Holton Conservation Camp in north L.A., who works as a sawyera dangerous job that involves cutting down trees to stop the spread of fires.

In November, voters in California were given an opportunity to end a practice many critics argue is not only part of the legacy of American slavery, but a form of slavery itself. Backed by groups that champion rehabilitation and a lawmaker with a reparations proposal, Proposition 6 would have amended the states constitution to ban forced labor entirely. Over 53 percent of voters rejected the measure, reflecting a larger lurch to the right in the state, as many recoiled from viral videos of thieves ransacking pharmacies and a modest rise in crime. Two months later, incarcerated firefighters saved an untold number of lives and homes while making less than 30 dollars a day.

The harrowing conditions they faced as they worked, often with little sleep and no breaks, jolted Californians, who were now reliant on the very people affected by the rejection of the forced labor proposition. This moment should be an absolute reckoning, said Bianca Tylek, executive director of the New York-based Worth Rises, an advocacy group working to end forced labor.

Incarcerated workers, moreover, tend to be given more dangerous assignments. Incarcerated firefighters, a 2018 Time magazine report found, are more than four times as likely to be injured on the job than professionals per capita. As an inferno tore through a hill in Palisades Park, Santa Monica, one firefighter told me, his crew was working to spray retardant and clear vegetation as a line of defense. The fire ultimately grew so intense that they had to retreat. We would have been burned over because the flames [were] almost all around us, he wrote in a message. A lot of people were [saying,] Im scared, but thats part of the job.

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Many do that job because of the opportunity it offers. Despite its paltry pay, participation in the program not only often leads to reduced sentences but also advertises a strong network of postrelease firefighting jobs. In California, where roughly 40 percent of those released from state prison are convicted of a new crime within three years, according to a recent report, firefighting offers a stableand, in time, often well-remuneratedprofession. Unsurprisingly, state prison officials have found lower rates of recidivism among those who earned work credits and completed rehabilitation programming.

For some, however, firefighting is appealing because it offers the only alternative to the dismal conditions of the states prisons. Jabari-Lathum, for instance, was housed in a dimly lit hall with a reputation for conflict and violence and was fed meals teeming with insects. He slept beneath thin blankets on a worn bed frame. Work as a firefighter provided an escape. Mom, I ate some actual food today. I was so happy, he said in his first call from fire camp after leaving juvenile detention.

Proposition 6 would have protected prisoners doing dangerous work from guards retaliating against them, and it could have opened the door to wage increases. It would not have improved the conditions Jabari-Lathum was housed in. It was still defeated.

The L.A. fires have provided an opportunity to reframe the long-standing effort to reform Proposition 6. After the abolition frame failed to advance that cause, and after the Los Angeles fires showed the value of inmate training programs, maybe the better way to view this issue going forward is: How can we make inmate work assignments even more effective at their rehabilitative and anti-recidivism goals? David A. Carrillo, executive director of Berkeley Laws California Constitution Center, told me in an email.

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Even after the Los Angeles fires, the political climate in California does not necessarily favor reform. In November, Donald Trump became only the second Republican presidential candidate to win the nationwide popular vote this century, thanks in large part to substantial gains in California.

For some in the halls of power, the best path to reforming Californias approach to prison labor is via gains made when reform was more palatable to voters. In September 2020, following a summer in which millions participated in nationwide racial justice protests, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law that allowed incarcerated firefighters to petition to have their criminal records expunged after their release. Eloise Reyes, a Democratic state senator representing parts of San Bernardino County, who wrote the bill, told me she is working on legislation that would expand that law, which critics have argued does not go far enough to remove postrelease barriers to employment and expedite expungements. We need to make sure that once these skills are developed that these individuals are offered an opportunity to continue to serve their community as full time firefighters, Reyes said in a statement. State Assembly member Isaac Bryan, an L.A. Democrat, is proposing a bill that would pay incarcerated firefighters the equivalent of the lowest professional state firefighter wage, but the measure is unlikely to pass.

If presented to voters at the right time, ballot measures like Proposition 6 may be the best path for reform. Yet they also carry risks. Proposition 6, for instance, was supposed to protect programs like firefighting, which the state deems voluntary work. But some reform advocates argue that the language ultimately put to voters would have ended up tearing away at a program that offers inmates a rare chance to reenvision their life. Proposition 6 would have upended prison labor in unpredictable ways, in most likely scenarios by crippling the work programs that are vital for rehabilitation and recidivism reduction, Carrillo told me. That could have abolished programs like inmate firefighter training campswhich were essential to combating the recent Los Angeles fires.

Activists like Tylek, meanwhile, say the reform efforts on offer are inherently insufficient because they apply to only a small number of the nearly 100,000 prisoners in California and do nothing to improve prison conditions in the state. Were not challenging whether or not incarcerated firefighters should get the wages that theyre owed, Tylek said when asked about Bryans legislation. Were challenging the fact that [the bill] is so narrow that it completely misses the point.

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This is the beginning of what will be decades and decades of California burning. This is not the end.

prison rights lawyer Charles Carbone

As the states incarcerated firefighters helped contain some of the costliest and most destructive fires in Californias history, Newsom was pushing a budget that threatened to put prison reentry programs on the chopping block. For prisoners, the firefighting program will continue to be one of a dwindling number of opportunities to learn skills and leave prison with a better chance of finding reliable work. It doesnt appear to be going anywhere. This is the beginning of what will be decades and decades of California burning, said Charles Carbone, a prison rights lawyer based in San Francisco. This is not the end.

And for Jabari-Lathum, things are turning around. On January 10, he and his family were informed that he is set for early release in October. His mother, who spent much of January glued to social media as she followed the fires that her son helped extinguish, is still anxious about the work he will likely continue to do until then. But shes also proud. When we go and visit, they dont even have a camera to take family photos; they were just forgotten about, she said. Now everybodys recognizing them.
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)- The Henderson Chamber of Commerce hosts the biennial event, Farmers Sound Off on Thursday morning.

Dead geese in Vanderburgh County being tested for avian flu

The event, which is organized by the Chambers Agricultural committee provides an opportunity for local leaders and farmers to engage in conversations about the future of agriculture in the region. The event also presents an opportunity for local to network with industry professionals, share questions and voice concerns, all while strengthening the farming industry in Henderson County.

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The event will take place at 8:00 am on Thursday, January 30th at the Henderson County Extension Office located at 3341 Zion Road. To learn more, and register for the event visit business.hendersonkychamber.com.

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The Mt. Lyell shrew, a mouse-like mammal that lives in the central Sierra Nevada, has never been photographed in the 100 years since it was discovered.

It took three industrious college students to figure out a way to finally capture the elusive critter's image.

In October, Vishal Subramanyan, Prakrit Jain and Harper Forbes partnered with UC Berkeleys Museum of Vertebrate Zoology to set more than 100 pitfall traps near the community of Lee Vining in the Eastern Sierra Nevada region, which is about 300 miles from San Francisco, according to CNN.

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Read more: Mastodons and 4-ton sloths lived with humans for millennia in the Americas, new discoveries suggest

The team checked the traps about every two hours for three days and four nights because the shrews die if they don't eat every few hours, making them difficult to capture alive and photograph.

"The hardest part of getting the photos was, one, they're incredibly fast cause they're always running around," Subramanyan told CBS News.

The trio set up a white background on the bottom of the box that held the shrew and glass on the top so they could take the photos, according to the news outlet.

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The Mt. Lyell shrew was known to reside in just a few locations in the central Sierra Nevada near Mt. Lyell but, in recent years, has spread to communities on the central and eastern slopes of the Sierra, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

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Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald Trumps pick to head national intelligence, repeatedly refused to call Edward Snowden a traitor in a confirmation hearing Thursday that generated bipartisan worry about her views on Russia.

Gabbard, a former four-term Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, has faced pushback on her nomination over meeting with former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad and quickly adopting Russian talking points after that country invaded Ukraine.

But she faced stiff questioning from the Senate Intelligence Committee about Snowden, a former private-sector worker who took and publicly disseminated about 1.5 million secret records in 2013 that offered a roadmap of U.S. surveillance.

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Trump nominated Gabbard to serve as director of national intelligence, a position that oversees surveillance and information-gathering and shapes the presidents daily briefings on global hot spots and growing security threats.

Gabbard faced questions from the committee in public and also in a closed-door session because of intelligence secrecy. She is facing what appeared to be united Democratic opposition, and even a few Republicans on the panel seemed troubled that she might give Russia a pass.

Senator, Im offended by the question, Gabbard said to Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas. Because my sole focus, commitment and responsibility is about our own nation, our own security and the interests of the American people.

Gabbard repeatedly refused to call Snowden, who was indicted on espionage charges in the U.S. and taken refuge in Russia, a traitor who undermined the intelligence agencies she would head if confirmed. Instead, she insisted Snowden broke the law but exposed unconstitutional excesses by those agencies.

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Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., focused his two rounds of public questions on Gabbards views on Syria. He faulted her for embracing the views of those sympathetic to Russia and the Assad regime.

Kelly returned to a concern he has alluded to in previous comments in the media that Gabbard effectively sided with Russian propagandists by casting doubt on Assads use of chemical weapons on his own people in two specific attacks during that countrys civil war.

Those attacks on Khan Sheikhoun in 2017 and Douma in 2018 killed at least 130 people combined. After concluding the attacks involved chemical weapons, the United States, the United Kingdom and France launched retaliatory strikes against military targets in the Syrian government.

But Gabbard, then a member of Congress and on the eve of her own short-lived Democratic presidential run, was among a handful of prominent skeptics that those particular attacks involved chemical weapons from Assad.

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Gabbard told Kelly she did so because of conflicting information and evidence.

These two cases were being looked at to be used as a pretext for major military movement, Gabbard said. My fear was a repeat of the deployment of another half a million soldiers like we saw in Iraq toward what was the Obama administrations goal, which was regime change in Syria.

Her now-defunct presidential website took a swipe at Trump for his reaction to the attacks.

Rather than waiting for evidence, Trump acted on impulse and emotion, relying on social media posts and unverified sources originating from within territory held by al Qaeda, she wrote, according to a letter critical of Gabbards nomination from a think tank opposed to nuclear proliferation.

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Kelly pointed out that one of the major sources Gabbard cited in her skepticism of the attacks was Theodore Postol, a retired physicist professor with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who has been dismissed by at least one academic critic as a discredited conspiracy theorist.

Kelly pointed out that Postol had appeared on Russia Today, widely viewed as state propaganda, and he relied on a chemistry student who had defended the Assad regime.

Do you consider them a better source for the chemistry of sarin gas than the U.S. intelligence community? Kelly asked. I dont reject seeking out differing viewpoints. We need to do that.

But you started from a place of doubting the conclusions of the U.S. intelligence community, and then you sought out information that confirmed your viewpoint. That led you to embrace the opinions of two individuals that  were sympathetic to Russia and the Assad regime. It also led you to minimize or discount the overwhelming information that contradicted your viewpoint  including the expert assessments of our own intelligence community.

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Later, Kelly noted that Gabbard had repeated the Russian assertion that the U.S. had supported terrorists in its quest to topple Assad. He asked her whether she had considered the motives of Russia, Syria and Iran in making such claims.

Gabbard maintained that the U.S. had actually supported groups with ties to al Qaeda in the Syrian civil war. While she welcomed the end of Assads regime, the new rebel government is led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, who was part of an affiliate of al Qaeda.

During the Obama administration, the U.S. trained who they called moderate rebels, but were actually fighters working with and aligned with al-Qaedas affiliate on the ground in Syria, she said. A regime-change war in Syria, much like the regime-change wars in Iraq, the toppling of (former Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi) and (former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak), while these are all dictators would likely result in the rise of Islamist extremists like al-Qaeda taking power.

I shed no tears for the fall of the Assad regime, but today we have an Islamist extremist who is now in charge of Syria.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Tulsi Gabbard deflects on Snowden, calls Syrian gassing inconclusive
Acres of charred trees jut out from freshly fallen snow on the 340,000-acre burn scar of the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire, pictured in February 2023. Amid threats of a federal spending freeze, the head of a federal office administering $5.45 billion in compensation to fire victims said at a meeting Wednesday that the funds would not be affected, three attendees told Source NM. (Photo by Patrick Lohmann / Source NM)

Amid confusion regarding the impacts to New Mexicans from President Donald Trumps threatened federal spending freeze this week, questions arose Tuesday regarding the fate of federal compensation for Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon fire victims.

Three of those victims told Source Wednesday they were given assurances in a meeting with U.S. Sen Ben Ray Lujan by the claims office director of operations, Jay Mitchell, that the funding would be spared from any potential cuts.

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Since Tuesday, the FEMA claims office has not responded to requests for comment about whether potential cuts would impact Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire victims, instead sending inquiries from Source New Mexico to FEMA HQ, as a spokesperson called it. Lujan has also publicly called on FEMA to issue a statement to assuage concerns, but the agency had not done so as of Wednesday afternoon.

A spokesperson for Lujan confirmed Mitchell offered reassurances to the victims in the meeting: The Federal Emergency Management Agency shared in the meeting that the money is not frozen, and Senator Lujan will fight to get this relief out the door, spokesperson Adan Serna told Source via text message.

Mitchell offered the reassurance at the beginning of a meeting and told about 30 attendees,  including Yolanda Cruz, Tyler White and Meg Sandoval, who spoke to Source New Mexico  that Trumps threatened freeze will not affect money appropriated specially by Congress to fully compensate victims of the federally caused wildfire.

The meeting, weeks in the making and attended by people in-person and online, was initially organized amid concerns that the claims office was not focused enough on providing compensation to people who lost their primary residences in the fire, said Cruz, an organizer who moderates a Facebook page of survivors from the wildfire. Mitchell sought to address those concerns, but first addressed widespread fears about Trumps threatened cuts.

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Because of the way (Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Act) funds are structured, Trump cant get his hands on it, said Meg Sandoval, who lost her home in the fire, reading to Source from her notes from Mitchells opening remarks.

According to Sandoval and White, Mitchell could not offer similar assurance for federal disaster funding that comes from whats known as the Stafford Act. That 1970s-era law dictates how FEMA should respond, and what aid it can provide, for disasters across the country.

Stafford Act aid, which is limited, goes to both individuals and local governments. The deadline to apply for individual assistance from FEMA Stafford Act funding ended more than two years ago, though multiple infrastructure projects, like burned bridges or washed-out roads, are still winding their way through the process.

In late 2022, Congress enacted the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act, which established a claims office to fully compensate victims for what they lost in the fire. Theyve awarded $5.45 billion in three installments to achieve that aim, and the claims office has distributed about $1.8 billion of that money so far.

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That money awarded by Congress under the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act is separate from disaster assistance awarded under the Stafford Act.

As of Wednesday at 5 p.m. a federal judge had temporarily paused the spending freeze as multiple legal challenges remain pending, and a second judge appeared poised to block it as well.

Nonetheless, FEMAs fate remains uncertain. In his first days in office, Trump publicly floated abolishing FEMA before assembling a committee to consider ways to overhaul the agency.

The actions from the federal government have seeded rifts in the 13,000-member Facebook group that Cruz oversees, she said, with posts flooding in at all hours from pro- and anti-Trump fire survivors. She generally tries to keep the group focused on policy, she said, and keep politics out.

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Given how unprecedented the cuts are, how shocking and cruel they seem, Cruz said, its hard to know whats real or whats in the realm of possibility.

With Trump promising drastic FEMA reform, Cruz said, Some people want to bring it up to Trump, some others are saying, Its not on his radar, dont put it there, she said. I dont have the answer to that. I wish I did. Its scary times, just the things that weve been hearing.
Honolulu firefighters extinguished two separate storage fires on Tuesdayone in Pearl City in the morning, and one in Kalihi later that evening.

The Honolulu Fire Department received a 911 call at 11 :42 a.m. for the first incident at 98-726 Kuahao Place in Pearl City. Seven units with 25 personnel responded.

The first firefighters on scene at 11 :48 a.m. found a working fire within a self-storage unit on the second floor. The address is near Extra Space Storage, which rents commercial storage units.

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The fire was brought under control just after noon, and fully extinguished at 12 :14 p.m.

HFD received a 911 call at about 6 p.m. Tuesday for a building fire at 1084 Puuwai Street, which is the address for Hawaii Bio-Waste Systems. Seven units with 23 personnel responded.

The first firefighters on scene found a working fire in three outdoor storage containers.

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After an aggressive attack, the fire was brought under control at 6 :20 p.m., and fully extinguished at 6 :41 p.m.

No injuries were reported in either incident.

HFD is investigating the origins and cause of both fires, with estimated damages pending.

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Thursday faced a second day of expected fierce grilling at his Senate confirmation hearings to be President Donald Trumps health secretary.

The longtime anti-vaccine activist endured more sharp questioning from Democrats and even some GOP lawmakers about his vaccine skepticism, along with shifting views on abortion and food and drug safety.

Kennedy sought to frame himself as a fearless proponent of ending chronic disease and improving the health of all Americans.

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The nation is ready for change, Kennedy said. If confirmed, I will do everything in my power to put the health of Americans back on track.

Kennedy put in a shaky performance on his first day of hearings before the Finance Committee, which has oversight over some aspects of the sprawling Health and Human Services role.

He failed to effectively rebut his past harsh attacks on lifesaving vaccines, abandoned his longstanding position supporting abortion rights and even mixed up Medicare and Medicaid.

Things didnt get any smoother on Thursday when he appeared at a Health Committee hearing chaired by Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., a medical doctor who says he is undecided on Kennedys nomination.

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Your past of undermining confidence in vaccines with unfounded or misleading arguments concerns me, Cassidy said. Can I trust that that is now in the past?

Kennedy dodged Cassidys demand that he concede there is no link between vaccines and autism, a junk science conspiracy theory Kennedy has repeated.

That is a very troubling response because the studies are there, progressive Sen. Bernie Sanders chimed in. Your job was to have looked at those studies as an applicant for this job.

Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., who has a grown child with cerebral palsy, tearfully blasted Kennedy for continuing to suggest that vaccines cause autism.

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When you continue to sow doubt about settled science, it makes it impossible for us to move forward, Hassan told the rapt hearing. So we cant find out what the cause of autism is and treat these children and help these families.

Democrats tore into Kennedy over his past statements that no vaccine is safe and effective, and his multimillion-dollar deal referring clients to law firms suing a vaccine maker, a gig he says he will keep even if he is confirmed to a job overseeing the industry.

Some Republicans, especially those from farm states, sounded less than happy with Kennedys claims that Big Ag and food processing companies are poisoning generations of Americans, especially children.

He sought to mend fences with conservative opponents of abortion rights by asserting that he would implement Trumps policies. That includes the stance that states may ban or severely limit abortion even though RFK Jr. had previously passionately said women should have the right to choose regardless of where they live.

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Like all Trump cabinet nominees, Kennedy, 71, likely needs 50 votes for confirmation, meaning he can probably afford to lose the support of no more than three GOP lawmakers.

Moderate Sen. Susan Collins of Maine and Sen. Lisa Murkowski are considered tough sells for RFK Jr.

Former GOP Senate Leader Mitch McConnell, meanwhile, survived childhood polio and is a fervent advocate for vaccines, making him another potential no vote.

On the Democratic side, Sen. John Fetterman is a potential wild card. The Pennsylvania lawmaker met with Kennedy and says he hasnt decided whether to oppose his nomination.

_____
JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Dark clouds are seen on the horizon off Ala Moana Regional Park today. A severe storm system is set to hit the Hawaiian islands late Wednesday through Friday, bringing strong winds, thunderstorms, and flash flooding.

1 /3 JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Dark clouds are seen on the horizon off Ala Moana Regional Park today. A severe storm system is set to hit the Hawaiian islands late Wednesday through Friday, bringing strong winds, thunderstorms, and flash flooding.

COURTESY NOAA This color-enhanced radar image shows a potent storm system nearing Hawaii from the northwest today.

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2 /3 COURTESY NOAA This color-enhanced radar image shows a potent storm system nearing Hawaii from the northwest today.

COURTESY NOAA A satellite image this morning shows areas of moisture over Hawaii.

3 /3 COURTESY NOAA A satellite image this morning shows areas of moisture over Hawaii.

JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Dark clouds are seen on the horizon off Ala Moana Regional Park today. A severe storm system is set to hit the Hawaiian islands late Wednesday through Friday, bringing strong winds, thunderstorms, and flash flooding.

COURTESY NOAA This color-enhanced radar image shows a potent storm system nearing Hawaii from the northwest today.

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COURTESY NOAA A satellite image this morning shows areas of moisture over Hawaii.

UPDATE : 3 :25 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for Niihau, Kauai, and Oahu, effective from 6 p.m. today to 6 a.m. Friday.

Southwest winds of 20 to 30 mph, with localized gusts over 60 mph, are expected on the three islands, the National Weather Service.

The highest risk for damaging gusts will be over and to the east of mountains, although other areas could see damaging gusts as well,  said NWS.

Winds are expected to increase near Kauai this evening into the night, and then spread to Oahu overnight into early Thursday.

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The weather service also issued a high wind warning for Kahoolawe, Lanai, Maui and Molokai, from 6 a.m. Thursday to 6 a.m. Friday, with south winds 25 to 35 mph and localized gusts over 60 mph.

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Winds will blow strongest over and near ridges and between gaps in terrain, said NWS.

Forecasters urge the public to prepare for the possibility of property damage and power outages.

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Additionally, strong winds may lead to property damage and hazardous driving conditions due to powerful crosswinds, especially for drivers, especially for lightweight and high-profile vehicles.

The public should bring loose outdoor items should be brought inside or secured properly.

All main Hawaiian islands are under a flood watch this evening through Friday afternoon due to a powerful winter storm arriving from the west.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE A powerful winter storm is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds and possible flash flooding across Hawaii starting this evening, according to the National Weather Service.

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Forecasters said the system will pass north of Kauai on Thursday, dragging a cold front down the island chain through Friday. The front is expected to bring widespread showers and thunderstorms, with the potential for flash flooding across all main Hawaiian islands.

A flood watch is in effect from this evening through Friday afternoon, with urban areas at higher risk for significant flooding and property damage due to rapid runoff. The weather service warned that flood-prone roads and low-lying areas could be closed due to excessive rainfall.

Along with the rain, a high wind watch is in place for most of the state from this evening through late Thursday night. Southwest winds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph, could cause damage to trees and power lines. Officials warned that widespread power outages are possible, and travel could be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.

Residents are urged to remain alert for updates and be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.

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Meanwhile, cool and calm conditions this morning will give way to increasing clouds, strengthening winds, and widespread rain as the strong winter storm approaches Hawaii, forecasters said. Winds will shift out of the south-southeast ahead of the system, bringing humid conditions before the storm moves in.

The most significant impacts are expected from Thursday through Friday, with flash flooding, damaging south-to-southwest winds, and hazardous marine conditions. Conditions will improve by Friday night as the front moves east, with drier and more stable weather expected through the weekend and into early next week.

NWS officials urge residents to take precautions to protect property before the storm hits, and to tie down loose objects or move them to a sheltered location.

Hawaiian Electric officials said the company was monitoring the weather and encouraged residents to check their emergency preparations and prepare for the possibility of power outages. They said those preparations should include :Checking emergency equipment such as flashlights, generators, battery-operated radios, light sticks, and lanterns to be sure they are operational.Buying extra batteries.Having a battery-powered radio on hand to listen for updates on the weather conditions.Making sure portable generators are in a well-ventilated area outside the home, and carefully follow all instructions in the manufacturers manual.Turning refrigerators and freezers to their coldest settings in case power goes out.Turning off and unplugging any unnecessary electrical equipment, especially sensitive electronics in case of a power outage.And assume downed power lines are energized and dangerous, and stay at least 30 feet or more away from all power lines.More Hawaiian Electric preparation and safety tips are available at.

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Florida welcoming sign via Common Cause

Among the list of legislative proposals that the Hillsborough County Commission is asking their state lawmakers to enact this year is a request from one board member to eliminate sunshine laws for county commissioners.

Donna Cameron Cepeda, a Republican first elected in 2022, says her proposal is not about reducing transparency in local government, but instead is intended to improve the functionality of the decision-making process for commissioners and specific boards.

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Discussions under the current Sunshine law can hinder effective communication, particularly [for the] Commission on Human Trafficking where sensitive information needs to be handled cautiously, Cameron Cepeda told the Phoenix in an email message.

As a dedicated public servant, I value transparency, accountability, and the publics trust in government operations. Floridas Sunshine Law has been instrumental in ensuring openness and preventing corruption. However, certain circumstances call for thoughtful updates to improve efficiency and effectiveness while maintaining the integrity of the public process.

Hillsborough County Commissioner Donna Cameron Cepeda via her X page

That human trafficking commission is one of the agencies Cameron Cepeda serves on and she says that the ability to discuss strategy is crucial.

Traffickers actively monitor anti-trafficking efforts, and public discussions can inadvertently expose our plans, jeopardizing their effectiveness, she said. Limited private discussions would allow us to safeguard sensitive information while continuing to uphold our mission to protect the most vulnerable.

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Florida has a long history of strong sunshine laws, starting with the Public Records Law in 1909, which says that citizens can see, read, and copy any records the government receives during the course of business unless a state law says the information is private.

The Government in the Sunshine Law was adopted in 1967.

In 1992, Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment guaranteeing a public right to access records and meetings. A decade later, as lawmakers were adding exemptions, voters approved another a constitutional amendment making it harder for legislators to approve future exceptions.

Code words

Ben Wilcox is research director for Integrity Florida, a government watchdog group. He says that, since its inception, there have been attempts to weaken Florida sunshine laws by public officials who would like to operate more in the shadows than in the sunshine.

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More often than not, these public officials try to argue that allowing officials to discuss issues out of public scrutiny would improve the functionality of the decision-making process, Wilcox said.

This is code for actually saying, Making deals would be easier if we didnt have to do it at a public meeting.

These public officials will also seek to justify their desire to operate out of the sunshine by citing sensitive issues like human trafficking and raising security concerns that traffickers will monitor the public discussions and somehow use the information to evade prosecution. Again, this is a red herring. Any action the local government might take regarding human trafficking will still have to come before the body as an agenda item and be subject to full public discussion. Allowing commissioners to discuss public issues in private will only facilitate back-room deal making.

The overall effect of weakening our Government in the Sunshine Law will be a loss of public confidence in its government. This County Commissioner says she is not advocating for secrecy or reduced public oversight, but in reality that is exactly what she is advocating for.

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Harry Cohen, one of two Democrats on the seven-member Hillsborough County Commission, does not support Cameron Cepedas proposal.

I am not in favor of elimination of the sunshine law for county commissioners, he said in a text message.

The Phoenix reached out to two Hillsborough County Republican state lawmakers for comment, but neither responded.

Additionally

Other proposals that the Board of County Commissioners are calling for include:
The South Central light rail extension connecting downtown and south Phoenix is inching closer to completion.

Trains crossed over the Salt River Bridge for the first time on Wednesday, marking a new milestone as testing expanded south toward the end-of-line at Baseline Road. Testing began in early January and initially ran about a mile along Central Avenue from Washington to Cocopah streets, just north of Interstate 17's Durango Curve. The milestone means the trains are now traversing 2 miles. The full extension is 5.5 miles.

Full, 5.5-mile testing is expected in March, and residents should expect the extension to open in mid-2025, according to Valley Metro, the regional transportation agency heading up the project. Traffic signals along the light rail on Central Avenue should resume in late March or early April, a project contractor said.

From left to right: Jessica Mefford-Miller, Valley Metro CEO, Councilwoman Kesha Hodge Washington, Councilman Carlos Galindo-Elvira, U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari, D-03 and Markus Coleman, light rail administrator for City of Phoenix.

Councilmembers, a congresswoman, community members and leaders from Valley Metro celebrated the progress as a monumental boost for south Phoenix's future at a gathering to watch the first bridge crossing.

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"Today's train ... represents far more than just a piece of infrastructure. It marks the start of a transformative journey for South Phoenix, driven by community input, patience and a shared desire for progress and opportunity," said Councilmember Carlos Galindo-Elvira, who represents parts of south Phoenix and downtown.

He and others cheered while the train glided south to the station across from the Rio Audubon Center.

The train traveled at a slow, walking pace. Coordinators had to walk behind it on the tracks with their hands connected to ensure all went according to plan since it was the first run, Valley Metro Communications Director Hillary Foose said.

Event attendees didn't mind. Phoenix leaders and dozens of others hollered in excitement once the train arrived a few minutes later, honking, "Beep beep!"

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U.S. Rep Yassamin Ansari, who formerly held Galindo-Elvira's seat, said the light rail was "just the start of the revitalization of South Central."

The light rail, she said, would connect students to campuses at Arizona State University, Grand Canyon University, and South Mountain Community College, and workers to jobs in downtown, the East Valley and Metrocenter "without having to sit in traffic." Older residents, she said, would now have access to the rest of the city without having to drive.

Councilwoman Kesha Hodge Washington said the light rail would welcome 8,000 new riders.

Becky Ruiz, a lifelong south Phoenix resident who oversees a ministry in the area and owns multiple homes on both sides of the light rail track, said she was "actually excited" about the light rail.

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She had mixed feelings when the light rail was announced, she said, and construction posed its challenge.

"Our favorite saying in our family is, I love you through the good, the bad, and the ugly. So in this process, I love you through the good, the bad and the ugly," Ruiz said, eyeing the light rail.

She said she hopes to turn one of her four homes into an Airbnb. She didn't purchase them as investment opportunities. She bought them for herself and then rented them to family members as time passed, but the light rail opening within walking distance makes it a good opportunity, she said.

Construction on the South Central light rail began in 2019. It was billed as a way to link downtown and south Phoenix, a historically underserved area where residents of color were once segregated.

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Supporters said the light rail would revitalize the area and connect residents to more job and education opportunities, but some also worried that construction would hurt businesses and change the character of the area. Those concerns started coming to life.

In November 2024, a south Phoenix resident named Andrew Richwine complained to Valley Metro and Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego about light rail construction delays, inadequate community involvement and poor record keeping. He launched a coalition called Stand Up for South Phoenix and a Change.org petition demanding more accountability.

Valley Metro announced a series of changes in response to the concerns, including extending grants for small businesses affected by light rail construction.

Richwine approved of the changes but remained frustrated. He said on Wednesday community members were still concerned about limited outreach and inadequate interpretation services for Spanish speakers.

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South Phoenix resident Victor Vidales, another Construction Advisory Board member, said the progress Wednesday was "exciting" and "historic to finally see it operating."

"All the pain and trials and tribulations are coming to an end. I think we're going to face another set of problems, but at least the majority of construction's done," he said.

The next challenge?

"It's the displacement, the gentrification and all the economic development that comes behind the light rail," Vidales said.

He thinks about the residents of trailer parks and what they will do if property owners sell the land.

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Many mobile home residents own their homes but not the land that sits beneath them, and moving mobile homes is difficult.

From 2023: Mobile home evictions moving forward following Phoenix council vote

Vidales hopes the city brings in mission-based developers who provide safe, not abrupt, transition plans.

Taylor Seely covers Phoenix for The Arizona Republic / azcentral.com. Reach her at tseely@arizonarepublic.com or by phone at 480-476-6116.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Beep beep! Light rail trains cross over Phoenix's Salt River Bridge
HONOLULU (KHON2)  In the ahupuaa of Waikiki, which lies in the moku of Kona on Oahu, stands a popular beach that holds layers of historical significance. We are speaking of Kaimana Beach.

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Lying in the morning shadows of Kaimanahila, which is known as Diamond Hill or more commonly as Diamond Head, is a small beach largely known today as Kaimana Beach; the name being associated with the hotel which now resides there.

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Waikiki street named after Kamehamehas high councilor

But just as the hotel has changed over time, so did the name of the beach.

The first hotel in the area was called Park Beach Hotel.

In 1893, a new hotel opened named San Souci, which is French for without care.

The beach then took on the name San Souci.

Renowned poet Robert Louis Stevenson described it in part, lovely scenery, quiet, pure air, clean seawater and heavenly sunsets.

Hawaiis rural healthcare at stake as federal funding freezes

Kaimana and San Souci are just modern nicknames that reflect the more modern history of this area.

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But ancient names such as Kapua or Hononunu reflect older stories.

For example, from this beach looking out, can you imagine seeing 12,000 double-hulled war canoes lining the horizon from Waialae here to Waikiki?

History shares that, as part of his conquest, King Kamehameha I arrived on Oahu in 1795 via the shores of Hononunu.

He and his 10,000 warriors won the island by pushing their enemies up and over the cliff at what became known as the Battle of Nuuanu.

History also shares that in 1902, the first telegraphic cable connecting the United States to Hawaii was laid through the Kapua Channel.

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Starting in San Francisco and landing at then-San Souci beach, the first successful telegraph was sent just a few days later.

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Till today, freshwater springs within the Kapua Channel continue to prevent coral from growing, keeping the mostly clear.

Did you know? Now you do!

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  People in one Overland Park neighborhood are upset after learning about a recently purchased home that will now be an assisted living and memory care facility.

The city, however, says the move isnt illegal, citing Kansas law and regulations. Neighbors in two separate HOAs on both sides of the home are fired up after they couldnt do anything to stop the change.

First, no one knew what was happening until the new homeowners had workers over for renovations. Now, with the knowledge they do have, theyre wondering, how this happened.

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The way it was done, sneaky and underhanded. Its frustrating to everyone because, normally, when something is built people are notified and they have an opportunity to come and voice their opinion Ellyn Bold, who lives almost directly adjacent to the home, said.

Wrong-way crash suspect said he had up to 14 drinks before driving: court docs

The home sits at 9823 Nall Avenue, and while people are upset, the homeowner appears to be within the law.

I dont believe Kansas residents know that this is acceptable throughout Kansas wherever you live, Bold said.

The concerns stretch from safety to property value, tax implications and insurance liability for the HOAs

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The home is in a residential neighborhood but will be used for commercial purposes. However, the area is zoned for residential single-family homes.

FOX4 reached out to the city, with city officials saying the citys zoning requirements do not apply here.

Why? Because it falls under Kansas statute 12-736, which applies to group homes.

The law states to qualify it has to service disability which means, with respect to a person:

A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of such persons major life activities.

A quick look at the website of the people who will operate here, Serenity Care Homes Kansas, which does assisted living & memory care, shows the new address at the bottom of the site.

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Were not protected here. I dont feel were protected if anything that anybody wants to do is allowed. The property value is not my concern, it might be everybody elses, safety and protecting my neighbors who have to live like this for the rest of their lives, Bold said.

Overland Park police asking for help in identifying robbery suspects

The seller of the home was not even aware of the purpose, and she told her old neighbors she wouldnt have sold to this buyer if she knew then what she knows now.

The buyer is not required to share that information despite whats within the HOA or what the city or his neighbors say because he technically followed the law.

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Speaking of that buyer we reached out and we didnt hear back. It is not clear when the first patient will be moved in.

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HOBBS, New Mexico (KMID/KPEJ)- A Lovington, New Mexico man was arrested this week after a lengthy investigation linked him to the August 2024 murder of a 26-year-old man in Hobbs.

According to the Hobbs Police Department, on August 5, 2024, officers were called to the scene of a shooting and found Jonathan Losoya with gunshot injuries. Losoya was taken to an area hospital where he later died.

Detectives conducted interviews and followed leads in the case and on January 25, 2025, issued an arrest warrant for 27-year-old Ubaldo Herrera. On January 27, Herrera was found in the 2000 block of E Clinton Street in Hobbs and was taken into custody.

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Herrera has been charged with Murder, Tampering with Evidence, Bribery or Intimidation of a Witness, and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, all felony charges.

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Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday unveiled a plan to offer free community college tuition for adult learners, ages 25 to 55.

Hochul talked about the proposal at Onondaga Community College "to showcase the regions readiness for Micron to support New York State as a global hub for Semiconductor manufacturing and R&D," according to a news release from her office.

When my dad got a college education, our whole family got a shot at a better life  and I want New Yorkers to have that opportunity, Hochul said. Under my plan, every New Yorker will have the chance to pursue a free associate degree at SUNY and CUNY community colleges to help fill the in-demand jobs of tomorrow.

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Across New York State, there are more than four million working-age adults who do not have a college degree or credential, according to the release. Hochul's proposal would cover tuition, fees and books at any SUNY or CUNY community college for adult learners who have never earned a degree and are pursuing an associate degree in a high demand field, including nursing, teaching, technology, and engineering.

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, SUNYs community colleges are incredible engines of upward mobility, and Governor Hochuls Free Community College plan will literally change the lives of New Yorkers seeking a degree in a high-demand field. SUNY campuses like Onondaga Community College are leading the way in meeting the needs of our adult learners and regional employers.

Upstate New York has been designated as a National Workforce Hub "to dramatically expand domestic memory chip manufacturing in the United States," the release stated. Micron is expected to invest $100 billion in the White Pine Industrial Park in the town of Clay in Onondaga County  one of the largest economic development projects in U.S. history, the release stated

In total, the project is expected to create nearly 50,000 jobs statewide, including an average of 5,600 construction jobs per year paying federal prevailing wage. When complete, the complex will include the nation's largest clean room space at approximately 2.4 million square feet, grow domestic semiconductor manufacturing, and "enhance our national security by expanding the United States chipmaking capacity," the release stated.

Onondaga Community College President Warren Hilton said, During the last five years, our faculty has worked tirelessly to create academic programs aimed at educating and preparing students for valuable and rewarding careers in industries where workers are needed most. Our staff has done an outstanding job supporting those students during their time on campus. We are grateful to all Central New York employers who see the value in our students, the education they receive here, and their willingness to give them the opportunity to be successful in the workforce.
The Trump administration has offered a buyout to around 2 million federal employees and claims they can stop working and still receive pay through the end of September, but workers are rallying each other on Reddit to stay onboard, arguing their presence is the last line of defense against fascism.

We watched this goon try to overthrow the government on live tv four years ago, one poster, whose comments have been upvoted tens of thousands of times on r/fednews, wrote. Now, we are witnessing him try to overthrow it from within.

I didnt dedicate years of my life serving this great country to be bullied into quitting my career by a bunch of fascists, the user, Odd_Rough_9723, wrote. We are being led by the same types of people our grandparents fought against in WW2. They dont care about us, regardless of the fact that one-third of us are veterans and many are military family members.

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Another popular post about the buyouts is an image of the Statute of Liberty with the slogan, Hold the Line! Dont resign!

The chatter online eventually seemed to get Trump ally Elon Musks attention, who shared a post on social media complaining federal employees waste time at work by complaining on social media.

The Trump administration has argued its seeking to get control of government by wresting power from career federal service workers, who it believes are far left, left-wing. It claims resignations could cut up to 10 percent of the federal workforce and save $100 billion a year.

Trump administration claims major cuts to federal workforce will save up to $100 billion a year (AP)

As part of the Trump administrations non-governmental Department of Government Efficiency initiative, Musk has also spoken about encouraging a wave of voluntary terminations that we welcome.

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The American Federal of Government Employees, a union which represents federal workers, argued the buyouts were hardly voluntary.

Between the flurry of anti-worker executive orders and policies, it is clear that the Trump administrations goal is to turn the federal government into a toxic environment where workers cannot stay even if they want to, AFGE National President Everett Kelley said in a statement on Tuesday.

Some on the federal workers subreddit argued the mass resignations would have unintended consequences, including harming industries across the world where Trump-aligned broligarchs like Musk do business.

There are people in my agency that are the best in the world at what they do, and maintain facilities that are an essential backbone to almost all U.S. (and many foreign) industry, one federal employee wrote. Maybe you can replace a body, but you cannot replace a mind. If these people are replaced, it is a loss for the whole country, but will certainly affect the companies these broligarchs own.

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Others expressed doubt that the terms of the Trump offer were even real.

Dont trust this email, there is no guarantee they will pay you, and they most likely wont! one commenter said. Look at what happened to Twitter employees. They want you to quit, show them you wont back down. Solidarity in numbers.

Indeed, there are a number of parallels between the mass layoffs at X/Twitter and the resignation offer.

A fork in the road https://t.co/vzk1RYbM5u  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 28, 2025

Both involve Musk, and they even share a tagline. In 2022, as X began what would eventually become an 80 percent purge of its workforce, employees received a memo titled, Fork in the Road, the same title the federal Office of Personnel Management is using to describe the Trump buyout offers.

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As The Independent reported, the X layoffs brought chaos and multiple lawsuits from former staff members, and theres a suggestion there could be more uncertainty to come around the federal buyout plan.

Most importantly, its not clear the Trump administration has the legal authority or funds to even ensure its promises, according to some.

The president has no authority to make that offer, Senator Tim Kaine, Democrat of Virginia, argued Tuesday in a floor speech. Theres no budget line item to pay people who are not showing up for work.

He pointed to Trumps long history of allegedly withholding payment from contractors on his business projects and urged federal employees to decline the buyout.

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Dont be fooled, Kaine continued. Hes tricked hundreds of people with that offer. If you accept that offer and resign, hell stiff you just like he stiffed the contractors. He doesnt have any authority to do this.

Theres also the small matter of a looming shutdown unless Congress can hammer out a deal to keep funding the government past a mid-March deadline, raising questions about how the Trump administration will pay resigned workers through September 30 as promised.

Past government shutdowns, such as one in 2023, have directly impacted federal workers (Associated Press)

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Even if the buyout offers dont materialize, or federal employees choose to hold the line, the Trump administration is eyeing other ways to shrink the federal workforce.

Last week, the administration put all federal diversity, equity, and inclusion workers on leave, and attempted to freeze billions of dollars in federal assistance across government agencies, though by Wednesday it abruptly rescinded this latter directive.
By Rachel More

BERLIN (Reuters) -A 99-year-old Holocaust survivor said on Thursday he would return his federal order of merit award to the German state in protest over a parliamentary vote in which support from the far-right was used for the first time to secure a majority.

Germany's main opposition conservatives, who are tipped to win a national election on Feb. 23, pushed through parliament on Wednesday a motion calling for a drastic crackdown on migration with the help of votes from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).

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Though the motion is non-binding, the AfD's role in passing it was symbolically important. Critics have accused the conservatives of breaking a taboo among mainstream parties against working with the AfD.

Albrecht Weinberg told Reuters he would return his decoration as a protest against the vote.

Born to a Jewish family in 1925, Weinberg spent time during World War Two in the Nazi death camps at Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen. He was freed on April 15, 1945, according to the Bergen-Belsen memorial website. He emigrated to the United States after the war but returned 10 years ago to live in Germany.

Some six million Jews were killed in the Holocaust.

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Luigi Toscano, a photographer whose project 'Lest We Forget' shares the stories of survivors of the Holocaust, said he was also returning his order of merit to the German state in protest over Wednesday's vote.

'RIGHT-WING EXTREMIST'

"Yesterday, the CDU (conservatives) betrayed our democratic values with a resolution and the support of a party that is partly designated as right-wing extremist," Toscano wrote in an Instagram post in which he also mentioned Weinberg's decision.

The CDU did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the matter.

The AfD, which is under state surveillance on suspicion of being right-wing extremist, has come under fire in the past for criticising Germany's culture of remembrance around the Holocaust. It denies having any Nazi links.

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Wednesday's parliamentary vote occurred hours after German lawmakers held a special sitting to commemorate 80 years since the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp.

Commenting on the vote, another Auschwitz survivor, 82-year-old Eva Umlauf, compared the situation to 1930s Germany before Hitler's Nazis took power.

"We all know how German politicians once thought they could cooperate with Hitler and the Nazi party. Keep them in check," wrote Umlauf in an open letter to the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper.

"And in just a few years, our democracy became a dictatorship. Peace became war," wrote Umlauf, who was taken to Auschwitz with her mother in 1944.

(Additional reporting by Madeline ChambersEditing by Gareth Jones)
Home Depot will pay a former employee $65,000 after settling a sexual harassment case brought by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.

The DHR announced the agreement on Thursday, saying Home Depot will also be required to make changes to prevent further incidents.

The department said its investigation found that Home Depot employees sexually harassed a coworker at its Fridley store over a three year period, with the company failing to stop the harassment.

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A press release from the DHR says the employee was subjected to "unwelcome sexual comments and advances and inappropriate touching" from her colleagues, with a statement from the victim  who has not been named  saying the experience was "deeply painful."

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"The employee reported the sexual harassment numerous times over the course of approximately three years, but Home Depot took little to no action," the DHR said.

As part of the settlement, Home Depot will be required to enforce anti-harassment policies, conduct anti-harassment training, and "hold store managers accountable."

"Sexual harassment is a violation of the law and a denial of basic human dignity," said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero.

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"It harms individuals' mental health, job performance, and well-being, while also undermining organizational integrity and productivity. Minnesota state law requires that employers create a workplace free from sexual harassment and assault. This agreement reminds Minnesota employers of this obligation."

In a comment to Bring Me The News, a Home Depot spokesperson said: "We don't tolerate harassment in any form and are committed to respect for all people. We settled this matter so we can focus on our business."
WHEAT RIDGE, Colo. (KDVR)  Every month, Wheat Ridge Police Community Service Officers partner with the Colorado Department of Transportation to clean up a segment of the Interstate 70 corridor.

Wednesday morning, officers found several illegal camps under the I-70 bridge spanning over Clear Creek along the city of Wheat Ridges greenway.

Police arrest 4, clear encampment in Fort Collins

Theres also some other environmental and health concerns with maybe some of the activity going on in some of these areas, said Alex Rose, a spokesperson for the Wheat Ridge Police Department. For example, we found like a mini chimney underneath one of the bridges over there that left the underbelly of that bridge incredibly scorched.

WRPD said this cleanup provides many benefits to those temporarily residing in these areas (Credit: WRPD). Among items found in these camps, a makeshift chimney was discovered which scorched the underside of the bridge (Credit: WRPD).

Many signs in the area clearly state there is no camping allowed in any of the parking areas or along the trail, but WRPD said these cleanups are not only about the trespassing aspect.

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It is a public safety concern, Rose said. All it would take is one car crash, which we deal with a good amount on I70, for something to go wrong for someone who is trying to live on the side of that highway.

Through these cleanups, Rose said they hope to connect people living in these areas with resources to fit their needs.

4 detained in Commerce City, SWAT activated for reports of shots fired

We dont necessarily just want to disrupt everything that is going on in these areas. We want to make sure that were connecting folks with resources, Rose said.

He added the city has a Navigation Program which has helped place 150 people into transitional or permanent housing since 2020. Ahead of the cleanup, city officials also sent a housing navigator into the area to give folks notice.

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If theyre having any mental health issues, any healthcare-related issues or just having trouble finding housing in this market, to be able to connect them with those, we can get a better solution out of that, Rose said.

In addition to helping them with resources, WRPD said in these cleanups, they have also been able to find and identify people who may not have initially sought help in the first place.

We contacted an individual who had clear signs of frostbite in both feet and so if were not going through and doing these cleanups, we may not have seen that person that person may not have gotten medical attention in time and then it couldve gotten worse down the line, Rose 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 FOX31 Denver.
Hospitals in Colorado, Virginia and the nation's capital said Thursday they have paused gender-affirming care for young people as they evaluate President Donald Trumps executive order aimed at cutting federal support for such care.

Denver Health in Colorado has stopped providing gender-affirming surgeries for people under age 19, a spokesperson confirmed Thursday, in order to comply with the executive order and continue receiving federal funding. It is unclear whether the hospital will continue providing other gender-affirming care for youth, including hormone therapy and puberty blockers.

In Virginia, VCU Health and Childrens Hospital of Richmond said they have suspended gender-affirming medication and gender-affirming surgical procedures for those under 19 years old.

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In Washington, D.C., Childrens National Hospital said the hospital had paused prescriptions of puberty blockers and hormone therapy to comply with the directives while we assess the situation further. The hospital already did not perform gender-affirming surgery on minors, a spokesperson said Thursday.

Trump's order, signed Tuesday, is part of a push to reverse Biden administration policies meant to protect transgender people and their care. It ordered agencies to take steps to makes sure that hospitals receiving federal research and education grants end the chemical and surgical mutilation of children.

Other hospitals told The Associated Press that their current practices would continue. Lurie Childrens Hospital of Chicago said hospital officials are reviewing the order and assessing any potential impact to the clinical services we offer to our patient families.

Our team will continue to advocate for access to medically necessary care, grounded in science and compassion for the patient-families we are so privileged to serve, the statement said.

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The language in Trump's executive order  using words such as maiming, sterilizing and mutilation  contradicts what is typical for gender-affirming care in the United States. It also labels guidance from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health as junk science.

WPATH said in a statement that restrictions and bans on access to necessary medical care for transgender youth are harmful to patients and their families.

Gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth isnt common. A new study shows that fewer than 1 in 1,000 U.S. adolescents with commercial insurance received puberty blockers or hormones during a recent five-year period, and the bulk of gender-affirming surgeries are not performed on youth.

The Denver hospital said Trumps order would affect the mental health of its transgender patients, and that they would continue to receive primary and behavioral health care.

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Denver Health is committed to and deeply concerned for the health and safety of our gender diverse patients under the age of 19, the hospitals statement said.

___

This story has been corrected to show that Trumps order was signed Tuesday, not Thursday.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Ten years ago this month, nine conservative House Republicans, frustrated with the partys leadership, met at the conferences retreat in Hershey, Pennsylvania, to form their own caucus. The original working title was the Reasonable Nutjob Caucus, recalled Mick Mulvaney, one of the founding members. Reasonable nutjob was sort of a thumbing our nose that John McCain would call us a bunch of nutjobs, Mulvaney told The Dispatch.

Before they settled on their namethe Freedom Caucusthose representatives had been derided as nutjobs not only for their staunch fiscal conservatism but for their support of using particularly aggressive tactics to achieve fiscally conservative outcomes. After the rise of the Tea Party and the red wave in the 2010 midterm elections, the Tea Party threat of a government shutdown over federal spending led to real budget cuts in 2011. But an actual government shutdown over a push to defund Obamacare in 2013 resulted in little more than greater hostility between the rebels who pushed for the shutdown and the members of the GOP establishmentthat is, party leadership and their allieswho felt they had been dragged along for a bruising and pointless ride.

Mulvaney said that the establishments efforts to quash the GOP rebelsby cutting off campaign funds, denying them plum committee assignments, and using heavy-handed tactics to keep them from leadership of the Republican Study Committee, the existing House GOP conservative conferenceled to the creation of the Freedom Caucus in January 2015. Later that year, the group played a key role in forcing the resignation of Speaker John Boehner.

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Ten years on, the rebels in the House GOP Freedom Caucus (HFC) have become an important part of Donald Trumps GOP establishment. We started as a way to try and make the Republican leadership more fiscally conservative, and to try to drive more fiscally conservative legislation out of the Republican-controlled House, Mulvaney said. It changed a little bit then during Donald Trumps first term in office, when it was sort of Donald Trumps shock troops.

Many of the original nine founding members of the HFC have gone on to have wildly successful careers in the Trump era. TwoMulvaney and Mark Meadowswould go on to serve as White House chief of staff, and another, Ron DeSantis, was elected governor of Florida in 2018 and, for a few months at least, looked like a formidable challenger to Trump for the GOPs 2024 presidential nomination. The original Freedom Caucus chairman, Jim Jordan, is one of Trumps most reliable allies in Congress and a mainstay on right-wing cable newsand was a serious contender to be speaker of the House after several Freedom Caucus members helped defenestrate Kevin McCarthy in 2023.

The HFC doesnt publicly disclose their membership numbers, but there are more than two dozen members. Jordan and fellow Freedom Caucus member Mark Green are now the chairmen of significant committees (Oversight and Homeland Security, respectively), and three Freedom Caucus members currently sit on the powerful Rules Committeethe last stop for any piece of legislation that comes to the House floor under regular order. I dont think if youd asked anybody 10 years ago if wed have proportional representation on Rules that theyd say that would even be possible, a senior House GOP aide close to the Freedom Caucus told The Dispatch.

But what has the HFC actually done with that power? When the Freedom Caucus was founded on the principles of fiscal conservatism in January 2015, the national debt stood at roughly $18 trillion. Over the past decade, that figure has doubled. Asked if he could recall any Freedom Caucus achievements on spending, Mulvaney was circumspect. My guess is that we didnt, he told The Dispatch. If anything, we raised awareness, and that was about it. We just didnt have numbers.

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The House GOP aide close to the Freedom Caucus was similarly unable to point to any significant victories for fiscal conservatism. We are a small band versus the ocean of spending, so weve at least tried, the aide said, while maintaining that the Freedom Caucus has driven the party to the right on other issues. The immigration bill passed by the House GOP on a party-line vote in 2023, for example, would have been a pipe dream a decade ago, the aide observed: Your average Republican member from 2017 is at this point almost a fringe centrist in this era.

While the House GOP writ large has certainly evolved over the course of the Trump era, so too has the Freedom Caucus, with its members more than willing to temper their tactics when Trump is the one signing big spending bills. I dont remember them opposing us, Mulvaney said of his time as Trumps budget director during his first administration. Sometimes I wish they had because, back before I was chief, Trump signed a couple appropriations bills that I think he regretted it, and I wish the Freedom Caucus had been more assertive and encouraging not to sign big spending bills that [Paul] Ryan and [Mitch] McConnell had put forward.

As Trumps second term kicks off, caucus chairman Andy Harris is striking a conciliatory tone toward the administration. The best way to advance the conservative agenda is to not be constantly viewed as an obstacle, Harris told The Hill earlier this month. Pound for pound, or per capita, we are the strongest supporters of President Trump anywhere in Washington. This group is it.

Its hard to envision many Freedom Caucus members getting crosswise with Trump in his second termthe few who have in the past have paid a steep political price. Former Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan was a founding member of the HFC and wrote in the groups mission statement that it would be dedicated to the Constitution and the rule of law. But when Amash concluded in 2019 that Trump had committed impeachable conduct with his attempt to dig up dirt on the Biden familys dealings in Ukraine, he was condemned by his Freedom Caucus colleagues and resigned. Former Rep. Mark Sanford of South Carolina, a onetime HFC member and a Trump critic, lost a primary race in 2018 to a pro-Trump Republican who proudly declared that there will never be a seat at the table for someone like Sanford. Former Rep. Bob Good lost his primary in Virginia last year while he was the sitting chairman of the Freedom Caucus in large part due to his support for Ron DeSantis in the presidential primary.

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Most members of the Freedom Caucus backed Trumps efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election, and as a new term begins, some rank-and-file members are falling over each other to demonstrate who loves the president the most. Daddys back, declared Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida recently introduced legislation to put Trumps face on Mt. Rushmore. Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee introduced a constitutional amendment to allow Trumpbut not Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, or Barack Obamato run for a third term.

Perhaps the most interesting Freedom Caucus member to watch in the new Congress will be Chip Roy of Texas, who has been willing to buck the leader of his party on occasion. Following the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, for example, Roy ultimately voted against impeachment but made clear that Trump deserves universal condemnation for what was clearly impeachable conductpressuring the vice president to violate his oath to the Constitution to count the electors. He easily staved off a primary challenger in 2022, but Trump never seemed to move past Roys criticism.

When Roy opposed a debt-limit deal favored by Trump last month, the president-elect called for another primary challenge. Chip Roy is just another ambitious guy, with no talent, Trump posted on Truth Social. I hope some talented challengers are getting ready in the Great State of Texas to go after Chip in the Primary. He wont have a chance!

Roy is one of the few members of the House who could conceivably stand up to Trump on fiscal issues in 2025. Being the conscience on spending is at the core of the Freedom Caucus, Roy told The Dispatch in the Capitol last week. He doesnt believe that all tax cuts simply pay for themselves, and is determined to prevent any bill passed on a party-line vote to renew tax cuts from raising the deficit. Speaking for myself, I think reasonably consistent with the Freedom Caucus  I just want it to be deficit reducing, no worse than deficit neutral, Roy said, acknowledging that assessing a bills precise effect on the deficit is a little art, not science that depends on assumptions about how much the economy will grow.

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While imagining several members of the Freedom Caucus bucking Trump on any given issue is difficult, the House GOPs majority is razor-thin, meaning two or three House Republicans of any ideological or temperamental persuasion could kill any party-line legislation. The leverage is obvious to everybody, which is the problem, said Mulvaney. Anybody can be another Freedom Caucus right now.

Read more at The Dispatch

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Rep. Luz Rivas had barely begun her day in Washington when her cellphone rang at 7 a.m. The Hurst fire had erupted around 10:30 the night before and  fueled by high winds and dangerously dry conditions  ballooned to more than 500 acres in her northern Los Angeles County district by morning.

On the line was Rep. George Whitesides, her new neighboring congressional colleague, who was already rushing to Ronald Reagan National Airport that Jan. 8 morning for the first flight back to Los Angeles.

Are you planning to go? Are you staying? she recalled him asking. Let's coordinate.

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The two agreed that Whitesides would immediately start on-the-ground outreach to folks affected by the Hurst fire, which broke out in Sylmar and bordered their districts. Rivas would make calls to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the White House.

She took a later flight to Los Angeles to join him and Rep. Laura Friedman, another newcomer to Congress, whose district borders Rivas' and was surrounded by infernos. They had been sworn in as members of Congress just five days earlier.

Rep. George Whitesides (D-Agua Dulce) said wildfire response was "unfortunately" one of the main reasons he ran for Congress. (Marcus Ubungen / Los Angeles Times)

All three of us, that was our first instinct: We have to be home. We have to go assess the damage, we have to see what the community needs. And then come back with, what can we do together? Rivas said in an interview in her Washington office.

While it's not what I envisioned for week one or month one, I felt prepared and ready," Rivas added. "That's why we get elected, right? To serve our constituents and to be there for what they need from the federal government. And I felt the L.A. delegation has done that.

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The Democratic trio knew each other before coming to Washington. Rivas and Whitesides campaigned together last year. Friedman and Rivas served in the California Legislature together. Now the three freshman Congress members have a partnership literally forged by fire.

Read more: Meet the 9 new House members from California

An altered agenda

Rivas had anticipated a little time to get used to her Washington digs. She intended to rearrange the sitting area in her office and hang art on the walls. Three weeks in, the walls remained bare. A New Members Orientation memento candle on the side table was unlit.

Rivas and Friedman hadnt completed hiring their congressional staffs in their rush to get the doors open and get the phones working, to help constituents, Friedman said.

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After eight years in the Legislature, Friedman faced her new job in Congress with the mindset that she could walk in feeling that I can do the job.

But what I thought was going to be a more typical transition, of course, was interrupted by the devastating fires that have traumatized my community in Los Angeles, Friedman said. So my focus has had to shift, as many others have, towards support and recovery. But I feel very determined to be able to do that work."

An engineer by trade, Rivas had campaigned on climate change resiliency. She went from chairing the California Assemblys Committee on Natural Resources to joining the same committee in the U.S. House. Now, she is clear-eyed that the wildfire recovery will take up much of her time and attention for her two-year tenure in Congress.

We've gone through several big wildfires in California while I was a legislator, and so it's not completely new to me, Rivas said. [But] I didn't envision this to be the focus of, like, week one.

Rep. Laura Friedman (D-Glendale), whose congressional district was surrounded by wildfires, said what she "thought was going to be a more typical transition ... was interrupted by the devastating fires." (Andrew Harnik / Getty Images)

The most destructive fires this season  the Palisades and Eaton fires  took place in the districts of veteran Congress members Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) and Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park), who in another January weathered a mass shooting at a ballroom in her district.

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But whole swaths of northern Los Angeles County were also torched and blanketed by smoke. Whitesides' district, the 27th, includes the Santa Clarita Valley. To the south and east is Rivas' 29th District. That, in turn, abuts Friedman's 30th District, which is centered on Burbank.

We haven't seen the vast structure loss that we've seen in Altadena and the Palisades, but that's kind of just like dodging a bullet. It is a matter of time before we have our own next wildland fire," said Whitesides in a phone interview on Jan. 15.

A week later, the Hughes fire erupted in his district.

Read more: Fire victims seek answers about rebuilding, cleanup timeline

A flurry of wildfire legislation

The California fires have baptized the new lawmakers in Washington politics. They coincided with a torrent of executive orders from President Trump  including several that Friedman said could hamper Californias recovery.

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We can't hire firefighters to keep California safe, Friedman said, noting Trumps hiring freeze on federal workers. We're not going to be able to hire enough people to remove debris and build new houses. So there's profound ramifications to the policies that are being designed without Democrats.

The fires were still raging when House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) first floated the possibility of tying future federal funding for Californias disaster to conditions, such as forcing the state to observe strict voter ID laws.

The House Democratic Caucus  led by California Reps. Pete Aguilar (D-Redlands) and Ted Lieu (D-Torrance)  swiftly pounced on the suggestion, reminding Johnson that conditions were not added to funding for previous disasters. Days into her tenure in Congress, Rivas joined her partys senior leaders for a news conference in the Capitol.

Constituents who evacuated and were unsure if their home was still standing called my office and asked how they could help their neighbors, Rivas said. This is what L.A. is about, and it is what my California congressional delegation colleagues on both sides of the aisle know to be true.  This isn't about party or politics. It's about getting our constituents the resources that they need to rebuild their lives in the wake of this disaster.

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Friendman echoed the comments later, saying, It's really wonderful to be here and see how close the California delegation is.

Group text message chains abound, with lawmakers sharing articles, updates, meeting times and locations.

In the few weeks since taking office, Rivas, Friedman and Whitesides have pushed for legislation dealing with wildfires or disaster response  including joining their San Diego neighbor and fellow Democrat, Rep. Sara Jacobs, to introduce legislation to streamline the bureaucracy of federal disaster response.

Whitesides, who co-founded the organization Megafire Action, also co-sponsored the Fix Our Forests Act  a sweeping piece of legislation that passed the House last week.

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Unfortunately, this is what I ran on, Whitesides said. Every campaign event that I did over the last two years, I would talk about my fear that we would have a wildland-initiated fire that would sweep down into a dense community and set off a house-to-house conflagration. And I did not expect that we would get not just one, but two massive examples of that on my first week. Thats exactly why I ran.

Now, he hastily added, is it the only reason I ran? No. I want to solve all kinds of problems.

But for Whitesides, Rivas and Friedman, their tenure in Congress is already being defined by fire and, perhaps when reelection comes around, determined by it too.



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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  The state House passed legislation tied to relief for victims of Hurricane Helene.

On Wednesday evening, members of the House convened to discuss relief for victims of Hurricane Helene. Rep. Bo Mitchell (D-Nashville) expressed frustration about what he called a delay in the disbursal of funds.

School voucher bill scheduled for House, Senate floors after passing final committee hurdle

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This week, Im here to help people who lost and who need our help in East Tennessee, Mitchell said. I dont know why everyone else is here, but thats the only reason we should be here. I dont know what the governors purposes have been hereNorth Carolina helped their people in 11 days  11 days.

The House also approved funding for property owners affected by the disaster. Another bill approved the creation of the Hurricane Helene interest payment fund and the governors response and recovery fund.

We can focus on how much time that its taken to get here, we can focus on things that are on the side, but the bottom line is: our people need help, Rep. Timothy Hill (R-Blountville) said.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

On this floor, and throughout this special session, theres been a cloud that has hung over the flood funding, Hill added. I am tired of hearing people in the other party politicize my districts needs.

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Additionally, a bill allowed for the creation of the Tennessee Transportation Financing Authority (TTFA). That legislation will provide financing and refinancing for development, maintenance and improvement of transportation facilities across Tennessee.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  After a ballot tracking controversy with the Utah County Clerk, the Utah House of Representatives has drawn a clear and unanimous line  they dont want county clerks to be able to track and reveal the way someone cast their ballot or whether they used a stamp.

H.B. 69, also known as Government Records and Information Amendments, passed through the House of Representatives 72-0 with 3 being absent.

The bill specifies that a voters voting history, the method by which they returned a mailed ballot, or whether the voter paid postage would be private in most cases.

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It was run in response to Utah County Clerk Aaron Davidson tracking the ballots of elected officials and publicly revealing the method used to cast those ballots of at least one state lawmaker, and disclosing it during a conversation with another.

Sen. Mike McKell, R- Spanish Fork was tipped off that his private voting method was shared with a local journalist, who Davidson told he was keeping a list.

Davidson has explained that he wanted to publicly call out lawmakers who were encouraging returning a ballot without a stamp  McKell being chief among them. McKell was critical of Davidsons decision in early 2024 not the pay for return postage in Utah county even though counties are not required to.

If you read [the bill] you know what exactly what this bill is about, Davidson said in an interview with ABC4.com. Its trying to take away my right as a clerk to try and counter these false statements by politicians.

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Davidson has also defended his decision saying that anyone can get access to the way someone voted in whats known as an as voted list. He also said he did not actively look at anyones vote.

The as voted list, however, only reveals whether a voter cast a ballot by mail or in person. It does not reveal whether a stamp was used.

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We have had issues with some county clerks releasing information on private records to the media as well as creating new data points to release to the media to be used in the political arena, said Rep. Stephanie Gricius (R-District 50) who sponsored the bill. She was the other lawmaker who Davidson revealed he tracked how she returned her ballot. This (bill) says that that is an unacceptable use of that data and that data is to be used to facilitate fair elections but not push agendas.

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Gricius explained that H.B. 69 creates a code of conduct for elected officials who have access to private records. She said the bill prevents those with access to those private voting records from accessing that data outside of a reason that is specifically related to their duty.

Under Utah state law, private voter records cannot be made available to everyday people, but they can be given to political parties, candidates, and their contractors. However, a voter can choose to make their voting status private under certain circumstances.

The bill is now waiting to be heard in the Senate.

Matthew Drachman contributed to this article

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HOUSTON COUNTY, Texas (KETK)- Officials have opened an investigation after 14 stolen cattle were found in an abandoned trailer in Houston County and eight of the cattle were found dead.

According to Houston County Sheriff Zak Benge, his office received a call regarding an abandoned trailer on Highway 19 South. Once officers arrived, they found 14 large Angus cattle with eight of them being dead.

More than 40 jobs terminated as Longview facility sets to close

Courtesy of Houston County Sheriffs Office

The cattle were identified as stolen and Benge said his officers are actively working the case for a thief and cruelty to livestock animals.

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The owner of the stolen cattle was notified, and Houston County is actively working with Special Ranger Bobbitt of the TSCRA to close the case.

1 dead after 2-vehicle crash on FM 2015 in Smith County

Benge expressed his gratitude to local cowboys Ronnie Goolsby and Klay Currie, along with TxDOT, for their help moving the cattle and disposing of the dead cattle.

Benge made it clear that these kinds of crimes will not be tolerated and that the offenders of this crime will be brought to justice.

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Jan. 30PALMER  A Houston man is accused of assaulting a woman at his home for five days while out on pretrial release for a 2023 kidnapping and sexual assault case.

Terry Tomlinson was arrested Thursday on charges of first-degree kidnapping, first-degree sexual assault, and additional drug and assault charges.

The woman told investigators that Tomlinson, with whom she had a prior relationship, locked her in the bedroom of his house and assaulted her at least 50 times, according to a criminal complaint filed in the case.

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She managed to escape through a hole in the room on Wednesday and was taken to another house by a friend, Alaska State Troopers Investigator Craig Markiewicz wrote in a sworn affidavit. The woman was found to have bruising on her body and head lacerations, he wrote.

The woman told troopers she went to smoke methamphetamine with Tomlinson five days prior and he locked the door and chained it shut, the affidavit said. He began assaulting her on Saturday, refusing to allow her to leave, and sexually assaulted her on Wednesday, it said.

Tomlinson is awaiting trial on a January 2023 case in which he was accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a woman in his vehicle, troopers said at the time.

Investigators conducted an interview with Tomlinson early Wednesday morning, according to the affidavit filed with the new charges. He asked for an attorney and was not questioned, it said.

Tomlinson on Thursday remained jailed at the Mat-Su Pretrial Facility on charges of first-degree sexual assault and kidnapping as well as fourth-degree assault, misconduct involving a controlled substance, and violating conditions of release.
A Devon-Pennzenergy drilling rig In the Gulf of Mexico. (Getty Images)

Despite President Donald Trumps calls to drill, baby, drill, many oil companies operating in the Gulf of Mexico will likely do what theyve done for years: sit on hundreds of untapped oil leases across millions of acres.

Trump has repeatedly said eliminating barriers to drilling will unlock vast untapped reserves of liquid gold and ignite a new era of national prosperity. But most of the drilling leases already granted to companies in the oil-rich Gulf are idle and unused, and theyll stay that way until the U.S.s record-breaking production rates wane and the high costs of drilling offshore drop precipitously.

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Of the 2,206 active leases in the Gulf, only a fifth are producing oil, according to records from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, which regulates offshore drilling. Oil industry executives and analysts say the current number of 448 oil-producing leases is unlikely to grow significantly even if Trump makes good on promises to expand leasing opportunities and expedite drilling permits.

The market is saturated with oil, making companies reluctant to spend more money drilling because the added product will likely push prices down, cutting into profits.

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Its not the regulations that are getting in the way, its the economics, said Hugh Daigle, a professor of petroleum engineering at the University of Texas in Austin. Its true that there are a bunch of undeveloped leases in the Gulf, and itll stay that way if we continue to see low or stagnant oil prices.

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Global oil production is expected to grow more than demand over the next two years, likely forcing the price of crude to drop 8% in 2025 and another 11% next year, according to a January forecast from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

The Gulf accounts for 97% of all offshore oil and gas production in the U.S. Nearly 12 million acres are under active leases in the Gulf, but only about 2.4 million acres are being used to produce oil and gas, according to BOEM data.

Illustration by Bethany Atkinson/Deep South Today

So, whats the actual benefit of a quicker and easier regulatory process for companies that dont appear to need more leases?

Its simple, said Brett Hartl, the Center for Biological Diversitys government affairs director. The companies make more money when they have to spend less time and effort on permits and environmental regulations and mitigation.

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A host of environmental and worker safety rules enacted after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil disaster has made obtaining a lease and drilling permit a multi-year process. Companies must demonstrate their operations are prepared to deal with potential blowouts and worst-case-scenario discharges, and all drilling platform designs and materials must undergo certification by independent engineers.

Its unclear how the Trump administration will change these and other offshore drilling rules. During Trumps first term, his administration loosened requirements for offshore well designs, materials and monitoring technology. Former President Joe Biden reinstated most of these rules.

Oil companies cheered Trumps recent calls for a more streamlined process and a series of energy-related executive orders he signed this month. The orders declared an energy emergency, expanded drilling in the Arctic and repealed Bidens ban on drilling off the East and West coasts and parts of Alaska.

Directing regulators to expand access to resources [and] streamline permitting processes  will help deliver a stronger, more prosperous energy future for all Americans, Mike Sommers, president of the American Petroleum Institute, said in a statement last week. This is a new day for American energy, and we applaud President Trump for moving swiftly to chart a new path where U.S. oil and natural gas are embraced, not restricted.

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But industry leaders have also been clear that these and other policy changes floated by Trump wont lead to more drilling. The U.S. is already producing more crude oil than any country, ever, according to the EIA. Last years production rate of 13 million barrels per day was a new record high, surpassing the previous record set in 2023.

I dont think today that production in the U.S. is constrained, ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods told Semafor in November. So, I dont know that theres an opportunity to unleash a lot of production in the near term, because most operators in the U.S. are [already] optimizing their production today.

In essence, oil is just too cheap to justify more drilling. If prices do go up, companies are likely to tap into Permian Basin shale in Texas and New Mexico rather than seek offshore reserves, which cost more to drill, according to industry analysts.

But that doesnt mean companies wont snap up even more offshore leases if theyre offered, Daigle said.

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Some of these (leases) might be drilled in the future, but many are being held just so somebody else doesnt lease them, he said. Companies may also stockpile leases to raise funds from investors, or they may simply be playing mind games with competitors. Buying up leases in one area of the Gulf can sometimes throw rival drillers off the scent of richer deposits elsewhere, Daigle said.

Leases have been sold too quickly and cheaply in recent decades, according to a 2021 report by the U.S. Department of the Interior, which oversees BOEM. This fast and loose approach shortchanges taxpayers and encourages speculators to purchase leases with the intent of waiting for increases in resource prices, adding assets to their balance sheets, or even reselling leases at profit rather than attempting to produce oil or gas, the report said.

More leases may make the companies look good, on paper, to investors, said Tom Pelton, communications director for the Environmental Integrity Project, an environmental watchdog group. But they wont necessarily even produce more oil and gas. And they certainly will not be good for the climate or clean water.

If Trump really wanted to slash energy prices for U.S. consumers, he wouldnt have banned offshore wind leasing in federal waters or restarted permitting for new liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals, said Scott Eustis, the community science director for Healthy Gulf, a nonprofit environmental group.

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Shipping LNG overseas contributes to higher electricity and natural gas prices in the U.S., according to a recent U.S. Department of Energy report.

LNG exports make everybodys energy cost more because were giving it to China and not using it domestically, Eustis said.

Beyond the economics, giving companies an easier route to secure leases and permits does little more than put the Gulf at risk of another Deepwater Horizon-scale disaster, Hertl said.

The only result well have is more risky drilling, he said. And then the question is not if but when well have the next catastrophic spill in the Gulf.

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This article first appeared on Verite News New Orleans and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Around 200 people gathered outside the Trump Hotel Wednesday to push back against President Trumps Administrations recent actions, mainly its promised change on immigration policies.

We should be upset, protester Shannon Large said. We should be angry, and not enough people are.

She was one of many who participated in the passionate protest Wednesday afternoon; many had signs in hand and chanted for change.

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Protesters told 8 News Now the event didnt have a specific organizer, but it was more of a grassroots movement.

Around 200 people gathered outside Trump Hotel Wednesday to push back against the Trump Administrations recent actions, mainly its promised change on immigration policies. (KLAS)

The group reportedly came together on the Strip and marched to the Trump Hotel, where they demonstrated peacefully for about three hours.

Many told 8 News Now they are unhappy with President Trumps actions since he was sworn into office last week, mainly potential changes in immigration.

I know a lot of people who have undocumented families, protester Albert Lucero said. And they are worried they are going to be taken away from their children.

Trump signed multiple executive orders in his first days in office, vowing to conduct mass deportations, strengthen border security, and end birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants, a move that was temporarily blocked by a federal judge that called it unconstitutional.

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All illegal entry will immediately be halted, the President said during 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.

President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance have called these moves positive for the future.

Were going to enforce immigration law, Vance said during a Face the Nation interview. Were going to protect the American people.

The group demonstrating Wednesday told 8 News Now it disagrees with their plan.

Were going to end up on the wrong side of history, Large said. We are already watching it.

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Those who attended the protest outside the Trump Hotel said they would continue to resist the proposed changes.

We are going to stand up, Lucero concluded. And we will fight him until we win.

Though Wednesdays protest got heated at times, it remained peaceful with the constant presence of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police.

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(Bloomberg) -- Hungarians risk jeopardizing a special relationship with the US if they vote out Prime Minister Viktor Orban in elections next year, said US President Donald Trumps former envoy to Budapest.

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Trump and Orban have forged a close bond, holding multiple meetings and calls in recent years. The Hungarian premier, whos fashioned himself as an inspiration for nationalists around the world, endorsed Trumps first presidential campaign and called for his return during the administration of Joe Biden.

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Now Orbans political future is on the line. With elections due in a little over a year, his Fidesz party is trailing in the polls amid a cost-of-living crisis and allegations of widespread corruption.

Id hate that relationship to end, David Cornstein, who served as US ambassador to Budapest until 2020, told Bloomberg News in a Zoom interview in reference to Trump and Orban. Itd be the worst mistake the country could make under a second Trump presidency, he said.

Orbans main rival is Peter Magyar, a former ruling party loyalist who entered politics less than a year ago. Hes catapulted his Tisza party to first place in the polls, putting Orban on the back foot for the first time since he returned to power in 2010.

Trump is a loyal guy whos likely to return Orbans favor and endorse the premier ahead of the parliamentary election, said Cornstein.

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US-Hungary ties deteriorated after Cornsteins departure. His successor David Pressman took a tough line against Orbans increasingly authoritarian rule and his close ties to Moscow and Beijing following Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

During Pressmans term, Washington tightened visa conditions for Hungarians, ended a bilateral tax treaty and imposed sanctions on the Russian-controlled International Investment Bank, forcing Orbans government to oust the lender from Budapest.

Earlier this month, the outgoing US administration also imposed sanctions on Antal Rogan, Orbans most powerful minister and head of the secret service, for alleged corruption. Budapest portrayed the move as revenge for Orbans support for Trump.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio vowed to review the penalties against Hungary, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on Jan. 26 after a phone call with Trumps chief diplomat.

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Cornstein, who is now retired, still visits Hungary regularly and maintains close ties with Orban. The ex-ambassador, a member of Trumps Mar-a-Lago club, said hes working to boost bilateral business ties with both leaders support.

Trump and Orban in office at the same time is a once in a generation moment when you have the sun, the moon and the stars all aligned and you have to take advantage of that, he said.

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Countless people are awaiting news about their loved ones who perished in the tragic mid-air collision between an American Airlines commercial flight and Black Hawk military helicopter over the Potomac River on Wednesday night. Heartbreakingly, one man realized something had happened to his wife when their text message conversation ended abruptly and his final message failed to deliver.

Speaking with the local CBS affiliate WUSA 9 News, Hamaad Raza said that his wife had texted him that the flight was landing in 20 minutes, and that ended up being the last thing he ever heard from her.

"Im just praying that someone is pulling her out of the river right now. Thats all I can pray for, just praying to god," Raza told reporters as he waited near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport late Wednesday.

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"She texted me that they were landing in 20 minutes," he explained, showing the reporter his wife's final message to him on his phone. "The rest of my texts did not get delivered, that's when I realized something might be up," he said, clearly still in shock.

WASHINGTON, D.C.: A man waiting at the airport tells local news wife was onboard the aircraft and texted him shortly before crash.



"I'm just praying that someone is pulling her out of the river right now."

pic.twitter.com/Cg2i8eCcbH  AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) January 30, 2025

American Airlines Flight 5342 had been carrying 60 passengers and four crew members en route to Washington, DC from Wichita, KS when it collided with the military helicopter with three soldiers aboard. According to the U.S. Army, the soldiers had been on a training flight when the crash occurred.

The PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet had reportedly "split in two" and was sitting in about seven feet of water. Per CBS News, District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Chief John Donnelly said that 27 bodies had been recovered from the plane and one from the helicopter as of Thursday morning.

"We don't believe there are any survivors," Donnelly told reporters in a news briefing, adding that responders on the scene had pivoted from a rescue operation to a recovery operation.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Federal officials have arrested a man deported 14 times for living in the United States without documentation following his release from prison on sex charges, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned.

Since 2008, immigration officials have removed Jose Luis Perez-Hernandez, 36, a Mexican citizen, from the country more than a dozen times, documents said.

In December 2020, Las Vegas Metro police arrested Perez-Hernandez on charges of sexual assault with the use of a deadly weapon, documents said. At the time of his arrest, Perez-Hernandez was accused of pointing a gun at a sex workers head and sexually assaulting her in a car. Perez-Hernandez told detectives the gun was fake and that he never threatened the woman with it.

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A day after his arrest, an ICE agent encountered Perez-Hernandez in the Clark County Detention Center.

Las Vegas Metro police run the Clark County Detention Center. (LVMPD)

Because ICE records indicated defendant is a citizen and national of Mexico, by virtue of birth, who was previously removed from the United States and because defendant was not in possession of valid immigration documents allowing him to be present or remain in the United States, ICE opened an investigation, documents said about the 2020 encounter.

Las Vegas Metro police run the jail. Its policy, effective in 2019, says the department will alert federal officials about an undocumented immigrant in their custody for certain felonies.

In December 2021, Perez-Hernandez pleaded guilty to a charge of attempted sexual assault. Clark County District Court Judge Eric Johnson later sentenced Perez-Hernandez to the terms of the plea, which was 4-10 years in prison with credit for time served.

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The Nevada Parole Board granted Perez-Hernandez parole last December, records said. Following his release, federal officials restarted their investigation into his citizenship.

ICE arrested Perez-Hernandez on Jan. 7, before President Donald Trumps inauguration, records said. A federal judge ordered him to remain detained pending a March hearing.

Trump has promised to carry out large-scale deportations. Since Trumps second term began last week, ICEs daily arrests have increased from a daily average of 311 in former President Joe Bidens last year in office to 710 from Jan. 23 to Jan. 27, the Associated Press reported.

Perez-Hernandezs arrest and encounter with LVMPD occurred during Trumps first term and under then-Sheriff Joe Lombardo, a Republican, who is now governor.

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Although Nevada peace officers have the authority to assist in enforcing federal laws, LVMPD officers will not enforce immigration violations, Metros police updated in March 2023 said. Officers will not stop and question, detain, arrest, or place an immigration hold on any individuals on the ground they are an undocumented immigrant. However, LVMPD will share criminal intelligence regarding transnational organized crime and international terrorists with any and all law enforcement agencies to include ICE.

LVMPD Sheriff Kevin McMahill and Henderson police previously told 8 News Now his department will not partake in mass deportation roundups as Trump enforced his immigration policies.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  After President Donald Trump removed federal restrictions that limited Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers from conducting raids in schools, hospitals and places of worship, some central Ohio school districts are working to reassure their students.

Both the state of Ohio and individual public school districts offer protection for immigrant students. Westerville and Columbus City Schools both used resources to remind staff and families of those protections this week. At least one other district said they would send resources to families by the end of the week.

In a letter from CCS to staff obtained by NBC4, the district is offering training for staff about immigration official procedures. Per its policy, visitors do not have permission to access school grounds without permission from the Office of General Counsel, who will have to review any warrant, subpoena or court order.

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Man found dead on Southwest Side unidentified

Families in Columbus schools are asked to update their emergency contact information and all district staff, students and families are encouraged to be aware of their rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution, which are applicable regardless of immigration status. Westerville families were similarly encouraged to update their contact information, seek guidance from local resources and create a family plan in case of an immigration incident.

All students have a right to public education, and the United States Supreme Court has confirmed that all students, regardless of their immigration status, may not be denied this constitutional right, Superintendent Angela Chapman said in a letter to district families. Therefore, our CCS families should know that Columbus City Schools are and will continue to be a safe place for all students.

Under Plyler v. Doe, a Supreme Court case from 1982, it was determined immigration status cannot stop children from attending public school. According to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, schools are only permitted to share students personal information when required by law or when given permission by the family. Schools are not allowed to ask families their immigration status, nor can they require immigration documentation or Social Security numbers.

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If a family does choose to share information with the school, the school must protect private information that could put a student or family at risk, the Department of Education and Workforce said. This protected information includes immigration status, student identification documents, where students were born, family information and information about where students attended school before.

The Department of Education and Workforce, did not clarify how many students are immigrants, but nearly 80,000 students in Ohio are English Learners, making up 4.65% of all students. These students use their rights to learn English at school if they need extra support.

Schools must check students English fluency within the first 30 days a child is enrolled at school through the Ohio English Language Proficiency Screener. Families have the right to choose if they want their child to receive English language instruction, and they also have the right to receive interpretive and translation services if English is not their first language.

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Although NBC4 has received tips about immigration enforcement in the area, local officials and law enforcement said they are unaware of any ICE raids in central Ohio. NBC4 sister station WJW of Cleveland reported at least 58 ICE detainees from northeastern Ohio are being held near Chardon.

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a man is escorted by police in handcuffs

President Trump campaigned on a promise to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history, and he wasted no time following through on that once in office.

During the first week of his second presidency, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and partner agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, arrested about 7,300 undocumented immigrants. With the Department of Homeland Security now lifting restrictions on arrests near sensitive locations like schools and places of worship, many people have been unexpectedly detained.

However, the mass deportation efforts have come with complications. While the Trump administration has framed the crackdown as targeting criminals, there are growing concerns over the detention of law-abiding migrants and those with legal permits. Officials have yet to release specific data separating those with criminal histories from those without, leaving uncertainty about who exactly is being detained.

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The scope of the operation remains unclear, as the number of people at risk of deportationand separation from their families  continues to grow. Trumps border czar, Tom Homan, told NBC News theres no set quota, but the goal is clear: get as many criminals as possible.

Amid ongoing raids, heres a look at the major cities where arrests have taken place.

New York City

Donning a protective vest, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem joined agents from Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement for a series of early morning raids in The Bronx.

While such operations are rarely publicized, let alone celebrated, Noem took to X to praise ICE for removing what she called dirtbags off the streets. In another post, she shared a video confirming that a suspect had been taken into custody on charges of kidnapping, assault, and burglary. At least 18 other undocumented immigrants were also detained, including a suspect reportedly on the FBIs list of suspected terrorists. However, not all those arrested had violent criminal records.

7 AM in NYC. Getting the dirt bags off the streets. pic.twitter.com/AlDD819K89  Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) January 28, 2025

Notably, the New York City Police Department played a limited role in the operation. While some NYPD officers were present at the scene, state laws and local policies prohibited the department from participating in civil immigration enforcement, which meant they did not enter any apartments. However, Mayor Eric Adams later stated that he directed officers to coordinate with federal authorities to support the operation and ensure public safety.

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As Ive said repeatedly, we will not hesitate to partner with federal authorities to bring violent criminals to justice  just as we have done for years, Adams said. Our commitment to protecting this citys law-abiding residents, both citizens and immigrants, remains unwavering.

Miami

The Miami office of Homeland Security Investigations announced that federal law enforcement agencies carried out multiple immigration enforcement operations. This came as ICE agents in Miami reported arresting several undocumented migrants on various charges across South Florida, including in Broward and Martin counties.

In a post on X, the agency praised its collaboration with the Justice Department, stating the efforts were part of enforcing U.S. immigration laws and ensuring the safety of our communities.

Excellent collaboration today by @HSI_Miami @EROMiami , @TheJusticeDept, and our other law enforcement partners enforcing U.S. #immigration laws and ensuring the safety of our communities. pic.twitter.com/LRWSAEqizS  HSI Miami (@HSI_Miami) January 26, 2025

Those arrested faced a wide range of charges, including a man with a decades-old drug trafficking conviction and another held on a pending aggravated assault charge. However, concerns are mounting that innocent people are being swept up in the raids. One man told CBS News Miami that ICE detained his wife during a raid in Brownsville, despite her having a scheduled court date and being in the process of obtaining U.S. citizenship.

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Its despicable what theyre doing right now, he said.

Chicago

Homan was on the ground in Chicago with Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove to oversee the large-scale, unprecedented deportation operation.

Homan said among those arrested, six had been convicted of serious offenses, including two individuals with convictions for murder and aggravated sexual battery, as well as several gang members.

As in New York City, Chicago police didnt directly participate in the ICE operation. This was due to Chicagos sanctuary city ordinance and Illinois statewide Way Forward Act, which prohibits local law enforcement from cooperating with federal deportation authorities. However, Mayor Brandon Johnson noted that the citys police worked closely with city officials and urged residents to know their constitutional rights.

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This follows Homans threat to take legal action against Mayor Johnson if he refused to cooperate. Despite this threat, state officials have unequivocally pledged to protect their residents, regardless of their legal status. During a recent interview, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker stated that while he supports deporting people convicted of violent crimes, he opposes targeting those who are following the law. These are not individuals causing problems in our country, he said. What we need is a pathway to citizenship for them.

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Los Angeles

Federal law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles, including Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration, said they have been coordinating immigration enforcement efforts.

Matthew Allen, Special Agent in Charge of the DEAs LA field division, shared several photos on the agencys social media platforms showing uniformed officers detaining individuals in an undisclosed Los Angeles neighborhood.

However, since the City Council formally adopted a sanctuary city ordinance late last year, no city resources or local police officers were involved in the raids. Several other California cities have also been targeted throughout the state, with known ICE raids in San Diego and San Francisco.

Atlanta

The DEAs Atlanta office said its team participated in an operation to support the Justice Department, Department of Homeland Security, and other federal law enforcement partners in their immigration enforcement efforts.

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They arrested one undocumented immigrant, Wilson Rogelio Velasquez Cruz, as he was attending church. According to NBC affiliate WXIA of Atlanta, he first arrived in the U.S. in 2022 with his wife and three children under a work permit while awaiting a pending asylum case. He had four more years left on his permit.

Several local advocacy groups have spoken out about the raids. Criticizing Trumps efforts, Latino advocacy organizer Jerry Gonzalez told Atlanta News First these arrests were meant to spread fear and terrorize our community.

This is far from a comprehensive list  these targeted ICE raids are also taking place in smaller cities nationwide, spanning locations from Denver and Seattle to Dallas and San Juan, Puerto Rico. As these operations expand, their effects on communities across the country only intensify, sparking concerns about the wider implications of such enforcement actions.

The post ICE Raids Are Underway  Heres Where Immigrants Are Being Targeted appeared first on Katie Couric Media.
The Idaho House passed a Republican-backed resolution on Monday urging the Supreme Court to reconsider the legality of same-sex marriage.

All of Idahos Democratic House members opposed the nonbinding resolution, as did 15 Republicans. It passed 46-24.

Christians across the nation are being targeted, said state Rep. Heather Scott (R), who sponsored the measure.

House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel (D) said she voted against the resolution because it harms good people.

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Its deeply upsetting to some of those folks, and it makes them not want to live here, Rubel told the Idaho Capital Sun. These are good people. These are good, law-abiding people who are feeling like their Legislature doesnt want them here and doesnt want them to be able to live the full rights that everybody else can.

State legislators argue the opposite in the resolution, claiming the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court ruling upholding same-sex marriage was made in complete contravention of their own state constitutions and the will of their voters, thus undermining the civil liberties of those states residents and voters.

Idaho voters passed an amendment to their state constitution in 2006 affirming that legal marriage was only between a man and a woman.

The Supreme Court does not overturn its previous rulings absent a new case presenting a legal challenge.

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Idaho Senate President Pro Tempore Kelly Anthon, R-Rupert, makes an announcement from the Senate floor on Jan. 7, 2025, at the State Capitol Building in Boise. (Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)

A bill requiring Idaho state agencies to recommend outdated or unnecessary laws for the Idaho Legislature to repeal is heading to Gov. Brad Littles desk after clearing its final legislative hurdle Thursday.

The Idaho Senate voted 34-0 Thursday to pass, House Bill 14, the Idaho Code Cleanup Act. Under the bill all state agencies and departments must review relevant statutes in Idaho law and submit a list of obsolete, unnecessary or redundant laws to the Idaho Legislature by Sept. 1.

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House Speaker Mike Moyle, R-Star, and Senate President Pro Tem Kelly Anthon, R-Burley, sponsored the bill.

Moyle has said the bill is Idahos version of the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, that is championed by President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk.

Weve learned in Idaho that the lightest touch of government is best, Anthon said Thursday. Weve learned that the least amount of interference in the lives of our Idaho families aligns with our constitutional liberties

Once Little receives the bill, he can sign it into law, veto it or allow it to become law without his signature.

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On Thursday, President Donald Trump picked up that big, black Sharpie of his and affixed his electrocardiogram-like signature to an executive order calling for the full and complete release of all still-classified documents related to the 1963 assassination of his predecessor John F. Kennedy.

Trump appeared eager in the Oval Office signing ceremony to congratulate himself in front of cameras as a champion of government transparency  as the president who finally brushed away decades of secrecy about Kennedys murder, an event that has inspired wild, corrosive conspiracy theories almost from the moment those shots rang out in Dealey Plaza.

Everything will be revealed, Trump said portentously as he signed the order, which also calls for the declassification of all still-secret documents about the 1968 assassinations of Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. In an interview with Sean Hannity on Fox News the night before, Trump vowed to release the documents immediately  were going to see the information.

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But Trump, no stranger to promoting conspiracy theories, including about JFKs murder, appeared to make similar promises of full transparency about the Kennedy assassination files during his first term  and then broke them. And it is all but guaranteed that he will feel pressure to do it again.

In fact, a close reading of the new order  especially given what is known about the contents of the still-secret JFK documents, which appear to contain no smoking guns that would point away from Lee Harvey Oswald as the lone gunman in Dallas  suggests that Americans who hope they are now only days away from the full truth about Kennedys death face disappointment.

The order contains loopholes that could delay the release of any documents indefinitely. And as in his first term, loyal, Trump-named political appointees at the CIA, FBI and elsewhere  not the deep state career civil servants he often denounces  will almost certainly try to persuade him to continue to withhold some material on national security grounds.

Public pressure to declassify the full assassination archives began in earnest as a result of the furor whipped up by the 1991 release of Oliver Stones popular, conspiracy-soaked film JFK. The film depicted Oswald as an innocent man and suggested that Kennedy was the victim of a far-flung conspiracy involving, among others, the CIA, the FBI, Pentagon defense contractors and JFKs successor, Lyndon Johnson. But even before Hollywood got involved, opinion polls showed that most Americans refused to believe Oswald acted alone.



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Congress tried to tamp down controversy over the film with passage of the 1992 JFK Assassination Records Collection Act. The landmark open-records act forced the declassification of millions of pages of files, including documents that embarrassed the CIA and FBI since they proved those two agencies had Oswald under aggressive surveillance before the assassination and missed obvious chances to stop him.

The law also set a 25-year deadline for the release of all assassination-related documents in the governments files  a deadline reached on October 26, 2017, when Trump was nine months into his first term.

At the time, several thousand files remained classified  and Trump at first seemed eager to release them all. In social media posts a week before the deadline, Trump boasted that, short of any last-minute appeal, I will be allowing, as President, the long blocked and classified JFK FILES to be opened.

But then the deadline came, and Trump blinked, giving into pressure from deputies at the CIA, the FBI, the Pentagon and other agencies who argued that some of the still-secret files contained information that might somehow endanger national security or foreign policy.

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Trump did agree to release material from thousands of JFK documents during his first term  in many cases, by revealing names, dates and addresses that had previously been blacked out in otherwise declassified paperwork. But more than 8,000 documents remained sealed, in part or in full, by the time he left office. President Biden declassified more of the collection, but he, too, was convinced that thousands of other documents needed to remain at least partially secret. The National Archives reports that, as of last year, about 3,600 documents remain at least partially sealed, most from the files of the CIA.

Internal correspondence from the Archives made public in 2022 revealed the arguments used by the agencies over the years to try to withhold JFK files. They showed the FBI had struggled to prevent the release of documents that identified witnesses in organized crime investigations who, the bureau argued, clearly had no connection to JFKs murder. The CIA argued against declassifying files that revealed the names and addresses of informants from the 1960s and 1970s who, while elderly, could be endangered if their identities became known.

Trumps new executive order, which he promised to voters on the campaign trail last year, is vulnerable to the same kinds of arguments from the same agencies.



Despite his vow last week that documents will be released immediately, the order makes no demand for that. Instead, it instructs his director of national intelligence and attorney general  Cabinet posts unfilled at the moment as the Senate weighs Trumps nominees  to present the White House within 15 days with a plan for the full and complete release of JFK assassination records. Beyond that, the order sets no deadline for Trump to act on the plan, allowing him to hold off on any document release for as long as he wants.

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(Under the order, the director of national intelligence and attorney general have 45 days to complete a similar plan for release of documents related to RFK and Kings murders. Those assassinations have never inspired anything like the volume of feverish conspiracy theories that swirl around JFKs death. Still, some assassination researchers  including Robert F. Kennedys oldest son, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trumps nominee to run the Department of Health and Human Services  have charged that the government may be hiding evidence of a conspiracy in those murders, too.)

Something else is missing from Trumps executive order. It does nothing to address what becomes of perhaps the most tantalizing assassination-related materials still hidden in government files: tapes of hours of interviews with Jacqueline Kennedy and then-Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy conducted in the months after the assassination by the author William Manchester for his book The Death of a President; as well as several private letters Jacqueline Kennedy wrote to President Johnson, including three she sent to him the week after the assassination.

The tapes and letters were donated to the Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston, which is administered by the National Archives, under deeds from the Kennedy family that bar their public release for decades  until 2067 in the case of the tapes.

People close to the family have long suspected that Robert F. Kennedy, in particular, harbored doubts that Oswald acted alone and that he may have hinted at that to Manchester. Assassination researchers have wondered if Jacqueline Kennedy had similar doubts and why she felt the need to contact Johnson so often and urgently in the week after her husbands murder.

But short of pressuring the Kennedy family to rewrite the deeds, Trump appears to have no legal authority to release the tapes or letters, which guarantees that at least some mysteries about the Kennedy assassination will linger long after Trump, too, is gone.
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  Four men were arrested and 11 others cited in connection to illegal gambling operations in San Francisco, police announced Wednesday. Authorities said gambling machines and more than $30,000 were seized through search warrants.

The San Francisco Police Department Narcotics Unit investigation focused on three businesses in the Tenderloin District suspected of operating illegal gambling facilities. On Tuesday at 4:26 p.m., officers executed a search warrant for the businesses on the 400 block of Ellis Street and the 300 block of Jones Street.

Investigators uncovered several illegal gambling machines, $30,000 in U.S. currency, suspected narcotics and more than 80 items believed to have been stolen from retail stores, SFPD said.

(San Francisco Police Department) (San Francisco Police Department) (San Francisco Police Department)

Four men were arrested in the sweeps for alleged crimes related to operating an illegal gambling parlor, narcotics and outstanding arrest warrants. Police said another 11 people were cited for misdemeanor violations.

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The arrested include:

Donald RedmondHayes, 22, of San Francisco

Hicham Haddaj, 25, of San Francisco

Matthew Satawake, 34, of San Francisco

Jaime Gomez-Macias, 38, of San Francisco

Amazon secretly tracked consumers through their cellphones, lawsuit alleges

Anyone with information on the investigation is asked to contact the San Francisco Police Department at 415-575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Ill. (WTVO)  Illinois legislators are looking to pass a bill that aims to protect students from sexual assault.

The bill would require students who have committed sexual assault on school grounds, at school-sponsored events, or at activities related to school functions to be expelled for at least a year.

Senator Steve McClure presented the legislation last year after he was informed a student in the Taylorville school district was still allowed on campus after sexually assaulting another student.

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The victims mother repeatedly sought legal protection to keep her child safe, according to FOX32.

The issue is not trying to go after particular students to punish them, said Illinois state Sen. Steve McClure (R-Litchfield). The issue is number one, protecting all the students at the school, and number two, making sure that this student recognizes they did something wrong, and then goes to an alternative education center where they can get treatment and get help.

The mother explained the situation and why she thinks the legislation is necessary.

From late January to early February of last year, my daughter  10 at the time  was a victim of a weeklong string of admitted sexual assaults. The assaults occurred while was riding the school bus home from school, and while departing from the bus to the bus stop, Peden said. The sexual assaults were admittedly committed by an older student, 14 at the time, who did not have any form of relationship with my daughter previous to the assaults. He admitted to not even knowing her name.

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McClure has spoken to multiple democratic senators who are in favor of the bill, in hopes of making the bill a law.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.
CHICAGO  The Trump administrations sweeping crackdown on undocumented criminals has many law-abiding immigrants on edge. It is unclear just how many people have been arrested in the enforcement actions in Chicago, but elected leaders are working to combat fear through education.

We need to be swift and bold in our defense of our community, Congressman Chuy Garcia said.

On Wednesday, Garcia and Congresswoman Delia Ramirez joined with advocacy groups to resist the Trump administrations deportation efforts in Chicago by teaching people what to do if ICE comes knocking.

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Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

You have the right to not open your door, you have the right to remain silent, and you have a right to an attorney, Andrea Ortiz from the Brighton Park Neighborhood Council said.

The need for quick access to information is growing.

One Chicago organization created the app Know Your Rights 4 Immigrants, and it has been downloaded more than 5,000 times since Trumps inauguration last week.

This app is available in 17 different languages, primarily Asian languages, but also Spanish, Hatian Creole, and Russian, and has the ability to read your rights out loud to an ICE or law enforcement agent and send a message to your emergency contact, Danae Kovac, from the HANA Center, said.

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Trumps border czar Tom Homan said their operations are making Chicago safer.

Chicago was an outstanding operation. I think, first 6 hours on the ground we removed sexual predators, child predators, sex offenders, two illegal aliens with murder convictions, numerous Tren de Aragua gang members, Homan said.

ICE has not released Chicago-specific numbers for arrests but shared two photos of people taken into custody here.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Homan said convicted criminals are the priority, though ICE hasnt provided a breakdown of how many are among those arrested.

Elected leaders warn that law-abiding people are getting swept up in the raids as collateral.

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What is very evident is that people are exercising their rights and that has much to do with the fact that the numbers are nowhere where they expected, Garcia said.

Nationally, ICE reports that it has arrested more than 5,000 people since the efforts began last 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 WGN-TV.
Ill. (WTVO)  The American Lung Association has released its 2025 Tobacco Control Report Card.

Illinois received an F grade in tobacco prevention and cessation funding as well as an F in restrictions on flavored tobacco products.

Graders gave the state an A grade for having smoke-free air and access to cessation services, in addition to a C grade for tobacco tax.

The association called for the following actions to be taken to reduce tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke:

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Increase funding for state tobacco control programs

Allocate all Juul settlement funds to tobacco prevention

Ensure tax parity between other tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and cigarettes

The association said tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease across the state and the nation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO)  Illinois has reached a $106 million settlement with mutual fund investment company Vanguard, which has been accused of failing to disclose tax implications of its retirement funds.

According to Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, the companys failure to disclose potential tax consequences led to higher capital gains for some 9,000 investors, who ended up paying higher than expected taxes.

The Secretary of States office is committed to protecting Main Street investors and ensuring that companies operating in Illinois follow securities laws and are held accountable when they fail to do so, said Giannoulias, who serves as co-chair of the National Association of Secretaries of States (NASS) Securities Committee. Investment companies must operate in a transparent fashion and disclose the necessary information regarding retirement funds and the potential risks and costs as required by law.

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The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission will notify individual investors of the fund who were impacted and will distribute remediation payments.

The three-year investigation by the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) revealed that Vanguard lowered the investment minimums for Institutional Target Retirement Funds (TRFs) in 2020, resulting in a large number of retirement investors redeeming those shares to purchase additional TRF shares.

The redemptions caused Vanguard to sell assets in the Investor TRF, which triggered the higher capital gains taxes. Vanguard is accused of not disclosing that information to investors.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
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Muhamad Aly Rifai shares his journey as an early advocate for telepsychiatry, highlighting its role in addressing the U.S. mental health crisis and providing access to care in underserved areas. He delves into the obstacles posed by outdated regulations, the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on telehealth adoption, and the ongoing battles with legal and administrative challenges. This episode unpacks the transformative power of telepsychiatry, its successes, and the urgent need for regulatory change.

Muhamad Aly Rifai is a practicing internist and psychiatrist in the Greater Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. He is the CEO, chief psychiatrist and internist of Blue Mountain Psychiatry.

He discusses the KevinMD article, The rise and fall of telepsychiatry.

Our presenting sponsor is DAX Copilot by Microsoft.

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Transcript

Kevin Pho: Hi, and welcome to the show. Subscribe at KevinMD.com/podcast. Today we welcome back Muhamad Aly Rifai. He is a psychiatrist and internal medicine physician. Todays KevinMD article is The rise and fall of telepsychiatry. Hammad, welcome back to the show.

Muhamad Aly Rifai: Thank you for having me to talk about an important topic, telehealth and telepsychiatry.

Kevin Pho: All right, tell us what this articles about for those who didnt get a chance to read it.

Muhamad Aly Rifai: So I am talking about the field of telehealth and telepsychiatry. Ive been involved with telehealth and telepsychiatry since 2006. I started one of the nations first emergency telehealth telepsychiatry programs at a local hospital in Pennsylvania, connecting three emergency rooms together to process patients who were being boarded in the emergency room.

This was one of the early days of telehealth. The equipment was not as nice as what we have today. We started with equipment from companies where the size of the equipment was 500 pounds, and it connected three different emergency rooms. The screens were bulky, and it wasit was a different time. The quality of the connection was choppy, but we made it work. We were able to see and evaluate patients who were in different emergency rooms waiting for disposition.

This program actually gave rise, in that health system, to the inception of tele-ICU. I assisted in the inception of a tele-ICU system where, like now, most hospitals have a centralized tele-unit. Physicians are in a centralized unit and can assess, monitor, and treat patients in different intensive care units, having a great impact on their course in the hospital. The same thing with telepsychiatry: we basically evaluated and dispositioned patients who were waiting in the emergency room. We either decided on an admission, concluded they could be managed on an outpatient basis, or adjusted their medication. It was pretty impactful at that time.

Kevin Pho: All right. OK, so tell us about the role of telepsychiatry over the years. How has it evolved, especially during the pandemic? Whenever I talk to behavioral health specialists like yourself, people always say that there is a shortage of clinicians, and telepsychiatry is one of the ways we could increase access. Tell me about the evolution of telepsychiatry since you first became involved with it back in 2006.

Muhamad Aly Rifai: Sure, sure. So, I think with the shortage of psychiatrists and the shortage of physicians in rural areas, Congress was wise to enact legislation that allowed the Centers for Medicare Services to agree to pay for services provided via telehealth to individuals who live in shortage areas, in rural areas, for psychiatric services. Medicare would pay for that if it was provided by telehealth.

This started in 2009 in Pennsylvania. Medicaid also agreed to pay for telehealth services because most of Pennsylvania is rural, and we were able to get paid for telehealth services if someone lived in an underserved area. Underserved area means fewer physicians and fewer psychiatrists. The majority of Americans live in areas where the available number of psychiatrists only meets about 30 percent of the psychiatric needs in that area. This is for the majority of the 350 million Americansthey get only about 30 percent of whats needed in terms of psychiatric resources.

So, doing telehealth allows complex cases to tap into psychiatrists who are not in rural areas. Also, psychiatrists can provide consultation services to primary care doctors in rural areas by offering help with difficult cases and managing patients who are in need of psychiatric services.

Kevin Pho: And tell us some of the challenges you face while doing telepsychiatry, especially for patients in rural areas. Was it difficult for you?

Muhamad Aly Rifai: It wasit was very difficult. We started initially with providing services to individuals who were in rural nursing homes. We had the logistical support of the staff at those nursing homes. These are mostly individuals who are severely mentally ill, who have a lot of psychiatric issues, and theyre residents of nursing homes.

That actually created a significant positive impact because it reduced the utilization of antipsychotic medications that were very heavily used in nursing homes, as well as the use of other psychotropic medications. It also reduced the frequency of psychiatric hospitalizations. We connected with primary care practices that were seeing these patients with severe psychiatric illness and the significant burden that imposed on primary care doctors. So we assisted those physicians.

Now, there were significant challenges. The regulatory challenges and the billing rules were not clear. The guidelines were not clear. And basically, in its usual pattern of different government bodies fighting with each other, the Drug Enforcement Agency passed something called the Ryan Haight Act, which prevented the prescription of controlled substances through the internetwhich, by fiat, included telehealthuntil the COVID pandemic happened and they waived the implementation of the Ryan Haight Act. But the Ryan Haight Act was passed in 2008, and from 2008 to 2020, the Drug Enforcement Agency never had guidelines or rules about how to implement this law. They had promised they were going to do guidelines and rules, and in 12 years nothing happened. So it was just unclear. There were significant obstacles, especially in terms of Medicare billing rules and guidelines. With all of the flexibilities that happened with COVID, many of those rules were significantly relaxed.

Kevin Pho: So whats the current state today? COVID has become endemic now. Where are we in terms of the suspension of the regulations? Where are we with the Ryan Haight Act today at the beginning of 2025?

Muhamad Aly Rifai: At the beginning of 2025, the Ryan Haight Act is still a law on the books. The Drug Enforcement Agency has decided to extend the suspension of the implementation of the Ryan Haight Act until the end of 2025.

In terms of the flexibilities that Medicare implemented during COVIDthose looser guidelines that allowed some flexibilitythose were set to expire on December 31, 2024. Congress, at the last moment, gave a 90-day extension. So here we are, January 2025, operating on a 90-day extension until the end of March 2025. We dont know whats going to happen afterward. Is Congressthis new Congressgoing to write these flexibilities into law so that they become permanent? Medicare cant do anything until Congress acts, so were in a period where Medicare could come back at any time and say these flexibilities are done and everyone must go back to seeing patients in the office. No more telehealth, except for individuals who live in rural areas. Thats where telehealth would still be allowed.

Kevin Pho: So it sounds like the lack of clarity regarding these regulations can really hamstring the growth and spread of telepsychiatry.

Muhamad Aly Rifai: Absolutely. I mean, there are companies that were founded during the COVID era where they only saw patients by telehealth. Whats going to happen now if, come March, Congress says, Well, we cant agree on what were going to do, and all of these telehealth flexibilities are gone, forcing everyone back to seeing patients in the office? All of these companies that have been providing telehealth services to people out therethose services are going to go away.

So its an urgent situation that Congress act to extend these flexibilities, but this also comes with a significant burden on practices. I personally have been at the brunt of regulatory issues, and I was on the receiving end of a federal prosecution related to telehealth issues. I prevailed, and I was found not guilty, but I can attest that there is very little understanding of these complex issues. We need help from Congress to extend these flexibilities.

Kevin Pho: As one of the pioneers in telepsychiatry, in your ideal world, what would you like to see happen?

Muhamad Aly Rifai: I think there is room for extending these flexibilities and allowing most visits to be available by telehealth for doctors seeing patients, understanding that there are patients who really do need to be seen in the office. There are patients for whom you need to lay hands on them, examine them physically. We know that for those patients, telehealth is not effective and not appropriate.

I also like to see patients in person for the first visit. Having that personal contact is very helpfuleven if you continue after that to see them through telehealthso that you understand who this person is and can serve them better, arriving at a better diagnostic approach.

There have also been a lot of new tools becoming available to us as psychiatrists. For example, artificial intelligence for video conferencing. Im working on some AI tools for psychiatrists, tools that examine a patients facial features to ascertain the presence of anxiety, mood issues, or any movement disorders that might be a side effect of the medications we use. There are AI tools being validated that correlate facial features with the severity of depression and anxiety, or analyze just the sound of the voice, volume, and intonations. Some AI tools can tell you whether a person is in distress and can assign a value for depression and anxiety scores just based on speech patterns.

Telehealth is here to stay. We must be very cognizant of whether its appropriate for each patient versus an in-person visit. I think an expansion of telehealth services would be very helpful for our patients and for the health care system, as long as we choose the right patient for it.

Kevin Pho: I had a guest on a few weeks ago who talked about this exact issue from the patient perspective. For those listening to you on this show who want to extend some of these regulatory pauses for telehealth and telepsychiatry, what can they do to make a difference?

Muhamad Aly Rifai: I think just advocating and talking to their patients. We need our patients to advocate. We need our patients to write to Congress. I think its very positive that were going to have a fellow physician, Dr. Mehmet Oz, as the administrator for the Centers for Medicare Services. As a physician, he understands what we go through and probably would be a great advocate for continuing these flexibilities. But we need Congress to act to extend themit has to be enshrined in a law that makes these changes permanent.

Especially important is the prescribing of controlled substances through telehealth. Were going to face the same situation at the end of 2025 if there is no clarity and no permanent law. Congress has a big job to do, and our patients need to write to their elected representatives to codify these changes as laws.

Kevin Pho: Were talking to Muhamad Aly Rifai. Hes an internal medicine physician and psychiatrist. Todays KevinMD article is The rise and fall of telepsychiatry. Muhamad, as always, lets end with some take-home messages you want to leave with the KevinMD audience.

Muhamad Aly Rifai: Telehealth is here to stay. Our patients are demanding it. Physicians feel that its an appropriate assessment and treatment modality for their patients, as long as the appropriate patient is selected for telehealth encounters. Patients find that its very, very helpful to them and want it to stay. I encourage all physicians and patients to write to their elected representatives so we can have permanent changes regarding the implementation of telehealth in our health care system.

Kevin Pho: Muhamad, thank you so much for sharing your perspective and insight, and thanks again for coming back on the show.

Muhamad Aly Rifai: Thank you very much.
UPDATE (7:55 p.m.)  According to Illinois State Police Trooper Rodger Goines, the person involved in this incident was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital for treatment.

All lanes of I-155 have been reopened.

UPDATED (2 p.m.)  The Illinois State Police has provided more information on the incident that is ongoing in Logan County.

According to the state police, at 10 p.m., troopers responded to a motorist assist call on Interstate 155 northbound near Emden, milepost 9, in Logan County. The motorist then and now is refusing to leave the vehicle.

ISP has its Crisis Negotiation Team and a mental health professional on-scene, the agency said in an email.

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The interstate remains closed between Hartsburg, exit 6, and U.S. Route 136, which is exit 10 as a precaution, the state police said.

___________________________________________________________________________

Illinois State Police investigating an incident on Interstate 155 near Logan County

LOGAN COUNTY, Ill. (WMBD)  The Illinois State Police is asking drivers to avoid a five-mile stretch of Interstate 155 on Thursday, saying there has been an incident.

The state police made clear this was not a shooting, but did not state what had occurred.

The incident began just before 10 p.m. Wednesday near Emden in Logan County. Thats at mile marker 9 on I-155.

The interstate is closed between Hartsburg, exit 6, and U.S. Route 136, which is exit 10.

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Please avoid the area and seek an alternate route of travel, the state police said.

A deputy from the Tazewell County Sheriffs Office said his agency was not involved.

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Some immigrants are worried that routine check-ins with immigration authorities are making them more vulnerable to being detained, as President Donald Trump and his administration ramp up arrests and deportations throughout the country.

This week, a 30-year-old Venezuelan immigrant who had been periodically checking in with Immigration and Customs Enforcement in South Florida  as part of a process to remain in the U.S.  was unexpectedly detained during a routine appointment, his mother told NBC Miami.

The mother, whose name is being withheld to protect her son, said he was asked to show up at an immigration supervision office in Delray Beach on Monday afternoon to follow up on his immigration application and "fix something ... and that was a lie," she said.

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The mother said she waited five hours for her son to finish his appointment but instead, she saw him being escorted out by immigration officers.

Her son has lived in the U.S. since he was 6 years old, she said, and despite reporting to his appointment, he was not given a fair chance to fight a deportation order placed against him.

They didnt give us the opportunity to at least tell us, Look, you have a deportation order, we want you to be removed by February or something, the mother said.

On any given year, thousands of undocumented immigrants across the country regularly report to ICE. These routine appointments help immigration officials keep track of those who are not a priority for deportation as immigrants seek legal alternatives to remain in the U.S.

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Immigration officials also have in place additional supervision programs that allow them to keep tabs on undocumented people through GPS ankle monitors, by phone and other types of monitoring. According to ICE, there are nearly 179,000 people being monitored through these programs nationwide.

Two New York-based immigration attorneys whose names are being withheld to protect their clients said they started noticing a shift after Trump was elected president in November. People in the state who have long been enrolled in one of these immigration supervision programs, or have been checking in with ICE once or twice a year, were asked to report sooner and, in dozens of cases since, they said, their clients ended up being detained and deported.

The ICE Field Office in New York City did not comment and referred NBC News to ICE's national office, which did not immediately respond.

'A lot of fear'

There are immigrants who go to ICE check-ins who dont have deportation orders and are in the process of trying to adjust their immigration status. Others may have such orders, but are appealing them or are not aware they have a deportation order until they show up to their routine check-in.

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That's what happened to a mother who got deported this week alongside her young daughter, a day after reporting to her check-in, one of the attorneys said.

The mother had not been informed that she had lost an appeal in her immigration case before she showed up to her scheduled appointment with her daughter. Instead, she learned about it during the check-in and, by then, the mother couldn't do much to fight her case, the attorney said.

A recent memo from the Trump administration expanded immigration officials enforcement discretion" powers. This allows them to bypass regular immigration law and speed up deportations of anyone with a removal order, regardless of whether they are considered a priority or not.

The attorneys said they are expecting to see more of these cases across the nation. Currently, nearly 1.4 million people have pending deportation orders. Anecdotally, the New York immigration attorneys said they have seen an increase in the number of people who have been ordered removed without a hearing. They say this means more immigrants may be showing up to their ICE check-ins without knowing they may have a deportation order.

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Yet immigrants dont have much of a choice: Failure to show up for a routine ICE appointment hurts their chances of remaining in the U.S. and can even lead to a deportation order.

They want to comply and go the appointments, according to one attorney, but theres a lot of fear, obviously, a lot of anxiety.

Maria Bilbao, a campaign coordinator for the American Friends Service Committee in Florida, is part of the Miramar Circle of Protection. The coalition of community members gathers outside the ICE field office in the city of Miramar every Wednesday to provide support to immigrants showing up to routine appointments.

On Wednesday morning, Bilbao met a Colombian woman and a Cuban man who showed up to their routine ICE check-in in Miramar and were told to report to the immigration supervision office in Delray Beach instead, where the 30-year-old Venezuelan immigrant was detained on Monday.

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The immigration supervision office in Delray Beach is not an ICE field office; it's run by a private company contracted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and ICE to operate an intensive supervision appearance program" meant to serve as an alternative to detention.

But according to Bilbao, whats happening now is strange." Instead of routine supervisory visits, "they are being detained more often, she said in Spanish.

In the eight years Bilbao has been assisting immigrants with their ICE check-in appointments, she had rarely heard of people being detained for deportation at that facility.

The ICE Field Office in Miami didn't respond to NBC News email asking how many people were detained Monday in Delray Beach and whether or not those detained are facing deportation. An NBC Miami reporter witnessed at least six people being taken into custody that day.

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One woman who accompanied her cousin to his routine appointment at Delray Beach on Monday morning, and saw him removed by immigration authorities, told NBC Miami she believed her cousin was tricked into coming to see their immigration officer, as theyve done time and time again  but this time they were caught by surprise and taken away," she said.

In response to the allegations, Garrett Ripa, the acting assistant director of ICE Field Operations in Miami, told NBC Miami theres no truth to that.

When asked if undocumented immigrants would be detained or deported regardless of whether or not they have a criminal record, Ripa said, Every individual in the United States that is either removable or inadmissible from the United States, regardless of whether they have a crime or not, is potentially an individual that we could take an enforcement action against.

Now, does that necessarily mean that were going to take that person into immigration custody? Not necessarily, there are other avenues we can explore, he said.

'It's a nightmare'

People being detained during their ICE check-ins is not new. It has happened under various previous administrations, including during Trumps first term in 2017, which Bilbao said led to the creation of the Miramar Circle of Protection.

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"Back then, we called them 'silent raids,'" Bilbao said.

"So, we expected something like that to happen again this time around, because it is the easiest way for them to deport people," she said. "It's a nightmare."

On Tuesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated Trump's promise to carry out the largest deportation program in American history.

"If you are an individual, a foreign national, who illegally enters the United States of America, you are by definition a criminal," Leavitt said.

Being undocumented is considered a civil offense, not a crime. But its considered a crime when an undocumented immigrant who was previously deported re-enters the United States without permission.

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The woman who saw her cousin being detained in Delray Beach on Monday said these people arent bad people, these people arent criminals. ... The person, my family member, they took away today, is not a criminal. He has never been to jail.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Word spread quickly across social media Jan. 24 that federal immigration agents had come to Clearwater High School.

A Facebook post that garnered hundreds of shares, comments and reactions alleged that agents showed up looking for someone, but were turned away by staff. More rumors surfaced later that similar things had happened at Dunedin High School and King High School in east Tampa.

School district and law enforcement officials said the incidents never took place. A spokesperson for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said such false reports have cropped up across the nation.

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But the idea that an immigration enforcement action might take place at a school, which until only days earlier had been considered a protected area by the Department of Homeland Security, sent chills through Tampa Bay.

Anevay Norris, who works for a Pinellas County nonprofit social services agency, said about half of the teens on her caseload have undocumented family members. Some attend Clearwater High. She called them to make sure they were OK, and heard rising concern about what the Trump administration is going to mean to their families.

Its real right now, Norris said.

Pinellas High Innovation history teacher Brandt Robinson on Tuesday urged the Pinellas school board and superintendent to reassure the public that the children are safe, no matter who they are.

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There is a tremendous amount of fear and anxiety out there, Robinson said.

That message has come through loud and clear to Tampa Bay area school officials, who are fielding concerned calls and emails from parents and principals. Several residents spoke out on the scenario at Tuesdays Hillsborough County school board meeting.

After researching their legal obligations, the districts this week sent schools memos stressing the need to preserve student privacy and respect parents' rights even as they comply with the law.

We have a responsibility just like everybody else to follow the law, Pinellas schools superintendent Kevin Hendrick said. Were not agents of law. We protect our students the best we can.

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The worries spiked after the White House issued a statement rescinding the Biden administrations 2021 stance on ICE actions in what had been called sensitive or protected areas such as schools. In short order, several national education organizations issued advisories on possible responses to the shifting political sands.

The Florida Department of Education quickly asserted it would cooperate with the federal effort to enforce the nations laws on illegal immigration and keep our schools safe.

Floridas reaction differed from some other states. Illinois issued a lengthy advisory to its districts stating that the federal changes do not necessarily require schools to alter their actions. The Illinois State Board of Education stated that its guiding principle would be ensuring schools are a safe haven for all students.

Oklahoma, by contrast, advanced a rule requiring families to present proof of citizenship or immigration status when enrolling in school, to help with the federal enforcement.

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With federal and state pressure mounting, Tampa Bay school officials felt compelled to weigh in. Schools do not collect students' citizenship status, in accordance with a 1982 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, and few if any in the region have had visits from immigration agents in decades.

We give our schools guidance on a variety of topics as things make the news or become of interest, said Hendrick, whose legal department on Monday sent principals a two-page memo detailing how to deal with requests from immigration officials. We want to make sure our schools are supported.

The Hillsborough County schools chief of staff sent an advisory on the matter to principals late Tuesday. The Pasco County school district, meanwhile, reminded campus leaders to follow the systems longstanding policy on working with law enforcement including ICE.

The districts stressed the confidentiality of student records, the right of parents to participate in any interviews and the importance of having updated emergency contacts for children whose caretakers might not be available.

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The Pasco policy, which is similar to Hillsboroughs guidance, says a school administrator such as the principal should stay in the room if federal agents are interviewing a student as a witness to an alleged law violation, unless the officer provides compelling reasons.

The childs parents should be informed of the questioning, the policy states. The building administrator should try to reach the parents first, and remain in the room, again unless compelling reasons are offered.

Pasco also calls for agencies to contact students during non-school hours and investigate away from school property if at all possible. It allows for immediate investigations on campus during school hours if the alleged violation of law took place on school property, involves other situations affecting school safety or in emergency situations.

Pinellas aims to draw a fine line between protecting students and abiding law enforcement. David Koperski, the districts lawyer, told the school board that federal immigration authorities have very broad investigative authority that schools must respect.

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His first advice to principals is to contact a school district lawyer if an ICE agent seeks access to campus.

The memo runs through a couple of anticipated scenarios. They include requests for student records, requests to talk to students and learning a students parents have been detained.

The district notes that most student records are confidential and should not be released without written parental permission. Exceptions include when the information is ordered released through a court, warrant or subpoena, and in case of a health or safety emergency.

The district acknowledges that certain federal laws allow for the interrogation and arrest of a non-citizen under some circumstances, even without a warrant. Like Pasco, the district calls on schools to reach out to parents, but also recommends cooperating with an agents request within the bounds of the law.

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In the instance of a students' family being detained, Pinellas and Hillsborough recommend schools should act as they do any time they learn a child will be without a caretaker. That includes reaching out to other emergency contacts the family has provided.

We do all we can to protect our students, Hillsborough superintendent Van Ayres said.

If all else fails, the Pinellas memo states, the school might have to contact the state Department of Children and Families.

Lee Bryant, president of the Pinellas teachers union, urged his school board to reassure families of their safety at school by adopting a safe zone resolution that would set clear rules for if immigration agents come to campuses seeking access to students or their data.

If a student does not feel safe at school, they cannot be expected to learn, Bryant said.

Times staff writers Juan-Carlos Chavez and Jack Evans contributed to this report.
By Munsif Vengattil and Nandan Mandayam

(Reuters) - India's IT minister has praised Chinese startup DeepSeek for shaking up the sector with its low-cost AI assistant, likening its frugal approach to his government's efforts to build a localized AI model.

India announced a $1.25 billion AI investment in March, dubbed IndiaAI mission, which includes funding for AI startups and developing its own AI infrastructure.

"Some people question the amount of investments the government has committed in (IndiaAI mission). You have seen what DeepSeek has done? $5.5 million and a very very powerful model. Because, the use of brain," Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Tuesday at an event in the eastern state of Odisha.

DeepSeek has triggered a dramatic rethink on artificial intelligence spending around the world, claiming it took just two months and cost under $6 million to build an AI model using Nvidia's less-advanced H800 chips.

Downloads of its app recently surpassed OpenAI's ChatGPT on Apple's App Store, while the cost and performance of its tools upended industry beliefs that China was years behind U.S. rivals in the AI race.

Vaishnaw's statement appeared to target comments made by OpenAI's Sam Altman during a visit to India last year, when he cast doubt on the possibility of an Indian team being able to build a substantial model in the OpenAI space with a $10 million budget.

"The way this works is we're going to tell you it's totally hopeless to compete with us on training foundation models. You shouldn't try. And it's your job to like try anyway. And I believe both of those things," he said, comments which are now in focus again on online platforms such as X after DeepSeek's success.

Altman is due to visit India again on February 5, just as his company is currently locked in a court battle in the country with digital news and book publishers over copyright breaches.

(Reporting by Munsif Vengattil and Nandan Mandayam in Bengaluru; Editing by Saad Sayeed)
By Saurabh Sharma and Shivam Patel

PRAYAGRAJ, India (Reuters) -Millions of devout Hindus thronged the northern Indian city of Prayagraj on Thursday for the Maha Kumbh festival, a day after dozens died in a stampede at the largest gathering of humanity in the world.

Train and bus stations in the city saw a surge in crowds as people continued to arrive for the festival, although some devotees remained nervous after the deadly crush.

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Krishna Soni, a student from the western state of Rajasthan's Bikaner city, and his family of eight linked themselves together with string to ensure they would not lose each other in the massive crowd.

"We are walking very carefully and trying to avoid the crowded areas," he told Reuters.

Police said 30 people were killed in Wednesday's stampede and 60 were injured. Sources said the death toll was more than 50 and Reuters counted at least 39 bodies in the morgue, but police said not all may have been killed in the stampede.

"Many people die here everyday due to various reasons so those extra dead bodies could have been from other cases... The injured are totally out of danger," senior police officer Vaibhav Krishna told Reuters.

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While authorities said there was just one stampede on Wednesday, witnesses said there had also been a second pre-dawn incident in another part of the festival area on the same morning.

Ambulance driver Karan Kumar told Reuters that police had called him between 3.30 a.m. and 4 a.m. on Wednesday morning and he transported nine people to hospital, who all "looked dead".

A police guard who did not want to be identified said a second stampede had occurred but "help reached in time" and the situation was contained. Senior police officers did not respond to calls from Reuters seeking comment. Sachchidanand Pandey, spokesperson for Kumbh police chief Rajesh Dwivedi, said there was no second stampede.

ADDITIONAL CROWD CONTROL MEASURES

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Authorities have ordered a probe into the incident, which occurred when people surged towards the confluence of three sacred rivers - Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati believed to flow underground - to take a dip.

Harsh Kumar, the retired judge heading the probe panel, told news agency ANI: "We are expected to submit the report within a month," .

On Wednesday, more than 76 million people took what is called a "royal dip" - taken on days considered more sacred - in the river waters until 8 p.m. (1430 GMT).

Devout Hindus believe taking a dip at the river confluence absolves them of sins, and during the Kumbh also brings salvation from the cycle of birth and death.

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Three more "royal dips", which attract large crowds, are scheduled before the festival ends on Feb. 26.

On Thursday, more than 9 million people took a holy dip by 10 a.m (0430 GMT), officials said, but the situation remained "under control".

New steps would be taken to prevent such incidents, they said.

"We will be dividing the entire area into many more sectors, which will have additional forces," Krishna said, adding that devotees would also be requested to go to other banks instead of coming only to the confluence.

The Kumbh Mela - held every 12 years - is expected to draw some 400 million devotees in 2025, officials estimate. The Haj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, in comparison, drew 1.8 million people last year.

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Opposition leaders and newspaper editorials have blamed the stampede on mismanagement and called for better crowd planning to prevent such incidents.

The festival is taking place at a 4,000 hectare (9,900 acre) temporary township created for the purpose on the river banks - the size of 7,500 football fields.

Around 150,000 tents have been erected to accommodate devotees along with almost an equal number of toilets.

(Writing by Sakshi Dayal; Editing by Michael Perry, YP Rajesh, Hugh Lawson, Peter Graff)
Influencer Florence Mirsky has apologized after being filmed shouting racial slurs at parking attendants in Beverly Hills, California.

Footage of Mirsky began circulating on Tuesday (January 28) showing her confronting the valet workers and using a slur for immigrants.

She then tells the workers: President Donald Trump is doing good things because you guys rape people. You guys rape and kill people.

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Mirsky, who shares a son with Grammy-winning record producer Scott Storch, then hands a $100 bill to one of the parking attendants and asks him to give her her change. She calls them poor while bragging that she is rich. One of the attendants responds saying she is poor of soul, before she holds her phone up at another worker and asks him if he wanted to report her.

The video ends with her receiving her car keys from the valet worker. She then hits the phone that was recording her and told that person to get out of my f***ing face.

She was hit with immense backlash in the comments on the initial Instagram video, with one influencer, Carmen Ortega, claiming shed had an altercation with Mirsky in the past.

She needs to be reminded the last time she crossed a Latina, I mopped her floor with her face, Ortega wrote.

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While its now been deleted, Mirsky later posted a statement on Instagram to apologize for her behavior.

I love Mexicans, and all people of all colors and religion!! she wrote in her Instagram Story, reposted on X/Twitter. I did what I could today and apologized to the two men that did nothing to me. I am in a calm state of mind and I know Im the farthest thing to racist. Just a spoiled brat with a dirty mouth. And thats the realist I can be. Sorry everyone.

She added: I take full accountability but meant nothing I said.

Mirsky said she takes accountability for the things said in an over-emotional state of mind (msflojo / Instagram)

Mirsky also posted multiple videos to her Instagram Story about the situation. In one since-deleted clip, she claimed that the parking attendant grabbed her a**, before she called him the racial slur.

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She noted that while she was so wrong for the remark she made, she felt so violated in the moment. She also claimed that she wished she called the police following the incident. I am sorry for what I said. Ive been around Mexicans, dated Mexicans my whole life. My parents are immigrants, she continued. I am the farthest thing from racist possible.

In another deleted video on her Story, Mirsky filmed herself returning to the valet to apologize. After claiming the worker accepted her apology, she told him that he knew what the previous attendant did to her.

Please at least be real, she told him, as he was talking to a customer who was parking their car. Im the farthest thing from racist possible. I told you, youre a good-looking guy with green eyes Can you at least admit what the guy did to me?

On Wednesday (January 29), Mirsky posted another statement to apologize for the viral video, saying she takes accountability for the things said in an over-emotional state of mind, which she understands doesnt excuse the racist aggression toward the parking attendant.

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Racism is never okay and my words were both hurtful and inappropriate, she wrote on her Instagram Story. I apologize to all the hard-working Hispanics in Beverly Hills and also the community that has been hurt by my recent actions. I will work to do better for myself and my community and hope you will forgive me as I meant no harm to anyone.

She concluded: Moments leading up to my outburst were triggered by previous trauma and sexual advances made by the gentleman recording the video. However, I realize my reaction to the situation was not handled appropriately.

Mirsky has more than 70,500 followers on Instagram, where she shows off her luxury lifestyle.
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Mo.  A 68-year-old inmate who was serving a life sentence in a St. Louis murder case died Sunday in prison, officials say.

The Missouri Department of Corrections reports that Michael Foote was reported dead Sunday at the Potosi Correctional Center in Washington County, Missouri.

How much of National Lampoons Vacation was actually filmed in St. Louis?

Foote died of apparent natural causes, according to a news release from the Department of Corrections.

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Foote was serving a life sentence without parole for a first-degree murder charge in the City of St. Louis. He was transferred to the Missouri Department of Corrections on Aug. 18, 1988.

Officials did not release other details regarding Footes death.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
For the last few weeks, a team of investigators from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has worked out of a command post in the Highlands neighborhood of Pacific Palisades.

It's here, near a popular hiking trail, where officials believe the Palisades fire began around 10:30 a.m. Jan. 7. The remnants of thousands of burned-out homes line the path the flames took down from the hillside as it charged all the way to the ocean.

But the cause remains a mystery that this team is trying to solve.

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Investigators have scoured each part of the trail and hillside, breaking it down into a grid. They have examined 250 leads, obtained 90 hours of relevant video and conducted 50 interviews.

Read more: What sparked the Palisades fire? A beloved hiking trail may hold the grim answers

Fifteen ATF team members across the country with various science backgrounds armed with high-tech mapping, drones and a portable lab are aiding in the investigation, officials said.

ATF officials declined to provide information about what they suspect started the Palisades fire, which charred 23,400 acres and leveled more than 6,800 structures, including many homes.

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But sources with knowledge of the inquiry said there are two leading theories: An 8-acre blaze that fire officials thought they had put out on Jan. 1 in the same area reignited and spread because of intense winds, or a new fire was somehow sparked nearby that morning. Either scenario, the sources said, would likely be a human-caused fire because there are no power poles near the point of origin and trail area is well-traveled.

A focus on earlier fire

The Los Angeles Fire Department declined to answer specific questions about the Jan. 1 blaze, called the Lachman fire, saying the files were "sealed" and were part of the ongoing investigation into the Palisades fire.

"We won't leave a fire that has any hot spots. But with that, I will tell you that the investigation, the team that we have on board right now, will be able to determine whether or not that did indeed happen," Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley told residents during a community forum this month."I can look you in the eye and tell you that full disclosure if that indeed is what they find out, we will tell you that."

The Lachman fire was reported about 12:17 a.m. on New Year's Day in the hillside above Pacific Palisades by a resident whose home is about two blocks from the popular Skull Rock trail. Sources with knowledge of the investigation who were not authorized to speak publicly told The Times the Lachman fire appears to have been sparked by fireworks.

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Read more: Mapping the damage from the Eaton and Palisades fires

Water-dropping helicopters initially were not able to fly because of wind, according to the agency, but around 1:40 a.m. they began launching an aerial attack to support crews on the ground. News footage captured the charge, with walls of flames towering over homes and firefighters with hoses running into backyards.

Shortly after 3:30 a.m., fire officials reported they had stopped forward progress of the blaze.

A little over an hour later, LAFD reported that firefighters had "completed the hose line around the perimeter of the fire and it is fully contained." However, some firefighters remained at the site to mop up and ensure the fire didn't flare up again.

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Assistant Chief Joe Everett, who oversees LAFD's West Bureau, which includes Pacific Palisades, said firefighters conducted a cold trailing operation at the site in which crews feel for any lingering heat along the fire's edge, dig out every live spot and trench live edges of the fire to ensure nothing can later flare up.

They kept patrol on the site for more than 36 hours, Everett told residents at a community meeting this month.

"I can tell you those people on that fire ground were highly qualified and well trusted," he said.

Read more: The start of the Palisades and Eaton fires: 24 hours that changed Los Angeles

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Everett expressed skepticism that the Palisades fire was sparked by a rekindling of the earlier blaze.

"That fire was dead out. If it is determined that was the cause, it would be a phenomenon," he said.

LAFD officials declined to detail whether they conducted thermal imaging of the area in the aftermath. Agencies frequently use thermal imaging during large wildfires to find hot spots during periods when there is no visible light or in conditions with heavy smog or mist.

Another fire in the same area

UC San Diego cameras that monitor the mountains and hills, including Pacific Palisades, captured the Jan. 1 blaze. The Times reviewed available footage over the next six days, and no new smoke was visible. But about 10:30 a.m. Jan. 7, new smoke is seen in the same area.

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By midmorning, firefighters were back at the same Palisades hillside amid hurricane-force winds fighting what would become a much larger inferno: the Palisades fire.

Palisades resident Darrin Hurwitz told The Times this month that he was hiking in the area  a five-mile loop that took him above Skull Rock and gave him a view of the burn scar from the New Year's Day fire  on the morning of Jan. 7. It's a busy trail, but on that day the open space seemed quiet, he said.

"Around the same time, I noticed a bit of a smoky smell. I didnt make much of it. I figured it was either coming from somewhere else or was the remnants of the fire itself," he said.

Others also smelled smoke in the area that morning, but flames weren't seen until about 10:15 a.m.

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A Los Angeles firefighter who was among the first on the scene acknowledged over the radio that they were going "back up to where the Lachman fire was."

How the investigation will play out

The ATF is seeking to issue a report on the cause of the fire in about 60 days. That would be considerably faster than for the deadly August 2023 fire on the Hawaiian island of Maui, which took a year. But that may depend on whether more sophisticated tests are needed back at the bureau's Maryland fire lab.

Complex fire investigations in which a cause isn't immediately clear can sometimes take many months to conclude. Typically, investigators will start by finding the area of ignition, which they determine largely through burn patterns. In a massive inferno, such as the Palisades fire, that process alone can take more than a week, experts say.

After they find the location of the fire start, investigators will search for any evidence that could point to the source of ignition and any witness statements or videos that can help them piece together how the fire began.

LAPD officers keep the public and media out of the Skull Rock trailhead in an area that is under investigation as a potential starting point for the Palisades fire on Jan. 13, 2025 in Pacific Palisades. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times)

Materials found at a fire scene will often need to be tested, and those results can take weeks or months, said Gianni Muschetto, staff chief of law enforcement for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

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"These larger fires take time," Muschetto said. "Sometimes it's months, and sometimes just based on the evidence we have that needs to be evaluated, it just takes time to do."

The first images of Palisades fire, as it ignited in the brush on a trail above Pacific Palisades, are eerily similar to those captured as fire lighted up the night's sky as the new year began.

Read more: Power lines over Eaton Canyon saw surge in current before fire, Edison reveals

Fire experts say it's possible for a blaze to rekindle days and even months in some environments after an initial fire is thought to be extinguished.

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The immense Oakland Hills fire in 1991, which destroyed 2,500 structures, exploded after firefighters believed they contained an earlier 6-acre fire the day before. Firefighters left equipment at the scene but did not continuously monitor it. Winds picked up, and the conflagration consumed homes.

The Maui fire, the deadliest in more than a century, killed at least 101 people and also ignited from an earlier brush fire caused by downed power lines that firefighters believed they had snuffed.

Rekindling days or weeks after a wildfire has been put out is not a phenomenon that frequently occurs. It's more typical for rekindling to happen when firefighters are still on scene mopping up, allowing them to get control of it quickly, Muschetto said.

"You're trying to get all those hot spots out, but occasionally something will still hold that heat and blow something across the line or burn under through the roots and have enough exposure to vegetative material to burn out and cause a fire," he said.

Ed Nordskog, a former Los Angeles County sheriff's arson investigator who looked into 2,500 fires, said that in forestry environments particularly, embers can bury themselves in tree roots and get covered by heavy ash. They can stay buried until a wind event sets them free.

The U.S. Forest Service uses infrared technology to monitor fires underbrush for sometimes weeks after a blaze is contained. Nordskog said thermal imaging is the safest way to check to prevent such an issue.

But even that isn't a perfect solution.

"A super small smoldering fire may not put off enough heat signature for that imagery to pick it up," Muschetto said. "That's why the crews on the ground, especially when they are mopping up along the fire's edge, they're really looking for anything that's smoking, anything that might be able to hold heat and watering that down."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A police investigation is underway after a woman was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in Milton Thursday morning.

Milton police officers responded to Belvoir Road around 7:45 a.m. after receiving a report of a shooting.

Responding officers found a 43-year-old Milton woman with multiple gunshot wounds inside a car.

She was rushed to a Boston-area hospital for treatment.

No arrests have been made but Milton police say they dont believe the shooting was a random attack.

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The investigation into the shooting is active and ongoing.

If anyone has information to this incident, we ask that you reach out to our Detective Division at (617) 898-4809 or through our anonymous tip-line at (617) 698-2677, Milton police said.

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BONDURANT, Iowa  A crew from the Iowa DOT was hard at work on Highway 65 here. A crew of ten people and several vehicles made their way along the road, stopping where they noticed potholes.

Were doing a process with potholes here its called a chip and oil process and we go along and we use a high strength compressor, we blowed any debris that might be in the hole, said Chad McCoskey, of the Iowa DOT shop in Altoona. That way makes a good bonding for the oil and the rock that goes into it.

The chip and oil process makes the road repairs stronger than cold asphalt.

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What happens is you get that warm weather you have a little bit of moisture thats below the surface of the road then were going to have a freeze coming up here in a couple days, said McCoskey. Then it starts to pop the concrete loose because you have that moisture below the surface.

Were trying to obviously make the roadway safe as possible and were wanting to take advantage of this nice weather couple days that we have here to try and lessen the amount of potholes that we have here so people can drive safely to their destination, said McCoskey.

If you have potholes on a state highway near you, call the DOT local shops in your region.

Scroll to the bottom of this page for their phone numbers.

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If your city or county roads have potholes, call your city or county engineer.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
DES MOINES, Iowa  Iowans getting new drivers licenses over the last several years may have noticed a gold star added in the top right corner. Some Iowa lawmakers want citizenship status listed on new drivers licenses going forward.

House Study Bill 37 would keep everything the same on a drivers license or nonoperator identification card, but it would add the citizenship status on the back of the card.

The bill advanced out of a Iowa House Judiciary subcommittee on Wednesday evening after lawmakers heard comments and concerns from members of the public. The Republican State Representatives said the purpose for the citizenship status was to make it easier for poll workers to know who should and shouldnt be voting.

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This designation or as such on a drivers license would definitely help to identify people who are U.S. citizens because only U.S. citizens should be voting in U.S. elections, said Lori Stiles, a poll worker.

Iowa House Republicans look at various DEI policies for universities, colleges

This bill comes after the Iowa Secretary of State released a list of over 2,000 names dating back to the early 2000s of legal noncitizens who registered to vote or had voted in the past. That list was handed out to precinct workers who were asked to challenge the individual to a provisional ballot.

Those in opposition werent opposed to what Republicans said the intent of the bill was for, but there was concerns about discrimination.

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I know that from with working with immigrant families in social services they are terrified there are tensions really high towards immigrants regardless of what their legal status is, Storm OBrink, a social services worker in opposition of the bill, said.

To allow for discrimination when you put something like that when you put it on a drivers license when people are using it to go buy a 6-pack of beer or to rent a car, said Amy Campbell, a lobbyist representing Lutheran Services of Iowa, who is registered as undecided on the bill.

The bill made it out of the subcommittee and is eligible for consideration in front of the Iowa House Judiciary committee.

Iowa News:

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DES MOINES, Iowa  Iowa House Republicans considered different proposals regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion offices and course curriculum.

On Wednesday afternoon, a Higher Education subcommittee considered a bill that would apply what lawmakers passed last session for the state board of regents to community colleges. The bill would prohibit DEI offices on community college campuses.

Community colleges are often the most accessible and affordable pathways for students of color because of systemic inequities and history do not start on necessarily on the same playing field with equal footing as their peers, said Betty Andrews with the NAACP Des Moines branch, speaking in opposition to the proposal.

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I think a better description for DEI is Didnt Earn It and I think our children should be taught a merit-based education, said Terry Pierce of West Des Moines, in favor of the bill.

DMACC President Rob Denson retiring after two decades in role

The bill was not advanced but tabled by the chair of the subcommittee. Community Colleges for Iowa had representation at the meeting, outlining that community colleges in the state do not have any of these offices and they already follow what this bill would require.

Ive been in conversations with community colleges since last year when we passed the changes when it comes to our regent universities passing those DEI changes last legislative session, said State Representative Taylor Collins, (R) District 95 from Mediapolis. I am confident in the changes they are making and in their confidence, they have showed to us that I think we are willing to work with them in good faith and I didnt feel the need to advance the bill at that time.

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Rep. Collins said that the bill will be brought back up again if there is evidence shown of DEI offices or practices on community college campuses.

Another DEI proposal was advanced out of another Higher Education subcommittee in the Iowa House. This one relates to not requiring students to enroll in diversity, equity, inclusion, and critical race theory-related course at board of regent universities. The bill defines that as a description, course overview, course objectives, proposed student learning outcomes, written examinations that include that type of content.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Border Patrol agents used Title 42 to transport migrants back to the U.S.-Mexico border, in this photo from March 2020, the early days of the order. (Photo by Jerry Glaser/U.S. Customs and Border Protection)

I hope Tyson Foods, whose plant is located here in Waterloo, made significant contributions to President Trumps re-election effort, including purchasing gold shoes and meme coins. Con Ag may be Iowas savior if they supported him vigorously.

Likewise, the producers of corn, soybeans and cotton, those who raise hogs, I hope they were in his camp. I am grateful for the first time; Iowa is one of the most Republican states in the nation and God bless Sens. Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley.

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No, I havent lost my mind. The president is going to sweep immigrants from the land of this nation. Already soldiers, immigration officers, and others are rolling into and over our major cities, locations in Chicago and Los Angeles, arresting and immediately sending off suspected violators of our immigration laws without even checking into their and their families right to remain here.

Just a word about our migrants and agriculture. They comprise 73% of workers in agriculture. Youve seen them, the guys, girls and kids who clear the land, plow the fields, till, and then harvest the crops. They milk the cows, feed the pigs and slaughter the cattle. If you think about the situation, they are vital and the first step in the chain that leads to our agriculture systems ability to put fresh food in the grocery store.

If you ask the question can the president do this? Rid the land of these workers? The answer is yes. You remember hearing the president and his followers say, God sent him here to save America.

It was Robert Filmer, a 17th century squire who first proposed that Adam was the first king and subsequent kings inherited his authority. Free to rule and could, because he was divinely blessed, never made a mistake, even when wrong. Many strongly conservative Christians are starting to believe Trump is Adams successor, divinely blessed to lead us. It is simply called Divine Right. Forget the Magna Carta, that was the devils work.

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Forget the U.S. Constitution. The Supreme Court took care of that obstacle. In little-noticed language within Trump v. the United States, the court said, When the President exercises such authority. . . Congress cannot act upon, and courts may not examine, the Presidents action within his exclusive sphere of constitutional authority. In other words, the president can ignore the acts of Congress and that is not a crime.

But all is not lost. Already those farm groups I mentioned are organizing to save farm workers. They are explaining that we want immigrants out, but not ours. Secondly, notice that the raids so far are only in blue states, with the possible exception of Florida, where Gov. Ron DeSantis favors the action. The president has a well-known capacity to remember his friends and go after those he perceives in opposition. Keep in mind, a timely call from our senators and the congressional delegations could forestall action here.

Lastly, get the history books out and study the Underground Railroad. For all those who, if given the time, could produce proper papers of their right to be here, pack them in your basement, give them the garage, hide them in your churches so we can organize a proper presentation of their right to be here. We do not want another Postville. We will show up in an orderly manner and press our case. Do not look for me and our other leaders, we will be at the head of the line. I am not sure whether God or the Devil inspired me to write this. That will be your call when the federal government shows up.
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Donald Trump likes to tell his supporters that hes a fighter, a fearless champion who always has their back. Such guarantees, however, apparently do not apply to people who worked for him when theyre threatened by foreign assassins. Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley, former National Security Adviser John Bolton, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and the former Pompeo aide Brian Hook have all been targeted by Trump for political retribution. They are also being targeted by the Iranians, but the regime in Tehran has marked them all for death.

The president may be spoiling for a fight with career bureaucrats and woke professors, but when it comes to Iranian assassins, he is willing to walk away from men who carried out his orders. Milley, Bolton, Pompeo, and Hook all served in Trumps first administrationhe appointed them to their postsand they were part of the Trump national-security team when the United States killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in a strike in January 2020. In 2022, an Iranian national was arrested and charged with trying to arrange Boltons murder, and American intelligence believes that other officialsincluding Trump himselfhave been targeted by Iran because of their involvement in killing Soleimani.

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The Biden administration briefed the incoming Trump administration on these threats and on the security details it had authorized to protect Bolton and others. Last week, Trump removed the details protecting Bolton, Pompeo, and Hook; yesterday, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth removed the guards around Milley and announced that he would be investigating Milley for undermining the chain of command during Trumps first term. Trump also revoked the security clearances held by all four men.

[From the November 2023 issue: The patriot]

The revocation of security clearances is petty, but it harms the administration more than it does any of these men. Retaining a clearance helps former federal employees find work in the consulting world, and it is typical to hold on to them after leaving government service. (I was offered the opportunity to keep mine when I left the Naval War College.) But at more senior levels, clearances allow people in government to get advice from former leaders. Some of these people could have been of significant help to Trumps staff during a crisis, although Trump himself is unlikely to care about that possibility.

Removing the security details, however, could have deadly consequences. The Iranians seem determined to seek revenge for the killing of Soleimani, and sooner or later, they might succeed. (The Iranians are not good but theyre very enthusiastic, a former Pentagon official said in October. And of course, theyve only got to get lucky once.) And the Iranians arent the only threat out there; the Russians have no compunctions about attacking people in their home country, often using gruesome methods.

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Trump takes such threats very seriously where he is concerned. When Biden officials alerted Trump to the danger from Iran, Trump asked for more security from the U.S. government, and during his campaign, according to The New York Times, he even asked that military assets be assigned to protect him, something usually provided only to sitting presidents.

Lesser mortals, however, must fend for themselves: Trump and Hegseth not only took away the security details of these former policy makers but did so with significant publicity, almost as if to broadcast to Americas enemies that anyone who wanted to settle scores with these officials would get no trouble from the current White House. (Trump also canceled protection for 84-year-old Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, who has been the target of multiple threats from other Americans.) Trump despises critics such as Bolton and Milley, and it is unsurprising that he has no obvious issue subjecting them to physical danger. But even some Republicans who should be used to this kind of vengefulness from the leader of their partyhave been shocked, and are trying to get Trump to reverse course. They are particularly concerned about Pompeo and Hook, loyalists whose lives have been placed in jeopardy for sins that are known only to the president.

[Read: Trump cant escape the laws of political gravity]

In another time, Americans would rally to protect their own from the agents of one of their most dedicated enemies. Today, most citizens seem either unaware or unperturbed that the president of the United States is exposing his own former staff to immense risks. Nevertheless, it should be said clearly and without equivocation: President Trump will bear direct responsibility for any harm that could come to these people from foreign actors.

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This is far more than Trumps usual pettiness. He has always considered the oath of federal service to be little more than an oath of loyalty to him, and he has always been willing to threaten his opponents. (In 2018, he apparently considered handing Michael McFaul, the former U.S. ambassador to Russia, over to Moscow, a move that provoked a level of outrage that seems quaint today.) Trumps message in this second term is that friends and subordinates are literally disposable if they cross him: He will not only humiliate and fire them, but he will also subject them to actual physical danger.

This escalation of Trumps vindictiveness should serve as a very personal warning to anyone willing to work for him in his second term. Senior officials at the Pentagon, the State Department, the CIA, the National Security Council, and other organizations are routinely asked to go head-to-head with representatives of some of the most dangerous nations on the planet, and to contribute to operations against those regimes. In the past, such officials could do so knowing that their own government would do everything it could to keep themand their familysafe from foreign agents. As one of Boltons former deputies, Charles Kupperman, told the Times: Trumps national security team must provide guidance based on their assessment of what needs to be done to protect America without regard to their personal security.

Good luck with that. No one who works in defense or national-security affairs can assume that, when Trump orders them to cross Americas many enemies in the world, he will protect them from foreign vengeance. Trump has now made clear that he will abandon people who have taken risks in the service of the United Stateseven those who were following his own ordersif they happen to displease him. (Or, in the case of Pompeo and Hook, for no apparent reason at all.) Hegseth, for his part, may have no real idea what hes done, and may merely be courting favor from a boss who has elevated him far beyond his abilities. But Trump knows better; he is himself the survivor of an assassination attempt, and no level of security was enough when he thought the Iranians were gunning for him.

People still considering whether to serve Trump can have no illusions about what awaits them. True leaders take responsibility for their team. Trump is no such leader; he will, on a whim, place other Americans in danger and then, as he famously put it in his previous term, take no responsibility at all.

Article originally published at The Atlantic
STOCKHOLM (AP)  An Iraqi man who carried out several Quran burnings in Sweden has been killed in a shooting near Stockholm, authorities said Thursday.

Salwan Momika, 38, staged several burnings and desecrations of Islam's holy book in Sweden in 2023. Videos of the Quran burnings got worldwide publicity and raised anger and criticism in several Muslim nations, leading to riots and unrest in many places.

The Stockholm District Court said a verdict scheduled Thursday in a trial in which Momika was a defendant was postponed because one of the defendants had died. A judge at the court, Goran Lundahl, confirmed that the deceased was Momika. He said he didn't have any information on when or how Momika died.

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Police said they were alerted to a shooting Wednesday night at an apartment building in Sodertalje, near Stockholm, and found a man with gunshot wounds who later died.

Broadcaster SVT reported that the victim was Momika.

Prosecutors said five people were arrested overnight on suspicion of murder. They said all were adults but gave no further details.

Prosecutor Rasmus Oman said the investigation is still in its early stages and that the suspects and others still have to be questioned.

Momika came to Sweden from Iraq in 2018 and was granted a three-year residence permit in 2021, according to SVT.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said Sweden's security service was involved because there is obviously a risk that there is a connection to a foreign power, Swedish news agency TT reported.

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Momika argued that his protests targeted the religion of Islam, not Muslim people. He said he wanted to protect Swedens population from the messages of the Quran. Swedish police allowed his demonstrations, citing freedom of speech, while filing charges against him.

Last March, he was arrested in neighboring Norway after stating that he would seek asylum there, and was sent back to Sweden, TT reported.

Momika and a co-defendant were charged in August with incitement to hatred because of statements they made in connection with the Quran burnings. A verdict was supposed to be handed down on Thursday morning.
In a desolate expanse of north-east Syria, where there is little more than dirt and dust, the sprawling Al-Hol camp rises from the desert.

Hot and dry in summer, with relentless winds whipping up sandstorms, and exposed to biting cold in winter, the high-security facility is hemmed in by metal fencing and patrolled by Western-allied Kurdish-led troops.

Behind the barbed wire, under the eyes of surveillance cameras and watchtowers, is the largest single remnant of the bloody caliphate once ruled by Isis. The camp is home to thousands of women and children, the relatives of the terror groups legions of male fighters, the majority of whom are held at an unknown number of prison facilities spread across the region.

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Among those facing indefinite detention in Al-Hol, the smaller Al-Roj camp farther north, and the secretive jails are a number of terror suspects linked to Britain  including Shamima Begum and Jihadi Jack Letts  who travelled to Syria and Iraq to join Isis between 2012 and 2019. Some 20 British women, 40 children and 10 men are believed to be held in facilities across the region in total.

The fate of the prisoners has been the subject of years of concern and debate following the fall of Isiss caliphate six years ago. To this day, foreign governments and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) continue to wrestle with the complexity of finding a long-term solution to the security problems they pose.

The fate of the prisoners im Al-Hol has been the subject of years of concern and debate following the fall of Isiss caliphate six years ago - Delil Souleiman/AFP

Those worries have now taken on a heightened sense of urgency as Syria enters a new phase of uncertainty following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. On Wednesday, Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syrias de-facto leader and the head of the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebel group, abolished the countrys 2012 constitution and declared himself president for a transitional period following a meeting of armed factions in Damascus.

The announcement came after officials and analysts warned earlier this week that the Isis terrorists held in north-eastern Syria could escape from camps and prisons as a result of Donald Trumps cuts to foreign aid.

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US funding to the SDF was halted for several days, reportedly leading to local guards not turning up to work. An intervention by the US state department on Monday reinstated funding for two weeks, but it remains unclear what will happen after the stopgap measure expires.

This is the biggest population of incarcerated terrorists, anywhere in the world, ever  within an active war zone in which Isis remains determined to launch mass breakout attacks, Charles Lister, the director of the Countering Terrorism and Extremism programme at the Middle East Institute, said on Monday. The threat cannot be understated.

Guards have warned that attempted prison breaks could be imminent.

Khaled Ibrahim, an official in north-eastern Syrias de facto autonomous region, describes the facilities across the region as ticking time bombs.

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Detainees consider themselves part of Isiss retaliatory legacy, he says, adding they have been laying in wait for an opportunity to strike back.

Those held in the overcrowded camps, where rows of weather-beaten tents stretch off into the distance, surrounded by overflowing sewage, are near-constantly exposed to extremist ideologies. There are few rehabilitation programmes in place. Al-Hol itself has previously been described as a mini caliphate, populated by some 40,000 women and children brainwashed by years of Isis indoctrination. Security control is limited to the facilitys perimeter, with no clear authority or effective monitoring within the camp itself.

The future of the camps is unclear following the fall of Bashar al-Assad - AFP

All-female squads of religious police force women to cover themselves from head to toe, and those who violate the rules are tried in Sharia courts which mete out punishments including flogging and even execution. The air is heavy with suspicion, particularly toward outsiders. Inmates accused of passing information to camp authorities have been shot, and children have been found beheaded. At least 100 people were murdered in the camp between January 2021 and June 2022 alone.

Such brutality does nothing to ease the growing anxiety over the longer-term danger posed by the detainees in Al-Hol and elsewhere. But there is little consensus over what to do with them.

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Earlier this month, Donald Trumps new counter-terrorism chief, Sebastian Gorka, called on Britain and other partners in the West to consider letting Isis members return. He said that any country that wants to be a serious ally to the United States should commit to the international fight against the group by taking back its nationals, adding that such a move by the UK would help cement the special relationship.

But many countries, particularly in Europe, have been reluctant to repatriate their citizens. Doing so has been likened to political suicide for some leaders, with security and legal issues  such as fears of boosting radicalisation and a lack of battlefield evidence with which to try terror suspects  complicating the picture.

In Britain, Begum, 25, has been a particular lightning rod for controversy. The so-called Isis bride became a poster child for radicalisation when she abandoned London for Syria a decade ago. She was stripped of her citizenship four years later, in 2019. Originally housed in Al-Hol, Begum was relocated to the smaller Al-Roj camp for her safety the same year over reported threats from female Isis members after she spoke out against their ideology to the press.

CCTV footage showing Amira Abase, Kadiza Sultana and Shamima Begum as teenagers at Gatwick Airport, fleeing to join the Islamic State group in Syria - AFP Photo/Metropolitan Police

David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, has dismissed the possibility of her returning, citing court rulings and national security concerns, and labelled many detainees in the camps as dangerous radicals.

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Others Britons being held include Letts, known as Jihadi Jack, who was stripped of his British citizenship after he travelled to Isis-controlled territory at the age of 18 having converted to Islam. Letts fought on the front line in Iraq, but claims never to have killed anyone. He left Isis in 2017 and has been held in custody without charge since. In 2019, Letts told the BBC he had made a big mistake in joining the group. He was recently located in an unmarked prison on the outskirts of Raqqa.

Mohammad Anwar Miah, a 45-year-old pharmacist from Birmingham, is also being detained. He is accused of helping to remove organs from Isis prisoners which were either transplanted into injured jihadists or sold on the black market to generate funds for the terror group. Miah claims he went to Syria to carry out humanitarian work, as part of which he only treated civilians, and was never involved with Isis.

Mohammed Anwar Miah pictured at a Syrian Democratic Forces base in north eastern Syria, 2019. The pharmacist from Birmingham denies being a member of the Islamic State - Sam Tarling for The Telegraph

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According to Shiraz Maher, co-director of the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation and a lecturer at Kings Colleges Department of War Studies, any potential forthcoming Isis prison break would likely target men, such as Letts and Miah, held in the most secure facilities.

Isis wants men because thats the bulk of its fighting force, and thats what they would need to sustain a resurgence, he says. The group, which has reportedly begun to re-establish itself in Syria over the past 12 months, has repeatedly attempted to free its detained adherents. In 2022, its fighters launched a 10-day attack on Ghwaryan prison, freeing scores of inmates and killing 500 people.

Since then, efforts have been made to reinforce the detention facilities, Maher says. The US, which backs the SDF with weapons and training, has also increased its presence on the ground, primarily to protect detention sites from prison breaks.

Last month, the Pentagon disclosed that there are about 2,000 US troops currently deployed in Syria as part of efforts to stop Isis from regrouping. In the weeks that followed Assads fall, US forces targeted Isis camps and hideouts with air strikes, and even killed the groups leader, Abu Yusif, in the eastern province of Deir ez Zor.

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But the shifting power dynamic in Syria has complicated attempts to keep Isis in check. Following the fall of Assad, the SDF is facing increasing attacks from the Syrian National Army (SNA), a Turkish proxy, that could weaken the groups ability to safeguard the detention camps.

Jack Letts, also known as Jihadi Jack pictured in Raqqa - Counter Terrorism Policing South/PA

Ankara considers the local Kurdish-led forces in north-eastern Syria to be allied with the separatist Kurdistan Workers Party (the PKK), which has been waging a decades-long insurgency against the Turkish state. Meanwhile, it supports a number of the rebels that helped topple Assads autocratic regime, and has ties with HTS, the group that led the overthrow of his regime. Nicholas Heras, a senior analyst at Washington DC-based think tank the New Lines Institute, told The New York Times that the rebel groups brought with them a tide of Turkish power and influence over the future of Syria.

Despite its burgeoning influence, members of the incoming Trump administration have threatened sanctions on Turkey over the attacks in the countrys north-east, saying they threaten the vital mission of preventing the resurgence of Isis. Ibrahim, from the regional administration, says the SNAs operation is exacerbating the regional, and global, security risk.

The SDF has long expressed concern about the future of the detention camps and prisons, warning that the current arrangement is untenable, especially with the ongoing threat of radicalisation, most notably among children. They have pushed for foreign powers to undertake repatriations or the establishment of an international tribunal to try detainees under international law.

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Jerome Drevon, a senior analyst on jihad and modern conflict at the International Crisis Group, acknowledges the detention camps are an obvious target for Isis, which has been increasingly active over the last year. But he says mass prison breaks are not necessarily an immediate threat.

Sebastian Gorka, Donald Trumps senior director for counterterrorism, has urged European nations to take back Syrian terrorist suspects linked to their countries - Cheney Orr/Reuters

The threat should pressure European countries to take back their citizens, Drevon adds. If you repatriate these people, you can have due process, interrogate them and contain any threat. If there is a prison break at some point, then you lose track of them  it actually becomes more dangerous.

The real problem is not security but politics, he says. Europe and the UK, more than others, dont want these people back because they think its not good public relations.

Maher agrees. Its a thorny political issue and no one wants to be the person in charge of bringing these people home, especially if they then stage an attack, he says.

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With many of the foreign fighters now rendered stateless, having had their citizenship revoked, experts suggest the long-term solution could in fact be for the detainees to face trial under Syrias new interim government. Headed by al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda affiliate, the administration has signalled plans for a new judicial system.

Such a move would serve as a political bargaining chip for al-Sharaa while allowing European countries to sidestep repatriation. HTS, which began as a splinter group of al-Qaeda before renouncing them in 2016, is still designated as a terror group by the UK, US, UN and the EU, among many others.

Its a great counterweight for him. He [al-Sharaa] can say were not extremists, were prosecuting Islamic extremism, says Maher, who adds that deradicalised women and children from the camps could be offered Syrian citizenship.

For now, however, the uneasy status quo holds and there is no clear resolution in sight. All the while, the security risk seems to grow, with any collapse having the potential to unleash hardened extremists. The question remains  how long can the prison camps hold, and what happens if their defences crumble?

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Benjamin Netanyahu decried the unimaginable cruelty of Hamas after a mob abused and threatened an Israeli hostage during her release on Thursday.

Arbel Yehud, 29, appeared pale and terrified as she was paraded through a screaming group of Hamas supporters in southern Gaza, escorted by armed and masked members of the terrorist organisation.

Hundreds of men and children shouted at her as she walked through the suffocatingly close baying crowd.

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She appeared tearful as the scenes grew more and more chaotic, with Israelis watching the terrifying handover unfold on television.

Hostage Arbel Yehud is visibly terrified as her armed escort pushes her through a baying mob - Jehad Alshrafi/AP

Mr Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, described the episode as shocking and warned that whoever dares to harm our hostages will pay the price as he demanded the safe release of captives going ahead.

This is further proof of the unimaginable cruelty of the Hamas terrorist organisation, Mr Netanyahu said after watching the chaotic handover.

Credit: Getty/Anadolu/Reuters

Family members and supporters of the hostages watch their release on television - Tomer Appelbaum/Reuters

Arbel Yehud reunited with her family in a helicopter, on the way to the hospital

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The fear of a public attack caused Mr Netanyahu to instruct the Israeli prison guards to delay the release of Palestinian prisoners by several hours until mediators could guarantee that a similar situation would not happen on Saturday, when the next group of hostages is expected to be released.

Mr Netanyahu said ceasefire mediators had promised safe passage for hostages while insisting that the lessons be learned and that strict care be taken in the next phases regarding the safe return of our hostages.

On Thursday night, Ms Yehuds family said that their lifes mission to bring her back had succeeded as they greeted her after 482 days in captivity.

We are overwhelmed with emotion. Ahead of us lies another journey of family rehabilitation, they added.

Freed IDF soldier Agam Berger is met by a medic in the Netzarim Corridor

Agam Berger, 20, an Israeli soldier who was taken hostage by Hamas on Oct 7 from an IDF base near the Gaza border, was the first of eight hostages to be released on Thursday morning.

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Ms Berger was brought on to a stage by Hamas members and their media staff who filmed and instructed her every movement.

Holding a diploma from Hamas, Ms Berger was forced to smile and wave on the stage built by Hamas in Jabaliya in northern Gaza before she was released to the Red Cross and driven to the border crossing with Israel.

Hundreds of civilians showed up to Hamas hostage release show, where relative order was upheld.

Gadi Moses, 80, is released to a Red Cross official in the chaotic handover - Getty

Later in the morning, a huge crowd gathered at the second transfer point in Khan Younis in southern Gaza where Ms Yehud, 80-year-old Gadi Moses and five Thai hostages were released by Islamic Jihad.

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As the vehicles arrived with the hostages inside, a large mob surrounded the cars, preventing them from continuing to the drop-off point.

After an hour of attempting to create a clear path, the hostages were let out one by one, escorted by armed Hamas members.

After Ms Yehud came Mr Moses, who, despite his age and 482 days in captivity, was walking with his head held high through the mob.

Freed Thai hostages Watchara Sriaoun, Pongsak Thaenna, Sathian Suwannakham, Surasak Rumnao, and Bannawat Saethao hold the Thailand flag in Israel

The five Thai hostages, who were identified as Surasak Lamnau, Sathian Suwannakham, Bannawat Seathao, Watchara Sriaoun, and Pongsak Thenna, were also escorted through the crowd until they finally reached the Red Cross cars.

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As per the ceasefire agreement, the Red Cross dropped off the hostages at a border crossing where Israeli soldiers were ready to take them into home territory.

Agam Berger is welcomed by her parents. Her return marks an essential step in their collective healing, said a doctor - IDF

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Israelis are joyous at seeing the release of hostages - Oded Balilty/AP

After undergoing medical checks by Israeli doctors on the spot, the freed hostages were flown to hospitals in central Israel where they were reunited with their families.

After hugging her parents in a tearful meeting at the hospital, Ms Berger was met by newly released hostages Liri Elbag, Naama Levy, Daniella Gilboa and Karina Ariev who were kidnapped together with Ms Berger from the Nahal Oz base on Oct 7.

Dr Lena Koren Feldman, director of Rabin Medical Centre where Ms Berger was reunited with her family and four army friends, said: Her return marks an essential step in their collective healing.

Gadi Moses is reunited with family members in Tel Aviv - Maayan Toaf/GPO/Reuters

Mr Moses was also reunited with his children Oded, Moran and Yair, at Ichilov Hospital.

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Father, father, father, Moran cried as she hugged and kissed him along with her two brothers.

Mr Moses also broke down crying before he vowed to rebuild his home.

Ill do everything in my power to rehabilitate Kibbutz Nir Oz, Mr Moses said, referring to his kibbutz where he was kidnapped from on Oct 7.

A freed Palestinian prisoner is welcomed after being released from jail as part of the ceasefire deal - Hatem Khaled/Reuters

Freed prisoner Zakaria Zubeidi, a former commander of the Fatah groups Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, is defiant - Ali Sawafta/Reuters

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The five hostages, who had come to Israel to work in agriculture like thousands of their countrymen, were greeted by Shamir Medical Centre staff waving Thai and Israeli flags.

In Thailand, Wiwwaeo Sriaoun, mother of Watchara, was following the release of her son, telling her relatives: It is confirmed, everyone, my son did not die. Thank you God.

She then told AFP: I will hug him when I see him. I want to see if his health is OK, I am worried about his health.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailands prime minister, said she was elated at the release of the Thai hostages held in Gaza for over a year.

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Nikorndej Balankura, Thailands foreign ministry spokesman, said that they should be able to return within 10 days.

Hamas on Thursday confirmed the death of Mohammed Deif, who was the leader of the Al-Qassam Brigades, the terror groups military wing.

Israel said it killed it Deif in a strike in July, but Hamas had not admitted this until now.

05:00 PM GMT

Thats all for today

Thank you for following our live coverage of the hostage release.

Heres a summary of what happened:

Israeli hostage Agam Berger was handed to the Red Cross by Hamas at around 10am. She was paraded on stage with a certificate before her release

Israel formally cut ties with the UN agency for Palestinian refugees following accusations it provided cover for Hamas fighters

Five Thai hostages, as well as two more Israelis, were then released by Hamas

Civilian Arbel Yehud was paraded through the streets, surrounded by a Palestinian mob pushing to get close to her and filming her on their phones

Israel delayed the release of 110 Palestinian prisoners in protest over how Ms Yehud was released. They were eventually released after 5pm local time on Thursday (3pm in the UK)

Well be back soon with more updates and analysis.

04:54 PM GMT

Palestinian prisoners released

We are now getting pictures showing Palestinian prisoners have been released as part of the Gaza ceasefire deal.

Their release has been confirmed by Israel.

A freed Palestinian prisoner is welcomed after being released from an Israeli jail as part of a hostages-prisoners swap - REUTERS

04:47 PM GMT

In pictures: Bus carrying Palestinian prisoners

Zakaria Zubeidi, a former high-profile commander of the Fatah groups Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, is transported after his release from prison - REUTERS

A Red Cross convoy carrying Palestinian prisoners released in the third round of prisoner swaps between Hamas and Israe - Anadolu

The bus is expected to arrive in Ramallah in Jerusalem - Anadolu

04:35 PM GMT

Pictured: Freed hostage reunited with family

Arbel Yehud has been pictured with her family for the first time since being released on Thursday.

She spent 482 days in captivity in Gaza.

Arbel Yehud, an Israeli hostage, is reunited with her family as she makes her way back to Israel after spending 15 months in captivity with Hamas - N12News

Arbel Yehud was released on Thursday - N12News

04:22 PM GMT

Your views...

04:08 PM GMT

Watch: Palestinians clash with Israeli security forces

Clashes have broken out between Israeli security forces and Palestinians awaiting prisoners being released from jail in the West Bank.

03:58 PM GMT

IDF prevents Palestinian celebrations

The IDF has launched a preemptive crackdown on celebrations in the West Bank as family and friends gather to greet freed Palestinian prisoners.

Preemptive arrests have been carried out, the Times of Israel reported.

Soldiers also seized flags of terror groups that would have been paraded in the streets.

03:31 PM GMT

Pictured: Former hostages reunite after latest release

Adam Berger, an Israeli soldier who was released on Thursday, has been pictured reuniting with fellow released hostages who she spent time with in captivity.

Karina Ariev, Liri Albag and Daniella Gilboa, who were soldiers seized from their army base in southern Israel during the Oct 7, 2023.

Released Israeli hostage Agam Berger is reunited with fellow released hostages who she spent time with in captivity - IDF

03:23 PM GMT

Palestinian prisoners leave West Bank jail

A line of white buses carrying Palestinian prisoners set to be released left Ofer prison in the West Bank.

The buses made their way toward Beitunah, near the occupied West Bank City of Ramallah where relatives and celebrations awaited.

Israel has not confirmed whether the hostage release has begun.

03:14 PM GMT

Palestinian prisoner release gets under way

The delayed release of Palestinian prisoners has restarted after Israel halted the handover in protest over how Israeli hostages were handed over by Hamas earlier in the day.

Some 110 Palestinian prisoners are expected to be released after three Israelis and five Thai nationals were handed over by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad earlier today.

02:59 PM GMT

Hostages on way to hospital, confirms Israel

The hostages who were released by Hamas on Thursday are on their way to hospital from the Gaza border, Israel said on Thursday.

That includes Israeli soldier Agam Berger, civilian Gadi Mozes, as well as five Thai hostages.

Arbel Yehud, also an Israeli civilian, will also be taken to a hospital in central Israel, the military said.

A military helicopter carrying released Israeli hostage Gadi Mozes lands at the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center - Shutterstock

02:37 PM GMT

Pictured: Thai hostages pose with national flags

From left to right, Surasak Lamnau, Sathian Suwannakham, Bannawat Seathao, Watchara Sriaoun, and Pongsak Thenna, pose with their national flags after their release.

Five Thai hostages were released alongside three Israelis on Thursday - Thai MFA

02:26 PM GMT

Chaotic hostage handover wont happen again, Israel told

Israel said it has received a guarantee from mediators that future hostage handovers wont be as chaotic as the one witnessed today.

Earlier, Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the shocking scenes after Israeli hostages Arbel Yehud and Gadi Moses, as well as five Thai nationals, were dragged through an angry mob in Khan Younis, Gaza.

Following Prime Minister Netanyahus demand, the mediators made a commitment that our hostages will be guaranteed safe passageway in the next releases, said a spokesman for the Israeli prime minister.

Israel insists that lessons will be learned and that the next rounds will have greater care in ensuring the safe return of our hostages.

02:01 PM GMT

Thai hostages in good condition

Five Thai hostages who were released alongside three Israelis on Thursday are in a good condition, according to Israel.

Gideon Saar, Israels foreign minister, revealed the news in a call with his Thai counterpart this afternoon.

Thaenna Pongsak , Sathian Suwannakhan, Sriaoun Watchara , Saethao Bannawat , and Rumnao Surasak, had been held in captivity for nearly 15 months.

01:49 PM GMT

Thai PM elated by hostage release

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailands prime minister, said she was elated at the release of five Thai hostages held in Gaza for over a year.

The Thais were abducted when Hamas attacked Israel on Oct 7, 2023 and were released as part of a hostage-prisoner exchange under the Gaza ceasefire, alongside three Israelis.

Elated to get confirmation from our Thai Ambassador in Israel who informed me on the phone just now that five of our Thai nationals were indeed released today from Gaza, Ms Paetongtarn said in a statement.

The Thai Government, including everyone here in Thailand, have long been waiting for this very moment.

01:38 PM GMT

Analysis: Hostage handover highlights Hamas power play

Israelis held their breath as they watched the chaotic and humiliating scenes in Khan Younis on Thursday, waiting to catch a glimpse of Arbel Yehud and Gadi Moses in between the mob yelling and pushing their war towards them.

Journalists on Channel 12, the biggest TV channel in Israel, were stunned as they described the unprecedented scenes of a terrified Arbel Yehud making her way through the crowd, surrounded by masked terrorists and a predominantly male crowd.

A fear of the two Israelis being lynched was unsaid but understood by everyone watching. Hamas and Islamic Jihad clearly wanted the chaos, as they have already shown that they can control the spectacle when they want.

The Israeli has government therefore reacted forcefully to the dangerous chaos by delaying the release of Palestinian prisoners until mediators and Hamas can guarantee that a similar scene wont unfold on Saturday when more Israeli hostages are released.

Hamas is constantly playing games with the Israeli government to show who is in control, and to humiliate the hostages as much as possible.

Its a huge test for the government to ensure that the rest of the ceasefire proceeds in a relatively orderly fashion. Saturday will be a big test for Hamas as they have two choices; continue to push Israel or release the hostages in an organised manner.

01:22 PM GMT

Israel to release prisoners later on Thursday

Israel will release Palestinian prisoners later on Thursday, the international red cross has told Hamas, according to a source.

This is expected to take place at 17.00 local time (3pm in the UK).

Israel had suspended the release of Palestinian prisoners until further notice, Israels army radio has reported (see 12.46pm post).

01:16 PM GMT

Eight Israeli and Thai hostages released in Gaza

Israeli hostages Arbel Yehud and Gadi Moses as well as five Thai citizens have been released in Gaza by Hamas and its ally the Islamic Jihad.

After 15 months of captivity, Ms Yehud, 29, and Mr Moses, 80, were handed over by the militants to Red Cross vehicles in front of huge, chaotic crowds in the southern Gazan city of Khan Younis.

Footage showed the two frightened hostages being dragged through the throngs of people who had gathered outside the ruins of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwars home to shout at and take photos of the captives.

Five Thai nationals, Pongsak Thenna, Sathian Suwannakham, Watchara Sriaoun, Bannawat Seathao and Surasak Lamnau, were also released at the same time, according to Israels military.

Agam Berger, the last of the Israeli female soldiers taken on Oct 7, was released earlier this morning at a separate location in northern Gaza and is on her way to hospital after being reunited with her family.

12:51 PM GMT

My son did not die. Thank God

The family of a Thai farm worker held hostage for 15 months in Gaza cried with relief after hearing he had been freed earlier today.

It is confirmed everyone, my son did not die. Thank you God, Wiwwaeo Sriaoun, mother of Watchara Sriaoun, told AFP after he was confirmed as being released.

I will hug him when I see him. I want to see if his health is OK, I am worried about his health. Thank you, thank you God he did not die. We trust in God.

Wiwwaeo Sriaoun, the mother of Thai farm worker Watchara Sriaoun held hostage in Gaza, after the news broke of his release - AFP

12:46 PM GMT

Israel suspends release of Palestinian prisoners, says report

Israel has suspended the release of Palestinian prisoners until further notice, Israels army radio has reported, right in the middle of the third exchange for hostages of the Gaza ceasefire.

The political echelon announced the suspension of the operation to release the terrorists until further notice, the radio said citing a security source.

It did not specify the reason for the suspension.

12:38 PM GMT

Watch: Moment Agam Berger reunites with her parents

Credit: IDF Spokesperson Unit

12:33 PM GMT

Israel prepares to release 110 Palestinian prisoners

Israel has instructed a convoy of buses to return 110 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons to Gaza, an official involved in the operation told Reuters.

12:29 PM GMT

Gaza checkpoint to be staffed by US special forces veterans

A small US security firm is hiring nearly 100 US special forces veterans to help run a checkpoint in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas truce, according to a company spokesperson and a recruitment email seen by Reuters.

UG Solutions - a low-profile company founded in 2023 and based in North Carolina - is offering a daily rate starting at $1,100 with a $10,000 advance to veterans it hires, the email said.

They will staff the checkpoint at a key intersection in Gazas interior, said the spokesperson, who confirmed the authenticity of the email.

Some people have been recruited and are already at the checkpoint, he revealed, without saying how many.

12:18 PM GMT

In pictures: Friends of hostages in tears after their release

Israelis react as they gather to watch news coverage on the day of the release of hostages held in Gaza - REUTERS

Thousands had gathered in whats known as Hostage Square in Tel Aviv to watch as eight hostages were released - REUTERS

People cheer as the bus carrying released hostage Agam Berger leaves the helipad at Bellinson hospital

12:08 PM GMT

Names of released Thai hostages revealed:

Israels military has released the names of the five Thai hostages released this morning.

Pongsak Thenna, Sathian Suwannakham, Watchara Sriaoun, Bannawat Seathao and Surasak Lamnau were handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza and have crossed into Israeli territory to be met by Thai government officials, the IDF said in a statement.

12:02 PM GMT

Thailand awaiting confirmation which hostages have been released

Thailands foreign ministry has said they are awaiting confirmation from their ambassador on the ground about the identities of the released hostages.

The last time there was a release, there was a confusion with the number of those released and the nationality, a statement shared with the BBC said.

11:51 AM GMT

Pictured: The moment Arbel Yehud was released

The Islamic Jihad, a Palestinian terror group, escort Arbel Yehud to a Red Cross team in Khan Younis - AFP

11:35 AM GMT

Netanyahu condemns shocking scenes during hostage release

Benjamin Netanyahu said said the chaotic release in Khan Younis of seven hostages, who were pushed and shoved by an angry mob as they were handed over to the Red Cross, was unacceptable.

I view with great severity the shocking scenes during the release of our hostages, the Israeli prime minister said in a statement. This is further proof of the unimaginable cruelty of the Hamas terrorist organization.

An Israeli official told The Telegraph that Israel conveyed an angry message to mediators over the horror scenes in Khan Younis during the hostage exchange.

11:24 AM GMT

Watch: Crowds swamp Red Cross vehicles as more hostages freed in Gaza

11:22 AM GMT

Seven more hostages released

According to the Red Cross, seven hostages, including two Israelis and five foreign nationals, were transferred to them and are on their way toward IDF sites in the Gaza Strip, Israels military has announced.

11:10 AM GMT

Pictured: Agam Berger reunited with family

Freed Israeli soldier Agam Berger has been pictured with her parents after being reunited.

She is now being airlifted to hospital, Israels military has announced.

Freed hostage Agam Berger reunites with her parents Shlomi and Merav at an IDF facility next to the Gaza border

Agam Berger is embraced by her parents after her release by Hamas - IDF

Ms Berger is met by an IDF medical officer in the Netzarim Corridor in Gaza

10:54 AM GMT

Arbel Yehud appears in footage on route to Red Cross team

Israeli hostages Arbel Yehud appears to have been handed over to the Red Cross by the Islamic Jihad, a Palestinian terror group allied with Hamas, ahead of her release.

Footage briefly showed Ms Yehud, 29, although barely visible, being dragged through throngs of people all wrestling to try and take selfies with her.

Channel 12 reports she is inside the Red Cross vehicle. It is not immediately clear if Gadi Moses, 80, has also been handed over.

10:41 AM GMT

Israeli hostages dragged through crowds into Red Cross vehicles

Footage from inside the southern Gazan city of Khan Younis showed what appeared to be Arbel Yehud and Gadi Moses, although barely visible, being dragged through the masses of Palestinians and militants - all wrestling to take photos of the hostages.

Hundreds of people had gathered to take pictures and videos of the second hostage release

10:32 AM GMT

Five Thai hostages to be released at same time as Israeli hostages

Israel has been informed that the five Thai workers will be freed alongside Israeli hostages Arbel Yehud and Gadi Mozes, according to Israeli outlet Channel 12.

The hostages are expected to be released in southern Gaza, where large crowds have gathered.

10:29 AM GMT

Hezbollah drone intercepted over Israel

The Israeli military said it intercepted a surveillance drone launched by Lebanese militant group Hezbollah on Thursday amid a fragile ceasefire.

A short while ago, a Hezbollah surveillance UAV that was launched toward Israeli territory was intercepted by the Israeli Air Force, the IDF said in a statement.

10:20 AM GMT

Huge crowds in Gaza gather to watch the second hostage release

Footage broadcast from Gaza showed hundreds of people gathered ahead of the release of Arbel Yehud and Gadi Moses.

Militants thronged the site of the bombed house of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was killed during the 15-month war - in a potent reminder that Hamas, which Israel vowed to obliterate, still has a strong presence in Gaza despite heavy bombardment from the Middle Easts most advanced military.

A mix of civilians and members of the Hamas and Islamic Jihad terror groups could be seen standing in BBC footage crowding the dusty streets and among the rubble of Gazas destroyed buildings, levelled by Israeli air strikes. Some waved the green flags of Hamas.

Several people could be seen standing and sitting precariously on the edge of ruined structures to get a view of the scene, having climbed on top of shaky buildings.

Two more Israeli hostages are due to be released in Khan Younis in southern Gaza

10:11 AM GMT

Two more hostages about to be released

A convoy of Red Cross vehicles has arrived at a location in southern Gazas Khan Younis for the handover of two more hostages, Arbel Yehud, 29, and Gadi Moses, 80.

The hostage handover location has been set up outside the ruins of the home of killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

10:02 AM GMT

Thai family hopeful for release of Gaza hostage

The mother of a Thai farm worker held hostage in Gaza said Thursday she hoped he would be home soon, as Israel and Hamas prepared to carry out their third hostage-prisoner exchange.

Five Thais are set to be freed today, however Hamas and Israel have not shared their identities.

Six Thai citizens, Watchara Sriuan, Bannawat Seatho, Sathian Suwannakham, Nattapong Pinta, Pongsak Tanna and Surasak Lamnau, are still being held in Gaza.

Two other Thai hostages - identified as Sudthisak Rinthalak and Sonthaya Oakkharasri - were believed to be dead.

09:53 AM GMT

Bergers family thanks security forces, people of Israel

The family of the Agam Berger thanked Israels security forces and people on Thursday for their support after she was released by Hamas as part of a Gaza ceasefire deal.

We want to thank the security forces and all the people of Israel for their support and prayers. Now Agam and our family can begin the healing process, the family said in a statement after they were reunited.

The parents of Israeli hostage Agam Berger watch as their daughter is passed over to the Red Cross - REUTERS

09:37 AM GMT

Pictured: Crowds gather for second hostage handover

Palestinians gather in front of Yahya Sinwars house in Khan Younis - Doaa Albaz/Anadolu

Israeli hostages will be released as part of the ceasefire and prisoner and hostage swap deal in Khan Yunis, Gaza - Anadolu/ Doaa Albaz

Islamic Jihad fighters abducted the Israelis on Oct 7 2023 - AP/Jehad Alshrafi

09:33 AM GMT

Red Cross en route to collect two more hostages

The Red Cross is now heading to a location to collect has Arbel Yehud and Gadi Mozes, Israeli media reports.

The pair are being held by Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the terror group which took part in the Oct 7 attack alongside Hamas.

It was reported earlier that Islamic Jihad would release the pair outside the destroyed home of slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

The IDF is preparing to receive the two civilian hostages.

Yahya Sinwars house in Khan Younis, where Israeli hostages will be released as part of the ceasefire and prisoner and hostage swap - Anadolu/ Doaa Albaz

09:28 AM GMT

Israel cuts ties with UNRWA

Israel has formally cut ties with the UN agency for Palestinian refugees following accusations it provided cover for Hamas militants.

The agency, UNRWA, will be banned from operating on Israeli soil, and contact between it and Israeli officials will also be forbidden.

UNRWA has provided support for Palestinian refugees around the Middle East for over 70 years, but has long clashed with Israeli officials, who have repeatedly accused it of undermining the countrys security.

UNRWA equals an organisation infested with Hamas terror activity, Israeli foreign ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein wrote on X ahead of the ban.

This is why, beginning on January 30 and in accordance with Israeli law, Israel will have no contact with UNRWA.

A Palestinian man carries an aid box provided by UNRWA - Hatem Khaled/REUTERS

08:57 AM GMT

Pictured: Relief as Berger makes it home

The IDF said that soldiers and medical officials were accompanying Agam Berger to hospital where she will undergo an initial medical assessment.

IDF representatives are accompanying the rest of her family waiting at the hospital and updating them with the latest available information, the IDF said

People in Tel Aviv react as they watch a broadcast of the release of Agam Berger - AP/Oded Balilty

Family members and supporters of Israeli hostage Agam Berger celebrate in Holon, Israel - Tomer Appelbaum/REUTERS

08:53 AM GMT

Watch: Bergers family celebrates her release

Credit: Instagram/standwithus

08:47 AM GMT

IDF salute and embrace returning hostage

The Israel Defence Forces has confirmed that surveillance soldier Agam Berger has returned to Israeli soil.

An Israeli hostage has just been transferred to IDF and ISA Forces in Gaza, the IDF said in a statement, aading:  On their return to Israeli territory, they will undergo an initial medical assessment.

The commanders and soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces salute and embrace the returning hostages as they come back home.

Released hostages Liri, Almog, Karina and Daniella watching their friend Agam make her way home.

This is sisterhood  pic.twitter.com/nK808u0Afe  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 30, 2025

08:35 AM GMT

Pictured: Anxious wait in Tel Aviv

Israelis watch a broadcast of the release of Agam Berger - Oded Balilty/AP

Agam Berger was beaten and abducted from the Nahal Oz base on Oct 7 2023 - Shir Torem/REUTERS

Demonstrators in Tel Aviv raise placards as they celebrate the release of Agam Berger - MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP

08:20 AM GMT

What happened to IDFs female spotters whose warnings about Hamas invasion were ignored

Minutes before she was bound and bundled into the back of a jeep bound for Gaza, Agam Berger borrowed a phone from her friend, Cpl Shirat Yam Amar.

Mum, theyre shooting at us. There are terrorists. Everyones crying, but Im not afraid, she said. Her family has not heard from her since.

Ms Berger, 20, the last Israeli military lookout taken hostage on Oct 7, has been released by Hamas, with 29-year-old female civilian Arbel Yehud and 80-year-old Gadi Moses expected to be released lat er this morning.

Cpl Amar was one of 15 female spotters to be killed when marauding Hamas militants ripped through Nahal Oz base on Oct 7, 2023.

Read the full story here.

Top row left to right: Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Liri Albag, and Naama Levy. Bottom row: Agam Berger, Ori Megidish and Noa Marciano

08:14 AM GMT

Watch: Agam Berger paraded on stage

Agam Berger, a surveillance soldier held in Gaza since the Oct 7, 2023 attack, has been released by Hamas militants as part of a ceasefire and a hostages-prisoners swap deal.

Before being handed over to the Red Cross, Ms Berger was brought on stage by Hamas militants in Jabalia, northern Gaza.

08:08 AM GMT

Berger is released and handed to Red Cross

Israeli hostage Agam Berger has been handed to the Red Cross by Hamas.

She is now on her way toward the IDF at the border crossing with Israel.

Seven other hostages - female civilian Arbel Yehud, 29, Gadi Moses, 80, and five Thai nationals - will also be handed over today.

Ms Berger was paraded on stage by Hamas before she was handed to the Red Cross, similar to last weeks hostage release of four surveillance soldiers.

Israel is set to release another 110 Palestinian prisoners in the third exchange since a ceasefire in Gaza took hold earlier this month.

Under the hostage-ceasefire deal, female civilians are to be freed first, followed by female soldiers, the elderly, and those with health conditions.

Militants stad beside a car containing Agam Berger - Reuters

Agam Berger is handed over to Red Cross at al-Razan Square in Jabalia, Gaza - Hamza Z. H. Qraiqea/Anadolu via Getty Images

08:03 AM GMT

Who is being released today?

The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu identified the three Israelis to be released on Thursday as Arbel Yehud, Agam Berger and Gadi Moses. Five Thais held in Gaza would also be freed, he added.

Arbel Yehoud, 29, is a civilian who was expected to be released last Saturday. Four young, female Israeli soldiers were released instead, angering Israel.

Agam Berger, 20, was abducted along with the four other female soldiers - Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag - who were freed Saturday.

Gadi Moses was captured from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz on Oct 7. He marked his 80th birthday in Hamas captivity in March.

Mr Mosess ex-wife Margalit Moses was also captured on Oct 7 and released in November 2023 after 49 days in captivity.

Agam Berger Arbel Yehud and Gadi Moses

07:58 AM GMT

Pictured: Red Cross poised to receive hostages

A Red Cross convoy has arrived in northern Gaza ahead of the release of Israeli surveillance soldier Agam Berger, 20.

A stage has been set up in Jabalia for the handover.

Red Cross cars in Gaza ahead of hostage release - REUTERS

People gather ahead of the handover in Jabalia - Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters

07:44 AM GMT

How many hostages are still in Gaza and who has been released?

On Oct 7 2023, Hamas terrorists flooded across the border into southern Israel, killing close to 1,200 people and dragging 251 hostages back to Gaza.

Now, more than 15 months on, Israel believes 87 hostages are still being held, 53 of whom are believed to still be alive.

Families have been separated from babies, grandparents, mothers, brothers and friends.

As part of the ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel that came into effect on Jan 19, Hamas has promised to release the hostages in stages in return for thousands of Palestinian prisoners.

Read the full story here.

07:43 AM GMT

Islamic Jihad releases proof of life video

Islamic Jihad released a propaganda video showing Israeli hostages Arbel Yehud, 29, and Gadi Moses, 80, hugging each other just hours before they were expected to be released from 482 days in captivity.

Its unclear when the video was filmed, but both Arbel and Moses appear to be in decent shape physically as they are both on their feet. Moses is seen wearing a red sweatshirt and Arbel is in a green tracksuit.

The two civilian hostages will reportedly be released in Khan Younis in southern Gaza outside the ruins of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwars house.

The Red Cross has meanwhile received information on where to pick up the hostages. They will then be driven in Red Cross cars to a border crossing with Israel where Israeli soldiers, doctors, nurses and psychologists will greet them.

Credit: X/@mrconfino

07:36 AM GMT

Gazans return to rebuild from nothing in a strip of land with no future

When Inas Al-Batniji finally returned to her longed-for Gaza City this week, she was amazed to find her residential tower block still standing.

Situated close to the sea in the territorys pulverised north, the building seemed to be the only one intact after 15 months of brutal war between Israel and Hamas following the October 7 massacre.

The prospect  miraculous, given the circumstances  of a night in her own bed after such a long and draining period of displacement was tantalisingly close.

Read the full story here.

Credit: Instagram / @anasfahjan

07:35 AM GMT

How the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal works

Israel and Hamas have signed a ceasefire agreement to end the war and return the hostages kidnapped by the terror group during the Oct 7 attacks.

The truce began on Jan 19 and is a multi-stage deal, with the first period lasting 42 days.

If the conditions for the deals initial phase are met, discussions for the second and third stages will begin on the 16th day of the ceasefire taking effect.

Here is how it is expected to be implemented.

Read the full story here.

07:34 AM GMT

Welcome to our live coverage

Good morning and welcome to our live coverage.

We will be bringing you all the latest updates from the planned hostage release in Gaza.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Israel is delaying the previously agreed release of 110 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails on Thursday after the chaotic handover of hostages in the Gaza Strip.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the decision was taken by him and Defence Minister Israel Katz.

The statement said that the prisoners will only be released once the Islamist militants guarantee the safety of hostages during the handovers.

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Palestinian militants earlier set free a total of eight hostages - three Israelis and five Thai nationals - who had been held since the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel.

There were frenzied scenes in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, where Arbel Yehud, a 29-year-old woman, and Gadi Moses, an 80-year-old man were released.

Broadcasters showed Yehud and Moses, accompanied by masked men, struggling to make their way through the densely-packed crowd of chanting people and to the waiting Red Cross vehicles.
Jan. 30 (UPI) -- The law that bans the United Nations agency that aids Palestinian refugees in Gaza went into effect on Thursday.

The new laws, which were passed in October, prevent UNRWA from operating in Gaza, East Jerusalem and the West Bank, the organization's spokesperson Jonathan Fowler, said in a statement.

Fowler said the UNRWA distributed humanitarian aid and assistance for nearly 6 million Palestinians. Because of the laws, UNRWA's international staff, originally located in East Jerusalem, has been relocated to Amman, Jordan.

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The ban will affect 30,000 UNRWA workers who served Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

UNRWA said Israeli courts did not turn back the laws, almost guaranteeing them to be implemented.

The international community condemned the decision to ban UNRWA last October when the laws were originally passed. It was not clear what organization would step in the place of UNRWA, formally known as the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees and Near East.

Yuli Edelstein, chair of Israeli Knesset foreign affairs and defense committee said the bills were needed to secure the country.

Israel accused a small number of UNRWA workers of being involved in the deadly Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023 which killed 1,200 and took more than 200 hostages. UNRWA fired nine workers after finding evidence that they may have been connected with the attack.
(Bloomberg) -- Israel released 110 Palestinian prisoners after a brief delay to protest the chaos surrounding the handover of hostages by Hamas.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said in a statement posted on X that following his demand, mediators delivered a commitment that a safe exit will be guaranteed for Israeli hostages in the next round of swaps.

During the release of our hostages today, we all saw shocking scenes, the Israeli premiers office said. We made it clear to the mediators that we do not intend to accept any risk to our hostages.

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The five hour delay doesnt seem to have had an impact on the six-week ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which paused the war in Gaza after 15 months of fighting that devastated the Palestinian territory. Given the issue was quickly resolved, the next hostage-prisoner swap is expected to go ahead as scheduled on Saturday.

The Palestinian prisoners were meant to be freed after the return of three Israeli and five Thai hostages from Gaza.

Two Israeli hostages  Arbel Yehud amd Gadi Moses  and those from Thailand were handed over to the Red Cross by Hamas in the Gazan town of Khan Younis. During the exchange, a crowd of people gathered around the hostages in a way Israel said was a threat to their safety.

The scenes were horrifying, Israels President Isaac Herzog said.

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Agam Berger, the other Israeli hostage, was released in Jebaliya in the north of Gaza without incident.

All eight hostages are now in Israel.

The first stage of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire went into effect almost two weeks ago and requires the exchange of 33 Israeli hostages  some of whom are dead  in return for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. So far, 10 Israeli and five Thai hostages have been freed in exchange for 400 Palestinian prisoners. Talks on a more complicated second stage are meant to commence next week, and will be the focus of Netanyahus scheduled meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday.

The next stage is meant to include agreements on a permanent end to the war and on the release of all remaining hostages  males under 50, including soldiers  in return for more Palestinian prisoners.

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Hamas is designated a terrorist organization by the US and many other countries.

--With assistance from Fares Akram.

(update with release of prisoners in first paragraph)

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2025 Bloomberg L.P.
Israel has been assured of a safe exit for hostages out of the Gaza Strip following chaotic scenes as the latest group was released on Thursday, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.

Although the statement did not explicitly mention it, the pledge secured by mediators to the Gaza conflict is expected to pave the way for the release for 110 Palestinians held in Israeli jails.

Netanyahu had delayed their release earlier on Thursday after a frenzy erupted in the Gaza Strip as Israeli hostages were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Eight hostages held by militants in Gaza were released as part of the latest exchange between Israel and Hamas.

Palestinian Hamas militants surround Israeli soldier Agam Berger as she waves before they hand her over to the red cross, as part of a ceasefire and a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel. Omar Ashtawy Apaimages/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
Israel has released the latest group of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails after a delay, according to media reports.

Many of the Palestinian prisoners released under the ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Islamist Hamas group have arrived in the West Bank, the reports said.

In Ramallah, 66 Palestinians were received by their relatives, Palestinian media reported.

They were released in return for hostages who had previously been freed from the Gaza Strip. Israel initially postponed the release of the prisoners due to the chaotic scenes during the hostage release in Khan Younis in the south of the Gaza Strip.

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Relatives in Ramallah had waited impatiently for the prisoners to arrive.

A total of 110 Palestinian prisoners were to be released from Israeli jails on Thursday, including at least 30 convicted murderers, as well as some women and minors.

Some of the 110 Palestinians were reportedly taken to the Gaza Strip. Several are to be sent abroad under the agreement because of the severity of their crimes.

A bus carrying freed Palestinian prisoners arrives in the West Bank city of Ramallah, after they were released from an Israeli prison in the latest hostages-prisoners exchange between Israel and Hamas. Ayman Nobani/dpa

A freed Palestinian prisoner prays upon his arrival in the West Bank city of Ramallah, after being released from an Israeli prison in the latest hostages-prisoners exchange between Israel and Hamas. Ayman Nobani/dpa

A freed Palestinian prisoner is greeted upon his arrival in the West Bank city of Ramallah, after being released from an Israeli prison in the latest hostages-prisoners exchange between Israel and Hamas. Ayman Nobani/dpa

A freed Palestinian prisoner is greeted upon his arrival in the West Bank city of Ramallah, after being released from an Israeli prison in the latest hostages-prisoners exchange between Israel and Hamas. Ayman Nobani/dpa

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At least 10 people were killed in an Israeli airstrike in the northern West Bank, Palestinian authorities said on Wednesday.

The Israeli military said it targeted a group of armed men with an aircraft in the West Bank town of Tamun but did not provide further details.

According to Palestinian reports, an Israeli drone fired three missiles at a house.

The Palestinian Health Ministry in Ramallah reported 10 deaths, while the Red Crescent said several others were injured, some critically.

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The strike comes just over a week after the Israeli army launched a large-scale military operation in Jenin, which is also in the north of the West Bank.

Israeli military to remain in Jenin after operation ends

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the Israeli military will keep a presence in Jenin following the current military operation in the northern West Bank city, considered a stronghold of Palestinian militants.

"The refugee camp in Jenin will not be the same again," Katz said during a troop visit to the city.

After the end of the current operation, the military will remain in the city "to ensure that terror does not return," he was quoted as saying by his office.

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The Israeli military launched a major operation dubbed Iron Wall in Jenin on January 21.

Sixteen people have been killed in the wider Jenin area as a result, including bystanders, the Palestinian Health Ministry said on Wednesday.

The aim of Iron Wall was to smash "terrorist infrastructure built in Palestinian camps with Iranian funding and equipment," Katz claimed, announcing that the operation would be expanded.

Katz also accused the Palestinian Authority (PA), which administers parts of the occupied West Bank, of financing terror and murder against Jews.

However, before the start of the Israeli operation, PA security forces had been deployed for several weeks in Jenin against militant forces, with deaths on both sides.

Israel conquered the West Bank and East Jerusalem among other territories during the Six-Day War in 1967. Today, around 700,000 Israeli settlers live there among 3 million Palestinians.

Israeli forces are seen on the ninth day of the military operation in the West Bank city of Jenin. The Israeli military will keep a presence in Jenin following the current military operation that started on 21 January 2025 in the northern West Bank city that is considered to be a stronghold of Palestinian militant. Mohammed Nasser Apaimages/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
At least 10 people were killed in an Israeli airstrike in the northern West Bank, Palestinian authorities have said.

The Israeli military said it targeted a group of armed men with an aircraft in the West Bank town of Tamun but did not provide further details.

According to Palestinian reports, an Israeli drone fired three missiles at a house.

The Palestinian Health Ministry in Ramallah reported 10 deaths, while the Red Crescent said several others were injured, some critically.

The strike comes just over a week after the Israeli army launched a large-scale military operation in Jenin, which is also in the north of the West Bank.
BEER YAAKOV, Israel (AP)  When the mother of one of the Thai hostages held in the Gaza Strip for over a year caught sight of her son on a Facebook livestream after his release Thursday, he had changed so much that she didnt recognize him at first.

Surasak Rumnao, 32, who was kidnapped from the southern Israeli town of Yesha on Oct. 7, 2023, looked pale and puffy, said his mother, Khammee Lamnao.

I was so happy that I could not eat anything. His father brought some food to me but I did not want to eat at all, Khammee said on a video call with The Associated Press after the release of her son.

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Dozens of Israeli doctors, nurses and representatives from Israel and Thailand waved flags, sang and cheered Thursday as the five Thai hostages stepped off a military helicopter and entered a hospital outside Tel Aviv, where they will spend a few days undergoing medical tests and recuperating. Three Israelis were also released on Thursday, and Israel released 110 Palestinian prisoners in the exchange.

Besides Sarusak, Watchara Sriaoun, 33, Sathian Suwannakham, 35, Pongsak Thaenna, 36, and Bannawat Saethao, 27, were released in Thursday's exchange.

Hamas militants kidnapped 31 Thai nationals during the assault on southern Israel, making them the largest group of foreigners held captive. Many of the Thai agricultural workers lived in compounds on the outskirts of southern Israeli kibbutzim and towns, and Hamas militants overran those places first.

During an earlier ceasefire in November 2023, 23 Thai nationals were released in a deal negotiated between Thailand and Hamas, with assistance from Qatar and Iran.

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According to Thailands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 46 Thais have been killed during the conflict, including two Thai citizens who were killed on Oct. 7, 2023 and their bodies taken into Gaza.

Dr. Osnat Levzion-Korach, the director of Shamir Medical Center outside Tel Aviv where the five were taken, said they were in fair health, though most were held underground and were not exposed to sunlight for extended periods of time. She said they did not appear to be malnourished and credited their young age with helping them survive captivity in fairly good physical shape.

Thailand's ambassador to Israel, Pannabha Chandraramya, said she facilitated video calls between the hostages and their families after they arrived at the hospital, describing them as incredibly emotional, with shouts of joy and tears. She said it was one of the happiest days of her life, to see their release just a week before she ends her five-year term.

Pannabha said there was no immediate information available about the last Thai hostage left in Gaza, Nattapong Pingsa, nor the two Thai workers whose bodies were taken into Gaza.

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Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra thanked Qatar, Egypt, Iran, Turkey, the United States, Israel, and the Red Cross, for helping to negotiate the Thais' release in a separate deal from the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. She said Thailand's minister of foreign affairs would travel to Israel this weekend.

Ambassador Pannabha said the Thai government may bring some relatives of the released hostages to Israel, though many don't have passports, and that the government would help those released return home as soon as they are medically cleared to travel.

Israel will recognize the released Thai hostages as terror victims, a designation that entitles them to financial benefits and health care, said Alex Gandler, the deputy spokesperson of Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He said Israels ambassador in Thailand visited some of the hostages released in the previous ceasefire deal on Thursday and that the Israeli government maintains contact with them. Gandler added that since the released Thais did not have family in Israel to greet them upon their release, some of their former employers came to meet them at the hospital.

Gandler said Israel is committed to releasing all the hostages, regardless of nationality. There are still one Thai, one Nepali and one Tanzanian hostage, as well as the bodies of a Tanzanian and the two Thais being held in Gaza, according to the prime ministers office. Israel hopes all the international hostages will be released, both living and dead, Gandler said, which Israel and Hamas will begin discussing next week.
An Italian priest has been excommunicated from the Catholic Church for saying Pope Francis is not the real pope.

Father Natale Santonocito, 61, parish priest of the San Cesareo Church south-east of Rome, told the faithful in several videos posted on social media that the pope is not the pope, he never was.

After an internal investigation, the priest has now been banned from celebrating Mass, baptisms and other sacraments, or playing any active role in the life of the Church.

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But the move has not deterred the defiant priest from sharing his controversial opinions in a new YouTube video on Wednesday.

In the video Father Santonocito, who was dressed in white clerical vestments, said: I have to shout out this truth that many may find shocking.

He added: For 11 years we have had an antipope: the so-called Francis is not the pope, he never was because Benedict XVI, on February 11, 2013, never renounced the papacy.

An investigation was opened into Father Santonocitos YouTube videos in December of last year - Tiburno Nord-est di Roma

Monsignor Mauro Parmeggiani, the bishop of the priests local diocese, opened an investigation into an alleged breach of canon law after Father Santonocito posted his first video in early December.

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His ministerial duties in the diocese of Tivoli and Palestrina were immediately reduced as a precautionary measure, but the priest then released subsequent videos in which he reiterated his opposition to Franciss position.

His excommunication was confirmed in a statement issued on behalf of the bishop.

In their statement the diocese said: Having ascertained the culpability of the offender and finding the dissemination of such statements incompatible with the exercise of sacred ministry, in the name of the Catholic Church, the bishop has declared his excommunication.

The bishop also urged parishioners to avoid any involvement in the priests activities or any adherence to his heretical schismatic teachings.

Hes a usurper

It is not the first time that Italian priests have been sacked for questioning the legitimacy of Pope Francis.

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A priest was excommunicated from a parish in Livorno in January last year for calling Pope Francis a usurper in a New Years Eve homily, which marked the first anniversary of the death of the popes predecessor, Benedict XVI.

At the time, Father Ramon Guidetti said the Argentine pontiff, who replaced Benedict in March 2013 after Benedicts shock resignation, is not the pope hes a usurper.

Meanwhile, Italian bishops recently complained that Alessandro Minutella, a Palermo priest excommunicated for heresy in 2018 after attacking Pope Francis, was still celebrating the sacraments.

During his pontificate, Pope Francis has sought to promote religious tolerance and publicly called for the Church to be more inclusive to people of different races and cultures.

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MILAN (AP)  Italian authorities on Thursday rejected the asylum requests of 43 asylum-seekers transferred to Albania in a speedy procedure that a non-governmental delegation observing the process said illegally deprived them of legal assistance.

The commission is clearly operating in line with the expressed desire of the government to refuse the asylum requests, in violation of international, European and constitutional law, the TAI Asylum and Immigration Board said in a statement.

The migrants were among 49 people who were transferred to Albania on an Italian naval ship Tuesday under a five-year agreement with Albania to process asylum cases outside EU borders in centers built and operated by Italy. Italian media reported they were from Bangladesh, Egypt, Ivory Coast and Gambia.

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Five migrants were brought to Italy immediately, because they were minors or deemed vulnerable.

Of the remaining, 43 underwent a speedy asylum hearing. One additional case will be heard separately.

This was the first group of migrants to be processed, after courts in Italy refused to approve the transfer to Albania of two groups brought there last year.

The 43 asylum-seekers did not have legal counsel, nor did they have enough time to prepare themselves properly for the hearing, the delegation said. In all cases, authorities deemed the asylum request unfounded.

These are decisions that involve the lives of asylum-seekers who have terrible stories of violence and torture behind them, and they cannot be taken in such a short period of time without the possibility of legal aid, TAI said.

The asylum-seekers have seven days to go to an Italian court to appeal the decision, or face deportation directly from Albania under an agreement between the two countries. Italy has not been clear on how it would repatriate people whose requests are refused.
(This Jan. 31 story has been refiled to fix the hyperlink in paragraph 2)

MILAN (Reuters) - Italy's data protection authority, the Garante, said on Thursday it had ordered DeepSeek to block its chatbot in the country after the Chinese artificial intelligence startup failed to address the regulator's concerns over its privacy policy.

The watchdog had questioned DeepSeek this week about its use of personal data, particularly seeking informationon what personal data is collected, from which sources, for what purposes, on what legal basis and whether it is stored in China.

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The Garante's order - aimed at protecting Italian users' data - came after the Chinese companies that supply the DeepSeek chatbot service provided information that "was considered to totally insufficient," the watchdog said in a statement.

DeepSeek had no immediate comment.

The Chinese startup said its newly-launched AI models are on a par or better than industry-leading models in the United States at a fraction of the cost, threatening to upset the technology world order.

Its AI assistant has overtaken rival ChatGPT to become the top-rated free application available on Apple's App Store in the United States.

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The Garante added that its order had "immediate effect" and that it had also opened an investigation.

EUROPEAN SCRUTINY

Data regulators in Ireland and France are also questioning DeepSeek over its chatbot's privacy policy.

In its response to the Garante's queries, DeepSeek said it had removed its AI assistant from Italian app stores after its privacy policy was questioned, Agostino Ghiglia, one of the four members of the Italian data authority's board, told Reuters.

Ghiglia said that DeepSeek added it should not be subject to local regulation or the jurisdiction of the Garante, and had no obligation to provide the regulator with any information.

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"Not only did DeepSeek's response not give us any reassurance, it worsened their position, and that's the reason we decide to order the block," Ghiglia said.

"If there is no cooperation, DeepSeek will continue to be blocked in Italy", he added.

As of Friday, some Italian users who had previously downloaded the app on their mobile devices said the chatbot was still providing answers. The web version of the service is still operating.

"Citizens have the right to give their consent based on what you do, or do not do, with their data. And servers in China do not offer the guarantees Europe does," Ghiglia said.

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Italy's Garante is among the most proactive of the 31 data protection authorities in Europe on the use of AI. Two years ago it briefly banned the use of Microsoft-backed ChatGPT over suspected breaches of EU privacy rules.

(Reporting by Sara Rossi; additional reporting by Giselda Vagnoni, Editing by Andrew Cawthorne, Sandra Maler, Deepa Babington and Louise Heavens)
JACKSBORO (KFDX/KJTL)  There is an air of relief over Jacksboro as its police chief and two other officers are officially reinstated following an investigation by the Texas Rangers.

Citizens like Sharon Burby are ready for the city to move on from the investigation and the suspension.

Im just glad to know that its finally over and that Jacksboro can get back to some normalcy, Burby said. And hopefully we can, these kinds of things we can just put behind us and move on.

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The investigation was triggered by the Jacksboro Police Association and the Texas Municipal Police Association pushing back against the suspensions of the officers after an encounter between Jacksboro officers and city manager Mike Smith.

Nature of the business: MPEC officials talk success amid citizen concern of losing events

Kind of funny because theres all this, he said, she said kind of deal, said Royce Bridges, another Jacksboro citizen.

The suspensions left the police department short-staffed, but City Attorney David Spiller said all officers would be fully reinstated after the investigation concluded. Having the police department fully staffed again is already easing citizens concerns.

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I feel a little more safe because I was a little worried about things getting out of hand a little bit because thats kind of how this town is. It can get kind of crazy sometimes, Bridges said.

Now, with all officers fully reinstated, citizens like Burby hope the affairs between city hall and the police department can stabilize.

Our police chief has done amazing, trying to keep things going, and just knowing that they werent going there just was very hard, Burby said.

Spiller said no criminal charges will be filed against either party, but he said the city council may consider remedial action sometime in the future.

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JACKSBORO (KFDX/KJTL)  Following a Texas Ranger investigation, Jacksboros police chief and two officers are back on the job after being placed on paid administrative leave on Dec. 9 by city manager Mike Smith.

The investigation began after the Jacksboro Police Association and the Texas Municipal Police Association called for the mayor and city council to reconsider the employment of city manager Mike Smith after an alleged pattern of questionable decisions, retaliatory actions and leadership failures.

Losing money: Bowie city manager water fund recommendations fail as residents celebrate

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Jacksboro city attorney and state Representative David Spiller said in a statement Wednesday afternoon that there would be no criminal charges against any parties.

It is my understanding that the investigation has been completed by the investigating authority and that no criminal charges will be filed against any of the interested parties. The officers that were put on paid administrative leave have been reinstated to full duties. The city council may consider appropriate remedial action at a future date. Since the issues involve personnel matters, as city attorney, it would be inappropriate for me or anyone else associated with the city of Jacksboro to comment further on this matter at this time. Statement by Rep. David Spiller, Jacksboro City Attorney

The Texas Municipal Police Association released a separate statement praising the officers reinstatement and calling for accountability of city manager Mike Smith.

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Shane Allen Gibson pled guilty on Wednesday to having and giving away an improvised explosive bomb, according to the United States Attorneys Office.

According to the plea agreement, in April 2023, Gibson possessed and transferred a bomb to a person he knew was a convicted felon.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

The device was one of three homemade explosive devices given to the convicted felon by Gibson.

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The Attorneys Office said an examiner from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives concluded the bomb could cause damage, injury, and death if used.

Gibson pled guilty to possession of a destructive device and transfer of a destructive device to a convicted felon.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

He faces a maximum of 10 years in prison for the possession charge and up to 15 years in federal prison for the transfer charge.

A sentencing date hasnt been set.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  A Jamestown man was sentenced to about 17 months of time served after thousands of grams of fentanyl, meth and cocaine were seized from a vehicle in 2020, the U.S. Attorneys Office announced Wednesday.

Kevin Hughes, 64, assisted co-defendant Jun Martinez in his drug trafficking operation and was convicted of narcotics conspiracy.

In September 2020, Hughes and Martinez were traveling in Frankfort, I.L., to acquire narcotics. Their vehicle was stopped by an Illinois State Police Trooper and a search revealed 3,157 grams of fentanyl, 9,589 grams of meth, 2,241 grams of cocaine and marijuana products. The narcotics were seized.

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Martinez was previously convicted.

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Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University.

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A Houston man who was pardoned by President Trump over his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol is wanted in Texas on older solicitation charges, a district attorneys office confirmed this week.

The Harris County District Attorneys Office said Andrew Taake, 36, who was pardoned by Trump last week, is wanted over alleged online solicitation of a minor in 2016.

Taake was sentenced to six years in prison last June after pleading guilty to assaulting police officers with bear spray during the riot at the Capitol, Houston Public Media reported.

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He was being held in a federal prison in Florence, Colo., but upon news of Trump pardoning rioters, the Harris County Sheriffs Office asked federal authorities to hold Taake over his pending warrant in Texas.

The Harris County District Attorneys Office confirmed to The Hill on Wednesday that the Bureau of Prisons informed its office there was a certified warrant that would prevent Taake from being released.

The district attorneys office received that message via fax on Jan. 15, but Taake was released just days later when Trump took office and pardoned the Jan. 6 defendants.

Re-arresting individuals, like Taake, who were released with pending State warrants, will require significant resources, Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare said in a statement. Know that we are already in the process of tracking Taake down, as he must answer for [the] 2016 charge of soliciting a minor online.

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Taake is accused of pursuing a sexual relationship with a person he knew to be younger than 17 while using an online messaging platform. The case was still pending when he was arrested by the FBI in 2021 for his Capitol-related crimes, Houston Public Media reported.

Taake was arrested in 2021. He was turned into the police just days after the riot by an individual who communicated with him on the dating app Bumble while he was in Washington, D.C.

The Hill has reached out to the Federal Bureau of Prisons for comment, but the agency told the Houston-based outlet it doesnt discuss details of individuals who are no longer in their custody.

As one of his first actions back in office, Trump pardoned nearly all the Jan. 6 rioters, commuting the sentences of the rest. It was something he promised on the campaign trail, and he made good on that promise in the early hours of his term with a complete and unconditional pardon for most of those who stormed the Capitol four years ago.

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A Missouri woman who stole Nancy Pelosis name plate during the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, and was later pardoned by President Donald Trump, was sentenced days later for an unrelated DUI crash that killed a mom of two.

Emily Hernandez, 25, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Wednesday and will serve a concurrent 7-year sentence for a Jan. 5, 2022, wrong-way crash that killed 32-year-old Victoria Wilson and seriously injured her husband, Ryan Wilson, NBC affiliate KSDK reported.

Hernandez chose her actions that night and she chose wrong over and over and over again, Victoria Wilsons niece Desirae Raymo told the outlet after the sentencing. I dont feel any amount [of time] she will serve will bring her back, it wont rectify her actions. I hope she can change and be a better person.

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Ethan B. Corlija, Hernandezs attorney, told HuffPost in an email that Hernandez will be eligible for early release under the guidelines used by the Missouri Department of Corrections.

Hernandez first made headlines a year before the crash when federal authorities charged her with storming the U.S. Capitol and stealing Nancy Pelosis name plate, valued at $870, according to a criminal complaint obtained by HuffPost.

Federal authorities apprehended Hernandez after three individuals identified her in a clip from the U.K.-based news network ITV News. In the footage, Hernandez can be seen holding up a broken piece of a sign and a white manila envelope.

Emily Hernandez during the U.S Capitol riot via FBI/ DOJ/ITV ITV/FBI/DOJ

Several tipsters submitted photographs and videos to federal authorities from Hernandezs social media depicting her at the Capitol and wearing the same clothing items, according to the complaint.

Emily Hernandez via FBI/ DOJ FBI/ DOJ

According to court records, Hernandez was charged with several misdemeanors. She pleaded guilty to one count of entering a restricted building and was sentenced to 30 days in jail, plus probation.

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A year later, the deadly crash took place on a highway in Franklin County, Missouri. Hernandez pleaded guilty to driving on the wrong side of the road and slamming into the Wilsons car, according to a sentencing memorandum obtained by HuffPost. She was taken to a local hospital where her blood alcohol was recorded as being .125.

Corlija, her attorney, wrote in the memo that Hernandez showed she had come to terms with the fact that she took someones life.

I live with that shame every day, Hernandez reportedly told her probation officer. Right after it happened and I was home from the hospital, I was in my bed and realized I changed these peoples lives forever.

Angelia Ortiz, Victoria Wilsons older sister, launched a GoFundMe to offset Ryan Wilsons medical bills and support the couples two children.

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At Wednesdays sentencing hearing, Victoria Wilsons mother, Tonie Donaldson, told KSDK about the impact Hernandezs actions have had on the family.

Nothing will bring her back. We have an empty hole in my heart that will always be there, Donaldson told KSDK. It was some relief to be able to turn and look her in her eyes and tell her how much harm she had really done to us... thats a choice she made, she has to live with it.

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Jan. 30 (UPI) -- A sinkhole near Tokyo that swallowed a dump truck whole on Tuesday has now doubled in width after combining with a second sinkhole as rescue workers continued their dig to reach the vehicle's driver.

Officials in Yashio in the Saitama Prefecture said the sinkhole has now grown to 65 feet wide as the intersection where the ground first gave way remained blocked from vehicles and people except for emergency crews.

The crew had lost contact with the driver, described as a 74-year-old male, after communicating with him on Tuesday. His cab remained buried under the sinkhole's debris as workers continued the desperate, but careful, work to dig him out. Fears remained on Thursday that the sinkhole could collapse further.

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Local authorities have been in consultation on how to bring in heavier machinery to remove the rubble without further deteriorating the sinkhole. To help mitigate further sinkhole damage, the government started diverting wastewater from a damaged sewer pipe blamed for the collapse into the Niigata River.

People in the surrounding 12 towns were asked by officials to decrease their use of sewage water until rescue efforts were completed. Prefecture officials also recruited the Tokyo Fire Department for help.

Authorities are considering building a ramp from the road which could more easily deploy heavier equipment to remove debris in the sinkhole.
TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan and the United States are in the final stage of planning for a meeting between Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and President Donald Trump in Washington on Feb. 7, the Asahi newspaper said on Thursday, citing sources from both nations.

The leaders will discuss strengthening cooperation in the areas of security and the economy, the report said. Ishiba wants to build a personal relationship with Trump and agree to further deepen the Japan-U.S. alliance, according to the report.

A spokesperson at Japan's foreign ministry told Reuters that "nothing has been decided about the specific timing" for a meeting between the leaders and a schedule is being coordinated.

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Ishiba also plans to explain job creation in the U.S. by Japanese companies and an increase in Japan's defence budget at a meeting with Trump, the report said.

(Reporting by Kaori Kaneko and John Geddie; Editing by Himani Sarkar)
Sandra Hale Schulman

Special to ICT

Jaune Quick-to-See Smith  a groundbreaking artist, activist, curator and educator  died Jan. 24 of pancreatic cancer, her New York City gallerist, Garth Greenan, has announced. She was 85.

Smith, a citizen of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Nation, had been an artist for more than 50 years and was the first Native woman to have a blockbuster solo show at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City in 2023.

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Her works are included in collections in virtually every major museum in the United States  an unprecedented honor  and in 2020 she became the first Native American artist to have a painting purchased by the National Gallery of Art.

She humorously said she broke the buckskin ceiling.

Artist Jaune Quick-to-See Smith of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes will become the first Native woman to have a retrospective show at the Whitney Museum of American Art in Manhattan. The show, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith: Memory Map, opens April 19, 2023 and runs through Aug. 13, 2023. The 2017 work shown here, "Homeland," is among more than 130 pieces that will examine her 50-year career as an artist, curator, educator and advocate. (Photo courtesy of the Whitney Museum of American Art)

She changed the world. Thats simply true, Choctaw/Cherokee artist Jeffrey Gibson, whose work was the subject of a solo show at last years Venice Biennale, said in a Facebook post on Tuesday. She was always kind, generous, intentional and just a fierce advocate for all of us. She will be sorely missed but her spirit will continue to live within many of us.

To Smith, he wrote, I met you about 30 years ago and was lucky enough to be in your presence many times and always walked away having learned something new and deeply meaningful. Thank you Jaune.

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Over the past three years, the Zimmerli Art Museum had been collaborating with Smith on her curation of Indigenous Identities: Here, Now & Always. The exhibition is set to open as planned on Saturday, Feb. 1 , at the museum at Rutgers University in New Jersey.

Featuring the work of 97 artists representing 74 Indigenous nations and communities across the United States, the Zimmerli exhibition marks Smiths most ambitious curatorial undertaking and reflects the expansive community of Native artists who Smith convened and uplifted throughout her long career.

Jaune Quick-to-See Smith's work, "Adios Map," (2021), mixed media on canvas, is among a body of work by the acclaimed artist. Quick-to-See Smith is a citizen of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes and also of Metis and Shoshone descent, and is the mother of artist Neal Ambrose Smith. (Photo courtesy of Garth Greenan Gallery)

Paired with a separate show of Smiths own work from the Zimmerlis collection, the two exhibitions are a testament to her groundbreaking and impactful artistic and curatorial practices, examining the complexities of Indigenous identity through wit and provocation.

Jaunes legacy is immeasurable, said Maura Reilly, director of the Zimmerli. She was a trailblazer who ceaselessly endeavored to challenge assumptions around Indigenous identity and contemporary Native American art. She championed justice, amplified Indigenous narratives, and inspired countless individuals to use their voices and creativity to enact change. Many of those voices are on display in Indigenous Identities.

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Reilly said she and Smith began discussing the project more than a decade ago.

It has been an honor of a lifetime to make space for her to realize her vision at the Zimmerli, she said. We join the world in mourning the loss of an extraordinary artist and visionary.

Despite her late career success, Smith had told ICT that her road had been difficult.

Being a painter or a printmaker or any kind of artist is a hard job and not one that society deems is necessary, she told ICT in 2023. Society treats artists like parasites on society, like we just sit around and play and don't really do any work. When I've hired someone to come and do electrical work at my studio or fix the roof and they ask what I do, I lie and say I'm a teacher and if they ask what I teach, I say cultural history or social studies.

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Because if I say I am a painter, they tell me about their grandmother or their aunt who paints landscapes or pictures of their dog, she said. Then I know I'm sunk, (that) anything I say after that is going to be quicksand.

But dont look for meaning in her moniker. Quick-to-See Smith said her name was not visual-art related.

My name is an old family name. It doesn't have anything to do with art, she said. It is not about seeing art; it is about insight. I've been making art as far back as I can remember. When I was in the first grade, I didn't know the word artist; I had never heard that word. I didn't know anything about it. I just knew that it was my zone  I wanted to be where I could use those materials.

Her vibrant artworks feature maps, paintings, and other materials that she often pairs with objects such as canoe paddles and small globes to become sculptures. Words and collages add to the multimedia work she calls landscapes.

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The maps that I've been doing, I see them as landscapes, and they all tell stories, she said at the time. My art practice has grown over the years. I always see my works as inhabited landscapes. From early pastel abstract swaths of color to where we are now, even figures, to me it is still landscape.

This 2002 work, "War is Heck," by artist Jaune Quick-to-See Smith of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, is among more than 130 pieces exhibited in a retrospective show of her work at the Whitney Museum of American Art in Manhattan. The show, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith: Memory Map, opened April 19, 2023, and ran through Aug. 13, 2023. (Photo courtesy of the Whitney Museum of American Art)

Smith lived in Corrales, New Mexico, north of Albuquerque, in a small farm community of about 15,000 people. She is survived by her son, Neal Ambrose Smith, a painter, sculptor, printmaker and professor at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe.

In 2018, Smith collaborated with her son to create large wooden frames of canoes that hold physical objects: fry bread in one and single-use food containers and wooden crosses in the other. The works were exhibited at the Whitney retrospective.

In such a long life, Smith said she had the luxury to look back and learn.

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Being Indigenous and making art means that you are looking at the world through lenses that are curved or changed by your upbringing and by your worldview as an Indigenous person, she said. We get together and talk amongst ourselves about how we can change things or make things better  how we can put messages out there that have a relationship to the Indigenous world. Indigenous peoples believe that we live in harmony with all of the plants, animals, fishes, and cosmos. We really do believe that. So that's the first thing that is really distinct in our work and in what we present to the public.

The creator, inventor, satirist, must show the flip side of things, she said. What makes us do this is a good question. We can't help ourselves. We have to do this. Coyote makes us do it.

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In a year where Diddy was public enemy No. 1 for his allegations, lawsuits, and eventual arrest, JAY-Z also found himself in the mix via a rape lawsuit filed in December 2024. The 55-year-old rapper has been hellbent on tearing down Tony Buzbees, the lawyer representing his alleged victim, credibility and he continued that this week.

Earlier in January, Hov attempted to get his case dismissed and he recently filed a memo to add some more details. HipHopDX obtained documents where the Brooklyn rapper and his attorney Alex Spiro claimed that Buzbee got basic facts wrong in the case.

Specifically, they say that the unnamed victims father confirmed that he had no recollection of the rape story playing out how she told it; Jane Doe originally said her father picked her up from a gas station, but he said the gas station in question would have been a 10-hour drive roundtrip. They also cited how she claimed she spoke with a celebrity that evening at the 2000 Video Music Awards, but said celebrity was not even in New York City at the time.

Mr. Carter seeks only to hold Mr. Buzbee to the ethical standards that constrain any responsible attorney who would solemnly sign his name to allegations in court, Alex Spiro wrote. He is arguing that Tony Buzbee should be held liable for either not doing his due diligence, or having proper information and still going through with a false claim.

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Buzbee, however, claims that he ran a background check on Jane Doe and collaborated with a retired police detective to do thorough research on her. However, Spiro countered and said these claims were not enough. [N]one of those individuals has even been named, let alone produced as a declarant, he wrote. Nor does the Opposition specify which aspects of Plaintiffs complaint were fact-checked.'

Buzbee remains confident in the case, telling HipHopDX: With every frantic filing the defense in this case grows more desperate. The rules apply equally to everyone, even those who wrongly think they are above the law. No one is above the law. The basic fact that is obvious to everyone is that the defendants motion is frivolous.

JAY-Z was accused of raping a teenager alongside Diddy in 2000. She allegedly was transported to one of the Bad Boy founders after-parties by one of his limo drivers following the 2000 VMAs. Upon arrival, she signed what she believed to be an NDA and then allegedly had her drink spiked. She claims that the rappers then entered the room and Hov pinned her down and had sex with her while Puff and another celebrity watched.

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WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI)  A 27-year-old Watertown woman is facing numerous charges after allegedly receiving over $11,000 in welfare benefits that she wasnt entitled to.

Watertown Police arrested Alexandria Bellinger on Thursday and charged with first-degree offering of a false instrument for filing, third-degree grand larceny, third-degree welfare fraud and misuse of food stamps.

Fatal fire in Massena claims the lives of six people

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According to court documents, Bellinger is alleged to have lied on three different applications on December 2021, October 2022 and January 2023. This was for benefits with SNAP and HEAP during that time frame.

She alleged received $11,464,47 in benefits as a result.

Bellinger was slated to be arraigned in Watertown City Court on Thursday.

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Conservative journalist Bill OReilly condemned Republicans, including President Donald Trump for dancing on the graves of his media critics Jim Acosta and Neil Cavuto, who both retired from their networks recently.

On his podcast, No Spin News, OReilly acknowledged Acostas recent attack on Trump was unfair but quickly played devils advocate and pointed out that both reporters were probably forced to leave because of the presidents recent influence in the media industry.

Hes not a reporter, hes a commentator, Acosta, OReilly reprimanded the former CNN anchor. And if you hate somebody, then you shouldnt even mention them, right? Because you cant comment in a fair way on someone you hate. Does that make sense to everybody? Thats the big problem here. If you hate themand there are a few people that I despise, but I tell you upfront that I do, he said.

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Cavuto, who served as a Fox News anchor until his ouster in December of last year, is reported to have left out of his own volition despite being offered a new contract.

Acosta on the other hand, was seemingly already on his way out after CNN, where he served as an anchor, recently announced specific strategy shifts and changes to its weekday schedule. With unstable ground to stand on, he announced his departure from the network after tearing into Trump in his final on-air message.

The president didnt take kindly to this and immediately took to TruthSocial to discredit the 18-year-long CNN veteran. Among his choice words for Acosta were descriptors such as sleazebag and major loser. Trump celebrated with similar gusto when Cavuto announced his departure from Fox News.

When addressing the presidents comments, OReilly, said: A lot of conservatives are happy. Theyre dancing on his grave, and President Trump did that today okay, the president did that with Neil Cavuto too, because Cavuto had no use for Donald Trump. And then Cavuto is booted out of Fox, and Acosta is booted out of CNN.

He added: What does that say to you? Says that Donald Trump has some juice now in the corporations that run the media. But anyway, I dont like dancing on the graves. I know its human nature, but I dont think its a Christian thing to do. And maybe I can amend that. I dont think its in accord with Judeo-Christian philosophy.
(Reuters) - JK Cement said on Thursday four of its workers were killed in an accident at one of its plants in central India.

The accident occurred at the cement maker's Panna plant in the state of Madhya Pradesh, which has been undergoing an expansion.

Fourteen more workers had minor injuries, the company said.

While JK Cement did not specify the nature of the accident, multiple local media reports said it was due to a slab collapse.

Local newspaper the Hindu reported that the top floor on an under-construction unit caved in. The cement maker did not immediately respond to Reuters' request seeking confirmation.

JK Cement has "taken action to extend all sorts of help to the affected families and (is) treating injured workers in (the) best possible way," it said in a statement.

(Reporting by Hritam Mukherjee in Bengaluru; Editing by Leroy Leo)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A decade ago, an aging Tennessee politician stood to fight one last political battle. John Jay Hooker was both revered and laughed at, a brilliant man, a political gadfly, he made millions and he lost millions. But John Jay Hooker never backed down from a fight. In the 1960s, he fought for civil rights. In 2015, he fought for the right to die.

John Jay Hooker, Jr. was many things. A two-time Democratic nominee for governor of Tennessee , an attorney, entrepreneur, perennial candidate and political gadfly.

John Jay Hooker was also an advocate for civil rights and at the age of 85, was diagnosed with a terminal illness.

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Tennessee Right to Life calls physician-assisted suicide against the natural order of things

That same year, Hooker led the charge for what he called the ultimate civil right, death with dignity.

When the time comes and Im laying in that bed, Ive got tears in my eyes and Im hurting all over and oi know Im gonna die and everybody is standing around feeling sorry for me and I, feeling sorry for myself I want the doctor to be able to give me a pill so I can die with a smile on my face instead of tears in my eyes, explained Hooker.

Hookers death with dignity legislation failed to gain the support of enough lawmakers.

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It was sort of a long shot to begin with because it was a new concept in Tennessee, but it did not stop John Jay Hooker, explained former state representative Craig Fitzhugh.

What I am saying to you is the right to die with dignity seems to me to be a human right. A right that has came from long before the Constitution, it came as part of being a human being.

No matter when it happens, he is the one that got the impetus going on this bill, so if it happens this time, if it happens next time, when it happens, it will be because of John Jay Hooker, said Fitzhugh.

Tennessee lawmakers to debate legalizing medically assisted suicide following ban in West Virginia

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I have felt for a long time that the government ought to keep their nose out of that and the decision whether they live or die ought to be a doctor, a decision between them and a doctor, explained Hooker.

He kept fighting.

In my mind, politics is the difference between a person who is needs a wheel chair and having one and not having oneso I am shaking my fist till the day I die.

In 2016, John Jay Hooker died at the age of 85. He died fighting.

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JOHNSTON, Iowa  An elementary school in Johnston will be closed for two days due to a high number of illnesses.

On Wednesday leaders with the Johnston Community School District sent an email to parents and staff announcing there would be no school or KTC child care at Beaver Creek Elementary School on Thursday, January 30 and Friday, January 31.

Norwalk Fire Department reflects on unexpected loss of firefighter

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According to the district, the closure is due to over 20% of students at the school being absent due to illnesses, including norovirus, influenza A, strep throat, and pneumonia. The district said it has been in contact with the Polk County Health Department throughout this issue.

Students and staff will return to school on Monday, February 3.

While the closure is only for Beaver Creek, district leaders are encouraging students and staff at other schools within the district to stay home if theyre ill and to practice good hygiene.

Metro News:

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JOHNSTOWN, PA.  The Rev. Sylvia King is Johnstowns new deputy mayor.

She was voted into the position by City Council during a special meeting Tuesday.

Mayor Frank Janakovic, Ricky Britt, Marie Mock and Charles Arnone supported her. Laura Huchel was absent.

No other council member was nominated.

To be elected by my peers is good because that means that they have confidence in my abilities, King, a Democrat, said during an interview after the meeting. The position is a title because Im just going to continue to serve the community as I always have. This way, Ill be able to be of assistance to the mayor as he needs it. I just want to continue to do the work in my community and serve the public.

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King, who was first elected to council in 2017, is now in her second term. Her seat is one of five positions on council, including the mayors seat, that is up for election this year.

She succeeds former Deputy Mayor Michael Capriotti, who recently resigned from council to become Johnstowns assistant city manager.

During the same meeting, City Council voted to accept letters of interest regarding the open seat left by Capriottis departure until Feb. 6.

City Council also voted 5-0 to allocate American Rescue Plan money for COVID-19 pandemic relief that Finance Director Melissa Millard recently discovered had not been designated for a purpose yet. The plan is to use it for improvements to Johnstown City Hall, Johnstown Public Safety Building where council holds its meetings, and the city garage.

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Its approximately $660,000, City Manager Art Martynuska said. What well do is were going to follow the proper bidding procedures, do RFPs (requests for proposal) for City Hall, RFPs for here (the Public Safety Building) and RFPs for the city garage and follow the procedures. The amount is to be determined what were going to be able to do with each building.

Dave Sutor is a reporter for The Tribune- Democrat. 5056. Follow him on Twitter @Dave_Sutor.
JOPLIN, Mo.  The announcement of a major donation is the highlight of a three-part series examining the past, present, and future of Joplin Area Catholic Schools (JACS).

The final night of the event took place Wednesday (1/29) at McAuley Catholic High School where teachers, parents, and students learned about what will help things moving forward: A new $17 million dollar endowment.

The money came from an anonymous donor.

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Officials say the Legacy of Faith Fund will positively impact Catholic education in Joplin for generations, with the goal being to strengthen and nurture faith throughout the southwest Missouri community.

Its just an opportunity for us to start this next chapter in Joplin Area Catholic Schools as a faith community. The crowd that we have here tonight is a testament to the support that we have, and I want to keep that momentum going into the future and engaging our families both here at the schools, as well as our Catholic parishes here in our area, said Joplin Area Catholic Schools Director, Jess Sickman.

The Legacy of Faith endowment will further supplement the partnership between the parishes and JACS.

JACS includes: St. Marys Elementary and Preschool, St. Peters Middle School and McAuley Catholic, and St. Anns.

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EL PASO, Texas (Border Report)  Juarez Mayor Cruz Perez Cuellar says his city is not ready for a proposed U.S. ban on commercial trucks at El Pasos Bridge of the Americas port of entry (BOTA).

Everybody in Juarez understands that it is not our decision; its a decision the U.S. has to make, Perez Cuellar said at a Wednesday luncheon of the Central Business Association at the El Paso Civic Center. But at some meetings they have asked for our opinion. Our opinion is we are not ready. I think both communities  were not ready for the closure of BOTA to commercial trailers.

Funding freeze threatens El Paso port expansion

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The U.S. General Services Administration is managing a planned $650 million modernization of the port of entry between El Paso and Juarez and is leaning toward a permanent ban on trailers primarily coming from maquiladora assembly plants south of the border.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers check documents of people entering the United States at the Bridge of the Americas in El Paso, Texas on November 8, 2021. (Photo by PAUL RATJE/AFP via Getty Images)

The moves comes after years of complaints from residents of neighborhoods near the port in South-Central El Paso about pollution and traffic. Those complaints lately have found a friendly ear among local elected officials.

Trump still brings jitters to leaders south of border

But ports of entry field traffic from both sides of the border and generally address needs and interests in both.

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Perez Cuellar said he, too, would like to see heavy truck traffic sent away from residential neighborhoods. But he said his city does not have the roadways to do that and industry leaders are not ready to send their trucks on a long roundabout to alternate crossings in Tornillo, Texas, and Santa Teresa, New Mexico.

I think it would be great for Juarez when all the commercial vehicles go (there) because it would give us a break with the traffic. But we dont have the infrastructure right now to do that, Perez Cuellar said.

Medical lane at San Ysidro Port of Entry to be streamlined to cut down on corruption

He said Juarez is asking the Mexican federal government for a major investment in public works to route trucks from dozens of industrial parks in central and east Juarez to Tornillo. Right now, most of the factories in those industrial parks have well-established routes to BOTA and to the Ysleta Port of Entry they consider crucial to getting merchandise into the United States as soon as possible.

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Truckers have told Border Report they rely on BOTA for a speedy return trip of empty containers from El Paso to Juarez that allows their companies to send a second and even a third shipment across the same day.

We are not saying that shouldnt happen. Were just saying to be careful and enact legislation or do things in a way that all of the parties involved have a say, said Tanny Berg, founding member of the Central Business Association.

Small California town considers backing mass deportations

He said there have been very little studies to show the environmental impact of the proposed truck ban. This, in the context that thousands of passenger vehicles moving at a snails pace would continue using the port of entry daily.

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We are not that opposed to closing the bridge when the infrastructure is ready, Berg said. The roads to connect where the maquilas are to Tornillo and Santa Teresa are not ready yet. All we are saying is give us a little bit more time, make sure we dont turn off the maquiladora industry which is feeding the economy of our area. But we want to be mindful of the un-attainment were having with carbon monoxide.

Border business leaders show unity amid threats of tariffs, trade pact review

A group of concerned residents calling itself Familias Unidas del Chamizal in December held a vigil after the Mexican government sent a diplomatic note to the U.S. State Department raising concern over the possible truck ban.

The environmental justice issues plaguing our neighborhood demand urgent attention, the group said in an email last month. The health impacts of these mobile sources of pollution are damaging the environment, our Earth, and the health of the community, especially our children.

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Visit the BorderReport.com homepage for the latest exclusive stories and breaking news about issues along the U.S.-Mexico border

El Paso City Council member Ivan Nino said El Paso is an important cog in the U.S. economy because of international trade. He called for dialogue between all parties and for government agencies to make sure all the infrastructure is there.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
EL PASO, Texas (Border Report)  Juarez Mayor Cruz Perez Cuellar says his city is not ready for a proposed U.S. ban on commercial trucks at El Pasos Bridge of the Americas port of entry (BOTA).

Everybody in Juarez understands that it is not our decision; its a decision the U.S. has to make, Perez Cuellar said at a Wednesday luncheon of the Central Business Association at the El Paso Civic Center. But at some meetings they have asked for our opinion. Our opinion is we are not ready. I think both communities  were not ready for the closure of BOTA to commercial trailers.

Funding freeze threatens El Paso port expansion

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The U.S. General Services Administration is managing a planned $650 million modernization of the port of entry between El Paso and Juarez and is leaning toward a permanent ban on trailers primarily coming from maquiladora assembly plants south of the border.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers check documents of people entering the United States at the Bridge of the Americas in El Paso, Texas on November 8, 2021. (Photo by PAUL RATJE/AFP via Getty Images)

The moves comes after years of complaints from residents of neighborhoods near the port in South-Central El Paso about pollution and traffic. Those complaints lately have found a friendly ear among local elected officials.

Trump still brings jitters to leaders south of border

But ports of entry field traffic from both sides of the border and generally address needs and interests in both.

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Perez Cuellar said he, too, would like to see heavy truck traffic sent away from residential neighborhoods. But he said his city does not have the roadways to do that and industry leaders are not ready to send their trucks on a long roundabout to alternate crossings in Tornillo, Texas, and Santa Teresa, New Mexico.

I think it would be great for Juarez when all the commercial vehicles go (there) because it would give us a break with the traffic. But we dont have the infrastructure right now to do that, Perez Cuellar said.

Medical lane at San Ysidro Port of Entry to be streamlined to cut down on corruption

He said Juarez is asking the Mexican federal government for a major investment in public works to route trucks from dozens of industrial parks in central and east Juarez to Tornillo. Right now, most of the factories in those industrial parks have well-established routes to BOTA and to the Ysleta Port of Entry they consider crucial to getting merchandise into the United States as soon as possible.

Advertisement Advertisement

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Truckers have told Border Report they rely on BOTA for a speedy return trip of empty containers from El Paso to Juarez that allows their companies to send a second and even a third shipment across the same day.

We are not saying that shouldnt happen. Were just saying to be careful and enact legislation or do things in a way that all of the parties involved have a say, said Tanny Berg, founding member of the Central Business Association.

Small California town considers backing mass deportations

He said there have been very little studies to show the environmental impact of the proposed truck ban. This, in the context that thousands of passenger vehicles moving at a snails pace would continue using the port of entry daily.

Advertisement Advertisement

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We are not that opposed to closing the bridge when the infrastructure is ready, Berg said. The roads to connect where the maquilas are to Tornillo and Santa Teresa are not ready yet. All we are saying is give us a little bit more time, make sure we dont turn off the maquiladora industry which is feeding the economy of our area. But we want to be mindful of the un-attainment were having with carbon monoxide.

Border business leaders show unity amid threats of tariffs, trade pact review

A group of concerned residents calling itself Familias Unidas del Chamizal in December held a vigil after the Mexican government sent a diplomatic note to the U.S. State Department raising concern over the possible truck ban.

The environmental justice issues plaguing our neighborhood demand urgent attention, the group said in an email last month. The health impacts of these mobile sources of pollution are damaging the environment, our Earth, and the health of the community, especially our children.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Visit the BorderReport.com homepage for the latest exclusive stories and breaking news about issues along the U.S.-Mexico border

El Paso City Council member Ivan Nino said El Paso is an important cog in the U.S. economy because of international trade. He called for dialogue between all parties and for government agencies to make sure all the infrastructure is there.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Britains two biggest offshore oil and gas developments have been blocked from producing any fossil fuels after a judge quashed their production permits in a row over greenhouse gas emissions.

The judge, Lord Ericht, banned production at the Jackdaw gas and Rosebank oil projects in the North Sea, operated by Shell and Equinor respectively, after ruling that the private interest of members of the public in climate change outweigh the private interest of the developers.

The decision in the Scottish Court of Session marks a victory for environmental groups Greenpeace UK and Uplift, which are campaigning against any further development of North Sea oil and gas.

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However, it is a major blow for Shell, whose Jackdaw gas field was poised to produce 6pc-7pc of the UKs gas needs, and Equinor, whose Rosebank project would generate nearly 7bn of investment and hundreds of millions of pounds in taxes.

The judicial review into Jackdaw and Rosebank followed a Supreme Court ruling in a separate case brought by the activist Sarah Finch, who said that the emissions generated by burning fossil fuels should always be considered when approving new drilling sites.

Equinor and Shell have both vowed to continue development work on the two projects, while also submitting applications for new permits that take account of future emissions by their customers.

However these would ultimately have to be approved by Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, who has made clear his opposition to new oil and gas projects.

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The last government issued permits for Jackdaw and Rosebank without considering future emissions.

Shell and Equinor both conceded these permits are unlawful in light of the Supreme Court decision, but argued that having started work in good faith and having spent 800m on Jackdaw and 2bn on Rosebank, they should be allowed to continue.

Judge Erichts ruling gives them part of what they wanted. It means they can carry on developing the two projects. However, they are banned from producing any oil or gas unless the Government approves a new application.

Separately, Mr Miliband has held a consultation on the impact of the Finch ruling and plans to issue new guidance for oil and gas firms seeking new permits to deliver economic growth, and meet the Governments climate obligations.

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A Shell spokesman said: Todays ruling rightly allows work to progress on this nationally important energy project while new consents are sought.

Swift action is needed from the Government so that we and other North Sea operators can make decisions about vital UK energy infrastructure.

The result was announced just hours after Shells latest results, which saw profits fall to $3.7bn (3bn) in the final three months of 2024, down from $7.3bn over the same period the year prior when global gas prices were much higher.

Gas still accounted for $2.2bn of its total profits, reflecting the companys shift away from renewables towards its core fossil fuels business.

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Chief executive Wael Sawan has been spearheading the change in strategy, recently pursuing deep cuts to its green energy divisions.

Equinor said: We welcome todays ruling which allows us to continue with progressing the Rosebank project while we await new consents. Rosebank is critical for the UKs economic growth, with an estimated 77pc (6.6bn) of total direct investment benefiting UK businesses.

But Tessa Khan, executive director of Uplift, said it showed that Rosebank offered minimal energy security benefits to the UK because 80pc or more of its oil was destined for export.

She said: This is a significant win  Rosebank is not the answer to energy security, lower bills or jobs. It would simply make obscenely rich oil companies even richer, while increasing the dangers for the rest of us.

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Philip Evans, the senior campaigner at Greenpeace UK, said the ruling meant the age of governments approving new drilling sites by ignoring their climate impacts is over  the courts have agreed with what climate campaigners have said all along: Rosebank and Jackdaw are unlawful, and their full climate impacts must now be properly considered.

The Jackdaw gas field was approved more than two years ago and aimed to tap four new production wells linked to an unmanned platform 150 miles east of Aberdeen.

Shell has spent 800m on the project, which could potentially produce nearly 7m cubic metres of gas a day  enough for 1.4m homes.

The reservoir is one of the UKs most challenging schemes because the gas is located under three miles of rock at extremely high temperatures of nearly 200C, at a pressure of 1,200 atmospheres.

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Drilling is already advanced, meaning Shell cannot walk away  making the field safe would also have huge costs.

If it goes ahead the gas produced would be pumped to the Shearwater gas hub via a 20-mile pipeline. There, it will enter a much longer pipeline taking it ashore in St Fergus in Scotland, where it will enter the UK gas network.

Rosebank, 80 miles west of Shetland, is also an extreme project  the water alone is 3,600 feet deep but the Rosebank field lies another 5,200 feet beneath the seabed.

It is thought to contain up to 500m barrels of recoverable oil which would be pumped into a giant ship  a floating production, storage and offloading vessel  moored permanently above the field.

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If such projects are blocked, it could lead to massive compensation claims from the companies against the Government. Developers typically incur billions of pounds in set-up costs that they may seek to recoup.

The North Sea Transition Authority, the Governments regulator, said: We note the courts decision and are considering the judgment.

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The LSU Law Center pictured on March 20, 2023, in Baton Rouge. (Matthew Perschall for Louisiana Illuminator)

A state judge has ordered LSU to allow its law professor Ken Levy to return to teaching duties. The university had removed Levy from the classroom pending an investigation into alleged criticism of Gov. Jeff Landry.

Levy, a tenured professor of constitutional and criminal law, sued the university earlier this week, saying it violated his First Amendment rights and its own policies regarding tenured faculty.

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Judge Don Johnson of the 19th Judicial District granted Levys request for a temporary restraining order that would allow him to return to the classroom for at least the next week. Johnson set a hearing for an injunction on Feb. 10. Read the judges order below.

Professor Levy is looking very much forward to his day in court, Jill Craft, Levys attorney, said in an interview. The rights that are at stake are critical to the foundation of this country.

Levy alleged in his lawsuit that political comments made on the first day of his Administration of Criminal Justice course were reported to the governor, which he believes led to calls to the university administration about his comments.

In an affidavit to the court, Levy says that he brought up Landrys reaction to comments of fellow law professor Nick Bryner during class. Levy asked his students not to record his lectures because he didnt want to be targeted by Landry.

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In November, Landry publicly asked LSU to discipline Bryner last year for his comments about President Trump the day after the presidential election. A video of Bryners comments were sent to the governor, who then circulated the video on social media.

If Governor Landry were to retaliate against me, then f*** the governor and f*** that.  all of which was a joke and clearly said in a joking manner to highlight my no recording policy in class and the First Amendment, Levy wrote in the affidavit.

While we are aware of the temporary restraining order, we will continue forward with a thorough investigation, conducted in accordance with LSUs bylaws and established procedures from which a final determination regarding Professor Levy will be made, LSU spokesman Todd Woodward said in a statement. Faculty members are expected to conduct themselves in a civil manner, with respect for the rights, views, and opinions of others.

If a student reports that a faculty member has broken this compact, we must investigate the concern, Woodward added.

Statement from LSU spokesman Todd Woodward

In response to Levys allegations regarding his faculty due process being violated, Woodward provided the following statement. Woodward references PS-15, which is LSUs policy statement regarding academic freedom, free speech and tenure.

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While academic freedom protects speech, thought, and expression within the university setting to promote learning and knowledge, it does not provide a license to:

Use the classroom as a platform for personal grievances beyond the scope of the course or otherwise.

Demean or threaten students with differing viewpoints.

Engage in gratuitous use of profanity, particularly in professional training environments such as law, where students are preparing to practice under standards of conduct and civility.

PS-15 further emphasizes that faculty members, as both scholars and representatives of LSU, should remain mindful that their words and actions reflect upon the institution. LSU recognizes that faculty status demands professional responsibility and accountability.

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Levy argues in the affidavit that the actions taken against him stifle not only his right to free speech and academic freedom but that of other faculty members. His lawsuit focuses not just on the First Amendment but on LSUs own policies regarding tenured faculty.

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Tenure provides an indefinite academic appointment to qualifying faculty members who have demonstrated excellence in their field. Academics with tenure can only be terminated for cause, but it typically only happens in extreme circumstances. College faculty view tenure as a key part of academic freedom at universities and a shield against political, corporate and religious intervention.

Levy attached a letter in his suit from LSU Director of Employee Relations Lindsay Madatic that informs Levy of his removal from the classroom pending an investigation into student complaints of inappropriate statements. Madatic writes his compensation will remain unchanged and that he is permitted on campus.

Jill Craft, Levys attorney, argues Madatic does not have the authority to discipline him.

In her request for a temporary restraining order, Craft said that LSU does not have a policy that allows for relieving a tenured professor of his or her duties.

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LSU has several policy statements and permanent memoranda that address disciplining a tenured faculty member. These policies call for several layers of review, all of which require peer faculty input. None of this happened before Levy was removed from his classes, which Levy and Craft contend is a form of discipline.

No matter how characterized by LSU, its actions in unilaterally relieving [Levy] of his teaching duties violate his substantive and procedural rights, Craft wrote.

Woodward said in a statement that LSU values the rights of its faculty to engage in scholarly discourse and express diverse viewpoints but that faculty members are expected to behave in a civil manner.

LSU Faculty Senate President Dan Tirone said the only time he was familiar with a professor being removed from the classroom pending an investigation involved Title IX allegations or other types of abuse. In those cases, the professor would also be prevented from accessing campus for safety reasons.

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The removal of Levy from the classroom led to significant backlash from the public and from LSU law students, who staged a protest Tuesday in his defense. The students delivered a petition to university general counsel Winston DeCuir calling for Levy to be reinstated, apologized to and for complete transparency into the disciplinary process.

DeCuir has since tendered his resignation.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
A federal judge said Wednesday he plans to grant a group of Democratic attorneys generals request to block President Trumps freeze on federal aid, even though the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memo was rescinded amid confusion earlier in the day.

At the end of a 35-minute virtual hearing, U.S. District Judge John McConnell signaled he agreed the OMBs rescission of its Monday night announcement did not moot the motion filed by 22 states and Washington, D.C.

The inappropriate effects that the state has put forward, I think the state has convinced me are going to continue. And that hasnt changed based on comments by the presidents press secretary, McConnell said.

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The freeze has sparked widespread confusion, even after the OMB memo was tossed earlier in the day. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt in a post to social platform X cautioned the administration was only rescinding the memo itself, not the funding freeze.

And so Im inclined to grant the restraining order, McConnell said, though Im struggling with how it would be worded, and what effect it would have.

The judge ordered the states to propose new language for the order before he signs off on it. Once the states file their proposal, the judge said hell provide the Justice Department with 24 hours to respond.

The case is one of two major lawsuits filed in response to this weeks announcement. In response to a separate challenge from private organizations, a federal judge in D.C. issued an order Tuesday temporarily blocking the administration from moving forward with its plans, at least until next week.

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At Wednesdays hearing, the government contended the Democratic attorneys generals motion was no longer a live controversy and they would need to separately file claims if they want to directly contest Trumps flurry of executive orders.

The motion is directed against the OMB memo, Justice Department attorney Daniel Schwei said. And I think it is a fundamentally different thing for them to seek relief against the potential effect of an executive order on an agency.

The judge, who was appointed by former President Obama, at the start of the hearing signaled the motion may be moot. But ultimately, the states won him over by stressing the White House press secretarys comments.

The policy has not changed, said Sarah Rice, representing Rhode Island. And that policy, to sum it up, is Freeze first, ask questions later. Thats the gravamen of our complaint; that is the source of our harm.

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The judge later expressed sympathy that the Democratic-led states and their citizens will still face irreparable harm despite the rescinded memo.

I fear, Mr. Schwei, that that the administration is acting with a distinction without a difference, McConnell said.

Ms. Rice, I think, has convinced me that that while the piece of paper may not exist, that theres sufficient evidence that the defendants collectively are acting consistent with that directive, he continued.

Updated at 4:30 p.m. EST

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St. John the Baptist President Jaclyn Hotard, pictured in front of the property where a massive grain terminal with 56 silos was proposed. (LAI photo illustration)

NEW ORLEANS  A jury reached a verdict Wednesday afternoon on a First Amendment case filed by environmental justice activist Joy Banner against St. John the Baptist Parish President Jaclyn Hotard, Parish Council President Michael Wright and the parish.

The nine jurors found three things to be true in their verdict: that Wright, Hotard and the parish did not restrict Banners speech, that the three defendants did not engage in First Amendment retaliation and that they did not violate Louisianas Open Meetings Law. As a result, Banner will not receive compensatory or punitive damages.

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The jury took more than three hours to deliberate in the U.S. Eastern District of Louisiana courthouse in New Orleans where the trial took place. Hotard and Wright were not in the courtroom for the verdict.

Cam Owens, one of the jurors, said that the video of the 2023 council meeting that set this case off was the deciding factor for the jury.

He said that he felt the testimonies were a bit muddled and that the video helped to clarify what occurred. He also said that he felt Banner had the chance to speak at the meeting.

We broke down her amount of time, and when she was stopping, when she was interrupted, and she had three minutes [to speak], and even though they were interrupting her, she did get out what she was trying to say, he told reporters. I think at the end of the day, they did try to stop her, but she did actually say what she had to say.

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Owens said he thinks Banner was not fully able to say what she had to, but that it would still be inaccurate to say that her First Amendment rights were violated because she did get to talk.

In November 2023, Banner attended a council meeting and attempted to make a public comment about the councils potential decision to hire an attorney for Hotard to represent her in an ethics investigation related to the now-canceled Greenfield grain terminal project. Hotard interrupted Banner at that meeting and told Wright to stop Banners comment.

Wright read off a statute that implied that Banner could be fined or imprisoned for continuing to speak. After trying to speak several times, Banner eventually walked away from the podium.

Banner and her twin sister Jo Banner founded The Descendants Project, an organization dedicated to telling the history of and advocating for Black communities within the River Parishes. They opposed the Greenfield development because they believed it would have negative environmental effects on their Wallace community.

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Both Banner sisters commented on the verdict outside of the courtroom, along with Joys attorney William Most.

Joy Banner said that wished the outcome was different, but that the case shined a light on transparency issues within St. John. In this way, she said the case was a win.

A win would have been nice, but it was honestly making the parish president [and] Michael Wright, our public officials have to answer for the decisions that theyve made, Joy said.

Joy said that she knows she made the right decision to go forward with the trial and said that this was an eye-opening process.

Text messages that surfaced as evidence in the case had revealed that Hotard had kept her mother-in-law, who stood to benefit from a rezoning measure tied to the Greenfield project, updated on the project, though Hotard had previously claimed no such communications existed.

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I think that President Hotard took a lot of effort to keep a lot of things hidden, and now its out there, Jo Banner said. Its a matter of public record.

Joy also described an accusation by Hotards attorney that she and her sister are trying to be social media influencers as inaccurate and that social media helps amplify their activism.

Most said that there may be future legal repercussions with regard to Hotard. He said that this trial revealed that Hotards husband had a financial stake in the land where Greenfield would have been.

The parish president has not committed to recusing herself from decisions about that plan [about Greenfield], so there may be future legal repercussions, Most said.

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Verite News reached out to Hotard and Ike Spears, Hotards attorney, for a comment on potential future legal repercussions resulting from what was revealed in the case, but they did not immediately respond.

Joy Banner said that she will absolutely continue her advocacy at St. John meetings and that the problems with transparency among parish leadership have become a rallying cry.

We will continue to do the work, Joy said. They see us fighting.

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This article first appeared on Verite News and is republished here under a Creative Commons license. .
TATTNALL COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV)  The date for the jury selection in the Bobby Kicklighter murder case has been announced.

Kicklighter was found dead in his home on January 30, 2021.

In August 2021, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) announced the arrest of three individuals, all charged with the murder of Kicklighter.

Keisha Jenae Jones, a former employee of the Georgia Department of Corrections who was allegedly in a relationship with a Smith State Prison inmate, Aerial Deshay Murphy, a roommate of Keisha Jones, and Christopher Reginald Sumlin Jr., a former inmate of Smith State Prison who had been released less than a year prior. Three days later, the GBI announced that inmate Nathan Weekes, also of Smith State Prison, had also been charged. Sumlin was also charged in the murder of Jerry Lee Davis in neighboring Wayne County that had occurred two weeks prior to Kicklighters murder.

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In April 2022, a Tattnall County grand jury indicted all four individuals, outlining the alleged criminal activity, violent crimes across the region, and the supposed criminal enterprise operating at Smith State Prison. In September of the same year, the state formally announced it would seek the death penalty for Nathan Weekes and Christopher Sumlin, who will be tried separately. The charges against Jones and Murphy are also expected to be adjudicated in their entirety at the conclusion of the Weekes and Sumlin trials.

Whether or not the case will need a change of venue is to be determined. All four of the individuals charged in the Kicklighter murder have been behind bars since their arrests.

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NEW JERSEY (PIX11)  The wife of a Paterson man detained by ICE agents Monday said she has no idea whats next or when she will see her husband again.

Through a translator, Liliana said she fled Peru in 2023 with her husband and children amid threats of extortion and kidnapping. Their immigration attorney, Jayson DiMaria, said they were in the process of legally seeking asylum when ICE agents approached her husband Monday morning.

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He was leaving for work, and they just went up to him and arrested him, said DiMaria.

Liliana said her husband is being held in a Pennsylvania detention center. DiMaria said he was moved out of state because of a previous arrest warrant in Argentina for domestic violence.

DiMaria said his client knew nothing about it.

Over the past two years, after being fingerprinted twice and released from custody, he was never charged with anything, and nobody ever came after him, said DiMaria. So were just really confused by the situation.

Liliana said her children have not been eating or sleeping well. She does not know when she will see her husband again and prays he is not deported.

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DiMaria said he is having trouble getting answers because he cant contact his client.

Immigration has a phone number to call, said DiMaria. You can never get anybody to answer the callAny detention center you, you get nothing but voicemails. Its really like a major run around.

DiMaria said his clients did everything right, obtaining employment cards and a drivers license and attending all court dates.

ICE said it is conducting targeted operations to enforce immigration law and preserve public safety, keeping potentially dangerous criminal aliens out of our communities.

DiMaria said he has no idea what will come next.

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Its just chaos, said DiMaria. Its totally chaotic. Nobody knows right now whats being followed and what theyre looking to do.

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The author is a federal civil servant who has been granted the use of a pen name to protect them and their family from reprisals.

The new Trump administrations effort to both get a grip on and dismantle the federal workforce has also been a dystopian farce, climaxing Tuesday evening, after the Office of Personnel Management sent an email offering what the media has described as a buyout to all federal employees. This saga began shortly after Donald Trump took office, when someone asserting the authority of OPM began spamming federal workers with emails demanding a reply. In one breath, the message asked all employees to respond Yes to confirm that the system was working, but it also warned employees to be cautious about the contents of emails coming to them. Meanwhile, the note itself was flagged, for recipients with a government email account, as having come from an [EXTERNAL] sourceand thus not necessarily one to be trusted.

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Then, Tuesday night, federal workers were sent an email announcing a fork in the road. Again, the message was flagged by government servers as [EXTERNAL]. This email, much of which was copied and pasted from a similar message sent to Twitter employees after Elon MuskTrumps pick to lead his effort to overhaul the civil service, otherwise known as the Department of Government Efficiencytook over that company, proclaims that the federal workforce will be undergoing significant changes. Anyone who didnt want to participate in this new vision was invited to reply Resign to the flagged-as-external email address and collect six months salary, without having to perform any additional work, while they looked for a new job. The details of this offer are confusing, conflict with later OPM FAQs about the program, and seem to run afoul of long-standing legal caps on severance packages.

Welcome to government by chatbot.

This latest buyout directive is evocative of A.I. gobbledygook, beyond evidently being a copy-and-paste job from Musks Twitter exploits. When technologists assess a new A.I. language tool, the go-to metric is generally not the accuracy of its product, or even the consistency of its answers. It is engagement. Substance is pushed aside in pursuit of simply keeping human eyeballs trained on its messages for as long as possible. Once considered a proxy for contents ability to be valuable or worthwhile, attention itself has become the commodity were after: looks, likes, clicks, play next episode. Unfortunately, one of the easiest ways to engage people is to enrage them.

Like a chatbot in training, the Musk-Miller-Trump administration is not a principled political entity concerned with substance, consistency, or competence. In the administrations executive order regarding TikTok, for instance, the president endeavored to grant rights to private companies in one paragraph (the DOJ shall take no action to enforce the Act or impose any penalties against any entity for any noncompliance with the Act), while specifically disclaiming the gift to TikTok in another (this order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States). This was a presidential pinky-swear with his fingers crossed.

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Even before Tuesdays email, the original, outside-the-government Department of Government Efficiency project spearheaded by Musk immediately ran afoul of regulations protecting against corruption that keep our democracy from slipping into an oligarchy. When the administration pivoted to bring the project inside the government, meanwhile, it immediately ran afoul of safeguards against citizen surveillance and privacy protections that keep our democracy from slipping into an autocracy.

Which brings us back to the buyout. Putting aside Musks failed promises to Twitter employees who had hoped for a similar buyout, the vision of the federal workforce announced in the email is no more sensible than the TikTok executive order, no more effective at considering governmental protections than the early DOGE efforts. One pillar of this supposed new federal workforce presumes the flexible assignment and reassignment of anyone who works for the federal government to whatever task, agency, or group the president wants, whenever he wants. In other words, it assumes that the president can usurp the priority-setting prerogatives exclusive to Congress when it sets its budgets and directs funds toward or away from various mandates.

In another pillar, the vision asserts the presidents right to reclassify federal works to at-will employees. But to do that, he should have to pass new regulations, legislation that would require planning, process, public comment, and (likely) judicial review. And to skip that process, hed have to revoke the Administrative Procedure Act, a move that should require an act of Congress and (likely) judicial review.

If that sounds like a lot of red tape worth cutting through, think of it this way: If the president can do what this memo suggests he can do to federal workers, then he can do pretty much anything to pretty much anyone at pretty much any time. He can change substantive law on a whimbanking codes, safety regs, union protections, taxes.

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These are not the actions of a thoughtful, careful, or competent government. It is not the one envisioned by our founders or present throughout the first nearly two and a half centuries of the American experiment. This is the empty chatter of a bot trained on revenge fantasy scripts that lacks a fourth graders understanding of the branches of government and separation of powers.

But, hey, its good for grabbing headlines.

And of course, what do you do with a bot youve trained to be maximally engaging? You put it behind a paywall, make it a subscription service.
CONWAY, S.C. (WBTW)  A Myrtle Beach woman is set to become a first-time homeowner with the help of the Horry County Habitat for Humanity and Hilton Grand Vacations.

Vanessa Cox, 63, is originally from Myrtle Beach, but will own her first home in Conway, just a block away from her grandson.

Construction on the home started in December and is expected to be finished by midsummer. The project is led by Habitat for Humanity and Hilton Grand Vacations, who have teamed up to help those in need.

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Rachel Kennon, organizational advancement director for the Horry County Habitat for Humanity, said the organization looks for three main criteria when building a home for someone: the person selected must have a need for safe and affordable housing, they must be willing to partner with Habitat for Humanity, and they have to be able to pay the affordable mortgage that comes with the home.

We seek to put Gods love into action by building homes, communities and hope for people in need in our community, Kennon said. So this house will be purchased by a wonderful, amazing woman named Vanessa. She has expressed to us that she sees this as such a blessing. She is currently living in an unsafe situation and so we are just so excited for her to have this home finished and to be able to move in and be a homeowner for the first time.

Cox works as a local minister at Greater True Light Sounds of Praise. She said it wasnt just luck that brought the organizations to her soon-to-be doorstep, after years of struggle.

Without God, this wouldnt be possible. And for Habitat to be a faith built, I just know that they were sent to me, Cox explained. We were connected, you know, for a reason. I certainly want to thank Habitat for being my angel.

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Cox volunteered with Habitat for Humanity before being selected for the special project. She said being able to work on her own home allows her to appreciate it on an even deeper level.

Give a man a fish, feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime, she said.

With her new home also comes close proximity to her grandson, who lives just one block away. Cox said she is excited for him to finally come over to grandmas house and play in grandmas yard.

Every time I think about this move, I just want to cry from excitement, she said, Getting my own home, you know, just making that move, going to a higher level in life, it makes you feel very mature, very stable, you know. Im just excited for what God has for me next.

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Kennon with Habitat for Humanity said each home built costs roughly $190,000 to build, depending on the size of the home, the land used, and construction expenses.

Andrew Graziano, general manager for Hilton Grand Vacations, said the H.G.V. Serves program is what allows them to partner with Habitat to help build community homes.

Were very thankful to have such a strong relationship with Habitat for Humanity from our corporate entity, Graziano said. Well be working on helping install some of the hurricane strapping, some of the hardware that goes into holding this house together, so were really excited for that.

Graziano said hes thankful the county has such a strong code enforcement for the safety and stability of each home built. He said that this helps ensure that the home for Cox, and others, will be able to withstand the years to come.

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Cox said although she may be older than others getting their first home, shes proud of herself and the path God, and her own will, has paved her. She said this is going to give her a life she knows will continue to only get better.

As a 63 year old woman, this means a lot to me. It means a lot to my family, Cox said. Its a blessing, its a great blessing. Im just so excited about just laying down in my new home.

* * *

Gabby Jonas joined the News13 team as a multimedia journalist in April 2024. She is from Columbus, Ohio, and graduated from Kent State University in May 2023. Follow Gabby on X, formerly Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, and read more of her work here.

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JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Office of Hawaiian Affairs board Chair Kai Kahele, right, met with members of the Save our Kakaako group prior to the start of a Senate hearing Wednesday at the state Capitol. The hearing was for Senate Bill 534, which would allow OHA to develop housing on land it owns in the Kakaako Makai sector.

JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Office of Hawaiian Affairs board Chair Kai Kahele, right, met with members of the Save our Kakaako group prior to the start of a Senate hearing Wednesday at the state Capitol. The hearing was for Senate Bill 534, which would allow OHA to develop housing on land it owns in the Kakaako Makai sector.

A contentious bill to largely undo a state law prohibiting residential development on the peninsula in Kakaako drew almost two-thirds more support than opposition at an initial public hearing Wednesday.

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Three Senate committees received nearly 400 pages of written testimony on Senate Bill 534, and after a three-hour hearing deferred a decision on the legislation until early next week.

About 140 individuals or organizations expressed support for SB 534, which was proposed by the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs to enhance the value and revenue-generating potential of land the agency owns in Kakaako, makai of Ala Moana Boulevard, subject to the existing ban.

About 40 individuals or organizations opposed the bill.

Among supporters testifying in person was former Gov. Neil Abercrombie, who once opposed housing in the area known as Kakaako Makai.

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Ive really come full circle now all the way with Kakaako Makai,  he told about a dozen senators at the hearing at the state Capitol. If we dont have housing in the urban core, if we do not make for housing in Kakaako Makai, what were telling everybody is, you dont count.

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Other supporters included Hawaiis biggest public worker unions, the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and Kamehameha Schools, which owns four large parcels that would gain entitlements to possibly build 400-foot residential towers if the bill as written becomes law.

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Entities testifying against SB 534 included Life of the Land, Friends of Kewalos, Hawaiis Thousand Friends and a community advisory council that helped create a plan for desired uses on much of the peninsula before OHA acquired 31 acres there in 2012.

Ron Iwami, president of the Friends of Kewalos community organization, which helped persuade the Legislature to ban residential use on the peninsula in 2006, told senators Wednesday that the group doesnt oppose housing or OHA but wants to stand up for what he called a landmark  law.

We stand for protecting open spaces for Hawaiis future generations, and weve been doing this for 20 years,  he said.

The 2006 law was enacted to block a private project on land then owned by the Hawaii Community Development Authority, a state agency that allowed residential use in Kakaako Makai under its zoning rules and had sought to enliven the largely blighted area by soliciting private development proposals providing public benefits.

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HCDA picked a plan by Honolulu-based Alexander &Baldwin Inc. that included three condominium towers clustered on one inland lot, a hula amphitheater, restaurants, stores, a farmers market, a public waterfront promenade and a pedestrian bridge spanning the Kewalo Basin harbor channel.

In 2012, when Abercrombie was governor, OHA agreed to receive 31 acres valued at about $200 million from HCDA to partially settle claims against the state over unpaid revenue generated from former Hawaiian crown lands, referred to as ceded land.

OHA, a state agency created to better conditions for Native Hawaiians, later claimed that the lands value was worth far less and has repeatedly but unsuccessfully tried for over a decade to get the Legislature to reverse the housing ban for at least some of its land.

OHAs new plan seeks to permit residential use on five of its nine Kakaako Makai parcels, along with four blocks owned by Ka mehameha Schools.

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Two of these OHA parcels and all four Kamehameha Schools parcels fronting Ala Moana Boulevard are proposed for 400-foot building height limits, up from an existing 200-foot limit. OHA also is asking to amend the bill to increase density for buildings on these six parcels.

For the six parcels, OHAs bill would mandate that more than 50 % of all resulting homes be reserved for Hawaii resident households that dont earn over 140 % of Oahus median income.

Furthermore, buyers of the reserved homes would have to be owner-occupants, and a preference would be given to those who work within 5 miles of the area in essential  fields that include education, health care, law enforcement, hospitality and construction.

For the other three OHA parcels, the agency would like to be able to produce market-priced housing within existing height limits and for only Hawaii residents with an owner-occupant restriction, or perhaps a hotel or condo-hotel on one parcel. In all, OHA estimates that it could produce 1, 000 to 2, 000 new homes over a decade or so.

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Kai Kahele, a former state and federal lawmaker who is OHAs board chair after being elected to the agencys board of trustees in August, has framed the proposal as helping the state end a chronic shortage of affordable housing for moderate-income households.

This state is facing a crisis,  he said at Wednesdays hearing. Our workforce housing shortage is forcing locals and local families to leave.  We are not here to build housing for out-of-state investors.

Kahele said proceeds from market-priced housing would help fund OHA programs that benefit Hawaiians, and allow the agency to pay for other planned improvements on its Kakaako Makai lands, including a Hawaiian cultural center and public waterfront promenade along the Ewa edge of Kewalo Basin Small Boat Harbor.

The state Department of the Attorney General raised concerns about SB 534 running afoul of a provision in Hawaiis Constitution that requires the state to legislate over land under its control through general laws instead of special laws.

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An unconstitutional special law regulates specific parcels of land rather than land generally,  the department said in written testimony. The department suggested ways to address the concern.

HCDA Executive Director Craig Nakamoto suggested that the Legislature give authority for determining appropriate Kakaako Makai land uses back to the agency, which employs planning experts and must hold public hearings for rule changes.

Since 1982 when HCDA was directed by the Legislature to govern development in Kakaako Makai, the agency changed its rules more than once to allow or not allow residential use in the area.

Much of the roughly 200-acre peninsula was created from fill as a city dump. Later the buried waste was consolidated and covered by HCDA to form the hilly Kakaako Waterfront Park. Surrounding commercial development has included warehouses, base yards, ship repair facilities, office buildings, restaurants, a childrens museum and the University of Hawaii medical school.

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Two senators during Wednesdays hearing, Sen. Kurt Fevella (R, Ewa Beach-Ocean Pointe-Iroquois Point ) and Sen. Joy San Buenaventura (D, Puna ), expressed some disdain for HCDA.

Fevella and San Buenaventura are among 11 senators who introduced SB 534 in the 25-member Senate.

The three Senate committees that heard the bill Wednesday were the Committee on Water and Land, the Committee on Hawaiian Affairs and the Committee on Housing.

In past years, the Senate has passed other OHA-backed bills to allow residential development on some of the agencys land in Kakaako Makai only to have those bills stall in the House, where they were opposed by then-Rep. Scott Saiki, who represented Kakaako and during that time was House speaker or majority leader with great power over bills.

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Saiki lost his bid for reelection in August. This year, 18 representatives in the 51-member House have expressed early support for OHAs proposed legislation.

House Bill 605, which mirrors SB 543, is a priority for the bipartisan 13-member House Native Hawaiian Caucus, and five other representatives helped introduce the bill. A hearing has not yet been scheduled for HB 605.

At a Friday news conference, Rep. Daniel Holt, co-chair of the caucus, expressed optimism that there will no longer be a standstill in the House over such legislation.

With new House leadership and with new leadership at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, I really look forward to having productive, meaningful discussions to finally get this issue taken care of and this settled for the Hawaiian community,  said Holt (D, Sand Island-Iwilei-Chinatown ).
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  A retired Air Force veteran spent over a decade in the service. He says his family was key in helping him after he returned from deployment overseas.

Retired Air Force Sergeant Hughy Tolbert was drafted back in 1968 and chose the Air Force for a specific reason.

Well, I got a draft notice, and I figured everyone that was going to the army was going to Vietnam after they got out of basic training, and I didnt want to go to Vietnam, and so I went to join the Air Force, he said.

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But Tolberts decision didnt keep him out of Vietnam. He served a year unloading cargo and sometimes loading the coffins of fallen soldiers to be taken home.

It makes you grow up fast, you know? Everything that you did, you had to make the right decisions because you dont know whether you would be living the next day or not, he said.

Air Force veteran decided to land in Augusta after serving his country

Tolbert says his experience in Vietnam was traumatic, but he also experienced a comradery that went beyond service members backgrounds.

Black and white in Vietnam got along real good. We got along real good because we had to depend on each other, he said.

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When he returned to the U.S., Tolbert struggled and asked the Air Force to be closer to family. He was sent to a base in Missouri, near Kansas City.

So I ended up getting stationed with my brother at Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base, so that helped me out too, and it just smoothed my life right out, he said.

Tolberts family connected him with a psychiatrist, which is something he encourages anyone struggling with mental health issues to do. He was transferred to administration and wrapped up his time with the Air Force in 1979 as a sergeant.

Today, Tolbert says you should only consider a military career if you can follow orders.

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Go for it, but make the best out of it, he said.

If you want to nominate a veteran for our Veteran Salute, send an email to connect3news@ksn.com or fill out our online contact form!

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WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  Kansas lawmakers are considering requiring child support payments before birth. A hearing was held in Topeka on House Bill 2062.

Typically, child support starts at birth, but this bill proposes that non-custodial parents will be responsible for financial support during the pregnancy, such as medical expenses and prenatal care.

The hearing held by the House Committee on Judiciary heard both sides of this issue. Supporters of the bill say it provides critical care for expectant mothers, ensuring theyre able to afford care and seek resources. Opponents raised concerns about how this would be enforced and if there are legal considerations.

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Groundbreaking pediatric leukemia treatment now available in Wichita

No woman should ever feel that abortion is her only option, and House Bill 2062 may help alleviate some of the financial stress a pregnant woman faces at a critical time, said Jeanne Gawdun with Kansans for Life.

This bill will further codify fetal personhood language into Kansas law as a means of advancing anti-abortion agenda despite the public support, said Taylor Morton with Planned Parenthood Great Plains.

The bill also doesnt provide support for elective abortions unless the abortion was done to save the mothers life.

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The committee hearing has been adjourned for now. You can learn more about the bill here.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A passenger jet collided Wednesday with an Army helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, prompting a large search-and-rescue operation in the nearby Potomac River.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the midair crash occurred around 8 p.m. CST when a regional jet that had departed from Wichita, Kansas, collided with a military Blackhawk helicopter while on approach to an airport runway. It occurred in some of the most tightly controlled and monitored airspace in the world, just over three miles south of the White House and the Capitol.

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Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly posted on Facebook saying I am aware that a plane inbound from Wichita was involved in a crash at Reagan National Airport. I am actively in contact with authorities. My thoughts go out to those involved. I will share more information as it becomes available.

U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, (R-Kan.) released a statement saying tonight, we received devastating news of what can only be described as nothing short of a nightmare. A plane, traveling to the Nations capital from Wichita, KS carrying roughly 60 passengers collided with a Military helicopter. My prayer is that God wraps his arms around each and every victim and that he continues to be with their families. There are no words that can make telling this story any easier. I ask the world to join me in praying for Kansas this evening, the first responders, rescue crews, and all those involved in this horrific accident. I have been in contact with local and national authorities asking for answers and will continue to demand more information on how this unfolded.

Rep. Sharice Davids (D-Kan.) posted on X saying Im closely monitoring reports of the plane crash involving a flight from Wichita to D.C. My thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and all those affected. Grateful for the first responders on the scene.

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) also released a statement saying Learning that a plane inbound from Kansas was involved in a crash at DCA. I am in contact with authorities. Please join me in praying for all involved

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President Donald Trump said he had been fully briefed on this terrible accident and, referring to the passengers, added, May God Bless their souls.

The plane had departed from Wichita, Kansas and was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, according to American Airlines.

In a statement, the airline said it is in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts.

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Were aware of reports that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) has been involved in an incident. We will provide information as it becomes available.

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All take-offs and landings were halted at DCA as emergency personnel responded to the incident.

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Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kan.) said Thursday that the deadly plane crash near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night will be a tragedy that touches our community.

Estes represents Kansass 4th Congressional District, which includes Wichita, where the flight to Washington departed.

I know this is [going to] be a tragedy that touches our community, Estes said during a press conference, adding later that its going to have consequences for years to come.

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More than 60 people were believed to be on board an American Airlines flight that collided midair with a military helicopter shortly prior to landing at the airport. Officials have said they do not expect any survivors.

This is such a tragic day for our community, Estes said. So many of us will be touched by people that we know, directly or indirectly, that were victims of this tragic tragedy that happened.

Other Kansas officials have weighed in on the crash, including both U.S. senators for the state and the governor.

When one person dies, its a tragedy, but when many, many, many people die, its an unbearable sorrow, Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) said during a press conference Wednesday night alongside Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and other officials. Its a heartbreak beyond measure.

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And, I know Sen. Moran and I are here just to  to say we care, he added. We wish that there was more we could do.

President Trump has said the crash should have been prevented.

The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport, the president posted on Truth Social. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time.

It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didnt the helicopter go up or down, or turn. Why didnt the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane, he continued. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!!

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Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, celebrated passage by the Kansas Senate of a bill banning gender-affirming medical care. The bill moves to the Kansas House. Masterson said the Legislature was prepared to override a veto by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA  The Kansas Senate approved with a bipartisan supermajority a bill prohibiting health professionals from providing gender-affirming care to minors and enforcing that statewide ban with civil, financial and regulatory sanctions for violators.

The Senate voted 32-8 on Wednesday to forward the legislation to the Kansas House, where it was expected to be approved and sent to Gov. Laura Kelly. The Democratic governor vetoed a comparable bill last year, but the Legislature was unable to pull together two-thirds majorities necessary to override her.

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Senate President Ty Masterson, a Republican from Andover, said the Help Not Harm Act was necessary to protect children. He said surgeries, puberty blockers and other measures violated the duty of a medical professional to do no harm to the patient.

A supermajority of the Kansas Senate took a firm stand in support of helping and not harming children by making it clear that transgender ideology and the mutilation of minors is no longer legal in Kansas, Masterson said.

Masterson said credit for progress on the legislation should be shared with courageous men and women who have spoken out against the harm these procedures are causing our children.

This bill is extreme

The legislation was part of a multi-year campaign in Kansas to stop individuals under the age of 18 from receiving gender-affirming care. It was a political rejection of decisions by Kansans to seek treatment to address a condition described as gender dysphoria, in which a person experienced distress due to a mismatch between biological sex and gender identity.

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Health and medical associations warned of harmful consequences to closing off care for youth. Opponents of the measure said it was outrageous to place in statute potential civil penalties and license revocations for professionals working within their scope of practice.

Such a law could be challenged on constitutional grounds. A Kansas Supreme Court decision affirming the right to abortion, which relied upon analysis of the Kansas Constitutions Bill of Rights, hinged on a belief Kansans had a core constitutional right to bodily autonomy.

Eight of nine Democrats in the Senate voted against the measure. All 31 Republicans voted for the bill, and that veto-proof majority was bolstered by support from Sen. David Haley, a Democrat from Kansas City, Kansas.

Sen. Cindy Holscher, D-Overland Park, offered an amendment  it was defeated  that would have allowed minors taking medication related to gender-affirming treatment to continue that regimen after a Dec. 31, 2025, deadline written into the bill.

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This bill is extreme and expands far beyond a ban on certain kinds of health care, Holscher said. This bill inserts politicians into highly personal, private health care situations and that is against the values of Kansans.

Identical bills were introduced in the House and Senate to advance the anti-transgender agenda. Republican Sen. Renee Erickson of Wichita introduced Senate Bill 63, while Republican Rep. Ron Bryce of Coffeyville was responsible for House Bill 2071.

Committees in both chambers conducted public hearings on the bills, but the full Senate acted first. The House could move ahead with Bryces bill, which would be open to amendment, or simply concur with the Senate to move the bill as quickly as possible to Kelly.

Once it officially arrived on the governors desk, she would have 10 days to determine whether to veto it, sign it or allow it to become law without her signature.

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In 2024, Kelly said Kansas shouldnt join about two-dozen states that banned or restricted gender-affirming care for minors because those actions trampled parental rights and targeted a tiny sector of the states population.

Voters do not want politicians getting between doctors and their patient by interfering in private medical decisions, Kellys veto message said.

House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican, responded to her veto by declaring she would find herself on the wrong side of history.

Masterson, the Senates president, pledged to override Kelly if she again stood in the way of legislation putting an end to this extreme practice within our borders once and for all.

Not a social experiment

Under Senate Bill 63, a civil cause of action would be created for lawsuits against health professionals involved in gender-affirming chemical or surgical interventions with minors. The measure would set the statute of limitations for such lawsuits at 10 years from the patients 18th birthday. The bill would prevent professional liability insurance from covering damages related to these suits.

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The measure would restrain use of state tax dollars to promote gender transitioning. It would authorize professional disciplinary sanctions against health professionals responsible for delivering prohibited gender-affirming care.

If a physician prescribed drugs to a minor that were subsequently forbidden by law, the treatment would have to be gradually diminished and discontinued by Dec. 31.

Sen. Beverly Gossage, the Eudora Republican who carried the bill on the Senate floor, theorized 80% of minors seeking gender-affirming treatment suffered from autism, ADHD, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, PTSD or some form of trauma. She said many seeking the treatment were victims of sexual abuse.

Gossage, who chairs the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, said three-fourths of these patients were females who were often influenced by social media. Physicians and mental health professionals were pressuring youth to accept medical intervention that could begin with puberty blockers and progress to surgery, she said.

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Theres a troubling trend of doctors and mental health experts who are overlooking the underlying issues and putting these kids on an assembly line to so-called gender-affirming care, Gossage said. Children are not a social experiment. They are being ushered down a conveyor belt to lifelong pharmaceutical dependencies.

The Senate defeated an amendment proposed by Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, D-Lenexa, to allow mental health professionals  school counselors, for example  to provide assistance to minors trying to work through gender issues.

The Senate rejected an amendment by Haley, the lone Democratic supporter of the bill, to change the threshold of medical independence in terms of an individuals right to gender-affirming care from 18 in the bill to 14. Likewise, the Senate deflected an amendment that would have set the age of medical independence at 16.

Sen. Tory Marie Blew, R-Great Bend, quizzed her colleagues about the age at which a person could legally get a tattoo, vote or drink at a bar.

At the age of 14, you can change your gender, but you cant get a drink at a bar until youre 21? Come on, people, she said.
Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall (R) said Wednesdays plane crash near Reagan Washington National Airport that left dozens dead is an unbearable sorrow.

When one person dies, its a tragedy, but when many, many, many people die, its an unbearable sorrow, Marshall said during a Thursday press conference alongside Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and local officials. Its a heartbreak beyond measure.

And, I know Sen. Moran and I are here just to  to say we care, he added. We wish that there was more we could do.

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Close to 60 people were believed to be on an American Airlines flight that collided midair with a military helicopter shortly prior to landing at National Airport in Virginia. Officials have said there were no survivors.

According to American Airlines, the flight was en route from Wichita, Kan.

Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) speaks to a reporter as he leaves the Senate Chamber on July 31, 2024, in Washington. (Greg Nash)

I want the folks  back home [to just] know that we care, that we love them and that this is [the] time when  when well have to join arms together and, and help each other out, Marshall said.

President Trump has said the crash should have been prevented.

The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport, the president posted on Truth Social. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time.

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It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didnt the helicopter go up or down, or turn. Why didnt the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane, he continued. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!!

Other Kansas officials, including Moran and Gov. Laura Kelly (D), have also weighed in on the crash.

I am aware that a plane inbound from Wichita was involved in a crash at Reagan National Airport. I am actively in contact with authorities. My thoughts go out to those involved. I will share more information as it becomes available, Kelly said in a late Wednesday post on the social platform X.

Updated at 9:56 a.m. EST

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President Donald Trumps nominee to be the next FBI director, Kash Patel, claimed during his confirmation hearing on Thursday that he had never heard of a right-wing conspiracy theorist  before being reminded that he's appeared on his show eight times.

Patel arrived on Capitol Hill for his hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, where he was asked by ranking member Democratic Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin about his knowledge of Stew Peters, a far-right podcaster.

Are you familiar with Stew Peters? Durbin asked.

Kash Patel, President Donald Trump's choice to be director of the FBI, listens as Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, gives opening statements before Patel's Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025. Patel was asked about his appearances on a far-right podcast (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Not off the top of my head, said Patel.

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You made eight separate appearances on his podcast, said Durbin. He promoted outrageous conspiracy theories and worked with a prominent neo-Nazi.

I'm just asking, when it comes to your association with individuals, why are so many of them in this category? Durbin asked.

My association, as you loosely define it, is by appearing in media over 1,000 times, to take on people who are putting on conspiratorial theories and to disavow them of their false impressions and to talk to them about the truth, said Patel. That is something that I will always continue to fight for.

A former aide to President Donald Trump and a former chief of staff at the Department of Defense, Patel has parroted large parts of the presidents criticism of the bureau.

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He has suggested that the FBIs authority be severely restricted after claims by Republicans that the FBI has improperly targeted conservatives in the last few years, allegations that the departing FBI Director Christopher Wray has rejected.

Critics of Patel argue that hes not qualified to lead the nations top law enforcement agency and that he wants to direct the FBI to go after Trumps adversaries.

Peters hosts the Stew Peters Show, which often features conspiracy theories, and has also made viral anti-vaccine films, as well as the recent film Occupied, which claims to reveal a Jewish conspiracy in the West.

According to the Anti-Defamation League, Peters is a prolific antisemite.

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Even so, Peters has hosted Republican congressmen and prominent figures in Trumpworld. Other guests include the HHS Secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Rolling Stone referred to Peters as a failed rapper and former bounty hunter, who has called for show trials and public executions of journalists and other public figures, such as former chief medical adviser to the president Dr. Anthony Fauci and Hunter Biden.

Peters has claimed, among other things, that Israel has the United States completely bent over the barrel and that U.S. politicians do whatever their Israeli masters say to do.

The chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Iowa Republican Chuck Grassley, told the nominee in his opening statement: Mr. Patel, you must be fair, you must be consistent, but you must be aggressive. Your actions must be based on accountability, and transparency brings accountability.

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He added: Should you do so, you'll have my support, and remember, either you're going to run your agency or the agency's going to run you, and the agency certainly ended up running Director [Christopher] Wray, and probably people before him.

The ranking member, Democratic Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, slammed Patel in his own opening statement, saying, Since 1935, the motto of the FBI has been fidelity, bravery, integrity. These qualities represent the course of the Bureau's core values and the high standards that are expected of all of its employees, including the director of the FBI.

He added: After meeting with Mr. Patel and reviewing his record, I do not believe you meet this standard. Mr. Patel has neither the experience, the temperament, nor the judgment to lead an agency of 38,000 agents and 400 field offices around the globe.

During the time I've served on this committee, I've had the opportunity to consider four FBI Director nominations. Each one was a Republican, and I voted for all of them, said Durbin.
United States Senator Marsha Blackburn had a very specific request for Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

During Kashyap "Kash" Patel's Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday, the Tennessee Senator said she has worked on the case surrounding Jeffrey Epstein case for years and has requested the records be subpoenaed, but has faced alleged stonewalling.

"Will you work with me on this issue so we know who worked with Jeffrey Epstein in building these sex trafficking rings?" asked Blackburn, to which Patel responded "absolutely."

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According to Blackburn, the files would include information on who flew on Epstein's plane and who collaborated with the wealthy financier to build an international sex-trafficking ring.

What files regarding the Jeffrey Epstein case have been released?

Various batches of documents related to the Epstein case have been released since the billionaire and disgraced financier was charged with sex trafficking in 2019. He died at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York awaiting trial.

The most recent batch of documents was released in January of 2024, highlighting the way the accused sex traffickers influence reached across multiple states. The hundreds of pages released in January were from a years-old lawsuit brought by one of Epsteins alleged victims and included the names of some of his associates, witnesses and victims for the first time.

Among the most notable names mentioned in the documents were former presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump, but no wrongdoing was alleged. Others included Prince Andrew of Great Britain, famed magician David Copperfield and Ohio billionaire Leslie H. Wexner.

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The first time Epstein was investigated in connection to the allegations of sex trafficking began in Palm Beach, Florida, in 2006, where it turned out dozens of girls, some as young as fourteen, had stories of being abused on his island in the Caribbean.

Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to a solicitation charge and an additional felony charge of procuring a minor for prostitution, in a deal that allowed him to traffic, rape and molest underage girls for 11 more years.

Jeffrey Epstein secret transcripts: Victim was asked, Do you know 'you committed a crime?'

More: DeSantis signs bill meant to release secret 2006 Epstein grand jury documents

Who is Kash Patel, Donald Trump's pick for FBI director?

Kashyap "Kash" Patel is a former federal prosecutor, national security official and staunch Donald Trump supporter. According to USA TODAY, Patel gave money to alleged rioters through his foundation and even helped produce the patriotic song featuring jailed Jan. 6 defendants that played at Trump campaign rallies.

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Patel has been one of the leading figures in changing the narrative surrounding the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, reported USA TODAY.

In March, Patel claimed Democrats knew in advance that the 2021 attack was coming. He previously said that undercover FBI agents spurred rioters to enter the building and that the FBI planned the attack for months  a claim contradicted by a recent Justice Department Inspector General report.

Patel has also been criticized by Democrats and nonpartisan groups for lacking the experience to lead the FBI and for peddling conspiracy theories about federal government employees, the COVID-19 vaccine and more.

More: Kash Patel breaks with Trump on clemency for Jan. 6 violence against law enforcement

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Contributing: USA TODAY

Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @_leyvadiana

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Watch: Kash Patel asked about Esptein files at confirmation hearing
Kash Patel, President Donald Trumps nominee to be FBI Director, is sworn in during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee in Washington, DC on Jan. 30, 2025 Credit - Anna MoneymakerGetty Images

Outside a hearing room in the Hart Senate Office Building, there was a long line of expectant MAGA supporters. Many had been waiting for hours, hoping to witness a defining moment ushering in a Trumpian takeover of one of the nations most powerful law enforcement agencies.

They may well have. On Thursday, President Donald Trumps nominee to lead the FBI, Kash Patel, endured hours of questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee, in what seemed more like a ceremonial exercise than a high-stakes confirmation hearing. The former Trump official faced no resistance from Republicans, who hold a 52-seat majority and can confirm him without any Democratic support. Even Democrats, who say Patel is unqualified and unfit for the role, seemed resigned to his fate.

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Still, the more Democrats grilled Patel, the more he distanced himself from the no-holes-barred bombast that made him a darling of the America First movement. He scaled back his fierce criticisms of the FBI as a cesspool, saying 98% of its agents are courageous apolitical warriors for justice. He repudiated far-right QAnon conspiracy theories. When pressed on comments hes made on right-wing podcasts, he denied that his own words reflected his views, calling them false accusations and grotesque mischaracterizations." Most notably, Patel broke with Trump on granting clemency to all of the Jan. 6 defendants: I do not agree with the commutation of any sentence of any individual who committed violence against law enforcement, he said.

It was no secret why. With nearly the entire Republican Party under Trumps control, Patel needs only to avoid alienating a small cohort of GOP Senators whose opposition could imperil his nomination. To that end, Patel played it safe, hoping to abate fears that he would end the bureau's longstanding tradition of independence from the White House.

He often tiptoed around potential tripwires and stripped Democrats of the chance to land any fatal blows. At the same time, though, he sent enough signals to Trump World that he would fulfill the Presidents plan to refashion the FBI and impose his will on its far-flung investigators and prosecutors.

During the hearing, Patel refused to rule out opening investigations into former Attorney General William Barr, former FBI Director Christopher Wray, or any of the other people on a 60-person deep state roster included in his 2023 book, Government Gangsters. The list also includes Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Hillary Clinton, Merrick Garland, Robert Mueller and James Comey.

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Patel eschewed direct questions about specific actions he would take in office, instead committing to avoid wrongdoing more broadly. I would never do anything unconstitutional or unlawful, he said. When Democratic Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey asked him to share his grand jury testimony on Trumps classified documents case, Patel rebuffed the request, saying (incorrectly) that he didnt have the authority to do so. At another point, he refused to say whether Joe Biden won the 2020 election.

Those evasions may be simply to get over the finish line. If the Senate confirms Patel, he will enjoy a 10-year term granting him enormous power over American life, leading a law enforcement entity of more than 38,000 agents who do everything from hunting down terrorists and prosecuting child sex predators to investigating political corruption. To MAGA, he offers a revolutionary opportunity to smash an institution that has investigated Trump and his allies. To critics, Patel is a Trump acolyte who represents a danger to constitutional norms. Recalling J. Edgar Hoovers abusesgreenlighting improper investigations into Martin Luther King Jr.they worry he would exploit his power to curtail Americans freedoms and target Trumps political adversaries.

Most of the Democratic line of questioning focused on Patels past statements. Patel told Senators that he rejected outright QAnon baseless conspiracy theoriesa carefully worded answer that rhetorically disassociated himself from the far-right online community without technically contradicting his once partial embrace of it. In 2022, for instance, he said: I disagree with a lot of what that movement says, but I agree with a lot of what that movement says.

In a surprising move, Patel said he didnt agree with Trump commuting the sentences of people who assaulted Capitol police officers on Jan. 6, 2021. There can never be a tolerance for anyone who committed violence against law enforcement, said Patel, who has called the rioters charged with crimes political prisoners. Multiple Democrats pressed Patel on his long-held support for those involved with the attack, including producing a rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner sung by a choir of defendants imprisoned for storming the U.S. capitol, which topped Billboards Digital Song Sales chart and became a staple at Trump rallies. Under questioning from Sen. Adam Schiff of California, who said it glorified the brutality of that day, Patel downplayed his involvement in the project.

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Another point of contention was Patels dramatic designs to remake the bureau. Id shut down the F.B.I. Hoover Building on Day 1 and reopen it the next day as a museum of the deep state, Patel said last year on a popular podcast. Then, Id take the 7,000 employees that work in that building and send them across America to chase down criminals. Go be cops. Youre copsgo be cops.



Democrats persistently rung alarms about Patels professions of obeisance to Trump. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island suggested Patel fit the mold of an authoritarian foot soldier, characterizing him as vengeful, intemperate, and servile. Im afraid that the history of this nominees conduct raises those warnings, he said.

Republicans, for their part, defended Patel as the victim of partisan attacks. He was joined in the hearing room by allies such as Trump advisor Alina Habba, former Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grennell, and former Acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker. His supporters depict him as a crusader for FBI reform who wants to tamp down prosecutorial misconduct and surveillance abuse.

Senate Republicans seem to agree. Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, the committee chairman, said Patel has exactly the qualifications we need, describing his career as a study in fighting for unpopular but righteous causes.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Kash Patel, a one-time aide to President Donald Trump, has been confirmed by the US Senate to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Patel, a former defence department chief of staff and ex-federal prosecutor, is a staunch Trump supporter and a fellow critic of the US government's top law enforcement agency.

He was confirmed in a party line vote of 51-49, with only two Republicans joining all Democrats against him, citing concerns over his qualifications to lead the agency and claiming that he will pursue retribution against critics of Trump.

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Patel has previously suggested dramatically limiting the authority of the FBI, which Republicans allege has unfairly targeted conservatives in recent years.

The FBI's outgoing director Christopher Wray has denied such allegations.

Patel replaces Christopher Wray whom Trump picked in 2017. Wray resigned before inauguration day last month after the incoming Republican president indicated he would fire him.

The FBI director leads 37,000 employees across 55 US field offices. They also oversee 350 satellite offices and more than 60 other foreign locations expected to cover almost 200 countries.

Patel only narrowly cleared the final hurdle, reflecting the deep divisions over his nomination - the last three FBI picks were approved by at least 90 senators.

Patel is a fervent Trump supporter and a fellow critic of the the US government's top law enforcement agency [Getty Images]

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In his confirmation hearings, Patel denied keeping a list of "deep state" enemies, while playing down controversial past remarks he had made, such as referring to law enforcement officials who investigated Trump as "criminal gangsters".

The 60-name roster includes former President Joe Biden, former Attorney General Merrick Garland and former National Security Adviser John Bolton, among others.

In his memoir Government Gangsters, published in 2023, Patel called for an eradication of what he called "government tyranny" within the FBI by firing "the top ranks".

Many conservatives believe a "deep state", or unelected bureaucratic cabal, is working to thwart Trump's agenda.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi, who is now Patel's boss, told lawmakers during her confirmation hearing earlier this month that there would be no enemies list at the Department of Justice under her leadership.

Patel, the son of Indian immigrants, is a former defence lawyer and federal prosecutor.

He caught the attention of Trump - who was then serving his first term as president - after becoming a senior counsel to the House of Representatives intelligence committee in 2017.

He quickly rose within Trump's circle after he was hired as a national security aide in 2019, and in 2020 was appointed chief of staff to the head of the Pentagon.

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As well as his 2023 memoir, Patel has published two pro-Trump children's books.

He is on the board of Trump Media and Technology Group, which owns Trump's social media platform, Truth Social. He has also reportedly had a consulting contract with the company.

After announcing Patel as his FBI pick, Trump posted on social media calling him "an advocate for truth, accountability, and the constitution".

"Kash is a brilliant lawyer, investigator, and 'America First' fighter who has spent his career exposing corruption, defending justice, and protecting the American people," Trump said.
Kash Patel has pledged to work with Congress to investigate the Jeffrey Epstein child trafficking scandal if he is confirmed as Donald Trumps new FBI director.

Testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Patel said he would make combating child trafficking a priority.

He vowed to help after Marsha Blackburn, a Republican senator from Tennessee, complained she had been stymied by the previous administration in her attempts to get the flight logs for Epsteins plane, nicknamed the Lolita Express.

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I want to talk to you about the Epstein case, said Blackburn. I have worked on this for years, trying to get those records of who flew on Epsteins plane and who helped him build this international human trafficking, sex trafficking ring.

In this handout, the mug shot of Jeffrey Epstein, 2019. / Kypros/Getty Images

Blackburn said that breaking up these trafficking rings is important to President Trump, who was a personal friend of the late convicted sex offender.

Will you work with me on this issue, she asked Patel, so we know who worked with Jeffrey Epstein in building these sex trafficking rings?

Absolutely, senator, replied Patel. Child sex trafficking has no place in the United States of America. And I will do everything, if confirmed as FBI director, to make sure the American public knows the full weight of what happened in the past and how we are going to counterman missing children and exploited children going forward.

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Blackburn accused the ranking Democrat on the committee, Sen. Dick Durban, of blocking her request for a list of the names of the Epstein associates who flew on his plane.

Durban insisted he was falsely accused of preventing the release of the flight logs.

Portrait of American financier Jeffrey Epstein (left) and real estate developer Donald Trump as they pose together at the Mar-a-Lago estate, Palm Beach, Florida, 1997.(Photo by Davidoff Studios/Getty Images) / Davidoff Studios Photography / Getty Images

We have fought this issue for quite some time. I look forward to having an FBI that will work to help get these records and end this human and sex trafficking in this country, said Blackburn.

While some famous names have emerged as passengers on Epsteins plane, including Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, some logs have still not been disclosed. There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by Trump or Clinton.

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The exchange was an easier one for Patel, who defended himself from attacks by Democrats on the committee who suggested he was only nominated because he was willing to do Donald Trumps bidding.

Patel said he would not politicize the FBI should he win confirmation and suggested he may not have agreed with every Jan. 6 prisoner being pardoned.

He also denied promoting conspiracy theory cult QAnon and said he was supportive of Capitol Police officers on January 6, despite accusations that he previously referred to them as cowards in uniform.

At one point in the testy exchanges, Patel said he was the victim of racism and had been called a detestable sand n----- who had no right being in this country.

But that is nothing compared to what the men and women in law enforcement face every day, he added.
Exciting new year, exciting new charity to supportat least, that seems to be Kate Middletons vibe. The Princess of Wales just signed on as the newest patron of Ty Hafan, a Welsh charity dedicated to helping families ensure that children with life-shortening conditions live their best and most fulfilling lives. And to kick things off, she paid a visit to the hospice on January 30, where the photos from the day truly say it all.

Pics show Middleton fully in her elementor the "zone" if you willsmiling, laughing and fully engaged with the children and families. At one point, she painted the hand of four-year-old Maddie, whose sibling is receiving care at the facility. In turn, she got a little paint of her own, thanks to nine-year-old Lottie, another child with a sibling in treatment at Ty Hafan. It's hard not to look at picture after picture with a big smile over the joy the princess is expressing and delivering to the children.

Richard Pohle - WPA Pool/Getty Images

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Its no shocker that the Princess of Wales is throwing her support behind Ty Hafan. Shes been a longtime advocate for organizations focused on children and families, and her enthusiasm for this role was clear in her social media post celebrating the news.

"A proud moment becoming Patron of Ty Hafan," she shared. "Opening in 1999 as Wales first childrens hospice, @ty_hafan continues to provide specialist care to children with life-shortening conditions, offering vital support to them and their families, throughout life, at end of life, and beyond."

Richard Pohle - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Ty Hafan was just as excited to welcome her into the fold sharing their own post about the special visit.

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"We are delighted to share the exciting news that Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales has today become Patron of Ty Hafan Childrens Hospice," the organization wrote. "The announcement was made as part of a visit to Ty Hafan this morning when we welcomed Her Royal Highness to our hospice, where she spent time with children, families, and staff."

Richard Pohle - WPA Pool/Getty Images

They went on to highlight just how impactful Middletons involvement will be. "As our Patron, Her Royal Highness will be an inspiration for children with life-shortening conditions and their families, our dedicated staff and volunteers, and everyone who so generously supports us. No parent ever imagines that their childs life will be short. Sadly, this is the reality facing thousands of families in Wales. We cant stop this happening, but together we can make sure that no one lives their childs short life alone."

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Kate Middleton Could Be the First Princess of Wales in Over a Century to Receive This Historic Honor
This is an adapted excerpt from the Jan. 25 episode of The Katie Phang Show.

President Donald Trump told the World Economic Forum last week: My administration is taking action to abolish all discriminatory diversity, equity and inclusion nonsense ... America will once again become a merit-based country.

On his first full day back in the Oval Office, Trump signed an executive order that ended what he called radical and wasteful diversity, equity and inclusion programs in federal agencies. Its unclear how many workers ultimately will be affected, but what is evident is the impact this will have on the government and the country.

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Trumps actions echo President Woodrow Wilsons then-unprecedented segregation of federal offices in 1913. Then, there was no official law, no executive order, just guiding policy  policy that led to Black employees being segregated or summarily dismissed from federal positions nationwide.

The Wilson administration took steps to make obtaining a civil service job more difficult. Primary among these was a requirement, starting in 1914, that all candidates for civil service jobs attach a photograph to their application, further allowing for discrimination in the hiring process.

The Black workers who managed to keep their jobs were often subjected to inhumane and degrading treatment. In an open letter to Wilson, W.E.B. Du Bois wrote, We are told that one colored clerk who could not actually be segregated on account of the nature of his work has consequently had a cage built around him to separate him from his white companions of many years.

Take a second to let that sink in: a cage.

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Wilson defended his racist policies to a group of Black professionals, saying in part, Segregation is not humiliating but a benefit, and ought to be so regarded by you gentlemen.

In 1948, President Harry Truman signed a pair of executive orders that banned segregation in federal civil service, but the damage had already been done  and it continues to this day.

While more than 18% of federal workers are Black, they only comprise 11.7% of senior executive positions, according to data from a 2022 report from the White House's Office of Personnel Management (OMP). Hiring data shows white employees are twice as likely to be promoted to management in some agencies. The pay gap between federal Black and white workers sits at around 15%, according to data also from the OMP. As late as February 2023, about 4 in 10 Black federal workers told the Pew Research Center they have experienced discrimination or have been treated unfairly at work because of their race or ethnicity.

Stephanie Brumsey contributed.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  A beloved contemporary Christian music station in Southern Colorado, 102.7 KBIQ is signing off after nearly 30 years on the air. In a heartfelt message shared on social media this week, the station expressed its gratitude to listeners for their decades of support.

As KBIQ comes to an end, contemporary Christian music fans can take comfort in knowing the stations legacy will continue. This Friday, Jan. 31, will be KBIQs last day on air, but starting next month, a new Christian music station will take over.

As of Saturday, youll tune into 102.7 and it will be K-LOVE, not KBIQ, said Christopher Gould, General Manager, and Senior Vice President for Salem Media Group.

As listeners get ready to say goodbye to their favorite hosts, Gould told FOX21 News the switch was not an easy decision: KBIQ has been in the Christian music format since its inception, thats about 30 years ago.

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The change comes as Salem Media Group moves forward with three major sales aimed at reducing the companys debt.

Back in the late 1990s and early 2000, we went to the capital markets to borrow a bunch of money to buy radio stations and weve acquired over 100 radio stations nationwide and thats when we bought KBIQ, KGFT, and KZNT here in our community, Gould explained.

Salem Media Group has sold seven contemporary Christian music stations to the Educational Media Foundation or EMF. Not just here in Colorado Springs, but in Dallas, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Cleveland, Portland, and Sacramento, Gould said.

Starting next month, EMF will take the reins bringing K-LOVEs Christian music programming to Southern Colorado listeners.

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That was a very intentional decision that we made in selling these stations across America to EMF, Gould explained. Theyre very good programmers of Christian music and so youll still have great Christian music flowing through 102.7 after we made the sale, which is very important to us.

For nearly 30 years, KBIQ fans have supported the station through many events like the Walk For Life at Memorial Park, raising money for non-profits in the region. Of course, the stations mascot, Marty the Moose, was at every event.

That work of partnering with local Christian organizations has been all the joy of our lives and that will continue with the other radio stations that we have, Gould said.

While KBIQ is signing off, its sister stations will continue to serve Southern Colorado. KGFT 100.7 will keep broadcasting faith-based programs like Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, and KZNT The Answer will remain on the air.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A Kansas City, Missouri man has been sentenced after pleading guilty in Jackson County Court last week to two charges related to a 2023 deadly shooting.

Tyrell Young, 29, pleaded guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter and one count of armed criminal action. Young was originally facing a second-degree murder charge, but that charge was dismissed, according to Jackson County court records.

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Young was sentenced to 15 years in prison in a plea hearing on January 24.

Court records show that Kansas City police officers responded to a shooting at a business parking lot along US 40 Highway in July of 2023.

When those officers arrived, they found 49-year-old Marcos A. Munoz-Benitez suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to police, witnesses said that Young came to the auto business angry, threatening to kill a man and pulled a handgun at one point.

Video surveillance shows Young at the shop, approaching the victim as he talks about a TV being gone from his car. Young tells the victim to call someone, then lifts his shirt before shots are heard.

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Several 9mm shells were found at the scene, along with a mounted light and a Glock backstrap.

Young told detectives that his actions were founded in self-defense because the victim swung on him.

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SANDOWN  There were two groups of people living in Berlin when things became dangerous for Jewish people  those who fled out of fear and those who stayed, wondering how bad it could get.

When Jewish businesses began to burn and Jewish children could no longer attend school, Arnold Zweigs family fled to South America while Lanny (Lehman) Zweigs family stayed until they feared for their lives.

Eventually, both families sought refuge in Colombia, where Lanny and Arnold met, married and lived for 20 years before immigrating to Los Angeles, where their son, Milton Zweig, was born.

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Lanny (Lehman) Zweigs story

Lanny was 8 years old when her father received a phone call warning him that he and his family would be burned alive if they didnt leave their apartment, which sat atop the familys dry cleaning business in what was downtown Berlin.

It was 1938, said Zweig, and the Kristallnacht had just begun.

With her parents and her grandmother by her side, Lanny hid her yellow star with a teddy bear and boarded a train that would take the family into France. From there, they were smuggled through the woods into Brussels while being shot at.

Shortly after arriving, Lannys father was arrested for not wearing his yellow star in public and brought to Mechelen, a holding camp in the suburbs of Brussels, before he was transported to Auschwitz and murdered.

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Hed write letters to his family about his time in the concentration camp, which Zweig has today, along with his yellow star and other Holocaust artifacts.

The letters were filled with positives notes about his time in the camp.

He said everything was fine, that he was having a good time, kind of like a summer camp but it was anything but, Zweig said.

Though Lanny and her mother were hiding out in a relatives apartment, the family decided to send Lanny away to live with another family. She changed her name, attended a Catholic school and lived as a non-Jew until she could spend the rest of the war hiding in a cellar with her mother.

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She remembered when the British liberated Brussels. She and her mother watched them come through the streets, Zweig said. Shortly after that, they decided to leave and go to South America.

Being an only child, Lanny and her mother traveled alone to Bogota, Colombia, where she would later meet Arnold, another survivor and Berlin native. The couple married and they and Lannys mother moved to Los Angeles where Zweig was born.

I remember going to my grandmothers apartment on the weekends, he said. She would have all of her German friends that were there come to her apartment to play cards and most of the people that came there had numbers on their arms. I remember seeing that as a young child.

Arnold Zweigs story

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Arnolds mother didnt want to take the chance of staying in Berlin.

She heard there was someone writing visas for people to leave the country so she went there and some guy wrote her a visa that turned out to be bogus but it worked anyway, Zweig said. When she went home and told the family they were leaving, my father said he had no idea where that country was.

The family, made up of Arnold, his brother and their parents, boarded a boat, crossed the Atlantic Ocean and were dropped on the shores of Cartagena, Colombia.

It was pouring rain, they had nowhere to stay and no money. They had a few chests with all of their clothes in there, Zweig said. They stayed in a hotel for a few days and slowly they found a place to live.

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The family eventually learned to speak Spanish and English, and they survived there before immigrating to the United States, where Arnold worked in insurance and Lanny was the picture of the classic homemaker, caring for the home, Arnold and their four children.

Zweig said that it was common for Europeans impacted by the Holocaust to flee to South America. After the war, a lot of Nazis sought refuge in South America, too, and were hunted down by Nazi hunters during the 1940s and 1950s.

Lanny and Arnold were married for 67 years before they died eight months apart from one another, Lanny, age 90, in 2021 and Arnold, age 97, in 2022.

This impacted them their whole lives. There was never a time when it wasnt on their minds. It always affected them, Zweig said.

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Holocaust survivors are older, theyre dying and soon, too, will their children and family members.

Tell the stories, record them, write them down, preserve them, so this doesnt happen again and so people never forget, Zweig said.

Keep the stories alive, he continued.

Zweigs family history, research and artifacts will soon be donated to Keene State College where they will be available for public viewing.
By Stephanie Kelly and Ahmed Aboulenein

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A key Republican senator on Thursday said he was struggling with Robert F. Kennedy Jr's nomination by President Donald Trump to run the top U.S. health agency, saying he had reservations about the nominee's "misleading arguments" on vaccines.

"Your past of undermining confidence in vaccines with unfounded or misleading arguments concerns me," Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, a physician from Louisiana, told Kennedy.

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"I have been struggling with the nomination," he said at the end of Thursday's Senate health committee hearing to consider Kennedy to run the massive Department of Health and Human Services.

"Does a 70-year-old man... who spent decades criticizing vaccines and who's financially vested in finding fault with vaccines, can he change his attitudes and approach now that he'll have the most important position influencing vaccine policy in the United States," Cassidy said.

The hearing was the second in two days for Kennedy during which he squared off with Democrats and some Republicans over his past comments on vaccines, abortion and COVID-19 among other topics.

The Finance Committee, which Kennedy appeared before on Wednesday, has not yet said if it will send Kennedy's nomination to the full Republican-controlled Senate, which has not rejected any of Trump's nominees so far.

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A spokesperson for the Finance Committee said a vote could potentially take place next week, but that one had not yet been scheduled.

Cassidy, who sits on both committees, told Kennedy at the end of Thursday's hearing that Kennedy would be hearing from him over the weekend, presumably regarding questions he has over the nomination.

Kennedy's nomination could fail to move to the Senate for consideration if all Democrats on the Finance Committee voted against him and were joined by Cassidy.

During wide-ranging questioning on Thursday, Kennedy spoke more confidently than the day prior, adjusting the characterization of previous statements, and saying he would support the U.S. children's vaccination schedule, research and development for bird flu, and scientific data on vaccine safety.

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Kennedy also said he would address rapidly increasing rates of chronic disease.

"Our country is not going to be destroyed because we get the marginal tax rate wrong. It is going to be destroyed if we get this issue wrong," he said of chronic diseases. "And I am in a unique position to be able to stop this epidemic."

He was asked about comments he has made over decades, including that it was "highly likely" that Lyme disease was a military bioweapon. He said he never said that it was definitively created in a biolab.

He would not answer a question from Senator Bernie Sanders about whether he agreed that vaccines do not cause autism. He also said he did not know if the coronavirus vaccine saved millions of lives.

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"If you come out unequivocally, 'vaccines are safe, it does not cause autism' that would have an incredible impact," Cassidy said.

Kennedy has said vaccines are linked to autism, and he opposed state and federal restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The causes of autism are unclear, though theories that childhood vaccines cause autism have been widely debunked and are contrary to scientific evidence.

Kennedy, who founded the anti-vaccine group Children's Health Defense, argued during both hearings that he was not against vaccines. The group has sued in state and federal courts over vaccines.

"News reports and many in the hearing yesterday have claimed that I'm anti-vaccine and anti-industry. Well, I'm neither," Kennedy said, repeating that his children are vaccinated.

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Thursday's hearing in front of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions is a courtesy hearing with no vote involved. However, Republican Senators Cassidy, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins sit on the committee, all of whom are seen as potential swing votes against Kennedy.

Supporters of Kennedy wearing "Make America Healthy Again" hats crowded around the committee hearing room on Thursday, while some opposing his confirmation wore "Reject RFK Jr" stickers on their shirts.

'CATASTROPHIC' IMPACTS

If confirmed, Kennedy would run HHS, which oversees more than $3 trillion in healthcare spending, including at the Food and Drug Administration and the agency in charge of the Medicare and Medicaid health insurance programs covering nearly half of all Americans.

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He said he would follow Trump's direction on abortion, and would hire for his department those who are against abortion rights.

Kennedy also said gender-affirming care for children has "catastrophic" impacts and that children are not equipped to make judgments about receiving such care. He said he would rescind a Biden-era rule that requires medical providers who receive federal funding to offer gender-affirming care.

Kennedy said farmers should be offered an off-ramp from chemically intensive agriculture, and that illness in farm communities is "undoubtedly" related to the use of pesticides. Some farm and food groups have expressed concern about Kennedy's positions on pesticides and food additives.

Opposition groups have ramped up their efforts to persuade Republican senators to vote against Kennedy. Caroline Kennedy, another member of the storied American political family, on Tuesday urged senators to vote against her cousin's nomination, calling him a predator with dangerous views on healthcare.

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Kennedy has also faced scrutiny over his ties to Wisner Baum, a law firm specializing in pharmaceutical drug injury cases. He has an arrangement to earn 10% of fees awarded in contingency cases he refers to the firm, according to a letter Kennedy wrote to an HHS ethics official released last week.

If confirmed, Kennedy would retain that financial interest in cases that do not directly impact the U.S. government, the letter said.

If his nomination goes to the full Senate, he would need the support of at least 50 senators, which would allow Vice President JD Vance to cast another tie-breaking vote to confirm his nomination.

(Reporting by Stephanie Kelly and Ahmed Aboulenein; additional reporting by Leah Douglas; Editing by Caroline Humer and Bill Berkrot)
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Sentencing will be April 1 for a Kent woman who pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges she took part in the theft of guns from a Springfield Township.

Ciara Tillison, 32, entered pleas in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court to charges of burglary, a second-degree felony and grand theft, a third-degree felony.

Tillison remains free on bond while awaiting sentencing.

She is accused of taking part in the theft of several guns during a burglary in November 2022 at a home in Springfield Township.

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She was indicted Sept. 5 by a grand jury.

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HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  Officials say Kentuckys 4th-grade math students saw an increase in their scores on the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as the Nations Report Card. Fourteen other states made statistically significant gains in 4th-grade math during this testing cycle.

The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) says the rest of Kentuckys scores in 4th-grade reading and 8th-grade math and reading held steady, marking the first time students in the state have progressed or held steady on NAEP since the COVID-19 pandemic. The states students also were above the national average in both 4th- and 8th-grade reading, as well as 4th-grade math.

KDE officials say for more than 50 years, NAEP has been the countrys only nationally representative and continuing survey of students educational achievement. The assessment is authorized by Congress and directed by the National Center for Education Statistics. In Kentucky, a representative, random sample of 4th- and 8th-graders are tested every two years in reading and mathematics.

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Indiana and Kentucky receive failing grades in tobacco control report

2024 NAEP Scale Scores  Kentucky compared to other states/jurisdictions

Grade/Subject States/Jurisdictions Scoring Lower than Kentucky States/Jurisdictions

Scoring

Higher than

Kentucky States/Jurisdictions

Scoring About the Same as Kentucky 4th-grade reading 16 2 33 8th-grade reading 12 6 33 4th-grade mathematics 12 5 34 8th-grade mathematics 9 23 19

The KDE says the NAEP reading assessment tests students on literary and informational texts. The questions measure students ability to locate and recall, integrate and interpret and critique and evaluate text. In both 4th- and 8th-grade reading, Kentucky students were above the national average.

NAEP Reading Scale Scores  Comparing 2022 to 2024

Year Kentucky 4th-Grade Scale Score National Average 4th-Grade Scale Score Kentucky 8th-Grade Scale Score National Average 8th-Grade Scale Score 2022 217 216 258 259 2024 218 214 258 257

The mathematics assessment addresses five content areas: number properties and operations; measurement; geometry; data analysis, statistics and probability and algebra. Kentucky students were above the national average in 4th-grade, while they are gaining ground on the national average in 8th grade.

NAEP Mathematics Scale Scores  Comparing 2022 to 2024

Year Kentucky 4th-Grade Scale Score National Average 4th-Grade Scale Score Kentucky 8th-Grade Scale Score National Average 8th-Grade Scale Score 2022 234 235 269 273 2024 238 237 271 272

Federal judge temporarily blocks Trump administration freeze on federal grants and loans

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Kentucky Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher said while it is too early to tell if these improvements are a trend, he is grateful for the resources and time Kentucky has invested in its students.

The Kentucky Department of Education remains committed to working with our districts, schools and educators to help ensure all of our public school students have access to vibrant learning experiences that can help prepare them for life after graduation, Fletcher said. We believe that the investments our General Assembly has made in literacy and numeracy, along with our collaboration with local school districts in these areas, will enable our students to achieve even higher levels in the years to come.

The full report can be found here.

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  A Superior Court judge this week set bail at $50,000 for a man charged with murder in an alleged drunken driving crash in Taft.

Eduardo Deaquinos had been in custody on no bail before Tuesday, when Judge Bryan Stainfield granted a defense motion setting bail far below what is typical in a murder case.

Firefighters battle abandoned warehouse fire in southeast Bakersfield

As of Wednesday afternoon, he was still in custody.

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Deaquinos, 30, has a prior DUI conviction, and was allegedly driving with a blood-alcohol content of 0.22%  nearly three times the legal limit  when he collided with another vehicle last year, according to court filings.

His attorney, Richard Middlebrook, filed a motion this month seeking $50,000 bail, saying his client was not a flight risk, having lived in the U.S. since he was 12.

He added that imposing certain conditions  placing Deaquinos under constant GPS and alcohol monitoring, ordering him not to leave home except for work and court  would address any concerns about the protection of the community.

Prosecutor Kacie Barrier, in a motion asking the court to keep Deaquinos in custody without bail, noted his extremely high blood-alcohol level and his prior conviction. He was on probation at the time of the crash, and was driving with a suspended license.

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This is an indicator that the defendant continues to drink and drive without any regard for public safety even after having been arrested, convicted, and advised that drinking and driving is extremely dangerous to human life, Barrier said in the motion.

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Deaquinos is a flight risk because he faces a life term if convicted, Barrier said. When arrested, he presented officers with a Mexican passport  indicating he has ties outside of the United States that would make his ability to flee the jurisdiction more plausible, Barrier said.

The judge granted Middlebrooks motion.

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On the afternoon of Oct. 28, officers were dispatched to the intersection of Naylor Avenue and Wood Street where they found a Chevy Sonic driven by Deaquinos had collided with a Mercury Grand Marquis, according to California Highway Patrol.

The driver and passenger in the Mercury were taken to Kern Medical  where the passenger died the next day. Deaquinos was charged on Oct. 30. Hes due back in court Feb. 20.

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Jan. 30A 65-year-old Kettering man who served nine months in prison for his actions during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol said he feels vindicated after he was among the roughly 1,500 criminal defendants to receive a pardon from President Donald Trump earlier this month.

Dave Mehaffie, a local builder who used to own a gym in Dayton's Belmont business district, said he believes he was part of a "historic" moment that ultimately put the nation on the right path. He said he thinks that the narrative around the events of Jan. 6 is changing to reflect what he claims actually happened that day.

"I strongly believe most people only have a partial picture of what happened," he said. "The narrative was, 'Wild-eyed, pitchforked hillbillies were there because their fascist leader told them to be there.' That's ridiculous and needs to change, and I believe it is."

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While Trump and some Jan. 6 defendants say the prosecutions were politically motivated, considerable video evidence shows rioters clashing with police and forcing themselves into the Capitol. More than 100 police officers were injured, some pepper sprayed or hit with a flagpole or fire extinguisher, and federal property was damaged.

Federal prosecutors who prosecuted the case against Mehaffie and other Jan. 6 defendants said Mehaffie helped direct a violent and hostile mob of Trump supporters as they tried to break into the Capitol building in response to Joe Biden's election victory.

"What he provided was leadership," said Jocelyn Bond, assistant U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, during the closing arguments in Mehaffie's criminal trial. "He provided leadership to a chaotic and violent and unruly mob."

Ashley Akers, a federal prosecutor who helped prosecute Mehaffie and other Jan. 6 defendants, recently told NBC News that Trump's pardons were "shocking."

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"It really undermines not only the sacrifices that all these officers made (to protect the Capitol), but the experiences that they went through," said Akers, who left her position earlier this year. "The public record  which is very clear and borne out in hundreds of trials  has shown that these officers are victims."

President Trump called the Jan. 6 defendants "hostages" who he says were treated very unfairly by the Department of Justice.

Vice President JD Vance recently said in defense of the pardons, "There were double standards in how sentences were applied to the J6 protesters versus other groups."

Criminal case

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In early 2023, Mehaffie was convicted of two felony and two misdemeanor criminal charges after a multi-day trial in Washington, D.C.

He was sentenced to 14 months in prison but was released on New Year's Eve of 2023 after serving nine months behind bars.

Mehaffie was arrested in August 2021 at his home in Kettering. He was one of more than a dozen people from the Miami Valley region who were charged for their actions at the Capitol on Jan. 6.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia said Mehaffie entered restricted grounds of the U.S. Capitol and was part of a large crowd that tried to breach the Capitol building through a tunnel created by a platform structure on the lower west terrace.

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Mehaffie was convicted of felony charges of aiding and abetting in assaulting, resisting or impeding law enforcement officers and interfering with a law enforcement officer during a civil disorder. He was also convicted of misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct in a Capitol building and aiding and abetting in committing an act of violence in the Capitol building or grounds.

Mehaffie's story

Mehaffie said he never did and never would lay a finger on law enforcement who were protecting the Capitol. He said he was innocent of the crimes he faced and was convicted because of an unfair justice system.

Mehaffie claims he tried to get the crowd in the tunnel to calm down and sit down because he was worried about their safety and the safety of police officers.

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"I tried to bring peace to that setting," Mehaffie said.

Mehaffie said he was concerned because the tunnel was jampacked. He said the scary scene made him think about the stories of a friend who was at the 1979 The Who rock concert in Cincinnati where 11 people died after being crushed and trampled during a stampede.

Mehaffie said he thinks the vast majority of protestors were peaceful, and protestors were not trying to stage an insurrection.

Mehaffie said there were some violent acts, but he believes most of the violence was committed by police against protestors, and not the other way around.

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Federal case

Federal prosecutors said Mehaffie and other Jan. 6 criminal defendants were very determined to get inside the U.S. Capitol building and they viewed police officers as an obstacle to this goal.

During closing statements at Mehaffie's trial, assistant prosecutor Bond said Mehaffie was an experienced protestor who spent more than 25 minutes perched on a ledge by the tunnel at the lower west terrace waving in rioters and directing them where to go.

Bond said that an angry mob tried to push through a line of shoulder-to-shoulder police officers who were trying to deny access to the building through the tunnel.

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She said Mehaffie assisted rioters who were resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating and interfering with law enforcement officers as they tried to clear the tunnel and protect the Capitol.

"Mr. Mehaffie was directing that mass push, flooding people in, not creating space, filling that space with people determined to push through the police line," she said.

Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department officer Abdulkadir Abdi testified at trial that he believed that Mehaffie tried to agitate and rile up the crowd.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia has estimated that about 140 police officers were assaulted at the Capitol on Jan. 6. Prosecutors say police officers were beaten, attacked with weapons, and sprayed with chemical agents.

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William Shipley, an attorney for Mehaffie, said in closing arguments at trial that his client's actions were organizational in nature  an attempt to prevent the protest from getting too chaotic.

Shipley said Mehaffie told crowd members not to hurt police and he was trying to create a safer environment.

Before handing down his verdict, U.S. District Court Judge Trevor McFadden said that the evidence showed that Mehaffie knew that rioters were impeding police in the tunnel and yet he directed them inside.

"Upon review of the entire video, I count at least 12 times where he gestured rioters into the tunnel," the judge said. "Mr. Mehaffie's repeated efforts to get new people into the melee obviously furthered their interference, impeding and opposing police officers."

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Trump pardons

President Trump earlier this month granted "full, complete and unconditional" pardons to roughly 1,500 defendants who were charged and convicted of criminal offenses related to Jan. 6.

Trump pledged while on the campaign trail to free the "J6 hostages." He said the judicial system's treatment of the criminal defendants was "outrageous."

Other Republican lawmakers, including Republican Ohio Sen. Bernie Moreno, recently have said that Jan. 6 defendants have been treated "horribly."

Some Democratic lawmakers have accused President Trump and his supporters of trying to rewrite the history of what they say was a dark day in American history.

They say Jan. 6 was an attack on democracy and the results of a free and fair election.

"Americans are rightly outraged," U.S. Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio, said earlier this month on X (formerly Twitter). "It is an affront on decency and an attack on the rule of law."

Mehaffie said he's grateful for the pardon because it means he regains his rights to vote and own a gun.

Mehaffie said he does not regret being at the Capitol on Jan. 6; he believes he was part of a protest that brought attention to major issues.

Mehaffie said he traveled to Washington with some of his family members to attend the rally at the Ellipse because he was upset and angry about COVID lockdowns, vaccine policies, censorship and government crackdowns on free speech on social media and elsewhere.

"I think Jan. 6 was a flashpoint that was needed that represented millions of people who were saying, 'We do not want the direction we are going to continue,'" he said.

Mehaffie also said he believes prosecutors and the Department of Justice treated Jan. 6 protestors much more harshly than they would have other Americans involved in protests for liberal leaning causes.
Liberty Counsel founder and chairman Mat Staver in the Potter Stewart Courthouse in Cincinnati, Jan. 30, 2025. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Sarah Ladd)

CINCINNATI  A lawyer for former Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis argued before the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Thursday in a case he hopes will help overturn federal same-sex marriage protections.

The oral arguments focused on the question of whether Davis should pay $100,000 to David Ermold and David Moore for denying their marriage license a decade ago.

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After the hearing, Davis lawyer, Liberty Counsel founder and chairman Mat Staver, told the Lantern that his teams goal is for the appeal to reach the U.S. Supreme Court. The case would provide the justices an opportunity to re-evaluate the decision that guaranteed gay couples equal marriage rights on the same grounds that the court in 2022 used to overturn the federal right to abortion, Staver said.

Obergefell v. Hodges, the 2015 decision that guaranteed same-sex couples marriage rights, is on the same shifting sand that doomed Roe v. Wade, said Staver.

I think  its not a matter of if, its a matter of when Obergefell will be overturned, Staver told the Lantern. I have no doubt that Obergefell will be overturned, and the issue will be returned back to the states as it was before 2015.

The arguments: First Amendment and thecolor of law

Each side argued for about 15 minutes before a three-judge panel at the Potter Stewart Courthouse in downtown Cincinnati.

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Davis lawyers are asking that she not be required to pay $100,000 to Ermold and Moore for denying their marriage license in 2015 as ordered by a federal jury. Davis made national headlines in 2015 for refusing to issue marriage licenses to several same-sex couples based on her religious beliefs.

During Thursdays oral arguments, Staver focused his arguments on the First Amendment, which promises the freedom of speech, religion and the press, as a defense of Davis actions.

He also argued that emotional distress isnt quantifiable, therefore the $100,000 payment was pulled out of thin air and Davis should pay out nothing.

Theres no lost wages, theres no treatment, theres no injury, theres no out of pocket expenses, Staver told the judges. Its only based upon their hurt feelings that occurred when they went to the clerks office to get the license, and they said that Kim Davis words caused them the distress.

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Because of that, he said, the amount in question is arbitrary.

Just being upset when they came to the counter to get the marriage license and raising their voice is not sufficient for a jury to award emotional damages based solely upon that information, Staver said. How in the world would the jury, for example, calculate $50,000 for each plaintiff when they had nothing before them on which to calculate it?

The judges pushed back on Stavers argument that Davis is now a private citizen and has full First Amendment rights.

Senior Judge Helene N. White, who was appointed by President George W. Bush, said the relevant question is what Davis did as a government actor.

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Judge Chad A. Readler, who was appointed by President Donald Trump, said the problem there seems to be that she didnt try to avail herself of any of those rights she may have had under federal or state law, vis-a-vis her employer, to get an accommodation. She just refused, herself, to do this.

Judge Andre B. Mathis, who was appointed by President Joe Biden, posed this question twice: Are you saying she was not engaged in state action?

Staver replied, She was a state actor, and thats where she had sovereign immunity originally, but then they stripped her of the qualified immunity and came after her in her individual capacity.

Bill Powell, Ermold and Moores attorney, argued that Davis violated his clients 14th Amendment rights while acting under the color of law.

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As long as my clients had enough testimony to support $1 in damages, then the argument that there should be zero should fail, Powell said.

Davis had the right to oppose the concept of gay marriage in her personal and private capacities, he said, but the state cannot continue to discriminate against same sex couples.

The Potter Stewart United States Courthouse in Cincinnati. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Sarah Ladd)

Powell also addressed the argument that Davis actions are covered under the First Amendment.

When a government official acts under color of state law, they do not have that kind of First Amendment protection. Even if you disagreed with that, and even if you thought that Miss Davis had some kind of First Amendment protections in her job, it would have to be for speech that she took in her private capacity outside of her official duties, Powell argued. And that is not what happened here.

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In this case, he added, the accommodation that (Davis) gave herself was to make it the official policy of her entire office not to issue marriage licenses to same sex couples, even her subordinates. And that kind of an accommodation  took the law into her own hands, and there was no possible justification for that.

What happens next?

Powell didnt speak to the press after Thursdays arguments, saying his comments in court would speak for themselves.

Staver with Liberty Counsel said it was difficult to get a sense of where the judges stood based on their questions, but hes optimistic.

He expects a ruling in around 90 days, he said. Should the court rule against him, he intends to appeal to the U.S.Supreme Court. Should it rule in his favor, he expects an appeal from the other side as well.

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Theres two arguments that we would present to the Supreme Court, Staver explained. One, that the First Amendment is a defense in cases like Kim Davis for other people who have sincere religious beliefs. But beyond that, that Obergefell should be overturned.

In a brief filed in June 2024, Liberty Counsel said the Supreme Court should reconsider Obergefell v. Hodges for the same reasons the high court rolled back federal abortion protections.

Liberty Counsels argument picks up on Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas concurring opinion in the 2022 abortion ruling. Thomas wrote that the court could use the same rationale to overturn earlier decisions on same-sex marriage and access to contraception.

Obergefell was wrong when it was decided and it is wrong today because it was based entirely on the legal fiction of substantive due process, which lacks any basis in the Constitution, Liberty Counsel said in court documents filed last year.

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Listen to an audio recording of the oral arguments here.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Janette Garza Lindner, a member of the state-appointed Houston ISD Board of Managers, listens during a school board meeting at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center, Thursday, March 21, 2024, in Houston. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

Houston ISDs audit committee has published a two-page internal audit of 10 purchases that the states largest school district made without board approval in violation of procurement policy.

HISD discovered in December that a team of employees had been violating board policy for 16 months by failing to submit up to $870 million in purchases for board approval. State-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles said the employees mistakenly believed that purchases affiliated with "cooperative agreements" did not require a board vote.

Under cooperative agreements, HISD can enter into contracts for certain projects with vendors that had already been pre-approved by other agencies, such as the Houston-Galveston Area Council, instead of engaging in an open bid process.

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The appointed school board had initially planned to consider retroactively approving approximately 130 of these contracts during its regular December meeting. However, it delayed the vote until after RSM, the districts internal auditor, completed an audit of the districts projects and purchases.

The final audit, completed Jan. 10, found that all reviewed purchases adhered to standard approval processes, were charged to reasonable budget line items and were accurately recorded, according to the public memorandum. In a 7-1 vote, the board voted Jan. 16 to retroactively approve all of the proposed agreements.

The audit occurred after RSM met with board member Janette Garza-Lindner, chair of HISDs audit committee, to discuss the projects made without board approval on Dec. 13  three days after the boards December meeting.

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The internal auditor reported that it reviewed a district workbook of all projects utilizing cooperative agreements from August 1, 2023, to Nov. 30, 2024, and it confirmed with Garza-Lindner that it should review 10 projects from this workbook that exceeded $1 million.

However, due to the volume of purchase orders associated with each cooperative project, the auditor only reviewed the largest purchasing order made within each project, and not the entire project. The audit did not list which specific purchases or projects the external auditor had sampled.

INFLATED GRADUATION RATES: HISD reports about 12% of seniors graduated in 2023 despite failing STAAR exams

The auditor wrote that it met with members of HISDs procurement team and verified records confirming that each of the sampled purchasing orders obtained proper approvals from the technology team, grant team, purchasing team or the external funding team if applicable.

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It also verified that all purchases were charged to reasonable budget line items and were within the approved budget, and that all the accounting records were accurately recorded in the appropriate accounts, according to the audit memorandum.

The contracts that were later approved by the board included purchases of up to $100 million for technology hardware and software, $60 million for plumbing services, up to $50 million for heating, ventilation and air conditioning services, up to $45 million for office supplies and up to $20 million for licensing of Microsoft products.

HISD has already spent about $200 million out of approximately $870 million allowed under the proposed vendor agreements. However, Miles said the error will not impact HISDs finances because the spending was already accounted for in the districts budget.
(NewsNation)  The American Airlines passenger jet involved in the deadly collision with a military Black Hawk helicopter Wednesday night was among the most common aircraft to fly into Reagan National Airport, according to reports.

The CRJ700 is part of a series of narrow-body, twin-engine, medium-range airliners that are produced in Canada, according to the website Skybrary. Originally manufactured by Canair, the regional aircraft is now made by Bombardier, which also makes other similar jetliners as part of its regional line.

Washington, DC police help investigate near the crash site of the American Airlines plane on the Potomac River after the plane crashed last night on approach to Reagan National Airport on January 30, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

The Bergen Record reported Thursday that the CRJ700 is typically used on short-to-medium-haul flights and that Reagan Airport handles about 1,200 flights per day. Most of those flights travel less than 1,300 miles because of the airports perimeter rule.

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Nancy Kerrigan speaks at Skating Club of Boston following deadly plane crash

The report said that the aircraft typically includes around 70 seats, although it can be expanded to accommodate up to 78 passengers. The American Airlines flight involved in Wednesdays crash had 64 people onboard, including its crew.

Regional jets are commonly piloted by less experienced cockpit crews because regional aircraft are meant to provide experience to pilots before they are assigned to larger aircraft, the newspaper reported.

According to a Delta Airlines description of the aircraft, the Bombardier CRJ700 is just longer than 106 feet long and has a wingspan of 76 feet, 3 inches. The plane can reach cruising speeds of 515 mph, has a range of 1,730 miles and includes two turbofan engines.

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According to the Bombardier website, the CRJ700 is the lightest in the CRJ fleet and delivers impressive efficiency, performance and fuel burn savings.

The CRJ series was launched 25 years ago, the website said, and accounts for more than 20% of all jet departures in North 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 NewsNation.
More than 60 people are presumed dead after an American Airlines passenger jet and an Army helicopter crashed midair near Washington, D.C, Wednesday evening, officials have said.

Flight 5342 from Kansas was on the final approach to Ronald Reagan National Airport when it collided with the Black Hawk helicopter before exploding a huge fireball. There were 67 people aboard the two flights when they crashed.

Both aircraft plunged into the icy Potomac River sparking a massive search-and-rescue operation amid strong winds and chilly 42-degree water.

A mid-air collision between and American Airlines flight and military helicopter has killed 67, officials said. Both aircraft plunged into the Potomac River near Washington, D.C, after the crash (Getty Images)

Speaking at a White House press briefing on Thursday, President Donald Trump confirmed that there were no survivors on board both aircraft as the operation went from a rescue to a recovery. His press conference then went off the rails as he appeared to blame DEI for the crash.

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Crews have recovered and identified 55 of the 67 people presumed dead after the fatal crash, Washington, D.C fire chief John Donnelly said Sunday. A group of figure skaters and coaches competing in the National Figure Skating championships were among those on board.

The crew operating the helicopter was fairly experienced, defense secretary Pete Hegseth said. They have all been positively identified.

Officials have tried to assure commuters that the U.S. skies are safe.

"Do I think this was preventable? Absolutely, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said, adding that passengers should be "assured" that flying is safe.

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Follow the latest updates on the plane crash in our live blog

Here is everything we know about the first commercial airline crash in the U.S. since 2009:

Emergency responders rushed to the scene to try to find survivors. Twenty-eight bodies have been recovered from the wreckage (Getty Images)

What has happened?

An American Airlines plane from Kansas collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan National Airport at 8:47 p.m. Wednesday.

Horrified eyewitnesses described an explosion lighting up the night sky. It looked to me like a giant Roman candle, sparks shooting from the head of the plane down to the tail. I saw that for about two seconds, bystander Ari Schulman told NBC Washington.

A number of videos from various nearby positions show the collision.

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Only one controller, rather than the usual two, was handling the local plane and helicopter traffic on Wednesday night. This is deemed not normal but considered adequate for lower volumes of air traffic, a person briefed on the matter told Reuters.

A supervisor had allowed one of the two controllers to leave early, the New York Times reported. Transport secretary Sean Duffy told Fox News he would "take the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) at their word that the staffing level wasnt normal.

The tower at Reagan airport has been understaffed for years amid a staffing crisis across the industry, according to the NYT. There were only 19 fully certified controllers at Reagan airport as of September 2023, according to a Congress report, nearly one third below the target of 30 controllers per tower.

Air traffic control watched as the passenger jet and helicopter collided before plunging into the river. An emergency dispatcher said on police radios that "the accident happened in the river. Both the helicopter and the plane crashed in the river."

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The American Airlines plane's cockpit voice recorder captured sound moments before the crash, chief investigator Brice Banning said. "The crew had a verbal reaction," he said, adding that the flight data recorder showed "the airplane beginning to increase its pitch. Sounds of impact were audible about one second later, followed by the end of the recording.

Helicopters from law enforcement agencies flew over the scene in search of survivors. Inflatable rescue boats were launched into the Potomac River in a desperate attempt to locate survivors.

Authorities are focussing their investigation on why the helicopter was flying near the runway. Duffy said in a Thursday morning press conference that the flight patterns taken by both aircraft were not unusual.

But data now appears to show that the helicopter may have been flying too high. Black box data shows the plane was at 325 feet, plus or minus 25 feet, at the time of impact, National Transportation Safety Board investigators have determined.

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This suggests the army helicopter was flying above 200 feet - which was the maximum altitude for the route that it was using.

Preliminary data from the control tower's radar showed the helicopter at 200 feet at the time of the accident, though officials said the information has not been confirmed. NTSB board member Todd Inman told reporters their job is to figure out the discrepancy.

The helicopter was aware that there was a plane in the area, Duffy said, adding that there had not been a breakdown in communications between two aircraft.

Investigations are underway about how the planes collided and what led to them being near the runway at the same time (EPA)

Who was on the American Airlines flight?

Sixty passengers and four crew members were aboard the American Airlines flight before the disaster.

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The pilots of the commercial flight have been named as Sam Lilley and Jonathan Campos, while Ian Epstein and Danasia Elder have been named as two of the flight attendants.

Russian news agencies have said that there were multiple passengers on board who were Russian immigrants or the children of one. A group of figure skaters and coaches who were in Wichita to compete in the National Figure Skating championships were among those onboard.

Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, the 1994 World Figure Skating Championship pairs winners, have been named as part of the group along with fellow figure skater Inna Volyanskaya.

Naumov and Shishkova were coaches at the Skating Club of Boston in Norwood, Massachusetts, and perished along with two teenage members of the club and their moms.

Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, the 1994 World Figure Skating Championship pairs winners, have been named as victims of the plane crash (REUTERS)

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Doug Zeghibe, the clubs executive director, confirmed that 16-year-old Spencer Lane and Jinna Han died in the crash, along with their moms - Molly Lane and Jin Han, respectively.

Spencer, in the best way possible, was a crazy kid, Zeghibe told a press conference on Thursday morning. Highly talented, has not been skating that long and has been rocketing to the top of the sport. Very fun, very cerebral.

Jinna, just a wonderful kid. A great athlete, great competitor. Loved by all, he said.

Zeghibe said their moms were dedicated and always made sacrifices.

Cedarville University, in Ohio, later confirmed that Grace Maxwell, a junior at the school, was another of the passengers on board.

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As you can imagine, the past 24 hours have been very difficult for the Maxwell family and the Cedarville University community. As a university, we do not desire to turn this tragic event into anything more than a way to honor Grace, her family, and Jesus, a statement from the school read.

The family of Kiah Duggins, 30, worked as an attorney for the Civil Rights Corps, confirmed she had been onboard the flight on Thursday. She had been returning to Washington D.C after being in Wichita to be with her mother during a surgical procedure, according to KMUW.

Her father, Maurice Duggins, said in a statement: We are coming to terms with the grief associated with the loss of our beautiful and accomplished firstborn. Please respect our familys privacy at this time.

Worried family members gathered near the site waiting for information about their loved ones. Hamaad Raza, whose wife was on board, said she had texted him 20 minutes before the incident telling him they were about to land.

An "Emergency Alert" above an American Airlines counter in the terminal at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Flights were suspended in the wake of the crash, but officials have assured Americans its skies are safe (AP)

When his responses stopped being delivered, That's when I knew something could be up, he told CNN.

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Two Chinese citizens were killed in the crash, Chinas foreign ministry revealed on its website, in a post offering deep condolences over the disaster. Casualties also included people from the Phillipines and Germany, senator Maria Cantwell said.

The Association of Flight Attendants, which represents cabin crews at PSA Airlines, said in a statement that there were two flight attendants on board the plane.

Ian Epstein was identified as one of the two attendants leaving behind a devastated wife of 23 years, Debi Epstein. The other was identified as Danasia Elder, who had been fulfilling her dream to become a flight attendant, according to brother-in-law Brandon Payne.

Sam Lilley, 28, was one of two people piloting the flight from Wichita, Kansas, his father Timothy Lilley told Fox 5 Atlanta.

The young pilot was also engaged, according to his father, whose worst fears were confirmed when his son never checked in after the flight as usual.

This is undoubtedly the worst day of my life, Lilley told Fox 5.

Jonathan Campos, 34, the captain of the AA flight according to reports, had dreamt of being a pilot since he was 13, his aunt told the NYT.

"I think he wanted to be free, and be able to fly and soar like a bird," Beverly Lane said.

Lane said she had spoken with Campos on Wednesday just before the flight, when he told her he was looking forward to an upcoming Caribbean cruise with family.

Who was on the Black Hawk military helicopter?

Three U.S. Army soldiers were onboard the Black Hawk helicopter involved in the collision, a U.S. official confirmed. All three have now been identified.

Another official said the Army UH-60 helicopter involved in the crash was based out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia. It was later confirmed that the aircraft and its crew were on a training flight.

The crew chief of the helicopter was later identified as Ryan OHara.

"Ryan is fondly remembered as a guy who would fix things around the ROTC gym as well as a vital member of the Rifle Team. Ryan leaves behind a wife and 1-year-old son," the Parkview High School JROTC in Georgia wrote on Facebook.

In a statement shared on X, Georgia governor Brian Kemp paid tribute to both Lilley and OHara and sent his deepest condolences to their families and friends.

Andrew Eaves was also on the army helicopter, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said on X.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, Eaves wife, Carrie Eaves said: "We ask that you pray for our family and friends and for all the other families that are suffering today. We ask for peace while we grieve," the post read.

"These families' children do not need to suffer more pain," she wrote.

On Saturday the Army released the name of the third crew member. Captain Rebecca Lobach, 28 was from Durham, North Carolina.

She was a distinguished military graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and commissioned in 2019 as an active-duty aviation officer.

What has President Donald Trump said about the tragedy?

President Donald Trump claimed DEI policies could have been to blame for the fatal collision as his press conference on the crash went off the rails (EPA)

Trump claimed that DEI could have been to blame for the fatal collision.

Trump suggested that the Federal Aviation Administration's diversity efforts have made air travel less safe.

"The FAA is actively recruiting workers who suffer severe intellectual disabilities, psychiatric problems, and other mental and physical conditions under a diversity and inclusion hiring initiative spelled out on the agency's website," Trump said at a Thursday briefing.

Trump was then asked by a reporter: Are you saying this crash was somehow caused and the result of diversity hiring and what evidence have you seen to support these claims?

The president replied: It just could have been.

We have a high standard, weve had a much higher standard than anybody else and there are things where you have to go by brain power, you have to go by psychological quality, he said.

He also appeared to lay responsibility for the crash on the helicopter crew, writing in a Truth Social post on Friday: The Blackhawk helicopter was flying too high, by a lot. It was far above the 200 foot limit.

Trump later said he would be meeting with some of the families of the victims from the DC collision, but did not specify when.

I will be meeting with some people that were very badly hurt with their family member, obviously, but Ill be meeting with some of the families, yeah, he told reporters.

Trump said he did not have plans currently to visit first responders at the site of the collision. I have a plan to visit, not the site. Because you tell me, whats the site? The water? You want me to go swimming? he said.

Investigators gather pieces of wreckage along the Potomac River (AFP via Getty Images)

Who is leading the investigation?

The National Transportation Safety Board is heading up the investigation and is being assisted by the military and the Federal Aviation Administration.

A preliminary report by the FAA, reviewed by The New York Times on Thursday, found that staffing at the DCA air traffic control tower was not normal at the time of the deadly crash.

The internal report said the controller who was handling helicopters in the airports vicinity on Wednesday night was also instructing planes that were landing and departing from its runways.

These jobs are typically assigned to two different controllers.

Later on Thursday, NTSB announced it had recovered two so-called black boxes from the plane, a cockpit voice recorder and a flight data recorder. The devices have taken them for lab analysis, said NTSB spokesman Eric Weiss.

What has the airline said about the tragedy?

The CEO of American Airlines, Robert Isom, said American Eagle Flight 5342 collided with a military aircraft on an otherwise normal approach.

At this time, we dont know why the military aircraft came into the path of the aircraft, Isom said at a press conference on Thursday morning.

Were absolutely heartbroken for the family and loved ones of the passengers and crew members and also for those that were on the military aircraft, he added. Our focus right now is doing everything that we can to support all of those involved and also the PSA Airlines team. This is devastating.

Isom said that he couldnt answer the many questions people might have during the early stages of the investigation, but would provide information as it comes.

The airline advises people to call 800-679-8215 if they believe they have lost loved ones on the flight.
WASHINGTON  Sixty-four people aboard a commercial airliner died Wednesday after it collided with a military helicopter midair near Reagan Washington National Airport.

Both the American Eagle jet and Army Black Hawk are in the Potomac River. The Black Hawk had three personnel onboard.

The collision occurred shortly before 9 p.m. ET.

Follow live coverage here

President Donald Trump called the deadly collision a a tragedy of terrible proportions and said there were no survivors as he addressed reporters in the White House briefing room Thursday morning.

Departures and arrivals boards at Reagan National Airport in Washington late Wednesday.

What we know about the plane

There were 60 passengers and four crew members on American Eagle Flight 5342, which was traveling from Wichita to Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, just over the Washington line, according to American Airlines.

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The crash took place near the airport.

Emergency response units conduct search and rescue operations in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington Airport on Wednesday night.

The flight number, 5432, will be retired, American Airlines said. Retiring flight numbers is a common practice following major aviation accidents.

What we know about the helicopter

The Army confirmed the helicopter was a Black Hawk operating out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

Military officials described the three soldiers on board as a very experienced crew that included an instructor pilot with more than 1,000 flight hours.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the crew was fairly experienced and completing an annual proficiency training flight at the time of the collision.

Hegseth said the crew members were from the Bravo Company 12th Aviation Battalion at Fort Belvoir, an army base in Virginia thats about 14 miles away from the airport.

A helicopter searches for survivors in the Potomac River.

No survivors from crash

All passengers and crew on both aircraft are presumed dead. Dozens of bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River amid a major recovery effort.

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The flight carried 28 members of the figure skating community, Samuel Auxier, interim CEO of U.S. Figure Skating said in a statement Sunday. The victims included several elite figure skaters from both the U.S. and Russia who were traveling back from a competition in Wichita.

Doug Zeghibe, CEO of The Skating Club of Boston, said 14 skaters returning home from the national development camp in Wichita, Kansas, were killed in the crash.

Of those, six were from The Skating Club of Boston  two coaches, two teenage athletes and the athletes mothers. Those six were identified as athlete Jinna Han; Jinnas mother, Jin Han; athlete Spencer Lane; Spencers mother, Christine Lane; and coaches Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova.

As many as 14 of the victims, including skaters, coaches and family members, were part of the Ashburn Ice House and MedStar Capitals Iceplex community in Virginia.

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Three of the crash victims were Russian nationals, including Shishkova and Naumov, former world champions in pair skating, and Inna Volyanskaya, according to the Russian Embassy. The Chinese Embassy in Washington said two Chinese nationals were killed in the crash.

More details are also emerging about the crew on the jet and the helicopter.

By Saturday, officials said that 42 sets of remains had been recovered. Divers joined by National Transportation Safety Board teams are continuing recovery efforts.

D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said in a news conference Friday that all bodies in the Potomac River are expected to be recovered, adding that the planes fuselage will need to be removed to guarantee access to additional remains.

The investigation into the crash

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation. The Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Army will also be involved in the investigation. The process can take a year or longer.

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The NTSB said its investigators recovered the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder from the plane, and the black boxes are at a lab for evaluation. Todd Inman, NTSB board member on scene, said he expects they will be able to recover all the data on both devices.

The agency said Friday it also recovered the black box from the military Black Hawk helicopter and expects a full extraction of data from the device.

Weather and communication did not appear to be issues when the crash occurred Wednesday night, as skies were clear and pilots were in communication with air traffic control.

Aviation experts say investigators will focus on several elements, including the dialogue with air traffic control, any possible missteps by the pilots, and the helicopter flight.

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Some aviation experts noted that two facts are key to solving the mystery of what led to the crash: understanding what happened inside the Black Hawk and learning at exactly what altitude it was flying when it collided with the jet.

The NTSB is the only agency authorized to provide an official cause for the crash.

Both the plane and the helicopter were being flown by experienced pilots who had standard communication with air traffic control when they crashed, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told reporters.

A source with knowledge of the situation told NBC News that at the time of the crash, there was one controller in the air traffic control tower focused on both helicopters and airplanes, according to a preliminary internal FAA safety report on the collision. Usually, the tower has a separate controller who deals exclusively with helicopter traffic. FAA safety standards allow for the combined position.

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Inman said Saturday that there were five people staffing the air traffic control tower at the time. They included the local controller who was directing helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft; a local assistant controller assigned to helping the local controller with things like receiving and analyze data in real time; a ground controller handling all aircraft and vehicles not on the runway; an operations supervisor; and an operations supervisor in training.

Trump sparked controversy when he implied at a news conference that diversity, equity and inclusion policies may have been the cause of the crash, although an investigation into the fatal disaster has only just begun.

We have to have our smartest people as air traffic controllers, Trump said Thursday morning. It doesnt matter what they look like, how they speak, who they are. ...They have to be talented, naturally talented. Geniuses. Cant have regular people doing their job."





This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
On Jan. 28, 2025, Telemundo Puerto Rico reported that a Puerto Rican woman, her child and the woman's mother-in-law were detained by U.S. officials after the family was heard speaking Spanish in a store in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The report centered around a journalist's alleged phone interview with an anonymous source claiming to be the brother of the detained woman. According to the brother, the trio was detained then released by federal agents when the woman produced proof of their U.S. citizenship.

Following the report, highly viewed claims featuring the key elements of the story circulated online. The story was shared by (archived) journalists (archived), politicians (archived) and various (archived) news (archived) sources.

One popular version was posted (archived) to X by Occupy Democrats, a left-leaning media outlet. The same text also spread on Facebook (archived).

BREAKING: Horror story hits the news as a toddler, mother, and grandmother are hauled off to an immigration detention center by Trump's goons because they were speaking Spanish  even though they're American citizens.



This is the worst case scenario...



According to a report pic.twitter.com/WvBWudJmzx  Occupy Democrats (@OccupyDemocrats) January 29, 2025

BREAKING: Horror story hits the news as a toddler, mother, and grandmother are hauled off to an immigration detention center by Trump's goons because they were speaking Spanish  even though they're American citizens. This is the worst case scenario ... According to a report from Telemundo Puerto Rico, the three innocent Americans were detained in Milwaukee and dragged off by U.S. officials. A member of their family stated that they were minding their own business, shopping at a department store when they were detained. Their request to speak to officers was denied until they arrived at the detention center. "My sister, speaking in English, explained that, not only are they American citizens, but that they are from Puerto Rico, they were born in Puerto Rico," said the family member. The individual spoke anonymously to Telemundo out of fear for their family. The detained mother eventually produced documents including birth certificates, at which point the officials became apologetic  presumably because they're afraid of a lawsuit. "I'm so sorry," said one official. The family was then forced to call and pay for a ride from the facility, putting even more unfair strain on them.

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The claims spread at a time of fear in immigrant communities over the Trump administration's promised deportation raids. Puerto Ricans have been U.S. citizens since the Jones-Shafroth Act of 1917 made the island a U.S. territory. At roughly the same time as the Milwaukee story, reports circulated from Newark, New Jersey, that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents had carried out raids in neighborhoods and businesses in the city.

We reached out to ICE, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers and local immigrant rights groups for confirmation of the story. Milwaukee Police Department said it was not aware of ICE activity in the city from Jan. 20 to Jan. 28 when Telemundo posted the story. Similarly, Mayor Cavalier Johnson's office said it had heard the story but had no specific information about it. We reached out to Milly Mendez, who reported the story for Telemundo, for further details about how the news outlet confirmed the reported events. We could not locate Telemundo's anonymous source to independently confirm the story.

Telemundo's anonymous source did not confirm the date or exact location of the alleged event, only saying that the family was stopped in a chain of stores that existed in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. The report also did not specify which agency detained the family. An English-language report in the Latin Times named ICE as the agency that detained the family but provided no comment from the agency. We have reached out to ICE about whether it had arrested then released a family matching the description given by Telemundo's source.

Several Spanish-language outlets also picked up the story. However, none appeared to have spoken to Telemundo's source or anyone else who had witnessed the event, all instead referring back to Telemundo's reporting.

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Did you witness this event, or have information about it that you we should know? Send us a tip.

Sources:

@AOC. "'But They're Only Going to Round up Immigrants Committing Crimes!'" X, 29 Jan. 2025, https://x.com/AOC/status/1884652414311059559.

@aurabogado. "A Three-Year Old, His Mother, and His Grandmother Were Speaking Spanish While Shopping at a Department Store in Milwaukee." X, 29 Jan. 2025, https://x.com/aurabogado/status/1884595702120022122.

@BNODesk. "3 Puerto Ricans Were Detained in Milwaukee and Taken to an Immigration Detention Center, According to Telemundo." X, 29 Jan. 2025, https://x.com/BNODesk/status/1884698615412629602.

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@Carrasquillo. "What the Hell Is Going On?" X, 29 Jan. 2025, https://x.com/Carrasquillo/status/1884417150359855490.

Davis, Jennifer. "100 Years of Puerto Rico: Puerto Rico Becomes a U.S. Territory | In Custodia Legis." The Library of Congress, 2 Mar. 2017, https://blogs.loc.gov/law/2017/03/100-years-of-puerto-rico-puerto-rico-becomes-a-u-s-territory.

"Familia puertorriquena habria sido llevada a centro de detencion en Milwaukee." Telemundo Puerto Rico, https://www.telemundopr.com/programas/dia-a-dia-programas-2/familia-puertorriquena-habria-sido-llevada-a-centro-de-detencion-en-milwaukee/2685412/. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

"Federales detuvieron una familia boricua en Milwaukee, que hablaba en espanol, durante operativo contra indocumentados." El Nuevo Dia, 29 Jan. 2025, https://www.elnuevodia.com/corresponsalias/washington-dc/notas/federales-detuvieron-una-familia-boricua-en-milwaukee-que-hablaba-en-espanol-durante-operativo-contra-indocumentados/.

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Hernandez, Espaillat Press DHS on ICE's Wrongful Detention of Documented Individuals, Question Legal and Procedural Aspects of Operations | Representative Pablo Hernandez. 27 Jan. 2025, http://hernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases/hernandez-espaillat-press-dhs-ices-wrongful-detention-documented-individuals.

millymendezpr. "BORICUAS DETENIDAS EN WISCONSIN: Estaban de Compras y Fueron Detenidas Junto a Un Nino de Dos Anos y Medio Por Alegadamente Hablar Espanol." Instagram, 28 Jan. 2025, https://www.instagram.com/p/DFWhJRzsGOZ/.

News: MAYOR RAS J. BARAKA'S STATEMENT ON ICE RAID ON NEWARK BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENT. https://www.newarknj.gov/news/mayor-ras-j-barakas-statement-on-ice-raid-on-newark-business-establishment. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

@NewsWire_US. "Three Puerto Ricans, Including a Toddler, Detained in Milwaukee and Taken to Immigration Center; Released after Showing IDs  Telemundo." X, 29 Jan. 2025, https://x.com/NewsWire_US/status/1884699275197571162.

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@OccupyDemocrats. "BREAKING: Horror Story Hits the News as a Toddler, Mother, and Grandmother Are Hauled off to an Immigration Detention Center by Trump's Goons Because They Were Speaking Spanish  Even Though They're American Citizens." X, 29 Jan. 2025, https://x.com/OccupyDemocrats/status/1884704497156411515.

PR informa. "BREAKING: Boricuas Horror Story Hits the News as a Toddler, Mother, and Grandmother Are Hauled off to an Immigration Detention Center by Trump's Goons Because They Were Speaking Spanish  Even Though They're American Citizens from Puerto Rico." Facebook, 30 Jan. 2025, https://www.facebook.com/prinforma/posts/pfbid0jdFo8VtXcV2ynvtxH2PrLEL7aRLDZuZgDHzg85REcbK1oEPcmvJbjSZZW5bbJPMDl.

"Se llevan a puertorriquena en medio de redada contra inmigrantes." Metro Puerto Rico, 27 Jan. 2025, https://www.metro.pr/noticias/2025/01/27/se-llevan-a-puertorriquena-en-medio-de-redada-contra-inmigrantes/.

VOCERO, Redaccion, EL. "Denuncian presunto arresto de familia puertorriquena en Milwaukee (copy)." El Vocero de Puerto Rico, 29 Jan. 2025, https://www.elvocero.com/el-mundo/denuncian-presunto-arresto-de-familia-puertorrique-a-en-milwaukee-copy/article_7392caba-de86-11ef-816f-37023d8fc58a.html.

Walker, Allison. "ICE Says 'Sorry' After Detaining US Citizens for Speaking Spanish: Report." Latin Times, 29 Jan. 2025, https://www.latintimes.com/ice-says-sorry-after-detaining-us-citizens-speaking-spanish-report-573967.
Editors note: The above video aired on Jan. 29

MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11)  Students at a New York City public school in Manhattan received handouts on Thursday, educating them on their rights if they should encounter an ICE agent.

The handout appeared to have information compiled and distributed by the Catholic Charities of New York. PIX11 reached out to Catholic Charities for comment but did not hear back at the time of publishing.

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One side of the sheet shared information on the right to remain silent, the right to refuse an ICE agent from entering ones home or searching ones belongings unless they have a warrant, and the right to speak with an attorney.

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The handout also gave instructions on what to do if one should encounter an ICE agent on the street or if they knock on your door.

(Credit: PIX11 News)

The flier advised students against signing any documents from an ICE agent, not giving false or foreign documents, not running away or resisting arrest, and not responding to questions about their immigration status if theyre stopped on the street.

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A spokesperson for the New York City Department of Education told PIX11 News that the handouts did not come from their department. For formal guidance from the DOE related to immigration matters, click here.

ICE raids in NYC: What immigrant parents can do to help protect their kids

President Donald Trump recently issued an executive order allowing federal immigration authorities to conduct arrests at sensitive locations. Meanwhile, ICE began raids on Tuesday targeting undocumented immigrants who are accused of crimes.

Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
I'm sure by now you've heard about or seen the now-deleted viral video of Selena Gomez's emotional reaction to Donald Trump's deportation of Mexican people.

Selena Gomez shares emotional Instagram Story about the deportation of Mexican people:All my people are getting attacked, the children. I dont understand. Im so sorry, I wish I could do something but I cant. I dont know what to do. Ill try everything, I promise. pic.twitter.com/il8pPXYZma  Pop Crave (@PopCrave) January 27, 2025

@selenagomez / instagram.com / PopCrave / Twitter: @PopCrave

In the video, Selena said, All my people are getting attacked, the children. I dont understand. Im so sorry. I wish I could do something, but I cant," she continued through tears, "I dont know what to do. Ill try everything, I promise."

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Selena has faced criticism from Fox News following the removal of her Instagram story, with Martha MacCallum notably ridiculing her by saying she was "going for another Academy Award."

Anadolu / Anadolu via Getty Images

Conservatives on TikTok have been going after Selena as well. One TikToker said, "The video of Selena Gomez crying over deportations is so fucking funny. Do you know how much I wish I could just be wealthy enough to be so effing genuinely out of touch? Like, be so real. How does that affect you? Like, I'm not even joking. Is she being paid?"

This particular comment provoked a woman named Kim to make a response video that now has well over 3 million views, and is generating a lot of conversation.

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In the video, Kim starts, "I know this is a foreign concept for you as a conservative, grifting rage baiter, but for most normal people, we don't need to get paid to care about something. Crazy, right? Some of us actually have empathy without needing a paycheck for it."

"So, for starters, I'd like to point out that you suggested someone has to be rich to be this out of touch. So, what's your excuse for being this out of touch when you don't have Selena's wealth? Then you went on to ask, how does this affect Selena Gomez, she's Hispanic. Why does it surprise you that deportations might emotionally impact her?"

For context, Selena is a third-generation Mexican American. She has openly talked about how her family came to the US illegally in the '70s. Anadolu / Anadolu via Getty Images

"Speaking of things that affect people, let's talk about LA, that city that you live in. Do you realize how much undocumented immigrants contribute to your quality of life? They make up a huge portion of the workforce in agriculture, construction, and hospitality industries that literally keep your city running every single time you eat fresh produce, go to a restaurant, or drive on roads maintained by construction workers; you're benefiting from their labor."

Hispanolistic / Getty Images

"So by your logic, if undocumented immigrants don't personally harm your life, why are you so mad they exist? I know you're gonna struggle very hard with this concept if you even made it this far because I use more words than 'like' and 'literally,' but caring about issues that don't personally impact you are just things that decent human beings do," she concludes in the TikTok.

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Her message was applauded by Selena herself.

And it is clear the main takeaway here is a lack of empathy.

Empathy, according to Merriam-Webster, is the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experiences of another.

BuzzFeed spoke to Kim who uses her platform to speak on issues in the current sociopolitical climate, often dismantling far-right narratives.

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"The constant demonization of undocumented citizens and the people who buy into the claims greatly concern me. Immigrants, legal or not, are significantly less likely to commit a crime than a natural-born US citizen," said Kim.

She went on to share, "I grew up in a city (Tucson) that is heavily influenced by immigrants, and am Mexican myself. I personally have friends who are hardworking, honest people. They're here to make a better life for themselves and have been on the list to become legal citizens for almost a decade. The people who say 'come here the right way' infuriate me."

Alexskopje / Getty Images

Kim said when she saw Selenas video, she felt her pain. "Being so close to the border, it has been difficult to comprehend the devastation this will cause. It's the fact that ICE has no restrictions as to where they can seize undocumented people, humiliate them, and strip them of their humanity on public display."

Bloomberg / Bloomberg via Getty Images

And Kim said it is upsetting to hear the reasoning Republicans can have. "In the TikTok I responded to, the person made a comment about wishing to be so rich she could be that 'out of touch' while ironically having voted for a billionaire herself, saying this from the comfort of her Tesla, supporting the richest man in the world. The hypocrisy never fails to astound me."

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Lastly, Kim would like people to realize that something should not need to personally affect someone for them to care. "Does it personally affect my day-to-day that there are perfectly healthy dogs in the shelter being euthanized? No. Did I adopt two myself because I had the capacity to do so? Yes. Everyone should have that mentality. Everyone should move with compassion."
Thursdays Top Stories

Thursdays Five Facts

[1] DWI dismissal scandal: What the Albuquerque police chief knew & when  APD is breaking down the series of events of the DWI dismissal scandal. APD Police Chief Harold Medina says the department was first made aware about officers failing to appear in court in 2003 for DWI cases involving attorney Thomas Clear III, but couldnt prove it. The investigation picked up steam when police got a tip from a resident in 2022, detailing what workers at local bars told them, that some officers would describe how members of the DWI unit would get paid to get a case dismissed. A guilty plea from a paralegal has now implicated state police and BCSO.

[2] APD: Teen killed during robbery attempt, 7 teens charged in connection  APD says on Tuesday night a large group of teens were trying to rob a couple inside of a Jeep at an apartment complex on Tramway. Police say the teens shot the woman while trying to rob her. The womans husband fired back, killing one of the teens. Police arrested five teens in connection to the shooting and are searching for two more.

[3] Isolated snow, rain showers continue Thursday  Some snow will stick around the northern mountains into Thursday morning. Snow will continue to fall in the northern mountains and far northern/northeastern New Mexico through Thursday evening as the storm continues to move out of the region. A few spotty showers are also likely Thursday afternoon for northeastern and eastern parts of the state. The rest of New Mexico will see mostly sunny and breezy weather.

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[4] Lea County using technology to help find lost loved ones who wander away from home  The Lea County Sheriffs Office is using technology called Project Lifesaver to track down people who cant find their way back home; especially if they may have Alzheimers, dementia or even autism. The GPS tracker allows the persons family to contact law enforcement and use a radar to quickly find them.

[5] ABQ group rings in the Lunar New Year by performing lion dances for community  A local dance team is celebrating the start of the lunar new year by bringing a part of the cultural event to the metro. The lunar new year is a major event that is celebrated for several days in many parts of the world. According to the Chinese zodiac, 2025 is the year of the snake. To celebrate, Van Hanh Lion Team is traveling to different locations in Albuquerque to perform a lion dance. The team has several performances scheduled around Albuquerque through February 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  A Kentucky Wesleyan College student from Spain, who was arrested on January 20, is facing new charges following a forensic analysis of his cell phone.

As previously reported, Alejandro Cuesta was arrested alongside Soufian Ouahbi after Ouahbi was accused of filming a KWC student while she was showering.

Cuestas original charges included:

5 counts of Possession of matter portraying sexual performance by a minor under 12

Distribution of matter portraying sexual performance by a minor over 12

The Owensboro Police Department says following a forensic analysis of Cuestas phone, detectives discovered additional images of child sexual abuse material through the platform, WhatsApp.

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Detectives added the following charges:

7 counts of Distribution of Matter Portraying Sex Performance by Minor under 12

3 counts of Possession Matter Portray Sexual Performance by Minor under 12

Possession Matter Portray Sex Performance by Minor over 12 but under 18

Cuesta is booked in the Daviess County Detention Center on a $100,000 bond.

Alejandro Cuesta (Courtesy: Daviess County Detention Center)

Eyewitness News. Everywhere you are.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
The chicken before me had neither lived nor died, but it did look really tasty.

Five stories up, in a sunny event space tucked away in New York Citys Little Italy earlier this month, chefs had been busy preparing chicken lo mein noodles, empanadas, and shawarma. But the poultry that went into these dishes hadnt come from a farm  it was grown from animal cells in a lab. Local restaurateurs and chefs mingling around the room had been invited to sample the dishes by Upside Foods, a leading brand in the lab-grown meat business. This was essentially a big pitch meeting: Upside Foods is working on launching a new product called shreds  similar to boneless, skinless, shredded chicken meat  and hoping to convince restaurants to buy it once it hits the market.

A few attendees, according to Upside Foods Chief Operating Officer Amy Chen, confessed they were nervous to try the lab-grown chicken, which is genetically identical to regular chicken but grown in a bioreactor. I think for consumers, the idea of cultivated meat is quite different, Chen said, using another term for lab-grown protein. And it takes a minute for you to wrap your head around it. But I came from the food world, and I know that tasting is believing.

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And what tasting Upside Foods chicken will have you believe is that it is honest-to-god chicken. The chicken shawarma I tried was juicy and tender, with a taste and texture that were basically indistinguishable from the real thing. This could cut both ways: The breaded chicken strips atop the lo mein noodles tasted like, well, regular chicken tenders  totally average.

Upside Foods hopes its products will be the future of eating meat. But for all the companys bullish messaging, an inconvenient detail hung over the showcase: Upside Foods has not yet received federal approval to sell its shredded chicken. And because President Donald Trump has nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr.  a vocal critic of lab-grown meat  to lead the agency that oversees the Food and Drug Administration, no one knows what will happen to that clearance process now.

Kennedy has openly questioned the safety of lab-grown meat on X, formerly Twitter, calling it ultra-processed. Although he has not been confirmed to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, his nomination has been worrying for the U.S. lab-grown meat industry, which has yet to sell its goods in American supermarkets.

But experts say there may be a number of opportunities for lab-grown meat under a second Trump administration. Industry leaders argue that cultivated meat is good for business, consumers, and even national security  and certain high-profile Republicans agree.

Chef Dominique Crenn uses a spatula to lift a small piece of lab-grown chicken on a cutting board.

The promise of lab-grown meat is that it would reduce our reliance on growing animals in factory-farming conditions, which pollute the air and waterways on top of emitting lots of greenhouse gases. Agriculture, by some estimates, accounts for up to a third of global greenhouse gas emissions. Within the agriculture category, livestock is the leading source of emissions. Scientists say it will be impossible to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) without reducing the emissions  particularly methane  that stem from industrial animal agriculture.

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The problem is that studies suggest that todays methods of producing cultivated meat have a higher environmental impact than that of beef. Advocates of cultivated meat say that the industry simply needs more investment to scale up and become energy-efficient.

Lab-grown meat falls into the alternative protein category, which includes plant-based burgers that bleed like real beef and has gotten heaps of attention from investors, nonprofits, and policymakers in recent years. That attention hasnt always been good. Pitting lab-grown meat against farmers and the beef industry, Florida and Alabama preemptively banned the sale of cultivated meat last year. (Upside Foods sued the state of Florida in response, arguing its measure is unconstitutional.)

But industry leaders say theyre working on a feat of bioengineering that will put the United States ahead of other countries trying to grow their cultivated meat industries, such as Israel and Singapore.

Thats something that I spend a lot of time talking about now: the economic potential of cultivated meat. How many jobs can we create? said Suzi Gerber, head of the Association for Meat, Poultry, and Seafood Innovation, a cultured meat trade group. She noted that growing meat under laboratory conditions pulls in resources and workers from other fields: It requires agricultural and manufacturing expertise, and it will employ engineers and rely on farmers. (The cells used to grow Upside Foods chicken, for example, come from fertilized chicken eggs, after all.) Investing in lab-grown meat ensures that American ingenuity is the front, that the American economy keeps evolving, and that we dont fall behind the rest of the world and their bio-economies, Gerber said.

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These arguments have helped lab-grown meat attract supporters from areas not usually associated with vegan-friendly fares. Vivek Ramaswamy, the former Republican presidential candidate and Trump supporter, has come out in support of cultivated meat, saying it should ultimately be up to consumers to decide what they want to eat. Kimbal Musk, brother of Elon, is also an investor in Upside Foods. (He has called himself a centrist Democrat who occasionally votes Republican and made many posts on X about how he hates Trump  but hes also been described as Elons close confidante and is on the board of Tesla.)

Upside Foods went through the FDAs pre-market consultation process for its original proof-of-concept product  a simple chicken filet  under Trumps first term. (The process of making the chicken shreds is different enough that it requires additional clearance.) Upside Foods got clearance to sell its product from the FDA in 2022 as well as a thumbs-up from the Department of Agriculture in 2023. But the company has been very slow to bring the filets to market. For a time, the filets were only available at Bar Crenn, a fine-dining restaurant in the Bay Area, although that partnership ended recently. Still, going through that process taught the company valuable lessons, said Eric Schulze, a veteran of the cultivated meat space who led Upside Foods regulatory strategy then.

Tempura-battered ab-grown chicken is served in a gold dish with edible flowers and greens

I worked with the first Trump administration and found it to be actually a very fruitful relationship, said Schulze, who worked as an FDA regulator under the Obama administration for six years before coming to Upside. He left Upside in 2023 and now advises cultivated meat companies as an independent consultant.

According to Schulze, a number of factors worked in Upside Foods favor  and could potentially help other cultivated meat companies, too. Schulze said that when Upside Foods was working with the FDA, his team emphasized the pro-business argument for fake meat. If you have a better product, you know, may it beat us fairly on the playing field of capitalism, he said.

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Schulze also noted that cultivated meat wasnt necessarily as politicized under the last Trump administration as you might expect fake meat options to be. According to Schulze, both the Department of Agriculture and the FDA under Trump seemed to think that food should be nonpartisan to the extent possible, and to the extent it couldnt be nonpartisan, it should at least be bipartisan. Two agency heads appointed by Trump  Scott Gottlieb, who led the FDA from 2017 to 2019, and Sonny Perdue, the former agricultural secretary  were behind the decision to jointly regulate cell-cultured food products. The move indicated a willingness to embrace innovation in the creation of alternative proteins, rather than avoid or ignore them.

The question is whether a noted skeptic like Kennedy could come around to endorsing meat thats been grown from cells, or if he might make it so hard for the companies to see approvals that their products never see the light of day. Chen described Upside Foods first review process with the FDA as incredibly thorough, adding we have every reason to believe that thats going to be the case in the future.

Although the regulatory process ultimately determines which products can be sold in the U.S., cultivated meat companies can find support at the state level, and through certain federal grant programs. For example, tech startups can access funding through the federal Small Business Innovation Research program. Maille ODonnell, a senior policy specialist at the Good Food Institute, a think tank that supports alternative proteins, said the federal program has been an invaluable resource for the companies she works with  and could be immune to partisan squabbles. This administration has every incentive to continue the SBIR program to help bring down food prices, return manufacturing jobs to the United States, and create new opportunities for farmers, said ODonnell.

A handful of states have programs that support faux meat, such as Illinois, which launched its Alternative Protein Innovation Task Force last year. Massachusetts also allocated $10 million as part of a recent economic development bill to the states burgeoning alt protein sector. And in 2022, California supplied $5 million to support research at three state universities, as part of its state budget.

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At the federal level, the Biden administration opened up a variety of funding streams for alternative protein companies through the Department of Energy, with the goal of decarbonizing the agricultural industry. And Schulze said the Department of Defense, which has a long history of supporting technological research and development, absolutely has interest in investing in alternative proteins.

But the Pentagon has also faced blowback for engaging with the cultivated meat industry. In March 2023, the Defense Department gave more than $500 million in funding to BioMADE, a public-private partnership borne out of the departments manufacturing technology arm, money that would go in part to biomanufactured proteins. Two months later, BioMADE put out a call for proposals that used technology, including cell cultivation, to make sustainable food rations for the military. The livestock industry seized on the announcement and chastised the Defense Department for trying to feed our heroes like lab rats, as the National Cattlemens Beef Association put it. After that, the Defense Department publicly denied funding the manufacture of cultivated meat.

Still, there are signs of government interest in supporting innovations in alternative proteins. Last year, the Defense Department invested in a company working on using precision fermentation to make alt protein out of fungi. However, its too soon to gauge any one federal agencys interest in supporting cultivated meat, according to Gerber, the head of the cultivated meat trade group. The future of the industry may get even more muddled after Trump attempted to put an end to federal grant programs this week.

Cultivated meat companies are bulking up their lobbying efforts and also exploring whether theres any way the upcoming Farm Bill could include some money for them. But Republicans in Congress have vowed to fight against that this year.

Robert F Kennedy, Jr. walks out of his senate confirmation hearing, accompanied by his wife Cheryl Hines

If nothing else, how the second Trump administration responds to the growing pains of the cultivated meat industry will offer insight into an age-old question: Can someone change their mind about something as intimate and personal as what food they like? Chen, from Upside Foods, said the most common reaction shes heard among people trying lab-grown chicken for the first time is something like, Its chicken! She joked that its the most unremarkable piece of chicken youll ever eat in your life.

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Asked if Kennedy might be someday convinced by the science and data supporting the safety of such products, Schulze was optimistic. I do believe that given RFK Jr.s background and his training from law school, said Schulze, that he would at least be open to the evidence and the arguments.

But as for what Trumps nominee to run the health department might do, Schulze was quick to add: Unless youre RFK Jr., you dont know.

Correction: A previous version of this article misstated the amount of money in the California state budget that funded alternative protein research.

This story was originally published by Grist with the headline Lab-grown meat rebrands itself to woo Trump  and RFK Jr. on Jan 30, 2025.
Heaven rejoices at repentant sinners, but it laughs in the face of Peter Mandelson. The would-be ambassador to the United States appeared on Fox News to denounce his past comments on Donald Trump  reckless... a bully  as if someone else had made them.

I consider my remarks... ill-judged and wrong, he said in the tone of a scandalised vicar, adding attitudes toward the president have changed since then. Since when? Since Trump won the election and Peter lost the Oxford chancellor job, and decided hed like an ambassadorship instead. Shades of what first attracted you to the millionaire Paul Daniels?

Mandys story is Labours geopolitical crisis in a nutshell. I guess from their perspective it makes sense sending him to Washington, being an experienced trade negotiator and  certainly to the neo-Blairites running No10  an elder statesman.

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But the yanks are oblivious to his role in New Labour or Northern Ireland. They think hes pally with the Chinese (a dossier on his links to Beijing was reportedly submitted to the FBI) and connected to Jeffrey Epstein, the paedophile financiar who accidentally, brutally hanged himself in his cell.

Trumps co-campaign manager called our forthcoming ambassador an absolute moron who should stay home. To any Maga fanatic googling him for the first time, hell sound like globalism incarnate.

Of course, Trump knew Epstein, too, and has rescued Chinas TikTok from the Biden ban: hell be able to work with Mandelson because he always puts business before politics. Now he can operate that partnership entirely on his own terms.

Trumps modus operandi is to establish dominance; Mandy has given it to him. Labour, the party whose activists volunteered for Kamala Harris, cannot escape the fact that it was once very rude about the most powerful man in the world  or, given that the UK is teetering on recession, that it needs Trump far more than Trump needs Britain.

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Thus Mandy, like David Lammy, has rolled over to show Trump his soft, vulnerable belly, launching this new golden age of the special relationship in a position of humiliating subservience. Laugh all you want at Peters Fox News recantation. You are only laughing at yourself, because this poodle now speaks for our country.

The Left used to dismiss Trump as an isolationist, yet its Britain under Labour that looks isolated. Trump disagrees with us on Ukraine and the climate; we plan to become world-leading in both renewables and AI, even though one undermines the other (AI needs cheap energy to work).

From Washingtons point of view, the stakes of the Mandelson saga are laughably low, for the UK has so little to offer the Atlantic partnership beyond expanded sales of Paddington Bear. Trump cares only about two things, namely unfettered access to the Royal family and addressing Parliament. Nigel Farage says the latter has already been offered; the PM hasnt confirmed or denied it.

It was a notional Tory, John Bercow, who vetoed such an address in 2017. That Labour will almost certainly roll out the red carpet is the biggest indicator of how far things have changed in world politics. Labour, which fancies itself as a party of socialist saints, showers praise on the capitalist devil  and Mandelson, as if figuring out that his own nation is dying, has wisely decided to relaunch his career overseas. Well, it worked for James Corden.

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LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)  A Lafayette jury convicted Kerry Duane Chaisson of Aggravated Flight from an officer which stemmed from a 2023 Armed Robbery and Carjacking in Lafayette.

In August of 2023, a Lafayette Parish Sheriff patrol deputy located the defendant driving the stolen vehicle on Fieldspan Road near Duson, and a joint pursuit with LPSO and Lafayette Police Department units ended near Willow St. and Cora Drive in Lafayette, where the defendant crashed the stolen 2018 Ford Escape into a coulee and attempted to escape on foot. Lafayette PD K-9 Fritz apprehended the defendant after a short pursuit.

District Attorney Don Landry noted that the joint law enforcement response to the dangerous high speed flight was a key to the case and was impressive. Lafayette Police and Lafayette Sheriffs deputies did a great job in apprehending this dangerous defendant after the armed robbery and carjacking. We are very satisfied with the verdict, and want the community to know that fleeing from law enforcement is very dangerous and can kill or injure many people. The minimum sentence of twenty years in this case, after this defendant has been sentenced as a habitual offender, will be a deterrent to others fleeing in a situation where law enforcement is attempting to make a traffic stop, said Landry.

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The defendant has a lengthy criminal record, and faces a potential sentence of twenty years to life at hard labor as provided by Louisianas Habitual Offender law. Chaisson has prior Louisiana felony convictions for battery of a correctional facility employee, introducing contraband into a penal institution, resisting police by force or violence, possession of cocaine, and distribution of counterfeit cocaine.



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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Brian Caldwell has been leading photo tours on Lake Hodges for years, with many spectators drawn in by wildlife.

Clarks and Western Grebes, which are iconic birds of Lake Hodges, so they have a very interesting and dynamic courtship routine a lot of people like to photograph, said Brian Caldwell, Lake Hodges Photo Tours Company Owner.

But after an inspection in 2022, the state mandated the water level be dropped, and Caldwell noticed a change in the wildlife population.

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The number of birds has dropped significantly. Weve got probably 10 percent of the birds we had just three years ago, Caldwell said.

It is negatively impacting his business and causing profits to plummet.

Its become more difficult because theres not as much activity, Caldwell said.

The City of San Diego released a statement, saying the following:

The reduction in water level at Hodges Reservoir does not affect the majority of wildlife species present and around the reservoir. Two species that are sensitive to sudden fluctuations in water level are the western and Clarks grebes. The City of San Diego has been continuously monitoring grebes at Hodges Reservoir since 2019. Survey data indicates stable population numbers within the grebe colonies, and as recently as 2024, surveys showed successful nesting that resulted in juveniles. Grebes observed in Hodges Reservoir are not listed as threatened or endangered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or United States Fish and Wildlife Service and are not under threat of extinction.

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The number one priority of the Citys Public Utilities Department is public safety. The City is maintaining the water level of Hodges Reservoir at a safe elevation in accordance with our state regulator, the Division of Safety of Dams. In the event of a failure of the dam due to an earthquake, the 280-foot restriction level provides the lowest possible risk to the community downstream. At the 280-foot elevation level, Hodges Reservoir is still fully available for use as a water source for fighting fires. Vegetation along the exposed shoreline and within the lakebed of the reservoir is a protected wetland under local, state and federal regulations.

Caldwell says if the state mandated water level was about 10 feet higher it would create ideal nesting conditions, as it did last year when rain raised the water level.

Unless the water comes up at least 10 feet I cant see us seeing any nesting this year, Caldwell said.

He wants the Department of Safety and Dams to reevaluate where the lake levels need to be.

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What the state has to do is understand that theres a far greater risk to all sorts of stuff with the water low than the water high, Caldwell added.

FOX 5/KUSI reached out to the California Department of Water Resources Division of Safety of Dams for an interview and are awaiting 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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Jan. 29MORGANTOWN  Lake Lynn Generation's annual elevation and flow report gives a retrospective look at its response to the summer drought conditions that stirred  and is still stirring opposition ot its management of its hydroelectric project.

Lake Lynn is required to file the report with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission each year. From May 1-Oct. 1, it's supposed to maintain Cheat Lake's elevation between 868 and 870 feet ; Nov. 1-March 31, 857-870 feet ; April 1-30, 863-870 feet.

The summer drought put Lake Lynn in a trilemma  having to choose between three competing FERC license requirements: maintain the summer level of 868-870 feet ; maintain a flow rate of 212 cubic feet per second (cfs) into the Cheat, with an absolute minimum of 100 cfs ; and maintain dissolved oxygen at 5 milligrams per liter for the aquatic life.

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Lake Lynn's report, submitted to FERC on Tuesday and posted by FERC on Wednesday, shows a brief variation on May 10, 2024  3 hours 30 minutes  where the lake rose about a third of a foot above the maximum elevation.

The drought stretch began on Sept. 7 and ran through Sept. 30  a total 22 days. The elevation reached 1.1 below minimum Sept. 7-13 ; 2 /7 feet below minimum Sept. 13-20 ; 3.3 below minimum Sept. 20-27. The last three-day stretch says "end of the event."

Lake Lynn told FERC, "Extremely low inflow into the project reservoir and severe drought conditions made it impossible to maintain all three license requirements during the month of September 2024." It chose to maintain spillway flow and dissolved oxygen levels. "LLG operation staff acted appropriately to prioritize complying with its license requirements to minimize adverse aquatic ecosystem impacts to the Cheat River downstream of the project."

Lake Lynn reminded FERC that anticipating the drought, it submitted a request for a temporary variance to the lake level requirement in July. The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection first approved the request then withdrew the approval in the face of public concerns. FERC then requested more information. Seeing that the process would extend beyond the drought period, Lake Lynn withdrew its request on Sept. 11.

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Lake Lynn has told FERC that to help remedy the competing license requirements in the future, the company has proposed, in its Final License Application, to develop an Operation Plan that will include standard operating procedures to be implemented during periods of low inflow and low dissolved oxygen, "which will document the prioritization of license requirements and how Lake Lynn will comply with the operational requirements of the license."

Public protests, filed with FERC, mentioned such issues as largely empty marinas, dock damages, boats stranded on mud flats, vast swaths of hydrilla covering portions of the lake surface, and effects on tourism, recreation and the area economy.

Other issues Lake Lynn's Lake Lynn Hydroelectric Project license expired Nov. 30. FERC in December issued an annual license to allow Lake Lynn to continue operating while FERC processes its license renewal application.

Protests are stil trickling in to FERC, chiefly regarding Lake Lynn's proposal to remove 243.8 acres of project land no longer needed for project purposes from its project boundary.

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A protest filed last week says, "I am in favor of them continuing to operate the electric generation facility. But they need to increase the maintenance and upkeep of the area surrounding Lake Lynn, the park and the trail that was created, and the public access to the area. However, I am opposed to them removing property from what they list as the park area.

"The representatives have said that they have no intention of selling this excess acreage, the letter continues. "But if it is removed and if the right price is offered, I think they will change their mind. I have a special interest as a property owner at Lake Lynn. Unfortunately, some of the property that they propose to remove is between my property and the lake. It would be totally unacceptable to have someone else come in and take ownership of that property and obstruct our access. ... Just leave it as it is."

Another protest, filed Jan. 6, notes that the acreage in question is valuable, with 5 nearby acres offered for $1.2 million. And Lake Lynn hasn't said what it will do with the land. "A sale of the acreage for millions of dollars is plainly in the offing, for why would the licensee bother to retain and care for land that in its judgment is no longer 'needed ?'"

Selling to a developer, the letter says, would be "to the everlasting detriment of water quality, wildlife, recreation, shoreline management, and natural aesthetics."

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Meanwhile, a lawsuit filed by the Biafora family business Marina 1 LLC against Lake Lynn Generation continues to play out in federal court.

Marina 1 is seeking $50, 000 compensation for property damages, alleging that before the Labor Day weekend, Lake Lynn deliberately lowered the level of Cheat Lake below the 868-foot minimum in violation of its FERC license. This caused various damages, some of them irreparable.

The case originated in Monongalia County Circuit Court and Marina 1 wants it moved back there, and out of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia in Clarksburg.

Lake Lynn wants the case kept in federal court. It argues the case should be dismissed because it is "an impermissible collateral attack " on its FEC license, the federal court has no jurisdiction over how the company should prioritize competing FERC license requirements, and Marina 1's claims are preempted by federal law.
President Donald Trump signed the first bill of his second presidency.

Its an immigration law with murdered nursing student Laken Rileys name on it.

Both Republicans and Democrats have nothing but sympathy for the parents of Riley and both call her death an awful tragedy, but some Democrats do have concerns about the law that now bears her name.

Riley was murdered by an illegal immigrant last year while jogging at the University of Georgia.

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The law requires federal officials to detain illegal immigrants accused of a crime, including theft.

It also empowers states to sue the federal government if it fails to comply with immigration laws.

Rileys mother, Allyson Phillips, joined Georgia Republican lawmakers at the bill signing ceremony.

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There is no amount of change that will ever bring back our precious Laken. Our hope moving forward is that her life saves lives, Phillips said.

Minutes after the signing ceremony, Channel 2s Richard Elliot spoke exclusively with Georgia Rep. Mike Collins, who wrote the law.

It just recognizes a young lady that wanted to spend her whole life saving lives, and the fact that she lost hers to murder by some illegal alien criminal and the fact that her name now will live on in history and this bill, this law will help save lives, Collins said.

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Back at the Georgia State Capitol, Elliot spoke with both sides of the political aisle.

Many democrats worry the new law strips immigrants of their due process rights, but they also mourn Rileys death.

The tragedy of this womans death I think touches all of us, and we care about the fact that she was in danger based on violence in our society, Democratic State Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver said.

Georgias two Democratic Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock both supported and voted for this bill.
City Comptroller Brad Lander says if elected mayor he would seek to use the municipal governments pension funds to help city workers become homeowners  a proposal aimed at dampening some of the effects of the citys deepening housing crisis.

In a policy proposal shared exclusively with the Daily News this week, Landers mayoral campaign suggests the citys pension funds should step in and pay half of what it costs a city worker to buy a home anywhere in the five boroughs worth less than $1 million.

The pension funds, which control nearly $280 billion in public money, would only offer the homebuyer assistance to workers whove served in the municipal government for at least five years, according to Landers proposal. There are roughly 200,000 municipal employees in that category at the moment, including everything from cops and sanitation workers to teachers and EMTs.

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As comptroller, Lander helps oversee the citys pension system, and he said his team has calculated an initial investment of about $400 million  0.1% of the total amount of money at the pension funds disposal  would help buy some 1,000 homes for city workers. His plan doesnt specify how much pension fund cash he would like to see poured into the proposed homeowner investment in total.

Lander, whos among a sprawling field of candidates running against Mayor Adams in Junes Democratic mayoral primary, wouldnt be able to pull off such a pension investment move on his own.

Rather, he would, if elected mayor, have to convince a majority of trustees on whichever pension fund he wants to make the investment to support the move. Landers team said he would ultimately like to see all of the citys five pension funds invest in homes for workers.

The trustees of the largest municipal pension fund, the New York City Employees Retirement System, include all of the citys five borough presidents, the comptroller, the public advocate, the mayor and some top municipal union leaders, like the head of DC 37.

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Lander suggested it wouldnt be hard to get trustees on board, arguing the benefits of his proposal would be twofold.

For starters, the pension funds would own half of all the homes they help buy, meaning theyd also get 50% of any increase in value generated once workers sell their homes, amounting to a return on investment, Lander said.

Additionally, Lander reasoned the five-year employment requirement for eligibility is an incentive for city workers to stay in public service, a boon at a time that vacancies in the municipal ranks remain high as compared with prepandemic levels.

Our government employees keep New York City running  they teach our kids, clean our streets, and keep our neighborhoods safe. They deserve to know that New York City has their back, and New Yorkers deserve to see the high-quality services we all rely on, Lander said.

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The city pension funds are supposed to invest money so it grows over time and covers the monthly pension payments nearly all city government employees are entitled to upon retirement.

But John Murphy, a longtime public pension plan consultant who served as the executive director of the New York City Employees Retirement System for 15 years, said Landers proposal could prove administratively complicated.

For the pension funds to co-own thousands of individual residences would require a very slick management operation, given all the complications that people already face in purchasing a home, Murphy noted.

Still, Murphy called it an incredibly interesting idea thats likely to provide a reliable rate of return, given that real estate in the city is considered a safe investment that almost always grows in value. He also noted the citys pension funds already hold major investments in real estate, including mortgage-based bonds.

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If it works the way they they think it would work, it would have a tremendous effect both for the pension funds and for city workers, Murphy told The News.

A spokesman for Adams reelection campaign didnt return a request for comment on Landers proposal.

The proposal comes as housing affordability and availability remains a severe problem in New York.

According to public data, the median price to buy a home in the city is $785,000, a 15% jump from prepandemic levels.

Meantime, rents are at an all-time while the number of available apartments in the city are at nearly all-time lows, a combination that has also resulted in the citys homeless shelter population being at the highest level in history.

Housing is among a handful of issues expected to be front and center in this years mayoral race. The Democratic mayoral primary is set for June 24.
CHICAGO  Nearly four months after they were first called to Chicagos federal courthouse, jurors have begun deliberating in the most consequential Illinois public corruption case in years: the racketeering case of former House Speaker Michael Madigan and his longtime confidant, Michael McClain.

The panel was sent back to deliberate at about 3:15 p.m. Wednesday after attorneys presented roughly 27 hours of closing arguments this week and last. Jurors will have to consider 23 counts against Madigan alleging an array of schemes to enrich his political allies and line his pockets. McClain is charged in six of those counts.

To assist their deliberations, jurors have about 100 pages of legal instructions, dozens of undercover recordings, and hundreds of emails, texts and other documents entered into evidence.

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The trial dragged on significantly longer than expected. It began with jury selection in early October and was slated to wrap up before Christmas. But unexpected witness change-ups, lengthy legal arguments and Madigans choice to testify on his own behalf  among other factors  kept proceedings going for nearly four months.

Within half an hour of being sent back to the jury room, the jurors sent U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey their first note, setting their own deliberation schedule, requesting an updated message from the judge for some of their employers, and asking for more pens and highlighters and tape.

In a later note, they asked for at least five more copies of the indictment.

The panel, which was selected anonymously, also announced they had elected Juror 16 as their foreman, a white man who appears to be in his 40s or 50s who said during jury selection he was born and raised in Chicagos 19th Ward on the Far Southwest Side, where he still lives.

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His parents were close friends with the previous 19th Ward alderman, Virginia Rugai, he said. He also knows the current alderman, Matt OShea, but does not discuss city operations or personal matters with him, he said.

The juror also said he had not done much political work apart from voting, and his recent contact with the ward office was limited to getting a block party permit. He works as an insurance underwriter and has three children, he said.

Juror 16 also said during selection that he did not want to be on the panel.

The jury was dismissed at 4:30 p.m. after about an hour and 15 minutes of deliberations. They will return to the courthouse at 9 a.m. Thursday, per the schedule they set for themselves.

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At the beginning of the case, prosecutors told the jury that the trial was about corruption at the highest levels of state government, where Madigan and McClain schemed to leverage the speakers power for profit, both for himself and his associates.

That theme continued to the end, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Amarjeet Bhachu showing the jury Wednesday a handwritten note McClain wrote to Madigan in 2016, telling the speaker that Illinois was a better place because he had his hand on the rudder.

And that was true  Mr. Madigan did have his hand on the rudder of the state, Bhachu said. He also had something else in his hand. He had the trust that was placed in him by each and every member of the public. Mr. Madigan abused that trust. He lost his way. He was blinded by profit, by power, by his desire to stay in power.

Madigan, 82, was for decades the most powerful man in Illinois politics, reigning over the state Democratic party and setting a national record for longest-serving speaker of a state house. McClain, 77, is a retired lobbyist from downstate Quincy who acted as Madigans right-hand man.

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In addition to alleging plans to pressure developers into hiring Madigans law firm, the indictment accuses Madigan and McClain of bribery schemes involving ComEd and AT&T Illinois, where the utilities allegedly funneled payments through do-nothing subcontracts to a handful of the speakers closest allies.

The trial represents the apex of a lengthy federal corruption investigation that has already resulted in convictions of several other Madigan-adjacent figures over the past few years. Madigan, however, is inarguably the biggest target.

The stakes are high. If convicted, both Madigan and McClain could face lengthy prison terms despite their advanced ages.

An across-the-board acquittal would be an ultra-rare occurrence for a high-profile public corruption trial at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, where federal prosecutors over the last two decades have racked up guilty verdicts for two former governors and a slew of state legislators and city aldermen.

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A not-guilty finding for either Madigan or McClain could also signal new difficulties for federal prosecutors in proving a bribery case after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling last year made clear that, in order to convict, prosecutors must prove that a bribe was agreed to before any official action was taken.

That point was hammered at continuously in closing arguments by Madigans attorney, Daniel Collins, who urged the jury not to tap into the cynicism or suspicion that often accompanies public corruption cases and focus instead on the evidence, which he said failed to show Madigan ever acted with corrupt intent.

Mike Madigan was not part of any racketeering enterprise, Collins said near the end of his argument. He was a public official who did his best. Hes made some mistakes, but hes always tried to build consensus, to collaborate. Thats who he was. Thats who he tries to be.

Collins also belittled Madigans co-defendant, McClain, as a self-aggrandizing name-dropper, and called FBI mole and former Ald. Daniel Solis the malignant tumor at the heart of this case.

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McClain attorney Patrick Cotter, meanwhile, argued on Tuesday his client was a diligent  if sometimes blunt and earthy  lobbyist who never agreed to or knew about any bribery scheme.

He only ever acted out of a commitment to his clients and a true respect for Madigan, Cotter said.

Did this very real, very unique and  I would submit based on the overall evidence in this case  very decent human being actually have the intent to engage in a conspiracy to bribe the person he thought of as his closest friend? Cotter asked.

In his rebuttal Wednesday, Bhachu methodically walked through how, collectively, five Madigan allies received a total of $1.3 million over the years from ComEd, saying the stream of benefits ran from 2011 through 2019. Among the recipients were two former aldermen, Frank Olivo and Michael Zalewski, precinct captains Ray Nice and Edward Moody, and former state Rep. Edward Acevedo.

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Bhachu scoffed at the defense argument that these payments were favors.

If youre thinking of a bribe, you could not find an envelope big enough to contain all that money, Bhachu said. It is a gigantic amount of money.

Bhachu recounted how the payments were allegedly concealed as subcontracts with other ComEd contractors, including then-City Club of Chicago head Jay Doherty, and hidden from the utilitys oversight protocols by making them single-source deals under the direct budget of then-ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore.

All of it, Bhachu said, was meant to conceal the true nature of the payments. And the lies continued during Madigans own testimony, he said.

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You did not only see lies during the course of this trial, you heard them as well, and you heard them right from the witness stand from this man right here, Bhachu said, pointing to Madigan at the defense table.

In fact, hed had a conversation with Mr. McClain where Mr. McClain suggested to him somebody wasnt really doing any work, the prosecutor said. And his response? Some of these guys have made out like bandits, Mike.

And you heard him laugh, Bhachu continued. In comparison to the purported anger he displayed on direct examination.

Bhachu also said Madigan tried to minimize his ties to McClain in his testimony, saying Madigan essentially told the jury the extent of his relationship with McClain was to pass him resumes.

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If you were going to listen to his direct (testimony), what would you think? Bhachu said. You got more information from Mr. Madigan about working on a garbage truck than you did about his relationship with McClain  You would have thought McClain was the postman, or akin to an Uber Eats driver.

Madigan also lied repeatedly about not knowing what was going on with the conspiracy to get his people paid, Bhachu said.

Hes not sitting in some closet in his office with the light off. He is in the know, Bhachu said.

He also ridiculed the notion that Madigan was somehow just a nonconfrontational guy who was afraid to say no to people, at one point mockingly referring to the once-powerful politician as Michael Milquetoast Madigan.

Not surprisingly, Madigans defense team cast Solis as the cases biggest villain, saying his entire cooperation was essentially a government production in which Solis was merely a stage actor taking direction from investigators, trying to save his own skin.

In his closing argument, Collins said Solis unprecedented deferred-prosecution deal with the U.S. attorneys office, which will leave him with no criminal record and collecting a six-figure city pension, only scratched the surface of his own wrongdoing.

In addition to taking campaign contributions in exchange for official action, Solis admitted to a host of other crimes, including hitting up associates for erectile dysfunction medication, accepting a suitcase full of cash from a developer in China, and lying on his taxes about hundreds of thousands of dollars he was paid by his sister in referral fees related to the Vendor Assistance Program, Collins said.

You cannot trust Danny Solis, Collins told the jury. Cannot trust him. Hes got his own agenda, and hes as sly as a fox.

Bhachu countered on Wednesday that some of the defense claims about Solis were overwrought. He also said under the terms of his deal, Solis knew that he had to tell the truth on the witness stand, which he did. Bhachu also pointed out everything that was done was recorded and that Madigan was in control of his own responses.

You can see what was said, Bhachu told the jury. That was not part of our script. (Madigan) chose what to say  this seasoned politician, this sophisticated lawyer. It was Madigans script.

Over and over, Bhachu asked jurors to consider the defense argument that the benefits bestowed upon Madigan and his allies were simply legal lobbying, an effort, in the ordinary course of business, to foster goodwill with an influential politician.

Among the benefits alleged in the indictment was the appointment of Madigans recommendation, Juan Ochoa, to ComEds board of directors. Bhachu put up a transcript of the now-infamous call where Pramaggiore discussed with McClain internal pushback on Ochoas candidacy: You take good care of me and so does our friend, and I will do the best that I can to take care of you, Pramaggiore said on the call.

What type of mentality is behind a comment like that? Does that sound like its ordinary course? Bhachu said.

Bhachu noted Pramaggiore was willing to find something else, anything else for Ochoa to do for ComEd, as long as it paid the same salary as the board position. Is that ordinary course? he asked.

Ticking off other allegations, Bhachu mentioned ComEds summer internship program to set aside slots for 13th Ward candidates who didnt have to compete with others, or for threats and intimidation to be used to hire an entry-level person at ComEd, or for a Fortune 100 company like ComEd to ask for permission from McClain and Madigan to get rid of somebody.

Was that the ordinary course of business? Of course not, Bhachu said.

Explaining the breadth of the alleged Madigan enterprise, Bhachu recounted how McClain secretly arranged, allegedly with Madigans knowledge, for longtime speakers aide Kevin Quinn to receive payments from several utility lobbyists after he was ousted from Madigans operation in 2018.

While Quinns departure followed sexual harassment accusations made by a female campaign worker, the jury has heard only that it was due to allegations of wrongdoing.

The high-profile departure of Quinn, the brother of Madigans handpicked 13th Ward Ald. Marty Quinn, created the first serious fissures in the speakers support among his Democratic caucus. The Tribune, which first reported the payments, reviewed bank records that showed Kevin Quinn received more than $30,000 from the utility lobbyists.

On a wiretapped call played for the jury, McClain told the speaker of his plan to marshal money to keep Quinn afloat, and when he asked if the speaker wanted to call him, Madigan said, I think I ought to stay out of it.

Madigans team pointed to the comment as evidence the speaker had no involvement in the payments.

Bhachu however, said, stuff like the Kevin Quinn payments show the purpose of the enterprise.

Other allegations center on a scheme to get business from would-be developers of a Chinatown parking lot by supporting legislation that would transfer that land to the city.

Bhachu told jurors not to be fooled into thinking Madigan wasnt involved, even though McClain handled the painstaking, day-to-day work of advancing the bill without alerting Madigans archrival, then-Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, that it was something the speaker wanted.

Mr. McClain and Mr. Madigan are adept at making sure Mr. Madigans fingerprints are not left at the scene, Bhachu said. These folks are not playing checkers, they were playing chess. And the two of them were grandmasters of corruption.

_____
LANETT, Ala. (WRBL)  The Lanett Police Department is investigatin the death of a four-month-old infant who suffered a medical emergency at a residence in the Old Jackson Heights Housing area.

According to a press release, emergency responders were dispatched on Saturday, January 25, at approximately 1:55 p.m. after a 911 call reported the infant having a seizure. The East Alabama Fire Department provided mutual aid and transported the child to East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC) in Opelika. After being assessed by medical staff, the infant was flown to Childrens of Alabama Hospital in Birmingham for further treatment.

Despite medical efforts, the child was pronounced dead at 3:06 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29. The infants body has been sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Science Medical Lab in Montgomery for an autopsy.

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The Lanett Police Department is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the childs death. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the departments Criminal Investigation Division at 334-644-5295 or Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Victims of the L.A. County firestorms are grieving their losses as well as frustrated with delays in getting restarted with their lives, which L.A. police say makes them great prey for scammers.

During times of crisis, unscrupulous individuals often take advantage of vulnerable people, their insurance companies, and the governmental aid intended to go to victims of this tragedy, the L.A. Police Department wrote in an online post.

The department has outlined what to watch out for and where to get help and vet companies.

In Altadena, destroyed cars and homes line a street on Jan. 14. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

The Eaton fire, centered in Altadena, has burned more than 14,000 acres , claimed 17 lives and destroyed 9,418 structures, while the Palisades fire has burned more than 23,400 acres, killed 12 and destroyed 6,837 structures.

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In the wake of these disasters, the LAPD is directing victims to watch out for contracting, towing and charitable donation scams, which are prevalent.

Debris and tree removal has become a particularly hot topic in the aftermath of the blazes.

In Pacific Palisades, City Council members told residents that public debris removal might take up to 18 months to complete.

Read more: Palisades fire victims vent frustration as town hall on debris removal becomes a free-for-all

Those looking for debris and tree removal services faster are susceptible to scams that offer unrealistic timeliness and significant deposits, police said.

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Fraudsters may create a sense of urgency to encourage immediate cash deposits or assurances that insurance companies will pay all associated costs.

The department is also warning consumers to carefully scrutinize companies offering towing or car repair services.

Read more: Your car didn't escape the fire? Here's how to get rid of it

Companies might say they'll tow or repair a car at no cost to the owner but, once in possession of the vehicle, attempt to charge exorbitant and potentially fraudulent fees to an insurance company, the department said.

The LAPD is directing those in need of such services to contact a reputable dealer.

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Customers should first be in communication with their insurance company in the case of debris, tree or car removal, the department said.

The department also advised scrutiny when choosing to make charitable donations.

Read more: L.A. fires: Is that GoFundMe account legit? How to spot scams when helping victims

Since the fires began Jan. 7, legitimate campaigns on GoFundMe and other sites popped up quickly.

Just as fast, fake sites on GoFundMe, Instagram and other social media platforms surged.

GoFundMe responded to the crisis by creating a centralized hub with all verified accounts .

For other sites, the LAPD is asking individuals to research the specific charities, ask the solicitor for a physical address and also ask that the charity point you to other charitable organizations providing similar services.

A landscape of burned-out homes is seen last week in Pacific Palisades. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

The department is also one of several agencies, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, to create a Joint Regional Fire Crimes Task Force.

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The unit is investigating and prosecuting fire-related crimes in L.A. County.

We will not permit victims to be re-victimized, said U.S. Atty. Martin Estrada in a statement . Our community has suffered tremendously, and we are here to support them.

The LAPD offered a list of websites and phone numbers for fire victims to check on companies as well as report crimes.

The state lists resources for homeowners and businesses at its website.

To check the licensing of a contractor:

Visit the website of the Department of Consumer Affairs State License Board.

To determine the legitimacy of a charity or a tow company:

Contact the Los Angeles Police Commission  Commission Investigation Division

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Regarding charities: (213) 996-1260

Regarding towing: (213) 996-1270

To determine the legitimacy of charities (within the state of California):

Visit the website of the California Department of Justice.

To report a crime or suspicious activity:

Call the LAPD's West Los Angeles Division, 1663 Butler Ave.; (310) 444-0701; (877) ASK-LAPD (non-emergency dispatch).

To report suspected instances of fraud, contact:

National Insurance Crime Bureau online; (800) 835-6422.

Federal Bureau of Investigation; (800) CALL-FBI

National Center for Disaster Fraud; (866) 720-5721



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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Las Cruces Fire Chief Jason Smith is retiring.

Smith led the Las Cruces Fire Department since Nov. 30, 2020 and had served for 22 years in different roles within the department.

Smith announced his retirement in December 2024. His last day on the job is Friday, Jan. 31.

The City has named Deputy Chief Sean Heck as interim chief until a permanent replacement is selected from a nationwide search.

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Smith graduated from LCFDs Fire Academy in 2002 and rose through the ranks. During his career, he served as a firefighter, driver/operator, lieutenant, battalion chief and deputy chief of operations before being named interim fire chief in November 2020, the City of Las Cruces said.

He was named permanent fire chief in March 2021.

The City of Las Cruces issued the following statement about Smith:

Smiths tenure with the Las Cruces Fire Department has been marked by tremendous growth. As deputy chief, Smith oversaw the departments division of shifts into two battalions and helped in the planning of the East Mesa Public Safety Complex  a joint fire and police building on Sonoma Ranch Boulevard.

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Smith was instrumental in the approval of two general obligation bonds, in 2018 and 2022, that paved the way for construction of two new fire stations: Fire Station 3 on Valley Drive that replaced a 55-year-old building and Fire Station 9 thats currently under construction on north Sonoma Ranch Boulevard.

Smith is credited with helping LCFD receive grants that funded nine additional firefighter positions and a paramedic training program. He also helped guide the department through the Covid-19 pandemic.

All the while, Smith has helped LCFD maintain its status as one of the premier fire departments in the United States with an Insurance Services Office rating of 1. The ISO-1 rating is the best rating a community can receive for its fire protection with only 125 fire departments in the country claiming an ISO-1 rating.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Las Cruces Public Schools (LCPS) celebrated on Wednesday the renovations made at Desert Hills Elementary with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

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LCPS said the renovations at Desert Hills Elementary aimed to create a safe and engaging environment for students and staff, fostering enjoyable and productive teaching and learning experiences.

A main focus was implementing a new design in the pickup and drop-off area to alleviate the flow of traffic in the mornings and afternoons, LCPS said. At the time, those periods contributed to significant congestion on Roadrunner Parkway, LCPS added.

LCPS said a vehicular circulation was put in place to reduce traffic congestion during peak hours.

The redesigned site accommodates the existing transportation needs, including eight morning and nine-afternoon buses, six daycare vans, separate drop-off/pick-up zones for K-2nd and 3rd-5th grades, and dedicated parking for visitors and staff, read the news release by LCPS.

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Additionally, a new 12,119-square-foot multipurpose space was built to support extracurricular activities and enhance student experiences. The facility includes bleachers, restrooms, an office, an elevated storage platform, a kitchen, a serving area, a dishwashing station, and dedicated mechanical and electrical rooms, LCPS said.

LCPS said that during a visit in 2019, it was noted that the student population had grown to 713, surpassing the original design capacity of 648. In response to this growth, five new kindergarten classrooms were added, expanding the facility by 7,300 square feet.

Each classroom is equipped with individual restrooms, designed to support the needs of young learners. The new classrooms were designed with energy efficiency in mind, incorporating durable, low-maintenance materials and finishes that align with district standards for heating and cooling systems, LCPS said.

LCPS said renovations also included embracing the existing school entry, with the addition of a secure vestibule designed to meet the districts protocol for safety and security.

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A nurses area was also upgraded to meet the New Mexico Public School Facilities Authority (NM PSFA) Adequacy Standards.

The new upgrades at Desert Hills Elementary create a more welcoming and supportive space for students, parents, and staff. These improvements not only strengthen the school community but also play a vital role in fostering the future well-being and success of Las Cruces, LCPS said. The school upgrades are part of the LCPS Capital Outlay Program, supported by voter-approved general obligation bonds.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A Las Vegas high school substitute teacher was arrested on charges related to having an inappropriate relationship with a juvenile after turning himself in, CCSDPD said Wednesday.

Kurt Tumbagahan, 25, turned himself into the Clark County District Court after a summons was issued by the District Attorney. Records showed that he faces charges of contact/ attempt to contact a minor by a person of authority for the purpose of sex and two counts of engaging in sexual conduct with a person 16 or older on school property/ at a school activity.

The summons stemmed from an investigation initiated on Jan. 7 at Valley High School.

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Tumbagahan was a substitute teacher assigned to Valley High School and has been employed by the district since April 2024. He has been removed from CCSDs substitute pool and is no longer eligible to substitute in CCSD.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
A collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and an Army helicopter at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport near Washington, D.C, killed 67 people, including more than a dozen figure skaters. The plane was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members at the time of the crash late Wednesday. Three soldiers were on board the helicopter.

President Donald Trump said at a briefing Thursday that there were no survivors.

The body of the plane was found upside down in three sections in waist-deep water. The wreckage of the helicopter was also found. At least 28 bodies were pulled from the icy waters of the Potomac River. There was no immediate word on the cause of the collision, but officials said flight conditions were clear as the jet arrived from Wichita, Kansas.

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U.S. Figure Skating previously confirmed that several skaters, coaches and family members were on the commercial flight after attending a development camp that followed the national championships that ended Sunday in Wichita.

Here's the latest:

Cockpit voice and flight data recorders have been recovered from the plane

NTSB investigators recovered the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder from the Bombardier CRJ700 airplane involved in yesterdays midair collision at DCA, National Transportation Safety Board spokesperson Peter Knudson said. The recorders are at the NTSB labs for evaluation.

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2 Chinese nationals were among the victims

The Chinese embassy in the U.S. said two Chinese nationals were among the victims of the crash and would provide consular protection and assistance. It has asked the U.S. side to verify the information, officially inform the Chinese side and provide assistance to the families of the victims.

The Chinese Embassy extends deepest condolences to all the victims and sympathies to the bereaved families, an embassy statement said. It did not offer further details on the victims.

Aviation experts have long worried DCs congested airspace could lead to catastrophe

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Even in peak flying conditions, experts said, the airspace around Reagan Airport can challenge the most experienced pilots, who must navigate hundreds of other commercial planes, military aircraft and restricted areas around sensitive sites.

This was a disaster waiting to happen, said Ross Aimer, a retired United Airlines captain and chief executive officer of Aero Consulting Experts. Those of us who have been around a long time have been yelling into a vacuum that something like this would happen because our systems are stretched to extremes.

A different regional jet had to maneuver around a military helicopter at Reagan Airport just over 24 hours prior to collision

Just over 24 hours before Wednesdays fatal midair collision, a different regional jet executed a go-around maneuver when descending to land at Reagan Airport due to a military helicopter in the same area.

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Flight tracking sites and air traffic control logs show the Embraer E-175 was cleared to land at the airports Runway 19 and advised about a helicopter in its vicinity. It executed a go-around after its automated collision avoidance system ordered what is known as a resolution advisory to avoid nearby traffic, which put the aircraft out of proper alignment for landing. It landed safely minutes later.

The military helicopter, callsign PAT1, was advised of the descending airplane. Flight tracking sites show the plane flew roughly 1,000 feet (300 meters) above the helicopter, a normally acceptable separation.

Airline pilots are trained to respond immediately to resolution advisories, which are designed to avoid a potential mishap, but occasionally sound alarms for traffic that does not pose an immediate threat to safety.

Other deadly commercial airline crashes in the US

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Fatal crashes of commercial aircraft in the U.S. have become a rarity. The deadliest recent crash was in 2009 near Buffalo, New York. All 45 passengers and the four crew members were killed when the Bombardier DHC-8 propeller plane crashed into a house. One person on the ground also was killed.

The collision Wednesday of the Bombardier CRJ-701 twin-engine plane and UH-60 Blackhawk occurred over the Potomac River and the aircraft fell into the water. In 1982 an Air Florida flight crashed into the Potomac and killed 78.

Pilots union says its accident investigation team is working with the NTSB

Jason Ambrosi, president of the Air Line Pilots Association said the unions accident investigation team was on the scene working with the National Transportation Safety Board, and its Critical Incident Response Program was working to support union members and the families involved in the collision.

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We mourn the loss of our friends, colleagues, and members of our ALPA and Association of Flight Attendants union family, he said.

Ambrosi reiterated in a statement what the NTSB has said  the investigation must have the time to do its work.

A lot of details and speculation will come out in response to this tragedy, but we must remember to let the investigation run its course, he said.

Air traffic control staffing was normal, AP source says

One air traffic controller was responsible for coordinating helicopter traffic and arriving and departing planes when the collision happened, according to a report by the Federal Aviation Administration obtained by The Associated Press.

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The configuration was not normal, the report said, but a person familiar with the matter said the staffing at the air traffic control tower on Wednesday night was at a normal level. The positions are regularly combined when controllers need to step away from the console for breaks, are in the process of a shift change, or air traffic is slow, the person said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal procedures.

Asian Pacific American Caucus criticizes Trumps comments blaming DEI

The leadership of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus has also criticized President Trump for his attempts to blame DEI policies for the collision, calling it despicable.

President Trump has made baseless claims that seek to blame people of color for this horrific tragedy. It is despicable, read the statement from the congressional caucus. We dont need racist lies, we need answers, and a leader who will put aside partisan politics to unite our country. President Trump has failed to meet this moment. The American people deserve better.

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FAA has long struggled with air traffic controller shortages

The Federal Aviation Administration has long struggled with a shortage of air traffic controllers and identified fatigue as a factor that might lead to mistakes.

After a number of highly publicized close calls between planes that were following orders from control towers, the FAA said last summer that it would increase the minimum time controllers get between shifts starting this year.

An agreement between the agency and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association called for 10 hours off between shifts, 12 hours off before and after a midnight shift, and a limit on consecutive overtime assignments.

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Although then-FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said in September that the agency had met its 2024 goal of hiring 1,800 controllers, airline executives said they expected the problem to persist.

The cause of Wednesday nights crash is under investigation. A preliminary FAA report obtained by The Associated Press said one air traffic controller was working two positions at the time.

Experts stress that midair collisions are incredibly rare

Your drive to the airport is riskier than your flight from the airport, said Michael McCormick, an assistant professor and program coordinator for air traffic management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. Aviation remains, in spite of what happened yesterday night, the safest mode of transportation in the United States.

Hassan Shahidi, president and CEO of Flight Safety Foundation, also stressed how rare this kind of deadly accident is.

This should have never happened. It is absolutely preventable, Shahidi said, adding that he and others will continue to follow the NTSBs investigation into the exact cause of the collision to help ensure that it never happens again.

Part of that might come down to modernization and additional resources, he said.

We have highly trained air traffic controllers all over the country. We have highly trained pilots all over the country. Theyre doing their jobs well, he said. But we also need to understand what else is needed  in terms of technology, in terms of modernization of the air traffic control system, in terms of additional personnel and training support.

Black lawmakers blast Trumps comments blaming DEI for the collision

A group of Black lawmakers issued a statement mourning the lives of those killed in the D.C. plane collision and blasting Trumps comments that diversity, equity and inclusion efforts were at fault.

It is our hope that the outpour of condolences and support from people across our nation will bring solace during this season of bereavement, said Rep. Yvette Clark, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. However, the opportunity to fully focus our sympathies on those who are in mourning and who may not have even retrieved their dearly departed was marred by a truly disgusting and disgraceful display of racist political prognostication.

The group added that diversity efforts are American values that work to benefit all Americans who have been traditionally kept out of opportunities.

The Army has seen an increase in major aviation accidents in recent years

The Army saw 15 flight and two ground Class A incidents in fiscal year 2024, according to safety data obtained by The Associated Press through the Freedom of Information Act and a January 2025 Army aviation safety report.

Class A incidents are any aviation accident that results in the destruction of the aircraft, deaths of service members or more than $2.5 million in damage to the airframe.

In a briefing with Pentagon reporters Thursday, Army aviation Chief of Staff Jonathan Koziol said the spike in incidents last year had prompted the Army to do a safety stand-down, in which units pause flight operations to evaluate safety procedures to not allow these types of incidents to happen, Koziol said.

Trump signs an aviation order rolling back federal diversity initiatives

He says the presidential memorandum on aviation safety will undo damage done to related federal agencies by the Biden administration.

The president singled out policies meant to promote diversity and inclusion by the Biden White House and of the administrations of other Democrats, saying, What theyve done is disgraceful.

Signing the memorandum in the Oval Office, Trump repeated  without evidence  his past assertions that federal diversity programs contributed to a helicopter and a regional jet colliding near Washington, D.C.

He said the memorandum can help ensure that we have very strong people running key aviation agencies.

President of air traffic controllers union says they cannot comment on the specifics of the crash

Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, wrote in a statement that it would be premature to speculate on the root cause of this accident.

We will wait for the National Transportation Safety Board to complete its work and use that information to help guide decisions and changes to enhance and improve aviation safety, he continued.

Daniels also offered condolences for those affected by the tragic loss of life.

NTSB chair says investigators will look at facts

National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy said Thursday at a press conference that we look at facts on our investigation and that will take some time.

She was responding to a question on speculation about the cause of the crash.

At a press conference earlier Thursday, Trump suggested that the Federal Aviation Administrations diversity efforts had made air travel less safe.

The president asserted his opinion even though the crash has yet to be fully investigated and there has been no determination as to whether the FAA did anything wrong.

Homendy also said the black boxes from the aircraft have not been recovered yet.

Attorney says airport's crowded space is well-known fact

The crowded airspace around the airport was well known before the crash, said Robert Clifford, an aviation attorney from Chicago involved in numerous airline disaster cases.

I cant get over how stunningly clear it is that this was a preventable crash and this should never, ever have occurred, Clifford told The Associated Press.

There have been discussions for some time about the congestion associated with that and the potential for disaster. And we saw it come home last night, Clifford said.

He said the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport was very unique" as it is not only located near the nation's capital but also is a highly restricted space.

However, because of the massive military presence in our capital, the Pentagon and a number of bases, theres understandably a lot of military aircraft in the area.

Army: Crew of Blackhawk that crashed was very experienced

The crew that was flying the Army Blackhawk helicopter was very experienced and were not new to the unit or the congested flying that occurs daily around Washington, D.C., said Jonathan Koziol, chief of staff for Army aviation.

Both pilots had flown this specific route before, at night. This wasnt something new to either one of them, Koziol said. Even the crew chief in the back has been in the unit for a very long time, very familiar with the area, very familiar with the routing structure.

The crew included an instructor pilot and pilot in command were experienced to the point where either crew member could manage that helicopter by themselves.

Bodies of 3 Army soldiers recovered

The bodies of all three soldiers who were on board the Army helicopter have been recovered, U.S. officials say.

Officials said the remains will be at Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. That office coordinates the dignified transfer of fallen service members. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details not yet announced. No identities of the crew have been released.

Flights resume at Reagan Airport

Flights resumed at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport outside of Washington, D.C., shortly after 11 a.m. Thursday. Many flights had been canceled, and other flights were delayed until late morning or afternoon.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who was sworn in earlier this week, was asked if he could reassure Americans that the United States still has the safest airspace in the world.

Can I guarantee the American flying public that the United States has the most safe and secure airspace in the world? And the answer to that is, absolutely yes, we do, he said.

Likely the deadliest plane crash in a quarter-century

If all 64 people on board the plane were killed, it would be the deadliest U.S. airline crash since Nov. 12, 2001, when an American Airlines flight crashed into a residential area of Belle Harbor, New York, just after takeoff from Kennedy Airport, killing all 260 people aboard.

Former transportation secreta ry calls Trumps criticisms despicable

As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg posted on the social platform X shortly after Trump sharply criticized Buttigieg and denounced what he called Democratic-led efforts to promote diversity at federal agencies.

Trump said Buttigieg at the transportation department had run it right into the ground with his diversity.

Buttigieg noted that when he led the agency, it had zero commercial airline crash fatalities out of millions of flights on our watch.

Schumer: Trump focus is on conspiracy theories about crash

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said Trump spewing conspiracy theories about the crash turns your stomach.

Its one thing for internet pundits to spew off conspiracy theories, its another for the president of the United States, Schumer said at the Capitol.

Schumer's remarks appear aimed at statements by Trump made Thursday. After opening a news conference with a moment of silence for the crash victims  Trump used most of his time at the podium to cast political blame.

Without evidence, Trump blamed air traffic controllers, the helicopter pilots and Democratic policies at federal agencies.

Trump says he thinks FAA diversity hiring has hurt air safety

Trump has suggested that the Federal Aviation Administrations diversity efforts had made air travel less safe.

The president asserted his opinion even though the crash has yet to be fully investigated and there has been no determination as to whether the administration did anything wrong.

Trump also suggested he might make sweeping changes at federal aviation agencies, singling out air traffic controllers. There could firings if we find that people arent mentally competent," he said.

Trump blamed previous administrations efforts to promote diversity at federal agencies for contributing to the crash. Asked why he thought that was an issue what happened, he responded, Because I have common sense.

Trump: No one survived

Trump says there were no survivors in the collision.

As one nation, we grieve for every precious soul that has been taken from us so suddenly, Trump said at a press briefing Thursday.

Sadly, there are no survivors," he said.

Trump said it was still not clear what led to the crash. He said the U.S. miliary and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating.

Well find out how this disaster occurred and will ensure that nothing like this ever happens again," he said.

'Coast Guard joins in rescue and recovery effort

Coast Guard boats are helping to scour the chilly waters of the Potomac River for victims of the crash.

Every available U.S. Coast Guard resource for search and rescue has been deployed to join other agencies, said Secretary Kristi Noem of the Department of Homeland Security.

We are actively monitoring the situation & stand ready to support local responders, Noem said on X.

In a statement, the Coast Guard says its pollution crews have been mobilized and are ready to respond if necessary.

The Coast Guard is working with the Army Corps of Engineers and Navys Supervisor of Salvage and Diving to coordinate removing the wreckage and keeping river traffic out of the area until it becomes safe.

Trump sends message of condolence

Trump has sent a message of condolence to those affected by the deadly collision at a D.C.-area airport.

I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls, he said on Truth Social. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.

Six killed from Boston-area figure skating club

Two young figure skaters, two of their parents and two highly regarded Russian figure skating coaches were among those killed in the crash.

This will have long reaching impacts for our community, said Doug Zeghibe, chief executive at the Skating Club of Boston, said during a news conference where he was visibly emotional.

U.S. Figure Skating previously confirmed that several skaters, coaches and family members were on the commercial flight after attending a development camp that followed the national championships, which wrapped up Sunday in Wichita, Kansas.

Russian figure skaters are among the victims

Two Russian figure skating coaches, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, whose son recently finished fourth at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, were among those killed.

They were well-known Russian skaters who coaching at the Skating Club of Boston since 2017.

Officials say they do not believe anyone survived in the Wednesday crash.

FAA joins NTSB in investigation of midair collision

Investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration will join the NTSB-led investigation of the collision.

Airport to reopen at 11 a.m.

Located along the Potomac River, just southwest of Washington, D.C., the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is a popular choice because its much closer to the U.S. capital than the larger Dulles International Airport.

All takeoffs and landings from Reagan Airport were halted following the crash. It will reopen at 11 a.m. Thursday, the Federal Aviation Administration announced.

Fire chief confident that remains of victims will be recovered

Washington Fire Chief John Donnelly says hes confident that the remains of those killed in the crash will be recovered, but it may take some time. At least 28 bodies have been recovered.

Officials said flight conditions were clear as the jet coming from Wichita, Kansas, was making a routine landing when the helicopter flew into its path.

American Airlines has sent up centers in Washington and Wichita, Kansas, for people searching for information about family members and families.

Duffy says accident was absolutely" preventable

Asked about Trump suggesting in an overnight social media post that the collision could have been prevented, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said, Do I think this was preventable? Absolutely.

Duffy also said passengers should be assured that flying is safe.

I would just say that everyone who flies in American skies expects that we fly safely. That when you depart an airport, you get to your destination," he said. "That didnt happen last night, and I know that President Trump, his administration, the FAA, the DOT, we will not rest until we have answers for the families and for the flying public. You should be assured that when you fly, youre safe.

Duffy says US has safest airspace in the world

"We have early indicators of what happened here and I will tell you with complete confidence we have the safest airspace in the world, Duffy said.

Duffy said that, prior to the collision, the plane and helicopter flight paths were not unusual for what happens in the DC airspace

Everything was standard in the lead up to the crash. Obviously there was something that happened here, Duffy said.

27 people traveling on American Airlines jet confirmed dead

First responders have recovered the bodies of 27 passengers from the American Airlines jet, officials say.

Officials said they were still searching for other casualties but did not believe there were any other survivors, which would make it the deadliest U.S. air crash in nearly 24 years.

Rescuers now working to recover the dead

Michael Waltz, Trumps national security advisor, said on Fox News Channel that at about 4 a.m., we transitioned from response to recovery.

Asked if that was everyone aboard, Waltz said, Thats what its looking like.
The latest round of exchanges of hostages from the Gaza Strip for Palestinian prisoners has been carried out with Israel.

Buses carrying Palestinian detainees left Israel's Ofer Prison in the West Bank on Thursday afternoon after a delay.

Israel was expected to release 110 jailed Palestinians in total in exchange for the handover earlier on the day of eight hostages - three Israelis and five Thais - held by militants in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023.

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All the released individuals were handed over to the Israeli army and first brought to a meeting with their parents on Israeli territory. They were subsequently flown by helicopter to hospital.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paused the release of the Palestinian prisoners after mob chaos erupted at one of the hostage handovers in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis.

Broadcasters showed Arbel Yehud, a 29-year-old woman, and Gadi Moses, an 80-year-old man, struggling to make their way through the densely-packed crowd of chanting people and to the waiting Red Cross vehicles.

"I view with utmost severity the shocking scenes during the release of our hostages," Netanyahu said in a statement as he paused the reciprocal release of the Palestinians.

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A short time later he announced that he had received assurances about the safety of the hostage handovers going forward, paving the way for the release of the Palestinians.

This marks the third round of releases since an initial six-week truce between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza went into effect on January 19.

Israeli soldier Agam Berger, 20, was the first to be handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Her transfer took place amid the ruins of the Jabalia urban refugee camp in northern Gaza.

Berger, likely acting under duress, waved to a crowd from a stage she was placed on. Berger's family in Israel watched the ceremony on television and reacted with enthusiastic cheers to the sight of her.

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A crowed of people also celebrated and waved Israeli flags at what has become known as "Hostage Square" in Tel Aviv.

Hours later, Israeli authorities confirmed that five Thai nationals and two German-Israelis, Yehud and Moses, were released. Both of the German-Israelis are civilians.

These seven were released to aid workers in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis.

Threatening scenes during hostage release

Broadcaster Al Jazeera showed chaotic scenes of Yehud and Moses struggling to make their way through the densely-packed crowed of shouting people and to the waiting ICRC vehicles.

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Many Palestinians attempted to photograph the woman with their mobile phones. Masked and armed Islamists accompanied and protected them. A fighter held the hand of the woman, who appeared frightened.

The handover "ceremony" took place next to the destroyed house of Hamas leader Yehya al-Sinwar, who had been the leader of Hamas in Gaza until he was killed by Israeli forces in October.

"This is further evidence of the unimaginable cruelty of the terrorist organization Hamas," Netanyahu said, according to his office.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog spoke of "scenes of abuse and terror." Nevertheless, he said the return of all eight hostages from captivity brought tears to his eyes.

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German leaders reacted with relief to the release. "Arbel Yehud and Gadi Moses are free, both German-Israeli citizens," Chancellor Olaf Scholz wrote on the platform X. "We are relieved and glad for all the hostages who returned today."

A similar sentiment was expressed by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

Yehud was abducted from her house in the Nir Oz kibbutz on October 7, 2023, along with her boyfriend. The woman's brother, who also lived in Nir Oz, was killed during the attack.

Before their release, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad militant group released a video of Yehud smiling and embracing Moses.

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Moses was also abducted from Nir Oz. His partner was killed during the massacre.

Palestinian prisoners include more than 30 lifers

Of the 110 Palestinian prisoners who were to be exchanged for the three Israeli hostages, more than 30 had been sentenced to life imprisonment.

According to Israeli media reports, this included Zakaria Zubeidi, who during the Second Palestinian Intifada was a commander of the military wing of the Fatah movement in Jenin, in the northern West Bank.

During the period between 2000 and 2005, around 3,500 Palestinians were killed, with more than 1,000 Israelis losing their lives in attacks by Palestinians.

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According to media reports, Mahmoud Atallah, who is serving a life sentence plus 15 years for the murder of a Palestinian woman accused of collaborating with Israel, was also to be released.

No Palestinian prisoners were to be released for the five Thai hostages. Israeli media reported they were freed under an agreement between Hamas and Thailand.

Militants from Hamas and other extremist groups killed around 1,200 people and abducted more than 250 Israelis as hostages to the Gaza Strip during their assault on Israel on October 7, 2023.

The attack was the trigger for the war in the besieged coastal area, where, according to the Hamas-controlled health authority, more than 47,400 people have been killed since. The figures do not distinguish between civilians and combatants.

Ceasefire and exchange of hostages and prisoners

The ceasefire agreement, which came into effect on January 19, states that in an initial phase, 33 hostages are to be released in exchange for 1,904 Palestinian prisoners over six weeks: Seven hostages were freed in the past two weekends.

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Hamas recently announced that eight of the 33 hostages were dead, without specifying which hostages these were.

The fate of a mother and her two small children, who were also abducted to the Gaza Strip and were to be released in the first phase, remains uncertain.

According to Israeli reports, around 80 hostages remain in the Gaza Strip. Three more of them are to be freed on Saturday.

Palestinian Islamic Jihad fighters and Red Cross teams stand at the site of the hand over of the Israeli and Thai hostages, as part of the latest hostages-prisoners exchange between Israel and Hamas, in front of the slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar's house in Khan Yunis. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa

Fighters from the Islamic Jihad and Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, control the crowd during the hand over of the Israeli and Thai hostages to the Red Cross teams, as part of the latest hostages-prisoners exchange between Israel and Hamas, in front of the slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar's house in Khan Yunis. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa
Three of President Donald Trumps cabinet picks faced skepticism and intense grilling from Democratic senators during their confirmation hearings on Thursday.

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Tulsi Gabbards views on Russia, Syria, Trump and government surveillance  in her own words

As an unconventional pick to lead the nations intelligence service, Tulsi Gabbard faced a barrage of questions about her past comments on Syria, Russia, foreign surveillance and President Donald Trump at her confirmation hearing Thursday.

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The former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii is Trumps nominee to be the next director of national intelligence, a job created after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks that oversees and coordinates the work of more than a dozen intelligence agencies.

Gabbard, a lieutenant colonel in the National Guard who served two tours in the Middle East, has alarmed some intelligence and national security officials in the U.S. and elsewhere with comments sympathetic to Russia and government leaker Edward Snowden, as well as her past opposition to a critical surveillance program.

 Read more about what Gabbard has said

Rubio defends a US funding freeze shutting down global aid programs

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered his first public comments on an unprecedent U.S. funding freeze shutting down aid programs globally, saying Thursday the U.S. government is not a charity.

An executive order on President Donald Trumps first day on the job ordered the funding stop and a global review of foreign assistance. Rubio pointed out his State Department has broadened exemptions from the freeze, to allow more life-saving food, medical services and other urgent assistance to continue.

We dont want to see people die and the like, Rubio told broadcaster SiriusXM. Rubio said the 90-day review accompanying the funding freeze would be spent in a program-by-program review of which projects make America safer, stronger, or more prosperous.

Shutting down U.S.-funded programs during the review meant the U.S. was getting a lot more cooperation from recipients of humanitarian, development and security assistance, Rubio said. Because otherwise you dont get your money.

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Other exemptions allow military aid to Israel and Egypt to continue.

Treasury withdraws from global network dedicated to fighting climate change

The Treasury Department, led by its new Secretary Scott Bessent, has withdrawn from a global body of central banks and finance ministries dedicated to fighting climate change.

Also known as the Network of Central Banks and Supervisors for Greening the Financial System, the group was formed to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, which the U.S. has also withdrawn from last week.

Treasury said in a statement that the networks role diverges from the traditional technical and coordinating roles of other international fora.

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Trump wont say if hell keep U.S. troops in Syria

Well make a determination on that, Trump told reporters on Thursday when asked about his intentions for the roughly 2,000 U.S. troops deployed to Syria to fight the Islamic State group. Were not involved in Syria. Syrias its own mess. They got enough messes over there. They dont need us involved with everything.

The U.S. had said for years that there were about 900 troops in Syria, but the Pentagon acknowledged in December that the U.S. troop levels had surged to about 2,000.

There has long been friction between the U.S. and Syrias neighbors  Turkey and Iraq  about the ongoing presence of American forces in Syria and the need to keep them at a minimum level. Israel meanwhile has urged the U.S. to maintain a presence in the country.

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Trumps deliberations come as Syria negotiates a delicate moment of political transition following last months ouster of longtime President Bashar Assad.

Trump isnt giving up on Egypt and Jordan taking in displaced Gaza residents

The leaders of both Mideast allies have flatly rejected Trumps idea of moving displaced Palestinians from the war-torn area into their countries. But Trump in an exchange with reporters on Thursday insisted its going to happen.

Theyre going to do it, Trump said when asked whether he could force Egypt and Jordan to take in Palestinians. We do a lot for them and theyre going to do it,

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Trump does have leverage to wield over Jordan and Egypt, two strategically important U.S. allies that are heavily dependent on U.S. aid.

Trump first floated the idea last week, saying he would urge the leaders of the two Arab countries to take in Gazas now largely homeless population, so that we just clean out that whole thing.

Justice Jackson punches out her frustrations with the conservative Supreme Court

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson has found an outlet for the frustration that can come with being in the courts minority: boxing.

I take boxing lessons, Jackson told the The Associated Press in a wide-ranging interview.

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The first Black woman on the nations highest court has written more than a few dissents, in cases that ended affirmative action in college admissions and granted broad immunity from criminal prosecution to former presidents for official actions. She says progress is not always a forward march.

 Read more from Justice Jacksons AP interview

Big Oil wants a lot from Trump. It has an ally in Doug Burgum

While it is not surprising that the governor of the third-largest oil producing state would have a close relationship with fossil fuel producers, records obtained by The Associated Press reveal that Doug Burgums administration eagerly assisted the industry even as he personally profited from the lease of family land to oil companies and leaned on those connections to build his national profile.

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Those relationships are drawing a closer look with Burgums nomination to run the Interior Department. Many of the same oil and gas companies are certain to want things from him following his Senate confirmation.

A spokesman defended Burgum, saying he routinely met with job creators and leaders who generated opportunities for the people of North Dakota.

Read more on Burgums relationships with Big Oil

Trump will probably decide tonight whether to tariff Canadian and Mexican oil

The president said his 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico are coming on Saturday, but hell probably decide on Thursday night whether to include oil from those countries as part of his import taxes.

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We may or may not, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. Were going to make that determination probably tonight.

Trump said his determination will be based on whether the price of oil charged by the two trading partners is fair, although the basis of his threatened tariffs pertains to stopping illegal immigration and the smuggling of chemicals used for fentanyl.

 Read more about Trumps tariff plans for Canada and Mexico

Stenographers lament: Trump unleashes a flood of words on Washington

President Trump is talking, again, and the White House stenographers have a problem: Hes talking so much, theyre struggling to keep up.

Its one of the most audible shifts from President Joe Biden. Trump understands that attention is a form of power, and has been speaking nearly nonstop, drowning out dissenting voices and leaving opponents struggling to be heard.

Now there are discussions about hiring additional staff to keep up with the workload, according to people with knowledge of the conversations who insisted on anonymity to discuss internal matters.

According to numbers generated by Factba.se, Biden spent 2 hours and 36 minutes talking on camera and used 24,259 words in his first week in office. Trumps stats: nearly 7 hours and 44 minutes and 81,235 words last week. Thats longer than watching the original Star Wars trilogy back-to-back-to-back, and more words than Macbeth, Hamlet and Richard III combined.

 Read more about Trumps commentary

Democrats say Republicans constructed a facade around Patel

They confronted Trumps pick to lead the Justice Department with a vast catalog of his incendiary statements they say disqualify him for the post.

They cited his own actions and rhetoric in dozens of podcasts and books. They brought up his call for a purge of anti-Trump conspirators in the government and news media.

Patel said he was being grossly mischaracterized.

One 2023 book Patel authored included a lengthy list of former government officials he accused of forming the so-called deep state. But Patel denied having an enemies list and said the FBI under his leadership would not seek retribution against the presidents adversaries or launch investigations for political purposes.

There will be no politicization at the FBI. There will be no retributive actions taken by the FBI.

 Read more about Patels confirmation hearing

Republican senator wants to know: Would Gabbard give Russia a pass?

Republicans as well as Democrats unleashed sharp criticism on Trumps pick for national intelligence director, condemning Tulsi Gabbard for past comments sympathetic to Russia, for meeting with Syrias now-deposed leader and for supporting government leaker Edward Snowden.

Gabbard said years of failures by Americas intelligence services require big changes. She said false or politicized intelligence has led to wars, foreign policy failures and the misuse of espionage.

The bottom line is this must end, she said.

Gabbard has won praise in Russian state-controlled media by echoing Russian propaganda justifying the Kremlins invasion of Ukraine. Republicans accused her of spreading Russian disinformation.

Kansas Republican Jerry Moran wanted to know: Would Russia get a pass from her?

Senator Im offended by the question, Gabbard responded. My sole focus, commitment and responsibility is about our own nation, our own security and the interests of the American people.

 Read more on Tulsi Gabbards confirmation hearing

The confirmation hearing for Kash Patel has concluded

Patel received a standing ovation and scattered applause from some in the audience. GOP senators then personally greeted Patel and his family and embraced for photos.

RFK Jr.s vaccine views puts him on defensive as a key confirmation vote hangs in the balance

Kennedys long record of casting doubt on the safety of childhood vaccinations could jeopardize his confirmation for health secretary. If all the Democrats reject Kennedys nomination, he can only afford to lose three Republicans.

And when Kennedy refused Thursday to flatly reject a long-discredited theory that vaccines cause autism, despite years of studies and research that have found they do not, it clearly troubled Health Committee chairman Bill Cassidy, who is up for reelection next year.

The Louisiana Republican is a liver doctor who has regularly encouraged his constituents to vaccinate against COVID-19 and other diseases.

If theres any false note, any undermining of a mamas trust in vaccines, another person will die from a vaccine preventable disease, Cassidy said.

Kennedy also must win the swing votes of Sens. Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski and Mitch McConnell, who have raised concerns about Kennedy and also voted against Trumps defense secretary nominee.

 Read more on Kennedys confirmation hearings

Trumps orders take aim at critical race theory and antisemitism on college campuses

Trump is ordering U.S. schools to stop teaching what he views as critical race theory and other material dealing with race and sexuality or risk losing their federal money.

A separate plan calls for aggressive action to fight antisemitism on college campuses, promising to prosecute offenders and revoke visas for international students found to be Hamas sympathizers.

Both plans were outlined in executive orders signed by Trump on Wednesday. The measures seek to fulfill some of the Republican presidents core campaign promises around education, though its unclear how much power he has to enact the proposals.

 Read more about whats included in the education-related orders

Brazils leader says Trump needs to respect other nations sovereignty

Brazils President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was referring to Trumps stated desire to acquire Greenland and retake control of the Panama Canal.

Lula also told journalists Thursday that there will be reciprocity if Trump imposes tariffs on Brazilian products.

I want to respect the United States, and I want Trump to respect Brazil. That is all. If this happens, its good enough, Lula said.

US cybersecurity agencys future role in elections remains murky under the Trump administration

The nations cybersecurity agency has played a critical role in helping states shore up the defenses of their voting systems, but its election mission appears uncertain amid sustained criticism from Republicans and key figures in the Trump administration.

President Donald Trump has not named a new head of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and for the first time since it was formed, there are no plans for anyone in its leadership to address the main annual gathering of the nations secretaries of state, which was being held this week in Washington.

The agency formed in 2018 during the first Trump administration is charged with protecting the nations critical infrastructure, from dams and nuclear power plants to banks and voting systems. It is under the Department of Homeland Security, but CISA is a separate agency with its own Senate-confirmed director.

 Read more about where things stand at CISA

Patel says hell focus FBIs efforts on combating violent crime

Im going to let the cops be cops and put handcuffs on the bad guys and put child molesters in prison and put murderers in prison, Patel told lawmakers when asked what his plans for the bureau are.

Patel wrote in a Wall Street Journal op-ed published this week that violent crime is destroying families across the nation.

There has been little discussion of national security issues throughout the hearing, which has focused largely on Patels past inflammatory statements.

Thats despite a heightened threat of international terrorism and an FBI investigation into a massive breach by Chinese hackers of American telecommunications companies.

Democrats go after Patels support of Jan. 6 defendants

In one of the more heated moments of the hearing, Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff called on Patel to turn around and face the Capitol police officers in the hearing room.

It came as Schiff was criticizing Patel for producing a song featuring President Trump and a choir of jailed Jan. 6 defendants to help raise money for the families of those charged in the Capitol riot.

If you have the courage to, look them in the eye, Mr. Patel. And tell them youre proud of what you did. Tell them youre proud that you raised money off of people that assaulted their colleagues, that pepper sprayed them, that beat them with poles, Schiff said.

Patel fired back: Thats an abject lie, you know it. I never, never, ever accepted violence against law enforcement.

Rubio says Trumps interest in Greenland and Panama is valid

Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Trumps desire to acquire Greenland and retake control of the Panama Canal are legitimate national security interests driven by growing concerns about Chinese activity in the Arctic and in Latin America.

Rubio said Thursday he could not predict if Trump would succeed in buying Greenland from Denmark or resuming American authority over the Panama Canal while he is in office. However, he said the attention that Trump will give to both would have an impact.

What I think you can rest assured of is that four years from now, our interest in the Arctic will be more secure; our interest in the Panama Canal will be more secure, Rubio said in an interview with SiriusXM host Megyn Kelly.

Nominee Russ Vought advances for budget director despite uproar over funding freeze

Senate Budget Committee Republicans advanced Voughts confirmation over the objections of Democrats who call him a threat to democracy.

Committee Republicans voted 11-0 in a rare session off the Senate floor after Democrats boycotted the meeting.

He is a threat to our democracy, said Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon, the committees top Democrat. Were here to say that is not okay.

Vought was a chief architect of Project 2025 and instrumental in the White Houses federal funding freeze this week, which sparked panic in communities across the country. Advocacy organizations challenged the freeze and the White House quickly rescinded it.

Cassidy remains deeply skeptical on what Kennedy would do for vaccinations

The Louisiana Republican approached Kennedy at the conclusion of the hearing for a brief handshake and exchange, after once again expressing deep skepticism over whether Kennedy would promote vaccinations through the Department of Health and Human Services.

Cassidy said that his experience as a physician has showed how imperative it was to stress the life-saving powers of vaccines.

Intel committee closes public hearing with Gabbard, next is classified session

The Senate Intelligence Committee has adjourned the confirmation hearing for Gabbard after nearly three hours.

Next up is a classified, closed session with the nominee, where members are able to question her more in depth on issues that are sensitive and could not be broached in a public hearing.

Sen. Cotton, the chair, ended the public hearing by saying he hopes to quickly move to a committee vote on Gabbard. Some members have raised concerns about whether the vote will happen in public or behind closed doors. Some Trump supporters want it to be public so that any Republicans who vote against her will be immediately identified.

A heated exchange between RFK Jr. and Bernie Sanders

Kennedys hearing is ending after a heated exchange with Sen. Bernie Sanders.

As the Vermont Independent pressed Trumps nominee on his views on vaccines, Kennedy shot back by saying that members of Congress, including Sanders, were receiving money from pharmaceutical companies.

The line drew cheers and applause from Kennedys supporters in the room.

Sanders wasnt having any of it. He retorted that he doesnt take money from organizations or groups that represent the drug-making industry.

Booker to Patel: What are you hiding?

Democrats are scrutinizing Patels appearance before a Washington grand jury investigating Trumps hoarding of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida after Patel received immunity for his testimony.

Patel, who has said he was present as Trump declassified broad categories of materials, was granted a limited form of immunity after invoking his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination during an earlier grand jury appearance.

Sen. Cory Booker pushed Patel to explain what he told the grand jury, but Patel told the Democrat to get a transcript of the secret proceeding instead.

Booker replied: You are free to tell people. What are you hiding from Congress?

A judge dismissed the classified documents case against Trump last year, ruling that special counsel Jack Smith was illegally appointed by the Justice Department.

Kennedy wont identify the public health scientists he said could be fired

Kennedy was pressed about recent statements hes made threatening to fire staffers at the National Institutes of Health and other public health agencies.

Sen. Angela Alsobrooks asked Kennedy if there is a watch list of scientists who could be targeted for termination.

Not that I know of, Kennedy responded.

Alsobrooks is a Democrat representing Maryland, where NIH is headquartered. When she asked which federal scientists should be replaced, Kennedy said: the ones who are corrupt.

And for the second day in a row, Kennedy falsely accused NIH of quashing research into multiple causes of Alzheimers. The NIHs $3.8 billion budget for Alzheimers and similar dementias funds researching a range of factors that may contribute to the disease.

Dems question whether Gabbard will push back if Trump asks her to break the law

In a round of follow up questions, Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden asked Gabbard if she would be willing to refuse an illegal order from Trump, specifically regarding the role of inspector generals who the president fired in his first week back in office.

If President Trump orders you to withhold appropriated funds from the inspector general, would you refuse that illegal order? Wyden asked.

Her response: I dont believe for a second President Trump would ask me to do something that would break the law.

Gabbard retreats from her criticism of Soleimani killing

When Trump approved a 2020 drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, Gabbard at the time denounced it, saying there was no justification.

Soleimani had been an ally of Syrias Assad and a top player in attacks by Iran and its allies.

Asked by New York Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gilliland whether she still opposed the strike, Gabbard indicated no. It turned out that President Trump was right, and there was no escalation in the Middle East as she had feared, Gabbard said.

Gabbard didnt directly answer a related question on whether she agreed with Trumps decision to pull security from his former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and an aid who have been targeted for assassination by Iran because of that strike.

Mr. Snowden is watching these proceedings

GOP Sen. Todd Young of Indiana said Snowden has been watching Gabbards confirmation hearing and that he hoped she could disavow on national television what he did.

Young referenced a social media post Snowden made earlier Thursday saying Gabbard will be required to disown all prior support for whistleblowers as a condition of confirmation today.

I encourage her to do so. Tell them I harmed national security and the sweet, soft feelings of staff. In D.C., thats what passes for the pledge of allegiance, Snowden wrote in the X post.

Young said that this may be the rare instance where he agrees with Snowden and that the nominee should publicly distance herself from him despite her previous comments calling him brave.

She has refused to say Snowden was a traitor.

GOP senators push back on conspiracy theorist label of Patel

Republican senators have repeatedly dismissed characterizations that Patel is a conspiracy theorist, extremist or sycophant, frequently citing longstanding grievances held by the GOP base against federal investigators.

Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., invoked the Russia collusion hoax multiple times in his remarks. He then asked Patel to promise to only go after bad actors in the agency.

Dont go over there and burn that place down. Go over there and make it better. Can you commit to us today, that you will do that? Kennedy said.

Patel promised to make the agency the premier law enforcement agency in the world.
WASHINGTON  Several members of Congress are expressing concerns about the air congestion in the area where a commercial passenger jet collided with a military helicopter over the Potomac River on Wednesday night.

Lawmakers didnt ascribe any blame for the accident and said they trusted the National Transportation Safety Board would do a lengthy, in-depth investigation. But they said the deadly crash reinforced worries about traffic in a busy transportation corridor where military and other helicopters are sharing airspace with passenger jets flying in and out of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Ive been very worried about this for a long time, and I continue to be worried about it. The National Transportation Safety Board will do an investigation of this, and I have high confidence in them. Theyll look and see what was the cause of this devastating tragedy, and Im not going to speculate. Theyll do the work. Theyre good at it. Theyll give us answers, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., told reporters Thursday.

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But yeah, Ive been very, very concerned about this very complex airspace  commercial, military  and the way that the security demands of being the nations capital puts some significant restrictions on it. And I am really worried about that, he continued.

Ive been praying that there wouldnt be something like last night, Kaine said, but kind of dreading in my heart that there would be.

There were 60 passengers and four crew members aboard the American Eagle jet, which was flying from Wichita, Kansas, to Reagan National, which in on the Virginia side of the Potomac River. Three people were aboard the Army Black Hawk helicopter. President Donald Trump said at a White House briefing that there were no survivors in the crash.

The airspace above Washington is complex for a variety of reasons. Reagan National is one of the busiest airports in the country, with hundreds of flights arriving and departing each day. The airport saw a record 25.5 million passengers in 2023.

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Some airspace above Washington is restricted because of security issues. On top of that, there is a plethora of other aircraft  military, National Park Service, Metropolitan Police Department, not to mention Marine One  that use the airspace because of the fact that the District of Columbia is the nations capital and that it sits in between Maryland and Virginia. Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling also is just across the Potomac from the airport.

Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash., the ranking member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and who previously spent two decades on the Armed Services Committee, said he has flown out of Reagan National countless times and has never been worried about congestion there in the past.

But he said in a phone call Thursday that certainly this tragedy raises my concerns about the amount of traffic in that area. Larsen added that the focus now should be on the victims, their family members and the first responders who rushed to the scene Wednesday night.

He said the NTSB assigned 40 investigators and staff to the crash, and that their probe could take more than a year.

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The slow process begins of investigating the root cause. So, the timeline is the timeline. I expect a preliminary report in several weeks, Larsen said. But the investigation will take a long time to get done. ... It could take 18 months.

Kansas lawmakers, including GOP Sen. Jerry Moran, had lobbied American Airlines to add the nonstop flight between Wichita and Reagan National, which has been in existence for about a year. Moran said he had taken that flight many times.

Kansas other senator, Republican Roger Marshall, told reporters Thursday that he expected to meet with family members of victims in Washington later in the afternoon and receive a briefing from the NTSB and the Federal Aviation Administration.

He added that there was plenty of blame to go around, saying that the air traffic controller should have had the plane and helicopter flying at different altitudes and that the helicopter pilot should have had visuals of multiple planes that were landing at the airport.

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Clearly this was a confluence of error. ... Its unacceptable, and I appreciate President Trump and his team saying theres challenges here, theres problems here, and were going to correct them, Marshall said.

Asked if hes concerned about air congestion in the region, Marshall replied: Certainly thats what it looks like to me. I understand that commonly happens  the military aircraft shares its shared airspace with the civilian aircraft. But is that necessary? Are we just inviting a disaster to happen? And I think thats a question that I want answered as well.

The skies above Washington have grown more crowded recently. The FAA reauthorization legislation passed by Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden last April boosted air traffic controller staffing but also added five additional longer-distance, round-trip flights out of Reagan National.

Sens. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., and Ted Cruz, R-Texas, the leaders of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, negotiated the deal. But the added flights were opposed by the four Democratic senators from Virginia and Maryland, who argued that it would add to the congestion and could lead to an accident.

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In a floor speech during the FAA debate in May, Kaine, the senator from Virginia, pointed to a recent near-collision between a Southwest Airlines plane and a JetBlue Airways plane on a Reagan National runway.

With congestion, you run into risks of safety, Kaine said.

Cruz, whose committee oversees aviation issues, said that the NTSB and the FAA would hold a high-level briefing with his committees members later Thursday to find out what is known so far about the crash and that his own panel would investigate, as well.

Ive directed the Commerce Committee to actively gather information about what went wrong, he wrote on X, and I plan to hold a bipartisan member-level briefing with key federal officials as soon as possible."

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Other senators were cautious not to blame the accident on congestion, saying it's too early to determine the cause.

Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., said last year's FAA law ignored concerns from regional officials like him, but he said he didn't believe the new slots or flights were up and running yet.

He said a bigger issue is the shortage of air traffic controllers monitoring the country's skies, which he addressed in a Senate floor speech just hours before the crash.

"The irony is in a speech on the floor that nobody listened to about 6 o'clock last night, I specifically pointed out we're 2,000 air traffic controllers short. If a few thousand more took this buyout, what would happen to the safety of our air spaces?" said Warner, who said he drove by the site shortly after the crash.

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"There'll be time to kind of sort through the causation on this," he added. "Today, we give our thoughts with those families who are getting this awful, awful news."

Freshman Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, another member of the Commerce Committee, said Wednesday's accident underscores why the upper chamber needs to quickly confirm Trump's appointees.

The Senate voted to confirm Sean Duffy as transportation secretary just a day before the crash. On Thursday, speaking from the White House briefing room, Trump named Chris Rocheleau, an Air Force veteran who worked at the FAA for more than two decades, as acting FAA administrator.

"I mean, think how we got Sean Duffy across the finish line. It shows you the importance of getting these Cabinet nominations done quickly," Moreno said in an interview. "Imagine if Sean Duffy wasn't confirmed. We wouldn't have anybody running DOT. So I think the lesson there is it's really important to get these nominations done."

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A Nebraska legislative committee heard testimony Wednesday on a proposed state law that would prohibit local governments in Nebraska from imposing rent controls on private property. Photo shows apartments as they were being constructed in Omaha's midtown area. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  Real estate representatives told state lawmakers Wednesday what they feel is coming: attempts by cities in Nebraska to control rent on private property.

Its not made up that this is a boogeyman, said Dennis Tierney of the Metro Omaha Property Owners Association. Were trying to be proactive.

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But opponents of Nebraska Legislative Bill 266  which seeks to prohibit cities and counties from enacting local laws that impose rent controls on private housing  called the proposal a solution in search of a problem.

State Sen. Rob Dover of Norfolk. Dec. 12, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

There are currently no political subdivisions in Nebraska seeking to enact rent control policies, said Erin Feichtinger of the Womens Fund of Omaha. We are a long way from rent control, and there is no effort to drive out private landlords from the market.

Feichtinger said affordable housing advocates, including herself, recognize the value of private landlords and the options they bring to the market.

She and Tierney were among Nebraskans who testified at a public hearing before the Legislatures Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. LB 266, introduced by State Sen. Rob Dover of Norfolk, drew four proponents and one opponent. Online, 37 people registered support and 22 were opposed, said State Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue, the committee chair.

37 other states

Lynn Fisher of the Statewide Property Owners Association told the committee that his group asked Dover to introduce the bill, because members believe rent control ordinances are on the way to Nebraska, similar to states like California and New York.

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Dover, who has real estate businesses, told the legislative committee that 37 other states have passed laws preempting government-enforced limits on rents that property owners can charge for private housing.

State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha. Jan. 8, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

He said his proposal would not apply to affordable housing units subsidized by government programs or public incentives.

Dover said that mandated rent control for private housing, however, would distort the market and be a disincentive for developers who see it cutting into their return on investment. He said such restrictions would be harmful for economic growth.

Responding to a question by State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha, Dover said he did not know of any Nebraska communities pondering a rent control ordinance but that he saw the bill as being proactive.

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Im not in favor of telling localities what they can and cant do, especially when there is no evidence anybody is actually considering doing this, Cavanaugh said after the hearing.

Controversy, uncertainty

Fisher said members of his organization are concerned that Omahas Housing Affordability Action Plan contemplates rent control.

Omaha housing manager Greg Paskach said in an interview, however, that the plan does not recommend rent control.

Erin Feichtinger, policy director of the Womens Fund of Omaha. (Courtesy of the Womens Fund)

Instead, the plan says that given controversy and uncertainty over how effective rent control policies are, other more known strategies for securing affordable housing would be more appropriate for Omaha.

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Feichtinger said that if rental control ever became a discussion point, it should be left to local communities and not a one-size-fits-all approach imposed by the Legislature.

Taking away a tool that may possibly one day exist in the future to address a communitys unique needs is unnecessary, she said.

The Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee took no action on whether to advance the bill for consideration by the full Legislature.

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Georgia lawmakers introduced legislation on Monday to increase the number of days of accumulated sick leave for Georgias K-12 teachers and other staff.

The legislation says that under current law, teachers and school staff only have three days of accumulated sick leave.

If passed, House Bill 127 would increase that amount to five.

According to the Georgia Department of Education, employees accrue sick leave at 10 hours per month, accruing at five hours per pay period.

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This amount is also separate from paid time off, which the department said is earned starting with 10 hours per month, 12 hours per month after five years, up to 14 hours per month after 10 years. Annual leave begins accruing at five hours per pay period, for a total of 10 hours per month.

In terms of pay periods, Georgia public school teachers are paid monthly, 10 months each year.

The legislation does not increase the speed at which sick leave is accumulated.

However, the bill text stipulates that the absences can only be used when it would not be in conflict with local board of education policies or when their presence is essential for effective school operations.

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That said, sick leave can also not be withheld or denied due to a failure or refusal by personnel to tell administration the specific purpose theyre seeking an absence, so long as they are able to tell them whether it is being used as a personal or professional absence.

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Last year, Republican lawmakers were told that their proposal to require life sentences for anyone convicted of child sex trafficking had a problem: Its provisions could be applied to the victims themselves, who are often forced to participate in trafficking other victims.

They ignored the warnings and sent the legislation to the voters, who overwhelmingly approved Proposition 313.

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Now, GOP legislators are trying to tighten up the language so that juvenile victims of sex trafficking arent sent to prison for the rest of their lives. But doing so now, instead of last year, means backers must get a super-majority of support in both legislative chambers.

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Advocates have long debated how to combat sex trafficking without harming victims or individuals engaged in lawful sex work, and some victims have stressed that current laws penalize those who have been most victimized. A number of states allow for minors to be arrested and charged with prostitution.

Rep. Selina Bliss, R-Prescott, sponsored the House version of legislation that was sent to the ballot last year and is now seeking to limit the punishments for juvenile victims of sex trafficking who also face charges. Her House Bill 2207 would amend the law to exempt people convicted of child sex trafficking from being sent to prison for life if a court finds evidence that the defendant was both under 18 years of age and had been a sex trafficking victim. It would still allow those victims to be convicted of sex trafficking and sent to prison.

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But Arizonas constitution limits what lawmakers can do to voter-approved laws: In order for the change to take place, it must win the support of three-fourths of legislators in each chamber.

During a hearing on Wednesday, some lawmakers voiced concern about how the law could impact victims and younger people caught up in sex trafficking.

Is there not some way that we may be capturing the same victim, just to become a victim again if they are going to become 18 tomorrow? Rep. Khyl Powell, R-Gilbert, asked.

Democratic members also questioned why these changes were not made before the bill was sent to the ballot, as many in their caucus raised similar concerns and proposed amendments to fix it.

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Why didnt we make the change then when we were being told by many attorneys (and legislative) staff that that was an unintended consequence of the bill? Rep. Alma Hernandez, D-Tucson, asked the House Judiciary Committee.

Bliss said she was unsure how the issue slipped past her and her colleagues, but said she was stepping up to do the right thing.

Rep. Alexander Kolodin, a Scottsdale Republican, commended Bliss for attempting to correct the mistake.

It takes a lot to be like I got this major piece of legislation passed and I made a mistake in there, Kolodin said. This is politics  the incentives are not on the side of doing that thing.

The bill passed out of committee unanimously and will head next to the full House of Representatives for consideration.

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Iowa House Higher Education Committee members moved a number of bills relating to public universities to the full committee Wednesday. (Photo by Perry Beeman/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

In the last of several higher education subcommittees Wednesday, Rep. Ross Wilburn, D-Ames, shared a personal story of discrimination he experienced in order to explain why the tenets of diversity, equity and inclusion matter.

After writing a letter to the editor in response to a visit from President Donald Trump, Wilburn said he received death threats from a woman in Des Moines, saying he should be lynched and calling him the N-word. He asked the crowd of people at the meeting to think about his experience when they think about diversity, equity and inclusion and its importance.

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This notion that it doesnt matter, that we are excluding others, that people in this limited definition of diversity  need to get over it or (are) given some advantage, I just encourage you to consider the experience I shared, Wilburn said.

Members of the Iowa House Higher Education Committee heard from lobbyists and members of the public Wednesday on a number of bills relating to the courses and information within state universities, as well as the bodies that regulate them. Diversity, equity and inclusion was a much-discussed topic among visitors and lawmakers.

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House Study Bill 53 would require the Iowa Board of Regents to craft a policy stating no state university can require students to enroll in diversity, equity and inclusion or critical race theory courses, and no one can require, encourage or otherwise incentivize faculty to participate in similar practices or offer corresponding content in their classes.

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Exemptions can be granted in instances where these topics are included in a course that clearly identifies itself as being about gender, race or ethnic studies.

The legislation saw opposition from many of those who spoke during public comments, listing reasons of restricting academic freedom, limiting students ability to learn concepts and gain skills that would help them with cultural competency, and creating a culture of fear of what is allowed to be said on campus.

Wilburn emphasized that the bill does not bar any type of instruction, but rather its requirement or encouragement for students to take, and added that legislation using the limited definition of diversity, equity and inclusion causes a lot of frustration and anger.

These terms mean that all cultures, faiths and political backgrounds are embraced, he said.

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The Iowa Board of Regents and others voiced their support for the bill, with State Relations Officer Jillian Carlson saying it reflects legislation passed last year and the current trends seen in the federal government.

Rep. Steven Holt, R-Denison and Rep. Skyler Wheeler, R-Hull, supported the bill and moved it forward to be considered in committee. Both expressed their apologies during the meeting for what Wilburn experienced, and Wheeler said there needs to be ways to unite people, but not through DEI.

Racists exist and they suck, Wheeler said. The problem with all of this is there is zero proof that this is helping make people less racist. Theres actually a lot of people out there arguing its doing the opposite of that.

Holt echoed Wheelers statement, adding that the American people seem to be sick of tolerating what divides us, which is what he said DEI programs are doing. Courses and activities involving DEI indoctrinate people to the idea of looking at everyone through the lens of race, he said, which he called Marxist and destructive.

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I proudly advance this legislation, and I would give a word of caution to our regents universities, Holt said. Im really glad to hear youre supporting it, because its going to be done one way or another  the easy way or the hard way.

House Study Bill 57 would bar accrediting bodies from taking adverse action against community colleges and universities for complying with or refusing to violate state law, and allowing institutions to take civil action against accreditors who have violated this with the authorization of the attorney general.

People speaking during public comment were largely against the bill, with One Iowa Director of Policy and Advocacy Keenan Crow saying it is a bad solution to the problem of having state laws that violate accreditation standards that should be fixed another way. Iowa Board of Regents Chief Government Relations Officer Keith Saunders, however, said the board was in support of the legislation.

Wilburn opposed the bill as well. He said he was concerned that students graduating from accredited private universities could have an advantage over those from public universities in getting a job, and he was unsure how the state could hold a national, non-governmental body accountable for removing accreditation from a school that violates its policies.

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Subcommittee chair Rep. John Wills, R-Spirit Lake, and Collins supported the bill and advanced it to the full House Higher Education Committee.

I think its important to note that the Board of Regents is supporting this bill, and I think its important that the Legislature ultimately has the final say when it comes to these matters, not an unelected, unaccountable accreditor outside of the state of Iowa, Collins said.

Making syllabus, financial information public

Two pieces of legislation passed out of subcommittee Wednesday related to making certain information at public universities available to the public, including syllabi and financial data.

House Study Bill 55 would require universities post to online the syllabi for each undergraduate credit course they offer, including the instructors name and information on course material, recommended readings and lecture descriptions, among other things.

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Subcommittee member Rep. Monica Kurth, D-Davenport, said a syllabus is not a legal document, nor is it something that sets courses in stone. It is an agreement between the student and instructor, she said, that lays out an outline of the course and how they will be assessed.

Kurth agreed with a member of the publics comments that people who arent involved in higher education could go looking for pieces of syllabi to take out of context and make  a big deal about something they dont really know a lot about, she said.

Subcommittee chair Rep. Heather Hora, R-Washington, and member Collins supported the bill and passed it forward to be considered in committee. Collins called the legislation common sense, and said making syllabi available publicly is something that should already be in practice.

As far as the cost and the burden of doing it, perhaps (universities) could allocate part of the over half a billion dollars we appropriate to the universities or the millions to be saved from DEI  to support these efforts, Collins said.

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House Study Bill 59 would require state universities to post financial information online, like budgets items, expenditures and vendor contracts that equate to $1,000 or more. Salary reports and administrative unit budgets must also be published, as well as information on expenditures for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and similar commitments, according to the bill.

Information restricted from being public by state or federal law would be redacted, the bill stated.

Carolann Jensen, Iowa Board of Regents state relations officer representing Iowa State University, said during the subcommittee meeting the Iowa Board of Regents has submitted suggestions for amendments to the bill, including raising the cited dollar amount from $1,000 to $100,000 and changing definitions listed in the legislation.

Rep. Jeff Shipley, R-Birmingham, said the Legislature and the board of regents should be able to come to a nice middle ground between those two numbers, and he and Collins approved it to move ahead to the full House Higher Education committee. Kurth said she would oppose the bill until further information gathering and conversations can be had.

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I think theres a lot of good direction on this bill (with) information that would help the public and give us just more transparency on institutions, Shipley said.

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Editors note: This story has been updated to correct the naming of Rep. Skyler Wheeler when referencing House Study Bill 53.
Maybe the third times the charm for efforts to raise the bar on citizen initiatives in Utah.

State Sen. Lincoln Fillmore, R-South Jordan, sure hopes so in light of a recent court ruling that protects some initiative outcomes from most legislative amendments.

On Wednesday, Fillmore defended a resolution that would put a constitutional amendment before Utah voters that would raise the threshold to 60% of the vote to pass citizen initiatives that increase taxes.

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It exited committee with a positive recommendation, as it did in 2023 and 2024, and will now appear before the Senate for a floor vote, where it stalled in the previous two legislative sessions amid concerns about overwhelming voters with too many ballot initiatives in 2024.

This time, as opposed to past attempts, Fillmore is launching the proposal from the Senate side, and Senate leadership has voiced a strong desire to rebalance state lawmaking power between the people and their elected representatives.

This resolution proposes that we ask the voters a simple question, How easy do you want it to be for your neighbors to raise your taxes? Fillmore said Wednesday. It would be much better when it comes to initiatives that raise taxes just to ensure that there is a broad consensus of agreement among the citizens that thats the right thing to do.

Kyle Green, left, a volunteer coordinator for a citizens referendum aimed at repealing a tax reform package passed by the Legislature in December, explains the issue to Carlin Miner as he adds his name to the referendum inside the Harmons City Creek store in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020. | Steve Griffin, Deseret News

What would the constitutional amendment do?

The Utah Constitution states that legislative power is held equally by the 104 members of the state House and Senate, who meet 45 days a year to pass new laws, and the states 2 million registered voters, who may occasionally make policy via citizen initiatives.

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But the peoples power must be tempered by processes that encourage informed and representative legislation, according to Fillmore.

The resolution, SJR2, presented by Fillmore on Wednesday, would require citizen-initiated legislation to pass with at least 60% of the publics vote  instead of a bare majority  if the initiative:

Imposes a new tax.

Expands an existing tax to include additional transactions.

Increases an existing tax rate.

Changes a property tax rate more than outlined by current law.

Billy Hesterman, spoke in favor of the bill on behalf of the Utah Taxpayers Association, pointing out that the proposal would put the question of initiative requirements before voters.

This is simply asking the voters, do they want to put this restriction on themselves when raising taxes, Hesterman said. Taxes should be hard to raise.

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In 2018, Utahns passed a ballot initiative that expanded Medicaid eligibility to all Utahns in households earning 138% or less of the federal poverty level and raised the sales tax on nonfood purchases from 4.7% to 4.85%.

Critics of Fillmores proposal point out that this initiative, which received 53.3% of the vote, would not have passed under the new constitutional amendment.

Kael Weston, a former Democratic candidate for Utahs 2nd Congressional District, said Fillmores bill could be a direct response to citizen initiatives from recent years with an intent to make them more difficult.

The bar is being raised higher for us, but not for you, Weston said. You get to spend our money when we elect you, and if were happy, we keep you in office, but our Constitution, very much, is clear that all political power rests with us.

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The states citizen initiative process, which requires the gathering of almost 141,000 voter signatures from across the state, is already one of the more onerous processes among the 26 states that allow initiatives or referendum, critics argued.

Alan Ormsby, left, of AARP Utah, Karina Andelin Brown and the Right Rev. Scott B. Hayashi, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Utah, deliver the Utah Decides Healthcare ballot proposal to Thais Stewart, a receptionist in the Utah Lieutenant Governor's Office, at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 2, 2017. | Ravell Call

What are the worries?

In his opening day remarks, and later media availability, Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, said he believed that a recent Utah Supreme Court decision could undermine the states republican form of government and would set the state on a path to becoming like California and Oregon.

In July, the Utah Supreme Court ruled that the Utah Constitution prohibits lawmakers from altering the results of citizen-led ballot initiatives that reform the government unless the changes are narrowly tailored to meet a compelling government interest.

In September, the states highest court upheld a decision from a 3rd District Court judge that voided Amendment D, a ballot initiative crafted by legislative leadership that would have amended the Utah Constitution to allow lawmakers to amend or repeal citizen initiatives in all cases.

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Last week, Adams warned that if the state fails to respond to the July ruling which limited legislative changes to citizen initiatives, then Utah could become the next Petri dish of America, where activist groups from other states can pass ideological or unwise positions into law.

The September ruling stated that all constitutional amendments must include 60 days of continuous advertising in every county that has a newspaper, for an estimated cost of $1.4 million, according to an appropriations request that was paired with Fillmores resolution.

Adams has also backed a new bill sponsored by Fillmore this session that would apply this same requirement, and other steps required of the Legislature, to citizens trying to put an initiative on the ballot.

Should citizen initiatives include a funding source?

Fillmores Statewide Initiatives Amendments, SB73, would mandate that an application for a citizen initiative include a detailed description of the revenue source for the policy change.

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The revenue explanation would need to outline the fiscal impacts of the initiative on tax rates and existing government programs.

It would also require the initiative sponsors to publish the entire initiative petition in at least one newspaper in every county of the state where there is a newspaper for the two months preceding the general election.

If the funding proposal for the initiative does not fully address the fiscal impact  as assessed by the the Lieutenant Governors Office and the Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst  then the lieutenant governor would be required to reject the initiative application.

If the citizen initiative does not achieve strict compliance with the publishing requirements the court recently articulated for the Legislature, then the initiative will be ruled void, just like Amendment D.

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Fillmores bill would create parity between lawmakers and voters on the newly interpreted requirements surrounding constitutional amendments, Senate Majority Whip Kirk Cullimore, R-Draper, told reporters on Wednesday.

The bill soared through the Senates supermajority almost entirely along party lines in committee and in a floor vote last week. It will soon be up for consideration in the House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Two members of U.S. Congress are calling on President Donald Trump's administration to consider restricting the export of artificial intelligence chips made by Nvidia, alleging Chinese AI firm DeepSeek has relied on them.

Republican John Moolenaar and Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi, who lead the House of Representatives Select Committee on China, asked for the move as part of a Commerce and State Department-led review ordered by Trump to scrutinize the U.S. export control system in light of "developments involving strategic adversaries."

"We ask that as part of this review, you consider the potential national security benefits of placing an export control on Nvidias H20 and chips of similar sophistication," they wrote in a letter dated Wednesday and addressed to National Security Advisor Michael Waltz.

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In the letter, released on Thursday, they alleged that a sophisticated AI model recently released by DeepSeek made "extensive use" of Nvidias H20 chip, which is currently outside the scope of U.S. export controls.

The letter is a sign of growing concern in Washington about China's rapid advances in AI after DeepSeek said its free AI assistant launched last week uses less data at a fraction of the cost of incumbent players' models, possibly marking a turning point in the level of investment needed for AI.

In a separate notice reported by Axios on Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives' Chief Administrative Officer notified congressional offices not to use DeepSeek.

"At this time, DeepSeek is under review by the CAO and is currently unauthorized for official House use," the notice is quoted as saying.

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The U.S. fears China could harness AI to launch aggressive cyber attacks or even develop a bioweapon, prompting former President Joe Biden to spearhead a series of measures aimed at cracking down on China's access to AI chips and the tools that make them.

DeepSeek and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Nvidia said in a statement that its products "comply with all requirements set by the government" and that the company "is ready to work with the Administration as it pursues its own approach to AI."

Reuters reported on Wednesday that the administration of Trump, who took office on Jan. 20, is mulling new curbs on H20 chips, which can be used to run AI software and were designed to comply with existing U.S. curbs on shipments to China.

(Reporting by Alexandra Alper; additional reporting by Kanishka Singh; Editing by David Gregorio, Marguerita Choy and Diane Craft)
TRINITY COUNTY, Texas (KETK)  A Salvadorian man wanted by federal immigration is now in custody after being pulled over for a traffic violation when deputies discovered the Office of Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) was looking for him.

Trinity County Sheriff Woody Wallace spoke about the encounter and how ICE got involved.

He gave us an ID from El Salvador and when we ran him into the system we talked to ICE, and they said that for whatever reason, they knew him and they wanted him, Wallace said.

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Canton house fire leads to tragic death of elderly woman

Belinda Arroyo, a board-certified immigrant lawyer, said that those who may be impacted by ICE should not live in fear and should continue with their regular affected.

They should send their kids to school, they should not live their life in fear because there are a lot of options for them, Arroyo said.

Sheriff Wallace reiterated that law enforcement is not going around looking to detain people for ICE.

If we come across you doing our normal duties of the law and find out that youre wanted by ICE, then thats going to get you picked up, Wallace said.

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More than 40 jobs terminated as Longview facility sets to close

According to the law, officers has the authority to hold a person for up to 48 hours by immigration agents. Border Czar Tom Homan said their priority is to deport people who have prior removal orders, have been caught by immigration before or those who have committed crimes while in the country.

Last count, there were like 700,000 illegal aliens in this country with a criminal conviction, and thats our number one target, along with security threats, Homan said.

Arroyo spoke about how they have not seen mass and random raids so far, mostly targeted deportations.

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 If youve been here for at least ten years, you have a lot more protection than somebody who doesnt, but you do need to know that, too, you need to assert those rights, Arroyo said.

Arroyo advised East Texas leaders need to be prepared to help those who have been living in our community for years and are going through this difficult time.

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NEW YORK  A judge on Wednesday scheduled hearings to hear arguments from lawyers who want accused Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann to receive five separate trials.

Judge Timothy Mazzei will also hear from both sides to determine how much of the prosecutions mountain of evidence against Heuermann will actually be admissible in court.

Heuermann, 62, appeared in Suffolk County Court in Riverhead Wednesday with his lawyers, who said they have not received all of the documents and materials from prosecutors and questioned the validity of DNA evidence against Heuermann.

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Prosecutors assured the judge that materials had been turned over and that DNA evidence was consistent with new technology accepted within the scientific community.

We say new technology. Its not new technology, said Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney. Its used in all of our everyday lives. Its used in medical forensic paleontology, identifying 9/11 remains. So were just applying this very effective, tried-and-true technology to the courtroom.

Tierney also renewed his objections to dividing the case into several different trials.

I think, if you look at intent, what was the intent? Tierney said. What was the alleged intent of this individual? And some of the evidence that we have in this case, I think the alleged intent of the evidence was clear with regard to all seven charged crimes.

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Heuermann was charged with a seventh count of murder just last month after prosecutors said they connected him to the death of Valerie Mack, 24, who was killed, dismembered and mutilated some time between Sept. 1 and Nov. 19, 2000, according to a superseding indictment.

A womans hair found on Macks remains was linked through DNA to Heuermanns wife and daughter, indicating that the victims body was dismembered in the architects Massapequa Park, Nassau County, home, prosecutors allege.

Heuermann is charged with killing six other women whose remains were found on Long Island. He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

In 2010 and 2011, the bodies of 11 people were found on or near Gilgo Beach.

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Heuermanns lawyer, Michael Brown, said it is unfair to put everything under the umbrella of a single trial.

Despite a judges instruction, it leads a jury to say, You know what, theres so much there. He may not be guilty of this, but maybe hes guilty of that, Brown said. And its what we call a cumulative effect. Each case has to be proved with the elements beyond a reasonable doubt. Thats the law, thats the requirement, and thats what the judge will tell the jury. The danger of having count after count, victim after victim in the same trial is that smoke, theres fire mentality. They shouldnt be tried together.

Mazzei set the next hearing date for Feb. 18.

________
CLINTON, Mo.  Law firms Preuss Foster and Wagstaff and Cartmell were in Clinton, Missouri on Wednesday to help explain some of their findings before they filed suit against Evergy.

The two firms are representing a family near Evergys defunct Montrose Power Plant; the suit says their fly ash operations at the site are causing the toxic material to spread into the community.

Wrong-way crash suspect said he had up to 14 drinks before driving: court docs

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Weve been involved in this for several months investigating it, and thats led to testing results that obviously people are aware of now, said TJ Preuss, founding partner of Preuss Foster. All the facts that weve seen point that these chemicals are coming from Evergy. I know Evergy says we dont know; thats actually not an appropriate answer. Evergy needs to know this is their plant, he said.

The meeting provided some more information to residents about the firms findings within Evergys own groundwater wells on site. The slides they presented to the crowd showed that lithium and other chemicals were higher than guidelines set by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Evergy says, Well, it could be from other things, but theres no evidence that its from anything else, Preuss said. All the evidence points to Evergy and again, those are the reasons we filed the lawsuit. And again, we will seek answers in that lawsuit.

The Benson Convention Center in Clinton only had a few open seats by the time the meeting started. Neighbors were standing in the back of the room as Preuss introduced himself to the crowd. In the front row, sat Jeff Cooper, who was holding a plastic container with dirt in it.

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I have a sample here right off the road that I took Tuesday after they got done on Monday, Cooper said, as he showed off his container. Were going to sample that and like everybody else, were very concerned about whats going on here. He said that his family only lives four miles north from the Evergy site and that folks who have been at his house have been getting sick.

HOAs upset with memory care center opening in Overland Park neighborhood

My grandkids were sick all summer long because we had them and they wanted to play outside every day, Cooper told FOX4. And they were sick constantly. The wife and I, seem like we always have something. But, you know, were no spring chickens either, right?

Cooper said that hes going to test the soil on his property, and that legal action is not out of the question for his family.

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Well, if I feel they should pay, if theyve done something wrong, Cooper said about Evergy. If they didnt, so be it then, you know, we havent heard anything. Once we find out what the test results, well all know.

Preuss said while the firms have some answers, they are still looking for many more.

What we do know is there are dangerous chemicals on certain properties surrounding this plant, he said. We want to figure out how far that goes. We want to figure out how long its been going. We want to figure out what it will cost to remediate these properties and to monitors people, peoples health going forward.

He also encouraged neighbors who are still concerned to get their property tested too.

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The more testing, the better, he said. People want their land tested. People want to know what theyre living on.

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ARLINGTON, Va. (DC News Now)  Leaders across D.C., Maryland and Virginia released statements after an American Airlines plane and a military helicopter collided and crashed into the Potomac River on Wednesday night.

Washington, D.C.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser shared in a post on X that her prayers are with everyone involved.

She then added another post stating, Tonight, as our first responders continue their efforts, we are sending our love and prayers to the families, loved ones, and communities who are experiencing loss during this terrible tragedy.

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DC At-Large Councilmember Robert White Jr. released the following statement:

Last night, our community was struck by an unimaginable tragedy. A fatal crash involving a Blackhawk helicopter and an American Airlines flight over the Potomac River claimed the lives of all involved. In this time of profound loss, we remember that life is precious, and the greatest tribute to the lives lost is to live each day with purpose and a commitment to each other.

The response from our first responders and agencies has been nothing short of heroic. Their coordination and bravery in the face of difficult conditions has been incredible. Over 300 responders from 21 agencies worked tirelessly, ensuring the safety of our region and providing support where needed. While the investigation is ongoing, its clear that we must work toward greater transparency, safety, and cooperation in preventing such tragedies from occurring in the future. My heart goes out to the families of those lost, and I want them to know that the District stands with them during this incredibly difficult time. Robert White Jr., At-Large Councilmember

Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White also released a statement, expressing his condolences to the families and loved ones who were lost in the crash.

While questions about responsibility and cause will be answered in time, I am confident that our federal government will thoroughly investigate this tragedy to ensure this does not happen again, he stated, in part.

Maryland

Maryland Governor Wes Moore said in a post on X that his team is closely monitoring the incident adding that the state of Maryland and local authorities are engaged in response.

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Moore said that the Maryland State Police deployed divers as part of rescue efforts and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources police was also at the scene.

DC road closures after plane, helicopter crash near DCA

Maryland Department of Emergency Management also raised its Emergency Operations Center to Enhanced status.

In this time of sorrow, Maryland stands united in grief and support for all those who are suffering today and in the difficult days ahead, the emergency management team said, in part, in a post.

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich shared his condolences and said this was one of the worst air disasters in our regions history.

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Last nights aviation disaster at Reagan National Airport was a heartbreaking tragedy, and our thoughts are with the families, friends and loved ones of all those who lost their lives. This is one of the worst air disasters in our regions history, and the impact will be felt by communities across the Washington metropolitan area. I want to acknowledge the incredible efforts of first responders from across the region, including those from Montgomery County, who worked through the night and continue to be involved in the response. Their bravery, professionalism and dedication in the face of such devastation cannot be overstated. In moments like these, we see the deep ties between jurisdictions in this region and the ongoing work of protecting and serving our residents. Montgomery County stands ready to assist in any way necessary. Marc Elrich, Montgomery County Executive

Virginia

Governor Youngkin said in an X post that he met with the Emergency Management team and Virginia State Police about the plane crash and that some resources are being used to help in the search and rescue efforts.

First responders from across Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland mobilized quickly. I ask everyone to pray for the passengers, crews, their families, and brave first responders, stated Youngkin in the post.

Jeffery C. McKay with the Fairfax County Government released the following statement:

I am deeply saddened by the tragedy that happened outside Reagan National Airport last night. My prayers are with those lost and their families. Fairfax County has committed resources to assist with the operation and will continue to provide support as long as it is needed. We will also provide all necessary support to our first responders who are part of the response to this tragedy. Jeffery C. McKay

Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) said in a statement that his heart goes out to the families of the passengers and crew who lost their lives aboard Flight 5342 and the soldiers aboard the U.S. Army helicopter.

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I share my deepest appreciation to the brave first responders, including firefighters and police officers from Prince William County, who rushed to the scene to assist with critical recovery efforts throughout the night and are ongoing this morning. Specifically, were grateful to the Seventh Districts members of local Fire Truck 23 who are operating Fire Boat 512. Eugene Vindman, Congressman (Va.-07)

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COLUMBIA, N.C. (WNCT)  People in one Eastern N.C. town is mourning the loss of their mayor.

James Cahoon, Mayor of Columbia, died Monday, Jan. 27, 2025. Were going to miss him. There are going to be big shoes to fill because I would say hes one of the best mayors that weve ever had, ever, Mayor Pro Tem of Columbia Sandra Owens said.

Many people said Cahoon was one of the most beloved figures in the town. His death took an emotional toll on many and weighs heavy on those who knew him.

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Ive known Mr. Cahoon since first grade. We went to school together, all the way through school, we graduated together, and now, were in the same church together and we do a lot of stuff through the church, and just a dear friend. I will miss him every day of life, Owens said.

She said random people in the town have approached her about Cahoon with some moved to tears. People who I have met down the street have just, they almost come to tears when they ask me about him, Owens said.

Cahoon was also a former principal, a Sunday School teacher and assistant superintendent in Tyrrell County.

U.S. Congressman Don Davis also offered his condolences through social media. Owens said Cahoons selflessness and devotion to excellence made him so successful and loved.

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He always took care of wherever he worked. He wanted to make sure everything was top notch and done exactly like it was supposed to do. He cared so much about so many people, Owens said.

Owens will now be tasked with mayoral duties until an election takes place and a new mayor is chosen.

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Last week Donald Trump appointed a Stop the Steal conspiracy theorist and advocate for Jan. 6 insurrectionists  Ed Martin  to be the U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C. This gave Martin control of the office that prosecuted hundreds of insurrectionists, which he is now in a position to use to relitigate Jan. 6 by probing those who sought to hold the rioters accountable.

Theres evidence Martin has already begun that work. On Tuesday, my colleague Jordan Rubin wrote at the Deadline: Legal Blog about an email Martin sent to staffers demanding they preserve all files, documents, notes, emails and other information related to the previous D.C. attorneys pursuit of obstruction of an official proceeding charges against Jan. 6 defendants. That internal email was then obtained by NBC News.

One week into his tenure, Martin is trying to plug those leaks. On Tuesday, Bloomberg Law published portions of another email  that was also leaked (but has not been verified by MSNBC or NBC News)  that Martin sent to his staff to complain about ... leaked emails.

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Per Bloomberg Law:

Trump appointee Ed Martin criticized leaked emails from his office, describing them as personally insulting, in an office-wide email on Tuesday after news reports said he planned an internal review of some Capitol riot prosecutions involving an obstruction statute. Wow, what a disappointment to have my email yesterday to all of you was leaked almost immediately. Again, personally insulting and professionally unacceptable. I guess I have learned my lesson (Fool me once), Martin wrote.

Under the circumstances, its not clear that Martin really internalized whatever lesson he hoped to take away from the first leaked email.

Bloomberg Law reported that Martin has taken a particular interest in probing the actions of former prosecutor Ashley Akkers, who resigned from her position late last week and has since publicly criticized Martins decisions, including firing employees involved in the federal Jan. 6 case against Trump.

One lesson all of us can learn from this leak story: Sunlight is, in fact, a powerful disinfectant. The first Trump administrations rabid pursuit of leakers was an indicator that MAGA officials preferred to do their work in secret  or at least free from media scrutiny. And while publicity might not always be the deterrent wed like it to be, Martins scolding email is evidence that it still has the potential to throw a wrench into unpopular plans.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  A brand new high-rise built on a piece of land that used to be connected to I-195 will soon welcome its first tenants.

The I-195 Redevelopment District Commission announced Wednesday that Pennroses apartment building  dubbed Tempo  recently opened and is accepting applications.

Tempo consists of 66 mixed-income apartments, of which 45 have been set aside for affordable housing and three for workforce housing. (Workforce housing is typically reserved for residents making less than 120% of the areas median income.)

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The apartment building offers studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, and also boasts a daycare center, retail space and public plaza.

Pennrose is now preparing to build another apartment building next door, which will be called Tandem. Construction on the second high-rise is already underway and is expected to be completed sometime next year.

Tandem will consist of 61 mixed-income apartments, of which 34 are reserved for affordable housing and 15 for workforce housing. Unlike Tempo, Tandem will be strictly residential.

Its an honor to see the I-195 Redevelopment District Commissions vision take shape, transforming an underutilized site into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly community with mixed-income housing and affordable childcare options, Pennroses Charlie Adams said. We look forward to welcoming residents into their brand-new homes and continuing the exciting momentum with Tandem.

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Both apartment buildings are part of Pennroses two-phase plan to transform Parcel 9  which is located off of Alves Way  and bring new housing options to the capital city.

Parcel 9 is a transformative project that underscores our commitment to creating high-quality, affordable housing options for all of our neighbors, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said. The citys substantial investments in this project align with our goals to develop quality housing at all price-points that are well-served by transit and amenities.

Rendering of Tempo apartment building.(Courtesy: Pennrose) Rendering of Tempo apartment building. (Courtesy: Pennrose) Rendering of Tempo and Tandem apartment buildings. (Courtesy: Pennrose) Rendering of Tandem apartment building. (Courtesy: Pennrose)

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The News

Staffing in the air traffic control tower at Washingtons Reagan National Airport was not normal at the time of a plane crash that killed 67 people Wednesday, The Washington Post quoted a government report as saying, as investigators began to probe the cause of the accident.

Two staff members at the tower were reportedly covering the jobs of four, with at least one controller handling planes and helicopters at the same time. Separately, the US Army helicopter involved in the crash was said to have veered off its approved flight path.

Investigators have uncovered the black boxes from the plane, which contain audio recordings from the cockpit, though it will take 30 days for a report to be published, the BBC reported.

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Washington DCs intensely crowded airspace has led to repeated warnings from regulatory officials who warned safety lapses could mean a crash was imminent, Politico reported.

The American Airlines 5342 flight had departed from Wichita, Kansas, and was carrying 64 passengers and crew when it collided mid-air with a Black Hawk helicopter at around 9:00pm, sending both falling into the Potomac River. Rescue attempts have since been called off, with officials stating there were no survivors.

SIGNALS

Years of warnings on airline safety ignored

Sources: Politico, The Washington Post

The worst plane crash in the US in more than two decades follows years of warnings of lapses in airline safety at major national airports, Politico wrote. Ronald Reagan National Airport is already one of the most complex air traffic corridors in the country, The Washington Post said, and yet capacity has swollen from a designated 15 million passengers per year to 25 million, meanwhile, air traffic control towers are chronically short-staffed. Though the issue was repeatedly raised by regulators, little has been done: We are sounding the alarm bells, and we need action, chair of the National Transportation Safety Board Jennifer Homendy said in 2023. I dont want to hear about summits  goddamn, do something.

FAA in the spotlight over outdated air traffic controller systems

Source: The New York Times

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A US government watchdog last year highlighted critically outdated systems at the Federal Aviation Administration, the agency that provides air traffic services across the country, with some containing components that are more than 50 years old, The New York Times wrote in September. The FAAs aging air traffic controller systems rely on outdated software languages and unsupported hardware, leading to critical operational impacts on air traffic safety and efficiency, the Government Accountability Office said, adding that the systems could take ten years to modernize. Im sick of hearing the F.A.A. and the airlines go, We have the safest record in the world, and thats true, but theyre resting on their laurels, one California lawmaker said at the time. And all it takes is one big incident to change that.

Trump blames Democrats for crash as US disasters increasingly politicized

Sources: The New York Times, Axios

US President Donald Trumps suggestion that diversity hiring practices  including employing people with a psychiatric disability  were responsible for the crash indicates his instinct to frame major disasters through his political or ideological lens, whether the facts fit or not, The New York Times wrote. Trump also blamed the recent California wildfires on diversity initiatives and said immigration was responsible for the New Years Eve terror attack in New Orleans, the outlet noted. In a White House briefing on the plane crash, Trump lashed out at Obama and Biden administration policies, singling out former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg as a disaster. Democrats quickly fired back by pointing out Trumps moves to dramatically shrink federal spending, in a political tussle that harked back to the blame games of the US presidents first term, The New York Times noted.
The U.S. Office of Management and Budget under Trump released and rescinded a memo on a federal aid freeze, creating widespread confusion for Americans and Congress. Neera Tanden, former U.S. Domestic Policy Advisor to President Biden, joins Joy Reid to discuss this, plus Donald Trumps flurry of executive orders in his first week and a half in office.
Jan. 29Leaders in the judicial branch and mental health community endorsed creating a system for restoring competency to criminal offenders who had been found incompetent to stand trial.

House Children and Family Law Committee Chairman Mark Pearson, R-Hampstead, predicted if his legislation becomes law, it will lead to a much higher percentage of accused offenders who a judge concludes are competent.

New Hampshire's current law merely states that one year after someone is judged to be incompetent, if the offender is not restored then the criminal charges against him or her are dropped.

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Last year, the national average was 81% of those once found incompetent were later restored.

In 2019  the most recent date for which date was available  only 44% had their competency restored in New Hampshire.

"This gives closure to the alleged victims by having a court issue a decision one way or the other," Pearson told the House Judiciary Committee.

"It also gives closure to the alleged perpetrator since some of those individuals will be found not guilty. Sometimes, the (criminal) sentence given out is less than the time that person is bouncing around in the mental health system."

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Bill would create two-year pilot program

Pearson offered an amendment to his study bill (HB 480) that would create a two-year pilot program in the court system in Merrimack County or Strafford County.

The state would hire a forensic liaison who would be in charge of ensuring that the accused offender attends meetings and hearings in his or her case.

The same individual would also report to the state on the status of the cases.

The program would operate not out of the court system but within the state Department of Health and Human Services.

"We don't want this to be seen as a criminal matter; we want it to be considered a behavioral health issue," Pearson said.

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Holly Stevens, policy director with the National Alliance of Mental Illness of New Hampshire, said many of the offenders can be restored to competency with treatment.

"Many individuals who raise competency have psychotic conditions and once they get medication they are restored," Stevens said.

Erin Creegan, general counsel for the judicial branch, said for many years this has been an "intractable issue."

Rep. Robert Lynn, R-Windham, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, credited Pearson with bringing all stakeholders to the table to come up with this compromise language.

klandrigan@unionleader.com
(Photo illustration by Iowa Capital Dispatch via Canva with dome image by Iowa Capital Dispatch; mortarboard via Getty Images)

There may be a solution to the complaint some Republican legislators have about the University of Iowas plan to close a tranche of departments and programs and create a School of Social and Cultural Analysis.

The lawmakers object to merging African American Studies; American Studies; Gender, Womens, and Sexuality Studies; Jewish Studies; Latina/o/x Studies; and Native American and Indigenous Studies. Majors in American Studies and Social Justice would be cut as part of the plan, which has been discussed for two years, UI leaders said.

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Rep. Taylor Collins, R-Mediapolis, initially cheered the proposal. (WINNING! he wrote on Facebook.) Now Collins, chair of a new Iowa House Higher Education Committee, wants the Board of Regents to kill it. Apparently, a School of Social and Cultural Analysis is still too woke for him and Senate Education Committee chair Lynn Evans, R-Aurelia, who cosigned a letter to the regents. The deaths of two majors and the 50-year-old Gender, Womens and Sexuality and 77-year-old American Studies departments arent enough.

So, heres an alternative to scuttling a school offering majors that some students want and that academic experts believe will help the pupils navigate and understand a complex world. The idea: UI starts a Department of White Christian Male (WCM) Studies.

Im sure some conservatives would applaud this addition. They may think WCMs are victims of massive discrimination or that their culture is the only one worthy of study.

Most rational people, however, would think its absurd  and it is, because white male history and culture already infuse nearly every aspect of American society and academia.

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Thats why courses like the ones UI has offered are necessary: Until curricula like this became available, education gave little attention to the history, culture and achievements of women and minorities and their places in society. For centuries, students got an incomplete, whitewashed version of history and culture.

Some conservatives celebrated recently when Meta eliminated independent fact checking from Facebook and its other platforms. These same folks often tout the free market, in economics and the public forum. Let ideas compete, they say, and the best ones will rise.

Nonetheless, some of these same people want to rig the marketplace of ideas by eliminating those they dislike. They seem to fear concepts that challenge WCM perspective.

No one forces students to take these classes; if they dont want to understand the history, perspective, culture and place in society of women, Blacks, Jews, Native Americans and other groups, they dont have to. And some of these disciplines seem to be fading in the marketplace: The two majors facing elimination have fewer than 60 students combined.

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In November, Collins further justified the Higher Education Committees creation by saying universities should focus on meeting the states workforce needs, perhaps by cutting squishy majors like liberal studies in favor of engineering and computer science. Collins and some fellow conservatives seem to view higher educations mission as serving Iowa industry. I believe universities were founded to serve students, society and democracy.

Academic freedom doesnt mean you get to take our money and do whatever the hell you want with it, Collins said then. Of course, its my money, and yours, and I want these programs to continue. I suspect most Iowans just dont care, or didnt until conservatives opened a new front in the culture wars.

In any case, direct state support for the regents universities has fallen over the last quarter century from around two-thirds of their budget to only a third. So maybe legislators can close 33% of the programs they dislike.

Or just stop micromanaging universities for cheap political points.
CONNECTICUT (WTNH)  In an effort to address food insecurity in Connecticut, the newly formed Feeding Connecticut caucus held a news conference on Wednesday in Hartford.

Report shows food insecurity up 23% in Connecticut

The caucus announced its intention to push for more money to help the one in eight Connecticut residents struggling with hunger.

That number sometimes fluctuates  thats the current number that we have, State Rep. Eleni Kavros DeGraw (D-17th District) said. One in six of those are children. That actually represents a number that has unfortuately gone up in the past couple of years, it is not a great indicator when we have one in six children in Connecticut who are going hungry.

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These lawmakers are submitting a bill to the legislature requesting $10 million for the Connecticut Nutrition Assistance Program, which helps provide fresh food to Connecticut Foodshare, food pantries, soup kitchens and emergency shelters.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
I would like to ask every state trooper, sheriffs deputy, police officer and all others who take an oath to uphold the Constitution and dedicate their professional lives to protect and serve the public what they think of the presidential pardons and commutations for the Jan. 6, 2021, convicted criminals.

Rioters injured 140 police officers that day. Officers were assaulted, harmed and hurt with bear spray, flag poles and other instruments. Rioters committed violent felonies. There were 629 guilty pleas. Others were found guilty by a jury of their peers.

President Donald Trump offered excuses and misinformation, referring to the convicted rioters as hostages and saying there were very minor incidents against law enforcement officers.

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Trump has doubled down on disrespecting the uniform. He has called those in the military who die for their country losers. He called Sen. John McCain, a Vietnam War prisoner of war, a loser for being captured. Now he has symbolically spit on the law enforcement officers who daily risk their lives to uphold the Constitution and protect and serve the citizens of this country.

What do the men and women in law enforcement think about Trumps decision?

Thomas Gery

Lower Alsace Township
I thought a quick review of President Donald Trumps first week in office would be beneficial for all of us. First, Trump granted clemency to 1,500+ insurrectionists. He claimed the attacks against police were minor incidents. Some of these same people have promised retribution and bragged about buying guns.

Then, his nominee for defense secretary was confirmed despite allegations of abusing women and alcohol. I feel safer already, especially given that Trumps immigration program is ripping families apart, even while violent insurrectionists walk free.

He halted grant money for research in curing diseases, even cancer. Whod be fool enough to think this isnt the health news weve been waiting for? And to top it off, he nominated vaccine denier Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services secretary. Thats way smart. Who doesnt want to see the resurgence of polio and measles.

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He renamed the Gulf of Mexico. Wow, the cost of my eggs took a nosedive after that.

Hes threatened to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Why hasnt any president done that before since our country never suffers through hurricanes and fires.

Yes, all this and more in the first week. I cant wait to see what the next four years have in store for us, if we live that long.

Donna Oaks

Spring Township
To the editor: No compassionate human being would fail to feel immense pain over the suffering of people in the Gaza Strip.

In his op-ed article, Emad Moussa quotes a dentist from Jaballa as saying that the Israelis are trying to make the lives of Palestinians in Gaza "sustainably unbearable." Unfortunately, he is not alone in blaming Israel.

Are we forgetting who started this conflict with its barbaric attack on Oct. 7, 2023? Are we forgetting who slaughtered about 1,200 people? Are we forgetting that Hamas took more than 240 people hostage, including women, the elderly, children and even a 9-month-old baby?

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Are we forgetting that Hamas is a terrorist group that not only planned and celebrated this assault, but has pledged to do it again?

Israel wants peace, but with a guarantee of safety. If on Oct. 8, 2023, the innocent hostages taken into the dark tunnels of Gaza had been returned and Hamas surrendered, there would have been no war. Place accountability where it is deserved.

Linda Goldfinger, Irvine

..

To the editor: A recent news article mentioning President Trump's suggestion that Palestinians be removed from Gaza and sent to Jordan and Egypt states that this would constitute a second Nakba, or "catastrophe," for Palestinians. The Nakba is described as "their reference to the founding of Israel in 1948, during which millions of Palestinians fled or were driven from their homes."

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There is no credible source that claims "millions of Palestinians" fled or were driven from their homes in 1948. Even the most anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian scholars do not put this number at more than 750,000.

Jeffrey Auerbach, Northridge

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56)  Lexington police have made an arrest in connection with a Wednesday bank robbery.

Officers were called to Central Bank on Southland Drive around 3 p.m.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Investigators said a man walked in, demanded cash, and ran off with an undisclosed amount of money.

The Lexington Police Department said the man did not show a weapon.

Around 7 p.m. on Wednesday, officers attempted to pull over a vehicle connected with the robbery in the South Broadway area. But 30-year-old Danzell Cruse ran from officers on foot with the money.

LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS:

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An arrest citation noted that Cruse was throwing the money from the reported robbery as he ran.

Upon arrest, officers allegedly found 28.49 grams of suspected marijuana and 103 grams of fentanyl on Cruse.

Hes been charged with first-degree robbery, third-degree fleeing or evading police, trafficking marijuana, tampering with physical evidence, and aggravated trafficking in a controlled substance (fentanyl).

Cruse was lodged in the Fayette County Detention Center.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
Jan. 29LIMA  A Lima man pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a minimum of nine years in prison Wednesday for charges including fentanyl trafficking.

Jaques Barnett, 32, pleaded guilty in Allen County Common Pleas Court to failure to comply, having weapons under disability and fentanyl trafficking, which are third-degree felonies, and engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, which is a second-degree felony.

This was the same deal that Barnett rejected in October while he was still being represented by the public defender's office.

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Barnett's prison sentence is not mandatory, so he will eventually be eligible to request judicial release. His driver's license was also suspended for three years.

Reach Charlotte Caldwell at 567-242-0451.

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A Yonkers man accused of killing his friend execution-style on a Long Island Rail Road train in 2022 pleaded guilty Wednesday just before his trial was set to begin.

Nicholas DAgostino, 21, copped to one count of second-degree murder in the killing of Yusef Staine inside an LIRR train parked at Suffolk Countys Ronkonkoma station, Newsday reported. Hell be sentenced to 20 years to life in prison.

Staine, 20 at the time, had been hanging out with DAgostino throughout the day on Feb. 15, 2022, and into the early morning hours of the next day, according to investigators.

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The two young men spent the day in New York City before traveling back to Long Island. They stepped onto a westbound train at Ronkonkoma station at around 2 a.m. on Feb. 16.

Inside the train, the men got into an apparent argument, according to surveillance footage. The argument concluded when DAgostino shot Staine once in the back of the head and again in the torso, authorities said.

DAgostino then used a rideshare app to flee the scene and boarded a Greyhound bus out of Manhattan about 24 hours later, according to police. He eventually made his way to Arizona and wasnt captured until May 2023.

The murder of Staine shocked the Long Island community. No one had been killed onboard an LIRR train since December 1993, when mass shooter Colin Ferguson killed six people and wounded 19 more as a train arrived at Merillon Avenue station.
This story has been updated to correct Candace McGraw's tenure at the airport

After hitting a 15-year high for total passengers last year, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is expecting more change and growth in 2025.

At the top of the list will be a new CEO, as Candace McGraw retires June 30 after 14 years in the job.

New CEO Lawrence Krauter, who held that job at the Spokane (Washington) Airport System since 2011, arrives in Cincinnati March 3.

Lawrence J. Krauter will be the new CEO of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.

Here's what else is coming at CVG:

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Frontier Airlines will add nonstop service to Austin, Texas, in March.

Allegiant Air will launch nonstop flights to Gulf Shores, Alabama, and Portland, Oregon, in May.

Air Canada will add a nonstop to Montreal, Quebec, also in May.

Alaska Airlines will add a second nonstop flight to Seattle this summer.

Cargo transporter F&F LLC will spend $12 million for a warehouse at CVG Global Logistics Park, the airport's new cargo site.

Bengals Bar & Kitchen, Dunkin' Donuts and "several other dining options" will open, according to an airport press release.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: What's new at CVG for 2025?
(NewsNation)  Audio of air traffic control captured the moment that workers observed a Black Hawk helicopter colliding with a passenger jet near Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night.

The American Airlines passenger plane was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members; three soldiers were on board the Army helicopter. All are believed to have died in the crash.

Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, was on approach to the runway when the collision took place.

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The collision happened at around 9 p.m. when the regional jet collided with the military helicopter, which was on a training exercise, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

A few minutes before the jet was to land, air traffic controllers asked the American Airlines flight if it could do so on a shorter runway, and the pilots agreed. Controllers cleared the jet to land and flight-tracking sites showed the plane adjust its approach to the new runway.

Less than 30 seconds before the crash, an air traffic controller asked the helicopter crew if they had the arriving plane in sight.

The controller made another radio call to the helicopter moments later, saying PAT 25 pass behind the CRJ  apparently telling the helicopter to wait for the Bombardier CRJ-701 twin-engine jet to pass. There was no reply. Seconds after that, the aircraft collided.

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Air traffic controllers can be heard reacting to the crash before redirecting other air traffic in the area. (You can hear a portion of the air traffic control communications over radio in the video player at the top of this story.)

Crash, crash, crash, one air traffic controller can be heard saying. This is an alert three.

I just saw a fireball and then it was gone, said another.

Air traffic control can also be heard telling a Delta plane to return to the gate as the airport would be shutting down operations for the indefinite future. The Delta crew relays that they witnessed the collision.

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The American Airlines planes radio transponder stopped transmitting about 2,400 feet short of the runway, roughly over the middle of the Potomac.

The body of the plane was found upside-down in three sections in waist-deep water, officials said. The helicopters wreckage was also found.

Those on board included members of the U.S. figure skating community and Russian figure skaters, among other passengers.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Lithuania will likely consider deploying military personnel to Ukraine for a potential peacekeeping mission, Lithuanian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Raimundas Vaiksnoras said on Jan. 30, according to the LRT broadcaster.

"If you ask whether Lithuania could (send peacekeepers to Ukraine), yes, we will probably consider it. There will be a discussion, and I think we should also take responsibility for European stability," Vaiksnoras told the Ziniu radio.

His remarks come amid ongoing discussions among Western countries about the possible deployment of peacekeeping forces if a ceasefire is negotiated.

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Earlier reports from The Wall Street Journal indicated that U.S. President Donald Trumps team is weighing a plan to delay Ukraine's NATO membership by at least 20 years in exchange for continued Western arms supplies and the deployment of European peacekeepers to monitor a ceasefire.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said on Jan. 18 that Germany may consider contributing forces to such a mission, while U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed on Jan. 16 that he had discussed the matter with President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Moscow has strongly opposed the idea. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova warned on Jan. 23 that deploying a NATO peacekeeping contingent to Ukraine could lead to "uncontrolled escalation."

Zelensky has said that Trump could potentially broker an end to the war but stressed that any agreement must involve Kyiv. While Trump has vowed to resolve the conflict quickly, his aides have suggested that any potential settlement could take months.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Jan. 24 that Moscow is open to talks with Trump on ending the war in Ukraine.

Read also: Russias Soviet-era military stockpile running low, faces equipment shortages, media reports

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Lithuania has transferred short-range portable air defence systems and missiles to Ukraine.

Source: Lithuanian Ministry of Defence, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The Lithuanian Ministry of Defence announced the delivery of "vital support" to Ukraine on Thursday, 30 January

Quote: "A new delivery of advanced portable air defence systems with missiles has reached Ukraine, strengthening its ability to counter Russias brutal aggression."

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Details: Lithuania also plans to increase its support for Ukraine's air defence, ammunition, and drones in 2025. Additionally, the country aims to continue supporting Ukraine's defence industry by funding weapons produced in Ukraine.

Quote: "Lithuania will also be contributing to the Capability Coalition for Demining that it leads together with Iceland, as well as to other capability coalitions it is a member of. Military assistance will also be transferred via international funds and collective initiatives, medical rehabilitation aid to injured Ukrainian troops and training to Ukrainian military personnel will continue to be provided."

Background:

At the end of November 2024, Lithuania transferred a new batch of military aid to Ukraine, including generators, spare parts for M113 armoured personnel carriers, weaponry, and ammunition.

On 20 January 2025, a new military aid package from Lithuania arrived in Ukraine. The package included Lithuanian-made drones, thermal imaging devices and five-tonne telescopic loaders for the Ukrainian forces.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Little Rock police have confirmed that an arrest has been made in connection to a shooting that killed 15-year-old John Staats.

Officials with the Little Rock Police Department did not identify the suspect, but police said a juvenile was arrested. The suspect is facing a capital murder charge in connection to Staats death.

Little Rock police investigating shooting after child found dead in vehicle

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According to the LRPD, Staats was found dead inside of a vehicle in the 8000 block of Stanton Road after being shot and killed Tuesday, Jan. 28.

Staats was a student at Catholic High School for Boys. Shauna and Ray Staats, the victims parents, and officials with the school released a statement following his death.

Parents of Catholic High teen killed in Little Rock shooting release statement

Investigators with the LPRD said they will not be releasing any additional information on the shooting due to a judge sealing the case.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  The Little Rock Zoo gave an update Wednesday on five African penguin chicks that were hatched in 2024.

Zoo officials say all five of the chicks are doing well and thriving. They say African penguins are classified as critically endangered, so the chicks are important in raising awareness in conservation efforts.

Little Rock Zoo removes straw lodged in penguins esophagus

The first of the five penguins was born in August of 2024, with the other chicks soon to follow.

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The Little Rock Zoo is inviting Arkansans to catch a glimpse of the penguin chicks as they begin to explore the Laura P. Nichols Penguin Pointe.

There is also a Penguin Chick Amazon Wish List that is tailored to the needs of the newest penguin hatchlings.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
Some of the teams tasked with preventing the next school shooting have developed systemic problems that put them at risk of unfairly labeling and vilifying children. (Courtesy of the New Jersey Governor's Office)

Max Schachter wanted to be close to his son Alex on his birthday, July 9, so he watched old videos of him.

It put a smile on my face to see him so happy, Schachter said.

Alex would have turned 21 that day, six years after he and 16 other children and staff at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, were shot and killed by a former student in 2018. In the years before the shooting, that former student had displayed concerning behavior that elicited dozens of calls to 911 and at least two tips to the FBI.

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Alex should still be here today. Its not fair, Schachter said.

Max Schachter with his son Alex. (Max Schachter)

After two weeks of grieving Alexs death, Schachter, propelled by anger and pain, began advocating for school safety. In part, he wanted to ensure his three other children would never be harmed in the same way. He joined the newly formed Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission to improve the safety and security of Floridas students. And he launched a nonprofit bearing Alexs name, which advocates for school safety.

Doing that work, he learned about threat assessment teams, groups of law enforcement and school officials who try to identify potentially dangerous or distressed kids, intervene, and prevent the next school shooting. Florida is one of about 18 states that require schools to have threat assessment and intervention teams; a national survey estimates 85% of public schools have a team assigned to the task.

The teams, whose mission and operational strategies often are based on research from the FBI and the Secret Services National Threat Assessment Center, or NTAC, have become more common as the number of school shootings has increased. Despite their prevalence for almost 25 years, some of the teams have developed systemic problems that put them at risk of unfairly labeling and vilifying children.

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States vary widely in their requirements of threat assessment teams and there isnt a nationwide archetype. Few school districts and states collect data about the teams, little is known about their operations, and research on their effectiveness at thwarting mass shootings and other threats is limited. But a 2021 analysis by the NTAC of 67 plots against K-12 schools found that people contemplating violence often exhibit observable behaviors, and when community members report these behaviors, the next tragedy can be averted.

School shooters have a long thought process. They dont just snap. They have concerning behavior over time. If we can identify them early, we can intervene, said Karie Gibson, chief of the FBIs Behavioral Analysis Unit.

Yet, Dewey Cornell, a forensic clinical psychologist who in 2001 developed one of the first sets of guidelines for school threat assessment teams, said there have been problems. In many cases, he said, threats have been deemed not serious but parents and teachers are so alarmed that it is difficult to assuage their fears. The school community gets in an uproar and the school administrators feel pressured to expel the student.

And in other cases, a school doesnt do a threat assessment and assumes a student is dangerous when somebody else reports them as a threat, and they may take a zero tolerance approach and remove them from the school, said Cornell, the Virgil S. Ward professor of education at the University of Virginia.

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A task force convened by the American Psychological Association found little evidence that zero tolerance policies have improved school climate or school safety and said they may create negative mental health outcomes for students. The task force cited examples of students who were expelled for incidents or school rule violations as minor as having a knife in their lunch box for cutting an apple.

Marisa Randazzo, a research psychologist and the director of threat assessment for Georgetown University, said she has also seen hyperreactions, especially among school communities that have experienced a mass killing.

Its understandable. People who have been close to an event like this are on higher alert than other people, said Randazzo, who previously worked for the Secret Service and co-founded Sigma Threat Management Associates.

Threat assessments are supposed to be a graduated process calibrated to the seriousness of a problem, since the majority of student threats are not credible and can be resolved through supportive interventions, according to research from the Secret Service.

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Stephanie Crawford-Goetz, a school psychologist and the director of mental health for student support services in the Douglas County School District in Colorado, where a shooting occurred at a charter school in 2019, said her districts threat assessment process emphasizes a proactive, rehabilitative approach to managing potential threats, as the NTAC suggests.

Crawford-Goetz said her district interviews students before convening the team to assess whether a threat is a misguided expression of anger or frustration and if the student has a plan and means to carry out violence.

Students whose threats are deemed transient receive support, such as help with coping skills, and they may meet with a mental health provider.

If the threat is credible, a student may be temporarily removed from the classroom or school.

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Randazzo said the vast majority of kids who make threats are suicidal or despondent: The process is designed primarily to figure out if someone is in crisis and how we can help. It is not designed to be punitive.

Crawford-Goetz tells parents about her districts threat assessment team at the beginning of the school year. Some districts report keeping their teams a secret from parents, which is not how they were designed to operate, said Lina Alathari, chief of the NTAC. Her team encourages schools to educate the whole community about the threat assessment process.

Some advocacy groups contend that threat assessment teams have perpetuated inequities. There has also been widespread concern that children with disabilities can easily get swept into a threat assessment.

In a 2022 report, the National Disability Rights Network, a nonprofit based in Washington, D.C., said some threat assessment teams have become judge, jury, and executioner, going beyond assessing risk of serious, imminent harm to determining guilt and punishment.

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Expanding their scope allows threat assessment teams to get around civil rights protections, the report says.

Cornell disputed the disability rights groups conclusion. This has not been corroborated by scientific studies and is speculative, he said.

Some states, such as Florida, mandate that threat assessment teams determine whether a students disability played a role in their behavior and recommend they include special education teachers and other professionals in their evaluation.

In Texas, which has mandated threat assessment teams, a third of students subjected to threat assessments in the Dallas Independent School District receive special education services.

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Yet, the district doesnt have a special education staff representative on its threat assessment team, according to a March 2023 report by Texas Appleseed, a nonprofit public interest justice center.

Many school districts are developing their own models in the absence of national standards for threat assessments.

Florida revamped its threat assessment system in January 2024 to improve response times, provide consistent data collection, and build in more checks and balances and oversight, said Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, who is also chair of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission.

The new model requires the teams to work quickly and file uniform, electronic summary reports of threat assessment findings. Those results follow students throughout their school years.

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The adjustments are intended to eliminate the risk of not knowing about a students past troubling behavior if they change schools, as occurred with the Parkland shooter and a student who shot and killed classmates at a high school near Winder, Georgia, in September, said Gualtieri.

As parents, you never stop worrying about your kids, Schachter said.

Virginia mandates that all public schools and higher education institutions, including colleges, have threat assessment teams. In Florida, where one of Schachters daughters attends college, threat assessment teams are mandated in all public schools, including charter schools.

Theres more work to be done, Schachter said.

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Cheryl Platzman Weinstocks reporting is supported by a grant from the National Institute for Health Care Management Foundation.

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF  the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism.
Supporters of the proposed assisted suicide legislation left signs in the State House on Wednesday. (Photo by William Skipworth/New Hampshire Bulletin)

Whether New Hampshire patients nearing death should be able end their own life with the help of a physician was up for debate in the State House Wednesday.

If passed, House Bill 254, sponsored by Windham Republican Rep. Bob Lynn, would allow adults, who have been determined by two doctors to have an estimated six months left to live or are in Medicare-certified hospice care with a terminal condition, to receive medication that would end their life. The patient receiving aid-in-dying medication must also have the mental capacity to understand and appreciate health care options available, be able to self-administer the medication, and give informed consent. The medical provider must also determine the patient is not being coerced into the assisted suicide.

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Assisted suicide almost became legal in the 2024 legislative session when House Bill 1283, a very similar piece of legislation, was approved by the House, but failed in the Senate.

At a hearing for the bill in Concord Wednesday, Lynn said the bill is about giving people at the end of their life the freedom to end their life in a dignified way rather than endure continuous suffering.

He addressed the legislative history of assisted suicide in New Hampshire, noting that last session the bill passed the House on a bipartisan basis with both Democrats and Republicans in support. He acknowledged that the bill was opposed on a bipartisan basis, too.

He also addressed some concerns about the bill, saying it has a tremendous number of appropriate protections to ensure that people are not taken advantage of, including a mandate that two different doctors independently certify a patient meets the requirements.

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Im in the autumn of my life, Lynn, 75, said. I hope I have many years to go, but Im 75. Im certainly not a spring chicken. I believe that if the time comes I am within six months of death and I am suffering, that I ought to have the opportunity to end my life with dignity.

Still, he acknowledged that I dont know if Id ever actually do it.

I love life, he continued. The thought that I would actually do that. It would take an awful lot for me to do that, but I think if the end is coming and Im really in great pain or distress that I ought to have that option.

Assisted suicide is legal in 10 states and Washington, D.C. That includes New Hampshires neighbors Vermont and Maine. Its also legal in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Austria, and Switzerland, among others.

Assisted suicide in action

Rep. Hope Damon, a Croydon Democrat, told her own personal story of assisted suicide while advocating for the bill.

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Last spring we lost our friend Michael, she said. We sadly and joyfully celebrated the loss and that he was able to choose to end his life on the terms that were right for him and save his family from watching a heart-wrenchingly sad decline.

Damon explained that he went to Switzerland to receive the assisted suicide.

I want everyone to have the opportunity, should they so choose, to make that choice, she said, and not need to have the resources to go to Switzerland.

Medical providers speak up

John Jurczyk, president of Nashuas St. Joseph Hospital, advocated against the bill due to the ethical, medical and societal implications.

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The primary responsibility of health care providers is to preserve life, he said, not to facilitate its termination even in cases of terminal illness.

Another provider, Michelle Flynn, a retired internal medicine physician, concurred.

After being asked by a lawmaker whether she can reliably determine how long a patient has to live, she said, I always get it wrong. I would say I think you have six months, and people would have two years or vice versa.

She also expressed concerns that the medication used for assisted suicides causes more pain and distress than people believe.

Rep. Paige Beauchemin, a Nashua Democrat who is also a registered nurse, took a different stance.

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I do believe that this is a body autonomy bill, she said. Taking away that right in any instance is taking away our rights and runs against how we practice medicine in every other instance.

Disability community pushes back

Im here to oppose a bill that threatens my very existence, Benjamin Safford told legislators at the hearing.

He and his brother Sam Safford, who also testified against the bill, both have Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a genetic condition that requires them to use a wheelchair and causes muscle degeneration.

Sam Safford explained that he was diagnosed with the condition, which is fatal and has no cure, at age 4.

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The doctors told my parents that my brother and I would not live long enough to graduate high school, never mind go to a college or get a job, Sam Safford said. But they were wrong.

He said an infection in 2021 worsened his pain.

I began waking up every morning wanting to die, he said. If assisted suicide had been legal when I was in the depths of my dispair, it would have seemed like the best action. It wouldve been a permanent solution to what I felt like was permanent pain.

However, he said, with the support of his mother, he persevered.

Four years later, I can say that I am well and enjoy a rich and abundant life, Sam Safford said. My life has value and dignity in my living. I urge you to oppose this bill. The medical community and insurance companies will only use it to end the lives of people like me.

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Benjamin Safford said the bill promotes an ignorant, ableist worldview and is offensive to myself and the disability community as a whole.

Able individuals are encouraged to seek mental health and pain management, while those with disabilities like me are often encouraged just to end it all, he said.

Mental health concerns

Mary Fahey told lawmakers she suffers from multiple incurable diseases and is the survivor of a teen suicide attempt.

If legislation like this existed in New Hampshire several years ago, I might not be here, Fahey, who opposes the bill, said.

She said she was misdiagnosed at 21 with treatment-resistant bipolar disorder.

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Shortly after, I read a headline describing Canadas upcoming expansion of assisted suicide to include mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, Fahey said. At the time I wished that we had that option in America, that there was an easy way out to my suffering.

She said the mere knowledge of this legislation existing in other countries nearly led her to a second attempt.

You may hear supporters of this bill assert that assisted suicide is not actually suicide because those who utilize it do not wish to die, and those who end their lives by suicide do wish to die, she said. I find this claim to be incredibly false. When I attempted suicide, I did not wish to die. Rather, I desperately wished to live. I simply saw no alternative to the mental and physical suffering I was experiencing.

If you or someone you know is in a crisis, call, text or chat the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. To reach the New Hampshire Rapid Response Access Point, call or text 833-710-6477. If you need help with grief and loss, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers advice and resources. You can also call the National SAMHSA Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP, with services in English and Spanish, toll free 24/7.
Editors note: There has been updates in this story. Click here for more.

(NewsNation)  Investigators have recovered the two black boxes from the American Airlines regional passenger jet that was carrying 64 people when it collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter carrying three soldiers at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Officials urged the public at a news conference this afternoon that their investigation will take some time.

The National Transportation Safety Board has recovered the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder, the NTSB said in a statement late Thursday.

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What we know about the DC plane crash victims

The so-called black boxes are now on their way to the NTSB labs for investigation and will provide clues as to what went wrong. The agency intends to have a preliminary report within 30 days.

At least 30 bodies have been recovered from the scene as of Thursday evening, including all three soldiers who were on the helicopter.

NTSB investigators recovered the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder from the Bombardier CRJ700 airplane involved in yesterdays mid-air collision at DCA. The recorders are at the NTSB labs for evaluation. NTSB investigators recovered the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder from the Bombardier CRJ700 airplane involved in yesterdays mid-air collision at DCA. The recorders are at the NTSB labs for evaluation. NTSB investigators recovered the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder from the Bombardier CRJ700 airplane involved in yesterdays mid-air collision at DCA. The recorders are at the NTSB labs for evaluation. NTSB investigators recovered the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder from the Bombardier CRJ700 airplane involved in yesterdays mid-air collision at DCA. The recorders are at the NTSB labs for evaluation.

We dont believe there are any survivors, D.C. fire and EMS chief John A. Donnelly said Thursday during a news conference.

American Airlines has set up a hotline for anyone concerned about a loved one who may have been on the flight. That number is 1-800-679-8215.

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During a Thursday press conference, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said the flight manifest with a list of names is expected Friday afternoon. Kelly said there were people from overseas on the flight and their families are still being notified.

The body of the plane was reportedly found upside down in three sections in waist-deep water.

An FAA report obtained by the Associated Press said staffing in the air traffic control tower was not normal.

The report said one air traffic controller was working two positions at the time of the crash, calling the configuration not normal for the time of day and volume of traffic.

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However, a person familiar with the matter told AP that staffing was at a normal level on Wednesday night. They said positions are regularly combined when controllers need to step away from the console for breaks, are in the process of a shift change, or air traffic is slow.

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association said it cannot comment on the specifics of the crash at this time, and it would be premature to speculate on the root cause of this accident.

NATCA mourns the tragic loss of life as a result of the accident that occurred at Washington National (DCA) airport last night between a regional jet and a helicopter, NATCA President Nick Daniels said in a statement. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those affected by this event.

Here are some of the deadliest plane crashes in US history

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This is a terrible tragedy that will unite those in Washington, D.C. and Wichita, Kansas, forever, Wichita Mayor Lily Wu said at a Thursday morning news conference.

Wu said the city will have additional resources, especially for affected staff.

I am grieving with everyone in our community and those in Washington, D.C., she said, adding that she didnt know how many, if any, Wichita residents were aboard the flight.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said the nations capital is grieving along with families in Kansas and across the country.

This morning, we all share a profound sense of grief, Bowser said Thursday.

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Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly on Thursday ordered flags throughout the State of Kansas to be flown at half-staff immediately until sundown on Thursday, Feb. 6.

International Skating Union President Jae Youl Kim said: to lose so many members of our community in this way brings sadness beyond words.

We share our deepest, most sincere condolences with the families and friends of all those who lost their lives in this terrible crash, Kim said.

DC plane crash: What we know

The midair crash occurred shortly before 9 p.m. local time Wednesday, shutting down the airport until 11 a.m. Thursday.

Part of the investigation will revolve around an interaction with air traffic control in the final moments before the collision.

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We have early indicators of what happened here and I will tell you with complete confidence we have the safest airspace in the world, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said.

According to investigators, the plane was cleared to land at a shorter runway just minutes before at Reagan National. The pilots acknowledged the change as well. Air traffic control also asked the helicopter if it could see the plane and if it could pass behind it, but, seconds later, the crash occurred.

When one person dies, its a tragedy. But when many, many, many people die, its an unbearable sorrow. Its a heartbreak beyond measure, Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., told reporters at a news conference at Reagan National Airport. Weve been through things like this before  through tornadoes and floods and things  but its really hard when you lose probably over 60 Kansans simultaneously.

Search and rescue efforts are seen around a wreckage site in the Potomac River from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, early Thursday morning, Jan. 30, 2025, in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

There were 60 passengers and four crew members aboard American Eagle Flight 5342, according to American Airlines. The FAA said the plane was a Bombardier CRJ700 arriving from Wichita, Kansas.

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A U.S. Army official said the helicopter was a UH-60 Black Hawk based at Fort Belvoir in Virginia. Jonathan Koziol, chief of staff for Army aviation, said both pilots were experienced and had flown the specific route before. The pilot-in-command had 1,000 flying hours, and their co-pilot had just under 500.

U.S. Rep Mark Green, R-Tenn., a former flight surgeon for the U.S. Army Night Stalkers, told NewsNation that flying in an urban environment with night vision goggles presents challenges but moving lights, like those on a plane, should have been detectable.

If the [night vision goggles] are on, you should see those lights, he told NewsNations Leland Vittert on Thursday.

Did night vision goggles play a role in DC plane crash?

Who are the victims?

All 64 people aboard the flight from Wichita, Kansas and three soldiers on a U.S. Army helicopter are believed to be dead but the full list of names isnt expected until Friday afternoon.

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The victims include figure skaters and coaches, as well as, members of the Washington, D.C., branch of the Steamfitters union.

We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims families closely in our hearts, U.S. Figure Skating said in a statement.

United Association Steamfitters said four of its members were on board the American Airlines flight.

May they rest in peace, UA Local 602, based in Prince Georges County, Maryland, said on X.

One of the crew members killed in the crash was First Officer Sam Lilley, his father Tim Lilley, confirmed to NewsNation.

Two Chinese nationals were also among the victims of the crash, according to the Chinese embassy in the U.S.

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Here are the victims we know so far:

Plane crash being investigated

The National Transportation Safety Board arrived on the scene to begin an investigation while first responders, including divers, continued their work in cold and windy conditions.

Investigators will zero in on how the plane experienced a rapid loss of altitude on its approach over the Potomac.

NTSB officials said at a news conference Thursday that the agency intends to have a preliminary report on the plane crash in 30 days. Jennifer Homendy, chairwoman of the board, said while it is an all hands on deck event, they are going to allow first responders to do their important safety mission.

To determine the cause of the crash, Homendy said the NTSB will look at the human, machine and the environment.

Homendy said briefed the president and vice president. Families will be briefed later Thursday, Todd Inman, a member of the National Transportation Safety Board said.

May God Bless their souls, President Donald Trump said in a statement late Wednesday. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.

On Thursday, Trump appeared to blame diversity initiatives at the Federal Aviation Administration for weakening safety.

Speaking to press from the White House briefing room, Trump also blasted previous Transportation Pete Buttigieg, and efforts by the FAA to hire individuals with disabilities.

Hes run it right into the ground with his diversity, Trump said. Asked about how he could be so sure diversity played a role in the crash, when he acknowledged himself the air traffic controllers might not have done anything wrong, Trump claimed it was common sense, according to The Hill.

The president also signed an executive order Thursday afternoon to prioritize competence over DEI. He then clarified that he does not know if DEI played a role but incompetence was likely a factor.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer criticized Trumps remarks.

For the president of the United States to throw out idle speculation as bodies are still being recovered and families are still being notified, it just turns your stomach, Schumer said.

Buttigieg called them despicable.

As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying, he said. We put safety first, drove down close calls, grew Air Traffic Control, and had zero commercial airline crash fatalities out of millions of flights on our watch.

Reagan National was the site of another crash in the 80s

Wednesdays disaster evoked memories of a deadly crash at the same airport on Jan. 13, 1982. An Air Florida jet crashed into a bridge after takeoff and fell into the Potomac, killing more than 70 people, including motorists. Four passengers and one crew member were rescued.

We are shocked and saddened by the tragic accident at DCA tonight, the Air Line Pilots Association said Wednesday, referring to Reagan National by its airport code name. Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragedy.

People who believe they have family members on the flights and are looking for further information are asked to call 800-697-8215.

A helicopter uses a spotlight on the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Jan. 30 in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Lights from emergency vehicles are seen at Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., after an air crash near the Potomac River on Jan. 29. Multiple crews were responding Wednesday after an apparent air crash in the Potomac River in Washington, with Reagan National Airport reporting closed runways due to an ongoing emergency. (Photo by Ting Shen / AFP) (Photo by TING SHEN/AFP via Getty Images) A helicopter flies over the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) TOPSHOT  Part of the wreckage is seen as rescue crews search the waters of the Potomac River after a passenger plane on approach to Reagan National Airport crashed into the river after colliding with a US Army helicopter, near Washington, DC, on January 30, 2025. There are likely no survivors from a collision between a passenger jet and US Army helicopter in Washington, officials said Thursday, as recovery operations pulled 28 bodies from the river into which both crashed. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP) (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images) ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA  JANUARY 30: A helicopter flies near other first responders as they continue to work the crash site of the American Airlines plane on the Potomac River after the plane crashed on approach to Reagan National Airport on January 30, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. The American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas collided with a military helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport. Dozens of people are feared to have died in the midair collision. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

The Associated Press and NewsNation partner The Hill contributed to this post.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
President Trump on Thursday appeared to blame diversity initiatives at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for weakening safety following a deadly midair collision near Washington, D.C.

Over two dozen bodies have been pulled from the water. No survivors are expected to be found, authorities said Thursday.

Authorities have moved to recovery efforts in the crash, which Trump and his newly minted Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy both said they believed was preventable.

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The flight, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, was en route from Wichita, Kan., to Washington, D.C. It collided with an Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter out of Fort Belvoir, Va.

The crash is creating a tragic background for a busy day of confirmation hearings in the Senate that are crucial for Trump.

Tulsi Gabbard, Trumps pick to be director of national intelligence, appeared before the Senate Intelligence Committee and was pressed on past statements defending Edward Snowden, her 2017 trip to Syria, and her views on Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.

At the same time, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., appeared for his second hearing to lead the Department of Health and Human Services before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP). And Kash Patel appeared before the Judiciary Committee in his bid to lead the FBI.

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Follow along below for todays updates.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Fans of craft beer will have a chance to quench their thirst this Saturday.

Members of the Youngstown Rotary Club heard from local author and historian Thomas Welsh on Wednesday afternoon about the Valleys own history with brewing.

It comes ahead of the Rotary Clubs seventh annual Ground Hogs Day Beerfest on Saturday.

Welsh said local brewing can be traced back to the mid-1840s in Youngstown.

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These were about 15 breweries that operated in the Mahoning Valley at one time or another in the decades leading up to prohibition. Three were operating in the Mahoning Valley on the eve of prohibition, Welsh said.

The Beerfest will feature 20 craft brews from around the region. The event will take place Saturday at Stambaugh Auditorium with two sessions  from 1 to 4 p.m. and from 5 to 8 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 WKBN.com.
Two superloads to traverse Scioto County this week

The 35th superload to travel from Adams and through Scioto County on its way to New Albany will hit U.S. 52 Thursday.

The load, which is a pipe rack module being hauled by Edwards Moving & Rigging, is 19.5-feet in height and 16.5-feet in width. It weighs 333,176 pounds.

When it arrives in Portsmouth, the load will travel in the westbound lanes of U.S. 52 to U.S. 23. It will crossover into the northbound lanes of U.S. 23 at the Kinneys Lane intersection to make its way toward Piketon.

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Fridays load is structural steel being hauled by Buchanan. It is just over 19 feet in height and width. It is 81 feet and 1 inch in length and weighs 93,500 pounds. It will take the same route as Thursdays load.

Train derailment drops grain at yard

A nine-car derailment at the Norfolk Southern yard occurred in Portsmouth Monday.

The cars were hauling grain, according to the Scioto County Emergency Management Agency, and were part of a 90-car train. Six of the nine derailed cars turned over on their sides.

No injuries were reported and there was no danger to the public, according to Scioto EMA.

At deadline, crews were cleaning up at the scene.

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Burg teachers awarded foundation funds

The Wheelersburg Schools Alumni & Friends Foundation is thrilled to announce the awarding of grants totaling $7,500 to teachers in the Wheelersburg Local School District. These grants will fund innovative projects designed to enhance educational experiences, foster creativity, and support student achievement across the district.

The Wheelersburg Schools Alumni & Friends Foundations mission is to promote, enhance, and supplement educational programs for the benefit of students and faculty within the Wheelersburg Local School District. This years grant recipients exemplify these goals through their exceptional proposals:

Shelby Gilliland, Wheelersburg Middle School: Awarded $744 for the proposal Stream Table, a dynamic, hands-on learning tool that will foster inquiry-based learning and critical thinking among students.

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Jessica McGraw, Wheelersburg Middle School: Awarded $850 for the proposal Class Library  Individualized Daily Reading, which will provide rich texts to inspire students, build their knowledge, and promote independent reading.

Janeen Spradlin, Wheelersburg Elementary School: Awarded $4,206 for the proposal Interactive Displays for the Elementary Classrooms, funding technology that delivers engaging, interactive lessons in reading and math, contributing to enhanced student achievement.

Heather Mullins, Wheelersburg Middle School: Awarded $1,700 for the proposal WMS Tech Glow Forge Craft Laser, a project that expands access to technology, encourages creative expression, and prepares students for the future.

We are proud to support these outstanding educators and their dedication to fostering innovation and excellence in our schools, said Dr. Jacqueline Nolan, Secretary, Wheelersburg Schools Alumni & Friends Foundation. Their initiatives will have a meaningful and lasting impact on the students, staff, and the entire community.

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The Wheelersburg Schools Alumni & Friends Foundation extends its congratulations to all grant recipients and looks forward to witnessing the positive outcomes of these projects.

For more information about the Wheelersburg Schools Alumni & Friends Foundation and its efforts to support education in the Wheelersburg Local School District, please contact Mark Knapp, Superintendent at (740)574-8484 or visit our Alumni & Friends Foundation Facebook page.

ODOD to offer grants to boost tech growth

The Ohio Department of Development has announced the opening of a new round of grant funding that advances technology commercialization across the state.

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The Ohio Third Frontier, an initiative of the Department of Development, is seeking Request for Proposals for phase 1 and phase 2 projects through the Technology Validation and Start-up Fund.

The program aims to boost the states economy through commercializing technologies invented by and developed at higher education institutions, nonprofit research institutions, and federal labs, as well as supporting startups with the licensing of their products.

Phase 1 awards are intended for Ohio research institutions to help with the cost of viability testing and prototypes for new technologies. Awards can help demonstrate the commercial viability of a technology and help prepare a proof-of-concept for commercialization. Grants range from $200,000 to $1 million and require the institution to match the grant amount. Another funding option is for $100,000 requests that require the institution to hire an intern as part of the project instead of the cost-share match.

Phase 2 Start-up Fund awards are up to $200,000 for each project and target companies ready to move from Ohio research institutions to the marketplace. Awards support startups and young companies with the licensing and validation of products and technologies to help them move forward with the commercialization of their product.

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Prospective applicants may submit written questions on the RFP through Jan. 31. Proposals are due by 4 p.m., Feb. 7. Awards are expected to be announced in April 2025.

Since 2012, the Ohio Third Frontier has awarded more than 300 TVSF grants worth nearly $57 million. The Department of Development recently announced $1.4 million in funding to support seven Ohio companies looking to expand their commercialization and research efforts in medical, military, and scientific technologies.

Companies receiving awards have gone on to have commercial success based on TVSF-supported technologies and often receive additional investments from Ohio Third Frontiers Pre-Seed Funds.

Awards focus on technology and tech-enabled products in advanced manufacturing, materials, biomedical and life sciences, energy, sensors, and software and information technology. To learn more and apply, visit the program webpage at Development.Ohio.gov/TVSF.
High school seniors in Delaware and Otsego counties will have an opportunity to learn about local career opportunities from area business mentors through a new program initiative by regional chambers of commerce.

According to a news release from the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, Mentoring for Success will connect high school seniors with business leaders and other professionals from the region who volunteer to listen and advise students about preparing for careers with local companies, advanced education and entrepreneurial ideas.

Students will use an online platform to select a mentor, participate in one-on-one sessions, track goals, and complete an employability profile to measure improvement of their technical and soft skills, the release stated. The program is intended to remove existing barriers to sustaining careers for students wishing to remain in the area.

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The project is led by a team from the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce and the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce.

Southern Tier 8 is proud to support this effort to help strengthen the regions workforce ecosystem by connecting students with experienced mentors in the business community," said Jen Gregory, executive director of the Southern Tier 8 Regional Board. "Over the first year of this initiative, supported by investment from the Appalachian Regional Commission, will allow up to 80 students to learn about different career pathways, engage with prospective employers, and help position them to secure quality jobs.

Those interested in volunteering as mentors should contact the Otsego County Chamber at info@otsegocc.com or the Delaware County Chamber at mentoring@delawarecounty.org.

High school seniors can start the enrollment process by visiting the Regional Student Mentoring Program page under the Events and Program tab at DelawareCounty.org.
A local lawmaker is pushing for safer railroads.

Next week marks two years since the catastrophic Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. It happened just over the border from Beaver County.

Congressman Chris Deluzio is detailing new rail safety legislation to try to protect communities from similar struggles.

He called on President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance to put their weight behind the bills.

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He said it would tighten requirements for wheel bearings, which caused the East Palestine train derailment, and also hazardous material being transported on trains. He wants higher fines for when railroads break the law.

When they break the rules, it cant just be a slap on the wrist for powerful railroads. Theyve got to respect us in a real way, Deluzio said.

Deluzio sits on the House Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials. He is hoping for bipartisan support.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Missouri U.S. Senator Josh Hawley has opened a hotline to help Missourians affected by the American Airlines Flight 5342 crash.

An American Eagle flight en route from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington, D.C., was involved in a midair collision Tuesday night with an Army helicopter, and crashed into the Potomac River.

American Airlines plane, military helicopter collide near DCA, crash into Potomac River

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At least 28 bodies were pulled from the icy waters of the Potomac River after the collision Wednesday night when officials say a military helicopter flew in the path of the passenger jet as it was landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington.

Hawley posted on X Thursday morning about a hotline opening for Missourians who may have had a connection to the flight.

Missourians, if you had a family member or other loved one aboard Flight 5342 and need information, we have created a hotline to help you, Hawley posted. We will help however we can.

Here is the contact information:

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Phone: (202) 731-1858

Email: hotline@hawley.senate.gov

American Airlines has also opened a phone number to call if you may have had a loved one on the flight. That number is 800-679-8215.

The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate. Anyone who needs to get in touch with them can email: assistance@ntsb.gov or call (202) 314-6185.

City of Wichita holds media briefing on American Airlines plane crash

Hawley also offered his prayers to those who lost family members in the crash.

There was no immediate word on the cause of the collision, but officials said flight conditions were clear as the jet coming from Wichita, Kansas, with U.S. and Russian figure skaters and others aboard, was making a routine landing when the helicopter flew into its path.

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An Army official said three soldiers were aboard the helicopter during a training flight.

If everyone aboard the plane was killed, it would be the deadliest U.S. airline crash since Nov. 12, 2001, when an American Airlines flight crashed into a residential area of Belle Harbor, New York, just after takeoff from Kennedy Airport, killing all 260 people aboard.

President Donald Trump is expected to speak about the collision at 10 a.m. on Thursday, and Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall will speak at noon, FOX4 will have live coverage of both.

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TOPEKA (KSNT) -164 years ago, Kansas became the 34th state.

All week, the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library (TSCPL) is celebrating Kansas Day in their own unique way.

The library is hosting a Kansas-themed scavenger hunt. The hunt leads all over the building, where you can discover facts and history about the state.

First Kansas American Kolache set to open in Topeka, heres when

The librarys communication director, Diana Friend, shared how you can start the hunt.

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We have a scavenger hunt that has been going on all week, and it will go through Sunday, Friend said. Where you go to the kids library desk and pick up your copy of what youre looking for, and there will be clues all over the library.

Once you complete the hunt, you can head up to the Topeka Room and claim your Kansas themed prize.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX)  Paul Lhevine, the president and CEO of the Colorado Nonprofit Association, states, We were all struck by the suddenness and by the breadth and depth of what that order possibly meant and or means for the nonprofit sector, and it threw nonprofit professionals across the state into chaos and confusion.

President Donald Trumps budget office had an order to freeze spending on federal grants but on Tuesday, according to the Associated Press, U.S. District Judge Loren L. Alikhan blocked the funding freeze only minutes before it was scheduled to take effect.

But the wait had some local nonprofits questioning the future.

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Mollie Shepardson, director of development and communications for Museums of Western Colorado, states, We always try to maintain a positive relationship with our community in terms of the different programming that were providing, so that we can be an active part of what people enjoy about the space that theyre living in.

Museum of the Western Colorado was one of the local nonprofits that would have been affected.

Shepardson states, I think were one of many organizations facing some financial uncertainty with that right now.

Around noon on Wednesday, there was a statement from the White House saying its rescinding an order freezing federal grants.

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Shepardson states, Its hard to know the full extent of how thatll affect our operations here within the Museums of Western Colorado.

Lhevine states, This would have impacted their ability to pay rent benefits, salaries, across the board, it would have been a very disarming disruption.

Lhevine says with this fluid situation, it has left the country on its toes.

Lhevine states, I think were all on edge. Were all waiting for what is the next shoe to drop, and how again do we ensure a vibrant and healthy nonprofit sector that supports so many people in communities across the state.

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The cryptocurrency industry has the ability to help lower energy prices, and the shutdown of one mine shows just how that relationship works.

What's happening?

The closing of a bitcoin mining operation in the Stokmarknes area of Norway caused a utility to raise rates for individual customers, according to reports, including one by Cryptopolitan.

The energy company Noranett said user bills could rise by 3,000 kroner (about $265) per year after it lost 20% of its revenue when the municipality of Hadsel declined to renew Kryptovault's three-year-old temporary permit because of noise pollution.

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Some local residents had been trying to shut down the facility for several years, per the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) in translation. It used about 80 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually.

Why is this important?

Archway.Finance noted that cryptomining facilities claim to create jobs and increase tax revenues but employ few people; their economic benefits are outweighed by high energy demand and, often, carbon pollution from dirty fuel-based electricity (depending on the local utility's sources) in addition to higher prices for consumers.

It's unclear what exact mix of energy sources generates electricity for Hadsel, though Norway is strongly oriented toward renewable energy.

In this case, Kryptovault was using already-produced leftover power, something crypto advocates point to as a way the industry's power usage  which is nonetheless still a major problem in many areas  can often be put into better context than the sheer energy usage in a vacuum. The noise pollution was caused by cooling fans needed to keep equipment from overheating, NRK reported.

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"Mining facilities can utilize this excess energy, stabilizing the grid by acting as a variable load," The Block stated. "This helps to absorb surplus electricity during periods of low demand, ultimately reducing energy waste and lowering costs for other consumers."

But not all areas have a consistent surplus of power, and thus cryptomining energy demands can raise rates for households or cause more pollution to get the power they need, too. Texans' electric bills, for example, climbed 5%, or by $1.8 billion annually, according to one report cited by the New York Times.

In the United States, the average homeowner by 2030 could pay over $1,000 more for electricity every year because of the demand of cryptomining and artificial intelligence data centers, the Houston Chronicle reported. In North Texas, a lawsuit alleges noise pollution from a crypto mine caused permanent hearing loss and other problems for residents.

Mayor Kjell-Brge Freiberg said Hadsel will look for other projects to use the excess energy, per The Block.

What's being done about crypto mining's drawbacks?

Kryptovault may have improved its noise-reducing measures by enlarging noise barriers and installing sound-absorbing material, but residents were unsatisfied.

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Other solutions include moving to proof-of-stake mining and other methods from proof-of-work, although this is unrealistic for bitcoin itself. And miners can use renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, which Archway.Finance said "could even be economically advantageous for them."

Otherwise, policies, including carbon taxes and transaction fees, may rein in the industry.

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.




WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  President Donald Trump and his administration have been very busy with executive orders. On Wednesday, he signed an executive order that would prioritize and free up federal funding to expand school choice programs.

School choice is a potential executive order that is being followed closely in Kansas. Private schools said they were all for the idea, while public school districts were concerned it could take money from students who needed it most.

These executive orders have big consequences for the Wichita Public Schools, said Mike Harris, VP of United Teachers of Wichita. The Trump administration came into office with a robust and comprehensive set of executive orders. And were already seeing the test will be in the courts to see the constitutionality of these decisions.

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Meanwhile, private schools maintain school choice, which will create more competition and boost the education system overall.

I mean, in every industry where there is competition, a rising tide lifts all ships, said Rob Rotola, President of Life Prep Academy in Wichita. Yes, there could be some public schools struggling on their enrollment. We are already seeing that. But what it allows is competition in the marketplace, and it also allows private schools to increase teacher salaries to make it even more competitive.

Rotola says if kids in a district are not getting what they need for an education, school choice will allow for more private schools to thrive.

School choice will allow tons of sizes of schools, different schools. Schools that focus on dyslexia, schools that focus on moral type teaching, said Rotola. Schools that are smaller, bigger. School choice is the number one thing that could lift the next generation out of poverty and into the middle and working class.

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Harris with United Teachers of Wichita says they will be watching closely.

We know that the school district doesnt have the financial resources for the burden that its asked to carry in our community, said Harris.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  An area teacher has been placed on administrative leave relating to reported allegations.

A middle school teacher from the Richard Allen School District was placed on administrative leave, citing allegations of inappropriate contact with students.

Brookville High School break-in suspect facing felony charges

The district was made aware of these concerns and is taking appropriate steps to investigate the matter, the district said. Thank you for your patience and understanding while the school district navigates this process as outlined in the state and districts procedures and policies.

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According to the district, all parent and community concerns related to the matter are being taken seriously.

The district said that since the investigation is still ongoing, it will not be able to provide additional information until after the process has concluded.

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Many Erie businesses import and export goods to and from Canada, and with tariffs likely to raise costs, one winery is getting ready to pay more.

President Donald Trump has threatened 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, and one local business is preparing for a change.

Mazza Vineyards on East Lake Road in North East imports goods from some suppliers in Canada, and its vice president said the new tariffs might have an impact on consumer prices.

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The reality is that ultimately is going to have a price for any materials that were bringing in. Its going to increase our costs. and those costs have to go somewhere, so either a company can work to try to absorb them, which of course we want to try and manage price increases for our consumers, but theres a limitation to how much a company can absorb, said Mario Mazza, vice president of Mazza Vineyards.

Erie mayor relieved after Trump admin. rescinds funding freeze

The winery imports labels, glass, decorations and other supplies that arent always easy to come by in the United States.

Mazza said the tariffs will make things a little more difficult with imports, but also with goods he plans on exporting the other way.

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Because of retaliatory tariffs, its going to make it more difficult to bring products to export markets, said Mazza. U.S. wine being exported, for instance, means that ultimately what happens is larger producers and exporters of domestic wine to other markets may sell more of that domestically rather than the export market.

Mazza said the winery has been working to develop export markets in Canada.

Erie VA breaks ground on $8.5 million expansion project

But he said retaliatory tariffs could result in less shelf space for Mazza wines at liquor stores.

Its not something we see as advantageous at all for our businesses, but its something that we have to navigate nonetheless, said Mazza.

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President Trump has set a deadline for February 1 to impose the tariffs on Canada and Mexico.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
(NEXSTAR)  An American Airlines regional plane with 60 passengers and 4 crew aboard collided with a helicopter carrying three people Wednesday night, sending the aircraft into the frigid waters of the Potomac River.

There was no immediate confirmation of any casualties, but surviving an extended submersion in the river would be difficult.

On Wednesday, the Potomac River was 36 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that wind gusts of up to 25 mph were possible in the area throughout the evening.

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Cold water quickly removes heat from the body which could lead to cold water shock within the first minute, loss of muscle control within 10 minutes or hypothermia within 20 to 30 minutes, according to the NWS.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser declined to comment on the specifics of the search during a news conference shortly after 1 a.m. EST, but emphasized that it was a rescue operation.

Theres currently about 300 responders working, Washington D.C. Fire Chief John Donnelly said. We have boats from all throughout the region, police and fire boats.

All takeoffs and landings from the airport near Washington were halted as helicopters from law enforcement agencies across the region flew over the scene in search of survivors. Inflatable rescue boats were launched into the Potomac River from a point near the airport along the George Washington Parkway, just north of the airport.

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President Donald Trump was briefed, his press secretary said, and Vice President JD Vance encouraged followers on the social media platform X to say a prayer for everyone involved.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the midair collision occurred around 9 p.m. EST when a regional jet that had departed from Wichita, Kansas, crashed into a military Blackhawk helicopter while on approach to an airport runway.

In audio from the air traffic control tower around the time of the crash, a controller is heard asking the helicopter, PAT25 do you have the CRJ in sight, in reference to the passenger aircraft.

Tower did you see that? another pilot is heard calling seconds after the apparent collision.

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The tower immediately began diverting other aircraft from Reagan.

An Army official told Nexstar in a statement:

We can confirm that the aircraft involved in tonights incident was an Army UH-60 helicopter out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia. We are working with local officials and will provide additional information once it becomes available.

The collision remains under investigation. The airport was to remain closed until 11 a.m. Thursday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Mahoning County Commissioners paid tribute on Thursday to one of their long-time employees whos retiring.

Maggie Magee will be stepping down Friday after 32 years on the job as the countys 911 director.

One by one commissioners and other county workers offered praise and thanks for Magees service.

Magee admits when she was first hired, no one locally knew what it would take to create a system for the whole county.

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So we literally built our system from scratch; weve literally put in every address and every street in Mahoning County because everybody else had it already done for them and Mahoning County didnt, Magee said.

Commissioners presented Magee with a proclamation and a 3D printed replica of the statues sitting on the roof of the Mahoning County Courthouse as a keepsake.

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PIERRE, S.D. (KELO)  Heres a look at some of the events scheduled at the state Capitol for Thursday, January 30, the 12th working day of the 2025 session of the South Dakota Legislature.

Joint Committee on Appropriations meets at 7:45 a.m. CT in room 362 to consider two bills and hear the budget request from the state Department of Tourism.

House Health and Human Services meets at 7:45 a.m. CT in room 412 to consider requiring blood donors to disclose whether theyve received COVID-19 vaccinations, that donations be labeled and that patients receiving blood transfusions in non-emergencies be allowed to request accordingly.

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House Agriculture and Natural Resources meets at 7:45 a.m. CT in room 414 to consider changing fees for concentrated animal feeding operations and establishing application fees.

Senate Judiciary at 8 a.m. CT in room 413 considers changing first- and second-offense convictions for drug ingestion from felonies to class 1 misdemeanors.

Rhoden names his pick for Lt. Governor

Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources at 10 a.m. CT in room 423 considers requiring proper labeling of cell-based protein products.

House Transportation at 10 a.m. CT in room considers changing the route of US14 in Pierre to move trucks and other tall traffic away from the low railroad bridge.

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House Local Government at 10 a.m. CT in room 414 considers requiring all government bodies in South Dakota to annually review state open-government laws.

The Senate and the House of Representatives begin their afternoon floor sessions at 1 p.m. CT. The Senate debate calendar has six Senate bills and one resolution. The House debate calendar has two House bills and one resolution; the House calendar also has at the top the confirmation vote on Lt. Gov.-nominee Tony Venhuizen.

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Jan. 30 (UPI) -- A New York-based art firm announced its experts have verified that a painting bought for $50 from a Minnesota garage sale is a long-lost work by Vincent van Gogh.

The painting, titled Elimar, was previously analyzed by the Netherlands' Van Gogh Museum, which determined the artwork was not created by the famed painter, who died in 1890.

The museum said its determination was based on "stylistic features."

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The painting was purchased for $50 from a garage sale in Minnetonka and was sold to LMI Group International, a New York-based art research firm, in 2019.

LMI Group released a 450-page report this week arguing in favor of the previously-unknown painting's authenticity as the work of van Gogh.

The report posits that van Gogh painted Elimar in 1889 while confined to a French psychiatric asylum, the same place he created other famous paintings such as Starry Night.

LMI Group said its team included art experts and historians, scientists and data analysis. Their evidence includes an analysis of the writing in the word "Elimar" in the corner of the painting, an analysis of the materials used to create the painting and a DNA analysis of a red hair found in the painting that was determined to have come from a human male.

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The report also states the painting contains several stylistic elements consistent with van Gogh's known works.

LMI Group said it plans to present the report's findings to a group of van Gogh scholars and dealers. If authenticated, the painting would be worth an estimated $15 million, the firm said.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Kettering Health to host a free rural health cooking class at the Cedarville Fire Department.

The weekly class will begin on Thursday, Jan. 30 at 5 p.m. and focus on cooking food for people living with health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer as well as general healthy cooking.

Kettering Health Greene Memorial being replaced

These sessions are made possible by a grant-funded five-year initiative of Kettering Health which aims to place doctors in rural communities to meet peoples healthcare needs where they are.

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Kettering Health received a $1.9 million award from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for this massive rural health initiative, the classes are an important piece of it.

For anyone planning to go to the free class, Kettering Health asks they RSVP to the PR team at (937) 762-1063 or Mediarelations@ketteringhealth.org by 1 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30.

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LOS ANGELES (KTLA)  A proposal to protect tenants impacted by the recent Eaton and Palisades fires, which included a moratorium on evictions, was delayed at Wednesdays Los Angeles City Council meeting.

The proposed measures, backed by Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, aim to help renters, many of whom lost their jobs as a result of the wildfires.

Thousands of workers who commuted to the Palisades to work as housekeepers and other workers are suddenly out of work and now face the looming threat of losing their homes, Hernandez said at a rally outside City Hall.

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Those backing the motion say the proposed program would last a year and that tenants would still be on the hook to pay the back rent next year.

During the lengthy public comments section of Wednesdays meeting, the council heard arguments from those on either side of the issue.

We need you guys to pause this rent, one woman told council members. Many people are unable to their right now because they dont have work.

A tenants protections rally seen outside L.A. City Hall on Jan. 29, 2025. (KTLA)

Some housing providers against the proposal, like Josh Luchs, agreed that people suffering because of the fires should be assisted but feels the motion overreaches in areas like simply have tenants self-attest to their hardship in order to qualify.

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They shouldnt be allowed to simply say, I was affected, and not pay the rent because the landlord still has to pay the mortgage, the water bill and the rising cost of insurance, Luchs told KTLAs Lauren Lyster.

Blind Southern California boy who lost home in Eaton Fire gets musicians gift

In response to questions about having more scrutiny than a simple self-attestation, Soto-Martinez explained to KTLA that the attestation comes under penalty of perjury.

Other council members argued that the motion was too broad and needs more work.

I cant support the notion of it right now without the findings and understanding the problem and the solution and making sure that they are balanced, Councilmember Bob Blumenfield said at the meeting.

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The idea of the city helping renters directly with some type of financial relief was also floated during the meeting.

Unfortunately, the emergency rental assistance program we have has been completely tapped out, Soto-Martinez said.

In the end, the council voted to send the proposal back to the Housing and Homelessness Committee so more work can be done on the proposal.

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Love listening to AM radio while youre driving? Two senators are leading the charge to keep it that way.

Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, on Wednesday reintroduced the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act.

This legislation would direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to require automakers to maintain AM broadcast radio in their new vehicles at no additional charge. Makers of newer vehicles and electric cars have been ditching AM radio as a feature.

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Markey, who sits on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee that Cruz chairs, said citizens rely on AM radio to stay informed, especially during emergencies.

As we witness more tragic climate change-induced disasters like the wildfires in Los Angeles, broadcast AM radio continues to be a critical tool for communication. AM radio is a lifeline for people across the country for news, sports, and especially emergency information, Markey said in a statement.

Makers of electric cars have been ditching AM radio as a feature.

Tens of millions of listeners across the country have made clear that they want AM radio to remain in their vehicles, Markey said.

Cruz echoed Markeys comments.

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During weather disasters or power outages, AM radio is consistently the most reliable form of communication and is critical to keep millions of Texans safe, Cruz said in a statement.

AM radio has long been a haven for people to express differing viewpoints, allowing free speech and our robust democratic process to flourish for decades, Cruz said.

In May 2023, Markey and Cruz led their colleagues in introducing the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act.

The bill passed through the Senate Commerce Committee in July 2023 and passed through the House Energy and Commerce Committee in September 2024.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- Loved ones of a Midland man killed earlier this week in a crash off of Interstate 20 have launched a fundraiser to help his wife and children through their loss.

29-year-old Robert Steffan Mick was killed January 27 when he collided with a semi-truck, investigators with the Texas Department of Public Safety said. Now his friends have rallied around the surviving family.

RELATED: Midland man killed in Midland Co crash off I-20

Courtesy: Mary Morris via Gofundme

He was a beloved husband, father, son, and friend whose life was cut far too short. Steffan leaves behind his loving wife, Kayla, and their two beautiful children: a one-year-old son and an almost three-year-old daughter, who now face a future without their devoted husband and father.

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Steffan and Kayla shared a deep love and partnership, working together to provide a happy and stable life for their young family. This heartbreaking loss has left Kayla to carry the weight of raising their children while grieving the loss of her soulmate.

We are asking for your help during this incredibly difficult time. Any donation, no matter how small, will go directly to assisting with funeral expenses, providing for the immediate needs of Kayla and the children, and helping ensure stability for their future.

Your kindness and generosity will mean the world to Kayla and the family as they navigate this unimaginable loss. If youre unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser to help spread the word.

Thank you for your support, prayers, and love during this heartbreaking time, Mary Morris, of Odessa, said of the tragedy in a Gofundme launched this week.

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If youd like to help, youll find the fundraiser here.

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The sun shines on the LSU Law Center on Monday, March 20, 2023, on Highland Road in Baton Rouge, La.

A tenured LSU law professor removed from his classes pending an investigation into alleged political comments is suing the university, saying it violated his First Amendment rights and its own policies.

Ken Levy, a professor of constitutional and criminal law, alleges he was removed from his classes earlier this month after political comments made on the first day of his Administration of Criminal Justice course were reported to Gov. Jeff Landry, which he believes led to calls to the university administration about his comments.

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In his affidavit, Levy says that he brought up Landrys comments regarding fellow law professor Nick Bryner and asked his students not to record his lectures because he didnt want to be targeted by Landry.



If Governor Landry were to retaliate against me, then f*** the governor and f*** that.  all of which was a joke and clearly said in a joking manner to highlight my no recording policy in class and the First Amendment, Levy wrote in the affadavit.

Landry called on LSU to discipline Bryner last year for his comments about President Trump the day after the presidential election.

Levy argues in the affidavit that the actions taken against him stifle not only his right to free speech and academic freedom but that of other faculty members.

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Landry spokeswoman Kate Kelly referred questions to LSU. University spokesman Todd Woodward has not yet responded to a request for comment.

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Levy is asking a judge to grant a temporary restraining order that would allow him to return to teaching as well as an order prohibiting LSU from taking further action against him.

In the suit, Levy also alleges LSU also violated its own policies regarding the punishment of a tenured professor.

Tenure provides an indefinite academic appointment to qualifying faculty members who have demonstrated excellence in their field. Academics with tenure can only be terminated for cause, but it typically only happens in extreme circumstances. College faculty view tenure as a key part of academic freedom at universities and a shield against political, corporate and religious intervention.

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Levy attached a letter in his suit from LSU Director of Employee Relations Lindsay Madatic that informs Levy of his removal from the classroom pending an investigation into student complaints of inappropriate statements. Madatic writes his compensation will remain unchanged and that he is permitted on campus.

Jill Craft, Levys attorney, argues Madatic does not have the authority to discipline him.

In her request for a temporary restraining order, Craft said that LSU does not have a policy that allows for relieving a tenured professor of his or her duties.

LSU has several policy statements and permanent memorandum that address disciplining a tenured faculty member. These policies call for several layers of review, all of which require peer review panels. None of this happened before Levy was removed from his classes, which Levy and Craft contend is a form of discipline.

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No matter how characterized by LSU, its actions in unilaterally relieving [Levy] of his teaching duties violate his substantive and procedural rights, Craft wrote.

Faculty Senate President Dan Tirone said the only time he was familiar with a professor being removed from the classroom pending an investigation involved Title IX allegations or other types of abuse. In those cases, the professor would also be prevented from accessing campus due to safety concerns.

The removal of Levy from the classroom led to significant backlash from the public and from LSU law students, who staged a protest Tuesday in his defense. The students delivered a petition to university general counsel Winston DeCuir calling for Levy to be reinstated, apologized to and for complete transparency into the disciplinary process.

At a Faculty Senate meeting Wednesday, Tirone advised faculty concerned about the incident to treat their classrooms like public forums. Although there are university and classroom policies prohibiting the recording of lectures, Tirone said these will not insulate professors from the consequences that can occur when students leak their remarks.

Tirone added that the Faculty Senate would continue to defend statements covered by academic freedom even if they are political or contentious.

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  On Wednesday morning, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick released a list of bills that he sees as Senate priorities for the 89th Legislative Session. Patrick said he would have 40 priority bills, but he identified 25 in his announcement. His list includes education savings accounts, investing in water supply, reforming bail, and incorporating traditional values into the public school system.

The lower the bill number, the higher priority it is for the Senate, and the more likely it is to be passed, according to Patrick.

At the top of Patricks list is Senate Bill 1, which outlines the Texas budget for the 2026-2027 biennium. Lawmakers are required to pass a budget bill. This proposal was released last Wednesday and it aligns closely with several of Patricks priority bills.

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Texas budget proposals would fund school choice, border security, property tax relief

One priority is education savings accounts, a voucher-like program to help Texas parents pay for private school. Senate Bill 2 would create an ESA program. Budget proposals from both the Senate and House call for allocating $1 billion to fund the program.

The Senate Committee on Education voted to approve SB 2 after a lengthy public hearing on Tuesday. The bill could pass as soon as next week if Governor Greg Abbott declares it to be an emergency item. Emergency items are the only bills that can be passed within the first 60 days of the legislative session.

While both SB 1 and SB 2 are already being considered by lawmakers, the other bills on Patricks list have yet to be filed. His news release provided short descriptions of what each bill aims to accomplish.

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Senate Bill 8 would require local law enforcement to assist in federal deportation efforts. This comes as Gov. Greg Abbott released an executive order Wednesday morning directing state agencies to assist with the Trump Administrations border security initiatives. This includes investigating and detaining illegal immigrants, deploying border barriers, and sharing intelligence with federal agents.

The Senate is also investing in water, which is noted under Senate Bill 7, Increasing Investments in Texas Water Supply. Senator Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, Chair of the Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs, is working on introducing SJR 1, which would ask Texas voters to approve allocating $1 billion towards the Texas Water Fund each year. This is in response to water-deprived areas of the state that he warns could affect certain industries.

Some of these companies need it yesterday, said Perry. So well work through triage, get to where we need to be as fast as we need to be.

Texas senators clear path for vote on voucher-like education plan

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As far as public education initiatives, Senate Bills 10 and 11 address religion in public schools, focusing on Placing the Ten Commandments in School and Protecting the Freedom to Pray in School. Senate Bill 12 would establish a Parental Bill of Rights in public education to allow parents to have meaningful participation in their childs learning. Senate Bill 13 guards against inappropriate books in schools.

Other notable bills include Senate Bill 3 to ban THC in Texas and Senate Bill 5 to build DPRIT, the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. Senate Bill 18 calls for stopping Drag Time Story Hour. Senate Bill 22 would establish Texas as Americas Film Capital.

The full list of Patricks priorities are listed here. His news release says bills 26 through 40 will be coming soon.

Gov. Greg Abbott will share his legislative priorities during the 2025 State of the State address, which will air live across Texas on Sunday, Feb. 2 on 14 television markets and 15 television stations served by Nexstar including KXAN.

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Heres how you can watch Abbotts address Sunday at 5 p.m. CT.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Waco, TX (FOX 44)  Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is a significant holiday celebrated across Asia. It marks the start of a new year based on the lunar calendar.

Lunar New Year is primarily focused on family reunions, honoring ancestors, welcoming new beginnings, and signifying a time to let go of the past and embrace prosperity for the coming year. Most Asian cultures celebrate Lunar New Year around this time of year.

L&L Hawaiian BBQ co-owner Lucy Hao says Lunar New Year is rooted in the Chinese agricultural calendar and starts at the end of winter and the beginning of spring.

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One of the ones that comes to mind is in the Vietnamese culture, Hao said. This holiday is called Tet, but [has] similar vibes where its just celebrating the new year, celebrating spring coming out, end of the cold days and getting ready for the planting season and the new harvest season.

This calendar cycle is based off the moon, where in Western culture we go off of the suns schedule.

There are twelve animals that cycle through every twelve years. Last year was the Year of the Dragon, and this year is the Year of the Snake.

The story behind this is that God basically had these twelve animals line up in front of a river and asked them to cross and as a cross in order, Hao said. That would be the sequence of the years. So, were kind of like right in the middle of this. Just a few years ago was the Year of the Rat, which is my year.

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There are many different traditions that Asian families follow.

Theres the classic stuff like firecrackers to scare off evil spirits, Hao said. We will hand out red envelopes full of money. Not only that, specifically married couples giving it to younger kids to signify prosperity and giving them like a kickstart for this next year, but specifically with the food that we eat too.

Every family has its own beliefs around this holiday. Haos mother has one superstition she believes.

One of them I know that my mom does is on New Years Eve, Hao said. She wont sweep the house. Youre supposed to do all your cleaning prior to New Years Eve because the thought is youre kind of sweeping out any good fortune and good luck that may be coming into your life on New Years Day.

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The color red is a significant color for the Chinese and Asian cultures.

It signifies kind of, like, life, our blood, love, passion, energy, Hao said. Its just a color that they symbolize with kind of the vibrancy of life. In fact, in China, for weddings, the bride will wear a red dress rather than a white dress in the U.S.

A lot of time goes into Lunar New Year prep, and to show out, everyone wears the lucky color red.

Lunar New Year is a time of year to just celebrate with family and whats to come in the new 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 KWKT - FOX 44.
How are you affected by Labours winter fuel raid? Email money@telegraph.co.uk

Jay Ginn had hoped for a comfortable  if modest  retirement. What the 85-year-old had not anticipated was being forced to set her thermostat to just 10C in the height of winter  almost half the 18C recommended by the NHS.

Ms Ginn has been reduced to wearing layers and layers of clothes and has even cut back on hot meals  just as temperatures plunged to freezing in the UK.

She was among dozens of demonstrators who gathered on Westminster Bridge on Wednesday to protest against Labours decision to strip the winter fuel allowance from millions of pensioners.

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Six months to the day since Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, first said she would means-test the benefit, the protest is a damning reminder that Labours winter fuel raid is a headache that wont go away.

For Ms Ginn, a former researcher who has long been a Labour party supporter, it is the betrayal that hurts most.

Im astounded that Labour has let us down so badly. Theres nothing redistributive about this. Its a crime to cut off electricity for older people and we will see the death rate rise, she told The Telegraph.

In her own words, the policy has left her cutting back, cold and miserable.

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Wednesdays protest  organised by trade union Unite  was made up mostly of pensioners, many of whom were from London. They were from a range of economic backgrounds, with some severely affected by the policy while others just wanted to show their frustration.

The protests were a damning reminder that Labours winter fuel raid is a headache that wont go away - Guy Smallman/Getty Images

It is one of a series of demonstrations planned and follows protests in Ms Reevess constituency in Leeds last year.

It comes after a survey by the union found a third of its retired members are taking fewer baths or showers and 16pc have cut back on hot meals.

To A&E nurse Mark Boothroyd, such figures come as no surprise. The 39-year-old, who works at St Thomas Hospital, said the winter fuel raid had exacerbated problems in the NHS. He believes it has already caused excess deaths.

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Weve had a really terrible flu season. Elderly people are now far more susceptible to these winter illnesses because of this policy. Its completely unnecessary, he said.

Unite is also calling on the Government to release the statistics for excessive deaths due to cold. The End Fuel Poverty Coalition estimated that 4,950 excess deaths were caused by living in cold homes in the winter of 2022-2023.

A report released by Labour in 2017 revealed that scrapping the winter fuel allowance could lead to 4,000 pensioners dying.

Another reason we are protesting is because the Government is refusing to release the winter excess death figures. It makes me think theyre trying to hide something and conceal the impact of their policy, Mr Boothroyd added.

Like Ms Ginn, Ronak Masranis mother has been left unable to heat her home properly.

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The 79-year-old dedicated her life to the healthcare industry, working as a nurse and midwife in Harrow and Hillingdon hospitals. After losing his father, Mr Masrani, 51, moved in with his mother in Pinner, Harrow, to support her.

But while he goes to work at Tesco, she rarely puts the heating on.

Shes having to make choices that she shouldnt be. Im really worried about her health, having lost my dad so recently. Were trying to get through, he said.

One of the organisers of the protest, Josh Berlyne, said that Unite members were angry and felt betrayed.

The money hasnt just been taken off people who dont need it. Its been taken off people on as little as 220 a week, he said, People are also missing out because they have savings. They saved to provide for funeral costs or in case they go into care and now they are being punished for it.

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Dennis Reed, director of charity Silver Voices, said: The Government is living in a parallel universe over its winter fuel policy, where all pensioners on modest incomes are snug and cosy this winter.

In reality, there is now massive evidence, from first-hand accounts, that hundreds of thousands of older people are switching off or turning down their heating, cutting back on food and personal hygiene, or going into debt, as a direct result of this cruel policy. Eventually the excess death toll caused by the winter fuel cuts will also emerge and will create public outrage.

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Federal employees in metro Atlanta are weighing whether to accept the buyout offer from the Trump administration.

An email blast went out to employees Tuesday, saying they have until February 6 to decide to resign and receive full pay and benefits until September 30.

When I saw it, I thought this was a bunch of crap, said one employee of the Internal Revenue Service who works in downtown Atlanta.

She did not want to identify herself, citing concerns about her job.

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I have over 30 years of government service and you are saying I resign. So, if we resign, what happens to retirement?

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The memo was released from the Office of Personnel Management. It is an effort by the Trump administration to get all employees back to the office instead of working from home. The employee who spoke with Channel 2 Action News works four days a week, with two days in the office and two at home.

It has really been proven that we get more work done at home than we do in the office, she said.

She also said it is a weighty decision to make in just a week.

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That means you dont have the time to discuss it with your family or anything, she said. They are just booting you out is what they are doing.

Mika Cross, a workplace strategist with experience in the federal government, said the offer is not a buyout but a deferred resignation. She also said the program lacks clarity, causing confusion and skepticism.

Theres no guarantee that you wont have to work between now and September 25, she said. There are many uncertainties here that an unseasoned federal worker may be really confused and baited to accept something that seems too good to be true.

TRENDING STORIES:

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She had this advice for those who accept the offer:

Proceed with caution. Advise with an employment attorney or especially someone who might be well-versed in employment law.

The Trump administration has said there are exemptions from the buyout, including postal workers, members of the military, immigration officials and certain national security employees.

Im going to keep on working, said the IRS employee. Trump and his crew will have to come and carry me out, but Im going to keep on working.

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Headed into Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s first Senate confirmation hearing, many observers expected the longtime conspiracy theorist to face tough questions about his many outlandish ideas  and he did. It was also widely assumed that Donald Trumps choice to lead the Department of Health and Human Services would try to distance himself from his lengthy record of anti-vaccine activism  and he did that, too.

It also stood to reason that Kennedy would pretend he never said many of the ridiculous things he most definitely said  and he also did that.

Follow MSNBCs live blog coverage of Kash Patels and Tulsi Gabbards confirmation hearings.

What was not altogether expected, however, was to see the HHS nominee struggle badly with the basics of the American health care system, which Kennedy would be in a position to oversee. NBC News reported:

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trumps nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, stumbled multiple times during his first Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday when lawmakers pressed him about potential changes to Medicaid. ... At the end of the hearing, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., the ranking member of the Finance Committee, said Kennedy was unprepared, suggesting that he didnt seem to know the difference between Medicare and Medicaid.

The Oregon Democrats assessment was more than fair given that Kennedy appeared to be out of his depth in response to questions that really shouldnt have been especially challenging.

Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, for example, asked the nominee about possible Medicaid reform plans, at which point Kennedy replied, Most people who are on Medicaid are not happy. The premiums are too high, the deductibles are too high, the networks are narrow.

In reality, theres ample public-opinion research that shows broad support for Medicaid, and the vast majority of its beneficiaries do not pay any premiums or deductibles.

Soon after, Kennedy also testified that he believes Medicaid is fully paid for by the federal government. That was wrong, too: State governments fund nearly a third of the program.

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One need not be a health care policy wonk, intimately familiar with granular and obscure details, to be aware of these facts. Indeed, this is the kind of basic information one would assume that an HHS nominee would already know.

Kennedy, however, tripped over his ignorance.

At the same hearing, the nominee appeared to struggle with how the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act is implemented at local hospitals. It led Doctors for America past president Meghana Rao to tell The Washington Post, in reference to Kennedy, Im absolutely terrified that he doesnt understand how EMTALA works.

Under normal circumstances, Kennedy wouldnt even be considered for such a position. He is after all, a conspiracy theorist with fringe beliefs and no relevant professional experience. In a healthy political environment, his nomination would be considered a sad joke.

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In our political environment, however, Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee appeared inclined to support Kennedy anyway. The nominee is now poised to face a second hearing, this time with the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. Watch this space.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
As part of his strange and brazenly dishonest presidential inaugural address, Donald Trump declared that the United States has an education system that teaches our children to be ashamed of themselves  in many cases, to hate our country. The Republican assured the public that this would change very quickly.

In reality, of course, the president was peddling a bizarre and baseless myth. But as NBC News reported, that didnt stop him from issuing an executive order on the subject.

The White House announced [Wednesday] evening that Trump signed an executive order aimed at ending radical indoctrination in K-12 schooling, according to its title. The order directs several Cabinet members within 90 days to provide an Ending Indoctrination Strategy to the President that includes protecting parental rights and eliminating funding for illegal and discriminatory treatment and indoctrination in K-12 schools.

For those concerned about their local schools, all of this might sound alarming, but some caveats are in order. In fact, the phrasing in the executive order itself reflects a degree of hollowness: Trump has directed officials to provide him with a strategy that meets his expectations. The president didnt literally say, Go figure something out, but he might as well have.

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But a large chunk of the same executive order was devoted to something called the Presidents Advisory 1776 Commission and Promoting Patriotic Education, the point of which is to apparently promote patriotism  or at least a Republican-preferred version of patriotism  into school curricula.

To that end, the EO allows Trump to handpick 20 people to serve as commissioners of this 1776 initiative, who will work with the White House on promoting patriotic education. The whole thing will be financed by way of funds from the U.S. Department of Education, which is a federal cabinet agency the president has vowed to destroy.

This stood out for me, not only because its a misguided idea, but also because its a return to a misguided idea.

As regular readers might recall, one day before Election Day 2020, Trump signed an executive order establishing what the White House described as the 1776 Commission. Explaining its value, the Republican said the initiative would help clear away the twisted web of lies in our schools and classrooms, adding that versions of history at odds with conservatives values constituted a form of child abuse.

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On the last full day of his first term, the White House issued a rather pitiful document, which, as The New York Times reported, was quickly denounced by scholars as ridiculous.

This report skillfully weaves together myths, distortions, deliberate silences, and both blatant and subtle misreading of evidence to create a narrative and an argument that few respectable professional historians, even across a wide interpretive spectrum, would consider plausible, never mind convincing, James Grossman, the executive director of the American Historical Association, told the newspaper. Theyre using something they call history to stoke culture wars.

The Times also noted a highly relevant detail: Trumps commission featured conservative educators, but it did not include a single professional historian of the United States.

Four years later, Trump apparently wants to do it all again  as if the first go around was a success. It was not.

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In 2021, the Republicans 1776 initiative was largely ignored and forgotten. In the presidents second term, its hardly unreasonable to wonder whether it might be more menacing.

This report updates our related earlier coverage.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
According to the latest available information, American Eagle Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members when it collided midair with an Army helicopter, which was carrying three people, near Reagan Washington National Airport. The White House has since confirmed that there were no survivors. A recovery effort is ongoing in the Potomac River.

Basic human decency would suggest the immediate aftermath is a poor time for partisan politics and cheap shots. Indeed, all a president has to do in a situation like this is extend his sympathies, marshal available resources, and keep the public informed.

President Donald Trump, true to form, chose a different direction.

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The first sign of trouble emerged shortly after midnight when the Republican published an odd statement to his social media platform, offering baseless speculation about what happened. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented, Trump added. NOT GOOD!!!

As the morning progressed, the White House announced that the president would offer additional public remarks on the tragedy, which offered Trump an opportunity to do what he failed to do overnight. Instead, he made matters vastly worse. As NBC News reported:

President Donald Trump targeted former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in his remarks on the deadly D.C. plane crash, saying Bidens policy was horrible.

To be sure, expectations were low ahead of the Republicans public remarks on the disaster. Trump hasnt exactly earned a reputation for excellence when it comes to post-tragedy responses.

But the incumbent president failed to clear a low bar.

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We must have only the highest standards for those who work in our aviation system. I changed the Obama standards from very mediocre at best to extraordinary, Trump said, without providing evidence or citing specific policy.

And then when I left office and Biden took over, he changed them back to lower than ever before. I put safety first, Obama, Biden and the Democrats put policy first, and they put politics at a level that nobodys ever seen because this was the lowest level, he continued, adding, their policy was horrible, and their politics was even worse.

Trump took an especially aggressive line toward Buttigieg, calling him a disaster whos got a good line of bulls---.

Despite the inconvenient fact that the investigation is just getting started, and officials dont yet know the cause of the crash, the president also felt comfortable sharing his assumptions about a pilot problem that Trump also chose to blame.

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In case that werent quite enough, Trump also decided to point fingers at an FAA diversity push that includes focus on hiring people with severe intellectual and psychiatric disabilities that is amazing.

Asked if the crash was caused by diversity hiring, the president said, It just could have been.

A reporter pressed Trump to explain how, exactly, he came to the conclusion that diversity had something to do with the crash. He replied, Because I have common sense, OK? And unfortunately, a lot of people dont.

The president went on to claim that he wouldve overhauled the entire system had it not been for the 2020 election.

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Around the same time, asked whether hes getting ahead of the investigation, Trump went on to say, No, I dont think so, adding that he didnt consider that a smart question.

So to recap, as recovery efforts continue, Trump responded to a deadly crash by blaming Democrats, DEI, the FAA, a former cabinet secretary, and unnamed pilots.

"Listen, its one thing for internet pundits to spew off conspiracies, its another for the president of the United States to throw out idle speculation as bodies are still being recovered and families are still being notified," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said after the press conference. "It just turns your stomach."

It was an easy sentiment to agree with, but the larger context makes matters even worse. The New York Times David French recently noted that Trump is at his absolute worst in a crisis. The columnist, whose observation was unrelated to the crash, added in reference to the president, He is not a man who is ready to meet important and dangerous moments.

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The Republican keeps proving the point. When there was a deadly hurricane in North Carolina, he flunked a leadership test. When there was a deadly attack in New Orleans, he flunked again. When responding to deadly fires in California, he flunked again. In the wake of Flight 5342, hes flunking again.

In 2025, Americans simply cant count on their president for reliable and trustworthy information in the wake of a tragedy.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
With just a couple of weeks remaining in Joe Bidens presidency, the Democratic administration was able to transfer another group of prisoners from Guantanamo Bay, successfully shrinking the overall prison population to just 15 people. It led the editorial board of The Washington Post to note soon after, Leaving only 15 detainees in Guantanamo Bay at an estimated cost of about $500 million a year  $33 million per prisoner  exposes the absurdity of keeping the prison open at all.

One U.S. official said this week, Weve been ramping down this mission.

At the least, that was the plan. Evidently, Donald Trump has an entirely new vision for Guantanamo Bays near future. NBC News reported:

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President Donald Trump signed a memo Wednesday that sets in motion preparations for a facility to house thousands of migrants at the U.S. military camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, which he said was an effort to halt the border invasion.

He went on to say that this facility would detain the worst undocumented immigrants, adding that it would be a tough place to get out of.

The Republican has taken an interest in the base before. On the campaign trail in 2016, for example, Trump suggested hed try to expand Guantanamos prison population, rather than try to shrink it. Were gonna load it up with some bad dudes, believe me, were gonna load it up, he boasted at the time.

Once in office, however, he lost interest. On the first day of Trumps first term, there were 41 prisoners at Guantanamo. On his last day in office, the total was 40, his bad dudes assurances notwithstanding.

If his latest directive to the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security are any indication, however, the president is far more serious about his expansive Guantanamo plans for his second term. At a White House event, he said hes instructed officials to begin preparing a 30,000-person migrant facility.

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As is often the case with Trumps initiatives, there are all kinds of substantive questions that dont appear to have answers yet. NBC News report noted that even Defense Department officials were caught off-guard by the announcement.

How will the military be involved? No one seems to know. Why will the military be involved? No one seems to know. Is this a short- or a long-term mission for the military? No one seems to know. How much will this cost? No one seems to know.

Why transport tens of thousands of apprehended migrants to the facility at all? The administration might come up with a detailed explanation, but that hasnt happened yet.

Nevertheless, newly sworn in Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sat down with Fox News  the former television personalitys previous employer  for his first interview since joining the White House Cabinet, and he insisted that Guantanamo Bay is a perfect place for migrants.

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He also clarified that the mass detention facility would be separate from the high-security prison used to house terrorism suspects.

It was also of interest, however, when Hegseth took a moment to claim, This is not the camps. ... This is a temporary transit.

Of course, if the administration intends to transport tens of thousands to a military facility on an island, officials shouldnt be too surprised if the word camps comes up from time to time.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
About a month after Election Day, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan started taking a closer look into the criminal case against one of his former GOP colleagues, former Nebraska Rep. Jeff Fortenberry. For the Ohio Republican, it was a predictable move: Jordan has made a habit of investigating investigations.

As it turns out, however, Jordan can stand down: As Politico reported, the charges against Fortenberry are apparently poised to disappear.

The Justice Department has moved to drop its criminal prosecution of former Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, a Nebraska Republican who resigned last year after a conviction on charges that he lied to the FBI. Fortenberrys conviction by a federal jury in Los Angeles in 2022 was subsequently overturned by an appeals court that ruled he should have been tried in Kansas or Washington, D.C.

Federal prosecutors refiled the case last May and were prepared to go to trial  before Donald Trump won a second term. Now, conditions have changed in federal law enforcement.

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NBC News reported, The move to dismiss the case against Fortenberry was made by acting U.S. Attorney Ed Martin. (Martin is a conservative activist who served on the board of a group supporting Jan. 6 criminal defendants and is considered a prominent member of the Stop the Steal movement. This week, he launched a Project 1512 to review the prosecutions of Jan. 6 rioters.)

As for how we arrived at this point, the case against Fortenberry stems from an FBI investigation into illegal campaign contributions from Gilbert Chagoury, a Nigerian billionaire of Lebanese descent. His donations were reportedly funneled through a group of Californians from 2012 through 2016 and went to several politicians, including the Nebraska Republican.

Members of Congress cannot, of course, accept foreign funds for their campaigns, but in this case, that was not the principal problem: Fortenberry and his team also said they didnt realize the $30,200 in contributions he received at a Los Angeles fundraiser in 2016 came from a Nigerian billionaire. The congressman later donated the money to local charities.

According to federal prosecutors, Fortenberry repeatedly lied to and misled authorities as part of the investigation into Chagourys scheme. The GOP lawmakers defense team tried to blame this on a misunderstanding caused by a bad cell phone connection, though jurors evidently didnt find this persuasive.

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But before the former Republican congressman could be retried, the Stop the Steal activist leading the U.S. attorneys office in the nations capital decided to abandon the charges altogether.

The president expressed delight by way of his social media platform. It is great to see that the Department of Justice has dropped the Witch Hunt against former Congressman Jeff Fortenberry, a longtime proud and highly respected American public servant, Trump wrote. Jeff and his family were forced to suffer greatly due to the illegal Weaponization of our Justice System by the Radical Left Democrats. ... That Scam is now over.

There was, of course, quite a bit wrong with the presidents rant, including the fact that federal prosecutors started making a case against Fortenberry during ... wait for it ... the Trump administration. When he referenced the illegal Weaponization of our Justice System, Trump was apparently referring to his own team.

Stepping back, its also worth appreciating Trumps seemingly limitless support for members of Congress whove been convicted of corruption. In his first term, for example, the Republican president pardoned former Reps. Chris Collins of New York and Duncan Hunter Jr. of California, for example. Its against this backdrop that Trump is now singing Fortenberrys praises.

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Is it any wonder why former Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez seemed eager to publicly praise the Republican president after being sentenced to 11 years in prison following a corruption conviction?

This post updates our related earlier coverage.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Late last week, Donald Trump fired as many as 17 inspectors general without cause. These government watchdogs are responsible for investigating internal wrongdoing, possible ethical lapses, mismanagement, alleged corruption and fraud, and for reasons the president has not yet explained, he showed them the door on the fifth day of his second term.

The so-called midnight massacre was controversial for a variety of reasons, not least of which is that Trumps move appears to be at odds with federal law. The New York Times report explained, The firings defied a law that requires presidents to give Congress 30 days advance notice before removing any inspector general, along with reasons for the firing. Just two years ago, Congress strengthened that provision by requiring the notice to include a substantive rationale, including detailed and case-specific reasons for the removal.

Trump evidently didnt care about the legal constraints.

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The inspectors general, however, are not the only executive branch officials who have been targeted as part of the new White Houses personnel purge. Team Trump started this week, for example, by ousting a group of career prosecutors at the Justice Department  not because theyd done anything wrong, but because they worked on holding the president accountable for his alleged crimes.

The same day, at least 56 senior officials at the U.S. Agency for International Development (better known as USAID) were also placed on leave.

As the week progressed, the list of firings grew. The Washington Post reported on the president firing Democratic members of two independent federal commissions, which represented an extraordinary break from decades of legal precedent.

On Monday night, he dismissed two of the three Democrats on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission  Jocelyn Samuels and Charlotte Burrows, formerly the chair, the White House confirmed Tuesday. He also fired the chair of the National Labor Relations Board, Gwynne Wilcox, a Democrat, an NLRB spokesperson confirmed Tuesday. Trump also removed the EEOCs general counsel, Karla Gilbride, who oversaw civil actions against employers on a range of issues, including discrimination claims from LGBTQ+ and pregnant workers. And he terminated Jennifer Abruzzo, the NLRBs general counsel.

It might be tempting to think a new administration is going to make all kinds of personnel changes, so no one should be too surprised by widespread firings.

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But in many of these instances, its not that simple. When Trump fired the inspectors general, he appeared to be skirting existing laws intended to protect the IGs. Similarly, the EEOC officials who were ousted still had time remaining in their terms, leading one of the ousted commissioners to say in a statement that the presidents move violates the law.

Similarly, Slates Mark Joseph Stern described Trumps NLRB firings as an unlawful purge and an illegal action.

To be sure, each of the presidents recent personnel moves is multifaceted. The Republican apparently fired career prosecutors at the Justice Department as part of his revenge tour; he likely fired inspectors general to make it easier for officials to pursue his agenda without fear of safeguards; and it seems easy to believe that he fired EEOC and NLRB officials to, as the Washington Posts report put it, exert greater partisan control over boards that oversee swaths of U.S. workers, employers and labor unions.

Theres also a larger concern about whether the White House wants to do away with the very idea of independent commissions and boards, centralizing even more power and authority in the Oval Office.

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But I'm also struck by the through-line: There are legal constraints in place that are designed to prevent many of these firings. The question is why the president appears indifferent to these limits.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Mainers rally in Portland on June 24, the two year anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Courts Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision, which ended the legal right to abortion. (Photo by Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star)

Maines members of U.S. Congress are pushing to permanently repeal an anti-abortion pact after President Donald Trump reinstated the policy during his first week in office.

The Mexico City Policy, referred to as the global gag rule by critics, prevents nongovernmental organizations that receive federal global health funding from providing access to abortion-related information and care. It has been rescinded and reinstated from administration to administration since first established by President Ronald Reagan in 1984.

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Trump reinstated the rule during his first term, too. Former President Joe Biden rescinded it.

Republican Sen. Susan Collins, independent Sen. Angus King and Democratic U.S. Reps. Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden were original cosponsors of a bill reintroduced in Congress this week that aims to halt this pattern by permanently repealing the policy.

The president believes he has the unilateral right to stop healthcare providers and nonprofit organizations from sharing important, scientifically backed information, despite an overwhelming majority of Americans believing that such rules are wrong, Pingree wrote in a statement to Maine Morning Star.

While criticizing the move as one that demonstrates a lack of global leadership, Pingree also warned, it signals exactly how the Trump administration will limit reproductive freedom in this country.

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Golden spokesperson Mario Moretto said the representative continues to support the permanent repeal of the policy.

Reproductive health care is health care and Congressman Golden knows health care is best left to patients and their doctors, Moretto told Maine Morning Star. The federal government shouldnt be looking to dictate what those conversations or decisions look like.

King wrote in a statement to Maine Morning Star that women around the world deserve access to safe and effective health care services.

The bipartisan Global HER Act would give global healthcare providers added certainty as they plan out their life-saving care efforts to women across the globe, King wrote. This is a critically important piece of bipartisan legislation that I hope we can pass expeditiously.

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Lisa Margulies, vice president of public affairs for Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund, similarly described the rule as an example of politicians inserting themselves between patients and their medical providers.

Lets be clear: Politicians are unqualified to make personal, private, complex medical decisions about our health care, Margulies said. Everyone, here in the U.S. and around the world, deserves to make their own decisions about their bodies.

George Hill, president and CEO of Maine Family Planning, which provides affordable reproductive health care services across the state, said the reinstatement of the rule came as no surprise.

As weve seen over the last 30 years, the executive action will destabilize the reproductive health care infrastructure for organizations that serve millions of individuals around the world, jeopardizing essential abortion care and family planning care for people who often live in underserved communities, Hill said.

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On Jan. 24, Trump directed the secretaries of State, Defense, Health and Human Services and the administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development to comply with his 2017 memorandum, which expanded the rule as issued by former President George W. Bush in 2001.

Trumps 2017 expansion meant for the first time that the policy applied not just to global family planning programs but to most global health assistance funded by the U.S. Trumps Jan. 24 directive also seeks to reinstate other funding restrictions from his last presidency.

In 2021, Biden directed the Secretary of State to resume funding to the United Nations Population Fund, which is the lead U.N. agency on global population and reproductive health, after such funding had been withheld by the first Trump administration under the Kemp-Kasten amendment.

Enacted in 1985, the amendment was a result of the Reagan administrations concerns about UNFPA activities related to Chinas population control policies.

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This amendment states that U.S. funds cant go to any organization or program which, as determined by the president of the United States, supports or participates in the management of a program of coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization. Evaluations by the U.S. government havent found evidence that UNFPA directly engages in coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization in China.

Invoking the Kemp-Kasten amendment to withhold funding from UNFPA has been a party line move from administration to administration since.

Editors Note: This story was updated to include comment from Sen. Angus King.

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Participants in the Portland Pride Parade on Congress Street on June 15, 2024. (Photo by Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star)

The Maine Department of Education will continue adhering to state laws that ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity amid a nationwide crackdown on equity practices and pushback from Maine Republicans.

President Donald Trump has long opposed diversity, equity and inclusion in education, and after taking office on Jan. 2 issued several executive orders to dismantle initiatives that bolster the rights of trans, nonbinary and gender fluid students, as well as equitable curriculum that focuses on accurate history.

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Among the provisions of the gender order, it requires federal agencies and employees to recognize only two sexes, reject gender ideology that allows people to identify with their gender identity rather than sex assigned at birth, and cuts federal funding to agencies that recognize gender identity separate from biological sex.

These actions align with bans on books and equity-driven education signed into law in several Republican-led states. Maine, however, has largely remained steady in its commitment to equity in education by protecting rights of LGBTQ+ students through the Maine Human Rights Act, and prioritizing African American and Wabanaki studies.

In a notice sent last week, the Maine DOE clarified that Trumps order, titled Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, applies only to federal agencies and does not inhibit the force of Maine law or locally-adopted school board policies. The department also emphasized protected classes under the Maine Human Rights Act, which bans discrimination on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation (which includes gender identity and expression), physical or mental disability and religion.

On Wednesday, 29 Maine House Republicans sent a letter responding to the guidance, calling on the department to face reality and walk back its ill-advised guidance to Maine schools on harmful Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and gender ideology initiatives.

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Failure to do so could result in school funding losses and federal lawsuits, the letter warned.

We strongly support these important steps to protect our children, preserve fairness, maintain the integrity of sex-based distinctions, and renew the focus on education and not indoctrination, the lawmakers continued. These Executive Orders are crucial in ensuring that the well-being of our children is safeguarded from policies that seek to divide, sow discontent, and contradict biological reality.

Chloe Teboe, spokesperson for the Maine DOE, said it is not accurate for Republicans to suggest that the department has advised schools to disregard the presidents orders.

The role of the Maine DOE is to provide guidance to school administrative units about the scope of federal directives and any applicable state laws, she said.

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In its priority notice, the Maine DOE simply stated the fact that the Presidents Executive Order applies to federal government agencies  and that applicable Maine state law in this case is the Maine Human Rights Act, which Maine schools  like all Maine people  must abide by.

Since Maine is a local control state, school boards usually have the autonomy to determine local policy as long as it is consistent with state law.

The departments website offers research and resources for schools to support LGBTQ+ students.

In Maine, we know that every student deserves a safe and equitable school environment. Research shows that students who feel safe and connected to their schools are more successful in meeting academic and life goals, the website states.

[Non-discrimination] laws are a commitment to each student to provide a safe learning environment where the young person can progress.<

On Wednesday, Trump signed another sweeping executive order that aims to bar federal funding for schools that teach accurate lessons about history and social studies, calling it discriminatory equity ideology.

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Jan. 29The Trump administration's decision Wednesday to rescind its order temporarily freezing all federal grant funding came as a relief to Maine officials and social service programs.

"I am pleased that (the Office of Management and Budget) is rescinding the memo imposing sweeping pauses in federal programs," Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said in a written statement. "While it is not unusual for incoming administrations to review federal programs and policies, this memo was overreaching and created unnecessary confusion and consternation."

Collins, who chairs the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, joined the rest of Maine's congressional delegation in criticizing the order Tuesday, calling it "far too sweeping." Other members of Maine's congressional delegation, along with Gov. Janet Mills, criticized the move as unconstitutional  one that could have wide-ranging impacts on programs serving Mainers.

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Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey joined attorneys general from more than 20 other states to file a lawsuit to block the order, and a federal judge  responding to a different lawsuit  temporarily blocked it from taking effect Tuesday afternoon.

On Wednesday, the OMB formally rescinded the order.

The news was welcomed by Mills, whose office said in a written statement that the original order was "reckless, legally dubious and caused needless chaos, confusion, and panic for Mainers and businesses."

"The governor sincerely hopes that this is not a preview of the type of unstable, irresponsible governance that we might expect from the president over the next four years, but, for now, she is not holding her breath," spokesman Ben Goodman said.

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Trump officials said Tuesday that the freeze was necessary to make sure all spending complies with the president's executive orders, which are intended to undo progressive steps on transgender rights, environmental justice, and diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

The order took many by surprise and caused widespread confusion about exactly which federal spending programs would be affected.

In Maine, a web portal that allows health care providers to apply for federal reimbursements for Medicaid, or MaineCare, was not working Tuesday. A spokesperson for the state Department of Health and Human Services confirmed that the portal was back online Wednesday and payments were being made to providers.

Public housing agencies also had been unable to access payment portals for programs such as rental assistance and new housing developments.

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MaineHousing spokesman Scott Thistle said Wednesday that access to those programs had been restored.

"We began to have access to programs late (Tuesday) afternoon and that continued into the early morning (Wednesday)," Thistle said. "But this memo rescinding the previous memo/order pretty much returns us to the status quo."

Maine House Speaker Ryan Fecteau, D-Biddeford, praised Maine officials and the congressional delegation for quickly moving to challenge the order.

"The attempt to withhold federal funds already designated by Congress was an overreach that should not have happened in the first place," Fecteau said in a written statement. "The confusion and worry the president's reckless action caused for Maine people and folks across the country was unnecessary and harmful. Quick and decisive action from states like Maine and our federal delegation was, and will be, critical to stopping these outrageous attempts to sow chaos and uncertainty."

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The vast majority of Germans perceive Russia as the biggest threat to global peace and feel increasingly less secure.

Source: European Pravda, citing German newspaper FAZ

Details: The Russo-Ukrainian war, the re-election of Donald Trump as US president, and widespread concerns about insufficient preparedness for war and disasters have contributed to a decline in Germans sense of security.

The survey conducted by the Allensbach Institute shows that the proportion of people who feel safe in Germany has dropped by one percentage point to 60% compared to 2024. This figure ranged from 71% to 82% between 2019 and 2022.

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Currently, 61% of Germans are highly concerned that their country could be drawn into a military conflict. Additionally, 79% of respondents believe that Russia poses the greatest threat to global peace.

The number of people convinced that the United States is the biggest threat to world peace has risen sharply between 2024 and 2025  from 24% to 46%. "Germans no longer see the US as a reliable alliance partner," said Klaus Schweinsberg, Chairman of the Centre for Strategy and Higher Leadership.

However, trust in NATO remains steadfast.

The data also shows that only one in ten Germans believes the country is well-prepared for war or disasters. Meanwhile, 43% of respondents said Germany is "not very well" prepared, while another 39% consider the countrys preparedness to be "extremely poor".

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Germans suspect shortcomings particularly in emergency medical response strategy and the protection of critical infrastructure from cyberattacks.

"Ensuring security is one of the states core responsibilities, and citizens increasingly feel that consistency is lacking in this area," said Renate Kocher, Director of the Allensbach Institute for Public Opinion Research.

Background:

In autumn 2024, the fear of a potential war in Europe ranked as the top concern among young Germans.

In December 2024, another survey showed that Western Europes willingness to support Ukraine until victory sharply declined.

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A man accused of breaking into a 911 radio tower had to be airlifted from a wooded area in Washington, deputies said.

Authorities responded at about 7:30 a.m. to the county tower north of Granite Falls, the Snohomish County Sheriffs Office said in a Jan. 29 Facebook post.

When deputies got to the area, two suspects were fleeing in a vehicle, deputies said.

The two men then got out of their vehicle and fled by foot, deputies said.

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Deputies said they chased after them with a police dog and arrested a 44-year-old man from Stanwood, but the second man wasnt easy to find, deputies said.

Authorities had to get another police dog team and call in a helicopter to find him.

The second man, a 37-year-old from Marysville, was found and detained at about 10:45 a.m. in a wooded area with a cliffside, deputies said.

It was too difficult to move him because of the terrain, deputies said, so a helicopter was used to airlift him from the area.

Deputies said the tower was damaged during the burglary, causing intermittent interruptions to emergency radio service in that area, but calls to 911 were not affected.

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Granite Falls is about a 45-mile drive northeast from Seattle.

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Angolan president sends Chinese New Year greetings

Xinhua) 10:56, January 30, 2025

LUANDA, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Angolan President Joao Lourenco conveyed greetings to the Chinese people and government on Tuesday during the Chinese New Year, expressing his hope to strengthen cooperation with China.

In a congratulatory message, Lourenco emphasized China's significant role in Angola's development efforts, praising the Chinese community residing in Angola for its essential contributions to the country's economic growth.

He reiterated his "firm intention to continue reinforcing the strategic partnership with the People's Republic of China across various sectors of common interest."

The Angolan president also highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Chinese civilization, noting that the beginning of the new cycle symbolizes "the renewal of hopes and aspirations, with achievements for a better future."

He extended his wishes to every Chinese citizen for success in their personal, family, and professional endeavors.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Kou Jie)
People wait in line for the Costco Wholesale at Bunker Hill Road to open Friday, March 13, 2020, in Houston. People are rushing to grocery stores amid fears of the new coronavirus pandemic. Godofredo A. Vasquez/Staff photographer

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, in a letter signed by 18 other Republican attorneys general, called on Costco to end its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies.

The letter, which was published by Paxton's office in a Thursday news release, accused the grocery wholesaler of "inexplicably" doubling down on its commitment to DEI policies despite other companies, such as Walmart and Meta, pledging to end them. The letter characterized those companies' decision to eliminate DEI as a "refreshing change" that allowed them to focus on their "fundamental mission" of increasing shareholder value.

"Discriminatory DEI policies are unethical, unlawful and fundamentally un-American, Paxton said in the release. The fact that Costco continues to defend such practices is reprehensible. DEI programs consistently promote divisive and discriminatory ideology as opposed to ensuring that all individuals are treated equally and with respect, and thats why Im calling on Costco to end their woke policies immediately."

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Costco could not be immediately reached for comment.

The letter came just under a week after Costco's shareholders overwhelmingly voted down a proposal that would have examined the impact of DEI on company operations at its annual shareholder's meeting Jan. 23. The proposal, which was included in a notice published by Costco ahead of the annual meeting, was unanimously opposed by the company's board of directors, who issued a statement in opposition in the same notice.

"Our success at Costco Wholesale has been built on service to our critical stakeholders: employees, members,and suppliers," the board wrote. "Our efforts around diversity, equity and inclusion follow our code of ethics."

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Attorneys general from predominately red states across the country signed the letter, including Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr and Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, among others. Although the letter did not include any plans for immediate litigation, the attorneys general asked that Costco, within 30 days, either eliminate its DEI policies or explain why it refused to do so.

The attorneys general claimed that the 2023 Supreme Court decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, which found that affirmative action policies in higher education were unconstitutional, also applied to DEI initiatives spearheaded by private companies. The letter referenced a lawsuit filed by Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey in June, who also signed the letter, against IBM for allegedly making employment decisions on the basis of race, which Bailey characterized as discriminatory.

The letter also alluded to an allegation published by the Wall Street Journal in 2023 that Costco sold seafood and security cameras in China that were bought from suppliers with ties to human rights abuses. The attorneys general suggested that eliminating DEI policies would free up resources the retailer could use to investigate the claims.

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"Repealing its DEI policies would provide Costco with time to deal with other important issues, such as questions regarding the alleged connection between Costco products and slave labor in China," the letter read.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  The man accused of putting a newborn baby into a dumpster behind a Whitehaven business appeared in court on Thursday morning.

Investigators identified 45-year-old James Boothe Jr. as the man seen on video putting a newborn in a dumpster. The babys lifeless body was discovered on Monday.

Officers say this all happened when a 16-year-old was on her way to the hospital to give birth Monday morning. Detectives say Boothe was with her before putting the baby in the dumpster.

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Man charged with placing infant in dumpster behind Whitehaven business

As court was called to order on Thursday morning, the judge wasted no time in the first step of the criminal trial process, which is an arraignment hearing, following Booths arrest days earlier.

You are set to be arraigned today on a charge of abuse of a corpse, said Judge Sheila Bruce-Renfro.

The owner of the Whitehaven business where the dumpster is located said he pulled the trash bag with the lifeless newborns body out of it and turned the security footage over to the police.

I go out to check whats going on there because I have the camera. I look all the time, whats going there, said Singh Jeet Guraya. Then I go jump in the garbage and took the bag out and hand it over to the fire department. They look at it and there is a body inside.

This photo, from surveillance video sent by the business owner, appears to show someone placing a bag in the dumpster behind the business.

In court, Boothe showed very little emotion, if any at all, and said very little to the judge except when telling the court he was unable to afford counsel.

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A public defender appointed to the case spoke briefly with his new client before the Boothe was escorted back into lockup.

ORIGINAL STORY: Infant found dead behind Whitehaven business; police investigating

The judge told Boothe he could spend 1 to 6 years in prison if convicted. For now, he is being held on a $250,000 bond. That bond is set for review on Friday morning.

Court records say the 16-year-old admitted to being in a relationship with 45-year-old Boothe for three years.

According to his criminal history, back in 1994, he was charged with First-Degree Murder and sentenced to 25 years in prison. More charges may be forthcoming with his recent case.

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SAN MIGUEL COUNTY, Colo. (KREX)  A man who fled the state after posting bond last year was recently apprehended in California, according to the San Miguel County Sheriffs Office.

Humberto Hernandez, 22, faced multiple charges when he was issued a $300 bond. He posted bond and then left the state.

But thanks to a joint effort of the U.S. Marshals, Los Angeles County Sheriffs Office, Colorado Violent Offenders Fugitive Task Force and the Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force, law enforcement was able to arrest Hernandez, the San Miguel County Sheriffs Office said in a Facebook post.

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He is currently booked at the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriffs Station.

Hernandez is charged with:

Two counts of domestic violence,

Assault with a deadly weapon causing injury

Assault/strangulation

Tampering with evidence

Illegal weapon possession

Negligent child abuse

Criminal mischief

The San Miguel County Sheriffs Office originally posted on Facebook asking for the publics assistance in locating Hernandez back in December.

In the original Facebook post, San Miguel Sheriff Bill Masters voiced frustration in Hernandez fleeing Colorado.

This is yet another example of our courts and legislature allowing scum to flee our jurisdiction without going before the court to face the consequences of their felonious behavior, Masters said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com.
A Young Dolph murder suspect has been released after he was mistakenly linked to the rappers demise. According to Action News 5, the suspect named Shundale Barnett was recently arrested on Monday (Jan. 27) and charged with two crimes, including theft of property in connection to Dolphs November 2021 death.

Justin Johnson, the man found guilty in 2024 of killing the Memphis rapper and was sentenced to life, was discovered to be the cousin of Barnett. In uncovering this information, law enforcement tracked Barnett to Indiana at the time of his detainment and was charged with accessory after the fact and attempted first-degree murder in the case.

However, authorities concluded that Barnett was not involved in the case and that the charges against the man should have been dropped. The Shelby County District Attorney released a statement regarding the mistake, addressing their decision to let Barnett go.

During the investigation of Justin Johnson, Shundale Barnett was found with [Justin] Johnson at the time of his arrest in Indiana, the statement read. Based on this and other facts, a task force officer with the U.S. Marshals determined there was probable cause to charge Barnett with Accessory After the Fact, and an arrest warrant was issued as part of standard procedure.

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As the investigation progressed, the DAs Office determined that Barnett was not involved in the case and chose not to pursue charges, indicating the charge would be withdrawn. However, a delay in recalling the warrant left it active in the system. This clerical issue has now been resolved, and the charges against Barnett have been officially dismissed.

It should be noted that Hernandez Govan, the alleged mastermind behind Dolphs demise, is set to head to trial this summer.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A 23-year-old man has been arrested for burglary and other charges in an incident that led to a West El Paso middle school being briefly put on lockdown earlier this week.

Giovanni Vega, 23, was arrested and is facing a handful of charges after being arrested on Tuesday, Jan. 28 in an incident near Hornedo Middle School, El Paso Police said.

Hornedo Middle School placed on brief lockdown after nearby burglary, police say

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Shortly before 1 p.m. on Tuesday, El Paso Police responded to a call about a burglary in progress along the 1400 block of Via Quijano.

When officers arrived, they found the suspect, later identified as Vega, who fled on foot near the school with a handgun, police said.

The school was briefly put on a hold protocol because of the incident, the district said.

Police learned that Vega had been checking cars to see if they were unlocked and was entering unlocked homes.

When he was arrested, he was found to be in possession of several stolen items, including a handgun, purse, wallet and state-issued identification card, all of which were taken from nearby homes, police said.

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Vega was arrested and booked into El Paso County Detention Center.

He is facing the following charges: theft of firearm; burglary of habitation; evading arrest; and burglary of vehicles.

His bonds totaled $20,000.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  The South Dakota Attorney Generals Office says a Sioux Falls man is pleading guilty to stealing money for a police organization in Lincoln County.

39-year-old Matthew Wilson pleaded guilty to Grand Theft on Tuesday.

A sentencing date is set for March 25th.

He faces up to 5 years behind bars and a 10-thousand dollar fine.

Frustration with unreliable heat at Woodlake Apartments

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Authorities say the theft happened between July and September of last year.

The value of the property is between $2,500 and $5,000.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
A 40-year-old man suspected of stealing a cache of military equipment  including three Humvees  in a late-night break-in at the Army Reserve Center in Tustin has been arrested, police said this week.

On Jan. 8, sometime between 8 and 11:30 p.m., at least one individual entered a storage warehouse at the reserve center on Red Hill Avenue, ransacked storage lockers and cut a fence to access a military vehicle parking lot, according to the Tustin Police Department.

Read more: Have you seen a Humvee? The military would like it back, please

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Three Humvees, a type of all-terrain vehicle used in military activities to transport passengers and cargo, were taken. Eight machine gun vehicle mounts, seven freestanding machine gun tripods, medical equipment, 40 pairs of binoculars and 18 bayonets also went missing from the facility, police said.

Three days after the theft, police said they recovered two of the Humvees  one in Santa Ana and the other in Orange. But the third vehicle and the rest of the gear remained unaccounted for until Jan. 16, when authorities said they recovered the third Humvee and other missing equipment while serving search warrants in Orange.

Authorities at that time also arrested a suspect, identified as Alfredo Reyes Jr.

It is not clear what prompted police to suspect Reyes. Authorities declined to provide additional details about the case Thursday.

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Several Humvees have been taken from military sites across the county, including in California, in recent years.

Read more: Two men caught on security camera stealing fire equipment from the U.S. Forest Service in Southern California

In 2020, a Pomona man allegedly went to an Army Reserve Center in Upland, drove off with a Humvee worth more than $200,000 and briefly led police on a chase.

A Humvee stolen in January 2021 from a National Guard Armory in Bell was recovered five days later.

Another of the vehicles was taken from Naval Base Coronado in San Diego County in 2022 and later found behind a Home Depot in Imperial Beach.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A suspect who allegedly stole a collection of military equipment and Humvees from the Army Reserve Center in Tustin was arrested, police announced Wednesday.

The suspect was identified as Alfredo Reyes Jr., 40, from Orange, according to the Tustin Police Department.

On Jan. 8, Reyes is accused of breaking into a storage warehouse and cutting a lock to access a military vehicle parking lot.

After he fled the scene, officials said several Humvees and a collection of army gear were stolen including:

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3 Humvees Armored Humvee, Model: M1151A1 Cloth Doors Humvee, Model: M1097 Cloth Doors Humvee, Model: M1097

8 machine gun vehicle mounts

7 free-standing machine gun tripods

18 bayonets

40 pairs of binoculars

Medical equipment

Police provided an example of what a Humvee vehicle looks like in these undated photos after three Humvees were stolen from a military warehouse in Tustin in Jan. 8, 2025. (Tustin Police Department) Police provided an example of what an ADMIN number painted on the hood of a vehicle looks like in these undated photos after three Humvees were stolen from a military warehouse in Tustin. January 2025. (Tustin Police Department)

On Jan. 16, Tustin police, along with the Irvine-Tustin SWAT Team, Army Criminal Investigations Division, and the O.C. Sheriffs Department Bomb Squad, served several search warrants in the city of Orange.

Reyes was identified as the suspect involved and taken into custody. No further details, including his booking photo, were released.

All stolen Humvees and military equipment were recovered during the arrest, authorities confirmed.

We would like to thank our local law enforcement partners for their assistance and members of the public who provided tips in this case, Tustin police said in a statement.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A man accused of escaping from deputies in Millington earlier this week is now back in custody, according to the Tipton County Sheriffs Office.

Jacob Ward, 31, is charged with felony escape, evading arrest, resisting stop, frisk, halt, filing a false report, and domestic assault.

Arrest made in Southeast Memphis barricade situation

On January 28, deputies say Ward was taken into custody on domestic violence-related charges but shortly afterward escaped from custody while still on the scene.

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He was reported going into a wooded area in the 600 block of Quito Road near Milton Road.

Deputies say Ward was found and arrested the same day.

Jacob Ward is now held in jail on a $50,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday morning.

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ONTARIO, Ohio (WJW)  A man was arrested and faces charges after investigators say he made threats at a Richland County hospital, leading the medical facility to undergo a soft lockdown on Wednesday.

According to the Ontario Police Department, officers responded just after 11 a.m. after a suspect reportedly made verbal threats toward hospital staff at Avita Hospital, which is located at the Richland Mall.

Woman injured, dog killed in Canton house fire

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The threats led hospital administrators to issue a soft lockdown, temporarily limiting access to and from the premises while security personnel worked with law enforcement to assess the situation, the police department said in an afternoon press release.

Officers found the suspect, a 65-year-old man, and he was taken into custody. The suspect, whose name wasnt released, was charged with inducing panic and aggravated menacing, Ontario police said.

Akron responds to executive orders, including suspension of legal refugees

The lockdown has since been lifted. There were no injuries.

We take all threats, whether verbal or otherwise, very seriously, said Police Chief Tommy Hill in the release. The safety of the public, hospital staff and patients is our top priority, and we will continue to work with local institutions to ensure that these environments remain secure.

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LAS VEGAS (AP)  A man accused in a series of stabbings on the Las Vegas Strip in 2022 that left two people dead and six injured has pleaded guilty but mentally ill to murder and terrorism charges.

The victims included performers dressed as showgirls and tourists.

Yoni Barrios, 34, entered his pleas Thursday as part of a deal with prosecutors to avoid the death penalty, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.

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Barrios also pleaded guilty but mentally ill to attempted murder and battery charges. He is expected to be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Scott Coffee, his attorney, said after the court hearing in Las Vegas that the plea agreement recognizes what everybody in the system knew  that this was the result of mental illness that caused paranoia.

Authorities say the unprovoked attack in October 2022 began when Barrios stabbed a group of performers dressed as showgirls near the Wynn Las Vegas hotel and casino, killing one of them. Barrios then ran down a sidewalk, attacking more people, according to police.

Just before the stabbings, police say Barrios had asked to take a photo with the performers. He was wearing a chefs long-sleeved white jacket, said he was a chef, and removed a knife from a suitcase, according to police.

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Some performers said he made them feel uncomfortable and one backed away.

Police wrote in an arrest report that Barrios thought the women were laughing at him and making fun of his clothing."

Barrios was arrested after a short chase. He is scheduled to be sentenced in March.
A man accused of stabbing his boyfriend to death and setting his Wilton Manors apartment on fire took the stand in a Broward courtroom Wednesday, saying that he killed hin in self-defense.

Michael Mitchell, 44, is charged with first-degree murder and arson in the death of his boyfriend, John Young, 40, in May 2019. His trial is now nearing a conclusion.

Wilton Manors Police had responded to the apartment on Northwest 25th Street just before 8 p.m. on May 9, 2019, due to smoke coming from within. Inside, they found a laundry hamper with burning clothing. There was so much smoke in the apartment that officers required Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue to enter, according to a probable cause affidavit. Firefighters found Young inside, dead and wearing nothing but a shirt and socks, with a cut across his throat and two stab wounds in his back. Surveillance video showed Mitchell leaving the apartment about the time of the murder wearing latex gloves with a towel over his head.

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The two men had begun a five-year relationship after meeting on the dating app Grindr, Mitchell said in court Wednesday, and he often stayed at Youngs apartment, though not permanently. Mitchell had a history of domestic violence charges, including against Young. He was arrested in 2018 after police said he arrived at Youngs apartment and attacked him with a weapon, leaving deep lacerations on his arm and head, according to a probable cause affidavit. Youngs landlord, Travis Bjork, had forbidden Mitchell from coming to the apartment due to previous incidents involving police, according to the affidavit. Bjork, who saw Young shortly before his death, also testified Wednesday.

Strange texts sent from Youngs phone to Bjork about the time of the murder were also presented to the jury by Assistant State Attorney Antonya Johnson Wednesday, despite objections from Mitchells defense attorneys. The texts, which appear markedly different from Youngs usual style, claimed that he was robbed, that the messages had been sent on a timer, and that if Bjork was getting them it meant that something had happened to Young.

Hey some black just tried to rob me tall black guy with long hire black car left before the ac guy got here dark short hire phone is about died he told me hes coming back idk what to do I need to go get lucky Ill be back, one of the texts read, referring to Lucky, one of Youngs two dogs.

What, Bjork responded.

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Asked about the texts, Mitchell said he remembered them but did not remember the details of their contents, as he had been on a meth and GHB binge when they were sent.

Defense attorneys focused much of their argument Wednesday around the two mens drug use, pointing out that medical examiners found meth in Youngs system, which could have made him moody and angry, while Mitchells drug use could explain memory lapses and inconsistencies in his account.

Mitchell claimed that Young had been trying to kill him when he stabbed Young. He said during his testimony that Young had smoked meth and made sexual advances at him that evening before becoming enraged because Mitchell told him he was leaving him for a new lover in New Orleans. Young then splashed Mitchell with a substance that made his skin itch, he claimed, and when he went to the bathroom to wash it off, he turned around to find Young wielding a steak knife. Mitchell claimed that it was Young who set fire to the clothes and then tried to strangle him, so he grabbed Youngs neck as well as the knife, which was at that point lying on the floor, and stabbed Young twice before slashing his throat.

Johnson questioned Mitchells depiction of the fight during cross-examination, pointing out that Young had bruising on both sides of his neck despite Mitchells claim that he had grabbed his neck with one hand. Asked whether he had received any injuries, Mitchell affirmed that he had not.

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Later, after the jury had left the room, Broward Circuit Judge George Odom Jr. denied a second defense motion for acquittal, saying that Mitchells version of events could very well be true, but is not consistent with the evidence.

Attorneys will present their closing arguments to a jury on Thursday.
A GoFundMe page has identified the man who died at a Phoenix hospital he was flown to after suffering severe burns from a large, illegal fireworks explosion at a home in Honolulu during a New Years Eve party.

After 28 days of relentless fighting against infections and injuries  Kevin is now at peace and resting with Heavenly Father, the GoFundMe reads.

Kevin Vallesteros was one of six people in their 20s and 30s who were flown to Phoenix to be treated at Arizona Burn Center. The patients were placed in a medically induced coma as part of their treatment.

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Vallesteros died on Jan. 28, according to the Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office.

His girlfriend, Melissa Cabrera, was still being treated at the hospital as of Wednesday evening, according to another GoFundMe page set up for her recovery and Kevin's family. According to the fundraiser, Vallesteros and Cabrera's 3-month-old son Kaesyn, is currently being taken care of by both of their families.

In a Jan. 1 news conference from the Honolulu Police Department, officials said a person lit a firework "cake" containing around 50 individual aerial fireworks that somehow tipped over, shooting into other crates also filled with fireworks and resulting in the fatal explosion.

Authorities estimated fireworks recovered at the scene cost tens of thousands of dollars.

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The GoFundMe for Vallesteros described him as a son, brother, father and boyfriend who suffered burns over 82% of his body and a compound fracture in his left leg. Vallesteros was also intubated, placed on a ventilator and needed assistance from a dialysis machine before his death, the GoFundMe page said.

As of Wednesday evening, both fundraisers were attracting generous donations. The GoFundMe page started for Vallesteros had raised over $13,000 of its $50,000 goal to assist with medical and now funeral costs. Cabrera's fundraiser had raised over $43,000 of its $50,000 goal.

The Honolulu Police Department said officers arrested a man and a woman  both 33 years old  on Jan. 24 in connection with reckless endangerment, endangering the welfare of a minor and multiple fireworks offenses.

A man and a woman were arrested for reckless endangering, endangering the welfare of a minor and multiple fireworks offenses this afternoon. More arrests are expected. #honolulupd #cchnl Posted by Honolulu Police Department (Official Site) on Friday, January 24, 2025

The two were released the following day pending further investigation. The cases will be sent to the department of the prosecuting attorney, Honolulu police confirmed.

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The department said the public should expect additional arrests as the investigation continued.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Kevin Vallesteros has died, girlfriend still at Phoenix burn center
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A jury Thursday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court found a Boardman man not guilty of 18 counts that he sexually abused a young girl.

Robert Baxa, 55, was found not guilty of eight counts of rape, a first-degree felony that carries a potential life sentence; four counts of sexual battery, a third-degree felony; and six counts of gross sexual imposition, three of them third-degree felonies and three of them fourth-degree felonies.

Testimony began after jury selection Monday before Visiting Judge W. Wyatt McKay.

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Baxa was accused of abusing a young girl in 2020 when the girl was 10. Prosecutors said the abuse continued until she was 13.

A grand jury indicted Baxa in 2024.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The man who killed two people and injured six more during a stabbing spree on the Las Vegas Strip agreed Thursday to serve life in prison.

During a hearing, Yoni Barrios, 34, took a plea deal where he will be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The agreement removes the possibility of the death penalty. A judge will sentence Barrios in March.

On Oct. 6, 2022, Barrios asked a group of showgirls to take a photo with a foot-long kitchen knife he was trying to sell before allegedly stabbing them, police said after his arrest. Video the 8 News Now Investigators obtained shows a man prosecutors identified as Barrios then randomly stabbing several other people before security and police subdue him.

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Brent Hallett, 47; and Maris DiGiovanni, 30, both of Las Vegas, died in the attack.

In December, a Clark County grand jury voted to indict Barrios on charges including murder and terrorism, the 8 News Now Investigators first reported.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  An online encounter between an 11-year-old girl and someone she thought was a boy interested in computer games took an unexpected turn when the boy threatened to do bad stuff if she didnt send sexually explicit pictures, court records show.

The boy was actually a 29-year-old school security guard from New York, who used threats to coerce the girl to send the explicit photos, according federal court records. The girl, who lives in northern Michigan, complied because she was scared, a federal agent wrote.

On Wednesday, Ryan Romario Dookhan, the man investigators say was behind the threats, appeared in federal court in Grand Rapids on three counts of sexual exploitation of a child.

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An indictment filed this week accuses him of directing the girl to take sexually explicit images of herself and send them to Dookhan. If convicted, he faces between 15 and 30 years in prison.

The New York man aided in his own arrest by providing the girl photos, including one of him wearing a distinctive polo shirt bearing the logo of Challenge Charter School, records show. It led investigators to a school in New York, where Dookhan worked as a security guard, records show.

Dookhan was arrested earlier this month at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.

A 9-page criminal complaint filed in western Michigan says the offenses happened in spring and summer of last year. Michigan State Police launched the investigation after the girls parents told them the 11-year-old had been engaging in sexual conversations and sending nude photos to men on Roblox and Justalk applications, records show.

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The girl told authorities she met a guy on Roblox who acted like he was her age, records show. It started innocently enough, with the girl trading pet animals in an online game, records show. He directed her to download the Justalk app so they could talk.

The first time she called Ryan, he said he would search for her house and take her from her parents if she didnt show her vagina to him, records show. Ryan threatened to do bad stuff to her.

She sent pictures because she was scared, and eventually revealed that she was 11 years old, records show.

He is not deterred and continued to request sexually explicit photos, an investigator wrote.

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Police in August obtained search warrants, which helped lead them to Dookhan, who had a home address in the Queens, New York, neighborhood of Jamaica.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A 35-year-old man was sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated sexual battery against a minor.

Alexander Goodwin will be placed on the Violent Sex Offender Registry and undergo supervision for life after his release, the Shelby County District Attorneys Office said.

The D.A.s office said forensic investigators found more than 840 images of child sexual abuse material, including disturbing images and videos of the victim, confirming years of trauma.

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A search warrant for Goodwins home yielded more than 40 electronic devices and numerous sex toys, the D. As office said.

Alexander Goodwin

Man charged with placing infant in dumpster behind Whitehaven business

The juvenile victim disclosed the abuse to a friend, which led to an investigation by Shelby County Department of Childrens Services and local law enforcement.

The victim had suffered abuse since the age of 4, officials said.

This case emphasizes the significance of listening to childrens disclosures, highlighting the victims bravey in coming forward as a critical factor in seeking justice, the D.A.s office said in a news release.

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Goodwins case had been delayed by the removal of Judge Melissa Boyd from the bench, according to a WREG story from early 2024.

We spoke with a family member of the victim at the time, who was concerned that the case would not be heard.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  On Thursday, a man pleaded guilty to multiple charges stemming from a crash that happened after a hit-and-run on Magnolia Avenue in Knoxville that left one person dead in July 2023.

According to the Knox County District Attorneys Office, Santiago Domingo, 25, pleaded guilty to charges of vehicular homicide, child abuse, and two counts of reckless endangerment. He was sentenced on Thursday to serve 12 years in the Tennessee Department of Correction.

Knoxville police investigate rash of car burglaries in Sequoyah Hills

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When announcing the plea, prosecutors told the court that on July 16, 2023, Knoxville Police officers responded to a single vehicle crash on Magnolia Avenue near Kirkwood Street. There, officers learned that Domingo had been driving down Magnolia Avenue around 9 a.m. that day when he sideswiped a vehicle.

After leaving the scene of the crash, the DAs office explained, Domingo lost control of his vehicle in a grassy median near Kirkwood Street.

One passenger in the vehicle died, and an eight-year-old child who was not restrained was injured. The DAs office said an analysis showed Domingos blood alcohol level was 0.104.

Suspect in custody after shots fired near Madisonville Primary School

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We prosecute impaired drivers because they pose such a risk not only to other motorists

and pedestrians but also to the passengers in their cars, said Knox County District Attorney Charme Allen.

Domingo was initially facing multiple charges including driving under the influence following the crash, however, the charges of child abuse, felony vehicular assault and vehicular homicide driver intoxication were later added.

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A former Norwich man who police said set fire to a New London apartment while enraged over his babys killing by a dog pleaded no contest Wednesday to first-degree arson.

Timothy Settles, 36, entered the plea in New London Superior Court, leaving the decision about his prison time in the hands of Superior Court Judge John Newson. Settles entered the plea, which is treated by the courts like a guilty plea, as part of an agreement with state prosecutors that caps his sentence at 15 years. Sentencing is set for April 9.

Newson will decide on a sentence that could range from a fully suspended sentence with no prison time to 15 years. In court Wednesday, Newson told Settles that he should expect prison time.

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This is an incarceration case. This is not a suspended sentence case, Newson said.

Settles has been held on a $500,000 bond since his Nov. 9, 2021, arrest by New London police. Settles was charged in connection with a fire set in a common area of an apartment building at 10 Rosemary St. in the early morning hours of May 11, 2021. Just hours before the fire, Settles, who was in a court-ordered drug and alcohol rehabilitation program in Stamford, learned that his son was dead.

Norwich police said a pit bull ripped 1-month-old Carter Settles from the arms of Timothy Settles mother while she and her grandson were visiting Timothy Settles girlfriends home on McKinley Avenue in Norwich on May 1, 2021. The baby suffered traumatic injuries and died at the hospital.

Police said Timothy Settles went to the hospital and then traveled with his mother to New London to visit Jerren Johnson, his girlfriend and the babys mother, who was staying with a friend at the 10 Rosemary St. apartment. Police said Settles was drinking, argued with Johnson over their sons death and began smashing bottles in the parking lot of New London hotel.

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Settles mother told police she left for New York and called police on her son because his behavior had gotten out of control. Police said they have evidence that Settles returned to 10 Rosemary St. multiple times and was heard banging on the door in the early morning hours of May 11, 2021, shortly before the fire started.

Assistant States Attorney Stephen Carney, who is prosecuting the case against Settles, said the fire started at about 4 a.m. While the occupants of the apartment building got out safely and were not injured, a firefighter sustained a head injury while fighting the fire.

In a letter to the court, Settles wrote that the rehabilitation program had been helping him to address his mental health issues and that the news of his sons death had derailed his recovery. He described excruciating indescribable pain and confusion over the news.

Settles mother, Sheila Settles, in an email this week, said a psychological evaluation of her son has recommended treatment and not prison. Timothy Settles Manchester-based attorney, Ryan Barry, declined to comment specifically on Settles state of mind when the fire was started but said of the upcoming sentencing, I think we have a very strong mitigation case to present to the judge.

g.smith@theday.com
ROGERS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  A man arrested for allegedly raping and impregnating a 14-year-old child has entered a not guilty plea and now awaits trial.

Selvin Jeovany Coc-Choc, 20. (COURTESY: Benton County Sheriffs Office)

Selvin Jeovany Coc-Choc, 20, was taken into custody by the Benton County Sheriffs Office (BCSO) on Nov. 26, 2024, and as of Jan. 30, 2025, he remains in the Benton County Jail.

A court order prohibits him from contacting the child.

Coc-Choc is scheduled to appear in Benton County court on March 3, 2025. His jail booking also lists a HOLD for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Case background

On Sept. 17, 2024, the Rogers Police Department was notified that a 14-year-old, who now lives in Missouri, had become pregnant by a 20-year-old man, according to court documents.

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The investigation revealed that the victim and Coc-Choc began dating in May 2024 after communicating via WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger in April 2024.

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In June 2024, Coc-Choc allegedly raped the victim three times: once in a hotel in Rogers after picking her up from school, and once in Eagle Rock, Missouri. Coc-Choc is also accused of sexually assaulting the victim multiple times at a lake, possibly Table Rock Lake in Missouri.

An affidavit states that the childs guardian contacted Coc-Choc after learning of the pregnancy, urging him to take charge. Initially, Coc-Choc expressed support and promised to help.

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On Sept. 14, 2024, he texted the child, denying paternity and demanding a DNA test, according to court documents. He then severed contact with both the child and the guardian, despite their attempts to reach him.

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announces planned phone-free school legislation

Detectives interviewed the child at the guardians home in Missouri on Sept. 19, 2024.

The child made a recorded phone call to Coc-Choc with police in which Coc-Choc admitted to not using protection, according to court documents.

Police interview

Coc-Choc was interviewed by police following his arrest on Nov. 26, in which he admitted to communicating with the child via messaging platforms and provided a phone number, according to court documents.

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However, this number did not match the number the victim provided to police, according to court documents.

Arkansas receives low marks in tobacco control report

In the interview, Coc-Choc alleged that he and the child are still in a relationship.

According to court documents, Coc-Choc told police that he lived in Monett, Missouri, and visited the child in Rogers four to five times. During these visits, he admitted to raping the child five to six times.

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[Attached video shows a previous sentencing hearing for Larry Beall, Jr.]

AKRON, Ohio (WJW)  A man who led police officers on a multi-county chase, and pointed a gun at them while barricading himself in his truck, will now spend at least 13 years behind bars.

Woman injured, dog killed in Canton house fire

The Summit County prosecutor announced Wednesday that Larry Beall, Jr. was sentenced to 9 years and 9 months for arson and pointing a gun at law enforcement. He was previously sentenced to 3 years on various other charges. The sentences will be served consecutively, meaning Beall will serve time for one conviction after another.

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As Fox 8 previously reported, in June of 2023, officers went to arrest Beall on an arson charge after he was accused of setting fire to his home a week earlier. Accelerant was found in the house, and many items had been moved out prior to the fire, officials said.

FOX 8 photo

Beall drove away and led police on a chase into Stark County.

He eventually stopped in Lawrence Township, then police said Beall pointed a gun at Tallmadge police officers who fired their weapons. According to police, Beall got back into his vehicle resulting in a standoff that lasted a few hours.

Man charged with making threats at local hospital, leading to soft lockdown

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After a struggle with officers, the Canton Regional SWAT team responded to the scene and took Beall into custody.

Credit: Tallmadge Police Department

Beal will also be placed on the Ohio Arson Registry and will be required to register with the local Sheriff annually for the rest of his life, the prosecutors office stated.

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A man remains behind bars after a Georgia sheriff said he used artificial intelligence (AI) to make images of minors appear naked.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

A student at Gilmer High School told a school resource officer Dec. 3 that Ronald Richardson, who filled the vending machines at the school, had asked her to send him pictures through a social media app. She told the SRO she felt that was inappropriate.

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According to the GCSO, the student told the SRO that she would talk to Richardson, 48, regularly when he was at the school and had done so for a year. She said Richardson would often give her free soft drinks, but this was the first time she had been asked to send him pictures.

The SRO reported the information to the administration and then forwarded the information to Gilmer County investigators.

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Sheriff Stacy Nicholson said this is the first case where AI has been a component of an investigation for the sheriffs office.

Unfortunately, I doubt it will be the last, Nicholson said. All of the sexually explicit (nude) photographs of the minor children that Richardson is alleged to have possessed are actually normal snapshots, which he captured from various social media pages and then altered (or had altered) using AI to make the images appear nude.

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Richardson was arrested and charged with eight counts of possession of material depicting a minor in sexually explicit conduct. The sheriffs office anticipates that more charges may be forthcoming.

Richardson is currently being held in the Gilmer County Jail.

Gilmer County Schools released the following statement regarding Richardson:

The Gilmer County School System will continue to cooperate fully with the investigation and commends the Gilmer County Sheriffs Office for their professionalism and dedication to this effort. At this time, we are unable to release any specific details of this ongoing investigation.

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Further information concerning this case will be released through the GCSO. Mr. Richardson is not an employee of the Gilmer County School System.

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Nicholson said he intentionally delayed releasing any information due to it still being an active case.

It has taken a lot of time to identify many of the minors who are victims in this case and there are several minors and parents who we have not been able to notify at this point, Nicholson said.

The GCSO said it hope to have all victims and parents notified within the next two days. Anyone who has information regarding the case is urged to contact Det. Dan Farnham at GCSO CID at 706-635-4646.
By Johan Ahlander

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) -The Swedish prime minister said the shooting of an anti-Islam campaigner just hours before a trial verdict was due on Thursday over his burning the Koran might be linked to a foreign power, and police arrested five people over the killing.

Salwan Momika, 38, an Iraqi refugee, was shot in a house in Sodertalje town near Stockholm on Wednesday. A prosecutor ordered that the five people be detained, police said, without specifying if the gunman was among them.

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Momika had burned and desecrated copies of the Koran, the Muslim holy book, either in public or in social media broadcasts in 2023.

"I can assure you that the security services are deeply involved because there is obviously a risk that there is a connection to a foreign power," Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said at a news conference on Thursday.

Vice Prime Minister Ebba Busch condemned the murder.

"It is a threat to our free democracy. It must be met with the full force of our society," she wrote on X.

A Stockholm court dismissed the case on Momika after his death. It said the verdict for another man in the same criminal trial over "offences of agitation against an ethnic or national group," in connection with Koran burnings would be postponed until Monday.

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Sweden in 2023 raised its terrorism alert to the second-highest level and warned of threats against Swedes at home and abroad after the Koran burnings, most of them by Momika, outraged Muslims and triggered threats from jihadists.

Sweden's Security Service told Reuters it was assessing the potential impact of the shooting "on Swedish security."

Burning the Koran is seen by Muslims as a blasphemous act because they consider it the literal word of God.

While the Swedish government condemned the wave of Koran burnings in 2023, it is widely regarded as a protected form of free speech.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in 2023 that people who desecrate the Koran should face the "most severe punishment" and Sweden had "gone into battle-array for war on the Muslim world" by supporting those responsible.

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Sweden's migration agency in 2023 wanted to deport Momika for giving false information on his residency application, but couldn't as he risked torture and inhumane treatment in Iraq.

(Reporting by Johan Ahlander and Isabelle Yr Carlsson, editing by Terje Solsvik and Bernadette Baum)
Last January, Jeremiah Gaver told police that he thought theyd kill him.

He was pursued after an Ada County sheriffs deputy saw him looking into backyards and walking around businesses, all while wearing a tarp, according to the Meridian Police Department, which led the Critical Incident Task Force investigation into the shooting.

Law enforcement assured him that he was going to be OK, the report said.

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Gaver kept saying he didnt want to die, according to the report. No, no ones gonna shoot ya. Stop saying that, OK? was one of the responses from law enforcement.

But after he didnt comply with a host of commands and questions for almost a half hour, according to a news release Wednesday from the Ada County Sheriffs Office, and then stabbed two K9 dogs in the course of avoiding police who had tasers and a bean bag shotgun, five law enforcement officers opened fire.

Gaver, 37, died at the scene.

Meridian police turned their CITF investigation over to Owyhee County Prosecuting Attorney Chris Topmiller, whose legal review determined that none of the five officers should be charged.

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Based on this comprehensive assessment, I find that the deputies actions in shooting Gaver were legally justified under Idaho law, Topmiller wrote in a letter to Ada County.

Deputy Colton McKone initially tried to make contact with Gaver, the report said. Gaver didnt respond to him, and then refused to follow commands, including to show police his hands as more law enforcement arrived to deal with the situation in the area of Amity and Cole roads.

Eventually, officers determined that Gaver was resisting and obstructing, and McKone informed him that he was under arrest and going to be detained, according to the report.

Two bean bag rounds were fired, and Ada County Deputy Jon McGee deployed his dog Astrid, who attempted to bite Gaver. However, Gaver made some movements and she disengaged, the report said. Multiple officers in the report said that they didnt realize Gaver stabbed her.

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Gaver ran away, but Astrid kept trying to engage him, according to the report. However, she disengaged after she was hit by a bean bag, and Astrid also got tangled in taser wires, the report said.

Multiple officers tried to use tasers on Gaver, but he kept using a cane he was carrying under the tarp to hit the wires away, the report said. Gaver then fell to the ground, according to the Ada County news release.

Boise Police Officer Connor Rush sent out his K9 Meko, who bit Gaver, the report said. As Gaver stabbed the dog, Rush moved forward to try to stop him. However, Gaver swung the knife toward Rush, who retreated, authorities said.

Rush told investigators the stabbing was painful to see happen.

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Officer Rush said he didnt give it that much deep thought in the moment, but his intention was to do something to get the suspect to stop stabbing his dog and get the knife out of his hands, the report said.

Gaver began to get to his feet with the knife, and four deputies  Jonathon Faddis, Michael MacLeod, McKone and Keith Montague  discharged their weapons, along with Boise Police Officer Camron Johnson.

Both Astrid and Meko suffered multiple stab wounds and underwent extensive treatment and recovery, and both were able to return to service.
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  A change in Louisiana law requiring unanimous jury verdicts led to the retrial and conviction of a Shreveport man.

The defendant, Jerry Jackson, 57, was convicted in 2019 for slaying his stepson and a neighbor in 2016, following the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Ramos v. Louisiana mandating that criminal trial juries are required to deliver unanimous verdicts. Before Ramos, Louisiana only needed 10 of 12 jurors to come to a guilty consensus.

Jacksons second jury was made of six women and six men who deliberated for 30 minutes before finding him guilty of second-degree murder and manslaughter for a second time.

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The conviction is related to an incident on July 20, 2016, when Jackson shot and killed his stepson, Kendrick Brown, and a neighbor, Michael Dillard, in front of his residence on Bond Drive in the presence of his wife.

Jackson reportedly attempted to hide his .22 caliber rifle used in the slaying by giving it to a friend who notified the Caddo Parish Sheriffs Office. CPSO notified Shreveport police, and the rifle was collected and confirmed to match the .22 caliber casings at the crime scene. Additionally, Jacksons wife at the time and a neighbor testified that Jackson shot both victims.

Jackson will return to court on February 24, 2025, for sentencing. He faces a mandatory life prison sentence for the murder conviction and up to 40 years for the manslaughter conviction.

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COTTONWOOD FALLS, Kan. (KSNW)  A man wanted on alleged drug charges showed up outside of a Kansas courthouse with drugs.

John Deem (Courtesy: Chase Co. Sheriffs Office)

It happened in Cottonwood Falls outside the Chase County courthouse. The Chase County Sheriffs Office says John Deem, 33, was sitting in a car parked outside of the courthouse Tuesday when he was identified and taken into custody by deputies for an outstanding warrant for the distribution of narcotics within 1,000 feet of a school.

Hutchinson police investigate attempted second-degree murder, man arrested

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The deputies obtained a search warrant for his vehicle and discovered methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia inside. Deem was arrested and booked into the Chase County Jail for the outstanding warrant and is facing additional possession charges.

He made his first appearance in both cases Thursday morning and is being held on a $25,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 10.

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MANHATTAN (KSNT)  The Manhattan Regional Airport announced it had finished a project to upgrade and develop hangars at the airport.

On Thursday, the Kansas Infrastructure Hub shared that the first project using the Build Kansas Fund was completed at the airport. The Build Kansas Fund provided $282,000 in funds combined with a federal grant award for $2.5m.

The completion of the hangar development and upgrades project at the Manhattan Regional Airport is a tremendous achievement and a testament to what can be accomplished with support and funding, Governor Laura Kelly said. Im proud to see the Build Kansas Fund being utilized to better our communities.

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The Build Kansas Fund has provided matching funds for 38 federal grants in Kansas. The Build Kansas fund has provided $34.6m with matching federal grants providing $75.9m.

Wichita flight crash could be deadliest in 24 years, what we know

This is the first Build Kansas Fund supported project to be completed in the state and represents a major milestone for the Kansas Infrastructure Hub and for our tremendous partnership with the City of Manhattan, P.E. Executive Director of the Kansas Infrastructure Hub Matthew Volz said. Projects like this bring jobs to the Manhattan region, increase the business capacity of the Manhattan Regional Airport, and strengthen the Kansas economy.

For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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Many people are feared dead after an American Airlines passenger plane carrying 64 people collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter over Washington, sending both aircraft plummeting into the freezing Potomac River river below.

American Airlines Flight 5342 was travelling from Wichita, Kansas to the Washington's Reagan National Airport. It collided with the military helicopter as it was approaching the runway shortly before 9 pm on Wednesday (0200 GMT Thursday), authorities said. There were reported to be three people on board the helicopter.

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said that all of Washington is mourning "for the families who are experiencing loss tonight."

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But neither Bowser nor other top officials - like newly confirmed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy - who spoke early Thursday gave any information about the number of dead.

CBS News, citing anonymous law enforcement officials, said 19 bodies have been recovered so far from the river. NBC News also reported that search-and-rescue teams have recovered a number of bodies.

Some 300 emergency responders were scouring the freezing-cold Potomac River, including dive teams, in dark and windy conditions.

John Donnelly, Washington's fire chief, called the rescue operation "highly complex."

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"You search every square centimetre out there to see if you can find anyone," he said. "The river is a big black spot."

Images from the scene show both aircraft in pieces in the river.

In a social media post, President Donald the collision "a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented."
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Just how many homeless people are there living throughout San Diego County? An answer to that question will be coming soon as the region holds its annual Point-In-Time count of the local homeless population on Thursday.

The count is a snapshot in time, with the information being reported to the federal government. It gives elected leaders and the community a better understanding of just how many people there are sleeping out on the streets.

All evacuation orders lifted as Border 2 Fire now 100% contained

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The count is being led by the San Diego Regional Task Force on Homelessness, with things getting started around 4 a.m. when nearly 2,000 volunteers met at different sites throughout the county.

Volunteers, including District 9 councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera, went out and walked several block to physically count and interview people who were sleeping on the streets. Rivera said there is a positive trend that theyre beginning to see in San Diego.

For the first time in two years, the city is seeing more people finding permanent housing then they are seeing falling into homelessness, he stated, while crediting San Diegos Housing ad Stability Prevention Program.

It could take several weeks to get the numbers tabulated in count, which will dictate federal funding into the county.

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Almost all of the pregnant women Dr. Joshua Splinter sees at his rural East Texas practice are on Medicaid. For years, he would treat these patients during pregnancy, deliver their babies and then start the mad dash to squeeze in a follow-up visit before they lost insurance just eight weeks after giving birth.

This just didnt work for him or his patients. Hed get someone on a treatment plan for a chronic condition, but then the hormone and weight changes after childbirth would require different interventions. Hed see early signs of postpartum depression or partner violence, and then lose contact with the patient once she lost insurance.

These aren't things where I start a medication and were done, he said. This requires close follow-up with continued treatment and non-medical intervention, and we cant get that done in two months.

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So when the Texas Legislature voted to extend postpartum Medicaid to a full year in 2023, Splinter was ecstatic. This was going to be a game changer for his patients, he said.

But almost two years later, many of his patients and those like them across the state are still struggling to get the full range of health care they were promised. It took almost a year for the extended coverage to go into effect, leaving many of his patients in limbo, and even now, theyre still often falling through the cracks in Texas health care system.

The number of pregnant and postpartum Texans enrolled in Medicaid has almost doubled since before the pandemic, to more than 265,000. But many patients are unaware that they are still covered for an additional 10 months, according to a survey from Texans Care for Children, a health advocacy group. New moms report being unable to access the physical and mental health services covered by Medicaid, and doctors say changes are needed to ensure the workforce, reimbursement rates and coverage can keep up with a full year of need.

As the Legislature returns, Diana Forester, health policy director with Texans Care for Children, said theres still much work to be done, such as increasing provider awareness and patient access, to ensure new moms are fully benefiting from this extended coverage.

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You cant just turn on this extended coverage and expect that to be the end, Forester said. We as a state need to figure out what postpartum care looks like in Texas  Our leaders have an opportunity to make that work better for families, but its not there yet.

How we got here

When Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 12 into law in May 2023, Texas became the 41st state to extend postpartum Medicaid to 12 months. It was a victory years in the making, after several sessions of advocacy from health care providers, maternal health experts and moms themselves.

The state almost passed it in 2021, after the federal COVID relief package eased the way for states to get this extended coverage approved, but the Legislature instead passed a six-month extension that the federal government deemed not approvable.

But when the Legislature returned in 2023, Roe v. Wade had been overturned, abortion was virtually banned in Texas, and there was new momentum around bills to support pregnant women and families.

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Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, a Republican from Brenham, carried the bill on the Senate side, and said at a hearing that extending coverage was about making sure women who give birth to children in this pro-life environment are cared for  You cannot raise a child without being healthy.

The bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, and Abbott signed it into law in May 2023. HHSC submitted the waiver request to the federal government, which approved it last January. The state began offering extended coverage March 1, 2024.

Awareness among doctors

After all that back and forth, half-steps and setbacks, many doctors were unaware that the extended coverage was actually in effect, Texans Care for Children found in its survey. Some doctors found out for the first time through their billing departments. Several said they wanted more outreach from the state health agency and the managed care organizations, like a flyer or training for doctors.

The state could do a lot more in that area, said Helen Kent Davis, a senior policy advisor to the Texas Academy of Family Physicians. They've tried, to the extent that there's funding for outreach, to get the word out, but theres more to be done, for sure.

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In a statement, a spokesperson for Texas Health and Human Services Commission said they used a variety of approaches to inform the public about these changes, including calls and webinars, provider notices, posting information to their websites and working with managed care organizations to get the word out.

But knowledge gaps remain, Kent Davis said. As an example, she said pediatricians have not been educated on this change the way OB/GYNs and family physicians have. Since theyre seeing the baby regularly, these doctors could be a key ally in making sure the mom knows she still has coverage.

Doctors also report confusion about who is responsible for overseeing this year of health care. Texas Medicaid changed its policy to allow an OB/GYN to serve as a patients doctor for the whole year, but the survey found many doctors across specialties were not aware of that and, when asked, said they would prefer patients be handed off to a primary care provider.

Patients have been seeing their obstetrician this whole time and the health care system is not good at handing them back to a primary care physician for the rest of that period, Kent Davis said. This is a significant culture shift for patients and providers.

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And with a shortage of primary care physicians, especially in rural areas, more coverage doesnt automatically translate into more health care. One new mother in Mineral Wells told Texans Care for Children she would have to travel almost an hour to Fort Worth to see a primary care provider.

Every day, I get really bad headaches very bad headaches, she said. And its getting more consistent. I just deal with it.

Awareness among patients

In a state where almost half of all pregnant women typically lost insurance two months after giving birth, convincing new moms that they can continue engaging with the health care system has been an uphill battle. Home-visiting nurses, community health workers and others who work closely with new moms report significant confusion and resistance from patients.

They really had to talk their patients into accessing care, essentially, because theyre so used to not having coverage and so worried about the cost and having to absorb that personally, Forester said.

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It didnt help matters that this extended coverage finally went into effect amid a historic fracture to the states Medicaid system. For three years during the pandemic, states kept everyone enrolled in Medicaid, but in spring 2023, were allowed to move people off their rolls.

Texas removed more people, including postpartum women, faster than any other state, against federal guidelines, The Texas Tribune and ProPublica found. The state required almost everyone to resubmit documents proving their eligibility, rather than relying on automatic approvals like other states. More than a million people lost coverage for bureaucratic reasons like failing to return a form. The state has acknowledged some errors, which they later fixed.

Amid this upheaval, Texas implemented the extended coverage, including reinstating women who lost Medicaid at two months but were still in their one-year postpartum period.

It was really confusing for members who were like, you terminated my Medicaid a month ago, I have the notice, and then theyre told that its being turned back on for a few more months, Forester said. And its really hard for a doctor to be able to educate their patients when its totally dependent on where they are in the postpartum period.

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Splinter said hes had at least a dozen patients over the last year who had to call their managed care organization to get their coverage reinstated.

Im having to act a little like a social worker and educate the patient on who they need to call and what they need to say, he said. As a family physician trained in high-risk pregnancies practicing in an underserved area, Splinter said, theres only so much of me to go around, especially if I have to spend more time on non-doctor work like this.

A spokesperson for the state's health agency said everyone who was enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP during their pregnancy were automatically reinstated for the remainder of their postpartum period. While some of this is naturally sorting itself out the longer the policy is in effect, Splinter said he was surprised at the work his patients had to do to get the coverage they qualified for.

Youre leaving pregnant patients and new moms to fight up the chain and solve it themselves from the bottom he said. That just isnt the right way to be doing this.

More work to be done

As more new moms are able to take advantage of this extended coverage, doctors and advocates hope the health care system is able to meet their needs. In the short term, Splinter said, hes hopeful that the state can proactively go back through its records and ensure women who qualify for this coverage are actually getting it.

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In the long term, the state needs to address long-standing structural problems facing its health care system, like significant shortages in primary care and mental health providers. Advocates are pushing for increased reimbursement rates and reforms to the bureaucracy that providers must go through to accept Medicaid, to ensure doctors are willing to see these patients.

They also want Medicaid coverage to catch up to the extended time period women can receive these benefits.

For example, Texas Medicaid covers one postpartum depression screening, even though national groups recommend at least four, Kent Davis said. With an extra ten months of coverage, thats a lot more touch points for doctors to be screening patients for mental health needs. Shed also like to see Medicaid cover lactation support among other needs that can emerge in the first 12 months postpartum.

It takes a comprehensive strategy, Kent Davis said. Obviously the coverage issue was one part to address and, and were so happy that we were able to pass House Bill 12. But now that we have this coverage, what do we do to make sure women can get it?

Disclosure: Texans Care for Children has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.
The government has announced a series of measures to tackle people smuggling, including a new criminal offence of endangering the lives of others at sea.

Almost 37,000 people crossed the English Channel in small boats in 2024.

The number of people claiming asylum in the UK during the year to December 2024 was the highest since records began, in 1979.

How many people cross the Channel in small boats?

As at 10 February 1,554 people had crossed the Channel since the start of 2025.

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In 2024 as a whole, 36,816 were detected making the crossing.

The highest figures were for 2022, when 45,755 people arrived.

Since 2018, when figures were first recorded, more than 150,000 people have arrived in small boats.

[BBC]

Of those who arrived in 2024, more than 23,000 did so after Labour won the July 2024 general election.

The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill sets out Labour's plan to treat people smugglers like terrorists.

Suspects face travel bans, social-media blackouts and phone restrictions.

A new offence of endangering lives at sea will carry a jail term of up to five years.

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And those convicted of acts in preparation for smuggling - such as buying boat parts - will face up to 14 years in prison.

Separately, the government has issued guidance saying anyone entering the UK by an irregular route - such as a small boat crossing - will normally be refused citizenship.

Previously, refugees who entered this way could apply for citizenship after 10 years.

The Refugee Council estimates at least 71,000 people will be affected.

How many people die crossing the Channel?

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), a UN agency, tracks the number of people who die attempting to cross the Channel.

The IOM estimates that at least 78 migrants died in 2024, making it the deadliest year on record. It says that at least 225 migrants have lost their lives attempting to cross since 2018.

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Its figures include people who were travelling to a crossing point and died in other circumstances, such as car crashes or as a result of medical issues.

The Refugee Council said that government enforcement efforts have increased the dangers of crossings, with more people crammed into less seaworthy boats.

Who is crossing the Channel in small boats?

According to the latest Home Office figures, Afghans were the top nationality arriving by small boat in 2024, with just under 5,919.

Syrians made up the second largest group, followed by people from Iran, Vietnam and Eritrea.

These five nationalities accounted for 61% of all small-boat arrivals.

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Albanians were the top nationality detected arriving by small boat in 2022, with 12,658 arrivals, but only 616 people came from the country in 2024.

How many people seek asylum in the UK?

More than 108,130 people claimed asylum in the UK in the year ending December 2024, the Home Office figures show, the highest number since records began, in 1979, an increase of 18% compared with 2023, and almost twice the number in 2021.

The previous peak, of 103,000 was recorded in 2002, as people fled conflicts in Afghanistan, Somalia and Iraq.

Claims fell sharply after 2002, dropping to a 20-year low of 22,600 in 2010.

But numbers rose again throughout the 2010s, as refugees fled Syria, and have risen again recently, after an increase in recorded small-boat arrivals.

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And in 2024, almost one out of every three (32%) of those claiming asylum arrived via this route.

Where do UK asylum seekers come from?

In the year to December 2024, the largest number of asylum seekers came from Pakistan, with more than 10,500 applications.

A quarter of all applications came from people from Pakistan, Afghanistan (8,508) and Iran (8,099),

Ukrainian refugees who came to the UK after Russia's invasion of their country are not included in the figures.

As at 17 December 2024, 267,200 visas had been issued to Ukrainian refugees, who came through legal routes set up by the UK government.

There are also separate arrangements for a few other specific groups, such as some Afghan refugees and Hong Kong citizens.

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The Home Office figures show 91% of the 7,800 refugees resettled in the UK in 2024 arrived through the Afghan Resettlement Programme.

How many asylum cases are waiting to be processed?

Some people wait months or even years for their claims to be considered.

At the end of December 2024, 90,686 cases relating to 124,802 people were awaiting an initial decision.

That is 5% fewer than were waiting at the end of 2023 - but the the number of outstanding cases is still higher than before 2022.

Former Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had pledged to clear older claims by the end of 2023.

But 4,500 "complex cases" were still awaiting a decision at the end of December that year and 1,428 remained unresolved at the end of December 2024.

How many asylum seekers does the UK send back?

The Home Office can remove people with no legal right to stay in the UK, or refuse to let them enter.

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In the year to the end of December 2024,8,200 people who were not granted asylum were returned to their home country, an increase of 28% from 2023.

Albanians were the most common nationality for enforced returns in 2024 - 84%, compared with 87% of all returns in 2023.

Between 2018 and December 2024, 4,995 people who came to the UK in small boats were returned - about 3% of the total small-boat arrivals during the period.

How do UK small boat arrivals compare with those to Europe?

There were more than 180,000 arrivals by sea in Europe during 2024, with Italy receiving more than a third. Greece and Spain also received large numbers.

In 2023, there were 263,000 arrivals by sea in Europe.

[BBC]

How many people apply for asylum across Europe?

In the year ending September 2024, 1.11 million people claimed asylum in the European Union and European Economic Area, down 3% compared with the previous year.

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Germany received the most applicants, 294,415 - more than a quarter of the total.

France was second (162,390) followed by Italy (162,305), Spain (161,470) and the UK (99,790).
A St. Paul man who pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a child who had been trusted to his care was sentenced Wednesday to 364 days in the Ramsey County workhouse, with credit for 138 days served, on a felony count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor.

Akeem Adebayo Lamina, 56, pleaded guilty on Sept. 5 in Ramsey County District Court to one felony count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor. As part of a plea agreement, the prosecution agreed to dismiss one felony count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor. Lamina is required to register as a predatory offender for the remainder of his life.

Judge DeAnne Hilgers stayed a three-year prison term for five years, during which Lamina will be on supervised probation.

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According to court records, St. Paul police received a report in early 2020 of sexual assault of a child by Lamina. The child told a teacher that Lamina had taken her into his office and exposed himself.

The girl was brought to the Midwest Childrens Resource Center for an examination, where she disclosed details of several other incidents when Lamina sexually assaulted her. She said the instances happened at both his home and Laminas Maplewood grocery store, located in the 2000 block of East Minnehaha Avenue, where religious classes were held. Lamina did not teach the classes, according to Maplewood officials.

Investigators learned at the time that the childs mother is a friend of Laminas wife and that the couple often provided child care for the girl and her two brothers at their St. Paul home.

In a third case, Lamina was convicted by a jury of one felony count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor for assaulting an 11-year-old girl at the store during 2018 and 2019. He was given a three-year prison sentence which was stayed for 10 years of supervised probation by Ramsey County. He was also sentenced to 138 days, time that he had already served.

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In a victim impact statement by a childs mother read Wednesday, the mother called for the maximum sentence for Lamina. She described the lifelong trauma brought by Lamina, who had been trusted by others with the care of their children, and the bravery of her child.

Hilgers said Lamina had destroyed the trust others had placed in him as a care provider and faith leader. Following Laminas address to the court where he mentioned the loss and trauma he had experienced over the last several years, Hilgers said she couldnt imagine a more selfish way to respond.

 Stop abusing little girls. Stop ruining their lives, Hilgers said.

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  As dozens of active-duty military troops arrived along the U.S-Mexico border near San Diego within the past few days, they have become exposed to the environmental hazards many South Bay residents are already too familiar with.

The U.S. Marines were deployed to the border near the Tijuana River Valley last Friday under President Donald Trumps executive order to strengthen national security.

The Tijuana River, which crosses the border between San Diego and Mexico, has plagued the region with toxic sewage, trash and waste for several years.

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A survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in October 2024 showed residents in south San Diego County reported getting headaches, nausea or upset stomachs, cough and throat irritation due to the ongoing sewage contamination.

With raw sewage and chemicals flowing into the area, the Marines repositioned along the border are now being exposed to the same toxins. Local health officials warned of the potential consequences of working near a heavily polluted area.

Coast Guard stops boat carrying 21 people near Point Loma

After weve had these rains, the river is raging as it comes across the border, creating some of those problems weve had every winter when it rains, said Dr. Matt Dickson with South Bay Urgent Care. We get that aerosolization, that hydrogen sulfide smell, and that affects everyone in our community.

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Dickson told FOX 5/KUSI he is concerned about the military personnel who are unknowingly breathing in toxic waste.

People dont know theyre walking through sewage and when they have that smell  thats hydrogen sulfide, that is a toxic gas, especially at the levels that researchers have found, Dickson said.

Officials declined to provide FOX 5/KUSI with any specific details regarding what role the military personnel will play in the larger border crackdown. However, they indicated the troops are playing a supportive role, acting as extra eyes and ears for United States Border Patrol.

FOX 5/KUSIs Dan Plante contributed to this report. Watch his full report in the video player above.

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Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) on Wednesday hit President Trump over what he called photo op immigration raids following the presidents flurry of immigration orders.

I think an [Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)] raid, to me anyway, when youre going into a school or in a community, you do it very publicly with cameras, youre looking for a photo op  youre looking to intimidate people, Kelly said.

Kellys comments at the Politico Playbook: First 100 Days: Immigration event follow Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem joining agents working on an immigration enforcement operation in New York City on Tuesday morning. The newly confirmed DHS secretary shared a video of the operation the same day that showed law enforcement taking away a man in an undisclosed location in the city.

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Enforcement operation in NYC. Criminal alien with kidnapping, assault & burglary charges is now in custody  thanks to @ICE, Noem said in a Tuesday morning post on the social media platform X alongside the video. Dirtbags like this will continue to be removed from our streets.

Kelly said Wednesday that ICE raids into schools, scaring kids, when the plan was to go  look for criminals, I think this is  kinda flipping the script on the  on the American public.

Trump made immigration central to his 2024 presidential bid, and members of his administration have taken concerted attempts to tout any action taken on the matter during his first few days in office.

A top Department of Justice (DOJ) official and President Trumps border czar were recently in Chicago overseeing immigration enforcement efforts, according to officials.

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On Sunday, the Drug Enforcement Agencys Chicago division posted photos of border czar Tom Homan and acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove on social media. Bove and Homan, according to text that accompanied one of the photos, were at an operational pre-briefing in Chicago on Sunday.

President Trump received a historic mandate from the American people to secure our border, mass deport illegal immigrants, and put American citizens first, a spokesperson for the White House, Kush Desai, said in an email to The Hill. He will use every lever of executive and legislative power to deliver for the American people.

This story was updated at 5:41 p.m.

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Stock.adobe.com photo by smolaw11.

Maryland standardized reading test scores for fourth graders jumped from 40th in the nation in 2022 to 20th place in 2024, according to the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress report released Wednesday.

The NAEP, often referred to as the Nations Report Card, also said reading scores for Maryland eighth graders improved from 25th to 21st during the same period.

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State Superintendent Carey Wright said one reason for the gains is the fact that it has been a statewide priority to incorporate the science of reading in all 24 school systems, starting this school year. The program, which Wright led during her tenure as state schools chief in Mississippi, focuses on teaching students based on phonics, comprehension and vocabulary.

Youve got teachers and leaders that have been out there working on this already. Hats off to them, Wright said Wednesday.

It helped that the state Department of Education received a four-year, $6.8 million grant from the nonprofit Ibis Group of Washington, D.C. That includes $5.3 in online training for paraprofessionals, teachers and other staff in the science of reading program, and $1.5 million for Johns Hopkins University and the department to research the impact of teacher efficacy, teacher background knowledge and literacy leadership development.

Wright said the NAEP assessment is a big deal because it represents the only test in the nation that states can use to compare results and gives you a sense of where the bright spots are.

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NAEP is a congressionally mandated program conducted to assess student achievement. Maryland students are assessed every two years, in fourth and eighth grades, for reading and math. Science testing results are scheduled to be released later this year.

The highest score that can be reached is 500.

Marylands average fourth grade reading score was 216, compared to 212 in 2022. The average reading score in eighth grade was 258 in 2024, one point less than it was in 2022.

The states math rankings nationally for fourth and eighth grade students slightly increased from 42nd in 2022 for both grades. Last year the fourth graders improved to 39th place and eighth grade scores rose to 38th.

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The average math score for fourth graders was 234, compared to 229 in 2022; the average score for eighth-grade students was 268, one point lower than the score in 2022.

State Board of Education President Joshua Michael said those eighth-grade students are now ninth graders in high school.

One plan to improve scores is to boost college and career readiness, one of the five pillars, or priorities, in the Blueprint for Marylands Future education reform plan. Local school officials have said one gain made in the Blueprint plan has been expanded opportunities for high school students to take college courses locally for free, a plan known as dual enrollment.

Were bouncing back  in making some progress. We have a lot of work to do moving forward, Michael said.

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Trish Brennan-Gac, executive director of Maryland READS, said in a statement the NAEP results show the state is on the right track.

While we have not yet reached our ultimate goal, Maryland READS draws inspiration and motivation from the progress weve made on this journey, she said. We are committed to closing the literacy gap, and this is just the beginning.
Maryland leaders on Wednesday found little comfort in President Donald Trumps decision to rescind an order to freeze all kinds of federal grants  a move that sparked panic in the state and across the country on Tuesday before a federal judge suspended it.

Gov. Wes Moore, members of Congress and others continued to highlight the potential impacts of the original directive from Trumps budget office, which White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt insisted the administration would continue to pursue even as it reversed course on the formal order.

We are continuing to watch unrestrained chaos and contradictory guidance from this White House, adding to the confusion and fear that Marylanders are feeling right now, Moore said in a statement. A sustained, ideological federal funding freeze would threaten our economy, our jobs, our communities, and our people  from first responders to small businesses to seniors to middle-class families.

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Underscoring the whiplash in less than 48 hours, four of the states seven Democratic U.S. House members discussed the issue over lunch with Moore in Annapolis only to find out during a virtual House Democratic Caucus meeting afterward that the order was rescinded and the White House was simultaneously vowing to move rigorously to implement a funding freeze.

The flip flopping of direction, the lack of any type of clarity from this White House, is deeply concerning, U.S. Rep. Sarah Elfreth, an Anne Arundel County Democrat, said moments later when speaking to reporters in the State House. It makes it very difficult for us to do our jobs.

She and others have said their offices were inundated with calls from organizations that rely on federal funds as well as individuals, though the Trump administration clarified in one update that the order would not have applied to direct assistance programs like Medicaid or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

As lawmakers continue to make sense of which of the thousands of programs that could have been impacted, Elfreth said it was challenging when even members of Congress are not privy to any kind of secret clarifying memo to the clarifying memo that was just rescinded.

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We have as much information as the general public has, which is not helpful when we are on the front lines  when we have our mayors and our county executives, the presidents of our community colleges and hospitals, Boys and Girls Clubs, domestic violence shelters  calling us for direction, all of whom receive significant federal funds to perform their function, to perform their duties as a public service.

U.S. Reps. Steny Hoyer, of St. Marys County, and Johnny Olszewski Jr., of Baltimore County, stressed the confusion and fear they heard from constituents.

U.S. Rep. April McClain Delaney, of Montgomery County, said she was similarly hearing from groups throughout her district in Western Maryland, including the Frederick Police Department that she was visiting on Tuesday and where officers questioned their own federally backed law enforcement grants.

This is not over. This is going to be a long couple of years, McClain Delaney said.

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It was not immediately clear which types of federal grants the Trump administration was still looking to pause. Leavitt said Tuesday the goal of the order from the Office of Management and Budget was to comply with other executive orders Trump has signed in his first days after returning to office  including those that eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the federal government, gender-affirming care supported by federal funding and environmental programs.

This is NOT a rescission of the federal funding freeze, Leavitt posted on social media. It is simply a rescission of the OMB memo. Why? To end any confusion created by the courts injunction. The Presidents EOs on federal funding remain in full force and effect, and will be rigorously implemented.

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US Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-5th) and other House Democrats speak to reporters in in the Maryland State House about President Donald Trump's plan to freeze trillions in federal grants. (Photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters)

Maryland Democrats at the state and federal levels huddled Wednesday to figure out a response to a Trump administration proposal that threatened billions in federal aid to the state before apparently being reversed, all in the span of 48 hours.

Chaos was the word of the day.

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The chaos that is being created for messaging purposes by this administration to respond to the promises that the president made during the course of the campaign have been done, obviously, without significant thought, without significant planning, without significant notice, to those who would be affected, said Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-5th), not only in terms of those who administer programs, but those who are recipients of programs.

Hoyers comments came after a meeting at the State House by a delegation of congressional Democrats with Gov. Wes Moore.

It followed the release of a two-page memo Monday from the Office of Management and Budget that ordered federal agencies to freeze federal payments for 90 days so the payments could be reviewed for evidence of wokeness. That pause was supposed to take effect at 5 p.m. Tuesday, but a federal judge paused that effort Tuesday amid concerns that it undercut the constitutional spending authority granted to Congress, and the White House announced Wednesday that it was rescinding the memo on the freeze.

The freeze could have affected trillions in federal spending nationally  although no one seemed to be quite sure  and left the public with great uncertainty, fear and anxiety, Hoyer said.

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Conflicting messaging from the various memos created confusion as to whether certain benefits such as food assistance or Medicaid would be impacted by the federal freeze  despite White House assurances that those programs would not be affected.

US Rep. Sarah Elfreth (D-3rd). (Photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters)

We are not privy to any kind of secret clarifying memo to the clarifying memo that was just rescinded, said Rep. Sarah Elfreth (D-3rd), after the State House meeting. We have as much information as the general public has, which is not helpful when we are on the front lines, when we have our mayors and our county executives, the presidents of our community colleges and hospitals, Boys and Girls Clubs, domestic violence shelters, calling us for direction, all of whom receive significant federal funds to perform their function, to perform their duties as a public service.

Rep. Johnny Olszewski Jr. (D-2nd) said it was still unclear Wednesday whether a nationwide outage to a site where states access federal funds for Medicaid payments was related to the pause or just coincidental. But he said that, intentional or not, the Medicaid outage was indicative of the chaos created by the inconsistent memos.

Maryland Department of Health officials said they regained access to the Medicaid portal Tuesday evening, after losing access that morning, but were not certain the system is fully functional as of Wednesday.

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The system is critical to ensuring timely reimbursement for health care provided to Medicaid patients, Chase Cook, communications director for the health department, said in a statement. We are continuing to test the site amid these conflicting directives from the federal government.

An official with the Maryland Department of Human Services, confirmed that payments for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program  SNAP, sometimes called food stamps  are currently working and residents currently have access to those benefits.

Treasurer Dereck Davis (D) said during the Board of Public Works meeting Wesdnesday morning that what is happening at the federal level should surprise no one since much of it was promised by President Donald Trump during the campaign.

This is where we are, and this is where were going to be, at least through the next four years, Davis said, urging everyone, just to remain calm.

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We should come to expect the unexpected. We should come to expect that things are going to just be chaotic from time to time, and its just something that weve got to navigate, he said.

A spokesperson for Moore said the nine-day old Trump administration was sowing chaos and contradictory guidance  adding to the confusion and fear that Marylanders are feeling right now.

A sustained, ideological federal funding freeze would threaten our economy, our jobs, our communities, and our people  from first responders to small businesses to seniors to middle-class families, the spokesperson, Carter Elliott, said in a statement. The White House needs to clearly articulate their commitment to spending money constitutionally appropriated by Congress.

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In Maryland, the freeze could mean billions in lost aid, but Elfreth said the mere threat was already impacting every part of our districts, our state and this countryred and blue districts alike.

The confusion that was sown on Monday night by the original memo that is, frankly, nothing more than another shot at the culture war that the president denigrated over the course of the campaign, and yet is engaging in every single day that he has been president, sowed chaos and fear into many of our communities, she said.

The state received more than $23 billion in federal grants in fiscal 2023, Comptroller Brooke Lierman said, citing the most recently available fiscal year audit.

Comptroller Brook Lierman (D). (File photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters)

The decision by the Trump administration to attempt to freeze the disbursement of federal grants is deeply concerning because of potential impact on our residents, our communities, our businesses and nonprofits, Lierman said at the Board of Public Works meeting. And because of the chaotic nature of the announcement, the directives of the initial memo could have blocked funding for public safety grants, to law enforcement, disaster relief, to communities around the country.

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The federal funds also go toward transportation projects, substance abuse treatment, biomedical research, K-12 and higher education, work programs, small business loans, veterans and more.

The list goes on and on, Lierman said.

The comptroller warned that state officials should not assume that federal aid programs will exist in perpetuity.

They may not, she said.

 Reporter Danielle Brown contributed to this report.
The efforts to battle widespread fires across Los Angeles included aircraft drops of a bright red and pink substance.

The material covered forests, homes, cars, and other things in the path of the wind-fueled fires. Because the substance was dropped in many residential areas, some people have wondered how safe it is.

The material is a fire retardant. The kind dropped around Los Angeles was mostly a product called Phos-Chek. The substance has been used by the U.S. Forest Service to fight fires since the 1960s.

Jason Colquhoun is a 53-year-old pilot with HeliQwest, an aircraft company specializing in firefighting activities. He told the French news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP) that using the Barbie-pink material makes his job easier. "You can see it so easily ... it's amazing," he said.

Daniel McCurry is an associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Southern California. He said that in recent weeks, Phos-Chek had been dropped in residential areas more than ever before. That fact has led many to question its safety.

Phos-Chek is sold by fire protection equipment supplier Perimeter Solutions. It is a mixture of mostly ammonium phosphate or ammonium polyphosphate. These substances are also used to produce fertilizer. Other chemicals are added to the mixture to give it color. Perimeter told AFP the substance is designed to be one color. But it can look different depending on time of day, lighting, or smoke.

The bright pink color helps pilots as they try to make sure they have covered a whole area, Colquhoun explained. He noted that when pilots drop water from the air, they have to search for "the shine and the darkness" to know where to make the next drop. The colorful retardant, however, is "so much easier to spot," Colquhoun said.

McCurry said another reason it is better than water is that it keeps working even after the water it is mixed with dries. Phos-Chek is made thick so the wind does not blow it away and to ensure that it covers the desired area.

McCurry explained the substance works by forming a coating that will not burn. After the water dries up, the retardant keeps working until rain washes it into the ground. McCurry said a former firefighter told him that in a high-intensity fire the substance is "not much use." He added that the high winds driving the fires in Los Angeles may have limited its effectiveness.

U.S. Forest Service spokesperson Wade Muehlhof said the agency only uses retardants that meet U.S. government rules for not being harmful to animals, humans, or things living in water. He told AFP the Forest Service usually does not drop the retardant in waterways and areas home to endangered animals -- unless the fire is threatening human life or public safety. But accidents do happen, he said, and the wind may blow it into such areas.

McCurry said he believes Phos-Chek is likely not harmless to the environment now. But, he added, "On the other hand, the human health impact is still a little unclear." He noted that it would take "a lot" of retardant to poison, say, a large body of water.

But he said that as firefighters battled the Los Angeles fires, the substance was dropped on a lot of neighborhoods in unprecedented amounts. McCurry said Phos-Chek is more often used further from populated areas, or in lesser amounts. "So, who knows," he added.

Im Jill Robbins.

Huw Griffith and Sarah Titterton reported this story for Agence France-Presse. Jill Robbins adapted it for Learning English.

Quiz - Is the Pink Substance Dropped on LA Fires Safe? Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

____________________________________________________

Words in This Story

residential  adj. an area where people live

retardant  n. something that is able to slow down the progress or development of something

amazing  adj. causing great surprise or wonder

coating  n. a thin layer of material that covers the surface of something

impact  n. a powerful or major influence or effect

unprecedented  adj. never having happened before

What do you think of this story? Write to us in the Comments Section.
WASHINGTON  Almost nine months before Wednesday nights midair collision at Ronald Reagan National Airport, Marylands two U.S. senators warned about the safety implications of overcrowding the air space around the airport.

U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen and then-U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin joined their counterparts from Virginia to be the only four holdouts in the 100-member Senate to vote against a Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill.

Their concerns stemmed from a provision that added 10 new flights to DCA, one of the busiest airports in the country.

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Van Hollen said at the time that he was outraged about the change and that an amendment for additional safety measures was not brought up for a vote.

The runway at DCA is already the busiest in our nation and the addition of these 10 flights jeopardizes both its safety and operations, the Democratic senator said in a statement after voting against the bill. I am deeply concerned about the long-lasting implications this will have for my constituents who travel to and from DCA.

Cardin, a three-term Democrat who did not run for re-election last year, said at the time he was greatly disappointed that the amendments were blocked. The FAA itself indicated the added flights would add to already overburdened flight operations while the Senate instead prioritized convenience of a few senators over the safe operations of the busiest runway in the United States, he said in a statement.

The reauthorization passed in the Democratic-controlled Senate by a vote of 88 to 4. It passed 351-69 in the Republican-controlled House, with all eight Maryland representatives voting in favor.

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Officials said Thursday morning they believe there are no survivors of the crash between an American Airlines flight arriving from Wichita, Kansas and the Black Hawk helicopter that was operating around the airport.

Van Hollen said in a social media post he was monitoring the situation and was praying for those involved.

This story will be updated. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Janesch at sjanesch@baltsun.com.

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When you think of Gore-Tex, you may think of waterproof items like raincoats and outdoor gear.

What you might not know is that the chemicals used to make it are harmful, and Maryland is suing W.L. Gore & Associates, the producer of this material, to hold it accountable for the damage the production of Gore-Tex has caused.

According to Phys.org, the complaint filed in December "alleges the company polluted the air and water around its facilities with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, jeopardizing the health of surrounding communities while raking in profits."

What's happening?

The lawsuit says that the company's leaders didn't warn Maryland residents about the risks of living near these facilities in order to avoid liability.

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It states the company has left "a toxic legacy for generations to come."

This isn't the first lawsuit against Gore. A class action suit in 2023 required the company to pay for medical bills, damages, and water filtration systems due to the pollution in Cecil County that happened over decades.

"It is unacceptable for any company to knowingly contaminate our drinking water with these toxins, putting Marylanders at risk of severe health conditions," said Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown.

Gore was surprised by the state's lawsuit because of the work it had done to make up for the problems caused. Company spokesperson Donna Leinwand Leger said it had been in "proactive and intensive engagement with state regulators over the past two years."

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The complaint also demonstrates the links between DuPont and Gore, with Wilbert Gore leaving DuPont in 1958 to start his own company. The suit claims that DuPont has been aware of the adverse health effects since 1961.

How often do you worry about toxic chemicals getting into your home? Always Often Sometimes Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

Why are PFAS substances concerning?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are also known as PFAS or forever chemicals. The Environmental Protection Agency has stated that these chemicals have been used since the 1940s because of their useful properties. Unfortunately, they break down slowly and accumulate in the human body, which is part of the reason they are so harmful.

Studies have discovered several adverse health effects that forever chemicals have on humans, with exposure linked to decreased fertility, cancer, developmental issues, and a compromised immune system.

While Gore may be trying to do something about the harmful effects, Philip Federico, an attorney representing plaintiffs in the class action and other lawsuits against Gore, said it's "too little, much too late."

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He added: "It's typical corporate environmental contamination. They're in no hurry to fix the problem."

Many companies pretend to take environmental causes seriously while profiting from the harm  a practice known as greenwashing.

What's being done about PFAS?

Many lawsuits have been brought against companies like Gore. Their success varies, but in 2023, 3M announced it would stop making PFAS.

In 2023, Congress also proposed the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act, an extension to bills from 2020 and 2021. It has yet to be voted on.

You can use your voice to urge your representatives to take action on the bill.

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.
BOSTON (WWLP)  The Trump administration announced a federal funding freeze, stopping trillions of dollars flowing to the states and causing panic and outrage in Massachusetts, but shortly after, they rescinded the freeze.

The White House originally explained that the pause was meant to ensure all federal dollars were supporting President Trumps actions and initiatives. As of now, it is unclear why the move was reversed.

Easthampton businesses celebrate success with Chamber of Commerce

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Federal aid is a major source of revenue in Massachusetts, and the Massachusetts Attorney General (AG) Andrea Campbell is suing the Trump administration for this move alongside at least five other Democratic AGs.

Congress controls the purse strings, and the executive branch cannot decide to halt funding just because they dont like how Congress chooses to spend it, Campbell said.

The AG said Massachusetts is currently unable to access millions of Medicaid dollars, but the full impact of the freeze and the subsequent reversal remain to be seen.

Governor Healey spoke to reporters just minutes before the freeze was rescinded, and strongly condemned that course of action from the Trump administration.

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Yesterdays actions were devastating, an illegal abuse of power and an overreach by the president, Healey said.

The governor renewed her commitment to fighting for what is best for the Bay State, but it is unclear what actions that could include as the federal government goes back and forth on spending.

22News will keep you informed on how the freeze and unfreeze could affect western Massachusetts on air and online.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Just over a minute into the new kind of performance art that Donald Trump invented  signing papers in front of a live audience  someone in the crowd at Capital One Arena yelled, Sir, can I have a pen?

It was not just any old pen that the newly inaugurated president later tossed into the crowd, but a Sharpie, Trumps signing instrument of choice.

His presidency is a master class in permanent ink, said Palki Sharma in a segment on the show Vantage on FirstPost.

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The Midas touch turns things to gold; the Trump touch does that as well, even though an association with Trump can also be risky. Prior to Trumps reelection, for example, even generic red ball caps were an anathema to Trump haters.

Its unlikely, however, that Sharpies will suffer the same fate. Theyre too much a part of the culture, having achieved the status of Band-Aids and other brands so popular that their names are used even when people are talking about generics. They are a perennial feature of back-to-school shopping lists, a popular life hack and a way for Starbucks baristas to build brand loyalty.

And Sharpies are definitely having a moment  a long moment, dating to Sharpiegate in 2019 when a presidential tweet devolved into a brouhaha about whether Hurricane Dorian would affect Alabama.

That same year, Trump signed his name on part of a newly constructed border wall with a Sharpie.

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Of course, pens used by presidents have always been small things of great significance. Barack Obama, for example, used 22 different pens to sign the Affordable Care Act into law and then distributed them as souvenirs. Lyndon Johnson used more than 70 to sign the Civil Rights Act.

But Trump has taken bill signing to a whole new level  while using a marker that has given many a parent a headache.

Dad hack:

When your toddler draws on the carpet with an @sharpie, get down on your knees and scrub it for at least an hour with alcohol and a Bissel.

The stain will still be there, but at least your wife will be happy you tried to help. pic.twitter.com/Ry3mQPfdTd  f boyer (@mrfboyer) March 14, 2024

Even before he became president, Trump liked to use Sharpies to sign autographs, write notes and mark up printed news articles before sending them back to their authors, Michael Crowley wrote for The New York Times in 2019. Once in the White House, Trump disdained government-issued pens and reverted back to the Sharpie, even having the company make special ones for him.

Melanias dress design was inspired by Trumps sharpie signature. You can not convince me otherwise pic.twitter.com/G3MvtXEsiC  Stef Kight (@StefWKight) January 21, 2025

I was signing documents with a very expensive pen, and it didnt write well, Trump said in an HBO and Axios documentary. It was a horrible pen, and it was extremely expensive. And then I started using just a Sharpie, and I said to myself, Well wait a minute, this writes much better and this cost almost nothing.

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Well, it might have cost him almost nothing.

Black Sharpies with the Trump signature on them are being offered on eBay for up to $1,850, even without evidence that the pens were actually used by Trump.

And, of course, the web address GetTrumpPens.com says Launching Soon.
Days after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced it had begun enhanced targeted operations in the Chicago area, Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin said that the citys police department will not be enforcing federal immigration laws, continuing with a longstanding practice in Aurora.

In a statement sent to The Beacon-News Wednesday evening, Irvin said a persons legal status is not considered when Aurora police carry out their duties. That information is also not something the department collects or maintains for the purposes of deportation, he said.

It is the established practice in Aurora to abstain from enforcement in such matters, unless they pertain to criminal warrants or warrants based on criminal history, Irvin said in the statement. In such instances, the city remains fully committed to protecting and upholding the safety and well-being of our community.

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The city of Auroras population is more than 40% Hispanic, according to the most recent census data, which is a higher percentage than both Chicago and the state. Over 25% of Auroras population from 2019-2023 was also foreign-born, as compared to roughly 14% in Illinois and just over 20% in Chicago, census data shows.

In its own statement posted to social media Wednesday evening, the Aurora Police Department said its policies and practices are aligned with the principles of the Illinois Trust Act, which took effect in 2017. Based on those policies, Aurora police officers are not allowed to stop, arrest, search or detain people based only on their citizenship or immigration status, the statement said.

These policies have not changed, and our focus remains on enforcing state and local laws to ensure public safety, police officials said in the statement.

Residents who have specific questions around recent federal immigration policies should reach out to the Aurora Police Department, according to the statement. Police officials said their commitment to fostering trust, transparency, and open communication with all members of our diverse community remains unchanged.

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The only time the Aurora Police Department would be involved in something related to immigration enforcement is if U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were arresting a person who had committed a crime in or around the city, and Aurora police officers were on-scene to protect other residents during the arrest to make sure no one got involved or got hurt, Irvin told The Beacon-News before President Donald Trumps inauguration earlier this month.

However, he said it is not the Aurora Police Departments job to assist ICE in executing their jurisdiction.

What Ive always said, and what I contend to this day, is that a municipality doesnt have the resources and should not be engaging in the federal governments job or jurisdiction, so there should be no Aurora police officers participating with ICE arresting folks that are undocumented, Irvin said.

Although the Aurora Police Department does not and will not work with ICE under most circumstances, Aurora is not a sanctuary city, according to Irvin.

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Since U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has jurisdiction over immigration, there is absolutely nothing a governor or a mayor can do if the agency decides to come to a certain state or city, Irvin said. To suggest Aurora is a sanctuary city would be to falsely tell people that I can protect them from ICE and the federal government, which is absolutely incorrect based on the law, he said.

The Justice Department has recently ordered federal prosecutors to investigate and potentially criminally charge state or local officials whom the prosecutors think are standing in the way of the Trump administrations immigration enforcement efforts. The Justice Departments civil division was also tasked with identifying state and local laws and policies that threaten to impede the Trump administrations immigration efforts and, potentially, challenging them in court.

Last week, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued updated guidance to state, county and local law enforcement around immigration law.

State law does not grant local law enforcement the authority to enforce federal civil immigration laws, Raoul said in a news release. 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.

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The Kane County Sheriffs Office continues to follow the Illinois Trust Act and is not allowed to assist ICE because of that law, Sheriff Ron Hain said in a recent statement.

Kane County States Attorney Jamie Mosser said that law also stops her office from helping with any immigration enforcement operations, including arrests or detentions, unless presented with a federal criminal warrant or explicitly required by federal law.

Our focus remains on prosecuting criminal offenses and ensuring justice for all members of our community, regardless of immigration status, Mosser said.

DuPage County States Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statement that his office, along with all other DuPage County law enforcement agencies, have received training on the Trust Act and other applicable state law and will continue to comply with all provisions of those acts.

Beacon-News reporter Molly Morrow contributed.

rsmith@chicagotribune.com
MADISON, Ala (WHNT)  When many think of McDonalds, Big Macs, fries, or a McFlurry come to mind, but one North Alabama woman will think of her education.

I originally started as a crew person when I was 15 for a completely different owner-operator, and McDonalds values is something that I have always just really loved, said Crystal Lackey.

Download the WHNT News 19 App to stay updated on the go.

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Over the past twenty years, shes moved up throughout the company, earning the title of payroll manager. She did it without a college degree, but that was until she heard of McDonalds Archways for Opportunities scholarship program.

I wanted to go back to school to finish my degree, and when McDonalds and Archways came out with a tuition program to pay 100% for your college degree, I thought, why not? said Lackey.

She got a bachelors degree in business management without paying a penny, graduating in just two years, and at the top of her class, all while still working full time.

Its a feeling of accomplishment that I didnt think that I was going to be able to have on my own because college is very expensive, she said. Then when you have that degree in your hand. youve made it.

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Steve Johnson is the owner and operator of a variety of North Alabama McDonalds locations. He said their entire company is beyond proud.

Shes gone to school, gotten her degree, and really been an example for other employees about how you can continue to learn, move up and create opportunities for yourself, said Johnson.

He is the owner and operator of a variety of North Alabama McDonalds locations.

However, shes not the only employee taking strides towards a degree.

We also have folks that are taking college classes of all ages that work for us, so its not just young students, its students of all ages, he said.

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Lackey said all the hard work was worth it.

Its one of the biggest and greatest things that Ive ever done in my life, and I am very very happy and very proud to have that, she said.

Johnson said anyone who works 15 hours a week and has worked more than 90 days is eligible for the program. If you are interested in applying for a job, you can apply on Johnson Partners 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 WHNT.com.
A correction officer at the troubled MDC Brooklyn federal jail showed up to work wearing a protective vest stuffed with pot, cigarettes and other contraband, federal prosecutors allege.

Najee Jackson, 32, whod been on the job at the Metropolitan Detention Center for just over a year, tried to smuggle in the banned items when he reported for his night shift on Jan. 21, according to court filings. But he never got past the jails metal detector, which according to a criminal complaint also scans for unusually dense objects, federal prosecutors allege.

He triggered the detectors alarm six times, removing his personal items, his two coats, and finally his vest, in an attempt to get past without the scanner beeping, the feds allege.

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He cleared the detector without the vest, but a search of the garment ended his ruse, the feds allege. His fellow correction officers found four vacuum-sealed bags, three with cigarettes, the fourth with pot, according to a criminal complaint.

He also had two lighters and a box of rolling papers on him, the feds allege.

Two days later, Jackson quit his job, and on Wednesday, federal authorities arrested him.

He was arraigned in Brooklyn Federal Court Wednesday and ordered released on $10,000 bond. His lawyer declined comment Thursday.

As alleged, Najee Jackson violated his duty and abused his position of trust as a correctional officer by attempting to smuggle contraband into the very institution he was sworn to protect, U.S. Attorney John J. Durham said.

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MDC Brooklyn, the citys only federal jail, has been plagued by violence, horrific conditions and severe staffing shortages for years, drawing scrutiny from judges in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Long Island. The jail houses high-profile inmates like Sean Diddy Combs and alleged CEO killer Luigi Mangione.

Jackson is the latest correction officer there charged with sneaking contraband inside. In August, Fabienne Osias, 40, admitted in federal court she tried to sneak five USB charging cubes and nine cables to an inmate.

In July, former Correction Officer Quandelle Joseph was sentenced to 2 years behind bars for taking bribes to smuggle contraband into the federal jail.

Another correction officer, Leon Wilson, was busted in September on charges he chased a BMW for miles out of the jails staff parking lot in 2023 and shot one of its occupants, even though he had no legal authority to pursue the car past the jails property line.

Wilsons defense lawyer defense lawyer said he was trying to prevent them from smuggling contraband into the jail.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trumps pick to lead the nations top health department, was repeatedly pounded with his own past remarks on Wednesday at a tumultuous confirmation hearing in Washington, D.C.

Appearing before members of the Senate, the former presidential candidate frequently sought to deny that he had made controversial statements on topics ranging from vaccines to pervasive H5N1 bird flu that is currently proliferating around the U.S.

I believe that vaccines play a critical role in health care, he told the committee.

Robert F. Kennedys past remarks on multiple subjects were called into question (AFP via Getty Images)

But, many of Kennedys previous statements have been at odds with his current positions, raising concerns about what stances he might take in the future, should he be confirmed.

Vaccines

Kennedy said Wednesday that he is not anti-vaccine.

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He has previously called Covid vaccine shots the deadliest vaccines ever made, saying it was criminal malpractice to give them to children. Studies have shown that vaccines helped to prevent millions of deaths in the U.S.

Kennedy has falsely linked vaccines to various medical conditions, including autism.

I do believe that autism does come from vaccines, he said last year in an interview with Fox News Jesse Watters.

The neurodevelopmental disability is caused by differences in the brain that affect communication and social interaction.

In December, The New York Times reported that the lawyer helping Kennedy pick federal health officials for the incoming administration had petitioned the government to revoke its approval of the polio vaccine.

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Kennedy is also the former chairman of Childrens Health Defense, a non-profit group that regularly publishes stories calling the effectiveness of multiple vaccines into question.

I support the measles vaccine. I support the polio vaccine, Kennedy said Wednesday. I will do nothing as HHS secretary that makes it difficult or discourages people from taking either of those vaccines.

Bird flu

As bird flu continues to spread across the country this month, Kennedy told hearing attendees that he believes the H5N1 virus is responsible for the outbreak.

Citing a recent book that she did not name, Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith said Kennedy had questioned the scientific basis for germs causing disease and the power of vaccine and antibiotics.

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Ive never questioned that, senator, Kennedy replied.

Over the summer, when human cases were lower, Kennedy wondered why the government needed a vaccine.

Will there be another lab-derived pandemic? Not on my watch! he wrote.

In May of 2022, just months into the current outbreak, he wrote that bird flu is notoriously harmless to humans, but accused billionaire Bill Gates and the nations former top infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci of funding research to develop a bird flu pathogen capable of infecting humans.

Kennedy is the author of a book denouncing Fauci.

Of the cases reported in the Western Pacific Region from January 2003 through this past September, the World Health Organization said that there was a fatality rate of 54 percent.

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Kennedy has promoted raw milk, which has been tied to exposure to the virus.

Bioweapons

Kennedy has previously stated that Covid-19 could be a bioweapon that may have been ethnically targeted.

Covid-19. There is an argument that it is ethnically targeted. Covid-19 attacks certain races disproportionately, Kennedy told The New York Post in 2023. Covid-19 is targeted to attack Caucasians and black people. The people who are most immune are Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese.

I didnt say it was deliberately targeted; I just quoted an NIH-funded and NIH published study, he said Wednesday.

Scientists said Kennedys statements distorted the studys findings.

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Kennedy also told Colorado Sen. Michael Bennett he probably said Lyme disease is highly likely a militarily-engineered bioweapon.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted to humans and animals through the bites of infected ticks.

Measles

Kennedy would not accept responsibility for a drop in vaccinations and subsequent deaths in Samoa following a trip there in 2019, saying it had nothing to do with vaccines.

While he was there, Kennedy met with government officials and anti-vaccine activists. One influencer posted a photo of herself and Kennedy on Instagram, calling the meeting profoundly monumental for the movement.

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A few months later, a deadly measles epidemic broke out, resulting in the deaths of dozens. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green and subsequent media reports have blamed Kennedy for the deaths.

Kennedy has previously denied having anything to do with people not getting vaccinated.

You can not find a single Samoan who will say, I didnt get a vaccine because of Bobby Kennedy, he said Wednesday. I went in June of 2019. The measles outbreak started in August. So, clearly I had nothing to do with the measles.

Kennedy returns from a break during his Wednesday confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Kennedy said he supports vaccines (AP)

Abortion Rights

Kennedy confirmed he had said that he is pro-choice, but agrees with Trump that every abortion is a tragedy now.

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You have clearly stated in the past that bodily autonomy is one of your core values. The question is, Do you stand for that value or not? asked New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan. When was it that you decided to sell out the values you've had your whole life in order to be given power by President Trump?"

When questioned about whether federal law protects a pregnant womans right to emergency care if she has a life-threatening, incomplete miscarriage in an emergency room in a state where abortion is restricted, he said he didnt know.

Last year, during an interview with podcaster Sage Steele, he said he would support allowing women to have abortions at full term.

But, days later, wrote that he would allow appropriate restrictions on abortion in the final months of pregnancy, just as Roe v. Wade did.

I serve at the pleasure of the president. Im going to implement his policies, Kennedy said Wednesday.

With reporting from The Associated Press
At least four cases of measles, including two involving school-aged children, have been reported in Texas in less than two weeks, putting state health agencies on alert.

For some communities, this is the first case of measles in more than 20 years.

Lara Anton, spokesperson for the Texas Department of State Health Services, said the agency sent out an alert to health providers statewide once measles were confirmed to be found in two adult residents in Harris County last week.

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The alert stated that both individuals reside in the same household and were unvaccinated against measles. These were the first confirmed cases of measles reported in Texas since 2023, when two were reported.

Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease. General symptoms may include fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and a full-body rash. This disease can cause serious health consequences and even death, especially for young and unvaccinated children.

About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the U.S. who get measles will be hospitalized, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Up to three of every 1,000 children who become infected with measles may die from respiratory and neurologic complications.

Houston Health Department officials say the cases of measles were associated with the pairs recent international travel and released a list of possible locations and dates where members of the public might have been exposed.

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The state health agency also confirmed two measles cases in the South Plains, both involving school-aged children who were not vaccinated. Anton said they were hospitalized and have since been discharged.

Katherine Wells, the Lubbock Health Department's health director, said the children were treated at a Lubbock health care facility. They were from the area, but not Lubbock residents. Wells said at this time, there are no known sites of exposure outside the health care facility where they were tested. Since Lubbock is the medical hub for the South Plains, they traveled to Lubbock for testing.

Were working with the South Plains Public Health District and our medical partners to work and identify where there could have been some community exposures, Wells said. The state health agency is helping with the disease investigation in Lubbock and the South Plains region.

Wells said the community should be aware of the cases, as well as health care professionals who see rashes or high fevers from their patients.

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We want people to know there were some cases here, Wells said. So if they have concerns and are unvaccinated, call your health provider or the health department for more information.

Wells said that the last measles case in Lubbock County was in 2004.

Austin Public Health has also sent an alert about the potential measles outbreak, urging residents to take proactive measures to protect themselves and their families. The last confirmed measles case in the city of Austin was in December 2019.

Vaccination is our best defense against measles and other preventable diseases, said Desmar Walkes, medical director and health authority for Austin/Travis County. By staying up to date on vaccinations, we not only protect ourselves but also the most vulnerable members of our community.

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The recent upswing in cases statewide comes as the measles vaccination rate among kindergarteners has dropped, from almost 97% in the 2019-2020 school year to 94.3% in 2023-24. Texas is among the majority of states that have seen vaccination declines since the pandemic.

In March 2024, there were already more reported cases of measles than in all of 2023, according to the CDC.

A result of the countrys vaccination program, measles was officially eliminated from the United States in 2000, meaning the disease has not spread continuously for over 12 months.

Experts recommend that children get the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine in two doses: the first between 12 months and 15 months of age and the second between 4 and 6 years old. One dose is about 93% effective at preventing measles infection, and two doses are about 97% effective.

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Other diseases considered long-forgotten are also now making a comeback.

Whooping cough is returning to pre-pandemic levels. Polio, another disease thought to be eradicated, was detected in New York State wastewater in 2022.

Vaccine proponents fear statewide disease trends will worsen as Texas lawmakers this legislative session try to weaken vaccine mandates and more families opt out of immunizations.

Since 2018, the requests to the Texas Department of State Health Services for an exemption form have doubled from 45,900 to more than 93,000 in 2024.

Lawmakers have filed more than 20 vaccination-related bills, including a House joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Texas Constitution to preserve Texans right to refuse vaccination.

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President Donald Trumps re-election and his selection of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as his choice for U.S. Health and Human Services secretary has boosted the vaccine choice movement. Kennedy has previously made controversial comments about vaccines, which include linking them to autism in children.

During his confirmation hearing this week, U.S. Senators questioned his trip to Samoa in 2019, months before 83 people, mostly children, died of a measles outbreak there.

Kennedy has recently walked back some of his statements during the hearing, saying he is not anti-vax but pro-safety when asked to clarify his stance on vaccines.

I support the measles vaccine. I support the polio vaccine. I will do nothing as HHS secretary that makes it difficult or discourages people from taking anything, he said.

Correction, Feb. 18, 2025 at 7:41 p.m. : A previous version of this article misspelled the first name of Lara Anton, the spokesperson for the Department of State Health Services.
Katie Klingsporn

WyoFile

On a tract of public land near Dubois, an extrusion of very old rock  known as the lower Popo Agie Formation  peeks out of a hillside. To the unskilled eye, it just looks like a patch of pinkish-red rocks amid the grassy slopes.

But in 2013, a team of scientists who specialize in ancient history visited the site and found much more. The extrusion was rife with fossils, enough to keep the scientists busy for the dozen years that have since passed. Along with revisiting the site to look for more samples, the University of Wisconsin Geology Museum team has been doing painstaking work to date the rock and recreate the creatures bones that were fossilized there.

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What they found is remarkable: North Americas oldest-known dinosaur. The discovery brought scientific advances that revise the understanding of reptile evolution on the planet. It also broke a long scientific naming tradition with a nod to Wyomings Indigenous people.

Meet Ahvaytum bahndooiveche. The dinosaur is slightly larger than a chicken, with a long tail, beaklike mouth and feathers. It lived a very, very long time ago: 230 million years in the past.

Along with being the oldest known dinosaur found in North America, its also the first dinosaur named in the Shoshone language  scientists teamed up with Eastern Shoshone tribal members on the project.

So thats kind of the back side of this story that, to me, is the most important, said Dr. David Lovelace, a research scientist at the University of Wisconsin Geology Museum who co-led the work with graduate student Aaron Kufner. And then just the icing on the cake is that the dinosaur itself is a big deal. Scientifically, we didnt quite recognize how big it was until we got actual radioisotopic ages.

Bones and stones

Lovelace grew up in Casper. He originally set out to become a nurse after high school, but Casper College geology professor Kent Sundell opened his world to paleontology, he said, and he never turned back. I love bones and stones.

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Once he finished his doctorate, he became a research scientist at the University of Wisconsin Geology Museum. On his very first field season, he took students to the Wyoming site  a tiny little pocket of exposure that was surrounded by much, much younger rock. They discovered the Ahvaytum fossils on the ground surface during that first trip.

Such a notable discovery with so little effort is very lucky, Lovelace said.

But its not totally random. Lovelace was driven by a curiosity about the Popo Agie Formation, which he said is one of the most understudied late Triassic rock units in the U.S.

Because of factors like access, the Popo Agie is a difficult layer to study compared to other Triassic outcrops, like ones in the desert Southwest, he said. As a result, there is a lot of knowledge about the Southwest rocks and fossils, and not so much about the Wyoming ones.

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And so even knowing how the Wyoming Triassic correlated, how it is related to those rocks, was not studied at all, he said. So thats been my passion, trying to solve that problem.

The team found fossils of leg bones on the first prospecting trip, and knew very quickly that it was a dinosaur and Wyomings oldest, Lovelace said. But because nobody knew the age of the Popo Agie, they didnt know how ancient it was.

It literally had, like a 30-million-year potential range of what it could be, he said. Just off the bat, we had Wyomings oldest dinosaur. We knew that that could have been a thing and been pretty cool. But my study, or my interest, is to really dig deep and kind of flesh out the whole story.

In order to pin down the dinos age, he said, he and his team needed to precisely date the rocks. It took years of painstaking work to conduct the stratigraphy  the study of rock strata  and analyze the fossils of both Ahvaytum and other species they discovered. Ultimately, the team dated the dinosaur fossil at 230 million years.

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The dinos age is remarkable because it challenges the mainstream view on how reptiles emerged, with evidence that they were present in the Northern Hemisphere millions of years earlier than previously understood.

When we saw that, Lovelace said, it kind of blew our minds.

Whats in a name

When publishing about the new dinosaur, Lovelaces team began going down the traditional path dictated by the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, which stipulates the use of Latin and character style and often honors a notable scientist.

At the time, there was a lot of social reckoning taking place, Lovelace said, and his team started thinking about the ancestral land where the fossils were discovered. They reached out to their campus tribal liaison, who connected the team with the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes.

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That started a partnership thats still ongoing, Lovelace said.

The team worked with tribal elders and school groups, visiting the site together and exchanging knowledge. And in the end, the dinosaur was named in the language of the Eastern Shoshone, whose ancestral lands include the discovery site. Elders like Reba Teran were instrumental in helping identify the terms.

Ahvaytum bahndooiveche broadly translates to long ago dinosaur in the Shoshone language. Several tribal members are named as co-authors in the published work. That includes Teran and Amanda LeClair-Diaz, the Indian education coordinator at Fort Washakie School.

The continuous relationship developed between Dr. Lovelace, his team, our school district and our community is one of the most important outcomes of the discovery and naming of Ahvaytum bahndooiveche, LeClair-Diaz said in a news release.

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Typically, the research process in communities, especially Indigenous communities, has been one sided, with the researchers fully benefiting from studies, LeClair-Diaz continued. The work we have done with Dr. Lovelace breaks this cycle and creates an opportunity for reciprocity in the research process.

The old way of naming was often divorced from the communities of people connected to the land or species, Lovelace said. But our philosophy is that it needs to go a lot more beyond just kind of naming it after something. We really want to incorporate that community.

Diminutive cousin

Though the dinosaur is small, Lovelaces team believes Ahvaytum bahnooiveche is likely related to sauropods, a group of enormous herbivorous dinosaurs that included well-known titanosaurs.

His best guess is that the Ahvaytum lived in a landscape much like present-day coastal Texas, he said, with periods of both wetness and aridity. Although scientists havent found its skull material, based on other similar dinosaurs, it was likely omnivorous.

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The discovery site has also been a source of fossils for a new species of amphibian, other dinosaur fossils and notable tracks. And, Lovelace said, theres still work to be done.

It goes to show the depth of knowledge that can be gained with some curiosity  even in what appears to be an unremarkable patch of rocky soil in the middle of Wyoming.

Theres so much history tied up in the rocks, Lovelace said.

This story was first published in WyoFile
President Donald Trumps attempts to transform the federal workforce into a tool for the conservative movement  including by trying to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion programs and his administrations efforts to convince federal workers to resign  is drawing attention to the deeply consequential Office of Personnel Management.

Wired magazine dropped a report Tuesday highlighting the various associates of X owner Elon Musk who have been tapped to work for the office, which is essentially the human resources department for the federal government.

But one reprehensible figure  OPMs new general counsel, Andrew Kloster, who in 2023 described himself as a raging misogynist in a since-deleted tweet  is starting to garner some attention as well.

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On Tuesday, the Project on Government Oversight published a report on Kloster, sounding the alarm on the potential dangers he poses as he offers legal guidance to the federal government.

As the nonpartisan watchdogs Nick Schwellenbach reports:

Kloster, who is now responsible for advising the governments H.R. department, has a long history of racist and sexist online comments and social media posts. In a [2012] response to a post on The Volokh Conspiracy legal blog, as reported by The Daily Beast, Kloster wrote, Consent is probably modern societys most pernicious fetish. He also has written online [in 2023] that Slaves owe us reparations. In 2023 ... he tweeted, I need a woman who looks like she got punched. POGOs queries sent to OPM and Kloster sought comment on these and other statements; neither addressed these questions.

But wait, theres more:

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Kloster is a fierce partisan. While he was working as deputy general counsel at OPM in 2020, the Associated Press reported that Kloster worked as an observer for the Wisconsin Republican Party on election night and was accused of yelling at election workers and police in Green Bay, a claim he disputes. He was directly involved in efforts to legally challenge the results of the 2020 presidential election by working for a controversial, taxpayer-funded effort in Wisconsin that ultimately found no widespread fraud. Days after the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, he responded to a tweet raising a scenario that could spark a civil war with hand clap emojis between the words Do it.

(The Project on Government Oversight reported that Kloster responded to only one part of its query, saying that one of the accusations against him was false. POGO said it didnt include that particular claim in its report and that OPM did not respond to repeated requests for comment.)

Imagine if you discovered that the HR rep in your workplace had engaged in this kind of deplorable behavior. There would be no reason for you to expect this person to operate with the level of sanity and sensibility needed to run a workplace effectively.

And with someone like Kloster in the ranks, its no wonder the first week of Trumps second term has been rife with all sorts of bigoted and dictatorial policy proposals.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  Those who were living in the Stonegate Place Apartments are invited to take part in a community meeting.

First Ward Councilman Rev. Todd Johnson is hosting the meeting after the recent fire at the apartment complex that displaced multiple families.

Community Legal Aid attorneys will also be at the meeting to inform residents of their rights.

Johnson said they are looking to take legal action to force the sale of the property to someone who would restore the property to acceptable living conditions.

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The meeting is tonight at 5:30 p.m. at the Warren Family Mission.

Transportation will be provided by Second Baptist Church for anyone who needs it; they would just have to the church to arrange 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 WKBN.com.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  On Jan. 30, attorneys representing an advocacy organization for black farmers are scheduled to go before an appeals court to argue their case about expanding payments to more farmers, previously excluded from a recent government assistance program.

Meanwhile, a months-long WREG investigation reveals complaints from several of the organizations members who say the group claiming to help them is, in fact ,hurting them.

Consider it a calling Stephanie Smith hadnt planned to answer. As a young woman, Smith says she didnt see herself living on a farm, let alone helping to tend to cows.

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Now, I couldnt imagine myself anywhere else. This home, this is us, said Smith as she leaned on a fence that separates their home from the rest of the land on their sprawling property.

Smiths husband is a fourth-generation farmer in West Tennessee.

Its so important that we keep all of this in the family, said Smith.

But carrying on that legacy, including caring for cattle on 50-plus acres isnt easy or cheap.

Smith explained to WREG, You have to buy food, you have to make sure that theyre warm, you have to make sure that they are healthy.

So after being denied government loans in the past, the Smiths decided to apply for the U.S. Department of Agricultures Discrimination Financial Assistance Program.

DFAP would issue payments to farmers and ranchers to help grow or start operations.

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MSCS could file lawsuit if state takes over the school board

Smith said, We were thinking, this is going to be just what we need.

Smith says her family met with a group led by a local pastor and his wife to learn more about the program.

They talked a lot about racism over the years and how hard it was for people to even complete the application process, Smith told the NewsChannel 3 Investigators.

She says they were also encouraged to become a part of the Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association.

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The national organization headquartered in Memphis has been around for nearly 30 years and boasts about its history of helping black farmers.

In order for them to be able to assist us, we needed to join their organization. So there was a $100 fee, said Smith.

Smith continued, They did stress to us, were not charging you to complete the 40 pages, but you do have to give us a donation.

That donation, according to Smith, was $40.

However, Smith explained it seemed like a small price to pay for the assistance of people who understood the paperwork.

Smith walked us through how it was presented to them, We know what theyre looking for. We understand the language and were going to take care of that entire process for you.

So Smith added, We felt like we were going to be in good hands.

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The DFAP application deadline was extended from October of 2023 to Jan. 17, 2024.

Smith said months passed, and they never heard anything, except a request for an additional donation from the couple theyd handed over payments to and lots of personal information to file on their behalf.

And because farming is a family affair, Smiths sister-in-law Mildred and her husband who help with the cattle and farm row crops also joined in, along with other relatives.

So at this point, theyve gotten a total of $260, you know, per person, explained Smith.

Then in August of 2024, Stephanie Smiths husband received a letter from the USDA.

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She read it aloud to WREG as we sat in her kitchen on a late summer afternoon.

This letter is to inform you that your application has not been found eligible for financial assistance under the parameters of the program.

The reason cited in the letter read, The application was submitted after the deadline.

Smith explained their confusion after receiving the letter, We came to you and we gave our money to you all the way back in October, long before any deadline.

Her sister-in-law Mildred Smith said, You guys  took our money and we need to know whats going on!

Smiths denial letter is dated Aug. 1. A day earlier, the USDA announced it issued more than $2 billion in payments to more than 40,000 applicants for its Discrimination Financial Assistance Program.

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Smith said when she called the couple that helped them she was told, Oh dont worry about that, that letter is a scam.

However, the Smiths denial letter was no scam. In fact, around the same time, the USDA was warning about scams on its website.

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A spokesperson told the WREG Investigators, We are aware of scams misleading people to believe the program will reopen, which is not true, and that some organizations have collected fees from potential applicants under false pretenses.

After getting the runaround, including claims of a system crash, Smith says from the people who agreed to help file the application, she called the USDA directly and said a representative told her exactly when the application was submitted.

Thats so unfortunate because we received your application June 11th, 2024, said Smith of what she learned after reaching out to the DFAP hotline included on their denial letter.

That date was five months after the deadline.

WREG asked Smith, How did you feel when you heard all of that from DFAP?

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She replied, We were hurt, theres no other word. We were hurt.

The USDA sent WREG a list of organizations it contracted with that held free meetings across the country to educate people about its Discrimination Financial Assistance Program. The Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association wasnt one of them.

We tried to speak with James Williams, who Smith says signed them up for BFAA, taking their membership dues and that donation.

Mr. Williams answered the door and after introducing ourselves, The WREG Investigators explained we were working on a story about DFAP and we had received some complaints from people who said that their applications were not submitted.

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Williams replied, I decline to comment on this time. Well get back with you later.

We never heard back from Mr. Williams, but asked BFAAs president and founder Thomas Burrell if he was familiar with Williams, his wife or the complaints surrounding his organization.

The WREG Investigators asked Burrell, Did you all ask people or require them to pay to join and then sign up before engaging in conversation about DFAP or anything else that you all were working on at the time?

He replied, There is an emphatic answer to that one Zaneta, and its no.

We continued, Okay because these folks, they, several of them submitted to Pastor James and Marcia Williams, who said they were working for the organization.

Burrell continued, Trust me, no one in this office, the individuals that you just name does not work (here). Theyre not affiliated with this office.

Formerly incarcerated struggle to find housing, making re-entry harder

In fact, Burrell says his organization encouraged their members not to apply for the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program.

They sued the head of the USDA in federal court, on the basis that DFAP should allow applications submitted on behalf of estates, or heirs of farmers who have since passed away.

As long as USDA is discriminating against Black farmers, why shouldnt there be a means to compensate these individuals?, was the question Burrell posed about DFAP in explaining why they sued.

The WREG Investigators also asked Burrell if he filled out an application himself.

No. I didnt think it would have been right for me to fill out that application and get paid and at the same time advocating that theres something wrong and suing USDA, said Burrell.

BFAAs case is headed to a federal appeals court. Oral arguments are scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 30.

If we prevail in this lawsuit, those very individuals, except the ones who swung at the foul ball, will be a part of this, Burrell told WREG.

Meanwhile, Smith told WREG that as of fall 2024, They are still taking applications, they are still getting money from families and so for us, it, you know, became we have to stop them.

Smith says they havent been able to get a copy of her husbands application from DFAP, but the denial letter shows it was submitted in his late fathers name.

This is submitted like hes alive, a living person, said Smith, who told WREG that was a big concern.

Smith filed a complaint against the Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association with the USDAs Office of Inspector General and the Tennessee Attorney General, where the WREG Investigators found several others.

Smith told the WREG Investigators, The government cant be at a point where they acknowledge the wrongdoing that they did to us and then just stand by and watch another organization continue to do us wrong.

Despite the disappointment of everything thats happened, Smith says her family will forge on, turning to their own familys history of resilience to move forward.

You know, weve done it for so many years without assistance, looking back. They made a way and were going to continue to make a way, said Smith.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
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The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has directed all government agencies to end federal funding of gender ideology  the most recent attempt to enforce President Trumps anti-trans executive orders, amid what sources describe as a political takeover of the traditionally nonpartisan office.

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On January 29, OPM issued an interdepartmental memo to all heads and acting heads of federal agencies instructing them to immediately comply with Trumps sweeping anti-trans executive order signed last week. A copy of the memo was soon posted on the Chief Human Capital Officers Council (CHCOC) website.

Per the memo, agencies should end all agency programs that use taxpayer money to promote or reflect gender ideology as defined in Trumps previous executive order. Department heads are instructed to immediately review and terminate any programs, contracts, and grants that promote or inculcate gender ideology, remove any public-facing documents or policies that are trans-affirming, replace the term gender with sex on official documents, disband any relevant employee resource groups, and even turn off [email] features that prompt users for their pronouns. (Apparently, the woke mind virus is also a computer virus, and it has breached Microsoft Outlook.)

The OPM memo also decrees that federal agencies should effectively institute trans bathroom bans, requiring that intimate spaces  a term also used in Trumps order, but which neither it nor the memo defines  are designated by biological sex and not gender identity. Agency heads were instructed to report their compliance to OPM by Friday, January 31, just two days after the memo was issued.

The memo itself was marked as originating from acting OPM director Charles Ezell, also the named source of last weeks OPM memo that instructed agencies to dismantle their diversity and inclusion programs and report all noncompliance to an interdepartmental snitch email address. This weeks memo contained another OPM address, defendingwomen@opm.gov, to which agencies were instructed to send all questions and requested progress reports.

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But there is some debate over whether Ezell, or other named authors of such memos issued in the past two weeks, actually wrote those memos  or whether they were, in fact, written by new federal appointees loyal to Trump and Elon Musk, the billionaire Tesla owner and now the administrator of the newly-formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). As 404 Media reported this week, publicly-viewable metadata in the PDF files of two recent OPM memos indicated they were sent but not authored by Ezell. One, an instruction to return to in-person office work, may have been created by Noah Peters, an attorney who previously defended white nationalist Jared Taylor and the acquitted killer Kyle Rittenhouse; the other, a freeze on federal civilian hiring, may actually have been created by James Sherk, a member of the first Trump Administration who went on to join Stephen Millers far-right America First Policy Institute. Peters and Sherk have been closely tied to the Heritage Foundation and its Project 2025 plan to dismantle large portions of the federal government under Trump.

Leaked Memo Suggests a Top U.S. Agency Will No Longer Recognize Pride, MLK Day, and Holocaust Remembrance

The alleged Defense Intelligence Agency document falls in line with Trumps targeting of marginalized people in the federal government.

OPM workers told Wired this week that their department was now effectively controlled by tech industry Musk loyalists, including an unnamed person who graduated high school in 2024 and a 21-year-old senior advisor to the director who previously worked at Palantir (a tech company owned by billionaire Peter Thiel, a close ally of both Musk and Trump). Sources said other political OPM hires include Riccardo Biasini, a former director of operations at Musks Boring Company, as another senior advisor, and Amanda Scales, previously an employee at Musks xAI software company and now OPM Chief of Staff.

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My guess is that typically, in the past, there have been only one or maybe two political appointees in all of OPM. All the rest are career, Harvard professor emeritus Steven Kelman told Wired. So this seems like a very political heavy presence in an organization that is not very political.

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President Donald Trump intended his flood of executive orders to shock and awe his opponents. But on Monday night, a memo from the Office of Management and Budget instead shocked the Trump White House.

That memo, with its call for a temporary pause on all federal-government grants and loans, set off widespread panic and confusion within the federal government and among the millions of individuals and institutions reliant on federal funds. But it was released without going through the usual White House approval processes.

The memo was produced by the budget office alone, which failed to get proper sign-off from the White House, according to a senior White House official and a second person familiar with the memo. The team headed by Trumps deputy chief of staff for policy, Stephen Miller, had requested to see the memo before it went out, but OMB never sent it over, these people said.

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As a result, the White House was caught off guard as the memo sparked the sort of chaos that Trumps team had hoped would be a vestige of his first term. Within 48 hours, OMB was forced to rescind the memo.

After the memo was initially released, White House staffersknowing they faced a communications problem, if not also a policy oneprepared White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt to handle questions on the funding freeze at her inaugural briefing yesterday.

As anticipated, reporters peppered her with questions about which federal programs might be affected by the freeze. I have now been asked and answered this question four times, a slightly exasperated Leavitt said. To individuals at home who receive direct assistance from the federal government: You will not be impacted by this federal freeze.

In response to the confusion, OMB sent out a clarification memo yesterday, insisting that the pause did not apply across-the-board and was intended to affect programs from the Biden administration that were not in sync with Trumps day-one executive orders, such as DEI initiatives and the green new dealwhich Republicans use as a catchall term for climate programs.

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But if the OMB memo was not properly vetted, it should not have come as a complete surprise. A slide deck labeled Office of Management and Budget that outlines priorities and goals in line with Trumps agendamarked confidential, bearing the seal of the executive office of the president, and dated January 2025has been circulating on Capitol Hill. The presentation, focused on what it calls regulatory misalignment, presents columns of problems paired with actions intended to address them.

The Impoundment Control Act of 1974, for instance, is listed as a problem because it undermines the presidents ability to ensure fiscal responsibility. The suggested action is restoring impoundment authority by challenging the acts constitutionality in court. Both Trump and Russell Vought, his nominee to lead the budget office, have argued that the Watergate-era lawwhich generally prevents the executive branch from spending less than what Congress has appropriated for various programs and purposesis unconstitutional.

Another problem, according to the presentation, is that existing legal interpretations protect entrenched bureaucratic practices. To solve that, it calls for the appointment of a bold General Counsel at OMB with a mandate to challenge outdated legal precedents that protect the status quo.

An OMB spokesperson, Rachel Cauley, told me that, despite outlining in detail many steps that Trump actually took once in office, the slide deck was not the work of Trumps incoming team. Trump officials have never seen this document before and its pretty apparent it was generated before Trump was in office, Cauley wrote to me in a text message.

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But whatever its origin, the slide deck seems to have been oddly prophetic. The source familiar with the OMB memo that touched off so much controversy this week said that it had been drafted by Mark Paoletta, who was appointed by Trump as the agencys general counsel. OMB declined to comment on that claim.

Even after OMB rescinded its Monday memo, confusion reigned. This afternoon, Leavitt tried to clarify things with a post on X: This is NOT a rescission of the federal funding freeze, she wrote. It is simply a rescission of the OMB memo.

Her post did little to resolve the lingering questions surrounding federal funds, but made it perfectly clear how the White House now feels about the memo.

Article originally published at The Atlantic
MENOMONIE, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX)  After hearing from the Eau Claire Area School District about their immigration policies, First News at Nine contacted other school districts in the surrounding area. Last week, the School District of the Menomonie Area sent a letter out to parents about the issue. That letter covers many of the same topics that the Eau Claire School Districts letter did, including that no matter what the outcome of the birthright citizenship order, it will not affect enrollment in the district.

Weve contacted other districts in Western Wisconsin and are waiting to hear back from 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 FOX2548 & WIProud.
Liane Freels, an associate licensed counselor based in Florence, sits in her office on Jan. 24, 2025. Freels has taken on some adult clients with maternal mental health issues knowing she wont be reimbursed. We are so passionate about reaching these moms and families who are suffering, that it is more important to us to make sure that happens and wait for the grant funding later, said Freels. But were both able (financially) to do that. A lot of counselors could never do this. (Eric Schultz for Alabama Reflector)

Distress

Alabama is dealing with the long-term aftermath of budget cuts and poor mental health planning and trying to find ways to cope amid an absence of reliable data.

Wednesday: The state is rebuilding its emergency care care network after devastating funding cuts during the Great Recession.

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Thursday: Mental health services are critical for new mothers. Accessing them can be difficult.

Friday: School-based therapists are seeing more trauma in earlier grade levels and increasing demand for services.

Monday: The states jails are poorly equipped to work with people with mental illness. Thats led to tragedies.

Tuesday: Law enforcement officers are being trained to find more effective ways to help people suffering from mental health crises.

Last fall, Patricia called her counselor in a panic. A 29-year-old North Alabama mom, she was about to lose her Medicaid coverage, which was set to expire in October, one year after the birth of her son.

Editors note

Concerned about social stigma surrounding mental illness, Patricia asked to be identified only by her first name in this story.

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Without Medicaid, she feared she would have no way to pay for the counseling sessions that helped her navigate a deep bout of postpartum depression. In the months since the birth of her son, she had weekly telehealth therapy with Liane Freels, an associate licensed counselor based in Florence.

Its helped a lot, said Patricia, who asked to be identified only by her first name. I still have bad days, but theyre less frequent. I dont feel like Im constantly in a dark hole.

Its given me an outlet to process my emotions, to feel validated, and to learn coping techniques to get through panic attacks.

But when Patricia called Freels, concerned about her loss of coverage, she got a shock: Medicaid wasnt paying for her therapy sessions. Freels admitted shed been providing them pro bono.

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Alabama Medicaid covers mental health counseling by therapists like Freels for children and people under 21, but not for other adults. Freels takes on some adult clients with maternal mental health issues knowing she wont be reimbursed. She and her business partner, Alisha Dreiling, have been working to secure grant funding so that their practice can provide maternal mental health services to families that struggle to afford it  and still keep the lights on.

We are so passionate about reaching these moms and families who are suffering, that it is more important to us to make sure that happens and wait for the grant funding later, said Freels. But were both able (financially) to do that. A lot of counselors could never do this.

On paper, Alabama Medicaid covers mental health treatment for moms with low incomes up to one year after a birth.

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But in practice, say providers, advocates and patients, Medicaids severe underfunding and structural barriers keep treatment out of reach for many new moms until conditions like postpartum depression balloon into mental health crises.

The majority of moms in our state are not screened, not educated, are not provided direct access to maternal mental health care from pregnancy through postpartum, said Sarah Parkhurst, a Birmingham woman who founded Previa Alliance, an organization dedicated to connecting moms with mental health services. Parkhurst herself experienced postpartum depression and suicidal thoughts, and struggled to find a therapist who accepted her insurance.

Moms are dying, she said. And babies are suffering.

Nearly half of all births

In Alabama, its difficult to qualify for Medicaid. A single parent with one child, for example, cant make more than $3,684 per year and get coverage under the program. Alabama is one of 10 states that hasnt expanded Medicaid to adults making up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level, or about $21,000 annually for an individual in 2024.

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But for pregnant Alabamians, the limit is higher, making coverage available to more people with low incomes. As a result, Medicaid covers nearly half of all births statewide.

While Alabama lawmakers have spent years dithering over Medicaid expansion, the state did finally expand coverage for one group: pregnant women. Two years ago, in an effort to improve Alabamas abysmal health outcomes for women and babies, the state followed most other states and extended its pregnancy Medicaid coverage from 60 days to one year following a birth.

The goal was to keep new mothers from losing their health coverage within weeks of having a child. Nearly half of pregnancy-related maternal deaths in the U.S. occur in the weeks or months after a birth. In Alabama, more than half of women who died from pregnancy-associated causes died between 43 days and one year after giving birth, according to the most recent data from the Alabama committee that investigates maternal deaths.

Mental health conditions, including suicide and overdose, are the leading underlying cause of pregnancy-related deaths. And they raise the chance of serious health complications for women during or after childbirth by 50%.

'A hell of a year'

For Patricia and her family, the months leading up to the birth of her youngest felt almost unbearably hard.

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Her husbands mother unexpectedly died. Soon after, her older son  at the time not quite one-a year- old  was diagnosed with a life-threatening blood disorder that required regular trips to a St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital clinic. Her husband eventually lost his job after missing too many days of work, taking their son to medical appointments.

The family had to remain secluded to try to keep their son from getting sick, but he was hospitalized several times, including once with a COVID-induced infection that turned septic.

We had a hell of a year before my youngest was born, Patricia said. By the time he was 2- months- old, she said, I felt like I had been through the biggest wringer of my life. I knew I needed help. I was really struggling with any bit of everyday life. Just brushing my teeth felt like the biggest chore in the world.

She saw a post online that Freels clinic, WAC Counseling, was going to begin accepting clients with Medicaid. She assumed that because Medicaid covered her prenatal and childbirth care without any issues, that it would cover counseling, too.

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Had she gone through the proper Medicaid channels, she likely wouldnt have been able to choose a counselor like Freels. Medicaid recipients under age 21 can get mental health services from any provider who accepts Medicaid. But moms over 21 who use Medicaid are referred to either the states mental health crisis line, or to a community health center that contracts with Medicaid, according to an Alabama Medicaid representative.

We are so passionate about reaching these moms and families who are suffering, that it is more important to us to make sure that happens and wait for the grant funding later. But were both able (financially) to do that. A lot of counselors could never do this.

 Liane Freels, associate counselor, Florence

Theres a community mental health center in Patricias county, she said, but its mainly associated with substance use disorders.

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Most people think if you go there, you must have a drug addiction, she said.

But Freels took her on. And slowly, Patricia said, things began to look brighter.

'Not in this for the money'

Freels is a former pediatrician who pivoted to counseling a few years ago, after seeing many of her pediatric patients parents struggling with mood disorders like depression and anxiety.

She and her partner are focused on providing maternal mental health services to people with low incomes. They hope that their practice, which opened last year, will be able to secure more grants to allow them to continue providing services while also keeping the doors open.

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We are not in this for the money, let me tell you, Freels joked.

In her experience, most private counseling practices dont accept Medicaid, largely due to extremely low reimbursement rates. Even when Medicaid covers therapy, it reimburses counselors at a rate far below what private insurers like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama will pay. Blue Cross is the largest private insurer in the state.

Parkhursts organization recently finished a pilot program with Alabama moms across the state, providing screening and mental health services via telehealth. She said the program could only take women with private insurance because of the limited number of therapists that accept Medicaid and limited telehealth options. She said shes also searching for grants or federal funding to help pay for moms with Medicaid to access counseling services.

I know a lot of providers who want to serve these moms, but they have to make a living wage, she said.

In addition to better reimbursement, Freels would like to see Medicaids administrative requirements eased or streamlined.

Thats a big reason why (therapists) dont want to take Medicaid, she said. If its not the reimbursement, its the headaches. We have to spend a lot of time on the phone to find a person (the client) can access who can give them a referral.

Meanwhile, those with private insurance like Blue Cross dont need a referral and can just call to make an appointment, she said.

Women like Patricia who have pregnancy Medicaid and want mental health services are supposed to contact their case manager to get connected with a provider  often a psychologist at a mental health center. In Parkhursts experience talking with moms on Medicaid, case managers sometimes have a difficult time getting clients timely care.

And then there are the practical barriers. Many women lack adequate transportation or child care, or cant afford to take time off work to travel that far for appointments.

Medicaid does allow telehealth services, but Parkhurst said some services are required to be offered in person, via video chat, or require the recipient to first jump through hoops. Lack of high-speed internet can effectively shut off a telehealth option for some moms on Medicaid, she said.

I think allowing telehealth with no limitations is important when you talk about mental health care, said Parkhurst. For some moms, we need to come to them.

Amy Moor, a counselor based in Florence, sits in her office on January 24, 2025. Moor said new mothers have to be "in a scary place, mentally" to be seen by a counselor in the weeks immediately following birth. (Eric Schultz for Alabama Reflector)

Amy Moor, a licensed professional counselor whos based in Florence, said theres still work to be done to improve how Alabamians are screened for pregnancy or postpartum mental health issues.

Because its so hard for adults to qualify for Medicaid in Alabama, many women only have coverage while theyre pregnant and during the first year after they give birth, which means they dont have a primary care provider who sees them regularly and could notice that somethings not right.

Women may have to have a psychotic mental health emergency to be seen, she said. It takes them being in a scary place, mentally, to be seen before that six-week checkup at the obstetrician.

Hotlines, visiting nurses, and speaking out

There are solutions.

Freels, Moor and others praised Alabama Medicaids Nurse-Family Partnership program, which provides home visits and other services to families from pregnancy through two years postpartum. It also offers services led by a mental health nurse practitioner that include telehealth sessions.

Its not available everywhere in the state, however, and there are restrictions on who qualifies.

But overall, its an amazing program for Medicaids pregnant people, said Freels. They are on the front lines and recognize people who may benefit from counseling.

National organizations like Postpartum Support International have helplines designed to connect people with providers, and the state also operates a 988 mental health crisis line.

But the biggest solution, advocates and providers say, is expanding Medicaid to cover more people, and lawmakers allocating funding to support mental health services for people who fall in the insurance coverage gap.

If Medicaid is going to cover nearly half of the births in the state, said Parkhurst, we have to reimburse well so providers can actually serve these moms. We have to allocate the appropriate funding. We have to have an even playing field so all moms can be served.

Patricia continues to see Freels for counseling and said life has improved since those dark days after the birth of her youngest. Her husband found a new job with more flexible hours, and her older son is now much healthier.

In the meantime, she said she's tried to be more open with friends and family about her struggles. For a long time, she said, she believed that she suffered from depression because she wasnt praying hard enough, or didnt trust in God enough.

But since she got help, she said, her husband and another relative have also sought treatment for their own mental health issues.

The thought that these two people I love who also grew up in places where they were told if your mental health isnt strong, your faith isnt strong enough  just to know that I helped destigmatize this for them is amazing, she said.

Next: Public schools are working to address a growth in mental health issues among students.

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(Bloomberg) -- Former Chancellor Angela Merkel weighed into Germanys contentious election campaign, sharply criticizing fellow Christian Democrat Friedrich Merz over his decision to force through a hard-line immigration resolution in parliament with votes from the far right.

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Even though the motion was non-binding, it was the first time since World War II a mainstream party had relied on a far-right group to clinch a majority and triggered a chorus of outrage that could upend the campaign for the Feb. 23 snap national ballot.

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In an extremely rare direct intervention in politics since her final term ended in 2021, Merkel published an open letter Thursday saying that Merz  the conservative leader and election frontrunner  should have stuck by a proposal he made that would have prevented any parliamentary majority that required the backing of the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany.

Its wrong to no longer feel bound by this proposal and thus, for the first time, to allow a majority with the votes of the AfD in a vote in the German Bundestag, Merkel said.

Critics have accused Merz of breaking a taboo in German postwar politics and compromising a firewall erected by mainstream parties designed to keep the AfD out of power. Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who is seeking reelection for the Social Democrats, said Wednesday that there are limits one must not cross as a statesman.

Merz, who heads the center-right CDU/CSU bloc, has justified his effort to overhaul migration policy by saying last weeks fatal knife attack in Bavaria  apparently perpetrated by a 28-year-old Afghan man whose asylum request had been rejected  proved radical action is needed.

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Hes also trying to lure voters away from the AfD, which is currently second in the polls ahead of Scholzs SPD and the Greens, and has made no secret of his wish to reverse Merkels migration policy that facilitated the arrival of thousands of refugees from countries like Syria and Afghanistan.

Merkel and Merz have shared a bitter rivalry over the years. After Merkels ascent to the CDU party leadership in 2000 following a party funding scandal, she ousted Merz from his post as caucus leader in the Bundestag two years later.

He left politics, embarking on a private-sector career that included his years as supervisory board chairman for BlackRock Inc.s German unit, watching from the sidelines as Merkel shifted the party to the political center over four terms in office.

When Merkel first announced her plan to leave the political stage in 2019, Merz moved quickly to succeed her as party leader  and twice failed.

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The CDUs resounding defeat to Scholzs SPD in 2021 finally paved his way to the top of the party and he set about returning it to what he viewed as its conservative roots, above all on migration.

Asked in a November interview with Der Spiegel magazine whether Merz has what it takes, Merkel responded dryly: He now has to lead a campaign in which he can prove he can.

In Thursdays letter, Merkel seemed to give tacit backing to Scholz and the Greens, who have argued that Merzs proposals are unconstitutional and contravene European Union law.

Referring to the Bavaria attack, in which two people including a two-year-old child were killed, Merkel urged all democratic parties to work together across party political boundaries.

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Not as tactical maneuvers, but honestly, moderately in tone and on the basis of applicable European law, to do everything possible to prevent such terrible attacks in the future, she added.

Spokespeople for Merz didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

Reacting to Merkels letter, Saskia Esken, a co-leader of Scholzs SPD, told reporters in Berlin that the former German leader had obviously felt that she had to remind Friedrich Merz of his political responsibility.

I am very grateful to her for her intervention, Esken said, adding that she hoped Merz would reconsider putting a separate immigration law to a vote in parliament on Friday. That could also pass with backing from the AfD and other opposition parties.

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A survey for public broadcaster ZDF published Thursday suggested German voters are evenly split on Merzs drive for tougher migration rules.

Among 1,428 voters polled Jan. 27-29 by Forschungsgruppe Wahlen, 47% said hes right to accept AfD backing in parliament, while 48% said hes wrong. About two-thirds think direct cooperation with the AfD should be ruled out.

--With assistance from Patrick Donahue and Chris Reiter.

(Updates with SPD comments, background.)

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As Los Angeles was beset with multiple wildfires that ignited across the city in early January, a quick-thinking Meryl Streep managed to escape an encroaching inferno as it tore toward her home by cutting a car-size hole in the fence on one side of her house and then driving to safety, according to an account from her nephew published this week.

In the latest issue of New York magazine, writer Abe Streep penned a vivid account of the experiences of people from all walks of life in L.A. who escaped the deadly Palisades and Eaton fires that devastated large swaths of the city after the massive blazes ignited on Jan. 7, then tore through the swanky Pacific Palisades neighborhood and Altadena, in the San Gabriel Valley area just north of Pasadena, killing at least 29 people and destroying more than 15,000 structures. In his feature story, the author revealed that his aunt, the three-time Academy Award actress, had to think quickly to escape the encroaching fire.

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Evacuation mandates were sent across the city. My aunt Meryl Streep received an order to evacuate on January 8 but when she tried to leave, she discovered that a large tree had fallen over in her driveway, blocking her only exit, the journalist, who has also penned articles for the New York Times Magazine, the New Yorker, Wired, Harpers and Columbia Journalism Review, wrote in the magazines major feature article.

Determined to make it out, she borrowed wire cutters from a neighbor, cut a car-size hole in the fence she shared with the neighbors on the other side and drove through their yard to escape, added Abe, who is the son of Meryl Streeps younger brother.

The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to a representative for Streep to confirm her nephews account of the actors experience during L.A.s evacuations, but did not immediately hear back on Wednesday. In the article, Abe Streep does not detail what happened to Streep in the aftermath of her daring escape or what happened to her home after she drove through her neighbors yard to escape.

In the feature, Abe Streep did share the fate of other celebrity homes in the Palisades while detailing the total loss Haley Joel Osment experienced when his Altadena home went up in flames. Osment lost a piano bequeathed from his parents, he told the reporter, and his record collection, totaling 500 albums, as the flames devoured his home; Osments father also lost his home in the fire, it was reported. The actor said that he is planning to return to Altadena.

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I will definitely stay in my home, Osment said, while professing his love for the area, adding, Not to cast blame or anything, but I just want to know, when this is all investigated  was there a decision to just let the whole neighborhood go?

In addition to detailing the experiences of a longtime resident and a local teacher, he details what happened with veteran comic actor Martin Short. The 74-year-old star of Only Murderers in the Building has been a Pacific Palisades resident for decades. One of his two sons told the comedy legend to evacuate; he decided to take a family photo as he escaped the quickly growing blaze. Short shared that on Jan. 7, it took more than an hour to exit the Pacific Palisades and residents were abandoning their vehicles to flee on foot.

As of Tuesday morning, the Palisades and Eaton fires were 95and 99 percent contained; the Palisades fire is officially the largest in Los Angeles history.

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(Bloomberg) -- Friedrich Merzs hard-line shift on migration is a calculated gambit by the German conservative leader to neutralize the far right and deliver a breakthrough with wavering voters, according to people familiar with his thinking.

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Most party leaders and members of his CDU/CSU parliamentary caucus are going along with the strategy and theres a consensus in the ranks that theres no turning back, despite a growing backlash, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing internal party matters.

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Merz, the frontrunner in the campaign for next months snap election, has gone out on a limb this week by trying to ram tougher immigration rules through parliament, even if it means accepting the backing of the antiimmigrant Alternative for Germany.

Thats prompted accusations hes compromised a firewall erected by mainstream parties to keep the AfD away from power. Merz says his hand was forced by a number of recent fatal attacks in Germany carried out by migrants.

With just over three weeks until the Feb. 23 vote, his CDU/CSU bloc leads the second-placed AfD by around 10 percentage points in most polls, with Chancellor Olaf Scholzs Social Democrats trailing in third, just ahead of the Greens.

Merz, who argues he cant be prevented from attempting action on domestic security just because the AfD will back his plans, is set to take his push to the next level on Friday.

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He told supporters at a campaign rally in Dresden on Thursday evening that hes still planning to put a bill dubbed the influx-limiting law to a vote in the Bundestag.

It includes measures designed to reduce irregular immigration from countries outside the European Union and cut the number of family members following asylum seekers to Germany, and would give police enhanced powers to carry out deportations.

I would like to ensure that my partys policies are corrected so that the AfD is no longer needed, Merz said, reiterating his wish that Scholzs SPD and the Greens join the CDU/CSU in backing the bill.

Until the end, I will not give up hope that the Social Democrats will find the strength to agree to our proposal, Merz said. Then the country can be at peace and we can take move forward together.

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The event in the Saxony capital  which was delayed by demonstrators outside protesting against Merzs policies  was his first appearance in public since Wednesdays controversial Bundestag vote, when he relied on the AfD to secure approval for a nonbinding motion urging Scholzs government to take action on migration.

That was the first time since World War II a German mainstream party had relied on far-right forces to get a parliamentary majority and triggered a chorus of outrage that has jolted the election campaign.

Merz is going ahead with Fridays vote even though it almost certainly wont get enough support in the Bundesrat, the upper house of parliament where the 16 federal states are represented.

Kai Wegner, the CDU mayor of Berlin, said Thursday he would never approve a law in the Bundesrat that was only passed depending on the votes of the AfD.

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With me, you can rely on it, there will never be any collaboration, cooperation or even a coalition with the right-wing extremists from the AfD, Wegner added.

Former CDU Chancellor Angela Merkel joined the criticism of Merz with a rare intervention into domestic politics earlier Thursday, saying in an open letter that his strategy to get the motion approved was wrong.

In a sign of further internal conservative discontent, one party official, who asked not to be identified, said that while Merkels letter will likely inflict significant damage on the CDUs electoral chances, it was still justified.

Merz wants to sharply turn the party away from Merkels middle-of-the-road approach and shift the CDU further to the right, a strategy which the former chancellor believes is misguided and against the partys principles, the official said.

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Support for the AfD is about twice as high in Germanys former communist eastern states as in the western regions and the party narrowly failed to win the election in Saxony in September last year, coming second behind the CDU.

Dresden was also where, in 2015, anti-immigrant protesters angry with Merkels policies infamously called for her to step down as chancellor while brandishing model gallows with her name on.

(Updates with Merz comments starting in seventh paragraph.)

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Meta said Wednesday it would pay $25 million to settle a four-year-old lawsuit from President Donald Trump over the social media companys decision to suspend Trumps accounts after the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, filed a notice of the settlement in federal court in San Francisco, where the lawsuit was pending. Meta spokesperson Andy Stone separately confirmed the terms: a $25 million payment from the company, with $22 million going toward a fund for Trumps presidential library and the balance dedicated to legal fees and other plaintiffs in the case.

The settlement does not require Meta to admit wrongdoing, Stone said.

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The White House declined to comment on the settlement.

The settlement was earlier reported by The Wall Street Journal.

Meta is at least the second major corporation to pay to settle a Trump lawsuit since he won a second term in the November election. In December, ABC said it would pay $15 million to close out a dispute in which Trump alleged that anchor George Stephanopoulos had defamed him.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg arrives for the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump in the U.S. Capitol rotunda on Jan. 20.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has worked aggressively to court Trump since the election. He had a prime seat for Trumps swearing-in this month and hours later hosted a party in Trumps honor. Meta has overhauled its content moderation policies to more closely align with the Trump administration, including allowing insults against transgender people and ending its independent fact-checking program in the United States. Zuckerberg also promoted a longtime Republican, Joel Kaplan, to be the company's chief of global policy.

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Trump has previously been critical of Zuckerberg and Meta. In late August, Trump published a book of photographs in which he said Zuckerberg will spend the rest of his life in prison if he did anything illegal to influence the presidential election. At the time, Meta declined to comment on the statement.

After Trump won the Nov. 5 election, Zuckerberg wished Trump well and donated to his inaugural fund.

Meta, along with nearly every other major tech company, suspended Trumps social media accounts after the Capitol riot by Trumps supporters, limiting Trumps presence online for the final two weeks of his first term.

Zuckerberg said in a Jan. 7, 2021, post on Facebook that Trumps refusal to condemn his supporters who stormed and occupied the Capitol showed that he intends to use his remaining time in office to undermine the peaceful and lawful transition of power to his elected successor, Joe Biden.

Trumps accounts remained locked on Facebook and Instagram until February 2023.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Meta has settled a lawsuit brought by Donald Trump after the social media giant suspended him from their Facebook and Instagram platforms following the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol.

As part of the agreement, Meta will pay $25 million, including about $22 million to Trumps presidential library and the remainder going to legal fees and other plaintiffs who were part of the litigation. A Meta spokesman confirmed the settlement, first reported by The Wall Street Journal.

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I write to inform the Court that the parties have reached an agreement to settle the named plaintiffs individual claims and resolve this matter. The parties will file a joint stipulation of dismissal with prejudice in the coming days, K. Winn Allen, attorney for Meta and Mark Zuckerberg, wrote in a filing to the federal judge overseeing the case in San Francisco.

Trumps attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Trump and other defendants filed the lawsuit in 2021, arguing that they were the victims of impermissible censorship on the part of the platform. It claimed a violation of the First Amendment, claiming that Meta was acting in concert with federal officials, including officials at the Centers for Disease Control and members of Joe Bidens transition team. The lawsuit contended that Trumps First Amendment rights were violated because Facebook acted as a public forum.

In its response, Meta noted that the First Amendment prohibited the government  not a private party  from abridging speech.

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The companys attorneys wrote in 2022, Meta and its CEO are private parties. While some private parties may be treated as state actors in limited circumstances, numerous courtsincluding at least a dozen in this Districthave held that Meta and companies like it are not state actors for First Amendment purposes. Plaintiffs do not identify any novel theory for why this case should turn out differently. Instead, they present the same arguments that courts have rejected repeatedly.

Meta suspended Trump indefinitely on Jan. 7, 2021 following his praise of those who engaged in violent acts at the Capitol. It lifted the suspension in 2023, and all other restrictions on his accounts in 2024.

Since then, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has taken steps to ingratiate himself with Trump. He dined at Mar-a-Lago during the presidential transition, and Meta donated $1 million to Trumps inaugural fund. Zuckerberg himself attended the swearing in ceremony and other inaugural events.

Meta also has replaced its global policy chief with Joel Kaplan, a Republican, and announced a change in its content moderation policy, including an end to fact-checking.

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The recent elections also feel like a cultural tipping points towards, once again, prioritizing speech, Zuckerberg said in announcing the new policy.

According to the Journal, Trump told Zuckerberg at their November dinner that the litigation, which dragged on for years, would have to be resolved before he was brought into the tent. A day of mediation took place at Mar-a-Lago in early January, the Journal reported, with Trump stepping out at one point to virtually attend his sentencing in the New York hush money cash.

While Trump has claimed that his presidency is ushering in an era of free speech on social media platforms, hes also threatened the broadcast licenses of networks who air content he doesnt like. Earlier this month, he wrote that Comcast should pay a big price for airing Seth Meyers late-night show. Meyers has long done sharp humor at Trumps expense.

He also has been litigious, filing frequent lawsuits against news outlets, a number of which have been dismissed. But since his victory in the presidential race, some media companies have shown a willingness to get the cases behind them. In December, ABC News settled a lawsuit that Trump brought against the network and anchor George Stephanopoulos, with $15 million going to pay for his library.

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A source said that Paramount Global has weighed a settlement of Trumps litigation against CBS News as one of the options discussed. Skydances proposed acquisition of Paramount Global is still pending before the Justice Department and the FCC.

Trump sued the network over the way that a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris was edited even though he did not even participate in the broadcast, He sued under Texas consumer fraud statute, which is typically invoked in false advertising claims. CBS has said in court filings that its editorial judgments are protected by the First Amendment.

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Meta has agreed to settle with President Donald Trump after he accused the company of violating his rights by suspending the president's social media accounts following the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, according to a letter from Meta's attorneys.

Meta confirmed that it will be making a donation of $22 million to Trump's presidential library and will also pay $3 million in legal fees.

PHOTO: The Meta Platforms, Inc. logo is seen displayed on a smartphone screen. (Thomas Fuller/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

"I write to inform the Court that the parties have reached an agreement to settle the named plaintiffs' individual claims and resolve this matter," the letter read.

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MORE: Here's why Meta ended fact-checking, according to experts

In July 2021, Trump sued Meta and its CEO Mark Zuckerberg for "censoring" his social media account after the Jan. 6 attack, accusing the company of colluding with Democratic lawmakers to silence the then-former president.

PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks before signing the Laken Riley Act at the White House in Washington, Jan. 29, 2025. (Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters)

"Akin to forcing a round peg into a square hole, Facebook declared that specific posts of Plaintiff had violated Facebook's self-imposed 'Community Standards,'" the lawsuit said.

The settlement comes as Zuckerberg has attempted to smooth his relationship with Trump, prominently attending his inauguration earlier this month and making multiple trips to Mar-a-Lago. Meta donated $1 million to his campaign, ended its DEI programs, and revamped its fact-checking policy, while Zuckerberg has expressed regret for his company's past policies.

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"It really is a slippery slope, and it just got to a point where it's just, OK, this is destroying so much trust, especially in the United States, to have this program," Zuckerberg told Joe Rogan about the company's fact-checking policy.

MORE: Musk, Zuckerberg and Bezos will have ringside seats for Trump's inauguration

Meta agrees to pay $25 million to settle lawsuit with President Donald Trump originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
(Bloomberg) -- Meta Platforms Inc. agreed to pay $25 million to resolve Donald Trumps claims that his ban from the companys social media networks after the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the US Capitol was illegal censorship, a lawyer for the president said.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Meta will contribute $22 million to the presidential library and the remainder to other users of Metas Facebook who also sued over being banned, lawyer John Coale said in a phone interview. Meta spokesperson Andy Stone confirmed details of the agreement and declined further comment.

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The settlement comes as the once-chilly relationship between Trump and Meta Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg has warmed up. Zuckerberg recently loosened content restrictions on the companys platforms that conservatives have complained about for years, and he attended the presidents inauguration.

When Trump first sued Facebook over the ban  and separately sued Twitter Inc. and Googles YouTube over the bans they imposed following the Jan. 6 attack  he sought monetary damages to punish the companies and ensure other users cant be banned or flagged by the tech giants.

All three companies eventually dropped the bans, but by then Trump had largely shifted his social media commentary to his own network, Truth Social.

Im glad its over with, Coale said. Meta should have paid this kind of money because they did some pretty bad things back in 2021.

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Coale said Zuckerberg personally reached the settlement with Trump while recently visiting the presidents Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

Theres no admission of wrongdoing by Meta in the accord, Coale said.

Theyve taken responsibility and hopefully everybodys happy now, he said.

The settlement was reported earlier by the Wall Street Journal.

--With assistance from Sabrina Willmer.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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Meta has agreed to pay roughly $25 million to settle a 2021 lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump over the suspension of his social media accounts in the wake of the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riots.

According to The Wall Street Journal , $22 million will go toward a fund for Trumps forthcoming presidential library, while the rest will cover legal fees and the other plaintiffs. Trump signed the settlement agreement Wednesday in the Oval Office, reported CNN .

The settlement is the latest indication of cozying relations between Trump and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who has worked in recent months to mend their strained ties and earn a spot in the presidents orbit.

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Meta suspended Trumps Facebook and Instagram accounts after he cast doubt on the integrity of the 2020 election and his supporters violently stormed the Capitol in a bid to stop the certification of then-President Joe Bidens victory.

Donald Trump takes the oath of office as Barron Trump and Melania Trump look on during inauguration ceremonies in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. / Pool/Getty Images

We believe the risks of allowing President Trump to continue to use our service during this period are simply too great, the social media giant said at the time.

Trump later sued Meta, Twitter, and YouTube for banning him from their platforms, calling for an end to the shadow-banning, a stop to the silencing and a stop to the blacklisting, banishing and canceling that you know so well.

Twitter, now known as X, welcomed Trump back in 2022 after the company was purchased by Elon Musk. YouTube rolled back its suspension in 2023. Meta did not lift restrictions on Trumps accounts until the presidential campaign came into full swing last year.

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But thats all in the past now.

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The Journal reported that talks about settling the lawsuit began late last year when Zuckerberg met Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Meta also donated $1 million to the presidents inaugural fund and Zuckerberg was seated alongside other tech bros on Trumps big day.

Shortly after Trump signed a blitz of executive orders, including one ending diversity, equity, and inclusion programs across the federal government, Meta announced that it would terminate its own DEI initiatives.

Zuckerberg also welcomed Dana White, UFC CEO and close Trump ally, to the Meta board of directors and ended the companys fact-checking program .

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Though the tech billionaire has done a lot to curry favor with Trump, it might not be enough. The presidents staffers earlier told Rolling Stone that Zuckerberg would have to do a lot more ass-kissing to secure his spot.
Meta has agreed to settle a lawsuit brought by President Donald Trump for $25 million, according to news reports.

The settlement reportedly includes $22 million earmarked toward Trump's presidential library, with the remainder going to legal fees and other plaintiffs in the case. Trump reached similar terms with ABC News last month.

Trump sued the Facebook parent company after it chose to suspend his account on that platform following the Jan. 6 riots at the U.S. Capitol. Trump had shared two posts the social media platform said supported the rioting and violated their terms.

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"The shocking events of the last 24 hours clearly demonstrate that President Donald Trump intends to use his remaining time in office to undermine the peaceful and lawful transition of power to his elected successor, Joe Biden, Meta head Mark Zuckerberg wrote at the time. "We believe the risks of allowing the President to continue to use our service during this period are simply too great. Therefore, we are extending the block we have placed on his Facebook and Instagram accounts indefinitely and for at least the next two weeks until the peaceful transition of power is complete."

After finding himself booted from YouTube, Facebook and X, Trump launched his own competing social media platform. Trump's accounts on Facebook and X have since been reinstated.

The agreement to settle comes as Zuckerberg has made clear efforts to ingratiate himself with the Trump administration. Beyond appearances on conservative talking point clearinghouses like "The Joe Rogan Experience" and donations to Trump's inauguration, Meta has rolled back protections against misinformation and removed some hate speech guidelines.

The moves drew recrimination from outgoing President Joe Biden.

"Americans are being buried under an avalanche of misinformation and disinformation enabling the abuse of power. The free press is crumbling, editors are disappearing," Biden said in his farewell address. "Social media is giving up on fact-checking. The truth is smothered by lies, told for power and for profit."
Meta will pay President Donald Trump $25 million to settle a lawsuit after the tech giant banned him from Facebook and Instagram following the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol.

The Wall Street Journal was the first to report the news.

The payment will include $22 million toward a fund for Trumps presidential library, while the remaining $3 million will go to legal fees and several other plaintiffs who were also part of the case.

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The Journal notes Meta will not admit wrongdoing as part of the deal.

Trump first sued Meta in 2021 after the social giant banned him, saying at the time he had violated its rules against inciting violence. His accounts were suspended for about two years, but were reinstated in January 2023 with what were meant to be new guardrails in place.

Zuckerberg has made major overtures to the Trump administration since the November election. The Journal notes the pair began discussing a way to end the suit in November after Zuckerberg flew to Trumps Mar-a-Lago club for dinner following his electoral victory. Trump reportedly told the Facebook co-founder the case needed to be handled before he could be brought into the tent, a source told the paper.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg at the inauguration of Donald Trump on Jan. 20. Photo by Julia Demaree Nikhinson / POOL / AFP

Meta has since moved to overhaul the way it does business. The company said it would end its fact-checking program in early January, saying the system was too politically biased. A week later, the company dropped programs aimed at boosting diversity within Meta, echoing Trumps own attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

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A lot of the corporate world is pretty culturally neutered, Zuckerberg told podcaster Joe Rogan after the move. The billionaire went on to praise masculine corporate energy and said he felt he now had much greater command over Metas policies.

The New York Times notes Zuckerberg touted his cozy relationship with the president in a call with investors on Wednesday, saying the new administration had expressed deep support for Big Tech.

This is going to be a big year for redefining our relationships with governments, he said.

Related...
The board of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California voted to appoint a new top manager, dismissing Adel Hagekhalil after a seven-month investigation into allegations of discrimination that exposed deep divisions within Californias largest urban water supplier.

The new general manager of the MWD will be Deven Upadhyay, who has been serving in the position on an interim basis since Hagekhalil was placed on leave last year.

Board members announced their decision to make a final offer of a legal settlement to Hagekhalil after holding a closed-door meeting to discuss the findings of investigations into allegations against him.

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The findings of the completed investigations have not been made public. And details of the proposed settlement were not immediately disclosed. The board told Hagekhalil that if he didn't accept their offer, the agency would terminate his employment "without cause."

Hagekhalils lawyer, Kerry Garvis Wright, said he rejected the offer.

This decision is nothing more than a political power grab, clearing the way for Metropolitan to return to old and antiquated water policies, Garvis Wright said in an email. Over the past week, Mr. Hagekhalil offered to resolve his legal claims against MWD, but now is left with no choice but to pursue all his legal options to protect his rights and reputation.

Read more: Southern Californias water doctor pushes for transformation to adapt to climate change

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Hagekhalil was placed on leave in June in response to allegations by the agencys chief financial officer, Katano Kasaine, who accused him of sexism and alleged he had harassed, demeaned and sidelined her and created a hostile work environment. Hagekhalil denied the accusations, saying he did nothing wrong.

Kasaine criticized MWD's handling of the process during a public portion of Wednesdays meeting, saying the board had chosen to reward Mr. Hagekhalil, despite clear findings of wrongdoing.

Some of the accusations against Hagekhalil were aired publicly when Kasaines complaint to the board was leaked to the media in June.

Dawn Collins, a lawyer for Kasaine, told the board that the leak of her confidential letters regarding her complaints led to her becoming a target of bullying and public scrutiny that has taken a severe toll on her, both professionally and personally. Collins urged MWD to act transparently and release the investigation report.

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Collins said at least one of Kasaine's complaints was substantiated by the investigation, that Hagekhalil treated her less favorably than her male colleagues.

However, Garvis Wright said the investigation did not conclude that the supposed preferential treatment was because of Kasaine's gender, and therefore there was no violation of the district's anti-discrimination policy. "These decisions  which fall squarely within Mr. Hagekhalils discretion as General Manager  were made without regard to gender but rather what was in the best interest of the agency," she said.

Garvis Wright said that Hagekhalil did not engage in any misconduct, and that the investigation did not substantiate the alleged retaliation, harassment, or hostile work environment.

Hagekhalil at MWD headquarters in L.A. in 2023. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Hagekhalil was the districts first Arab American general manager. His lawyer and supporters have said they are concerned that anti-Arab sentiments among some board members may have tainted the investigation.

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While Hagekhalil was on leave, one board member, John Morris, was censured by the MWD board for making a racist remark about another district employee. The agencys officials said that case did not directly involve Hagekhalil. Nevertheless, the MWD board barred Morris from taking part in the deliberations and votes regarding the Hagekhalil investigation.

The Board voted to terminate his contract without cause, which is a continuation of the racist, discriminatory, and retaliatory treatment of him throughout his tenure with the agency, Garvis Wright said. As an Arab and Muslim American, he and others were subjected to overtly racist comments and actions by Board members who organized opposition to him and voted against him.

Hans Johnson, president of the East Area Progressive Democrats, said he is deeply concerned about anti-Arab bias on the board. He said acting against Hagekhalil without having rectified the problems with documented bias by members of this board is profoundly troubling and will be a lasting shame on MWD.

Read more: After 7-month investigation, California water agency set to decide fate of top manager

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The Metropolitan Water District delivers water to cities and agencies that supply 19 million people across Southern California. As the districts top manager, Hagekhalil played a central role in efforts to transform the agency and shift its mix of water supplies to help Southern California adapt to worsening droughts intensified by climate change.

Mr. Hagekhalil was hired to reform MWD, and he achieved significant accomplishments, guided the agency through historic drought conditions and earned excellent performance reviews every year," Garvis Wright said. "However, change is never easy, and some saw change as a threat and filed several baseless claims against him.

Hagekhalil previously worked for the city of Los Angeles leading programs focusing on sewers and streets. He was appointed MWD general manager in 2021 after a bitter power struggle among board members.

During a series of recent meetings, dozens of Hagekhalil's supporters, including colleagues, environmental advocates and L.A. city officials, praised him as a reformer and a talented leader, and urged the board to reinstate him.

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What has transpired here is an injustice, and this board should be embarrassed, said Charming Evelyn, who leads the Sierra Clubs water committee in Southern California. What are we doing here? We are impugning the character of a good man. This is wrong.

The district is led by a 38-member Board of Directors. Each member is appointed by one of the MWDs 26 member agencies, which include cities and water suppliers.

During their closed-door session, 27 board members voted to present Hagekhalil the MWD's "best and final offer" of a legal settlement  the details of which have not been disclosed  and if the offer was not accepted, to terminate his employment without cause.

Read more: How climate change worsened the most destructive wildfires in L.A. history

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Six board members voted "no," and five were absent.

Mark Gold of Santa Monica was one of those who voted against the majority. He has praised Hagekhalil and said he did not think he should lose his job. Gold has said the investigation revealed a toxic culture within the agency that needs to be addressed.

Last week, Gold recommended a series of corrective actions, such as changing the procedures for resolving disputes and reassessing the organizational structure to reduce risks of conflicts.

It's just concerning the amount of dysfunction that's there, Gold said after the vote. It's important that we improve the culture.

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The board voted unanimously to appoint Upadhyay, a 29-year MWD veteran, to the top management post.

I think there's an acknowledgment that the culture has room for improvement, Gold said. And the hope is that someone who's as respected as Deven will help us move in that direction.

The upheaval has occurred at a time when MWDs leaders are involved in major efforts such as preparing a climate change adaptation plan and developing a large water recycling facility . The MWD board also voted last month to spend about $141 million for planning work on the states proposed water tunnel in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.

Adan Ortega Jr., chair of the MWD board, said after the vote that the panel took decisive steps to stabilize our organization and workforce.

He also said the water district takes all allegations of discrimination, harassment and unfair treatment seriously.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Jan. 29WILKES-BARRE  U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser and U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan on Wednesday said the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance for enacting a pause in specific areas of federal funding would not apply to any program that provides a direct benefit to the American people.

"Let's be clear, this pause does not impact Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, Pell Grants, school lunches, rental assistance, Head Start, disaster relief, small business or farm loans or assistance, or any direct aid to individuals," said Rep. Meuser, R-Dallas. "However, it would halt wasteful spending, such as money to NGOs facilitating illegal immigration and USAID programs pushing DEI in Africa."

At the same time, Meuser said it is critical to reassess how foreign aid is allocated.

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"Over $2 billion was sent to Afghanistan while American Ryan Corbett, who grew up in Susquehanna County, was being held hostage by the Taliban," Meuser said. "Why were we sending billions to a regime that was actively detaining American citizens? These are exactly the kinds of expenditures that demand scrutiny and accountability."

Meuser said in the final weeks of the Biden Administration, billions of dollars were "rushed out the door" on climate initiatives and foreign aid, often with little accountability.

"This spending spree is just one of many reasons why the Trump Administration is pausing and reviewing certain federal funding to ensure taxpayer dollars are used appropriately and in a manner that aligns with the America First agenda," Meuser said. "Throughout the Trump Administration we're going to be disruptors  but we're going to be constructive disruptors. We will question, review, and ensure Americans' hard-earned tax dollars go to the right places. This is a necessary step toward restoring fiscal sanity and putting America First."

Rep. Bresnahan responds to constituent calls

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Rep. Rob Bresnahan, R-Dallas Township, said his office has received calls surrounding the recent OMB guidance concerning a freeze on federal funding.

"I understand many people are confused about which programs will be affected by this freeze," Bresnahan said. "First and foremost, this pause does not apply to any program that provides a direct benefit to the American people. Vital programs such as SNAP, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid will not be affected. Additionally, funds for small businesses, farmers, Pell grants, Head Start, rental assistance and other similar programs will not be paused."

Bresnahan said the pause was designed to give federal agencies time to ensure government funding is spent in accordance with the President's policies.

"This decision was made to allow for the review of government policies that hurt, not help, American citizens," Bresnahan said. "Recent programs that have resulted in overreach by the federal government should be examined to make sure the government is working for the American people as it should."

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Bresnahan said his first and foremost priority is to protect and improve the lives of the constituents of Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District.

"Our office will continue to monitor for any new information pertaining to this freeze and provide updates to the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania," Bresnahan said.

Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
TOMPKINS COUNTY, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  A Mexican citizen, who was allegedly in the United States illegally, was arrested by federal law enforcement in Tompkins County, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of New York said.

Jesus Romero-Hernandez, 27, from Mexico, was charged with a federal crime on Jan. 8 for re-entering the U.S. illegally after a prior removal.

During that time, Romero-Hernandez was in the custody of the Tompkins County Sheriffs Office, awaiting the resolution of New York State assault charges.

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Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) then gave the sheriffs office a copy of Romero-Hernandezs federal arrest warrant, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

On Jan. 28, Romero-Hernandez settled the assault charges by pleading guilty and received a sentence of time served.

The U.S. Attorneys Office says the sheriffs office then refused to honor the federal arrest warrant and released Romero-Hernandez before ICE-ERO arrived to pick him up and bring him to federal court in Syracuse to be arraigned on the pending federal criminal complaint.

On Thursday, Jan. 30, Romero-Hernandez was apprehended by federal law enforcement.

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The Tompkins County Sheriffs Office in Ithaca, NY, a self-described sanctuary city, appears to have failed to honor a valid federal arrest warrant for a criminal alien with an assault conviction, said Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove. Yesterday, despite the warrant, a defendant with no legal status and a history of violence was released into the community. Federal agents risked their safety and pursued the defendant in unsafe conditions. Today, they were successful in recapturing the defendant.

The sheriffs office stated Romero-Hernandez was released in accordance with its policy and that it does not have any jurisdiction over immigration matters.

As of now, the charges against Romero-Hernandez are only accusations.

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Mexicos President Claudia Sheinbaum sent a letter to Google contesting the tech giants decision to comply with US President Donald Trumps order to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.

President Sheinbaum showed the letter to reporters Thursday saying, In the case of Mexico, where are we completely sovereign? In the area established as 12 nautical miles from the coastline, and this applies to all countries worldwide.

If a country wants to change the designation of something in the sea, it would only apply up to 12 nautical miles. It cannot apply to the rest, in this case, the Gulf of Mexico. This is what we explained in detail to Google.

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Referring to a previous counterproposal she made to Trump to rename the US, Sheinbaum added, In the end, we requested that when someone searches for America Mexicana in the search engine, the map we previously presented should appear. That map, from 1607, labeled parts of North America Mexican America and was shown during a press conference earlier this month.

On Monday, Google announced that Google Maps users in the US would see the body of water known as the Gulf of Mexico renamed as the Gulf of America. Google said its move was in line with its practice of applying name changes when they have been updated in official government sources.

Users in Mexico will continue to see the Gulf of Mexico on Google Maps. The rest of the world will see both names.

Google will also change the name of Mount McKinley, the nations highest peak, from Denali. Former President Barack Obama renamed the Alaska landmark to Denali in 2015 as a nod to the regions native population.

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Both changes stem from an executive action that Trump signed shortly after taking office last week, saying the changes honor American greatness.

It is in the national interest to promote the extraordinary heritage of our Nation and ensure future generations of American citizens celebrate the legacy of our American heroes, the executive order said.

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NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  Its another blow for New Mexico communities. After fire and floods, companies no longer want to provide insurance for homes and businesses. That has Republicans and Democrats working together for a solution. The problem just keeps getting worse and worse and worse, said Rep. Harlan Vincent, (R-Ruidoso Downs).

Story continues below

Rep. Vincent represents Lincoln and Otero counties where the South Fork and Salt Fires destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses last summer.

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Vincent said its effects are still impacting residents even today. It was just a double whammy as far as getting hit by fires then floods and then they get hit again because they cant seem to get insurance because the insurance companies are not writing policy, said Vincent.

Story continues below

He said without insurance, residents cant get loans. And without policies, realtors cant sell anything, negatively impacting the local economy. Vincent, along with Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth, is carrying a bipartisan bill to increase the limits listed in the Fair Access to Insurance Requirements, or Fair Plan Act, established in 1969. When youre in a situation where you simply cant get insurance due to risk and folks and companies pulling out, this is a state plan that provides a base-level coverage, said Wirth.

The limit under the law is $350,000 for a private residence and a $1 million for commercial. The new bill would increase the limit to a $1 million for private residences and $5 million for commercial. So, the good news is this plan basically pays for itself through premiums, said Wirth.

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They are requesting $50 million from the general fund for the Office of the Superintendent of Insurance.

The pair said there are more bills to come designed to address the root problem which they said can be solved through preventative efforts. Im also really interested in getting dollars to thin our forests. I mean, thats the other issue. Weve got forests that go right up to urban areas. Those need to be thinned and taken care of, said Wirth.

During the Governors State of the State address, she mentioned a proposal for a state-run insurance program. Her offices said the legislation is still in the drafting stage and would operate independently from the existing F.A.I.R. Act plan. The governor believes without accessible fire insurance, entire communities could be wiped out without recourse.

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Jan. 29SANTA FE  With trust fund fever spreading at the Roundhouse, New Mexico's latest new fund could be targeted at the state's growing Medicaid budget.

A bill filed by a bipartisan group of senators would earmark $300 million for a new health care trust fund, while additional dollars could be funneled from stalled state capital outlay projects.

Backers say the bill, Senate Bill 88, could eventually generate $100 million annually toward the state's Medicaid spending.

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That could allow for additional reimbursement rate increases for health care providers who treat Medicaid patients.

Sen. George Munoz, D-Gallup, one of the bill's sponsors, pointed out Medicaid has become a major expense for the state, with more than 40% of state residents enrolled in the program.

New Mexico's Medicaid budget has more than doubled between the 2019 and 2025 fiscal years, and the state is projected to spend more than $11.6 billion on the program this year.

That figure includes both state and federal dollars, as New Mexico receives a roughly 3-to-1 federal match for each dollar it spends on Medicaid.

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Munoz said the new trust fund would be modeled after other similar funds, such as an early childhood trust fund created in 2020.

That fund has seen its value balloon from $300 million to a projected $9.8 billion at the end of the current budget year due to record-high revenue levels.

"This is not going to last forever," Munoz told the Journal, referring to the state's revenue windfall. "This allows us to save money and invest money."

With revenue levels for the coming year projected to exceed current total spending levels by nearly $900 million, lawmakers have proposed the creation of at least three new trust funds during this year's 60-day session  targeted at behavioral health, health care and natural disasters.

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But the proposed health care fund would be unique in part due to how it would be funded.

In addition to the $300 million start-up appropriation, the bill also calls for money to be diverted to the new fund from three other sources until the total value of the fund hits $2 billion.

Those sources include any unspent funds from the state's annual budget bill, interest on investments made by the State Treasurer's Office and unspent capital outlay dollars.

At the end of the 2024 budget year, there was roughly $5.8 billion in outstanding capital outlay funding spread across about 5,300 projects, according to Legislative Finance Committee data.

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Under the state's system, which has come under scrutiny in recent years, capital outlay funds revert, or expire, after five years unless the money is reauthorized by the Legislature.

Fred Nathan, the executive director of Think New Mexico, a Santa Fe-based think tank behind a package of proposals dealing with a statewide health care provider shortage, said setting aside state dollars for Medicaid is a prudent long-term investment.

He also said the creation of a new trust fund could allow the state to continue its efforts to recruit more doctors and nurses, as New Mexico has had an average shortage of 5,000 health care workers over the past several years, according to legislative data.

"Increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates will go a long way toward recruiting and retaining more of the doctors that New Mexico urgently needs," Nathan said.

The other sponsors of the health care trust fund bill include Senate Minority Leader William Sharer, R-Farmington, and Senate Minority Whip Pat Woods, R-Broadview.
Welcome to The Scoop  the ultimate back-to-the-office water cooler cheat sheet, your go-to source for all things everyone really wants to know! Get the latest on everything from the political swamp maneuvering in D.C. and Hollywood drama to jaw-dropping small-town shenanigans from Paula Froelich. Subscribe to her newsletter here.

(NewsNation)  Michelle Obama is having some private time in Hawaii  recuperating from what I hear is an elective procedure  but she also may be licking her wounds.

The Obamas in Hollywood

While Michelle loathed politics, she dove headfirst into her and Baracks new Hollywood life and their production company, Higher Ground. The couple received a $65 million production deal from Netflix, but not much has taken off.

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While Michelle may have enjoyed producing Leave the World Behind with Julia Roberts, some reviewers on Reddit called it hot garbage, and it received 3.5 stars on Rotten Tomatoes.

Bravo looking for new NYC housewives after this disaster season

Other projects such as Netflixs Later Daters is similarly in the blah mode, as were Ruston and Your Mamas Kitchen.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS  AUGUST 20: Former U.S. President Barack Obama (L) greets former first lady Michelle Obama as he arrives to speak on stage during the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 20, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. Delegates, politicians, and Democratic Party supporters are gathering in Chicago, as current Vice President Kamala Harris is named her partys presidential nominee. The DNC takes place from August 19-22. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Former US first lady Michelle Obama gestures on stage of the Royal Arena in Copenhagen on April 9, 2019 during a tour to promote her memoir Becoming. (Photo by Martin Sylvest / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP) / Denmark OUT (Photo by MARTIN SYLVEST/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images) KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN  OCTOBER 26: Former first lady Michelle Obama speaks ahead of the arrival of Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris during a campaign rally at the Wings Event Center on October 26, 2024 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Vice President Harris will be campaigning today with former first lady Michelle Obama in the battleground swing state of Michigan. With 10 days remaining, Harris continues campaigning against Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of the November 5 election. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images) TODAY  Pictured: Michelle Obama on Monday, November 14, 2022  (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images) INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA  DECEMBER 13: Michelle Obama walks onstage during The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times  in Conversation with Michelle Obama at YouTube Theater on December 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images for ABA) NEW YORK, NEW YORK  SEPTEMBER 29: Former First Lady Michelle Obama speaks onstage at the Clooney Foundation For Justice Inaugural Albie Awards at New York Public Library on September 29, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Albie Awards)

Michelle Obama not making Netflix any money, source says

While Michelle  who has been rusticating in Hawaii for over a month  and her husband are still huge draws in Hollywood, for regular people their programming is considered very 2020, my source said.

People think its easy to break into Hollywood just because they have a fan base, my spy said. Its not. They are at Netflix for the cache it gives Netflix, but they arent making the company money.

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If all goes badly, at least Michelle has her healthy soda company, Plezi. She shocked fans in September when she showed up at a Northern California Costco, dancing and shilling the beverage.

It was just odd, one insider said at the time. The former first lady of America selling soda.

Representatives for Obama and Netflix did not return emails.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
The Anglican Catholic Church on Wednesday said it has removed a Grand Rapids priest for making a "pro-Nazi salute" during an event in Washington, D.C.

The church said it revoked Calvin Robinson's license and he is no longer serving as a priest in the Anglican Catholic Church after making what "many interpreted as a pro-Nazi salute" while speaking at the National Pro-Life Summit in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 25.

"The Holocaust was an episode of unspeakable horror, enacted by a regime of evil men," the Anglican Church said in a statement on its website. "We condemn Nazi ideology and anti-Semitism in all its forms. And we believe that those who mimic the Nazi salute, even as a joke or an attempt to troll their opponents, trivialize the horror of the Holocaust and diminish the sacrifice of those who fought against its perpetrators. Such actions are harmful, divisive, and contrary to the tenets of Christian charity."

In a Facebook post, Robinson denied being a Nazi or making a Nazi salute. He called the gesture "a joke."

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"The joke at the end was a mockery of the hysterical 'liberals' who called Elon Musk a Nazi for quite clearly showing the audience his heart was with them. Context is key, but sometimes people ignore context to confirm their own prejudices. People see what they want to see," Robinson wrote.

"My attempt at dry wit, in that typical British way, was not a joke at the expense of WW II, nor an admission of my membership in the Nationalist Socialist Party," his posted continued. "You can consider my joke crass. But I ask you to consider if your responses have been proportionate?"

Robinson on Thursday remained listed as the priest-in-charge of St. Paul's Anglican Catholic Church, 2560 Lake Michigan Drive in Grand Rapids.

The national Anglican Church, based in Athens, Georgia, said Robinson had been warned previously that "online trolling and other such actions (whether in service of the left or right)" were "incompatible with a priestly vocation."

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Robinson had been told to end such actions, the statement said.

"Clearly, he has not, and as such, his license in this Church has been revoked," the statement said. "While we cannot say what was in Mr. Robinsons heart when he did this, his action appears to have been an attempt to curry favor with certain elements of the American political right by provoking its opposition."

The statement said the College of Bishops of the ACC was informed at about 3 p.m. Wednesday of a post made on X showing the end of a speech made by Robinson at the National Pro-Life Summit.

Who is Calvin Robinson?

Robinson, according to St. Paul's Catholic Church's website, was born in Mansfied, Nottinghamshire, England in 1985.

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Robinson previously was a computer science teacher and video games journalist. He undertook a two-year course in theological studies at St. Stephen's Home, Oxford, "with hope of becoming a deacon in the Church of England."

"His outspoken view on a more conservative theology caused the church to deny his application," the biography notes. He subsequently was ordained a deacon in the Free Church of England, ordained to the priesthood in the Nordic Catholic Church.

He served at Christ Church, Harlesden, U.K.

He describes himself as an Evangelical Catholic.

How long as Robinson been at St. Paul's?

Robinson joined St. Paul's as rector on Sept. 20, 2024.

What is the Anglican Catholic Church?

In 1977, an international congress of nearly 2,000 Anglican clergy and lay people met in St. Louis, Missouri, to take the actions necessary to establish an orthodox jurisdiction maintaining traditional Anglicanism.

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The church initially called itself the Anglican Church of North America. In 1978 at a ceremony in Denver, Colorado, the Anglican Catholic Church was established.

How does the Anglican Catholic Church govern Grand Rapids?

Grand Rapids is part of the Anglican Catholic Church's Midwest Diocese, which is based in Indianapolis.

Are there other ACC churches in Michigan?

The ACC lists two Michigan churches, in addition to St. Paul's:

St Patrick's ACC, 85 Jones St., Comstock

St. Bartholomew's, 9252 Miller Road, Swartz Creek

What did Elon Musk do?

Musk, who owns the X app (formerly known as Twitter), during a speech after President Donald Trump's inauguration, used his right hand to slap his chest with his open hand, then quickly straightened his arm at about a 45-degree angle with his hand open.

The gesture, captured on video, was called a Nazi salute, or Roman or fascist salute by many. Others called the gesture "awkward" but dismissed comparisons of it to a Nazi salute.

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USA Today contributed.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Michigan Anglican Catholic priest in Grand Rapids removed by church
A suspected member of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua who was wanted in connection to charges out of Aurora, Colorado, was arrested during a federal immigration crackdown in New York City on Tuesday morning.

Anderson Zambrano-Pacheco, 26, was arrested in the Bronx early Tuesday by the Drug Enforcement Administration and US Homeland Security Investigations officers, police said. He was wanted for burglary and felony menacing for an incident at an apartment complex in Aurora last August that was captured on camera, according to the Aurora Police Department.

Zambrano-Pacheco was charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition while being a fugitive, according to court documents filed in Manhattan federal court. He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted on that charge, according to a statement from the US Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York.

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His attorney, Jacqueline Cistaro, declined to comment on the case Wednesday.

He is a high-ranking member of the Tren de Aragua gang, according to a senior law enforcement source with knowledge of the operation. The arrest was part of a series of immigration enforcement actions targeting suspected gang members, according to the source.

Newly-installed Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accompanied law enforcement on the sweep and repeatedly posted about it on her X account. The highly-publicized arrest comes as at least two agencies assisting US immigration officials with sweeps have told their personnel to ensure their clothing clearly depicts their respective agency in case journalists film them, sources familiar with the operations told CNN. It all adds up to what CNN chief media analyst Brian Stelter has described as deportation TV.

Zambrano-Pacheco is one of more than 4,000 people taken into custody in the last four days as part of the Trump administrations rapid crackdown on undocumented immigrants across the US. That group of people includes a number with serious criminal convictions or charges, including members of the Tren de Aragua gang in New York City and Atlanta.

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Ten alleged members and associates of the transnational gang have been indicted on gun trafficking charges in New York City, officials announced Wednesday. They were named in a 120-count indictment and face charges including criminal sale of a firearm, criminal possession of a weapon and conspiracy, according to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.

Detectives recovered 34 guns, including two assault rifles, and 48 grams of a drug concoction known as pink cocaine after a long-term undercover investigation, Katz said in a news release. Many guns, with prices ranging from $1,200 to $2,800, were sold in broad daylight, including at a shopping center parking lot, according to prosecutors. The Venezuelan gangs operation extended as far as Texas and Colorado, with plans to expand to Colombia, the release said.

The immigration sweeps have also led to what border czar Tom Homan has referred to as collateral arrests, a bloodless buzzword for the arrest and detention of men and women from other countries without any criminal record.

The tally of arrests represents a significant increase from the Biden administration, which averaged about 300 immigration arrests per day in the fiscal year that ended October 2024.

Suspected gang leader faces two felony charges

Zambrano-Pacheco was wanted on a warrant out of Aurora on two felony counts stemming from an August 18 incident captured on security camera, in which six armed men knocked on doors at an apartment complex, police said. The fatal shooting of 25-year-old Oswaldo Jose Dabion Araujo occurred about 10 minutes later, police said.

Anderson Zambrano-Pacheco was arrested in NYC on charges connected to an incident at an apartment complex in Aurora, Colorado. - City of Aurora, Colorado

The security camera footage spread widely on social media, and Donald Trump repeatedly mentioned Aurora while running for president, saying immigrants were violently taking over buildings in the city, as part of his pledge to crack down on undocumented immigration.

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Law enforcement used cell phone location data to track Zambrano-Pacheco to a three-bedroom apartment in the Bronx early Tuesday morning, according to the criminal complaint.

Officers found Zambrano-Pacheco and his girlfriend inside a bedroom, where they discovered a pistol loaded with nine rounds in a nearby dresser drawer, according to the complaint. Zambrano-Pacheco denied possessing the gun or knowing it was inside the room, according to the court documents.

Zambrano-Pacheco was ordered detained at a court appearance Wednesday, according to prosecutors. His hearing has been scheduled for February 28, according to court documents.

More than five months after the Aurora incident, five of the six men are now in custody, and the sixth is wanted, police said.

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Two were arrested in the Bronx during a gang task force operation on November 27, police previously said.

Another was arrested in December in Aurora for his suspected involvement in the kidnapping of a married couple by undocumented immigrants at the same apartment complex, police said. That incident was without question a gang incident, and both the perpetrators and victims are Venezuelan immigrants, police chief Todd Chamberlain said.

The warrant for Zambrano-Pacheco was issued as part of Operation Safe Haven, an Aurora Police task force set up to investigate crimes involving the migrant community, police said.

About 11 million undocumented immigrants live in the United States, the Pew Research Centers latest estimates indicate.

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The Trump administration is aiming for each of the 25 ICE field offices to make at least 75 arrests a day, according to two sources.

The numbers you cited are a floor, not a ceiling, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller told CNN. The goal is to arrest at least that many, but hopefully many more, and the Department of Justice is going to be closely involved in providing the manpower to help achieve those objectives.

John Sandweg, the former acting director of ICE in the Obama administration, told CNNs Laura Coates hes concerned the pressure to rack up large arrest numbers could result in heavy-handed tactics.

What Im very interested to see is in the next few weeks as these target lists get exhausted  as they just run out of the easy pickings of the people connected to the criminal justice system  what operational tactics are they going to utilize that feed the machinery that the Trump administration has built? he said.

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CNNs Gloria Pazmino, Priscilla Alvarez, Dalia Faheid, Mark Morales, Nicki Brown and Michael Williams contributed to this report.

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Migrant workers in Canada have been exposed to shocking abuse and discrimination while working under the countrys Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), according to a new report by Amnesty International.

In the report published Thursday, Amnesty criticized the structure of Canadas TFWP, which allows employers to hire migrant workers for primarily low-paid jobs across sectors including agriculture, food processing, construction, and hospitality.

The human rights organization said laborers were vulnerable to abuse through harmful provisions in the program, including closed work permits that tie workers to a single employer who controls both their migration status and labor conditions.

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Amnesty interviewed 44 migrant workers from 14 countries for the report, predominantly from what it termed the Global South, with most workers reporting unpaid wages and excessive hours. Some workers told Amnesty their contracts stipulated zero rest days.

Many workers said they suffered discrimination at work, including being tasked with the hardest physical jobs. Some workers said they suffered severe injuries or developed medical conditions due to unsafe working conditions.

One woman from Cameroon, Benedicte, told Amnesty she had suffered racist psychological and sexual abuse at the hands of her employer while working on a two-year closed work permit on a farm.

After leaving the farm in July 2018, her employer canceled her work permit, leaving Benedicte with an irregular migration status. I did not expect to be a slave here, she told Amnesty.

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Another worker told Amnesty he faced severe forms of control by his employer.

Miguel, a Guatemalan migrant worker with a two-year visa under the TFWP, told Amnesty he was threatened and surveilled. He said his boss confiscated his passport and placed cameras in the container where he lived and the garage where he worked.

The abuse experienced by migrant workers in Canada is deeply troubling, especially for a country that claims to be a leader when it comes to protecting human rights, Erika Guevara-Rosas, senior director for research, advocacy, policy and campaigns at Amnesty International, said.

Amnesty also said many workers reported living in inadequate housing conditions, with a few saying they did not have drinking water in their accommodation.

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An official at Amnesty International Canada, Ketty Nivyabandi, called on Canadas leaders to implement reforms to bring the program in line with Canadas human rights obligations  and, ultimately, to respect the rights of workers.

The Canadian government told CNN it was aware of the Amnesty report.

The government of Canada takes the safety and dignity of temporary foreign workers very seriously and has been taking strong action to protect workers, said Nancy Caron, the spokesperson for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

While in Canada, temporary foreign workers have the same employment standards, rights, and protections under federal, provincial, and territorial law as do Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

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She added the government was continuously taking steps to strengthen its temporary foreign worker programs, including programs to help workers obtain private health insurance, a tip line to report wrongdoing, and open work permits to allow temporary foreign workers to change employers.

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ISLAMABAD (AP)  A group of migrants who survived the capsizing of a boat off the coast of West Africa earlier this month began returning to Pakistan on Thursday, the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Some 50 people died when a boat carrying them to the Canary Islands capsized near Dakhla, a Moroccan-controlled port city in the disputed Western Sahara, including 44 Pakistanis, according to Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Walking Borders, a Spain-based migrant rights group.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said that some of the 22 Pakistani survivors had already returned home on two flights. He did not give any further details, and it was unclear how many survivors returned home.

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Almost all the Pakistanis who were on the boat were from cities in the eastern province of Punjab, and relatives of those who are feared dead have been urging the government to make efforts to bring back their bodies.

Hundreds of Pakistanis die every year while trying to reach Europe by land and sea with the help of human smugglers. Pakistan says it has launched a crackdown on human traffickers and sacked several immigration officials for negligence.
Just after President Donald Trump pardoned more than 1,500 people for their crimes in connection to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, Speaker Mike Johnson, when asked to comment on the measure, said he wouldnt second guess the presidents decision.

The President made a decision, we move forward, he said. There are better days ahead of us  Were not looking backward, were looking forward.

Even so, the following day, the speaker announced that he was forming a select subcommittee under the House Judiciary Committee to investigate the attack on the Capitol. He formed it in order to investigate the failures of the Capitol police in securing the building that day and what many Republicans see as the flawed investigation by the initial select committee launched by Democrats.

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Johnson announced that he would make Georgia Republican Rep. Barry Loudermilk the chair of the subcommittee. He has previously investigated the Capitol attack during his time as chair of the Oversight Subcommittee of the House Administration Committee. Loudermilk said earlier this month Youve got to look backward to look forward, in an apparent attempt to square the speakers opposing comments.

Loudermilk said an important job for the committee will be to look at significant changes in how we secure this building and how we secure the people that are here, and also member security, and also looking at the number of intelligence failures that we have found, according to Politico.

In December, Loudermilk shared his second interim report on the failures and politicization of the January 6 Select Committee.

The ranking member on the House Administration Committee, New York Democrat Joe Morelle, put out his own report as a refutation of Loudermilks on January 5.

Mike Johnson has formed another select subcommittee looking at the Capitol riot, despite saying that the administration would move forward after the President Donald Trumps pardons. (Getty Images)

Dan Wolfensperger, who spent 28 years in Congress as a staffer, wrote in an op-ed for The Hill that the creation of the subcommittee comes after a prolonged obsession with what happened on January 6, 2021, fueled by Trumps repeated stoking of accusations that the other party is spreading false narratives that he was solely to blame for the riot.

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He added that it has confused and conflated events in order to pin the tail on the opposing partys mascot.

Wolfensperger went on to say that Johnson likely created the subcommittee to take some of the onus off Trump for vowing throughout the campaign (and before) that he would vigorously pursue and prosecute his accusers at the Justice Department and on the original Jan. 6 select committee.

While Johnson has promised Loudermilk his support and significant funding for the panel, former President Joe Bidens preemptive pardons of the previous select committees members and Department of Justice prosecutors have frustrated Loudermilks expected actions.

Barry Loudermilk will chair the new subcommittee - but it remains to see if any Democrats will be involved. (Getty Images)

When asked if any Democrats would serve on the committee, Rep. Jim Jordan told reporters youd have to ask Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

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Wolfensperger posited that one of Loudermilks central aims has been to persuade the FBI to prosecute former Wyoming Republican Rep. Liz Cheney for speaking to former Trump White House aide and top January 6 committee witness Cassidy Hutchinson without her attorney being present.

The speakers suggestion for a select subcommittee has to be authorized by the House before a chair and its members can be named before it can go up against other subcommittees for funding.
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)Did you know that veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces get discounts at National Parks and Forests and have access to campgrounds that are not available to most civilians?

National Park passes

There are more than 400 national parks and more than 2000 recreational areas in the United States, and if you have one of the following, you quality for a LIFETIME MILITARY PASS:

DOD ID card

DD For 2

DD Form 2765

Veteran Health Identification Card

Veteran ID Card

Veterans designation on state-issued U.S. drivers license or ID card

The Military Lifetime Pass is for veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, Gold Star Families, and next of kin of a member of the U.S. Armed Forces who lost his or her life in a qualifying situation, such as a war, an international terrorist attack, etc

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National parks vs. national forests: the differences

Military Annual Pass

Are you a current member of the US Armed Forces? If so, you and your dependents can enjoy a Military Annual Pass.

Youll need one of the following to get your pass:

Unexpired Common Access Card (CAC)

Unexpired DD Form 1173

Unexpired Next Generation Dependent ID (Replacement of DD Form 1173)

The Interagency Military Annual Pass is available to current military members and their dependents. It covers entrance fees to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service sites and Standard Amenity Fees at Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sites.

If you have an Interagency Military Annual Pass, you can take any accompanying passengers with you (in a private, non-commercial vehicle) to federal recreation sites. The pass owner can also bring up to three adults, ages 16 and up, to federal sites that charge per person.

Access Pass

Veterans and civilians with permanent physical, mental, or sensory impairments that limit one or more major life activities are eligible for an America the Beautiful Access Pass. The permanent disability does not have to be 100%.

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The pass admits the pass holder (and passengers accompanying them in a non-commercial vehicle) to participating sites across the United States.

This lake in a NWLA National Forest was once one of the most popular parks in the state; now its rarely visited

To qualify for the pass, you must provide a VA-issued document showing that you received federal benefits due to a disability.

With the Interagency Access Pass, youll receive a 50% discount on some expanded amenity fees.

American the Beautiful Passes

American the Beautiful passes cover entrance and standard day-use fees at lands that are managed by the:

National Park Service

US Fish & Wildlife Service

US Forest Service

Bureau of Land Management

Bureau of Reclamation

US Army of Corps of Engineers

ATB annual passes are available to everyone and cost $80 a year. But seniors get the annual pass for $20, and seniors also have the option of buying a Senior Lifetime Pass for $80.

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Source of Shreveports Red River is most popular state park in Texas

Free-entrance days at National Parks

Whether youre a veteran or not, there are seven days a year when its free to enter National Park Service sites.

Jan. 9 (National Day of Mourning for President James Earl Carter, Jr.

Jan. 20 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)

Apr. 19 (begins National Park Week)

June 19 (Juneteenth Nation Independence Day)

Aug. 4 (anniversary of Great American Outdoors Act

Sept. 27 (National Public Lands Day)

Nov. 11 (Veterans Day)

Louisiana State Parks

Some veterans in Louisiana qualify for free hunting and fishing licenses and free entrance to all Louisiana state parks.

Contact your local service officer to begin the process.

Maximum time camping

Its important to remember that many national parks allow camping for only 14 days out of a 28-day period. Some parks have a 5-day limit, while others allow you to stay for a month.

Before you load up and go, just remember to ask about the maximum amount of time you will be able to spend camping at a national forest or park.

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Native Americans in NWLA traded ancient salt from Saline Bayou; now you can camp near the site

United States military RV parks & campgrounds

Did you know that military campgrounds are a thing? RV sites are located on military bases across the country. In Louisiana you can camp at Fort Polk, Barksdale Air Force Base, New Orleans NSA RV Park, and Twin Lakes. You can camp in Arkansas at Ft. Chaffee RV Park or Little Rock Air Force Bases FAM Camp.

Military campgrounds in Texas include:

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MIDTOWN, Manhattan  After being out of the public eye all week because he hasnt been feeling his best, Mayor Eric Adams made a fiery speech at one of his first public appearances on Thursday.

At the citys annual Interfaith Breakfast, Adams addressed speculation about his health and his historic federal indictment in September.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams faces potential case dismissal

Even though he didnt provide definitive answers about his health, and didnt take any questions, he made clear to an audience of faith leaders that he was still in charge at City Hall.

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Who started the stupid rumor that I was stepping down on Friday? the mayor asked the room at New York Public Librarys Main Building to thunderous applause. Are you out of your mind?

The mayor had not been seen in public since last weekend, when his deputy mayor for communications, Fabien Levy, issued a statement saying that Adams would suspend his public schedule because he hasnt been feeling his best and needed to visit his doctor for routine medical tests.

While the mayor was out of the spotlight, at least two narratives began to emerge among people with frequent interactions with City Hall, including among journalists: that the mayors legal team was negotiating with federal prosecutors to try and get bribery and corruption charges that Adams faces dropped, and that he was on course to step down from office by the end of the week.

How do you print a rumor that Im resigning on Friday, the mayor declared from the podium, but dont print the facts that we had more jobs in the citys history, on the same day? Not one tabloid covered it!

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In his 25 minutes at the podium at the event, Adams did not talk about the federal case against him. His fervor in defending his mayoral accomplishments did, however, imply that his legal issues werent stopping him. He also said that any criticism of his administration is intentionally harmful.

Let me tell you why people are angry, Adams said. Because finally one of you is in charge of this city he added, claiming that his mayoralty is representative of everyday New Yorkers.  Those who have been in power for years, that denied you have to deal with the fact we are now in charge.

Adams said his critics continue asking the question, Is he gone yet?

The mayor answered that question definitively: No hes not.

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After another public event on Thursday morning, the police commissioners State of the NYPD address, Adams would not take questions from the media.

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UPDATE: The Polk County Sheriffs Office announced that Adams has been found safe.

POLK COUNTY, Iowa  The Polk County Sheriffs Office is requesting the publics help in locating a missing 75-year-old man.

Norwalk Fire Department reflects on unexpected loss of firefighter

According to the sheriffs office, Ned Adams was last seen near his home in the 9600 block of NE Frisk Drive in Ankeny. Its believed Adams retrieved his mail around 1 p.m. Wednesday, but he hasnt been seen or heard from since. Adams has dementia and may become confused easily, the sheriffs office said.

Adams is 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighs about 200 lbs., has green eyes, and has gray hair. He was last seen wearing a blue jacket and gray ISU sweatpants.

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Anyone with information about Adams whereabouts is asked to contact the sheriffs office at (515)286-3333 or their local law enforcement agency.

Metro News:

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MISSISSIPPI (WKRG)  Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves delivered his State of the State Address Wednesday evening.

Gov. Reeves, the 65th governor of Mississippi, gave the address at 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Watch the video player above for Gov. Reeves full speech, which can also be read below.

Thank you, Lieutenant Governor Hosemann and Speaker White.



To the members of the legislature and to my fellow Mississippians  thank you.



The State of the State is a time-honored tradition delivered by governors for years. It is how we mark the end of one year and the beginning of another. And Ive got to tell you, the year we just ended is going to be an awfully hard act to follow.



Thanks to your hard work and commitment, the state of our state marks 2024  on so many levels  as the most successful in Mississippi history!



Together, we broke record after record and our economy roared. Billions of dollars were invested in our state, and thousands of jobs were created.



Unemployment reached an all-time low, and Mississippi was Top Three in the nation for the fastest growing economy, and Top Four for the fastest growing per-capita income in America, in the most recent data.



This is the success we all promised the people of our state. We said Mississippi had momentum and this is Mississippis time  and the results are clear. In fact, this is Mississippis time.



We had win after win on behalf of the people who live here, and we did things that some thought would never be possible. I want to thank all of you for your hard work. It would not have been possible without you. Success on this scale is a team effort.



And in 2025, we will soar to even greater heights, we will accomplish even bigger things.



Before we go any further  and believe me I am going to go further into this success  I want to remind everyone watching of why we push so hard.



Our goal is not statistics. Not dollars invested. Not even jobs created. Our goal is families. We want Mississippi to be the best place in America to raise a family, to keep a family together, and to have your kids raise your grandkids. That is why we do it.



We know that our state is the best culture, the best tradition, the best place for families. We know our people want to stay here  and other people would love the community theyd find here.



But to make that possible, Mississippi must be the best state to build and grow a business  the best state.



Tonight, I am filled with hope and optimism for our future. And I am eager to highlight some of our states incredible successes.



And of course before I get in trouble, Id like to begin by thanking a woman who makes my life happier, fuller, and better every single day. Everything I have accomplished in my life has been because I have had her by my side. She has supported me, she has encouraged me, and she has embodied beauty, grace, and service.



Thank you, Elee, for the gift of being your husband. Thank you for making me a dad. Thank you for the incredible example you have set for our daughters and for our state. In a life full of Gods blessings, you have, without question, been Gods greatest gift to me. I am extraordinarily fortunate to have you by my side and Mississippi is extraordinarily fortunate to have you as our First Lady.



2024 was the single greatest year ever for Mississippis economy. Billions of private sector dollars were invested here, thousands of new jobs were created, and unprecedented economic development success benefitted every region of our state.



In fact, since Ive been governor, Mississippi has announced over $32 billion in new private sector investment. Let me say that again: over $32 billion in new private sector investment has flowed into Mississippi since 2020!



But this $32 billion is more than just figures mentioned in a speech or numbers on a page. Its not about talking points. Its what they will do for our people that makes all the difference.



This $32 billion is a gamechanger for our state and our citizens. These arent dollars that will just sit in a bank account collecting interest. Instead, they are being deployed in a way that is in the best interest of Mississippians, and in a way that will make their lives better and our entire state stronger.



This $32 billion is helping to create thousands of good jobs for the people who live here. Its helping families fill up their gas tanks and helping put food on their table. Its helping even more workers seize better job opportunities, and it is helping Mississippi seize the momentous economic development opportunities that have been placed in front of us. My hat goes off to everyone here today for making this a reality.



Yall know this well, so Im not telling you something new. Mississippians are the hardest workers in the nation  theyre the best workers in the nation. If you want something built and built right  and quickly  I say to every company in America: come build your products in Mississippi!



Together, by staying true to our fiscally conservative principles, weve sent a message to America  and to the world  that Mississippi is open for business. We have what it takes to get your products to market, and we will always get the job done. Thats why since 2020, we have created tens of thousands of new jobs and an economy that works better for every Mississippian. The results have been felt all across our state  from North Mississippi all the way to our Gulf Coast and everywhere in between. Make no mistake, something special is happening here and its something we should all celebrate.



If we want to attract even more record-breaking private sector investment and create thousands more jobs  we must keep telling our Mississippi story. Our future depends on it.



Just last year, we finalized the single largest private sector investment in Mississippi history after working together on the $10 billion Amazon Web Services project. Thats more than any other private sector investment in Mississippi since we became a state in 1817.



As yall may have seen in the headlines, the project is building two large data center complexes in the Jackson Metro area and creating 1,000 high-paying, high-tech jobs for Mississippians. And its helping make Mississippi a hub for American technological innovation.



In 2024, we also announced the single largest payroll commitment in state history  a $2 billion private sector investment by Accelera by Cummins, Daimler Trucks & Buses, and PACCAR that will create 2,000 jobs with an average annual salary of $66,000. Thats more than $130 million that will be paid out to Mississippians every single year!



We also recently broke ground on the largest private sector investment in the history of the Mississippi Delta  a $1.2 billion investment by Entergy to build the Delta Blues Advanced Power Station in Greenville. Once completed, this facility will generate enough energy to power 385,000 Mississippi homes. Thats a lot of power.



In 2024, we announced that PCC GulfChem is investing $540 million in Harrison County.



Koch Foods is investing over $145 million in Scott County.



Liebherr is investing nearly $240 million in Lee County.



Anduril Industries is investing $75 million in Stone County.



And Gulf States Canners is investing nearly $41 million right here in Hinds County. And these are only a few of the incredible wins we had in 2024!



But we should all want more. And just one month into 2025, we did it again.



Just yesterday, I was proud to help break ground on the new Compass Datacenters project  a $10 billion private sector investment for a new hyperscale data center in Meridian, Mississippi.



$10 billion! This ties the AWS project for the largest project in the history of our state!



This new campus will also create thousands of direct and indirect jobs. In 2024, $10 billion was the largest investment in state history. In 2025, $10 billion is just our first major win!



And also yesterday, we announced Yancey Engineered Solutions is investing over $20 million and hiring 250 workers in Batesville, Mississippi.



This truly is Mississippis time!



During this time of record-shattering economic growth, Mississippi has never been stronger than it is at this moment. And we are so well-positioned for the new golden age of America.



Last week, I had the privilege of attending the inauguration of the 47th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump. As I said on social media, after he was sworn back into office for his second term, Its morning in America again! After four years of migrant crime, open borders, crushing inflation, sky-high gas and grocery prices, and weakness on the world stage, America once again has a leader who is putting America first and American families first! During his first term, President Trump lowered taxes, lowered gas and grocery prices, made America respected by our allies and feared by our enemies, and built a record-breaking economy. He did it once and he will do it again!



President Trump is unleashing the American energy industry. The phrase drill baby, drill, represents not only his unwavering commitment to producing energy right here in America, but his commitment to protecting the jobs of every man and woman who keeps Americas economy moving. On his first day back in office, President Trump removed us from the disastrous Paris Climate Agreement, revoked Joe Bidens ban on certain oil and gas drilling, and reversed the Biden ban on new liquefied gas export facilities. On his first day, President Trump was focused on making America energy rich, energy secure, and energy independent.



But while Mississippi may have an ally in the White House, we are in intense competition with our fellow states. We are competing for jobs, competing for new private sector investment, and competing to retain a technologically advanced workforce. It is critical that we continue to invest in our state and create an economic climate that supports businesses and the investment and jobs they bring.



The single best thing we can do for our state and her people is to eliminate our states income tax. This money does not belong to the government. It belongs to the hard-working Mississippians who earn it.



In todays economy, the competition among states for projects and investments is fierce. Youve heard me say before that we are competing against states like Texas, Tennessee, and Florida, all of which have no state income tax. Other states have taken notice of what is happening in Mississippi. Moreover, theyve taken action.



In 2024, Arkansas enacted its fourth tax cut in two years, reducing their top bracket to 3.9 percent (a random number Im sure). In a recent special session, Louisiana cut their top bracket to 3.5 percent. And in Georgia, in his State of the State address, Governor Kemp recently called for yet another reduction in their state income tax rate. The competition for jobs and investment is real and our fellow states are not waiting  they are competing. It is critical that Mississippi do the same!



On that note, I would like to recognize and thank Speaker Jason White and House Ways and Means Chairman Trey Lamar for their work on House Bill 1. This piece of legislation  which was passed by a large bipartisan majority by the way  shows us a realistic path to eliminate the tax on work in Mississippi once and for all. Thank you to everyone who helped get this bill across the finish line in the House.



As the process goes, now House Bill 1 moves to the Senate, which means there is still work to be done. I urge our friends in the Senate to take action on this historic legislation.



If theres something in the bill you dont like, lets talk about it. But if we truly share the same goal, lets figure it out together. Here I am reminded of what my friend former Jackson State Head Coach Prime loves to say: I aint hard to find.



But please understand, doing nothing is not an option. Lets get this done. Send House Bill 1 to my desk for the hard-working men and women who sent us here to do big things and make their lives better. Our fellow Mississippians are counting on us, and I know we have what it takes to get this legislation passed. Lets eliminate our tax on work once and for all!



We always need more dollars flowing through Mississippi. We always need more action in the state of Mississippi. We know how to make that happen. Today, I want to issue a challenge and make a promise that will result in more winning than Mississippi has ever dared to dream. We must be a leader in American energy. We must be at the front of the pack in the race to have more power. In todays world, power is the key to prosperity. If we can be on the bleeding edge of energy technology, we can beat our peers and bring about more wealth and better lives for all Mississippians.



First, let me recognize Public Service Commissioners Chris Brown, DeKeither Stamps, and Wayne Carr and the work they have been doing in this regard. I appreciate their friendship, their focus, and their partnership in this endeavor.



I know they will be excited as our state embarks upon a transformative effort that Im calling Mississippis Power Play. We are marshalling the forces of our government and our private sector to find bold solutions to bring more energy to our states grid and our economy. Right now, the top minds of our administration are huddled  developing plans to invest in affordable, abundant, American energy for the people of this state. We welcome all ideas and inputs on one condition: have a bias towards boldness. Help us dream bigger, and aim higher. Help us lean in at this unique and opportune moment, and we will achieve great things together. This is the key to our future, and we know that we must get this right.



One of the reasons that Mississippi has attracted such a historic run of private sector investment is our optimistic and abundance-minded energy policy. Im telling you: when private sector companies learn they can trust that we can provide the power to manufacture, smelt, and compute, their eyes light up and their wallets open up. They invest in our state, and our people, and our land.



But as we succeed, demand grows. And as demand grows, we must aim higher. What we are doing today is not enough. We must invest in energy to enrich our population. When we make power here, we create high-paying, stable jobs. This is how Mississippi rises.



It will take all forms of energy and every corner of our economy. Electricity derived from nuclear power, our sun, our winds, and that beautiful, life-giving technology: natural gas. We need transformative solutions, and a sprint to escalate what we already know works. We dont need ideology and climate-cult death-wish politics. We need abundant, affordable energy that feeds ambition and wealth for our citizens.



You already heard me mention a billion-dollar investment in a brand new Delta power plant. In the future, you will hear me announce more investment in energy from the private sector. And in the coming months, you will hear innovative solutions to unlock more energy here.



Watch this space. Today, I simply want to beg for your mind and ambition to engage in this mission alongside us. Help us win more innovation, investment, and power, and our people will be rewarded more than ever before. This work takes time and patience. It is not immediate gratification. I will not be governor when the true fruits of this effort are picked. But I will be a Mississippian, and I will be proud to look around and see the success of the state we all love.



My friends, youve just heard me talk about the best things we can do to strengthen Mississippi and uplift her people. But I also wanted to spend a few minutes talking about what we shouldnt do, because thats also vitally important to the future of our state.



First, we must continue our focus on expanding our workforce, not on expanding welfare. We need more people working, and less people dependent on government programs. Therefore, we must again resist the urge to use taxpayer dollars to expand government, because the radical left isnt giving up. Instead, they are working overtime to influence some of our lawmakers.



My friends, America is over $36 trillion in debt. We now have an administration in Washington that is dead set on reducing spending and getting us closer to a balanced budget. Medicaid changes, for example, are coming. What they will be, we do not yet know. But there is a large possibility that those changes will result in a greater spend by states who have enacted this type of welfare expansion.



With all of the good things happening in Mississippi  especially when it comes to workforce development, and economic development, and job creation  now is not the time to expand welfare in our state. Its actually the worst possible time to do it.



After all, why would we change course and sprint left when so many good things are happening here as a result of our conservative policies?



Another way we will get our state to where we want to go is by giving parents more choices and by continuing to raise standards. We cannot keep doing the same old thing and expect to get new and improved results.



Mississippi has produced some of the greatest authors to ever walk this earth. Entire courses have been taught on the volumes and volumes of books and passages theyve written.



But while our states authors have perhaps the best vocabulary in the history of man, there are three words that should be permanently struck from Mississippis dictionary. They are complacency and status quo.



In 2025, we will keep our momentum going. We will see Mississippis economy grow even more. We will see even more high-paying jobs created. We will see even more Mississippians with the skills they need to be successful in the jobs of the next 50 years. And we will see our state rise to even greater heights. But only if we commit to leaving our comfort zone. This is especially true in education.



During my time as governor, we have seen record-breaking academic success in our state. It has been so profound that the New York Times, of all papers, referred to it as the Mississippi Miracle.



We have seen record achievement from our kids in a variety of subjects. We have seen record high graduation rates and record low dropout rates. Our kids are learning more than ever before, and our kids are graduating into one of the strongest economies in state history.



Today, we actually received even more proof that what we have done is working.



Mississippis brand-new data from one of the top testing institutions  the National Assessment for Educational Progress  shows that we broke educational achievement records again.



Listen to this: Our fourth graders are Number One in the nation. Let me say that again: Number One in the nation in reading and math test score growth. My friends, its just not stopping!



Mississippi kids achieved their highest rate of proficient and advanced scores on these testing measurements  ever.



Our African American students  youve heard me talk so many times about how proud we are of them being Number Five in the nation on their testing scores. Well, now theyre third. And we wont stop until they  and all of our students  are Number One!



Our Hispanic students scored Number One in the nation in reading, and Number Two in math. Our eighth graders ranked among only 13 states whose scores didnt fall this past year.



Im going to let these numbers sink in for a minute. Best in the nation. Number Two in the nation. Number Three in the nation.



In fact, Mississippis fourth graders now rank Number Nine overall in America for reading scores, and they are Number 16 for math.



For so long, our teachers and our kids have been told they are last. 50th. At the bottom. Yall, its just not true. Mississippi is charging to the front of the pack with our education system and daring other states to keep up!



We took bold action, together, united under conservative policies, and we changed the course of Mississippis future, and the individual futures of our students. This is what its all about.

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I could not be more proud of the teachers and kids across our state who have worked so hard and shone the world exactly who we are down in here in Mississippi.



But, my friends, we must continue raising education standards in our state. Weve come too far to take our foot off the gas now.



Ill be the first to admit raising standards will not be easy  it never is. In fact, it will most likely require a lot of uncomfortable conversations. It will force us to leave our comfort zone. But leaving our comfort zone is what must be done to leave our state with the best and brightest future possible. Im ready to do that. Are yall with me?



There are some inside the education establishment that, despite this amazing trajectory we find ourselves on, would have us do the complete opposite. Rather than raise standards, they would have us water them down and they would force us to pass kids who are not yet ready.



Some have even called for the elimination of testing requirements. Requirements that help us gauge whether kids are proficient in algebra, biology, English, and US history.



Theres no other way to say it, folks. Those proposals are downright crazy. They should be a nonstarter for every legislator here today, and we should not take them seriously.



The same people calling for us to be derelict in our duty now, are the same people who implied in 2013 that passing the third grade reading gate would be disastrous for students across our state. These are the same people who eventually changed their tune years later after they saw the history-making results. Hey, better late than never, I guess.



But in 2025, we should do more. Thats because history has already proven that raising education standards benefits students  and our state  tremendously.



Thats why in my most recent budget recommendation I proposed overhauling how we grade schools in Mississippi.



It is wrong that schools can be awarded with an A or B rating when more than 70 percent of their students arent proficient in reading. Let me say that again: there are schools in Mississippi who are hanging their hat on their rating when 70 percent of their students cant read at an adequate level. Thats just flat out wrong. And we must put a stop to it.



To truly best prepare our students for adulthood, we must hold school districts accountable. And thats why I proposed revising the accountability system to place a greater weight on proficiency and less weight on growth in academic achievements.



We got the nation talking about the Mississippi Miracle before, were doubling down right now, and well have them talking about us again and again if we can get this done in our state. Our future is too important to accept anything less, and I look forward to working with all of you to make it happen. Im in this for the long haul.



And while were at it, we should insist that our higher education institutions train Mississippians to earn. Far too many students are stuck in tracts that will not lead to fruitful careers. That may be fine for a few who want to go down academic rabbit holes, but the focus of our investment and our efforts should be preparing our kids to live well. We must focus on degrees that lead to lives of prosperity and stability.



Ive engaged in a lot of conversations with CEOs considering investing billions in our people. Ive never heard them ask if we have a workforce of gender-studies students prepared to take their high-paying jobs. They are ready to pay Mississippi mechanics, engineers, and technologists. They are ready to take those trained in business and science and fill their familys bank accounts. We need a return on investment for the hundreds of millions of dollars we put into our colleges and universities, and that return should appear in the wages of our workers. I urge my friends in policymaking to consider innovative approaches to achieve this.



My fellow Mississippians, our state is stronger than ever.



Thats because in the midst of all the special things happening here, we remain Mississippians.



We are bold, creative, accomplished, and fearless. These qualities created the greatest year in Mississippis history in 2024. And because we are Mississippians, in 2025, we will do it again.



For all Mississippi.



May God bless you and may God bless Mississippi!

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QUITMAN COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV)  State Auditor Shad White announced special agents from his office arrested a Quitman County man for for allegedly submitting fraudulent applications to the Rental Assistance for Mississippians Program (RAMP).

According to White, Vernell Survillion is the owner of multiple rental properties. He said Survillion submitted RAMP applications on behalf of tenants renting properties owned by him.

New Mexico triple homicide suspect found in Mississippi

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The applications allegedly contained fraudulent information, including forged signatures, inflated monthly rental amounts, inflated months delinquent, and incorrect occupant information. White said these actions caused MHC to make payments to Survillion totaling $16,050.00.

Vernell Survillion (Courtesy: State Auditors Office)

If convicted, Survillion faces up to $10,000 in fines and up to five years in prison.

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House Speaker Jon Patterson, a Lee's Summit Republican, prepares for the Governor's State of the State speech in the House chambers on Tuesday (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).

There is no appetite among House Republicans for a bill that would put a bounty on undocumented immigrants, Speaker Jon Patterson told reporters Thursday.

The legislation, which was debated Tuesday in a Missouri Senate committee, would award a $1,000 bounty for tips that result in the arrest of a person present in the United States without authorization. The sponsor of the bill also wants to to authorize bounty hunters to track down people identified in tips.

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No one in the House has filed a similar bill, and Patterson said it stands little chance of getting any traction in the chamber even if it does clear the Senate.

We are committed to making sure that we have legal immigration but that we dont tolerate illegal immigration, said Patterson, a Lees Summit Republican. I have not heard any enthusiasm from our members about doing any sort of bounty. I dont think thats something that youre going to see on this side.

Patterson said the issue is being handled by the federal government, noting that President Donald Trump recently signed legislation that requires the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to detain certain non-U.S. nationals who have been arrested for burglary, theft, larceny or shoplifting.

It also authorizes states to sue the federal government for decisions or alleged failures related to immigration enforcement.

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Gov. Mike Kehoe signed executive orders on his first day in office earlier this month designed to prepare Missouri to assist the federal government in immigration enforcement.

A lot of its being addressed at the federal level, Patterson said.

State Rep. Bridget Walsh Moore, a St. Louis Democrat, called the Senate bill authorizing bounty hunters fear mongering and a very bold step towards fascism.

Any talk of rounding up and getting your papers, she said, especially during the same week as Holocaust Remembrance Day, is incredibly disrespectful, and honestly, should terrify anyone who calls himself a patriot.
Kari Monsees, right, deputy commissioner of education, and Dan Haug, state budget director, listen Wednesday as members of the Missouri House Budget Committee question items in the $2.1 billion supplemental budget (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).

Keeping Missouri state government operating through June 30 will cost $2.1 billion more than lawmakers budgeted last year thanks to lowballed spending estimates, sluggish lottery sales and new programs in education and other areas.

The election-year budget plan approved last year totaled $51.6 billion after Gov. Mike Parson was finished with vetoes that fell heavily on earmarked items inserted by legislators. While Parson was paring back on pork, lawmakers slashed spending in the Medicaid program to keep the topline total down.

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New Gov. Mike Kehoe on Tuesday delivered his $53.7 billion budget for the coming fiscal year. It came with the supplemental spending request that took up most of a six-hour hearing Wednesday in the House Budget Committee.

The Medicaid program spent $12.6 billion on medical services in fiscal 2024 and billions more on mental health and other services. Lawmakers appropriated $13.6 billion for medical services the current year and Kehoe is asking for $15.8 billion in the year starting July 1.

The biggest item in the supplemental spending request is $942 million to cover a Medicaid shortfall. More realistic budgeting last year would have reduced that amount, MO HealthNet Director Todd Richardson told The Independent.

They took about a 25% core cut last year, he said.

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The supplemental request is larger than last year, which was $580 million, but smaller than each of the three previous years, when federal pandemic aid and state employee pay raises inflated the totals.

Along with the new governor, the budget committee has a new chairman, state Rep. Dirk Deaton, a Republican from Noel. It also has a new vice-chairman, GOP state Rep. Bishop Davidson of Republic, who is also new to the committee.

Under state budget rules, lawmakers cannot add items to the supplemental budget but they can reduce or eliminate them. Deaton said it is too early to say whether the proposal will see major changes.

Were still doing the due diligence, and we certainly need to take a look at it and make sure theres the justification for it, and run everything through the traps, Deaton said.

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Davidson said hes working to learn the jargon and the process for setting spending levels.

We have a really awesome staff that are not only good analysts and good researchers, but theyre good teachers as well, he said.

Major items in the supplemental request include:

$142.4 million for the state foundation formula for public schools. Of that amount, $47.4 million is due to increases mandated by a major education bill passed last year. The remaining $95 million is general revenue being used to replace a shortfall in lottery proceeds.

$129.8 million for the Department of Mental Health to eliminate waiting lists for developmental disability and behavioral health services.

$110 million for the mental health agency to pay community providers of services for people with developmental disabilities.

$95 million to cover the expected cost of home and community-based services in the Medicaid program.

$20.7 million to cover a higher rate for health care provided to people in the custody of the Department of Corrections. The department extended the current health care contract with Centurion Health for four years, paying $21.65 per day for each person in custody.

In the early part of the hearing, State Budget Director Dan Haug and department leaders in attendance were often peppered with detailed questions about the budget lines. Later, as the hearing continued through lunch time, the time spent on each shortened.

And when Haug got to the Medicaid request, he even drew laughter.

This is a page I probably should skip, Haug joked when he reached the request. It is only about a billion dollars.

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He received few questions about the request.

Lawmakers wanted to know why the lottery isnt producing as much as promised last year. The budget included $430 million from the lottery for education programs, a 5% increase over the previous year.

Instead, net proceeds available for education are down more than 15% during the first six months of the year.

Haug attributed part of the decline to a dearth of major jackpots, which draw ticket purchases from people who rarely play. State Rep. Louis Riggs, a Hannibal Republican, asked if video games that pay out cash prizes, which have infiltrated every corner of the state at convenience stores and other locations, were to blame.

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How much is that attributable to folks sitting there gorked out all day on those machines, which I dont think were getting any tax revenue from, instead of playing the lottery? Riggs asked.

Haug said there were no studies, so the answer is unknown.

That could be a possibility but it is hard for us to quantify it, he said.

Sometimes the questions focused on issues that werent addressed in the supplemental budget but are causing pain at home. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has struggled to implement a new payment system for child care vendors and in August promised to clear a staggering backlog by the start of November.

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On Wednesday, Kari Monsees, deputy commissioner of education, said 70% of the backlog has been cleared and the target for clearing it is the end of February.

That wasnt an answer that pleased the committee.

When you have providers saying they are taking money out of their childs savings accounts to keep their business open so we have child care, I have a problem with that, said state Rep. Stephanie Hein, a Springfield Democrat.

The education agency took over the child care program when Parson reorganized state government and created the Office of the Child in the department. The department changed its software vendor in December of 2023, and both providers and families enrolling in the program began noticing issues tracking and receiving payment. Some child care centers closed and others turned away families using the subsidy program during months of missed payments.

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There are backlogs of payments from before the changeover that must be met, said state Rep. Don Mayhew, a Crocker Republican.

The plan for catching up payments only covers those made through the new software, he noted.

It didnt include the providers from the previous year who are stuck in this purgatory of old system versus new system, Mayhew said.

When the committee finished with the supplemental plan, Haug gave a quick overview of the budget proposal for the coming year.

Kehoe is proposing a $200 million increase in the foundation formula, which covers the extra costs imposed by last years legislation, but balked at adding another $300 million that the formula shows would meet the full obligation to schools.

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A key factor, the state adequacy target  a measure of how much schools that meet state standard spend  increased, driving the $300 million request.

Just to be clear, we are not cutting funding to K through 12 education, Haug said. We are increasing funding by $200 million in K through 12 education, the largest increase they have gotten under this current formula, the largest increase we could find back to the 90s.

Haug also discussed how Kehoe would keep his promise to eliminate the state income tax, which provides about 70% of state general revenue.

I dont think anyone here wants to cut 70% of state government, Haug said. There would have to be some revenue replacement there.

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FRANKLIN COUNTY, Mo. (KTVI)  Emily Hernandez, a Missouri woman pardoned by President Trump over her ties to the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol, was sentenced Wednesday in connection with a drunken-driving crash.

Hernandez was sentenced to 10 years in prison in connection with a deadly crash in January 2022, according to The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, USA Today and other media reports.

Investigators had said that Hernandez, who was 22 years old at the time of the crash, was driving the wrong way on eastbound I-44 in a Volkswagen Passat when it struck the front of a Buick Enclave. The Enclave was pushed into the median and struck cable barriers.

Emily Hernandez, seen here in 2021, was sentenced Wednesday in connection with a drunken-driving crash. (File/KTVI)

One passenger in the Enclave, 32-year-old Victoria Wilson of St. Clair, Mo., died in the crash. Hernandez was later arrested for driving while intoxicated, resulting in death.

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What I did was ungodly and I will live with that shame for the rest of my life, she said in court on Wednesday, according to the Post-Dispatch. I am sorry for what I did and if I could take it all back, I would.

The Post-Dispatch reported that Hernandez was given close to the maximum sentence for the charges, being sentenced to 10 years in Wilsons death and 7 years for injuries caused to another passenger, though the sentences are running concurrently.

Jan. 6 rioter recently pardoned by Trump shot, killed by sheriffs deputy

Hernandez was one of about 1,500 people pardoned by Trump after being charged in connection with the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. She had been caught on camera holding the nameplate of then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), and had recorded a video of herself grabbing or carrying other signs she found at the Capitol.

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Hernandez had been arrested on charges related to the insurrection on Jan. 19, 2021, and later accepted a plea deal. She was ultimately sentenced to 30 days in jail with one year of supervised release.

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Jan. 29MITCHELL  Two Mitchell residents are facing felony charges in connection to a case of child abuse involving three juvenile children.

Lori Kelly, 48, and Donald Shepard, 44, are accused of being involved in incidents in which the children were physically punished with a homemade paddle and a wooden dowel rod, resulting in visible bruising.

The investigation began after a report from a Child Protection case worker with the South Dakota Department of Social Services, who received a referral about the injuries. The report stated that two of the children in Kelly's care had bruising on their buttocks, and all three children reported that Shepard caused the injuries by spanking them with a homemade paddle at his home.

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In late December, the three children were interviewed by Child's Voice, a child advocacy center, where they explained that Shepard had spanked them multiple times using various objects, including the homemade paddle and a dowel rod. These incidents reportedly took place at both Shepard's home and Kelly's residence.

While Kelly is not accused of using physical punishment, she admitted that about a month earlier, Shepard had used a dowel rod to spank all three children at her home. Kelly also acknowledged she was aware of Shepard using the homemade paddle to discipline the children when they were at his home. She admitted that, after being questioned, she went to Shepard's home, took the paddle and disposed of it in a dumpster at a local trailer park. The paddle was later recovered by authorities.

Kelly is facing three counts of aiding and abetting in child abuse. Two of the charges are classified as Class 4 felonies, while the third charge is a Class 3 felony due to one of the children being under the age of 7. Shepard faces two counts of child abuse, both Class 4 felonies, and one count of abuse or cruelty to a minor under 7 years old, a Class 3 felony.

Both Kelly and Shepard have pleaded not guilty to the charges. A jury trial has been scheduled for June.
Jan. 29MITCHELL  A Mitchell woman has been sentenced to 15 years in the state penitentiary, with 13 years suspended, for stealing more than $250,000 from her employer.

Anna Gardner, 49, was also ordered to pay $305,011.15 in restitution to Iverson Chrysler Center, her former employer and the victim of her crime. The restitution amount includes both the stolen funds and the $50,000 Iverson Chrysler spent hiring forensic accountants to investigate the theft.

According to Davison County State's Attorney, Jim Miskimins, the theft was uncovered after discrepancies in the company's financial records prompted an investigation. Gardner, who served as the office manager, used the company's computer system to misappropriate funds over several months. Davison County Deputy State's Attorney Alicia Odland described the crime as unconscionable, noting the calculated nature of the theft, which required time and planning to execute.

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During the sentencing, Gardner expressed regret and offered an apology to Iverson Chrysler.

Judge Giles emphasized that the significant financial loss caused by Gardner's actions played a major role in his decision to impose a sentence that includes both restitution and time in prison.

Judge Giles acknowledged that Gardner is dealing with health issues and, in consideration of her situation, delayed the start of her sentence for one week to allow her time to address some of her health matters. However, he emphasized that the severity of the crime, particularly the large amount of money involved, required prison time. The significant financial harm caused to Iverson Chrysler played a key role in his decision to impose a sentence that included both restitution and incarceration.
An undercover officer who previously faced death threats is now worried since his name was among those released by Minnesotas licensing board, according to an amended lawsuit seeking class action status. Another officer reported a hit placed for him since his identity was disclosed.

The Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association initially filed the suit last week, after learning the identities of 257 undercover officers had been made public. The association announced the amended legal document on Thursday.

Undercover officers work on some of the most sensitive, dangerous investigations in law enforcement, and work among the most violent and retaliatory offenders  criminals who do not know that they are in fact law enforcement officers, the amended lawsuit says. These investigations include terrorist organizations, drug cartels, sex trafficking rings, illegal firearms transports, and the like.  All of these matters are placed at risk because of the POST Boards actions.

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The lawsuit, filed in Ramsey County District Court on behalf of the affected officers, alleges the states Board of Peace Officers Standards and Training violated the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. The state law says information about undercover officers is private data.

A local independent journalist, Tony Webster, requested public information from the POST Board in August. He said in a statement that the POST Board explicitly told him theyd removed undercover officers names from the dataset they initially released to him.

The POST Board director notified Webster on Jan. 21 that hed inadvertently sent me data identifying every undercover officer in the state, Webster wrote. He said he waited to make a public comment until a database on the website of the Invisible Institute, a nonprofit organization, was updated to remove the undercover officers names.

Erik Misselt, POST Board executive director, said in a statement that upon becoming aware of the issue, the POST Board promptly notified the data requestor and other recipients of the data of the incident and requested the data be destroyed. The POST Board also promptly notified all affected officers and their Chief Law Enforcement Officers of the incident and the POST Boards steps to stop any further dissemination of the data.

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About 49,000 officers were listed in the response to the data request and the dataset did not directly reveal or indicate those officers statuses as undercover, Misselt wrote. The POST Board recognizes the sensitivity of this issue. POST has been and will continue to work diligently to address and resolve concerns in connection with this incident.

Additional home security measures, other precautions

Three officers referenced in the lawsuit, but not named because they are undercover, each received a Jan. 21 email from Misselt confirming their names were among those whose identity was disclosed.

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The officer who previously dealt with death threats associated with his work is anxious about the impact this disclosure by the POST Board could have on his family and himself, the amended lawsuit says. He has always taken great caution to protect his undercover identity. He has now started to carry his firearm at all times, take different vehicles from his family when they leave the house to protect their safety, and check his homes security cameras and set his security alarms even more vigilantly.

Numerous other undercover officers have invested in additional home security measures, including expensive equipment and software, within the last week since the disclosure came to light, the lawsuit says.

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Others have invested in LEO Web Protect, a service that, for $99.99 a year, will attempt to remove any information about law enforcement officers from the internet, the lawsuit said.

An officer stated the disclosure by the POST Board is very difficult to digest but that he cannot say (he) is surprised, and that this incident has caused a lack of sleep and concern for safety,' the lawsuit continued. He explained that as a law enforcement officer, it is not uncommon to have your life threatened by suspects that you interact with, but that this release of data by the POST Board is an absolute slap in the face.'

Seeking class status for suit

The three officers referenced in the lawsuit are seeking more than $50,000, in an amount to be determined at trial. Attorneys are seeking class status for the lawsuit to represent the 257 undercover officers whose names were released.

We are deeply concerned about the grave consequences of this breach, said Chris Madel, attorney for the officers, in a Thursday statement. The identities of these officers were exposed in a colossal violation, endangering not only the officers but also the communities they serve.

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The original dataset on Minnesota officers was posted on the Invisible Institute website on Jan. 15, according to the institute. It was six days later that Webster said he woke to an email from Misselt and then talked to him by phone.

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Webster wrote last week that the data had been distributed to news organizations, and it was downloadable by anyone.  It is likely distributed beyond any assurance of effective recall.

The lawsuit resulted in an immediate injunction to prevent any further unauthorized release of data, the police association said in a Thursday statement. The amended complaint  now seeks a permanent injunction for the POST Board to adopt stronger measures to ensure future protection of sensitive law enforcement information, including greater oversight and accountability within the Minnesota POST Board.
A Westmoreland County man who was accused of making sexual content involving a minor is heading to prison.

The Department of Justice said Stefan Sweeney, 36, of Monessen, made a video that sexually exploited a 13-year-old girl.

On Thursday, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release.

Police said Sweeney was caught as part of an investigation conducted between the FBI, Kennedy Township Police and Pittsburgh Police.

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AUSTIN  On Thursday, State Rep. Brent Money (HD-2) filed House Bill 2197 meant to provide equal protection under the law to pre-born babies in Texas. More than a dozen House colleagues co-authored the bill within the first hour of filing.

52 years ago today, the Supreme Court sentenced millions of babies to death under Roe v. Wade, Money said. Although Roe has fallen, millions of babies are still being murdered across America, including in Texas. While the Texas Legislature has enacted various pro-life laws, Texas babies are still being aborted on a horrific scale due to the prevalence of self-managed abortions.

Money added that in 2023 alone, more than 56,000 Texas babies were aborted. More than 35 mothers left the state to procure abortions and another 20,662 mothers legally performed self-managed abortions.

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The first-term state representative said Texas law that denies equal protection of the laws to pre-born persons is unconstitutional and HB 2197 rectifies this by asserting the personhood and protection under the law from the moment of conception.

HB 2197, Money added, would close the last remaining loophole in Texas abortion law by amending sections of the Texas penal code that keep self-managed abortion legal.

According to a press release distributed by Moneys office, HB 2197 ensures that doctors can legally intervene to save the life of the mother and contains protections for mothers who are coerced into having abortions.

HB 2197, the released added, also safeguards mothers from sex traffickers and other abusers who use the loopholes allowing self-managed abortion to force mothers into abortion.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News now)  Police said they arrested a man after a hit-and-run kickstarted a series of subsequent crimes early Monday morning throughout Montgomery County.

Just after 4:30 a.m. on Jan. 27, Gaithersburg Police, Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue (MCFRS) responded to a hit-and-run collision on Rt. 355 and Watkins Mill Road.

Witnesses said they saw a man and a small child walk away from a Toyota Scion at the scene. The car, police said, was stolen from New York City on Jan. 26.

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No survivors after American Airlines plane, military helicopter collide near DCA, crash into Potomac River

A little over an hour later at 5:50 a.m., a Gaithersburg resident reported their Kiat Forte was stolen from in front of their home in the 1300 block of Travis View Court.

At 9:20 a.m., officers responded to another home  this time in the 22000 block of Davis Mill Road in Germantown  after receiving a report about a home invasion.

The victim said he was in his home when he heard a noise and went to investigate. He found a man who matched the description of the hit-and-run suspect and a 4-year-old girl wearing a pink jacket.

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The suspect said his daughter needed to use the bathroom.

Armed with a weapon, MCPD said the man stole personal items, food and drinks before taking the homeowners pickup truck.

Person evaluated, six displaced after house fire in Landover

Investigators learned the suspect  32-year-old Esmeraldo Martinez De La Cruz  and his 4-year-old daughter had been reported missing from New York City.

At about 3 p.m., officers in Bridgewater, Va., found the stolen truck and tried to pull it over. Martinez drove on I-81 while firing multiple shots at officers.

The pursuit continued for nearly 60 miles before Martinez crashed into a guardrail near the Shenandoah/Frederick County line.

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He was arrested by Virginia State Police while his daughter was evaluated by first responders. She had no injuries.

No officers or any other civilians were injured during the pursuit or shooting.

Martinez was charged in Virginia with attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, possession of stolen property and child neglect.

He also faces charges in Montgomery County for home invasion, armed robbery and more.

Martinez is being held at the Rockingham County Regional Jail in Virginia.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Montgomery County residents are receiving more scam phone calls.

On Thursday, Jan. 30, Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck issued a warning about these scams in which callers pose as employees of the Sheriffs Office to trick people into giving them their money.

The scammers scare people by lying about failures to appear in court and urgent legal matters. They then threaten to arrest the recipient of the phone call unless they receive immediate payment through PayPal, Apple Pay, money orders and other services.

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To sell the scam, they spoof the caller ID of the Sheriffs Office to look more authentic.

These scammers can be extremely convincing, said Streck. They exploit fear and confusion to pressure people into compliance. Let me be clear: the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office will never call residents to demand payment or threaten arrest for unpaid fines, warrants, or missed court dates.

The scammers are also using the names of actual MCSO employees to seem real.

We want residents to know this is a deliberate tactic by these criminals to make their schemes more believable. Always verify the authenticity of any call, and dont hesitate to reach out to your local police department to report suspicious activity, said Streck.

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The MCSO urges people to stay alert and educate friends and family members on scams.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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File: A Honda dealership logo Alan Diaz/AP

Honda and Acura have recalled 295,000 vehicles in order to update their fuel injection software.

Improper programming could cause the vehicles' engines to lose drive power, hesitate and stall, which could increase the risk of a crash or injury, according to the multinational car manufacturers' recall notice.

Honda Pilots manufactured from 2023-2025, Acura MDX Type S models manufactured from 2022-2025 and Acura TLX Type S models manufactured from 2021-2025 will be recalled in March, according to information from the manufacturers.

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According to the Honda notice, registered owners of all affected models will be contacted by mail in March and asked to take their vehicle to an authorized Honda or Acura dealer for a free software update.

The manufacturers have not received any confirmed reports of crashes or injuries related to this issue, according to the notice.
More Americans are in favor of President Donald Trumps attempt to curb birthright citizenship than are against it, a new poll reveals, as presidential approval is improving post-inauguration.

The controversial executive order issued by Trump at the inauguration aims to end birthright citizenship for children of migrants, who are in the US on temporary visas or illegally. The move has already faced lawsuits from dozens of states and affected parties.

Yet a new poll from Emerson College post-inauguration, carried out from 27 to 28 January, shows 45 per cent of Americans support Trumps efforts to roll back birthright citizenship for children of undocumented migrants.

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By comparison, just 37 per cent oppose the change, while a substantially high 19 per cent are neutral or have no opinion.

The poll of 1,000 registered US voters has a margin of error of +/- 3 percentage points, and is weighted to represent a mix of party, gender, race, education, age, and region.

Unsurprisingly there are trends among party lines; but some support comes from all ends of the political spectrum. A majority of Republicans, 69%, support ending birthright citizenship, compared to 25% of Democrats and 38% of independents.

Those in the South were the most likely to support removing birthright citizenship for children of undocumented migrants (51 per cent).

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Among all ethnicities, Latino respondents were the most in opposition to the proposed change (42 per cent); yet a comparatively high number also supported the change (39 per cent).

Nonetheless, the clear majority of Americans (56 percent) support the pathway to citizenship for undocumented migrants, with just 24 per cent in opposition.

When it comes to other immigration topics, Americans are more divided.

People are split on allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to conduct searches in schools and churches after Trump repealed a 2011 policy which protected those areas.

Slightly more Americans are against these raids (44 per cent) than would allow them (41 per cent).

The inauguration boosted confidence

Overall, the data suggests the American public is feeling slightly more optimistic following President Trumps entering office.

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A small majority (52 per cent) of voters believe that the US is heading in the right direction, compared to being on the wrong track (48 per cent).

This is a notable U-turn from the same poll just two weeks earlier on 14 January, when 67 per cent of people believed the country was on the wrong track.

More specifically for Trump, the president is facing a net positive approval rating of +8 per cent, with 49 per cent of people approving of how he is doing his job and 41 per cent disapproving.

President Trumps 49% job approval rating closely reflects his share of national support in the 2024 election, and his 41% disapproval is the lowest it has been in Emerson national polls dating back to his first term, said Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling.
According to data provided by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, About 500 children found permanent homes through adoption last year, while another 464 were able to return to their parents or other relatives. (Photo by seksan Mongkhonkhamsao/Getty Images)

There were about 150 fewer children in Maines child welfare system at the start of this year than there were in September.

Office of Child and Family Services Director Bobbi Johnson shared this figure as part of her quarterly update to the Legislatures Health and Human Services Committee earlier this month. As the system has come under renewed scrutiny over the past year, Johnson said she wanted to share some of the positive developments at the agency.

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The highlights included a pilot program for more timely payments to foster families and new tools and training for caseworkers to improve the risk assessment for children whose parents have a substance use disorder.

Johnson also expanded on the positive numbers, which she used to illustrate how the children in the the system are faring. Data from December that she shared with the committee showed that more children left state custody than were taken in and almost half of those who left returned to their parents or another relative, while most of the remainder found permanent homes through adoption.

Thats the hard work that my staff are doing every day, Johnson told the committee.

Maine Morning Star reviewed additional data from the Department of Health and Human Services showing the number of children who entered the states child welfare system in 2024, how many exited the system, and where they ended up.

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Last year, 900 children entered into the states child welfare system. While it fluctuates month to month, on average, there were 2,520 children in state custody last year. That population peaked in April with 2,581, but steadily decreased in the second half of the year, ending with a total of 2,414 children in state custody in December.

Overall, more than 1,000 children left state custody last year. Every month since July, the number of children leaving was greater than the number entering.

While there were about 50 children who aged out of the system, meaning they exited care when they turned 18 without achieving a permanent outcome, most of the children who left the system were adopted or reunified with their families.

About 500 children found permanent homes through adoption last year, while another 464 were able to return to their parents or other relatives.

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Over the past few months, Johnson has shared with lawmakers changes that shes made since taking over the agency in early 2024. However, in December, 145 caseworkers sent a letter of no confidence aimed at Johnson and leadership from the Department of Health and Human Services, which houses the states child welfare agency.

Recent reports from the agency ombudsman acknowledge that while progress has been made, there is still work to be done to improve its efficacy, particularly around initial investigations and the reunification of families.

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NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  It was named after a student shot and killed at his Albuquerque middle school when a classmate brought his fathers gun to campus. The state law, now known as Bennies Law, is meant to keep guns away from kids. But a year and a half into effect, is it making a difference?

Bennie was extraordinary. He was the life of our family, said Collette Wise, Bennie Hargroves mother.

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Bennie was 13 years old in August 2021 when he was shot and killed by a fellow student at Washington Middle School. I dont understand. I dont understand why hes gone, why hes not here. I ask myself every day, said Wise.

Police said the shooter used his fathers gun and Wise was surprised to learn there was not a law in place to hold the parent accountable. I think that in our situation the parents shouldve been held responsible. But we did the law so it wont happen again. Cause I dont want no other family to feel what I feel, said Wise.

The shooting prompted Albuquerque Representative Pamelya Herndon to sponsor a bill allowing parents or guardians to be charged if their child gets ahold of their guns. To make sure that firearms are kept safely stored out of the hands of people who should not have them and primarily minors. That was the focus and goal of the legislation, said Rep. Herndon.

Bennies Law went into effect in June 2023. Since then, has it made an impact? It wasnt necessarily to put people in jail or to prosecute them. But we wanted to make sure that our children were safe and able to grow up and have a good future, said Rep. Herndon.

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In the year and a half its been in effect, four adults across the state have been charged under Bennies Law. One case was in Taos County while a second case was brought in Santa Fe County and will go to trial in April. The charge was also brought against defendants in separate cases in Chaves and Bernalillo Counties, but in both cases, the charge was later dropped.

So far, the charge has only gone to trial once, which was in Taos County last June. William Brown was charged after a teen was shot and killed on his Questa property allegedly by another teen there.

District Attorney Marcus Montoya was the first person to ever prosecute Bennies Law and acknowledges this specific case had its challenges. In our particular case as everyone may know following this case, we didnt actually have the murder weapon, said Montoya, Eighth Judicial District Attorney which includes Taos County. We did have an arsenal in the house and evidence that and testimony that it came from that house but also the gun owner and the homeowner did have gun safes on premises.

Without the murder weapon, prosecutors could not prove the gun came from William Brown or that it was not stored safely since there was evidence of gun safes on the property. A jury found Brown not guilty of Bennies Law.

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But if you had a gun safe, which is an exception, but if you have a 14, 15, 16-year-old child who has the combination to that safe, is it really securely stored? And I would posit that its not because they still have access to it, said Montoya.

Other district attorneys across the state have told KRQE News 13 that a big hurdle in prosecuting Bennies Law is tracking where a gun in a childs possession came from. Cases since then have shown many kids get guns, sometimes stolen ones, from social media or even 3D printing.

The accessibility to guns especially by juveniles who unlawfully have no reasons to have these guns in their possession is so prolific right now, said Montoya. While there have not been any convictions under Bennies Law yet, Representative Herndon claims it has made a difference as a deterrent.

People are thinking a lot more clearly about how they should be storing their firearms safely and not leaving them around, said Herndon. KRQE News 13 asked if she would like to see more convictions under this statute. I want to see more firearms stored safely, she said.

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DA Montoya also agreed its impact may be a level of awareness. Time will tell, right? Ours were factually specific. You cant fix bad facts with a statutory over-right, said Montoya. I do think that Bennies bill brought awareness to gun responsibility. Thats a win in itself.

Meanwhile, Wise visits the bench in her sons honor every birthday and anniversary without him. Gun violence has damaged our family, said Wise. We have not had no convictions behind it yet but I think it put it in parents ears that they will be accountable for their kids actions and these guns.

She wishes Bennie could see the lasting impact of his life cut short. He would be amazed. Hes probably up there like, you did it mom. Hes a star. Thats what he always told us, Im going to be a star and he is, she said. I dont like the circumstance but I think its great and hes still a star.

Rep. Herndon said there are no amendments to be made to Bennies Law this session but she is looking at other ways to continue to address gun violence among youth. Shes looking at funding to add mental health rooms at all New Mexico high schools as a form of prevention. Additionally, she is looking into an internet privacy bill that would keep certain content away from users under 18 years old.

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PARIS (AP)  A special mailbox for children to flag abuses was set up Thursday at a Paris primary school, a first in the French capital as part of nationwide effort to encourage more victims of sexual violence to speak up.

Some 360 such mailboxes have already been deployed across France, where children can drop letters that will be assessed by experts. The program is supported by child protection association Les Papillons, or Butterflies, and runs under the motto: If you cant say it, write it.

It comes as activists are pushing to lift taboos that have long surrounded sexual abuse and make shame changes sides. That was highlighted recently during the trial that made Gisele Pelicot, who was drugged and raped by her now ex-husband, Frances symbol of fight against sexual violence.

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12-year prison sentence resulting from one message

In June 2022, on the first day a mailbox was set up in a school in eastern France, a 10-year-old girl left a message naming her grandfather and describing what appeared to have been instances of incestuous rape. A few days later, police officers said she and two other girls in her family had allegedly been victims of incest for years.

In September the grandfather was found guilty and sentenced to a 12-year prison sentence.

According to Les Papillons, about 2.4% of the messages lead to reports to local child protection officials in charge of taking necessary measures.

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1.4% of the messages are immediately reported to prosecutors, leading to a police investigation, in line with French law regarding serious and imminent danger to children. They include all alleged sexual abuses.

30,000 messages in a year

The main thing that has changed and I think its great, is that victims are less and less reluctant to talk, Laurent Boyet, the police officer who founded Les Papillons, told The Associated Press. But what still hasnt changed is that people still dont necessarily listen to them as they should... Theres still a long way to go.

Last year, more than 30,000 children put a message in the mailboxes, Boyet noted. This provided the association with a snapshot of the scale of child abuse in France.

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Most children reported situations that took place in the school environment, including harassment and physical abuse. About 10% reported issues at home, of which over half involved physical violence. Some involved sexual abuse within the family.

Boyet wrote a book in 2017 to tell his own story. He said he was raped by his brother, who was 10 years older, when he was between the ages of 6 and 9.

How do the mailboxes work ?

Children at the Paris primary school where the mailbox has been set up Thursday will get instructions about what it's for.

The association proposes pieces of paper where children can tick the box I need help for me or for one of my friends," fill the line my abuser is named and write what's happening.

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Going through writing help children," the director of the Blanche school, Geraldine Gythiel, said. "They take the paper, they put it in their pocket and theyll write what they have to write at the right moment... Because talking to an adult isnt easy.

Twice a week, local police officers will pick up the messages and email them to the associations experts, including three psychologists, for assessment.

The most serious ones are immediately sent to police services so they can be used in investigations and as evidence in a potential trial, Boyet said.

In some other cases like school bullying, the association will talk with teachers and educators to seek solutions.

The association's psychologists may also get in touch with the child's parents to provide counselling, Boyet said.
Nearly a dozen prison employees have now resigned or been fired since the U.S. Department of Justice launched a probe into a suspected drug, phone and contraband smuggling ring within Waupun Correctional Institution, according to the state's Department of Corrections.

That's up from the five previously reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel last spring.

Of the 11 staffers, nine had their employment terminated and two resigned while under investigation, according to DOC spokesperson Beth Hardtke. The department said it isn't yet releasing the names of nine individuals whose employment was terminated because they are still under investigation.

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In September, however, a former facilities repair worker at Waupun Correctional Institution pleaded guilty in federal court to smuggling contraband into the prison, including cell phones, tobacco products and controlled substances. Between 2022 and 2023, the former employee had received payments from prisoners, former prisoners and "associates" of prisoners totaling more than $53,000.

The probe came at a time when the state's correctional system faced growing criticism from prison rights advocates and families of Waupun prisoners following a spate of in-custody deaths, extended lock-down periods and poor access to on-site health care and services.

In June 2023, Dean Hoffmann, 60, died by suicide after nine days in solitary confinement. An investigation by the Journal Sentinel found that prison workers failed to give him his bipolar and antidepressant medications as prescribed more than three-quarters of the time. Shortly thereafter, his family filed a lawsuit alleging prison staff were deliberately indifferent to Hoffmann's serious mental health needs.

In October 2023, 30-year-old Tyshun Lemons died of an accidental overdose of fentanyl and Cameron Williams, 24, died of a rare stroke. Fellow prisoners have accused prison workers of ignoring Williams' pleas for help before his death. Their families have filed separate civil rights lawsuits against DOC, each alleging that Lemons and Williams were deprived of constitutional rights protecting against cruel and unusual punishment.

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Donald W. Maier, 62, died in February of last year, a week after staff began periodically switching off the water to prevent him from flooding his cell, according to a criminal complaint. He died of probable dehydration and malnutrition, and his death was ruled a homicide.

The Journal Sentinel also reported on the deaths of Jay J. Adkins, 66, who died in May, and Christopher L. McDonald, 57, who later died in August. Dodge County Sheriff Dale J. Schmidt did not immediately respond to questions about the status of his office's investigation into their deaths.

Last summer, the prison's former warden and eight other workers, including nurses, correctional sergeants and lieutenants at the facility, were arrested and charged with misconduct in office and abuse of residents of a penal facility related to the deaths of Williams and Maier.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: More Waupun prison staff fired, resigned amid smuggling investigation
Police ballistic markers stand besides a child's chair and bicycle at a crime scene in Brooklyn where a one year old child was shot and killed on July 13, 2020 in New York City. The 1-year-old boy was shot near a playground during a Sunday picnic when gunfire erupted. Two other adults were wounded in the evening shooting. New York City has witnessed a surge in gun violence over the past month with 9 people killed, including children, and 41 others wounded on the Fourth of July weekend alone. The gun violence is occurring against the backdrop of a nationwide movement to consider defunding police departments. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

The number of homicides across the United States declined by 16% in 2024, continuing a recent downward trajectory, according to the latest crime trends report from the Council on Criminal Justice, a nonpartisan think tank.

Homicides spiked during the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic, and crime became a central focus of President Donald Trumps 2024 reelection campaign. Trump insisted that FBI crime data showing declines was fake and claimed that crime was through the roof. The second Trump administration is expected to adopt a tough-on-crime approach.

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State legislatures nationwide also are expected to prioritize a variety of criminal justice measures this year, including prison oversight, illegal immigration, retail theft and policing standards and procedures. Polls show most Americans see crime as a significant problem, though fewer than in recent years.

The Council on Criminal Justice, known as CCJ, gathers data from individual law enforcement agencies for its biannual crime trends reports, meaning the data is more recent than the FBIs annual report. Both the think tanks and the FBIs reports, however, show a similar turnaround in violent crime.

In 2023, criminal homicide  which the FBI defines as murder or non-negligent manslaughter  was down by 11.6% from the previous year. It was the largest single-year decline in two decades, according to the FBIs annual crime report published last year.

The CCJ report shows that the downward trend appears to be continuing, with homicides in 2024 dropping by 16% compared with 2023. That drop equates to 631 fewer homicides in the 29 cities that provided data for the category, according to the councils report.

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If this decrease holds as more jurisdictions report their data to the FBI later this year, 2024 would rank among the largest single-year homicide drops since at least 1960, the start of modern record-keeping, according to the report.

A political issue

Despite the recent decline in homicides, crime remains a politically salient issue. A majority of Americans  56%  believe that national crime has increased or consider it an extremely or very serious problem. But public concern about crime has lessened over the past year, according to Gallups annual crime survey.

Perceptions of crime are heavily influenced by political affiliation. The survey found that 60% of Democrats believe crime has decreased over the past year, whereas 90% of Republicans think it has increased.

Some crime experts say that media reports, political messaging and viral social media posts may exaggerate Americans worries about disorder, making crimes such as shoplifting and public drug use appear more prevalent than they actually are. Still, some individual cities and neighborhoods may be experiencing higher crime rates, which could further explain these concerns.

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We still have problems with crime, still have problems in the criminal justice system, and even though the crime rates are improving, we should not take our focus off crime and criminal justice, said Ernesto Lopez, the reports co-author and a senior research specialist with the council, in an interview with Stateline.

The council analyzed crime trends in 40 U.S. cities, although not all cities had data available for every type of offense.

Among the cities studied, 22 saw a decline in homicides last year, with Chandler, Arizona, and Little Rock, Arkansas, recording the largest decreases at 50% and 43%, respectively. Six cities experienced increases, with Colorado Springs, Colorado, leading the way with a 56% jump.

When comparing homicide rates between 2019 and 2024, the councils study sample saw a 6% decline, largely driven by cities with traditionally high homicide rates, including Baltimore and St. Louis.

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Homicides are still above pre-pandemic levels in some cities, including New York City and Washington, D.C. In New York City, for example, there were 382 homicides in 2024 compared with 319 in 2019. In Washington, D.C., there were 187 homicides in 2024 and 166 in 2019.

Other crimes

The CCJ report also examined trends in other violent and property crimes, including gun assault, carjacking, motor vehicle theft and drug offenses. Most of these offenses were lower in 2024 than in 2023, with shoplifting being the only exception, showing a 14% increase. Shoplifting also was 1% higher in 2024 compared with 2019.

Researchers were surprised that shoplifting rates increased last year despite retailers taking more measures to combat it, such as locking up merchandise behind glass. Some experts say that the rise may reflect improved reporting efforts rather than an actual spike in theft.

Last year, state legislatures placed a strong emphasis on tackling retail theft, and this momentum is likely to continue into this year, with Maryland lawmakers already considering a bill aimed at addressing large-scale organized retail theft.

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From 2023 to 2024, incidents of robbery dropped by 10%, carjackings fell by 32%, and motor vehicle theft decreased by 24%.

Violent crimes such as sexual assault, domestic violence and robbery are now below pre-pandemic levels, but aggravated assaults, gun assaults and carjackings remain higher than in 2019, according to the report.

Property crime trends over the past five years varied. Residential burglaries and larcenies decreased, while nonresidential burglaries increased. Motor vehicle thefts rose by 53%, and drug offenses fell by 28%.

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.
SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA)  Mote Marine Laboratory received millions of dollars from the state for a red tide mitigation initiative a few years back. Now, alongside their partners, scientists unveiled some of the tools theyve developed to tackle the harmful algal blooms.

The state of Florida is leading in the U.S. and indeed leading in the world in developing new technologies to fight, not only red tide but other harmful algal blooms in freshwater and marine ecosystems all around the United States and all around the world, said Mote CEO Dr. Michael Crosby.

QVC US and HSN operations close campus in St. Petersburg

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Scientists looked at more than 300 different approaches and narrowed it down to about two dozen. Three of those have already received state and federal approvals to be deployed.

Our mantra is with all of these technologies.. none of them will do any greater harm to the environment than the red tide is already doing, said Dr. Crosby.

Mote broke down three initiatives ready for deployment in a news release this week.

1. CLEAR

Principal Investigator: Dr. Dana Wetzel

CLEAR is a novel, naturally derived biocide developed by Motes Environmental Laboratory for Forensics. Harnessing the properties of natural plant-based compounds, CLEAR targets K. brevis with no environmental impact. CLEARs active ingredients are classified as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA, and studies show no measurable accumulation in the environment. The all-natural biocide degrades fully within half a day, ensuring its safety for marine ecosystems. Regulatory approvals from the EPA, FDACS, and DEP allow for rapid deployment of CLEAR in the event of a bloom.

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Mote has developed multiple formulations of CLEAR to ensure versatility. Engineered particle treatments can be deployed on surface waters via vessel-mounted blowers, drones, or backpack sprayers. For underwater applications, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) or autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) deliver the liquid form directly into blooms. This liquid application may also be deployed sub-surface with a specially equipped boat. CLEAR-embedded dissolvable beads provide sustained protection for 30-60 days, ideal for canals, marinas, and other vulnerable areas. This multi-faceted approach ensures targeted and effective mitigation.

2. Xtreme

Principal Investigator: Dr. Rich Pierce

Xtreme is a natural, non-toxic water treatment product developed by Heartland Energy Group. Previously used for blue-green algae (a freshwater HAB), Xtreme has demonstrated significant effectiveness against K. brevis. Lab testing and mesocosm experiments at Mote confirmed Xtremes ability to reduce red tide cells and brevetoxins while posing no harm to marine life, including commercially important clams. Xtreme offers a natural solution that could help control blooms. This product is deployed by a large handheld sprayer.

3. OZONIX

Principal Investigator: Dr. Rich Pierce

OZONIX is a patented, chemical-free water treatment technology that combines several processes to eliminate K. brevis cells and their toxins. It uses hydrodynamic cavitation (a process that creates bubbles in the water to break apart harmful substances), ozone injection (adding ozone gas to the water, which helps break down toxins), ultrasonic acoustic cavitation (using sound waves to create bubbles that break down harmful materials), and electrochemical oxidation (a process where electricity helps remove contaminants). These techniques work by running large hoses into the water that are connected to a trailer outfitted with a complex water system. Together, these techniques effectively address the red tide algae and its toxins.

When and where to deploy these technologies will be up to state and federal leaders.

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This is huge for the state of Florida, it is huge for the United States, it is huge for the world to be able to fight these very toxic negative impacts to our environment, to our economy and to our quality of life, said Dr. Crosby. We are working very patiently, but very deliberately through the permitting process for the other dozen and a half technologies. We need them all to be approved, but we do have to work through those processes. We are ready to deploy now. What we need to do is a scale this up so that we can have large-scale deployment of all of these technologies, he continued.

Partners of Mote include Senior Global Product Manager, Heartland Energy Group, Prescott Clean Water, AquaTech Eco Consultants, Hulls Environmental Services, and A-C-T Environmental & Infrastructure.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A mother who was detained by police after her three-year old son died from hot-water burns was indicted Tuesday afternoon.

According to court documents, Laronda Mims is charged with involuntary manslaughter, and one count each of felony endangering children and misdemeanor endangering children. Those charges stem from the Jan. 6 death of Emmanuel Mims, 3, who died after police responded to reports of a non-responsive juvenile.

Police: North Central Columbus shooting victim in life-threatening condition

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Emmanuel Mims reportedly died after suffering burns from hot water at a residence on Eaton Avenue in South Franklinton. The child was pronounced dead at 8:18 a.m. For a previous report on this story view the video player above.

Police said due to circumstances surrounding the childs death, the Columbus Police Homicide Unit was called to investigate.

On Tuesday, Laronda Mims, who was detained but not arrested after Emmanuels death, was indicted Tuesday by a grand jury in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WEST PALM BEACH  A woman blamed for the death of another's infant daughter returned to court this month armed with letters from her own children.

"Dear Judge," one said, the characters backward and askew. "I miss my mommy very much. Please let my momy Samantha Yi come home."

U.S. District Judge Robin Rosenberg couldn't. Convicted of four drug-related felonies, Yi faced a minimum of 20 years in federal prison for selling the drug that killed 10-month-old Alanna Kirwan. Rosenberg sentenced the Lantana-area woman to 27 years instead, rejecting her and her children's bid for leniency on Jan. 15.

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At the hearing, federal prosecutors presented their own letter written by Kelly Ann Kirwan, a longtime customer of Yi. Kirwan's daughter died in 2022 after accidentally ingesting her parents' drugs.

"Alanna will never get to say her first words, make her first friend, ride a bicycle, fall in love, or any of the other parts of growing up," Kirwan wrote. "She isnt here to bring that joy to the rest of the world; a burden that I will carry with me for the rest of my life."

Mother noticed infant's distress, bought more drugs before calling 911

After the child overdosed, Kirwan identified Yi and Yi's boyfriend, Darnell Mendez, as her sole suppliers of drugs. She told police that she and her partner, who is not named in court records, often emptied capsules onto the kitchen counters of their Boynton Beach home and snorted the white powder together.

Kirwan said she noticed her daughter begin to make strange noises on March 31, 2022, while the child's father was at work. Kirwan videotaped the baby and texted the clips to her friends and family, one of whom responded: This cant possibly be a normal sleeping sound.

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Kirwan, who investigators say often commiserated with Yi about motherhood while buying drugs from her in nearby parking lots, sent another video to Yi.

A letter written by one of Samantha Yi's three daughters pleading with a federal judge to spare Yi from prison. Yi pleaded guilty on Sept. 4, 2024, to four drug-related felonies. Prosecutors say she sold the fatal dose of fentanyl that killed 10-month-old Alanna Kirwan in 2022.

Have you ever heard anything like this??!?!!?? Kirwan wrote.

She drove with the baby to Yis home about 7 p.m. to purchase more drugs, not yet aware of the severity of her daughters condition. Shortly before 8 p.m.  about three hours after Kirwan recorded the first video of her baby in respiratory distress  she called 911.

Overdosed and deadly: Five things to know about opioids in Palm Beach County

First responders drove the infant to Bethesda Hospital East in Boynton Beach with her mother. Investigators met Kirwan there before driving to her apartment, where they say they found the childs father emptying bottles of unidentified liquids and capsules.

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Officers found prescription pill bottles throughout the apartment, Benadryl pills on the couch, an empty capsule in the bedroom, another floating in the toilet and two spray bottles overturned in the kitchen sink.

When they returned to the hospital to question the mother, officers said they overheard the father tell Kirwan over the phone not to tell them anything.

Doctors moved the baby, who by then did not have any brain activity or nerve response, to Joe DiMaggio Childrens Hospital in Hollywood. She died soon afterward.

Dealer warned officers the drugs were 'dropping people'

An autopsy conducted by the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner's Office identified fentanyl intoxication as Alanna's cause of death. The office ruled her death a homicide, prompting Kirwans arrest on state charges of aggravated manslaughter of a child by culpable negligence.

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Her criminal case, filed in Palm Beach County Circuit Court, remains open. Following her arrest, Kirwan helped DEA investigators identify the dealers responsible for her baby's death.

Investigators uncovered months of texts between Yi and Kirwan that chronicled their drug transactions. As part of the investigation, two undercover officers purchased fentanyl from Yi and Mendez for nearly a year.

From the courts: First-degree murder charges for drug dealers in Palm Beach aren't sticking. Heres why.

"They're really strong. Please be careful," Yi told the undercover officers during one such purchase. "It's dropping people. It's dropping people, so you've got to be careful."

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On a Sunday in August 2023, she typed into Google: "What is the charge for killing someone in Florida with overdosing from fentanyl?"

Agents arrested her and Mendez six months later at their home in the Lantana Cascade neighborhood, off Congress Avenue. During the raid, officers found 14 firearms which, as previously convicted felons, Yi and Mendez are prohibited from owning.

Yi blamed her own addiction, abusive relationship

Faced with the prospect of life in prison if they fought the charges at trial and lost, both pleaded guilty instead.

Rosenberg sentenced Mendez, who served time in state prison for drug and weapons charges in his late teens and early 20s, to 30 years in prison.

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Yi argued this month that she deserved a decade less time in prison because, according to her, Mendez abused and controlled her, taking advantage of her own drug addiction.

"Despite her actions in this case, Samantha Yi is a person of otherwise good character," wrote her defense attorney, Ian Goldstein, in a motion to the judge. "She is a loving daughter and mother. Her family loves and needs her."

In the end, it didn't make a difference.

Hannah Phillips covers criminal justice at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at hphillips@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism and subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Woman learns prison sentence for infant's fatal fentanyl overdose
HOLLISTER  Kathryn Anderson doesnt want to testify against her son in court and says it will be harassment if someone tries to make her.

Her son, Earl, was charged with aggravated battery in a December incident in which deputies say he threw her to the floor as she entered her trailer at a Nat Soo Pah campsite near Hollister.

Anderson told the Times-News she doesnt remember what happened. Although not frail, she has experienced health struggles and said she likely could have tripped over a box sitting near the entrance as she tried to walk by her son.

Anderson said that every family has disagreements that get worked out without law enforcement being involved.

This disagreement with her son was exacerbated by the recreational vehicles cramped space, she said. Records show deputies were called to her trailer the day before the incident about another dispute that hadnt led to anything physical.

She said she isnt a victim and the incident has been blown out of proportion.

Court records give a different account.

Records say her son, a 39-year-old, 200-pound, 6-foot man, told deputies his mother pushed him and that he shoved back. He demonstrated his actions by lifting his hands to about shoulder height and making a hard, shoving motion with both hands.

The woman called law enforcement and was eventually transported to a hospital to be examined. The results came back as a broken nose, closed head injury, and neck muscle strains.

After picking herself up off the floor, she thought her son had body slammed her, records say, but she didnt know for sure.

I must have accidentally slid or tripped, she later said.

On Tuesday, her son messaged the Times-News that his mother first pushed him and he pushed her against a door. His mother then began to walk and tripped over a box.

The sons mistake, he said, was not trying to break her fall.

Her son was arrested but charges were dropped against him after she didnt show up to testify during his preliminary hearing, but a deputy prosecutor told a judge that charges would be refiled.

Anderson filed an affidavit of truth maintaining that she has the right to remain silent, citing Idaho and U.S. constitutions, and send it to law enforcement agencies, judges and lawmakers.

I hereby make myself unavailable for testimony, questioning involving the above case and refuse to have any further contact with any officers, prosecution, judge involving the above or any involved attached to the above case, she says in the affidavit.

She said she has been repeatedly harassed by deputies.

Prosecuting Attorney Grant Loebs declined to comment specifically on the Anderson case, saying it is pending.

Loebs, however, has a dim view of the affidavit of truth Anderson sent to law enforcement and the courts and referred to such affidavits as snake oil.

Such affidavits have no legal standing in Idaho courts or anywhere else, Loebs wrote to the Times-News.

In many instances, he said, the victim is given a form, an affidavit, by the defendant or the victims agent, and is coerced into signing it in order to get rid of the case.

Such cases can result in a continuance or temporary dismissal because of a victims failure to appear at a hearing, Loebs said. Such affidavits can be an indication a victim has been manipulated and intimated and the case will most likely be refiled, often resulting in re-arrest of the defendant.

Anderson said she is a law-abiding citizen and denies that she was intimidated by her son. She expressed frustration that she wasnt allowed to talk at his arraignment.

The judge in the case ordered no contact between the two and Anderson was subpoenaed.

Her son, writing from Montana, said he hadnt had contact with his mother because of the no-contact order, so the pressure excuse doesnt fly they just dont want to admit they screwed up.

The no-contact order was dropped when the case was dismissed.

It isnt the first time Loebs has faced situations where alleged victims dont want to testify. He and Jerome County Prosecuting Attorney Sam Beus said the situations often occur in domestic violence situations.

Victims often love their abuser and feel guilty about testifying, Loebs said. Sometimes, victims blame themselves, or depend on the defendant for financial support.

Prosecutors have tools available to deal with the situations.

Typically I will meet with reluctant witnesses and seek to persuade them to come willingly and testify truthfully, answering any questions about fears they may have or reasons they may be reluctant, Beus wrote to the Times-News.

Loebs said witnesses need to know that their testimony wont necessarily result in a prison sentence for their abuser and often the defendant will be sentenced to probation with treatment that can set the person on the right path.

State law says victims can be compelled to testify through issuing of subpoenas.

If someone doesnt show up to testify, the state can have a material witness warrant issued by the court and have the person brought in by law enforcement and held in custody until they testify.

Someone who is unwillingly compelled to testify, however, might not make the most effective witness.

As you can imagine, a witness who has been brought in against their will typically resists questioning, Beus said, nevertheless, they are subject to penalties for perjury if they testify untruthfully.

The penalty for perjury is up to 14 years in jail, Beus said, so once they get here they have a strong incentive to testify truthfully.

Regardless, Loebs said, witnesses have an obligation to testify to potentially protect the abusers next potential victim.

He said that in other situations, prosecutors may meet with the victim.

If we believe the victim is being honest, we try to find another avenue for the case, Loebs said. This can only happen, though, if we can assure ourselves that the victim is not being threatened.

Anderson talked to a paralegal about what to do about her sons legal situation and thats when she found out about an affidavit of truth.

She went online and completed the affidavit.

She claims she was harassed by deputies who tried to get her to testify and, even though charges had been dropped against her son, he was featured in a recent Most Wanted in Twin Falls County in which her sons mugshot and information was shown on television and printed in the newspaper.

Her son said he has traveled to Montana after what he told the Times-News is a vendetta by a deputy prosecutor to prosecute him. He says he hasnt been in trouble with the law for years.

Anderson said her son is generous and has helped numerous other people in the past. In December 2018, he received a Good Citizen Life Saving Award for helping a Murtaugh man out of a burning house.

Anderson says she appreciates her son helping out around her trailer and that she intends to keep fighting the court system, even if she has to write a letter to the president.

Meanwhile, both say they have filed tort claims against Twin Falls County, the sheriffs office and prosecutor alleging things such as abuse of process, malicious harassment of prosecution and unlawful arrest.

Earl Anderson intends to stay out of state to avoid the battery charges but said he might be extradited.

He said he feels badly about intending to file lawsuits, but I have to hold the public servants accountable.
MOUNT CALM, Texas (FOX 44)  The Mount Calm Independent School District will be closed due to illness.

The district says this is being done in an effort to prevent further spread. This time will also allow Mount Calm ISD to conduct a deep cleaning of the school.

School will reopen on Monday, February 10. The district did not say what the illness is.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD)  Police in Mount Pleasant arrested a man Monday after he stole a womans vehicle from her home on Red Bank Road in Goose Creek.

Edwar Salgado was charged with receiving/possessing stolen goods, driving under suspension, and simple possession of marijuana.

Salgado was driving the white Toyota Corolla across the Ravenel Bridge when it registered as a stolen vehicle out of Berkeley County, a Mount Pleasant Police Department report said.

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Officers followed the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop on Bowman Road. The car then pulled over into the center median, and officers conducted a felony stop since there was a high likelihood of weapons in the vehicle.

Assisting law enforcement shut down the surrounding roadway during the stop.

Salgado sat in the drivers seat for about 10 minutes, ignoring police commands before he exited with his hands up, the report said. He was detained without incident.

The victim told police that Salgado had gone into her purse, took the vehicle keys, and left without her permission.

Police also found a bag of marijuana in Salgados front jean pocket upon arrest.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
There are a whole lot of directors in town for screenings around the Twin Cities.

That's largely because of the debut installment of the Black Europe Film Fest, which starts with an opening night celebration at The Main Cinema and continues at other theaters around town, such as the Capri Theater and The Cedar Cultural Center.

Here are the films you can catch during the Black Europe Film Fest and elsewhere this week.

Edelweiss (2023) with director Anna Gaberscik

Thursday, Jan. 30 at The Main Cinema

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The Black Europe Film Festival's opening night screening is the U.S. premiere of Edelweiss, a documentary about the "harrowing realities of Black people" living in Austria. The title evokes The Sound of Music and digs into the complex experiences of the film's subjects. "The film puts a mirror up to a society that lives to sweep things under the rug," the film's description reads. "Edelweiss is a loud declaration of existence and presence. It is an active challenge and demand."

Groundhog Day (1993)

Saturday, Feb. 1 at The Main Cinema; Sunday, Feb. 2 at Insight Brewing; and Sunday, Feb. 2 at Alamo Drafthouse

It's an appropriate time to revisit the February holiday classic. Phil, Bill Murray's narcissistic weatherman, finds himself caught in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over. Next to visiting a skittish groundhog, this is about the best way to celebrate the Feb. 2 holiday. While it's playing at The Main Cinema and Alamo Drafthouse, Insight Brewing will start playing it at 1 p.m. on Sunday and will continue playing it on repeat throughout the day.

Dinner in America (2020) with director Adam Rehmeier

Friday, Jan. 31 at Emagine Willow Creek

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Director Adam Rehmeier's indie rom-com kind of fell under the radar. It may have simply been bad timing with its release arriving as the pandemic shut down theaters. Nonetheless, it has gradually built a following of film lovers who sing its praise. His most recent film, last year's Snack Shack, has had a similar reception. Rehmeier will be around for this return to the story of a rocker who is on the run through the Midwest and a woman who loves his band.

Mary Prescott: "Mother Tongue"

Thursday, Jan. 30 at Public Functionary

Minnesota-based composter Mary Prescott will debut "Mother Tongue" as part of The Great Northern Festival. The film screening and discussion will dig into the ties between food, community, and family. The film centers around a potluck dinner with five artists, writers, and community leaders  Jose Luis, Ifrah Mansour, Kate Beane, Kao Kalia Yang, and Eyenga Bokamba  who talk about the stories and cultural significance of the dishes they shared.

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Dial M for Murder (1954)

Sunday, Feb. 2Tuesday Feb. 4 at The Trylon Cinema

Part of a series of films centered on actor Ray Milland, the Trylon presents one of Alfred Hitchcock's (many) masterpieces. The adaptation doesn't stray far from the stage version, but Hitchcock puts a lot of life into it, as do Milland, Grace Kelly, and Robert Cummings.

Dial M for Murder belongs to a small list of films where the twisting mystery keeps you guessing not necessarily because of its winding machinations but because of its fully realized characters, all of whom have an underlying desperation that feels like they could do just about anything when cornered. And pretty much everyone is cornered from the opening moments when Margot (Kelly) and Mark (Cummings) reunite.

Candyman (1992)

Monday, Feb. 3 at Alamo Drafthouse

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Candyman has one of those iconic horror performances that, even for an actor with a storied career, becomes defining. Tony Todd, who died late last year, put in one of the great horror performances with the original movie. There's never a bad time to revisit the mirrors.

Related: David Lynch retrospective coming to Minnesota theater in February

More films screening this week

Related: Must-see concerts this week: Best New Bands, Green Room anniversary w/ The Shackletons
A crowd of about 45 people protested outside Allen-Field Elementary School Wednesday morning to show their support for a teacher who was disciplined after sharing immigration resources with parents and students.

Alondra Garcia, a second-grade bilingual Milwaukee Public Schools teacher, said she shared copies of the district's safe haven resolution with her students last November.

The resolution, passed in 2017, states that staff can't disclose any information about students or their families to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and ICE isn't permitted inside schools if the educational setting would be disrupted.

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Weeks later, Garcia was called to a disciplinary meeting with school principal Fritz Blandon, she said. According to a Dec. 6 email Garcia shared with the Journal Sentinel, Blandon said Garcia violated five employee rules of conduct and policies, including policies related to professional conduct and communication with parents.

The email does not state if Garcia was disciplined over the content she distributed or the method.

Initially, Garcia sent a group text to parents indicating her plans to send their children home with immigrants' rights resources, according to a screenshot of the text message. One of the parents later reported the text to Blandon, Garcia said.

The district prohibits sharing parents' and students' personal information. Garcia says she didn't realize group texting parents is against district policy.

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Garcia said that based on discussions with Blandon, she was disciplined for sending a "political" message. Blandon suspended Garcia for one day without pay and added a statement to her personnel file last week, she said.

"As an undocumented immigrant, I understand the fear that many of you have," Garcia's text, translated from Spanish, said. "My duty as teacher is to provide emotional support to the students but also to their families. I was able to get vital resources in the event that the worst happens in MKE related to possible ICE raids."

Milwaukee Public Schools can't add further context to Blandon's decision to discipline Garcia because of "district policy and Federal and State law," said district spokesperson Stephen Davis.

All formal communications from the school level are to be professional in nature and have the authorization of the school leader before sharing with parents and the community," Davis said.

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MPS sent a letter to families on Jan. 24 reassuring students, staff and parents that the safe haven resolution is still in effect.

Garcia, who moved from Mexico to Milwaukee's south side with her family at three years old, said she sent out the material "as a message of solidarity."

In the days leading up to the presidential election, she said students told her they were fearful the Trump administration would break up their families. Allen-Field Elementary is a majority Latino school focused on retaining the Spanish language in families.

"I would appreciate it if my teachers would have shared those resources with me," Garcia said.

Free speech experts weigh in

Howard Schweber, a University of Wisconsin-Madison political science professor and expert on constitutional law, said public school teachers' free speech rights are limited and up to the scrutiny of the district when they're on duty in the classroom.

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From his perspective, Garcia likely pushed the boundaries of her role as a teacher. However, the burden of proving her actions were disruptive falls on the principal, Schweber said.

"If asked to give an expert opinion, I would say that the balance favors Garcia," Schweber said in an email Wednesday.

Aaron Terr, the director of public advocacy for the free speech organization Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, shared a similar perspective.

Garcias text during school hours to parents is subject to administrative oversight. But public teachers still have a right to speak as private citizens on matters of public concern, he said.

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Garcia has an argument that she was speaking personally about immigration enforcement, which is a matter of public concern, and that simply informing parents about the availability of immigration-related resources and giving students a copy of a district policy was in no way disruptive, Terr said.

Supporters include teacher's union and local officials

The Milwaukee Teachers Education Association, the union that represents MPS staff, supports Garcia.

MTEA stands firmly in support of the immigrant community, especially our students, their families, and fellow workers," President Ingrid Walker-Henry said in an email. "Our support is unwavering for members and students who take action to resist an authoritarian regime and its enablers who seek to ruin the lives of MPS students, workers and the community.

Meanwhile, County Supervisor Juan Miguel Martinez and other elected officials who spoke at the protest accused the principal of bringing President Donald Trump's anti-immigrant rhetoric to campus.

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"Here we are in front of Allen-Field school, thinking it will never come here," said Martinez. "It'll never affect us, but we're actually the first ones to be affected."

Quetzsally Dzib, an MPS teacher, came to the protest with her daughter Irrie Nundayapa-Dzib to support Alondra Garcia.

Quetzsally Dzib, an MPS teacher, came to support Garcia. She immigrated from Mexico when she was 12 years old. Dzib recalled how her high school teacher took her to her first protest, organized by immigrants' rights group Voces De La Frontera.

"Now that I'm a teacher, I will do the same that they did," Dzib said. "They were teaching me how to fight for our rights."

On Saturday, Voces De La Frontera is hosting a follow-up event to hear from Allen-Field parents at 1 p.m. at the group's offices at 1027 South Fifth Street.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: MPS teacher suspended after distributing safe haven policy to students
SPRINGFIELD, Mo.  DEI programs at Missouri State are no more.

In an announcement, the flagship university of Southwest Missouri said effective immediately programs are done and the Office of Inclusive Engagement is closed.

On the 3rd floor of Carrington Hall, where the sign for that office was for several years, only four frame holders remain.

I think the writings on the wall. I think this is nothing new to Missouri. Over the past two years, we have been working on the initiatives, my predecessor, as you recall, for the last two years, weve been renaming things. Weve been also changing scholarships, changing names, changing our inclusivity principles. This is something thats been happening all over the country, MSU President Richard Biff Williams said. If you look at Texas and Florida and Arkansas and Iowa, this is the current political part of our state. Were trying to make changes that would allow us to continue some of the programs, but the landscape is such that were not going to be able to do that.

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Williams says he doesnt believe there would be heavy impacts when it comes to recruiting and retention of students.

This is a national phenomenon thats happening to our entire state. If you look at what happened this summer, Mizzou just continued their DEI programs and closed their diversity office, and I believe they had a record enrollment. For our students, we want to serve in the best of their ability, but this is not something thats just Missouri State University, said Williams.

Many students on the Missouri State campus are upset about the decision.

I kind of just felt disgusted, really. It just feels like theyre trying to do just what the big man tells them, what instead of thinking about how the campus feels and how the students that go here feel and the people that actually pay to go here feel, Jay Yielding said. It just wipes away everything that everyone that goes here believes in.

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I am livid, upset and I realize how far our policies have gone from the executive to reach down, to how it discriminates against multiple students here actively, and we see it happening in real-time, Gary Cowdrey-Mota said.

This move makes me feel pretty much unsafe on campus. The fact that theyre already so brazenly eliminating these programs when theyre helpful to thousands of college students and hires in this, like I dont think this is a good move for the school, and think it signals some dark times ahead for some of the students who benefit from diversity programs, Hazel L. said.

I was thrilled. I think its something thats been in the works for a while and it really needed to get done in the best interest of the university and students, for that matter, Mattea Farnsworth said.

I am definitely very, like disappointed. I myself, Im a queer person. Im Native American, theres already so little representation for me and people like me that like I just, I came to college hoping that I would not only be able to get my education to help empower other people, but also like that I could find other people like me and find a community that was like sort of built up by people that were in higher up positions that mean so that I didnt have to do it all by myself, Birdie Hicks said.

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Many students say they have benefited from the DEI programs MSU has been offering.

I may not look it because I appear as white, but I am Latino, Asian and white, but that doesnt matter because if I lose these benefits, I wont even be here next semester, Cowdrey-Mota said.

Personally, I am a disabled woman. I have trouble getting a job on campus because I cant do heavy lifting. I have trouble walking long distances. What Im also concerned about is how my friends and family [could be impacted] helping me others afford college, because this is much more than just a financial issue. This is about bringing awareness to people who may not know much about these issues, who may face issues, and theyre in a minority and they might not realize how big those issues might be, Kamryn Stofer said. I know multiple people who rely on my scholarship alone because multiple people get that scholarship. Not only does the scholarship affect how people are going to afford it and for college in general, it also affects how people are going to be able to get jobs on campus.

Williams says the cuts wont impact scholarships.

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No, well honor scholarships. Were not going to hurt kids, and they might be different scholarships from different funding resources. We are going to be supporting our students, Williams said.

Farnsworth says eliminating DEI would actually improve classroom learning.

Well, in the past, the initiatives have gotten in the way of student education, and I personally have experienced classes where a significant portion of lecture time or material was devoted to theories such as critical race theory or other series related rather than actual lesson material. So instead of learning about subjects from an unbiased perspective, basically a lot of rhetoric and narratives have been crammed down for a lot of students, and I dont think thats beneficial to the art of learning at all personally, Farnsworth said. Its insulting to students who have a scholarship based on something that isnt related to merit, because I personally believe that each individual at Missouri State University and any other university for that matter, has a lot that they can contribute to society, to the education system as a whole, and especially to the university. So denying them that ability and recognition and rather choosing to give them access to education based on things that they dont really have anything could do with their merit and inherent worth as people, like I said, is offensive and its not something that benefits other students that come from different perspectives.

I think thats a argument that doesnt really hold any weight to it. The main basis of people saying that they arent [pro DEI] is to say that we can reject you based on your skin color, gender, sex, anything like that. Even if you have the highest of merit, hypothetically if a black man comes to work at a restuarant or something, and hes had years of experience on the job and a white man comes in and hes just brand new [without experience], businesses could completely deny the black man who has years of experience doing that job just because hes black, and thats the whole point of getting rid of DEI. Its not that they think, oh, merit is what we need, they think we need white straight men to go do everything and nobody else should do anything else, Yielding said.

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If you look at it from a long term standpoint and from the idea of what education is and how it benefits our society, at the end of the day, DEI is a net loss, Farnsworth said.

With Missouri State getting nearly 40% of its funding from the state, Williams says this happening to institutions across the state.

Students are on the fence about whether Williams could have felt handcuffed to that funding or if he could have done more.

I can totally get that, but I also think its more important to stand up for what you believe in instead of backing down no matter what, Yielding said.

If Williams is willing to bend the knee to some people up at the state, what does that say to us? What does that say for the students? Its okay to bend over and say nothing about whats going on with inequities of the world? Cowdrey-Mota said.

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I feel like hes handcuffed in one way, but I also feel like he has the ability to speak out, maybe not as much as I personally would think or I would personally want to, but I do think that he has the option to voice an opinion. Im urging him, if he can, to voice his opinion, Stofer said.

I think you can always do something at least like speak out against it. He could still say, like I still support or something like that, theres no way that he can do nothing, you know, like he can be doing more and he just hasnt been doing anything yet, Hicks said. One thing that in the past America has actually done really well with is accessibility to education for people of all ages, and now I think this is going to deter a lot of people from getting properly educated.

I think in this situation it might really be a hands-are-tied situation, but I think it speaks to something broader about our culture that our government is able to control our universities in this way and withhold funding because they dont teach in the exact same way they want to, Hazel L. said. I dont know if I want to stay in this university, if its not somewhere thats welcoming and accepting of people of color and queer people wanting to get into these higher levels of leadership. So I think that its just a dark sign, really.

At the end of the day, universities are technically businesses. So, I mean, Im not accusing the university of not caring about its students. I think Missouri State University, its faculty, cares a lot about the community and students, but I mean, they have to make money in order to do that, in order to continue their education. So the fact that they have to have funding from the state, just from a business standpoint, I dont think is a bad thing, Farnsworth said.

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Well be continue to have federal financial aid. Who knows what the mandates are going to come from President Trump, but we also will look at the state. Yesterday, the governor made it clear that no DEI activities are going to be funded, so well be able to open our doors and continue to be state funded and provide a very good education to Missourians, Williams said. This is a decision thats best for the university. I take full ownership of that and I think its important that we weigh all decisions. It wasnt just mine alone. Its looking at the best interests, not only of our campus, but of the entire student body.

Another part of the decision is the elimination of the Office of Inclusive Engagement.

Those who moved to the DEI offices from other departments will go back, and those hired to work in the DEI offices will be moved to another open position on campus.

Theyre fully employed until we find something on the campus. This is not something that they did and it wasnt a move because of their performance, Williams said. Theyre not going to see any time loss or being fired and rehired. We will go through a process, normal processes of making sure that their skills meet the desired outcomes of a of the positions.

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Students are still torn on the issue moving forward without the DEI offices.

Contact your state legislator. Contact people who are talking about eliminating DEI because it benefits more people than youd imagine. It helps so much, Cowdery-Mota said.

[Eliminating DEI] is about taking care of students no matter where they come from and giving them a shot to prove that theyre valuable members of society, to prove that they have something to contribute and therefore are worthy of things like financial aid or scholarships, Farnsworth said.

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Jan. 29Police reported multiple crashes Wednesday morning as snow blanketed Maine.

A section of Broadway in South Portland was closed because of a crash, causing significant traffic delays across the city for much of the day. The backups came in the middle of a morning commute already slowed by slippery, snow-covered roads.

There were also several crashes on Interstate 95, including one that blocked the southbound lanes in Sidney.

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South Portland police said the "significant" single-vehicle crash happened on Broadway at Lincoln Street. Shara Dee, a spokesperson for the city, said Wednesday afternoon that the driver, a 33-year-old woman, was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Dee said the road was plowed about a half-hour before the crash but the driver was going too fast for the conditions. The driver, who was not named, was cited for imprudent speed, failure to maintain control of a vehicle and changing course of travel when unsafe.

Officers closed Broadway in South Portland from Cash Corner to Lincoln while crews responded to downed wires and Central Maine Power worked to replace a damaged pole. The road reopened around 4 p.m. Wednesday.

At 9:20 a.m., traffic on Broadway from the Casco Bay Bridge to Cash Corner was significantly backed up. The traffic lights at the Evans Street intersection were also out because of the crash, but power was restored Wednesday afternoon.

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Maine State Police say a tractor-trailer crashed at mile 117 on I-95, blocking the southbound lanes. The highway was shut down at mile marker 120 in Sidney, and police advised people to take a different route to avoid delays.

Traffic was also delayed on the Maine Turnpike between Exit 63 in Gray and Exit 53 in Falmouth because of a crash involving multiple vehicles at mile 57 in Cumberland, according to an alert from the Maine Turnpike Authority at 8:40 a.m. Both lanes were blocked, causing stopped and slow-moving traffic.

The snow Wednesday morning prompted many school districts across southern Maine to delay the start of classes by two hours.

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Multiple flights between Milwaukee and Washington, D.C., have been canceled Thursday after a deadly crash between an American Airlines jet and a Black Hawk military helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) on Wednesday night. Officials say there are likely no survivors.

The busy DC airport has shut down operations until at least 11 a.m. Eastern Thursday, USA TODAY said.

According to Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport's website, an American Airlines flight from MKE to DCA scheduled to depart at 1:18 p.m. has been canceled. However, a Southwest Airlines flight from MKE to DCA scheduled to depart at 3:25 p.m. is listed as "On Time." Another Southwest flight left Milwaukee for DCA at 8:15 a.m. but was delayed. Check MKE's latest flight departure updates here.

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Three scheduled American flights from DCA to MKE have been canceled according to the Milwaukee airport's website. These were scheduled to arrive at 8:45 a.m., 12:48 p.m. and 9:10 p.m. But a Southwest flight from DCA is still scheduled to arrive at 5:05 p.m. Check MKE's latest flight arrival updates here.

Travelers are encouraged to stay up-to-date on their flight statuses from their airlines, said a representative from MKE.

No survivors expected in deadly Washington crash

The two aircraft collided at around 9 p.m. Wednesday in the busy airspace over the Potomac River. There were 64 passengers aboard American Airlines Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, which was making a landing when it struck the U.S. Army helicopter holding three crew members.

"At this point, we don't believe there are any survivors from this accident," said John Donnelly, the chief of Washington DC's fire department, at a morning news conference.

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Knoxville News Sentinel reporter Daniel Dassow contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Are flights from Milwaukee to Washington canceled due to plane crash?
Multiple Oklahoma school districts are closing their doors and moving to virtual for parts of this week due to the spread of flu in their schools.

Schools like Lindsay Public Schools and Piedmont Public Schools are among the districts taking action while the entire state of Oklahoma is above the baseline for percent of flu tests coming back positive.

Flu has been on the rise in Oklahoma since late November, reaching a peak in the week ending Jan. 18, the latest data available. That week, 25% of flu tests in the state came back positive, and there were three flu-associated deaths.

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Here's what you need to know about which schools are affected and about flu in Oklahoma.

Some Oklahoma school districts are having to close temporarily or go to remote learning because of a high number of flu cases.

Why are schools in Oklahoma going remote?

At least five schools in Oklahoma are closing their doors for part of this week, according to social media posts.

Lindsay Public Schools announced it would move to virtual learning on Tuesday and Wednesday, "due to a large number of students and faculty out sick."

In Piedmont, the public school district said there was "a significant increase in illness among staff, substitute teachers, bus drivers and, students." The schools will be closed Thursday and Friday this week.

Flu numbers are rising at Ardmore City Schools, as well, and the schools will move to virtual learning Wednesday through Friday.

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"We hope this time will allow those who are sick to recover and help prevent further spread of illness," the district said on Facebook. "During this period, our operations department will be thoroughly disinfecting all buildings, offices, and buses."

The Oklahoma School for the Blind in Muskogee will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday. The school does not hold class on Fridays.

In far southern Oklahoma, Marietta Public Schools is experiencing "an overwhelming number of flu cases and other illnesses in both staff and students." The district is closing on Tuesday and Wednesday "to allow everyone time to get well and to sanitize our buildings."

Update on flu in the U.S.

The flu virus typically spikes between late January and mid-February, and this year is no exception.

Oklahoma is not the only state dealing with an increase in flu cases. A quarter of all flu tests were positive across the U.S. for the week ending Jan. 18, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Strains of flu A were the predominant viruses reported that week.

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Nearly 6% of visits to a health care provider were for respiratory illness symptoms, while 31,234 were admitted to the hospital with influenza.

According to the CDC's estimates, there have been at least 16 million illnesses, 190,000 hospitalizations and 8,300 deaths from flu so far this season.

What are flu symptoms?

Symptoms and their severity can vary for each person infected. But even in a person with little to no symptoms, the illness can be spread to others.

The signs and symptoms of the flu usually come on suddenly, the CDC says. Those who are sick often experience fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue. Vomiting and diarrhea can occur, more often in children than adults.

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Those more susceptible to severe illness include children under 5, adults 65 or older, pregnant people and people with certain chronic health conditions.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma school closings: Some going virtual, close amid flu outbreak
A person who has been affiliated with Elon Musks SpaceX and a former aide to one of the FBIs toughest congressional critics are working as advisers to the bureaus director, four current and former FBI officials told NBC News.

The two are among at least four people who have been brought into the FBI to advise its director, the current and former officials said. At least two of the new advisers are retired FBI agents, one of whom, Tom Ferguson, was an aide to Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, a staunch Trump ally and vocal FBI critic.

The arrival of the person who has been affiliated with Space X has not been previously reported. NBC News has not confirmed the persons name. A spokesperson for SpaceX did not respond to a request for comment.

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Its not clear who facilitated the arrival of the new advisers or what areas they are focusing on. A spokesperson for Kash Patel, President Donald Trump's pick for FBI director, did not respond to a request for comment. Neither did the FBI. Patel's Senate confirmation hearing is Thursday.

Former FBI officials said the new advisers have sparked concerns that people with ties to partisan political figures will be helping run the countrys most powerful law enforcement agency. While some FBI officials briefed on the arrangement are hopeful that it could result in needed reforms, others fear a compromise of the bureaus decades-old tradition of distancing itself from politics.

Unlike the Justice Department, the FBI has no political appointees other than its director, whom the president picks for what is supposed to be a 10-year term. Much as is the case at the CIA, nearly everyone else who works at the FBI is a career civil servant.

That structure was created after the death in 1972 of longtime FBI director J. Edgar Hoover, who had agents meddle in politics for decades, covertly surveilling and smearing political leaders and groups  from the far-right John Birch Society to civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.

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Rob DAmico, a former FBI agent who served on the bureaus hostage rescue team and in Afghanistan, said he has been told the outsiders are there to advise the FBI on how to reform itself, including sending headquarters employees out into the field.

Thats absolutely needed, he said. Things have gotten too headquarters-centric, and when headquarters is in D.C., the natural thing that happens in D.C. is that things get political.

However, DAmico said, it is not normal to have people with ties to partisan political figures on the seventh floor, as FBI employees call the directors office.

This will have to be done very carefully, DAmico said. How does that chain of command work? You have to be very careful that it doesnt become like the Russian political officer on a Russian nuclear sub, enforcing party discipline.

Kash Patel in Washington on Dec. 9.

New advisers to FBI director

Gregory Mentzer, another former FBI agent, is working in the FBI directors office, according to his LinkedIn profile. Mentzer, who retired as an FBI agent in 2018 and had been working as contract firearms instructor at the FBI Academy, lists his affiliation as simply Directors Office, FBI. Mentzer did not respond to a message sent via LinkedIn.

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Ferguson, the retired FBI agent and former aide to Jordan, lists himself as Senior Policy Advisor, Directors Advisory Team, on his LinkedIn profile. Asked by NBC News via LinkedIn about his role at the FBI, Ferguson replied that he was just going back home to help.

Ferguson said in a LinkedIn post that he was leaving his position at the House Judiciary Committee to serve in the new administration. He called his work there the honor of a lifetime and added, equally awesome was the chance to work with and for Jim Jordan, a legend from my great home state of OH.

Ferguson referred questions to a spokesman for the House Judiciary Committee, who declined to comment. CNN previously reported Fergusons hiring.

Jordan, the chair of the House Judiciary Committee, has regularly accused the FBI, without citing specific evidence, of being a corrupt tool of the Biden administration. He claimed the FBI helped suppress a story about Hunter Bidens laptop computer and retaliated against whistleblowers.

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Jordan says the FBI has engaged in politically motivated investigations of Trump, singling out former Director James Comey and his top aides for criticism.

Jordan is also a vocal supporter of Trumps nominee, Patel, who has called the FBI "one of the most cunning and powerful arms of the Deep State," a reference to partisan claims that career government officials have secretly plotted to undermine Trump.

Ferguson has waded forcefully into some of the countrys most divisive culture war issues in posts on LinkedIn, including debates over race and gender.

The overwhelming majority of Americans, my family included, are tired of having the false narrative of systemic racism forced down our throats, Ferguson wrote in a 2021 post criticizing Disney for its woke posture.

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According to news reports and social media posts, Ferguson was involved in school board protests in Fairfax County, Virginia, some of which received national coverage.

In 2022, he spoke to Fox News at a protest about his objections to changes to sex-ed policies, saying he found it very inappropriate for schools to tackle these politically charged, very dynamic, sort of social hot buttons at such a young age.

Jordan has also spread exaggerated claims about a Justice Department memo that was meant to allow the FBI to assist school districts with threats, some falsely stating that federal authorities were making parents out to be domestic terrorists.

Former FBI Director Christopher Wray, whom Trump named to the position in 2017, said the bureau had never been in the business of investigating speech or policing speech at school board meetings or anywhere else, and we never will be.

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The FBI is being led by a Trump-appointed acting director  a career bureau employee who runs its office in Newark, New Jersey  while it awaits a confirmation vote on Patel. Wray recently resigned after Trump made it clear he would replace him.

President-elect Donald Trump and Kash Patel, his pick to lead the FBI, at the Army-Navy football game at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md., on Dec. 14.

Concern among former officials

Former FBI officials told NBC News there is a need for the bureau to reform and modernize, particularly in the digital age as cyberthreats from China and other rivals grow.

A former top FBI official, who requested anonymity so he could speak candidly, said the claims that the bureau was politicized were exaggerated.

I get the counternarrative: The place is so messed up, its so politicized, we need to turn it upside down and fix everything, he said. But give me an example of where the organization has gone wrong. ... Where is the evidence? Its a solution in search of a problem.

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A second former FBI official who asked not to be named, citing fears of retaliation, said modernization is needed at the bureau but expressed concern about political loyalty tests.

There is a difference between reforms that make the bureau more effective and efficient, he said, versus infusing a one-sided ideology and purging the people who dont share that viewpoint.

Frank Figliuzzi, an NBC News contributor who retired as head of the FBIs counterintelligence division after a lengthy career in many senior positions, said the arrangement was problematic on its face.

We should all support any attempt to make healthy reforms at the nations most powerful law enforcement agency, Figliuzzi said, but he warned, There is a serious perception that this is far more about politics than it is enforcing our nations laws.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
TWIN FALLS  Refugee resettlement agencies across Idaho are scrambling to respond to President Donald Trump's executive order suspending the U.S. refugee program, a move that leaves thousands of vetted refugees in limbo.

The order, which took effect Jan. 27, freezes all refugee arrivals and halts decisions on new applications for 90 days. While the order allows for case-by-case exceptions, officials have not yet outlined how those determinations will be made.

The suspension marks the second time Trump has halted the refugee program, following a similar order in 2017 during his first term that resettlement workers say damaged the nations capacity to welcome refugees. It comes just months after the program had reached its highest admission levels in three decades under former President Joe Bidens administration, highlighting the stark policy shifts that have whipsawed refugee services in recent years.

It did hurt our resettlement structure in our country in terms of the number of agencies that were providing that, but we made it through, said Holly Beech, the communications manager for the Idaho Office of Refugees.

During Trump's first administration, USCRI-Twin Falls helped resettle nearly 60 people, said Chandra Upreti, director of the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants-Twin Falls, a stark contrast to the Biden administration that brought the number closer to 200.

"I don't have the exact number in my head, but about 200 people (resettled) last year," Upreti said in a phone call. "But then, starting this year now everything is unknown," Upreti told the Times-News in a phone call.

Idaho welcomes an average of 800 refugees each year, the Idaho Office of Refugees said in a press release. The office works in partnership with resettlement agencies in Boise and Twin Falls.

The office resettled 1,193 people during the 2024 fiscal year and, based on early projections, the office was on track to welcome and resettle 875 more.

How many refugees are here and where did they come from? Democratic Republic of Congo: 428

Ukraine: 260

Afghanistan: 189

Syria: 64

Guatemala: 55

Venezuela: 40

Sudan: 30

Eritrea: 24

Haiti: 25

Colombia: 17

Burundi: 16

Burma: 14

Iraq: 9

Iran: 7

Somalia: 5

El Salvador: 3

Cuba: 2

Honduras: 2

Ethiopia: 1

Rwanda: 1

South Sudan: 1

Beech said the 90-day suspension is "heartbreaking."

"I don't know if people realize just how extensive the refugee status application is," she told the Times-News. "It starts with that choice to flee or potentially face death."

Beech said a refugee seeking asylum can wait for years while they make it through the vetting process. She added that refugees go through phases of security vetting and medical screenings that expire after a few months.

We know that some families spend generations in a refugee camp where the opportunities to work, to have access to resources and health are limited, she said.

Beech said that studies show that three out of four Americans believe that the country should have a refugee resettlement program.

Congress, nationally, first passed this type of legislation after World War ll and we saw what happened in World War ll when you don't help people who are being persecuted, she said.

Upreti, a Bhutan refugee for 17 years, said that the executive order has significantly impacted refugees who were on the cusp of finally being allowed to resettle.

They have waited so long to be able to come to America and only less than 1% finally get the opportunity to resettle, he said. Then now they're ready to come and due to this ban, their future remains uncertain.

Upreti said he has seen a lot of stress and trauma responses coming from resettled refugees living in Twin Falls.

The trauma that we're seeing is directly from the clients coming to the office and inquiring about their loved ones," he said, "and as their futures remain uncertain back home in camps where life is very miserable."

Liyah Babayan, the Idaho delegate for the Refugee Congress, said that the suspension is not about politics but rather about refugees livelihoods. Babayan resettled in Idaho with her family from Armenia during the 1990s.

"We can't be delusional about immigration of any form or allow scapegoat mythology to dehumanize and criminalize people seeking a better life for their families and who are an irreplaceable backbone of U.S. labor and economic stability," she said.

While the country was established on the premise of welcoming outsiders, Upreti said the whole process is in jeopardy.

"I think it leaves a lot of uncertainty on the table, but we're hoping that we would have some mercy, because this is the right way for people to come," he said. "This is the legal way for people to come."

Upreti said that he has asked refugees to remain positive and to hope for the best.

"A lot of these things are beyond what we can do at our level," he said, "but we have told our clients to not give up hope."
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Following a successful weekend that resulted in wins over Omaha and Des Moines, the Sioux City Musketeers have moved into sole possession of third place in the Western Conference. The Musketeers opted to make a move on the trade block as the leagues deadline is in sight.

The Musketeers agreed to send forward Jackson Crowder to the Chicago Steel in exchange for a 2025 Phase II third round draft pick.

Crowder, who was named a USHL All-American, scored five goals and five assists in 21 games for Sioux City.

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The Musketeers will look to extend its win streak to five games, starting off the weekend with a visit to Western Conference-leader Sioux Falls on Friday night at 7:05 p.m.

Image Courtesy: USHL

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The Muslim Public Affairs Council fired back Thursday at Emilia Perez Best Actress Oscar nominee Karla Sofia Gascon after a series of since-deleted tweets suggesting an Islam ban in Europe resurfaced earlier in the day, calling them hurtful, offensive and shocking.

In a statement exclusive to TheWrap, MPAC Hollywood Bureau SVP Sue Obeidi expressed disappointment over Gascons controversial remarks.

Deleted or not, these tweets are hurtful, offensive, and shocking, most especially coming from someone who is a member of another vulnerable community. Muslims are part of every community, including the transgender community. European values? Obeidi wrote. Does she mean the ones that led to the Holocaust? She needs to immerse herself in Islamic history. When Europe was in the dark age, Muslims were busy discovering math, science, and medical equipment. Learn, woman.

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Originally written in Spanish and translated into English, one of the controversial tweets positioned Gascon as supporting religions that go against European values being banned from European countries like her native country of Spain.

Sorry, is it just my impression or are there more and more Muslims in Spain? Every time I go to pick up my daughter from school there are more women with their hair covered and their skirts down to their heels, read Gascons tweet from November 2020. Maybe next year instead of English well have to teach Arabic.

Until we ban religions that go against European values and violate human rights, such as Islam, under the protection of freedom of worship, we will not end part of the huge problem we face. Faith manipulates those who cling to faith, read another tweet.

Other deleted tweets criticized the reaction to George Floyds murder in 2020.

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The Muslim Public Affairs Council is a national public affairs nonprofit organization working to promote and strengthen American pluralism by increasing understanding and improving policies that impact American Muslims

The deleted-tweet controversy came after Gascon made headlines earlier this week for implying in an interview that some of the supporters of fellow Best Actress nominee Fernanda Torres from Brazilian film, Im Still Here, were working to tear down Emilia Perez and Gascons Oscar chances.

The actress comments prompted many to wonder whether she had violated the Academys rules about nominees disparaging other contenders.

The Academy determined, however, that Gascon had not violated official Oscars policy and the actress clarified her remarks in a statement Wednesday.

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I am an enormous fan of Fernanda Torres and it has been wonderful getting to know her the past few months, she said. In my recent comments, I was referencing the toxicity and violent hate speech on social media that I sadly continue to experience.

Gascons Oscar campaign has taken a significant hit in recent days. Despite being the first out transgender woman to earn an Academy Award nomination, Emilia Perez has been criticized for its portrayal of the transgender experience and for the fact that it was made by a French director, Jacques Audiard; filmed in France; and cast largely with non-Mexican actors.

If you think I approached it too lightly, I apologize, Audiard said in an interview. Cinemas purpose isnt to provide answers but to provoke questions. The filmmaker suggested that the film is his interpreted reality of Mexico and that it was meant to be an operatic representation rather than a realistic one.

I spent over four years crafting this story about a country I deeply respect, he said. I was very careful. I didnt want to offend Mexicans, to hurt anyone  If this work can spark conversations and questions, it will have achieved something meaningful.

The post Muslim Rights Group Says Karla Sofia Gascons Deleted Tweets Favoring Islam Ban Are Hurtful, Offensive and Shocking | Exclusive appeared first on TheWrap.
Video Credit: American Airlines via Storyful

In the must-see video above, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom provided an update on Flight 5342, which collided with a US Army helicopter close to Reagan International Airport (DCA) on January 29.

In a statement, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport around 9 pm local time. PSA was operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines. It departed from Wichita, Kansas. The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation.

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The airplane was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, American Airlines said in a statement.

A US Army official confirmed that the helicopter was a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk flying out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia, with three soldiers on board, according to Reuters.

In an update just before 10 pm, DCs Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said there was no confirmed information on casualties.

Takeoffs and landings were halted at the airport as emergency personnel responded to the incident.

First and most importantly, Id like to express our deep sorrow about these events, Isom said in an address shared by American Airlines. Our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, partners, first responders, along with their families and loved ones.

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The airline opened up a phone line to assist loved ones who believe a friend or family member was onboard the flight.

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FORT MILL, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  The NAACP is bringing a lawsuit against two South Carolina school districts.

The suit alleges public education officials in at least two school districts and the state superintendent violated several constitutional rights of students  including freedom of speech and due process.

However, the defendants say they were just following state law by removing items in the curriculum dealing with race and gender.

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Gov. McMaster to deliver State of the State address Wednesday

The law at the center of the case is a proviso  attached to the 2021 state budget  which stops school districts from using public funds for partisan instruction. Under the definition, that includes material about racial and gender inequities or causes discomfort, guilt, or any other form of psychological distress on account of his race or sex.

Attorneys for the legal defense fund say the clause severely limits educators, silences Black voices, and is being used to ban books.

They filed the civil rights lawsuit in federal court Monday.

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The suit names state Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver and two districts  Lexington-Richland 5 and Lexington District 3  as defendants.

Queen City News Chief Legal Analyst Khalif Rhodes says the timing of the case is important as President Donald Trump has expressed interest in dissolving the U.S. Department of Education.

The Legal Defense Fund claims South Carolina is one of 20 states to adopt laws or policies restricting conversations in the classroom around age or gender since 2020.

State education department officials called the complaint meritless and said in a statement their commitment to teach both the tragedies and triumphs of Americas journey remains unchanged.

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WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  NASA scientists released their findings on Wednesday after the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft crashed into the asteroid Bennu and brought samples back to Earth.

Scientists said they didnt find evidence of life on Bennu, but they did find evidence of the building blocks of life.

Finding the ingredients to life is always very interesting, said Jason Dworkin, Senior Scientist at NASA.

Dworkin co-authored a paper outlining the chemical compounds scientists found in the Bennu samples. They included 14 of the 20 amino acids life on Earth uses to make proteins and the compounds found in DNA and RNA.

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Its like the alphabet, that goes into words. But we didnt find the words themselves let alone paragraphs, Dworkin said. We found individual letters and all the letters that are used in DNA and RNA.

Natural History Museum of London researcher Sara Russell also analyzed minerals found in the Bennu samples. They included salts that form when water evaporates.

All of these ingredients would have impacted the early Earth in the form of Asteroids, Russell said.

Russell emphasized, those wouldnt have been found on meteorites on Earth.

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School threats are on the rise after a Jan. 22 shooting left two dead, including the shooter, and one injured at Antioch High School.

It's been a little more than a week since 16-year-old Josselin Corea Escalante was killed and a 17-year-old classmate was injured after another 17-year-old boy opened fire and later shot himself in the school cafeteria, and Metro Police say there have been 12 arrests connected with violence in Nashville schools.

Eleven of the arrests were related to making threats against schools while the 12th arrest involved a student bringing a gun on school property, police said.

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More: Nashville mayor denounces additional threats of violence in wake of Antioch High shooting

The new arrests come during a continuing wave of threats of mass violence that began in 2024 and after a July state law made it a felony to make such threats against schools.

The measure followed a similar law that passed in 2023 requiring public schools to expel students for one year if they make a threat of mass violence. The expulsion law was meant to serve as a deterrent against threats in the wake of The Covenant School shooting. It has triggered at least two lawsuits, with parents arguing it's far too harsh.

The suits say children are being held in juvenile detention and solitary confinement as well as being strip-searched and expelled.

School threats since Antioch High School shooting

Here are the details police gave regarding the most recent arrests in Nashville:

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Two students were arrested Jan. 30 in connection to making threats of mass violence.

An 18-year-old at Hunters Lane High School admitted to telling another student in his class that he would shoot up the school. The teen and his parents met at the Madison police precinct, where he admitted to making the threat. He was charged and is being held on $100,000 bond.

In a separate case, a 12-year-old Intrepid College Prep student was charged with making a threat of mass violence and false report after police said he threatened to kill a group of students. The school suspended the boy, and when he returned to school, he texted another student, threatened to shoot him and sent a video of a gun, police reported.

A 14-year-old male student was charged Jan. 28 for making threats as students were leaving for the day at John F. Kennedy Middle School. Nashville police said the teen warned students not to come to school tomorrow because he would be bringing a gun.

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Two teens were arrested Jan. 26 in separate cases for making electronic threats against principals. In one case, a 17-year-old girl from Antioch High School was charged with communicating a threat after police said she posted an Instagram threat against her principal. In another, a 13 year-old boy from Madison Middle School was charged with communicating a threat to a school official after police said he emailed threats to his principal.

Three male students, two 13-year-olds and a 14-year-old, were charged in unrelated cases for making threats on Jan 24. In the first case, a seventh grade student at Valor Flagship Academy made threats against Valor, Thurgood Marshall Middle School and John F. Kennedy Middle School, according to police, who said the boy later admitted to making the threats to "scare" other students in his class. Another 13-year-old from Haynes Middle School posted an Instagram story threatening to "shoot up" multiple area schools. Police said the teen was found to have a history of making school threats. And, lastly, police charged a 14-year-old student at H.G. Hill Middle School who sent a photo of a gun to another student. In this case, multiple students came forward to school staff and reported that the student made threats to them and that he was planning to "shoot up" the school, police noted.

Four arrests occurred on Jan. 23, the day after the Antioch High School shooting.

An 11th grade student at Knowledge Academy had his backpack taken due to it not being clear, police said, noting that the boy threatened "Antioch part two" if his headphones were missing. The boy was removed from class and a search of his backpack produced nothing.

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In a separate case, the Federal Bureau of Investigation was notified of a threat against Antioch High School and Hillsboro High School posted on Instagram. Authorities responded to Dupont Tyler Middle School. where they interviewed a 12-year-old boy who admitted to posting the threatening story.

Another 12-year-old at Apollo Middle School threatened to shoot four of his classmates around dismissal time. Police said the boy showed the students a picture of a gun.

And an 18-year-old McGavock High School student was arrested after a student told school administrators found a gun inside the teen's backpack.

Reach reporter Craig Shoup by email at cshoup@gannett.com and on X @Craig_Shoup. To support his work, sign up for a digital subscription to www.tennessean.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville PD: School-related violence rises post-Antioch High shooting
Oregon students are struggling to make gains in key subjects, state and federal assessments show. (Photo by Getty Images)

Oregons fourth and eighth graders are struggling in key subjects more than students in most other states, a national assessment found.

The National Assessment for Educational Progress, often referred to as the nations report card, shows that Oregons fourth and eighth graders scored in the bottom half of all states in math and reading proficiency in tests last year.

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The data released Wednesday shows that an achievement gap among the countrys high-performing students and those with the lowest scores has grown since the pandemic, said Peggy Carr, commissioner of the National Center for Education Statistics, which administers the tests. Carr hosted a news conference Tuesday to discuss the latest data.

Student achievement has not returned to pre-pandemic levels. Reading scores continue to decline, and our lowest-performing students are reading at historically low levels, she said. Our nation is facing complex challenges in reading.

Data shows student scores didnt slide much in reading or math from the last assessment in 2022, but students werent doing well then, either. Among Oregon fourth graders who took the assessment last year, nearly half scored below basic in reading. This was worse than the national average, which shows about 40% of U.S. fourth graders are not meeting that benchmark in reading. This means these students struggle to read and understand simple words.

Among Oregon eighth graders who tested, about 35% were considered below basic in reading. This means these students struggle to identify the main idea of a story as well as basic literary elements.

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Our NAEP scores reaffirm the trends weve observed in our state assessments, Oregon Department of Education Director Charlene Williams said in a statement. ODE is expanding literacy efforts to reach schools serving some of our most impacted students, ensuring they have access to high-quality instruction and resources. Additionally, summer and extended learning opportunities are more important than ever in closing gaps and accelerating progress.

The states own assessment data, published in October, shows students are still about 10 percentage points behind pre-pandemic achievement levels in key subjects.

Gaps grow in the West

When it comes to math, about one-third of Oregon fourth graders tested below basic in the national assessment, meaning they might struggle to add and subtract multi-digit numbers or understand the values and number placement in multi-digit figures up to hundred thousands. About 45% of eighth graders failed to meet the benchmark, meaning they might struggle to solve equations with integers and fractions, and might have trouble using math to determine units of measurement such as length, area and volume.

Carr said across much of the West, higher-performing students continued to score high while students who needed the most help continued to fall behind. She said it was not just a pandemic story, and that there are no excuses for continued declines and stagnation. Some states, such as Louisiana, showed improvements in reading scores across all students.

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I understand that they did focus heavily on the science of reading, but they didnt start yesterday, Carr said of the instructional shift in recent years towards lessons rooted in neuroscience research around how the brain learns to read. Theyve been working on it for several years. So I would not say that hope is lost, and I would not say that we cannot turn this around. Its been demonstrated that we can, even in reading.

Carr suggested that beyond instructional changes that might be needed, high student absenteeism rates in many states are playing a role.

I think one of the obvious messages that we can share out of these data is that you need to send your kids to school. When theyre not there these data clearly show that they are less likely to learn. Those who dont go to school learn less, she said.

Absenteeism remains a problem in Oregon. Statewide, nearly 40% of Oregon students were chronically absent during the 2022-23 school year, marking a 20 percentage point drop from 2018-19. That means they missed at least 16 days in a 160-day period.

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National assessment surveys show that 45% of fourth graders in Oregon who took the test and scored below the 25th percentile in math, reported missing three or more days of school in the month prior to the survey. Fourth graders who tested in the 75th percentile in math said they had been tutored within the last year.

Carr said national surveys also have shown a decline in students reading at home and those who say they read for enjoyment while pointing to shifts in how students are tested and receive materials. She said teachers are asking less for essay responses to questions and that students are reading on devices that could contribute to disengagement with the text.

Across the board, students scoring both high and low in Oregon reported their teachers being available to help them when needed and that they believed their teachers expected them to do well. But a higher percentage of fourth graders who had the highest scores in math reported feeling comfortable talking with their teachers than students in the lowest 25th percentile.

We all need to come together as partners to catch these students up and improve achievement, Carr said. And these results, as sobering as they are, show that once you unpack them, there is hope.

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CORRECTION: The percentage of eighth graders considered below basic in reading is 35% not 45% as previously reported.

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NATIONAL CITY, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  The National City Attorneys Office issued a statement Tuesday regarding a settlement in the 2021 shooting death of a 28-year-old man involving police officers.

On Oct. 8, 2021, around 4:21 a.m., the National City Police Department received a 9-1-1 call reporting a man who was armed with a sword had tried to break into one of the buildings on a self-storage facility property, according to the San Diego County District Attorneys Office.

The man, later identified as Brian Umana, was approached by police officers who ordered him to put down the machete in his possession, authorities said.

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Hanford mother killed, father believed to be fleeing to Mexico with kids, deputies say

Around 4:30 a.m., authorities said Umana turned toward the responding officers and moved toward them while raising the machete. Officer Evan Davis fired four shots at Umana while Officer Michael Sportelli fired six rounds, four of which struck Umana.

Despite life-saving efforts, Umana died from his injuries.

On Jan. 5, 2023, following a lengthy investigation, the District Attorneys Office ultimately determined that both Davis and Sportelli were justified in their actions and bore no criminal liability.

We extend our deepest condolences to the Umana family. Regardless of the circumstances, we recognize the profound loss they have experienced and our hearts go out to them during this difficult time, the National City Attorneys Office said in its statement Tuesday.

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The city said it has settled the lawsuit, which involved allegations of wrongful death and excessive use of force by the police officers who fired their weapons during the incident.

However, the attorneys office said the settlement is not an admission of guilt on the part of the city nor the officers.

Unfortunately, it is a reflection of the realities of our litigious society where legal and financial settlements are often pursued in an effort to avoid the uncertainty and cost of protracted litigation, even where the alleged wrongdoing is contested, the statement continued. The citys decision to reach a settlement is done to mitigate financial risk to the city and taxpayers.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  A new national poll released Thursday shows President Donald Trump is maintaining a steady approval rate and a lowering disapproval rate as his presidency begins.

The Emerson College poll shows Trump at a 49% overall approval rating, which the study authors said is close to his 2024 election rating. However, the poll authors said his disapproval rating is 41%, the lowest it has been at any time, including during his first term.

Trump makes moves to expand power, sparking chaos, possible constitutional crisis

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The strongest approval is in the 50-59 age group, showing 54% approval to 34% disapproval, with the remaining 15% neutral.

Most voters polled, 52%, think the United States is headed in the right direction, with 48% believing the U.S. is on the wrong track. This is a significant shift from earlier this month when 67% said the U.S. was on the wrong track compared to 33% who felt it was moving in the right direction.

Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, said political party affiliation is a cohort of the right/wrong track discussion.

The shift is rooted in a flip of Republican perception and lessening of independents who say the country is on the wrong track, Kimball said. Earlier this month, 70% of Republicans felt the country was on the wrong track, now, 87% feel it is headed in the right direction. The share of independents who say the country is on the wrong track decreased from 69% to 53%, while Democrats perception that the country is on the wrong track intensified from 62% to 79%.

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President Donald Trump appeals his New York hush money conviction

Poll respondents were split on the birthright citizenship issue, with 30% strongly supporting children of undocumented immigrants not being granted automatic citizenship, while 28% strongly opposing. Neutral voters comprised 20% of those surveyed on this question, while 15% and 9% either somewhat supported or somewhat opposed, respectively.

The same numbers were roughly the same for allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to enter schools and churches to make arrests.

Respondents were 35% for the Philadelphia Eagles to win the Superbowl, while 29% supported the Kansas City Chiefs and 36% had no opinion.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Next time you sift through your coin pouch, check out the newest face of the $1 coin: Native Hawaiian scholar Mary Kawena Pukui.

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Kawena Pukui will be featured on the U.S. Mints 2025 Native American $1 Coin thanks to a letter sent by U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono to then-Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.

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What is the Year of the Snake, how to navigate it

In 2021, Hirono sent the letter urging the U.S. Mint to feature three prominent women from Hawaii in the American Women Quarters Program.

Officials said all three women were selected with Edith Kanakaole and Congresswoman Patsy T. Mink featured on quarters in 2022 and 2023. Mary Kawena Pukui was the last woman on the list.

2021.05.21_Personal-Letter_MKH-to-Treasury-Secretary-Yellen-re-Hawaii-Women-on-Quarters-FINALDownload

Mary Kawena Pukui is credited for preserving and protecting the Native Hawaiian language and culture, sustaining it for many generations.

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She showcased her efforts as an author, composer and dancer.

I am glad to see the Mint honoring Mary Kawena Pukui on this years Native American $1 Coin design, and hope that people across the country will learn more about her valuable contributions to uplift Native Hawaiian language, history and culture, said Senator Hirono.

Check out more news from around Hawaii

The $1 coin features Mary Kawena Pukui wearing a hibiscus flower, kukui nut lei and a muumuu with kukui nut tree leaves.

It also features the inscription of Nana I Ke Kumu, which is the title of a series of books she helped create.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
By Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen and Gwladys Fouche

COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - In 2023, Mads Petersen, owner of Greenland-based startup Arctic Unmanned, sat in a car to keep warm while he tested a small drone at minus 43 degrees Celsius (minus 45 degrees Fahrenheit).

The cold soon drained the drone's power.

"The battery only lasted for three minutes," he said.

Governments in the world's far north are seeking to overcome such challenges as the region comes increasingly into the geopolitical spotlight.

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Russia and China have stepped up military activity in the Arctic, while NATO states in the region are reporting more acts of sabotage on energy and communications lines. President Donald Trump has recently revived U.S. claims to Greenland.

The conflict in Ukraine, meanwhile, has shown that unmanned aircraft can provide critical intelligence and strike capabilities on the battlefield.

The United States, which sees the Arctic as crucial for territorial defence and its early warning system against nuclear attacks, said in a July strategy document it would focus on unmanned technology to counter Chinese-Russian collaboration there. Russian and Chinese bomber planes flew together off the coast of Alaska in July and their coast guard ships sailed together through the Bering Strait in October.

But drones - whether multicopters or fixed wing models - are vulnerable. Only the largest, long-range models have enough power for anti-icing systems like those used by aircraft. Cold, fog, rain or snow can cause a malfunction or crash.

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With countries boosting military spending, a Reuters survey of 14 companies and six defence ministries and armed forces in northern Europe and America shows the industry working at pace to buy or develop drones that can endure icy conditions, and increasing urgency among NATO states to acquire them.

"We are all having to catch up with Ukraine and Russia," said General Major Lars Lervik, head of the Norwegian Army.

No global data is publicly available on states' military drone fleets, but Lervik said the war in Ukraine has given Moscow and Kyiv valuable experience of drone technology that NATO countries lack.

Russia, whose military began building up a drone fleet in the Arctic in 2014, took an early lead in the race to control the Northern Sea Route, a passage between Europe and Asia along Russia's northern coast, said James Patton Rogers, a drone expert at Cornell University and a UN and NATO policy adviser.

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Russia's Zala Aero, part of the Kalashnikov Group, already offers drones designed for extreme Arctic conditions and Russia has also said its long-range S-70 Okhotnik combat drone can operate at minus 12 Celsius and will be deployed there.

"We're moving towards a point where Russia will not only have unarmed surveillance drone systems along the Northern Sea Route, but potentially armed systems that are constantly patrolling those areas as well," said Rogers.

He said NATO had been slow to devise a coherent response. NATO said it has strengthened its presence in the Arctic and set up a new Command to keep Atlantic lines free and secure; NATO states are investing in new air and maritime capabilities.

The Trump administration did not respond to a request for comment on that but said in an email the U.S. would continue to prioritise security in the Western Hemisphere and its presence in the Arctic.

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The U.S. has already invested heavily in long-range drones to monitor and gather real-time information from the Arctic  a vast region where radar and satellite coverage are limited. These craft can operate at lower altitudes for surveillance, but if they do they face the same risk of icing as smaller models.

The risk to drones is highest in temperatures just either side of freezing - between 8 degrees and minus 10 degrees Celsius, according to drone pilots and experts. A thin layer of ice forms on propellers and wings and destroys the aerodynamic.

KAMIKAZE OPTION?

Weather-resistant models are not the only solution. The U.S. Department of Defense has said it will buy tens of thousands of cheap drones with a kamikaze brief as part of a programme started in 2023 that will focus on the Indo-Pacific. It did not respond to a question on whether it may risk littering the Arctic with drone debris.

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"Sometimes it's actually cheaper to ... build something super cheap where we can just have thousands of them, and we don't care if we lose some," said Gregory Falco, head of the Aerospace Adversary Lab, a U.S. research centre that designs defensive and offensive capabilities for the Department of Defense.

The governments of Denmark, Greenland, Iceland, Russia and Canada did not respond to requests for comment on environmental impacts. Finland's environment ministry declined to comment.

Norway's climate ministry said the loss of drones in the Arctic would be detrimental in a "particularly vulnerable" region. From this month, it has banned most drone use in much of the Svalbard archipelago.

Sweden's defence ministry said war itself is destructive for the environment; a credible defence capability that prevents conflicts through deterrence "is ultimately better for the environment than dealing with the devastation of war."

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The cheapest small drones used for basic tactical reconnaissance cost as little as $3,000 up to around $35,000, according to experts.

Bigger models are more robust but more expensive. Medium-sized tactical drones, which normally fly at a radius of up to 200 km (124 miles), cost between $250,000 and $5 million. Large unmanned long-range drones that operate like airplanes can cost more than $200 million each.

Many of the cheaper models can be bought on the open market, but the Ukraine conflict has demonstrated their limitations in winter. NATO states are looking to test them more in the Arctic, said drone expert Rogers, who acts as a policy adviser to the alliance.

In northern Europe, new NATO member Finland has been a first mover, using drones to patrol its border with Russia as part of a proposed "drone wall" aimed at protecting NATO's northeastern flank.

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Finland in 2023 added 2,000 small drones to its army's fleet of around 250 older ones. These can, according to their French manufacturer Parrot, fly in minus 36 degrees Celsius. They have been used in winter exercises in the north, the Finnish army says.

Other countries with territory in the region are drawing up plans to purchase winter-proof drones, budgeting tens or hundreds of millions of dollars.

Denmark's Joint Arctic Command, which is responsible for security in and around Greenland, does not have any drones. Copenhagen last year set aside 2.7 billion Danish crowns ($381 million) for two long-range models to operate in the Arctic and this week said it would buy two further drones. The country has also set aside 60 million crowns for smaller models, but gave no further details.

Canada is buying 24 winter-capable medium-sized drones and 40 small ones for its navy, the Canadian Armed Forces said in an email. The forces currently operate around 150 older small and medium-sized drones.

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Norway, which is NATO's monitor for a vast 2 million sq km area of the North Atlantic used by the Russian Northern Fleet's nuclear submarines, says it will invest in long-range surveillance drones for a planned Arctic base.

It also plans to buy weather-resistant ones worth $25-$40 million for its army by 2030, according to its 2023-2030 procurement plan. The defence ministry declined further comment.

Sweden has said it plans to scale up capabilities in the area as part of a rapid rise in defence spending, without giving details.

"Warfare is going to get much faster in the future," said Mike Fabey, U.S. editor at Janes Fighting Ships, a reference book for each country's defence assets. "The drones give you that ability to understand the situation more quickly, at a time when it's going to be about not seconds, but nanoseconds."

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STARTUPS AND FIELD TESTS

The weatherproof model Finland bought can be purchased on the open market for around $9,000. It was designed for the U.S. Army and made in the United States by Paris-listed Parrot SA, which is majority-owned by its CEO, Henri Seydoux.

Parrot says on its website it has sold models to 19 countries including Sweden and Norway, but did not respond to requests for further comment.

Beyond this, governments and large aerospace firms are mainly turning to startups and small companies for innovative solutions, Stacy Cummings, head of NATO's support and procurement agency, told Reuters. NATO will hold a session this year to bring together governments and companies.

Manufacturers of small and medium-sized multicopter drones are experimenting with blade shapes: for instance, propellers that spin so fast that snow or ice is instantly transformed into gas.

It is easier to avoid bad weather with smaller drones because they don't fly very far, experts say. Larger models have ranges up to hundreds of miles and fixed wings, which makes it harder to dodge rain and snow.

"There are definitely some challenges, especially with humidity and icing conditions as well as some of the electronics as they get colder," Alex Larade, a Canadian lieutenant serving in the artillery unit of NATO's multinational brigade in Latvia, told Reuters during an exercise with a fixed-wing Blackjack drone in a muddy field in Adazi, Latvia in November.

"At this time, we haven't had the experience in the Arctic to actually see just how far we can push the air vehicle," he said. Boeing subsidiary Insitu, which made the craft, said the drone has not been rated for icing conditions, but it is working with Norwegian start-up Ubiq Aerospace to optimize it.

One approach that Ubiq is testing is to add a mesh of carbon fibre composite which can be switched on to conduct just enough heat to the wing to melt any ice forming.

Ubiq said it has recently signed contracts to provide anti-icing protection for drones with Boeing and Lockheed Martin worth over $5 million, and has deals for anti-icing drone products with the Norwegian armed forces and U.S. defense industry companies Textron Systems and Northrop Grumman.

Finland-based company Nordic Drones also uses an automated system that helps the craft detect  and dodge - areas with fog or snow. That company was bought last year by Patria, a Finnish-Norwegian joint venture in which the Finnish state holds a majority.

($1 = 7.0956 Danish crowns)

(Reporting by Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen in Copenhagen, Gwladys Fouche and Tom Little in Oslo and Espoo, Finland, Janis Laizans in Adazi, Latvia, Max Hunder in Kyiv, Sabine Siebold in Brussels, Niklas Pollard in Stockholm and Anne Kauranen in Helsinki; editing by Justyna Pawlak and Sara Ledwith)
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is on course to fulfill its promise to send approximately $41.6 billion (40 billion euros) in security assistance to Ukraine by the end of the year, NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska said on Jan. 29.

Member nations pledged to provide the funding to Ukraine during the NATO summit in Washington, D.C. in July 2024.

Shekerinska discussed the status of the funds during a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council in Brussels. Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Olha Stefanishyna attended the meeting.

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"Allies are on track to deliver on the pledge made at the Washington summit," a NATO press statement said.

Stefanishyna also met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte during her visit to Brussels. Their discussions centered on the current situation on the front lines, Ukraine's ongoing reform efforts, and continued NATO support for Ukraine's defense.

Rutte has pledged to maintain the alliance's support for Kyiv and increase Europe's share of the spending amid the U.S. government transition. NATO has already moved into a new leadership position in coordinating aid for Ukraine, taking over certain responsibilities once handled by the U.S.

The future of U.S. military aid remains uncertain under President Donald Trump, who has urged Europe to shoulder more of the financial burden.

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Ukraine continues to prioritize its future NATO membership as an essential security guarantee in the face of Russian aggression.

Read also: Trump must call Putins bluff on Ukraine talks

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The Navys new five-part plan to prepare new ships for deployment will require more maintenance time for the current fleet.

However, the Naval Systems Command, or NAVSEA, strategy states the Navy must stay on schedule with maintenance to keep the services vessels seaworthy and combat-ready.

The new strategy, released Jan. 13, is key to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchettis ambitious goal of having 80% of the fleet ready to deploy at any given time by 2027.

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Marines hindered by Navy's amphibious warfare ship maintenance delays

On average, Navy ships remain in dry dock for up to one year, said Vice Adm. Jim Downey, NAVSEA commander, in a Jan. 16 panel at the Surface Navy Associations symposium near Washington, Defense One reported.

If the new strategy is effective, that yearlong wait could be cut by two-thirds or more, meaning a 100- to 150-day wait for ship repairs, according to Downey, who guided the plans development.

Thatll mean extensive planning for work scope, what materials are available and ready for use and building a ready workforce at the same time, said George Whittier, CEO of ship engine company Fairbanks Morse, said on the panel, according to Defense One.

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The NAVSEA Enterprise Strategy will address five core lines of effort, according to the services release:

Accelerate force generation to deliver ships and combat systems.

Generate readiness to maintain, modernize and sustain platforms.

Generate, capture and use data to drive innovation.

Strengthen the Navy team by attracting, retaining and growing the NAVSEA workforce.

Strengthen the foundation, enhancing NAVSEA critical infrastructure.

CNO depends on the NAVSEA enterprise to get the Navys ships, and their warfighting systems designed, delivered, maintained, and sustained to meet global national security requirements, Downey said in the release. So, NAVSEA is accelerating efforts to put more players on the field  that is, platforms, ready with the right capabilities, weapons, and sustainment support.

The Navy has faced years of maintenance backlogs and ship shortages. In December, the Government Accountability Office found that a shortage of amphibious warfare ships has hindered various Marine deployment and training plans, Marine Corps Times previously reported. From 2011 to 2020, only 46% of the Navys amphibious class of ships were available at any given time, according to the government watchdog.

GAO recommended the Navy refine ship availability, build a joint-service plan, update the services ship maintenance policies and establish performance goals for implementing the amphibious readiness review recommendations GAO provided.

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Nothing was off the table when we started this process last May, Downey said of the Navys five-part plan.

Downey, who took command of NAVSEA in January 2024, formed a Commanders Action Group and a Force Improvement Office to have closer management of command priorities and enhance personnel skills and capabilities. The command also restructured its operational centers, according to the release.

In another organizational move, the command decoupled positions for its Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair, or SUPSHIP, and its Industrial Operations, or SEA 04, according to the release. That allows the individual heads of the two areas for a more focused approach to their core duties.

With more than 90 ships under contract, SUPSHIP has an expansive level of responsibility, said Downey. This new realignment puts SUPSHIP in a better position to oversee and administer the Navys new construction programs across the directorate.
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WSPA)  A man pleaded guilty to trafficking fentanyl in Buncombe County, according to the county district attorney.

27-year-old Dustin Ray Norton of Marion pleaded guilty on Monday.

On May 8 2024, officers of the Asheville Police Department (APD) initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle that allegedly had an illegal tag. Officers reportedly saw drug paraphernalia in plain view within the vehicle, and a search of the vehicle found a tested weight of 5.93 grams of fentanyl. The passenger of the vehicle, Norton, reportedly claimed the fentanyl was his.

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Norton pleaded guilty to one county of felony trafficking in opium/heroin, one count of felony possession of a schedule I controlled substance, and one count of felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance.

Norton was sentenced to serve a mandatory term of 70-93 months in the custody of the North Carolina Department of Corrections, and to pay a $500,000 fine.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL)  Four Northeast Tennessee House members voted against the school voucher bill Thursday and four voted for it as the bill passed fairly narrowly, 53-45. The bill passed the state Senate by a 20-13 margin at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time Thursday.

LIVE: Tennessee Senate considers school vouchers after House passes bill

Tim Hicks (R-Gray), who has consistently expressed strong support of a statewide voucher bill, was joined in the aye column by Timothy Hill (R-Blountville), John Crawford (R-Kingsport) and Bud Hulsey (R-Kingsport). Crawford and Hulsey had told News Channel 11 they were undecided on the bill at the end of last week, while Hill has not responded to requests for comment.

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A total of 21 Republicans joined the Houses 24 Democrats on the losing side, including local representatives Rebecca Alexander (Jonesborough), David Hawk (Greeneville), Gary Hicks (Rogersville) and Renea Jones (Erwin).

News Channel 11 has reached out to the members for comment and will update this story as we hear back from any of them.

I voted in opposition to the proposed voucher plan, in accordance with the wishes of a majority of Greene County, Hawk said in a text message minutes after the vote.

From Rebecca Alexander:

It was my greatest honor to stand up for what I felt what District 7 would want me to do. The letters and phone calls I received were around 10-1 against the voucher bill. I am in Nashville because you trusted me to represent you and Im honored to do that and will continue to do so. We have the best public schools in our area and I am confident they will continue to be excellent and I promise to support them in Nashville.

From Bud Hulsey:

I voted yes because 72% of my District appear to believe that it is good for parents to have a direct say in the type of education provided to their children, but with the full assurance that our local schools are fully protected and will lose nothing.

From Renea Jones:

The people of the Fourth House District elected me to be their voice in Nashville. Over the course of two months, I have met with parents, teachers, administrators, and citizens-at-large to ascertain how the Education Freedom Act (vouchers) would impact Carter and Unicoi counties. After receiving over six hundred calls and emails through our office, and looking at the facts, I chose to vote against the Education Freedom Act. I feel that the legislation falls short of addressing the concerns our public education system faces. However, that was not the consensus of a majority of the legislature.

From Tim Hicks:

Education has a brighter future starting today. We will continue to support public education as the highest priority. Theres nothing more important than giving our parents a choice for the education that best fits their childs needs.

From Gary Hicks:

My vote today is a reflection of my strong convictions for public education. Im a proud product of public schools and will continue to support them and their efforts to educate our students. Ive been in their corner since I first ran in 2016 and that has not changed.

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(This is developing story)

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Until just moments before an American Airlines regional plane and an Army helicopter collided over the Potomac River last night, nothing in particular seemed amiss. Conditions were clear, Sean Duffy, the new secretary of transportation, noted in a press conference this morning. The passenger jet, coming from Wichita, Kansas, was about to arrive at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airportone in a succession of airliners landing about two minutes apart. The Black Hawk helicopter was on a training mission from Virginias Fort Belvoir. Both aircraft were in a standard flight pattern, Duffy said. Referring to the crowded and shared air space around D.C., he added, This was not unusual.

And that may turn out to be the problem. The precise immediate cause of the crashwhich killed all 64 passengers and crew members aboard the airliner and all three people in the helicopterwill not become clear until investigators fully analyze recordings of air-traffic-control communications and the planes black box. But the accident follows a long string of alarming near collisions at airports across the countrya pattern suggesting that the aviation-safety systems upon which human life depends are under enormous strain.

[Conor Friedersdorf: Dont politicize aviation safety]

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In 2023, the Federal Aviation Administration identified 19 serious runway incursions, the most in almost a decade. The causes of these events are varied: air-traffic-control staffing shortages, pilot inexperience, demand for air travel, outdated technology. The increase in near misses led the FAA to create a safety review team and issue a rare industrywide safety call to action demanding greater vigilance throughout the community. These incidents do not appear to have prompted any major changes in safety practices either nationally or in the Washington area. Last year, the number of serious incursions declined, making the issue seem less urgent.

Reagan Nationals tight footprint and three intersecting runways, along with the presence of military and other government operations nearby, make the air space surrounding the facility relatively tricky for pilots to navigate. As the popular open-source intelligence account @OSINTtechnical noted on X once footage of the accident and its aftermath began spreading on social media, For many in the DC-area flying community, the crash tonight wasnt a matter of if, but when. (This morning, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced an investigation of the Army helicopters role in the incident.)

In 2013, an airliner and a military helicopter flying at the same altitude near Reagan National came within 950 feet of each other. Last May, a Boston-bound jet traveling 100 miles an hour on the runway had to abort its takeoff because another plane had been cleared to land on an intersecting runway. Even so, the FAA added additional flight slots to Reagan National last year, over the objections of local politicians who worried about congestion and overburdening capacity.

[Read: Inside the busy, stressful world of air traffic control]

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The crash near Reagan National was the first major aviation disaster involving a U.S. airline since 2009long enough that nearly a generation of Americans are experiencing this crash as their first. Such incidents have become so rare that Americans come to assume that safety precautions automatically work.

Safety systems are vulnerable to a phenomenon known in the disaster-management world as the near-miss fallacyan inability to interpret and act upon the warnings embedded in situations where catastrophe is only narrowly avoided. Paradoxically, people may come to see such events as signs that the system is working. In her groundbreaking research on NASA after the space shuttle Challenger exploded in 1986, the American sociologist Diane Vaughan faulted the agency for its normalization of deviance. The direct culprits in the spacecrafts fate were faulty booster-rocket parts known as O-rings. Vaughn noted that shuttle missions had been experiencing problems with the parts for years, but NASA had downplayed their importance. Engineers were able to normalize O-ring incidents and other safety issues because none had caused significant harmuntil one did.

The immediate cause of the crash over the Potomac may turn out to be a single tragic mistake. But this deadly tragedy occurred within a broader context. For some time, our aviation system has been ignoring warning signs and normalizing deviance. Good luck can last only so long, and it ran out last night.

Article originally published at The Atlantic
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon presided over the House chamber on Jan. 27, 2025, as Democrats continued to boycott the Capitol. Photo by Michelle Griffith/Minnesota Reformer.

Negotiations to resolve a power struggle for control of the Minnesota House have stalled, which likely means a continued boycott by Democratic-Farmer-Labor members thats now more than two weeks old.

The new normal in the House, which is currently home to 67 Republicans and 66 Democrats: Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, presiding over a half-empty chamber, asks members to bow their heads in prayer; members and staff then recite the Pledge of Allegiance; members take attendance on a roll call; and Simon declares that there are not enough members present to conduct business.

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Republican House leader Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, told reporters Wednesday that she didnt meet with Democratic leader Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, and had no plans to do so again in the near future.

There were no meetings today with Rep. Hortman. That is a change over the last few days, Demuth said. Hortman and Demuth had been meeting daily since Friday, after the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that the House needed 68 members for a quorum.

By siding with Democrats, the court prevented Republicans from meeting and naming Demuth the speaker as long as Democrats continue to boycott. Republicans are using the absence of their Democratic colleagues as a political cudgel, saying Democrats arent showing up to work.

Both sides appear to be dug in: House Democrats want written assurance that Republicans will refrain from attempting to unseat one of their members. Republicans want to elect a speaker and control House committees for the next two years  even after a special election for an open seat in the north metro thats expected to bring the chamber back to a tie.

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Hortman told reporters on Tuesday that she was optimistic that she and Demuth would reach a deal by the end of the week, though she did hint that negotiations may stall.

I tend to be a more optimistic person than pessimistic. I think that we both moved quite a bit from our initial positions, Hortman said. Its usually darkest before the dawn. We certainly had some dark moments  over the first couple weeks of session, and Im sure it will get darker again before we have the final breakthrough that gets us to the agreement.

At stake is the status of Rep. Brad Tabke, a Shakopee Democrat who won his reelection by 14 votes in a contest marred by 20 missing ballots. A judge ruled in an advisory opinion that Tabke would have won anyway, and a do-over is not needed. The Minnesota Constitution grants the House the power to seat its own members, however, and Democrats fear Republicans will refuse to seat Tabke.

All 66 House Democrats have been boycotting the Capitol since Jan. 14 in an effort to deny Republicans a quorum and control of the chamber.
EXCLUSIVE: Neil Gaiman has been removed from UK agent Casarotto Ramsay & Associates client list after the Good Omens writer has faced a string of sexual misconduct allegations over the past six months.

Gaimans profile was quietly scrubbed from Casarotto Ramsay & Associates website, meaning he no longer appears on pages listing its film, TV, and theatre clients.

More from Deadline

Internet archives show Gaimans profile, which included trailers for his screen work, was live on the agencys website as recently as last October, months after the initial allegations were published. The author denies wrongdoing.

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Casarotto Ramsay & Associates failed to respond to repeated requests for comment about whether it continues to rep Gaiman. Gaiman has been contacted for comment. His long-time literary agent is Writers Houses Merrilee Heifetz, who has been approached for comment. Gaiman has also been repped by CAA, who have been contacted.

Neil Gaimans profile page on the Casarotto Ramsay & Associates website

The change to Casarotto Ramsays client list comes amid a wave of creative partners severing ties with Gaiman and his work. Anansi Boys publisher Dark Horse Comics has dropped the once-celebrated writer, while a UK stage production of Coraline was canceled this week.

Furthermore, the third season of Amazon Prime Video drama Good Omens has been scaled back to a 90-minute episode and Disney paused production on its film adaptation of The Graveyard Book.

Gaiman has been accused of sexual misconduct, including nonconsensual BDSM, by nine women. The first allegations were published last July in a Tortoise podcast, titled Master: The Allegations Against Neil Gaiman. New York magazine carried further allegations earlier this month.

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In a post on his website following the New York story, Gaiman said he had never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. He continued: Some of the horrible stories now being told simply never happened, while others have been so distorted from what actually took place that they bear no relationship to reality. I am prepared to take responsibility for any missteps I made. Im not willing to turn my back on the truth, and I cant accept being described as someone I am not, and cannot and will not admit to doing things I didnt do.

Tortoise originally chronicled the accounts of two women who accused Gaiman of sexual assault during consensual relationships. Two other women shared their stories with Tortoise in a follow-up episode of Master, while a third spoke on the podcast Am I Broken: Survivor Stories. New York magazine carried allegations from another four women.

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Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, has fallen to the M23 rebel group. At the time of writing it is unclear exactly how much of the city is under rebel control, but the sound of gunfire that had filled the city has reportedly died down.

[More material on the violence in the Congo can be found here:

Crisis in the Congo: why is M23 advancing? (2024)

Capitalism, Imperialism and the Wars in Africa. The Meaning of the Conflict in Congo (1998)]

Videos are circulating of M23 troops patrolling the streets, while Congolese soldiers are being rounded up or seeking refuge in the citys UN compound. The supply of water and electricity to this city of 2 million people has been cut. Medical workers report that hospitals are overflowing with the wounded, raped and dying. The streets are piled with bodies.

Breaking: Rebels of the M23 movement have taken control of Goma in eastern Congo. pic.twitter.com/oZjy6vp6Gv  African News feed. (@africansinnews) January 27, 2025

The bulk of North Kivu province, of which Goma is the capital, is now in the hands of M23. The rebel group is now working to establish a permanent administration in Goma, having killed North Kivus governor last week.

News of the fall of Goma has provoked mass demonstrations in Congolese cities in support of the Congolese military (the FARDC) and against neighbouring Rwanda, which is widely known to be supporting the rebels. In Kinshasa, demonstrations have been banned after protestors stormed ten foreign embassies, including those of Rwanda, Uganda, the USA and France.

Several Western embassies, including those of Rwanda and Uganda, were targeted in organized attacks by the Congolese people protesting their role in the recent crisis. pic.twitter.com/6xQxrRNLD1  African News feed. (@africansinnews) January 28, 2025

Calls for a ceasefire, emanating from the UN, the African Union and a series of heads of states, have been dismissed by the Congolese president Felix Tshisekedi, who has vowed to reclaim all lost territory. Meanwhile, the fighting continues, with reports that M23 is now turning towards the city of Bukavu in South Kivu province.

Meanwhile in #Bukavu thousands of people have taken to the streets to protest the attack on Goma by the M23 and RDF, and affirm that eastern Congo is part of the DRC "il n'y a pas de RDC sans l'Est". Fear is growing that Rwanda plans to annex the entire Kivu region. pic.twitter.com/VVU5OtsQcW  African News feed. (@africansinnews) January 27, 2025

Endless war

The current conflict is part of an endless cycle of violence that began with the Congo Wars, which followed the Rwandan genocide in 1994. Since then, more than 120 armed groups have infested eastern Congo, feeding on the enormous mineral wealth beneath the soil.

M23 first emerged in 2012. Largely composed of Congolese Tutsis, it is widely known to have close links with the Tutsi-dominated regime in Rwanda, and its ally Uganda. Today it is by far the best armed and most disciplined fighting force in eastern Congo. It is known to have surface-to-air-missiles, heavy artillery and GPS jammers, and has proven itself capable of using all of these to great effect.

The UN has repeatedly confirmed that 3,000-4,000 Rwandan troops are also directly engaged in the fighting, alongside M23, and that its operations are being directed by the Rwandan military. This claim has neither been confirmed nor denied by Paul Kagame, the president of Rwanda.

Whilst refusing to acknowledge Rwandas presence in the Congo, Kagame claims to be acting defensively, in order to protect Tutsis living in the DRC from Hutu extremists who fled into the Congo after the Rwandan genocide. In reality, he is much more interested in the Congos mineral wealth, in particular its gold and coltan, which is essential for the production of mobile phones and electric vehicle batteries.

Last year Rwanda became the worlds biggest exporter of coltan, despite the fact that it has very few coltan mines in its territory. In fact, an estimated 90 percent of Rwandas coltan actually comes from mines in the DRC, which is then sold as conflict-free to multinationals in the USA, China and Germany.

Imperialist hypocrisy

M23 re-emerged after a period of dormancy in late 2021 and began to advance rapidly in 2022. Since then, there has been no shortage of pious calls for peace from the UN and governments all over the world, including the USA and China. But no real action has been taken. In fact, the imperialists continue to support the Rwandan regime.

The last time that M23 advanced in eastern Congo was in 2012. When the group seized Goma for the first time in November of that year, western states immediately applied sanctions on the Rwandan state and a large UN force carried out a counter-offensive against M23, which was soon forced back into hiding.

This time, however, the only measures taken have been targeted sanctions against a handful of individual commanders in both Rwanda and the Congo, and the suspension of military aid. These modest sanctions were imposed in August and October of 2023, more than a year after M23 began to advance in the spring of 2022.

The hypocritical inaction on the part of the so-called international community reflects the fundamental shifts in world relations that have taken place in recent years. In 2012 the US and its allies were the only game in town. Small nations, such as Rwanda, which was heavily dependent on western aid, had little choice but to bow to western pressure.

Today, this is no longer the case. As the war in Ukraine has demonstrated, states that incur the wrath of the USA and its allies are able to circumvent sanctions by trading with a host of other countries. Since 2012 Rwanda has established trade and investment links with China, the UAE, Qatar and India.

Whilst calling on Kagame to withdraw his troops, western leaders know that if they apply serious pressure, they could lose the last stable ally they have in the region / Image: DFID UK Department for International Development, Flickr

Further, western imperialism continues to rely on the Rwandan military to protect its interests in other, less stable African countries. As recently as last November, the EU agreed to send 20 million to Rwanda to support its deployment as a peacekeeping force in northern Mozambique, where the French multinational, TotalEnergies, has an important gas project.

In other words, western imperialism finds itself caught between a rock and a hard place. Whilst calling on Kagame to withdraw his troops, western leaders know that if they apply serious pressure, they could lose the last stable ally they have in the region.

This is an existential question for Kagame. While he claims to stand for the protection of Rwandans and Congolese Tutsis, his only priority is the stability of his own regime.

The Rwandan state is dominated by Tutsis, who make up only 14 percent of the population. Up until now, Kagame has maintained this state through a combination of ruthless military rule and economic growth, which has allowed the regime to offer jobs and certain concessions to the Hutu majority.

If the growth that the Rwandan economy has experienced over the last period should go into reverse, old scars will likely begin to open up. The Rwandan ruling class recognises that if it is to maintain the stability of its rule, it must develop its economy, become independent of foreign aid and eventually play a bigger role in the region. The route to this development passes directly through the gold and coltan mines of eastern Congo.

Therefore, Kagame will not back down. His call for an immediate ceasefire amounts to the demand that the Congolese government recognise the present balance of forces and negotiate directly with M23, leaving its proxy in control of a large part of North Kivu.

Multipolarity

The relative decline of US imperialism and the rise of rival powers, such as Russia and China, is something that has been welcomed by many African governments. They hope that by balancing between the major powers, weaker nations will be able to play more of an independent role.

The relative decline of US imperialism and the rise of rival powers, such as Russia and China, is something that has been welcomed by many African governments / Image: kremlin.ru, Wikimedia Commons

In practice, what this means is not peaceful progress and development but greater instability, war and suffering for the people of Africa. In the Great Lakes region, we see the de facto annexation of a part of eastern Congo by Rwanda. But this is just one example.

It must be remembered that the borders of the African nations are completely arbitrary and irrational, having been deliberately drawn up by the colonial powers to leave territorial claims, enclaves and national conflicts between a patchwork of weak African states.

Rather than pledging the abolition of these colonial boundaries, the Organisation of African Unity introduced the principle of the inviolability of national boundaries into its founding charter in 1963. This was for the simple reason that if the borders of one country are changed, it could set off a chain reaction of disputes, wars and even genocides across the entire continent.

There will no doubt be a number of African leaders who are following events in eastern Congo, and wondering whether this might also be their chance to assert themselves. The horror unfolding in eastern Congo at this moment only underlines the fact that so long as capitalism survives in Africa, African unity will remain a utopia.

On the brink

The Congo is on the brink of catastrophe. A humanitarian disaster is already unfolding on an unimaginable scale. According to a spokesperson for the UN World Food Programme, Roads are blocked, ports are closed and those crossing Lake Kivu risk their lives in makeshift boats.

More than 5 million people in North Kivu and the surrounding provinces of Ituri and South Kivu are currently displaced, living in overcrowded and under-resourced camps. Now, the fighting in and around Goma has prevented the delivery of food and aid, meaning that starvation looms over millions of men, women and children.

The Congo is on the brink of catastrophe / Image: MONUSCO Photos, Wikimedia Commons

Humanitarian workers are also warning of a heightened risk of disease, such as cholera and mpox, spreading throughout Goma and beyond. The World Health Organisation has warned of a public health nightmare if the fighting continues.

The crisis is also being deepened by the internal instability within the Congolese state. Tshisekedi has called for the youth to organise themselves into vigilance groups and enlist in the armed forces. Young people are reportedly volunteering in large numbers to defeat Rwanda and defend the republic.

But these untrained and under-armed recruits will be sent into a nightmare. Against a well-equipped, disciplined force, they will be led by an army which has shown itself many times over to be hopelessly corrupt, and almost indistinguishable from the various local militias that plague eastern Congo. Even before the capture of Goma, demoralisation and desertion were rife within the Congolese army. The influx of thousands of fighters into eastern Congo could destabilise the region even further.

At the same time, a section of the Congolese ruling class has publicly come out in opposition to Tshisekedi. Corneille Nangaa, a former ally of Tshisekedi in the government, joined with M23 in December 2023 to take the lead of its political front, the Congo River Alliance, which is assembling opposition groups from beyond Tutsi areas. He has made it clear that his aim is regime change in the DRC. And he is not the only one who would like to see this happen.

Tshisekedi may hope that his war mobilisation will strengthen his position in the state. It could just as easily provoke civil war throughout the country.

But it is not just the people of the DRC that are facing catastrophe. There is a very real risk that the war in the east could descend into a repetition of the Congo Wars, which dragged in a total of nine African states and led to the deaths of more than 5 million people between 1996 and 2003.

Already, thousands of troops from neighbouring Burundi are fighting alongside Congolese troops against M23 and the Rwandan military. Uganda is known to have links with M23, but at the same time it has been sending troops into eastern Congo as part of a joint operation with the DRC.

The entire region is a powder keg. A single spark could be all that is required to light a conflagration that would put the horror and destruction of Gaza into the shade. The longer the fighting continues, the greater the likelihood that this worst-case scenario will be realised.

End capitalism

Capitalism has created a hell on earth in eastern Congo. Meanwhile, all of the major powers, who have exploited the Congos people and resources for more than a century, offer nothing but hypocrisy, insults and further exploitation.

The Congolese capital, Kinshasa, witnessed a wave of protests and demonstrations condemning the "invasion of Goma," as citizens expressed their anger over the attacks carried out by the M23 armed movement in the eastern part of the country pic.twitter.com/RhvxMjDTaU  African News feed. (@africansinnews) January 27, 2025

The democratic West would rather let the Congo burn than sever its links to the Rwandan military dictatorship. But what of China, which officially recognises the DRC as a comprehensive strategic cooperative partner? The Chinese government has been even more quiet than the West, while it has continued buying coltan from Kagame.

It is very understandable, then, when Tshisekedi says:

The Congolese people see the passivity of the world, bordering on complicity. The DRC will not be humiliated or crushed. We will fight, and we will triumph."

But this does not change the fact that neither Tshisekedi, nor any other part of the corrupt and degenerate Congolese ruling class, can lead the people of the Congo to peace, progress or freedom.

Only a revolution can bring an end to the carnage. The workers and youth of the Congo must take the land and wealth of the country into their own hands. On this basis they could reach out to the workers of their neighbouring countries, who have exactly the same interest in ending the horror and sweeping away the reactionary states of the region.

But communists around the world must recognise that the suffering of the Congolese people is tied by a thousand threads to the bankers and capitalists sitting in swanky offices in New York, London, and Beijing. We must strike at the black heart of the world market, which continues to feed on the blood of Africa. The fight for freedom in Africa is inseparable from the fight for communism the world over.

Down with imperialism!

Down with the reactionary capitalist regimes of the African Great Lakes!

Only the workers and peasants of Africa can end the crisis, in alliance with the workers of the world!

For a socialist federation of Africa!
Israel will delay the release of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails amid chaotic scenes surrounding Hamass release of hostages it kidnapped from Israel and held since its attack on Oct. 7, 2023.

The release of Palestinian prisoners would be delayed until the safe exit of our hostages in the next phases is assured, the Israeli Prime Ministers office said in a statement posted on the social platform X.

Israel demands that the mediators see to this, the statement continued. The U.S., Qatar and Egypt are the primary mediators of the ceasefire deal.

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Netanyahus office followed up that the mediators have conveyed a commitment to ensure the safe exit of hostages released by Hamas in the next phase.

Israel insists that the lessons be learned and that strict care be taken in the next phases regarding the safe return of our hostages, the statement read.

Video circulated on social media showed hostages forced to walk between surging crowds, guarded by masked gunmen before being handed over to the International Red Cross, which is helping facilitate the transfers.

I view with great severity the shocking scenes during the release of our hostages, Netanyahu said, the Times of Israel reported. This is further proof of the unimaginable cruelty of the Hamas terrorist organization.

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It is not initially clear how the prime ministers statement will impact the truce, which has continued for nearly two weeks since it went into effect on Jan. 19.

The first phase of the ceasefire is expected to last for six weeks, with Hamas releasing 33 hostages in exchange for 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The hostages released during this phase are expected to include women, elderly men, and those needing medical attention, and the bodies of hostages.

During the first phase, negotiators are supposed to begin talks on a second phase of a ceasefire deal that would allow for the release of more hostages held by Hamas, including Israeli soldiers. Among the Israeli soldiers held by Hamas include an American, Edan Alexander.

President Trumps special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, met with Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Thursday. Witkoff also reportedly traveled with the Israeli military into territory it controls in the Gaza Strip, marking the first visit by a senior U.S. official to the territory in a decade.

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Implementation here is the critical thing. The execution of the agreement was important, it was a first step, but without the implementation correct, were not going to get it right, were going to have a flare up and thats not a good thing, Witkoff said Wednesday at a New York synagogue.

The hostages released on Wednesday included Agam Berger, 20, who was serving as a military observer in southern Israel when she was abducted; and civilians Arbel Yehud, 29, and Gadi Mozes, 80. The five Thai nationals are Thenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakham, Watchara Sriaoun, Bannawat Seathao, and Rumnao Surasak.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog met with Thailands ambassador to Israel and said he was committed to seeing the release of three other Thai hostages held by Hamas.

Updated at 10:25 a.m. EST

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Netflix raising prices again: What consumers should know

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Netflix is raising prices once again for its customers, as other streaming services are doing the same.

Experts say these companies are passing the costs of creating original content down to its customers  and many are not happy.

2 NEWS spoke with Sean OConnor, an assistant professor of digital media at Cedarville University, who shared more about the impact on customers and the future of the streaming industry.

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Netflix raising its prices across the board

OConnor says what these companies are facing is that theres just not enough new people signing up to justify how much money they are spending on creating original content.

As times change, and companies bleed money, theres got to be a way to justify cost, and that comes down to the consumer, said OConnor.

Netflix just announced they will be raising their prices by $1 to $2 per month, leaving many people frustrated.

2 NEWS viewers weighed in on Facebook, with some saying theyll stop using the platform entirely. Others say theyre making the switch back to physical media.

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OConnor says the likely reason youll be paying more for Netflix  the 2020 COVID pandemic oversaturated the streaming market.

The amount of subscribers that Netflix and other sites accumulated sort of plateaued. And so what that leads to then is all these companies saying, well, the bubbles burst, said OConnor.

In recent years, weve seen Netflix end password sharing and raise prices in an attempt to increase revenue.

And other streaming services have followed suit  Hulu Max and Disney+ have all raised prices in recent months.

OConnor says these companies will have to shift their focus to retain their customers.

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Its going to take really quality content as well as resonating with audiences to get us back on track, said OConnor.

OConnor agreed with some of our viewers, saying price increases may encourage people to switch back to buying physical copies of their favorite shows and movies instead of paying monthly for it. But he says a lot of people would have to make the switch to stop prices from going up.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
PARIS  The Netherlands plans to buy 22 Skyranger mobile air-defense cannons from Germanys Rheinmetall to protect ground troops against the increased threat of drones, in a project with a budget of 1.3 billion (US$1.35 billion), the Dutch Ministry of Defence said.

The goal is for the first contracts to be signed in the first half of 2025, which should allow for deliveries to start in 2028 and be wrapped up the following year, State Secretary for Defence Gijs Tuinman wrote in a letter to parliament on Wednesday. The budget covers the acquisition price as well as ammunition, operating costs over the weapons lifetime and a risk reserve.

The Dutch armed forces currently lack a mobile system that can adequately protect their medium and heavy infantry brigades against small and cheap drones, with longer-range systems neither efficient nor effective against the small drone threat, Tuinman said.

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We need to be better able to combat enemy drones, helicopters and other aerial threats, Tuinman said in a post on X . Thats why we are purchasing 22 mobile anti-drone gun systems. In this way we protect our own troops, strengthen combat power and contribute to NATO requirements.

The Skyranger 30 systems can counter unmanned aircraft systems as well as low-flying helicopters and aircraft up to a distance of 5 kilometers, or roughly 3 miles, using a 30 millimeter rapid-fire cannon coupled with surface-to-air missiles for longer-range targets, the Dutch Ministry of Defence said.

The guns will be mounted on the Armoured Combat Support Vehicle from Germanys Flensburger Fahrzeugbau, a 26-metric ton tracked vehicle designed to be air-transportable. The ministry is buying off-the-shelf equipment, which is advantageous in terms of price and delivery time, it said.

Unmanned aircraft systems have become a dominant feature of the battlefield in Ukraine, taking out everything from tanks to individual soldiers, and Western militaries are trying to figure out how to protect maneuvering troops in those conditions. The Netherlands said last month it would equip its soldiers with personal protection gear against drones , including targeting lasers and sensors.

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The Skyrangers Oerlikon 30 mm revolver cannon has a firing rate of around 1,200 rounds per minute, and can fire programmable airburst munitions. The turret has its own 360 degree active radar using fixed plate antennas, as well as an infrared thermal-imaging camera for passive tracking. Rheinmetall says the gun has an effective range of 3 kilometers.

NATO is also asking the Netherlands to invest in heavier land-combat capabilities such as ground-based air and missile defense and land-maneuver formations, the minister said. The Netherlands said in September it would again stand up a tank battalion, after having sold its last Leopard 2 tanks in 2011 due to budget cuts.

The Netherlands plans to set up five mobile air-defense units to protect the maneuver battalions of its medium and heavy infantry brigades, with each units receiving four Skyranger 30 combat C-UAS systems in addition to short-range air defense systems.

Due to geopolitical developments and in case of further growth of the armed forces, it cannot be ruled out that a greater need will arise in the future than has been quantified so far, Tuinman wrote. The contracts will therefore include optionality for additional systems wherever possible.

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The vehicles for the Skyranger turret will be purchased in connection with a program announced last year to buy Kongsbergs National Manoeuvre Air Defence System, a short-range system that also uses the ACSV tracked vehicle.

As part of the Kongsberg purchase, the Netherlands will receive five fire-control units and 18 NOMADS weapon platforms equipped with Sidewinder missiles, with deliveries set to start in 2028. A single short-range air-defense platoon, targeting threats up to 15 kilometers, consists of a mobile fire-control unit and three launchers, according to the Dutch MoD.

With Denmark, Germany and Austria also buying the Skyranger system, that will be positive for cooperation, according to Tuinman. The Netherlands is seeking a high degree of interoperability with European allies including Germany, the state secretary said.

Germany in February 2024 agreed to buy 19 Skyranger 30 systems mounted on a Boxer wheeled armored fighting vehicle for 595 million, including one prototype, and with an option to buy another 30 systems. In addition to the gun, the German systems will be armed with Raytheons Stinger air-defense missile.

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That same month Austria announced an order for 36 Skyranger 30 systems , to be mounted on Pandur wheeled armored vehicles from General Dynamics European Land Systems, with delivery starting in 2026. The turrets for Austrias systems will combine the 30 mm gun with Mistral guided missiles from MBDA.

Denmark in September followed with an order for 16 Skyranger 30 turrets to be mounted on the eight-wheeled Piranha armored personnel carrier in use with the Danish armed forces. Four units are scheduled for delivery in late 2026, with the remaining serial-produced turrets delivered over the following two years. At the time of the order, Denmark hadnt picked the air-defense missile yet.

Frances armaments directorate in December asked KNDS France to develop similar mobile air-defense and anti-drone equipment, with an order for 30 Serval armored vehicles mounted with MBDAs Atlas RC turret and Mistral missiles, and 24 Serval units equipped with a 30 mm cannon to target drones.
By Gabriela Selser

(Reuters) -Constitutional reforms proposed by Nicaragua's President Daniel Ortega to further consolidate power by extending his control over other parts of government won final approval on Thursday after a unanimous vote.

The reforms have been defended by government allies as deepening a nearly 50-year-old revolution, but blasted by critics as a power grab from an increasingly dictatorial family dynasty.

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Unveiled by the 79-year-old Ortega in November, the wide-ranging reforms formally empower the presidency to "coordinate" judicial and legislative duties, allow it to order the army to intervene to support the police, and permit security agents to temporarily take executive branch positions under orders.

"We have to go step by step and make it clear that Nicaragua's government is a revolutionary government, even if that hurts some people's feelings," said Congress head Gustavo Porras in January.

The reforms also expand already extensive state control over media and formally change the role of the vice president, held by Ortega's wife, Rosario Murillo, to that of "co-president," while extending the presidential term to six years. A previous constitutional reform already allows for unlimited presidential reelection.

Under the new scheme, either co-president can name an unlimited number of vice presidents, which has generated speculation that one or more of Ortega and Murillo's eight children living in Nicaragua could eventually be picked; several already have senior government jobs or help lead state media outlets.

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In the event of Ortega's death, Murillo, 73, would now automatically take power without needing a new election.

Passed by lawmakers from Ortega's Sandinista Front that control Congress, the reforms take effect once published in the government gazette.

"These grotesque changes sound the death knell for the rule of law and basic freedoms in Nicaragua," said Reed Brody, a member of a group of United Nations experts that has investigated human rights abuses in the country.

Ortega now oversees "a fully authoritarian regime," added Brody, with powers to use the army for policing and to deploy an expanded "volunteer" police force as additional enforcers.

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The U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed a "deep concern" over the concentration of power, restriction of freedom of expression and provisions institutionalizing the state's power to strip citizens' nationality for the broadly defined crime of treason.

"The approved constitutional reform violates the international obligations assumed by Nicaragua," it said, urging the state to review its policies.

A one-time leftist rebel, Ortega initially came to power in 1979 when he and fellow guerrillas overthrew a right-wing family dynasty, and for years acted as a leading Cold War-era antagonist of the United States.

He is in his fourth consecutive term as president, after returning to power in 2007.

(Reporting by Gabriela Selser; Writing by David Alire Garcia; Editing by Kylie Madry and Richard Chang)
A New Jersey police officer and his wife, a sergeant with the Mercer County Sheriffs Office, have been arrested on charges of child sexual abuse and related crimes, online inmate records show.

New Jersey State Police arrested Brian and Elizabeth DiBiasi following a raid at their Hamilton Township home early Wednesday morning, WKXW-FM reported.

Brian DiBiasi, 39, is a Hamilton police officer who has served on the force for 21 years. He was charged with permitting a child to engage in pornography, sexual conduct with a child by a caretaker, knowingly possessing/viewing/controlling items of child sexual exploitation or abuse, as well as distribution and storing of child pornography.

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His wife, Elizabeth, was charged with sexual conduct with a child by a caretaker. According to the Trentonian, the 42-year-old is an 18-year veteran of the Mercer County Sheriffs Office, where she currently holds the rank of sergeant.

She has been suspended without pay while the investigation is ongoing, officials said.

Investigators learned about allegations against the couple on Tuesday after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Child pornography images allegedly first appeared on the social media app Kik.

In the images, the couple is seen having sex in front of children, NJ.com reported citing court documents filed in support of the charges.

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Elizabeth DiBiasi also appeared nude in some of the images next to the children, who were also seen nude, officials said.

The investigation is being handled by the states attorney generals office, according to WKXW-FM. A spokesperson for AG Matthew Platkin didnt immediately respond to a request for comment on Thursday.

The DiBiasis are currently being held in Monmouth County jail pending a court hearing.
A wanted man was extradited from the Dominican Republic back to New Jersey this week, more than two years after police said he fatally shot a Passaic teenager in 2022.

Yoniel Santana-Gomez, 24, was arrested Tuesday in the Caribbean nation following a years-long manhunt sparked by the slaying of 19-year-old Ariel Henriquez, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia Valdes announced Wednesday.

Santana-Gomez has since been returned to New Jersey, where hes facing counts including first-degree murder and second-degree weapons offenses, the Bergen Record reported.

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Authorities have so far provided few other details about the arrest. Its unclear how officers located Santana-Gomez in the Dominican Republic.

In the early hours of Dec. 11, 2022, Henriquez was rushed to St. Josephs University Medical Center with a gunshot wound and pronounced dead soon after, according to the prosecutors office.

A subsequent investigation revealed the shooting unfolded in the area of Kulick Street and Central Avenue in Clifton. Police said they uncovered evidence that a crime occurred, and were ultimately able to identify Santana-Gomez as the suspected shooter.

If convicted of the murder charge, Santana-Gomez faces up to 30 years to life in prison. The weapons counts each carry a sentencing of five to 10 years.
Residents of New Jersey reacted with disbelief and frustration after the White House said mysterious drones seen in the skies were approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for research.

The state has been the epicenter of a wave of drone sightings, some of them extremely large and some spotted near sensitive locations.

There were fears the drones could be connected to foreign adversaries as residents questioned why there were so many sightings  but officials have pushed back on that claim.

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President Trump vowed to get to the bottom of the issue, and in the administrations first White House press briefing, it said the drones were approved by the FAA and nothing to be concerned about.

When NewsNation reached out to the FAA with a series of specific questions, they responded on the record with one sentence directing questions to the White House.

New Jersey state Assemblyman Brian Bergen has been outspoken since the beginning. He said the answers from the White House and the FAA make no sense.

Everything in the sky is authorized to be there by the FAA, or it wouldnt be in the sky, Bergen said. So I dont understand the response from the White House. The FAA probably had no idea that they were going to be called out like that.

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He added that what he wants is definitive answers.

I just want somebody normal to get up in front of us and give us the truth, the straight truth, no canned response, no carefully chosen words, no dancing around it, he continued. If its the FAA doing research, what research? If its some other entity, whatever other entity it is. We want someone just to be normal for once and give us the truth.

Sheriff Mike Mastronardi of Ocean County, N.J., said not being upfront at the beginning could cause harm.

I wish they told us the fact sooner, he said. The FAA, by not being upfront, could have caused harm.

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Sheriff Shaun Golden in Monmouth County, N.J., agrees.

I think in this day and age, particularly in a post-9/11 era, in an era of threats and risk assessments, when we have an agency withholding information like that and not telling their own federal partners that they were involved in this, not telling state and county and local officials what was happening, is really disturbing to me, he said.

Golden noted that he plans to continue to push Congress for reform and accountability.

The FAA could have come out saying the drones were authorized in December when the sightings began but did not.

The agency has also not told law enforcement what the drones are for or explained why there were temporary flight restrictions put in place for security reasons.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A wildfire started burning on Bat Cave Road south of Old Fort in McDowell County on Wednesday afternoon.

Emergency responders containing the fire was difficult due to wind. Several areas were evacuated as the fire spread, McDowell County Emergency Management said. The situation is developing.

Two other wildfires started in McDowell County Wednesday

One fire grows, another is fully contained

8 p.m., Jan. 30: The Crooked Creek, which started off Bat Cave Road south of Old Fort, is 100% contained, according to McDowell County Emergency Services.

The North Fork fire, which is burning in the Woodlawn area of McDowell County east of U.S. Highway 221 and south of American Thread Road, has grown to 200 acres, according to a release from the U.S. Forest Service. The land is largely in the U.S. Forest Service Grandfather Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest along the cliffs above the North Fork of the Catawba River.

A total of 80 firefighters are responding to the fire, which is burning in areas of heavy damage from Hurricane Helene, the release said.

Smoke from the fire is impacting areas of McDowell County.

With hurricane damage, fallen trees and dry debris burning are contributing to more smoke than past wildfires in the area, the release said. Prior to Hurricane Helene, most fuel were small twigs and leaves. Now, some big, fallen trees, are burning for longer, meaning extended smoke.

No structures are threatened and no evacuations are in place, the release said. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, according to the news release.

Fire near U.S. Highway 221 grows to 60 acres

A fire that started at about 4 p.m. Wednesday near Good Road in the Woodlawn area, has grown to about 60 acres. The fire, called the North Fork fire, is 0% contained, according to a U.S. Forest Service press release.

The area is largely in the Grandfather Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest.

High winds on Wednesday caused the fire to grow. Firefighters worked to put fire lines, an area cleared or burned to prevent the fire from spreading, north of the fire to protect properties in the area, the forest service said.

As of Thursday, there are no buildings threatened by the fire, the Forest Service said. Firefighters are now working on fire lines within the forest.

"The fire area received extensive tree damage from Hurricane Helene. Hurricane response efforts by U.S. Forest Service crews cleared tree fall from the roads, however, large areas of downed trees within the fire area and near the fire lines are leading to increased fire behavior," the forest service said in the release. "Fire managers will work to implement burnout operations today to secure the fire lines, removing the fuels between the active fire and the road system."

The Mountains-to-Sea Trail is closed from U.S. Highway 221 to Dobson Knob, and Bald Mountain Road to Graveyard Road.

Smoke is expected in the Marion and Lake James areas.

Evacuation orders lifted, fire 55% contained

7 a.m., Jan. 30: Evacuation orders for people living near the Crooked Creek fire south of Old Fort will be lifted at 8 a.m. Thursday morning.

The fire off Bat Cave Road in the Crooked Creek area is now 55% contained, according to McDowell County Emergency Management. It burned about 250 acres.

Residents in the affect areas can return to their homes after 8 a.m.

Firefighters will continue to work to contain the fire.

No injuries in wildfires, one house damaged

6:30 a.m., Jan. 30: Firefighters are still working Thursday morning at two wildfires burning in McDowell County.

The Crooked Creek fire started around Bat Cave Road Wednesday when a tree fell on a power line before noon, according to McDowell County Emergency Management. By 1 p.m. the fire had spread and was burning out of control. The surrounding area, south of Old Fort, was evacuated. By the end of the day the fire was 250 acres and 15% contained.

At about 4 p.m. Wednesday, another wildfire started near Good Road in the Woodlawn area of McDowell County. No areas were evacuated for the North Fork fire. The fire is burning primarily burn on U.S. Forest Service property, emergency management said.

Emergency workers made progress Wednesday night on containing the Crooked Creek fire, emergency services said in Thursday morning news release.

Workers did burnout operations, a controlled burn of an area to limit the fire's spread, and worked to protect building.

The Crooked Creek fire has caused damage to one home and multiple outbuildings have been destroyed, according to the news release.

Size and containment numbers on both fires will be updated Thursday, according to the news release early Thursday morning.

Evacuation orders for the Crooked Creek fire will be reevaluated before 8 a.m. Thursday.

Evacuation orders were made for residents in the 3000-4500 block of Bat Cave Road, Pine Cove Road, Cherry Springs Road, Roy Moore Road, Juliet Drive, the 1000 block of Lavender Road, and Comfy Cove Road. This includes all private drives that turn off the roads listed above.

An emergency shelter is open at 203 East Main Street in Old Fort.

There are no evacuation orders for the North Fork fire.

There have been no reported injuries or fatalities with either fire as of Thursday morning, emergency services said.

A third wildfire at Watson Place north of Marion, which started Wednesday, has been contained.

Crooked Creek fire 15% contained

8:15 a.m., Jan. 29: The Crooked Creek area fire that started on Bat Cave Road is now 15% contained, according to McDowell County Emergency Management.

Overnight, emergency workers will connected fire lines to contain the fire. At 8 a.m. Thursday, evacuation areas will be reassessed, emergency management said.

Third wildfire active in McDowell County

7:45 p.m., Jan. 29: Along with the Crooked Creek area fire and fire near U.S. Highway 221, a third wildfire is now burning in McDowell County, according to McDowell County Emergency Management.

The fire is in the Good Road area of the Woodlawn community. The fire was reported at about 4 p.m. Fire fighters are working to contain the fire, a release from emergency management said. Crews will stay at the fire overnight to make sure it is contained and monitor nearby homes.

There are no evacuation orders for the area as of 7:45 p.m.

McDowell County Schools bus routes altered

7:15 p.m., Jan. 29: Due to the wildfires, McDowell County Schools will have limited bus routes on Thursday, Jan. 30, the school system said in a release.

Buses will not run on the following roads:

Bat Cave Road

Pine Cove Road

Cherry Springs Rd

Roy Moore Road

Julia Drive

Lavender Rd

Cozy Cove Drive

American Thread Road

Good Road

McDowell Wildfire grows to 200 acres

6 p.m., Jan. 29: The Crooked Creek area wildfire grew to an estimated 200 acres Wednesday evening, according to a release from McDowell County Emergency Management.

The fire went from 0% contained to 5% contained, the release said.

Residents in these areas are asked to evacuate:

3000-4500 block of Bat Cave Rd.

Pine Cove Rd.

Cherry Springs Rd.

Roy Moore Rd.

Julia Drive

1000 block of Lavender Road

Cozy Cove Road

All private drives connected to those roads

"High winds continue to create dangerous fire conditions," emergency management said. "Winds are expected to diminish through the evening. Firefighters continue to focus on structure protection for multiple homes in the area and continue to work on establishing fire containment lines."

An emergency shelter is open at 203 East Main Street in Old Fort, NC.

150 acres burned near Crooked Creek

4:30 p.m., Jan. 29: The wildfire burning in the Crooked Creek area of McDowell County, south of Old Fort, has grown to 150 acres in several hours, according to McDowell County Emergency Management.

The fire, which began near Bat Cave Road, is still 0% contained, according to the latest release from emergency management.

There are evacuation orders for people living near the 3000-4500 block of Bat Cave Road, Pine Cove Road, Cherry Springs Road, Julia Drive, Roy Moore Road, Cozy Cove Drive, the 1000 block of Lavender Road and all side roads in the area should evacuate until this fire is under control, the release said. The evacuation areas include private drives connected to those roads, the release said.

An emergency shelter is open at 203 E. Main St., Old Fort.

Emergency responders are working to protect serval homes and dig fire containment lines.

2nd wildfire burning in McDowell County

3:40 p.m., Jan. 29: Another wildfire, in addition to the Crooked Creek fire, has started. The fire is north of Marion.

Fire personnel are on scene at 80 Watson Place on U.S. Highway 221 North in Marion working to contain a wildfire.

There are no evacuation orders for the Watson Place Fire at this time, according to a release from McDowell County Emergency Management. The public is urged to avoid the area to allow emergency crews to operate safely.

Emergency management said all outdoor burning should be halted due to high winds and dry conditions.

No injuries in wildfire, several outbuildings burned

3 p.m., Jan. 29: The wildfire, now called the Crooked Creek Fire, is 0% contained, McDowell County Emergency Management said in a release.

Evacuation areas now include residents living near the 3000-4500 block of Bat Cave Road, Pine Cove Road, Cherry Springs Road, Juliet Drive, Roy Moore Road, Cozy Cove Drive, the 1000 block of Lavender Road and all side roads in the area should evacuate until this fire is under control, the release said. The evacuation areas include private drives connected to those roads, the release said.

"High winds continue to create dangerous fire conditions," the release said. "Firefighters continue to focus on structure protection for multiple homes in the area and continue to work on establishing fire containment lines."

As of 3 p.m. there have been no reported injuries. Several outbuildings have been destroyed, the release said.

No bus ride for students in evacuated area

2:30 p.m., Jan. 29: Amy Dowdle with McDowell County Schools sent out the following message to parents and guardians: Due to the wildfires in Old Fort, we are asking that students living in the Bat Cave or Pine Cove Areas of Old Fort be picked up from school today and not ride the bus.

"Buses will not travel down roads that are impacted by wildfires including roads with limited visibility. If you have concerns or questions please do not hesitate to contact the school. As always student safety is our number one concern.

Areas south of Old Fort evacuated

1:30 p.m., Jan. 29: Residents who live near Bat Cave Road area near Old Fort are being told to evacuate Wednesday afternoon because of a wildfire.

As of Wednesday afternoon there is a 0% chance of containing the fire, McDowell County Emergency Management said in a release.

The wildfire is currently burning in the area of 3000 block of Bat Cave Road and is moving on either side toward Pine Cove Road and Lavender Road, a release said.

Residents living in the 3000-4500 block of Bat Cave Road and on Pine Cove Road, Julia Drive, Roy Moore Road, Cozy Cove Drive, the 1000 block of Lavender Road and all side roads in the area should evacuate until this fire is under control, the release said.

An emergency shelter is opening at First Baptist Church in Old Fort on East Main Street, the release said. Gusty winds are pushing the fire, making it difficult to control, the release said. At 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, emergency management said the fire is rapidly worsening and is dangerous.

Earlier Wednesday, emergency management said a fire was reported in the area of 4131 Bat Cave Road, Old Fort. It was caused by a tree falling on a power line, a news release said.

Bat Cave Road is closed to through traffic.

Emergency personnel from all across McDowell County including, out of county agencies, are working to provide structure protection to multiple homes in the Bat Cave Road and Pine Cove Road area.

High winds continue to push the wildfire.
(NewsNation)  Residents of New Jersey reacted with disbelief and frustration after the White House said mysterious drones seen in the skies were approved by the FAA for research.

The state has been the epicenter of a wave of drone sightings, some of them extremely large and some spotted near sensitive locations.

There were fears the drones could be connected to foreign adversaries as residents questioned why there were so many sightings.

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Trump rescinds federal aid freeze

President Donald Trump vowed to get to the bottom of the issue, and in the administrations first White House press briefing, it said the drones were approved by the FAA and nothing to be concerned about.

When NewsNation reached out to the FAA with a series of specific questions, they responded on the record with one sentence directing questions to the White House.

New Jersey state Assemblyman Brian Bergen has been outspoken since the beginning. He said the answers from the White House and the FAA make no sense.

Everything in the sky is authorized to be there by the FAA, or it wouldnt be in the sky, he said. So I dont understand the response from the White House. The FAA probably had no idea that they were going to be called out like that.

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Bergen said what he wants is definitive answers.

Trump approval rating slips after flurry of executive actions: Survey

I just want somebody normal to get up in front of us and give us the truth, the straight truth, no canned response, no carefully chosen words, no dancing around it, he said. If its the FAA doing research, what research? If its some other entity, whatever other entity it is. We want someone just to be normal for once and give us the truth.

Sheriff Mike Mastronardi of Ocean County, New Jersey, said not being upfront at the beginning could cause harm.

I wish they told us the fact sooner, he said. The FAA, by not being upfront, could have caused harm.

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Sheriff Shaun Golden in Monmouth County, New Jersey, agrees.

Democrats demand Patel information in special counsels classified documents report

I think in this day and age, particularly in a post-9/11 era, in an era of threats and risk assessments, when we have an agency withholding information like that and not telling their own federal partners that they were involved in this, not telling state and county and local officials what was happening, is really disturbing to me, he said.

Golden said he plans to continue to push Congress for reform and accountability.

The FAA could have come out saying the drones were authorized in December when the sightings began but did not.

Advertisement Advertisement

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The agency has also not told law enforcement what the drones are for or explained why there were temporary flight restrictions put in place for security reasons.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
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)

In a letter addressed to President Donald Trump this week, New Mexicos congressional delegation joined several of their colleagues in addressing reported incidents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement harassment of Native Americans. In the letter, the members write they have heard of several such incidents and urge Trump to immediately direct your agents to stop harassing Native Americans and violating Tribal sovereignty.

In addition to an incident in New Mexico, the letter cites similar instances in other states. The letter also requests Trump direct ICE agents to accept tribal identification as proof of citizenship, and to explain the criteria they are using to stop and question Native Americans.

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ICEs dangerous behavior of harassing American citizens, seemingly only due to the way they look, is unconstitutional and un-American, the letter said. The Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 granted citizenship to all Native Americans. Native Communities are quintessentially American communities. Your Administrations actions and policies are quickly spreading fear in communities that have existed since time immemorial. It is unconscionable to question their citizenship and cause them to live in fear.

In addition to all five members of the states all-Democratic delegation, Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Committee Bennie Thompson (D-M.S.), Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee Jared Huffman (D-C.A.) and U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) also signed the letter. Read it here.
A New Mexico State Trooper peers out the Roundhouse window as snow falls in Santa Fe on Wednesday. (Photo by Patrick Lohmann / Source NM)

Snow blanketed the New Mexico Capitol on Wednesday, but inside was a sea of cherry red and silver honoring the University of New Mexico, which also released a scrum of white-coated medical school physicians to roam the halls.

The state Senate unanimously confirmed one of its former colleagues, Greg Nibert, to a six-year term on the utility regulating body, the Public Regulation Committee. Nibert, a former legislator in both chambers, was ousted in the June primary by Sen. Pat Boone (R-Elida). Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham appointed Nibert earlier this month, selecting him from a pool of 32 applicants, according to a press release from the PRC.

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A bundle of behavioral health bills will face further consideration after a three-hour Senate Health and Public Affairs committee meeting. While members approved Senate Bill 1, which creates a $1 billion fund for behavioral health 10-0, the committee ran out of time to consider related bills, and wanted to further evaluate and potentially amend them.

The committee will evaluate Senate Bill 2, an appropriations bill for an additional $140 million for seven agencies and grants for communities, and Senate Bill 3, which directs the courts to develop behavioral health regions, coordinate meetings and develop regional plans on Monday.

The Senate Education Committee passed three bills through in the morning and bumped another three to Friday after the committee ran out of time before lawmakers were expected on the Senate Floor at 11 a.m. The bills they advanced:

Senate Bill 60 to establish a high school water management pilot project from Sen. Michael Padilla (D-Albuquerque) passed unanimously and heads to the Senate Conservation committee.

Sen. Pat Woods (R-Clovis) sponsored Senate Bill 8, which puts aside $5 million for a school loan repayment program for veterinarians, passed 9-0, and now heads to Senate Judiciary.

Senate Bill 11, from Sen. Crystal Brantley (R-Elephant Butte) requests districts adopt policies to store cell phones during the school day and offers $10 million in funding for reimbursement. It passed 7-2 and heads to Senate Finance.

Lawmakers rolled Senate Bill 10, the Anti-Hazing Act proposed by Sen. Harold Pope (D-Albuquerque), to Fridays Senate Education Committee meeting, following a request from committee members to consider amending the bill to take out provisions related to primary school students. Another anti-hazing bill is in the works, as well.

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The committee also pushed to Friday: Senate Bill 13, the State-Tribal Education Compact Act, proposed by Sen. Benny Shendo (D-Jemez Pueblo) (read more about that bill here) and

Senate Bill 19 from Sen. Jeff Steinborn (D-Las Cruces), which would require the Higher Education Department to develop a 10-hour training for new university regents and those who have more than one year left in their term as of June 20, 2025.

To keep track of all these bills and the ones below, make sure to check Source New Mexicos bill tracker. And please reach out to us if theres any information youd like us to include on it: Info@sourcenm.com

Bill watch

The Senate Judiciary Committee heard three public safety bills on Wednesday afternoon: Senate Bill 18, which would create the crime of SWATing; Senate Bill 32, which would raise the penalty for possessing a stolen firearm; and Senate Bill 70, which would add 11 new crimes to the definition of racketeering.

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The committee did not vote on any of the bills because Chair Sen. Joseph Cervantes (D-Las Cruces) said any crime-related legislation that passes through his committee will likely be rolled together into an omnibus bill.

Water protection bills will be heard by the Senate Conservation Committee at 8:30 a.m. Thursday. Read more about them here.

The House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee will hear another batch of public safety bills Thursday afternoon, including elevated sentences for shooting threats, possessions of weapon conversion devices, penalties for vehicle thefts and use of juvenile records in firearm background checks. Lawmakers will also discuss the Artificial Intelligence Act.

Word on the street is there will be a special address to both chambers tomorrow. Well keep you posted.

Source NM reporters Patrick Lohmann and Austin Fisher contributed to the writing and reporting of this article.
On Jan. 28, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump's White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, claimed that the administration had just stopped millions of dollars in funding for condoms in Gaza. Calling the expense a waste of taxpayer funds, it was one example Leavitt gave of the benefits of Trump's temporary pause on foreign aid, grants and loans, which included funds for the World Health Organization (WHO).

Per the White House transcript, Leavitt said: "[The Department of Government Efficiency] DOGE and [the Office of Management and Budget] OMB also found that there was about to be 50 million taxpayer dollars that went out the door to fund condoms in Gaza. That is a preposterous waste of taxpayer money."

Numerous Snopes readers asked us if the U.S. government had indeed planned to spend $50 million on condoms for Gaza. The story spread far and wide, amplified by tech entrepreneur and DOGE appointee Elon Musk, who shared a clip of Leavitt making the statement with the caption, "Tip of the iceberg."

Tip of iceberg https://t.co/ixjtgut26G  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 28, 2025

Leavitt offered no evidence to back up her claim. We looked through documents detailing funds spent on contraceptives and family planning initiatives by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and found no evidence that tens of millions of dollars were earmarked for condoms in Gaza. We regard the claim as unproven.

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We reached out to USAID (including its West Bank and Gaza office), the White House and former President Joe Biden's team asking for clarification. We will update this story if we get more information.

USAID

The latest data from USAID shows that in 2023-24, no condoms were funded by the agency anywhere in the Middle East. The full overview of contraceptive and condom shipments delivered internationally from October 2023 to September 2024 and funded by USAID family planning and reproductive health funds can be found here. However, $45,680 was spent on a small shipment of oral and injectable contraceptives designated for the country of Jordan. The Jordanian government was responsible for its distribution and it was the first shipment of its kind to the Middle East by USAID since 2019.

The USAID report noted that, "Condoms delivered through the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) funding are not reported here."

PEPFAR

So we also looked at the latest data from the PEPFAR program showing condoms purchased for distribution in other countries from 2016 to 2023. The overview showed that the continent of Africa received the largest number of condoms, with the Middle East region representing less than 1% of condoms procured. The report showed that the U.S. government spent a total of $17 million on male condoms alone in the 2023 fiscal year.

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The global total spent by USAID in 2023 for contraceptives and condoms was $60 million, of which $7 million was used for male condoms. Most of those funds went to African countries. It is therefore improbable that $50 million would be earmarked for condoms for Gaza alone.

USAID did announce in November 2024 that $50 million would be spent to launch the Gaza Health Recovery Activity (GHRA) in partnership with Anera, a refugee relief organization. The initiative aimed to improve health access in the region after health systems faced an almost complete collapse. Per Anera's description:

Within the next two months the project aims to establish three health clinics in Khan Younis to provide primary healthcare, offer health services to informal shelter communities, and serve people with disabilities; as well as establishing a health clinic in North Gaza. Mobile outreach medical days focusing on rehabilitative and mental health and psychosocial support services for persons with disabilities in Khan Younis are also planned for launch before the end of the year. [...] The USAID-funded GHRA will draw on the expertise of Anera and its partners to revitalize primary, secondary, and rehabilitative healthcare. This collaborative effort will ensure vulnerable communities receive the comprehensive care they need. It also will expand access to care, and ensure that services are well-coordinated for communities, many of whom have been frequently displaced over the past year.

Steve Fake, a spokesperson for Anera, told Snopes over email, "No portion of the GHRA includes family planning or condoms."

It is clear, then, that the $50 million was to be used for healthcare services overall, particularly in building health clinics and providing basic care.

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We reached out to the International Medical Corps, which operates two field hospitals in Gaza. A spokesperson told us the organization had received $68 million from USAID since October 2023, but no U.S. government funding was used to procure or distribute condoms. The spokesperson provided the following list of the activities actually supported by USAID in Gaza and told us that if this funding stopped, they would be unable to sustain such activities beyond another week:

1. The safe deliveries of approximately 20 babies per day; 2. Roughly 30 lifesaving surgeries per day, including limb-saving, abdominal and spinal surgeries, emergency cesarean surgeries and complicated wound management; 3. The operation of one of only three neonatal ICUs in all of Gaza, which provides care for the most vulnerable newborns; 4. The operation of one of Gaza's only stabilization centers for severely malnourished children; and 5. The operation of an extremely busy ER that receives up to 200 patients a day and an outpatient department that sees as many as 2,000 patients per day.

A U.S. State Department official did not speak to Snopes on the record nor provide us with any specific data or documentation. The Trump administration later claimed it had stopped $100 million in aid from being sent to Gaza via the International Medical Corps that included family planning and contraceptives funds, adding that condoms have traditionally been part of USAID's family planning initiatives in developing countries. However, the White House did not respond to our questions regarding the International Medical Corps' and Anera's assertion that no funds at all went toward condoms, nor our request for documentation of funds that were intended for Gaza.

As former Snopes reporter Dan Evon pointed out on X that the first Trump administration itself spent around $40 million on contraceptives worldwide in 2019.

We have covered the impact of Trump's January 2025 pause on federal spending, including the development that a federal judge had temporarily blocked the funding pause as of this writing. In our research, we encountered widespread confusion over the vague language used in the OMB memo announcing the pause and in statements from the Trump administration that contradicted the original memo. This made it impossible for Snopes to determine what specific programs would be affected, should the directive go into effect.

Sources:

Bernhardt, Todd. Snopes Interview with International Medical Corps. 29 Jan. 2025.

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"Comprehensive Agency Report on Condoms and Lubricants." USAID/PEPFAR, May 2024, https://ghsupplychain.org/sites/default/files/2024-06/2023%20Comprehensive%20Report%20on%20Condoms%20and%20Lubricants_May2024_remediated.pdf." target="blank">https://ghsupplychain.org/sites/default/files/2024-06/2023%20Comprehensive%20Report%20on%20Condoms%20and%20Lubricants_May2024_remediated.pdf.">https://ghsupplychain.org/sites/default/files/2024-06/2023%20Comprehensive%20Report%20on%20Condoms%20and%20Lubricants_May2024_remediated.pdf. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

Deng, Grace. "Here's What We Know About Trump's Pause on Federal Spending." Snopes, 28 Jan. 2025, https://www.snopes.com//news/2025/01/28/trump-federal-spending/." target="blank">https://www.snopes.com//news/2025/01/28/trump-federal-spending/.">https://www.snopes.com//news/2025/01/28/trump-federal-spending/. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

Fake, Steve. Snopes Interview with ANERA. 29 Jan. 2025.

Hansler, Jennifer and Daniel Dale, Alex Marquardt. "Fact Check: $50 Million for Condoms in Gaza? Five Big Reasons to Be Skeptical Trump's Story Is True | CNN Politics." CNN, 29 Jan. 2025, https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/29/politics/gaza-condoms-fact-check/index.html." target="blank">https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/29/politics/gaza-condoms-fact-check/index.html.">https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/29/politics/gaza-condoms-fact-check/index.html. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

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"International Medical Corps Operations in Gaza." International Medical Corps, 29 Jan. 2025, https://internationalmedicalcorps.org/press-release/international-medical-corps-operations-in-gaza/." target="blank">https://internationalmedicalcorps.org/press-release/international-medical-corps-operations-in-gaza/.">https://internationalmedicalcorps.org/press-release/international-medical-corps-operations-in-gaza/. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

"Overview of Contraceptive and Condom Shipments: FY 2019." USAID, Mar. 2020, https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00WMHS.pdf." target="blank">https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00WMHS.pdf.">https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00WMHS.pdf. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

"Overview of Contraceptive and Condom Shipments: FY 2023." USAID, Apr. 2024, https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2024-09/C-and-C-FY2023.pdf." target="blank">https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2024-09/C-and-C-FY2023.pdf.">https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2024-09/C-and-C-FY2023.pdf. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

"Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt." The White House, 29 Jan. 2025, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2025/01/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-karoline-leavitt/." target="blank">https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2025/01/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-karoline-leavitt/.">https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2025/01/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-karoline-leavitt/. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

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"USAID Partners with Anera to Launch Gaza Health Recovery Activity to Improve Health Services in Gaza." Anera, November 2024. https://www.anera.org/press/usaid-partners-with-anera-to-launch-gaza-health-recovery-activity-to-improve-health-services-in-gaza/." target="blank">https://www.anera.org/press/usaid-partners-with-anera-to-launch-gaza-health-recovery-activity-to-improve-health-services-in-gaza/.">https://www.anera.org/press/usaid-partners-with-anera-to-launch-gaza-health-recovery-activity-to-improve-health-services-in-gaza/. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.



Updates:

Jan. 29, 2025: Article was amended to reflect the Trump administration's claim that they had stopped $100 million in aid sent to Gaza, which included contraceptives.
No DEI or critical race theory in Florida schools has long been the position of Gov. Ron DeSantis and his office.

Action News Jax told you about the governor pushing for bans on those topics in state colleges back in January of 2023. Now, with President Donald Trump promising to cut funding for schools that teach the topics, the debate has once again been pushed to the forefront.

University of North Florida educators and Florida Education Association leaders spoke out about those policies Thursday morning ahead of the Board of Governors meeting at UNF.

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Now were saying to grown adults: were going to control what classes you can take, the curriculum, what degrees may be available to you, because we, a certain sector of the community, we dont feel it is appropriate, said Florida Education Association vice president, Carole Gauronskas. There is no freedom in that.

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It makes us less capable of navigating the incredibly complex world we live in, argued UNF professor Matthew Leon.

Those leaders Thursday morning asked for an end to what they call, quote, the attack on public education and censorship in Florida schools.

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Read: Duval charter schools fall behind traditional public schools in new graduation rate report

No censorship is appropriate when it comes to an adult, said Gauronskas. We need to leave the academics to the experts.

We have to give people the tools they need to navigate a world that isnt the same as theirs, added Leon.

The governors office responded to the protests Thursday in the following statement to Action News Jax:

Once again, the United Faculty of Florida Union is stomping their feet because professors will no longer be able to infuse ideology under the guise of General Education.

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The newly adopted General Education course lists for public Universities and Colleges ensure that students at our public institutions are taking high-quality courses that provide foundational knowledge and, as the statute says, promote and preserve the Constitutional Republic to meet the requirements for General Education.

Read: Duval County Public Schools need feedback on school start times law

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Refugee service organizations are heavily dependent on private donors for funding after President Donald Trump signed a stop-work order for foreign assistance Friday directing them against using federal aid to help clients resettle.

The action was felt across numerous federal agencies that work in foreign services and resulted in layoffs. Such an action has the potential to heavily impact refugees who have arrived in the US within the last 90 days. During that time, nonprofits provide housing, cash and food assistance, childcare, and other services aimed at putting clients on a path toward stability.

For the Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services (IRIS) in New Haven, Connecticut, the order meant losing $3m in funding it expected from the federal government this year.

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About an hour after the order was issued, the group eliminated a team tasked with supporting sponsors welcoming refugees to the U.S.

Maggie Mitchell Salem, the organizations director, told The Independent that the group will continue staff reductions this week but said the charitys lights will stay on for now.

We dont turn off, said Salem. We must somehow manage to avoid shutting our doors and honoring our commitment to our clients.

In the immediate future, her clients wont have access to emergency rental assistance beyond 90 days and will face longer wait times as staff members work to return their calls.

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All of this is happening at a speed that is unsettling and without enough information, said Salem of the recent administration decisions.

People walk along the beach next to a tent refugee camp for displaced Palestinians in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Monday, December 30, 2024 (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Last week, Trump issued an indefinite pause on the admission of refugees into the U.S. until such time their admission aligns with his agenda. The decision applies to Afghans who assisted American military efforts and were given Special Immigrant Visas. Refugees undergo extensive vetting before theyre cleared for travel to the U.S.

Trumps move impacted charities like Salems that rely on federal funding to cover operational costs. Federal funding is reimbursed after charities accept clients. Last year, the country took in 100,034 refugees. Advocates are skeptical theyll welcome additional clients this year following Trumps executive order, though legal challenges are expected.

Salems charity expected to resettle 800 refugees this year but only took in 200 before the executive order. The group has paid rent for the 200 refugees but its not known if all of the funds will be reimbursed.

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As a result, groups like Salems are seeking out other sources of funding to cover the bulk of the cost. Resettlement groups receive about $3,000 per client which goes toward three months of living expenses.

Salem wants to continue assisting clients however she can once that period ends. Refugees are eligible for state funding up to five years after they arrive in the U.S.

We're not going to stop supporting them, Salem asserted while anticipating a total cut to federal funding over the next four years. How we're able to provide that support is going to be challenging.

Jeffrey Thielman, president and CEO of the International Institute of New England, plans to serve 10,000 clients across all services this year. In addition to refugee programs, the organization provides English language learning, employment support and skills training to people across the region.

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Hes concerned that new arrivals could go without housing or food assistance but said hes reaching out to private donors to ensure that doesnt happen.

I'm telling everybody: I want to take a breath. We're not making any dramatic moves, and we're waiting to see how this all plays out over the next few days or weeks, said Thielman.

His organization hasnt been forced to make any employee cuts and can support its current number of clients, but those funds are now coming from alternative sources. Thielman believes he can still bill the federal government for administrative costs up until January 24 but not beyond.

The rest is still unknown.

The Trump administration right now is the train causing confusion and delay, Thielman added.
Now shes really got something to smile about.

Mona Lisa is moving out of shared digs and into her own special space at the Louvre, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Tuesday  with visiting Americans expected to help pay for the pricey upgrade.

The cost of relocating the worlds most famous work of art  designed to improve access and shorten wait times for viewing  will be funded in part by increased ticket fees for foreign tourists, who reportedly now make up about 80% of the Paris museums annual visitation.

Mona Lisas POV of tourist crowds snapping pictures. Roughly 80% of the 9 million people who visit the Louvre each year reportedly stop in primarily to see the painting. REUTERS

Da Vincis iconic portrait will be installed in a special space, accessible independently of the rest of the museum, Macron said.

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Moving the precious oil painting, dating back to the early 16th century, is one small part of a reportedly long-overdue renovation expected to cost over $800 million, according to one local news outlet.

Downplaying the eyebrow-raising estimate, Macron insisted that the project was realistic and fully funded  and wouldnt cost French taxpayers a cent, depending instead on admissions, sponsorships and more.

The announcement comes on the heels of a widely-publicized leaked memo from the museums president-director to a French government official, detailing numerous structural and environmental issues said to be endangering many of the estimated 35,000 works currently in the world-class collection.

Some culture critics hailed news of the move, saying that the Mona Lisa has stolen the spotlight in the Salle des Etats, a room full of too-often-ignored art, for long enough.

Some culture critics hailed news of the move, saying that the Mona Lisa has stolen the spotlight in the Salle des Etats, a room full of too-often-ignored art, for long enough. REUTERS

 People have just been coming to check their I paid a visit to the Mona Lisa box, Columbia professor of French and philosophy Souleymane Bachir Diagne told NPR.

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 And even if you go to that room with the intention of looking at the other paintings, you would be distracted by the Mona Lisa.

Of the 9 million visitors in attendance last year, an estimated 80% were there solely for the smiling silk merchants wife, Quartz reported.

All-access admission to the museum currently costs about $23. Prices for non-European Union visitors will be hiked starting in early 2026.

Repeated attempts to deface the beloved depiction led to the painting being locked away under bulletproof glass as early as the 1950s.

One year ago, activists shocked museum goers by tossing soup at the painting to make a statement about climate change.

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Back in 2022, another environmental activist tried to break through the protective barrier before throwing a cake.

Think of the Earth, he shouted amid the bizarre scene. There are people who are destroying the Earth. Think about it, artists tell you, think of the Earth. Thats why I did this.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Reports said no one was injured after police late Wednesday responded to a gunfire call on the East Side.

Police were sent about 10:40 p.m. to Eastway Drive for a report that a man dressed in black was shooting a gun into the air.

When police arrived they found no sign of the gunman but they did find several 9mm shell casings in front of a drive in the 1000 block of Eastway Drive, reports said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
KANSAS CITY, Kan.  The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) suspension is impacting local nonprofits that rely on that funding.

President Donald Trump announced the change on Monday, January 20, his first day back in The White House. One of the nonprofits impacted is Mission Adelante.

Mission Adelante is an urban ministry that helps the refugee cause. They have staff physically go to the airport, pick up refugees and help them find housing for the first three months theyre in the area.

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Mission Adelante Executive Director Jarrett Meek says his group had been assured that the funding for their 2025 contracts would be honored through September of this year. He says theyve received 22 new cases or families totaling 61 people in the last three months.

On Friday, we received an order passed down through the Department of State to stop all work and incur no further expenses for these refugees, Meek said on Wednesday.

Community helping support families of two boys found dead in Linn County lake

Meek says they wont abandon those 22 new families, so now theyre asking for donations from metro churches.

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The United States lacks the ability to absorb large numbers of migrants, and in particular, refugees, into its communities in a manner that does not compromise the availability of resources for Americans, part of the Executive Order reads.

Meek doesnt think the funding will come through for his entity in the future.

Mercy is a Christian value, Meek said when asked if there was anything he wanted to say to President Trumps administration.

Mercy is value of our country, and we need to be thinking about what it looks like to show mercy to people who are vulnerable especially.

Overland Park police asking for help in identifying robbery suspects

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Former Johnson County, Kansas Board of County Commissioner Charlotte OHara says there could be some unattended consequences of the immigration issue. She added she believes catholic charities, which often support non-profits, have gotten too much funding of late.

This becomes a business, she said.

These nonprofits, they need to look at their funding sources, and its going to be a challenge. Its going to be a challenge for all of us.

OHara, a Republican, lost her reelection bid to the Board of County Commissioners in November of 2024. She added shes interested in running for Governor, but she hasnt filed with the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission. A Republican whos already filed in the gubernatorial race is Secretary of State Scott Schwab.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
The U.S. government gives other nations US$68 billion of foreign assistance annually  more than any other country. Over half of this sum is managed by the U.S. Agency for International Development, including funds for programs aimed at fighting hunger and disease outbreaks, providing humanitarian relief in war zones, and supporting other lifesaving programs such as the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.

President Donald Trump suspended most U.S. foreign aid on Jan. 20, 2025, the day he took office for the second time. The next day, Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a stop-work order that for 90 days halted foreign aid funding disbursements by agencies like USAID.

A week later, dozens of senior USAID officials were put on leave after the Trump administration reportedly accused them of trying to circumvent the aid freeze. The Office of Management and Budget is now pausing and evaluating all foreign aid to see whether it adheres to the Trump administrations policies and priorities.

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Im a scholar of foreign aid who researches what happens to the U.S. governments local partners in the countries receiving this assistance when funding flows are interrupted. Most of these partners are local nonprofits that build schools, vaccinate children, respond to emergencies and provide other key goods and services. These organizations often rely on foreign funding.

A reckless move

Aid to Egypt and Israel was spared, along with some emergency food aid. The U.S. later waived the stop-work order for the distribution of lifesaving medicines.

Nearly all of the other aid programs remained on hold as of Jan. 29, 2025.

Many development professionals criticized the freeze, highlighting the disruption it will cause in many countries. A senior USAID official issued an anonymous statement calling it reckless.

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InterAction, the largest coalition of international nongovernmental organizations in the U.S., called the halt contrary to U.S. global leadership and values.

Of the $35 billion to $40 billion in aid that USAID distributes annually, $22 billion is delivered through grants and contracts with international organizations to implement programs. These can be further subcontracted to local partners in recipient countries.

When this aid is frozen, scaled back or cut off altogether, these local partners scramble to fill in the gaps.

The State Department manages the rest of the $68 billion in annual U.S. foreign aid, along with other agencies, such as the Peace Corps.

The start of Marco Rubios tenure as U.S. secretary of state was marked by chaos and confusion regarding foreign aid flows. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

How local nonprofits respond and adapt

While sudden disruptions to foreign aid are always destabilizing, research shows that aid flows have fluctuated since 1960, growing more volatile over the years. My research partners and I have found that these disruptions harm local service providers, although many of them manage to carry on their work.

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Over the years, I have conducted hundreds of interviews with international nongovernmental organizations and these nonprofits local partners across Latin America, Africa and Asia about their services and funding sources. I study the strategies those development and humanitarian assistance groups follow when aid gets halted. These four are the most common.

1. Shift to national or local government funding

In many cases, national and local governments end up supporting groups that previously relied on foreign aid, filling the void.

An educational program spearheaded by a local Ecuadorian nonprofit, Desarrollo y Autogestion, called Accelerated Basic Cycle is one example. This program targets young people who have been out of school for more than three years. It allows them to finish elementary school  known as the basic cycle in Ecuador  in one year to then enter high school. First supported in part by funding from foreign governments, it transitioned to being fully funded by Ecuadors government and then became an official government program run by the countrys ministry of education.

2. Earn income

Local nonprofits can also earn income by charging fees for their services or selling goods, which allows them to fulfill their missions while generating some much-needed cash.

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For example, SEND Ghana is a development organization that has promoted good governance and equality in Ghana since its founding in 1998. In 2009, SEND Ghana created a for-profit subsidiary called SENDFiNGO that administers microfinance programs and credit unions. That subsidiary now helps fund SEND Ghanas work.

Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee and the Grameen Bank, which is also in Bangladesh, use this approach too.

3. Tap local philanthropy

Networks such as Worldwide Initiatives for Grantmaker Support and Global Fund for Community Foundations have emerged to promote local philanthropy around the world. They press governments to adopt policies that encourage local philanthropy. This kind of giving has become easier to do thanks to the emergence of crowdfunding platforms.

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Still, complex tax systems and the lack of incentives for giving in many countries that receive foreign aid are persistent challenges. Some governments have stepped in. Indias corporate social responsibility law, enacted in 2014, boosted charitable incentives. For example, it requires 2% of corporate profits to go to social initiatives in India.

4. Obtain support from diaspora communities

Diasporas are people who live outside of their countries of origin, or where their families came from, but maintain strong ties to places they consider to be their homeland.

Local nonprofits around the globe are leveraging diaspora communities desire to contribute to economic development in their countries of origin. In Colombia, for example, Fundacion Carla Cristina, a nongovernmental organization, runs nursery schools and provides meals to low-income children.

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It gets some of its funding from diaspora-led nonprofits in the U.S., such as the New England Association for Colombian Children, which is based outside of Boston, and Give To Colombia in Miami.

A push for the locals to do more

Trumps stop-work order coincided with a resurgence of a localization push thats currently influencing foreign aid from many countries.

With localization, nations providing foreign aid seek to increase the role of local authorities and organizations in development and humanitarian assistance. USAID has been a leading proponent of localization.

I believe that the abruptness of the stop-work order is likely to disrupt many development projects. These projects include support to Ukrainian aid groups that provide emergency humanitarian assistance and projects serving meals to children who dont get enough to eat.

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To be sure, sometimes there are good reasons for aid to be halted. But when that happens, sound and responsible donor exit strategies are essential to avoid the loss of important local services.

Susan Appe 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.
Homeless advocacy groups in Central Florida breathed a heavy sigh of relief after the Trump administration on Wednesday rescinded its unprecedented order to freeze all federal grant funding. But they said the threat is not over.

We saw the various fabric of our communitys very small safety net being unraveled right before our eyes, said the Rev. Mary Lee Downey, CEO of the group Hope Partnership. Just hours ago, I was in my board meeting in tears. I am not in tears now.

Downey and Martha Are, the CEO of Orlandos Homeless Services Network, were joined at the First United Methodist Church in Orlando Wednesday by U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost, who condemned what he called an illegal and unconstitutional order by the Office of Management and Budget.

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Mondays order, which had been paused on Tuesday before being rescinded on Wednesday, required agencies to review program compliance with DEI, woke gender ideology and the green new deal and froze all grant funding while that review was underway. It left many groups, universities, local governments and businesses that depend on federal funding scrambling to make sense of it.

Frost, D-Orlando, warned that the original executive order to review federal grants for diversity programs still remains in effect.

Instead of a blanket freeze, theyre going to look at programs individually to try to see what they want to cut, Frost said. So were going to remain vigilant.  Democrats and Republicans, everyone came together and said, Wait, we need these programs in our community, and we want to make sure that theyre still available.

President Trump on Wednesday accused the media of mischaracterizing the rollout of his directive and said his administration was merely looking at parts of the big bureaucracy where there has been tremendous waste and fraud and abuse.

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Are said federal grants make up 77% of her agencys budget, including for the Point-in-Time count of the regions homeless, which is now underway. The federal payment portal it uses became inaccessible when the OBM memo dropped, though it is now back up.

Over 1,000 households were at risk of facing eviction due to unexpected cancellation of rent payments and needed services, said Are.

Waving a thick stack of paper in her hands, she said those were the rent checks that we will be sending out for February, rent that we werent sure yesterday we were going to be able to do. This many people, this many households, had ties to the funds that were in jeopardy yesterday.

Downing said that despite the uncertainty over the rescinded order, there was a positive message in the overwhelming response against it.

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But let me be clear, we do not come to you today with more resources, she said. We do not have expanded funding or new opportunities. This simply allows us to continue to do the work that we had already planned to do. The programs that were nearly halted can now move forward. But they should never have been threatened in the first place.

Frost praised the work of organizations like Homeless Services Network and Hope Partnership and criticized the OMB order that described some federal funding as a waste of taxpayer dollars that does not improve the day-to-day lives of those we serve.

I want to make sure that people know that these organizations, theyre not grifters, theyre not people who are misusing money, Frost said. Theyre people working, with not a lot of resources, to keep people off the streets.

He warned constituents that they might one day need the help of those agencies themselves.

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You are closer to needing that check and the help from these people than you are being a billionaire like Elon Musk, Frost said. Youre closer to being on the streets than you are being in a mansion. Thats the situation our country finds ourselves in.

He also said the order violated both the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, which prevents a president from unilaterally withholding funding appropriated by Congress, and the Constitutions separation of powers.

What they did is completely illegal, Frost said. Congress is not under the president. We are equal. We are co-governing the country, and Congress has the power of the purse.  We cant let that slide without accountability.
Norfolk authorities can now seize and impound illegally operated all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and dirt bikes, mirroring a similar crackdown in Hampton.

The ordinance  approved in a 7-1 vote Tuesday by the Norfolk City Council  allows law enforcement and other authorized persons to seize and impound vehicles that illegally operate on highways and on sidewalks. It also allows the city to dispose of the vehicles by lawful means, including destroying them or selling them at a public auction. Finally, it directs the city to make a reasonable effort to determine if the vehicle was stolen.

Ward 4 City Council member John JP Paige voted against the measure.

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Norfolk Commonwealths Attorney Ramin Fatehi has pushed for the city to crack down on the bikes and ATVs for years. In comments during the meeting, he said the vehicles are a public safety risk, and in one instance he had to review a case where a vehicle driver died after a collision with a car.

It is important to take these vehicles out of circulation, Fatehi said.

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Other council members agreed.

I think our community will feel much safer, said Ward 2 council member Courtney Doyle. I have seen these ATVs in action, and so Im glad that were going to be able to take some action in turn.

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Explaining his vote against the ordinance, Paige said he hoped rather than taking away the vehicles, the city could find a community place where riders could operate legally. He said the bikes and ATVs are often an outlet for young men to escape trauma from their communities.

This is some of the freedom that these gentlemen find, and right now its not under the law, Paige said. So that part I understand, but its very hard to find freedom in these places.

The ordinance follows an October decision by Hampton City Council members to allow for seizures and impoundments of the vehicles. City Manager Mary Bunting said the city had received an elevated number of complaints about the vehicles during the past several years, and added that ATVs and dirt bike riders recklessly perform wheelies and other unsafe stunts, block roadways and trespass on private property.

During the 2024 session, the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation allowing localities to seize and impound the vehicles. The bill was sponsored by Del. Jeion Ward, D-Hampton, and state Sen. Angela Williams Graves, D-Norfolk.

Trevor Metcalfe, 757-222-5345, trevor.metcalfe@pilotonline.com
Police say a North Georgia man turned himself in after badly burned himself while making meth.

On Saturday, Jan. 18, police officers and firefighters in Jefferson, Georgia, responded to a 911 call at 49 Martin Street.

When they arrived, they found Ryan Russell Blei, 31, who had suffered substantial burns to his hands and arms.

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Jefferson police asked the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office to assist in the investigation.

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Agents said the suspected cause of the fire was that Blei had an accident while manufacturing methamphetamine.

After he was treated for his burns, Blei voluntarily turned himself in to the Jackson County Sheriffs Office.

He is charged with felony counts of manufacturing methamphetamine, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and three misdemeanor counts of reckless conduct.

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PERSHING COUNTY, Nev. (ABC4)  A 38-year-old man from North Salt Lake died earlier this week in a Nevada car crash, the Nevada Highway Patrol confirmed on Thursday.

The crash happened on Monday, Jan. 27, around 5 a.m. on I-80. Troopers said a green Toyota Highlander was traveling west when it left the highway just eight miles east of Imlay, Nevada. The Toyota entered the center median, overcorrected across both westbound lanes, and rolled onto the outside shoulder of I-80.

Bill to remove fluoride from Utahs water passes House committee, moves to floor vote

(Courtesy: Nevada Highway Patrol)

Nevada Highway Patrol said the driver, identified as Ricardo Espinoza of North Salt Lake, was not wearing his seatbelt and suffered fatal injuries in the crash.

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It is currently unclear what caused Espinoza to veer off the highway, but the crash is considered to be an open investigation.

Anyone who may have any information is asked to contact the Nevada Highway Patrol Elko Office by calling (775) 753-1111 or by emailing ncemirt@dps.state.nv.us.

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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Happy Thursday, Utah! A repeat performance with a cold overnight and start to the day, and you can expect hazy sunshine in our Northern Utah valleys thanks to our strengthening inversion.

Daytime highs will once again hit the upper 30s to near 40 along the Wasatch Front, and average highs are expected in southwest Utah with mid-50s expected yet again.

Statewide, high pressure remains in control, with inversion allowing haze to build even more in northern Utah valleys. You can expect elevated particulate matter to continue to aid in the decline of air quality. We have seen moderate air along the Wasatch Front and in NE Utah this week, and today we could see Salt Lake, Davis, Utah and Duchesne counties mix into the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category.

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While our high-pressure ridge keeps dry conditions through the close of the work week, we have an incoming storm system from the northwest that will flatten the ridge heading into the weekend.

The positioning of the low pressure to our northwest and high pressure to our south paired with a westerly flow will allow warmer air and atmospheric river moisture from the Pacific to move in Friday night with impacts through Sunday.

Snow levels will be rising through the weekend, so this will be a valley rain and mountain snow event. The heaviest snow is expected above 7000 feet for the Wasatch Mountains North of I-80 and the Bear River Range. As a result, the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for those areas from Friday afternoon through Monday afternoon. We could see one to two feet of snow in those areas with the traction law going into effect.

Temperatures will warm up significantly this weekend into next week with highs warming into the 50s to near 60 up north, and near 70 by Monday across the south. We will be flirting with records along the Wasatch Front on Monday and Tuesday of next week.

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While active skies return for northern Utah this weekend, our ridge of high pressure will keep the southern half of the state dry and warm. Highs in St. George will reach the 70-degree mark by early next week!

Stay tuned as the weekend storm evolves. Well keep you posted on the latest developments in our 4Warn Weather forecast both on-air and online, we are Good4Utah!

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NORWALK, Iowa  The Norwalk Fire Department along with several agencies across the metro are mourning the loss of one of their own.

Doug Richardson died of a medical emergency while off duty this week. He was 46-years-old.

Flags are flying at half-staff outside Norwalk Fire Department to honor Richardson who passed away unexpectedly Tuesday.

On Wednesday, first responders escorted his body from the Medical Examiners office in Ankeny to Hamiltons Funeral Home in downtown Des Moines.

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Back at the fire station reminders of him are everywhere, but the reality is settling in that this captain, firefighter, and paramedic is gone.

You know we say that the fire service is a brotherhood or sisterhood but thats really true, Norwalk Fire Chief Jenn Porter said. Doug was a friend of ours. Doug was a friend to everyone. Im not sure that he knew a stranger. So its a loss to the entire community.

Richardson called Norwalk home. Its where he grew up, graduated, and learned he wanted to spend his life helping people.

DMACC President Rob Denson retiring after two decades in role

So, he may have gotten his career start as a cadet with Des Moines Police, but hes been here with Norwalk Fire Department for over 25 years, Chief Porter said.

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Richardson served in many different public safety roles across the metro including dispatcher, reserve police officer, and most recently the public safety manager for Des Moines Public Schools.

He was public servant who knew his stuff and liked to talk.

Doug was just a really good storyteller, Chief Porter said. And it didnt matter what he was talking about, he was going to make you laugh. And I think thats what were all going to miss about him the most.

A longtime first responder who will forever be remembered for not only what he did, but who he was.

I think whats most important through all of this is we do honor him, honor his service, and give him everything he deserves as were making these arrangements, Chief Porter said.

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Funeral plans are still pending, but Chief Porter expects it to be well attended due to Richardsons involvement in several different departments.

Richardson had a lot of titles, but his favorite was dad. He leaves behind a daughter and son.

Metro News:

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NORWALK, Conn. (WTNH)  A man was arrested on Tuesday in Norwalk after allegedly sexually assaulting multiple juvenile victims, according to police.

19-year-old charged with sexual assault of minor

The investigation started in November 2023, when the Norwalk Police Department were made aware of a sexual assault complaint from Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF). Through the investigation, detectives determined that 37-year-old Moises Ruiz allegedly had inappropriate contact with multiple juvenile victims.

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Police were able to track Ruiz down to Gwinnett County, Georgia. He was arrested on Tuesday and charged with two counts of sexual assault in the fourth degree and two counts of risk of injury to a minor. He was held on a $50,000 bond.

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Norways government collapsed on Thursday after the eurosceptic Centre party left the ruling two-party coalition in a row over adopting EU green energy laws.

Trygve Slagsvold Vedum, the finance minister and Centre party leader, said he could not accept three EU directives on increasing renewable energy sources and efficiency.

We say that enough is enough, this is the limit. We are doing it to change Norwegian electricity policy and create a dynamic where we can take measures that can give us lower and stable electricity prices in Norway, and that we should not cede more power to the EU, Mr Vedum announced, according to Norwegian broadcaster DN.

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Norway is not a member of the European Union but is part of the European Economic Area [EEA], which grants access to the EUs single market but requires the country to follow most EU directives.

The Centre partys exit means that the centre-Left Labour party of Jonas Gahr Stre, the prime minister, will be governing alone for the first time in 25 years.

While Labour can continue to govern until elections this September, it may struggle to pass legislation as it now lacks a majority in the Storting, the Norwegian parliament.

Mr Stre has vowed to go on as prime minister, telling reporters: Here I stand, I am not gone. He added: This is not the outcome I wanted.

Jonas Gahr Stre underlined his decision to continue as prime minister following the coalition collapse - Cornelius Poppe/NTB/AFP via Getty Images

Trygve Slagsvold Vedum and Marit Arnstad, the Centre partys parliamentary leader, held a press conference after the rift became clear - Hakon Mosvold Larsen/NTB/AFP via Getty Images

The governments collapse hints at a wider rift between Oslo and Brussels, with Norway threatening to stop energy exports via interconnectors to Britain, Germany and Denmark. Norway is also reportedly under pressure to be more generous in its supplies of hydropower.

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One EU ambassador in Oslo recently told the Financial Times: We are not happy with Norway. The sentiment is as bad as I have known it.

Norway looks selfish, trying to keep this electricity for itself even as it makes so much money from selling gas to us.

Norway is one of Europes wealthiest countries thanks to plentiful oil and gas supplies, but it rejected EU membership in 1994.

Along with Iceland and Liechtenstein, it opted to join the EEA, a trade model that was also hotly debated as an option for Britain after it voted to leave the European Union in 2016.

Critics of the EEA model say the cost of being a ruletaker from Brussels outweighs the benefits of having access to the EUs single market.

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(Bloomberg) -- Norways government coalition broke apart as the two ruling partners seek to avoid losing the next parliamentary election due in seven months.

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Labor Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store is still set to remain in power in western Europes largest energy exporter even after his main ally, the euro-skeptic Center Party, decided to quit the cabinet thats ruled together for 3 1/2 years. The general election set for Sept. 8 wont be brought forward.

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The Labor Party is now taking the government responsibility to steer the country, in line with our strong tradition, Store told reporters in Oslo on Thursday. Even as the parties couldnt agree on adopting the European Unions energy market rules, his government still wants good cooperation with the Center, he added.

Splitting now is likely to benefit both parties ahead of the election, which is widely expected to be won by the center-right opposition.

Labor last ruled the Nordic country alone 25 years ago, under then-premier, and Stores close friend, Jens Stoltenberg  the former secretary general of NATO.

The now-defunct coalition, which also depends on parliamentary support from the Socialist Left party that officially isnt part of the bloc, had faced an uphill battle to extend its term.

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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. The average of national polls in January compiled by pollofpolls.no indicates Labor is still clearly trailing the two main opposition parties, the Progress Party and the Conservatives.

The 64-year-old premier has also been dealing with a revolt inside his own party  Norways biggest political group for most of the post-World War period  thats not used to taking a beating in polls. Local media have reported on mounting pressure among its members, as well as the trade union lobby LO, to replace him.

The parties had spent last days trying to iron out differences over how to adopt EUs measures on renewable energy and the power market. Center, which mainly draws support from countryside, has opposed the legislation. Labor last week proposed passing the less contentious parts of the EU rules, an option that Center also rejected.

People in Norway have had unstable and high electricity prices, Center leader, Finance Minister Trygve Slagsvold Vedum told reporters on Thursday. We need to take back national control and not give any more power to the European Union.

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Store said passing the long-overdue legislation is critical for Norways relations with the trading bloc at a time of increased geopolitical uncertainty.

What is at stake is this: we have to secure ourselves and be sure that we will not be exposed, for example if there is a trade conflict and a tariff war across the ocean globally, between Europe and the United States, he said.

Norway has access to the single market through the European Economic Area agreement despite remaining outside of the EU. It is a vital energy supplier to the bloc and the UK, a role that has grown as Russias flows to Europe have been slashed following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Nordic country had a 42% share of the EUs natural gas imports in the third quarter and also supplied about 14% of the blocs petroleum imports.

Minority governments are a normal part of politics in Norway, as elsewhere in Scandinavia. Labor has 48 lawmakers and counts on the support of 13 parliamentarians of the Socialist Left, with other parties in the legislature commanding 108 seats.

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Store said he expects to come up with replacements for Centers eight government ministers next week, pledging a strong government team.

--With assistance from Stephen Treloar.

(Updates with comments from prime minister from third paragraph.)

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Wednesday marks one week since the deadly shooting that shook many Antioch High School students and faculty.

However, community leaders and volunteers across Middle Tennessee have worked to make sure students and staff know they arent forgotten. Wednesday was the second day back to school for some Antioch High School students.

Antioch High School parents, students describe return to class

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People are still in pain, Metro Councilmember for District 8 where Antioch High School sits, Deonte Harrell, said.

Immediately following the shooting, an Antioch church opened its doors for prayer and healing. Antioch High students and staff took the rest of the week off and returned to school Tuesday. At least 500 care packages, put together by local educator LaBria Appleton and a pastor, were waiting for staff members.

I was like, Come on in, lets just pack these bags,' Senior Pastor for Family Fellowship at Hamilton Church, Quentin Dickerson, said. Whatever you need from the church or you need from our part of the community, we have it. Lets do it.

Dickerson told News 2 it was all in an effort to create a space for staff to feel loved and seen. Another pastor, standing alongside other area leaders and the director of Metro Nashville Public Schools, greeted students at the door Tuesday.

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I also thought about the kid who put her head on my shoulder and wept, and she had no words, senior leader of Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Nashville, Bishop Joseph Warren Walker III, said. She just wept, and I embraced her, and then I saw her; this happened on Sunday, and I saw her when she came into the school, and I saw her move from tears to joy, and the joy was You didnt leave me; you are still here.'

Since the shooting, support and love for students and staff have poured out from surrounding communities  including from Belmont University, Tennessee State University, Lipscomb University and other area college students. Around 800 students volunteered their time and created more than 100 cards expressing support for Antioch High School students and staff.

A lot of them drew freehand; there was a lot of handwriting, a lot of note-writing, like long letters, not just the card, but really heartfelt messages, Director of Community Affairs at Meharry Medical College, Majornette Jefferson, said.

Antioch High School Shooting | Continuing Coverage

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They wanted the students to know they were not alone, Jefferson said. There was an overall theme of: there are people here to support you.

Harrell dropped the cards off on Wednesday.

[It was] somewhat emotional, but it was well received, Harrell said. This is one of those moments where through a tragedy, you are able to see the magnitude of our community.

Middle Tennessee community members told News 2 they have no plans to stop and they will continue to support Antioch High School any way they can.

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The streets of eastern Congo tell a story of impossible choices. As rebels tighten their grip on Goma, millions of civilians find themselves caught between two bitter options: retreat deeper into Congos heartland, where a struggling army offers uncertain protection, or cross into Rwanda  the very nation accused of fueling their misery.

Walking through Gomas dusty streets, youd hardly believe this city of two million was once a safe haven. Now, hospitals overflow with casualties while the airport sits silent, its runways empty. More than 1,200 people, including defeated soldiers, have already fled across the Rwandan border since M23 rebels marched in.

The stakes here go beyond mere territorial control. Some see Rwandas hand in redrawing borders around this mineral-rich region, where untapped deposits of cobalt and gold promise untold wealth. The rebels declaration of plans to establish city administration only deepens these fears.

Despite support from UN peacekeepers, African troops, and even Romanian contractors, Congos army appears powerless against the advancing rebels. The regions history haunts every decision  Rwandas President Kagame speaks of protecting ethnic Tutsis and preventing genocide, while Congo denounces what it sees as blatant territorial aggression.

For civilians like Rose Clemency, an electrical engineer who fled her home, the choice feels like no choice at all. Even in exile, she says, we wont accept M23 rule.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio doubled down on President Donald Trumps desire to buy Greenland, saying it would be vital to U.S. interests.

This is not a joke, Rubio said on the The Megyn Kelly Show on SiriusXM Thursday, one of his first media appearances since being sworn in. This is not about acquiring land for the purpose of acquiring land. This is in our national interest and it needs to be solved.

During the interview, Rubio downplayed Trumps previous remarks about not ruling out using military force against Denmark, a NATO ally, to acquire Greenland  but he didnt outright dismiss the possibility.

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He is not going to begin what he views as a negotiation or a conversation by taking ... leverage off the table, and thats a tactic thats used all the time in business, Rubio said. Its being applied to foreign policy and I think to great effect in the first term.

Earlier this month, Trump had a tense phone call about his desire to purchase the autonomous territory with Denmarks Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. During the call, she reiterated to Trump Greenlandic Prime Minister Mute Egedes repeated statements that the territory is not for sale, her office said.

Rubio said the Arctic is going to become critical for shipping lanes as the regions ice continues to melt. He said if the U.S. doesnt take action, China could gain dominance over the territory.

So the question becomes, if the Chinese begin to threaten Greenland, do we really trust that that is not a place where those deals are going to be made? Rubio said. Do we really trust that that is not a place where they would not intervene, maybe by force?
It has been a week since a massive fire destroyed a Hall County winery, and officials still have not confirmed how it started.

Channel 2s Candace McCowan sat down with the owners of Sweet Acre Farms Winery who are devasted to have watched their business burn down.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Lindsey handed me an extinguisher and I ran over here, remembers owner Matthew Vrahiotes.

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When he got word his winery was on fire, he rushed over. He and his wife, Lindsey Vrahiotes, got there quickly, but it was too late.

By then it was engulfed enough to know there is nothing I can do with my extinguisher, he described.

I got out of the car and I immediately fell to my knees, I just couldnt believe it, said Lindsey Vrahiotes.

The burned metal and wood once held the Sweet Acre Farms Winery tasting room and wine press where they made, stored and bottled fruit wine.

We lost, I would say well over 90% of our inventory, Matthew Vrahiotes said.

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Theyre now working with insurance, and preparing to cut through the red tape of rebuilding.

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And a community effort is trying to help Sweet Acre Farms Winery and its owners get back on their feet.

A GoFundMe page raising more than $23,000 in just days.

It does give us some sense of relief that at least we know we can take care of bills for a while while we get through all of this, said Lindsey.

In the midst of the rubble, the Vrahiotes family is channeling the passion that helped them start all those years ago to rebuild.

We were the first winery in Hall County since prohibition. At one time, we were the youngest winery owners in the state of Georgia.

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EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio (WJW)  The FOX 8 I-Team investigating who is running a local city after the mayor was suspended.

Some city leaders say right now that no one is serving as acting mayor, but Willa Hemmons disagrees.



I am the director of law, so that puts me in the line of succession, Hemmons told the I-Team.

She said she is now fulfilling the mayors duties and met with top staff on Wednesday.

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Man charged with making threats at local hospital, leading to soft lockdown

There are things that need done, things that need signed, Hemmons said.



East Cleveland Council President Lateek Shabazz, however, says Hemmons is a contract employee, not the law director, does not live in East Cleveland and cannot serve as acting mayor.



She doesnt have that authority, Shabazz said during a press conference Wednesday. The charter says the council president would take over if its a long term suspension and her legal opinion aint worth two cents. She is the one who got the mayor indicted on her legal opinion.

Ohio State quality control coach is on administrative leave amid university investigation

East Cleveland Mayor Brandon King was suspended by a special commission of judges on Tuesday.



We are told King plans on appealing the decision. King was indicted in October on several charges, including theft in office.



Hemmons added that it will be up to a Cuyahoga County Probate Judge to appoint an acting mayor.

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The probate court issued the following statement Wednesday:

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 3.16(E)(4) the Presiding and Administrative Judge of the Cuyahoga County Probate Court will accept applications for appointment of interim replacement official for the office of mayor of the City of East Cleveland received by mail or email on or before February 14, 2025. Applicants must submit a statement of interest including, but not limited to, the reasons they are interested in the position; their goals if appointed; and why they believe they are the best candidate for the position. A resume and three references must also be included.

Applications and supporting documents should be submitted to Presiding Judge Anthony J. Russo, Cuyahoga County Probate Court, Room 221, 1 Lakeside Avenue West, Cleveland OH 44113 or by email to Sue Schwarten, Administrative Assistant to Presiding Judge Anthony J. Russo, at sschwarten@cuyahogacounty.gov.

Communication regarding this appointment will be accepted only from applicants for the appointment, not from any other persons or organizations on the applicants behalf.

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Questions regarding this press release should be directed to Jennifer A. Alexander, Magistrate and Court Administrator by email at jalexander@cuyahogacounty.gov or by phone at (216) 443-8979.

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There are growing fears that the FBI could turn political and partisan, after the bureau reportedly enlisted the help of a former aide to a staunch Donald Trump congressional ally and someone with ties to Elon Musks SpaceX.

The pair will serve as advisers to the FBIs incoming director, NBC News reported, citing four current and former officials at the bureau. The two fresh bodies will serve alongside two others, believed to be retired agents at the intelligence and security service. It comes as Kash Patel, Trumps pick to lead the FBI, will face senators Thursday as part of their confirmation hearings.

Trump is solidifying control of the FBI. / Ethan Miller / Getty Images

Tom Ferguson, a former agent and aide to Rep. Jim Jordan, has reportedly returned to the agency. He said he was just going back home to help. Jordan (R-OH) often claimed that the FBI was a corrupt Joe Biden tool. He famously led a 2023 subcommittee on the apparent weaponization of the agency against conservatives and even suggested moving the agency from Washington, D.C., to Alabama to shield against what he saw as liberal politics.

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NBC stated that the other new arrival, an individual with links to Trumps first buddy Elon Musk, has not been previously reported and is still currently unidentified. And while it is unclear who actually paved the way for the pair to bag the new gigs, or even what their exact areas of focus will be, the news still adds to fears of an eroding of the FBIs non-political, non-partisan heritage.

Tom Ferguson, a former aide to Rep. Jim Jordan (pictured), has returned to the agency. / Win McNamee/Getty Images

NBC cited FBI officials who were both excited by possible, and much needed, reformbut also heard from some who feared a compromise of the bureaus decades-old tradition of distancing itself from politics.

One former agent, Rob DAmico, told the publication that the new hires are there to oversee reform. This will include sending headquarters staffers into the field. Thats absolutely needed, he said. Things have gotten too headquarters-centric, and when headquarters is in D.C., the natural thing that happens in D.C. is that things get political.

Kash Patel at the Team Trump Bus Tour in Charlotte, NC, on October 10, 2024. / Anadolu / Anadolu via Getty Images

DAmico conceded, however, that it is not the usual modus operandi to have people with ties to partisan figures in such areas. This will have to be done very carefully, DAmico said. How does that chain of command work? You have to be very careful that it doesnt become like the Russian political officer on a Russian nuclear sub, enforcing party discipline.

Another shared fears of the agency infusing a one-sided ideology and purging the people who dont share that viewpoint.
During a press conference, the National Transportation Safety Board said they will factually be investigating after American Eagle Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, collided mid air with an Army helicopter. President Donald Trump confirmed today there are no survivors.
An aerial view of the Prairie Island Nuclear Power Plant, near Red Wing. The two pressurized water reactors produce approximately 1,100 megawatts. Photo by Getty Images.

Minnesotas 31-year-old ban on new nuclear power plants is facing another challenge from utility companies and supporters of nuclear power, who say the technology is necessary to meet the states ambitious goal of using only carbon-free sources of energy by 2040.

The carbon-free mandate and projected increases in electricity consumption  from residential electrification, the proliferation of data centers and increased adoption of electric vehicles  are increasing pressure on lawmakers to legalize new nuclear facilities.

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Republicans overwhelmingly support repealing the nuclear moratorium; Democratic lawmakers say theyll take their direction on the issue from the Prairie Island Indian Community.

That means the decision on whether to repeal the nuclear moratorium rests with the Tribal Council for the Prairie Island Indian Community, which has battled nuclear energy interests since the construction of the Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant on the outskirts of the reservation more than 50 years ago.

With a split Legislature, support from the Prairie Island tribe will be key to repealing the moratorium.

Blake Johnson, who represents the tribe at the Capitol, said the community has been involved in conversations about the moratorium since the end of the last legislative session. The tribe is not taking a position on bills this session without further community engagement and Tribal Council discussions.

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The vast majority of the state has enjoyed an incredible amount of base load energy without the accompanying pollution for the last 50 years, Johnson said in testimony to the Senate Energy, Environment and Climate committee Wednesday.

In 2023, at least 750,000 gallons of radioactive water leaked from the Xcel Energy plant in Monticello*; state officials and Xcel Energy, which owns the plant, waited four months to notify the public.

Sen. Andrew Matthews, R-Princeton, is co-chair of the Senate energy committee and lead author of the bill to repeal the moratorium; he proposed an amendment to his own bill that would ban the construction of any new nuclear generation facility within 10 miles of the Prairie Island reservation.

Without the express support of the Prairie Island Indian Community, the bill did not pass the Senate committee; it was laid over, meaning it could wind up in another bill.

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The House version of the bill passed the House Energy Finance and Policy Committee with only Republican votes during Democrats boycott of the session. A Minnesota Supreme Court ruling rendered the vote invalid because the House lacked a quorum of members.

Lawmakers consider opening the door to large-scale hydroelectric dams

The Senate energy committee also heard a bill Wednesday that would count large-scale hydropower projects as carbon-free.

Under a law passed in 2023 by the DFL-controlled Legislature, utility companies must generate 100% of their electricity using zero-carbon emissions energy sources by 2040.

Currently, hydroelectric power plants that have a capacity under 100 megawatts of energy count as renewable energy. A bill authored by three Republican senators and one Democrat would remove that cap, opening the door for development of large hydroelectric dams.

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Currently, the largest hydroelectric energy facility in the state is the Thompson Dam on the St. Louis River, which produces around 70 megawatts of energy. A megawatt of energy can power a few hundred homes.

The bill did not advance out of the committee, but could be incorporated into another bill later on.

*A previous version of this article incorrectly identified the location of the leak and used an older, less accurate estimate of the size of the leak.
KAMPALA, Uganda (AP)  A nurse in Uganda has died of Ebola in the first recorded fatality since the country's last outbreak of the disease ended in early 2023, a health official said Thursday.

The 32-year-old male nurse was an employee of Mulago Hospital, the main referral facility in the capital, Kampala, Diana Atwine, permanent secretary of the health ministry, told reporters Thursday.

After developing a fever, he was treated at several locations in Uganda before multiple lab tests confirmed he had been suffering from Ebola. The man died on Wednesday and the Sudan strain of Ebola was confirmed following postmortem tests, Atwine said.

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At least 44 contacts of the victim have been identified, including 30 health workers and patients at Mulago Hospital, according to Ugandas Ministry of Health.

The health authorities are in full control of the situation, Atwine said, while also urging Ugandans to report any suspected cases.

Tracing contacts is key to stemming the spread of Ebola, and there are no approved vaccines for the Sudan strain of Ebola.

Uganda's last outbreak, discovered in September 2022, killed at least 55 people before it was declared over in January 2023.

Confirmation of Ebola in Uganda is the latest in a trend of outbreaks of viral hemorrhagic fevers in the east African region. Tanzania declared an outbreak of the Ebola-like Marburg disease earlier this month, and in December Rwanda announced that its own outbreak of Marburg was over. The ongoing Marburg outbreak in northern Tanzania 's Kagera region has killed at least two people, according to local health authorities.

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The World Health Organization will send an initial allocation of $1 million from a contingency fund to support Uganda's response, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO director-general, said in a brief statement posted on the social platform X.

A full scale response is being initiated by the government and partners, the statement said.

Kampala's outbreak could prove difficult to respond to, because the city has a highly mobile population of about 4 million. The nurse who died had sought treatment at a hospital just outside Kampala and later traveled to Mbale, in the country's east, where he was admitted in a public hospital. Health authorities said the man also sought the services of a traditional healer.

Emmanuel Batiibwe, a physician who helped lead Uganda's efforts to stop the country's 2022 outbreak, told The Associated Press that he expected a swift response in tracing all possible Ebola contacts in Kampala and elsewhere.

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Our reaction should be swift, decisive and well-coordinated, he said, speaking of lessons learned from the 2022 outbreak, whose epicenter was a town in central Uganda. We have the means of responding quickly now.

Ebola, which is spread by contact with bodily fluids of an infected person or contaminated materials, manifests as a deadly hemorrhagic fever. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain and at times internal and external bleeding.

Scientists dont know the natural reservoir of Ebola, but they suspect the first person infected in an outbreak acquired the virus through contact with an infected animal or eating its raw meat.

Ugandan officials are still investigating the source of the current outbreak.

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Uganda has had multiple Ebola outbreaks, including one in 2000 that killed hundreds. The 2014-16 Ebola outbreak in West Africa killed more than 11,000 people, the diseases largest death toll.

Ebola was discovered in 1976 in two simultaneous outbreaks in South Sudan and Congo, where it occurred in a village near the Ebola River, after which the disease is named.
A former nursing home employee has avoided probation revocation after being convicted of sexual exploitation of a minor at a Kalona care facility. In March 2023, while working at Friendship Home in Audubon, workers there reported the man sent them cell-phone photos of himself masturbating and was taking videos of his co-workers. (Photo illustration by Iowa Capital Dispatch, with Friendship Home photo via Google Earth. Text-message photo is deliberately blurred.)

An Iowa judge has decided not to revoke the probation of a former nursing home worker accused of sexual impropriety at three different Iowa care facilities.

Martell Guider, 37, was convicted last fall of sexual exploitation of a minor and given a 25-year suspended prison sentence and five years of probation.

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The charge stemmed from allegations that in January 2024, while working at the Pleasantview Home in Kalona, Guider was acted inappropriately with a 17-year-old minor and later shared with others an explicit photo of the girl. According to the police, Guider threatened the minor to induce her to send him the photo via the social-messaging platform Snapchat.

Martell Guider, a former state-certified nursing assistant. (Photo courtesy of the Washington County Jail)

As a condition of probation, Guider was required to maintain employment and a residence of some kind. In December, Guiders probation officer notified the court that Guider was in violation of his probation by living out of his car and that his employment at Taco Bell had ended after he was fired.

Two weeks ago, Washington County District Court Judge Shawn Sowers ruled that Guiders probation would not be revoked, which would have resulted in the 25-year prison term being imposed. Sowers ordered Guider to live at either the Washington County Jail or a state residential correctional facility for 180 days or until maximum benefits have been achieved.

Prior to the incident at Pleasantview Home, Guider worked at nursing homes located in Audubon and Correctionville.

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In Audubon, a female caregiver at Friendship Home filed a complaint with the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing in 2023 about Guiders behavior.

The woman  who filed similar complaints with management at the home and with city police  alleged Guider had been making suggestive remarks to female coworkers, had sent them photos of himself masturbating, had recorded video of one worker as she provided care for a resident, and had invited some of his female colleagues out to his car where he kept a bottle of Seagrams Crown Royal.

The complainant provided the Iowa Capital Dispatch with screenshots of Guiders alleged text messages, which include two photos of a mans genitals and two photos of a man holding a bottle of Crown Royal inside a vehicle.

Audubon police later acknowledged fielding complaints about Guiders conduct at Friendship Home but said they didnt pursue the matter. Officials at DIAL rejected the complaint they received about Guider, reportedly because the agency felt the matter was best addressed by management at Friendship Home.

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Six months after the incident in Audubon, Guider was working at Correctionville Specialty Care when he was the target of a complaint that he had raped a resident of the home.

State records show the alleged victim in that case told management an employee took her to his car in the facilitys parking lot, told her he was a musician, played some of his music to her, offered her a drink of Seagrams Crown Royal from a bottle he kept in his car, and then forced her to have oral sex with him.

According to state inspectors, the alleged rape victim, who is not cognitively impaired, also alleged the worker sent her a video of himself masturbating and provided a copy of the video.

After the woman reported the alleged rape, officials at Correctionville Specialty Care evicted the woman from the facility and dropped her off at a homeless shelter, according to state inspectors.

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Guider was terminated from employment at the Correctionville home, but state inspectors say the facilitys parent company, Care Initiatives of West Des Moines, continued to provide work for him in other Iowa nursing homes that it operates.

No criminal charges were filed in the case.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) is poised to launch a regional refinancing facility aimed at assisting African nations burdened with maturing international bonds, according to AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina, on January 29.

The African Financial Stability Mechanism, which has already been approved by Finance ministers, will soon receive the final nod from Heads of State during the African Union Summit in mid-February. Once activated, the facility will provide a much-needed lifeline to African countries struggling with debt repayments, offering them a chance to refinance their obligations on global capital markets.

Adesina highlighted the urgency of the facility, pointing to the $20 billion in repayments that African countries will need to make annually over the next three years. He emphasised that unlike the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other multilateral development banks, which do not provide refinancing options, this new facility will be tailored to Africas unique needs. It aims to reduce refinancing risks for the continent while ensuring that participating countries implement necessary macroeconomic and fiscal reforms.

The facility will offer loans at concessional rates, which will ease the financial burden on African governments already grappling with economic pressures. The AfDB presidents comments come at a time when African nations face increasing difficulties in managing their debt, and the new facility is seen as a critical tool in addressing the continents mounting financial challenges. The expected approval by African leaders is set to mark a significant step in improving Africas financial stability and supporting its economic recovery.
The New York City Council is launching a probe into revelations that a private real estate firm scored a deal to redevelop the city governments public health lab just months after one of the companys executives joined Mayor Adams administration, the Daily News has learned.

In a letter sent Monday to Adams office, Gale Brewer and Amanda Farias, the chairwomen of the Councils Oversight and Economic Development Committees respectively, demanded reams of records related to the administration official, Nate Bliss, and his involvement in the decision to let Taconic Partners overhaul the historic Manhattan public health lab. The News obtained a copy of the letter.

Taconic, along with a development partner, got picked by Adams administration in April 2022 to turn the lab on First Ave. in Kips Bay into a 500,000 square feet state-of-the-art life sciences hub dubbed Innovation East. The deal  which has yet to be approved by the City Council  is expected to be worth tens of millions of dollars and was awarded by the city Economic Development Corp., an entity Bliss helps oversee in his role as chief of staff to First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer.

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The Taconic deal was announced after Bliss had just three months earlier left his job as Taconics vice president to join City Hall in late January 2022. Additionally, as first reported by NBC4 earlier this month, the deal came together at a time when Bliss was still pulling income from Taconic.

On top of his chief of staff job, Bliss was appointed by Adams in 2022 to become chair of the Land Development Corporation, an obscure municipal entity that ultimately needs to sign off on the lab redevelopment.

The overlap between Mr. Bliss financial ties to Taconic, his roles at City Hall overseeing EDC and at LDC, and his involvement in projects like Innovation East raise significant concerns about potential conflicts of interest, Brewer and Farias wrote in their letter addressed to Torres-Springer and EDC CEO Andrew Kimball, notifying them of their probe of the Taconic deal. This seemingly complicates the distinction between his roles as a private-sector executive and a public official, which must be clarified.

Among various other records, the Council members demanded all communications between Bliss, the mayors office and EDC staff about the Innovation East project while he was still employed at Taconic. They also requested the confidential bidding documents submitted by Taconic as part of the deal as well as communications between the EDC and the mayors office about the selection of the firm.

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Brewer and Farias set a Monday deadline for Adams administration to fork over the requested records.

Adams spokeswoman Liz Garcia wouldnt commit to meet the deadline, but said the mayors office is reviewing the letter and will respond to the Council accordingly.

Before joining Taconic in 2019, Bliss worked for the EDCs real estate arm for over 15 years, overlapping with Torres-Springer, who was the corporations CEO between 2015 and 2017, their LinkedIn profiles show.

The EDCs initial request for bids on the Innovation East project precedes Adams administration and was issued in 2018, while Bliss still worked for the corporation.

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EDC spokesman Jeff Holmes confirmed Thursday the corporation then entered negotiations with Taconic in January 2021  at which point Bliss had gotten his new executive job at the real estate firm  over redeveloping the public health lab.

Holmes said an EDC selection committee that didnt involve Bliss made the call in April 2022 that Taconic should get the redevelopment award. Holmes didnt specify who was on that committee.

Bliss didnt return calls Thursday, but Taconic rep Dane Wisher said any suggestion of impropriety is baseless as it relates to Bliss and the firms dealings with the city.

Bliss financial disclosures show he received between $100,000 and $250,000 from Taconic in the first few weeks of 2022 before he officially joined City Hall on Jan. 23 of that year.

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Additionally, Bliss has reported in disclosures that while in city government hes receiving payments from a real estate investment fund managed by Taconic. Its unclear from his disclosures how much he may have received from that fund.

Brewer and Farias specifically asked Adams office to furnish records confirming how much Bliss has been paid or will be paid by that fund. They also asked for a list of all properties in the city the fund is or has been invested in.

Under city ethics law, a municipal employee is prohibited from working on any matters involving a private firm with which the employee has a financial relationship.

Besides his income, Taconic directly lobbied Bliss last year on land use issues related to the site where the life sciences hub is to be built, city records show.

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The lab Taconic has been selected to transform is where government scientists developed the citys responses to some of the worst public health emergencies in recent history, including the COVID pandemic. In order to accommodate the new life sciences hub, the lab is being moved to Harlem Hospital under the administrations plan.

The Taconic deal concerns come at a time of heightened scrutiny around city government ethics as Adams remains under a federal corruption indictment to which he has pleaded not guilty.

Adams administration real estate dealings have recently come under especially intense scrutiny.

The Department of Administrative Services, which Torres-Springers office also helps oversee, is mired in controversy over a lawsuit alleging a top agency official, Jesse Hamilton, pressured the city governments main commercial real estate broker to put one of his friends, Diana Boutross, in charge of the firms dealings with the city.

The lawsuit was filed after Ingrid Lewis-Martin, Adams ex-chief adviser and a friend to Hamilton and Boutross, was indicted on bribery charges related to favors she allegedly did for real estate developers. She has pleaded not guilty, and Hamilton and Boutross arent facing charges.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  Are you passionate about working with youth and ready for a new job opportunity?

The New York City Administration of Childrens Services is hosting a hiring event on Feb. 20.

More Local News

The ACS is seeking Youth Development Specialist positions throughout New York City and may make immediate hiring decisions and conditional job offers on the spot.

The starting salary is $53,341, which increases to around $67,566 after five years. Employees can choose from 11 health plan options, some with no co-pays or deductibles.

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Applicants should have a bachelors degree or a high school diploma and one year of full-time experience working with youth or young adults. New York residency is not a requirement.

MTA is hiring: Launch your tech and IT career today

Applicants will need to fill out a form online. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted about the hiring event.

More information about the position can be found on the ACS website.

Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here.

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New York lawmakers should open up their pockets if students must take their cellphones out of theirs, Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos said Wednesday.

At an annual hearing on the state education budget, the head of the nations largest school district agreed with Gov. Hochul that schools should be phone-free. However, the governors current plan to earmark $13.5 million  about $10 per student  is not enough to banish the devices from school grounds, she said.

While it is reassuring to see there is funding attached to the governors proposal, the current dollar amount is inadequate, Aviles-Ramos testified in Albany.

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Implementing an effective cellphone ban is a major undertaking, and funding is also critical when it comes to addressing parents concerns about communicating with their children in emergencies.

After months of hinting at restrictions, Hochul last week announced her intention to limit cellphone use from bell to bell. Under her proposal, district officials would have to set their own policies to disconnect students from their devices  including during lunch and free periods  as soon as this fall.

Some districts, including New York City, have considered using magnetic locking pouches that cost around $30 per student each year. That approach saves schools from being liable for broken devices and reduces the burden on teachers for enforcement.

They are very expensive, Aviles-Ramos said of the pouches. But they are the ideal model, because children can keep them on their person. And in the event of an emergency, they can open them up with a magnet that is strategically placed throughout the building.

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Were not even talking, you know, like the Gucci, Prada version. Were talking about just the standard bag, she quipped.

About 800 local schools have already implemented school cellphone restrictions. The chancellor said those schools principals should not be penalized or have to self-fund after the state allocates new money for that purpose  particularly if schools lose funding from the state or federal government under President Trump. (The local school system receives $2 billion in federal funds, or 6% of its budget.)

The chancellors plea was part of a larger budget ask that New York State direct more dollars to the citys public schools. Currently, Hochul and the Legislature are hashing out how to overhaul the states decades-old school funding formula, Foundation Aid.

The governor has proposed two tweaks to the calculation: to replace a poverty rate from the 2000 Census with newer data and eligibility for free or reduced-price lunch with the broader category of economically disadvantaged. Currently, many families forget to turn in school meal forms because the city offers food for free to all students.

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But without further changes that account for the higher cost of living downstate, local schools would receive less state funding than if the formula stayed the same. The citys school district is still expected to be given an overall increase.

There is no question that the Foundation Aid formula needs a revamp, Aviles-Ramos said. But the governors proposed changes to the formula would actually result in nearly 350 million fewer dollars to New York City public schools than wed be entitled to under the current formula.

Aviles-Ramos suggested lawmakers update regional cost metrics and send extra funds to students in need of more support, including the 1 in 8 New York City children who are or have been homeless. Otherwise, a list of education initiatives could be put at risk, including after-school programs and a promise to stabilize individual school budgets, the districts chief financial officer warned.

Last year, Hochul and the Legislature were at odds over a proposal to stop funding school districts at the same levels if they lose student enrollment. The governor backed off pushing for such a change ahead of this session. Instead, she proposed a floor of at least a 2% increase for every school district.

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But some lawmakers joined New York State Education Department Commissioner Betty Rosa in calling for an entirely new education funding formula, rather than making changes around the edges. For the last few legislative sessions, the commissioner has repeatedly asked for funding to study the costs of educating students from every corner of the state.

I do believe that we have to get to a new formula, Rosa said of the calculation, which was developed in the early 2000s but not fully funded for about two decades. No question about it.

A final state budget is due by April 1.
WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI)  The New York State Police are asking for the publics help in an alleged larceny case in Jefferson County.

On January 20, State Troopers responded to Walmart on State Route 3 in the town of Watertown for a larceny complaint.

Into the Bin: Watertown backtracks on changes to trash pickup policy

State Police in Watertown are attempting to identify the suspect who was captured on surveillance camera exiting the store without paying for merchandise.

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Anyone who recognizes the individual in the photo is asked to contact State Police at (315) 366-6000 and reference case #NY2500053886.

(Courtesy of New York State Police)

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWTI - InformNNY.com.
HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT Gilchrist Fernandez, 35. Fernandez pleaded guilty today to two fireworks offenses after he had nearly 95 pounds of illegal aerials shipped to the Oahu Community Correctional Center in 2022, according to the state Department of the Attorney General.

HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT Gilchrist Fernandez, 35. Fernandez pleaded guilty today to two fireworks offenses after he had nearly 95 pounds of illegal aerials shipped to the Oahu Community Correctional Center in 2022, according to the state Department of the Attorney General.

An adult corrections officer pleaded guilty today to two fireworks offenses after he had nearly 95 pounds of illegal aerials shipped to the Oahu Community Correctional Center in 2022, according to the state Department of the Attorney General.

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Gilchrist Fernandez, 35, pleaded guilty to importing aerial devices without a license, and a criminal attempt  at discharging aerial devices of 25 lbs or more without a license between Nov. 9, 2022, and Dec. 6, 2022, according to state court records.

Both offenses are class C  felonies, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10, 000 fine. In exchange for his guilty plea, Fernandez will be ordered to pay a $5, 000 fine and faces up to 90 days in prison.

He waived indictment and entered guilty pleas as part of a plea agreement finalized with the AGs office in November 2024. Fernandezs sentencing is scheduled for June 18 at 8 :30 a.m.

While working as an adult corrections officer, Mr. Fernandez had almost 95 pounds of aerial fireworks mailed to OCCC, the very correctional facility that he had a duty to secure,  said Attorney General Anne E. Lopez, in a statement. We cannot and will not tolerate this type of flagrant criminal conduct. Our investigation involved detailed financial tracing that followed the money to the point of purchase at a fireworks vendor in Nevada. I want to express my gratitude to our law enforcement partners for assisting with both scientific and technical analysis of the aerial device fireworks that were seized.

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Fernandezs attorney, Myles S. Breiner, declined comment.

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Fernandez did intentionally import aerial devices, to wit, AF One, Click Bang, and Throat Punch aerial devices weighing a total of 94.23 pounds, without having a valid license issued,  according to a Jan. 27 state criminal complaint.

Fernandezs guilty pleas come after an extensive multi-agency investigation  that included the AGs Special Investigation and Prosecution Division and Investigations Division, the Honolulu Police Department, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the U.S. Department of Justices Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

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More important than risking his career, this individual risked the safety of everyone who unknowingly came into contact with the highly flammable parcels. HPD will continue to work with our partners to investigate illegal fireworks activities that endanger lives and property,  Honolulu Police Chief Arthur Joe  Logan said in a statement.

The USPS issued a statement reminding customers that illegal, hazardous, and dangerous items are always prohibited in the mail stream.

This includes items such as explosive devices, including fireworks or other highly flammable materials that put both our employees and customers at risk. The Postal Service and the Postal Inspection Service are committed to the safety and security of postal employees, customers, and transportation networks and remain vigilant in safeguarding the mail stream against any article that might pose a hazard to health, safety, property, or the environment,  read the statement.

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U.S. District Court in Providence. (Getty photo)

Two hours before Rhode Island Assistant Attorney Sarah Rice made the case to a federal court judge in Providence for an even longer and wider sweeping block to the Trump administrations federal funding freeze, the White House budget office rescinded its memo.

Confusion clouded the 30-minute virtual hearing Wednesday afternoon, where the intent behind the White House press conference and accompanying social media posts dominated discussion. While Chief Judge John McConnell Jr. didnt officially grant the temporary restraining order against the Trump administration, he made clear he was persuaded by the arguments of the 23 Democratic attorneys general who filed the lawsuit in federal court in Rhode Island Tuesday.

U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. (U.S. District Court, District of Rhode Island)

McConnell asked the attorneys to submit proposed language covering the length of time and breadth of the proposed restraining order, giving the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) attorney representing the federal administration 24 hours to respond before McConnell will issue a ruling.

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I agree with the states, McConnell said. What I am continuing to question is how an order would look, what the scope of it would be, how it would be directed and implemented.

Daniel Schwei, the DOJ attorney representing Trump and federal agency directors named in the lawsuit, had asked McConnell to toss the complaint, arguing in a two-page filing submitted minutes before the hearing that the lawsuit was moot in light of the memo being rescinded.

Rice insisted that while the document itself was no longer on the table, the intent to freeze federal funding remained, requiring immediate action to protect states who rely on the $1 trillion in federal aid for everything from wildfire fighting to transportation projects and social safety net programs like Medicaid.

The policy, to sum it up, is freeze first, ask questions later, Rice said. That is the source of our harm. We cannot proceed in regular order because we are in some ways fighting a decision that has been purposefully obscured.

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The policy, to sum it up, is freeze first, ask questions later. That is the source of our harm. We cannot proceed in regular order because we are in some ways fighting a decision that has been purposefully obscured.

 Rhode Island Assistant Attorney Sarah Rice

Like the lawsuit filed in D.C. by a group of nonprofit, health care and business groups, the AGs complaint leans heavily on constitutional framing, framing the Trump administrations move as a violation of the 10th Amendment, separation of powers and the spending clause  which gives the federal purse strings to Congress, not the executive branch.

A federal judge in D.C. issued a temporary administrative stay in response to that lawsuit, preventing the Trump administration from freezing federal grants and aid until at least Feb. 3.

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However, the AGs complaint goes farther, names not only Trump and acting federal budget director Matt Vaeth, but also other federal cabinet members who oversee federal education, emergency, environmental and health care funding. A temporary restraining order would prevent them from enforcing any type of funding freeze, Rice told McConnell.

McConnell appeared to agree, speaking to the irreparable harm a freeze would impose on state governments and in turn, the millions of people who depend on their services.

Even with the memo rescinded, the Trump administration is acting with a distinction without a difference, he said.

Ms. Rice has convinced me that while the piece of paper may not exist, theres sufficient evidence that the defendants collectively are acting consistent with that directive, and therefore the argument they have about needing a TRO for various legal rights exists, McConnell said.

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The AGs had not filed their proposed wording for a temporary restraining order as of 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Theres always a Rhode Island angle

McConnell began the virtual proceeding by welcoming the attorneys to the creative capital, home to some of the finest restaurants and arts and culture scene known to the country.

McConnell also highlighted the written testimony of Rhode Island Department of Administration Director Jonathan Womer as particularly compelling because Rhode Island is where McConnell lives. Womer was among the slew of administrators across all 22 states who wrote in support of the temporary restraining order to keep critical state services afloat.

Rhode Island has received more than $5 billion in federal funding as of Jan. 28  equal to more than one third of the states fiscal 2025 budget, Womer wrote in his testimony, submitted Tuesday.

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Understanding OMB 25-13 has been a difficult undertaking, Womer wrote. Under one reading, it appears that all federal funding assistance with few exceptions will be paused for more than a week. Under another reading, only certain categories of funding may be paused. But it is unclear exactly which categories may be affected because OMB 25-13 does not specify categories of funds in an identifiable manner. Planning for such an about-face with less than 24-hours notice is not possible.

State agencies charged with overseeing federally funded programs were unable to access funds on Tuesday, Womer wrote, including the state Medicaid office, which confirmed after calling the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that the system was temporarily down on Tuesday. CMS did not specify when the pause would be lifted, but told Rhode Island Medicaid leaders not to expect any updates in writing, according to Womers testimony.

Other state agencies unable to access the federal payment system for essential programs included the Rhode Island Departments of Health, Labor and Training, Environmental Management and Human Services, according to Womer.

I agree with the states. What I am continuing to question is how an order would look, what the scope of it would be, how it would be directed and implemented.

 Chief Judge John McConnell Jr., U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island

Also heavy on Rhode Island leaders minds: the fate of the Washington Bridge rebuild, which hinges on $220 million in federal funding that was already approved under the Biden administration.

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Rhode Islands congressional delegation in a Jan. 25 letter to Vaeth asked for confirmation that the Washington Bridge grant, along with another $250 million in federal funds for other bridgework along Rhode Islands Interstate 95 corridor, would be released as expected.

As of filing, there has been no response to clarify that this money would not be impacted, the Jan. 28 lawsuit against Trump, Vaeth and other federal agency heads reads.

The Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General was one of six co-leads on the lawsuit. Together, the half dozen Democratic attorneys general chose to file in Rhode Island, Tim Rondeau, a spokesperson for the Rhode Island Attorney Generals office, said in an email.

Different states will lead different efforts and lead states may choose different venues for filing: Pretty standard, Rondeau wrote.

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McConnell has been a top player in Rhode Islands political and legal scene for decades. A Providence native and Brown University graduate, he was appointed as a federal judge by President Barack Obama in 2010 and confirmed in 2011. His confirmation came despite objections by U.S. Senate Republicans who criticized McConnell for his prolific donations to top Democratic political action committees and candidates  including Obama and U.S. Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse and Jack Reed  according to a 2020 investigation by CQ Roll Call. McConnell served as treasurer of the Rhode Island Democratic State Committee for 14 years, starting in the 1990s, and was appointed to represent Rhode Island in the 2008 Electoral College vote, Roll Call reported.

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ECTOR COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- An Odessa man who pleaded guilty to two counts of Intoxication Manslaughter last week was sentenced by an Ector County jury Wednesday to 10 years of community supervision (probation) and a $10,000 fine on each count. Ector County District Attorney Dusty Gallivan said that Judge John Shrode added that Leonel Torres must also serve 120 days in the Ector County jail as a condition of his probation.

Torres was arrested in September of 2021 after investigators with the Odessa Police Department said he was drunk behind the wheel and caused a crash. An affidavit showed that around 2:47 a.m. on September 5, officers responded to a single car crash in the 4000 block of E 52nd Street. Officers said that Torres was driving a black 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe west on 52nd at a high rate of speed when he left the roadway and crashed into a fence and a tree.

Torres and a rear passenger, 19-year-old Alexis Luna, were ejected during the crash and both were taken to Medical Center Hospital with serious injuries. Luna later died. The front passenger, 19-year-old Bryan Contreras, died at the scene.

Bryan Contreras

Alexis Luna

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This tragic incident highlights the dangers of impaired driving and the devastating consequences it can have on innocent lives, the DAs office said in a statement.

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NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  With a greater level of uncertainty this time around for Old Dominion Universitys annual economic forecast for Hampton Roads, economics professor Bob McNab told a crowd at Chartway Arena Wednesday afternoon that, amid the specter of tariffs from the Trump Administration, Im not giving you numbers.

The potential for tariffs is a key factor for the sense of volatility, but nonetheless, the theme of the presentation from McNab and Professor Vinod Agarwal is that the region is poised for growth in 2025 as long as important assumptions prove correct  including increased consumer spending and increased federal spending.

McNab warned that because our economy is a complex web of goods that are both foreign and domestic, and in some cases, both simultaneously  check your driveway  tariffs could affect nearly every sector of our lives.

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Look at what youre wearing, McNab said. Look at what youre driving, and look at what youre eating. Tariffs are attacks on American businesses and consumers. If you increase taxes on American businesses and consumers, you have less money to spend.

Agarwal explained how hotel revenue continues to recover from the pandemic, but will face increasing pressure from Airbnb and Vrbo, as more people rent entire homes instead of single rooms.

Housing prices are up, sales are down and Agarwal expects housing prices to continue to rise. His forecast calls for defense spending in Hampton Roads to continue to ramp upward thru 2029.

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Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow left little doubt about the status of any current plan to adopt a county sales tax to offset his budget challenges.

In short, the sales tax ordinance that almost faced a vote in October 2024 is "officially dead," the wording used in a news release Tuesday outlining Farrow's plans over the next two years to deal with budget issues  challenges for which, officials acknowledge, the county still has no easy solutions.

The county's approach for now? To continue to hope for state involvement in a change to the way mandated services are funded.

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"Over the next two years, I will collaborate with local legislators, legislative leaders, and the Waukesha County Business Alliance during the state's legislative session to optimize revenue generating options for counties and minimize unfunded state mandates," Farrow said in the release.

The decision to abandon the tax-enabling ordinance comes after more than a year of discussions  both about the county's then-projected $5 million budget shortfall in 2025 and the internal debate about the idea of a sales tax  that was supposed to culminate in a vote by the whole Waukesha County Board in October.

That didn't happen. Farrow withdrew the ordinance from the agenda before the discussion even began. A month later, he confirmed that that no sales tax would be implemented in 2025, but fell short of nixing the ordinance completely for later consideration.

Then, as now, Farrow indicated the county would look in other directions for revenue adjustments, including an appeal to state legislative leaders, despite the cool reaction some had voiced about any state action to aid the county.

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The county executive again cited budget estimates that claim about $51 million  roughly the amount that the proposed 0.5% sales tax would have generated annually  goes to county programs mandated by the state. Those programs include public safety initiatives that officials repeatedly have said rank high among residents.

But residents also feel their property burden is already too steep, he added. (Farrow noted that about 44% of the county's property taxes go to pay for state-mandated services.)

"On the one hand we have residents demanding high quality services, good roads, and safe communities," he said, "and on the other hand we have many people who feel like they are already taxed too much and dont want to pay more of their hard-earned money to the county, or any other government, so we have to find the right balance."

On Tuesday, Farrow also indicated the county's approach would include more discussion about service cuts combined with discussions involving "the business community" and the public about county operations and the budget. It's unclear where such discussions will lead, such as another sales tax proposal if state funding remains unchanged.

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Amanda Payne, president and CEO of the Waukesha County Business Alliance, which questioned the need for a 0.5% sales tax last fall, at least welcomed a dialogue with the county to delve into solutions.

Responding to a Journal Sentinel request for a statement, Payne said the business-focused organization "appreciates County Executive Farrows commitment to working with the business community, local legislators, and other stakeholders to find the best path forward for Waukesha County."

But the organization will continue to favor what has been called the "Waukesha Way"  efficient, right-sized government  and county budget decisions that match that goal.

With the decision to formally abandon the sales tax initiative, Waukesha County remains one of only two Wisconsin counties to make do without a sales tax. Seventy others, including Racine this year, have committed to that revenue source. Winnebago is the only other remaining holdout.

Contact reporter Jim Riccioli at james.riccioli@jrn.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow pulls plug on sales tax proposal
Officials have issued a grim update regarding the deadly airplane crash in Washington, D.C.

At around 8:45 p.m. on Wednesday night, a regional American Airlines jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided with a Black Hawk Sikorsky H-60 over the Potomac River as it approached Ronald Reagan International Airport for landing. Defense Department officials told CBS News that there were three soldiers aboard the helicopter, which was making a training flight at the time of the crash.

At a press conference on Thursday morning, with search and rescue efforts ongoing, District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Chief John Donnelly issued a grim update. "We don't believe there are any survivors, he said, adding that they were pivoting from a rescue operation to a recovery mission. So far, Donnelly said, 27 bodies have been recovered from the airplane and one from the helicopter.

Related: Pilot Ejects Fighter Plane Before Fiery Crash at Air Force Base

CBS correspondent Kris Van Cleave reported that human remains and debris were washing up on the Virginia River side of the Potomac. Divers believe they found one of the planes two black boxes, data recorders which might shine light on the moments before the accident. Theyve also recovered passengers luggage and have been able to access the aircrafts cabin in a limited capacity.

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"It's a highly complex operation, the conditions out there are extremely rough for the responders. It's cold. They're dealing with relatively windy conditions," Donnelly explained.

Related: American Airlines Tragedy Ends Longest Aviation Safety Streak in U.S. History

According to CNN, Wednesdays crash is the deadliest aviation disaster in the country since November 12, 2001, when an American Airlines flight crashed just outside of Manhattan in Belle Harbor, Queens, killing all 260 passengers on board and five people on the ground. Despite the tragedys proximity to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the National Transportation Agency found no evidence of malfeasance and it was officially ruled an accident. The Nov. 2001 incident remains the deadliest airplane crash in American history.

Wednesday's crash ends a 16-year safety streak for the aviation industry, with the last crash occurring in New York in 2009.
The ongoing violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has prompted President Felix Tshisekedi to abstain from participating in a virtual Summit called by Kenyan President William Ruto, aimed at addressing the escalating rebel assault on the city of Goma.

State media confirmed that Tshisekedi would not attend the talks, which were intended to include both him and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, as rebel group M23 seized control of significant parts of Goma, including its airport.

While the situation in the city remains dire, with heavy fighting and sporadic gunfire, the reasons behind Tshisekedis decision to stay away from the summit remain unclear. On Wednesday January 29 evening, in a State Address, President Felix Tshisekedi announced a heavy response to M23 attack.

Rwandas alleged support for the M23 rebels has been a central point of contention in the conflict, with accusations of backing the group to gain control over the regions rich mineral resources.

Despite repeated denials from Rwanda, the UN has pointed to substantial evidence of its involvement. The conflict has further deepened ethnic tensions, as the M23 is led by ethnic Tutsis, a group historically linked to Rwanda.

Amid the chaos, civilian suffering is rising, with hospitals overwhelmed, essential services disrupted, and food and medical supplies looted. As tensions between the governments of DR Congo and Rwanda continue to escalate, the international community faces increasing pressure to intervene.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WKBN)  Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has asked the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to delay allowing E-15 gas to be sold year-round until next year.

Its slated to begin in April unless the EPA agrees to the governors request.

Ohio has used an emergency waiver for the last three years to produce E-15 year-round, but now the governor prefers a national legislative fix, instead of asking for waivers. It could delay the use of Unleaded 88 this summer.

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The Ohio Corn & Wheat group believes it can provide the fuel year-round and disagrees with the governors delay.

And were always trying to grow demand because thats the way farmers can thrive is to use up more supply. We just want to get rid of more of that supply, and we could do that through things like unleaded 88 year-round sales, said Tadd Nicholson, executive director of the Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association. Thats why its so important to us, to consumers, though its a lower cost fuel, and I think thats a good thing to keep 20 cents a gallon in your pocket as opposed to at the gas station. So its a win, win.

In Ohio, 42% of corn makes its first stop at an ethanol plant.

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College students walk on campus.(Stock photo from Getty Images.)

Lost among the headline aspects of SB 1, the Ohio GOPs bill to end professor tenure, curtail the right of faculty unions to strike, and restrict discussion of controversial beliefs, was a detail that may have the greatest impact on Ohios college students. As currently written, SB 1 threatens to end many scholarship programs that benefit thousands of Ohioans.

Buried on page 22 of its 75 pages, is a clause prohibiting colleges and universities from offering any new scholarships that use diversity, equity, and inclusion in any manner and requiring them to modify any existing scholarship programs so as to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion requirements. (Old scholarships that cant be modified due to donor contracts are to be closed to additional donations, effectively setting them on course for a slow death.)

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Legally, which students would be cut out of which scholarships hinges on how one defines the words diversity, equity, and inclusion. Each of these words is broad and squishy, a favored clay that any competent lawyer could sculpt to their liking. Astonishingly, the authors of SB 1 did not think defining these terms was important and left them dangling like bait for litigators.

The original version of this bill, introduced more than a year ago as SB 83, used clearer terminology, prohibiting scholarships that advantagedstudents by any group identity. Still, group identity is a very expansive idea and could conceivably include scholarships for swimmers, tuba players, or teens with dyslexia.

The precise definition of DEI has not yet been established by precedent of court rulings, but there are some operative legal definitions that will likely be relied on if SB 1 becomes law and is inevitably challenged.

Among the most definitive is to be found in an Executive Order from 2021 that specifically defines each of these three words. It defines diversity as the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, cultures, and beliefs of the American people, including underserved communities. Sounds like the dyslexics, tuba players and swimmers may count after all.

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It is likely that those who crafted SB 1 casually assumed that DEI only meant races and thought this so obvious it need not be nailed down. But I doubt all judges will think like the bills sponsor state Sen. Jerry Cerino does. Rather, it is highly likely that there are an array of scholarships that Mr. Cerino and his fellow GOP anti-woke warriors never imagined they would doom by their actions.

Looking through just the inventory of scholarships at my own institution, Bowling Green State University, there are dozens of scholarships that are threatened by this law.

Take, for example, the Cristoforo Colombo Award, given to a freshman of Italian descent.

Then there is the Blaine T. & Lauretta B. Ebert Scholarship, given to a graduate of an Ohio or Indiana high school whose family [is] actively involved in agriculture, or the Gaeth Family Scholarship granted to students who were raised on an Ohio farm. There are 77,384 white farmers in Ohio and 167 of them are African American.

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Many scholarships are funded by labor unions like the IPS Construction Management Scholarship given to student(s) whose parents, grandparents, or family members are active in a unionized construction trade. (Because most construction unions maintained color bars until forced to give them up in the 1970s, there are not many students of color who could qualify on the basis of their grandparents membership.)

There are those who argue that race and ethnic-based scholarships should be replaced by ones crafted to expand opportunities on the basis of income. These are reasonable arguments but they dont work here because any of the numerous scholarships given to economically disadvantaged students would fall within the scope of diversity.

Poor kids are literally a class of people who must by any definition be included in the idea of a community, an identity, and an underserved group, as the precedent of federal law would have it.

I would hope that all of our legislators in Columbus hold to the basic American values of fairness and equality enshrined in our most cherished founding documents.

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Following these ideals it would be un-American to cancel scholarships granted to students on the basis of their identity as members of a racial group and not also cancel those, like those given to Italians, farmers, and even plumbers grandkids who are mostly all white.

Likewise, it seems rather Scrooge-like to endanger the scholarships that our poorest and most disadvantaged learners depend upon to achieve their education.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Ohio lawmakers are once again attempting to ban homeowners associations from prohibiting political yard signs.

House Bill 16, sponsored by Reps. Brian Lorenz (R-Powell) and Thomas Hall (R-Madison Township), was introduced at the Statehouse last week. The legislation would make it illegal for HOAs, or any other neighborhood or civic group, to disallow political yard signs.

HOAs are private organizations that govern housing communities, collect fees from residents and create rules they must abide by, with the purpose of maintaining shared areas and protecting property values. The associations may fine an individual or bar them from using amenities if they break their rules. About 27% of Americans live within an HOA community as of 2023, according to Urban Institute.

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A lot of people will buy into communities where they want to have a certain aesthetic and what not, but when were regulating content and free speech, thats kind of when we cross the line, Lorenz said.

Lorenz introduced a similar bill in September after citing numerous complaints from constituents regarding the issue, but it ultimately did not pass the Statehouse before the legislative session ended. While only one introductory public hearing was held on the previous bill, it did not have any known opponents.

The recently introduced legislation does allow HOAs to reasonably restrict the size, location and number of political yard signs on an individuals property. It also permits restrictions on how long a sign is displayed.

The legislation does, however, say HOAs cannot prohibit the display of political yard signs in the 30 days preceding an election or limit the size of a sign to less than 12 inches in height and 18 inches in width.

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The political signs would also still have to adhere to municipal and state laws, which ban signage that threatens harm to another or that aims to intimidate people of a specific race or religion.

HOAs  some prohibit [political signs], some do not, and its exclusionary for these property owners to not be able to display yard signs, whereas other community members within other neighborhoods within a certain jurisdiction may be able to, Lorenz said.

House Bill 16s cosponsors consist of six Republicans and one Democrat. Lorenz said while the legislature ran out of time to get the previous bill signed into law, he believes the new bill has a better chance of passing this general assembly.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Ohio lawmakers are working to rewrite the recreational marijuana law voters approved two years ago with a bill that proposes at least 44 major changes.

Senate Bill 56, sponsored by state Sen. Steve Huffman (R-Tipp City), closely mirrors an effort that failed to pass last year.

This is just another slap in the face, state Sen. Bill DeMora (D-Columbus) said.

Dublin City Schools cancels plan to buy Cardinal Health building for $37 million

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The voters passed Issue Two and that is clear, but I do believe it is incumbent upon us as a General Assembly to make sure that we put some common-sense guidelines and guardrails in place, state Sen. Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson), chairperson of the General Government Committee, said. Her committee is where the bill is being heard.

Among provisions in the proposed bill is decreasing the legal maximum THC level for marijuana extracts from 90% to 70%.

Its like concentrated orange juice, Huffman said. You dont drink concentrated orange juice; youre going to dilute it down so that its a reasonable amount.

The bill not only makes direct changes to marijuana content, but it also changes many things around it, like tax laws. Right now, the excise tax on recreational marijuana is 10%, this bill would increase it to 15%.

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Current law divides the collected money this way:

36% to the Cannabis Social Equity and Jobs Fund: Used for social equity and job initiatives.

36% to the Host Community Cannabis Fund: Benefits municipal corporations or townships with adult use dispensaries.

25% to the Substance Abuse and Addiction Fund: Supports substance abuse and addiction services.

3% to the Division of Cannabis Control and Tax Commissioner Fund: Supports the operations of the Division of Cannabis Control and covers the tax administration costs.

Under SB 56, all the tax revenue would go to the state government, giving lawmakers control of how it is spent.

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We should spend the money now and be fluid in the future on where the money is going to end up going, Huffman said when asked if it would be spent in the state operating budget.

Theres no way that Im going to let all this money go to general funds when voters clearly didnt want that, DeMora said.

Not only does the bill defund the Social Equity and Jobs Program  it abolishes it. Huffman said he is open to some discussion.

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With social equity, whats the best way to achieve that, he said.

The bill also prohibits any person from owning more than eight dispensaries, prohibits the possession of marijuana other than homegrown or from an Ohio dispensary, does not allow anyone to receive unemployment benefits if they are fired for using marijuana, and bans any public smoking.

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It is focused on the combustibles for because you can smell it and people find that offensive, Huffman said.

If you could smoke a cigarette walking down the street, you should be able to smoke marijuana walking down the street as far as Im concerned, DeMora said.

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The legislation also removes protections from adverse actions against marijuana users.

SB 56 would limit the number of dispensaries allowed in Ohio to 350. Right now, there are 128 certificates of operation.

Supply and demand will increase the number going forward, Huffman said. And I dont think 350 is set in stone and that we can change that going forward.

Overall, opposition to the bill says it goes too far and ignores the will of the voters; backers of the bill said they want to add common-sense guidelines to existing law and keep Ohio from going down a bad path.

Pickerington teachers speak out about voyeurism incident

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Ive seen, I saw Denver before marijuana was legalized and Ive seen whats happened to it slowly over time after the legalization, Roegner said. And it really is sad. I mean, Denver used to be such a beautiful city.

Im going to try to be nice when one of my colleagues makes a statement like that, that I think is, that is not correct, DeMora said. Making marijuana legal had nothing to do with people becoming homeless. I mean, thats ludicrous and I dont understand why someone would say that.

Even though the bill is so extensive, DeMora said it is missing a key piece, which he said brought Democrats on board last General Assembly: expungement.

There ought to be a mechanism to have these peoples records expunged and not to have to go through hoops, DeMora said. Theyre trying to make it tougher to have people that have this on their record get it expunged. It should be automatic. It should be state paying for it.

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Huffman said he is open to an expungement addition but did not specify what he wants it to look like.

Does everybody get an automatic expungement? Do they have to have an active role? Are they just petitioning the court to be able to do that, Huffman said.

After classroom brawl, Hilliard councilman pushes for safety increase

The bill also cuts the number of plants that can be grown in one house from 12 to six.

The bill had both sponsor and proponent hearings on Wednesday, so now it awaits opponent hearing.

The legislation does not have any provision concerning Delta-8 and other hemp products but Huffman said he will be introducing that soon, saying he plans to introduce a bill requiring those products only be sold to Ohioans 21 years of age and older and only through dispensaries. DeMora said he is agreeable to that measure.

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A college student raises his hand during class discussion. Getty Images.

Ohio college students and faculty members are slamming a bill proposed by Republican lawmakers that would ban diversity and inclusion efforts, prevent faculty from striking, set rules around classroom discussion, and imperil scholarships, among other things.

State Sen. Jerry Cirino, R-Kirtland, introduced Senate Bill 1 last week which would also require post-tenure reviews, has a retrenchment provision that block unions from negotiating on tenure and has a policy around controversial beliefs. It would also shorten university board of trustees terms from nine years down to six years and require students to take an American history course.

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State Rep. Tom Young, R-Washington Twp., introduced House Bill 6, the companion bill to S.B. 1.

We dont know how to get it across that the students of Ohio dont want this bill, said Nica Delgado, a senior at Kent State University. Were not going to stop fighting it.

As S.B. 1, this bill is the top priority of the Senate Republican majority.

The fact that they have chosen a culture war education bill to start off with in this General Assembly really shows that theyre out of touch with what Ohioans really want their lawmakers to be doing, said Sara Kilpatrick, executive director of the Ohio Conference of the American Association of University Professors.

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Administrative redundancy is the one of the biggest problems with the bill, she said.

It tries to dictate what institutions have already figured out how to do well for themselves, Kilpatrick said. It dictates evaluation policies, tenure policies, retrenchment policies, and various other things that institutions are already doing. Were questioning why we need this one-size-fits-all set of mandates from the state when our diverse institutions have already determined what works well for them.

S.B. 1 prohibits collective bargaining over university evaluations of faculty and prohibits bargaining over post-tenure review policies, said David Jackson, president of Bowling Green State Universitys AAUP chapter.

From a collective bargaining standpoint, theres nothing more fundamental than the right to negotiate over the terms and conditions of employment, he said.

Diversity and Inclusion

The bill would essentially ban all diversity, equity and inclusion offices, training, orientations and scholarships on college campuses. The sole exception is if such training is required to comply with state and federal law, professional licensure requirements, or receiving accreditation or grants.

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The vast majority of our institutions that have DEI programs are really about student success and helping underrepresented students graduate with a degree, Kilpatrick said. We are concerned that this broad stroke of completely eliminating DEI is going to hurt those underrepresented students who are already more at risk for not achieving a degree.

Delgado, who is eligible for minority based scholarships, said she would lose her diversity scholarships if the bill were to pass.

I have been able to get through college without any student loan debt and that is because of the opportunities that have been afforded to me by those quote-unquote DEI scholarships, she said.

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She originally planned on staying at Kent State for graduate school, but is now considering going out-of-state.

I dont think, if this legislation continues, Ohio is going to be a place where I can get a quality education that will get me quality jobs when I graduate, she said. If (S.B. 1) passes, Im not going to be able to get the money for (college).

Controversial beliefs

Brielle Shorter, a 20-year-old Ohio State University student, protests against Senate Bill 1 on Jan. 22, 2025. (Photo by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal).

S.B. 1 defines controversial beliefs as any belief or policy that is the subject of political controversy, including issues such as climate policies, electoral politics, foreign policy, diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, immigration policy, marriage, or abortion, according to the bill.

The bill would allow students to affirm and declare that faculty and staff shall allow and encourage students to reach their own conclusions about all controversial beliefs or policies and shall not seek to indoctrinate any social, political, or religious point of view.

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As an example, Steve Mockabee, president of the University of Cincinnatis AAUP chapter, said this bill would force him to teach about various debunked conspiracy theories regarding election fraud in his elections class.

You have to entertain all sides of controversial subjects as though theyre equally valid, he said. But the big problem with that is, as academics, our primary role is to correct misunderstandings.

Academic freedom would not be protected if S.B. 1 passed, Mockabee said.

Faculty are going to be afraid to speak up, he said. Theyre going to be worried about speaking honestly in classrooms about controversial topics.

Anti-striking

University faculty would be banned from striking under the bill.

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Higher education strikes arent that common in Ohio. Youngstown State University workers went on strike for a few days in 2020 over pay disputes, and Wright State University went on strike for almost three weeks in January 2019 over pay disputes and health care.

Faculty hate the thought of striking because they know that it messes up their classes and hurts students, so its never a decision that would be taken lightly, and thats why theyre rare, Mockabee said.

The right to strike is one of the few pieces of leverage a union has, he said.

Oftentimes, the reason the faculty go on strike is because their administrations are not coming to the negotiating table to settle the contract, Kilpatrick said. We need to make sure that were addressing the root problems of what leads to strikes, instead of taking away what is a fundamental human right, which is, a fundamental human right to withhold your labor if youre not being treated fairly.

Retrenchment

S.B. 1 has a retrenchment provision that would block unions from negotiating on tenure.

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Retrenchment essentially refers to layoffs and it typically happens when there is a reduction in an academic program. Each higher education institution already has their own retrenchment policies, Kilpatrick said.

The reason that we find S.B. 1 problematic when it comes to retrenchment is because the definition is so broad that you can use virtually any reason to invoke retrenchment, and therefore to start closing academic programs and laying off faculty, she said. You can infer that having one student less in a program would be justification to invoke retrenchment.

Retrenchment should only be used if absolutely necessary, Kilpatrick said.

We want to make sure that we have a broad spectrum of academic programs, and that were not unnecessarily laying off faculty, she said. It means that students wont necessarily be able to count on their programs being there, on their faculty being there, and I dont think that we want to have that level of chaos occurring at our institutions.

Post-tenure review

S.B 1 includes a post-tenure review policy, but Kilpatrick said the idea that tenured faculty are never reviewed or cant be terminated is false.

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Mockabee, who has been at UC for 23 years, said he has had annual performance reviews before and after making tenure.

The principle of wanting every employee to be reviewed is fine, and there are ways that you could get there that would not impose this one-size-fits-all flawed process, Mockabee said.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  An expansion for the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum is in the works after plans were announced on Wednesday at the Memorial Museum.

According to museum officials, the new space will continue the mission of the memorial with education and programming and the impact for future growth.

Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum 30 year theme of the attack on Oklahoma City, Image courtesy Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum

Rain and Storms Through Thursday Morning

While commemorating the memorials 30th anniversary of the attack on Oklahoma City, the expansion plans revealed the proposed operations for future strategies in teaching the brutality of the attack through the tenderness of the response, the senselessness of violence, and how a Day of Darkness turned into Years of Light.

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This new space, called Foreword, will add nearly 13,000 square feet. It will introduce new programs, history, and stories that have never been heard before, hoping to remember and embrace those affected by the tragedy.

This sacred site continues to be a beacon of light and hope to so many others, Dr. Susan Chambers, Chairman of the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum said.

Foreword addition to the Memorial Museum. Image courtesy Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.

Foreword addition to the Memorial Museum. Image courtesy Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.

Foreword addition to the Memorial Museum. Image courtesy Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.

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Foreword addition to the Memorial Museum. Image courtesy Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.

Foreword addition to the Memorial Museum. Image courtesy Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.

Foreword addition to the Memorial Museum. Image courtesy Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.

Foreword addition to the Memorial Museum. Image courtesy Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.

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An all-new enhanced experience is aiming to honor, inform, and incorporate the 30 years following the Oklahoma City bombing.

Men, women, and children from all 50 states and hundreds of countries, theyve come to learn about the impact of violence, Dr. Chambers said.

The addition to the museum will include art recovered from the Murrah Building.

Also, new technology and a civics lab for students are being built in the education center.

Well also have a new film studio as an effort to record oral histories and character stories and personal legacies not known, so that we can continue to teach and to remember, Dr. Chambers said.

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Developers and the design team have been working together for over a year and say they are close to breaking ground.

We are going to start hopefully this fall, said Chris Fleming, project developer.

The original team that designed the museum, Gallagher Associates, will once again do the work.

Here we are in the next chapter in the story with Foreword, Patrick Gallagher with Gallagher Associates said. We see a community that is taking the tragic event and transforming the impact and meaning into dynamic educational programming. It has now national and international recognition.

Memorial leadership is excited for this next chapter and educating all who visit.

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You learn about the survivors and how their lives have been changed, and you learn about the heroes who came from near and far, Dr. Chambers said. They see the hope of a city rebuilt and moving forward, but not without remembering.

If you would like to learn more about everything this expansion is bringing, click this link.

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Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters (R) said his department will help President Trump enforce his immigration policies in any way that we can.

Weve said our schools will not be sanctuary schools in Oklahoma, Walters told NewsNations Connell McShane on Wednesday.

Walters supported a recent proposal by the states Board of Education that would require parents to show proof of their childs U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status when enrolling them in public schools.

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The proposed rule would not prevent students without legal status from attending school, but it would require districts to record the number of children for whom proof of citizenship was not provided and to report those numbers to the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

We will work with President Trump, Walters said. If he needs the information, well get it for him.

The rule, which the board unanimously approved Tuesday, has drawn criticism from many teachers and civil liberties groups.

Parents and students protested outside the states education building Tuesday night, and some parents said theyre considering pulling their kids out of school or moving.

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When asked whether the policy could dissuade students from attending school out of fear of providing their immigration status, Walters said its about keeping families intact.

If the president and ICE dont know where the families are, where the students are, youre going to have families that are deported without their kids, he told McShane.

The superintendent added: This is what the American people have asked for. President Trump is fulfilling a promise.

The rule still needs to be approved by the state Legislature and Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) before it becomes official.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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NewsNation is owned by Nexstar Media Group, which also owns The Hill.

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Gov. Kevin Stitt has proposed further cuts to Oklahoma's state and corporate income taxes, but his office disagrees with projections of the proposal's impacts provided by an independent think tank. Stitt is pictured speaking about a statewide grocery tax cut during a bill signing ceremony on Feb. 27. (Photo by Janelle Stecklein/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  An income tax cut heralded by the governor will cost state coffers hundreds of million less than an independent projection indicated, the Governors Office said Thursday.

Meyer Siegfried, a spokesman for Gov. Kevin Stitt, said the Oklahoma Tax Commission estimates the actual fiscal impact of a half a percent personal income tax cut will be about $202 million for the 2026 fiscal year, not the estimated $660 million calculated by the Oklahoma Policy Institute, an independent, nonpartisan Tulsa-based think tank.

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Siegfried said neither projection factors in key economic indicators such as people moving to Oklahoma.

Siegfried released the estimate a day after both the Tax Commission and Governors Office did not respond to requests to provide it. That same day, the state Office of Management and Enterprise Services, which helps project the budget, said that Oklahoma Voice would need to file an open records request to obtain information about the projected impact.

Stitt announced his plan to urge lawmakers to further protect Oklahoma taxpayers by cutting the states personal income and corporate tax rates by 0.5% during the upcoming session, but hoped legislators will move forward in future sessions with eliminating the states 4.75% personal income tax rate.

The Governors Office estimated the cut to the corporate income tax would have an impact of about $37.4 million. The current rate for corporate taxes is 4% which brought in nearly $915 million in revenue in 2024.

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The Oklahoma Policy Institute did not have estimates for the impact of this proposed tax cut, but said corporate tax cuts tend to aid large corporations rather than small businesses.

These proposed tax cuts come less than a year after lawmakers eliminated the state grocery tax, which was called the largest tax cut in state history.

Lawmakers will have about $191 million less to allocate to state agencies this year and are looking for places to tighten the state budget.

Some lawmakers expressed skepticism about Stitts proposed cuts Wednesday, meaning his proposal could meet resistance this session.

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David Hamby, communications director for the Oklahoma Policy Institute, said the think tank has high confidence in its projections and the estimate provided by the Governors Office seemed low for a whole year of tax cuts.

He said the Oklahoma Tax Commission in 2023 projected that a 0.25% cut to the income tax would equate to $92 million in the first year, but $235 million when fully enacted. Hamby said the Oklahoma Policy Institute had projected that same proposed cut would impact state revenue by $293 million.

As Oklahomas population grows, more people will need services, Hamby said. But if tax cuts reduce revenue and the budget stays the same, the money will have to cover the needs for more people. This means there will be less state funding available to meet essential needs for everyone.

Between 2020 and 2024, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that Oklahomas population grew by less than 136,000 people.

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Oklahoma voters in 1992 passed State Question 640 that requires a super majority in both chambers to increase taxes or a vote of the people. It only takes a majority to cut taxes.

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Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt will be reviewing the cases of over 500 undocumented immigrants in state correctional facilities before signing off on commuting their sentences so they can be deported. A sign for Joseph Harp Correctional Center in Lexington is pictured on Oct. 13, 2023. (Photo by Carmen Forman/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  A push to deport undocumented immigrants serving time in Oklahoma prisons doesnt mean that they wont be required to serve out their sentences or will escape justice.

Gov. Kevin Stitt said he will review the cases of undocumented immigrants serving time in Oklahoma correctional facilities individually before deciding whether to commute any sentences so that they can be deported.

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The Republican governor made the remarks Wednesday when asked how he was planning to balance victim rights and public safety with his plan to save taxpayers money by deporting undocumented criminals serving time in Oklahoma prisons.

Were not going to let bad people out just to make a political statement, Stitt said. But I also think about the tens of billions of dollars that Oklahoma taxpayers are spending to be incarcerating people that really shouldnt be in our state anyway.

He said the Department of Corrections has over 500 undocumented immigrants in custody.

Stitt tapped Tim Tipton, Oklahomas commissioner of public safety, in November to develop and launch Operation Guardian. The program aims to deport undocumented inmates incarcerated in Oklahoma prisons in coordination with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Trump administrations mass deportation mandate.

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But before anyone in state custody can be deported, Stitt must commute their sentence.

Stitt said he will consider the victims and their families to balance justice with deportation. He said hell look at things like country of origin, amount of time served and the type of offense to determine if justice has been served and if a commutation is warranted.

There are people that are at the end of their sentence and theyre about to get out, he said. And historically, over the last four years, when we turned them over to ICE coming out, they were just back in the communities.

Tipton said in an interview with Oklahoma Voice this week that hes been talking with the Trump administration and visited with the countrys new border czar Tom Homan this past week. Oklahoma officials will be doing our part as a state to make sure that the immigration laws are upheld, he said.

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The state will also need to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to find and deport undocumented immigrants that have been recently released from correctional facilities, Tipton said.

Oklahoma Voice reporter Barbara Hoberock contributed to this story.

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Residents who were evacuated or advised to shelter in place after a gas leak in Liberty County may return to the area, according to a post made by the Cleveland Fire Department on Facebook. Houston Chronicle

Residents who were evacuated or advised to shelter in place after a gas leak in Liberty County may return to the area, according to a post made by the Cleveland Fire Department on Facebook.

The gas leak was reported near Southside Elementary School around 12 p.m. Thursday, according to the post. The Cleveland Fire Department advised those in the area, including several businesses and a daycare, evacuate as CenterPoint crews worked to stop the leak Thursday afternoon. The flow of gas has since been cut off, and Centerpoint is on site making repairs, according to the Cleveland Fire Department.

"Shelter in place outside of the area of the leak can be lifted," the department's Facebook post read. "The gas is off and repairs are being started."

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This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

The United States surgeon general recently called for a warning of cancer risk on alcohol labels. And I agree. But the discourse that has come out in the media, by health professionals and health influencers, has been alarmist and a disservice to informing the public on the real cancer risks associated with alcohol.

I'm a professor in Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University and I study how behaviors relate to the disease. I also write a blog on the role health behaviors play in your health.

Alcohol and cancer risk

The surgeon general's comments follow reports from the World Health Organization and Canada's Guidance on Alcohol and Health, both of which state there is no safe amount of alcohol you can consume.

This has been repeated by health professionals, those in public health and on social media, where health influencers have described alcohol as a toxin.

But are these alarmist statements a good motivator for health messaging, or is there danger to using them?

Statistically, your risk for cancer goes up from the very first sip of alcohol. That doesn't mean you will get cancer from drinking alcohol, it just means your chances increase. And as you drink more alcohol, your chances further increase. It's like betting in roulette: the more numbers you bet on, the more likely you are to win. Or in this case, lose.

However, what's lost in this messaging is how much this risk is. Based on Canada's Guidance on Alcohol and Health, having one drink per week increases a women's risk for breast cancer by 1.8%. Approximately one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their life. Therefore, out of 800 women, one drink per week will result in two additional women getting breast cancer. Having one drink per day increases the risk seven-fold. These are real people who might otherwise not get breast cancer if they abstained from alcohol.

While saying no amount of alcohol is safe is true, this can apply to a lot of common activities. In Canada, there are approximately 300 pedestrian deaths per year. Each day, on average, five Canadians die in motor vehicle accidents.

While these numbers are much lower than the number of people who die from cancer each year, it would also be accurate to say there is no amount of walking or driving that is safe. Despite this, people will continue to cross the street and people will continue to drive. But this illustrates the challenge in informing the public about risks and changing behavior.

Fear in public health messaging

The use of fear in public health has a long history. But measuring the effect of these campaigns is hard. Graphic images are used on tobacco products to scare people away from smoking. Carefully controlled studies indicate they increase health awareness but may have limited effect on smoking. However, similar graphic images on bottles of sugar-sweetened beverages in controlled studies have been shown to reduce consumption.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, fear was at the forefront of public health efforts to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Indeed, the use of fear in public health messaging seemed to be quite an effective tool in ensuring behavioral compliance in pandemic measures. Community interviews of parents showed fear was at the root of both getting their children vaccinated (fear of the disease) or not (fear of the vaccination).

The use of fear in public health messaging should only be used if there's an effective solution. In the case of alcohol, there is: abstinence. But the use of fear should also be commensurate with the risk, otherwise it risks having people tune out.

This may be particularly problematic when previous guidelines stated beneficial effects of moderate drinking and current guidelines on alcohol state one to two drinks per day is acceptable. Instead, the public may be best served by communicating the risk in terms the public understands, such as how many more people will get cancer from drinking.

Alcohol should have a warning label on it

Alcohol consumption in Canada is on the decline. In 2022, alcohol consumption decreased by 1.2% compared to 2021. And in 2023, 54% of Canadians reported having no alcohol over the previous week, with younger Canadians drinking less than their older counterparts. These trends are similar in the United States.

More than 40 countries have a warning label on alcohol (although far fewer mention cancer), but Canada and many European countries are not included. They should be. Alcohol is a highly addictive substance that can destroy the lives of those addicted to it and those around them. It impairs judgment and accounts for dozens of deaths per year from drinking and driving.

Pregnant women drinking alcohol also increase their risk of their child having fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Alcohol is also a drug you can overdose from.

Warning labels on alcohol are a good step to reduce health risks, as long as they are clear and informative.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
(NewsNation)  Oklahoma schools leader Ryan Walters said his department will help President Donald Trump enforce his immigration policies in any way that we can.

Weve said our schools will not be sanctuary schools in Oklahoma, Walters, the Republican state superintendent, told NewsNations Connell McShane on Wednesday.

Okla. Board of Education OKs rule to require students citizenship status

Walters supported a recent proposal by the states Board of Education that would require parents to show proof of their childs U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status when enrolling them in public schools.

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The proposed rule would not prevent students without legal status from attending school, but it would require districts to record the number of students for whom proof of citizenship was not provided and to report those numbers to the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

We will work with President Trump, Walters said. If he needs the information, well get it for him.

Ryan Walters filmed himself praying for Trump, made students watch it

The rule, which the board unanimously approved Tuesday, has drawn criticism from many teachers and civil liberties groups.

Parents and students protested outside the states education building Tuesday night, and some parents said theyre considering pulling their kids out of school or moving.

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When asked whether the policy could dissuade students from attending school out of fear of providing their immigration status, Walters said its about keeping families intact.

If the president and ICE dont know where the families are, where the students are, youre going to have families that are deported without their kids, Walters said.

He added: This is what the American people have asked for. President Trump is fulfilling a promise.

The rule still needs to be approved by the state Legislature and the governor before it becomes official.

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.
State Superintendent Ryan Walters with his government relations associate, Lindsey McSparrin, presents his Fiscal Year 2026 budget request for the Oklahoma State Department of Education to the House subcommittee on education appropriations in the state Capitol on Wednesday. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  As national testing again ranks Oklahoma in the bottom 10 for academic results, lawmakers on Wednesday debated whether the state is headed in the right direction or is pursuing policies that distract from better outcomes.

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) released 2024 reading and math results from every state Wednesday. The NAEP tests showed Oklahoma was among the lowest-performing states in the country, had no significant progress since 2022 and still has not reached pre-pandemic performance.

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The same day as the NAEP release, lawmakers at the state Capitol heard a budget presentation from the head of Oklahomas public education system, Superintendent Ryan Walters, who said his administration is making a difference for schools and students by funding teacher recruitment efforts, literacy programs and high-dosage tutoring.

But, House Democrats said Walters has spent too much time focusing on divisive rhetoric rather than school needs.

Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Oklahoma City, said state Superintendent Ryan Walters made a rosy presentation to lawmakers but hasnt helped test results. (Photo by Carmen Forman/Oklahoma Voice)

We saw some rosy pronouncements. We saw a lot of hand waving about educational performance improvements, Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Oklahoma City, said after the budget hearing. The sad reality is year-over-year scores did not improve, and we saw that confirmed in the release this week of the NAEP scores.

A spokesperson for Walters did not return a request for comment on Oklahomas NAEP results. Walters didnt discuss it either during his budget hearing even when a Republican lawmaker asked how Oklahoma compares to other states in education.

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We are still not where we need to be in math, reading and ACT (scores), Walters said during the hearing in the House chamber. I believe what weve got to continue to do is continue to aggressively help the schools in the bottom 5% (of the state).

Improving scores from the lowest-performing students corresponded with an overall upward swing in national test results through the mid-1990s and early 2000s, officials from the National Center for Education Statistics said in a NAEP town hall Wednesday. The 2024 results, though, show the gap is widening between the top and bottom performers.

Walters also touted a new rule that would penalize a school district if more than half of its students score below a basic performance level in reading and math. His administration proposed the rule, and Gov. Kevin Stitt signed it into law last year.

Weve got to continue to move forward with reforms that are focused on student outcomes, Walters told lawmakers.

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He asked for an extra $1 million to support a new program mentoring early career teachers and another $4 million to meet demand for teacher maternity leave.

Walters policy priorities divide lawmakers

But, Walters request to spend $3 million on Bibles for classrooms came under question from members of both political parties.

Rep. Jacob Rosecrants, D-Norman, noted multiple versions of the Bible are available for free online, and Rep. Michelle McCane, D-Tulsa, questioned whether $3 million could be better spent on literacy or early childhood programs.

Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader, R-Piedmont, asked why the state couldnt seek out donated Bibles rather than buying them with taxpayer funds. Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, said she worried whether inviting the Bible into classrooms might open a door to the Quran, Wicca, atheists and other religions outside of Christianity.

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Walters said the Bible should be physically present in classrooms, along with the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, to help contextualize American history.

His pursuit of requiring proof of U.S. citizenship in public school enrollment also came under fire at the Capitol on Wednesday in multiple Democrat-led news conferences.

Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval, D-Oklahoma City, speaks at the Oklahoma State Department of Education against proposed citizenship checks in schools during a public hearing Jan. 17 in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

Members of the Legislatures Latino Caucus said the idea could drive up chronic absenteeism rates among immigrant students, whose families are fearful of the state superintendents support of immigration enforcement in schools. Alabama saw a similar trend when it enacted a law in 2011 to check students immigration status.

Walters accusing immigrants of being the one to overburden our system is exactly the opposite of the truth, Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval, D-Oklahoma City, said. It is him thats overburdening our schools by bringing these political issues into the classroom.

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Some of Walters fellow Republicans, though, praised the state superintendents work on improving academic results. The head of the House subcommittee on education funding, Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, thanked Walters during Wednesdays budget hearing for his work to move our state forward.

The subcommittees vice chair, Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin, even joined Walters news release Wednesday to compliment his budget request.

We appreciate Superintendent Walters dedication to our students and proven programs like high-dosage tutoring, Hasenbeck said in her statement. He has proven that he is willing to go to bat, time and time again, for Oklahomas teachers, parents, students and school safety.

Oklahoma ranks toward the bottom in reading, math scores

Underscoring the days proceedings is yet another bottom-10 ranking for Oklahoma education. NAEP assessments, also known as the Nations Report Card, found Oklahoma showed no significant improvement since the previous round of national testing in 2022.

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NAEP has been testing fourth and eighth graders across the country since 1992.

In NAEPs 2024 results, Oklahoma ranked 47th in fourth-grade reading and 48th in eighth-grade reading. Oklahoma fourth graders ranked 44th and its eighth graders 45th for math proficiency.

Christy Hovanetz, a senior policy fellow at the Foundation for Excellence in Education, speaks at a panel about school accountability during the foundations national summit at the Omni Hotel in Oklahoma City on Nov. 14. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

The states reading scores indicate students are about a full grade level behind where fourth and eighth graders were before the COVID-19 pandemic, said Christy Hovanetz, a school accountability expert at the education-focused think tank ExcelinEd.

Oklahomas decision this year to reduce its own expectations for student performance on state-administered tests wont help, she said. The state quietly lowered the bar in 2024 for students to reach a proficient score on its yearly exams for reading and math.

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States that shot up the NAEP rankings in recent years, like Mississippi, have done so by maintaining high expectations for students and schools, Hovanetz said.

She said Oklahoma also must ensure it has a qualified teacher workforce that is trained in the science of reading. Thats an issue Walters has put money behind to improve.

I just dont want to see us saying this is all we should be expecting of our kids, knowing that 10 years ago we were getting a lot more from them, Hovanetz said. We know what works. We know how to do it. Its just not easy, but its time to start implementing some of those tougher reforms again.

Reporter Emma Murphy contributed to this report.

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Sen. Thom Tillis (File Photo: Screengrab from C-Span)

North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis has a longstanding reputation for giving hints hell do the right thing on important issues and then, when the chips are down, chickening out and caving into pressure from the far right.

Sadly, it happened again last week as the Senate considered the nomination of Fox News talking head Pete Hegseth, to lead the Department of Defense.

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As the Wall Street Journal reported, Tillis assured Hegseths former sister-in-law that that if she signed a statement testifying that she believed her former brother-in-law has an alcohol abuse problem and was abusive to his second wife, it would lead him and two other GOP senators to vote no and thereby prevent Hegseth from being confirmed.

Of course, you know how this went. The other two senators did vote no, but Tillis flipflopped and provided the deciding vote to confirm a deeply unqualified nominee.

The bottom line: To be a voice of reason and moderation in todays Republican Party, it takes a healthy measure of courage and honesty. Senator Tillis continues to come up short in both categories.

For NC Newsline, Im Rob Schofield.
One of Californias largest immigrant detention facilities is set to begin holding immigrants again now that a federal judge has lifted a pandemic-era court order that had reduced the population to just two detainees.

The move comes more than a year after discussions over its potential closure led workers at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center to urge the federal government not to shut it down. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement had issued temporary contract extensions every several months while awaiting resolution of the legal case.

In a ruling Friday, U.S. District Judge Terry Hatter Jr. of the Central District of California wrote that the ban on new detainee intakes at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center  is temporarily lifted pending a final fairness hearing.

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The legal dispute centered on conditions at the facility for both employees and detainees and was not connected to President Trump's current crackdown on immigration. Even so, the facility, which can hold nearly 2,000 detainees, could play a major role in the administration's enforcement efforts as it follows through on Trump's pledges to round up people living in the country illegally.

Read more: While signing Laken Riley Act, Trump says he'll send 'worst' criminal migrants to Guantanamo

Neither the immigration agency nor GEO Group  the Florida-based private prison corporation that manages the facility  responded immediately to requests for comment.

The population at Adelanto began dropping dramatically in 2020 after an outbreak of COVID-19 tore through the facility, prompting Hatter to order the release of detainees and to prohibit new intakes and transfers.

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"We would have loved to keep the intake ban for as long as we possibly could, but the intake ban really arises from the pandemic and the fact that it was not fair to hold people in there," said Eva Bitran, an attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California. "We don't believe that anybody should be confined in immigration detention and certainly not at Adelanto, given its record of human rights abuses."

The ban will be lifted permanently once the court issues a final approval of the settlement, which the federal government and immigrant advocates reached Dec. 23. Bitran said final approval could come as soon as mid-March.

For now, the facility can repopulate to a maximum of only 475 people. The population cap, also established under the pandemic order, will lift upon final approval of the settlement, Bitran said. The facility has a capacity of 1,940.

Adelanto is a former state prison about 85 miles northeast of Los Angeles that began operating as an ICE detention center in 2011. In total, California facilities can hold nearly 7,200 detainees.

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Randy Erwin, president of the National Federation of Federal Employees, which represents many of the employees at Adelanto, said he was glad to learn that the facility would be repopulating because it was a waste of taxpayer money for it to sit empty.

"It's a state-of-the-art facility and it was very clear, really from the previous administration and this one, that there's a need for beds," he said. "I'm glad to see that our people didn't lose their jobs, that the facility is open and that our folks are getting back to work."

GEO Group employees previously told The Times that the facility requires up to 500 workers at full capacity. Erwin said 350 union members were slated to be terminated had the facility closed.

Read more: Immigration arrests in churches? Some clergy say not so fast

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The federal government moved to lift the ban last year and the ACLU opposed it, Bitran said, because the government had provided no assurances that it would protect people upon intake from bringing COVID-19 back into the facility. After some back and forth, they finally moved toward settling the case.

Bitran said she never would have thought that five years later there would still be a ban against new detainees at the Adelanto facility.

"For us this is a huge victory," she said. "But there was always a ticking clock on that intake ban."

A coalition of immigrant rights groups called Shut Down Adelanto, of which the ACLU of Southern California is a member, has advocated for the facility's closure for years, citing numerous health, safety and human rights violations. For instance, the Environmental Protection Agency in 2021 issued a warning to GEO Group after finding that misuse of a chemical disinfectant spray had caused detainees to suffer nosebleeds and nausea.

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Rep. Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park), who has been strongly in favor of Adelanto's closure, said she will continue monitoring conditions there.

"Frankly, I'm scared for the safety and security of immigrants detained now by GEO Group in the Adelanto facility and the ones who will be detained there by the Trump administration's ICE raids," she said.

Although the Biden administration ended contracts with several detention facilities across the country, the Trump administration has quickly moved to vastly expand immigrant detention.

On Wednesday, Trump signed a memorandum directing the federal government to begin using the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for the detention of 30,000 "high priority" immigrants.

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Read more: Justice Dept. halts legal programs for detained immigrants, cuts off advocates' access to facilities

"This will double our capacity immediately, Trump said at the White House earlier in the day. Those remarks came just after Trump signed the Laken Riley Act, his first legislative win this term. The law will increase detention by requiring that immigrants charged with certain crimes, such as theft, be detained.

Congress funded 41,500 immigrant detention beds last fiscal year. Before Trump took office, more than 39,000 people were already being detained. During his first term in 2019, immigration authorities detained a high of more than 55,000 people.

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.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  One person is dead after a shooting in a southwest Columbus neighborhood Thursday morning.

A police dispatcher said officers went to the 600 block of Butler Avenue in the South Hilltop neighborhood just before 10 a.m. and found one person with a gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced dead at 10:10 a.m.

ICE can now raid schools: what protections central Ohio students have

Columbus polices homicide investigation unit was called to the scene to investigate this fatal shooting, per a police dispatcher.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
(NEXSTAR)  Plenty of Americas most persistent culinary traditions can be traced back to the Black chefs and kitchen staffs  many of whom were enslaved  who cooked for more privileged white diners during our nations infancy and beyond.

Among them, there was Hercules Posey, an enslaved man who worked as George Washingtons personal chef at Mount Vernon, and later prepared lavish meals for Washington and his guests at the presidents residence in Philadelphia. And then there was Abby Fisher, who was born into slavery and later worked as a cook in Alabama and California before becoming an entrepreneur, a cookbook author and an authority on Southern cuisine.

Its not easy uncovering the histories of enslaved cooks, who left few records of their own and whose stories often appear in the historical record as asides, Dr. Kelley Fanto Deetz, a visiting scholar with the African American studies department at U.C. Berkeley, once wrote in a 2018 essay for Zocalo Public Square.

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But any existing historical records, Deetz argued, make it clear that enslaved cooks were central players in the birth of our nations cultural heritage.

MLK Day at Kings Atlanta congregation features daughters warning about anti-woke rhetoric

One of most prominent figures in this category  in terms of acknowledgement, skill and influence  was James Hemings, the enslaved personal chef of Thomas Jefferson. Hemings was also Jeffersons brother-in-law by marriage, his parents being Jeffersons father-in-law John Wayles and Wayles slave Betty Hemings.

Jefferson inherited James Hemings from Wayles when the boy was just 8. He later took the 19-year-old Hemings with him on a diplomatic trip to Paris in 1784. There, Jefferson had him trained as a chef  thus making Hemings the first American chef to receive formal training in France, according to multiple accounts.

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After his training, Hemings was named head chef at the hotel and residence where Jefferson lived in France, cooking for international guests, statesmen, authors, scientists, and European aristocrats, according to the Thomas Jefferson Foundation. He also earned a wage, though a significantly smaller wage (half) than what Jefferson had paid a previous white chef.

With his wages, Hemings hired himself a French tutor to enrich his education, during which time its believed he became aware of a local law that would have allowed him to ask the French courts to grant him freedom. But if Hemings was aware of that law, he didnt act upon this knowledge, and instead returned to the U.S. with Jefferson in 1789.

Hemings chose to return with Jefferson based, at least in part, on Jeffersons pledge to free him if he worked as Jeffersons chef at home for a period of time, Lisa Mann, a historian with the White House Historical Association, once wrote.

The restored kitchen at Jeffersons Monticello estate in Charlottesville Virginia, where enslaved cooks prepared lavish meals for Jefferson, his family and his guests. (Edwin Remsburg/VW Pics via Getty Images)

Back in America, Hemings cooked for Jefferson and his guests at his residences in New York, Philadelphia and in Jeffersons Virginia home at Monticello. It was in these slave kitchens that Hemings is said to have innovated and popularized (though not necessarily invented) French-inspired dishes including macaroni and cheese, hard ice creams, meringue desserts and even French fries, according to Ashbell McElveen, the founder of the James Hemings Society.

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And because of his skills at the stove, Jefferson used [Hemings] skills as a political weapon, McElveen explained in a 2021 interview with The National Arts Club. Whenever he needed some opinions to be swayed his way, he would actually invite people to dinner for James incredible skills.

In 1793, Jefferson, seemingly reluctantly, finally made a deal to grant Hemings his freedom under the condition that Hemings train another enslaved chef  which ended up being his brother Peter  to replace him.

Having been at great expence [sic] in having James Hemings taught the art of cookery, desiring to befriend him, and to require from him as little in return as possible, I do hereby promise and declare, that if the said James shall go with me to Monticello in the course of the ensuing winter, when I go to reside there myself, and shall there continue until he shall have taught such person as I shall place under him for that purpose to be a good cook, this previous condition being performed, he shall be thereupon made free, and I will thereupon execute all proper instruments to make him free, Jefferson wrote as a promise to Hemings.

Jefferson ultimately granted Hemings his freedom in 1796, only after his replacement was sufficiently trained. Over the following years, Hemings traveled abroad in Europe, and at least once returned to work for Jefferson. (Jefferson, after being elected president, also requested Heming come work in the White House kitchen, though Heming declined.) Heming later settled into a job in Baltimore, according to the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, where he died in 1801.

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His cause of death, while somewhat disputed, was thought to be suicide.

Its a dramatic story, and youre left to ponder: What drove him to that? What was it about his life that made it so despairing that he killed himself? Harvard professor and historian Annette Gordon Reed said in an interview published at Monticello.org.

You get a sense of the tragedy of slavery, and the tragedy of white supremacy, because there was no place for him, even though he was highly trained.

Nancy Leftenant-Colon, the first Black woman in Army Nurse Corps, passes away

Hemings contributions to American cuisine, and especially fine dining, were carried on by fellow chefs who ultimately brought his ideas to other parts of the country, McElveen said in his interview with The National Arts Club. McElveen also believes that many of Hemings recipes made their way into The Virginia House-wife, an 1824 cookbook and manual credited to Mary Randolph, a family friend of the Jeffersons who was raised by Thomas Jeffersons own parents.

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The publication of Hemings uncredited recipes in Randolphs book (as well as other recipes that may have come from enslaved cooks) amounts to the greatest theft in publishing history, McElveen alleged.

Even despite this, Hemings is often spoken of today as an extraordinarily talented chef, an innovator, and, some say, one of the first celebrity chefs in American cuisine.

Michael W. Twitty, a culinary historian and the winner of the 2018 James Beard Foundation Book Award, would go as far to say that Hemings could be considered the granddaddy of every Southern chef, as he argued in the 2022 documentary James Heming: Ghost in Americas Kitchen.

Nobody had more refined training. Nobody had his palate. Nobody had his experience, Twitty said. And nobody had his blues.

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One of the two students critically injured during the school shooting at Abundant Life Christian School has been discharged from a Madison hospital and is now recovering at home, according to a statement from the hospital.

"The family would like to thank the countless UW Health Kids doctors, nurses and staff for saving their childs life," Emily Greendonner, a spokesperson for UW Health, said in a Thursday statement. "Both families continue to request privacy at this time."

The other student remains hospitalized at the American Family Childrens Hospital and is in "good condition," Greendonner said.

Media gather outside the Abundant Life Christian School on Dec. 17 in Madison. Natalie Rupnow, 15, shot and killed a student and teacher and wounded six people Dec. 16 at the school. Rupnow died by suicide.

The shooting at the private school in Madison on Dec. 16 left three dead, including the shooter, a 15-year-old freshman named Natalie L. Rupnow, who went by Samantha, and wounded six others.

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Madison police never released the names of the six people injured during the shooting. In late-December, the Journal Sentinel was able to confirm and given permission to report the first names of the two victims who had been in critical condition since the shooting: Samy and River.

The hospital statement did not specify which student had been discharged on Thursday.

Prompted by the shooting, two Madison Democratic lawmakers, state Rep. Shelia Stubbs and state Sen. Kelda Roys, and other local leaders gathered Monday night to listen to community members speak about concerns related to schools safety.

Doors at Abundant Life Christian School are draped with police tape Dec. 17 in Madison.

Parents asked for increased mental health support in schools, and to curtail bullying so there is a better sense of belonging.

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Students asked lawmakers to do more to help keep them safe at school, so they aren't required to wonder if they will be the next victims of violence in the classroom.

Students also marched to the Capitol four days after the incident to protest gun violence.

Jessica Van Egeren is a general assignment reporter and assistant breaking news editor. She can be reached at jvanegeren@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Abundant Life student hurt in Madison school shooting leaves hospital
Rapid City, S.D. (KELO)  January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

The South Dakota Survivor Task Force has recently put out a toolkit online to provide a one-stop location for local, regional and national resources.

Human trafficking survivors from across South Dakota have put their hearts into this toolkit to hopefully make a difference and save lives.

And the toolkit identifies these different kinds of abuse, how people might respond to the abuse and how to navigate it afterward, Task Force Member Jolene Geary said.

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It offers guidance and tips for other victims who are trying to survive.

It also includes warning signs that could save a life.

The victim will not be speaking for themselves but the individual holds a place of authority. Whether its age or just a dominant role. And you can usually recognize that an individual thats being victimized will hold back, maybe not make eye contact, Treasured Lives Executive Director/Survivor Kelly Patterson said.

Kelly Patterson is a human trafficking survivor and author who speaks around the country.

And a lot of people dont imagine that happens here and so my biggest passion about the whole thing is educating the public to understand it does happen here, its been happening here for a very long time, Patterson said.

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Rhoden joins KELOLAND News for first sit-down interview

In recent years, social media has brought more attention to the reality of these situations.

Because of social media, people who are younger are becoming more aware of these social injustices, these social issues. And they do want to get involved, they do want to see people heal, they want to see people freed, Task Force Member/Survivor Gina Dvorak said.

Former CIA Special Operations Officer and actor Bazzel Baz has been working to rescue children for more than 30 years. In that time, his team has helped rescue more than 500 children.

A moral issue in our country and that should be approached with dignity and compassion simply because children are the most innocent in our nation. I believe its a national security issue too, Association for the Recovery of Children Founder Bazzel Baz said.

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Not only can trafficking begin with a kidnapping, but it can also start with psychological means. The most common recruiters are Family Members or Caregivers, Intimate Partners, and Employers.

And we need to be good leaders and good people that will say, this is not going to happen on my watch. You know if Ive got 80 years here to live, then within 80 years Im going to do my very best to save a child. Saving one child will not change the world, but for that one child their entire world will change, Baz said.

I think its really important for family members and people who are support systems or people who are victims going through this. And so the toolkit is an online resource, so its also really accessible to rural areas too, Geary said.

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Law enforcement and the judicial system are also making a difference. The number of people convicted of human trafficking nearly doubled from 2012 to 2022.

Survivors are hoping these toolkits send an important message.

Pretty much everything that happens in trafficking is not your fault. You know, its being under the control of someone else. And so thats always important for me to share is that those things dont define who you are as a human being and you can overcome incredible amounts of trauma and live a different life, Dvorak said.

Not only does this toolkit provide information on sex trafficking, it also has information on domestic violence, stalking, and more situations one might be fighting against.

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You can find the toolkit here.

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President Donald Trump sparked confusion and anger when he blamed DEI for a plane crash in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday that killed more than 60 people.

In a White House briefing the day after an American Airlines flight collided with a military helicopter over the nation's capital, Trump said diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives could have been behind on the tragedy.

"You have to go by brainpower, you have to go by psychological quality, Trump said. And [former President Joe] Biden went by a standard thats the exact opposite Certainly, for an air traffic controller, we want the brightest, the smartest, the sharpest."

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The claim drew instant condemnation from aviation experts and lawmakers who ripped the suggestion that air traffic controllers werent qualified for their jobs.

Only a f**king monster would say this as bodies are being recovered, Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., who sits on the House Aviation Subcommittee, responded in a post to X.

CNN aviation correspondent and pilot Pete Muntean similarly condemned Trumps unhinged connection between DEI and the deadly crash. In an interview with newscaster Pamela Brown, Muntean said he put [his] head in [his] hands when he heard Trumps suggestion.

What he has said is not only unprofessional, unpresidential, inconsiderate of the status of this investigation, but frankly it is just unhinged that he could even say with any sort of certainty that diversity, equity and inclusion policies had any part to play in this accident, Muntean said.

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The flight instructor and subject matter expert noted that knee-jerk reactions about the cause of the crash are unhelpful.

"This is something that investigators will really need to pick apart piece by piece, and that is going to take some really significant time," Muntean said. "Were barely even 12 hours after this crash and he is saying with a lot of certainty that the blame is on DEI.

Frankly, it is just unhinged. Aviation expert Pete Muntean rips into Trump for blaming DC air crash on DEI initiatives. (Video: CNN) pic.twitter.com/jj3XWL18RE  Mike Sington (@MikeSington) January 30, 2025

Diversity initiatives weren't the only place the president laid blame. Trump also claimed that former Biden admin Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg had run [the department] right into the ground with his diversity.

Buttigieg called Trumps suggestion that his department prioritized any standard over safety despicable.

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As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying, Buttigieg wrote on X. We put safety first, drove down close calls, grew Air Traffic Control, and had zero commercial airline crash fatalities out of millions of flights on our watch.

The ex-transport boss pointed out that a Trump order from earlier this month could be more to blame than equity initiatives.

President Trump now oversees the military and the FAA. One of his first acts was to fire and suspend some of the key personnel who helped keep our skies safe, Buttigieg added. The FAA did not have a director at the time of the crash, as former head Michael Whitaker resigned under pressure from Trump associates.
ChatGPT maker OpenAI has become the subject of widespread mockery online after whining that buzzy Chinese AI startup DeepSeek stole its intellectual property  despite indiscriminately ripping off other people's work itself for many years.

The Sam Altman-led company told the Financial Times that it had "some evidence" of DeepSeek stealing its intellectual property, training its AI models on the output of OpenAI's models.

DeepSeek threw Silicon Valley into complete chaos earlier this week, wiping out over $1 trillion worth of market capitalization in a single day. Its R1 model impressed with a performance that can rival OpenAI's most sophisticated models while using a tiny fraction of the resources.

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The glaring hypocrisy of OpenAI ripping off human creatives and then accusing DeepSeek of vacuuming up its work to build a better product didn't go unnoticed.

"I'm so sorry I can't stop laughing," AI critic Ed Zitron wrote in a scathing post. "OpenAI, the company built on stealing literally the entire internet, is crying because DeepSeek may have trained on the outputs from ChatGPT."

"Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha hahahhahahahahahahahahahahaha," 404 Media's Jason Koebler wrote in a post about the situation.

"The irony here is palpable," another user wrote.

"You can't steal from us!" one user joked. "We stole it fair and square!"

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Other users pointed out that despite having the word "open" in its company name, OpenAI is a closed-source, for-profit entity. Meanwhile, DeepSeek's AI models actually are open source.

"Unlike OpenAI, DeepSeek is open AI," one X-formerly-Twitter user wrote.

OpenAI's whining didn't muster much sympathy.

"If you steal all the art in the whole world to make tech that lies and can't do arithmetic, and someone steals your tech and then gives that tech out for free while you're still charging $200/mo for it, well, maybe you're not the actual victim here," one Bluesky user argued.

It remains to be seen whether OpenAI has much of a case.

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"DeepSeek may well have broken OpenAIs Terms of Service and distilled their intellectual property without permission," AI critic Gary Marcus tweeted. "OpenAI may well have done analogous things to YouTube, New York Times, and countless artists and writers."

Marcus was referring to the New York Times' lawsuit against OpenAI over copyright infringement and the strong possibility that the firm trained its models by stealing videos from YouTube, which also happens to be against its terms of service.

"Karma is a bitch," he added.

OpenAI has maintained that ripping off copyrighted material to train its AI models falls under fair use, a United States copyright law doctrine permitting the unlicensed use of protected works. Altman has also openly admitted that there would be no OpenAI if it didn't rip off copyrighted materials.

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But now that DeepSeek has allegedly run afoul of its terms of service by employing the same playbook, OpenAI's position highlights a glaring double standard.

Meanwhile, Altman has beat the war drum, arguing that "we will obviously deliver much better models" than DeepSeek without elaborating further.

Instead of focusing on beating DeepSeek when it comes to cost efficiency, however, Altman is doubling down, arguing that OpenAI is still hellbent on delivering "more compute."

More on DeepSeek: Another Chinese AI Company Says It's Beaten OpenAI
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

Women who go on to develop postpartum depression (PPD) may have characteristic levels of neuroactive steroids, molecules derived from the hormone progesterone, in their blood during the third trimester of pregnancy, according to a study by researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine and the University of Virginia. These molecules influence the brain's stress response and emotional regulation.

The findings, published in Neuropsychopharmacology, suggest that this may provide a way to identify women at risk of PPD before symptoms start, allowing doctors to intervene earlier. Postpartum depression, severe depression that happens after giving birth, affects 1015% of new mothers, causing emotional struggles that can impact both the parent and child for years.

Symptoms include difficulty bonding with the baby, feelings of hopelessness and sadness, fatigue, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, to name a few.

"Postpartum is the only time in people's lifespans when we know there is a biological trigger which guarantees that a certain percentage of people will become ill," said Dr. Lauren Osborne, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology and of psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine, who co-led the study.

"If we can untangle this biology and find predictors for it, not only will we be helping women, but it may give us a step up in trying to find predictors for other psychiatric illnesses also."

Co-lead on this research, Dr. Jennifer Payne, professor and vice chair of research in psychiatry and neurobehavioral sciences at the University of Virginia, has also spent years searching for the biological basis that leads to major clinical depression.

"Studying postpartum depression gives us a way to identify biological changes that occur before someone becomes depressed because the timing of postpartum depression is predictable," she added.

Neuroactive steroid levels may provide a warning sign

"Many papers have compared averages of neuroactive steroid levels with averages of mood across time, which just tells us there is some biological correlation but doesn't help us clinically," said Dr. Osborne.

To address this gap, the researchers restricted their study to 136 women who were not depressed during pregnancy and measured neuroactive steroid levels in their blood samples at specific timepoints during the second and third trimesters. They also followed up with clinical data for up to nine months after birth. Thirty-three participants developed symptoms of depression in the postpartum period.

"While depression can manifest at different times throughout and after pregnancy, that early-on, four to six weeks onset is a biologically distinct entity," Dr. Osborne explained.

The study focused on the hormone progesterone and its metabolic pathway as potential suspects in postpartum depression. Two neuroactive steroids derived from progesterone that seem to affect the risk of developing PPD are pregnanolone and isoallopregnanolone.

Pregnanolone acts on the GABA-A receptor to provide calming effects and reduce stress. Conversely, isoallopregnanolone interacts with the GABA-A receptor to increase stress.

The study determined that in the third trimester, individuals who developed PPD had a lower pregnanolone/progesterone ratio and a higher isoallopregnanolone/pregnanolone ratio compared with those who did not. Elevated progesterone levels in late pregnancy were also associated with a higher risk of PPD, pointing to decreased metabolism of progesterone into its beneficial downstream products.

"If we were able to replicate these results, then this could reasonably become a clinical test that could predict the development of future illness," said Dr. Osborne.

Though it isn't clear why some women develop PPD, these findings suggest that there may be an imbalance in the metabolism of progesterone. When this resulted in either too much progesterone or preferentially metabolizing to isoallopregnanolone instead of positive metabolites, those women were four times more likely to develop PPD.

This could be related to the relative activity of two enzymes (3-HSD and 3-HSD) that help convert progesterone to pregnanolone and isoallopregnanolone.

Toward a preventive treatment

Currently, two new treatments, brexanolone and zuranolone, can be prescribed once someone is diagnosed with PPD. The findings of the study open the door to a potential preventive treatment for pregnant women whose blood tests reveal neuroactive steroid levels associated with an increased risk of postpartum depression.

"We don't know if these drugs would work as a preventive measure for people who are at risk of developing postpartum depression, but based on our findings, they have the potential to prevent the development of postpartum depression," said Dr. Osborne.

The researchers plan to replicate their findings in a larger, more diverse group of patients. In addition, Dr. Osborne, Dr. Payne and their teams will determine what occurs in the progesterone metabolic pathway prior to postpartum depression developing by directly measuring the levels of the two enzymes that convert progesterone into its metabolites.

More information: Lauren M. Osborne et al, Neuroactive steroid biosynthesis during pregnancy predicts future postpartum depression: a role for the 3 and/or 3-HSD neurosteroidogenic enzymes?, Neuropsychopharmacology (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41386-025-02052-z , www.nature.com/articles/s41386-025-02052-z Journal information: Neuropsychopharmacology
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman downplayed the significance of a new artificial intelligence (AI) model released by Chinese startup DeepSeek on Thursday, saying it did a couple of nice things but has been wildly overstated.

DeepSeeks R1 model, launched last week, has shaken up the American AI industry. The startup has claimed it cost just $5.6 million to train the model with a couple thousand reduced-capability chips, raising questions about the level of investment needed to develop AI.

They did a couple of really nice things, but on the whole, that is wildly overstated, Altman said during an event in Washington, D.C. Again, this is a model at a capability level that we had quite some time ago.

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Weve got a sense of what it takes to run a cost-efficient model, he continued. So again, I dont want to diminish the work. I think this is a great work, and its, in some sense, its like the first surprise or new competitor to OpenAI in quite a while.

DeepSeeks rise has threatened to upend the current consensus on AI, which assumed massive investment in chips and data centers was necessary to build new AI models. Leading American AI companies, like OpenAI, have spent billions of dollars on infrastructure in recent years.

Emblematic of this consensus is the Trump administrations new Stargate project, which seeks to invest up to $500 billion in AI infrastructure over the next four years, with OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank taking the lead.

Altman argued Thursday that greater compute and infrastructure is still needed to build frontier models and keep up with the growing adoption of AI.

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The cost to do a frontier model, to be at the very edge, that goes up  the cost of training, compute, test time, compute, data, whatever you want, he said, adding, The amount of demand there is to use a given level of AI, as you bring that price down, goes up by much more than the decrease in price.

He also appeared cavalier about the potential for distillation, a technique used to transfer the knowledge of a large model to a smaller model.

OpenAI has said it is investigating whether DeepSeek improperly distilled data from its models. The companys terms of service bar users from utilizing distillation to build competing models.

People will distill our models, Altman said. Whatever, thats fine. 

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The OpenAI CEO touted DeepSeeks R1 model earlier this week as impressive, although he didnt appear as concerned as some in and around the tech sector.

deepseeks r1 is an impressive model, particularly around what theyre able to deliver for the price, Altman wrote Monday night on social platform X. we will obviously deliver much better models and also its legit invigorating to have a new competitor! we will pull up some releases.

Others have taken a more sensational approach. President Trump called DeepSeek a wake-up call for the American AI industry, while former Google CEO Eric Schmidt said it could represent a turning point in the global AI race toward open-source models.

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For the past 17 years, Ive had the privilege of speaking and meeting with many Utah families across my district and across the state who have shared their stories, struggles and hopes. These conversations have reminded me that, while Utah is often celebrated for its economic success and quality of life, we are missing the full story. Beneath the headlines, many families are barely getting by  facing food insecurity, unaffordable housing, underfunded schools, exorbitant health care costs and other struggles.

As the leader of the Utah Senate Democrats, I believe it is time to go back to basics. Our focus must be on ensuring that every Utah family has the opportunity to live with dignity and have the opportunity to thrive. This session, we are being guided by the constitutional ideals of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. More than abstract concepts, we are using these principles as the lens through which we view every piece of legislation and budget decision. Our caucus is composed of six members from different backgrounds who are each bringing their expertise to propose legislation and provide feedback on all the areas that impact Utah families.

Life

Every Utahn deserves access to a high quality of life. That means access to affordable health care and mental health resources. It also means that every child and family has access to nutritious meals. Currently 1 in 6 Utah children is facing hunger. A hungry child cannot learn, and a parent struggling to put food on the table cannot focus on building a better future. We must also prioritize public health through clean air, clean water and sustainable environmental practices. As stewards of this beautiful state, we have a responsibility to ensure that future generations inherit a cleaner, healthier Utah.

Liberty

Liberty means protecting constitutional rights and freedoms, privacy and autonomy while working to create a fairer and more equitable Utah. This includes ensuring that our laws are tools for justice, not barriers to opportunity. In Utah, we value our independence and the right to make decisions that reflect the unique needs of our state. We oppose heavy-handed federal policies that disregard the voices of Utahns. This session, we will advocate for stronger protections to ensure that the privacy and autonomy of our citizens are not compromised by federal overreach.

Pursuit of happiness

The pursuit of happiness starts with economic equity. While Utah has experienced impressive economic growth, the benefits have not been felt equally. Calls for additional income tax cuts must be balanced against the urgent need to fund essential services. There are currently over 4,000 Utahns waiting for disability services, with an average wait time of 5.4 years. This is unacceptable. We need to invest in early childhood education, affordable child care and support for our most vulnerable populations. Our caucus is also focused on affordable housing and compassionate support for those experiencing homelessness; on fighting against harmful legislation that targets students, educators and schools; and on investing in child care accessibility and affordability.

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Too many Utah families are struggling with the basics. When we celebrate being the No. 1 economy in the nation, we must also confront the reality that this accolade means little to the single parent working two jobs, or the child who goes to bed hungry. The Senate Democrats are committed to being a voice for those who are often overlooked. We are recommitting to the fundamentals, to the work that ensures every Utah family has the opportunity to live, thrive and be happy.

These issues should not be partisan. I hope that as a legislative body, we can focus on shared goals rather than partisan divides and that we can craft policies that benefit all Utahns.

I hope that voters and readers are not disheartened by the facts or issues I have brought up. I am very optimistic about the work that can be done and about the bright future of our state. When we consider the sometimes harsh realities that many Utah families are facing, we can pull strength and hope from how far we have come as a state and as a nation. This has been a decisive year in our political arena, and my hope is that we will not go back on the progress we have made. Instead, we must move forward together, recommitting ourselves to the ideals that make Utah a place of opportunity for all.
In a telling display of diplomatic disconnect, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation convened Tuesday to discuss foreign influence over the Panama Canal with glaring procedural oversights. Most notably, Ilya Marotta, the canals deputy administrator, received an invitation mere days before the hearing  a hasty afterthought that made her attendance practically impossible. This last-minute gesture toward including Panamanian expertise underscored the hearings fundamental flaws before it even began.

Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) set an assertive tone, declaring that the U.S. cannot turn a blind eye as Panama exploits an asset of vital commercial and military importance. Yet as testimony unfolded, a more nuanced reality emerged that challenged the hearings premises and highlighted the complexities of modern maritime diplomacy.

When directly questioned about Chinese control over the canal, Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Louis E. Sola offered a response that seemed to contradict the hearings underlying assumptions. The canal is managed by the Panama Canal Authority, he said, stating that, on a recent trip to the canal, he saw the authoritys commitment to maintaining the canals efficiency and resilience. This statement, juxtaposed against the hearings premise, underscored the gap between political rhetoric and operational reality.

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Law professor Eugene Kontorovich of George Mason University, tasked with analyzing potential violations of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, could only offer qualified responses. When pressed about whether Chinese-operated ports at Balboa and Cristobal constitute treaty violations, he acknowledged the difficulty of drawing clear conclusions. While noting that the U.S. could theoretically cancel the treaty, he admitted there was no international legal basis for reclaiming sovereignty without military force  an option he quickly deemed inappropriate as a first resort.

Democratic Federal Maritime Commissioner Daniel Maffei provided the hearings most sobering perspective. He pointed out that Chinese companies operate ports globally, suggesting that if Chinas presence in Panama constitutes control, then similar arguments could be made about the Suez Canal, the Singapore Strait, the Mediterranean Sea and the English Channel. This global context raised questions about whether the hearings focus on Panama reflected genuine strategic concerns or simply broader anxieties about declining U.S. influence.

The hearings most revealing moments came when senators acknowledged their own countrys shortcomings, lamenting that American companies consistently lose bids to Chinese competitors and recognizing the damage done by leaving the ambassadorial post in Panama vacant for four critical years (2018 to 2022). This self-reflection highlighted how American policy gaps, rather than Panamanian decisions, led to the very vulnerabilities under discussion.

Initial concerns about Panamas ship registry program with Iran raised alarms about national security. However, these concerns dissipated when evidence emerged that Panama had already de-flagged 53 Iranian vessels suspected of sanctions evasion  a fact that underscored Panamas cooperation with American security interests rather than threatening them.

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Climate change appeared as a more tangible threat than geopolitical speculation. Commissioner Sola noted that annual water losses of 1 to 2 percent could reduce canal capacity by 40 percent by 2050. Yet when Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) questioned the Canal Authoritys planning for the effects of drought, shipping executive Joseph Kramek could only offer that they had done the best possible with available information.

The hearings structure itself revealed telling blind spots in the U.S. policy approach. Although focusing on Chinese influence through port operations, senators gave little attention to why American companies have become less competitive in infrastructure development. The last-minute invitation to Deputy Administrator Marotta  a key figure in the canals operations  exemplified the perfunctory approach to Panamanian inclusion. Such cursory gestures toward diplomatic engagement stand in stark contrast to the kind of sustained partnership needed for addressing complex multinational challenges.

The proceedings highlighted another crucial oversight  the remarkable success of Panamas management of the canal since its 1999 transfer. The waterway has generated billions in revenue while maintaining world-class operational standards, an achievement that received surprisingly little acknowledgment during the three-hour session. This success story stands in stark contrast to the hearings underlying narrative of vulnerability and mismanagement.

Questions about excessive fees charged to U.S. vessels, a central concern raised at the hearings outset, found little substantiation in witness testimony. The only specific complaint involved cruise lines not receiving toll refunds for port calls  a matter governed by clear Panamanian regulations requiring home-port status for such benefits.

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As the session concluded, it became clear that the most significant threat to American interests might not be foreign influence but rather the lack of a coherent U.S. strategy for maintaining meaningful partnerships in Latin America. The hearings focus on control and influence obscured more fundamental questions about how the U.S. can become a more attractive partner for infrastructure development and regional cooperation.

The Panama Canals future security may depend less on scrutinizing foreign presences and more on rekindling the kind of robust American partnership that made the canals success possible in the first place. This requires moving beyond oversight hearings to develop concrete policies that make American companies more competitive in global infrastructure projects and demonstrate long-term commitment to regional development.

Nivia Rossana Castrellon is the former deputy minister of foreign affairs of the Republic of Panama.

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The AI industry is facing a moment of reckoning. While U.S. tech giants pour billions into massive data centers and ever-larger models, a small Chinese startup named DeepSeek may have quietly demonstrated that the bigger is better philosophy is fundamentally flawed.

Just days before DeepSeek went viral, President Trump stood alongside tech titans Sam Altman, Masayoshi Son and Larry Ellison to unveil Stargate  a $500 billion plan to maintain U.S. dominance in AI infrastructure. The timing couldnt be more ironic.

The success of DeepSeek raises an uncomfortable question: What if were building tomorrows Rust Belt?

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DeepSeeks latest model achieves what seemed impossible: comparable capabilities to leading models while using significantly fewer resources. Their API costs $0.55 per million input tokens, compared to OpenAIs $15  a reduction in computing costs greater than 90 percent. Thats not just an efficiency gain  its a fundamental challenge to how we think about AI development.

This efficiency gap becomes even more striking when we consider the open source strategies at play. As Metas chief AI scientist, Yann LeCun, notes, its not that Chinas AI is surpassing the U.S., but rather that open source models are surpassing proprietary ones.

This opens up a new possibility: what if massive compute spending isnt the price of progress after all? DeepSeeks approach suggests that when you combine transparency with efficiency, you create something powerful  a pathway to more sustainable and accessible AI development.

The parallel to American industrial history is stark: U.S. steel companies once continued building massive mills even as more efficient approaches emerged elsewhere. What happens if China does to us in AI what they did with steel  underprice, win the market, and leave our expensive infrastructure sitting idle?

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DeepSeeks success suggests that the future of AI might not belong to those who build the biggest models, but to those who build the most transparent and efficient ones.

Chinese firms arent the only ones prioritizing efficiency. While the U.S. bets on big data centers, France is quietly embracing a more nuanced, lifecycle-centric model. Dubbed frugal AI, it emphasizes:

Energy-efficient design: Benchmarking AI systems with green algorithms and eco-design principles;

Specialized (not generic) models: Favoring task-specific AI over sprawling monoliths;

Lifecycle approach: From hardware manufacturing to heat recovery, ensuring each phase is sustainable;

Open reuse of existing models: Aligning with the Association Francaise de Normalisations BP29 on reusing trained algorithms, so developers can iterate on proven AI kernels rather than re-inventing them.

France also benefits from a relatively low-carbon energy mix, courtesy of its existing nuclear infrastructure. Rather than pour billions into entirely new power grids, French organizations can focus on demand-side optimization: trimming AIs resource needs via smaller, carefully targeted models. This echoes several AFNOR recommendations  such as compressing algorithms, reducing data sprawl and systematically reusing pre-trained models  that collectively maximize efficiency, much like what made DeepSeek so successful.

It is unclear what happens next. But one thing is clear: transparency and efficiency, both from a cost and energy perspective, must be front and center in our development and deployment of AI.

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Large-scale infrastructure spending can bring long-term benefits. Much like the dot-com eras boom-and-bust led to the overbuilding of fiber networks  which later fueled the rise of cloud computing and streaming  todays AI investments could similarly pay off. However, these benefits are not guaranteed. And, much like the aftermath of the dot-com era, first came layoffs, lost pensions and devastated communities. We cannot afford to ignore the human costs.

While AI scaling is inevitable, the infrastructure of today establishes the architectural frameworks that will shape how AI systems evolve. Our investments therefore need to align with both todays demands and tomorrows possibilities. The real challenge, therefore, it is as much about how much we build as it is about how we build it: creating flexible frameworks that can support evolving AI innovations.

The race for AI supremacy wont be won by whoever builds the biggest data centers. Its about who can build the smartest, most transparent and efficient ones. The question is, with $500 billion committed to Stargate, will the U.S. secure a sustainable leadership position, or will continued excess ultimately breed waste?

Aya Saed is director of AI policy and strategy at Scope3.

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Hundreds of thousands of federal employees faced an unprecedented dilemma this week. They had to choose between violating their legal obligations to distribute funds approved by Congress, or defying President Trumps sweeping executive order to freeze federal grants and loans.

This wasnt merely another Washington power struggle  it represented a potential constitutional crisis striking at the foundation of American governance.

The gravity of this situation stems from an Office of Management and Budget memo that tried (before its recission) to do far more than temporarily pause bureaucratic processes. It attempted to force career civil servants into an impossible position of choosing between a presidential directive and their sworn duty to uphold appropriations law.

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The dilemma becomes clear when the order is examined through three critical lenses: Congresss power of the purse, the legal framework protecting federal employees and the strict limits on presidential authority over executive agencies.

The constitutional framework could not be clearer. The Constitutions Appropriations Clause explicitly vests Congress with exclusive power over federal spending, which Trump was seeking to freeze. The Supreme Courts landmark decision in Train v. City of New York (1975) leaves no room for debate: Presidents cannot impound funds that Congress has designated for specific purposes.

The courts ruling was not just about President Nixons specific actions. It established an enduring principle that presidents cannot unilaterally override congressional spending decisions enacted into law.

Congress further bolstered this principle when it passed the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974. This law, a direct response to Nixon-era overreach, creates specific, mandatory procedures that the executive branch must follow when seeking to alter congressional spending directives. OMBs freeze order went against these requirements, placing federal employees that obey the order on a collision course with established law.

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Legal protections for federal employees add another layer of argument against following the order. While the president heads the executive branch, federal employees arent his personal workforce. The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 and the foundational Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883 created a professional civil service deliberately insulated from political pressure. These arent mere guidelines  theyre legal frameworks that protect career civil servants who manage federal grants and loans from being forced to prioritize presidential preferences over statutory obligations.

The limits on presidential authority over executive agencies provide a third pillar of protection. Although Cabinet secretaries serve at the presidents pleasure, their authority over career employees is not unlimited. The Administrative Procedure Act of 1946 mandates specific processes for policy changes, preventing arbitrary actions  including sudden freezes of legally mandated funding. The Supreme Court reinforced these constraints in Department of Commerce v. New York (2019), emphasizing that executive agencies must provide legitimate justifications for policy changes and adhere to established administrative procedures.

Recent jurisprudence strengthens these protections. The courts decision in NLRB v. SW General, Inc. (2017) clarified that even political appointees authority has strict statutory boundaries. They cannot simply override congressional appropriations or compel career employees to violate appropriations law. The Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998 further reinforces these limitations on executive authority.

The implications for federal employees are stark but clear: Those who distribute appropriated funds despite the freeze order are standing on firm legal ground. Conversely, employees who comply with the freeze risk violating the Antideficiency Act, which explicitly prohibits federal employees from modifying congressional spending directives  including by refusing to spend appropriated funds.

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The Government Accountability Offices 2020 decision about withholding security assistance from Ukraine reaffirms this analysis, holding that executive agencies must implement congressional funding decisions as written, regardless of presidential preferences. This isnt just about legal technicalities  its about preserving the fundamental separation of powers that prevents any single branch from accumulating excessive control over federal resources.

For the thousands of career federal employees caught in this constitutional crossfire, the legal path forward is clear, even if politically treacherous: Execute Congresss appropriations as legally required. Their fundamental obligation is to the Constitution and federal law, not to presidential orders that exceed constitutional bounds.

This attempted freeze of appropriated funds represented more than a legal crisis  it challenged the very principles that prevent autocratic control over federal resources. This is a stark reminder that our systems checks and balances require constant vigilance, especially when faced with directives that challenge constitutional boundaries.

This situation places federal employees in an unenviable position, but the law provides clear direction. Federal workers should continue their statutory duties, knowing that decades of constitutional law, Supreme Court precedent and federal statutes stand firmly behind Congresss power to direct federal spending. The preservation of our constitutional order demands nothing less.

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Trump does have the ability to stop funding for the programs he no longer wants to fund. He simply needs to submit his budget for Fiscal Year 2026 without any of the funding he no longer wants. That is where his legitimate power lies.

The presidency is the most powerful position in the world. What makes it uniquely American and democratic is that the position is still subject to existing laws. It is important for our democracy to hold to that principle and direct each and every president to work within the framework and laws of his authority.

Cheryl Kelley is a retired federal employee and an adjunct fellow at the Pell Center at Salve Regina University. She is the author of An Informed Citizenry: How the Modern Federal Government Operates.

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CNN anchor Pamela Brown raised concerns to Rep. Rich McCormick, R-Ga., Tuesday that Head Start, an early childhood educational program that also provides food to low-income children, could be affected by President Donald Trumps attempt at a federal funding freeze. McCormick responded with the head-spinning suggestion that the countrys child labor laws are too restrictive and that plenty of kids are freeloaders who ought to work for their lunch.

There has been a lot of confusion and changing information surrounding Trump's attempted freeze and the potential impact on programs such as Head Start  I'll discuss more about that later. But McCormicks remarks still matter, since they demonstrate how Trump's political strategies echo the old-school GOP playbook for abandoning the poor.

In the interview with Brown, the 56-year-old McCormick responded to the question of whether he supported getting rid of school lunch for vulnerable kids with a jaw-dropping rant:

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When you talk about school lunches, hey, I worked my way through high school. ... Before I was even 13 years old, I was picking berries in the field, before child labor laws that precluded that. I was a paper boy, and when I was in high school, I worked my entire way through. Youre telling me that kids who stay at home instead of going to work at Burger King, McDonalds, during the summer, should stay at home and get their free lunch instead of going to work? I think we need to have a top-down review.

When asked if all the kids in his district who get free lunch or breakfast should be cut off, McCormick said, Of course not. But he suggested that some of them should. Who can actually go and actually produce their own income? Who can actually go out there and do something that makes them have value and work skills for the future? McCormick queried. He added that getting kids to work for their lunch would induce them to think about their future instead of thinking about how theyre going to sponge off the government when they dont need to.

BROWN: Would you support getting rid of school lunch for vulnerable kids, and Head Start, and getting rid of childhood cancer research?



REP. RICH MCCORMICK: Philanthropy is where you get most of your money for childhood cancer research. When you talk about school lunches, hey, I pic.twitter.com/5ryUtSXhRZ  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 28, 2025

The status of Trumps order freezing huge amounts of federal funding is unclear. The freeze, which seems illegal, was temporarily blocked by a federal judge. And on Wednesday the Trump administration said it was rescinding the Office of Management and Budget memo initiating the freeze. But according to NBC News, after the announcement of the rescission, "White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday that while the broad OMB memo was being pulled back, the administrations other efforts to halt federal spending would remain." It's unclear what this means, but it suggests the Trump administration is trying to plow ahead in some fashion.

Complicating things further, initially it appeared that Head Start and other programs that provide children with cheaper or free meals could be affected, based on a document from the Trump administration obtained by NBC News. But subsequently, a senior Trump administration official told NBC News that Head Start is exempt from the freeze.

While it's hard to know who to believe or how things will unfold, Head Start is already reporting trouble. While we understand that this is an evolving story, this disruption, at best, will slow down Head Start agencies ability to pay hundreds of thousands of staff, contractors, and small businesses who support Head Start operations in every corner of the country, Yasmina Vinci, executive director of the National Head Start Association, said. At worst, this means that hundreds of thousands of families will not be able to depend on the critical services and likely will not be able to work.

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Regardless of how all this shakes out, McCormick's language underscores right-wing rhetorical strategies for justifying moves that could jeopardize the well-being of some of the most vulnerable members of our society.

McCormicks lament that not enough children work for their supper and his belief that children can prove their worth through labor makes him sound like a 19th-century factory owner. Sadly, he also sounds like other Republican lawmakers who in recent years have pushed back against labor laws that restrict what kinds of jobs children can take and how long they can work. McCormick is simply furnishing more rationales to permit the American right to leave children behind. Apparently, making children pay for their meals would build their character. Never mind that school does plenty of that, and that priorities for kids outside of school should be on being active, developing socially and emotionally, doing homework, and, you know, being children.

Reducing funding for programs to help children get access to meals wouldnt result in children flocking to the labor market and competing with adults for minimum wage jobs. It would result in increased food insecurity, which in turn would not only cause them gratuitous suffering, but also reduce their academic performance. Right-wing populism seems to value children based on how useful a cog in the capitalist machine they can be.

The way that the GOP is pursuing this vision is telling. Regardless of what happens with Trumps freeze, he has already made his political strategy evident: In his memo detailing the funding freeze, the Office of Management and Budgets acting director, Matthew Vaeth, objected to using federal money to advance Marxist equity, transgenderism, and green new deal social engineering policies and listed DEI and woke gender ideology as among the activities that should serve as a basis for retracting funding. This kind of language echoes the way the Republican Party used racist caricatures of Black people as parasitic and lazy to stigmatize the entire idea of assistance to poor people  and reduce funding for it. In this case, Trump is saying that the existence of equity measures and the idea of fighting reverse racism should serve as a basis to shrink the federal governments offerings of social services.

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Just days into his second term, Trumps renewed "populist" vision is coming into view. And in many key respects it doesnt look all that different from the old GOP.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Shortly after President Trump pardoned nearly 1,600 people convicted in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021 assault on the U.S. Capitol, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) was asked his reaction. He said he would not second-guess the presidents pardons.

The President made a decision, we move forward, he said. There are better days ahead of us.  Were not looking backwards, were looking forwards.

Nevertheless, the next day, the Speaker startled his colleagues by announcing he was forming a select subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee to further investigate the Jan. 6 attack with a view to taking a deeper look at such things as the security failures of the Capitol police and the flawed investigation of the original Jan. 6 select committee.

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The Speaker said he would appoint Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.) as the select subcommittees chairman. Loudermilk, who previously conducted his own investigation into the matter as chair of the Oversight Subcommittee of the House Administration Committee in the last Congress, attempted to reconcile the Speakers two-directional responses above by observing that sometimes youve got to look backwards to look forward.

On Dec. 17, 2024, Loudermilk issued his second Interim Report on the Failures and Politicization of the January 6 Select Committee. Then, on Jan. 5, House Administration Committee Ranking Member Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.) released his own report as a rebuttal to Loudermilks.

The House seems to have a special penchant for birthing select committees to complement the work of its 20-plus standing committees. In the last Congress, for instance, it created select committees or subcommittees on the strategic competition between the U.S. and the Chinese Communist Party, COVID and the Weaponization of the Federal Government.

It wasnt until Republicans took control of the House in 1995, after 40 years in the minority, that they abolished four select committees, all of which had existed for ten or more years: the select committees on Aging; Children, Youth and Families; Hunger; and Narcotics Abuse and Control.

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What is it about select committees that so entices Congress to propagate them? There are many possible explanations. Sometimes there are problems that need to be addressed immediately. Sometimes there is a partisan promise or priority that needs to be fulfilled. Sometimes, a member or group cause requires special attention. Sometimes, there is a jurisdictional conflict between committees that requires coordination and resolution. Sometimes, a longstanding popular public obsession requires constant boosting. And finally, sometimes there is a valued member of Congress who has not been named a standing committee chairman and needs to be mollified with a select committee chairmanship instead.

In the Jan. 6 case, the prolonged obsession over what happened four years ago at the Capitol, fueled by Trumps repeated stoking of accusations that the other party is spreading false narratives that he was solely to blame for the riot, has confused and conflated events in order to pin the tail on the opposing partys mascot.

The likely explanation for Johnsons reflexive move to create yet another Jan. 6 select committee was to take some of the onus off Trump for vowing throughout the campaign (and before) that he would vigorously pursue and prosecute his accusers at the Justice Department and on the original Jan. 6 select committee. Keep in mind that Johnson owes Trump at least one return favor for saving his speakership election on the first ballot on Jan. 3.

The Speaker has promised Loudermilk full support and funding for his select subcommittee. Nevertheless, former President Joe Bidens preemptive pardons of the Department of Justice prosecutors and Jan. 6 select committee members has taken a lot of wind out of Loudermilks sails.

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One of the Georgia legislators central aims, judging from his earlier reports and what media attention he has attracted, has been to persuade the FBI to prosecute former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), the ranking Republican on the Jan. 6 committee, for communicating with one of the witnesses, Cassidy Hutchinson in the absence of the latters lawyer.

The Speakers proposal for a select subcommittee must first be authorized by the full House before a chairman and members can be formally named. And then the special subcommittee must compete with others to ensure it has sufficient resources to do its work.

Whether the House is up to revisiting this seemingly interminable and circular chase after elusive shadows remains to be seen.

Don Wolfensberger is a 28-year congressional staff veteran culminating as chief-of-staff of the House Rules Committee in 1995. He is author of, Congress and the People: Deliberative Democracy on Trial (2000), and, Changing Cultures in Congress: From Fair Play to Power Plays (2018).

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As billionaires flock to President Trumps second administration, its worth remembering that, just as in biology, parasites can sometimes serve a purpose.

That purpose isnt building rockets or enabling online shopping. Rather, its providing a fleeting yet necessary leap in our understanding of enormous numbers and the urgent need to dismantle what they represent.

The more these billionaires surround Trump, the less dangerous he appears in comparison. One might ask: Who can keep them in check?

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The existence of centi-billionaires  those whose wealth exceeds $100 billion  is not merely a symptom of systemic privilege or exploitation. It represents a flaw, a glitch in capitalism itself: a runaway mechanism of hyper-accumulation that has enabled unimaginable fortunes to balloon in an absurdly short time. In just a decade, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg have grown their wealth from billions to hundreds of billions. At his current trajectory, Musk is expected to become the worlds first trillionaire by 2027.

Consider: Centi-billionaires are walking nation-states. They not only possess rockets but are tasked with building them. As Jeff Bezos launches his own fleet into the sky, its worth noting that the nuclear material to arm such rockets is both cheap and increasingly accessible. In the 80th year since nuclear weapons were developed, they have not been used again since World War II.

So nation-states have avoided nuclear confrontations. But can humanity and the fragile ecosystems of our planet survive the rapid succession of newly minted trillionaires with such capabilities?

There is no historical precedent for such concentrated wealth and power accumulating in so few hands and at such an unprecedented rate. If this is left unchecked, do we truly believe we can coexist globally for the next 80 years of the nuclear age?

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In this way, the trillionaire may pose the single greatest existential threat to humanity.

This phenomenon defies all but the most extreme ideologies of free-market capitalism. In 2025, what reasonable economic school of thought can justify the existence of trillionaires as anything other than malignant? What we are witnessing is not capitalism but a systemic cancer. This metastasis has grown so rapidly that no regulatory or legal framework has been able to contain it.

Centi-billionaires are not merely a social anomaly; they are a cultural virus. Their wealth is a self-replicating contagion. These men consolidate media, fund research and shape global narratives, often unconsciously. Like any virus, their accumulation reshapes the environment to sustain itself. But within this very process lies its antidote: the forced reckoning with the concept of a trillionaire  heretofore incomprehensible.

These men (and they are always men) have shown themselves incapable of moral responsibility. As they align with figures like Trump, their primary concern seems to be ensuring their own survival. And for these individuals, survival is synonymous with growth. Their wealth becomes proof of their superiority, their influence a justification for their actions. Yet in this uncharted territory, these men are walking warnings  harbingers of what unchecked hyperaccumulation can do, not only to economies but to the very fabric of humanity.

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And yet, in this crisis, they offer us an unexpected opportunity: Centi-billionaires force us to grapple with numbers that were once beyond comprehension. Their wealth embodies God numbers or Sagan units like billions and trillions, concepts essential to understanding the vast scale of existence. A few generations ago, millionaires were a rarity, and many still believed the Earth to be only 10,000 years old. Today, centi-billionaires compel us to imagine the 4-billion-year history of planet Earth and humanitys tenuous 200-year experiment with industrialization.

In this way, centi-billionaires serve a purpose akin to that of fossils. Fossils allowed humanity to grasp the deep history of life on Earth, to imagine massive creatures that ruled millions of years ago  and, importantly, to understand the catastrophic extinction events that wiped them out. The centi-billionaire provides a similar lens: forcing us to confront the scale of their destruction and the inevitability of the system that created them becoming extinct.

The only viable future for humanity requires that these men become fossils  relics of a bygone era, studied by future generations to comprehend the absurd scale of their existence and the devastation they caused. Like dinosaurs with tiny brains and outsized bodies, they are capable of immense destruction yet seem unaware of their own impact.

This is not a socialist entreaty to eat the rich. But lets at least stop feeding them  no more subsidizing them with tax breaks, government contracts and armed bodyguards.

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People are hurting out there. As of last year, the average American household carried $104,215 in debt. This number grows each year. Thats not healthy competition.

Instead, we must take the lessons of paleontology and apply them to the wealthiest among us. Just as the fossilized remains of former reptiles taught us to imagine a world beyond our immediate grasp, we must use the financial scales of magnitude that the existence of the centi-billionaire rex has forced us to confront  to ensure its extinction and our survival.

Will Cathcart is an American journalist, producer and war correspondent based in Tbilisi for 16 years.

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NewsNation Chief Washington Anchor and On Balance host Leland Vittert was a foreign correspondent for four years in Jerusalem. He gives you an early look at tonights 7 p.m. ET show. Subscribe to War Notes here.

This is the view from my apartment of the new Marine One on a training mission with Reagan National Airport (DCA) in the background.

The helicopter you see is flying the same route (helicopter route 4) the Black Hawk did right before it hit the American jet.

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Editors note: My apartment overlooks DCA and the flight path  the helicopter route goes past my windows  I often wave to the pilots.

Last night, about ten minutes after the crash, I noticed that the steady stream of flights in and out stopped and saw dozens of emergency lights streaming toward the end of the runway. Over the next 30 minutes, dozens of ambulances assembled  then they left, empty.



Text messages: At 350 feet and seconds from landing, passengers would have had cell phone service.

I cant stop thinking about how many times I have texted Rachel while landing at DCA. Just landing  see you in a few minutes. Love you. Thats the last text a lot of family members will have.



The US Capitol behind lights from emergency crews as they respond to the crash site near the Potomac River after a passenger jet collided with a helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in Arlington, Virginia, US, on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025. (Photographer: Tierney L. Cross/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Entirely Preventable

This crash was entirely preventable  just because Trump says it, it doesnt make it wrong.

Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said the same thing: To back up what the president said  What Ive seen so far, do I think this was preventable? Absolutely.

President Trump wrote on Truth Social, This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented.

Undisputed facts: Last night, an American Airlines passenger jet and military helicopter ran into each other midair.

Situation: Clear skies  no clouds in the most controlled and protected airspace in America. As aviation folks would say, human factors had to play a role. In other words, someone  or multiple someones  screwed up.



Go deeper: Its NEVER one thing.

For example: The TCAS system (Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System) on airliners goes into a different mode as they get low  at 1000 feet for the CRJ-700  the crash happened at 350 feet. Black Hawks often dont have TCAS or the other safety gear of modern airliners despite flying very close to them in the DC airspace. Example: Pilots in two TCAS-equipped airliners at 10,000 feet would have gotten multiple alarms in the cockpit and commands to climb or descend had the systems sensed an imminent collision. But thats the backup.

Basic flying: Your No. 1 job as a pilot is to not run into other planes. Air traffic control asked the Black Hawk if they could see the American Airlines plane. It was the Black Hawk pilots job to avoid the American Airlines plane  they didnt. Did they get overwhelmed? Disoriented? Distracted? We dont know. Did the last-minute runway change for the American Airlines flight confuse the Black Hawk pilots listening on the same frequency? We have no idea. The Black Hawk pilots were wearing night vision goggles, which destroy your depth perception.

Not our job to speculate, but a pilots No. 1 job is to not run into other planes, and air traffic controls No. 1 job is to make sure planes dont run into each other. The aircraft ran into each other on a clear night in the most controlled and protected airspace in America. It appears the helicopter was significantly higher than the 200-foot altitude for route 4.

Hard to say  but sadly, its that simple. At this point, thats pretty much all we know.



Watch tonight: Full coverage with pilots who have flown both airliners and Black Hawks on these very same routes.

Perspective: Steven Joachim, our data guru, pulled this from Our World:

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The last U.S. airliner crash was in 2009  a small airliner in upstate New York. Since then  U.S. airline customers have traveled more than 13 trillion  yes, trillion  passenger miles (1 passenger mile is one person traveling 1 mile). What kind of distance is that? Consider a light year (distance light travels over a year) is 5.9 trillion  so total distance traveled without a crash is more than 2 light years. Thats 150 million flights without a major crash.

Conclusion: Flying is safer than just about any other activity  much less mode of transportation  you can participate in. Thats because safety was/is the No. 1 priority.



Priorities: Flying is safe because safety is the No. 1 priority  or is it?

As President Donald Trump pointed out today, both the Obama and Biden administrations prioritized diversity in hiring new controllers over military experience and competency. The investigation will show if the controllers action contributed to the crash and if diversity hiring played any role. Common sense: In matters of life and death, its difficult to argue that anything should matter other than competency and abilitywell see who comes to defend the Obama and Biden policies.

Hi, Congress: Lately, competing interests have pushed for more flights in and out of DCA despite the congestion. To make that happen, controllers use the shorter runway (33) simultaneously with the longer and intersecting runway 1/19. One very experienced airline pilot told me he would decline the towers request for the 33 switch because of the obvious risks of confusion and the main intersecting runway. Over the past two years, DCA has had a number of close calls because of aircraft on intersecting runways.

Despite that, Congress just authorized even MORE flights at DCA. Amazing how Congress cares about safety but also about getting home after votes.

Lesson: Priorities matter  if any of these issues contributed to the crash, they must be dealt with honestly.

First test: This accident underscores the need for really competent leadership  serious people who know what they are doing.

The left roundly criticized both Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy for lack of experience  well see how they do and report back fairly.

Tune into On Balance with Leland Vittert weeknights at 7/6C on NewsNation. Find your channel here.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily of NewsNation.

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We were somewhere above Omaha when my euphoria faded. After a few giddy, wild days experiencing the presidential inauguration along with thousands of other joyful Americans in Washington, D.C., I was reluctantly headed back to Los Angeles.

What was left of it.

It was a welcome three-day furlough from a city in the throes of a hellish ongoing human tragedy. On the calamitous night of Jan. 7, Altadena, my current home, and Pacific Palisades, where I grew up, were both obliterated by fire.

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Now, in the aftermath, I see Angelenos of both parties asking hard questions and demanding answers from L.A.'s liberal political leaders that I havent seen before.

Life in Los Angeles for a Trump supporter was never easy. Risky, even. Insane, to outsiders. Years ago I bought a MAGA hat in defiance of my liberal neighbors with their In This House We Believe and Immigrants Welcome lawn signs, but I chickened out and never wore it.

I spent years keeping my political beliefs hidden out of fear of getting fired or defriended  or worse. The simmering threat of being doxxed and outed to your company was ever-present.

In the 2016 election, Republicans in L.A. County were outnumbered 22% to 71% . By 2024, COVID and the subsequent waves of lawlessness had triggered a mass exodus of friends and family. Those of us who stayed behind had our reasons. We stayed for work, school, aging parents, or just for the unbeatable weather, but a lot of us stayed because this is home. Where else would we go? We loved growing up in L.A., we hate its current unaffordability, crime, homelessness, and governance  but we all dream of what it can one day be again.

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And so we grimly accept our status as second-class citizens and get on with it. In November, there was a glimmer of hope: Bolstered by former liberals turned off by the sharp left turn California had taken, L.A. County, incredibly, got a little less blue. What had been 22% of the electorate in 2016 jumped to 32% and to 40% statewide. Trump flipped 10 blue counties red. An unthinkable dream suddenly shimmered on the horizon  maybe Trumps promised economic Golden Age would finally arrive in the Golden State after all.

But daily life in L.A. County continues to beat us down. Its gotten worse in the last few years. Car break-ins are commonplace. Homeless camps are all over Pasadena. A dozen eggs are still $9 at the supermarket. My sister, who fled during COVID for a red state, pays under $50 a year to register her car; our DMV wants close to $400. We pay 10% state income tax; she pays zero. We cough up onerous property taxes, but the local public school has a Greatschools.org rating of 4. My mother recently sold her house on the Westside and moved out of state  after 51 years, shed finally had enough.

The night of the fires, we followed hundreds of other cars south into downtown Pasadena. The bad news kept hitting our phones all night: At least 10 families at our school were newly homeless; some barely escaped. My childhood home on Via De La Paz  gone. My mothers former home of 25 years in Big Rock was on fire. In disbelief, I tried to process the insane reality: Two beloved communities of mine, 40 miles apart, were turned to ash on the same night.

How could this happen? Climate change cant shoulder all the blame. It is now obvious that decades of compounding errors by mismanagement and misplaced priorities contributed to this devastation.

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Need proof? How about the waterless reservoir in the Palisades? The evacuation system that failed to alert some Altadena residents until it was too late? The lack of advance deployment of fire trucks in the Palisades?

Then there is the damning fact of nonfunctional hydrants in both locations. A friend a few blocks north of me spent 12 hours trying to save his street using a construction companys water pump. He reported that there was no water in the fire hydrants on his street. My husband and son confirmed this; they were up in the fire zone early Wednesday and witnessed a firefighter in front of a fully engulfed home wrench open the spigot on the closest fire hydrant and exclaim Shit! when he realized no water was coming out. How many of L.A.s hydrants dont work?

The tireless firefighters who saved lives and homes are heroes. But L.A.s fire department is chronically understaffed for a city this size. City leaders focus mindlessly on sustainability at the price of sustaining it in a real emergency.

Los Angeles cant continue under its current leadership. Changing it will require making a fundamental shift in attitude. Maybe the destruction  and any further bureaucratic failures in rebuilding  will cause people to finally wake up. Meanwhile on the other side of the blue wall, there is a real sense of hope for the future. Part of making America great again must include making Los Angeles great again, too.

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So maybe its time to try something new. Maybe the families and companies fleeing this state are trying to tell us something has gone wrong in California.

Are we brave enough to heed their message?

A mother of five and a lifelong Angeleno, Peachy Keenan (a pseudonym) is the author of Domestic Extremist: A Practical Guide to Winning the Culture War. She writes at peachykeenan.com and on X @keenanpeachy.

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.
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

Plastic surgeons sometimes face challenging relationships with patients, especially those with underlying psychiatric issues. An ethical framework for managing untenable surgeon-patient relationships is presented in a special Plastic Surgery Focus article in the February issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

"Particularly when psychiatric conditions are present, plastic surgeons may be tempted to end the surgeon-patient relationshipat the risk of ethical challenges related to patient abandonment," comments ASPS Member Surgeon Christian J. Vercler, MD, of University of Michigan. "We outline some strategies for managing these difficult relationships, including specific steps toward achieving the best possible patient-centered clinical outcomes."

Psychiatric issues contribute to ethical dilemmas in plastic surgery

Once an operation has been performed, surgeons have an ethical obligation to care for the patient until treatment is completed.

"Nevertheless, there are circumstances that can challenge this patient-surgeon relationship and even justify termination," the researchers write. Their article was prompted by the difficult case of a patient with a psychiatric diagnosis who underwent plastic surgery to reconstruct a self-inflicted wound, followed by repeated episodes of self-mutilation.

Informed by a review of the literature and application of ethical principles, Dr. Vercler and colleagues describe three pathways to managing patients with complex psychiatric conditions:

Maintain the relationship and continue surgical treatment. Demanding or hostile patient behaviors may stem from a fear of abandonment. Reinforcing the surgeon's commitment to providing the best possible care may help to mitigate these fearsand may enable resolution of the patient's psychiatric issues. If so, and if realistic expectations can be established, it may be possible to proceed with surgical treatment.

Maintain the relationship without further surgery. Some patients may reject recommended treatment yet continue to seek care, often related to underlying depression and anxiety. Providing supportive nonsurgical care may help to address the barriers to following recommended treatmentif there is a "reasonable expectation" that the barriers to care are reversible.

Terminate the relationship. In severe cases, terminating the patient-surgeon relationship may be the best option, particularly if the surgeon's involvement seems to contribute to worsening of the patient's psychiatric condition. In such situations, a "therapeutic discharge"following established ethical principles and legal requirements to transfer responsibility to another qualified physicianmay ensure that the patient receives needed care while breaking a "maladaptive treatment cycle."

"In writing this article, our main objective was to restate surgeons' ethical obligation to not abandon their patients postoperatively, even when patient behavior makes this incredibly challenging to do so," Dr. Vercler comments.

"While the described case illustrates the rare exception in which therapeutic discharge is required, we hope our paper will provide tools to help surgeons fulfill their ethical responsibility, enabling them to stay involved in the patients' care in an ethical and effective way."

More information: Hannes Prescher et al, Avoiding Patient Abandonment: A Pathway to Ethical Resolution in Situations of Untenable PatientSurgeon Relationships, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (2024). DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000011735 Journal information: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
It is tiresome, but not surprising, that the polarized commentary in the days since the blizzard of pardons and clemencies issued back-to-back by Presidents Biden and Trump has focused on which ones pardons were a worse affront to the rule of law.

It is fair to say that each presidents exercise of the pardon power pushed the outer limits of legitimacy. In fact, the types of pardons they issued  Joe Bidens preemptive pardons and Trumps pardon of the January 6 rioters  were raised at the constitutional convention of 1788 as reasons not to allow the president that power.

George Mason argued presciently that the president ought not to have the power of pardoning, because he may frequently pardon crimes which were advised by himself.  If he has the power of granting pardons before indictment, or conviction, may he not stop inquiry and prevent detection? James Madisons answer, which carried the day, was that any such abuses of the pardon power could be cured by impeachment.

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Putting aside the academic question of whether Biden and Trump have committed impeachable offenses by virtue of their abuse of the pardon power, it is clear that the power was vested in the president not to fulfill such narrowly self-interested objectives but for cases in which the harsh administration of justice requires a safety-valve of mercy.

It is fair to ask what happened to such cases in the avalanche of inappropriate pardons. Was anyone left behind? Was anyone actually denied a pardon? If so, why?

After all, the pardons covered everyone from violent seditionists who assaulted police officers to purveyors of the dark web, from nonviolent drug dealers and Biden family members to death row inmates whose sentences for murder were commuted, from deceased civil rights pioneers to people who havent even been investigated yet. Surely anyone left off the list must be a monstrous criminal, unworthy of mercy in any form.

Not so.

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Former Alabama Attorney General and Gov. Don Siegelmans (D) request for a pardon from Joe Biden was answered with a one-line note: favorable action is not warranted  application was denied by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., on January 20, 2025.

What depraved criminal act justified the conclusion that a pardon was not warranted for Siegelman? He didnt assault police officers on his way to vandalizing our nations Capitol. He didnt operate a dark website that facilitated everything from money laundering to gun-running. He didnt lie in order to purchase a firearm. He didnt engage in a seditious conspiracy.

No. Siegelman reappointed a business executive to an unpaid state health board.

And unfortunately for him, he wasnt a Biden relative.

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According to the prosecution, Siegelman did this to reward the executive for his financial support. Unlike in the vast majority of corruption cases, however, that financial support did not go directly to the governors campaign; in fact, the executive had supported Siegelmans opponent. Nor did the financial support benefit Siegelman personally, or any of his family members. Instead, the contribution was made to a political action committee formed to promote the use of state lottery proceeds to finance public education.

Nor was the appointment to the unpaid health board a new appointment. Prior governors, whose candidacies  unlike Siegelmans  had been supported by the executive, had appointed him to the board without question, let alone indictment. For this offense, Siegelman was sentenced to and served seven years in federal prison.

I became aware of his plight when, as a former state attorney general, I was asked to support his legal appeals. Along with more than 100 other former attorneys general of both parties (I am an independent), I joined those efforts.

Siegelmans case also garnered widespread media attention and bipartisan support for his cause.

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As dean of the Rutgers School of LawNewark at the time, I asked our Constitutional Litigation Clinic to study how Siegelmans sentence compared with the sentences imposed in other corruption cases. The clinics conclusion was unequivocal: the Siegelman conviction and sentence were readily distinguishable from virtually every other contemporaneous corruption prosecution in their overreach and harshness.

In a December letter to Biden, in support of a pardon for Siegelman, I concluded: It is too late now to address the flawed legal basis for the Siegelman prosecution, but not too late to address its ultimate impact, which was personal. It ruined a mans career and, for many years, his life.

Normally, when a requested pardon is summarily denied, as Siegelmans was by President Biden on Jan. 20, there is no context in which to evaluate the fairness of the decision that mercy was unwarranted.

Not so this year. Bidens denial should be evaluated in light of the pardons he considered warranted. Bidens denial of mercy to Siegelman, considered in light of the pardons he did grant from sheer nepotism and perhaps fear of legal harm to himself, lays bare his affront to the rule of law and the lasting stain on his presidency.

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Trumps blanket clemency for violent rioters who tried to disrupt the orderly transition of power  a literal assault on our democracy  broadens the context still further. To allow Siegelmans conviction to remain unaddressed in light of those pardons would be to mock any notion of equal justice under law.

Cases like Siegelmans expose just how lawless and abusive both presidents exercise of raw power has been, and how sagacious the founders concerns were over the pardon powers potential abuse. We have seen how ineffectual impeachment is as a remedy; perhaps these abuses will inspire a constitutional amendment addressing the preemptive pardons and pardons of criminal cronies that George Mason raised in 1788  exercises of raw power that he feared would enable an ill-motivated president, at some future day  [to] establish a monarchy, and destroy the republic.

For Siegelman, the disappointment is great, but hope springs eternal. Trump hasnt yet considered the merits of his case. If he does, perhaps he will look at the Siegelman prosecution and his seven years in prison, look in the mirror, and say to himself, There, but for the grace of November 6, 2024, go I. And I would pardon me.

For Siegelman, it is far too late for justice, but it is never too late for a proper dose of mercy.

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John J. Farmer Jr. served as an assistant U.S. Attorney, attorney general of New Jersey, senior counsel to the 9/11 Commission, and director of the Eagleton Institute of Politics, among other roles.

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President Trump issued a stern ultimatum to Russian President Vladimir Putin, threatening to impose significant taxes, tariffs and sanctions if a peace agreement is not reached promptly in Ukraine. Trump emphasized that Russias economy is under strain and urged Putin to negotiate, stating that failure to do so would compel the U.S. to enact severe economic penalties.

Im going to do Russia, whose Economy is failing, and President Putin, a very big FAVOR, Trump posted to Truth Social, liberally using capital letters. Settle now, and STOP this ridiculous War! ITS ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE. 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.

The Kremlin quickly downplayed these threats as nothing new, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov noting that Trump employed similar tactics during his first term. Despite facing even harsher sanctions since the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Russias economy has demonstrated surprising resilience. Former President Joe Bidens boast that international sanctions had reduced the ruble to rubble turned out to be bluster. Russia simply fled into the arms of China and appears perfectly capable of sustaining its own war machine for the foreseeable future.

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In this case, Trump is brandishing the wrong big stick. At the very least, more than tariffs and sanctions will be needed. An effective policy must bring to bear all relevant elements of national power.

During his campaign, Trump bragged that he could end the war in 24 hours. Unfortunately, it wont be that simple. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (and the Ukrainian people) are more willing than ever to accept a negotiated settlement. But although they no longer entertain delusions of reclaiming every inch of Russian-occupied soil, Ukrainian negotiators might still bristle at Russian demands.

Putin has repeatedly stated that any peace deal must give his country full control of the provinces of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, large swaths of which remain under Ukrainian control. He also insists that Ukraine reject the possibility of NATO membership. The two nations might come to loggerheads over either point.

From an American perspective, the best solution would be to establish a ceasefire along current battlelines (with Ukraine perhaps pulling its forces out of Kursk in exchange for a similar-sized chunk of the Russian-occupied Donbass). This would allow energy and food (two important commodities) to stabilize across European and world markets.

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But what happens if either party objects to that solution? Russia, after all, has been gradually gaining ground for months, giving Putin every incentive to stonewall negotiations until his winning streak runs out.

Bullying Ukraine into a deal by threatening to cut off all aid might also be harder than it seems. Both Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelensky on the campaign trail for siphoning off hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars that could be better spent at home. The current total amount of aid authorized for Ukraine is about $175 billion. Much of that money is spent in U.S. factories producing the weapons that are either shipped to Ukraine or used to backfill U.S. defense stocks.

It is estimated that approximately 70 U.S. cities are benefiting from these contracts. Termination of that aid would require cooperation from congressional Republicans, many of whom are more pro-Ukraine than Trump and have constituents who benefit from the aid.

Further complicating the situation is the prominence of Elon Musk, who has his own government department, contracts for most U.S. government launches, and Trumps ear. When it comes to Ukraine, Musk is difficult to pin down. He allowed Ukraine free use of his Starlink satellite constellation in the early stages of the war, but he refused to allow its use for a proposed strike against Crimea.

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He also drew condemnation from Ukraine and its allies for proposing his own peace plan in October 2022, which included UN-supervised referenda in Russian-occupied regions and a neutrality pledge from Ukraine. And if that werent enough, hes also been in close contact with Putin, which worried Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall, instigated ongoing federal reviews, and even caused some senators to suggest that he should have his security clearance revoked. From a Ukrainian perspective, even the perception that Musk is influencing negotiations could poison the well.

In light of all these challenges, Americas best weapon in the struggle for peace remains what it always was: support for Ukraine in the form of money and materiel.

Trump can use this support to exert pressure on both parties to reach a compromise. If Ukraine objects to proposed territorial concessions, he can offer generous reconstruction aid and help in rebuilding the countrys war-ravaged military. Such assistance would also help prepare Ukraine for eventual inclusion into NATO and the EU.

If Russia gets too greedy, Trump can remind them that hes perfectly willing to continue (or even ramp up) support for Ukrainian forces, leaving all options on the table. At this point in the war, it would be unwise to back another large-scale counteroffensive or authorize further strikes on Russian soil, but strategic ambiguity is valuable.

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We can make Russian forces pay even more dearly for every inch they gain or (better yet) stop them in their tracks. This credible threat is the best way to convince Putin that its better to declare victory and take whats on offer than to keep slogging away until the Russian flag flies over Kyiv.

Sanctions have only hardened Putins resolve. If we want to break it, well need to speak the only language he understands: force.

Martin Perryman, a retired Army colonel, is a defense analyst and 30-year military veteran.

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Telemedicine has increased patient access to quality care and helped millions receive efficient, cost-effective medical support, especially for elderly and rural populations. But its widened coverage under Medicare is now in jeopardy. Congress must act to preserve this critical lifeline.

Before the pandemic, telemedicine reimbursement under Medicare was largely limited to those who lived in rural areas. Even then, technology limitations and bureaucratic red tape prohibited patients from making these visits from the comfort of their own homes; they had to travel to Medicare-approved health clinics to conduct virtual sessions to receive care.

Expanded coverage began in 2020, when COVID-19 prevented many Americans from being able to see their physicians in the office. Since then, telehealth has become a widely popular alternative to physical visits for patients and doctors and has proven to be a capable method of addressing non-emergency medical needs.

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Last year, a Yale School of Medicine study found telehealth to be equally effective as in-person doctor sessions. For those in palliative care, the study concluded telehealth quality-of-life scores were similar to those who traveled to a doctors office.

Telehealth saves patients time and money. A 2023 study of cancer patients determined that virtual doctor visits saved them an average of 2.9 hours and as much as $186 per visit by eliminating travel expenses and lost income from taking time off of work.

The U.S Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services concluded in 2018 that telehealth saved patients $60 million in travel costs alone. That was two years before Congress authorized coverage expansion. Imagine what this number is today.

Telehealth is cheaper in the healthcare system. Penn Medicine discovered that telemedicine employee visits were significantly less expensive to deliver  23 percent less to be exact  compared to in-person consultations.

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Insurance giant Cigna found that non-urgent telehealth visits cost $93 less on average than in-person ones, and virtual specialist visits saved as much as $141 per visit by eliminating unnecessary emergency room visits.

For many of our customers, a Cigna representative explained, virtual care continues to be the best way to meet their needs in a cost-effective manner.

The facts show ER visits have indeed declined as a result of expanded Medicare coverage of telehealth. Virtual visits have avoided placing additional burdens on these facilities, freeing up precious ER resources to address urgent life-and-death matters.

Telehealth is also better for the environment. UC Davis Health researchers projected five of the University of Californias health systems eliminated nearly 54 million travel miles that would have been added to the nations carbon footprint thanks to telehealth availability during the first two years of the pandemic.

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And telemedicine doesnt limit patient access to physicians within their own geographic proximity. Thats important when someone must seek advice from specialty medical professionals who may practice a great distance from where the patient lives.

Expanded Medicare reimbursement of telehealth services has been consistently renewed by Congress since 2020. At the end of 2024, with no plan in place, Republicans agreed to a continuing resolution to keep the government open, which included a provision to keep telehealth coverage in place for the next two years.

President Trump and Elon Musk publicly opposed the continuing resolution, and GOP support for the bill quickly died. But a last-minute act by Congress gave telehealth coverage life by extending the deadline to March.

Now the clock is ticking.

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Telehealth benefits everyone. Advancements in software, high-speed internet and remote connectivity technology have made it easier for physicians to reach patients and provide important medical attention. It saves money and opens access to quality care for all.

The federal government has a role to play in making sure patients continue to benefit from virtual medicine. Theres no better model of efficiency  the very platform of the Trump administration  than telehealth, which has proven to be a cost-effective solution.

Expanded coverage for telehealth has transformed the way patients across America receive medical support. If it goes away, millions of Americans stand to lose. Congress can put an end to any doubt in the minds of an anxious nation by making it permanent.

Lyndon Haviland, DrPH, MPH, is a distinguished scholar at the CUNY School of Public Health and Health Policy.

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Many Americans are understandably concerned about the cost of aid to Ukraine. But they are thinking about the issue the wrong way  we should be considering the cost of Ukraine losing.

Analysis conducted at the American Enterprise Institute has determined that Russia defeating Ukraine would cost American taxpayers an additional $808 billion over what the U.S. has planned to spend on defense in the next five years. This is about seven times more than all the aid appropriated to the Pentagon to help Ukraine since Russias 2022 invasion.

This estimate is based on a scenario in which the U.S. stops providing aid and the resulting Russian victory requires us to adapt our military capabilities, capacity and posture in order to maintain our security. The study then uses the Defense Futures Simulator to estimate the spending required to deter and, if necessary, defeat Russia in Europe, while also preventing further conflict by emboldened adversaries in the Pacific and the Middle East.

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Without U.S. support, Russia would advance in 2025 as Kyiv runs out of weapons. By 2026, Ukraine would lose effective air defense, allowing Russia to conduct continuous large-scale bombings. Ukraines conventional forces would continue to courageously fight but would likely collapse by the end of that year, allowing Russia to seize Kyiv and then drive to the NATO border.

An emboldened Russia would reconstitute its combat units, use Ukraines resources to bolster its capabilities, station its forces along the NATO frontier, and be ready to attack beyond Ukraine by 2030.

The notion that America should disengage from Europe and save its forces and money misses the global nature of conflict. While Europe should certainly invest more in its own defense, history has violently shown us the dangers of thinking we can ignore our interests in any given region. Such regional conflict is a thing of the past. Nothing has made that more clear than China, North Korea and Irans support of Russias war effort.

In order to protect itself  nationally, militarily, economically  the U.S. must remain a global power and invest in the capabilities it needs to protect its partners and itself. A failure of American resolve in Europe will only motivate aggression and threaten our prosperity across the globe.

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If Ukraine is allowed to fall, Washington will need a military that is larger, more capable, more responsive, and positioned in more locations. To deter or, if necessary, defeat Russia, the U.S. armed forces would need 14 new brigade combat teams, 18 more battle force ships, eight additional Marine Corps infantry battalions, 555 more Air Force aircraft, and 266,000 more uniform personnel for the increased force structure.

The U.S. would need to fortify its presence in Europe, including prepositioning air defenses, supplies and munitions. Efforts to diversify and expand the industrial base that supports our military would also need to move much more quickly than it does now to fulfill the high demands of modern warfare.

Although a conflict on the European continent would be primarily led by land forces under the cover of air forces, Washington would need to invest in naval capabilities as well. The U.S. Navy would have to discard its plans to shrink its overall number of ships, stabilize its carrier fleet at 12 and buy additional craft  submarines, destroyers, frigates, and logistics and support ships to keep the fleet at sea longer.

The U.S. will also have to maintain a higher state of readiness for home-stationed and deployed forces, which means additional training, improvements to facilities and stockpiles of spare parts. It will need more and better special operations forces, which are essential to intelligence gathering, shaping the battlefield and disrupting the enemy.

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Given that Russia is an experienced space and cyber power, the U.S. will also need better architecture and command systems for both domains.

Instead, if America and its allies accelerate assistance, a victorious Ukraine would see Russia retreat behind its own borders with a defeated and diminished military, a struggling economy, weakened partnerships, and a healthy dose of domestic challenges.

Ukraine, in contrast, would be vibrant and free, with a thriving industrial base and a modern military. Washington would be able to scale down its deployments and capabilities in Europe. It would still maintain a presence there, but it would be able to dedicate more resources and attention to the Pacific.

Not only is the U.S. safer when it is engaged, but it also saves money. The U.S. is faced with numerous national challenges. Illegal immigration, financing the national debt and an increasingly unpredictable global security environment all compete for attention and resources. But the stakes are especially high in Ukraine.

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Even putting aside the security and moral reasons for supporting a free Kyiv, which are immense, backing Ukraine is a financially sound decision for the United States.

Elaine McCusker is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. She previously served as the Pentagons acting undersecretary of defense (comptroller).

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To contextualize a chaotic first 10 days for the federal government in President Donald Trumps second term, some have pointed to Elon Musks purchase of Twitter. The comparison is apt: The email offering federal workers deferred resignations shared a title (Fork in the Road) with a November 2022 email Musk sent Twitter employees demanding their loyalty or their resignations. But theres a broader parallel to consider: The Trump administration is taking a vulture capitalist approach to government.

If the phrase vulture capitalist sounds faintly familiar, thats because it was a term used in the 2012 Republican presidential primary. Front-runner Mitt Romney came under attack from fellow Republicans for his time as founder and CEO of Bain Capital, one of the worlds biggest private equity firms. Under Romney, Bain helped lead an explosion in private equity firms buying out businesses and restructuring them by slashing jobs and cutting costs. Or as Newt Gingrich, who was running for the Republican nomination, put it: Bains executives loot companies, leave behind broken families, broken towns, people on unemployment.

Under Trump, we are now seeing similar looting underway, but on a far larger scale. The first step in the process took place last year: Wealthy investors (in this case, campaign donors) buy a distressed company (the U.S. government). Three billionaire donors  Musk, Timothy Mellon and Miriam Adelson  by themselves gave almost as much money to Trump as presidential candidate Kamala Harris received from all her small donors combined.

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Now, we are in the second phase, where the new owners push a flurry of steep cuts  except to their compensation. In addition to the push for so-called deferred resignations, the new administration and congressional Republicans are hunting for ways to slash government spending  including up to $900 billion from Medicaid alone  to pay for more tax cuts for the wealthy.

While the details of that bill are hashed out, Trump has doubled down on his plan to impose massive new tariffs that would hit low- and middle-income Americans the hardest. He reversed Biden-era efforts to lower prescription drug prices for Medicare and Medicaid enrollees. He ordered an evaluation of a national digital asset stockpile, moving closer to a federal bitcoin reserve that would massively benefit his major crypto donors. And, just for good measure, he fired 18 inspectors general, since why would looters want anyone but their own people minding the store?

Of course, we know what usually comes next in the business world: The new owners efficiencies dont fix anything. Rather, they reduce the quality of the product and/or service, leading the companys value to crater (Twitter, now known as X, has declined between 70% and 80% in value since Musk bought it). To make up shortfalls, executives cut even further, creating a doom loop until the company declares bankruptcy. And the people who drove the company into the ground walk away with their inflated fees and golden parachutes. They move on to prey on more workers, while demanding the rest of the country treat their carelessness as genius.

But as the 2012 election showed, in politics we can write a different ending to this story. President Barack Obama made the vulture capitalist attacks central to his campaign. One Obama super PAC even cut an ad composed entirely of other Republicans attacking Romneys record at Bain. The GOP nominee was never able to escape the negative associations with Bain, and Obama won re-election comfortably.

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Since the 2024 election, some Democrats have argued that the party should ditch arguments about Trumps threats to democratic governance and focus on kitchen table issues. But as the backlash to the presidents (now-rescinded) funding freeze showed, Democrats dont have to choose between these arguments. They can argue that Trump is asserting powers he doesnt have to help billionaires no one voted for to hurt the rest of us.

Encouragingly, the list of Democrats espousing these attacks spans the partys ideological spectrum. On Saturday, Rep. Pat Ryan, D-N.Y., who won a purple district by 14 points, wrote, Trumps first week was great if youre a mega-billionaire or Oath Keeper. The next day, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, also D-N.Y., said Trump was lining the pockets of himself and the billionaire class. The more Democrats who espouse these messages, the better.

As for translating rhetoric into action, Democratic state attorneys general are already filing lawsuits. But theres more that can be done, especially in the Senate. The strategy is simple: no votes for the looting of America. That means no courteous bipartisanship for Cabinet appointees who will kneecap government. No polite negotiations over giveaways to the wealthy few. And no niceties for a White House thats all too happy to send this country to the junkyard.

In his farewell address as president, Joe Biden issued an overdue warning about the dangerous concentration of power in the hands of a very few ultrawealthy people, and the dangerous consequences if their abuse of power is left unchecked. Trump and the GOP are doing everything they can to cement that dark world order. Only disciplined, united opposition can stop them.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
For Big Tech companies, the Global South has long been little more than an afterthought. The rollback of any form of robust or credible fact-checking on both X and Meta demonstrates this all too clearly. While the majority of X and Metas users remain outside of the U.S. and Europe, their content moderation policies simply shift with Americas ever-changing cultural and political tides.

Social media companies seem perfectly happy to profit off the masses of data they accumulate from users across the world. They are far less interested in investing in the systems and processes that ensure some semblance of accuracy or protection across their platforms.

Metas decision to replace independent fact-checkers with an X-style community notes feature may be a somewhat cynical attempt to appease the new Trump administration. Yet despite Americas current zeitgeist, tech executives must remember that their platforms still have global reach with global implications. While masquerading as a protection of free speech, this move will have calamitous effects on places that lie beyond Americas borders.

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Of course, even before the removal of third-party fact-checkers, misinformation and disinformation on X and on Metas various platforms have caused untold damage. This results in social division and, all too frequently, violence. Thats because, all too often, that is what its designed to do.

I have experienced this first hand. In my home country of Bangladesh, in the wake our countrys revolution, we have been the victim of a concerted disinformation campaign designed to stir racial division and discredit the reputation of our country.

As documented in a BBC investigation, false reports of violence perpetrated by Islamic radicals have been spread by far-right, state-affiliated accounts from neighboring India. Various instances of false or misleading social media posts have been identified and debunked by the AI intelligence service Blackbird.AI. These include fake images of arson attacks at Hindu temples, shops and even houses, along with mistitled and misattributed videos of racially-driven mob beatings and killings.

In fact, this campaign has been so successful that even President Trump referenced barbaric violence against Hindus, Muslims and other minorities in Bangladesh (in a post he has since deleted) based on misinformation he had seen online.

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This is part of a longstanding tradition in India. Indeed, the Indian Chronicles campaign was designed to discredit rival countries in the region and amplify pro-Indian interests.

Yet Bangladesh is not the only victim of lax content moderation protocols. Social media has been politically manipulated during political campaigns in both Brazil and Kenya. Health misinformation was allowed to run rampant across Nigeria, Indonesia and South Africa.

Economic disinformation has led to panic buying in Zimbabwe, while disinformation on Meta in Sri Lanka has led directly to violence against the Muslim community there. Indeed, one of the main motivating forces behind whistleblower Frances Haugens release of the Facebook papers was her concerns around how the company handled misinformation in the Ethiopian election.

Both misinformation and disinformation pose unique threats to the Global South. Lower levels of digital literacy, combined with rapid mobile phone adoption, can leave falsehoods harder to distinguish from information gained from credible sources.

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Similarly, many Big Tech platforms simply fail to decipher misinformation through cultural and linguistic nuance. Social media fills an information vacuum left when no credible, fact-checked sources of journalism are available.

Social media is no longer simply a tool for individuals to communicate. It is being used at the state level to launch weaponized information warfare campaigns. Thats why the rollback of content moderation is a step in the wrong direction, taken at the wrong time.

We should call this what it is  digital colonialism. These companies use predatory algorithms to keep users engaged for as long as possible so that their data can be sold to the highest bidder. Despite their eye-watering profits, companies like Meta and X show little interest in protecting the users from which they profit so handsomely.

As technology advances, the stakes only get higher. The rise of both AI and deepfakes makes false information even harder to identify. In fact, researchers have already identified a detection gap, whereby the tools or systems used to identify fake content in the Global South often work poorly, or not at all.

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Of course, AI can be a useful tool for detecting deepfakes. However, as stated by Sabhanaz Rashid Diya, founder of the Tech Global Institute, Theres a lot more easily accessible tools and tech available that actually allows someone to create synthetic media than the ones that are available to actually detect it.

AI has made the internet both a more productive and more dangerous place to be. Removing content moderation and fact-checking on social media platforms is the opposite of what the global online community needs. Social media executives have ignored their civic duty in favor of a set of sycophantic policy changes signaling subservience to the new administration.

The early promise of a democratized, gatekeeper-free internet has been broken by a Tech Bro class that cares only about money and power. Sadly, it will be countries like mine in the Global South that will continue to drown in the flow of unregulated social media slop. Will the Western world listen?

Ashfaq Zaman is a Southeast Asia foreign affairs expert and founder of the Dhaka Forum.

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When you have two Sputnik moments in the same week, you really havent had a Sputnik moment at all.

DeepSeek

First, tech stocks took a dive after the little-known Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek created a model known as R1. It supposedly performs well against industry leaders and cost only $5.6 million to train. NPR said other companies have spent $100 million or more to get similar results.

Nvidia, last years Cinderella of the chip market, lost almost $600 billion overnight. As I write this, it continues to struggle.

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Marc Andreessen , who developed Netscape Navigator, said, DeepSeek-R1 is AIs Sputnik moment.

Education failure

Meanwhile, in the education world, the nations report card, otherwise known as the National Assessment of Educational Progress biennial test of fourth and eighth graders nationwide, released its figures from the 2024 math and reading tests.

They werent good, at least not for reading.

For eighth graders, more students (33%) scored below basic in reading than at any point in the 32-year history of the exam. One could argue that fourth graders did better, if having the largest group (40%) scoring below basic in more than 20 years qualifies as anything good.

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Fourth grade math was up slightly.

No one has said it, yet, that I can tell. But two years ago, when dismal civics and history scores were released, Chester E. Finn Jr., president emeritus of the conservative Thomas B. Fordham Institute, did. A Sputnik moment, he told The Washington Post .

If those scores qualify, this years marks certainly must, as well.

Except that the comparison doesnt work.

Sputnik was the name of the first Soviet satellite, which was launched Oct. 4, 1957. It caught the United States by surprise and was considered the first big milestone in space exploration. Outwardly, military experts downplayed its significance, saying satellites would have no practicable military application in the foreseeable future.

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But inwardly, the nations resolve hardened, and the United States beat the Soviets to the moon less than 12 years later.

Lack of resolve

And thats the problem with everybody referencing Sputnik and assigning moments. An event is a Sputnik moment only when it spurs an entire nation into action and hardens the resolve of its leaders.

DeepSeek may indeed represent a turning point in the battle for AI supremacy, unless its cost reports are proven false. Companies such as OpenAI and Nvidia have been operating under the assumption that AI would require more chips than ever. Now, as Antonia Hmaidi, a senior analyst at the Mercator Institute for China Studies in Berlin, told NPR, it looks as if the U.S. was living in a bubble.

But how much resolve do Americans have?

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This much: When TikTok began to shut down earlier this month, some of them turned to a Chinese-owned social media app by the not-too-subtle name Red Note. TikTok attracted governments ire because it was believed to be collecting data on all its American customers, and that it could use the app to disseminate propaganda. Why would Red Note be any different?

Why, for that matter, would DeepSeek?

A report by the website tech.co said, DeepSeek is sending the data it collects to China and is completely open about this. It states: We store the information we collect in secure servers located in the Peoples Republic of China.

Reuters reported that DeepSeek had to limit new registrations because the site became so popular this week, and because it was the target of a cyberattack.

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Educational performance may be more difficult to tackle, but falling NAEP scores dating back to the start of the pandemic give little reason to expect any real resolve.

Why connect these two completely different news stories? To illustrate that Americans need to find resolve from within to deal with the most vexing issues of the day, not rely on a scared-straight strategy that requires moments or crises to shake people from their stupor.

Real leadership

I easily could have added the burgeoning national debt or the nations housing crisis to that list. Maybe its part of our national DNA. When Sputnik happened, Edward Teller , known as the father of the hydrogen bomb, called it, A greater defeat for our country than Pearl Harbor.

Enough with the hyperbole. Solving the big problems of the day, and mustering the resolve to do it, will take much longer than a moment, just as it always has.
A federal judge this week issued a stay that freezes a freeze that the Trump administration had earlier tried to impose upon federal grants and loans, forcing an embarrassing about-face from Trumps new regime.

Newly installed White House Press Karoline Leavitt spun the take-back by focusing on other executive memos, such as ones halting foreign aid and terminating DEI programs, while President Trump himself blamed the media for confusion over the memos scope.

The rescinding of the orderamid some two dozen state attorneys filing their own lawsuits over the stoppage of fundingis a sign of the lack of thought that went into the controversial move. but that the White House issued it at all offers the clearest glimpse yet of the Trump administrations vision for executive power.

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The stop was originally ordered via a two-page memo issued by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which directed all federal agencies to pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement of federal financial assistance. According to the OMB, the order was necessary because the use of Federal resources to advance Marxist equity, transgenderism, and green new deal social engineering policies is a waste of taxpayer dollars that does not improve the day-to-day lives of those we serve.

Such cultural wars jargon offers flimsy justification for the massive disruption of everything from school lunches to disaster relief, and a potential violation of both the Constitutions separation of powers doctrine as well as the 1974 Impoundment Control Act (ICA). The ICA limits a presidents ability to affect money Congress has approved spending to only two paths: recission or deferral. Both require the president to send Congress a special message explaining the reasoning for their decision, and its impact. The ICA does not permit the use of deferral, furthermore, for policy reasons.

President Donald Trump speaks at an event at the White House in Washington, D.C., on January 29, 2025. / Elizabeth Frantz / REUTERS

In issuing the stay, Judge Loren L. AliKhan of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia (a Biden appointee) appeared to focus on the chaos arising from conflicts between the administrations apparent intentions and what was actually occurring. OMB, for example, tried to clarify in a separate memo that Medicaid and food assistance programs were exempt from the pause, even as state Medicaid directors reported payment portals were down. It seems like the federal government currently doesnt actually know the full extent of the programs that are going to be subject to the pause, said Judge AliKhan in their ruling.

That full extent appears vast. Emergency disaster aid, foster care, school breakfasts and highway construction would all be paused, as well as, according to the head of one of the plaintiff groups: From pausing research on cures for childhood cancer to halting food assistance, safety from domestic violence, and closing suicide hotlines, the impact of even a short pause in funding could be devastating and cost lives.

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The Trump administrations disorganization and reliance upon MAGA talking pointswhether accidental or deliberateobscures the seismic struggle over the expansion of Presidential power unleashed by Trumps second administration.

Trumps freeze comports with none of the ICA mechanisms and plainly states that the purpose of the pause is solely for policy reasonsto make sure that no woke agenda is furthered by federal funds. This alone should ensure that the Trump administration will lose any (and all) lawsuits brought against it over its memo. But the lawsuit also raises First Amendment issues, arguing that the OMB memo violates the Constitution by denying receipt of appropriated funds if the recipient expresses political, personal, and moral viewpoints disfavored by the administration.

Still, court losses are unlikely to dampen the Trump administrations appetite for expanding executive power to a previously unimaginable degree. Until Trump, it was President Nixon who personified executive power run amok. His secret bombing of Cambodia and invasion of that country without Congressional approval led directly to passage of the War Powers Act; he is thought of as the embodiment of the so-called Imperial Presidency. But the second Trump administration possesses advantages that Nixon lacked in its play to usurp this title.

Unlike Nixon, Trump has a Supreme Court with not only a Republican majority but a majority who has repeatedly shown itself willing to flout precedent in siding with Trump. Also, unlike Nixon, Trump has a Congress with not only a Republican majority but a majority that seems utterly cowed by its leader and unwilling to exercise the independent authority it holds under the Constitution. This trifecta of power allows Trump to argue the separation of powers is bad simply because it frustrates his wishes.

Such a strategy must be confronted repeatedly and forcefully. If it is not, then future historians may judge that the arc of 21st century American history bent towards authoritarianism, not justice.
President Trump fired more than a dozen inspectors general in a Friday night massacre that threatens to neutralize the independent oversight performed by these good government watchdogs.

Among a dizzying first week of actions, these terminations stood out for their deviation from a longstanding bipartisan consensus on retaining inspectors general after elections. Trump did not comply with congressional notice requirements, and the move was apparently inconsistent with his administrations stated interest in efficiency.

Congress must hold Trump accountable for these personnel decisions and take steps to maintain inspectors generals abilities to monitor the governments honesty and efficiency.

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Federal inspectors general and their staff serve the critical function of detecting and preventing fraud, waste and abuse by conducting impartial investigations and audits of departments and agencies. They are highly effective.

In fiscal 2023, federal inspector general oversight resulted in $93 billion in savings, more than 4,000 criminal prosecutions and more than 7,000 noncriminal actions. Yet inspectors general are also susceptible to attack due to their scrutiny of executive branch wrongdoing and failures.

Unlike political appointees, inspectors general remain in place after elections. No president had removed an inspector general during a transition since Reagan. Speaking on Reagans removals, Rep. L.H. Fountain (D-N.C.), a chief sponsor of the Inspector General Act, said it was never intended for inspectors general to be automatically replaced on a wholesale basis without regard to their individual merits whenever there is a change in administrations.

Retention became the norm regardless of party. This norm was reflective of the inspector generals political role, which persisted for decades until last week.

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Inspector general removals outside of presidential transitions have also been rare. During his first term, Trump fired two inspectors general and replaced three acting inspectors general for reasons that appeared to be retaliatory or to subvert oversight.

Members of Congress responded by proposing legislative action to protect inspector general independence from adverse actions. These proposals included removal for cause protection that would have restricted presidential removal of inspectors general to specific grounds set forth in the law.

At the time, I argued that inspector general removals for cause were necessary legal protection to prevent future abuses and that the policy was constitutional under the Supreme Courts inferior officer exception to the presidential removal power. However, Congress did not enact removal protection.

Instead, in 2022, legislators added to a 30-day advance notice provision, requiring the president to provide Congress with a substantive rationale, including detailed and case-specific reasons for any inspector general removal action.

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By failing to provide notice or explanation to Congress for last weeks firings, the president failed to comply with the 2022 law. Accordingly, he perversely disregarded a congressional requirement enacted in response to his own first-term firings and thwarted legislative oversight of inspector general terminations intended by the law.

The firings are also curious given the administrations professed desire to make government more efficient. If this interest were genuine, one would not expect the president to gut the leadership of the very oversight offices responsible for promoting public integrity and efficiency.

These firings seem to fit within the administrations broader campaign to disrupt the countrys independent institutions and dismantle the nonpartisan civil service, which aims to replace a merit-based approach to government employment with politicized hiring that prioritizes loyalty.

The timing and circumstances of the inspectors general firings suggest the president is looking to select inspectors general who are aligned with his priorities and to potentially minimize the type of rigorous oversight of executive actions he encountered during his first term. These are troubling developments for the oversight institution best situated to uncover executive branch abuses of power.

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Oversight independence and competence, not loyalty, define inspector general oversight. Congress must act to defend these principles.

Senators have now requested that the president provide the required explanations for the inspector general terminations. Even so, the current laws focus on procedural notice does not provide an adequate substantive mechanism to protect inspectors general from unjustified terminations, and Congress does not appear interested in revisiting removal for cause protection at this time.

The inspector general community will need advocates to defend the institution from attacks. They need the Senate to ensure that any acting appointments comply with a law that limits who the president can temporarily appoint to certain current inspector general officials, thoroughly vet permanent nominees and only consent to candidates who demonstrate the ability to perform effective oversight and remain independent.

They need congressional oversight hearings to probe executive branch efforts to undermine inspectors general offices, perhaps organized by members of the Senates recently created Inspector General Caucus.

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And civil society must resist destructive efforts to weaken independent oversight. If our country fails to protect independent inspector general offices, we can expect a lot of bad governance.

Andrew Brunsden is an adjunct professor of Law at New York Law School and an attorney at a government oversight agency. He is the author of Inspectors General and the Law of Oversight Independence, published in the William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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When President Donald Trumps pick for director of national intelligence, former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, met with Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in 2017, hundreds of thousands of people had been killed and millions more displaced by six years of grinding civil war. Assad waged this war with indiscriminate brutality, mass terror and repression, the extent of which is rapidly coming to light after his ouster in December.

A few months after Gabbards visit, the Assad regime massacred scores of civilians with chemical weapons in Khan Sheikhoun. U.S. intelligence agencies declared that the Assad regime was responsible, while Trump said: There can be no dispute that Syria used banned chemical weapons.

Except there was dispute  from Trumps future nominee for DNI, Tulsi Gabbard. On the day of the Khan Sheikhon attack, Gabbard somehow already knew she was skeptical that the Assad regime was responsible. This reflexive position didnt change in subsequent years, even though it contradicted U.S. and French intelligence  as well as joint reporting from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the United Nations.

Follow MSNBCs live blog coverage of Kash Patels and Tulsi Gabbards confirmation hearings.

Gabbard instead relied on reports from MIT professor emeritus Theodore Postol that contained basic errors  such as mixing up chemical weapons attacks that took place four years apart. Postol has a long history of questioning the evidence for chemical weapons attacks launched by the Assad regime, and he is often cited as an authority by pro-Assad propaganda outlets like Russia Today.

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For a potential DNI, Gabbards yearslong campaign of questioning Assads use of chemical weapons reveals a startling inability to evaluate intelligence. But what may be even more alarming is the clear political motivation behind Gabbards assessments  to cast doubt on evidence that would justify more forceful action against the Assad regime, which she obsessively lobbied against for years.

In 2019, Gabbard claimed that Assad is not the enemy of the United States. A few months later, she declined to label Assad a war criminal  despite the mountain of evidence for his war crimes that had accumulated over eight years of conflict, such as intentional bombings of civilians and repeated chemical attacks. When Russia launched a military intervention in Syria to prop up the Assad regime, Gabbard celebrated it as a victory against terrorism.

This was the standard propaganda line from Moscow and Damascus to justify what became one of the most destructive and indiscriminate bombing campaigns of the 21st century. Gabbard even said it was mind-boggling that we protest joint Russian-Syrian military operations and demanded to know: Why is this a bad thing? It was a bad thing because Assad was a murderous dictator and a client of one of the United States greatest geopolitical foes.

Gabbard touted the Russian intervention in Syria after Russian President Vladimir Putins annexation of Crimea  a harbinger of what was to come. When Russia invaded Ukraine, Gabbard once again felt sympathy with Moscow: This war and suffering could have easily been avoided if Biden Admin/NATO had simply acknowledged Russias legitimate security concerns regarding Ukraines becoming a member of NATO.

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When Moscow accused Ukraine of hiding U.S.-funded biological weapons labs (a claim for which there is no evidence) to justify the invasion, Gabbard suddenly started talking about biolabs in the country that need to be shut down immediately. The existence of U.S.-supported biolabs (which are for public health research, not weapons production) in Ukraine is no secret, but Gabbard accused the Biden administration of trying to cover this up.

Gabbard lacks intelligence experience, which may be one of the reasons she has a history of hammering facts into distorted shapes that fit her political narratives. This is an extremely dangerous trait for someone who would oversee 18 intelligence agencies and be their primary liaison with the president. Gabbard has proved over and over again that she is incapable of objectively and reliably evaluating intelligence. How can she be trusted to provide Trump with information that isnt manipulated by a political agenda? How can allies trust her to use the intelligence they share responsibly?

These problems are even more urgent with a president who is notoriously hostile toward American intelligence agencies. Trump has long complained of a deep state plot to undermine him, an accusation that often implicates the intelligence community. In July 2018, Trump sided with Putin over American intelligence officials on the issue of Russian interference in the 2016 election.

Beyond Gabbards contempt for American intelligence agencies  a constant throughout her political career  its difficult to know what she actually stands for.

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A former Bernie Sanders-supporting Democrat turned Trump-friendly independent turned MAGA Republican, Gabbard was once extremely critical of Trump. She described his immigration policies as despicable. She said he promised to drain the swamp, but hes brought the swamp to the White House. She said Trump embodies capitalism without a conscience. She denounced his erratic, destructive tariff war with China. She condemned his efforts to intimidate those with dissenting views. And she concluded that Trump is not a patriot.

Now, Gabbard describes Trump as a kind and courageous person who sincerely desires the best for the American people. She once said he was threatening to start WWIII in Syria to protect al-Qaeda, but she now claims that Trump will walk us back from the brink of nuclear war. Most ominously, she echoes Trumps paranoia about the intelligence agencies she has been selected to lead: The real power lies with the Deep State, Intel agencies, and propaganda media.  They dont want Donald Trump elected because theyre afraid he will expose and dismantle this shadow government pulling the strings.

While Gabbard repeats all the right MAGA talking points about the deep state (including the sinister Intel agencies), shes willing to be a hawkish supporter of the intelligence community when it suits her. For example, she recently reversed course on a surveillance authority she once sought to eliminate: FISA Section 702, which enables the collection of foreign intelligence from non-U.S. persons abroad. Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma cited this reversal as a justification for confirming Gabbard as DNI.

How could Lankford or any other senator believe a word Gabbard says? Gabbard hasnt just demonstrated naked political opportunism  she also has a long record of simply dismissing facts that contradict her political narrative. Whats particularly strange and disturbing is that this narrative always seems to be sympathetic toward the Putins and the Assads of the world. During her confirmation hearings, senators should ask why that is.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
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:

People walk outside the Mulago National Hospital in Kampala, Uganda, Thursday, Jan, 30, 2024, where a nurse had died of Ebola. Credit: AP Photo/Hajarah Nalwadda

A nurse in Uganda has died of Ebola in the first recorded fatality since the country's last outbreak of the disease ended in early 2023, a health official said Thursday.

The 32-year-old male nurse was an employee of Mulago Hospital, the main referral facility in the capital, Kampala, Diana Atwine, permanent secretary of the health ministry, told reporters Thursday.

After developing a fever, he was treated at several locations in Uganda before multiple lab tests confirmed he had been suffering from Ebola. The man died on Wednesday and the Sudan strain of Ebola was confirmed following postmortem tests, Atwine said.

At least 44 contacts of the victim have been identified, including 30 health workers and patients at Mulago Hospital, according to Uganda's Ministry of Health.

The health authorities are "in full control of the situation," Atwine said, while also urging Ugandans to report any suspected cases.

Tracing contacts is key to stemming the spread of Ebola, and there are no approved vaccines for the Sudan strain of Ebola.

Uganda's last outbreak, discovered in September 2022, killed at least 55 people before it was declared over in January 2023.

Confirmation of Ebola in Uganda is the latest in a trend of outbreaks of viral hemorrhagic fevers in the east African region. Tanzania declared an outbreak of the Ebola-like Marburg disease earlier this month, and in December Rwanda announced that its own outbreak of Marburg was over. The ongoing Marburg outbreak in northern Tanzania 's Kagera region has killed at least two people, according to local health authorities.

The World Health Organization will send an initial allocation of $1 million from a contingency fund to support Uganda's response, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO director-general, said in a brief statement posted on the social platform X.

A medical worker disinfects a tent used for suspected Ebola victims inside the Ebola isolation center of Madudu Health Center III, in the village of Madudu, in the Mubende district of Uganda Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022. Credit: AP Photo/Hajarah Nalwadda, File

"A full scale response is being initiated by the government and partners," the statement said.

Kampala's outbreak could prove difficult to respond to, because the city has a highly mobile population of about 4 million. The nurse who died had sought treatment at a hospital just outside Kampala and later traveled to Mbale, in the country's east, where he was admitted in a public hospital. Health authorities said the man also sought the services of a traditional healer.

Emmanuel Batiibwe, a physician who helped lead Uganda's efforts to stop the country's 2022 outbreak, told The Associated Press that he expected a swift response in tracing all possible Ebola contacts in Kampala and elsewhere.

"Our reaction should be swift, decisive and well-coordinated," he said, speaking of lessons learned from the 2022 outbreak, whose epicenter was a town in central Uganda. "We have the means of responding quickly now."

Ebola, which is spread by contact with bodily fluids of an infected person or contaminated materials, manifests as a deadly hemorrhagic fever. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain and at times internal and external bleeding.

Scientists don't know the natural reservoir of Ebola, but they suspect the first person infected in an outbreak acquired the virus through contact with an infected animal or eating its raw meat.

Ugandan officials are still investigating the source of the current outbreak.

Uganda has had multiple Ebola outbreaks, including one in 2000 that killed hundreds. The 2014-16 Ebola outbreak in West Africa killed more than 11,000 people, the disease's largest death toll.

Ebola was discovered in 1976 in two simultaneous outbreaks in South Sudan and Congo, where it occurred in a village near the Ebola River, after which the disease is named.

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
The expression snow job, first uttered during the second World War, was a play on the idiom snowed under, meaning an elaborate cover up  an attempt to convince someone that something is true, when it is in fact not. It can also refer to intense flattery to get someone to do something you want.

For Russian President Vladimir Putin, it is all of the above  especially as he attempts to curry favor with President Trump. Putin now hopes to achieve at the negotiating table what his armies have failed to do on the battlefields of Ukraine.

Putin does not want a ceasefire or a peace deal to bring the war in Ukraine to an end. But he knows that a temporary ceasefire is a means to Ukraines eventual end  and that Trump and NATO are seeking to end the war sooner than later.

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Retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trumps special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have publicly signaled that the official position of the U.S. is to bring the war to an end. Trump himself has repeatedly said both he and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are ready to negotiate a deal. Putin, however, senses blood in the water in both Washington and in Kyiv.

Far from strong-arming the Russian president to the negotiating table, the West is perhaps unwittingly giving negotiating leverage to Putin  and he is seizing the opportunity in an effort to retrieve his faltering campaign in Ukraine.

Putin likely believes Trump is dealing him a potentially winning hand. Giddy at the prospect, the Kremlin appeared to direct Vladimir Solovyov, the host of the popular evening television news magazine on state-controlled Russia-1, to hint at Putins coming gambit.

Moscow will buy Ukraine in exchange for the 300 billion Euros of Russian funds being impounded by the European Union  provided, of course, that Trump hand[s] us everything all the way to Transnistria, the breakaway province of Moldova that abuts Ukraines southwestern border.

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Solovyov reveled in the idea that this scheme would give Russia full control of the Black Sea. But what would happen to the Ukrainian people? Solovyov suggested moving them out to Poland, Hungary, Romania, whatever. This is known as genocide by negotiation.

Then came the ultimate snow job. Solovyov suggested to his guests that the U.S. should withdraw from NATO and restore a military alliance with the Russians like the one we had during the Great Patriotic War, which we know as World War II.

There is only one problem with all of this. Putin has already told us what his real end goal is in Ukraine  and in Europe.

As we warned last week, the Russian president made his duplicitous position crystal clear. As the Institute for the Study of War noted, Putin has advertised that he is willing to negotiate with the United States about the war in Ukraine but  maintains his demands for Ukraines full capitulation.

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Putin is not merely trying to snow Trump under ahead of negotiations. He is also trying to freeze out Zelensky from participating. On Tuesday, Putin said that Russia could hold peace talks with Ukraine but ruled out speaking directly with Zelensky because he considers the Ukrainian president an illegitimate leader.

Zelensky responded that Putin was afraid of negotiations and was using cynical tricks to prolong the nearly three-year conflict. In other words, Putin is using the prospect of negotiations only to buy time.

The White House should heed Zelensky. He has witnessed Putins snow jobs before  and none more obvious than when Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed in January 2022 that Russia was not seeking a pretext to invade Ukraine.

Putin still believes he can win. He just needs the U.S. and NATO to stop supplying weapons and ammunition to Ukraine, and he has said that the fighting would end in a month and a half or two.

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That is why Putin wants to negotiate directly with Trump. He believes he can reason with Trump, and to do that he must appeal to Trumps ego. He attempted to do just that last Friday when he told reporters that if Trump 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.

Chinese general Sun Tzu once wrote, If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.

To execute a proper snow job, one must know his enemy  and Putin at least thinks he knows Trump. He saw Trumps comment last week as an opening: 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.

But there is no easy way with Putin  only his way. His comments and his actions suggest he has no intention of negotiating anything other than the complete capitulation of Ukraine on his timeline.

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Neither Trump nor NATO can permit themselves to be snowed under by Putin, who is simply setting conditions for his final act.

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.
The top lawyer at the Office of Personnel Management is a self-described raging misogynist who for years has talked up a campaign to purge the federal civil service and staff it with MAGA diehards, per a series of previously unreported appearances on right-wing podcasts.

As envisioned, this campaign would intimidate federal employees into resigning or cow them into submission. Cabinet secretaries would devote all of their efforts to cleaning house, clearing the way for partisan cronies to dominate the workings of the federal government, all orchestrated by Trump appointees who have spent the past several years marinating in and reproducing online cesspits. The remarks by Andrew Kloster, the new general counsel at OPM, suggest a concerted, premeditated effort to both wreck the nonpartisan federal civil service and replace its remnants with workers easily under the Presidents control.

Kloster revealed his aspirations for remaking the federal workforce in appearances on two podcast episodes hosted by Auron Macintyre in 2022 and 2024, and published a series of writings from 2021 through to the 2024 election on a Substack and Telegram channel reviewed by TPM. Throughout, Kloster, who served as acting general counsel at OPM in the last year of Trumps first term, described a government-wide effort to clean house.

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The comments prefigure what the country has seen for the past 10 days. In practice, thats meant asserting the ability to fire categories of civil servants through Schedule F, firing nonpartisan DOJ staff, pushing employees to retire early, and urging federal employees to report on others who support DEI.

People need to understand that they need to clean house, so we need barn burners, people with backbone. It needs to be government-wide so that everyone has air cover, he said in a June 2022 conversation with Macintyre on an episode titled Staffing the Regime of the program, The Auron Macintyre Show.

Two years later, he appeared with Macintyre again, in an episode titled Replacing the Deep State.

I think a concerted political effort can take control of the civil service per se, Kloster said, suggesting that the effort was intended to clear out existing career government workers and replace then with Trump loyalists.

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You need a pipeline. You need a lot of replacements, he said. Youre going to get a lot of flack for it.

With Macintyre, himself an online provocateur, Kloster occasionally used internet-magnified threats, at one point joking about moving federal employees to Alaska. But he was clearly conversant in the ideas and language of the new right: He discussed how seizing the federal service could help win on the other two elements of the cathedral, a concept used by anti-democratic influencer Curtis Yarvin to describe societys opinion-forming institutions. At other points, Kloster referenced Adrian Vermeule, a Harvard Law Professor who has argued for dramatically expanded presidential power guided by Christian teachings.

Kloster is not the only new hire at OPM. The new administration has reportedly stacked it with Elon Musk-linked appointees more committed to a DOGE vision of the federal workforce. One deputy counsel, Clayton Cromer, has experience working for a white shoe law firm and in the Austin AI and tech scene, TPM has learned. Its not clear what he and other appointees bring to the table in terms of personnel law.

Kloster himself embodies the MAGA contradictions: as POGO and HuffPost reported, hes a self-described raging misogynist who clearly enjoyed getting a rise out of people online. As reported, Kloster was also subject to a temporary domestic violence-related restraining order in Maryland, which was dismissed several days after issuance pursuant to an agreement. His first job out of law school was working for FIRE, defending sexual assault cases; TPM reviewed a Rules for Radical Patriots guide that Kloster published which included calls for business owners to only hire or support people who want to preserve my community.

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At the same time, he has publicly expressed a clear vision of how to destroy the federal workforces nonpartisan identity and bring it under Trumps direct sway.

Its not just the case that we have evidence that the experts get things wrong. I think that as a theoretical matter, the very notion of expertise and independence makes no sense, he told the Yale Law School Federalist Societys podcast in 2022. So I very much rely more on structure and incentive and political control and unity between the technology and the people that are using the technology.

OPM declined to comment. Kloster did not return an emailed request for comment.

After Trump left office in 2021, the MAGA movement was cut somewhat adrift. Though Trump and his supporters proclaimed at the time both that they had actually won the election and that the first term had been a success, that was belied by complaints from former administration officials. They echoed Trumps complaints about the deep state, scapegoating federal employees and turncoat political appointees for the administrations failures.

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Kloster reflected on this in a June 2022 interview with Macintyre, recalling how, in 2016, he laughed as former never-Trumpers scrambled and begged for administration jobs. But the joke was on us because pretty quickly these grifters and people that were super anti-Trump and never Trump very quickly came back in and were able to get these positions, he said.

Its unusual for OPM or its staff to receive any public attention in an administration. Nominally independent, it mainly works as the human resources and employee benefits manager for the federal workforce.

But the segment of Trumpers who took the Presidents complaint that the real problem was his lack of total control over the nonpartisan civil service set their sights on OPM as a vehicle to strip protections from federal workers and, potentially, replace them with people who are ideologically simpatico.

To Kloster, that means empowering the President to hire and fire any employee at will.

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Without that, you have nothing, he said in 2022. Imagine, again, Biden or Trump issuing a hundred executive orders and people just dont listen to him. If he wasnt able to remove people, he could have four years of him sitting in a box and the machine would run itself.

Kloster described a campaign to enact this in a 2024 interview with Macintyre, saying that it would mean appointing cabinet secretaries who had the willpower and coordination to prioritize an assault on the civil service.

The number one thing that you want government-wide is an understanding that personnel is difficult and will get you a lot of blowback, so you need to have the willingness to see it through, he said. You hear the refrain, I can either spend my time working on policy or I can spend my time cleaning house and I cant do both. And I think that needs to be broken. People need to understand that they need to clean house, so we need barn burners, people with backbone, it needs to be government wide so that everyone has air cover.

Later in the interview, Macintyre brought up the example of Louis XIV, and his decision to move the French nobility to Versailles just so he could make sure to maintain control, complaining that having federal employees in D.C. reenacts that situation.

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Kloster replied with a joke about reassignments to Alaska, before expressing a hope for a shock and awe campaign bigger than any particular policy with respect to the civil service or any issue under Trump.

I think the main thing is shock and awe, he added.

The issue for Trump in 2025 is the same as it was during the first term: what hes trying to do is against the law. Its also counterproductive on its own terms. You can try to gut the civil service in order to bring it under control, but that leaves you with little left to enact your policies.

Theres an effort both to dismantle, but also to occupy or to seize control of the administrative state, Blake Emerson, a professor of law and political science at UCLA, told TPM. And those two goals dont necessarily align, and this is where we might get some friction.

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In the 2022 Yale Law federalist society chapter appearance, Kloster recognized some of these tradeoffs.

It goes all the way to the top. So what may have been lacking in the last administration was a president who didnt want to get involved. I mean, with Trump, everything was personal, he said. If Trump had died during his four years in office, who knows what wouldve happened because everything really did go to him. And the last person in the room with him might always win the argument or whatever. There are all these critiques, but it was him. He was the institution.
Orca advocates are begging federal leaders to help keep the Puget Sounds Southern Residents alive.

Advocates say the Federal government is keeping a fish supply behind dams during a major salmon shortage. The salmon need to be able to swim upstream to reproduce, but cant naturally due to the dams.

Experts say if drastic measures arent taken soon, the Southern Resident Orcas may go extinct from starvation.

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The Orca Network, founded by Howard Garrett, is at the forefront of this mission. Garrett tells us he has been trying to fight for the whales since 1976 and will continue to do so.

The Orca Network is a tracking and research group based on Whidbey Island.

Its the longest continuous study of any population of whales anywhere in the world, Howard said.

They have studied the impacts of the 1970 Penn Cove Captures, the loss of Chinook Salmon, and environmental effects for decades.

He tells us the captures wiped out an entire generation of Puget Sound Orcas. It took decades for the population to increase their numbers.

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Now, the salmon shortage is at the forefront of the decreasing Orca population.

Those Chinook have become incredibly scarce due to many factors, Garrett said. Overfishing, habitat destruction, weve hardened the shorelines and hurt the estuaries, even dammed the rivers.

The dams are operated by the federal government, meaning the orcas fate is in the hands of Washington D.C.

To increase the population, NOAA studies show the remaining Chinook Salmon need to swim upstream to lay eggs and reproduce, but the dams operated by the Army Corps of Engineers prevent that from happening naturally.

The only way to restore those salmon is to remove those dams, its universal in the scientific community, that needs to be done, Garrett said.

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If that doesnt happen, Garrett tells us the Southern Residents will eventually starve to death, going from endangered to extinct.

Its absolutely the lack of nutrition thats often killing the calves before they are even born, Garrett said.

The Orca Network is trying to convince lawmakers to take up their cause. They tell us the group has sent over many petitions and studies along with Orca Network representatives to state offices.

They say they never got a response about removing the dams.

Advocates say they spend each day fighting for the 73 remaining residents so that future generations can experience the orcas magic, too.

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Its completely universal, its non-denominational, nonpartisan, every person has that response to whales when they see them, Garrett said.

We reached out to Washington lawmakers to see if they are considering options to save the Southern Resident Orca population, but we have not received a reply.




The Oregon Legislature commemorated late Senate President Peter Courtney on Wednesday with a memorial in the chamber he presided over for 20 years. (Photo by Ron Cooper/Salem Reporter/pool)

Oregon bid farewell to the states longest-serving legislator in the Senate chamber that the late Peter Michael Coleman Courtney presided over for 20 years and loved more than anything but his family.

About 200 dignitaries, former colleagues, friends and family who crowded into the Senate chamber on Wednesday cried a little and laughed a lot as a host of speakers described the compassionate, cantankerous man who dedicated his life to serving his adopted state. Many wore vintage campaign buttons from Courtneys first legislative run in 1980, with the words here to serve and nobody works harder around a sketch of a floppy-eared rabbit.

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The dignitaries included former Gov. Kate Brown, who first served alongside Courtney in the state House in 1991. They both later moved to the Senate, where Brown set her sights on becoming Senate president. But when Oregonians elected an evenly divided Senate in 2002, Republicans agreed to accept a Democrat as Senate president only if that Democrat was Courtney.

Brown said she could share countless stories about her 30 years of working with him  some not fit to be repeated publicly. But one stood above the rest: the reason why one of her last acts as governor was renaming the state hospitals Salem campus after Courtney.

It started in 2004, when The Oregonian and Salem Statesman Journal began reporting on terrible conditions at the Oregon State Hospital, the state-run mental health facility a mile from the Capitol. Those stories and photos, describing lead paint curling from walls, asbestos frost floating in the air and inadequate staffing, agonized Courtney, and he demanded a tour of the facility.

On that tour, Courtney ordered staff to open a small locked building. Inside, thousands of corroded and dented copper cans sat on filthy shelves, each containing the unclaimed, forgotten remains of patients who died at the hospital.

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Peter would say that nothing in his life prepared him for what he had discovered, Brown said. He very clearly saw that what he would forever call the room of the forgotten souls was emblematic of the states utter failure to address the needs of some of its most vulnerable citizens. And so Peter Courtney did what he always did: He rolled up his sleeves and went to work.

Courtneys efforts led to a 2005 law on mental health parity and hundreds of millions of dollars to build a new 620-bed hospital in Salem and a 360-bed facility in Junction City.

He was expected at a ceremony renaming the hospitals Salem campus in his honor on July 16, 2024, but he died from complications of cancer hours earlier.

Eastern and southern roots

Courtney was born June 18, 1943, in Philadelphia and raised in West Virginia  as he called it, West By God Virginia. Shortly after he graduated from Boston Universitys law school, Courtney boarded a Greyhound bus for Salem with a job offer to clerk for an Oregon judge on the newly created court of appeals.

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He spent two years living in room 206 at the local YMCA, which remained close to his heart. As a lawmaker, he helped secure millions of dollars in state grants for the Ys three-story $30.5 million new building, which opened in 2022.

Within a few years of arriving in Salem, Courtney won a 1974 election to the Salem City Council. Salemites elected him to the Oregon House in 1980, and he served in the House until 1999, minus a four-year stretch in the 1980s when he lost elections for the U.S. House and Oregon Senate. Courtney was elected to the Senate in 1998, became Senate president in 2003 and stayed president for an unprecedented 20 years until his retirement in January 2023.

Gov. Tina Kotek ruled over the House for nearly half of Courtneys 20 years as Senate president.

I hope that each of you who had the experience to experience Peter, that you will have a memory that you can cherish with Peter for the rest of your lives, Kotek said. A personality and a presence like Peter Michael Coleman Courtney never truly leaves this Earth, and that gives us all something to smile about.

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Kotek has a physical reminder: a set of hand-embroidered napkins with her initials, TLK. The L is there because of Courtney, who introduced himself with all four of his names and was appalled to learn before they both took the stage at an event that Koteks parents never gave her a middle name. He asked what her confirmation name was  both were raised in the Catholic church and took the name of a saint at confirmation  and went away satisfied when he learned it was St. Louise de Marillac. Next thing Kotek knew, Courtney was on stage introducing her as Tina Louise Kotek, and the new name stuck.

Other lasting reminders of Courtney are scattered throughout Salem. Across the street from the Capitol, dozens of low-income veterans find affordable housing and community at the Courtney Place apartments. A few blocks away, walkers, runners and bikers cross the Peter Courtney Minto Island Bridge  though many Salemites still call it the taco bridge for its distinctive shape  that connects downtown Salems riverfront to the Minto-Brown Island Park.

Coutneys middle son, Sean, appeared by video, joking that if his dad saw one of his children had the floor of the Senate he would repeat a phrase that became famous around the Capitol: I got a bad feeling in all my crevices.

Courtney loved to have fun, Sean said. Hed bring his kids to the Capitol after hours  why not, if he had the keys to the building?  and let them eat all the junk food in caucus break rooms and slide down the marble staircase railings in the rotunda. And he once dressed up as a pilgrim with a turkey on a leash just to protest downtown Salem putting up Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving.

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The most enduring quality of my father is that he cared about others more than himself, Sean Courtney said. He loved to learn a persons story. He would also move heaven and Earth to help someone in need. And I want to believe that everyone is gathered here today because Peter Courtney has touched their lives in some way and has likely helped them at a time when they needed it the most.

Being so grateful

One of those people is House Minority Leader Christine Drazan, R-Canby, who said Courtney was an unlikely touchstone in her own life. She was 22 when she started working for the Republican-led House Majority Office, and Courtney was the Democratic minority leader. He was the loudest, most colorful politician she ever met  and despite their political differences, Courtney and Drazans boss at the time were friends, who would go running together at lunch.

A few years later, after Courtney moved to the Senate and Drazan became the chief of staff to the House speaker, Drazans best friend died. When he heard, Courtney walked over to the House and sat with Drazan on the side aisle of the empty House chamber.

I dont remember what we talked about, Drazan said. I dont remember if I listened, if I cried. I just remember being so grateful that I could sit there with someone who knew my friend and cared that she was gone.

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Former Sen. Tim Knopp, R-Bend, said no important moments went by in senators lives without Courtneys congratulations, condolences or conversations.

Peter was a caretaker, Knopp said. He cared for people so much, and you saw that in how he reached out.

Senate President Rob Wagner, a Lake Oswego Democrat who succeeded Courtney in 2023, recalled him as a force of nature, bold and hard-charging with a deep passion for helping children and animals. Oregon has had 57 Senate presidents, but none have had Courtneys impact, Wagner said.

Lori Brocker, who served as secretary of the Senate during the last nine years of Courtneys tenure, gave the invocation. Brocker, a former Norwegian Lutheran pastor, recounted the religious banter  or Reformation trash talk, depending on who was describing those conversations  she and Courtney, a devout Irish Catholic, had during their years of working together. She remembered jokingly threatening to nail an updated version of Martin Luthers 95 theses to the Senate door, and sharing updates on Olympic medal counts for Norway and Ireland.

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There are so many memories that all of us have in this room and that people will hear today, Brocker said. I dont know if any of the rest of you feel this, but I feel his presence up here, and I hear his voice in my head.

Courtney often saw something in people, and especially his staff that they didnt see in themselves, said Pat Egan, CEO of Sees Candies who was Courtneys student and later employee. When Egan left the Capitol to attend law school, he felt jealous of the people who still worked for Courtney, and Egan learned about how to lead a good life outside of work from watching Courtney with his wife, Margie, sons and dachshunds.

I know Im not alone in saying Peter made me better in every facet of my life, Egan said. He made everyone better, because with Peter, it was always about the team.

Former Sen. Betsy Johnson, who was a conservative Democrat from the north coast before her nonaffiliated run for governor in 2022, said she always imagined that the memorial for grumpy uncle Peter would happen in the Capitols rotunda. And she promised Courtney that his grievers would use crowbars to pop the state seal out of the floor and slip his casket beneath it, the Capitol serving as Oregons grandest mausoleum to its longest-serving legislator.

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Long after were all gone, Peter stories will abound in this building, Johnson said. Many complimentary, some not so much, but all of them paying homage to Oregons most significant naturalized citizen.

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Jan. 29OREGON  The Oregon City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to approve a zoning variance and special-use permit for the Oregon Fire Protection District to expand its fire station in the city's River Front Commercial District.

Close to 100 people squeezed into the council's chambers or watched from the hallway as commissioners went against a Jan. 21 recommendation by the Oregon Planning Commission not to recommend the request, opting to approve the measure by a 4-0 vote with one recusal.

Oregon Mayor Ken Williams and Commissioners Kurt Wilson, Melanie Cozzi and Terry Schuster voted to approve the request, while Commissioner Tim Krug recused himself since he owns property near the station.

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The council's decision followed a presentation by Oregon Fire Chief Michael Knoup about the planned expansion and how it will be funded as well as a 30-minute public comment period.

The existing station, at 100 Washington St., is on the west bank of the Rock River next to the Route 64 bridge on the north side of the state highway. It was built in 1985 and was grandfathered in to the city's River Front Commercial District when that district was formed in 2016.

The variance and special-use permit are needed because the fire district is planning "significant changes" to the station that would make it "nonconforming" to the River Front district.

Fire district trustees publicly announced plans two weeks ago for the $4.1 million renovation and expansion of the 40-year-old station.

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Knoup said Tuesday that the expansion is needed to accommodate larger emergency vehicles, consolidate all fire apparatuses and equipment under one roof, and provide more living quarters for full-time firefighters and paramedics.

Knoup said trustees had decided that moving the fire station to a new location and rebuilding from scratch would be too costly for taxpayers, estimating that cost at $8 million to $10 million. He said the proposed expansion, which would double the size of the station, would be funded through existing capital funds combined with bonds and grants without any increase in the district's property tax levy.

Consolidating all vehicles and apparatuses in one location would increase efficiency and decrease response times, which can make a difference in saving lives and property, Knoup said, noting that in 2024, the fire department rescued 26 people out of the river. He also said calls for service increased from 400 in 1985 to 1,200 last year, with 80% of those being ambulance calls.

"The citizens of Oregon and its tourists are our priority," Knoup said.

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In the years since the existing station was built, the district has transitioned from an all-volunteer force to a combination of paid full-time and volunteer staff, employing nine full-time members working in three shifts, with three members per shift, Knoup said.

On Jan. 21, the Oregon Planning Commission voted 4-3 not to recommend approval of the variance. Composed of volunteers appointed by the City Council, the Planning Commission makes recommendations to the council, which then decides whether to grant requests.

At that public meeting, some Planning Commission members and two neighbors living near the fire station said the station should be relocated out of the River Front Commercial District.

On Tuesday night, several people spoke in favor of allowing the fire station to expand at its current location.

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"I'm totally in favor of them adding on to the building," Judy Groharing said. "It's centrally located."

Kim Davis echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that the station's current location helps with response times.

"I think it is great that we have full-time fire and ambulance people that are staying there [at the fire station]. I don't know what the plans are for the future along the river, but it's been how many years and nothing has been developed there," Davis said.

"I think it's kind of petty not to give it to them," she said, referring to the variance.

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Aaron Mudge complimented fire trustees' plan for financing the expansion.

"I think people are tax-levied out," Mudge said. "They have a plan without raising taxes, and that should be applauded."

Mike Long, a former fire trustee and firefighter for 35 years, said the existing station was built at its current location because of its central location, proximity to the city's center and access to Route 64.

"There is no better location than where it is now," Long said. "The bottom line is response time is of the utmost importance.

"We didn't pick that area just because it was there. We picked it because that's where it needed to be ... along the water with highway access. I think we need to give them the variance and let [fire staff] do their job. Don't worry about tourism ... protect the people you got."

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After the meeting, fire Trustee Lora Stevens Mckee issued a statement: "We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the City Council for their unanimous decision to accept the Oregon fire district department's zoning request. This approval marks a significant step forward in enhancing the safety and well-being of our community.

"As a member of the board of trustees, we are proud to have the best team of fire professionals. I couldn't be more proud of the team we have and the chief's leadership. We are in this together, and we love our community."
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Oregon students are still struggling years after the pandemic, according to a new national education report.

The report found that, in math and reading, most Oregon fourth graders and eighth graders continue to perform below pre-pandemic levels  ranking among the worst in the nation.

Man barricading himself in TriMet bus leads to standoff with Portland police

This data comes from national tests given every two years.

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However, Portland Public Schools told KOIN 6 News their students were not included in these tests.

The National Assessment of Education Progress serves as a national report card. Its latest testing shows that nationwide math scores have improved: About 61% of fourth graders and 72% of eighth graders nationwide scored below math proficiency standards.

However, Oregon lags behind in reading proficiency. The state saw that 70% of eighth graders and 69% of fourth graders were not proficient. This ranks Oregon worse than 45 other states.

Police respond to barricaded wanted suspect in St. Johns neighborhood

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[The Oregon Department of Education] is expanding literacy efforts to reach schools serving some of our most impacted students, ensuring they have access to high-quality instruction and resources, said Charlene Williams, the head of the states education department. Additionally, summer and extended learning opportunities are more important than ever in closing gaps and accelerating progress.

Jamie Peters, a math specialist with Salem-Keizer Public Schools, said the district is piloting a new middle school curriculum that includes videos to introduce units to get students interested.

It compels students to learn the math, Peters said. And it might be a truly real-life situation like about sisters are going on a camping trip and they need to figure out the ratio of eggs to coffee to whatever else they need for that trip.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
New Orleans residents share support for potential superintendent candidate at NOSB board meeting

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)  The residents of New Orleans are ready for a superintendent who will lead the school district in the right direction.

Many of them told the school board that the they want the next leader to be highly educated, great with kids and most importantly, local.

We need somebody that is from New Orleans that may have grown up in the New Orleans school system, understands our kids, understands our culture, understands the problems and complexities of it, New Orleans resident Gary Ballier said.

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Gov. Jeff Landry celebrates as Louisiana students rankings move up in Nations Report Card

Throughout the meeting, several residents spoke highly of one potential candidate: current Xavier University professor Ashonta Wyatt, claiming she was the best potential candidate for the job.

I dont feel. I know Im qualified for the position, and if were talking about the things that theyve named, I check all of those boxes. All Im asking for is to be afforded the opportunity to show and prove that what people are asking for is what I can deliver, Wyatt said.

Supporters at this meeting claimed Wyatt wasnt given a fair chance at the job in the past, and theyre hoping this time around will be different.

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Dr. Ashonta Wyatt checks all of the boxes. She loves our children, shes in the community, she has a PhD from Xavier, and shes in the community and she loves our children. They know what she brings to the city. They know what she brings to our children. said New Orleans resident Aliscia Plummer. They dont need to do this dog and pony show, because they already know who they want. Just give us Dr. Ashonta Wyatt because we know shes going to do the right thing: educate our children and love on our children.

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.

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MIAMI, Okla.  At the request of District Attorney Doug Pewitt and Ottawa County Sheriff David Dean, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is taking over the inquest of a female inmate who developed multiple facial injuries after she was booked.

Leah Abbigail Sanko, 24, of Miami, was accused of assaulting an emergency medical technician. She was charged with two counts of assault and battery in Ottawa County District Court. Pewitt dropped the charges today (Wed. Jan. 29), saying, Her charges were dropped due to lack of criminal intent.

Dean released a statement around 8 p.m. on Wednesday, saying he received a report on Monday that Sanko may have been seriously injured while detained in the Ottawa County jail.

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In photographs provided by Laurie Sanko, Leahs mother, the young woman appears to have two black eyes. Laurie Sanko blames the Ottawa County jail staff.

My office has begun a preliminary investigation into the matter, Dean said. At this time, it does not appear that any person assaulted Sanko.

If the OSBI finds any person in my Office, or in my custody, committed any type of criminal act while Sanko was in our custody, criminal charges will be brought against that person or persons. Ottawa County Sheriff David Dean

Laurie Sankos Facebook page. Jan. 29, 2025

Deans statement details Sankos incarceration.

Sanko was transported to the Miami Integris Hospital on Jan. 22 by ambulance from her Miami residence for a possible overdose, Dean said.

According to an arrest affidavit, Sanko fought off treatment and allegedly assaulted two hospital employees in the emergency room. At one point during the alleged altercation, three hospital employees and hospital security tried to restrain Sanko on a hospital bed, the affidavit states.

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One worker had red marks on her face, and another employee was hit on the side of the face and kicked in the neck and hit in the eye, the affidavit states.

Laurie Sanko defended her daughter in a text, saying, She is not a violent person.

A medical professional signed the hospital release stating that Sanko was in such condition as to be released for transport to the jail (fit for incarceration), according to Deans statement.

When Sanko arrived at the jail, she was unable to walk without assistance due to what appeared to be symptoms of intoxication, and at times acted aggressively towards jail staff, Dean said.

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The jail personnel may not refuse to accept an arrestee for medical reasons if that person is cleared at the hospital, Dean said.

Dean said the Ottawa County jail does not have a padded cell for inmates in similar medical conditions.

At this time, it appears that the decision to place Sanko in a cell or pod was the right decision, Dean said. I will investigate how to prevent or mitigate any further incidents along these lines.

Dean said that Sanko acted aggressively throughout the night and into the following day.

Due to her condition, Sanko was placed where jailers could observe her on video. After striking her head on the floor, a jail nurse attended to her, Dean said.

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After reviewing jailhouse surveillance videos, Pewitt said, It appears her injuries are self-inflicted.

Dean said due to concerns of possible aggression toward ambulance personnel by Sanko, she was transported to the hospital for evaluation and treatment by Ottawa County deputies. After her hospital evaluation, Sanko was brought back to the jail and was placed into a holding cell by herself and placed on a medical watch where jail personnel would check her status every fifteen minutes, he said.

Sanko was unable to attend virtual court on Jan. 24 because she still appeared to be suffering from effects of intoxication, Dean said.

While still being monitored by the jail staff, Sanko was watched over the weekend, and nothing appeared to change with her condition, he said.

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On Monday, Sanko was taken to court by wheelchair because she could still not walk without assistance, Dean said. Special Judge Andrew Meloy asked about her facial injuries, including two black eyes.

Sanko said she was unaware of how it happened when questioned by Meloy.

Meloy released Sanko to her parents to obtain medical treatment, court records show.

Dean and Pewitt said they are taking all necessary steps to preserve all evidence from within the jail during Sankos detention, including all video recordings. Pewitt said he is also obtaining bodycam and hospital videos as part of the investigation.

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Dean said changes would be made if the investigation showed that policy or procedures were violated. He also said he would not make any further statements pending the outcome of the OSBI investigation.

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An Osceola County deputy was arrested for rear-ending a state trooper guarding a construction site while drunk on the Florida Turnpike Tuesday night, charging documents claim.

Hunter Perkins, 30, embedded the off-duty FHP car into a construction vehicle, then traveled an additional 600 feet before coming to a stop, troopers claimed.

Troopers said Perkins did not remember the crash or the fact that the car he allegedly hit had blue lights on.

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He said he was driving and then woke up on the ditch, the report stated.

Read: Family of Orlando reporter killed files lawsuit against Spectrum 13s parent company

Troopers said Perkins passed a field sobriety test but admitted to drinking several glasses of wine while at a paint-and-sip event with his girlfriend.

Because of that and the memory issues, they placed him under arrest.

They said the trooper he hit had minor injuries.

Read: Suspected Serial Killer named Person of Interest in 40-year-old Lake County murder case

Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Osceola County Sheriffs Office said Perkins had been relieved of sworn duties and additional actions could be taken based on the outcome of the case.

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It is very unfortunate to see a law enforcement officer arrested for violating the same laws they are sworn to uphold, the agencys statement said. We are glad that no one was harmed in this incident.

Its not the first time Perkins had been enveloped in scandal. In 2020, he was suspended for two days after he admitted to sending a woman he pulled over explicit messages and photos of himself, an investigative report showed.

Documents showed Perkins told investigators his marriage was in a bad place and he wasnt getting the attention he wanted.

Read: Ocala Police use deadly force on three aggressive dogs

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OTTAWA COUNTY, Okla.  Ottawa County residents have been speaking out against a proposed poultry bio-processing facility.

Whats it going to smell like, whats it going to look like, said Brent Rendel, Rendel Farms owner.

Initially, Brent Rendel was skeptical of the plan to build a poultry processing plant in Ottawa County.

But after doing some research and reaching out to Argothe company behind the plan

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I listened to their answers and then I did my own research and I found out what other places in the world are doing with the same technology. So I knew it was a solid concept, said Rendel.

Miles Walker hopes a public awareness campaign showing people what the plan entails

It starts at the road and works its way back said Miles Walker, Argo Development Partners managing director.

will help others reach the same conclusion.

Hes the managing director of New Hampshire-based Argo Development Partnersthe company behind the proposaland recently filed for an air permit with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality or DEQ.

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We are building a poultry bio-processing facility, which is essentially anaerobic digestion of poultry litter, where we are taking poultry litter thats currently in the community and used in different agriculture applications, said Walker.

DEQ says they received more than 350 public comments  both for and against  granting an air permit for the proposed facility.

Many who oppose it say their main concerns are air quality and odor.

Folks are really concerned about added pollution in our air. We already have such high asthma rates, and we already have significant smells in our air coming from that part of the county, said Martin Lively, L.E.A.D. Agency/Grand River Keeper.

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Walker says the processing facility would abide by state air quality regulations and implement techniques to reduce any potential odor.

The first step would be bringing the litter into a closed area where the system would maintain negative pressure. Thats really important because that would eliminate any odors of the litter handling, said Walker.

The Oklahoma DEQ has yet to set a decision date for the air permit.

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This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Clinical evaluation of visual treatment timelines. (A) Responses from patients immediately after interview with treatment plan (n = 30) and responses from patients at re-survey several weeks after initial interview (n = 11). * missing responses: patients had not spoken with any relatives about their treatment. (B) Responses from MDs that used visual treatment timelines for treatment paths in patient interviews, n = 24. (C) Proportion of correct responses by patients at outpatient consultation (n = 30) and proportion of correct responses from patients at re-survey several weeks after initial interview (recall, n = 11). (D) Comparison of individual patients' responses and question-level proportion of correct responses at survey and re-survey. Credit: Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association (2025). DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocae319

In order to improve communication between doctors and patients, researchers have now developed visual aids to help patients understand treatment plans.

Thanks to numerous research projects, treatments and prognoses for many cancers are continuously improving. However, this does not change the fact that each individual diagnosis puts those affected in an exceptional situation and the treatments are usually very complex and lengthy.

Older patients or non-native speakers in particular find it difficult to understand the proposed forms of treatment and make informed decisions. In order to improve communication between doctors and patients, researchers at the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT/UCC) Dresden and the Faculty of Psychology at TUD Dresden University of Technology have now developed visual aids to help patients understand treatment plans.

The traditionally used, text-based explanations of treatment methods and the course of treatment for cancer can be difficult to understand for patients, who are often older. This can lead to problems in communicating a treatment concept between medical staff and patients.

Dr. Helena Jambor, NCT/UCC Dresden, Prof. Martin Bornhauser, Director of the University Cancer Center (UCC) and Medical Clinic I at TUD, and Prof. Sebastian Pannasch, engineering psychologist at Dresden University of Technology, addressed this challenge. In collaboration with other colleagues, they developed various concepts and approaches for visual aids.

On this basis, treatment plans can be presented as timelines with intuitive pictograms. A study carried out together with the Patient Advisory Board of the NCT/UCC Dresden showed that the visual aids are comprehensible and increase understanding and safety during treatment.

The work is published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association.

"In the clinical trials, patients showed that they were able to understand and comprehend the treatment plans much better," explains Jambor. "Their satisfaction increased significantly thanks to the informationan assessment that was also confirmed by the doctors looking after them."

"This research underlines the immense potential of visual aids in medical communication, especially in clinical applications of complicated treatment protocols," adds Bornhauser. "Simplifying complex information into accessible visual formats can bring clarity to clinical procedures and improve the quality of patient care."

"Research into the treatment of tumor diseases and the prevention of side effects is a focus of Dresden University Medicine," says Prof. Esther Troost, Dean of the Dresden Faculty of Medicine. "This development will help patients to better understand the complex treatment processes and know who to turn to in the event of side effects."

Prof. Uwe Platzbecker, Medical Director of Dresden University Hospital, adds, "The NCT/UCC is one of the top centers for state-of-the-art cancer therapies. Thanks to the visual aids, these can now be offered in an even more comprehensible and therefore safer way."

More information: Helena Klara Jambor et al, Communicating cancer treatment with pictogram-based timeline visualizations, Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association (2025). DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocae319 Journal information: Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association
Jan. 29The person who peppered the back door of a North Spokane home Saturday with five bullets in an apparent targeted attack killed a 13-year-old boy quietly playing video games on the other side.

As Gavin Looper, a Peperzak Middle School student, lay bleeding, his brother and father held his body and told him to fight. He died an hour later.

"The community should be outraged," Spokane Police Chief Kevin Hall said in a media conference Wednesday. "Our children are dying at the hands of gun violence."

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Gavin's death is among the list of those affected, hurt or killed by gun violence in Spokane  he marks the first shooting death in the city limits this year, according to previous Spokesman-Review reporting. But the issue of gun violence, Hall said, is something he rarely hears about in the community. Hall tends to hear concerns about lower-level crimes, drugs and homelessness instead.

"We have to address it," he said about gun violence. "We need to address it."

Gavin did not have a gun when he was killed. He also was not engaged in any criminal behavior, Hall said. His mother, Renee Rogers, claims he was merely up late around 2:40 a.m. playing video games at his father's friend's home. His older brother was watching a movie, and his father was in another room. Five gunshots rang out, and other people in the house fled into the street, screaming the boy had been shot.

Missoula Police Department arrested 25-year-old Glen "Dylan" Burkey in connection to the killing on Wednesday afternoon. He is awaiting extradition to Spokane. Police believe the shooting was not a random act, according to a previous news release.

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"The loss of Gavin Looper is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence," Hall said. "Our hearts go out to his family, his friends and school."

The data

There were nearly 100 shootings in the city last year, Hall said. Of those, 45 people sustained some type of gunshot injury.

Of the 19 homicides tallied by Spokane Police Department in 2024, 10 involved guns, according to Lt. Nathan Spiering.

"We are noticing an ongoing trend, not just here in Spokane, but across the country, where our offenders in gun violence are becoming increasingly more youthful," Hall said. "This is concerning to all of us, and should be concerning to the entire community. Where these folks are getting their guns and how they're utilizing these guns at very, very young ages is an issue."

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The most recent data from the FBI, from 2018 through 2023, shows 36% of homicides reported by the Spokane Police Department involved a handgun, and 20% of homicide offenders in the city are ages 10-19.

The same data indicates the same age group makes up 8% of the city's victims.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, firearm homicide rates are highest among teens and young adults. They are also the highest among Black, Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native persons. Statistically, nearly two out of 10 people suffer nonfatal firearm injuries, and more than seven out of 10 firearm injuries are related to assaults, the CDC says.

Spokane's homeless population, about 2,021 people as of 2024, does not make up most gun violence offenders. While there is a stigma that homeless people commit more crimes, Hall said it is typically only lower-level crimes, open-air drug use or street drug trafficking. FBI data shows most homicides involving guns in Spokane occur within a home.

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"As far as gun violence, that is generally a whole different group of offenders," Hall said.

Spokane was also rocked by the shooting death of a 3-year-old girl 24 years ago.

Pasheen Raya-Bridges died on Feb. 9, 2001, when numerous shots were fired into a north Spokane home. Three men were trying to kill someone who was inside the house with Pasheen at the time, according to previous reporting from The Spokesman-Review. Prosecutors believed the shooting to be drug- and gang-related.

Anthony L. Wright was sent to prison in 2002 for the rest of his life in a 134-year sentence for his role in killing Pasheen.

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The strategy

Since before the city's police chief was confirmed for the job, Hall told city officials and the Spokane community in a forum last year he was adamant about using evidence-based policing strategies and data-driven analysis to go about leading the department and fixing any known issues.

The department's 2025-2026 strategic plan, with Hall at the helm, aims to decrease gun crime citywide by 10% over the next two years. Among those strategies are place-based policing, or "hot spot policing"  placing officers in areas of high crime  and identifying frequent offenders, as well as identifying and addressing underlying causes of crime, like behavioral health.

The plan also aims to shorten 911 response time; implement technology, like license plate recognition software, to improve police investigations; and increase diversion of unneeded police resources to other areas such as the Behavioral Health Unit, made up of three police officers, three deputies, a police sergeant and three clinicians.

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Hall's first step is "to treat every shooting like a homicide" to effectively reduce more down the road, since there is usually a 50% chance someone involved or affected by gun violence will be the victim or offender in another shooting within 12 months, he said.

Multiple shootings are also usually tied back to one gun or one offender, Hall said.

Shootings in Spokane are also the result of a wide array of different crimes or interactions, according to Lt. Spiering. A shooting could follow domestic violence, be related to drugs or just an argument between two people who may know each other. Several incidents over the course of the last year have been linked together in some way, however, Spiering said.

"Things like this are not random acts. There is some type of target, some type of interaction, or previous interaction, between the suspects and the victims," Spiering said.

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Hall is calling on the people of Spokane to work with the department in an effort to reduce gun violence. But some people don't always call the police, because they may second-guess themselves or think law enforcement won't show up. But the 911 calls are what will be used in data-analysis to determine where to allocate police resources, the chief says.

"Keep calling," Hall said. "... If you don't call 911, we don't get that information."

Asked about how resources will be diverted within an understaffed and overwhelmed police department that has cut its Violent Crimes Task Force, restructured its traffic unit and whittled down its neighborhood resource officer program, Hall is adamant that the department will have to triage the resources they already have. He feels compelled to prioritize those resources in an effort to bring down gun crime, he said at the news conference.

"Quite frankly, I just have to put this out there  It's the sanctity of human life," Hall said. "And my priorities are going to be saving people's lives."
The Trump administrations decision to roll back temporary protected status for Venezuelans living in the U.S. has sparked alarm in the nations large expatriate community in South Florida.

U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz said Thursday her office has been fielding concerns from individual Venezuelans and community leaders  my neighbors and friends  in the day since the Trump administration announced the move.

Wasserman Schultz, a Democrat who represents south and west Broward, lives in Weston, which has one of the largest Venezuelan populations in the United States  so big the city is sometimes referred to as Westonzuela.

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She said there is potential for great harm from the decision to cancel an extension of temporary protected status for Venezuelans that was granted in the last week of former President Joe Bidens administration.

Temporary protected status, known widely by the acronym TPS, is a humanitarian program that allows people from a designated country to live and work in the U.S. Venezuelans have fled economic chaos and lawlessness under the repressive regimes of President Nicolas Maduro and his predecessor Hugo Chavez.

About 505,000 Venezuelans were covered by TPS in September, according to a report from the Congressional Research Service.

On Wednesday, Trump homeland security secretary Kristi Noem revoked the Biden administration extension  making the announcement on the Fox & Friends television show, a favorite news source for Republicans. Restricting immigration was a central theme of Trumps 2024 campaign.

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Its outrageous that President Trump rescinded the extension of TPS that President Biden issued, Wasserman Schultz said.

The people who have fled the Maduro regime fled for their lives. Maduro uses oppression and funds from his oil sales to the United States and other countries to engage in terrorism. he aligns himself with the access of evil  Russia, China and Iran  and he is illegally in office, she said.

TPS is designed to make sure that people who would fear for their lives and their safety if they return to their country, that we can keep them safe here for a period of time, Wasserman Schultz said. It is dangerous for anyone to be returned to Venezuela, and Trump canceling the TPS for Venezuelans who are here sends them to almost certain harm if he starts deporting them.

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Wasserman Schultz also condemned Noem for the language she used during the Fox & Friends announcement, appearing to refer to Venezuelans in the U.S. as dirtbags.

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In fact, the secretary of Homeland Security called those Venezuelans that are my neighbors and friends dirtbags  dirtbags. The disrespect and the vulgarity and the condescension with which Trump and his administration look at people who have fled countries where theres oppression to make a better way of life for themselves and keep their families safe is revolting, Wasserman Schultz said.

Noem said that the people of this country want these dirtbags out, referring to the Venezuelans that are here and members of TDA. TDA is a reference to the Tren de Aragua, a gang based in Venezuela.

The Biden administration granted TPS to Venezuelans in 2021 and continued it in 2023. Just before leaving office, then homeland security secretary Alejandro Mayorkas extended it until the end of 2026.

Before he left town, Mayorkas signed an order that said for 18 months they were going to extend this protection to people that are in Temporary Protected Status, which meant they were going to be able to stay here and violate our laws for another 18 months, Noem said said on Fox & Friends. We stopped that.

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The move means theyd be eligible for earlier deportation than under the Mayorkas order.

Given the large Venezuelan population in South Florida, TPS has long enjoyed bipartisan support in the region. When Biden first granted TPS in 2021, Florida Republicans, who are often outspoken in opposition to repressive regimes such as Venezuela, were supportive.

On Wednesday, after Noem announced and implemented the order rescinding the TPS extension, U.S. Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart, Carlos Gimenez and Maria Elvira Salazar, all Miami-Dade Republicans, issued a long, somewhat vague joint statement regarding Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelan nationals.

The statement itself did not comment specifically, positively or negatively, on the Trump administrations action on TPS, and didnt use the term or the acronym.

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The regime of Nicolas Maduro is one of the worlds most repressive dictatorships, and its mounting failures have led to one of the largest migration crises in history, with millions of Venezuelans being forced to flee the brutal and oppressive regime. As a result, many Venezuelans have arrived in our country and have integrated into our communities, respecting our laws and contributing to the prosperity of our great country, they said.

But, they added, some individuals such as members of the Tren de Aragua have exploited our generosity and flouted our laws.

They said Trump has shown steadfast and unwavering solidarity with the Venezuelan people. And they said they would do everything possible to ensure that those seeking freedom from persecution and oppression are protected.

Anthony Man can be reached at aman@sunsentinel.com and can be found @browardpolitics on Bluesky, Threads, Facebook and Mastodon.
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV)  Over 2,000 middle schoolers from across northeast Wisconsin took a field trip on Wednesday to Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) for some hands-on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) activities.

The students came to NWTC for activities hosted by Michigan Techs Mind Trekkers, a traveling roadshow that brings STEM festivals to communities nationwide.

ADVOCAP in Fond du Lac welcomes community to new Opportunity Center

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Through the Mind Trekkers, students can participate in multiple activities, from being in a bubble to playing a piano made of bananas.

The STEM festival is designed to inspire and encourage young minds to become curious about technology and other aspects of STEM via hands-on opportunities.

Cassy Tefft de Munoz is the Executive Director of the Center for Educational Outreach at Michigan Tech, and she emphasized the importance of this event for kids in this day and age.

Feeding America and Fox Valley Technical College team up to fight food insecurity with food lockers

In todays day and age, kids have a lot of access to information, she said. But, [they dont] always [have] the opportunity to experiment, explore and get hands-on with technologies.

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The two-day event went from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday and will continue at the same time 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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
JAKARTA (Reuters) - More than 70 Rohingya came ashore in Indonesia's Aceh province, an official said on Thursday, the latest wave of Rohingyas who often faced rejection from Indonesia's regional communities.

A wooden boat carrying 40 men, 32 women, and four children landed in Pereulak region in East Aceh on Wednesday, Nova Suryandaru, the head of regional police, told Reuters.

The boat had arrived at the beach in the afternoon but the Rohingya's attempts to land were rejected by residents. They were finally allowed to land at around 8 p.m. (1 p.m. GMT).

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"The boat was deliberately damaged by them (Rohingya)... So, we negotiated with the residents, explaining that it's impossible for the boat to sail again," said Nova, adding that they have been evacuated to temporary shelters.

For years Rohingya have been leaving Myanmar, where they are generally regarded as foreign interlopers from South Asia, denied citizenship and subjected to abuse. More than 200 Rohingya landed in East Aceh early this month.

UNHCR data showed that more than 2,000 Rohingya arrived in Indonesia in 2023, more than the combined total of arrivals in the previous four years.

(Reporting by Ananda Teresia; Editing by Michael Perry)
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  More than a dozen people were honored for being heroes at Lotus Bakersfields 3rd Annual Tu Voz, Tu Heroe awards dinner.

The title of the event translates to Your voice, your hero. The event recognizes Bakersfield Hispanic citizens for their leadership throughout the community.

CityServe, Kern County volunteers aid Los Angeles fire victims

Twenty people received an award at the Milan Event Center in east Bakersfield Wednesday.

Numerous people who have devoted their time, personal time as well as work time, to help others and they do it without wanting recognition. They do it because they know its the right thing to do and so were saying thank you for doing this, Daisy Ortiz, General Manager at Lotus Bakersfield Corp.

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More than 250 people attended the event, including past honorees, community leaders and local dignitaries.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) adopted a resolution on Thursday, 30 January, outlining its position on peace in Ukraine.

Source: European Pravda correspondent in Strasbourg

Details: The resolution, titled European commitment to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, is the key document on Ukraine adopted at the 2025 winter session.

A total of 86 PACE delegates voted in favour, none against, and six abstained.

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The adopted resolution also calls for "unwavering European commitment and unity in support of Ukraine and a just and lasting peace".

The document repeatedly emphasises adherence to the principle of "peace through strength".

Quote: "Sustainable peace negotiations can only be conducted from a position of resilience and robust defensive capacity, and that a just and lasting peace can only be secured by adequate security guarantees for Ukraine. Any peace negotiations must involve Ukraine and respect its right to determine its own future."

Details: The Assembly stresses that Russia is waging war not only against Ukraine but is also engaging in hybrid aggression against other states by interfering "in the political processes of Council of Europe member States, that also poses a growing threat to democratic security in Europe". Given this, PACE believes that "a just and lasting peace in Ukraine is indispensable for the security of the entire European continent and more broadly, the world".

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Quote: "The Assembly reiterates the need to ensure accountability in the context of the Russian Federations aggression, notably through the establishment of a comprehensive compensation mechanism and a special tribunal to prosecute Russian and Belarusian leaders for the crime of aggression against Ukraine."

Details: Earlier, PACE adopted a decision regarding Belarus.

The key issue of the PACE session was Georgias membership, which the Assembly ultimately upheld, though it imposed conditions and sanctions on the country. In response, Georgia announced its withdrawal from PACE.

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The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has stated that the so-called presidential "elections" in Belarus on 26 January 2025 do not meet international standards and that there are no grounds to recognise Alexander Lukashenko as the legitimate president of Belarus.

Source: European Pravda correspondent in Strasbourg, citing the text of the resolution The urgent need for free and fair elections in Belarus, adopted on 30 January

Details: The PACE resolution declares that Lukashenko cannot be considered the legitimate president of Belarus, as the so-called "elections" held in January failed to meet even the minimum international standards.

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Quote: "The Assembly considers that the so-called elections organised in Belarus on 26 January 2025 do not meet the minimum international standards for democratic elections and lack any democratic credibility There are no grounds for recognising the legitimacy of Aliaksandr Lukashenka as president."

Details: The resolution was adopted unanimously, with all 79 PACE delegates voting in favour.

PACE called on Council of Europe member states to clearly declare their non-recognition of Lukashenkos presidency and to "take decisive steps to broaden and intensify targeted sanctions against the regime and those who support its unlawful activities".

At the same time, the Assembly proposes continuing and intensifying support for Belarusian democratic forces led by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.

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PACE delegates also propose introducing additional measures to facilitate the entry and safe, dignified stay of Belarusian citizens fleeing Lukashenkos regime in Council of Europe member states.

The Assembly stressed that for Belarus to align with the values of the Council of Europe and preserve its sovereignty and independence, the Belarusian authorities must end repression against citizens, release all political prisoners, "ensure the organisation of free and fair elections, and  enable a peaceful transfer of power".

The resolution also demands that Lukashenkos regime "impose an immediate moratorium on the death penalty and take steps toward its permanent abolition".

Background:

The Belarusian state news agency BelTA reported exit poll data on the evening of 26 January that predictably declared Alexander Lukashenko the winner of sham presidential "elections" with over 87% of the vote.

In a joint statement, the European Union, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand refused to recognise the 26 January presidential "elections" in Belarus as free and fair.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas and EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos issued a joint statement declaring the Belarusian presidential "elections" on 26 January a sham.

Lukashenko said he "didnt care" whether the West recognises the presidential "elections".

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The Secretariat of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has rejected a resolution amendment proposed by Ukrainian MP Oleksandr Merezhko and three co-authors which sought to hold Russian leader Vladimir Putin accountable for numerous acts of terror against civilians.

Source: Merezhko in an interview with European Pravda in Strasbourg, providing supporting documents to confirm this

Details: This situation arose while working on the resolution entitled "Europe's Commitment to a Just and Sustainable Peace in Ukraine", which PACE will consider on 30 January. Proposals for this document were being registered the day before.

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Merezhko, along with five other Ukrainian MPs, including the head of Ukraines parliament delegation and Swedish MP Markus Wiechel, proposed an amendment that, if adopted, would have seen the Assembly "recognise that Vladimir Putin is a terrorist under whose guidance numerous acts of terror have been committed against the civilian population".

However, after all the proposals were published, Merezhkos amendment was notably absent.

European Pravda has obtained a response from PACEs Secretariat explaining the rejection. They informed Merezhko in writing that "designating a Head of State as a terrorist is tantamount to using offensive and insulting terms that are inappropriate in an official Assembly document".

Merezhko responded, stating, "For any international lawyer, its clear that 'terrorist' is a legal term. Especially considering the Assembly has already recognised Russia as a terrorist regime!"

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Quote: "Its not the Secretariat's role to decide whats offensive to whom. There are PACE members who could reject my amendment  thats how the democratic process works. But what happened here is an act of political censorship."

Background:

During the PACE session, the issue of Georgia's credentials was also discussed. The Assembly ultimately ratified Georgia's credentials but imposed demands and sanctions on the country. In response, Georgia announced its "withdrawal" from PACE.

Meanwhile, European Pravda reported that the "deep state", referring to the Secretariat of the Assembly and the relevant committee, supported the Georgians, attempting to undermine the sanctions against the Georgian delegation.

It was only after a lengthy and emotional debate among the MPs that the resolution was amended, resulting in a compromise version.

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The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), in response to the outrage from the Ukrainian delegation, has agreed to consider a provision that would hold Putin accountable for atrocities committed against civilians in Ukraine.

Source: a European Pravda correspondent in Strasbourg

Details: On Thursday, Ukrainian MP Oleksandr Merezhko reported censorship by the PACE secretariat, which banned consideration of a proposed resolution calling Putin a "terrorist". This refers to a resolution entitled European commitment to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, which was submitted to the PACE on Thursday.

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The original text of the amendment proposed to "recognise that Vladimir Putin is a terrorist under whose guidance numerous acts of terror have been committed against the civilian population".

In response to the outcry, the Assembly agreed to register the amendment on the condition that Ukrainian MPs removed the word "terrorist" when referring to the Russian ruler. Oleksandr Merezhko and other co-authors consented to this change.

To consider the amended proposal, the Assembly had to deviate from its usual procedures and put the amendment to a vote without it being reviewed by the committee.

The following wording was put to the vote: "The PACE recognises that Vladimir Putin shall be held accountable for the numerous acts of terror that have been committed against the civilian population under his rule."

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The resolution was approved by 77 MPs, with 1 vote against (Belgian socialist Christophe Lacroix) and 6 abstentions.

Background:

On Thursday, 30 January, PACE adopted a resolution outlining its position on peace in Ukraine.

The key issue of the PACE session was Georgias membership, which the Assembly ultimately upheld, though it imposed conditions and sanctions on the country. In response, Georgia announced its withdrawal from PACE.

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This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: MART PRODUCTION from Pexels

Niger has become the first African country to eliminate river blindness, a parasitic disease that is the second-leading cause of blindness in the world, the WHO said Thursday.

Niger is "the fifth country globally and the first country in Africa to be acknowledged by WHO for interrupting transmission of the parasite Onchocerca volvulus," the World Health Organization said, referring to the worm that causes river blindness.

River blindness is spread to humans via the bite of a black fly, mainly found near rivers, that is infected with the parasitic worm.

"The combination of medicine and vector control had successfully eliminated transmission of onchocerciasis, as evidenced by the reduction in prevalence from approximately 60 percent to 0.02 percent," the UN health agency said.

Between 1976 and 1989, Niger and other west African states conducted a WHO-led program using insecticides to curb transmission of the parasite.

Then between 2008 and 2019, drugs based on ivermectin and albendazole were administered to the general public to further stem the spread.

WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised Niger for "liberating its population from this blinding, stigmatizing illness that causes so much human suffering among the poorest".

River blindness has "impeded the economic development of affected communities, driving people away from rivers, which are often lifelines for livelihoods", added Matshidiso Moeti, the agency's director for Africa.

The WHO said a key factor in Niger's success was the collaboration between the government, the WHO and non-governmental organizations.

Onchocerciasis is the second-leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide, after trachoma.

It primarily affects rural populations in sub-Saharan Africa and Yemen, with smaller endemic areas found in parts of Latin America.

River blindness is the second "neglected tropical disease" to have been eliminated in Niger, after the Sahel country was certified free of Guinea worm disease (dracunculiasis) in 2013.

 2025 AFP
When Moath al-Alwi left Guantanamo Bay for resettlement in Oman, accompanying him on his journey was a cache of artwork he created during more than two decades of detention.

Al-Alwi was detainee number 028  an indication that he was one of the first to arrive at the U.S. military prison off Cuba after it opened in January 2002. His departure from the detention center on Jan. 6, 2025, along with 10 fellow inmates, was part of an effort to reduce the prisons population before the end of President Joe Bidens term.

For al-Alwi, it meant freedom not only for himself, but also for his artwork. While not all detainees shared his passion, creating art was not an uncommon pursuit inside Guantanamo  indeed it has been a feature, formally and informally, of the detention center since its opening more than 20 years ago.

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As editors of the recently published book The Guantanamo Artwork and Testimony of Moath al-Alwi: Deaf Walls Speak, we found that art-making in Guantanamo was more than self-expression; it became a testament to detainees emotions and experiences and influenced relationships inside the detention center. Examining the art offers unique ways of understanding conditions inside the facility.

Art from tea bags and toilet paper

Detained without charge or trial for 23 years, al-Alwi was first cleared for release in December 2021. Due to unstable conditions in his home country of Yemen, however, his transfer was subject to finding another country for resettlement. Scheduled for release in early October 2023, he and 10 other Yemeni detainees were further delayed when the Biden administration canceled the flight due to concerns over the political climate after the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel.

Sabri Mohammad Ibrahim Al Qurashi depicted Lady Liberty with a cage at her base. Sabri Mohammad Ibrahim Al Qurashi, CC BY-SA

During his detention, al-Alwi suffered abuse and ill treatment, including forced feedings. Making art was a way for him, and others, to survive and assert their humanity, he said. Along with fellow former detainees Sabri al-Qurashi, Ahmed Rabbani, Muhammad Ansi and Khalid Qasim, among others, al-Alwi became an accomplished artist while being held. His work was featured in several art shows and in a New York Times opinion documentary short

During the detention centers early years, these men used whatever materials were at hand to create artwork  the edge of a tea bag to write on toilet paper, an apple stem to imprint floral and geometric patterns and poems onto Styrofoam cups, which the authorities would destroy after each meal.

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In 2010, the Obama administration began offering art classes at Guantanamo in an attempt to show the world they were treating prisoners humanely and helping them occupy their time.

However, those attending were given only rudimentary supplies. And they were subjected to invasive body searches to and from class and initially shackled to the floor, with one hand chained to the table, throughout each session. Furthermore, the subject matter for their art was restricted  detainees were forbidden from representing certain aspects of their detention, and all artwork was subject to approval and risked being destroyed.

Despite this, many detainees participated in the classes for camaraderie and the opportunity to engage in some form of creative expression.

A window to freedom

Making art served many purposes. Mansoor Adayfi, a former Guantanamo Bay detainee and author of Dont Forget Us Here: Lost and Found at Guantanamo, wrote in his contribution to the book on al-Alwi that initially, we painted what we missed: the beautiful blue sky, the sea, stars. We painted our fear, hope and dreams.

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Those who have been transferred from Guantanamo describe the art as a way to express their appreciation for culture, the natural world and their families while imprisoned by a regime that consistently characterized them as violent and inhuman.

The Statue of Liberty became a frequent motif Guantanamo artists deployed to communicate the betrayal of U.S. laws and ideals. Often, Lady Liberty was depicted in distress  drowning, shackled or hooded. For Sabri al-Qurashi, the symbol of freedom under duress represented his own condition when he painted it. I am in prison, not free, and without any rights, he told us.

Sabri Mohammad Ibrahim Al Qurashi painting of the Statue of Liberty. Sabri Mohammad Ibrahim Al Qurashi, 2012, CC BY-SA

Other times, the artwork responded directly to the mens day-to-day conditions of confinement.

One of al-Alwis early pieces was a model of a three-dimensional window. Approximately 40 x 55 inches, the window was filled in with images carefully torn from nature and travel magazines, and layered to create depth, so that it appeared to look out on an island with a house with palm and coconut trees made from twisted pieces of rope and soap.

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Al-Alwi was initially allowed to keep it in his windowless cell, and fellow detainees and guards would visit to look out the window.

But, as far as we know, it was eventually lost or destroyed in a prison raid.

Art as representation and respite

In another example of how artwork can be an expression of what former detainees call their brotherhood, Khalid Qasim, who was imprisoned at the age of 23 and held for more than two decades before being transferred alongside al-Alwi, mixed coffee grounds and coarse sand to create a series of nine textured, evocative paintings to memorialize each of the nine men who died while held at Guantanamo.

Especially in periods when camp rules allowed detainees to create artwork in their cells, the artists use of prison detritus and found objects made the artwork more than simply a depiction of what the men lacked, desired or imagined. Artwork helped create an alternative forum for the mens experiences, especially for those artists who, along with the vast majority of Guantanamos 779 detainees, never faced charge or trial.

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The pieces served as symbols and metaphors of the detainees experiences. For example, al-Alwi describes his 2015 large model ship, The Ark, as fighting against the waves of an imagined, threatening sea. In creating it, he wrote, I felt I was rescuing myself.

Moath al-Alwi used found items to create his model ships. Moath al-Alwi, 2017, CC BY-SA

Constructed out of the materials of his imprisonment, the work also points to the conditions of his daily life in Guantanamo. Made from the strands of mops, unraveled prayer cap and T-shirt threads, bottle caps, bits of sponges and cardboard from meal packaging, al-Alwis ships  he went on to create at least seven  reveal both his artistic ingenuity and his circumstances.

Guantanamo artists talk about the artwork as being imprisoned like them and subjected to the same restrictions and seemingly arbitrary processes of approval or disappearance.

The transfer to Oman of al-Alwi and his artwork releases both from those processes. It also creates an opportunity to inform the public about what Guantanamo meant to those who were held there, and to the 15 men who remain.

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This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Alexandra Moore, Binghamton University, State University of New York and Elizabeth Swanson, Babson College

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The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
A painting discovered at a garage sale in 2016 is believed to be an authentic work of the Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh worth $15 million, based on an exhaustive report.

An antiques collector initially paid less than $50 for the painting. In 2019, it made its way into the hands of the New York art-research firm LMI Group, which recently published its findings in a 450-page report following a four-year analysis by a team of historians, scientists, and curators. Experts have named the painting "Elimar" after the word that was found etched into the lower right-hand corner of the canvas.

The work of art, which was painted in oil on a 16-inch by 18-inch canvas, depicts a fisherman with a white beard, smoking a pipe as he repairs his net on an empty beach.

The painting is believed to be based on a painting by Danish artist Michael Ancher, as an example of Van Gogh "translating" works by other artists. Experts have deduced that Van Gogh painted it while he was in the Saint-Paul asylum in Frances Saint-Remy de Provence between May 1889 and May 1890. It is said to represent a time in his life when he was "returning to themes and images from his youth."

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The researchers painstakingly gathered evidence to prove that the painting was an authentic Van Gogh, such as examining the brushstrokes and comparing them to other works. A fine art expert likewise studied the painting's pigments and fibers.

A hair was also found embedded in the canvas and was sent out for DNA analysis, but unfortunately its "degraded state" prevented it from being linked to the artist's descendants.

"By integrating science and technology with traditional tools of connoisseurship, historical context, formal analysis, and provenance research, we aim both to expand and tailor the resources available for art authentication based on the unique properties of the works under our care," LMI Group chairman, president, and CEO Lawrence M. Shindell said in a press release this week, per CNN.

The report also states that the discovery of a previously unknown Van Gogh should come as little surprise, as it's fairly common knowledge that the artist "lost many works, gave away works to friends and was not particularly careful about any work he considered a study, of which there were many."

However, before the painting can be officially declared a work of Van Gogh, it must be attributed to the artist by the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. The previous owner of the painting approached the museum in 2018, but at the time, the institution refused to confirm that it was indeed a Van Gogh. Now, with the findings laid out in the report, LMI Group is said to be confident that it is indeed genuine.
By Nidal al-Mughrabi, Emily Rose, Maayan Lubell and Ali Sawafta

CAIRO/JERUSALEM/RAMALLAH (Reuters) - Hamas freed three Israeli and five Thai hostages in Gaza on Thursday and Israel released 110 Palestinian prisoners after delaying the process in anger at the swarming crowds at one of the hostage handover points.

Arbel Yehoud, 29, abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz in the Hamas-led assault on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, looked fearful and struggled to walk through the crowd as armed militants handed her to the Red Cross in a tense scene in the southern city of Khan Younis.

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Another Israeli hostage, Gadi Moses, 80, was also released along with five Thai nationals who were working on Israeli farms near Gaza when the militants burst through the border fence.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the sight of their chaotic handover was shocking and threatened death to anyone hurting hostages.

He and Defence Minister Israel Katz said they had ordered a delay in the releases of the prisoners "until the safe exit of our hostages in the next phases is assured". The prime minister's office said later that mediators had committed to ensuring the safe passage of hostages in future handovers.

Later on Thursday, buses arrived in the West Bank city of Ramallah carrying some of the 110 Palestinian prisoners to be freed as part of the phased agreement that halted more than 15 months of war in the coastal territory on Jan. 19.

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The prisoners were met by cheering crowds in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territory, with men chanting "we sacrifice our souls and blood for you."

Zakaria Zubaidi, one of the leaders of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas' rival the Fatah group, was the most prominent Palestinian prisoner to be freed. He escaped prison in 2021 with three other inmates but was then recaptured.

Zubaidi has always been known as the strongman of the West Bank city of Jenin, a hotbed of Palestinian resistance to Israeli occupation and site of frequent Israeli army raids, including a major operation just a week ago.

"Thank God who blessed me with the release today. May the souls of the martyrs of Gaza rest in peace," Zubaidi told jubilant crowds who had gathered to greet him in Ramallah.

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Asked about reports Israel would not allow him to return home to the Jenin refugee camp, Zubaidi replied, "The dragon is the owner of the land and the hunter must leave".

He is known in Jenin as the dragon.

CLASHES IN RAMALLAH

Palestinian health officials said at least 14 Palestinians were hurt by Israeli fire, some with live and rubber bullets, others from gas inhalation, as they gathered at the entrance to Ramallah to welcome the freed detainees.

Video footage showed Palestinians throwing stones towards police and then running away as police began firing.

There was no immediate comment from Israel.

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Some prisoners from East Jerusalem had arrived at their homes while others were taken to Gaza or deported to Egypt.

Earlier, in Jabalia in northern Gaza, an Israeli soldier, Agam Berger, wearing an olive green uniform, was led through a narrow alley between heavily damaged buildings and over piles of rubble before being handed to the Red Cross.

"Our daughter is strong, faithful, and brave," a statement from her family said. "Now Agam and our family can begin the healing process, but the recovery will not be complete until all the hostages return home."

A video released by Netanyahu's office showed a pale Berger crying and smiling while sitting on her mother's lap.

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Footage of 80-year-old Moses reuniting with his family showed him walking unaided. A doctor said Moses was in a relatively good condition but would continue to be monitored.

Netanyahu has faced criticism in Israel for not having sealed a hostage deal earlier in the war after the security failure that enabled the Oct. 7 Hamas assault.

HAMAS DEFIANCE

Hamas, which Israel has vowed to obliterate, still has a strong presence in Gaza despite more than 15 months of heavy bombardment from the Middle East's most advanced military and the assassination of Hamas leader Yahya Al-Sinwar.

"The killing of leaders only makes the people stronger and more stubborn," senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said of Sinwar, filmed by an Israeli drone badly wounded throwing a piece of wood at the device in his final defiance of Israel.

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The release in Khan Younis took place near the bombed ruins of Sinwar's house.

The Palestinian prisoners include 30 minors and some convicted members of Palestinian groups responsible for deadly attacks that have killed dozens of people in Israel.

Israelis gathered in what has become known as Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, cheering and crying as they watched the release on a giant screen. The hostages will be taken to hospital for treatment.

Some people cheered as U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff arrived at the square, in apparent gratitude for his role in securing the ceasefire deal. He shook hands with family members of hostages and others.

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Around 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 hostages were abducted in the Hamas attack in Israel, the bloodiest single attack on Jews since the Holocaust. Among the dead and abducted were dozens of Thai agricultural workers.

Israel's military response has killed more than 47,000 Palestinians and laid waste to the enclave of 2.3 million people, who face severe shortages of medicine, fuel and food.

Around half the hostages were released in November 2023 during the only previous truce, and others have been recovered dead or alive during Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

Hundreds of thousands of Gazans, most displaced repeatedly during the conflict, have returned to their neighbourhoods in the north, where the fighting was most intense. Many have found their homes to be uninhabitable and basic goods in short supply.

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Israel still lists 82 captives in Gaza, with around 30 declared dead in absentia.

In the course of the war triggered by the Hamas attack, Israel has killed other leaders of Hamas as well as Lebanon's Hezbollah, striking major blows against Iran's network of proxies in the Middle East. The fall of Iran-backed Syrian president Bashar al-Assad was also a boost for Israel.

After the hostages were released, Hamas confirmed that military leader Mohammed Deif, who masterminded the Oct. 7 attack, had been killed, more than five months after Israel claimed in August to have killed him in a July airstrike.

(Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi in Cairo, Ali Swafta in Ramallah, Emily Rose, Maayan Lubell and Alexander Cornwell in Jerusalem; additional reporting by Tala Ramadan in Dubai; Writing by Michael Georgy; Editing by Philippa Fletcher and Diane Craft)
RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP)  Israel released 110 Palestinian prisoners on Thursday in exchange for three Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Five Thai workers held captive in the enclave were also freed in a separate deal with Thailand. Thursday's prisoner-for-hostage swap marked the third round of exchanges as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas entered its second week.

Most of the prisoners stepped off the Red Cross bus and onto the shoulders of jubilant supporters in the occupied West Bank, where U.N. data shows that one in five Palestinians has passed through Israeli jail and the release of prisoners is a source of joyous national celebration  a homecoming in which almost all Palestinians felt they could partake.

But 23 of them serving life sentences for more serious crimes were transferred to Egypt before further deportation.

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The prisoners released Thursday were all men, ranging in age from 15 to 69.

Here's a look at some prominent Palestinian prisoners released since the ceasefire deal went into effect on Jan. 19.

Zakaria Zubeidi

Zakaria Zubeidi is a prominent former militant leader and theater director whose dramatic jailbreak in 2021 thrilled Palestinians across the Middle East and stunned the Israeli security establishment.

Zubeidi once led the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade  an armed group affiliated with Fatah, the secular political party that controls the Palestinian Authority  that carried out deadly attacks against Israelis during the second intifada, or Palestinian uprising, between 2000 and 2005.

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After the intifada in 2006, Zubeidi co-founded a theater in his hometown of Jenin refugee camp, a hotbed of Palestinian militancy, to promote what he described as cultural resistance to Israel. Even today, the Freedom Theater in Jenin refugee camp puts on everything from Shakespeare to stand-up comedy to plays written by residents.

In 2019, after Zubeidi had already served years in prison for attacks in the early 2000s, Israel arrested him again over his alleged involvement in shooting attacks that targeted buses of Israeli settlers but caused no injuries.

Zubeidi, who was released Thursday, had been awaiting trial in prison. He denies the charges, saying that he gave up militancy to focus on his political activism after the intifada.

In 2021, he and five other prisoners tunneled out of a maximum-security prison in northern Israel, an escape that helped solidify Zubeidis image among Palestinians as a folk hero. All six were recaptured days later.

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In a room packed with family members and supporters smiling, laughing, and jostling for a view of him, Zubeidi shouted to be heard over the frenzy and expressed thanks for God and his loved ones. He searched for words as reporters thrust microphones toward him, offering Islamic prayers to those wounded and killed in Gaza.

Rather than set off to Jenin camp after being freed, he stayed in Ramallah on Thursday night. Israel launched an extensive military raid earlier this month in the Jenin camp that so far has killed at least 18 Palestinians and sent scores of families fleeing.

May God grant victory to our brothers in the Jenin camp, Zubeidi said. His son, Mohammed, was killed in an Israeli drone strike last September in the camp.

Palestinian medics, who have raised concerns about the conditions of detainees emerging from Israeli detention, said Zubeidi looked weak and malnourished. Dr. Mai Al-Kaileh, who examined him, said his ribs had been shattered and he had lost a startling amount of weight.

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His condition is very difficult, she said. It's not good.

Mohammed Abu Warda

A Hamas militant during the second intifada, Abu Warda helped organize a series of suicide bombings that killed over 40 people and wounded more than a hundred others. Israel arrested him in 2002, and sentenced him to 48 terms of lifetime imprisonment, among the longest sentences it ever issued.

As a young student, Abu Warda joined Hamas at the start of the intifada following Israel's killing of Yahya Ayyash, the militant group's leading bomb maker, in 1996.

Palestinian authorities said at the time that Warda had helped to recruit suicide bombers  including his cousin, his cousins neighbor and a classmate at the Ramallah Teachers College  whose attacks targeting crowded civilian areas in Israeli cities killed scores of people in the early 2000s.

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Warda was released on Thursday.

Mohammed Aradeh, 42

An activist in Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Aradeh, was sentenced to life in prison for a range of offenses going back to the second intifada. Some of the charges, according to the Israeli Prison Service, included planting an explosive device and attempting murder.

He was credited with plotting the extraordinary prison escape in 2021, when he and five other detainees, including Zubeidi, used spoons to tunnel out one of Israels most secure prisons. They remained at large for days before being caught.

From an impoverished and politically active family in Jenin, in the northern occupied West Bank, Aradeh has three brothers and a sister who have all spent years in Israeli prisons.

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He was welcomed as a sort of cult hero in Ramallah on Saturday as family, friends and fans swarmed him, some chanting The freedom tunnel! in reference to his jailbreak. When asked how he felt, Aradeh was breathless.

Over and over he muttered, Thank God, thank God.

Mohammed Odeh, 52, Wael Qassim, 54, and Wissam Abbasi, 48

All three men hail from the neighborhood of Silwan, in east Jerusalem, and rose within the ranks of Hamas. Held responsible for a string of deadly attacks during the second intifada, the men were sentenced to multiple life sentences in 2002.

They were accused of plotting a suicide bombing at a crowded pool hall near Tel Aviv in 2002 that killed 15 people. Later that year, they were found to have orchestrated a bombing at Hebrew University that killed nine people, including five American students. Israel had described Odeh, who was working as a painter at the university at the time, as the kingpin in the attack.

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All three were transferred to Egypt last Saturday. Their families live in Jerusalem and said they will join them in exile.

The Abu Hamid brothers

Three brothers from the prominent Abu Hamid family of the Al-Amari refugee camp in Ramallah  Nasser, 51, Mohammad, 44, and Sharif, 48  were also deported to Egypt last Saturday. They had been sentenced to life in prison over deadly militant attacks against Israelis in 2002.

Their brother, a different Nasser Abu Hamid, was one of the founders of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade. He was also sentenced to life in prison for several deadly attacks. His 2022 death from lung cancer behind bars unleashed a wave of angry protests across the West Bank as Palestinian officials accused Israel of medical neglect.

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The family has a long arc of Palestinian militancy. The mother, Latifa Abu Hamid, 72, now has three sons exiled, one still imprisoned, one who died in prison and one who was killed by Israeli forces. Their family house has been demolished at least three times by Israel, which defends such punitive home demolitions as a deterrent against future attacks.

Mohammad al-Tous, 67

Al-Tous had held the title of longest continuous Israeli imprisonment until his release last Saturday, Palestinian authorities said.

First arrested in 1985 while fighting Israeli forces along the Jordanian border, the activist in the Fatah party spent a total of 39 years behind bars. Originally from the West Bank city of Bethlehem, he was among the prisoners exiled.
Fear and chaos are rippling through the immigrant community in Lake Worth Beach as even those under application for asylum are being detained and marked for deportation, according to a human service agency that serves them.

Mariana Blanco, director of operations at the Guatemalan-Maya Center there, said its like a switch flipped the day after President Donald Trumps inauguration Jan. 20 and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement stepped up its presence in the community beyond what was happening during the Biden administration. It became even more pronounced on the Thursday following Trumps return to the Oval Office, she said.

She knows of at least 20 people who have been detained, she says, either doing their official check-ins, appearing in court and going to the grocery.

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Immigration crackdown: Many new arrivals fear raids are coming. Here's what they can do

Demonstrators gather at Market Square before starting their "Human Rights March" with signs addressing multiple issues such as gun violence, income gap, and the mass deportation of immigrants on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.

They have a proper case open with ICE, and they're just doing their regular check-ins, which they've been doing for years, Blanco said. They're receiving calls specifically from the Delray (ICE) office saying, Hey, you know your GPS isn't working, or Your phone isn't working, or You forgot to sign something. Can you come in?' 

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents apprehend an undocumented migrant they were surveilling in Herndon, VA, Jan. 15, 2025.

But one prominent farmer, former state Rep. Rick Roth, said he doesnt know of any immigration enforcement among his fellow farmers workers. And, he said, the possibility hadnt even entered my mind.

They're just 'tricking them'

Blanco said shes spoken with people whose relative was detained and is awaiting deportation.

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Its inhumane, Blanco said. Just tricking them in that way.

It runs counter to the administrations primary narrative that immigration enforcement would target known criminals, she said, calling the detainees collateral damage in the current effort.

Workers harvest green leaf lettuce at Roth Farms on January 9, 2025 in western Palm Beach county, Florida.

We're separating families in the worst way possible, Blanco said. It's not just folks who have committed a crime. The public needs to know that seeking asylum is a right.

I've been hearing a lot of, Oh, well, you know, crossing illegally is also a crime,  she continued. No, it's not. If anything, they broke civil law. That's not a criminal offense.

Former Republican state Rep. Rick Roth in a field of romaine lettuce he grows at Roth Farms.

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Meanwhile, further to the west in Palm Beach County, Roth said he doesnt expect roundups are coming to the fields where studies have concluded that 47% of Floridas agricultural labor is undocumented.

He said he suspects the current enforcement going on is low-hanging fruit  recent arrivals known to ICE and not long-term labor who have been working Floridas fields, some for a decade or more.

They are going after the easy stuff, Roth theorized.

Anne Geggis is the insurance reporter at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at ageggis@gannett.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Palm Beach County immigrants under an asylum application detained
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB)  For the last several months, city clerk Jan Smith has warned Panama City commissioners about the low reserve fund balance and overspending.

Commissioners say theyre trying to improve the citys finances, actually increase the reserve balance. However, it appears they want to step up to another level, with help from citizens.

During Tuesday nights commission meeting, they approved new strategic priorities workshops, allowing community members to help rank issues and spending priorities.

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ECP officials talk 2024-25: New non-stop flight services and construction updates

People can communicate, this is whats most important to me as a city on the services that we deliver you know, water, sewer, trash, fire, police, those things, they can speak to whats going well, what needs to improve so that then after that, we can build a commissioners budget that makes sense, Commissioner Josh Street said.

Some believe the meetings could help strengthen community relationships.

I want to know how people are treated. Thats what my concern for this priority, this strategy, how can we make our citizens have a better relationship with us? How can we help each other? So to me, its not about budgeting and having to go through line item stuff. Some things arent going to cost anything some things are, Commissioner Jenna Haligas said.

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The commissioners main force is to save money while prioritizing what matters to residents.

The whole point behind all this is to just rack and stack services. And there obviously needs to be a little bit of an educational piece on the front end of that. We can also take in comment cards on, hey, how are we doing in these specific areas? But then I think that to answer kind of your concerns, we actually have to like put the nose to the grindstone and deal with the numbers, Commissioner Brian Grainger said.

Walton County officials announce lane closures due to resurfacing project

Residents can attend two separate workshops. The first will be held on February 20 for public feedback. For the following 10 days, anyone can rewatch the meeting and submit their input.

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Then, toward the end of March commissioners plan to hold a budget workshop where theyll allocate city funds to the citizens priorities.

Theres no date yet for the March meeting.

City officials encourage everyone to attend both meetings to help shape the discussions on the citys priorities.

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BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  A Panama City Beach man was arrested and is now facing child sex charges.

According to the Bay County Sheriffs Office, 44-year-old Damian Gulgar met the 16-year-old victim online through an anonymous hookup website for men.

60-year-old Franklin County man facing child porn charges

On January 8, the victim came forward, gave authorities all his information from the site, and disclosed that the sexual abuse occurred in December.

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Through the information they obtained from the website and the use of the Bay Real-Time Center known as BAYROC, investigators were able to identify Gulgar as the suspect.

Authorities tracked Gulgar to a local apartment complex where he was taken into custody.

Gulgar was booked into the Bay County Jail on Wednesday and is being held on a $75,000 bond.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  Commissioners are still looking to maintain progress while being financially responsible. One project theyre moving forward with is creating more parking in downtown St. Andrews.

In October, commissioners discussed selling 3-pieces of land the city owns but does not use.

They proposed using the proceeds to buy a lot on Chestnut Avenue for $1 million.

Its a former diesel truck repair business.

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Tuesday night commissioners sold one of the three parcels for just over $740,000.

Nearly 400 cold-stunned sea turtles released back into the Gulf

People are aware [that] were going through a tight time budgetarily. So, we dont want to make any kind of impact on the general fund or to local taxpayers. So, we looked around and said, what are some assets that we have that dont have a public purpose that we could utilize to create the parking that we need? And the cell phone tower was one of them, Commissioner Josh Street said.

Commissioners havent bought the lot on Chestnut Ave. yet, and Street has not confirmed the money would still be allocated to its purchase.

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During the October 8th commission meeting they tabled the topic until February. Commissioners determined the lot needed further environmental testing before purchasing.

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Panama President Jose Raul Mulino has a message for Secretary of State Marco Rubio ahead of his impending diplomatic visit: The Panama Canal is not up for discussion.

Its impossible, Mulino said in Spanish at a press conference in Panama City on Thursday. I cannot negotiate, and much less open a process of negotiation, over the canal. Thats sealed. The canal belongs to Panama.

Munilo instead highlighted the critical role Panama plays in some of the Trump administrations biggest priorities in the Western Hemisphere, from immigration to narco-trafficking and tackling organized crime. Panama is home to the Darien Gap, the treacherous jungle that countless Venezuelan and Colombian immigrants have crossed to seek asylum in the U.S.

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The visit to Panama will be Rubios first international trip as President Donald Trumps secretary of State. Since his election victory, Trump has repeatedly hammered Panamas management of the waterway  critical for global trade routes  and floated plans to take it back, refusing to rule out military force in doing so.



The focus intensified in December, with Trump accusing China of expanding its influence in the management of the canal and blasting officials for charging exorbitant prices and rates of passage. It hasnt stopped.

The canal was constructed by the U.S. in the early 1900s, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and ceded back to Panama by former President Jimmy Carter following the signing of two treaties in 1977.

Munilo told reporters that the David and Goliath fight that Trump has pushed is a non-starter. Panama fought for years to get access to the canal, he said. The territory is neutral, he added, and has remained so through international conflicts well before Trumps presidency.

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The canal is now managed by an independent government agency, the Panama Canal Authority.

Still, China is operating the Panama Canal, Trump said in his inaugural address last week. And we didnt give it to China. We gave it to Panama, and were taking it back.

Along with Panama, Rubio is also slated to visit Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic. Munilo said his agenda with Rubio has not been set, but he expects he will meet with the secretary on Sunday.

The only thing that I wish is to take a lot of the trash out of the way, clear the table and be able to talk with the United States and talk frankly, he said. I dont aspire to anything else.
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

Skilled immigrants working in jobs they're vastly overqualified for face significant mental health challenges including a loss of skills and professional identity, a new study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry shows.

To make matters worse, these jobs are often in what's known as precarious working environments, with insufficient wages to meet living expenses, irregular hours and a lack of benefits including health insurance and pension, according to study co-author Shu-Ping Chen, associate professor in the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Alberta.

"Most research generalizes precarious employment across populations, but our study looks specifically at immigrant workers, whose voices are not often represented in research," she says.

Chen and her collaborators interviewed 42 immigrants in precarious employment, finding that 81% were overqualified for their jobs. From these responses, researchers identified several challenges that could be targeted through interventions.

One challenge that immediately curtails an immigrant's opportunities to find a job in the field they were trained for is that many foreign credentials are not recognized in Canada.

"Many immigrantsespecially health-care professionalsnoticed delays or outright rejection of their qualifications by regulatory bodies," says Chen, adding that lack of a professional network and lack of local work experience can also hinder recent immigrants' opportunities.

Credential bridging programs that help translate foreign qualifications into recognized Canadian credentials would be a straightforward and effective way to address this, Chen notes.

Within the workplace, language barriers and cultural barriers can also pose a challenge. A misunderstanding of Canadian workplace culture and norms may lead to poorer job performance and fewer advancement opportunitiesan issue that often gets worse with time, Chen says.

In response to discrimination or the struggle to be understood, many recent immigrants begin avoiding interactions with colleagues and develop what the study authors refer to as a negative mindset.

"They stop speaking up about issues, and then they accept this unfair treatment, which will make their situation worse. It's a negative cycle."

Chen suggests cultural awareness training for employers could help address this issue, as well as increased occupational health and safety training to give employees a better understanding of their rights in the workplace. This type of training could also alleviate the higher risk of physical injury immigrants in precarious employment face because they often perform unfamiliar physical labor without having been trained for it.

Despite the high prevalence of mental health struggles among the study participants, most said they avoided seeking professional help. This may be for a variety of reasons, Chen says, including a fear of being misunderstood or judged by mental health professionals or the stigma particular cultures place on mental health interventions.

"Together, these issues mean that many immigrants struggle on their own instead of getting the help they need."

When recent immigrants are engaged in work far below their qualifications for prolonged periods, it also begins to chip away at their self-identity, which further diminishes their mental health, the researchers found.

"Their professional and social identities were tied to their qualifications, so working below their capacity can lead to feelings of inadequacy and mental distress," says Chen. She also highlights a phenomenon called the "deskilling process," in which repeated employment in these precarious work environments "will lead them to lose their skill and confidence and further restrict their career growth."

Chen and her collaborators have developed five online learning modules designed to help newcomers understand Canadian workplace culture and psychological safety at work. The modules will soon be piloted with two Calgary-based agencies that work with recent immigrants.

The study is part of a larger research project seeking to address the needs of new immigrant workers by identifying training gaps, evaluating available resources and developing targeted solutions.

"The study raises awareness of this problem. We would like to highlight the urgent need for stronger policies to ensure fair job opportunities, and emphasize the need for governments, employers and community organizations to work together to create solutions."

More information: Janki Shankar et al, Mental health challenges of recent immigrants in precarious work environments  a qualitative study, Frontiers in Psychiatry (2024). DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1428276 Journal information: Frontiers in Psychiatry
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  An East Tennessee man who was one of the first people to enter the US Capitol on January 6 is now asking for his conviction in a plot to murder federal investigators at the FBI Knoxville Field Office to be dismissed.

Edward Kelley, of Maryville, was convicted of 11 charges related including assaulting officers and destruction of government property before President Donald Trumps decision to pardon more than 1,500 people charged with crimes in the January 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol riot.

American Airlines plane, military helicopter collide near DCA, crash into Potomac River

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In 2024, Kelley and 26-year-old Austin Carter of Knoxville were convicted of conspiracy to murder federal employees. Prosecutors found that while on pre-trial release in the January 6 case, the pair developed a kill list of FBI agents and others involved in the January 6 investigation. Carter testified that he and Kelley planned to attack the Knoxville FBI office using car bombs and incendiary devices appended to drones.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for early May. The pair could be handed a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Kelleys attorney has filed a motion seeking to have these charges dismissed, citing that President Trumps executive action covers all charges related to the events of January 6, 2021.

It is clear from the Presidents executive action that he intended his executive order to sweep broadly. If he had wanted it to apply to just the actions of January 6th he would have said so, the attorney wrote in a memorandum supporting the motion. Rather he styled his executive action as related to events that occurred at or near the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Thus, Kelley is entitled to the immediate dismissal of the indictment in this Court and immediate release from custody.

This is a developing story. Download the WATE 6 News app or sign up for our email alerts for updates.

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  Bessemer City School parent Tiara Tompkins said she has noticed progress in her daughters test scores following the National Assessment of Educational Progress Report, which shows Alabama students leading in post-covid academic recovery.

With the test scores coming back, I have seen an increase in her scores. I think her scores might have went up about 19 points, said Tompkins.

Tompkin said this progress gives her hope in the Alabama Education System.

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Coca Cola Amphitheater on track for opening shows this summer

School is what she needs in order to move along through life. said Tompkins.

Chief Academic Officer with STAIR Birmingham Joel Smith said the progress is worth celebrating but there is still work to be done.

The difference in what I saw in kindergarteners, first and second graders, as far as readiness to read, is night and day, said Smith. This is coming on right on the edge, or on the hills, of covid, and during covid you may know that we had millions upon millions of dollars in federal investment that will be going away soon. So, when we do invest in our schools and our school children it shows how much progress they can make.

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According to the NAEP Report, in 2024 scores for 4th grade math in Alabama climbed from 52nd to 32nd and 4th grade reading in Alabama climbed from 49th to 34th within a 5-year span.

Birmingham City Schools Board President Jason Meadows said the room for growth calls for a plan.

What we need is just to continue to have more parent engagement that allows students to participate in any of our weekend programs, our after-school programs. Getting them in front of tutors, said Meadows.

Meadows said Birmingham City Schools plan consists of tracking students progress and supporting them through programs that fit them individually.

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State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn holds a cup of about 10 Legos compared to an overflowing jug of Legos to her left, which she said is supposed to illustrate the difference in $10 million for nonpublic schools to $5 billion for total public school spending in Nebraska. Oct. 28, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

Every parent wants their child to succeed. That looks different for every student  whether its academic excellence, social growth or emotional well-being. But ultimately its about helping each child reach their full potential. When a child struggles in school  whether academically, socially or emotionally  parents deserve real solutions to help them thrive.

This week is National School Choice Week, and its a reminder of the importance of empowering parents to choose the school that best meets their childs unique needs. Public, private or parochial  every student deserves a chance to succeed in an environment that works for them.

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During my time in the Legislature, I worked with my colleagues, Gov. Pete Ricketts, and later Gov. Jim Pillen to champion education reform that supported kids, parents, teachers, and taxpayers.

Education matters

We mandated a focus on reading in early grades and testing for learning disabilities so conditions like dyslexia are diagnosed and addressed at an early age. We invested in teacher recruitment, retention and loan forgiveness programs. And we provided a record 38% increase in state funding for public schools, the largest increase in four decades.

This funding included a minimum of $1,500 per student in foundation aid that provided state funding to more than 180 rural school districts that otherwise werent receiving state K-12 equalization aid. We also increased how much the state would cover of special education costs from 42% to 80%, doubling the states commitment to children with special needs.

Despite relentless opposition from the teachers union, a bipartisan majority of the Legislature passed school choice bills in 2023 and 2024. With the adoption of the Opportunity Scholarships Act tax credit program two years ago, Nebraska became the 49th state to approve a school choice bill. Last year the Legislature replaced that program with an education scholarship program funded with a $10 million state appropriation.

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Through these two scholarship programs, more than 4,000 students from across the state were given access to the best educational fit for them. These scholarships are making a life-changing difference for families in Norfolk, Seward, Beatrice, Omaha, Nebraska City, Ogallala, South Sioux City, David City, Grand Island, Lincoln and dozens more communities across the state. For many families, this is the first time theyve been able to choose an educational path that meets their childrens needs.

Tragically for these families, special interests led by unions spent more than $7 million misrepresenting these programs, which resulted in their repeal in November. There is a disturbing irony in the election results. Former teachers union president Jenni Benson gave a TV interview in which she stated their repeal efforts wouldnt take scholarships from kids. The unions paid advertising stated the scholarship programs took money from public schools. And petition circulators said the program benefitted the rich when the program prioritized low-income families. Regardless of the barrage of false claims, several communities, who want and need better educational options voted not to repeal Opportunity Scholarships.

These communities stretch across Nebraska, from the economically depressed urban areas of Omaha to Scotts Bluff County and communities as diverse as Lexington and Norfolk.

Growing elsewhere

Meanwhile school choice is advancing across the country with new and expanded programs proposed in Texas, North Dakota, Tennessee, South Dakota, Virginia and elsewhere.

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Across the Missouri River, Iowas education savings account (ESA) program will be accessible to all families regardless of income beginning this fall. Nebraska families deserve the same opportunities.

Supporters of school choice in Nebraska wont relent because the future of our kids is too important to walk away from. This year Nebraska lawmakers will consider several proposals to empower parents to choose the school thats the best fit for their child, including an Iowa-style ESA, vouchers, and tax credit scholarships, among others.

With more than 4,000 Nebraska students receiving scholarships in the current school year, a new program will be needed to keep those students from losing their newfound opportunity. I simply cannot believe Nebraskans are in favor of disrupting the education of 4,000 children who finally found the right school.

We must stand together for these children and protect their scholarships. This is common sense, and it should not be controversial. As Governor Jim Pillen said in his State of the State address, Every child deserves a chance to succeed.

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Lou Ann Linehan served as chair of the Nebraska Legislatures Revenue Committee for six years before being term-limited after 2024.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Two parents pleaded guilty to charges related to the shooting death of their teenage son by his younger brother.

According to court records, a district court judge approved the plea deals Tuesday for Jerel Lee Reyes and Bryanna Kahikahiwa Reyes.

Henderson police showed up at the Reyes home in January of 2024 after their 12-year-old son shot and killed his 14-year-old brother Aizeya Reyes. They were reportedly arguing over a cell phone.

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Henderson parents in court nearly 1 year after 12-year-old son accused of killing older brother

At the house, police said they found 15 guns unsecured and within reach of children.

Jerel Reyes, 52, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of child abuse, neglect, or endangerment. For that charge, he faces a minimum of a year in the Nevada Department of Corrections and a maximum of six years.

His wife Bryanna Reyes, 51, pleaded guilty to a gross misdemeanor charge of child abuse, neglect, or endangerment, according to court records. She faces a maximum of a year at the Clark County Detention Center.

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Parents face charges in connection with deadly shooting involving 12-year-old

The Clark County Coroners Office stated the 14-year-old died of a gunshot wound to the chest/abdomen.

According to the arrest report, Henderson police went to the Reyes house located on Capital Gains Drive near Wigwam Parkway and Stephanie Street, where the 12-year-old reportedly admitted to shooting his older brother and called it an accident.

The brothers were fighting over a phone when the 12-year-old grabbed a gun and fired a shot at his sibling. The boy claimed he did not know the gun was loaded, the arrest report stated.

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Jerel Reyes told police he moved to Las Vegas from Hawaii due to the cost of living and bought firearms as a form of protection. He said he taught his family about gun safety and provided his two minor children with firearms, according to the arrest report.

Sentencing for the couple is scheduled for April 29.

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Kash Patel, President Trumps pick to lead the FBI, wouldnt acknowledge or sought to distance himself from a host of his past public statements as Democrats pressed him during his confirmation hearing on Thursday.

Democratic lawmakers cited numerous controversial statements Patel has made on podcasts and online, but Patel demurred at being associated with his past remarks or accused Democrats of taking his words out of context.

In response to questions from Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Patel seemed to imply he was unaware of the activities of a prison choir made up of Jan. 6 defendants that released the song Justice for All to raise money  a group he has promoted in the past.

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Im not aware of that, sir, I didnt have anything to do with the recording, he said.

In later questioning Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) noted Patel had boasted of his involvement.

As a matter of fact, as you put it, to Steve Bannon on his show: Then we went into a studio and recorded it, mastered it, digitized it, and put it as a song, now releasing it exclusively in the War Room. That was the J6 Prison Choir song, Blumenthal said.

We, we, we, Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) added later, noting Patels involvement.

Patel later said he was using the proverbial we when Schiff asked if Patel lied to Steve Bannon.

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I did not record that myself, Patel said.

Patel also previously promoted the groups song and acknowledged he knew the background of the group.

J6 Prison Choir consists of individuals who have been incarcerated as a result of their involvement in the January 6, 2021 protest for election integrity. They have sang the anthem every night since being incarcerated- lets help, he wrote on social media in a 2023 post.

Patel would also not back his prior statements claiming to have witnessed President Trump, as his first term was ending, declassifying documents  something that could have been key to Trumps defense had former special counsel Jack Smiths classified documents case proceeded.

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Patel received immunity to discuss his role in the Mar-a-Lago case after pleading the Fifth before prosecutors.

I would love my grand jury testimony to be released, but as you know, that grand jury testimony has been sealed by the Department of Justice, Patel said.

But Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) noted witnesses are free to discuss their grand jury testimony.

I find it troubling that you do not know the law here, he said. You were a witness in the classified documents case. You were not bound by secrecy. You can tell us everything that happened in that room and everything you testified about.

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Patel did not provide any further information as Booker repeatedly noted his Thursday testimony was under oath.

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) pointed to past remarks from Patel about prosecuting journalists.

Were gonna come after the people in the media who lied about American citizens, who helped Joe Biden rig presidential elections, were gonna come after you, whether its criminally or civilly well figure that out, but yeah, were putting you all on notice, Patel said on Bannons show.

Senator, thats a partial quotation, Patel said.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) said she would enter into the hearing record a number of past statements as Patel said he couldnt recall things I dont have in front of me or dismissed them as partial quotes being taken out of context.

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The exchange got especially heated after Klobuchar asked whether Patel had threatened to shut down the FBI headquarters and turn it into a museum of the deep state.

It was a remark Patel made on a podcast, something he said he would do on Day 1 of his directorship at the FBI.

Klobuchar pressed further: I deserve an answer to that question. To be head of the FBI, and he said that their headquarters should be shut down.

Klobuchar also referenced other podcast appearances The Hill has not independently reviewed.

You said that Donald Trump has every right to tell the world that in 2020, 2016 and every other election in between was rigged by our government, Klobuchar said, noting it was from a 2023 interview on the ThriveTime Show.

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I dont have enough of the facts in front of me, Patel responded.

Klobuchar then referenced comments Patel has made about prosecuting Justice Department officials.

Ive looked at it. Ive read this stuff.  Did you say this? When Trump wins in 2024 and is in power in 2025 we can prosecute them  referring to Justice Department officials  for an actual RICO statute violation, for criminally organizing the United States government to break the law to rig presidential elections,' Klobuchar read, adding that Patel made the remarks on the X22 Report.

Senator, youre reading a partial statement, so Im unable to fully respond, Patel said.

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Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee got annoyed that Klobuchar went over her time, and Chair Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) noted she will have a second round of questioning.

OK, Ill say them again, she remarked.

Patel disparaged Democrats for grotesque mischaracterizations of his remarks.

If the best attacks on me are going to be false accusations and grotesque mischaracterizations, the only thing this body is doing is defeating the credibility of the men and women at the FBI, he said.

And any accusations leveled against me that I would somehow put political bias before the Constitution are grotesquely unfair.

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Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) defended Patel.

I have to say it is ludicrous, but sadly predictable, that Democrats are endeavoring to tarnish you, to paint a false caricature, based on innuendo and smoke, he said.

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HARRISBURG, Pa.  A historic trail tracing the path of one of the nations deadliest disasters is receiving statewide recognition. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has named the Path of the Flood Trail in Cambria County as the 2025 Trail of the Year, celebrating its blend of history, recreation, and economic impact.

This trail is a destination, inviting visitors from across the nation and the world to experience the history of the 1889 Johnstown Flood while enjoying outdoor activities in a stunning natural setting, DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. We hope this designation will bring even more visitors to explore the trail, supporting local businesses and fostering economic, environmental, and social benefits for the region.

Image provided by Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority

The 14-mile trail follows the path of the catastrophic 1889 Johnstown Flood, which claimed more than 2,200 lives. Featuring crushed stone and pavement, the trail is popular for biking, hiking, running, birdwatching, and winter sports. It also includes significant historical landmarks, such as the Staple Bend Tunnel, the first railroad tunnel in the United States.

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The Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority (CCCRA), which manages the trail alongside the National Park Service and local volunteers, views the recognition as a testament to community collaboration.

The Path of the Flood Trails recognition as Pennsylvanias 2025 Trail of the Year is a testament to the partnership between many individuals and organizations dedicated to preserving this rich, historical trail, CCCRA Executive Director Cliff Kitner said. We are honored and excited to continue sharing this unique journey with all who visit.

The trail attracts about 80,000 visitors annually, including international tourists, and serves as an economic driver for the region. Events like the Path of the Flood Historic Races, which draw nearly 1,000 participants each year, have further boosted tourism and community engagement.

Image provided by Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority Image provided by Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority Image provided by Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority Image provided by Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority Image provided by Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority

CCCRA Assistant Executive Director Caytlin Lusk noted that this is the second time in five years that a Cambria County trail has received the statewide honor.

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Following the Ghost Town Trails designation in 2020, the Path of the Flood Trail being named Trail of the Year marks the second time in five years that a trail in our county has received this designation, Lusk said. We are grateful to the Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee and DCNR for recognizing the exceptional trails that we are proud to offer here in Cambria County.

DCNR selects a Trail of the Year annually to raise awareness of Pennsylvanias extensive trail network. The state has more than 14,000 miles of trails, and the Shapiro administration has prioritized closing key trail gaps to ensure access for all residents.

Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters.

For more information on the Path of the Flood Trail, visit www.cambriaconservationrecreation.com.

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Brendan Carr, the President Trump-appointed FCC chairman, warned the CEOs of PBS and NPR that they could be violating federal law by airing commercials  and that he has ordered an investigation by the FCCs Enforcement Bureau into the matter.

For decades, PBS and NPR have engaged in the practice of airing underwriter acknowledgements to companies and groups that donate funding. However, they are not allowed to run commercial messages. Both public media organizations maintained that they comply with the FCCs underwriting guidelines, in response to a letter Carr sent this week to NPR president and CEO Katherine Maher and PBS president and CEO Paul Kerger.

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I am concerned that NPR and PBS broadcasts could be violating federal law by airing commercials, Carr wrote in the letter, dated Jan. 29, which was obtained by the New York Times. In particular, it is possible that NPR and PBS member stations are broadcasting underwriting announcements that cross the line into prohibited commercial advertisements. It is important to me, as Chairman of the FCC, that [noncommercial educational] broadcast stations stay true to their important missions and refrain from operating as noncommercial in name only.

Carrs letter did not cite examples in which PBS or NPR broadcasts may have aired explicitly commercial ads.

SEE ALSO: Trumps Pick to Bring Digital Culture Wars to FCC: Hes Going to Be a Loud Mouthpiece

Carr told the CEOs in the letter that he will provide a copy of the letter to relevant Members of Congress given that Congress is actively considering whether to stop requiring taxpayers to subsidize NPR and PBS programming. For my own part, I do not see a reason why Congress should continue sending taxpayer dollars to NPR and PBS given the changes in the media marketplace since the passage of the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967.

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Democratic FCC commissioner Anna Gomez, appointed by President Biden, wrote in a post on X about Carrs letter to NPR and PBS: This appears to be yet another Administration effort to weaponize the power of the FCC. The FCC has no business intimidating and silencing broadcast media.

PBS said in a statement responding to Carrs letter, PBS is proud of the noncommercial educational programming we provide to all Americans through our member stations. We work diligently to comply with the FCCs underwriting regulations and welcome the opportunity to demonstrate that to the Commission.

NPRs Maher said in a statement, NPR programming and underwriting messaging complies with federal regulations, including the FCC guidelines on underwriting messages for noncommercial educational broadcasters, and Member stations are expected to be in compliance as well.

She continued, We are confident any review of our programming and underwriting practices will confirm NPRs adherence to these rules. We have worked for decades with the FCC in support of noncommercial educational broadcasters who provide essential information, educational programming, and emergency alerts to local communities across the United States.

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(Pictured above: FCC Chairman Brendan Carr)

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DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (NewsNation)  A Pennsylvania teacher accused of making a racist remark towards a Palestinian American student has resigned, according to multiple reports.

The teacher allegedly told the student that she would not negotiate with terrorists when the middle school students asked to switch seats at Central Dauphin Middle School in Harrisburg.

Trump rescinds federal aid freeze

The Central Dauphin School District said Tuesday the teacher submitted her resignation which was approved by officials. The district said that there is zero tolerance for hateful speech, and it strives to provide an inclusive environment.

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She embarrassed him, she berated him and she hurt him, Zain Abdul-Rahman, the brother of the alleged victim, told NewsNation affiliate WHTM. She made him lose trust in his teachers.

NewsNation affiliate WHTM contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
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:

Overview of BA.2.86 lineage specific spike protein mutations relative to BA.2. Credit: Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-55871-5

Viruses are masters at disguise. When they are pushed too far by our immune system, they send new virus variants into play that are no longer recognized by immune cells. They escape our immune system by mutating the virus structures that are recognized by antibodies.

In order to adapt vaccines to new circulating virus variants as promptly as possible, it is first necessary to find out which among the numerous mutations are actually responsible for the immune escape of a new virus variant. Researchers at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), in collaboration with the Hannover Medical School (MHH), have developed a method called reverse mutational scanning that can be used to detect such mutations quickly and reliably.

The study has been published in the journal Nature Communications.

Viruses have all kinds of tricks up their sleeves. It often does not take long for pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 to adapt and escape immune recognition. Viruses with mutations that evade immune recognition more efficiently than the original virus will have a selective advantage and prevail over time, increasingly dominating the infection landscape.

"If the new virus variant can successfully escape the immune response, it is no longer sufficient to have recovered from one of the previous variants or to have been vaccinated with a previously effective vaccine," says Prof. Luka Cicin-Sain, head of the department Viral Immunology at the HZI.

"With vaccine development, we are always playing catch-up with the spread of new escape variants. That's the very nature of virus evolution. Nevertheless, we need to outsmart the viruses and reduce their advantages, both for currently circulating ones and for those that will be around in future pandemics."

A swift identification of mutations that are crucial for immune escape enables rapid adaptation of vaccines to new virus variants. In their current study, the team led by Cicin-Sain presents a promising new approach for doing just that. It is based on a previously established method called mutational scanning: Each mutation found in the new variant is introduced separately into the original virus to generate a library of virus mutants.

The effects of each individual mutation can thus be defined by comparing the mutants from the library to the original and to the new virus variant. However, in their study, the HZI researchers modified the procedure by introducing the mutations one by one into the new virus variant to make it resemble the original virus at each position. Hence, they used the methodology in reverse, which is why they called it reverse mutational scanning.

How reverse mutational scanning works

What exactly is the process behind reverse mutational scanning and how did the research team go about it? To test their new approach, the scientists examined viral variants of SARS-CoV-2 as an example. They wanted to find out which of the 33 mutations that distinguish the BA.2.86 virus variant from the original BA.2 variant are responsible for immune escape.

Using advanced genetic methods, the researchers produced so-called pseudoviruses, which use the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to enter cells, but are unable to replicate and are therefore harmless to humans and the environment. The researchers started from the new virus variant with immune escape, i.e. BA.2.86.

"To find out which mutations are responsible for the immune escape of this virus variant, we created various pseudoviruses in which one of the 33 different mutations was reversed, in the direction of the original virus BA.2," explains Dr. Najat Bdeir, a scientist in the department Viral Immunology at the HZI and first author of the study. In extensive cell experiments, the researchers then investigated how well the respective pseudoviruses could be combated by immune cells. To do this, they used samples "from real life."

"For the study, we were able to provide blood sera from a cohort of 40 people working in the health care sector," says Prof. Georg Behrens from the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology at Hannover Medical School. "The participants had been vaccinated multiple times, including with the then-current vaccine that was effective against omicron XBB.1.5."

'Backwards takes us forwards'

Using reverse mutational scanning, the researchers identified that three mutations in the spike protein were responsible for immune escape. But why is it important to start with the new virus variant and reverse the individual mutations, thus applying mutational scanning in "reverse"?

"This is important because our immune cells are very diverse. They can make antibodies that bind to different parts on the virus and thus block the infection process," explains Cicin-Sain.

"If we start from the original variant and insert a mutation in an area that is actually recognized by antibodies, there is a high probability that antibodies binding to another part of the virus will still recognize and neutralize the virus. The actual contribution of the mutation to immune escape cannot be adequately detected in this way. So we have to start from the new variant and work backwards from therebackwards takes us forwards here.

The researchers hope that their new method can also advance and accelerate future vaccine development. With reverse mutational scanning, other viruses and their variants could be analyzed for mutations responsible for immune escape.

"It would also be conceivable to use this new method to train machine learning and AI models to predict which potential mutations of a virus could lead to immune escape," says Cicin-Sain. "If we could produce vaccines based on pre-adapted vaccines, we would be faster than the virus."

In addition to Luka Cicin-Sain's department Viral Immunology, Prof. Wulf Blankenfeldt's department "Structure and Function of Proteins" of HZI was also involved in this study. Scientists from the Centre for Individualised Infection Medicine (CiiM), German Primate CenterLeibniz Institute for Primate Research and the Leibniz Institute DSMZGerman Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, along with the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) also contributed with their expertise to this study.

More information: Najat Bdeir et al, Reverse mutational scanning of SARS-CoV-2 spike BA.2.86 identifies epitopes contributing to immune escape from polyclonal sera, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-55871-5 Journal information: Nature Communications

Provided by Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research
In response to President Donald Trump's executive order banning diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, the Pentagon's intelligence agency has paused special event programs and related events, including for Juneteenth, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Black History Month, Holocaust Days of Remembrance and Pride Month, according to a memo obtained by ABC News.

Despite being on the list of the Defense Intelligence Agency's paused events and activities, the memo clarified that Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth will remain federal holidays.

"The Defense Intelligence Agency is working with the Department of Defense to fully implement all Executive Orders and Administration guidance in a timely manner," Lt. Cmdr. Seth Clarke, DIA spokesman, told ABC News in a statement when asked about the memo. "As we receive additional guidance, we will continue to update our internal guidance."

PHOTO: A Juneteenth flag flies on a float during the 45th annual Juneteenth National Independence Day celebrations in Galveston, Texas, on June 15, 2024. (Mark Felix/AFP via Getty Images, FILE)

MORE: How the Trump administration is working to 'combat' DEI in the private sector

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A copy of the memo began circulating on social media Wednesday morning.

The affected events, per the memo, which is dated Jan. 28, 2025, include: Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday, Black History Month, Women's History Month, Holocaust Day and Days of Remembrance, Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Pride, Juneteenth, Women's Equality Day, National Hispanic Heritage Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month and National American Indian Heritage Month.

PHOTO: In this July 16, 2022, file photo, a group of military participants march in the 2022 San Diego Pride Parade in San Diego, Calif. (Daniel Knighton/Getty Images, FILE)

MORE: A look at what DEI means amid Trump executive orders

The pause comes as Black History Month is set to begin on Saturday, Feb. 1.

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Trump has targeted DEI initiatives in a series of executive orders in his first week in office, with the White House saying that "DEI creates and then amplifies prejudicial hostility and exacerbates interpersonal conflict."

The memo also noted that the DIA would "pause Agency Resource Groups, Affinity Groups, and Employee Networking Groups, effective immediately and until further notice."

Pentagon intelligence agency pauses events, activities related to MLK Day, Black History Month originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte discussed the alliance in a call on Wednesday, including "building a stronger, more lethal NATO Alliance" and raising allied defense spending, the Pentagon said.

The two officials also discussed the importance of "expanding the defense industrial base capacity on both sides of the Atlantic," according to the Pentagon statement released on Thursday.

(Reporting by David Ljunggren; writing by Susan Heavey)
One of the people on Kash Patels list of corrupt actors from the deep state is taking the drastic step of moving their family before Patels potential confirmation to lead the FBI.

The individual, granted anonymity to speak freely about security measures, decided to relocate in the coming weeks and is taking other steps to keep their new home purchase anonymous. They said theyre doing this because they are afraid Patel might weaponize the FBI against them or use his platform to inspire others to take action.

After being doxed several years ago, we were tired of dealing with the constant anxiety of always needing to look over our shoulders, the person told CNN. Everyone deserves to have safety and security at home. Moving and taking precautions to keep our address anonymous will feel like a weight lifted.

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The list in question appears as an appendix at the end of Patels 2023 book, Government Gangsters. It names more than 50 current or former US officials that he claims are members of the Executive Branch deep state, which he describes as a dangerous threat to democracy.

Some of these people are now taking dramatic measures to protect themselves and their families, according to interviews with nearly a dozen people on Patels list or who fear theyll be scrutinized by the Patel-run FBI. The list includes a blend of high-profile figures and lesser-known officials who might be more vulnerable if Patel pursues retribution.

Democrats pressed Patel on the topic Thursday at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

It has been referred to as an enemies list, Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar said. You called them deep state.

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Its not an enemies list. That is a total mischaracterization, Patel responded, adding that it was a glossary in a book.

Before the hearing, Patel spokeswoman Erica Knight told CNN that Patel will follow the Constitution and enforce the law to take criminals off of our streets, fight violent crime and put an end to the deadly fentanyl crisis. Any notion of retribution is false and absurd.

Nevertheless, another person on Patels list, who is a former US official, said theyve spoken to former colleagues who worked in the federal government and also fear being targeted by the Trump administration and are considering moving their assets into their partners name and taking other steps to guard their financial accounts, in anticipation of lawsuits and legal harassment.

Most Republicans have closed ranks around Patel to support his nomination, despite his years-long embrace of pro-Trump deep state conspiracy theories, and his public vows to seek retribution against President Donald Trumps perceived political enemies.

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Congressional Democrats have repeatedly criticized Patel for what they call an enemies list, a label Trump allies have disputed. To the contrary, Trump has argued that going after some of these people is a key element of ending the weaponization of the federal government, because he believes these people wrongly targeted him during his first presidency.

At attorney general nominee Pam Bondis confirmation hearing earlier this month, Democratic lawmakers accused Patel of having an enemies list at least six times.

Patel has even compiled an enemies list of government gangsters to target, Sen. Dick Durbin, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said, later adding, his enemies list, what he calls his government gangsters, this is what you expect of Stasi, this is what you expect of secret police.

Bondi told lawmakers, There will never be an enemies list within the Department of Justice. And at least one Democratic senator, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, said Patel assured him during a private meeting that he wont go after Trumps enemies.

Completely unacceptable and inappropriate

Trump has already started his own efforts to exact retribution.

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Within hours of taking office, the president signed an executive order revoking the security clearances of 51 former intelligence officials who signed a 2020 letter arguing that emails from Hunter Bidens infamous laptop could be Russian-made disinformation. (The Justice Department under President Joe Biden later said the laptop was authentic.)

Trump also swiftly revoked the clearance of his former national security adviser John Bolton. And he removed the security detail of Bolton, who left the Trump White House in November 2019 and has received US Secret Service protection because of threats against him from Iran. Trump also terminated the security detail for Dr. Anthony Fauci, a target of Trumps ire since the Covid-19 pandemic.

The existence of Patels deep state list  and the apparent green light from the commander-in-chief to seek retribution  has left many afraid with a range of emotions. Charles Kupperman, a former Trump national security adviser and Bolton ally, told CNN that Patels public list makes him unqualified to lead the FBI.

Bolton and Kupperman are both on the list at the end of Patels book.

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His professional experience does not meet the leadership, management, or character standards required. Open or veiled threats to those who do not support his confirmation is completely unacceptable and inappropriate, Kupperman said.

Big names  and relative unknowns

Most of the people on Patels list of corrupt members of the deep state are high-profile individuals who are expected Republican investigative targets, including Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris.

But the expansive list includes several lower-level civil servants, most of whom are now private citizens, who might not have the same security protections or legal resources available to them if the Trump administration decides to make them a target.

Many of the current and former officials on the list were connected to the Trump-Russia investigation stemming from the 2016 election. Others were one-time Trump loyalists who refused to do his bidding at the Justice Department or FBI. Some were civil servants who testified against Trump to Congress during his first impeachment.

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Another individual on Patels list said, Im not concerned about Kash coming after me. He would get no bang out of it. And there are so many bigger fish to fry  whether on his list or others.

The anticipation of Patels confirmation has caused a flurry of preventative actions from the subset of lesser-known people, and others who arent named on the list but expect to be targeted by the new Justice Department for their public opposition to Trump.

Much of the list is going to be unreachable. So, whos on the next tier? Its folks in the good government community. People that did everything they could to hold Trump accountable, including for the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol, an individual who runs a nonprofit that led anti-Trump efforts in 2024 told CNN.

Supporters of President Donald Trump try to break through a police barrier on January 6, 2021, at the US Capitol in Washington. - Julio Cortez/AP

That nonprofit has retained outside lawyers for the first time to help prepare for potential criminal investigations and Congressional oversight from Trumps GOP allies.

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Its not cheap, the person said.

The group is also trying to crack down on staffers texting and internal paper trails that might be problematic if they are subpoenaed and become public, by enforcing stricter guidelines to prevent people from being cavalier in emails and texts.

Some shielded by Bidens pardons

Before Biden left office, he took the unprecedented step of granting preemptive pardons to some of the people Trump has repeatedly threatened to prosecute and imprison.

The last-minute pardons were granted to, among other people, the Democratic and Republican lawmakers who served on the House select January 6 committee, the staff of the select committee, and the police officers who testified to the committee.

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Before Bidens preemptive pardons, many of the people involved in the now-defunct January 6 committee had received regular communications from friends and constituents urging them to take security precautions, with some even offering to pay for security details, one Democratic lawmaker familiar with the conversations told CNN.

Many former January 6 committee staffers, who also all received preemptive presidential pardons, had already obtained liability insurance while conducting their work, as CNN reported in 2023.

One key witness involved in the January 6 investigations, who was open to a pardon but did not receive one, criticized Biden for issuing such a narrow list that did not include several high-profile individuals who provided testimony as part of the probes.

There are many of us who testified, who met with law enforcement, who went above and beyond to tell the truth. Its quite disingenuous to narrow the target on the backs of this group. If youre going to issue pardons, then really think about who youre going to include on that list, the former witness told CNN.

Bracing for purges, fearing for their lives

The former US official on Patels list said they have heard from friends at the FBI who have been updating their resumes after the election, in anticipation of mass purges based on who is perceived to be part of the deep state.

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One of the top concerns in this specific cohort is how to ensure personal security.

In the past few years, there have been high-profile examples of individuals violently targeting prominent political figures, like the assassination attempts against Trump, a hammer attack against Nancy Pelosis husband and an attempt to kill conservative Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

You have to be legitimately concerned about what isolated, random people, who think they are acting in concert with what Trump wants, will do, the former official told CNN. People hear what Trump says and then they act, thinking theyre doing what Trump wants.

Some of the people who fear Patels role at the FBI feel more resigned about whats to come and are strategically keeping a low profile in hopes that they stay off his radar.

I have nowhere to go. There are many people who have nowhere to go, said one source who was scrutinized by the Trump-era Justice Department during his first term.

CNNs Zachary Cohen contributed to this report.

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While there are still missions to be accomplished and hurdles to leap in the greater Portsmouth area, there is massive progress being made all over by everyday people who are either providing a service, volunteering, serving in office, or donating to good causes. We frequently hear that we are in a renaissance, as new developments continue to pop up, new events are added to the annual calendar, and progress is made. But why? These things dont manifest themselves.

In a weekly column, for one year, I plan on writing about a different member of the community who strives to make this renaissance go. Ill be highlighting business owners, volunteers, faith-based leaders, professionals, and more.

I am on column 18 into this journey, after highlighting twelve individuals, four couples, and a set of volunteer dogs.

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The next chapter is on my favorite local scholar and historian, Dr. Andrew Drew Feight.

I met Dr. Feight sometime around 2011, as a volunteer with the Portsmouth Little Theatre and Portsmouth Area Arts Council, where he had children involved. I remember one of our earliest experiences working together was with friend Kerri Davis, as we drove to several homeless camps in a frigid arctic blast to deliver food and provide shuttling services to the Salvation Armys warming station. He has always been the kind of person who gives back to people in a variety of ways, not only the obvious scholarly givings of a local professor and historian.

Dr. Feight is known for being a professor in the History and Social Sciences Department at Shawnee State University, as well as the founder of Scioto Historical and the director of the Center for Public History in the Clark Memorial Library.

Dr. Feight was also a founding member of the Portsmouth STEM Academy, has served five years as the president of the SSU Faculty Senate where he has also represented SSU on the Ohio Faculty Council in Columbus, and was a founding member of the Portsmouth Unity Project.

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Feight has a diverse resume that touches on many elements of the community, especially in relation to history and social sciences, going back almost 24 years as an area resident.

I first moved to Portsmouth in the summer of 2001, crossing the old Grant Bridge from Kentucky. They closed the bridge the following day, marking the end of an era. Then, that September 11th, a new era dawned, Feight recalled.

One of Dr. Feights most notable accomplishments since arriving has been the formation and continuation of Scioto Historical.

The Scioto Historical Project, which developed the mobile app and website, was first launched in 2013 with grants from the Scioto Foundation and the SSU Development Foundation. Since then, the apps development has been funded by over $30,000 in grants from Ohio Humanities and other private funders.

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Of course, Dr. Feight has been involved in other major work as well.

Most recently, I helped secure over $200,000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission to develop a new nine-county historical tour of verified Underground Railroad sites in the tristate region, Feight said. Additionally, Ive helped raise another $35,000 towards the preservation of the Historic Portsmouth Newspaper Collection. In total, that is more than a quarter million dollars towards the preservation and promotion of Portsmouth and the regions history.

I can recall the devastation I felt when the former PDT building was being sold. I absolutely loved that building. At the time, I was mostly taking a short break from writing but remained very close to the writers and Publisher Hope Comer. They called me about how they needed a home for some of the papers more historical elements and files.

I remember taking time off work to go through filing cabinets and pulling aside old bundles of collected documents on businesses, community figures, and more. I tracked down where they should go and be most appreciated. Then, we had to decide on a treasure trove I broke into years earlier.

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When I was still a PDT staff writer in my first stent, there was a room in the basement that had once been locked and forgotten about. It drove me mad, not knowing what was in there. I was finally given permission to break into it, which I did with pure excitement. Who doesnt love tackling a door open?

What I found was amazing. The room was a former safe room in the fallout shelter. It had so many historical fallout shelter supplies that looked lost in time. It also had volumes and volumes of old newspapers that were bound in books the size of an unfolded newspaper.

I lobbied for them to go to Dr. Feight from the beginning and I was overjoyed when they finally went into his possession. Time has proven that this was the correct move, as Dr. Feight has given them more care than anyone else could have. He has given these old texts love and care, fighting hard to keep them protected for future generations.

Feight recalled this collections, Another highlight was working with other supporters of the citys history to save and preserve the Historic Portsmouth, Ohio Newspaper Collection, which was donated in 2017 to Shawnee State University by a previous owner of the Portsmouth Daily Times. The collection includes more than a dozen titles and ranges in time from the 1820s to the 1990s.

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To this day, volunteers spend countless hours pouring over these documents, preserving them, and digitizing them for all to see.

Feight also continues to preserve history in countless other ways. He works hard to continue and grow what he started at SSU, he is a tireless consultant to local churches and organizations, and works hard to dig up and preserve historical collections for all people who have called Scioto County home.

My mission is to work with college students and local non-profits to preserve and promote the history of Portsmouth and the surrounding Appalachian region. We have an incredibly rich history and residents of the city and region have made important contributions to national history. We have a history for which we can be proud. This history when combined with the historic architecture that has been preserved is what gives Portsmouth its character, Dr. Feight said. Promoting an appreciation of Portsmouths history can be the basis for civic pride and help drive tourism. By plugging students into real world projects that help advance the preservation and promotion of local history, both the community and the student are benefiting. It is a win, win for all involved.

When reflecting on his life and what led him to his calling, Dr. Feight had a very simple and immediate answer.

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I come from a family of educators and artists, Dr. Feight stated. My mother and grandmother were k-12 schoolteachers, and my father left his marketing career to start the Foundation for Hospital Art. I spent my childhood painting murals with patients in hospitals and residents of assisted care facilities. My mother showed me the way of the teacher, while my father taught me to believe that art can heal, and that collaboration is key to success. Together, they taught me that to whom much is given, much is expected. And, the more I learned our nations history  our fortunes and misfortunes  the more I realized just how much I had been given.

Dr. Feight believes that our problems are not going to solve themselves and the change we want to see is not going to happen unless we get involved ourselves, which is why he advocates for his students to take on missions of giving back. His call to history was a natural one and a mission he tackles with enthusiasm.

William Faulker famously said, The past is never dead. Its not even past. My memory is a reminder that the days of Jim Crow racial segregation were not that long ago and that the history in our textbooks is real. I see her  Coretta Scott King, the wife of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  standing in the doorway of my 5th grade classroom back in 1981. In my minds eye I see her smile today, as if it was yesterday, and I know this history is real and the struggle for equality that she and her husband fought for is not over.

One of Dr. Feights current and ongoing projects is to materialize a dream for a mural that memorializes Portsmouths history concerning its black residents, including contributions to the Underground Railroad and the abolition of slavery. He is working with Portsmouth Murals Inc and several others to turn this dream into a reality.

If youre interested in seeing some of the most accessible work Dr. Feight has accomplished, visit www.sciotohistorical.org.
This article was first published in the Right to the Point newsletter . Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox each week.

With new layoffs, declining ratings and a hefty judgment in a defamation lawsuit, things look somber at CNN, even as Americas first 24-hour news network seeks to reverse its fortunes by reshuffling the deck  or rearranging the deck chairs, as the networks critics might prefer to say. Anchor Jim Acosta is on his way out, among others.

But there is one person on CNN having a glorious time. He is the punniest guy in cable news, while also a much needed voice of reason.

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Heres Scott Jennings addressing another commentator howling about Elon Musks awkward arm gesture, which some likened to a Nazi salute: Youre not one of the salute truthers, are you?

There he is complaining about the Episcopal bishop who ignited controversy when she addressed the newly inaugurated president: These Woke-apalians or Espica-wokians or whatever theyre calling themselves today  Donald Trump, Im sure regrets participating in this event today to be lectured to and politicized in a church this way.

In terms of good-natured affability and stinging soundbites, Scott Jennings has emerged as the James Carville of the right. And  bad news for Democrats  Carville, while still very much in the picture, is past retirement age, while Jennings, at 47, is ascendant.

In fact, despite having a distinguished resume that includes working for the George W. Bush White House, the father of four seems to have burst onto the national stage out of nowhere. Its not unusual for people singing his praises on social media to say theyve never heard of him before. He is the embodiment of the adage that it takes 20 years of hard work to become an overnight success.

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I seriously cannot get enough of Scott Jennings, one person on X recently wrote. Another wrote, I wish I could buy stock in Scott Jennings because theres not really anyone else like him right now and went on to compare Jennings to the beloved character Jim Halpert (played by John Krasinski) on The Office.

Im not the only one who wishes CNN would give Jennings his own three-hour show.

Wherein I coin the phrase salute truther over this made up Elon business https://t.co/Lxebo9JEov  Scott Jennings (@ScottJenningsKY) January 23, 2025

The real evidence of Jennings star power, however, is not the accolades of conservatives, many of whom have been deriding CNN as fake news since the first Trump administration. Its the loathing that hes inspiring on the left, with some people saying theyve stopped watching CNN because of him. The writer Anne Lamott called him the single most repellent person on non-Fox tv.

Scott Jennings is the single most repellent person on non-Fox tv.

I mean that nicely.  ANNE LAMOTT (@ANNELAMOTT) August 18, 2024

Back in November, some Jennings fans were lobbying for his appointment as White House press secretary, which would have severely limited his options. Now, hes joined the editorial board of the Los Angeles Times at the invitation of owner Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, in addition to having his own podcast ("Flyover Country with Scott Jennings), and he has a family and chickens to take care of.

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Yes, chickens. Per the website of the political communications firm he co-founded, RunSwitch Public Relations, Scott and his family raise a growing flock, routinely fighting off hungry hawks and delivering eggs to their friends and family.

As they say, we need to protect this man at all costs.

A sharp and conspicuous turn to the right?

In his newsletter this week, FiveThirtyEight founder Nate Silver wrote:

The media is making a sharp and conspicuous turn to the right, from Meta eliminating its fact-checking program and DEI initiatives to Jeff Bezos quashing the Posts endorsement of Harris and Saturday Night Live poking fun at its sibling network, MSNBC. The lefts constellation of A-list celebrities arent interesting or cool in a way that pays political dividends: Joe Rogans endorsement seems to have mattered more than Taylor Swifts.

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Its hard to imagine anyone writing a year ago that the U.S. media is shifting to the right. In fact, the idea is still kind of absurd.

Yes, newspapers in urban hubs on both the East and West Coast have decided they need conservative voices on their editorial boards (Mary Anna Mancuso at the Miami Herald, the latest), and yes, Jeet Heer wrote for The Nation that CNN has surrendered to Trump, and across the pond, The Guardian is taking pot shots at the The Washington Post and other U.S. publications.

But its hard to see all this as anything but a tentative course correction toward something resembling neutrality or fairness. In many newsrooms populated by liberal journalists, the needle had moved so far left that it would take hiring a platoon of Scott Jennings to move the needle a tick or two to the right.

Jennings, by the way, like Tucker Carlson, considers himself a journalist, which would cause many of my fellow old-school journalists to either seethe or burst into laugher. But Elon Musk says were all the media now, and hes not entirely wrong.

You are the media now.



This is an incredibly profound change. https://t.co/Z3mHVFDaVE  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 15, 2025

The latest variation of MAGA

I want more babies in the United States of America, Vice President JD Vance said last week at the national March for Life, in his first public remarks since the inauguration. The speech was quickly dubbed Make America Mate Again by those always looking for a new variation of Trumps signature slogan.

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Vance also mentioned what he called behavioral challenges with his three children on Inauguration Day, perhaps most significantly his 7-year-old impudently patting both his mother and father on the head while they were seated with the president. Just a few years ago, Prince Louis presented similar behavioral challenges to Prince William and Kate Middleton during Queen Elizabeths Platinum Jubilee celebration.

Less challenging was JD and Usha Vances daughter, Mirabel, who made headlines for the Bluey bandages on her fingers. Its unclear if they were emotional support Band-Aids or medically necessary, but it was, as Emily Zanotti said, an iconic toddler move by a child whose birth was announced on Twitter and who was featured in Vances sweetest campaign ad when he was running for the Senate.

Its been fascinating to see how their families have softened the edges around the president and the vice president. At the Republican National Convention last summer, Trumps campaign team started playing up the fact that he is a grandfather, and a beloved one at that. While that couldnt erase the more unsavory aspects of Trumps behavior over decades, it was a side of Trump that most people had never thought about. To me, hes just a normal grandpa. He gives us candy and soda when our parents arent looking, Kai Trump said in Milwaukee.

And their behavior notwithstanding, Vances children have won hearts. Detroit News columnist Kaitlyn Buss wrote that the Vances are fun to watch and a breath of fresh air on the world scene.

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And shes right. After so much talk in recent years about parents being under stress to the point of the surgeon general calling it a public health concern, its nice to see young parents clearly in love with each other, their life and their kids. To see them making families fun again, even when its hard.

And  no pressure or anything, Vice President and Mrs. Vance  but a newborn in the vice presidents house would be great, too. Maybe around the time of the midterms.

Recommended reading

Mariya Manzhos talked to author Kurt Gray about why everyone is so outraged: When you say that someones 100% the victim, that kind of annihilates any chance for conversation, for finding common ground. What you need is a little bit of moral humility to move off 100 to zero, even to 99.

https://www.deseret.com/politics/2025/01/27/outraged-book-kurt-gray-morality-harm/

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Patrick T. Brown on how the GOP can deliver the most important of Trumps campaign promises: If the president were to prioritize, say, an expanded Child Tax Credit and no tax on tips as the two signature victories in a tax bill, that would help Republicans find the requisite revenue options to make this happen.

Worth watching

Scholar and author Jonathan Rauch recently visited the yellow couch at the Deseret News office in Salt Lake City to talk about the dumbest thing Ive every published and how hes changed his mind about religion since then. Christianity, specifically white Protestantism, is a load-bearing wall in our democracy, he now says, and the decline of religious participation has led to partisanship emerging as a new religion.

https://www.deseret.com/video/2025/01/24/video-the-surprising-hope-this-gay-atheist-sees-in-the-church-of-jesus-christ/

My latest

A partisan pitch for donations led me to look into how a U.K. newspaper, The Guardian, is positioning itself as the face of Trump resistance in the United States.

https://www.deseret.com/opinion/2025/01/25/the-guardian-trump-resistance-meme-coin-journalism/
(Bloomberg) -- Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he wants to meet with US President Donald Trump to discuss defense and trade ties as well as the fate of thousands of Filipinos at risk of deportation.

Most Read from Bloomberg

I will meet with President Trump because I should, because theres much that we need to discuss between the US and the Philippines in terms of trade, in terms of defense and security, and now, the new policy on immigration, Marcos told reporters on Thursday.

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Marcos, who strengthened Manilas ties with Washington during the administration of Joe Biden, has yet to secure an in-person meeting with Trump though they had a phone call in November after the US election.

Apart from getting defense commitments from Trump himself, another pressing issue for Marcos is finding a solution for undocumented Filipinos that make up the biggest number of illegal migrants from Asia. Some 350,000 unauthorized Filipino migrants resided in the US as of 2022, according to a report published last year by the Department of Homeland Security.

This is something that we have to work through and hopefully resolve, Marcos said. Well see how we can influence the policymaking in terms of immigration, he added.

On the status of foreign funding from the US, Marcos said the Philippines is waiting for more clarity.

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During his November call with Trump, Marcos sought to reaffirm ties and build on gains from the Biden administration. That assurance recently came from Secretary of State Marco Rubio who reiterated Washingtons ironclad commitment to the Philippines while criticizing Chinas actions.

The US Army last year deployed Typhon missile system in the Philippines, riling up Beijing which has continued to call for the weapons pullout.

Marcos on Thursday said Manila can return the weapon system to the US if China would cease hostilities in the South China Sea.

Lets make a deal with China: Stop claiming our territory, stop harassing our fishermen and let them have a living, stop ramming our boats, stop water-cannoning our people, stop firing lasers at us, and stop your aggressive and coercive behavior, and Ill return the Typhon, Marcos said.

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Manila, under Marcos, has pushed backed against Beijings sweeping claims over the South China Sea, which were invalidated by an international arbitration ruling in 2016.

Philippine and Chinese vessels clashed on several occasions in the contested waters last year as Manila asserted its own claims.

(Updates with additional comments from Marcos throughout.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
MANILA (Reuters) -Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Thursday he would meet U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss issues including immigration, in an effort to influence policy he said could impact a large number of Filipinos in the United States.

"We will see how we can influence policymaking in terms of immigration," Marcos said without saying when the meeting would take place.

Since taking office on Jan. 20, Trump has announced a number of immigration-related executive orders that focus on stricter border policy, tighter visa vetting procedures, and a crackdown on undocumented migrants in the United States.

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There are more than 300,000 undocumented Filipinos in the U.S., according to a 2019 estimate by think tank Migration Policy Institute. Close to 2 million migrants from the Philippines live in the United States, according to a 2024 report by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Speaking to reporters on various topics, Marcos also said he would return a Typhon missile system to the United States if China ceased what he said was aggressive and coercive behaviour and its claiming of territory in the South China Sea.

Tensions between China and the Philippines have escalated in recent years and the Philippines has moved closer to Washington, which is also keen to counter China's increasingly assertive claims in the disputed waterway.

China has strongly opposed the U.S. deployment of the Typhon for exercises in the Philippines, and has repeatedly called for its withdrawal.

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"I don't understand the comments on the Typhon missile system. We don't make any comments on their missile systems and their missile systems are a thousand times more powerful than what we have," Marcos said.

"Let's make a deal with China: stop claiming our territory, stop harassing our fishermen and let them have a living, stop ramming our boats, stop water cannoning our people, stop firing lasers at us and stop your aggressive and coercive behaviour and I'll return the Typhon missiles," he said.

Beijing, which claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, has repeatedly accused Philippine vessels of encroachment in to its territory. Bilateral ties are at their worst in years after repeated confrontations and heated diplomatic rows.

The Chinese embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the president's remarks.

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The Typhon missile system was deployed by U.S. forces to the Philippines in April last year as part of their Balikatan or "shoulder-to-shoulder" military exercises, and has since remained in the country.

Reuters reported last week the launchers had been redeployed to a new location in the Philippines, which officials declined to disclose.

In 2016 the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled China's claims had no legal basis, siding with the Philippines which brought the case. China rejects that ruling, but Washington, which supports it, says the decision is binding.

(Reporting by Karen Lema and Mikhail Flores; Editing by Martin Petty and Kate Mayberry)
WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  There was a ribbon cutting on Wednesday afternoon for a new indoor pickleball club in Westfield.

Anyone can play, any age group, any ability, said Picklr Westfield co-owner, Dennis Sosa.

Social, healthy and a ton of fun is how co-owners Dennis and Scott describe The Picklr, an indoor pickleball club in Westfield.

On Saturday, they will have their grand opening.

Have a DJ here playing some music, everyones favorites, some food, drinks, we will have some games and raffle prizes, it is really going to be an open door to the community, said Sosa.

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Cookie store, Crumbl to open another Massachusetts location

The 22,000 square foot pickleball club features 8 courts, event space, locker rooms and a pro-shop.

Get active and healthy lives and healthy choices. Do things to get them out of the office and give them a place to be. They can be here rain, shine, it is air conditioned, said Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe.

The Picklr is adding excitement to Westfield along with a little bit of physical activity.

At the Picklr, you can drop in for a game, become a member, take lessons, join leagues and more.

There was nothing in the area like this, said Scott LaBonte, co-owner at The Picklr Westfield, so we wanted to do something unique and something positive for society as a whole.

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In a location that has been vacant for years after The Bon-Ton closed in 2018.

A company like The Picklr has locations around the country and they chose our community to invest and put time and money and effort in, said Amanda Waterfield, executive director of the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce.

The number of The Picklr locations is rapidly growing across the country and once you are a member at one, you can go to any location throughout the US.

The Grand Opening will be this Saturday February 1st from 12 pm to 6 pm.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
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

Sleeping sickness, a parasitic disease which is generally fatal without treatment, has been eliminated as a public health problem in Guinea, the French Research Institute for Development (IRD) said Thursday.

The disease, also known as Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), is spread by infected tsetse flies and is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa.

The Trypanosoma parasite enters the central nervous system, causing symptoms including behavior changes, confusion, poor coordination and sleep cycle disturbance.

Guinea, which still records cases of the disease, has long been the most affected country in West Africa.

Guinea has fallen "below the threshold for the elimination of the disease as a public health problem (less than one case per 10,000 inhabitants in the three endemic areas)", the IRD said in a statement co-signed by the NGO Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi) and the Institut Pasteur in Guinea.

"The Guinean Ministry of Health has had the World Health Organization (WHO) validate the elimination of HAT in the country in 2024, a year in which only 12 cases of HAT were diagnosed," it added.

The breakthrough was based on improved tsetse fly control, large-scale screening, awareness campaigns, and the development of new, safe and effective drugs, the statement said.

The announcement coincides with World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day.

"On behalf of (ruling junta chief) General Mamady Doumbouya, we welcome this recognition by the WHO", Guinea's Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah told journalists.

"This is fantastic news and a major step forward in our collective efforts to eliminate this terrible and neglected disease", DNDi Executive Director Luis Pizarro was quoted as saying in the statement.

"The effort must continue, with the aim of completely stopping transmission by 2030," added Jean-Mathieu Bart and Bruno Bucheton, eco-epidemiologist and geneticist respectively at the IRD.

 2025 AFP
The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the publics help in tracking down the driver of a pickup truck that struck and killed a pedestrian in Mission Hills Wednesday night.

At a few minutes before 10 p.m., a black Chevrolet truck was headed west on Rinaldi Street near Sepulveda Boulevard when it hit a pedestrian, then continued without stopping to help, police said in a news release.

That pedestrian, a man in his 30s who was outside of a marked crosswalk, was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity is being withheld pending notification of his family.

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A reward of up to $50,000 is available for information leading to the driver.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Ramirez at 818-644-8025.

During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).

To report information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit lacrimestoppers.org.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Editors note: Details of the story may be disturbing to some readers.

PIKE COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56)  A Pike County woman was arrested on Wednesday and accused of abuse.

Kentucky State Police (KSP) received reports that the child hadnt been seen since Dec. 23, 2024. When he returned on the first day of school since the holiday break, he was reportedly found to be gorging himself until he got sick and vomited.

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Man accused of Lexington bank robbery ran, threw money along the way

According to state police, it was also found that the child had bruises on his nose and chipped front teeth, but he wouldnt say how the injuries happened and denied being in pain.

Mary Hall, 44, was reportedly asked by law enforcement about how the injuries got there and said they were packing wood and playing but that he could also have done it in his sleep.

KSP said the room where the child was allegedly kept had a single mattress and lamp and had a lock on the outside. Court documents noted the child referred to the room as the dark room.

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A warrant for Halls arrest shows that troopers took the child to UK hospital, where a doctor said he showed signs of torture.

Court documents show that on Wednesday, troopers with the Kentucky State Police Department arrested Mary Hall, 44.

Mary Hall, 44, was lodged in the Pike County Detention Center on Wednesday.

(Pike County Detention Center)

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Hall was charged with first-degree criminal abuse of a minor age 12 or under, first-degree assault, and kidnapping with serious physical injury.

She was lodged in the Pike 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 FOX 56 News.
One of the two American Airlines pilots killed in a mid-air collision was identified Wednesday as a newly-engaged young man in the prime of his life.

First Officer Samuel Lilley was first identified in a report by the Daily Mail, which revealed heart-wrenching details about his personal life.

The 28-year-old Lilley was just months away from being promoted to captaina big step in a career that he adored, his dad, Timothy Lilley, told the Mail.

EXCLUSIVE: First Officer Sam Lilley was one of the crew members killed after a passenger jet carrying 64 people collided with an Army helicopter near Washington, D.C., his father, Tim Lilley, confirmed to NewsNation. Officials announced 28 bodies have been recovered. pic.twitter.com/Nl5q4xKIEP  NewsNation (@NewsNation) January 30, 2025

Adding to the heartbreak, the grieving father revealed that Lilley was newly engaged.

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Samuel was in the prime of his life, his dad said. He was engaged to a beautiful, wonderful girl and we were all excited about her joining the family.

Timothy told Fox 5 Atlanta that Wednesday was undoubtedly the worst day of my life.

The father added he was the person who broke the news to his soon-to-be daughter-in-law.

So I called his fiancee, confirmed, like, hey was Sam in Wichita? Yes, he was, was he going to to DCA? Yes, he was, he recalled to the Mail. So then I had to tell her. It was just an ugly scene.

It was hard for Timothy to stay composed himself.

You know what, I was OK for five, maybe 10 minutes, he said. And then I bawled for 10 minutes. Its a bitter, bitter pill to swallow.

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Lilley, who was based at Charlotte Douglas International Airport and had ties to Atlanta, was killed alongside Captain Jonathan Campos, a relative told the Mail.

The pilots of Flight 5342 have been identified as Captain Jonathan Campos, 34, and First Officer Sam Lilley, 28 pic.twitter.com/qmO5lJ5Xhp  BNO News Live (@BNODesk) January 30, 2025

Campos, 34, was born in New York but raised in Florida. He learned to fly at the Epic Flight Academy, earning certification to fly commercial jetliners in 2017.

The men are among 67 that are presumed dead, including 60 passengers, two flight attendants, and three U.S. soldiers who were in the Black Hawk that the jetliner collided with. A full list of victims is yet to be released, but loved ones have revealed that many killed in the crash were figure skaters and their families.

Lilleys father is himself a former Black Hawk pilot who once frequented the area near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and the Pentagon, adding to the bizarreness of the situation. He acknowledged the chilling irony himself.

Emergency divers respond after a passenger aircraft collided with a helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River. / Andrew Harnik / Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

I used to fly that exact same route that the helicopter that crashed was flying, he said. My goodness, Id done that so many times. My brothers in the Army had something to do with the death of my son.

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He also shared his anger with American Airlines, who he alleged dropped the ball on getting information to him during critical moments on Wednesday.

American has not been good about giving me any information, he said. So I called the hotline. All they do is they take your information and say theyll call you back... And then I went to the crisis center and all they did was fill out some paperwork and say theyll call you when have something for you to do. My ex wife is on her way here and his fiancee. Were starting the grieving process. Its going to be a long difficult process.
Days of rain are forecast to hit portions of the Northwest and California, bringing the risk of flooding and landslides. While the rain may subside a little more quickly in some locations, snow is expected to take its place and bring a new set of challenges, AccuWeather meteorologists warn.

"A major weather event, known as an atmospheric river, is forecast to unfold into the middle of next week, sending waves of moisture to the West Coast," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty.

An atmospheric river is a phenomenon that occurs when moisture consolidates and travels a long distance only to be deposited someplace else. This can happen anywhere in the globe but is often noticed along the West Coast of the United States. The funneling of tropical moisture, specifically from the central Pacific, near Hawaii, into the U.S. is known as the Pineapple Express.

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Over the next week, the Pineapple Express is expected to unload on the Pacific Northwest and the northern half of California, bringing the risk of flooding rain and snow.

The winter months are typically the wettest time of the year for California and the Northwest, so the region is no stranger to rain and snow in late January and February. However, it's been abnormally dry since the start of 2025.

As of Thursday, San Francisco has reported only 0.13 of an inch of rain since Jan. 1, when the historical average for the month is around 3.9 inches. Redding, California, has reported 0.63 of an inch, a minuscule 10% of the norm for January. The recent dry conditions could further the risk of flooding as heavy rain moves into the region.

Through Monday, the atmospheric river is expected to point right to the Northern California coast, bringing with it the biggest rainstorm so far this year.

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With so much rain in just a few days, there will be a heightened risk of flooding. In the more mountainous terrain, landslides will also be a concern. Both flooding and landslides could lead to travel delays or even road closures. Air travel is also expected to be impacted given the multiday event of gusty winds and rain.

Widespread rainfall amounts of 1-2 inches are expected for San Francisco and the Bay Area northward to northwestern Oregon, with over half a foot of rain in portions of Northern California. An AccuWeather Local StormMax of 24 inches is most likely in this area.

In addition to heavy rain falling in the valleys, higher terrain is also expected to be impacted.

"Unlike with many other winter storms in the past two years, temperatures will be too high for significant snowfall in the Sierra Nevada," Douty said.

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Snow levels in the Sierra will be lowest, around 7,000 feet, into Friday night, Douty noted, adding that snow levels will rise to almost 9,000 feet and stay there through the weekend. Snow at this high altitude is well above pass level.

The mountains, currently covered in feet of snow, can expect several inches of rain, further raising concerns of flooding.

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Another wave of moisture is expected early next week and may bring a push of colder air and the risk of snow in the higher terrain of Northern California.

"Snow levels are then expected to fall early next week which will bring potential travel impacts across the passes," Douty warned.

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The Pacific Northwest will also be impacted by the atmospheric river, with waves of rain and snow forecast to hit the area.

In contrast to locations farther south in California, the mountains of the Cascades and northern Rockies in Idaho can expect rounds of snow.

By the start of the weekend, most of the moisture from the atmospheric river will be pushed into Northern California. While heavy rainfall is expected to end in most of Washington and Oregon by that time, showery and wintry conditions are expected to continue as snow levels lower.

This weekend, there will most likely be a dry zone to the immediate east of the Cascades. Still, some rain and wet snow can fall in eastern parts of Washington and Oregon on Saturday night and Sunday.

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"Enough cold air is expected to infiltrate the Northwest in time for the weekend for continued snow showers in the mountains. However, flakes may also reach the lowland areas," Douty said.

Snowflakes are possible in the major cities of Portland and Seattle as temperatures fall on Saturday night. There is even the potential for Seattle to get some accumulating snow.

Seattle has yet to have any accumulating snow this winter, but its last experienced measurable snow occurred on March 3, 2024, when 0.3 of an inch fell.

Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Retired Army Maj. Gen. Edward Greer, who broke racial barriers during his long Army career, died at age 100 at his El Paso home on Wednesday, Jan. 29, his family said.

Greer, a native of Gary, West Virginia, lived in El Paso during his retirement and was an active member of the military and veterans community until the end of his life. His family, community and veterans groups in El Paso had several public celebrations last year when he turned 100.

Army general looks back on Korea, Vietnam, integration as 100th birthday nears

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His family described him as a pioneering figure in the U.S. Army and a trailblazer for African American servicemembers. His remarkable career spanned three major conflicts and represented a significant period of change in the militarys history.

Retired Maj. Gen. Edward Greer about a month before his 100th birthday

Greer started out in the Army in 1943 when it was still segregated and rose up through the ranks. In 1972, he was became one of the first Black officers to be promoted to the rank of brigadier general (one-star general).

Greer was one of five Black officers promoted to that rank in 1972, his family said.

At the time, only four Blacks had previously ever reached the Armys general officer ranks, his family said.

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Greer was the last surviving member of that group of five who were promoted to brigadier general in 1972.

Greers career spanned three major conflicts  World War II, Vietnam and Korea  and represented a significant period of change in the militarys history, his family said.

In Korea, he earned the Silver Star for calling artillery fire onto his own position to enable an infantry company to withdraw safely, his family said.

In Vietnam, he served as deputy commander of XXIV Corps Artillery and later commanded the 108th Artillery Group.

He held significant leadership positions, including deputy commanding general at Fort Leonard Wood and at the U.S. Army Military Personnel Center, his family said.

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Greers career trajectory from a segregated Army to becoming one of its highest-ranking Black officers exemplifies the progress made in military integration. His achievements helped pave the way for future generations of servicemembers, his family said.

Greers awards included the aforementioned Silver Star, Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal and Distinguished Service Medal.

Upon retiring from the military in 1976, Greer and his wife relocated to El Paso, where he undertook a 30-year career in real estate.

He stayed active in the community and was a fixture at events for local veterans organizations until the end of his life. He served as chairman of the Officers Retiree Council for Fort Bliss and on local boards for the American Cancer Society, Visiting Nurses Association, Association of U.S. Army, and the Association of El Paso Realtors.

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Greer was a graduate of West Virginia State College. He later earned a masters degree in international affairs from George Washington University.

Greer grew up in Gary, West Virginia and was the son of a coal miner and union Walter Thomas Greer and wife Vesta Elaine Long.

Greers maternal grandfather was born into slavery, yet Greer and his two siblings all attended college just two generations later, his family said.

Greer is survived by his son Michael Edward Greer, MD (Steve Bryant and former wife Pamela Greer-Walker, MD) and his grandchildren Lisa Cobb, Alissa Maru (Anteneh), Vaun Greer (Cynthia) and Tia Greer, along with seven great-grandchildren Melia, Morgan, Maya, Zinzi, Clarke, Jude and AK. He was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Jewell Means Greer, his daughter Gail Sharon Lyle and son Kenneth Wayne Greer.

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Memorial arrangements will be announced for El Paso and Washington, D.C.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 tragedy felt across the country has impacted Pittsburgh International Airport as local leaders respond to the ongoing incident.

Its a tough day, and its a day where we are reminded of why we do what we do every day, which is to ensure that this is a safe and secure environment for everyone, said Christina Cassotis, CEO of the Allegheny County Airport Authority.

Cassotis noted the interconnected nature of the aviation industry, explaining that when an incident occurs in one part of the world, it affects others.

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We are all on the front line of this industry. Its very interdependent and complex. When something happens, it impacts the rest of us, she said.

While the investigation continues, Cassotis assured the public that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is thoroughly reviewing the situation. Every single part of this incident will be investigated and shared with everyone, she said. This is why aviation is a very safe industry  we all learn from each other and do not compete on safety.

Governor Josh Shapiro has pledged support and resources to assist first responders, who are still searching in the water if needed from Pennsylvania.

Despite the tragedy, air travel at Pittsburgh International has returned to normal, with travelers expressing sympathy for the lives lost. Dave Whisler, a passenger flying from Charlotte, wasnt concerned about flying on American Airlines.

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Flying into Pittsburgh, its not a high-traffic area. Obviously, DC and New York are more intense, so maybe Id be more nervous flying there than other places, because of the compact area, Whisler told Channel 11.

Cassotis also highlighted the strong relationship between the airport and military personnel, stressing their continued collaboration with two separate military bases sharing runway space with the airport. We have no concerns about that, she said.

In total, nine flights were canceled at PIT due to the tragedy in D.C.

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Plainfield  Residents will decide Thursday whether to advance a proposal that could bring up to $600,000 of upgrades to Lions Park at a cost of $100,000 to the town.

At a special town meeting Thursday at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, residents will vote on whether to hold a referendum to approve a request to allocate up to $100,000 from the towns fund balance as a grant match for park improvements.

Proposed upgrades include constructing a 1,000-square-foot covered bandstand at the south end of the park, reconfiguring the parking lot shared with Town Hall to add space for about 50 more cars, and installing security cameras and new lighting around the parks walking track.

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Officials estimate that the three-part project would cost $600,000, but the town would pay no more than $100,000, with a state grant covering the bulk of the project.

Heading into Thursdays vote, town leaders and residents appear split over whether the investment is the most fiscally strategic move right now.

How much will the upgrades cost taxpayers?

While the proposal would allow the town to take up $100,000 from its fund balance for the upgrades, First Selectman Kevin Cunningham said what the town will ultimately spend depends on how much grant funding the state awards.

If voters greenlight the proposal, Cunningham said the town would apply for a full grant of $500,000 through the states Small Town Economic Assistance Program to fund the project. The $100,000 from the town would cover the grant programs 20% match requirement.

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In the event that the state awards less than $500,000, Cunningham said the town would still match only 20% of the states funds. For example, if the state grant comes out to $250,000, the town would pay only $50,000.

Cunningham said the town would tailor the project to the available funding and forgo certain upgrades if they are not covered by the grant. He said the towns top priority is redoing the parking lot, followed by the bandstand and then the lighting and camera installation.

Cunningham said the town does not have an exact estimate on what each of the three projects would cost. According to minutes from a Board of Finance meeting this month, the town engineer believed that the bandstand would cost $200,000 to $300,000 and that the parking lot reconfiguration would cost $200,000 to $250,000.

Why do people oppose the proposal?

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Selectwoman Peggy Bourey, who voted against the proposal when the topic came before the Board of Selectmen at a meeting earlier this month, said she does not believe the town can afford the $100,000 investment.

Spending the money at this time, I dont think its fiscally responsible, Bourey said.

Its not upgrading the park thats my concern, its the money that we need to expend to do it, Bourey said. We have wants and we have needs. And I think that the wants of Lions Park (at) $100,000 is not as big as the need that we have for some of the things that we need for our schools, (and) some of the things we need for our town hall.

Bourey said Plainfield also does not know how decisions at the federal level could impact local funding.

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On Monday, President Donald Trump ordered a freeze on all federal grants, loans and other financial assistance programs to ensure that agency spending aligns with his administrations priorities. A federal judge blocked the order before the pause could take effect on Tuesday. The next day, the Trump administration rescinded the order after the prospect of a pause sparked sweeping panic over the potential impact on local governments, schools and nonprofit programs, including in Connecticut.

In the environment we find ourselves in recently, I think we need to be extremely, extremely careful about how we spend our money as a town, Bourey said. I dont think we should be going there right now until this whole thing gets flushed out at the federal level and at the state level.

Why do people support it?

Cunningham said the uncertainty around federal spending provides even more reason to act on the states grant program.

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We want to be able to utilize what we have available right now, Cunningham said. It may not be available in the future.

Cunningham said the upgrades would also boost economic development. He said the town could host more concerts and events with the addition of the bandstand, which would draw visitors who would spend money at local restaurants, shops and gas stations. Cunningham said the town could also bring in more revenue by increasing the rental fee for outside groups that use the property for events.

Cunningham said the town has a very healthy fund balance of more than $10 million, adding that the towns reserves have not been this way forever.

By asking for $100,000, ... its not going to impact the fund balance in a critical format whatsoever, he said.

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With up to $500,000 in grant funding on the line, Cunningham said the town should not pass up $600,000 in upgrades that would cost the town only $100,000.

Were getting a 5-to-1 ratio on our money, Cunningham said. Having an opportunity like this doesnt come around a lot, and Im hoping that people understand that.

a.cross@theday.com
Click here for the latest updates on the DC plane crash.

Donald Trump has blamed a diversity hiring spree for causing the deadly crash between a military helicopter and a passenger plane that killed 67 people in Washington DC.

The US president accused Joe Biden, his predecessor, of reducing standards at Americas aviation agency to the lowest level while briefing the press on the collision between a US army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines flight near Ronald Reagan National Airport on Wednesday evening.

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Mr Trump vowed to restore faith in American air travel, revealing that employees with severe intellectual and psychiatric disabilities had been hired as air traffic controllers as part of a diversity and inclusion drive.

I put safety first, Mr Trump said, adding: Obama, Biden and the Democrats put policy first, and they put politics at a level that nobodys ever seen, because this was the lowest level, their policy was horrible, and their politics was even worse.

The UH-60 Black Hawk struck American Airlines flight 5342 on approach to runway 33 at Reagan National at around 8.47pm local time (1.47am GMT Thursday), sending both aircraft plunging into the icy Potomac River.

The American Airlines flight originated from Wichita, Kansas.

Staffing at the airport tower had not been normal for the time of day and volume of traffic, according to an internal preliminary FAA report seen by The New York Times.

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Mr Trump was asked why he blamed diversity hiring for the crash to which he responded: Because I have common sense, OK, and unfortunately a lot of people dont.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had been actively recruiting staff with severe intellectual disabilities and psychiatric problems as part of a diversity and inclusion drive, according to now-deleted guidelines from the agencys website.

Targeted disabilities are those disabilities that the federal government, as a matter of policy, has identified for special emphasis in recruitment and hiring, the FAAs website read.

They include hearing, vision, missing extremities, partial paralysis, complete paralysis, epilepsy, severe intellectual disability, psychiatric disability and dwarfism.

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The guidelines on diversity and hiring were last updated in March 2022, during the Biden administration, according to reports.

Last week, Mr Trump signed an executive order that banned DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) policies and ordered the FAA to return to non-discriminatory, merit-based hiring.

Mr Trump said a systematic and comprehensive investigation into the crash, which became the nations deadliest in a decade, would be carried out by the FAA, the National Transportation Safety Board and the US military.

Under the Obama administration in 2013, the FAA scrapped a skills-based test and a certification programme, and replaced it with a biographical questionnaire to attract more diverse applicants to become air traffic controllers.

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It was later replaced with a biographical assessment which critics say was designed to attract more minorities while penalising other candidates.

The helicopters wreckage could be seen in the Potomac river - U.S. Coast Guard

During Mr Trumps first administration, the FAA spent millions of dollars on its civil rights budget to promote diversity.

Analysis of the agencys budget submission from Mr Trumps first presidency shows the federal government authorised spending nearly $13 million on the FAAs office of civil rights in both 2018 and 2019.

The FAA also included a page on its website from 2019 stating that it places special emphasis on hiring people with disabilities.

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The Republican leader, who was facing the first major test of his presidency, also suggested the pilot of the military helicopter had been at fault.

He said the helicopter had done the opposite of what it was told and could have done a million different manoeuvres to avoid the crash.

He added that the American Airlines pilot had been doing everything right, and questioned why the helicopter and the commercial jet had been flying at the same height.

A mission to recover all of the victims bodies is under way - Shutterstock

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An extensive mission to recover all the bodies of the 64 people who had been on board the American Eagle Flight 5342 and the three soldiers on the UH-60 Black Hawk was under way on Thursday.

The plane was found broken into three pieces, which were found upside down in waist-deep water.

District of Columbia fire chief John Donnelly said on Thursday morning 28 bodies had been pulled from the water adding that responders would work to find all the bodies and reunite them with their loved ones.

Around 300 emergency responders were racing to comb the water for victims of the deadliest plane crash in the US in more than a decade.

Sam Lilley, 29, was the first officer on board the flight. This picture was posted by his father

Among those killed were US and Russian figure skaters who had been in Wichita for a skating competition.

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The pilots of the jet were Captain Jonathan Campos, 34, and First Officer Samuel Lilley, 29, the DailyMail.com reported.

Sams father Timothy, also a pilot, said on X that his son was newly-engaged and started his training in 2019, posting a picture of him on the online platform.

There had been no FAA administrator at the time of the crash. Mike Whitaker resigned on Mr Trumps inauguration day after serving for just over a year.

Mr Trump appointed a former US Air Force veteran to lead the FAA - Evan Vucci/AP

On Thursday, Mr Trump appointed Chris Rocheleau, a US air force veteran who worked at the FAA for more than 20 years.

During his remarks, Mr Trump attacked Pete Buttigieg, the former transport secretary, claiming he was a disaster who ran the FAA right into the ground with his diversity.

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Mr Buttigieg called Mr Trumps comments despicable and accused him of lying to the public.

President Trump now oversees the military and the FAA. One of his first acts was to fire and suspend some of the key personnel who helped keep our skies safe, he said.

This blog has now closed. Please click here to follow our new blog on the crash.

07:13 PM GMT

Russian embassy thanks US for support after crash

The Russian embassy in Washington thanked US authorities for offering their condolences to the families of Russian citizens who died in last nights devastating crash.

It is with particular regret that we have learned from the White House that Russian citizens were aboard the aircraft, the embassy said on Telegram.

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We are grateful to American authorities, with whom we remain in constant contact, for their condolences to families of the dead, for words of support and their readiness to help transfer remains to their homeland.

06:56 PM GMT

Bodies of US servicemen recovered from crash site

The bodies of all three soldiers who were on board the army helicopter that crashed into a passenger jet near Washington DC have been recovered, US officials reported.

The remains will be kept at Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, an official told AP.

The identities of the military aircraft crew have not yet been released.

06:29 PM GMT

Official death toll stands at 67

A total of 67 people are believed to have died in the horrific air crash over Washington DC.

This included 64 people aboard passenger jet and three on the US army helicopter.

The crash is the deadliest US air disaster in more than 20 years.

06:24 PM GMT

Jet pilot asked to change runway shortly before crash

The pilot of the American Airlines jet that collided with an army helicopter near Washington DC was asked to switch runways right before the crash, conversations between air traffic control and the pilots have revealed.

The flight from Kansas to the nations capital had originally been cleared by air traffic control to land at Regan National Airports primary runway, called Runway 1, a person briefed on the conversation told The New York Times.

However, in the final moments of the flight, the pilot was asked to land on a separate runway - Runway 33 - shortly before the crash took place.

06:03 PM GMT

Pilot in plane Crash named

The pilot of the plane that crashed into a military helicopter over Washington DC has been named as Captain Jonathan Campos.

Mr Campos, 34, was born in New York and grew up in Florida, Mail Online reported.

The pilot was reportedly certified as an instructor in 2017 after attending the Epic Flight Academy. According to the companys records, he became a commercial airline pilot the following year.

05:47 PM GMT

First officer in plane crash had just got engaged

The first officer onboard the plane that crashed into a helicopter near Washington DC have been named as Sam Lilley.

Mr Lilley, 29, from Savannah, Georgia, had recently got engaged and was said to be months away from being promoted to the rank of captain.

Samuel was in the prime of his life. He was engaged to a beautiful, wonderful girl and we were all excited about her joining the family, his father, Timothy Lilley, told Mail Online.

Mr Lilley snr. is a former military pilot who helped his son go into the same profession.

Sam Lilley was the pilot on the American Airlines flight that crashed over Washington DC - Twitter

I saw the crash on the news. I didnt think there was any way it was my son, he told the outlet. But then I watched long enough to figure out it was my sons airline and then I kind of know his schedule.

And so I called his fiancee, confirmed, like, hey was Sam in Wichita? Yes, he was, was he going to to DCA? Yes, he was. So then I had to tell her. It was just an ugly scene.

You know what, I was okay for five, maybe 10 minutes. And then I bawled for 10 minutes. Its a bitter, bitter pill to swallow.

05:30 PM GMT

FAA spent millions on diversity hires during Donald Trumps first term

The Federal Aviation Administration spent millions of dollars on its civil rights budget to promote diversity during Donald Trumps first term.

Analysis of the agencys budget submission from Mr Trumps first presidency shows the federal government authorised spending nearly $13 million on the FAAs office of civil rights in both 2018 and 2019.

The stated mission of the civil rights office is to aid in the prevention of unlawful discrimination because of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, and individuals with disabilities employed by the FAA.

The FAA also included a page on its website from 2019 stating that it places special emphasis on hiring people with disabilities related to vision, missing extremities, partial paralysis, complete paralysis, epilepsy, severe intellectual disability, psychiatric disability and dwarfism.

It comes after Mr Trump suggested that diversity hires under the Obama and Biden administrations have made Americas airspace less safe, after a military helicopter crashed into a plane near Washington DC killing all those on board.

05:04 PM GMT

Planes are taking off and landing at Reagan National Airport

Flights have started to take off again from Reagan National Airport, flight-tracking data shows.

Several flights departed on Thursday morning, with the first seen just after 11am local time (4pm GMT).

Two flights also arrived just after 11am, according to FlightRadar24.

05:01 PM GMT

Our administration has highest standards

Donald Trump was asked to clarify if he is alleging that diversity hires helped cause last nights crash.

In response, he said: There are things you have to go by brain power and psychological quality.

The president claimed his administration has the highest standards, while the Biden administration were the opposite.

For air controllers, we want the brightest, smartest, sharpest, psychologically superior people, he said.

04:57 PM GMT

Trump in contact with Moscow over Russian deaths

Donald Trump said Washington has been in contact with Moscow regarding the deaths of Russians in the air crash.

Weve already been in contact with Russia, Trump told a news conference. Asked if Washington would facilitate the return of the remains of Russian nationals, he said: The answer is yes, we will facilitate.

He added that passengers of other nationalities were also on the passenger jet.

04:55 PM GMT

Watch: Trump claims diversity hires made Americas skies unsafe

04:51 PM GMT

President looks at who is to blame

Donald Trump injected politics into the heart of his crash response briefing, faulting Joe Biden and Barack Obama for allegedly lowering air safety standards and pursuing diversity hires that he claimed made Americas skies unsafe.

Looking at who could be to blame, he also questioned the role of the helicopter pilots and air traffic control, despite the investigations into the collision just beginning.

Donald Trump takes questions during a briefing about the mid-air crash - AFP

04:40 PM GMT

A lack of common sense caused crash, fumes Trump

Donald Trump has condemned the lack of common sense that he said allowed the crash to happen.

The aircraft were at exactly at the same height and somebody should have been able to point that out, the president said, adding: No one realised or nobody said.

Some really bad things happened that shouldnt have happened...It was a confluence of bad decisions that were made, he said.

Mr Trump added: There was a lot of vision and people should have been able to see that they were getting to close.

04:35 PM GMT

Trump confirms no survivors from air crash

Donald Trump, reaffirming what authorities had said earlier, called the rescue effort now a recovery mission as no one survived the crash.

The work has now shifted to a recovery mission. Sadly, there are no survivors, he said.

Donald Trump asks for a moment of silence before he speaks at the White House - AP

04:29 PM GMT

We have strong opinions about what caused the crash, says Trump

Donald Trump has pledged to quickly find out what caused the crash between a military helicopter and a passenger jet.

We do not know what led to this crash, but we have some strong opinions and ideas, he said, adding that he would not let it take a year to uncover what happened.

We will have more to say on safety of air travel, Mr Trump added.



04:26 PM GMT

Trump: We are a country in mourning

Donald Trump said America is in mourning as he speaks during a press conference at the White House.

The president called it the mid-air collision a dark and excruciating night in our nations capital and said that millions of Americans are grieving for every precious soul.

We are a country in mourning, he said. Our hearts are shattered alongside yours.

04:18 PM GMT

Melania says her heart goes out victims of crash

First lady Melania Trump said that her heart goes out to those affected by the mid-air collision near the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

My heart goes out to those impacted by last nights terrible tragedy. I pray for those who so sadly lost their lives, their families & loved ones, & the first responders who have worked tirelessly through the night. May they find strength and solace in this difficult time, she wrote in a post on X.

My heart goes out to those impacted by last night's terrible tragedy. I pray for those who so sadly lost their lives, their families & loved ones, & the first responders who have worked tirelessly through the night. May they find strength and solace in this difficult time.  First Lady Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) January 30, 2025

04:17 PM GMT

Trump briefing slightly delayed

Donald Trump was due to speak at 4pm GMT, however he has not yet appeared.

We will update you shortly.

04:09 PM GMT

A pilots view on why the helicopter did not avoid the passenger jet

Normally a pilot would be expected to acknowledge the Air Traffic Control instruction by saying traffic in sight or traffic not in sight. That reply never came.

Dominic Nicholls, who flew helicopters for the British Army, explains how airspace is usually controlled to avoid accidents.

Read the article here.

03:53 PM GMT

Trump to speak at 4pm GMT

Donald Trump is about to hold a news briefing on the air collision at 11am local time (4pm GMT).

03:48 PM GMT

Pictured: Part of the wreckage floats on the Potomac River

Rescue teams search the wreckage of a commercial airplane that collided with a military helicopter in Washington, DC - Shutterstock

03:40 PM GMT

Skating club says six of its members were onboard

A Massachusetts skating club has learnt that six of its members were amongst those onboard the flight that collided with a military helicopter over the Potomac River.

Doug Zeghibe, CEO and executive director of the Skating Club of Boston in Norwood, Massachusetts, told NBC10 Boston they had two teenage skaters, two coaches and two parents on the flight.

The skaters were identified as Spencer Lane and Jinna Han, who were accompanied by their mothers, Molly Lane and Jin Han.

Former world champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who joined the club as staff in 2017 were also on the plane.

I dont know what the word is, is it wrecked? Is it devastated? said Mr Zeghibe.

03:34 PM GMT

Hegseth says helicopter crew were fairly experienced

The US Army helicopter involved in the overnight collision with a passenger jet had a fairly experienced crew that was operating with night vision goggles, Pete Hegseth, US defence secretary, said.

The military helicopter was on a training flight, but it is unclear what caused the crash.

In a video statement on Thursday morning, Hegseth said that the crew of three soldiers was on an annual proficiency training flight.

We anticipate that the investigation will quickly be able to determine whether the aircraft was in the corridor and at the right altitude at the time of the incident, he added.

03:09 PM GMT

Makeshift morgue set up to receive bodies

A small makeshift morgue has been erected near the waters edge of the frigid Potomac River, which is a hive of rescue activity.

Around 28 bodies have been recovered so far with some said to have been pulled from the water and held here temporarily throughout the morning.

It is a hive of rescue activity as dozens of first responders use the area, which is a stone throw from the Audi area and beside the Frederick Douglas Memorial Bridge, as a base.

Residents, who woke to find large stretches of footpath marked off by yellow police tape, were perplexed by the activity.

Commuting to his finance job, Mike Lopresti, 28, was convinced he had a lucky escape after landing at DCA this week.

He said: Its horrible, it sucks because it happened so close to where I live, I just landed in DCA this week. Ive taken three flights out of there this month.

Its so crazy to think about, I could have been on one of those flights.

02:44 PM GMT

Reagan National Airport falls quiet

On a normal day, the Reagan National Airport on the outskirts of Washington, DC is a thriving international hub where passengers and planes pour in and out.

Because of the short length of its runways, over 90 per cent of flights use its main runway, making it the busiest in the US with over 800 daily take-offs and landings.

Today is not a normal day.

Earlier, families of the victims of Flight 5342 had gathered in one of the terminals awaiting news of their loved ones, but are no longer here.

With flights grounded until 11am, the terminals are deserted with the exception of airport staff who suddenly have nothing to do, state police, and members of the media - some of whom have been here since last night and are making frequent trips to a nearby coffee shop.

A departures board showing cancelled flights at Ronald Reagan National Airport - Tierney L. Cross/Bloomberg

02:35 PM GMT

Black Hawk helicopter unit temporarily grounded

The US Army unit involved in the overnight collision with a passenger jet has been placed on an operational pause, two US officials told Reuters.

One of the officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said helicopters from the 12th Aviation Battalion would be grounded for an undisclosed amount of time.

Other helicopters, such as those from the National Guard, will still be allowed to help in recovery efforts, the official added.

02:19 PM GMT

Tragedy will have consequences for years, says congressman

Congressman Ron Estes said the impact of the air disaster would reverberate around Wichita for years to come.

Being a close-knit community like we are, its going to have consequences for years to come, he told the press conference, adding: This is such a tragic day for our community.

The Republican representative for Kansas 4th district also sought to reassure Americans, saying: We have the safest skies of any country in the world.

02:11 PM GMT

Wichita mayor: Our hearts are heavy as a city

Lily Wu, the mayor of Wichita, has thanked the first responders and offered support in the wake of the passenger jet crash.

This is a terrible tragedy that will unite those in Washington DC and those in Wichita Kansas forever, she told a press conference at the City Hall.

The mayor was overcome with emotion as she confirmed that there were no survivors in the air disaster, saying: Our hearts are heavy as a city.

She added that a vigil would be held at noon in the City Hall.

01:59 PM GMT

I had been worried about over-congested airspace, says senator

Virginia senator Tim Kaine said he did not know how the accident had occurred but said he had been very worried about the congested airport for some time.

I have been very concerned about congestion, over-congestion at this airport and in this airspace... Its a complicated airspace and Ive been very, very worried about that, the Virginia senator told The Telegraph.

Another concern that people have raised is the number of air traffic controllers we have at a national level. We really were at a deficit, we took some measures last year in Congress to bulk up our new training of air traffic controllers.

Tim Kaine during a press conference at Reagan National Airport - Kayla Bartkowski/Getty

01:51 PM GMT

Senator dreads seeing familiar names of victims

Virginia senator Tim Kaine, who is speaking to media at Washingtons Reagan National Airport, told The Telegraph he had a sense of dread and may have known victims on the plane.

There will be constituents of mine on the plane. Absolutely. Just because of, people were flying into Reagan Nation, flying into Arlington, he said in the airport terminal, which is deserted except for the media and police.

I have not yet seen a manifest or a passenger list, but you have a sense of dread about something like this, youre going to see names you know.

01:45 PM GMT

Crash sounded like a war zone, says witness

A man who lives on the banks of the Potomac River has likened the sound of the passenger jet and helicopter colliding to something from a war zone.

I was getting ready to go to bed, laying down, when I hear the bang bang, a very unusual sound, something you dont hear on a daily basis, said Abadi Ismail, 38.

Its more like a war zone, something you hear in action movies. So that caught my attention, he added.

Mr Ismail looked out of his apartment window and saw smoke rising from Reagan Airport.

Credit: Earthcam

01:26 PM GMT

Pictured: Sunrise reveals wreckage

Rescuers work around the wreckage of a Black Hawk helicopter in the Potomac River - Kevin Lamarque/REUTERS

Emergency personnel work in the Potomac River - Kevin Lamarque/REUTERS

01:15 PM GMT

Transport secretary: Tragedy was absolutely preventable

Asked about Donald Trump suggesting in an overnight social media post that the collision could have been prevented, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said: Do I think this was preventable? Absolutely.

He added that people should not read into the fact the helicopter was on a training flight.

Mr Duffy also said passengers should be assured that flying is safe.

We have early indicators of what happened here and I will tell you with complete confidence we have the safest airspace in the world, he said.

Sean Duffy addresses the media at Reagan Washington National Airport - Kevin Lamarque/REUTERS

01:01 PM GMT

We were not able to rescue anyone, says airports chief

Unfortunately we were not able to rescue anyone, said Jack Potter, the chief executive of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.

He confirmed that the airport would reopen at 11am (4pm GMT).

12:56 PM GMT

American Airlines CEO: Crash is devastating

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom has told the news conference that he does not know why the military helicopter came to be in the path of the passenger jet.

This is devastating, he said, adding: Our focus right now is to do everything we can to support everyone involved.

Mr Isom said at this time, we dont know why the military aircraft came into the path of the passenger jet.

Robert Isom addresses the media - Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

12:45 PM GMT

We do not believe there are any survivors, says fire chief

John Donnelly, the DC Fire and EMS Chief, said the emergency services would be switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation.

At this point we do not believe there are any survivors from this accident and we have recovered 27 people from the plane and one from the helicopter, he said.

He added that debris had drifted as far as the Wilson Bridge.

12:43 PM GMT

Both helicopter and airliner were on standard flight patterns

Sean Duffy, secretary of transportation, has said he will not rest until he has answers for the families and the flying public.

This was a clear night. The helicopter was in a standard flight pattern the American Airlines flight coming in to land was in a standard flight pattern, he said, adding that it is not unusual for military and civilian aircraft to be in this air space.

Mr Duffy, who was sworn in on Tuesday, said there had not been a breakdown in communication between the military helicopter, the plane and the air traffic control tower. The helicopter was aware there was a plane in the area, he said, adding: Everything was standard in the lead up to the crash.

He added that the plane was now inverted and in three sections in waste deep water.

12:27 PM GMT

News conference set to begin

A news conference from Reagan National Airport is expected to begin at 7.30am (12.30pm GMT).

Murielo Bowser, mayor of the district of Columbia, is expected to be joined by senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine from Virginia, as well as Virginia Rep. Don Beyer.

12:20 PM GMT

Mapped: American Eagle Flight 5342

The Bombardier passenger plane operated by an American Airlines subsidiary was approaching Reagan National Airport from the south at around 9pm (2am GMT) after flying from Wichita, Kansas, when the collision happened.

US Army officials said the Black Hawk helicopter carrying three soldiers on a training flight had been approaching from the north.

11:54 AM GMT

More than 30 bodies recovered, local media reports

More than 30 bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River following the air disaster near Reagan National Airport, according to NBC Washington citing two sources familiar with the investigation.

There were 60 passengers and four crew members on board the passenger jet, while three soldiers were in the helicopter.

Bodies are transported near the Potomac River - Carlos Barria/REUTERS

11:39 AM GMT

We learn lessons with blood too often, says miracle on the Hudson pilot

Chesley Sully Sullenberger III, the pilot who landed a passenger plane in the Hudson River in 2009 with no fatalities, said he was devastated by the crash in the Potomac River on Wednesday.

Weve had to learn important lessons literally with blood too often, and we had finally gotten beyond that, to where we could learn from incidents, and not accidents, Captain Sullenberger told the New York Times, adding that the most recent collision shows just how vigilant we have to be.

In January 2009, Captain Sullenberger landed his Airbus A320 in the Hudson River after a flock of Canada geese disabled the engines shortly after take-off. The manoeuvre saved the lives of all 150 passengers and five crew members.

Nighttime always makes things different about seeing other aircraft - basically all you can do is see the lights on them, the 74-year-old said, adding: Im just devastated by this. We have the obligation to learn from every failure and improve.

Chesley Sully Sullenberger at the Carolina Aviation Museum in Charlotte, N.C. in 2011 - Chuck Burton/AP

11:12 AM GMT

We are heartbroken, says International Skating Union

The International Skating Union has said it is heartbroken to learn that members of the figure skating community were on board the American Airlines flight that crashed in Washington D.C..

We are heartbroken to learn that figure skaters, along with their families, friends and coaches, are understood to be among those on board, the governing body said. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy. Figure skating is more than a sport - its a close-knit family - and we stand together.

Russian figure skaters including world champion couple Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who won the 1994 pairs title, were among those on board.

Russian figure skaters Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov

10:54 AM GMT

Starmer deeply shocked by the tragic scenes

Sir Keir Starmer has sent his condolences for those affected by the plane crash in Washington D.C..

In a post on X, the prime minister wrote: I am deeply shocked by the tragic scenes coming out of Washington D.C.

My thoughts are with all those on board and their families desperately waiting for news.

I pay tribute to the emergency services for their dedicated work in such challenging conditions and I send the UKs condolences to the United States at this time.

10:29 AM GMT

First fatal commercial plane crash in 16 years

Wednesdays crash was the first fatal commercial plane crash in the United States in nearly 16 years. Here are the most recent five to occur on US soil:

Feb. 12, 2009: A Colgan Air plane crashed near Buffalo, New York, killing everyone aboard the Bombardier DHC-8 propeller plane, including 45 passengers, two pilots and two flight attendants. Another person on the ground also died, bringing the total death toll to 50.

Aug. 27, 2006: A Comair aircraft crashed when taking off in Lexington, Kentucky, after it left from the wrong runway and ran off the end. Two crew members and 47 passengers were killed.

Nov. 12, 2001: Just after take-off, an American Airlines flight crashed into a residential area of Belle Harbor, New York. All 260 people aboard the plane were killed.

Sept. 11, 2001: Nearly 3,000 people were killed as 19 al-Qaeda hijackers seized control of four jetliners, sending two of the planes into New Yorks World Trade Center, a third into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and the fourth into a field in western Pennsylvania. It remains the deadliest terror attack in history.

Jan. 31, 2000: An Alaska Airlines flight crashed into the Pacific Ocean near Anacapa Island, California. The crash killed 83 passengers and five crew members.

09:59 AM GMT

Freezing temperatures expected

Temperatures in Washington D.C. are expected to drop below 0C in the early hours of Thursday morning, hampering rescue efforts and reducing chances of survival.

The conditions out there are extremely rough for the responders, John Donnelly, the DC Fire Chief, said during a news conference, adding that it was bitterly cold with a strong wind out on the river.

At these frigid water temperatures, the human bodys core temperature quickly drops. Exhaustion or unconsciousness can occur in as little as 15 to 30 minutes, said Dan DePodwin, senior director of forecast operations at AccuWeather.

Credit: Andrew Harnik / Getty

09:45 AM GMT

Bad news from Washington, says Kremlin

The Kremlin has expressed its condolences to the families of Russian citizens who lost their lives in the American Airlines plane crash in Washington on Wednesday night.

Bad news from Washington today. We regret and offer condolences to the families and friends who lost those of our fellow citizens who died in this plane crash, spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, adding that Vladimir Putin had no intention of getting in touch with Donald Trump about the crash.

09:26 AM GMT

Animation demonstrates how crash happened

A motion graphic shows the moment an American Airlines passenger jet collided at around 140 miles per hour with a Black Hawk helicopter about 400 feet above Washington D.C..

The commercial airliner, with 64 passengers and crew on board, was en route to Reagan Washington National Airport from Witchita, Kansas, when it was involved in the mid-air crash.

08:52 AM GMT

Listen: Air traffic control gasps as plane collides with helicopter

Air traffic control audio has revealed the moments before and after the crash.

Audio from LiveATC.net, a respected source for in-flight recording, captured the final communications between the three crew members of the helicopter - call sign PAT25 - before it collided with the CRJ700 Bombardier jet carrying 64 passengers and crew.

PAT25, do you have a CRJ in sight? PAT25, pass behind the CRJ, an air traffic controller said at 8.47 pm local time on Wednesday (1.47am GMT on Thursday).

Seconds later, another aircraft called in to air traffic control, saying, Tower, did you see that? - apparently referring to the crash. An air traffic controller then redirected planes heading to runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport to go around.

Crash, crash, crash, this is an alert three, one of the air traffic controllers can be heard saying in the audio from around the time of the crash.

I dont know if you caught earlier what happened, but there was a collision on the approach into 33. Were going to be shutting down operations for the indefinite future, another controller remarked.

Both the helicopter and the plane crashed in the river, a third air traffic controller can be heard saying.

It was probably out in the middle of the river, the controller said. I just saw a fireball and then it was just gone. I havent seen anything since they hit the river. But it was a CRJ and a helicopter that hit.

Credit: LiveATC.net

08:41 AM GMT

Investigation into crash begins

The US army and the defence department have begun an investigation into the crash.

Pete Hegseth, who was sworn in as defence secretary on Jan 25, said the investigation had been started immediately.

Absolutely tragic. Search and rescue efforts still ongoing. Prayers for all impacted souls and their families, he posted on X.

08:11 AM GMT

Watch: Dashcam footage shows jet colliding with helicopter

Dashcam footage has captured the moment a Bombardier CRJ700 passenger plane collided with a Black Hawk military helicopter in Washington DC, seen from across the Potomac river.

Ari Schulman was driving home when he saw what he described as a stream of sparks overhead.

Initially I saw the plane and it looked fine, normal. It was right about to head over land, he told CNN.

Three seconds later, and at that point it was banked all the way to the right.... I could see the underside of it, it was lit up a very bright yellow, and there was a stream of sparks underneath it, Mr Schulman added. It looked like a Roman candle.

Credit: X/@rawsalerts

08:05 AM GMT

At least 19 bodies recovered after crash

First responders have recovered at least 19 bodies from the Potomac River, a law enforcement source familiar with the investigation told CBS News.

A dive team has also recovered one of the two data recorders - the so-called black boxes - from the American Airlines regional passengers plane.

08:04 AM GMT

US figure skaters on board the flight

US Figure Skating, the American governing body for the sport, has confirmed that several members of its skating community were on board the American Airlines flight.

These athletes, coaches, and family members were returning home from the National Development Camp held in conjunction with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas, a statement read.

We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims families closely in our hearts. We will continue to monitor the situation and will release more information as it becomes available.

Team USA pair skater Luke Wang, who competed in Wichita last week, described the news as absolutely heartbreaking in a social media post, adding that he was praying for all those on the flight.

Ethan Peal, a Team USA ice dancer, wrote that he was in shock and praying for families and my skating community.

07:52 AM GMT

Watch: Divers search the Potomac River

07:50 AM GMT

What aircraft were involved in the crash?

UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter

The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk is one of the most ubiquitous military helicopters, filling multiple roles for the US military, including air assault, general support, med-evac, command and control, and special operations support.

The aircraft involved in the Jan 29 crash was flying with the call sign PAT25 and had three occupants, according to the Aviation Safety Network, a public database of aviation accidents.

More than 5,000 Black Hawks have been built since production began in the mid-1970s.

Bombardier CRJ700

The Bombardier CRJ700, which can seat about 70 people, is a workhorse of regional commercial aviation. There are about 260 of the aircraft in service, according to Cirium, an aviation data company.

The plane in the Jan. 29 crash was registered N530EA and manufactured in 2010, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. There were 60 passengers and four crew members onboard, American Airlines said. The jet was registered to American Airlines but operated by its wholly owned subsidiary, PSA Airlines.

Bombardier sold the CRJ700 program to a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries subsidiary in 2019. Production of new aircraft ceased in 2020.

07:29 AM GMT

World champion figure skaters reportedly on board

Russian figure skaters and coaches Yevgenia Shishkova, 52, and Vadim Naumov, 55, were aboard the American Airlines plane that crashed, Russian state-run TASS news agency has reported.

The pair, who were married, competed at six world championships between 1991 to 1996, winning gold, silver and bronze medals.

After beginning their professional career in Russia, they moved to the US, where they transitioned into coaching.

Their son Maxim, who competed for the US in singles, was also feared to have been on board the plane, Russias TASS and RIA news agencies reported.

The couple were reported to have been returning from the competition and travelling with a group of young skaters. Russias Mash news outlet published a list of 13 skaters, many of them the children of Russian emigres to the United States, who it said were believed to have been on the plane.

Inna Volyanskaya, a former skater who competed for the Soviet Union, was also reported to have been on board, TASS said. She was a coach at the Washington figure skating club, according to its website.

Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov during the World Figure Skating World Championships in Birmingham - Chris Cole/Getty

07:07 AM GMT

We dont know if there are survivors, says fire chief

John Donnelly, DC Fire and EMS Chief, told a news conference that first responders were quick to find one of the aircraft in the river.

The fire chief says its unclear if there are any but that first responders are working to find the victims, saying: We dont know if there are survivors.

He said 300 emergency workers had been mobilised.

The plane broke into two pieces and is beneath 2m of water, while the helicopter is upside down and very unstable, according to NBC News.

Rescue teams help search the Potomac River - SHAWN THEW/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

06:36 AM GMT

Were going to work through the night

Relatives waiting in the terminal have been directed to a lounge where they are being assisted by counsellors, said Jack Potter, CEO of Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.

Were in a rescue mode, we will continue in that rescue mode, Mr Potter said at the press conference.

Were going to continue working through the night.

He said it was very difficult for rescuers, who include dive teams, to work in the dark but they were doing the best they can.

Emergency personnel work near the site of the crash, with the U.S. Capitol in the background - Nathan Howard/REUTERS

06:32 AM GMT

Search remains a rescue operation, says Mayor

Muriel E. Bowser, the District of Columbia mayor, said the search remained a rescue operation, suggesting authorities still held hope that survivors would be found.

We are going to recover our fellow citizens, she told a news conference at the airport.

Mayor Muriel E. Bowser addresses the media - Reuters

06:28 AM GMT

Pictured: Divers search for survivors

Divers are searching the Potomac River and the two aircraft for any survivors.

Both aircraft remain in the water.

It has been confirmed that 64 people were on the passenger jet and three soldiers on the Army helicopter.

Divers in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington Airport - Getty/Andrew Harnik

Divers work through the night in the Potomac River - Getty/Andrew Harnik

06:22 AM GMT

Its an unbearable sorrow, says senator

Also speaking at the press conference, Senator Roger Marshall said we wrap our arms around the families of the victims.

Its really hard when you lose probably over 60 Kansans simultaneously, he told a press conference at Reagan airport, adding: When one person dies, its a tragedy, but when many, many, many people die, its an unbearable sorrow. Its a heartbreak beyond measure.

US Senator Roger Marshall speaks to the media in Washington DC - TING SHEN/AFP

06:20 AM GMT

Were going to know people on this flight, says senator

Senator Jerry Moran from Kansas has described the crash as a serious and sad circumstance.

I know that flight, Ive flown it many times myself, he said during a press conference.

That flight has been in existence for about a year.

Were going to know people who are on this flight, know their family members.

We will do everything we can to make certain that were supportive of the rescue efforts.

US Senator Jerry Moran speaks to the media at Reagan National Airport - TING SHEN/AFP

05:54 AM GMT

When was the last plane crash at Reagan airport?

The last time a passenger plane crashed at the DC airport - which was then known as the Washington National Airport - was on January 13 in 1982.

In that accident, an Air Florida flight took off and crashed into a bridge over the Potomac River before plunging into ice and water below.

Of the 74 passengers and five crew members on board, six people survived.

One of the survivors, 46-year-old Arland D. Williams Jr, bravely swam across the river to help other passengers  even though he was afraid of water. He drowned during his attempts to save others.

Four motorists were also killed as a result of the plane hitting the bridge which connected Arlington and DC.

05:42 AM GMT

Im praying to God : Man shares final texts from his wife

A man waiting at the airport has shared the final text messages he received from his wife who is believed to be one of the passengers on the plane.

Hamaad Raza said he was just praying that someone is pulling her out of the river right now.

Thats all I can pray for, Im just praying to God, Mr Raza told CNN affiliate WUSA.

He said he last received a text message from his wife who wrote landing in 20 minutes.

The rest of my texts did not get delivered, Mr Raza said.

Thats when I knew that something might up.

Credit: WUSA9

05:40 AM GMT

American Airlines CEO makes statement

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom has expressed his deep sorrow for the crash victims and their families in a video statement.

This is a difficult day for all of us at American Airlines, and our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, partners, first responders, along with their families and loved ones, he said.

Our co-operation is without pause, and we want to learn everything we can about todays events. That work will take time, but anything we can do now, were doing, and right now that means focusing on taking care of all passengers and crew involved, as well as their families.

Mr Isom will travel to Washington DC, along with a go team to assist authorities with the emergency response.

05:28 AM GMT

Collision should have been prevented, says Trump

Donald Trump said the collision between the passenger plane and helicopter should have been prevented in a ranting post on Truth Social.

He wrote: The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time. It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didnt the helicopter go up or down, or turn.

Why didnt the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!

Rescue boats at the scene on the Potomac River - AP

05:11 AM GMT

Terminal eerily quiet

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz was waiting to catch his flight back to Buffalo, New York, when he saw emergency vehicles through the terminal window.

It didnt seem anything too strange at that point, Mr Poloncarz said.

And then about a minute or so after that, there was an announcement of a full-ground stop, that there would be no flights landing and no flights taking off. And then we started to see a lot of emergency vehicles heading towards the river.

When Mr Poloncarz and others soon saw reports emerge about the crash, the terminal grew quiet.

When flights get delayed, people get aggravated and upset. But there was no one getting aggravated or upset because I think we all realised pretty quickly the magnitude of what occurred. There was a lot of sadness.

A person reacts inside the airport - Reuters

People were visibly distressed at the airport - Shutterstock

05:03 AM GMT

At least 18 people dead

There are reports that at least 18 bodies have been recovered from the crash.

CBS News first reported the death toll, citing a police official.

Rescue teams search the Potomac River - Shutterstock

04:59 AM GMT

Crash occurred in heavily-monitored airspace

The crash occurred in airspace that, being above the capital city, is by far the most heavily monitored.

Data from the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority shows the main runway at Reagan National is the busiest in the country  with an average of more than one take-off and landing every minute.

04:49 AM GMT

Every available US Coast Guard resource deployed

Kristi Noem, the countrys new secretary of homeland security, said she was deploying every available US Coast Guard resource for search and rescue efforts in this horrific incident at DCA.

04:38 AM GMT

Army helicopter was on training flight

The Black Hawk helicopter which collided with the passenger plane was taking part in a training flight, Heather Chairez, a spokesperson with the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region, said.

Military aircraft frequently conduct training flights in and around the congested and heavily-restricted airspace around the nations capital for familiarisation and continuity of government planning.

04:33 AM GMT

Airport closed until Friday morning

The Reagan National Airport will be closed until 11am local time on Friday, the Federal Aviation Administration said.

The airport has grounded all flights - Bloomberg

04:21 AM GMT

Sixty passengers and four crew on board jet

American Airlines has confirmed that 60 passengers and four crew were on board the passenger jet that crashed.

Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts, the airline said in a statement.

If you believe you may have loved ones on board Flight 5342, call American Airlines toll-free at 800-679-8215. Those calling from outside the US can visit news.aa.com for additional phone numbers. Family members in Canada, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands can call 800-679-8215 directly.

04:19 AM GMT

Kansas senator: Nightmare crash devastating

Roger Marshall, a Kansas senator, described the crash as nothing short of a nightmare in a post on X.

I ask the world to join me in praying for Kansas this evening, the first responders, rescue crews, and all those involved in this horrific accident, he said.

I have been in contact with local and national authorities asking for answers and will continue to demand more information on how this unfolded.

Tonight, we received devastating news of what can only be described as nothing short of a nightmare. A plane, traveling to the Nation's capital from Wichita, KS carrying roughly 60 passengers collided with a Military helicopter. My prayer is that God wraps his arms around each  Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) January 30, 2025

04:13 AM GMT

Pictured: Emergency crews at Potomac River

Rescue efforts are under way along the Potomac River.

Rescue efforts are under way

Rescue teams gather

04:08 AM GMT

Trump briefed on terrible accident

US President said he was monitoring the situation and would provide more details in due course.

04:03 AM GMT

Kansas Governor in contact with authorities

Laura Kelly, the Kansas Governor, said the plane was travelling inbound from Wichita, which is the most populous city in Kansas.

I am actively in contact with authorities, she wrote on X. My thoughts go out to those involved.



Roger Marshall, a Kansas senator, said about 60 people were on board.

03:59 AM GMT

Department of Defense monitoring crash

Pete Hegseth, the US Defence Secretary, said the Department of Defense was actively monitoring the crash.

Poised to assist if needed, he wrote on X, adding prayers for all involved.



03:56 AM GMT

At least two bodies pulled from river

At least two bodies have been recovered from the river, NBC affiliate WBAL reported on Wednesday.

A helicopter hovers above the Potomac River - AFP

03:51 AM GMT

Three US Army soldiers on board helicopter

Three US Army soldiers were on board the Black Hawk helicopter that collided with the passenger jet.

The official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the status of the soldiers was unknown, but added that no senior officials were on the helicopter.

Another official said the Army UH-60 helicopter involved in the crash was based out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

03:46 AM GMT

Rep. Eric Swalwell landed minutes before crash

Rep. Eric Swalwell, who was on a flight from Houston, Texas, said he landed at the airport minutes before the crash.

I landed at DCA this evening at 8:42pm, IAHDCA, minutes before an in-flight collision over the airport.



My thoughts are with all involved and their families. Hoping first responders find survivors.  Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) January 30, 2025

03:43 AM GMT

Transportation Secretary at FAA headquarters

I am on site at the FAA HQ and closely monitoring the situation. https://t.co/ztf2Dpqljq  Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) January 30, 2025

03:41 AM GMT

About 60 people on board crashed jet

The passenger jet has crashed into the Potomac River.

There were roughly 60 passengers on board.

03:31 AM GMT

Senator Ted Cruz: There are fatalities

US Senator Ted Cruz said people have died in the crash.

In a statement on X, Mr Cruz said:  While we dont yet know how many on board were lost, we know there are fatalities.

03:29 AM GMT

Helicopter involved was US Army Black Hawk

The helicopter that collided with the passenger jet was a Black Hawk flown by the US Army, defence sources have confirmed.

03:20 AM GMT

Watch: Jet collides mid-air with helicopter

Video from an observation camera at the nearby Kennedy Center showed two sets of lights consistent with aircraft appearing to join in a fireball.

Credit: KENNEDY CENTER / EarthCam

03:18 AM GMT

JD Vance calls for prayers

Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening. We're monitoring the situation, but for now let's hope for the best.  JD Vance (@JDVance) January 30, 2025

03:15 AM GMT

Trump aware of the crash

US President Donald Trump has been made aware of this situation, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Fox News.

Tragically, it appears that a military helicopter collided with a regional jet, she said.

03:07 AM GMT

FAA confirms jet collided with helicopter

The Federal Aviation Administration said a PSA Airlines regional jet collided mid-air with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while it approached Reagan Washington National Airport for landing at around 9pm (2am GMT).

PSA was operating Flight 5342 for American Airlines, which had departed from Wichita, Kansas, according to the FAA. According to American Airlines website, the jet has a capacity for up to 65 passengers.

03:02 AM GMT

Multiple crews responding

Multiple crews are responding to the emergency.

MPD is responding to an apparent air crash in the Potomac River. Multiple agencies are responding, Washingtons Metropolitan Police Department posted on X, while the DC Fire and emergency response services said fireboats were responding to small aircraft down in Potomac River in the vicinity of the airport.

It is not yet known if there are casualties.

A police vehicle blocks the entrance to the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport - AFP

02:50 AM GMT

Breaking: Ronald Reagan airport closed after air crash

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has been closed following reports of a plane crash.

The airport posted on X confirming it is grounding all flights,

All takeoffs and landings have been halted at DCA. Emergency personnel are responding to an aircraft incident on the airfield. The terminal remains open. Will update.  Reagan Airport (@Reagan_Airport) January 30, 2025

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UPDATE: (1:30 a.m.)

Search efforts continue after a passenger plane collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter Wednesday night near Reagan National Airport at Washington D.C.

>>PHOTOS: Plane crashes into helicopter while trying to land at Reagan Airport

We will have the latest information on this plane crash this morning on News Center 7 Daybreak starting at 4:25 a.m.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

In a news conference Thursday, Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser would not say whether say if any bodies were recovered from the crash.

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An official told CBS News at least 18 bodies have been recovered from the river, across three debris fields. The official said no survivors have been found at this time.

She said 60 passengers and four crew members were on board a passenger jet and three soldiers were on a military helicopter.

When one person dies, its a tragedy. But when many, many, many people die, its an unbearable sorrow. Its a heartbreak beyond measure, said Kansas Senator Roger Marshall.

There are currently about 300 responders working on the rescue operation

Washington Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly said at the early Thursday news conference that conditions are extremely rough for responders, with cold weather and intense wind.

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The water is dark. It is murky, Connelly said.

There was no immediate word on casualties or the cause of the collision, but takeoffs and landings from the airport near Washington were halted as helicopters from law enforcement agencies across the region flew over the scene in search of survivors.

INITIAL REPORT:

A passenger jet crashed into a Black Hawk helicopter while trying to land at Ronald Reagan National Airport Wednesday night.

>>PHOTOS: Plane crashes into helicopter while trying to land at Reagan Airport

All takeoffs and landings at the airport have been halted, according to the airport and law enforcement.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

A PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport around 9 p.m. local time, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said in a statement.

TRENDING STORIES:

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American Airlines flight 5342 took off from Wichita, Kansas, according to the FAA.

60 people and four crew members were on board the PSA flight at the time of the crash, according to CBS News.

Multiple sources and an Army official told CBS News that an Army Black Hawk helicopter was involved.

A Defense Department official told CBS News that three soldiers were aboard the helicopter. No senior officials were on board.

The AP reports that the Army helicopter was on a training flight at the time of the crash.

There is no immediate word on casualties.

Were aware of reports that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) has been involved in an incident. We will provide information as it becomes available, American Airlines said in a statement on social media.

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D.C. police and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said they received multiple calls about an aircraft crash above the Potomac River at approximately 8:53 p.m.

DC Fire and EMS, MPD and other agencies are currently coordinating a search and rescue operation in the river.

Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said every available US Coast Guard resource is being deployed to help with search and rescue efforts.

Video from an observation camera at the nearby Kennedy Center shows two sets of lights consistent with aircraft appearing to join in a fireball.

I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise, President Donald Trump said in a statement.

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The Washington Reagan National Airport will be closed until 5 a.m., according to the AP.

If you believe you may have loved ones on board Flight 5342, call American Airlines toll-free at 800-679-8215. Those calling from outside the U.S. can visit news.aa.com for additional phone numbers. Family members in Canada, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands can call 800-679-8215 directly, American Airlines said.

The FAA and the NTSB will investigate this crash. The NTSB will lead this investigation.

No other details were immediately available.

Emergency vehicles stage at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in Arlington, Va. The U.S. Capitol is seen, right, across the Potomac River in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)

Emergency equipment stages at Gravelly Point, north of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, along the Potomac River, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

A helicopter uses its searchlight as it flies above the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Wednesday night, Jan. 29, 2025, in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)

A helicopter uses its searchlight as it flies above the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

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Emergency equipment stages at Gravelly Point, north of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, along the Potomac River, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

A helicopter uses its searchlight as it flies above the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Emergency equipment stages at Gravelly Point, north of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, along the Potomac River, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

A helicopter uses its searchlight as it flies above the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

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A view of emergency response looking from Arlington, Va., south of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, across the Potomac River toward the District of Columbia, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

A view of emergency response looking from Arlington, Va., south of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, across the Potomac River toward the District of Columbia, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

A view of emergency response looking from Arlington, Va., south of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, across the Potomac River toward the District of Columbia, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

A view of emergency response looking from Arlington, Va., south of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, across the Potomac River toward the District of Columbia, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

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SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WSPA)  The American Airlines plane involved in a midair collision with an Army helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) was in the Upstate the morning of the crash.

The PSA Airlines CRJ-700 which crashed into the Potomac River shortly before 9 p.m. Wednesday was at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport that same morning, according to flight tracking website FlightAware.com.

FlightAware data showed that the plane arrived at GSP Airport around 10 p.m. Tuesday from DCA and returned to Washington at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday.

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That plane later made a round-trip flight to Cleveland before flying to Wichita, Kansas.

A Sikorsky H-60 military helicopter collided with the plane while it was making an approach to land at Washington National Airport.

The plane was carrying 60 passengers and four crew while the helicopter was carrying three soldiers. All are believed to have died 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 WSPA 7NEWS.
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: Stanley Morales from Pexels

When Grant Bomersbach noticed a friend at school had suddenly lost interest in his beloved extracurricular sport, Bomersbach decided to check in. His friend shared that he had been dealing with family and health issues at home.

Bomersbach's tone grew serious. He started probing: How's your schoolwork going? How do you feel at home? Is it a welcoming environment? Then he suggested meeting with the school counselor.

It was uncomfortable to ask such personal questions, said Bomersbach, a junior at the Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas. But as a member of his school's Hope Squad, he had been trained to watch for and respond to signs of mental health struggles.

Hope Squad is a peer-to-peer program that aims to reduce youth suicides by talking candidly about mental health in schools. Hope Squad members, who are nominated by classmates and trained by advisors, learn to identify suicide warning signs, initiate conversations with at-risk peers and refer students to school counselors.

"The reality is that a lot of kids in crisis don't feel comfortable reaching out to adults," Bomersbach said. "They'd much rather talk to a kid."

In Texas, suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth between the ages of 1024 (unintentional injuries is the first). The rate of youth suicides in the state dramatically increased from 1999 to 2020, according to data from the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Peer-to-peer suicide prevention groups, such as Hope Squad, seek to curb those numbers by providing young people with mental health training. It's why 75 such groups gathered in Arlington on a recent Wednesday to learn how to break the stigma of addressing mental health in schools.

More than 1,000 students attended the Texas Peer-to-Peer Youth Conference hosted by the Grant Halliburton Foundation, Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation and the Grace Loncar Foundation.

"The whole purpose is to bring the kids togetherfor them to see a larger community of kids focused on the same things they're focused on," said Amy Pool, senior thrive education manager at the Grant Halliburton Foundation.

More than 200 elementary, middle and high schools in North Texas have a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program, according to the Grant Halliburton Foundation. An influx of schools established them in 2021 as the pandemic took a toll on teens' mental health.

Dallas Jesuit, the all-boys school that Bomersbach attends, started its Hope Squad after a student died by suicide in 2020.

"Mental health was a topic that, especially in an all-male environment, was just not talked about. It was a 'man-up, deal with it' attitude," said Corey Marr, a freshman class counselor and the school's Hope Squad advisor. "We saw that was not working and something needed to change."

Now the school has 22 Hope Squad members. They meet weekly for 30 minutes, receiving training on the signs of at-risk kids. Here, they learn how to deploy the QPR (Question, Persuade and Refer) mental health tool when they see a student in crisis: ask questions, persuade them to get help or refer them to Marr.

The effects of the program have rippled beyond the group. Marr has noted an increase in non-Hope Squad students coming to him for help for themselves or a friend.

"It's given people permission to not be so fearful of stigma anymore," he said.

Still, being a Hope Squad member comes with its own set of challenges, students say. Some of their peers don't take them seriously and make jokes about the group, said Ava Murphy, a freshman at Wills Point High School. Others grow defensive or shut down when members start conversations about their mental health.

"It's really hard to ignore it," Murphy said. "But at the end of the day, I'm helping people. I'm there for them. So I just tune (the negativity) out."

At the recent conference, experts spoke to students about the teenage brain as well as social media's effects on mental health. Students role-played hypothetical scenarios, such as what they would do if a peer posted an Instagram picture of pills captioned, "Should I do it?"

Later in the day, students talked with one another. They discussed how they take care of their own mental health, what stress-relief events they host for their classmates and how they navigate difficult conversations.

Murphy hoped to learn how to better detect warning signs on social media, such as a cryptic Instagram post or a change in posting frequencies. After a friend contemplated suicide this past fall, she wondered if she could have intervened earlier by checking on his social media more often.

"Some people might think it's a silly post," she said, "but at the end of the day it could be a cry for help."

At the end of the conference, Bomersbach said he was heartened to see so many students working toward a common goal. He hopes that peer-to-peer programs will prompt more students to start vulnerable conversations with one another.

"The more kids you have who are comfortable reaching out to those who are struggling, the more deep relationships are going to form," he said. "It's more than just suicide prevention. It's connecting the entire community."

2025 The Dallas Morning News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Emergency response units conduct search and rescue operations in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington Airport on Jan. 30, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

This story originally appeared in the Kansas Reflector.

TOPEKA  A regional passenger jet traveling from Wichita to Washington, D.C., carrying 60 passengers and four crew members crashed midair into an Army helicopter Wednesday night as it attempted to land at Reagan Washington National Airport, according to a preliminary report from the Federal Aviation Administration.

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The flight left Wichita around 5:20 p.m. CDT, according to flight records. The jet, a Bombardier CRJ700, was operated by Pacific Southwest Airlines, or PSA, a regional subsidiary of American Airlines. It crashed into an Army Black Hawk helicopter shortly before 9 p.m. EST.

A camera at the Kennedy Center showed a bright, fiery blast in midair before both aircraft plummeted. No deaths had been confirmed as of 10 p.m. CST. American Airlines confirmed the crash and requested anyone who believes they had a loved one on board to call 800-679-8215.

Multiple called law enforcement to report the crash at 8:53 p.m. EST, according to a joint news release from the local police department, fire department and emergency services. The three agencies and others were at the Potomac River conducting a search and rescue mission, the release said.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said she was actively in contact with authorities about the crash.

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My thoughts go out to those involved, Kelly said. I will share more information as it becomes available.

Members of the Kansas congressional delegation also said they were closely monitoring the situation.

U.S. Rep. Ron Estes, a Republican who represents the Wichita-area 4th District, said he and his wife were praying for those on board and for all of the first responders at the scene.

While we work to gather information, please join us in praying for the passengers, crews, and first responders, said U.S. Rep. Derek Schmidt.

U.S. Sen. Doc Marshall called the crash nothing short of a nightmare. He, too, has been in contact with local and national authorities.

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There are no words that can make telling this story any easier. I ask the world to join me in praying for Kansas this evening, the first responders, rescue crews, and all those involved in this horrific accident, he said in a news release.

U.S. Reps. Sharice Davids, Tracey Mann and Derek Schmidt and U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran offered their thoughts and prayers for the victims, their loved ones, the flight crew and first responders.

Kansas Reflector is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Kansas Reflector maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Sherman Smith for questions: info@kansasreflector.com.

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WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 30: Emergency response units conduct search and rescue operations in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington Airport on January 30, 2025 in Washington, DC. Early reports indicate a helicopter and airplane collided near Reagan National Airport. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

TOPEKA, KS.  A regional passenger jet traveling from Wichita to Washington, D.C., carrying 60 passengers and four crewmembers crashed midair into an Army helicopter Wednesday night as it attempted to land at Reagan Washington National Airport, according to a preliminary report from the Federal Aviation Administration.

The flight left Wichita around 5:20 p.m. CDT, according to flight records. The jet, a Bombardier CRJ700, was operated by Pacific Southwest Airlines, or PSA, a regional subsidiary of American Airlines. It crashed into an Army Black Hawk helicopter shortly before 9 p.m. EST.

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A camera at the Kennedy Center showed a bright, fiery blast in midair before both aircraft plummeted. No deaths had been confirmed as of 10 p.m. CST. American Airlines confirmed the crash and requested anyone who believes they had a loved one on board to call 800-679-8215.

Multiple people called law enforcement to report the crash at 8:53 p.m. EST, according to a joint news release from the local police department, fire department and emergency services. The three agencies and others were at the Potomac River conducting a search and rescue mission, the release said.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said she was actively in contact with authorities about the crash.

My thoughts go out to those involved, Kelly said. I will share more information as it becomes available.

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Members of the Kansas congressional delegation also said they were closely monitoring the situation.

U.S. Rep. Ron Estes, a Republican who represents the Wichita-area 4th District, said he and his wife were praying for those on board and for all of the first responders at the scene.

While we work to gather information, please join us in praying for the passengers, crews, and first responders, said U.S. Rep. Derek Schmidt.

U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, also a Republican, called the crash nothing short of a nightmare. He, too, has been in contact with local and national authorities.

There are no words that can make telling this story any easier. I ask the world to join me in praying for Kansas this evening, the first responders, rescue crews, and all those involved in this horrific accident, he said in a news release.

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U.S. Reps. Sharice Davids and Tracey Mann and U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran offered thoughts and prayers for the victims, their loved ones, the flight crew and first responders.

This story was first reported by the Kansas Reflector, which like NC Newsline, is part of the national States Newsroom network.
New legislation could put the nail in the coffin of a proposal to expand private jet facilities at a Boston-area airport, but the developers aren't backing down.

What's happening?

As detailed by Energy News Network, the Massachusetts Port Authority issued a request to build "much-needed hangars" at Hanscom Field, an aviation facility around 20 miles from Boston that serves corporate and private aircraft.

However, the proposal stalled after state regulators refused the initial environmental impact report in 2021. Subsequently, state policymakers passed a law requiring agencies like the port authority to consider the impacts of planet-warming pollution in their proposals.

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Nonetheless, the port authority could still continue with the Hanscom project, even though Energy News Network reports it could be subject to legal action if planners don't adequately weigh the pros against how much pollution the development would create.

Why is this important?

Opponents of the Hanscom Field project  set to add 500,000 square feet of hangar space  argue it would lead to an influx of private air travel, ultimately preventing the state from reaching its pollution-reduction goals. Moreover, such a plan would benefit only the wealthiest of clients.

Local social worker and advocate Alex Chatfield told Energy News Network that it is difficult to imagine a world in which an expansion benefits the community at large.

"This is an industry that is highly polluting and yet serves only a very narrow slice of the public," Chatfield said, pointing out how "private jets are the most polluting form of transportation per passenger ever devised." Chatfield added: 'It is on a scale that is really hard to imagine."

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Indeed, per Transport & Environment, a mere 1% of the world's population produces over 50% of emissions from passenger air travel. Private jets by far are the biggest offenders, generating five to 14 times more pollution per passenger than commercial flights.

The World Health Organization warned that outdoor air pollution resulted in an estimated 4.2 million premature deaths in 2019 and that it is one of the biggest threats to children's health.

What's being done about this?

Per the report, Hanscom Field developers argued that the project would actually reduce harmful pollution because they'd build the hangars to LEED Gold standards  the most widely used green building rating system  ensuring they produce as much energy as they consume (a concept known as net zero).

They also suggested the new hangars would reduce air traffic from "ferry flights," in which planes fly to Hanscom and then transfer passengers to another airport.

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However, state environmental regulators shot down this line of reasoning, citing a study indicating that the planners elevated ferry flight numbers. The analysis found that only 132 ferry flights moved through Hanscom, even though developers said that total was closer to 3,500.

As it stands, the state's robust commitment to more sustainable practices seems to be holding hangar development plans at bay.

"I hope that Massport appreciates that what is done today on climate is inadequate, and I hope it also appreciates that the policies have changed," Sen. Michael Barrett told Energy News Network in December. "I don't pretend to be able to predict particular outcomes on particular projects, but I do know that Massport needs to take this seriously."

Supporting policymakers who prioritize environmental commitments is one way to make your voice heard on matters like these.

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.
(KRON)  About 40 plaques were stolen from the 7th Street Oakland Walk of Fame, said Ronnie Stewart, the director of the West Coast Blues Foundation.

The Walk of Fame is located on 7th Street between Wood Street and Willow Street. Thieves stole about 40 plaques, Stewart said.

Bob White, West Coast Blues Society Archives. Bob White, West Coast Blues Society Archives. Bob White, West Coast Blues Society Archives.

The display, titled The Music They Played On 7th Street, Oakland Walk of Fame commemorates the history behind 7th Street, which was once known as the Harlem of the West Coast.

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The area was a hotbed for live blues and jazz performances in clubs and bars on the block. Artists such as BB King and Aretha Franklin received plaques for their performances on the street.

Too Shorts brother killed in Oakland shooting Wednesday

According to Stewart, each plaque costs $1,120 to replace. In total, the thefts caused about $150,000 in damages.

I was so upset, Stewart told KRON4. The emptiness inside was just unbearable. How could anyone do this? How could anyone be so unaware of the level of hurt that it was bringing to the community?

Stewart believes they were pulled out of the ground to be sold for scrap metal. The Oakland Police Department said no report has been filed.

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In 2012, the display was recognized as a permanent historical piece of the City of Oakland.

A GoFundMe has been started as the group tries to restore the plaques. Stewart hopes BART, the Port of Oakland and local business leaders will help raise money 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 KRON4.
Polar bears might be greasier than widely believed.

The bears greasy fur is the secret to the popular species survival in one of Earths most punishing climates. The grease, also known as sebum, is made up of cholesterol, fatty acids and compounds that make it hard for ice to attach to the animals fur.

The sebum quickly jumped out as being the key component giving this anti-icing effect, as we discovered the adhesion strength was greatly impacted when the hair was washed, Trinity College Dublin PhD candidate Julian Carolan said in a statement following new research.

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Unwashed, greasy hair made it much harder for ice to stick. In contrast, when the polar bear fur was washed and the grease largely removed it performed similarly to human hair, to which ice sticks easily whether it is washed or greasy, he explained.

A polar bear hunts on the sea ice of Hudson Bay in Manitoba, Canada. New research has found the bears fur is the secret to why that ice does not attach to their fur ( Jenny E. Ross)

Carolan is the first author of the new research, which was published Wednesday in the journal Science Advances.

A group of international researchers analyzed the fur of six wild polar bears. They then performed a chemical analysis of the grease.

In addition, they measured how well ice sticks to fur, whether water can be shed before it freezes, and how long it takes for water to freeze at temperatures on a given surface, comparing the performance of polar bear fur to human hair and specialist human-made skins.

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The analysis revealed a surprise: Polar bear sebum did not have an ingredient found in human hair and in the hair of other aquatic animals, like sea otters.

A polar bear's insulating fur is shown under infrared heat imaging in Svalbard Archipelago, Norway. New research on the species fur sheds light on our understanding of the species survival in harsh climates ( Jon Aars, Norsk Polarinstitutt)

The finding suggests sebums presence in polar bears is very important from an anti-icing perspective, they said, shedding new light on our understanding of the species.

This work not only represents the first study of the composition of polar bear fur sebum, but it also resolves the question of why polar bears dont suffer from ice accumulation, noted assistant Professor Dr. Richard Hobbs, who is also a Royal Society-Science Foundation Ireland University research fellow in Trinitys School of Chemistry and the AMBER Research Ireland Centre.

In the future, Hobbs, the senior author of the journal article, said the sebum could help humans to develop anti-icing coats that could replace toxic forever chemicals like PFAS.
BLACKSBURG, Va. (WFXR)  The Blacksburg Police Department says a man has been charged with aggravated sexual battery.

According to Blacksburg PD, 23-year-old Enrique Ariel Hiracheta Salazar was arrested on Friday, January 24, and charged with Aggravated Sexual Battery and Unlawful Creation of Image of Another.

Further details regarding the incident have currently not been released.

RPD identified suspect charged in connection to shooting in SE Roanoke

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Salazar is currently being held at the Western Virginia Regional Jail without Bond.

Blacksburg Police said the investigation is still ongoing. If you have any information regarding the case, or if you have had any contact with Salazar in person or through social media, please call the Blacksburg Police Department at 540-443-1400. You can also leave an anonymous tip with BPD at 540-961-1819 or by emailing ciu@blacksburg.gov.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
An arrest warrant was issued Thursday for a suspect accused of holding a juvenile girl against her will inside a hotel.

Westborough Police say Iury Vieira DeSouza, who has a possible address in Shrewsbury, is wanted in connection with this case. They did not specify what charges he may be facing.

On January 28 around 11 a.m., Westborough dispatchers received a report of a juvenile being held against her will at the Extended Stay America hotel at the Extended Stay America hotel at 19 Connector Road.

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Responding officers found the alleged victim and transported her to an area hospital for evaluation. Police did not say how old she was.

The investigation remains active and ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Iury Vieira DeSouza is urged to contact the Westborough Police Department at (508) 366-3060 or their local law enforcement agency.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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Atlanta police are searching for a suspect and vehicle after a man was shot and killed on Thursday morning.

Police were called to Wylie Street SE off Moreland Avenue around 11 a.m.

They found a man in his mid-40s with a gunshot wound and rushed him to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he died. His identity has not been released.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Investigators told Channel 2 Action News that they are searching for a white pickup truck.

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They did not comment on what led up to the shooting or possible suspects.

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While hundreds of people  including FBI agents and volunteers throughout the Quad Cities  searched for a missing 4-year-old girl, she was safely in her home, according to Rock Island Police Chief Tim McCloud.

Now law enforcement officials have a new and, in many ways, a more difficult mystery to solve.

At a news conference Thursday, McCloud said that 4-year-old Blessing Aoci, who was reported to be missing in an SUV that was stolen on Jan. 16, was never in any danger. City council members, police officers and an FBI agent were among those who surrounded McCloud as he spoke from a podium at the Rock Island Police Department.

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McCloud said it wasnt a misunderstanding, and that the girls mother speaks good English. She told a dispatcher six times that her daughter was in the stolen car.

McCloud said the girls mother, Princess Ilunga, claimed Blessing was a different daughter when she was seen during a search of the house.

Only until Blessing showed up, just remarkably unharmed and warm, thats when it really started getting suspicious as to what happened. Our detectives worked immediately to answer the question, Where had she been?' McCloud said.

Family perpetuated the lie several times during the search, police said. Only after officers left the house was Blessing sent back out into the alley to be found.

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Body cams support the findings. Kidnapping charges for a 16-year old boy will be dropped.

We have tried to understand why (Ilunga) would invent this story, but when confronted with all the information, the family stopped cooperating with the investigation, McCloud said.

McCloud said the mother faces a felony charge of filing a false report, a Class 4 felony. The last contact police had with the mother was two or three days ago.

She would speak to officers in English and then instruct her other children in Swahili to take off Blessings pink coat and to only refer to her by her Swahili name  and to go along with the deception, McCloud said.

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The family has vanished, Our Quad Cities News crew saw no car near the home on Thursday. The windows have been covered. Three surveillance were visible on the deck.

Police ask anyone who knows the familys location to contact Crime Stoppers at 309 762-9500. All tips are anonymous.

An early-morning abduction report

On Jan. 16, 37-year-old Ilunga called 911 shortly after 6 a.m. and reported her vehicle, which was left running, was stolen.

During the call, Ilunga told the dispatcher six times that her daughter was in the car. Its important to note that Ms. Ilunga speaks very good English, albeit with an accent,McCloud said. She is easy to understand.

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At 6:24 a.m., the stolen car was found about eight blocks away, abandoned and with no sign of Blessing.

An Amber Alert was issued, followed by a mobilization of local, state and federal law enforcement resources on a scale not seen in my 30 years in the Quad Cities, McCloud said. We had upwards of 120 law enforcement officers working hundreds of man hours, joined by countless concerned citizens from around the area who walked block by block in cold temperatures, drove around in vehicles and shared information through social media.

Searchers considered every possibility  that Blessing had been transferred to another stolen car, that she had gotten out of the stolen car and was lost, or that she had been abducted by someone else.

Throughout the day, officers responded to numerous unfounded sightings of Blessing, as well as reports of pink backpacks or pink coats left abandoned in alleys or back yards, while numerous calls for service were put on hold as all resources were diverted to the search for Blessing.

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After about nine hours of intensive searching, Blessing suddenly showed up at the back door to her residence, unharmed, showing no signs of distress or even of having been out in the cold temperatures.

She was evaluated at a hospital, McCloud said.

Obviously, questions arose immediately, and despite the relief we all felt at her safe return, our investigators then had to begin working to answer the question where was Blessing during those nine hours?

The little girl couldnt provide answers, he said.

During the course of the investigation, we learned that Blessing had, in fact, been inside her own residence the entire time, her identity hidden from officers by her mother from the moment officers arrived, McCloud said. Body-camera footage showed Blessing inside the residence, no longer wearing the pink coat she earlier was described as wearing.

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This was, by all account, an intentional deception that wasted the time and resources of six local law enforcement agencies, the Illinois State Police, the FBI and the federal marshals, McCloud said.

Additionally, Ms. Ilunga could not provide us with a picture of her missing child, McCloud said. We had to reach out to the school district to obtain the picture that was eventually shared, and by then, the search was well under way.

The mother made every effort to hide Blessing, he said. She initially refused to allow us to search the house for Blessing, and she falsely claimed that Blessing was a different daughter named Baraka,' McCloud said. .

Ilunga has seven children, many close in age and all with familial resemblances, so there was no reason to believe that Baraka and Blessing were not one and the same, said McCloud. In fact, Ms. Ilunga actually pointed to Baraka and said that Blessing looks just like her sister. 

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Ilunga advised officers not to speak with Baraka because she was too young and did not speak very well.

As officers poured over body-camera footage, they determined Ilunga was lying.

Throughout the day, we had a detective assigned as a liaison for Ms. Ilunga, McCloud said. Body camera and other video evidences show Ms. Ilunga continued to perpetuate the lie several times. It was only when our detective had to run back to the station that Ms. Ilunga seized her opportunity to put the pink coat back onto Blessing, and took her outside into the alley where she was found shortly thereafter by a citizen, McCloud said.

We have tried to understand why she would invent this story, but when confronted with all the information, the family stopped cooperating with the investigation, McCloud said.

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Police have obtained a warrant for the charge of filing a false police report  a Class 4 felony  as of Thursday morning.

The family has vanished.

Arrests of a man and four juveniles

The sole adult suspect in the incident appeared Tuesday morning in Rock Island County Court. Jaron Bailey-Harris, 18, faces charges of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and possession of a stolen vehicle, court records show.

Bailey-Harris, who has pleaded not guilty, waived his preliminary hearing. Now the case is scheduled for pretrial conferences on Feb. 27 in Rock Island County Court.

He is being held without bond in Rock Island County Jail.

A stolen car and a report of a missing child

Bailey-Harris and four juveniles were arrested in connection with the incident.

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Shortly after 6 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, a brown Saturn Outlook was stolen from the 1300 block of 14 Street, reportedly with 4-year old Blessing Aoci still in the back seat. Officers responded to the area within minutes and started a search.

About 14 minutes later, the stolen SUV was found unoccupied in the area of 8th Street and 15th Avenue. Immediately, information and a picture were posted about the missing child on the Rock Island Police Departments Facebook page, which was shared just under 43,000 times, the release says.

Illinois State Police were contacted to issue an Amber Alert, which was later sent to cell phones by the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

A command post was established in the area of 15th Street and 15th Avenue using the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System (ILEAS) Unified Command Post Vehicle. Officers canvassed the area for Blessing while the Rock Island and Moline police and the Rock Island County Sheriffs Office flew drones to try to find her.

Later, search efforts focused on the blocks surrounding the area from which the car was stolen. They included voluntary searches of residences and property in such a massive undertaking that Ive never seen before in Rock Island, McCloud said.

Assisting in the search were the Rock Island County Sheriffs Department; Moline, Milan, Davenport and Illinois State police; the FBI; the U. S. Marshals Service; neighbors and volunteers. For almost nine hours, teams of law enforcement and volunteers combed the neighborhood with no sign of Blessing.

We were all thinking of Breasia Terrell, said McCloud. (Breasia is the 10-year-old girl who was missing from Davenport for eight months before her remains were found in a pond.)

The charge that Ilunga faces is a Class 4 felony: Filing a false police report, McCloud said. We can only work within the confines of the laws that exist, he said at the news conference.

Eventually Blessing, who was found in apparent good health, was transported by the Rock Island Fire Department to Unity Point Trinity for evaluation.

Everybody is just immensely relieved, McCloud said earlier. You know, it was exhausting, it was emotionally exhausting  the entire process. And I can say that I hope we never go through anything like this ever again.

In addition to Bailey-Harris, four juveniles also were arrested.

A 16-year old boy faced charges of kidnapping and possession of a stolen vehicle. Now, McCloud said Thursday, the kidnapping charge will be dropped because of recent developments.

A 16-year-old boy faces a charge of possession of a stolen vehicle

A 15-year-old girl faces a charge of possession of a stolen vehicle

A 14-year-old girl faces a charge of possession of a stolen vehicle.

We were in direct communication with the states attorneys office and Dora Villareal while this was going on. So she played an active role in this as we are presenting evidence and determining charges  and they may be amended later. But this is what we have so far, McCloud said earlier, after Blessing had been found. And I would say that some of the tips that were brought in  some of our leads that were generated from when we went to track down some of the other stolen vehicles  that just led us to more and more people that were involved and other charges that came as a result.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned to Local 4, Fox 18 and OurQuadCities.com for updates. Got a news tip? Forward it to Our Quad Cities News on Twitter or Facebook or download our app on your iPhone or Android phone.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
Jan. 29A shooting occurred on State Line Road Tuesday night.

The Cass County (Michigan) Sheriff's Department reports that around 8 p.m. deputies were called to a shooting in the 18000 block of State Line Road in Edwardsburg.



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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers use a chain to more comfortably restrain a detained person using handcuffs positioned in front, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, in Silver Spring, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Alex Brandon/Associated Press U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers detain a person, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, in Silver Spring, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Alex Brandon/Associated Press U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers wait to detain a person, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, in Silver Spring, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Alex Brandon/Associated Press

While President Donald Trump has threatened to punish local law enforcement if they do not help carry out mass deportations, some have said they still wont comply.

In Texas, though, that hasnt really been an option since mid-2017. Thats when the state passed a law that spells out a wide range of consequences  including misdemeanor criminal charges and even removal from office  for local officials who refuse to work with federal immigration authorities.

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Some can choose to cooperate more than others. Local police, for instance, cannot be forced to ask people about their immigration status, though the 2017 law prohibits city leaders from telling them that they cannot do so. Local jails, which are run by county sheriffs, do have to tell immigration authorities about people in their custody who might be in the country illegally. And some sheriffs, especially in Republican counties, say they are eager to go much further.

Heres a rundown of the different ways local law enforcement in Texas works with ICE today, and what they could choose to do  or not do  under Trump, from sharing fingerprint data with ICE to questioning residents immigration status in local communities.

Sharing fingerprints of inmates

Since 2010, all Texas counties have participated in ICEs Secure Communities program.

Under the program, local officers collect fingerprints from everyone booked into the jail and run them through federal crime and immigration databases. If a match indicates someone may be unlawfully present in the country or is deportable due to a criminal record, ICE gets notified and can issue whats called a detainer, which essentially is a flag the agency puts on people in the jail if it thinks they might be in the country illegally.

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The Secure Communities program was hailed as a key way for ICE to identify dangerous criminals with the help of local authorities. But data showed that many of those deported as a result had been arrested for minor offenses, including traffic violations. In 2014, then-President Barack Obama told ICE to prioritize violent criminals when issuing detainers, and then-President Joe Biden did the same thing in 2021. But Trump canceled those directives at the start of both of his terms  most recently with an executive order on Inauguration Day.

Complying with ICE detainers

Once ICE issues a detainer on someone in the jail, officials there are supposed to notify ICE before the person is set to be released  whether thats because the person was able to post bond, their charges were dismissed or theyve served out their jail sentence. ICE can then pick that person up and take them into immigration custody.

An ICE detainer can also ask that the jail hold someone past their release date if ICE needs extra time to pick them up. The time limit is 48 hours.

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Some federal courts have ruled that ICE cant force local authorities to detain someone simply because immigration officials ask them to.

The use of this information-sharing system has also led to constitutional concerns and legal challenges. Since a database match doesnt necessarily confirm a person is deportable, immigrant rights advocates and some local officials have argued that placing a detainer on someone based solely on a match may be illegal and violate the persons Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable search or seizure.

Those decisions have prompted some law enforcement agencies in other states to say they would ignore ICE detainers. But that hasnt been an option in Texas since the state passed its 2017 law prohibiting local governments from refusing to cooperate with ICE.

Providing extra detention space

ICE will need a lot more detention space than it currently has in order to carry out the mass deportation goals Trump has outlined. County jails could play a role by essentially renting out any extra space they have to ICE. In a text message, Galveston County Sheriff Jimmy Fullen said that if the agency needed more detention space, we will be more than happy to accommodate them.

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However, that cant happen without entering into a formal contract with the federal government. The county jail would also have to comply with ICE detention standards and have enough space to house ICE detainees in addition to other jail inmates. Fullen said the sheriffs office doesnt have any such contract right now, and its not clear if any other Houston-area counties have one either.

Acting as immigration agents

Another main way local law enforcement cooperates with ICE is through the contentious 287(g) program. Established in 1996, the program grants some local officers who work inside county jails special permission, granted by the federal government, to act as immigration agents.

Rather than just waiting for fingerprint results to flag someone for questionable immigration status, these deputies can further investigate their jail population to see who else might be undocumented. They can also issue ICE detainers themselves without having to wait for the agency to do so.

During Trumps first term, the number of local partners in 287(g) quadrupled, and the programs footprint remained largely intact under former President Joe Biden. In Texas, 26 counties participate in the program, including Montgomery, Waller, Galveston and Chambers County in the Houston area. Harris County used to participate but pulled out in 2017.

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Its not always clear what 287(g) participation actually means, though, or how effective it is. Its also costly, and ICE doesnt pay for it  local taxpayers do. Harris County, for instance, used to devote 10 deputies, paid a total of $675,000 annually, to act as immigration agents under the 287(g) program. But Sheriff Ed Gonzalez ultimately decided it wasnt worth the expense and said the deputies were needed elsewhere.

The Chronicle asked the sheriffs of the counties around Houston who still participate to provide details about their participation in 287(g). None responded except for Fullen of Galveston County, who said no deputies in his office are acting as immigration agents in the jail.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: What Houston ISD parents should know about President Trump's immigration crackdown

Right now, the 287(g) program only allows local law enforcement to act as immigration agents inside the confines of a jail. But it used to allow them to question and detain people for suspected immigration law violations out in the community, too.

As Trumps team promised a historic expansion of 287(g), multiple experts said the community patrol model could make a comeback. Even though Trump struggled to generate enough interest for its revival during his previous term, it could gain traction this time, according to Lena Graber, a senior staff attorney at the Immigrant Legal Resource Center.

I feel like we are in a very different political and emotional moment, Graber said. That definitely could be in works.

Inviting ICE agents into county jails

ICE often gains access to local jail populations even without a 287(g) contract. After Harris County ended its 287(g) contract, for example, the sheriffs office let ICE station its employees inside the county jail to essentially do the same work. The only key difference is that ICE, not the county, now covers the costs of these operations.

In the past two years, this arrangement has helped ICE take custody of more than 7,200 people immediately after they were released from the Harris County jail, according to Jason Spencer, a spokesperson for the Harris County Sheriffs Office.

"Sheriffs don't need 287(g) to help ICE a lot," Graber said, adding that having a 287(g) contract is more of a symbol of allegiance signaling their hardline stance on immigration. "Sheriffs that don't have 287(g) and may not advertise it can be doing basically almost as much as someone who does have it, if they want."

Arresting people out in the community

Since this collaboration relies heavily on the discretion of local sheriffs, its reach can extend far beyond jails and into neighborhoods. Besides formal programs like 287(g), local officers have, at times, taken it upon themselves to question individuals about their immigration status during traffic stops or interactions with witnesses of crime.

There are typically some restrictions to these inquiries, as local officers lack the training to assess federal immigration status, and such questioning falls outside their jurisdiction, according to Austin Kocher, a professor at Syracuse University who focuses on immigration studies. However, the legal boundaries in these situations are often murky, making it difficult and time-consuming to challenge such practices in court.

Following Trumps return to office, ICE began carrying out immigration sweeps across the country, including in a number of Texas cities. Kocher warned that the lines between local law enforcement and federal immigration enforcement could be further blurred going forward.

If Trump sends the message that the administration supports aggressive immigration enforcement, it just gives the green light to cops and sheriffs to kind of do whatever they want, Kocher said. If a local sheriff pulls someone over, and if they have a friend that works for ICE, they might just call them up to say, Hey, can you come out?

Amrutha Jindal, a Houston-based attorney and executive director of Lone Star Defenders, said it is more important than ever to remind residents of their rights in these situations. People should know they have the right to remain silent and refuse to let anyone into their homes without a warrant, she said.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

The Trump administration has made some concessions to the halt placed on distributions of global HIV treatments via the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), according to The New York Times.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the waiver on Tuesday; however, exactly what it covers remains unclear. While the waiver does allow for the resumption of distributing HIV medications, the freeze on other services, including the distribution of preventive drugs, is still thought to be in place.

PEPFAR, a $7.5 billion program under the governance of the State Department, was due for a five-year reauthorization in 2023. After avoiding a Republican effort to end the program, it was renewed for one year, according to The Times. Data on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website indicate that more than 1 million Americans are living with HIV, with more than 30,000 becoming infected each year.

Americans would face serious consequences if PEPFAR is defunded, The Times reported. Without the availability of HIV medications in other countries, there is a higher risk for HIV developing resistance to current medications.

Large populations of immunocompromised people could lead to easier spread of other pathogens, including dangerous COVID variants. Trials conducted with PEPFAR support have provided insight into the importance of early treatment of HIV, managing pregnancy and the virus, and preexposure prophylaxis and long-acting antiretrovirals.

"We can very rapidly return to where the pandemic is exploding, like it was back in the 1980s," Steve Deeks, M.D., an HIV expert at the University of California, San Francisco, told The Times. "This really cannot happen."

More information: The New York Times article

Copyright  2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
BRUNSWICK, Ga. (AP)  The case against a former Georgia district attorney charged with discouraging police from arresting the man who killed Ahmaud Arbery in 2020 took a blow Thursday as a police supervisor testified that the accused prosecutor never obstructed her during the investigation.

Jackie Johnson was the chief prosecutor for coastal Glynn County when Arbery was chased by white men in pickup trucks and fatally shot in a quiet subdivision nearly five years ago. She is standing trial on charges that she violated her oath of office and hindered police in the aftermath of the young Black man's killing.

Stephanie Oliver, Glynn County's assistant police chief, is one of two officers named in the indictment that charges Johnson with directing that Travis McMichael should not be placed under arrest. McMichael is the man seen in a cellphone video shooting Arbery point-blank with a shotgun.

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Called as a prosecution witness Thursday, Oliver denied under cross-examination any effort by Johnson or anyone in her office to obstruct her when she was supervising investigators assigned to Arbery's killing.

Tell the ladies and gentlemen of the jury how Jackie Johnson knowingly and willfully hindered you and directed you not to arrest Travis McMichael, defense attorney Brian Steel asked Oliver, paraphrasing the language in the indictment.

Oliver replied: I never had any interaction with Ms. Johnson during this case.

The second officer Johnson is charged with obstructing, Stephan Lowrey, wasn't called as a witness before court adjourned Thursday.

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Travis McMichael and his father, Greg McMichael, armed themselves with guns and pursued 25-year-old Arbery after he ran past their home on Feb. 23, 2020. A neighbor, William Roddie Bryan, joined the chase and recorded cellphone video of the shooting.

Greg McMichael had retired months earlier from his job as an investigator in Johnson's office. He called her cellphone an hour after the shooting and left a voicemail asking for help.

Two months passed without arrests in the case after the McMichaels told police they suspected Arbery was a thief and that Travis McMichael shot him in self-defense. The video of the shooting leaked online two months later, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation took over the case from local police. All three men were arrested and later convicted of murder as well as federal hate crimes.

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr's office indicted Johnson in 2021, arguing that she abused her power to delay arrests and influence the appointment of an outside prosecutor who had decided Arbery's killing wasn't a crime.

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Johnson has denied wrongdoing, insisting she immediately recused her office and reached out to a neighboring district attorney, George Barnhill, to advise police. He became the first of three outside prosecutors assigned to Arbery's killing. Barnhill met with Glynn County police the day after the shooting.

In the courtroom Thursday, prosecutor John Fowler asked Oliver about that meeting. She said that investigators presented evidence including the cellphone video to Barnhill, who after about two hours rendered an opinion that the shooting appeared to be justified.

Fowler asked Oliver how much influence Barnhill's opinion had as police considered their next steps.

When a prosecuting authority tells you there werent any laws broken, it would be pretty difficult for us to do otherwise, Oliver replied, though she said Barnhill agreed with police that further investigation was warranted.

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Fowler never asked Oliver if she spoke with Johnson or was advised by anyone in Johnson's office not to make arrests. He objected to Oliver answering those questions from Johnson's defense attorney, but was overruled by the judge.

Jurors also heard from Karen Crittendon, who as a paralegal in the attorney generals office spent years finding outside prosecutors to take cases for district attorneys with conflicts. Crittendon said she received a letter from Johnson a few days after the shooting requesting the appointment of another prosecutor. Crittendon said she called Johnson for more information.

She told me she had already reached out to Mr. Barnhill and he agreed to help her with the case, said Crittendon, who wrote up the paperwork for Barnhill's official appointment.

Prosecutors say Johnson violated her oath by recommending Barnhill without disclosing he had already told police the shooting of Arbery was justified. Her letter that preceded the phone call doesn't mention Barnhill.

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After two days of testimony in Johnson's trial, her defense attorneys have seized other opportunities to turn prosecution witnesses to their advantage.

Lee Merritt, an attorney for Arberys mother, said the family remains confident that prosecutors will build a strong case.

Theyre still going to have to present witnesses to tie up what Jackie Johnsons culpability was, Merritt said. And I dont think theyre there yet.
JACKSON HEIGHTS, Queens (PIX11)  Police are searching for a man wanted in connection to an attempted rape in Jackson Heights last Friday.

The incident happened around 5:45 a.m. on Jan. 24 near 31-31 94th Street, according to the NYPD.

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A 32-year-old woman was walking when she was approached from behind by an unknown man, police say. The man allegedly put a handkerchief over the victims mouth and threatened to kill her.

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The victim was shoved onto the ground and the man started to take off her clothing before running away, police say. The victim was taken to a local hospital in stable condition.

The NYPD released a video of the suspect caught on surveillance.

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).

Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  The hunt is on for a man accused of raping a 5-year-old girl on Staten Island, authorities said.

Dominique Giles, 30, allegedly raped the victim at a location on Richmond Terrace and Sharpe Avenue on Jan. 22, police said. The victim fled on foot after the incident, police said.

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Authorities say Emergency Medical Services transported the victim to a local hospital to be evaluated. Other details were not immediately clear.

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Police described the suspect as about 6 feet tall and 180 pounds, with brown eyes and a braided hairstyle. He was last seen wearing a black hooded jacket, police said. The NYPD released a photo of him Wednesday night.

Photo provided by NYPD Crime Stoppers

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.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  The official police report has been released for Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents who detained two people in Sugarcreek Township.

On Sunday, Jan. 26, a Sugarcreek Township police officer stopped a vehicle after its plates allegedly didnt match the vehicle description.

Teen arrested in connection to Larch Street homicide

Upon the stop, the driver reportedly didnt speak English and the vehicle title showed the previous owner of the vehicle. Police say hat driver had an expired visa, which reportedly expired in June 2023.

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ICE agents were called to the scene, and are said to have detained the driver and a passenger, who is believed to be related to the driver.

The incident remains under investigation by ICE officers.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
A 53-year-old Scranton man faces charges after allegedly sexually assaulting a female patient three times during a six-month period while working as a nurse practitioner at a Monroe County health center.

On Aug. 29, state police at Stroudsburg received a report of sexual intercourse that occurred at Lehigh Valley Physician Group Endocrinology in Smithfield Twp., according to a criminal complaint.

During an interview with the victim, police learned the woman was sexually assaulted by Timothy Jerum Clark on three occasions as she was attending medical appointments, per the criminal complaint.

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The victim told Trooper Brittany Cutro the abuse began in October 2021 when Clark straddled her and grabbed her breasts while she was seated on an exam table, police said. When she returned for another appointment about three months later, the victim told Cutro that Clark exposed himself and demanded she perform oral sex on him, per the criminal complaint.

Then, in April 2022, Clark pulled the victim into a back room after an exam and raped her, police said.

In a statement, Jamie Stover, media relations manager for Lehigh Valley Health Network, said Clark has not been employed by LVHN since 2022.

At Lehigh Valley Health Network, our priority is the care and safety of our patients, Stover said. LVHN was recently made aware of the concern and, in response, conducted an internal investigation and alerted law enforcement.

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Clark did not return to the office for nearly two years after the last incident, despite being advised to be seen every three months, per the criminal complaint.

State police charged Clark, 1745 N. Washington Ave., with rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, indecent assault and indecent exposure. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Feb. 5 at 10 a.m.
Police are searching for a missing 16-year-old who ran away from a Brooklyn Park shelter earlier this month.

Rosa Lia Tinklenberg was last seen at the shelter on Jan. 2. Tinklenberg texted her social worker that she was at the Minneapolis Central Library and planned on going to a friends home.

Tinklenberg is believed to be homeless in the metro area, according to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension

Tinklenberg is described as 55 tall and weighing 175 pounds. She is Native American with pink hair and brown eyes. She also has a heart tattoo above one eye and a rose tattoo above the opposite eyebrow.

Anyone with information on Tinklenbergs location is encouraged to call the Marshall Police Department at (507)-537-7000.
WYOMING, Mich. (WOOD)  Police and K9s looked for a suspect in a Wyoming neighborhood Wednesday night.

The suspect, who was not named by police, fled the area of 38th Street and Byron Center Avenue after a domestic incident, according to Lt. Koeller with the Wyoming Police Department. He was later arrested in the area, Koeller said.

Its not clear what led up to the incident or if anyone was injured.

A News 8 crew at the scene spotted about five police vehicles and police tape blocking off a yard.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
DENVER (KDVR)  Police are asking for help identifying two suspects wanted in connection to a string of burglaries and motor vehicle thefts in the Denver area.

According to the Denver Police Department and the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers, the duo are suspected of committing several burglaries and car thefts between November 2024 and January 2025.

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Police described the first suspect as a Hispanic male in his late 30s or early 40s, standing approximately 5 foot, eight inches tall, and with a thin build.

The second suspect is also described as a Hispanic male in his early 40s, who was approximately five foot, eight inches tall and with a medium build.

The suspects are thought to be driving a blue Dodge Ram pickup truck with a white tailgate, and a silver GMC Sierra pickup truck with a bed cover and black rims. The Sierras license plate was reported as DRA-Y21.

The Denver Police Department and Metro Denver Crime Stoppers provided these photos of suspect vehicles and suspects wanted in connection to a series of burglaries and car thefts near Denver. (Denver Police Department via Metro Denver Crime Stoppers) The Denver Police Department and Metro Denver Crime Stoppers provided these photos of suspect vehicles and suspects wanted in connection to a series of burglaries and car thefts near Denver. (Denver Police Department via Metro Denver Crime Stoppers) The Denver Police Department and Metro Denver Crime Stoppers provided these photos of suspect vehicles and suspects wanted in connection to a series of burglaries and car thefts near Denver. (Denver Police Department via Metro Denver Crime Stoppers) The Denver Police Department and Metro Denver Crime Stoppers provided these photos of suspect vehicles and suspects wanted in connection to a series of burglaries and car thefts near Denver. (Denver Police Department via Metro Denver Crime Stoppers)

Anyone with information about the suspects identities is asked to contact the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867, or online at metrodenvercrimestoppers.com. Tipsters who provide information resulting in an arrest or conviction can be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
Three people were arrested when police said they thwarted a burglary early Thursday at a smoke shop in Norwalk where an employee hid in a cooler as the business was being broken into.

The burglary occurred at the R&R Smoke Shop at 213 Main Ave. close to where officers were called at 2:25 a.m. to investigate the report of a suspicious person in the area of Van Tassell Court, according to Lt. Tomasz Podgorski of the Norwalk Police Department.

Podgorski said police also received a second call from an individual who was whispering inaudibly into the phone. Authorities were able to pinpoint the callers location to the smoke shop, where officers found broken glass and three males inside the store.

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According to Podgorski, the burglars took off and led police on a foot pursuit. Two of them were apprehended as well as a woman who was hiding in a car parked near the smoke shop, Podgorski said. One individual was able to get away.

According to Podgorski, authorities later found that one of the calls they received was from an employee of the smoke shop who hid in a beverage cooler as the suspects broke the windows. The employee was not injured.

Those arrested included 23-year-old Faith Cintron of Framingham, Massachusetts. She was charged with conspiracy to commit third-degree burglary, theft of a plate and conspiracy to commit first-degree criminal mischief.

Cintron was released on a $150,000 bond.

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Ronin LaCourt, 18, of Norwalk was also arrested and charged with third-degree burglary, conspiracy to commit third-degree burglary, first-degree criminal mischief, interfering with an officer and sixth-degree larceny. He was also released on a $150,000 bond.

Caleb Martias, 20 of the Bronx, New York was arrested on charges of third-degree burglary, conspiracy to commit third-degree burglary and first-degree criminal mischief. He was also released on a $150,000 bond.

All three suspects are scheduled to go before a judge on Feb. 14.

Podgorski said the incident remains under investigation by the departments Detective Bureau. Anyone with information has been asked to contact Det. Courtney Downer at 203-854-3182 or Cdowner@norwalkct.gov.
MERCER COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56)  A search warrant in Mercer County led to fentanyl and guns being confiscated.

On Wednesday, the Harrodsburg Police Department said officers conducted a traffic stop, where they allegedly discovered fentanyl.

Harrodsburg Police Department

The department applied for and was granted a search warrant for a home in Mercer County, according to a news release.

During the search, a large amount of fentanyl and weapons were located.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

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The investigation is ongoing.

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This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

An unusually high amount of poliovirus detections in several European countries in recent months has underscored the importance of keeping Europe polio-free, according to an editorial by European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) Director Pamela Rendi Wagner and World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge, which was published on Eurosurveillance. "A future without polio remains our goal, but it is by no means a certainty," warn Rendi-Wagner and Kluge.

'Every country must remain vigilant to detect the presence of polioviruses through sensitive surveillance systems, prepared to act quickly if any circulation is detected, and committed to sustain high vaccination coverage in every community every year until global polio eradication has been achieved," said Kluge and Rendi-Wagner.

This reiterates the path laid out in the European Immunization Agenda 2030, the GPEI Polio eradication strategy, and the Global Polio Surveillance Action Plan.

Ongoing risk highlighted by recent detections

While polio has been a threat to the health and well-being of children for centuries, it is a mostly forgotten disease for the vast majority of people in Europe. Thanks to successful vaccination programs, extensive surveillance and outbreak response, Europe has been polio-free since 2002.

However, the virus will continue to be imported into Europe as long as it circulates globally. Pathogenic poliovirus has been detected in at least one country in Europe every year from 2015 through 2022. More worryingly, vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 was detected in 2024 in the wastewater systems of 14 cities in 5 countries, namely in Spain, Poland, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Finland.

These viruses are linked to a lineage that was first detected in Nigeria in 2020, and which has traveled to 21 other countries in Africa, causing outbreaks in 15 of them. Genetic sequencing analysis indicates that before it had been detected in Europe, the virus had been circulating for a year elsewhere.

There is no evidence that there has been widespread circulation of the virus in Europe due to these importations. However, these may and do lead to outbreaks if people who are unvaccinated are exposed to the virus, as recently seen in Tajikistan, Ukraine, Israel and the United Kingdom.

Public health action urgently needed

Therefore, Rendi-Wagner and Kluge emphasize the need to maintain high national vaccination coverage across all populations. While the five countries that detected polio virus in 2024 have maintained high immunization levels, they have also reported disparities in some communities, which remain vulnerable to infection as a result. ECDC estimates that 2.4 million children in the EU/EEA may not have received the course of vaccinations required for protection between 20122021, with an additional 600 000 children who may have missed their vaccinations in 20222023.

ECDC has published a Rapid Risk Assessment on these detections recommending priority actions to be urgently taken to prevent and curb possible transmission of polioviruses. WHO Europe has also published guidance to help countries identify, address and track disparities in vaccination levels.

Kluge and Rendi-Wagner have also underlined their commitment to cooperate closely to support national and local public health authorities in their efforts to curb the virus. This support includes technical guidance and resources for surveillance and outbreak response, facilitating data exchange and genetic sequencing of virus strains, and assisting in targeted risk communication and community engagement strategies to improve vaccination coverage.

"Europe remains committed to do its part in the context of all relentless global efforts in this direction and has full capacity to do so successfully," said Kluge and Rendi-Wagner.

More information: Poliovirus detections in Europeurgent action needed to keep Europe polio-free, Eurosurveillance (2025). DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2025.30.4.2500076, www.eurosurveillance.org/conte  ES.2025.30.4.2500076

Provided by European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Joann was 8 years old when her life changed forever.

I was in third grade, and one morning I got up, my mother said, go brush your teeth and get ready for school,' she recalled. I came back in the kitchen and she said, whats wrong? and I said, I cant pick up my tooth brush.'

The East Providence resident told 12 News that another morning she fell trying to get out of bed.

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That was it, my legs just left me, she said.

Joanns concerned parents brought her to the doctor, who determined she was suffering from polio  a highly infectious disease that invades the nervous system and can cause total paralysis in a matter of hours.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that, although polio was once of the most feared diseases, it was eradicated thanks to a vaccine thats been administered nationwide since 2000.

Unfortunately, Joann was diagnosed with polio in the 1950s  long before a vaccine was created. She told 12 News her battle with the debilitating disease wasnt a little picnic.

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I wouldnt want anybody to go through it, she said.

RELATED: RFK Jr. struggles to answer questions at confirmation hearing

Joann said she spent two years in the hospital learning how to move her arms and legs again.

Now 82 years old, Joann said shes still dealing with the diseases lasting effects on her muscles and joints.

Each year, as you get older, you fall apart more and more, she explained.

Despite the odds stacked against her, Joann said shes grateful that shes still here. She described her journey as being remarkable, noting that it could have been much worse.

I didnt have an easy case with it. It was a pretty tough one, she said. But Im here now, and Ive lasted longer than anybody. I dont know how, but I have.

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Joann said that, as a lifelong educator, she wants everyone to know the devastating impact polio can have and why she feels the vaccine is imperative in preventing the disease from returning.

Everyone will make their own choice, for whatever reason they make it, Joann said. But if I had a grandchild, or if I were younger and had a child, the first thing Id do is get [them vaccinated], because polio is still out there.

You think Id let someone that I brought into this world not get that shot? she asked. I know what can happen.

The CDC notes that the polio vaccine is not only safe and effective, but the disease is also rarely seen in the United States thanks to herd immunity. Anyone who is not up to date on their polio vaccine is at risk of contracting the disease.

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It only takes one person with polio traveling from another country to bring polio into the United States, the CDC warned.

Though the vast majority of children across the country are vaccinated against diseases like polio, doctors have expressed concern over dwindling immunization rates.

Their concerns increased exponentially after President Donald Trump nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whos been outspoken on the effectiveness of vaccines in the past, to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the CDC.

Kennedy backtracked on his views regarding vaccination during his first U.S. Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday.

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I believe vaccines have a critical role in healthcare, Kennedy said. I support the measles vaccine and I support the polio vaccine.

But Kennedy didnt appear to be successful in burying his vaccine skepticism and swaying his harshest critics.

Frankly, you frighten people, Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse said, noting that the Ocean State just reported its first measles case since 2013.

Whitehouse urged Kennedy to never say vaccines arent medically safe when they in fact are and asked him to make it indisputably clear that you support mandatory vaccinations against diseases that will keep people safe.

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Youre in that hole pretty deep, Whitehouse continued, referring to Kennedys past. If you want to move from advocacy to public responsibility, Americans are going to need to hear a clear and trustworthy recantation of what you have said on vaccinations.

Kennedy is slated to face another round of questioning before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions decides whether to confirm him.

NEXT: Whitehouse says people need to chill with speculating over his RFK Jr. vote

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WARSAW, Poland (AP)  An appeals court in Poland said Thursday that it would rule next month in the case of a women's rights activist convicted in 2023 of providing another woman with abortion pills.

The three-judge panel concluded that the case was complicated and adjourned the verdict until Feb. 13.

The activist, Justyna Wydrzynska, was convicted in March 2023 and sentenced to eight months of community service for having sent pills to a woman seeking abortion. Helping a woman have an abortion is illegal in Poland and can result in up to three years in prison.

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Wydrzynska appealed the sentence, arguing that one of the judges that ruled at the time wasn't impartial.

On Thursday, Wydrzynska told the Court of Appeal in Warsaw that she didn't feel guilty, and that the woman whom she provided the pills to didn't think the activist was guilty either.

The woman, who didn't face any charges, already had one child and was prevented by her partner from traveling abroad for an abortion. Her partner reportedly filed a complaint with police.

About a dozen supporters cheered for Wydrzynska in front of the courthouse. Activists say the outcome will set judicial precedent in a country with strict anti-abortion legislation.

Poland, a predominantly Catholic country, allows abortion only when a womans life or health is endangered or if the pregnancy results from rape or incest.
Filip Antosiak, a 19-year-old Polish military volunteer who left his studies in the UK to join a Ukrainian strike UAV unit, has been killed in action near Pokrovsk, Donetsk Oblast.

Source: Polish news portal RMF24, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Antosiak served in a strike UAV unit of the 25th Airborne Brigade. He was killed in action near Pokrovsk.

Filip's parents, who live in the UK, said their son had told them he was planning a career in the British Army after leaving school in Cambridge, but he later admitted that he had gone to Ukraine.

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"He was very proud of helping people here, in this country," said Marcin, Filips father. "He always talked about it when he called us. In the first letter he wrote to us after he went to Ukraine, he apologised for lying to us for the first time in his life, but that was his plan... It's very hard for us, but we are proud of our son."

On 30 January, a funeral service for Filip Antosiak with full military honours was held at St Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral in Kyiv, followed by a procession to Independence Square. During the ceremony, the national anthems of Ukraine and Poland were played in succession and his coffin was draped with the flags of both nations.

Filip's parents attended the funeral, as did representatives of the Polish Consulate and various Polish organisations in Ukraine. His parents were presented with a posthumous award for Filip from Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Filip will be buried in the city of owicz, Lodz Voivodeship, Poland.

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Background: Earlier in January, the deaths of three other foreign volunteers were reported: Kaha Tiliadze from Georgia, Edgar Platonov from Latvia and Richard S. from Austria.

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HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)- The first Emerson College Polling national survey of the Trump Administration shows that President Trump is beginning his term with a 49% approval rating, and 41% disapproval. Ten percent of those surveyed were neutral.

Indiana Divorce process could be changed in Indiana House Bill 1684

The survey also asked participants if they believed that the United States is headed in the right direction. Of those surveyed, a majority 52% of voters believe that the country is headed in the right direction, while 48% think it is on the wrong track. The newest polling shows a significant shift from earlier this month, when 67% of voters polled said the country was on the wrong track, and 33% said things were going in the right direction.

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The poll showed that top issues for voters included the economy with 35%, immigration at 16%, threats to democracy at 15%, healthcare at 9% and housing affordability at 6%. Concerns for immigration was higher among those who identified as Republicans at 29%, while concerns for threats to democracy was higher for those who identified as Democrats at 24%.

Voters are split on the Trump administrations policy which reverses a 2011 law, allowing ICE agents to enter schools and churches to conduct searches and make arrests. According to the poll, 45% of those surveyed oppose the change, while 42% support the reversal. New data also shows that a majority 56% of voters support a pathway for citizenship for undocumented immigrants in the country, while 24% oppose it.

The poll also asked participants who they would be rooting for in the upcoming Super Bowl between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs. 35% of those surveyed say they are rooting for the Eagles, while 29% are rooting for the Chiefs.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
President Donald Trump made quick work of his first week-plus back in office  ticking off a number of campaign-trail promises, issuing a boatload of pardons (some controversial) and enacting retribution on his political opponents.

So far, the early polling shows Trump starting with more backing from voters  and more wiggle room  than he had going into his first term in the White House. But it remains to be seen how voters will judge his first actions as president.

The former president entered his second term with a better image rating than he had in January 2017. NBC News/Wall Street Journal polling from the days before his first inauguration found just 38% of adults giving him a positive rating, while Fox News found 42% of registered voters viewed him positively at that point.

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Now, Fox News most recent poll showed Trump with a 50% positive rating among registered voters and a 50% unfavorable rating. A new Wall Street Journal poll found that 47% of registered voters viewed him favorably, while 51% viewed him unfavorably. Both polls were conducted before Trump took office.

Polling is split on Americans expectations for Trump. According to CNN polling, 56% of American adults say they expect Trump to be a very good or fairly good president, while 43% expect him to be fairly poor or very poor. (CNNs preinaugural poll in January 2021 found slightly higher expectations ahead of Joe Biden's term, while its polling in January 2017 found adults split on their expectations for Trump, with 48% saying they think hed be very or fairly good and 48% saying hed be very or fairly poor.)

A preinaugural poll from The New York Times and Ipsos found that 47% of adults are either excited or optimistic about his presidency, while 51% are either pessimistic or worried about his presidency.

Meanwhile, when it comes to some of the key issues Trump has pursued in the earliest days of his second term, the polling shows both opportunity and peril for his presidency.

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Polling from CNN and The New York Times showed that the economy is far and away the most important issue on Americans minds. But many of the headlines Trump has made so far center around issues like immigration and pardons, particularly his decision to issue a sweeping pardon for those convicted over their conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

Americans appear broadly more open to Trumps efforts on deportations than they do on the Jan. 6-related pardons. The polls also show that public support for Trumps actions falls off when voters consider the potential outcomes if (or when) Trump takes the hardest line on those issues.

The Wall Street Journal found just 38% of registered voters backed blanket pardons for all Jan. 6 defendants (57% opposed it). Thats compared with 43% who said theyd back pardons for all except those convicted of assaulting police officers and 54% who opposed it. (Trump ended up pardoning virtually all who faced federal charges, including those convicted of violent offenses. A handful of others convicted on conspiracy charges got their sentences commuted.)

On immigration enforcement, there appears to be a majority or strong plurality baseline of support for Trumps broad pledge of enacting widespread deportations. The Wall Street Journal found that 52% of registered voters favor a call to detain and deport millions of undocumented immigrants and 45% oppose it, while 55% of adults in the New York Times/Ipsos poll supported deporting all immigrants in America illegally and 42% opposed it.

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Restricting deportations to only those here illegally with criminal records is far more popular: 87% of adults support the policy, per the New York Times/Ipsos poll, and 74% of registered voters in the Wall Street Journal poll back it.

But deporting others is less popular. Fully 70% of registered voters oppose deporting undocumented immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for more than a decade and have paid taxes without having a criminal record, according to the Wall Street Journal poll. The survey also showed 57% oppose deporting undocumented immigrants with children who are American citizens (38% approved of the proposal).

On foreign policy, 60% of adults (per the New York Times/Ipsos poll) agree broadly with the idea that the U.S. should "pay less attention to problems overseas and concentrate on problems here at home," aligning broadly with Trumps campaign rhetoric, compared to the 38% who said it's "best for the future of our country to be active in world affairs." Narrow majorities believe America is giving too much aid to Ukraine and Israel. (In each case, about 30% want to maintain the status quo, while less than 20% want to see an increase in aid.)

And amid Trumps criticism of the Biden administrations policies about transgender people, and Trumps executive order declaring the federal government recognizes only two sexes, male and female, there are important divides in the country about transgender issues.

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American adults are broadly split on whether society has struck the right balance in accommodating transgender people. According to The New York Times/Ipsos numbers, 49% say society has gone too far in striking the right balance, 21% say society hasnt gone far enough, and another 28% say society has struck a reasonable balance.

But theres far more support for another one of Trumps positions: banning transgender women (defined in the poll as "athletes who were male at birth but who currently identify as female") from womens sports. Fully 79% of adults in that same poll backed that proposal, compared with just 18% who disagreed. And 71% said they believed no one under age 18 should have access to puberty blocking drugs or hormone therapies used in transgender care.

How much runway do voters typically give new presidents?

While Trump comes into office in better shape than he did in his first term  and the swing voters who backed him appear open to giving him some wiggle room  an analysis of NBC News polling spanning the last five presidencies shows how short honeymoons can be in the White House.

Biden saw his 51% approval rating in April 2021 slip to 45% by late October and down to 41% by March 2022. His approval rating never got above 46% for the rest of his presidency in NBC News polling. Trumps first approval rating in NBC News polling was 44% in February 2017, a number that slipped immediately to 39% by the third NBC News poll of that year, in May. But Trumps approval rating was more inelastic than other presidents of recent memory, staying inside a relatively narrow range of 39% to 47% for his entire presidency.

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Then-President Barack Obamas 60% approval rating in early March 2009 stayed consistent in an NBC News poll the following month. But his approval rating slid in four of the next five polls, though his low of 47% in December 2009 (the first NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll that found him below 50% approval) was substantially higher than the depths Trumps or Bidens numbers reached. After the initial dive, Obamas approval rating oscillated around 50% until the summer before the 2010 midterm elections.

Then-President George W. Bushs first year was marred by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, which makes comparison to the first years of other presidencies difficult.

And while then-President Bill Clintons approval rating ticked up from 51% shortly after he took office to 57% in March 1993, it slid down to 41% by June 1993, before a long march up back to 60% on the first anniversary of his taking office. Clintons approval rating then proceeded to slide in 1994 all the way down to 43% before Republicans took over Congress in that years midterm elections.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
WEST TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)  A pop-up clinic was held at Providence Food Pantry on Wednesday in West Terre Haute.

Union Health, IU School of Dentistry, and the Indiana Department of Health were there to provide basic medical care, dental care, and immunizations.

There were also people giving haircuts along with personal hygiene items and food from the food pantry. The clinic gave people in that area an opportunity to get care that they may not usually have access to.

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Firefighters respond to house fire in West Terre Haute

West Terre Haute is kind of known for being an underserved population, or people might want to go to the doctor but a, they have no transportation and b, they dont have the means to pay for it, so that kind of helps, said Sister Maureen Fallon, Director of the Providence Food Pantry.

Pop-up clinics like this take place every month at different locations. Next months clinic will be February 26 at St. Benedicts Catholic Church in Terre Haute.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A Portland man is facing a Class A misdemeanor charge for allowing his dog to starve to death, Multnomah County prosecutors say.

The Oregon Humane Society cited 38-year-old Husan Muldrew for animal neglect on Jan. 24 after authorities investigated the death of his dog Knox.

An affidavit signed by Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Austin Buhl states that Muldrew brought Knox to the DoveLewis Animal Hospital in Portland on Oct. 2. While at the animal hospital, Muldrew allegedly told veterinarian Kailyn McKibben that Knox had lost 95 pounds in two months.

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Dr. McKibben noted that Knox was extremely emaciated, covered in feces and ulcers, which she suspected were pressure sores, along with a blood pressure too low to read, hypothermia, bradycardia, and prolonged CRT, the affidavit states. Due to Knoxs physical condition at the time of the examination, Dr. McKibben recommended euthanasia and Knox was subsequently euthanized.

Fire in St. Johns neighborhood results in explosion, one wall blown off home

On Oct. 17, OHS Special Agent Mark Kingma obtained a search warrant to perform a necropsy on Knoxs body to determine the cause of the dogs condition. The necropsy was performed on Oct. 23 by Veterinarians Emily Ferrell and Stefanie Hornback.

Special Agent Kingma noticed that Knox did not appear to have any food in his stomach or intestines, the affidavit reads. At the conclusion of the necropsy, Dr. Ferrell stated that she saw no internal evidence of anything that would have caused Knox to lose a significant amount of weight, and that it appeared as if Knox had starved to death.

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The following day, Kingma interviewed Muldrew at his Portland home. During the interview, Muldrew allegedly told Kingma that Knox was a nice, chunky sized dog when he got him several months prior. Muldrew allegedly told the agent that Knox had been eating and drinking the weeks before his death, but that he had recently lost his strength and would fall into his food bowl.

Analysis of Knoxs body contradicted Muldrews account of Knoxs health. Tissue samples collected from the dog showed that Knox was likely starving to death when he was brought into DoveLewis.

There were no abnormalities that would indicate an inflammatory, infectious, nor cancerous cause, the affidavit reads.

Hornbacks complete necropsy report further supported this conclusion.

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Police respond to barricaded wanted suspect in St. Johns neighborhood

Lab results analyzing Knoxs bone marrow performed by Michigan State University Diagnostic Laboratory [stated] that Knoxs bone marrow fat content was 2.2%, with the average canine fat content being around 59.4%, the affidavit reads. Dr. Hornbacks necropsy report ultimately concluded that Knox unnecessarily suffered for a period of weeks to months. By the time he received veterinary care, he was in hypovolemic shock and was ultimately euthanized due to his advanced decompensated state as direct result of chronic starvation.

Muldrew is scheduled to appear in court for the charge on Feb. 4.

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From fresh fruits and vegetables to cars and electronics, those are goods that you could soon be paying more for.

Action News Jax is uncovering how potential tariffs on imported goods could impact the amount you spend on everyday items.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

This comes as President Donald Trump is looking to place a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico by Sunday, Feb. 1.

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I think its honestly ridiculous, Edwin Olivo, a Jacksonville resident, said. You are putting a tariff that is only going to increase the prices on goods delivered into the country.

Read: What are tariffs and how do they work?

I think that we will be paying less, consumer Nancy Wani said.

Experts said the proposed tariffs would have a significant and detrimental impact on the costs of a wide range of consumer products sold in the U.S., particularly on products where China is the major supplier.

And this is because the tariffs are paid first by American importers.

Read: Trumps tariff threat worked on Colombia, but his plans for Canada and Mexico carry higher stakes

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If we are looking to put those 25% tariffs in place pretty quickly, there is not a whole lot of time for companies to react and mitigate how they would like to, Jonathan Gold with the National Retail Federation said.

And the impact you may feel at home?

I think its really going to depend upon the retailer or the manufacturer and how they are going to be able to mitigate the cost increases that they are seeing because of the tariffs, Gold said.

Read: Fed hold rates steady, sees inflation as elevated, as Powell declines comment on Trump

According to a study from the National Retail Federation released last November, across the board, it found that the tariffs would result in price increases.

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They examined the low-end and high-end of the tariff proposals, including a 10%-20% across-the-board tariff increase on all products from all countries, and another 60%-100% on all imports from China.

Read: Ontario leader calls for snap election to fight Trumps threatened tariffs

The study looked at 6 key retail categories: Apparel, footwear, home appliances, furniture, toys and travel goods.

We found within those 6 categories alone that consumers would lose between $46- and $70 billion worth of spending power because the prices would rise in each of those categories, Gold said.

Toy prices would face one of the highest increases, according to the NRF.

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For example, a $50 tricycle would increase anywhere from $68 to $78, and a $25 board game would cost $34-$39

And while you may feel like you need to go out to stores like Costco and Best Buy to grab electronics, or speed up the car buying process, the NRF is encouraging consumers not to rush out and buy products.

That causes other issues within the supply chain, Gold said.

For consumers like Olivo, he said he is not in a hurry to buy anything, especially when it comes to making a big purchase.

I check out to see if there are other options, what the market is like, and what am I looking for, Olivo said.

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Its unclear when the tariffs could actually hit consumers because that will depend upon when they do take effect, which will likely be Feb.1.

Action News Jax Phil Amato takes a deeper look at the potential local impacts of upcoming tariffs. Watch below for how local businesses are preparing, and the expected effect on JaxPort.

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Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Jan. 29Education technology giant PowerSchool has begun notifying individuals affected by a data breach late last year that may impact millions of students and teachers across North America, including more than 9,000 in New Hampshire.

PowerSchool provided an update Monday saying it had begun filing legally required regulatory notifications following the breach, which involved attackers using a stolen account credential to access the company's customer support portal  home to sensitive student and teacher data.

In a letter to New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella dated Jan. 27, Edward McNicholas of the D.C. law firm Ropes and Gray LLP says PowerSchool estimates the security incident occurred between Dec. 19 and 28, and involved the personal information of approximately 9,384 Granite State residents.

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"This was not a ransomware event," the letter reads. "No systems were encrypted and PowerSchool's operations and support for school districts in your state have continued uninterrupted."

McNicholas says the personal information involved varies by individual (students, former students and teachers) but includes some combination of the following for any given person: the individual's name, contact information, Social Security number, date of birth, limited medical alert information and other related information.

"As soon as PowerSchool learned of the incident, it engaged cybersecurity response protocols and mobilized senior leadership and third-party cybersecurity experts to conduct a forensic investigation of the scope of the incident and to monitor for signs of information misuse," the letter reads. "PowerSchool has also reported the incident to law enforcement. We are not aware at this time of any identity theft attributable to this incident."

PowerSchool says on its website that its technology is used by more than 60 million students.

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The California-based company said it provided this week's update "for broad awareness, and no further action is required from our customers at this time."

"In the coming days, PowerSchool will begin to provide notification of the cybersecurity incident to current and former students (or their parents/guardians as applicable) and educators whose information was determined to be involved," the company said in an online post. "Importantly, these notices will include instructions for involved individuals on how to enroll in the credit monitoring and identity protection services that are being offered by PowerSchool."

In the letter to Formella, PowerSchool says it has engaged Experian to offer two years of complimentary identity protection and/or credit monitoring services to all students and educators whose information was involved.

In a statement issued earlier this month, the New Hampshire Department of Education said it's aware of the cybersecurity breach and will continue to monitor the situation.

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"There are many school districts statewide that contract with PowerSchool, a student information system, and it is our understanding that they have been notified about the cybersecurity incident," the statement says. "All cybersecurity incidents are taken very seriously, especially those that could potentially involve student data."

pfeely@unionleader.com
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

It started as a respiratory illnessor so everyone thought. But it quickly became apparent that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, was so much more.

"Since the beginning, the virus showed a very dramatic ability to affect different organs and systems beyond the respiratory system," said Dr. Chiara Giannarelli, an associate professor in the departments of medicine and pathology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.

"Early on, there was some evidence the virus was damaging the heart, causing an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes in these patients. But no one was looking at the vasculature," the blood vessels that carry the virus throughout the body and in and out of the heart.

From her lab in New York City, Giannarelli had front-row seats in the spring of 2020 to the epicenter of COVID-19 infections in the U.S. Because her research already focused on the complex relationship between inflammatory and immune cells in the arteries and their role in atherosclerosisthe root of cardiovascular diseaseshe felt well positioned to investigate.

Meanwhile, other research teams were looking into what the virus was doing to the heart muscle. Cases of myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, were being identified as the cause of death in some people with COVID-19.

As researchers dug into both questions, one thing became clear: The body's overzealous immune response to the virusknown as severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2, or SARS-CoV-2was responsible for most of the damage it wrought, said Dr. DeLisa Fairweather, vice chair of translational research for the department of cardiovascular diseases at the Mayo Clinic's Florida campus in Jacksonville.

The same mechanisms involved in COVID-related cardiovascular events are responsible for COVID-related myocarditis, said Fairweather, lead author of a 2023 Circulation Research review article on COVID-19 and myocarditis.

"In one case, it's happening in the blood vessel walls, and in the other, it's in the heart muscle," she said. "It's just in a different location. What's important is the immune response to the virus."

SARS-CoV-2 is a large, enveloped RNA virus, meaning it is surrounded by an extra layer of cell membrane that allows it to fuse with healthy cells in our body. It typically enters the body through the eyes, nose or mouth, then targets the lungs.

Cells in the lungs and blood vessels contain an abundance of ACE2 receptors, which the virus infiltrates using a spike protein on its outer membrane. These receptors are the virus's main entryway to host cells. They also play a vital role in cardiovascular function, including regulating inflammation. Once SARS-CoV-2 infiltrates the host cell, it empties its genetic material and begins to replicate.

Fairweather said the real problem is that once inside the host cells, the virus targets mitochondria, small structures inside a cell that produce its energy, and hijacks them to replicate itself.

"We die without mitochondria," she said. "So this sends out a big alarm to the rest of the body." In some people, the perceived danger triggers extremely high levels of inflammation and an excessive immune system response known as a cytokine storm.

Fairweather likened the response to the sounding of a DEFCON 4 alarm, calling out an entire army when only a few troops may be needed. "It's overkill," she said. "Why this happens is a question that's not well understood yet."

What researchers do understand is that the inflammatory cytokines that charge to the rescue play a role in atherosclerosis, the buildup and rupture of plaque in the arteries that can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Because SARS-CoV-2 was linked to a greater risk for these cardiovascular problems, Giannarelli and her team wanted to know if the virus was getting into arteries and what it was doing once it got there.

They analyzed tissue specimens from autopsies of people who were hospitalized and died from COVID-19. In immune cells known as macrophages that reside in the heart, they discovered the presence of a viral RNA sequence corresponding to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. A macrophage is a type of white blood cell that stimulates other immune system cells.

Next, the researchers recreated a SARS-CoV-2 infection in human tissue in the lab to see whether the virus could continue to replicate within these macrophages.

While the virus was unable to efficiently generate new infectious viral particles within these cells, it did trigger an outsized immune system response, Giannarelli said.

In addition, they found white blood cells containing high levels of lipids were less efficient at clearing the virus than other cells. Lipid-filled cells may be offering the virus the perfect host environment "that allows it to persist and to continue to trigger an inflammatory response for a longer period of time," Giannarelli said.

Fueling greater inflammation inside preexisting blood vessel plaque can lead to pieces breaking off, she said. "This is what creates heart attacks and strokes."

Indeed, a recent study published in the journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology found a prolonged increased risk for heart attacks and strokes in people infected with the virus in 2020, up to three years following their initial infections.

But myocarditis can show up in people infected with the virus who had no evidence of previous heart disease, Fairweather said.

That may be due to another type of immune cell called a mast cell, she said. Like macrophages in the heart, mast cells also carry ACE2 receptors. When SARS-CoV-2 infiltrates these cells, they amplify the immune response and trigger the excessive inflammation that leads to myocarditis.

The good news, Fairweather said, is that as people build immunity to the virus through vaccinations and reinfection, their bodies will learn how to fight the virus better and with more appropriate immune response levels.

Older adults, people with weaker immune systems and those with heart disease will remain more vulnerable than others, she said, but for most people, "the immune system should calm down and therefore the threat should go down over time."

2025 American Heart Association, Inc., distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC
Editors Note: This story contains graphic content.

ALBANY, N.Y. (KNWA/KFTA)  A Prairie Grove man was sentenced on Jan. 29 for traveling to New York in 2023 to sexually abuse a child, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Kyle Biswell, 39, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, which will be followed by a life term of supervised release. The DOJ said the judge in the case determined Biswell is a repeat and dangerous sex offender against minors.

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Biswell pleaded guilty in July 2024 to interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct and transportation of child pornography.

A release from the DOJ said officials received evidence that Biswell had previously sexually abused an infant, after his guilty plea.

A plea agreement and other documents submitted to the court said that Biswell admitted that between January and April 2023, he messaged a person he believed was the mother of an 11-year-old girl.

In those messages, the DOJ said Biswell expressed interest in engaging in sexual contact and having children with the minor. Biswell purchased a plane ticket in April 2023 and traveled to New York.

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Upon arrival in New York, Biswell was arrested by FBI agents and admitted to traveling to Albany in order to have sexual contact with a child he believed was 11 years old. He also admitted to having numerous videos and images of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) on his cell phone and the FBI later confirmed that after a subsequent search.

In addition to his sentence and lifetime of supervised release, the DOJ said the judge imposed restitution of $9,000 and a special assessment of $200. Biswell will have to register as a sex offender when he is released from prison.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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A prayer service will be held at noon Thursday in Wichita after an American Airlines flight from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport crashed in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday night.

The service will be hosted by the Greater Wichita Ministerial League in the council chambers at City Hall, 455 N. Main.

The American Airlines plane collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac. The airline has confirmed that 60 passengers and four crew members were on board.

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Lets just commit to caring for one another, praying for each other, especially families of victims, and simply keep remembering the Lords promises to guide us in times like these, Chaplain Ben Staley said.

Staley was part of a team at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower Airport helping families as they arrived to get more information about the crash.

Dozens of family members showed up at the airport Wednesday night as a massive search-and-rescue mission continued in the Potomac.

American Airlines flight 5342 was approaching Runway 33 at Reagan National Airport (DCA) in Arlington, Virginia, when it collided with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter, according to the FAA.
Jan. 30 (UPI) -- The latest turn in the ongoing saga over TikTok in the United States has brought the balance of power among the three branches of government into the spotlight.

Hours after TikTok went dark, it returned with a "thank you" message to President Donald Trump sent to its more than 170 million U.S. users. A day before being sworn into office, Trump wielded his influence to overrule a law passed by Congress and upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, delaying enforcement of the TikTok ban.

"Welcome back!" the TikTok prompt read. "Thanks for your patience and support. As a result of President Trump's efforts, Tiktok is back in the U.S.!"

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Norman Bishara, professor of business law and ethics in the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, told UPI the move sets up a struggle for power among the three branches of government.

"It's anybody's guess what will happen," Bishara said of the TikTok ban. "The level of uncertainty has greatly increased."

The U.S. Department of Justice delayed enforcement of the TikTok ban at the direction of President Donald Trump. The law, passed by Congress, calls for the app to be banned or sold to a U.S. company. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

The president has expressed his desire for a U.S. company to purchase TikTok, meeting Congress' requirements. He has also proposed a joint venture between a U.S. company and ByteDance to share ownership of the company.

Trump suggested the app could be worth billions, if not trillions to a U.S. owner.

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With an executive order, Trump directed the attorney general to not take any enforcement actions for 75 days, allowing service providers to continue supporting the app. Some companies like Google and Apple remain cautious, refusing to allow new downloads on their app stores.

A pause in enforcement is not an iron-clad guarantee that these companies are free of all liability, Bishara said.

"We're still trying to figure out behind the scenes what this means," he said. "There could be other liability there for them. There is some ambiguity when you see what's at stake."

UCLA law professor Andrew Verstein told UPI the ambiguity or "opacity" around TikTok reflects the concerns Congress and national security experts had about the app in the first place. But as the occupant of the White House had changed, so too has the level of outward concern about the app as a national security threat.

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Verstein and Bishara agreed that Congress conceived a clear law to answer a valid concern about national security and China's access to U.S. users and their data. The high court affirmed its legality and former President Joe Biden, while still in office, signed off on it while sharing those concerns.

"This is Trump doing something that the statute plainly didn't envision happening and that is an assertion of executive power," Verstein said. "Trump didn't make it legal for TikTok to remain in operation. What he said is the attorney general is not going to punish anyone. That is something the executive branch will sometimes do. This is a pretty aggressive and big usage of that strategy."

Coupled with some of Trump's other early actions as president, his decision on TikTok demonstrates his willingness to push the boundaries of his executive powers.

A week after Trump's executive order, he again exercised his executive power to override Congress, ordering a sweeping freeze on federal aid, loans and grants. This unprecedented move set a pause on the distribution of funds that were congressionally approved.

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Congress has the constitutional authority to direct government spending and pass laws.

On Monday night, within hours of this pause, acting Attorney General James McHenry fired the federal prosecutors in the cases against Trump in Florida and Washington, citing a lack of "trust" that they would assist in implementing Trump's agenda.

Federal prosecutors are typically only removed due to conduct or poor performance. A president may remove them for any legal reason but their political alignment would not be one of them.

"One thing Trump realized when he came into office this time is we have a pretty complicated government. A lot of independent choices run through the executive office," Verstein said. "You might think Congress has the power of the purse. Congress can't hand out money unless the person who hands out the money hands out the money. That is an observation of how our government runs right now."

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The concerns shared by Congress and a slew of national security experts who gave testimony have not been erased in any apparent way. TikTok's ownership structure remains intact for now. It relocated its storage of U.S. user data to the United States more than a year ago and that did not sway Congress.

Chief among the national security concerns was the possibility that a U.S. official or lawmaker could be compromised by an adversarial government. In a series of hypotheticals, lawmakers expressed that future officials and lawmakers could be compromised before rising to office.

Meanwhile, lawmakers, both Republicans and Democrats, have active accounts on TikTok. Trump also joined, though he has not been active since the election and largely used the app to campaign.

"It does seem potentially incongruent for some of the folks with the most sensitive data we would like to be least susceptible to foreign influence being on this platform," Bishara said. "There's a broader story we're seeing play out about the expertise of tech experts and political figures putting their views and experience ahead of other expert advice. This does seem to be a continuation of this relatively new story about the distrust of security experts."

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The focus has instead shifted away from national security and towards opportunity, according to Verstein.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew was alongside U.S. tech leaders and billionaires like Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, Sundar Pichai and Tim Cook at Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20. Trump, who originally called for the TikTok ban, has floated companies like Microsoft as potential buyers, touting its potential value.

Because TikTok is not a publicly traded company, it is not guaranteed that the public would be notified if an investor bought into the company unless their stake was substantial enough.

When a merger between major companies takes place, it is first scrutinized by the Department of Justice, which often demands that the public is notified. The Department of Justice has traditionally been wary of mergers that give the illusion of monopolization.

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Last year it entered an antitrust lawsuit against Ticketmaster and Live Nation for allegedly monopolizing the live event market. The companies merged in 2010.

The Hart-Scott-Rodino Act of 1976 requires that companies file premerger notifications with the Federal Trade Commission and the antitrust division of the Department of Justice.

"The president now in office is untroubled by the monopoly issues of a big tech firm buying TikTok," Verstein said. "We know the outgoing president was very worried about the monopolization of tech companies."

"If one reads the room right now, it seems like what's changed is we have a president who is exerting muscular control over the Department of Justice and seems quite motivated to allow an American buyer to take TikTok over," he continued.

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This exertion of control by Trump has broader implications beyond TikTok, impacting how Congress writes laws, according to Verstein.

"Trump started to play a very scrappy, very technical game to remind everyone this is the 21st century. We're not a little government run out of the Potomac by George Washington anymore," he said. "It doesn't have to be this way. When you seize bargaining power and show people you have bargaining power, it can work for a while. They change accordingly. In the future, if Congress wants a TikTok ban to work regardless of the executive they can write a TikTok ban that gives every customer the power to sue Google or whomever for giving them TikTok. Trump noticed that's not the law they wrote."
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  President Donald Trump asked SpaceX Founder Elon Musk to bring astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams back to Earth, after theyve spent months on the International Space Station.

In a statement, NASA said its working to bring Wilmore and Williams back expeditiouslywhile also preparing for the launch of Crew-10 to complete a handover between expeditions.

Wilmore and Williams are due to return with the SpaceX Crew-9 astronauts in late March or early April. They launched on the Boeing Starliner in June, on what was supposed to be a mission lasting around a week.

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After problems with the Starliner capsule before docking, then-NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said NASA elected to bring Williams and Wilmore back on the next SpaceX mission.

We have plenty of clothes. Were well fed, Wilmore said in a conversation with Nelson earlier this month.

Former NASA Astronaut Dr. Leroy Chiao said NASA could elect to bring Williams and Wilmore home earlier on a different spacecraft, but NASAs statement indicated they wanted to complete the handover to Crew-10.

Now youre going from four Americans down to one, Chiao said. That would disrupt the workflow on board the station but would not pose any kind of safety risk.

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Wilmore and Williams are part of the ISS crew. Williams conducted a spacewalk earlier this month.

In a statement, NASA said, NASA and SpaceX are expeditiously working to safely return the agencys SpaceX Crew-9 astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore as soon as practical, while also preparing for the launch of Crew-10 to complete a handover between expeditions.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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A Michigan priest had his license revoked by the Anglican Catholic Church after he mimicked Elon Musks controversial straight-arm gesture, which many have likened to a Nazi salute, during a speech.

The church announced it dismissed Calvin Robinson as a priest and rescinded his license after he made the gesture at the end of his speech Saturday during the National Pro-Life Summit in Washington, D.C.

The Holocaust was an episode of unspeakable horror, enacted by a regime of evil men, the Anglican Catholic Church said in a statement on its website. We condemn Nazi ideology and anti-Semitism in all its forms.

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The statement continued, And we believe that those who mimic the Nazi salute, even as a joke or an attempt to troll their opponents, trivialize the horror of the Holocaust and diminish the sacrifice of those who fought against its perpetrators. Such actions are harmful, divisive, and contrary to the tenets of Christian charity.

The church said Robinson previously had been warned that online trolling and other such actions (whether in service of the left or right) are incompatible with a priestly vocation and was told to desist.

Elsewhere in the churchs statement, it said members of the College of Bishops of the ACC were made aware of Robinsons gesture about 3 p.m. Wednesday from a post made on X [formerly Twitter] showing the end of Robinsons speech.

HuffPost has reached out to the Anglican Catholic Church for comment.

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Musks gesture that Robinson was imitating occurred during the Tesla co-founders Jan. 20 speech at a post-inauguration celebration for President Donald Trump. Musk slapped his chest and then thrust the same arm straight out into the air with his palm down in a manner that resembled a Nazi salute.

He then turned around and did the same movement again, telling the crowd My heart goes out to you.

Musk denied the accusations in a Jan. 20 tweet, writing, Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The everyone is Hitler attack is sooo tired.

Robinson also denied being a Nazi or doing a Nazi salute during the summit, saying in a Facebook post the gesture was a joke meant to chastise liberals.

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The joke at the end was a mockery of the hysterical liberals who called Elon Musk a Nazi for quite clearly showing the audience his heart was with them. Context is key, but sometimes people ignore context to confirm their own prejudices. People see what they want to see, he wrote.

Robinson went on to blame his actions on his attempt at dry wit before questioning whether the publics responses have been proportionate.

My attempt at dry wit, in that typical British way, was not a joke at the expense of WW II, nor an admission of my membership in the Nationalist Socialist Party, he continued in his post. You can consider my joke crass. But I ask you to consider if your responses have been proportionate?

Related...
Princess Beatrice, the eldest daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson has welcomed her second baby. The 36-year-old royal, who is married to businessman and architect Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, has named her newborn daughter Athena. Already a mother to Sienna, Princess Beatrice also plays a stepmother role to Mozzis son, Wolfie, from his previous relationship.

Princess Beatrice gives birth to second baby

Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi joyfully welcomed their second daughter, Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli Mozzi, on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. The birth took place at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London at 12:57 p.m. Buckingham Palace officially announced the news on January 29, a week after the delivery.

Athena weighed 4 pounds and 5 ounces (approximately 1.9 kg) at birth. Both Beatrice and the newborn are reported to be in good health.

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The newborns name, Athena, is inspired by the Greek goddess of wisdom and war. Her middle name, Elizabeth, mirrors that of her older sister, Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi. Both of their middle names pay tribute to their late great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth. Following her birth, Athena becomes 11th in the line of succession to the British throne.

King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and other members of the royal family were informed of the babys arrival and shared their joy over the news. Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi also took to his social media to confirm the birth. He shared her face-covered photo on Instagram.

Sarah, Duchess of York, also took to her social media to celebrate Athenas arrival. Overflowing with love and joy to be able to welcome Athena Elizabeth Rose into the world, she wrote on Instagram. She is already so adored and Im incredibly blessed to be a Granny once again. So proud of Edo, Beatrice and the rest of my little 5-a-side team!

Princess Beatrice was reportedly due to give birth in early spring. However, she was advised by her doctors not to travel long distances. Thus, she, Mozzi, and their children canceled their plans to spend Christmas overseas with Mozzis family. Instead, they celebrated Christmas with the royal family at Sandringham. (via BBC)

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Originally reported by Abdul Azim Naushad on ComingSoon.net.

The post Princess Beatrice Gives Birth to Daughter Athena appeared first on Mandatory.
Adelaide Kruse, a science teacher at Aiken New Tech High School, said half of her students have stopped coming to school since President Donald Trump authorized immigration enforcement on school property.

"And the students who are there, are honestly too scared to learn," she told the Cincinnati Public Schools Board of Education during a Monday school board meeting.

The district serves about 35,000 students, and more than 1 in 10 of them are learning English because they don't speak it as their first language. At Kruse's school, about 1 in 5 students are English language learners. She asked the district: What's the policy if government agents come knocking on her school's door asking about undocumented students?

There have not been any known incidents of government officials arresting undocumented immigrants at schools in or around Cincinnati.

More: Cincinnati teachers report low attendance, say students are 'living in fear' of ICE

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Just one of the region's 64 public school districts  Princeton City Schools  has a comprehensive plan for how school staff will respond to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and how to support immigrant students in crisis, an Enquirer survey of local districts shows. At Princeton, ICE agents can't talk to students unless they have a judicial warrant issued by a federal or magistrate judge, and that warrant has the child's name "clearly and correctly spelled." Even in that case, students won't be released into anyone's custody until the school has contacted that student's parent and the district's legal counsel OKs it.

A Princeton City School bus travels along Sharon Road in Glendale in November 2019.

More: One-third or more students at these schools don't speak English as their first language

The director of English language learner services at Princeton also told teachers in her department how they can support students who are scared. Princeton was proactive in their approach, spokesperson Tricia Roddy said, because they heard from families worried about potential changes to immigration enforcement earlier this school year, during community listening sessions. Princeton serves families in Springdale, a northern suburb of Cincinnati where many immigrant families live. More than 1,400 students at Princeton are English language learners, or 1 in 4 students districtwide.

More than 10 years ago, Roddy said, some of the district's students came home from school one day to find their parents missing after a local ICE raid. So, the fear of ICE arrests for Princeton families is very real, she said.

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"We just wanted to make sure that everything is in place," Roddy said. "That we have plans, that we know that our kids are going to be taken care of. And if, heaven forbid, that happens, that our teachers and our staff and administrators have a plan to make sure our kids are safe."

There have not been any known incidents of government officials arresting undocumented immigrants at schools in or around Cincinnati since Trump's administration authorized ICE agents to make arrests at "sensitive locations" like schools, churches and hospitals. Those spaces were previously protected from ICE enforcement, but Trump's administration rescinded that protection during his first day in office, on Jan. 20.

Cincinnati Public Schools and most other districts in the region shared generic guidance with The Enquirer about what rules are in place to protect students from law enforcement on campus. Government agents need written legal warrants to interrogate students at school, for instance. Most didn't go into any detail about what that means for school staff, or if any training has been provided.

More: Teacher tells ICE to visit high school where many students 'don't even speak English'

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And several districts said they don't have any protocols at all in place for when an ICE agent shows up at their school.

"We will follow what the agents ask us to do," Michael Sander, superintendent of Franklin City Schools, wrote in an email to The Enquirer.

The Enquirer's survey asked 64 public K-12 school districts in Ohio's Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren counties and Kentucky's Boone, Campbell, Grant and Kenton counties about how they are responding to the new ICE authorization. Most said they haven't noticed significant changes in student attendance.

"There has been no noticeable change in overall attendance, and the district is unaware of any federal agents having shown up in our school district related to immigration matters," Boone County Schools spokesperson Barbara Brady wrote in a statement.

With proper warrants, ICE agents can arrest students at school

Government agents, including local law enforcement and ICE representatives, can't enter schools without warrants.

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At Mason City Schools, spokesperson Tracey Carson said that means staff immediately contact district leadership if government officials arrive on school grounds, and district legal counsel reviews those officials' judicial warrants before any further action.

Districts also follow the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA, which keeps student records private. School officials can't disclose student records without prior written consent from a parent or guardian unless a court order, subpoena or health or safety emergency warrants it.

But with the right documentation, agents can arrest students on school grounds, according to information the local law firm Ennis Britton Co., L.P.A. sent to Oak Hills Local Schools. Administrative arrests or removal warrants, like I-200 or I-205 forms, issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, aren't judicial warrants and don't authorize officers to enter school grounds without consent. But school staff who don't know the difference could unknowingly cooperate and provide that permission even if agents don't have the proper forms.

Some school districts  including Reading Community City Schools, Southwest Local Schools, Finneytown Local Schools, St. Bernard-Elmwood Place City Schools, and Oak Hills Local School District  added that they are reinforcing established security protocols with all office staff for added safety.

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Taking things a step further, Princeton City Schools shared several documents with The Enquirer that detail a step-by-step plan district staff will follow if ICE agents come to their schools, advice for teachers to share with worried students and a list of resources administrators have on hand to help immigrant families in need.

This route is best practice, according to the information from attorneys at Ennis Britton. School districts should make internal plans for how to respond to ICE agents, including a review of board policies where applicable and making sure any school staff that interacts with an ICE agent documents the encounter.

What's in one school district's plan for interacting with ICE?

Elgin Card, superintendent of Princeton City Schools, emailed his staff after Trump took office to assure them that administrators at each school building have procedures in place "to handle law enforcement situations," and they have a list of resources available for parents and students in case of a crisis.

The district shared a document with The Enquirer that outlines its action plan for interactions with ICE agents. If ICE agents enter any campus or administrative building, according to the procedures, the following applies:

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ICE agents will be contained to a public area, like a school entrance vestibule or main office. "ICE agents are not to be allowed beyond these points."

School staff will immediately inform the principal, assigned designee and a school resource officer and "begin documentation of encounter," including the date, time and location of the encounter, the names and badge numbers of the agents and what the agents are requesting.

The school's principal or assigned designee will immediately contact the superintendent's office and request legal counsel report to where the ICE agents are. The building principal or assigned designee "are the only people allowed to communicate with the ICE agents." Teachers, students, paraprofessionals and other school staff are not allowed to speak with ICE agents on school grounds.

An ICE agent's request to interview or detain a student is only valid if they have a judicial warrant issued by a federal or magistrate judge, and that warrant has the child's name "clearly and correctly spelled."

If the warrant is considered valid, school staff will make a copy of the warrant for their records. The school will notify the student's parents or legal guardians.

Students can't be released into anyone's custody before the school has made contact with their parent or guardian. "Do not release the student into ICE custody until legal counsel gives consent to do so," Princeton's protocols state in bold font.

Card also wrote a message to district families about changes to the federal immigration policy, and encouraged students experiencing "fear, stress, or anxiety" related to these changes to reach out to their school-based mental health professional or principal.

What can teachers say to students worried about ICE agents?

Kelli Perrin, director of English learner services at Princeton, even emailed teachers in her department with suggestions on how to appropriately comfort students. Here's what she suggested:

Assure students that "the school is a safe place." Students can ask for help and resources if they need them.

Let students know that, per FERPA, their information is safe at school.

Make sure students are aware of their emergency resources: "Knowing who to contact, where to find important information, and what resources to access in an emergency is beneficial for every child and every family."

Own what you don't know: "There are some questions we simply do not have an answer to because there are unknowns that exist. What we can focus on is what we can control. Attendance, behavior, and academics are all in the students locus of control when attending school."

Students should know their trusted adults in the building, and talk to them.

Perrin said a districtwide seminar "to create family safety plans" is coming.

This story was updated to add a video.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Schools prepare for immigration raids, teachers say kids are scared
*Attached: Winter weather safety tips

WESTFIELD, Ind. (WJW)  A professional jump roper and his son were honored Monday after rescuing a teenager from icy waters in December.

According to a press release from the City of Westfield, Indiana, David Fisher and his son, Felix, were given the Lifesaving Citizen Award by Westfield by Mayor Scott Willis after they worked together to save a 19-year-old man and his dog who fell into an icy pond on Dec. 14, 2024.

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All aboard American Airlines jet feared dead after collision with Army helicopter

According to the release, Felix heard a man yelling for help and alerted his father before the two rushed into action and pulled the man and dog to safety using jump ropes.

According to the release, the Fishers took the man and his dog into their home to help them get warm and wait for first responders to arrive.

According to local news station WRTV, Fisher has traveled the world as a professional rope jumper, winning three world records. He did not hesitate before grabbing his double Dutch ropes to save the man and his dog.

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Ive always known that Westfield is filled with brave, kind-hearted people, but what David and Felix did is absolutely remarkable, Westfield Mayor Scott Willis said, according to the release. Their courageous actions are the definition of what it looks like to care for your neighbor. We are proud to honor them with this well-deserved award.

According to the release, Westfield Fire Chief Rob Gaylor said, Stories like these dont always have a positive outcome. My department and I are extremely grateful to David and Felix for their quick-thinking and selfless actions that day.

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This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

During the pandemic, midwives faced what researchers call a "pragmatic paradox"a situation where contradictory demands are imposed on individuals who can neither refuse nor fulfill the demands.

Midwives needed to care for women and babies despite the risk of infecting them with the virus. Their experiences shed important light on how we can think about no-win situations in the workplace.

In our recently published research, we surveyed 215 New Zealand midwives about their experiences of working through COVID lockdowns and how they coped with what felt at times like a no-win situation.

The absurdity of contradictory demands

Pragmatic paradoxes place workers in absurd, no-win situations. They can occur simply because of leadership issues or glitches in management bureaucracies. They can also happen during unique crisessuch as the pandemic.

But many workers are so used to feeling powerless that they may not recognizemuch less questionthe absurdity of contradictory demands.

This is especially true in situations where workers lack opportunities to discuss or challenge the directives they receive from above.

When the pandemic struck, midwives' professional roles suddenly entailed an inherent contradiction they had no opportunity to question.

They were contractually obligated to protect societal well-being by providing ongoing maternity services. Yet due to the fast evolving situation and initial shortages of safety equipment, providing those services entailed risking public well-being by exposing themselves and their clients to the virus.

As one of our research participants explained:

"I felt that I was in a very difficult situation. I was connecting with multiple 'bubbles' on a daily basis. I was scared that I could be in a position to pass COVID on to vulnerable people."

As expected, most midwives in our study felt disempowered by the tensions of this situation:

"I felt extremely vulnerable. As a lead maternity carer midwife, considered an essential service, I had no control over whether I could just not work."

But surprisingly, a small number of midwives were seemingly motivated by it. As one explained,

"[My family] thought I was 'brave' and 'courageous' to keep workingbut this was simply my job! I felt like I had a duty to pregnant women to front up and continue as per normal."

Recognized and supported?

Why would some midwives feel motivated by their contractual obligations to fulfill contradictory demands?

The crux, we found, was not whether they were aware of the contradiction inherent in their situation, but whether that awareness was accompanied by a sense of professional recognition and support.

If midwives felt like they were recognized and supported in their ongoing effortslike valuable members in the "team of 5 million"they framed and accepted their contradictory situation as part of a societal duty.

Midwives placed particular importance on recognition and support from the government and the public. As one explained,

"I felt the love. Heading out on the motorway I would see the sign thanking essential workers. And the government was always mentioning us and thanking us."

In contrast, if they felt like health system leaders and the public were oblivious to their situation, they interpreted contradictory work demands as stressful and disempowering.

Another midwife said, "I became very angry and felt midwives were like lambs to the slaughterwe had no PPE, we were being told to carry on working, in the media we were invisible. Our professional body seemed to put the women we cared for ahead of our well-being."

Managing pragmatic paradoxes

There are two ways to look at the implications of our findings. One is to suggest pragmatic paradoxes are not as bad as they initially seem.

Contradictions abound in contemporary society, so it may be inevitable that people face conflicting yet unrefusable demands in their jobs. But if leaders and managers can motivate workers to embrace those demandsor at least recognize the difficulty of the tasksthe outcome can be positive.

An alternative reading is that workers who feel motivated by pragmatic paradoxes are casualties of something akin to gaslighting. According to this logic, contradictory demands are imposed by those at the top of their respective organizations and societies, so that's where the demands ought to be dealt with.

For example, the government could have minimized the risks midwives faced during the pandemic by better access to protective equipment, thereby resolving their contradictory situation. Suggesting contradictory demands should be passed down to lower-level workers is therefore equivalent to accepting a certain level of oppression.

Whichever interpretation resonates more, our research underscores the importance of communication as a means of ensuring workers are not disempowered by pragmatic paradoxes.

Over the course of the pandemic, health care workers worldwide eventually improved their contradictory situation by posting on social media and talking to the press. Political leaders and health management recognized the workforce needed greater support to navigate the contradictory demands of risking well-being to protect well-being.

The broader lesson is when people face contradictory directives, they should be able to discuss and challenge them.

Research suggests that in interpersonal situations, humor may be an effective means of doing so without directly threatening the power or competence of those in charge.

Of course, this brings us to one final paradox: that encouraging humor and employee voice requires fostering the type of environment where pragmatic paradoxes are unlikely to thrive in the first place.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
(NewsNation)  Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s nomination as secretary of Health and Human Services has been controversial, but one area where he has seen broad support is his effort to make American food healthier.

Nourish Science CEO Jerold Mande told NewsNations Elizabeth Vargas that the food in America is making people sick.

Foods basic purpose is for us to thrive, and yet weve ended up with a food industry producing products that, if eaten as intended, will make you sick, he said.

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Kennedy isnt the first to champion healthier food. Nutrition was one of first lady Michelle Obamas causes during the Obama presidency, and she pushed efforts to make school lunches healthier.

Still, Americans have the shortest lifespans among the wealthiest 20 countries. Children in the U.S. have high rates of obesity, diabetes and fatty liver disease, which used to be rare in children.

Today, artificial food is synonymous with food that makes people sick, Mande said. The power of food companies to influence politics has made it difficult to invest in nutrition science.

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Highly processed foods make up 73% of the American food supply.

Mande told NewsNation the FDA should regulate the design of ultraprocessed food, which is engineered to be irresistible.

They need to tell companies yes, taste, cost and convenience should be three of your four North Stars, but the fourth is you have to do the research and prove to us that the food youre designing can be eaten as intended and not make people sick, he said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Though environmental leaders acknowledged that progress has been made in restoring the Chesapeake Bay, some challenges and uncertainty remain as they plan for the future.

At a Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee briefing this week, top environmental officials reflected on the work accomplished under the multi-state Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement and emphasized the need to focus on bipartisan collaboration to make that continue.

Some of the headway made since the 2014 agreement, which outlines goals to clean up the bay, includes the smallest dead zone on record observed in the bay in 2023, three consecutive years of increases in underwater grasses, large-scale oyster restoration and land conservation, according to Anna Killius, executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Commission.

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But while there has been meaningful progress, Killius said, its not all good news. The watershed agreement outlined 31 goals to aim for in restoration efforts by 2025, but 13 are off course, prompting the question of what comes next.

Plenty of work remains to restore the bay, including reducing pollution through improvements to wastewater treatment plants, updated stormwater regulations and reduced nutrient applications in certain areas.

In December, the Chesapeake Bay Programs executive council issued a directive for the agreement to be revised by the end of 2025, which could mean new deadlines or goals to replace the ones already achieved.

For outcomes that we are on track [for] or have already met  we need to ask, is there a new target that were aiming for? Killius said. For outcomes that we havent met, like the Watershed Implementation Plan, we need to decide: is there a new deadline, or do we need to fundamentally rethink how we are aiming to meet these targets?

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But looking forward, evolving science is allowing state officials to make better management decisions in real time and helping to focus on where interventions should be targeted, said Maryland Secretary of Natural Resources Josh Kurtz.

Protecting the fragile progress thats already been made will be key in future restoration efforts, said Allison Colden, the Maryland executive director for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

The investments that weve made thus far need to be protected to ensure that we dont backslide, making our efforts moving forward even more difficult, she said.

However, uncertainty could be on the horizon under President Donald Trump. Widespread confusion ensued across the state when the Trump administration ordered a freeze on federal grants Monday and rescinded it Wednesday.

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State officials said Tuesday that the freeze would have affected Marylands environmental departments, but Kurtz said some preparations were already underway.

Weve been doing a deep level of analysis for the past year in terms of looking at each one of these fund sources, what theyre funding internally at our departments, to come up with plans  if these funding freezes become permanent  how we would be able to reallocate internal assets to make sure that were still getting the progress done, he said at the briefing.

Its too soon to know how the new federal administration could impact individual progress across any goals outlined in the watershed agreement, Killius said.

We do know kind of what we were working with under the previous Trump administration when it came to the Bay Program, she said. I think were kind of refreshing our playbook from that administration to work with them again.

____
(Reuters) - Zakaria Zubeidi's last, fleeting, taste of freedom involved five days on the run after escaping from an Israeli maximum security prison in 2021, but on Thursday the Palestinian militant was released as part of the Gaza ceasefire deal.

Zubeidi, a former leader in an armed group in the West Bank city of Jenin who was involved in deadly attacks two decades ago, flashed a "V-for-victory" sign as he arrived in a bus with other Palestinian prisoners in Ramallah.

However, he may not be able to return home. The Jenin refugee camp where he grew up has turned into a battle zone, with Israel pivoting from the war in Gaza to step up military operations against Hamas in the West Bank.

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The fate of Zubeidi, one of the most prominent Palestinian prisoners being released, underscores the growing shift in Israel's focus to the West Bank and particularly to Jenin, which its forces entered as soon as the Gaza ceasefire began.

But his release also highlights the high stakes at play in an ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinians to which no political solution appears close.

Under the terms of the Gaza ceasefire deal, Israel is releasing Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the militant Islamist group Hamas freeing hostages it seized in the Oct. 7, 2023 attack that set off 15 months of war in the tiny enclave.

Zubeidi was Jenin head of the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, the military wing of the main Palestinian party Fatah, throughout the Second Intifada, the armed uprising against Israeli occupation that raged from 2000 to 2005.

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REFUGEE CAMP

Jenin, a crowded township built for descendants of Palestinians who fled their homes or were driven out in the 1948 Middle East war around the creation of the state of Israel, was a focal point for the intifada and a major battle site in 2002.

That conflict made Zubeidi a powerbroker, both in Jenin and in wider Palestinian politics, and he was subject to assassination attempts before being included in a 2007 amnesty deal between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

Zubeidi has said in press interviews that his childhood memories include Israeli forces arresting his father for membership of Fatah and then shooting him in the leg and jailing him for throwing stones at them when he was a teenager.

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His mother hosted a children's theatre group in Jenin run by Israeli peace activists and Zubeidi was a keen participant. She was killed during an Israeli military operation in the camp in 2002, but after the Second Intifada ended Zubeidi again turned to theatre, this time as a director.

Israel arrested him in 2019 on charges of engaging in armed activities. But he and five other prisoners dug a tunnel through the floor of their cell over two years using plates, concealing it with a floorboard.

They clambered through a drainage system and escaped on foot, running through fields. But five days later he and a fellow escapee were discovered hiding in a truck in an Arab village in northern Israel.

(Writing by Angus McDowall and James Mackenzie; Editing by Alex Richardson)
Jan. 30The colorful former Niagara Falls home of a self-taught artist who considered himself a prophet has been added to a nationwide network designed to conserve the legacy of the visual arts.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation announced this week that the Prophet Isaiah Robertson's Second Coming House, located at 1308 Ontario Ave., has been added to the organization's Historic Artists' Homes and Studios (HAHS) membership program. The network is designed to allow members to share knowledge and resources in areas such as historic preservation, visitor and community programs and communications. The Second Coming House is among a group of 18 sites added as program affiliates under what the National Trust for Historic Preservation described as one of the largest membership expansions in its history.

In its announcement about the expansion, the trust described The Second Coming House as a "striking art environment" created by Robertson who transformed his home into an immersive religious artwork, featuring a dramatic 25-foot painted cross and intricate religious imagery crafted from wood, paint, and beadwork both inside and outside the property.

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"As the only artist-built environment of its kind in Western New York, the site showcases Robertson's divinely-inspired creativity through painstakingly preserved and recreated elements, including his signature "perfectly imperfect" painting style and symbolic religious artworks," the National Trust for Historic Preservation said in its press release. "Opened earlier this year, visitors can experience this unique cultural landmark through guided tours that explore themes of immigration, religious expression, and artistic vision, while learning about Robertson's remarkable journey from Jamaican carpenter to visionary artist."

Robertson, who was born in Jamaica and moved to the Falls after living in Canada, built a 25-foot wooden cross at the head of his home's driveway after he said he received a vision from God that directed him to offer a source of healing in the world. He later started covering the property with brightly painted wooden cut-outs of moons, stars and other items. The building has been a source of curiosity for visitors, art students and journalists for years.

After Robertson's death in 2020, several individuals and groups came together to preserve the building, including professional photographer Fred Scruton and the Kohler Foundation, a Wisconsin-based philanthropic organization. In 2021, under the foundation's direction, the art preservation company B.R. Howard and Associates began a full-scale conservation effort at the site that involved documenting and evaluating each piece of art before it was all dismantled and reassembled. The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area accepted the site as a gift in 2023 and now oversees the management of the property.

The site was the subject of a story published in the Art Newspaper last April. As a media partner of the newspaper, CNN promoted the story on its website, describing the home in its headline as "A riot of colors and religious iconography."

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With the new additions, the number of HAHS member sites grows to 80, across 31 states in the nation.

"This extremely diverse group represents the richness and breadth of place-based art legacy in this country," said HAHS Director Valerie Balint. "It has been a pleasure to witness some of these sites evolve from nascent preservation initiatives to spaces of meaningful public engagement and to welcome them into membership alongside other more established sites that are at important moments of new expansion, innovation, and storytelling. All these new affiliate sites have much to offer the public audiences they serve, but also their peers within the existing HAHS coalition. As with each site within HAHS, these inspirational new affiliates are all worth a pilgrimage to experience."
HONOLULU (KHON2) 

The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney has announced that no charges will be filed against the Honolulu Police officers involved in the January 1, 2024 arrest of Tevita Cadiente. They said their use of force was justified.



Cadiente claims he was brutally beaten by officers who mistook him for shooting suspect, Sidney Tafokitau, who had led police on an islandwide manhunt that day. The men said they were innocent bystanders on University Ave., from where the manhunt ended. A shootout concluded with the death of Sidney Tafokitau and the wounding of two officers.

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But Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm said officers had probable cause to make an arrest and were justified in using physical force to get Cadiente to comply.

That did include force and the officers talked about that multiple fist strikes trying to distract him trying to get him to loosen up his arms so they can handcuff him, said Alm. And until that happened, they did what they needed to do.

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The attorney for Cadiente and his father, Vao Mataele, who have filed a federal lawsuit against the city and the HPD officers, said he was not surprised by the announcement and are looking forward to a civil jury to make their judgement in court. Attorney Michael Rudy said his client is still recovering from the injuries sustained in the beating.

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Hawaiis rural healthcare at stake as federal funding freezes

The federal lawsuit says Cadiente was rammed against a fence by a police vehicle and then beaten by multiple officers, while his father was handcuffed and held on the University Ave. pavement.

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The Venezuelan community across Central Florida is on edge. It comes as the Department of Homeland Security removed Venezuela from the list of countries with temporary protected status in the United States.

Do you fear for the safety of your people, Channel 9s Geovany Dias asked William Diaz, Founder of Casa de Venezuela. Absolutely, all the time, Diaz said.

Diaz was born and raised in Venezuela. For the past two decades, hes been helping other Venezuelans come to the U.S. looking for a better life. Now, hes bracing for a drastic change.

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Read: Family of Orlando reporter killed files lawsuit against Spectrum 13s parent company

Public utilities do not work. The roads are in terrible conditions; people die because the hospitals have no resources, Diaz said. How do you call that? A humanitarian crisis!

Currently, hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans are under temporary protected status - TPS. The status is given to citizens from countries experiencing political instability. With the document, they can temporarily live, work, and pay taxes in the United States.

Under the Biden Administration, TPS for Venezuelans was granted for the first time in 2021.

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And before he left the white house in January, the former president extended the status until 2026.

Read: Mob mentality beatdown : Volusia Sheriff condemns party turned violent

However, on Tuesday, the Trump Administration revoked the measure. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said on social media - that DHS is ending the ridiculous Biden Administration order that allowed illegal immigrants from Venezuela to stay in our country and violate our laws.

According to Orlando immigration attorney Walter Santos, the list of countries that qualify for TPS changes based on their political climate. The foreigner is allowed to stay in the United States until the last day of their TPS, the day after they are here illegally, Santos said.

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Read: Suspected Serial Killer named Person of Interest in 40-year-old Lake County murder case

The attorney also explained that, in the case of Venezuela, not much has changed regarding the countrys political climate and that Venezuelan citizens must have no criminal record to qualify for TPS and must be fingerprinted. The situation is even worse now than it was many years ago. Now is the time to protect these people who are already here and working legally, contributing. Were not talking about criminals. Were not talking about people who are violating the law.

Casa de Venezuela is joining 80+ organizations nationwide to look into legal options to bring TPS back.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.




DENVER (KDVR)  A K-9 who works with the Denver Sheriffs Department will soon get a newly donated body armor suit.

According to a press release from the sheriffs department, Boomer will receive the donation from Vested Interest in K-9s, Inc. The non-profit organization has a mission to provide body armor to K-9s working for law enforcement and other related agencies in the United States. According to the release, there are an estimated 30,000 K-9s in law enforcement in the U.S.

Butterfly Pavilion and Mexican government team up to safeguard monarch butterflies

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Boomers vest is expected to be delivered in about 10 weeks and will have In memory of Jeanne K. Strzala embroidered on the side. The vest is protective against bullets and stabbing.

A K-9 with the Denver Sheriffs Department got a newly donated body armor suit.

The organization has supplied 5,882 vests to K-9s in all 50 states. The total value of the vests donated by private and corporate donors is valued at $6.9 million, according to the press release.

Take a look: Denver PDs bomb squad has a new robot dog

K-9s become eligible for the program once they are 20 months old and must be certified by law enforcement or related agencies. K-9s with expired vests are also eligible for new donations.

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Donations of $1,050 sponsor one vest, which has a total value of $1,800. The vests weigh four to five pounds on average and come with a five-year warranty.

More information about the program can be found on the Vested Interest in K9s website.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  Over 100 protesters gathered Tuesday at the corner of College Avenue and Dickson Street, voicing their concerns over recent executive orders from President Donald Trump.

Many said they were speaking out to be a voice for those they believe are no longer heard.

Abrielle Mendez, a Hispanic Arkansas native, was among those in attendance, advocating to end mass deportation and protect human rights she fears are slipping away.

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Our cultureand people love our culture so muchbut they dont want the people who bring it here, Mendez said. My fathers from Mexico. Hes fought his entire life to be here. Whether people realize it or not, I think Mexicans are the backbone of this country.

As cars passed, some horns blared in support. Protest organizer Vye emphasized that her goal was not to create division, but rather to unite the community and foster dialogue between those with differing perspectives on issues like mass deportation.

I feel like we could often come to a middle ground more easily than we can now, Vye said. Whereas now, its very extremeI dont want to hear you. Its very hate-centered. I feel like nobody really wants to question their ideologies anymore or whats behind those ideologies.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders also weighed in on the issue, affirming her support for mass deportation policies and the current administrations stance on border security.

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Were going to work closely with the Trump administration, Sanders said. We have to be a country that has law and order. We have to be a country that has a secure border. And we finally have a president back in the White House who understands that and is actually taking steps to enforce it.

The protest remained peaceful, with demonstrators continuing to push for dialogue and action on immigration and human rights issues.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP)  Dozens of Indonesians, angered over the fatal shooting of an Indonesian migrant worker in neighboring waters, threw eggs on Thursday at the Malaysian embassy in Indonesias capital.

A 50-year-old migrant worker was shot dead and four others wounded on Jan. 24 after the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, or APMM, opened fire on their boat for alleged trespassing in the waters off Tanjung Rhu Beach in Selangor state.

Indonesian authorities in Riau province on Wednesday received the man's body.

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Nearly 100 demonstrators from various rights groups and labor unions gathered Thursday outside the embassy, on a major street in downtown Jakarta. Eggs covered the state symbol of Malaysia at the missions gate, and the building itself appeared to have egg stains and cracked shells on it.

Protesters held signs saying, Prosecute and jail Malaysian police who shot dead Indonesian migrant worker.

Indonesias Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement on Jan. 25, a day after the incident, that the fatal shooting occurred as the five Indonesians were attempting to leave Malaysia illegally. The ministry has since demanded a thorough investigation, specifically into the possible use of excessive force by the APMM.

The shooting caused a national outcry in Indonesia after a video from one of the victims went viral on social media last week. It showed several Indonesian migrants slumped with gunshot wounds near a boat. Their faces also look pale from holding back the pain next to the body of a colleague.

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The incident was just another in a long list of deaths among Indonesian migrant workers allegedly at the hands of Malaysian authorities, said Wahyu Susilo, executive director of Migrant Care, an advocacy group for Indonesian migrant workers.

Migrant Care said its records showed at least 75 such killings since 2005. The group urged Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto not to turn a blind eye to migrant deaths for fear of straining relations with Kuala Lumpur.

Subianto on a recent visit to Malaysia promised to work together with the Malaysian government to solve problems surrounding migrant workers.

We will resolve our bilateral issues, including those surrounding manpower. We have agreed to increase cooperation in all sectors, Subianto said in a joint statement with Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, during his state-

visit on Monday, just three days after the fatal shooting in Selangor.
Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in cities across Germany on Thursday after a controversial motion demanding migration reforms was passed in parliament the previous day with support from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).

The centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU) on Thursday relied on the AfD to narrowly pass the motion in Germany's Bundestag, or lower house of parliament, causing an outcry just weeks before the country's parliamentary election on February 23.

It was the first time that a party has depended on the AfD to form a majority for a vote in the lower house, breaking the so-called "firewall," a term referring to mainstream parties' long-established refusal to work with the AfD.

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Police said 6,000 people gathered in front of the CDU's national headquarters in Berlin for a rally organized by the alliance "Together against the Right," under the slogan "No cooperation with the AfD."

On the alliance's Instagram channel, activists describe Wednesday's vote in the Bundestag as a "breached taboo" and "absolutely unacceptable."

The CDU had asked employees at the party's national headquarters to leave work early as a precaution before the demonstration began, having received information from security authorities that it would not be possible to leave the building safely later, a party spokeswoman said.

Some 5,000 demonstrators also gathered in the eastern German city of Leipzig, calling for politicians to "defend the right to asylum" and "rebuild the firewall."

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Meanwhile, some 7,000 people demonstrated in front of the CSU headquarters in the Bavarian capital of Munich.

CSU leader and Bavarian premier Markus Soder had previously expressed his "full support" for Merz, writing in a post on X: "A change of direction is finally needed. Those who do not act decisively now will only strengthen the radical forces. We need a new era of drive and decisiveness."

Other demonstrations across the country also drew thousands of protesters, including in Kiel in the north, Dusseldorf in the west, Freiburg in the south-west and Hannover in the centre.

Further demonstrations are planned for the coming days.

The fallen firewall

The controversial vote on Wednesday related to a non-binding five-point plan demanding hard-line reforms to the country's migration policy.

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Migration has become a hot-button issue in the German election campaign after a string of attacks attributed to suspects with migrant backgrounds, most recently in the the southern city of Aschaffenburg last week.

Another bill to reform Germany's migration laws is set to be introduced in the Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, by the conservative CDU/CSU alliance on Friday. The AfD has signalled it will support the measure.

A demonstrator holds a poster reads "Human rights, instead of right-wing people" during a demonstration on migration policy in front of the headquarters of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Berlin. Christoph Soeder/dpa
A Stevensville homebuilder was sentenced to more than five years in federal prison Thursday, following his convictions last year for defrauding his former customers and employees of more than $1.8 million.

Brett Mauri, 61, the owner of Bitterroot Timber Frames of Montana, was convicted on all charges  four counts of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering  at the end of a five-day jury trial in U.S. District Court in Missoula last fall.

Judge Dana L. Christensen also sentenced Mauri to three years of supervised release after he gets out of prison, and required him to pay $1,855,000 back to the 15 victims identified in the court case.

Although you have come to a point this morning where you appear to be getting your head wrapped around the harm that youve inflicted on the victims, I think you still have a ways to go in terms of your acceptance of your responsibility for what occurred, Christensen told Mauri, noting his years-long pattern of fraud and deception resembled a Ponzi scheme.

Federal prosecutors said Mauri used payments from customers for unrelated personal expenses or to cover debts at his other businesses. He also didnt pay employees and contractors and failed to produce the materials and work he had promised, according to a trial brief filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney for Montana Benjamin Hargrove.

Mauri addressed the judge prior to sentencing, apologizing to the fraud victims, his family and the prosecutors and investigators involved in the case.

As head of my company I bear full responsibility for multiple failures, and Im ashamed of myself for the consequences of my actions, Mauri said. He added, I blamed others for what was happening to the business. I felt the allegations were unfair and the process of this trial has allowed me to not respond defensively, and to understand my culpability in what has transpired.

Financial records Mauri submitted to the court before sentencing indicate that he has negative assets, Christensen noted. The terms of the sentence require Mauri to pay at least $500 per month once he gets out, depending on his financial ability. Along with his wife, Mauri also owns the Creamery Antique Mall in Stevensville.

I hope at some point Ill start getting my $25 a year, Brian Kenner quipped outside the courtroom once the hearing concluded. The Bitterroot resident is owed $250,000, according to court records.

Kenner said he was able to get some of his money back through a civil lawsuit he filed against Mauri years earlier, when he realized the dream home he was paying the contractor to build in the Bitterroot Valley wasnt becoming a reality despite hundreds of thousands paid out to Mauris company.

Kenner was one of two financial victims to attend the sentencing, and the only one to address the court. He told the judge he wanted to speak for other victims not in attendance, many of whom live out of state.

Nine victims referenced in court documents claimed that Mauri had been paid to build houses across the country, including in New York, Louisiana and Utah. Other victims had contracted with him for houses in the Bitterroot Valley and elsewhere in Montana, court documents state.

One thing this trial clearly demonstrated was the lengths that Mr. Mauri took to hide the money from his clients and use it for his own pleasure, Kenner said during his statement to the court. ... Mr. Mauri stole their retirements and shattered their lives, and really gave them nothing.

Kenner wasnt the hardest-hit among the victims listed in court documents. One person allegedly paid $600,000 for a dream retirement home in Utah but after several years received nothing but architectural drawings in return.

Mauri previously rejected a plea deal offered by prosecutors that would have required him to plead guilty to just one count each of wire fraud and money laundering, according to the trial brief.

At the beginning of the sentencing hearing, defense attorney John Rhodes persuaded the judge to reject a sentencing enhancement sought by federal prosecutors for continuing to lie about his fraudulent activities when he took the stand during trial.

Its something like prosecution-on-the-cheap, Rhodes said. If the perjury warrants punishment, then certainly the prosecution has the ability to charge Mr. Mauri with a new crime.

Acknowledging that U.S. attorneys had succeeded in revealing the defendants lies on the stand during their cross-examination, Christensen said those statements nonetheless didnt seem to sway the jury, which convicted him on all counts.

I dont think a defendant has a constitutional right to lie on the stand, (but) Mr. Mauri is not the first person, the first defendant who has taken the stand and administered an oath and told lies, Christensen said.

He added, I dont think he still has the capacity to discern truth from falsehood, because he has been telling so many falsehoods for so long that it just has become second-nature to him.

Mauri was taken into custody by the federal Bureau of Prisons at the end of the hearing. Christensen agreed to the defenses request to recommend he be placed in a federal facility in Florida, where he has family.
ALBERTVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  A protest is taking place Wednesday evening in Albertville in support of undocumented people, according to posts on social media.

The protest was scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. in Downtown Albertville near city hall and the chamber of commerce. News 19 crews at the scene found a large group of people standing shoulder to shoulder outside of the chamber on the sidewalk holding flags, posters and banners.

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Protesters were encouraged to bring flags, posters and banners to show support. Organizers asked for a peaceful demonstration to champion the rights of those who are hesitant to express themselves.

Those who helped organize the protest told News 19 they planned this after seeing immigration actions made in Washington, D.C. and the impacts theyve had on the nation. The people present chanted and cheered outside the city hall for nearly four hours.

We want to show our community that theyre heard, theyre seen, and that if they cant speak up, Michelle Medina, protest organizer said. We will speak up for them.

If this was really about criminals and anything like that, you wouldnt be raiding schools, protestor Adriana Ramirez said. You wouldnt be coming up there. Little kids that are in school trying to study. And most of these parents have literally lost everything and familys been stripped away, like, its just not right.

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On Thursday morning following the protests, Congressman Robert B. Aderholt (AL-04) released a statement.

As a staunch advocate for the rule of law and the safety of our communities, I find the recent anti-ICE protests in Albertville deeply concerning. While I respect the right to peaceful assembly and free speech, any rhetoric that threatens or undermines the essential work of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is unacceptable. ICE plays a critical role in targeting violent criminals who are in the country illegally, ensuring that dangerous individuals do not pose a threat to our communities. To say that ICE wont be tolerated in and around Albertville is a game of dangerous rhetoric. By making the Laken Riley Act the first bill signed under his administration, President Trump shows he is committed to immigration enforcement and seeking justice for the bereaved families of Americans lost to lawlessness at the border. Congressman Robert B. Aderholt (AL-04)

Aderholt represents Alabamas 4th Congressional District, which includes Marshall County.

There was a heavy police presence at the scene throughout the night, making several traffic stops for cars driving recklessly in participation with the protest.

Protestors also told News 19 that they hope this nationwide movement theyve taken part in can get the attention of lawmakers and spark a change.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  PSA Airlines, a subsidiary of American Airlines, is moving its headquarters from Dayton to North Carolina.

According to a release, PSA Airlines will open a new headquarters in Charlotte in January 2026. An estimated 400 PSA workers will be active at the new facility.

We chose to relocate PSAs headquarters to Charlotte for several important reasons, including that Charlotte is where most of our daily departures occur and almost all our training is based, said Dion Flannery, president and CEO of PSA.

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The 350 workers who are employed at the Dayton location are being encouraged by the company to move to its new headquarters upon the opening, but an April deadline has been set for those decisions.

Jeff Hoagland, president and CEO of the Dayton Development Coalition, said flight service will not be interrupted.

We are disappointed PSA chose to relocate their headquarters to Charlotte. We have worked to keep PSAs local leadership engaged in the business community, and understand this selection was not a competitive process. We believe affected employees will be well positioned for job opportunities within the region and states aviation and aerospace industry. PSAs MRO facility will remain here, continuing to employ hundreds of people and their flight service will not be disrupted. The Dayton Region continues to grow its aerospace manufacturing ecosystem at the Dayton International Airport, and PSA will continue to be part of that. Jeff Hoagland, president, CEO of Dayton Development Coalition

It is expected that the company will conduct gradual moves, with some transferring in the second-half of this year until 2026.

2 NEWS spoke with Dayton City Manager Shelley Dickstein during this weeks commission meeting, where she said the city wants to continue building their relationship with PSA even if their headquarters moves away.

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We will look forward to a continued strategic partnership with PSA, said Dickstein. There are opportunities and we will work with our regional partners to look at the assets being left behind by PSA.

PSA Airlines has been a staple at the Dayton airport since 1985, hosting hundreds of jobs and several facilities on airport grounds.

PSA will partially remain in Dayton despite the headquarters moving  there is still a maintenance and hangar facility staffed by around 550 employees.

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Jan. 29Just hours before one of its airplanes carrying 60 people crashed Wednesday into a military helicopter in Washington, D.C., PSA Airlines announced it was moving its corporate headquarters from Dayton to Charlotte, N.C.

The move is a blow to Dayton, which for years could claim to be home to the only airline based in Ohio.

"We are disappointed PSA chose to relocate their headquarters to Charlotte," said Jeff Hoagland, president and chief executive of the Dayton Development Coalition. "We have worked to keep PSA's local leadership engaged in the business community, and understand this selection was not a competitive process."

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The new PSA headquarters will be located five miles from Charlotte Douglas International Airport, where many PSA employees are already working, the company said.

PSA's Charlotte headquarters is expected to open in January 2026 and will have about 400 PSA workers.

"We chose to relocate PSA's headquarters to Charlotte for several important reasons, including that Charlotte is where most of our daily departures occur and almost all our training is based," said Dion Flannery, president and CEO of PSA. "Charlotte is a vibrant community and home to the world's seventh-busiest airport."

He added: "While we're looking forward to getting integrated into the Charlotte community, I want to sincerely thank the city of Dayton, its leaders and the entire Dayton community for embracing and supporting PSA for so many years. We will continue to have a presence in Dayton with a maintenance hangar and crew base, including more than 550 Dayton-based team members."

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PSA said 350 Dayton-based employees are being invited to move to Charlotte. They have until the end of April to decide, the airline said.

Annually, PSA said it hires nearly 1,200 employees.

Movement of PSA team members from Dayton to Charlotte will be "gradual," PSA said, with some moves happening as early as the second half of 2025, concluding in 2026.

PSA's MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) facility will remain local, continuing to employ hundreds of people and its flight service will not be disrupted, Hoagland also said.

"The Dayton region continues to grow its aerospace manufacturing ecosystem at the Dayton International Airport, and PSA will continue to be part of that," he added.

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A message seeking comment was left with a spokesman for PSA.

Late Wednesday and early Thursday, visitors to the company's web site were sent directly to the American Airlines web site, which focused on information about Flight 5342.

Flannery recently left the coalition's board of directors, a coalition representative said.

Asked about the process behind the scenes of PSA's decision, Hoagland said Wednesday: "We didn't have the opportunity to tell PSA why they should keep their corporate headquarters in Dayton."

The coalition said its plan is to work with PSA employees choosing to remain in Dayton to help them find job opportunities with local companies.

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"Our prayers are with the PSA community, especially the families of the passengers, crew, and military service members who lost their lives in the tragic accident Wednesday night. PSA is part of our Dayton community, and our heart goes out them," Hoagland said.

PSA Airlines is a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group, operating 500 daily flights to nearly 100 destinations.
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ)  A Johnstown man is facing charges after he allegedly uploaded and stored over 200 files of child pornography on a Google account.

Mugshot of Jeffrey Houghton-Aydelott provided by the Cambria County Prison

Jeffrey Houghton-Aydelott, 40, has been charged following an investigation that began in early January due to the National Center For Missing & Exploited Children being notified of suspected child porn being uploaded, according to a criminal complaint.

On Jan. 7, Pennsylvania State Police received information from a report that stated between Dec. 26 and 27 child pornography was stored in a Google Photos account. Among the 262 videos and images reported by Google, troopers noted in the affidavit that one video depicted an infant.

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PD: Blair County man charged after inappropriate contact with child

Google provided police with information that identified the account user as Houghton-Aydelott, according to the affidavit. Police also confirmed that through phone records and IP address tracking.

Police applied for and were granted a search warrant. On Jan. 29, troopers along with the Johnstown Police Department arrived at Houghton-Aydelotts home and spoke with him. During an interview, he allegedly admitted to possessing child pornography.

They also noted that in a search of his cell phone, 12 files of child pornography were allegedly found.

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Houghton-Aydelott is in the Cambria County Prison with bail denied due to the seriousness of his charges and due to his past criminal history, according to court documents. Hes facing 20 felony charges of possessing child pornography and disseminating photos or videos of child sex acts.

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A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 20.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com.
(Getty Images)

Religious freedom is one of our countrys most treasured liberties. Every individual and family  not politicians or the government  gets to decide for themselves what religious beliefs, if any, they adopt and practice.

This constitutional protection is strongest in our public schools, which serve children and families of many religious backgrounds. As the U.S. Supreme Court has observed, families entrust public schools with the education of their children, but condition their trust on the understanding that the classroom will not purposely be used to advance religious views that may conflict with the private beliefs of the student and his or her family.

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Unfortunately, the government sometimes strays from these ideals. Were seeing that in North Dakota with House Bill 1145, legislation that would require the Ten Commandments to be posted in all public schools. This measure blatantly violates the First Amendments promise of religious freedom.

The Ten Commandments are fundamentally religious edicts. Indeed, House Bill 1145 mandates the specific text that must be used in each display, and the very first words proclaim, I AM the LORD thy God and direct students to have no other gods before me.

More specifically, the U.S. Supreme Court has noted that the commandments are undeniably a sacred text in the Jewish and Christian faiths. Nearly 50 years ago in Stone v. Graham, the court struck down a Kentucky law that required public schools to post the Ten Commandments in every classroom, explaining: If the posted copies of the Ten Commandments are to have any effect at all, it will be to induce the schoolchildren to read, meditate upon, perhaps to venerate and obey, the Commandments. However desirable this might be as a matter of private devotion, it is not a permissible state objective under the Establishment Clause.

Given this longstanding Supreme Court precedent, its not surprising that a federal court held in November that a 2024 Louisiana law, which is similar to House Bill 1145, is unconstitutional. After hearing extensive expert testimony, the court rejected Louisianas false claim  one repeated by proponents of House Bill 1145  that the Ten Commandments were a prominent part of American public education for almost three centuries.

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Pointing to the Supreme Courts ruling in Stone and the heightened constitutional protections for religious freedom in public schools, the court found that the Louisiana statute violates both students and parents First Amendment religious-freedom rights.

Requiring North Dakota school districts to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom will put school boards in an impossible situation by requiring them to infringe the constitutional rights of students and parents and risk being sued by any number of families, along with all the associated costs of such litigation.

Parents and students objections to school promotion of this scripture is not rooted in hostility to religion. In Stone, for example, the plaintiffs were Quaker, Unitarian, and a rabbi, among others. In the recent Louisiana case, the plaintiffs include public school parents who are Christian ministers in addition to parents of interfaith families, Jewish families and others. Additionally, many Christian, Jewish, and other minority-faith groups have spoken out against proposals like House Bill 1145. These families and faith-based organizations all seek to defend the same enduring religious-freedom principles: the government cannot take sides on matters of faith, and our public schools belong to all and should be welcoming of all, regardless of religion.

Only by upholding these principles can we ensure that the freedom of religion remains a cornerstone of our democracy.
DAMASCUS (Reuters) -Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani visited Damascus on Thursday and met newly declared transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa, in the first visit by a head of state to the Syrian capital since Bashar al-Assad was toppled on Dec. 8.

The Qatari emir was received at Damascus International Airport by Sharaa, leading a senior delegation that included the defence and foreign ministers.

Sheikh Tamim stressed in his meeting with Sharaa "the urgent need to form a government that represents all segments of the Syrian people", the Qatari royal court said.

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Sharaa was declared transitional head of state and empowered to form a temporary legislative council on Wednesday, during a meeting of commanders of military groups that took part in the lightning offensive against Assad.

He has pledged to embark on a political transition including a national conference, an inclusive government and eventual elections, which he has said could take up to four years to hold.

The kings of Jordan and Saudi Arabia also congratulated Sharaa on Thursday his new position.

Sharaa captured Damascus as leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an Islamist rebel faction that was affiliated to al Qaeda until it severed ties in 2016.

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'A NEW CHAPTER'

Qatar long backed the Syrian opposition to Assad.

In a joint press conference with Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed al-Khulaifi, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani said: "The Syrian people won't forget Qatar's committed position while we open a new chapter in a new Syria".

The Qatari and Syrian officials discussed a comprehensive framework for post-war reconstruction in Syria, Shibani said.

Khulaifi said Qatar hopes to increase aid to Syria and continue to offer support when it comes to electricity and the country's infrastructure.

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Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani visited Damascus earlier in January, and said natural gas-rich Qatar would supply Syria with 200 megawatts of electricity, which would be gradually increased.

Qatar said in December it would reopen its embassy in Damascus after a more than 13-year closure.

Qatar shut its embassy in July 2011 after withdrawing its ambassador in protest at Assad's deadly crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators, violence that spiralled into a protracted civil war.

Relations between Syria and many fellow Arab states as well as Western powers have been thawing under the country's change of leadership, which ended Damascus' close alliance with Russia and Iran.

(Writing by Tala Ramadan and Nayera AbdallahEditing by Kim Coghill, Mark Heinrich, Peter Graff)
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  The Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) said it is now expecting a plan from Quidnessett Country Club in North Kingstown to tear down its controversial seawall. This, after the council rejected a proposal Tuesday that would have allowed the wall to stay.

While environmentalists and R.I. Attorney General Peter Neronha believe the decision was the right move, they said the council shouldnt have considered the country clubs proposal in the first place.

The council is infamous in its delay and time-consuming processes, which are very political, said Topher Hamblett, executive director of Save the Bay. This is one of the many reasons why we need to get rid of the council.

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In September, 12 News spoke with Quidnessett Country Clubs Janice Mathews about the 600-foot wall. She said they had tried to follow the CRMCs guidance for years, but after a bad storm in December 2022, the country club decided to build a seawall without the CRMCs permission because it was losing its property to erosion.

The last 30 years weve lost over 47 feet, she said. We have to move the 14th fairway to the point where we cant move it anywhere else.

The country club declined to comment on Tuesdays decision.

BACKGROUND: RI country club asks state to remove restrictions on illegally built sea wall

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Hamblett said seawalls can pose several problems because they can be detrimental to the environment, block access to the coastline and can make erosion worse for neighbors.

On Tuesday, the CRMC rejected a proposal from the country club to change the propertys water type, which currently limits construction because it abuts conservation land, falling in line with the councils expert recommendations made last year.

Hamblett said the decision comes after nearly two years of delays and accused the council of dragging out a response.

MORE: Save the Bay accuses CRMC of power abuse for canceling controversial seawall meetings

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The attorney general said this controversy is an example of a broader problem he has with the council, as it continues to deal with the growing effects of climate change.

For roughly three years, Neronha has been advocating for legislation that would require experts to mange the organization, rather than the governors appointees. However, reform legislation has failed to pass the General Assembly.

The governor should be championing this legislation, Neronha said. Hes ultimately responsible for the work that gets done to protect Rhode Islanders and the environment.

Spokespeople for House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi and Senate President Dominick Ruggerio said both leaders are open to considering legislation.

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The CRMC declined to comment on the proposed reform.

Governor Dan McKees office did not respond to a request for comment.

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Alerts Issued for Our Region

Wind Advisory for northwestern Pocahontas County until 1 AM Thursday. Wind gusts up to 55 mph will create the potential for a few trees to come down, as well as the potential for a few power outages.

Flood Watch will go into effect Thursday evening for Pocahontas, Nicholas, southeastern Fayette, and southeastern Raleigh counties and last through Friday afternoon. Steady rain in combination with snowmelt could cause flooding to develop. Remember to never try to cross flooded roadways  turn around, dont drown!

Tonight features mostly clear skies with temperatures dropping down into the mid 20s, so we have a colder night in store than we saw last night. With the new moon today, its yet another great night for stargazing with little to no moonlight. Gusty winds initially during the evening will weaken overnight. A Wind Advisory continues for northwestern Pocahontas County until 1 AM.

Thursday sees our temperatures climb out ahead of our next storm system, which arrives during the evening. We will see plenty of sunshine during the first half of Thursday and a southerly breeze associated with a warm front will warm us up into the low 50s. By the afternoon, clouds will be on the increase as an Ohio River Valley low pressure system scoots toward the region and that will allow for rain to return Thursday night into the day on Friday. Rain will be steady at times during the overnight and into the morning Friday. Ponding on roads will be a hazard to be aware of if traveling during that time frame into Friday.

Friday will be a wet day, with light to steady rain expected off and on throughout the day, especially during the first half of the day. A general one to two inches of rain can be expected from late Thursday night through the storms exit Friday evening. Though our six hour rainfall flood guidance is around 2.5 to 3 inches for much of southern West Virginia, a high water spot or two cant be ruled out with the ongoing snowmelt taking place throughout the two Virginias. A Flood Watch has been posted, which kicks into effect Thursday evening and lasts through Friday afternoon for Pocahontas, Nicholas, southeastern Fayette and southeastern Raleigh counties. Despite the abundant rain and clouds, we will see high temperatures jump into the low 50s with a southerly breeze in place.

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Saturday provides plenty of sunshine, with high pressure up to our north nosing in. That system will give us a northerly breeze, which will cool us down into the low to mid 40s  but we are still beginning the month of February on a slightly warmer than average note!

Sunday sees Saturdays high pressure system to the north scoot to our northeast and that will allow for a southerly flow to kick back in. This will enable our temperatures to climb nicely once again as we make a run into the mid 50s in what will overall be a fantastic weekend of weather both Saturday and Sunday for the two Virginias with above average temperatures and plenty of sunshine each day.

StormTracker 59 Travel Forecast

Monday continues the dry pattern with an upper level ridge sitting over the eastern US. High temperatures will be even warmer in the upper 50s. Skies will increase in clouds as a weak system approaches during the afternoon and early evening. An isolated shower will be possible before midnight.

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Why heavy snow in West Virginia is good for farmers

Tuesday sees a front cross which will bring with it the chance for a few rain showers with snow showers mixed in. Precipitation will be very light with no snow accumulations expected during the morning. We will quickly warm up, with temperatures climbing to around 50 by the afternoon.

Wednesday features mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the 50s once again out ahead of another system which will cross on Thursday.

Looking ahead in your extended period, we will continue to be mild for the first full week of February. Another system will provide rain showers chances Thursday with another system arriving on Sunday that will drag in colder air back into the region. We are not done with winter yet but the prospects for snow look minimal to zero over the next couple of weeks.

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TONIGHT

Mostly clear with gusty winds relaxing. Dark skies with the new moon! Lows in the mid 20s.

THURSDAY

Partly sunny. Increasing clouds late with showers nearby at dinnertime. Highs in the low 50s.

FRIDAY

Rain likely. Wet day. Highs in the low 50s.

SATURDAY

Partly sunny. Cooler. Highs in the low to mid 40s.

SUNDAY

Mostly sunny. Nice day! Highs in the mid 50s.

MONDAY

Partly sunny. Isolated shower late. Highs in the upper 50s.

TUESDAY

Few sprinkles. Highs near 50.

WEDNESDAY

Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 50s.

THURSDAY

Few rain showers. Highs in the mid 50s.

FRIDAY

Isolated showers. Highs in the mid 50s.

SATURDAY

Partly sunny. Highs near 60.

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Calvin Gorman, 50, left, walks last year near Gallup, N.M., on the way from his job in Gallup to his home in Fort Defiance, Ariz., part of the Navajo Nation. American Indians in Western and Midwestern states had the lowest life expectancy of any group in the country in 2021. (Tim Henderson/Stateline)

Theres growing evidence that some American demographic groups need more help than others to live longer, healthier lives.

American Indians in Western and Midwestern states have the shortest life expectancy as of 2021, 63.6 years. Thats more than 20 years shorter than Asian Americans nationwide, who can expect to live to 84, according to a recent study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington.

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White residents live shorter lives in Appalachia and some Southern states, as do Black residents in highly segregated cities and in the rural South, the study found.

The data illustrates how Americans life expectancy differs based not only on race, but also on geography.

Not everybody in this country is doing exactly the same even within a racial group, because it also depends on where they live, said Dr. Ali Mokdad, an author of the study and the chief strategy officer for population health at the University of Washington.

Eliminating these disparities will require investing in equitable health care, education, and employment, and confronting factors that fuel inequalities, such as systemic racism, the report, which was published in November, concluded.

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Yet the United States is seeing a surge of action this month to pull back on public awareness and stem investments in those areas.

In President Donald Trumps first two weeks, he has stripped race and ethnicity health information from public websites, blocked public communication by federal health agencies, paused federal research and grant expenditures, and ordered a ban on diversity, equity and inclusion programs across the board, all of which can draw attention  and funding  to the needs of specific demographic groups.

The administration has removed information about clinical trial diversity from a U.S. Food and Drug Administration website, and has paused health agencies communications with the public and with medical providers, including advisories on communicable diseases, such as the flu, that disproportionately affect underserved communities.

The new administrations policies are headed the wrong way, said Dr. Donald Warne, a physician and co-director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health. With the stroke of a pen, theyre gonna make it worse.

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One of Trumps actions on his first day in office was to dismantle equity programs, including reversing a 2021 Biden executive order promoting more federal support for Indigenous education, including tribal colleges and universities.

The problems Indigenous people face are inextricably linked to toxic stress and just pure racism, Warne said. Less access to healthy foods, just chronic stress from racism and marginalization, historical trauma  all of these things lead to poor health outcomes.

The South Dakota county where Warne grew up as a member of the Oglala Lakota tribe (the county is named after the tribe) has one of the lowest life expectancies in the country, 60.1 years as of 2024, according to localized estimates from County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, an initiative of the University of Wisconsins Population Health Institute.

10 Americas

The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation study parceled the country into what it called 10 Americas, each with different 2021 life expectancies.

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Black Americans were represented by three groups; those in the rural and low-income South had the worst life expectancies (68 years) compared with those living in highly segregated cities (71.5) and other areas (72.3).

Racism is still a major contributor to inequitable health outcomes, and without naming it and addressing it, it will make it more difficult to uproot it.

 Dr. Mary Fleming, director of Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Healths Leadership Development to Advance Equity in Health Care

Asian Americans nationwide have the longest life expectancy at 84, yet can also suffer from stereotypes and locality based problems that prevent them from getting the best care, said Lan oan, an assistant professor in the Department of Public Health Section for Health Equity at New York Universitys Grossman School of Medicine.

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Considering Asian Americans as a single entity masks health differences, such as the high incidence of heart disease among South Asians and Filipino Americans, she said, and discourages the necessary study of individual groups.

It perpetuates the model minority myth where Asian people are healthier, wealthier and more successful than other racial groups, oan said.

Thats another reason for alarm over the new administrations attitude about health equity, said Dr. Mary Fleming, an OB-GYN and director of Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Healths Leadership Development to Advance Equity in Health Care program.

With DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion programs) under attack, it hinders our ability to name a thing, a thing, Fleming said. Racism is still a major contributor to inequitable health outcomes, and without naming it and addressing it, it will make it more difficult to uproot it.

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Among white people and Hispanics, lifespans differ by region, according to the 10 Americas in the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation study. Latinos live shorter lives in the Southwest (76) than elsewhere (79.4), and white people live longer (77.2) if theyre not in Appalachia or the lower Mississippi Valley (71.1), or in rural areas and low-income Northern states (76.7).

An earlier Stateline story reported that policy, poverty, rural isolation and bad habits are shortening lives in West Virginia compared with New York. Even though the states had very similar life expectancies in 1990, West Virginia is projected to be at the bottom of the rankings by 2050, while New York is projected to be at the top.

Hyperlocal health problems

More research at a very local level is needed to find the policies and practices needed to start bridging longevity gaps, said Mokdad, the study author.

Since poverty seems to dictate so much of life expectancy, it's fruitful to look at places where lifespans have grown in recent decades despite high poverty, Mokdad said. For example, lifespans have increased in the Bronx, New York, and Monongalia County, West Virginia, despite high poverty. By contrast, they have dipped in relatively high-income areas such as Clark County, Indiana, and Henry County, Georgia.

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Clark County, on the Kentucky border, has a mix of urban and rural health issues that belie the relatively high income of some residents near Louisville, said Dr. Eric Yazel, health officer for the county and an emergency care physician.

Part of the county is also very rural, in a part of Indiana where there was an HIV outbreak among intravenous drug users in 2014.

In a single county we see public health issues that are both rural and urban, Yazel said. As with a lot of areas along the Ohio River Valley, we were hit hard by the opioid epidemic and now have seen a resurgence of methamphetamine, which likely contributed to the [life expectancy] decreases.

Nationally, a spike in overdoses has begun to ease in recent years, but only among white people. Overdose death rates among Black and Native people have grown.

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Indigenous people also were the hardest hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, with expected lifespans dropping almost seven years between 2019 and 2021.

Calvin Gorman, 50, said several friends his age in Arizonas Navajo Nation died needlessly in the pandemic. He blames it on alcohol and pandemic isolation.

They said to just stay inside. Just stay inside. Some of them took some bottles into the house and they never came out again. I heard they died in there, said Gorman, who commutes on foot and by hitchhiking from his home in Fort Defiance, Arizona, to a job at a gas station in Gallup, New Mexico.

Warne, the Oglala Lakota physician from South Dakota, said alcohol and substance use may have been one factor in Native deaths during the pandemic, as people self-medicated to deal with stress. But overall, he said, the main drivers of early deaths in Native communities are high rates of infant mortality, road accidents and suicides.

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Warne now lives and practices medicine in North Dakota.

Theres a huge challenge for people who grow up in these settings, but many of us do move forward, Warne said. A lot of us wind up working in other places instead of in our home, because there just arent the opportunities. We should be looking at economic development as a public health intervention.

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Jerrilyn Martinez sits in her tent in 2020 at the "Wall of Forgotten Natives," a strip of land in Minneapolis which was reclaimed by outreach workers after being fenced off for nearly two years. Photo by Max Nesterak/Minnesota Reformer.

Theres growing evidence that some American demographic groups need more help than others to live longer, healthier lives.

American Indians in Western and Midwestern states have the shortest life expectancy as of 2021, 63.6 years. Thats more than 20 years shorter than Asian Americans nationwide, who can expect to live to 84, according to a recent study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington.

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White residents live shorter lives in Appalachia and some Southern states, as do Black residents in highly segregated cities and in the rural South, the study found.

The data illustrates how Americans life expectancy differs based not only on race, but also on geography.

Not everybody in this country is doing exactly the same even within a racial group, because it also depends on where they live, said Dr. Ali Mokdad, an author of the study and the chief strategy officer for population health at the University of Washington.

Eliminating these disparities will require investing in equitable health care, education, and employment, and confronting factors that fuel inequalities, such as systemic racism, the report, which was published in November, concluded.

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Yet the United States is seeing a surge of action this month to pull back on public awareness and stem investments in those areas.

In President Donald Trumps first two weeks, he has stripped race and ethnicity health information from public websites, blocked public communication by federal health agencies, paused federal research and grant expenditures, and ordered a ban on diversity, equity and inclusion programs across the board, all of which can draw attention  and funding  to the needs of specific demographic groups.

The administration has removed information about clinical trial diversity from a U.S. Food and Drug Administration website, and has paused health agencies communications with the public and with medical providers, including advisories on communicable diseases, such as the flu, that disproportionately affect underserved communities.

The new administrations policies are headed the wrong way, said Dr. Donald Warne, a physician and co-director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health. With the stroke of a pen, theyre gonna make it worse.

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One of Trumps actions on his first day in office was to dismantle equity programs, including reversing a 2021 Biden executive order promoting more federal support for Indigenous education, including tribal colleges and universities.

The problems Indigenous people face are inextricably linked to toxic stress and just pure racism, Warne said. Less access to healthy foods, just chronic stress from racism and marginalization, historical trauma  all of these things lead to poor health outcomes.

The South Dakota county where Warne grew up as a member of the Oglala Lakota tribe (the county is named after the tribe) has one of the lowest life expectancies in the country, 60.1 years as of 2024, according to localized estimates from County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, an initiative of the University of Wisconsins Population Health Institute.

10 Americas

The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation study parceled the country into what it called 10 Americas, each with different 2021 life expectancies.

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Black Americans were represented by three groups; those in the rural and low-income South had the worst life expectancies (68 years) compared with those living in highly segregated cities (71.5) and other areas (72.3).

Asian Americans nationwide have the longest life expectancy at 84, yet can also suffer from stereotypes and locality based problems that prevent them from getting the best care, said Lan oan, an assistant professor in the Department of Public Health Section for Health Equity at New York Universitys Grossman School of Medicine.

Considering Asian Americans as a single entity masks health differences, such as the high incidence of heart disease among South Asians and Filipino Americans, she said, and discourages the necessary study of individual groups.

It perpetuates the model minority myth where Asian people are healthier, wealthier and more successful than other racial groups, oan said.

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Thats another reason for alarm over the new administrations attitude about health equity, said Dr. Mary Fleming, an OB-GYN and director of Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Healths Leadership Development to Advance Equity in Health Care program.

With DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion programs) under attack, it hinders our ability to name a thing, a thing, Fleming said. Racism is still a major contributor to inequitable health outcomes, and without naming it and addressing it, it will make it more difficult to uproot it.

Among white people and Hispanics, lifespans differ by region, according to the 10 Americas in the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation study. Latinos live shorter lives in the Southwest (76) than elsewhere (79.4), and white people live longer (77.2) if theyre not in Appalachia or the lower Mississippi Valley (71.1), or in rural areas and low-income Northern states (76.7).

An earlier Stateline story reported that policy, poverty, rural isolation and bad habits are shortening lives in West Virginia compared with New York. Even though the states had very similar life expectancies in 1990, West Virginia is projected to be at the bottom of the rankings by 2050, while New York is projected to be at the top.

Hyperlocal health problems

More research at a very local level is needed to find the policies and practices needed to start bridging longevity gaps, said Mokdad, the study author.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Since poverty seems to dictate so much of life expectancy, it's fruitful to look at places where lifespans have grown in recent decades despite high poverty, Mokdad said. For example, lifespans have increased in the Bronx, New York, and Monongalia County, West Virginia, despite high poverty. By contrast, they have dipped in relatively high-income areas such as Clark County, Indiana, and Henry County, Georgia.

Clark County, on the Kentucky border, has a mix of urban and rural health issues that belie the relatively high income of some residents near Louisville, said Dr. Eric Yazel, health officer for the county and an emergency care physician.

Part of the county is also very rural, in a part of Indiana where there was an HIV outbreak among intravenous drug users in 2014.

In a single county we see public health issues that are both rural and urban, Yazel said. As with a lot of areas along the Ohio River Valley, we were hit hard by the opioid epidemic and now have seen a resurgence of methamphetamine, which likely contributed to the [life expectancy] decreases.

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Nationally, a spike in overdoses has begun to ease in recent years, but only among white people. Overdose death rates among Black and Native people have grown.

Indigenous people also were the hardest hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, with expected lifespans dropping almost seven years between 2019 and 2021.

Calvin Gorman, 50, said several friends his age in Arizonas Navajo Nation died needlessly in the pandemic. He blames it on alcohol and pandemic isolation.

They said to just stay inside. Just stay inside. Some of them took some bottles into the house and they never came out again. I heard they died in there, said Gorman, who commutes on foot and by hitchhiking from his home in Fort Defiance, Arizona, to a job at a gas station in Gallup, New Mexico.

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Warne, the Oglala Lakota physician from South Dakota, said alcohol and substance use may have been one factor in Native deaths during the pandemic, as people self-medicated to deal with stress. But overall, he said, the main drivers of early deaths in Native communities are high rates of infant mortality, road accidents and suicides.

Warne now lives and practices medicine in North Dakota.

Theres a huge challenge for people who grow up in these settings, but many of us do move forward, Warne said. A lot of us wind up working in other places instead of in our home, because there just arent the opportunities. We should be looking at economic development as a public health intervention.

This story first appeared in Stateline, a sibling site of the Minnesota Reformer and part of the States Newsroom nonprofit news network.
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now)  The Prince William County Police Department (PWCPD) said a racial slur was found in a bathroom at Brentsville High School in Nokesville on Jan. 24.

Police said that at about 11:30 a.m., the resource officer of the school was informed of a vandalism incident in one of the bathrooms.

PWCPD: Man charged after stripping down in womens bathroom at Chuck E. Cheese in Manassas

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Through the investigation, officers found that the racial slur was engraved into the back of a bathroom stall in one of the boys bathrooms located on the second floor.

PWCPD said the writing did not appear to have any threatening messages towards students or staff, and no additional markings were found.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
LOS ANGELES (KTLA)  A massive cold front churning off the Pacific Northwest is expected to bring more rain to Southern California next week.

The incoming precipitation is forecast from Tuesday to Thursday next week, though the predicted rainfall amounts  a quarter of an inch to an inch, potentially more at higher elevations  wont be quite as heavy as the rain experienced last weekend.

The last system was a really cold low-pressure system, and because it was cold, it brought a thunderstorm and convective shower that brought the higher rate of rainfall, which matters for triggering the debris flows, National Weather Service Meteorologist Lisa Phillips told the L.A. Times. Because this system is warmer, that is probably not going to be as much of an issue.

(National Weather Service)

That weather event left many unprepared Southern California motorists in the mountains stranded in the snow, prompted a flash flood warning for parts of Malibu and the Palisades as well as the full closure of Topanga Canyon Boulevard from Pacific Coast Highway to Grand View Drive because of mud and debris flows.

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Warmer temps are forecast starting Friday through Sunday, though north of Santa Barbara, residents may experience some light showers, NWS said.

Satellite-radar composite of the storm system over the northern Pacific Ocean on Jan. 30, 2025. (KTLA)

As for next weeks forecast, weather service officials said there is still a range of outcomes where rainfall amounts and timing are concerned, though there is at least some risk of moderate to heavy totals and intensities.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Peoria, Ill. (WMBD)  After a fairly quiet and mild week, a storm system will bring some rain to Central Illinois on Thursday and Friday. A brief changeover to snow is possible for some, but for most of the area this will just be a chilly rain event.

Clouds will spread north across Central Illinois Thursday morning with rain showers developing in the afternoon. This rain is expected to be light initially. Rain should pick up a bit through the evening commute then taper off to light rain and drizzle between 10 pm and 1 am as an upper-level dry slot passes overhead.

The heaviest rain of the event will come after 1 am as showers, and even a few thunderstorms, redevelop across the region. Widespread moderate to heavy rain is likely along and north of I-74 through noon Friday. A few locations north of I-74 may see a brief changeover to snow or a wintry mix but rain is favored for most, if not all locations.

Rainfall Forecast  Updated 5:15 PM Thursday

For January standards this will be a pretty good rain event with a widespread 0.25 to 0.75 of rain expected with localized amounts around 1.00 possible. Thankfully the last few days have been relatively warm and amounts are light enough which should minimize the risk of flooding.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The door to the Juneau offices of the Alaska Public Offices Commission is seen on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

State political campaign regulators issued another heavy penalty this week against the organizers of a failed campaign that sought to repeal Alaskas ranked choice voting system.

On Monday, the Alaska Public Offices Commission fined Alaskans for Honest Elections, Alaskans for Honest Government, the Ranked Choice Education Association and Arthur Matthias a combined total of almost $157,000.

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That comes after a prior fine of more than $94,000.

The prior fine has been appealed to the Alaska Supreme Court, but in this weeks order, the Alaska Public Offices Commission ruled that the failed petitioners still have not filed financial disclosure forms mandated under the previous citation.

We agree that the respondents are violating the prior order and the law, conclude that their appeal of some issues in prior order does not excuse their lack of compliance, and impose civil penalties for the ongoing and new violations, the commissions order states in part.

The three groups and one individual cited by the commission were instrumental in the signature gathering before last years Ballot Measure 2, which sought to repeal Alaskas system of open primary elections and a ranked choice general election.

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In November, Alaska voters voted down the repeal by about 0.2% of 320,985 votes cast.

The organizers of the failed measure had said they intended to launch another repeal campaign for the 2026 election but canceled those plans in favor of a campaign run by the Alaska Republican Party, which continues to pursue repeal.

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Jan. 29Alaska's campaign ethics commission has fined the embattled backers of an anti-ranked choice voting ballot initiative nearly $157,000 on the heels of previous fines totaling around $90,000.

The Alaska Public Offices Commission order, issued Monday, is the latest development in a monthslong effort to require the backers of the ballot initiative to adhere to the state's campaign fundraising requirements.

At the center of the complaint, which was filed last year by proponents of Alaska's voting system, are several groups and individuals who spearheaded a ballot initiative in last year's election to repeal Alaska's voting system, including open primaries and ranked choice general elections. The ballot measure narrowly failed.

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The commission imposed the maximum allowed fines on the respondents, stating that they have "proven themselves shockingly poor at complying with their reporting obligations throughout their campaign."

The backers of the initiative were fined more than $94,000 last January after the public offices commission found that they had illegally funneled their spending through a tax-exempt church and failed to report their donations and spending as required under state law.

The fines were levied against Art Mathias, an Anchorage insurance broker who gave the repeal campaign around $90,000, and against campaign groups led by Mathias and Phillip Izon, a Wasilla resident who ran the repeal campaign. Izon has since vowed to put forward other election-related ballot initiatives ahead of the 2026 election.

Izon declined to answer questions. Mathias was not immediately available to comment.

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Mathias and Izon were behind a campaign group called Alaskans for Honest Elections and an organization called the Ranked Choice Education Association, which formed as a church in Washington state, allowing its donors to receive tax deductions for their contributions.

Even after the backers were fined last year and ordered to comply with the law, they failed to do so, according to the order issued this week by the commission  whose members are appointed by the governor.

Mathias and some of the campaign groups had appealed the commission's initial fines to the Superior Court, which upheld much of the order last year. Mathias then appealed to the Alaska Supreme Court in August. The court has yet to rule on the appeal.

After a hearing earlier this month, the commission found that Mathias and the groups leading the repeal effort had throughout their repeal campaign violated state laws by filing late and inaccurate reports.

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Mathias and the campaign groups are represented by former Attorney General Kevin Clarkson. He alleged that the groups don't owe the previously imposed fines because the groups have since been dissolved or soon will be, leaving no one to pay the fines. The commission disagreed, stating that enforcing the campaign finance and disclosure laws is meant "to maintain the integrity of elections and inform the electorate," regardless of whether the groups had been dissolved.

"None of the respondents provided reports anywhere close to accurate about the amounts and sources for their campaign spending before the election," the commission wrote in its decision, calling the extent of the violations "egregious and widespread."

The respondents have 30 days to pay the fines and comply with the order, or 15 days to submit a request for reconsideration.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  A Rapid City man is behind bars, accused of hit an officer in the face during a traffic stop.

Police say officers stopped a car just after 10 oclock last night for an equipment violation.

Authorities say the driver, 48-year-old Donroy Janis, got out and approached a patrol car.

Frustration with unreliable heat at Woodlake Apartments

Janis then allegedly hit an officer in the face as they were trying to get him into handcuffs.

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Janis was arrested for a list of charges, including Assault on Law Enforcement, and Resisting 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 KELOLAND.com.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s halting, gruff speaking voice, which at times can make him hard to understand, has been front and center during his confirmation hearing Wednesday as President Donald Trumps nominee to lead the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Kennedys vocal rasp is not caused by an infection or respiratory condition. Instead, he has spasmodic dysphonia, a rare neurological condition in which the muscles that open and close his vocal cords spasm involuntarily, creating a strained or strangled quality to his speech.

Kennedy, 71, has publicly discussed how the condition robbed him of his typically strong speaking voice in his early 40s.

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At that time, I was making a lot of my income doing public speaking, and I could speak to large halls without any amplification, Kennedy said in a February 2024 interview while running for president.

When I was 42 years old, I got struck with a disease, a neurological disease, an injury called spasmodic dysphonia, and it makes my voice tremble, he said, adding that I think it makes it problematical for people to listen to me. I cannot listen to myself on TV.

Muscle contraction disorder begins in the brain

Spasmodic dysphonia affects up to 50,000 people in North America, and is a subset of dystonia, a muscle contraction disorder that can affect many parts of the body. In one type of vocal dystonia called lingual protrusion dystonia, a persons tongue can protrude when they try to speak, strangling their words.

The most common form, cervical dystonia, affects the neck, causing wobbling or worse, the inability to hold the head upright. Blepharospasm, another kind of dystonia, is a forced squeezing shut of the eyelids that reduces or blocks vision. Still other types of dystonia can focus on the legs, hands and feet, even the entire body.

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While the disorder is relatively unknown, as many as 250,000 Americans have some type of dystonia, according to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. Its the third most common movement disorder behind essential tremor and Parkinsons disease.

Dystonia is thought to begin in the part of the brain called the basal ganglia that controls how muscles contract. When the condition strikes, that signal is distorted, causing muscles to move involuntarily or get stuck in an abnormal position.

Treatments for dystonia are limited. Some medications can help distract the brain, and those are usually tried first. Deep-brain stimulation is a last resort for all but those with widespread dystonia in many body parts, which, sadly, are often children, experts say. Physical and speech therapy are usually a part of the treatment plan; acupuncture and medication may also help.

A small number of people, maybe 5%, will find that it goes away just like it came, and we dont really know why, neurologist Dr. Hyder Jinnah told CNN in an earlier interview.

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Most people have it for most of their life once it starts, and so we have to figure out ways to treat it, said Jinnah, a professor of neurology and human genetics at Emory University in Atlanta.

Injections of botulism toxin relax muscles; it is often the treatment of choice for some types of dystonia, such as blepharospasm.

It doesnt treat the disorder; it treats their phenomena, Dr. Andrew Blitzer, an otolaryngologist at Mount Sinai in New York City, told CNN previously. We cant change the brain signal coming in to the muscle, but we can weaken the muscle so it cant go into spasm.

Attacks the part of the body used most

For a reason no doctor understands, dystonia often attacks the part of the body a person uses most for his or her profession. Diane Rehm, who was a nationally known radio talk-show host for decades and now has a podcast, has a form of dystonia that affects her vocal cords.

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How can you have a disorder where everything about the brain and the hand functions normally except the hand cant perform one exquisite task like writing or playing a musical instrument? New York neurologist Dr. Steven Frucht, director of the division of Parkinsons and Movement Disorders at NYU Langone Health, told CNN in an earlier interview.

A violinist and pianist himself, Frucht treats many musicians with the disorder. Trumpet players will suddenly be unable to use their lips. Guitar players, writers and pianists will lose control of fingers or an entire hand.

You would think that this cannot happen, Frucht said. And yet after seeing hundreds of patients, I can say it most certainly can. And it does.

Spasmodic dysphonia, or SD, can dramatically affect the lives of those who develop it, according to Dysphonia International, a nonprofit educational and support organization.

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Many individuals with SD feel that their voices dont accurately portray emotions, personality, and competence, according to its website.

Individuals experience physical, emotional, and functional losses including emotional distress, loss of job or salary, forced career change, reduced social participation, and negative changes in personal relationships due to spasmodic dysphonia.

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A Blue Ash man charged with seriously harming his infant son  even though multiple doctors say that the childs injuries resulted from a medical condition  is waiting for an appeals court to decide whether his attorney can see grand jury testimony that led to the indictment.

The grand jury testimony is significant because a Hamilton County judge who reviewed the testimony has said it tends to support Nicholas Flannerys argument to dismiss the case.

Prosecutors, however, have appealed Common Pleas Judge Jennifer Branchs July 8, 2024, order to disclose the grand jury testimony. They say that turning over the transcripts to Flannerys attorney would compromise the secrecy of grand jury materials and violate state law.

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Oral arguments in the 1st District Court of Appeals are set for March 17.

It is extremely rare for a judge to order grand jury testimony to be disclosed.

Mike Allen, a onetime county prosecutor who has been practicing law for more than four decades, said that as a defense attorney he has never been granted grand jury testimony.

Allen said a defendant has to show a particularized need  a strong legal reason that could lead to the dismissal of the charges  to view the testimony.

Flannerys attorney, Steve Kilburn, argued in court documents that prosecutors knew of undisputed exculpatory evidence that would certainly establish (his) innocence. The evidence had been revealed in separate, juvenile court custody hearings months before the case went to a grand jury.

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It included testimony from doctors, including the neurosurgeon who treated the infant, about the medical issues.

The prosecutors office knew, Kilburn said in a court filing, but clearly did not want the grand jury to know.

A spokesman for the Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office declined to comment, citing the pending appeal.

A seizure, 911 call

The case against Flannery, a 31-year-old military veteran who has bachelors and masters degrees related to cyber security, dates back to September 2023, when his son was only 2 months old.

On the afternoon of Sept. 7, 2023, Flannery was home alone with the baby as well as his older child. His wife, Felecia, was at an appointment.

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Flannery has said his son was extremely agitated that day and spit up the formula Flannery fed him at about 1 p.m. The child seemed off, according to court documents, and had a detached look while crying.

After Flannery put his son in a bouncer seat, the documents say, the infant had a seizure and stopped breathing.

Flannery, a trained birthing assistant who had experience and training in CPR, began chest compressions and called 911. Paramedics rushed the infant to Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center, and by approximately 4 p.m. he was stabilized.

He ended up being hospitalized for 15 days. Documents said he had uncontrollable seizures for at least the first five days.

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A hospital neurosurgeon said the brain bleeding that caused the seizures was chronic  it wasnt from a single event. And he had no bruises, marks, fractures  no indications of abuse whatsoever, Kilburn said in court documents.

Hospital trainee/fellow makes abuse finding

But the baby did have retinal bleeding, which can be a sign of abuse. It can also be caused by an array of medical reasons.

Kilburn said in court documents that it was a Childrens Hospital trainee/fellow, Dr. Steven Pham, who assumed the only possible explanation for the childs chronic brain bleeding was abuse.

Two independent doctors hired by Flannery's attorney who examined the childs medical records found medical reasons for the babys head injuries.

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The boy had been born with an abnormally large head, and likely suffered internal injuries during a lengthy and difficult birth, documents say. One of the doctors said the chronic fluid that collected between his brain and inner skull accelerated the head growth to the 99th percentile and likely caused bleeding in the brain.

The retinal bleeding, the doctor said, was likely caused by increased intracranial pressure from the fluid buildup.

Those medical findings were presented at a custody hearing in October 2023, after Hamilton County Job and Family Services sought emergency custody of the baby and his older sibling. At that hearing, Flannery and his wife didnt lose custody, but a juvenile court magistrate said other family members would have to move into their home and supervise the family.

The magistrate found that prosecutors failed to prove that Flannery ever abused his son, documents say.

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Blue Ash police, however, continued to investigate, and according to prosecutors, a detective testified before a Hamilton County grand jury. On Dec. 29, the grand jury indicted Flannery on felonious assault and child abuse charges.

Prosecutors say in court documents that Flannery's "reckless abuse of (his son) resulted in serious physical harm."

Should prosecutors have presented exculpatory evidence?

In an interview, Kilburn, Flannerys attorney, said the grand jury testimony would help him determine if prosecutors failed to present exculpatory evidence to the grand jury.

According to Kilburn, by December 2023, prosecutors knew that three doctors  including the neurosurgeon from Childrens Hospital  had determined that Flannerys sons head injuries were caused by a chronic issue.

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Prosecutors, he said, need to present undisputed facts, and we believe there were a lot of those that were withheld.

As Flannery awaits a decision by the appeals court, a juvenile court judge is expected to issue a decision Friday about whether the couple and their two children must continue to be supervised at all times by other family members.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Blue Ash man charged with abuse awaits ruling on grand jury testimony
An American Airlines flight collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter while en route to Washington, D.C.s Ronald Reagan National Airport. The airport near the U.S. capital is notorious for being congested and the site of several near-miss aircraft collisions.

The tragic collision of a commercial American Airlines flight with a Black Hawk helicopter has reignited frustration and worry over flight near-misses, particularly at the congested Washington, D.C.-area Ronald Reagan National Airport.

American Eagle Flight 5342 carrying 64 passengers from Wichita, Kansas, struck a military UH-60 over Washington, D.C., Wednesday night. Fuselage from the two aircraft plunged into the Potomac River. There are no survivors expected on either vessel, according to the Washington, D.C. fire chief, making Wednesdays devastation the deadliest U.S. airplane crash since February 2009, when a Colgan plane crashed outside Buffalo, New York, killing 50.

The Federation Aviation Administration, National Transportation Safety Board, and Pentagon will investigate the disaster.

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The flights Reagan airport destination, also known as DCA, is the countrys busiest runway and a hub for incoming government officials, dignitaries, and legislators. Originally built to accommodate 15 million passengers annually, Reagan sees 25 million travelers every year.

Its a beehive of activity, Dennis Tajer, an American Airlines captain and spokesperson for the U.S. pilot union Allied Pilots Association, told the Washington Post. Its extremely compact, and its a high volume of traffic.

The high volume of travellers at the airport is correlated with several close safety calls. In 2024 alone, DCA saw at least eight near-miss incidents, according to the FAA. In May, an American Airlines flight headed to Boston had an almost-collision with another aircraft after speeding down the runway at about 100 miles per hour before being ordered to stop. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which operates Reagan, directed Fortune to the FAA for comment, and the FAA did not immediately respond to Fortunes request.

Some safety experts say the near-misses at DCA are a reflection of a broader trend of almost-collisions happening in commercial aviation. The FAA reported 1,757 almost-collisions total in fiscal 2024, about the same as the 1,760 reported the year before.

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The past two to three years, we've had several close calls at various airports in the U.S.between the airplanes on the ground having issues and almost colliding on the runway and taxiway, Anthony Brickhouse, a U.S.-based aviation safety expert, told Fortune.

In safety, what we look for is trendsand when trends happen over and over again, if changes aren't made, that near-miss becomes a mid-air collision, he added. And unfortunately, that's what we had last night.

The political battle over DCA

Regulating traffic at DCA has been a hotly contested issue. Ronald Reagan, along with New Yorks LaGuardia Airport, are uniquely subject to a decades-old perimeter rule, which limits travel to within 1,250 miles to or from the respective airports. While proponents of the rule argue changes to it would cause more congestion and stress airport systems, others have pushed back against the law, arguing less restriction could help create new jobs and help meet high flight demands.

Rep. Blake D. Moore, a Republican representing Utah, has advocated tweaking the law enforcing the perimeter. Moore told the New York Times in July 2023 the loosening of the rules would encourage tourism between D.C. and his Salt Lake City hometown. He also said it would make a more convenient commute for hima perk other legislators, both Democrat and Republican, would share. Moore did not immediately respond to Fortunes request for comment.

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Those wanting to slacken the perimeter rule notched a victory in October, when the Transportation Department, under pressure from some airlines, awarded five new long-haul routes from Ronald Reagan to major airlines, including Delta, United, and American Airlines.

Last May, when Congress was considering an FAA reauthorization bill that would grant DCA those flight slots, Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine, who represents Virginia, opposed the bill and told reporters more routes at the hub could cause a collision.

"God forbid waking up and looking in a mirror one day and say, 'Wow, I was warned, Kaine said. I was warned, and I shouldn't have done this.

A multi-pronged problem

Aviation safety expert Brickhouse warned against placing blame for the crash on Reagan airport. He said theres still not enough information as to why the crash happened and that, in instances of safety, numerous factors contribute to safety outcomes.

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Beyond airport congestion, safety bodies like the FAA and NTSB will probe pilots and their experience, air traffic control, and any technology malfunctions, he said.

Historically, myriad issues have contributed to near-misses. In fiscal 2023, about 60% of total runway incursions were a result of pilot deviations, about 20% were due to air traffic controller action or inaction, and the other 20% were due to pedestrian or vehicle deviations, NBC Washington reported last April after a near-miss at DCA, using data from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump announced he would fire the heads of the Transportation Security Administration and Coast Guard and gut the aviation safety group Aviation Security Advisory Committee formed in 1988. The groupcomposed of airlines, unions, and other key players to recommend changes to the industrywill continue to exist, but wont have any personnel.

Identifying which issues were key contributors to Wednesdays tragedy will take patience, Brickhouse said.

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Safety is something that you always work towards, because different threats, different hazards and different risks are always presenting themselves, Brickhouse said. As safety professionals, our job is to constantly be aware of those changes that happen so that we can make the proper adjustments to maintain a high level of safety.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
A student exits a school bus as they arrive to Creative Arts Secondary School on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, in Saint Paul, Minn. (Ellen Schmidt/Minnesota Reformer)

The share of Minnesota eighth graders failing to meet basic reading achievement standards edged up to the highest level on record in 2024, according to national benchmark test results released this week.

The data, from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, shows that 29% of Minnesota eighth grade students failed to demonstrate a minimum level of reading ability. While the change from 2022 to 2024 is not considered statistically significant, a decade ago just 18% of eighth graders were performing as poorly.

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Conversely, the share of Minnesota eighth graders rated proficient at reading fell to 28%, the lowest level on record. That number has fallen by 12 percentage points since 2015.

Eighth graders without a basic level of reading ability have trouble understanding the meaning of key words; are unable to make simple inferences about a text; and struggle to understand basic elements like an order of events, a characters motivation or the main idea of a passage.

As in many states, white children performed better than Black or Hispanic children, girls performed better than boys, and scores in suburban districts were higher than those in urban or rural ones.

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Education Minnesota, the state teachers union, noted that on average Minnesota students performed better than their peers nationally. Its good to see that Minnesota students continued to score higher in math and reading than the national averages and stayed about even with students who took the tests two years ago, said Denise Specht, president of the union. However, Minnesota needs to continue investing in the educator workforce to make real progress toward returning academic achievement to pre-pandemic levels.

Minnesotas recent struggles mirror the countrys. Nationally, 34% of eighth graders are not meeting basic reading standards, also a record high. NAEP has reported declines in reading achievement consistently since 2019, said Daniel McGrath of the National Center for Education Statistics, in a statement. The continued declines since the pandemic suggest were facing complex challenges that cannot be fully explained by the impact of COVID-19.

On math the national numbers are even more dire, with 41% of middle school students failing to meet benchmarks. In Minnesota the share, which fell slightly in the past year, is now 29%.

The NAEP tests, which are designed to allow comparisons between states, are different than Minnesotas own standardized assessments, which also show stagnating proficiency in reading and math.

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While pandemic learning loss is one factor in the declining scores, experts are now looking to factors like chronic absenteeism and rising screen time as possible drivers of the ongoing stagnation.

One relatively bright spot in the national data is Louisiana, which stands alone as the only state to post a significant increase in fourth grade reading scores since 2019. The states recent embrace of the science of reading curriculum, which emphasizes traditional phonics-based reading instruction, may be playing a role there.

Minnesota also recently adopted that curriculum, although the rollout is only just beginning.

Lagging student achievement has bedeviled the administration of Gov. Tim Walz, himself a former public school teacher. Despite record investments in public education, achievement in Minnesota has fallen more sharply than nationwide. Schools continue to face budget shortfalls, in part due to declining enrollment.

Many charter schools, once pitched as an alternative to failing public schools, are performing even worse than their traditional counterparts.
Red No. 3 has long been used to give certain candy its striking color.

Earlier this year, the US Food and Drug Administration revoked authorization of Red Dye No. 3, a widely used food coloring that has been linked to thyroid cancer. While the ruling spells an eventual end for all use of the culinary colorant, food companies will have several years to remove it from production.

Here's everything to know about foods that currently use the synthetic red dye.

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See at Cnet

What is Red No. 3?

Red No. 3 -- also known as FD&C Red No. 3, erythrosine or Red 3 -- is a synthetic dye that is made from petroleum and adds a "bright, cherry-red color" to the products it is added to.

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In 1990, the FDA banned Red No. 3 in cosmetics, but no law barred the synthetic dye from being added to numerous types of foods and drinks for decades to come.

The FDA cited the Delaney Clause as its reasoning behind the ban, which "prohibits FDA authorization of a food additive or color additive if it has been found to induce cancer in humans or animals."

Although studies did show a link to cancer in laboratory rats, a link between the dye and cancer in humans has not been found.

"While there are studies noting carcinogenicity in male rats, the FDA noted in their announcement that the hormonal mechanism through which the dye caused cancer in rats is specific to the animal and does not occur in humans," Bryan Hitchcock, chief science and technology officer of the Institute of Food Technologists, told CNET.

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Hitchcock added that the studies used large amounts of the dye, which is more than what the average human would consume when eating the foods that contain it.

"Studies testing Red No. 3 for human safety have done so at amounts well above the average amount of consumption, as noted by various global regulatory bodies," he says. "The studies referenced by the FDA note that the rats were given roughly 200 times the likely maximum daily consumption of .25 mg/kg of body weight per day."

9 foods that contain Red No. 3

Candy Cakes Cupcakes Cookies Frozen desserts Frostings Icings Certain Maraschino cherries Certain processed meats and meat substitutes

Red No. 3 has previously been banned in other countries, including Australia.

Some specific items that currently have Red No. 3 on its ingredient list are:

Numerous types of Brach's candy, including Classic Jelly Beans, Spiced Jelly Beans and Conversation Hearts

MorningStar Farms Plant-Based Bacon Strips

Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake Frozen Dessert Bars

Pez candy

According to a list compiled by Drugs.com, some of the drugs that have Red No. 3 in them include:

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Acetaminophen

Doxycycline Monohydrate

Gabapentin

Vyvanse

The Environmental Working Group has compiled a searchable database of food products that use the now banned dye. As of Feb. 5, 2025, the site had collected 3,092 products that list Red No. 3 as an ingredient.

When do companies need to remove Red No. 3 from products?

Despite the ban, don't expect to see the Red No. 3 ingredient disappear from ingredient lists too quickly. According to the FDA, companies will have until 2027 or 2028 to remove it from their products.

"Manufacturers who use FD&C Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs will have until January 15, 2027, or January 18, 2028, respectively, to reformulate their products," the FDA statement reads.

What will replace Red No. 3?

Red Dye No. 3 will soon be replaced by food coloring made from beets and other natural ingredients.

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Givaudan Sense Colour, a manufacturing company that creates natural food and drink colorings, highlighted three possible alternatives to Red No. 3 -- carmine, which is actually made from bugs; betacyanins, found in beetroots; and anthocyanins, derived from fruits and vegetables.

California Assembly member Jesse Gabriel told NBC News that although synthetic dyes can be cheaper than other alternatives, he does not believe that the Red No. 3 ban will cause prices of the affected products to change.

"We don't expect the price of any food to increase," he told the outlet.

As for alternative synthetic dyes, Red 40, which is not banned by the FDA, can also help achieve a bright red color, so it is also a possible alternative that manufacturers will choose.

Are other chemical food colorings safe?

After the Red No. 3 ban, there are now eight color additives approved by the FDA. They are FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Blue No. 2, FD&C Green No. 3, Orange B, Citrus Red No. 2, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 5 and FD&C Yellow No. 6.

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Hitchcock says that so far, studies show that there is not a notable risk to consuming these dyes.

"While science tells us that there is little to no risk in consuming other synthetic dyes, it is important that we continue to monitor and evaluate food ingredient safety," he says. "It is paramount that we continue to invest in more scientific research around the health of our foods to ensure safety and provide peace of mind for consumers."

According to the FDA, the above dyes do not pose the same possible risks as Red No. 3, which is why they are still available for use in the US. But, some studies show possible links between certain dyes and potential health conditions. For example, some studies have linked Red 40 to hyperactivity, according to the Cleveland Clinic, but further studies are still needed to determine a direct link between the dye and the condition.

When asked about the safety of other food dyes, Hitchcock highlighted the need for transparency from the FDA, which he says the agency has been addressing.

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"We believe there needs to be a clear framework for post-market review for food additive safety," Hitchcock says. "The FDA is actively working to address this issue as seen in their Development of an Enhanced Systematic Process for the FDA's Post-Market Assessment of Chemicals in Food. IFT believes that the FDA needs to bring forward a post-market assessment of chemical food safety that is transparent, scientifically grounded, constituent informed and timely."

If a drink looks too red to be natural, it probably is.

The bottom line on Red No. 3

Red No. 3 has been fully banned in the US, but it will continue to be used in food for the next two years as manufacturers work to change their recipes. However, some manufacturers are making changes much more quickly than that.

In an email to CBS News, Keurig Dr Pepper said that a "new formula" for Yoo-hoo Strawberry Flavored Drink, which is currently made with Red No. 3 to help achieve its color, "will be on shelves before the end of the year."
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  The Baton Rouge Alliance for Students and East Baton Rouge Parish Schools have joined forces to create the Red Stick Schools Guide.

This guide includes details from over 130 schools. It covers traditional public schools, public charter schools and private schools in the area.

Parents and guardians can learn to assess school quality. Theyll also find tips for choosing the best school for their kids.

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It lists and describes schools in the community. This helps parents compare them and make informed choices about their kids education.

Families can access the guide by clicking here. Physical copies can also be picked up at different locations in the community.

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.
(Bloomberg) -- Rachel Reeves reached far and wide as she sought to revive the UKs flagging economy with wind turbines, roads, airports, railways, trade deals, and proposed reforms to pensions, planning and the welfare system.

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Promising to build Britain back to growth, the Chancellor of the Exchequer vowed to clear planning obstacles to deliver 1.5 million new homes this parliament, build train links and airport capacity in the North of England, develop a hi-tech growth corridor between the university towns of Oxford and Cambridge, and lay the tarmac for a totemic third runway at Heathrow.

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While Reeves big growth speech on Wednesday at Siemens Healthineers, near Oxford, largely earned the applause of business leaders, there was also wariness that none of it will happen fast. That may leave Reeves exposed in March when the Office for Budget Responsibility updates its forecasts. She needs a short-term boost to growth to avoid a downgrade that would leave her reaching for savings or tax rises to meet her fiscal rules.

Words are one thing, delivery is another, Dan Hanson and Jamie Rush of Bloomberg Economics wrote in a report. The policies in Reeves speech were geared toward boosting the economys growth trajectory in the medium term  they wont change its path in the near term.

The chancellor and Prime Minister Keir Starmer are seeking to change the gloomy narrative they advanced about the state of the economy and the countrys public finances during their first six months in office. Reeves in particular has faced a backlash from businesses after the 40 billion of tax rises on employers and wealth she put forward in her budget in October, while reforms to workers rights have also piled extra burdens on companies.

Jobs are being cut as a consequence. On Thursday, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation became the latest organization to reveal the hit, with a survey finding that 14% of employers plan to reduce staffing levels in the next three months, up from 5% in the final quarter of 2024. Confidence in hiring and investment have sunk well below levels seen last summer shortly after Labour came to power.

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There is a clear contradiction between implementing laudable measures such as planning reform and infrastructure investment whilst, at the same time, applying a handbrake through measures which will inevitably reduce investment and freeze recruitment, said Stephen Phipson, chief executive of the manufacturing lobby group Make UK. Nevertheless, industry will welcome this upbeat, forceful and positive statement from the Chancellor which helps inject a much needed reset into the debate.

To demonstrate that Labour is more committed to growth-enhancing reforms than any government in recent memory, Reeves took a spray-gun approach in her speech to target everything.

The relationship with the European Union will be reset, trade talks with India will be reinvigorated and Labour will build on the special relationship with the US under President Donald Trump, she said. Her speech also referred to a planned industrial strategy that will prioritize life sciences and artificial intelligence, special visas to attract industry talent, reforms to Britains misfiring benefits system, and more relaxed rules to encourage pension funds to use their billions for UK investment. Regulators are being told to place growth above consumer care, with an action plan due in March.

Above all, Reeves pledged to tear up the planning system to let developers build the homes and infrastructure that will drive the economy. She insisted the comprehensive package of measures would have a short term growth impact.

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The whole point about the reforms were making are about helping people do things more quickly, she said. Were not waiting for years into the future. We want to do things now to turn around the performance.

British Chambers of Commerce Director General Shevaun Haviland acknowledged that although projects on this scale may take years to complete, their economic impact is much more immediate. Firms in the supply chains can take real confidence to start making their own investment decisions.

There was even backing for the chancellors plans from right-of-center think tanks that typically are opposed to Labour policies. Institute of Economic Affairs Executive Director Tom Clougherty said Reeves is saying all the right things, while warning that the challenge now is to make sure that rhetoric becomes reality. Centre for Policy Studies chief Robert Colvile said the vast bulk of the speech was hugely welcome  while noting that it comes off the back of a budget that has done a huge amount to damage growth.

The boldest action promised by Reeves was the Heathrow plan. First mooted by the airport in the early 2000s, a third runway was given the green light by Gordon Browns Labour administration in 2009 and again by Theresa Mays Tory administration in late 2016. It was approved by the House of Commons in 2018, before becoming embroiled in legal disputes as environmental campaigners and London Mayor Sadiq Khan sought to block the project. The plan was then given the go-ahead by the Supreme Court in 2020, but the airport has never even got as far as submitting planning permission.

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Nigel Milton, chief communications and sustainability officer at Heathrow, said if a proposal is submitted by summer as the government wants, the airport may get planning approval by 2030 and a runway could be built by the middle of the 2030s. That timetable would require the government to be unwavering in its new-found commitment to the project, despite the cabinet containing 8 ministers who voted against expansion of the airport in 2018, including Starmer and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband. Moreover, the now transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, was Khans transport adviser at the time of that vote. Alexander attended Reeves speech but Miliband was absent.

Theres no point in announcing a third runway at Heathrow if you have the same planning system we have now, Reeves said. The aim this time is for regulatory overhaul to give it a chance.

The governments growth targets are now tied to the success of the Planning & Infrastructure Bill that will be introduced to parliament in March. Environmental requirements are being watered down, local consultations are being cut back and the permitted number of legal challenges to major infrastructure projects reduced to one from three to lower the burden on developers. Labour will use its large majority to pass the bill quickly and shake off objections. We will work tirelessly to ensure its smooth and rapid delivery, Reeves said.

Reeves list of measures was taken by business as a clear statement of ambition. But there was also a sense of deja vu. Much was first proposed by the last Conservative government, with former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak even visiting the same Siemens plant at which Reeves delivered her speech in May 2024. Reeves accidentally called her OxfordCambridge corridor the Oxford Cambridge Arc, which was the Tory name for the same project to build rail and road links between the cities and turn the area into Silicon Valley in the Fens. Heathrow, the northern rail projects, and ambitious housing targets were all advanced during the 14 years of Tory governments also.

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The difference this time is that Labour is taking action. A raft of building projects that foundered under the Tories have now been cleared and far more ambitious legislation on planning is being prepared.

For too long politicians have lacked the courage or the strength to confront these challenges, Reeves said. Labour, she promised, will be the enablers of change.

--With assistance from Tom Rees.

(Adds REC survey in sixth paragraph.)

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(Bloomberg) -- Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said she wants construction work to begin on a third runway at Heathrow Airport before the next election is due in 2029, a day after giving the green light to a controversial project thats divided her governing Labour Party.

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Spades in the ground in this Parliament, Reeves said in an interview with Bloomberg TV on Thursday, when asked about the potential timing of the expansion. Weve asked Heathrow to come forward with plans by this summer.

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Government support for the project at Europes busiest airport was among a slew of infrastructure initiatives outlined by the chancellor on Wednesday in a bid to lift the UKs moribund economy. Her growth plans also include pushing ahead with renewable energy, roads, railways and reservoirs, along with pursuing an economic reset with the European Union and building on the so-called special relationship with the US under Donald Trump.

Reeves growth speech came against the backdrop of a flat-lining economy, dips in both consumer and business confidence, job cuts at major retailers and stagnant private sector activity. Shes come under pressure to win back the support of businesses after she hit them with a 26 billion ($32 billion) payroll tax hike at her budget in October.

The initial response to her speech was positive from executives: a snap poll of 522 business leaders by consultancy WPI Strategy found that almost two-thirds were more confident than before that her plans would drive investment.

Businesses are backing Labours plans to grow the economy, Reeves said. Theyre making them feel more confident about the future, she said.

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Nevertheless, there was some push-back from airline bosses against that view. Ryanair Holdings Plc CEO Michael OLeary described the chancellors plans as rubbish, while Wizz Air Holdings Plc boss Jozsef Varadi said alternative measures were needed. Neither airline currently uses Heathrow.

This is a dead cat shes throwing up on the table to mask the fact that she has no growth plan, OLeary told Bloomberg TV, using a phrase that describes a political distraction tactic. She knows a third runway at Heathrow wont be delivered until about 2040, possibly even 2050 if at all.

Varadi, meanwhile, told Bloomberg TV that if a country wants to boost airline traffic it needs to look at taxation, it needs to look at the cost of operations.

Reeves also said she had written to new US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and that she looked forward to speaking to him soon and having a close relationship.

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--With assistance from Anna Edwards and Guy Johnson.

(Updates with survey, reaction from airline bosses, starting in fifth paragraph.)

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By Kirsty Needham

SYDNEY (Reuters) -Dozens of refugees who arrived in Australia by boat a decade ago and expected to resettle in the United States have been affected by the Trump Administration's freeze on refugee programs, an Australian official told Reuters.

Australia is "awaiting further advice" from the United States government on the ongoing operation of its refugee programme, suspended by an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on Jan. 20, a Home Affairs spokesperson said.

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"Less than 30 transitory individuals continue to pursue resettlement in the United States through the U.S. resettlement arrangement  cases are at various stages of the process," he said.

Australia does not allow asylum seekers who arrive by boat to settle in the country. Canberra introduced a tough policy of offshore processing a decade ago, where boat arrivals were transferred to camps in the Pacific Island nations of Nauru and Papua New Guinea (PNG) for assessment of refugee claims.

Under a 2016 deal struck with the Obama Administration, the United States agreed to resettle up to 1250 refugees from the PNG and Nauru offshore processing centres.

In his first presidency Trump complained about the deal but accepted it.

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The Home Affairs department said in August that 1106 refugees had been able to resettle in the United States under the agreement, although many were also at "various stages of pre-departure activities".

The centre-left government of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stepped up efforts to show it is deterring boat arrivals with a national election due by May.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke will travel to Nauru on Thursday and said in a statement he will visit the regional processing centre.

Australia continues to send a small number of asylum seekers arriving by boat each month to Nauru, although the Papua New Guinea centre closed after a court ruled it was illegal.

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"Nauru remains ready to receive and process any new unauthorised maritime arrivals, future-proofing Australia's response to maritime people smuggling," the department spokesperson said.

Australia is in discussions with New Zealand to extend a resettlement programme, he said.

(Reporting by Kirsty Needham in Sydney; Editing by Stephen Coates)
A regional jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided with a military helicopter on Wednesday night as it approached Washington Reagan National Airport.

The flight was en route from Wichita, Kan., to Washington, D.C., American Airlines said in a statement.

Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts, the airline said.

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The regional jet collided in midair with the helicopter while on approach to Runway 33 at the airport around 9 p.m. local time, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said in a statement to The Hill. The agency said it will investigate the incident alongside the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

An Army UH-60 helicopter out of Fort Belvoir, Va., was the helicopter involved in the crash, the Army confirmed in a statement to The Hill.

The helicopter was on a routine training flight, Joint Task Force-National Capitol Region media chief Heather Chairez said in a statement. It belonged to Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion out of Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir.

In a post on the social platform X, the Washington, D.C., police department said a multiagency response is underway.

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D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, along with police and fire officials, said in an early Thursday morning press conference that both aircraft were in the Potomac River. The helicopter was carrying three people, they said.

Approximately 300 emergency responders were conducting a multiagency search-and-rescue operation on a windy night in cold waters, making rescue efforts difficult. Bowser said they could not comment on the number of survivors and fatalities at the time.

However, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz (R) said in a post Wednesday there were fatalities, but he did not know how many. He added that he would receive a briefing from the FAA on Thursday.

Please join Heidi and me in praying for all involved as the search and rescue is underway, Cruz said.

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American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said in a video that the airline was cooperating fully with authorities and the NTSBs investigation.

Anything we can do now, were doing. And right now, that means focusing on taking care of all passengers and crew involved, as well as their families, Isom said, adding that the airline had created a hotline for those who believed their family or loved ones were on the flight.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Fox News on Wednesday night that President Trump had been made aware of the situation, joining Fox for a previously scheduled interview just minutes after news reports of the crash.

The thoughts and the prayers of the entire Trump administration are with all those who are involved, and we ask the public in this area to please stand for guidance from law enforcement and allow them to do their job as they attempt to save lives right now, she added.

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Trump confirmed in a statement that he had been briefed about the crash and was monitoring the situation.

May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders, Trump said in the statement.

Trump posted on Truth Social early Thursday that the passenger plane had been on a perfect and routine line of approach while the helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time.

It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didnt the helicopter go up or down, or turn. Why didnt the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane, Trump said in the post. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!

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Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who was just confirmed to his Cabinet post Tuesday, said in a statement Wednesday night that he is on site at the FAA HQ and closely monitoring the situation.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said every available U.S. Coast Guard resource was being deployed for search and rescue efforts.

Vice President Vance in a Wednesday night post said he was also monitoring the situation and asked to hope for the best.

Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening, Vance said.

The DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department was among the first to confirm in a post on X that a small aircraft had gone down in the Potomac River near the airport in Virginia on Wednesday night.

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Fireboats on the scene, the post also said.

Soon after the crash, the Reagan National Airport said in a post that takeoffs and landings have been halted and emergency personnel were responding to an aircraft incident on the airfield. The terminal remains open. Will update.

During Thursday mornings press conference, officials said the airport would remain closed until at least 11 a.m.

Ive seen the reports of a collision with a D.C. helicopter and an inbound flight from Wichita, Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) said on X on Wednesday night. We are in contact with authorities working to get answers. We ask you to join us in prayer for every single passenger and their families.

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Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) also said on X that he was finding out that a plane inbound from Kansas was involved in a crash at DCA.

I am in contact with authorities, he added. Please join me in praying for all involved.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly (D) said she was aware of the crash and was actively in contact with authorities.

My thoughts go out to those involved. I will share more information as it becomes available, Kelly said in a post on X.

The Hill has reached out to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority for comment.

Updated at 1:50 a.m. EST

Ellen Mitchell contributed.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A regional jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided with a military helicopter on Wednesday night as it approached Washington Reagan National Airport.

The flight was en route from Wichita, Kan., to Washington, D.C., American Airlines said in a statement.

Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts, the airline said.

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The regional jet collided in midair with the helicopter while on approach to Runway 33 at the airport around 9 p.m. local time, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said in a statement to The Hill. The agency said it will investigate the incident alongside the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

An Army UH-60 helicopter out of Fort Belvoir, Va., was the helicopter involved in the crash, the Army confirmed in a statement to The Hill.

The helicopter was on a routine training flight, Joint Task Force-National Capitol Region media chief Heather Chairez said in a statement. It belonged to Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion out of Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir.

In a post on the social platform X, the Washington, D.C., police department said a multiagency response is underway.

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D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, along with police and fire officials, said in an early Thursday morning press conference that both aircraft were in the Potomac River. The helicopter was carrying three people, they said.

Approximately 300 emergency responders were conducting a multiagency search-and-rescue operation on a windy night in cold waters, making rescue efforts difficult. Bowser said they could not comment on the number of survivors and fatalities at the time.

However, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz (R) said in a post Wednesday there were fatalities, but he did not know how many. He added that he would receive a briefing from the FAA on Thursday.

Please join Heidi and me in praying for all involved as the search and rescue is underway, Cruz said.

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American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said in a video that the airline was cooperating fully with authorities and the NTSBs investigation.

Anything we can do now, were doing. And right now, that means focusing on taking care of all passengers and crew involved, as well as their families, Isom said, adding that the airline had created a hotline for those who believed their family or loved ones were on the flight.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Fox News on Wednesday night that President Trump had been made aware of the situation, joining Fox for a previously scheduled interview just minutes after news reports of the crash.

The thoughts and the prayers of the entire Trump administration are with all those who are involved, and we ask the public in this area to please stand for guidance from law enforcement and allow them to do their job as they attempt to save lives right now, she added.

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Trump confirmed in a statement that he had been briefed about the crash and was monitoring the situation.

May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders, Trump said in the statement.

Trump posted on Truth Social early Thursday that the passenger plane had been on a perfect and routine line of approach while the helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time.

It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didnt the helicopter go up or down, or turn. Why didnt the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane, Trump said in the post. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!

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Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who was just confirmed to his Cabinet post Tuesday, said in a statement Wednesday night that he is on site at the FAA HQ and closely monitoring the situation.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said every available U.S. Coast Guard resource was being deployed for search and rescue efforts.

Vice President Vance in a Wednesday night post said he was also monitoring the situation and asked to hope for the best.

Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening, Vance said.

The DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department was among the first to confirm in a post on X that a small aircraft had gone down in the Potomac River near the airport in Virginia on Wednesday night.

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Fireboats on the scene, the post also said.

Soon after the crash, the Reagan National Airport said in a post that takeoffs and landings have been halted and emergency personnel were responding to an aircraft incident on the airfield. The terminal remains open. Will update.

During Thursday mornings press conference, officials said the airport would remain closed until at least 11 a.m.

Ive seen the reports of a collision with a D.C. helicopter and an inbound flight from Wichita, Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) said on X on Wednesday night. We are in contact with authorities working to get answers. We ask you to join us in prayer for every single passenger and their families.

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Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) also said on X that he was finding out that a plane inbound from Kansas was involved in a crash at DCA.

I am in contact with authorities, he added. Please join me in praying for all involved.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly (D) said she was aware of the crash and was actively in contact with authorities.

My thoughts go out to those involved. I will share more information as it becomes available, Kelly said in a post on X.

The Hill has reached out to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority for comment.

Updated at 1:50 a.m. EST

Ellen Mitchell contributed.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Illustration: Damon Dahlen/HuffPost; Photos: Getty

The outdoor retailer REI wants you to know it isnt a typical corporation  its a consumer-owned cooperative, with values beyond just making money. Lest you forget, REI puts co-op on its store signs. It sells co-op-branded bikes, sleeping bags and bear cans. And it invites you, the cooperative member, to vote in its board of directors election every year to set the direction of the co-op.

But if the members dont like where REI is headed, how much power do they actually have to change course?

A union for REI workers wants to find out.

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The United Food and Commercial Workers union is promoting two pro-labor candidates for the ballot in REIs board elections slated for March. The UFCW and its sister union, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, have organized 11 of REIs roughly 190 stores since 2022 in a workplace battle thats prompted union-busting allegations and shaken the companys progressive reputation.

Though anyone can nominate themselves to serve on the retailers board, that doesnt mean their name will end up on the ballot. The final candidates are selected by the boards nominating and governance committee, which ultimately provides members a menu of potential directors to choose from.

In other words, the REI board decides who can sit on the REI board. And thats a big problem for workers like Sue Cottrell, who believes the company has strayed from its roots. She wants new board members who will bring fresh perspectives and moderate REIs opposition to the union campaign under its outgoing chief executive, Eric Artz, whos expected to retire in March.

We dont really have a voice in who gets to be on the board  the people who end up on the ballot have been chosen by the current board, said Cottrell, a 70-year-old employee at REIs store in Bellingham, Washington. Theyre cherry-picking who they want.

What Having A Co-Op Means

Last year, union supporters urged co-op members to forgo backing any particular candidate and vote withhold in protest of the process. This time, they are stumping for two names to make their way onto the ballot.

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One, Shemona Moreno, is the director of the climate advocacy group 350 Seattle, based right in REIs backyard. The other, Tefere Gebre, is the chief program officer at Greenpeace and a labor leader who previously served as the AFL-CIO labor federations executive vice president.

Both are explicitly running to influence the companys position on unionization and working conditions. Whatever their qualifications, they will need the blessing of the boards nominating committee, which is why the UFCW is promoting their candidacies and asking backers to sign petitions in support. The union hopes a strong show of support from co-op members could force the boards hand and get one or both on the ballot.

Moreno said shes kept a close eye on the union effort, in which workers have filed unfair labor practices accusing REI of breaking the law. She told HuffPost the company is due for some soul-searching and hopes a board challenge will induce it.

You need to really, truly re-evaluate the values of what having a co-op means and make sure that you live those values, said Moreno, whose group has turned out in support of the REI union at protests. If youre gonna say it, then you need to live it.

Shemona Moreno has campaigned to become a board member at REI, but the company said she isn't under consideration. Courtesy UFCW

Gebre said his goal isnt to create havoc but to bring a new viewpoint.

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In a lot of boardrooms  workers are seen as an expense instead of as an asset, said Gebre, who fled violence in Ethiopia as a child and later rose through the ranks of U.S. organized labor. You need someone in the boardroom to take the us-versus-them attitude out of it. Because right now  REI already is at war with its employees.

REI denies its broken the law and says employees are free to organize. Although none of the unionized stores have achieved a collective bargaining agreement, REI insists it is negotiating in good faith. The company is represented by Morgan Lewis, the same management law firm whose attorneys are arguing on behalf of SpaceX that the federal labor board is unconstitutional.

An REI spokesperson said the companys board weighs multiple factors to identify the best candidates but considers exceptional business judgment and decision-making skills to be essential. It also expects board members to be first and foremost co-op members. Gebre said he became an REI member last year, and that his wife has been a member since 2001. Moreno said shes been a member since 2016.

We look for candidates with proven business acumen and relevant experience operating in organizations of similar size and scale to REI; a demonstrated history of innovation and disruption, particularly in the retail industry; and the skills to be an effective board member, the REI spokesperson said in an email.

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Asked specifically about the pro-union candidates, the spokesperson said the board is considering Gebre but not Moreno.

The company maintains that it did not receive Morenos application. Moreno shared with HuffPost a copy of her email to the board, with her application attached, dated the morning of Oct. 10, 2024, which was listed as the deadline on the application form. When HuffPost shared a screengrab of that email with REI, the company still said she was not under consideration.

Unfortunately, we have no record of this email, the spokesperson said.

Moreno said more than 3,000 people had signed a petition supporting her candidacy.

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The best-case scenario is someone didnt check their spam folder, she said of REI. The worst-case scenario is REI is afraid of a pro-staff candidate for [the] board. This is not the REI I know and love. I applied to run for the board to be a voice for the people in green vests who make REI great but who are not allowed a voice on the co-ops board of directors.

No Roadmap

REI says its cooperative origins stretch back to 1935, when a group of Seattle mountaineers started pooling their money to get their hands on expensive climbing axes. Lifetime membership back then cost $1; today its $30 and comes with a 10% reward on purchases at the end of the year, to be used as an REI discount.

Allegations that REI is no longer a co-op in spirit predate the union campaign by at least a couple of decades. A 2003 Seattle Weekly story portrayed a profit-driven and opaque corporation that wouldnt divulge its then-chief executives compensation. Who Owns REI? the story asked. It cant be the members. (REI now makes executive pay public. Artz made $2.7 million in 2023 and topped $4 million in previous years.)

The board of directors has been central to these critiques, since its gatekeeping powers can make it difficult for dissenting voices to mount a challenge to leadership and push for change. It used to be that a candidate could bypass the boards nominating committee by gathering signatures from 1% of REIs membership, but that provision no longer appears in the co-ops bylaws. (The REI spokesperson said no board members were available for an interview.)

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Lawrence Cunningham, director of the University of Delawares Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance, said board nominating committees are a common feature at public companies as well. But unlike with a public company, there is no clear route at REI for a board proxy fight, a well-established process in which dissidents can try to oust sitting board members.

In other words, dont assume its easy to hold directors accountable just because its a co-op.

Theres no mechanism in this document or in this culture thats like the proxy contest. Thats the big difference, said Cunningham, who reviewed REIs bylaws at HuffPosts request. The public company path is very highly regulated; people know the rules of the road. Here, they have to go grassroots, and theres no roadmap.

Tefere Gebre, a former AFL-CIO official, is running for the co-op's board. Courtesy UFCW

Whereas public companies are explicit about maximizing value for shareholders, the mission at REI is a little squishier. Under a section outlining the co-ops principles, REIs bylaws give a nod to fostering environmental stewardship, being a responsible corporate citizen and maintaining an excellent workplace.

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Yet no such language is found in the section outlining what the nominating committees considerations should be for would-be directors. It merely promotes a view toward depth of experience and diversity.

Cunningham called this conflict a defect in the document that muddies the boards mission.

Someone should fix the way those bylaws are read, he said.

REIs board is heavy on executive management experience. Its current chair, Chris Carr, is the former chief operating officer of the fast-casual salad chain Sweetgreen and a former Starbucks executive. The chair of its nominating committee, Ted Philip, is a former Walt Disney Co. executive who also sits on United Airlines board.

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REI directors are paid $125,000 a year, with an additional $25,000 to $50,000 for those serving as chairs. REI says that compensation is necessary to attract talent but still below the median for comparable companies.

It seems REIs board wasnt always so chock full of MBAs. A 1993 Seattle Times article said the companys directors included a local emergency room nurse, an Alaska-based climbing guide and an Idaho civic activist, among others. The pay back then was nothing like today. In 1996, REI members narrowly rejected a proposal to hike director compensation  voting to keep it at just $3,832 a year. Significant pay hikes came later.

The REI board holds a meeting every spring where the directors answer questions and update members on the companys shape. Members can petition to put proposals on the agenda for a member vote, which, in theory, could be a pressure point on unionization. But theres a catch: A third of the board must agree to put said measure on the meetings ballot.

That bottleneck makes it harder to hold the board accountable, said Blair Orr, an REI member since 1972. Orr is a retired professor of forest economics in Michigan whos been involved in various co-ops over the years. He decided to take a close look at REIs bylaws after reading about the organizing campaign.

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You look at the REI structure and theres no way to directly have an impact, Orr asserted. Everything has to be approved by the board of directors.

He wonders if its time REI stops carrying on as a co-op, becomes a public company and starts issuing stock.

If youre going to point to it, he said of the co-op status, then you ought to live by it.
Last week, business, government and academic leaders from 125 countries traveled to Davos, Switzerland, for the annual World Economic Forum. And this year, Kentucky was there too.

I was proud to receive the invitation because to me, it signified what would soon be confirmed: The world is seeing the historic progress were making in Kentucky, and they want to invest in us.

So we seized this incredible opportunity and accepted the invitation to reintroduce our New Kentucky Home to employers and CEOs from across the globe.

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Despite being new to the event, we had one of the busiest schedules. In two and a half days, we had 25 meetings with company executives. Ten were with foreign owned companies that already employ over 8,750 Kentuckians. The other meetings were with potential investors from multiple continents that have announced plans to invest in the United States. From LOreal to Suntory, DHL, Schneider Electric, Henkel, Pinterest and more, the lineup was full, and the meetings were promising.

Opinion: Beshear, run for president in 2028. After Trump's divisiveness, we will need you

In between making these pitches, I attended multiple events. At each one, Id interact with top executives as well as presidents and prime ministers. No matter the meeting or event, at the heart of each discussion was Kentucky, our workforce and our bright future. And everyone with an operation in our commonwealth sung our praises and talked about 2024 being one of their best years ever.

I spoke on supply chains, manufacturing, EVs and more

That topic was also on display during the five panels I joined. While I spoke on supply chains and manufacturing, the future of our workforce, the future of EVs and more, folks wanted to know Kentuckys take on global economic issues.

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We took the stage with leaders like Jim Rowan, CEO of Volvo Cars, Randi Weingarten of the American Federation of Teachers, and Olivier Blum, CEO of our very own Schneider Electric, who praised our partnership and what weve achieved together.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear attends the 55th annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland, January 21, 2025.

We held our own among these experts and showed our strength as not just a national leader  but a global one. My final panel was with fellow Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders of Arkansas, where we showed that in Kentucky, we find common ground and use common sense for the greater good of our people and our future.

In less than 72 hours, we met with leaders from multiple countries spanning five continents. That would have taken us years to accomplish under normal circumstances.

And thats important, because foreign investment is essential to our overall economic success. Kentucky currently has 540 foreign-owned facilities that employ over 116,000 Kentuckians.

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Opinion: We're students who care about public schools. That's why we're suing Kentucky.

Creating jobs is always my priority

Creating new jobs for our people is always my priority, and I intend to build on the historic success weve celebrated these past five years. Weve already announced $35 billion in private sector investment  the largest investment amount, by far, under any Kentucky governor  creating a record-breaking 59,800 new, good, full-time jobs for our people.

Through opportunities like the World Economic Forum, we have the chance to grow these numbers at a faster rate than ever before.

And thats why we didnt waste a single minute on the ground in Davos. Every meeting slot was booked. And while a number of folks joked about us not slowing down, our response was always, This is what we do in Kentucky  we work hard and get the job done.

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As I walked away from this incredible opportunity, the one thing I wanted to make sure to bring back home is the pride I felt entering each room. Leaders from companies whose names are familiar worldwide knew about us, about Kentucky. They knew about the success weve achieved, and most importantly, they knew that we achieved it by working together.

Our New Kentucky Home was on the world stage. And I feel more confident than ever before that the next few years hold more promise than we could have imagined. Together, were going to keep moving forward and building a brighter future for your kids and mine.

Weve got a lot to be proud of, Kentucky. And were going to make sure our New Kentucky Home continues to be the best place to live, work, invest and thrive.

Andy Beshear is the governor of Kentucky.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: World Economic Forum puts New Kentucky Home on global stage | Opinion
Iman Helles, a displaced mother sheltering in a facility run by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees in Gaza, fears that she will now be thrown out to the streets with her three children.

Israels ban on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) came into effect on Thursday, and Helles relies almost fully on the organization to support her family in the devastated enclave.

After their home in Gaza Citys eastern Shejaiya district was destroyed during the war, they were forced to move into a former girls elementary school that now serves as a shelter run by UNWRA in central Gazas Deir al-Balah. We live in an agency school. If the agency is banned we wont eat or drink, Helles told CNN. If they force us out, where will I go with my small children?

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Helles is among millions of Palestinians relying on the UN agency for sustenance, education and livelihoods, not only in Gaza but also across the West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem.

In October, Israels parliament, the Knesset, passed two bills  one barring UNRWA from activity within Israel, and another banning Israeli authorities from any contact with UNRWA. The second bill revokes a 1967 treaty that allows the agency to provide services to Palestinian refugees in areas under Israels control.

Philippe Lazzarini (center), UNWRA commissioner-general, speaks during a UN Security Council meeting in New York City on January 28. - Yuki Iwamura/AFP/Getty Images

The legislation came into effect Thursday, and it is expected to severely restrict UNRWAs activities, with a potentially devastating human impact.

Israel has been trying to shut down the agency for years, but it escalated measures against it after Hamas-led militants attacked the country on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostage. Israel accused some UNRWA employees of participating in that attack.

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A UN investigation found that nine employees from UNWRAs 13,000 staff in Gaza may have been involved in the attack and no longer work at the agency. But UNRWA has long maintained that Israel hasnt provided it with evidence against its former employees. The agency says it had regularly provided Israel with a full list of its staff members and has accused Israel of detaining and torturing some of its staffers, coercing them into making false confessions about ties to Hamas.

How Israel intends to proceed with the ban remains unclear, but some of its effects are already underway. On Sunday, Israel ordered UNRWA to vacate all premises in occupied East Jerusalem and cease its operations in them by 30 January 2025, the UN agency said.

Israel also shortened the validity of all visas for UNRWAs international staff to Wednesday, the UN said. This is tantamount to being evicted, UNRWA spokesperson Jonathan Fowler said.

UNRWAs international staff at the East Jerusalem office had to evacuate and relocate to Amman, Jordan earlier in the day, the UN said Wednesday. Office equipment and vehicles have been moved out, and efforts are continuing to digitize its archives.

Disastrous effect

Days before the ban, the UN warned against its detrimental effects, while Israel insisted the agency is replaceable, and that it is committed to the flow of aid into Gaza.

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UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said on Tuesday that its implementation will be disastrous.

The government of Israel claims that UNRWAs services can be transferred to other entities, Lazzarini said, adding that his agency is unique in its mandate to provide public-like services, which can only be transferred to a functioning state.

In a Tuesday speech at the UN, Israels representative, Danny Danon, said that this legislation is about what is happening in Israel; its not about whats happening in Gaza, in Jordan, in Lebanon. But we will not allow UNRWA to work from Israel.

Displaced Palestinians receive food aid at an UNRWA center in Rafah, southern Gaza, in January 2024. - AFP/Getty Images

Danon added that UNRWAs role in Gaza is expected to be phased out and replaced by other UN agencies. I think its going to be a gradual process until other agencies will step in and will take their positions, Danon told reporters.

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Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer said on Wednesday that some of these agencies will include the World Food Programme (WFP), UN childrens agency (UNICEF) and UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), which already operate in Gaza. All three agencies have worked closely with UNRWA, with WFP and UNICEF condemning the ban on their partner UN agency.

More than 912,000 Palestinian refugees are also registered with UNRWA in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, around a quarter of whom live in 19 refugee camps. In the West Bank, UNRWA caters to more than 45,000 students, and runs some 96 schools, 43 healthcare facilities and 19 womens centers. It has also provided loans amounting to $225.3 million.

Israel insists Palestinians will not experience an aid vacuum, saying that UNRWAs aid contribution is minimal  a claim refuted by both UNRWA and other UN agencies.

Other agencies will have no choice but to continue and to increase their efforts, Danon said.

UNRWA workers safety

The ban also raises questions about the safety of thousands of UNRWA workers in Gaza, of whom more than 270 have already been killed since the war began, according to the agency. The conflict has also killed more than 47,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the health ministry there.

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Asked if UNRWA staff are safe, Danon said: Its not (up to) us to take care of their safety.

Mencer described UNRWA on Wednesday as a failed institution that is permeated with terrorism. He then accused the agency of perpetuating the conflict, saying it glorifies Jew-killing, glorifies jihad.

Hoda Hussein, who was displaced with her family from north of Khan Younis, described the UNRWA ban as a second starvation and a new war on the Gaza Strip.

We rely on God, then on them (UNRWA), she said, adding that for 15 months they had nowhere else to go.

We rely on it fully, for everything.

CNNs Irene Nasser contributed to this report.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  A longtime Sioux Falls developer has died.

Craig Lloyd, the founder of Lloyd Companies, passed away Wednesday morning in Sioux Falls at the age of 76.

From building houses in the 1970s to multimillion-dollar projects that have reshaped downtown Sioux Falls, Lloyd has made a huge impact in Sioux Falls.

The Steel District is one example of his many visions coming to life.

Youre going to be looking at this thing 50 years from now and go, Wow who ever thought of that? Lloyd said.

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Over the decades, Lloyd Companies has overseen the development of more than 10,000 apartment units, 2.8 million square feet of commercial space and more than 700 acres of land for mixed-use development.

Back in 2015, Lloyd took KELO News on a tour of his YMCA Apartment project that wouldve been demolished if it wasnt for his efforts.

Saving an old building. We saved this building from demo; deterioration, Lloyd said.

Aside from construction, Lloyd was someone who gave back to his community.

In May 2020 at the height of the pandemic, he was seen outside, along with community members, thanking the workers at Smithfield who continued to show up.

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Committee sends school choice bill to 41st day

You know these people are helping our food supply in America and were so thankful that they come to work, Lloyd said.

Giving back was something Lloyd was no stranger to. The Minnesota State University Mankato alum is a founding sponsor of the schools Big Idea Challenge, a competition that gives funding to students new, innovative business ideas.

To be a dreamer you have to really go out on a limb and you gotta take that leap of faith, Lloyd said.

Chris Thorkelson, Lloyds nephew who succeeded him in 2016 says, Our family, our company and the communities we serve are forever changed for the better because Craig Lloyd was part of them.

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Lloyd was named the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. This award honors alumni who have enhanced the reputation of the University through their actions, hard work and achievement. Lloyd is also a member of the South Dakota Hall of Fame.

Recently, Lloyd Companies donated a million dollars for a dog park at Jacobson Plaza and $750,000 for Lloyd Landing.

Funeral Services will be held at 4:00 p.m. Monday, February 3, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 2109 S. 5th Avenue.

To read his obituary, 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 KELOLAND.com.
Speaking in the heart of Detroit's Latino community, U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit, pleaded Wednesday to protect immigrants, her voice at times overcome with emotion.

Tlaib was joined by several immigrant rights activists and Detroit City Councilwoman Gabriela Santiago-Romero in Patton Park, which sits on Vernor Highway, a commercial strip in southwest Detroit packed with small businesses, many of them run by immigrants. The news conference was held on the same day that several immigrant, Latino, Asian American and Black groups released a statement criticizing Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan for using the word "illegal" last week to describe some immigrants. In a statement to the Free Press, Duggan said the attacks on him are a type of "political correctness" and he refused to apologize.

U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit, defends immigrants at a news conference in Patton Park in southwest Detroit on Jan. 29, 2025. She's joined by immigrant rights activists, including Ruby Robinson, a managing attorney at Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, who's seen on the right.

Tlaib held back tears as she expressed fears that immigrant families may once again be torn apart as President Donald Trump intensifies immigration enforcement, vowing to deport a record number of foreign-born people, often linking them to crime.

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"I'm gonna cry saying this," Tlaib said, describing an immigrant family she said was broken up a few years ago. "When you see a child go home to an empty house and a neighbor comes out and says, 'I'm sorry, but immigration came and took your parents,' do you know that child ends up in foster care, separated from their family members? I've seen it."

Tlaib, whose district includes southwest Detroit, then promised to help educate people to fight for their rights, asking other elected officials to also speak up for immigrants in their districts across Michigan.

"I want all the immigrant families to know: We are going to prepare you to know ... where your child is going," Tlaib said. "We're not going to let them separate our families, divide us, militarize our communities, where we have to carry documents all the time, worried about being stopped. We're going to make sure that you know your rights, and we're going to fight for you."

Tlaib was surrounded by signs in English, Spanish and Arabic informing immigrants of their rights. "Know Your Rights," read one tall sign. "You have the right to remain silent and to contact an attorney," was one of the rights listed underneath.

Seydi Sarr, founder and head of the African Bureau for Immigration and Social Affairs in Detroit, said immigrant communities are being threatened, at a news conference at Patton Park on Jan. 29, 2025, in southwest Detroit.

Immigrant groups, Duggan clash

Before the 11 a.m. news conference at which Tlaib spoke, the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center released a statement signed by several other immigrant advocacy groups slamming Duggan. The mayor used the word "illegal" or "illegally" a few times in remarks to reporters on Friday.

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"The Mayors use of the I-word is inappropriate, dehumanizing, and an insult to Detroits longstanding immigrant communities," the statement said, referring to the word "illegal" that some use to describe immigrants who may lack authorization to live in the U.S.

The city of Detroit has been certified as a "welcoming city," which means that local government leadership does not make public statements directly attacking individuals or groups on the basis of their immigration status," the statement said.

"Mayor Duggan has violated that tenet," the immigrant groups said. "At a time when immigrant Detroiters are under attack and need the support of their elected officials, the Mayors comments are unacceptable."

Duggan fired back, saying that in Detroit "we support the success of immigrants. But when Detroit police make a criminal arrest and (the Detroit Police Department) gets federal notification that the person in custody is in the country illegally, we should not and do not shield you from federal enforcement."

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Duggan added: "Groups who oppose this position are criticizing me today over the political correctness of my statements, but I do not apologize for providing a clear explanation of Detroits position. It is a position we have followed consistently through the Obama, Trump and Biden administrations."

Angela Reyes, executive director of the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation, said that "its disheartening to hear the mayor use such a disparaging word to describe a large portion of the citys residents, many of whom have contributed to the growth and revitalization of Detroit. In a city populated by majority Black and brown people, we would hope that our mayor would not succumb to racist rhetoric and instead stand with the many other mayors who are fighting to defend the people they serve."

The coalition of immigrant groups said that immigrants, including those who are undocumented, contribute a lot to the economy of Detroit, where about 6% of the residents are immigrants.

The coalition said undocumented immigrants in Michigan contributed $240 million in federal taxes and almost $129 million in state and local taxes.

U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit, is overcome with emotion as she talks about immigrants being targeted, at a news conference in Patton Park in southwest Detroit on January 29, 2025. She's joined by immigrant rights activists.

It's unclear how many arrests federal immigration agents have made in Michigan since Trump became president. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not respond Wednesday to an email seeking information on how many people they have detained in Michigan.

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Detroit has a growing African immigrant community that is also affected by Trump's executive orders, advocates said.

More: Michigan Catholic bishops urge support for 'undocumented' immigrant families

ICE operating "in our communities is here to terrorize ... to disrupt the life and erode the trust," said Seydi Sarr, founder and head of the African Bureau for Immigration and Social Affairs in Detroit. "Nobody wants to wake up in the morning and wonder if they're going to go home and their father is not there."

"No parent" wants to go out to the grocery and worry "I might not see my child again," Sarr said. She called upon Americans to help immigrants who may be scared to venture out to buy groceries, pick up prescriptions or other tasks.

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"There are thousands of similar brave individuals present in the city today, people with and without authorized immigration status who have fled poverty, violence, and conflict to share their talent and culture with fellow Detroiters," said Christine Sauve, a manager at the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center. "I would hate for our mayor to turn his back on all these individuals contributing to the greatness of our city.

Ruby Robinson, senior managing attorney at the MIRC, said at the news conference that "the Constitution, which today is still intact, ensures certain protections for everybody in interactions with law enforcement, regardless of immigration status, and those definitely can be invoked and followed."

Contact Niraj Warikoo: nwarikoo@freepress.com or X @nwarikoo

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Tlaib defends immigrants as Duggan is slammed for saying "illegal"
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  The American Lung Association is urging state lawmakers to focus on tobacco prevention measures. Thats according to the 2025 State of Tobacco Control report.

The report says Massachusetts received a failing grade for its efforts in funding prevention programs.

The report also examines the industrys efforts to try and addict a new generation of users within the state. According to the American Lung Association, they are seeing tobacco industry lobbyists at the local level.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Donald Trumps drive to rid America of the dangerous criminal aliens among us continues on Friday, with a group of Republican students setting up a snitch booth at Arizona State University

Come report your illegal classmates and DACA to ICE, invites a flyer from Republicans United of Arizona.

Who knew the campus was teeming with dangerous criminal aliens?

GOP group wants ASU students to snitch

College Republicans United is what we used to call a fringe group, what with its commitment to white Christian nationalism and its opposition to immigration and multiculturalism.

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When we last checked in with these fine young scholars, it was 2023 and they were invitingwhite nationalist Nick Fuentes to deliver the keynote address at their second annual national convention.

Now, theyre asking their fellow students to drop a dime on Dreamers.

At a rate of 7,000 deportations per day, it would take four years to remove just the ten million who entered under Biden, the group lamented on social media on Wednesday evening. So far, Trumps administration is averaging only about 1,000 per day  far below whats needed.

However, mass deportation isnt unprecedented; Eisenhower oversaw the removal of 1.5 million in a single year. There are also many DACA recipients who should be sent back.

They even claim to be 'ICE volunteers'

Surely, ASU students who have protected status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program are a far cry from the murderers and sex offenders we all want off the streets and out of our country.

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The ones who supposedly are the target of Trumps mass deportation program.

Arent they?

Yet here come the cocky College Republicans United, bold as brass and ready to unleash the ugly on Friday.

Opinion: Force governor to deport migrants? That's almost funny

We will be tabling on campus asking fellow students to report their criminal classmates to ICE for deportation, the group announced on Wednesday.

These self-appointed immigration cops have even printed T-shirts identifying themselves as ICE VOLUNTEER, right above the seal of the Department of Homeland Security.

How will they find their 'criminal classmates?'

Step right this way to rat out your fellow Sun Devils.

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Given their obvious expertise in rooting out their criminal classmates, I wonder:

How do they actually know if someone is here illegally? Is it a matter of guilty until proven innocent if you are of a certain color or ethnicity?

What harm befalls these college Republicans from their fellow students  the ones who were brought here illegally as children and now have temporary protection from deportation in this, the only country many of them have ever known?

And finally, are these young Republicans offering a bounty for each undocumented student who is shackled and sent off to the gulag?

Or is it just that warm, fuzzy feeling they get from embracing their inner Gestapo?

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.

Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: ASU doesn't need 'ICE volunteers' reporting classmates | Opinion
A report from the Government Accountability Office examined cloud seeding, finding little proof this technique can make it rain, though it may have limited benefits in increasing rainfall, according to VICE. The article comes as online chatter grows about the government's ability to control the weather.

What's happening?

Cloud seeding usually involves planes releasing silver iodide crystals into clouds to increase rainfall in dry areas. Nine states currently use this method, while 10 have banned it or are considering banning it, per the GAO. Utah spends $12 million yearly on the practice, yet researchers struggle to measure whether it leads to more rain, as VICE detailed.

"The federal government has almost nothing to do with cloud seeding anymore. It happens at a state level, and the states use it at their discretion to drum up rainfall to combat drought or to suppress hail, another one of cloud seeding's uses," explained VICE writer Luis Prada.

Why is cloud seeding concerning?

The GAO's findings challenge both supporters and critics of cloud seeding. States hoping to ease droughts through this method lack clear data showing it works.

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Meanwhile, fears about government weather control appear unfounded. One scientific worry the GAO did mention involves silver ions in high enough concentrations potentially affecting helpful bacteria, though this needs more study, as VICE noted.

Online posts often link cloud seeding to broader fears about weather manipulation. However, the federal government is minimally involved. States make their own choices about using or banning the practice, as VICE explained.

What's being done about weather modification?

Scientists continue to study cloud seeding's real effects, searching for solid proof it can help during droughts. Some states take a careful approach, testing the method while tracking results. Others have stopped the practice until researchers better understand its impact.

For now, the evidence suggests cloud seeding neither controls the weather nor completely solves water shortages  the studies the GAO reviewed estimated between 0% and 20% of additional precipitation. As dry spells grow more common, researchers say finding proven ways to protect water supplies matters more than pursuing methods without clear benefits.

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The GAO's work helps separate fact from fiction, showing that weather modification remains more science fiction than reality  or at least an area where information is inconclusive. This lets communities focus on water-saving methods rather than chase uncertain solutions.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  We are getting a different perspective of Tuesdays ICE raids in New York City.

As Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem worked side-by-side with federal agents, CBS News Chief Washington Correspondent Major Garrett was there.

As CBS News cameras followed Kristi Noem through the streets of New York, the new Secretary of Homeland Security was making sure people around the world saw what was happening.

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As Kristi Noem showed yesterday, shes very adept at posting things about social media. She has her own account, and she portrays herself doing these things. We wanted to be independent journalists watching them go on recording the information, comparing it to existing data, contextualizing it for the audience and telling the full story, Garrett said.

In his one-on-one interview with Noem, Garrett asked for her thoughts about taking a news crew along on this kind of mission.

The Trump administration wants cameras present at this early stage of the administration to capture what it looks like for these immigration actions to continue. They want people to see that they are doing things differently, Garrett said.

Its not a spectacle. This is our nations law enforcement, judicial process. The scales of justice are equally applied to everybody. We want transparency on this, Noem said in the interview with Garrett.

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This was not Garretts first time going behind the scenes with law enforcement, but he said this experience was different.

There were 90 federal agents in the briefing room when we were briefed on the days events. When I was with Secretary Noem, there were about 35 or 40 federal agents so much larger footprint, a lot more equipment, a lot more tactical gear, a lot more preparation, Garrett said.

Baltic Mayor and other city officials resign

Garrett says the DEA, ATF and U.S. Marshals Service were all involved. Together, they arrested 20 people in four hours. 12 had criminal records. Eight did not.

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Garrett says authorities want to make 500 arrests in New York this week.

He says its a lofty goal.

If youre going to take those resources, you can do that on a day-by-day basis, but can you do that for six months? Can you do that for a year? That is a huge question because if the administration is going to reach the numbers it has promised the country, up to a million deportations in one year, youre going to need all these other resources taken off other jobs to assist in enforcement actions from immigration officials. Thats going to be hard. Thats going to be really, really hard to achieve, Garrett said.

Garrett says that the eight undocumented immigrants arrested without a criminal history would not have been arrested under the Biden administration.

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He also mentioned that Vice President J.D. Vance thinks the U.S. can deport up to a million people

The highest number of people deported was 409,000 in 2012 under Barack Obama. The highest Trump administration number was 267,000.

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ESCONDIDO, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  Reports of an active shooter at San Pasqual Academy in Escondido prompted a response from authorities Wednesday morning, an official with the San Diego County Sheriffs Office confirmed.

A call came in at 10:38 a.m. reporting a disturbance, though the Sheriffs Office has yet to disclose the exact nature of the incident. Authorities said the reports of a shooter were ultimately deemed unfounded.

No further details surrounding the incident were immediately provided. The Sheriffs Office said a press release detailing the matter will be shared to the public later in the day.

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No injuries were reported in connection to this incident and the school is not on a lockdown.

This is a developing story. Please check back for more details.

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Conservative firebrand Bill Spadea stepped down Thursday from his morning radio talk show, with critics complaining that it gives him an unfair advantage in the governor's race, where Spadea hopes to win the Republican primary. (Photo by Hal Brown)

Bill Spadea, a Republican running to become New Jerseys next governor, ended his 10-year stint as a conservative radio show host Thursday, amid mounting criticism from campaign rivals that his radio station bosses gave him unfair advantages.

Spadea has long denied that his morning talk show on New Jersey 101.5 benefitted his campaign because he hasnt directly appealed to voters to support him in the crowded race for his partys nomination in the June primary.

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During his final show Thursday, he poked fun at his detractors, peppering defiant disclaimers amid the ads that mocked a statement his employer, Townsquare Media, has been airing to disavow any election scheming.

Townsquare Media and New Jersey 101.5 have implemented parameters, restrictions and guidelines on the content of this broadcast to eliminate the broadcast of any traffic report endorsing, supporting, encouraging, advocating or promoting that there is no congestion if a truck carrying Vicks VapoRub overturns on the highway, one spoof spot announced.

The show is full of disclaimers, this morning and every day, Spadea joked. Congratulations on disclaimer-free Friday, coming up tomorrow.

In between the disclaimers and traffic, weather, and news reports, Spadea mostly spent his four-hour show taking calls from gushing fans who vowed to support him and thanked him for advocating for conservative causes, as well as Republican politicians alluding to his gubernatorial campaign.

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You have a way of connecting with people and making them feel important. Its almost this Reaganesque quality, said Robert Pluta, a Republican who served on Lawrence Public Schools school board.

Heather Moran McGarvey, president of the Pinelands Republican Club, called to congratulate Spadea for winning a straw poll her group did after a candidates night Wednesday.

He also sympathized with several callers who said they plan to leave the state over their disgust with state politics dominated by Democrats, recounted his commitment and visits to small businesses, and touched on a range of conservative causes, from pandemic precautions and closures to supporting police.

I love New Jersey, and New Jersey has my full commitment and whatever, wherever the journey leads, Im digging in one way or the other, he said.

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He bashed the political press, too, agreeing when broadcaster Eric Scott, who will take over Spadeas show, complained that the Statehouse press corps is a bunch of teenagers who lack intellectual curiosity and skills.

They took some local courses at Rutgers, and they, you know, theyre wannabe journalists. And theyre not journalists, Spadea added. Their experience is all social media.

Spadeas last day on air came two days after attorneys for Jack Ciattarelli, whos also vying for the partys nomination in the governors race, urged the Election Law Enforcement Commission, the states campaign finance watchdog, to withhold matching funds from Spadea because of the benefits his airtime affords him.

The complaint filed Tuesday revives protests Ciattarelli and state Sen. Jon Bramnick  another governor hopeful  made months ago that claimed Spadeas time on the radio amounted to in-kind contributions from the stations owner worth hundreds of thousands of dollars in violation of contribution limits and other rules on New Jerseys gubernatorial public financing program.

A Spadea campaign spokesman has called the complaints lawfare and Ciattarellis campaign flailing.

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LANSING, Mich. (AP)  Former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers is gearing up to announce another Republican bid for U.S. Senate in Michigan, just months after he narrowly lost to Democrat Elissa Slotkin, according to multiple people with direct knowledge of his plans.

Two sources familiar with Rogers plans confirmed his intention to enter the 2026 race for Michigans open U.S. Senate seat. The sources requested anonymity because they weren't authorized to discuss Rogers' plans.

In a statement posted Thursday on the social platform X, Rogers said he is strongly considering joining the fight once again and that good news is coming soon. Oakland County GOP Chair Vance Patrick confirmed that Rogers team had reached out Thursday to discuss the potential bid.

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The race for Michigans U.S. Senate seat is poised to be one of the nations most fiercely contested after Democratic Sen. Gary Peters announced Tuesday he is retiring and will not seek a third term. Peters retirement adds a new challenge for Senate Democrats as they work to regain control of the chamber, currently held by Republicans with a 53-47 majority.

This marks the second consecutive cycle in which Michigan Democrats must defend an open Senate seat, following Debbie Stabenows decision not to seek a fifth term in 2024. In that race, Rogers fell to Slotkin by nearly 19,000 votes.

An Army veteran and former FBI agent, Rogers was elected to Congress in 2000 and served seven terms in the House, the last two as chair of the committee that oversees U.S. intelligence agencies. He left office in 2015 and served briefly on President Donald Trumps transition team as a national security advisor.

If Rogers enters the race, he will likely be in a stronger position than last cycle, with increased name recognition and several extra months to campaign  unlike the previous cycle when he joined nearly six months after Slotkin.

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But he lacks the advantage of campaigning alongside Trump, who frequently visited the battleground state during his successful run for the presidency. Trump received nearly 80,000 more votes in Michigan than former Vice President Kamala Harris.

Both major parties could have crowded primaries in Michigan's Senate race. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is currently considering a Democratic run, as is second-term Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, Democratic Rep. Hillary Scholten and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow.

Republican Tudor Dixon, who unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2022, is also considering a Senate bid. Republicans have not won a U.S. Senate race in Michigan in over 30 years.

___

Beaumont reported from Des Moines, Iowa.
Senate Republicans advanced the nomination of Russell Vought to lead the White House budget office as Democrats boycotted the meeting to protest the administrations recent efforts to freeze large swaths of federal funding.

Republicans on the Senate Budget Committee voted 11-0 to report out Voughts nomination to lead the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), teeing it up for consideration by the full Senate.

Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said hes hopeful the nomination heads to the full Senate for final approval soon.

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We need to get on with getting the government up and running, he told reporters. He also said he doesnt expect problems with GOP leaders locking down the necessary support to get Vought through the chamber.

Senate Democrats said ahead of the committee vote that they would boycott the meeting, calling Vought clearly unfit for office.

Democrats have been sounding the alarm over a since-rescinded memo OMB issued this week directing agencies to temporarily pause disbursement of loans, grants and other financial assistance to determine if spending is in line with the presidents agenda.

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) made a brief appearance in the meeting and left shortly after.

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The White House has since rescinded the sweeping memo amid confusion over what programs would be impacted and legal challenges. But officials have vowed to work to implement Trumps previous orders that also target some funding approved by Congress under the previous administration.

Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) blasted Democrats for not showing up at the hearing, in remarks to reporters moments after the vote, calling the demonstration extraordinarily juvenile.

This isnt High School Musical here. You know the serious business, United States Senate, for them to take their toys home and leave the playground is just really ridiculous. You know, these are old men. Honestly, its just very, very pathetic to see them doing that.

Democrats had grilled Vought during recent hearings, particularly on the executive branchs spending powers and the nominees ties to Project 2025, the conservative blueprint produced by the Heritage Foundation that was often the target of Democratic attacks during the 2024 presidential election cycle.

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While Vought has vowed the administration will uphold the law, he also reiterated his position in hearings that the Impoundment Control Act, which lays out limits on the presidents powers to restrict funding approved by Congress, is unconstitutional.

At the same time, backlash is growing among Democrats who say the recent actions by the Trump administration are illegal.

The recent court decisions are the minimum that we should expect in preserving the rule of law, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said Wednesday.

The courts are going to be the firewall and the backstop here against the draft of illegal executive orders, the firing of inspectors general, the hiring freeze, he argued, adding the freeze on funding is only the beginning.

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Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara are showing how abandoned coconut plantations have taken over Pacific islands, choking out many native plants, according to Earth.com.

What's happening?

Researchers examined satellite imagery of 235 Pacific atolls and found coconut trees covered 58.3% of their forested area and 24.1% of their land area. Over half these trees were found in monoculture formations, as in likely part of commercial agriculture. (You can navigate the results of this research through an interactive map and see how dense coconut trees are from island to island.)

"Coconut oil used to be essential to atoll economies, but today most coconut palm plantations are abandoned and overgrown," lead author Michael Burnett said. "With the growing climate threats facing Pacific atolls, it's critical to figure out where these abandoned plantations are using up critical land and water resources, and where there may be opportunities to restore the native forests to the benefit of islands and islanders."

Palm oil crops have introduced similar problems, with 10% of Borneo's land area overtaken by the trees.

Why are coconut plantations important?

Growing trees for agriculture is generally great since they sequester carbon in the process. Citrus and nuts, for example, are carbon-negative foods thanks to the trees the industry supports. Unfortunately, this practice usually involves deforestation and monocrop plantations, which is bad for biodiversity. The study authors also said that coconut agriculture of this scale poses a threat to groundwater reserves, seabird populations, and nearby coral reefs.

What's being done about coconut monocultures?

The good news is that abandoned coconut plantations are viable for rewilding. Effective techniques for taking down coconut trees are already well-documented, but it will take years of consistent effort to push back the tide and enable greater biodiversity in these areas.

"Restoring abandoned copra plantations on atolls to native forests offer invaluable ecological benefits, such as biodiversity recovery and climate resilience," said Elizabeth Terk, Micronesia Conservation Director for The Nature Conservancy. "Striking a balance between cultural heritage and environmental stewardship is essential for a sustainable future. Mapping the extent of copra plantations on atolls is a crucial step for informed decision-making. Helping to provide a clearer picture of land use, enabling us to balance economic needs with ecological restoration and climate adaption efforts."

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While it might not be the same as heroically reclaiming Pacific jungles, you can engage in rewilding efforts close to home. Check out our guide on rewilding your yard to get started on promoting biodiversity, supporting pollinators, and protecting against soil erosion.

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Business is back to usual near the Santa Fe Transit Center after a deadly shooting involving an officer Tuesday night.



Just a typical night, we had the fire pits on and people relaxing and enjoying a beer. People coming in to buy beer to go. Nothing out of the ordinary or unusual, Alexander Walters said.

Walters works at Stone Brewing, which is one of many nearby businesses. He said his co-worker was closing up for the night when the shooting happened and was updating the team about the scary situation.

Its distressing. Its heartbreaking. I never want to see that happen, especially near the train station, because I take the train as well. You want to feel safe all the time, he said.

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Walters said he is grateful for the gate that blocks off the restaurant located within earshot of the back-to-back shootings.

The San Diego Sheriffs Office is now in charge of the investigation. They said San Diego police officers were responding to a separate call nearby when they heard gunshots near the trolley platform.

Officers said they found a man with a gun nearby, according to SDSO.

Thats when the shooting involving an officer happened. The suspect, a man in his 20s, was killed.

We want people, even elderly people who are walking their dogs at night to feel safe, to be able to walk outside and not have to worry about guns and weapons, said resident Zach Dostart, who wasnt home at the time of the shooting but says he was sad to hear about it when his neighbor texted him.

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He thinks having a 24/7 security presence in front of the transit hub would give residents in the area peace of mind.

You have an Amtrak. You have a trolley and a commuter bus line. A lot of residents, a lot of density, a lot of high-rises. I just think its an important thing to have, he said.

Meantime, the Sheriffs homicide unit is now investigating the shooting.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers.



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Browards members of Congress, who represent the most Democratic territory in the state, are facing a strategic and moral quandary as they try to figure out how to operate in a political environment dominated by President Donald Trump and a Republican-controlled national government.

Their choice: make nice and cooperate  or fight like hell?

Or, possibly, some combination of both, an approach some think allows them to temper what they regard as the most egregious policies emanating from Trump, maybe get a few of their own ideas enacted, resurrect their partys reputation with the electorate, and secure their own reelections in coming years.

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Its tricky to navigate.

U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and Jared Moskowitz dont want voters to see them as unreasonable obstructionists  and they dont want voters to think theyre capitulating to Trump and violating principles Democrats hold dear.

Further complicating their challenge, success or failure could depend less on the substance of what they do or dont do, and more on messaging and how voters perceive their performance. That is, if voters are paying attention at all.

Wasserman Schultz, Cherfilus-McCormick and Moskowitz, who collectively represent most of Broward and Palm Beach counties, say theyre in sync. But in interviews, speeches and formal statements, theyre showing somewhat different approaches and priorities.

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Retired Broward Circuit Judge Ilona Holmes, said the Democratic House members need to do it all. You cant compromise integrity. Get along when you can, but when you cant  resist.

Different approach

Moskowitz, South Floridas junior member of Congress, said his party needs a different approach to dealing with Trump and presenting itself to voters.

What its been offering recently hasnt worked. As proof, Moskowitz pointed to election results.

I can tell you this: I think in the first term of the Trump administration, Democrats got it wrong. We were constantly outraged. We fell into all the traps of all of the chaos and trying to respond to everything, and I think this time around, it cant be constant outrage. It has to be selective resistance.

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Were going to have to pick our spots. But we cant be no on everything. I can tell you if we vote no on everything, if were just the no party, I think the American people are going to continue to look at us and give us the same result, Moskowitz said.

Voters, he said, have looked at Donald Trump  and theyve looked at what we proposed. Their conclusion. Were going to go with him.

Its a reflection on what we (Democrats) are selling. Because were just two corner stores. Democrats are a corner store and the Republicans are a corner store. Sales  or, in this case, election results  are about the products youre selling, but its also about your salesmanship, and theyre way better at selling their products.

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Dont give up

Cherfilus-McCormick, who represents most of the African American and Caribbean American communities in Broward and Palm Beach counties, said she has seen demoralized Democrats around the country.

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People seem to have lost their fight and their resiliency. And the one thing I remind them all the time is, we have never been handed anything a day in our life, Cherfilus-McCormick said. This is a moment where we have to be unwavering and make sure we define our country once again for who we are.

Wasserman Schutz, the longest-serving Democrat in the Florida Congressional Delegation, urged people not to despair even faced with the gusher of Trump administration policies Democrats find abhorrent and said its important not to be overwhelmed by the volume of statements that capture attention and prevent people from focusing on whats most important.

We will not dive into the daily Trump circus and chase absurd claims, disinformation and lies, she declared.

We all have to make sure that we fight our own exhaustion. I know its difficult. I know swiping down on your phone in the morning and looking at those notifications about the next extreme thing that he did in the middle of the night is frightening and frustrating and can impact peoples mental health, but we have to stay in the fight, Wasserman Schultz said.

Immigration

Immigration, and especially the cases of people who are in the country illegally, is politically fraught.

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Cherfilus-McCormick said the election season and its aftermath was emotional for her and many of her constituents. Her parents were immigrants from Haiti, fleeing a dictator, and she is the first Haitian-American Democrat elected to Congress.

Theres a narrative that immigrants are somehow all illegal and somehow all have an underlying criminality to them and that they are less than, that theyre not hardworking, she said.

Cherfilus-McCormick said people in the country illegally who commit crimes should be deported, but the enforcement in the early days of the Trump administration goes far beyond that.

We must continue to be resolute and ensure that no one feels scared or threatened. Were hearing more and more stories about these raids and how Americans are being taken, she said. We cant live in a country where just because you have an accent, youre afraid that someones gonna pick you up and deport you. This is not the United States.

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Moskowitz was the only Florida Democrat, among a total of 46 in the House, who voted with the Republican majority in favor of the Laken Riley Act. Signed into law by Trump on Wednesday, it requires detention of undocumented immigrants charged with crimes, including nonviolent burglary, theft or shoplifting. A charge against someone who hasnt been found guilty, would suffice.

It was named after the Georgia nursing student who was murdered by an undocumented immigrant last year while she was out jogging.

Different approaches

Wasserman Schultz and Cherfilus-McCormick both said cooperation, where possible, is important. And Moskowitz said opposition is necessary at times.

But Wasserman Schultz has been sharper in her condemnation of Trump and Republican policies than Moskowitz.

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We have a fire hose of horrendous policy that is coming at us right now and we, you know, cant dress that up or put lipstick on it and make it OK, she said. As a Democrat with Republicans controlling the White House, Senate and House of Representatives, I consider a good portion of my responsibility in the minority with a trifecta of MAGA extremism in Washington to stand and fight.

Moskowitzs tone is different.

After the Trump victory and Republicans retaining control of the House, Moskowitz became the first Democrat to join the DOGE Caucus. Thats a group formed to support the efforts led by billionaire Trump adviser Elon Musk to cut federal spending and make the government more efficient.

Democrats are constantly getting stuck fighting for the status quo. Its a trap that Republicans set for us, right? And I can tell you Americans dont look at government and are like, its perfect, dont change anything. They always think government can be improved. They always think government can spend less money. Thats what Americans think because thats what businesses think and thats what families are thinking, right? And so I joined the caucus, he said.

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Im going to go to where these conversations are happening, even conversations that I dont like. You cant stay in safe spaces. Were being out-communicated because we dont want to go into places where there are tough conversations, he said.

Lourdes Diaz, a Pembroke Pines Hispanic media and branding strategist, who has also been president of the Democratic Hispanic Caucus chapter in Broward and president of the Pembroke Pines Democratic Club, described Moskowitz as a little bit more in the middle and Wasserman Schultz as more of a passionate Democrat.

There were noticeable differences in tone in the Inauguration Day statements from Wasserman Schultz and Moskowitz.

Wasserman Schultz said she opposed the man who was sworn in and disagree with many of the despicable things that he said and plans to do and criticized the avalanche of lies, disrespect and ugly vengeance he unfurled in his inauguration speech. (She did promise to seek as much common ground as possible but said it may prove difficult.)

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Moskowitz, by contrast, emphasized his view that its critical we work across party lines to solve the pressing issues facing our nation, called for ending partisanship and dysfunction and pledged to work with his Administration where possible. (He added that he would stand up to them to disagree where I must.

Though theyre Democrats from neighboring districts, they have different perspectives.

Wasserman Schultz is part of party leadership in the House as a co-chair of the Steering & Policy Committee and is a former chair of the Democratic National Committee. She has served the minority party and the majority in Congress and earlier in the state Legislature.

Moskowitz, beginning his second term, has always been in the minority party, including in his previous time in the state Legislature. And he was appointed to two important jobs, state emergency management director and Broward County commissioner, by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis.

His district leans Democratic, but he won his two elections by the smallest margins of any congressional victory in the state.

Wasserman Schultz said her approach isnt so different from Moskowitzs, describing it as more a different emphasis in the choice of words.

Palm Beach County

Palm Beach County, home to Trumps Mar-a-Lago Club home and resort, is more friendly toward Trump than Broward. He narrowly lost Palm Beach County.

U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, a Democrat whose district includes Mar-a-Lago, has selectively commented critically on a several, but not all Trump actions.

And U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, a Republican who represents northern Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie counties, is an outspoken supporter, posting on social media on Inauguration Day that Trump brings a movement of renewal for the values we hold dear: putting America first, securing our borders, and empowering the people. Five days later, he wrote that Trump has already done more to restore common sense in this country than his predecessor did in 4 years.

Strategic assessment

Trump did better nationally, and in Democrat-heavy Broward, than in his previous presidential campaigns, prompting questions of strategy among Democrats across the country.

Many are concentrating on so-called kitchen table issues, things that people constantly see, and were seen as pivotal factors in how the 2024 elections turned out.

Last year, Republicans used the high price of eggs, caused largely by the spread of bird flu, as fodder to criticize former President Joe Biden.

At their ceremonial swearing-in ceremony Monday in Fort Lauderdale, both Wasserman Schultz and Moskowitz brought up the price of eggs to tweak the Republican majority.

Handing tax breaks to billionaires, Wasserman Schultz said, doesnt make eggs and gas any cheaper.

Anthony Man can be reached at aman@sunsentinel.com and can be found @browardpolitics on Bluesky, Threads, Facebook and Mastodon.
Gastonia city leaders have approved a rezoning request, paving the way for the construction of up to 93 homes between South New Hope and Lowell Bethesda Road, according to reports from the Gaston Gazette.

The development, which is planned as a 55+ community, aims to address concerns about traffic impact by limiting the number of vehicles during peak hours. Bethesda Oaks residents, whose properties border the proposed site, have expressed worries about increased traffic and the loss of greenspace.

ALSO READ: Residents excited about new development coming to south Charlotte

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We have one concern. We do not want to be a cut-through between Lowell Bethesda and New Hope Road, said William Radcliff, president of the Bethesda Oaks Homeowners Association.

Developers have included a 10-foot landscaping easement along the property line to address some of the communitys concerns about greenspace. Additionally, the Gastonia City Council approved the rezoning with the condition that a stub entrance will be accessible only to emergency vehicles, following a motion by Councilman Jim Gallagher.

The unanimous approval of the rezoning request marks a significant step forward for the development, though it remains to be seen how the changes will affect the Bethesda Oaks community in the long term.

VIDEO: Residents excited about new development coming to south Charlotte




During confirmation hearings in January 2025, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. falsely denied that a 2019 trip he took to Samoa had anything to do with vaccines.

In 2019, Samoa experienced a measles outbreak caused by low vaccination coverage. Kennedy's nomination to be President Donald Trump's health and human services secretary has brought the talking point that Kennedy caused this outbreak via his activism back to the forefront.

The measles outbreak in Samoa was not "caused" by Kennedy. A tragic accident in 2018, in which two infants died from incorrectly mixed vaccines, and the controversial pause in vaccination that followed, bear primary responsibility for creating those conditions. This does not exclude the possibility that Kennedy exacerbated these existing conditions.

Kennedy's assertion that he "had nothing to do with people not vaccinating in Samoa" is not credible. It is undermined by his direct engagement with the Samoan government on the topic of vaccines, his direct engagement with the Samoan anti-vaccine movement before, during, and after the epidemic, and his platforming of the two primary influencers advocating against vaccination in Samoa.



On Jan. 29, 2025, during an appearance before the Senate Finance Committee as part of his confirmation process to become health and human services secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. repeated a denial he has made on numerous occasions: that a trip he took to Samoa in 2019 directly preceding a deadly measles outbreak there had "nothing to do with vaccines."

RFK JR: I went in June of 2019. The measles outbreak started in August. So, clearly I had nothing to do with the measles pic.twitter.com/jhjKA1ENJU  Acyn (@Acyn) January 29, 2025

As Snopes has previously reported, this claim is not credible. It can be debunked using statements Kennedy himself has made or published.

A quantitative assessment of Kennedy's proportional effect on the outbreak or failed containment of measles in Samoa in 2019 is likely impossible. To suggest Kennedy "caused" the outbreak, as some people have implied on social media, would be to use the same logical fallacies about causation that many opposed to vaccines rely on.

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In fact, a pause on the administration of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine following the 2018 deaths of two infants who were given incorrectly mixed injections was almost certainly the primary driver of low vaccination rates at the time measles struck. That period without vaccination lowered vaccination rates as well as trust in the Samoan health care system.

August 2019 post on Facebook by Kennedy's Charity Children's Health Defense

What is clear, however, is that Kennedy and his charity Children's Health Defense exploited the deaths of those Samoan infants, the pause on vaccination it caused, the emergency vaccination campaign it later necessitated and the epidemic itself to further their own political goals and bolster their claims. Kennedy's promotion of activists who spoke against the Samoan vaccination campaigns added reach and legitimacy to vaccine opposition immediately preceding the epidemic's onset.

Kennedy, who upon receiving Trump's cabinet nomination pledged to "provide Americans with transparency," has regularly downplayed or changed the narrative regarding the facts of his direct engagement with the Samoan anti-vaccination movement before this deadly outbreak.

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When asked about his role in the pandemic in the 2023 film "Shot in the Arm," Kennedy told the filmmaker he "had nothing to do with people not vaccinating in Samoa," that he "never told anybody not to vaccinate," and that he "didn't go there with any reason to do with that." These claims strain credulity.

In this story, Snopes provides a detailed accounting of Kennedy's contribution to the Samoan epidemic before, during and after it occurred, demonstrating both the failure of his talking points and the evolution of his claims of involvement. Kennedy did not respond to a detailed list of questions sent by email.

Before the Epidemic

In 2013, about 87% of Samoa's population had been immunized against measles, mumps, and rubella, according to a March 2020 paper in The Lancet, a peer-reviewed medical journal. Although these numbers fluctuated significantly in the years between 2013 and 2017, vaccination coverage for children younger than 1 dropped massively in 2018, hovering just above 40%.

The most significant reasons for this precipitous decline had nothing to do with Kennedy. In July 2018, two Samoan infants died minutes after their vaccination with the MMR vaccine. In response, Samoa  controversially  paused its measles vaccination program. However, an inquiry quickly revealed that two nurses' negligence in mixing the vaccines caused the deaths.

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Despite the finding, the vaccination program remained paused until April 2019, eroding public trust in vaccination. This pause in vaccines also created what the World Health Organization later described as "a pool of susceptible children under the age of 5 years" in Samoa.

Kennedy giving a speech at the California State Capitol on April 10, 2019.

Before and during the period in which Samoa was undergoing a crisis of confidence in vaccination, Kennedy became involved with a series of campaigns in the United States to challenge state bills mandating vaccination, particularly the MMR vaccine at issue in Samoa.

Kennedy, as part of this campaign, repeatedly pushed the notion that mainstream news reporting on the danger of measles was a conspiracy created by pharmaceutical companies to sell inherently unsafe vaccines to a frightened public. His stump speeches, articles and paid Facebook ads drove home claims that measles was not dangerous, that measles infections could in most cases be cured by vitamin A and that natural immunity to measles was stronger than vaccine-derived immunity.

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In a May 2019 post for CHD, Kennedy wrote that "measles is usually a mild, self-limiting childhood illness." He claimed falsely that dying from measles was "about double the risk of dying from lightning." In an April 2019 speech in California, Kennedy said that vaccine makers hide behind measles because it is a "genuinely contagious disease," but that it is still not a significant risk, saying "nobody dies from measles."

In that same speech, he implied that vitamin A could prevent 80% of potential deaths caused by measles infections. Another common talking point, found in an October 2019 Children's Health Defense post, was that "The World Health Organization has touted the success of its vitamin A campaign in developing countries for reducing measles-related complications and deaths," a true statement manipulated by some activists to suggest that measles vaccination is unnecessary.

Furthermore, Kennedy has claimed the vaccine might carry unknown risks. In a September 2019 CHD article, Kennedy argued that the MMR vaccine had "an unconscionably high injury rate," and that "no one can say  that any one of the 70 vaccine doses currently recommended for American children saves more lives than it costs."

In multiple posts or speeches, Kennedy has suggested that natural immunity provided by a measles infection is stronger than vaccine-induced immunity. Further, his charity implied in 2018 that depriving children of such an infection could pose a cancer risk. Medical professionals reject these claims.

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These talking points were common across the anti-vaccine movement and not unique to Kennedy. Peer-reviewed research has shown, however, that Kennedy was one of the most significant sources of misinformation about vaccines during this time.

In addition to amplifying and promoting these claims generally, Kennedy also validated the voices of those attempting to apply their logic specifically to Samoa. But Kennedy has an even more direct connection to the Samoan anti-vaccine discourse.

Just before the emergence of the measles epidemic in Samoa, Kennedy brought a large digital audience  thereby lending perceived credibility  to two key critics of Samoan vaccination efforts: Edwin Tamasese and Taylor Winterstein.

Tamasese, a Samoan coconut farmer, had been a vocal opponent of vaccines on Facebook for years. Winterstein, an Australian influencer and anti-vaccine activist, had been selling tickets to seminars promoting "informed decisions" about vaccines.

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In June 2019, Kennedy was a guest of honor at a Samoan Independence Day Celebration. The trip was actually "arranged," Kennedy later wrote, by Tamasese. While in Samoa, Kennedy pitched a potential CHD-funded, vaccine-safety monitoring program to the Samoan prime minister, health minister and others. He also coincidentally ran into Winterstein, he has claimed.

Winterstein shared a picture to Instagram of the two together on June 4, 2019. Kennedy later shared a photo of all three  Winterstein, Tamasese and Kennedy  together in a post for the Children's Health Defense website:

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Winterstein (far left), Kennedy (middle) and Tamasese (far right) in Samoa in June 2019.

"While in Samoa," the Samoa Observer reported, "Mr. Kennedy said he spent extensive time with Mr. Tamasese who introduced him to local families who were sympathetic to anti-vaccine messages."

When panic over measles deaths set in several months later, many Samoans would initially turn to information that had been shared by Tamasese and Winterstein  the two people whose profiles had been amplified by Kennedy. Neither Winterstein nor Tamasese responded to Snopes' request for comment.

The Epidemic

The first Samoan measles cases were reported in early September 2019. On Oct. 16, the Samoan government officially declared a measles epidemic after the confirmation of seven cases. The government urged vaccination but was slow to implement solutions. By the end of October, the disease was spreading rapidly.

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A problem immediately emerged for one specific anti-vaccine talking point: that death from measles was extremely rare. By the end of November, 39 deaths had been recorded  primarily children under 5. To explain this apparent contradiction, Tamasese and Winterstein latched onto a common talking point about lack of vitamin A.

"WHO/UNICEF clearly state vitamin A must be given as part of a measles treatment protocol in any vitamin A deficient country and any country that has a mortality rate equal to or greater than 1% of infected cases both of which Samoa has," Tamasese wrote in a Facebook post in late 2019.

Tamasese, with the help of Children's Health Defense and Winterstein, began a campaign that involved publicizing a protocol that he claimed could cure measles infections. That campaign also involved distributing vitamins to infected measles patients.

Winterstein shared stories to her nearly 50,000 followers of people allegedly being saved by Tamasese, arguing that Samoa children were "making a full recovery from measles" by adopting his vitamin "protocol."

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An Instagram post from Winterstein sharing stories of people finding success with Tamasese's "protocol."

In a post on Children's Health Defense site in 2021, Tamasese recounted the support he got from Kennedy:

Organizations like Children's Health Defense had reached out from the U.S. Quite quickly when I raised my concerns with them I was linked into a group of medical professionals by Mr. Kennedy and we worked on a protocol to ensure effective treatment. In addition, a nurses' group from Australia made contact. I also decided to make public posts on Facebook passing on information on how to treat measles using vitamin C and A. I also passed on information on using Carica Papaya leaf Extract (CPLE) for those who did not have access to these vitamins as they are ordinarily beyond the affordability price point of many.

The situation deteriorated by the end of November. Tamasese and other anti-vaccine advocates began to blame not only poor nutrition but the vaccine itself. Tamasese, whose posts included increased claims of danger from vaccination, was arrested after he posted threatening messages on Facebook against Samoan vaccination efforts, describing health officials' campaign as a "killing spree."

Kennedy did more than indulge the speculation of online activists like Tamasese; he brought them to the direct attention of the prime minister of Samoa. Using Children's Health Defense letterhead, Kennedy wrote a Nov. 16, 2019, letter to the prime minister that strongly suggested the MMR vaccination effort itself could be the problem and defended what he described as the "so-called 'anti-vaccine' movement."

"To safeguard public health during the current infection and in the future, it is critical that the Samoan Health Ministry determine, scientifically, if the outbreak was caused by inadequate vaccine coverage or alternatively, by a defective vaccine," Kennedy wrote, reiterating his earlier request for data.

"There is also the possibility," Kennedy claimed, "that children who received the live measles virus during Samoa's recent vaccination drive may have shed the virus and inadvertently infected vulnerable children." Experts consider such a risk to be extremely rare. Regardless, the Samoan epidemic was not caused by a vaccine-derived strain of measles or a mutant strain that evolved resistance to vaccination.

By the end of the year, Samoa had 5,707 reported cases of measles and 83 deaths  a mortality rate of more than 1 in 100. Subsequent research has demonstrated that low vaccination coverage was the primary driver of the disease's mortality.

After the Epidemic

Vaccination rates surged back to around 90% following the Samoan government's vaccination drive, stabilizing the pandemic in spite of efforts to mischaracterize the danger of both measles and the MMR vaccine. Peer-reviewed studies suggest vaccination, along with other containment measures, were the primary factors contributing to the end of the epidemic.

Before the Samoan measles epidemic, Kennedy repeatedly told his followers that death from the disease was extremely rare. Far from the one death for every 1,000 cases figure regularly lambasted by Kennedy as too high, the mortality rate in Samoa ended up being more than one in 100. Faced with this reality, Kennedy promoted, and continued to support, the voices of those who insisted, in spite of a lack of evidence, that vitamin A deficiency actually drove Samoa's high mortality rates.

Kennedy still touts similar talking points. In a June 2023 podcast interview with Joe Rogan, for example, Kennedy wrote off measles deaths in African nations as caused by malnutrition, arguing that "it's hard for an infectious disease to kill a healthy person with a rugged immune system." In August 2023, Kennedy published a book, based on deeply flawed or amateur science, that implied the MMR vaccine carried medical risks including an increased risk of autism, Crohn's disease and other chronic illnesses.

While Kennedy's talking points about measles and the MMR vaccine have shifted little since the end of the Samoan measles outbreak, Kennedy has tried to significantly revise his history with it. In spite of his pledge for transparency, Kennedy has severely downplayed his role in engaging with the Samoan anti-vaccine movement and government prior to and during the epidemic.

When asked by a reporter for the Samoa Observer in February 2021 whether he felt responsibility for low vaccination rates and, ultimately, the measles outbreak that followed, he said:

That is an impossibility. When I was in Samoa, I wasn't talking to people about vaccines, I didn't make any public appearances, I wasn't campaigning. [] I was only in your country for five or six days and I never spoke to anybody. I wasn't giving speeches [] I never talked to crowds, I wasn't preaching to people. I was there talking to a few select people who were very sophisticated, not people saying "I am not gonna have a vaccine because Bobby Kennedy told me not to."

That is, in effect, what happened. Kennedy visited Samoa and legitimized the voices of people  Tamasese and Winterstein  who were telling Samoans the risks of the MMR vaccine might not be worth the reward because an infection could be cured, in most cases, with vitamin A and other natural remedies.

November 2019 Instagram post by Winterstein

November 2019 Facebook posts by Tamasese (Recovered from DiResta 2020)

The Bottom Line

The measles outbreak in Samoa was not caused by Kennedy. Though he was a loud promoter of the talking points common to the anti-vaccine movement at this time, he was not responsible for lowering vaccination rates to the depths they reached in early 2019. A tragic accident in 2018 and a controversial pause in vaccination bears primary responsibility for creating those conditions.

The claim that Kennedy "had nothing to do with people not vaccinating in Samoa," is, however, not credible. It is belied, among other things, by his direct engagement with the Samoan government on the topic of vaccines, his direct engagement with the Samoan anti-vaccine movement before, during and after the epidemic, and his platforming of the two primary influencers advocating against vaccination in Samoa.

Sources:

Bono, Laura. "Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Speaking at Albany, NY Rally Concerning Mandatory Vaccines and Government Overreach." Children's Health Defense, 16 May 2019, https://childrenshealthdefense.org/news/robert-f-kennedy-jr-speaking-at-albany-ny-rally-concerning-mandatory-vaccines-and-government-overreach/.

Braden, Angela. "'TRUTH' With Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Health Freedom Advocate Taylor Winterstein: How Is COVID Affecting Vaccine Safety Advocacy?" Children's Health Defense, 6 Oct. 2020, https://childrenshealthdefense.org/news/truth-with-robert-f-kennedy-jr-and-health-freedom-advocate-taylor-winterstein-how-is-covid-affecting-vaccine-safety-advocacy/.

CDC. "Genetic Analysis of Measles Viruses." Measles (Rubeola), 18 June 2024, https://www.cdc.gov/measles/php/laboratories/genetic-analysis.html.

Champredon, David, et al. "Curbing the 2019 Samoa Measles Outbreak." The Lancet Infectious Diseases, vol. 20, no. 3, Mar. 2020, pp. 28788. DOI.org (Crossref), https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(20)30044-X.

Craig, Adam T., et al. "Measles Epidemic in Samoa and Other Pacific Islands." The Lancet Infectious Diseases, vol. 20, no. 3, Mar. 2020, pp. 27375. DOI.org (Crossref), https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(20)30053-0.

Deer, Brian. "I'll Never Forget What Kennedy Did During Samoa's Measles Outbreak." New York Times, 24 Nov. 2024, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/25/opinion/rfk-jr-vaccines-samoa-measles.html.

---. "Samoa's Perfect Storm." The Telegraph, 20 Dec. 2019, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/measles-in-samoa/.

DiResta, Renee. "On Virality: How the Anti-Vaccine Movement Influences Public Discourse through Online Activism." The Lancet and Financial Times Commission on Governing Health Futures 2030, July 2020, https://www.governinghealthfutures2030.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/072020_Renee-DiResta_On-virality-How-the-antivaccine-movement-influences-public-discourse-through-online-activism.pdf.

"Do Vaccinated People Shed Spike Proteins or the Virus Could Be Harmful to Others?" Manitoba Vaccine, https://www.manitobavaccine.ca/answers/do-vaccinated-people-shed-spike-proteins-or-the-virus-could-be-harmful-to-others/. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024.

How Dangerous Is a Measles Outbreak? - UChicago Medicine. https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/pediatrics-articles/2024/march/measles-is-still-a-very-dangerous-disease. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024.

Jamison, Amelia M., et al. "Vaccine-Related Advertising in the Facebook Ad Archive." Vaccine, vol. 38, no. 3, Jan. 2020, pp. 51220. ScienceDirect, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.10.066.

"Joe Rogan Experience Podcast #1999." Kennedy24, 15 June 2023, https://www.mahanow.org/joe-rogan-transcript.

"John F. Kennedy's Nephew Joins Samoa's Independence Celebration." Samoa Observer, https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/42888. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024.

Jr, Robert F. Kennedy. "A Dozen Facts About Measles That You Won't Learn From MSPharmedia." Children's Health Defense, 2 May 2019, https://childrenshealthdefense.org/news/a-dozen-facts-about-measles-that-you-wont-learn-from-mspharmedia/.

---. "Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Response to 'The Message of Measles' What The New Yorker Wouldn't Publish." Children's Health Defense, 10 Sept. 2019, https://childrenshealthdefense.org/news/robert-f-kennedy-jr-s-response-to-the-message-of-measles-what-the-new-yorker-wouldnt-publish/.

Jr, Robert F. Kennedy, and Brian Hooker. Vax-Unvax: Let the Science Speak. Simon and Schuster, 2023.

Kasprak, Alex. "How RFK Jr. Exploited a Bogus Study Linking Vaccines to Chronic Illness." Snopes, 27 Feb. 2024, https://www.snopes.com//news/2024/02/27/rfk-vaccines-control-group/.

"Leading Samoa Medical Freedom Hero Goes Free After Court Case Dismissed." Children's Health Defense, https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/lsamoa-medical-freedom-hero-court-case-dismissed/. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024.

MD, Vincent Iannelli. "Jim Meehan Supporting a Farmer Helps Explain the Deaths in Samoa." VAXOPEDIA, 2 Dec. 2019, https://vaxopedia.org/2019/12/01/jim-meehan-supporting-a-farmer-helps-explain-the-deaths-in-samoa/.

Merlan, Anna. "Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Group Is a Top Buyer of Anti-Vax Facebook Ads." VICE, 15 Nov. 2019, https://www.vice.com/en/article/robert-f-kennedy-jrs-group-is-a-top-buyer-of-anti-vax-facebook-ads/.

Orac. "Antivaxxer Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Writes to Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi about Measles in the Middle of an Outbreak." RESPECTFUL INSOLENCE, 5 Dec. 2019, https://www.respectfulinsolence.com/2019/12/05/samoa-measles-outbreak-malielegaoi/.

Palmer, Dr Alan. "Getting the Measles in Modern-Day AmericaNot Nearly as Dangerous as Portrayed." Children's Health Defense, 24 Oct. 2019, https://childrenshealthdefense.org/news/getting-the-measles-in-modern-day-america-not-nearly-as-dangerous-as-portrayed/.

Pellish, Kaitlan Collins, Kristen Holmes, Aaron. "Trump Picks Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to Be His Department of Health and Human Services Secretary | CNN Politics." CNN, 14 Nov. 2024, https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/14/politics/robert-f-kennedy-donald-trump-hhs/index.html.

"Planned Apia Anti-Vaccine Workshop Worries Ministry, WHO." Samoa Observer, https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/39706. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024.

"P.M. Was Suspicious of Vaccines, Activist Says." Samoa Observer, https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/79501?cont=true. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024.

"RFK Jr., Anti-Vaxxers, and a Measles Outbreak: Mehdi's Deep Dive." MSNBC, 6 July 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0f3yZ9jJPY.

"Samoa Arrests Anti-Vaxxer as Immunisation Drive Continues." Al Jazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/12/6/samoa-arrests-anti-vaxxer-as-immunisation-drive-continues. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024.

"Shot in the Arm Clip (2023) - Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Samoa Measles Outbreak." Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4Ye5QI1XQM. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024.

"The HighWire with Del Bigtree: HighWire Special Report- Rally to Oppose SB276 Sacramento, CA." JoyBee, http://joybee.live/s/meBq4a. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024.

Vaccine Safety Science Needed. Were... - Children's Health Defense | Facebook. 6 Dec. 2019, https://web.archive.org/web/20191206032003/https://www.facebook.com/ChildrensHealthDefense/posts/vaccine-safety-science-needed-were-these-once-healthy-children-who-died-the-only/2390516811195726/.

What You Need to Know about Measles. https://www.who.int/europe/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/what-you-need-to-know-about-measles. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024.

'Why My Baby?': How Measles Robbed Samoa of Its Young - The New York Times. 31 Dec. 2019, https://web.archive.org/web/20191231124421/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/19/world/asia/samoa-measles.html.

World Health Organization. WHO/UNICEF SECRETARIAT SUPPORTING MEASLES OUTBREAK PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE IN THE PACIFIC. MEASLES OUTBREAK IN THE PACIFIC - SITUATION REPORT No 1, 22 Nov. 2019, https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/wpro---documents/dps/outbreaks-and-emergencies/measles-2019/measles-pacific-sitrep-20191122-docx.pdf?sfvrsn=d8166638_2.

Yeung, Jessie. "Samoa Pulls MMR Vaccine after Two Babies Die." CNN, 10 July 2018, https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/10/health/samoa-mmr-baby-deaths-intl/index.html.


Robert F. Kennedy Jr. doesnt want to talk about his past as a leader of the anti-vaccine movement. But as he made his case to be the nations top health official, the anti-vaccine movement couldnt wait to talk about him.

The head of Childrens Health Defense  the anti-vaccine nonprofit that Kennedy founded  praised Kennedys performance in front of the Senate Finance Committeeon Wednesday, calling it a moment of vindication for a movement that until now had existed on the fringes of mainstream politics.

Bobby is challenging the status quo, Mary Holland, CEO of Childrens Health Defense, told POLITICO. Were very happy with the greater attention  and we hope to educate more people that there are issues around a lot of things that people dont often think about.

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Holland pointed to Kennedys vow of radical transparency at the health department as a sign that he would order fresh scrutiny of vaccines, arguing that more study is needed to determine that even routine immunizations are safe.

She criticized Democratic senators as overly focused on highlighting Kennedys most inflammatory past statements on vaccines. But she also dismissed any suggestion that Kennedy has changed his beliefs since leaving Childrens Health Defense last year, insisting that he holds the same views on vaccines and health care now as he has since founding the organization years ago.

Ive worked with Bobby for a long time. He has always said, I am not anti-vaccine, I want there to be real science, I want there to be transparency and I want there to be choice, Holland said.

As for Kennedys exchange with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who pressed him to disavow baby clothes sold by Childrens Health Defense with unvaxxed, unafraid and no vax, no problem printed on the front, Holland joked the onesies were now "selling like hotcakes."

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But she added that the clothes message is also one she believes Kennedy would carry into HHS and shape his approach to vaccines: All that those onesies were saying is that you as parents have a right not to vaccinate your baby.

What Bobby wants to achieve is for people to be able to make those individualized health care decisions, Holland said, noting that she believes all vaccines should be optional. This goes to bodily autonomy.



Hollands comments come amid a pivotal week for Kennedys bid to be President Donald Trumps health secretary, and as scrutiny has intensified over his vaccine beliefs.

Kennedy has repeatedly denied that he is anti-vaccine, and said Wednesday that he supports the polio and measles vaccines. He also downplayed his ties to Childrens Health Defense, telling Sanders hes no longer associated with the group, and has vowed not to try to take vaccines away from Americans.

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"News reports have claimed that I am anti-vaccine or anti-industry," Kennedy said Wednesday. "I am neither; I am pro-safety."

Yet Kennedy has continued to surround himself with influential figures in the anti-vaccine movement, and has remained vague about how his agenda would affect access to current vaccines and the potential approvals of new ones.

The HHS secretary has the authority to take several steps that could hinder vaccinations, including dialing back the governments recommendations for vaccines that are currently part of a standard schedule of childhood immunizations.

Holland, who attended Wednesdays confirmation hearing, said she did not expect Kennedy to immediately dismantle the childhood vaccination schedule. But she hoped that he would seek a penetrating review of those vaccines  one that she believes will show they are unsafe or unnecessary, contrary to the long-held medical consensus.

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We oppose all medical mandates, Holland said. It really should be between the parents, the child and their health care practitioners.

Holland during the interview also went further than Kennedy has in public, advocating for making basic vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella optional  and claiming, in defiance of extensive medical evidence, that those diseases are not particularly dangerous to children.

The children that are unvaccinated are healthier, Holland said, adding that she had gotten measles, mumps and rubella as a child. For a healthy child, it actually helps build the immune system.

Those are the kinds of beliefs, she said, that Childrens Health Defense has seen gain greater acceptance since the Covid-19 pandemic, as trust in mainstream public health has fallen. And its a movement that she credited Kennedy for playing a central role in fueling during his years leading the nonprofit.

[People] now seem to be more open to hearing what we have to say, Holland said. And what we have been doing is a reflection of some of the work that Bobby Kennedys been doing for many years.
Robert F. Kennedy attempted Thursday to score a cheap political point against Senator Bernie Sanders by accusing the independent Vermont lawmaker of being bought out by the pharmaceutical industrybut he got his facts wrong.

And by the way, Bernie, the problem of corruption is not just in the federal agencies. Its in Congress too, Kennedy said. Almost all the members of this panel, including yourself, are accepting millions of dollars from the pharmaceutical industry and protecting their interests.

Oh, no, no, no, no, Sanders said, raising his hand to quiet the applause that erupted from the gallery. I ran for president like you. I got millions and millions of contributions. They did not come from the executives; not one nickel of PAC money from the pharmaceutical industry. They came from the workers.

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Sanderss financial support from the health care industry stemmed from everyday workers, galvanized by his campaign promises of Medicaid for all and large-scale pharmaceutical reform.

In 2020 you were the single largest receiver of pharmaceutical money, Kennedy again insisted.

Because I had more contributions from workers all over this country. Workers, not a nickel from corporate PACs, Sanders continued, before he was cut off again by Kennedy, reiterating his point.

Bernie, you were the single largest acceptor of pharmaceutical dollars. $1.5 million, Kennedy said.

Yeah, out of $200 million, Sanders said, before reminding Kennedy that he had deflected from answering a question as to whether, under the Make America Healthy Again banner and as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, he would guarantee health care to every single American.

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But Kennedy never had to answer that. Instead, Senator Markwayne Mullin interjected that Sanders had gone over his allotted time and was battering the witness.

A Bernie-RFK Jr. Verbal brawl breaks out pic.twitter.com/b2fdxUoRgq  Natasha Korecki (@natashakorecki) January 30, 2025

Quiver Quantitative, a financial technology startup that provides data on insider trading and campaign contributions, listed no corporate PAC donors for Sanderslet alone any within the folds of the pharmaceutical industry. The company noted, however, that they do not currently track donations by industry employees.

Kennedy, meanwhile, has seemingly made a business out of his extreme public health stances. A disclosure form filed for his nomination revealed that the outspoken vaccine critic pulled in roughly $10 million over the last year related to dividends from his vaccine lawsuits, anti-vax speaking fees, and leading Childrens Health Defense, a nonprofit dedicated to spreading misinformation about vaccine efficacy.
True to form: Yesterday, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.President Donald Trump's pick for secretary of health and human services, which oversees the administration of Medicare and Medicaid, and thus receives a massive chunk of the federal budgetwas grilled by senators on the Senate Finance Committee for three hours as part of his confirmation hearings. They interrogated his stance on abortion, his possible role in measles vaccine refusal in Samoa (where an outbreak then killed 83 people), and his collection of fees for clients referred to a law firm suing Merck, the makers of the Gardasil vaccine, which protects against cervical cancer. ("You're making me sound like a shill," he told Sen. Elizabeth Warren (DMass.) when she pressed him on that last point.)

Today, he will face questions from the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, but yesterday's hearing was much more important since it's the Finance Committee that votes on sending Kennedy's nomination to the Senate floor for a full vote.

Kennedy appeared to do a good job winning over necessary Republican support and pandering to their interests. When asked "Are you a conspiracy theorist?" he had a fairly smooth response, talking about how the term is used to denigrate people "asking difficult questions of powerful interests."

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Later on, it became clear that Kennedy didn't really know much about the programs he would be tasked with overseeing. "The premiums are too high, the deductibles are too high, and everybody's getting sicker," he said of Medicaid, a program for which people by and large don't pay premiums or deductibles.

Tragic collision: Last night, an American Airlines jet carrying 64 people flying from Wichita, Kansas, to D.C.'s Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport collided in midair with a Black Hawk military helicopter carrying three people. Both aircraft went down, and a search and rescue effort in the Potomac River has started. Many are feared dead.

The Black Hawk was doing routine flying exercises before returning to a nearby base. The commercial plane was carrying more than a dozen figure skaters, of American and Russian origin, returning from a training camp in Kansas following the national competition.

"The crash is likely to renew debate over safety at Reagan National Airport. Last year, as part of legislation to fund the Federal Aviation Administration, Congress added five additional round-trip flights at National," reports The Washington Post. "The decision came over the objections of members of the D.C.-area congressional delegation, who have long argued that the airport is at capacity and that adding more flights could compromise its ability to operate safely."

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This follows a spate of safety incidents in 2023 and 2024, none of which resulted in a midair crash. Last year, "a fuselage panel blew off an Alaska Airlines flight from Oregon, causing a sudden cabin decompression and leading to a temporary grounding of some of Boeing Co.'s 737 Max 9 aircraft," reports Bloomberg. And in 2023, "there were eight incidents involving airliners on or near runways in January or February ranked by [the Federal Aviation Administration] as a serious risk of a collision or that prompted the National Transportation Safety Board to open an investigation," notes the same publication, adding that such a record is a doubling of the previous five years' annual averages. Toward the end of last year, the Federal Aviation Administration announced that it had met its hiring goal for air traffic controllersnews that's significant primarily because the shortage of controllers had been a huge problem in the years prior.

It's not clear who specifically is to blame for this tragedy, nor have casualty totals been announced yet (though they are presumably high).

Scenes from New York: There's some whisperings that the Justice Department under Trump may be dropping its corruption case against Mayor Eric Adams.

QUICK HITS

Let's keep that subscriber growth strong over at YouTube. Zach Weissmueller has been reupping our episode with Vinay Prasad in light of the RFK Jr. confirmation hearings, in case you missed it.

"Given the reality that there are 1.3 million people waiting deportations and 600K convicted criminals, why would [Department of Homeland Security] add to the list hundreds of thousands of law-abiding Venezuelans who will end up in immigration courts for years only to not even be deported?" asks journalist and Manhattan Institute fellow Daniel Di Martino.

Classic tale: "Prominent critic of Portland area homeless services admits to stealing from one of them," reports Oregon Live.

"President Donald Trump said he was signing an executive order asking the Pentagon and Department of Homeland Security to examine creating a facility at the naval base at Guantanamo Bay that could house as many as 30,000 undocumented migrants," reports Bloomberg. "Some of them are so bad, we don't even trust the countries to hold them," said Trump, "because we don't want them coming back, so we're going to send them out to Guantanamo," seemingly gesturing at the fact that sending countries won't necessarily take them back and that many folks have nowhere to go. It's not the first time this has happened: In 1991, after some 30,000 people fled in makeshift boats, George H.W. Bush used the base to temporarily house thousands of Haitian refugees who were fleeing the country.

The post RFK Jr.'s Big Day appeared first on Reason.com.
Senate Democrats grilled Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over his various controversial statements including his stance on vaccines during his confirmation hearing to be President Donald Trumps health and human services secretary, and most left feeling overwhelmingly unsatisfied by the answers they received.

The Democratic lawmakers confronted Kennedy with previous statements he had made to press him on his role in a deadly measles outbreak in Samoa in 2019, his views on Covid-19, and his previous claims falsely linking vaccines to autism in children. Throughout the hearing, the Democrats repeatedly asked Kennedy to make commitments that he would not purge employees for political reasons or use his perch to personally benefit financially, without getting clear answers.

Republicans meanwhile, seemed largely receptive to Kennedy even though his past stances  particularly on abortion  do not align with their conservative ideology.

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Given the narrow majorities in the Senate, Republicans can only afford to lose three GOP senators, and some have yet to say how they will vote. There are some areas in Kennedys record that overlap with Democrats, but no Democratic senator has declared they will back him.

Wednesdays tense hearing in front of the Senate Finance Committee was Kennedys first test, and he will face off against the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions on Thursday.

For his part, Kennedy tried to downplay his anti-vaccine rhetoric and other controversial stances regarding public health and rebuked statements that he is a vaccine skeptic despite an extensive, recorded history of his linking vaccines to autism in children.

In my advocacy I have often disturbed the status quo by asking uncomfortable questions. Well, I wont apologize for that, Kennedy said. We have massive health problems in this country that we must face honestly.

Kennedys response to past conspiracy theories

Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado was one of the lawmakers to bring the receipts of Kennedys past statements to the hearing.

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When asked to respond to his previous statements that Covid-19 was a genetically engineered bio-weapon that targets Black and white people but spared Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people, Kennedy responded: I didnt say it was deliberately targeted, I just quoted an NIH published study.

Pressed whether he said that Lyme disease is a highly likely, militarily engineered bio-weapon Kennedy said, I probably did say that.

Then Bennet turned to his Republican colleagues after Kennedys answer: I want them to hear it.

Kennedy denied that he said that exposure to pesticide causes children to become transgender, but Bennet pushed back, I have the record that Ill give to the chairman.

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Kennedy said he was not sure if he wrote in his book that it is undeniable that African AIDS is an entirely different disease from Western AIDS.

After the hearing, Bennet told CNN that Kennedy is peddling half-truths and that he doesnt believe Kennedys claims during the hearing that he is no longer anti-vaccine.

Theres a long record here, and theres a lot in that record that hes trying to cover up with the opening statement that you heard and with his claim that hes quote unquote pro-vax now, Bennet said.

Kennedy tries to clear up position on abortion

Kennedy sought to reassure leery conservatives about his stance on abortion, saying he agrees with the president that states should control abortion.

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I agree with President Trump that every abortion is a tragedy. I agree with him that we cannot be a moral nation if we have 1.2 million abortions a year. I agree with him that the states should control abortion, Kennedy said at his confirmation hearing Wednesday, in response to Republican Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma asking if he supports Trumps previous stance on Title X.

Republican senators and anti-abortion rights advocates have sounded the alarmon Kennedys stance on this issue, including his past support for abortion access until fetal viability, and his previous Democratic bid for president. GOP Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, who is anti-abortion rights, told CNN ahead of the hearing that Kennedy needs to do more to assuage her concerns given his past comments supporting access to the procedure.

In the same line of questioning, Kennedy also suggested he would back protections for conscientious objections for providers who refuse to provide reproductive health care services they find morally objectionable.

I dont know anybody who would want to have a doctor performing a surgery that the doctor is morally opposed to, he said.

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Forcing somebody to participate in a medical procedure as a provider that they believe is murder does not make any sense to me, he added.

But Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire attacked Kennedys shifting stance on abortion rights.

Hassan questions Kennedy during his confirmation hearing. - Win McNamee/Getty Images

It is remarkable that you have such a long record of fighting for womens reproductive freedom, and really great that my Republican colleagues are so open to voting for a pro-choice HHS Secretary, Hassan said after citing several quotes of him previously voicing stances supportive of abortion rights.

Kennedy reiterated that he agrees with Trump that every abortion is a tragedy.

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When was it that you decided to sell out the values youve had your whole life in order to be given power by President Trump? Hassan asked.

Kennedy sidestepping on key commitments

Kennedy refused to give clear answers about whether he would disavow his own financial interests if confirmed or purge HHS employees for political purposes.

Kennedy gave mixed answers when Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts asked him if he would pledge to not take any compensation from lawsuits against drug companies while he is secretary or for four years afterward, as his personal financial stake in some lawsuits has come under scrutiny.

When Warren asked Kennedy to commit to not taking any compensation from any lawsuits during and following his would-be term, Kennedy said, I will certainly commit to that while Im secretary. But I do want to clarify something, because youre making me sound like a shill.

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Kennedys financial disclosures, filed as part of his potential role in the incoming administration and during his brief run for the presidency last year, show he has earned more than $2.4 million from litigation brought by Wisner Baum, a law firm whose specialties include pursuing pharmaceutical drug injury cases.

But as Warrens line of questioning continued, Kennedys answers failed to address the senators concerns.

Im not going to agree to not sue drug companies or anybody, Kennedy said.

Warren pressed further: I am asking you to commit right now that you will not take a financial stake in every one of those lawsuits so that what you do as secretary will also benefit you financially down the line.

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To which Kennedy replied, Ill comply with all the ethical guidance.

Warren was not satisfied with his answer.

No one should be fooled, Warren responded. And for all of his talk about follow the science and his promise that he wont interfere with those of us who want to vaccinate our kids. The bottom line is the same. Kennedy can kill off access to vaccines and make millions of dollars while he does it. Kids might die, but Robert Kennedy could keep cashing in.

The panels GOP chairman, Sen. Mike Crapo of Idaho, said that Kennedy has gone through the Office of Government Ethics process as has every other Cabinet nominee.

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Democratic Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia also pressed Kennedy over what federal employees he plans to fire at the Department of Health and Human Services as concerns have arisen over the purge of federal workers conducted by the Trump administration.

Kennedy has said he wants to fire and replace 600 workers from the National Institutes of Health, and Warner revealed that in their private meeting, Kennedy said he wants to get rid of 2,200 federal employees from HHS.

Sen. Mark Warner speaks during Kennedy's confirmation hearing on Wednesday in Washington, DC. - Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters

When asked to pledge to not get rid of employees working on food safety or cyber attacks in health care, Kennedy did not give a yes-or-no answer but said, I will commit to not firing anybody whos doing their job.

Warner then pressed to clarify if those decisions would be based on his opinion, political agenda, or President Donald Trumps wishes.

Based on my opinion, Kennedy responded.

Kennedy also would not commit to not freezing grant funding for community health centers, as the fallout from the Trump administrations federal aid freeze remains unclear, and instead said, The White House has made clear that no funds are going to be denied to any American for benefits in any program.

Where Democrats and Kennedy found common ground

Notably, Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, who went to the University of Virginia School of Law with Kennedy, used his dedicated time in the spotlight to give a speech rather than ask Kennedy questions.

Despite the overall tense hearing, which included interruptions from protesters, Democrats signaled they found some common ground when Kennedy outlined his views on the chronic disease epidemic and how he wants to implement a nutrition-oriented disease prevention plan.

Kennedy testifies on Capitol Hill. - Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters

Even Bennet, who interrogated Kennedy, also conceded Mr. Kennedy is right when it comes to the declining health in the United States and poor food quality offered to children.

No Democrats have said that they will support Kennedy, but some have suggested they are open to it.

Ive met with him and thats part of an ongoing dialogue, Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania told CNN when asked if he might support Kennedy.

Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders has said that Kennedy is exactly correct about the food industry.

Sen. Ron Wyden, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, told CNN he doesnt think any of his Democratic colleagues on the panel will back Kennedy after his hearing on Wednesday.

I cant see it. I think that he was so untrustworthy and unprepared, he told CNNs Manu Raju when asked if he thinks any Democrats will vote to advance Kennedys nomination to a full floor vote.

I dont believe any Democrats on the committee will support him, and Im going to do everything I can to make sure that we have the opportunity to get to ask additional questions and get to the bottom of some the many areas he ducked and found ways to get around, he continued.

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Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine hammered Donald Trumps Health and Human Services nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr . for his former comments that he wont take sides on 9/11 during a heated confirmation hearing on Thursday.

Kaine, acknowledging the tragic plane crash in the D.C.-area on Wednesday, sounded the alarm on Kennedys refusal to dismiss conspiracy theories surrounding the attack on the World Trade Center during a heated exchange.

Sitting in front of a large sign displaying Kennedys July 2024 post on X stating its hard to tell what is a conspiracy theory and asserting he would open the files and usher in a new era of transparency during his presidential campaign, Kaine blasted his remarks and said his comments are cause for concern, asserting his Virginia constituents take that kind of stuff pretty personally while asking him to explain his remarks.

My take on 9/11: It's hard to tell what is a conspiracy theory and what isn't. But conspiracy theories flourish when the government routinely lies to the public. As President I won't take sides on 9/11 or any of the other debates. But I can promise is that I will open the files  Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) July 5, 2024

We dont need folks giving oxygen to conspiracy theories about 9/11, Kaine said. As a general matter, do you find it hard to tell what is a conspiracy theory and what isnt? Is that a general deficit that you find in your analytical ability?

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Kennedy refused to back down from his stance, responding: Senator, I havent investigated it. Things I investigate, I take sides on.

Senators have been grilling Kennedy in back-to-back hearings on Wednesday and Thursday on a slew of controversies including allegations of sexual harassment, animal abuse and anti-vaccine remarks.

Kennedy is one of multiple controversial cabinet nominees who has faced some bipartisan pushback, with senators voicing their concerns about his shift on abortion policy and remarks on unsubstantiated links between vaccines and autism.

Proponents of his nomination have argued he will work toward medical transparency, with Republican Sen. Roger Marshall strongly endorsing him in the hearing I believe for such a time as this that youre not just one of 300 million people, I think that you are the person to lead HHS to make America healthy again, that God has a divine purpose for you, the Kansas senator said. And I look forward to your confirmation in working with you to make America healthy again.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced hard questions from the Senate committee handling his confirmation hearing over his views on vaccines and abortion, as he promised Wednesday to Make America Healthy Again.

The MAHA movement is one of the most powerful and transcendent Ive ever seen, Kennedy said in his opening remarks, before diving into what he thinks is plaguing Americans.

A healthy person has 1,000 dreams. A sick person has only one. Today, over half of our countrymen and women are chronically ill, Kennedy said in front of the Senate Finance Committee.

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A 2018 national study backs up his claim. He listed a host of physical and mental conditions plaguing Americans, including obesity, autoimmune diseases, neurodevelopmental disorders, Alzheimers, asthma, ADHD, depression and substance addiction.

The nominee for secretary of Health and Human Services argued that the health care debate revolves around who pays the cost: is it the government, corporations, insurers or families? Its akin to rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic, Kennedy sayd.

Instead, he said, the question should be: Why are health care costs so high in the first place? According to him, the answer is chronic illness.

Kennedy claimed that he isnt anti-vaccine, and added that not only has he written books on the subject, his children are also vaccinated.

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When he attempted to clear his record, a protester with a Vaccines save lives shirt caused an interruption, shouting you lie. Another protestor disrupted the hearing as Kennedy talked about COVID-19 vaccines.

Amid these instances of commotion, Kennedys friends, family and supporters clapped and cheered for him. His wife Cheryl Hines and two of his six children were at the hearing with him.

Kennedy said he planned on putting the health of Americans back on track, by reducing the number of chemical additives in American food.

Democrats targeted his vaccine skepticism and his changing opinion on abortion.

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Meanwhile, Senate Republicans asked Kennedy about his plans to tackle chronic illness and the mission of MAHA.

I look forward to seeing you help make us healthy again, said Tennessee Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn, as Politico reported.

Kennedy is expected to answer more questions at the hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee on Thursday.

Vaccines

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., pressed Kennedy to answer whether he supported baby onesies with anti-vaccine slogans sold by Childrens Health Defense, an organization Kennedy founded.

You say you are pro-vaccine, Sanders said, yet your organization is making money selling a childs product to parents for 26 bucks, which cast fundamental doubt on the usefulness of vaccines.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump's choice to be Secretary of Health and Human Services, appears before the Senate Finance Committee for his confirmation hearing, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. | Ben Curtis

The onesies featured phrases like No Vax, No Problem and Unvaxxed, Unafraid.

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Kennedy repeatedly said he had no control over the organizations decision and had stepped down. As Sanders kept grilling him, Kennedy responded, Im supportive of vaccines, with a nervous laugh. I want good science, he added.

Measles outbreak

Other Democrats questioned him over a 2019 measles outbreak in Samoa.

In 2018, two children in Samoa died after receiving a measles vaccine. The nurses administering the vaccine prepared the doses with an expired anesthetic instead of diluent, and later pleaded guilty to manslaughter charges. But anti-vaccine groups blamed the vaccine for the deaths. In June the next year, Kennedy visited the region to meet with local anti-vaccine activists and to campaign against these vaccines.

As Samoans began avoiding vaccinating their newborns against measles, an outbreak spread, leading to about 5,700 cases and 83 deaths, as the Deseret News reported.

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Kennedy insisted he did not dissuade anyone from getting the measles vaccine and pushed back on his alleged association to the deadly outbreak.

During the outbreak in Samoa, Kennedy wrote a letter to the prime minister in November 2019, saying, To safeguard public health during the current infection and in the future, it is critical that the Samoan Health Ministry determine, scientifically, if the outbreak was caused by inadequate vaccine coverage or alternatively, by a defective vaccine.

Abortion

During questioning over his stance on abortion, Kennedy, who previously claimed he is pro-choice, said, I agree with President Trump that every abortion is a tragedy.

He added, I agree with him that the states should control abortion.

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While responding to Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan, he argued he trusts women to make the right choice, not the government.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump's choice to be Secretary of Health and Human Services, appears before the Senate Finance Committee for his confirmation hearing, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. | Ben Curtis

Should a federal abortion ban be an option, it would come from the White House, and Trump already indicated he is against such a law. But Kennedy said he agreed with Trump that every abortion is a tragedy.

I came from a family that was split on life and choice, he said. But the good thing in my family that I really loved is that we were able to have those conversations and respect each other. And I wish that we could do that nationally.

Medicaid

While answering a question from Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., Kennedy incorrectly stated the federal government fully paid for Medicaid. The program, which covers about 72 million Americans, has state and federal funding.

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He didnt have a clear answer on reforms for Medicare and Medicaid, saying hed increase transparency and switch over to a value-based system, compared to a fee-based one, as Axios reported. When asked to get specific, Kennedy responded, I dont have a broad proposal for dismantling the program.

He also incorrectly claimed those enrolled in Medicaid arent happy with their high premiums and deductibles  a majority of those enrolled do not pay any of these costs, per The New York Times.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. denied accusations of sexual misconduct directed toward his former babysitter while being grilled during his second confirmation hearing to become the countrys top health official on Thursday.

Democratic Sen. Patty Murray questioned Kennedy on whether he made unwanted sexual advances toward Eliza Cooney, who accused the nominee of inappropriately touching her when she was hired to watch his children when she was 23 and he was in his mid-40s, to which he responded: No, I did not.

Murray: When you were confronted by this accusation you said you were not a church boy.. Did you make sexual advances toward her without her consent?



RFK JR: That story has been debunked.



Murray: Why did you apologize?



RFK JR: I apologized for something else. pic.twitter.com/WYbhyKR8ok  Acyn (@Acyn) January 30, 2025

Murray went on to press him on why he sent a text message apologizing to Mooney if he had not not acted inappropriately, to which he claimed he apologized for something else.

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Kennedy then vehemently denied that he has ever made sexual advances towards an individual without their consent.

The Washington Post obtained texts Kennedy sent to Cooney in July, while he was still a presidential candidate, apologizing for any inappropriate behavior and stating he did not remember doing anything wrong.

I have no memory of this incident but I apologize sincerely for anything I ever did that made you feel uncomfortable or anything I did or said that offended you or hurt your feelings, the texts read. I never intended you any harm. If I hurt you, it was inadvertent. I feel badly for doing so.

Kennedy also previously sidestepped questions on his behavior during an appearance on the Breaking Points podcast over the summer.

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I am not a church boy. I had a very, very rambunctious youth, he said at the time. I said in my [campaign] announcement speech  I have so many skeletons in my closet that if they could all vote I could run for king of the world.

Kennedy has faced back-to-back hearings where lawmakers have raised an array of concerns, ranging from his controversial remarks on vaccines to his changing positions on abortion policy.

The nominees cousin, Caroline Kennedy, sent a scathing letter to lawmakers ahead of Wednesdays hearing calling on the Senate to reject his nomination and alleging he is a predator with a history of animal abuse and drug use.
President Donald Trumps nominee for health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., said during his Senate confirmation hearing yesterday that substance use services were a "priority to him should he be elected to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Kennedy has been outspoken about his own experience using heroin and seeking help through Alcoholics Anonymous.

I go to twelve-step meetings everyday, Kennedy said at the confirmation hearing. I hear many stories about the barriers to access to [addiction] care, and we need to improve that.

Kennedy, a noted conspiracy theorist, has a reputation for ignoring or even opposing science when it comes to public health, and many are concerned that his tough love approach to the overdose crisis could make the disaster even worse. Especially when paired with the Trump administrations drug policy, which experts say tends to focus more on criminalization than public health.

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We know that people who are engaged in abstinence-based treatment are actually more likely to die of an overdose, said Maritza Perez Medina, the director of Federal Affairs at the Drug Policy Alliance. What we need is a number of evidence-based treatment options for people, and I am concerned that [Kennedy] doesnt follow the evidence or the science.

Between 2023 and 2024, overdose deaths declined for the first time since the 1990s  by an astounding 14%, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Many factors likely contributed to the decline, including the increase in availability of life-saving overdose reversal medications like naloxone and medication-assisted treatment like buprenorphine, along with decades of harm reduction efforts that ramped up the availability of things like syringe access programs.

Former President Joe Biden was the first president in U.S. history to endorse a harm reduction strategy at the federal level, making naloxone available over the counter and investing $82 billion in treatment facilities. Biden was also instrumental in passing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010, which along with its Medicaid expansions, funds treatment for some 40% of adults with opioid use disorder. (An error page now occurs when trying to access the White House official website describing the Biden Administrations response to the overdose crisis, though a backup still exists on Archive.org.)

In the first administration, Trump did acknowledge the overdose crisis as a public health emergency and also ramped up naloxone distribution. He also signed the SUPPORT Act, which increased research flexibility for agencies studying substance use and made medicines like buprenorphine more accessible.

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But in spite of this, Trump also tried to repeal elements of the ACA and cut funding for the Office of National Drug Control Policy, although these initiatives were blocked by Congress. Fentanyl analogs were also reclassified as controlled substances carrying the highest penalty in 2018 under the Trump Administration  but as repeatedly demonstrated throughout the last century of prohibition, banning more drugs isn't going to stop overdoses. Ultimately, the Government Accountability Office issued a report that concluded the prior Trump Administration failed to come up with a national strategy to combat the overdose crisis in 2017 and 2018.

The playbook that he and this administration and the party are going with is that they are very much anti-harm reduction, said Dr. Ryan Marino, an emergency medicine physician at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.

The first Trump Administration prohibited federal funding to go toward purchasing fentanyl test strips, said Regina LaBelle, the founder and director of the Addiction and Public Policy Initiative at the O'Neill Institute at Georgetown University.

Supervised consumption sites that recently or are in the process of opening in the Northeast also face an uncertain future under the new Trump Administration, which filed a lawsuit against one of these sites in Philadelphia that blocked them from opening.

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As HHS Secretary, Kennedy would have the power to control many budgets that influence addiction treatment and prevention, heading agencies like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the CDC, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Kennedy has said he was open to using safe consumption sites, and has also endorsed the idea of creating a national network of healing farms, that use twelve-step programs like AA. However, addiction treatment specialists have said this approach would likely be inaccessible and ineffective for many with substance use disorder.

Want more health and science stories in your inbox? Subscribe to Salon's weekly newsletter Lab Notes.

His proposal that people should be put on farms is something that the government actually did try, and it was incredibly problematic, Marino told Salon in a phone interview, citing treatment farms created in the 1930s that have been criticized for unethically performing human experiments on people using drugs.

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The Trump Administration could put prohibitions on federal funding that goes toward specific programs, like syringe access programs, LaBelle, who also served as the acting director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy under Biden.

A lot of what will affect people who have a substance use disorder or are in need of health care are the budget decisions that are going to be made in the coming months, LaBelle told Salon in a phone interview. The majority of people who receive treatment receive [publicly funded] treatment, so the question remains: If the funding goes away, how does that affect the average person with a substance use disorder?

In his first week in office this go-round, Trump has already issued a flurry of executive orders that seem to favor a criminalization approach over a public health-centered one. In one, he promised to crack down on immigration to reduce the illicit drug supply.

From the get-go, they are using fentanyl and the overdose crisis as a reason to criminalize immigrant communities, militarize the border, and pursue high-level criminal charges, Medina told Salon in a phone interview. That is really concerning.

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Trump issued another executive order pardoning Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the underground Silk Road marketplace fueled by cryptocurrency. According to the BBC, Ulbricht was "convicted in 2015 in New York in a narcotics and money-laundering conspiracy and sentenced to life in prison." However, some have said the pardon was a means of fulfilling a promise Trump made during his campaign to crypto donors.

While many of the actions of the Trump Administration will be focused on the criminal justice side and law enforcement approach, the fact that the president, when he was campaigning, supported marijuana legalization in Florida and freed the founder of the Silk Road is a bit of a cognitive dissonance, LaBelle said.

This confounding strategy has been called a flood the system approach that often knocks the political system off-balance. Harm reduction and initiatives designed to fight the overdose crisis will likely soon be cut in the crosshairs of it.

He's just very inconsistent, Marino said. It seems like the most consistent thing that you get from Trump is that everything he stands for is opposing harm reduction.
FILE - Department of Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz testifies during a Senate Judiciary hearing on Capitol Hill, Sept. 15, 2021, in Washington. Inspectors general need more authority to go after fraud in the COVID-19 relief programs, the independent committee overseeing federal pandemic relief spending said Tuesday, May 31, 2022. Horowitz, head of the committee, said the $150,000 threshold is far too low given the scope of the fraud in programs set up to help businesses and people who lost their jobs due to the pandemic. (Graeme Jennings/Pool via AP, File) Graeme Jennings/Associated Press

If only Washington were a real swamp. As any resident of this patchwork of prairie and marsh that we call Houston knows, a swamp is productive and adaptive.

Try as we might to bend our swamp to our will, we learn over and over that its better to respect and even love its inestimable power to crack and heave the slabs of concrete we keep piling on top of it.

That said, we understand what President Trump is trying to say when he talks about "draining the swamp." He means to clean things up. To unearth the muck, the junk, the sluggish inefficiencies and the slimy corruption.

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The president and his team just want to be "good stewards of tax dollars," his press secretary Karoline Leavitt reminded reporters again and again Tuesday.

Nobody is against good stewardship of tax dollars. It's one of the things we should all agree on in this divided country: don't waste our money!

Here's the part we don't understand: why would a president so intent on draining the swamp quickly dispense with a long list of people hired to do just that?

Why are Republicans in Congress giving Trump a pass for firing 18 inspectors general, the first line of defense against fraud, inefficiency and waste? In any given year, they save taxpayers tens of billions of dollars and report wrongdoing that leads to thousands of criminal and civil prosecutions.

Just to give an example: in 2024, an inspector general for the Treasury prevented $3.5 billion from being paid out by the IRS to fraudulent schemes claiming family leave and other tax credits. The gator catchers of Houstons bayous could learn a thing or two from these, err, D.C. swamp hunters.

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Trump claimed that it is "standard" and a "very common thing to do" for a president to dismiss these non-political public stewards and replace them with his own hires. Wrong. The tradition ever since these watchdog positions were first created by a bipartisan act of Congress in the wake of the Watergate scandal was for them to continue on through presidential transitions. Ronald Reagan initially fired all of his predecessors appointments but, facing outrage from Democrats and Republicans, he rehired many of them.

Trump told reporters that hell appoint new inspectors general that will be very good and Texas' junior senator, Ted Cruz, told The Hill hes confident the president will pick serious replacements.

Serious perhaps, but serious about what? A duty to guard federal tax dollars or a quiet pledge to protect Trump from any consequences of malfeasance? Just look at the presidents record. In 2020, he fired Mark Atkinson, the inspector general who told lawmakers about the presidents plan to condition military aid to Ukraine on an investigation of the Biden family. That led to Trumps first impeachment. (Notice we didn't mention "collusion" with the Russians, an accusation whose ultimate lack of merit is often tossed out by Trump apologists as a wild herring to make us forget about the bad thing he really did do.)

What lesson did Trump learn from that episode? To replace independent, nonpartisan, by-the-book watchdogs with his own lackeys, and fast.

At least one inspector general appointed by a Democratic president has survived. Trump is keeping Michael Horowitz at the Justice Department. Why? Maybe it has something to do with Horowitz writing a 2018 report critical of the FBIs investigation of the presidents 2016 campaign.

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It's true that inspectors general serve at the pleasure of the president. It's also true that the law requires the president to tell Congress 30 days before removing any of them and give a substantial rationale. In the end, though, they work for the executive branch, not Congress, and Trump has the power to decide whom to appoint, subject to Senate confirmation.

It was Jimmy Carter himself, the man who won the presidency by promising to clean up Washington, who threatened to veto the Inspector General Act in 1978 unless the new watchdogs reported to him, not lawmakers. Otherwise the law would likely have violated the Constitution, which clearly spells out that Congress has the power of the purse and the White House gets to decide how to get things done.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced a grilling from Democrats over his past as an anti-vaccine activist and his waffling stance on abortion, but Republicans went easy on President Trumps pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services during his confirmation hearing Wednesday, foreshadowing a path to confirmation on the Senate floor.

Over more than three hours of contentious questioning from Democrats and mostly softballs from Republicans, Kennedy stumbled over basic health care questions, and at times displayed limited knowledge of the complexities of the nearly $2 trillion agency he was nominated to run.

Kennedy tried to distance himself from his past statements, even as Democrats quoted them back to him.

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In my advocacy I have often disturbed the status quo by asking uncomfortable questions. Well, I wont apologize for that, Kennedy said. We have massive health problems in this country that we must face honestly.

Under pointed questions, he often fell back on his stated desire to fix the chronic disease epidemic.

It is the human tragedy that moves us to care. President Trump has promised to restore Americas global strength and to restore the American dream. He understands we cant be a strong nation when our people are so sick, Kennedy said.

Still, there were no signs the hearing changed the calculus among Senate Republicans. The Senate Finance Committee is expected to vote in the coming days to send his nomination to the floor.

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You have gone through the most thorough vetting process that any committee in this Congress puts anybody through, and I think that you have come through well and deserve to be confirmed, Finance Committee Chair Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) said at the conclusion of the hearing.

Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) praised Kennedy for his decision to drop his own presidential campaign and support Trump.

I think Ive come to know whats in your heart, Johnson said. I think I know the personal and political price youve paid for this decision.

If only one Republican votes against Kennedy in committee, it will sink his nomination. If he moves to the floor, he can afford to lose up to three Republicans if all Democrats oppose him.

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Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) suggested Kennedys nomination was in trouble after the hearing.

I dont think it went well for him today, he said Wednesday afternoon.

However, Republicans during the hearing said they shared Kennedys vision and praised him for wanting to shake up the health system.

I have no doubt you will be confirmed and will do such a solid job for the people of this country, Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) said.

Kennedy also tried to assuage GOP concerns regarding abortion, given his statements as recently as 2023 that indicated he supported broad access to abortion.

I serve at the pleasure of the president. Im going to implement his policies, Kennedy said.

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Still, it was a line of detailed questions from Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) that seemed to trip Kennedy up the most.

When asked about how hed oversee Medicare and Medicaid, Kennedy seemed to confuse the two. The programs together are responsible for covering more than 150 million Americans.

Kennedy described Medicaid as fully paid for by the federal government, when in reality it is financed by a mix of state and federal funding.

Kennedy also claimed Medicaid enrollees were unhappy and frustrated by high costs.

Most people on Medicaid are not happy. The premiums are too high, the deductibles are too high, the networks are narrow, Kennedy said.

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But most Medicaid beneficiaries dont pay any premiums or deductibles; federal law even prohibits cost sharing for people in the lowest income brackets.

Cassidy, the chair of the Senate Health, Education Labor and Pensions Committee, will have another opportunity to question Kennedy when his panel holds a hearing Thursday.

From the get-go, Kennedy tried to address the vaccine concerns, saying in his opening statement: News reports complain that I am anti-vaccine or anti-industry. I am neither.

His response drew a protest from a woman in the audience: He lies! she shouted as security escorted her out.

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Democrats brought up public remarks and quoted from Kennedys books in which he called vaccines dangerous and ineffective, made misleading claims about their safety and falsely linked them to autism.

They invoked his visit to Samoa in 2019, following the death of two children due to an improperly prepared vaccine. Five months after Kennedys visit, Samoa declared a measles emergency due to low vaccination rates amid an outbreak that killed 83 people.

In a heated exchange, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) hammered Kennedy over his role in that situation.

Clearly I had nothing to do with the measles outbreak, Kennedy insisted. You cannot find a single Samoan who will say I didnt get a vaccine because of Bobby Kennedy.

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Wyden also pressed Kennedy on leading a petition to the Food and Drug Administration in 2021 to revoke the authorization of the coronavirus vaccine.

Kennedy claimed he did it because of the speed with which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved the vaccine for children under 6.

You have a history of trying to take vaccines away from people, Wyden said.

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Put on the spot, a lot of Americans might hesitate over the difference between Medicaid and Medicare. People who arent affected by one of these programs, which together enroll about 150 million people in the U.S., dont generally have a need to be well versed in their intricacies, and the two programs sound quite similar. The names dont really hint that Medicare is a federal program that covers older Americans and Americans with disabilities, and that Medicaid covers low-income people in the United States.



Most Americans, though, are not nominated to become secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is. And yet today, at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Finance Committee, he made clear that he also does not know very much about Medicare and Medicaid.

As HHS secretary, Kennedy would oversee a suite of government agencies, including the FDA, CDC, and National Institutes of Health, that are focused on improving American health. He also would oversee the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which, as the name implies, manages those two programs. HHS services, in other words, touch the lives of every Americanand Medicaid and Medicare are, in particular, two of the most common ways for people to directly benefit from the governments services.

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During the three-and-a-half-hour hearing, in which the Senate committee pressed Kennedy on a range of issueshis anti-vaccine views, endorsements of conspiracy theories, stance on abortion, potential financial conflictssenators grilled Kennedy on various aspects of the two government programs. In his new role, Kennedy could be charged with overseeing substantial changes to one of them. Donald Trump has pledged to preserve Medicare. He has made no such promise about Medicaid, which health-policy experts anticipate may be targeted for spending cuts. (On Tuesday, Medicaid reimbursement portals abruptly stopped working after the Trump administration ordered a freeze on federal grants and loans; states have since regained access to the portals.) Some Republicans have argued that an increased focus on public-health insurance in the U.S. wont make Americans healthier, and Kennedy appeared to echo that viewpoint today when he criticized Medicaid, saying our people are getting sicker every single year, and lamented the programs expansion to people with higher incomes. The poorest Americans are now being robbed, he said.

But Kennedy also seemed to mix up the two programs when he described them. Part of the issue with Medicaid, he said, is that the premiums are too high, the deductibles are too high. The majority of people enrolled in Medicaid dont pay premiums or deductibles; federal law actually prohibits premiums for the programs lowest-income enrollees. (He did seem better versed in Medicare Advantage, a program that provides private insurance coverage for older Americans and that he himself is enrolled in.)

To be fair, Kennedy was in a high-pressure situation. But being HHS secretary is a high-pressure job. Kennedy had time to prepare in advance of todays hearing. If confirmed, he wont need to master every minute detail of Medicare and Medicaid, but he will need to be able to navigate both programstheir differences, their weaknesses, and how they might evolve. People who are eligible for both programs, for instance, have created sticking points in the health-care system, in part because coordinating coverage between the two is difficult and can complicate care. When pressed by Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana on how to deal with that issue, Kennedy suggested that the programs should be consolidated and integratedbut when asked how that might happen, said, Im not exactly sure.

Kennedy struggled with other policy specifics, too. One of his goals, Kennedy said, is to fulfill Trumps directive to improve the quality of care and lower the price of care for all Americans. But he was vague on any plans to reform Medicaid, explaining that hed increase transparency and increase accountability. When pushed by Cassidy to clarify, Kennedy said, Well, I dont have a broad proposal for dismantling the program.

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Nor did Kennedy have a clear sense of how he would approach one of the more contentious and legally sensitive health questions of the past few years: whether women whose lives are threatened by pregnancy should be able to receive emergency abortions under EMTALA, the law that requires emergency rooms that receive Medicare funding to provide care to anyone in a life-threatening situation. The Biden administration argued that this federal law supersedes state abortion bans, and in 2024, after the Supreme Court demurred on the issue, the administration made clear to doctors, in a letter co-authored by Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, that abortions could qualify as emergency treatment. Kennedy admitted this morning that he didnt know the scope of the authority hed have to enforce the law in his new job.

Jacinda Abdul-Mutakabbir, a clinical pharmacist at UC San Diego, told me that Kennedys apparent failure to understand the intricacies of the two programs wasnt just a harmless fumble. If the health secretary is not well versed in the programs hes tasked to run, he might not appreciate the impacts of his decisions. Should health coverage for some of the most vulnerable Americans be alteredperhaps even taken awaythen health disparities in this country would likely widen. And if any part of his agenda does include increasing transparency, as Kennedy described in todays hearing, expertise will have to be a prerequisite. You cant increase transparency on something you dont have clarity on, Abdul-Mutakabbir told me. (Kennedys press team did not immediately return a request for comment on his performance at todays hearing.)

During the hearing, Kennedys more radical views on vaccines and infectious disease did come up. He copped to describing Lyme disease as highly likely a militarily engineered bioweapon. (The bacterium, which has been around for at least tens of thousands of years, is not.) He stood by his assertion that the measles vaccine killed two children in Samoa in 2018. (The vaccine did not; those children died following the administration of an improperly mixed vaccine by two nurses who were ultimately sentenced to five years in prison for the act.) He said that young children are at basically  zero risk from COVID-19. (Young children are at risk, especially babies under six months of age, who have similar hospitalization rates from the disease as adults 65 to 74 years old.) Kennedys falsehoods about infection and immunity were already well known, though. What the country learned today was that he may lack basic competency in some of the most wide-reaching aspects of his future joband didnt take the time to prepare answers for Congress, which hell ultimately have to answer to.

Article originally published at The Atlantic
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. President Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, testifies during his Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing on Jan. 29, 2025 in Washington, DC. Credit - Win McNameeGetty Images

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trumps pick to head the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), was grilled by Democratic senators during his confirmation hearing on Jan. 29 and Jan. 30, who confronted him with conspiratorial and conflicting statements he has made about COVID-19.

Attempting to understand how Kennedy would square his past questioning of the safety of vaccines, Sen. Bernie Sanders asked him if he believed that the COVID-19 vaccine was successful in saving millions of lives.

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"I don't know," Kennedy said. "We don't have a good surveillance system."

In reality, both the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have several systems to collect and track side effects and adverse events of vaccines. And many studies have consistently shown that COVID-19 vaccines dramatically reduce people's risk of hospitalization and death from the disease.

Here's what to know about Kennedy's positions on COVID-19, and why some experts and lawmakers are concerned about him leading the U.S.'s response to a next potential pandemic.

Kennedy's racial and ethnic claims about COVID-19

Kennedy has held some controversial and unsubstantiated views on COVID-19 and ethnicity.

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According to a 2023 video shared by the New York Post, when Kennedy was a presidential candidate, he said at a private dinner in New York City, There is an argument that [COVID-19] is ethnically targeted. COVID-19 attacks certain races disproportionately. COVID-19 is targeted to attack Caucasians and Black people. The people who are most immune are Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese. After being accused of being anti-Semitic, Kennedy wrote on X that the Post story was "mistaken," and that I have never, ever suggested that the COVID-19 virus was targeted to spare Jews. I do not believe and never implied that the ethnic effect was deliberately engineered.

Senators brought up the statement at the hearing. "I didn't say it was deliberately targeted," Kennedy said again.

What science says about COVID-19 and race

Government health data on hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 indicate that at times during the pandemic, the virus affected Blacks and Hispanics disproportionately. But that data also showed that the reason for the imbalance was not due to any biologic factors related to race, but to a slew of social factors. During the pandemic, people in these demographic groups tended to have a higher risk of exposure to the virus because they were more likely to work essential jobs that could not be done at home, a greater likelihood of living in larger households where infections can spread quickly, more limited access to health care and vaccines, and higher rates of underlying chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease, which can make them more vulnerable to serious illness from COVID-19.

Read More: What to Know About Spasmodic Dysphonia, the Condition That Affects RFK Jr.s Voice

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Much of the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 reflect inequities that arise due to structural racism and not race, says Samantha Artiga, vice president and director of the racial equity and health policy program at KFF who has published an analysis of COVID-19 trends by race and ethnicity. The idea of biological differences by race has been disproven," she says. "Historically, its been used for an array of abuses and mistreatment of people of color.

Kennedys 2023 comments about COVID-19 capitalize on confusion and mistrust in the public to push his own agenda of natural medicine and demonizing the medical industry, says Dr. Eric Burnett, assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University. He just wants to burn everything down and then not provide real solutions for how to fix the problems he talks about.

RFK Jr.'s opposition to COVID-19 vaccines

Kennedy, who is known for his anti-vaccine views, has been a vocal critic of the governments response to COVID-19, including the lockdowns and vaccine and mask mandates, which he once compared to Nazi practices in concentration camps. Even in Hitler Germany, you couldcross the Alps into Switzerland. You could hide in an attic, like Anne Frank did, he said at a rally protesting vaccine mandates in Washington, DC in 2022. (After his remarks were widely condemned, Kennedy apologized.)

His opposition to the vaccine also came up in the hearing several times, including when he said that "COVID vaccines are inappropriate for six year old children who basically have a zero risk COVID." That's not supported by data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which show that young children can and do develop infections.

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Read More: RFK Jr. Says Hell Follow Trumps Lead on Abortion

Kennedy has called himself an advocate for medical freedom and bodily autonomy, supporting the idea that people should be able to chose for themselves whether they get vaccinated, based on having informed data.

But the evidence he espouses is his evidence, evidence that supports whatever his current theory is, says Dr. Gregory Poland, president of Atria Research Institute, which provides personalized health care. Part of the problem is that these are appalling errors in communication and result from not being a scientist and not being trained scientifically. You use words and phrases that sound right, like evidence-based medicine, but evidence-based medicine is completely based on the scientific method which he evidently rejects.

As head of HHS, Kennedy would also have considerable power to influence vaccine policy in innumerable ways, including through CDC committees that recommend vaccine policy for everything from childhood vaccinations to the yearly flu and COVID-19 shots, and at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which reviews and approves vaccines as safe and efficacious.

Concern over how Kennedy would lead during another pandemic

Senators pressed Kennedy on his past statements about COVID-19 as a window into how an HHS under his leadership would respond to a new pandemica thought that troubles Burnett. "The guardrails are gone" in President Trump's second term, he says. "Medical experts, people who are familiar with pandemics and have worked on them before: they just arent going to be there. I think it will be more difficult for the American people to weather that storm.

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The concern isn't purely hypothetical; as cases of bird flu continue to rise among farm animals, public health experts are carefully monitoring the virus potential shift to spreading among people. "I intend to devote the appropriate resources to preventing pandemics," Kennedy said during the hearing when questioned about bird flu. "That's a central part of my job."

Read More: RFK Jr. Denied He Is Anti-Vaccine During His Confirmation Hearing. Heres His Record

Yet the Trump Administration has already taken steps to weaken the government's ability to respond to a pandemic. Just days after taking office, Trump signed an executive order withdrawing the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO); days later, public health officials were told to immediately cease working with the WHO. The Administration also froze federal health communications until further noticeincluding stopping publication of the CDCs weekly MMWR report, which details the latest outbreaks of diseases like bird flu and keeps physicians and public-health experts informed about emerging threats.

You and I as private citizens have no way to gather, collate, and synthesize data from across the U.S., much less from across the world, says Poland. We are dependent on the government to do that for us. But what happens when that government wont, or cant, or manipulates that kind of information? Thats a world of hurt.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
The second day of the tumultuous confirmation hearings for Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., became emotional on Thursday when New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan brought up how autism vaccine studies had impacted her family and decried claims that concerns over his nomination were driven by partisan intent.

Like all of us, I take really seriously our obligation for advice and consent. And, I am concerned  about the need for science to help us move forward on critical, critical issues, the Democrat said.

Hassan explained that she is the proud mother of a 36-year-old man with severe cerebral palsy.

New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan questions Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as he appears before the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday in Washington, D.C. Hassan became emotional when speaking to Kennedy about her son on Wednesday (AP)

And, a day does not go by when I dont think about, What did I do when I was pregnant with him that might have caused the hydrocephalus that has so impacted his life, she told Kennedy, in tears.

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Hassan has said that her son, Ben, needs round-the-clock care. He is a funny and smart and engaging person, but is unable to walk or speak.

During the height of the Covid pandemic, she opted to stay in the nations capital, rather than expose her son to the virus. Kennedy has called life-saving Covid vaccines into question, and spread unfounded theories about the virus.

So, please do not suggest that anybody in this body of either political party doesnt want to know what the cause of autism is, Hassan said. Do you know how many friends with children who have autism?

The senator accused Kennedy of re-litigating and churning settled science so we cant go forward and find out the cause.

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Mr. Kennedy, that first autism study rocked my world, Hassan continued. And, like every mother, I worried about whether, in fact, the vaccine had done something to my son.

The study Kennedy has cited was retracted. Since then, many others have shown vaccination is not associated with autism spectrum disorder.

Because sometimes science is wrong. We make progress, we build on the work, and we become more successful, she added. And, when you continue to sow doubt about settled science, it makes it impossible for us to move forward.

Hassan did not give Kennedy time to respond to her statements before turning to the next topic.

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Kennedy claimed in a 2023 interview with Fox News Jesse Watters that autism comes from vaccines, more than a decade after the article was retracted.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., testifies during his Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions confirmation hearing on Thursday in Washington, D.C. Kennedy was testifying for a second day (Getty Images)

An estimated 5.4 million adults in the U.S. have autism, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The neurodevelopmental disability is caused by differences in the brain that affect communication and social interaction.

Hydrocephalus, which has been associated with autism, is a buildup of spinal fluid that puts pressure on the brain.

When asked Thursday if he would say unequivocally and without qualification that the measles and hepatitis B vaccines do not cause autism, Kennedy said he would if the data is there.

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If the datas brought to you  and these studies that have been out there for quite some time and have been peer-reviewed  and it shows that these two vaccines are not associated with autism, will you ask, 'No, I need even more?' asked Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy. Or, will you say, No, I see this, Its stood the test of time and I unequivocally and without qualification say that this does not cause autism?

"Not only will I do that, but I will apologize for any statements that misled people otherwise, Kennedy said. And, I just want to pledge to you that I will never stick on a point if somebody shows me data that says Im wrong.

On Wednesday, Kennedy said he was not anti-vaccine, despite a slew of contradictory past remarks.
Jan. 30 (UPI) -- As Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced skeptical senators Thursday in the second day of his confirmation hearing to lead the department of Health and Human Services, Louisiana's Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy confronted Kennedy about vaccines.

The Thursday hearing was conducted before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.

Cassidy questioned Kennedy about his history of anti-vaccine activism, pressing him multiple times about whether he would discourage vaccines as HHS secretary.

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He asked if Kennedy could be trusted on vaccines.

Kennedy said he would not "go into HHS and impose my preordained opinions on anybody at HHS. I'm going to empower the scientists to do their job."

Cassidy, a gastroenterologist doctor, tried to get Kennedy to say definitively whether or not he would clearly state that hepatitis B and measles vaccines do not cause autism.

Kennedy hedged, replying that, if the data is there, he would. So Cassidy asked again, offering to supply the data.

Kennedy said he would declare that vaccines don't cause autism if he got that data from Cassidy.

During the hearing, Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., challenged Kennedy on his comments that Black people have stronger immune reactions so they "need fewer antigens."

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Alsobrooks told him that view is dangerous. She told him she will oppose his nomination "because your views are dangerous to our state and to our country."

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, questioned Kennedy on vaccines and herd immunity, as well as Lyme disease.

Kennedy told her he will fight hard for a Lyme disease treatment and believes the polio vaccine is safe.

According a Washington Post report, Kennedy proposed different vaccine schedules for Black people than for White people because Kennedy said he believed Black immune systems are stronger.

That report said Kennedy has falsely linked vaccines to autism and has "repeatedly disparaged vaccines."

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NBC News reported that in 2021 Kennedy produced a film falsely claiming the Covid-19 vaccine was part of an experiment on Black communities.

Kennedy was asked by Sen. Andy Kim, D-N.J., if he stands by the charge that wifi radiation causes cancer.

Kennedy said yes and said he won an appeals court case against the FCC on that issue.

The Kennedy nomination hearing before the Senate Finance Committee was held Wednesday, during which Kennedy denied that he had taken an anti-vaccine stance.

Kennedy said at that hearing that all his kids are vaccinated and said he was "pro-safety."

Even though he will head HHS if confirmed, overseeing Medicare and Medicaid, Kennedy incorrectly answered the basic question of what Medicare Part A is for.

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Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H. told him, "Mr. Kennedy, you want us to confirm you to be in charge of Medicare, but it appears that you don't know the basics of this program."

Hassan said on X, "Instead of standing by his past statements, he made it clear he'll do whatever Trump tells him to do -- including restricting reproductive health care."
On the day of his confirmation hearing to be secretary of health and human services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sat before the Senate Finance Committee flanked by anti-vaccine activists and steadfast supporters who filled the room.

Facing mounting criticism from public health officials, doctors groups and Democrats (along with some skepticism from some Republicans), Kennedy attempted a delicate balancing act: defending and denying his controversial past as a prominent anti-vaccine lawyer while pledging to be a responsible steward for an agency with 80,000 employees, a $1.8 trillion budget and the nations health at stake.

I want to make sure the committee is clear about a few things. News reports have claimed that I am anti-vaccine or anti-industry. Well, I am neither; I am pro-safety, Kennedy said in his opening statement. All of my kids are vaccinated, and I believe vaccines have a critical role in health care.

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Those statements, along with most of what Kennedy would say over the next four hours, bore little resemblance to the years of documented stances he took, such as advising all parents with babies not to vaccinate them. That dissonance did little to blunt the excitement in the anti-vaccine movement, some of which had descended on Washington for the hearing and subsequent celebrations.

Kennedy has eschewed the anti-vaccine label in the mainstream media for years, but in ideologically friendlier spaces, he has made his position on vaccines clear. In a 2020 podcast for his anti-vaccine nonprofit group, Childrens Health Defense, he said that vaccines had caused food allergies in his children and that he wishes he could go back and change his decision to vaccinate them. Kennedy went on leave from Childrens Health Defense in 2023 when he ran for president, and he resigned from the group last month.

What would I do if I could go back in time and I could avoid giving my children the vaccines that I gave them? he asked in 2020, I would do anything for that. I would pay anything to be able to do that.

He went on, I wouldnt take that risk.

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On the podcast Health Freedom for Humanity in 2021, Kennedy noted that activists like him had shied away from the anti-vaccine label but were now openly advocating against vaccines.

Our job is to resist and to talk about it to everybody. If youre walking down the street, and I do this now myself, which is, you know, I dont want to do, Im not a busybody. I see somebody on a hiking trail carrying a little baby and I say to him, Better not get him vaccinated, Kennedy said on the podcast. And he heard that from me. If he hears it from 10 other people, maybe he wont do it, you know. Maybe he will save that child.

But he reversed course Wednesday, answering several questions about his record of claims with support for vaccines and the current childhood schedule.

Since he announced his presidential run, Kennedy has tried, arguably successfully, to live in two worlds. In mainstream news interviews and before congressional committees, he has said he is not anti-vaccine and promised not to take away vaccines as health and human services secretary. At the same time, he has relied on the support of the anti-vaccine movement behind the scenes  staffing his failed presidential campaign with anti-vaccine leaders like Del Bigtree, leader of the anti-vaccine group Informed Consent Action Network, who now runs a super PAC (MAHA Alliance) and a nonprofit organization (MAHA Action) dedicated to supporting Kennedys confirmation. Bigtree has implied that Kennedy remains dedicated to the anti-vaccine cause, posting in November that Kennedy and MAHA were being strategic with their muted talk about vaccines.

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Bobby didnt get dragged through the mud for over a decade just so he could compromise his values once he finally got inside the castle, Bigtree said.

Katie Miller, a spokesperson for Kennedys transition team, told NBC News last month that Bigtree was not involved in the transition and that his views do not represent Mr. Kennedys or President Trumps administration.

Any arms-length denials of Bigtree have done little to stymie the enthusiasm of the anti-vaccine movement. Bigtrees MAHA group planned a Pack the Halls for HHS Confirmation event at the Capitol on Wednesday morning and a party in the evening at the Hyatt Regency.

Longtime supporters in the anti-vaccine movement, activists and self-described autism moms who share the disproven belief that vaccines cause the condition also rallied around Kennedy on Wednesday.

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Nicole Shanahan, who as Kennedys running mate funneled millions of her own money into his failed presidential run, posted a video Tuesday warning senators against voting no. I will personally fund challengers to primary you in your next election, she said, naming 13 senators.

Anti-vaccine and anti-GMO activist Zen Honeycutt, who leads the group Moms Across America, posted from the hearing. She sat in the row directly behind Kennedys family, next to conservative podcaster Megyn Kelly and Childrens Health Defenses recently retired executive vice president, Laura Bono.

This is because all of YOU moms have been speaking up for decades!!! Honeycutt posted.

The Informed Consent Action Network and Childrens Health Defense livestreamed the hearing on their websites. Childrens Health Defense posted a video of President Mary Holland interviewing supporters outside the room before the hearing. Holland and director of programming Polly Tommey had said the hearing was an emotional and pivotal moment for their group.

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Finally theres going to be a little bit of justice for my child, Toomey said on Childrens Health Defenses morning show Tuesday.

Its not over till its over, Holland replied.

Senators asked Kennedy about Childrens Health Defense at several points, most memorably Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., who referred to a blown-up photo of a baby onesie the anti-vaccine nonprofit group sold for $26 emblazoned with Unvaxxed, Unafraid.

I have no power over that organization, Kennedy replied. Im supportive of vaccines.

For weeks, anti-vaccine organizations have organized advocacy campaigns in support of his nomination, urging members to call their senators and planning real-world events.

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Another in-person action was advertised on a website created Friday by Susan Sweetin, director of development and communications for the National Vaccine Information Center, the oldest anti-vaccine group in operation. A former reporter known for conspiracy theories about the AIDS virus blogged that Sweetin had organized the show of support at the behest of Kennedy, who replied to her text offering to bring people to the hearing with: YES. A Tsunami.

Reached by text, Sweetin said Kennedys remarks over text were part of a private discussion. Miller, Kennedys representative on the Trump transition team, did not reply to a request for comment about the event.

The National Vaccine Information Centers plan, according to the website, was to line up before sunrise so that we secure, if not all, the majority of the seats inside the hearing room, according to the website. Supporters were instructed to wear green lanyards or gear purchased on Kennedys official merchandise store. (Kennedy made $100,000 from licensing fees for official MAHA merchandise last year, according to his recently filed financial disclosure report.)

Kennedy joined the anti-vaccine cause in earnest in 2005, after, he says, women started showing up at speaking events with stories about their autistic children who they said had been harmed by vaccines. He constructed a theory alleging scientists, public health officials and the pharmaceutical industry had conspired to hide the truth about vaccine injuries and published it in a 4,700-word article in Rolling Stone magazine. The article was appended with a series of corrections pointing out errors and deceptively edited transcripts in Kennedys piece; ultimately it was retracted.

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But the conspiracy theory remained, becoming central to the organization that Kennedy founded, Childrens Health Defense, the many books he has written on the subject and the numerous anti-vaccine lawsuits he has brought or referred to firms. Kennedys financial disclosure forms and nonprofit tax filings show he has profited in the millions from the anti-vaccine movement.

The anti-vaccine movements momentum was slowed by a series of setbacks  scientific research consistently showed vaccines to be safe, and the main study bolstering claims that they were unsafe was retracted for false data  but it had a resurgence during the pandemic, widening its support among conservatives who saw vaccine mandates and public health initiatives as infringements on their rights.

The Republican support was on display in the committee hearing room Wednesday.

Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, a Republican who emerged as one of the countrys most prominent pandemic-era vaccine skeptics, heaped praise on Kennedy and invoked false theories about vaccines leading to chronic illness and neurological conditions.

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Coming together with Trump and focusing on an area of agreement, something that the American people desperately want, finding out the answers, What has caused autism, what is causing chronic illness? Johnson said, my first response was, Bobby, this is an answer to my prayers.

If Kennedys distancing himself from their movement bothered his supporters, there was no evidence in the ones assembled behind him, who cheered Kennedys Senate allies and jeered his critics. The chair reminded the audience multiple times to remain quiet and respectful.

While Kennedy walked back his past statements about the issue that united them and disavowed the movement he led, he did not abandon them altogether.

This movement, led largely by MAHA moms from every state  you can see many of them behind us today and in the hallways and in the lobbies  is one of the most transcendent and powerful movements Ive ever seen, Kennedy said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
PIERRE, S.D. (KELO)  There was a time when newly-sworn-in South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden was in awe to have had an interaction with the governor of South Dakota.

I thought, Wow, the governor of South Dakota just held the door open for me so I could get into the capitol, Rhoden said Wednesday in an interview with KELOLAND News, his first sit-down interview since becoming governor.

That memory featured former Gov. Bill Janklow, but 2025 brings an entirely different era with the buck now stopping at Rhoden. The new governor describes himself as fairly direct as well as blunt, and he says his predecessor in the office, Kristi Noem, might even be more so. Rhoden commented Wednesday on what differentiates his administration from Noems.

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I would say just leadership style, mostly, Rhoden said. Politically were very aligned, and I think obviously the circumstances that were both in will make our administrations look very different. She developed this national profile, and she used that profile to benefit South Dakota.

And that profile brings with it another difference.

Baltic Mayor and other city officials resign

It also kind of put her in a different trajectory than what Im going to be on, Rhoden said. I dont have to worry about doing Fox News interviews every night.

One of the themes of Rhodens first public address to the legislature on Tuesday was a call for courtesy in the political arena.

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Santella: How do you foster that civility?

I think the answers simple: you lead by example, Rhoden said. And our office, thats why I held the offer open that Im going to be easy to find.

And regarding specific legislation, he lists the state penitentiarys aged condition among his priorities.

I think if the legislators that are, still have questions, they need to make a trip to the penitentiary and get the tour that I did, Rhoden said.

Rhoden, however, does not share where he stands on another hot-button issue: the use of eminent domain for carbon dioxide pipelines.

For me, Im going to stay out of the fray til I see what theyre coming up with and what hits my desk, Rhoden said.

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Whichever directions these different discussions take, Rhoden says his attention is on the ongoing legislative session and not any decision about running in 2026 to stay in the governors office.

I think after session Im going to get serious about making that decision, Rhoden said. I think times getting ripe in the spring. But I want to be single-minded and clear and not have a lot of distractions through session.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  South Dakota has a new Lt Governor, and he is no stranger to Pierre. Most recently, Tony Venhuizen represented District 13 in the State House of Representatives, where he served as vice chair of the House Appropriations Committee. But his involvement in State Government goes well beyond the legislature.

Venhuizen grew up in Armour, and now lives in Sioux Falls. Hes very familiar with the Governors office and how it works, having served three governors. He first came to the State Capitol to work for Governor Mike Rounds. He then served in the Dennis Daugaard administration, eventually becoming chief of staff. And would later serve as chief of staff for Governor Kristi Noem for three years.

I have had the privilege of working closely with three excellent Lt Governors, Dennis Daugaard and Matt Michaels and Larry Rhoden they are all here today. The job of Lt. Governor is to be a supporter and a partner to the governor, you cant be ready to step in if you arent a partner. Im excited to help Governor Rhoden lead our state, said Venhuizen.

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Remembering Craig Lloyd

You might say serving in Pierre is in Venhuizens blood. His Grandfather, Henry Poppen, was a long-time state senator who brought him to the legislature when he was very young.

This picture was posted on his campaign website.

He is both a Jackrabbit and a Coyote, getting his undergraduate degree from SDSU and a law degree from USD.

Just like the man he is replacing, in his role as Lt Governor, Venhuizen will also serve as presiding officer of the South Dakota Senate.



I resigned from the state house just before this press conference, so I can be ready to be sworn in as soon as Im confirmed. I looking forward to visiting with my legislative colleagues and answering their questions, said Venhuizen.



He and his wife Sara, who is the daughter of former Governor Dennis Daugaard have 3 kids. Venhuizen becomes the states 40th Lt Governor.



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ROME (AP)  Richard Williamson, an ultra-traditionalist Catholic bishop whose denial of the Holocaust created a scandal in 2009 when Pope Benedict XVI rehabilitated him and other members of his breakaway society, has died. He was 84.

Williamson suffered a cerebral hemorrhage in his native England on Jan. 24 and died Wednesday, the Society of St. Pius X said in a statement on Thursday.

Williamson was among four men consecrated bishop in 1988 by the late Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, who formed the group in 1969 in opposition to the Second Vatican Council. Vatican II was the series of 1960s church meetings that modernized the Catholic Church by allowing Mass in the vernacular rather than Latin and revolutionizing the church's relations with Jews.

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In 1988, the Vatican excommunicated Lefebvre, Williamson and the other bishops, because they were consecrated without papal consent.

First as cardinal and then as pope, Benedict worked to heal the schism and bring the group back under Romes wing, fearing the spread of a parallel, pre-Vatican II church. The fear wasn't unfounded: The society, which is based in Menzingen, Switzerland, boasts six seminaries and dozens of chapels, schools and retreat centers around the globe.

As part of his outreach, Benedict removed the excommunications of Williamson and the surviving bishops in 2009. But an uproar ensued after Williamson said in a television interview that aired on Swiss television just before the pope's decree was made public that he didn't believe Jews were killed in gas chambers during World War II.

The scandal was an acute embarrassment for the German-born pope, who later acknowledged mistakes in the Williamson affair and said that a simple internet search would have turned up Williamsons views.

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Williamson later ran afoul of the society itself, which expelled him in 2012 for insubordination. He had ignored a deadline to declare his submission to its authority and had called for the societys superior to resign, the group said at the time.

The following year, a German court fined him for having denied the Holocaust in the 2009 television interview. Holocaust denial is a crime in Germany.

In announcing Williamsons death, the society said that Williamson had been ordained a priest by Lefebvre in 1976 and had taught in the societys seminaries in Europe, the U.S. and Argentina. He had also served in a leadership position as second assistant general from 1988-1994.

Sadly, his path and that of the Society separated many years ago, the statement said.

___

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.
Richard Williamson, who has died aged 84, was a renegade Catholic priest who caused embarrassment to the Vatican in January 2009 when it emerged that, shortly before Pope Benedict XVI lifted an excommunication on him imposed in 1988, he had made remarks denying the Holocaust.

The British-born Williamson was a member of the ultra-traditionalist Society of St Pius X (SSPX), founded in 1970 by the French Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre in opposition to the reforms of the Second Vatican Council (1962-65), in particular the rendering into the vernacular of the Mass. When Lefebvre consecrated Williamson and three other SSPX priests as bishops in 1988 against the express orders of Pope John Paul II, the four, and Lefebvre, were automatically excommunicated.

In 2007 Pope Benedict liberalised restrictions on the Tridentine Rite in what was seen as a step towards reconciliation with the Lefebvrists, and on January 21 2009 he lifted the 1988 excommunications. Although the societys bishops remained unable to serve legitimately within the Roman Catholic Church, the Pope hoped that lifting the excommunications might enable a more serene discussion with society members about doctrinal differences.

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It emerged, however, that in November 2008 Williamson had claimed in a Swedish television interview (broadcast on the day the excommunications were rescinded) that the Nazis did not use gas chambers and killed no more than 300,000 Jews in concentration camps.

The Vatican claimed that it had not known about Williamsons extreme anti-Semitic beliefs despite the fact that they could easily be found on the internet  and despite the fact that one of the Lefebvrists original bones of contention was their opposition to the Vatican II document Nostra Aetate, which repudiated the charge of deicide levelled for centuries against the Jewish people.

Williamson in Argentina, 2007: two years later he was given 10 days to leave the country - EPA

Nor, apparently, had Vatican officials noticed that as recently as March 2008 Williamson had described as authentic the Protocols of the Elders of Zion, a notorious forgery originating in Tsarist Russia which purports to reveal Jewish plots to achieve world domination.

That same year the Catholic Herald had, in what Damian Thompson in the Telegraph described as a fruitless attempt to warn the Vatican what he was like, commissioned a front-page expose of Williamsons anti-Semitism, including what Thompson described as his pathetic diatribe against The Sound of Music, of all films, for painting the German authorities in an unsympathetic light. (Williamson had described the film as soul-rotting slush and claimed that by putting friendliness and fun in the place of authority and rules, it invited disorder between parents and children.)

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The affair turned into a major public-relations disaster for the Church, attracting criticism from Jewish groups, Catholic leaders and Angela Merkel, the German chancellor. The Chief Rabbinate of Israel suspended contacts with the Vatican, and Williamson was later put on trial in Germany for publicly denying the Holocaust. He was found guilty and fined 12,000.

To begin with, Bernard Fellay, Superior General of the SSPX, stated that Williamsons statements were his alone and that the affair did not concern the SSPX as a whole. A month after the interview, however, the SSPX partly disciplined Williamson by removing him from his position as the head of a seminary near Buenos Aires, while Argentina, which has one of the largest Jewish populations in the world outside Israel, gave him 10 days to leave the country.

Williamson in Toronto - Ron Bull/Toronto Star via Getty Images

In a statement released by the Vaticans Ecclesia Dei commission (a body set up by Pope John Paul II to try to heal the rift with the SSPX), Williamson issued a mealy-mouthed apology, saying that his views on the Holocaust had been formed 20 years ago on the basis of evidence then available, and rarely expressed in public since. He added: To all souls that took honest scandal from what I said, before God I apologise.

He did not, however, recant his view that the Holocaust was a fabrication, and the Vatican rejected his apology, saying it did not seem to respect the conditions for his readmission to the Church.

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But it was not until October 2012 that he was finally expelled from the SSPX, and then only for refusing to show respect and obedience deserved by his legitimate superiors.

The second of three sons, Richard Nelson Williamson was born into an Anglican family in Buckinghamshire on March 8 1940 to an English father and wealthy American mother. From Winchester College he read English at Clare College, Cambridge, and after graduation became a teacher.

Williamson is escorted by police on his arrival at Heathrow Airport in London, 2009 - REUTERS/Luke MacGregor

He was received into the Catholic Church in 1971, but after a few months as a postulant at the Brompton Oratory he left and became a member of the SSPX. He entered the societys International Seminary of Saint Pius X at Econe in Switzerland, and in 1976 was ordained a priest by Archbishop Lefebvre.

Williamson subsequently moved to the US, where he served as rector of St Thomas Aquinas Seminary, first in Ridgefield, Connecticut, then, after a move, in Winona, Minnesota, remaining rector after his consecration as bishop. He used this occasion as the launch pad for a vitriolic diatribe against the poison at the head of the Church in Rome and against a pope guilty of the dreadful error of ecumenicalism. In 2003 he was appointed rector of the Seminary of Our Lady Co-Redemptrix in La Reja, Argentina.

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By the time his excommunication was lifted, Williamson had been quoted as saying that Jews had made up the Holocaust, and it was alleged that he believed the September 11 terrorist attacks were part of a US government plot to ensure Jewish world domination.

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He also supported conspiracy theories regarding the assassination of President John F Kennedy and held extreme views on the role of women. A woman can do a good imitation of handling ideas, but then she will not be thinking properly as a woman, he declared, while on another occasion he observed that womens trousers are an assault upon womans womanhood.

After his expulsion from Argentina he was reported to have contacted the revisionist historian David Irving, asking how to present his views on the Holocaust without arousing controversy.

Williamson was a vehement opponent of efforts by the SSPX to win reintegration into the Church, which he regarded as being under the power of Satan. Tensions within the society rose following the lifting of the excommunications, and after a number of incidents, including calling for the resignation of Bernard Fellay as the Superior General of the SSPX, Williamson was expelled from the Society in 2012.

Refusing to go quietly, he founded SSPX Resistance, with himself as leader, describing it as a group of traditional Catholics who wish to practise their Faith without compromise to Liberalism or Modernism. He proceeded to ordain several more bishops and in 2015 was excommunicated by the Catholic Church for a second time.

Richard Williamson, born March 8 1940, died January 29 2025

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Ridgewood Winery has broken ground on a project to expand winemaking operations and add an event center to its location in Colebrookdale Township.

The multiphase project will convert a barn on the property into an event center, add a parking lot, and outfit a shed for wine manufacturing, according to project engineers DESCCO Design & Construction, Richmond Township.

Owners Bill and Tracy Smith opened the location, Ridgewood Winerys second, on the 26-acre Daffodil Hill Farm, 215 Township Line Road, in 2019.

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This expansion represents the next chapter in Ridgewood Winerys growth story, Bill Smith said in a press release. Since establishing our first location in 2013 in Birdsboro, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, weve been committed to creating award winning wines.

Ridgewood Winery owners Tracy and Bill Smith celebrate the groundbreaking of a project to expand Ridgewood Winery on Daffodil Hill Farm. (Courtesy of DESCCO Design and Construction)

Operating out of a historic farmhouse, the location offers wine tastings and Ridgewoods wine for sale on weekends.

The goal is to eventually allow Ridgewood at Daffodil Hill to grow its vines onsite, said Tim Heffner, vice president and senior project manager at DESCCO.

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Phase one will involve building the 100-space parking lot, modifying a shed for winemaking and converting part of the barn into a storage space.

The second phase will convert the barns upper floor into a three seasons event space and turn part of the barns lower level into a wine tasting area.

The event space will have a capacity of about 150 people, with the smaller wine tasting space holding around 20, Heffner said.

Owners and DESCCO representatives broke ground on phase one during a ceremony last week.

Were excited to enhance our Bechtelsville location while maintaining the historic integrity of the property which makes Ridgewood Winery unique, Tracy Smith said in a press release. This expansion will allow us to better serve our growing community and customer base of wine enthusiasts all while preserving the rich heritage of these historic properties.

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Heffner noted plans to renovate the farmhouse, which was originally built in 1822, have been in the works since about 2021.

He said it was his companys first time modifying a winery, and he is looking forward to seeing the projects finished product.

The first phase of the project will likely wrap up in April, Heffner said.

Ridgewood Winerys other location is at 2039 Philadelphia Ave. in Cumru Township. The Smiths opened that site in 2013.

Ridgewood also operates a seasonal location at Colebrookdale Railroad.

Ridgewood at Daffodill Hill is open Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

The Cumru location is open Thursday and Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

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For more information, visit ridgewoodwinery.com.

From left, Ava Maddocks, media specialist with DESCCO Design and Construction, Inc., Tracy and Bill Smith, Ridgewood Winery owners, and Tim Heffner, vice president and senior project manager at DESCCO celebrate the groundbreaking of a project to expand Ridgewood Winery on Daffodil Hill Farm. (Courtesy of DESCCO Design and Construction)
Amidst A$AP Rockys ongoing assault trial, Rihanna was seen in a courthouse in Los Angeles supporting her partner. The rapper is facing serious felony charges. His family and Rihanna accompanied him as the case began.

This article will delve into the details of A$AP Rockys trial case.

Rihanna supports A$AP Rocky amid trial case

Rihanna made a rare public appearance in a Los Angeles courthouse this week to show her support for her partner, A$AP Rocky, as he faces two felony charges of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. The rapper is accused of shooting at his former friend, A$AP Relli, during a heated confrontation in November 2021. On January 29, Rihanna attended the trial, sitting alongside Rockys mother, Renee Black, and his sister, Erika B. Mayers, at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center.

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This marks Rihannas first time publicly backing Rocky since the case began. Her appearance comes just hours after the couple enjoyed a date night in Los Angeles. Rocky also rejected a plea deal and opted for a jury trial instead. If convicted, he could face up to 24 years in prison. His defense team argues that the weapon in question was merely a prop used to ward off potential threats and that he is legally permitted to carry a firearm in California.

However, the prosecution has presented a different narrative. Deputy District Attorney Paul B. Przelomiec stated that the case was straightforward and urged jurors to use common sense when weighing the evidence. Relli has filed a civil lawsuit against Rocky, claiming assault, battery, and emotional distress. Rocky was arrested in April 2022 after returning from a vacation with Rihanna in Barbados. He posted a $550,000 bond for his release.

Originally reported by Disheeta Maheshwari on ComingSoon.

The post Rihanna Makes Apperance In Courthouse Amid A$AP Rockys Assault Trial appeared first on Mandatory.
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  Muhlenberg County Schools will be closed this week due to an increase in staff and student illness.

Muhlenberg County Public Schools took to Facebook to ask adults and students to stay home and away from others until they are fever-free for 24 hours.

It is not something that we did not want to do, says Contessa Orr, the Muhlenberg County Schools superintendent.

The school says it began watching attendance levels last week. First, it fell to 87 percent, then 86, and then 85 percent. As the number of students and staff attending the school continues to drop, the school decided to switch to non-traditional instruction or NTI days. While the school itself is not open, students are asked to do their school work from home, which some students say they are not a fan of.

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We are a little bit mad that we are not going to school, says Maximus Douglas, and Curtis Spurlin Jr. who are both students.

It upsets us, the students say.

The closure comes after the school shut down for four days after Christmas due to a winter storm. Although Douglas and Spurlin are frustrated, they say they understand why the school is closed.

School officials say the absences are due to several viruses, like Influenza A. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Influenza A can cause symptoms like a sore throat, fever, and runny nose. School officials say its custodial staff will be working around the clock to ensure the buildings are sanitized. When students and staff return Monday, the superintendent asks students and staff to be cautious and use hand sanitizer.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  A man accused of violently attacking a woman was arrested following an investigation by the New Roads Police Department.

Police said they arrested Jquan Johnson in connection to a violent assault on Jan. 25 after responding to a distress call. At the scene, they found a severely injured female victim requiring immediate medical attention.

The investigation determined that the victim had been brutally attacked by Johnson, resulting in life-threatening injuries. police said.

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Authorities secured a warrant for Johnsons arrest. With assistance from the Pointe Coupee Sheriffs Office SWAT team, he was apprehended and charged with multiple offenses, including aggravated second-degree battery, domestic abuse aggravated assault, violations of a protective order, battery of a dating partner and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

DA: Greensburg man convicted of killing young mother in 2018

Johnson is being held without bond at the Pointe Coupee Parish Detention Center. Police said the victim remains in medical care, and the investigation is ongoing.

Latest News

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ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. (WBTW)  Robeson County authorities hope a judges nuisance abatement order will end continuous criminal violations, drug offenses, homicides, and community complaints at a property in Red Springs.

Superior Court Judge Tiffany Powers signed the order for the property at 1092 Mount Zion Church Road on Thursday, the Robeson County Sheriffs Office said in a news release. It calls for all structures on the property to be removed within 90 days at the landowners expense.

The release did not provide any information about specific crimes that occurred on the property.

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The order also contains an agreement for the future intended use of the property and forbids nuisance-related activities on the property, the sheriffs office said. Trespassers will be arrested and criminally charged.

The order comes after Robeson County Sheriff Burnis Wilkins asked the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Division to help with the civil nuisance abatement action for the property. ALE agents specialize in such investigations.



I appreciate the cooperation from the property owner and community members as we continue working together in Robeson County to ensure our communities and citizens are safe, Wilkins said. I hope this successful resolution assists with restoring peace to this Red Springs community.

Scottie Shoaf, special agent in charge of the North Carolina Department of Public Safetys Nuisance Abatement Team, said he is grateful for the agencys partnerships in Robeson County.

The nuisance abatement law provides a multifaceted approach for problem locations that disproportionately demand law enforcement resources and reduce the quality of life for citizens of North Carolina, Shoaf said.

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* * *

Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on, Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

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Jan. 29An 81-year-old Rochester man will head to trial in Strafford County Superior Court this fall on charges connected to a hit-and-run crash that killed the commander of the New Hampshire Air National Guard back in July.

Paul Clement faces charges of negligent homicide, driving while intoxicated and conduct after an accident that caused the death of John Pogorek, 57.

Pogorek, a brigadier general, was parked along the side of Crown Point Road in Rochester with his teenage son about 5 p.m. July 8 when a westbound Toyota RAV4 struck him while he was out of the vehicle. His son was uninjured.

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Jury selection has been scheduled for Nov. 3 with a final pretrial hearing taking place on Oct. 15. The dates were scheduled during a dispositional conference last week.

Police say surveillance footage and a tip helped identify Clement, who lives on Crown Point Road, as the driver.

The negligent homicide charge carries a sentence of 7 1/2 to 15 years in prison.

Pogorek commanded more than 1,300 officers and airmen at Pease Air National Guard Base and was the principal adviser to Gov. Chris Sununu on the New Hampshire Air National Guard.

jphelps@unionleader.com
Rock Hill Schools Superintendent Dr. Tommy Schmolze is set to retire on January 31st, prompting the school board to begin the search for his replacement.

Dr. Schmolze announced his retirement during a meeting on Tuesday night after serving as superintendent for four years. His departure comes in the middle of the school year, leaving the timeline for hiring a new superintendent uncertain.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Rock Hill Schools Superintendent steps down after 4 years

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It is arguably the most important job a school district has. It sets the vision for a school district, said Helena Miller, chair of the Rock Hill School Board of Trustees, regarding the superintendent position. Miller emphasized the importance of finding the right person for the job, stating, I think its absolutely a possibility, but personally I think timeline is not the most important factor; the most important factor is that we find the right person.

The school board has not yet decided whether to conduct the search for a new superintendent locally, statewide, or nationwide. They plan to discuss the process further at a board meeting next month. Miller highlighted challenges such as teacher recruitment and retention, noting that financial constraints will require strategic use of district funds to provide quality education.

As the Rock Hill School Board prepares for this transition, the focus remains on selecting a leader who can address the districts challenges and set a clear vision for the future.

VIDEO: Rock Hill Schools Superintendent steps down after 4 years
(NewsNation)  President Donald Trump criticized air traffic controllers for not properly directing the military Black Hawk helicopter that collided with an American Airlines passenger jet carrying 64 passengers and crew.

Trump questioned the air traffic control tower in a Truth Social post, asking why it did not tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if the pilot saw the plane. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented, Trump wrote. NOT GOOD!!!

In a news conference Thursday, Trump said, We do not know what led to this crash, but we have some very strong opinions and ideas. Trump said his administration would ensure nothing like this happens again.

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What we know about the DC plane crash victims

Trump told reporters that the angle of the helicopter was unbelievably bad when the air traffic controller began telling the pilot what to do. Trump also cast blame on the helicopter pilot, claiming the pilot did the opposite of what he was told.

For some reason, there werent adjustments made, Trump said.

The role of air traffic control

According to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, air traffic controllers ensure the safety of about 2 million passengers per day and about 1 billion per year. The industrys workforce includes about 4,000 trained employees.

Tower controllers are based in glass towers at the nations airports and manage air traffic at a range of 3 to 30 miles around the airport. Tower controllers provide pilots with taxiing and takeoff instructions, air traffic clearance and other instructions based on their observations and experience, the association said on its website.

FILE  In this Friday Jan. 25, 2019, file photo is the air traffic control tower at LaGuardia Airport in New York. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)

The controllers are tasked with providing separation between landing and department aircraft and transferring control of aircraft to the en-route center controllers.

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Employees at terminal radar approach control facilities work in radar rooms that are located in the airport towers, the association said. These workers are also responsible for the safe separation of departing aircraft, landing and aircraft maneuvering in the airport environment.

NewsNation reached out to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association for comment Thursday, but an email was not immediately returned.

Trumps executive order on hiring freezes

Almost immediately after taking office, Trump signed an executive order that sparked the freezing of federal civilian employees into positions that were currently open.

The order stated that the freeze affects all executive departments and agencies regardless of their sources of operational or programmatic funding. A day later, the White House said that hiring within the Federal Aviation Administration had betrayed the agencys mission by elevating dangerous discrimination over excellence.

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The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure issued a statement after, saying Trump had frozen the hiring of air traffic controllers along with other safety-critical positions.

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)

In the statement, the committee, led by its ranking member, U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash., said that the bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 directed the administration to hire the maximum number of air traffic controllers. He said that Trumps hiring freeze put air travelers at risk.

DC plane crash: Trump suggests FAAs diversity efforts caused safety issues

Hiring air traffic controllers is the number one safety issue according to the entire aviation industry, Larsen said in the statement. Instead of working to improve aviation safety and lower costs for hardworking American families, the (Trump) Administration is choosing to spread bogus DEI claims to justify this decision.

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Im not surprised by the Presidents dangerous and divisive actions, but the Administration must reverse course. Lets get back to aviation safety and allow the FAA to do its job protecting the flying public.

Trump said Thursday that his executive order restored the very highest standards of air traffic standards.

We have to have our smartest people, Trump told reporters. It doesnt matter what they look like, how they speak, who they are. It matters intellect, talent. They have to be naturally talented geniuses.

Air traffic control job shortages

In 2023, then Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told NewsNation that one of the biggest issues facing the aviation industry was a lack of air traffic controllers.

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We do see a concern in terms of the availability of enough air traffic control staffers, that you have backups if somebody calls in sick or if theres a lot of pressure on a particular region or tower. And in some areas, were not at the staffing levels that I want us to see, Buttigieg said in the interview.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg speaks before President Joe Biden during a visit to the U.A. Local 190 Training Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

On Thursday, Buttigieg criticized Trumps response to the crash, writing on X Despicable. As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying. We put safety first, drove down close calls, grew Air Traffic Control, and had zero commercial airline crash fatalities out of millions of flights on our watch.

He continued: President Trump now oversees the military and the FAA. One of his first acts was to fire and suspend some of the key personnel who helped keep our skies safe. Time for the President to show actual leadership and explain what he will do to prevent this from happening again.

Black Hawk knew plane was in area before crash: Transportation chief

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In the 2023, interview, the former transportation secretary told NewsNation that he hoped to see more air traffic controllers in place.

Id like to see us have about 3,000 more (air traffic control) than we have right now, Buttigieg said in 2023. Just to be clear, that doesnt mean there are empty seats in a tower. But, what it does mean is you dont have the kind of buffer, the kind of redundancy, that you want to.

Did the airports location matter?

Because of the airports proximity to the White House and U.S. Capitol, the amount of restricted airspace around Reagan International Airport is much higher than in other cities, the BBC reported.

Aviation consultant Phillip Butterworth-Hayes told the BBC that air traffic involving both commercial airliners and military aircraft makes managing the air space more complex. Butterworth-Hayes called the area the most secure airspace in the world and said that it should be the safest considering the number of security and civilian safety organizations working there, the BBC reported.

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You are at the border of three or four aviation systems here, he said. And its at those borders where most accidents tend to happen.

What air traffic controllers saw

According to audio recordings of air traffic control conversations that took place, one air traffic controller asked the helicopter if it had the passenger jet in its sight less than 30 seconds before the collision took place. American Airlines CEO Robert Isom told reporters Thursday that the helicopter pilot was at fault, asking why the aircraft had come into the path of the jet.

Figure skating community reacts to loss after DC crash

Moments after air traffic control asked the helicopter if it had the plane in sight, it instructed the helicopter to pass behind the jet, The Associated Press reported. Air traffic control had directed the pilot of the American Airlines flight to take runway 33 at Reagan Airport.

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According to reports, no response was heard from the helicopter on the ATC audio, but the pilots response was heard on a different frequency that is designed for helicopters.

The audio also picks up an air traffic controller saying, Crash, crash, crash. This is an alert three. Crash, crash, crash.

From there, air traffic controllers began diverting other air traffic away from the area.

Audio picks up air traffic controllers saying that the collision took place over the Potomac River as the plane was approaching its assigned runway. One air traffic controller said that all runways were closed and that no planes were moving.

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I just saw a fireball, and then it was just gone, audio picks up one air traffic controller saying. I havent seen anything since they hit the river. But it was a CRJ and a helicopter that hit, I would say about a half-mile off the approach into 33..

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Residents of the northern district of Tulcea in Romania received an air-raid warning on the night of 29-30 January because of a Russian drone attack near the Romanian border.

Source: Digi24, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Romania's Ministry of National Defence's monitoring and surveillance systems reported drones in Ukraine's airspace near the border.

The RO-Alert message, sent out at around 04:00, informed the population of the possibility of UAVs falling from the airspace and urged them to take shelter. The air-raid warning lasted 90 minutes.

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A similar message was sent out on the night of 28-29 January after Russia attacked port infrastructure in Ukraine.

The Ministry of Defence reported that two Romanian F-16s, part of the air policing combat service, took off from the 86th Air Base in Borca at around 03:40. The jets returned to base around 05:00.

The data provided by the Romanian Air Force's radar systems do not indicate that drones had entered Romanian airspace.

However, the Defence Ministry stated that it will perform searches throughout the day in locations where threats may occur as a result of these situations, as well as continuing aerial monitoring flights.

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Allied structures are also kept up to date on the developments resulting from the attacks.

Background:

The wreckage of downed strike drones used by Russia to attack Ukrainian ports has been repeatedly found in the border area on the Romanian bank of the Danube.

Since 29 September 2024, NATO has stepped up surveillance of Romanian airspace, deploying another Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft.

In late October, it was reported that the Romanian Defence Ministry had prepared a draft law granting the authority to down drones that violate the country's airspace.

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The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed its unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty following the statements of far-right pro-Russian Romanian politician Calin Georgescu.

Source: Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on (X) Twitter, as reported by European Pravda

Details: On Thursday, 30 January, the Romanian Foreign Ministry "strongly reiterated" its unwavering support of Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence within its internationally recognised borders.

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Quote: "This position is clear and rooted in international law, national interest and a long lasting values-based foreign policy."

Background:

Calin Georgescu called Ukraine a fictitious state and said that its division between neighbouring states was inevitable.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry reacted to these words, stating that the ideas voiced by the Romanian politician are identical to those of Russian propaganda, "which indicates complete dependence on his masters in Moscow".

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Latest: Georgescu has 'masters in Moscow'  Kyiv slams Romanian politician over comments on Ukraine's partition.

Far-right Romanian politician Calin Georgescu called Ukraine a "fictional state" and claimed that the eventual partition of its territories is "inevitable" in an interview published on Jan. 29.

"On 100% it will happen," Calin Georgescu said in the interview with journalist Ion Cristoiu about redrawing Ukraine's borders as a consequence of the Russia-Ukraine war, suggesting Romania could claim some of Ukraine's territories.

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"The path to something like this is inevitable. Ukraine is a fictional state... the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic."

The obscure, pro-Russian ultranationalist achieved a shock success during the first round of a presidential vote in November 2024, making him a front-runner for the second round. The results were annulled by the constitutional court over alleged Russian interference and a hybrid campaign on TikTok meant to prop up Georgescu.

The far-right politician, who has opposed military support for Ukraine and the transit of Ukrainian grain through Romania, remains the leading candidate for the rescheduled vote in May with 38% of projected support.

"The world is changing. Borders will change... If borders change, where are we? We have an interest in Northern Bukovina. We have Budjak, we have Northern Maramures, the former Transcarpathia... there are still Hungarians," Georgescu said, referring to Ukrainian regions bordering Romania.

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The politician further suggested that Poland would annex Lviv, echoing tropes commonly employed by Russian propaganda about a post-war division of Ukraine.

Read also: Ukraines unlikely ally against Russian attacks on energy sector  warm weather

Georgescu is not the first far-right Romanian politician to suggest annexing parts of Ukraine's territory in the wake of Russia's war. Claudiu Tarziu, a member of the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) party, and Diana Sosoaca, the leader of the pro-Russian SOS Romania party, made similar comments.

There are an estimated 150,000-500,000 ethnic Romanians living in Ukraine, concentrated in the border regions.

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The current Romanian leadership has been staunchly pro-Ukrainian throughout the full-scale war, providing military aid that included a Patriot air defense system, housing a training facility for Ukrainian F-16 pilots, and facilitating the transit of Ukrainian agricultural products.

During the interview, Georgescu also said that U.S. President Donald Trump will seek to cut a quick deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine, meaning Bucharest will no longer have to provide assistance to Kyiv.

Read also: US foreign aid transformed Ukraine. Its suspension threatens decades of work

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Queen Rania of Jordan revealed that shes going to be a grandma (again). The royal announced that her daughter, Princess Iman, and her son-in-law, Jameel Thermiotis, are expecting their first child.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Secretary of State Marco Rubio says President Donald Trumps desire to acquire Greenland and retake control of the Panama Canal is driven by legitimate national security interests stemming from growing concerns about Chinese activity and influence in the Arctic and in Latin America.

Ahead of a trip to Central America that will start in Panama this weekend, Rubio said Thursday that he could not predict if Trump would succeed in buying Greenland from Denmark or restoring American authority over the Panama Canal while he is office. But he said the attention that Trump will give to both would have an impact.

What I think you can rest assured of is that four years from now, our interest in the Arctic will be more secure; our interest in the Panama Canal will be more secure, Rubio said in an interview with SiriusXM host Megyn Kelly.

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Rubio will arrive in Panama on Saturday on his first official foreign trip as America's top diplomat, signaling the importance that both he and Trump place on securing the canal. Although immigration will be a major topic of conversation in Panama and at his other stops, Rubio said the canal issue is a priority.

Chinese investments in ports and other infrastructure and facilities at both the Pacific and Caribbean ends of the canal are a cause for major concern, leaving Panama and the critical shipping route vulnerable to China, he said.

Theyre all over Panama, Rubio said of Chinese companies that many experts believe are beholden to the government in Beijing and would carry out orders to cut off or limit traffic to the canal in the event of a conflict with Taiwan or an unrelated breakdown in relations with the U.S.

If the government in China in a conflict tells them to shut down the Panama Canal, they will have to, he said. I have zero doubt that they have contingency planning to do so that is a direct threat.

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Rubio added that if China wanted to obstruct traffic in the Panama Canal, they could and that would be a violation of the 1977 treaty signed by former President Jimmy Carter under which the U.S. ceded control of the American-built canal to Panama in 1999.

He also echoed Trump's complaint that American ships are being overcharged for using the canal, which would also be a violation of the treaty.

We should not be in a position of having to pay more than other countries. In fact, we should be getting a discount or maybe for free, because we paid for the thing, he said.

Earlier Thursday, Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino said there will be no negotiation with the United States over ownership of the Panama Canal and that he hoped Rubio's visit would instead focus on shared interests like migration and combating drug trafficking.

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Its impossible, I cant negotiate, Mulino said when asked about returning the canal to U.S. control. That is done. The canal belongs to Panama.

But Rubio said it would be discussed.

Were going to address that topic, he said. The presidents been pretty clear he wants to administer the canal again. Obviously, the Panamanians are not big fans of that idea. That message has been brought very clear.

On Greenland, he said Denmark, of which Greenland is a part, did not have the capability to defend Greenland from China as it seeks to gain a presence in the Arctic to exploit shipping routes.

And since Greenland is already covered by the NATO mutual defense pact due to its relationship with Denmark, it made sense for the U.S. to have a greater presence and authority there.

If were already on the hook for having to do that, we might as well have more control over what happens there. I know its a delicate topic for Denmark, but its again a national interest item for the United States," Rubio said.
By Simon Lewis and Matt Spetalnick

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -When Marco Rubio arrives in Latin America this weekend on his first foreign trip as Donald Trump's secretary of state, he'll find a region reeling from the new administration's shock-and-awe approach to diplomacy.

In the first days of Trump's second term, the new president has doubled down on his intention to reclaim the Panama Canal, angered Brazilians by returning migrants in shackles and briefly imposed crushing sanctions and tariffs on Colombia in a tussle over deportee flights.

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Rubio's first stop will be Panama City as the Trump administration shifts back Washington's focus to Latin America, aiming to counter the already extensive Chinese influence in the region and stem migration.

The first Latino secretary of state, Rubio, has already indicated that the State Department will be instrumental in helping Trump achieve his policy to "curb mass migration" and the topic will be front and center as he continues on to El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic.

The Trump administration has stepped up deportations, sending migrants in military aircraft to Latin American countries, including Guatemala. The flights sparked a brief spat with Colombia on Sunday after President Gustavo Petro refused to allow two military planes to land, before later agreeing to send Colombian planes to bring back deportees.

Kevin Whitaker, a former U.S. ambassador to Colombia, said Trump's immediate imposition of tariffs as well as rarely used sanctions and visa restrictions against Colombia, a longstanding U.S. ally, in response signaled to countries in the region how seriously the Trump administration is taking migration.

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"The message it sent is how willing the Trump administration is to use these tools," Whitaker, now at the Atlantic Council think tank, said in a call with reporters.

Trump has indicated he wants to reassert U.S. dominance over the Western Hemisphere, saying Washington also needs to control Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark - an aspiration steadfastly rejected by Danish and Greenland officials - alongside his threats over the Panama Canal.

Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants and a fluent Spanish speaker, is a longtime hawk on Cuba and Venezuela policy.

During Trump's first term, he was a driving force behind a rollback of predecessor Barack Obama's historic rapprochement with Cuba and also played a major role in crafting a "maximum pressure" campaign against Venezuela, including sweeping sanctions on the OPEC nation's energy sector.

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MIGRATION FOCUS

Immediately after taking office, Trump declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, banned asylum for people fleeing conflict in their home countries and issued an order that attempts to block the children of some immigrants from becoming U.S. citizens.

Rubio quickly took up the mantle.

"Our diplomatic relations with other countries, particularly in the Western Hemisphere, will prioritize securing Americas borders, stopping illegal and destabilizing migration, and negotiating the repatriation of illegal immigrants," Rubio said.

Rubio could use his trip to push so-called third country agreements, in which nations accept citizens of other countries deported by the U.S., as well as smoothing the way for more flights returning migrants to their own countries, experts said.

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Cuba and Venezuela have frosty relations with the U.S. and have limited the number of deportees they will accept, so Trump will likely need to find other countries to take them  potentially including some countries on Rubios itinerary.

"These are the places Trump probably thinks he can pressure into taking these deportees from other countries," said Will Freeman, a fellow for Latin America studies at the Council on Foreign Relations.

CHINA TENSION

Rubios talks with Panama will take place in the shadow of Trumps threats. The president during his inauguration vowed that the United States would take back the Panama Canal but has given no details on when or how he intended to reclaim the strategic waterway - which is sovereign territory of a close partner.

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Trump has lashed out at fees U.S. shipping pays to use the canal but seems most animated by the involvement of a Chinese company in its operations. The State Department's spokesperson said the trip would partly be about countering China in the region.

At his Senate confirmation hearing this month, Rubio said it could be argued that the terms of the U.S. agreement with Panama that the canal cannot be turned over to a foreign power had been breached because of the involvement of Chinese companies.

A foreign power today possesses through their companies, which we know are not independent, the ability to turn the canal into a choke point and a moment of conflict. And that is a direct threat to the national interest in security of the United States, Rubio said.

U.S. senators on Tuesday joined in expressing alarm over China's role in the canal, including a Chinese company's work on a bridge across the canal, and said it poses risks to U.S. national security.

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The Panamanian government has vehemently denied ceding operation of the strategic waterway to China and insists it administers the canal fairly to all shipping.

On Thursday, Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino ruled out discussing control over the canal with Rubio. "I cannot negotiate and much less open a process of negotiation on the canal," he told reporters. "That is sealed. The canal belongs to Panama."

Isaac Kardon, senior fellow for China studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace said he believed there was space for agreement -- something that would satisfy Trump as a win without being disruptive.

"I imagine Rubio is going to be much more nuanced and I think there's a little bit of a good cop, bad cop style of diplomacy underway," Kardon said.

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Critics have accused Trump of modern-day imperialism in his threats over the canal and Greenland, suggesting such rhetoric could encourage Russia on its war in Ukraine and give justification to China if it decides to invade self-ruled Taiwan.

China has in recent years gained economic and diplomatic influence in Central America, where countries including Panama have in recent years stopped recognizing the democratically governed island of Taiwan, falling in line with Beijings view that Taiwan is Chinas territory.

(Reporting by Simon Lewis and Matt Spetalnick; additional reporting by Ted Hesson and Michael Martina in Washington and Elida Moreno in Panama CityEditing by Humeyra Pamuk, Alistair Bell and Diane Craft)
The BBC has apologized to individuals who felt unable to raise concerns about Russell Brands behavior, as an internal review reveals staff at the UK broadcasters LA bureau joked about an incident in which the star is alleged to have exposed himself to a woman in a bathroom.

The review considered eight complaints of misconduct about Russell Brand, only two of which were made while he was engaged by the BBC, one formally and one informally, said the BBC of the just-released investigation carried out by Peter Johnston. It is of great concern that some of these individuals felt unable to raise concerns about Russell Brands behaviour at the time, and the BBC has apologised to them as part of this review. 

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The 15-page review examines the complaints in-depth and questions why they werent taken seriously more quickly. Brands alleged behavior was exposed by a Channel 4-Sunday Times expose nearly 18 months ago. The comedian, who worked on BBC and Channel 4 shows, has vehemently denied the claims and has said all of his relationships were consensual. Police are investigating.

The Johnston report spotlights an incident in which a woman it calls Olivia alleged that Brand followed her into a bathroom and showed her his penis moments before pre-recording a show. He then agreed on-air with the apparently jokey suggestion, made by another individual on-air with him, that he had exposed himself to a woman 25 minutes earlier.

Olivia was only emboldened to formally complain more than 10 years later and Johnstons report suggested that the incident was fairly common knowledge in the BBC LA Bureau for years. I have heard it was often joked about, which is unacceptable for something so serious, wrote Johnston.

Olivia is understandably concerned about the management accountability for what happened, disappointed that no-one came back to her in a satisfactory way in 2019 having finally raised the concern and is most concerned about why no-one picked up on the on-air reference in 2008, added the report. My finding is that the compliance process in place for pre-recorded shows around the time of the original broadcast did not do what it was supposed to in respect of this episode.

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The incident would have taken place around the time that Brand was cracking Hollywood. He starred in hit comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall in 2008 and his career was on an upward trajectory.

Separately, Johnston dealt with the issue of Brands use of BBC-booked cars for a woman who alleges she was in a relationship with him aged just 16. Johnston spoke with the woman in question, Alice, along with others, and concluded it is likely that trips described by Alice were cars pre-booked by the BBC to take Russell Brand to his show on [Radio] 6 Music.

If Russell Brand did persuade a taxi or mini-cab pre-booked on his behalf by the BBC to make these journeys, I find that this is likely to have been done without the knowledge of the BBC staff who booked his cars for him in advance and to and from fixed locations, he added.

Power dynamics at play

Johnstons review is one of three into Brand alongside probes by Channel 4 and Big Brother producer Banijay, which worked with Brand on Big Brothers Big Mouth when some incidents are alleged to have taken place.

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The report focused on an apparent power dynamic and hierarchy at play between Brand and those in charge of his BBC radio shows, with the presenter perceived to be too influential.

Brand was believed to have held great sway and to have a direct line to the then-Controller of Radio 2, who is not named in the report. She would be expected to back him, the report added. The Radio 2 controller responded to Johnston by saying she would have dealt properly with any issues raised with her and she cannot help it if people had that incorrect perception.

Other issues included Brands Radio 2 show being produced by his own production company, the risks of which were not properly considered and managed, according to the report.

The culture of the time undoubtedly influenced what was acceptable/tolerated, but I have found that a number of individuals had concerns about Russell Brands behaviour which they felt unable to raise then, Johnstons report concluded. Many interviewees believed, rightly or wrongly, that Russell Brand would always get his way and therefore they stayed silent.

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In response to the Brand report, the BBC said it is clear that presenters have been able to abuse their positions at the BBC in the past.

Since 2008, it added that it has introduced a specialist case management process to consider serious allegations, launched an anti-bullying and harassment policy and made significant efforts to centralise and standardise our complaints processes.

The review cost 662,060 ($823,000), the majority of which came from legal fees.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, who has been vocal on bad behavior by BBC presenters, said the complaints in the report are horrendous, as is the fact that staff felt unable to raise concerns.

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The BBC, and the wider industry, must now urgently consider what more they can do to make sure that abuse and harassment by anyone, no matter who they are, is not tolerated in any of their workplaces, she added.

Bectu Head Philippa Childs said: The BBCs acknowledgement that Brand was perceived as too influential for staff to complain about, and that some presenters had been able to abuse their positions, is deeply troubling. Its critical that people feel safe to raise concerns at work, especially in a sector where power imbalances are particularly extreme.

Both Channel 4 and Banijay published their Brand investigations last year. Channel 4 said two new worrying allegations had been received after the Dispatches investigation aired, while two people had reported that serious concerns about his behavior had been in circulation when he joined Celebrity Bake Off in 2018. Banijays Brand probe also found that concerns were raised about his behavior two decades ago on Big Brothers Big Mouth and a rumor had spread about his making crew members wait outside his dressing room whilst he masturbated.

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MOSCOW (Reuters) - A British man captured fighting on the Ukrainian side in Russia's Kursk region will face terrorism and mercenary charges that could see him jailed for years, Russian state investigators said on Thursday.

Moscow announced it November it had captured James Anderson, describing him as a former British soldier. Britain's foreign minister, David Lammy, said at the time he was aware of the case and that London would do all it could to offer him assistance.

Russia's Investigative Committee released video on Thursday showing a handcuffed Anderson dressed in a prison uniform with a shaven head, being brought into a room for questioning and confirming his name.

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In a statement, it said he would face terrorism and mercenary charges for participating "in an armed conflict as a mercenary on the territory of the Russian Federation for financial remuneration". It did not say how Anderson pleaded to the charges, some of which are punishable by up to 20 years in jail.

Ukrainian forces have occupied a pocket of territory in Russia's Kursk region since launching a surprise incursion there in August last year. Russia has recaptured around two thirds of the territory so far and is battling for the rest.

The Investigative Committee, which is responsible for investigating major crimes, said Anderson had illegally crossed the Russian border from Ukraine in November.

While "armed with automatic small arms and explosive devices" he had intimidated the local population, caused significant property damage, destabilised the local authorities and committed unspecified criminal acts against the civilian population.

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The investigators said they had gathered what they called "irrefutable evidence" of his guilt and that his case would be heard by a military court.

(Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Andrew Osborn; Editing by Peter Graff)
Russia plans to recruit at least 126,000 soldiers in 2025 from the so-called special contingent to replenish its forces losses in the war against Ukraine. By "special contingent" Russia means convicts, loan debtors and people in trouble with the law.

Source: Defence Intelligence of Ukraine on social media

Quote: "This refers to Russians who are serving their sentences in prisons, are under investigation, have loan debts and other problems [with the law]."

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Details: Defence Intelligence of Ukraine reported that Moscow plans to draft at least 10,000 soldiers from the special contingent every month to cover manpower losses at the front.

Ukrainian intelligence added that in 2025, Russia plans to call up at least 280,000 troops to make up for the losses of its units in the war against Ukraine.

Background:

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said that as of 30 January, the Russians had lost about 835,940 soldiers in the war against Ukraine.

Journalists together with volunteers identified 90,019 Russians who were killed in the war against Ukraine after the start of the full-scale invasion.

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Andrii Yermak, the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, reports that Russia has started using Shahed attack drones with reinforced warheads weighing up to 90 kg and metal shrapnel, causing more civilian casualties.

Source: Andrii Yermak

Quote from Andrii Yermak: "Russia is now using Shahed attack drones with an enhanced warhead weighing up to 90 kg and metal shrapnel to increase the number of civilian casualties. These criminals and terrorists must take responsibility for this, and they will."

Reinforced warheads.

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Photo: Andrii Yermak

Background:

Russian forces have attacked Ukraine with 81 UAVs since the evening of 29 January. Ukrainian air defence units destroyed 37 drones, while a further 39 disappeared from radar.

A Russian Shahed drone attacked an apartment building in Sumy, killing six people and injuring nine others.

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Editor's Note: This story was updated with the latest casualty figures.

A Russian drone struck a residential building in the northeastern city of Sumy overnight on Jan. 30, killing nine people and injuring 13 others, the Interior Ministry reported.

Search and rescue operations at the site of the Russian attack concluded later in the evening.

Russia launched a total of 81 attack and decoy drones against Ukraine on the night of Jan. 30, the Air Force reported. Ukraine's air defense shot down 37 of them, while 39 more disappeared from radars before reaching targets.

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A Shahed-type attack drone hit a multistory building in Sumy shortly after midnight local time, Governor Volodymyr Artiukh said.

Two couples were killed in the attack: A 74-year-old man and his 69-year-old wife and a 65-year-old man and a 64-year-old woman, local authorities reported.

Some of the injured victims have been hospitalized and are reported to be in serious condition. Among the injured are an eight-year-old child and an 18-year-old man.

Videos posted of the attack show significant damage to the building, seemingly between the sixth and seventh floors of the building. Authorities later said that 12 balconies were destroyed in the attack.

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Located just under 30 kilometers from the Russian border, the city of Sumy, as well as the surrounding region, has continuously come under attack since the launch of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.

Throughout the day on Jan. 29, the Sumy Oblast Military Administration reported 106 separate attacks on the region.

Read also: Trumps foreign aid freeze stranded independent media in Ukraine. Heres how you can help



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At least six people were killed in an overnight Russian drone attack on the north-eastern Ukrainian city of Sumy, authorities said on Thursday.

Their bodies were recovered from the rubble of a high-rise residential building, the regional administration said.

Nine other people were injured, including a child, in the strike on Sumy, a hard-hit city located close to the Russian border.

Officials said an Iranian-designed Shahed kamikaze drone hit the building. Images from the scene showed several destroyed apartments and shattered windows strewn across the ground.

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"This is a horrific tragedy, a heinous Russian crime. It is crucial that the world does not pause in putting pressure on Russia for this terror. I am grateful to all the leaders who speak out in support of Ukraine and Ukrainians," President Volodymyr Zelensky said on social media.

Thirteen injured by Russian shelling

At least 13 people were injured by Russian shelling in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk, authorities said on Thursday.

An 8-year-old boy and a 7-year-old girl were among the casualties, the Kiev-appointed military governor of the Donetsk region Vadym Filashkin said on Telegram.

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Kramatorsk, once part of a large urban area in northern Donetsk, is located about 20 kilometres north-west of the front line of Russia's war against Ukraine.

Due to the frequent shelling, many people have fled the city.
Russian troops have bombarded the residential area of the city of Kharkiv with an attack drone on Thursday, 30 January.

Source: Mayor Ihor Terekhov on Telegram

Quote: "The enemy has attacked Kharkiv. Early reports indicate that a Molniya UAV struck the residential area in Kharkivs Kholodnohirskyi district."

Details: Terekhov stated that the windows of a house in Kholodnohirskyi district were damaged.

Nobody was injured.

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Suleyman Kerimov, a member of the Federation Council (the upper chamber of the Russian Parliament) and one of the country's richest men, has held a stake in Musk's SpaceX company through a trust fund even after the first Trump administration imposed sanctions on it.

Source: Bloomberg

Details: Kerimov has owned a stake in SpaceX through the Delaware-based Heritage Trust since 2017. According to three sources, the trust initially owned about 1% of SpaceX shares.

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After sanctions were imposed on Kerimov in 2018, Citigroup, which managed the Heritage Trust, consulted with the US Treasury and concluded that there was no need to block the fund and related entities.

Four years later, in June 2022, the Treasury Department blocked a US$1 billion trust that was said to be set up for Kerimov's US assets after its investigators discovered a complex system of legal structures and frontmen created to hide his interest in the trust.

For about four years after the imposition of sanctions, Kerimov maintained control over and benefited from assets in the US worth more than US$1 billion, US Treasury spokeswoman Andrea Gacki said.

It is noted that the stake in SpaceX was sold before the Treasury began the arrest procedure.

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Currently, Citigroup continues to manage the Heritage Trust account, but cannot conduct financial transactions due to its freezing by the Treasury.

Background:

The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs has blocked CHF 1.3 billion (about US$1.5 billion) that may belong to Senator Kerimov.

The US government is asking a court to allow it to auction a superyacht belonging to Kerimov, as it is spending more than US$7 million a year on its maintenance.

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The Russians have attacked the Synelnykove district in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on the evening of 29 January, destroying a lyceum and damaging a community arts centre, a church, an office building, business property and over 20 houses. [A lyceum is a secondary school typically focusing on academic subjects and preparing students for higher education or specialised careers  ed.]

Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "Updated information says a lyceum in Synelnykove district was destroyed in the evening attack. Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze.

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A community arts centre, a religious institution, an office building, a post office, a shop and premises belonging to a business were damaged. A total of 22 houses were affected. Power lines were also hit."

Shuttered windows

Photo: Serhii Lysak on Telegram

Details: Lysak added that no casualties had been reported.

Shuttered window frame



Photo: Serhii Lysak on Telegram

He also stated that the Russians shelled the Myrove hromada in the Nikopol district with heavy artillery during the night, but there were no casualties. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.]

Air defence units from Air Command Skhid (East) downed two Russian drones over the oblast at night.



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The Russians have the initiative on the battlefield near the village of Kurakhove in Donetsk Oblast now and are constantly trying to storm the logistics routes of Ukraines defence forces.

Source: Stanislav Kocherha, deputy commander of the unmanned systems battalion of the 15th Kara-Dag National Guard Brigade, on air with Suspilne Novyny, as quoted by Army.Inform

Details: Kocherha said that weather conditions were a particular problem. It is a period of heavy fog, which makes it difficult for drone operators to work. Nevertheless, the drone operators continue to work and cover the infantry, although the losses of UAVs in such conditions are higher. Ukrainian forces have to adapt every day.

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Quote: "This is a drone war. And the winner is the one who uses drones most effectively and has their drones reaching deeper. On our front, we are fighting against the most elite pilots, and we feel the enemy's influence a lot. So we have to adapt to these conditions and try to work as efficiently as possible."

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Russia has depleted much of its Soviet-era military-industrial stockpile, with remaining equipment in poor condition, the independent media outlet The Insider reported on Jan. 28.

The Russian military has lost more than half of its available equipment, and unless an unexpected shift occurs, hostilities could gradually fade by late 2025 or early 2026 due to a shortage of tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery, the publication claims.

This comes as U.S. President Donald Trump urged Russia to "make a deal" to end the war in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin has since said Moscow is ready to hold talks with Trump.

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The Insider reported that both Russian and Ukrainian forces are primarily losing Soviet-era equipment, with Russian losses now accounting for about 50% of its total stock. Much of the remaining equipment in storage is in poor technical condition, making it unlikely to be repaired and deployed to the front lines.

The number of combat-ready vehicles Russia could still send to the front is estimated at around 2,000 tanks, 2,000 infantry fighting vehicles (BMPs), and 3,000 armored personnel carriers (APCs).

Moscow is also reportedly facing production limitations. The only infantry fighting vehicle in large-scale production remains the BMP-3, with 463 units produced in 2023. Modern BTR-82 armored personnel carrier production is estimated at 300400 units annually.

Read also: Russian assault intensity declines, focus on Pokrovsk sector, monitoring group reports

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The decline in Russia's equipment stockpile coincides with a slowdown in assault operations in Ukraine, though fighting remains intense, according to the monitoring group DeepState.

As of late January, 44% of Russian attacks have been concentrated in the Pokrovsk sector, a key logistics hub for Ukrainian forces in Donetsk Oblast. The peak of Russia's offensives occurred in December, following a surge in late November.

Amid these trends, U.S. peace envoy Keith Kellogg suggested on Jan. 24 that tighter restrictions on Russia's oil industry could pressure the Kremlin to negotiate.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov earlier on Dec. 29 expressed dissatisfaction with Trump's team's reported peace proposals, particularly the idea of freezing hostilities along the current line of contact.

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Putin later reiterated his claim that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has "no right to sign any documents" in potential negotiations, reaffirming that Russia is prepared to hold talks with Trump.

Read also: Romanias presidential candidate Georgescu calls Ukraine fictional state, suggests annexing territory

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(Reuters) -The United Nations expressed deep concern at reports of M23 rebels and Rwandan troops advancing south towards the Congolese city of Bukavu on Thursday, as the militants sought also to assert their control over east Congo's largest city Goma.

The Rwandan-backed insurgents' seizure of Goma this week and ongoing offensive southwards are the biggest escalation since 2012 of a decades-old conflict the U.N. says risks spiralling into another major regional war.

A sustained and successful push by M23 into the neighbouring province of South Kivu would see them control territory previous rebellions have not taken since the end of two major wars that ran from 1996 to 2003, in which millions of civilians died, mostly from malnutrition and disease.

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The absence of U.N. peacekeepers in South Kivu heightens the humanitarian and security risks of an escalation in fighting there, U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.

He added that there were reports of Rwandan forces crossing the border in the direction of South Kivu's capital Bukavu. The Rwandan authorities did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Troops from neighbouring Burundi, which has had hostile relations with Rwanda, support Congolese troops in South Kivu - meaning the risk of a wider conflict would increase. Burundi's military declined to comment on the situation in Congo.

Rwanda says it is defending itself, accusing Congo's military of joining forces with ethnic Hutu-led militias bent on slaughtering Tutsis in Congo and threatening Rwanda, where Hutus targeted Tutsis in a 1994 genocide and some later fled to Congo.

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Congo denies this and accuses Rwanda of using M23, which it describes as a "terrorist proxy of Rwanda", to pillage valuable minerals from Congolese territory. U.N. experts have documented the export of large quantities of looted minerals via Rwanda.

An international backlash against Rwanda, which has included Germany cancelling aid talks and Britain threatening to withhold 32 million pounds ($40 million) of annual bilateral assistance, was having no apparent effect on the ground.

Advancing along Lake Kivu, M23 fighters were pushed back on Wednesday from the town of Nyabibwe, some 50 km (30 miles) from Bukavu, and were clashing on Thursday with Congolese troops in the nearby location of Kahalala, according to two local sources.

"The Congolese army seems to be putting up fierce resistance there," said one of the sources, from a civil society organisation in Bukavu.

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In Goma itself, M23 were presenting themselves as the city's new administrators.

"We are asking all Goma residents to go back to normal activities," Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance rebel coalition that includes M23, told reporters.

The situation in the city was far from normal, however. The streets, strewn with debris and discarded military fatigues, were mostly deserted as heavily armed M23 fighters in pick-up trucks patrolled them.

The World Health Organization said over 2,000 people had been wounded by recent fighting in and around Goma with at least 45 deaths registered so far, citing reports.

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"The security situation seems to be stabilising, although there are still reports of skirmishes in some parts of town," said Doctors Without Borders (MSF) programme manager Natalia Torrent.

Rebel leader Nangaa said the M23 was not going anywhere. "We are here in Goma to stay. "We are going to continue the march until Kinshasa," he said, referring to Congo's capital more than 1,600 km away.

The violence has forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee multiple times. Displacement camps around Goma that were hosting around 800,000 people are emptying out, World Food Programme official Cynthia Jones said.

FIGHTING TALK FROM PRESIDENTS

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U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday described the crisis as a "very serious problem," but declined to say whether the United States had a peace plan.

Thursday saw a flurry of diplomatic activity, including a meeting of East African heads of state and a visit to Kinshasa and Kigali by France's foreign minister.

Nevertheless, both Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame made uncompromising statements.

Tshisekedi said in an address to the nation that Congo's army would "reconquer every inch of our territory" and accused Rwanda and its "M23 puppets" of "a terrorist enterprise on our soil, sowing terror and desolation among our population".

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Kagame has long lambasted Tshisekedi for what he describes as Congo's harbouring of Hutu "genocidaires".

He also lashed out at South African leader Cyril Ramaphosa for saying in a post on X that the fighting in Congo, in which 13 South African soldiers have died since last week, was due to an escalation by the M23 and the Rwandan army.

Kagame accused South African forces of working alongside a militia in Congo with ties to perpetrators of the 1994 genocide and "threatening to take the war to Rwanda itself".

"If South Africa prefers confrontation, Rwanda will deal with the matter in that context any day," Kagame wrote.

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Since the fall of Goma, Rwanda has also reacted angrily to calls for restraint from Western nations, accusing its critics of "victim-blaming" and turning a blind eye to what it says is Congo's complicity in the slaughter of Tutsis.

(Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Estelle Shirbon, Hereward Holland and Aaron Ross; Editing by Mark Heinrich, Alison Williams and Daniel Wallis)
(FOX40.COM)  Sacramento State has officially broken ground on a new housing project that will help alleviate the growing housing needs for returning and first-year students.

The first bits of dirt were turned on Thursday for what will become the five-story, 97,100 square-foot Mt. Whitney Hall which will house over 300 students.

There will be 246 rooms available with 164 singles, 75 doubles and seven triple-occupant rooms.

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The university said that in May 2024 there were around 600 upper-division students that were waiting for housing to become available.

What is now required of Sacramento County street vendors after recent vote?

The new housing hall will be located west of Riverview Hall, south of Desmond Hall and east of the American River Courtyard.

A portion of the funding for the $69 million project will be covered by a $41 million grant from Californias Higher Education Student Housing Program.

As part of the grant, Sacramento State will add 285 affordable housing beds to the campus across its eight residence halls for qualifying students.

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Having more students living in the residence halls will help us retain students, said Samuel Jones, executive director for University Housing Services. Residence hall students typically have higher GPAs, and the campus will be more vibrant with additional students living on campus.

Since Mt. Whitney Hall will cover a portion of parking lot two, the university said that additional parking spots will be allocated for students living on campus.

Some features of the new housing hall include:

 A recreation room

 An academic lounge

 Conference and classroom spaces

 Study areas

 A student computer and TV lounge

Sacramento State said it expects the project to be completed by Fall 2026.

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(FOX40.COM)  In response to President Donald Trump signing several executive orders that are aimed at ending illegal immigration, Sacramento City Unified School District (SCUSD) explains its action plans to protect the students.

With the executive order being in place, some Sacramento area families that are undocumented are wondering if its safe to send their children to school. SCUSD officials met with non-profit and community members today to help get rid of any fear that families may have.

The Trump administration announced that it would allow Federal Immigration Agencies to make arrests at schools and other sensitive areas which meant ending a policy that made these properties off-limits to ICE since 2011.

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A statement by Homeland Security said criminals will no longer be able to hide in Americas Schools and Churches to avoid arrest but school officials with the SCUSD said, We got to turn up the heat so we can melt this ice.

Man charged with murder in fatal 2020 Roseville fentanyl poisoning case

The goal for the SCUSD board members is to reiterate their Safe Haven policy across all campuses and to make sure parents know that it is safe to send their kids to school.

Jasjit Singh, President of Sacramento Unified School District Board of Education said, Let me be crystal clear, immigration enforcement is not allowed on our campuses, absent a valid court order.

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The board also adds that theyll continue to protect the right of every student to receive equal access to public education regardless of their immigration status, gender identity, race, or religion.

SCUSD board of education member for Area Seven Michael Benjamin said, I am ready to stay in lockstep with everybody whos here in front of my schools to make sure all kids get the right to learn.

Out of all the 50 states in the United States, California is one of the several states that receive funding based on school attendance so if anyone skips, it has an effect. Department of Education David Schapira said, When parents feel unsafe sending their kids to school campuses, the result of that is a negative impact on all students because that school loses funding, and that lack of funding impacts every child. So this is not just an issue for immigrant families. This is an issue for all California families.

A couple of officials shared what the protocol was going to be if an immigration officer tried to detain a student. Singh said, If an ice agent shows up to a school campus, their job is to present a valid warrant. That valid warrant needs to be checked and processed by our superintendent and our legal staff.

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Officials have expressed the importance of knowing your rights which include the right to remain silent if approached by immigrant enforcement officials on or off campus.

People who spoke at the press conference on Wednesday suggested that students update their emergency contact so if their family members get detained, they will have somewhere to go and speak to someone.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News.
LONGVIEW, Texas (KETK)  Longview ISD released a statement regarding recent federal directives from President Trump that may impact immigration enforcement in schools.

Longview ISD Superintendent Dr. Marla Sheppard addressed raising concerns of immigration enforcement on Wednesday evening, assuring families the safety and well-being of students remain top priority.

Lawyer weighs in after immigrant detained by ICE in East Texas

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Sheppard said that the district enrolls and educates any school aged student who lives within their attendance boundaries and does not request or maintain information about immigration status.

As a district, we are committed to continuously monitoring any information and guidance from federal and state authorities on immigration guidelines as they become available, Sheppard said. Our focus remains on the success of our students and that will not change.

The district explains they will continue to follow established procedures and law for visitors and student check-outs. Their current policy is that access to students is not permitted for anyone who is not listed in their student file unless there is a documented court order or warrant signed by a federal judge. The district is actively working with their local law enforcement partners to coordinate their process should these policies affect any of their students.

At Longview ISD, we are committed to maintaining a safe, supportive environment for all, Sheppard said.

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For more information on immigration policies, individuals can visit the National Immigration Law Center and Immigrant Legal Resource Center.

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Jan. 30 (UPI) -- An Iraqi living in Sweden who faced threats after burning the Koran in Stockholm in 2023 died in a shooting Wednesday, shortly before a verdict in his trial was about to be revealed.

The Koran burning by Salwan Momika in front of a mosque nearly derailed Sweden's entry into NATO last year. Officials said he was shot while livestreaming just before midnight and was pronounced dead early Thursday.

Momika was on trial in Stockholm District Court for "agitation against an ethnic group" under Swedish law with a verdict due on Thursday. The announcement of the verdict was postponed for him and another person until Feb. 3.

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Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said Sweden's security services will investigate the shooting because of the "risk that there were links to foreign powers." Momika's 2023 anti-Muslim Koran burning caused violent protests.

Turkey pointed to the Koran burning when it initially opposed Sweden's entry into the NATO military alliance before eventually approving it.

An Iraqi refugee who came to Sweden in 2021, Momika upset Muslims with his anti-Islam protests in the country. He often argued that he was focused on the religion itself and not the people who practiced the faith. He also leaned on Sweden's freedom of speech laws for his demonstrations.
(Bloomberg) -- The parents of FTX co-founder Sam Bankman-Fried are exploring ways to secure a pardon for the onetime crypto billionaire from President Donald Trump, according to a person familiar with the matter.

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Stanford Law School Professors Joseph Bankman and Barbara Fried had meetings in recent weeks with lawyers and other figures considered to be in Trumps orbit about clemency for their 32-year-old son, who was sentenced to 25 years in prison for fraud, the person said. Its unclear if outreach has been made to the White House.

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Bankman and Fried declined to comment. A lawyer for Bankman-Fried, whos also filed a legal appeal of his 2023 conviction on charges tied to the collapse of his cryptocurrency exchange, didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. The White House declined to comment.

The presidents swift use of his pardon power, including for Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht, has encouraged a rush among white-collar defendants eager to put their case before Trump.

In seeking Trumps mercy, Bankman-Fried  who went from industry darling to villain overnight  would be appealing to a man who went from crypto skeptic to booster. The crypto industry and the libertarian movement strongly advocated for a pardon for Ulbricht, who was serving a life sentence for drug-trafficking and money-laundering that occurred on his site.

Bankman-Fried doesnt currently have the same groundswell of support but has previously made the case that his sentence was draconian since FTX customers have largely recovered most of the money they initially lost. Ryan Salame, a former FTX executive who was sentenced to more than seven years in prison, has also said hes seeking a pardon.

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Jeffrey Grant, who runs a legal and advisory firm in New York for white-collar defendants, said hes received perhaps 100 inquiries about pardons.

We have been hearing from people in prison, from people recently sentenced who havent reported to the Bureau of Prisons yet, from people who have been indicted, Grant said. They are looking for somebody who knows somebody.

Federal prisoners may apply for clemency through a Justice Department office dedicated to such requests, but Trump has previously made decisions based on less formal appeals.

Grant said he disapproves of putting those with influence in line ahead of people whove been languishing in prison. I appreciate people want to do it and need to do it, but as an organization we dont get involved, he said.

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Sam Mangel, a white-collar prison consultant, said he was working on several clemency requests. Mangel, whos previously worked for Steve Bannon and Peter Navarro, said hed been given some guidance from contacts within the presidents circle.

I was told not to bring any sex crimes, true crimes of violence or illegal immigration cases, he said.

The presidents early use of his pardon power contrasts with his first term, when most of his clemency orders came toward the end of his time in office. Thats typical of most presidents, including Joe Biden, who issued a flurry of pardons in his final days, including for his son and other family members and certain high-profile political opponents of Trump.

Trump pardoned a number of Republican political allies like Bannon. Bankman-Fried was once a Democratic mega-donor, but the president has also come to the aid of Democrats who say theyve been victims of political prosecutions. Trump has been mulling intervening in the bribery case against New York Mayor Eric Adams, whos suggested he was targeted because he criticized Bidens immigration policies.

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Bankman-Fried and Trump may share a more specific sense of injustice. US District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan, who oversaw the FTX founders trial and sentenced him to decades behind bars, also presided over the defamation and sexual assault lawsuits brought against Trump by New York writer E. Jean Carroll. Both Bankman-Fried and Trump have accused Kaplan of being unfair to them.

Alan Dershowitz, a Harvard Law School professor who helped several people receive clemency during Trumps first term, said hes recently received calls seeking similar assistance.

I said call me back in a month, said Dershowitz. Right now Trump is busy doing other things.

--With assistance from Stephanie Lai.

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA)  The Springfield Police Department and Sangamon/Menard County Crime Stoppers are looking for help from the public in finding a burglary suspect.

Officials said the burglary happened on Christmas Day at the Illinois Principals Association offices, located at 2940 Baker Dr. A man gained access to a construction site at that location and stole several feet of copper pipe, valued at $1,500, along with various power tools.

UPDATE: Suspect wanted in connection to deadly Decatur stabbing

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The suspect was described as a white male wearing an orange sweatshirt and a black jacket. A photo, provided by Crime Stoppers, is shown below.

Anyone with information on the suspects identity is asked to submit their knowledge to Sangamon/Menard County Crime Stoppers by calling 217-788-8427, visiting their website, or using the P3 app.

Any tips that results in an arrest can be rewarded with up to $2,500 in cash.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
Jan. 29 (UPI) -- Former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler on Wednesday testified before the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee as President Donald Trump's nominee to head the Small Business Administration.

In her opening statement, Loeffler described her Midwestern upbringing as an asset.

"My wonderful parents, Don and Lynda, didn't have degrees, but they had faith and grit," she said about living in central Illinois. "They worked relentlessly to sustain our farm and small trucking company -- risking everything to provide for us while navigating volatile commodity markets and complex regulations and facing countless day-to-day challenges.

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"It's where my Midwestern work ethic was ingrained, working in our soybean fields and waiting tables at local restaurants -- preparing me for a lifetime of starting and growing businesses," she continued. "I became the first in my family to graduate college and later earned my MBA."

Kelly Loeffler prepares to testify during a Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship hearing at U.S. Capitol to examine her nomination to be administrator of the Small Business Administration. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

The venture capitalist has a net worth of about $1 billion. She also has worked at major corporations that include Toyota Motor Sales USA, Citigroup and William Blair. And for 10 years, she also co-owned the WNBA's Atlanta Dream.

If confirmed by the Senate, Loeffler has pledged to donate her annual salary of $207,500 to charity.

Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., testifies on behalf of Kelly Loeffler (R) at a Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship hearing to examine Loeffler's nomination to be Administrator of the Small Business Administration, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

The Republican served as a Georgia senator from Jan. 6, 2020, to Jan. 20, 2021. Gov. Brian Kemp named her to fill the seat vacated by retired GOP Sen. Johnny Isakson. She was defeated by Raphael Warnock, a Democrat.

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She oversaw Trump's second inaugural committee.

Kelly Loeffler is sworn in before testifying at the Senate Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship hearing at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

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Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, who heads the committee, said in her opening remarks: "Throughout your distinguished career, you've risen through the ranks at multiple companies due to your determination and grit, and you have started many successful businesses yourself. Most importantly, you understand what it means to be overrun by Washington's bureaucratic overreach and that government must instead get out of businesses' way so they can thrive,"

Loeffler said she wants to "restore integrity" to disaster relief efforts at the SBA, which doles out low-interest loans to businesses of all sizes, homeowners, renters and private nonprofit organizations.

Kelly Loeffler greets Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Chairman Sen. Jodi Ernst, R-Iowa, before a hearing to examine her nomination to be Administrator of the Small Business Administration, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI.

"I think Americans were stunned by the polarization of hurricane response under FEMA where they refused to go to homes with Trump supporting signs in their yards," she said. "Americans want to see an end to that. We should not be politicizing disaster response. I think that's something we have to restore confidence in."

A Federal Emergency Management Agency official was removed after directing disaster relief workers to skip homes "advertising" support for President-elect Trump after the devastating hurricanes in Florida after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., questions Kelly Loeffler during a Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship hearing to examine Loeffler's nomination to be Administrator of the Small Business Administration, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

She defended Trump's federal funding freeze, which was rescinded Wednesday.

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"The money was certainly -- with regard to the agencies -- discretionary in many cases. But I fully agree with President Trump's decision to stop wasteful spending," Loeffler said. "He specifically, and the OMB (Office of Management and Budget), called out programs related to illegal DEI programs and programs that effectively linked to the Green New Deal that picks winners and losers, so I think Americans breathed a sigh of relief when they saw the waste, fraud and abuse is going to get out of this government."

Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., asked her whether she would follow the president's directives if they were "illegal or unconstitutional" in her role as SBA administrator.

"The president is not going to ask me to do that," Loeffler shot back. "I'm not going to create a hypothetical situation here. I will faithfully uphold the law and President Trump is fighting for Americans."

Loeffler said she backs Trump's order to have workers return to the office instead of working remotely.

"We are gonna get this agency back to work," Loeffler said. "We are gonna make sure we have people committed to the success of small businesses."
SOUTH CAROLINA (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  On Wednesday, lawmakers interrogated officials who work closely with the states money hoping to figure out where the issue started and why there was a communication breakdown.

State auditors office representatives say audits from an independent firm never showed a problem until fiscal year 2022.

Thats the first year that any of us knew that there was a major problem, said Sue Moss from South Carolinas office of the state auditor. And that was because of the work of the comptroller generals office that that became acknowledged to us.

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Moss says it was not the auditors offices sole responsibility to notify lawmakers. Instead, they just audited what they got from the state treasurer and comptroller general.

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We took the action that needed to be taken with a restatement and a finding, she said.

Both officers must accept our shared responsibility in properly managing and reporting to states cash and investments, said Comptroller General Brian Gaines.

But State Representative Chris Murphy from the 98th District in Dorchester County pushed further.

The thing that I cant get over is if there is shared or equal responsibility, then there can also be a denial of anybody being responsible, Murphy said. And there has to be some accountability to the taxpayers of this state.

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Murphy asked CG Gaines whether an investment was made in 2018 involving account number 993  but neither the state auditor nor comptroller general made the investment.

Who else had control of that account? Murphy asked.

Fund 3030 50993 is under the exclusive authority of the state treasurers office, Gaines said.

Chesterfield County Rep. Richie Yow sits on the Ways and Means Committee. He wishes the issue was brought to the General Assemblys attention sooner.

This mystery money, if you will, or lack thereof, can affect the states bond rating, which means the state cant take it, Yow said. It cant take advantage of the other funding options.

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State Treasurer Curtis Loftis faced questions about the money after making his offices budget presentation. Murphy held Loftis to the fire about his past comments that $1.6 billion of the supposed $1.8 billion was actual money. But Loftis explained account 993 doesnt hold cash because it never existed.

So how does an account that does not exist, that does not have money, earn interest? Murphy asked Loftis. And if its an account that does not exist, as you stated, just a holding account, why are we depositing money into that account?

The AlixPartners audit determined that the $1.6 billion is not real cash and I have no reason to question their determination at this time, Loftis responded. They also determined that when you reverse the entry and take the $1.6 billion away, it does not affect the total cash value.

Murphy continued to ask the question in different ways.

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The AlixPartners report says it does not exist in fund 0993. They have not told us where it does, Loftis said. These are self-balancing accounts with they havent told us. Weve asked for a review with AlixPartners. We have not been able to get that yet. They review with everybody. We are waiting.

Yow says he cant say how many more hearings will be needed to conclude the lawmakers investigation. But he says theres still work to be done in the general assembly regarding the audit findings.

In that will well be identifying it and talking about it some more and what provisos and appropriations are needed to ensure the recommendations are applied and its better for all South Carolina residents, Yow said.

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MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD)  Authorities arrested a Mount Pleasant man this week on 10 charges connected to the sexual exploitation of minors.

Darryn Eugene Himes, 45, is accused of possessing multiple files that contained child sexual abuse material following an investigation that involved the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and multiple law enforcement agencies.

Himes was arrested on January 28. He is charged with 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, third degree.

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The South Carolina Attorney Generals Office said Himes was out on bond from a prior arrest on related charges in 2023.

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Welcome to The Scoop  the ultimate back-to-the-office water cooler cheat sheet, your go-to source for all things everyone really wants to know! Get the latest on everything from the political swamp maneuvering in D.C. and Hollywood drama to jaw-dropping small-town shenanigans from Paula Froelich. Subscribe to her newsletter here.

(NewsNation)  Hoda Kotbs departure has left a huge hole in the third hour of Today, but her former co-host Jenna Bush has reportedly found a replacement.

While chatting with Tina Fey on stage at the Playground Partners Winter Luncheon at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on Monday, Bush told Fey: Hoda left and my heart is broken but Im getting over it because Scarlett Johansson and I have matching earrings so  sorry, Hoda, Ive moved on with one of the worlds most beautiful women!

FILE  Colin Jost, left, and Scarlett Johansson arrive at the Oscars in Los Angeles on Feb. 9, 2020. The married couple, who once made comedy skits on Saturday Night Live, are reuniting onscreen for a new Super Bowl commercial. The 60-second ad launches Monday, Feb. 7, 2022, and will be televised during Super Bowl 56 on Feb. 13. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File) FILE  Scarlett Johansson attends the Golden Heart Awards, Oct. 16, 2023, in New York. Research shows that chatbots and fake social media accounts get more engagement when they have female personas because people are more likely to view women as warm and approachable, and to see chatbots with female personas as more human than those posing as male. Johansson declined OpenAI CEO Sam Altmans request to voice the ChatGPT AI program and threatened to sue when the company went with what she called an eerily similar voice. OpenAI put the new voice on hold. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File) FILE  Scarlett Johansson arrives at the Bafta Film Awards, in central London, Feb. 2 2020. Johansson is suing the Walt Disney Co. over the companys streaming release of Black Widow, which she said breached her contract and deprived her of potential earnings. The Black Widow star and executive producer filed a suit Thursday, July 29, 2021, in the Los Angeles Superior Court that said her contract guaranteed an exclusive theatrical release. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP, File) FILE  Co-anchors Savannah Guthrie, left, and Hoda Kotb pose on set of the Today show at NBC Studios on Wednesday, June 27, 2018, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP, File) NEW YORK, NY  SEPTEMBER 06: Hoda Kotb is seen on the NBC Today Show at Rockefeller Plaza on September 06, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by NDZ/Star Max/GC Images) TODAY  Pictured: Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager on Monday, September 16, 2024  (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images) Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb on NBCs Today on August 12, 2024, in New York City. (Photo by NDZ/Star Max/GC Images via Getty Images)

The crowd laughed, but speculation is rising that Johansson, who clearly loved her time co-hosting with Bush and whose husband, Colin Jost, works at SNL in the building, would be a perfect full-time replacement.

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For the next month, Bush is still rotating people in and out of the chair. Up next: Kelsea Ballerini, Kimberly Schlapman, Ciara and Wynonna Judd  but dont be surprised if, in a month or two, Johansson takes the full-time slot.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Both the Senate and House of Representatives have passed Gov. Bill Lees statewide expansion of school vouchers, otherwise known as the Tennessee Education Freedom Act of 2025.

The legislation was passed after hours of debate on both sides of the issue during a speedy four-day special session on vouchers, disaster relief and immigration enforcement.

The bill provides around $7,000 in scholarships in public taxpayer money for parents in Tennessee to use at private schools if they so choose.

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The votes saw multiple defections from Republicans in both chambers, though both versions of the bill ultimately passed with the required constitutional majority. The House approved the measure 54-45, with one abstention. The Senate approved the bill by a 20-13 vote.

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The issue has been hotly debated for years, with the Tennessee legislature first passing an education savings account program for Davidson and Shelby counties first, then expanding the pilot program to include Hamilton County.

Last session, Gov. Bill Lee attempted to expand the ESA program statewide, but concerns from lawmakers in both parties ultimately saw the issue stall in the 113th General Assembly.

This time, however, the issue was able to get past the finish line, though by slim margins in both chambers.

Democrats loudly opposed the bill in both legislative bodies, saying during the floor debate Thursday it would blow a hole in the budgets of both the state and local education agencies (LEAs), as well as risk the future of funding for the Tennessee Education Lottery System, and serve as welfare for the wealthy.

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Proponents of the bill say it will offer parents more control over their childrens education and will not take funding away from public education systems. Additionally, one provision of the bill is designed specifically to improve facilities in public school districts, Republicans said during debate.

Read the latest from the TN State Capitol Newsroom

According to the terms of the bill, there will be 20,000 total scholarships available, half of which will be reserved for families meeting a certain income threshold. That threshold is a household income of not more than 300% of the amount required for the student to qualify for free or reduced lunch, per the text of the bill.

While the first year of the program is limited to 20,000 students, the bill stipulates the number can increase if the total number of applications for the vouchers exceeds 75% of those available. Then the state can increase the voucher numbers by no more than 5,000.

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Also included in the bill is a one-time $2,000 bonus to all teachers employed in K-12 schools in Tennessee, though critics of the bill pointed out that bonus would only be given to teachers if their local school district adopted a resolution stating it would like to participate in that provision of the law by June 1, or else they would not receive it.

The governor lauded the passage of the bill, thanking the leaders of both chambers for the partnership in empowering parents & delivering opportunity for all.

Ive long believed we can have the best public schools and give parents a choice in their childs education, regardless of income or zip code, he said in a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter). Today is a milestone in advancing education in TN.

During a press conference following the passage of the bill, the governor said the day was momentous for all parents in the state.

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Universal school choice is now a reality for Tennessee families. I have said all along that we should, and could, have the best public schools in America and provide parents with choice. Weve done that, he said. It is, in fact, a momentous day for students and for teachers and for parents across Tennessee. Im grateful to the parents and the teachers who have advocated here at the Capitol, not just at the Capitol but all across the state to make sure that Tennesseans had this opportunity.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

The education scholarship bill gives the freedom of parents to choose which education system best fits their children. At the same time, holds harmless local systems and indeed helps teachers with a bonus, said Lt. Gov. Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge).

Now, Tennessees in a place where every single family now has the hope and opportunity to make the best decision for their child, House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) said in the presser. It doesnt matter if you live in urban, suburban or rural areas  you also have the same opportunity if your kid has a special need or unique disability. You have the same opportunity.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Governor Bill Lees Education Freedom Scholarship Act, which would use tax dollars to fund $7,000 scholarships for students to go to private school if their parents choose, passed the last committee required before it can head to the House and Senate floors for a final vote.

The bill passed the Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee 8-3 Wednesday, with one Republican, Sen. Page Walley (R-Savannah), voting against the measure.

PREVIOUS: Gov. Bill Lees school voucher bill soars through House committees

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Lawmakers filed a lengthy amendment to the bill hours before it went up for debate in committees, which included a provision requiring school districts to pass a resolution promising to participate in the school voucher program in order for their teachers to be eligible for the $2,000 one-time bonus included in the bill.

The amendment also created a funding floor, which Republicans said would ensure school districts wouldnt lose Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) funding, which is based on the number of students enrolled in the district, due to disenrollment from vouchers. Democrats argued the fiscal note, which reads The net decrease in state expenditures [TISA] and the corresponding net decrease in local revenue is estimated to be $44,933,557, proves otherwise.

Sen. London Lamar (D-Memphis) pointed out that 51 out of Tennessees 95 counties dont have private schools, meaning certain students wouldnt be able to benefit. In addition, she criticized the fiscal note in the bill that says the majority of the students likely to use the vouchers would be those who already attend private schools.

Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin) responded by saying the governor has always wanted the program to be universal, meaning everyone would have access.

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Im quite confident there are probably single mothers in your district, or in Nashville, or in my district, or whoever who are making sacrifices  working two or three jobs so they can get their child into a private school, and theyve been doing this for the last several years, Johnson said. Why should they be disqualified from applying for this scholarship?

Republicans were quick to correct Democrats for using the term voucher when the word isnt included in the bill. Sen. Yarbro resisted.

Read the latest from the TN State Capitol Newsroom

Scholarships, Sen. Bo Watson, chairman of the Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee corrected. It is what it is. Call it what it is, Senator.

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You cant change the definition of what a voucher is, Sen. Yarbro said. The legislative terminology can say that, but you cant change what an actual government funding tool is.

The bill will be debated on the House and Senate floors Thursday.

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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) condemned President Trumps claims that the deadly aircraft collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport was caused by diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts.

Listen, its one thing for internet pundits to spew off conspiracies, its another for the president of the United States to throw out idle speculation as bodies are still being recovered and families are still being notified. It just turns your stomach, Schumer said in a Thursday statement.

In the meantime, we are keeping the families and loved ones of the victims in our prayers. And we are keeping our brave first responders in our prayers as well, he added.

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President Trump alleged that air traffic controllers were in part responsible for the crash, further blaming the Federal Aviation Administrations (FAA) DEI hiring policies for contributing to the accident.

The president claimed the FAA diversity push includes focus on hiring people with severe intellectual and psychiatric disabilities. That is amazing, and then it says FAA says people with severe disabilities are most underrepresented segment of the workforce, and they want them in, and they want them. They can be air traffic controllers. I dont think so, he told reporters from the briefing room.

He noted that brilliant people have to be in those positions, slamming former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg for lax policies.

As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying. We put safety first, drove down close calls, grew Air Traffic Control, and had zero commercial airline crash fatalities out of millions of flights on our watch, Buttigieg wrote in a statement on the social platform X.

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Time for the President to show actual leadership and explain what he will do to prevent this from happening again.

Other leaders including Marylands former Gov. Martin OMalley (D) have also condemned Trumps statements, urging him to wait until a full investigation has been completed before commenting on whos at fault for the incident.

Even in this moment, Donald Trump cant resist promoting racist tropes about DEI that divide our nation and threaten to wreck our Republic and our reputation around the world, OMalley stated.

Now is a time for unity. Shame on the president. The American people deserve better than this.

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CAMP HILL, Pa. (WHTM)  An inmate at the State Correctional Institution  Camp Hill died after an assault at the prison, authorities said Wednesday.

Spencer Kassel, 35, was pronounced dead Wednesday morning.

The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections said he had been assaulted by another inmate in a recreation yard. State Police identified the attacker as Hezekiah Campbell, 29. Troopers said he stabbed and assaulted Kassel before being detained.

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Prison staff and Lower Allen EMS attempted life-saving measures.

Kassel was serving a one-to-two year sentence for aggravated assault for an incident in Centre County. He had been at Camp Hill since Dec. 9, 2024.

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State Police are investigating and a cause of death will be determined by the Cumberland County Coroners Office.

Charges have not yet been filed against Campbell.

Campbell is awaiting trial on two homicide charges, accused of shooting and killing a Harrisburg taxicab driver in 2022 and a woman in 2021.

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As the global temperature continues to rise, mosquitoes are expanding their populations and making themselves at home farther north and at higher elevations. This shift is raising concerns about the spread of vector-borne diseases, which are being introduced to new locations.

What's happening?

An avid hiker recounted her story of a run-in with some blood-thirsty mosquitoes at an alpine lake in Colorado, explaining that she'd been fairly lucky growing up in the high country, where these insects haven't traditionally thrived.

But now, she explained for Backpacker, mosquitoes are expanding their territory and increasing their populations thanks to a warmer and more humid planet. This is especially apparent in northern areas and at higher elevations because warmer temperatures, snowy winters, and rainstorms are creating the perfect storm for mosquitoes, which thrive in balmy conditions.

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"It's definitely a trend and is more noticeable at higher elevations or higher latitudes, farther north, because those are the areas that are warming faster than the rest of the United States," Susan Washko, a lecturer at Western Colorado University, told the publication.

Why is the mosquito migration concerning?

This redistribution of mosquitoes is worrisome because it aids in the spread of disease into new places.

For instance, Backpacker pointed to a 2023 study that estimated malaria-spreading mosquitoes gained 21 feet of elevation and moved three miles north each year from 1898 to 2016. Plus, the publication added, Colorado experienced a spike of West Nile virus cases in 2023, which resulted in 51 deaths.

Meanwhile, the rising global temperature is also fueling the spread of dengue fever, which was reported in record numbers in 2024. Los Angeles County even released a warning about the disease after four locally acquired cases, which was deemed "unprecedented."

What's being done about the rise in mosquito-borne diseases?

Across the world, scientists and governments are looking for ways to protect people from diseases such as malaria, dengue, and West Nile. For instance, after San Diego County discovered its first-ever locally acquired case of dengue in fall 2024, it sprayed for mosquitoes at about 170 homes over a weekend in an attempt to quickly halt the potential spread of the virus.

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Meanwhile, a $70 million pilot program testing malaria vaccines in Africa resulted in a 13% decrease in deaths due to the virus among young children over a period of four years.

As for protecting yourself from being eaten by mosquitoes on your next high-elevation adventure, Backpacker recommends taking precautionary measures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises wearing loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants; wearing clothing and gear treated with permethrin; and using insect repellent.

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Lion numbers in Uganda are at a "critical low," while hyenas are thriving in the nation's protected areas, according to a recent study.

What's happening?

While those findings might sound like a sequel of "The Lion King" that nobody wants, the news is truly grim for the big cats. A team involving over 100 conservation stakeholders shared what they said in a news release was "the first comprehensive population estimate of Uganda's lions, leopards, and spotted hyenas in nearly two decades."

The big takeaway was that lion populations in Queen Elizabeth and Kidepo Valley National Parks had slipped to an alarming 40 and 20 remaining, respectively. Meanwhile, the research team speculated that hyenas were thriving in those parks and elsewhere as a result. "We could be seeing a release in hyena numbers as populations of lions decline," Griffith University lead researcher Dr. Alexander Braczkowski said.

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There was some good news for lions. Uganda's largest conservation area, Murchison Falls National Park, remained a robust home to 240 lions.

"We are seeing high densities of all three species, lions, hyenas, and leopards," Dr. Braczkowski said of Murchison Falls. The team theorized that the Ugandan government and several non-governmental organizations like Uganda Conservation Foundation's anti-poaching efforts were a big reason behind the park's success. Concerningly, the scientists identified continued "significant pressures from wire snare poaching and oil exploration."

When it came to leopards, it was more of a mixed bag. Murchison Falls delivered the best news, as some of the continent's highest densities of the cats were present there.

Why are Uganda's conservation efforts important?

Conserving leopards and lions is vital for multiple reasons. National parks and majestic wild animals are a great draw for global visitors, and can help Uganda's local economy through eco-tourism.

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Preserving the local ecosystem's balance with predators like lions is also critical. If hyenas become too prominent with lions being wiped out, it could cause unpredictable effects on nature and diminished interest from tourists.

What's being done about Uganda's conservation?

The study's findings formed the foundation for Uganda's Strategic Action Plan for Large Carnivore Conservation (2023-2033), per the release.

Anti-poaching efforts will continue to play a huge role in conserving the future of lions in the country. A similar level of participation and buy-in will also be needed.

"The collaborative nature of this work  spanning governments, NGOs, and local communities  is a testament to what's possible," said Dr. Braczkowski. "More importantly, these are the kinds of training exercises that are most needed if we hope to build the science capacity in the places that need it most."

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The team further identified community engagement as a critical conservation ingredient.

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INVESTIGATED: Report from Ohio 73 of a male passed out in a vehicle on the side of the roadway. 1:25 a.m., Friday, Jan. 24.

THEFT: Report from Fifth Street of a firearm stolen on Wednesday, Jan. 22. 8:07 a.m., Friday, Jan. 24.

THEFT: Report from Granite Street of fraudulent charges on a deceased persons phone. 11:25 a.m., Friday, Jan. 24.

ASSAULT: Report from West Portsmouth High School. 1:27 p.m., Friday, Jan. 24.

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VANDALISM: Report of a juvenile tearing up a laundry room at Dogwood Apartments. 3:32 p.m., Friday, Jan. 24.

VANDALISM: Report from Walburn Avenue of a female being evicted from residence damaging residence before leaving. 5:58 p.m., Friday, Jan. 24.

NEIGHBOR COMPLAINT: Report from Back Street of neighbors using callers address to turn on electricity. 6:08 p.m., Friday, Jan. 24.

INVESTIGATED: Report from Beekman Road of a known individual driving spouses vehicle without permission. 10 p.m., Friday, Jan. 24.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON: Report from Pollock Road of individuals creating a disturbance. 12:11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 25.

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FIRE: Report from Ohio 125 of a house full of smoke. 1:02 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 25.

NEIGHBOR COMPLAINT: Report from Calverts Lane of neighbors making a lot of noise. 1:17 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 25.

ASSAULT: Report of an assault made at the Scioto County Jail. Male detained. 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 25.

FIRE: Report from Kittle Road of caller smelling smoke and detectors going off. Caller advised to get out of the residence. 11:20 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 25.

SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE: Report of an unoccupied vehicle at a business on Galena Pike. 12:40 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 26.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON: Report from North Street of a male walking up and down the road with a snow shovel. 2:45 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 26.

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THEFT: Report from Gallia Pike of a stolen wallet. 9:41 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 26.

THREATS OR HARASSMENT: Report from Ohio River Road of threats made against owner. 11:16 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 26.

THEFT: Report from Bihl Lane of stolen funds from a bank account. 11:50 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 26.

THREATS OR HARASSMENT: Report from Kassandra Drive of threats made against caller and family member. 1:16 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 26.

INVESTIGATED: Report of a male in and out of traffic near U.S. 52 eastbound/Ohio 823. 6:58 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 26.SHERIFF LOGO.png
Ninety-nine years after the Hawk Mountain Council of Scouting America opened its camp on the Blue Mountain in Schuylkill County, a conservation easement is now in place to protect 500 acres of the property from ever being developed.

The agreement was reached earlier in January with the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the U.S. Department of Agricultures Resources Conservation Service and ensures the land in Wayne Township will remain a forest.

For agreeing to the easement, the council will receive $1.2 million from those agencies, a figure based on the appraised development value of the land, officials said.

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The Blue Mountain is part of the Kittatinny Ridge, which spans the state and is an important corridor for wildlife, a migratory path for birds, and a vital source of clean air and water, said Hawk Mountain Council CEO and scout executive Davis Fox.

Preserving the reservation land protects the various creatures that thrive on the rugged topography there and also protects the headwaters of the Lower Little Swatara Creek, which feeds into the Susquehanna River Basin and then the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, said Regan Moll-Dohm, director of communications for the nonprofit environmental advocacy group Berks Nature.

Berks Nature helped finalize the easement, as its done for three other nearby sites along the ridge, she said.

This is worth celebrating, she said.

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Protection of this beloved property is a victory for both the community and wildlife alike, said Berks Nature Land Protection Specialist Brooke Leister, speaking of how the easement balances the sties recreational and its ecological value.

The easement will allow activities by scouts and community groups on the 670-acre reservation to continue uninterrupted, Fox said. About 500 undeveloped acres are in the maximum protection zone, but the scouts are allowed to maintain and add to infrastructure on the remaining land if they choose, he said.

The $1.2 million came equally from the state agency and federal agency that approved the agreement, and the council is investing that money to use for the ongoing upkeep of the property and possible development, he said.

Were very excited to be able to continue our environmental stewardship on this property, he said.

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The Hawk Mountain Councils application for the easement was approved in part because of its proximity to areas with significant pressure for continued development, and because it is near other protected properties, such as the Appalachian Trail, state game lands, and Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, council officials said.

This conservation easement not only ensures future generations can enjoy a camp that is situated in an idyllic forest setting, but the monies we received will help us start a camp maintenance fund that will be put toward on-going maintenance of our camp property, said council board president Joseph Hartz. With the easement money and other money raised from our donors, we look to have a sustainable source of funds that can be devoted to maintaining and improving our camp to meet the program needs that will serve our youth far into the future.

The Kittatinny Ridge is considered Pennsylvanias most climate resilient landscape, and supports activities like hiking, fishing, and hunting, Leister said. So, while the nonprofit typically focuses on preservation in Berks County, it has expanded its work to Schuylkill County for the Kittatinny easement agreements.

The reservation is also a big asset to the region, she said, serving 2,000 scouts from Schuylkill and Berks at camps each summer, and allowing other groups to camp or host camps there, where they can enjoy archery, the ropes course, hiking, fishing, and non-motorized boating, she said.

Places like the Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation inspire and celebrate an appreciation for the natural world that our global community so sorely needs, she said. Its protection is a huge win for both the community and wildlife, now and forever.
Despite the deadly midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington D.C., scores of people were lined up at the Alaska Airlines bag drop gates at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) this morning, readying to take their flights to destinations across America and the globe  including a direct flight to Reagan National that was slated to take off at 8:24 a.m. from SEA.

Kristy Steffen was in line at the Alaska terminals dropping four suitcases for her flight to Reagan National Airport (DCA) and was self-assured that her flight would depart, Despite the tragedy that took place last night, the airports open or will be open in a few hours.

Steffen said she had been tracking the status of her DCA flight for the last 24 hours, ever since an American Airlines flight and an Army Blackhawk helicopter collided midair over the Potomac River.

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Alaska [Airlines] has been really instrumental in giving us updates, Steffen confirmed.

DCA reopened this morning, and Steffens flight could board and head to the nations capital and the airport at the center of the investigation into this deadly air collision. I think theyre [staff at Reagan National] operating the best they can over there, said Steffen.

A steady stream of passengers made their way through SEA Thursday morning, catching their flights despite the deadliest disaster in US aviation since 2009.

KIRO7 Aviation Expert Scott Hamilton chimed in on what happened at DCA.

The first thing I wondered is why are they doing training flights in that tightly congested air space at night? Hamilton said.

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Hamilton, who used to live on Bainbridge Island, says he would frequently see military helicopters fly over his home during training. He would even check on flight radar and catch a few of them on it. Hamilton says the likelihood of this sort of accident happening in Western Washington is very slim.

This Blackhawk in this accident was picked up on the radars, Hamilton said.

This morning, officials in Washington D.C. and Wichita, Kansas spoke  stressing there was nothing unusual about the flight paths of both the chopper and the plane.

Robert Isom, CEO of American Airlines, spoke about the collision and the flight paths of both aircraft, At this point, we dont know why the military aircraft came into the path of the PSA aircraft. On its website, PSA Airlines is listed as part of the American Airlines Group. The airline says it operates over 500 daily flights on behalf of American Airlines.

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Hours after the aircraft plunged into the frigid Potomac River, Washington D.C. Fire Chief John Donnelly confirmed that the operation had taken a turn, We are now at a point where we are switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation. At this point, we dont believe there are any survivors from this accident.

Despite the tragedy over the Potomac River  travelers at SEA were not concerned about flying. Robert Londo was flying to Tampa, and was adamant that he was not at all concerned about air safety, Our U.S. air safety system is the best in the world!

Steve and Susan Petitpas were also traveling on Alaska Airlines and dropping their bags at SEA. Susan learned about the deadly collision while she was in line, and was saddened by the news, There are a lot of things happening in the world... its just one more thing. While Steve Petitpas expressed a thought that the U.S. needs to take a larger look at transportation, I wish we had more alternatives to air transportation. Steve admitted hes in favor of high-speed rail and believes it should be an area of development in the transportation sector.

Steffen said her flight to Reagan National and the Washington D.C. area is a one-way trip, Im moving there, which is why I have so many pieces of luggage. Im literally moving there. She said she knows she will probably fly out of Reagan National again as she starts a new life in the D.C. metro area, and shared that she feels for everyone involved in this latest aviation disaster, This is terrible, its just a super terrible tragedy.

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During a briefing this morning with officials in Washington D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser said the NTSB will be the lead agency on the investigation and will deliver all future updates on the crash investigation going forward.




NEW YORK (AP)  Sean Duffy, the new transportation secretary, is facing his first major crisis just hours after his swearing-in.

Duffy, who was confirmed by the Senate Tuesday, quickly emerged as a public face of the federal government's response to the deadly plane crash at Reagan National Airport, the closest airport to Washington, D.C. An Army helicopter collided with an American Airlines jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members Wednesday night while the plane was landing, sending it careening into the frigid Potomac River. All onboard are feared dead in what is shaping up to be the deadliest U.S. air crash in decades.

Our new Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy  his second day on the job when that happened. Thats a rough one, Trump said as they appeared together during a White House briefing Thursday.

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Great gentleman. Just started. Its not your fault," he later said.

Here are some things to know about Duffy:

He was on scene at the airport and by Trump's side at the White House

Duffy appeared alongside Washington D.C.'s mayor and other local officials at airport briefings overnight and early Thursday, representing the administration. And he joined Trump in the White House briefing room Thursday, where the new president offered prayers to the victims and lamented the tragedy, but also made a series of politically charged accusations that he acknowledged were not based on fact.

Duffy began his remarks by complimenting Trump, saying his leadership has been remarkable during this crisis." And he assured victims' loved ones that he was committed to getting to the bottom of what happened as quickly as possible.

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While Duffy did not explicitly echo Trumps claims that diversity hiring and lower standards were somehow to blame for the tragedy  it is still unclear exactly what happened to cause the crash - he also did not refute them.

When we deal with safety, we can only accept the best and the brightest in positions of safety that impact the lives of our loved ones, our family members, Duffy said. We are going to take responsibility at the Department of Transportation and the FAA, to make sure we have the reforms that have been dictated by President Trump in place to make sure that these mistakes do not happen again."

He's a former reality TV star, lumberjack and congressman from Wisconsin

A former Republican congressman from Wisconsin, Duffy's resume includes stints as a lumberjack athlete, reality TV star, prosecutor and Fox News host.

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He was featured on MTVs The Real World: Boston in 1997 and met his his wife, Fox & Friends Weekend" co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy, on the set of MTVs Road Rules: All Stars in 1998.

Duffy later worked as a special prosecutor and the district attorney of Ashland County in northern Wisconsin. He won election to Congress as part of the tea party wave in 2010.

Rep. Tom Tiffany, who succeeded Duffy in Congress, said he first knew of Duffy when he was a lumberjack in the 1990s before either of them entered politics.

Hes got a big job ahead of him here, Tiffany said. Its jumping right into the frying pan with a situation like this.

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An underdog who served nine years

When he first ran for Congress, Duffy was considered an underdog. But he attracted national attention with his campaign ads, which featured him dramatically chopping wood while donning a red flannel shirt. He told voters he came from a long line of lumberjacks and would bring his axe to Washington.

Duffy served in the House for nearly nine years. He was member of the Financial Services Committee and chair of the subcommittee on insurance and housing.

Fox News defender

After leaving Congress in 2019, citing the need to care for his growing family, Duffy became a contributor to Fox News and one of Trumps most visible defenders on cable television. He served as co-host of The Bottom Line on Fox Business before being picked for the new administration.

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He was one of several Fox personalities that Trump chose to fill his Cabinet, including Pete Hegseth, the new defense secretary.

A father to nine

Duffy has nine children, the youngest of whom was born with a heart condition.

In announcing his pick, Trump noted that Sean knows how important it is for families to be able to travel safely, and with peace of mind.

Because of his large family, Duffy will have empathy with the relatives of crash victims, said Mark Graul, a longtime Republican operative in Wisconsin who has known Duffy for more than 25 years.

When you have the size of family he has, empathy is part of the process there, Graul said. Hes going to want to bring certainty to everyone who is hurting from this.

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Graul said Duffy is an incredibly decent person and very approachable, which will aid him as he navigates this crash.

His family is the center of his universe and more than most politicians he cares a great deal about being successful, Graul said. He doesnt want to just do things to get attention. He likes having success.

A sprawling agency

The Transportation Department oversees the nations complex and aging transportation system, including its highways, railroads and airspace. It sets safety standards for trains, cars and trucks.

The department regulates the airline industry through the Federal Aviation Administration, which has been grappling with a shortage of air traffic controllers. The agency also includes the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which regulates automakers and sets fuel economy standards for cars and trucks.

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In his statement announcing the pick, Trump had said Duffy would prioritize Excellence, Competence, Competitiveness and Beauty when rebuilding Americas highways, tunnels, bridges and airports" and said he would "make our skies safe again by eliminating DEI for pilots and air traffic controllers. DEI refers to diversity, equity and inclusion programs, which Trump has worked to bar through federal action since returning to office.

In his first act after his swearing-in, Duffy rolled back fuel mileage standards put in place by the Biden administration.

His confirmation hearing

During his confirmation hearing earlier this month, Duffy had promised to scrutinize Boeing s safety issues and restore global confidence in the beleaguered company, as well as to hire more air traffic controllers amid a national shortage. (The plane involved in Wednesday night's collision was a CRJ-700 manufactured by Canada-based Bombadier.)

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Duffy also said he would cut DEI programs at the agency and create federal rules for self-driving cars instead of leaving that to a patchwork of state regulations, a key priority of Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who is running Trump's government efficiency effort.

Duffy assured lawmakers that he would not interfere in ongoing agency investigations into Musks electric car company over the safety of Tesla vehicles.

He was approved by a bipartisan 77-22 vote.

___ Associated Press writer Scott Bauer contributed to this report from Madison, Wisconsin.
SEARCY, Ark.  A Searcy man has been sentenced to serve two decades in prison after being found guilty of drug and sex trafficking charges.

Prosecutors said 74-year-old Thomas Ray Kelso was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after being found guilty by a jury of three counts of sex trafficking and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Searcy landlord found guilty of sex trafficking, drug charges

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According to a release, an investigation by the Central Arkansas Drug Task Force found that Kelso distributed methamphetamine from the apartment complex he owned.

Investigators said they discovered that Kelso would exploit female tenants and force them to perform sex acts to keep the power on in their apartment, satisfy their rent obligations or obtain illegal narcotics.

The release states that when a woman refused Kelsos sexual advances, he cut the power to her apartment. Prosecutors said Kelso also employed one woman to recruit other women for him so he could sexually exploit them.

Searcy apartment manager facing human trafficking charge, arrested after methamphetamine, fentanyl & guns found in search

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In addition to the sentence, Kelso will serve five years of supervised release, a $50,000 fine and $50,000 in restitution. There is no parole in the federal system.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A Sebring man was sentenced Wednesday to two years in prison after a guilty plea in November to charges he had sexual conduct with a minor.

Bradley Etto, 37, was sentenced by Judge Anthony DApolito on a charge of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, a third-degree felony.

Attorneys recommended a two-year sentence when Etto made his plea Nov. 14 and Judge DApolito upheld their recommendation.

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Etto is accused of asking a 14-year-old girl to come to his house in January 2023 in Sebring and asking her to clean it. Reports said he gave the girl whiskey and afterward, the two went to an upstairs room to play video games.

Reports said Etto told the girl he would give her another drink in exchange for sexual contact, and the girl declined, saying she was sick. She fell asleep but could feel Etto touching her inappropriately, reports said.

The county Children Services Board was contacted and Etto was arrested in February 2023 and indicted a month later by a grand jury.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A second federal judge said he plans to put a hold on President Donald Trumps federal funding freeze that sparked chaos and panic across the U.S.

The move comes after a lawsuit filed Tuesday by 22 Democratic state attorney generals, including New Yorks Letitia James, argued the bombshell memo by the Office of Management and Budget requiring federal agencies to freeze Congress-approved federal funds violates the Constitution.

The Trump administration said it rescinded the OMB memo Wednesday after a public outcry, and argued that the attorney generals request for a temporary restraining order is unnecessary as a result.

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But Rhode Island Federal Court Judge Jack McConnell on Wednesday said statements by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt undermined that argument, and asked the AGs to prepare a proposed temporary restraining order for him to rule on.

Sarah Rice, a lawyer for the Rhode Island attorney general, said the delays and confusion triggered by the OMB memo are ongoing, and pointed to a post on X by Leavitt on Wednesday reading, This is NOT a rescission of the federal funding freeze. It is simply a rescission of the OMB memo.

Rice also highlighted statements made at a White House press conference.

The only thing that has been changed is whether or not there is a piece of paper, Rice said. Theres contrary indication through these public statements that the policy has not changed  and that policy is freeze first, ask questions later.

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Justice Department lawyer Daniel Schwei countered that the AGs were trying to get the court to block several Trump executive orders in one swoop. What the plaintiffs are essentially asking this court to do is broaden their lawsuit and change it, he said. I think the breadth of the relief that plaintiffs are seeking is extraordinary.

Schwei also tried to argue that the OMB memo was merely guidance offered to federal agency heads on how to operate  despite language in the document ordering that agency heads must temporarily pause federal funding.

McConnell said the AGs convinced him that the memos effects were ongoing, and said, That hasnt changed, based on comments by the presidents press secretary. And so Im inclined to grant the restraining order.

A federal judge in D.C. has already issued a temporary restraining order after a lawsuit by the National Council of Nonprofits.

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In their suit, the AGs said Trumps freeze violates the central tenet of our constitution  the separation of powers doctrine  by steamrolling the careful judgments of Congress by refusing to disburse funding for innumerable federal grant programs  some of which are even formula grants dictated by precise statutory formula.

They also argued that the way Trump enacted the freeze  giving the states no notice, and setting a 24-hour deadline before the directive goes into effect  puts the lie to White House claims that funding would only be halted as permissible by law, with grants being reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

The OMB Directive provides no time for federal agencies either to make supported requests for case-by-case exceptions to the Directives directives or to assess adequately whether halting particular grants would or would not be permissible under law, the lawsuit states.

The OMB memo, which was first brought to light by independent reporter Marisa Kabas at The Handbasket, left state agencies, nonprofits, hospitals and citizens alike trying to figure out if vital federal funds had been turned off.

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Dozens of states, including New York, were reporting the Medicaid reimbursement portal was not working Tuesday. Leavitt blamed an outage and claimed that no payments were affected.

The director of the National Head Start Association said their early education grant recipients also werent able to receive reimbursements Tuesday  though their service was restored shortly after an afternoon guidance from the Trump administration specified Head Start was exempt from the order.

_____
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo.  A second man faces felony charges in connection with a deadly gun battle last month in Ferguson.

The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorneys Office has charged Tyrell Cook Jr., 19, with second-degree murder, armed criminal action, unlawful possession, and unlawful use of a weapon in the investigation.

OFallon restaurant says ICE arrested some employees at work

Authorities issued a warrant for Cooks arrest on Wednesday, according to online Missouri court records.

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Cook and another arrested suspect, Clarence Brown, are accused in the death of Ramone-Kaleb Henderson on Dec. 28, 2024. He was found dead in the parking lot of a Schnucks after what Ferguson police initially described as a gun battle.

According to court documents obtained by FOX 2, Brown told police that he went to the Schnucks to trade firearms with Cook. During the transaction, Henderson allegedly tried to rob Cook at gunpoint. A short time later, shots were fired, and Henderson was fatally shot.

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Investigators say that Cook got out of a car and fired shots across the parking lot, some of which struck other uninvolved cars. Surveillance video captured Brown in a different vehicle and Cook on camera as the incident transpired.

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Cook has been ordered to a cash-only bond of $200,000 upon arrest, per Missouri court records.

NOTE: Video is from FOX 2s reporting on Dec. 28, 2024.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
Glasgow has approved a formal consultation on a visitor levy, days after Edinburghs city council voted to introduce a tourist tax on overnight stays.

The city council in Glasgow discussed the issue on Thursday, 30 January and agreed without division to move to a consultation on the levy.

Scotlands largest city is discussing the proposal of taxing visitors by five per cent on accommodation spend, which could provide the local economy with a net income boost between 11.2m and 11.4m.

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Out of the five per cent, 1.5 per cent will be retained by the accommodation provider to cover administrative costs.

The levy would apply to all hotels, hostels, guest houses, bed & breakfasts and self-catering accommodation.

Glasgow currently averages around 2.9 million overnight stays each year, which generates an expenditure of 250m.

A city council spokesman said: The city will consult on proposals for a levy designed to not only support but grow Glasgows tourist and visitor industries, while also delivering benefits for citizens.

It is to be expected that there will be a range of views on the potential introduction of a levy  and that is exactly why the upcoming consultation is such an important part of the process.

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However, it is also important to recognise that the council has already carried out significant additional engagement with the trade and other stakeholders, which has shaped the current proposals.

If the formal consultation is approved and the council chooses to move forward with the plans, there would then be an 18-month implementation period, so the levy would not actually be introduced for a number of years.

The councils initial informal consultation report said that the clear message from the industry is that this money should not be used by the council to plug budget gaps, the outlet said.

It added that its main aim is to grow the value of tourism in Glasgow, and has held initial consultations with trade organisations.

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However, some trade bodies are cautious about the scheme.

Leon Thompson, executive director of UK Hospitality Scotland, told GlasgowLive: Scotland is already an expensive place to visit and we believe that visitor levies will only harm our competitiveness and reputation as a destination for visitors, both from overseas and within the UK.

We are urging any local authorities considering a levy to first consult with businesses and local communities to work out if a levy is the best approach for their area, before moving onto developing a scheme.

UK Hospitality Scotland has been involved in the pre-consultations with the council so far and is working alongside the Greater Glasgow Hotels Association to represent the views of local accommodation businesses.

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Fiona Campbell, the chief executive of the Association of Scotlands Self-Caterers, said: Glasgow City Council must listen to the voice of business who will ultimately be responsible for administering this scheme.

Tourism is a growing part of Glasgows economy so we expect a full economic impact assessment to accompany the proposals.

The meeting comes days after Edinburgh announced it voted to introduce a five per cent surcharge on overnight stays in the city  Scotlandss first-ever tourist tax.

Visitors will pay the levy in the Scottish capital from 24 July 2026 on accommodation that has been booked on or after 1 October 2025.

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The levy, capped at seven nights, is projected to generate up to 50 million annually for the local authority to be reinvested into the citys infrastructure and services.

The Visitor Levy Act became law in September 2024, which allows councils in Scotland to tax overnight accommodation if they wish to do so.

For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast
Jan. 29A New York man accused of being part of an attempted robbery of a FedEx driver has been acquitted by a Montgomery County jury.

Luis Emilio Paula-Jimenez, 23, was found not guilty of one count each of complicity to commit robbery and complicity to commit theft, according to Montgomery County Common Pleas Court documents.

He was initially charged along with Miguel Antonio Bodre, 21, also of New York, connected to Halloween 2024, when Bodre reportedly pushed a FedEx delivery driver on Ashel Court in Washington Twp. and grabbed a package.

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According to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, Bodre tried to flee in a getaway car but deputies intercepted him and Paula-Jimenez, taking both into custody.

Bodre pleaded guilty to one count of robbery on Jan. 9, and was sentenced to up to five years of probation and 100 hours of community service by Montgomery County Common Pleas Judge Elizabeth Ellis.
Iranian filmmaker and actress Soheila Golestani, who was unveiled as part of the International Film Festival Rotterdams (IFFR) Tiger Competition jury, has been barred from leaving Iran to travel to the festival.

Golestani starred in Mohammad Rasoulofs Oscar-nominated The Seed of the Sacred Fig which is screening in the festivals Limelight section.

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Deadline understands that Golestani has been accused of propaganda against the Iranian regime and promoting immorality because of her role in the film, charges which she denies. The court has been held, but no verdict has been issued yet.

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Taking inspiration from Irans Woman Life Freedom protests, the film revolves around a devout man who is promoted to the position of investigating judge at the Revolutionary Court in Tehran, just as his daughters become swept up in the pro-equal rights and democracy movement.

Golestani was slated to sit on the competition jury alongside Yuki Aditya, Winnie Lau, Peter Strickland and Andrea Luka Zimmerman.

RELATED: The Seed Of The Sacred Fig: Read The Screenplay For The Movie That Mohammad Rasoulof Shot In Secret And Forced Him To Flee Iran

The Seed of the Sacred Fig director Mohammad Rasoulof will appear at the festival and is also scheduled to speak on a panel titled Cinema and the Rise of Authoritarianism on February 3.

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Back in Iran, the filmmaker who fled the country last year is wanted by authorities who have sentenced him to eight years in prison alongside a series of physical punishments.

The Seed Of The Sacred Fig Tree premiered in Cannes last May, where it won the Special Jury Prize. Golestani and male lead Missagh Zare were unable to leave Iran for the premiere. Rasoulof signaled their absence by holding up photos of them on red carpet and at the photocall.

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The audacious broad-daylight carjacking and grisly murder in Central Florida last spring perplexed law enforcement officials for months. But authorities now believe the most heinous acts were the handiwork of a one-time nursing student from Puerto Rico who evolved over a decade from teenage burglar to drug trafficker to rampaging thug.

Jordanish Torres-Garcia is said to have sprayed more than a hundred bullets on April 10 at a tow truck driver who had hauled away his illegally parked car. The following day he shot and set ablaze carjacking victim Katherine Guerrero de Aguasvivas, stealing the $170,000 in drug money he knew she was carrying, prosecutors said.

Apprehended the next month and now facing 13 federal charges, the 29-year-old with hair dyed blonde  one of seven people in custody from a dangerous drug ring  could face the death penalty for his crimes.

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A look at Torres-Garcias path to those fateful confrontations shows instances when he might have been stopped earlier, had witnesses been willing to testify or law enforcement officials made different decisions. Earlier on, it shows hints that he may once have been redeemable, enjoying the love of his mother and the respect of younger siblings.

But by the time he came to Central Florida just over four years ago, Torres-Garcias violent direction seemed set. The story lies in pages of court documents reviewed by the Orlando Sentinel, which tell much about what Torres-Garcia did, though they offer little sense of why.

Family members could not be reached for comment. Torres-Garcias Orlando attorney, Roger Weeden, would not comment on the case.

A Bronx, N.Y., native, Torres-Garcias criminal history appears to have begun with an aggravated burglary charge at 16 while living in Puerto Rico, according to court records.

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A few years later, in 2016, he was sentenced in federal court in San Juan for a weapons violation. In that case, defense attorneys and family members in Puerto Rico sought to paint a sympathetic picture of the young man.

His mother, Ruth Garcia, said in a handwritten letter to the judge that her son was well-behaved, friendly and often looked after his siblings. Sonic Torres-Garcia said his elder brother assisted him with school work and helped his neighbors.

I understand that people are not perfect and everyone makes mistakes, Sonic  who has now been arrested for his own alleged misdeeds as an accomplice to Jordanish  said in a letter to the judge.

Jordanish Torres-Garcia proclaimed a personal goal in his own letter to the judge: I dont want to get into any more trouble.

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As his defense attorney, Antonio Bisbal-Bultron, told it, Torres-Garcia had studied for his GED while in a juvenile detention facility, and earned his diploma shortly after being released. He added that Torres-Garcia took classes at a local college to become a nurse.

A third of his life, he has spent under custody, and he has not had a chance to educate himself except for a few months that he was out, Bisbal-Bultron said in the court transcripts. He had no opportunity to be in a community and to develop as a mature adult.

Torres-Garcia likely first moved to Central Florida, where he had relatives, around 2020 after serving his prison stint in Puerto Rico, according to court records. He was required to be in a supervised release program on the island, but he never showed up. So a federal judge issued a warrant for his arrest.

From an Orange County apartment, Torres-Garcia started a drug trafficking operation with Sonic and other individuals that brought nearly a million dollars of cocaine into the area over the next four years, court records say. They mixed the cocaine with fentanyl, packaged it into small plastic baggies, and sold it around the state, investigators said.

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Then the alleged crimes became more ruthless.

They graduated to armed robbery, kidnapping and murder, said Deanne Reuter, a DEA special agent in Miami. They valued personal profit over human life as illustrated by their violent, heinous acts.

In the summer of 2022, an associate, Kevin Ocasio Justiniano, purchased law enforcement tactical gear from a retail store near Orange Blossom Trail for him and Torres-Garcia to conduct home invasion robberies in the area, federal investigators said.

Shortly thereafter, Torres-Garcia and a friend held a man at gunpoint outside a Dunkin Donuts in south Orange County, robbing him of cell phones, jewelry and a handgun, according to an Orange County Sheriffs report.

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Then in November 2022, Torres-Garcia was arrested for threatening to burn his girlfriend to death after she broke off their relationship and wouldnt let him see their young son, according to a Sheriffs report. He had texted her photos of gasoline cans to reinforce the threat.

Authorities discovered he had fled supervision in Puerto Rico, and sent him to prison at Coleman in Sumter County.

But Orange County prosecutors chose not to pursue the robbery and domestic violence cases, dubbing them not suitable for prosecution  primarily because the victims did not want to testify.

Torres-Garcia was released from Coleman in the fall of 2023 and was ordered back to Puerto Rico. But it appears he never left Central Florida.

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Over the course of the next few months, Torres-Garcia and six other conspirators were involved in four robberies and attempted robberies in the Orlando area, prosecutors said.

In one of those incidents, in February 2024, Torres-Garcia, his brother and another accomplice broke into a Poinciana home with a crowbar late at night and held three men and three women in a bedroom while they stole watches, jewelry and other valuables. They later sold them at a local pawnshop.

Finally Jordanish Torres-Garcia crossed the line into murder, prosecutors say.

A month after his green Acura was towed from an Orlando apartment complex because it was illegally parked, he allegedly gunned down the tow truck driver, Juan Luis Cintron, in front of his Taft home on April 10, according to Sheriffs reports and federal prosecutors.

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More than a hundred bullets were fired, U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg said at a Jan. 16 press conference.

The next day, Torres-Garcia and Ocasio Justiniano used the green Acura in the shocking Winter Springs carjacking that led to the murder of Guerrero de Aguasvivas, according to court records. Her body was found riddled with bullet holes inside her torched Dodge Durango in Osceola County.

Her body was so badly burned that she could only later be identified only by DNA evidence, said Handberg, suggesting the actions were an effort to hide her identity.

Hours before the carjacking, Torres-Garcia and Ocasio Justiniano were seen on video surveillance at a Seminole County gas station buying lighter fluid.

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Prosecutors now say Guerrero de Aguasvivas was a courier who drove from South Florida to Casselberry to pick up $170,000 at the home of another drug ring member, Giovany Crespo Hernandez. Torres-Garcia, Ocasio Justiniano and others divvied up the money among themselves after killing her, according to court records.

Ocasio Justiniano pleaded guilty this month to his role in the crime. His sentencing is scheduled for April 15. Prosecutors said in a court filing they would not seek the death penalty.

After his arrest in Orange County last April, Torres-Garcia told investigators he was the one who pointed a semi-automatic AR-15 rifle at Guerrero de Aguasvivas at the Winter Springs intersection.

He claimed that 30 minutes earlier he met a man near Lake Drive in Casselberry who handed him the rifle and told him to carry out the carjacking, according to court records. Torres-Garcia said the rifle was not loaded. It is not known whether he has made further admissions involving the crimes.

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Besides Torres-Garcia and Ocasio Justiniano, Crespo Hernandez and Dereck Rodriguez Bonilla also were named in federal indictments for taking part in the grisly killing.

Other players charged include Anneliz Colon de Jesus, Cesar Silva Fernandez and Sonic Torres-Garcia. They are said to have planned and carried out at least two armed robberies last February that were connected to the larger drug operation.
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP)  Sen. Bill Cassidy has emerged as a central figure in the confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose nomination to health and human services secretary poses an equally consequential moment for the second-term Republican facing an uncertain political future in Louisiana.

A physician-turned-politician, Cassidy has questions about Kennedy's past claims linking common vaccines to autism, a position the gastroenterologist rejects and sought repeatedly to convince the nominee to renounce during a committee hearing Thursday.

Yet, Republicans and voters at home in the state President Donald Trump carried handily are pressing Cassidy, who is up for reelection in 2026, to vote yes.

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Already at odds with a segment of his party for voting to convict Trump during his 2021 impeachment, Cassidy acknowledged his own desire Thursday to see Trump succeed in his second term as president. His questioning of Kennedy on Thursday demonstrated vividly the conflict between Cassidy's medical views and his desire to be an ally to the president and his supporters.

Ultimately Cassidy stopped short of saying whether he will vote to approve Kennedy's nomination, though the hearing did offer some clues.

You may be hearing from me over the weekend, Cassidy said.

Who is Cassidy hearing from?

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There was no ambiguity from Louisiana Republicans in their advice to Cassidy.

Prominent party members, including the state GOPs organizational leader, vocal conservatives and a potential primary challenger, made clear in their public signals to Cassidy that he would be flouting the will of the party were he to oppose the nominee of a candidate who carried Louisiana so handily.

State Surgeon General Ralph Abraham, state Republican Chair Derek Babcock and a conservative coalition in the Louisiana House of Representatives that adopted its congressional counterparts title, the Freedom Caucus, all wrote to Cassidy urging him to vote to confirm Kennedy.

Republican Gov. Jeff Landrys letter sent perhaps the clearest signal to Cassidy. In a letter to Cassidy, his former House colleague and longtime Trump devotee recalled Kennedys appearance in Baton Rouge, and noting Kennedy proved to be an asset to the state as we navigated the edicts of the federal government.

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Republican State Rep. Raymond Crews said Cassidys standing among Louisiana Republicans is riding on his vote on Kennedy.

A vote against Kennedy wouldnt match up with the country, and it particularly doesnt match up with the state of Louisiana, Crews said.

What's Kennedy's Standing among Louisiana's Republican base?

Cassidy acknowledged in his opening to the committee Thursday what Louisiana statehouse Republicans have noticed: Kennedy has a following in Louisiana.

My phone blows up with people who really follow you, Cassidy said, noting the calls he gets urging him to vote to confirm. And there are many who trust you more than they trust their own physician.

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That's, in part, due to Kennedy's appearance before a packed 2021 Louisiana legislative committee hearing in Baton Rouge, when he joined in opposition to then-Gov. John Bel Edwards' proposal to add COVID-19 vaccinations to the list of shots required for Louisiana public school students.

At the invitation of then-Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, Kennedy was hailed during the visit to Baton Rouge by opponents of the Democratic governor's proposal, many of them part of organized parent groups.

The appearance endeared Kennedy to opponents of Edwards' measure, which was defeated in the Republican-controlled legislature, said Louisiana Rep. Julie Emerson, a member of the House Health and Welfare Committee at the time.

He's a bit of a folk hero in Louisiana because of that, Emerson said.

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How does the hearing affect Cassidy's political future?

Cassidy is already unpopular with a segment of Louisiana Republicans for voting in January 2021 to convict Trump after his second impeachment stemming from the Jan. 6, 2021, attack by Trump supporters on the U.S. Capitol. Cassidy's vote came right after he was sworn in to his second term.

He has drawn a primary challenger in state Treasurer John Fleming, and others are considering entering the race against him. Louisiana last year adopted a closed party primary election system, abandoning the jungle primary, which would have given Cassidy a smoother path.

Before, all candidates for Senate  Republicans, Democrats and third-party candidates  ran in the same open primary, where all registered voters could vote. If a candidate didn't get 50 percent in that vote, the top two would face a runoff. That system favored better-known candidates with cross-party appeal. The new primary would draw registered Republicans and GOP-leaning independents.

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Trump, who puts a premium on loyalty to him, has long been troubled by Cassidy for his impeachment vote, say Louisiana Republican insiders, few of whom see any scenario where Trump endorses him. The best possible outcome for Cassidy could be, even if he votes to confirm Kennedy, for Trump to endorse no one.

Still, a vote against Kennedy would be out of step for Cassidy within his state's party, said state Sen. Blake Miquez, a potential Cassidy primary challenger.

We shouldnt be playing the old D.C. games intended to obstruct Trumps agenda, he told The Associated Press.

How did Cassidy Handle Kennedy's hearing?

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Cassidy approached the hearing with obvious nods to his competing allegiances, as a doctor and an elected official representing a state where Trump won 60 percent of the vote.

I want President Trump to be successful, he said in opening the hearing of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee he chairs.

Still, Cassidy sought to elicit from Kennedy  pointedly, if also politely  a commitment to recant statements linking vaccines for measles and Hepatitis B to autism, a connection that has been widely debunked by medical researchers.

Twice during the hearing, Cassidy recalled his 18-year-old patient suffering acute liver failure who needed emergency transplant surgery, which would burden her with medical bills for the rest of her life. Fifty dollars worth of vaccine could have prevented this all, the liver disease specialist said.

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Your past undermining confidence in vaccines with unfounded or misleading arguments concerns me, he said.

Initially, Kennedy seemed conciliatory: If you show me data, I will be the first person to assure the American people that they need to take those vaccines.

Dissatisfied, Cassidy said he was concerned that you've never acquainted yourself with anything that might contradict what you were previously saying.

Then Cassidy took another crack, this time conceding to Kennedy's terms to see the data first. "If the data is brought to you, and these studies have been out there for quite sometime, he said, will you say, I see this. Its stood the test of time.'?

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Offered that caveat, Kennedy was happy to oblige.

Not only will I do that," he said, "I will apologize for any statements that misled people otherwise.

Did Cassidy tip his hand?

Asked by reporters in the days leading up to the hearings, Cassidy said: Im still working through it. I look forward to the hearings and I will allow that to guide my decision.

By suggesting Thursday to Kennedy at the close of the hearing that he might reach Kennedy over the weekend, Cassidy seemed to suggest his concerns had not been allayed.

Repeating in his closing remarks his desire for Trump to succeed, Cassidy returned to Kennedy's answer that he would promote vaccines he had criticized as long as someone demonstrated their safety.

Cassidy said he and Kennedy agreed that families wanted vaccines that were necessary, safe and effective.

But we've approached it differently, he said with an air of understatement.

I think I can say that I've approached it using the preponderance of evidence, he said. And you've approached it using selective evidence to cast doubt.

__

Beaumont reported from Des Moines, Iowa.
Chinese companies and organizations that are caught engaged in intellectual theft of American companies could face heavy sanctions, according to a new bill being introduced by Sen. John Curtis on Thursday.

Under the Combatting Chinas Pilfering of Intellectual Property Act, the U.S. government would be permitted to block assets or restrict immigration of any Chinese individual who is found in violation as part of efforts to increase economic pressure on the Chinese Communist Party to discourage systematic misappropriation of protected American technologies.

Utah is a major hub of entrepreneurship and innovation, and too many of our businesses have seen their intellectual property stolen by Chinese entities  frequently resulting in copycat products sold on sites like Temu, Curtis, R-Utah, said in a statement. This legislation directly punishes Chinese individuals, companies, and organizations who steal American IP and puts pressure on the CCP to stop its widespread trend of IP theft and replicating U.S. technologies.

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The theft of counterfeit goods, pirated software and trade secrets costs the U.S. economy roughly between $225 billion to $600 billion a year, according to the FBI. The same study found that China is the worlds principal infringer of intellectual property by using its own laws and regulations to put foreign companies at a disadvantage.

Former FBI Director Chris Wray said in 2020 that the agency was opening a new China-related counterintelligence case about every 10 hours. During his same remarks at the Hudson Institute, he said economic espionage cases linked to China had increased by around 1,300% over the previous decade.

On Wednesday, OpenAI said it was looking into whether China-based artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek used its data, according to the BBC.

Curtis bill would seek to impose penalties on any person or entity determined to have engaged in a pattern of significant IP theft or has received stolen U.S. IP knowingly, according to bill text examined by the Deseret News.

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The bill would also enforce broad visa and immigration restrictions on Chinese government officials until they take meaningful steps to stop the practice of intellectual property theft. Those restrictions would extend to senior government officials and their immediate family members, Chinese Cabinet members, and active duty officers in the Peoples Liberation Army.

Curtis mentioned the bill during his opening remarks in a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Thursday, during which lawmakers heard from policy experts about the malign influence of the Chinese government.

This week I introduced a bill that intends to put increasing pressure on China with the goal of forcing them to address IP theft coming from their country, Curtis said in his remarks. This is one of the main issues I hear from constituents in my state when it comes to China. From small businesses to universities, IP theft from China is costing the U.S. and estimated $600 billion a year.

He also addressed reports on Chinas AI model at a Committee on Commerce, Science and Technology confirmation hearing for Howard Lutnick, Trumps pick to lead the Commerce Department, on Wednesday. Summarizing his remarks in a social media post, he said, Lets be honestthis is TikTok on steroids. The CCPs influence in Americas digital space is growing, and until theres real accountability, we wont have a fair or productive relationship with China."

Weve heard a lot about Chinas AI model being developed cheaper and better than the U.S. Color me skeptical.



Lets be honestthis is TikTok on steroids. The CCPs influence in Americas digital space is growing, and until theres real accountability, we wont have a fair or pic.twitter.com/nUdw04vHTL  Senator John Curtis (@SenJohnCurtis) January 30, 2025

Curtis previously introduced similar legislation last year when he served in the House, although the bill was not brought to the floor for a full vote.
WASHINGTON  Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) delivered a fiery rebuke Thursday of President Donald Trumps health and human services nominee, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and his history of fanning conspiracy theories about vaccines, becoming emotional as she described raising a son with cerebral palsy and the need to build on settled science.

During Kennedys confirmation hearing, Hassan called it disturbing that some Republicans have accused Democrats of opposing Kennedys nomination for partisan reasons. In fact, she said, Democratic senators take their role seriously when it comes to vetting potential Cabinet secretaries, and many have concerns about Kennedys distrust of science.

You may not know that I am the proud mother of a 36-year-old young man with severe cerebral palsy, Hassan said, choking up. A day does not go by when I dont think about, What did I do when I was pregnant with him that might have caused the hydrocephalus that has so impacted his life?

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The New Hampshire Democrat condemned the suggestion that any senator, in either party, doesnt want to know what causes autism.

Do you know how many friends I have with children who have autism? she asked, her voice rising. The problem with this witness response on the autism cause and the relationship to vaccines is because hes relitigating and churning settled science. So we cant go forward and find out what the cause of autism is and treat these kids and help these families.

Directly addressing Kennedy, Hassan referenced a well-known and now-debunked 1998 study linking vaccines and autism, saying it rocked my world and left her worried like any mother about whether vaccines had done something to her son. In fact, that study, which only involved 12 children and went on to be extensively reviewed, turned out to be wrong. The medical journal that originally published it retracted it.

Sometimes science is wrong. We make progress, said the New Hampshire Democrat. When you continue to sow doubt about settled science, it makes it impossible for us to move forward. So thats what the problem is here.

Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) tore into Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s history of fanning conspiracy theories linking autism and vaccines. Getty Images

Kennedy didnt say anything in response as Hassan moved on with questions about Medicaid. When she wrapped up, people in the audience clapped.

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Its not clear if Kennedy has the votes to be confirmed. His record of spreading vaccine misinformation and his shaky understanding of how federal health programs work have alarmed senators in both parties. He also has to clear two Senate panels: the Finance Committee, which held its confirmation hearing Wednesday, and the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, which held Thursdays hearing.

Kennedy didnt do so well in Wednesdays hearing, flubbing basic questions from Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), who is a physician, about how Medicaid works. And on Thursday, he raised eyebrows with his responses to questions about vaccine safety from Cassidy, who chairs the health panel. The Louisiana Republican has been mum on whether he will support Kennedys nomination.

Trump first began considering Kennedy for the Cabinet post after Kennedy dropped his presidential bid against him in August.

Related...
Benjie Wimberly, left, being sworn in to the state Seante by Senate President Nicholas Scutari in Trenton on Jan. 30, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Senate Democrats)

Two lawmakers were sworn in to their new seats in the Legislature Thursday to fill vacancies left by reshuffling in Congress and the upper chamber.

Sen. Benjie Wimberly was sworn in at the beginning of the Senate session Thursday with his family beside him. The Passaic County Democrat, who is moving to the upper chamber after seven terms in the Assembly, said he plans to tackle similar issues as he did in the Assembly, like housing, health care, and college affordability.

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Im not shifting too much on my goals, just in a different house now, Wimberly said.

Senate President Nick Scutari (D-Union), who swore in Wimberly, said he looks forward to working with the new senator.

Wimberly replaces Rep. Nellie Pou (D-09), who left the Senate when she became the first Latina to represent New Jersey in the House of Representatives. Wimberly was chosen by Democratic county committee members in the 35th Legislative District to take Pous place, beating out Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter by one vote, according to the New Jersey Globe.

Balvir Singh being sworn in to the Assembly by Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, left, in Trenton on Jan. 30, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Assembly Democrats)

Assemblyman Balvir Singh (D-Burlington) was also sworn in Thursday to replace Rep. Herb Conaway Jr. (D-03), who also won election to the House in November. Singh, a former Burlington County commissioner, also previously served on the Burlington Township school board.

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Singh is the first Sikh member of the state Legislature. He was born in Punjab, India, and moved to New Jersey as a child.

Im so looking forward to this great journey, said Singh, who was sworn in by Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin (D-Middlesex).

In a statement, Coughlin said Singhs background in education and public service will undoubtedly make him a powerful advocate for his constituents and a key voice in the Caucus moving forward.

Singh is the third person to join the Assembly this month. On Jan. 23, Assemblywoman Melinda Kane (D-Camden) replaced Pamela Lampitt, who left the Assembly to become Camden Countys clerk, and Assemblyman Al Abdelaziz took Wimberlys place.

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As Donald Trumps meme coins spark a surge in crypto interest, Wall Street Pepe, MIND of Pepe, and Meme Index emerge as the most promising meme coins under $0.01, ready to capitalize on the upcoming bull run.

Donald Trumps recent entry into the cryptocurrency market with the launch of Official Trump ($TRUMP) and Melania Meme ($MELANIA) has reignited interest in meme coins, driving search trends to their highest levels since 2021.

The buzz surrounding these tokens has attracted a wave of new investors, with 42% of $TRUMP buyers being first-time crypto investors.

While $TRUMP and $MELANIA have already seen sharp declines post-launch, their impact on the crypto market is undeniable. The attention theyve brought to meme coins has created opportunities for innovative projects, particularly those with strong fundamentals and low entry points.

As the market braces for its biggest bull run in years, three meme coins under $0.01Wall Street Pepe ($WEPE), MIND of Pepe ($MIND), and Meme Index ($MEMEX)stand out as top contenders for massive returns. Lets explore why these projects are worth your attention.

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Why These Meme Coins Could Thrive in 2025

The upcoming crypto bull run, fuelled by growing institutional interest and increased adoption, is expected to push Bitcoin and altcoins to new heights. Meme coins, known for their explosive potential, stand to benefit the most.

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The meme coin space is evolving, with projects like Wall Street Pepe, MIND of Pepe, and Meme Index leading the charge. These tokens not only embrace the fun and community-driven aspects of meme culture but also deliver tangible value to investors.

As the market prepares for its biggest bull run yet, these three projects stand out as top contenders to watch. Dont miss your chance to invest early and ride the wave of innovation in the crypto world.
Jan. 29It's official: Greg Nibert has been confirmed as the newest Public Regulation commissioner.

The Senate on Wednesday unanimously confirmed his appointment by the governor, which Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced earlier this month. Nibert will serve on the PRC until 2031 making an annual salary of $190,000.

The Roundhouse confirmation was a familiar environment for Nibert, who served in the Legislature from 2017 to 2024. His former colleagues on both sides of the aisle sang his praises and gave him a standing ovation upon his confirmation.

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Nibert, who's an attorney, lost his primary election race last year. As someone who served in both the House and the Senate, Nibert will better communications between the PRC and the Legislature as well as the Governor's Office, said Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque, on the floor.

She added that the PRC really needed an attorney.

"I do believe this is one of our governor's best appointments," Stewart said.

She also joked that Nibert has a new nickname: "slash"  because legislators didn't know whether to call him representative or senator, and ended up calling him representative-slash-senator.

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Many other senators noted that Nibert has a balanced and even-tempered demeanor that will serve the PRC well.

Sen. George Munoz, D-Gallup, said the PRC was "in trouble for a long time," often embroiled in scandals, but a recent overhaul of the agency helped turn that around.

"I'm here to help you succeed. I'm here to help the PRC succeed," Munoz told Nibert at his confirmation hearing on the floor. "We need the best in New Mexico. You are one of the best."

In a Senate Rules Committee meeting held earlier in the day, Chair Katy Duhigg, D-Albuquerque, brought up Nibert's former work as a partner with the Hinkle Law Firm. He sometimes represented energy clients, something some environmental advocates have been concerned could cause conflicts of interest at the PRC.

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In response, Nibert said nobody from the law firm's Roswell office  where he worked  in the last 40 years has appeared before the PRC. He added that a former partner did occasionally appear before the PRC, though, and he doesn't have a personal relationship with that lawyer.

"I'd have to look at each case individually and separately, and make that assessment," he said.

Duhigg said she has no concerns about Nibert in the position, where he would be doing the same analysis legislators would ask of anyone in a rule-enforcing position.

"I'm prepared to do that analysis if those things come up, and I'll have to make judgements on a case-by-case basis," Nibert said.

The conversation was somewhat similar to that of the PRC confirmations in 2023, to ensure the regulators don't have unethical business interests. Nibert will serve alongside Commissioners Pat O'Connell and Gabriel Aguilera.
The Senate on Wednesday confirmed former Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.) to take the helm of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

He was confirmed in a 56-42 vote. Democrats Mark Kelly (Ariz.), John Fetterman (Pa.) and Ruben Gallego (Ariz.) voted with Republicans in favor of his confirmation.

Zeldin was a surprise pick for the EPA administrator role because during his congressional tenure, he was more well known for working on international affairs.

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But he has been a major defender of President Trump, including during the presidents first impeachment in 2019.

During his confirmation hearing, Democrats pressed Zeldin on climate change  given Trumps frequent dismissal of the phenomenon as a hoax. They questioned him about opinion pieces he was paid to author, including those that reportedly criticized a variety of climate actions.

Despite those tensions, Zeldin was not expected to face as tough a confirmation battle as other Trump picks, such as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who was confirmed by the Senate on Friday, and Health and Human Services nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who faced tough questioning from Democrats on Wednesday.

During his confirmation hearing, Zeldin stated that he believes climate change is real, but he defended Trumps comments calling it a hoax.

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As far as President Trump goes, the context that I have heard him speak about it was with a criticism of policies that have been enacted because of climate change, Zeldin said earlier this month. I think that hes concerned about the economic cost of some policies.

In a post on X, Zeldin thanked Trump and the senators who voted for him.

CONFIRMED! Thank You to the 56 Senators for your vote and confidence, he wrote. Grateful to President @realDonaldTrump for having the faith in me to be part of his Cabinet as @EPA Administrator.

Make America Great Again! he added.

Zeldins Democratic opponents cited climate change in their opposition to his nomination.

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We need an  EPA administrator who will take climate change seriously, treat the science honestly, and stand up where necessary to the political pressure that will be coming from the White House  and from the huge fossil fuel forces that propelled him into office, said Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) during a speech on the Senate floor.

I have nothing against Lee Zeldin personally, but the likelihood of him standing against that fossil fuel bulldozer that is coming at him is essentially zero, Whitehouse added.

Republicans cheered Zeldins confirmation, saying that he will be able to implement Trumps deregulatory agenda from the EPAs top perch.

Lee is primed and ready to slash the mountains of backwards regulations at the EPA to restore primacy of states and common sense, said Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) in a written statement . I look forward to working with him as he brings some sanity back to EPA and makes the bureaucracy work for the people it purportedly serves.

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 Updated at 5:16 p.m. EST

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Senate Democrats are starting to revolt against President Trumps agenda on Capitol Hill amid fallout from an initial freeze on all foreign assistance, warning Republicans that failure to work together will incur consequences.

Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) on Thursday reversed support for Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), Trumps nominee for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, as uncertainty and chaos plague U.S-funded aid projects around the world following stop-work orders issued by the administration last week.

I was inclined to vote for Elise Stefanik for U.N. ambassador, but as the days have unfolded, I have become more and more alarmed at the scope and reach of the impact of the freeze on funding for activities for USAID around the world, and have said Im not going to vote for nominees until its reversed, Coons said during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee business meeting, referring to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

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Stefaniks nomination advanced out of the Republican-led committee on Thursday with support from some Democrats, setting her up for a floor vote.

But Coonss opposition, as well as that from other Democrats on the committee, follows moves by Democrats earlier this week to stymie Trumps agenda amid outrage over the presidents flood of executive actions.

Democrats on Tuesday succeeded in blocking Republican-led legislation to sanction the International Criminal Court (ICC), and nearly two dozen Democrats voted against Trumps nominee for Transportation secretary, in part over outrage regarding an initial freeze by Trump on U.S. federal funding.

Still, Democrats have few good options to block Trumps agenda on the Senate floor, where Republicans hold a slight majority, 53 to 47.

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But some Republicans have defected in the face of Trumps most controversial actions. Trump rescinded the domestic, federal funding freeze amid outrage from Republicans. And last week, Vice President Vance was required to break a tie vote for Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth after three Republican senators voted no.

The Senates filibuster is one way Democrats hold power to block legislation. The vote on the ICC bill Tuesday failed to garner the 60 votes needed as Democrats largely united in rejecting a measure they opposed over content, not merit. They criticized Republicans as failing to reach a bipartisan agreement.

Democrats could slow-roll the Cabinet confirmation process by imposing a hold on nominees. But Democrats have not publicly expressed support for this action, and criticized Republicans in the previous Congress for holds on then-President Bidens nominees.

Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) said its too early to tell if outrage against Trump will unify Democrats completely against the presidents agenda, especially on areas viewed as important to U.S. national security.

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While Schatz voted to advance Stefaniks nomination out of the committee, he said it was a close call because of his frustration over the foreign aid freeze.

For me, if they resolve this foreign aid pause, that will go a long way in demonstrating that we still have some bipartisan consensus that we want to be powerful across the world.

Schatz said he voted for Stefanik because he had committed earlier to being a yes, adding my word is my bond.

But he urged his Republican colleagues to keep up pressure on the State Department to clarify exemptions for aid and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) providing lifesaving work despite the initial stop-work orders.

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a memo Tuesday night exempting some humanitarian assistance and lifesaving medication distribution from the stop-work orders, but the initial order produced a chilling effect on NGOs, and its not clear what operations have resumed.

The money is not flowing, Schatz said, explaining that an NGO warned him babies would be dying by the weekend if action to restore funding is not clear.

This is not the kind of thing we can get back to on Monday, we all have to exert pressure and make sure the State Department gets this right, and Im talking about in the next 24 hours.

At least two other Democrats present at the committee business meeting voted no on Stefaniks nomination on the basis of opposition to her foreign policy positions and in response to the funding freeze. Not all senators were present for the initial vote, but they are being recorded.

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Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), the ranking member of the Foreign Relations panel, voted to advance Stefaniks nomination but said the Trump administration was betting on Republicans holding back criticism of the foreign aid freeze.

I resent hearing, not from Secretary Rubio, but from other members of the administration, that the only people who care about these issues are Democrats, and this is a Democrat versus Republican issue, Shaheen said.

I dont happen to believe that.  I hope that all of you on the other side of the aisle will point out this is not a partisan issue, this is about what are we going to do to ensure that our influence continues around the world in the interest of our own national security.

Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho) said he agreed with Shaheen that foreign aid is not a partisan issue, though he has backed the freeze.

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Admittedly there have been some inconveniences along the line, but theyre continuing to work on this, he said.

Although it was supposed to hold certain humanitarian assistance exempt, the foreign aid freeze has still stopped work on democratic resilience programs, anti-corruption efforts, education initiatives and infrastructure development, among other programs. Democrats and Republicans have generally supported these programs as an essential tool of Americas soft power that pushes back against influence from adversaries and competitors like China and Russia.

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The vote on SB 71 sends the legislation to the House at a time when Gov. Kelly Ayotte has made the abolishment of sanctuary city policies a key focus of her administration. (File photo by Dana Wormald/New Hampshire Bulletin)

The New Hampshire Senate passed a bill Thursday that would ban sanctuary city policies in which communities bar local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities, part of a Republican push to tighten immigration laws in the state.

All eight Senate Democrats voted against the bill, Senate Bill 71; 15 Senate Republicans voted in favor.

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The bill would bar local governmental entities from prohibiting or impeding federal law enforcement agencies from enforcing federal immigration laws.

It would specifically stop policies prohibiting cooperation with the enforcement of Title 8 of the United States Code. And it would allow the states attorney general to sue any city or town that violated the chapter.

Republicans in the chamber also passed Senate Bill 62, which would enable law enforcement officials to enter into agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other federal agencies to help enforce federal immigration law. And they passed Senate Bill 13, which would invalidate any drivers license given to an undocumented person by another state in the eyes of New Hampshire law. Those two bills also passed along party lines.

The vote on SB 71 sends the legislation to the House at a time when Gov. Kelly Ayotte has made the abolishment of sanctuary city policies a key focus of her administration.

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And it comes as Democrats debate how best to respond to the bills. In the House Criminal Justice Committee, Democrats joined Republicans in unanimously recommending a different anti-sanctuary city bill; Democrats there said they had done so strategically because the amended bill is less severe than the original bill.

Speaking on the Senate floor, Sandown Republican Sen. Bill Gannon, the bills prime sponsor, argued SB 71 is necessary because New Hampshire needs to send the message that it is not welcoming to undocumented immigration.

Its our responsibility to the residents of New Hampshire to make it known that the only immigration that New Hampshire welcomes is legal immigration, he said. Gannon also connected undocumented immigration to crime and said deporting people who are arrested and are in New Hampshire illegally would make the state safer.

Gannons bill would affect policies in communities like Lebanon and Hanover, which have welcoming ordinances that bar coordination of local law enforcement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

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Sen. Suzanne Prentiss, a Democrat from Lebanon, argued that even in cities like Lebanon, people who are undocumented and arrested and convicted of a crime are still sent to immigration authorities.

If you are a criminal, if you are arrested, you are brought up on a criminal charge, then you are moved through the system, she said. So any assertion that we are welcoming and harboring has just not played out in the numbers.

And Prentiss said if the concern is public safety, lawmakers should focus on recruiting and retaining law enforcement and first responders, rather than focusing on undocumented people.

Sen. Daryl Abbas, a Salem Republican, countered that the sanctuary policies still had the potential to allow people who are undocumented and violent to be released from jail when they should be deported.

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You can have a terrorist in your custody at the state level, but youre going to release that person because of a sanctuary policy? he said. That completely contradicts any public safety provision, and it actually makes the state less safe.

The House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee voted to recommend House Bill 511 last week, a similar bill. But HB 511 is much more detailed, and it has been amended in a way that secured Democratic support.

An initial version of HB 511 stated that a law enforcement agency shall use best efforts to support the enforcement of federal immigration law. The amended version that passed the committee expanded that language, stating only that law enforcement shall comply with immigration detainers sent by federal agencies against people they are holding in custody. But the amended version clarifies that no state or local law enforcement may actively investigate or help investigate the citizenship status of someone they have in custody; they may only respond to direct ICE detainer requests.

Rep. David Meuse, a Portsmouth Democrat sitting on the Criminal Justice Committee, explained in a Facebook post that his vote was a harm reduction measure. Since Republicans may have had the votes to pass this legislation unamended, Democrats on the committee worked hard and worked together to try to mitigate and minimize its potential harm, he wrote.

HB 511 will come up for a vote on the House floor in the coming weeks.
Senate Republicans are recommending President Trump issue an executive order to sanction the International Criminal Court (ICC) for its pursuit of war crimes cases against Israel, after Senate Democrats blocked sanctions legislation absent a bipartisan compromise.

The appeal comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet Trump at the White House on Feb. 4.

Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said he has encouraged Trump to issue the executive order and said the president was responsive, but he didnt elaborate.

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Thats all I want to say at this point. Im confident that well get it, Risch told reporters on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, the day after the failed floor vote.

I would have preferred to have Congress speak on it. But if they wont help, lets let Trump do it.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu and his former Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant last spring on allegations Israel used starvation as a weapon of war during the conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

The U.S. is one of the few countries that Netanyahu can visit without fear of arrest. Countries that are parties to the ICC are compelled to act on arrest warrants from the court.

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Presidents from both parties along with a majority of GOP and Democratic lawmakers have criticized the ICCs arrest warrants as illegitimate because Israel is not a party to the court. They also criticize the court for going after countries that have robust judicial systems to investigate themselves, like the U.S. and Israel.

Trump issued sanctions on the court during his first term in office over their pursuit of war crimes investigations against U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan. He used national emergency authorities in an executive order that criticized the court as overreaching in its investigations of U.S. allies. The order did not name Israel.

Former President Biden used an executive order to terminate Trumps national emergency and ICC sanctions when he entered office, and the ICC dropped the Afghanistan investigations a few months later.

While Trump revoked Bidens executive order on day one of his second term, the pathway to impose new sanctions on the ICC is not entirely clear.

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Without an active investigation into U.S. actions, it is harder for Trump to make the case that the Courts actions necessitate the declaration of a national emergency for the United States, Tess Bridgeman and Rebecca Hamilton wrote in Just Security, an online security publication.

Democrats blocked a GOP bill this week to sanction the ICC, but their objection was to the failure to reach a bipartisan compromise, not to the merit of the bill.

Theres not a whole lot of love lost for the ICC, said a senior Democratic staffer, criticizing the ICCs Afghanistan investigation and arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, criticized the ICC legislation text as being overly broad, as it would open up American allies and U.S. businesses that contract with the court to sanctions.

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She also sought to impose sanctions that targeted the Israel investigations but preserved Washingtons ability to cooperate in investigations into Russian war crimes in Ukraine, or other global atrocities like the civil war in Sudan.

The senior Democratic staffer said Shaheen was still open to negotiations with Republicans on a way forward, but Risch shot that down.

I think at this point, theyve had their shot, and we negotiated with them. Theyve had their shot. I think next what we need to do is have Trump go back and put the sanctions on just like he did, before Biden took them off. Its a lot easier route to go.

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Tulsi Gabbard is on shaky ground with Senate Republicans. This week will determine if the director of national intelligence nominee will be able to find her footing.

Ahead of a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing Thursday, the fate of Gabbards nomination rests in the hands of a small handful of undecided GOP senators: Maines Susan Collins, Indianas Todd Young, Kentuckys Mitch McConnell and Utahs John Curtis.

Its not clear that Gabbard can make it to the Senate floor. With a one-seat GOP majority on the Intelligence Committee and Democrats on the panel firmly opposed, the opposition of any one Republican there could stop her nomination cold. At least three Republicans who sit on the committee are undecided given her unconventional background and past criticism of the national security establishment.

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The former Democratic lawmaker from Hawaii doesnt have a cache of goodwill she can trade and will instead need to win over her GOP skeptics on and off the panel  including in a closed-door session where they will push her on sensitive intelligence issues.

The key to it all, of course, is the hearing  and how she handles the questions and then well see where it goes from there, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said in an interview last week.

Here are the senators were watching heading into Thursday and beyond:



Susan Collins (R-Maine)

Collins is viewed as the Republican on the Intelligence Committee most likely to vote against Gabbard.

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Thats partially because of Collins history as the last remaining blue-state GOP moderate who is willing to break with her party at times. She voted against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth last week.

Its also because Collins has voiced lingering questions for Gabbard even after meeting with her late last year. During the closed-door discussion, Collins pressed Gabbard on her previous visit with deposed Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, her views on Ukraine and Russian President Vladimir Putin, and a resolution Gabbard backed in the House in support of NSA leaker Edward Snowden.

Collins has remained undecided since then, signaling she still has unresolved questions about matters that include Gabbards position on a key U.S. surveillance program. Expect Collins to bring it up Thursday.

We're Also Watching...

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), who often votes alongside Collins against some of Trumps nominees (including Hegseth). And while she does not sit on Intel, she also has a vested interest in Gabbards position on Russia, given its stepped-up military activities near Alaska.

Todd Young (R-Ind.)

Young, who also sits on the Intelligence Committee, hasnt yet said if he will support Gabbards nomination, citing the upcoming hearing.

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Republicans view Young as a potential no vote given the reputation he has developed as a proponent of a muscular American foreign policy even as his party embraces isolationism. He was also one of only a few congressional Republicans who publicly said they wouldnt back Trump during the presidential election.

Young has downplayed that he has active concerns about Gabbard, whom he met with earlier this month. But hes also made clear that he has unresolved questions that he intends to press her on during the hearing.

Were Also Watching...

Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), who also sits on the intelligence panel and has kept mum on Gabbards nomination, explaining that he doesnt make decisions on nominees before their hearings.

Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)

McConnells no vote on Hegseth should be viewed as a red flag for Gabbard.

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The former top GOP leader hasnt weighed in directly on Gabbards nomination  a spokesperson declined to comment this week  but his worldview is in many ways a complete mirror image of Gabbards. She has been critical of surveillance programs McConnell has championed, and they are polar opposites on issues such as the U.S. role in supporting Ukraine in its war with Russia.

McConnell has already drawn a red line on Trumps national security nominees, saying in a floor speech earlier this year that he would support picks whose record and experience will make them immediate assets, not liabilities, in the pursuit of peace through strength."

He didnt mention Gabbard by name, but the speech was viewed as a warning shot for Trumps potential intel chief. And his long statement opposing Hegseth last week could easily be rewritten for Gabbard.

Were Also Watching...

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a close Trump ally who has said would like to vote for all of Trumps nominees. But the long-time defense hawk has expressed qualms about Gabbards past support for Syria.

John Curtis (R-Utah)

Curtis emerged as a wildcard when he said during a recent POLITICO event that Gabbard hadnt done enough at that point to earn his support.

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"The biggest problem for me is she's been so low-profile," he said. "The others have come to my office and so if you go back to that analogy of a sheet of music, her sheet's pretty blank for me. I need more information to start filling that in, and, look, if I can't fill that in, I can't vote for her."

Though most first-term GOP senators are squarely in Trumps wing of the party, Curtis is viewed as more moderate-minded, making him a potential swing vote. But he also came around to supporting Hegseth after initially indicating that he was undecided.

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Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) has chosen his words carefully on Gabbard. Asked about her prospects, he said in an interview that he has a presumption of a yes vote for nominees who get unanimous GOP support in committee. If that werent the case, he said he would be ready to take a closer look.

John Sakellariadis contributed to this report.


Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has said over and over again that he is not against vaccines, despite his long record of spreading vaccine misinformation.

Addressing senators wary of confirming him to be secretary of health and human services, Kennedy has claimed he simply wants to promote safety and transparency  that, if the evidence shows vaccines are safe, he will support them.

But the answer is a dodge, because it implies theres an active scientific debate over vaccine safety. Thereisnot. On Thursday, a group of senators questioning Kennedy made that clear.

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It happened during Kennedys second day of Senate confirmation hearings, this time before the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee (HELP). And it started right away with questions from the chairman, Louisiana Republican Bill Cassidy, who is also a physician.

Will you say unequivocally  and without qualification, Cassidy said, that the measles and hepatitis B vaccines do not cause autism?

Kennedy started into his standard answer  Senator, I am not going into the agency with any kind of   when Cassidy stopped him mid-sentence.

Thats kind of a yes-or-no question, Cassidy said. The data is there.

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This went on for about a minute, with Kennedy again saying hed support the vaccines if the data showed they were safe, and Cassidy again saying theres no if.

The data, Cassidy noted, have been out there for quite some time and have been peer reviewed, and it shows that these two vaccines are not associated with autism.

Cassidys statement was accurate.

Vaccines in the U.S. are subject to rigorous safety review before and after approval. Fears they lead to autism trace back to a discredited study the journal ended up withdrawing; multiple studies since then have shown no link.

Sanders Makes It Simple; Hassan Makes It Personal

Cassidy moved on when Kennedy reaffirmed that he would admit vaccines were safe  and even apologize for suggesting otherwise  if he saw the evidence.

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But then it was time for Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) to ask his questions. And Sanders made his question simple: Vaccines do not cause autism, do you agree with that?

Kennedy started with the same answer hed given before, Im not going to go into HHS with any preordained .

Sanders was having none of it. I asked you a simple question, Bobby, Sanders interjected.

Studies all over the world say it does not. What do you think?

Senator, Kennedy said, if you show me those  I will absolutely .

One more time, Sanders stopped him.

That is a very troubling response. The studies are there, Sanders said.

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Other senators also pressed Kennedy on vaccines, including Maggie Hassan, the New Hampshire Democrat who talked about her experience as the mother of a child with cerebral palsy.

Choking up, Hassan said that not a day goes by when she doesnt worry whether something she did as a parent led to his condition. Parents of children with autism, Hassan went on to say, have tortured themselves with the same question.

The problem with this witness response on the autism cause and the relationship to vaccines is that hes relitigating and churning settled science, so we cant go forward and find out what the cause of autism is, and treat these kids and help these families, Hassan said.

Cassidy Is The One To Watch

The HELP Committee wont actually vote on whether to send Kennedys nomination to the Senate floor. Thats the job of the Finance Committee, where Kennedy testified Wednesday.

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But the questioning from HELPs members can offer hints about how the panels members would vote on Kennedy in a floor vote.

Hassan, Sanders and other Democratic caucus members are nearly certain to vote against him, and most Republicans are going to vote for him  if not because they agree with Kennedys views then because they want to support President Donald Trumps nominee.

Cassidys vote remains an open question.

In his opening statement, which included a story about a past patient with a vaccine-preventable disease, Cassidy cited his expertise as a physician and his commitment to good science. And hes broken with Trump before, most famously when he voted to convict the (then) former president in 2021 impeachment proceedings.

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But that vote has drawn the ire of Trump supporters, one of whom is now challenging Cassidy in the Republican primary for the 2026 Senate race.

It would likely take four Republican no votes on the floor to stop a Kennedy nomination, given the partisan balance in the chamber, and Cassidy is just one member (although he also has a vote on the Finance Committee).

But Cassidys position as a physician could give him extra sway over his fellow Republicans. Or, at the very least, it could give Republicans extra political cover if they decide they want to break with Trump on this nomination.
Senators on Thursday probed former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald Trumps nominee to become the nations chief intelligence official, on a controversial surveillance program that critics contend puts marginalized communities at disproportionate risk.

The Democrat-turned-Republican and Trump supporter has shifted her stances on a variety of topics, including Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Service Act (FISA), which has been criticized by progressives and conservative libertarians alike.

As director of national intelligence, Gabbard would have broad jurisdiction to coordinate surveillance programs that advocates say could be used to target marginalized communities, mass protest movements and Trumps political enemies.

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Historically, these surveillance programs get misused against marginalized groups, said Kia Hamadanchy, a senior policy counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union. I think thats something weve seen in the operations of these programs over the years.

Its been very routine for the FBI to use 702 in all sorts of investigations, which has led to it being used in improper ways, he added.

Section 702 allows for wide-ranging warrantless government surveillance. The program is, in theory, supposed to be used only to gather intelligence on foreign nationals suspected of being connected to terrorist activity. Proponents of the program argue its critical for protecting national security, citing its role in helping intelligence officials thwart planned terrorist attacks.

But it has also been abused over the years. An opinion from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) and released by the office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) found the FBI misused the vast database of communications collected under Section 702 to search for information on whether those arrested in Black Lives Matter protests had ties to suspected terrorists. Agents also improperly used the database to search for information on suspects in the January 6, 2021, attack at the Capitol, as well as 19,000 donors to a congressional campaign, the court found.

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As a Democratic member of the House representing Hawaiis 2nd District, Gabbard was a longtime critic of Section 702 and introduced legislation to repeal it.

But ahead of her confirmation hearing in front of the Senate intelligence committee, Gabbard reversed her previous anti-702 position, telling Punchbowl News: I will uphold Americans Fourth Amendment rights while maintaining vital national security tools like Section 702 to ensure the safety and freedom of the American people.

Some privacy advocates and lawmakers on both sides of the issue remained skeptical by Gabbards about-face, and the subject became a major focus of her hearing.

I think I dont find your change of heart credible, said Democratic Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, the panels vice chair. Because the world today is more complex and more dangerous than ever before, and we need serious people with sufficient experience to be able to navigate that complexity.

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Its really funny what people will do to try to be able to grab the brass ring and have some power, right? Thats really my observation here, said Patrick G. Eddington, a senior fellow in homeland security and civil liberties at the libertarian-leaning Cato Institute.

I think its very difficult not to read that change of viewpoint as being extremely politically motivated, Eddington added.

In an at-times contentious hearing, senators from both political parties intensely questioned Gabbard on her qualifications and her views on a wide variety of topics. They included her past expressions of sympathy for Edward Snowden, who is responsible for one of the largest intelligence leaks in U.S. history; her controversial January 2017 trip to Syria and Lebanon, during which she met with the now-deposed Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad; and her past comments appearing to blame NATO for Russias invasion of Ukraine. Many senators were not satisfied with her answers.

Were the Senate. We get to decide whether were going to confirm this nominee. Obviously, we didnt select this nominee, said an exasperated Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado. But cant we do better than somebody who doesnt believe in 702, somebody who cant answer whether Snowden was a traitor five times today, who made excuses for Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine? The first time that Im aware of any American official has done that. Im questioning her judgment. Thats the issue thats at stake here.

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Before the hearings, Eddington was also concerned about Kash Patel, Trumps pick to lead the FBI, whose intelligence activities are overseen by the director of national intelligence and whose confirmation hearing was also held on Thursday.

There are a lot of tools that would be available to whoever Trumps FBI director winds up being to target his political opponents if thats really what he wants to do, he said.

At the hearing, Gabbard said Section 702 was essential for national security along with safeguards protecting Americans Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable search and seizure. She said subsequent reforms passed by Congress addressed many of her concerns about the program.

Some of those reforms that you enacted were specific to some of the legislation that I introduced back when I was in Congress, such as prohibiting the abouts collection as well, Gabbard said, a broad-ranging form of intelligence collection.

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But she appeared to give differing answers as to whether she supports a warrant requirement for 702 queries that involve U.S. citizens. When questioned by Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, a longtime privacy advocate and 702 critic, Gabbard reaffirmed the written responses she provided to the committee in which she said she supported such a requirement except in exigent circumstances.

But in response to a question from Sen. John Cornyn, Gabbard said she was aware that FISC has overwhelmingly held that a warrant is not required for 702 searches. She declined to answer when pressed by the Texas Republican about whether she disagrees with those rulings and said throughout the hearing that a warrant requirement would be up to Congress to decide.

The decision about a warrant requirement will be yours to make, not mine as director of national intelligence, Gabbard told GOP Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota.

Gabbards answers on the matter did not appear to satisfy Warners concerns about her support for the program.

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On 702, Im candidly confused, he told Gabbard toward the end of the hearing.

Both former DNI John Ratcliffe, Trumps nominee for CIA director, and Patel indicated in their hearings that they believed a warrant requirement would be impractical and unworkable. The contrast between Patel and Gabbards answers stuck out to analysts, especially in light of a recent ruling from Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York that warrantless backdoor 702 searches violate the Fourth Amendment.

I doubt seriously that Patel wouldve made the statement unless the response was worked out with White House officials in advance of his confirmation hearing, Eddington wrote Thursday. If thats the case, its only a matter of time before the administration appeals Judge Halls decision, ensuring the legal and political fight over the FISA Section 702 program will play out during 2025.

As the principal intelligence adviser to the president, a central part of the job of the DNI is to coordinate relevant information from the FBI director and the other leaders in the intelligence community and decide what makes it to the Oval Office.

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Gabbard previously deployed to Iraq as a member of the Hawaii Army National Guard and

later joined the U.S. Army Reserve, where she attained the rank of lieutenant colonel. Senators from both parties commended Gabbards military service but questioned her judgment.

As is the case with so many of Trumps nominees, as a general rule, they simply dont have the qualifications for the job, Eddington said. She has no prior intelligence community experience. And the reason that concerns me is that the people in the bureaucracy who are still going to be there and who are very much in the status quoif she were to get confirmed, they would run rings around her.

The post Senators question Tulsi Gabbard about controversial surveillance program appeared first on The 19th.

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SENECA, Mo.  Campus construction is in focus on a southwest Missouri school district asking for voter support later this spring.

We have our agriculture over there, were gonna have our wood shop over there, said Dan Hueller, SHS principal.

A brand new career education center on the Seneca High School campus.

Right now we get, we offer our kids CTEC, but theyre able to go there their junior and senior year. We want to give our kids an opportunity with coming into ninth grade, that you get some of these hands-on things, introduce them to a lot of different things that they might enjoy. You know, we want to hit up these kids a lot younger than what were doing right now, said Hueller.

Just one part of a school bond question on the spring ballot.

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It would raise about $9 million to address the career education center and also add a storm shelter at the junior high school.

Last year you know, we had a tornado warning. We were in the in the basement for a long time, and that basement floods and water started coming up a little bit through it. So we really believe theres a big need, said Dr. Brandon Eggleston, Seneca 4-7 superintendent.

The proposed career education center would replace the current aging vo-ag building.

And the wish list also includes extra space for the early childhood program if the funding stretches far enough.

Theres a need for more. And so we currently have two trailers at the early childhood center, and so depending on construction costs, we would also be looking at doing an addition there that will be able to eliminate those trailers at early childhood center and offer room for expansion for our programs so we can get more kids in our early childhood program, said Dr. Eggleston.

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The ballot question is no tax increaseextending the current debt service levy of 85 cents.

Voters will decide the issue on the April 8 ballot.

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Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has hit back at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachaguas calls for salaried Kenyans to ensure President William Ruto is not reelected in 2027.

Gachagua had urged salaried workers to take a stand against Ruto, citing excessive taxation as the main grievance.

The biggest task we have is to defeat him (Ruto). Payslip holders are three million, and each of them has influence over at least two people. Thats nine million people who have a personal issue with William Ruto, Gachagua stated.

The ousted DP also took a swipe at Atwoli, accusing him of remaining silent while praising the same government overtaxing the workers he is supposed to represent.

Kenyans are struggling more than ever, yet even large worker groups have joined the governments praise and worship teams. Ive noticed that the workers leader has joined the praise and worship team. Workers are being pressured by NSSF matters, and he remains silent. His only job is praise and worship. These are the things we refused to do, Gachagua remarked.

In his rebuttal, Atwoli dismissed Gachaguas assertions, arguing that Kenyan politics is influenced more by ethnicity than by policy issues, reducing the role of issue-based campaigns.

The notion that workers can be easily convinced depends on which workers youre talking about. Politics in Kenya is not issue-basedethnicity plays a major role, Atwoli said.

Atwoli Rejects Gachaguas Over-Taxation Criticism

Atwoli also refuted claims of over-taxation, asserting that many Kenyans have historically evaded taxes. He argued that the focus should shift to ensuring tax revenue is utilized effectively.

Those pushing this narrative are doing so out of malice. The real question we need to ask is whether the tax revenue is being used for its intended purposes, Atwoli said on Tuesday.

Taxation exists everywhere, but in Kenya, people have long avoided paying taxes. Even the taxes collected in the past often never reached the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), he added.

Atwoli further questioned Gachaguas sudden opposition to taxation, highlighting his role in the previous administration.

Who started the payslip deductions? Who introduced housing levies? Who increased taxes in this country? It was Ruto and Gachagua. Where was he then, and why is he speaking up now? Atwoli posed.

The debate underscores the growing tensions ahead of the 2027 elections, with taxation and governance emerging as central themes.
At least six senior FBI leaders have been ordered to retire, resign or be fired by Monday, according to sources briefed on the matter, extending a purge that began last week at the Justice Department across the street from the FBI headquarters.

The senior officials are at the executive assistant director level or special agent in charge level and include those who oversee cyber, national security and criminal investigations, the sources told CNN. Some were notified while Kash Patel, President Donald Trumps pick to lead the agency, sat answering questions from senators for his confirmation hearing Thursday.

Trump transition officials in recent months have signaled plans to push aside leaders promoted by former FBI Director Christopher Wray.

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The leadership changes have drawn internal consternation, in part because these officials didnt have anything to do with prosecutions of Donald Trump, which have been the focus of the presidents ire.

The personnel moves come as hundreds of FBI agents who were assigned to investigate the January 6 US Capitol attack and Trumps alleged mishandling of classified documents are bracing for the possibility that they could be forced out or punished, similar to what has happened to dozens of career Justice Department lawyers.

The changes highlight how the new administration has moved quickly to deliver on Trumps vow to strike back at so-called weaponization at the FBI. Trump has falsely accused agents of abuse in their court-ordered search of his Mar-a-Lago home and of their treatment of Capitol rioters.

Some agents say the criticism belies the fact that FBI agents and supervisors cant choose which assignments they are given as part of their job. The FBI workforce is broadly conservative, and many agents initially had qualms about being assigned to the Capitol attack and Trump cases, viewing the prosecutions as heavy-handed, people familiar with the matter say. Some Justice Department lawyers leading January 6 cases complained that they believed agents sometimes slow-walked some of their work.

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The FBI declined to comment.

The FBI Agents Association officials met with FBI director nominee Kash Patel in recent weeks to raise those concerns, urging him to protect agents who did their work investigating violent crimes with oversight from judges, FBI supervisors and Justice Department lawyers, according to people briefed on the meeting. Patel listened but offered no reassurances, the people briefed on the meeting said.

During the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing Thursday on his nomination, Patel said he doesnt know of any upcoming personnel plans.

Are you aware of any plans or discussions to punish in any way, including termination, FBI agents or personnel associated with Trump investigations? asked Democratic Sen. Cory Booker.

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I am not aware of that, senator, Patel replied.

Patel, at his hearing, has rejected accusations from Democrats that he would exact retribution against political enemies as he has suggested in media appearances in recent years. He said he would make sure the FBI is de-weaponized.

Every FBI employee will be held to the absolute same standard, and no one will be terminated for case assignments, he said in response to a question by Sen. Richard Blumenthal.

Agents who carried out the Mar-a-Lago search in the Trump classified documents case have already faced threats after their names were made public by Trump supporters on social media, the Justice Department has said.

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The anxiety inside the FBI is fueled by some of the early moves inside the bureau that began even before Trumps inauguration.

Paul Abbate, the deputy FBI director then serving as acting director, retired on Inauguration Day, a day of high national security vulnerabilities, after the Trump transition appointed two senior agents from Newark and New York city to take over as acting director and deputy director. Wray, appointed by Trump, resigned nearly three years ahead of the end of his term, after Trump vowed to fire him.

Shortly after Trump took office, Tom Ferguson, a former agent and aide to Rep. Jim Jordan, arrived at the FBI headquarters as a policy adviser. Jordan has been a staunch FBI critic and led a subcommittee on purported weaponization of government agencies, including the FBI.

This story has been updated with additional developments.

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SERGEANT BLUFF, Iowa (KCAU)  The city of Sergeant Bluff is looking for new police chief to lead the police department.

The city of more than 5,000 said it is looking for someone with at least three years of experience in public law enforcement and two years of comparable experience or educational training. Any candidate will have to live in Iowa and no further than 10 miles from the city limits. The city listed a $95,000 salary plus benefits.

Disaster survival training session held in Correctionville

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Applications for the position are being accepted until the position is filled with the first review of resumes set for February 13.

Anyone wanting the full job description or has further questions are asked to reach out the Sergeant Bluff City Administrator, Aaron Lincoln by email aaron@cityofsergeantfluff.com. Otherwise, applications should email cityhall@cityofsergeantbluff.com.

The Sergeant Bluff Police Department currently has a chief and assistant chief with six fulltime officers.

Police Chief Scott Pack is set to retire in August.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for the County of Kauai. The warning may be extended, dropped or modified as conditions develop.

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning means a severe thunderstorm is imminent. Severe thunderstorms have the potential to produce winds of 60 miles per hour.

Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. Ponding, low visibility, and other hazardous driving conditions are expected.

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For updates on road conditions and closures, please call 808-241-1725. Please do not call Kauai police 911 unless you have an emergency.

For weather updates call the National Weather Service automated weather line at 808-245-6001, or visit the NWS website, www.weather.gov/hfo.

To sign up for the Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS), the countys emergency notification service, please visit www.kauai.gov/KEMA and click WENS. You may also call the Kauai Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.

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FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56)  As the use of dating apps grows, so does the potential for predators looking to cause harm. A Kentucky senator wants to pass a law aimed at protecting children from an uncomfortable but growing issue online.

A lot of times kids dont even know that this is happening to them. They get contacted by somebody that says that they go to their school, you know, has a fake social media account, Sen. Julie Raque Adams (R-Louisville) told FOX 56.

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The FBI calls it one of the fastest-growing crimes involving children in the United States, and Adams said right now Kentucky law is silent.

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Sometimes our kids are just too immature and not worldly enough to know the power they have in their hands, she said.

Adams has filed a bill to create the crime of felony sexual extortion in Kentucky. It often starts online, typically in a dating app or other social media, when one thing leads to another and explicit pictures are exchanged. Often the perpetrator will aggressively coerce the victim to send pictures or video. The conversation then turns predatory with threats to share them to family and friends unless they pay money.

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And that accounts for the majority of the cases is the financial sextortion. You pay me something, you give me something of value, and Ill keep this safe, Adams explained.

Adams bill would also include an educational portion, requiring schools to post information about how to get help if a student is targeted. That help could be lifesaving.

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On Monday, federal authorities extradited a 24-year-old Nigerian man, Hassanbunhussein Abolore Lawal, to the US to face charges for the sextortion of a South Carolina teen, 17-year-old Gavin Guffey, who took his own life in 2022 because of such threats. Lawal allegedly continued to harass Guffeys family afterward, whose father is a sitting South Carolina state lawmaker. If passed, Adams bill would also give standing to seek financial damages.

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Then the family can go after them civilly. So you have a 1-2 punch on this, Adams said.

Adamss proposal, Senate Bill 73, would apply to people of all ages, but penalties are increased when the victim is a minor or the threats lead to physical harm. It now begins the legislative process.

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Amanda Riley drew people in with a story.

She presented herself as a young woman and mother of two battling an aggressive blood cancer, Hodgkins lymphoma  who, despite her devastating diagnosis, was not giving up, according to a press release from the United States District Court, Northern District of California.

Riley documented every step of her cancer journey on social media and various blogs for years. She shared raw photos of herself receiving cancer treatment, including pictures of herself with IVs and chemo ports at the hospital, as well as photos of herself with a bald head, per the release.





Amanda Riley raised money for a false cancer diagnosis for eight years.

Over the course of eight years, Riley, now 39, hosted numerous fundraisers, both in person and online, gathering hundreds of supporters who donated more than $100,000 to fund her life-saving treatments.

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Then, the truth came out: it had all been a scam. Riley had never had Hodgkins lymphoma, and she had staged her illness for years to solicit donations for her non-existent cancer expenses. Riley pleaded guilty to wire fraud.

A new four-part documentary, Scamanda, explores how Rileypulled off her elaborate scheme. The series, which premieres Jan. 30 on ABC News with episodes streaming on Hulu the next day, includes interviews with friends and family members victimized for years by Rileys deception.

Keep reading to learn more about what Riley was convicted of, what she has said about her crime, and where she is now.

What was Amanda Riley convicted of?

Riley pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud in October 2011. She was sentenced in May 2022 to 60 months in prison, and required to pay restitution to her victims.

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The wire fraud conviction stems from Rileys actions between 2012 and 2019, when she feigned having cancer, per the release. She used Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and a personal blog to document her supposed cancer journey, staging fake treatment photographs and forging medical records and physicians letters, according to the district courts filing.

Throughout these years, she aggressively fundraised online and through in-person events  supposedly to help fund her expensive treatments, but in reality the money went directly to her personal bank accounts, according to the district courts filing. More than 300 people, whose names were included in Rileys criminal judgment, raised over $105,000 for Riley.

What have Amanda Riley's victims said?

Four people delivered victim impact statements about how Rileys schemes affected them over the years, per a transcript from a May 2022 court hearing in San Jose.

One statement came from Jessa Gonzalez, the daughter of Rileys husband, Cory Riley, from his previous marriage.

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Gonzalez was 10 years old when Amanda Riley told her she had cancer, and she recalled feeling terrified that her stepmom wouldnt be around much longer.

As the years went on, though, Gonzalez said she began to suspect something was off.

Amanda was always sick, never being able to get out of bed, but I would never see her go to appointments. She had always looked healthy, she said. I noticed she would starve herself until she would pass out.

Gonzalez said she once found an IV wrapped in Saran wrap in her little brothers playroom, and when she brought it to Riley, her stepmother grew defensive.

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She quickly took it from me and said my little brother took it out of her nightstand, she said. I knew better than to question her, as she (would) regularly lash out at me.

Gonzalez, who was 19 when she delivered her victim impact statement, said Rileys longterm deception had made her depressed and severely anxious.

My hair is falling out from severe stress, and some days I cant physically function because of how bad she has scarred me, she said.

Gonzalezs mother and Cory Rileys ex-wife, Aletta Souza, also delivered a victim impact statement reflecting on the emotional damage she said Riley had inflicted on her daughter.

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Amanda Riley would tell my daughter she had a few months to live, and then a miracle, she was in remission, and then again dying, and then remission, and on and on. The toll that takes on a child, and that damage caused, is immeasurable, she said.

The court also heard victim impact statements from Lindsey Wilder, who frequently donated platelets in honor of Riley, and Lisa Berry, a former friend of Riley.

Berry said Riley told her about her cancer diagnosis in 2010, and asked her and her husband to help pay for life-saving blood tests.

We gave her the needed money. Within a couple days, she posted glamorous photos of herself taken by a professional photographer, Berry said. I became suspicious that the money I had given her was used to pay for this photo shoot.

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Berry said she and her husband began to see through Rileys lies, which they found especially upsetting considering that Berrys husbands first wife had died from cancer after a long battle with the disease.

They eventually cut all ties with Riley, and said they were dismayed to learn that Riley was telling others in 2012 that she had been newly diagnosed with cancer.

Amanda Riley was faking cancer and scamming on an even larger scale, Berry said. My husband and I were revolted to learn that this was happening all over again.

As part of her sentence, Riley was ordered to pay restitution of more than $105,000 to hundreds of people who donated to her fraudulent cancer-related fundraisers. A 2022 court document includes a list of every person owed restitution, including several people who donated small amounts of $10 or $25, and others who donated several thousand dollars to Riley.

What has Amanda Riley said about her actions?

Riley delivered a statement at her sentencing hearing on May 3, 2022, according to the same court transcript.

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Your Honor, there arent enough words to adequately express how horrific I feel and how sorry I am that this happened, she said. My heart aches every day, thinking that I did something that hurt other people. This is the worst thing Ive ever done and the worst mistake I could have made.

She also said she felt ashamed by her actions, and said she had been dealing with the repercussions of this for years.

I threw away my dream career, lost all my friends and family. I went from being a nobody, to being negatively covered in dozens of tabloids and news articles, she said.

Riley also said it was time to step forward and be accountable.

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Im here to accept responsibility and humbly accept my consequences as the first step of showing everyone I want to make this right, she said. I will spend the rest of my life working towards the amends for the hurt that I have caused.

She also directly addressed her stepdaughter, Jessa Gonzalez.

I hope this brings you the closure and clarity you have been seeking, she said. Im so sorry you were in the dark for what was truly happening for so long. You had to walk through this, and it breaks my heart to know I hurt you.

In addition, Riley mentioned the two sons she shares with Cory Riley.

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Our two young boys were babies when this started, so they were too little to be affected by my bad choices, she said. Now to see them as big boys who are going to see their mom go through this process, is going to flip their world upside down.

As she sentenced Riley, United States District Judge Beth Labson Freeman addressed her directly.

I can only imagine that, over eight years, you were as sincere to those people as you appeared to me today, she said. And I have to say that in listening to you today, I could only imagine what a good act you had for eight years in front of churches and community groups and in your blog and online and with your children.

Freeman added that it breaks my heart to think that your boys  will not have their mother with them.

But it was your responsibility before you committed these frauds, to think about your parental obligations, Freeman continued. It is not the courts job to clean that up for you.

Where is Amanda Riley now?

Amanda Riley began serving a five-year sentence at the Federal Medical Center Carswell, a federal prison in Ft. Worth, Texas.

According to petition for divorce obtained by TODAY.com, Cory Riley filed for divorce in January 2024. The filing said Cory Riley was living in Texas.

Her release date is Dec. 4, 2025, according to her inmate record.

Her inmate record also states that Riley is now located at RRM Long Beach, a residential reentry management field office.

According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, RRMs manage different categories of federal offenders, including juveniles, inmates in home confinement, those in jail/short-term and long-term boarders.

RRMs also monitor local Residential Reentry Centers which are responsible for providing federal offenders with community-based services that will assist with their reentry needs, according to the Bureau of Prisons.

It is unclear which of the above inmate categories Riley currently falls into, and whether she is serving the rest of her sentence in prison, a residential reentry center, home confinement or elsewhere.

After her release from prison, Riley will undergo a three-year period of supervision, according to a 2022 press release from the United States Attorneys Office, Northern District of California.

Last summer, Riley sought a reduction of her sentence. She asked for her sentence to be reduced to time served on the grounds of compassionate release, citing various medical maladies she was allegedly suffering in prison.

In June 2024, a judge denied her request, citing evidence that Defendant is once again feigning illness.





This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey appeared on a roundtable discussion with Gov. Ron DeSantis on Jan. 29, 2025, during which the governor continued his criticism against the TRUMP Act. (Screenshot from Florida Channel)

Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw joined Gov. Ron DeSantis effort Thursday morning to publicly bash the Republican-led Legislature over its passage of an immigration bill the governor has labeled weak.

Bradshaw is not the only law enforcement elected official who has sided with DeSantis against the Legislature. Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey vouched for the governor Wednesday during his first public roundtable to condemn the bill, known as the TRUMP Act.

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DeSantis has vowed to veto the legislation lawmakers passed Tuesday night.

I trust the governor to do the right thing, to protect the people in the state, Bradshaw said during the event at the Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office Training Facility. Thats what hes always done since he got elected, and Im hoping at the end of the day, the people in the Legislature will do the right thing also.

A day earlier, Ivey said he had been working with the governors office to draft proposals tackling unauthorized immigration.

While sheriffs dont make laws, what I can tell you is that were ready to rock and roll when a piece of legislation is placed on this mans desk that he is ready to sign, Ivey said at the Brevard County Sheriffs Office.

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Throughout this week, DeSantis has held the roundtables, appeared on conservative talk shows, and posted on social media to slam Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Daniel Perez for ditching the governors proposals and making Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson Floridas chief immigration officer.

However, not all sheriffs are dissing the TRUMP Act, Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell, who is president of the Florida Sheriffs Association, released a statement in support of the Legislature on Tuesday.

The Florida Legislature has worked closely with us to ensure our concerns are heard so we have the tools we need to effectively and efficiently remove criminal aliens from our communities across the State of Florida, thus protecting Floridians and visitors of our great State, Prummell wrote in the statement posted on X. We are thankful for their support.

Bob Gualtieri via Pinellas County Sheriffs Office.

Additionally, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri answered questions in favor of the bill from senators during a committee meeting Monday.

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Addressing Democratic Sen. Daryl Rouson about whether he had concerns, Gualtieri said, I like the bill. I support the bill. I think its good policy for the state of Florida.

Chief immigration officer

Still, DeSantis insists that empowering Simpson as the top leader on immigration would sabotage cooperation between local and state law enforcement and federal agencies. The governor wants to appoint the chief immigration officer and wants that position under his office.

But you have to do a mother may I to the Commissioner of Agriculture about whether you can bring in the federal immigration authorities, DeSantis said on Thursday. How ridiculous is that?

Under the TRUMP Act, the chief immigration officer would be the states official liaison between the federal government and state and local law enforcement responsible for coordinating enforcement of federal immigration laws.

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I can tell you this, governor, without a doubt, I aint asking permission to go get these bad guys from anywhere, Bradshaw said. Were going to keep on doing what were doing to enforce those laws, to keep the people safe in this county.

Perez and Albritton have defended the bill on X. Responding to criticism from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement that the TRUMP Act would obstruct coordination efforts, the Senate president wrote that under the governors bill, the State Immigration Enforcement Coordinator would be an unelected bureaucrat at [the Department of Emergency Management.]

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Casanova Carters daughter Nova was 2 years old when he was murdered, shot by three bullets while he played a video game at his home on St. Pauls West Side.

Nova is now 5 years old and struggles with the loss of her father, who was taken from her in such a senseless matter, the childs mother, Amber Schultz, said Wednesday in a Ramsey County courtroom before gunman Delaquay Levius Williams was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Her dad was her best friend, and now she has a life sentence of not having him here, Schultz said in her victim impact statement. So I think its more than appropriate that he also gets a life sentence.

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Carter, 26, was in the bedroom at his home in the 700 block of Winslow Avenue when a barrage of bullets was fired through his window around 10:15 p.m. Feb. 1, 2022. He was hit in the head, face and back, and the father of three daughters died at the scene.

Investigators recovered 18 spent casings outside the home that ballistics testing showed came from four guns  three 9mm and a .45 caliber.

Carters funeral three weeks later was the scene of more gunfire that claimed another mans life and injured three others. Agustin Martinez, 28, of Crystal, was shot to death and three other people were wounded by gunfire outside Simple Traditions by Bradshaw Funeral Home on St. Pauls West Side.

Williams and three other men  Kendall Dvontae Pruitt, DaiQuan Lamar Husten and Montez Dalray Davis  were charged in Carters killing, which prosecutors say happened after Carter called Pruitt a snitch in a Facebook post.

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This was a senseless act of violence, driven by nothing more than a need for recognition on the streets, Carters sister, Morayma Hernandez, said in her victim impact statement, which was read in court by Assistant Ramsey County Attorney Elizabeth Lamin.

Last month, jurors deliberated for about five hours over two days before convicting Williams of all counts: aiding and abetting first-degree premeditated murder; aiding and abetting first- and second-degree murder for the benefit of the gang; aiding and abetting second-degree intentional murder; and possession of a firearm while ineligible.

The defendants actions were deliberate, premeditated and callous, and showed no regard for human life as he destroyed this family, Lamin said in court Wednesday.

Williams, 30, of St. Paul, declined to address the court before hearing his sentence from Judge Timothy Mulrooney.

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Williams was associated with the Hilltop Hustlers gang, according to prosecutors, while Carter and Pruitt both had been part of a 2016 federal indictment of Hit Squad gang members and served time in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Murder charges have not been filed in Martinezs death, which police said was gang-related. Four men were sentenced to either prison or the county jail for their roles in the gun battle.

Cooperation from co-defendants

At Williams trial last month, prosecutors relied on testimony from Husten and Davis and introduced as evidence video surveillance footage, cellphone records and a DNA swab collected from the murder scene that matched Williams.

The prosecution played in court video surveillance that showed a Nissan Altima with no license plates drive past Carters home two minutes before the shooting and turn down a neighboring street. Shortly thereafter, four people walked into the yard.

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Lamin told jurors that Williams, Davis and Pruitt walked to the north side of the home, where Carter was playing a video game in front of his window, and Husten went to the front door. They all shot, according to Lamin.

St. Paul police Sgt. Nichole Sipes testified that the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension discovered the DNA swabbed from siding below Carters bedroom window was a major profile match to Williams.

Sipes said an FBI analysis of cellphone data placed the co-defendants phones together in St. Paul before the murder and immediately afterward.

Prosecutors charged Williams, Davis and Pruitt with aiding and abetting second-degree intentional murder six weeks after Carters killing. They were indicted the following July. Husten was charged with aiding and abetting second-degree intentional murder three months later.

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In exchange for cooperating in Williams case, the prosecution agreed to take first-degree murder charges off the table for Husten and Davis.

Pruitt, 28, of Minneapolis, also spoke with the prosecution prior to pleading guilty to second-degree intentional murder in September 2023. In exchange for the plea, both sides agreed that his grand jury charges would be dropped. He was sentenced to 34 years in prison.

The murder cases against Davis, 26, of Minneapolis, and Husten, 26, of St. Paul, remain ongoing.

Frogtown fatal shooting

Just over a month after Carters killing, Williams allegedly fatally shot 31-year-old Regis Jones in an alley in St. Pauls Frogtown neighborhood, according to a complaint in that case charging him with second-degree murder.

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Police believe that Williams murdered (Jones) to keep him from talking about the murder of (Carter), a 2022 complaint against Williams cousin Dovyion Daquay Glass says. Glass, 34, of Roseville, pleaded guilty to being an accomplice after the fact in Jones homicide and was sentenced in June 2023 to just over 7 years in prison.

Williams has pleaded not guilty in that case, which is ongoing.

At the time of both murders, Williams was wanted by police for absconding from his Nov. 10 supervised release from Minnesota Correctional Facility-St. Cloud relating to June 2018 convictions in two nonfatal shootings that year.
ELKHART  A Martins Super Market on East Bristol Street was the scene of a deadly shooting in January 2014 with similarities to the shooting Monday at a Martins on East Jackson Boulevard.

In the case from 11 years ago, a gunman shot and killed a customer and an employee before police shot and killed the gunman. On Monday, three people also were killed, including the alleged shooter by police, although the identities of the most recent victims had not yet been released by police.

In the Jan. 15, 2014, shooting, 22-year-old Shawn Bair of Elkhart was identified as the 22-year-old gunman who was shot and killed by police.

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The two victims shot by Bair were 44-year-old Rachell Godfread, a customer at the store, and 20-year-old Kristle Dikes, an employee.

Two years after that shooting a wrongful death suit was filed on behalf of Godfread, but a judge dismissed the suit.

The Martins store at 575 E. Jackson Blvd., the scene of this weeks shooting, opened in October 2020, a key piece of the redeveloped River District. The store in the 2014 shooting is at 3900 E. Bristol St.
Shoplifting is spiralling out of control, retail chiefs have warned, as new figures showed store workers are suffering as many as 2,000 incidents of violence and abuse every day.

Retail crime soared to a new record high last year, with shops battling higher cases of theft, violence, sexual and racial abuse.

According to the British Retail Consortiums (BRC) annual crime survey, incidents of violence and abuse hit 2,000 a day in 2024, up by more than 50pc on the prior year. The number of incidents involving weapons has more than doubled on 2023 levels.

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Meanwhile, there were more than 20m shoplifting incidents, equal to over 55,000 cases per day. The BRC said retailers lost 2.2bn to theft over the course of the year, up from 2.1bn a year earlier. It said a growing number of these crimes have been linked to gangs.

Helen Dickinson, the chief executive of the BRC, said: Retail crime is spiralling out of control. People in retail have been spat on, racially abused and threatened with machetes.

Every day this continues, criminals are getting bolder and more aggressive. We owe it to the 3m hard-working people working in retail to bring the epidemic of crime to heel. No one should go to work in fear.

Labour to end shameful neglect

It comes after Labour pledged to crack down on shop offences, saying it would end the shameful neglect of retail crime.

The Government is bringing in new laws to deter criminals. Under the Crime and Sentencing Bill, shoplifters who assault store workers will face up to six months in jail and could also be banned from the store where they committed their offence.

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The Government is also reversing the so-called shoplifters charter, which effectively decriminalised thefts of items worth less than 200.

However, peers have urged the Government to go further with efforts to curb crime.

Last November, Lord Foster of Bath, the chairman of the House of Lords justice and home affairs committee, said the Home Office, the police and other agencies in the criminal justice system should stop using the term shoplifting to describe theft from the high street.

He said the term shoplifting trivialised what was a serious offence involving organised criminal gangs.

Lord Foster also urged the Government to introduce new rules over selling items online anonymously to stop people from stealing from shops and re-selling products.

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Ms Dickinson said: With little faith in police attendance, it is no wonder criminals feel they have licence to steal, threaten, assault and abuse. Retailers are spending more than ever before, but they cannot prevent crime alone.

According to the BRC survey, retailers spent 1.8bn on measures such as CCTV and body cameras last year, up from 1.2bn the previous year.

As part of the clampdown, some retailers have offered staff DNA testing kits so that police can trace abusive customers who spit at them. The Telegraph revealed last year that Tesco had provided its delivery drivers with so-called spit kits.

Tesco drivers have been supplied with DNA kits like this to collect evidence in the event of attacks

The extra security measures have come amid fears that aggressive organised criminal gangs are targetting stores. James Bailey, managing director of Waitrose, last year said the supermarket was seeing a rise in armed assaults on workers. It had previously suggested gangs were shoplifting to order, stealing items that they could then resell.

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The BRC survey figures are viewed as one of the most accurate snapshots of crime rates across the country, with official police figures requiring people to have reported incidents.

In many cases, stores will report crimes when they have CCTV or some other evidence, such as catching criminals in the act. However, retailers have been critical of how the police respond to call-outs. In the BRC survey, 61pc of those who answered described the police response to incidents as poor or very poor.

According to official figures, 469,788 shoplifting offences were reported to police in the year to June  up almost 29pc on the previous years total of 365,173. However, just one in six thefts result in a shoplifter being caught and charged.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Justice research suggests that shoplifters are more likely than any other type of offender to reoffend after they are convicted. Almost 80,000 shoplifters were caught again within a year of their conviction between March 2017 and March 2022. This suggests that six in 10 shoplifters reoffend within 12 months of being convicted.

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Dame Diana Johnson, minister for crime, policing and fire, said: The rising levels of shop theft and violence against retail staff are utterly unacceptable.

We will not stand for this. That is why this Government has made clear we will introduce a new specific offence of assaulting a retail worker and end the effective immunity that currently applies for theft of goods under 200.

And it is why as part of our Safer Streets Mission we are restoring neighbourhood policing, putting thousands of dedicated officers and community support officers back on our streets, and ensuring every community has a named local officer they can turn to.

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Gov. Greg Abbott speaks at a pro-voucher Texas Public Policy Foundation Parent Empowerment rally in March 2023. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Associated Press

School vouchers for all

The letter writer seems to think that there are a lot of reasons why the proposed school voucher program should not and cannot be successful.

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However, lets think about why it would be successful. It would allow those who otherwise may not be able to afford a private school education the ability to attend the school of their choice where the student could receive an education far better than is available in their current school. If the voucher program is successful, it could be expanded to include even more students from under-performing schools.

In Texass case, even if only 50% of the students enrolled in the voucher program excel, just imagine the effect that this will have on those students education where nearly half are currently not able to perform at grade level for math and reading at many grade levels, according to the most recent STAAR results.

So, for those doubters of the voucher program, just ask yourself: If your son or daughter were not doing well in their current school and you were given the opportunity to send your child to a better school using the voucher program, would you do it or pass on the opportunity?

Brian Binash, Houston

I am angry reading todays front page detailing the Texas Senate proposal to offer $10,000 for private education for 100,000 students. What about the millions of students left in the poorly funded Texas public schools? Wake up, legislators. Dont let the governor lead you astray.

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You represent all the students of Texas, not just 100,000 students.

Rene Maher, Houston

As the new legislative season starts, the drumbeats for school vouchers is rising from the Dunn-Wilks Party. The cry that Texas wants school vouchers is in the air. The Texas Constitution states that it shall be the duty of the Legislature of the State to establish and make suitable provision for support and maintenance of an efficient system of free public schools.

Id argue that it will take a constitutional amendment to allow vouchers. I know the attorney general issued an opinion that vouchers are legal, but according to the Texas State Law Library, those opinions are persuasive but not legally binding. I believe a vote on a constitutional amendment before a voucher bill is passed would be very instructive to our elected officials.

George Cortez, Montgomery

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Barbara Jordans immigration vision

Yes, Barbara Jordan was a great woman. She was on point then and would be now.

You argued, Americans of goodwill should not simply oppose Trump Wow! I will bet I have done more goodwill than all of your opinion elites all together, not just writing checks but by actually doing something, rolling up your sleeves, getting dirty, giving.

Jordan said Americanization. So is this Americanization? A family moved into our neighborhood recently, nice neighborhood. The first day they put up a large Mexican flag on the front of their house. Is that what you call Americanization? Is that how you win friends and influence people? Does that show you want to be a part of this country?

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You talk about lessening the concerns of neighborhoods. That, editorial board, is what is happening in the real world. It is a shame you dont report that kind of activity. You very vindictively write about the anti-immigration true-believers Trump is setting loose on a divided nation. I have seen Trump himself say he believed in immigration, just properly done. But you twist everything.

I would love to see Barbara Jordan standing tall and working on her ideas.

Bob North, Houston

I believe Barbara Jordan would have been appalled at the true chaos at the border over the last administration that led to millions of unauthorized migrants crossing our borders because, as noted, she believed in the rule of law. Anyone who refuses to use legal ports of entry to declare asylum is a lawbreaker. The chaos witnessed at our borders during Bidens presidency was one of the reasons, if not the biggest reason, for Trumps re-election.

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Until Congress passes changes to our current immigration system, those seeking asylum should abide by our laws. I have many friends who became citizens legally and seethe at the notion that millions entering America unlawfully and demanding our resources would be considered merely newcomers being shown the welcome mat by Democrats.
The High Court has nullified the 2019 Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) census results for Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa Counties, citing significant irregularities.

Garissa High Court Judge John Onyiego ruled that KNBS failed to uphold data integrity standards, leading to inaccurate population figures for the affected counties.

The published results in Volume 1 of the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census (KPHC) concerning these areas are hereby cancelled, declared Justice Onyiego.

The sub-counties affected include Mandera North, Mandera West, Banisa, Lafey, Mandera East, Mandera South, Eldas, Tarbaj, Wajir West, Wajir East, Wajir North, Balambala, Lagdera, Dadaab, and Garissa Township.

The decision follows a lawsuit filed by leaders from the North Eastern region, spearheaded by the late Garissa Senator Yusuf Haji and Mandera Governor Ali Roba. The leaders accused KNBS of publishing inaccurate population figures and named the National Treasury, the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA), and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) as co-respondents.

Fresh Census Deadline

Justice Onyiego directed KNBS to conduct a fresh mini-population census for the affected areas within a year, setting a deadline of January 28, 2026.

A structural interdict order is hereby issued directing KNBS to carry out a new mini-population census for the affected areas within one year from the date of this judgment, he ruled.

The court also prohibited constitutional bodies such as the CRA, IEBC, and the National Treasury from relying on the disputed 2019 census results for resource allocation or boundary delimitation. Instead, until a new census is conducted, these entities must revert to the 2009 census data.

Justice Onyiego clarified that the disputed results lacked verification through scrutiny. The Judge explained that nullifying them was the only viable resolution. He noted that the use of technology during the census process did not compromise the integrity of the outcome.
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  Shreveport man was found guilty of molesting a juvenile and indecent behavior on Tuesday. Caddo Parish District Attorney revealed that the juvenile was 12-years-old at the time.

According to the Caddo D.A. stated a three-man, three-woman jury in District Judge Donald E. Hathaway Jr.s court found LaQuinton Eckles, 38, guilty after deliberating for 70 minutes.

Over the course of the trial, the Caddo District Attorneys office called seven witnesses to prove that on Mothers Day in 2022, Eckles molested the minor victim. One week prior to the crime, Eckles spent several hours with the now-15 year-old child. On the night of the crime, the victims mother consented for Eckles to visit with the child for two hours; however, he failed to return the child as promised and kept her out past midnight. The following day the girl reported the attack to her counselor, who notified the police, detailed the Caddo District Attorney.

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The trial was scheduled to began Monday at 1 p.m. but was delayed because Eckles had been arrested over the weekend on unrelated charges in DeSoto Parish and had to be transported to court from Mansfield.

The victim was interviewed at the Gingerbread House and that recorded interview was played for the jury. At trial, Eckles denied ever being alone with the child. The jury rejected that assertion, returning its guilty verdicts.

Following conviction, defense counsel moved for an appeal bond to allow Eckles to remain free pending sentencing. Judge Hathaway denied that request, citing defendants arrest in DeSoto for unrelated criminal activity while on bond for the molestation charge.

The Caddo District Attorney stated Eckles sentencing is set for February 18, 2025.

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The DA says, he faces from five to 20 years in prison for molestation of a juvenile when the offender has custody or control over the victim, and up to seven years in prison for the indecent behavior with a juvenile conviction.

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The election for the next chair of the Democratic National Committee is the first major milestone in the partys path forward after the 2024 election. While the leading candidates largely agree in reorienting towards winning back working-class voters and expanding support for state and local parties, the chair candidates have not committed to broader structural reform for the party, like banning PAC money in primaries.

On Feb. 1, the 448 voting members of the DNC will convene to elect a new party chair, who is charged with promoting the party's agenda and managing the 2028 presidential primaries. Perhaps the biggest question, though, is how a new leader will or will not transform the party's finances amid a debate over the role of billionaire money in politics.

At the DNC candidate forum in Detroit earlier this month, each candidate described different priorities, like reinvesting in the partys infrastructure, restoring the partys identity, reconnecting with the working class and ramping up legal battles against racial gerrymandering.

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With Democrats out of power and without a clear leader of the party, the chair will also play an important role in making the case for Democrats and their policies over at least the next two years, according to David Hogg, a March for Our Lives activist and candidate for DNC vice chair.

The chair is one of the main leaders of our parties when we don't have a president, Hogg told Salon. We need them to be out there highlighting what Democrats are doing.

The importance of their role as the party spokesperson is something where the candidates agree: The party chair needs to be out there making the case for Democrats year-round and across the country. The leading candidates, Ken Martin, the Minnesota party chair, and Ben Wikler, the Wisconsin party chair, have both run on commitments to implement a 50-state organizing strategy and have received glowing endorsements regarding their ability to manage the party in terms of administration and organizing.

One of the areas where chair candidates have been less outspoken, however, is in how the party is funded  and, specifically, the party's relationship to billionaire donors and interest groups. At last week's candidate forum, both Martin and Wikler were pressed about how they would approach funding from billionaires if elected chair of the DNC.

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Are we on the side of our donors, or are we on the side of the people that are leaving our party because they dont feel like were fighting for them? Martin responded. We will not take money from people who do not share our values as the Democratic Party.

Martin went on to say that its important for voters to feel like were not taking money from the people that are working against them, adding: There are a number of billionaires in this country that have no interest in helping the working class in this country. Asked who, specifically, he would not take money from, Martin said: Theres too many to name.

There are a lot of good billionaires out there that have been with Democrats, who share our values, and we will take their money, but were not taking money from those bad billionaires, Martin said.

Wikler responded to the question by saying: Were not going to take money from people who are actively union busting. Were not going to take money from the people who funded Stop the Steal. He added, If they try to donate were going to send that money back.

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When the whole panel was asked whether any of the candidates would support a blanket ban on campaign contributions from tech executives  the same class of billionaires mentioned by former President Joe Biden in his farewell address as forming an American oligarchy  none of the candidates would commit.

While declining money from the same billionaires and interest groups that fund Republicans would be an improvement, Denae Avila-Dickson, a spokesperson for the Sunrise Movement, told Salon that this commitment is insufficient if the party truly wants to prioritize the interest of voters over donors, who she says have a "corrosive influence" on the party. The Sunrise Movement has been leading a campaign to pressure the next DNC chair to ban PAC spending in primaries and to revive the Obama-era ban on corporate donations to the DNC.

"We need to see a much stronger commitment [from] the DNC chair committing to banning super PAC spending in party primaries," Avila-Dickson said. What we saw in 2024 is the same donors who are giving big to Republican causes and supporting Donald Trump, including Elon Musk, are interfering in Democratic primaries to try to elect their chosen candidate.

The highest profile example of this phenomenon was when the American Israel Public Affairs Committee spent millions to oust incumbents like Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., and Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo. However, Avila-Dickson explained, this is far from the only example.

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The crypto industry, for example, was among the biggest spenders in the 2024 election and deployed millions to elevate Democrats friendly to the crypto industry over those more hawkish on regulation in the primaries. For example, they pumped $3.4 million into Rep. Julie Johnson's, D-Texas, bid in Texas's 32nd District.

It is no coincidence that Donald Trump and his allies are making it a priority to promote the crypto industry, Avila-Dickson said. Its deeply dangerous for Democrats to claim to be the party of working people while having elected officials who are putting their needs above the needs of their constituents.

Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, is another good example of a Democrat who was elevated by special interests, winning his 2022 primary against Jessica Cisneros by fewer than 200 votes after receiving considerable support from the oil and gas industry. Now, Cuellar, who has voted with Republicans on matters affecting the oil and gas industry during his time in Congress, is under indictment for charges of bribery and acting as a foreign agent. He has denied wrongdoing.

I think what were asking for is twofold: one were calling for this because we believe it's what's right. We believe that billionaire donors shouldn't shape the Democratic party otters should shape the party, Avila-Dickson said. Two: We believe its what is needed to win elections and defeat Donald Trump.

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Usamah Andrabi, a spokesperson for the Justice Democrats, told Salon that his organization, which has helped elect progressives like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., backed the Sunrise Movement's commitment because We cannot continue to pretend that this is a war between good billionaires and evil billionaires.

Instead of just talking about how we can talk differently we need to act differently, Andrabi said. We can either continue to go down the same path that we have been going down or we can make a radical change in how this party works and who it works for. If we don't make this change we will continue to lose elections and lose to fascism in this country.
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  This week, the Sioux City Community School District is conducting first-round interviews with candidates for the districts soon-to-be-vacant superintendent job.

The school board held four closed sessions on Wednesday, interviewing candidates via Zoom. Three additional closed sessions are planned for Thursday.

New autism center to open in South Sioux City

A closed session board meeting with GR Consulting is scheduled at the conclusion of the first round of the process. A small field of finalists will then be selected for in-person interviews.

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In all, 23 applicants applied for the position.

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DECORAH, Iowa (KCAU)  A firefighter with Sioux City Fire Rescue has been charged with sexually abusing a child in northeast Iowa.

According to court documents, Justin Thompson, 47, of Sergeant Bluff, was arrested Jan. 23 and charged with one count of third-degree sexual abuse  child victim out of Winneshiek County. The crime allegedly took place in 2022.

Justin Thompson (Courtesy: Woodbury County Sheriffs Office)

Chicago man killed in fiery crash in rural Plymouth County

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The victim first disclosed an alleged sexual assault through MercyOne to the Winneshiek County Sheriffs Office in northeast Iowa in Dec. 2024. Thompson was then identified as the suspect.

Court documents say that the victim told officials that Thompson had touched them inappropriately while at the victims family farm. An investigation found that Thompson had been with the child at the farm in Decorah during the summer of 2022. The victim would have 11 years old at the time of the alleged incident.

Thompson was arrested on a warrant on Jan. 24 but has since bonded out of jail.

An HR official with the City of Sioux City confirmed with KCAU 9 that Thompson is still employed by the city.

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  A Sioux City man has pleaded guilty in connection with an armed robbery that took place in early 2024.

On Jan. 4, Shaquille Harris, 30, pleaded guilty to first-degree robbery and also pleaded guilty to second-degree robbery in a separate case. All other charges will be dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

As part of the agreement, the sentencing for both cases will run concurrent, and Harris will be sentenced to a minimum of 17 and a half years and no more than 25 years in prison.

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Arresting documents said that on the night of Feb. 15, 2024, a man was leaving Mavericks Gentlemans Club when he was approached by Harris, who had a handgun and demanded money. Harris allegedly took $200 from the victim and then drove the victim to an ATM to make him withdraw more money, but the victim was unable to do so.

Sioux City firefighter accused of sexual abuse of child in northeast Iowa

A second person, Ocean Ellington-Harley, was also arrested in the case. She pleaded guilty on Nov. 18, 2024, to one count of first-degree theft. She was sentenced to four years of probation and 100 hours of community service. If she breaks the terms of her probation, she faces 10 years in prison.

A plea taking and sentencing for Harris is scheduled for Feb. 17.

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SOUTH SIOUX CITY, Neb. (KCAU)  On Wednesday, students from around Siouxland gathered in South Sioux City to get a glimpse of what its like to earn a living under a welding hood.

Western Welding Academy, were traveling around the country to 30-plus high schools in 60 days teaching the kids the importance of the blue collar trades said Quacy Wilson with the Blue Collar Tour.

Several high schoolers were given a hands-on demonstration by certified welders.

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Its super important to let these kids know that college is not the only option out there, that the trades are super important and theyre the backbone of our country, Wilson said. Its our job at Western Welding Academy to build a better generation.

New autism center to open in South Sioux City

Wilson also said that welding is for any student who thinks college may not be the right fit for them and wants to consider the trade industry as a career.

Were short 400,000 welders as it is, he said. Even if the top welding schools in the country gradate with a thousand kids a year. we would never fill the supply we need. Theyre very important. We are sponsored by Build Submarines ,which is a department of the Navy. Theyre trying to build two submarines a year, and they dont have the workers to do it.

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One student from South Sioux City said he is planning on going into the trade business when he is out of high school, as he was inspired by his mother.

She started welding and I mean, shes the only person I look up to, student Cesar Luvya Marquez said. Its what Im going to start doing.

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IRETON, Iowa (KCAU)  A local water utility will soon be competing to be named home of the best tasting rural drinking water in the United States.

Southern Sioux County Rural Water System based in Ireton won the state competition for best tasting drinking water in November. The contest is part of the Great American Water Taste Test held by the National Rural Water Association.

Russel Coons, the field manager of Southern Sioux County Rural Water explained what they do to treat the water.

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Our water comes from, we have four Dakota wells and two medium wells. The waters pretty good. All we do is iron magnesium removal, add some chlorine to it and off it goes. We dont have a whole lot of treatment in our water.

New butcher shop opens in Sioux Center

Members of water system will travel to Washington D.C. Monday to compete against 42 other rural water systesm representing other states to see who has the best drinking water in the nation.

These kind of competitions are all based on the judges, their pallets if you want to call it that, Coons said. It would be nice to take it home for the state of Iowa and not to mention ourselves. Have a little bragging rights with my compadres in the business I guess.

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Members of Southern Sioux County Rural Water will also have a chance to sit down with Iowas representatives in Washington while hes there for the competition.

The finals of the water tasting competition are set for 11 a.m. CT on Feb. 5. It will be livestreamed on the National Rural Water Associations Facebook page.

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Unionized ski patrol units have earned themselves quite the spotlight this ski season.



While Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association (PCPSPA) made headlines in 2021 as they negotiated for their last round of contracts with Vail Resorts, their strike against Vail over the same issues took the industry by storm over the holidays in 2024.



PCPSPAs public dispute with the resorts parent company over things like fair wages and benefits ultimately led to a strike. PCPSPA and Vail reached an agreement after nearly two weeks on the picket line, but not before company stocks plummeted, a CNBC news anchor slammed them for a poor guest experience at the resort, and Park Citys mayor had begged them to reconcile with ski patrollers in a press release.



Despite their contracts being resolved, Park Citys strike has set in motion a movement thats indicative of greater changes in the ski industry to come, and unionized patrol units are leading the movement. So, what exactly is a unionized ski patrol unit, what are the implications of it, and how are they disrupting the status quo for mountain town workers?

What Is a Labor Union?

Lets start from the beginning for folks who are less familiar with labor unions as a general topic. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) passed the National Labor Relations Act in 1935. The law itself goes into great detail to define things like employee, representative, unfair labor practices, and the many other nuances of labor unions and labor laws, but well keep it simple.



A labor union or trade union is an organization of workers dedicated to protecting and negotiating for union members' interests as it pertains to working conditions.



Unions are created when a majority of workers petition to form a union. The Nation Labor Relations Board then conducts an election, and if the majority vote in favor, the NLRB certifies a union for collective bargaining.



Once a union has been certified or recognized by an employer and the NLRB, the employer is required to bargain over the unions terms and conditions of an employment contract with union representatives.

Park City Ski Patrollers on the picket line earlier this year. Photo: Anna Behrens

Which Ski Resorts Have Unionized Ski Patrol Units?

There are a number of unionized ski patrol units and unionized lift maintenance teams in the United States, most of which are in the western US.



Twelve of these unionized patrol units are represented by United Mountain Workers. They include Park City and Crested Butte, both of whom have unionized ski patrol and lift maintenance units, as well as ski patrol units in Steamboat, Telluride, Arapahoe Basin, Big Sky, Breckenridge, Eldora, Keystone, Loveland, Stevens Pass, Solitude, Whitefish, and Purgatory ski and bike patrol.



The oldest patrol union is Aspen Professional Ski Patrol Association, which represents patrollers from Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass, and Buttermilk and has been around since 1971 but has been organizing labor action since 1964.



Not far behind, Crested Butte Professional Ski Patrol Association formed in 1978, is another one of the oldest unions in the ski industry, and currently represents more than 60 patrollers. Steamboats union formed in 1998 and represents about 95% of veteran patrollers. Arapahoe Basin is the most recent patrol unit to unionize and voted to do so in January of 2025.

Park City Professional Ski Patrol went on strike against Vail Resorts earlier this year. Photo: Savannah Mccauley

What Is an Unfair Labor Practice Strike?

In a union workplace, employers are required to bargain with their unionized employees in good faith over the terms and conditions of employment until they either reach an agreement or an impasse. Bad faith bargaining is just one thing that would constitute an unfair labor practice and, therefore, allow employees to strike.



Other examples of unfair labor practices include interference with unionization by threatening job security, loss of benefits if employees join a union, making anti-union statements, discriminating against union members, giving preferential treatment to non-union employees, and denying promotions or raises to union members.



Employees on an unfair labor practice strike are protected against their jobs being terminated or being permanently replaced due to the strike. Park Citys recent strike against Vail Resorts was an unfair labor practice strike due in part to bad faith bargaining.

Right-to-Work Laws

Certain states have what's called a Right to Work law, which means that employees are not required to be part of a labor union or pay union dues. Whether or not you're in a Right to Work state, things negotiated by a union still apply to non-union employees, these employees just aren't required to pay union dues in those certain states. Right to Work laws also protect strikebreakers, or scabs, from repercussions.



Currently, Right to Work states include: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Max Magill of United Mountain Workers on the picket line during the Park City ski patrol strike. Photo: Willie Maahs

What Are the Benefits of a Unionized Ski Patrol?

According to United Mountain Workers President and Park City Ski Patroller, Max Magill, one of the biggest benefits of a unionized patrol unit is that the people bargaining for an employment contract are the same people actually doing the job.



In the case of ski patrol, where many facets of the job are unique and require specialized skills and training, it means that items being bargained for are needs coming directly from experience in working the job rather than a third party. It also means that these things get negotiated in a purely democratic and transparent environment through the union.



Magill also pointed out that as more patrol units unionize and go through contract negotiations, it builds a base for more units to negotiate future contracts off of. "We kind of see it as a step ladder. If we can try to one-up each other on our contracts, we can continue to push this industry in a super positive direction," said Magill.



Through United Mountain Works, Magill hopes to be a resource to other patrol units and mountain workers looking to increase wages, whether it be through forming a union or otherwise.

Related: Colorado Ski VP Claims Unionized Ski Patrollers Are Sharing "Inaccurate Information" About Contract Negotiations

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DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)  A second inmate has died while incarcerated at the Dorchester County detention center this month, the Dorchester County Sheriffs Office announced.

A 49-year-old male inmate was found unresponsive in his cell at the L.C. Knight Detention Center Wednesday. Deputies immediately began first-aid until EMS responded and took over life-saving measures.

The unidentified inmate passed away. The sheriffs office has requested the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division investigate the incident.

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On Jan. 6, the sheriffs office reported that a 47-year-old male inmate died after having a medical episode at the detention center.

The Dorchester County Coroners Office has not yet identified the deceased.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
A diplomatic rift between Bratislava and Kiev has deepened over Ukraine's decision to cut off the transit of Russian gas through Slovakia and mutual accusations regarding energy policies.

The Slovak Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday it summoned Ukrainian ambassador Myroslav Kastran to convey a "strong protest over statements made by Ukrainian officials."

The ministry decried these remarks as "an intervention in the internal affairs of the Slovak Republic," according to a statement seen by dpa.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently criticized Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, accusing him of preferring Russia over the United States and Western allies by refusing to purchase US gas.

Earlier, Fico criticized Zelensky for his decision to halt the transit of Russian gas through Slovakia at the start of the year, a move he says has caused significant economic harm to Slovakia.

On Tuesday, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry criticized Fico in a statement on its website.

"Fico, amidst falling trust among the Slovak society and protests against his pro-Russian course, resorted to looking for the enemies and found them ... in Ukraine," the statement said.

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Fico and other parliamentary leaders of Slovakia were "poisoned by Russian propaganda," it added.

The statement referred to suspicions expressed by Fico that networks with connections to the Slovak opposition and Ukrainian circles were preparing to "destabilize" Slovakia.

Fico claimed that this was an attempt to overthrow his democratically elected government, citing a secret service report.

EU and NATO member Slovakia is more dependent on Russian gas than almost any other country in Europe.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has issued a strong warning to the public regarding the growing threat of unlicensed individuals posing as medical professionals online.

The council urged citizens to exercise caution and verify the credentials of healthcare providers before seeking treatment or advice. This warning comes amid a surge in online health services, driven by the convenience and accessibility of digital platforms.

The KMPDC emphasized that while technology has revolutionized healthcare delivery, it has also opened doors for unscrupulous individuals to exploit vulnerable patients.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the KMPDC highlighted the alarming rise in individuals masquerading as qualified doctors and dentists on social media and other digital platforms. These fake professionals are misleading the public and putting lives at risk by offering unqualified medical advice.

We have noted an alarming increase in cases of individuals pretending to be qualified doctors and dentists. These so-called doctors are not only misleading the public but also endangering lives by providing unqualified medical advice. This is a direct violation of the law and a serious threat to the well-being of Kenyans, the council warned.

KMPDC CEO Dr. David Kariuki stressed the dangers of engaging with unverified online health providers. He warned that such interactions could lead to misdiagnosis, improper treatment, and even life-threatening consequences.

The public must be vigilant. Always confirm that the healthcare professional you are consulting is registered with the KMPDC and holds a valid practicing license, Dr. Kariuki advised.

How To Verify Healthcare Providers

To help the public avoid falling victim to fraudulent medical professionals, the council has made its online verification portal accessible to all. By visiting the KMPDC website, individuals can cross-check the registration status of any doctor or health facility before seeking consultations or treatments.

In addition, the KMPDC offers free verification services via SMS. To verify a doctor, individuals can send a message in the following format to 20547:

P#Full Name of Practitioner or P#Registration Number.

To verify a health facility: Send H#Full Name of Facility or H#Registration Number.

The KMPDC also encouraged journalists and media outlets to use these resources to ensure accurate reporting and to help prevent the spread of medical misinformation.

The council reiterated that it is illegal for anyone to use the title doctor unless they are registered or licensed as a medical practitioner or dentist or hold legitimate doctoral qualifications. Those found guilty of violating this law face severe penalties, including a fine of KES 5 million, up to five years in prison, or both.

Additionally, Section 22 (2) of CAP 253 makes it a criminal offense to falsely use the title Dr. (Medical/Dental) or to make false claims about providing medical or dental services. Offenders will face the same severe penalties.
Jan. 29 (UPI) -- An American Airlines jet with 64 people aboard collided with a Sikorsky H-60 Army helicopter carrying three soldiers on approach to Reagan Washington National Airport, crashing into the Potomac River on Wednesday night.

A search-and-rescue operation for potential survivors is underway from the air, ground and sea from federal, states and local agencies.

Some 300 rescuers were working at the scene on the river through what officials said was extremely difficult conditions, specifically dark, ice, wind and cold. According to the National Weather Service, the water temperature is 34 degrees. On X, it said temperatures in the region are to drop below freezing overnight, with lows in the 20s.

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Both the military helicopter and the passenger jet were in the river. The jet, a Bombardier CRJ twin-engine aircraft, was reportedly in pieces.

Fatalities have not been confirmed, but authorities and officials implied during an early Thursday press conference from the Virgina airport that many are feared dead.

Washington Reagan National Airport is closed on Wednesday night. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

"When one person dies it's a tragedy, but when many, many, many people die, it's an unbearable sorrow. It's a heartbreak beyond measure," Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, said.

Officials said they do not know if there are any survivors.

Emergency vehicles are on the banks of the Potomac River on Wednesday night. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

The operation is expected to continue for multiple days, DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said.

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The cause of the crash was under investigation.

A Bombardier CRJ-900ER American Airlines plane, similar to the one pictured, collided with a military helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River. Photo by Mark Harkin/Wikimedia Commons

Jet, helicopter details

American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, departed from Wichita, Kan., and was on approach to Runway 33 around 8:48 p.m. EST when it crashed with the military aircraft, officials said.

The Black Hawk BH helicopter, similar to the one pictured, collides with a passenger jet near Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night. Photo courtesy U.S. Army.

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American Airlines said in a statement there were 60 passengers and four crew on the jet. That includes two flight attendants, according to the Association of Flight Attendants.

"Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft," the airline said. "We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts."

Members of the press look on during a press conference with government officials on rescue efforts after an American Airlines regional PSA passenger jet collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River on its approach to Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

The helicopter and crew were based in Fairfax County, Va., and were on a training flight when the crash occurred.

"We can confirm that the aircraft involved in tonight's incident was an Army UH-60 helicopter from Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, out of Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir during a training flight," spokeswoman Heather Chairez told UPI in an email.

Mayor of Washington, D.C., Muriel Bowser speaks at a press conference with other government officials on rescue efforts after an American Airlines regional PSA passenger jet collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River on its approach to Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

U.S. Figure Skating said several of its athletes, coaches and their family members were on the plane, returning from a National Development camp held in Wichita.

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"We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims' families closely in our hearts," the organization said in a statement.

Mayor of Washington, D.C., Muriel Bowser speaks at a press conference with other government officials on rescue efforts after an American Airlines regional PSA passenger jet collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River on its approach to Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

Russian state-run media is reporting Russian world figure skating champions Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were passengers on the plane.

The Reagan Washington National Airport is to be closed until at least 11 a.m. Thursday.

Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., speaks with reporters before a press conference with other government officials on rescue efforts after an American Airlines regional PSA passenger jet collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River on its approach to Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. The flight originated in Wichita, Kansas. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

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Nineteen flights were diverted to Dulles International Airport, officials said.

Search and rescue

DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly speaks at a press conference after an American Airlines regional PSA passenger jet collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River on its approach to Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation with the Federal Aviation Administration.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin said "extensive resources" are being deployed to support the search-and-rescue efforts.

"First responders from across Northern Virginia, D.C. and Maryland mobilized quickly," he said on X, asking for prayers for those involved.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said "every available" U.S. Coast Guard resource is being deployed.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said the Army and Department of Defense have "immediately" launched an investigation.

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And Sean Duff, who was sworn in as secretary of Transport hours before the crash, said he has directed his department, the FAA and NTSB to provide "full support" to all responding agencies.

Government leaders briefed

President Donald Trump said in a statement: "I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details at they arrive."

In a second statement, Trump questioned the actions of air traffic controllers and the military officers on the helicopter for the crash.

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"It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didn't the helicopter go up or down or turn. Why didn't the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane," he wrote on his Truth Social platform.

Vice President JD Vance said he was also monitoring the situation.

"Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening," he said on X. "We're monitoring the situation, but for now, let's hope for the best."

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said it raised its Emergency Operations Center to "enhanced" status in support.

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He posted on X that Maryland State Police have "have deployed divers to the scene to assist with rescue missions."

Both senators from Kansas posted on X.

"Learning that a plane inbound from Kansas was involved in a crash at DCA. I am in contact with authorities," Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran posted. "Please join me in praying for all involved."

"We are in contact with authorities working to get answers," Marshall posted. "We ask you to join us in prayer for every single passenger and their families."

There are no restrictions at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.

Past crashes in water

On Jan. 13, 1982, Air Florida Flight 90 struck the 14th Street Bridge and went into the Potomac River. Seventy-four of the 79 passengers and crew members died. Four people in vehicles also were killed.

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On Jan. 15, 2009, U.S. Airways Flight 1549 made an emergency landing in the Hudson River, shortly after striking birds following takeoff from LaGuardia Airport in New York City. Five people were seriously injured, but there were no fatalities.

The last commercial plane crash in the United States was Jan. 6, 2013, when Asiana Airlines Flight 214 crashed in San Francisco. Three people died and 187 people were injured.

On Feb. 12, 2009, Colgan Air Flight 3407 crashed near Buffalo, N.Y., killing 50 people.
(FOX40.COM)  Car crashes happen almost daily in Sacramento County and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) says their equipment is often involved.

Data from SMUD shows that in 2023, there were 223 vehicle crashes where SMUD equipment was damaged causing power outages for 101,084 customers.

What is now required of Sacramento County street vendors after recent vote?

SMUD said it is replacing power poles about every other day at a cost of around $15,000 per pole because of distracted driving crashes.

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In 2023, four people also died from crashes into power poles. Between 2017 and 2023 there have been 29 deaths from crashes into power poles and other SMUD equipment, according to statistics from SMUD.

On average, between 2017 and 2023, 5% of power outages in Sacramento County have been caused by vehicles crashing into SMUD equipment.

What to do if you crash into a power hole:

 Stay in your vehicle and call 911

 If the vehicle is on fire jump out with both feet together and shuffle away from the scene

 Do not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time

 Stay 40 feet away from the crash and do not go back

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News.
The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department rescued a snowboarder who had been lost for two nights in the San Gabriel Mountains without camping supplies, food, or even a jacket.



He was lucky, said Los Angeles County Sheriffs Deputy Casey Cheshier to the Los Angeles Times. It was very bad conditions, especially for what he was wearing and what he had on him.



Malachi Luis Garcia was wearing just snow pants, snowboard boots, gloves, and a hooded sweatshirt in the snowy mountains. He didnt have a working cell phone.

Palmdale Search and Rescue. Photo: Palmdale Sheriff's Station

Mountain High Resort was the recipient of more than a foot of fresh snow Monday, which could have hindered the rescue operation. The sheriffs department was able to locate Garcia using heat-detecting drones.



About 40 search and rescue members from across California joined in the rescue efforts. Helicopters were unable to get into the air because of the snowfall, and Garcia left his phone in the parking lot of Mountain High, Antelope Valley Search and Rescue Deputy Orlando Martinez told the LA Times.



Garcia took a wrong turn while snowboarding with his friends at Mountain High, according to a report from CBS News. He was separated from them, and ended up four miles from the resort.

The rescue team was able to spot Garcias footprints while in the helicopter on Tuesday. They followed them for about two miles, and then Cheshier dropped from the helicopter after the team spotted someone in a canyon near the snowline.



Martinez told the LA Times that Garcia was drinking stream water during the day, and found shelter from the conditions by getting close to bigger trees during the night time. He would walk around as much as possible to leave tracks and stay warm after the storm passed. Garcia ended up walking more than two miles, and descended at least 1,300 feet in elevation from where he originally took a wrong turn.



While rescues do happen, the people involved typically have some health issues upon being rescued. Aside from being extremely cold, Garcia was the exception.



He was pretty emotional, he had been out there for a long time. He was pretty tired, very cold, just happy to be found. He survived, thats all that matters, Cheshier told CBS News. Hes not dressed appropriately, he didnt have a proper [waterproof] shell," Martinez said. Its a miracle. Not a scratch on him.

Related: Snow Has Finally Returned to Southern California Ski Resorts
Sonia Nash and her husband, Marvin, wanted to continue the legacy Diane Stowers created more than 30 years ago.

When Stowers opened a BP gas station at 807 W. Atkinson Ave. in Milwaukee's Arlington Heights neighborhood, it was Wisconsins only Black-owned gas station.

It still is  thanks to Nash and her husband. The Milwaukee couple are the stations new owners. But since they took over in November, things havent been so easy.

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The volume of customers dwindled, a side effect of the gas station changing hands multiple times. And a temporary closure before the Nashes took over left people wonderingif the business had closed for good.

That prompted her husband to make an impassioned plea on Facebook.

Unfortunately, when times get tough, and unlike our competitors, we dont have the luxury of borrowing money from other gas station owners," the post read. "Therefore, WE NEED your help, Milwaukee! Please patronize us. Please support us. We cannot succeed without you.

Marvin and Sonia Nash are the new owners of Wisconsins only Black-owned gas station, the BP gas station at 807 E. Atkinson Ave.

I cant tell anyone where to spend their hard-earned money, but how does the ONLY black and brown-owned gas station in Milwaukee not get the support it needs? I continuously see our people patronize our competitors who are directly across the street."

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Sonia Nash believes people were unaware the station was back open and under new ownership.

Once that posted, people started supporting, she said. People do care and do care about Black businesses. I appreciate everybody that came and supported. They are still supporting.

The Nashes are both new to operating a gas station. Sonia Nash is a facilities manager at an office tower on North 27th Street and West Hope Avenue. Her husband spent some 20 years as a correctional officer with the Community Reintegration Center, formerly the House of Correction, before retiring last year as a lieutenant.

Boredom led Marvin Nash to get another job at Auer Steel and to venture into owning a gas station. The couple rehired all the station's staff, which Nash said has been a huge help in learning the business and running the gas station.

Sonia and Marvin Nash own the BP gas station at 807 E. Atkinson Ave.

But Sonia Nash said fate might have led them to owning the station. They were approached three times about buying it. They declined the two previous times because they knew little about operating a gas station. But when presented with a third chance, they pondered the possibilities.

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I told my husband, 'Babe, do you think maybe this is a sign?' Nash said. Maybe somebody is telling us you better jump on this, otherwise somebody else is going to get it. ... We wanted to keep it Black- and Brown-owned.

The Nashes have big plans for the business. A barbecue restaurant will open soon in the stations cafe. The couple plans to host bookbag and gas giveaways to show their appreciation for the community. The effort, Sonia Nash said, is about being part of the community where they spent their earlier years.

Her husband, she said, remembers his mom sending him to that same gas station to buy milk and bread. He never imagined owning it one day.

Its important to us to be in that area, to be in that community, she said.

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The customers, she added, are very friendly, especially the regulars who come for the coffee but stay to chat with other customers.

It is so like family," she said. "It is so nice to have that in the community."

(This article has been updated to correct an inaccuracy)

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin's only Black-owned gas station helped by social media plea
ARTEMUS, Ky. (FOX 56)  The Knox County Sheriffs Office arrested a wanted man out of Tennessee who was considered to be armed and dangerous.

Around 5:20 p.m. on Tuesday, the Knox County Sheriffs Office (KCSO) posted on Facebook that deputies got a report of a suspicious vehicle parked on Gregory Branch Road in Artemus.

Honorable, Truthful, Disciplined: Kentuckys only openly transgender elected official speaks out on Trumps executive orders

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When deputies arrived, they found a man in a vehicle who allegedly refused to identify himself and exit the vehicle. The sheriffs office wrote that he acted belligerently toward deputies.

Court documents show that a syringe was allegedly found in the vehicles door panel when talking to the man, who was identified as Tip Miller, 37, of Somerset. After seeing the needle in the door, Miller was reportedly taken out of the vehicle, where deputies found suboxone and two more syringes.

The KCSO said that Miller had been wanted on a parole violation warrant from the Kentucky Parole Board and that he was also a fugitive in Tennessee.

Deputies also learned that Tip Miller was a fugitive wanted by Sevier County, Tennessee, and should be considered armed and dangerous, the sheriffs office wrote on Wednesday. He was wanted on charges of theft of property over $2,500 and possession of tools used in a retail theft.

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Read more of the latest Kentucky news

Tip Miller, 37, was lodged in the Knox County Detention Center on Tuesday. (Knox County Sheriffs Office)

Miller was charged with:

Possession of drug paraphernalia

Second-degree possession of an unspecified controlled substance

Menacing

Driving on DUI-suspended licensefirst offense

He was lodged in the Knox 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 FOX 56 News.
Social media is awash with a slew of conspiracy theories suggesting that the D.C. air crash was deliberate.

The theories have been turbocharged by President Donald Trump expressing his own disbelief at how the crash could have happened in the immediate aftermath of the Army Black Hawk helicopter colliding with the American Airlines CRJ 700 on Wednesday evening. Three soldiers were aboard the helicopter on a training mission and 64 were on board the jet, which was moments away from landing at Reagan Airport after departing from Wichita, Kansas. Authorities said Thursday morning after a night of searching for victims that none were believed to have survived the crash.

Even President Trump knows there's something shady about the "collision." pic.twitter.com/KiR9Wf6IxP  CRIXUS (@CRIXUSwasHERE) January 30, 2025

Other social media users have been emboldened to make various claims including that the mid-air collision was a suicide attempt by the helicopter pilot, that the helicopter was actually a drone, that the the crash was a deliberate hit on the plane or a so-called false flag operation.

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Video of the incident, which appears to show the military helicopter flying directly at the aircraft for several seconds before impact, is bolstering these theories.

Some online conspiracy theorists are arguing that Trumps comments on Truth social suggest that the president shares their concerns.

Even Trump called out that crash. Something is fishy. pic.twitter.com/wNFxyQIXKd  Calvin (@RealCalvin1) January 30, 2025

Trump wrote, just hours after the crash: The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time. It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing. Why didnt the helicopter go up or down, or turn. Why didnt the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!

Billionaire Bill Ackman gave weight to the theories by writing: It sounds more like terrorism than an accident.

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Although he deleted the comment soon after posting it, Ackman has left up his repost of a widely shared air traffic control video allegedly showing the two aircraft being flagged for a collision alert for over 30 seconds.

#BREAKING: Shared to me anonymously shows the Playback from official Air Traffic Control radar



#Washington | #DC



Watch as exclusive playback, sent anonymously by @avgeekjake to Rawsalerst, reveals official Air Traffic Control radar footage displaying the Collision Alert. pic.twitter.com/s2SvT2OTPJ  R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) January 30, 2025

At a press conference Thursday morning, asked if investigators have determined that the airport control tower should have told the helicopter what to do, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy answered: We are going to wait for all the information to come in from this vantage point, but to back up what the president said, what Ive seen so far, do I think this was preventable? Absolutely.

The plane captain had six years of experience, according to American Airlines CEO Robert Isom. Duffy said he didnt know how much experience the military pilot had. The military flight was classified as a training mission, but that would not typically necessarily mean the pilot was inexperienced.
ONCE UPON A TIME, THERE WAS a very bad president who caused much harm to his countrys democracy. Even before he became president, he was credibly accused of theft, fraud, and sexual assault, but people thought he was entertaining and supported him anyway. As president, he used the government to enrich himself and his cronies. He elevated corrupt incompetents who drove institutions into the ground. His once-proud political partycowed by his fanatical, tribal followingtolerated him for too long. He attacked his own party, the free press, government officials, the judiciary, and anyone who tried to keep him accountable, eroding public trust in democracy itself.

No, Im not talking about Donald Trump, but rather his wily South African analog, Jacob Zuma, whose tenure as president from 2009 to 2018 presented an existential threat to the continents most solid democracy. The two mens uncanny similarities made for some uncomfortable moments when I briefed Trump officials on Zuma during their overlapping terms.

There are some personal differences, of course. Zuma, with his second-grade education, is by far the more intelligent and accomplished. He was born into poverty and suffered for his country, serving time in Robben Island prison with Nelson Mandela for his role in the anti-apartheid struggle.

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Also, Zuma is married to most of his wives simultaneously. Hes been married six times and currently has four wives and twenty-three children (not all of them with his wives). Unlike Trump, Zuma was criminally prosecuted (but acquitted) for rape. The alleged victim was his friends HIV-positive daughter, whom Zuma had known since she was a child. He claimed the encounter was consensual and a post-coital shower compensated for the unprotected sex.

But the main divergence of the Zuma and Trump stories is that South Africas democracyjust thirty years oldhas responded better to its authoritarian threat than the worlds oldest, richest, most powerful democracy.

Zuma rose to power by skillful maneuvering within South Africas founding party, the African National Congress (ANC), which is so dominant that winning the party leadership race is tantamount to winning the presidency. Despite facing numerous potential charges for previous corruption, he was able to use his connections, clout, and knowledge of skeletons in closets (he was the former intelligence chief) to outfox the ANCs establishment wing in 2007 party elections, followed by the presidential elections in 2009.

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Zuma swept in on a populist wave of die-hard support from his ethnic Zulu community, a major political bloc. He effectively spun a persecution narrative to explain away his alleged crimes, while deftly playing on the (very real) frustrations and hardships of poor, black South Africans, as well as their racial, ethnic, and class prejudices. His demagoguing of immigration continues to fuel waves of violent, xenophobic attacks on refugees from other African nations.

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AS PRESIDENT, ZUMA PURSUED SOME pro-poor policies. But mainly he pursued pro-Zuma ones. His first big, new scandal was the revelation in 2014 that he had availed himself of $23 million in government money to renovate his private home. Though the Constitutional Court eventually ordered him to repay some of the money, he largely weathered the political storm thanks to his fanatical following, and intimidation of his critics, and sheer shamelessness.

But the mother of all Zuma scandals involved his relationship with a wealthy Indian family, the Guptas, whom he allowed to capture the South African state to their mutual benefit. Starting in the 1990s, the two families over time became financially enmeshed, and when Zuma became president, they all cashed in.

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In 2013, the Guptas used a South African military base to fly in dozens of guests for a nearby wedding.

Two years later, Zuma abruptly fired the respected finance minister, Nhlanhla Nene, and installed an unqualified ANC backbencher to replace him.

Nenes firing unleashed near daily revelations in the South African press of the extent of the Guptas power. It turned out Nene was fired on their orders, and the Guptas had offered his job, along with suitcases of cash, to two other officials before finding someone unscrupulous enough to accept. They also brokered other cabinet posts and leadership of state-owned companies. The Gupta-approved head of South African Airways, one of Zumas lovers, all but ruined it with policies designed to boost the Guptas own airline and to siphon off cash from the government. In an effort to benefit Gupta energy ventures, the national electricity companys board plunged it into catastrophic debt and dysfunction, denying millions of South Africans reliable power for years.

All told, the Guptas and the Zumaswhich South African media cheekily dubbed the Zuptasessentially set up a parallel, unelected, unaccountable state, with full control of law enforcement bodies, multiple state-owned companies, much of the ANC delegation in parliament, and some media outlets. The law enforcement apparatus was a particularly useful part of their portfolio, as the Zuptas could rely on a lack of accountability, even though South Africas stalwart judiciary blocked attempts to threaten Zumas enemies. The Guptas pocketed well over $2 billion in public funds, while the Zuma family reaped untold millions in goods, property, legal fees, and joint business. The damage to the South African economy was severe and possibly irreversible.

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Unlike the Republican party, the ANC eventually got fed up. Voters did too, punishing the ANC in the 2016 municipal elections. Many educated and middle-class voters were tired of Zumas economic chaos. Other South Africans took their cues from the ANCs revered anti-apartheid veterans, who publicly railed against Zumas excesses and led large demonstrations against him. Eventually, enough party officials, business leaders, and ordinary South Africans chose their country, and South Africas democracy, over Zuma. Zuma was forced to resign on February 14, 2018. His chosen successor (and ex-wife) failed to win the next party elections. Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, no angel but better than Zuma, was elected in his own right in 2019.

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LIKE TRUMP, ZUMA IS A REMORSELESS narcissist who continues to menace South African society. But unlike Trump, he is more neutered politically, thanks to South African courts and the ANC, which expelled him for a short-term political cost. In 2021, the Constitutional Court found him guilty of contempt and sentenced him to 15 months in prison. His supporters rioted, and more than seventy people died. Though he ultimately served only two months, the Constitutional Court ruled him ineligible to hold elective office when he attempted a parliamentary run in 2024.

Nonetheless, Zumas new party participation in the 2024 elections pushed the ANC below 50 percent for the first time, necessitating a coalition government. (Zuma claimed, without evidence, that the electoral commission had robbed his party of a two-thirds majority.) The ANC joined the center-right opposition in an uncomfortable relationship that gives South Africa its best chance since 1994 for meaningful, responsible change.

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South Africas response to Zumas outrages wasnt perfect. Its government has only implemented a few reforms to prevent another Zuma. Many ANC leaders who enabled his excesses remain in power. The culture of bad government he fosteredcorruption and poor government performancewill be hard to root out.

But South Africa has done much better than the United States in confronting its autocrat. Our Zuma is back in power, and hes likely to have even less shame and cause even more harm. Like Zuma, Trump aims to capture more of the machinery of government this time, targeting the same types of agencies and institutions as Zumaintelligence, law enforcement, finance, media.

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THERE ARE FIVE LESSONS Americans could learn from South Africas experience defending its democracy:

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Corruption is not a victimless crime. The exploitation of the South African state cost ordinary South Africans dearly, kneecapping an already struggling economy and disrupting basic services. Zuma set the project of post-apartheid recovery back many years and undermined peoples trust in the government. This trust deficit may yet fuel a more radical, dangerous political movement in a country with a bloody history. In America, too, the toxic, high-stakes politics and corrupt, profligate economics of the Trump years mean we are further from solving our most vexing problems, like access to affordable healthcare and housing, the stability of our entitlements programs, racial justice and reconciliation, and immigration. These problems will compound with time, risking a more radical backlash. Complacency can turn blessings into a curse. Compared to South Africa, the American economy is more resilient, and our institutions are more durable. But thats a double-edged sword. Our good fortune has bred a complacency that a country like South Africa literally cant afford. American voters, for example, are going to have electricity regardless of who is in power (well, maybe not if they live in Texas), and their economic hardship will pale in comparison to that of the average South African, who lives with 33 percent unemployment and one of the worlds highest crime rates. And unlike South Africas business community, which served as a check on Zuma, much of ours is bending the knee to Trump. Do not obey in advance. Key figures in the Zuma story, most notably Pravin Gordhan, forced Zuma to absorb the full political consequences of his actions. As finance minister after Nenes firing, he waged bureaucratic war against Zumas corruption and stared down threats by the National Prosecuting Authority to charge him with fabricated crimes. Sadly, its unthinkable at this point that Trumps appointees will resist him even in private. But every American, from the protester who is unlawfully arrested to the pollster who is sued to the low-level bureaucrat who refuses to follow an unconscionable order, should only go kicking and screaming (within the bounds of the law). We should channel Gordhan, who fought for democracy first against apartheid, then against Zuma. Go to court early and often. South Africas fiercely independent judiciary proved to be a firewall, not only protecting Zumas political opponents and interfering in his corrupt schemes, but also convicting him andif only, America!barring him from elective office. Americas courts have already been less of an obstacle for Trump, but they remain our best hope. Where federal charges arent pursued, perhaps Democratic state attorneys general and civil litigators can step up. And, yes, we will need armies of pro bono lawyers to defend those who refuse to go quietly. Fully document the truth. South Africans frequently joke about their fondness for commissions, whose recommendations are often ignored. But starting with its vaunted Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which exhaustively assembled evidence of apartheid-era crimes in part by offering clemency to perpetrators willing to testify, South Africa has demonstrated the importance of fully reckoning with its sins. Enshrined in the constitution is the Office of the Public Protector, a permanent, independent investigatory authority to which the government is subject. The Zuma-era public protector, Thuli Madonsela, relentlessly gathered and exposed evidence of his abuses. President Ramaphosa stood up the Zondo Commission specifically to investigate and document state capture. Its work has inspired subsequent government action and aided the indictment of over 200 individuals, including two of the Gupta brothers. Americans still await a credible, comprehensive investigation of Trumps corruption.

Compared to South Africa, the United States is falling behind. But so farand its still too soon to tellSouth Africa has shown its possible for democracy to weather an authoritarian hurricane. The United States has many more institutional and economic resources with which to clean up our storm damage. But first we need to get out of the storm.

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South Dakota House Majority Leader Scott Odenbach, R-Spearfish, participates in a press conference on Jan. 30, 2025, at the Capitol in Pierre. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)

PIERRE  South Dakota Republican legislative leaders are still planning to push forward with school choice legislation after two bills failed in a committee earlier this week.

The fights not over, said House Majority Leader Scott Odenbach, R-Spearfish.

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Democratic leaders said the effort is a waste of time and an attack on public education. Each leadership group had its weekly legislative press conference Thursday at the Capitol.

Republicans said theyre working on an alternative solution, which they hope will gain broader support following the rejection of a $4 million education savings account bill backed by Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden and another proposal from Rep. Dylan Jordan, R-Clear Lake, that would cost an estimated $142 million. Each of the bills sought to provide public funds to help families pay for private school tuition, homeschool or other alternative instruction costs.

Odenbach hoped to pass the governors bill, but concerns about its impact on public school funding and a lack of oversight and transparency in private education led to a 9-6 defeat in the House Education Committee. The competing bill was rejected in an 8-7 vote. Conflicting opinions among school choice supporters also contributed to the defeats, with some arguing the governors bill was too limited.

Several options exist to keep the effort alive, including procedural maneuvers to force the bills to the House floor, the filing of new bills, or the wholesale amendment of an unrelated bill.

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Democratic leaders said the school choice bills should be left for dead.

I think both bills had a fair hearing, said House Minority Leader Erin Healy, D-Sioux Falls. The room was completely packed yesterday. Everyone was there.

The push for school choice in South Dakota received a potential boost from Washington, D.C., this week. President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the federal Department of Education to explore federal funding opportunities for states with school choice programs.

Hopefully we can get something in place to capitalize on that, said Senate Majority Leader Jim Mehlhaff, R-Pierre.

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SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI)  A local coffee shop is partnering with police to encourage the community to drive sober and stay safe.

The Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association (RIPCA) launched a new initiative urging people to reconsider that one last drink for the road.

Audreys Coffee House & Lounge in South Kingstown didnt hesitate to get involved when approached with the idea.

Now, customers at Audreys will receive a cup sleeve with the message:

Make this your one for the road. DRIVE SOBER.

It also includes a QR code linking to a website with information on impaired driving, including prevention efforts, the effects of alcohol and cannabis, and DUI consequences.

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If you scan it, brings you right to the police chiefs website, just giving all tips and letting people know about what they can do to avoid drinking and driving and just driving safely to keep the community safe, Audreys owner Jared Haibon explained.

Those caught driving under the influence face steep fines, license suspension, or even jail timeso its better to grab a latte instead.

Impaired driving is a significant safety issue in all of our communities, and we are always seeking new ways to engage our community and remind them to drive sober, RIPCA President and Woonsocket Police Chief Thomas Oates said.

Rhode Island coffee shop owners who are interested in participating can contact info@ripolicechiefs.org.

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Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has challenged political rivals who are focused on making President William Ruto a one-term leader, calling their motivation both unrealistic and unfounded.

Speaking during a consultative meeting with leaders from Tharaka Nithi on Wednesday, Kindiki questioned why some leaders continue to push for Rutos one-term presidency, despite his significant accomplishments since taking office.

I saw some people saying their only goal is to make William Ruto a one-term President. Really? And then? How can that be your sole motivation as a leader? Kindiki asked.

His remarks came in response to a pledge made by Rigathi Gachagua on Monday, where the impeached Deputy President promised to work with Kenyans to challenge Rutos administration and hinder his re-election in the 2027 general election.

RELATED  Gachagua Commits To Making Ruto a One-term President

Kindiki emphasized that President Ruto is one of just five Kenyans to have held the countrys highest office, a rare achievement.

Many leaders have unsuccessfully sought the presidency, but Ruto has achieved this great honor, Kindiki said, underscoring the significance of Rutos leadership.

Kindiki also asserted that even if Ruto does not secure a second term, his government will have already transformed the lives of many Kenyans in key areas such as health, the economy, education, housing, and job creation for young people.

He dismissed the one-term presidency narrative as cheap and called on those promoting it to reconsider their approach.

Dont threaten us with a one-term presidency. That is cheap, Kindiki added.
MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. (WFLA)  SpaceX launched a satellite into orbit Wednesday as a part of an effort to improve communications across the globe.

The Hisdesat SpainSat Next Generation satellite was launched out of Floridas Kennedy Space Center on a Falcon 9 rocket.

Mote scientists, partners unveil arsenal of tools aimed at fighting red tide

It was the 21st and final flight for the Falcon 9 first stage booster due to the additional performance required to send the satellite into orbit, according to SpaceX.

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The European Space Agency (ESA)-supported satellite is expected to provide more cost-effective, adaptable and secure communication services for governments and emergency response teams across Europe, North America, and many other parts of the world.

Weighing 6.1 tonnes, the ESA said the satellite has special equipment that protects it from interference and ensures that communications remain private and secure.

This launch marks a key milestone in providing more adaptable and secure communications services that will benefit governmental users across Europe and beyond, said Laurent Jaffart, ESAs Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications.

After launch, the satellite began heading to its final position in geostationary orbit tens of thousands of kilometers above Earth.

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The two-hour launch window opened at 8:34 p.m. Wednesday.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
VAN ZANDT COUNTY, Texas (KETK)  Two abandoned dogs were rescued in freezing conditions at a Van Zandt County house on Jan. 20 after their owner was evicted and is now facing charges of animal cruelty.

An Investigator with the SPCA of Texas Animal Cruelty Investigations (ACI) Unit responded to the property and discovered two adult dogs on a couch that was sitting outside by the curb, the SPCA of Texas said. At the time, in this area, it was 23 degrees Fahrenheit with wind chills in the teens and the dogs were shivering due to the extreme cold without any protection from the elements.

The dogs received forensic evaluations that indicated that they both suffered from various medical concerns. One of the dogs, an adult Rottweiler, had an untreated ruptured eyeball that was oozing, infected and painful, The SPCA of Texas said. The other dog was covered in tumor-like masses. Both dogs were infested with fleas, causing raw and itchy skin and they both had advanced stages of dental disease. The dogs began treatment immediately, including pain control, and are being monitored closely during the process of recovery, the SPCA of Texas said. The dogs suffered from various ailments advanced dental disease and hair loss that could be attributed to just a complete infestation of fleas, Chief Investigator of the SPCA Texas Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit Courtney Burns said. Really raw, itchy skin just in in really poor condition. Courtesy of the SPCA of Texas Courtesy of the SPCA of Texas

Officials determined that both dogs needed urgent care due to the freezing temperatures and visible medical issues they were suffering. The investigator took custody of the dogs and transported them to their Dallas facility where they obtained immediate veterinary care.

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Houston County PD investigating after 14 stolen cattle found, 8 dead, in abandoned trailer

Kathleen Marie Curtis, courtesy of the SPCA of Texas.

One of the dogs, an adult Rottweiler, had an untreated ruptured eyeball that was oozing, infected and painful, the SPCA of Texas said. The other dog was covered in tumor-like masses. Both dogs were infested with fleas, causing raw and itchy skin and they both had advanced stages of dental disease.

The dogs received treatment for pain control and will be monitored closely during their recovery process.

CAUGHT ON CAMERA: East Texas man arrested for dumping cat at Trinity gas station

Both dogs have a long road to recovery ahead of them, but they are in good spirits, and we are looking forward to the day that they are able to find an adopter to give them the love and care that they deserve.

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On Jan. 21, investigators located the owner, Kathleen Marie Curtis, and obtained warrants for her arrest. She was charged with animal cruelty and abandonment and neglect, her bond was set at $20,000.

The ACI unit responds to thousands of animal cruelty cases each year in Texas rescuing animals like the two dogs in Van Zandt county. Chief Investigator of the SPCA Texas Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit Courtney Burns said cases like these are heartbreaking and people need to be held accountable.

To support the SPCA of Texas efforts to rescue and find homes for animals from cases of cruelty and neglect people can visit their website.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  The Savannah Police Department (SPD) has identified a person who was found deceased in the Savannah River in August 2024.

According to SPD, the female recovered was identified as Sharonne Maultsby. The SPD Homicide responded and is investigating the case.

Savannah Police Department

Maultsbys car has not yet been found, and investigators are asking for the publics help locating a 2015 silver Ford Fusion bearing a Georgia tag CUJ8529.

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There is visible damage to front passenger side of the vehicle.

Those with any information on the vehicles whereabouts should call CrimeStoppers at 912-234-2020 or submit a tip through the SPD mobile app.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
(Bloomberg) -- President Donald Trumps high-stakes bid to use natural gas exports as leverage to expand US influence in Europe and Asia appears to be gaining early traction.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Government officials and energy executives from countries such as India, Kuwait and Japan have been holding talks about procuring more US gas, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

The strategy, however, carries a significant risk. If Trump levies tariffs against China or other nations that balk against buying more LNG, he could drive them away from buying from US producers altogether.

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The move to lock in American supply contracts began shortly after Trumps Nov. 5 election victory, more than two months ahead of his actual swearing in, said the people, who requested anonymity discussing private matters.

He has threatened the European Union with tariffs multiple times if the bloc doesnt purchase more from the US. Buyers from South Korea to Vietnam are considering procuring more American gas to avoid crippling trade levies.

His threat to link EU tariffs to LNG purchases marks a stark departure from market-based principles, said Claudio Steuer, a veteran energy consultant. The potential levies shift the US position on LNG from competitive pricing to politically-driven trade that could undermine long-term market confidence, he said.

Trumps tactics are pushing away some other buyers, like those in China, the worlds top importer, said other people aware of ongoing negotiations with US exporters.

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Trump, preoccupied with steep US trade deficits, has been clear about his intention to use the nations energy-superpower status to balance the equation. Hes actually reviving a favorite tactic from his first term that relies on the nations vast trove of gas along with the fleet of multibillion-dollar plants that liquefy the fuel for export.

Since the start of Trumps first term in 2017, US exports of liquefied natural gas have turned into a gusher, vaulting the nation to the LNG markets top rank. By 2030, roughly one of every three LNG shipments worldwide will originate in the US.

The American LNG boom comes at a time when the worlds appetite for gas has never been more ferocious. Demand for the fuel used in several industries including power production, heating and fertilizer manufacturing, is at an all-time high, fed in no small part by aspirations to shift away from dirtier coal. Gas consumption could rise as much as 12% by the end of the decade, according to the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies.

But despite American dominance of global LNG flows, Trumps threats to use tariffs to cajole export deals may prove more complicated to execute than his recent arm-twisting of Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who caved to tariff threats within hours and agreed to accept repatriated migrants. US LNG is usually sold via long-term contracts from ports, where the fuel is picked up and essentially delivered to the highest bidders in Europe or Asia.

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The US administration lacks direct control over LNG volumes and cargo destinations  a crucial limitation given that buyers, not sellers, determine final delivery points, said Steuer.

Instead, importers desperate to appeal to Trump could sign long-term purchase agreements with developers of yet-to-be-built US LNG complexes, or invest directly in such projects. This would provide a shot in the arm for the host of proposed plants vying to secure buyer commitments and financial backers.

One of Trumps first acts of his second term was lifting a moratorium on new approvals for LNG terminals implemented in the final year of former President Joe Bidens term.

What Id like to see is rapid approvals, Trump said during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, a few days after his inauguration. Were going to get very rapid approvals in the United States.

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Trump would be happy if Japan could show that they are buying more from the United States, Mieko Nakabayashi, a professor at Waseda University and a former lawmaker, said on a Fuji TV program. There is really no minus for Japan.

As the worlds second largest LNG buyer, Japan sourced about 10% of its supplies from the US last year. Japans Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said in parliament on Friday he would ask Trump for a stable supply of energy when they meet early next month.

For a resource-scant nation like Japan, imports from the US are positive in terms of security, said Naohiro Maekawa, executive officer and head of the financial strategy and planning division at the countrys top utility Jera Co. That said, the company will make sure the supply sources in its portfolio are diversified, he added.

We dont think its good to have our LNG portfolio concentrated in one supply source. We think its good to have a balance between three to four areas, like Australia, the Middle East and Malaysia, Maekawa said during an earnings press conference in Tokyo on Friday.

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Few other countries are able to unleash as much gas onto global markets as the US. Russias aspirations to expand LNG exports have been upended by Biden-era sanctions while new competitors from Mozambique to Papua New Guinea have been slow to mature.

Qatar, the worlds second largest LNG exporter after the US, aims to boost production by more than 80% through 2030. However, the emirates supplies are less flexible than those from US shale fields  a problem for countries uncertain about future demand amid the shift to the cleaner energy sources. And while Qatar is renowned for its reliability, its energy minister recently warned that Europes cross-border climate rules risked supply to the region.

US LNG exports are slated to grow to roughly 200 million metric tons per year by 2030, up from about 93 million, according to a forecast from BloombergNEF. That estimate may prove conservative if the Trump administration successfully prompts Asian or European importers to sign long-term deals.

We are ready to buy more natural gas, Uniper SE Chief Executive Officer Michael Lewis said during a panel at Davos. Germany began directly importing LNG in 2022 following the loss of Russian pipeline gas, with US supplies making up 92% of total seaborne deliveries last year.

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said LNG should be used as leverage in talks with China.

In bilateral talks over the weekend, Rubio encouraged Vietnam to address trade imbalances. The Asian countrys government had already said it would look to buy more US gas to not only avoid tariffs but also meet rising energy requirements.

Still, turning LNG into a political cudgel threatens to erode long-term market confidence in US reliability, Steuer said.

A stronger reliance on the US could mean a form of blackmail that we had in Russia is being repeated, warned German Economy Minister Robert Habeck. Europe should meet the Trump administration with an outstretched hand, but not have our hand cut off.

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--With assistance from Priscila Azevedo Rocha and Shoko Oda.

(Updates with Japan PMs comments in 17th paragraph. A previous version of the story corrected the spelling of World Economic Forum in the photo caption.)

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NEW YORK (PIX11)  In just a few days, all eyes will turn to Punxsutawney Phil, a prophesying groundhog whose shadow will determine when spring will arrive.

What first began in the late 1800s has become a nationwide tradition, which now includes all sorts of weather-predicting animals, including tortoises and even a duck.

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While Punxsutawney Phil is the most famed among the animal prognosticators, a recent study by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration suggests that Americans should think twice before considering his prediction.

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Out of the animals that have been prognosticating for at least 20 years and were active as of Feb. 2, 2024, Punxsutawney Phil ranks 17th in accuracy.

Only 35% of his predictions have been correct, according to the NOAA.

Tired of winter? Farmers Almanac offers hopeful spring outlook

Thankfully, Punxsutawney Phil is heralded more as a celebrity than a meteorologist, and the tradition is all in good fun.

Those who want to see Phil on Feb. 2 can tune into an online livestream provided by Visit Pennsylvania.

Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Warmer temperatures have arrived in Louisville after a snowy start to 2025. With highs climbing into the 50s and 60s this weekend, some Kentuckians might be wondering what spring weather could bring to the Bluegrass State.

This month the Old Farmer's Almanac and Farmers' Almanac released their predictions for spring, showing Kentucky might have cool, dry weather blossoming into warmer, wetter conditions by May.

Meteorologists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration also are predicting Kentucky's spring to be wetter and warmer than normal. The most recent seasonal outlook map by NOAA's Climate Prediction Center shows Louisville can expect above normal temperatures March throughout May of 2025.

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Here's what that means for the Bluegrass State over the next several months.

When is the first day of spring?

The first day of spring is Thursday, March 20, 2025.

Old Farmers Almanac predicts warm spring for most of country, unless you live in Louisville

A spring forecast issued this month by the Old Farmer's Almanac predicts "warmer-than-normal temperatures for most of the country," unless you live in Louisville. The Old Farmer's Almanac says cool, dry conditions will be felt in the western Ohio Valley region, which includes southern Indiana and western Kentucky. Eastern Kentucky, they predict, will see warm, wet weather.

Between April and May, the Old Farmer's Almanac predicts much of Kentucky and its neighboring areas will experience "below-normal temperatures and precipitation." By May, things get warmer. The almanac predicts above-normal temperatures and rainfall.

The Old Farmer's Almanac has released its spring forecast for 2025.

Farmers' Almanac predicts 'cool, showery' weather in Kentucky. What about Derby?

The Farmers' Almanac, not to be confused with the Old Farmer's Almanac, said things are looking a little frostier in Kentucky in an extended spring forecast. Winter conditions they said might linger in the Ohio Valley, Midwest and Great Lakes areas. Temperatures will remain "somewhat coolish," the almanac writes, for the northern and central regions of the country during spring.

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There's good news for Kentucky Derby fans, writes the Farmers' Almanac.

Image courtesy of the Farmer's Almanac.

"Were predicting a dry track for the Kentucky Derby on May 3," writes the Farmers' Almanac, "a clearing trend arriving in Pimlico, Maryland, for the Preakness on May 17, and sun-filled skies for the Belmont on June 7."

Kentuckians and out-of-state Derby fans might want to keep the following in mind: The almanac's long-range predictions are sometimes little better than a coin flip.

January is also far too early for the National Weather Service in Louisville to issue an accurate weather forecast in Kentucky for May.

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Story continues after photo gallery.

How accurate are the almanacs?

The Old Farmer's Almanac, writes USA TODAY, has made a name for itself by providing long-term weather forecasts on an annual basis. The book also gives readers full moon dates, recipes and various self-help tips. However, both the Old Farmer's Almanac and Farmers' Almanac got their starts in the 18th and 19th centuries, long before satellite weather tracking became a practice.

One study cited by Popular Mechanics reported the Farmers' Almanac was right about 52% of the time. Other studies by trained meteorologists, such as those conducted by Jan Noll in 2016 and 2017, show the Old Farmer's Almanac's predictive capabilities are well below its claims of correctly getting the weather right 80% of the time.

NOAA issues spring 2025 weather outlook; Kentucky is looking warm

According to NOAA's seasonal outlook map issued in January, Kentucky could have above normal temperatures March into May. Unlike Indiana and large swaths of the Midwest, which have equal chances to be above and below normal temperatures, the Bluegrass State has a 33-40% chance of being warmer than normal.

A map showing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's seasonal temperature forecast for January - March 2025, issued Jan. 16, 2025.

How warm is spring usually in Louisville?

The average daily high in Louisville, according to NWS, is about 58 degrees Fahrenheit in March, 70 in April and 78 in May. Lows during those same three months range an average from the upper 30s to upper 50s.

Month Avg. High Avg. Low Avg. Precip. March 58.1 38.6 4.60" April 69.6 48.5 4.80" May 77.8 68.3 5.18"

Kentucky is looking wetter than normal for spring 2025, per NOAA

Precipitation from March to May in Kentucky could be wetter this year, according to NOAA. The Bluegrass State, including parts of western Ohio, Michigan and southwestern Kentucky, have a 4050% higher chance of above-normal precipitation.

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Records kept by NWS show the average total rainfall around Louisville from March through May equals 14.58 inches.

Spring 2025: Kentucky's winter needs to chill out. What to know about spring in 2025.

A map showing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's seasonal precipitation forecast for January - March 2025, issued Jan. 16, 2025.

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La Nina is still around and will likely impact weather

One important weather factor to keep in mind is that La Nina is sticking around well into 2025. NOAA updated its climate predictions in January, saying La Nina conditions are expected to continue February into April, along with a 60% chance March through May.

La Nina, according to the National Weather Service, is a natural climate pattern in which the ocean's seawater cools. It can have a significant impact on weather around the world.

For the latest and most accurate weather forecasts, Kentuckians can stay up to date with their local National Weather Service.

Story continues after photo gallery.

When do we 'spring forward'?

Daylight saving time begins 2 a.m. Sunday, March 9. Participating states will turn clocks forward by one hour on the second Sunday of March, or "spring forward" resulting in the loss of an hour of sleep.

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When's the time change? When clocks move for Daylight Saving Time in 2025

When are the four seasons in 2025?

Spring : March 20, 2025.

Summer : June 20, 2025.

Fall : Sept. 22, 2025.

Winter: Dec. 21, 2025.

Groundhog Day 2025: Will Phil and Hope see their shadows? What to know about the weather predicting groundhogs.

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: Old Farmer's Almanac 2025 spring weather forecast for Kentucky
Thursday: Were starting out Thursday morning with a few light showers as a warm front lifts north. The rain should end by around 9 am at the latest. It will be warmer with highs in the upper 60s. Rain returns Thursday night as a cold front moves into Alabama. Some of the rain could be heavy with a few rumbles of thunder and gusty winds. Lows will not be as cold falling to the lower to middle 50s.

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Friday: The cold front will move across Alabama on Friday morning with heavy rain, gusty winds, and a few thunderstorms. Rain tapers off in the afternoon, with just a small chance for an afternoon shower. It will not be much colder with highs in the middle 60s.

Groundhog Day Weekend Outlook: High pressure will build across the Southeast U.S. all weekend. Saturday will be sunny with highs in the middle 60s. Groundhog Day, Sunday will remain sunny with warmer high temperatures around 70. Lows will be in the 40s each night. Hopefully, Phil does not see his shadow!

Next Weeks Outlook: It will feel spring-like next week with dry weather on Monday and Tuesday. Highs will be in the 70s. A few showers return on Wednesday with more rain from a cold front on Thursday. Highs will be in the 60s. Friday will become dry with cooler highs in the lower 60s.

Be sure to follow the CBS 42 Storm Team:

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Follow Us on Facebook: Chief Meteorologist Dave Nussbaum, Meteorologist Michael Haynes, Meteorologist Alex Puckett, and Meteorologist Jacob Woods.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
SPRINGDALE, Ark.  Are you ready to make a difference while earning a competitive salary? You can join the Springdale Police Department and start your career with a $54,679 starting salary. In addition to competitive pay, the department offers 12 paid holidays each year, allowing you to enjoy precious time with family and friends. The generous sick leave and vacation policies ensure that you can take care of yourself and recharge when needed. Furthermore, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance is provided to safeguard your health and well-being.

Proudly wear the badge while enjoying job security and the satisfaction of protecting those around you. Imagine yourself working alongside dedicated professionals who are committed to making Springdale a safe place for everyone. Your contributions matter, and with our support, you can grow both personally and professionally.

One of the standout benefits of joining our team is that all uniforms and equipment are provided at no cost to you. This means you can focus on what truly mattersserving your communitywithout worrying about additional expenses. The Springdale Police Department values its officers and strives to create an environment where they feel appreciated and supported every step of the way. We invite you to consider this rewarding path where your contributions will be recognized and valued!

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Dont wait! Apply today to join the Springdale Police Department and take the first step toward an impactful careeryour community needs you!

Next Police Officer Application Period: Applications Due by Monday, February 17, 2025. Written Test will be on Friday, February 21, 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 KNWA FOX24.
AES Ohio customers throughout the Miami Valley say their electric bills have spiked by hundreds of dollars.

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As reported on News Center 7 at 6:00, I-Team Lead Investigative reporter John Bedell pushed AES Ohio to explain what is going on.

TRENDING STORIES:

Customers in Greene, Miami, and Montgomery counties told News Center 7 they noticed an increase.

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Don Tiberio Sr. has lived in Beavercreek since 2002. Hes paid bills to the same power company since then.

It was Dayton Power and Light before it was AES, Tiberio said.

He says his electricity usage has stayed steady.

News Center 7 asked him about whats changed with the power service.

At the house? Nothing. Just that we, we had a new meter, Tiberio said.

Since then, Tiberio has noticed increased bills and changes that he thinks arent accurately reflecting his power usage habits.

Im on a fixed income, Im not working right now between jobs. Im retired military. So its a squeeze I dont need, Tiberio said.

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He said he wants AES Ohio to look at his meter.

I would like them to check because its brand new. It could be faulty. I dont know, Tiberio said.

He says he hasnt gotten that, or any answers from the power utility.

They said theyd have someone call me and no one ever called me, Tiberio said.

He is one of 18 people who have reached out to News Center 7s John Bedell about this exact problem.

I just saw it on TV. I figured Id give you guys a call, he said.

People said their bills have suddenly jumped anywhere from $200 to $300 a month.

One woman reached out to News Center 7 and said her usual monthly bill averages about $190.

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She says with no significant usage changes, her December bill was $450, and her January bill was $760.

A spokesperson from AES Ohio said they know about this and that its impacting what they call an isolated group of customers.

I just want the bill straightened out, Tiberio said.

For any customer who is experiencing an unusually high bill, we encourage them to contact customer service so we can investigate and take appropriate action. Our agents will review their usage, prior years data, and average temperatures to determine the reason for the increase which can be due to a number of factors. These factors may include additional days in the billing cycle or record cold weather. As we come to the end of January, we have experienced the coldest winter in the region in 10 years. We are actively working to address customer requests as quickly as possible. If a meter validation is necessary, we will schedule it accordingly. Our goal is to provide customers with confidence in their energy usage and billing accuracy, and we appreciate their patience as we work through these requests." AES Ohio spokesperson

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Los Angeles police are asking for the public's help in identifying and locating a man who was captured on surveillance video stabbing a woman in an East Hollywood crosswalk.

The incident occurred at noon on Jan. 18 near the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and Edgemont Street, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Video of the attack shows the woman crossing the street next to two other people when the assailant approaches her from behind and attacks her, making stabbing motions toward her head.

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The first officers to arrive on the scene found the woman suffering from multiple stab wounds. Paramedics took her to a hospital with injuries that officials said were not life-threatening.

Police investigators said she was stabbed twice before the attacker fled east on Santa Monica Boulevard to the Vermont/Santa Monica Metro station.

Police described the suspect as a 30-year-old man with black hair and brown eyes, 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 180 pounds. In the video he is wearing dark pants, a jacket and a black-and-white striped shirt. The LAPD released an image of the man's face in hopes that someone will recognize him.

Anyone with information about the incident can call detectives at (213) 484-3631 on weekdays. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has firmly rejected calls from some politicians urging him to oppose President William Rutos policies, similar to how his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, supposedly disagreed with his former boss.

Kindiki made it clear that opposing government policies does not fall within the Deputy Presidents responsibilities. He questioned those advising him to oppose the President, stating that such suggestions were misguided.

There are characters advising me to oppose the President, and Im wondering, is the job of the DP to oppose the President? Is that the job description? Kindiki said. Those advising me to oppose the President are addressing the wrong person. Maybe theyre talking to somebody else, not me.

The Deputy President emphasized that it is impossible to serve in a government while simultaneously working against it. He stressed that his role is to support, assist, and supplement President Rutos efforts to deliver on his mandate to the people of Kenya.

The job of the Deputy President is to stand with the President and help him fulfill his mandate, Kindiki stated.

Kindiki urged politicians who wish to oppose the government to do so from outside, suggesting they should leave the administration if they cannot support it.

Those who want to oppose the President should leave government and do it from outside. You cannot be the DP and sabotaging the same government or in Cabinet flying a flag and then you are sabotaging the same administration. Fight us from outside. We are ready for you in 2027.

I have to support the President, I have to fight for him, assist and supplement him because he cannot be everywhere that is the work of the principal assistant to the president, he added.

Kindiki made these remarks while hosting a delegation from Tharaka Nithi County at his official residence in Karen, Nairobi. The meeting focused on priority development projects and the implementation of government programs.

It took Kibaki five years to do what Ruto has done in two years

During the meeting, Kindiki also drew comparisons between President Rutos leadership and that of the late President Mwai Kibaki. He highlighted that Kibaki faced significant challenges during his first term, which led to a loss of popularity.

He dissolved his Cabinet and lost a referendum, yet he remains the most consequential former president. President William Samoei Ruto is facing the same challenges and has remained steadfast in his mission to transform Kenya, he said.

According to Kindiki, Ruto has accomplished more in his two years in office than Kibaki did during his first five years.

What President William Ruto has done in two years, it took Kibaki five years. Ruto is on the right track to improving our economy, Kindiki stated.

He concluded by urging Kenyans to give President Ruto time to deliver on his promises, asserting that a transformative leader is not always popular but will gain recognition when the time is right.

A good transformative leader is not always popular, but popularity comes at the right time. Let us give President William Ruto time to deliver, Kindiki said.
(Photo via Getty Images)

A new state report on staffing in Iowa nursing homes indicates employee turnover rates are continuing to climb 15 years after state lawmakers approved, but failed to fund, a program to address the issue.

The 2024 Nursing Facility Turnover Report from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services indicates that between 2022 and 2023, the average rate of turnover among registered nurses working in nursing homes increased from 52% to 66%. Among licensed practical nurses, turnover increased from 53% to 68%.

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Among certified nurse aides, who provide much of the hands-on care in Iowa nursing homes, the average turnover rate increased from 72% to 77%.

Turnover rates reflect the percentage of workers who left their job during the course of a year. If a nursing home had nine aides on staff and seven of them left during the year, the turnover rate would be just under 78%. If 18 aides vacated those nine positions during the year, the turnover rate would be 200%.

The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services considers high staff turnover to be a major contributor to lesser quality care, in part because newly hired or temp-agency nurses and aides dont know the residents and their needs.

According to the report, the Iowa home with the highest turnover rate among caregivers in 2023 was Northbrook Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, formerly Northbrook Manor, in Cedar Rapids. The home saw a 612% turnover among its CNAs, a 667% turnover among LPNs, and a 720% turnover in registered nurses.

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In the position of administrator, there was a 300% turnover at Northbrook, indicating three different administrators left the facility over the course of just one year.

Some of the Iowa nursing home chains that have been cited for significant regulatory violations are also among those with the highest reported turnover. For example, homes that are part of the Aspire chain are run by a Florida for-profit company called Beacon Health Management that saw two of its Iowa facilities closed by the state in 2024. Three of the chains homes reported turnover rates of 300% or more in 2023:

 Aspire of Washington  Registered nurses, 436%. LPNs, 436%. CNAs, 65%. Administrator: 277%.

 Aspire of Donnellson: Registered nurses, 300%. LPNs, 382%. CNAs, 393%. Administrator, 200%.

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 Aspire of Sutherland  Registered nurses, 300%. LPNs, 200%. CNAs, 224%. Administrator, 171%.

On the other end of the spectrum, 14 of the 16 Iowa nursing homes run by the nonprofit Good Samaritan Society reported no turnover whatsoever among all of their nurses and CNAs, according to the new report.

The Iowa homes with the highest turnover among all caregiving staff were:

 Northbrook Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center (formerly Northbrook Manor) in Cedar Rapids, at 634%. The home is run by Erez Healthcare Group.

 On With Life in Ankeny, at 591%. The home is run by On With Life Inc.

 Aspire of Donnellson, at 381%. The home is run by Beacon Health Management.

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 Montezuma Specialty Care, at 263%. The home is run by Care Initiatives, which had five other facilities among the 20 Iowa homes with the highest caregiver turnover.

 Arbor Court in Mount Pleasant, at 232%. The home is run by Midwest Geriatrics.

 Regency Care Center in Norwalk, at 227%. The home is run by Midwest Geriatrics.

 Aspire of Sutherland, at 224%. The home is run by Beacon Health Management.

 Azria Health Park Place in Des Moines, at 213%. The home is run by Azria Health.

 Greater Southside Health and Rehabilitation Center (formerly known as Genesis Senior Living) in Des Moines, at 213%. The home is run by Midwest Geriatrics.

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 Bettendorf Health Care Center, at 211%. The home is run by Midwest Geriatrics.

 Parkview Manor in Wellman, at 211% . The home is run by Midwest Geriatrics.

According to DHHS, the state-run Iowa Veterans Home did not report employee retention data to Iowa Medicaid for 2023, and so it was excluded from the statewide report on turnover.

Lawmakers failed to fund program

The DHHS report suggests the turnover rate in Iowa nursing homes continues to outpace that of many other states. In 2022, the Long-Term Care Community Coalition reported that nationally, the average nursing home had an annual turnover rate of 53.3% among nursing staff.

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A separate set of data published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services indicates that in fiscal year 2023, 14% of Iowas 422 nursing facilities were cited for insufficient staffing. That was more than double the national average, which was 5.9%.

Only five other states  Hawaii, Michigan, Montana, New Mexico and Oregon  had a worse record of compliance with new federal staffing requirements. Iowas neighboring states of Nebraska, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Missouri had no more than 2% to 6.8% of their facilities cited for insufficient staffing in 2023.

State Sen. Amy Sinclair is a Republican from Allerton. (Photo courtesy of Iowa Legislature)

DHHS report on turnover in Iowa nursing homes grew out of legislation that was approved in 2009, when state lawmakers instructed the agency to implement a program for recognizing Iowa nursing facilities that had improved residents quality of life by successfully meeting certain benchmarks. The program, which lawmakers dubbed Pay for Performance, was to take into account employee turnover.

But as DHHS points out in its latest report, lawmakers provided no funding for the program when it launched in 2010, and it has not funded it at any time since then  although the data on staff turnover is still being collected, compiled and sent to lawmakers each year. Due to the lack of funding, the report says, DHHS has not analyzed the data.

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Senate President Amy Sinclair, a Republican from Allerton who accepted $22,000 from the Iowa nursing home industrys primary political action committee during the past 26 months, recently told Iowa Public Radio she doesnt anticipate there will be any Government Oversight Committee hearings this year on nursing homes or the states oversight of the industry.

Nursing homes are the most highly regulated industry in the state of Iowa, from the federal government to the state government, Sinclair said. Do bad things happen? Sure. They also happen in every other sector of public service, whether thats just in a hospital, or whether thats in our law enforcement, or whether thats in a public school. Bad things do tend to happen. We have in place mechanisms for overseeing those. We dont need to just have a legislative public spectacle to talk about things that are already being overseen by the appropriate agencies and are being well overseen by those appropriate agencies.
U.S. Representative Melanie Stanbury (D-N.M.) delivers an address to a joint session of the House and Senate, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025. (Photo by Eddie Moore / Albuquerque Journal)

Two of New Mexicos representatives in Congress told New Mexico lawmakers on Thursday afternoon they will act as a bulwark against President Donald Trump.

Addressing a joint session of the state House and Senate, U.S. Reps. Melanie Stansbury and Gabe Vasquez, both Democrats from districts 1 and 2, respectively, tried to assuage fear and uncertainty among New Mexicans amid Trumps freeze of funding on grant and loan programs and immigration enforcement raids here and across the country.

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For those of you who are feeling scared and uncertain about the future of this country, know that we will fight to protect our communities, and especially those who are most vulnerable, Stansbury said.

Vasquez called the funding freeze a huge threat.

I want to ensure that everybody in here that serves veterans  that serves any type of community service  that our entire New Mexico delegation is going to stand strong in the fight against this administration to freeze any federal funds that are coming to our communities. You can count on that, he said.

Stansbury represented part of Albuquerque in the state House of Representatives from 2019 to 2021.

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We will work to ensure that New Mexico remains a safe haven for everyone, across all of our communities, Stansbury said. We will defend the rights, freedoms and democracy of all New Mexicans, and this is your home.

U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) delivers an address to a joint session of the House and Senate, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025. (Photo by Eddie Moore / Albuquerque Journal)

Vasquez was a member of the Las Cruces City Council from 2017 to 2021. His congressional district encompasses the entirety of New Mexicos share of the U.S.-Mexico border.

He said Trumps mass deportation operations and the proposed changes to birthright citizenship will harm New Mexicos economy and violate the U.S. Constitution.

Hardworking immigrants contribute billions  actually trillions  to our economy, from family farms in my district to rural businesses and emerging industries, and I am going to continue to find solutions, not be part of the problem in Washington, D.C., he said.

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Instead, Vasquez said, immigration enforcement must focus on violent criminals, not on tearing apart families or disrupting communities or local economies.

He said he is committed to achieving commonsense immigration reform that treats people humanely and modernizes border security.

We can both address crime and fight to give immigrants who contribute to our communities a fair shot at residency and citizenship, he said. And the truth is, unless you are Native American, you too, are an immigrant to New Mexico  just like me.

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FRANKLIN FURNACE  Community misinformation about the move of individuals from the Athens campus of STAR Community Justice Center to the Franklin Furnace facility has caused the Scioto County commissioners to speak out.

According to Commissioner Bryan Davis, there were 19 individuals moved from the Athens facility to Franklin Furnacenot the dozens or even hundreds discussed online.

Number 1, your commissioners did not know this was going on, (STAR is a) total state-run facility. Were talkign about 19 individuals that were moved from Athens to our STAR Community Justice Center in Franklin Furnace, he said. Nineteen. That is the equivalent of a heavy week. Thats how many they take in in less than a month. These are not large numbers.

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STAR Community Justice Center is a community based correctional facility intended to promote public safety and reduce prison commitments. It has operations in Athens as well as Franklin Furnace and had recently done remodeling in the latter. It allowed more residential space for offender housing.

Last Spring, STAR Community Justice Center completed refurbishment of the Liberation Complex on the Scioto County Campus. In doing this, it gave STAR four additional housing units. With this additional flexibility, alternate uses fo rthe spaces, including the Athens County Campus, began to be explored, states a release from STAR. It was found that it would be more beneficial if STAR would consolidate operations to one campus in Scioto County.

STAR cited fiscal responsibility and less duplication of services as two reasons for the consolidation.

STAR had discussions with the necessary parties and began moving the operation entirely to the Scioto County Campus) on Jan. 20, reads the releae. As of today, STAR has moved the entire residential population tot he Scioto County Campus and will work to finalize the move of the entire operation over the next few months.

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According to Davis, positions were offered to staff in Athens to move to the Franklin Furnace campus. Some lived closer to Franklin Furnace and have accepted those offers.

I think some of the rumors that this is hundreds of criminals coming into the community, thats overblown, Davis said. I dont know the exact backgrounds.

As far as Franklin Furnace taking a hit when it comes to the operation of the Franklin Furnace site as it had when the Ohio River Valley Juvenile Correctional Facility operation closed, Davis says that isnt going to happen in this case.

What if they had decided to close Franklin Furnace and move everybody to Athens? Weve been victims of that before when they shut down ORV  300 jobs lost. Lets be cautious in how we judge this too harshly, Davis said. Dont be alarmed, I think were OK.

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Davis suggested the director have a conversation with the Green Township trustees about the matter.

A lot of people are not happy with the proliferation of rehabs in the area and this is a hotbed issue, Davis said. I also understand the volunteer fire department and the EMS is often put under duress because of calls from those facilities. My understanding is that has been abated.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  The latest rule approved by the Oklahoma Board of Education would have schools record student and parent citizenship status when they enroll.

The news of the rule is causing some to worry for their childrens futures, and now state leaders are sending a reminder not to panic.

At the end of the day, these kids are like any other, wanting to achieve their dreams, and education is a vehicle for them to be able to do that, said Representative Alonso Sandoval, D-Oklahoma City.

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Legal experts say OSDE citizenship rule likely to face lawsuits

The rule to monitor U.S. Citizenship in schools is causing some to push back and say its unlawful.

The rules that were proposed and passed by the state department of education go up against the constitution of the state of Oklahoma and the National Constitution as well that grants every child the right to a free and public education, regardless of citizenship status, said Representative Sandoval.

On Wednesday, Governor Kevin Stitt addressed immigration from a criminal standpoint.

We have about 536 people incarcerated in state prisons that are here illegally. Theyve committed crimes, are here illegally, said Governor Kevin Stitt.

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While Governor Stitt didnt address the rule at the press conference, News 4 followed up with an email asking for the governors response.

OSDE passes rule to require citizenship status of families

Governor Stitts team sent a statement:

The Governor is focused on getting those who have committed crimes while here illegally out of Oklahoma. That is why he initiated Operation Guardian. Hell continue to work to protect all four million Oklahomans. The Office of the Governor

While the rule to monitor legal status in schools has yet to be approved, state leaders are reassuring families who might have concerns about sending their children to the classroom.

At this point one thing that we can assure them is that children ultimately would be able to complete the semester without having to be worried about any kind of unwanted questions as far as citizenship or anything else, said Senator Michael Brooks-Jimenez, D-Oklahoma City.

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News 4 also followed up with the governors office asking more specifically if he would support the rule should it pass legislature and make it to his desk, but did not hear back.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP)  State officials issued guidelines for potential bird flu cases Wednesday morning.

State officials held a news conference Wednesday morning with an update on bird flu in Massachusetts. Two geese at UMass tested positive for the disease last week, suggesting that Massachusetts may see another spike in cases. 22News spoke with Tessa White-Diemand, co-owner of Diemand Farm, to see what measures theyre taking to combat the disease.

Bird flu outbreak in Massachusetts suspected death in over 60 flock

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Were taking it very seriously. Locking the farm down and making sure that whoever comes into our store and really asking them to wipe their feet on those boot mats that we have It may sound silly to do that, but it is one step in helping us make sure that our farm and our flock is safe, said White-Diemand.

The CDC reported 67 confirmed human cases of bird flu since 2024. Despite avian influenza originating from birds, over 60% of people who have confirmed cases have been infected through cattle.

Domesticated animals like cattle and goats are highly susceptible to the disease. Despite this, the commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources said dairy products have not been impacted.

Massachusetts has consistently tested the milk supply and has achieved 100% negative results for HPAI among licensed dairy farms since we started testing last August, said Ashley Randle, commissioner of MDAR.

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The national egg supply declined over seven percent in the last week alone, according to the USDA, resulting in a surge in egg prices. State officials advise people to stay away from any dead or sick birds and to report any sightings to Masswildlife.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Jan. 29An education bill addressing how Board of Regents are trained is expected to have its first committee hearing at the Legislature this week.

The bill, sponsored by Sens. Jeff Steinborn, D-Las Cruces, and Gabriel Ramos, R-Silver City, would mandate training for members of the state's higher education governing boards. Another joint resolution, read out on the floor on Wednesday, would introduce a constitutional amendment  something voters must also approve  seeking to change the way the governor nominates those members.

The move comes, in part, after calls for reforms to state higher education governing boards from lawmakers and weeks after the majority of Western New Mexico University's Board of Regents resigned over alleged ethical misconduct.

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Senate Bill 19, Boards of Regents Training Requirements, is on the schedule of the Senate Education Committee for Friday.

House Speaker Javier Martinez, D-Albuquerque, earlier this month at a news conference called to hold members of the state's higher education governing boards accountable. He was joined by Attorney General Raul Torrez, who is investigating the former WNMU Board of Regents and the institution's departed president, Joe Shepard.

The five-member board and Shepard came under Torrez's radar last month, when the board unanimously approved a $1.9 million payout to Shepard, who agreed to resign Jan. 15 amid numerous ethics investigations.

State Auditor Joseph Maestas concluded in November that Shepard, his wife, Valerie Plame, and members of the board spent more than $363,000 for 402 instances of "extravagant" travel and 91 instances of purchasing, including furniture for the president's residence in Silver City.

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Though Steinborn did not sponsor SB19 with the House Speaker's call or the accusations at WNMU in mind, he told the Journal the recent developments out of the Silver City campus stresses the importance of his legislation. Steinborn added that while it's impossible to prevent accusations like the ones facing WNMU from ever happening again, "you can set yourself up for success."

"The biggest thing you an do to set yourself up for success is to pick the very best people in the first place," he said.

SB19 is part of a long-time effort from Steinborn to reform higher education governance and was inspired by legislation passed last year requiring training for public school board members, he said.

His bill would require members to complete 10 hours of training during the first year of their terms. The training includes two hours each on various subjects, including financial management and ethics. The state's Higher Education Department would be tasked with developing and providing the training. The agency already provides training, which Steinborn is aware of, but he believes his proposal would offer more comprehensive training.

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"A little bit of training can go a long way toward helping people really understand the appropriate boundaries and red lines for this specific job," Steinborn said, noting that he has received training on being a public official.

The proposed constitutional amendment Steinborn is pushing for would require the governor to nominate board members from a list provided by a committee from each institution. The nominations would still require Senate confirmation.

Steinborn credited Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham for the way she has handled nominating board members, but he said previous administrations tended to nominate those who were donors of the governor or had no background in higher education.

"Clearly, the history going back 20 years is that there has not been much of a vetting process outside of who supported the governors and their campaign," Steinborn said. "The great thing about a nominating commission is we could really professionalize (the process) and invite a wider net of people, who aren't necessarily politically connected, to be interviewed in a nonpartisan way."
For the record:

4:09 p.m. Feb. 2, 2025: An earlier version of this story said Baldwin Parks former city manager pleaded guilty in connection with a cannabis corruption scheme. The plea was from the City of Commerces former city manager.



State Sen. Susan Rubio, a Democrat from Baldwin Park, was reappointed last week as chair of the committee that oversees insurance-related legislation, a powerful position that went unoccupied for weeks while swaths of Los Angeles burned.

Even as the fires created an unprecedented insurance crisis that has left thousands scrambling to cover their losses, Senate Pro Tem Mike McGuire (D-North Coast) kept the chairperson position vacant despite announcing all other leadership positions earlier in the month.

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Rubio's reappointment as chair, a position she has held since 2019, comes amid lingering questions about her role in an ongoing federal investigation into an alleged cannabis industry bribery scheme that dates to her time on the Baldwin Park City Council and her 2018 campaign for state office.

McGuire previously said he was awaiting more information from the U.S. attorney's office regarding the federal inquiry before deciding whether Rubio should retain the chair position.

Rubio has not been named by authorities in connection with the case, but The Times previously reported on court documents made public by the U.S. attorneys office in December that described an unnamed public official with details that matched the state senator's profile.

Read more: California lawmaker questioned in sprawling cannabis corruption investigation

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Baldwin Park's former city attorney and Commerce's city manager have both pleaded guilty to soliciting kickbacks in exchange for issuing permits to cannabis businesses. The unnamed official who fits Rubio's description is accused of taking $30,000 in cash in exchange for protecting the scheme, with money allegedly funneled into a state campaign account through straw donors.A Rubio spokesperson, Matthew Zberg, previously said in a statement that federal officials had informed Rubio she is not a target in the investigation, and that she volunteered hours of her time aiding the authorities in their investigation. Her office did not respond on whether she was the unnamed official in the plea. A spokesperson for the U.S. attorneys office said he could neither confirm nor deny those claims.

With a district that includes parts of the San Gabriel Valley devastated by the Eaton fire, Rubio said as chairperson she will continue to dedicate time to help with the recovery.

Following the appointment last Friday, Senators are meeting to discuss the work to be done, Rubio said in a statement. After having the opportunity to meet with all members of the committee, well solidify and highlight the next steps forward for California and to support those impacted by the wildfires in being made whole.

The Senate insurance committee chairperson role "carries considerable weight," said Chris Micheli, an adjunct professor at the McGeorge School of Law and veteran lobbyist.

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Micheli, who closely tracks legislative actions, said the committee is likely to tackle issues of affordability and eligibility on the homeowners front  issues that could shape the fire insurance market going forward. He said that "right now, [Rubio] is the most qualified individual to lead that committee," and noted that the federal investigation probably had no bearing on her reappointment because she has not been directly implicated.

As a state legislator, and during her unsuccessful bid for Congress, Rubio has accepted sizable donations from the insurance industry, and so have her colleagues.

Although those donations are legal, that money is often from the same people who lobby for bills heard before the Insurance Committee. Rubio's role gives her the power to advance or kill legislation that could either harm or benefit the industry. Lisa Calderon (D-Los Angeles), the chairperson of the Assembly Insurance Committee, has also previously accepted donations from the industry.

McGuire, who oversaw Rubio's reappointment, recently revealed his intent to run next year for state insurance commissioner , an elected position that helps regulate the state's insurance industry. The current commissioner is Ricardo Lara, who was elected in 2018.

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Read more: California lawmakers to consider expediting insurance claims after L.A. fires

Jamie Court, president and chairman of Consumer Watchdog, said he is "very concerned" with Rubio's appointment as California is in "an escalating crisis."

"Shes given the insurance commissioner whatever he wants to do, which is screw up the system," Court said. "The Insurance Committee is owned by the insurance industry and Susan Rubio is the gatekeeper."

McGuire reaffirmed his support for Rubio in a statement issued last week.

"I have confidence in her experience and her ability to lead the Committee while the State faces unprecedented challenges with the insurance market," he said.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
STATESVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  The owner of a collision center was arrested this week on felony fraud charges, the N.C. Department of Insurance announced Wednesday.

According to agents with the Departments Criminal Investigations Division, 60-year-old Statesville man Timothy Scott Gilbert owns a collision repair shop. On Dec. 11, 2023, he allegedly obtained an insurance payment check from a customer in the amount of $7,514.23 to repair a damaged vehicle but did not perform the repairs outlined. He later paid back $266.48 of the funds received.

New Food Lion with enhanced customer experience opening in southern Iredell County

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Gilbert was charged with obtaining property by false pretense, arrested on Jan. 27 and released on a $2,500 unsecured bond. He appeared in Iredell County District Court on Jan. 28.

Insurance-related crimes hit consumers in the wallet, Commissioner Mike Causey said. Approximately 20 cents of every insurance premium dollar go to covering the cost of fraud. Im fighting this by aggressively pursuing and prosecuting insurance fraud and other related crimes in North Carolina.

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On Wednesday, January 29, 2025, Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni touted Fred Matiangis presidential bid.

Kioni said that since the former ruling party officially endorsed the former powerful Cabinet Secretary, his candidacy had attracted significant support. He mentioned that people expressed optimism about Matiangis political future through various platforms, highlighting that the positive feedback exceeded their expectations.

Matiangis candidature is attracting widespread approval from far and wide beyond what we expected, Kioni told reporters at the Jubilee offices,

Kioni explained that Matiangi has a deep understanding of the path former President Uhuru Kenyatta charted for Kenya. He emphasized that Matiangi implemented numerous policies across sectors such as security, health, and education, showcasing his familiarity with national issues and the countrys development goals.

Matiangi was there with Uhuru for ten years, and he knows where we are heading and all these projects. In fact, he chaired those cabinet sub-committees, Kioni stated.

Kioni further asserted that Matiangi could restore order in sectors like health and education, currently facing challenges under the Kenya Kwanza administration.

In education, he was there; in security, he was there. I believe we will quickly sort out the health sector. We need somebody who can get us back on track quickly, not through another circus, Kioni added.

Despite the growing support, Kioni clarified that Matiangi seeks a stronger team to secure power in 2027. The former Ndaragua MP stressed that Matiangi plans to engage various leaders, including Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-Ks Eugene Wamalwa, and Martha Karua.

Additionally, Kioni mentioned that Matiangi remains open to working with Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, who has received endorsements from some Gen-Z members aspiring for the countrys top seat.

Jeremiah Kionis remarks highlight the growing momentum behind Dr. Fred Matiangis possible presidential bid for the 2027 election, reflecting a broader sentiment among Kenyans seeking strong, accountable, and effective leadership.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how this support translates into actual electoral outcomes.
The Trump administration is revoking a recent Biden-era extension of temporary deportation protections for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans in the United States, according to an unpublished Department of Homeland Security document the Miami Herald has obtained.

During an interview with the Fox News program Fox and Friends on Wednesday morning, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that she has rescinded an 18-month extension of Temporary Protected Status for Venezuela that President Joe Biden made days before leaving the White House. That extension had been announced by Bidens Homeland Security Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas. The New York Times first reported the roll back on Tuesday night.

Before he left town, Mayorkas signed an order that said for 18 months, they were going to extend protection to people on Temporary Protected Status, which meant they were going to be able to stay here and violate our laws for another 18 months, Noem said. We stopped that.

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TPS is a federal program that shields people from countries in turmoil from deportation and grants them work permits. There were 505,400 TPS approved recipients from Venezuela as of December 2024, according to the Congressional Research Service.

The decision could have devastating consequences in Florida, the state with the largest population of Temporary Protected Status recipients in the country. Almost 60% of the states TPS beneficiaries are from Venezuela, according to federal figures.

I feel powerless and angry that I cant help my family. This is a country of immigrantswhy are they attacking us? My family has committed no crime. Theyre tearing us apart, said B. Diaz, a Venezuelan woman who lives in South Florida and who requested to use only her last name out of concern for her familys safety. She arrived in the U.S. under parole in 2022 and applied for TPS in 2023.

At John I. Smith K-8 Center, an elementary school in Doral, many Venezuelan students and their parents were anxious and uncertain over the roll back.

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One mother of a fifth and a sixth grader, all TPS holders, contemplated not going to work Wednesday morning at the warehouse of an international clothing company. But her husband had reassured her that she had to continue living her life  including going to work and going to the grocery store to buy food for their family. Her family of four has been living in South Florida for around four years, having left Venezuela to find better opportunities for themselves and escape political prosecution. The Herald is not identifying them by name because the family fears for their safety should they lose their status.

The husband, 43, says he was involved in protests and marches in Venezuela that opposed Nicolas Maduros government. He said that at one point his car was burned by government supporters, and he had friends who were killed.

He says that there is no future forhis family in Venezuela. He added that understands that some immigrants are criminals who do not work and contribute to society. But for working families such as his own, he hopes they will be able to stay in the United States and not continue to live in a political limbo where policies are changing so rapidly it becomes anxiety-inducing to stay up to date.

I am worried I might have to go back to Venezuela, the father said. I am worried about the future of my children.

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U.S Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, a Miami Republican, said in a statement to the Herald that Venezuelas Dictator Nicolas Maduro jails, beats, rapes, and kills anyone who speaks against him, and thats why she supported TPS for Venezuelans fleeing political persecution.

There is a simple solution to this: Maduro has to go! Trump is the only force to get him out. Once Maduro is gone  there will be peace for Venezuelans, U.S Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, a Miami Republican, said in a statement to the Herald. Maduro must go and this will allow Venezuelans to safely return to live with freedom in their homeland.

The Department of Homeland Security is able to designate protected status after a review of conditions in the country involved. Previously, war, environmental disasters, and internal conflict have all led to TPS designations. But the protections are temporary, and they can end unless Homeland Security extends them.

Earlier this month, the Biden administration renewed the 2023 Venezuela TPS designation from April 2025 through October 2026, citing the humanitarian, economic and political crisis in the South American country. The decision was similar to successive decisions the administration had also taken regarding TPS status for Haiti in order to protect up to a half million Haitians from being returned to a country in peril.

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The Biden administration first designated Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status in March 2021, making more than 320,000 individuals eligible to apply. That designation was expanded to include an additional 472,000 eligible Venezuelans in 2023. The designation of Venezuela for TPS status had been widely celebrated in South Florida, home to one of the largest communities of Venezuelans in the United States.

People wave the flag of Venezuela and signs thanking President Joe Biden as they celebrate the approval of Temporary Protected Status for more than 300,000 Venezuelan citizens living in the United States, at El Arepazo in Doral, Florida, on March 9, 2021.

Mayorkass extension had made it possible for Venezuelans under both designations to renew their TPS status through October 2026. Noems decision reverses the TPS expirations date to how they were prior to Mayorkas announcement.

Under the 2023 designation, Venezuelans can hold TPS status through April, according to an unpublished federal register notice, while those under the 2021 designation will have it through at least September. Noem will now have to determine by February and July, respectively, whether to extend them. Meanwhile, many are still waiting for documents from the federal government after applying for the protection.

The Homeland Security document says Mayorkas made a decision on something that Noem should determine and that he had conflated the 2021 and 2023 designations into one in the extension announcement.

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Theyre basically saying this was a kind of novel approach. I dont know why they thought it was a novel approach. It wasnt much different than what they did with Haiti, which is having successive designations, and the fact that theyre saying because its a novel approach, thats not a basis to revoke TPS, said Ira Kurzban, a Miami immigration attorney. The basis to revoke TPS is based on the change conditions in the country, which she doesnt even address in the revocation. And so, to me, the issue really is that there is no basis in law to do what theyre doing.

Kurzban is among several lawyers who sued Trump the last time he tried to end TPS for certain countries. During his first term in the White House, Trump targeted TPS designations for Haiti, El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, Sudan and Nicaragua for termination. However, those terminations were heavily litigated in court for years and ultimately failed.

Wednesdays development is certain to be challenged in the courts. Kurzban said he and other lawyers have been preparing to stop the administration in the courts. He believes that President Trump will also go after Haitis TPS status as well, considering his promise to deport Haitians as he was campaigning for the presidency.

They want to do away with TPS and then are just using this as cover. They realize that in cases like Venezuela and Haiti, they cannot say theyre changed conditions. Obviously, in both circumstances, the conditions are worse than they were when the designations were given initially, Kurzban added.

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The Venezuela decision is part of a broader assault the new administration has launched on dismantling the U.S. immigration system, he said.

This part of it is saying, Oh, were not going to give any temporary protection to people, even though the law and Congress exclusively provided for it, said Kurzban. So its no surprise in a way, but I think weve been preparing for this a long time in the event that he got elected, and certainly been preparing as soon as he got elected, so were ready to fight these issues.

The Biden administration resumed direct deportations to Venezuela in October 2023. Venezuelans leaders and immigration activists sharply criticized the deportations, saying that given the political situation there, it would put returned migrants in extreme danger.

But the United States has not been able to send back a flight there for a year. Tom Cartwright, an independent analyst who tracks ICE deportation flights, found that the suspension of flights came after the federal government announced it would re-impose sanctions on the South American country. The Trump administration has been exploring the possibility of deporting Venezuelans with gang affiliations and criminal histories to a third country, including El Salvador.

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The announcement to roll back TPS protections for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans is part of a flurry of executive actions that Trump has taken during his first weeks in the White House that are aimed at radically reshaping the U.S. immigration system. Through executive orders, Trump has attempted to limit birthright citizenship, declared a national emergency on the U.S.-Mexico border, and canceled a parole program that benefited over a half-million Cubans, Nicaraguans, Venezuelans, and Haitians.

Do you have questions about Trump revoking TPS for Venezuelans in the U.S.? Fill out the form below. If you cant see the form, click here to fill it out.
A metro Atlanta mall that shut down for a day over unpaid power bills turned the lights back on Wednesday. Now, one of the store owners tells Channel 2 Action News that he wants to take action against the mall.

Shane Starr, who owns Starrcade inside the mall, said he has hired a lawyer to investigate the property owner. He also hopes to band together with other business owners at some point to file a class action lawsuit against the owner.

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Were trying to get compensated for the unfair usage of our rent. There are line items for utilities which Ive been paying for a year and a half since we signed our lease here. To find out that we pay month after month after month and then he turns around and their group turns around and doesnt pay their utility bills, it makes you ask where the money is actually going? Starr told Channel 2s Michele Newell.

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Kohan Retail Investment Group owns Town Center at Cobb. Utility companies in other states confirmed with Newell that the same company has run into similar problems in Kansas, Ohio and Iowa.

Towne West Square was disconnected for nonpayment 7 times in the past 12 months. The mall has been owned by Kohan Retail Investment Group during these shutoffs, said Courtney Lewis, who is the Senior Communications Manger of Media for Energy.

I can confirm Ohio Edison had notified Chapel Hill Mall at least twice that electric service was in danger of disconnection because of nonpayment before the mall ultimately closed, said Hannah Catlett, Advanced Communications Representative.

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According to the Cobb County Tax Commissioners Office, there are currently three tax liens against the property owner for 2024, with more than $1,000,000 in back taxes that were due in October of 2024.

The Cobb County tax commissioners officers says it reached out to the owner multiple times before officially filing the tax liens and reached out multiple times this year.

The office said its last resort is a tax sale which could happen in May if the back taxes arent paid. Between now and May the County tax commissioner said there will be a series of steps her office takes leading to the tax sale, if the owner fails to pay what is owed.

I hate that this guy did this, but at the same time I still really want to see this mall succeed, said Starr.

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We care about this mall and we are here a lot and to find out that somebody is trying to make a profit off not caring about it really upset us. Were here today to kind of give what money we can as young adults who dont make a lot to the small businesses, said Ezra Morrison.

Channel 2 Action News first told you Tuesday about the Town Center at Cobb posting signs on the main entrances that it would be closed.

The malls owner claimed a maintenance issue resulted in the closure and that it would be resolved in two hours. However, Channel 2 Action News learned that the mall had highly delinquent Georgia Power bills.

Georgia Power officials told Newell that they have been working with Town Center for several months to resolve the payments and disconnecting service at the mall was a last resort.

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The anchor stores, Belk, Macys and JCPenney, were able to stay open since they paid their own bills and have separate entrances.

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ITHACA, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  You ask, we answer!

Question: Why did Firehouse Subs close its Ithaca location?

Firehouse Subs has closed its second location in Central New York within a year. First, it was Camillus, now Ithaca.

Jamie Mullen was the franchisee for both locations. He said the Ithaca location, located at 740 South Meadow Street, closed on Sunday.

Mullen explained he had a dispute with the owner of the building and was unable to come to a resolution. He also said staffing the Ithaca location was a challenge.

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The Camillus Firehouse Subs at 5308 W. Genesee Street, closed Last May. Mullen told us then, that he decided to not renew his lease because Camillus became his highest-rent and lowest-grossing store.

With Camillus and Ithaca both closed, Firehouse Subs in North Syracuse is the last remaining location in the CNY. Mullen said he has no plans to close that location but does wish to sell it to a local franchisee. He is from Waverly, N.Y., and said its become difficult to run the store from a distance.

However, he still owns two Firehouse Subs food trucks. The food trucks travel to local fire departments for fundraisers. The sales from the trucks raise about $170,000 for local stations, according to Mullen.

The Ithaca location closing is a loss for the local first responder community. Mullen said that hundreds of thousands of dollars have been donated to the surrounding area through the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.

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DEWITT, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  You ask, we answer!

Viewer Question: When will Joeys open its new restaurant?

We have an update to a story we first brought you last spring, on Joeys building a new restaurant.

Located on Thompson Road, near Carrier Circle, Joeys has been a fan favorite for more than 40 years.

Owner Bill Cleary is in the middle of building a 6,300 square feet restaurant, right next to its current location.

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Its being built where Big Mamas Cheesecake used to operate. That business has since moved to its new Salina location at 500 Old Liverpool Road.

Courtesy of Walton Architectural Group.

Cleary was hoping to open the new restaurant by the end of last year, but the winter weather has pushed back the timeline.

Cleary said the goal now is to get the restaurant open in May. He said right before it opens, the current Joeys will be demolished and crews will spend about two weeks finishing up final details before unveiling the new spot to guests.

He added that Joey DeCuffa and his family will continue to run the new restaurant. He said that the new space will offer more room, be more accessible and have a better flow than the current building. The new location will also feature a wine cellar.

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The food will all be the same with the daytime menu being similar to Pronto Joeys and at dinner time, the white tablecloths come out, with the lights turned down to give you Joeys Classic Italian atmosphere, Cleary told us last spring.

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LYONS, Kan. (KSNW)  A stream advisory has been issued for a creek in central Kansas by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

The advisory is from Little Cow Creek to Cow Creek, just south of Lyons.

KDHE issued the advisory after the City of Lyons reported operation problems at its wastewater plant and potential elevated bacteria and contaminants may be present in the creek.

Game wardens: You cant fish for paddlefish in Arkansas River

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Residents are advised not to enter the stream or allow children or pets to enter.

The KDHE will rescind the advisory once the repair has been made and testing indicates that secondary contact has been deemed safe.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
Infant mortality in the U.S. has increased by 7% since the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson U.S. Supreme Court decision overturned the constitutional right to abortion, according to an October 2024 study.

Those findings followed another study that reported a 12.7% rise in infant mortality in Texas after the implementation of Senate Bill 8, which bans abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected. Except for medical emergencies, the law effectively makes abortions illegal in the state after about five to six weeks gestation.

Both studies noted larger increases in deaths among infants born with birth defects. This suggests women are delivering more babies with severe congenital malformations who have no hope of survival beyond a few hours, days or, at most, a few weeks.

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But even before this new research substantiated such a link, clinicians who specialize in care for high-risk pregnancies warned about the potential consequences of the new abortion laws.

We are researchers focused on maternal and child health who evaluate the safety of medications during pregnancy. We identify medications that might raise the risk for birth defects or pregnancy loss.

We also evaluate the effectiveness of policies and initiatives aimed at improving pregnancy outcomes, including whether stricter abortion laws could result in more infant deaths.

Birth defects: A leading cause of infant mortality

Birth defects affect 3% of pregnancies in the U.S.

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They can be caused by exposures to certain medications, infections, maternal diseases or genetics. For many, causes are unknown.

While birth defects can develop at any time during pregnancy, most occur during the first three months of pregnancy, a critical time for organ development. More than 5% of pregnancies are exposed to about 200 medications with the potential to cause birth defects.

Many birth defects are treatable; orofacial clefts and some heart defects, for example, can be corrected with surgery. Some cause lifelong disability and some are fatal, resulting in babies who are stillborn or die shortly after birth. Birth defects are a leading cause of infant mortality, accounting for about 20% of deaths in the first year of life.

Among anomalies considered lethal, not all result in pregnancy loss or immediate death at delivery. For example, more than half of infants with trisomy 18, a chromosomal abnormality that causes severe heart defects or breathing problems, die within the first week of life. Only 13% survive until their first birthday.

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Anencephaly, a birth defect that affects the development of the skull and brain, results in either stillbirth or death within the first weeks of life. But there is one case report of an infant who survived to her second birthday.

More than 80% of women will choose to terminate a pregnancy with anencephaly when detected before 24 weeks gestation, according to data from before the Dobbs decision. Given the profound effects on parents lives, this choice is very personal. But in many states, these women may no longer have a choice. Because of abortion laws with limited or no exceptions, women who carry a fetus with a fatal condition have no legal option other than to carry their pregnancy to term.

Legal landscape of abortion laws

As of January 2025, 16 states have total abortion bans in effect or restrictions that do not permit abortions after six weeks. In nine of these states, lethal birth defects are not considered an exception.

But even in states with those exceptions, the legal wording used to craft the legislation is often confusing to health care providers. Statutory language does not always use medical terms and may assume a certainty about pregnancy outcomes that does not exist. For example, even anencephaly does not meet the commonly used statutory definition of no viability outside the uterus.

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Such uncertainty adds to hesitation  and fear  on the part of doctors and nurses who may face steep penalties, including criminal charges and prison time, should they provide an abortion that is later deemed illegal in a court of law.

Prenatal care too late

In 2023, prenatal care began after the first trimester for about 24% of pregnancies in the U.S.

In our February 2024 study of a national sample of nearly 640,000 privately insured pregnant women, the median time to prenatal care was eight weeks. In other words, for more than half of women living in a state with a six-week abortion ban, obstetric assessments would likely commence too late to consider an abortion if a birth defect were detected.

More than 6,000 women in our study were exposed to medications that can cause birth defects within the first six weeks of pregnancy. These include medications used to treat common yeast or urinary tract infections, drugs used for migraine or weight loss, and blood pressure medications, to name a few. Nearly all of those women  96%  had no prenatal care prior to taking the medication, and many may not have been aware they were pregnant. For more than 80% of these pregnancies, prenatal care started after six weeks, too late to prevent exposure to unsafe medications or to screen for potential birth defects and to consider pregnancy termination in states with stricter abortion bans.

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Importantly, prenatal identification methods of birth defects range from screening maternal blood for chromosome abnormalities, which is done at 10 weeks gestation, to a second-trimester ultrasound to look for fetal structural defects, to procedures such as chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis to evaluate for genetic conditions. These are all performed after six weeks of pregnancy.

Even if screening might still fall within abortion cutoffs, the probability to detect adverse outcomes in utero varies substantially.

For example, valproic acid is a medication that treats epilepsy, migraine and some mental health disorders. About 1% to 2% of women taking valproic acid become pregnant each year. Valproic acid causes birth defects that can be detected in utero such as oral clefts or spina bifida. But it also increases the risk for autism and adverse cognitive defects, which may be diagnosed years after delivery.

Currently, there is no law addressing instances when an adverse outcome is probable but cannot be confirmed before delivery. Hence, stricter abortion laws are expected to not only increase inevitable infant deaths but also births of infants with severe disability.

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This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Almut Winterstein, University of Florida and Sonja Rasmussen, Johns Hopkins University

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Almut Winterstein receives funding from NIH, FDA, CDC, AHRQ, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the state of Florida, and Merck, Sharp and Dohme. She has received consulting honoraria from Novo Nordisk, Bayer, Syneos, Ipsen and Lykos. She has chaired the FDA Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee and now serves as consultant for similar FDA committees.

Dr. Rasmussen receives funding from NIH, FDA, and CDC. She also serves on scientific advisory committees for several pregnancy registries, including registries for Harmony Biosciences, Axsome Pharmaceuticals, Biohaven Pharmaceuticals (recently acquired by Pfizer), Myovant Sciences, and Novo Nordisk.
A female student has been killed in a school bus accident in central France, local authorities said on Thursday.

Another 40 people, including 31 students, sustained light injuries in the accident that occurred shortly before 8 am (0700 GMT) near the town of Chateaudun, some 100 kilometres south-west of Paris, the local prefecture said.

French Education Minister Elisabeth Borne said the victim was a high school student, offering her condolences to the student's family in a post on X.

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The cause of the incident was initially unclear, with authorities saying no other vehicle had been involved in the accident.

Images of the accident site showed the bus turned on its side next to the road.

The Le Parisien newspaper reported, citing informed sources, that the bus driver may have wanted to avoid hitting a car.

Chateaudun Mayor Fabien Verdier told broadcaster BFMTV that the road on which the accident occurred had been reported as dangerous due to its bends and the ditch next to the road.
HUBBARD, Ohio (WKBN)  Some first-grade students in Trumbull County got a chance to practice their reading skills before a very attentive audience.

The kids took a field trip today to Elmwood Senior Care Facility in Hubbard.

The students are from Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Yoders classes at Hubbard Elementary School.

After sharing a snack together, students and residents also teamed up for a craft project, creating snowmen.

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Downtown Detroit coffee house and brunch spot Sugah Please Breakfast is celebrating a grand opening on Thursday. While the restaurant soft launched in late September, it was only recently that they received a liquor license, adding a selection of craft cocktails to the menu.

Behind Sugah Please is Wendy Ringo, who opened the first location in 2021 inside Novis 12 Oaks Mall. Ringo said she closed the Novi location in 2022 to move to a bigger location in Midtown. When the Midtown location fell through, Ringo set sights on finding another downtown Detroit location.

That location is now on the ground floor of 150 W. Jefferson on the Larned and Shelby streets side.

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Sugah Please opens at 8 a.m., providing an array of coffee, specialty coffee, breakfast, brunch, and cocktails. Its coffees, Ringo said, include blends from Hawaii and Jamaica with some blends under the Sugah Please label.

A noon ribbon cutting on Thursday will include sample items from the eatery's brunch menu, plus coffee drinks and cocktail pairings.

More: Detroits first indoor and outdoor dog park with beer garden plans second location

Ringo describes the menu as offering a Bayou-inspired breakfast and brunch made from scratch.

Offerings include traditional dishes like gumbo with chicken and a pork-free sausage or seafood options of mussels, clams, and shrimp, served over rice. Sugah Please, Ringo said, also serves Conecuh sausage, a brand of hickory-smoked sausage that hails from Alabama.

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Other popular items are its French toast brioche with chicken wings, catfish and grits, house-made bread pudding, and bananas Foster. Crab cake Benedict, Ringo said, is one of their specialties and served with a lemon beurre Blanc sauce, its house-made remoulade sauce on an English muffin with a poached egg and Hollandaise sauce.

Cocktails on the menu include its Creole Marie  after Ringos mothers middle name  and is a take on a Bloody Mary.

Ringos inspiration for the name Sugah Please comes from remembering times spent with her mom and aunts cooking and baking.

Its a term of endearment  its sharing a bit of sugar from me to you  sharing compassion, Ringo said. Its a cultural thing from the south and really resonates with people.

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Sugah Please hours are 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Tuesday and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. The kitchen and bar close 30 minutes and 15 minutes, respectively, before closing time.

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: Sugah Please Breakfast in Detroit has new cocktail menu for grand opening
Kim Bergman, a survivor of child sex abuse, speaks to reporters during a Jan. 17, 2024, news conference at the Statehouse in Topeka. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

LAWRENCE  A child sex abuse survivor and advocate thinks its more than a coincidence that three men accused of child sex crimes died by suicide in December.

Survivors of the three men are now left without the possibility of seeing their alleged abusers held accountable for their crimes, said Kim Bergman, a survivor of child sex abuse who has advocated for changes in state policy at the Statehouse in Topeka.

Resources

Rainn national sexual assault hotline: 800-422-4453

Mental Health Hotline: 866-903-3887

Kansas Protection Report Center (KPRC): 1-800-922-5330

Sex Crimes Against Children | Sedgwick County, Kansas

https://www.kcsdv.org/contact/

The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a certified listener, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.

Crisis Text Line is a texting service for emotional crisis support. To speak with a trained listener, text HOME to 741741. It is free, available 24/7 and confidential.

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Survivors are coming forward sooner. Perpetrators are actually having to deal with the ramifications of what they do, Bergman said. Child sex crimes are all about power. When theyve been arrested, theyve lost the power, and I think sometimes their way of taking that back is putting their destiny in their own hands.

Roger Golubski, Matthew McCarthy and Brian Black killed themselves before they could stand trial for crimes including aggravated sexual abuse, rape and aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

Golubski was a former Kansas City, Kansas, detective accused of underage human trafficking and civil rights violations. He was found dead at his home after failing to show up for the first day of his trial. McCarthy attempted suicide at the Shawnee County Jail and died after being hospitalized. He was being held on crimes that included rape and aggravated indecent liberties with a child. Black died by suicide at his Arkansas City home while out on bond after being arrested in the rape of a 16-year old, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation said in a news release.

Bergman said this could become more of a trend among perpetrators, especially those whose crimes involve children.

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I think a lot of people might think, Oh, thats good. He cant hurt anyone anymore,  she said. But also to still be thinking about the kids that this happened to and how it will affect their lives  for the people that are survivors of those that did go on and kill themselves, (a trial) is something theyre never gonna have.

Lesa Patterson-Kinsey, a survivor of child sexual assault who advocates alongside Bergman at the Statehouse, said there are two stages of coming forward  telling someone and pressing criminal charges.

When an abuser kills himself, she said, survivors are denied their opportunity to hold their abusers accountable in public.

Although it can be really traumatic to go through a court case, as survivors and victims of child sexual abuse, we didnt have much choice, Patterson-Kinsey said. We didnt have much choice in any of this. So having one more choice taken away doesnt feel right.

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According to Darkness to Light, a Child Sex Abuse Prevention nonprofit, only about one-third of child sexual abuse incidents are identified and fewer cases are reported. Many cases are screened out by Child Protective Services for lack of information. Of the cases that are investigated, few are substantiated.

Bergman said law enforcement should be aware of the potential for suicide deaths and look for signs of possible suicidal ideation with offenders in the future.

Its such a small percentage of perpetrators that actually end up getting arrested, Bergman said. When you look at how few kids actually say something, and then how many of those reports actually get investigated, and how many of those that actually go forward with an arrest, I think law enforcement needs to be aware of this trend and be looking for signs.

Outside of the courtroom, people like Bergman and Patterson-Kinsey continue to advocate for survivors by focusing on legislation to extend the civil statute of limitations for sex abuse cases. Patterson-Kinsey says she sends strength and love to the survivors healing from these crimes.

I tell survivors a lot, Dont base your healing on the judicial system or the legislative system. We can only control that so far,  Patterson-Kinsey said. I really hope theyd know that theyre not alone out here. Theres a lot of us, more than there should be, but were all here to help each other.
(The Hill)  Chesley Sully Sullenberger said that a lot of the technology at Reagan Washington National Airport is old after two planes collided near the airport in Arlington, Va., late Wednesday.

According to a Virginia history-centric website, the late 1930s marked the start of National Airports construction. It opened for business in the early 1940s.

It hasnt changed much since then, Sullenberger, a retired pilot and aviation expert, told The New York Times on Wednesday. Of course, weve added technology to it. But a lot of the technology is old.

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What to know about military helicopter involved in crash near DC

On Wednesday night, an Army helicopter and an American Airlines flight collided in midair near National Airport. Officials have said that they do not anticipate survivors of the Washington metro area crash, and at least 28 bodies had been recovered as of 8 a.m. local time.

Weve had to learn important lessons literally with blood too often, and we had finally gotten beyond that, to where we could learn from incidents and not accidents, Sullenburger said, according to the Times.

President Donald Trump said the crash should have been prevented.

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The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport, the president posted on Truth Social. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time.

It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didnt the helicopter go up or down, or turn. Why didnt the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane, he continued. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!!

The Hill has reached out to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority for comment.

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SULPHUR SPRINGS, Texas (KETK)  A search is underway for the person responsible for a robbery on Sunday afternoon in Sulphur Springs.

According to the Sulphur Springs Police Department, a man reportedly robbed a T-Mobile on 151 Industrial Dr. E Ste 300 at around 3:45 p.m.

Detective Joe Scott said the suspect went into T-Mobile asking to look at three iPhones and when the store clerk brought them to him, he ran out of the store with the phones. Scott said the phones are worth a total of $4,900.

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CAUGHT ON CAMERA: East Texas man arrested for dumping cat at Trinity gas station

Scott said the suspect is believed to be 64, around 240 pounds and not local to the area.

If anyone has any information regarding the investigation, call Detective Joe Scott at 903-885-7602.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  State Superintendent Ryan Walters former boss and current Millwood School Superintendent voiced concern Wednesday after approval of a rule counting students citizenship.

I just want to be clear, immigrant is not synonymous with criminal, said Superintendent Dr. Cecilia Robinson-Woods.

The rule came with much scrutiny before and after it was approved Wednesday. It still has a few hurdles before theres a chance of it becoming official.

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On Wednesday afternoon the Oklahoma State School Boards Association (OSSBA) sent an email out to its members making it clear what the rule will mean.

OKLAHOMA EDUCATION: State leaders respond to rule monitoring citizenship at school

In the email, they informed members that the key points of the rule states:

It would require parents to provide proof of the students citizenship status at enrollment.

It would require districts to report to SDE a count (but not personally identifiable information) of students whose parents did not provide citizenship documentation.

Failure of a parent/guardian to provide proof of citizenship would not preclude a district from enrolling a student. The district has a constitutional mandate to provide free and appropriate education for every child in the district.

Two rules causing the most concern regard a proposed requirement to collect information about students citizenship status and requiring teachers to pass a citizenship test as a condition of certification, the email read.

Walters cleared up some confusion after Tuesdays board meeting by telling members of the media, Were asking for documentation on both. Yes, the child and the parents.

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He told the board that the information is simply data gathering and information gathering.

But when asked what he would do with that information, he said he would send it to authorities and the Trump Administration: It is a felony to not work with law enforcement on an investigation.

Supt. Robinson-Woods said that she doesnt know how providing proof of citizenship would show that a family member is a criminal (outside of showing their immigration status).

I dont know that. The information we receive wouldnt tell me who they are, said Robinson-Woods.

Federal law currently forbids schools from asking about a students immigration status during enrollment.

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Supt. Walters sent an email to parents and guardians Wednesday about the rule, saying:

Each school district will be required to report the total number of students who cannot provide documented proof of U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status at the time of enrollment. This measure is intended to provide greater transparency and will help us better understand and support the needs of our schools and students.

Robinson-Woods serves on several boards around the city and many are centered around social services. She said many have asked her about the rule and what it could mean.

These are services that are important for the care of themselves or their children or their aging parents. And theyre afraid to access care because they dont want to have to disclose whether or not theyre receiving it and if somebody may be undocumented, said Robinson-Woods. We have construction happening on campus and even though the construction company is required to ensure that the people they have working on sites here meet certain levels of immigration, theyre still scared.

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The rule provided by OSDE stated that districts would be required to report a count of students whose parents do not provide documentation.

Would you report them if this rule passed the legislators and the governor?

We dont currently have a process that would allow for me even to collect that information. When parents enroll students, I ask for information on children and thats it. So, unless the state is going to mandate a process and outline a process, obviously well cross that bridge when we get to it. Right now, I dont have any reason to say I could even comply with anything like that because we dont have such a process.

Robinson-Woods said that she will follow federal law until something else changes.

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News 4 reached out to sixteen other districts and their superintendents. Most responded and said that it is a waiting game. No district said that they have plans to track undocumented students and their families.

As we have always maintained, every child has the right to a quality public education. This right is protected under federal law, and OKCPS will continue to uphold it while adhering to state and federal regulations. Oklahoma City Public Schools

Moore Public Schools is aware of the recent federal Executive Orders and OSBE rule changes that were approved yesterday. The OSDE rule changes now require consideration and approval by the state legislature. In the meantime, the priority at MPS is to continue to provide an exceptional education for our students and a safe learning environment. Moore Public Schools

We are following and going to continue our normal procedures for enrollment. With nothing being approved by legislation and it being too early to make any decisions, we will not be adding any additional documentations. Yukon Public Schools

The proposed rule changes are still under consideration and have not yet been finalized or approved by the state legislature or Governor. In the meantime, Norman Public Schools remains committed to providing an exceptional educational experience and a safe learning environment for all students. Norman Public Schools

Right now we do not track any of the immigration status of our students. We are aware of the proposed rule passed yesterday and will follow it as it moves through the legislature and its process of review. At this time I cant see going back and trying to collect this information for all of our students and we dont want to imply or pigeonhole individuals within our communities. We will follow the laws as written and the guidance of our legal council. Coyle Public Schools

We will review the new rules only when and if they complete the process for full approval. Mid-Del Public Schools

We plan to wait for the final outcome of the rules process before we make any decisions on proposed rules. In the meantime, we will focus on educating all of our students daily. Bethany Public Schools

What happens if school districts leave out citizenship documents when enrollment starts?

News 4 reached out to an OSDE spokesperson to answer that question and did not hear back.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
SALEM, Ohio (WKBN)  Local propane customers are still searching for answers on Wednesday.

First News told you about Superior Plus Propane, which now owns Salem Propane, last week. Some customers were left without heat during the extreme cold because of late propane deliveries. While many people have their service back, they still want to know what went wrong.

Whether it was a staffing shortage, or a propane shortage or anything, there was no reason given, said Jeri Cameron, a Mahoning County resident.

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Cameron was on empty for five days and filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau of Mahoning Valley. BBB CEO Melissa Ames says there was more than one complaint.

We have had a few complaints regarding this particular business, and theyre not a BBB accredited business, but they have been responding to complaints, which is what we would like to see, Ames said.

Ames says the late delivery complaints were addressed.

Cameron says she heard back from the BBB but not from the Salem location, so she still has questions.

First News made multiple attempts to get in contact with Superior Plus Propane, including visiting the physical location, where our reporter was asked to leave. After some time, the company provided the following statement:

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At Superior Plus Propane, our top priority is safely delivering propane to our customers. We understand our customers frustration and apologize for the delays some of our customers are experiencing.



The Youngstown region is one of the locations in the country that was hit the hardest by extremely cold temperatures and snowfall over the past few weeks. These severe conditions can lead to higher propane use and make delivering propane difficult and sometimes dangerous.



We are actively working to address any emergency needs and complete deliveries as safely and efficiently as possible. We have brought in additional drivers and trucks from out of state to address the urgent need for expedited delivery during the extreme cold.



For more information, we encourage Salem Propane customers to call 330-337-3561 or log in to their customer portal. Customers can also visit our website for more information about best practices for propane delivery and tank maintenance during inclement weather. Superior Plus Propane

One former Superior Plus Propane customer was over waiting for answers. Darin Locaare switched companies and finally has heat after weeks.

Boy, Ill tell you, its been quite an ordeal. Ive never been so cold in a house in my life, Locaare said. As I said, last time it was 40 degrees in here one morning.

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FRUITPORT, Mich. (WOOD)  A custodian who worked at Fruitport High School was arrested for possessing child pornography, the school district said, though the case is not believed to have involved any local students.

In a letter to families, Fruitport Community Schools Superintendent Jason Kennedy said Michigan State Police informed him and other staff members of the Wednesday arrest for suspicion of possessing inappropriate content involving minors.

He said detectives said they have zero evidence that any Fruitport students are involved and that the county prosecutor assured the superintendent he would let him know if that changed.

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Kennedys letter does not name the suspect, but does say the custodian was employed through a third-party contractor.

Please know that even though an individual is employed through a third party, a comprehensive background check and criminal history screening are conducted for everyone who works in a school, as was done in this case, Kennedy wrote.

He said detectives looked through the school Wednesday to see if there was more evidence there and also help reassure school leaders that students and staff could be assured of their privacy in places like restrooms and locker rooms.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  State Superintendent Ryan Walters laid out the OSDE 2026 Fiscal Year Budget on Wednesday, facing questions from Republican and Democratic lawmakers about a number of requests, including dedicating millions of dollars to purchasing Bibles.

The House Appropriations and Budget Committee started the afternoon hearing by listening to Walters boast about his agencys accomplishments before he laid out his request of over a $92 million increase from the agencys 2025 appropriations of well over $3 billion.

Ive laid out my priorities, and its the priorities of the people of Oklahoma as theyve spoken to me, said Walters.

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Local attorneys daughter among victims ghosted by wedding photographer

Walters requested key funding in areas to beef up school security, more money for maternity leave, and mental health. His request, when it came to dedicating $3 million in taxpayer dollars to put Bibles in Oklahoma classrooms, was met with questions from state representatives on both sides.

Republican Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader, R-Oklahoma City, questioned why the agency didnt seek out donations to fulfill the request.

Im sure theres lots of organizations that would be happy to supply those and save the taxpayers three million dollars but why would we not do that? Crosswhite Hader asked.

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Walters didnt answer that question directly, touting the Bible as a necessary text for helping students understand its historical context in their education.

When we go through a process of looking for materials for school this is the same process we go through, said Walters, referring to bidding processes.

Walters did admit that the 500 Bibles the agency purchased in November for Advanced Placement Government classes havent been given out.

The budget presentation didnt only include asking for more money, though; Walters also called for an 8% cut to the agencys own operational budget.

I believe we need less of a footprint, said Walters. I believe we need less employees there.

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News 4 has reported that over the past several months, under Walters leadership, more than 100 employees have left the agency.

She couldnt wait to work for Ryan Walters administration. Now shes worried public schools wont survive the rest of his term

If we were really talking about savings from attrition, from the loss of employees that were not replaced, we would see a huge decline, not a million and a half, said Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Oklahoma City.

House Democrats shared their thoughts during a news conference after the hearing wrapped up. Each representative took jabs at Walters, saying he didnt understand the intricacies of his position.

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It is incredibly frustrating that our State Superintendent continues to refuse to answer or listen to the people of Oklahoma, said Rep. Michelle McCane, D-Tulsa. I will continue to hold the State Superintendent accountable just as the people of District 72 have asked me to do.

Democrats in attendance at the news conference further expressed concerns about potential legal challenges OSDE could face in addition to the ongoing ones the agency is already dealing with. It was a topic that didnt come up much in the hearing itself.

I did not want to give it any oxygen, said Fugate.

Last October, News 4 reported the agency spent more than $100,000 on attorneys to defend lawsuits between March and July. Democrats say theyre concerned there could be legal battles sparked by bringing Bibles into the classroom.

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Theyre worried more could follow if the legislature and governor give a state board of education rule requiring schools to gather citizenship information from students and their families the go-ahead. Board members approved the rule unanimously during a meeting Tuesday, even as protestors made their opinions known.

Legal experts say OSDE citizenship rule likely to face lawsuits

All this targeting of immigrants, it affects not only the mental health, just the lifestyle, the life of these of these children, said Rep. Jacob Rosecrants, D-Norman.

Some Democrats had harsher words to say on the topic.

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What I would tell all those families out there, you dont have to provide your immigration status, said Fugate. You dont have to provide your citizenship, and this is our opportunity. This is our 21st century Katz Drug Store moment for all families to stand with those kids at the counter or outdoors with the pitchforks.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
SURRY COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP)  A man is facing several charges after a chase with Surry County Sheriffs Office deputies.

At around 4:45 p.m. on Monday, Surry County deputies noticed Preston Craig Hawks, 46, of Lowgap,  a man with outstanding felony warrants in North Carolina and Virginia  driving in the Beulah Community.

Preston Craig Hawks (Surry County Sheriffs Office)

Investigators say they attempted to pull Hawks over. However, he ignored the emergency lights and sirens and a chase began.

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The chase lasted for several miles before coming to an end on Beamer Road in Surry County where Hawks was taken into custody and charged with felony flee/elude arrest with a motor vehicle, misdemeanor reckless driving and misdemeanor driving while license revoked.

Also, Hawks was charged with his outstanding felony warrants in Surry County for felony breaking and/or entering and felony larceny. He also faced charges from a previous chase in Surry County.

Hawks also is being charged as a fugitive from justice for multiple felony probation violations in Virginia. Those include nine counts of felony probation violations in Grayson County, Virginia and two counts of felony probation violations in Caroll County Virginia.

Hawks was given a $510,000 secured bond and made his first appearance in the Surry County District Court on Tuesday. His next appearance is on Feb. 5.

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SAN DIEGO (KUSI)  Monday marked the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, one of the most infamous Nazi concentration camps, by Soviet Union troops.

The international community has come to use the anniversary as a day to remember the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, as well as the millions of other people persecuted and killed during Nazi rule, known as International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Mourners from around the world spent the day paying tribute to the lives lost in the genocide and listening to the stories of people who survived.

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Free Holocaust exhibit opens at La Jolla Library

Among those who lived through the Holocaust was Ben Midler, who joined KUSI on Monday to share his story. Originally hailing from Poland, the now-96-year-old was just 12 years old when the Nazis first invaded the country.

Three years later, Midler, who is Jewish, ended up in the first of six concentration camps he had been imprisoned in until being freed by Soviet soldiers. He was 17 when he was finally liberated.

One of the six camps he was in held at was Auschwitz-Birkenau, where he was placed in one of the labor camps.

I always thought I got to survive, Midler said. I didnt think of would I survive. I said to myself, I have to survive.'

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Once he was liberated, Midler returned to Poland to search for his family  none had survived, save for a couple relatives who had moved out of the country prior to the war. He then moved to Israel, where he lived for a decade before emigrating to the U.S.

Watch the full KUSI interview with Midler in the player above.

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UPDATE: The United States Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force and the Richmond County Sheriffs Office has arrested another suspect in the July 2024 murder of 54-year-old Argie Jones.

According to police, Jaden Polite was taken into custody Thursday evening in Moultrie, Georgia after a coordinated effort by law enforcement officials.

Jaden Polite

CSRA (WJBF)  Local law enforcement agencies have taken a suspect into custody in reference to the murder of a homeless woman on Ellis Street back in July 2024.

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The Richmond County Sheriffs Office, Southeastern US Marshals Fugitive Task Force and Columbia County Sheriffs Office SWAT Team were executing a search warrant on Wednesday, Jan. 29 at the 300 block of Sumac Trail in Martinez, Ga. Officers were attempting to locate and arrest 18-year-old Tracy Martin on a Grand Jury Arrest Warrant in reference to the murder of 54-year-old on Argie Jones on July 27, 2024 on 1965 Ellis Street in Augusta.

Martin reportedly fled with a driver as law enforcement was was arriving which led Columbia County Sheriffs deputies on a pursuit through Columbia County. The chase ended at Washington Road and Bobby Jones Expressway in Columbia County when the vehicle struck another automobile head on.

ALSO ON WJBF: Suspect arrested in connection to shooting death of Shaneikwa Lafavor

Martin was taken into custody and transported to the Charles B. Webster Detention Center on murder charges.

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The Columbia County Sheriffs Office arrested the driver who will face charges with the county.

Minor injuries were reported as a result of the collision.

This investigation is ongoing.

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Imphal: A leader of the proscribed Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), the armed wing of the banned Revolutionary Peoples Front (RPF), was killed during encounter along the Manipur-Myanmar border on January 27.

Henthoiba alias Salam Nganba Meitei, 28, a self-styled captain of the PLA/RPF, lost his life in an exchange of gunfire, which the group described as a proxy war against enemy forces.

Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!

Also Read: Manipur police rescue Hmar tribal woman

The PLA/RPF issued a statement on Thursday, claiming that Henthoiba succumbed to injuries sustained during the encounter with enemies supported by Indian paramilitary forces along the border.

Henthoiba, a resident of Komnao village in Kakching district, Manipur, was posthumously promoted to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant by the PLA/RPF in recognition of his contribution.

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Also Read: Manipur: Huge cache of weapons recovered along Assam-Manipur border

The group expressed deep sorrow over his untimely death and extended condolences to his family. The ongoing clashes, involving Manipur-based underground groups and Myanmars Kuki-National Army (Burma), have led to significant casualties.

Reports indicate that over 17 people were killed, with 16 KNA (B) cadres feared dead and 16 sophisticated weapons recovered from the slain individuals. The fighting erupted near Border Pillar 78 on the Manipur-Myanmar border.
Jan. 29Police in Missoula have arrested a suspect in a drive-by shooting that killed 13-year-old Gavin Looper, a Peperzak Middle School student in Spokane.

Glen Burkey, 25, was apprehended Wednesday by police following a response by SWAT and the use of flash bang devices in the 2400 block of Clark Fork Lane in Missoula, according to a Missoual police news release. Agencies from Montana, Spokane and the FBI were all involved in his arrest.

Burkey surrendered and was taken into custody without incident, according to the release.

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When he is brought back to Spokane, Burkey will face charges of a drive-by shooting, second-degree murder and second-degree assault, according to a previous news release from the Spokane Police Department.

Looper was shot in the head while he sat on a bed playing video games at his father's friend's north Spokane home on Saturday around 2:40 a.m., according to his mother, Renee Rogers. The bullet went through the back door, killing him, she said.

According to court records, security video in the neighborhood captured five gunshots. A man was seen running away from the home as six more shots are heard from a different area.

Police later found five shots were fired into the door Looper was behind, sitting on a bed playing video games.

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A friend of Burkey told investigators they had been drinking most of the day on Saturday, the day of the shooting, court records say. When the friend went to Burkey's home to pick him up to try and find cocaine, they all drove to the Bemiss neighborhood. He couldn't remember anything else because he was intoxicated, court records say.

The friend heard the next morning that a teen was shot in the same neighborhood. The friend was told Burkey was being chased by another man down the street that night, shooting at him, according to court documents.

Two other witnesses said they were in the neighborhood at the time and dropped off their friend known as "Muggsy." When they picked him up, he was running from gunfire down the street. He told the witnesses he was being ripped off, court documents say.

When another friend called Burkey and told him to turn himself in, Burkey claimed he "sounded like the police" and didn't know what he was talking about before hanging up the phone.

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Burkey was previously arrested at the same home on the 2800 block of East Heroy Avenue for a shooting, a witness told police. She "immediately" identified him due to his build and stature, court records say. He also was tried in 2017 on drive-by shooting charges, but the case was dismissed.

Gavin's mother called the shooting "a one-off situation" with "the worst timing," in an interview with The Spokesman-Review.

"I live a good, safe, healthy life. My kids aren't involved in bad things," Rogers said Tuesday. "My innocent boy getting caught in that is enraging me."

This story is developing.
A multiagency investigation led to the arrest of four Chilean nationals believed to be responsible for a string of residential burglaries across Southern California.

Detectives from the Glendale and Beverly Hills police departments executed search warrants on Jan. 16, as part of an ongoing investigation into multiple burglaries in Glendale, Beverly Hills, San Marino and Los Angeles.

Glendale police officers arrested Matias Jesus Soto-Barraza, 22, at his home in Los Angeles.

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At the same time, Beverly Hills police took Joaquin Vergara-Contreras, 29; Elias Moncada Reyes, 30; and Juan Antonio Silva Loaeza, 43, into custody.

Matias Jesus Soto-Barraza, 22, of Los Angeles is shown in this mugshot provided by the Glendale Police Department on Jan. 29, 2025. Items stolen by a suspected burglary crew consisting of Chilean nationals are shown in this lineup image provided by the Glendale Police Department on Jan. 29, 2025. Items stolen by a suspected burglary crew consisting of Chilean nationals are shown in this lineup image provided by the Glendale Police Department on Jan. 29, 2025.

The four are all described as Chilean nationals who are part of the same burglary crew responsible for several crimes throughout the area.

During the searches, authorities recovered stolen property, including firearms, jewelry and designer clothes and shoes. They also seized cell phones and signal jammers, which are often used to disable home security systems, police said.

In a news release issued by the Glendale Police Department Wednesday, officials said the arrests are part of an ongoing effort to dismantle organized burglary crews operating in the region, adding that detectives would be working with the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office on potential charges as the investigation continues.

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A break in a 40-year-old murder case is finally giving one family a chance for closure.

Lake County detectives said they found a body known as Judy Doe off a dirt road in Altoona back in the 1980s.

For years, the case remained cold, but in December, new DNA technology helped identify the victim as Arkansas teenager Rebecca Sue Hill.

According to the Lake County Sheriffs Office, Hill went missing in 1981, but wasnt in any national missing persons databases.

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Detectives said thats because family members had misidentified her when another body turned up in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1981 or 1982 shortly after Rebecca disappeared.

The Lake County Sheriffs Office said since 1984, multiple efforts were made to identify the remains of Judy Doe based off of skeletal recreations, dental records, and DNA. All of these efforts were unsuccessful.

Read: Ocala Police use deadly force on three aggressive dogs

Then, in November of 2023, the Lake County Sheriffs Office contracted Othram, Inc., a private laboratory that specializes in Forensic Genetic Genealogy, in an attempt to provide new leads or information.

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With cooperation of Rebeccas family, they were able to positively identify Rebecca Hill via that technology in December, 2024.

Its very difficult when we dont know who the person is. Now that we know who she is, were able to go back through this case and figure out, what do we now know, said Lake County Detective Zachary Williams.

Williams said suspected serial killer and convicted murderer; Michael Ronning is now a person of interest in Rebeccas murder.

Ronning died while serving a life sentence in 2022, but detectives had started investigating Ronning in the early 2000s in connection to then Judy Does death.

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Read: Mob mentality beatdown : Volusia Sheriff condemns party turned violent

According to Williams, Ronning was living in Lake County and was actually pulled over by Umatilla police just one day before Rebecca was found stabbed in the woods.

Investigators said Ronning left Lake County, within ten days of Rebeccas murder and allegedly implied during a Dateline interview he knew something about the Judy Doe found in Altoona.

All of these things circumstantially are pointing us back towards him, said Williams.

For Rebeccas surviving brother and sister, the break in the case has stirred up mixed emotions, since they believed Rebecca had been found years ago.

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In an exclusive interview with Channel 9, Rebeccas brother Eddie said he was extremely grateful to Lake County detectives, and believed there could soon be answers to unresolved questions including who murdered Rebecca, and how she ended up in Lake County.

After 40 years we never thought wed ever find out what happened to her, said Eddie Hill, Were very hopeful well get some answers.

Read: Trump White House rescinds order freezing federal grants after widespread confusion

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.




Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson announced a new aid package for Ukraine worth SEK 13.5 billion (roughly US$1.25 billion) on Thursday, 30 January.

Source: Swedish media outlet DN.se, citing Jonson at a press conference, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Jonson stressed that this is the largest aid package since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022.

He noted that Russia currently holds the initiative in the war. Therefore, he believes that Europe should take more responsibility for supporting Ukraine.

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"Among other things, we're financing Ukrainian investments in drones and long-range missiles," he said.

Jonson added that Ukraine will receive a package from the Swedish Armed Forces consisting of 16 combat boats, 1,500 anti-tank missiles, 146 trucks and 200 armour-piercing shells.

Background:

In May, Sweden announced plans to allocate SEK 75 billion (roughly US$6.8 billion) in military aid to Ukraine for 2024-2026.

In September, the Swedish government unveiled the 17th military aid package to Ukraine since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, worth SEK 4.6 billion (401.6 million).

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STOCKHOLM (Reuters) -Sweden's defence minister said on Thursday the Nordic country had agreed to donate its biggest aid package to Ukraine so far, worth 13.5 billion Swedish crowns ($1.23 billion).

The aid package is Sweden's 18th since Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The government is now negotiating with suppliers in Sweden and Europe to supply prioritised equipment such as artillery and drones, Defence Minister Pal Jonson told a press conference.

($1 = 10.9905 Swedish crowns)

(Reporting by Simon Johnson, writing by Stine Jacobsen, editing by Terje Solsvik)
STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Sweden will fast-track new legislation to allow police to use electronic surveillance tools against minors after dozens of gang-related bombings in the capital Stockholm in January, the prime minister said on Thursday.

Sweden has been plagued by gang crime that has escalated over the last two decades and in 2023 the Nordic country registered the highest level of deadly gun violence per capita in Europe.

There has been an unprecedented spate of bombings, primarily in the Stockholm region, with more than 30 this month alone, most of them acts of extortion by gangs against companies and citizens, police officials say.

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"It is quite obvious that we don't have control over the wave of violence," Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said after a meeting with the Council Against Organised Crime which groups government, police and customs officials.

The January bombings have caused damage to buildings and some injuries but no deaths. Police have ordered residents in some areas of southern Stockholm to stay indoors at times.

Gangs have taken to social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram over the past two years to hire youths to carry out attacks, police investigators say.

"Today, we see 12-, 13- and 14-year-olds carrying out horrific violent missions as if they were extra jobs," National Police Commissioner Petra Lundh said. "The missions are openly advertised on digital marketplaces."

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Kristersson said the government would push through legislation this year to allow police to go through mobile phones and electronically eavesdrop on people under age 15.

"This is important so we get to those who often sit far away and order crimes by children in Sweden," Kristersson said.

He criticized social media platforms for not doing enough to protect children. "If this is not done, we will use Swedish law against their ability to use the platforms in this way."

Despite the upsurge of bombing, Swedish police have made headway against the gangs - there have been fewer deadly shootings and more convictions over the last two years.

(Reporting by Johan Ahlander; editing by Mark Heinrich)
PARIS  Sweden will provide Ukraine with 13.5 billion kronor (US$1.23 billion) in funding and equipment in its biggest military aid package yet, the government said on Thursday.

The Nordic country will double the amount of Stridsbat 90 combat boats its donating from Swedish armed forces stocks to 32 boats, Minister for Defence Pal Jonson said in a post on X . Other equipment will include 1,500 TOW anti-tank missiles and 200 AT4 anti-tank weapons, with total donations from stocks amounting to about $294 million, or around 25% of the aid package.

Sweden will provide about 5.9 billion kronor to buy newly produced defense equipment for Ukraine from Swedish and international manufacturers, the government said in a statement . That financing can be directed to priority needs such as artillery, long-range strike capabilities and drones, according to Jonson.

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A short delivery time is important, the minister said.

The latest aid package, Stockholms 18th, brings Swedens military support for Ukraine to about 61.9 billion kronor, the government said. The country has been one of the top donors of military aid to Ukraine, ranking sixth in terms of the absolute level of material support provided, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economys Ukraine Support Tracker .

Another $71 million will go to repair and maintenance of equipment already donated by Sweden. The Swedes have previously provided Ukraine with gear including Leopard 2 battle tanks, CV90 combat vehicles and Archer self-propelled howitzers.

The country will provide about $250 million towards different international funds, and allocate $178 million for the Danish model of ordering weapons from Ukraines defense industry, according to Jonson.

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This also builds sustainability and resilience within Ukraine, he said.

The intention is to allocate about 1 billion kronor to the production of Ukrainian long-range missiles and long-range drones, according to the government.
Sweden will provide Ukraine with a military aid package worth over $1.2 billion, Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson announced on Jan. 30.

It is Sweden's largest tranche of military assistance since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, according to Johnson.

The package includes 16 CB90 combat boats with weapons stations, a million rounds of 12.7 mm ammunition, 146 trucks, 1,500 TOW anti-tank missiles, as well as 200 AT4 anti-tank launchers.

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About $90 million will be allocated for the production of long-range missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles, Johnson said.

Donations from the Swedish Armed Forces' stockpiles will account for roughly 25% of the package, while around 45% will be used for investment in defense production.

"This can be directed towards prioritized needs, such as artillery, long-range strike abilities and drones. A short delivery time is important," the minister said.

Under the new package, $178 million will be allocated for the so-called Danish model of funding for Ukraine's defense production.

Other funds will also be allocated for the training of Ukrainian soldiers in 2025, as well as the repair and maintenance of the equipment already donated by Sweden.

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At the end of 2024, Jonson said in an interview with the Kyiv Independent that Stockholm does not exclude the possibility of expanding its physical presence in Ukraine to strengthen the country's defenses.

Read also: Sweden to increase military presence in Baltic Sea following suspected cable sabotage

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Part of Sweden's largest military aid package, valued at approximately US$1.23 billion, will be directed to the Danish model of support for Kyiv, which raises funds for Ukraine's defence industry.

Source: the website of Sweden's Ministry of Defence, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The Defence Ministry stated that around US$90 million of the approximately US$1.23 billion will be invested in the production of Ukrainian-made long-range missiles and drones.

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An additional US$250 million will be allocated to various international funds, while US$178 million will be directed to the Danish model, which supports Ukraine's defence industry.

The package also covers free transfers of equipment worth approximately SEK 5.9 billion (around US$536 million) and financial contributions totalling SEK 2.8 billion (about US$254 million).

It includes a donation of equipment from the Swedish Armed Forces, along with corresponding replacement purchases, valued at approximately SEK 3.3 billion (around US$300 million), comprising:

146 trucks;

16 Combat Boat 90s;

23 weapon stations for marine use;

1 million rounds of 12.7 mm ammunition;

1,500 TOW anti-tank missiles;

200 anti-tank weapons, including training materiel;

infantry equipment for individual soldiers and unit equipment;

chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) personal protective equipment.

Additionally, Sweden is allocating SEK 650 million (approx. US$59 million) for training purposes. This funding will support various training initiatives for Ukrainian troops in 2025, including the Interflex programme, which provides basic military training to Ukrainian personnel.

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The package also includes services from the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI) and the Swedish Defence University (FHS), valued at approximately SEK 180 million (around US$16 million).

It also includes a procurement decision worth SEK 400 million (about US$36 million), which includes various types of maintenance activities for the Swedish equipment provided to Ukraine.

Background:

In May, Sweden announced plans to allocate SEK 75 billion (roughly US$6.8 billion) in military aid to Ukraine for 2024-2026.

In September, the Swedish government unveiled the 17th military aid package to Ukraine since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, worth SEK 4.6 billion (401.6 million).

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Center stage: SIU Carbondale students play a pivotal role in highlighting language and traditions at annual World Languages and Cultures Day celebrations. (SIU Carbondale photo)

Nearly 1,000 students to visit SIU for World Languages and Cultures Day

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill.  Nearly 1,000 students from 15 high schools across the state will learn the history and future of languages and cultures during Southern Illinois University Carbondales 49th World Languages and Cultures Day celebration on Monday, Feb. 3.

The event is from 8:30 a.m. to noon in the Student Center. Festivities begin with a welcome session at 9:15 a.m. hosted by Chancellor Austin Lane, Joddy Murray, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, and School of Languages and Linguistics faculty members.

We live in an increasingly interconnected world and the future will be even more intercultural over time, Murray said. World Languages and Cultures Day in the College of Liberal Arts is an opportunity for students in Illinois to come to SIU and experience the variety, the vibrance, of multiple languages and cultures. The programming is designed to immerse students who may one day choose to come to SIU in order to, in part, feel more connected to our diverse world.

Media availability

Reporters, photographers and camera crews are welcome to cover World Languages and Cultures Day. For more information or assistance in arranging interviews on Feb. 3, contact Rachel Wolters, coordinator for recruitment and retention in the College of Liberal Arts, at rachelw@siu.edu or 618-318-2197.

In addition to numerous interactive, hands-on demonstrations, the students, who are in language classes in their high schools, will learn more about languages on such topics as Middle Eastern Christianity, American Sign Language, writing with pictures in the ancient Americas, and hip hop and racial identity in contemporary America. The breakout sessions will also include a look at artificial intelligence and second language speaking proficiency and AI and technology in SIUs Center for Virtual Expression.

Students from the following schools are expected to attend:

Carterville High School.

Chester High School.

Cobden High School.

Du Quoin High School.

Eldorado High School.

Herrin High School.

Johnston City High School.

Marion High School.

Mount Vernon Township High School.

Murphysboro High School.

Okaw Valley High School.

Pana High School.

Pinckneyville Community High School.

Red Bud High School.

Vienna High School.

The School of Languages and Linguistics and the College of Liberal Arts are sponsoring the celebration.
Ahmad al-Sharaa, the leader of the main rebel group who led the overthrow of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, has been named Syria's transitional president, the country's military command announced on Jan. 29.

We announce the appointment of Commander Ahmad al-Sharaa as head of state during the transitional period. He will assume the duties of the president of the Syrian Arab Republic and represent the country in international forums, the Syria Military Operations Command said in a statement.

The president is authorized to form a temporary legislative council for the transitional phase, which will carry out its duties until a permanent constitution is enacted and put into effect, the statement added.

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Once a member of al Qaeda, al-Sharaa's rebel group broke away from the terrorist organization in 2016 to help lead efforts to oust Assad during the country's decade-long civil war.

Given al-Sharaa's past ties, Western officials have remained cautious about the transitional president's intentions as he attempts to rebuild a war-torn society.

"While we aim to move fast, the lifting of sanctions can be reversed if wrong steps are taken," EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas posted on X on Jan. 27, adding that the EU plans to scale up humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts in Syria."

Al-Sharaa, who has served as the country's de-facto leader since the fall of Assad in December, has distanced the country from its previous ties with Russia  including blocking the withdrawal of Russian military equipment, demanding compensation from Russia for the country's "past mistakes" in Syria, and calling on the Kremlin to hand over Assad from Russian asylum.

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Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha visited Damascus on Dec. 30 for a meeting with al-Sharaa, in which Sybiha expressed Ukraine holds a "similar view" on Russian military presence in Syria.

During his visit, Sybiha emphasized that Ukraine is ready to restore diplomatic ties, trade, and educational exchanges with Syria if the country's new leadership respects international law and its territorial integrity.

Read also: What does Assads downfall mean for Russia and Ukraine?

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(Bloomberg) -- The Syrian rebel group that ousted Bashar al-Assad last month dissolved parliament, dismantled the countrys armed apparatus and appointed its de facto leader the countrys new president, a series of moves meant to clear the way for a political transition, according to state media.

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The group also nullified a 2012 constitution and disbanded Assads Baath party, SANA reported, citing a statement from Syrian rebel commander Hassan Abdul-Ghani. Ahmed Al-Sharaa, who led the group, will be president during a transition period, he said, without saying how long that period would last.

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Al-Sharaa, who leads Islamist group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, or HTS, will form an interim legislative council until a new constitution is in place. No time-frame was set for elections or drafting a new constitution.

The security situation in Syria has been fragile since the downfall of Assads regime, with the country witnessing repeated deadly confrontations. HTS vowed to restore order and protect all ethnic and religious sects, a task that has been complicated by the presence of numerous armed groups.

HTS held multiple meetings with rebel factions to coax them into merging under the umbrella of the ministry of defense, calling it an essential step to improve the war-torn countrys security. They have also forced army personnel who served under Assad to hand over their weapons and equipment, and pledge allegiance to the new authority.

Earlier: Syria Pushes Russia for Compensation With Talks on Bases Stalled

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Assad fled Damascus on Dec. 8, which Abdul-Ghani declared a national day, after Islamist-led opposition forces rapidly entered the capital and put an end to more than half a century of his familys rule.

The deposed president and his family were granted asylum by the Russian government, which did not step in to rescue him like it did in 2015 when it intervened on Assads side in the countrys civil war.

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Celebrations broke out across Syria on Wednesday evening following the appointment of Ahmed al-Sharaa, leader of the new administration in Syria, as the country's transitional president.

In Damascus, Umayyad Square, the largest square in the capital, saw a large gathering celebrating al-Sharaa's appointment.

Attendees waved Syrian flags and chanted slogans supporting al-Sharaa and opposing the long-time rule of toppled dictator Bashar al-Assad.

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"Hundreds of cars roamed the neighbourhoods of the capital, waving the Syrian flag in a joyful and celebratory atmosphere," said Ziad Ali, who participated in a car parade in Damascus.

"Everyone in the neighbourhood exchanged congratulations on social media, and hundreds came out to Baramkeh Square to celebrate, performing dabke dances despite the cold weather," Ali, a resident of Baramkeh, told dpa.

In the town of Jdeidet Artouz, west of Damascus, hundreds of residents took to the streets, both on foot and in cars, following the announcement by the Military Operations Administration of al-Sharaa's appointment as transitional president.

Mustafa Abdullah, from Raqqa province, carried the Syrian flag while chanting, "Raise your head high, you're a free Syrian  we'll crush them, crush the Assad family!"

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Abdullah told dpa: "We urge President al-Sharaa to work on liberating the provinces of Raqqa, Hasakah and Deir ez-Zor, and expelling the SDF forces occupying the Jazira region. Celebrations are also underway in these areas, as they are part of Syria, and we will never accept their division."

In the evening, roads looked deserted in Damascus as Syrians eagerly awaited the "victory speech" from al-Sharaa.

Judge Abdullah Saad, speaking from Aleppo, said, "Today's decisions to dissolve the army, security agencies, and parliament, and suspend the 2012 Constitution, are natural outcomes of the revolutionary factions taking control of governance."

Saad told dpa: "The celebrations currently sweeping all Syrian cities are a testament to the legitimacy given to Ahmed al-Sharaa. This aligns with the decision of revolutionary faction leaders to appoint al-Sharaa as president, from whom we expect significant contributions to serve the country."
WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI)  Union workers at R.I. Airport Corp. have unanimously voted no confidence in president and CEO Iftikhar Ahmad, accusing him of acting in bad faith amid ongoing contract negotiations and staffing turmoil.

Multiple union groups, including Council 94, American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees, along with AFL-CIO and Local 2873, announced the results of the vote Thursday.

The members accused Ahmad of poor leadership and blamed him for widespread turnover at the quasi-public agency that oversees Rhode Island airports, including its flagship Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport in Warwick.

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Under CEO Ahmads tenure over sixty non-union employees were terminated or left RIAC, had over four different police chiefs, and the police department is running ten officers short in violation of a grievance settlement, Local 2873 President Steven Parent said in a statement. CEO Ahmads hostile churn and burn management must cease.

RIAC spokesperson Bill Fischer shot back, calling the no-confidence vote pure theater intended to generate leverage at the negotiating table and nothing more.

We have been negotiating in good faith for many months, Fischer said. Its time that union leaders put forth a meaningful effort to finalize a contract. These PR stunts will not pressure RIAC to make poor decisions at the negotiating table. RIAC management remains focused on its mission and will not be distracted nor impacted by baseless and untrue accusations. RIACs union employees are compensated extremely well in both pay and benefits.

The no-confidence vote marks the latest development in a tumultuous time for the airport and its workforce. While the agency has returned to more stable operations and finances following the COVID-19 pandemic, the airport has been dealing with a host of internal issues thats pitted staff against leadership.

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The airport in October accused Parent of gross misconduct and fired him as fire lieutenant, a move Parent said was done illegally. Airport leadership then accused him a month later of trespassing on airport grounds and taking property without authorization.

Earlier this week, head of security Joseph Perkins abruptly resigned and sent an alarming message to colleagues, accusing airport management of seeking to eliminate the police department.

Unfortunately everything you suspect about RIAC management is true, Perkins wrote in the message, claiming management wanted to get rid of the police department and most of all the union.

Perkins had only been on the job for a few months, but he told Target 12 he quickly surmised that remaining employed at the airport under the current administrative leadership was not something I would do.

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Unlike most professions, law enforcement decisions and actions have serious consequences, he said. Based on my experience as a law enforcement professional for over 35 years, I knew the correct way to handle the issues that concerned me  report them to the highest-ranking police officer in the state, [R.I. State Police] Colonel Darnell Weaver.

Airport officials have denied the allegations that they are trying to eliminate the police department, saying the department is properly staffed and has been for 10 years. Parent highlighted Perkins departure in his statement.

The recent resignation of Public Safety Director Joseph M. Perkins, speaks to the hostile work environment created and condoned by CEO Iftikhar Ahmad, he said.

Meanwhile, Ahmad announced last year he was launching an internal investigation into anonymous letters sent to elected officials, news organizations and other community members that accused Ahmad of bad leadership and creating a toxic work atmosphere. In November, the airport sent out notices to employees ordering them to preserve potential evidence.

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It is unfortunate that it has come to this, but this investigation is required to ensure that individuals  regardless of their motivations  will not impact our ability to fulfill our mission, provide Rhode Islanders with an abundance of direct routes, fulfill obligations to our airline partners and serve as a true economic engine for the State of Rhode Island, said Brittany Morgan, senior vice president of legal affairs and human resources, at the time.

Michael McDonald, president of Council 94, echoed the sentiment outlined in the anonymous letters, accusing Ahmad of releasing confidential personnel records, terminating a union president and making unfounded accusations against employees.

While Local 2873 members will continue working so that Airport operations run smoothly, the union will increase communicating RIACs bad faith actions to the public, RIAC Board members, and political leaders, McDonald said in a statement. Council 94 will continue to fight to ensure CEO Ahmad provides a fair contract, dignity, and respect to our members in all available forums.

Fischer said Rhode Islanders should have every confidence in RIAC leadership, pointing to metrics he said show the agency is headed in the right direction.

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The airport is fiscally sound with strong management as indicated by various rating agencies, he said. Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport is coming off a record year with over four million passengers boosting Rhode Islands tourism and economy. Additionally, we expect to announce new flights including international destinations next week.

Eli Sherman (esherman@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter for 12 News. Connect with him on Twitter and on Facebook.

Tim White contributed to this report.

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As U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids ramp up in the country, the Tacoma Police Department has stated it will not enforce civil federal immigration laws.

At TPD, our mission is to create a safe and secure environment in which to live, work, and visit, Paul Junger, deputy chief of police, said in a news release. We remain dedicated to enforcing the law fairly and impartially, preserving peace, and safeguarding constitutional guarantees for everyone in Tacoma.

The release said the police department would continue to prioritize safety, fairness, and trust within the community while upholding state law and ensuring that every member of the community feels secure.

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TPD will comply with state regulation, which says that local police do not enforce civil federal immigration laws. Tacoma police officers also will not inquire into a persons immigration status unless it is connection to a criminal investigation, the release said.

School resource officers acting in their official capacity can not investigate or collect information about a persons immigration status, the release said. They also cannot provide immigration information to authorities for enforcement

Individuals cannot be detained solely for the purpose of determining their immigration status, nor can they be held for a civil immigration warrant or hold request, the release said.

The Police Department said it is committed to serving and protecting all residents of Tacoma, regardless of immigration status.

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TPD is committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels safe reporting crimes or concerns without fear of deportation or immigration-related actions.

The release said there are no agreements with ICE, per Washington state immigration laws. TPD and other local agencies cannot enter into agreements that would grant federal civil immigration enforcement powers to state or local officers, including agreements under the 287(g) program, the release said.

TPD will continue to ensure that all community members feel valued, safe, and protected as we work together toward a more inclusive and secure Tacoma, the release said.
President Donald Trumps pick to run the FBI, Kash Patel, downplayed his past promotion of right-wing conspiracy theories and his pledges to pursue retribution against Trumps opponents on Thursday at his combative Senate confirmation hearing.

Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee tried to pin down Patel over past comments praising the rioters who attacked the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, his public courtship of influencers in the QAnon conspiracy movement and his promise to go after current and former Justice Department and FBI officials that he once put on a list of corrupt actors.

So far, no Republicans have publicly stated their opposition to Patels nomination, and none raised concerns at the hearing. Democratic senators grilled Patel throughout the day, but he claimed they were cherry-picking excerpts of old comments to make him look bad.

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The role of FBI director is supposed to be a 10-year term, to insulate the position from politics. After winning in November, Trump made clear that hed fire FBI chief Chris Wray, so Wray resigned. As a result, Patel is now on a clear path to leading the FBI very soon.

Heres what to know about Thursdays hearing:

There is no enemies list, Patel says

Retribution was the overarching theme of the day.

Democrats homed in on Patels well-documented record  in TV interviews, podcast appearances, his books and social media posts  of calling for punishments against the people he believes are part of the deep state that has attempted to undermine Trump.

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They raised concerns about what they called an enemies list, from Patels 2023 book, Government Gangsters. CNN reported that some of the 60 officials on that list are taking drastic steps to protect their families, fearing that Patel will weaponize his FBI powers.

I have no interest, no desire, and will not, If confirmed, go backwards, Patel said. There will be no politicization at the FBI. There will be no retributive actions taken by any FBI.

Patel later said, its not an enemies list  that is a total mischaracterization.

Before the hearing, some advisers had encouraged Patel to express regret for his comments about the people on his list. He didnt take that path during the hearing.

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And during the hearing, CNN reported that some senior FBI leaders who were promoted by Wray were demoted or reassigned, feeding the fears of internal recriminations. Patel said during Thursdays hearing that he wasnt aware of any plans to punish FBI agents involved in the various Trump probes and that no one will be terminated for case assignments.

GOP wants Patel to teach FBI a lesson

Despite Patel saying he didnt want to look backwards, Republican lawmakers encouraged him to do just that. They brought up gripes about the 2016 Trump-Russia probe, the Hunter Biden investigation and other actions they believe were motivated by anti-Trump bias.

In his opening statement, Sen. Chuck Grassley, the GOP chair of the Judiciary committee, said he believed that Justice Department and FBI leaders who previously investigated Trump have yet to learn a lesson and I hope youll learn that lesson for them  or teach that lesson.

Later in the hearing, GOP Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana asked Patel, Do you believe in the adage that two wrongs dont make a right  but they do make it even?

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Senator, I think if anyone commits a wrong in government service, the American public deserve to know every absolute detail of that corrupt activity, Patel responded.

These lines of inquiry that Republicans want Patel to pursue will very likely tee up a clash between Patel at the FBI and other US intelligence agencies, who were also involved in the Russia probe. Patel and these agencies have tangled over this and other topics for years.

Break from Trump on January 6 clemency

Under questioning from Democrats, Patel said he opposes Trumps commutations that freed from prison hundreds of convicted January 6 rioters who attacked police officers.

I do not agree with the commutation of any sentence of any individual who committed violence against law enforcement, he said, breaking from Trump.

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On Trumps first day in office, he pardoned more than 1,200 convicted rioters and granted commutations to 14 convicts tied to far-right extremist groups. These clemency actions freed hundreds of violent rioters from prison, including many who assaulted police.

As for January 6, I have repeatedly, often, publicly and privately, said there can never be a tolerance for violence against law enforcement, Patel told lawmakers.

But Democrats argued that his comments were disingenuous, because he helped raise money for January 6 defendants, including some accused of and convicted of violent felony crimes, like beating and pepper-spraying members of the US Capitol Police.

On the topic of January 6, there was a combative exchange between Patel and California Sen. Adam Schiff  who have been at a loggerheads for nearly a decade, dating back to both of their service on the House Intelligence Committee during Trumps first term.

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Schiff dared Patel to stand up and apologize to the US Capitol Police officers guarding you today. Patel declined and retorted, how about you ask them if I have their backs?

Patel says QAnon is baseless

Patel rebutted Democratic allegations that he was a conspiracy theorist by saying he believes QAnon baseless, despite his past praise for the movement that promotes the false notion that top Democrats are at the helm of an international pedophilia cabal.

I have publicly, including in the interviews provided to this committee, rejected outright QAnon baseless conspiracy theories  They must be addressed head-on with the truth and I will continue to do that, Patel said.

The QAnon conspiracy theory emerged during Trumps first term. Adherents claim Trump was divinely selected to destroy a deep state network of Democratic politicians, corrupt government officials, and celebrities who worship Satan and sexually abuse children.

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Patels direct repudiation of QAnon was a very different approach compared to his past.

He previously courted parts of the QAnon community. On a pro-Trump podcast in 2022, Patel said, The Q thing is a movement. A lot of people attach themselves to it. I disagree with a lot of what that movement says, but I agree with what a lot of that movement says.

CNN has previously reported that some members of the QAnon community, including prolific right-wing influencers and podcasters, are excited about Patels FBI nomination.

He also complained that Democrats were misquoting and twisting his words about QAnon, as he did throughout the day on a variety of topics. He declined to answer many questions by repeatedly telling Democrats, I dont have the full quote in front of me.

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Snippets of information are often misleading, Patel said at one point.

He repeatedly said hed focus his energy on other topics like fighting drug trafficking, hunting down gangs and rapists, and keeping the country safe from foreign terrorism.

CNNs Hannah Rabinowitz, Devan Cole and Holmes Lybrand contributed to this report.

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was pressed to clarify his views on vaccines, abortion and public health priorities in the first of two Senate hearings as he tries to make the case to become President Donald Trumps health secretary.

Kennedy is seeking to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, the $1.7 trillion agency that funds medical research, public health outreach, food and drug safety, hospital oversight, funding for community health care clinics as well as Medicare and Medicaid.

Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee expressed hope Kennedy could help reduce chronic diseases and health care costs. Democrats repeatedly used quotes and transcripts from his books and public appearances to pin him down on several issues, especially vaccines and abortion.

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Sen. Ron Wyden, a Democrat, argued that from abortion to universal health care, Mr. Kennedy has changed his views so often its nearly impossible to know where he stands.

On Thursday Kennedy will appear before the Senates Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee.

Some takeaways from Wednesdays hearing:

Senators wanted to know: Where does Kennedy stand on vaccines now?

Kennedy insisted hes not opposed to vaccines despite a long history of calling them dangerous  and Democrats werent buying it.

Frankly you frighten people, said Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island.

I am not anti-vaccine, Kennedy told the committee. He also said, I support the measles vaccine. I support the polio vaccine. I will do nothing as HHS secretary that makes it difficult or discourages people from taking either of those vaccines.

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But before he was nominated, Kennedy sought to discredit vaccines. He has said " COVID shots are a crime against humanity, told FOX News he still believes in the debunked idea that vaccines can cause autism, and urged people in 2021 to resist CDC guidelines on when kids should get vaccines.

And during the hearing Kennedy said that most experts agree that 6-year-olds shouldnt get COVID-19 vaccines because theyre not at risk. Thats not true of the experts who set vaccine policy: The Food and Drug Administration authorized COVID-19 shots for children as young as age 6 months and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends children get vaccinated.

Most experts agree that COVID vaccines are safe and effective for children, Dr. James Campbell of the American Academy of Pediatrics said after hearing Kennedys remark.

Sen. Maggie Hassan, a Democrat from New Hampshire, grilled Kennedy about changing his position.

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There is no reason that any of us should believe that you have reversed the anti-vaccine views that you have promoted for 25 years, she said.

Kennedy was pressed on his shifting views on abortion

Kennedys nomination has been met with criticism from both abortion rights advocates and anti-abortion forces as his stance seemed to have shifted.

During the hearing, several Democrats pushed Kennedy about changing his views to better appeal to Trump.

Ive never seen any major politician flip on that issue quite as quickly as you did when Trump asked you to be HHS secretary, said Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont.

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Sen. Michael Bennet, a Democrat from Colorado, questioned Kennedys shifting views on abortion by quoting his previous statements that abortion should be left up to the pregnant woman, not the government.

Hassan said she was confused: You have clearly stated in the past that bodily autonomy is one of your core values. The question is: Do you stand for this value or not?

Kennedy repeatedly leaned on the phrase: I have always believed abortion is a tragedy  including during questioning from Republican Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma.

Republicans expressed hope Kennedy could fix a troubled health care system

In his opening remarks, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, the Finance committees chairman, praised Kennedys commitment to combatting chronic conditions and said prioritizing disease prevention " will save lives, reduce costs and build a healthier, stronger country.

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Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, who was vocal in criticizing vaccine requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic, brought up a conversation he had with Kennedy when the former Democrat was considering joining forces with Trump. The senator called it an answer to his prayers.

We need to heal and unify this divided nation, Johnson said. Cant we come together as a nation and do this?

Kennedy repeatedly called for more research on long-established therapies

Again and again on Wednesday, Kennedy suggested he simply wants to do more research on vaccines, drugs and other products that have already been vigorously studied by government and independent scientists.

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Kennedy said that Trump asked him to study the safety of mifepristone, the abortion pill that has been used more than 6 million times in the U.S. to terminate pregnancies.

The FDA approved the drug in 2000 after a four-year review and has repeatedly reaffirmed its safety after reviewing dozens of studies in tens of thousands of women.

Here are the safety studies that tell us mifepristone is safe and effective, Hassan said, brandishing a pile of what she said were 40 of them.

Kennedy again called for additional research when questioned about his unsupported claims that increased school shootings could be related to higher prescribing of antidepressants.

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Kennedy said his remarks were misrepresented and that he was suggesting antidepressants might play a role among other factors, such as social media.

I dont think anyone can answer that question right now Kennedy said.

Antidepressants and other prescription drugs are subject to multiple, large clinical trials that evaluate their safety and efficacy before they are approved. Additionally, the FDA has multiple systems for monitoring emerging side effects with drugs after they are on the market and regularly issues updates and alerts to address risks.

On Alzheimers, Kennedy also misstated the state of the science and research.

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A sticky gunk called amyloid plays a role in Alzheimers disease but Kennedy wrongly claimed the National Institutes of Health ignores any other potential culprits.

The NIH shut down studies of any other hypothesis, Kennedy said.

But the NIHs $3.8 billion budget for Alzheimers and similar dementias includes researching a range of other factors that may underlie how Alzheimers develops.

Senators used Kennedys own words against him

Reading from podcast transcripts and his own writings, Bennet asked Kennedy about his prior statement that COVID-19 was engineered to target white and Black people while sparing Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people.

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Kennedy denied saying it was deliberately targeted.

Bennet also asked Kennedy about a claim that Lyme disease is likely a militarily engineered bioweapon.

I probably did say that, Kennedy responded.

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By David Shepardson, Steve Holland, Jeff Mason and Trevor Hunnicutt

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. authorities said on Thursday it was not yet clear why a regional jet and a U.S. Army helicopter collided at a Washington airport, killing 67 people in the deadliest U.S. air disaster in more than 20 years.

Investigators recovered the so-called black boxes from the plane, an American Airlines Bombardier jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, which collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River as it prepared to land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night.

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No one survived. Names of all the victims have not been released, but they included promising young figure skaters and people from Kansas, where the flight originated.

Senator Maria Cantwell said that the dead also included citizens from Russia, the Philippines and Germany, and Chinese state media Xinhua reported two Chinese citizens had been killed in the crash.

Investigators recovered the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder from the Bombardier CRJ700 passenger jet, the National Transportation Safety Board said. A preliminary report about the incident is expected within 30 days.

NTSB member Todd Inman said the military helicopter was equipped "with some form of recording devices and those will be read either by DOD or by us." He said NTSB and DOD have agreements to share data on those recorders.

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The agency has begun collecting wreckage, including portions of the helicopter, and is storing it at a hangar at Reagan National. Washington's fire and emergency department said its divers had searched all accessible areas and would conduct additional searches to locate aircraft components on Friday.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said both aircraft had been flying standard flight patterns on Wednesday and there had been no breakdown in communication.

"Everything was routine up to the point of the accident," Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin told Reuters. More than half of the bodies had been recovered, he said. The airport is just across the river from Washington in Virginia.

President Donald Trump, without evidence, said that federal diversity efforts could have been a factor, reiterating a theme that has become a focus of his presidency. Rights groups and Democrats said he was politicizing the disaster.

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Trump also criticized the helicopter pilots and suggested air traffic controllers were to blame.

Radio communications showed that air traffic controllers alerted the helicopter about the approaching jet and ordered it to change course.

One controller rather than two was handling local plane and helicopter traffic on Wednesday night at Reagan National, a situation deemed "not normal" but considered adequate for lower volumes of traffic, according to a person briefed on the matter.

The decision to combine duties in the evening is not uncommon, the source said. The New York Times first reported the "not normal" designation.

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A shortage of air traffic controllers in the United States in recent years has spurred safety concerns. At several facilities, controllers work mandatory overtime and six-day work weeks to cover shortages. The Federal Aviation Administration has about 3,000 fewer controllers than it says it needs.

CROWDED FLIGHT CORRIDOR

Airspace is frequently crowded around the U.S. capital, home to three commercial airports and several major military facilities, and officials have raised concerns about busy runways at Reagan National Airport. Several close calls at the airport have sparked alarm, including a near-collision in May 2024.

Trump accused his Democratic predecessor Joe Biden of lowering hiring standards and suggested the Federal Aviation Administration's diversity push could have weakened its capabilities.

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The Trump administration has not provided any proof to back those assertions, and there is no evidence that efforts to make the federal workforce more diverse have compromised air safety.

Trump has moved quickly to quash federal diversity initiatives since taking office on Jan. 20, drawing criticism from rights advocates who fear he is rolling back progress the United States has made to overcome its history of discrimination.

"The President has made his decision to put politics over people abundantly clear as he uses the highest office in the land to sow hatred rooted in falsehoods instead of providing us with the leadership we need and deserve, Derrick Johnson, president of the NAACP civil rights group, said in a statement.

Trump cited FAA policies stating that physical and mental disabilities would not on their own disqualify applicants from a controller's position. Those policies were in place throughout Trump's first 2017-2021 White House term, according to aides to Biden's transportation secretary, Pete Buttigieg.

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Buttigieg called Trump's remarks despicable. "As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying," he said on social media.

CRASH CAUSE UNCLEAR

Trump's remarks contrasted sharply with those of other officials, who said there was no immediate indication why the crash occurred.

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said the pilot of the American Eagle Flight 5342 had about six years of flying experience. The Bombardier jet was operated by PSA Airlines, a regional subsidiary.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the helicopter was flown by a "fairly experienced crew" of three soldiers who were wearing night-vision goggles on an annual training flight. Officials said they were grounding other flights from the Army unit involved in the crash and would reevaluate training exercises in the region.

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Air traffic control recordings appear to capture the final attempted communications with the helicopter, call sign PAT25, before it collided with the jet.

"PAT25, do you have a CRJ in sight? PAT25, pass behind the CRJ," an air traffic controller says at 8:47 p.m. ET (0147 GMT) on Wednesday, according to a recording on liveatc.net.

Seconds later, another aircraft calls in to air traffic control, saying, "Tower, did you see that?" - apparently referring to the crash. An air traffic controller then redirects planes heading to runway 33 to go around.

"I just saw a fireball and then it was just gone. I haven't seen anything since they hit the river," an air traffic controller says.

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Webcam video of the crash showed the collision and an explosion lighting up the night sky.

It was the deadliest U.S. air disaster since November 2001, when an American Airlines jet crashed after departing from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, killing all 260 people onboard and five people on the ground.

Reagan National's main runway is the busiest in the United States, with more than 800 daily takeoffs and landings. The National Transportation Safety Board has investigated nine accidents or incidents at the airport this century, including two that were fatal, records showed.

(Reporting by David Shepardson, Trevor Hunnicutt, Jeff Mason, Bo Erickson, Jarrett Renshaw, Steve Holland, Gabriella Borter, Idrees Ali, Phil Stewart, Susan Heavey, Kanishka Singh, Jasper Ward, Rami Ayyub and Andy Sullivan in Washington; Joseph Ax in New York; Rich McKay in Atlanta; Brad Brooks in Colorado; Joe Brock and Costas Pitas in Los Angeles; Jamie Freed in Sydney; Writing by Andy Sullivan, Brad Brooks, Timothy Heritage and Jeff Mason; Editing by Scott Malone, Nick Zieminski, Nia Williams, Cynthia Osterman and Gerry Doyle)
(Above) Richard Hunt works on a monument honoring Ida B. Wells, which will be featured in a documentary to be shown on campus. (Photo provided) (Below) History professor Pamela Smoot and SIU Carbondale Chancellor Austin Lane celebrate an award for her anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. (SIU Carbondale photo)

SIU to celebrate Black History Month 2025 with numerous activities

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill.  Southern Illinois University Carbondale is commemorating February as Black History Month with a variety of special presentations, exhibitions and activities.

The theme is African Americans and Labor, and it focuses on the various and profound ways that work and working of all kinds  free and unfree, skilled and unskilled, vocational and voluntary  intersect with the collective experiences of Black people, said Dina Timmons, coordinator of SIUs Black Resource Center (BRC). We invite students, staff, faculty, administrators and community members to join us in celebrating Black History Month.

Kickoff launches systemwide celebration

The official kickoff for the SIU Systems celebration, The History of Black History, is set for 5 p.m. Feb. 3 at the John C. Guyon Auditorium, and everyone is welcome.

Pamela Smoot, assistant professor of history in the School of History and Philosophy, will be the keynote speaker. Smoot is a 2024 honorable mention recipient of the SIU Systems Dr. Wesley G. Robinson-McNeese ADEI Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing faculty and staff members with 20 or more years of documented work creating, sustaining and enhancing antiracism, diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

Smoot, who obtained her doctorate in American history from Michigan State University in 1999 before coming to SIU the following year, also earned a certificate in leadership and development in higher education after completing the prestigious HERS (Higher Education Resource Services) Summer Institute for Women in Higher Education at Bryn Mawr College. She has served as co-adviser for the Black Womens Club and co-president of the Black Faculty and Staff Constituency Group, and she has been active in the annual Womens Civic Leadership Day, which is part of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute.

Smoot authored the 2012 paper Alexander Lane: From Slavery to Freedom, commissioned by the institute to recognize Lane, one of the first Black men to attend SIU in the 1870s, when it was known as Southern Illinois Normal Institute. One of the universitys first diversity initiatives, the paper led to the creation of the Alexander Lane Internship Program, which provides minority SIU students with paid internships in the public policy, public service or government fields in Springfield. A 2011 Women of Distinction Award winner, Smoot has also served as a mentor for the McNair Scholars Program and has inspired and mentored countless students during her decades at SIU.

I love the fact that she challenged us in the many ways she did, said Timmons, who took multiple classes with Smoot while completing her degree at SIU. I feel that having Dr. Smoot speak about the history of Black History Month is crucial to knowing who Carter G. Woodson  the founder of the month  was and that Black History Month was the catalyst for all history months.

The kickoff will also include remarks by:

SIU System President Dan Mahony.

SIU Carbondale Chancellor Austin Lane.

Sheila Caldwell, SIU System vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion.

Paul Frazier, SIU Carbondale vice chancellor for anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion.

Linda Flowers, president of the Carbondale NAACP.

Renada Greer, executive director of the SIU Student Multicultural Resource Center and TRiO Student Support Services.

Black History Month T-shirts will be given at the conclusion of the event, which will also offer students the chance to compete in Whos Who SIUC Edition, with the team that successfully identifies the most Black staff, faculty and community members earning a one-year membership in the Carbondale NAACP. Undergraduate students in attendance will be eligible for entry in a drawing for a free semester of SIU tuition.

Guest speakers will enlighten listeners

Several special guests will also share their insights during events in February. Everyone is welcome to attend the presentations at no cost.

Kevin Cokley, African American psychologist, scholar, professor and ardent defender and uplifter of Black people, will speak about the current state of diversity, equity and inclusion during a Fireside Chat at noon Feb. 26 in Guyon Auditorium at Morris Library. Cokley, who earned his doctorate in counseling and psychological services from Georgia State University, is associate chair for diversity initiatives and space management and university diversity and social transformation professor of psychology at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor College of Literature, Science, and the Arts.

Cokleys research, community service, publication and academic career and other works have earned him a variety of awards, including Distinguished Psychologist Award from the Association of Black Psychologists, Top 25 Essential Black Voices on Mental Health and Wellness by Relevant magazine, Innovators and Trailblazers Scholar from the Graduate Mentoring Center at Indiana University and others. He strives to assure that people of African descent and their work are recognized as central rather than marginal to human civilization.

Actress, reality television star, motivational speaker and SIU alumna Apryl Jones will speak about Perseverance: Black Women in Leadership at 11 a.m. Feb. 28 in the Guyon Auditorium. A native of Chicago who completed her bachelors degree in radiologic sciences at SIU, she has starred in The Comeback, Whos Cheating Who? and Angies Cure, and she sang in the group Cellareign. She is also active with the nonprofit campaign StrongHome Network, which provides support and empowerment to families.

There will also be a panel discussion Mental Health and Black People: Stigmas, Hot Topics, Local Services at 4 p.m. Feb. 19 in Rooms 150/160 of the Student Services Building. Panelists include:

Ryan Reed, CEO of the Can I Live Foundation and triple SIU alumnus, including a doctorate in rehabilitation counseling and education and a masters degree in educational psychology.

Christian Gillespie, a clinical psychologist in the region who is a double SIU alumnus with a masters degree and doctorate in counseling psychology,

Brock Navarro and Steven Gear, who are mental health coordinators for SIU Counseling and Psychological Services.

All are welcome to join in the discussion that will focus on various mental health topics including access, treatment and success rates among brown and Black people.

Films, variety show, exhibitions and more

Other special events and exhibitions include:

A special screening of the documentary The Light of Truth: Richard Hunts Monument to Ida B. Wells at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 6 in Guyon Auditorium. The film explores the creation of renowned sculptor Hunts monument in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago to Wells, a pioneering African American journalist, educator and civil rights leader. Afterward, the films creators will share their insights about the film and Wells legacy. An exhibition of selected lithographs and drawings by Hunt will also be on display in February at the library.

A big variety show at 4:30 p.m. Feb. 23 in Ballroom D at the Student Center, featuring students and community members showcasing talents in song, dance, modeling and more. Last years show drew an audience of more than 250 people, and Matthew Wilson, graduate assistant, will again direct and host the show.

A showing of the film Neptune Frost, a 2021 science fiction romantic musical set in post-civil war Rwanda spanning several eras as it follows the relationship between an intersex hacker and a coltan (metallic ore) miner at 3 p.m. Feb. 24 in Guyon Auditorium. The event, which is a collaboration of the Black Resource Center and the Paulette Curkin Pride Resource Center, will conclude with a discussion led by Darryl Clark, associate professor of musical dance theater.

Dining in Distinction: Professionalism in Every Bite, an etiquette dinner in the Old Main Lounge at the Student Center hosted by the Chicago Public Schools and BRC, with Anna Jackson, English instructor emerita presenting proper dining etiquette at 4:30 p.m. Feb. 5. Participating students can also obtain professional headshots from SIU.

Be sure to visit the Labor of Love art exhibition, too, happening all month and through the end of March at the Sharp Museum in Faner Hall. Featuring the work of DeSande R, a Chicago-born artist now residing in Carbondale, the exhibition showcases her paintings, which were influenced by such diverse artists as Laura Wheeler-Waring, Archibald Motley Jr., Rembrandt van Rijn and Odd Nerdrum as well as SIU faculty members Najjar Abdul-Musawwir and Robert Paulsen (emeritus). She earned her masters degree in painting at SIU and taught at John A. Logan College for 20 years. Her artwork has showcased influential Black community members such as Billie Holiday and Nina Simone.

Learn more

Find the complete schedule of events and additional details on the Black Resource Center website, or email brc@siu.edu or call 618-453-3470 with questions.

Many of the Black History Month events give students the opportunity to earn credits toward the ADEI Leadership Certificate.
From college campuses to city halls to nonprofit offices, leaders across Tampa Bay were left unsettled by the possibility of losing billions in federal funding Wednesday evening after a frenetic 48 hours of confusing and contradictory messaging from Washington, D.C.

The White House budget office on Monday ordered a pause on all grants and loans disbursed by the federal government, calling in a memo for federal agencies to perform a comprehensive analysis to ensure that cuts to grant and loan-funded programs were aimed at diversity, equity, inclusion and woke gender ideology.

Until that review was complete, federal agencies were instructed to temporarily pause all financial assistance.

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The White House rescinded the order Wednesday after a D.C. court temporarily blocked the move. But not before a swath of organizations that rely on federal funding had to spend a couple of days wondering what might happen if they lost it.

We are breathing a sigh of relief this afternoon, said Clara Reynolds, president and CEO of Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, whose federally funded services range from sexual assault counseling to support groups for veterans and first responders.

The weeks chaotic messaging highlights how much federal spending touches every corner of the state, and how tenuous that funding now feels for those who rely on it.

Roughly 40% of Floridas state revenue in 2022 came from federal funds, according to Pew Charitable Trusts, including Medicaid, income security and COVID-19 aid. The programs and agencies up for review, outlined in a 52-page memo from the White House on Tuesday, touch on issues ranging from early childhood learning to cancer research.

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As soon as the executive order was announced, the phones started ringing at Metro Inclusive Health, a Tampa Bay health services nonprofit that specializes in HIV care.

Its of grave concern to patients and clients who have been calling, frightened and confused, spokesperson Brian Bailey said. Staff are equally concerned about their patients, including the most vulnerable, as well as their own jobs should funds for critical programs be cut.

The memos lack of clear details and agencies' confused responses indicated that the decision had been made without input from stakeholders, said Jonathan Fansmith, senior vice president of government relations at the American Council on Education.

(Its) the exact opposite youd hope to see in terms of decision making, Fansmith told an online panel of higher education experts Tuesday. Agencies themselves are catching up to what the (budget office) memo is saying

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On Tuesday night, administrators at Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services received an email from their parent organization directing staff to cease all services to newly arrived refugees.

Although the budget offices directive noted that it would not halt support to individuals and that immigration efforts would be on those engaged in criminal acts, the federal governments confusing language had put the organizations funding at risk, said the agencys president and CEO, Sandra Braham.

Refugees are not undocumented immigrants (and) did not enter the United States illegally, Braham wrote in an email to the Tampa Bay Times.

This cease work order is not only inhumane, but it also puts the onus on nonprofits that are already underfunded while doing the work of our state and federal governments, Braham wrote.

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The confusion highlighted just how deeply federal funds reach into Floridians daily lives.

Last year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services alone approved more than $27 billion in funding in Florida. That includes nearly $58 million for research at Tampas Moffitt Cancer Center and $1.7 million for health centers across Pinellas County, according to federal data.

Alayne Unterberger, executive director of the Tampa-based Florida Institute for Community Studies, was worried Wednesday that her organization could lose access to a key federal grant.

The nonprofit, which provides youth mental health training, was approved last year for a four-year, $125,000 annual Health and Human Services grant. In her application, she wrote about accommodating Spanish speakers and people with disabilities.

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The Trump administrations specific target on government programs related to diversity, equity and inclusion made Unterberger wary.

When you write these federal grants, you have to have a plan for equity and accommodating disabilities, Unterberger said. And that is not DEI. That is a good program.

The freeze may be on hold for now, but more disruptions may be coming. On Monday, the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation canceled workshops to review grants for the rest of the week to ensure funding decisions meet with new federal guidelines.

And Wednesday afternoon, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt posted on X that President Donald Trumps executive orders on federal funding remain in full force and effect and will be rigorously implemented.

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For now, local leaders have adopted a wait-and-see approach to the coming days.

We are not currently planning anything in reaction to this because we are under the impression that it has been rescinded, Hillsborough County spokesperson Chris Wilkerson said Wednesday evening.

St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch said in a statement that he understood the uncertainty was frustrating for our community, but that city leaders were working across all levels of government to gain clarity on any presidential executive orders.

Until then?

Right now, its business as usual, said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor.

Times staff writers Juan Carlos Chavez, Jack Evans, Divya Kumar, Colleen Wright, Colbi Edmonds, Christopher ODonnell, Shauna Muckle and Jeffrey S. Solochek contributed to this report.
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)  The term tariff has been thrown around in the last few weeks as President Donald Trump says he will impose tariffs on foreign countries if they do not cooperate with the United States. But just exactly what are tariffs and how do they work?

A tariff is a charged percentage of an item that a buyer pays a foreign seller. Here in the United States, these tariffs are collected by both Customs and Border Protection agents across multiple entry points across the country.

The purpose of a tariff is it to either equalize a trade imbalance or to give manufacturing in the importing country an advantage over goods that are imported, says economics expert Mickey Cargile. It can also raise revenue for the government which is also President Trumps plan.

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Due to low cost of labor overseas, jobs have been lost here in the United States. However, with these tariffs being applied to countries, those same jobs may see a return.

I think the tariff plan is a big step towards equalizing the low cost of labor overseas, says Cargile. Bringing those jobs that we lost because of the low cost of labor overseas to bring those back home.

Recently, President Trump issued a warning to Columbia that if they would not take back their criminals, he would impose a 25% tariff on the country. Within the same day the Columbian government gave in.

I think that certainly the United States flexing its economic power and I think its a good thing, says Cargile. Certainly, as we have this new wave of America first, I think thats really what were talking about. But the other thing is that if tariffs were just an add on to the cost that the consumer has to pay, then Columbia wouldnt have backed down because it would make no difference to them. They back down because the threat of tariffs.

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Another plan that President Trump has for the use of tariffs is to eliminate income tax as a whole. When we asked Cargile about this and the possibility of it become a reality the response was that is most likely wont happen but could possibly lower taxes.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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By Barry Porterfield

| bporterfield@pvdemocrat.com

One Garvin County official is right in the mix when it comes to trying to get the word out about a tax measure on the ballot soon.

Coming on February 11 is an election on a countywide 1-cent sales tax with funding to go toward the construction and maintenance of a new jail facility in Garvin County.

Working to get information out there about the measure and answer questions is Sheriff Jim Mullett.

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One way to do that is to be part of some town hall meetings scheduled all over the county.

During past town hall gatherings, Mullett said he has talked a lot about the basic stuff of the jail, while also addressing some things going around he says just arent true.

There are some people that believe its not a stand-alone jail, that officials will add stuff to it, Mullett said.

I want people to know nothing is being added to this tax. There are no hidden attachments to the jail.

The sheriffs office is not getting any money from this. The tax is strictly for the jail.

The plan here is to combine revenue generated by the Garvin County penny sales tax with revenue bonds to acquire property, construct a new larger jail facility in Pauls Valley and then operate and maintain it in the future.

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The site of the proposed jail, originally in Pauls Valleys industrial park on the west side of town, has been changed to property on whats called the old state school, or Southern Oklahoma Resource Center, located south of Pauls Valley.

If the measure gets voters approval, proponents say when a loan to construct the jail is paid off half of the tax would remain and be considered permanent. Funding would go toward future maintenance of the proposed jail.

The rest of the tax would then expire on the earliest date  when the loan is paid off or a maximum of 15 years.

Town hall meetings now scheduled include:

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 Thursday, January 30 at 11:30 a.m. at Maysville senior citizens building.

 Thursday, January 30 at 6:30 p.m. at community building in Hennepin.

 Tuesday, February 4 at 11 a.m. at Lindsay Senior Citizens Building.

 Tuesday, February 4 at 6:30 p.m. at Paoli Senior Citizens Building.

 Thursday, February 6 at 11:30 a.m. at Elmore City Senior Citizens Building.

Mullett wants voters to know a sales tax was not his first choice when thinking about how to get a new jail in Garvin County.

Ive been working on this for six years, he said.

The first option was to remodel the existing jail but that didnt work because it wouldnt meet todays state standards.

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The sheriff said he then worked on ways to acquire contracts from entities like the Chickasaw Nation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or ICE, and others to house inmates in a new jail here as a way to generate enough revenue to build a jail. That didnt work because nothing could be finalized until the actual jail is constructed and in operation.

Then the plan moved to combining revenue bonds with a sales tax, which is what the current measure is going before voters February 11.

So, a sales tax was not my first option.

Mullet said no other counties will be a part of this tax measure.

Early voting is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, February 6-7 at the Garvin County Election Board in the county courthouse in Pauls Valley.
TAYLOR COUNTY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  Spurred on by lessons learned from the recent California Wildfires, ECCA and Buffalo Gap Fire Chiefs Gary Young and Derrick Sowell have been working to assess how prepared rural county subdivisions are for the possibility of a wildfire.

KTAB/KRBC went on a ride along with the chiefs two weeks ago, and they pointed out some potential weak spots in rural county neighborhoods. They brought those same concerns before the Taylor County Commissioners Court on Tuesday, January 28, hoping to see changes that could drastically improve rural subdivision fire preparedness.

Chief Young came in and talked to me a couple of weeks ago about some concerns he had due to the LA fires. And, of course, the time, if youve got a leaky roof, is to repair it when the sun is shining, not when its raining, right? Well, the same thing happened with fire safety, said Taylor County Judge Phil Crowley.

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An ounce of prevention: Taylor County fire chiefs say rural subdivisions come with wildfire risks

Young stated to the Commissioners Court that their concerns could be broken down into 6 Basic points.

1. Subdivision buffer zones

Some type of perimeter access around the outside of the subdivisionIf we have a fire approaching a subdivision, we would be able to get our brush trucks in there a lot better and be able to hopefully stave it off before it actually started burning the houses in that subdivision. The first thing its going to come up to in most cases is the Cedar fence. We all know how cedar burns. Young told the Commissioners.

2. Increase access to fire hydrants in subdivisions

The developers willingness to put in fire hydrants when its first developed is a real critical role in that. Said Young.

3. Improve maneuverability of dead-end roads and Cul-de-sacs

Dead-end roads are a problem. You get back to one, and youd have no place to feasibly turn around. That really inhibits operations. Young said.

4. Mandate wider roads in subdivisions

When theres a fire approaching a developed area, theres gonna be people trying to get out as quick as they can, and were trying to get in as quick as we can. It really gets congested pretty quick if the roads are pretty narrow. Stated Young.

5. Mandate more than one entry/exit point in subdivisions

Ingress and egress. As people are trying to get out, were still gonna have room to get in with fire trucks or anything else. Chief Sowell said.

6. All changes mentioned above could not only improve emergency preparedness but lower homeowner insurance rates

Many of these will lead directly to the cost of insurance for the cost of insurance for the homeowners once theyve moved in. If the developer were, for example, to address these problems up front, so they werent a problem downstream. Hopefully, the insurance companies would be happy to underwrite those houses at a much lower rate. Said Young.

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If we can save them any on their homeowners insurance, I think that my number one goal is to try to benefit the citizens of Taylor County, Sowell added.

The chiefs were joined in their presentation by a few relevant field professionals, including Mike Wylie of White Wing Insurance. They stated how some of these changes could positively impact subdivision residents homeowners insurance rates and eligibility.

The rates, lets say on my personal house, would go from like $5,000 with no fire hydrant, but if I had a fire hydrant within a thousand feet, it would drop it down in the two thousand somewhereIf we can get fire hydrants in those subdivisions, then we can get the folks of Taylor County insurance, and we can save them money. Said Wylie.

Wylie also explains how insurance companies determine whether or not they will insure homes in a given area. Those decisions are based on a public protection code from 1 to 10. One is homes in Abilene city limits, which are well within fire department response times and, therefore, less of a risk. And 10 are homes in rural areas more than five miles from a fire department and might not have quick access to fire hydrants.

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Starting last year in Taylor County, we had about 40% of our insurance companies pull out of Taylor County and say, We will not accept any more policies in Taylor CountySo that put us in a bind for finding insurance for people in rural areas. Wylie told the court.

Judge Crowley and the court members were open and receptive to these concerns. However, they say implementing any future ordinance changes might not be very easy given the restrictions on county governing bodies.

Were always happy to have these conversations. One thing thats tricky is that the County doesnt have nearly the regulatory power that cities do. We only get specific power from the State Legislature because counties really, at the end of the day, are not independent. We basically just are here to implement the will of the Legislature. Judge Crowley said.

Those limitations show up in matters such as mandating fire hydrants in subdivision development or specifying how wide/narrow a road is allowed to be. Crowley says some of those allowances depend mainly on any subdivisions size, location, and ownership.

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I dont know if, number one, we legally can mandate fire hydrants. Right now, its looking like we cant. But also, my concern about the fire hydrants is, itd be my assumption that, and some water companies have said so today, that if theres the cost of new infrastructure, theyre unfortunately gonna have to pass that along to consumers. Just like any other business. Said Crowley.

At the suggestion of View-Caps and Steamboat Mountain water supply employees, Crowley and the Commissioners are looking into alternative water sources that might be more cost-effective and sustainable in these rural settings. Alternatives like dedicated water tanks should be installed in subdivisions to fight fires.

Absolutely a good conversation, and were not done. You know, we didnt take any action today just because were gonna get together and kind of talk about specific concerns and see what we can do moving forward. Said Crowley.

Crowley asked Young and Sowell to assemble a list of specific points of concern throughout the county that could demonstrate the danger and need for change. He says the Commissioners Court will be researching this wide array of concerns over the next two months or so, also planning to hold a workshop to understand the needs present and what the County could legally do to address them.

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GRAFTON, W.Va. (WBOY)  Taylor County Middle School hosted a motivational speaker on anti-bullying on Wednesday.

Jim Jordan is from Niagara Falls, but has traveled all around the United States for the past 15 years, speaking about how to create an anti-bullying environment in schools. At the assembly, Jordan spoke to the Taylor County students about what bullying is and the important role that bystanders play in allowing or not allowing bullying.

The goal of the presentation was to get potential bystanders to act when they see bullying, either by standing up to it or telling an adult.

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You cant focus on bullies and you cant focus on victims cause thats only 5% of the school, Jordan said. You wanna focus on bystanders cause thats everyone.

Another key point of the presentation was defining bullying for the students in that it is repeated and includes a power imbalance. All throughout the presentation, Jordan did magic tricks to keep the students engaged and bring some fun to the conversation.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) released new resources for senior citizens across the state.

TBI Find is an Apple and Android-friendly mobile application meant to provide the public with up-to-the-minute updates on Silver Alerts. Additionally, the app will provide seniors with resources on education and support.

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CareKit is one of the apps main features, which the TBI said allows users to compile information and pictures of loved ones to email to law enforcement in the event of an emergency. While the app is primarily intended for senior citizens, the agency also recommended parents of children consider utilizing this feature because updated information and pictures can be hindrances in missing persons emergencies.

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I think theres a lot of concern about protecting people as they get older, commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Health, Dr. Ralph Alvarado, said. Its part of the effort to help protect people as they get older in this state. Were trying to develop an age-friendly ecosystem in Tennessee. Weve got not only TBI, [but] a lot of our departments in the state government are focusing on that.

TBIs Assistant Special Agent in Charge overseeing the Missing Persons Unit, Shelly Smitherman, said the app empowers the public to prepare for emergencies before they happen, which helps when time is of the essence.

Too many times we issue Silver, AMBER, or Endangered Child alerts with out-of-date pictures or incomplete or inaccurate details of the missing person, Smitherman said.

In a Wednesday press release, the agency said the app has been in development for more than two years. Smitherman said the agency believes it to be the first mobile app of its kind in the U.S.

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TBI Find is a powerful tool, giving you instant alerts and vital resources, and it can also be a game changer for law enforcement in an emergency, Smitherman added.

Additionally, the TBI launched the SafeSeniorTN campaign website. The website includes information about email and text messaging safety, healthcare fraud and patient abuse. That information is compiled through the work of agents in the Medicaid Fraud Control Division and the Cybercrime & Digital Evidence Unit as well as other partner agencies.

Were tired of seeing seniors being victimized, when common-sense advice could have saved both headache and heartache, TBIs Assistant Special Agent in Charge of its Medicaid Fraud Control Division in East Tennessee, Andy Corbitt, said. Thats why weve worked to bring together the best guidance in one, trustworthy resource we can update as technology and crime evolves.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

The campaign also aims to offer clear, concise details on warning signs of elderly abuse and how to report crimes and concerns.

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Follow this link for more information on how to download the TBI Find app. Follow this link to visit the SafeSeniorTN campaign website.

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Amid community fears of potential raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, Guadalupe Gutierrez sensed more chaos when her cousin came home from Dixmoors Rosa Parks Middle School crying.

He told me, Im scared to go out, Gutierrez said Tuesday.

Gutierrez said her cousin and other students told her their teacher came into class holding up a newspaper with a story about potential mass deportations under President Donald Trump and saying, I cant wait for this to happen.

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The students, they go to school to learn, Gutierrez said. They dont go to school to be scared and wonder if theyre going to get dragged out by ICE officers.

The teacher said Thursday that these are all false allegations, declining to elaborate further.

Chicago streets have quieted following targeted operations by ICE agents that began Sunday, part of a nationwide effort federal officials say led to 1,000 arrests. But some south and southwest suburban cities, villages and school districts with large Hispanic populations are also bracing for potential arrests in their communities.

After the Trump administration announced it would allow federal immigration agencies to make arrests at schools, churches and hospitals, ending a policy that had been in effect since 2011 barring ICE agents from sensitive locations, some parents are questioning whether to send their children to school and are looking to school officials for guidance.

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Gutierrez said West Harvey Dixmoor Elementary District 147 officials dismissed or ignored complaints about the teachers rhetoric but sent parents a statement Thursday addressing concerns  regarding immigration enforcement and the safety of our students and families.

The statement, signed by District 147 interim Superintendents Creg Williams and Jerry Jordan, was the same as one sent Superintendent Reginald Lawrence in Harvey Elementary District 152, which includes four elementary schools as well as Brooks Middle School.

The districts ensured all children have the right to attend school and state the district is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and supportive environment for all students and families, regardless of actual or perceived immigration status.

We understand that recent news and events may have caused fear and uncertainty, but please know that your childs education, safety and well-being are our top priorities, the statement said.

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District 147 did not respond to the Daily Southtowns requests for comment regarding the teachers classroom comment.

Gutierrez posted on Facebook for parents and community members to voice concerns about the comment at the next District 147 Board meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday at the district office, 191 W. 155th Place, Harvey.

Schools must serve as safe havens for children  a place where they feel secure, supported and empowered to grow into the best version of themselves, she wrote. Comments like this create unnecessary fear and add significant stress to students, especially those who may already feel vulnerable due to current events.

Blue Island officials issued a statement Jan. 21 announcing the citys police force would not take part in federal immigration enforcement activities.

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The City of Blue Islands greatest strength is its diversity, the statement read. We value and will work to protect every family and child in our community.

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The Blue Island Police Department operates with limited resources, according to the statement, and its focus will remain on community safety.

We will continue to uphold the state laws that protect all of the families who live, work and contribute to the thriving fabric of Illinois, the statement reads.

Last month, President Trumps border czar, Tom Homan, designated Chicago as ground zero for his plans to round up immigrants staying in the country illegally at an unprecedented scale.

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In the last week, rumors have circulated on social media platforms in the suburbs as ICE began targeted arrests in the Chicago area, with commenters claiming sightings.

While there have not been any known arrests in the south suburbs, agents appear to be moving into suburban areas after officials removed a man from a home in northwest suburban Elgin Tuesday. Elgin officials told the Tribune that the citys Police Department would not be involved in any federal immigration enforcement activities.

Regardless of immigration status, Blue Island officials recommended residents create an emergency plan in case federal agents show up on their doorstep.

City officials shared a packet that offers guidance on how to formulate a plan, recommending that families organize emergency contacts and memorize them, create a list of people to help with their case, important documents and, if needed, plan for short-term guardianship for children if parents are taken into custody.

They also recommend keeping a file of important documents that children, family members and an emergency caregiver can locate.
The News

The political fallout in Germany from the conservative Christian Democratic Unions collaboration with the far-right Alternative for Germany to pass a migration resolution widened Thursday as the country nears a Feb. 23 general election.

The measure  while non-binding  was nonetheless striking: It marked the first time since World War II that a mainstream German party used votes from a far-right group to secure a majority in the Bundestag.

Former Chancellor Angela Merkel criticized her own partys actions, while populist Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban cheered the vote. The center right, meanwhile, has tried to limit electoral damage.

SIGNALS

Measure set to upend election

Sources: Table Briefings, Die Zeit

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The measures passage is set to shake up Germanys Feb. 23 election, called after Chancellor Olaf Scholzs center-left government collapsed late last year. Working with the far-right has long been taboo for mainstream parties, which tend to agree on the need for a firewall to block the AfD from power. Conservative leader Friedrich Merz, who is on track to become the next chancellor, faced immediate criticism from other parties and said he regretted having to work with the AfD. The move could jeopardize future coalition negotiations after the election, with other parties potentially less willing to form a government with his party, Berlin-based outlet Tabie Briefings wrote: What happened in the Bundestag on Wednesday will have long-lasting effects.

Merkel stabs her partys new leader in the back

Sources: Bild, Politico

Former Chancellor Angela Merkels criticism that Friedrich Merz made the wrong move was a unique act of disloyalty from the longtime CDU leader, the editor-in-chief of Bild wrote, adding that it was essentially the equivalent of a public stab in the back. Merkels legacy has taken a hit in recent years, and her memoir released last year was widely panned. Her criticism is unlikely to stop the CDUs shift to the right on immigration, Politico wrote, but it may well fuel an internal debate on the conservatives role in weakening the firewall around the far right.

Scandal reflects continent-wide immigration debate

Sources: Euronews, Bloomberg

From Italy to Austria to Poland, Europe has seen a rightward shift on immigration, and several high-profile attacks in Germany in recent months has thrust the migration debate into the spotlight. The AfD has made immigration its central issue, while Merz has also taken a tougher stance ahead of the election in a bid to keep conservative voters from defecting to the far right. If Merz wins and pursues a hardline policy, Germany wouldnt be going it alone, a Bloomberg columnist noted, as even European countries without right-wing governments have beefed up immigration laws and enforcement. The continents hard-right appears to be welcoming the shift: Good morning, Germany. Welcome to the club! Hungarys Viktor Orban said Thursday following the Bundenstag vote.
NEW YORK  After tearfully pleading with a judge for mercy, former Democratic New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez was sentenced to 11 years in prison Wednesday for a brazen bribery scheme that saw him act as a foreign agent for Egypt and peddle his immense political influence for stockpiles of cash, gold bullion bars and other lavish gifts.

Manhattan Federal Judge Sidney Stein imposed the sentence at a packed hearing, where the longtime lawmaker and his lawyer implored the court not to send him to prison for the rest of his life, saying that although Menendez was now known as Gold Bar Bob, he deserved leniency for his tireless work as a public servant for half a century.

You were successful, powerful, you stood at the apex of our political system. ... Somewhere along the way, and I dont know when it was, you lost your way, and working for the public good became working for your good, the judge said, telling Menendez his corruption had fed cynicism in voters.

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Somewhere along the way, you became, Im sorry to say, a corrupt politician.

Before the term was handed down, a trembling Menendez addressed the court in tears, telling Stein of the work he was most proud of and of his illustrious rise to power from humble beginnings. His two children, U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez, D-N.J., and MSNBC anchor Alicia Menendez, were present in court.

Judge, other than family, I have lost everything I ever cared about. For someone who spent his entire life in public service, every day Im awake is a punishment, Menendez said, going on to cite instances of his public service.

I ask you, Your Honor, to judge me in that context and to temper your sword of justice with the mercy of a lifetime of duty.

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The ex-lawmaker, however, struck a markedly different tone outside, aligning himself with the Republican commander-in-chief by crying witch hunt and his tears turning to anger.

Welcome to the Southern District of New York, the Wild West of political prosecutions. President Trump was right. This process is political, and its corrupted to the core. I hope President Trump cleans up the cesspool and restores the integrity to the system, Menendez said.

A jury found Menendez guilty in July of taking almost half a million dollars in cash, $150,000 worth of gold bars, a luxury convertible for his wife, flashy watches and Formula 1 tickets in exchange for abusing his position as chairman of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Menendezs co-defendants, Wael Hana, 41, who ran a Halal certification business, and real estate developer Fred Daibes, 67, were found guilty of showering him with bribes at the trial.

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They were sentenced Wednesday to eight years and a month and seven years, respectively. Menendezs wife, Nadine Menendez, accused of facilitating and benefiting from the bribery scheme, is set to go on trial in March. She has pleaded not guilty. New Jersey businessman Jose Uribe, who was also charged in the case, took a plea deal in exchange for his cooperation and is expected to be sentenced in April.

In addition to the prison terms, Stein ordered Menendez to forfeit more than $922,000, Hana to pay a $1.2 million fine and forfeit $125,000, and Daibes to pay a $1.7 million fine.

Menendez resigned from office following his conviction and relinquished his position on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee soon after his September 2023 indictment.

The bombshell case brought under former Manhattan U.S. Attorney Damian Williams was spurred after FBI agents searched Menendez and his wifes Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, home in June 2022 and found over $100,000 worth of gold bars and over $480,000 in cash stuffed in closets, jackets emblazoned with Menendezs name, and envelopes, some bearing Menendez and Daibes fingerprints.

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Evidence at the nine-week trial showed that from 2018, around the time Menendez started dating his now-wife, through 2022, the senator took hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes.

They came in the form of cash and a luxury convertible from Uribe, 57, in exchange for coercing the highest levels of New Jersey state law enforcement to kill a criminal investigation into Uribe and an associate, bribes from Daibes to influence a pending federal prosecution against him in New Jersey, and bribes from Hana to pressure the U.S. Department of Agriculture to let Hana maintain a monopoly over U.S. exports of Halal products to Egypt.

Jurors heard Menendez additionally threw around his weight to enrich himself at the cost of the U.S. by ghost-writing a letter on behalf of Egyptian officials to U.S. senators urging the release of $300 million in aid and providing Egypt with highly sensitive information about people serving at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo. The jury also heard he sought to help Daibes by pulling strings to benefit the government of Qatar.

Prosecutors had requested Menendez serve a minimum of 15 years prison time for his conviction, the first of a senator for abusing their leadership on a Senate committee and the first of anyone for serving as a foreign agent while being a public official. They said a steep sentence was warranted to deter other lawmakers from engaging in similar conduct.

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Ahead of sentencing, the feds called Menendezs scheme one of stunning brazenness, breadth and duration, resulting in exceptionally grave abuses of power at the highest levels of the legislative branch of the United States government.

Even leaving aside their historical rarity, the defendants crimes amount to an extraordinary attempt, at the highest levels of the legislative branch, to corrupt the nations core sovereign powers over foreign relations and law enforcement, Assistant Manhattan U.S. Attorney Eli Mark wrote to Stein in the governments sentencing submission.

Menendez corruptly promised to influence national security, including this countrys provision of large quantities of lethal military aid. He corruptly divulged, to a foreign government, sensitive nonpublic information that could put at risk U.S. and foreign nationals serving at an embassy abroad.

In court Wednesday, Adam Fee, Menendezs lawyer, had asked the judge to weigh the good and the bad of Menendezs history and impose no more than eight years in prison, citing his decades of public service before the bribery scheme.

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Stein received 130 letters from people advocating that the former senator serve a lenient term, including clergy members, foreign dignitaries and community groups.

The good outweighs the bad in the arc of Bobs life, Fee said. People are complicated. If our worst moments defined us and overshadowed whatever other light we had put out into the world, many of us, including me, would not be here today.

Fee said Menendez had fallen down and made decisions that cost him dearly, but that the term sought by prosecutors was overly harsh. He spoke about a scrappy young Menendez supporting his parents, Cuban immigrants, as a teen and his testimony in a bulletproof vest as a young adult at the corruption trial of Union City Mayor William Must.

He said a sentence above a decade meant the federal Bureau of Prisons would not send him to a minimum security prison, exposing him to a dramatically higher risk of danger as a high-profile inmate.

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He is a good and honorable man that has made mistakes that he will regret and pay for for the rest of his life.

Stein ordered Menendez to report to the Bureau of Prisons by June 6, saying he would allow him to attend his wifes trial and support her in the coming months as she undergoes treatment for breast cancer.

Before imposing sentence, the judge said he was at a loss to explain why the veteran lawmaker chose to forfeit his good name and reputation.

Again, I dont know what led you to this. Greed was certainly part of it, Stein said. Hubris was part of it. I dont know. Youll have to try to figure that out yourself over time.

_____
VMPL New Delhi [India], January 30: After pursuing an MBA, individuals are laid with a bundle of opportunities. While the private sector often dominates the job market, the government sector provides incomparable benefits in terms of salary, work-life balance, job satisfaction, and so on. Individuals who are pursuing an MBA, or have already completed the same often wonder which career path to choose. One must know that the government sector often is regarded as a prestigious career path, especially for MBA individuals as they are already well-equipped with industry skills and management knowledge which further benefits them to take leadership roles in such sectors. In this blog, we will look into some of the best government jobs for MBA professionals that they can pursue for a successful career ahead. 1. The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) The IAS is considered one of the most esteemed career options for individuals holding an MBA. Equipped with management skills, MBA graduates are ideally positioned to address policy execution, resource distribution, and administrative issues at both national and state levels. Hence, this field can be a lucrative career option for MBA professionals. Why should you pursue IAS after an MBA? Some of the reasons to pursue IAS after an MBA include: * Ability to shape policy and drive development. * Leadership opportunities across diverse government sectors. * High regard and respect within society. How to get started? The primary requirement for getting into IAS is to clear the UPSC Civil Services examination. The strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities acquired during an MBA can significantly help in the overall preparation process for the entrance examination. Salary range: Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 2,50,000 per month (including allowances) 2. Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) PSUs are major employers in India, offering stable careers and contributing to national development. Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) such as ONGC, BHEL, GAIL, and NTPC actively seek MBA graduates for managerial positions in areas including finance, marketing, and human resources, making it one of the best government jobs for MBA professionals. Why should you opt for PSU an MBA? Some of the reasons to opt for PSU after an MBA include: * Attractive salary packages and comprehensive benefits. * Positions that correspond with primary MBA specializations. * Chances to engage in significant national projects. How to get started? PSUs typically conduct recruitment through examinations such as GATE, CAT, or their respective selection methods. It is advisable to visit the official websites of PSUs to find current job openings. Salary range: Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 2,00,000 per month (depending on grade and organization) 3. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) represents one of the ideal government jobs after an MBA with a focus on finance or economics. The Grade B Officer role provides a platform to engage in the formulation of monetary policies and enhance the financial stability of the nation. It is the best career opportunity that many individuals aspire to after their graduation. Why should you opt for RBI after an MBA? Some of the reasons to opt for RBI after an MBA include: * Involvement in advanced financial and economic activities. * Extensive training initiatives aimed at professional growth. * A respected position within the banking industry. How to get started? RBI organizes an annual examination for the Grade B Officer position. MBA graduates possessing a solid background in finance and economics are likely to have a competitive advantage. Salary range: Rs. 55,200 to Rs. 1,50,000 per month 4. Indian Railways Management Service (IRMS) Indian Railways presents appealing managerial opportunities for MBA graduates through the Indian Railways Management Services (IRMS). These positions consist of overseeing operations, logistics, and human resources within one of the largest railway networks globally. Why should you opt for IRMS after an MBA? Some of the reasons to opt for IRMS after an MBA include: * A variety of job functions including operations, finance, and marketing. * Chances to take on leadership roles and drive innovation within a large organization. * Competitive salary packages and additional benefits. How to get started? Candidates are required to clear the UPSC Civil Services Examination or respective railway recruitment examinations. Salary range: Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 2,25,000 per month 5. Banking Sector Government-owned financial institutions such as the State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), and others provide government jobs for MBA professionals for managerial positions through competitive examinations. Why should you opt for the banking sector after an MBA? Some of the reasons to opt for a government banking sector after an MBA include: * There is a strong demand for professionals in finance, risk management, and operations. * Opportunities for structured career advancement and professional growth are available. * Competitive salary packages accompanied by additional benefits are offered. How to get started? MBA graduates can enhance their chances of obtaining managerial roles in public sector banks by successfully passing examinations such as SBI PO, IBPS PO, or the Specialist Officer exams. Salary range: Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 per month (depending on role and experience) 6. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) NABARD presents a remarkable opportunity for MBA graduates who are keen on rural development and financial inclusion. The managerial positions within the organization emphasize the planning and execution of developmental policies. This is also one of the best government jobs after an MBA. Why should you opt for NABARD after an MBA? Some of the reasons to opt for NABARD after an MBA include: * Engagement in projects that positively influence rural communities. * Experience in the formulation and execution of policies. * Attractive salary packages and benefits. How to get started? NABARD organizes its recruitment examinations for managerial roles, and MBA graduates with a focus on finance or rural development particularly have an edge compared to others. Salary range: Rs. 62,600 to Rs. 1,50,000 per month Note that, it is important to check each government job after MBA with salaries as the pay range might differ according to the job role, qualification, and domain expertise. Conclusion Government jobs for MBA professionals present a rewarding career opportunity filled with exceptional job security, appealing benefits, and the chance to make a significant change in the Indian system. Whether your goal is to enter the Indian Administrative Service, manage a Public Sector Undertaking, or influence national policies through a research organization, there exist multiple government job roles that align with your MBA qualifications. Begin your exploration of these career paths today and embark on a journey toward a rewarding and impactful career. (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)
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Springfield police have arrested a suspect after two people were shot and killed Sunday.

Springfield Police Division reports the arrest of an 18-year-old male suspect, in connection to the homicide that occurred at a residence on Larch Street on Sunday, Jan. 26.

When officers arrived at the home, they found two victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Clifton Cummings, age 35, was pronounced dead on scene. Spencer Sharp, age 30, was sent to the hospital where he later died from his injuries.

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Police shared details about the investigation on Tuesday, revealing they believe the two men exchanged gunfire, but also believe there was more to the story.

The teen suspect was arrested with the help of the SWAT team on Tuesday in the 1800 block of Clay Street.

Police say he is facing charges of aggravated murder, aggravated burglary and aggravated robbery. The 18-year-old is currently being held at the Clark County Jail.

This investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Springfield Police at 937-324-7716.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  An 18-year-old man has been arrested and is being charged with manslaughter in the shooting death of another teen last October in South-Central El Paso, El Paso Police said.

Police said that 18-year-old Alan Mora was arrested in Santa Teresa, New Mexico and extradited on Wednesday, Jan. 29 to El Paso.

Mora is facing a manslaughter charge in the shooting death of 18-year-old Jesus Alberto Gonzalez back in October.

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Police say that they responded to an unknown problem at about 1:30 a.m. on Oct. 7 along the 3300 block of East San Antonio.

When officers arrived, they found Gonzalez dead from an apparent gunshot wound.

Crimes Against Persons arrived and took the lead in the investigation.

Police said that they learned that there were several people gathered at a home and at this gathering Mora was seen handling a firearm. Police said the gun discharged and struck Gonzalez, resulting in his death.

Mora has been charged with manslaughter with a bond of $500,000.

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Jan. 29A teenage asylum applicant from Massachusetts is being held at the Cumberland County Jail at the request of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, her former attorney said.

Zeneyda Barrera Hernandez, an 18-year-old resident of Lynn, Massachusetts, was being held by federal authorities without bail, according to the jail's booking records. She was booked on Monday in Massachusetts by immigration officers and transferred out of state, despite being in the country legally, said Patrick Callahan, who briefly served as her attorney.

"She's a young girl who's a student, who works, never been in any trouble before," Callahan said. "Her mother and her brother are really just torn to pieces over this."

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Barrera Hernandez and her family came to the United States from Nicaragua more than a year ago, he said.

The woman was arrested by officers with the Lynn Police Department early Monday after she allegedly got into a fight with her 12-year-old brother over a cellphone, Callahan said. When police arrived, the boy told them he was not injured, and officers observed no injuries, but they decided to arrest her anyway, he said.

Callahan said he and the local district attorney agreed that "it was a pretty low-level offense," and they intended to place Barrera Hernandez into the county's diversion program, which is open to first-time, nonviolent offenders.

"What that does is it stops the case. She wasn't even going to be arraigned on it," Callahan said.

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Barrera Hernandez was released at around 11:30 a.m. Monday, but ICE agents were waiting for her in the lockup, Callahan said.

"I didn't even get a chance to speak to her before she was taken away," he said in a phone call Wednesday. "I was not aware that ICE was in the building looking for her until they had already taken her."

Callahan said he was assigned the woman's case after 10 a.m. Monday and only briefly spoke with her, communicating through an interpreter. He told her about the diversion program, and she agreed to participate, he said.

"I'm 100% certain that she would have been successful," he said. "But ICE had different plans."

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Callahan said he only learned that Barrera Hernandez had been transferred to Maine when contacted by a reporter Wednesday morning. He had been searching  without any luck  for her name in the ICE detainee locator system, he said.

Some ICE detainees are kept in the Plymouth County Correctional Facility in Massachusetts. Callahan said he did not know why the woman was taken to Maine instead of being kept in-state.

Callahan said it was unclear what grounds the federal government has to hold Barrera Hernandez, who was granted a work permit and permission to stay in the country while her application for full asylum is being reviewed.

Barrera Hernandez's detention comes as President Donald Trump has issued a series of executive orders aimed at curtailing illegal immigration and increasing deportations, creating fear and alarm in immigrant communities nationwide two weeks into his term. But ICE detainees have been held at the Cumberland County Jail for years, Sheriff Kevin Joyce said.

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"Additionally, we have an ICE agent working in the jail for about 20 hours per week, to help process the detainees, help them understand the court process and when their impending court date is," Joyce said. "The relationship (with ICE) is much like the (jail's) relationship with other law enforcement agencies."

Joyce referred questions about why Barrera Hernandez was transferred to Maine to ICE, saying he was "not privy to that information."

"Zeneyda Barrera Hernandez is being held on an ICE hold. What occurred beforehand, that is a question for ICE," Joyce said in an email Wednesday night.

ICE did not return emailed questions asking why Barrera Hernandez was detained, and a spokesperson for the Lynn Police Department did not return a call asking for details on the department's relationship with immigration officials.

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The jail began taking in federal inmates last year via a contract with the U.S. Marshals Service, resurrecting a practice that had been temporarily suspended in 2022. That contract reserves 86 beds for men and 10 for women. The contract is convenient for the federal government, due to the jail's proximity to the federal court house in Portland, and it's a strong source of revenue for the jail, Joyce told the Press Herald in August.

As of Wednesday morning, the jail held 57 ICE inmates, Joyce said.

Callahan said he provided Barrera Hernandez's mother with the phone number for a local immigration attorney on Monday, but he was not sure whether they had connected.

Barrera Hernandez comes from a "very tight-knit" family, Callahan said.

"Her brother is really taking this very hard," he said. "He's putting a lot of guilt on himself over this, and it's really not fair."

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Hospital staffers and emergency responders tried to evacuate patients first by ambulance and then by boat when the Nolichucky River in Erwin, Tennessee, overwhelmed Unicoi County Hospital during Hurricane Helene on Sept. 27, 2024. Eventually, everyone was evacuated by helicopter. (Ballad Health)

The Tennessee General Assembly on Wednesday approved a disaster relief package for northeast Tennessee communities still recovering from devastating floods wrought by Hurricane Helene.

The package includes $110 million in aid to local governments over the next three years to meet interest payments on loans taken to pay recovery costs and the establishment of a $100 million disaster response program for Helenes recovery and future state emergencies. It also includes 2024 property tax relief for affected residents.

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The package now heads to Gov. Bill Lees desk.

Approved with bipartisan support over a days-long special session, the effort nevertheless drew sharp criticism from some Democrats who said they were angry that the governor had not taken steps to provide more relief to affected communities and sooner.

Democrats also accused Lee and Republican lawmakers of arm-twisting northeast Tennessee lawmakers by tying aid to their communities to support for Lees controversial private school voucher plan.

Helene unleashed deadly flash flooding beginning Sept. 24, killing at least 17 and sweeping away or destroying hundreds of homes, businesses, roads, bridges and damaging electricity and water infrastructure.

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The worst damage was in Washington, Carter, Unicoi, Johnson, Green and Cocke counties, but extended across large swathes of East Tennessee. Unicoi County emergency management director Jimmy Erwin told local TV station WCYB Wednesday that the county and community groups are still distributing food and propane supplies to impacted families.

North Carolina helped their people in 11 days. Eleven days, said Rep. Bo Mitchell, a Nashville Democrat who offered an amendment to provide $10,000 grants to 5,000 impacted homeowners. The amendment was voted down.

Were 120 days in and were not even coming close to the first package North Carolina had, Mitchell said. I dont know why we waited so long.

Rep. Timothy Hill, a Republican who represents flood-ravaged areas in Sullivan County, countered that the legislation does exactly what we need right now.

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We can focus on how much time its taken to get here, we can focus on things that are on the side, but the bottom line is our people need help, Hill said. This is a tremendous first step. I believe were going to see more bills and more funding come in the regular session, but this is where we need to start.
Republican lawmakers on Thursday gave final approval to a $447 million statewide publicly funded school voucher program  a long-sought victory for Gov. Bill Lee and a host of school choice advocates who have spent millions pushing the plan.

The Senate passed the bill in a 20 to 13 vote after just over 90 minutes of debate.

House members passed the bill with bipartisan opposition in a vote of 54 to 44, with one member not voting, after more than four hours of debate on Thursday.

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"I've said all along that we should and we could have the best public schools in America and provide parents with choice, and we've done that," Lee told reporters following the bill's passage. "It is in fact a momentous day for students and for teachers and for parents across Tennessee. I'm grateful to the parents and teachers who have advocated here at the Capitol, not just at the Capitol, but all across the state to make sure that Tennesseans have this opportunity."

Rep. Justin Pearson, D-Memphis, voted for the measure in error, and requested to change his vote to a no.

Immediately prior to the vote, House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, warned that troopers would remove spectators if there were any outbursts from the gallery after the vote. Inside the chamber was quiet following the vote, but a roar of chants from the rotunda was audible as demonstrators yelled "No vouchers! No vouchers! No vouchers!"

"This isn't about politics, this isn't about any of that," said Sen. Adam Lowe, R-Cleveland. "This is about whether or not the kid can be where they are safe, where they can grow, and where they feel they can learn  and no one is better suited to ascertain that environment than a parent."

Protesters in the House Gallery look down to the House Chamber during the fourth day of special session at the Tennessee State Capitol building in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025.

The new taxpayer-funded Education Freedom Scholarship program will offer 20,000 scholarships of about $7,300 to Tennessee students, including both those enrolled in public school and those already attending a private institution anywhere in the state. Initially, half the slots would include income requirements.

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It also guarantees school districts will not see a decline in state TISA funding allocations, offers one-time bonuses of $2,000 for each public school teacher in the state, and sets aside funds for school construction and maintenance.

The bill now goes to Gov. Bill Lees desk, where  as one of his top legislative priorities  he is expected to sign it into law. It will take effect as soon as he signs it, allowing the Tennessee Department of Education to begin implementation immediately  with an aim to get it running by the 2025-26 school year.

House debate

House Debate included discussion of 27 amendments to the bill, but Republicans voted down each  regardless of the party of the sponsor.

Rep. Scott Cepicky R- Culleoka, speaks during the fourth day of special session at the Tennessee State Capitol building in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025.

Rep. Chris Hurt, R-Halls, pushed his Republican colleagues to adopt a floor amendment that stated "a private school shall not discriminate against a student participating in the program based on the student's disability." One of Hurt's children lives with a disability.

Rep. William Lamberth R- Portland speaks in support of the school Voucher bill during the fourth day of special session at the Tennessee State Capitol building in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025.

House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland, said students with disabilities are still subject to federal disability protections in private schools. But private schools are not required to provide things like individualized education programs which help accommodate specialized learning needs, nor do they have to admit any student with disabilities.

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Though some Republicans joined Democrats to vote for Hurt's amendment, 54 voted against it and killed the amendment.

Rep. William Lamberth R- Portland speaks in the House Chamber during the fourth day of special session at the Tennessee State Capitol building in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025.

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Rep. Caleb Hemmer, D-Nashville, offered an amendment to fund the proposed school construction and maintenance fund from a source that would not take away from HOPE scholarship funding, as a way to prevent potential projected shortfalls. Republicans voted down the measure.

The bill does not require the state to report or track the average income brackets of participating families, or demographic data of participation. House members dismissed an amendment by Rep. Harold Love, D-Nashville, seeking to require collection of such data to track whether "students of a higher income level end up with all the scholarships, and students with a certain income level don't get any."

Rep. Gloria Johnson D- Knoxville speaks in the House Chamber during the fourth day of special session at the Tennessee State Capitol building in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025.

Republicans also dismissed an amendment offered by Rep. Gloria Johnson, D-Knoxville, seeking to require all participating students to take the TCAP to ensure the state has an apples to apples comparison of student achievement.

You all insist that every single public school perform well. But youre not interested in  how every kid performs at a private school? Can we not agree if they're performing 15% worse, that school shouldn't get public tax dollars? Johnson said, noting lackluster test scores for current ESA students. Public Schools take every single kid in the neighborhood, no matter their disability, no matter their background, these schools pick can pick the cream of the crop, but they're still performing worse.

Senate debate

Within minutes of the House vote, senators took up the bill for final consideration shortly before 2 p.m. Senators tabled three amendments  including one by Senate Minority Leader Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis, seeking to require participants to take the TCAP to accurately track student achievement outcomes  then quickly went on to debate.

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Sen. Adam Lowe, R-Cleveland, said he has supported school choice ever since as a child he was "held captive in a public school" and "lectured by affluent people about how much I should love my captivity."

"Not only are we liberating that child from that situation, but this bill liberates actually public schools from worrying about whether that child is sitting in that seat," Lowe said.

Sen. Brent Taylor, R-Memphis, after noting challenges of his constituents in Shelby County Schools, shared his own experience putting his children through private schools, and encouraged colleagues to give families more choices.

"If we can have 16 choices of pizza at a restaurant, surely we can give parents a choice of where their kids go to school," Taylor said.

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Sen. Page Walley, R-Savannah, said during debate he would not support the bill, wishing that the body would wait for the Comptroller's Office of Research Education Accountability to produce a required report on the state's existing Education Savings Accounts program  expected to be released in January 2026.

"If we waited for the data from the comptroller, we could really make a better decision on whether this public money for private education is working," Walley said. "I hope that it's a success. ... But on behalf of the majority of citizens of District 26, I cannot consent."

Sen. Charlane Oliver, D-Nashville, argued results are already in from the state's existing ESA program, and participants' performance has not surpassed their public school peers. She argued that a permeant program with such a track record would not be approved in the private sector.

"The pilot has failed  we don't have proof that it's better  and we're going to expand it to other markets?" Oliver said. "Who does this program really benefit?"

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Sen. Rusty Crowe, R-Johnson City, described his dilemma in coming to a decision on the issue, saying mayors in his district all support the proposal, but school boards are all against it.

Sen. Becky Massey, R-Knoxville, said in the past she has opposed school choice measures as she believes the state's first priority should be funding public schools. But leading up to the vote, she talked with countless people in her district, read emails and did significant polling  and found the majority of her district supports it.

"There's no such thing as a perfect bill," Massey said. "The majority of my constituents are supporting it... I still have my concerns... I am going to be watching it and make sure that it's doing what it says it's done while supporting public schools  because they are the vital backbone of our communities."

Priority bill rammed through with threats from outside groups

While lawmakers had plenty of time to digest the details of Lees original proposal  filed 14 hours after polls closed in November  deliberation and debate on the measure occurred this week at breakneck speed.

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Lawmakers deliberated on the 23-page legislation for just over seven hours in the House, and less than four hours in the Senate. The entire committee process  which typically takes up to five weeks  was condensed to less than 24 hours.

Rep. Lee Reeves and Rep. Aron Maberry listen during a committee meeting concerning school vouchers on the second day of special session at Cordell Hull State Office Building in Nashville , Tenn., Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025.

Even though the GOP was not universally on board with the measure, throughout deliberations few Republicans questioned or even participated in debate, projecting an air of inevitability as Democrats sought to illustrate their concerns with the plan.

Committee chairs kept Democrats on a tight leash, allowing one question and one follow up from each lawmaker.

In the House Education Committee, Republicans called for a final vote immediately after witness testimony  before anyone from either side could question the sponsor or debate the merits of the bill itself.

Rep. Gloria Johnson D- Knoxville, listens during a committee meeting concerning school vouchers on the second day of special session at Cordell Hull State Office Building in Nashville , Tenn., Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025.

Ahead of final Senate votes on the legislation, questions on funding for the bill remained.

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Senate Republicans on Thursday were late to their floor session after a bill review meeting ran long. Questions flew around the room over the funding mechanisms for the voucher bill, appropriations issues and how exactly public schools will maintain current funding, as GOP leadership has said.

Bill review meetings are always a time for GOP senators to clarify details and ask questions about bills coming up for the vote. But Thursday's meeting ran unusually long, suggesting lawmakers were still coming up to speed on the landmark legislation just hours before votes were set to begin.

Vivian Jones covers state government and politics for The Tennessean. Reach her at vjones@tennessean.com

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee school vouchers: Republicans pass $447M program
Tennessee lawmakers on Wednesday voted to establish a disaster emergency response fund and send millions in aid to East Tennessee communities ravaged by flooding last year.

The relief package received bipartisan passage in both the Senate and the House during a special session on Wednesday, though at least one Democrat was critical of Gov. Bill Lee's response and called for more direct aid to Tennesseans.

At least 17 Tennesseans died in the flooding that caused widespread property and infrastructure damage as Hurricane Helene pushed inland in September.

Rep. Jeremy Faison R- Cosby, speaks in the House chamber during the third day of special session at the Tennessee State Capitol building in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025.

The package includes legislation that will:

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Pay for the 2024 property taxes for Tennesseans in disaster-affected counties if their property was destroyed or damaged;

Suspend some unemployment eligibility requirements for residents in a declared disaster area;

Allow local governments to request Tennessee Emergency Management Agency assistance directly;

Establish a $110 million fund to pay off local government interest accrued after borrowing money for disaster recovery costs;

Fund a $100 million governor's disaster response program that could be used for Helene costs or future disasters.

Republicans blocked an effort from Rep. Bo Mitchell, D-Nashville, to give $50 million in direct payments to East Tennesseans whose homes were destroyed.

Mitchell argued the current relief package, while helpful, mostly benefits local governments in rebuilding infrastructure and doesn't do enough to assist Tennesseans directly.

"We've got $2.1 billion in our rainy day fund," he said. "If a flood isn't a rainy day, I don't know what is, folks."

Rep. Timothy Hill, R-Blountville, said he was grateful for the relief package that is "trying to reach people."

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"We can focus on how much time it's taken to get here, we can focus on things on the side. But the bottom line is our people need help," Hill said. "This is a tremendous first step. I believe we are going to see more bills and funding come in the regular session. This is where we need to start."

A flood damaged Blue Ridge Paddling near Interstate 26 in Erwin, Tenn., on Friday Sept. 27, 2024.

The relief package received bipartisan passage in both the Senate and the House on Wednesday.

Lawmakers will vote on a total appropriations bill on Thursday to fund the legislation. The appropriations bill calls for more than $450 million for Helene aid, including $20 million to replace a destroyed Carter County high school and $240 million to cover TEMA disaster relief grant obligations.

Related: Final voucher, immigration votes set for Thursday: Takeaways from Tennessee's special session

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Democrats have been sharply critical of Lee for tying disaster relief, which East Tennessee counties have for months called for, with his signature voucher proposal in the special session this week.

The minority party has accused Lee and GOP leadership of dangling much-needed disaster relief to incentivize rural lawmakers, who historically have been more skeptical of voucher proposals, to back Lee's plan that failed last year.

Though the relief bills and voucher proposal are separate legislation, their funding is tied up in the single special session appropriations bill that must be voted on Thursday. The voucher bill is up for floor votes on Thursday morning.

Lee and Republican leadership have batted down the criticism, arguing the state needed time to accurately determine East Tennessee's needs after the disaster. The Lee administration pulled $100 million last fall from the state's Medicaid fund to act as an immediate disaster relief loan program. Local communities will have to pay the funds back to the state after receiving federal reimbursement.

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Tennessee's relief timeline stands in stark relief to North Carolina, where the same Helene storm system and flooding ravaged the western parts of the state. Just weeks after the devastating flooding, the North Carolina legislature had approved nearly $1 billion in storm relief.

Mitchell criticized the "integrity of the governor" for waiting until January to push for a legislative relief.

"This governor was absent, AWOL. But he's worried about his other pet project," Mitchell said. "I wish he would have spent as much time on children being shot in schools as he does caring about getting a voucher bill passed."

House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, later called Mitchell out of order.

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Lawmakers on Wednesday also approved a transportation financing authority. The authority would borrow the money and issue bonds needed to finance a 2023 Lee plan contract with private companies to build and operate toll lanes, called choice lanes, in major state corridors. Tennessee operates as a "pay-as-you-go" transportation state, refusing to take on debt to fund infrastructure projects.

Rep. Johnny Garrett, R-Goodlettsville, said the legislature wasn't aware federal tax rules would require the state to establish a financing authority to implement the plan and draw down federal dollars.

Under the new law, the governor and comptroller would serve as the chair and vice-chair of the financing authority.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee legislature paves way for Helene storm aid
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Support for Aid in Dying legislation depends on how the question is asked. New polls show a majority of Americans support the idea. But include the word suicide in the poll, and that support drops a bit.

News 2s Mark Kelly spoke with a Tennessee group that says no matter what you call it, this practice is suicide and should not be legal.

If you polled 100 people, 100 people would be against suicide. This is the same idea. Its just couched in more comfortable terms for people to digest, but its suicide, said Will Brewer, attorney and lobbyist for Tennessee Right to Life.

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Will Brewer said no matter what title you give it, Aid in Dying or physician-assisted suicide, the practice should be illegal in the U.S.

Right to die effort renewed in Tennessee

An attorney and lobbyist for Tennessee Right to Life, Brewers group devotes many resources to protecting life in the womb, but he also sees great importance protecting the final moments of life as well.

Its frustrating, the misinformation, and the kinda, lets make this a romantic idea for people, when all we are doing is helping people die.

Brewer said physician-assisted suicide is in direct conflict with doctors Hippocratic oath, which has guided medical ethics for thousands of years, instructing doctors to do no harm to their patients.

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A new Gallup poll shows 71% of Americans say a doctor should be able to painlessly end a patients life at their request. But, when pollsters tweak the question and include the word suicide, support drops a few percentages to 66%.

There are plenty of people in our corner. Its all about just protecting life, said Brewer. We keep people from committing suicide when they are healthy, why are we going to aid somebody in suicide in a different scenario? If suicide is wrong in one, its wrong in the other.

John Jay Hookers fight to die in TN

A Tennessee group called Christian Medical and Dental Associations opposed Aid in Dying legislation as well, writing that the Christian physician, above all, should be obedient to biblical teaching and sensitive to the counsel of the Christian community.

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The group warns that physician-assisted suicide opens a dangerous door in a number of venues: Financial incentives for a premature death; feelings of pressure or coercion from doctors and family for a patient to end their life early; giving someone the legal power to kill; and harming doctor-patient trust.

For Brewer, whether you call it physician assisted suicide or Aid in Dying, he stands firm that the practice goes against the natural order of things.

If youre pro-life across the board, then I dont think this idea is going to gain traction any time soon. And we pray it doesnt.

In the 1997 U.S. Supreme Court case Washington v. Glucksberg, justices decided that the Constitution does not protect the right to physician-assisted suicide.

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Alphabet's self-driving unit, Waymo, is ramping up its autonomous vehicle operations in 2025. The company announced plans to expand its driverless services to 10 new cities across the U.S. as part of an ambitious growth strategy. While San Francisco remains the cornerstone of Waymo's robotaxi services, the company aims to offer the driverless experience in multiple locations nationwide.

Waymo is now the last major robotaxi service operating in the U.S. after the closure of its rival, Cruise, last year. General Motors' Cruise shifted focus to integrating its self-driving technology into personal vehicles, leaving Waymo as the dominant player in the market.

Waymo Launches Testing in Las Vegas, San Diego

Waymo revealed it will begin its 2025 expansion with small-scale autonomous vehicle tests in Las Vegas and San Diego. The testing program, which will involve operators behind the wheel as a safety precaution, is designed to gather data and refine Waymo's self-driving technology.

These "small-scale experiments" will allow the company to assess its vehicles' performance on a wider range of roads, collecting crucial data to prepare for future fully autonomous rides without human intervention.

According to Engadget, while the expansion is set to increase Waymo's presence in key cities, the initial testing phase will focus on system training rather than passenger rides. The company has yet to disclose all the cities that will be involved in the experiment but has indicated that Miami, Austin, and Atlanta are among the possible locations. Waymo's vehicles have also been spotted in Michigan and upstate New York during winter trials.

Waymo's Long Journey to Autonomous Service

Waymo's path to launching its self-driving service has been gradual. Although the company announced its self-driving ambitions years ago, it spent significant time perfecting its technology and securing necessary permits. In 2021, Waymo received approval to operate its autonomous vehicles in San Francisco, a key milestone for its ride-hailing service.

The company further expanded its operations in California after securing approval from the California Public Utilities Commission to offer driverless rides throughout San Francisco. This approval marked a significant step forward, allowing Waymo to move beyond pilot programs and into broader, unrestricted service.

As Waymo expands its footprint in the U.S. and abroad, it is targeting cities such as Phoenix, Los Angeles, Miami, and Tokyo. The company aims to make its driverless rides accessible to users globally.
AUSTIN, Texas (KTAL/KMSS)  Texas State Representative Gary VanDeaver has filed two bills that could put an end to plans to kick residents off land in east Texas for the Marvin Nichols Reservoir project, which would provide water for the Dallas metro area.

Its been, you know, very clear to me that this is an issue that needs to be addressed, said District 1 Rep. Gary VanDeaver.

House Bill 2109 would make it so that if a project has been part of a Texas Water Development board water plan for more than 50 years without starting construction, it would need to be removed.

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And of course, Marvin Nichols has been on the books, I believe since 1968, so well over 50 years. said State Rep. VanDeaver, The thought behind that is if you identified it 50 years ago and you havent needed it yet, then chances are, you know, youre not going to.

Homes and dreams of E. Texas residents could end up underwater

VanDeaver wants to prevent Texas landowners from staying in limbo for decades like those living at the proposed reservoir site.

Theres an entire generation of landowners in Red River, Bowie County, you know, where this project is proposed, that, you know, theyre afraid to build a home. Theyre afraid to build a barn or a permanent fence on their property. And its time to set them free, said State Rep. VanDeaver.

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House Bill 2114 was filed alongside that bill, and it would try to prevent conflicts of interest.

Basically saying that if an engineering firm has been involved in helping the Texas Water Development Board identify projects to move forward, then that firm cannot be the firm that gets to build the project, said State Rep. VanDeaver.



Helping to ensure that projects are not being kept on water plans for reasons other than serving the water needs of Texans.

What we see sometimes are these engineering firms that are heavily involved in the planning stages, and justifying a project to the Texas Water Development Board to get it in the plan. And then they come along and do the engineering work for the project and make millions and then hundreds of millions and in some cases billions of dollars on these projects, said State Rep. VanDeaver.

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VanDeaver hopes his colleagues representing other rural districts will see the existential threat that projects like the Marvin Nichols Reservoir pose and support the bills.

It doesnt matter whether theyre in Red River County or any other county in the state of Texas. I want to do whats right for Texans, and we value private property ownership. And in Texas, We should not be in fear that at some point, theyre going to come in, someones going to come in and take my property. said State Rep. VanDeaver, Were highly concerned and always attentive to attempts to take private property because we just see eminent domain misused many times.

District 5 State Rep. Cole Hefner coauthors the bills.

VanDeaver says he will work hard to get a hearing on these bills once the house committees are set up. That way, the passionate Texans affected by the reservoir can go to Austin and tell their story.

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Among the 26 executive orders President Donald Trump signed on his first day in office was one that directed federal officials to resume executions and give states a pathway to more death sentences.

The executive order, titled Restoring the Death Penalty and Protecting Public Safety, provides a slew of directives for the U.S. attorney general and encourages states to increase use of capital punishment. While the order would make it easier to obtain more capital punishment verdicts, the directive clashes with a current trend in Texas, the leading state in executions by far, in which use of the death penalty has dwindled to record lows.

As Trump seeks to increase executions in the United States, several Texas state lawmakers are hoping to establish more guidelines to ensure the practice is done as ethically as possible. Of the seven bills filed in the Legislature related to the death penalty, three aim to abolish the sentence entirely, but four others establish limits and structure to a process currently defined by Supreme Court precedents and case-by-case discretion.

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Trump has long been a proponent of the death penalty. More federal executions occurred during his first term than any other president since the federal death penalty was reestablished in 1988, with 13 people executed. The executive order immediately lifted the federal moratorium on federal executions implemented in 2021 by former President Joe Biden, who commuted 37 of the 40 federal death sentences  seven in Texas  days before leaving office. The 2021 moratorium did not affect state executions.

Supreme Court precedents: codify or clear out

The executive order directs the attorney general to attempt to overturn U.S. Supreme Court precedents that limit the authority of state and federal officials from seeking the death penalty. The order does not specify which rulings might specifically be targeted, but the court has been the most crucial piece in forming the basis on how capital punishment is implemented in the U.S.

The vagueness of the language means what might change is immediately unclear, said Robin Maher, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center.

This is really very speculative  we don't know what cases they are talking about or what legal challenges are contemplated, Maher said. This is another one of those statements where we have sort of a general expression of intent, but no real specifics to back it up.

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One major precedent that has shifted use of the death penalty in the 21st century is Atkins v. Virginia, the 2002 case which established executions of the intellectually disabled as unconstitutional. Several supplementary rulings after Atkins v. Virginia have since come out of Texas, including in 2017 and 2019, when the court twice struck down a death sentence out of Harris County and ruled states must use updated medical standards to determine whether a convicted inmate meets the standards of intellectual disability.

Texas has removed 32 people from death row based on evidence of intellectual disability since Atkins v. Virginia. Yet despite the rulings making those executions unconstitutional, no case or federal law outlines the standards states should use to determine which defendants qualify as intellectually disabled, leaving that process to state courts and appeals.

Several states already have codified the exemption from death sentences for intellectually disabled inmates and created standards for determining who is eligible. Texas, however, has not codified the exemption or a process to discern who is exempt. The lack of guidance is not for a lack of trying: Texas House Rep. Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston, has been trying to push the state toward a framework for years, especially as the new administration potentially eyes rollbacks.

In multiple sessions, Thompson has filed a bill that would codify the exemption, as well as create a separate, pretrial jury hearing for those charged in capital cases to discern whether they legally qualify as intellectually disabled. After the Supreme Court ruled against Texas in 2019, the bill briefly picked up some Republican backing before failing in the Senate.

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We're not plowing new ground, because other states have done this, are doing this, and have been doing it for a while, Thompson said. We're trying to eliminate a patchwork situation.

Now called House Bill 688 in the 2025 legislative session, Thompson said her team estimates the cost of the pretrial hearing would be about $250,000. While the cost may seem expensive initially, Thompson stressed it could circumvent the more expensive death penalty trials, which counties would have to pay millions of dollars through the trial and appeal process.

Currently, a ruling determining a defendant is intellectually disabled is done on an ad-hoc basis, said Burke Butler, executive director of the Texas Defender Services. The nonprofit organization provides legal representation for death penalty defendants, having won five Supreme Court cases in its 30-year history and removing 44 defendants from death row since 2018.

Butler said HB 688 provides a streamlined process to determine a defendant's eligibility at a single point in the trial.

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This is an issue that really requires and deserves a separate hearing to determine whether someone has intellectual disability, Butler said.

Thompson clarified HB 688 is not a statement on the ethical or financial responsibility the state has for death sentences, but a guardrail it needs to ensure its being constitutionally applied.

We're not saying that because it costs X number of dollars we shouldn't do this, Thompson said. We're saying that if we're going to do this and that issue is raised, there should be a pre-trial hearing helped by a jury utilizing the current medical data.

Boosting the use of lethal injections

Part of Trumps executive order also directs the attorney general to take all necessary and lawful action to ensure states that use lethal injection for death sentences have a sufficient supply. Many states, including Texas, that use lethal injection as a means of execution have laws in place shielding public knowledge of who supplies the drugs to states.

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In the past decade, Texas has struggled to acquire and maintain adequate amounts of pentobarbital, the drug used for lethal injections, as pharmaceutical companies have stopped providing it to governments for use in executions. Officials from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice declined requests for comment on the executive order or its ability to secure lethal injection drugs.

For Texas to maintain its stock of the drug, officials turned to a variety of means, including retesting current supply for its potency to push back expiration dates. The practice resulted in multiple lawsuits from Texas inmates because of the risk of painful executions.

In 2023, an Austin judge went as far as to issue a temporary injunction hours before an execution, stating TDCJs use of its pentobarbital is probably illegal to possess or administer because it is more likely than not expired. That ruling was overturned by the Texas Criminal Court of Appeals.

Texas also has looked to local compounding pharmacies  where drugs are created on-site using necessary ingredients  to make up for the shortage. A 2024 NPR investigation found one compounding facility in San Antonio provided pentobarbital to the state from 2019 to 2023 while receiving several citations from the Texas State Board of Pharmacy for failing to maintain sterile compounding environments.

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Yet even with enough of the unexpired drug available, using it may also clash with recent federal findings. Days before Trumps inauguration, former U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland issued a memorandum suspending the federal single-drug lethal injections alongside a Department of Justice report that concluded the method likely caused painful pulmonary edema in executed individuals. Texas is one of seven states listed using the same method described in the report, which likened the sensation of induced pulmonary edema to waterboarding.

Because the memorandum affects only federal executions, states that use the single-drug protocol can still execute inmates with that method. On Feb. 5, Texas is scheduled to be the first state in the U.S. since the DOJs advisory was issued to execute an inmate with a single-dose lethal injection.

Doubling down

The only element of the executive order that directs the attorney general toward specific charges for potential defendants outlines two cases in which the death penalty should especially be sought: noncitizens illegally present in the country who commit capital crimes and anyone who kills law enforcement officials.

In Texas, capital murder is currently the only crime eligible for the death penalty, which includes the killing of police officers or firemen. Whether or not the death penalty is sought, however, is at the discretion of district attorneys, and the executive order does not require state attorneys to follow the new guidance.

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A short section of the order also instructs the attorney general to accept or deny pending requests for certifications for the State Capital Counsel Mechanism Certification, for which Texas is currently the only applicant.

The certification allows states to fast-track habeas corpus petitions  which challenge the legality of an inmates incarceration  in capital cases, but states can only be certified if they prove they have a robust state-provided process for post-conviction representation. No state has ever received the opt-in certification, and Butler said Texas simply lacks the infrastructure to qualify.

There are a couple of stages of proceedings in state habeas where people aren't entitled to counsel at all in Texas, and that has dire consequences for defendants in those proceedings, Butler said.

With the state legislative session underway alongside the start of the new federal administration, much is still uncertain as to how the executive order will be received by Texas officials, but the current gaps in the states provisions have some worried how the two will mix.

All of these things really point to the fact that you need a careful and comprehensive system for ensuring robust representation and ensuring that people's legal claims are addressed, Butler said. It's just very concerning that the administration is doubling down on the system that we know is so unjust.
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- The Texas Rangers are investigating after an officer involved shooting in Odessa left one person injured earlier Thursday morning.

Courtesy: Callye OReilly

According to the Odessa Police Department, around 10:00 a.m. on January 30, officers responded to a disturbance call at 950 W 31st Street after a man was seen causing a disturbance and trying to get into an apartment with a hammer. At the scene, officers made contact with 32-year-old Benjamin Fielder and tried to use non-lethal force, but it was not effective.

OPD said Fielder charged at an officer, who fired a single shot and struck the suspect in the abdomen. Fielder has been taken to an area hospital for treatment.

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The Texas Rangers have taken over the investigation, as is protocol for all officer involved shootings. The officer who discharged his or her weapon has been paced on leave with pay until further notice.

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Rep. Wendy Thomas, a Merrimack Democrat, had blood tests that showed high levels of 12 PFAS chemicals. Here, Thomas speaks in Merrimack on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. (Photo Claire Sullivan/New Hampshire Bulletin)

Rep. Wendy Thomas and her family are among many in the area of a now-shuttered plastics manufacturer in southern New Hampshire affected by the harmful, synthetic chemicals it released.

The Merrimack Democrat, who lives 3 miles from the Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics plant, which is now in the process of being demolished, said she has spent years drinking bottled water after learning her well water was contaminated by PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a class of chemicals linked to numerous health issues. Her family is one of more than 700 receiving bottled water from the company as part of its agreement with the state, she said.

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Thomas has dealt with cancer that she attributes to 12 PFAS chemicals detected in her blood above the toxic limit for humans; her doctors tell her its not a matter of if, but when, her cancer returns, because I have such high levels of PFAS in my blood. Her children, now adults, have autoimmune diseases, she said. And four of the familys dogs have died of cancer.

Shes part of a group of lawmakers fighting to extend the statute of limitations for civil action related to PFAS from six years to 20 through House Bill 199. They say a handful of years is simply not enough time considering the persistence of the chemicals in the environment, the time it can take for their health effects to be noticeable as they accumulate in the human body, and the evolving scientific understanding of the chemicals used across a wide variety of consumer and industrial products.

These chemicals, put there by this company, are going to impact our town forever, Thomas told fellow lawmakers in a hearing Wednesday. Twenty years is not outrageous to move for the statute of limitations. Were not talking about a car accident where youve broken a bone and 20 years later you say, This impacts my life. We are talking about chemicals that were man-made, that were put into our environment, that impacted innocent people, that have created health havocs in our town and in southern New Hampshire by a company.

The hearing in the House Judiciary Committee was the first stop for the bill, and it showed signs of some challenges that lie ahead. Its not the first time in recent years the subject has gone before lawmakers. In 2021, they passed legislation that increased the time for action from three years to six. Last year, lawmakers sent a bill to eliminate the statute of limitations to interim study, where House Judiciary members voted  without endorsing or rejecting the idea  that the Legislature should take up the topic once again.

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Michael Wimsatt, director of the solid waste management division of the Department of Environmental Services, said the agency was taking no position on the bill, but highlighted the magnitude of the problem.

Weve embarked on expansive sampling efforts, and weve been able to determine that there are literally thousands of drinking water wells, both private drinking water wells and a number of public supply wells, that have been impacted by PFAS contamination at levels above the standards that have been set, Wimsatt said. And so we work very hard to make sure that folks get access to clean water in the wake of that.

The chemicals bring a cost to the environment and human health. Rep. Suzanne Vail, a Nashua Democrat who is the prime sponsor of the bill, pointed to studies that have linked PFAS to numerous health issues, including fetal development issues, development and endocrine disorders, cancer, kidney disease, high cholesterol, and tumors, (and) concentration in breast milk impacting nursing mothers.

While industrial emissions are one route for exposure, PFAS are also found in a wide variety of everyday products, including some carpeting, food packaging, nonstick cookware, waterproof mascaras, and much more. Starting in 2027, many of those products will be banned from sale in the state.

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Rep. Bob Lynn, a Windham Republican who chairs the committee, said that in his understanding of the law, for the timer to start on the statute of limitations, you have to know that youve been injured and know that its causally connected to whatever youre suing about.

Why does it make sense, if you have the knowledge of those things  and its only having that knowledge that starts at the statute of limitations running  why, if you have that knowledge, should you have 17 years to bring a lawsuit? said Lynn, who retired as chief justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court in 2019. Should you be able to just sit around and say, You know, I know that Saint-Gobain has hurt me, and its hurt me in this way, but Im just going to sit on my hands for 17 years. Why does that make sense?

I dont believe it does, Mr. Chair, responded Natch Greyes, vice president of public policy for the Business & Industry Association, which opposes the bill. I believe you should call a lawyer as soon as you can  meet those two things.

Greyes also argued that evidence becomes stale after time, and that further passage of time creates the possibility for intervening events that may also cause that same kind of injury.

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Rep. Marjorie Smith, a Durham Democrat, pushed back on his argument.

Is the Business & Industry Association saying that they have no confidence in the judicial system in this country in which a judge and a jury would weigh facts and make determinations as to what is reasonable, and therefore we have to protect people from participating in the judicial system? she asked.

Greyes replied, absolutely not, but argued that the shorter statute of limitations would make it easier for the judicial system and provide a more accurate assessment of the harm as opposed to a longer timer.

Vail, the prime sponsor, said it was clear to her that the committee would not support a bill with an open-ended statute of limitations after discussing that proposal in interim study last year. However, she feels that extending the limit to 20 years is a step in the right direction that will help preserve legal rights for those affected by contamination.

She also believes an extended statute of limitations could serve as further deterrence for wrongdoing. Right now, she said, companies can contaminate areas of the state with forever chemicals without worrying about a forever statute of limitations.
TIRANA, Albania (AP)  Thousands of Albanians gathered in the capital on Thursday to pay their last respects to Archbishop Anastasios, who revived the countrys Orthodox Christian Church after the fall of the Communist party in 1990.

Anastasios, who was the Archbishop of Tirana, Durres, and All Albania and also head of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania, died on Jan. 25 in Athens. He was 95.

A somber mood prevailed as people massed in the streets around the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in downtown Tirana.

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Honoring the work of such a great personality means honoring ourselves, our church, our country, said Metropolitan John of Korca, the temporary leader of the church in Albania, during a liturgy that was held in both Albanian and Greek.

No doubt that as a personality and as an archbishop Anastasios was irreplaceable, said Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople.

All forms of religion were banned in Albania for 23 years from 1967, when the country was completely isolated from the outside world. The Communists also expropriated the property of the established Islamic, Orthodox, Catholic and other religions.

Anastasios led the church after he re-established it in 1991.

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Albania's leaders and visiting Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis were joined Thursday by representatives of Orthodox clergy from around the world. Albanians and world religious leaders also attended the funeral service.

"It should be said without doubt that Anastasios came among us 33 years ago as a priest from Greece and after 33 years he leaves us as Albanias Anastasios, said Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama.

The Greek leader described Anastasios as a bridge of friendship among the two peoples" and a diplomat of love.

It took two days for Anastasios's funeral procession to reach Tirana by car after it entered the country through the southern border with Greece.

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A similar service was held at the main Greek Orthodox Church cathedral in Athens before the procession to Tirana.

The religious leaders and others inside the cathedral kissed Anastasios' right hand as they passed by, before the casket left the building to go to the crypt where it will rest.

Born Anastasios Yannoulatos in Piraeus, Greece on Nov. 4, 1929, he arrived in Albania in 1991, immediately after the collapse of the Communists that had ruled the country since the mid-1940s

Anastasios has been praised for rebuilding the church from the ground up, building hundreds of churches, establishing educational and charitable institutions, and educating a new generation of clergy.

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According to the 2023 census, Orthodox Christians in Albania make up about 7% of the country's 2.4 million population, although the church says the actual number is higher. Half the population of the tiny Western Balkan country identifies as Muslim, with Orthodox and Catholic Christians making up much of the remainder.

The Albanian Orthodox Church will elect Anastasios' replacement.
Thousands of people protested in the eastern German city of Leipzig on Thursday after the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) helped to pass a controversial motion in the German parliament demanding hard-line migration reforms.

Police said some 5,000 demonstrators gathered, calling for politicians to "defend the right to asylum" and "rebuild the firewall," a term referring to mainstream parties' long-established refusal to work with the AfD.

Participants brought cardboard boxes to symbolically erect a "firewall" against the far right.

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Hundreds also protested in the nearby city of Dresden, the capital of the state of Saxony, where conservative leader Friedrich Merz held a campaign meeting.

The historic vote on Wednesday saw the AfD - which is polling in second place nationwide on more than 20% - involved in a parliamentary majority for the first time in its history.

Another bill to reform Germany's migration laws is set to be introduced in the Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, by the conservative CDU/CSU alliance on Friday. The AfD has signalled it will support the measure.

Germany's election campaign has been dominated by the issue of illegal migration since an attack in the southern city of Aschaffenburg last week, in which an Afghan national is the main suspect.

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Protests are also expected Thursday evening outside the party headquarters of the CDU in Berlin.

Tens of thousands of people protested at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin last week, with further demonstrations planned in the coming days.
Thousands of people gathered in front of the headquarters of Germany's Christian Democrats (CDU) in Berlin on Thursday evening after it relied on the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) to pass a divisive motion in parliament the day before.

Police said that 6,000 people had gathered by 7:00 pm (1800 GMT), although only 4,000 people had registered. A police spokeswoman said the mood was peaceful.

The CDU had asked employees at the party's national headquarters to leave work early as a precaution before the demonstration began, a party spokeswoman said.

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The background to this was information from the security authorities that it would not be possible to leave the building safely.

The alliance "Together against the Right" called for the rally under the slogan "No cooperation with the AfD."

On the alliance's Instagram channel, activists describe Wednesday's vote in the Bundestag as a "breached taboo" and "absolutely unacceptable."

Similar protests took place in numerous locations in Germany on Wednesday evening.

The CDU and its Bavarian sister organization CSU had passed a motion in Germany's Bundestag, or lower house of parliament, demanding hard-line reforms to migration policy with votes from the AfD and the Free Democrats.
The next 10 days will be pivotal for India's economic trajectory as the upcoming Union Budget announcement on February 1 and the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on February 7 will lay down the policy road map to boost the slowing economy, according to the Union Bank of India (UBI) latest report. According to the report, both the government and the RBI are expected to announce crucial steps aimed at stimulating growth in the face of a slowing economy.The Indian economy is facing a slowdown after growing at the rate of over 8 per cent in the fiscal year 2024, recording a slowed growth of 5.4 per cent in the July-September quarter of the current fiscal.The report adds that as the country grapples with moderating GDP growth, the government is expected to continue its focus on fiscal consolidation.The report expected that the government will consolidate the fiscal deficit target to 4.5 per cent of GDP in FY26 from 4.8 per cent in FY25."The fiscal impulse is expected to be negative with consolidation driven by a fall in expenditure as percentage of GDP rather than pickup in revenues (despite likely repeat of record high RBI dividend in FY26 above Rs 2 lakh cr). More importantly, the quality of spending has come under pressure this year on delay in capex post elections with the public spending also hitting absorptive capacity in few sectors leading to calls for diversification in this Budget," the report added. The report played for a greater emphasis on stimulus measures in the upcoming budget to address weak demand and bolster private capital expenditure (capex), which has been a major challenge for recovery."Focus on stimulus measures will be watched like tax cuts for the middle class, tax rate equalization on bank deposits vis-a-vis other risk assets, boost to capex budget and sector-specific steps like for MSMEs, renewables, tourism etc," added the report. On the monetary front, it said that the RBI is anticipated to take action to ease liquidity constraints and support economic growth. The MPC is likely to initiate a 50 basis point rate cut, marking the start of a shallow rate-cut cycle to help stimulate demand, as per the report. The RBI's focus on liquidity measures has already been evident, as the central bank has provided liquidity booster shots in recent months to combat slowing growth.The report cautioned that despite these expected moves, concerns remain about the quality of public spending, which has faced pressure in FY25 due to delays in capex and rising subsidy burdens, particularly in the fuel and fertilizer sectors. As a result, the government's fiscal impulse for FY25 is expected to remain negative, with consolidation driven more by a reduction in expenditure as a percentage of GDP rather than an uptick in revenue growth.However, the Finance Minister is likely to maintain a cautious approach, sticking to the fiscal consolidation targets while balancing the need for growth-boosting reforms. (ANI)
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  Three suspects have been arrested in connection with last weeks shooting incident on Fernald Street, where undercover detectives were fired upon, Springfield Police announced Thursday.

Suspect arrested in connection with multi-agency search after Springfield police vehicle hit by gunfire

According to police, the initial incident occurred on Thursday, January 23rd, at around 7 p.m., when detectives conducting surveillance in the Fernald Street area where their unmarked cruisers were shot at more than a dozen times. Although no officers were injured, it remains unclear if the shooters were aware they were targeting law enforcement.

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Following the gunfire, police launched an extensive two-hour search in the North Branch Parkway area for the suspects. Later that night, investigators identified Christopher OBara as a person of interest and found him at a home on Lancaster Street. A search of the residence led to the seizure of a large-capacity firearm, shell casings, loose ammunition, and a collection of suspected stolen items, including more than 30 keys or key fobs and a stolen license plate.

Authorities also obtained a search warrant for a residence on Fernald Street, where they recovered a second firearm. A third firearm was discovered the next day in the area of Jennings Street, near where the initial search for suspects had taken place.

As the investigation progressed, police arrested 20-year-old Damian Scott on Saturday, Jan. 25, on Carew Street. Scott was under investigation for his alleged involvement in the shooting and was also suspected of multiple car thefts across Springfield. At the time of his arrest, he had four outstanding warrants related to auto thefts and an additional warrant for cocaine trafficking.

On the morning of Thursday, Jan. 30, police executed more arrests. Dwayne Johnson, 22, and Derek Johnson Sr., 48, were taken into custody at the La Quinta Hotel on Congress Street. Officers seized more than 100 grams of cocaine and marijuana inside the hotel room. Meanwhile, a 17-year-old man suspect was arrested on Fernald Street on firearms-related charges.

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Police identified Dwayne Johnson as the suspect who allegedly fired at the undercover detectives. Both Johnson and Derek Johnson Sr. are scheduled to be arraigned in Springfield District Court on Friday.

Dwayne Johnson faces multiple charges, including:

Two counts of firearm-armed assault to murder

Two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon

Two counts of malicious destruction of property over $1,200

Two counts of malicious damage to a motor vehicle

Discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building

Carrying a firearm without a license

Carrying a loaded firearm without a license

Cocaine trafficking (100-200 grams)

Possession with intent to distribute a Class D drug

Derek Johnson Sr. has been charged with:

Cocaine trafficking (100-200 grams)

Possession with intent to distribute a Class D drug

Possession of a firearm without an FID card

Receiving a firearm with a defaced serial number

Improper storage of a firearm

Possession of ammunition without an FID card

The name of the 17-year-old suspect has not been released due to his age. The investigation remains ongoing.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  Three people were critically injured in a four-vehicle crash that happened Wednesday afternoon in Delhi Townshipand the incident is under investigation by the Ingham County Sheriffs Department.

Deputies responded to the intersection of College Road and Harper Road for a four-vehicle crash at around 12:20 p.m. A car on eastbound Harper Road driven by a 43-year-old woman from East Lansing failed to stop at College Road, colliding with a southbound car driven by a 38-year-old Dewitt woman.

That car then struck a northbound car driven by an 87-year-old Lansing woman, which was also occupied by her 82-year-old husband. The car driven by the woman from East Lansing then rolled and hit a fourth vehicle being driven by a 26-year-old Lansing man stopped at the stop sign on westbound Harper Road.

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The woman from East Lansing and the married couple from Lansing were critically injured in the crash. The sheriffs office says the other individuals involved were not injured.

The victims were transported to a nearby hospital via ambulance, and the roadway was closed for three hours while deputies investigated.

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Soon youll be able to shop for second-hand items while supporting a good cause at the same time.

Restored things restoring lives is the motto at Restoration Market, a thrift shop boutique that opens Thursday at 74 Spring Street in Concord.

The shop offers customers and volunteers the chance to make a difference in their community.

You may have come in here just to shop but you are going to leave with so much more, says Hannah Arrowood with Present Age Ministries, a nonprofit organization committed to combating the sexual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking of teen girls.

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Man accused of trafficking teenage girl he met on social media, investigators say

Arrowood came up with the idea of the market 10 years ago. She says everything that will be sold at the store was donated.

That restored thing will actually be a connector to restoring the life of the victims that we serve, she said.

As weve seen this rapid increase in victim identification, one of the things that weve been trying to do is, how do we generate revenue so that we can continue to support the growing needs and capacity, she said.

All proceeds generated by the market will go to the ministry to provide crucial care and support to survivors of trafficking.

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Every year, were identifying more and more and more children specifically, but also adults, both sex and labor trafficking victims. And as a community, we are deciding like enough is enough, she said.

Restoration Market will not only provide affordable clothing, shoes, and jewelry but also serve as a community hub where people can volunteer and donate.

VIDEO: 5 arrested after undercover human trafficking sting in Rowan County
Heres a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Jan. 30, according to the Tribunes archives.

Is an important event missing from this date? Email us.

Weather records (from the National Weather Service, Chicago)

High temperature: 55 degrees (1988)

Low temperature: Minus 23 degrees (2019)

Precipitation: 0.97 inches (1939)

Snowfall: 14.9 inches (1939)

1939: Illinois was one of 13 states affected by a brief storm, which dumped almost 15 inches of snow here in roughly 15 hours.

It was the most severe snowfall Chicago had experienced in a 24-hour period in duration and accumulation.

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The intense snowfall made it difficult for both the sick and the expecting to receive medical attention. After she and her husbands vehicle became stranded in a drift, a pregnant Mrs. Thomas Galbraith climbed into a police car to make the 5-mile journey to a hospital in Joliet. When it could go no farther, a wrecking truck took her in. Thankfully, she was finally transferred to an ambulance and delivered a baby girl at the hospital.

2000: Illinois Gov. George Ryan declared a moratorium on executions, saying it would be in effect until he could be morally certain that no innocent person would face execution in the state. Three years later, Ryan commuted the sentences of 164 death row inmates to life in prison without parole, citing a system haunted by the demon of error.

2013: Ryan was released from a federal prison in Terre Haute, Indiana, and spent just hours at a halfway house on Chicagos West Side before he was released and sent to his Kankakee home, where he remained on home confinement until July 2013.

Ryan entered prison on Nov. 7, 2007, after an April 2006 conviction for fraud, racketeering and other charges, which was the culmination of the federal Operation Safe Road investigation that exposed rampant bribery in state drivers license facilities while he was secretary of state as well as misdeeds as governor. He had been sentenced to 6  years in prison.

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2019: Chicago observed its coldest temperature in 34 years  minus 23 degrees on Jan. 30, 2019, at OHare International Airport, the citys official recording site. It was tied for the fifth coldest day since the National Weather Service began keeping records in 1872.

The polar vortex, a whirlpool of Arctic air typically perched atop the North Pole, dislodged and descended into the Midwest causing the bitter cold.

The weeks record-breaking cold snap spotlighted weaknesses in the regions transit system. Problems like stuck train doors, cracked rails and minimal shelter for waiting passengers showed the need for more investment.

Chicago weather: A look back at our coldest recorded temperatures

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Subscribe to the free Vintage Chicago Tribune newsletter, join our Chicagoland history Facebook group, stay current with Today in Chicago History and follow us on Instagram for more from Chicagos past.

Have an idea for Vintage Chicago Tribune? Share it with Kori Rumore and Marianne Mather at krumore@chicagotribune.com and mmather@chicagotribune.com
Today on CNN 10, we get an update out of Syria as a new government takes shape after the overthrow of an autocratic regime. We also take a look at groundbreaking new findings from asteroid samples that scientists say could hold the building blocks of life. And we learn why one of Hawaiis volcanoes erupts so often, before finding out how one man in the UK shattered a Guinness World Record. All this and more on todays CNN 10!

1) From Mondays show: Rain in the forecast for Southern California was a relief for the fire ravaged region but also came with the risk of what natural event?

2) Washington DCs Smithsonian National Zoo debuted a pair of pandas on loan from China for what length of time?

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3) What European country occupied by Germany during World War II marked the 80th Anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz Concentration Camp in an event attended by survivors and world leaders?

4) An organization that lists the worlds vulnerable historic sites included historic sites on what celestial body for the first time?

5) The rare plant known for its smelly bloom every seven to ten years, is known as what flower?

6) What military alliance is patrolling the Baltic Sea in Europe to protect vulnerable undersea internet and electricity cables that have recently been damaged in anchor dragging incidents?

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7) What city in the Democratic of the Congo was taken over by militants this week, in a battle for control of the mineral rich eastern province?

8) Home to the Mona Lisa, the last time the Louvre Museum had a major renovation was during what decade?

9) This week we learned that our bodies make mucus to help us fight infections when we are sick, and the color of that mucus can be determined by a buildup of what kind of infection fighting cells?



10) From todays episode: Scientists have discovered that asteroid samples contain many of the chemical building blocks of life, including the fundamental components of what genetic molecule?

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Jan. 30Looking to stay on top of what's happening at the Legislature? Here are three things to watch for on Thursday, Jan. 30:

Congressional visits: Two members of New Mexico's all-Democratic congressional delegation are scheduled to address legislators.

U.S. Reps. Melanie Stansbury and Gabe Vasquez will both speak to a joint session of the Legislature. The joint session is scheduled to begin shortly after 11:30 a.m. in the House chambers.

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Vasquez and Stansbury, who is a former state representative, both won re-election to new two-year terms in November's general election.

Public safety and crime: Criminal penalty legislation lines the schedule of the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee's 1:30 p.m. meeting.

The committee has on its list measures proposing to increase the penalty for a shooting threat to a fourth-degree felony; make unlawful possession of a weapon conversion device a third-degree felony; limit access to firearms among people who commit certain juvenile offenses; and specify felony penalties for vehicle thefts.

Environment: Senate Conservation is continuing on its list of climate- and environmental-related bills this morning. Its 8:30 a.m. early start will kick off with water pollution bills. A bill to increase oil and gas royalty rates is also on the agenda.
A view of the Interstate 95 Express Lanes in Prince William, Fairfax and Stafford Counties (Photo courtesy of Trevor Wrayton/Virginia Department of Transportation)

For Virginians who spend hundreds of dollars on tolls each month, relief could be on the horizon  if lawmakers can stomach the price tag.

A proposal to ease toll burdens for frequent drivers and low-income residents cleared a key hurdle in the state legislature this week, as a House Transportation subcommittee advanced the measure for further review.

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House Bill 2368, sponsored by Del. Candi Mundon King, D-Prince William, would grant free toll rides to Virginia drivers using an electronic toll device once they hit $200 in monthly charges. Additionally, it would waive tolls for those receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits.

King, whose district includes approximately 42,000 disabled veterans, said the measure would ease the financial strain on commuters who often pay between $25 and $65 each way to travel roughly 29 miles between the Pentagon to Dumfries.

If youre a Virginia resident, youre paying taxes in Virginia, youre doing everything that youre supposed to do, and then [you are] paying in perpetuity to ride down [your] own roads, its just getting to the point with the high cost of living where its a burden for people, King said.

To prevent abuse, the bill would prohibit drivers from sharing transponders to trigger the toll cap and claim free rides.

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But while the plan offers financial relief for commuters, it comes with a hefty price: at least $110.4 million annually, according to the Department of Planning and Budgeting. The subcommittee recommended sending the bill to House Appropriations, where lawmakers will weigh the financial implications  particularly how the cost will be split between private and state toll facilities.

State transportation officials warn that HB 2368 could threaten existing contracts with the Federal Highway Administration and private toll operators, potentially forcing toll hikes on all drivers to cover lost revenue.

The departments fiscal analysis cautioned that a reduction of toll revenue could make it harder for the state and private entities to meet debt obligations tied to high-occupancy toll (HOT) and high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes.

The debate over Virginias toll roads isnt new. Last summer, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) reviewed the states public-private transportation partnerships, which allow private companies to manage and profit from toll roads under state agreements. These contracts give operators control over access and pricing, with rates based on factors such as vehicle type, weight, and axle count.

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During Tuesdays hearing, Rhena Hicks, co-executive director for Freedom Virginia, was the lone speaker in support of the bill. She urged lawmakers to advance the measure, accusing corporations of price gouging commuters traveling to work and school.

Opponents, including toll operator Transurban, argued that the bill would disrupt existing financial agreements.

David Skiles, a lobbyist for Transurban, noted that the legislation would certainly impact the comprehensive have private concessionaires has with the commonwealth, but also could impact the current financing for critical infrastructure projects including the Long Bridge and the Silver Line Metrorail expansion projects in Northern Virginia, both of which rely on toll revenue.

King acknowledged the complexities of the funding model but pushed back on concerns that the bill is unworkable.

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This is complicated, but I believe that if a company that can scan my license plate and send me a bill without me ever giving them any information can certainly figure it out, King said.

However, Del. Terry Austin, R-Botetourt, argued that Virginia has a legal obligation to uphold its contracts with private toll operators  and that toll users, not taxpayers, should foot the bill.

Weve entered a contract here, we have an obligation and if people use that road, in my opinion, [they] are the people who should have to pay for it, not everyone within the commonwealth, Austin said. I appreciate you bringing the bill, the compassion for you and everyone who lives up there, its tough to get around. So trust me, I know that.

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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  A hotly contested bill that would block public labor unions from engaging in collective bargaining in Utah squeaked through a Senate committee Wednesday, passing by only one vote.

Sen. Dan McCay (R  Bluffdale), who also chairs the Senate Tax and Revenue where the bill was heard, urged continued compromise as he cast the tie-breaking vote in favor of moving H.B. 267 to the full Senate, 4-3.

PREVIOUS STORY: Bill to block public unions from collectively bargaining passes Utah House

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The committee room was packed with teachers, firefighters, and police  all public workers that could be impacted by the bills passage. However, one of the more tense moments centered around whether the bill was being run because Utahs public unions  and more specifically, their leaders or national organizers  have been too politically active.

I think theres a lot of support for the members of the various unions with a lot of skepticism toward the union organizations because of their political activities that particularly only go one direction where their members do not, said Sen. Brady Brammer (R  Pleasant Grove) while questioning a local president of the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees on whether his union fees were going toward his unions political work.

Critics have argued that the bill is a retaliation for the states largest teachers union, the Utah Education Association, for being involved in a lawsuit over Amendment A, which was voided from last years ballot.

However, Sen. Luz Escamilla (D  Salt Lake City) pushed for clarification on whether the bill was about the political contributions of public labor unions, insisting that political action committees sometimes with the same name are often behind a unions political activity.

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The bills sponsor, Jordan Teuscher (R  South Jordan), said his bill changes nothing about political activity and has nothing to do with that.

Sen. Brammer, however, was more blunt.

One of the concerns that I have is when the unions get involved in campaign finance and then theyre negotiating against the very people that theyre oftentimes donating to, Brammer said. Brammer also pushed the local union president, Jerry Philpott, on whether he supported his unions political activity and argued the group spent $13 million in campaign donations.

Philpott pushed back against this, saying the dues of union members dont go toward union political activities: As a private citizen, I should be able to donate to any political candidate that I want.

The ban on collective bargaining

Escamilla also expressed concern that a ban on collective bargaining could impact the livelihood of many union members who she says wont have anyone to protect them. She said she worries that unions provide an opportunity to have access to members who wouldnt otherwise get that access.

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Even if there is good faith on what the sponsors are trying to fix, it may be causing more problems than what theyre going to be fixing, Escamilla said.

The local vice president of the Communication Workers of America agreed with this, pointing out in the public comment period that if public employers are prohibited from interacting with unions, it doesnt stop unions from organizing and striking.

Utah organized labor is much happier to resolve things with a contract than on the picket lines, he began. But we understand that we are the people who [make] this state run, and our desire for a dignified life, for dignified conditions, for a voice are not going away because of this bill.

In the end, Teuscher reiterated that the bill is about banning collective bargaining so the union leaders arent the sole voice in negotiations.

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The definition of a bargain is an agreement between two or more parties as to what each party will do for them, thats what were prohibiting, Teuscher said. It doesnt mean they cant continue to talk, advocate, discuss, present priorities, and represent their people in any way possible. 

With its passage in committee, H.B. 267 inches closer to being passed as it goes for a vote on the Senate floor. If it passes  and if changes made by the Senate are approved by the House  the bill will go to Gov. Cox for signing.

Stay up-to-date with the 2025 General Session by visiting Inside Utah Politics.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
The U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter that collided midair with an American Airlines passenger jet above Reagan National Airport in Washington on Wednesday night was piloted by experienced aviators that typically fly VIP missions in busy air space, according to a retired Army chief warrant officer with over 30 years of flying experience, who serves in the Headquarters Department of the Army Aviation Directorate at the Pentagon.

The two aircraft crashed in a clear night sky right as the American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas, with 64 people aboard, was approaching the runway flying over the Potomac River. The Black Hawk was on a training flight from Davison Army Airfield at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, carrying three service members.

The fuselage of the aircraft broke apart in three places and was discovered inverted in waist-deep water. The helicopter wreckage was found nearby. There were no survivors found. The recovery effort is ongoing.

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Until the black box aboard both aircraft are recovered from the icy waters of the Potomac, the biggest questions about what happened remain unanswered.

We really need to wait and allow the accident investigation to complete, Jonathan Koziol told reporters Thursday over the phone from a hangar at Reagan Airport where he was helping to provide expertise as investigators begin their work. Both aircraft will have recorders on board that will give us all of that information once we recover it, to give us the real truth on what those aircraft were doing. Up until now would just be speculation adding to the confusion.

Koziol described the crew members, whose identities have yet to be released, as very experienced.

The instructor pilot was flying the aircraft with a fellow pilot in command, so both of those crew members can manage that aircraft by themselves. It was an annual evaluation that is conducted by every Army aviator that they fly day and night, he said, Even the crew chief in the back has been in the unit for a very long time, very familiar with the area, very familiar with the routing structure. So we dont see that at all as being any impact on what happened.

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Koziol confirmed that the instructor pilot in command of the aircraft had logged 1,000 flight hours and the other pilot had 500 hours under their belt.

Thats normal, he said.

During a press briefing Thursday, President Donald Trump, without evidence, blamed air traffic controllers, as well as the helicopter pilot and Democratic policies at federal agencies for Wednesday nights collision.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and the cause of the collision is unknown.

The UH-60 flight from Belvoir appeared uneventful until what seemed like the last moment.

While Koziol had not seen the Armys standard mission risk assessment for the specific flight, he said all factors would point to a low-risk classification for the trip.

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The Black Hawks crew from the 12th Aviation Battalion stationed at Belvoir was conducting a routine aviator evaluation to ensure a pilots ability to maneuver throughout the airspace around the National Capital Region, or NCR, is sufficient to command the aircraft without an instructor for any other mission sets, Koziol explained.

With such a catastrophic event, conversations in the aftermath have led to questions about why the Army needs to conduct training events in congested airspace like the one around Reagan.

The battalion has a special mission in the NCR. One part of that is its VIP flight operations for senior U.S. leaders. Another is to support the Defense Department if something really bad happens in this area, Koziol said.

We need to move our senior leaders so they need to be able to understand the environment, the air traffic, the route, to ensure the safe travel of our senior leaders throughout our government. Thats part of their training here and theyre really good at it.

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Additionally, the flight along the Potomac is a relatively easy corridor to fly because youre flying downcenter of the river and its very easily identifiable, especially at night, Koziol said. Pilots fly the specific route on which the Black Hawk was flying on an almost daily basis.

The aircraft was also equipped with moving maps so they would know exactly on the map and visually understand where they are with relation to the route, he added.

There are also strict parameters on altitude the pilots would have been very familiar with and accustomed to adhering, Koziol shared. Aviators know not to climb higher than 200 feet above the ground on that route.

Koziol said it was not clear at what elevation the aircraft was flying; thats something the black box will confirm.

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While it has been reported the pilots had night vision goggles, it has not been determined if the pilot or crew were using them. According to Koziol, on a night flight down the Potomac, a pilot could comfortably fly unaided by goggles.

The Black Hawk also could not have operated in the NCR without a flight plan and contact with Air Traffic Control. ATC provides each aircraft with a specific, four-digit squawk code assigned to it, so ATC can control individual positions in and around the airspace and ensure aircraft also dont fly in sensitive areas where they are not allowed, Koziol explained.

The collision  the worst U.S. aviation disaster since 2001  follows a spate of Army aviation mishaps over the last several years that have resulted in Army leaderships stand-down effort in 2023 to address the problem and a standup effort in 2024 to put a renewed emphasis on the culture of rigorous training and safety.

Last year was the most mishap-heavy year in Army aviation history since 2007, and 2023 was one the deadliest years for Army aviators since the Army withdrew from Iraq in 2011. For instance, in 2023, two Black Hawks collided midair in Kentucky, killing nine crew on board.

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The Army, following its stand-down and review, determined its pilots and aviation warrant officers are significantly less experienced than they were during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

As a result, inexperienced crews were out-driving their headlights, out-training the experience that was in their force at whatever level, then-commander of the Army Aviation Center of Excellence, Maj. Gen. Mac McCurry, told Defense News on a 2024 trip to Fort Novosel, Alabama, home of Army aviation training.

How last nights collision might fit into the greater mishap trends of Army aviation remains to be determined.
BusinessWire India London [UK] / Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], January 30: UST, a leading digital transformation solutions company, and Experian, a global data and technology company, have announced a long-term strategic partnership that will provide financial organisations with the opportunity to quickly innovate and improve their products using advanced AI technologies. The partnership will combine UST's cutting-edge technology with a range of Experian's products, initially focusing on Experian's Aperture Studio. The UST GenAI Sandbox is a secure, compliant, and innovative platform designed to help businesses experiment with and safely test AI technologies. It not only enables AI-driven advancements to be incorporated into products without extensive rebuilding, but the platform also seamlessly integrates into a businesses' existing cloud infrastructures. Experian Aperture Data Studio combines self-service data quality and Experian's globally curated datasets in an intelligent data quality and enrichment platform and will now be integrated into UST's technology to enhance its data quality capabilities. This integration will enable more informed decision-making and improved overall business performance. As part of the strategic partnership, UST will serve as the exclusive reseller of Experian's Aperture Data Studio. This will enable UST to combine its domain expertise and strong client relationships with Experian's industry-leading data quality solutions, delivering unparalleled value to customers. UST will also utilise its GenAI Sandbox to support Experian in adding additional features to their products and platforms. For more than eight years, UST and Experian have fostered a robust and lasting partnership built by trust, flexibility, and teamwork. Across the globe, more than 600 UST employees support Experian, operating in all six of its regions: the United States, the United Kingdom, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. "This collaboration is focused on speed, flexibility, and customer-centric innovation, setting a new benchmark for delivering cutting-edge financial solutions. As a global data and technology company, we are constantly seeking ways to drive innovation and provide customers with the ability to reduce time to market so they can adapt swiftly to changing market demands. Our partnership with UST provides that by giving a space for businesses to rapidly develop and integrate new AI-driven solutions safely and now with further data quality assurances," said Andrew Abraham, Global Managing Director, Data Quality, Experian. "We have partnered with Experian on a global scale for a number of years and this marks a significant milestone in our journey to drive innovation in the financial sector. By combining Experian's data expertise with our unique technology, we're creating an environment that fosters experimentation, enabling faster product development and delivering greater value to clients," said Praveen Prabhakaran, Chief Delivery Officer, Managing Director for UK & Europe, UST. By emphasising speed, flexibility, and customer-centric innovation, this collaboration establishes a new benchmark for delivering innovative financial solutions. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
President Trump continued to make waves just over a week into his presidency with his decision earlier this week to fire the chair of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Gwynne Wilcox. This unprecedented decision came alongside Trumps firing of NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo.

The National Labor Relations Board is an independent federal agency that was created to enforce the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), a 1935 law which guarantees the right of most private sector employees to organize, to engage in group efforts to improve their wages and working conditions, to determine whether to have unions as their bargaining representative, to engage in collective bargaining, and to refrain from any of these activities. The Board has five members, each appointed by the president to 5-year terms with Senate approval. As a result of Wilcoxs termination, the NLRB currently only has two members. Under law, the Board needs a quorum of three members to make any decision.

In addition to the changes at the NLRB, Trump also fired two out of three Democratic commissioners of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the federal agency that enforces civil rights law in the workplace.

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Wilcoxs firing was met with shock and anger from union leaders, including AFL-CIO president Liz Schuler. In a statement, she wrote that Wilcoxs firing is illegal and will have immediate consequences for working people. She added that the president had effectively hobbled the board, leaving workers on their own in the face of union-busting and retaliation.

Wilcox told Bloomberg that she will be pursuing all legal avenues to challenge my removal, which violates long-standing Supreme Court precedent.

Fortune spoke with top employment lawyer Peter Rahbar about the consequences that President Trumps decision will have on the NLRB and the workforce at large.

This interview has been lightly edited for clarity and length.



Fortune: How big of a deal is this?

Rahbar: Its potentially a big deal in several ways. First, the firing of a sitting board member is completely unprecedented. The firing of the general counsel, however, does have precedent. President Biden did the same thing upon taking office, and his power to do that was upheld.

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The power to fire a member has never been exercised over the NLRA and it's not a power the president has. Its contrary to long-standing law that was established and affirmed by the Supreme Court in a 1935 case.

These agency members, who are essentially members and judges on labor issues, are protected by acts of Congress and insulated from firing by the president to maintain their independence. This is clearly not only unprecedented, but an attempt to broaden presidential power and degrade congressional checks on presidential power. That's the bigger story here.

What happens now? What are the repercussions of this?

The firing creates two issues. First is the issue of: Does the president have the power to do this? Second, it basically paralyzes the board because under 2010 Supreme Court precedent, the board can't do business without at least three members. And right now, the board is left with two members. To the extent that this administration is seeking to paralyze an agency that is viewed as friendly to laborthey've now done that.

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Even when they do have enough members to do business, whenever that may be, it's not as if the firing was immediately followed by new appointmentsin case anyone didn't notice that. So whenever that may be, the board's going to have a huge backlog of work to catch up on and it's going to be tied up in legal challenges.

How will this affect U.S. labor unions moving forward?

Unions are [going to be] looking for the support of the board and establishing new law or upholding labor laws, [and] that they're not going to be able to do that. Theyll be able to litigate cases up to a certain point, but the full board will not be able to decide on anything.

Ultimately, the forum where [unions] have to resolve their disputes has been disabled. In terms of tilting the balance of power in the worker employer relationship, it's now been significantly tilted towards employers. I mean, essentially, [employers] can violate the law and force unions to sue them and enter into litigation that may never end.

What are you expecting to happen to the NLRB over the next four years?

Corporations hate the NLRB. They view it as a real difficult agency to deal with. It's been viewed as traditionally pro-worker. That isnt always true but I understand where it comes from. But that certainly doesn't mean it shouldn't exist.

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I think the Trump plan here is to really defang it and render it as powerless as possible. There are a couple ways to do that. One would be what happened yesterday: to put it in a position where it doesn't have a quorum, and leave it there as long as possible. Then the other would be through budgetary means. And I think that's probably going to be part two of what we see here, to the extent that there's these broad bans on funding for agencies with agendas. Based on what I've seen,the NLRB is certainly going to be tucked into that. Well see some major funding-like choke holds on the agency. I don't think it's going to be an easy or good four years for the board.

What are you expecting to happen to the labor landscape in the U.S. over the next four years?

Its going to be a very tough four years for workers.

Weve already seen a dramatic effort to strip down worker protections against discrimination. Obviously there's been these attacks on DEI, but I think actually DEI is just the headline. The real attack is to go after equal rights legislation and protections.

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Certainly this administration is not going to do anything to broaden protections for workers because that's viewed as more regulation and anti-corporate interests. I think workers need to buckle up and companies are going to have a difficult timethey are already having a difficult time. Because the administration is saying they need to treat workers one way while their own workforce is saying, Hey, we want to be treated a different way. I know from talking to clients that this is already causing a lot of problems for corporate leaders. How to balance this line of managing and motivating their own workforces while trying to stay out of the spotlight of this very vindictive government.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
TOPEKA (KSNT)  Scams happen to thousands of people yearly. Scammers taking your money, sometimes when you least expect it.

In 2024, Topekans were hit hard with scams. 27 News got new information that Topekans lost more than a million dollars in scam-related crimes. There are many different kinds of scams. Scams are ultimately theft by deception, and cases are on the rise.

Sergeant Ky Shorb with the Topeka Police Department (TPD) told 27 News about those rising cases.

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Topeka leaders want to perform rental inspections

I never would have thought I would have fallen victim right until I started diving into these, Shorb said. The scammer has become incredibly sophisticated, and they know how to prey on emotions. They know how to prey on financial wellness and stability.

Shorb said Topeka residents lost $2.1 million total in scam-related crimes. TPD also took in 1,287 total reports, which is up 286 reports from 2023. That totals nearly five times more cases. These numbers are a low estimate because they dont include unreported financial crimes.

Shorb shared what you can do to avoid falling for a trap.

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You are not compelled to do anything, Shorb said. A scammer shouldnt be able to make you do anything over the telephone, email, or chat. If its too good to be true, it probably is.

Stopping communication with the scammer is another approach. You can also contact TPD if you arent sure about a situation. However, there is one thing to remember:

Education is going to be our best bet, especially when confronting scammers, Shorb stated.

Kansas families can now apply for summer grocery assistance

TPD will be working with Operation Shamrock to educate the public on scams. That presentation is expected to be in March, with more possibly in the future.

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Rosie Nichols with the City of Topeka said this regarding scam-related crimes: If someone believes they have been the victim of a scam, we encourage them to contact law enforcement by emailing detectives at telltpd@topeka.org or calling the police at (785) 368-9551 and reporting the information to their financial institution.

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.
Waukesha resident LiKayla Smith regularly juggles working toward her nursing degree with caring for her 4-year-old daughter.

That challenge became even more difficult after the child care program she relies on announced it would be closed indefinitely.

Smith's daughter attends Head Start programming at Child & Family Centers of Excellence in Waukesha, which closed after confusion caused by the federal freeze on grants and loans ordered by President Donald Trump Tuesday.

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Without Head Start, Smith said she'll have no choice but to drop out and go back to work to afford daycare, which can cost hundreds of dollars per week.

She's one of hundreds of families who weren't able to access child care Wednesday after her child's Head Start program in Waukesha closed due to the freeze. The program is among many across Wisconsin and the U.S. scrambling to figure out how to access funding amid website glitches that have affected Headstart programs across the country.

Head Start provides free childcare to low-income families for children up to 5 years old. According to the federal program's most recent report, over 700,000 people nationwide used Head Start's services in 2023.

The White House clarified on Tuesday that the freeze wouldn't affect Head Start programs and rescinded the order Wednesday.

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But in an email to families Wednesday, Child & Family Centers of Excellence CEO Tim Nolan told enrollees that the center is still unable to access payments due to the website glitches.

The online payment system says the funds remain delayed due to executive orders, Nolan said in the email, which was viewed by the Journal Sentinel.

Nolan said the center is monitoring to "determine when money is actually transferred to our bank," the email said.

"The moment this happens, we will be able to reopen," he wrote.

Nolan did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Wisconsin Head Start Association Executive Director Jennie Mauer said some Head Start programs can remain open while others cannot because there are many different ways the programs operate. For example, some programs' core function is Head Start, while some operate as part of larger organizations.

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Either way, Mauer said the federal freeze and payment issues have sent communities into a tailspin.

"This pause has really just further destabilized an already fragile (child care) industry, and it's just really been chaotic," said Mauer.

Teacher Arlen Lopez-Gutierrez, left, and paraprofessional Judith Guarniz Cabell take their K3 Head Start class to the newly added pergola within the courtyard in Allen-Field Elementary School in Milwaukee.

Mauer said Head Start program facilitators across the state don't have much more information than the families they serve.

Typically, if a system is down or experiencing delays, Mauer expects communication.

"But this has been total chaos," she said.

Nearby Waukesha child care center La Casa de Esperanza, which also offers Head Start programs, doesn't plan to halt any of its operations.

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"All information we have received indicates that any pause will not affect Early Head Start or Head Start Programs, so we will remain open and continue to provide uninterrupted services," said La Casa de Esperanza President and CEO Shari Campbell.

If programs are still left waiting for answers on when they'll receive payments by Friday, Mauer predicts there may be more program closures beyond Waukesha and Washington Counties.

"What I know for sure is that programs are working their darndest just to figure out how to stay open," Mauer said. "But they're really scrambling right now."

Quinn Clark is a Public Investigator reporter. She can be emailed at QClark@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Quinn_A_Clark.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin Head Start programs scrambling after federal grant freeze
Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip on Thursday set free a total of eight hostages who had been held since the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel.

This marks the third round of releases since an initial six-week truce in Gaza went into effect on January 19.

Israeli soldier Agam Berger was the first to be handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Her transfer took place amid the ruins of the Jabalia urban refugee camp in northern Gaza.

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Hours later, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that two more Israeli hostages and five foreign nationals had been released to aid workers.

The two Israeli hostages were 29-year-old Arbel Yehud and 80-year-old Gadi Moses. Both Yehud and Moses also hold German citizenship.

While the IDF only described the other five hostages as "foreign nationals," widespread media reports identified them as from Thailand.

In exchange for the hostages' freedom, 110 Palestinians held in Israeli jails are expected to be released.
Donald Trump stepped up his assault on migrants on Wednesday evening, announcing plans to hold detained immigrants at the notorious military prison at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay.

Trump shared his vision for the Cuban prison before signing the Laken Riley Act. That law requires the detention of undocumented immigrants who have been accused of certain crimes. Expecting a glut of immigrants in detention, Trump signed a memo ordering the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense to prepare the prison to hold 30,000 additional detainees.

"Most people don't even know about it. We have 30,000 beds in Guantanamo to detain the worst criminal illegal aliens," Trump said. "That's a tough place to get out of."

Trump says he's signing an order to build a migrant detention camp in Guantanamo Bay pic.twitter.com/VWQKCqCiE5  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 29, 2025

The U.S. has operated a base at the site since 1903. The prison began operation in the wake of the September 11 attacks and has since been used to detain suspects accused of terrorism or declared enemy combatants. The prison and its practice of detaining people who have not been charged with crimes has been a regular sticking point in the years since. President Barack Obama campaigned on plans to close the detention facility, but that never came to fruition.

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Guantanamo does house a migrant processing center already, but it doesn't operate at anywhere near the scale of Trump's request. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canal called the order an "act of brutality" and lambasted the United States for housing migrants "next to the well-known prisons of torture and illegal detention."

Newly confirmed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth supported the move in a stop by Fox News' "The Will Cain Show."

"This is a temporary transit, which is already the mission of naval station Guantanamo Bay, where we can plus up thousands and tens of thousands if necessary, to humanely move illegals out of our country where they do not belong, back to the countries where they came from in proper process," Hegseth said. "We're ramping up for the possibility to expand mass deportations."
Americas worst air disaster in a generation happened at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and its powerful frequent flyers are watching the aftermath intently.

Members of Congress have an intimate relationship with the airport, which is a 10-minute drive from Capitol Hill and is used by hundreds of lawmakers as a commuter hub. Theyve also taken an unusually active role in managing it, and lawmakers were quick to offer condolences, share observations, assert oversight authority and otherwise insert themselves after the deadly crash.

It is the American airport, said Rep. Norma Torres (D-Calif.), who said Reagan National isnt just the most convenient airport for lawmakers. Its the place where citizens all over the country come to lobby their members of Congress, their US senators on issues of extreme importance to them.

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That observation has been used to justify decades of congressional interventions into the airports operations. An act of Congress governs how many flights can come in and out of it and how far they can fly. Then-Speaker Newt Gingrich and congressional Republicans renamed it for the 40th president over local objections in 1998. And its so frequently trafficked by lawmakers that Capitol Police are frequently on site to protect lawmakers who have sometimes been accosted there by vocal fellow flyers.

And it is now presaging an active effort by multiple congressional committees to probe aspects of the crash, which is being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board. Leaders of the House Transportation and Senate Commerce committees have announced plans to monitor the response, as have the chambers Armed Services panels, given the involvement of a military helicopter.

Already the disaster has placed a spotlight on the many connections between Reagan National and Capitol Hill.

A direct-to-Reagan National route is highly coveted by many lawmakers, who frequently lobby airlines to get one for their home states and districts  as Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) did for the inbound-from-Wichita jet that crashed into an Army helicopter while on approach to Reagan Wednesday.

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In the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, which is believed to have killed 67, members of the Washington-area congressional delegation were quick to revisit a fierce debate over the heavy aviation traffic at and around the airport. Local lawmakers who have fielded years of constituent noise complaints opposed an effort to add additional flight slots, arguing it would further strain the busy Washington airspace. A bipartisan group of lawmakers overruled those objections, adding five round-trip flights to benefit their constituents (and themselves).



I've been praying that there wouldn't have been something like last night, but kind of dreading in my heart that there would be, said Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), who opposed adding the new flights. There is no direct evidence that the additional daily traffic played a role in Wednesdays crash.

More broadly, the tragedy is prompting shock and reflection among lawmakers who might have themselves been victims had the mid-air collision happened at a different time, to a different plane.

Its not the first time a Washington air tragedy has made an impact on Capitol Hill. After the January 1982 crash of an Air Florida jetliner, Reagan himself invited Congressional Budget Office worker Lenny Skutnik to his State of the Union address two weeks later  paying tribute to Skutnik for diving into the icy Potomac to save a stricken passenger.

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Today, cars can be seen idling along the Capitols East Front on fly-out days, waiting to whisk members across the Potomac River to the Reagan National terminal. Major airlines employ staff solely devoted to handling lawmakers reservations into and out of the airport.

The last time I flew out of DCA it occurred to me there was a lot of traffic in and around the area, and it felt like something like this could happen, said Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.). Its devastating to see a crash like this and absorb what was supposed to be a safe flight for everyone end in such devastation.

I fly on American Airlines all the time, on that same approach, twice a week and so it could happen to anybody, said Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.). It brings to light how one little mistake can create such a tragedy, and you hate it for all the people involved, but you know, hopefully we can get to the bottom of it and find out what happened.

To that end, various House committees received briefings from the FAA and NTSB on the incident Thursday. One House Transportation Committee member, granted anonymity to describe private discussions on the panel, said a hearing on the crash is likely to be scheduled soon.

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As with all things on Capitol Hill, larger political considerations have lingered over members public response to the tragedy. The early suggestion from a small handful of conservatives that diversity, equity and inclusion programs could be at fault was turbocharged when President Donald Trump cited that as a possible cause at a Thursday afternoon news conference. In turn, some Democrats, including Torres, pointed to Trumps decision to attack federal workers as a precipitating factor.

But many others cautioned against a rush to judgment. Once a cause is firmly identified, Congress could play a role in enacting legislation to prevent another similar crash  as it did after the 2009 crash of Colgan Air flight near Buffalo, New York, toughening the regulations for regional airlines and pilot fatigue standards.

Former Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), an ex-chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said it would be hard for Congress to avoid revisiting just how much traffic is packed into the airspace surrounding Reagan National  and Congress efforts to pack more flights in.

I'm not going to say that was a cause of this, but it is an incredibly hectic corridor between the military traffic and the commercial traffic and, of course, other helicopters, he said. I would hope that members of Congress would back off on pressuring the airport for more and more direct flights to serve them and heed both the concerns of the airport and potentially of the FAA and air traffic control.

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Several sitting members agreed, including Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), a Transportation Committee member. Burchett said in an interview that he wants to review air traffic control transcripts and reexamine Congress decision to allow more Reagan National flights.

Ive flown in there over a hundred times, Im always amazed at the amount of traffic, Burchett said.

But that doesnt mean he or fellow lawmakers are ready to give up on their convenient air hub. Tuberville said he didnt see much of an alternative to his weekly winged commute to and from Auburn, Alabama: Beats driving.

Meredith Lee Hill, Oriana Pawlyk and Katherine Tully-McManus contributed to this report.
A tragic crash near the Ronald Reagan Airport in Washington left 67 dead after a commercial airliner and Army helicopter collided in midair on Wednesday night.

Midair collisions are less common than they once were because of strict regulations controlling air traffic in the U.S., enacted partially as a result of a fatal Arizona plane crash nearly 70 years ago.

The 1956 collision over the Grand Canyon killed more than 100 people. At the time, it was the deadliest civilian plane crash and it remains one of the worst in U.S. history.

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Here's everything you need to know about the deadliest plane crash in Arizona's history and the influence it left on the nation.

What was the deadliest plane crash in Arizona?

The Grand Canyon mid-air collision was among the first commercial airline incidents to result in over 100 fatalities.

On June 30, 1956, a United Airlines Douglas DC-7 crashed into a Trans World Airlines Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation over Grand Canyon National Park.

Live updates: All 67 aboard plane, copter killed in tragic midair collision near DC

What happened during the plane crash?

Both planes took off from Los Angeles just after 9 a.m., but their respective flight plans were completely different, according to Nature, Culture and History at the Grand Canyon.

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The Douglas DC-7 (Flight 718) was headed to Chicago and would be traveling over Palm Springs. The L-1049 Super Constellation (Flight 2) was supposed to fly over the San Bernardino Mountains to reach its destination, Kansas City. So, what went wrong?

Trans World Airlines Flight 2 to Kansas City hit turbulence, so Captain Jack S. Gandy requested an altitude increase of 2,000 feet. Gandy's request was denied by air traffic control, though, so his plane wouldn't cross into United Airlines Flight 718's route.

Gandy then received clearance to fly 1,000 feet on top of any weather in his path. Los Angeles Air Route Traffic Control Center informed Gandy that Flight 718 would be trafficking near him.

The last coherent radio communication from either plane occurred just before 10 a.m., then a missing aircraft alert was issued about an hour later.

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A small aircraft pilot operating for a Grand Canyon scenic flights company identified the wreckage later that day. Search-and-rescue efforts began the following morning, but it was extremely difficult.

How many people died?

Flight 718 fell deep into the canyon near the confluence of the Colorado River and the Little Colorado River, its wreckage strewn over the southern cliff face of Chuar Butte. Flight 2 hit a rock face on the northeast terrace of Temple Butte.

United Airlines utilized a special Swiss mountain rescue team. A paramedic joined rescue teams on the first few helicopter rides to the impact sites, but they soon discovered the heat of the crash had melted and fused the aluminum of the airplanes to the bedrock.

All 128 people on board the planes perished. None of the remains were identified, and a mass funeral was later held in northern Arizona for the victims of Flight 2.

The aftermath

It took two weeks to decipher a garbled transmission Aeronautical Radio Communications in Salt Lake City had picked up on the morning of the collision. The transmission came from United Airlines Flight 718. Crew members could be heard saying "We're going in" and "Pull up!"

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An investigation into the tragedy concluded that pilots did not see each other in time to avoid the collision.

According to Nature, Culture and History at the Grand Canyon, the disaster demonstrated the consequences of an outmoded and overtaxed air transportation system.

The Federal Aviation Administration was later established, partially as a result of the Grand Canyon collision.

Wreckage from the catastrophe is still scattered around the canyon today. According to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, the crash site was declared a National Historic Landmark in 2014, making it the first landmark for an event that happened in the air.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 1956 Grand Canyon plane crash: How the disaster helped form FAA
When Alivia Stehlik, an Army major, came out as a transgender woman in the spring of 2017, she said she was nervous about how her colleagues and other soldiers would react, especially because shes a physical therapist.

You have to physically touch most of your patients, and I had some nerves initially that folks would be uncomfortable, she said. However, in the eight years since she came out, she said shes been overwhelmingly, pleasantly surprised at every single turn.

My bosses, the people that Ive worked with, the people whove worked for me, my patients  nobody cares that Im trans, she added. They just see me as Major Stehlik or Dr. Stehlik. Thats it.

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President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday barring trans people from serving openly and enlisting in the military. The policy argues that the medical and mental health care that some trans people need to treat gender dysphoria  the medical term for the distress caused by a misalignment between ones gender identity and sex at birth  is inconsistent with the militarys high standards for troop readiness, lethality and cohesion, honesty, humility, uniformity and integrity.

Its unclear exactly how the order will affect the thousands of trans service members like Stehlik. Unlike a similar policy Trump issued in 2017 during his first term, this order says being trans fundamentally conflicts with a soldiers commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle, even in ones personal life.

A mans assertion that he is a woman, and his requirement that others honor this falsehood, is not consistent with the humility and selflessness required of a service member, the order states.

Alivia Stehlik has served in the Army since graduating from West Point in 2008.

NBC News spoke to trans service members who could be affected by the order, and they all communicated a similar plan of action: They will continue doing their jobs, and they plan to fight the order.

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Im just resolved, said Stehlik, who is stationed at Fort Campbell on the border of Kentucky and Tennessee, when asked how shes felt since Trump signed the order Monday. Stehlik was commissioned as an officer after graduating from West Point in 2008.

In the summer of 2018, just after she came out, Stehlik was deployed to treat soldiers in Afghanistan for nine months. She said that experience, combined with patches she wears on her uniform that show she went to specialized combat training schools, helps her patients trust her and make her good at her job.

Trans folks are every bit as ready and every bit as deployable as anyone else, she said. We have to meet the same physical fitness standards, the same medical standards to be deployable. And even as we speak, there are trans service members deployed all around the world in harms way, having already met those standards to deploy.

Six trans service members and two trans people who want to enlist sued the Trump administration Tuesday over the executive order.

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Nicolas Talbott, a second lieutenant who has served in the Army Reserves for almost a year, said he joined the lawsuit because he fears the worst-case scenario: that Trumps executive order will force all trans service members out of the military completely.

Thats going to have a huge impact, not only on myself personally  where I would be facing losing my job, losing my future career, losing all of the benefits that come with being a member of the military, which includes my health insurance  but this would be a huge impact on the United States military itself, he said, adding that removing thousands of trans service members would hurt readiness overall.

Nicolas Talbott said he joined a lawsuit challenging the ban because he fears losing the job he has fought for since 2017.

Talbott was a plaintiff in a lawsuit against the 2017 Trump ban, which prevented Talbott from enlisting then. He said he decided to join the suit filed Tuesday because its the right thing to do.

The ultimate goal is that we dont want trans people or any other minority member of the military to have to face this every single time a new politician is elected into office, he said. Our service should not be contingent on who holds political power at the time.

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Like Talbott, this isnt Navy Cmdr. Emily Shillings first go-round with a trans military ban. Shilling  who emphasized she was not speaking on behalf of the Navy or the Pentagon  came out in 2019, two days after the first Trump ban took effect. As a result of the ban, she told NBC News in 2021, she was forced to live a double life: She was living as a trans woman in her personal life, but at work she had to continue serving as her birth sex.

After Biden signed an executive order in 2021 allowing trans people to serve openly, she began to thrive, she said. She was promoted to commander, and she fought for and won her medical clearance to fly high-performance jets again, which she said set a precedent that allowed other trans service members to do the same.

Emily Shilling is the highest-ranking out trans person in the Navy after having served for nearly two decades.

Since Monday, she said, shes felt like shes on a mission. In addition to serving for nearly two decades, she is also the president of Sparta, an advocacy organization for trans members of the military and veterans. She said she would like to have conversations with officials at the Pentagon or the White House about what real trans Americans and service members look like.

Weve served openly for nearly a decade, and weve been able to show that all of the original arguments for why transgender service should not be made open are all just false, she said. Our medical costs are minimal. Our time being down is minimal, and the effect on unit cohesion, morale, its nonexistent.

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Since last week, Trump has issued a number of executive orders targeting trans rights. Hours after his inauguration, he signed an order declaring that the U.S. government will recognize only two sexes, male and female, and that these sexes are not changeable and are grounded in fundamental and incontrovertible reality, resulting in the State Department freezing all passport applications requesting a sex-marker change.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Gender-diverse people and their allies will rally at the Texas Capitol on Thursday afternoon as part of a multi-city day of unity against recent anti-transgender executive orders signed by President Donald Trump.

The Transgender Unity Rallies happened at eight other state capitols. Those include California, Colorado, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio, Utah and Wisconsin.

It saddens me: Protesters take to the Texas Capitol after ICE operations in Austin

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The rally will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Texas Capitols south steps. It will also be streamed online.

Attendees rally with signs at Capitol steps Jan. 30, 2025 | KXAN photo/Cora Neas

About 30-40 people attended the event, some with signs and transgender pride flags. Melody Tremallo, a Transgender Unity Coalition organizer, said she organized the Austin event in a week.

I just happened to be the one here in Texas that offered, she said. We want our lawmakers to understand why were here and what were doing.

Tremallo said that the group is planning a March 1 rally in Washington, DC, and will be contacting Texas lawmakers during the session.

Were seeing a lot of attacks on the transgender community, she said. We came out here today to show our fellow Texans and fellow Americans that the transgender community is here and were not going anywhere.

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Rep. Gina Hinojosa, D-Austin, spoke at the event and offered a message of support to her transgender constituents.

Let me apologize on behalf of the people in this Capitol who file legislation that is attacking the LGBTQ+ community, she said. I will do everything in my power to fight back against discriminatory bills/discriminatory laws, and my message to the community is, establish those relationships within your community, strengthen those bonds. Well need each other in these fightsIm thankful for the people who show up here to fight.

How Trump targeted Trans people

Since the start of his term, Trump signed orders directing federal agencies to:

A world without us has never existed: Transgender Texans react to Trumps gender mandate

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His Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has also issued guidance to agencies about these orders. Late Wednesday, an OPM memo banned transgender people from using restrooms at federal properties.

A recent freeze on federal grants and funding was also done, in part, to ensure that no public funds went to support or aid transgender Americans, according to the OPM.

The Transgender Education Network of Texas Executive Director Emmett Schelling said in a Thursday press release that transgender people wont back down and will fight the administration on all fronts.

We will not be intimidated by attacks fueled by disinformation and hate seeking to instigate fear for the sake of cheap political gain, Schelling said. Trans people will not be exiled or erased; we have always, and will continue to exist. The deep and immutable truth of knowing ourselves as who we are to the core of our spirit and soul can never be stolen from us by any amount of shameful external attacks waged by any level of government.

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Texas Governor Greg Abbott said in a letter to state agencies Thursday that Texas would follow Trumps orders.

The State of Texas recognizes only two sexesmale and femaleand sex discrimination consists in treating a member of one sex less favorably than the other, absent some pertinent difference, Abbott said. All Texas agencies must ensure that agency rules, internal policies, employment practices, and other actions comply with the law and the biological reality that there are only two sexesmale and female.

Texas and the U.S. Congress dont have definitions of male and female in their laws, but there are pending legislation in both legislatures to codify those terms.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Members of a gang with ties to Venezuela were arrested and indicted on weapons charges after an investigation uncovered a gun-trafficking ring that sold firearms, as well as drugs, throughout New York City, officials said.

Dozens of deadly weapons were seized Tuesday in what authorities dubbed Operation Train Derail, an ambitious takedown of ruthless criminals who were part of one of the most dangerous gangs in the country.

Arrested were 10 members of Tren de Aragua, a gang that originated in Venezuela, with branches now in New York City, Texas and Colorado, as well as in some Latin American countries neighboring Venezuela.

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Most of the gang members were busted in the Bronx, along with one in Brooklyn, one in Monroe, in the Hudson Valley, plus two out of state, in Houston and Miami.

The gun-trafficking operation occurred in Queens, Manhattan and the Bronx.

According to this indictment, they bought guns from gun-friendly states and brought them here to sell, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said. They stole firearms that are proceeds of burglaries and car break-ins from other states. They relied on the use of rental vehicles to come up the iron pipeline and sell them to people in the City of New York.

They were aware they could make money in the City of New York, and they even discussed smuggling them into Colombia. Due to the success of this investigation, those plans never came to fruition.

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Officials said the eight-month investigation resulted in the seizure of 34 guns, including two assault rifles, plus 48 grams of a drug cocktail known as tusi or pink cocaine.

Many of the weapons were sold in broad daylight, including several transactions that took place in a shopping center parking lot in College Point. According to an official, the conspiracy was centered in Queens.

During another sale, an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle was placed in a garbage bag and sold in the middle of the afternoon in the Bronx.

The guns sale prices ranged from $1,200 to $2,800, officials said.

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Tren de Aragua is one of the most dangerous gangs in the country, and the NYPD has taken significant action to shut down their operations in New York City, said NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

Todays indictment makes clear that we will not let them terrorize our streets with illegal guns, assault weapons and dangerous narcotics that threaten all our communities.

To coordinate the transactions, gang members communicated on WhatsApp, officials said.

The Tren de Aragua gang has been linked to a series of kidnappings, extortion and other crimes throughout the Western Hemisphere. Its spread to the U.S. and other countries is tied to a mass exodus of migrants from Venezuela, where the gang originated more than a decade ago.

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Tren De Aragua members have been among targets of Trump administration immigration raids.

NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said Wednesday that all of the indicted Tren de Aragua members had entered the country illegally around 2023.

Two of the defendants have yet to be apprehended, officials said.
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  One of two suspects in the murder of a Sioux City woman was back in court on Wednesday.

Jessica Bino, 33, is charged with first-degree murder in the killing of her grandmother back in Oct. 2023. During the second day of testimony, Dr. Jacob Smith with the office of the state of Iowas Medical Examiner took the stand.

Sioux City firefighter accused of sexual abuse of child in northeast Iowa

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Woodbury County attorney James Loomis asked the doctor about the autopsy that he performed on 77-year-old victim Suzette Occhibone, along with the severity of the wounds she sustained.

So anything that would damage the lungs could cause, it did cause blood to fill up in there, in her chest cavity, which would make breathing more difficult, Smith said. It could also introduce air into the chest cavity as well as allow air to escape, which can impair and make breathing more difficult. So without proper medical care, this would be a fatal wound.

Bino waived her right to a jury trial. District judge Steven Andreasen will decide her case. If found guilty, Bino faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.

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There is momentum at the Statehouse to address child care affordability and availability.

Most of the momentum is fueled by the realization  finally  that child care affects the workforce, therefore it affects the ability for Indiana to compete in a national and global market.

What we hear from not only our small businesses but our large businesses is the need for workforce. The harder we make it on our workforce to enter the workforce, the worse off our businesses are going to be, Rep. Kyle Miller, D-Fort Wayne, minority chair of the House Commerce, Small Business and Economic Development Committee, told The Statehouse File.

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Vanessa Green Sinders, president and CEO of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, echoed those remarks. Indiana, we are such a great state to do business in, and we have so much economic development going on,  but that enthusiasm and that economic development is going to take more workforce, she said.

Research conducted during March 2024 by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce suggests that insufficient child care availability is costing Indiana $4.22 billion in lost economic activity each year. It also found over half of Indiana parents miss work or class due to child-care problems.

Child care-friendly legislation has been filed by two Democrats so far this session.

House Bill 1430, filed by Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser, D-Jeffersonville, will create the Employee Child Care Assistance Partnership program. And, Senate Bill 115, filed by Sen. Rodney Pol Jr., D-Chesterton, will give workers and caretakers increased access to paid family and medical leave.

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Both bills have a long way to go to gather support and with a Republican-led supermajority may not have legs to stand on by the end. But they should.

Both Democrats and Republicans are affected by the crisis and both support a healthy workforce for this state.

Both of these bills deserve consideration and debate, but also movement. The General Assembly is uniquely positioned to play a role in solving the child care crisis. They should get serious in doing so.

Affordable and reliable child care also affects families well-being, the ability to live, work and play in their communities  their quality of life. Dont we want a state that can support families who want to stay here?
The Trump Department of Transportation is actively considering its options to kill New Yorks congestion pricing plan, just three weeks after it started, two sources told the New York Times.

The newspaper reported Thursday that the Trump Administration is weighing whether it can pull the plug on a key federal authorization granted by the Biden administration last year. Trump has repeatedly stated he opposes the congestion plan, which charges most motorists $9 a day to enter Manhattan south of 60th St.

An MTA spokesman declined to comment on the report Thursday, referring the Daily news to an earlier comment made by MTA chairman Janno Lieber.

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Weve been sued in every federal court and state court east of the Mississippi, and were batting a thousand, Lieber said in an interview earlier this month. Weve won every time.

Gov. Hochul has already been in communication with Trump on the issue, according to a source familiar with the matter. Hochul has had two one-on-one conversations with President Trump this week, the source said  including a conversation Thursday morning  during which the congestion toll was discussed.

According to the source, Trump told Hochul that his administration was not planning on acting immediately, and would likely not attempt to take any action on congestion pricing before another conversation planed with the governor next week.

Sources told The News that the key authorization the Trump administration is thought to be targeting is the so-called VPPP agreement, signed in December under the Value Pricing Pilot Program, to allow congestion pricing tolls to be used for purposes other than road maintenance.

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The funds from the tolling plan are earmarked for mass transit improvements.

The VPPP agreement, signed in the waning days of 2024 by the state, local and federal departments of transportation, was the final sign-off required to authorize the program, revenue from which is required by law to back bonds funding the MTAs capital program.

It was not immediately clear what legal authority the Trump administration might have to renege on the agreement.

Asked for comment Thursday, Hochuls press secretary Avi Small told The News that the governor remained committed to continued funding for the MTA.

Americas economy relies on New York City, and New York City relies on public transit, Small said in a statement. Thats why Gov. Hochul will always advocate for funding of the commuter rail, subways and buses that fuel the economic growth of the greatest city in the world.

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Meanwhile, the MTA released early data on congestion pricing this week, showing the toll has significantly sped up vehicular traffic in Midtown and lower Manhattan.

Travel times across both East River and Hudson River crossings into the congestion zone have plummeted, according to the data, with morning commutes averaging from 10% to 30% quicker than January 2024.
NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB)  The Trump administration on Wednesday rescinded an order freezing federal grants and loans. The order comes after the federal government enacted the freeze, which caused mass confusion across the country and the filing of lawsuits.

Even with the order on federal grants and loans being rescinded, local agencies still have many questions on whether theyre going to get the funds they expect, and whether they have to create backup plans.

The order freezing federal grants and loans was set to go into effect at 5 p.m. Tuesday and state attorneys general from across the country, including in New York state, sued the Trump administration. A federal judge then temporarily blocked the freezing order.

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Still, with the order being rescinded, agencies like Pinnacle Community Services in Niagara Falls still havent been assured that it will receive the federal funds it expects.

Pinnacle relies on $1 million per year from the federal government to operate two homeless shelters and a program geared to local youth.

We were able to get some access to the system yesterday, but since then, that access has been limited across the state, said Laura Pennington, president and CEO of Pinnacle Community Services.

Democratic states sue Trump administration over federal funding freeze

With the back and forth over federal funding, Pinnacle said it would have to close its shelters if the money does not arrive.

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At this point, were going to do our best to keep the programs in place and I hate to say its on a day-to-day basis as to whether or not the funding is going to come through, said Steve Sinclair, board treasurer of Pinnacle Community Services. We have to determine how long can we do the program for.

A spokesperson for the Erie County government said the county is still waiting on $5 million in FEMA reimbursements from the deadly Christmas blizzard that took place over two years ago.

The county executives office said that the federal freeze threatened funding to over 120 grants and programs in the county.

Just last week, the regular Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) ran out of money from the federal government. Governor Kathy Hochuls office said it then had to replenish the program using $35 million in state funds.

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I think whats important is that customers get their applications in early, thats really key, said Shelby Cohen, a spokesperson for NYSEG. These funds are only available until they are exhausted, so whats really important is that if youre having trouble paying your bill, reach out and look for those resources.

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Jeff Preval is an award-winning anchor and reporter who joined the News 4 team in December 2021. See more of his work here.

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Donald Trump has raised questions over why a military helicopter did not avoid a passenger plane as a probe was opened into the armed forces involvement in a deadly collision between the two aircraft.

The commercial jet carrying 64 passengers plunged into the Potomac River near Washington DCs Reagan National Airport after colliding mid-air with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter.

The US president speculated that the military aircraft could have been to blame for the incident, even as the authorities were still looking into the cause of the tragic crash.

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The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time, Mr Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didnt the helicopter go up or down, or turn. Why didnt the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane.

This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!

Credit: Earthcam

Mr Trump had earlier said that he had been fully briefed on the incident.

Pete Hegseth, his controversial defence secretary, wrote on social media that the army and Pentagon would investigate the crash.

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He shared an email from Heather Chairez, a military spokesman, which said the helicopter had been on a training flight out of Davison Army Airfield, fewer than 20 miles south of Reagan National Airport.

The crash is the first disaster faced by Mr Trump and his administration weeks after entering office in the White House for the second time.

Rescue workers have been battling murky, cold and windy conditions while searching for survivors in the Potomac River.

There are believed to be no survivors from the American Airlines plane and military helicopter, the local fire chief said.

Mr Trumps comments raise an uncomfortable question over the militarys potential involvement in the crash.

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In and out of office, the US president has accused an element of the deep state, including within the military, of attempting to undermine him politically.

Before his election, he blamed the Secret Service for failing to stop an assassination attempt during a rally in Pennsylvania.

Mr Trump is seen as rooting out officials from the intelligence agencies to the military and law enforcement to crack down on his perceived opponents.

Extremist crimes in US military

Research published recently appears to show an increasing link between extremism cases in the US and the countrys military.

A report from the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism published in December found that from 1990 to 2023, 730 individuals with US military backgrounds had committed criminal acts that were motivated by their political, economic, social or religious goals, Axios reported.

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The data show that there has been an increase in incidents.

Between 1990-2010, an average of 7.1 people per year with US military backgrounds committed extremist crimes.

Since 2011, that number has grown to 44.6 per year.

Some 84 per cent were no longer serving in the military when they committed extremist crimes, the report said.

Emergency response units work at the scene of the plane wreckage in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington Airport - Andrew Harnik/Getty Images North America

Most recently, a man who died inside of a Tesla Cyber truck that exploded outside of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Jan 1 was a serving member of the US Army.

The FBI said the suspect in a deadly vehicle attack, which killed at least 10 people, in New Orleans on New Years Day was also a veteran.

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Mr Hegseth during his confirmation hearing said the accusations of extremism within the military was fake, adding the Pentagon had overreacted by peddling the lie of racism in the military.

Audio recordings of air traffic control communications captured the moment the helicopter pilots were asked if the commercial jet, operated by American Airlines, was in sight.

An air traffic controller asked: PAT 2-5 do you have the CRJ in sight?

PAT 2-5 pass behind the CRJ, the controller added.

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In further audio captured before the crash, the helicopter pilot can be heard saying: PAT 2-5 has aircraft in sight, request visual separation.

Near-misses at Reagan National Airport are not uncommon in what experts describe as a complicated airspace situation.

There were at least eight near-mid-air collisions around the airport in 2024, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Mary Schiavo, a US Transportation Department official, told CNN: You cant get into the DCA airspace unless you are totally under air traffic control.

Anybody operating in that had to coordinate with air traffic control. And we know that happened because air traffic control talked to the helicopter.

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PNN New Delhi [India], January 30: Moving to Ireland for your studies is an exciting opportunity, but finding the right accommodation can make or break your experience. The country is known for its warm hospitality, excellent educational institutions, and diverse housing options, but the process of securing accommodation can feel overwhelming, especially for international students. This post will help you navigate the process and find a student accommodation in Dublin that feels like home while ensuring it meets your needs and budget. Why Choose Ireland for Education? Ireland has emerged as a leading global study destination, attracting international students with its prestigious universities, rich cultural heritage, and post-study work rights. Top-ranked Irish institutions like Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, and University of Galway offer world-class education and research opportunities. The country's vibrant cosmopolitan cities also draw students seeking to immerse themselves in Ireland's music, arts, and culture scene. Ireland's post-study work visa allows graduates to work full-time for around up to two years after finishing their degree. This helps them kickstart their careers and recover some tuition costs. Additionally, Irish people are well-known for their warm hospitality, making students feel at home. With such academic, cultural, and career perks on offer, it's no wonder Ireland has become so popular for international education. The surge in student numbers, however, has increased competition for securing affordable yet quality accommodation. Types of Student Accommodation in Ireland Ireland offers various student accommodation in Cork that are tailored to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are the most common types: * University-Provided Housing On-campus dorms or university-leased apartments offer a convenient housing solution. Fully furnished and inclusive of utilities, they provide easy access to classes, libraries, and campus events. Moreover, these apartments are best suited for first-years or students new to Ireland seeking a built-in community. * Private Student Accommodations Purpose-built off-campus residences provide private bedrooms with shared common living spaces. They offer amenities like gyms, lounge areas, study rooms, and high-speed internet-great for productivity. Additionally, these residences allow interaction with fellow students while still having personal space, making them popular with international students. * Shared Housing Rentals You can find affordable flats or houses on the private rental market by opting for shared living with other students. This gives you an independent living experience while splitting costs, allowing you to save money. It also lets you learn from flatmates who are familiar with the local area and culture. It is ideal for those prioritising costs or prefer an Irish living experience. * Homestays Immerse yourself in Irish culture by living with a local host family. This option is perfect for students who want closer community ties and a warm welcome to Ireland. It often includes household amenities like meals and utilities. Daily Irish family interactions provide an opportunity to improve English skills. * Short-Term Furnished Rentals For students desiring flexibility, short-term, fully furnished rentals allow you to secure temporary housing while transitioning to more permanent accommodation. This is a handy stopgap option for newly arriving students still figuring out long-term plans. Conclusion Securing student accommodation in Ireland doesn't have to be daunting. With early planning, thorough research, and a clear understanding of your preferences, you can find a place that aligns with your academic and personal needs. Whether you opt for on-campus housing, a private residence, or a homestay, ensure it provides a safe, comfortable, and enriching environment that complements your journey in Ireland. (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)
(Bloomberg) -- President Donald Trump quickly politicized the air collision between an American Airlines Group Inc. regional jet and a military helicopter, blaming diversity, equity and inclusion programs for the most deadly US commercial airline accident in over a decade.

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Trump said he didnt know the true cause of the deadly crash, but said he had opinions, reaching for his familiar attack on diversity initiatives. When pressed for evidence, Trump credited his conclusion to common sense.

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I have common sense, okay? And unfortunately, a lot of people dont, he said. We want brilliant people doing this. This is a major chess game at the highest level, when you have 60 planes coming in during a short period of time.

His remarks broke with a longstanding policy of transportation safety officials serving as the primary source of public information about accidents under investigation.

Trump did say he believed that there was a pilot problem, from the standpoint of the helicopter and conceded he did not know that necessarily its even the controllers fault. Still, he repeatedly returned to criticism of federal hiring practices and the administration of former President Joe Biden in his remarks.

Later Thursday, Trump signed an executive action that directs the Department of Transportation and the FAA to review all hiring decisions and changes to safety protocols made during the prior 4 years, and to take such corrective action as necessary to achieve uncompromised aviation safety, including the replacement of any individuals who do not meet qualification standards.

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Trump has long attacked diversity and inclusion programs. He began his remarks on Thursday by insinuating that the outcomes dont produce the most qualified employees, as well as mentioning natural intellect.

Facts matter, said Katie Thomson, the FAAs former deputy administrator under Biden, who left shortly before Trump took office. All air traffic controllers are hired under objective, merit-based criteria and must meet and maintain rigorous training requirements.

The Federal Aviation Administrations air-traffic control workforce of more than 18,000 is overwhelmingly white and male, according to an agency website. About 75% of air traffic controllers are white, while nearly 84% are male, according to agency figures from fiscal year 2024. Roughly 93% were listed as having no disability.

The Biden administration did take steps to hire more people from diverse backgrounds, including individuals with disabilities and people of color. That included increasing FAA recruitment efforts in underrepresented communities.

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There are thousands of factors that go into any plane crash investigation, and the diversity-hiring initiative status of the workers that day is not one of them, said Jess Davidson, a spokeswoman with the American Association of People with Disabilities. It is extremely inappropriate for the president to use this tragedy to push an anti-diversity hiring agenda. Doing so makes all Americans less safe.

Diversity practices also havent been linked to recent accidents and near-misses. The consensus among safety experts is that one of the main problems is a shortage of pilots and air-traffic controllers, in large part due to the Covid-19 pandemic when hiring and training were disrupted. At the same time, theres been a huge resurgence in air travel since the pandemic, which has further strained the aviation system.

The NAACP is disgusted by this display of unpresidential, divisive behavior. The President has made his decision to put politics over people abundantly clear as he uses the highest office in the land to sow hatred rooted in falsehoods instead of providing us with the leadership we need and deserve, NAACP President Derrick Johnson said.

Staffing at the airport control tower was not normal for the volume of traffic and time of day, the New York Times reported Thursday.

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The National Airspace Traffic Controllers Association, the industrys labor union, said that as of the end of September, there was was still a shortage of more than 3,500 certified air-traffic controllers.

Accident Reaction

Trumps comments ridiculing DEI programs were echoed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in the briefing Thursday at the White House, while Vice President JD Vance suggested that when you were not getting the best people in government it puts stresses on the people who are already there.

Trump defended his approach, suggesting that raising the political issues would not make a difference to those who had perished in the crash.

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The administration will be closely watched over how it handles the crash, with some top cabinet officials only days into their roles. Hegseth was sworn into his post on Saturday, while Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy  whose department houses the FAA  was sworn in Tuesday.

Potentially complicating matters, the FAA does not have a Senate-confirmed administrator at the moment after Mike Whitaker stepped down on the day of Trumps inauguration. Trump said Thursday that Chris Rocheleau, the former chief operating officer of the National Business Aviation Association, will serve in that role on an acting basis.

The FAA said it would launch a probe into the crash alongside the National Transportation Safety Board, which will lead the inquiry. Hegseth said the Pentagon has also launched its own investigation into the incident.

Crash Norms

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Under longstanding rules, investigative authorities including the NTSB, have served as the sole provider of public information about aviation and other disasters being probed. As of early Thursday afternoon, no NTSB official, including Chair Jennifer Homendy, have provided a public update about their investigation.

The agency tightly controls the release of information to ensure that only facts unearthed through their work inform their findings about an accidents most likely cause. Those findings also underpin subsequent recommendations to prevent future tragedies.

The NTSB has responded harshly when others break with that practice. The agency, which is expected to give its first briefing on the DC crash on Thursday, chastised Boeing Co. last year for holding an unauthorized briefing with reporters related to the midair blowout on one of its jets.

Duffy tested those communication protocols, when he told reporters earlier on Thursday that the flight paths of both aircraft were normal and not unusual for what happens in the DC airspace. He later said he thought the accident was absolutely preventable.

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I think he went out of his lane a little bit, said Jeffrey Guzzetti, a former accident investigation chief for the FAA. He attributed the misstep to Duffy being new to his job.

Early Response

The plane operated by American Airlines subsidiary PSA Airlines, collided with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport just before 9 p.m. local time on Wednesday night, according to the FAA. The flight, carrying 60 passengers and four crew on board, had departed from Wichita, Kansas, and was set to land at Reagan airport, which is in Arlington, Virginia, across the river from the nations capital and just south of the Pentagon. There were no survivors.

The Armys Black Hawk helicopter had three airmen aboard, according to an Army official who asked not to be identified discussing details that hadnt been publicly disclosed. The helicopter was based at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. The Army for years has flown night and day helicopter missions in the Northern Virginia skies near Reagan Airport, including missions that are sometimes classified.

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President Trump has signed a flurry of executive orders since he was sworn in to office again on Jan. 20, keeping his campaign promises to enact his conservative agenda.

Several of his executive orders have been related to immigration, including a move to house deported migrants at Guantanamo Bay and an attempt to end birthright citizenship. Other actionsto reshape government include ending diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs; withdrawing from the Paris Agreement; and renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.

Here is a list of some of his most significant executive orders to date.

Termination of DEI offices

Trumps Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is ordering department and agency leaders to terminate all DEI offices and personnel.

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A memo from OPM instructed agencies to place all DEI employees on paid leave. Agencies and departments were told to report all steps taken to comply with the directive and to submit the plan by Jan. 31.

Ending birthright citizenship

Trump said he would end birthright citizenship for children born to people living without legal status in the U.S.  a provision that runs afoul of a constitutional guarantee.

The order asserts that the 14th Amendment has never been interpreted to extend citizenship universally to everyone born within the United States. A federal judge has temporarily blocked the order, a major hit to one of the presidents Day 1 priorities.

Pardons for nearly all Jan. 6 rioters

Trump pardoned nearly all Jan. 6 defendants, making good on a long-standing campaign promise just hours into his second presidency. He also commuted the sentences of Proud Boys and Oath Keepers members charged with plotting to forcibly halt the peaceful transfer of power in 2020 to time served. Former Proud Boys national Chair Enrique Tarrio received a pardon.

Reinstating military members dismissed over COVID-19 vaccine refusal

Service members dismissed from the military for failing to get vaccinated against COVID-19 reinstated with full back pay and benefits. The move makes good on one of Trumps campaign promises and is something he previewed during his inaugural address.

Banning transgender people from military service

Trump signed an executive order effectively barring transgender people from serving openly in the military, renewing a policy he first began implementing in 2017 during his first term.

Banning gender-affirming care for minors

Trump signed a sweeping executive order meant to broadly restrict access to gender-affirming care for transgender children and teenagers younger than 19, inching closer to fulfilling a key campaign promise to ban treatments that he and his administration have cast as experimental and dangerous, in conflict with findings by major medical associations and transgender health experts.

Recognizing only 2 sexes

Trump signed a sweeping executive order during his first hours in office recognizing only two sexes, male and female, and directing federal agencies to cease promotion of the concept of gender transition.

Delaying TikTok ban for 75 days

President Trump signed an executive order giving TikTok an additional 75 days before a law that will ban the popular video-sharing platform takes effect. The app had shut down in the United States days before, leaving American users unable to access the platform for more than 12 hours.

Pause of federal loans and grants

The Trump administration directed federal agencies to pause the disbursement of loans and grants while the government conducts a review to ensure spending aligns with the presidents agenda. The Trump administrations Office of Management and Budget released a new memo two days later rescinding the controversial move.

Militarizing the border

Trump declared the southern border a national emergency in an executive order, allowing him to activate active-duty troops for the effort.

Housing migrants in Guantanamo Bay facility

President Trump signed a memo to prepare a massive facility at Guantanamo Bay to be used to house deported migrants.

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The memo will direct the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security to prepare a 30,000-person migrant facility at Guantanamo Bay, a facility in Cuba that has been used to house military prisoners, including several involved in the 9/11 attacks.

Refugee program suspended

Trump paused the U.S. refugee program, leaving it under review for three months.

The order calls for the departments of Homeland Security and State to issue a report within 90 days detailing whether its in the nations interests to resume the admission of refugees.

Shutting down the CBP One app

Trump administration officials shut down a mobile app used by migrants to make appointments at the U.S.-Mexico border.

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By shutting down the CBP One app, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials canceled all outstanding appointments made by migrants without visas who sought to enter the United States through legal ports of entry.

Designating certain cartels as foreign terror organizations

Trump designated certain drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, a move specifically aimed at groups such as MS-13 and Tren de Aragua. This allows authorities to more easily arrest and deport convicted members, as well as prosecute those who aid the cartels.

Defunding schools teaching CRT, radical gender ideology

Trump signed an executive order prohibiting federal funds from going to K-12 public schools that teach critical race theory (CRT) or gender issues.

The order, which could quickly face legal challenges, prohibits federal funding of the indoctrination of children which includes radical gender ideology and critical race theory in the classroom.

US Iron Dome

The president also issued an executive order to create a next-generation missile defense shield, which the White House referred to as the Iron Dome for America after Israels missile defense system.

Release of JFK assassination files

Trump signed an executive order directing the release of federal government documents related to the assassinations of former President John F. Kennedy, former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr.

Withdrawing from the WHO

Trump issued an executive order withdrawing the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO). This is the second time he has tried to pull the country out of the public health organization, having previously done so months before the end of his first term.

Renaming Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America

Trump renamed the Gulf of Mexico and the mountain Denali as part of a surge of Day 1 executive orders. The major body of water was renamed to the Gulf of America, and the Alaskan mountains name was reverted to Mount McKinley.

Withdrawal from Paris Climate Agreement

Trump announced the withdrawal of the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement shortly after his inauguration, echoing a similar decision made in his first term that was later reversed by former President Biden.

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President Donald Trump blamed diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at the Federal Aviation Administration for a deadly midair collision between an Army helicopter and a passenger jet outside Washington, as authorities continue to investigate the worst U.S. aviation disaster in almost a quarter century.

Speaking in the White House press briefing room Thursday, the president, without evidence, blamed air traffic controllers, as well as the helicopter pilot and Democratic policies at federal agencies for Wednesday nights collision, which occurred between an American Airlines jet and a Blackhawk helicopter at Ronald Reagan National Airport.

Trump stated the helicopter pilot made an incorrect turn prior to the collision, though he did not provide evidence to support his claim.

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I have helicopters. You can stop a helicopter very quickly, Trump said. It had the ability to go up or down. It had the ability to turn, and the turn it made was not the correct turn, obviously.

Trump asserted this opinion even though the crash has yet to be fully investigated and there has been no determination as to whether the FAA or the helicopter pilots did anything wrong.

Passenger jet collides with Army helicopter at Reagan Airport

Dozens of people  including more than a dozen figure skaters  were killed in the collision after the helicopter apparently flew into the path of the jet as it was landing at the airport, officials said.

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There are reportedly no survivors.

The plane was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members at the time.

Three soldiers, whose identities have not yet been released, were aboard the helicopter during a training flight, an Army official previously said.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth identified the three soldiers as a captain, staff sergeant and chief warrant officer 2 at Thursdays briefing.

While performing a training mission, a United States Army UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter from Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, collided in midair with an American Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet Flight 5342 last night at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, said Ron McLendon II, public affairs deputy director of the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington.

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The FAA, NTSB and the United States Army will investigate, he added. The NTSB will lead the investigation. We are working with local officials and will provide any additional information once it becomes available.

Hegseth released a statement on social media Thursday morning, noting that the helicopter crew members were conducting an annual proficiency night training flight at the time of the collision and were using night-vision goggles.

The 12th Aviation Battalion announced a 48-hour operational pause in the wake of the crash, Hegseth added.

The body of the plane was found upside down in three sections in waist-deep water. The wreckage of the helicopter was also found. At least 28 bodies were pulled from the icy waters of the Potomac River. There was no immediate word on the cause of the collision, but officials said flight conditions were clear as the jet arrived from Wichita, Kansas.

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Trump suggested Thursday he might make sweeping changes at federal aviation agencies. There could be firings if we find that people arent mentally competent, he said.

For some jobs, Trump said, singling out air traffic controllers, they have to be at the highest level of genius.

Trump blamed previous administrations efforts to promote diversity at federal agencies for contributing to the crash. Asked why he thought that was an issue with Wednesdays collision, he responded, Because I have common sense.

During Thursdays briefing, Hegseth echoed Trumps remarks on DEI policies, stating, The era of DEI is gone at the Defense Department.

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As you said in your inaugural, it is colorblind and merit-based. The best leaders possible, whether its flying Black Hawks and flying airplanes, leading platoons or in government, Hegseth told reporters. We need the best and brightest, whether its in our air traffic control, whether its in our generals, or whether its throughout government.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said Trump spewing conspiracy theories about the crash turns your stomach.

Its one thing for internet pundits to spew off conspiracy theories, its another for the president of the United States, Schumer said at the Capitol.

Meanwhile, Coast Guard boats were helping to scour the chilly waters of the Potomac River.

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Every available U.S. Coast Guard resource for search and rescue has been deployed to join other agencies, said Secretary Kristi Noem of the Department of Homeland Security.

We are actively monitoring the situation & stand ready to support local responders, Noem said on the social media platform X.

In a statement, the Coast Guard says its pollution crews have been mobilized and are ready to respond if necessary.

The Coast Guard is working with the Army Corps of Engineers and Navys Supervisor of Salvage and Diving to coordinate removing the wreckage and keeping river traffic out of the area until it becomes safe.

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Wednesdays crash was the deadliest in the U.S. since Nov. 12, 2001, when an American Airlines flight crashed into a residential area of Belle Harbor, New York, just after takeoff from Kennedy Airport, killing all 260 people aboard.

The last major fatal crash involving a U.S. commercial airline occurred in 2009 near Buffalo, New York. Everyone aboard the Bombardier DHC-8 propeller plane was killed, along with one person on the ground, bringing the total death toll to 50.

Military Times editor Beth Sullivan contributed to this report.
President Trump on Thursday appeared to blame diversity initiatives at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for weakening safety following a deadly midair collision near Reagan National Airport.

Trump spoke to the press from the White House briefing room about the incident, which he called a tragedy of terrible proportions. But his solemn tone quickly gave way to lambasting the Biden and Obama administrations, taking aim specifically at hiring initiatives.

Brilliant people have to be in those positions, Trump said.

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He cited efforts by the FAA to hire individuals with disabilities, including dwarfism, missing limbs and intellectual disabilities.

A group within the FAA determined that the workforce was too white, then they had concerted efforts to get the administration to change that and to change it immediately, Trump said. This was in the Obama administration.

Trump also blasted Pete Buttigieg, who served as Transportation secretary during the Biden administration.

Hes a disaster now. Hes just got a good line of bulls, Trump said of Buttigieg. Well he runs it, 45,000 people, and hes run it right into the ground with his diversity.

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In a post on the social platform X, Buttigieg called Trumps comments despicable.

As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying. We put safety first, drove down close calls, grew Air Traffic Control, and had zero commercial airline crash fatalities out of millions of flights on our watch, Buttigieg posted. Time for the President to show actual leadership and explain what he will do to prevent this from happening again.

Trump, asked how he could be so sure diversity played a role in the crash when he acknowledged himself the air traffic controllers may not have done anything wrong, told reporters it was because he has common sense.

Trump in his first two weeks in office has rapidly sought to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in the government. Trump moved to place all federal employees working on such programs on administrative leave and encourage the private sector to also end DEI initiatives.

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About 60 people were believed to be on the American Airlines flight that collided with a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter on its final approach to Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Va., on Wednesday night.

Other Trump administration officials echoed the presidents rhetoric about diversity efforts playing a role in weakening government agencies.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Pentagon would be colorblind moving forward. Vice President Vance suggested that changing hiring standards means you dont have the best people.

Updated at 11:54 a.m. EST

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President Donald Trump blasted Democratic politicians  including Barack Obama, Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg  and diversity policies as contributing factors in the crash of American Airlines Flight 5342 during a Thursday press conference.

The president began his press conference with a poignant message on the crash, which killed at least 67 people on Wednesday night. There were no survivors.

Were all overcome with the grief for many who have so tragically perished will no longer be with us together, Trump said. We take solace in the knowledge that their journey ended, not in the cold waters of the Potomac but in the warm embrace of a loving God.

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He then went on the offensive, suggesting that while officials are still searching for answers, he had some very strong opinions and ideas on what led to the helicopter collision.

That included diversity hiring policies spearheaded by Buttigieg, who just exited as the head of the Department of Transportation. Trump pointed to the Federal Aviation Administrations website  which he said Buttigieg oversaw  saying diversity is integral to achieving safe and efficient travel. I dont think so, Trump said.

He then sarcastically called Buttigieg a real winner before laying into him.

Hes a disaster. He was a disaster as a mayor. He ran his city into the ground, and hes a disaster. Now hes just got a good line of bullst, Trump said. The Department of Transportation is [the] government agency charged with regulating civil aviation. Well, he runs it, 45,000 people, and hes run it right into the ground with his diversity. So I had to say that its terrible.

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Buttigieg responded to Trump shortly after on X, writing, As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying.

He added that when he was leading the Department of Transportation, it had zero commercial airline crash fatalities out of millions of flights on our watch.

Earlier in the press conference, Trump pointed to recent press clippings that highlighted how federal agencies were focused on diversity, equity and inclusion.

Heres one, he said, pointing to an article from earlier this month, the FAA diversity push includes focus on hiring people with severe intellectual and psychiatric disabilities. That is amazing.

Trump continued: Then it says FAA says, people with severe disabilities are most underrepresented segment of the workforce, and they want them in, and they want them they can be air traffic controllers. I dont think so.

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The DEI emphasis from prior administrations, he noted, potentially led to a drop in safety standards. I put safety first, he said. Obama, Biden and the Democrats put policy first, and they put politics at a level that nobodys ever seen, because this was the lowest level.

Trumps pick to succeed Buttigieg, Sean Duffy, was sworn in earlier this week. The president said he signed an executive order last week restoring our highest standards for air traffic controllers and other important jobs throughout the country.

This was the first commercial airline crash in the U.S. since 2009.

The post Trump Blames Democrats DEI Programs and Other Disaster Policies for DC Plane Crash | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
The Trump administrations efforts to shrink the federal government by offering what amounts to a buyout to federal employees is raising questions about its implementation and legality.

The offer purports to give federal employees who choose to resign about eight months of pay and benefits, while making them exempt from President Trumps new return-to-office mandate.

Elon Musk, a top Trump ally who had a hand in the effort, said the offer would give employees time to take the vacation you always wanted, or just watch movies and chill.

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But the offers vague language is igniting skepticism and calls for workers to reject the deal, while raising questions about whether the government has the legal authority to do it.

It looked like another rushed Trump scam to me, said Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), who represents a state with numerous federal employees, calling the move the brainchild of Elon Musk.

We know that Donald Trump has a history of not following through on commitments.

Jacqueline Simon, policy director at the American Federation of Government Employees, one of the main federal employee unions, said workers should treat the offer with plenty of skepticism.

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Its a great illustration of the old adage that if a thing seems too good to be true, it probably isnt true, said Simon, who questioned the plans legality and noted a stopgap measure is keeping the government funded for the time being.

Were under a [continuing resolution] that expires in mid-March, and so the whole idea of promising full pay and benefits for no work for seven months or eight months  We cant find the legal authority that OPM has to do this, rather than the agencies themselves, she continued, using an abbreviation for the Office of Personnel Management.

Legal experts who spoke to The Hill said the move likely violates the Antideficiency Act, which bars the government from spending beyond what is dictated in its budget and requires it to use federal funding as intended.

It is quite clear that the appropriations laws [are] directing the agencies to spend that money to hire people to carry out the functions of the agency, not to sit at home, Simon said.

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The whole thing is, of course, based on a completely false premise that just randomly getting rid of however many federal employees sign up for this cockamamie scheme  that no one will notice  that the American people wont notice the decline in the services that the federal government provides.

Lawmakers representing federal workers in the Washington, D.C., area railed against the deal.

Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) said the plan was in line with comments from Russell Vought, Trumps pick to again lead the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

Are there ways to make our bureaucracy more effective? Amen. But Ive run businesses. You dont randomly go through and say to your whole workforce, Oh, we want you all to quit. If our best scientists quit, if our folks who are protecting our food safety quit, what is that going to mean?

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Multiple lawmakers also pointed to Trumps quick rescission of an OMB memo on funding as all the more reason federal employees should be wary of the deal. That memo was meant to freeze federal spending but was pulled back a day after it was unveiled.

As soon as I heard about it, it struck me theres a lot of razor blades in that apple, said Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), who also questioned the legal authority to offer the buyouts.

So if you resign, are you even going to get the pay? As soon as you say, Im resigning, and you send that, then the administration knows, Oh, that person doesnt want to work with us. That may not be such a good thing. What if they decide after 48 hours, just like they did with the funding thing, Well, actually, lets start over again?

Workers who want to take the offer have until Feb. 6 to make a decision, according to emails sent to federal workers.

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I would just say dont act precipitously, even though theyre trying to rush you to a decision by Feb. 6, Kaine said.

Trump on Wednesday described the resignation offers as a way to shrink the government.

Were requiring them to show up to work or be terminated, Trump said during a bill signing at the White House.

We think a very substantial number of people will not show up to work, and therefore our government will get smaller and more efficient, Trump added. And thats what weve been looking to do for many, many decades, frankly.

Trump said many government employees who work remotely are not working or are not very productive. He also suggested his administration may ask federal workers to prove that they did not have another job in addition to their government role.

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The White House has asserted Trump is within his legal authority to take such sweeping action to cull the federal workforce. A spokesperson on Wednesday called the suggestion that the resignation offers amounted to a purge absolutely false.

This is a suggestion to federal workers that they have to return to work, press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters. And if they dont, then they have the option to resign, and this administration is very generously offering to pay them for eight months.

Leavitt called it unacceptable that swaths of federal workers do not work from the office, comparing their situation with that of law enforcement, teachers and nurses who show up to work in person.

Its an overwhelmingly popular policy with people outside of Washington, D.C., Leavitt said. The president campaigned on this, and his administration is keeping the promise.

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The federal government already has established ways to reduce the size of the workforce.

It can do a reduction in force, and it can also offer incentive payments for voluntary separations. Those are typically capped at $25,000 and require staffers to end their employment immediately rather than many months later.

But the new offer from Trump is far afield of those plans and is unique in its wide-ranging nature.

If the government fails to pay federal workers who accept the buyouts, Simon said there could be a lawsuit.

They cant make these promises, and theyre promises that they shouldnt be making, she said. I mean, why should the American people pay people to stay at home when the work still needs to be performed?

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Three of President Donald Trumps most controversial nominees faced sharp questions in the Senate during hearings Thursday from Democrats as well as several Republican senators in what amounted to the most direct skepticism from GOP senators over Trumps nominees to date.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trumps pick to be Health and Human Services secretary, was pressed on his views on vaccines by GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who said he had reservations about Kennedys past positions on vaccine safety.

And Tulsi Gabbard, who has been tapped to be the director of national intelligence, faced questions from several Republicans about her views on Russian aggression, US government surveillance and NSA leaker Edward Snowden.

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Asked multiple times by senators in both parties whether Snowden was a traitor, Gabbard said repeatedly that he broke the law  but she would not directly say whether he was a traitor.

Kash Patel, Trumps nominee to be FBI director, had numerous heated exchanges with Democrats during his hearing Thursday over his past comments about going after Trumps perceived deep state enemies. But Patel found a largely friendly audience among Republicans on the Judiciary Committee, signaling his confirmation is on firmer ground.

If all Democrats oppose Trumps nominees, they can only afford to lose three GOP senators on the floor to win confirmation. But Gabbards nomination could be in danger of not making it that far  as it would only take one Republican to block her nomination in the Senate Intelligence Committee if all Democrats on the panel oppose her.

Trumps allies mounted a significant pressure campaign against on-the-fence Republicans to get Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths confirmation over the finish line, and similar campaigns have been promised toward GOP senators if they oppose any more Trump nominees, such as Gabbard or Kennedy.

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Here are takeaways from a consequential day of Senate confirmation hearings:

Gabbard wont say if Snowden is a traitor

As a Democrat in Congress in 2020, Gabbard introduced legislation supporting Snowden, who leaked a massive trove of classified NSA secrets during the Obama administration. Its a position that put her directly at odds with senators on the Intelligence Committee from both parties.

Gabbard was pressed by both Republicans and Democrats about Snowden on Thursday, asked repeatedly whether she believed he was a traitor and whether he betrayed his oath.

Repeatedly, Gabbard defaulted to an answer that Snowden had broken the law, but she declined to say whether his actions amounted to treason.

Gabbard testifies during her confirmation hearing on Thursday in Washington, DC. - Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Sen. James Lankford, an Oklahoma Republican, asked Gabbard the question twice after the DNI nominee didnt respond directly the first time.

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Was he a traitor at the time when he took Americas secrets, released them in public and then ran to China and became a Russian citizen? Lankford eventually asked, in a lengthy line of questioning that described the feelings of members of the intelligence community.

Im focused on the future and how we can prevent something like this from happening again, Gabbard said.

Sen. Michael Bennet, a Colorado Democrat, took up Lankfords line of questioning and repeatedly pressed Gabbard for a yes-or-no answer.

Is Edward Snowden a traitor to the United States of America? Bennet asked.

Senator, as someone who has served  she began.

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Bennet, who appeared angry, interrupted and demanded a yes-or-no answer again.

I understand how critical our national security is  Gabbard responded, once again refusing to answer.

That wasnt the only instance where Republicans questioned Gabbards views during Thursdays public hearing. Sen. Jim Moran, a Kansas Republican, told Gabbard he wanted to make certain that in no way does Russia get a pass in either your mind or your heart or in any policy recommendation you would make or not make.

Senator, Im offended by the question, Gabbard responded, saying that no country, group or individual will get a pass in her providing a full intelligence picture to the president.

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Moran responded that it was the answer he was looking for, but the exchange underscored the GOP unease about her leading the intelligence community.

Lankford told reporters later Thursday that he was kind of surprised by Gabbards response about Snowden and warned that it raised a lot of questions.

I thought that was going to be an easy softball question, actually, he said.

Pressed on if that is problematic for her confirmation, Lankford replied, I think there were a lot of questions after it, yes.

Republican Sen. Todd Young, who also sits on the committee and had pressed Gabbard on Snowden, did not say whether he would back Gabbards confirmation. Instead, he told reporters, I think Ive got, for now at least, all the information I need.

GOP chair questions RFK vaccine views

Kennedy appeared Thursday for his second day of confirmation hearings before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, following Wednesdays hearing in the Senate Finance Committee.

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Cassidy, the Louisiana Republican who chairs the HELP committee, began Thursdays hearing addressing his concerns about Kennedys vaccine skepticism.

Its no secret, I have some reservations about your past positions on vaccines and a couple other issues, Cassidy said. Your past of undermining confidence in vaccines with unfounded or misleading arguments concerns me. Can I trust that that is now in the past? Can data and information change your opinion or will you only look for data supporting a predetermined conclusion?

The stark comments suggest that Cassidy, a Republican who practiced medicine for 30 years, could be the senator who stalls Kennedys nomination to lead HHS.

Cassidy acknowledged that Kennedy is now trying to downplay his anti-vaccine rhetoric despite an extensive, recorded history of his linking vaccines to autism in children, but said that change doesnt go far enough.

Kennedy testifies during his confirmation hearing on Thursday. - Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

During his line of questioning, Cassidy asked Kennedy if he will reassure mothers unequivocally that the measles and hepatitis B vaccines do not cause autism.

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If the data is there, Kennedy responded.

That answer did not satisfy Cassidy: I know the data is there.

Thursdays hearing also included, like Kennedys first hearing, several notable exchanges between Kennedy and Democrats on the committee.

In a personal and impassioned statement, Sen. Maggie Hassan, a New Hampshire Democrat, revealed her own struggle with her sons health and the fears she had about Kennedys continuing questioning of what has been settled science on vaccines.

Hassan told the committee that her son, who is 36 years old, has cerebral palsy and that she has agonized over what caused his condition for decades at times relitigating in her mind every action she took in her own pregnancy. She pleaded with Kennedy to see the harm he does when he churns up questions about settled science for parents grappling with their own childrens conditions.

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Please do not suggest that anybody in this body of either political party doesnt want to know what the cause of autism is. Do you know how many friends I have with children who have autism? Hassan continued. The problem with this witnesss response on the autism cause and the relationship to vaccines is because he is re-litigating and churning settled science so we cannot go forward and find out what the cause of autism is and treat these kids and help these families.

Democrats press Patel on past deep state comments

During Patels hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee, Democrats pushed the FBI director nominee on a litany of his past public comments, including his vows to prosecute the deep state, his skepticism of the January 6 attack on the US Capitol and his friendly ties to the QAnon conspiracy community.

Patel gave little ground over his previous remarks, frequently claiming he was being quoted in part or out of context.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, referenced a list in Patels 2023 book, Government Gangsters, which names 60 people that Patel says are corrupt actors who are part of the deep state.

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It has been referred to as an enemies list, Klobuchar said. You called them deep state.

Its not an enemies list. That is a total mischaracterization, Patel responded, adding that it was a glossary in a book.

Kash Patel testifies on Thursday. - Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters

Despite Patels pushback on Thursday, he and Trump have repeatedly talked about the need to seek retribution against current and former officials that were involved in various investigations into Trump. And Trump has already taken steps to fire, marginalize and punish some former and current officials who fall into this category.

Klobuchar later pressed Patel about his comments on a podcast last fall to turn the FBI headquarters into a museum of the deep state.

I deserve an answer to that question. He is asking to be head of the FBI, and he said that their headquarters should be shut down, Klobuchar said as her time to question Patel expired.

If the best attacks on me are going to be false accusations and grotesque mischaracterizations, the only thing this body is doing is defeating the credibility of the men and women at the FBI, Patel responded. And any accusations leveled against me that I would somehow put political bias before the Constitution are grotesquely unfair.

Mr. chairman, Im quoting his own words from September of 2024. It is his own words, Klobuchar shot back. It is not some conspiracy. It is what Mr. Patel actually said.

Asked about his past praise of the QAnon movement, Patel testified Thursday that he believes it is a baseless conspiracy theory.

And Patel said Thursday that he opposed Trumps commutations that freed from prison hundreds of convicted January 6 rioters who attacked police officers.

I do not agree with the commutation of any sentence of any individual who committed violence against law enforcement, Patel said.

Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley asked Patel to explain his position on January 6 and respond to critics who said he was anti-law enforcement.

I have always respected law enforcement, Patel replied. As for January 6, I have repeatedly, often, publicly and privately said there can never be a tolerance for violence against law enforcement.

With hearings done, spotlight turns to fence-sitting Republicans

Hegseth was confirmed last week by the narrowest of margins, a 50-50 tie vote broken by Vice President JD Vance because three Republicans  Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky  joined Democrats to oppose him.

Thats the same math Trumps trio of nominees who testified Thursday likely face, with no Democrats so far directly signaling they will back Gabbard, Kennedy or Patel.

While Patel appears on solid ground to win confirmation, Gabbard and Kennedy could face a more difficult path.

Collins could play a key role if she opposes Gabbards nomination, as she sits on the Senate Intelligence Committee, where Republicans have a 9-8 majority, meaning Gabbards nomination could fail if Collins joins all Democrats in voting against Gabbard.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated Wednesday to CNN that he didnt think he could set up a confirmation vote for Gabbard if the committee votes down the nomination.

After she questioned Gabbard, Collins said it was too early to tell whether Gabbard would receive enough committee votes to make it to the full Senate. Asked by CNNs Manu Raju whether the jury was still out on her support for Gabbard, Collins said, Thats correct.

I need to review the entire hearing, she said. I want to make a careful decision.

For Kennedy, Cassidys concerns appear to be his most significant hurdle for confirmation

In his closing statement, Cassidy laid out his concerns in frank terms, arguing he has to decide if he believes Kennedy can put decades of vaccine skepticism aside and use his microphone to instill faith in public health and vaccines as the top leader on the issue in the country.

With that influence comes a great responsibility. Now my responsibility is to learn and try to determine if you can be trusted to support the best public health, Cassidy said. That is why I have been struggling with your nomination.

Both Collins and Murkowski stressed the need for vaccine availability and dissemination when they questioned Kennedy on Thursday. After the hearing, Murkowski said shes yet not yet ready to decide if she can back Kennedy, and she will take her time to evaluate his responses like she always does.

This is an important nominee, so it deserves full consideration, Murkowski said.

McConnell, the former GOP Senate leader, is seen as a potential swing vote for both Gabbard and Kennedy. He has not said how he will vote on either nominee, but his foreign policy views are considerably more hawkish than Gabbards, and his history with vaccines is personal as a polio survivor.

The polio vaccine has saved millions of lives and held out the promise of eradicating a terrible disease. Efforts to undermine public confidence in proven cures are not just uninformed  theyre dangerous, McConnell said in a December statement, which did not name Kennedy. Anyone seeking the Senates consent to serve in the incoming administration would do well to steer clear of even the appearance of association with such efforts.

This story and headline have been updated with additional developments.

CNNs Devan Cole, Zachary Cohen, Michael Conte, Aileen Graef, Tami Luhby, Hannah Rabinowitz, Manu Raju and Sam Simpson contributed to this report.

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(Bloomberg) -- President Donald Trumps obsession with Californias water comes from an often overlooked source  Golden State farmers.

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Typically Republican and clustered in the vast Central Valley, theyve long fought Democrat-controlled Sacramento over Californias limited water supplies, saying state officials shortchange farms to protect fish. They power Californias $59 billion agriculture industry but command none of the national political clout given the big donors of Hollywood or Silicon Valley.

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But they appear to have Trumps ear. And hes using their long-standing water complaints to feed a narrative of failed Democratic rule.

This week, Trump announced a sweeping executive order directing federal agencies to override endangered species protections, send more water southward into the Central Valley and jumpstart water storage projects. He cast it as a response to the deadly wildfires tearing through Los Angeles County, saying Disastrous California Policies had left the region without enough water to fight the flames. Later, he posted on Truth Social that the military had entered California and TURNED ON THE WATER.

The days of putting a Fake Environmental argument, over the PEOPLE, are OVER. Enjoy the water, California!!! he wrote. Trump even suggested making federal emergency relief for the fires contingent on changing the states water policy.

State officials responded that the military had not, in fact, entered California and that water pumps under federal control had simply been turned back on after three days of maintenance. Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, who has often sparred with Trump, accused the president of pushing misinformation. Sending more water from Northern California to the south had nothing to do with fire response, spokesperson Tara Gallegos said.

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Yet it was a major win for Central Valley farmers, who see increased flows as the key to more crops and jobs. The president's foray into Californias perennial water wars underscores the growing influence of this bloc of farmers, lawmakers, and advocates with access to the administration.

Its a game changer, said William Bourdeau, executive vice president at Harris Farms, a major grower of almonds and pistachios. He hosted a fundraiser for now-Vice President JD Vance last summer at his companys namesake resort in cattle country, where banners blasting Newsom and US Representative Nancy Pelosi dot the highway.

He found Vance a quick study, particularly on the need for more water. He was very receptive, Bourdeau said.

There is a moment right now, a once-in-a-generation opportunity to move more water, said Republican Congressman Vince Fong of Bakersfield, who met with Trump twice in January and helped shape the executive order. Myself and a number of my colleagues, as well as water experts throughout California, were sending ideas and specific concepts to the White House, he said.

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Other parts of Trumps agenda concern California farmers, even if they backed his election. Only half of the states farmworkers are authorized to work in the US, a recent survey found. A tariff war with China and other countries could cost California agribusiness $6 billion annually, especially hitting almond and pistachio exports, according to one analysis.

I support the America First agenda, said Bourdeau. But the pistachio industry is worried. We need to make sure that we can sell our product. He plans to visit Washington with a group of pistachio growers to discuss the potential impact of tariffs with lawmakers and administration officials.

At the center of Trumps executive action is a 400-mile water conveyance system known as the Central Valley Project, run by the US Bureau of Reclamation. Along with a separate state-run system, the project transports Sierra Nevada snowmelt and rainwater from the confluence of two major rivers that form the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.

Scientists say the delta, a critical ecosystem, is collapsing due to drought and water being siphoned off for agriculture and cities. Fish including the delta smelt, Chinook salmon and giant sturgeon are threatened with extinction. Pulling more fresh water from the delta could also allow ocean water to surge in, damaging drinking water.

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Trump has ordered his administration to maximize water flows from the delta and expedite potential exemptions to the Endangered Species Act, allowing the Bureau of Reclamation to send more water southward without concern for habitat degradation.

Environmentalists say Trump is using the LA fires as cover to seize more control of the states precious water. Most Southern California reservoirs currently have more water than normal for this time of year.

People are burned out of their homes in Los Angeles, people died, and Trumps response is to subsidize major agribusinesses, said Jon Rosenfield, senior scientist with the environmental group San Francisco Baykeeper.

Trump issued his executive order along with a barrage of criticism over Californias water management, calling the smelt an essentially worthless fish. The rhetoric wasnt new. Trumps focus on California water stems from a yearslong courtship that began during his first presidential campaign, said Johnny Amaral, former chief of staff to Trump confidant Devin Nunes and now an executive at Friant Water Authority, which delivers water to over a million acres of Central Valley farm land.

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In 2016, Amaral helped organize a roundtable with Trump and a group of farmers. Trump later toured the valley, a visit he often cites when discussing the states water issues. When you see it with your own eyes, its hard to unsee that  its maddening, Amaral said. I think he saw this problem with his own two eyes and decided thats a problem that needs to be fixed.

Among the biggest potential beneficiaries of Trumps executive order is the Westlands Water District, which covers 1,000 square miles of farmland and relies primarily on delta water to produce almonds, pistachios, and tomatoes, among other crops  generating over $3 billion in sales annually. The district, which consumes more water than the city of Los Angeles, is politically well-connected. Its former lobbyist, David Bernhardt, served as Interior Secretary in Trumps first administration before returning to the law firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, which now serves as Westlands general counsel. Bourdeau, the Harris Farms executive, sits on its board of directors.

The surface water from the Central Valley Project is our lifeblood, said Allison Febbo, the districts general manager. She lamented the over 150,000 acres of land left dry due to water restrictions. Weve been treated as the end of the line for water supply in California, she said.

Environmental groups warn that meeting farmers demands will further imperil fragile ecosystems. Along with water flows, the order could spur controversial water projects such as raising the massive Shasta Dam in the states far north. While that would allow for more water storage, it would also flood lands sacred to Indigenous people and beloved for recreation.

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But the real-world impacts of the order remain uncertain. Water flows ultimately depend on rain and snowfall before they reach the network of canals and reservoirs. And any attempt to undo endangered species protections is likely to face court challenges. Another looming factor is Newsoms response. California controls the State Water Project, which could reduce water flows from the delta to compensate for increased federal outflows under Trump.

For now, however, California farmers are celebrating a president who has turned their water demands into a priority.

We have the perfect climate, the most ideal growing season, the most fertile land in the country, said Amaral. And all you have to do is add water.

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After the air tragedy in which a passenger plane and an Army helicopter collided in Washington, leaving no survivors, President Donald Trump blasted the leadership skills of former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg during a press briefing about the crash.

During a Thursday, Jan. 30, press briefing, Trump claimed that Buttigieg was a "disaster" as the mayor of South Bend. Is that claim true?

Here's what happened and what we know about Buttigieg's mayoral career.

Trump's claim: Buttigieg "was a disaster as mayor" and "ran his city into the ground"

Trump claimed that Buttigieg was a disastrous mayor of South Bend and ran the city into the ground, but according to previous IndyStar reporting, that is not the case.

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Not everyone felt everything during his term had gone smoothly, but according to IndyStar interviews from 2019 with local government officials, political experts, neighborhood activists, business leaders and tourism officials, Buttigieg had South Bend headed in the right direction as their mayor.

Buttigieg was the mayor of the Indiana city for eight years. He increased economic development, unemployment rates lowered during his term and the population began to slowly rise after decades of decline.

His harshest criticisms were concerns about the redevelopment projects leading to gentrification and his handling of racial tensions with the South Bend police department.

Pete Buttigieg: Former mayor returns home to celebrate Biden administration investments and local growth

What Trump said during White House briefing

"The FAA, which is overseen by Secretary Pete Buttigiega real winner, this guy's a real winner. You know how badly everything's run since he's run this Department of Transportation? He's a disaster. He was a disaster as a mayor, he ran his city into the ground and he's a disaster now. He's just got a good line of bullshit. The Department of Transportation is [the] government agency charged with regulating civil aviation. Well he runs it45,000 people and he's run it right into the ground with his diversity."

During his briefing on the air disaster in Washington D.C. last night, President Trump went after former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg.



"He was a disaster as a Mayor. He ran his city into the ground and he's a disaster now. He's just got a good line of bullshit" pic.twitter.com/avjtxA0C9m  Max Lewis (@MaxLewisTV) January 30, 2025

From USA TODAY: In aftermath of DC plane crash, Donald Trump criticizes DEI efforts

What Pete Buttigieg said in response

Despicable. As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying. We put safety first, drove down close calls, grew Air Traffic Control, and had zero commercial airline crash fatalities out of millions of flights on our watch.

President Trump now oversees the military and the  Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) January 30, 2025

"Despicable. As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying. We put safety first, drove down close calls, grew Air Traffic Control, and had zero commercial airline crash fatalities out of millions of flights on our watch. President Trump now oversees the military and the FAA. One of his first acts was to fire and suspend some of the key personnel who helped keep our skies safe. Time for the President to show actual leadership and explain what he will do to prevent this from happening again."

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Trump claims Buttigieg 'was a disaster mayor' of South Bend
WASHINGTON (AP)  As the nation reeled from the deadliest American aviation disaster in more than two decades, President Donald Trump on Thursday baselessly blamed diversity initiatives for undermining air safety and questioned the actions of a U.S. Army helicopter pilot involved in the midair collision with a commercial airliner.

Sixty-seven people are believed to have died in the Wednesday evening crash, which occurred while a flight from Wichita, Kansas, was landing at Washington Reagan National Airport. As Trump spoke, the federal investigation was just beginning and first responders were still working to recover bodies from the Potomac River.

Officials have not yet to formally establish the causes of the collision, and Trump himself acknowledged that it was too soon to draw conclusions as he encouraged the country to pray for the victims. But he quickly moved to engage in speculation and political attacks, at a moment when Americans traditionally look to the presidency for comfort, assurance and facts.

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Some really bad things happened and some things happened that shouldnt have happened," the Republican president said from the White House briefing room, just over three miles or five kilometers from the scene of the disaster.

Trump blamed former President Joe Biden's administration for encouraging the Federal Aviation Administration to recruit workers who suffer severe intellectual disabilities, psychiatric problems and other mental and physical conditions under a diversity and inclusion hiring initiative. He added that the program allowed for the hiring of people with hearing and vision issues as well as paralysis, epilepsy and dwarfism.

Trump did not share any evidence that unqualified people were being put in critical positions like air traffic control, and he acknowledged that there was as yet no indication that air traffic controllers at Reagan National Airport made any mistakes.

Asked why he was blaming diversity initiatives, Trump said, "because I have common sense, and unfortunately a lot of people dont.

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Trump said air traffic controllers needed to be brilliant to ensure safety.

They have to be talented, naturally talented geniuses, he said. You cant have regular people doing their job.

Trump complained specifically about Pete Buttigieg, who was Biden's transportation secretary and was a contender to challenge Trump for the White House in 2020, calling him a disaster.

Hes run it right into the ground with his diversity, Trump said, adding profanity to his description of Buttigieg.

Buttigieg responded in a post on X, calling Trumps comments despicable.

As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying," he added.

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As if to underscore Trump's point, the White House invited reporters into the Oval Office to watch him sign another executive order that officials said would stop woke policies in federal aviation. Trump had already signed an executive order ending diversity initiatives at the FAA last week.

We want the most competent people," Trump said. "We dont care what race they are.

Asked if he plans to visit the crash site, Trump said he would meet with family members of the victims.

Whats the site? The water? You want me to go swimming?" the president said.

The FAAs diversity efforts arent new. Before Trumps administration removed them from the agencys website this month, they were promoted there since at least 2013, including during Trumps first term in office. Substantially similar language about seeking candidates with disabilities was on the site during both Bidens term and Trumps first term, according to snapshots from the Internet Archive.

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Former FAA administrator Michael Whitaker responded to accusations that the agency was prioritizing diversity over qualified candidates last year, saying that while the FAA seeks qualified candidates from a range of sources, each must meet rigorous qualifications that of course vary by position.

The plane crash was the first major disaster of Trump's new term, and his response evoked his frequent  and controversial  briefings on the COVID-19 pandemic. His handling of the pandemic helped sour voters on him as he failed to win reelection in 2020.

After telling the families of the dead that our hearts are shattered alongside yours" and leading a moment of silence, Trump proceeded to speculate about what had occurred. "We do not know what led to this crash but we have some very strong opinions," he said.

Trump wondered if the helicopter pilot was wearing nightvision goggles, declared that you had a pilot problem and that the helicopter was going at an angle that was unbelievably bad. He questioned why the Army pilot didnt change course, saying that you can stop a helicopter very quickly.

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He also mused about the air traffic controllers, saying of the two aircraft, for whatever reason they were at the same elevation," adding "they should have been at a different height.

Even as Trump rushed to publicly ponder reasons for the crash, the National Transportation Safety Board was more circumspect as it begins examining what happened.

We look at facts, on our investigation, and that will take some time, said Jennifer Homendy, the board's chair.

Democrats criticized Trumps remarks on Thursday.

Its one thing for internet pundits to spew off conspiracy theories, its another for the president of the United States, said Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York.

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Vice President JD Vance, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth all lined up behind Trump to praise his leadership and echo his concerns about diversity programs and hiring.

When you dont have the best standards in who youre hiring, it means on the one hand, youre not getting the best people in government," Vance said, But on the other hand, it puts stresses on the people who are already there.

Trump made a point to tell Duffy, who was sworn in on Tuesday as Buttigieg's replacement, Its not your fault. Duffy took the White House podium alongside Trump and declared, When Americans take off in airplanes, they should expect to land at their destination. Duffy added, We will not accept excuses.

Federal officials have been raising concerns about an overtaxed and understaffed air traffic control system for years, especially after a series of close calls between planes at U.S. airports. They have cited issues with competitive pay, long hours, intensive training and mandatory retirements for contributing to the staffing shortages.

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While these events are incredibly rare, our safety system is showing clear signs of strain that we cannot ignore, Homendy told lawmakers in 2023. Aviation experts issued a report around the same time saying that the FAA needs better staffing, equipment and technology.

____

Associated Press writer Ali Swenson contributed to this report.
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The News

Two of US President Donald Trumps most controversial nominees faced confirmation hearings in the Senate Thursday. In front of two separate panels, Tulsi Gabbard and Kash Patel were variously pressed on issues ranging from support for Edward Snowden, links to Syria and Russia, and whether intelligence or law enforcement agencies would be used to persecute the presidents enemies.

During Patels hearing for FBI director, the former prosecutor pushed back on Democrats concern that he would use the agency for political retribution, denied he held extremist and conspiratorial views, and said he disagreed with the presidents decision to pardon all of the Jan. 6 defendants.

Director of national intelligence pick Gabbard, meanwhile, was questioned about her past affiliations with US adversaries, including Russia and Syria, as well as her support for NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden, whom she once said must be protected at all costs.

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Patel is widely expected to be confirmed at a full-Senate vote after being recommended by the Judiciary Committee. Gabbard, however, has reportedly yet to convince at least three Republicans on the Intelligence Committee, where just a single opposing Republican could be enough to stop her nomination, Politico reported.

SIGNALS

Distrust of FBI now mainstream Republican politics

Sources: The New York Times, CNN, The Washington Times

The Republican partys embrace of Kash Patel reflects that a deep distrust of the FBI has become Republican orthodoxy, The New York Times wrote. Many Republican lawmakers now echo Trumps claims that the institution is corrupt and partisan, and that those factors are what led to the agencys probes into Trump following his first term in office. Many have voiced support for Patels call to roll back the agencys investigative responsibilities, CNN wrote, a stance that threatens the Bureaus record: The FBI has proven crucial in thwarting major terrorist threats since 9/11 in no small part because the agencys investigation and law enforcement divisions have worked seamlessly together,intelligence journalist Ronald Kessler wrote. Patels agenda threatens to sever that collaboration, in turn potentially making the US more vulnerable to attack.

Conservatives hope Gabbard will remake the intelligence community

Sources: Newsmax, Foreign Affairs

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If confirmed, Tulsi Gabbard vowed to ensure that faulty, inadequate, or weaponized intelligence would not guide decision-making, in a nod to the intelligence that led to the Iraq war. Gabbard is expected to apply the DOGE playbook to the intelligence community, one former Trump official wrote in an opinion essay, arguing that Gabbard is uniquely suited to depoliticize, reform, and downsize the intelligence swamp. Gabbard said in a written statement that her team should be streamlined. One former intelligence official argued in Foreign Affairs that sweeping cuts would inevitably reduce the intelligence communitys effectiveness, however, and that the new administrations stance will mean talented officers almost certainly leave regardless.

Foreign allies worry they will lose trust in US intelligence

Source: The Associated Press

US intelligence is crucial in confronting global and domestic conflicts, with Washington informing and preparing NATO ahead of the 2022 Ukraine invasion, for example. Yet any strong intelligence relationship is underpinned by trust, The Associated Press noted, and many in the foreign intelligence community are worried that the departments under Gabbard and Patel could ultimately undermine global security cooperation. European governments are scrambling to convince Trump that risks to Europe could also threaten the US. Washington is also highly reliant on European intelligence, and well lose that if were no longer considered trustworthy, said the former US ambassador to Russia.
Donald Trump could halt New Yorks controversial congestion pricing program despite it successfully unsnarling many of the citys bumper-to-bumper streets.

The Department of Transportation is considering revoking the federal authorization that the Biden administration approved last year which gave the program the green light, The New York Times reported on Thursday.

Without the authorization the program could be left open to legal challenges that could end, or at the very least temporarily pause, congestion pricing from continuing.

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The outlet says that no final decision has been made, but Trump has voiced support for killing it off. Two weeks ago, a group of New York Republican lawmakers met with the president at Mar-a-Lago to advocate against the program.

President Donald Trump promised to rescind congestion pricing in New York City upon taking office (EPA)

During his presidential campaign, Trump promised to terminate congestion pricing in his first week back in office. As of now, it is still in effect.

The plan, which went into effect earlier this month, charges drivers an additional $9 to enter midtown or downtown Manhattan during peak hours.

Its purpose is to reduce heavy gridlock, lower vehicle carbon emissions, and provide more funding to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to improve public transportation like subways and buses.

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Data from the first week of congestion pricing shows a seven percent reduction in vehicles in the tolled area below Manhattans 60th Street, with drivers seeing a 30 to 40 percent reduction in travel times compared to last year.

But despite its success, some lawmakers have criticized it for unfairly punishing commuters in the tri-state area.

Even New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, a Democrat, asked Trump to look at the program, which he referred to as a disaster and claimed hits working and middle-class commuters from his state.

Mike Lawler, a Republican congressman from Hudson Valley, New York, called the program a cash grab and vowed to get it repealed.

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New York Governor Kathy Hochul, a proponent of congestion pricing, has fought to implement the program.

Last summer Hochul temporarily paused the program from taking effect but shortly after Trump was elected she reinstated it bringing the toll down from $15 to $9.
President Trump weighed in on the Wednesday evening crash between an American Airlines plane and military helicopter in Washington, claiming it should have been prevented.

The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport, he wrote on Truth Social. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time.

It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didnt the helicopter go up or down, or turn. Why didnt the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane, he continued. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!!

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Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy echoed the sentiment during a press conference Thursday morning.

We are going to wait for all the information to come in from, from this vantage point, but to back up what the president said, what Ive seen so far, do I think this was preventable? Absolutely, he said.

Duffy also confirmed both aircraft had been located, and a federal investigation was underway.

Their remarks come after a regional jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew collided with a military helicopter, which was on a training mission, just before landing at Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday evening. American Airlines said the flight was en route from Wichita, Kan.

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The two aircraft crashed midair as the plane was descending to the runway around 9 p.m. EST, according to officials.

About 300 emergency responders conducted a multi-agency search-and-rescue operation. Authorities confirmed both aircraft were in the Potomac River and rescue operations are underway.

Officials said during Thursdays presser that no survivors were expected, but nearly 30 bodies have been recovered so far. None of the crash victims has been identified so far.

Trump, in his late-night post, also echoed the concern that many expressed after the disaster.

What a terrible night this has been. God bless you all! he wrote on Truth Social.

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Trump suggested on Thursday that diversity initiatives at the FAA led to a plane crash near DC.

The president said he was offering a series of "very strong opinions and ideas" on what happened.

He also criticized former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance on Thursday offered heated criticism of diversity initiatives at the Federal Aviation Administration following a deadly plane crash near Washington, DC.

After calling for a moment of silence, Trump spent the bulk of his remarks in the White House briefing room laying out a series of diversity initiatives within the FAA that he suggested could have contributed to the crash, which happened Wednesday evening.

At the same time, Trump repeatedly acknowledged that he did not have direct evidence of a causal link between those initiatives and the crash.

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"We do not know what led to this crash, but we have some very strong opinions and ideas," Trump told reporters.

During his remarks, Trump also criticized former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, suggesting that the department's policies under him contributed to the crash.

"You know how badly everything's run since he's run the Department of Transportation?" Trump said of Buttigieg.

President Trump on former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg: "A real winner. Do you know how badly everything has run since he's run the Department of Transportation. He's a disaster...he's just got a good line of bullshit." pic.twitter.com/TTYrtmFRRU  CSPAN (@cspan) January 30, 2025

Buttigieg later hit back via X: "As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying."

Despicable. As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying. We put safety first, drove down close calls, grew Air Traffic Control, and had zero commercial airline crash fatalities out of millions of flights on our watch.

President Trump now oversees the military and the  Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) January 30, 2025

Pressed by a reporter on why he thought diversity initiatives might be behind the crash, Trump said: "Because I have common sense."

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Derrick Johnson, the president of the NAACP, said in a statement that his organization was "disgusted by this display of unpresidential, divisive behavior."

"We're proud to see thousands of first responders in the DMV region unify to support the enormous recovery efforts taking place on the Potomac," Johnson said. "The President has made his decision to put politics over people abundantly clear as he uses the highest office in the land to sow hatred rooted in falsehoods instead of providing us with the leadership we need and deserve."

Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, the top Democrat on the Senate commerce committee's Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations, and Innovation, pushed back strongly on Trump's comments in a call with reporters.

"I have seen zero evidence at this point that's to suggest that this collision had anything to do with DEI," Duckworth said. "Speculation at this time is highly irresponsible, and we need to get to the facts."

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Vance also criticized diversity initiatives, saying: "If you go back to just some of the headlines over the past 10 years, you have many hundreds of people suing the government because they would like to be air traffic controllers, but they were turned away because of the color of their skin. That policy ends under Donald Trump's leadership."

Since Trump reassumed the presidency last week, he's taken a series of actions aimed at ending diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts across the federal government, including one dealing specifically with the FAA. As a result, DEI-related offices in various agencies have shuttered.

Trump has directed agencies to compile lists of private companies to investigate over their DEI efforts, which could lead to a cascade effect in the private sector.

Many companies, including Meta, McDonald's, and Walmart, have decided in recent months to roll back or end their DEI programs.

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"The legal and policy landscape surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the United States is changing," Meta wrote in a memo to employees. "The Supreme Court of the United States has recently made decisions signaling a shift in how courts will approach DEI."

Target also recently said it was ending multiple DEI programs to stay "in step with the evolving external landscape."

Others, like Costco, have publicly supported DEI amid pressures from conservative activists. JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon recently defended the bank's diversity initiatives in response to activist investors.

Read the original article on Business Insider
President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed a memorandum directing the federal government to prepare the US Naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to house tens of thousands of migrants.

The memorandum calls for the Defense and Homeland Security Departments to provide additional detention space at Guantanamo for high-priority criminal aliens unlawfully present in the United States.

Most people dont even know about it. We have 30,000 beds in Guantanamo to detain the worst criminal illegal aliens threatening the American people. This will double our capacity immediately, Trump said from the White House earlier in the day.

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Trumps remarks came just before he signed the Laken Riley Act, the first major legislative win of his second term, which requires the detention of undocumented migrants charged with certain crimes. Congress passed it earlier this month with Democratic support.

Todays signings bring us one step closer to eradicating the scourge of migrant crime in our communities once and for all, Trump said.

Trumps top immigration advisers later told CNN that management of a Guantanamo Bay detention facility for migrants would be overseen by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.

Were just going to expand upon existing migrant centers, border czar Tom Homan said, adding the facility would be overseen by our migrant center run out of Miami.

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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the base could be reserved to detain what she described as the worst of the worst.

There might be some resources that could be established for the worst of the worst at Guantanamo Bay, and thats something that he is evaluating along with our team at the Department of Homeland Security, Noem said on CNN News Central on Wednesday.

While the base is well-known for its detention camp where the United States holds terrorism suspects, Guantanamo Bay also hosts a separate migrant-processing center.

The Biden administration had discussed using that center to process Haitian migrants who were fleeing worsening conditions in their country last year. The US military also prepared the site to host migrants fleeing the catastrophic 2010 earthquake in Haiti.

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But a US official told CNN that the facilities at Guantanamo Bay are far from prepared to house up to 30,000 migrants.

Theres no way theres 30,000 beds anymore, the US official said, adding that the capacity existed in the 1990s but no longer. And in order to care for that number of people, the official said, the US would have to bring a lot of military staff in.

If they sent a lot of migrants (to Guantanamo Bay), they would need a lot more staff to manage them, the official added. They couldnt do it with what theyve got now, no way.

The Cuban government criticized Trumps plans to house tens of thousands of migrants.

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In an act of brutality, the new US government announces the imprisonment at the Guantanamo Naval Base, located in illegally occupied territory Cuba, of thousands of migrants that it forcibly expels, and will place them next to the well-known prisons of torture and illegal detention, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel wrote on X.

This story has been updated with additional information.

CNNs Priscilla Alvarez, Kaitlan Collins, Patrick Oppmann and Michael Rios contributed to this story.

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President Donald Trump signed a memo Wednesday that sets in motion preparations for a facility to house thousands of migrants at the U.S. military camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, which he said was an effort to "halt the border invasion."

"I hereby direct the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security to take all appropriate actions to expand the Migrant Operations Center at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to full capacity to provide additional detention space for high-priority criminal aliens unlawfully present in the United States," the memo to the Department of Homeland Security and the Defense Department says.

Trump previewed the directive at a signing ceremony for the Laken Riley Act, an immigration detention measure, saying he would "instruct the departments of Defense and Homeland Security to begin preparing the 30,000-person migrant facility at Guantanamo Bay."

The sun sets behind the closed Camp X-Ray detention facility at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, Cuba, on April 17, 2019.

"Most people dont even know about it. We have 30,000 beds in Guantanamo to detain the worst criminal illegal aliens threatening the American people. Some of them are so bad we dont even trust the countries to hold them, because we dont want them coming back," he added.

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Wednesday night that the naval base "is a perfect spot" for Trump's mass deportation plans.

"Move them off to Guantanamo Bay, where they can be safely maintained until they are deported to their final location, their country of origin," Hegseth said on Fox News. "We know we can execute it, and the Defense Department is prepared to do everything we can."

The Guantanamo announcement caught many officials at the Pentagon off-guard, according to five defense officials.

One official said the Guantanamo mission will be a DHS mission. It is unclear whether the military will be involved, but the Pentagon has no orders or guidance from the White House beyond the memo, the official said.

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Officials who were surprised by Trumps announcement said they do not know how many beds for migrants are at Guantanamo or whether it would be a short- or a long-term mission. They said there are no plans to upgrade or change the military facilities there.

Weve been ramping down this mission, one of the officials said of Guantanamo Bay.

A separate Migrant Operations Center at the camp could be expanded  with military construction help  and run by DHS.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a CNN interview Wednesday that "there might be some resources that could be established for the worst of the worst at Guantanamo Bay" and that Trump and DHS were assessing those resources.

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Guantanamo Bay became a detention site where detainees were first sent in 2002 under President George W. Bush after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. President Joe Biden said when he was in office that he wanted to shut down the detention facility, as did President Barack Obama. Neither was successful.

The Defense Department said this month that 15 detainees remain at Guantanamo Bay after it transferred 11 Yemeni detainees to Oman after they had been held at the base for over two decades.

Trump has made other efforts to crack down on migrants living in the United States illegally since his second term began.

During his first week in office, Trump declared a national emergency at the border that could permit the Pentagon to deploy the military, including the National Guard, to the border. He has also signed a slew of executive orders intended to shutdown illegal immigration at the southern border and to deport millions of people who have crossed into the United States illegally.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
On Wednesday, President Donald Trump signed a pair of executive orders that could transform public K-12 education in the United States. The first is an order directing federal grants to help fund state-level school choice programs, and the second attempts to ban so-called "radical indoctrination" in K-12 education.

The school choice order directs the secretary of education to issue guidance on how states can use federal formula funds to fund "K-12 educational choice initiatives." The order also contains provisions to expand school choice opportunities for low-income families, military families, and those eligible for Bureau of Indian Education schools.

"When our public education system fails such a large segment of society, it hinders our national competitiveness and devastates families and communities," the order reads. "For this reason, more than a dozen States have enacted universal K-12 scholarship programs, allowing familiesrather than the governmentto choose the best educational setting for their children."

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The second order denies federal funding to K-12 schools that engage in "illegal and discriminatory treatment and indoctrination in K-12 schools, including based on gender ideology and discriminatory equity ideology." Under examples of this "discriminatory ideology," the order lists teaching like "members of one race, color, sex, or national origin are morally or inherently superior to members of another race, color, sex, or national origin," or that "an individual, by virtue of the individual's race, color, sex, or national origin, is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously." The order also reinstates the 1776 Commission, a group dedicated to promoting "patriotic education."

While Trump's school-choice executive order primarily works to allow states to use federal funds to expand school-choice programs, his order against Critical Race Theory attempts to reshape the ideological tenor of many public school curricula. Governments generally have wide latitude to direct curriculum decisions in public schools, but there's reason to be cautious of orders like this. Many "divisive concepts" measures, like this executive order, are "so vague that they arguably forbid teaching about slavery or racism at all, even uncontroversial and anodyne statements of historical fact," warns the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), a First Amendment group.

However, it's almost certain that the "radical indoctrination" executive order is constitutional. While similar laws have generally not been upheld when they've been applied to universities, laws like Florida's STOP WOKE Act have been allowed to go forward in their applications for K-12 schools. Public university professors have full First Amendment rights, but public K-12 teachers face much stricter limits on academic freedom.

"Imprinting anti-American, subversive, harmful, and false ideologies on our Nation's children not only violates longstanding anti-discrimination civil rights law in many cases, but usurps basic parental authority," reads the order. "Demanding acquiescence to 'White Privilege' or 'unconscious bias,' actually promotes racial discrimination and undermines national unity."

The post Trump Expands School Choice, Narrows What Schools Can Teach appeared first on Reason.com.
President Trumps favorability rating at the start of his second term is significantly higher than it was when he first took office in January 2017, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday.

In the survey, conducted a few days after Trump was sworn into office, 47 percent of registered voters said they had a favorable opinion of Trump, while 45 percent said they had an unfavorable view of him. Another 8 percent said they either had not heard enough or refused to answer.

Thats a marked change from the results of a similar survey conducted a few days after Trump took office in January 2017. At the time, 39 percent of respondents had a favorable view of Trump, while 52 percent had an unfavorable view of him. Another 8 percent said they havent heard enough or refused to answer.

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That increase in his favorability is driven by Republicans and independents.

Ninety-one percent of Republicans said they had a favorable view of Trump at the start of his second term, up from 86 percent in 2017. In both polls, 6 percent of Republicans held unfavorable views of Trump.

Among independents, 43 percent say they had a favorable view of Trump this month, and 48 percent have an unfavorable view. That reflects a narrowing of the margin from 2017, when 37 percent of independents viewed Trump favorably and 52 percent viewed him unfavorably.

Democrats views on Trump, meanwhile, have barely moved since the January 2017 poll  with only 5 percent viewing him favorably in both polls; his unfavorable rating moved from 89 percent in 2017 to 88 percent in 2025.

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The survey of 1,019 registered voters was conducted Jan. 23-27 and has a margin of error of 3.1 percentage points.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Mediawire New Delhi [India], January 30: A good beginning in 2025 Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman, Aditya Birla Group and Nitin Mukesh launched Bhaj Govindam, at Aditya Utsav 2025 celebrated at Sangeet Kala Mandir, Kolkata. The softly rendered lyrical presentation by Anuradha Paudwal enables everyone to understand this prayer. Bhaj Govindam is a devotional lyric in the form of a prayer seeking attention of the God while stating our own shortcomings in reaching Him. Bhaj Govindam states that as a human being I am ignorant about the manner of prayer and only You as the supreme being can understand the meaning of my nonsensical words. Even with a touch of divinity, Bhaj Govindam has a human backdrop about its creation. Once, Adi Shankaracharya was moving along the streets of Kashi, on the banks of holy River Ganga and the highest abode of knowledge along with some of his disciples. On the way he found an old man studying Sanskrit grammar. Explaining the reason, the man admitted that he had not praised Bhagwan his entire life and even as he spoke he was unable to understand Sanskrit grammar. Urging him to just turn his mind towards Bhagwan, Adi Shankaracharya handed him the lyric we know today as Bhaj Govindam. The beauty of the prayer apart from its lyrical essence is that it is set In a very simple language so that everyone can recite and gain peace of mind. Bhaj Govndam is available on Anuradha Paudwals YOUTUBE channel: https://youtu.be/U4LpJRkYsus?si=1YHj8_LSdVhmjNi1 BHAJ GOVINDAM initiative is presented by Aditya Birla Group and Concept executed by The Times of India. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by Mediawire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
By Sarah N. Lynch and Andrew Goudsward

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Kash Patel, President Donald Trump's nominee for FBI director, vowed on Thursday to protect FBI employees against "political retribution" even as the Trump administration has begun to fire and sideline Justice Department officials who were involved in investigations into the president.

Pressed by Democratic U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal to commit to not fire FBI agents who worked on investigations into Trump's mishandling of classified documents and attempts to overturn the 2020 election, Patel said, "All FBI employees will be protected against political retribution."

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The acting attorney general, who oversees the FBI, on Monday fired more than a dozen Justice Department lawyers who worked on the Trump cases, citing a lack of trust that they could carry out Trump's agenda.

Patel told lawmakers he was not involved in those moves. He said he would follow FBI policies in disciplining employees.

Democrats pressed Patel during his confirmation hearing about his past comments downplaying the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol and threatening investigations of government officials and the news media. Patel did not directly address past remarks, but told the Senate Judiciary Committee, "Any accusations leveled against me that I would somehow put political bias before the Constitution are grotesquely unfair."

Patel, a conservative firebrand, has been among the most vocal critics of investigations into Trump, depicting them as the work of a "deep state" on law enforcement and intelligence officials bent on undermining the president.

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Patel appeared to break with the Republican president on his sweeping pardons for all of the nearly 1,600 people charged in the Capitol attack, including hundreds who were convicted of assaulting police.

"I have always rejected any violence against law enforcement," Patel said. "I do not agree with the commutation of any sentence of any individual that committed violence against law enforcement."

Patel said any FBI investigations during his tenure would be based on a factual and legal basis.

DEMOCRAT QUESTIONS QUALIFICATIONS

The panel's top Democrat, Dick Durbin, told Patel he had "neither the experience nor the temperament nor the judgment" to lead the FBI, pointing to officials in Trump's first administration who condemned him.

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"Our nation needs an FBI director who understands the gravity of this mission and is ready on day one, not someone who is consumed by his own personal political grievances," Durbin said.

Democrats also pressed Patel on claims that Trump declassified sensitive records the FBI seized from Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in 2022, a claim Trump's lawyers in the case did not endorse. Patel was summoned before a federal grand jury in the probe.

Democrats on their own will not be able to block Patel from being confirmed. Trump has so far succeeded in securing confirmation for one highly controversial nominee, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a 51-50 vote after Vice President JD Vance broke a tie caused by three Republican no votes.

That was just the second time in U.S. history a vice president's vote was needed to break a tie on a Cabinet nominee.

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The committee's top Republican, Chuck Grassley, sought to preempt Democratic attacks, denying that Patel has an "enemies list" of people he will target for investigation. He portrayed Patel as an iconoclast who has exposed corruption in federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

"Mr. Patel's career has been a study in fighting unpopular but righteous causes," Grassley said.

Patel has said that the FBI used undercover operatives to entrap rioters during the attack on the Capitol, despite a recent Justice Department inspector general report that found the FBI had 26 informants at the Capitol, but most were there on their own accord and none received approval to engage in criminal activity.

A former aide to then-House Intelligence Committee Republican Chairman Devin Nunes, Patel helped spearhead the congressional probe into the FBI's handling of its investigation into contacts between Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and Russia.

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A Justice Department internal watchdog report later concluded that the FBI made errors in the warrant application to conduct surveillance on former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page but found no evidence of political bias.

Patel started his career as a public defender in Miami, first on local cases and later on federal ones.

Before going to work on Capitol Hill, he worked in counterterrorism at the Justice Department for about three years.

Later, he also briefly worked for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the National Security Council and finally, as chief of staff to the defense secretary.

(Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch and Andrew Goudsward; Editing by Scott Malone, Deepa Babington, Franklin Paul, Mark Porter and Diane Craft)
Kash Patel strenuously denied backing the QAnon cult and its baseless conspiracy theories as he backpedaled on some previous statements in a contentious confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill.

Donald Trumps pick for FBI director faced a flurry of accusations from Democrat senators claiming he had targeted deep state political opponents and the fake mafia media, branded the Capitol Police officers on January 6 cowards in uniform and said the FBI headquarters should be shut down and turned into a museum.

Patel hit back, claiming the criticisms were grotesquely unfair and taken out of context and he insisted he would not seek any political retribution if he is confirmed.

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Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley said: Some outside of this committee, and some people in this committee, have accused you of promoting the QAnon movement.

Are you a follower or promoter of QAnon? he asked Patel.

No senator, said the former Trump chief of staff at the Department of Defense. In fact, I have publicly, including in interviews given to this committee, rejected outright QAnon baseless conspiracy theories or any other conspiracy theories.

They must be addressed head-on with the truth.

According to the New York Times, Patel said in a 2022 interview: The Q thing is a movement a lot of people attach themselves to. I disagree with a lot of what that movement says, but I agree with a lot of what that movement says.

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In an opening statement, ranking Democrat member Dick Durban accused Patel of using terms like deep state and government gangsters.

QAnon followers espouse a view that Trump was fighting a secret war against a clandestine group of satanic cannibalistic elites from Hollywood, the Democrat Party and a deep state within the U.S. government.

When he was asked during the hearing about a photograph taken with far-right conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer, he said it was simply a case of a photograph being taken with a guest at a book event.

Durban and fellow Democrat Sen. Richard Blumenthal accused Patel of promoting a recording by the January 6th choir, members of whom were reportedly serving jail sentences connected with the insurrection at the Capitol.

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You glorified, you promoted, you supported these individuals, said Blumenthal. I think the FBI deserves better.

Defending his position on January 6, Patel said he repeatedly, often publicly and privately, said there can never be a tolerance for violence against law enforcement and anyone that commits an act of violence against law enforcement must be investigated, prosecuted and imprisoned.

He said he had no intention to go backward when asked if he planned to investigate former Biden officials and insisted the FBI would not be politicized.

The president has said publicly that he will allow the FBI to remain independent, and I have said as much as well, he said.

I would never do anything, unconstitutional or unlawful and I never have in my 16 years of government service.
Kash Patel, Donald Trumps choice to run the FBI, pointedly refused to answer a question at his Senate confirmation hearing Thursday about using the bureau to go after the presidents enemies.

Senator Cory Booker directly asked Patel about his past statements in which he pledged to shut down the FBI Hoover building and replace it with a mausoleum of the Deep State, noting that Patel had plans to remove specific people from the FBI by bringing in political appointees to an apolitical agency.

Bookers question was interrupted by Senator Chuck Grassley, the Senate Judiciary Committee chair, who then asked Patel if he would like to answer Bookers question, or move on.

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We can move on, Patel replied.

Patel likely refused to acknowledge Bookers question because the New Jersey senator had a point. The nominee compiled a Deep State enemies list in his 2022 book Government Gangsters, and would want employees loyal to him to carry out retribution. Fellow administration nominee Pam Bondi, Trumps choice for attorney general, backed Patel in her own confirmation hearings and implicitly acknowledged his list.

With the previous FBI director (and Trump appointee) Christopher Wray resigning last month, it would seem that Patel has a clear path to take over the bureau and begin going after Trumps enemies. But not only does he have to be confirmed first, he also would have to fight allegations of malicious prosecution thanks to his preemptive list. Can Trump and Patel overcome the Senate and the courts?
Jan. 29An executive order by President Donald Trump to freeze federal spending is leaving many wondering what the future may hold.

Many local government agencies utilize federal funding for projects ranging from education to health to major infrastructure improvements. Freezing that money created an automatic air of uncertainty.

"We have a group of mayors all over the state that have been looking at this, but we still don't know what the impact will be," said Washington Mayor David Rhoads. "What Trump is doing, I've asked some questions, but still don't know what the impact is going to be. As I understand it, it could heavily impact the health care industry. We just don't know exactly what will happen with a funding freeze."

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PACE Community Action Agency handles dozens of federally funded programs that range from Head Start to utility assistance.

"Tuesday was a very interesting day because there was not a lot of guidance and everyone was scrambling. We did not know exactly what the freeze was going to mean and we were not able to access our federal funding. That was very scary," said PACE Community Action Agency Executive Director Tai Blythe. "We have since received information that we believe means that Head Start will not be impacted at this time. That's good news. That is our largest program."

The original announcement on the freeze also exempted Medicare and Social Security, but other programs could be on the chopping block.

"We are still waiting to hear about some of our other funding sources like our community services block grant. It appears some of the programs have until Feb. 10 to submit their plans. It is a lot of wait and see right now," said Blythe. "I am worried, but trying to stay optimistic. We have such a fantastic company. This is our 60th year of providing service. We have been around for a long time. We have been around through a lot of different political environments. These are definitely unprecedented times. There are just a lot of unknowns."

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Daviess County has a number of federally funded projects. Those include road projects and enforcement projects in the sheriff's department.

"I know very little about it," said Daviess County Commissioners President Nathan Gabhart. "A freeze would force us to look around and see where we are spending every penny and reallocate our funds if necessary. It is no different than a household where if the spouse loses a job, then you begin cutting expenses. That is what we would do."

Right now, Trump's funding freeze has been frozen by the courts. A federal judge, responding to complaints by dozens of state attorney's general, has issued a temporary restraining order stopping the president's executive order.

The AGs say the administration violated the Administrative Procedure Act and the constitutional separation of powers.

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"We will not stand by while the president breaks the law and oversteps his authority as outlined in our Constitution, a constitution he swore an oath to uphold just one week ago," California Attorney General Rob Bonta said. "It shouldn't be too much to ask that the president follow the law and abide by the federal government's commitments, yet unfortunately, but unsurprisingly, here we are."

Order stops the action for now, but the threat of losing federal funds hangs heavily over local governments and other providers.

"I'm worried about what kind of impact it could have on roads, transportation. We got out of public transportation but the buses that run in the city are all federally funded," said Rhoads.

"The move throws you into a panic and what's really frustrating is not only the amount of time, effort and energy that was spent by our agency, but by individuals across the nation for something that could have been prevented by communicating more directly about which grants will be impacted," said Blythe. "We're still here. We're still supplying services. Our employees are still doing the necessary work."

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Blythe says that PACE is looking around for places where it can cut in case the judge allows the executive order to stand, but she points out that the loss of federal funding will have a big impact on the local economy.

"If our funding is put on pause and we have no access to money and we would exhaust our internal reserves, that would mean 120 people that wouldn't be working. That would mean 7,000 families in our community that won't get service," she said. "A lot of our funding goes to utility companies. That will mean utility companies don't get paid. Our contractors, private independent contractors that do work for us, won't get paid."

Blythe says the real impact of shutting down long running federal projects will result in ripples that touch a lot of people.

"So often when people think about our services, they think that is just goes to low-income individuals and benefiting them and that is just not the case," she said. "We are a big part of the local community. We pay payroll taxes and rent. There are a lot of people impacted."

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The frozen funding executive order for now leaves local leaders having to take a wait and see attitude.

"We don't rely heavily on federal funding here in Daviess County. It is nice to have, but with that money flowing in it is hard to cut stuff," said Gabhart.

"Right now, I am a lot like anyone else. I am watching and waiting to see what it going to happen," said Rhoads.
President Donald Trumps reckless statement last Saturday advocating for the ethnic emptying of Gaza has sparked widespread condemnation. At a time when delicate Gaza ceasefire negotiations were underway, delayed by a manufactured Bibi Netanyahu excuse, Trumps ill-considered remarks emboldened the most extreme right-wing elements in Israel, who were quick to applaud his comments. This episode underscores an inauspicious (to say the least) beginning for any potential Trump-led efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East.

Trumps remarks sucked all the oxygen out of the room, diverting attention from the fragile ceasefire process and shifting focus to his inflammatory rhetoric. By legitimizing extreme views, he provided cover for those advocating policies rooted in racism and exclusion. The timing could not have been worse. In a moment that called for careful diplomacy and a commitment to de-escalation, Trump chose to inflame tensions instead.

Jordanians, both in government and among the general public, were surprised by the statement made aboard Air Force One by the U.S. president suggesting the transfer, temporary or long-term, of 1.5 million Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan. Jordan, which has hosted Palestinian refugees since 1948 based on the U.N. promise that they would return to their homeland, has also accommodated further displaced Palestinians since 1967. After the 1967 War, Jordan hosted Palestinians from the West Bank, granting them Jordanian citizenship, while also providing refuge to half a million Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, who still await the opportunity to return to their homes. Following the Oslo Accords, hopes were raised for their eventual return.

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Both Jordans King Abdullah II and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi rejected on January 29 any forced displacement of Gazans. President Sisi said that displacing the Palestinian people from their land is an injustice that we cannot take part in. Speaking at a press conference in Cairo with Kenyan President William Ruto, he added that Egypts historic position in favor of the creation of a Palestinian state can never be compromised.

In Brussels, Jordans Abdullah stressed his countrys firm position on the need to keep the Palestinians on their land and to guarantee their legitimate rights, in accordance with the Israeli and Palestinian two-state solution.

The strange statement by the U.S. president came days after the announcement that most U.S. foreign aid (except military aid to Egypt and Israel, and some humanitarian assistance) had been suspended for no longer than 90 days. While on the surface this temporary and global measure is not connected to Trumps Gaza statement, many in Jordan expressed concern that Washington plans to use its foreign aid to pressure Amman.

Jordan and the U.S. government had signed in 2022 a seven-year Memorandum of Understanding stating that American aid to Jordan shall not dip below $1.45 billion annually. This MOU runs out in the fiscal year 2029, and Jordanian officials have stated that there is no connection between the two issues. Nevertheless, Jordanian politicians, parliamentarians, civil society organizations, and the media have come out in an unprecedented blitz opposing the Trump idea and accusing the American president of playing with the lives of people and their rights by encouraging the war crime of ethnic cleansing. Jordan and Egypt support Gaza and the West Bank becoming an independent state, and both back the Ramallah-based leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organizations Mahmoud Abbas.

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What made Trumps statement particularly troubling was that it came at a sensitive time in the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, which included the permission for Palestinians who were forcibly asked to leave the north of Gaza to return. On the very day of the statement, thousands of Palestinians were stuck with their belongings at the Israeli-controlled junction near the Netzarim area on both Salaheddine Street and Rashid Street, south of Gaza city. The delay by Israel was clearly a manufactured obstacle that was eventually resolved Monday morning, allowing the thousands to returnmany to their bombed houses, forcing them to set up tents at their former residences.

The irony in Trumps statement was that it appeared to have surprised even the Israeli government. Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked Trump for a different decisionthe rescinding of the Biden administrations order against the delivery of 2,000-ton bombsbut refrained from engaging with Trumps call for population transfer. The statement, however, was hailed by two far-right Israeli parties, headed by Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, who praised it and called on Netanyahu to continue the war against Palestinians to force the depopulation of Gaza.

It is unclear whether Trumps statement is the incubation of a plan or a slip of the tongue reflecting chatter he was privy to at Mar-a-Lago. A U.S. official has said that the idea of transferring Palestinian refugees is a frequent topic of discussion at Trumps Florida stomping grounds among some of the hawkish pro-Israeli Americans who have been advising the newly elected president. The fact that his national security adviser, Mike Waltz, has yet to be confirmed suggests that the statement is not part of a well-thought-out plan. Furthermore, a statement by veteran Republican Senator Lindsey Graham questioning whether Jordan and Egypt would buy into the idea appears to have thrown cold water on a reckless comment. Palestinians in Gaza who refused to leave their homeland despite the brutal Israeli war on them will certainly not agree to move voluntarily, and it is hard to imagine how 1.5 million Palestinians will be moved against their will and against the will of their neighbors.

The reaction from the international community has been swift and overwhelmingly negative. Leaders across the globe have condemned Trumps statement as not only reckless but undermining the moral authority of the United States to mediate conflicts in the region. The repercussions of his remarks are likely to linger, further complicating an already fraught situation and diminishing hopes for a sustainable resolution to the decades-long conflict.

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By aligning himself with the most extreme factions in Israel, Trump has done more harm than good. His statement has alienated moderate voices on all sides and weakened the credibility of any future U.S. involvement in the peace process. His approach serves as a stark reminder that words matter, particularly from those in positions of power. Reckless statements can inflame existing tensions, embolden extremists, and set back the cause of peace by years, if not decades.

If Trumps intention was to present himself as a dealmaker capable of resolving one of the worlds most intractable conflicts, his words have achieved the opposite. Instead of laying groundwork for peace, he has exacerbated divisions and undermined the trust necessary for negotiations. The long-term effects of his thoughtless rhetoric will likely be felt for years to come, casting a shadow over any efforts to bring lasting peace to the region.
Donald Trumps federal criminal cases are dead and his state criminal case in Georgia might be dead, though Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is trying to revive it. But theres impending action in his New York state criminal case, which the president is appealing while he runs the country.

Trump had to get new lawyers to represent him in the so-called hush money case, because he tapped much of his defense team for high-ranking Justice Department posts. The new lawyers from top law firm Sullivan & Cromwell have appellate experience, including at the Supreme Court on behalf of the government during Trumps first term. That experience may come in handy as the case climbs the appellate ladder. To be sure, it may be a while before the case reaches the high court, and which issues present Trumps best chance at overturning his conviction could become clearer over the coming months and perhaps years as the appeal develops.

At trial last year, a Manhattan jury found Trump guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first degree, for covering up a hush money scheme in connection with the 2016 presidential race. Earlier this month, Judge Juan Merchan sentenced Trump to an unconditional discharge, which was basically a sentence without any real penalty due to his then-impending White House return. The guilty verdicts did not require incarceration under state law, though relatively brief incarceration or probation are other sentencing options for that crime.

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Trump pleaded not guilty in all four of his criminal cases; the New York case is the only one that went to trial before the election.

The Supreme Court declined to block Trumps Jan. 10 sentencing before he took office, but while doing so the court left open the possibility of eventually ruling on his behalf. For one thing, the court split 5-4, so it almost didnt even let the sentencing go forward. Republican-appointed Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh dissented, but didnt explain why.

The majority, which in addition to the three Democratic appointees consisted of Chief Justice John Roberts and Trump appointee Amy Coney Barrett, said it refused to halt the sentencing because the alleged evidentiary violations at President-Elect Trumps state-court trial can be addressed in the ordinary course on appeal. The majority also said it was permitting the sentencing because of the lenient unconditional discharge that Merchan signaled ahead of time that he would impose.

So the court that previously granted Trump broad criminal immunity in the federal election interference case may yet have the final word on his New York conviction, but it could be a while before the ordinary course of that appeal unfolds.

Subscribe to the Deadline: Legal Newsletter for expert analysis on the top legal stories of the week, including updates from the Supreme Court and developments in Donald Trumps legal cases.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
The US Naval base at Guantanamo Bay is about to get a new chapter added to its notorious history.

The facility in Cuba has long attracted the ire of human rights groups who accuse Washington of using it as an outpost outside the reach of US law to shield from scrutiny alleged abuses of the asylum process and in the war on terror.

Now the base could have yet another new incarnation  playing a key role in President Donald Trumps immigration blitz.

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The US has maintained a migrant detention facility there for decades that is separate from the notorious high-security jail for foreign terror suspects, including alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed.

The base could fulfill two important goals for Trumps border enforcement program. First, it could offer badly needed space to detain migrants ahead of a potential accommodation crisis if the pace of detentions ramps up.

And just as importantly, it could make Trump look tough  a key consideration in an operation choreographed to send a message to would-be migrants to stay home and to show Trumps voters he is honoring his campaign pledges.

Trump signed a memorandum Wednesday instructing the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security to prepare a 30,000-person facility at the base  although its far from clear its currently suitable to house anywhere close to that number of detainees potentially awaiting deportation.

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The center, used traditionally to house Haitian and Cuban migrants intercepted at sea before they reach the United States, is dogged by its own long history of complaints about conditions and claims that it short-circuits migrants access to the asylum process. Nevertheless, the Biden administration considered using the base last year to process Haitian migrants.

Guantanamos symbolic power

The symbolism of the location is perfectly resonant with the hardline tone of a migrant crackdown run by the gruff White House border czar Tom Homan and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who joined a federal enforcement team on the streets of New York soon after being confirmed. She hailed the arrest of an undocumented migrant facing criminal charges on X, saying, Dirtbags like this will continue to be removed from our streets.

It was not clear which categories of migrants would be held in the Guantanamo Bay center, but the announcement opened the possibility that it could include some detainees arrested in the interior of the United States and then transported to the Cuban military base. Noem, for instance, told CNN News Central that the base could be reserved to detain what she described as the worst of the worst.

Such language risks raising due process concerns. And the symbolic association between the military detention center and the migrant camp  even though they are separate  is likely to further stigmatize migrants.

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President Trumps decision to use Guantanamo  global symbol and site of lawlessness, torture, and racism  to house immigrants should horrify us all, said Vince Warren, executive director of the Center for Constitutional Rights, in a statement. Like many of Trumps authoritarian attacks on human rights, this one has shameful precedents in US history. Long before the second Bush administration used the facility to hold and abuse nearly 800 Muslim men and boys as part of its war on terror, the first Bush administration held Haitian refugees there to try to deny them their rights under international law.

Trump leans into the theater of his border crackdown

Trump announced the Guantanamo initiative at a White House signing ceremony for the Laken Riley Act, a new law in memory of a Georgia nursing student who was killed by an undocumented Venezuelan migrant last year. The law  which passed Congress with Democratic support  requires the detention of undocumented migrants charged with certain crimes, including theft or burglary.

The president leaned heavily into the theatrics of a restored migrant facility in Guantanamo, conjuring a vision of a fearsome fate for migrants sent there.

We have 30,000 beds in Guantanamo to detain the worst criminal illegal aliens threatening the American people. Some of them are so bad we dont even trust the countries to hold them, because we dont want them coming back, Trump said. So were going to send them out to Guantanamo. This will double our capacity immediately, right? And tough. Thats a tough  thats a tough place to get out of.

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If the associations with Guantanamo invoke toughness for Republicans, they stir equally intense feelings for many liberals and Democrats.

The war on terror facility on the base is the prison that refuses to die, defying the efforts of President Barack Obama and President Joe Biden to close it. Both only managed to reduce the population of prisoners still housed there.

The prison opened in 2002 as a holding center for suspects taken off battlefields in South Asia, the Middle East and elsewhere who were treated outside the legal system and often held for years without trial. The camp became a symbol of human rights abuses, and the failure to provide inmates with due process made it a stain on the reputation of the United States around the world.

The case of Mohammed, one of the camps most notorious prisoners, remains unresolved and was delayed for years. There were initial concerns that evidence obtained through enhanced interrogation techniques, which critics called torture, may not be admissible in civilian courts. Then a furor erupted over fears that trying him in New York, as Obama preferred, could be a terrorism risk. The Obama administration eventually decided that Mohammed would go before a military tribunal and blamed Congress for passing laws to prevent him and other suspects from being brought to the US mainland. Incredibly, the case is still dragging on, more than 23 years after the attacks on New York and Washington that killed nearly 3,000 people. The Biden administration earlier this month succeeded in pausing a deal to allow the former al Qaeda kingpin to plead guilty and evade the risk of execution.

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The Biden administration announced its final transfer of Guantanamo Bay detainees on January 6, sending 11 Yemenis to Oman. It said 15 detainees remain at the facility.

Warnings of inhumane conditions at migrant center

The separate migrant facility at Guantanamo Bay has its own checkered civil rights record and its use will concern migrant rights groups who are already raising concerns that Trumps deportation crackdown infringes access to asylum claims for undocumented migrants.

In a report late last year, the International Refugee Assistance Project cited testimony from refugees that conditions at the facility were inhumane and unlawful. The report called on the government to shut down the center and to give asylum seekers the same legal rights as migrants detained in the interior United States. It said conditions were characterized by undrinkable water, exposure to open sewage, and poor medical care and schooling facilities for children.

But two of Trumps top immigration advisers told CNNs Kaitlan Collins that Immigrations and Customs Enforcement officials would be in charge of the Guantanamo Bay expansion.

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ICE has the highest detention standards in the industry, Homan said. You cant find another state, federal, or local facility that has higher detention standards than ICE.

A US official, however, told CNN that the facilities may have had 30,000 beds in the 1990s but was nowhere near such capacity now and that many more staff would be needed to accommodate that number of migrants.

This points to another critical question for the Trump immigration sweep: the need for urgent and significant congressional action to fund its expansion.

The US Naval base at Guantanamo Bay is on the southeastern coast of Cuba and is permanently leased from the communist government in one of the last, and most extraordinary, holdovers from the Cold War.

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It has long been a thorn in the side of the Havana government  and, since the opening of the military prison, has also been a powerful element of Cubas propaganda offensive against the United States, which is likely to ramp up as the new White House adopts a far more hostile tone than the Biden administration.

It didnt take long for the US bases newest possible incarnation to draw the ire of Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, who wrote on X: In an act of brutality, the new US government announces the imprisonment at the Guantanamo Naval Base, located in illegally occupied territory Cuba, of thousands of migrants that it forcibly expels, and will place them next to the well-known prisons of torture and illegal detention.

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Last week, just days after his inauguration, Donald Trump eliminated the membership of a key committee that handles aviation security. And on Wednesday night, a passenger plane collided with a military helicopter in the Washington, D.C., area.

On Tuesday, January 22, the Aviation Security Advisory Committees members received a memo from the Trump administration saying that the Department of Homeland Security was getting rid of the membership of all advisory committees in a commitment to eliminating the misuse of resources and ensuring that DHS activities prioritize our national security. At the same time, Trump also fired the heads of the Transportation Security Administration and the Coast Guard.

Congress mandated the aviation committee in 1988, after the PanAm Flight 103 bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland. After Trumps move, the committee technically continues to exist but has no members to examine safety issues in airlines and airports. Its membership consisted of key groups in the aviation industry, from major unions to representatives from major airlines, as well as a group associated with victims of the PanAm bombing.

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Throughout its existence, the committees recommendations were adopted into air travel procedure. It was out of commission for more than a week until Wednesdays disaster. No survivors were reported in the crash between American Eagle Flight 5342 heading to D.C. from Wichita, Kansas, and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter.

The D.C. fire chief has said that recovery is now underway, as bodies are pulled out of the Potomac River. With many of Trumps executive orders and policy memos disrupting the normal function of government, could this disaster have been prevented by a competent administration?
President Donald Trump on Thursday gave a dismissive response when asked if he would visit the Washington-area location where a passenger plane and an Army helicopter collided, killing 67 people.

I have a plan to visit, not the site because  you tell me, whats the site? The water? Trump told reporters at the White House. You want me to go swimming?

The midair collision happened Wednesday night as an American Airlines jet was about to land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. There were 64 people on the plane and three military personnel in the helicopter.

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Officials said there were no survivors, and by Thursday morning authorities had pulled 28 bodies from the frigid Potomac River.

Following the deadly crash, Trump posted on social media: This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!

At a press briefing, Trump blamed the crash on diversity hiring at the Federal Aviation Administration and spoke about the icy Potomac.

Were all searching for answers, Trump said, adding that the crash occurred on a cold, cold night with cold water.

Asked at the White House if he had a plan to meet with first responders, Trump said he didnt.

I dont have a plan to do that, but I will be meeting with some people that were very badly hurt  with their family member, obviously, but Ill be meeting with some of the families, Trump said.
(Bloomberg) --

Most Read from Bloomberg

President Donald Trump said he would follow through on his threat to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico on Feb. 1, citing the flow of fentanyl and large trade deficits as among the reasons for his decision.

Well be announcing the tariffs on Canada and Mexico for a number of reasons, Trump told reporters Thursday in the Oval Office as he signed executive actions in response to a deadly airplane collision.

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Number one is the people that have poured into our country so horribly and so much. Number two are the drugs, fentanyl and everything else that have come into the country. Number three are the massive subsidies that were giving to Canada and to Mexico in the form of deficits, he said.

West Texas Intermediate oil futures climbed above $73 a barrel following the comments. The US dollar wiped out an earlier loss to touch the days high after the remarks, while the Canadian dollar and Mexican peso both plunged. US Treasuries pared their gains.

Trump indicated the 25% rate could represent a floor, saying that the tariff levels may or may not rise with time.

But the US president did suggest he was still considering if one significant import  oil  would be exempted. Trump said would be making a determination as soon as Thursday evening, basing his decision upon the price of oil.

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We dont need the products that they have. We have all the oil that you need. We have all the trees you need, Trump added, referring to major imports from Canada.

Trumps move was closely anticipated by markets as well as global business and political leaders who have scrutinized his words and actions for any indication on whether the US president would deliver on his levy threats or use them as the starting point for negotiations on trade.

Trump in recent days threatened and then pulled back on tariffs against Colombia in a dispute over deportations of undocumented migrants, leading some to speculate that he was using trade levies merely as leverage to seek policy concessions.

China Tariffs

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Trump also indicated that he would proceed with tariffs on China. He didnt specify the levy, though hes previously said it would be 10%. Trump has said Beijing failed to follow through on promises to prevent fentanyl and the chemicals used to make the deadly drugs from flowing into the US.

With China, Im also thinking about something because theyre sending fentanyl into our country, and because of that, theyre causing us hundreds of thousands of deaths, Trump said Thursday. So China is going to end up paying a tariff also for that, and were in the process of doing that.

Trump has ordered his administration to investigate whether China complied with a trade deal struck during his first term, setting the stage for tariffs against the worlds second largest economy.

Following through on tariffs against Canada and Mexico, who are US neighbors, major trading partners, and export markets, threatens to have dramatic economic consequences, rattle markets and potentially launch a trade war by undermining protections from a three-nation free trade agreement.

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Both countries have pledged to respond to any trade levies, including with retaliatory tariffs, even as their leaders sought to assure the US they were addressing border concerns in a bid to defuse the conflict.

If these tariffs go into effect, Canada will respond, Canadian Ambassador to the US Kirsten Hillman said Thursday. This is not something that we want to do. We do not want to get into a tariff-back-and-forth with the United States. Its not good for Canada, Canadians and Canadian workers and its not good for the United States, Americans and American workers.

Hillman said that Canada has responded to Trumps concerns about the border by clamping down and announcing new security measures, including added drones and helicopters.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort even before the president was inaugurated in a bid to ease tensions between their nations, and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum spoke to Trump to try to avert the levies.

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In the first 11 months of 2024, US trade with Canada totaled $699 billion and $776 billion with Mexico. And the magnitude of tariffs Trump will enact could have stark impacts on particular industries, such as the auto industry and the energy sector. Shares of US automakers Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Co. turned negative on the announcement, erasing earlier gains.

President Trumps tariffs will tax America first, Matthew Holmes, executive vice president at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, said Thursday. From higher costs at the pumps, grocery stores and online checkout, tariffs cascade through the economy and end up hurting consumers and businesses on both sides of the border. This is a lose-lose.

Further Levies

Trump is also promising sectoral tariffs, such as on pharmaceuticals, semiconductor chips, steel, aluminum and copper, which could apply widely to many countries, including Canada and Mexico.

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The US president is an avowed believer in tariffs, saying they will force a renaissance in domestic manufacturing, though industry groups warn that it will upend supply chains and endanger existing factories by raising costs of source materials.

Hes hailed tariffs as a source of revenue as lawmakers move to renew and expand expiring tax cuts and approve other credits and benefits the president promised on the campaign trail. Trump wants to reduce the corporate rate to 15% for firms that manufacture goods in the US, compared to the current 21% rate.

--With assistance from Saleha Mohsin, Sydney Maki, Ryan Beene, Simon Casey and Randy Thanthong-Knight.

(Updates with additional details, background throughout.)

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NewsVoir Bangalore (Karnataka) [India], January 30: Bengaluru hosted a pan-India college-student ideathon, the EcoInnovators Challenge, focused on creating sustainability related solutions leveraging emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, and other science-based innovations. The ideathon was a collaborative effort between Global Learning Council (hosted by the Villars Institute, Switzerland), in partnership with Axilor Ventures and Pratithi Investments. A similar ideathon, in partnership with School Net, was held last week in New Delhi for high school students. The initial phase of the GLC EcoInnovators Challenge was launched in October 2024, attracting over 2600 registrations and resulting in the submission of more than 250 ideas. From this initial pool, 13 teams were selected and invited to submit their solution demonstrations. Demonstrating strong inclusivity, this competition saw participation of top-tier colleges in India including the IITs, NITs, VIT, as well as colleges from non-metropolitan areas such as Dehradun (Uttarakhand), Raipur (Chhattisgarh), Sasaram (Bihar), and Tiruchengode (Tamil Nadu). In the Ideathon's second phase, a Demo Day was held yesterday at the Infosys Science Foundation, with around 100 additional students specially invited from selected colleges in Bengaluru. The finalists presented a variety of ideas and solutions related to areas such as biodiversity, water pollution, circular economy business model, air pollution, and energy management. A masterclass on "Towards Sustainable Development: Planetary Boundaries and the Potential of AI" was also conducted. Team Navachar, Navya Tiwari and Navjivan Kumar Mehta from O.P. Jindal University (Raigarh, Chhattisgarh) secured the top prize. As a recognition of their achievement, the team members have received an invitation to attend the Global Learning Conference organized by GLC in Switzerland scheduled in June 2025. Kris Gopalakrishnan, Co-founder of Infosys, Chairman of Axilor Ventures, and Advisory Board Member of GLC, said, "In its second edition, I am glad that the GLC ideathon has expanded in scope and reached more students across India. I am glad that the jury / evaluation process has learned from the first year and become more robust. I encourage students to use their own creativity and ideation rather than just rely on technologies such as generative AI." Subra Suresh, Founder and President of the Global Learning Council, added, "This Ideathon fulfils the key objectives of both GLC and Villars Institute - nurturing the creativity of young people in solving inter-generational challenges, improving the learning outcomes of students, and encouraging the use of science and technology to ensure our planet's vibrant ecosystems. I am delighted that student teams chosen from the Bengaluru and New Delhi Ideathons will join us in Switzerland and interact with other students and global leaders." Other distinguished guests who attended the event include S.D. Shibulal, Co-founder Infosys, Anna Celner, a global business leader, Indumathi Nambi, Professor at the School of Sustainability, IIT Madras, and V. Ganapathy, Co-founder and CEO of Axilor Ventures. (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)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump will appear in the White House briefing room at 11 a.m. EST on Thursday to brief Americans on Wednesday's deadly midair collision at Reagan National Airport, the White House said.

(Reporting By Steve Holland)
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  As President Donald Trump continues his promise of cracking down on unlawful immigration, one proposal could put California at odds with Washington.

Senate Bill 54 is Californias so-called sanctuary law, which limits local law enforcement from assisting with federal immigration efforts.

What it does is exactly what the California Values Act seeks to prevent, said attorney and immigrant rights advocate H.A. Sala.

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Sala is referring to a memo by President Trumps Department of Justice, which threatens prosecution for state and local officials who dont assist in the execution of President Trumps immigration-related initiatives.

It also would mandate the release of identifying information and/or biometric data relating to non-citizens located illegally.

Sala said that wont work in California.

[The federal government] cannot force state legislatures to implement laws or rescind laws to promote federal regulatory programs, said Sala.

The issue?

The California Values Act of 2017  Senate Bill 54.

Passed under then-Governor Jerry Brown, the law is intended to establish trust between Californias immigrants and local agencies.

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In Kern, it bars the Highway Patrol, the Sheriffs Office and Bakersfield Police from investigating, interrogating, detaining, detecting or making arrests for immigration enforcement purposes.

People dont know that, and theres just so much unnecessary fear, Sala said.

Sala also argued SB 54 limits what local law enforcement can do with federal immigration officials, not vice versa.

Local enforcement is not going to help you do your job doesnt mean that it impedes their job, Sala said. [California is] just not going to cooperate because we have our own public policy reasons for doing that.

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Now, not all communication is disallowed. There are some exceptions, like if immigration authorities request information about a specific persons criminal history.

Facebook hoax: Online page impersonates Kern GOP, encourages resident assistance with immigration enforcement

In his first term, President Trump sued California over SB 54  unsuccessfully.

While President Trumps DOJ appealed, the appeals court too sided with California.

Then, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the case, giving California the right to proceed with SB 54.

President Trumps argument has long been the Supremacy Clause  that the federal law is above state law.

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The federal government does not have the authority to circumvent the Tenth Amendment, Sala explained. They do not have the authority to commandeer local police forces to effectuate federal regulatory programs.

The Tenth Amendment says states have the right to establish and maintain own laws (in accordance with the federal government).

Sala predicted that during President Trumps second term SB 54 will be challenged, but not successfully.

Bakersfield Police Chief Greg Terry has publicly affirmed SB 54.

Though hes been vocal against SB 54, Sheriff Youngblood too has said, Senate Bill 54 limits what we can do. We follow the law, its really that simple.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Tulsi Gabbard insisted Thursday shes no ones puppet and pushed back against senators accusations that she supports foreign dictators and a famous U.S. whistleblower who fled to Russia.

Gabbard, President Donald Trumps choice to become director of national intelligence, repeatedly refused to answer a question posed by several members of the Senate Intelligence Committee considering her nomination.

Is Edward Snowden a traitor? Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) asked, noting that the GOP chairman of the committee has called Snowden a traitor.

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Gabbard didnt directly answer the question, as Bennet grew visibly angry.

Yes or no?! Bennet fumed. Is Edward Snowden a traitor to the United States of America?

Tulsi Gabbard was grilled over whether she considers Edward Snowden a traitor. / Henrique Casinhas/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Republican Sen. Todd Young gently admonished Gabbard, telling her it would benefit her prospects of confirmation if she would simply say whether the greatest whistleblower in American security, so called, harmed national security.

Snowden, the U.S. defense contractor who disclosed highly classified information about American intelligence gathering and who now lives in Russia, became the flashpoint of the hearing.

Sen. Susan Collins, a crucial holdout Republican who could decide whether Gabbards nomination advances to the Senate floor or is doomed in committee, also grilled the nominee about her past comments championing Snowden as a hero.

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The Maine Republican asked Gabbard if she would move to pardon or grant clemency to Snowden if she overcomes the senators concerns and becomes director of national intelligence.

My responsibility would be to ensure the security of our nations secrets, and would not take actions to advocate for any actions related to Snowden, Gabbard replied.

Collins asked Gabbard about speculation that she has met with leaders of the Iranian-backed terrorist organization Hezbollah. Have you ever knowingly met with any members, leaders or affiliates of Hezbollah? Collins asked.

No, and it is an absurd accusation, Gabbard said.

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Senators on both sides of the aisle raised concerns about the former Democratic congresswoman, whose past connection to the spiritual leader of a personality cult has come under scrutiny, and some painted the 43-year-old nominee as naive.

But senators on the powerful committee that will determine her fate as Trumps pick for the top national intelligence job were focused on her ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin and now-deposed Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad.

Rather than standing up to dictators like Putin and Assad, you sometimes amplify their talking points, Sen. Mark Warner, the lead Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, told her during the tense hearing. Warner, as others, raised her past comments suggesting NATOnot Russiawas responsible for the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine

Putin started the war in Ukraine, she conceded at one point.

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I appreciate this late conversion but Im not sure I buy it, Warner said.

Gabbard pushed back early against her Democratic critics, insisting shes a loyal American who loves her country.

Those who oppose my nomination imply that I am loyal to something or someone other than God, my own conscience and the Constitution of the United States. Accusing me of being Trumps puppet, Putins puppet, Assads puppet, a gurus puppet, Modis puppet, not recognizing the absurdity of simultaneously being the puppet of five different puppet masters, she said.

Senate Intelligence Chairman Tom Cotton defended Gabbard against public implications about her sympathetic views on Russia and Syria.

She has undergone five FBI background checks, he said, adding that he personally reviewed more than 300 pages of her file.

Its clean as a whistle, Cotton said.
Donald Trumps administrationincluding Pete Hegseth and Sean Duffyrushed up to the podium to flatter the president after he used a press conference on the deadly D.C. plane crash to blame diversity hires.

In his first press conference in the White House briefing room since returning to office, Trump invited his newly sworn-in Cabinet members up to the podium to address the crash Wednesday that killed three military members on a Black Hawk helicopter and 64 people aboard an American Airlines flight.

Duffy praised Trump for prioritizing hiring the

Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, who was two days into the job, looked over to Trump during his speech and gushed that the president made their jobs a lot easier.

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When we deal with safety, we can only accept the best and the brightest in positions of safety that impact the lives of our loved ones, Duffy said. And I think you made a really important point on that Mr. President. That is the motto of your presidency-- the best and the brightest.

During Trumps speech, he claimed that the FAA is actively recruiting workers who suffer severe intellectual disabilities, psychiatric problems, and other mental and physical conditions under a diversity and inclusion hiring initiative spelled out on the agencys website.

Pete Hegseth, the nations new defense secretary, also praised Trump in his address after the fatal crash.

Hegseth also echoed Trump's sentiments about diversity hires, saying the president is

Tragically last night, a mistake was made. And I think the president is right, Hegseth said. I want to echo what the transportation secretary and you Mr. President said, because it pertains to the [Department of Defense] as well. We will have the best and brightest in every position possible.

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He then looked over to Trump and thanked him for his leadership and courage, sir.

Next up in Trumps line of henchmen was Vice President JD Vance, who expressed a similar sentiment.

Thank you Mr. President for your leadership, Vance said. You have many hundreds of people suing the government because they would like to be air traffic controllers but were turned away by the color of their skin. That policy ends under Donald Trumps leadership because safety is the first priority.

The three men all looked over to Trump frequently during their speeches.

The plane crash occurred minutes before 9 p.m. last night as the American Airlines flight was making its descent to Reagan National Airport outside Washington, D.C. Officials said that no survivors were found and that the mission was now focused on recovering bodies.

Vice President JD Vance looks over at President Donald Trump during their press conference about the collision of an American Airlines flight with a military Black Hawk helicopter. / Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

On Truth Social Wednesday night, Trump said that the crash should have been prevented.

The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time. It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didnt the helicopter go up or down, or turn, Trump wrote. Why didnt the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!
President Trump this week revoked a security detail for retired Gen. Mark Milley and announced an investigation into the former Joint Chiefs chairs conduct, enacting promised retribution while also sending a chilling message to military brass.

Trump, who also revoked Milleys security clearance in orders to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has long clashed with Milley, who has been outspoken against the president in books and public comments.

But taking public revenge against him and launching an investigation are moves with little precedent in civil-military relations, and Democratic senators and experts called his actions reckless and petty.

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I think it is completely unjustified, said Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.). Another act of retribution and revenge that shows the smallness of the president.

Richard Kohn, emeritus professor at the University of North Carolina and an expert on civil-military relations, said Trumps move will discourage senior officers from doing their jobs and honestly advising the president, noting a former Joint Chiefs chair has never had their security detail revoked before.

Trump will be very difficult to deal with because hes really a very insecure person, Kohn said. I think he feels jealous of the legitimacy and the respect that senior officers get in American society. So as a result, it just makes it more difficult for them to do their job and to deal with political leadership in an honorable and candid way.

Pentagon chief of staff Joe Kasper confirmed that Milleys security detail and clearance were revoked and that the Defense Department Office of Inspector General will conduct an investigation into Milleys conduct, which will include a review of whether a star can be revoked from the retired four-star general.

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Kasper said that undermining the chain of command is corrosive to our national security.

Restoring accountability is a priority for the Defense Department under President Trumps leadership, Kasper said in a statement.

Trump signaled he was out for revenge against Milley on the campaign trail, suggesting at one point the retired general should be executed, and on his first day back in office he decried pardons that former President Biden issued for Milley and other Trump foes.

Just hours later, the Pentagon confirmed that a portrait of Milley recognizing him as a former chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was taken down.

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But critics say taking away Milleys security detail is a much more serious move, risking the life of the former highest-ranking military officer who carried out Trumps orders to strike on a top Iranian commander, Qassem Soleimani, in early 2020.

Trump has also revoked security details for other former officials-turned-critics: former national security adviser John Bolton and former CIA Director Mike Pompeo, both of whom Iran has threatened.

Roger Petersen, a professor of political science emeritus at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who studies civil-military relations, said he was concerned about Trumps actions creating a more politicized civilian-military environment, particularly among high-ranking officials.

Petersen, the author of Death, Domination, and State-Building: The US in Iraq and the Future of American Intervention, also raised concerns that the current chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. CQ Brown, might resign if pressured to adhere to orders.

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That is giving a signal to military officers that if you go against the Trump program, we can reach you even in retirement, and affect your pension and your status, he said.

Democrats were quick to slam Trump for revoking the security detail for someone hes feuded with.

Just like John Bolton, like Pompeo, these folks have been under real threats to their lives, said Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.). Its wrong for the president to do that. We protect these individuals.

Kelly expressed concern about the impact on the military at large, adding it sends a message that if you do not fall in line, that there are consequences.

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Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Milley and other former Trump Administration officials continue to face credible, deadly threats from Iran because they carried out President Trumps order to kill Iranian General Soleimani.

It is unconscionable and recklessly negligent for President Trump and Secretary Hegseth to revoke General Milleys security detail for their own political satisfaction, he said in a statement. The Administration has placed Milley and his family in grave danger, and they have an obligation to immediately restore his federal protection.

Republicans, however, were hesitant to comment on the move, both in person and on social media. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) said he was unclear about the revocation of the security deal and hadnt yet talked to Hegseth. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) did not answer a request for comment on Capitol Hill.

Milley and Trumps feud has simmered for years. The retired U.S. Army general was tapped by Trump in 2019 to lead the Joint Chiefs, but the two soon clashed over the role of the military in responding to racial justice protesters in 2020. Milley also publicly apologized for appearing in a controversial photo shoot with Trump during the rioting.

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Trump has also ripped Milley over reports the general called his Chinese counterpart to assure them that in the final days of Trumps presidency, there was not a risk of escalating conflict or nuclear war.

Trump has tried to refute reports that Milley stopped him from launching an attack on Iran. The dispute is at the center of a now-shuttered Justice Department classified documents case against Trump, who was cited in an indictment as reading from an apparent classified document to make the case to people that Milley recommended an attack on Iran.

Milley, who retired in 2023, has admitted that he has been a source for anti-Trump commentary in books about his presidency. In the 2024 book War by journalist Bob Woodward, Milley called Trump fascist to the core.

Trump, in turn, has called Milley a loser and said hes guilty of treason.

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Its unclear what exactly the Defense Department inspector general will investigate regarding Milleys conduct.

In 2022, Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Jim Banks (R-Ind.), who was then in the House, requested the inspector general investigate Milley. But Inspector General Robert Storch, who Trump fired last week, decided to drop the case after finding it unwarranted.

In a statement late Tuesday night, Pentagon spokesperson John Ullyot said the inspector general will conduct an inquiry into the facts and circumstances surrounding Gen. Milleys conduct so that the Secretary may determine whether it is appropriate to reopen his military grade review determination.

Milleys call to his Chinese counterpart to reassure them could potentially be seen as overriding the chain of command, but Milley has also said he had spoken with a civilian counterpart before. Active-duty military have been punished for speaking against civilian authorities, including retired Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, whose aides were caught mocking then-Vice President Biden, leading to former President Obama firing him in 2010.

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But most of Milleys public criticism has come after retirement and not in active duty, analysts say.

Kohn, from the University of North Carolina, said although Milley has spoken a bit too candidly after leaving office, he does not believe there is anything to investigate.

I dont think he spoke against Trump. I think he tried to inform people and inform the other political leadership of how he behaved in the last, lets say, six to eight months of his tenure, and why he did what he did, he said. But he didnt really speak against Trump, except by implication.

Peter Feaver, also a civil-military relations expert at the University of North Carolina, agreed.

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When you look at the matter closely, it is hard to find fault in what Gen. Milley actually did, he said. But it is concerning that we know so much about what he did, which is the case because somebody talked extensively to the press about what he did.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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The mass purge of federal workers under Donald Trump and Elon Musks so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) plan is more than just an attack on the government bureaucracy  its a direct assault on the veterans who make up nearly 30 percent of the federal workforce.

In a decision that will be remembered as a betrayal of the veteran community and the broader federal workforce, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued an email Tuesday similar in wording to the one Musk used to gut Twitter. The message, which arrived under the subject line, Fork in the Road, presented federal employees with a false choice: agree to resign now with temporary pay or risk termination later.

Musk made a similar offer to Twitter employees, along with promises about severance that were apparently never honored  a precedent that raises serious concerns about the integrity of this so-called deferred resignation plan. Musks fingerprints on this scheme introduce major legal questions, as he is neither a government advisor nor a federal employee. This raises the alarming possibility that the offer itself may not even be legally valid, opening a new legal and constitutional battle over the authority behind this directive.

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The administrations forced resignation scheme, disguised as a voluntary buyout offer, is nothing more than a coercive tactic  not an act of good faith. Federal workers, many of them veterans, are being pressured to resign by February 6 in exchange for eight months of pay. The alternative? Facing reclassification, forced return-to-office mandates, or outright termination. These threats are designed to create panic, rather than reflect actual likelihood.

The most alarming part is that by the time this scheme is challenged in court, it may be too late for veterans who took the bait, leaving them without jobs, benefits, or recourse.

This Trump administration threat is not about cost-cutting or making government work better. This is about power  gutting the civil service, replacing professionals with political loyalists, if at all, and eliminating any institutional resistance to his extreme right-wing agenda. It is exactly the kind of plan you might expect to see in a Cold War report about how to take down a government without firing a shot.

For veterans, the stakes are even higher. Many took federal jobs as part of their transition back into civilian life. These roles provide stability, purpose, and, for some, the only path forward after military service. Veterans work in nearly every agency, but they are particularly concentrated in Homeland Security, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Defense Department  all of which are critical to national security and veteran care. By gutting these agencies, Trump and Musk arent just purging workers; they are sabotaging the very services that support veterans and their families. The same veterans will get whacked on the back end as their care from the Department of Veterans Affairs deteriorates, if the veterans and non-veterans there fall for the scheme.

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And lets be clear: The math doesnt add up. Trump and Musk claim their government purge will help save $2 trillion, but the entire civilian federal payroll is only $271 billion. Even if every federal worker were fired, they wouldnt come close to those savings. What they will accomplish is chaos: longer VA wait times, weakened national security, a gutted social safety net, and a boat load of unemployed veterans with nothing but time and an axe to grind.

This wont deliver efficiency  its destruction for the sake of destruction and a display of sheer incompetence by Musk, who couldnt even be bothered to come up with a new scheme to screw over veterans, and instead just dusted off his Twitter playbook. He assumes were as gullible as Trumps die-hard supporters. Were not. If he and Trump dont back off, well make sure they hear us  loud and clear. See the Bonus Army, when veterans marched on Washington during the Great Depression demanding the bonus payments they had been promised.

As this new purge unfolds, veterans once again find themselves in the crosshairs  not on the battlefield, but in a political war where their service is treated as disposable. Congress needs to act now, before theres nothing left to save.

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Q. Since it would be non-consecutive, could Donald Trump serve a third term as president?

A. Presidents cannot serve more than two terms. When I started writing the Civics Project, I would not have predicted that one of the most frequent questions I would get is about presidents serving more than two terms. I have already answered it for both Barack Obama and Donald Trump. The answer is no, but considering the interest, lets talk about it again.

The presidential term limit was not a part of the Constitution at its drafting. The U.S. Constitution sets particular requirements to serve as president but has no limit on the number of terms. Article II, Section 1, requires that the president be a natural-born citizen, at least 35 years old and have lived in the U.S. for at least 14 years. Yet, for the most of our history, no president served more than two terms.

Former President Barack Obama and President-elect Donald Trump speak together ahead of the state funeral services for former President Jimmy Carter at the National Cathedral on January 9, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Ricky Carioti - Pool/Getty Images)

The two-term standard was set by George Washington, who was so popular, he probably would have been reelected for his lifetime. Though, sadly, Washington died just a few years after leaving office. Nonetheless, Washington set an example for our new democracy of both humility and grace. In his Farewell Address, Washington explained his decision not to seek a third term: "I have the consolation to believe that, while choice and prudence invite me to quit the political scene, patriotism does not forbid it." In Washingtons view, the nation and the Constitution were far more important than a single man.

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Civics Project: Can good government and artificial intelligence go hand-in-hand?

If a figure of George Washingtons status could step away, its hard to argue that others needed to serve longer. For much of American history, no one did. This voluntary tradition of serving only two terms remained unchallenged until Franklin Delano Roosevelt was elected to a third term in 1940 and a fourth in 1944. Roosevelts unprecedented tenure prompted Congress to propose the 22nd Amendment, which was ratified by the states in 1951. The amendment explicitly states, "No person shall be elected to the office of the president more than twice, and no person who has held the office of president, or acted as president, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected president shall be elected to the office of president more than once."

People have suggested to me some clever attempts at a work around, such as running for vice president and having the president resign but as I have written previously, that seems unlikely to overcome the clear prohibitions in the 22nd Amendment. Nor does when the terms were served matter. A president may serve only two terms. This limitation applies whether the terms are consecutive or non-consecutive. Donald Trump, Barack Obama and George W. Bush are ineligible to run again.

Opinion: Can Florida have its own foreign policy that pre-empts US policy?

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For Donald Trump or any other individual to serve beyond two terms, the 22nd Amendment would need to be repealed or amended and just such a proposal has been made in the current Congress. However, this is an improbable scenario given how difficult it is to amend the Constitution. You need three-fourths of all the states to ratify the proposed amendment but to even get there you would need two-thirds votes in support in both the House and Senate. It is hard to imagine, in this current political environment, getting anywhere near that level of support in Congress.

So, if you are counting on a repeal of the 22nd Amendment so that we can have a potential electoral contest between Barack Obama and Donald Trump, you might have to tamp down your expectations.

Kevin Wagner is a noted constitutional scholar and political science professor at Florida Atlantic University. The answers provided do not necessarily represent the views of the university. If you have a question about how American government and politics work, email him at kwagne15@fau.edu or reach him on Twitter/X @kevinwagnerphd.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Trump getting third term as president is very unlikely | Opinion
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An executive order signed by President Donald Trump directs an emphasis on school choice and private school voucher programs when it comes to education funding, something thats been happening in Ohio for several decades now.

While its unclear how much power the executive order will have with spending decisions decided by Congress, the executive order directs to the U.S. Department of Education to prioritize school choice programs in grant funding, and requires the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to guide states on block grants that can be used for private schools.

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The executive order also directs the U.S. Department of Education to release guidance on using federal funding formulas for private school scholarship programs, and for military families in particular to be given information on scholarships.

Its not yet clear how this will affect individual states, but Ohio has already vastly expanded its private school voucher programs over the last two decades, and recently passed near-universal levels eligibility.

Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman began 2025 by saying the six-year phase-in of the public school funding model in Ohio was unsustainable, which received massive pushback from public school supporters, especially after the lawmakers poured nearly $1 billion into private school scholarships last year.

Huffman called the future of the current funding model  also called the Fair School Funding Plan or the Cupp-Patterson plan  a fantasy, but has seemingly softened his stance for now after hearing from members of his own party.

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A spokesperson for Huffman and the House Majority Caucus did not respond to a request for comment on the executive order.

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The president and CEO of EdChoice, Ohios private voucher program, praised the order in a statement, saying prioritizing and expanding such programs is a crucial step toward empowering families and giving them greater control over their childrens education.

This initiative reflects a commitment to funding students not systems and to ensuring the proper role of the federal government in education, EdChoice President and CEO Robert Enlow said in the Wednesday statement. It recognizes both the appropriate role of the federal government on education and the fact that education is primarily a state function.

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Public school advocates feel the same way about a federal push for private school funding expansion as they do about state-level funding increases, for which a lawsuit was filed in Franklin County Common Pleas Court to eliminate the private school voucher program.

The lawsuit argues that funding for private schools is coming out of the coffers of the public school system, something the state is constitutionally obligated to fund properly.

Diverting public money to unaccountable and ineffective private schools is a failed strategy that runs counter to public opinion, Ohio Federation of Teachers head Melissa Cropper told the Capital Journal.

A 2024 survey done by All4Ed, Lake Research Partners and the Tarrance Group, found a majority of American voters support public education, and an increase in funding to improve public schools. This included 58% of Republicans surveyed. Only 34% of GOP voters polled said funding for voucher programs should be increased.

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Voters view public schools, including their local public school, more favorably than charter, private or religious schools, the study stated.

Cropper called the move by the Trump administration a strategy straight of Project 2025, the playbook written and supported by right-wing Heritage Foundation members, some of whom have become players in the Trump administration, including the White House budget office.

Regardless of what politicians do, Ohio educators and school staff will continue fighting for the resources that our students deserve, Cropper said.

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From the The Morning Dispatch on The Dispatch

Happy Thursday! Lets get right into the news.

Quick Hits: Todays Top Stories

A Federal Workforce Overhaul

The entrance to the Theodore Roosevelt Federal Building in Washington, D.C., which houses the Office of Personnel Management headquarters. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

After a rise to fame fueled by his reality TV catchphrase, Youre fired!, President Donald Trumps ambitious plan to reshape the federal governments workforce in his second presidential term came as a surprise to very few people. And hes wasting no time.

Most of those bureaucrats are being fired, theyre gone, Trump said after his inauguration last Monday. It should be all of them, but some sneak through. We have to live with a couple, I guess.

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Trump returned to office with arguably more open hostility toward the federal workforce than any other modern president, describing the bureaucracy as cancer last week. He campaigned on destroying the so-called deep state and his tech-bro advisers have pledged mass head-count reductions across the federal bureaucracy.

Over the last nine days, the Trump administration has issued a blitz of executive actions designed to reshape and reduce the federal workforce. Some of the measures fall within the traditional shakeups of a new administration, while others aim to greatly expand the number of government jobs exempt from civil service protections and rely on untested legal footing. Several lawsuits have already been filed challenging the moves.

Proponents argue the wave of initiatives is necessary to make a sclerotic bureaucracy more responsive to the presidents agenda, while critics see the changes as a ploy to install compliant personnel who will ultimately erode the independence of a workforce crucial to ensuring competent governance across presidential administrations. But, as tends to be the case for sweeping executive action, administrative law analysts and civil service researchers believe the crux of the issue will hinge on how the changes are actually implemented.

As expected, Trump reinstated a federal employee classification change known as Schedule F, introduced at the tail end of his first administration but quickly revoked by former President Joe Biden. The new schedule would vastly expand the number of federal employees eligible for dismissal, but to fully appreciate its significance well need to get a little wonky. The non-military federal workforceabout 2.4 million strong, excluding the U.S. Post Office personnelfalls into three broad buckets.

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First, theres the competitive service, where employees are hired according to a merit-based system that usually involves examinations and competency standards. Employees also have legal protections against firings on a partisan or political basis. Second, the excepted service includes roles that are largely exempt from those protections. These are effectively at will positions that people can be quickly hired for or fired fromalthough, excepted service employees who are not political appointees and who have had sufficient tenure enjoy the same firing protections as the competitive service. And third, the Senior Executive Service (SES) encompasses high-level leadership positions that are also exempt from competitive service protections.

There are currently five categories of excepted service employees, Schedules A to E. These exempted categories are designed to allow the executive branch to hire people when it is impracticable to do so through the competitive servicefor example, for some types of jobs its often necessary to hire applicants more quickly than the competitive service process allows, particularly for roles that are in high demand in the private sector. Schedule C allows executive agencies to hire political employees who serve at the pleasure of the president. These positions, in combination with presidential appointments and the SES, make up the approximately 4,000 federal jobs that typically turn over with a new presidential administration.

Schedule F was designed to create a new exempt category that could apply to upwards of tens of thousands of employees, making a much larger chunk of the federal workforce subject to at-will removal. In a Day 1 executive order, Trump reinstated Schedule F, now called Schedule Career/Policy, with a few adjustments. Like Schedule F, the order uses language from the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 to define the new class of excepted service as positions of a confidential, policy-determining, policy-making, or policy-advocating character, and it exempts these roles from civil service removal protections. The new order also added the following stipulations:

Employees in or applicants for Schedule Policy/Career positions are not required to personally or politically support the current President or the policies of the current administration. They are required to faithfully implement administration policies to the best of their ability, consistent with their constitutional oath and the vesting of executive authority solely in the President. Failure to do so is grounds for dismissal.

To some observers, the section offers positive signs to those who worry the new schedule is simply a way to install political loyalists. Thats an important [addition] because that suggests this new revised Schedule F is mainly about achieving policy alignment, rather than political loyalty, Ronald Sanders, a former career senior federal executive who served as associate director of the Office of Personnel Management in the George W. Bush administration, told TMD.

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Sanders, who chaired the Federal Salary Council in the first Trump administration, resigned in protest of the original Schedule F order. He wrote in a letter at the time that the move was nothing more than a smokescreen for what is clearly an attempt to require the political loyalty of those who advise the President, or failing that, to enable their removal with little if any due process.

But Sanders is also a proponent of civil service reform, particularly when it comes to policy obstructionists. If you have a civil servant that crosses his or her arms and says, Make me, thats one of the problems I have with the current system, he said, adding that, ideally, Congress would be the body to implement any needed changes. It is just too damn hard to make somebody follow orders.

Other analysts are more skeptical of the new schedule. Nick Bednar, a professor at the University of Minnesota Law School whos written extensively on personnel policy, told TMD the faithfully implement language is ambiguous and could be liberally interpreted by the administration to justify dismissals on political grounds.

Officials involved in the first Schedule F order reportedly estimated that 50,000 federal employees could be re-classified. Records obtained by the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) revealed plans by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to interpret the policy-making classification so broadly as to include IT specialists.

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But much will be left up to how the new order is interpreted and ultimately implemented. A generous interpretation of [policy-making positions] could be a much larger number than 50,000, but its difficult because it depends on how agencies themselves will interpret how close a connection to policy-making you have to have to be moved into this new schedule, David Lewis, a professor and political scientist at Vanderbilt University whose research focuses on federal bureaucracy, told TMD. The Office of Personnel Management sent out a memo Monday directing agencies to begin reviewing which employees could qualify.

The NTEU and other large unions like the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees have already filed lawsuits challenging the order. And Bednar believes the expanded interpretation justifying the new classification is ripe for legal challenge. The new order also declared a Biden administration final rule preempting the return of Schedule F to be inoperative without effect. This move likely violated the Administrative Procedure Act, which requires executive agencies to go through a rulemaking process in order to overturn regulations.

Part of this is a Trump administration thats throwing a bunch of stuff on the wall and seeing what sticks, Sanders said. But taken together with the administrations other personnel policy changes, the schedule change seems part of a broader effort to flush as many people out of the federal workforce as possible.

In addition to ordering federal personnel working remotely to return to their posts, Trump has already fired hundreds of federal employees, including 17 inspectors generalofficials that function as independent watchdogs providing oversight to federal agencies. More than a dozen Justice Department employees who worked on special counsel Jack Smiths team were fired this weeka move that followed the reassignment of 20 career DOJ officials. Trump fired commissioners on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the chair of the National Labor Relations Board, and both moves are likely to face legal challenges. Trump also issued a Day 1 hiring freeze and directed OMB, in consultation with the White Houses Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), to develop a plan to reduce the size of the federal governments workforce through efficiency and attrition.

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There is no doubt that even losing on legal issues, they may look back and say that they accomplished some of their disruption intention, and they got more quits, Walter Olson, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute, told TMD.

Trump administration officials have been pretty explicit in their hostility toward the civil service. Take Russell Vought, who worked closely on Schedule F as Trumps former OMB director and is set to reprise that role if confirmed by the Senate. We want the bureaucrats to be traumatically affected, Vought said in private remarks in 2023. We want them to not want to go to work because they are increasingly viewed as the villains. When asked about those comments at his Senate confirmation hearing earlier this month, he said he was referring to the bureaucracies he believes have been weaponized.

And if the stick doesnt work, Uncle Sam is now offering a pretty big carrot. On Tuesday, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) sent an email to federal employees offering them a voluntary deferred resignation package that would allow workers to resign but continue to collect pay for the next eight months, until September 30. (The message, including the title, matches a memo DOGE leader Elon Musk sent to Twitter employees when he bought the company.) OPM said the offer is available to all federal employees with the exception of military personnel, U.S. Postal Service workers, and roles related to immigration enforcement and national security. Employees have until February 6 to decide whether to take the offer.

Bednar told TMD that the legal authority of the initiative is uncertain. He cited several potential issues, including a statutory 10-day cap on employee administrative leave and the lack of authorized funding for most federal agencies beyond March, when the continuing resolution funding the government expires. But he also noted that Congress could potentially ratify the deferred resignations during the appropriations process. Some federal union officials have advised their members to not accept the offer, arguing the administration could renege on the promised pay once employees have voluntarily resigned.

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The effects of the buyouts and the reclassifications will ultimately depend in part on how many people exit the federal workforce. Musk seems to hope that 5 to 10 percent of the workforce will quit, but a large wave of exits could risk disruption to government services. If people accept this buyout, Lewis said, and then people cant get their patents or people cant talk to somebody at Social Security or people trying to go overseas cant get their passports renewed, thats a big deal for many Americans.

Worth Your Time

In his Substack Noahpinion, Noah Smith penned a convincing explanation of why Americans shouldnt be scared of the futurethat is, if bad governance doesnt stand in the way of progress. Americans are rising to meet the challenge of a risky, uncertain future, rather than hunkering down and protecting their wealth. Perhaps the roaring 20s are really seeing a shift back toward the bold optimism that the Progress Studies people have been hoping for. But if so, the shift is still very incomplete. There are still a lot of important ways in which Americans  especially the leadership and the politically engaged class  are trying to resist the future instead of riding the wave, he wrote. The Democrats desire to hobble the software industry doesnt seem too different from the Republicans attempts to hobble the green energy industry. In both cases, fear that the technology will empower the wrong people  hippies and commies in the case of hardware, bro-ligarchs in the case of software  ends up translating into antipathy toward the technologies themselves. This stands in contrast to the mid-20th century, when Americans, recently unified by World War 2, simply assumed that new technologies like vaccines, airlines, and TV would be created for their own benefit.

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Politico: The West Is Trying to Interfere in Our Elections, Russia Moans

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New York Times: Justice Dept. Is Said to Discuss Dropping Case Against Eric Adams

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NBC News: Texas man pardoned over Jan. 6 attack is wanted on 2016 charge of soliciting a minor

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A Texas man released from prison under President Donald Trumps sweeping pardons over the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol is wanted by authorities on a 2016 charge of soliciting a minor online, prosecutors say. Andrew Taake, 36, was accused of attacking police officers with bear spray and a metal whip during the Capitol assault.

In the Zeitgeist

If youre curious about Gen-Zs take on rock music, look no further than MJ Lenderman, the 25-year-old breakout artist from Asheville, North Carolina, whose 2024 album Manning Fireworks made its way to the top of several major publications Best Albums of 2024 lists. He expanded his tour on Tuesday after playing sold-out shows across the country, but he made time for this fantastic NPR Tiny Desk concert.

Toeing the Company Line

In the newsletters: Scott Lincicome argued () that Donald Trumps deportations could have negative reverberations for American workers, Jonah Goldberg lamented () the rights warped definition of patriotism, and Nick Catoggio wrote about () the postliberal revolution guiding the new administrations individual policy decisions.

On the podcasts: Harvard Law Professor Jack Goldsmith, Sarah Isgur, and David French discuss the unitary executive theory on Advisory Opinions , and Ross Douthat joins Jonah to chat about his new book and indulge in some rank punditry on todays Remnant .

On the site: John McCormack profiles the House Freedom Caucus 10 years after its founding and Michael Brown explains what DeepSeek means for U.S. AI companies and national security.

Let Us Know

Do you see apparent efforts to oust federal employees as an overstep or as overdue?

Correction, January 30: Due to a typographical error, a reference to renewal of passports was mistakenly referred to as passwords.

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.
Hashmat, a vehicle contractor in Afghanistan, spent 10 years providing assistance to the U.S. military. His work made him a target for the Taliban; when Kabul collapsed in 2021, he and his family fled to Pakistan.

He was repeatedly assured his allegiance to the Americans would be repaid with a visa to live in the U.S. He underwent security clearances and a medical exam. Finally, in late 2024, his visa application was awaiting final approval.

Last week, his status was instantly put back in limbo.

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Hashmat is among the thousands of Afghan allies who were affected by President Donald Trumps pause on refugee resettlement . Nearly 1,660 Afghans were scheduled to travel to the U.S. and their flights were canceled due to Trumps order. Others, like Hashmat, were anxiously awaiting the final green light but now have no reasonable expectation of a path forward.

I really feel disappointed and betrayed, Hashmat, who requested that his last name not be used for safety reasons, told the Deseret News.

Trump promised to halt all refugee admissions into the U.S. on the campaign trail, and he did so within hours of assuming the presidency last week. His executive order, titled  Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program , suggested that pausing refugee admissions was a matter of national security, and there is no end date for the pause  only when the president decides resuming resettlement would be in the interest of the country.

I know the veterans and the U.S. military who bled in Afghanistan. They sacrificed a lot as well. ... But they returned safe to their families. We remain stranded. Hashmat, an Afghan ally who is currently stranded in Afghanistan awaiting the completion of his visa request

The pause angered immigrant advocates, faith groups and veterans alike. Our allies that we put into harms way  (Trump) shut them down, said Charles Kuck, the former president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. This is literally going against the very idea of what America is."

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As a whole, refugees are the most thoroughly vetted legal immigrants that enter the U.S., and the visa category for Afghan allies  Special Immigrant Visa  involve the the most arduous background check in U.S. immigration law, Time reports. Created by Congress in 2009, the Special Immigrant Visa pathway is for Afghan nationals who provided valuable service to the U.S., like interpreters or translators, and were put in danger by doing so. The 14-step process for applicants includes multiple background screenings, a health examination, and a letter of commendation by their U.S. military supervisor.

Hashmat completed these steps years ago. Bureaucratic backlogs  and now this refugee pause  have been his largest hurdles. He began providing ATVs and other non-tactical vehicles to the U.S. military in 2009. A decade later, his first SIV application was rejected over a technical error; in a letter of commendation, the U.S. supervisor did not identify himself specifically as Hashmats direct supervisor. Others tell similar stories: One interpreter told The New York Times he was rejected for unprofessional conduct after using profanity in 2013; another was denied because, as a 9-year-old, he gave bread to quell the demands of an angry Taliban member who threatened to burn his house down.

In this Friday, Dec. 11, 2009, file photo, United States Marine Sgt. Isaac Tate, left, and Cpl. Aleksander Aleksandrov, center, interview a local Afghan man with the help of a translator from the 2nd MEB, 4th Light. | Kevin Frayer

As the U.S. began its withdrawal in 2021, Hashmat went into hiding. He told me in June of that year that he received threats daily on WhatsApp from Taliban members; he didnt leave his home. Come August, as the Taliban took control of Kabul, Hashmat expected to die. We are betrayed, he told me . We are trapped. We are waiting behind a closed door for someone to come and haul us outside and execute us in front of our family. He didnt know what would happen next, he said. But the only thing we know is that we will not survive.

Hashmat eventually escaped. His wife and youngest son, less than one year old, secured visas to travel to India; Hashmat and his two older sons, ages 10 and 8, fled to Pakistan.

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They expected it to be a temporary move. At the beginning, we were thinking that the resettlement process would not take that long, Hashmat told me Monday. Its been nearly four years now. They dont have legal status in Pakistan, so Hashmat doesnt have work authorization and his oldest sons, now 13 and 11, are unable to attend school. Hashmat does his best as their tutor, relying on YouTube educational videos. Their youngest son, now four years old, has no memory of life outside of Pakistan.

The older sons remember, however. They want to get to the U.S., to safety. Every day, Hashmat says, they ask for an update on his visa. Most of the time, I have to lie, Hashmat said, instilling a fabricated sense of hope in them. But the boys, from social media or friends, hear about whats going on in the U.S.  the visa backlogs, the refugee pause. I try to keep them away from these things, but theyre aware of everything thats going on, Hashmat said.

In the U.S., a makeshift team of volunteers has done all it can to welcome Hashmat. Christy Staats, an associate vice president of field and constituencies at the National Immigration Forum, assembled a group to sponsor Hashmat and his family through the Welcome Corps program. They pulled together donations and helped Hashmat with the application process. When Hashmats first application was rejected, the group tracked down his direct supervisor.

They had their security checks, their health checks, passed them all, and weve just been waiting on the final decision, Staats said. And then Trump took over.

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Hashmat said he does not have a good feeling about his future under the Trump administration. But his frustration predated the refugee executive order. I mean, the Biden administration  the first failure was because of them, he said. He called the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan a failure.

If you come to go to war and make allies, and get support from the local people, and then they left them without said support  its quite disappointing," Hashmat said. These things will be written in the history.

For now, Hashmat waits, hoping that the refugee pause will be lifted and his application approved. In Pakistan, the government has conducted raids and deportations of Afghans; Hashmat hopes he will be taken to the U.S. before his family is sent back to the Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.

I know the veterans and the U.S. military who bled in Afghanistan, Hashmat said. They sacrificed a lot as well. ... But they returned safe to their families. We remain stranded.
President Donald Trump on Thursday said he will impose 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico beginning Saturday, reiterating concerns about illegal migration, fentanyl and trade deficits in remarks to reporters.

"I'll be putting the tariff of 25 percent on Canada, and separately, 25 percent on Mexico, and we'll really have to do that," Trump told reporters while signing executive orders focused on aviation safety.

Trump cited a number of reasons for doing so. No. 1 is the people that have poured into our country so horribly and so much. No. 2 are the drugs, fentanyl and everything else that has come into the country. And No. 3 are the massive subsidies we are giving to Canada and to Mexico in the form of deficits," Trump said.

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Those tariffs may or may not rise with time, the president added.

When asked whether tariffs would also be applied to U.S. imports of Canadian oil, Trump said "we may or may not" apply the duties. "We're making that determination tonight," he said.

"We have all the oil we need, we have all the trees we need, meaning the lumber," Trump continued, referring to some of the United States' top imports from Canada.

The U.S. has already imposed tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber over concerns the county benefits from unfair subsidies.

The president also said he was "thinking about something" on China, because they're sending fentanyl into our country," but he did not speak to when he might levy tariffs on Beijing or how high he would raise them. After winning election in November, Trump had threatened to impose a 10 percent tariff on Chinese imports.

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The remarks come amid ongoing discussions between the Trump administration and Mexican and Canadian officials, who are seeking to reassure the new president they are clamping down on border security to stave off the tariffs. Both countries have vowed to retaliate with tariffs of their own if Trump follows through on his threats.

Trump initially vowed to impose those tariffs on his first day in office but earlier this month appeared to backtrack, setting a Feb. 1 deadline.

Trumps nominee for Commerce secretary, Howard Lutnick, also seemed to indicate at his confirmation hearing Wednesday that Canada and Mexico could avoid the threats and said the countries were making progress toward addressing border security concerns.

On Tuesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavittsaid Trump remains committed to new tariffs, but added that they have seen a historic level of cooperation from Mexico.

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At a time when the White House is concerned about reducing high food prices, the threatened duties would hit more than $75 billion worth of agricultural imports from the two North American neighbors.

From Mexico, that includes more $34 billion worth of fruits and vegetables, about $4 billion worth of sugar and tropical products, and more than $3 billion worth of livestock and meat, as well as grains, oilseeds, dairy and poultry products, according to USDA data.

U.S. agricultural imports from Canada include more than $10 billion worth of fruits and vegetables, $9 billion of grains and feed, $6.5 billion of oilseeds, $6 billion of livestock and meats, and $4.5 billion of sugar and tropical products.

Mexico and Canada are also the top two U.S. markets, in that order, for U.S. agricultural exports, putting U.S. farmers on the front line of any retaliation.

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The U.S. auto sector would also be hit hard by the duties. Last year, the United States imported more than $126 billion worth of autos and auto parts from Mexico and $46 billion from Canada.

Our auto companies are very concerned about what those tariffs [on Canada and Mexico] might mean to costs, particularly to the cost of vehicles, Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) said Wednesday at Lutnicks confirmation hearing. I dont think thats something the American people want to see.

In that vein, the American Automotive Policy Council, which represents Ford, GM and Stellantis, has called for autos and auto parts that comply with the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement's strict auto trade rules to be exempted from the 25 percent duties.

Canada exported more than $110 billion worth of oil and other energy products to the United States. Both Canada and Mexico also exported hundreds of billions worth of industrial and consumer goods to customers in the United States.

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The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has been on record against the tariffs since November, when Trump first threatened the action, warning they would not solve our border problems, and instead would send prices soaring, costing the typical American family more than $1,000, with significant harm to U.S. manufacturers, farmers, and ranchers.

Irie Sentner contributed to this report.
Former White House press secretary Sean Spicer went down in history for kicking off President Donald Trumps first term with lies about the size of the crowd that attended the 2017 inauguration. At her first official briefing to kick off Trumps second term, current White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt went a different route, falsely claiming that the administration had blocked tens of millions in foreign aid earmarked for buying condoms to send to Gaza.

In fact, no such expenditure was in process as Trump assumed the office of the presidency. But the president has stuck to this claim, repeating it even after the White House conceded that it was inaccurate.

On Tuesday, while discussing how the U.S. was halting funds for international agencies and aid to other countries, Leavitt told the press that Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) found that $50 million was about to go out the door to fund condoms in Gaza. She called it a preposterous waste of taxpayer money and justification for the OMBs federal funding freeze, which has sparked backlash and widespread confusion. Musk himself shared a clip of Leavitts comment on X (formerly Twitter), writing, Tip of iceberg, while the figure got airtime on Fox News courtesy of host Jesse Watters and was repeated throughout the right-wing media ecosystem.

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Yet the latest spending report from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) indicated that none of the $60.8 million worth of contraceptive and condom shipments it funded in the year prior went to Gaza, and it sent no condoms to the Middle East whatsoever. The vast majority of the condoms the agency buys are for health programs in Africa. Meanwhile, reports of the militant group Hamas using inflated condoms to float improvised incendiary devices into Israel  cited by Watters and others in connection to the supposed $50 million contraception package  are from 2018, not the recent Israel-Gaza conflict.

An administration official later walked back the $50 million claim in comments to The Independent, explaining that Leavitt had alluded two different $50 million buckets of foreign aid for medical services in war-torn Gaza, with that combined $100 million in grants covering some contraceptives along with many other healthcare supplies.

Even aid workers have been perplexed at how the Trump administration arrived at their exaggerated number  a sum that could buy 1.5 billion condoms for Gazas population of about 2.1 million. Steve Fake, a representative for American Near East Refugee Aid, which has partnered with USAID on a five-year, $50 million medical initiative called the Gaza Health Recovery Activity, tells Rolling Stone that contraception isnt part of the support theyll be providing. Definitely no purchase of condoms in our program, and there are no components for family planning in the GHRA, he says. As for where Leavitt might have picked up her talking point, he adds, We have asked around, and no one is sure what this is referring to.

On Wednesday, despite the White House trying to gloss over the bogus story, Trump continued to run with it. We identified and stopped $50 million being sent to Gaza to buy condoms for Hamas, he falsely claimed during a presser before he was to sign the Laken Riley Act into law. And you know whats happened to them? Theyve used them as a method of making bombs, he said, apparently citing the old reports of inflated condom IEDs.

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It just goes to show that when youre Trumps press secretary, the truth isnt nearly as important as delivering a memorable line.

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(NewsNation)  President Donald Trumps executive order putting an end to remote work for federal workers is poised to change the job setup of more than a million employees.

Half of the federal workforce had been allowed to work remotely as a part of a larger culture shift that occurred during the pandemic. Under new policies, officials estimate that more than 1 million federal workers could be now be impacted, reported The Washington Post.

Few agencies have a high volume of employees who can work remotely, government data from the Office of Management and Budget showed.

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At the Environmental Protection Agency, nearly 98% of 16,000 employees are telework-eligible, with 15% working remotely, reported The Washington Post. In the Department of Veterans Affairs, 26% of 485,000 employees are eligible, with 8% working remotely.

However, the Trump administration said its looking to fill large federal facilities like the Department of Energy, where fewer than 1% of the office spaces are being used, according to the Public Buildings Reform Board.

Trump ends remote work, impacting half of federal workers

A 2023 Government Accountability Office report said that 17% of the 24 federal agencies are using as little as 9% of federal buildings and only as much as 49% of their buildings capacity.

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In addition to bringing workers back to the empty desks, Trump says he wants to sell unused federal buildings.

However, the shift could cause strain on the agencies if employees leave. It could also hamper opportunities that have helped increase employment for underserved populations, according to a 2023 report from the Office of Personnel Management.

Nearly 42,000 veterans and military spouses are teleworking, and 2,250 are doing remote work. About 131,000 individuals with disabilities are able to do telework, and 14,000 can work remotely, the outlet reported.

Several unions have pushed back, including one that represents 800,000 federal workers.

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President Trumps order is a blatant attempt to corrupt the federal government by eliminating employees due process rights so they can be fired for political reasons, said American Federation of Government Employees President Everett Kelley. It will remove hundreds of thousands of federal jobs from the non-partisan civil service and make them answerable to the will of one man.

NewsNations Elina Shirazi contributed to this story.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
The month of January was marked by a transition of power in Washington, D.C.; pardons of Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot defendants; and other controversial executive orders from new President Donald Trump. In Oklahoma, Ryan Walters was a topic of conversation once again. Our guest columnists and readers had a lot to say about national and state events and issues.

Grading Ryan Walters

PASS OR FAIL?: January's Grading Oklahoma took a look at the results of polls that asked readers to grade Ryan Walters and what his path forward should be. It also offered a glance at lawsuits involving the schools chief.

POLL RESULTS: Here's the grade Oklahomans gave Ryan Walters for his 2024 performance.

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MISSED THE POINT?: Real improvement is needed in Oklahoma schools, writes William C. Wertz. Is Ryan Walters on board?

TONE DEAF: After Ryan Walters' tirade about New Orleans, Oklahoma Voice's Janelle Stecklein writes that she hopes Oklahoma schools chief Ryan Walters can resolve to do a better job keeping his mouth shut in 2025.

On Trump tariffs, pardons, more

WHAT YOU SAID: Oklahoma voters strongly backed Donald Trump in the 2024 election, but few are now expressing support for Trump's pardon of those involved in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

TARIFF TROUBLE?: The Trump tariffs of 2018 caused retaliation that left billions of dollars' worth of American products to remain unsold. Oklahomans should brace for more, guest columnist Joe Angus writes.

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Want the latest Viewpoints? Sign up for the Oklahoma's Public Square newsletter

LIKE IT OR NOT: If we want the president to have the power to pardon nonviolent offenses, writes guest columnist Carla D. Pratt, we must accept that the president is empowered to pardon the rebels.

BIOLOGICALLY WRONG: Guest columnist Ron Stratton writes about why Trump is wrong about there only being two sexes. He writes that Oklahomans he knew not only believed in every persons right to exist, but to find a way to overcome adversity and build a meaningful life.

An image from the dedication Mass for the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine on Feb. 17, 2023.

Other January Viewpoints highlights

MORE THAN OK?: Oklahoma is thriving, but we have more to do, Gov. Kevin Stitt writes in an Opinion piece. In 2025, he says Oklahoma will focus on eliminating barriers to business firms and push for reforms to attract growth.

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NOT LOSING FAITH: Hispanic Oklahomans are defying religious trends, and finding enough Mass times on Sundays to accommodate Hispanic attendance has become a pressing concern.

IN HIS OWN WORDS: Gene Rainbolt's final wishes included getting to share his story and the news of his death. He died in his sleep at the age of 95.

Remembering Jimmy Carter

OPENING DOORS: One of former Jimmy Carter's little-known reforms as president was to name more women to judicial nominating committees, and they gave him more female candidates. Thanks to Carter more women are judges in Oklahoma, writes guest columnist Robert H. Henry.

LESSON FOR US ALL: Jimmy Carter did more than write a check to a charity, writes guest columnist Nancy Snow. He lived the values he taught and worked side-by-side with taking action to help those in need.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Viewpoints on Trump, Ryan Walters highlight January | Opinion
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Donald Trump said his 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico are coming on Saturday, but hes still considering whether to include oil from those countries as part of his import taxes.

We may or may not, Trump told reporters Thursday in the Oval Office about tariffing oil from Canada and Mexico. Were going to make that determination probably tonight.

Trump said his decision will be based on whether the price of oil charged by the two trading partners is fair, although the basis of his threatened tariffs pertains to stopping illegal immigration and the smuggling of chemicals used for fentanyl.

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The risk of tariffs on Canadian and Mexican oil could undermine Trump's repeated pledge to lower overall inflation by reducing energy costs. Costs associated with tariffs could be passed along to consumers in the form of higher gasoline prices  an issue that Trump placed at the center of his Republican presidential campaign as he vowed to halve energy costs within one year.

One year from Jan. 20, we will have your energy prices cut in half all over the country, Trump said at a 2024 town hall in Pennsylvania.

AP VoteCast, an extensive survey of the electorate, found that 80% of voters identified gas prices as a concern. Trump won nearly 6 in 10 voters who said they worried about prices at the pump.

The United States imported almost 4.6 million barrels of oil daily from Canada in October and 563,000 barrels from Mexico, according to the Energy Information Administration. U.S. daily production during that month averaged nearly 13.5 million barrels a day.

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Matthew Holmes, executive vice president and chief of public policy at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, said Trump's tariffs would tax America first in the form of higher costs.

This is a lose-lose, Holmes said. "We will keep working with partners to show President Trump and Americans that this doesnt make life any more affordable. It makes life more expensive and sends our integrated businesses scrambling.

But Trump showed no concerns that import taxes on the United States' trading partners would have a negative impact on the U.S. economy, despite the risk shown in many economic analyses of higher prices.

We dont need the products that they have," Trump said. "We have all the oil you need. We have all the trees you need, meaning the lumber.

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The president also said that China would pay tariffs for its exporting of the chemicals used to make fentanyl. He has previously stated a 10% tariff that would be on top of other import taxes charged on products from China.

Oil prices were trading at roughly $73 a barrel on Thursday afternoon. Prices spiked in June 2022 under President Joe Biden to more than $120 per barrel, a period that overlapped with overall inflation hitting a four-decade high that fueled a broader sense of public dissatisfaction with the Democratic administration.

Gas prices are averaging $3.12 a gallon across the United States, roughly the same price as a year ago, according to AAA.

Later on Thursday, Trump threatened more tariffs against countries looking at alternatives to the U.S. dollar as a means of global exchange.

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The president previously made the same threat in November against the so-called BRICS group, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested that sanctions against his country and others mean that nations need to develop a substitute for the dollar.

We are going to require a commitment from these seemingly hostile Countries that they will neither create a new BRICS Currency, nor back any other Currency to replace the mighty U.S. Dollar or, they will face 100% Tariffs, and should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful U.S. Economy, Trump posted on social media.

___
Investing.com -- President Donald Trump said the United States would impose 25% on tariffs on imported goods from Canada and Mexico as soon as Saturday.

The president flagged a trio of issues including inadequate border control to stem the flow of illegal immigration as well as fentanyl drugs coming into the country and the large U.S. trade deficits with both countries.

Trump also said he would decide on Thursday night whether oil imported from both countries would be subject to the tariffs.

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President Donald Trump has scuttled plans to freeze a large swath of federal funds, but nonprofits in Arizona still feel a chill.

The orders to temporarily pause certain funding streams, issued Monday evening, sparked 36 hours of chaos and confusion as state agencies, nonprofits, and other recipients of federal dollars scrambled to understand the scope of the rules. With hours to spare before the rules were scheduled to go into effect on Tuesday, it was still unclear which programs would be affected.

A judge temporarily delayed the order minutes before it was scheduled to go into effect. On Wednesday, Trump rescinded the memo.

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For the time being, that means its back to business as usual for recipients of federal money in Arizona. But the back-and-forth created confusion and fear that will linger beyond the lifetime of the memo, according to Kelley Murphy, coordinator of the Arizona Early Childhood Alliance, a coalition of childcare companies and nonprofits.

Theres a chilling effect every time the chaos starts again, Murphy wrote.

Hopefully for the moment people will get back on track, but eventually people pause hiring or doing other things that might harm the delivery of services.

Other Arizona nonprofit leaders told The Arizona Republic they haven't made dramatic changes to their operations, but they've started to make contingency plans or stepped up public advocacy as they brace for changes in the longer term.

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Trump  whose interest in expanding the use of executive power has long been part of his political appeal  took the controversy in stride. His allies promoted the effort as an overdue crackdown on federal spending and make sure it was consistent with the flurry of executive orders Trump signed when he took office. Some Republicans argued Democrats and the media were exaggerating the impact of the funding freeze.

During a news conference Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., argued Trumps proposed freeze was part of a wider assault on democratic norms. He grouped it together with Trumps recent decisions to fire internal government watchdogs and senior staff within the Justice Department who had previously worked on a case against him.

President Trump decided that he could unilaterally just change all of that and decide to withhold all of these critically important funds that Congress had appropriated. Thats not the way our constitutional system works, Stanton said, speaking alongside fellow U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari, D-Ariz., and other elected officials.

It wasnt immediately clear Wednesday afternoon if, and how, the president would proceed with any plans to freeze federal dollars, beyond what he has already implemented through executive orders.

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Karoline Leavitt, Trumps press secretary, wrote on social media Wednesday afternoon that the decision to rescind the memo was meant to end any confusion created by the courts injunction. It should not be considered a rescission of the federal funding freeze because Trumps executive orders remained in effect, Leavitt wrote.

More chaos and more confusion from the Trump administration, Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., responded on social media.

Photo taken from U.S. Sen.-elect Ruben Gallegos online remarks to reporters on Jan. 2, 2025.

Democrats sound alarm bells even as Trump says hell protect programs

Following a wave of panic and confusion, the White Houses Office of Management and Budget issued follow-up guidance Tuesday saying that only programs affected by Trumps recent executive order would be frozen.

It was unclear how those rules applied to economic assistance programs run by third parties, like aid programs that are delivered through state agencies or nonprofits.

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Adding to the commotion, some programs  such as the low-income health insurance program Medicaid, the child care program Head Start  saw interruptions and website outages Tuesday, despite assurances from the White House that they would continue without pause.

Democrats have capitalized on that uncertainty. At times they have sounded alarm bells even for programs that Trumps administration has already said will remain untouched.

Republicans accused Democrats and the media of scare tactics.

U.S. Rep. Eli Crane, a Republican who represents much of northeastern Arizona, accused Democrats of needlessly scaring hardworking Arizonans by perpetuating lies for raw political gain.

U.S. Rep. Eli Crane speaks during a campaign event in Queen Creek featuring Donald Trump Jr. on Oct. 23, 2024.

In an email Tuesday afternoon, the White House communications team accused the media of a Fake News Hoax. They pointed to the OMB guidance released earlier that day which clarified that programs such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and SNAP were excluded from the pause in funding.

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Stanton argued that the politically charged phrasing in Trumps initial memo created that uncertainty, for example by referring to resources related to Marxist equity, transgenderism and green new deal social engineering policies.

Thats clearly a political document. Its kind of a talking point on their side, Stanton said. But what does that mean in reality?

Ansari said that many of her constituents are low-income and depend on federal money for services such as food and medical care. She said that she was not convinced by White House officials who claimed that the outages to Medicaid portals were unrelated to Trumps freeze order, and said the sheer chaos of the past week scared people in her district. That alone should be cause for concern, she said.

We had constituents calling our office in tears, crying, because they said they went out and got groceries for the week and they dont know the next time theyll be able to afford groceries, because theyre on SNAP, Ansari said.

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"This fear thats being caused by actions like this, in and of itself, should be a massive problem.

Congressman Greg Stanton and Congresswoman-elect Yassamin Ansari hold a roundtable discussion on the importance of protecting the Affordable Care Act at Valleywise Health Piper Pavilion.

Stantons office told The Republic he had fielded calls all day from across the district Tuesday. That included queries from health centers, who were weighing whether they would need to furlough or lay off staff; a local homelessness organization that was unable to draw their monthly reimbursement from the federal government; business development groups who had paused their workforce development programs; and constituents who work on federally funded research at Arizona State University, his spokesperson said.

Arizonas nonpartisan Joint Legislative Budget Committee estimated the funding freeze, had it gone into effect, would have impacted billions of dollars statewide.

Arizona nonprofits reading tea leaves

Arizona nonprofit leaders said that they will largely resume business as usual. However, the lack of clear guidance from the Trump administration leaves them on uncertain ground as they try to understand whether their revenues will be cut in the future.

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Mary Lynn Kasunic, president and CEO of the Phoenix-based Area Agency on Aging, said her organization was not imminently planning to change its operations after this weeks back-and-forth.

She noted the Trump administration has signaled its plans to review programs routed through the Health and Human Services Department, and authorized under the Older Americans Act: two major sources of funding for her organization.

Federal grants comprise about three-quarters of her programs revenue, Kasunic said. She is crossing her fingers, and stepping up her public advocacy, to make sure that they remain untouched.

Adrienne Udarbe, Executive Director of the food assistance group Pinnacle Prevention, said that the lack of predictability adds to the financial pressures facing nonprofits.

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Most nonprofits, from the beginning, are already planning A through Z for any potential funding scenario. They already operate on razor-thin margins, she said. Theres no planning around that, other than trying to protect community the best that you can.

Amy Schwabenlender, CEO of the homelessness group Keys to Change, told The Republic her organization's operations also stayed largely unchanged this week. But she is starting to make contingency plans in case federal dollars dry up.

She's unsure about the future of existing contracts that include language around diversity, equity, and inclusion or "DEI," for example when addressing racial disparities in homelessness. She wonders if the contracts now clash with the Trump administration's recent orders to curb DEI in the federal government.

Schwabenlender described the current situation as a "guessing game," and she doesn't know if and when any clarity will arrive. At the same time she doesn't want to create unnecessary panic and anxiety for her staff.

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"It's hard to read between the lines," she said.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Trump drops funding freeze memo, but nonprofits still feel the chill
New Delhi [India], January 30: Tavasya SSF, a Category 1 Special Situations Fund, announces the successful initial close of its second scheme "Tavasya Mudrikaran Scheme II" - a scheme with a fund size of Rs. 200 Crores which was launched on 01st January 2025.

Tavasya SSF is a Category I Alternative Investment Fund (Special Situation Fund) established in the last quarter of 2023. The fund was set up by Ms. Shivani Singla and Mr. Navneet Garg who bring in a blend of experience spanning the international markets and the distressed assets space in India.

The initial close of the second scheme comes within six months of the successful close of the first scheme of Tavasya SSF with a fund size of Rs. 400 Crores.

Tavasya Mudrikaran Scheme II intends to co-invest with leading Asset Reconstruction Companies of the country to acquire debts of distressed companies.

This model of investment blends the stability of Asset Reconstruction Companies with the flexibilities offered by Alternate Investment Funds platforms.

This investment strategy has found favour with evolved investors which is evidenced from the fact that despite the SSF category being a new investment theme, the Tavasya Mudrikaran Scheme II, was met with investor commitments from leading domestic family offices and HNIs.

Statements from the Founders

"This growing interest from sophisticated domestic investors reflects the market perception of higher certainty in outcomes in distressed assets transactions in India and bodes well for this sector," Shivani Singla - Founding Partner, Tavasya Capital Managers LLP (Investment Manager).

"We believe that with blend of a deep understanding of the distressed asset space in India and proprietary access to distressed opportunities, Tavasya SSF is uniquely positioned to identify and deploy in opportunities at levels lower than their intrinsic values and deliver superior portfolio returns to our investors," Navneet Garg - Founding Partner, Tavasya Capital Managers LLP (Investment Manager).

(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)
TIMES ARE HARD FOR AMERICAN WORKERS. Theyve been let down by decades of broadly bipartisan neoliberal consensus in economic policy that has left them in terrible debt, with stagnant wages and few prospects of good-paying work. Anxiety over the horrible state of the economy and their general immiseration drove them into the arms of Donald Trump, whose populist appeal to them in 2016 centered on his ability to turn things around and get America back on a prosperous footing.

At least that was a popular story about Trumps political success when he first ascended to the presidency, and it continues to enjoy the support of high-profile pundits. It has a lot to recommend it on an intuitive level, not least the way it pins his appeal to his supporters on something other than his aggressive hostility towards immigrants, women, and people of color. But every Trump-supporting boat parade and each positive jobs report or new Dow record set during the hated Biden administration served as a reminder that the economic anxiety thesis leaves too much out of its analytic viewfindernamely, the real motive roots of Trumps appeal, especially to those who actually live quite high on the hog.

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The economic anxiety thesis is too easily contradicted by economic reality, which we have fairly reliable and objective ways of mapping and assessing. More useful for understanding what motivates Trumps base would be a relative measureone that could conceivably affect people in a variety of economic circumstances. The best starting point, as some observers have been arguing for years, is status anxiety.

Thats because while status comprises a number of signs of economic successhomes, jobs, bank accountsit goes beyond them to include important intangibles. As Alain de Botton put it in a 2008 book on the subject, status also has to do with a sense of being cared for and thought valuable. And that kind of judgment is one we can only arrive at through comparison with others. He continues: We see ourselves as fortunate only when we have as much as or more than those we have grown up with, work alongside, have as friends, or identify with in the public realm.

This is the perfect pathology for citizens of a democracy: If merit, not rank, determines social value and achievement, as is meant to be the case in our country, then your average person will be confronted every day with the question of why they havent experienced greater successa toxic recipe for self-righteousness, shame, anxiety, and self-consciousness. Especially when, thanks to our deranged media environment, the apparent success of othersincluding those we consider undeservingis constantly in view. Why should they be so lucky, we might ask ourselves. Why isnt my life like theirs? Why should I have to change my behavior to accommodate them? Why dont people respect or value me?

As Anne Applebaum puts it in Twilight of Democracy, When people have rejected aristocracy, no longer believe that leadership is inherited at birth, no longer assume that the ruling class is endorsed by God, the argument about who gets to rulewho is the eliteis never over.

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The central role that status anxiety played in Trumps most recent electoral success is attested in data gathered during the run-up to last falls election. For instance, a July 2024 survey from the Young Men Research Initiative and YouGov showed that men aged 18 to 29 who agreed with the statement I do not feel financially stablethat is, men experiencing acute economic anxietyfavored Harris by 10 points. Meanwhile, those who agreed with the statement society looks down on men who are masculine leaned +32 for Trump. A September 2024 CNN poll found 56 percent of respondents who voted for Trump feel that growing diversity is threatening American culture.

Status anxiety was also a key driver of Trumps support in his first election. In 2016, survey analysis from the Public Religion Research Institute showed that white working-class voters who say they often feel like a stranger in their own land and who believe the U.S. needs protecting against foreign influence were 3.5 times more likely to favor Trump than those who did not share these concerns.

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The inflection status anxiety gives to political issues like civil rights, wealth inequality, and cultural acceptance allows them to be separated from material needs that could be clearly quantified; they become instead a matter of competition between groups over position in society. That is to say, the price of eggs might not be as motivating to the average Trump voter as resentment towards influential liberal eggheads.

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Importantly, no group or income bracket is immune. You do not have to be poor or marginalized to feel your societal position is threatened. The working-class person might feel betrayed by the economic elite while the legal immigrant feels other migrants have jumped the line while the white middle-class man feels his position and prerogatives in society are eroding. For Americans in every social stratum, the vibes have been off. And theyve been off for a long time.

WHILE STATUS ANXIETY HAS ALWAYS PLAYED a behavior-motivating role in advanced societies, its influence has become more profound in tandem with another important development. Sociologist Robert Putnam, author of the 2000 bestseller Bowling Alone, has been warning for decades that social capital in America has been falling to perilously low levels.

Putnams key observation was that Americans were not participating in our democracy in the ways needed to make it flourish. Churches, fraternal organizations, and other organs of civic life all saw declining membership and attendance compared to their midcentury peaks.

Putnams notion of social capital is critically useful for understanding how people come together to build communityboth within groups and across social divides. Putnam formulates it as follows:

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Of all the dimensions along which forms of social capital vary, perhaps the most important is the distinction between bridging (or inclusive) and bonding (or exclusive). Some forms of social capital are, by choice or necessity, inward looking and tend to reinforce exclusive identities and homogeneous groups. Examples of bonding social capital include ethnic fraternal organizations, church-based women's reading groups, and fashionable country clubs. Other networks are outward looking and encompass people across diverse social cleavages. Examples of bridging social capital include the civil rights movement, many youth service groups, and ecumenical religious organizations.

Both the bridging and bonding forms of social capital Putnam sketches are necessary for a healthy civil society: Together, they make it more possible for individuals to integrate into their communities at large, and they help foster trust and sociability more generally.

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Long after Putnam offered these analyses, things continue to be dire on the social capital front. Civic and service clubs from Iowa to upstate New York are dwindling. Nationally, data from the Census Bureau and AmeriCorps show that in 2021, formal volunteering reached its lowest rate in almost thirty years, although it started rebounding as the COVID-19 pandemic receded. Per the 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer, 65 percent of respondents agreed with the statement, The lack of civility and mutual respect today is the worst I have ever seen. And as salutary civic participation of these kinds has declined, a new epidemic has emerged: According to fall 2024 data from Gallup, 20 percent of American adults report experiencing daily loneliness.

Whats remarkable is that while this larger withdrawal from community has left us increasingly atomized, our society has simultaneously become more identitarian. This is true both of historically privileged groups like white Protestant Christians and of minority and other marginalized groups. That is to say, the status anxieties of different groups of Americans has become a major driver of our nations politics even as our elective membership in groups has steeply declined.

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It should not be surprising that a major vector of this change is the type of device you may very well be using to read this articlethe smartphoneand the social media applications that can make it so hard to put down. In a study conducted over a decade ago, a team of psychologists found that frequent Facebook use was associated with an increase in the extent to which participants reported making social comparisons. While Facebook was designed to connect you with people you already knew, our connections on later-arriving applications like X, Instagram, and TikTok are often predominantly strangers. Psychologists at Pace University found that following strangers may lead to or reinforce already existing negative feelings about the self by triggering negative social comparisons.

Not only do these applications run on ambient social anxiety, they have been demonstrated to drive anger and resentment towards the individuals and groups that cause that anxiety. In an attention economy, anger and fear are easy to monetize; as journalist Max Fisher explains, content that generates these reactions dominates feeds in part because outrage-baiting posts speak to a sense of social compulsion, of a group identity that is under threat. This system of poisoned incentives helps explain Facebooks role in enabling the Rohingya genocide in Myanmar.

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While social capital, as Putnam characterized it, helped people to make meaningful connections with people both similar to them and very different from them, the new identitarianism is a product of the sense of threat engendered by the algorithms that define the social media space. Bonding capital has become a singular priority, as Putnam himself put it in an interview with the New York Times: MAGAs core constituency is constantly impelled to vilify the other and glorify the fact that it is bonding social capital . . . they hate bridging social capital and they love their bonding social capital.

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This erosion of the communal basis for reaching out and making connections across deep differences, as with civic service groups, is a threat to the cohesion of large-scale modern democracies. A nation is, to evoke Benedict Andersons famous term, an imagined community. The kind of factionalism engendered by this elevation of bonding capital is a risk factor for serious civic instability. As Robert Talisse puts it, democracy calls for us to see beyond ourselves. Trumps elevation is the sort of thing that happens when too many of us can no longer see beyond our phones.

PARTLY BECAUSE THEY DONT ALWAYS have a straightforward relationship with material needs, status concerns can affect the political orientation of groups in ways that seem counterintuitive. Consider the gains Trump made with minority voter blocs in spite of his frequent comments denigrating non-white Americans.

Nowhere is this clearer than in the case of Latino Trump voters. Discussing Trumps 2020 performance with this group, legal scholar Ian Haney Lopez observed:

Its true that status concerns among Latinos make some susceptible to Trumps rhetoric. For more than 50 years, Republicans have weaponized insecurities and resentments, especially around race, creating in-groups and out-groups. Trump has mastered this strategy, which appeals not only to a majority of Whites but also many typically seen as people of color. Understandably, often people want to associate with the groups accorded higher status by our political leaders.

In 2024, anti-immigration attitudes among Latinos, including among immigrants, became more pronounced as Trump continued to beat the drum of the border issue. This brought them into unexpected alignment with Trumps presumably intended audience: alienated and aggrieved members of the white working class. In a September article in the Atlantic, Paola Ramos summarized the curious situation well while recounting what she heard during a roundtable discussion with conservative Latinos who argued that immigrants in their communities must assimilatethat is, they must become real Americans like themselves:

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Research suggests that opposition to immigration may have less to do with economic anxieties about jobs and wages than it does with cultural identity. Jens Hainmueller, a professor at Stanford, and Daniel Hopkins, who teaches at the University of Pennsylvania, reviewed more than 100 studies about attitudes toward immigration from more than two dozen countries. The pair concluded that nativism is rooted in a fear that newcomers will distort national identity and corrode cultural norms.

The rightward shift among Latino men in particular has emerged as one of the starkest trendlines of the 2024 cycle. Mark Hugo Lopez of the Pew Research Center told NBC News that Hispanic men face many pressures, pressures about family, about economics, about roles they are expected to play. University of Texas professor Luis Ponjuan added, Its abundant and clear to me that they need to see they are valued as a workforce, that they are invested in as a workforce.

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Trumps campaign worked hard to court this demographicin part by making its embrace of not just masculinity but machismo a topline theme while denigrating Democrats as a man-hating party.

Trumps campaign, in short, was intended to make Latino men feel a sense of being cared for and thought valuable. It was meant to be directly pitched to their sense of status threat. Hispanic men swung 19 points in Trumps direction from 2020 to 2024, and while their top concern overall was the state of the economy, the masculinity pitch helped to seal the deal, especially among the younger male Latino voters who swung the hardest in a MAGA direction.

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As one Latino voter from Pennsylvania recently told France 24, In the Latino community, we are still men. We still want to be men who take charge and lead our families into a better place. . . . We couldnt live with the fact that we had a weak president [Biden] in charge of the greatest economy in the world.

But their families and communities are now at risk, as Trump has already begun to apply heavy federal pressure on not just immigrants, but anyone who looks like one to an ICE agent. Last Thursday, ICE carried out a raid at Ocean Seafood Depot in Newark, New Jersey as part of nationwide actions the agency said resulted in 538 arrests that day. However, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka accused ICE agents of also unlawfully harassing U.S. citizens, including detaining a U.S. military veteran. The agents were reportedly acting without warrants.

Deportation efforts are now ramping up, creating concerns that ICE agents may, to fill Trumps new quotas, act with even greater disregard for their proper remit and the rights of those they detain or target. The effects are being felt: Children are staying home from school; people are hiding their attics. Dr. Phil embedded with ICE to film one of their raids in Chicago. MAGA influencers describe the prospect of mass deportations being carried out in part as a media spectacle as exciting. Migrants who came to the United States legally are having their legal status revoked. Legal immigration pathways are being shut down; government support for recently resettled refugees has been abruptly canceled. Some deportations are being carried out using military planes.

So much immigration-related news is coming out every day that it is becoming difficult to keep track of it all. But the larger picture is clear: Latino voters who believed Trump would refrain from bringing the weight of law enforcement to bear on their larger communities might be in for a harsh realization about the scope of the presidents intentions as ICE field offices work overtime to meet his new expectations. Alleviating their sense of status threat was never his priority, and making life harder for them directly soothes the anxieties of the constituency with whom he himself most closely identifies: white nativist reactionaries.

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Theirs is a pain the president can feel. Trump is the master of grievance and animus precisely because he himself is an exposed nerve of status anxiety. No one articulates this sense of injury quite like him because perhaps no one is as covetous, spiteful, and achingly needy as he is. His unprecedented political debut and continuing success has not freed him from his decades-old grievances. If anything, his elevation has made him into the ultimate sore winner.

In this civically anemic country where connection is rare and injury is common; in this increasingly lonely democracy where resentful factions endlessly proliferate; in this alienated society where the devices to which we are woefully addicted gin up our hatreds and weaponize our aspirationsin such a place, the green-eyed man is king.

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(Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump is looking to strike a deal with El Salvador to deport members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua to the Central American country, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the discussions.

Tren de Aragua has been blamed for a surge in crime in the Americas. In July last year, the U.S. Treasury Department designated the group as a transnational criminal organization for activities including human smuggling, gender-based violence, money laundering and drug trafficking.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans to visit Panama and four other countries in Central America in the coming days in his first overseas trip, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters last week.

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Bloomberg reported on Thursday that the deportations would be a part of discussions between U.S. officials and El Salvador during Rubio's trip. Any eventual deal would be announced by Trump, the report said.

The White House did not immediately respond to a Reuters' request for comment.

Trump said earlier this month that his incoming administration would remove members of the gang from the United States.

The newly sworn-in President also wants to reintroduce "safe third country" type asylum agreements similar to those in place during his first term, Bloomberg reported, adding that these would also be a focus of Rubio's meetings in El Salvador and in Guatemala.

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Trump, a Republican, took office on Jan. 20 vowing to crack down on illegal immigration and humanitarian programs he says go beyond the intent of U.S. law. The Trump administration has subsequently stepped up deportations, sending migrants in military aircraft to various Latin American countries.

(Reporting by Gnaneshwar Rajan in Bengaluru; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
Meta will pay President Trump $25 million to settle a 2021 lawsuit brought by the president over the social media companys decision to suspend his accounts in the wake of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection.

The settlement was filed in federal court in California on Wednesday. Meta has agreed to pay the $25 million, a source familiar with the settlement terms confirmed to The Hill.

The Hill reached out to the White House for further comment.

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The settlement, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, hands Trump a victory after he hammered Meta and its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, for years over the suspension of his Instagram and Facebook accounts.

Trump signed the settlement agreement on Wednesday in the Oval Office, the Journal reported. Roughly $22 million of the settlement cash is expected to go toward a fund for Trumps presidential library, while the rest will go toward legal fees and other plaintiffs, the newspaper said.

A Meta spokesperson confirmed the Journals report to The Hill.

The president and other Republicans repeatedly accused Meta and other leading social networks of censoring conservative ideas in recent years, often taking aim at the platforms content moderation policies, which they argue are biased against their views.

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Trump has since warmed up to Zuckerberg, who visited the president at Mar-a-Lago following his reelection and attended last weeks inauguration.

Some Democrats and other technology observers have slammed Zuckerberg and other tech executives for attempting to curry favor with the president to protect their companies from unfavorable legal or policy moves.

Earlier this month, Meta eliminated its fact-checking program in a sharp reversal for the major social media company. The program was started in 2016 and was often touted by Meta as a way to prevent mis- and disinformation on its platforms.

The president suggested the fact-checking changes had something to do with him, telling reporters earlier this month that the decision was probably in response to his previous threats against Zuckerberg and the company.

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The Hills Zach Schonfeld 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 The Hill.
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order promising immediate action from federal law enforcement against noncitizen college students and others in the United States who participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations during Israels war in Gaza.

The president has pledged to deport all resident aliens who joined protests, Trump said in a White House fact sheet.

Come 2025, we will find you, and we will deport you, he vowed.

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Trump also pledged to quickly cancel the student visas of all Hamas sympathizers on college campuses, which have been infested with radicalism like never before, he claimed.

The Department of Justice will aggressively prosecute what it characterizes as terroristic threats, arson, vandalism and violence against American Jews after the explosion of antisemitism on college campuses in the wake of Israels campaign, according to the White House.

It shall be the policy of the United States to combat anti-Semitism vigorously, using all available and appropriate legal tools, to prosecute, remove, or otherwise hold to account the perpetrators of unlawful anti-Semitic harassment and violence, the executive order states.

Trump has long accused student protests against Israels war effort in Gaza of being antisemitic, even though many leading the demonstrations on campus were Jewish themselves (Getty Images)

As The Independent has reported, both antisemitism and Islamophobic threats and violence surged after Hamas invaded Israel in 2023, kicking off the war in Gaza and widespread protests on U.S. campuses.

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Under the order, government agencies have 60 days to produce a report identifying all civil and criminal authorities or actions to curb or combat antisemitism, with an inventory of complaints against or involving antisemitism in colleges and universities.

The U.S. Attorney General is encouraged to employ appropriate civil rights enforcement authorities to combat antisemitism, the order states.

The order also empowers colleges and universities to monitor for and report activities by alien students and staff for investigations and, if warranted, actions to remove such aliens.

Civil rights advocates warned that Trumps antisemitism policy is likely unconstitutional and unfairly paints largely peaceful student protesters as antisemitic terrorist sympathizers.

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The Trump administrations attempt to smear the many Jewish, Muslim, Palestinian and other college students who protested the Israeli governments genocide in overwhelmingly peaceful ways represents a dishonest, overbroad and unenforceable attack on both free speech and the humanity of Palestinians, all for the sake of a foreign government, the Council on American-Islamic Relations wrote in a statement. So is the administrations apparent threat to deport any foreign student who merely participated in anti-genocide protests.

Trump order adds to tense atmosphere on campus around Israel protests, which were met with heavy police response throughout 2023 and 2024 (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The First Amendment protects everyone in the United States, including foreign citizens studying at American universities, Carrie DeCell, senior staff attorney at the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, told The Times of Israel. Deporting non-citizens on the basis of their political speech would be unconstitutional.

Trump accused the previous administration, which opened more than 100 investigations into alleged antisemitism and Islamophobia on campus, of failing to stop anti-Jewish hate at universities.

Trumps order does not define antisemitism, though the State Department currently relies on the non-legally binding working definition of antisemitism from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA): Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.

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A Biden administration official told Jewish Insider in 2023 that the White House maintained the first Trump administrations policy of factoring antisemitism into federal discrimination investigations on campus, which included and consideration of the IHRA definition.

Ahead of Trump taking office, universities including Harvard, one of the most-watched centers of student protest activity against the Gaza war, settled antisemitism complaints, in what was seen as a move to head off scrutiny from the Trump administration.

The new administration could exert considerable influence over campus action through federal funding, investigations of schools, and using Trumps considerable bully pulpit to add to the already heated atmosphere on campus around the Israel-Hamas war.

Estimates suggest more than 3,000 students were arrested across the U.S. protesting the Israel-Hamas war, which human rights groups have called genocide. Trump has urged that Palestinians be cleaned out of Gaza, which he callously characterized as a demolition site. His real-estate developer son-in-law Jared Kushner remarked last March that Gazas waterfront property could be very valuable, and also suggested civilians be moved out as the strip is cleaned up.

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As The Independent has reported, campus protesters were met with a heavily armed police response, doxxing from outside groups, and violence from masked vigilantes.

Trump has made fighting what he deems antisemitism a major part of his new administration, nominating New York congresswoman Elise Stefanik to be his UN ambassador. Stefanik aggressively questioned university presidents about antisemitism during a hearing in the House in 2023.

On the campaign trail, Trump threatened to pull funding and accreditation from schools that allow what he called antisemitic propaganda, and to deport foreign student protesters.

He also claimed that Jews who maintained their traditional support for Democrats need to have their head examined.

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Trump, in addition to fighting antisemitism, has been accused of antisemitism and fascist rhetoric himself.

The Republican allegedly said during his first term that he wished he had the kind of generals that Hitler had, and that the genocidal fascist who killed millions of Jews did some good things, though Trump has denied making these comments.

General Mark Milley, who served as Trumps chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said last year that Trump is fascist to the core.

In remarks from Air Force One on Sunday, Trump said he wants Egypt and Jordan to take the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza who have been displaced by Israels bombardments, and clean out the area  alarming human rights groups who have warned that the presidents remarks amount to an endorsement of ethnic cleansing.

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Youre talking about a million and half people, and we just clean out that whole thing, Trump said. You know over the centuries its had many, many conflicts. And I dont know, something has to happen.  Its literally a demolition site, almost everything is demolished and people are dying there, so Id rather get involved with some of the Arab nations and build housing at a different location where they can maybe live in peace for a change.

Congress considered a bill last year that would require the Department of Education to consider the IHRA antisemitism definition when it carries out investigations on campus under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

Civil rights advocates have warned against such policies, arguing they would chill legitimate criticism.

Instead of addressing antisemitism on campus, this misguided legislation would punish protected political speech, Jenna Leventoff, senior policy counsel at the ACLU, said in a statement at the time.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday that would cancel visas and deport international students who have expressed support for Palestinians  the administrations latest effort to both target immigrants and crack down on free speech, particularly on college campuses.

The fact sheet for the presidents order describes the move as a means to address antisemitism, directing the Justice Department to prosecute terroristic threats, arson, vandalism and violence against American Jews and to use the necessary federal resources to fight what it called an explosion of antisemitism since Hamas deadly attack on Israel in October 2023.

To all the resident aliens who joined in the pro-jihadist protests, we put you on notice: come 2025, we will find you, and we will deport you, states the order, first obtained by Reuters.

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The president said that he would also cancel the visas of students he considers Hamas sympathizers, describing college campuses as infested with radicalism.

Columbia University students protest against the war in Gaza on the anniversary of Hamas' attack on Israel in New York City on Oct. 7, 2024. Victor J. Blue/The Washington Post via Getty Images

High schools and colleges across the country erupted into protests last year over Israels obliteration of Gaza, which has killed at least 47,000 Palestinians in what the international community and human rights groups have since labeled a genocide. Protesters also demanded that their universities divest from Israeli companies to show their commitment to peace.

Trumps order promotes the false premise that Jews and Israel are one entity. This idea reinforces the antisemitic dual-loyalty tropes, said Jamie Beran, CEO of progressive Jewish group Bend the Arc. Jews feel many ways about Israel and Palestine, and the protests on college campuses have included and continue to include many Jewish participants.

Most protests appeared peaceful and unifying across ethnicities and religions  in fact, statistics from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project in May found that 97% of U.S. campus protests over the violence in Gaza had been peaceful.

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But despite that, law enforcement officials on many campuses were seen attacking and arresting students and professors in a manner not seen since the Vietnam War-era campus demonstrations.

Like the college students who once protested segregation, the Vietnam War and apartheid South Africa, the diverse collection of college students who protested against Israels genocidal war on Gaza deserve our countrys thanks, the Council on American-Islamic Relations said in a statement.

New York City police enter an upper floor of Columbia University's Hamilton Hall using a tactical vehicle on April 30, 2024, after pro-Palestinian protesters took over a building. Craig Ruttle via Associated Press

Trump condemned the campus protests while he was on the campaign trail, while the Republican National Conventions platform last year pledged to deport those who protested against Israels military offensive.

We are disgusted that Trump and his antisemitic, neo-Nazi, Christian nationalist allies are planning to deport students and other immigrants for protesting the Israeli militarys brutal assault on Gaza, said Eva Borgwardt, spokesperson for the Jewish American group IfNotNow.

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Trumps executive order is pulled directly from the Project Esther report created by the Heritage Foundation, the same group that put together the massive Project 2025 playbook. The former is also a blueprint for the Trump administration, focused on using the authority of the federal government to dismantle first the Palestine solidarity movement, and subsequently other progressive social movements.

Trumps order requires federal department heads to make recommendations to the White House within 60 days on all criminal and civil authorities that can be used to suppress any protests.

The order has the potential to rip apart our communities, destroy my fellow classmates lives, and set a precedent that allows for authoritarian attacks on any group that opposes the MAGA agenda. As a Jewish student I refuse to allow my identity to be fuel for fascist crackdown on my fellow students, said Benjamin Kersten, who joined the student encampment last year at the University of California in Los Angeles.

Because of the orders broad reach, the directive wont just impact those with student visas  millions of green card holders may face visa revocation and deportation because they support Palestinian freedom and self-determination.

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Instead of actually addressing antisemitism, Trumps order is an excuse to exploit real Jewish fear and trauma to enact authoritarian policies  policies that functionally make all Americans, including Jews, unsafe, Beran said. Its the latest cynical attempt by Republicans to use antisemitism and Jews as a tool to divide and attack their perceived enemies to further their dangerous authoritarian agenda.

A student holds a placard reading "Jews for Palestine" during a pro-Palestine protest at the University of Nevada Reno on May 8, 2024. Kia Rastar/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

Despite the order appearing to only target immigrants and foreign students, experts of constitutional law warn that the directive moves the U.S. into dangerous territory when it comes to free speech of any kind and that the administration will surely be subject to legal scrutiny for that reason.

The First Amendment applies to everyone in the U.S., including those studying at American universities on a student visa, according to Carrie DeCell, attorney at the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University. Knight published two ICEmemos in 2023 confirming that efforts to deport foreign nationals who criticize Israels offensive in Gaza would undergo the highest level of legal review.

Government lawyers have already considered at length whether proposals to remove people from the country based on their political speech are constitutional, and their answer is almost certainly no, DeCell said. Theyre right. Deporting non-citizens on the basis of their political speech would be unconstitutional.

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Encouraged by pro-Israel groups like the Anti-Defamation League and AIPAC, the Trump administration is operating under what Borgwardt called the lie that Jewish safety can be achieved through mass deportations and free speech crackdowns.

The opposite is true: empowering the far right endangers Jews, she said. The only true safety is shared safety. We will be safe when our neighbors are safe; our neighbors will be safe when we are safe. There is no other way.
I speak to you this morning in an hour of anguish for a nation, said President Donald Trump as he addressed the nation in the wake of the tragic collision between a military helicopter and a passenger jet in Washington, D.C., Wednesday evening.

The passenger jet carrying 64 passengers and crew was traveling from Wichita, Kansas, to the nations capital, including competitive figure skaters and was carrying several figure skaters, according to reports.

The president held a press conference in the White House briefing room on Thursday morning. He began his remarks by requesting a moment of silence for the victims of the crash and their families.

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As one nation we grieve for every precious soul that has been taken from us so suddenly, Trump said. Our hearts are shattered alongside yours and our prayers are with you now.

The president was joined by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and Vice President JD Vance.

Trump said that it is so far unclear what led to the tragic crash but there are many opinions and theories around what happened.

After expressing condolences, Trump turned to politics, criticizing previous administrations and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg over diversity, equity and inclusion practices.

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We do not know what led to this crash, but we have some very strong opinions and ideas, and I think well probably state those opinions now, he said, before talking about DEI.

Trump said the Obama and Biden administrations wrongly changed hiring practices for air traffic controllers. Their policy was horrible and their politics was even worse, he said.

The Biden administration was sued last year by more than 900 students from air traffic control programs over changes that were made by the FAA. Trump signed an executive order on the issue last week, reversing the Biden administrations FAA hiring practices.

For some jobs, we need the highest level of genius, he said.

Trump acknowledged those that responded to the crash

Trump thanked those who were a part of the rescue and recovery efforts after the crash. He acknowledged local, state and federal authorities as well as the military including the Coast Guard.

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So quick so fast it was mobilized immediately, Trump said.

Search and rescue operations continued tirelessly throughout the night, but now it has been declared there are no survivors and the work has shifted to recovery.

This was a dark and excruciating night in our nations capital and in our nations history, the president said.

Boats work the scene of an aircraft collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, in Arlington, Va. | Alex Brandon

The president appointed an acting commissioner to the FAA

During the press conference, Trump announced he would be appointing Christopher Rocheleau as the acting commissioner of the Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA.

Rocheleau is a 22 year veteran of the agency who Trump said is very highly respected.

Trump focuses on DEI when talking about crash

The president spoke about an executive order he signed a few days ago to raise the standards of hiring in the FAA, specifically for air traffic controllers.

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We must have only the highest standard for those who work in our aviation system, Trump said.

He said that only those of the highest intellect and psychologically superior people should be air traffic controllers.

My administration will set the highest possible bar for aviation safety, Trump said. We have to have our smartest people, doesnt matter what they look like, how they speak, who they are, it matters intellect, talent, they have to be talented, naturally talented geniuses. You cant have regular people doing that job they wont be able to do it, we will restore faith in American air travel.

Trump said that both the Biden administration and the Obama administration had set lower standards for those hired in aviation.

President Donald Trump speaks in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, in Washington. | Alex Brandon

Trump says the helicopter had vision of the plane

The president stated that there was a pilot problem from the side of the helicopter and that the plane would have been in sight of those in the helicopter. It was a clear but dark night it Washington D.C. when the crash occurred.

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A helicopter that had the ability to stop, I have helicopters, you can stop a helicopter very quickly, it had the ability to go up or down, it had the ability to turn and the turn it made was not the correct turn obviously, Trump said.

The president also said that there was a problem with elevation and that the helicopter and the jet should not have been at the same height. He pointed out that the helicopter did make a slight turn at the last minute, but it was too late.

According to Trump, the events of Wednesday night will be studied and investigated diligently in the days to come.

The president spoke about the Russians on the plane

Trump acknowledged that there were multiple Russians who were lost in the plane crash. He also added that despite there being no direct air travel between Russia and the U.S. the government will work to facilitate the transfer of remains.

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He said that he and his administration have been in contact with Russia about the incident.

The president also shared that there were people of multiple different nationalities on the flight and they are working with their home countries.

Information about the victims will be released later on Thursday.
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trumps vow to levy punishing taxes on the countrys top trading partners is already having the Texas business community on edge, with even Republicans who support the president acknowledging it could cause pain in the state.

Trump on Saturday reportedly ordered 25% tariffs on goods imported from Canada and Mexico and an additional 10% tariff on China, which he subjected to tariffs under his first presidency. The New York Times reported that the tariffs are scheduled to go into place Tuesday. Mexico and Canada have threatened to levy retaliatory tariffs on the United States.

Mexico is by far Texas largest trading partner, followed by Canada with China coming closely behind. Free-trade advocates warn that tariffs on goods will be passed onto consumers  meaning higher prices for Texans. Any positive benefits such as bringing manufacturing back to the country may not appear for years.

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There would undeniably, indisputably be a negative economic impact if tariffs were to be enacted, said Glenn Hamer, president and CEO of the Texas Association of Business, a group that supports many of Trumps other domestic policies.

Texas prides itself in having one of the fastest growing economies in the country and one of the largest economies on earth, due largely to its looser regulatory environment and free exchange with other high value markets. Texas is the largest exporting state in the U.S.  a point of pride for Gov. Greg Abbott and that Abbott said aligns with Trumps values for making the U.S. an exporting powerhouse. The state exports over $88.6 billion in goods to Mexico alone, and a further $23.4 billion to Canada.

Since he first floated tariffs during his campaign, several of his defenders have posited that the focus on tariffs could be a negotiating tactic.

Trump threatened the tariffs, saying he wants to pressure Mexico and Canada to invest more in preventing illegal border crossings. He made a similar move on Colombia after it rejected deportation flights from the United States. Within hours of Trump threatening 25% tariffs on Colombia in retaliation, the country allowed deportation flights to resume.

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Let's wait and see what the president actually does on tariffs, said Sen. Ted Cruz, who chairs the Senate Commerce Committee. In the first term, President Trump used very similar threats of tariffs to force Mexico to cooperate in securing our border, and it produced tremendous results.

Cruz cited the Remain in Mexico policy, under which asylum seekers had to wait out their cases in Mexico in cooperation with the Mexican government. He declined to weigh in on ways to relieve pain if the tariffs are actually implemented.

The other Texas senator also advised a cautious approach. It's a little hard to separate the negotiation tactics from reality, Sen. John Cornyn said. I think we're gonna have to see how this happens in practice, and then continue the conversation, because there comes a point at which tariffs add cost to consumers.

The White House has asserted that the tariffs are happening, at least on Mexico and Canada, with tariffs on China still under consideration. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt assured reporters Tuesday that the Feb. 1 date for Canada and Mexico still holds.

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Free trade advocates still see positives in the presidents trade position. During his first term, Trump negotiated the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, colloquially known as the USMCA, to update trade agreements among the three countries. Hamer, of the Texas business group, said that many members of the business community feel incredible optimism about Trump after four years under President Joe Biden, who many of Texas largest industries felt constrained them with regulations. Members of both parties in Texas protested when Biden issued pauses on liquefied natural gas export permits, which they asserted unfairly targeted Texas energy sector.

The US-Mexico-Canada Agreement is the best trade deal ever signed into law in the United States, Hamer said. And we want to see the USMCA continue and to be enhanced in ways that will increase trade between our three countries.

Hamer said the impact of tariffs would be impossible to fully quantify before they are implemented. But the uncertainty of the tariffs is already beginning to impact the states economy, particularly in South Texas where trade with Mexico is a lifeblood.

Andrew Lawson Carranco, chair of the Government Affairs Council at the Laredo Chamber of Commerce, said the uncertainty of the tariffs and how they would be executed puts the business community in the city in a precarious situation. The city is home to the biggest port in the country, handling more than $300 billion worth of goods a year passing between the United States and Mexico. He said the city has seen increased exchange across the border to get goods through before theyre charged punishing new rates.

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Of course, we've heard a date on the implementation of tariffs, but no one's really quite sure they're actually going to be implemented, Lawson Carranco said. So we're left with more questions than answers.

Leaders in the manufacturing industry in the Rio Grande Valley agree that the immediate effects of tariffs would be devastating increases in prices to consumers. Joaquin Spamer, the president of Border Trade Alliance Mexico, said Mexico would likely retaliate with their own tariffs on farm products they import from the U.S.

"There is a very long list of U.S. agricultural products that are sold in Mexico," Spamer said. "They know that the border base for Trump is the agricultural communities, that's why they increase the tariffs immediately there."

South Texas made a historic swing toward supporting Trump in last years elections, with the president winning every South Texas congressional district in the traditionally Democratic stronghold.

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Spamer also pointed out that some products cross the border multiple times before being sold to consumers. This can apply to clothes that are manufactured in Mexico using cotton or polyester that was imported from the U.S. Its unclear if goods will be subject to tariffs on final delivery or each time they cross the border.

"It's not going to have a 25% tariff, it's going to have a 25% tariff on the cotton and a 25% tariff on the final product," Spamer said. "We're calculating over 40% actual price increase."

Companies could theoretically offset the costs to consumers by reducing their profit margins or renegotiating prices with foreign suppliers, but prices would increase regardless, said Jorge Torres, a licensed customs broker who is president of Interlink Trade Services. Either way, Torres said it will be something that will be negative.

Torres' own business has a lot on the line. As a customs broker, he provides warehousing along the border that caters to cross-border transactions between Mexico and the U.S. The proposed tariffs would likely cause his own business to experience a downturn with less demand for warehouse space.

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Trump has previously used tariffs to bring more manufacturing to the United States, and hes vowed to make a similar pivot, particularly with semiconductors, a major industry in Texas. Texas lawmakers from both parties have tried to attract semiconductor manufacturing through generous subsidies in a bid to increase competitiveness with Asia, but Trump said he favors a more punitive approach.

He also implemented tariffs on Chinese goods during his last presidency that the Biden administration maintained. Trump offered subsidies for Texass agriculture sector at the time to help it weather the trade conflict with China, and Brooke Rollins, a Texan who is his pick for secretary of Agriculture, said she would support similar moves this time.

Still, if tariffs attract more U.S. manufacturing, the benefits will likely come much later than the immediate price hikes. Setting up factories and other elements of the supply chain requires planning and investment that can take years.

"These types of investments in factories and opening facilities, they don't happen overnight," Torres said. "We might see some that might happen during his term, but I see that most of this, if it happens, will happen after he leaves office."

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There are also likely to be negative effects on Mexico, said Adrian Gonzalez, also a U.S. customs broker. About 30% of Mexico's GDP is related to exports and about 80% of those exports are to the U.S., Gonzalez said. Because Mexico relies heavily on exports, tariffs would devastate the economy and lead to more turmoil such as an increase in drug cartel activity or mass immigration.

"The collaboration that is needed to address larger problems like immigration, fentanyl, security, Gonzalez said, those would be terribly damaged if the US decides to prevent Mexico from having a source of jobs and resources that they need via trade."

Disclosure: Texas Association of Business has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.
A version of this story appeared in CNNs What Matters newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here.

Theres an as-yet unanswerable question to apply to so many of the incredible things President Donald Trump is trying to do as he barrels through the second week of his second term: Can he actually do this?

Lets consider his latest blitz of executive orders, memos and announcements.

Can he order a mass buyout of federal workers?

His administration has offered to pay millions of federal workers to not work until September if they agree to resign. Military and postal workers are exempted from the offer, but its not at all clear Trump has the authority to spend the governments money on an ad hoc mass buyout. More below.

Can he freeze a large number of federal funds appropriated by Congress?

Apparently not. Or at least not right this moment, after a federal judge hit pause on the order issued Tuesday. The White House, after an outcry from Republicans whose constituents depend in various ways on federal grants and other spending, unfroze the funds on Wednesday. But the issue of Trump refusing to spend money appropriated by Congress will likely return.

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Related: What is impoundment?

Theres a possible Supreme Court showdown brewing on the issue of what Washington refers to as impoundment. CNNs John Fritze writes that while the Supreme Court has certainly shown deference to Trump on some issues, this is one where they might not.

Can he detain migrants at Guantanamo Bay on Cuba at a detention facility built for terrorists?

Hell try. During his speech at the White House, Trump said hell sign an order for the Defense and Homeland Security departments to repurpose the prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to house 30,000 migrants who could not be repatriated to their home countries. The US maintains a prison on the island base for some terrorists, including 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed.

In this file image reviewed by the US military, a US Navy sailor looks out over the US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. - John Moore/Getty Images/File

Most suspected terrorists have been removed or released from Guantanamo, and Trump sees an opportunity to house migrants there.

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Some of them are so bad we dont even trust the countries to hold them because we dont want them coming back, so were going to send them out to Guantanamo, he said.

Does he really believe the US government was funding condoms for Hamas in Gaza?

Heres what Trump said at the White House on Wednesday, when he was listing off his first-week accomplishments: We identified and stopped $50 million being sent to Gaza to buy condoms for Hamas. $50 million. And you know whats happened to them? Theyve used them as a method of making bombs. How about that?

Trumps claim was a more extreme version of something White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday in Washington. Heres a key line from CNNs Fact Check:

Why is there so much confusion?

Its worth taking a closer look at Trumps plan to buy out federal workers since it is a good example of conflicting messages.

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Trump expressed frustration at being misunderstood during a 30-minute speech before signing the Laken Riley Act at the White House. That law, the first hes signed during his second term, passed with bipartisan support, requires the detention of migrants charged with certain crimes.

At the signing ceremony, however, Trump felt the need to clarify his offer to federal workers.

What Trump says: Just for clarification purposes, because it was incorrectly reported yesterday, we have informed the federal workforce, which theyve looked to do for many years, that if theyre working for the federal government, they must show up to the office on time and on schedule. We dont want them. We dont want them to work from home because, as everyone knows, most of the time theyre not working.

He added:

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If they dont agree by February 6th to show up back to work in their office, they will be terminated. And we will therefore be downscaling our government.

Trump clearly sees the offer to workers as an ultimatum.

The memo sent to workers says something different. Sent to federal workers from a nameless email address, the memo doesnt sound like Trump. With the subject line Fork in the Road, borrowed from Elon Musks takeover of Twitter, it offers workers the opportunity to resign, with pay, in September and allow them to bypass return to work orders until then. The memo sent to workers does not specifically say federal workers who resign wont have to work over the next nine months while theyre being paid.

People gather during a rally in support of federal funding and in opposition to President Donald Trump's order to pause all federal grants and loans, near the White House in Washington, DC, on January 28. - Ken Cedeno/Reuters

A Q&A says a third thing. The Q&A published the by the White House to explain the memo does say most workers wont have to work while theyre being paid. (Note: In the case of the now-unfrozen federal funding, there was also a weirdly worded memo published alongside a more declarative Q&A).

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Democrat says dont believe the offer. Sen. Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat, told federal workers not to believe the president when he offers them such a generous buyout without any input from Congress.

He doesnt have any authority to do this. Do not be fooled by this guy, Kaine said, noting that its Congress that appropriates money, including federal salaries, through a budgeting process.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Following Day 1 of the 2025 MBC Gayo Daejejeon on January 29, Lee Young Ji took to Instagram to express her heartfelt gratitude to NCT's Mark.

In a charming snapshot, the rapper posed side by side with the male idol while proudly holding a luxury watch, revealed to be a gift from him.

"I've only ever given Rolex as a gift, and I have never worn one myself but Mark gifted me one as a 'thank you' gift for featuring on his song," said Lee in a lengthy letter.

READ ALSO: NCT Mark, Lee Young Ji Confirmed to Collaborate in Upcoming Single

Initially, she had second thoughts about whether to wear it due to its overwhelming worth. But in her lighthearted attempt to show her appreciation, Young Ji joked that she would wear it even to her grave.

Read below for the full fan translation:

OMG YOUNGJI IG POST WITH MARK!!!! mark gave her a rolex and the caption,, my heart is melting 



youngjis caption:

Rolex (Warning: Long Post)



Ive only ever given Rolexes as gifts but never actually worn one myself. But Mark gifted me one as a thank-you for featuring on pic.twitter.com/kpbyu1r8Ba  ren (@hyutaesft) January 29, 2025

Upon the post, eagle-eyed NCTzens (NCT fans) discovered that the Rolex he gave to Young Ji is a Rolex Submariner Date in Oyster, specifically the discontinued 16610 model, the "Kermit."

The exquisite timepiece is currently sold in the Korean market for a jaw-dropping price of $1,200 (KRW 16,170,000).

While many were happy for Young Ji, saying that she deserved the gift, it unexpectedly sparked outrage among some of Mark's fans. On social media, they criticized the "Hello Future" hitmaker for his gesture.

"Even his own members didn't get this treatment. What about the fans who supported him? They deserve something too," one netizen berated.

The post went viral after many fans agreed that Mark overdid it.

Mark is overdoing it. If he keeps this up, future featured artists will feel burdened. A phone or iPad would be understandable, but this is excessive. Even his own members didnt get this treatment. What about the fans who supported him? They deserve something too. https://t.co/sjzOKxJMGx  Cricket Critique (@timecastle66) January 29, 2025

However, the two idols' supporters jumped to defend the NCT member and raved about how sweet and thoughtful he was.

Aside from being a co-worker, Lee Young Ji openly revealed through the years that she has been a huge fan of Mark.

WTFMARK GAVE YOUNGJI A ROLEX AS A GIFT AND ITS EVEN COLOR GREEN  A SUCCESSFUL CZENNIE INDEED HUHU Mark is just the sweetest human ever and Youngji, thank you for giving Mark such a great friendship  pic.twitter.com/VKePsZmZgu    (@guccixchim) January 29, 2025

mark gifting youngji a $10,218 rolex watch as a thank you for featuring on his song???!! he really dont care by how much a thing cost when he is showing generosity to someone. you really are one of a kind mark!!  https://t.co/9zuACjyK4b   (@itsaboutmork) January 29, 2025

seeing how youngji said shes always the one giving rolex as gifts to ppl but nvr wore one & mark then gifting her one is really so sweet! like mk truly understands the person hes gifting to & knowing how youngji is generous with others, he also wants to be generous with her too https://t.co/aWeKPXtkdK  pretty haechan (@sophiechanelala) January 29, 2025

RELATED ARTICLE: Lee Youngji Admits She Subscribes To The Bubble of THIS NCT Member
India PR Distribution New Delhi [India], January 30: BatchMaster Software is proud to welcome Erawat Pharma, one of central India's most prestigious pharmaceutical manufacturers, to its growing family of distinguished clients. Headquartered in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Erawat Pharma ranks among the top capsule manufacturers globally and is the second-largest capsule manufacturer in India, serving a robust customer base both locally and internationally. Erawat Pharma was previously using Tally to manage its operations. However, as the company experienced rapid growth, its operational complexities outgrew the capabilities of the existing system. This resulted in several challenges, including increased idle time of work-in-progress (WIP), which led to delays and errors in order deliveries. The manual nature of their processes created challenges in routine operations and made it difficult to address production, quality control (QC), and compliance requirements. The need for a more advanced ERP system became evident, one that could automate and streamline operations while handling tasks such as generating system-wide labels--including raw quarantine labels, QC release labels, intermediate stage labels, and shipping labels. Furthermore, the company sought a solution that would seamlessly manage its processes, from raw material procurement to production scheduling and delivery. After evaluating several options, including NetSuite, Erawat Pharma found the perfect match in BatchMaster ERP with Tally Integration. The software stood out for its ability to address their specific needs, including accurate costing, automated production scheduling and planning, precise traceability, superior formulation management, and compliance with all regulatory requirements. These functionalities not only ensured improved operational efficiency but also enabled the company to achieve better control over its production processes. Sanjay Panjwani, Managing Director of BatchMaster Software Pvt. Ltd., expressed his gratitude for this new partnership. He remarked, "We are thrilled to collaborate with Erawat Pharma, a leader in the pharmaceutical industry. Our team ensured a smooth implementation process and is helping Erawat Pharma achieve its goals of operational excellence and automation." With the implementation of BatchMaster Pharma ERP, Erawat Pharma is now well-equipped to address the demands of its expanding business while maintaining its reputation for delivering quality products on time. This partnership highlights BatchMaster's commitment to providing industry-specific solutions that empower manufacturers to optimize their operations and achieve sustainable growth. (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)
(Bloomberg) -- European officials are trying to rally support from member states as they brace for President Donald Trump to play on their divisions to force through his America First agenda.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The European Commission, the EUs executive arm, urged member states in a private meeting last week to remain united, with some comparing the situation to the Brexit negotiations, according to people familiar with the discussion. Back then, the UK tried to undercut the blocs strength by seeking bilateral deals with individual countries.

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Leaders including Germanys Olaf Scholz, Frances Emmanuel Macron and Denmarks Mette Frederiksen have jetted across the continent since Trumps inauguration to discuss how to deal with risks posed by the new administration in Washington.

And this couldnt come at a worse time for the EU which is fighting from a position of weakness, with the bloc suffering from a deepening economic malaise and political fragmentation paralyzing the governments of its two largest members, Germany and France. During the discussion with the commission last week, countries expressed concern that Trump would try to divide the EU with bilateral deals or targeted tariffs.

During Brexit, Europe had the upper hand, Alicia Garcia-Herrero, a senior fellow at the Brussels-based economic think tank Bruegel, said in an interview. But now Europe is going to split, no doubt.

The EU is moving quickly, as the expectation is that a new round of tariffs from the US is inevitable, and this time things will be worse than the trade fight Trump sparked in 2018, said the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. And while officials want to explore all avenues for cooperation, they are skeptical of the idea that they can talk Trump out of triggering a trade clash that could embroil everything from steel and cars to European tech regulations and tax policy.

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Instead, the EU has prepared multiple lists of American goods to hit with its own retaliatory tariffs if Trump moves forward with levies, modeling various possibilities depending on what the initial US salvo looks like, the people said. But this time around, the EU has devoted more time to prepare a response and its list of targets is much bigger.

Trump vowed on Monday that he would enact across-the-board tariffs that are much bigger than 2.5%, and singled out the steel and aluminum sectors, which he targeted with duties during his last term.

Speaking to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, last week, the US president said that the EU treats us very, very unfairly, very badly. Europe has also been shaken by Trumps insistence that he wants to take over Greenland for security reasons, and has refused to rule out using force.

The EU needs to use this time to prepare, either for a discussion or for retaliation, Arancha Gonzalez Laya, dean of the Paris School of International Affairs at Sciences Po, said in an interview. We should remain united, because given integration of the European economy, tariffs on one member states is tariffs on the EU as a whole.

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What Bloomberg Economics Says...

The EU will attempt to negotiate first, likely presenting a united front. But there is limited capacity to address those concerns.

Jamie Rush, Antonio Barroso and Eleonora Mavroeidi. For full research, click here

Its possible Trump orders tariffs immediately, but some in Europe believe they wont hit until after April 1, when the new administration is due to report on how to address unfair and unbalanced trade and recommend appropriate measures, such as a global supplemental tariff or other policies to remedy the situation. The EU has also been having conversations with like-minded US trading partners and sharing notes, according to the people.

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The commission is also preparing an offer to improve bilateral relations with the US that could include more liquefied natural gas imports, fertilizers and weapons, one of the people said. Other areas for potential collaboration include closer alignment on China around export controls, investment screenings and working together to tackle Chinas overcapacity, particularly in the steel sector, the person said.

Our first priority will be to engage early, discuss common interests, and be ready to negotiate, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in Davos last week. We will be pragmatic, but we will always stand by our principles. To protect our interests and uphold our values  that is the European way.

What Europe will do is to negotiate, it cannot do any other thing, Bruegels Garcia-Herrero said. I see a very difficult horizon for Europe, and I do see some US tariffs on Europe, but it would be only on some specific products.

And the timing is very difficult for the EU. Germanys Scholz is about to be ousted in snap elections on Feb. 23 and in France, Macron is a lame-duck president who is consumed with trying to pass a budget while keeping the far-right leader Marine Le Pen out of power.

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And populists within the EU have been taking advantage of the division. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban used the moment to rattle the bloc last month by saying he wouldnt necessarily support the extension of the EUs sanctions against Russia  a routine process that requires the unanimous backing of all 27 member states. That forced the EU to consider workarounds and offer Orban incentives, which eventually led to Hungary caving on the threat.

Last year, former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi warned of a slow agony in the bloc if member states failed to act quickly to boost the regions productivity with additional investments. He added that this failure would make the EU less competitive with the US and China.

Existential Issues

The foundations on which we built are now being shaken, Draghi said in the report he presented to the EU. This is an existential challenge. Macron put it in starker terms, saying the EU could die if it continues to follow its classical agenda.

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An analysis by Bloomberg Economics shows that the blocs economy would be about 3 trillion ($3.3 trillion) bigger if it had kept pace with the US in the quarter century since the monetary union was created  enough to boost the income of the average worker by about 13,000 a year.

All these factors mean that the EU  despite its insistence on maintaining unity in the face of Trumps threats  may not be up to the task. Bloomberg Economics estimates that a 10% tariff would lower exports to the US by 30% and a 25% tariff by 70%, putting between 0.7% and 1.5% of GDP at risk.

The EU and US could reach a trigger point at the end of March when suspended EU tariffs on $3 billion of US products are set to snap back. This particular fight started in 2018, when the US hit nearly $7 billion of European steel and aluminum exports with duties, citing national security concerns. The bloc retaliated by targeting politically sensitive companies with retaliatory duties, including Harley-Davidson Inc. motorcycles and Levi Strauss & Co. jeans.

The two sides agreed to a temporary truce in 2021, when the US partly removed its measures and introduced a set of tariff-rate quotas above which duties on the metals are applied, while the EU froze all of its restrictive measures. The US quotas that replaced the punitive duties will expire at the end of the year.

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Time Bomb

If they let that March date come and they put tariffs back in place, thats just going to be awful, said Daniel Mullaney, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council who served as senior US trade negotiator during the first Trump administration. Thats a bit of a time bomb.

Ignacio Garcia Bercero, a non-resident fellow at Bruegel think tank and former senior EU negotiator with the US, recommended that the EU extend the suspension while the commission indicates the willingness to have a more structural discussion on the issue. It wont be a good idea if we take any measure before they do, he said.

The EU has yet to discuss how it will approach that deadline, the people said.

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Tech regulation is another area ripe for a transatlantic fight, with Trump blasting the EU for having targeted Apple Inc., Alphabet Inc.s Google and Meta Platforms Inc. The EU has established a reputation globally for its aggressive regulation of major technology companies.

Apple, Google, Meta and the X platform owned by Trump confidant Elon Musk may all be facing billions in fines  or even mandatory divestment orders  from dozens of separate ongoing EU investigations.

They shouldnt be doing that, Trump told the conference in Davos. Thats, as far as Im concerned, a form of taxation. We have some very big complaints with the EU.

Some officials predict that the fight over tech regulation and taxation could be even more vicious than any dispute over tariffs, as Trump is transactional when it comes to trade. Finding a potential landing zone over the rules governing tech will be far more complex, they said.

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Read More About European Trade:

Europe Is Almost Out of Time to Defend Its Place in Brutal World

Europe Will Struggle to Stand United Against Trumps Threats

Trump to Invoke National Emergency in Tariff Push: Supply Lines

--With assistance from Kamil Kowalcze.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill cleanup on Pensacola Beach (image via Florida Sea Grant )

A lot of us longtime Floridians commemorate big events with special T-shirts. Looking back through the collection in our closet is like having a photo album made of 100% cotton. Tom Petty Concert 1995! Gasparilla Parade 2001! Crystal River Manatee Festival 2009!

Heck, I still have a T-shirt from 1992 that proclaims, I Survived Hurricane Andrew!

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But I never saw anyone in Florida wearing T-shirts to commemorate the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Remember that? For months BPs broken offshore well spewed oil that ended up as globs of thick, brown goop on the white sandy beaches of eight Florida counties. Ten years later, the damage to both the marine environment and human health still lingered.

Perhaps there were no T-shirts to buy because the vendors were too busy donning hazardous waste suits to clean up the mess BP left us. Or perhaps they realized nobody had money to buy T-shirts because all the tourists had fled, harming the economy.

But if our new president has his way, well have another shot at printing up oil spill T-shirts.

Shortly after becoming the first convicted felon to be sworn in as president, Florida man Donald Trump signed his name to a flurry of paperwork: 26 executive orders, 12 memoranda, and 4 proclamations.

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Some of what he signed was silly, like his executive order calling for changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of Merica. Some were far more serious, like his pardon of all 1,500 of the insurrectionists who participated in the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, including everyone who attacked cops.

But the one that caught my attention involved offshore drilling.

Hours after his inauguration, Trump rescinded a recent executive order by former President Joe Biden that banned new oil and gas drilling leases in public waters off Floridas coast and the eastern Gulf of Mexico, FloridaPolitics.com reported. The new president went a step further and issued his own order on Unleashing American Energy that made clear that coastal waters would be open to new leases.

Trumps own order makes no mention of any exceptions, not even for his many fans in the Florida Panhandle counties that suffered through the 2010 disaster. In fact, his whole executive order seems geared toward rushing this through as fast as possible (more on that in a minute).

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He claimed this is necessary because of a national energy emergency except theres not one. During Bidens four years in office, the oil companies set records for both oil production and oil and gas company profits. Their only emergency is finding new pockets in which they can stuff all that cash.

Bid adieu to the offshore drilling safety rules passed in the wake of the BP oil spill.

Yet this week the U.S. Department of Energy tweeted, As President Trump outlined in his inaugural address, the policy of the United States and the Department of Energy is once again to drill baby, drill!

A formation of 4th generation fighter jets from the 40th Flight Test Squadron flies over the Emerald Coast near Eglin Air Force Base, Fla, Jan. 31, 2022. (image via Photo via Eglin AFB)

And the way hes doing it, odds are youll wind up walking your beaches in a hazmat suit, scooping up brown globs of spilled oil. Bid adieu to the offshore drilling safety rules passed following the BP oil spill. Trump repealed them during his first term and Biden put them back, so you better believe Trump will repeal them again.

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But there are a few things that could still thwart his ugly plans for our beautiful beaches. One of them is the U.S. Air Force.

Eglin is the bomb

The portion of the Gulf thats part of America doesnt belong to any one of us, but to all of us. Its taxpayer property. Under normal circumstances, the folks who want to drill for oil there have to jump through a lot of hoops to qualify for a permit.

But these are not normal circumstances.

For one thing, as he did in his first term, Trump has loaded the federal regulatory agencies with people eager to say yes to polluters because thats who they used to work for.

President Trump is stocking the Environmental Protection Agency with officials who have served as lawyers and lobbyists for the oil and chemical industries, many of whom worked in his first administration to weaken climate and pollution protections, The New York Times reported this week. If there were federal chicken coops, Trump would put them in the hands of the Fantastic Mr. Fox.

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His nominee to run the Department of the Interior threw a big shindig for oil, gas, and coal executives last year. Meanwhile, his nominee to lead the Department of Energy is Chris Wright, the CEO and founder of Denver-based fracking company Liberty Energy.

Wright has argued that oil and gas are virtuous. If I ever encounter Mr. Wright, Ill tell him hes Mr. Wrong. I saw the Deepwater Horizons oil staining a beach that I once played on as a child. I didnt see any halos on those poisonous petrochemical smudges.

These, then, are the folks who will make the decisions on permitting oil wells in the eastern Gulf. Theyre supposed to hurry, too. The executive order their boss sent out says they shall undertake all available efforts to eliminate all delays within their respective permitting processes.

And theyre not to let any of those pesky environmental concerns stand in the way, including the Endangered Species Act.

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In other words, Trump wants the oil tycoons who donated so much money to his presidential campaign to be quickly approved for drilling so close to his home state. (Yet not in front of Mar-a-Lago. Go figure.)

But Trumps eager minions may want to slow down, because someone important got there first: Eglin Air Force Base.

Eglin, located near Fort Walton Beach, has two claims to fame: Its where the Father of Gonzo Journalism, Hunter S. Thompson, began his literary career. And at 640 square miles, its the largest air base in the world.

Eglins main mission is blowing stuff up. Its a place for testing bombs with names like the Massive Ordnance Air Blast. They need a LOT of room to do that  including a huge chunk of the Gulf: 180,000 square miles of air space and 17 miles of shoreline access.

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So, whenever some oil company pops up to say, Hey, wed like to drill for oil in the eastern Gulf, everyone in the Panhandle quickly responds: Not in Eglins territory you dont.

Hunter Miller (image via Oceana)

You dont want to launch any live ammo around oil rigs, Hunter Miller of the environmental group Oceana pointed out.

The Defense Department declared the Eglin testing range a national asset that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the U.S. Its been a federal policy since 1983 to protect the eastern Gulf by restricting oil drilling there.

Trump does not have the authority to take this action on drilling in Eglin territory, Miller told me.

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This is not the first time weve been through this with him, though.

In 2017, when Trump was in office the first time, his Interior Department announced it would auction off 73 million acres in the Gulf for new oil and gas exploration  including in the eastern Gulf. Fifteen members of Floridas congressional delegation jumped up and down and screamed, Nuh-uh! Republicans and Democrats alike demanded the feds protect Eglins testing range.

Of course, the Eglin exception might not stop Trump this time because hes shown little respect for the military. Remember, he called the honored war dead suckers and losers. And he picked as his defense secretary a TV host who knows more about booze than battalions. Eglins needs might not mean much to him.

Still, Trump did back off that last time. Maybe hell do so again this time  especially when he learns about the other president who put a moratorium on drilling in the eastern Gulf.

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It was a fellow named Trump.

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Trump vs. Trump

The first time I met Mark Ferrulo was back when Chevron wanted to drill in a part of the eastern Gulf known as Destin Dome.

In 1999, the Interior Department held a public hearing in Pensacola that drew about 500 people, ranging from buttoned-down yuppies to teenage skateboarders with mohawks.

Mark Ferrulo (image via Progress Florida)

The one person who spoke in favor of Chevrons plans was a New Orleans attorney working for Chevron. The other 499 were opposed  including Ferrulo. My point is, the Progress Florida executive director has been involved in these battles for more than a minute.

The eastern Gulf of Mexico has truly been in the target sights of Big Oil for a long time, he said this week.

When I talked to Ferrulo about Trump trying to drill in the eastern Gulf, he pointed out that the last guy who put a moratorium on drilling there before Biden did was Trump himself.

There was a pre-existing ban on drilling off Floridas Gulf coast that was set to expire in 2022, FloridaPolitics.com reported in 2020. But with Trumps signature during an event in Jupiter, he extended the moratorium 10 years and added the Atlantic coast to the ban from the Florida Keys to South Carolina.

After signing the order, Trump told the crowd, Trump is the great environmentalist, referring to himself in the third person like Gollum from The Hobbit, which never sounds the least bit creepy or pretentious. Then Gov. Ron DeSantis made himself useful by lobbing Trumps Sharpies to people in the front row.

So even before the Biden ban, there was a ban on drilling in the eastern Gulf that Trump himself imposed. Its supposed to last until 2032. The law that allowed Trump to do that, by the way, is the same law that Biden cited in imposing his moratorium, Ferrulo told me.

As Martha Collins, executive director of the environmental group Healthy Gulf, pointed out, if Trump tries to push drilling in the area now hes undermining his own authority. The hypocrisy here is hilarious.

Collins noted that after Biden issued his executive order, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Alaska, the American Petroleum Institute, and Gulf Energy Alliance sued to overturn it, including in the eastern Gulf. She pointed out that the ban near Florida would be none of those other states business.

Martha Collins (image via Healthy Gulf)

Both she and Ferrulo predicted that, should those suits go to a hearing, the courts would say Floridas waters are off-limits, upholding both the Biden and Trump drilling bans.

But as weve seen this week, Trump is no respecter of the law. Hes refused to enforce a measure meant to shut down Tik Tok, fired people he cant legally fire, and temporarily halted tens of billions of dollars in federal spending he has no power to halt.

As Politico put it this week, Trump barrels through guardrails, daring courts and Congress to stop him.

However, theres still one more speed bump that might at least slow down the oil industry: the oil industry itself.

Hurray for the free market

Several drilling opponents I talked to asked where Floridas Republican officeholders were in this fight. Politicians who were vocal last time have been noticeably quiet this time  for instance, Sen. Rick Scott, who hailed Trumps return to power as a golden age.

But a few have spoken up. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna is such a Trump fanatic that shes filed a bill to have his face added to Mount Rushmore. But she saw the Deepwater Horizon spills damage firsthand, so she wants a permanent ban on drilling in the eastern Gulf.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (image via U.S. House)

We have a very unique ecosystem in the state of Florida that is untouched, and we have to ensure that it stays that way, she told WFLA-TV.

I tried contacting some of the others, such as Rep. Neal Dunn, R-Panama City, but they never returned my calls. Perhaps they were too busy genuflecting toward their tangerine-faced messiah to defend their constituents lives and livelihoods.

For now, then, the last line of defense against the destruction of the eastern Gulf is capitalism.

While Trump is pushing hard to make drilling there as easy as picking up a chicken sub at Publix, the oil industry doesnt seem interested. Remember, they had record production and record profits under Biden.

While they like Trumps pro-oil stance, they say theyll hold off expanding their offshore drilling until gas prices go up. One of them told The New York Times that he likes Trumps positivity but its too early to say that thats going to translate into a change in actual activity levels here.

Thus, the free market may spare the eastern Gulf, at least for now. But that could change. Id feel a lot better if Congress were to pass a bill like the one that Republican Vern Buchanan and Democrat Kathy Castor co-sponsored in 2023 to permanently ban drilling in the eastern Gulf.

If and when that happens, Ill gladly pay for a commemorative T-shirt that says, We Saved the Gulf of Whatchamacallit!

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As the smoke from the Pacific Palisades and Eaton fires started to clear on the rainy night of January 27, President Trump put the finishing flourish on his fire response by posting to Truth Social, The United States Military just entered the Great State of California and, under Emergency Powers, TURNED ON THE WATER flowing abundantly from the Pacific Northwest, and beyond.

Here in California, it wasnt clear what the president was jabbering about this time. State Senate president pro tempore Mike McGuire tried to decode the post, noting that federal water pumps that had been down for repair are back on, but the rest was a muddle. Infrastructure doesnt exist to feed water from the Pacific Northwest to California.

For weeks, Trump has been feeding the mythical narrative that blue-haired California liberals are blocking water in the SacramentoSan Joaquin Delta from getting where it needs to go out of wrongheaded deference to the environment. The idea that the military just smacked them down is the latest variation on this tale. Its wrong and unhelpful, but its a fun story for California-haters. The fundamental problem, though, is that while Trump has claimed to be helping Los Angeles, what he and a number of Republican congressmen are actually advocating is disaster capitalism thinly disguised as aid for our state in a time of crisis. The true beneficiaries of such policies arent the people fighting wildfires but, rather, big agribusiness.

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When news broke that some hydrants ran dry during the fires, it rhymed with vintage conservative beliefs about environmentalism gone mad. The accepted Fox News narrative is now that loony leftists and their environmentalist naivete turned these fires into a disaster that could have been prevented. For Trump, the fires were yet another opportunity to gore an ox his fans love to see bleed: Governor Gavin Newsom.

But even for someone like me who is intensely critical of Newsom, watching this president continue to willfully misunderstand my states signature political issue while he scores points by shooting spit wads at the smoking ruins of our communities is beyond galling. With Trumps second term now in full swing, and the Democratic Party still in its stupor of despair, few in California are eager to get animated about Trump all over again. When Trump visited Los Angeles, the purpose was clearly to generate news clips of himself dunking on local figures like Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. His statements and policies may seem like theyre barely worth an eye roll, but they get worse the longer you look.

Predictably, Trumps opening volley, issued when he was still president-elect, was an attack on a worthless fish called a smelt. The delta smelt is a critically endangered species in the SacramentoSan Joaquin River Delta. Big Ag in California loves to hate the smelt because a small amount of State Water Project and federal Central Valley Project water goes toward conservation each year. This conservative talking point is way past its expiration date, and plenty of ink has been painstakingly spilled trying to school Trump on the reality that smelt conservation has nothing to do with Los Angeless difficulty fighting the latest fires. Enough people have probably corrected this for us to be fairly sure that its not confusion, said former California State Water Resources Control Board chair Felicia Marcus, when asked about Trumps perspective on the smelt.

There is no way massive amounts of water can be moved south of the Delta simply by getting rid of environmental regulations that protect fish and wildlife, Jeffrey Mount, senior fellow at the Water Policy Center at the Public Policy Center of California, and emeritus professor of earth and planetary sciences at UC Davis, told The New Republic. This is such an overconstrained system that there just isnt the kind of flexibility some imagine.

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Trumps revival of smelt discourse is a way of dodging the complexity of our states politics, which many Californians know a lot more about than Trump does. Claiming that water can just appear to serve everyones needs if Californians would just grow up is a little like Trump claiming he can beat the entire state of Louisiana in a gumbo-making competitionnot just wrong but painful and embarrassing to listen to.

Californias water wars are almost two centuries old, and the constant give-take-and-give of claims on scarce water among urban, agricultural, and environmental interests in California never ends. If youre the Water Board, youre trying to maximize all beneficial uses, Marcus told me. And every few years when the administration changes, it feels like theres a big swing. In this case, its just chaff and chaos thrown into the mix, and that just plays into what is already a very difficult thing to explain to the public.

While some people really believe that were, you know, sending water to fish for a fun water slide because we want to hurt ag, Marcus said, the nuanced truth about the Delta ecosystem is that if not enough freshwater flows through it, ocean water from the San Francisco Bay will intrude, making it too salty for agricultural or urban use. It must be frustrating if youre a farmer, knowing freshwater flows into San Francisco Bay, and the smelt seems to be a sort of synecdoche for this frustration, but, Mount told me, all of that water set aside for the ecosystem creates a measurable improvement in water quality for cities and farms.

Farms are the parties whose cries for help Trump regularly hears. While the president is talking as if hes trying to curb environmental restrictions on behalf of fire victims, corporate agriculture would be the real beneficiary of the policies he seems to be advancing. On day one of his new administration, Trump issued a pointless executive order with Putting People Over Fish in the title, requiring that the Department of the Interior route more water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to other parts of the state for use by the people there who desperately need a reliable water supply. The implication is that water will be routed to fire-plagued Southern California, but Southern California reservoirs were full when the fires broke out after an unusually wet 2024; local water infrastructure problems, not state-wide water flows, appear to have led to the dry hydrants.

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On January 24, Trump issued a second executive order requiring the Interior and Commerce Departments to override Californias management of its own water in the event that activities unduly burden efforts to maximize water deliveries. This order impacts the federal governments Central Valley Project, which delivers water to farms, but not Southern California cities. As in his first term, this is a naked attempt to curb environmental restrictions and pipe more fresh water to large farms in the Central Valleythe farms famous for churning eye-popping amounts of scarce California water into unnecessary but massively profitable crops like almonds. Needless to say, this executive order wont do anything about dry fire hydrants. If anything, it would put less in L.A. fire hydrants, Marcus told me.

Its depressing and, of course, makes one want to change the channel, but unfortunately it all matters a great deal in material terms as the effects of climate change clobber California. There is little doubt in the scientific community that shocksincluding water supply reliability and quality, flood control, coastal flooding, and losses of native biodiversitywill increase in frequency and intensity, Mount said.

So while the acute emergency phase seems to be over, the grind of urgent California water issues remains. Our president has responded by parachuting into the disaster area and flooding the zone not with water but, as always, with shit.
ALBANY, New York  President Donald Trump is considering withdrawing federal support for a controversial New York City toll program  a move that could halt it, according to three people familiar with the discussions.

The Department of Transportation conversations, first reported by The New York Times, could short circuit a $9 toll program that took effect Jan. 5 and has stoked deep passions from supporters and foes alike. Trump has railed against the congestion pricing program in his native New York City and vowed during his campaign last year to kill it.

Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul and Trump spoke this week about the toll program, though no final decision was made, according to two people with knowledge of the matter who were granted anonymity to speak about the private talks. The moderate Democratic governor and president are expected to speak again next week, the people said.

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New York officials want to leverage the projected $1 billion in tolls for drivers who enter Manhattan below 60th Street in order to borrow $15 billion for infrastructure upgrades to the regions ailing mass transit system.

Hochul initially paused the program before it took effect last June over concerns the tolls would hurt Democratic candidates in swing New York House races. She revived the toll plan after Election Day, and announced a reduced fee from $15 to $9.

Rescinding approval for congestion pricing would likely trigger a lawsuit from state officials and raise questions over how the Metropolitan Transportation Authority will be able to bolster its crumbling infrastructure. GOP lawmakers have discussed linking federal aid for the MTA to requiring a forensic audit of the authority.



Americas economy relies on New York City, and New York City relies on public transit  thats why Governor Hochul will always advocate for funding the commuter rail, subways and buses that fuel the economic growth of the greatest city in the world, Hochul spokesperson Avi Small said.

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A White House spokesperson declined to comment.

Trump administratively smothering the toll program would be a victory for New York House Republicans who have also spoken with the president about ending it without waiting for the resolution to a New Jersey-backed lawsuit.

Hes told us that he wants to address it, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis said. I wont be surprised that something comes down the pike soon. Hes made this a priority, hes put it at the top of his list of things to do at the Department of Transportation.

A debate over limiting traffic in Manhattans business district has raged for decades in New York. The program survived multiple legal challenges to be put in place this month. MTA officials had hoped critics  including Trump  would come around to see the professed benefits of the program. Transit officials in recent days have highlighted reduced traffic as a sign the tolls are working as intended.

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New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has been trying to leverage his and Trumps mutual dislike of congestion pricing. On inauguration day, the Democratic governor sent the Republican president a letter saying they aligned in their opposition to the tolls.

Randy Mastro, an attorney for Murphy, said the federal government may reconsider its prior approval, especially since a judge asked the federal transportation officials to take another look at the tolling program.

Thus, this is an appropriate time for reflection, reassessment and potential change on the federal government's part, Mastro said.
President Donald Trump on Thursday claimed, without citing evidence, that diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives for air traffic controllers at the Federal Aviation Administration -- under Democratic presidents -- were partly to blame for the tragic plane and helicopter collision in Washington on Wednesday night.

The air disaster occurred as an American Airlines passenger jet approaching Reagan Washington National Airport collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter on a routine training flight.

PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks about the mid-air crash between American Airlines flight 5342 and a military helicopter in Washington, in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Jan, 30, 2025 in Washington. (Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images)

MORE: DC plane crash live updates: Trump says helicopter 'should have seen where they were going'

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"I put safety first, Obama, Biden and the Democrats put policy first, and they put politics at a level that nobody's ever seen," Trump told reporters in the White House briefing room, referring to the policies, even as the investigation into what happened is just getting underway.

This is the first major commercial airline crash in the United States since 2009, when 50 people died after a plane crashed while landing near Buffalo Niagara International Airport.

"I had to say that it's terrible," he said, citing what he called a story about a group within the FAA that had "determined that the [FAA] workforce was too white, that they had concerted efforts to get the administration to change that and to change it immediately. This was in the Obama administration, just prior to my getting there, and we took care of African Americans, Hispanic Americans."

Trump then signed an executive order later Thursday that appointed Christopher Rocheleau, a 22-year veteran of the FAA, as acting commissioner of the agency, which he had said he would do in the briefing. And he signed a second executive order "aimed at undoing all of that damage" caused by the "Biden administration's DEI and woke policies."

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"We want the most competent people. We don't care what race they are," the president said. "If they don't have a great brain, a great power of the brain, they're not going to be very good at what they do and bad things will happen."

When asked in the earlier briefing by ABC News Chief White House Correspondent Mary Bruce whether he was saying the crash was the result of diversity hiring, Trump said, "we don't know" what caused the crash, adding investigators are still looking into that. "It just could have been. We have a high standard. We've had a higher, much higher standard than anybody else."

Even as he made unfounded claims about the FAA's diversity initiatives being a factor in the disaster, he said the Army helicopter crew could be at fault -- and claimed he wasn't blaming the air traffic controller who communicated with the helicopter.

When asked how he could come to the conclusion that FAA diversity policies had something to do with the disaster, he said, "Because I have common sense, OK, and unfortunately a lot of people don't."

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DEI and any similar programs do not apply to air traffic control hiring, though -- no one is given preferential treatment for race, sex, ethnicity or sexual orientation, a former FAA official told ABC News.

Applicants must pass a medical exam, an aptitude test and a psychological test that is more stringent than that required of a pilot, said Chris Wilbanks, FAA deputy vice president of safety and technical training.

In 2022, 57,000 people applied for an ATC position, Wilbanks said, and 2,400 qualified to attend the academy. Of that 2,400, only 1,000 made it to the first day of training.

Wilbanks said 72% make it through the academy and roughly 60% of those will finish training.

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According to the FAA, the training process lasts about three to four years from the hire date. Applicants must be younger than 31 and must retire by age 55.

Anyone who has taken Ritalin or Adderall in the last three years doesnt qualify, the former FAA official said.

No determination of fault in the crash has been made, and the National Transportation Safety Board is conducting an investigation.

However, the NTSB declined to say whether DEI initiatives were a factor in the crash when asked by reporters later Thursday.

"As part of any investigation, we look at the human, the machine and the environment," NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy said. "So we will look at all the humans that were involved in this accident. Again, we will look at the aircraft. We will look at the helicopter. We will look at the environment in which they were operating in. That is part of that is standard in any part of our investigation."

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In the White House briefing, several Cabinet officials spoke after Trump to address the crash, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy saying, "What happened yesterday shouldn't have happened."

"And when Americans take off in airplanes, they should expect to land at their destination," he added. "That didn't happen yesterday. That's not acceptable, and so we will not accept excuses. We will not accept passing the buck. We are going to take responsibility at the Department of Transportation and the FAA to make sure we have the reforms that have been dictated by President Trump in place to make sure that these mistakes do not happen again."

PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Jan. 30, 2025, in Washington. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

However, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, while noting that a "mistake was made" in the crash, said the Department of Defense must be "colorblind and merit-based ... whether it's flying Black Hawks, and flying airplanes, leading platoons or in government."

"The era of DEI is gone at the Defense Department, and we need the best and brightest, whether it's in our air traffic control or whether it's in our generals, or whether it's throughout government," he said.

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Vice President JD Vance, too, alluded to DEI having a part in the crash, saying, "We want the best people at air traffic control."

"If you go back to just some of the headlines over the past 10 years, you have many hundreds of people suing the government because they would like to be air traffic controllers, but they were turned away because of the color of their skin," Vance said. "That policy ends under Donald Trump's leadership, because safety is the first priority of our aviation industry."

But when a reporter pressed Trump, saying that similar language on DEI policies existed on the FAA's website under Trump's entire first term, Trump shot back, "I changed the Obama policy, and we had a very good policy and then Biden came in and he changed it. And then when I came in two days, three days ago, I said, a new order, bringing it to the highest level of intelligence."

PHOTO: Emergency units respond to airplane wreckage in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington Airport on Jan. 30, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

MORE: DC plane crash victims: What we know about those aboard American Airlines Flight 5342, Army Black Hawk

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Trump said Pete Buttigieg, the transportation secretary in the Biden administration, "just got a good line of bulls---" and said he had "run [the Department of Transportation] right into the ground with his diversity."

"Despicable. As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying," Buttigieg responded in a statement on X. "We put safety first, drove down close calls, grew Air Traffic Control, and had zero commercial airline crash fatalities out of millions of flights on our watch. President Trump now oversees the military and the FAA. One of his first acts was to fire and suspend some of the key personnel who helped keep our skies safe. Time for the President to show actual leadership and explain what he will do to prevent this from happening again."

Illinois Rep. Robin Kelly called Trump's comments "dangerous, racist, and ignorant."

"President Trump twisted a terrible tragedy -- while families are mourning their loved ones -- to insert his own political agenda and sow division," Kelly said in a statement. "This is not leadership. We need to investigate how this plane crash happened to give a sense of closure to grieving families and prevent future crashes.

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"Trump would rather point fingers than look in the mirror and face the fact that he just cut a committee responsible for aviation security," she added. "The issue with our country is not its diversity. It's the lack of leadership in the White House and unqualified Cabinet. Trump's actions and words are dangerous, racist, and ignorant  simply un-American."

Trump rails against DEI after DC plane crash, but it doesn't apply to air traffic controllers originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
President Trumps allies and aides are learning to deal with Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who has had a consistent presence in the early days of the Trump administration.

Musk had a front-row seat at Trumps swearing-in, got a government email address and office space to oversee the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and appeared to play a role in the decision to offer buyouts to federal workers ahead of a requirement to return to work.

The relationship doesnt seem like it will end soon, though he has caused early headaches for the president and his team.

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Musk made a controversial gesture on Inauguration Day that critics likened to a Nazi salute. And the SpaceX founder publicly criticized a major investment Trump touted on his third day in office.

Trump has publicly praised and defended Musk, and allies said the tech titan has earned significant goodwill.

Still, some say they think the relationship cant last forever.

Musk at some point is going to lose his luster, a source close to the Trump team said. Because hes a little bit goofy, too many unforced errors.

Another source familiar with Trump World thinking said Musk is adapting to life in Washington, compared to his cozier setup in Palm Beach, Fla., during Trumps transition.

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He is fine, but there are a lot more people in D.C. than Mar-a-Lago, and he is adjusting to navigating a bigger crowd, including some who have more power now, the source said.

Trump has given Musk two recent shoutouts for his work with SpaceX, vowing in his inauguration address that the U.S. will pursue our manifest destiny into the stars, launching American astronauts to plant the Stars and Stripes on the planet Mars. And, this week, Trump said he tasked Musk with getting NASA astronauts out of the International Space Station.

I have just asked Elon Musk and @SpaceX to go get the 2 brave astronauts who have been virtually abandoned in space by the Biden Administration. They have been waiting for many months on @Space Station. Elon will soon be on his way. Hopefully, all will be safe. Good luck Elon!!! Trump said on Truth Social. A return mission for the astronauts using a new SpaceX craft was originally planned for February, but it was moved to at least late March, NASA said in December.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt offered praise for Musk on Wednesday. She told reporters DOGE has been incredibly productive so far and that the White House welcomes Musks support.

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But Musk has also made enemies within Trump World. Some allies and supporters of the president view Musk as an interloper and a recent convert who does not share the same views as the MAGA movement on certain issues, as evidenced by a recent spat over H-1B visas.

Longtime Trump supporter Laura Loomer has railed against Musk on social media. Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon has made a series of critical comments, most recently blasting Musk in an interview with Politico for his public criticism of an artificial intelligence infrastructure project called Stargate that Trump rolled out last week.

Anyone looking for tension between Trump and Elon is barking up the wrong tree right now. The real friction in this White House isnt between themits between Elon and Steve Bannon, said Jordan Wood, a former Trump administration communications aide. On one side, you have Bannons campthe hard-line populist-nationalists. On the other, a new wave of right-wing Silicon Valley power players like Elon  right now, its a battle of ideology and influence for the presidents attention.

Vivek Ramaswamy left his role as a co-lead of DOGE as he plots a run for governor of Ohio, though there were reportedly tensions between the two men over the direction of the project. Ramaswamy has disputed that he did not get along with Musk.

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The source close to the Trump team suggested that Ramaswamy had kind of worn out his welcome, adding, the difference between Vivek and Musk is that Vivek didnt put $200 million in of his money, so Elons got a longer leash than Vivek does.

Bill McGinley, who was initially tapped to serve as White House counsel but was later reassigned to serve as the top lawyer for DOGE, left his role with the organization just days after Trump took office. The source added that part of the reason McGinley left was because DOGE was kind of a s show.

Other sources in Trumps orbit argue Musk has earned a lot of leeway with the president.

Trump, in fact, defended Musk when he feuded with Sam Altman of OpenAI over the Stargate project.

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Obviously, Trump does not like it when some people are not hewing to the hymn book, said one Trump ally. But Elon  he is an out-of-the-box thinker, which is what Trump likes. And he was a big benefit in terms of the campaign.

Skeptics wondered if Trump would have distanced himself from Musk by now, given rifts in Trump World that the billionaire entrepreneur has caused and the taunts from Democrats that President Musk is actually the one calling the shots.

Musks deep pockets and big megaphone to push Trumps agenda lead some allies to say he is unlikely to get pushed out or sidelined anytime soon.

Trump isnt about to turn his back on someone who wields immense influence and has written checks for hundreds of millions of dollars to his campaign, Wood said. Elon is firmly in the inner circle, he seems to be generally liked among the staff, and he has an office in the EEOB. Bannon and his camp are going to have a tough time dealing with that.

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While President Donald Trumps executive orders have labeled diversity, equity and inclusion programs as discriminatory, several women who occupy STEM-related positions in the federal government slammed his directives as policies that only seek to widen the existing gender and racial divides.

Concerns ranging from limited access to STEM careers to feeling unwelcome under the new administration, women scientists, engineers and other women federal employees told NBC News that they fear for their professional future.

If we really have a society where theres equal participation and anybody can do anything, then where are the women in STEM? said one woman whos Hispanic and works in a science and tech-related federal organization. She requested anonymity out of fear of retaliation.

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The Trump administration did not immediately respond to requests for comment. But previously, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement that the executive orders were an example of promises made, promises kept.

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, she said in the statement. This is another win for Americans of all races, religions, and creeds.

STEM fields have long been criticized for their lack of diversity. While women make up more than half of the U.S. population, they constituted about a third of all people in STEM jobs in 2021, according to the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics. And their wages were consistently lower than that of men. Black and Hispanic workers represented 9% and 15% of the workforce respectively, despite constituting higher percentages of the population, the data showed.

Other marginalized groups also face barriers to career advancement in STEM, including across federal government positions, stats have shown. For example, at the USDA Forest Service, which features jobs in fields like sustainability, climate and engineering, a 2023 study showed that even when nonwhite women entered the workforce at a higher grade, they advanced more slowly and ended up spending fewer years at the agency. Also, nonwhite men at the Forest Service were more likely to be terminated than any other group, according to the same study.

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One federal employee who is Black and has worked at a number of state, local and federal STEM-related agencies, said that anti-DEI efforts could hinder scientific advancements and problem-solving capacities. She asked to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation. Scientific integrity demands diversity, and that we know that we get better outcomes when we have diversity amongst research teams, and because they bring different perspectives, said the employee, who was put on leave last week. It only improves the shaping of research questions and the interpretation of results. So it matters. It matters to the science.

The employee said that the governments work in STEM could only benefit from more diversity.

Humans are complicated and no one  no one race or creed  no one has it figured out, the employee said. The more that we can work together, we can improve our outcomes.

One biologist who works for the federal government, who requested anonymity out of fear of retaliation, mentioned that earlier in her career she took part in a paid federal internship for underrepresented groups. And it led to a full-time STEM position. Such programs now under threat only help even the playing field for those from marginalized communities, she said, who more likely do not have means to take on unpaid internships, or have the connections to get their foot in the door in those industries.

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You can compete for jobs you werent able to before, the biologist said. Thats highly important for people who are from lower income, middle income, who are mothers who might not have the free time to go and do all this volunteer work.

Programs that help recruit diverse talent, the biologist said, do not hand out jobs to unqualified individuals, as some misconceptions may suggest. They simply give people who ordinarily would not have the opportunity to compete for STEM careers the opportunity to do so, she said.

It doesnt mean that I was hired directly into this job, that I didnt have to compete, that I was hired because Im a woman, or because Im gay, the biologist said. They thought that I was the best applicant or candidate for the job.

The sunsetting of DEI programs and the pausing of certain volunteer support groups  like employee resource groups  could deter women and minorities from applying or being chosen for STEM positions altogether, said the federal worker who is Hispanic. With so many men in their fields, those groups and programs have historically helped women and minorities better navigate workplace dynamics, ask critical questions in a safe space and feel comfortable being themselves at work, the employee said.

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How do you stand shoulder to shoulder with folks that, just because theyre male, theyre getting listened to more? the worker said. When you feel like you have a part of the community and you have other people you can lean on, you can do your job better.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
BusinessWire India Copenhagen [Denmark]/Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 30: LTIMindtree [NSE: LTIM, BSE: 540005], a global technology consulting and digital solutions company, has partnered with FLS, a leading, full flowsheet minerals processing supplier to the global mining industry, for strategic transformation of their application services portfolio. Through this partnership, LTIMindtree will enable seamless support of enhanced application maintenance and development services at FLS. As a part of this partnership, LTIMindtree would provide Maintenance, Support to the vast & complex Application landscape of FLS Mining. By leveraging the power of AI as well as automation tools, LTIMindtree will assist FLS Mining in reducing complexity and enabling business efficiency. Balakrishna Govindan - Head of Business Applications, FLS Mining, said, "Our engagement with L&T Group and LTIMindtree specifically, has been critical in providing timely and better service to our Business. This engagement is key to our ambition of delivering modern, scalable solutions to our Business which inturn will enable them to provide better service to our clients worldwide. We are excited to continue this journey with an expert partner like LTIMindtree, who can support our diverse needs and bring in futuristic innovations in our existing system." Srini Rao, EVP & Chief Business Officer, LTIMindtree, said, "We, as LTIMindtree and our parent company, L&T Group, go a long way as trusted advisors for FLS. As the key enablers in their strategic transformation journey, we remain committed to streamlining business processes at FLS and simplifying outcomes for their end customers." FLS is a leading, full flowsheet minerals processing supplier to the global mining industry, delivering proven technologies and services across the lifecycle of operations and with set targets of providing solutions for zero-waste mining by 2030 with our MissionZero programme. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
President Donald Trumps pick to be FBI director, Kash Patel, frustrated several Democratic senators during his confirmation hearing Thursday as he dodged questions on January 6, his previous grand jury testimony, and who won the 2020 election.

Patel once asserted the Fifth Amendment against self-incrimination while being questioned before a grand jury looking at whether Trump mishandled national security secrets as he, on several occasions, refused to turn over classified documents.

Several Democratic senators raised concerns regarding the testimony during the hours-long hearing, arguing that they should be made aware of any relevant information about Patel from a report by former Special Counsel Jack Smith into the classified files found at Trumps Mar-a-Lago private club.

Kash Patel testifies during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on January 30, 2025, in Washington, DC. He frustrated several Democratic senators as he dodged their questions (Getty Images)

The former federal prosecutor, public defender, and congressional staffer was questioned in 2022 regarding his claims made in public that Trump had issued an order that the documents be declassified.

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Patel initially declined to answer, according to The New York Times, but was subsequently granted limited immunity to see what defense he might have had for Trump.

A frustrated Sen. Cory Booker thundered that it would be irresponsible for us to move forward if we do not know that the future head of the FBI would break the law and lie for the president United States.

He added: He is refusing the transparency that he claims to adhere to. He is refusing to be direct with the United States Senate. He's refusing to be transparent and put it all out there. Did he or did he not lie for the president? That is the question.

California Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla pushed Patel on his alleged connection to the Jan. 6 choir. Patel reportedly helped produce and market the recording of the J6 Choir which Trump eventually used at his rallies.

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Funds have been raised, as you explained to me in our meeting last week, to support families of insurrectionists, my words clearly not yours, that have been in jail, including those who committed acts of violence against police officers, said Padilla. I want to note in any of your work around the J6 prison choir, was any of the funds that were raised used to support the families of the police officers who were brutally attacked by the insurrectionists?

My foundation has been used across the country, said Patel. I don't know if those officers' families applied for a grant, that's how we distribute.

You can't say clearly and confidently that families of police officers who were brutally attacked got similar support, said Padilla.

Similarly, fellow California Sen. Adam Schiff slammed Patel for allegedly fundraising off the January 6 Capitol riot.

(AP)

I want you to turn around. There are Capitol police officers behind you. They're guarding us. Take a look at them right now. Turn around, said Schiff. I want you to look at them if you can, if you have the courage to look them in the eye, Mr. Patel, and tell them you're proud of what you did.

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Tell them you're proud that you raised money off of people that assaulted their colleagues, that pepper sprayed them, that beat them with poles, he added. Tell them you're proud of what you did. Mr. Patel, they're right there. They're guarding you today. Tell them how proud you are.

Thats an abject lie, said Patel. I've never, never, ever accepted violence against law enforcement.

Following the songs release, Patel bragged about its success on social media.

Buh Bye Miley, Taylor, Rihanna, and all the rest who spent Millions trying for the coveted Number 1 spot, he wrote in 2023. Hello new Music Mogul @realDonaldTrump. We just took a flame thrower to the music industry.

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Trump took part in the recording, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance while the prison choir sang the national anthem. At his rallies, Trump would at times salute as the song played while images of the Capitol riot were shown on big screens.

Like many of Trumps nominees, Patel showed his loyalty by refusing to say the president lost the 2020 election. During questioning from Peter Welch, a Vermont Democratic Senator, Patel repeatedly refused to say that Biden won the election more than four years ago.

Can you say the words Joe Biden won the 2020 election? Welch asked.

Joe Biden was the president of the United States, Patel responded.

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I can say the words Donald Trump won. I don't like to say it, but I must say it, said Welch. And you cannot say that Joe Biden won the election.

What I can say is the same for both of them, Senator, both of their elections were certified, and they are both one was and one now is president, Patel responded.

Schiff used his final minutes during the hearing to urge his colleagues to think about where we are in this moment.

Patel arrives to testify during his confirmation hearing. He refused to say that Biden won the 2020 election (Getty Images)

We have a new president. He's fired prosecutors who investigated him. He's investigating other prosecutors ... He has fired inspector generals who might hold him accountable, and this is just the start, he added. And as FBI Director nominee, he's chosen someone whose primary qualification, in my view, is his willingness to say yes when everyone else would say no to whatever the president wanted to say, whatever he wanted to do. That's why he is sitting here.

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Something Trump may want Patel to do is to go after Schiff.

These are bad people. We have a lot of bad people. But when you look at Shifty Schiff and some of the others, yeah, they are, to me, the enemy from within, Trump told Fox News in October.

Schiff continued on Thursday by lauding previous FBI directors.

I mean, look at the people who held that job before Mr. Patel, the stature of the people that held that job, the qualifications of the people that held that job, he continued. And how could any of us think that his background, his qualifications, hold a candle to the people who went before him?

How did we get here, where we are defending a nominee like this, who makes songs with convicts who attack law enforcement? Schiff asked. How did we get here, and where are we going? History is littered with democracies that lost their freedoms and didn't notice it while it was happening. Let's not be one of them.
Conflict tracking in Myanmar. Investigations of Chinese human trafficking. Refugee healthcare in Thailand. Strengthening independent media in Mongolia. Environmental conservation in Tibet.

These are just a few of the Asia-focused programmes operating with US government funds that risk permanent closure after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order last week suspending all foreign aid, pending review.

Activists and aid workers across Asia and their American partners are reeling, describing the situation as "chaotic" and "nightmarish" as US officials notify groups they must obey a "stop-work" order. Uncertain about future funding, some groups have already put their employees on unpaid leave. Many more workers expect to be furloughed in the coming weeks, if not laid off.

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Of the US$68 billion of foreign aid approved by Congress and committed in the 2023 fiscal year, about US$6 billion was allocated to East, South and Central Asia. In 2023, the last year for which data is fully available, top recipient countries included Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal and the Philippines, with funding supporting everything from democracy promotion to potentially life-saving treatment and shelter.

For some countries - including China - US grants can have an outsize impact in areas deemed sensitive by local governments. Some of the more sensitive projects in China focused on the rule of law and human rights development.

Military assistance to Taiwan and the Philippines, in the form of grants and loans for equipment, services, and training, has also been halted. In 2023, the US extended US$135 million in credit to Taiwan and US$40 million to the Philippines under a State Department programme called "foreign military financing".

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Former officials and non-profit leaders called the suspension unprecedented, going far beyond typical aid reassessments in previous US administrations, and warned that despite the shutdown's temporary nature, many programmes would be hard to bring back; some could disappear altogether.

"There is no such thing as a temporary pause," said Michael Schiffer, a former assistant administrator of the Asia bureau of the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

"When an NGO, a small business or an American company that receives US government funding to implement US foreign assistance is told to stop work, even for 90 days, that means people are fired, expertise is lost, and programmes are shut down with no guarantee they'll start back up, even if they survive the review," he said.

The impact could be particularly significant for certain sectors. "The freeze, if it persists, could dramatically reshape Chinese civil society, both inside and outside China, for years to come," said Thomas Kellogg, executive director of the Centre for Asian Law at Georgetown University, who previously oversaw grant-making for Chinese civil society.

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For those supporting the executive order, the elimination of certain initiatives appeared to be the goal. Former US representative Ron Paul, a reported adviser to Elon Musk - the tech mogul running the "Department of Government Efficiency" - has pushed vocally for the elimination of foreign aid.

The New York Times reported on Tuesday that US officials had told some aid groups that programmes promoting climate resilience, diversity and women's reproductive rights were all but certain to not survive the review.

The executive order, issued on the first day of Trump's second term, described the US foreign aid bureaucracy and aid network as "not aligned with American interests and in many cases antithetical to American values".

"They serve to destabilise world peace by promoting ideas in foreign countries that are directly inverse to harmonious and stable relations internal to and among countries," the order said.

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Trump's order proposed a 90-day review of foreign assistance programmes to determine whether they should be maintained, modified or eliminated. A separate order, issued the same day, directed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to adopt an "America-first foreign policy".

A directive from Rubio, released on Friday, ordered the suspension of all new funding commitments through the US State Department and USAID; it also issued stop-work orders for existing aid programmes.

Rubio's directive provides some exceptions, including military aid to Egypt and Israel, as well as emergency food assistance. On Tuesday, Rubio approved an additional waiver for "life-saving humanitarian assistance" and said that groups could apply for other humanitarian exemptions.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio directed the suspension on Friday of all new funding commitments through the US State Department and USAID, with some exceptions. Photo: AFP alt=US Secretary of State Marco Rubio directed the suspension on Friday of all new funding commitments through the US State Department and USAID, with some exceptions. Photo: AFP>

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This came as news broke of refugee health services operated by the International Rescue Committee being suspended along the Thailand-Myanmar border.

Still, vast swathes of aid are not exempt. In the US, affected organisations - many working directly with partners in Asia - have been advised against publicly discussing the impact of the shutdown as they try to devise a strategy to engage the Trump administration.

Smaller non-profit groups are expected to bear the brunt of the impact.

Aue Mon, a programme director at the Thailand-based Human Rights Foundation of Monland, said that the pause was already affecting efforts to document conflicts in southeastern Myanmar.

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"To cope in the short term, we're leaning on a small reserve from non-US sources to sustain our core operations," he said, adding that the group has already scaled back some activities and might soon face "difficult decisions" about staffing.

In light of the funding suspension, China Labor Watch, a New York-based group founded in 2000 to expose labour abuses in Chinese factories and build worker solidarity, has put two staff members on unpaid leave and shifted others to hourly pay.

According to its founder Li Qiang, the disruption damages the credibility of the US as a reliable partner.

"Even if the US increases funding for China-related initiatives in the future, the trust and partnerships lost due to this sudden disruption will significantly limit the effectiveness of those efforts," he said.

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There is some bipartisan recognition of the potential harm of rolling back foreign aid. Democrats on the House Foreign Affairs Committee are pushing for the resumption of aid, as well as the return of other programmes like refugee resettlement also halted by Trump during his first days in office.

"These actions undermine America's credibility and put US diplomats, American implementers, and vulnerable people around the world at risk," Representative Gregory Meeks of New York, the committee's senior Democrat, wrote in a Monday letter signed by 21 other Democrats.

And at a hearing on January 22, Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina, noted that getting rid of foreign aid - which makes up less than 1 per cent of the US government budget - would not balance the budget.

"I think soft power is a critical component of defending America and our values," he said.

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"If you don't get involved in the world and you don't have programmes in Africa where China is trying to buy the whole continent, we're making a mistake."

"Soft power is a critical component of defending America and our values," US Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina, said. Photo: EPA-EFE alt="Soft power is a critical component of defending America and our values," US Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina, said. Photo: EPA-EFE>

On Monday, the Trump administration put dozens of top career officials at the USAID on administrative leave.

Separately, it issued a memo suspending all grants and loans disbursed by the federal government. That order, which was temporarily halted by a federal judge on Tuesday and rescinded by the White House on Wednesday, wrought alarm within the aid community as it could have further affected Asia-focused programmes.

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Some analysts noted that the suspension of foreign aid was equivalent to "handing a gift" to countries like China seeking to exert their reach abroad through influence campaigns and development financing.

"Foreign assistance, though charitable, isn't charity," Schiffer said. "It's a strategic investment that safeguards America's most important interests while reflecting its highest values."

Like other critics, Schiffer argued that the programmes could be reviewed without imposing an almost universal stop-work order.

Others contended it was too soon to say that the aid suspension would ultimately give China a strategic advantage.

"I don't think it necessarily has the effect of ceding ground to China," said Yun Sun, the director of the China programme at the Stimson Centre in Washington. The suspension, she noted, was aimed at "better tailoring the aid projects to meet US national interests".

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.
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President Donald Trump signed yet another executive order on Wednesday attacking trans people and anti-racist education, the latest development in the new administrations anti-woke agenda.

The latest order, titled Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling, generally accuses public schools of having introduced radical, anti-American ideologies into the classroom. Specifically, Trumps order takes aim at racial justice education and policies that affirm a trans students gender, which it calls discriminatory equity ideology and gender ideology respectively. Repeating false and misleading claims Trump previously made on the campaign trail, the order asserts that students are compelled by their teachers to adopt identities as either victims or oppressors based on race, and made to question whether they were born in the wrong body and whether to view their parents [...] as enemies to be blamed.

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The orders primary effect is to require the Departments of Education, Defense, and Health and Human Services to submit an Ending Indoctrination Strategy within 90 days. That plan will identify all federal funding streams that support or subsidize [...] gender ideology or discriminatory equity ideology. Part of the strategy will specifically deal with the social transitions of trans youth  as opposed to medical transitions, which Trump is seeking to outlaw via another executive order. Trumps order calls on the Attorney General to work with state governments in pursuing legal action against schools and educators who assist students with social transitioning in some way, whether through counseling, affirming their name and/or pronouns, or allowing them to use school facilities consistent with their gender.

Trumps latest order also lays out disturbing, propagandistic rhetoric about Trumps intent for the public education system as a whole: because racially conscious education undermines national unity, Trump claims, schools should instead promote a patriotic education, defined in the order as instruction that provides a unifying, inspiring, and ennobling characterization of the United States and its history. Schools should note how the U.S. has admirably grown closer to its noble principles over time, and tell students that celebration of Americas greatness and history is proper. (Trumps nominee for Secretary of Education, anti-trans WWE co-founder Linda McMahon, has not yet been scheduled for a confirmation hearing as of Thursday; Trump has also vowed to eliminate the department entirely.)

Separately, Trump also signed another executive order Wednesday seeking to expand school choice  in other words, parents access to private and faith-based schools, a major priority for Trumps allies like Chris Rufo and Corey DeAngelis. It is the policy of my Administration to support parents in choosing and directing the upbringing and education of their children, Trump declared in that order.

Trey Walk, a researcher at Human Rights Watch, told CBS News that K-12 students have a right to learn about how discrimination can be entrenched in law and society. If the U.S. denies young people this knowledge, it has little hope of eradicating racism. In an emailed statement Thursday morning, New York-based LGBTQ+ advocacy group The NEW Pride Agenda condemned the order as a direct and dangerous assault on transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) youth, educators, and the broader LGBTQIA+ community.

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Let us be clear: these unconstitutional attempts to tie federal funding to the suppression of bodily autonomy and privacy violate fundamental rights  and they will not stand. These attacks may begin with those at the margins, but their harm extends to us all, organizers wrote, calling on New York officials to fully implement the states LGBTQ+ protective shield laws.

The National Education Association (NEA) also denounced the order in a press release issued Wednesday, calling it dangerous to education. NEA President Becky Pringle accused Trump of shamelessly trying to restrict the freedom of educators to teach and students to learn, adding that the unnecessary and punitive executive order does nothing to help educators inspire their students to learn and to give them the resources needed to succeed.

Everything You Need to Know About Trump's Executive Order Attempting to Erase Trans Americans

The president signed the sweeping order within hours of taking office, signaling that curtailing the rights of trans people is a top priority for his administration.

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That Trump would tie anti-racism and trans identity so closely together in the same executive order is no accident. Far-right ideologues have for years sought to suppress both racial consciousness and gender fluidity, in the name of a radical natalist ideology that highly values white, gender-conforming children.

When you put together all the moves this week, trans and DEI and immigration, they can seem to be disparate, but what I think they all have in common is Great Replacement theory, trans journalist Imara Jones told MSNBCs Ayman Mohyeldin on Wednesday, referring to the conspiracy theory that white people are being globally replaced by other demographics. If you are going to enforce patriarchy, then eliminating the idea of trans people is essential, Jones continued, adding, This is really about the health of our democracy and whether we include people or not.

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Originally Appeared on them.
Promising the largest deportation effort in U.S. history, President Trump, in his first days in office, has released a dramatic series of executive orders and other policy changes that will reshape the countrys immigration system  and the experience of what it means to live in the U.S. as an immigrant, particularly one who is undocumented.

There are an estimated 11 million to 15 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S., including more than 2 million in California.

That includes people who crossed the border illegally, people who overstayed their visas and people who have requested asylum. It does not include people who entered the country under various temporary humanitarian programs, or who have obtained Temporary Protected Status, which gives people the right to live and work in the U.S. temporarily because of disasters or strife in their home countries.

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However, many of the people who came to the U.S. using those legal pathways could also be at risk of deportation, because of other actions the Trump administration has taken.

What exactly has the Trump administration done?

Trump has signed multiple executive orders targeting immigration that, as the Migration Policy Institute noted, do one of three things: sharply limit legal pathways for entering the U.S., bolster enforcement efforts to seal off the U.S.-Mexico border, or promote aggressive sweeps to round up and deport people living in the U.S. illegally. Some of the orders have already been challenged in court, and advocates said others could be soon.

Among the most consequential orders:



The president declared a national emergency at the southern border, which will enable him to deploy military troops there.



He moved to end birthright citizenship, which has long been guaranteed by the 14th Amendment. The American Civil Liberties Union and more than 20 states, including California, have sued, arguing that the order is unconstitutional. In a ruling issued in one of those cases on Jan. 23, a federal judge temporarily halted the order while the legal challenges play out.



He suspended the refugee admissions program as of Jan. 27 for at least 90 days. Last fiscal year, the U.S. resettled more than 100,000 refugees, the highest number in three decades.



Has the new administration done anything else that affects immigration?

Yes. Among the significant actions:



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Hours after Trump took office, his new administration shut down the CBP One mobile app. The Biden administration had expanded use of CBP One to create a more orderly process of applying for asylum. Migrants could use the app, once they reached Mexican soil, to schedule appointments with U.S. authorities at legal ports of entry to present their bids for asylum and provide biographical information for screening.



In a related action, the administration has given Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials the power to quickly deport about 1.4 million immigrants who were granted legal entry to the U.S. for up to two years through two Biden-era programs: migrants who came in through the CBP One program and were granted parole status as they await hearings on their asylum pleas; and migrants fleeing Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela and Haiti who were granted temporary parole while seeking asylum.



In a notice posted Jan. 21, the administration said it would empower immigration authorities to fast-track deportations of people in the country illegally without a judicial hearing. The ACLU has sued to try to halt the plan.



The Department of Homeland Security has rescinded long-standing guidelines prohibiting immigration agents from making arrests in sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals and churches.



Benjamine Huffman, the acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, has declared a "mass influx" of illegal immigrants at the southern border, which authorizes the department to deputize state and local law enforcement officers to conduct immigration enforcement.



ICE has begun conducting publicized immigration raids in many cities, including New York and Chicago. The administration said it was targeting undocumented people with criminal records. But in a briefing this week, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration views all undocumented immigrants as criminals, because they have violated immigration laws.

So, what are the numbers? Have more people been deported since Trump took office?

ICE authorities this week have been posting daily figures on the agency's X account citing the number of undocumented immigrants arrested, including 1,179 on Jan. 27 and 969 on Jan. 28. Axios reported this week that ICE made 3,500 arrests during Trumps first week in office. During Bidens final year in office, the arrest number was about 350 a week.

It is too soon to evaluate deportation numbers. On Jan. 27, ICE posted on X that: In one week, law enforcement officials have removed and returned 7,300 illegal aliens.

If that pace continues, and ICE removes 7,300 immigrants every week for a year, that would result in the forced removal of more than 350,000 people. That figure would outpace removals during the Biden administration. But during the Obama administration, ICE removals peaked at nearly 410,000 in fiscal year 2012. Obamas enforcement policies targeted undocumented immigrants with criminal records and people who had recently crossed the border without authorization, according to the Migration Policy Institute , while placing low priority on people with established roots in U.S. communities and without criminal records.

What are the current avenues for legal immigration?

People who have a close family member who is a U.S. citizen can still apply. But if the Trump administration resurrects travel bans barring people from certain countries from entering the U.S., that could limit applications to certain nationalities.



People deemed to have valuable skills can apply for temporary or permanent employment visas, although in many cases there are years-long waits for such visas. Employers can petition for temporary work visas for foreign nationals for specific jobs. Permanent work visas are capped at 140,000 per year, a figure that includes the immigrants plus their eligible spouses and minor, unmarried children, according to the American Immigration Council .



Immigrants from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S. are eligible for a green-card lottery.



Visas are still available for parents adopting a child from another country.

What about "Dreamers"?

Though Trump tried to rescind Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, during his first administration, he has not yet touched the program this time around.

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The Obama-era program grants a renewable work permit and temporary reprieve from deportation to certain people brought to the U.S. as children, known as "Dreamers." An estimated 537,730 people had DACA protection as of September, with the vast majority being from Mexico, according to the Migration Policy Institute .

The legality of the program remains mired in the federal courts.

What are sanctuary policies, and why is the Trump administration targeting them?

There isnt one clear definition of a sanctuary policy. The term generally applies to policies that limit state and local officials from cooperating with federal authorities on civil immigration enforcement duties.

Californias 2017 sanctuary law, the California Values Act, prohibits state and local law enforcement agencies from investigating, interrogating and arresting people simply for immigration enforcement purposes. The law does not prevent federal authorities from carrying out those enforcement duties in California. And it does allow local police to cooperate with federal immigration officials in limited circumstances, including in cases involving immigrants convicted of certain violent felonies and misdemeanors.

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Under L.A.s sanctuary city law , city employees and city property may not be used to investigate, cite, arrest, hold, transfer or detain any person for the purpose of immigration enforcement. An exception is made for law enforcement investigating serious offenses. L.A. Unified School Districts sanctuary policy prohibits staff from voluntarily cooperating in an immigration enforcement action, including sharing information about a student's immigration status.

An executive order issued on Trumps first day in office threatens to withhold federal funds from sanctuary jurisdictions that seek to interfere with federal law enforcement operations. A memo from the Department of Justice, meanwhile, said state and local officials could be investigated and prosecuted for not complying with Trumps crackdown on immigration enforcement.

California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta has called the pronouncement "a scare tactic," and vowed legal action if the Trump administrations vague threats turn to illegal action.

If immigration authorities make mass arrests, does the U.S. have space to detain all the immigrants?

That depends on several factors.

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On average, nearly 40,000 people have been locked up in ICE detention centers on a daily basis during fiscal year 2025. There is probably capacity in the system for additional detainees, but how much isnt entirely clear, according to Eunice Cho, senior staff attorney with the ACLU National Prison Project.

What is clear is that the administration intends to expand the ICE detention footprint. On Wednesday, Trump directed his administration to begin using the U.S. Navy base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for the detention of 30,000 high priority immigrants. The military also is allowing ICE to detain undocumented immigrants at Buckley Space Force Base in Colorado, according to multiple news reports .

ICE operates six detention facilities in California, with capacity for nearly 7,200 detainees, and is pressing to expand. Agency officials are looking for space to accommodate 850 to 950 people within two hours of its San Francisco regional field offices, a development first reported by CalMatters.

The agency is also looking to increase detention capacity in Arizona, New Mexico, Washington and Oregon, according to federal documents obtained by CalMatters.

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ICE facilities, which are largely run by private prison corporations, have been dogged by allegations of poor medical care and inhumane treatment. A 2019 law that would have banned private immigration facilities in California was overturned by the federal courts.

Times staff writers Kate Linthicum, Brittny Mejia, Andrea Castillo and Rachel Uranga 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.
President Donald Trump is on the right track regarding TikTok. The app should remain available in America. Unfortunately, that is not as simple as pausing the clock via executive order.

TikTok is the first app to be impacted by a 2024 law prohibiting the "distribution, maintenance, or updating" of the app if it cannot find a government-approved buyer that separates it from its Chinese parent company ByteDancebut the terms of that law could be applied to other apps. And while the law names four countries as foreign adversaries, it leaves the potential to expand that label to other countries as well.

The requirement that TikTok be sold by parent company ByteDance was upheld by the Supreme Court after being approved by Congress and signed by former President Joe Biden. While millions of Americans are glad to have their favorite app back after it went dark in the U.S. for a period between January 18 and 19, an executive order extending the deadline does not resolve the long-term ramifications for speech and broader regulation of the tech industry.

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While proponents of the bill will defend it as regulating a foreign company, the law's burdens fall largely on American companies. Currently, new users can no longer download TikTok from app stores, which could face penalties if they do not comply with the law's prohibition on distributing, maintaining, or updating the app. As a result, the law also sets a concerning precedent, as it allows the government to interfere with rules the app stores set and other potential government interventions in the tech market.

The statute of limitations for failing to comply with the law's prohibitions is five years. This means that even a promise not to enforce the law for the entirety of the Trump administration could still allow a new president with a different opinion to enforce the law in the future. For American companies wary of the law's fines, a mere promise of non-enforcement may not be enough for them to allow TikTok back into their app stores.

While extending the deadline is generally good for the free expression of the users who have chosen TikTok as their preferred platform, doing so via executive order raises questions about the separation of powers and also illustrates the significant potential discretion of a president under the law. If a president can simply sign an executive order and change a law after the fact, it sets a dangerous new precedenteven if it results in a positive outcome.

The "divest or ban" law was passed by Congress, so a true solution to these problems would require Congressional action to remedy it. For example, Sen. Ed Markey (DMass.) has discussed congressional action to delay the ban. This route is more likely to provide an opportunity for further scrutiny and debate of the underlying concerns and consider policy approaches less likely to impact freedom of speech or American businesses. If Congress has genuine concerns about data, it could consider less restrictive means, such as requiring data localization or audits for TikTok, rather than requiring a sale.

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This should concern us all, regardless of how one feels about TikTok itself. The law was rushed through Congress and set a deadline for sale at a time when emotions and tensions around both social media apps and China were high. In that climate, expansive executive power and the absence of due process did not receive the scrutiny they deserve, either in Congress or public debate.

Voices from both sides of the aisle are recognizing the significant impact banning TikTok would have on Americans' freedom. Whether or not TikTok is ultimately saved, this moment should spur meaningful conversation about when the government can intervene in our rights in the name of national security, and how we ensure proper checks on that power.

The post Trump's TikTok Reprieve Won't Fix the Law's Free Speech Problems appeared first on Reason.com.
Jan. 30SWEETWATER  Beginning this fall, Texas State Technical College will offer a certificate of completion in Welding Advanced Pipe Specialization at each West Texas campus.

Abilene's campus has been teaching the certification class, and it will now be offered in Breckenridge, Brownwood and Sweetwater.

"Every company offers some type of pipe welding," Greg Nicholas, the program team lead (PTL) for Welding Technology in Abilene and Sweetwater, said in a news release. "We all know there is a need for pipe welding in the oil fields. We are going to be here to fill that gap."

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Stephen Hope, the PTL for Welding Technology in Breckenridge and Brownwood, said West Central Texas is a natural fit to provide this certification.

"We are in the heart of pipe welding country, whether its pipeline that is new or maintaining current lines," he said in the release. "There are power plants, both hydro and nuclear, that are always needing pipe work."

Hope said refineries across the state deal with pipe for transporting and other companies make boilermakers, which deal with pipe.

"Then you also have your local farmers and ranchers that might like a new pipe entrance," Hope said. "So, the advanced pipe certification will gear the students with the knowledge that will allow them to achieve whatever mission they want to accomplish."

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Nicholas said it will lead to graduates being prepared for the industry.

"This is a great skill set being added to our Welding Technology offerings in West Texas," he said. "In general, pipe welders often make more money and that will be good for our graduates."

According to onetonline.org, welders can earn a yearly median salary of more than $48,000 in Texas. Welding jobs were expected to increase 23% between 2020 and 2030 in the state, according to the website.

Welding Technology is one of nine programs at TSTC that have money-back guarantees. For more information, visit tstc.edu/mbg.

To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.
Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald Trump's pick for director of national intelligence, will face accusations that she is an apologist for foreign dictators and heavy scrutiny over her meeting with Syria's toppled president at her Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday.

Democratic senators on the Intelligence Committee are expected to home in on Gabbard's 2017 visit to Syria to meet then-President Bashar al-Assad and pro-Russia talking points she has espoused in the years since. Critics blasted the meeting as legitimizing Assad four years after he used lethal chemical weapons on Syrian civilians.

"It was common knowledge that Assad was gassing the civilian population," Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), who sits on the committee, told CBS's "Face the Nation. "She took the time and the effort to try to make a case... to try to prove that he was not using chemical weapons."

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"I have a hard time understanding why you would want to do that," he added.

Gabbard and the White House did not respond to a request for comment.

Tulsi Gabbard, a former congresswoman from Hawaii, will face senators at her confirmation hearing on Thursday.

Gabbard nomination triggers alarm from some in intelligence community

If confirmed, Gabbard, a former Democratic congressmember from Hawaii, will oversee all 18 U.S. intelligence agencies.

But her nomination was met with alarm from some members of the intelligence establishment  nearly 100 former intelligence and national security officials, including ex-CIA agents and deputy secretaries of state, signed onto a letter urging senators to examine records on Gabbard behind closed doors.

Gabbard's "sympathy for dictators like Vladimir Putin and Assad raises questions about her judgment and fitness," they wrote.

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Gabbard has been praised by Russian state TV for arguing Russia invaded Ukraine in response to NATO expansion and claiming the U.S. was supporting "Nazis" in Ukraine.

Some Republicans stand behind Gabbard

On Wednesday, some Republican lawmakers and Trump surrogates expressed public support for Gabbard.

Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said on Fox Business that Democrats have been manufacturing baseless claims and allegations against Gabbard.

For years they've questioned her patriotism. This is a woman who served 21 years in uniform, who's passed five background checks. I reviewed the latest one last week. It's clean as a whistle, Cotton said.

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Cotton said Gabbard will get a full and fair hearing before the committee on Thursday, and that Republicans will then make sure shes confirmed.

We've told the Democrats we can do this the easy way, or we can do it the hard way, and the hard way means we're going to be in through nights and through weekends until Gabbard and other nominees are confirmed by the full Senate, Cotton said.

Utah Sen. Mike Lee likened those opposing Gabbards confirmation  especially in the national security bureaucracy  to those who have criticized Trump over the years.

This is what the Deep State does to reformers, Lee said in a post on the social media platform @X. We cant let the Deep State win. Confirming @TulsiGabbard is the way to stop this.

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Last month, eight Republican senators said they were unsure about supporting Gabbard, Reuters reported, citing a Trump transition source and a second source with knowledge of the issue, raising questions as to whether she can get the votes needed to pass the Senate. Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the chamber.

Gabbard flipped right after Democratic presidential primary run

A combat veteran deployed to the Middle East during the War on Terror, Gabbard staked out an anti-interventionist position in Congress. She voted against authorizing President Obama to use military force in Syria after Assad's use of chemical weapons crossed his "red line," saying it would be a "serious mistake" despite the "carnage and loss of lives."

Along with her support for other progressive priorities, such as opposing private prisons and fixing the "broken criminal justice system," her foreign policy positions gained traction with a sliver of antiwar voters in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary. She attracted some buzz for digging into Kamala Harris' prosecutorial record of jailing marijuana users at a debate, but later dropped out with single-digit support.

Gabbard was known for sometimes criticizing fellow Democrats, drawing stinging rebukes from some party leaders and praise from Trump for voting "present" in his first impeachment. In response to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton saying Gabbard is "a favorite of the Russians" and being "groomed" by Republicans, Gabbard called Clinton "queen of warmongers, embodiment of corruption, and personification of the rot that has sickened the Democratic Party for so long," and said the party needed to break away from Bush-Clinton-Trump foreign policy.

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She began to more consistently espouse Republican positions in 2022, joining Fox News as a paid contributor who frequently criticized the Biden administration. In a social media post that year, she announced in a video statement that she was leaving the Democratic Party, which she said "stands for a government that is of, by and for the powerful elite." The party is "now under the complete control of an elitist cabal of warmongers driven by cowardly wokeness," she added.

Gabbard faces GOP criticisms over Snowden stance

Some are concerned by Gabbard's 2020 call for the U.S. to drop criminal charges against Edward Snowden, a man many of them consider a traitor for leaking a huge tranche of National Security Agency documents he stole while working as an NSA contractor in Hawaii and then leaked to the media.

The conservative Wall Street Journal editorial board on Tuesday urged the Senate to reject Gabbards nomination.

No, the question isnt Ms. Gabbards patriotism. Its judgment, and what message it would send friends and foes to confirm a director of national intelligence who doesnt really seem to believe in protecting national intelligence, the Journal editorial board said.

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But Gabbard has relented on her former strong support for limiting intelligence agencies' authority to spy on Americans.

A month before her confirmation hearing, she reversed course on her opposition to Section 702 of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA, which allows the National Security Agency to spy on communications of foreigners without a warrant  including any communications they share with Americans. Gabbard had voted against the program's reauthorization in 2018.

"Section 702, unlike other FISA authorities, is crucial for gathering foreign intelligence on non-U.S. persons abroad," she said in a statement. "This unique capability cannot be replicated and must be safeguarded to protect our nation while ensuring the civil liberties of Americans."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tulsi Gabbard, Trump's pick to head intelligence, to face Senate
Tulsi Gabbards nomination for director of national intelligence faced its stiffest opposition yet Thursday, as senators from both parties appeared exasperated by Gabbards answers during a hearing Thursday.

Gabbard, appearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee, faced questioning over her connections to foreign adversaries and her criticisms of U.S. allies. On half a dozen occasions, senators asked Gabbard if she believes Edward Snowden  the former U.S. intelligence contractor and whistleblower indicted for espionage  is a traitor. Each time, Gabbard declined to answer.

Im focused on the future and how we can prevent something like this from happening again, Gabbard said.

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Republicans hold a 9-8 majority on the committee, which will vote on whether to recommend her nomination to the full Senate.

The line of questioning from senators, including Republicans, on Thursday suggests that lingering doubts exist about Gabbards qualifications for the role.

Gabbard, a lieutenant colonel in the National Guard and a former U.S. Democratic representative from Hawaii, pitched herself as an outsider and a disruptor who would strengthen intelligence agencies she deemed as devoid of the American peoples trust.

President Trumps reelection is a clear mandate from the American people to break this cycle of failure, end the weaponization and politicization of the intelligence community, and begin to restore trust in those whove been charged with the critical task of securing our nation, she said.

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Senators prodded Gabbards claims Thursday, reading her past social media posts aloud or questioning her visits with foreign leaders.

Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., asked whether Gabbards 2017 trip to Syria, when she met with former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, displayed good judgment. Multiple senators pressed her about her comments about the Ukraine-Russia war, and her suggestion in 2022 that NATO was at fault for the war, not Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Gabbard walked back her statement during the hearing, saying that Putin started the war in Ukraine when asked who is responsible.

When Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., asked if she was aware that her previous statements were in alignment with what the Russians have said to justify their invasion of Ukraine, Gabbard was defiant.

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I dont pay attention to Russian propaganda, she said.

Bennet said he was shocked by her response. We get to decide whether were going to confirm this nominee, Bennet said.

Vice Chairman Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., questions Former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald Trump's choice to be the Director of National Intelligence, on a social media post advocating the pardoning of Edward Snowden as she appears before the Senate Intelligence Committee for her confirmation hearing at the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, in Washington. | John McDonnell

But it was Gabbards defenses of Snowden, the whistleblower, that caused the most excitement.

Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., asked whether Gabbard still believes Snowden is brave, as she previously stated; she noted Snowden broke the law, but made no further comment.

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, pressed whether she would support or recommend a pardon or any kind of clemency for Snowden; Gabbard said she would not. Sen. Angus King, D-Maine, asked why Gabbard previously pushed to pardon Snowden; she said she takes very seriously the protection of American civil liberties in our Fourth Amendment rights.

.@SenToddYoung to Tulsi Gabbard on Edward Snowden: "It would befit you and be helpful to the way you are perceived by members of the intelligence committee if you at least acknowledge that the greatest whistleblower in American security, so called, harmed national security." pic.twitter.com/dx4JtWsZek  CSPAN (@cspan) January 30, 2025

Sen. James Langford, R-Okla., posed a direct question: Was Edward Snowden a traitor to the U.S.?

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Gabbard declined to directly answer. Im committed, if confirmed, as director of National Intelligence, to join you in making sure that there is no future Snowden-type leaks, she said. She listed four specific actions she would do to guarantee this: ensuring there are no illegal and unconstitutional programs; limiting access to national secrets through security clearance reform; educating which legal whistleblower channels are available; and providing a direct whistleblower line to the director of national intelligence.

Langford repeated his question, whether Snowden is a traitor. Gabbard said she is focused on the future.

Bennet repeated Langfords question four more times, raising his voice to a yell. Yes or no, is Edward Snowden a traitor to the United States of America?

As someone who has worn our uniform in combat, I understand how critical our national security is, Gabbard said.

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Bennet cut her off. Apparently you dont, he said.

The intelligence committee is expected to vote soon on whether to recommend Gabbards nomination.
Adani Enterprises Ltd (AEL), the flagship company of the Adani Group, reported a 6 per cent increase in revenue to Rs. 72,763 crore for the nine-month period, demonstrating steady growth across its portfolio for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2024. The results highlight the company's strong operational performance and continued success in its incubating businesses, particularly in energy transition and infrastructure sectors. AEL Consolidated EBITDA surged by 29 per cent to Rs. 12,377 crore, driven primarily by the performance of the Adani New Industries Limited (ANIL) Ecosystem and Adani Airports. Additionally, profit before tax (PBT) rose by 21 per cent to Rs. 5,220 crore, underscoring the resilience of AEL's business model. Commenting on the performance, Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, stated, "This exceptional nine-month performance underscores Adani Enterprises Ltd's position as a powerhouse for nurturing transformative infrastructure and energy transition sectors. Strong growth across our incubating businesses, from energy transition to logistics and adjacencies, highlights the immense potential of our core plus portfolio." He added, "These results are a testament to our focus on execution, operational excellence, innovation and sustainability as we continue to set new benchmarks across sectors. With each milestone, AEL reaffirms its commitment to creating long-term value for its stakeholders while contributing to India's progress and global competitiveness." AEL made significant strides across its business segments. Navi Mumbai Airport successfully conducted its first commercial flight validation test, marking a crucial step toward operational readiness. Additionally, Phase I of the Hyderabad Data Center, with a capacity of 9.6 MW, is now fully operational. In the renewable energy sector, ANIL's wind business saw the listing of its 3.3 MW Wind Turbine Generator (WTG) model in the RLMM (Revised List of Models and Manufacturers), bringing the total listed models to four. AEL also made remarkable progress in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance, ranking among the top five companies globally in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) for 2024 out of 180 sector peers. AEL's incubating businesses reported stellar growth, contributing 62 per cent of the consolidated EBITDA. The ANIL Ecosystem reported a 121 per cent increase in EBITDA to Rs. 3,666 crore, while PBT surged by 125 per cent to Rs. 3,033 crore. The airports segment also witnessed impressive performance, with passenger movement increasing by 7 per cent to 69.7 million and cargo volumes rising by 11 per cent to 8.2 lakh metric tonnes in the nine-month period. AEL's 9M FY25 financial performance reflects its strategic focus on high-growth sectors, operational efficiency, and sustainability initiatives. W ith ongoing developments in airports, data centers, renewable energy, and infrastructure, the company remains committed to delivering long-term value to its stakeholders. As AEL continues its growth trajectory, its incubation model positions it at the forefront of India's energy transition and infrastructure development. (ANI)
If she is confirmed as director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard would be the youngest-ever in that role, the first millennial, the first Asian American, and only the second woman to hold the position.

But she is expected to face questions in her confirmation hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee about statements she has made that appear to support U.S. enemies and dictators as well as having no significant experience in intelligence. Gabbard can afford to lose the votes of only three Republicans and sources tell ABC News the vote on her nomination is expected to be a close one.

Chairman Tom Cotton, R-Ark., began his opening statement by expressing "dismay" at what he characterized as unfair attacks on Gabbard's patriotism, citing Hillary Clinton's accusation that she was "an asset of a foreign nation," referring, of course, to Russia.

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Cotton said he personally "spent two hours" reviewing Gabbard's past background checks and found them "clean as a whistle."

"No doubt she has some unconventional views," Cotton acknowledged, but suggested any criticism from Democrats reflects their frustration that she "saw the light" and left their party.

In his opening statement, Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., the committee's top Democrat, ticked through a litany of Gabbard's more controversial public statements to demonstrate what he called his "significant concerns about your judgment and your qualifications."

"Now I don't know if your intent in making those statements was to defend those dictators, or if you were simply unaware of the intelligence and how your statements would be perceived," Warner said. "In either case, it raises serious questions about your judgment."

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In her opening statement, Gabbard confronted her critics.

"I want to warn the American people who are watching at home. You may hear lies and smears in this hearing that will challenge my loyalty to and my love for our country," she said. "Those who oppose my nomination imply that I am loyal to something or someone other than God, my own conscience and the Constitution of the United States, accusing me of being Trump's puppet, Putin's puppet, Assad's puppet, a guru's puppet, Modi's puppet, not recognizing the absurdity of simultaneously being the puppet of five different puppet masters.

"The same tactic was used against President Trump and failed. The American people elected President Trump with a decisive victory and mandate for change. The fact is, what truly unsettles my political opponents is I refuse to be their puppet," she continued.

For most of her career, Gabbard has broken barriers. She was the youngest woman ever elected to a state house of representatives and the first to graduate from the Accelerated Officer Candidate School at the Alabama Military Academy as a distinguished honor graduate. In Congress, she was the first Samoan American, the youngest woman elected at the time, and the first combat veteran to serve -- a distinction she shares with Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth.

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MORE: Who is Tulsi Gabbard? Meet Trump's pick for director of national intelligence

Gabbard has prepared extensively over the past two months for her hearings, meeting with former DNI leaders, including John Negroponte, the first DNI, and Michael Allen, who led Negroponte's confirmation hearing preparations. She also has consulted with Trump allies Morgan Ortagus, deputy special presidential envoy for Middle East peace, and FBI director nominee Kash Patel.

PHOTO: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard during the State of the Union address before members of Congress in the House chamber of the Capitol, Feb. 5, 2019. (Melina Mara/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

She has sought input from a broad range of intelligence experts, former government officials and lawmakers across the aisle. She has participated in policy roundtables with lawyers, ex-intelligence officials, and national security negotiators, including figures involved in the Abraham Accords.

She also held a full-scale mock confirmation hearing ahead of Thursday's Senate Intelligence Committee proceedings. Former Republican Sen. Richard Burr, who chaired the committee from 2015 to 2020, will introduce her.

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Sources on both sides of the aisle on Capitol Hill tell ABC News Gabbard will likely face scrutiny over her past stances on Russia, Ukraine, Syria, and Iran, as well as her defense of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who reached a plea deal with the Justice Department over disseminating classified documents he had obtained illegally. Gabbard said last year on "Real Time With Bill Maher" that "the charges against him are one of the biggest attacks on freedom of the press that we've seen and freedom of speech."

As a member of Congress, Gabbard introduced a bill in 2020 calling for the federal government to drop all charges against Edward Snowden, the former NSA contractor who leaked information in 2013 about how the U.S. government surveils the American public.

She's also expected to face question on her reversal on Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), a key surveillance tool she voted against reauthorizing in 2020, her last year in Congress.

Gabbard argued that Americans shouldn't be forced to choose between security and liberty, saying that the Patriot Act and FISA have "been allowing for the abuses of our civil liberties and overreach by our own intelligence and law enforcement agencies through doing things like warrantless sweeping collection of our data, violating our Fourth Amendment constitutional rights."

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Gabbard is also expected to face questions past statements about former President Donald Trump including her decision to vote present on Donald Trump's.

Over the last two months, Gabbard has met with more than 50 senators, primarily Republicans. The meetings have largely served as an introduction -- an opportunity to explain her past positions and assuage concerns about her political evolution. A source close to her told ABC News, "They know they can't put her in a box. She's not a Democrat. She's a new Republican. She has very similar, if not 100% aligned, views with President Trump on 'America First' foreign policy. That makes people uneasy because they can't quite figure her out."

MORE:Tulsi Gabbard shifts stance on key surveillance tool she previously opposed

Gabbard, like Trump, is a former Democrat whose policy views have shifted significantly. Her evolution has been shaped by her 22 years in the Army, including deployments to Iraq, Kuwait, and Djibouti. If confirmed, she will be the first female DNI to have served in the military. She plans to continue serving in the Army Reserve, which is permitted under ODNI regulations.

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Behind the scenes, Gabbard has earned bipartisan support within the intelligence community for her willingness to engage with a range of stakeholders. Earlier this month, the families of two former ISIS and al-Qaeda hostages publicly endorsed her nomination in a letter shared with ABC News. The parents of Kayla Mueller, who was killed by ISIS, and Theo Padnos, a former al-Qaeda hostage, argued that the radicalization of individuals -- such as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who drove his truck into a crowd of New Orleans New Year's revelers -- underscores the need for Gabbard's swift confirmation.

The letter of support came under scrutiny by some lawmakers after rebels toppled Syria's Bashar al-Assad. Gabbard met with Assad in Syria in 2017, which remains a point of controversy. She has previously defended the trip as a "fact-finding mission" and has maintained that U.S. intervention in Syria empowered extremist groups.

PHOTO: Tulsi Gabbard, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Director of National Intelligence, arrives to meet with Senators on Capitol Hill in Washington, Jan. 9, 2025. (Allison Robbert/AFP via Getty Images)

Gabbard warned in the same year that she was concerned that toppling Assad's regime could lead to groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda to step in to fill the void and "completely massacre all religious minorities there in Syria."

"I had no intention of meeting with Assad, but when given the opportunity, I felt it was important to take it," Gabbard said in a 2017 statement. "We should be ready to meet with anyone if there's a chance it can help bring about an end to this war."

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Padnos, who was kidnapped by the al-Nusra Front in 2012 and held for nearly two years, said Gabbard's willingness to engage with hostage families compelled him to speak out.

"This is a woman with deep compassion for the victims of terrorism and the courage to get things done," he told ABC News. "Nobody else has offered their help -- except Tulsi."

Gabbard told ABC News that she was "honored and humbled by that statement of support."

She has also received backing from law enforcement. The National Sheriffs' Association endorsed her nomination, citing her commitment to bridging intelligence gaps between federal agencies and local authorities. In a statement, the group praised Gabbard's pledge to give sheriffs "a seat at the table" in national security discussions.

PHOTO: Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald Trump's nominee to be director of national intelligence, attends to testify before a Senate Intelligence Committee confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Jan. 30, 2025. (Nathan Howard/Reuters)

Sheriff Kieran Donahue, president of the National Sheriffs' Association, wrote "Gabbard has demonstrated a commitment to addressing the critical disconnect between our intelligence agencies and local law enforcement in preparing for sophisticated and pervasive threats."

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A source close to Gabbard told ABC News that her focus as director of national intelligence will be on restoring trust in the intelligence community and reforming what is and isn't classified. Specifically, she aims to ensure that the intelligence provided to the Senate and White House is not information already available to lawmakers through media outlets. On Capitol Hill, lawmakers have expressed concern about the overclassification of information.

The source added that Gabbard intends to provide more accurate, raw intelligence to help lawmakers make informed decisions, rather than relying on overclassified data. She also plans to streamline the process for security clearances and return ODNI to its original mission -- leading the intelligence community by fostering integration, collaboration and innovation.

Her allies argue that her outsider perspective will help modernize the intelligence community -- though critics remain skeptical of her lack of traditional experience.

Thursday's hearing will test whether Gabbard can win over skeptics -- or if her controversial past will derail her bid to become the nation's top intelligence officer.

Tulsi Gabbard faces skeptical senators at hearing to be intel chief originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Tulsi Gabbard, Donald Trumps nominee to serve as the director of national intelligence, faced tough questions from Republicans during her Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday, including about her past support for Edward Snowden, who leaked information on classified intelligence programs in 2013.

Four Republican members of the Senate Intelligence Committee pressed Gabbard, a former Democrat who endorsed Trump during the 2024 presidential campaign, to forcefully condemn the former NSA contractor and disavow legislation she once proposed calling for charges to be dropped against him.

Over and over again, Gabbard refused, putting into doubt whether her nomination will advance to the Senate floor. She cant afford to lose any GOP member of the committee.

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Edward Snowden broke the law. I do not agree with or support all the information or intelligence which he released, nor the way he did it, Gabbard said repeatedly in response to the senators questions.

When Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) asked Gabbard to reassure the intelligence community by answering, yes or no, whether Snowden betrayed his country, Gabbard declined and said, Im focused on the future.

Lankford told reporters afterward that he was surprised by the answer.

Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.), a potential swing vote on the nomination, also expressed frustration with Gabbards reluctance to acknowledge that Snowdens actions harmed national security.

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It would befit you and be helpful to the way you are perceived to the members of the Intelligence Committee if you at least acknowledge that the greatest whistleblower in American security, so-called, harmed national security, Young said.

Gabbard did engage with Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), another swing vote, however, committing not to advocate for pardon or clemency for Snowden if confirmed to the position.

During her time in Congress, the Hawaii representative advocated ending key intelligence programs after Snowdens leaks that exposed the governments interception of U.S. citizens phone calls and electronic messages. She has since reversed her opposition to those programs in a bid to win GOP support for her nomination, maintaining she would support them if confirmed to the job.

Democrats also grilled Gabbard, a lieutenant colonel in the National Guard who served two tours in the Middle East, over Snowdens comments, as well as her meeting in 2017 with then-Syrian President Bashar Assad, and for her repetition of Russias arguments about its invasion of Ukraine, including by suggesting Moscow had justification to do so.

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This is when the rubber hits the road. This is not a moment for social media, Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) said. Its not a moment to propagate conspiracy theories This is when you need to answer questions of the people whose votes youre asking for.

Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) also questioned Gabbards judgment and her pivot on supporting intelligence programs she once fiercely opposed.

I have to tell you, as I try to make this a job interview, as I try to make my judgment on whether you should be confirmed, I dont find your change of heart credible, Warner said.
Tulsi Gabbards confirmation hearing to become Director of National Intelligence before the Senate Intelligence Committee was a bizarre kind of marriage between the Republican establishment and MAGA.

Joe Kent, the right-wing former congressional candidate from Washington State, arrived early while Jason Miller, one of president Donald Trumps top campaign advisers, sat in the front row, while Ivan Raiklin, a pro-Trump activist, sat in the back.

And plenty of establishment Republicans showed up to vouch for her. Richard Burr, the former intelligence committee chair who led the investigation into Russias intervention in the 2016 presidential election, gave an introductory statement of support. Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, a military hawk, also gave a statement.

Former congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has become a favorite of the Trumpian right, which is partially why Donald Trump nominated her to be Director of National Intelligence. (AP)

Sen Tom Cotton, the chairman of the committee who is an outspoken military interventionist, said he agreed with Gabbards skepticism of military adventurism. Sen. John Curtis of Utah, who succeeded Gabbard critic Mitt Romney in the Senate, showed up to the hearing as well despite not being on the committee.

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Plenty of Republicans welcomed the former Democratic congresswoman-turned-Trump-disciple, including people who served with her in the House like now-Sens. Ted Budd of North Carolina and James Lankford of Oklahoma.

Democrats for their part leaned heavily into asking about Gabbards remarks praising Edward Snowden. They also criticized her previous comments about the war in Ukraine and her visit to Syria to meet with now-deposed president Bashar al-Assad.

But the most important people to watch during the hearing were not the Democrats, who will likely uniformly vote against her, but two Republicans, namely Sen. Todd Young of Indiana and Susan Collins of Maine.

Earlier the week, Collins told The Independent that she had not been convinced by Gabbards words that she had changed her position on Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillence Act (FISA). During her opening remarks, Gabbard directly addressed Collins.

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Section 702 allows the government to gather foreign intelligence on non-Americans outside of the United States without a warrant. Civil libertarians argue that it violates civil liberties whereas conservatives and national security hawks say it is necessary to stop terror attacks.

Senator Collins, you led the creation of ODNI specifically to address those intelligence failures of 9/11 and Iraqs so-called-WMDs, Gabbard said.

Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, center, grilled Gabbard about her previous praise of Edward Snowden. (Getty Images)

But that did not necessarily dull Collinss questioning of Gabbard, specifically on the question of pardoning Snowden, who famously leaked information about domestic surveillance programs. As a result, Collins asked if Gabbard would support a pardon or any kind of clemency to the former NSA intelligence contractor-turned-whistleblower who fled to Russia.

I confirmed as the Director of National Intelligence, my responsibility would be to ensure the security of our nation's secrets, and would not take actions to advocate for any actions related to Snowden, Gabbard said. Collins asked her about legislation she introduced that would allow whistleblowers to disclose even top secret information and whether she still supported it.

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The intent of the legislation that you have pointed out was pointed towards ensuring due process for those who are charged under the Espionage Act in a court of law, Gabbard responded. Collins ended her questioning by asking whether rumors that Gabbard met with Hezbollah were true, which Gabbard denied.

But if Gabbard seemed to at least quell some of Collinss concerns, Young seemed like he wanted to give Gabbard the benefit of the doubt. But his questions were unanswered. Throughout much of the questioning, Young, a former Marine intelligence officer, furrowed his brow and kept his fingers on his chin. He asked her if she agreed with a report that said Snowden caused damage.

Again, Gabbard dodged, saying again that Snowden broke the law and she did not agree with how he disclosed the information.

Its notable, you didnt say yes, Young said, before following up a few times and noting that Snowden, who absconded to Russia in 2013, had posted on social media about the hearings.

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This may be the rare instance in which I agree with Mr. Snowden, he said. I think it would befit and be helpful to the first way you were perceived by members of the intelligence community, if you would at least acknowledge that the greatest whistleblower in American history--so called--harmed national security by breaking the laws of the land around our intelligence working.

I don't know that there was really anything new there, except it was interesting to see my colleagues on the Republican side try to open the door with Edward Snowden that she really couldn't walk through, Democratic Sen. Martin Heinrich of New Mexico told The Independent.

Gabbards fate will likely be held behind closed doors, as is the general position of the Intelligence Committee. But if it comes out that Young and Collins opposed her nomination, that would likely cause enough cracks for other Republicans like Mitch McConnell, a longtime critic of Russia, Collins partner in moderation Lisa Murkowski of Alaska or Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who faces a tough re-election, to break away from her.

Regardless of what happens, its clear Gabbard has become a cause celebre for many on the right, as conventional Republicans remain skeptical of her while the new Trumpian right supports her. As her confirmation hearing ended, she received an ovation from the crowd.
Tulsi Gabbard, Donald Trumps nominee for director of national intelligence, was repeatedly asked to explain why she sought a pardon for Edward Snowden, the former government contractor who leaked thousands of classified documents revealing the scope of the nations surveillance programs.

Gabbard  a former Democratic congresswoman turned Trump ally accused of routinely amplifying Russian propaganda and defending Syrias Bashar al-Assad  also refused to call Snowden a traitor during her confirmation hearing in front of the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday, facing questions from members of both parties about her past praise.

This is when the rubber meets the road, Democratic Senator Michael Bennet pressed during a heated round of questions, demanding a yes-or-no answer as to whether she believes Snowden is a traitor to the United States.

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This is not a moment for social media, this is not a moment to propagate conspiracy theories or attacks on journalism in the United States, Bennet said. Is Edward Snowden a traitor to the United States of America? That is not a hard question to answer when the stakes are this high.

Throughout her testimony, Gabbard insisted she believes Snowden broke the law and promised that, if confirmed, she would prevent a Snowden-like leak within the arms of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

But she stressed that she believes his leaks released information that exposed egregious, illegal and unconstitutional programs within our government, leading to reforms proposed by members of Congress.

You have celebrated this guy as brave, intelligence committee ranking member Mark Warner said. I cannot imagine a director of national intelligence that would say that kind of behavior is OK.

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Why is he being treated as a folk hero by you instead of the traitor he was? Bennet said in a final round of questions.

Tulsi Gabbard refused to call former NSA contractor Edward Snowden a traitor and stressed that his leaks exposed egregious, illegal and unconstitutional programs within government agencies (AP)

In Congress, Gabbard introduced a bill that would provide whistle-blower protections for people like Snowden who are accused of violating the Espionage Act, and she proposed legislation to drop federal charges against him.

Would you support or recommend a pardon or any kind of clemency for Edward Snowden? asked Republican Senator Susan Collins.

My responsibility would be to ensure the security of our nations secrets and would not advocate for any actions related to Snowden, Gabbard replied.

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Republican Senator Todd Young asked Gabbard if Snowden betrayed the trust of the American people.

He released this information in a way he should not have, Gabbard said.

Before the hearing, Snowden  who now lives in Russia after fleeing the United States  posted to X that Gabbard will be required to disown all prior support for whistleblowers as a condition of confirmation.

I encourage her to do so, he wrote. Tell them I harmed national security and the sweet, soft feelings of staff. In D.C., that's what passes for the pledge of allegiance.

This may be the rare instance when I agree with Mr. Snowden, Young said.

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Throughout the three-hour hearing, Gabbard was asked by members of both parties to explain her past statements and sympathetic comments about Russia and Bashar Al-Assads regime in Syria, including her skepticism of U.S. intelligence assessments surrounding chemical weapons attacks and her 2017 trip to Syria to meet with then-President Assad.

I have no love for Assad or any dictator. I just hate al-Qaeda, she said in her opening remarks, claiming that Syria is now run by a former al-Qaeda leader who danced in the streets on 9/11 before leading uprisings against the Assad regime.

Gabbard, who could oversee the nations intelligence community if confirmed, was pressed about her past comments and actions surrounding Russias invasion of Ukraine and the Assad regimes use of chemical weapons in Syria (EPA)

Republicans repeatedly emphasized her military service, characterizing her experience as a former National Guard and Army Reserves service member who was deployed to Iraq as unimpeachable evidence of the necessary commitment, trust and experience for the role.

Warner said he had serious questions about her judgment, including past comments in which she appeared to blame NATO and Joe Bidens administration for Russias invasion of Ukraine.

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He also questioned whether Gabbard can be trusted by U.S. allies to share intelligence.

If they stop  the United States will be less safe, he said.

I want to make certain that in no way does Russia get a pass in either your mind or your heart, or in any policy recommendation you might make, Republican Senator Jerry Moran said.

Im offended by the question, Gabbard replied. No country or group or individual will get a pass

Asked point blank by Democratic Senator Martin Heinrich who was responsible for the war in Ukraine, Gabbard replied: Putin.

Last year, Gabbard told podcaster Joe Rogan that the United States and some of these European NATO countries are fueling this war and need to provide the leadership to bring about a negotiated outcome.

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That is what needs to happen here to prevent the destruction of the planet and life as we know it, she said.

This war and suffering could have easily been avoided if Biden Admin/NATO had simply acknowledged Russias legitimate security concerns regarding Ukraines becoming a member of NATO, which would mean US/NATO forces right on Russias border, she wrote in 2022.

Democratic Senator Michael Bennet pressed Gabbard on whether she believes Snowden is a traitor after he claims she elevated him as a folk hero (Getty Images)

Gabbard also faced questions about her recent opposition to a warrantless electronic surveillance program that allows U.S. intelligence agencies to collect communications from foreigners outside the country.

The broad scope of that program, authorized under section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, also allows law enforcement to search through data that could include information from Americans.

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She sought the repeal of the program when she was a Democratic congresswoman, and criticized warrantless surveillance as a blatant and unconstitutional attack.

But she recently called it a vital national security tool, aligning with national security hawks and distancing herself from positions held by progressive members of Congress.

I dont find your change of heart credible, Warner said.

Gabbard told the committee that the national security capability that is provided  that enables foreign surveillance over non-U.S. persons overseas is critical, period.

Republican Senator John Cornyn asked her what criteria should determine warrantless searches.

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Senator, thats not for me to say, said Gabbard, saying that it would be up to Congress.

That would be for you to decide and for the attorney general to weigh in on, Cornyn fired back.

If confirmed, Gabbard will oversee the 18 divisions within the nations intelligence community, including the CIA and Defense Intelligence Agency.

Republicans hold only a 9-8 majority on the Senate Intelligence Committee, and she will need the votes of virtually every Republican on the panel.

The full Senate could also move to confirm her if her nomination fails in committee, but that would require a 60-vote majority  a politically unlikely scenario in a chamber where Democrats and independents who caucus with them hold 47 seats.
PLANTERSVILLE, Texas (FOX 44)  Two men have been arrested in connection to a fatal shooting in Plantersville.

Grimes County Sheriff Don Sowell says Dispatch received a call at approximately 11:15 a.m. Wednesday regarding a man with a gunshot wound. The Sheriffs Office, along with the Todd Mission Police Department, the Navasota Police Department, the Grimes County District Attorneys Office, Grimes County Constable Precinct 3 and the Texas Rangers responded to a residence off of Blue Lake Drive in Plantersville to assist with the investigation.

Sheriff Sowell says at the conclusion of the preliminary investigation, the man succumbed to his injuries. His identity has not been released.

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Two arrests have been made in this case  Thomas Paul King is charged with Murder, a first-degree felony; and Aggravated Assault by Threat, Deadly Weapon, a second-degree felony. Rune Cristien King is also charged with Aggravated Assault by Threat, Deadly Weapon, a second-degree felony.

Thomas Paul King. (Courtesy: Grimes County Sheriffs Office)

Rune Cristien King. (Courtesy: Grimes County Sheriffs Office)

Man accused of firing weapon at occupied apartment

Sheriff Sowell says this investigation remains ongoing.

This is a developing story. FOX 44 News will have more information as it becomes available.

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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) Two men were arrested after firing numerous gunshots at a man getting out of his car, the St. Petersburg Police Department announced.

Officers responded to the 2200 block of 14th Avenue North around 4:40 p.m. Wednesday in regards to calls of shots heard in the area.

According to SPPD, During an investigation, officers determined Keon Dawson, 30, and Raymond Adams, 36, approached a man they had been in a dispute with as he was getting out of his vehicle and fired several shots at him before running back to their vehicle.

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Bullets hit the victims car but did not injure anyone inside, police said.

The car, a black Nissan Altima with no tags was spotted after fleeing and officers attempted a traffic stop, but the car did not stop and a pursuit began.

Police said the Altima eventually stopped at 5th Avenue North and 40th Street North and Dawson and Adams ran from the car.

The K9 team quickly arrested them after fleeing from the car.

Keon Dawson was arrested for attempted murder in the 1st degree, throwing a deadly missile, criminal mischief (2 counts), felon in possession of a firearm, leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage, operate an unregistered motor vehicle, resisting an officer without violence, and fleeing and eluding.

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Raymond Adams was charged with attempted murder in the 1st degree, throwing a deadly missile, criminal mischief (2 counts), felon in possession of a firearm, and discharge a firearm from a vehicle.

In the car, officers found an assault rifle and a handgun nearby, according to SPPD.

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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  Two counties in our area are working with the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement to help detain criminal immigrants.

In a longstanding memorandum of agreement with the federal agency, both the Greene and Knox County sheriffs offices are allowed to perform certain duties of federal immigration agents under the federal 287(g) program.

287(g) is a federal statute that basically serves as a force multiplier for federal immigration enforcement, said Jeremy Jennings, a Knoxville-based immigration lawyer.

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Pardoned Jan. 6 rioter from Maryville wants FBI kill list plot conviction dismissed

According to Jennings, the 287(g) program is an agreement between ICE and law enforcement agencies to identify and process individuals for immigration violations.

Knox and Greene counties operate under the programs Jail Enforcement Model, meaning they can detain individuals within their jails or correctional facilities after they are arrested for a crime. The 287(g) programs Warrant Service Officer model gives local law enforcement more active authority to serve and executive warrants on behalf of ICE.

We dont go out looking for any immigration violations or anything like that, thats those that have been brought in on criminal charges, said Greene County Sheriff Wesley Holt. They will go through the system and find out if they have been deported before or anything. And then they will get with ICE, and ICE will, if they want to deport them, they will put a hold on them.

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At Greene County Jail, Holt said correctional staff members must be sent to a four-week training in Charleston, South Carolina before they can perform these duties. Once they are trained, then they can carry out immigration enforcement procedures.

They will go ahead and take them back, theyll try to run their name through the system, they will fingerprint them. They will fingerprint them on ICEs fingerprint machine, and then that will go into the system, said Holt. And then if theyve ever been deported and their fingerprints match it, then that will give them positive I.D. of who that person is.

If that person is transferred to ICEs custody, they will be held in the county jail for 48 hours.

Police confirm Ku Klux Klan flyers found in Knoxville

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With the federal government paying for the training and equipment needed for this program, he says it has a minimal financial impact on the county, and more counties could be looking to apply for the 287(g) program.

I have had several sheriffs reach out and ask me questions about the program and looking to come up and see how the program runs here meet with me, said Holt. So yes, I see other agencies potentially looking to be on board.

 See more top stories on WATE.com

The Knox County Sheriffs Office joined the program in 2017. Holt said they have been a part of this program since 2018. Holt added they have had two inmates taken by ICE this week and another one currently on hold.

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The growing public perception that we have a two-tier justice system in Britain today has Government officials worried. At least according to a leaked Home Office dossier that surfaced this week, which denounces claims of two-tier policing as a Right-wing extremist narrative  one which, it laments, is now leaking into mainstream debates.

Hysteria aside, clearly officialdom understands that the belief that woke sensibilities are distorting the justice system is deeply damaging. Yet this is no mere narrative: such behaviour has long been baked into the operation of the state.

On the one hand, we have authorities fanatically obsessed with finding and punishing alleged racism against minorities. Think of how the Telegraphs Allison Pearson was doorstepped last year on Remembrance Sunday morning for allegedly stirring up racial hatred in a tweet criticising the police.

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Or Tory MP Bob Stewart, who told a Bahraini activist who was heckling him in the street to go back to Bahrain and found himself charged with a racially aggravated public order offence. Meanwhile, anti-white hate crime, which is becoming worryingly more observable, is something the state does its utmost never to acknowledge.

Now, with every public controversy that speaks to immigration, integration and race, one sees this two-tier mindset come to the fore.

Consider the way the state has dealt with the Southport murders. First there was the initial caginess about Axel Rudakubanas identity and background.

Then last week, to the vexed question of whether Axel Rudakubanas evil murders should be considered terrorism, the state prosecutor issued a peculiar denial. There is no evidence that [Rudakubana] ascribed [sic] to any particular political or religious ideology, declared Deanna Heer KC. He wasnt fighting for a cause. Under the Terrorism Act, for an act to constitute terrorism it must have been done for the purpose of advancing a political, religious, racial or ideological cause. Ms Heer took the trouble to deny that the attack was political, religious or ideological  why not racial? She could hardly just have forgotten this part of the definition. Perhaps she felt uncomfortable just raising the possibility that such violence might have been racially motivated, even to deny it.

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Rudakubana will likely spend his life behind bars whether deemed a terrorist or not, yet there are cases where clearly anti-white crimes have been treated with disturbing leniency.

While the disorder his murders gave rise to has been characterised as far-Right riots, it also gave rise to sectarian mobs, organised supposedly in order to protect local mosques. In Middlesborough, Ameer Khalile was part of one such group which shouted white racist scum as they chased a man down the street, before stamping on his victims head in a vicious and violent attack.

The judge noted that the innocent victim, who, having been left face down in a ditch, could easily have drowned, was probably attacked because he was white. Yet the offence was somehow not treated as racially aggravated, and the thug received a paltry 34-month sentence for grievous bodily harm. This violent, unprovoked attack merited only three months longer in prison than the sentence received by childminder Lucy Connolly, for a single raging tweet on the night of the Southport attack.

Still, the most glaring example of prosecutors ignoring anti-white animus is in the decades-long outrage of the rape-gangs scandal. Not only was it racial sensitivities that meant many of these crimes were brushed under the carpet in the first place. But also, in spite of the overwhelming evidence that racism against the white slag victims by their predominantly Pakistani abusers was playing a major role in these crimes, none of the rape-gang offences has ever been prosecuted as racially aggravated.

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All of you treated them as though they were worthless and beyond all respect, as one judge told a nine-strong Rochdale rape gang in 2012, adding that one of the factors that led to that was that they were not of your community or religion. Yet he was not invited by prosecutors to treat the offences as racially aggravated, and two of the perpetrators got off shockingly lightly: one receiving just four years behind bars, another, five.

Arguably, the fact that this discussion is even being had shows the folly of having written the inherently politicised concept of hate crime into the law in the first place. Nevertheless, we are where we are. Until anti-white crimes are treated with the same seriousness as other hate crimes, perceptions of two-tier justice will not be going away.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is urging teens to wear their seatbelts in its Teen Click It or Ticket campaign.

The campaign will begin at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30 at the El Paso Community College Valle Verde campus, at 919 Hunter Dr.

The campaign launch will include wreckage from a truck crash that involved two teens who walked away with minor injuries because they were wearing seatbelts, TxDOT said in a news release.

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About 49 percent of teens involved in fatal traffic crashes in Texas were not wearing seatbelts, TxDOT said.

In 2023, five crashes in El Paso that involved teens who were not wearing seatbelts sustained fatal or serious injuries. The crashes resulted in two deaths and three serious injuries, according to TxDOT.

In addition in 2023, there were 10 crashes in the El Paso district (El Paso, Culberson, Brewster, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis, and Presidio counties) that involved teens who did not wear their seatbelts and sustained fatal or serious injuries. The crashes resulted in three fatalities and nine serious injuries.

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PNN New Delhi [India], January 30: The United Kingdom has long been a sought-after destination for higher education, thanks to its globally recognised universities, diverse student community, and strong academic reputation. Pursuing a Masters (MSc) in Business Management in the UK is an exciting opportunity for students looking to gain specialised knowledge and enhance their career prospects. However, before making this significant decision, it's essential to understand the key aspects of studying for an MSc in the UK. This post outlines everything you need to know, helping you make an informed choice. Why Pursue an MSc in the UK? The UK is home to some of the top-ranked universities in the world. Programs are often intensive and research-focused, allowing students to immerse themselves in their field truly. Graduating from a reputable UK university can also benefit your career prospects. Other advantages include: - Access to cutting-edge research and advanced facilities - Opportunity to network with academics and industry leaders - Shorter programs, usually 1 year full-time - Potential to progress to a PhD program afterwards Choosing Where to StudySelecting which university to attend for your MSc is one of the most important decisions in the application process. Thorough research is key--do not just rely on rankings alone. It's critical to investigate multiple factors related to how well programs align with your academic interests and career ambitions. You want to evaluate each university under consideration for elements such as: -University Rankings and Reputation: Consult overall university and subject-specific rankings in your desired field of study. However, look beyond the numbers at elements such as faculty research impact, industry connections, and graduate career outcomes. -Research Specialisations: Determine which universities are leading global research in your niche subfields of interest. Check faculty profiles and published studies to ascertain alignments. It is also vital to have access to advanced laboratories, technology resources, datasets, specialised libraries, or other facilities for your complex project needs. - Course Modules and Structures: Audit module choices, projects, dissertation requirements, and learning formats to find the best curriculum fit. If aiming to progress to doctoral study, ensure adequate research preparation. - Accreditations and Recognition: Check if courses hold accreditations from professional bodies or qualify graduates for memberships that can enhance employability. - Location: The UK has many renowned universities scattered across England, Scotland, Wales, etc. Location factors like cost of living, campus versus urban settings, access to transportation, cultural diversity, and part-time work opportunities all impact student life experience. - Career Services and Employer Links: Research the quality of university career guidance, CV workshops, internships, graduate job fairs and direct industry partnerships that can facilitate your employment goals Conclusion Pursuing a Master's in Business Administration in the UK is a transformative journey that combines academic rigour with cultural immersion. Whether you aim to advance your career, gain specialised knowledge, or explore a new culture, the UK offers a platform to achieve your aspirations. By planning strategically, leveraging funding opportunities, and staying focused on your goals, you can make the most of this enriching experience. (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)
MIAMI, Fla. (WFLA) The U.S. Coast Guard sent 12 aliens back to Cuba on Wednesday after they attempted to enter the U.S. illegally, the U.S. Coast Guard announced.

According to USCG, on Jan. 19, the customs and border protection air and marine operations crew notified the Coast Guard Sector Key West of an alien raft about 21 miles south of Long Key.

A good Samaritan also notified Coast Guard Sector New Orleans that they took seven aliens from a disabled boat about 50 miles southwest of Cuba on Thursday.

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No injuries were reported.

The Coast Guard increased our presence in the Florida Straits, Windward, and Mon Passages to interdict unlawful maritime migration attempts before they reach our shores, said Lt. Cmdr. John W. Beal, Coast Guard District Seven public affairs office. The Coast Guard is committed to our mission to safeguard America by securing our maritime borders and preventing illegal entry to the continental United States and U.S. territories. Dont take to the sea.

Once the aliens are aboard a Coast Guard cutter, they are processed to determine their identity and nationality. They are also provided food, water, shelter, and basic medical attention before being taken back to their country, according to USCG.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Members of the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Fugitive Task Force arrested a woman Wednesday wanted for a June 22 shooting on the South Side.

Abigail Jiminez, 26, was taken into custody at an apartment in the 700 block of Kendis Circle on a warrant for felonious assault, a second-degree felony.

She is expected to be arraigned Friday in municipal court.

Jiminez was wanted for a June 22 shooting where police were called about 5:05 a.m. to St. Elizabeth Health Center after a woman came in with a gunshot wound to the stomach.

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A warrant was filed for her arrest the next day.

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President Donald Trump attends inauguration ceremonies in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Democrats nationally and in Florida have been cautious in responding to the barrage of executive orders and actions that Donald Trump has enacted in his first week and-a-half as president.

But Tampa Bay area U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor had no qualms in blasting the president on Wednesday following the uproar over his decision to freeze federal funding on grant and loan programs, a move that has been already been blocked by one federal judge.

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The White House did announce that it would rescind the order, but White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt made it clear later on Wednesday that officials were only rolling back a controversial memo by the Office of Management and Budget.

The Presidents EOs on federal funding remain in full force and effect, and will be rigorously implemented, Leavitt wrote on X.

Here we are just a week and a day into the Trump administration and it is being defined by illegality, by really stretching the boundaries of the law and the Constitution, Castor said in a Zoom press call, referring specifically to the firing of more than a dozen inspectors general last weekend.

Castors statement appeared to part of a broader strategy.

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The Democratic National Committee released a memo this week highlighting its message that Trump is concerned more about wealthier Americans than the working class, saying that they should highlight how he took the presidential oath at his inauguration last week with billionaires like Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and Elon Musk standing right behind him.

A top priority for Trump will be to extend his 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act before they expire at the end of 2025. That measure lowered tax rates for most Americans, but with much of the benefit going to wealthier people and companies.

Castor said the question coming up will be whether our hard-earned tax dollars should go to fund tax cuts for billionaires or wealthy corporations, the folks who had a front-row seat at Trumps inauguration, or do we believe that people should have affordable health care, that their children should be able to attend pre-school with qualified teachers  that veterans get the care that they have earned.

Other Democrats weighed in, with U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz writing on X, Americans voted for lower prices  not to cut off critical services to fund tax breaks for billionaires. Trumps illegal federal funding freeze puts vital resources for states, cities, schools, hospitals, American families and businesses at risk.

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Lets be clear, Donald Trump and the WH want to confuse you! Why? Because they do want to take away your Medicare, Social Security, food assistance, FAFSA, and more! But theyre halfway walking it back because they only want to take these things away from you when you dont notice. And yesterday you noticed, U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost added.

U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel said the freeze was creating chaos, with unpredictable consequences for our economy and American families.

The freeze will raise costs for working people from housing to health care to prices at the grocery store. This action isnt just dangerous, its also a lawless attack on our system of checks and balances.The Constitution is clear that President Trump cannot freeze this funding without Congressional approval, Frankel said in a written statement.

Meanwhile, more Florida Democrats are holding public events criticizing some of the Trump administrations early moves.

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Wassermann Schultz and U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick held a news conference in Sunrise on Thursday to speak out on the federal funding freeze.

And Central Florida Rep. Darren Soto is scheduled to hold a press conference on Friday in Kissimmee to highlight the negative, dangerous impacts of President Donald Trumps recent executive orders and proposed freeze on federal funding, according to a press release.

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MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)  U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace visited Myrtle Beach on Friday as she considers a run for governor.

Mace took questions from the media late Friday before speaking at the Myrtle Beach Republican Womens event, where she planned to reflect on the first two weeks of Trumps presidency and share her vision for South Carolinas future.

And we are looking at running for governor and were going to talk about all the things tonight and have a great time doing it, she said.

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Mace was elected to Congress in 2021 and previously served in the state House of Representatives.

The congresswoman arrived at 357 Raw Coastal Bar and greeted dozens of supporters. The room packed with many expressing their appreciation for her visit.

News13 asked Mace about her thoughts on I-73. She said South Carolina is far behind on infrastructure, especially with how much growth there is.

So we need to work more efficiently and run government like a business rather than a bureaucracy and be far more efficient than we are right now with our tax dollars, whatever we can get, and then beg the federal government for more, she said.

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She criticized Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson for not doing enough to protect women and girls in schools and sports.

She also says doing what the state has always done is not working anymore and a bold leader is what South Carolina needs.

In terms of energy, shes recently supported the need for more cybersecurity and wants to see the state work on being its own energy hub.

We have counties that are putting not one but two multiple data centers into the state, she said. That takes a lot of power. You talk about AI and the energy that we need to produce AI. Youve got Google here, we have amazon, we have all these companies, tech companies coming here. We have to make sure that we are meeting our energy needs.

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One attendee Stefanie Chiappetta says she was happy to see the congresswoman in Horry County. She says if Mace were to run for governor, shed support her.

Shes got the guts and its not about the glory as much as its to help the people, she said. In congressional hearings and how she just goes after the right thing all the time. And she seems to really dig down deep and ask the right questions.

Mace says if she does run for governor, one of her goals would be to enforce any executive orders from President Donald Trump.

Earlier in the week, Mace posted a brief message to her X account announcing visit to the city as she mulls running for the states highest office. A supporter of President Trump, Mace took aim at other potential GOP gubernatorial hopefuls in her X post  specifically Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson.

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Lieutenant governor, shes a really nice lady but unfortunately in six years now going on eight, the lieutenant governor really has no accomplishments, nothing to show for it, Mace said. Doesnt have an original idea. No ideas, no vigor, no fight.

Mace also had strong words for Wilson, echoing comments she made in Columbia earlier this week where she questioned his record on women and girls.

That guy, I have a lot to say about the attorney general in the coming days and weeks. He said on Monday night he was going to let his record speak for itself. I have a lot to say about his record, Mace said. He should be nowhere near running for governor in the state of South Carolina, not when I get done with him.

* * *

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Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here.

* * *

Adrianna Lawrence is a multimedia journalist at News13. Adrianna is originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and joined the News13 team in June 2023 after graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in May 2023. Keep up with Adrianna on Instagram, Facebook, and X, formerly Twitter. You can also read more of her work, here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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WASHINGTON D.C. (WTWO/WAWV) U.S. Senator Jim Banks of Indiana spoke Wednesday on several topics.

He began his first term as a U.S. Senator earlier in January 2025 after four terms serving in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Body of missing woman has been found

He says his goals in the Senate are to follow President Trumps goals. Those include securing the border, being tough on China, and creating more jobs.



According to Banks, when it comes to voting for or against a proposed law, he thinks about what would be best for Hoosiers and the rest of the country.



Right now, hes busy with confirmation hearings concerning Trumps cabinet nominees.

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States with most flu activity

Much of my time over the last three weeks in the senate has been filled with meeting with many of President Trumps nominees and then the confirmation hearings like Pete Hegseth who we confirmed to be the Secretary of Defense. This morning, I met with another nominee for the Pentagon. I serve on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said U.S. Senator Jim Banks (R) Indiana.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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The University of Alabama campus in Tuscaloosa. Professors and students at UA and the University of Alabama Birmingham, as well as civil rights groups are seeking a preliminary injunction against Alabamas SB 129, arguing that the law is unconstitutional. (Getty Images)

Professors, students and civil rights advocates filed a motion Thursday seeking a preliminary injunction against Alabamas SB 129, a law they claim imposes restrictions on discussions of race and gender in public universities.

The lawsuit was filed on Jan. 14 and brought by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Alabama, the Legal Defense Fund (LDF) and the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP on behalf of three University of Alabama professors and three University of Alabama in Birmingham students. It argues that the law violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments by restricting academic freedom and imposing vague prohibitions that chill free speech.

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This law undermines the fundamental mission of higher education and erodes students right to learn in an environment that fosters open dialogue, said Antonio Ingram, senior counsel for LDF, in a statement. SB 129 is at odds with the Constitutions protections of free speech and due process.

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The state had not filed a response as of early Thursday afternoon. A message was left with the Iveys office and the University of Alabama Board of Trustees.

The legislation, which took effect on Oct. 1, 2024, bans diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at public colleges and universities. It also prohibits teaching or advocating for what lawmakers deem divisive concepts related to race, sex, and systemic discrimination.

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The lawsuit claims that educators fear discipline or termination if they discuss topics that could be construed as advocating for banned concepts. Students, meanwhile, have seen funding cut for organizations that support Black and LGBTQIA communities.

Plaintiffs argue that SB 129 is overly broad and ambiguous, making it unclear what discussions are allowed. The law includes exemptions for objective teaching of history, but provides no definition of what constitutes objectivity, leading to self-censorship among faculty.

University of Alabama professor Cassandra Simon, who teaches a course on anti-oppression and social justice, said she has already faced threats of discipline for class discussions that included systemic inequality.

Students have also been directly impacted. The lawsuit notes that the Black Student Union and Safe Zone Resource Center, which provided support for LGBTQIA students, lost access to campus spaces and funding. Student leaders say the law has led to the dismantling of spaces intended to foster inclusion and support for marginalized communities.

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Alabama officials have defended the law, saying it ensures that taxpayer-funded institutions remain politically neutral and do not endorse controversial ideologies. Gov. Kay Iveys office has not yet commented on the injunction request.

The lawsuit draws parallels to legal challenges in Florida, where courts blocked enforcement of similar legislation under the states Stop W.O.K.E. Act. Plaintiffs argue that Alabamas SB 129 imposes similar unconstitutional restrictions on academic speech and student organizations.

Justice demands urgency, Alison Mollman, ACLU of Alabama legal director, said in a statement. Students and professors in our state have dealt with this unconstitutional law for several months and deserve to learn in a classroom that is free of censorship and racial discrimination.

The court had not scheduled a hearing on the motion for a preliminary injunction as of early Thursday afternoon.

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UCFs president will get a million-dollar, one-year contract extension after the Florida Board of Governors gave final approval to the deal at a meeting in Jacksonville on Thursday.

Alexander Cartwright, president of the University of Central Florida since March of 2020, was working on a contract set to expire in April. The extension means the contract runs through April 12, 2026 and raises his base salary from $750,000 to $900,000.

The extension was first approved by UCFs board of trustees in December. It also increases Cartwrights potential annual incentive bonus from $300,000 to $375,000, meaning he could earn up to $1.275 million next year.

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Cartwrights new contract puts him among the highest paid presidents in Floridas university system. The presidents at Florida State University, New College of Florida and the University of Florida also get paid over $1 million.

I do want to thank the state of Florida, our legislature, the governors office, everybody who has supported us in this vision of being Floridas premier engineering and technology university, Cartwright said after the board unanimously approved his new contract. It is the future. Its what we need to be doing for Florida.

Alex Martins, the chair of UCFs board of trustees and CEO of the Orlando Magic, attended Thursdays meeting with Cartwright. Martins said Cartwrights leadership was critical to UCFs continued success.

UCF is on an unprecedented upward trajectory, and we believe Dr. Cartwrights continued leadership is essential to maintaining that momentum, he said.

At the December meeting where UCFs board first approved the extension, it also gave Cartwright a $270,000 bonus.
Advanced manufacturing and materials technology company PTC Industries, on Thursday, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Odisha to establish an aerospace-grade titanium sponge manufacturing facility in the state. The company said in an exchange filing that the initiative will position PTC (and its subsidiary Aerolloy Technologies) as one of the very few companies in the world with an integrated titanium manufacturing value chain--spanning from the production of titanium sponge, titanium alloy ingots, forged billets, rolled bars, rods, sheets, plates, and precision castings. Titanium sponge is the fundamental raw material required for manufacturing titanium alloys, which are indispensable in aerospace, defence, and advanced industrial sectors. At present, only a handful of countries, including the United States, Russia, Kazakhstan and Japan, have the capability to produce aerospace-grade Titanium Sponge. India, despite having the third-largest reserves of Titanium ore in the world, has long been dependent on foreign nations for the production of Titanium Sponge and its downstream aerospace-grade products. The company said this places India at a significant strategic disadvantage, creating a dependency on international suppliers for critical defence and aerospace applications. With this initiative, PTC Industries and Aerolloy Technologies intend to place India in this elite group, securing an uninterrupted domestic supply of this strategic material. With the establishment of a titanium sponge manufacturing capability, PTC Industries will move further towards its vision of parity and global leadership in the production of critical metals and components for aerospace, defence, and high-performance industrial applications, the company added. Speaking on the occasion, Sachin Agarwal, Chairman & Managing Director of PTC Industries said, "This MoU signifies an important step towards strengthening India's Titanium industry. With Odisha's support and our technological expertise, we aim to build a fully integrated titanium manufacturing ecosystem that can cater to the evolving needs of global aerospace and defence industries. We appreciate the proactive efforts of the Government of Odisha in facilitating this opportunity and look forward to exploring the potential of this investment." The Government of Odisha has played a pivotal role in facilitating this strategic investment, offering a conducive industrial ecosystem, policy support, and infrastructure incentives. Odisha's rich natural resources, skilled workforce, and progressive policies have been instrumental in attracting high-value manufacturing projects. (ANI)
Its the sort of thing that shouldnt happen in a functional transport system: a Cornish couple saved 250 on their cross-country journey by choosing to fly via Malaga rather than take the train.

Kristina Coulson says that she and her husband were quoted more than 200 each to travel via train from Newquay to Crewe, where they needed to pick up a car.

Instead she says that the duo were able to fly from Newquay to Malaga, before flying back into Manchester the next day. They say that the whole trip cost them 153, including one night in a hotel.

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It isnt the first time that someone has been able to avoid sky-high rail fares by taking circuitous flights instead. So why does this keep happening?

Over the years, campaign groups like Transport and Environment have claimed that Britains rail fares are the steepest in Europe. But some experts  like travel blogger Mark Smith, who founded the blog The Man in Seat 61  say this isnt quite accurate.

Instead, he says that UK rail operators tend to be much more ruthless in their dynamic pricing models, utilising a similar approach to low-cost airlines. In short, that means that passengers who book on the day will pay a hefty premium.

In those circumstances, UK fares are generally higher than European equivalents. But those passengers who book weeks or months in advance will probably get a better deal than their peers on the continent.

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Of course, thats not much consolation when you need to take a short-notice train journey. But is it really cheaper to fly? Heres what our investigation unveiled.

London to Edinburgh  via Budapest

The Hungarian capital offers a direct connection between London and Edinburgh - Dagmar Schwelle/laif

Its one of the most popular long-distance rail routes in Britain, but it certainly isnt cheap for last-minute trips.

When I checked at 4pm on Monday afternoon, a seat on the 5pm train out of Kings Cross to Edinburgh was priced at 199.60, with later trains costing 150 or 130.

Was it cheaper to go with budget airlines? A quick search on Ryanairs website revealed that both London and Edinburgh had regular flights to and from Budapest, meaning I could connect via the Hungarian capital.

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Indeed Ryanair offered me a same-day flight at 7pm from Stansted to Budapest for 97.59, with a return flight to Edinburgh the next day available for 87.99  so a total of 185.58.

It was a small saving (14) that would inevitably be swallowed up by the costs of getting to the airport, let alone staying in Budapest. But would the picture be different if I had a bit more notice?

When I decided to check train prices for Friday evening, the same journey (5pm from Kings Cross to Edinburgh Waverley) was priced at 96.80.

Alternatively, Ryanair was offering a flight to Budapest for that evening for just 19.99, followed by a mid-morning flight to Edinburgh for 41. On the face of it, it was a much better saving this time around.

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But I still needed to factor in the cost of one nights accommodation. Not to mention that getting to Stansted on Friday afternoon required a lot more flexibility. If I could escape the office that early, then why not just get an earlier train to Edinburgh?

Indeed, leaving Kings Cross at midday reduced the train ticket to 78.90, slashing Ryanairs price advantage. But was it the same story for longer train journeys?

Bristol to Edinburgh  via Tenerife

Ryanair offers a flight from Bristol to Tenerife for just 16.99, followed by a second flight to Edinburgh for 29.43 - Neil Farrin

For another example, I looked at travelling between Bristol and Edinburgh  a whopping six-hour journey  on January 29.

Looking on Trainline in the afternoon of January 27, the peak ticket at 9am cost 106.30, though I could travel for a fraction of that (46) if I was prepared to wait just 35 minutes

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By contrast, Ryanair had a flight from Bristol to Tenerife for just 16.99, followed by a second flight to Edinburgh for 29.43. A decent saving on the peak prices, then.

Given the flights were morning and evening respectively, I could also do the detour without having to factor in hotels. The gap would give me just enough time to explore Tenerife.

Yes, it would still involve some extra costs  tapas and ice cream, perhaps  but wouldnt that be more pleasant than spending the best part of seven hours on a CrossCountry train?

Aberdeen to Bradford  via Gdansk

A Ryanair flight from Gdansk to Leeds Bradford costs as low as 14.25 - getty

A search on Trainline revealed that this particular journey would cost between 65 and 93.70, depending on which service you wanted to travel on.

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Looking on Ryanairs website, I was surprised to find that I would be better off taking the early-morning flight to the Polish city of Gdansk, before catching a return leg to Leeds Bradford Airport.

Together, both flights would cost just 59.24. Even better, the return leg was just 14.25  one of the cheapest single tickets Ive seen on Ryanair in ages.

London to Liverpool  via Marrakech

Save 41 on a trip from London to Liverpool by going via Marrakech - Alamy

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Fancy a city break in Liverpool? When I checked Trainline, I was offered a peak ticket from London to Liverpool tomorrow evening for 171.30.

Alternatively, Ryanair had flights for Marrakech from Stansted for 99.99 on the same day. I could then book a return to Liverpool the next morning for just 30.48.

A 41 saving wasnt to be sniffed at, but would it really persuade the average traveller to reroute their journey via Morocco? I wasnt convinced.

The verdict: are the savings really worth the hassle?

Thanks to low-cost airlines like Ryanair, it isnt hard to find instances where taking an international detour can be cheaper than relying on the railways.

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But the kind of big savings (100 upwards) that Kristina Coulson enjoyed only work if the alternative is taking the busiest peak train services without any kind of pre-planning.

Looking at tomorrows peak trains from Newport to Crewe, theres only one service with tickets over 200 (the 7.12am departure), with most of them priced at around 140. If you can wait until Friday, you can do the trip for 93.60.

Generally, the people who end up paying the larger ticket prices are those with less flexibility in the first place. Which means theyre less likely to have the time to take a quick detour via the Canary Islands or North Africa.

Still, its nice to know the option is there  if youre feeling spontaneous enough to make the most of it.

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LONDON (Reuters) - Britain has warned Rwanda that its involvement in an escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo could jeopardise the over $1 billion of aid it receives every year.

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels captured Goma, a city of 2 million people in the DRC, on Monday, ignoring widespread calls for them to halt their offensive and enact a ceasefire. They extended their advance on Wednesday.

Rwandan forces backed up M23 in Goma, according to Congo, the United States and other Western powers. Rwanda has denied its involvement.

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British foreign minister David Lammy told parliament on Tuesday Rwanda received over 1 billion dollars in global aid every year, including around 32 million pounds ($39.80 million) of bilateral UK assistance but "all of that is under threat when you attack your neighbours".

"We in this House are clear that we cannot have countries challenging the territorial integrity of other countries," Lammy said. "Just as we will not tolerate it in the continent of Europe, we cannot tolerate it wherever in the world it happens."

"We have to be clear about that," Lammy added.

This week's events represent the gravest escalation of the decades-old conflict in eastern Congo since 2012. The hostilities are rooted in the spillover of Rwanda's 1994 genocide into Congo and the struggle for control of Congo's lucrative minerals.

($1 = 0.8040 pounds)

(Reporting by Catarina Demony; Editing by Saad Sayeed)
A storied Ukrainian military drone unit said it has developed a way to counter an increasingly deadly weapon  Russian first-person view (FPV) drones that use fiber optic cables instead of radio waves to connect with their controllers, making them impervious to jamming and other forms of electronic warfare.

The Magyar Birds Brigade claims it has devised a system using mobile radars to provide early warning for incoming FPV drones several kilometers away. Once they detect the threat, the unit then launches its own drones to intercept the Russian ones before they can reach their targets.

 the first options for [the] detection and destruction [of Russian FPV fiber optic guided drones] exist and are already being used by the brigade, claimed its commander, Robert Brovdi, who uses the callsign Magyar.

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Brovdi posted a video on his Telegram channel purporting to show one of his drones destroying a Russian fiber-optic-guided FPV drone. Notable is the large spool on the back of the Russian drone. It contains an extremely thin but strong wire linking the drone with its controller. This capability has turned an already fearsome weapon into something much harder to defeat. Because their communications are not degraded when flying very low to the ground or even in structures, they can also hunt just feet off the ground and into enclosed areas as long as their data cable stays intact.

While Brovdi touts the system, he does not specify what kind of mobile radar his unit is using. It is likely a microwave radar system, like those that operate in Ku-band for counter drone applications. The radars short wavelength is optimized to sport small, relatively slow-moving drones. The drawback is that they have very limited range measured in just a handful of miles. So these sensors are great for detecting and tracking drones, but they dont provide much early warning and craft can move in and out of their detection range quickly. Still, if one of these radars can be pushed forward to the front, it could provide critical detection of incoming FPV drones over a defined area and a fix on where a rapidly reacting counter-FPV drone can find it.

The Magyar Birds system is the latest development in what has become a leap-frogging duel between Ukrainian and Russian FPV drones and countermeasures. As the FPV drones became more prominent on the battlefield, they now rival the importance of traditional artillery.

Both sides have also been using drones to take out other drones. This capability first emerged in the skies over Ukraine in October 2022 when a Ukrainian Mavic drone swatted down a Russian one. One of the first such battles was captured in this video you can see below.

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WW1-style duel. Ukrainan Mavic-drone, which we have delivered to one of the airborne units in Donetsk region, destroyes russian opponent. Amazing!

Pls support our Armed Forces: https://t.co/nw19NpRIN6 pic.twitter.com/2vaCBQINQK  Serhiy Prytula (@serhiyprytula) October 13, 2022

Last summer, videos emerged of Ukraine using its FPV drones to take out larger, more expensive Russian surveillance and strike drones. Today, Ukraine has multiple types of drones dedicated to hunting other drones, and Russia is developing and deploying similar systems. You can see one of those encounters in the following video.

 Interception of the  Russian UAV kamikaze "Lancet" using an FPV drone with air detonation. The work of the "Signum" unit of the  93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade. pic.twitter.com/Z4L6aVrY4H   MilitaryNewsUA  (@front_ukrainian) June 19, 2024

FPV drones hunting fiber-optic FPV drones in part takes advantage of the latters greatest advantage and turns it into a vulnerability. While the cables prevent them from being jammed, the extra weight of the large spools needed to operate over long distances slows them down and makes them less maneuverable. Thats something the Magyar Birds noted in the video the unit posted.

The size and weight of the spools used on fiber-optic-guided FPV drones make them slower and less maneuverable. (Magyar Birds Screenshot)

In his Telegram post, Brovdi urged Ukraine to rush mobile radars capable of detecting small drones to the front lines.

The army must promptly and massively re-equip with mobile versions of radars every 2-4 km of the front line and with calculations of conventional FPV fighters to destroy enemy FPVs intercepted by mobile radars on fiber optics, he suggested.

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These same radars are in extreme demand around the globe as the threat from drones even in peaceful areas explodes. They can even be found on super yachts. These same systems provide awareness of drone activities around military bases and other critical installations, and many of these types of locales still lack them.

Its also worth noting that these sensors, especially commercial grade ones, are vulnerable to detection and attack themselves as their emissions can be detected, triangulated and rapidly targeted. While deploying such sensors on land vehicles, from crewed to uncrewed ones, could help in terms of survivability, these systems will still be highly vulnerable.

Given that Ukraine is fighting across a 600-mile front in its own country plus the territory it is battling for in Russias Kursk region, it seems at best this could be used as a point-defense system to defend key areas or to help pave the way for limited advances, at least for now. Still, their need points to a near future where advanced counter-drone sensors will be absolutely critical wherever troops are present, and especially on an active battlefield.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
Somewhere in the streets of Russian-occupied Simferopol, the capital of Crimea, a woman puts a sticker on the wall. Its a short message, but if she is seen doing it, she will face arrest, prosecution, and likely, torture.

The message is: "Soon, we will be home again." On another sticker, the most dangerous three words in the occupied Crimea: "This is Ukraine."

What makes it even more risky for their bearer is the language. The words are in Ukrainian.

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The woman putting up the stickers is a member of Zla Mavka, an all-female resistance group. She is on a dangerous mission: to give hope.

In the occupied territories, hope is a prized commodity. As Russia's full-scale war is about to reach its grim third anniversary, its grip over one-fifth of Ukraine's territory has only grown tighter.

The prospects for full military liberation of the occupied regions  including Crimea and parts of the Donbas region occupied since 2014  seem ever more distant.

After seeing the liberation of the parts of Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Kherson oblasts in 2022, Ukrainians in other occupied areas have been hoping that their turn will come soon. Now they struggle to find comfort in the latest news.

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Nonetheless, Olesia, one of the three women who founded Zla Mavka, an all-women resistance movement that operates across occupied territories, including Crimea and Zaporizhzhia Oblast, says she plans to fight as long as possible. Olesias name has been changed and her last name is not being disclosed to protect her identity as she lives under Russian occupation.

"As long as there is hope, we will continue to resist," she told the Kyiv Independent.

The name, Zla Mavka, or Angry Mavka, harkens back to old Ukrainian folklore  the mavka is a woodland female spirit who uses its beautiful appearance to lure men to their deaths. An image of a young woman, clad in white garb and wearing a wreath of flowers, became the most iconic attribute of their imagery.

Mavkas are not easy to reach. Their members never know when a Russian soldier will stop them in the street to inspect the contents of their phones.

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Olesia sends her answers in writing through an intermediary. Audio or video is deemed too risky. Her responses are somber and free of embellishments.

"If we lose, we won't have a life here," she writes. "We will have to leave our homes because living under Russian occupation is worse than prison."

Read also: Opinion: Trading territories means trading people

Mavka cocktail

Olesia comes from a city in southeastern Ukraine that was seized by Russia mere days after the outbreak of the full-scale war.

After Moscow illegally declared the annexation of the lands they seized, hers and other cities under Russian control were to be remodeled into Potemkin villages  a veneer of a harmonious cohabitation covering up arrests, torture, and repressions.

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On Women's Day on March 8, 2023  more than a year after the start of the occupation  Russian troops were lined up in the city's streets to dutifully hand out flowers to Ukrainian women. The gesture had a different effect than Russia might have hoped.

It was the "insolence of Russian occupiers and their attitudes toward women" that inspired the founding of Zla Mavka, Olesia explains.

"We wanted to remind them that they are not at home, that this is Ukraine, and they are not welcome," she says.

"We wanted to remind them that they are not at home, that this is Ukraine, and they are not welcome."

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The trio of founders, one of whom is an artist, began distributing posters bearing an inscription in Russian reading "I don't want flowers! I want my Ukraine back!" and a drawing of a woman smashing a Russian soldier with a bouquet.

Since these early days, the movement grew to hundreds of activists, forming a decentralized group coordinated through anonymous chatbots on a messenger app. The group spread to different occupied regions and became especially active in Crimea, with a few members hailing even from Donbas.

Zla Mavka may be only one of several resistance groups that sprung up in Russian-held areas, including the Yellow Ribbon and Atesh. But its all-female character and the use of humor and creativity sets it apart from others.

Art created by Zla Mavka, a Ukrainian all-female resistance movement operating across Russian-occupied territories. (Zla Mavka)

Creativity is the group's greatest strength, Olesia says, half-jokingly suggesting that women can be more sophisticated in the ways of resistance than their male counterparts.

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Among the many acts of resistance since the foundation of the group, Mavkas say they created fake ruble banknotes reminding the Russians that "Crimea is Ukraine," burned Russian flags, and filled the streets with pro-Ukrainian graffiti, posters, and poetry. At times, they say they mix laxatives into food and alcohol served to Russian soldiers, a treat they mischievously dubbed the "Mavka cocktail."

Their activities also venture into more usual resistance activities, including the distribution of self-published newspapers to counter Russian propaganda or  according to the Ukrainian military-run National Resistance Center  passing information about the Russian military to Ukraine.

But Olesia emphasizes that Zla Mavka is more than just a resistance group. It has become a source of support for Ukrainians amid the hardship of occupation  a community where anonymity is no obstacle to connection.

Read also: Inside occupied Ukraines most effective resistance movements

Omnipresent fear

"It's disgusting, nauseating," Olesia says as she describes what she feels seeing Russian soldiers in the streets of her hometown every day.

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"It's especially difficult when you have to talk to them. You want to say everything you think about them, scratch out their faces, I don't know what but you have to be discreet and not reveal anything."

The Mavka diaries, vividly illustrated stories written by individual members and published by the group on social media, present poignant accounts of life under Russian war and occupation.

"We held on to the last moment but had to leave for Zaporizhzhia," reads one of the diaries, published in February 2024. "My husband stayed in Mariupol. Forever. My heart remained there, right in the yard of our house that we had been building with love for so long. We buried him in our yard.

Omnipresent fear and suppression of Ukrainian identity have become eponymous with the Russian occupation.

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Ukrainian citizens are denied medical care unless they accept Russian passports. Men are forcibly drafted to fight against their own country. The Ukrainian identity of children is being erased in schools before they're sent off to "patriotic" military training camps.

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"I have never felt so much fear in my life as I do now. Being under occupation, I constantly feel in danger; I fear for my life. I am afraid that they will come for me and imprison me for supporting Ukraine. I am afraid that they will torture me. I am afraid that I will never see my son," reads another passage from a Mavka from Starobilsk, a city in Luhansk Oblast occupied since March 2022.

"I am afraid that they will come for me and imprison me for supporting Ukraine. I am afraid that they will torture me."

Even for those who do not plant bombs under railway tracks or report the movement of Russian troops to Ukrainian authorities, the realities of the occupation are unavoidable and deeply personal. Displaying Ukrainian symbols is punished, and people are afraid to speak the Ukrainian language.

It is in the acts of resistance, great or small, that Ukrainians find strength while living under occupation.

"You feel that you are doing something for which you will not be ashamed to look your children in the eyes, that you are helping, that you did not break," Olesia explains.

But every time, it is as scary as the first time, she admits, using a common Ukrainian saying that translates to: "The eyes are scared, but the hands are doing."

The fate of millions

At the time when Zla Mavka was founded, the hope felt across Ukraine was palpable. Not only were Russian forces humiliated in Kyiv Oblast, but Ukrainian counteroffensives in the fall of 2022 liberated dozens of towns and villages in Kherson and Kharkiv oblasts, including the city of Kherson.

But then a new counteroffensive, the long-awaited one that was meant to cut into Russian lines in Zaporizhzhia Oblast in the summer of 2023, didnt succeed.

Since then, the front line has been moving in Russias favor, with Ukraine suffering a series of painful losses in the eastern Donetsk Oblast.

Both Kyiv and its Western partners now acknowledge that a liberation of Ukrainian land by force of arms is unlikely in the near future. As U.S. officials propose ceasefire deals that would leave millions of Ukrainians under Russian occupation, hopelessness is creeping in.

Read also: As Russians inch closer to Pokrovsk, civilians in the area are left with a choice  stay under fire or leave life behind

"It's scary. People are thinking about options of what to do if it happens," Olesia says of a ceasefire that would leave the occupied lands under Russian control.

"Many people despair, many are trying to decide how to live (under the occupation)."

News from the front line brings no comfort as well, as Russia continues to raze and capture new villages, one by one.

"Sometimes it seems that behind all those headlines about territories and kilometers, some forget that these are all people, lives, homes, destinies," Olesia says.

An artwork depicting stories of people in occupied territories, submitted to Zla Mavka. (Zla Mavka)

As its capturing more Ukrainian land, Russia is also tightening its grasp on the occupied territories, according to Olesia. The occupation administration has ramped up surveillance, with increasingly common security checks and more cameras in the streets.

Even the initial advantage that Mavka held  that Russian soldiers would not suspect women to be resistance members  has lost its edge as the occupiers grow more careful, Olesia says.

It is hard enough to fight against overwhelming odds in constant fear. It is harder still when hope is in short supply. In spite of this, the Mavkas fight on.

Talking about what keeps her motivated, Olesia says laconically, "Somebody has to do it. It just happens to be us."

Although layered with melancholy, her messages reveal a sense of purpose and perseverance.

"The power is in the people. Each of us has the power to do something to help this world, from a leaflet to big decisions in the world's seats of power," she says in a message from occupied Ukraine to the free world.

"We are here, and despite everything, we continue to resist because evil must not win. Please fight with us and for us."

Note from the author:

Hi, this is Martin Fornusek.

With our team, we strive to bring you true stories of the Ukrainian resistance, of the bravery of Ukrainian men and women like Olesia defying Russian occupation for so many years. We wouldn't be able to do so without the support of readers like you. To help us continue in this work, please consider becoming a member of the Kyiv Independent's community.

Thank you very much.

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Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) has identified four Russian generals and one colonel responsible for the deadly attack on a hypermarket in Kharkiv, the agency reported on Jan. 30.

The attack on the Epicenter hypermarket was carried out with guided aerial bombs on May 25. It killed 19 people, including two children, and injured 46 others. A third bomb, which did not detonate, was later found at the site.

According to the investigation, Russian forces used Su-34 bombers to launch three UMPB D-30SN guided bombs at the hypermarket.

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The SBU identified Colonel-General Alexander Lapin, commander of Russia's North military group, as the official who ordered the strike. His chief of staff, Lieutenant General Valery Solodchuk, planned out the attack, according to the SBU.

Read also: 19 killed, 54 injured as rescue operations after Kharkiv hypermarket attack end

Three more officers were allegedly involved in the planning and execution:

Lieutenant General Oleg Makovetsky , commander of the 6th Army of the Russian Air Force;

Major General Yury Podoplelov , chief of staff of the 6th Army of the Russian Air Force;

Colonel Alexey Loboda, commander of the 47th Bomber Aviation Regiment.

The SBU charged all five officers in absentia with violating the laws and customs of war, resulting in loss of life, committed by prior conspiracy.

Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city located just over 20 kilometers from the Russian border, remains particularly vulnerable to Russia's guided bombs. Due to the city's proximity to Russia, Russian aircraft can strike at Kharkiv from within their own airspace.

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Read also: Russias primitive glide bombs are still outmatching Ukraines air defenses, killing more civilians

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On 30 January, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry summoned Slovak Ambassador Pavel Vizdal to formally express its "strong rejection" of statements made by Bratislava concerning Ukraine's alleged interference in Slovakia's internal affairs.

Source: European Pravda, citing a statement from Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Details: During a meeting with the Slovak ambassador, Deputy Foreign Minister Oleksandr Mishchenko expressed his "deep disappointment" that Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico "currently acts as the speaking trumpet of the Kremlin" and "resorts to illogical actions".

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He added that Bratislava's actions are unacceptable, cause significant harm to the countries bilateral relations and undermine "the unity of the European Union and the Euro-Atlantic community in countering the aggressor state".

Mishchenko also described the Slovak government's attempts to maintain its dependence on Russian energy supplies as unacceptable.

"Official Bratislava is urged to stop this policy and revert to a constructive dialogue and the development of good neighbourly relations between our countries and peoples," the statement noted.

Background:

The Slovak Foreign Ministry summoned Ukrainian Ambassador Myroslav Kastran following Kyiv's criticism of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

This comes amid a deterioration in bilateral relations between Kyiv and Bratislava after Ukraine stopped the transit of Russian gas through its territory, including to Slovakia.

Fico has labelled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy an "enemy" of Slovakia and expressed anger over Zelenskyy's support for mass anti-government protests in the country.

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(Reuters) - Ukraine's foreign ministry summoned Slovakia's ambassador in Kyiv on Thursday to reject accusations that it is meddling in its neighbour's internal affairs and to accuse Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico of being a "mouthpiece" for Russia.

Kyiv and Bratislava have been at odds for weeks over Ukraine's decision not to extend a deal for Russian gas transit to Europe that expired at the end of December.

Kyiv's tit-for-tat move came a day after Slovakia's foreign ministry said it had summoned the Ukrainian ambassador in Bratislava to protest against Ukrainian comments criticising Fico that it said amounted to interference in Slovak affairs.

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Ukraine's foreign ministry said in a statement it had expressed to Slovakia's envoy deep disappointment that Fico was "acting as a mouthpiece for the Kremlin".

It also called on Slovakia, a member of the European Union and NATO, to return to constructive dialogue.

Ukraine and Slovakia have exchanged a series of strongly-worded accusations in recent weeks.

Ukraine's foreign ministry said on Wednesday that Fico had been "poisoned by Russian propaganda". Earlier, Fico called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy an "enemy" of Slovakia due to the gas transit dispute, according to Slovak media.

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Fico demanded that Russian gas flows to Europe via Ukraine be resumed. Kyiv says doing so would help the Kremlin to finance its almost three-year-old war against Ukraine.

(Reporting by Yuliia Dysa; Editing by Gareth Jones)
Key developments on Jan. 30:

Rescue operations end in Sumy with 9 killed, 13 injured after Russian drone attack on residential building

Sweden unveils its largest military aid package for Ukraine worth $1.2 billion

Lithuania open to sending peacekeepers to Ukraine, chief commander says

Russia's Soviet-era military stockpile running low, faces equipment shortages, media reports

A Russian drone struck a residential building in the northeastern city of Sumy overnight on Jan. 30, killing nine people and injuring 13 others, the Interior Ministry reported.

Search and rescue operations at the site of the Russian attack concluded later in the evening.

Russia launched a total of 81 attack and decoy drones against Ukraine on the night of Jan. 30, the Air Force reported. Ukraine's air defense shot down 37 of them, while 39 more disappeared from radars before reaching targets.

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A Shahed-type attack drone hit the multistory building in Sumy shortly after midnight local time, Governor Volodymyr Artiukh said.

Two couples were killed in the attack: A 74-year-old man and his 69-year-old wife and a 65-year-old man and a 64-year-old woman, local authorities reported.

Some of the injured victims have been hospitalized and are reported to be in serious condition. Among the injured are an eight-year-old child and an 18-year-old man.

Videos posted of the attack show significant damage to the building, seemingly between the sixth and seventh floors of the building. Authorities later said that 12 balconies were destroyed in the attack.

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Read also: 13 injured, including children, in Russian attack on Kramatorsk

Sweden unveils its largest military aid package for Ukraine worth $1.2 billion

Sweden will provide Ukraine with a military aid package worth over $1.2 billion, Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson announced on Jan. 30.

It is Sweden's largest tranche of military assistance since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, according to Johnson.

The package includes 16 CB90 combat boats with weapons stations, a million rounds of 12.7 mm ammunition, 146 trucks, 1,500 TOW anti-tank missiles, as well as 200 AT4 anti-tank launchers.

About $90 million will be allocated for the production of long-range missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles, Johnson said.

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Donations from the Swedish Armed Forces' stockpiles will account for roughly 25% of the package, while around 45% will be used for investment in defense production.

"This can be directed towards prioritized needs, such as artillery, long-range strike abilities and drones. A short delivery time is important," the minister said.

Under the new package, $178 million will be allocated for the so-called Danish model of funding for Ukraine's defense production.

Other funds will also be allocated for the training of Ukrainian soldiers in 2025, as well as the repair and maintenance of the equipment already donated by Sweden.

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Read also: Has Chasiv Yar fallen? No, say experts, OSINT analysts, military officials

Lithuania open to sending peacekeepers to Ukraine, chief commander says

Lithuania will likely consider deploying military personnel to Ukraine for a potential peacekeeping mission, Lithuanian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Raimundas Vaiksnoras said on Jan. 30, according to the LRT broadcaster.

"If you ask whether Lithuania could (send peacekeepers to Ukraine), yes, we will probably consider it. There will be a discussion, and I think we should also take responsibility for European stability," Vaiksnoras told the Ziniu radio.

His remarks come amid ongoing discussions among Western countries about the possible deployment of peacekeeping forces to Ukraine if a ceasefire is agreed upon with Russia.

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Earlier reports from The Wall Street Journal indicated that U.S. President Donald Trumps team is weighing a plan to delay Ukraine's NATO membership by at least 20 years in exchange for continued Western arms supplies and the deployment of European peacekeepers to monitor a ceasefire.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said on Jan. 18 that Germany may consider contributing forces to such a mission, while U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed on Jan. 16 that he had discussed the matter with President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Moscow has strongly opposed the idea.

Read also: Ukrainian defense tech company Huless raises over $1 million for tethered drone systems

Russia's Soviet-era military stockpile running low, faces equipment shortages, media reports

Russia has depleted much of its Soviet-era military-industrial stockpile, with remaining equipment in poor condition, independent media outlet The Insider reported on Jan. 28.

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The Russian military has lost more than half of its available equipment, and unless an unexpected shift occurs, hostilities could gradually fade by late 2025 or early 2026 due to a shortage of tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery, the publication claims.

The Insider reported that both Russian and Ukrainian forces are primarily losing Soviet-era equipment, with Russian losses now accounting for about 50% of its total stock. Much of the remaining equipment in storage is in poor technical condition, making it unlikely to be repaired and deployed to the front lines.

The number of combat-ready vehicles Russia could still send to the front is estimated at around 2,000 tanks, 2,000 infantry fighting vehicles (BMPs), and 3,000 armored personnel carriers (APCs).

Moscow is also reportedly facing production limitations. The only infantry fighting vehicle in large-scale production remains the BMP-3, with 463 units produced in 2023. Modern BTR-82 armored personnel carrier production is estimated at 300400 units annually.

Note from the author:

Ukraine War Latest is put together by the Kyiv Independent news desk team, who keep you informed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you value our work and want to ensure we have the resources to continue, join the Kyiv Independent community.

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Read also: For Ukraines female partisans in occupation, hope lies in resistance

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Maryna Bezrukova has overturned the decision to remove her name from the state enterprise register as director of the Defense Procurement Agency (DPA), the agency said on Jan. 30.

The DPA once again emphasized that legally, Bezrukova remains the head of the agency as her contract was extended by the supervisory board, despite the Defense Ministry's attempt to override the decision.

The question of Bezrukova's contract extension has grown into one of the biggest wartime scandals in Ukraine, with activists saying that the Defense Ministry's actions are underminig Ukraine's crucial defense procurement reform.

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On Jan. 24, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced that he decided to suspend Bezrukova and appoint Arsen Zhumadilov, head of the State Rear Operator (DOT), as her replacement, overriding the DPA's supervisory board. DOT is another state agency tasked with providing non-lethal defense procurement.



On Jan. 25, Bezrukova's name was removed from a state register and replaced by Zhumadilov.



"Bezrukova has been the acting director of the Defense Procurement Agency since February 1, 2024. These powers have not been terminated," the agency wrote on Jan. 30, confirming that Bezrukova's name has returned to the register.



The ministry only temporarily suspended Bezrukova while she undergoes an audit, following Umerovs allegations that the agencys results were poor. Therefore, the amendments to the register replacing her with Zhumadilov are unlawful, said Vitaliy Shabunin, co-founder of the Anti-Corruption Action Center (ANTAC).



After the initial amendment was publicized by ANTAC on Jan. 27, Zhumadilovs position in the state registry was changed to "temporary director." It was changed a third time on Jan. 29, to again list Bezrukova as the director after she submitted the necessary documents to the notary.



Although officially it is not known who ordered the change, ANTAC believes it to be the Defense Ministry alongside the controversial Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak to legitimize Zhumadilov as the new director and subsequently cement the ministrys control of the agency.



It's like a classic hostile takeover, Tetiana Shevchuk, a lawyer at ANTAC, told the Kyiv Independent.



They just want to take over, take the governance and the management (of the agency) into their hands, and quickly do something.

Read also: Procurement for Ukrainian forces may be blocked due to legal conflict, Defense Procurement Agencys head says

Shabunin noted that the private notary agent, Andriy Lihun, who signed the changes on Jan. 25 is a volunteer of the NGO "Union of TV and Film Industry Entrepreneurs," founded by Yermak, a former film producer. The latter may be the force behind the change, Shabunin said on Facebook.



Due to the DPAs vast budget, over $7 billion annually, Yermak likely wants to influence the agency, Shevchuk told the Kyiv Independent.



The Kyiv Independent reached out to Yermak and the Defense Ministry but did not receive a response at the time of publication.



Umerovs decision to override the DPA supervisory board's vote sparked accusations of unlawful behavior and calls for his removal. According to Ukrainian law, supervisory boards have the authority to unilaterally hire and fire the heads of state enterprises.



Bezrukova previously told the Kyiv Independent that she intends to stay in her position.



On Jan. 27, ambassadors of the Group of Seven (G7) countries called for a swift resolution and urged uninterrupted continuation of weapons procurement. They also stressed the importance of adhering to governance standards.



On Jan. 28, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) launched a criminal investigation into the potential abuse of power and office by Umerov.

Read also: Defense Ministry must resolve procurement agencies issues by February, Deputy PM says

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New Delhi [India], January 30: Paramatrix Technologies Limited (NSE: PARAMATRIX), a leading technology solutions provider, is pleased to announce the signing of a three-year contract with a National-level Market Infrastructure Institution in the Indian Commodities Market for Application Development and Maintenance (ADM) engagement.

The contract, which spans from January 2025 to March 2028, has a total estimated value of Rs 5.41 Cr. The agreement highlights Paramatrix'sexpertise in delivering high-quality, scalable, and reliable IT solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of its clients. This engagement reinforces Paramatrix's commitment to driving digital transformation for organizations and reflects its growing footprint in the technology landscape.

Commenting on the development Mukesh Thumar, Founder, MD & CE0 of Paramatrix Technologies Limited said: "We are thrilled to partner with this National-level Market Infrastructure Institution in the Indian Commodities Market for their Application Development and Maintenance initiatives. This strategic collaboration reflects our commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology solutions that align with our client's business goals."

"With our proven expertise and client-centric approach, we aim to enhance the institution's operational capabilities and support their vision for growth and innovation. This partnership reaffirms our position as a trusted IT partner in the industry, and we look forward to contributing meaningfully to their success over the next three years."

(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)
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry summoned Slovak Ambassador Pavel Vizdal on Jan. 30 to express its rejection of Bratislava's claims that Kyiv is interfering in Slovakia's internal affairs.

This comes amid tensions between Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Fico, who maintains friendly ties with Russia, has escalated threats against Kyiv following the termination of Russian gas transit via Ukrainian territory on Jan. 1. In his remarks on Jan. 28, Fico called Zelensky "the enemy" of Slovakia.

Ukraine expressed "deep disappointment" over Fico's statements, accusing him of acting as "the Kremlin's mouthpiece" while ignoring Slovakia's EU membership. The Foreign Ministry warned that this undermines relations between the two countries and damages EU unity.

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Earlier on Jan. 29, the Slovak Foreign Ministry summoned Ukrainian Ambassador Myroslav Kastran, delivering a "strong protest" against what it called Ukrainian interference in Slovakia's internal affairs.

Just days before, Zelensky voiced support for protests against Fico's government, writing on X, "Bratislava is not Moscow, Slovakia is Europe."

The protests, which kicked off on Jan. 24 under the slogan "Slovakia is Europe," saw around 100,000 people across 30 cities demanding an end to Fico's leadership.

Fico has earlier threatened to limit aid to Ukrainians and cut electricity supplies amid an energy crisis caused by Russian attacks on Ukraine's power grid.

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The prime minister's friendly stance toward the Kremlin, including a controversial meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in December, has drawn condemnation from European leaders.

Read also: Georgescu has masters in Moscow  Kyiv slams Romanian politician over comments on Ukraines partition

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has confirmed that consular support is being provided to a Ukrainian citizen detained in Slovakia. The Ukrainian embassy has also reached out to Slovak authorities regarding the grounds for the detention.

Source: Interfax-Ukraine, citing Ukraine's Foreign Ministry press service, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The ministry stated that they are aware of the situation regarding the detention. The Ukrainian embassy has established contact with the detainee and their family, providing consular support. The detainee also has a private lawyer.

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Quote from the ministry: "We insist on the need for the Slovak side to respect the legal rights and interests of the Ukrainian citizen. The Ukrainian embassy in Slovakia has already contacted the competent Slovak authorities to clarify the grounds for the detention."

Background:

On 30 January, Slovak Police Chief Jana Maskarova announced that a Ukrainian citizen would be expelled from the country due to a secret report by the Slovak Intelligence Service (SIS) alleging the preparation of a "coup detat".

The confidential report, presented last week, claims a long-term organised influence operation aimed at destabilising Slovakia.

In light of this, as well as ongoing large-scale anti-government protests, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has suggested that a "Maidan" is being prepared in the country and has accused Ukraine of involvement.

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Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has commented on remarks made by Calin Georgescu, a far-right pro-Russian Romanian politician, and stressed that they are a manifestation of extreme disrespect for Ukraine.

Source: European Pravda, citing Heorhii Tykhyi, spokesperson for Ukraine's Foreign Ministry, in a statement

Details: Tykhyi emphasised that Georgescus remarks, which questioned Ukraine's territorial integrity, were a clear display of extreme disrespect towards the country and its people. In his controversial statement, Georgescu referred to Ukraine as a fictitious state and suggested that its division among neighbouring countries was inevitable.

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Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs considers such remarks to be utterly unacceptable. The ministry condemned "revisionist rhetoric or actions that encroach on Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, contradict international norms, the UN Charter and basic democratic values".

"Against the backdrop of such remarks, Calin Georgescu's attempts to position himself as an 'independent' politician look preposterous: the points he makes are completely identical to those of Russian propaganda, which indicates complete dependence on his masters in Moscow," the Foreign Ministry stressed.

Tykhyi pointed out that despite Georgescu's remarks, Ukraine firmly believes it is in the Romanian government's best interest, as well as in the interest of the Romanian people, to work towards a comprehensive, just and sustainable peace in Ukraine, fostering development between the two countries in peace, security and prosperity.

"We remind you that such a development does not align with the goals of the Kremlin and its puppets," the Foreign Ministry stated.

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At the same time, Tykhyi added that Ukraine values the fact that Romania and its people have been firmly supporting Ukraine since the onset of Moscow's full-scale war.

Background:

Earlier, Georgescu had stated that if he were to win, he would impose a ban on the continued export of Ukrainian grain through Romania and halt further military aid to Ukraine.

Georgescu remains the leading candidate in the upcoming repeat presidential election set for May.

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The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has gathered evidence implicating Russia's military command in orchestrating an airstrike on Kharkiv's civilian infrastructure on 25 May 2024.

Source: SSU; Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor's Office

Details: Russian forces dropped two guided aerial bombs on an Epicentr home improvement hypermarket in the city of Kharkiv.

The Russian attack left 19 local residents dead and 46 others with injuries of varying severity. The hypermarket building and its warehouses were utterly destroyed.

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Ukrainian law enforcement has determined that the order to carry out the airstrike on Kharkiv was issued by Colonel-General Alexander Lapin, commander of the Sever (North) group of the Russian Armed Forces.

Following the order, the group's chief of staff, Lieutenant General Valeriy Solodchuk, organised the preparation of the airstrike plan.

Three more of Lapin's subordinates were also involved in the planning and execution of the bombardment, namely:

Lieutenant General Oleg Markovetsky, Commander of the 6th Army of Russia's Air Force and Air Defence Forces;

Major General Yuri Podoplelov, Chief of Staff of the 6th Army of the Russian Air Force;

Colonel Alexei Loboda, Commander of the 47th Bomber Aviation Regiment of the 6th Army of the Russian Air Force.

The Russians deployed Su-34 bombers to carry out the attack, launching three D-30SN UMPB bombs on the Kharkiv hypermarket.

Two of the bombs struck the civilian building, while the third fell near the shopping centre but failed to explode.

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Based on the collected evidence, SSU investigators issued notices of suspicion in absentia on all five defendants for violating the laws and customs of war, resulting in the deaths of civilians, committed by a group acting in concert.

The prosecutor's office said the issue of putting the suspects on the wanted list is currently being decided.

Background: At around 16:00 on 25 May 2024, Russian forces conducted a deliberate large-scale airstrike on the Epicentr hypermarket in the Kyivskyi district of Kharkiv. The attack claimed the lives of 19 people, including two children: a 12-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy. More than 50 people sustained injuries, including contusions and acute stress reactions.

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A Ukrainian court has frozen the assets of Russian businessman Oleg Deripaska worth Hr 2.1 billion (nearly $50 million), the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced on Jan. 29.

Deripaska, formerly Russia's richest man and founder of the Basic Element industrial group and the Rusal aluminum company, was sanctioned by the U.S. in 2018 and the U.K. in 2022 following Russia's full-scale invasion. Ukraine nationalized some of Deripaska's business assets already in February 2023.

In the latest move, the court immobilized a large consignment of industrial products and raw materials stored in the warehouses of the Mykolaiv Alumina Plant, which the Russian oligarch previously owned. The consignment included almost 500,000 tons of bauxite and alumina produced before the outbreak of full-scale war, the SBU said.

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The seized materials were the main component to produce aluminum at Deripaska's Russian Rusal plants, according to the SBU.

Deripaska owned these assets through a subsidiary registered in a European Union country. The company was a formal customer of the plant's products, which were then re-exported to Deripaska's Russian enterprises. In 2023, Ukrainian law enforcement authorities blocked the shipment of raw materials.

Deripaska reportedly manufactures products for the Russian military-industrial complex, including components for Iskander ballistic missiles, drones, and radar systems.

In February 2024, the SBU charged Deripaska in absentia with financing actions aimed at overthrowing Ukraine's constitutional order, seizing state power, and changing Ukraine's state border.

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Since 2018, Deripaska has been under U.S. sanctions as a person close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who finances his projects.

Following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the billionaire was also stripped of his Cypriot citizenship, which he received in 2017.

Read also: Trumps stance on Ukraine, Russia  what we know from his first week in office

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The police in Slovakia detained a Ukrainian citizen on Jan. 30 suspected of preparing a coup in the country, Slovak media Aktuality reported.



The Ukrainian is being held in the border police office ahead of his deportation to Ukraine, according to Jana Mashkarova, the head of the Slovak police. She did not specify when the Ukrainian could be deported.

The news comes as relations between Kyiv and Bratislava have become increasingly tense this month. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who maintains friendly ties with Russia, recently called President Volodymyr Zelensky an "enemy" of Slovakia, while Ukraine's Foreign Ministry called Fico "the Kremlin's mouthpiece" in response.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry told Babel media outlet that the Ukrainian, born in 1966, is accused of "threatening the national security" of Slovakia.

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The embassy has established contact with the detainee and his family, the ministry said.

Slovak opposition lawmaker Juraj Krupa suggested that the case may be trumped-up. If the detainee's intentions to organize a coup in Slovakia were true, he would not have acted alone and in a "top secret manner," the lawmaker said, as quoted by Slovak media.

Richard Gluck, chairman of Slovakia's Internal Security Committee who is a member of Fico's party, said that more information is expected from the country's Interior Ministry on the suspect's potential accomplices.

Earlier on Jan. 30, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry summoned Slovak Ambassador Pavel Vizdal on Jan. 30 to express its rejection of Bratislava's claims that Kyiv is interfering in Slovakia's internal affairs.

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A day before, the Slovak Foreign Ministry summoned Ukrainian Ambassador to Bratislava Myroslav Kastran after Kyiv criticized Fico for wanting to continue Russian gas supplies to Slovakia.

Days before, Fico claimed that Ukraine was connected to a cyberattack on Slovakia's national insurance company, which Kyiv rejected.

Fico, a pro-Russian politician who has long opposed military aid to Ukraine, has escalated threats against Kyiv following the termination of Russian gas transit via Ukrainian territory on Jan. 1.

He has threatened to limit aid to Ukrainians and cut off electricity supplies amid an energy crisis brought on by Russia's relentless attacks against Ukraine's power grid.

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Read also: Zelensky backs Slovak protests as Fico criticizes opposition, organizers

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The Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in Russias Rostov Oblast has suspended operations following attacks that damaged its equipment.

Source: Andrii Kovalenko, Head of the Centre for Countering Disinformation at Ukraines National Security and Defence Council, on Telegram

Quote: "In 2024, it [the refinery  ed.] processed, by various estimates, up to 3 million tonnes of oil, although it has the capacity to process 7.5 million tonnes. However, attacks prevented it from operating at full capacity."

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Details: Kovalenko stated that equipment at the refinery was damaged, and it is currently unable to resume operations.

Background:

On 13 March 2024, drones of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) attacked the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery for the first time, causing the suspension of the facility's operations.

On the night of 5-6 June 2024, a series of explosions rocked the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in Russias Rostov Oblast, causing a fire.

On the night of 18-19 December 2024, Russia's Rostov Oblast was allegedly targeted by seven drones. A fire at the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery was later reported on social media.

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The Saint Petersburg City Court sentenced 29-year-old Ukrainian citizen Ivan Zabavskyi to 11 years in a high-security penal colony after convicting him of espionage.

Source: Mediazone, a Russian news outlet

Quote: "Zabavskyi was arrested in June 2023 while living in Kharkiv. His mother, Maryna Zabavska, remained in the village of Tavilzhanka [Kupiansk district  ed.] in Kharkiv Oblast after the Russian invasion of Ukraine began."

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Details: Reports indicate Maryna Zabavska's sister was killed in an attack. As Russian forces approached the village, the woman decided to flee to Russia. Her son Ivan was unable to reach her due to a lack of communication in Tavilzhanka.

To find his mother, Ivan travelled to the village as a lorry driver delivering humanitarian aid, since other vehicles were not allowed into the frontline area. After that, he disappeared, and the village fell under Russian occupation.

Local residents told Maryna Zabavska that they had seen her son being taken by Russian soldiers.

In May 2023, the Russian Defence Ministry informed Maryna that her son was in Russia and had been detained "for opposing the special military operation" [Russian propaganda term for the war in Ukraine  ed.].

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In the summer of 2024, it was revealed that Ivan had been charged with espionage, and a Russian court had begun hearings into his case. The proceedings were held in closed session, and the prosecutor sought a 13-year sentence for Zabavskyi.

Background:

In February 2024, the Russia-controlled "Supreme Court of the Donetsk People's Republic" sentenced 33 Ukrainian servicemen to between 27 and 29 years in a maximum-security penal colony. The servicemen are from the 36th Marine Brigade of the Ukrainian Navy and the 17th Tank Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

In November, the Russians sentenced eight Ukrainian marines on charges of "attacking" Mariupol.

In December 2024, Russian authorities sentenced a man to 22 years in prison for blowing up railway tracks in Crimea in the summer of 2023.

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By Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday demanded that 2,500 children be immediately evacuated from Gaza for medical treatment after meeting with U.S. doctors who said the children were at imminent risk of death in the coming weeks.

The four doctors had all volunteered in Gaza during the 15-month-long war between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas that has devastated the enclave of more than 2 million people and its healthcare system.

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Just days before a ceasefire began on Jan. 19, the World Health Organization said more than 12,000 patients were waiting for medical evacuations and it had hoped they could be ramped up during the truce.

Among those patients urgently needing treatment are 2,500 children, said Feroze Sidhwa, a California trauma surgeon who worked in Gaza from March 25 to April 8 last year.

"There's about 2,500 children who are at imminent risk of death in the next few weeks. Some are dying right now. Some will die tomorrow. Some will die the next day," Sidhwa told reporters after meeting with Guterres.

"Of those 2,500 kids, the vast majority need very simple things done," he said, citing the case of a 3-year-old boy who suffered burns to his arm. The burns had healed, but the scar tissue was slowly cutting off blood flow, leaving him at risk of amputation, said Sidhwa.

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Ayesha Khan, an emergency doctor at Stanford University Hospital, worked in Gaza from the end of November until Jan. 1. She spoke about many children with amputations, who had no prosthetics or rehabilitation.

She held up a photo of two young sisters with amputations, who were sharing a wheelchair. They were orphaned in the attack that injured them and Khan said: "Their only chance for survival is to be medically evacuated."

"Unfortunately, the current security restrictions don't allow for children to travel with more than one caregiver," she said. "Their caregiver is their aunt, who has a baby that she is breast-feeding."

"So even though we were able to, with great difficulty, get evacuation set up for them, they won't let the aunt take her baby with her. So the aunt has to choose between the baby she's breast-feeding and the lives of her two nieces."

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CLEAR PROCESS

The doctors said they are advocating for a centralized process for medical evacuations with clear guidelines.

"Under this ceasefire agreement, there is supposed to be a mechanism in place for medical evacuations. We've still not seen that process spelled out," said Thaer Ahmad, an emergency room doctor from Chicago, who worked in Gaza in January 2024.

Khan said there was no process in place to get the children out, adding: "And will they be allowed to return? There is some discussion right now of the Rafah border opening only for exits, but it's exit without right to return."

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Guterres said he was "deeply moved" by his meeting with the American doctors on Thursday.

"2,500 children must be immediately evacuated with the guarantee that they will be able to return to their families and communities," Guterres posted on X after the meeting.

COGAT, the Israeli defence agency that liaises with the Palestinians, did not respond to a request for comment on the demand for medical evacuation of 2,500 children by Guterres and the doctors he met with. Israel's mission to the U.N. also did not respond to a request for comment.

At the start of this month, before the ceasefire, the WHO said 5,383 patients had been evacuated with its support since the war began in October 2023, most of those in the first seven months before the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza was closed.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols; editing by Susan Heavey and Rosalba O'Brien)
NewsVoir Gurugram (Haryana) [India], January 30: SGT University takes pride in announcing that its esteemed Chancellor, Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, has received the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to journalism, education, and literature. The award, conferred by the Government of India on the occasion of the 76th Republic Day, is a testament to Shri Rai's lifelong dedication to shaping the intellectual and cultural landscape of the nation. A revered author, educator, and veteran journalist, Shri Ram Bahadur Rai has dedicated decades to advancing knowledge and truth. He was earlier honoured with the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, in 2015. Shri Ram Bahadur Rai's remarkable career began with Hindustan Samachar. He documented historical events such as the Bangladesh Liberation War through vivid eyewitness accounts published in the Hindi daily Aaj. Later, as Bureau Chief and News Editor of Jansatta, and briefly as Special Correspondent for Navbharat Times, he set unparalleled standards in Indian journalism. Beyond journalism, his legacy shines through his exceptional contributions to Hindi literature. His biographies, including Manjil se Jyada Safar on former Hon'ble Prime Minister of India Shri V. P. Singh, Shashwat Vidrohi Rajneta on Acharya J. B. Kripalani, and Rahvari ke Sawal on Chandrashekhar, are testaments to his deep understanding of Indian socio-political history. He also wrote Bharatiya Samvidhan: Anokhi Kahani, which focuses on the process of drafting the Indian Constitution and the historical and social aspects associated with it. Another contribution of his is Bharat Mai Samaajvaad Ka Itihas, which is regarded as an important resource for understanding the development, rise, and impact of the socialist movement in India. A close associate of freedom fighter Jayaprakash Narayan, he played a pivotal role in the JP Movement and protests against the emergency, reinforcing his commitment to democracy and justice. Shri Ram Bahadur Rai's leadership extends to numerous prestigious positions. He is the President of the 20-member Board of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Patron of the Integrated Talent Development Mission (ITDM), and recipient of accolades such as the Madhavrao Sapre National Journalism Award, Manikchandra Vajpayi National Journalism Award, Bhagwandas Journalism Award, Satyagrahi Samman, and the Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Award. At SGT University, his vision has enabled significant accomplishments, including the university's role as a co-sponsor of the "Conference of Academic Leadership on Education for Resurgence," which was addressed by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. Shri Ram Bahadur Rai himself presided over this landmark event, which saw participation from over 350 university leaders. Reflecting on the university's growth, Shri Ram Bahadur Rai has often remarked, "I am confident that through dedicated efforts, the university will continue to advance its mission to produce capable, responsible, and community-driven individuals." SGT University congratulates Shri Ram Bahadur Rai on this well-deserved honour and looks forward to advancing its mission under his exemplary guidance. SGT University is a UGC-recognised institution that has been nurturing the very best in research, innovation, and multi-disciplinary education for more than a decade. Its constant push for excellence led to it becoming one of the youngest universities in India to have received an NAAC A+ accreditation rating. It's currently offering more than 200 programs across 18 faculties on its 75-acre campus. Amongst its expansive range of specialities are its medical programs, which are taught in sync with SGT Medical College, Hospital & Research Institute and are considered to be some of the best in the country. (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)
LYNCHBURG, Va. (WFXR)  United Bank will donate $500 to the Lynchburg Peacemakers Safe Street Initiative for the purchase installation of cameras in impoverished, high-crime neighborhoods in Lynchburg.

These security cameras will be put in place for domestic violence victims, elderly people, and single mothers so people feel safer in their community

(Photo Credit: Lynchburg Peacemakers Safe Steet Initiative)

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Roanoke City Public Schools reflects on first semester with Zum

The Peacemakers Safe Street Initiative started in 2023 after the murder of 6-year-old Kingston Campbell. Since then, Lynchburg has installed 88 cameras on homes to solve crimes around the neighborhoods and homes.

We receive comments almost daily from people who feel safer as a result of having a security camera. We are currently accepting donations on our website and Facebook page and Amazon wish list to expand the Safe Streets Initiative for 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 WFXRtv.
CLARKSBURG, W.Va.  The Resilience Collaborative of the United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties coordinated a street count of homeless individuals Wednesday night with a point-in-time count.

A group of volunteers who gathered at the First United Methodist Church in Clarksburg collected information throughout the night on people experiencing homelessness in Harrison County. The 24-hour count aims to recognize the number of people and families who are homeless, assess their service needs and provide the unhoused people and families direction to assistance.

The United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties conducted a street count of homeless individuals through a point-in-time count. (WBOY image)

I think weve made a lot of progress, in terms of ensuring that supports are accessible and that weve built out some additional supports that we did not have five years ago. Um, however, I think that decrease really stems from the fact that we do not have an emergency shelter in operation in our county year-round, and so, a lot of folks who do become homeless here end up seeking support services in other places, director of the Resilience Collaborative of the United Way Marissa Rhine said. And so, when you look at that decrease over the course of the last five years, theres a lot of reasons and factors that go into that data. And PIT data is a snapshot of, so its today whats happening in Harrison County. I think that looking at data as a whole from the whole year, folks were serving, who are coming into our programs, can be really helpful, too.

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Its objective is to locate people who are living in emergency shelters or transitional housing, living outdoors in places not designed for habitation, and provide them with information about housing and other services. According to the Resilience Collaborative, many unhoused individuals live outdoors in abandoned buildings, parks, vehicles and on the streets.

The United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties conducted a street count of homeless individuals through a point-in-time count. (WBOY image)

The importance of being able to conduct a street count thats really accurate helps us to ensure that we are developing services and were meeting the need in our communities. This is a count that folks who are involved in this work take a look at annually, in terms of the services that were providing and what kind of funding were able to get, and able to leverage to move the needle on this issue, Rhine added.

In partnership with the First United Methodist Church of Clarksburg and the Center for Restorative Justice at West Virginia Wesleyan College, the Resilience Collaborative of the United Way has been able to open a community space to serve as a drop-in for anyone seeking a connection and wanting to learn about services that may be available. That drop-in service is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
The University of Utah is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year at a moment of historic disruption across higher education.

So school president Taylor Randall is feeling nostalgic  even as he eyes the promises of the future.

During his presentation Wednesday to the Legislatures Higher Education Subcommittee, Randall highlighted the beginnings of Utahs flagship university while also signaling the pivotal role the school can play in emerging fields such as AI, nuclear engineering and genetics.

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The school president also spoke of the schools efforts to lighten the burdens facing many of todays university students in Utah  including rising housing costs.

Founded on Feb. 28, 1850, the University of Utah was initially financed, in part, by a $1,200 donation from Brigham Young. The maiden class of students met in a house in downtown Salt Lake City.

One of the schools founding regents, William Ivins Appleby, delivered words almost two centuries ago that remain apt today, said Randall.

Appleby hoped to establish an institution dedicated, in his words, to the perpetual increase of knowledge that would be disseminated in all its various branches  where literature, arts, sciences, can be taught in their present perfection and improved thereon.

University President Taylor Randall speaks during commencement at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Thursday, May 2, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Appleby, added Randall, hoped the fledgling institution of higher learning in Utah would draw the poor and oppressed from around the globe.

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The school remains committed to remaining affordable to all, said Randall.

We hope that our vision today is one that takes those initial thoughts from those initial founders and actually accelerates them.

Reacting to a Sputnik moment

Randall told the subcommittee that the University of Utah does many things differently, highlighting several tech-driven initiatives and missions at the school.

Like all universities, we care deeply about human potential  but because of our research and our medical missions, we also add a lot to national competitiveness, economic growth and the excellence of the state.

The United States, he added, is facing a Sputnik Moment  recalling the alarming Cold War chapter when the Russians launched a satellite prior to the United States.

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Today, China is outpacing the United States in AI and other critical technologies  and American universities such as the University of Utah have to be responsive to catch-up and eventually surpass their global tech rivals.

Randall said the University of Utah is determined to take the AI lead.

A year ago, the school announced their initial AI initiatives. And this year, we will be announcing an AI Czar, for lack of a better term, on our campus.

People walk on campus on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. The University of Utah is commemorating the school's 175th anniversary in 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

What weve seen in this first year are hundreds of applications  particularly dealing with how to teach students and how to educate students in artificial intelligence, he said. This next year, our big focus will be on hiring cluster hires of faculty; individuals that can not only teach, but bring some of these technologies forward.

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Randall identified incredible potential for AI to extend to the clinical classroom, particularly to rural areas far removed from medical centers.

Meanwhile, the schools Huntsman Cancer Institute is developing the ability to read charts with AI  actually identifying early cancer warnings while connecting with and treating individuals that may be miles away from the schools cancer centers.

Nuclear engineering and genetics

Randall said the University of Utah also intends to further invest in the schools nuclear engineering program, ushering in a nuclear renaissance.

The universitys nuclear program, he said, has been around since 1975.

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Like most nuclear programs, it has existed under a tough regulatory environment  so jobs have now expanded. But were excited to work with you here in the state to expand this program.

The school president also highlighted campus opportunities in the field of genetics.

The potential in gene therapy and solving basic human problems is immense, said Randall, including promising research at the university to advance gene therapy for cardiac disease, which will affect almost a third of all Americans.

We have only begun to scratch the surface, he said of the schools genetic research.

The universitys reach in such essential STEM fields stretches beyond research.

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Hundreds of students get education, he said. In the Huntsman Cancer Center alone, there are over 600 students, both undergraduate and graduate students, involved in moving cancer care and cancer discovery forward.

Randall said he could share similar stories in other fields of study.

This is the way that we educate in a research university to create very sophisticated scientists that can tackle the challenges of the coming world.

Randall said much of the future reallocating efforts directed by the Legislature will go to increasing the universitys pool of STEM graduates.

This base of scientists has to be available for the future technology development for tomorrow  and were very excited about that.

Operational excellence

The University of Utahs operational excellence efforts, reported Randall, are anchored to making sure our resources are being put strategically in the right places to accomplish our mission.

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Over a year ago, he reported, the school put together a team with a consultant that now has over 105 improvement projects.

We are on track to realize roughly $100 million in either cost-avoidance or savings that can be reallocated, he said. Such savings could be passed on to, say, AI research and other essential programs.

So weve got to find dollars and reallocate to the things that we think will drive the future, he said.

The site of a $155 million, 1,400-bed University of Utah student housing development is seen at Kahlert Village on the campus of the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. | Brice Tucker, Deseret News

Housing issues

Randall noted that Utahs current housing market challenges are impacting many individuals capacity to secure higher education. Rental rates in Salt Lake City have jumped 17% over the past four years.

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One solution, he added, is getting students living within close proximity to the school.

If we can get students living close to campus, the retention rates increase, graduation rates increase and job outcomes increase, he said.

Randall said the University of Utah is expected to launch a massive in-state housing scholarship program to complement what we have been doing on the tuition so that we can actually get our students near campus and completing their degrees.

Hours after Randalls legislative presentation, the school hosted a groundbreaking ceremony formally signaling construction of a $155 million student housing complex that will add more than 1,400 beds to the campus.

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The University of Utah is reportedly working with the private sector, utilizing innovative methods to finance the development.

Addressing job placement for University of Utah graduates, Randall shared preliminary data with the legislative committee indicating grads were earning salaries across a range of fields that are above Utahs median salaries.

Randall also pointed to upcoming projects at the school, including a medical school partnership with Utah Tech University in St. George designed to increase the number of primary care physicians serving rural communities.

The school president concluded his presentation saying the University of Utah is committed to the pursuit of excellence, while also collaborating with lawmakers and industry.

We want to respond to your requests and we appreciate the insights that you have on how we can direct this university to be a blessing in the lives of all Utahns.
A teenager without a license was charged with DUI on Tuesday after she was pulled over during a traffic stop on Interstate 395 where state police alleged that her car smelled of marijuana and a cloud of smoke escaped once she rolled her window down.

The traffic stop occurred shortly before 5:30 p.m. on I-395 South in the area of Exit 6 in Montville, according to Connecticut State Police. A trooper who was driving on the left of two lanes spotted a motorist in a black Honda Accord use the right lane to pass both the trooper and another motorist before moving back over to the left lane, state police said.

The trooper pulled the Honda driver over before Exit 5 and identified her as 19-year-old Emily Campos-Sanchez of Norwich, according to state police. The trooper claimed that a cloud of smoke escaped the Honda once the window was rolled down and that the vehicle smelled strongly of marijuana, state police said.

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State police claimed that Campos-Sanchez appeared impaired. She was asked to take field sobriety testing, which she reportedly failed. She admitted to smoking marijuana before getting behind the wheel, according to state police.

During a search of the vehicle, state police said they found marijuana and alcohol.

Campos-Sanchez was arrested on charges of operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol, passing on the right, operating a motor vehicle without a license, possession of marijuana by a minor and possession of alcohol by a minor. She was released on a $1,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Norwich Superior Court on Feb. 11.
Most years, lawmakers in Indiana might file a few bills targeting illegal immigration. This year, following President Donald Trump's election win and inauguration, there are at least 15.

The wave of immigration bills filed in the 2025 legislative session is a significant increase from each of the last 10 years as anti-immigrant sentiment grows both nationwide and in Indiana.

Legislators have already advanced bills increasing notification, training and partnerships between local law enforcement and federal immigration officials, including House Bill 1393, which passed out of a House committee last week, and Senate Bill 430, which passed out of a Senate committee this week.

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This wave of proposed immigration legislation at the Statehouse mirrors federal action coming from both the White House and Congress. On his first day in office last week, President Donald Trump signed at least seven executive orders aimed at immigration to the U.S., many which focused on the countrys southern border.

State officers are taking action, too. Gov. Mike Braun signed an executive order on Tuesday directing state law enforcement to fully cooperate with federal officials in enforcing immigration law and Attorney General Todd Rokita last week sued the St. Joseph County Sheriff and his office for allegedly not cooperating with federal authorities.

Such a high number of Statehouse bills on immigration intersecting at the same time as federal actions could further frighten diverse communities around Indiana, advocates say.

I think its intentional, like the creation of all this chaos is intentional with this administration, said Karla Lopez Owen, president of the Indiana Latino Democratic Caucus and a prosecuting attorney. Weve lived through it in 2017. Weve lived through this before, but this time, it's so much more aggressive, it's so much more malicious, and we just dont know what these people (will do).

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But Republicans at the Statehouse said they believe its time for Indiana to take steps on immigration to support Trump's efforts after what they view as inaction from the former Biden administration.

Nearly 70% of Hoosiers view illegal immigration as a somewhat or very serious problem for the state, according to a Ball State University 2024 Hoosier Survey of 615 adults. That's on par with the national trends: 2024 marked the first year since 2005 that a majority of Americans wanted less immigration.

Sen. Eric Koch, R-Bedford, who has authored three immigration-related bills this session, said his community also wants action from lawmakers. Kochs SB 430 creates a grant program for law enforcement agencies that want to participate in the 287(g) program with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Senate Bill 428 ensures local governments and postsecondary institutions follow immigration law and Senate Bill 429 increases penalties for someone who commits a crime and has never received a drivers license. It also requires prosecuting attorneys to collect information about crimes by people not legally in the U.S.

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This last national election told us that it is either the top or the second issue nationwide, Koch told IndyStar. It's on top of the mind for voters and top of the mind in our community, so I think the bills are just a reflection of what we're hearing from our constituents.

Why immigration bills in 2025?

The focus on Immigration during the 2025 legislative session likely stems from the 2024 election when Republicans won big in both Washington, D.C. and in Indiana, said Vanessa Cruz Nichols, a political science professor at Indiana University.

The party alignment between Indiana and Washington, D.C. means state officials may try to win points with the current Trump administration, and lawmakers might see more opportunities for immigration-related bills to become law this year, Cruz Nichols said.

"I think thats partly their attempt to show that theyre going to be strong on immigration enforcement, Cruz Nichols said. And its a really missed opportunity for the necessary labor force that we have and the demands that we have in the state of Indiana, the farm worker base that we have, agricultural needs, the labor in terms of construction and manual labor that immigrant communities will fill.

People hold up signs as Indiana Representative Ryan Lauer, right, leaves the podium after presenting the bill he authored, House Bill 1158, during the House local government committee hearing Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 at the Indiana Statehouse. This is one of the many bills at the Statehouse regarding immigration this legislative session.

But for state Rep. Jim Lucas, R-Seymour, its important for Indiana to take action on immigration now. If someone is here legally, they should not be worried, Lucas said.

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"This is a problem that's been ongoing and I do have sympathy, I truly do, but there comes a time when a problem grows to a point where you have to do something, Lucas said. And the open border policy of the Biden administration, they're the ones that put this in the spotlight.

Lucas said he filed four immigration-related bills in the House this year, including House Bill 1394 that allows school corporations to deny enrollment to immigrant students who they believe may not legally be allowed in the U.S.

The impact of immigration bills

Migrant advocates said they were shocked with the abundance of immigration-related bills that were filed in the Indiana General Assembly this year.

Its unprecedented, said Carolina Castoreno, the co-founder of the Alliance for Latino Migrant Advocacy grassroots coalition, regarding the more than a dozen bills related to immigration at the Statehouse.

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Advocates told IndyStar they believe that these bills were introduced not in hopes of addressing Indiana-related immigration issues, but rather to echo sentiments being pushed by the Trump administration.

Last year, of the bills labeled as immigration-focused, only one targeted those lacking permanent legal status. Even in 2017 when Trump first took office, four bills were labeled as immigration bills during the legislative session that year. Only two became law: Senate Bill 423, which prohibited Indiana colleges from enacting or implementing sanctuary policies and Senate Bill 344, which made it a Level 6 felony for someone who is not legally allowed in the U.S. to possess a firearm.

Carolina Castoreno with the Alliance for Latino Migrant Advocacy (ALMA), speaks about House Bill 1158 during the House local government committee hearing Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 at the Indiana Statehouse. This is one of the many bills at the Statehouse regarding immigration this legislative session.

Typically most Indiana legislation focused on immigrants has centered around increasing rights for those lacking permanent legal status, not looking for ways to double down on illegal immigration. Although those bills often fail to make it into law.

For example, in previous years lawmakers filed bills offering migrant students in-state tuition costs if they met the criteria to be a resident, creating a driving privilege card program and offering public services to migrants who enter the country legally. Both Sen. Blake Doriot, R-Goshen and Rep. Mike Karickhoff, R-Kokomo have filed legislation on driving privilege cards this year, but neither bill has received a hearing yet.

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Lopez Owen, with the Indiana Latino Democratic Caucus, believes that the number of bills being presented during the 2025 legislative session is a deliberate action from Indiana Republicans.

Its attrition through enforcement, Lopez Owen said. The idea that they are going to make life so miserable, so awful for immigrants to live here that they have no choice but to self-deport.

Advocate leaders believe that if the state were to enact these laws, it would have a significant impact on the local community and economy.

They highlighted in recent years, how much of the Midwest population growth has stemmed from an influx of immigrants, referring to an American Immigration Council study that showcased 78% of the Great Lakes regions population growth from 2010 to 2022 was caused by immigrants.

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Advocates also noted that much of Indianas economy has become reliant on the workforce and labor provided by migrant populations. If the state were to adopt an anti-immigrant position, advocates believe that Indiana will significantly suffer.

If all of these bills are to pass, we will see an exodus from the state like weve never seen before, said Castoreno. The people who are going to lose out the most are Hoosiers.

Immigration bills filed this year

Senate Bill 137: The bill requires the BMV to notify the elections division if someone registers to vote and has temporary legal status in the U.S.

Senate Bill 172: The bill makes it a misdemeanor for law enforcement to refuse to cooperate with immigration enforcement or for someone leading an agency to establish a policy prohibiting cooperation.

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Senate Bill 342: The bill requires a person who is not legally in the U.S. to register with law enforcement in their county.

Senate Bill 428: The bill outlines expectations for governments and universities in enforcing immigration laws and detentions. It gives the attorney general power to investigate and the governor power to withhold funding from entities that don't follow the law.

Senate Bill 429: The bill increases the penalties for someone without a driver's license who commits a crime and requires prosecuting attorneys track information about crimes committed by people not legally in the U.S.

Senate Bill 430: The bill provides grants for participation in the Immigrations and Customs Enforcement's 287(g) program for training on immigration enforcement.

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Senate Bill 440: The bill increases penalties if someone commits a crime with a car and that person is not legally allowed in the U.S.

House Bill 1158: The bill requires sheriffs to enter agreements with ICE to participate in a 287(g) program for immigration enforcement.

House Bill 1393: The bill requires law enforcement to notify the county sheriff if they arrest someone for a misdemeanor or felony and have probable cause belief that the person is not legally in the U.S.

House Bill 1394: The bill allows school corporations to deny enrollment to immigrant students if they believe they are not legally allowed in the U.S.

House Bill 1399: The bill makes it a crime to reside in Indiana if a person is not legally allowed in the U.S.

House Bill 1418: The bill requires certain employers to use the E-verify program and prohibits them from hiring someone not legally allowed in the U.S.

House Bill 1435: The bill requires state universities to adopt policies prohibiting foreign students from enrolling in the school's STEM programs.

House Bill 1531: The bill mirrors language from Senate Bill 428, which outlines expectations for governments and universities in enforcing immigration law.

House Bill 1535: The bill increases the sentence for someone who commits a crime and is not legally allowed in the U.S.

Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Brittany Carloni at brittany.carloni@indystar.com or 317-779-4468. Follow her on Twitter/X@CarloniBrittany.

Contact IndyStar reporter Noe Padilla at npadilla@indystar.com or follow him on X @1NoePadilla.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Why Indiana lawmakers are eyeing immigration bills in 2025
Bill Deere, director of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNWRA), discussed with ABC News on Wednesday relief efforts in Gaza and Israel, highlighting that Israel's order for the agency to leave Gaza could severely impact humanitarian efforts.

The head of UNRWA has warned that an Israeli ban on the organization would greatly disrupt crucial humanitarian efforts in the Gaza Strip and threaten the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

This ban could impact many lives in the region.

PHOTO: UNRWA Director Bill Deere speaks with ABC News. (ABC News)

ABC News spoke with Deere as he explained why the UNRWA chief says Israel's ban will be disastrous.

ABC NEWS: Ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Some are returning to their homes or what's left of them in northern Gaza. But as people assess the damage and begin to figure out what's next, the Israeli U.N. ambassador says the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East must cease all its operations and evacuate all premises it operates.

Bill Deere, director at UNRWA, joins us now. Bill, thanks for taking the time to be here. We appreciate it. After this announcement, UNRWA stressed that pulling aid could be "disastrous." Lay out for us why.

DEERE: Certainly. And thanks for the opportunity to be here. So the way not only UNRWA, but Secretary-General [Antonio] Guterres, sees the situation: is just as the humanitarian community is starting to gain ground on the awful situation in Gaza, implementation of these laws would devastate the response by willfully destroying the U.N.'s humanitarian infrastructure and, Phil, that's because UNRWA represents most of the U.N. staff, the facilities, the expertise and supporting infrastructure for the response in Gaza.

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Since the ceasefire we have, we represent 60% of the food entering Gaza, reaching more than half a million people; we're two-thirds of the aid currently in the humanitarian pipeline. We provide 17,000 medical consultations every day. And just this month alone, over a quarter million children, half of them girls, enrolled in our online learning platform. And the situation is equally dire in East Jerusalem in the West Bank.

We provide education to almost 50,000 boys and girls who go to UNRWA schools and vocational training centers. Again, 40 primary health care centers. These are patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, pregnant women, children who need vaccinations. In the last 12 months alone, we supported over 10,000 families in the West Bank in East Jerusalem with cash assistance in response to home demolitions damaged settler violence. And what the secretary general is saying is where will these people go? How is the regional stability possibly enhanced by taking all this away from Palestinian refugees?

ABC NEWS: Bill, how long in your estimation, do you think UNRWA needs to stay in those areas to facilitate rebuilding?

DEERE: Phil, that's an excellent question. You know, let's let's you have to understand what UNRWA is. UNRWA is kind of unique in the U.N. system. We provide government-like services. But believe it or not, even after 70 years, we were never intended to be a permanent agency. In fact, we take our orders from the U.N. General Assembly. It's called a renewal of our mandate. It has to happen every three years. Our operating instructions that we're clear provide basic services to refugees until a solution is found to their like.

ABC NEWS: There have been recent allegations in Israeli media against UNRWA about hostages by hostages released on the first day of this ceasefire, that they were held in United Nations shelters at various points in time during the war. You said in a statement in part that these allegations are without information or evidence. What are you doing, if anything, to investigate these accusations?

DEERE: We're doing our best. It's let's be honest, Phil. First of all, it's incredibly chaotic there even now. Right. But this has been a hallmark of the whole debate between the U.N. and Israel. But Israel has an obligation to help the United Nations with counter terrorism. You cannot simply say X is a member of Hamas. They were held at an UNRWA facility. What does that mean? Does it mean an UNRWA facility that was abandoned during the course of the conflict?

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We have 300 of 'em. Was it people being held adjacent to an UNRWA facility because say our schools feel they don't hold that many people. But what people have done during the conflict is put up tents and settle around our facilities in order to in the hopes, I should say, that the U.N. flag would offer them some level of protection. So without information and without evidence, it's very difficult to proceed.

ABC NEWS: Well, do you know if there have been any or are any are you investigating those specific allegations?

DEERE: Sure. Every allegation that is brought to our attention with information gets investigated.

ABC NEWS: All right. Bill Deere, director at UNRWA, thanks for taking the time. I really do appreciate it.

DEERE: Thank you, Phil.

UNRWA director: Israel ban on aid agency will destroy humanitarian efforts originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The United Nations Palestinian aid agency UNRWA said on Thursday that its operations in Gaza and the West Bank were ongoing despite an Israeli ban.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said that UNRWA is continuing to provide aid to the communities it serves and its clinics across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are open.

Humanitarian operations in Gaza are also continuing, he added.

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According to the Israeli ban, UNRWA should have ceased its operations on Thursday.

Israel moved to bar the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from working on Israeli territory and Israeli officials from cooperating with the organization after alleging that some of its employees were involved in the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attacks that sparked the Gaza war.

This raised fears that the agency may struggle or even find it impossible to provide aid to the Palestinian civilian population in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

The UN appeared to suggest that Israel had not yet begun to enforce the ban.

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"The building continues to fly the UN flag," Dujarric said.

He added that about two dozen international aid workers had left for Jordan because their visas had expired, but local staff were working in other parts of the West Bank.

"My understanding is that the headquarter building is empty of staff," he said.

Dujarric said officers from a local security company were still guarding the building, but all computers and documents had been moved to a safe location.
The 3rd meeting of the State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB) under the chairmanship of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu was held on Thursday. As per a statement from the CMO, the Board gave approval for investments worth Rs 44,776 crore for 15 projects. With this, the total value of investments approved by SIPB has surpassed Rs 3 lakh crore. These investments are expected to create nearly 20,000 jobs across the state. The Board also reviewed the status of projects approved in the previous two meetings. The CM directed that continuous discussions with industry leaders should ensure speedy grounding of projects. Besides, CM emphasized that officials and ministers must track investments efficiently to deliver quick results. In today's highly competitive environment, the "Speed of Doing Business" should be implemented effectively, CM instructed officials. Also, the CM advised the Chief Secretary to review state-level approvals and field-level operations with district collectors. The response from major companies, national, and international industrialists regarding investments has been satisfactory, the CM noted. Naidu was in Davos for World Economic Forum recently. CM Chandrababu Naidu stressed that every opportunity should be utilized to attract investments into the state. The coalition government's efforts towards attracting investments in the state have yielded positive results. Industrialists from various sectors are showing interest in investing in the state. Along with these, CMO said projects by companies like ArcelorMittal, NTPC, HPCL, and BPCL have already received clearance. "Projects like ArcelorMittal Steel (with an investment of Rs. 1.36 lakh crore) and BPCL (with an investment of Rs. 96,000 crore) are set to break ground within the next three months. The CM instructed officials to complete all necessary permissions and get these projects on the ground as soon as possible," CMO said in a statement. In the past 7 months, the state government's policies and support have been effectively attracting investments. In the first SIPB meeting, investments worth Rs. 83,987 crore were approved, and in the second SIPB meeting, investments of Rs. 1,82,162 crore were approved. The CM instructed officials to track investments closely to ensure that projects are implemented quickly. He directed that the progress of every project with an investment of over Rs. 10 crore must be tracked. The CM also highlighted the satisfactory response from major companies and national and international industrialists interested in investing in the state. He urged officials to engage with companies like DP World from Dubai and AP Muller Marks from Denmark, who showed interest in investing in the state during the Davos visit, to coordinate and finalize investments. He emphasised using every opportunity to secure investments for the state, including focusing on the tourism sector to achieve 20 per cent growth in this area. (ANI)
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA)  No one was hurt Tuesday afternoon when a car collided with an Urbana Schools bus.

The collision happened at Lincoln and Fairview Avenues around 4 p.m. Urbana Police officials told WCIA a car failed to yield to the bus and collided with it.

Somebody has to know something: Family, friends, concerned after Champaign woman reported missing

Ambulances responded to the scene, Urbana Police said, but none were used to transport people to the hospital.

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A spokesperson for the Urbana School District further told WCIA that paramedics on the scene cleared each student on the bus. Families were also notified of the incident.

The driver of the car, identified as a woman from Champaign, was given a ticket for her role 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 WCIA.com.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The nations cybersecurity agency has played a critical role in helping states shore up the defenses of their voting systems, but its election mission appears uncertain amid sustained criticism from Republicans and key figures in the Trump administration.

President Donald Trump has not named a new head of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and for the first time since it was formed, there are no plans for anyone in its leadership to address the main annual gathering of the nation's secretaries of state, which was being held this week in Washington.

On Thursday, a panel on cyberthreats included an update from an FBI official who said the threats remained consistent.

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Im often asked what the FBI sees as the top cyberthreats facing the U.S., and really the FBIs answer for the last several years has been the same: China, China, China, ransomware, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cynthia Kaiser, a deputy assistant director in the bureau's Cyber Division, told attendees at the National Association of Secretaries of State meeting.

Trumps new homeland security secretary, Kristi Noem, said during her Senate hearing that CISA had strayed far off mission. She pledged to work with senators should you wish to rein them in with legislation.

The agency formed in 2018 during the first Trump administration is charged with protecting the nations critical infrastructure, from dams and nuclear power plants to banks and voting systems. It is under the Department of Homeland Security, but CISA is a separate agency with its own Senate-confirmed director.

The agency has received bipartisan praise from many state and local election officials, but Trump and his allies remain angry over its efforts to counter misinformation about the 2020 presidential election and the coronavirus pandemic. The agencys first director, Chris Krebs, was fired by Trump after Krebs highlighted a statement issued by a group of election officials that called the 2020 election the "most secure in American history.

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That drew Trumps ire as he was contesting his loss to Democrat Joe Biden. Republicans have claimed repeatedly since then that CISA had worked with social media companies to censor conservative viewpoints on issues related to elections and health.

Agency officials have disputed that: CISA does not censor, has never censored, the agency's then-director, Jen Easterly, said last fall in an interview with The Associated Press. Nevertheless, Republicans continue to blame the agency and insist changes are necessary.

Joe Bidens Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) was more focused on undermining President Trump than they were protecting our own critical infrastructure, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., chair of the newly formed House subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency, said in a social media post last week.

During the 2020 election, agency officials worked with states to help them notify social media companies about misinformation spreading on their platforms, but they have said they never instructed or sought to coerce those companies to act. For the 2024 election, CISA and other federal agencies alerted the public to various foreign misinformation campaigns, including a fake video linked to Russia purporting to show the mishandling of ballots in Pennsylvania.

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In recent months, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has echoed the GOP claims and announced plans to dismantle the companys fact-checking program.

One of the first actions Trump took after returning to the White House on Jan. 20 was a signing of an executive order ending federal censorship and instructing his attorney general to investigate federal actions under the previous administration and to propose "remedial actions."

Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for a Republican administration, recommended that CISA be moved to the Transportation Department and focused solely on protecting government networks and coordinating the security of critical infrastructure.

It said the agency should only help states assess whether they have good cyber hygiene in their hardware and software in preparation for an election  nothing more. That's what the agency has been doing in recent years, by providing training and security reviews.

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Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, a Republican who has been mentioned as a potential candidate to lead CISA, praised the agency's cybersecurity work with the states and said he was confident Noem would keep it focused on that mission. He said complaints about its role in combatting misinformation were old news.

CISA recognized that is not their core mission and theyve pivoted away from that kind of work, LaRose said.

Voting systems were designated critical infrastructure after an effort by Russia in 2016 to interfere in that years presidential election, which included scanning state voter registration databases for vulnerabilities.

Some state election officials were initially resistant to the idea of federal assistance. But many now credit the agency and federal money with helping them improve security ahead of the 2020 and 2024 presidential elections.

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Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, a Democrat who is president of the secretaries of state association, said it was understandable that a new administration needed time to decide what role it wanted for the cybersecurity agency. But he hoped its work with the states would continue, both in improving election security and highlighting disinformation campaigns.

We need to know if a foreign adversary is seeking to misdirect and mislead Americans on any subject, whether its elections or science or national security or foreign policy, he said in a phone interview Thursday from Minnesota before he was scheduled to leave for Washington.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has met with Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly in Washington on 29 January.

Source: US Department of State; Joly on Twitter (X), as reported by European Pravda

Details: The US Department of State reported that the meeting focused on opportunities for US-Canada cooperation in addressing shared global challenges, such as border security and energy security.

Quote from US Department of State: "Secretary Rubio commended Canada for confronting the CCPs coercive and unfair economic practices. The Secretary and Minister Joly also reaffirmed cooperation to enhance safety and prosperity for both countries."

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Details: Joly, in turn, stated that the meeting with Rubio also covered cooperation on key geopolitical issues, including the crisis in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine and the situation in Haiti.

Background:

On 29 January, news agencies reported that Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha would participate in an expanded meeting of his European counterparts and newly appointed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in February.

It is also worth noting that during a phone call between Rubio and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, they discussed the need to continue pressuring Russia to achieve peace in Ukraine.

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WASHINGTON  In a series of aggressive, rapid-fire questions to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about his plans to replace career scientists at the Maryland-based National Institutes for Health and reform the countrys biggest health agency at large, U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks leaned forward, took off her glasses and smiled as she launched into her ultimate question.

She referred to a 2021 interview in which Kennedy indicated Black people should be delivered vaccines on a different schedule than white people because their immune system is better than ours.

So what different vaccine schedule would you say I should have received? Alsobrooks asked while smiling at Kennedy toward the end of a three-hour nomination hearing Wednesday.

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President Donald Trumps nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services said those comments followed his reading of Poland-based studies that claimed, he said, Blacks need fewer antigens.

Mr. Kennedy, with all due respect, that is so dangerous. Your voice would be a voice that parents would listen to. That is so dangerous. I will be voting against your nomination because your views are dangerous to our state and to our country, Alsobrooks, a former prosecutor who became Marylands first Black U.S. Senator earlier this month, said as a few people in the room applauded.

Pushing back after Alsobrooks had already forfeited the rest of her time, Kennedy responded, Do you think science is dangerous, senator? This is published, peer-reviewed studies.

The hearing was the second grilling in back-to-back days for Kennedy, whose history of questioning vaccines and pushing other controversial ideas have raised concerns among Democrats and some Republicans.

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U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, a physician and the Republican chair of the committee Kennedy appeared in Thursday, opened the hearing by saying he had reservations about the nominees lack of confidence in vaccines and other issues.

Cassidy said he spent years administering vaccines like those for Hepatitis B, which Kennedy has previously said could cause autism. He also questioned Kennedys commitment to the measles vaccine, whether he had previously said Lyme disease was created as a military bio-weapon, and if he would promise that the FDA would not delay or deprioritize the development of new vaccines.

My concern is that if youre making those claims and being so influential  I mean, your bully pulpits incredible  with that responsibility, that you never acquainted yourself with anything that might contradict that which you were previously saying, Cassidy said.

Kennedy repeatedly said he supported vaccines and will support the countrys vaccine programs.

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If you show me data, I will be the first person to assure the American people that they need to take those vaccines, Kennedy said.

Alsobrooks and other senators who questioned him on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee wont ultimately vote on Kennedys nomination before he appears before the full Senate. His initial confirmation vote will come in the Senate Finance Committee that pressed him the day before.

The Maryland senator said in both the hearing and in an interview afterward that she was decided in her vote against him.

His answer to the questions about the different vaccine schedules for Black people was dangerous disinformation reflective of his uneducated views that could lead to illness if people follow his lead, Alsobrooks told The Baltimore Sun.

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Alsobrooks said she met with Kennedy last week. She said she questioned him about federal HHS workers in Maryland  whom Trump has targeted along with other segments of the federal workforce through a series of executive actions  and that she was not satisfied with his answers.

He intends to be complicit in this agenda to gut the federal workforce even if it means that we disrupt important medical research, Alsobrooks said.

Responding to her public questions on the topic, Kennedy said he was not aware of any lists of HHS employees identified by Trumps administration or its allies who could be subject to firing. He said he supported scientists devoted to evidence-based research, empirical methodology, and transparency around publishing federal data and reports.

Im not going to substitute my judgement for science, of course Im not going to do that, he said after blaming NIH for overseeing the precipitous decline in American health.

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The scion of the Kennedy political family has longtime ties to Maryland, where his sister, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, served as lieutenant governor and was the Democratic nominee who lost the 2002 governors race against Republican Bob Ehrlich. Kennedy Townsend and some of their siblings have denounced Kennedys political career and statements on public health.

Bobby might share the same name as our father, but he does not share the same values, vision or judgment, Kennedy Townsend and three others wrote in a statement when he left the Democratic Party during his presidential bid in 2023.

Kennedy launched his nationwide ballot campaign as an independent candidate outside Annapolis that year  going on to gain access in many states, including in Maryland with tens of thousands of signed petitions, before dropping out and supporting Trump. He collected nearly 29,000 votes, or about 1% of the entire vote, in the election in Maryland despite already ending his bid.

Aside from Cassidy, other Republican senators mostly indicated they will back Kennedys nomination. In both hearings this week, they expressed hope he would reform national health agencies, support programs that aim to keep Americans healthy and that his questioning of certain practices would be an asset rather than a harm.

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Democrats disagreed, saying Kennedys calls for more research and studies in areas like vaccines and the abortion medication mifepristone were unwarranted because data and evidence have existed for decades.

Youre not questioning science. Youve made up your mind, said U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, a Connecticut Democrat. Youve spent your entire career undermining Americas vaccine program.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  After the U.S. Supreme Court rejected the final appeal of a South Carolina inmate, he decided not to ask the governor for clemency, saying he didn't want to spend the rest of his life in prison for a murder he has always insisted he did not commit.

Marion Bowman Jr., 44, is scheduled to die Friday evening by lethal injection for a 2001 killing of a friend found dead in her burning car.

About midday Tuesday, justices without comment refused to stop Bowman's execution until a court could hear more arguments over whether his trial attorney had too much sympathy for the white victim to put on a vigorous defense was turned down without comment.

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Five hours later, Bowman's lawyer issued a statement saying he would not ask for clemency from Gov. Henry McMaster.

Marion has steadfastly maintained his innocence of Kandee Martins murder, yet he has already spent more than half of his life on death row. He cannot in good conscience ask for a supposed mercy that would require him to spend the rest of his life in prison for a crime he did not commit, attorney Lindsey Vann wrote.

No governor in the previous 45 executions in South Carolina since capital punishment was reinstated in 1976 has provided mercy and reduced a death sentence to life in prison without parole in the modern era of the death penalty.

Bowman will be the third Black man to be executed in South Carolina in four months after the state restarted its death chamber following a 13-year pause in part because prison officials couldn't obtain lethal injection drugs.

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He is scheduled to die at 6 p.m. Friday with a single dose of pentobarbital at the Broad River Correctional Institution in Columbia.

After more than two decades of battling a broken system that has failed him at every turn, Marions decision is a powerful refusal to legitimize an unjust process that has already stolen so much of his life," Vann said.

Bowman was convicted of murder in the killing of 21-year-old Kandee Martin in 2001. He has maintained his innocence since his arrest and said he refused a plea deal guaranteeing a life sentence because he did not do it.

Most of the evidence against Bowman at his trial was testimony from friends and family members. Many of them were offered deals to reduce prison time for related crimes or have charges dropped.

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One friend said Bowman was angry because Martin owed him money. A second testified Bowman thought Martin was wearing a recording device to get him arrested on a charge.

Bowman said he sold Martin drugs and sometimes when she didn't have money they would have sex.

Part of Bowman's final appeal was that he didn't get a vigorous defense because his lawyer was racist and worried about what a jury in 2002 South Carolina would think about a Black man and a white woman in a relationship.

The attorney came to the jail and said, son, you need to plead guilty. You are charged with killing a white girl and you and your family are Black,  Bowman wrote.

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The South Carolina Supreme Court also rejected Bowman's appeal calling it meritless and comments from Bowman's trial attorney suggesting he was extra sympathetic to the victim were taken out of context.

Bowmans lawyers also challenged South Carolina's shield law, saying is not fair to inmates because it releases so little information about the drug used to kill inmates and the execution procedures.

An anesthesiologist told Bowmans lawyers that he fears South Carolinas lethal injection protocols dont take into account Bowmans weight, listed as 389 pounds (176 kilograms) in prison records. It can be difficult to properly get an IV into a blood vessel and determine the dose of the drugs needed in people with obesity.

Lawyers for the state responded that obese people get IVs to have surgery and other procedures thousands of times a day.

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The American Civil Liberties Union sued South Carolina this week, saying the privacy law is not fair because before it passed last year, governments released plenty of information on executions from the type of rope used by hangmen to the voltage used by the electric chair.

South Carolina law allows inmates to choose between a new and so far unused firing squad, the electric chair and lethal injection.

The two inmates executed since the death chamber restarted  Freddie Owens on Sept. 20 and Richard Moore on Nov. 1  chose lethal injection.
Some of the inmates sentenced to death in South Carolina can't be sent to the state's death chamber, pictured above. (Provided by the SC Department of Corrections)

COLUMBIA  Marion Bowman has decided not to seek clemency from South Carolinas governor, guaranteeing he will face the death chamber Friday night.

The death row inmate continues to maintain his innocence. But he cannot in good conscience ask for a supposed mercy that would require him to spend the rest of his life in prison for a crime he did not commit, reads a statement issued Thursday evening on behalf of Bowman and his legal team.

Marion Bowman. (Provided/S.C. Department of Corrections)

The decision followed two court rulings earlier Thursday that denied Bowmans attempts for a legal reprieve. Gov. Henry McMaster was his last hope for avoiding his scheduled death by lethal injection at 6 p.m. Friday.

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McMaster, the states former attorney general, has turned down requests for clemency for the past two inmates executed. It was highly unlikely that McMaster would have granted a clemency request. But its also highly unusual for a death row inmate not to at least try.

Bowmans legal team noted that the 44-year-old has spent more than half of his life on death row.

After more than two decades of battling a broken system that has failed him at every turn, Marions decision is a powerful refusal to legitimize an unjust process that has already stolen so much of his life, the statement concluded.

Bowman was convicted in 2002 of shooting an Orangeburg mother to death, then stuffing her body in the trunk of her car and lighting it on fire.

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Earlier Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court turned down his request to stop the execution.

Soon after that, a federal appeals court denied his request to know more about the drugs that will kill him, echoing a federal judges ruling earlier this week.

In his appeal to the nations high court, Bowmans attorneys argued that his own defense attorney during his trial based his arguments on odious racial stereotypes about Bowman, who is Black, and his victim, who was white.

Bowmans attorneys claimed that his initial defense team referred to Kandee Martin, the woman Bowman was convicted of killing, as a little white girl, while calling Bowman a man, despite him being younger than her.

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The appeal also argued Bowmans original attorney made comments suggesting that there was no reason Bowman would have been alone with Martin except to kill her, based on what his current attorneys argued was a racial stereotype.

Those quotes were taken out of context, attorneys for Department of Corrections Director Bryan Stirling argued in response. If Bowman had a problem with his attorney, he had more than 20 years to bring that up, the reply continued.

In a two-sentence order Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed with the states arguments. No judges were noted as dissenting.

Bowman is set to be the third death row inmate executed by lethal injection since the state restarted executions in September. At least three more executions are expected in the coming months.

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Bowmans legal team said executing Bowman will be a profound miscarriage of justice. Repeating arguments in recent court filings, they noted that the witnesses who testified against Bowman at trial had an incentive to do so, since their own sentences were dropped or reduced.

SC Daily Gazette Editor Seanna Adcox contributed to this report.
The journey of restoring the Spix's macaw (Cyanopsitta spixii), a species declared extinct in the wild in 2000, has taken a major leap forward with Vantara's recent collaboration with the Association for the Conservation of Threatened Parrots (ACTP). The initiative aims to reintroduce these iconic birds to their native habitat in Brazil, with Vantara's affiliate, Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (GZRRC), playing a crucial role in guiding the project. On Wednesday, 41 Spix's macaws were successfully transferred from ACTP's breeding centre in Berlin, Germany, to a release centre in Bahia, Brazil, marking a significant milestone in this global reintroduction program. Vantara, the wildlife preservation project founded by Anant Ambani is providing essential resources and expertise to ACTP, reinforcing its unwavering commitment to the restoration of this species within Brazil's Caatinga biome. This marks a continuation of the project's progress, following the successful release of 20 Spix's macaws into the wild in 2022. This release resulted in the birth of the first wild-born chicks in over 20 years, showcasing the potential for success in the reintroduction program. The 41 Spix's macaws chosen for this transfer were selected based on their health and pedigree. The group consists of 23 females, 15 males, and three unsexed juveniles. Some of these birds will join the group being prepared for release this year, while others will contribute to the breeding program aimed at ensuring the long-term survival of the species. Before being transferred, the birds underwent over 28 days of quarantine at ACTP's breeding facility in Berlin, during which they were tested for diseases that could pose a risk to Brazil's wild environment. On January 28, the birds flew from Berlin to Petrolina Airport in Brazil, arriving the same day. Upon arrival, the birds were transported to a quarantine facility in Brazil, with all logistics carefully coordinated, including the presence of two veterinarians, one keeper from ACTP, and an expert team from Vantara's GZRRC. Special arrangements were made for transportation and customs clearance, ensuring the birds' swift and secure arrival. Martin Guth, founder of ACTP, expressed his gratitude towards Vantara for their critical role in the project. He said, "On behalf of ACTP, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Anant Ambani and Vantara for their remarkable contribution to the Spix's Macaws Reintroduction Project. In addition to their generous financial support, the expertise that Vantara shared with us has been invaluable in successfully breeding this extinct-in-the-wild species. Vantara's unwavering dedication to biodiversity restoration and endangered species protection has been pivotal to the success of this initiative." He continued, "This partnership exemplifies the power of a shared vision and commitment, and we hope it will inspire conservation efforts worldwide. We look forward to continuing our work together to save as many endangered species as possible in partnership with Vantara." The Spix's macaw, made famous by the Hollywood movie Rio, is now at the centre of a global conservation effort that involves private organizations such as Vantara's GZRRC, ACTP, and the Brazilian government. Since 2019, efforts to restore the species have been supported by the establishment of a dedicated Release Centre in Brazil, which has facilitated the transport of birds from Germany and Belgium to Brazil. The reintroduction program continues to see progress, with the release of 20 Spix's macaws into the wild in 2022, resulting in the birth of the first wild chicks in over two decades. The success of these efforts underscores the importance of annual releases to ensure the establishment of a thriving wild population. As part of the ongoing program, it is vital to continue receiving new birds to support the release efforts. Vantara's commitment to wildlife conservation extends beyond the Spix's macaw. The organization is also dedicated to restoring India's diverse wildlife heritage, including efforts to reintroduce captive-bred rhinos into secure habitats, bolster Asiatic lion populations, and work towards the return of cheetahs to Indian forests following a successful breeding program. (ANI)
Emotions ran high during a House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee meeting Wednesday, regarding proposed drug trafficking legislation.

Over 600 times last year in the state of Utah, someone came home and found their son, daughter or parent deceased from an opioid overdose, Rep. Matthew Gwynn, R-Farr West, the bills sponsor, said during his opening remarks. He lost both of his parents to opioid overdoses.

This is not new or common to Utah. Unfortunately, its getting worse, Gwynn said. In fact, this year, were on track to outpace the number of deaths we had last year.

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A nearly 24-year career in law enforcement, Gwynn said so often hes been on the receiving end of a 911 call where an individual was in hysterics after walking in on a loved one who was unresponsive. He said hes made a deal with his children where they cannot call him if theyre too upset, because those emergency calls will replay in his head.

The bill, a revised version of HB87, would treat fentanyl traffickers to a higher degree of prosecution than any other drug trafficker. If a person is found with 100 grams in weight or greater of fentanyl or a fentanyl-like substance in the state of Utah, the bill states that the person will be charged with a first-degree felony with prison presumed to follow.

Gwynn acknowledged that each case has its circumstances and judges will maintain their discretion, but We have to do something with this particular narcotic, Gwynn said. Fentanyl is the worst of the worst, and so were going to create a policy that says if youre trafficking the worst of the worst, then youre the worst of the worst. You need to be in prison.

Last year, the state broke its record for most fentanyl pills seized. According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the DEAs Rocky Mountain Field Division had confiscated close to 800,000 as of late July.

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The committee passed the first revision of the bill unanimously with favorable recommendations. The bill will be heard next in a Senate committee.

Colonel Michael Rapich, of the Utah Highway Patrol, speaks in favor as Rep. Matt Gwynn, R-Perry, presents HB0087, Drug Trafficking Amendments, at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utahs addiction problem

Unlike the rest of the nation, where fentanyl deaths are declining, thats not holding true for the state of Utah, Criminal Defense Attorney Mark Moffat said during the meeting where he voiced his support for the bill.

The Utah Office of the Medical Examiner, in a recent press release, reported that fentanyl is now the most common drug in overdose deaths:

Deaths involving fentanyl surged by 1160.9% from 2014 to 2023.

In 2023, there were 290 fentanyl-related deaths, a significant rise from just 23 in 2014.

The number of fentanyl deaths more than doubled between 2019 and 2020 and has continued to climb rapidly since.

The reality is that Utah is not used for traffickers to pass their drugs through, but rather the destination because of the demand here, Gwynn said.

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The problem is it isnt just tablets coming in Utah. The weight of powder coming into Utah is increasing and can be fatal if it goes airborne, he said. As little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal, per the DEA.

Gwynn also warned that carfentanil  an opioid used to tranquilize elephants  is being trafficked into the state, which the DEA also warned is about 100 times stronger than fentanyl, making it deadly at around two milligrams, depending on certain factors.

Defense lawyer Mark Moffat speaks in favor as Rep. Matt Gwynn, R-Perry, presents HB0087, Drug Trafficking Amendments, at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Jackie Larson, from Spanish Fork, told the Deseret News she lost her sister Crystal last October to carfentanil. Larson said she was so naive in regard to the drug that when she received her sisters belongings, she didnt know what to do.

I felt like one little grain of it lands in your eyeball, and youre gone, she said. Larson took the belongings to the police station, where she was told to double glove, take the clothes outside to shake out, and then proceed to put them in the washer.

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During her public comments during the meeting Wednesday, Larson said that her sister never stood a chance against the lethal drug.

If you ask me, I dont think 100 grams is enough to charge a first-degree felony, she said. Upon learning that her sister had passed away, Larson said her first two calls were to her sisters ex-husband and daughter.

I dont want someone to go through what I had to go through. What my niece is going through, what my sister went through, Larson said, urging lawmakers to pass the bill.

Following the unanimous motion to accept the substituted bill, Rep. Mark Strong, R-Bluffdale, and Rep. Ryan Wilcox, R-Ogden, shared their own stories of loved ones whose lives were cut too short by fentanyl-related deaths.

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Wilcox emphasized the importance of openness in addressing drug abuse in Utah.

I think if were all being honest with ourselves, we all know somebody (affected by drug abuse) at this point, he said. Theres a lot of stuff to unpack, but as we have these conversations in our communities, and were honest with them about whats happening and what were seeing, more action will take place to combat the issue.
Sen. Lincoln Fillmore, R-South Jordan, talks to reporters during a press conference with Senate leadership 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)

To Sen. Lincoln Fillmore, R-South Jordan, the question he wants to ask Utah voters is simple: How easy do you want it to be to raise your taxes?

With SJR2, Fillmore wants to put a question on Utahs 2026 ballot, the next opportunity to ask Utah voters to weigh in on a proposed constitutional amendment. If SJR2 gets legislative approval and if voters pass it, it would require in the Utah Constitution that certain ballot initiatives must pass not just by a simple majority, but get at least 60% voter support.

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That requirement would apply if the new law enacted by ballot initiative would entail the imposition of a new tax, the expansion or increase of an existing tax or, for a property tax, a change to the tax rate that causes the tax rate to decrease less than it would under current law.

To critics, SJR2 is just another effort during the 2025 Utah Legislature to make ballot initiatives more difficult to achieve. It also follows a Utah Supreme Court ruling that Republican lawmakers are still reeling over, fearing it cripples their ability to repeal or change voter-approved initiatives.

Kael Weston, a Democrat who ran for Utahs 2nd Congressional District in 2020, took issue with framing the issue as one that Utahns should be afraid of your neighbors raising your taxes on you.

Whats really happening, Weston argued, is the bar is being raised higher for us but not for you. You get to spend our money when we elect you, and when were happy, we keep you in office. But our constitution very much is clear that all political power rests with us.  The dilution of our voice, the dilution of our power, wraps around this issue (of) be afraid of this tax bogeyman.

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But to Fillmore and other Republicans on the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee  which endorsed the bill on a 4-1 vote Wednesday  its simply a matter of letting voters decide whether to write the higher threshold into the Utah Constitution or not. The question has also already been floated, including last year and the year before.

Now  ahead of the 2026 election  Fillmore argues its time to pose the question to voters.

The question here is very simple. Do the people of Utah want 50.1% of the people in the state to be able to raise taxes on the other 49.9%? Or, when it comes to this type of a question, should there be a broader consensus? Fillmore said. I dont know what the people will decide  But Im certainly not afraid to ask.

He argued that the threshold should be 60% for ballot initiatives that require additional tax revenue  even though the Utah Legislature can implement taxes on a simple majority vote  because lawmakers answer to voters through elections, but voters themselves answer to no one.

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I think there really is a difference with the ability for you to hold electorally accountable the people who vote to raise your taxes, and the people that you will never be able to hold electorally accountable for raising your taxes, Fillmore said.

Billy Hesterman, president of the Utah Taxpayers Association, which advocates for low tax rates, urged lawmakers to support the resolution.

I dont think this surprises anyone, that we would say taxes should be hard to raise, Hesterman said. He noted when governments want to raise taxes, they must adhere to a public process. For ballot initiatives, he said there isnt a great opportunity for Utahns to give feedback on whether theyre OK with having their taxes raised on them or not.

During Wednesdays committee hearing, a handful of other Utahns urged senators to vote against SJR2, arguing the 60% threshold would set too high of a bar for ballot initiatives to be successful.

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This resolution represents a very direct threat to Utah voters who participate in direct democracy through ballot initiative, said Helen Moser, a member of the Utah League of Women Voters who spoke on behalf of herself.

In 2018, when the state most recently saw a flurry of ballot initiative efforts, none received more than 60% of the vote. That year, voters approved an initiative for full Medicaid expansion with 53.3% of the vote. An initiative to legalize medical marijuana passed with 52.7%. And a Better Boundaries initiative to create an independent redistricting commission passed by a slim 50.3%.

The Medicaid expansion and medical marijuana initiatives both included tax increases. So if they were subject to the new thresholds outlined in SJR2, neither would have passed.

Ultimately, though, in 2019 the Utah lawmakers repealed and replaced all three of those initiatives with their own versions of the law. That led anti-gerrymandering groups including the Utah League of Women Voters to sue, and today the courts are still hashing out whether the Utah Legislature violated the Utah Constitution when it watered down Better Boundaries independent redistricting commission to an advisory role that lawmakers can ignore.

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In a July ruling that sent that lawsuit back to district court, the Utah Supreme Court made clear that the Utah Legislature has limited power when it comes to altering government reform initiatives  but can still make changes so long as it meets a compelling government interest.

The court case over the Legislatures repeal and replacement of Better Boundaries 2018 independent redistricting commission is still ongoing, and there are still many unanswered questions about exactly how to define a government reform initiative.

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Whats going on right now is a direct attempt to skirt the Utah Supreme Courts ruling that set limits on the Legislatures power to amend government-reform initiatives, Moser said.

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During Wednesdays hearing, the committees chair Sen. Dan McCay, R-Riverton, initiated a contentious back-and-forth with some members of the public who testified against the bill, including Moser. He and Sen. Brady Brammer, R-Highland, grilled them on why they were opposed to letting voters decide the proposed constitutional amendment if they were so in favor of voters voices being heard on ballot initiatives.

The idea that  heaven forbid  we put an amendment on the ballot for the voters to choose whether or not to alter or reform their government, I guess the clutching at pearls at this is confusing to me, Brammer said.

Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City, was the lone vote against SJR2. She also defended Utahns who spoke against it, arguing its not disrespectful or stupid to argue against the resolution. She noted their concerns are centered around the crux of the resolution  whether the Utah Constitution should have a 60% threshold for ballot initiatives that would raise taxes.

She argued its a valid point to question whether its right to require 60% passage for ballot initiatives and not other types of questions Utahns might face on their ballot.

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With that, I feel uncomfortable that the threshold changes only for ballot initiatives as opposed to other ballot questions or other efforts to raise taxes, Escamilla said before voting no.

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On his first day in office, President Donald Trump issued an executive order temporarily suspending the United States Refugee Admissions Program until it is realigned with national interests.

On Wednesday, Utah legal advocates publicly declared their continued support for welcoming refugees to the United States, and said they were prepared to help those already in the country.

Brent Ward, a Utah Refugee Justice League board member and former federal prosecutor, spoke at a press conference on Wednesday in Salt Lake City.

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Utah attorneys are ready to help refugees, he said.

When we refer to refugees, we do not mean illegal immigrants. Far from it. Refugees are in fact the opposite. They are in our country lawfully and they are protected by their refugee status, Ward said.

What does the Refugee Justice League do?

Norm McKellar, president of the Refugee Justice League, explained the organizations two primary focuses to the Deseret News.

First, they can assist refugees who are interacting with law enforcement at a local, state or federal level.

Jim McConkey, Refugee Justice League co-founder, speaks during a press conference with the Refugee Justice League at the Utah State Bar office in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

We dont want them to go into that situation alone, McKellar said.

He posed the following situation: You move to another country, not even another country you pick, its where you were assigned. You may not know the language, you may not know the culture, and all the sudden you have law enforcement asking you questions.

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The organization provides refugees with cards with their contact information and possible responses to questions from law enforcement officers if approached.

The card states:

I do not wish to speak with you or hand you any documents without my attorney present.

I do not give you permission to enter my home unless you have a warrant with my name on it, signed by a judge or magistrate.

I do not give you permission to search my vehicle or any of my belongings.

Please contact my attorneys at Refugee Justice League for further information.

Also, the organization provides legal assistance when accusations of discrimination are present.

Maram Al-Shammari, 17, spoke during the press conference as a RJL beneficiary. As a fourth grader, Al-Shammari said she experienced both verbal and physical harassment from her classmates after she began wearing a hijab. When she told her teacher and the school district, they brushed it off, she said.

After this, Al-Shammaris mom looked for other resources and found Jim McConkie, a Refugee Justice League board member. Jim helped bring attention to my story and advocated for policies protecting religious attire in all Utah school districts, Al-Shammari said.

Board member McKellar says perceptions of refugees are wrong

I think one of the biggest problems we have is people just lump all immigrants together, McKellar said.

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He described the perception of an illegal immigrant jumping across the border and swimming across a river in Arizona or California, saying this perception is fundamentally wrong.

The path to gaining refugee status is long and involves many checkpoints, he said. It begins with the United Nations where they do background checks and verification. Then, the host country does their own background check on the individual. McKellar added that these checks include mental health evaluations and a look at political alliances.

McKellar told the Deseret News that crime rates among refugees are the lowest in the country, so I mean, these people are clean as a whistle, so to speak.

Utahns owe a responsibility to our refugee community to welcome them with open arms

Richard Lambert, a Refugee Justice League member, explained how during his time as head of the criminal division of the U.S. attorneys office in Utah, his office gained the distinction of prosecuting and convicting more migrants in the country illegally than any other state in the United States except those that directly border the country of Mexico.

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However, referencing Trumps recent executive order, Lambert said some people believe refugees are also in the country illegally.

Such a conclusion is both wrong and dangerous, he said. Current research shows that refugees are less likely to commit violent crimes, property crimes or terrorist acts than native born Americans.

Lambert pointed to many Utah residents' shared history and pioneer ancestry, people who left their home countries to practice their religion freely. He said, Many of my ancestors and perhaps many of yours were exiles and refugees who came to America or came to Utah fleeing persecution, imprisonment and sometimes even death.

Thank God for kind people who welcomed these ancestors with hospitality, generosity and kindness. May we do the same, Lambert concluded.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  A Utah resident died in a car crash in Nevada early Monday morning, according to the Nevada Department of Public Safety.

The driver  identified as Ricardo Espinoza, 38, of North Salt Lake  was driving westbound on I-80 in a green Toyota SUV just after 5 a.m. MST. The crash occurred near mile 64 in Pershing County, officials said in a press release Wednesday.

Salt Lake firefighter placed on leave following misconduct allegations

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The Toyota traveled off the left side of the highway and entered onto the center median, the release said. The driver input steering to the right and the vehicle crossed both westbound travel lanes and ultimately overturned on the outside shoulder of the highway.

Officials said Espinoza was unrestrained and suffered fatal injuries. This is the third fatality from a crash in the region so far this year, according to Nevada DPS.

The Nevada Highway Patrol Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating the incident.

Anyone with information about the crash (or anyone who may have witnessed the crash) has been asked to call the NHP Elko Office at (775) 753-1111 or e-mail ncemirt@dps.state.nv.us.

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There is no further information at this time.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (WAVY)  Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin said extensive resources from Virginia are fully supporting search and rescue efforts following a midair collision between an American Airlines aircraft and a military Blackhawk helicopter Wednesday night near Reagan National Airport.

American Airlines plane in Potomac River after crash with helicopter, officials say

Youngkin said he had been briefed by the states emergency management team and Virginia State Police about the crash.

I have been briefed by our Emergency Management team and Virginia State Police about the tragic crash at Reagan National Airport tonight. Extensive resources are fully supporting the search and rescue efforts.  Governor Glenn Youngkin (@GovernorVA) January 30, 2025

Reagan National Airport will be closed at least until Friday morning.

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Rep. Bobby Scott said he was monitoring the situation and shared a statement on the social media platform, X.

Im closely monitoring the situation at DCA that occurred this evening involving a collision between a passenger airplane and a military helicopter. Im thankful for our first responders on the scene. My thoughts and prayers are with all those involved in this horrible tragedy.  Rep. Bobby Scott (@BobbyScott) January 30, 2025

Sen. Mark Warner posted a similar statement.

Im closely monitoring the situation at DCA, and my office is in touch with officials as the response effort begins.



My thoughts are with all victims and first responders as they address this concerning and tragic incident.  Mark Warner (@MarkWarner) January 30, 2025

An American Airlines flight that was supposed to leave Reagan National Airport for Norfolk International Airport Wednesday evening was canceled.

A planned ribbon-cutting Thursday for the return of moving walkways at Norfolk International has been canceled.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
JD Vance warned that Donald Trump is all gas and no brakes as he ramrods through his new agenda as the vice president sat down with Fox News Sean Hannity less than a week after his boss did the same.

In the interview, broadcast on Wednesday evening, the pair discussed the Trump administration's ambitious efforts to crack down on illegal immigration and regain control over the U.S. border, as well as the efficiency of government.

It comes hours after after Trump ordered the revival of a 30,000-person migrant detention facility at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Station in Cuba to hold detained migrants while they await deportation.

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Speaking to Hannity, Vance said that there had been around 1,300 illegal entries to the U.S. on January 19  the final day of the Biden administration  and claimed that the number had already been cut by 60 percent.

Vance sat down with Sean Hannity (right) for the interview that aired on Fox News on Wednesday (Fox News)

We've got 20-plus million illegal aliens in this country, we have got to get these people out of our country and regain control of our own border, the vice president said.

Elections have consequences, and President Trump ran explicitly on regaining control of the border and redelivering American prosperity. That's exactly what we're doing, he added.

Later in the interview, Vance praised his boss stamina and drive regarding his agenda, telling Hannity: He doesn't sleep a lot.

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You'll get phone calls at one in the morning, and he'll just, you know, he'll talk about policy, and he'll talk about your family, and he just, there's something incredibly energetic about him, he said.

But you sort of need that actually. The federal government has become so sprawling and their bureaucracy is so unresponsive to what the president actually wants to do, that you kind of need somebody in there who's constantly on. It's all gas, no breaks.

Vance added: That's certainly what we've seen the last, you know, eight days. I think it's what we'll see for the next four years.
VANCOUVER, Wash. (KOIN)  Like many women, especially older women, Donna likes to go on walks at the Vancouver Mall. On one of those walks in October 2024, she said a young woman passing out eye cream at a kiosk reeled her in to join their spa program at the store BH28 Skincare Consultants.

Donna  who asked KOIN 6 News not to use her last name or show her face  said she was quickly introduced to the stores owner, Hai Baranetz.

He was all excited, real nicey nicey, she said.

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The salespeople told her it cost $10,000 to join the spa program but they would give her a deal for $5,000.

The BH28 Skincare Consultants storefront in the Vancouver Mall, January 2025 (KOIN)

That was it, she said. I was pretty well going to join it.

Donna said when she went in for her full body red light treatments Baranetz would hit on her.

I was in my shorts and stuff, and he said, Oh, nice tummy, giving you the compliments, making you feel good. And thats one thing why I went there. It made me feel good about myself, she said. I needed something because the last few years I was ready to take a walk and never come home.

As the weeks went on, Donna said Baranetz, 27, would tell her he loved her and give her hugs.

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Hes sitting there and he finally says, Would you marry me? And I said, Thats flattering, but youre way too young. I said Im 75.

A few days later, court records obtained by KOIN 6 News show, Baranetz proposed another idea to Donna. He said he wanted to enter her into a contest so she could be the companys spokesmodel.

Hai Baranetz in his first court appearance in Clark County, January 15, 2025 (KOIN)

So he says, Yeah, were going to do a complete body sculpture. Were going to measure your waist. Were going to measure everything, and were going to make you all over,' she said. When I told him, Yeah, Id kind of like to do it, he sticks his arm out and says, Come on, were going.'

Baranetz led her from his store in the Vancouver Mall to his car, then asked her to go into her nearby bank and take out a large sum of money.

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He said, Yeah, I need you to take out a cashiers check for $1 million. And I said, what? He said, Well, lets make it $50,000. Well, she said, I wasnt even thinking. Everything just kind of blanked, but he made you feel like you were obligated to do it.

She walked into the TwinStar Credit Union and did as he told her to. But police told KOIN 6 News the bank teller saved her and denied the request.

Bank personnel recognized this is a very common scam scenario and alerted other branches that Donna might show again, according to court records.

The Twin Star Credit Union in Vancouver. January 2025 (KOIN)

Donna got back into Baranetzs car and expected to be taken back to his store in the Vancouver Mall, where her keys and coat were. Instead, he drove her to another bank branch in Hazel Dell and told her to try again.

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I was almost, like, in a trance when I even went in and asked for it, she said.

This time, though, the teller called police.

Kim Kapp with the Vancouver Police Department told KOIN 6 News officers arrested Baranetz for his actions that day. He has since posted bail.

Police have received complaints about tens of thousands of dollars in overcharges and non-adherence to exchange policies at his BH28 Skincare store. For instance, Donna said they charged her another $3,000 for an LED light for her hair that she never received.

We do have some ongoing investigations with relation to some vulnerable adults, senior citizens in particular, that have purchased some items that are extremely costly from a local store, Kapp said.

Vancouver Police Department spokesperson Kim Kapp. January 2025 (KOIN)

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An unethical business practice with not taking returns isnt necessarily criminal, she said.

However, when you are perpetrating those types of transactions on elderly people, which would be considered a vulnerable adult, there are some statutes that we are looking at to see if theres any criminal aspects to this, Kapp said.

Authorities warn people to watch out for financial crimes against the elderly.

A lot of times people who are of a certain age are more trusting. Thats just a generation that trusted people, Kapp said. And when people have good rapport with them, thats a lot of times what thieves or people who are trying to perpetrate scams on the elderly rely on.

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KOIN 6 News confirmed a manager at the Vancouver Mall filed an anti-harassment order against Baranetz for threatening her. Her lawyers declined to comment because it is active litigation.

For its part, management at the Vancouver Mall said in a statement they are aware of the situation. Per our corporate policy, we do not publicly disclose information about individual tenant leases or business practices. However, the shopping center is assisting the Vancouver Police Department as they investigate the matter.

In a statement to KOIN 6 News, Baranetzs attorney, Brian Walker said:

Mr. Barnanetz is a dedicated professional, who provides a high-end service to clients. He has clients who are very satisfied with what he has provided and who stand by him.

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The individual who is the subject of this case is a returning client who requested ongoing services. Our investigation will show that there was no evil intent involved in this case and that no theft, attempted or otherwise, took place.

The BH28 Skincare Consultants kiosk in the Vancouver Mall, January 2025 (KOIN)

Vancouver police urge anyone whos experienced this at the mall to come forward.

You can directly contact detectives in VPDs Elder Justice Unit: LeAnn.Cone@cityofvancouver.us Nicholas.Marbach@cityofvancouver.us

Even if its not a crime, authorities said they aim to protect the vulnerable from financial harm.

Donna said its clear to her now that Baranetz was exploiting her.

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But he kept telling the girls on the carts, Target the older women because they have more wrinkles. They want to feel better about themselves,' she said. And after I got to thinking about it, target more of the older people because they got more money and theyre a little more stupid is what he was thinking.

Her advice for other women: Just follow your instincts. Just dont fall for it.

In Part 2, this KOIN 6 News investigation

will reveal the tactics used in this incident are widespread across the 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 KOIN.com.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY)  Fire crews with the Virginia Beach Fire Department are investigating the cause of a fire at a storage unit on Virginia Beach Boulevard Thursday morning.

According to officials, around 2:30 a.m., crews were dispatched to the 2400 block of Virginia Beach Boulevard for reports of a commercial structure fire.

Crews arrived to the scene and found heavy smoke coming from the roof of the storage unit. While the fire was contained to one unit, multiple nearby units had smoke and water damage.

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Video courtesy of VBFD shows an aerial view of crews working to put out the fire.

2400 VIRGINIA BEACH BLVD  STORAGE UNIT  On 01/30/2025, VBFD units were dispatched to a reported commercial structure fire in the 2400 BLK of Virginia Beach Blvd. When units arrived at 02:32:41, heavy smoke was observed from the roof of the storage unit. The fire was contained pic.twitter.com/ImJJ74wZLz  VBFD (@VirginiaBeachFD) January 30, 2025

The fire was considered under control just before 3 a.m. No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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.
Actor Jaideep Ahlawat expressed his views on the violent attack on Saif Ali Khan at his residence, and revealing that he did contact Saif and Kareena following the incident. Notably, it's been over two weeks since Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan was stabbed by an intruder at his Bandra residence during a burglary attempt, but the unfortunate incident continues to dominate the news cycle and public conversation. Recently, in an interview with ANI, actor Jaideep Ahlawat, revealed that he didn't had a direct conversation with Saif-Kareena, but he did messaged them following the incident. "Direct baat nahi hui but maine message kia tha unko (I did not talk to them directly but I sent a text to them after learning about the incident)," Jaideep said. He also urged media and paps to respect the family's privacy and give them space to cope with the incident. "Ajeeb lagta hai dekhkar (It feels weird)...I recently saw a video of a reporter chasing the actor's car in an unsafe way to get the visuals...it's so dangerous. Thoda bhaut sabko sochna chahiye," he added. Reportedly, Saif and Kareena have asked the paparazzi not to click photos of their children, Taimur Ali Khan and Jehangir (Jeh) Ali Khan. Videos and pictures from the apartment of Saif and Kareena's residence also surfaced online, suggesting that the couple have added some extra fencing to their balcony, so no one can enter their house via the balcony. Earlier this month, Saif was attacked 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, Saifn sustained stab wounds to his thoracic spine and other body parts. He was rushed to Lilavati Hospital for immediate treatment following the attack. Saif was discharged from Lilavati Hospital after surgery last week. Upon returning to his Bandra residence, he greeted the media and acknowledged their presence. Hours after the incident, Saif's wife and actor Kareena Kapoor Khan also issued a statement, emphasising the overwhelming nature of the constant media scrutiny. "It has been an incredibly challenging day for our family, and we are still trying to process the events that have unfolded. As we navigate this difficult time, I respectfully and humbly request that the media and paparazzi refrain from the relentless speculation and coverage," Kareena stated. "While we appreciate the concern and support, the constant scrutiny and attention are not only overwhelming but also pose a significant risk to our safety. I kindly request that you respect our boundaries and give us the space we need to heal and cope as a family. I would like to thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation during this sensitive time," the statement read. (ANI)
An accused Venezuelan gang member taken into custody during an ICE sweep in the Bronx was a fugitive wanted for his role in a deadly takeover of a Colorado apartment complex that grabbed nationwide attention during the 2024 presidential election, new court documents show.

Authorities in Arapahoe County, Colo. had been on the hunt for Anderson Zambrano-Pacheco since September 2024, after doorbell surveillance footage linked him to a home invasion in Aurora, Colo. that left one person dead.

The footage showed Pacheco as one of several men storming the residence, prompting multiple charges  including burglary and menacing; by Oct. 22, a separate investigation lead to charges including kidnapping and criminal extortion, federal prosecutors charge.

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Though his image was flashed across national news outlets, Zambrano-Pacheco, 25, fled to New York and hunkered down in a three-bedroom apartment on Ogden Avenue in the Bronx, where law enforcement tracked him using data from a Pen-Ping Warrant  a court order that allowed law enforcement to track his phones location, according to prosectors.

Around 6 a.m. Tuesday, agencies including ICE, the NYPD and the Drug Enforcement Administration, descended on the apartment where Zambrano-Pacheco was holed up with his girlfriend while on the run. He is a suspected member of the Tren de Aragua gang, which has established a substantial foothold in the United States, including in New York, according to court filings.

According to the filings, as officers and agents made their way into the apartment, they spotted Zambrano-Pacheco standing near a dresser drawer  where they recovered a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol. Officers also seized two cellphones from the room, one of which rang when they dialed it.

After his arrest, Zambrano-Pacheco told law enforcement he had fled Colorado when he learned he was a suspect in the home invasion. He also acknowledged other individuals involved in the crime had been arrested in New York City, but denied any knowledge of the firearm found in the apartment.

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Zambrano-Pacheco appeared in Federal Court in Manhattan on Wednesday. Wearing a black sweatsuit, he sat silently through most of the proceedings, responding via a Spanish interpreter only to questions about his understanding of the court proceedings.

He is facing federal charges for possession of a firearm and ammunition while being a fugitive from justice.

Defense attorney Jacqueline Cistaro argued the high-profile nature of the gang-related case requires special consideration for her clients specific safety concerns.

The Trump administration has vowed to deport any undocumented individuals with a criminal past. But during a White House press briefing this week, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt boldly asserted that under the Trump administration, all undocumented immigrants are considered criminals.

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All of them, because they illegally broke our nations laws, and, therefore, they are criminals, as far as this administration goes, Leavitt said. I know the last administration didnt see it that way, so its a big culture shift in our nation to view someone who breaks our immigration laws as a criminal. But thats exactly what they are.

Under federal law, being undocumented is a civil violation  not a criminal offense  and individuals are not necessarily convicted of a crime unless they are involved in criminal activity beyond their immigration status.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Its Wednesday, January 29. Take a look at our top stories in news and weather with KELOLAND On The GO First@4.

The gossip in the halls of the Capitol proved right. Tony Venhuizen, whos served as chief of staff for the two previous governors and most recently has been a state representative for three years, is Gov. Larry Rhodens choice to be South Dakotas next lieutenant governor.

In Venhuizen, Rhoden picks one of Legislatures own

The next phase of Veterans Parkway construction will be using federal money that President Donald Trump had ordered to be frozen by late Tuesday afternoon, Sioux Falls Finance Director Shawn Pritchett said at a Tuesday city council budget meeting.

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Sioux Falls, Avera, Sanford share on federal freeze

A panel of state lawmakers voted to kill a bill that would have provided funding for private and homeschool education with public dollars.

Committee sends school choice bill to 41st day

A longtime Sioux Falls developer has died.

Craig Lloyd, longtime Sioux Falls developer has died

Warm and dry conditions will continue.

Warm and dry through the weekend

Download the KELOLAND News app to find the latest headlines while on the go.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
South Dakota Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen participates in his swearing-in ceremony Jan. 30, 2025, at the Capitol in Pierre. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)

The South Dakota Legislature voted unanimously on Thursday at the Capitol in Pierre to confirm Tony Venhuizen as the states lieutenant governor.

Venhuizen, 42, was sworn in shortly afterward.

The Sioux Falls Republicans voice shook momentarily with emotion as he took to the lectern to address the Senate in his first remarks as the bodys presiding officer, which is a duty of the lieutenant governor.

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Wow, this is a little overwhelming, Venhuizen said.

He spoke of his grandfather, former state Sen. Henry Poppen, pointing to the seat where he sat during the now-lieutenant governors childhood visits to the Capitol. He also noted the long public service career of his father-in-law, former Gov. Dennis Daugaard, for whom Venhuizen served as chief of staff.

Venhuizen vacated his state representative seat this week upon his selection by Gov. Larry Rhoden, who ascended to the governorship earlier this month when Gov. Kristi Noem resigned to serve as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security in the Trump administration. Rhoden announced his pick for lieutenant governor on Wednesday, subject to legislative confirmation.

Thursday on the floor of the Senate, Majority Leader Jim Mehlhaff, R-Pierre, lauded Venhuizen as an insightful, balanced voice at the Capitol.

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I have all the confidence in the world that hes very well-prepared and up for the job, Mehlhaff said.

Minority Leader Liz Larson, a Sioux Falls Democrat, also spoke in favor of Venhuizens confirmation.

Hes an even-handed, level-headed policymaker, she said.

State representatives offered similar sentiments prior to their unanimous adoption of the resolution confirming Venhuizen to the states second-highest executive post.

Rep. Liz May, a Kyle Republican, has in the past found herself on opposing sides with Venhuizen in the chamber they shared until earlier this week. May also sparred with Venhuizen during his earlier stints in the executive branch.

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On Tuesday, May said she was glad to cast a ballot to confirm him as lieutenant governor.

I can honestly say I like Tony now, May said. I like him a lot. I couldnt have said that a lot of years ago. I did not like him. I always felt like Tony was picking on us. If I can build a relationship with anybody, I encourage you all to do the same. We are not going to agree on everything. Thats just the way it works. But what you want to do in this position is make friends.

South Dakota Searchlights Makenzie Huber contributed to this report.

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VERMILION COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA)  The Vermilion County Clerk is informing the public about a voter outreach program and voting information for the elderly and handicapped populations.

County Clerk Cathy Jenkins said residents who are unable to appear in person to register to vote due to a disability can contact the County Clerks Voter Registration Department at 217-554-1911 for assistance. Registration forms are available by mail or can be printed from the County Clerks website.

Central IL areas receiving Regional Site Readiness Program grants

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Registration for paperless online voting is available on the same website under County Clerk, Voter Information and Online Voter Registration. You can register to vote online here. The last day for Vermilion County residents to register to vote or file changes of name/address before the April 1 Consolidated Election under traditional Illinois voter registration is March 4.

Additionally, Grace Period registration and voting will be conducted in person at the County Clerks office from March 5 through April 1. This type of registration requires two forms of identification, at least one of which include a correct, current address.

State law provides for early voting and vote by mail for all registered voters, without the need to specify a reason for doing so. People who wish to vote by mail can request an application from the County Clerks office at any time. A paperless online application for an early ballot is also available on the website.

Cannot be swept under the rug: Bill would require Illinois students who commit sexual assault to be expelled

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The last day a ballot can be mailed to a voter is March 27. In-person early voting is available at the County Voting Center from Feb. 20 to March 31.

In all Vermilion County polling locations, voting aids and assistance in marking the ballot are provided. On top of this, special voting equipment designed to meet the needs of physically challenged voters is available in every polling place.

Those looking for more information on voting by mail, early voting and the FVT-TS are asked to call Carrie Wilson, Supervisor of Elections at 217-554-1911 or email ccelections@vercountyil.gov.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
Burlington, VT- Vermont is the only state in the nation to receive an A in the 2024 March of Dimes Report, which evaluates maternal and infant health across all 50 states. The non-profit bases its grades off of preterm birth rates, access to prenatal care and availability of resources.

Dr. Marjorie Meyers, an Obstetrician and Division Director for Maternal Fetal Medicine, says Vermonts success can be attributed to a statewide effort to recognize high risk pregnancies and provide pre and post care.

It involves the whole state, and we work together as a team and I think we should feel proud and pretty lucky that we live in a state that supports all of those things, said Dr. Meyers.

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According to the report, which uses data from 2023, Vermont has one of the lowest infant mortality rates of 4.9 deaths per 1,000 live births. In addition, Vermonts rate of preterm births (7.7%) and rate of low-risk cesarean births (23.7%) are about 3% lower than the national averages.

The report also notes Vermonts efforts to adopt a Medicaid expansion, which allows for greater access to preventive care, and provide a Medicaid extension, which expands coverage to women one year postpartum.

We all work hard every day and show up and collaborate and really try to take the very best care of patients, so its really nice to see that reflected, said Dr. Erin Morris, a Gynecologist and Associate Professor in Maternal Fetal Medicine.

Dr. Morris believes a collaboration across networks is what has helped Vermont make the grade. However, with the UVM Health Network proposing service cuts and closures to reduce its budget, she says she worries about accessibility.

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I think we need to continue advocating for keeping maternity care units open across the state if we want to continue to have these great outcomes.



Both doctors say, moving forward, UVMMCs maternity providers will be working on preventing substance use disorder, which can be a significant contributor to infant mortality. And, while they say challenges remain in other states, with a majority receiving a grade of C or below, Vermont will continue working to reduce inequalities and expand maternal and infant care.

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LINCOLNTON, Ga. (WJBF)  The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating a Lincoln County commissioner and well-known business owner.

78-year-old Cooper Cliatt is the owner of Augusta Telephone and has been a county commissioner for more than 15 years, but has been under investigation by the GBI since last September.

For some in Lincoln County, they say the entire situation comes as a surprise.

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I find it very hard to believe. Thats how well Ive known him throughout the yearsand Im talking many, many years. I find that very hard to believe, said Jim Reese.

Reese says hes lived two doors down from Cliatt for more than 2 decades.

I would say hes probably just like family, said Reese. Hes always been a super nice guy. Super, upstanding fella.

The GBI says the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office first requested them to investigate an allegation of child molestation on May 22, 2024.

This Monday, Cliatt was indicted by a Lincoln County Grand Jury on two counts of child molestation.

Cliatt turned himself into the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office Tuesday, and was released on a $50,000 bond.

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Walker Norman is chairman for the board of commissioners.

Cooper Cliatt is 78 years old, and hes had a good reputation for 78 years. Ive had multiple phone callslots of callsnot only from Lincoln but surrounding counties, and theyre all shocked, said Norman.

Norman also says the charges couldnt come at a worse time.

Just two weeks ago, they confirmed the death of commissioner Larry Collins, who served on the board for more than 20 years.

Its a blow to lose a combined 38 years worth of experience on the county commission. I dont care where you are. Commissioner (Brian) Henderson started his 7th year in January, and Commissioner (Stan) Tankersley started his 5th year in January. So you have two commissioners that could be gone thats got more experience than the other two commissioners combined, Norman said.

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The chairman also adds that Cliatt has still not been proven guilty, and will continue standing behind him until that is the case.

Im going to support Commissioner Cliatt until he either tells me that he made a bad mistake, or until hes convicted of the crime.

Cliatt is still on the commission, representing District 3 in Lincoln County.

Norman also confirms if Cliatt is found guilty of the charges, he would not return to his commission duties.

There is no word yet on a court date for Cliatt.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.
KANSAS (KSNT)  On Thursday, Kansas Senator Jerry Moran said the Wichita flight that crashed on its way to Washington D.C. was personal to him because he lobbied to make the flight.

In July 2023, Moran working as Vice Chair of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, announced American Airlines would offer a direct flight to Washington Reagan National Airport. Moran said the purpose of the flight was to allow federal officials to quickly travel to Wichita.

I know that flight, Ive flown it many times myself, Moran said in a press conference on Wednesday night. I lobbied American Airlines to begin having a direct nonstop flight service to DCA. That flight has been in existence for about a year this is a very personal circumstance as well as an official response.

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The direct flights started in January 2024.

Again we will do everything we can to make certain that were supportive of the rescue efforts, and well do everything we can to make certain that our subcommittee and Congress is engaged in what needs to take place following the outcome of this evening, Moran said.

Wichita flight crash could be deadliest in 24 years, what we know

Officials say 27 bodies from the American Airlines flight and one body from the military helicopter have been recovered. 60 people were on the airplane with four crew members. There were three soldiers on the helicopter. Officials say there were no survivors.

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For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
Jan. 29 (UPI) -- Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy promised to improve the nation's transportation infrastructure and systems after Vice President JD Vance swore in Duffy on Wednesday afternoon.

"We spent a lot of money in the last administration and didn't get a lot out of it," Vance said of the Transportation Department during President Joe Biden's administration.

"We're going to have a Transportation secretary here who is a much better steward of taxpayer dollars but also will make sure the taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and actually go to the places where the administration needs them to go," Vance said before swearing in Duffy.

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Duffy, 53, thanked Vance, President Donald Trump and his wife, Rachel, who held the Bible upon which Duffy placed his left hand while taking the oath of office.

"We are gonna usher in the golden age of transportation," Duffy told media and attendees.

Sean Duffy is sworn-in as Secretary of Transportation by Vice President JD Vance as Duffy's spouse Rachel Campos-Duffy holds the Bible in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI

"We're going to work on efficiency, making sure our infrastructure actually works for the American people, for the American family, making sure you can get to and from work in a timely fashion."

He said the Transportation Department will work on congestion and air space to make air travel faster, so people don't have to wait a long time in airports prior to their flights.

Sean Duffy said he would make transportation more efficient while enabling the United States to lead the world in transportation technology after being sworn-in as Secretary of Transportation by Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday. Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI

Duffy also said he wants to make the United States the world leader in innovative and emerging transportation technologies.

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"We are in one of the most innovative spaces, whether it's drones or autonomous vehicle ... or Ubers in the air," Duffy said. "We are in a race to beat the rest of the world."

In addition to his wife, Duffy was joined by seven of their nine children during the swearing-in ceremony at 12:30 p.m. EST at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C.

Duffy was a Republican member of the House of Representatives for Wisconsin from 2011 to 2019 and is a former prosecutor and former transportation industry lobbyist.

He also was a cast member on MTV's The Real World, where he met his wife, Rachel Campos-Duffy.
As investigators recover victims in the wreckage of an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army helicopter, which collided near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport last night, we turn to the Tribunes archives.

Heres a look back at commercial passenger plane crashes that stunned Chicago.

May 31, 1936

A Transcontinental and Western airliner carrying 15 people  12 passengers and three crew members  hit a tree and house at 6045 S. Kilbourn Ave. but managed to land in an empty lot near Chicago Municipal Airport (now Midway). All 15 survived.

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Why, the plane is almost an exact fit for that lot, an observer told the Tribune. A lot of terrible things could have happened and didnt.

Dec. 4, 1940

A United Airlines DC-3 laden with ice on its windshield and wings stalled and crashed into a house at 6350 S. Keating Ave. on its second landing attempt at now Midway, killing 10. Its believed to be the first commercial airplane crash in the city.

The crash caused the Civil Aeronautics Board to recommend that stall-warning devices be installed on airplanes to let pilots know when they are going too slow to stay aloft and to urge research into ways to reduce icing.

March 10, 1948

A Delta Air Lines DC-4 crashed and burned on takeoff from Midway airport. A gust lock, intended to prevent wind damage to the tails control surfaces when the plane is on the ground, was suspected. Twelve of 13 people on board died.

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Witnesses at the airport said the huge plane took off into a north wind and had a clear field ahead, the Tribune reported. The first hint of trouble was the flare-up and explosion when the plane hit the earth.

July 17, 1955

A Braniff Airways twin-engine Convair 340 trying to land at Midway Airport in fog struck a 15-foot-tall gas station sign at the northwest corner of the airport and crashed, killing 22 and injuring 21.

The crash was one of several accidents that prompted the city and federal governments to restrict obstructions and the height of buildings near airports.

Aug. 5, 1955

Capt. George A. Stone, the pilot of a Stratocruiser, was credited when all 68 people survived a crash landing in the same area as the Braniff accident.

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Stone told officials of Northwest Orient Airlines that the propellers of the plane failed to reverse as he made a normal landing after a flight from Minneapolis, the Tribune reported.

Sept. 1, 1961

A loose bolt caused one-third of the tail section of a TWA Constellation plane to fall away minutes after takeoff from Midway airport and crash into a farm field near west suburban Clarendon Hills. All 78 people aboard died.

Sept. 17, 1961

An improperly installed device to boost power to the wing ailerons that control flight caused a Northwest Orient Airlines Electra to crash after takeoff from OHare International Airport. The plane, bound for Florida, rolled to the right then descended, first striking a 34,000-volt power line, then a railroad embankment.

Turning in  no control, were the last distinguishable words from the cockpit, the Tribune reported.

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All 37 people aboard died.

Aug. 16, 1965

A United Airlines 727 descending at night to land at OHare flew into Lake Michigan about 20 miles east of Lake Forest. Because of an instrument error, the plane apparently descended through its assigned altitude of 6,000 feet with the crew thinking it was at 16,000 feet. All 30 people aboard died.

Dec. 27, 1968

Buffeted by wingtip turbulence from a jet that had just taken off, a North Central Airlines Convair 580 lost control while taking off and hit a hangar at OHare. Twenty-eight died and 27 others were injured, including several people on the ground.

This crash and others prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to require a greater interval between jet aircraft on takeoff and landing.

Dec. 8, 1972

Forty-five people died when a United jet crashed into bungalows on West 70th Place while approaching Midway airport for landing. Eighteen aboard the plane survive.

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50 years ago, a plane crashed into homes outside Midway, killing 45 people. The neighborhood hasnt forgotten.

The crash resulted in some bizarre theories about sabotage after it was discovered that the wife of Watergate conspirator Howard Hunt was one of the victims and she was carrying $10,000 in cash in a briefcase.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found no evidence of foul play and blamed the crash on errors by the pilot, who failed to retract the planes spoilers, or air brakes, at the critical stage of the descent, causing the plane to stall and crash 1.5 miles short of the runway.

Dec. 20, 1972

Two planes collided on a fog-shrouded runway at OHare, killing 10 of the 138 aboard. All the victims initially survived the collision, but some were overcome by fumes from the burning North Central Airlines DC-9 jet.

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Poor communications between controllers and the crew of the Delta Air Lines Convair 880, which caused the Delta plane to taxi across a runway being used by the North Central plane for a takeoff, were cited. The ensuing fire caused federal officials to recommend the use of less toxic materials and better lights in airline cabins.

May 25, 1979

At the start of Memorial Day weekend, an American Airlines DC-10 bound for Los Angeles crashed just 31 seconds after takeoff from OHare airport. Its still the deadliest passenger airline accident on U.S. soil  271 people aboard the plane and two more on the ground died.

A passenger manifest has never been released by the airline, but Bill and Corrinne Borchers were two of the victims. Today, their children Kim Borchers Jockl and her siblings Melody and Jim have worked to connect friends and family of the victims. They started a Facebook group and published a book about their experiences called Safe Landing: A familys journey following the crash of American Airlines Flight 191.

A memorial to the victims was dedicated in 2011 at Lake Park in Des Plaines, less than 2 miles east of the crash site.

Oct. 31, 1994

An American Eagle ATR 72 crashed in an Indiana field 60 miles southeast of Chicago after dealing with freezing rain while in a holding pattern for OHare. All 68 people aboard were killed.

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The preliminary investigation indicated the crew lost control after ice built up on the wing behind the de-icing devices.

The accident caused the temporary withdrawal of that type of aircraft from service in northern climates until the wing icing problem could be solved.

Dec. 8, 2005

A Southwest Airlines plane landing in a snowstorm skidded off the runway at Midway airport, smashed into cars on Central Avenue and killed a 6-year-old boy in a car.

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State social services workers signed up homeless residents for Medicaid at a resource fair in Richmond in 2018. Enrollment in the program has more than doubled since Medicaid expansion, leading to rising demand for mental health services. (Photo by Ned Oliver/Virginia Mercury)

With President Donald Trump back in the White House and congressional Republicans eying Medicaid cuts, Virginia Democrats are moving to safeguard the states health care safety net.

Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Charlottesville, a veteran of 32 years in state government, called the 2018 Medicaid expansion one of the most meaningful votes in his career. At the time, the Democrats struck a compromise with Republicans, agreeing to a trigger that would automatically roll back the expansion if federal funding were cut.

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Now, Deeds and Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Chesterfield, are pushing to remove that trigger, introducing budget language to keep the expansion intact. The House and Senate money committees will unveil their proposals Sunday, but for now, Deeds said, were going to keep the pressure on our federal representatives to do the right thing.

Medicaid, a federal program that helps low-income earners and people with disabilities access health insurance, was expanded in Virginia to cover more residents. If Congress slashes funding, roughly 630,000 people could lose their coverage automatically.

If the state budget amendment passes but Congress cuts Medicaid, lawmakers would need a special session to figure out a way to keep the program afloat, Deeds warned.

If they were to roll it back 50%, thats a $2.5 billion price tag for Virginia, he said.

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With Virginia sitting on a $2 billion surplus, Deeds acknowledged competing priorities but signaled that saving Medicaid could be a consideration.

Were going to have a lot of figuring out to do and its really going to be a struggle to do that, he said.

For Richmond resident Katina Moss, Medicaid isnt just health insurance  its what allows her to care for her aging parents while continuing her self-employed work without the crushing burden of medical bills.

If the federal government drops funding by even 1%, my health coverage, my safety net and my ability to pursue my self-employed work while caring for my parents would be gone in a flash, she said.

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Advocates warn that the potential cuts would force many Virginians into impossible choices.

Ashley Kenneth, president of The Commonwealth Institute, and Julia Newton, a Service Employees International Union member, emphasized how Medicaid gives workers the security to prioritize basic needs without choosing between putting food on the table, paying rent, or seeking medical care.

Medicaid has been in Republicans crosshairs before. On his first day in office in 2017, Trump issued an executive order targeting the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, which allowed states to expand Medicaid. He later celebrated a repeal effort that passed the House before failing in the Senate, and in 2020, he supported a lawsuit before the U.S. Supreme Court that sought to dismantle the ACA.

More recently, a Trump administration memo outlining a proposed federal funding freeze pointedly excluded Medicare and Social Security but was silent on Medicaid, sparking concern from Democratic lawmakers. The administration later rescinded that memo, but uncertainty remains.

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Del. Terry Kilgore, R-Scott, who supported Virginias Medicaid expansion in 2018, could not be reached for comment.

With state budget negotiations approaching the final stretch of the 2025 legislative session, Gov. Glenn Youngkins stance on protecting Medicaid remains unclear. The Mercury asked whether he had been in contact with Trump or congressional Republicans about the issue but did not receive a response before publication.

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Actor Jaideep Ahlawat described his experience of working with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan in 'Raees' as magical. In a recent interview with ANI, Jaideep took a stroll down memory lane and expressed the fanboy moment he had with King Khan while shooting for the crime drama. "It's not easy to express how I felt when I met with Shah Rukh...Kuch alag hai unme. Pata nahin kya jaadu hai unme..(There's something different in him, something magical I would say). I am sure if all the poeple who have met Shah Rukh sit together, they will share a similar experience of meeting him. Whenever you meet him, It's like Shah Rukh has his undivided attention on you," he said. The 'Paatal Lok' star also recalled the advice given to him by SRK on why it's important to acknowledge the fans' love. " Shah Rukh once told me, 'Fans haven't done anything to get scolded. I have given them something on screen because of which they are doing all this. So if anyone is at mistake, it is me. If I had not done all this, then they would not have come to me. They would not have been standing outside my house. They would not have taken a photo of me. They would not have tried to shake my hand...'," Jaideep shared. Shah Rukh and Jaideep-starrer 'Raees' was released in 2017. It also starred Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Pakistani actor Mahira Khan in prominent roles. (ANI)
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY)  The Virginia Peninsula Chamber is hosting the 2025 First Citizen Gala in Hampton.

The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 15, from 5-9:30 p.m. at the Hampton Roads Convention Center.

This year, the Virginia Peninsula Chamber will honor Rob Shuford Jr., president and CEO of Old Point National Bank, and Alexis Swann, president of the Peninsula and Williamsburg of TowneBank, as the 2024 First Citizens.

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The Virginia Peninsula Chamber First Citizen Award is presented to individuals who are widely recognized as influential leaders and role models in the Peninsula business community, a release states. The awardees must be individuals of strong character and integrity who have leveraged their time, talents, and resources toward the betterment of the Virginia Peninsula community.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
Virginia Wesleyan University will work with local schools to bring environmental education to neurodivergent students, thanks to funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Bill McConnell, an associate professor of education and director of education programs at VWU, said the team has recently finished working with elementary students at Norfolk Collegiate on its Shared Waters project, which allows the children to choose an environmental issue they care about and finish a project to address that issue. McConnell said the most recent student noticed a plant with vines was taking over their kickball field, and once they found out the vine was invasive, McConnell said, it quickly became their Shared Waters project.

What better thing to do than to clean up all the invasive ivy? (The students) cleared the entire area of invasive ivy and planted native plants, McConnell said. Eventually, they saw little turtles going back into the environment there. Whether or not the turtles came there because of that or they could just see the turtles without the vines, it didnt matter. They thought, Oh my gosh, we made the turtles come back! So, really, its a great and authentic way for students to see the the efforts of their learning.

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Now, with an extra $200,000 in funding, McConnell, Mindy Gumpert and the rest of the team will be able to expand the program to include all kinds of students. Gumpert, an adjunct assistant professor, said the team will work directly with teachers to create a curriculum that serves all students, including children who may be more sensitive to sensory activities like working in outdoor or loud environments. For this project, the team will work with various partners like Millersville University in Pennsylvania, Isle of Wight County schools, Rivermont School Hampton, Rivermont School Tidewater and Chesapeake Bay Academy.

Since teachers have intimate knowledge of what may become an obstacle for specific students, Gumpert said, the partnership will allow the team to tailor the program to work closely with educators to adjust the environmental education to students who may not always get to participate.

Sometimes students with autism dont like to touch things, so when were playing in the water and doing water samples, maybe they need some gloves, or maybe they need a partner who will do that part of the experiment with them. We dont really know until we get into the schools and work with the teachers about what their needs are, Gumpert said.

McConnell said the program will cover about 860 students, more than two dozen general special education and gifted teachers and administrators over the course of the three years.

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Specifically, the grant will support programs that will foster critical thinking and environmental stewardship. McConnell said students will learn about how local waterways function, how humans can affect waterways and what communities can do to lessen negative impacts. The program also helps with targets under the Chesapeake Watershed Agreement, which outlines that students should have at least three meaningful watershed education experiences.

A lot is riding on the health of the Chesapeake Bay for this region and for Virginia, McConnell said. Its got a lot of our natural resources and our living resources that are so important to the economy and everything else. So without an informed public and a public that understands their own local environment, I dont know how we reach the goals that we want to reach.

Eliza Noe, eliza.noe@virginiamedia.com
Child care advocates rally on the state Capitol steps on Jan. 22, 2025. (Photo by Laurel Demkovich/Washington State Standard)

Tasha Fitzgerald didnt want to leave her job as a child care provider.

But after years of low pay and few benefits, Fitzgerald realized she would not be able to stay in the field and still afford to live in Port Angeles.

Im a highly qualified, well-educated provider who left because I could not make it work, she said.

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Many child care providers in Washington, like Fitzgerald, face low pay, minimum benefits and difficult working conditions. Some leave the field altogether, leading to more empty classrooms and a worsening of the states child care shortage.

Lawmakers are trying to find more ways to support them and keep them in the job, including by upping pay, changing how reimbursement rates are calculated, and cutting fees and regulations.

With a budget gap of around $12 billion, any new state spending may be difficult to approve this session, but advocates and lawmakers from both parties agree that strengthening the child care system is critical.

We know weve seen a tough budget situation, but we cannot go back by any means, said former state representative Tana Senn, who recently took over as Department of Children, Youth, and Families secretary. I have faith that we will continue to make great investment and advancements in making sure child care is accessible and affordable.

Increasing provider rates is critical

Kim Davies Lohman, a parent from Port Angeles, said she was shocked when she heard how little child care providers make.

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I dont know anywhere else that makes near minimum wage where you have so many requirements, so many out-of-pocket costs upfront and then have to do this really hard work with such high stakes, Davies Lohman said.

After moving to Port Angeles from Seattle, she was forced to leave her job to care for her child full-time because she could not find care nearby.

Davies Lohman and Fitzgerald were among a group of about 100 child care advocates who traveled to Olympia last week to encourage lawmakers to better support providers and families.

One ask that might help with pay is upping the reimbursement rate for providers who take state subsidies.

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Former Gov. Jay Inslees budget proposal included $510 million to fund rate increases for providers who take the states Working Connections subsidies. That would bring their rates up to the 85th percentile of 2024 market rates, a requirement under the Fair Start for Kids Act, a law approved in 2021.

While the fate of many expansions under Fair Start is up in the air, paying providers more may remain a priority  if lawmakers can financially swing it.

Increasing the rates that were paying is critical so that providers can attract and retain those high-quality staff to open those classrooms and serve those kids, Senn said.

Another proposal that might not cost the state anything immediately would change the way that reimbursement rates are calculated. Currently, subsidy rates are set using the market rate, which is based on what child care centers charge in different regions.

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Advocates want those rates to account for the cost of providing quality care, which is often pricier than the market rate and can include costs like employee benefits, family engagement activities, and professional development.

Senate Bill 5500 would allow the Legislature to choose the quality care rate model to pay providers instead of the market rate.

The bill would provide an alternative amount that the Legislature could pay, Sen. Emily Alvarado, D-West Seattle, said. If there arent the resources, I anticipate they would fund to a lower amount, but this provides the option.

Easing fees and building more centers

Lawmakers are also considering ways to lower regulatory fees and other costs.

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One proposal, sponsored by Sen. Claire Wilson, D-Auburn, would eliminate fees for people who want to obtain a child care license. Currently, the annual fee for home providers is $30, and the annual fee for centers is $125 for the first 12 children plus $12 for each additional child.

Republican leaders said that the most important thing to help providers in the near term is to ease difficult and costly regulatory burdens.

We want to keep care safe, but we continue to make it almost impossible to run a successful child care center on the private side, Senate Minority Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, said.

House Minority Leader Drew Stokesbary, R-Auburn, pointed to Republican-backed child care proposals, including ones to allow counties and cities to license providers, to remove unnecessary regulations for obtaining a license, and to offer a tax credit for businesses that provide child care for their employees.

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The most important thing we can do is better attack regulatory structure so that its easy to become a provider, Stokesbary said.

Another funding request this session would increase money for child care and early learning facilities construction grants. The Early Learning Facilities Fund helps programs that serve low-income families cover the costs of adding, remodeling or expanding facilities.

Advocates are asking for $50 million to be put into that fund over the next two years. Inslees proposed budget had $58.6 million for this work. That money comes from the capital budget, which is less strained than the operating budget.

Expanding access still in question

With a looming budget deficit, lawmakers are considering delaying expansions to child care access planned under the Fair Start for Kids Act.

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Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program is supposed to become an entitlement, guaranteeing access to families below a certain income. This program provides child care and other support services for 3- and 4-year-olds and younger children in some locations.

Meanwhile, Working Connections Child Care, the states subsidy program, is supposed to increase eligibility for families with up to 75% of the state median income starting next July. Currently, families who make 60% of the state median income can receive subsidies.

Child care advocates want to see the subsidy expansion carried out as promised, but the budget crunch may be a snag.

Inslee proposed pushing the expansions back until 2026-2027. Ferguson has suggested holding off on most of the expansion but keeping one piece of it. He wants the state to move forward on allowing families with one parent who works for a small business and has household earnings up to 75% of the state median income to receive the subsidies.

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Its unclear where exactly lawmakers will land on pausing the expansion.

Senn, who sponsored the Fair Start for Kids Act in the Legislature four years ago, said the policy laid out a road map for where the state needs to go with early learning and child care.

I have faith that were going to continue along that road, she said. It just might be a little bit longer than we anticipated.
TEXARKANA, Texas (KTAL/KMSS)  A free information session for those who want to help children in foster care is coming to Texarkana in February.

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for Children will host a session for interested volunteers at The Stained Page, 115 Main Street, Texarkana, Texas. If you are interested in advocating for children who have been abused or neglected, consider attending the session that will be held on Mon., Feb. 10th at 9:00 a.m.

CASA is your opportunity to provide children with a supportive presence while representing their best interests in the court system.

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At the event, you can learn more about the program, what volunteers are required to do, and how to get involved. You can also ask CASA experts questions.

Registration for the event is required.

Call (903) 792-1030 for more information.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
A wanted felon out of Burke County has been arrested after a brief chase in Caldwell County.

Deputies said when they took 36-year-old Jabaris Rashawn Francis into custody, they found a large quantity of meth and fentanyl inside his car.

ALSO READ: Officer shoots armed convicted felon in high crime area, CMPD says

Francis is also wanted in McDowell County on assault and kidnapping charges.

He is being held in jail on a $1 million bond, according to the sheriffs office.

VIDEO: Officer shoots armed convicted felon in high crime area, CMPD says








MARTINSVILLE, Va. (WFXR)  The Henry County Sheriff has arrested a wanted man after a shooting and barricade situation in Martinsville on January 29.

The sheriff said deputies arrived at the 500 block of Lakewood Trail around 4:20 p.m. on Wednesday after reports of shots being fired. On the scene, a male victim said he was speaking with a client when he suddenly heard a gunshot and then a projectile whizz past his head.

The victim then claimed he saw a man carrying what he believed to be a rifle walk into a home on Lakewood Trail. After law enforcement arrived on the scene, attempts to contact the suspect were made; however, the man allegedly barricaded himself inside the home.

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RPD identified suspect charged in connection to shooting in SE Roanoke

90 minutes of negotiations between the man and law enforcement occurred before he came out of the home peacefully and was taken into custody without further incident.

A search warrant was then executed at the home, during which a high-powered air rifle and suspected narcotics were allegedly found. These items will be sent to the Department of Forensic Science for analysis.

No injuries have currently been reported and there is no further threat to the community, the sheriff said.

27-year-old Michael Jamel Holland of Martinsville has been arrested and charged with the following:

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Aggravated Malicious Wounding (Felony Virginia Code Section: 18.2-51.2)

Brandish Firearm (Misdemeanor Virginia Code Section: 18.2-282)

Obstruction of Justice (Misdemeanor Virginia Code Section: 18.2-460)

Probation Violation (Felony Virginia Code Section: 19.2-306)

Probation Violation (Misdemeanor Virginia Code Section: 19.2-306)

The Henry County Sheriff said that Holland was also allegedly wanted on unrelated charges prior to this incident.

Resistance of an officer of the court (Henry County Virginia Code Section: 18.2-456)

Resistance of an officer of the court (City of Martinsville Virginia Code Section: 19.2-456)

Holland is currently being held at the Henry County Adult Detention Center without bond.

The HCSO said the investigation is ongoing. If you have any information regarding the incident, please call the Henry County Sheriffs Office at 276-638-8751. You can also leave an anonymous tip with Crimestoppers at 63-CRIME (632-7463). The Crimestoppers Program offers rewards up to $2500.00 for information related to a 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 WFXRtv.
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By now youve probably noticed your attention being stolen, daily, by your various devices. Youve probably read somewhere that companies much more powerful than you are dedicated to refining and perfecting that theft. In this episode of Radio Atlantic, MSNBC host and author of The Sirens Call: How Attention Became the Worlds Most Endangered Resource explains in painful detail what youre really up against. Its absolutely endemic to modern life, Hayes says. Our entire lives now is the wail of that siren going down the street.

Hayes talks about his own experience of becoming famous enough to be recognized and becoming a little addicted to that attention. He explains how companies have learned to manipulate natural biological impulses in ways that keep us trapped. And he invokes Marx, who argued that capitalism alienates workers from their labor, to explain how technology is now alienating all of humanity from attention, which is perhaps more insidious because it lives in our psyches. I think its because theres something holy or sublime in actual human connection that cant be replicated.

The following is a transcript of the episode:

[Music]

Child: When my parents are on the phone, it usually makes me feel, like, really bored and makes me want to do something, because I dont really have anything to do. And Im kind of just, like, sitting there and watching them on the phone. Claudine Ebeid: And what do you think about the amount of time that Dad and I spend on the phone? Child: Well, I think, like, when they had landlines and stuff, you wouldnt spend too much more time on the phone, and you would spend it on other types of devices. But now, since its all in the phone, you wouldnt really be seeing your parents, like, on a computer. Youd only see them doing that for, like, work or something.

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Hanna Rosin: Thats our executive producer, Claudine Ebeid, and her daughter. Were hearing from them because when we talk about screen time or how phones are manipulating us, its often adults talking about kids. But of course, it goes the other way too.

Chris Hayes: Every kid is engaged in a kind of battle for their parents attention.

Rosin: This is Chris Hayes, my guest this week.

Hayes: I mean, I think every kid notices how distracted parents are by the phone. Rosin: Whos the meanest to you about it? Hayes: My youngest. Rosin: Really? (Laughs.) Hayes: Yeah. Rosin: Not the teenager? Hayes: No, actually, I think the youngest, because youngest children have a real antenna for attention. They come into a family in which they recognize immediately that there is, at some level, a kind of Hobbesian war of all against all for parental attention.

Rosin: Im Hanna Rosin, and this week on the Radio Atlantic: the war for your attention.

You probably know Chris Hayes best as a host on MSNBC. Hes the author of a new book: The Sirens Call: How Attention Became the Worlds Most Endangered Resource. And he doesnt just mean parental attention. Hes talking about attention in politics, commerce, social mediabasically, how capitalism found a uniquely human weakness to exploit.

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But of course, since the topic is so often seen only through the lens of parents and children, we started out sharing how we can feel like hypocrites when we police our kids devices.

[Music]

Hayes: The one that Ive caught myself doing is: your child asking for screen time when theyre, you know, not allowed to or its not normally the time, and giving them, like, a sharp noand then going back to looking at your phone. (Laughs.)

Rosin: Oh, Chris. One thousand percent. Even the fact that we get to use the term screen time, and guess who doesnt get to use the term screen time. They cant be like, Dad, you only have an hour of screen time a day.

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Hayes: Thats right. And one of the things I write about in the book is that when we think about the state of boredom, or being bored, I think we associate it with being a child. I mean, I remember days in the summer, particularly, where I was a little underscheduled. I was just sort of sitting aroundthese periods where you feel like, I have nothing to do.

And the reason Ive come to believe that we associate [boredom] with childhood is, as soon as we are old enough to control our lives, we do everything possible to make sure we never feel it. Thats why its associated with childhood: because children dont have full agency. Once we develop full agency, were like, Im not gonna be in that state. Im gonna do whatever it takes not to be in that state.

Rosin: Chris writes about how there are two kinds of attention: voluntary attention and compelled attention.

Hayes: So compelled attention is part of our deepest biological, neurological wiring. Its the involuntary reaction if you are at a cocktail party and a waiter drops a tray of glasses.

[Glass breaking]

Hayes: You cant help it. You cannot control whether youre going to pay attention to that. Its often the case with, you know, an explosion

[Loud boom]

Hayes: or the siren that is on top of an ambulance or a cop car as it goes down the street.

[Siren wailing]

Hayes: That involuntary attention is the part of our neurological wiring in which our attention is compelled, independent of our volition and will, as a kind of almost biological fact, due to the fact that we needed to be alert to danger, basically.

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And then theres voluntary attention, which is when we, using the conscious will, flash the beam of thought where we want it to go.

Rosin: So [if] I sit down and read your book, thats voluntary attention.

Hayes: Correct.

Rosin: Is one better than the other?

Hayes: Well, I mean, I think that, lookinvoluntary attention is probably necessary for the survival of the species. So in that sense, its fundamental, and I wouldnt say its worse. The problem is: So lets say youre reading the book. Youve made this volitional decision, and as youre reading the book, the little haptic buzz of a notification in your phone goes off.

[Tech vibration noise]

Hayes: Now, you notice that because its designed to use the deep circuitry of compelled attention to force your attention onto the physical sensation of the phone.

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That is a perfect example of the one-way ratchet of what I call attention capitalism, is that the more important attention gets, and the more that people, corporations, and platforms have sort of optimized for it competitively, the more they will try to use the tactics of compelled attention to get our attention, rather than to get the part of us thats volitional attention.

Now, of course, you still have human will. And in that moment, youre going to decide, Am I going to take my phone out to see what the notification was or not? But that little moment, that little interruption, thats pretty new at scale. I think its totally new at scale.

And its also just absolutely endemic to modern life. Its our entire lives now, is that wail of the siren going down the street, the clatter of the drop tray.

[Siren wails, glass breaks, phone buzzes]

Hayes: Theres very powerful forces attempting to compel our attention away from where we might want to put it in any moment, because thats a kind of hack for them for getting our attention.

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Rosin: Right. Youre a little less than aware of it. Like, youre not thinking, I want to look towards the waiter dropping the tray, or I want to look towards the ambulance. Youre just kind of reactive.

Hayes: Yeah, youre reactive, and youre at your sort of biophysical base, right? The comparison that I use in the book, and I think this might be helpful for people to think this through, is how hunger works. With food, we have these deep biological inheritances where theres just universal deep wiring towards sweets, for instance, or fats, because they are extremely calorie dense.

You can exploit that at scale, as McDonalds has and other food operations, and find that you could basically sell cheeseburgers and salty fries and Coca Cola all over the world, because youre working on that deep biological substrate in people. But its also the case when you ask, Well, what do humans like to eat? its an impossible thing to answer, because the answer is: basically everything, right? Its amazing, all the different things.

And what we see in sort of modern food culture and the food industry is a sort of fascinating kind of battle between these twin forces, right? The kind of industrialized production and fast food that is attempting to sort of find the lowest common denominator, speak to that deepest biological substrate so that they can sell corn syrup to everyoneand then all of the amazing things that people do with food and what food means as culture, as history, as self-expression, as expression of love and bonds.

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And I think, basically, theres a very similar dynamic that we now have with attention, where our compelled attention and our deep wiring is being extracted and exploited by very sophisticated, large, and powerful economic entities.

And yet we still do have this thing called voluntary attention. And you know, whats sort of amazing, too, about the internet age is, likeand I say this in the booklike, Ive watched hours of people cleaning carpets, which I find totally compelling and almost sort of sublime and soothing. And I wouldnt have guessed that that was a thing I wanted to pay attention to.

You know, the internet has opened this cornucopia of different things you can pay attention to. So were constantly in this battle between these two forms of attention that are in our heads and the different entities that are trying to compel our attention against our will, and then our own kind of volitional attempt to control it.

Rosin: Chris, were you high when you were watching videos of cleaning carpets?

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Hayes: (Laughs.) Mostly not. Occasionally yes, but mostly I have been sober while watching the cleaning carpets, and Ive still found them incredibly calming.

Rosin: What? (Laughs.) So thats your ASMR, is carpet cleaning?

Hayes: I dont know if youve seen these, but they take these super, super dirty carpetsits like a genre video. Theres a million different ones now, which indicates that thats not just me. Lots of people feel this way.

Rosin: Its okay. Its okay. Theres no judgment in this podcast at all.

Hayes: This is my kink.

Rosin: (Laughs.) You can find your calm wherever you need it. Im just curious.

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Hayes: (Laughs.) So yeah, thats basically how I think about compelled involuntary attention. And I do think that, because I think were more familiar with it in the context of our appetites and hunger, I think its a really useful and grounding metaphor, because I think it functions in a very similar way.

Rosin: Essentially, what youre saying is, the way this works is: Weve got some biological impulses, lets say, for example, to want social attention, just to be noticed by others. Thats in us, and thats fine.

Hayes: Yeah. I mean, I think the reason that its so foundational, social attention and I think its slightly counterintuitive because I think people have very different attitudes and personal dispositions towards social attention. Lots of people dont like it. But the foundational truth about being a human is: We come into the world utterly helpless and dependent, completely, on care. And the thing prior to that care is attention.

And the best way to see this is the childs wail. The most powerful tool that the newborn has is the cry. And the reason they have the cry is: Its their siren. It compels our attention. And the reason that it compels our attention, and the reason they have to have the ability to compel our attention, is because without attention, they will perish. And that is our human inheritance. That need from the moment we come gasping into the world for others attentionthat is foundational to every single one of us.

Rosin: So we have this need for social attention. Its a basic need. Whether were an introvert or an extrovert, thats not what were talking about. We just have this basic need for social attention. What is different about seeking social attention online?

Hayes: Okay, this is really, I think, a key thing to think about. Before civilization, you got social attention from people that you knew that you had relationships with, right? There werent really strangers. And you might be able to put your social attention on someone you dont know, like a kind of godlike figure or a mythic hero that tales were told of, right? So you could put your attention on a person you dont know, but the social attention you received was all from people that you had a bilateral relationship with. What happens with the dawn of what we might call fameand theres an amazing book about this that I cite

Rosin: Leo Braudy.

Hayes: Yeah, Leo Braudys great book. He says Alexander, basically, is the first famous person, and he explains why. But fame is the experience of receiving social attention from people you do not know, and at scale.

Now this is a very strange experience. And the reason I know this is because I happen to live it. And so in the progression of civilization, you start to have famous people, and more and more people can be famous with the dawn of industrial media: movie stars, pop stars, all this stuff.

But its still a very, very, very tiny percentage of people that can be known by strangersthat can have social attention being paid to them by strangers. That just generally doesnt happen for most people, and most people are gonna have received social attention from people they have relationships with, and they might put their social attention on all sorts of public figuresthe president or celebrities and other peoplebut theyre not getting it from people they dont know.

That just is a very tiny sliver of humans that can have that experience, and now it is utterly democratized for everyone for the first time in human history. I mean, its genuinely new, genuinely a break, has not happened before. Anyone can have enormous social attention from oceans of strangers on them. You can have a viral moment online. You can cultivate a following. This experience of social attention from strangersprecisely because it is so at odds, I think, with our inheritanceis weird and alienating. And theres a bunch of ways it is. One of the ways its alienating is that we are conditioned to care what the people we love think about us.

Were conditioned to care if weve hurt someone that we have a relationship with. But its very different if youve insulted or hurt just a total stranger whos saying mean things to you, or youve disappointed them, or theyre angry at you. That comes into you, psychologically, indistinguishably from it coming from kin or lover or friend.

Rosin: So we just basically, ourI dont know if I want to call them our intimacy compasssomething gets scrambled. We just dont have the category to react or manage that category of social attention. We just dont know what to do with it.

Hayes: Truly, theres a kind of clash here between the data set were trained on, if you will, and what were encountering. And the reasonagain, this is a place that I really know, right? I didnt used to have people come up to me on the street, and then I became famous enough that people did. And Ive experienced all the ways that thats strange and alienating, and Ive given a lot of thoughtpartly as a kind of full-time psychological undertaking, so that I dont go crazy, because I do think its kind of distorting and madness inducing in its own way.

And what weve done is basically democratize the madness-inducing aspects of celebrity for the entire society. Every teenager with a phone now can be driven nuts in precisely the way that we have watched generations of celebrities and stars go crazy.

Rosin: You mentioned Bo Burnham in your book and the movie he made, Eighth Grade. When he talked about why he made that movie, he said that same thing. He had a similar experience to youhe went viral at a pretty young ageand then he realized that every eighth grader was having the kind of experience that he had had, which he found so alienating but that had now become a common experience. Can you read a paragraph for me from your social attention chapter, which I think is relevant to this conversation?

Hayes: Sure. Id love to.

Rosin: Just the paragraph that starts with the social media combination.

Hayes: The social media combination of mass fame and mass surveillance increasingly channels our most basic impulsestoward loving and being loved, caring for and being cared for, getting our friends to laugh at our jokesinto the project of impressing strangers, a project that cannot, by definition, sate our desires but feels close enough to real human connection that we cannot but pursue it in ever more compulsive ways.

Rosin: That really hit me. Its a dark vision. Its like they tap into our thirst perfectly but then just keep the glass of water just out of reach, you know?

Hayes: Well, and I think thats because theres something holy or sublime in actual human connection that cant be replicated.

Rosin: Yeah.

Hayes: that, you know, the thing that were chasing is something ineffable and nonreplicable. And its the reason we chase it, because its what makes life worth living, at a certain level, is to be recognized and seen. Relationships of mutual support and affection and care with other peopleyou know, thats it. Thats the stuff of it. And we are given a tantalizing facsimile that some deep part of us cannot help but chase, but it cant also be the real thing.

Rosin: When we come back: who exactly is benefiting from this attention economy, why it feels so bad for the rest of us, and what we can do about it. Thats after the break.



[Break]



Rosin: Were back. And were starting with something that everyone who gets social attention from strangers learns.

Hayes: What you quickly find is that positive compliments and recognitionthey just sort of wash off you. But the insults and the negativity cuts and sticks. I mean, do you not feel that way as someone who has some public profile?

Rosin: Yes, yes. Its happened to me, and I was so surprised at how hurt I was. And when I look back, I think, like, I literally dont really know those people. Like, theres just something so, Ugh. Its, like, ancient, the feelinglike youre being pilloried or something, like youre in the public squareand it feels terrible, and I dont understand why. Like, I could just shut my computer, and itd be gone, but it does not feel that way, internally.

Hayes: Yeah, and I can think of days I spent in that haze. You know, when you come out of it, youre like, Why did I let myself feel that way? Like, Why did I spend a whole day? Like, Why was II can even think of moments of being distracted from my kids because I was sitting there and feeling wounded and hurt and ruminating on a mean thing someone who I dont know said online. And Im distracted, and my attentions on that instead of my wonderful child sitting on my lap, you know? (Laughs.)

Rosin: Well, I think the lesson to learn from that is what youre talking about in this book, is how vulnerable we are. Even when it doesnt make intellectual sense, there is some way that were vulnerable in this moment. We cant completely control our reactions and choose, voluntarily, not to pay attention to this thing. We dont have that kind of agencynot yet, anyway.

Hayes: Thats exactly right. You know, attention is the substance of life. That is what our lives add up to. Its in every moment, we are choosing to pay attention to something, or were having it compelled, but were paying attention to something. And thats what adds up to a day and a week and a month and a year and a life.

And its also finite. You know, this is one of the key points I make, is that part of the valueand the reason its so valuable, and the reason there is such competition for the extraction of attentionis that unlike information, its capped. Its a finite resource. Its that people are figuring out how to take one or two extra slices of the pie, not grow it. And thats the other thing that leads to the feeling of alienation and the feeling that something has been taken away from us because of its finitude.

Rosin: Well, lets talk about attention as a resource, because weve talked a lot about how it works in us, the individuals, and permeates our lives, but I want to talk about a broader social context. You make this very compelling analogy between our attention problem and Marxist ideas. I did have this image of you at a bookstore one day, like, being bored and coming across a copy of Das Kapital, and like, a lightning bolt goes off. Yes! Its like Marx but for the information age. Its a really compelling analogy. Can you explain it?

Hayes: Yes, I mean, you know, I started reading Marx in high school, which is a weird thing to say, but its true. Heres the basic argument Marx makes about labor.

So hes living at this time where theres this new thing called wage capitalism, wage labor. People, you know, sell their labor on a per-hour basis.

Rosin: And how is that different from peoples relationship to labor before? Just so we get the analogy.

Hayes: Totally. So lets think about a cobbler, right? Youre in the preindustrial age. You got your little shop. You make a shoe. And theres a few things about this process that are distinct. One is, theres a telos; theres an arc to it. You start with the raw materials, then you put them together, then you put the sole on, then you put the finish on. In the end, you have a shoe, and you own that shoe, and then you sell it in your store in exchange for money.

Now, compare that experience to the wage laborer in a shoe factory who is at one position stamping soles 10 or 12 hours a day, six days a week. In both cases, you could say that sort of preindustrial cobbler and the shoe-factory worker are both laboring.

But now theres this distinct thing called labor as a commodity that has a wage price and a set of institutions to take the labor in exchange for that wage, and a set of technological and economic developments that produce a situation in which you go from being the cobbler, who makes the whole shoe, to being in a factory 12 hours a day, stamping a sole.

And Marx talks about this as the root of alienation. Youre just alienated from yourself, from your humanity. Youre not doing a recognizably human thing. Youre doing something that feels robotic and mechanical, but also that the value that youre creating is literally outside of you. I mean, to go back to the cobbler, when he makes the shoe, he actually owns the shoe. If he wanted to make the shoe and give it to his kids, he could do thatand sometimes cobblers would, right? But the factory worker doesnt have that. The factory worker is alienated from the value of the shoe. Hes stamping the sole, and when it goes down the line, it gets sold off somewhere else. Its literally outside of him. Its alien to him.

So this is the basic Marx labor theory of value, right? That you have this transformation in society, economic conditions, institutions that took a thing that was fundamentally humaneffort, toil, whatever you want to call itand transformed it into this new thing that was a commodity that could be priced and bought and traded.

Rosin: Called labor.

Hayes: Called labor. And I think, basically, theres something happening right now with attention thats similar. People have always paid attention to things, and that attention has always had some value, and theres people who have utilized that value for all kinds of purposesP. T. Barnum, Mark Antony: Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.

You know, theres always been a value there, but weve entered an age that I think is similar to the industrial agebut for attentionwhere a set of institutions, technologies, and arrangements have produced a world in which our attention is being extracted from us, commodified, and sold at a price, often in millisecond auctions to advertisers.

And that extraction leads to a profound sense of alienation, similar in some ways to that sense of alienation and that alienation of the laborer. And yet theres one more way in which its even more insidious, I would argue, which is that compelled, involuntary aspect.

So labor can be coerced forcibly. I mean, you can, you know, use a whip or a gun to make someone do something. If you put a gun to someones head and say, Dig a ditch, youre coercing. Youre forcing that labor. But they know theyre doing it. If you fire a gun, your head will snap around before you know youre even doing it.

And so because of this involuntary, compelled aspect of our biological wiring for attention, this new competitive attention capitalism is working to extract it at such a deep level that its compelling it, at some way, before were even able to make a volitional choice about it. And that feeling is this profound, deep feeling of alienation.

I think this alienation is so ubiquitous. I think we all feel versions of it, and I found the concept of alienation, which I always found a little foggy in the past, very clarifying. Something that should be within us is outside of us, and that within us is my control over my own thoughts. Thats the thing that should be within me. Thats the nature of consciousness itself, what it means to be of free will, and yet that is being extracted and commodified and taken outside of me.

Rosin: So were not exactly compelled. Nobodys holding a gun to our head. So I dont know that you could say its worse. Its just more confusing because we are participating. So in some sense

Hayes: Yes, thats a good point. Yes, theres not the same sense of violation, right? Because in some ways it feels like were consenting. I think youre right. That muddies it and also gives us a weird feeling of shame and guilt.

Rosin: One consequence were seeing is the kind of people who thrive in this ageobviously, Donald Trump. You mention Elon Musk a lot in the book, which I think is a specific point. Like, the Trump point is kind of obvious. Like, why someone like that thrives in an age of attention, I think we intuitively understand that. Musk is a little more complicated.

Hayes: Well, lookheres what unites them, right? Its fundamentally: These are people that understand that attention matters more than anything, even at the cost of negative attention. And this is really the key thing to understand, I think, that has really warped our public discourse. The thing that separates social attention from other, more elevated forms of human interaction is that its necessary but not sufficient.

Someone flirting with you across the bar is social attention, a pleasant kind. Someone screaming at your face because youre too close to them on the subway is also attention. And thats the weird thing about attention. It could be of either valence and everything in between.

In a world that increasingly values attention over all else, what you get is you unlock the universe of negative attention and its power, because if all that matters is attention, then negative attention is just as good as positive attention. Now, most of us are conditioned to not like negative attention. But theres a certain set of people who, either through a sort of intellectual understandingsometimes this happens, where youll read interviews with creators who are like, Oh yeah. Once I started trolling, I got more views, right?

So part of it is: The algorithms select for negative attention. But part of it is just a deep brokenness in their personality, and I think this is true of both Donald Trump and Elon Musk, to seek out negative attention because its attention. And this creates a kind of troll politics writ large, and I think were sort of watching, in some ways, the Musk era supplant the Trump era, if that makes sense?

Rosin: What do you mean? What do you define as the Musk era?

Hayes: So most politicians, they want positive attention, and if they cant get positive attention, they want no attention and then, underneath that, negative attention, right? So its like, you want people to like you and know your name, or you want to stay out of the news. And what Trump realized is that, no, it doesnt matter whether its positive or negative, as long as youre getting attention,

Musk has now taken this insight to actually having captured a platform that he purchased, where he is now operationalizing this at scale. So its like the higher synthesis of the insight of Trump. Hes understood that attention is the most valuable resource, and this is true in monetary terms. I mean, look at whats happenedthis I actually get wrong in the book because I was writing it too early.

Look what happened: He buys Twitter, okay? He buys it for $44 billion. So he gets it so he could be the main character on this. He so obsessively pursues this attention that it destroys the actual value of the entity. So lighting $25 billion on fire, right, all in this sort of broken pursuit of attention. But then, using this attention and using the platform, he helps elect a president who puts him, essentially, at the seat of power that produces an enormous boon in his personal wealth because people are like, Oh now he is close to power, and it has netted him hundreds of billions of dollars in his personal value.

And its the most incredible allegory for the entire attention age. Here are these two guys, Donald Trump and Elon Musk, who seem to recognize more than anyone that attention is the most valuable resource and that you should do whatever you can to pursue it, even if that means acting like a maniac. And its kind of worked for both of them.

Rosin: That seems so huge and overpowering. I mean, theres a way of listening to you and reading this book and fully seeing it. Like, we can see the train wreck in our own lives and sort of out there in the world. But you might read the book and think, Okay, this is my own ordeallike, something I have to combat. I have to put my phone away. I have to chain myself to the trees or whatever.

Hayes: Yeah. I mean, so the first thing I would say is that the cause for optimism, which I have some, is that I feel this is pretty untenable and unsustainable, because I think the sense of exhaustion and alienation so ubiquitous and profound that I dont think it can keep going that way. And actually, I think that theres unbelievable latent energy for something different than what this is.

There are ways that attention can still be bought and sold that isnt this particular to-the-second, algorithmic, infinite scroll that were all now trapped in, right? So I think you are going to see flourishing of alternate means. And you see this, I meanSubstack, the longform newsletter. Were seeing it happen. Like, Substack is growing because people do want to read long things from people that they think are interesting, and not just algorithmic serving of short-form video. Thats a different model. Its a for-profit model, but its a different model and, I think, a better one and one thats less extractive and alienating for our attention.

You know, vinyl records were completely supplanted by cassette tapes and then CDs. And then, starting about 10 years ago, they started growing, and theyve been growing every year, and theyve been growing at huge paces, and theres now a thriving vinyl industry. And the reason is that, I think, when you are streaming music, you have the twitchy, short-form attention extraction of going to the next song, or maybe I want something else. When you put on a record, you commit, right?

The commitment mechanism is the triumph of the volitional will over the involuntary attention compulsion, right? Its like Odysseus lashing himself to the mast, right? We make a commitment: Im going to read this email from this Substacker I subscribe to. Im going to listen to this album, which Ive put on vinyl. These commitment methodsand, again, they could be in for-profit contextI think we are going to see flourishing and more energy behind that.

And the other example I use, because I talked about hunger before, is to think about whats happened with how opposition to the sort of corporate, industrial food system the U.S. has worked. So youve had an entire thriving ecosystem and set of businesses built up in opposition to precisely the forms of extractive and exploitative food capitalism that I think is parallel to attention capitalism.

And I think we are going to see that. There are people that market dumb phones now, and I think theres gonna be a lot more of them. I can imagine a world in which, in the same way that a certain kind of parent doesnt feed their kids fast food, you start to see that more and more, that people kind of just opt out of this entire system, to the extent they can.

Rosin: Do you think were being exploited, and we should be mad about it?

Hayes: Yeah, I do. I do. I think that theres something pretty dark and insidious about how the major platforms, particularly, are engineering this kind of attention compulsion. And I think we are going to enter an era in which we start regulating attention seriously. Youre seeing this callyou know, in Australia, theyve already banned social media for children under 16. Youre going to see more and more calls for that. But also, I can imagine other ways that we try to regulate it, whether its hard capsregulated hard caps on screen time. I mean, that sounds so crazy and kind of un-American, but I dont know. Maybe thats a good idea!

Rosin: Well, I take hope in the schools. I mean, schools, not just in the U.S. but all over the world, are starting to get pretty serious about no phones at all during class time, which is radical. If youre a teenager, thats a radical change in your life. So thats hopeful. I will say one thing your book has really done for me very concretely is make me appreciate my group chats.

Like, after I read your book, I went back and I thankedyou know, I thought, Oh, you know, Ive got a couple of group chats that are so fun. And I just went and thanked everybody on them.

Hayes: That makes me so happy to hear that, because this is a book written by a person who genuinely loves the internet and has loved the internet most of his adult life. I mean, Im an early internet adopter, and what the group chat is doing is: Its using technology to connect actual people that know each other.

And theres lots of stuff that could happen in group chat that could be messy or bad, because humans can be mean or gossipy to each other. But fundamentally, theres not an interposition of some entity trying to monetize it. Its a noncommercial space. Its a technology thats a noncommercial space.

It feels like the early noncommercial internet. You just go on with your friends, and you make jokes, and you share stuff, and thats it. No one comes in with a five-second ad. No one tries to extract your attention against your will. Its a set of bilateral relationships, voluntarily entered to, in a space that is noncommercial.

And thats the other thing we really need. Like, we have physical public spaces that are noncommercial, and they are so vital, whether thats schools or libraries or parks. Increasingly, the internet is just totally captured by commercial spaces. And it used to be entirely noncommercial, and now its entirely commercial. And those commercial spaces will ultimately further the kind of extractive attention capitalism Im critiquing. But there are ways to createand the group chat right now is the chief among themnoncommercial spaces of digital connection.

Rosin: Okay, everyone listening, go do more group chats. Just go engage in your group chats. And Chris, thank you so much for joining me today. Thank you for writing this book and explaining this all to us.

Hayes: Thank you for reading it. It really means a lot to me and thank you for having me.

[Music]

Rosin: This episode was produced by Kevin Townsend and edited by Claudine Ebeid. Rob Smierciak engineered, and Ena Alvarado fact-checked. Claudine Ebeid is the executive producer of Atlantic audio, and Andrea Valdez is our managing editor.

My thanks again to Chris Hayes for joining me. His new book is The Sirens Call: How Attention Became the Worlds Most Endangered Resource.

Article originally published at The Atlantic
President Donald Trumps nominee to be the nations top spy chief faced a volley of combative questions from Democrats at her nomination hearing Thursday, while some Republicans also treated her with skepticism.

Tulsi Gabbard came prepared for scrutiny and lost no time in going on the offensive.

She vowed to end what she described as political bias in the intel community, and called the attacks on her record lies and smears.

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Gabbard is widely viewed as Trumps most vulnerable Cabinet nominee remaining and her confirmation could hinge on her performance at the hearing. She is not expected to draw support from any Democrats on the spy panel and at least two Republicans on the committee are potential no votes.

Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) said in his opening statement that Gabbard may be so unqualified to be director of national intelligence that having her serve in the role would violate the very law establishing it.

He noted that the law creating the DNI position requires the nominee to have extensive national security expertise. As such, I continue to have significant concerns about your judgment and your qualifications to meet the standard set by the law, Warner said in his opening statement.



Gabbard has never held a formal role in the U.S. intelligence community. However, she is an Iraq war veteran, has spent more than two decades in the military, and served on the House Armed Services Committee while in Congress. If confirmed for the role, she would preside over more than a dozen U.S. spy agencies and oversee roughly $100 billion in intelligence programs.

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At the start, Republicans inside the hearing room painted a starkly different picture of Gabbard.

They cast her as a patriot whose iconoclastic foreign policy views have been misrepresented by Democrats and the press as evidence she is a puppet of foreign powers. In the past, Gabbard has repeated inaccurate Kremlin talking points on the presence of U.S. bioweapons labs in Ukraine, blamed NATO for Russias invasion there and questioned U.S. intelligence assessments about the use of chemical weapons in Syria.

Senate Intelligence Chair Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) acknowledged Gabbards unconventional views, but characterized her as free thinker who can push back on the type of mainstream foreign policy thinking that has dragged the country into disastrous wars abroad.

Maybe Washington could use a little more unconventional thinking, Cotton said in his opening statement.

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Gabbard used her opening statement to blast a laundry list of alleged failures by the U.S. intelligence community, including the investigation of Trumps ties to Russia during the 2016 election, the intelligence assessments that led to the Iraq war, and the letter from 51 former U.S. intelligence officials that warned Hunter Bidens laptop was part of a Kremlin disinformation plot.

What truly unsettles my political opponents is I refuse to be their puppet, she said.



But a number of the lawmakers on the panel said their concerns were about much more concrete issues.

One particularly explosive moment of the hearing was sparked by Gabbards refusal to call former NSA contractor Edward Snowden a traitor  provoking a stream of questions from Republicans and Democrats on the panel alike.

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After Gabbard sidestepped a definitive answer on Snowden when asked about him by Sens. James Lankford (R-Okl.) and Michael Bennet (D-Col.), the usually soft-spoken Democrat tore into her.

Is Edward Snowden a traitor to the United States of America? Bennet said, his voice rising. That is not a hard question to answer when the stakes are this high.

Two minutes later, following a flood of attacks on Gabbards statements not only on Snowden but also on her comments suggesting that Ukraine was to blame for the Russia invasion, Bennet jabbed at her again.

The record is going to be very clear about the position you took with regard to Edward Snowden and the record is going to be very clear about your reaffirmation of the statements you made in the middle of the night when Russia was invading the free country of Ukraine, Bennet said, referring Gabbard to the social media post in which she had suggested responsibility for the Russian invasion of Ukraine lay with NATO.

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Later, Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.), viewed as one of the possible GOP nos on the narrowly divided panel, also expressed unnerve by Gabbards deflections on Snowden. I think it would befit you and be helpful to the way you are perceived by members of the intelligence community, if you would at least acknowledge that the greatest whistleblower in American history, so called, harmed national security by breaking the laws of the land around our intel authority, he said.

At another point, Republican Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas, who has kept mum about his views on Gabbard, said he wanted to make certain that Russia would not get a pass in either your mind or your heart in any decision she made as DNI.

Senator, Im offended by the question, Gabbard responded. If confirmed, no country, group or individual will get a pass.



A flashpoint for Democrats and Republicans alike was Gabbards view on a controversial surveillance authority  often referred to in shorthand as Section 702  that many on the spy panel consider the intelligence communitys most valuable spy tool.

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Gabbard, a privacy hawk while in Congress, previously opposed the law  which allows for surveillance of communications of foreigners abroad  because it can sweep up communications from American citizens. But she flip-flopped after meeting with panel members who are committed to the law in recent weeks.

Pressed on the issue at various points in the hearing, Gabbard appeared to offer conflicting answers about whether she really supports the law as is or wants to install greater privacy safeguards around it  a position that landed differently among the members.

You said the reforms now make you supportive. What can you cite, which reforms? Warner pressed Gabbard at one point.

For Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), the panels leading privacy advocate, Gabbards openness to consider reforming Section 702 to better protect Americans Fourth Amendment rights produced one of her most promising moments with a panel Democrat.

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You are being very helpful by moving so quickly, Wyden responded after her answer.

One of the biggest questions swirling around Gabbards candidacy heading into the hearing was a trip she took in 2017 to meet with recently deposed Syrian President Bashar al Assad.

Gabbard has defended the secret meeting with Assad  a pariah in Washington at that time  by saying she was transparent about it with U.S. officials, and it offered a chance to bring a speedier resolution to Syrias brutal civil war. But, she revealed for the first time at the hearing that the meeting didnt produce any concessions. No, and I didnt expect to, she said.



She also forcefully denied ever meeting with senior Hezbollah fighters during the trip, calling it an absurd accusation.

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Under questioning from Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) at another point in the hearing, Gabbard clarified who she thinks is responsible for the war in Ukraine: Putin started the war in Ukraine, she said.

Gabbard did have some standout moments, at one point deftly flipping skepticism of her coziness toward Assad on its head.

I shed no tears for the fall of the Assad regime, she said, in response to questions from Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.). But today we have an Islamist extremist who is now in charge of Syria, as I said, who danced on the streets to celebrate the 911 attack.

Along with Young, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) is viewed as a possible downvote on Gabbard. She didnt tip her hand Thursday, though her questions were not sharp-edged.

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Coming out of the hearing, it appears Gabbards candidacy will sink or swim with Republicans largely on her policy views rather than her past actions or her inexperience.

Cotton said at the start of the hearing that Gabbard has undergone five FBI background checks and he spent two hours last week pouring through more than 300 pages worth of them.

Its clean as a whistle, he said.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this report misspelled Sen. Mark Kelly's name.
Jaideep Ahlawat, who is known for his powerful performances across several genres, believes he may never be considered for lead roles in traditional Bollywood romantic films like 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' and 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'. In an interview with ANI, the actor expressed his desire to work in romantic movies, though he feels that the filmmakers won't see him as an ideal choice for the same. "Koi lega nhi mujhe. Mai toh kr loonga. Mujhe lagta hah aisa ki koi lega nahi. Shayad ho sakta hai mai galat hoo. Hum kar lenge, pehle saamne waale ko believe krna padega. (I can do it, but no one will take me. I just believe it. Maybe I am wrong. I believe that I can do romantic films but the person in front of me should also believe that)," he said. For Jaideep, Bollywood is not the only movie industry in which he wishes to succeed. The 44-year-old actor also shared that he is not hesitant to knock on the doors of Hollywood as it will help him connect with a global audience. "Han han..mujhe chahhiye..kahin bhi kaam karo acha kaam chahiye..mujhe pahuchna hai logon tak.. (I want...I want good work anywhere. My growth depends on people and whether they like my work or not)," he added. Meanwhile, Jaideep Ahlawat is currently basking in the success of season 2 of 'Paatal Lok'. While talking about his upcoming projects, he shared, "I did a film with Saif, 'Jewel Thief', I did a film with Vipul (Vipul Amrutlal Shah) sir, 'Hisaab', mai aur Shefali (Shah) ma'am, and I did a film with the writer of ' An Action Hero', Neeraj Yadav, his first directorial film, and other such works." Jaideep will also be seen in 'Family Man 3'. (ANI)
A Texas National Guardsman observes as Border Patrol agents pat down migrants who have surrendered themselves for processing, May 10, 2023. (Photo by Corrie Boudreaux for Source NM)

As the Trump administration pursues its hardline immigration agenda, Democratic lawmakers in Washington are trying to take steps to protect immigrant communities in the state.

Rep. Sharlett Mena is sponsoring House Bill 1321, which would limit other states National Guard troops from deploying in Washington without the governors permission  unless they are mobilized by the president.

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I think the last thing we want to see is folks feeling scared in their communities or feeling like theyre going to get rounded up at work or at school, Mena said.

The bill is a response to 26 Republican governors releasing a joint statement in December saying they were ready to utilize every tool at our disposal  whether through state law enforcement or the National Guard to support President Donald Trumps immigration policies.

It is my concern that there would be other states wanting to enforce federal immigration law, Mena said.

In recent years, states have sent their National Guards to other states to support immigration enforcement.

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Two months after former President Joe Biden took office, Texas launched Operation Lone Star, aimed at increasing security along the states section of the U.S.-Mexico border.

The program, which has cost more than $11 billion to date, has used federal funds and the Texas National Guard. But multiple Republican states, like Florida and Montana, have used their own budgets to send National Guard troops to support Texas.

The National Guard is a state-based military force when not activated for federal service and is under the command of the state governor and the president of the United States. Some states also have State Guards, which are under state control.

The National Guard operates under three statuses. Under state active duty the Guard is under control of the governor in the state where its based. Under Title 10 status it is under the control of the president and temporarily becomes part of the federal armed forces. And under Title 32 status the National Guard is under control of the governor but may perform certain duties specified by Congress or missions requested by the president.

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This bill would only prevent the National Guard from entering Washington when it is being operated under state active duty and Title 32 status. It would not affect Title 10 status, in which a president calls on the National Guard for an operation.

It would also not prevent the state military from training or readiness or impede the ability of the National Guard to provide support during an emergency or natural disaster.

Many states, including Republican strongholds like Texas, Idaho, North Dakota and Oklahoma, already have laws on the books that are similar to the proposal Mena is pushing.

I actually dont think it has to be a partisan issue, because the political winds and the other Washington change so frequently that other states have seen the need for this, Mena said.

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Gov. Bob Ferguson supports the bill, highlighting it in his inaugural address earlier this month. Nathan Bays, deputy policy director for the governors office, testified in support during a House committee hearing Wednesday, saying the bill is a necessary precautionary measure.

House Speaker Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, has highlighted the bill as a proactive measure the state could take in response to Trump-era policies.

But Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, a member of the House State Government and Tribal Relations Committee and also state Republican Party chair, described the bill as a solution in search of a problem. He doesnt see a scenario where its needed.

The important thing is it doesnt affect the federalization of the National Guard, Walsh said. If the president decided there were immigration enforcement crisis and nationalized Guard units, then they could be implemented at the border if that ever happened.

This bill wouldnt prevent that, he said.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) remained shut down on Thursday morning after an American Airlines regional jet fatally collided mid-air with a military helicopter just outside the airport on Wednesday night. As of early Thursday morning, more than 500 flights had been canceled in and out of DCA, according to flight tracker FlightAware.

All flights were halted at the Washington, D.C.-area airport and aren't expected to resume until at least 11 a.m. on Thursday, according to the airport. The airports terminals remain open.

All airport roads and terminals are open, the airport wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Some flights have been delayed or cancelled, so passengers are encouraged to check with their airline for specific flight information.



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The incident occurred at about 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday when American Eagle Flight 5342 collided midair while attempting to land at the airport with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter, according to the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA). The flight was operated on a Bombardier CRJ700 aircraft by regional carrier PSA Airlines, wholly owned by American, and was headed from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington, D.C.

There were 60 passengers and four crew members on board the American Airlines aircraft, according to a statement from the carrier. The Associated Press reports that a military helicopter, which also had several passengers on board, was on a training flight at the time.

As of Thursday morning, PSA Airlines was forced to cancel more than 280 flights and American Airlines was forced to cancel an additional 165 flights, according to FlightAware.

First, and most importantly, Id like to express our deep sorrow about these events, Robert Isom, CEO of American Airlines, said in a video address posted to the airlines website. This is a difficult day for all of us at American Airlines and our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, partners, first responders, along with their families and loved ones.

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The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched an investigation into the crash, according to the FAA. Isom said the airline was cooperating fully with the investigation and we want to learn everything we can about todays events.

The bodies of at least 28 people have been recovered from the frigid Potomac River, and while officials are still searching for casualties, they dont expect to find any survivors, the AP reported. If true, that would make this the deadliest U.S. air crash in nearly 24 years.



Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
An American Airlines flight collided with a helicopter, raising questions about air traffic control.

Sen. Tammy Duckworth, a former Black Hawk pilot, said military and civilian pilots usually do not speak directly to each other.

The FAA faces a shortage of controllers, impacting high-traffic areas like Washington DC.

The crash of an American Airlines flight in Washington, DC, has renewed anxiety about air-traffic control staffing and procedures at US airports, especially in crowded airspaces.

As investigators began to piece together how a military helicopter collided with the regional jet, questions swirled about communication between the pilots and Reagan National Airport's control tower.

Sen. Tammy Duckworth, an ex-Army Black Hawk helicopter pilot, told reporters that military aircraft usually do not talk directly to commercial pilots, as ATC is the responsible intermediary.

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"Everybody's listening on the same frequency," she said, adding that the American flight that crashed would have been aware of the Black Hawk helicopter in the skies. "You are listening to instructions from ATC. ATC is telling you what to do."

Duckworth said an FAA briefing involving ATC tapes revealed the helicopter pilots were told about the passenger plane, and the crew confirmed "at least twice" that they had the jet in sight before the crash.

She added that the American flight was cleared to land and would have had the "right of way" and that the Black Hawk was told to pass behind. The flight was in visual flight conditions, meaning the helicopter would be visually searching for the plane.

"They would be looking up to try to find this aircraft, pick it out of the sky as it's coming in for a landing," she said.

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According to the Federal Aviation Administration, some military and civil aircraft, if equipped, can talk to each other using specific emergency frequencies. This is usually reserved for distress situations where immediate communication is necessary. It's unclear if the Black Hawk was equipped.

"[The Black Hawk's] flight path should have been hugging the east bank of the Potomac River, so they should not have been within the flight path of that landing aircraft," she said. "Did one of the aircraft stray away latitude, sideways in the airspace from the route that they were supposed to be on?"

National Transportation Safety Board member Todd Inman said the DC area is a unique environment for helicopters and that the Black Hawk was transitioning zones at the time of the crash. ATC is one of the "human factors" the agency will examine as part of its investigation, he said.

Air traffic control is a complex system with many moving parts and no room for errors

The national air traffic system in the US is immense in both size and complexity, 14,000 air traffic controllers handle upwards of 45,000 flights a day across 29 million miles of airspace.

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It's an intricate network that includes hundreds of regional and area control centers, each responsible for a specific piece of airspace.

A pilot flying from San Francisco to Washington, DC, for example, could interact with more than 20 different controllers during the flight.

The job is infamous for its high stress and heavy workload, which can involve managing upwards of a dozen flights at a time.

These stressors are amplified for airports like Ronald Reagan National. The airport has strict flight paths and altitude restrictions. It handles more than 25 million passengers a year and is located in highly trafficked and highly controlled airspace, as it is near the White House, Pentagon, and other government buildings.

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The airport has seen multiple near misses recently, including a Southwest Airlines flight that was instructed to cross the same runway on which a JetBlue plane was starting its take-off.

A month later, an American Airlines flight was cleared for takeoff at the same time another plane was given the go-ahead to land on an intersecting runway.

Controllers working the airspace in and around Reagan National also have to handle an extraordinary amount of private and military aircraft that operate in the area.

The situation is exacerbated by a shortage of around 3,000 air traffic controllers, which the FAA has worked to address with plans to hire 1,800 controllers in 2024 and 2,000 this year.

Read the original article on Business Insider
For nearly twenty years, some state lawmakers have tried to remove Washington state from the list of five that do not require clergy and religious leaders to report child abuse, child neglect and child sexual abuse. For the third year in a row, Sen. Noel Frame is leading that effort in the state capitol again.

Senate Bill 5375 would add clergy members to the list of mandatory reports in the state, joining teachers and law enforcement officers. The law, if passed, would require what clergy hear in settings like confession to be reported as well.

By keeping the seal of confession, it hasnt made children safer. If anything, its protected perpetrators and the thing that could change that would be making them mandatory reporters, said Mary Dispenza in an interview with KIRO.

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Dispenza testified to the Senate Human Services Committee Tuesday about her experience as a sexual assault victim. When she was seven years old, she was raped by a priest in her church. She first divulged what happened while in confession.

The priest perpetrator who harmed me would have been prevented from going on for four more decades raping little girls, had the priest reported the crime, Dispenza said.

The impact abuse has had was clear in the testimony Tuesday. An impassioned Sen. Frame spoke of her own assault as a child only being revealed when she told a mandatory reporter in the form of a teacher.

Nothing in this bill clergy-penitent privilege for prosecution, that is not the point of this bill. It is merely so that clergy will go to authorities and ask them to check on that kid and find out if theyve been abused or neglected. Frame said.

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Frame herself has brought this bill three times, each time trying to carefully craft it through the opposition of different groups and lawmakers.

For those I have worked with I am sorry I dont feel like I can make a compromise anymore. I stand by the bill. This bill has been in consideration in some way shape or form for twenty years. I really wonder about all the children who have been abused or neglected and have gone unprotected by the adults in their lives because we didnt have a mandatory reporter law and that we continue to try and protect this in the name of religious freedom. Noel said.

Noel feels for stories like Dispenza, where disclosure in a religiously sensitive setting could have changed several lives.

The Washington State Catholic Conference, the public policy organization that lobbies for the interests of Catholic churches in the state, worries for the livelihood of its priestssaying breaking the secrecy of confession will lead to ex-communication from the Catholic Church, only reversible by the Pope.

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The bill asks the priest to choose between criminal penalties or giving up his lifelong vocation. And thats the type of activity that the First Amendment is designed to protect against, said Jean Hill, the executive director of WSCC.

Of the 45 states that already require reporting, just six of them require those requirements extend to confession, and two more are considering adding it. Hill says the requirement may make it easier for abusers to hide.

If we shut off every avenue for an abuser to try and get help because theyre afraid that whoever they talk to is immediately going to go to law enforcement, were shutting off avenues for them to have that conversation and actually reveal that abuse and try and get help for that abuse, Hill said.

Hill says priests are psychologically screened, trained, and required to report any abuse they learn about outside of a confessional setting.

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For Sharon Huling, a Catholic part of the organization Clergy Accountability Coalition, she wants her faith to put kids first, saying the Pope should change the Churchs stance.

My church would excommunicate a good priest if they report child sexual abuse learned about in confession, but they have excommunicated very, very few pedophile priests. Huling testified.
A con artist swindled a senior in Lynwood, Washington, out of $624,000 in life savings in a gold bar scam investigators suspect could be part of a larger crime ring.

Fox 13 Seattle reports that 42-year-old Zhichao Huang was extradited from Los Angeles County back to Washington to face charges in the crime  one that has become increasingly common in recent years.

You would think that there would be red flags for any reasonable person to recognize, but what people dont realize is smart people get scammed as well, Deputy Carly Cappetto of the Pierce County Sheriffs Office.

Don't miss

How did the scam unfold?

The 74-year-old victim got caught in the scam when she responded to a computer pop-up that appeared to be from Charles Schwab  the investment firm she and her husband use. She called the number and spoke to someone who claimed to be a federal agent. She was told her bank account had been hacked.

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Over several weeks, the scammer and his accomplices convinced the woman to sell $624,711 worth of stocks and IRA contributions and convert all that money into gold bars.

Then the victim was told to proceed to a parking lot and hand over the gold bars to a man claiming to be a federal agent and wearing a gun.

Read more: Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market  here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead

While she did hand over the gold bars before he drove off, the victim wisely took a picture of the man and the car he was driving at the meetup. She later shared pictures with police, who arrested Zhichao Huang in connection with the case.

Protect yourself from dangerous scam

The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center has seen a spike in similar gold bar scams, which target vulnerable seniors. Between May and December 2023, victims lost more than $55 million to this kind of fraud, the center reports.

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The Lynwood case bears a striking similarity to con jobs occurring all over the country, from Washington to Georgia, where a man was arrested for extorting over $1 million from senios.

Investigators are probing whether the scams could be part of a larger ring. Regardless of where the scams take place, they follow the same playbook:

A victim sees a fake pop-up that appears to be from a trusted bank or firm, advising the victim to call a number for further instructions.

The victim speaks to someone claiming to be a federal agent or customer service rep who tells the victim their accounts have been hacked or are at risk.

The victim is told to convert all their cash and investments into a tangible asset like gold.

The victim is then directed to hand over the gold at a neutral location like a parking lot and assured their possessions will be safeguarded.

After the hand-off, victims are pressured not to tell anyone, or they could be arrested.

Fraudsters disappear with the valuables.

These schemes are particularly insidious because they rely on elaborate lies, extended manipulation, and face-to-face interactions, leaving victims with nothing.

Montgomery County States Attorney John McCarthy visited seniors in Silver Spring, Maryland to advise them on how to prevent these scams.

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His tips: Never respond to calls or texts from strangersor to unsolicited pop-ups. And dont make big financial decisions without at least two people you trust.

What to read next

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
WHITEHALL, Ohio (WCMH)  Two garbage collectors were lucky to walk away uninjured after a trash can exploded Wednesday during their morning pickup route.

The City of Whitehall released video on their Facebook page of two Local Waste employees going through their normal trash pickup routine. Both then encountered a shocking boom.

One of the collectors emptied a garbage can at the 4000 block of Elbern Avenue and within seconds after the waste goes into the truck, a large explosion occurs. The man was standing right in front of the explosion that sent trash flying onto the street and then saw a fire starting inside the truck. Another worker was with him but was standing to the side of the truck as the explosion happened.

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Decades-old central Ohio co-op seeking public help to stay in business

The man quickly put out the fire and called 911 after avoiding potentially serious injuries. You can watch this in the video player above.

The culprit of the explosion was an oxygen tank inside the trash can, per the City of Whitehall. It is illegal to dispose of an oxygen tank or other hazardous waste inside a trash can, according to regulations set by Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. Follow this link to learn how to properly dispose of hazardous waste.

Whitehall police said anyone with information should call 614-237-6333.

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A regional jet and helicopter collided near Reagan National Airport shortly before 9 p.m. local time on Wednesday evening.

The Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) said that a PSA Airlines regional jet, operated for American Airlines, collided in midair with a military helicopter while approaching the airport in Northern Virginia.

The regional flight, per the FAA, departed from Wichita, Kansas. Local law enforcement agencies are responding to the crash and conducting a search and rescue operation in the Potomac River.

A view of emergency response looking from Arlington, Va., south of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, across the Potomac River toward the District of Columbia, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

American Airlines, in a statement, said it was aware of reports that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA), has been involved in an incident and would provide information as it becomes available.

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The video above shows a press conference with regional and federal authorities in the early hours of January 30.

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Two Ohio sanitation workers had a close call this week when an oxygen tank exploded in their trash truck.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The city of Whitehall shared a video on social media showing the workers emptying trash cans into the truck on Wednesday. As one worker goes to dump a second trash can, an explosion happens, shooting trash at the workers and into the street.

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Moments after the explosion, a fire can be seen coming from the back of the truck. The workers used a fire extinguisher to put it out.

A spokesperson for the city confirmed to our news partners at WBNS that the workers were OK.

The city said the explosion was caused by an oxygen tank that was illegally placed in the garbage can.

Anyone with information about the incident has been asked to contact Whitehall Police at (614) 237-6333.

You can watch the video below. Warning: graphic language used.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders answered questions from KNWA/FOX24 viewers on Jan. 29 including income tax, population growth and a new 3,000-bed prison proposed in the River Valley.

Growth across the state of Arkansas is indisputable with counties like Benton and Washington growing at a combined rate of almost 20% since 2020. According to Sanders, theres a reason for that.

People are moving to Arkansas, not Texas, not Florida, not Virginia. Theyre moving to Arkansas because they like what they see that were doing, Sanders said. They like what they see. They love the fact that were investing in education, that were investing in our workforce, that were investing in public safety. Were going to continue to look at how we make Arkansas the best place for every single person to live, to work and to raise their families. And Im confident well continue to make progress.

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With that growth, comes concerns for things like housing. Sanders was asked whether or not the area can truly handle the rise in newcomers.

When it comes to helping people be able to afford a better life, lower cost of living, one of the best things that I think we can do is help people keep more of their money so that they have more purchasing and buying power, Sanders said.

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announces planned Medicaid work requirement details

Sanders says thats why in this legislative session, theyll focus heavily on phasing out the states income tax as well as finding other places to cut costs for Arkansans, starting in places like the grocery line.

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Weve been able to cut the state income tax not once, not twice, but three different times, moving our top rate from 4.9% to 3.9%, Sanders said.

Sanders was asked how she justifies income tax reductions and grocery tax eliminations.

One of the things we never want people to be burdened and hindered by is basic necessities, Sanders said. So by eliminating the grocery tax, we are providing that immediate relief for families who need it most at a time when things are getting more expensive.

Sanders says as long as the economy keeps growing, Arkansas will be able to pump more dollars into public safety, a measure that starts with adding a new prison in Charleston.

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Group outlines opposition to Franklin County prison plans for Arkansas

Sanders was asked what she had to say to the people who opposed the prison.

One of the most important responsibilities that I have is helping keep people safe, Sanders said. We should never let somebody back out onto the streets, back into our community, simply for a lack of space. Our county jails and our state prisons are absolutely overwhelmed. We have to open up more bed space. Its not the place that you wish that you were getting to and having to spend money. At the end of the day, though, we have to do whats necessary to keep people safe. Being governor is about making hard decisions and hard choices, but doing the right thing. Is what is happening here.

As President Donald Trumps administration moves into the White House, she says her office will work closely with the president on all fronts for the state she says she deeply cares for.

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Were going to work closely with the Trump administration, Sanders said. We have to be a country that has law and order. We have to be a country that has a secure border, and we finally have a president back in the White House who understands that and is actually taking steps to enforce it. 

Lastly, Sanders was asked if she saw herself working in Washington D.C. again in the future.

I love being home, Sanders said. Arkansas is where I was born and raised. Its where I want my kids to grow up, and so I love that I get to be the governor of the best state in the country. And, I hope that the people of Arkansas let me do it for another six years.

KNWA/FOX24s full interview with Sanders can be viewed in the video above.

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Update 7 a.m.: Officials say theyve recovered 27 bodies from the American Airlines flight and one from the military helicopter.

TOPEKA (KSNT)  Kansas lawmakers in Washington D.C. are responding after a small aircraft from Wichita crashes into the Potomac River Wednesday evening.

Around 9 p.m., first responders in Washington D.C. posted on social media that an aircraft crashed into the Potomac River. An American Airlines flight from Wichita appears to have collided with a helicopter near Reagan National Airport (DCA).

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State lawmakers in D.C., as well as in Kansas have issued statements after the announcement of the plane crash.

Kansas second district representative Derek Schmidt posted to social media he landed in Kansas City Wednesday night coming from Washington D.C. My heart goes out to all who are affected by this tragedy, Schmidt said. Our office will continue to monitor the unfolding events and is available to help any Kansans who may need assistance.

I am aware that a plane inbound from Wichita was involved in a crash at Reagan National Airport, Kelly said. I am actively in contact with authorities. My thoughts go out to those involved. I will share more information as it becomes available.

$2 mil bond for connection to December shooting in Manhattan, injuring 3

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Tonight, we received devastating news of what can only be described as nothing short of a nightmare. A plane, traveling to the nations capital from Wichita, KS carrying roughly 60 passengers collided with a military helicopter. My prayer is that God wraps his arms around each and every victim, and that he continues to be with their families. There are no words that can make telling this story any easier. I ask the world to join me in praying for Kansas this evening, the first responders, rescue crews, and all those involved in this horrific accident. I have been in contact with local and national authorities asking for answers and will continue to demand more information on how this unfolded. U.S. Senator Roger Marshall statement from news release

U.S. Representative Tracey Mann posted on X that his team is monitoring updates relating to the airplane, helicopter crash.

Audrey and I are praying for the safety of the passengers, flight crew, and everyone involved. Please join us in praying.

Topeka leaders want to perform rental inspections

President Donald Trump issued the issued the following response: I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.

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Vice President JD Vance posted on X that they are monitoring the situation and hoping for the best.

American Airlines has issued the following statement about the crash: Were aware of reports that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) has been involved in an incident. We will provide information as it becomes available.

This is a developing story. Our sister station in Washington D.C. is working to provide more information.

For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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Shimla district police have dismantled an inter-state drug trafficking network operating between Kolkata and Himachal Pradesh, leading to the arrest of 17 individuals. The gang used an online trading mechanism to supply narcotics across the state. Superintendent of Police, Shimla district, Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi, stated that nine suspects were apprehended in the past 24 hours as part of the ongoing crackdown. He reaffirmed the district's commitment to tackling drug-related activities under the "Mission Clean" initiative. Speaking to ANI, Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi stated that police busted an Inter-State Drug Network operating like an online business. "We have been working under the tagline 'Mission Clean' to eliminate drug peddling activities, particularly in district Shimla and Himachal Pradesh. We have intercepted an inter-state drug supply gang and successfully busted it. So far, we have arrested 17 individuals, including 9 in the past 24 hours," said Gandhi. He further revealed that the gang operated in a structured manner, following a supply chain similar to legitimate online trading businesses. "This is a well-organized supply chain where they were following an online trading mechanism. The operation was being run by a person named Sandeep Shah in Kolkata, while the supply chain was extended from Delhi. At the local level, they had 'super spreaders' and local retailers to distribute the drugs," he added. Upon investigation, police analysed their entire business model, including online transactions and payment methods, uncovering the involvement of over 200 individuals. The investigation is still ongoing, and authorities are working to uncover the full extent of the racket. SP Gandhi highlighted the increasing number of cases registered under anti-drug operations. He said Shimla Police's Relentless Fight Against Drugs is showing results. "In January alone, we have conducted six major seizures and registered 21 cases. So far, over 50 individuals have been arrested. Our primary objective is to contain the contagious spread of drugs, break the supply chain, and curb demand. We have been quite successful in controlling the spread of narcotics to a significant extent." Gandhi said. Acknowledging the challenges in tackling organized drug crime, SP Gandhi stressed the importance of coordinated efforts: "This is a highly challenging task that requires different law enforcement procedures. We have deployed specialized teams at both police stations and district levels. Some teams generate intelligence, while others conduct investigations," he said. "The biggest challenge posed by drug peddlers was their belief that police could never reach them. However, we have dismantled several organized crime networks and arrested multiple kingpins who previously thought they were untouchable. This reflects both our commitment and the results of our sustained efforts," he added. He said that the number of arrests are rising with the Public Cooperation in the Anti-Drug Campaign. Shimla police have made significant progress in their anti-drug operations over the past few years. In the last year alone, approximately 630 individuals were arrested, and 300 cases were registered. Over the past two years, 1,400 arrests have been made, and 700+ cases filed. SP Gandhi emphasized the seriousness with which law enforcement is tackling the issue: "These statistics demonstrate that the police are taking this issue seriously. Our top priority is to eliminate drug peddling activities to send a strong message to society," he said. He urged the public to actively participate in the "Mission Clean" initiative and assured that with continued public cooperation, drug peddling can be eradicated. "Nothing can be achieved without public participation. With the increasing involvement of citizens in our anti-drug efforts, we are catching more culprits. I am confident that in the coming days, public cooperation will reach new levels, and we will succeed in eradicating this menace," Gandhi added. (ANI)
WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH)  A Waterbury man was arrested for firearm and narcotics charges, police said.

Police said they executed a search and seizure warrant on Tuesday for Thomas Goethe, 43. While police were on their way to his residence on Wildwood Avenue, they located him near Bronson Street.

Man arrested for cutting person across the face in New Haven

Police seized 145 glassine bags of heroin, 244 grams of crack cocaine, 61 controlled substance pills, two 9mm handguns with a high-capacity magazine and over 200 rounds of ammunition, various packaging materials and $2,000.

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Goethe was charged with possession of narcotics with intent to sell. possession of 1/2 ounce or more of cocaine freebase form, possession of hallucinogenic substance with intent to sell, criminal possession of a pistol revolver, criminal possession of a firearm with ammunition, illegal possession of a large capacity magazine and two other similar charges.

Police said Goethe is a convicted felon. He is being held in custody at the Connecticut Department of Corrections on a $100,000 bond.

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South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced on Thursday that a Watertown man has been sentenced to life in prison after earlier pleading guilty to two counts of first degree rape and one count of sexual contact with a child under 16.

Wayne Anderson, 35, was sentenced Wednesday in Codington County Circuit Court, according to a release. He was sentenced to life in prison on each of the first degree rape charges and received a 15-year suspended sentence on the sexual contact charge.

These charges involved two young children, and this defendant has been held accountable, said Attorney General Jackley said in a release. Thank you to law enforcement and prosecutors for their work on this case.

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The crimes occurred between August 2021 and September 2023, the release stated.

South Dakotas Division of Criminal Investigation (DC), FBI and Watertown Police Department investigated the case. The South Dakota Attorney Generals Office and Codington County States Attorneys Office prosecuted.

This article originally appeared on Watertown Public Opinion: Watertown man sentenced to life on rape, sexual contact charges
WAYNE COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56)  Two teenagers have been charged after a farm tractor sustained over $5,000 worth of damage Tuesday on Taylors Grove Church Road.

On Tuesday, the Wayne County Sheriffs Office opened an investigation after learning that a John Deere tractors front and rear windows had been shot out. The next day, the owner contacted the sheriffs office with information about who may have been involved.

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Investigators learned that two juveniles were believed to have been involved and both were questioned with their parents present, according to the sheriffs office.

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According to the deputy leading the investigation, the pair were out riding around and admitted to looking to shoot out a car window. While driving down Taylors Grove Church Road, they noticed a tractor sitting in front of a barn. One minor allegedly fired multiple rounds of a .22 caliber rifle into the side of the vehicle.

One minor was charged with first-degree criminal mischief, while another is facing a charge of first-degree complicity in criminal mischief.

The case is still under investigation.

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Hungarian right-wing populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Thursday expressed his pleasure after a controversial motion on migration reforms passed in the German parliament with votes from the far right.

"Good morning, Germany," Orban wrote on X in German. He added in English, "Welcome to the club!"

The Hungarian leader has faced criticism for his hard-line stance on migration, having erected a border fence with Serbia and refused asylum seekers entry.

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On Wednesday, the far-right AfD helped to narrowly pass a non-binding five-point plan for a tougher migration policy tabled by the opposition conservatives through the Bundestag, Germany's lower house of parliament.

The move was extremely controversial, marking the first time the AfD have been relied upon to form a majority for a vote in the Bundestag.
The second Trump administration is now two weeks old. Things are off to a rocky start. On Monday evening, the White House Office of Management and Budget, or OMB, sent out a two-page memo to all federal agencies directing them to freeze all federal financial assistance programs to eliminate any perceived left-wing ideological goals. Things didnt go according to planunless, of course, they did.

The original memo said that it sought to end the use of federal resources to advance Marxist equity, transgenderism, and green new deal social engineering policies, whatever that means. Follow-up OMB directives over the next few hours tacked on exemptions for some programs but gave no insight into when others would come back online. Lawmakers, especially among Democrats, denounced the moves as illegal and unconstitutional.

Chaos followed. The federal government disburses trillions of dollars each year to states, counties, cities, tribes, companies, nonprofits, and individuals. Failure to deliver that expected and allocated money would lead to layoffs at a wide range of organizations and businesses, put low-income Americans in dire financial straits, and wreck state and local budgets. A federal judge temporarily blocked the memo from taking effect on Tuesday. (More on that later.) Finally, on Wednesday, the White House formally rescinded it altogether. (More on that later as well.)

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Its hard to imagine that this was how things were supposed to go. For the last four years, Trumpworld claimed that it worked to create the policy infrastructure and staffing lists to hit the ground running in a second term. Memories of the first Trump administrations ramshackle and haphazard early policy initiativesthe first few versions of the Muslim travel ban, the family separation program, and morestill haunted Trump loyalists. They hoped that, this time, their efforts would be more resilient to legal challenges and more effective at carrying out their goals.

In fairness, there are signs that Trumpworld learned some lessons from its first rodeo. Trump issued a flurry of significant executive orders in his first 48 hours in office, only a few of which face serious legal challenges. (Though some of the orders lay the groundwork for future policy actions that may or may not be lawful.) And some of the administrations efforts, particularly when it comes to immigration and the civil service, are intentionally ambiguous or designed to create fear and uncertainty.

Steve Bannon, one of Trumps top advisers, championed this flood the zone strategy over the years as a way to overwhelm the administrations political adversaries, short-circuiting potential opposition. A late-night purge of the federal inspectors general, a sweeping pardon for January 6 rioters, an executive order purporting to end birthright citizenshipall came before Democrats could respond to the latest move or the media could cover it in depth.

But the OMB memo fiasco appears to be a sign that those first-term flaws remain inherent to the Trumpian system of rule. The poorly written and poorly executed directive undercuts the story that Trumpworld has told about how it spent its time in exile, quietly and meticulously planning the barnstorm beginning of its second term.

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Trumps vocal desire to return to power in 2024 meant that many of his top allies did not disperse throughout the business world or retreat back into private life after 2020. Instead, they formed their own think tanks and public interest law firms in Washington, D.C., as a government in waiting. Stephen Miller, Trumps top domestic policy guru, started the America First Legal Foundation to pursue those goals through litigation. Russell Vought, Trumps once-and-future head of the White House Office of Management and Budget, founded the Center for Renewing America to craft policy strategies. Former lawmaker Jim DeMints Conservative Partnership Institute helped incubate and fund these new groups.

Top Trump allies told donors over the last four years that they were going to hit the ground running. We have detailed agency plans, Russell Vought said in a 2024 speech that was disclosed by ProPublica. We are writing the actual executive orders. We are writing the actual regulations now, and we are sorting out the legal authorities for all of what President Trump is running on.

Part of this effort was a conscious desire to avoid the mistakes of 2017. Trump and his inner circle did not think he would win in 2016 and made few plans for victory until after it actually happened. It also didnt help matters that they immediately shredded those few plans: The week after his shock election victory, Trump ousted former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie as the head of his transition team and installed his adult sons and thenVice President-elect Mike Pence to start anew.

This time around, Trump had a theoretical leg-up. Presidents who fail to secure a second term typically do not try again to return to the White House. Prior to Trump, the only president to serve two nonconsecutive terms was Grover Cleveland. All other one-termers failed to mount a comeback bid; most of them in the nineteenth century and none in the twentieth or twenty-first centuries seriously attempted one. Having a coterie of advisers and policy experts already in waiting, funded by right-wing donors to think-tank their way into this moment, should have provided an edge.

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Some of these efforts were aimed at resisting and undermining the Biden administration. But the bulk of their focus was on preparing for a possible return to power in 2024. One goal was to avoid the self-inflicted legal and procedural wounds that hamstrung Trumps early policy initiatives. The crown jewel of this pseudo-Jacobite movement was Project 2025, one of the extensive policy reports prepared by the Heritage Foundation every four years in anticipation of a potential Republican presidency.

The latest quadrennial version of the report was perhaps its most ambitious yet: It laid out a comprehensive far-right plan to reshape American government and society by dismantling numerous federal regulatory agencies; purging nonpartisan civil servants in favor of ideologues; slashing taxes and regulations; ending diversity, equity, and inclusion programs; maximizing presidential power; and entrenching conservative Christian beliefs on sex, pornography, and reproductive rights into law.

Few of Project 2025s policies enjoy popular support among Americans, and the holistic package became intensely toxic among voters. That led the Trump campaign to indulge in a bit of kayfabe, in which he pretended to denounce Project 2025; the constellation of groups that helped draft it, such as Millers AFLF, distanced themselves from the Trump campaign in turn. In mid-October, the Trump transition team leaked lists of undesirable staffers that would not be part of a future Trump administration, including people linked to the Project 2025 policy blueprint; it succeeded in getting credulous reporters to publish it as fact. Its unclear how many people fell for these well-stage-managed rebukes; Project 2025 simply wrote down the exact policies that future Trump administration officials intended to pursue. As soon as the election ended, so did the aversion to it.

Was this all actually planned from the start? Perhaps in some form. The Huffington Posts Paul Blumenthal reported on Wednesday that a confidential OMB document suggested the freeze was part of a plan to provoke a court challenge over the Impoundment Control Act, a 1974 law that forbids presidents from refusing to spend congressionally appropriated funds. Trump, as president-elect, previously floated the idea of using impoundments to snatch back the power of the purse from Congress.

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Not only has the Supreme Court never endorsed the TrumpProject 2025 theory about impoundment, I noted at the time, all of its precedents on the budget process point in the opposite direction. Still, if this was the plan all along, its hard to square with performances like that of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who talked her way into a temporary restraining order for the Trump administration from a federal judge in Rhode Island.

Indeed, the Trump administrations behavior over the past few days does not give the impression of a sleek, streamlined operation. After a federal judge in D.C. temporarily paused the order, the White House gave vague, confusing answers about whether the memo had been rescinded, whether the freeze had been lifted, and whether it was complying with the judges order. If the goal was to start a legal fight, the Trump White House seemed woefully unprepared for it.

Maybe this chaotic week was all part of the plan. Maybe an overzealous order caught the rest of the administration off-guard. More normal administrations and White Houses arent immune to some intergovernmental friction and confusion. Either way, if this weeks OMB fiasco was the end result of four years of cutting-edge thinking and meticulous planning from the Trumpian think-tank infrastructure, God help us if they ever have to improvise.
A family in west Charlotte is picking up the pieces after a fire has left their home on Tuckaseegee Road unrecognizable.

I watched everything go up in seconds; like it was gone in seconds, said fire victim Sharnice White.

White said not only did the family lose clothes, furniture, and sentimental items; but they also lost vital medical equipment.

I noticed, like a heavy, dark smoke, and then I see, like a fire light, White explained. All I had time was to turn around and say, Mom, come on. The house is on fire. And it was about time we made it to the living room; the smoke had already beat us there.

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ALSO READ: CFD: 1 killed in south Charlotte house fire

White went on to say that her mother is now staying at Atrium Main after losing her essential medical supplies. She has also been spending some time in the ICU after inhaling smoke.

Were trying to get her a BiPAP machine replaced because she cant sleep without it. She has to use oxygen to sleep, said White. She uses a walker, and she is just trying to get that so she can move around.

White and her mother are asking for help to rebuild through a GoFundMe.

Its hard, like were trying to keep it together, White said. Im a person who doesnt ask for help, but I need all the help that I can get to try to figure this one out.

VIDEO: CFD: 1 killed in south Charlotte house fire
















EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  West Texas is a step closer to establishing itself as a leader in the aerospace industry with a $800,000 award from the Texas Space Commission to fund the development of the West Texas Aerospace Corridor Master Plan, El Paso County said on Wednesday, Jan. 29, in a news release.

The County said this project, which is spearheaded by El Paso County in partnership with the Midland Economic Development Corporation, will create a comprehensive strategy for aerospace infrastructure, workforce development, and research along the I-10 and I-20 corridors, solidifying the regions place in the global aerospace landscape.

Additionally, the Borderplex Alliance was awarded $19 million from the Texas Space Commission to demonstrate the states commitment to advancing aerospace development across the West Texas region, the County said.

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The County said these investments will foster economic growth, attract federal space missions, and create high-quality jobs for the local workforce.

Last session, I was proud to help pass legislation and funding to create the Texas Space Commission, as well as provide a letter of support for the West Texas Aerospace Corridor Master Plan. This award marks a new chapter for our region, one that harnesses the potential of the space industry to fuel economic growth and create better-paying jobs in our community, state Sen. Cesar J. Blanco, D-El Paso, said. El Paso is ready to take its place as a leader in aerospace innovation, turning dreams of exploration into a powerful engine for progress.

These awards represent a monumental victory for West Texas, showcasing our regions potential to lead in aerospace innovation while creating opportunities for our communities, County Commissioner Iliana Holguin, Precinct 3, who also serves as the chair of the West Texas Spaceport Development Corporation, said. The Texas Space Commissions commitment to our region will undoubtedly pave the way for groundbreaking advancements.

This funding is a game-changer for West Texas. By planning and coordinating infrastructure and workforce strategies, we are laying the foundation for decades of innovation and economic growth, County Commissioner Sergio Coronado, Precinct 4, said. We have the potential to lift up residents from at-risk populations into good-paying jobs and industries across our communities.

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The Couty said the West Texas Aerospace Corridor Master Plan will bring together stakeholders across the region, including local governments, universities, and private sector partners, to assess current capabilities and chart a path forward for sustainable aerospace growth.

With the areas unique geographic advantages, including its inland location, favorable weather conditions, and existing aerospace assets like Blue Origins Van Horn site, West Texas is poised to serve as a strategic hub for space exploration and innovation, read the news release.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
In late January, President Volodymyr Zelensky slapped sanctions on 18 people, both Russians and Ukrainians.

The list included 10 Ukrainian nationals, four Russians, and four people with both Ukrainian and Russian citizenship.

Among them were Ukrainian politicians spreading Russian narratives for years, local media personalities said to be parroting Russian propaganda, suspected Russian collaborators, a former head of the now-banned Communist Party of Ukraine, and a businessman from the list of the richest Ukrainians. The list included a few notorious personalities.

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The highest-profile politician among them was Yuriy Boyko, a lawmaker and former head of the now-banned political party, Opposition Platform  For Life, that for years was the country's main pro-Russian party.

"We are blocking propagandists working for Russia, individuals who have sided with the enemy, and those aiding Russia in continuing the war," Zelensky said on Jan. 19.

We are blocking propagandists working for Russia, individuals who have sided with the enemy, and those aiding Russia in continuing the war.

However, the sanctions against Boyko were rather symbolical: He was stripped of his Ukrainian state awards, which the pro-Russian politician had gathered quite a few. There were no sanctions that limited his economic or political activities.

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For others on the list, however, sanctions included freezing of assets, suspension of economic activity and extraction of resources, as well as a ban on flights and shipment of goods. The restrictions are valid for 10 years.

Among those hit by the full power of restrictive measures was one of Ukraine's richest people, Ukraine-born businessman Kostiantyn Hryhoryshyn, who did not renounce his Russian citizenship.

He said that he has applied to renounce his Russian citizenship, but it was not granted because he is also under Russian sanctions and was convicted in absentia by a Moscow court for tax evasion.

In 2021, Hryhoryshyn was listed by Forbes among 100 richest Ukrainians with a fortune estimated at $275 million.

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Now he owns his Ukrainian assets through Cyprus offshore companies or through his business partners, NV reported. He remains a co-owner of Ukrainian regional energy companies.

Volodymyr Fesenko, a Ukrainian political analyst, said this sanctions package was likely a response to the public uproar following the resurface of a number of Ukrainian pro-Russian politicians and propagandists on YouTube and social media platforms.

"I think, Zelensky himself, and the Presidents Office, (had) a feeling that some pro-Russian figures had raised their heads, that they felt that the war was supposedly over, that they could start preparing for an election campaign, that they could resume pro-Russian rhetoric," Fesenko said.

"This is a signal to everyone else."

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Read also: Russian-friendly politician reinvents himself in Ukraine as election speculation looms

Coordinated crackdown?

The sanctions coincided with Ukrainian law enforcement conducting a wide range of searches and arrests of suspected Russian collaborators, pro-Russian politicians, propagandists, and those publicly sharing pro-Russian views.

In just three days, a total of 222 people were declared to be suspects by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), and 85 of whom were detained, the SBU said on Jan. 22.

Among them was Vadym Novynskyi, an ex-lawmaker from the now-banned pro-Russian Opposition Bloc and key sponsor of the Russia-affiliated Ukrainian Orthodox Church. He was charged with high treason on Jan. 18.

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After the start of the full-scale invasion, Novynskyi resigned from Ukraine's parliament and fled abroad. He was sanctioned by Ukraine in December 2022. For years, Novynskyi was listed among the richest Ukrainians, with Forbes estimating his wealth at $1.4 billion in the spring of 2023.

Another high-profile figure that suffered from the crackdown was Max Nazarov, a former host of pro-Russian TV channels banned in Ukraine for spreading pro-Kremlin disinformation and propaganda.

Nazarov, whose real name is Nazar Diorditsa, is suspected of justifying Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine. He was arrested on Jan. 21, with an option of a Hr 12 million ($286,000) bail to be placed for his release.

Nazarov has gained notoriety as a presenter at Ukrainian TV channels owned by pro-Russian politicians like Viktor Medvedchuk, Taras Kozak, and Yevheniy Murayev.

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All the pro-Russian channels, including NewsOne, Nash TV, ZIK and Channel 112, were banned shortly before the start of the full-scale war.

Yeheniy Murayev, an ex-lawmaker of the Ukrainian parliament, Kyiv, Ukraine on June 22, 2019. (Alexey Ivanov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Nazarov switched to hosting interviews on his own YouTube channel. During Russia's full-scale invasion, he has invited guests who have been vocal in blaming the U.S. for Russia's war against Ukraine.

Before Russias all-out war, Nazarov denied Russian involvement in the war against Ukraine, Detector Media reported.

He called his arrest "unfair" and promised to appeal the court decision.

Nazarov's former boss Yevheniy Murayev has also made a splash in the news recently.

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In January, Murayev, a former pro-Russian lawmaker, published a two-hour-long interview on YouTube, marking his first public appearance after almost three years of the all-out war.

Shortly before the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, the U.K. Foreign Office publicly warned that the Kremlin intends to install Murayev as the head of the Russian puppet regime in Kyiv.

Murayev fled Ukraine in May 2022. In 2023, he was charged with treason.

In the new interview that allegedly took place in Beijing, Murayev parroted Russian narratives, blaming Zelensky for Russia's all-out invasion. The ex-lawmaker also opposed the idea of Ukraine's EU and NATO accession, and criticized Western sanctions imposed on Moscow.

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Two days later, Murayev was on Zelensky's sanctions list.

Another high-profile person on the sanctions list was Svitlana Kriukova, a Ukrainian journalist and former deputy chief editor of Strana.ua  a controversial media outlet that has been banned in Ukraine since 2021. Its editor-in-chief Ihor Huzhva has fled Ukraine in 2018 after being investigated for extortion. He was sanctioned in Ukraine in 2021 along with his publication.

Being the publication's second-in-command, Kriukova has gained a controversial reputation among Ukrainian media observers, who often alleged that she was shaping public opinion to benefit Russia. Kriukova has also been critical of Ukraine's leadership.

After she was put under sanctions by Zelensky, Kriukova publicly denied that she ever shared pro-Russian narratives, and said she would appeal the sanctions in court.

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Yaroslav Zubchenko, a media expert at Detector Media, a Ukrainian media watchdog, says that people like Nazarov, Murayev, and Kriukova's public rhetoric "benefits Russia."

"They have clearly, consciously or not  in my opinion, consciously  helped Russia in its invasion of Ukraine," Yaroslav Zubchenko, media expert at Detector Media, told the Kyiv Independent.

Their rhetoric benefits Russia. They have clearly, consciously or not  in my opinion, consciously  helped Russia in its invasion of Ukraine.

Another high-profile name on the sanctions list is lawmaker Nestor Shufrych, who was arrested in 2023 on charges of subversive activities against Ukraine and paying Russia's National Guard in occupied Crimea to protect his real estate on the peninsula.

Zelenskys sanctions

Zelensky has started using sanctions as a way to target Ukrainian citizens and entities even before the start of the all-out war with Russia.

In 2021, Ukraines National Security and Defense Council slapped sanctions on Ukrainian citizens for the first time. Taras Kozak and Viktor Medvedchuk, both charged with high treason and financing terrorism, were the first ones on the list.

Sanctions were also imposed on pro-Russian TV channels linked to the two MPs, which were immediately shut down  NewsOne, ZIK and Channel 112.

Viktor Medvedchuk at the session of the Verkhovna Rada in Kyiv, Ukraine on Jan. 14, 2020. (Sergii Kharchenko/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Most Ukrainians supported these moves at the time. Zelenskys electoral rating inched up.

The recent round of sanctions followed the rise of pro-Russian activity in the country amid war.

In mid-December, Boyko published a video on TikTok, repeating long-standing Kremlin propaganda. Almost three years into Russias all-out war, Boyko stayed in Kyiv, untouched by authorities. After the video, he was questioned by the Security Service (SBU), without any further charges.

In 2020, Boyko was ranked as the 79th richest Ukrainian, according to the NV media outlet. His asset declaration showed that Boyko's and his wife's total income for 2023 exceeded Hr 54 million ($1.3 million).

Ukrainian investigative media outlet Bihus.Info reported in 2023 that the Boyko family owns dozens of hectares of land, thousands of square meters of real estate, and has a number of hidden sources of income, including an energy company registered under his sons name.

Freedom of speech and legitimacy

If four years ago, some observers labeled sanctions against pro-Russian forces in Ukraine as an attack on freedom of speech, theres little talk of injustice now.

"In times of war, such sanctions are adopted as a way of protecting your (Ukraines) interests," said Fesenko.

Shortly after the start of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the European Union imposed sanctions on Kremlin-controlled Russia Today (RT) and Sputnik media.

A Russia state-controlled RT broadcast van is parked near St. Basil's Cathedral and the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on March 16, 2018. (Mladen Antonov/AFP via Getty Images)

Ahead of the 2024 presidential election, Washington also sanctioned RT. Antony Blinken, former U.S. secretary of state, accused it of being a "de facto arm of Russia's intelligence apparatus."

"They (European countries) actually did the same thing we did, but later. Because we are closer (to Russia), it concerns us first and foremost. We understand Russia better, historically," Zubchenko told the Kyiv Independent.

"We know what we're really doing, because it's not about freedom of speech. We were the first to notice the threat, we were the first to block it."

However, the main difference is the reach of Ukrainian sanctions that now target Ukrainian citizens without a criminal record. A step, the legality of which remains uncertain.

Ukrainian law prohibits public calls for the overthrow of the constitutional order, as well as incitement to national or religious hatred.

According to the Law on Sanctions, Ukraine can impose sanctions against foreigners and foreign entities, as well as Ukrainians who engage in terrorist activities.

"In the practice of our (Ukrainian) law enforcement, terrorist activity is a very broad concept," said Tetiana Shevchuk, a lawyer of the Kyiv-based NGO Anti Corruption Action Center (ANTAC).

Several Ukrainians on the sanctions list  including Boyko, Kriukova and Hryhoryshyn  weren't officially charged with any wrongdoing. The Kyiv Independent sent a request for comments to the SBU but has not received a response at the time of publication.

"Ukrainian law enforcement agencies can freely work against Ukrainian citizens, especially when it comes to freezing assets. Sanctions are an extra fast mechanism, and in the interests of national security, it may be justified to apply them against Ukrainian citizens," Shevchuk said.

Read also: Trumps foreign aid freeze stranded independent media in Ukraine. Heres how you can help

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urged the state's Revenue Department to build on its progress and further enhance efficiency, ensuring faster and more citizen-friendly services. He commended the department's advancements in digitisation and public service delivery while emphasising the need for continuous improvement to make services more seamless and accessible. During a review meeting held on Wednesday, CM Siddaramaiah discussed multiple issues in the state, including faster land mutation and conversion processes, having regular master plan updates for better urban planning, swift resolution in revenue court, strengthening land records management and many other issues. The Chief Minister directed officials to expedite land mutation and conversion cases to benefit citizens. He highlighted that the automation system has significantly improved the speed of land mutation, with 65pc of cases now being completed within a day. "Let's work towards making the process even more efficient so that people receive timely services," he said. He further stressed that land conversion should be completed within a month and clarified that areas covered under a Master Plan do not require conversion. "A formal directive must be issued to ensure smooth implementation," he added. Siddaramaiah underscored the importance of updating Master Plans in a timely manner to facilitate planned urban development. "A well-maintained Master Plan prevents public inconvenience and supports sustainable growth," he noted. Further emphasizing timely justice, the Chief Minister called for faster disposal of revenue court cases, particularly at the Tahsildar and Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) levels. Talking about the revenue courts, he added, "Tahsildar courts should resolve cases within three months, and long-pending cases in SDM courts must be cleared within a fixed timeframe." Siddaramaiah praised the department's Aadhaar-seeding initiative, which has linked over 2.22 crore accounts, significantly reducing fraudulent land transactions. He also reaffirmed the government's commitment to maintaining transparency in land records, ensuring that unauthorized layouts do not receive land documents. "The 'B Khata' regularization must be completed within a defined timeline to prevent unauthorized developments in the future," he stated. He also emphasized the need to expedite the 'Pouthi Khata' campaign, ensuring that land records are updated for properties still in the names of deceased owners. On the various technology-driven initiatives, the CM lauded the use of drone surveys for property mapping, which has enabled the issuance of property cards in urban areas. "Drone surveys have already covered 21 districts, and under the 'Bhoosuraksha' project, eight crore original land documents have been digitized across all 31 districts," he informed. Siddaramaiah reaffirmed his government's commitment to farmers by directing officials to ensure fair ex-gratia compensation when government land is reclaimed. He also prioritized the conversion of 3,800 habitations, including 'Hattis' and 'Tandas,' into revenue villages. "This must be completed within a set timeline to benefit rural communities," he urged. Expressing concern over the slow pace of administrative building construction in newly created taluks, he added, "Of the 64 new taluks, only 14 have administrative buildings. The remaining projects should be expedited to provide better governance at the local level," he emphasized. "Our goal is to enhance service delivery, eliminate delays, and ensure that every citizen has a hassle-free experience. Accountability and efficiency are key to achieving this," he added. Concluding the meeting, Siddaramaiah reiterated the department's pivotal role in delivering efficient governance. (ANI)
Shondiin Silversmith

Arizona Mirror

Dianna Sue Uqualla always wears traditional moccasins and regalia when she visits Red Butte Mountain. The mountain is sacred to the Havasupai people, and wearing her traditional attire is how she connects with her ancestral homeland near the Grand Canyon and shows it respect.

Uqualla said the Havasupai people once lived around Red Butte Mountain because it had everything they needed to survive, including medicinal plants, wild game and plenty of wood.

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You can still see the fire pits along the tree lines, she said.

As a traditional practitioner for her tribe, Uqualla said that when she looks at Red Butte Mountain, she sees the medicine that has sustained her people since time immemorial.

While non-Native people may see it as just a mountain with shrubs and trees, the Havasupai people see it as a holy place where their medicine people came from.

These are gonna die, Uqualla said of the vegetation because three miles north of Red Butte Mountain sits Pinyon Plain Mine, where uranium ore has been extracted since the beginning of 2024 and is approved for transportation along a route that passes by the mountain.

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The Arizona Mirror traveled the 320-mile route that uranium ore will travel from the Pinyon Plain Mine near the Grand Canyon to a mill near Blanding, Utah. This is the second of five stories about that route and the communities that the uranium will travel through.

Energy Fuels, Inc. owns and operates the Pinyon Plain uranium mine on U.S. Forest Service land in the Kaibab National Forest near the Grand Canyon. Numerous tribes, including the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Tribe and the Havasupai Tribe, have ancestral lands there.

The Havasupai Tribe, which lives at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, has repeatedly and emphatically said that the mine poses risks to its drinking water, natural wonders and sacred cultural sites.

Uqualla said that many people from the Havasupai Tribe used to come to Red Butte Mountain to pray. However, with the mine now extracting uranium ore, the fear of contamination is high, so only some still do so.

Its a blessing for the land, she said of the communitys tradition of coming together to collect medicine, dance, and pray. Now, its rare for the tribe to have large gatherings at Red Butte Mountain, though Uqualla still visits the mountain when she gets the chance.

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She said it was heartbreaking when the Havasupai people learned that the mine was now extracting uranium ore  and when the company sent out its first haul trucks in July without any notice to the tribes or communities along the route.

Uranium ore from Pinyon Plain Mine near the Grand Canyon will be transported by over-the-road 24-ton haul trucks and end dump trailers, according to Energy Fuels, Inc., and up to 10 trucks will make the trip daily.

Pinyon Plain Mine is at the end of Forest Service Road 305ab, about 6 miles from the main highway. Driving along the narrow dirt roads, there are no indications that it is the starting point of a uranium haul route.

The only identifiers along the narrow gravel road are flexible orange roadside markers staked into the ground every other mile. Uqualla said the markers are insufficient, given that she only noticed them once the Arizona Mirror pointed them out to her.

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The trucks hauling ore from Pinyon Plain Mine travel along the gravel road through the dense trees of the Kaibab Forest before reaching the main highway, State Route 64.

The trucks pass Red Butte Mountain, where the main road sits about half a mile from the open area at the mountains base.

The Havasupai Tribe condemned Energy Fuels actions in July when it started transporting uranium ore. Uqualla said that many of her people did not like that the transport happened by surprise, even though the company had promised the Havasupai Tribe five days notice.

Uqualla thought it was in poor taste that the mining company sent the trucks out early in the morning, a time when many people would not notice them.

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That was not right, she added.

Havasupai Traditional Practitioner Dianna Sue Uqualla stands near Red Butte Mountain, a sacred place for the Havasupai people, which is located six miles away from the Pinyon Plain uranium mine. (Photo by Shondiin Silversmith, Arizona Mirror)

As part of the mining companys transportation policy, trailers hauling uranium ore must be kept closed at all times, both when containing uranium ore and when empty. That is done using a tarp, which can be removed only when loading and unloading so that there may not be any leakage of radioactive material from the trailer.

When Uqualla learned that only a tarp would cover the uranium ore as it was being transported, she said that was not enough to prevent contamination.

She said that if the tarp is not secure, it will start flapping, allowing more air to pass through the truck trailers and potentially releasing contaminants along the roadway.

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If they dont maintain those things, a lot of contamination is going to be spread from here all the way up to Utah, Uqualla added.

The roughly 320-mile route starts from a forest service road before entering State Route 64. It then travels south toward Interstate 40 to enter Flagstaff, proceeding east to head north on U.S. Highway 89 until heading east on U.S. Highway 160. The final stretch sees the trucks take U.S. Highway 191 north into Utah.

All shipments of uranium ore from the Pinyon Plain Mine to the White Mesa Mill must be transported without unnecessary delay, according to the mining companys transportation policy.

However, in the event of a delay, they have designated safe havens for temporary storage of transportation vehicles along the route.

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Many communities along the haul route, which passes through towns in Arizona, the Hopi Nation, the Navajo Nation, Utah and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, oppose uranium hauling and condemned the first haul in July, citing fears of contamination and accidents along the route.

Uqualla said the route raises concerns because State Route 64 attracts heavy traffic in both directions as people head north to the Grand Canyon or south toward Williams and Interstate 40.

You have wrecks all the time, Uqualla said, noting that speeding and poor weather are regular factors for many accidents along the highway.

If one of those big trucks crashes, all that ore is going to come out, she said. And then what? She said even if the mining company has an emergency plan in place and is going to clean up, the contamination has already happened and cant be taken back.

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The trucks hauling the uranium are almost impossible to distinguish from the other tractor-trailers that routinely travel the states highways and interstates. The uranium ore produced by the mine is classified as LSA-1 (Low Specific Activity), which means that trucks are not required to label their shipments with more than a yellow placard that reads RADIOACTIVE in three-inch letters, according to their transportation policy.

The placard must be placed on each side and each end of the truckload, the policy states, and it must be clearly visible from the direction it faces.

Dinolene Caska, a member of the Havasupai Tribe, said she believes that if the mining company has nothing to hide, it should clearly mark its trucks with signs indicating uranium ore so people can easily identify it and know to stay away.

Dont try to be discreet, she said, adding that she believes the mine knows that many people are against it, so they dont want to advertise it because theyre probably going to get more opposition.

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Why are you hiding it? Caska asked. Youre hiding it because you know uranium is cancerous.

Decades of opposition span generations of tribal leaders

Uqualla said her tribes elders have been resisting the uranium mines efforts for generations; she has been part of that resistance since she was 14, and she is now 65.

Weve been fighting it so long, Uqualla said. She recalls how she helped the elders in her community as an apprentice and assisted them during meetings about the mine.

Now, I have become the elder that is fighting for this, she added.

The Havasupai Tribes land is over 188,000 acres of canyon land and broken plateaus bordering the western edge of the Grand Canyons south rim. Supai, their main village, is located eight miles below the rim of the Grand Canyon.

According to the Center for Biological Diversity, the mine has a history of flooding. It drains into shallow groundwater aquifers that flow into South Rim springs. The mine also threatens to contaminate deep aquifers that feed Havasu Creek and other Grand Canyon springs.

The Havasupai Tribe, several conservation groups and other tribal nations have opposed the mine for years. The Havasupai Tribe was involved in a lengthy legal battle that sought to close the mine, but a federal judge ruled in the mines favor in 2020.

But that hasnt stopped the Havasupai from trying to halt the mines operations. Their latest effort involves calling for a new environmental impact statement and writing a letter of opposition to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, which issued the mine an aquifer protection plan permit in 2022.

The Havasupai Tribe was also one of many that advocated for the designation Baaj Nwaavjo Itah Kukveni  Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument, which effectively bars mining on roughly a million acres of land near the Grand Canyon, including the land for Pinyon Plain Mine and Red Butte Mountain.

However, according to the U.S. Forest Service, Pinyon Plain Mine is exempted because of its previous existing rights.

This is part of our history, Caska said of the land surrounding Red Butte Mountain. All this land around here, thats us.

Caska is part of the Havasupai Tribal Councils uranium subcommittee. She advocates alongside her community to educate people about what is happening and stop uranium mining and transportation within their ancestral homelands.

Caska said she grew up wandering around Red Butte Mountain, where she would go hunting and gather medicine with her family. She said she hopes that the work the Havasupai Tribe is doing to protect the mountain will save it for the next generation.

Were trying to make sure that we protect our land, she added. This is where we came from.

A view of the Pinyon Plain Mine near the Grand Canyon. The mine has operated since the 1980s but mined its first batch of uranium ore in 2024. (Photo by Blake McCord via Grand Canyon Trust)

Caska said she wants the next generation of Havasupai people to be able to come out to the mountain and participate in the Havasuapis way of life, including hunting, gathering and other cultural customs.

Its our culture that we need to protect, she added.

When she heard Pinyon Plain Mine started sending trucks along the route hauling uranium ore, Caska said she was devastated and scared. She said hauling the uranium ore across the Havasupais ancestral homelands and near their traditional cultural property is putting the tribes health and people in jeopardy.

We are in jeopardy, whether these people see it or not, she said.

Caska said their community has been fighting against the mine for a long time, and she wants people to understand that uranium kills. Having the mine continue operating and transporting ore will only end in disaster.

Its not just my people; everybody has to speak up, Uqualla said. Uranium doesnt kill you right away. It makes you suffer.

Uranium ore hauling from Pinyon Plain Mine is currently on hold as negotiations continue between the Navajo Nation government and Energy Fuels.

Editors note: On Jan. 29, 2025, Energy Fuels and the Navajo Nation announced an agreement on hauling uranium ore, which will resume in February.

In addition to negotiations, other requests have been made, including calls from the Havasupai Tribe, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, and Gov. Katie Hobbs for the U.S. Forest Service to conduct a new environmental impact study for the Pinyon Plain Mine.

Caska said that when the mining company halted the transportation of the uranium ore in August after calls from their tribe, the Navajo Nation and Hobbs, it gave her some hope.

I guess we do have people on our side, she said, adding that it fuels their hope that the tribe will prevail. Its going to be a hard fight.

However, Caska expressed concerns about the mining companys voluntary transportation halt and ongoing negotiations with the Navajo Nation.

Caska said the mining company is only talking to the Navajo Nation, and the Havasupai Tribe should be included in the negotiation because the hauling route starts in their ancestral homeland.

We should have a part in that negotiation because they are using our ancestral lands to get it out of here, Caska said. Theyre coming out of our territory, so we should have the same say, but were left out.
On Wednesday, President Trump announced plans to hold undocumented immigrants in a detention center at the US naval base in Cuba's Guantanamo Bay. "We don't want them coming back, so we're sending them to Guantanamo," he said. He went on to claim that the center currently has 30,000 beds and said that opening it up to hold migrants "will double our capacity immediately."

However, other sources disagree on Guantanamo's capacity. In addition to the high-security jail where terror suspects have been held, the center also includes a facility for holding migrants, though neither of those known facilities appears to have anywhere near the capacity to hold 30,000 people. The Global Detention Project estimates that the Guantanamo Migrant Operations Center can only hold about 130 people. And according to New York Times reporting, a total of 780 prisoners have been held at Guantanamo since 2002. Pedro Ugarte / AFP via Getty Images

US operations in Guantanamo have a dark past. People who have been held in the Migrant Operations Center have described the conditions there as inhumane and unlawful, with open sewage and unsafe drinking water among their complaints.

The prison in Guantanamo, where terror suspects have been held indefinitely without charges or due process, is also notorious for torture and brutality. Miami Herald / TNS / Getty Images

So, with all this in mind, here's how people online are reacting to Trump's plan to hold undocumented immigrants in Guantanamo Bay:

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1."I wasnt okay with Guantanamo Bay before, and I am decidedly not okay with it now!"

pokentomology_prof Miami Herald / Tribune News Service via Getty Images

2."I remember people used to debate whether it was okay to send the worst terrorists in the world there, and now we're just sending random undocumented immigrants? If Bush had proposed this, not even the die-hard Republicans back then would have gone for it."

onekool

3."Trump's plan is 100% bullshit. First of all, Trump claimed he was going to deport 20 million illegal immigrants. If 30,000 are sent to Guantanamo, where does he plan to put the other 19,970,000 deportees?"

"Also, putting people in Guantanamo means US tax dollars would still be paying to house them, feed them, provide them with medical and legal services, etc. That's not a deportation. That's just a cruel relocation that breaks up their families, and we still pay for housing/feeding them."

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NitWhittler

4."People didn't want to pay to house immigrants before, but now we have funds for three meals a day and torture."

Inevitable_Nobody_89 "And plane flights to move them around the world. Talk about wasteful spending." TR3BPilot Miami Herald / Tribune News Service via Getty Images

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5."I think it's wrong to round up people and put them in camps."

DestructicusDawn

6."It sounds like the thing people have been warning about for 10 FUCKING YEARS."

imjusta_bill

7."'First, they came for the immigrants, and we did nothing because we weren't immigrants...' This didn't end well last time."

cactusgenie - / US NAVY/AFP via Getty Images

8."Threatening it is abhorrent. Carrying it out will be one of the worst things America has done in a long time."

Corgi_Koala

9."The fact that Guantanamo Bay even exists and no president has shut it down speaks volumes about any of our leaders and the complacency of our people."

Chaoticrabbit

10."It exists solely for the purpose of having a place where our laws dont apply. Its for torture. They torture people there."

IceBearKnows89 Miami Herald / Tribune News Service via Getty Images

11."Its not fair the way were lumping all illegal immigrants together. People have been trying to say, 'Oh, theyre all just coming over here to murder innocent children,' and getting pissed at me for having empathy for them. Most of these people are trying to escape the dangerous conditions in their country, men fearing for their lives and escaping gang activity, and women and children fleeing with them or for their own safety. No one is risking their lives to jump over the border for the sole reason of killing children."

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"It scares me because that could be us in a few years. Trying to escape the US but unable to afford or access the legal way. And yet so many people refuse to allow them to be humanized."

Ilovebroadway06

12."Trump is doing exactly what he promised to do. The plans were all laid out in Project 2025 for anyone who wanted to read them."

bullant8547

13."It's brain-mangling to think how fast and far we have fallen just in the past 10 days. As a veteran, this is heartbreaking to watch. I've never felt more powerless."

Mendican Chris Hondros / Getty Images

14."I thought this was about deportation. Now it is holding people indefinitely without due process."

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Interesting-Risk6446

15."I don't think immigrants who overstayed their visas a little too long but are generally harmless need to be in the same location as criminals who planned terror attacks against the country."

InuMiroLover

16."It's a gross misuse of resources and an obvious ploy to make people associate immigrants with terrorists. And, to use their own arguments, terribly expensive."

HereWeGoYetAgain-247 Miami Herald / Tribune News Service via Getty Images

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17."As a non-American, we think you elected a crazy person supported by a cult and representatives who seem to have been waiting just for that. Also, where are the Democrats?"

Live_Avocado4777

18."It's more of the same bullshit that said he'd build the wall. Guantanamo LITERALLY isn't big or well-staffed enough to handle that task. There are about 40 people imprisoned there, and it costs hundreds of millions of dollars to keep them there. Trump's 'plan' consists of sending 30,000 illegal immigrants to the camp, which, even if it were feasible to scale up the facility, would cost tens of BILLIONS of dollars per year."

"It would quite literally cost less to just overhaul the laws to fast track citizenship for EVERY immigrant, granting them citizenship, and then financially de-incentivizing illegal immigration, but that solution isn't racist enough, so the current administration won't hear it."

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AlexWatersMusic13

19."My heart hurts, and I'm not sure how I can live knowing that this is how undocumented immigrants are treated. This is how the Holocaust began. In fact, this is how nearly all genocides began. I want to be wrong so, so badly."

k4th4s Miami Herald / Tribune News Service via Getty Images

20."People who are held in immigration detention have rights, and they may not, in fact, be fully deportable. Their status relative to immigration law may be undetermined until they get in front of a judge or hearing official. Taking them to GITMO is a further attempt at vilifying these people. Those who have entered or remained in the United States without authorization are not necessarily guilty of some great crime. Of course, some of them are, but the civil infraction of not having authorization to enter or remain in the United States is the teeniest crime."

"It looks like they are going to detain these people punitively without them having committed a crime for which they would be sentenced to detention."

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illimitable1

21.And finally, "We can't even be sure it's the worst thing he'll do this week."

jdlyga

If you support the human rights of undocumented people, check out United We Dream, an immigrant youth-led organization that fights for the rights and dignity of immigrants in the United States. And if you want to yell at your elected representatives, you can look up their contact info here.
Atlanta council members grilled the Atlanta DOT after an audit showed some concerning findings about a major infrastructure package.

In May 2022, Atlanta voters approved a set of ballot measures to make big investments in the citys infrastructure. But only a fraction of that has been spent, according to a report by the city auditor.

The sentiments that went through me were anger, embarrassment, but then, more importantly, a feeling of defeat, Councilman Alex Wan said.

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Councilmembers expressed frustration and concern at a meeting Wednesday that the Moving Atlanta Forward Plan may seem to be falling behind.

This is a city of Atlanta problem that has stretched on for decades, Councilman Amir Farokhi said.

Councilmembers brought up Renew Atlanta, which was an infrastructure package from 2015 that ran behind schedule.

Voters approved the Move Atlanta Forward proposal back in 2022.

Atlanta officials said at the time that the measures approved by voters included two bonds and a special sales tax renewal, greenlighting a $750 million funding effort for transportation, recreation, public safety, and the arts.

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Funds were split between a $400 million infrastructure bond and a $350 million TSPLOST extension, effectively a $0.04 tax on every $10 purchase for retail transactions in Atlanta, according to city officials.

Now, the Atlanta City Auditors Office reports less than 10% has been spent.

The auditors report found that as of August 2024, $47 million had been spent on Moving Atlanta Forward projects, less than 10% of project funds.

The Atlanta Department of Transportation says they have spent more money since then. However, the dashboard shows the program has since paid $69 million on projects, or 9.3% of the approved funds.

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In their examination of the funding package, the auditors office found that projects were slow to progress and that districts with the least amount of spending had higher poverty levels than the others.

That was eye-opening but not shocking, Councilman Antonio Lewis said.

The Atlanta Department of Transportation says some projects have not made it to construction because they are more complex than others and need additional community input.

The mayors office indicated weather may have caused some delays, and emergency repairs forced some projects to be prioritized over others.

The report also found that there was not a central oversight mechanism, and having one may improve consistency across the three project delivery departments.

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Those departments are Transportation, Enterprise Asset Management, and Parks and Recreation.

Due to the audits findings, the office made several recommendations to help the programs get back on track, for oversight, spending tracking, and overall project management.

According to the audits highlights, the recommendations were either agreed to or partially agreed to, with completion dates set for June 2025 at the latest.

However, Council members expressed apprehension about if the projects would be completed.

Ive heard from a number of constituents that they are giving up, we are just giving up that we are actually going to get these projects, Wan said.
(Bloomberg) -- The White House is considering challenging the constitutionality of a 50-year-old law limiting the presidents control over federal spending, easing the firing of civil servants, curbing pay and reining in independent agencies, according to a document seen by Bloomberg News.

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The ideas, detailed in a slide presentation labeled confidential, outline the ways President Donald Trumps administration could try to overhaul the federal bureaucracy and its workforce  though its unclear whether the president has the legal authority to carry out the suggested actions.

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A quarrel over the Impoundment Act is a top priority for the new Trump administration as it seeks to wrestle power of the purse away from Congress and is prepared for a legal battle ahead, according to a person familiar with the matter.

The presidents initial efforts to reshape the federal government hit a roadblock on Wednesday after the White House rescinded a barely two-day-old order calling for a pause on all federal loans and grants. That order sparked widespread confusion that it could halt critical health care, food security and housing programs.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the rescission would allow the administration to enforce the Presidents orders on controlling federal spending and vowed that Trump would soon take more executive action to end the egregious waste of federal funding.

The presentation  shown to staff at the White House budget office this month  shows administration officials are considering dozens of recommendations to allow Trump to take greater control of the vast federal bureaucracy, cut spending and eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

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Rachel Cauley, a spokesperson for the White Houses Office of Management and Budget, denied that Trump officials have seen this document before, adding that its pretty apparent it was generated before Trump was in office.

The actions outlined in the document, if taken, are certain to trigger a legal battle with government workers and others who say they overstep the presidents authority.

The document includes many ideas espoused by incoming White House budget director Russ Vought, who at his confirmation hearing earlier this month said Trump believes longstanding legal limits on the presidents ability to direct spending are unconstitutional  an idea Senate Republicans have said they do not support.

The document details how the White Houses budget team is considering challenging Congress constitutional authority to direct federal spending. The document acknowledges a limitation: the Impoundment Control Act (ICA) of 1974  which restricts the Presidents constitutional authority to decline expenditures, undermining the executives ability to ensure fiscal responsibility, one slide reads.

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The document recommends a series of actions to potentially wrestle control away from Congress, including attempt to restore impoundment authority by challenging the ICAs constitutionality in court, focusing on its violation of the separation of powers and seek legal precedent to affirm the Presidents Article II powers. Another is to use executive orders to impound funds exceeding legislative intent or conflicting with constitutional duties, citing national security, fiscal waste, or statutory ambiguities.

Its unclear how many of the steps the administration will take but Trump this week has prioritized sweeping directives, including the now-rescinded funding freeze and pay-out offers to federal employees, designed to rapidly shrink the size of the US government and slash spending.

The recommendations suggest that the White Houses clearinghouse for agency rules and regulation, the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, should be able to exercise regulatory review authority over historically independent agencies, as determined legally permissible by the Office of Legal Counsel.

The independent agencies, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission, are traditionally insulated from political pressure; the agency heads can only be fired for cause.

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It also says officials should propose legislation to cap automatic pay raises, such as cost-of-living adjustments for higher-earning federal employees, reform federal compensation to align more closely with private sector benchmarks by adjusting pay based on regional and occupational demand rather than blanket raises and shift more retirement costs to employees.

There should also be political oversight in employee evaluations tied to pay and promotions, that build in explicit policy goals into performance in appraisal systems, the document said.

Trump has already taken action on some of the recommendations in the document, including steps to remove employment protections from large swaths of federal workers in order to make it easier to dismiss workers whose views dont align with the president. Reclassifying employees in regulatory and policy-making civil service roles will facilitate the dismissal of unsupportive officials, the document said.

Hes also renamed the United States Digital Service as the United States DOGE Service  after Elon Musks government overhaul effort, dissolved the White House Gender Policy Council and called for the elimination of DEI and environmental justice offices across the federal bureaucracy.

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--With assistance from Gregory Korte and Megan Scully.

(Updates with OMB comment in the seventh paragraph)

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The White House has received more than 7,000 applications for press passes after press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Tuesday that the West Wing would open the briefing room up to members of the new media, The Hill has learned.

Leavitt, during her first briefing with reporters this week, said President Trump is ready to retool the administration around what she called the new media landscape, including independent content creators, podcasters, social influencers and others in nontraditional media.

As long as you are creating news content of the day and are a legitimate independent journalist, you are welcome to cover this White House, she said.

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The decision comes after a campaign during which Trump largely spurned mainstream press outlets in favor of internet-based media appearances as he worked to court younger voters.

Leavitt said Tuesday she envisions a more equitable briefing room during her time as press secretary, one where she can speak to all media outlets and personalities from the podium.

Her first questions on Tuesday went to Mike Allen of Axios and then Matt Boyle of Breitbart.

Its essential to our team that we share President Trumps message everywhere, Leavitt said.

Current members of the White House press corps, in conversations with The Hill ahead of Inauguration Day, described a feeling of uncertainty and annoyance at the proposed changes to the briefings and press procedures during Trumps second term.

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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to a question about Black History Month during her first press briefing on Tuesday  and many found her answer quite unsettling.

At the briefing, White House correspondent April Ryan asked Leavitt whether President Donald Trumps administration has plans to celebrate Black History Month this year, given the presidents ongoing crusade against programs and initiatives that focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI.

As were dealing with anti-DEI and anti-woke efforts, we understand this administration ... is thinking about celebrating Black History Month. Have you got any word on that, anything that you can offer to us? Ryan asked.

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As far as I know, this White House certainly still intends to celebrate  and we will continue to celebrate American history and the contributions that all Americans, regardless of race, religion or creed, have made to our great country, Leavitt said. And America is back.

Its unclear how the White House plans to commemorate this years Black History Month, which begins on Saturday, Feb. 1. While the press secretary said the White House still intends to celebrate, she immediately followed that statement with a remark about celebrating everyone  regardless of their race.

Leavitts apparent attempt to minimize the focus on Black history has since spurred a lot of questions on social media. While some people took her response as confirmation that the White House plans to honor Black History Month, others interpreted the press secretarys pivot to talking about all Americans regardless of race to mean that the White House doesnt intend to recognize Black History Month in a significant way.

That means NO, one person wrote on X, formerly callled Twitter.

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Another pointed out that Leavitt didnt say the words Black history in her reply. Tells you everything you need to know, they wrote.

A representative for the White House did not immediately return a request for comment.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt photographed during her debut press briefing at the White House in Washington on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025. via Associated Press

Erica Foldy, associate professor of public and nonprofit management at the Wagner Graduate School of Public Service at New York University, thought that Leavitts response resembled Trumps recent talking points at his inaugural address promoting the widely criticized idea of racial colorblindness  meaning a persons race can and should be ignored. Critics say that the idea falsely suggests that racism and racial disparities no longer exist.

This is a classic colorblind response, Foldy told HuffPost, adding that Leavitts response suggests that we should treat people from different groups the same as opposed to recognizing that some groups have faced and have continued to face discrimination and racism.

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The Trump administration is anything but colorblind, since it seeks to protect and advance white people to the detriment of people of other races, she added.

Trump had hosted Black History Month events during his first term as president, but his recent executive actions have sparked many questions about how his new administration  and other federal agencies  will recognize Black History Month this year.

The president has signed an executive order to put an end to federal DEI programs, and he also directed all federal DEI staff to be put on leave and eventually laid off. And on Wednesday, Trump ordered U.S. schools that receive federal funding to stop teaching what he views as critical race theory, among other topics, such as teachings related to gender identity.

Federal agencies are already changing their Black History Month plans as a result of Trumps executive actions. The Defense Departments intelligence agency has paused observances and annual cultural and historical events, including Black History Month, according to The Associated Press, which obtained the agencys memo.

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This should concern everyone. Black History Month, which has been officially recognized in the U.S. for nearly five decades, honors the powerful story of how enslaved Africans and their descendants built America and continue to make enduring contributions to the very fabric of this nation, said Marcus Anthony Hunter, author and professor of sociology and African American studies at the University of California, Los Angeles.

It is important for us to remember, acknowledge and celebrate this powerful history of the perseverance of the human spirit in the face of legal and systemic racism and inequity, Hunter told HuffPost.

For centuries, Black history was erased, Foldy said, speaking about the importance of having a Black History Month. Students might have learned very superficially about slavery and possibly the Civil Rights Movement, but overall these topics were downplayed.

Black History Month raised the visibility of Black history  about slavery and Jim Crow but also about the essential role of Black people in creating the U.S. we know today, she continued. It is essential that these topics remain squarely on the agenda  otherwise, they will go back to being erased.

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As for what Leavitts response might signal about whats to come from the Trump administration, Foldy said, It continues the pattern of white supremacy ideology and behaviors that we have seen from Trump for decades.

And if youre wondering about ways you can personally respond to someone attempting to dismiss the importance of celebrating Black history, Hunter suggested pointing out that there would be no United States of America without the labor and love of Black people.

If you do not have a grasp of this fact, then you have not been fully empowered and equipped with the truth, he said.

And Foldy added that you should remind them that Black history is American history.

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In 2019, a devastating measles outbreak erupted in Samoa. Eighty-three people, most of them children, died. Another 5,000 contracted the disease. In total, around 3% of the small islands population fell ill.

This week, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green is attempting to lay the blame for the outbreak on Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nominee to lead the U.S. health agencies.

Green, a physician, was part of a medical mission that was dispatched to Samoa in 2019 in response to the outbreak. He said misinformation about vaccines was the leading cause of the crisis, and he points to Kennedy as one of the most prominent voices parroting it.

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Now, Kennedy is in Washington, sitting through confirmation hearings as Trumps nominee to be Health and Human Services secretary. Green is in Washington, too, lobbying senators to oppose Kennedy as part of a larger Democratic push against Kennedys confirmation.

(The Samoa outbreak) happened because  directly because  the Kennedy people went into Samoa and worked with anti-vaccination organizations to torpedo the belief in public health, Green told the Deseret News.

During Kennedys first confirmation hearing Wednesday, two different senators questioned him about his link to the Samoa measles outbreak.

In 2018, improperly prepared vaccines  after nurses mixed doses with muscle relaxants instead of water  led to the deaths of two Samoan children. The incident sparked widespread mistrust in the vaccine program, including from Samoas prime minister, who suspended MMR immunizations altogether.

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On Wednesday, Kennedy said his June 2019 visit to Samoa came when vaccination rates were already below any previous level.

I went there, nothing to do with vaccines, Kennedy said. You will not find a single Samoan that will say, I did not get a vaccine because of Bobby Kennedy.

Kennedys direct role in the outbreak is disputed. Vinay Prasad, professor of epidemiology at the University of California, San Francisco, argues that the outbreak was caused by a constellation of factors, including the nurses who improperly administered vaccines in 2018 and the governments poor response later, which included halting the vaccination program.

Green, however, has a different point of view. In December 2019, Green, then serving as Hawaiis lieutenant governor, joined about 75 other Hawaiian physicians on an emergency mission to Samoa. What we saw was unbelievable, Green said: villages overrun by measles; one infant girl, still warm from the incredibly high fever that the measles caused, Green said, but she was no longer breathing and her heart wasnt beating.

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I put my stethoscope on her, and she was gone, he recalled.

In total, Green and his fellow Hawaiian doctors administered vaccines to over 37,000 people. But the governor saw it as a tragedy that was altogether preventable, stemming back to the 2018 vaccine accident that killed two infants.

The vaccine was fine. The reagent was a mistake, Green said. And then after that tragedy, people had doubt, and thats when RFK Jr. swooped in and demonized all public health and vaccinations.

In this November 2019, image from video, masked children wait to get vaccinated at a health clinic in Apia, Samoa. Samoa closed all its schools on Monday, Nov.18, 2019, banned children from public gatherings and mandated that everybody get vaccinated after declaring an emergency due to a measles outbreak. For the past three weeks, the Pacific island nation of 200,000 people has been in the grip of a measles epidemic that has been exacerbated by low immunization rates. | TVNZ via Associated Press

Kennedy said his 2019 visit to Samoa was arranged by Edwin Tamasese , an anti-vaccine advocate who was later arrested during the outbreak. The purpose of Kennedys visit, Kennedy wrote on his blog, was to help the government introduce a medical tracking system to analyze the safety of vaccines and other drugs. Local leaders were interested in the system, Kennedy said , following the natural experiment created by the national respite from vaccines.

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Green said a willingness to entertain such an experiment is amoral.

He says, on the one hand, he would vaccinate himself and maybe his own children, yet he performed a natural experiment on Samoan children, Green said.

The 2019 outbreaks effects were felt well beyond the Pacific island. In Utah, which has the third-highest Samoan American population per capita of U.S., many individuals had family members or friends affected by the outbreak, said Rep. Jake Fitisemanu, a member of the Utah Legislature.

In a country like Samoa, where people are so tight knit, word travels quickly through family networks, said Fitisemanu, D-West Valley City, who works in public health. Thats great when theres good information, credible information, that can be shared through those social networks. But it can be very detrimental when its in the opposite direction.

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Less than three months later, in March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic was declared a national emergency in the U.S. Lingering anti-vaccine sentiment was especially prominent in the Pacific Islander community, whose vaccine rates trailed other demographic groups.

In Hawaii, meanwhile, Green said he used what he learned from the Samoa outbreak to steer his state through the COVID-19 pandemic. Hawaii had the lowest mortality rate of any U.S. state.

We learned a lot from the Samoa experience, Green said. But the real tragedy, he added, is that Kennedy learned the exact opposite  he learned that you could run a natural experiment and let a disease spread, and you could use misinformation to do it.

During his confirmation hearing Wednesday, Kennedy attempted to walk back his previous statements about vaccines. I support the measles vaccine, he said. I support the polio vaccine. I will do nothing as HHS secretary that makes it difficult or discourages people from taking either of them.

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Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., responded, Anybody who believes that ought to look at the measles book you wrote, saying parents have been misled into believing that the measles is a deadly disease. Thats not true.
The arrival of DeepSeek should not have caused as much surprise as it did. China produces more science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (Stem) graduates than any other country, including half of the worlds top AI researchers. More of this talent is staying in China as US-China relations worsen. AI was a key target area in its Made in China 2025 industrial policy, so even with Americas export controls on top-tier chips, it was only a matter of time before the worlds second economy caught up with Silicon Valley.

The Chinese start-ups breakthrough is to have created the worlds second reasoning AI at potentially a fraction of the cost of OpenAI.

Whereas the American company has kept mum about its secret sauce, DeepSeek has released its workings in an accompanying research paper, revealing how smart these reasoning models are. When DeepSeeks R1 was launched earlier this week, the American stock market saw billions wiped out in market capitalisation  a physical manifestation of the panic that investors and politicians felt. The clamour has been met with conspicuous silence from the Chinese company, whose staff have taken the week off for Chinese New Year.

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Its been dubbed a Sputnik moment, in honour of the time Washington was caught out by Moscow launching the first artificial satellite in 1957. Today the West has a tendency to underestimate Beijings achievements because it is unfashionable to point out what the country is doing right.

We often assume that China cannot innovate, given its repressive political system, resorting to copying or stealing to make progress. But that assumption is fast becoming out of date. Clinging to it and other preconceptions about the country will only mean being caught out by more Sputnik moments.

Havent we been here before? Only when the first Trump administration led the charge against Huawei did British politicians realise that the Chinese company had advanced to the top of its industry, becoming integral (almost) to the UKs 5G rollout.

Huawei may have copied a fair amount of its tech in its early years, but its later success was down to its R&D advances, in creating more power-efficient 5G equipment that was cheaper to run.

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Arent we going through it again, now with renewables? Here Chinese progress was largely unnoticed until its solar panels, batteries and electric cars became as good as Western alternatives at a fraction of the cost.

The assumption wasnt just that China couldnt innovate, but also that it wasnt sincere when it talked about green energy, given that it was the worlds largest polluter. Yet today Chinas electric cars are ubiquitous on its streets and may account for a quarter of the British market by 2030.

Its true that these biases have a basis in fact. When China entered the world economy, its manufacturers copied Western competitors.

Beijings rules helped by requiring foreign businesses to have local partners, creating conditions that are perfect for transferring knowledge. And those are just the legal routes  there has also been corporate and political espionage.

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And yet, as Beijing pumps money into its universities, which churn out top-tier graduates, as its forte becomes less about cheap labour (thats now moving to Vietnam and Bangladesh) and more about R&D, its companies are leaving behind the copycat days. As anyone who has visited or lived in China in the last few decades can testify, the speed of change in the economy is mind-blowing.

We must be able to adapt our ideas of the country equally fast to identify where China moves next: drones, driverless cars and biotechnology are all areas to watch.

So I fear that when David Sacks, Donald Trumps AI adviser, dismisses DeepSeeks achievements as having come from copying OpenAI, he is missing the wider point. The allegation is that DeepSeek used ChatGPT to train its own model. Even if true, that would only come after DeepSeek had built said model. Using OpenAI could have reduced the Chinese companys costs in quality control, but would not have helped it create its pioneering product in the first place.

As in the original Sputnik moment, there is a risk of over-hyping the threat. To beat the Americans, the Soviets valued speed over complexity, so Sputnik was in truth a relatively simple satellite that was, arguably, not worth the panic that it induced.

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Similarly, DeepSeek has made real strides, but its unlikely to have revolutionised the industry by as much as some say  its $6 million price tag only refers to the final training run of the model, excluding the costs to run previous iterations.

Yet if this moment teaches us anything, its that when it comes to China, we must be able to hold multiple notions of it in our heads at the same time.

It is a country that has to obey the Chinese Communist Party, but which hosts enormous creativity and a fair amount of individuality. It can open new coal power plants while funnelling billions into green subsidies. It claims to be communist while its welfare state is minimal. To keep up, we in the West must also be more nimble in our understanding of the country and not be blinkered by ideology.

Otherwise, DeepSeek wont be the last Sputnik moment.

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"Many bills limiting abortion access, including this one, seek to target what they call 'elective' abortions, presumably meaning abortions sought for a reason that the sponsors of the bill dont see as valid. From an obstetricians perspective, the term 'elective' is highly misleading." (Photo by Robert Machado Noa/Getty Images)

On Monday, the New Hampshire Judiciary Committee heard testimony on a proposed bill to further limit abortion access in the state of New Hampshire. House Bill 476, an act relative to restrictions on elective abortion sponsored by Rep. Katy Peternel, a Wolfeboro Republican, and others seeks to place limits on elective abortion above 15 weeks gestation.

The so-called medical exemption is a false reassurance, designed as a public relations tool to advance the bill. Criminal penalties coupled with vague exemptions effectively ban abortion at whatever gestational limit is imposed.

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Interestingly, it was announced at the beginning of the committee hearing that the sponsors agreed to withdraw the bill, presumably because of lack of public support. At the Judiciary Committee hearing, there were well over a dozen health care providers present or providing testimony strongly opposing this proposed legislation. Many more who were unable to attend provided written testimony. The message was the same  this legislation will harm families in New Hampshire.

Its easy for those of us who work in health care to feel divided from those not in the field. The training is long and intense. The stakes are high. The health care system has become unwieldy and difficult to navigate. Health care providers are increasingly not given enough time to break down complex problems in a way for someone without a medical background to understand. Its understandable that there is a disconnect. But it is critical to understand enough to see why this type of legislative interference in health care affects everyone, especially the most vulnerable patients.

Many bills limiting abortion access, including this one, seek to target what they call elective abortions, presumably meaning abortions sought for a reason that the sponsors of the bill dont see as valid. From an obstetricians perspective, the term elective is highly misleading. As one of my colleagues eloquently put it at the hearing, the line between abortion and management of a spontaneous miscarriage, between when a womans life is endangered or not, is truly momentary and ambiguous. Being pregnant is more dangerous than not being pregnant, or having an abortion. It is absolutely impossible for a piece of legislation to account for the myriad situations in which an induced abortion is the safest medical option among a list of terrible options.

Limiting access to abortion in any way will always have unintentional and detrimental consequences. Physicians in states where abortion restrictions exist experience distress and betrayal at facing criminal investigation and professional ruin for providing the standard to care to women in serious danger but not quite yet on the brink of death. In the 15 months after abortion restrictions were passed in Idaho, 1 in 5 of the states OB-GYN physicians left the state. Rural labor and delivery units were forced to close. Patients uproot their families and move so they have full access to appropriate evidence-based care.

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At the legislative hearing on Monday, we heard from a young woman who had moved to New Hampshire from Tennessee in order to be in a state where she had full access to reproductive health care. We also heard from a physician who had practiced in Dallas, Texas, under the significant abortion restrictions in place there; she moved to New Hampshire so she could complete her training in a place where the full range of obstetrics and gynecology could be practiced.

If the residents of New Hampshire trust their primary care physicians, obstetrician-gynecologists, and subspecialists to care for them through pregnancy, to care for them in an emergency, then why not trust us when we say over and over again that restrictions on access to health care is dangerous? You never know when one of these rare complex situations may apply to you, or a family member, but if it ever does, you will want to be in a place where the full range of medical options is available to you.

Trust us, because we have seen it.

New Hampshire is at significant risk of legislators passing further restrictions on abortions and every year there are more attempts to limit access right here where you live. Kelly Ayotte, our governor, has said that she would veto any further restrictions, but the House and Senate could potentially override a veto. In response to HB 476, 13,247 people submitted online testimony, 92% of them in opposition. The people of New Hampshire do not want further restrictions on abortion access, but wanting is not enough. If you feel that New Hampshire should retain the best options and standards of care for womens health, you should call your local legislator and make sure they know it.
The Trump administration and new Republican majority in Congress have big plans to extend tax cuts and crack down on immigration. To pay for these changes, they're in the market to cut government spending by trillions of dollars, and government-assisted health care programs are among their first targets. Earlier this month, a House Budget Committee memo and detailed list, both obtained by Politico, laid out potential budget cuts, including savings of up to $2.3 trillion from funding for Medicaid, the government program that provides health insurance for low-income adults and children; and an additional $1 trillion or so in other cuts from Medicare, the equivalent federal program for older adults, and other health care-related programs.

Other moves from the administration this week have raised alarm bells for Medicaid as well. Even though President Donald Trump's move to freeze funding for all federal grants and loans (which has been halted by a federal judge) was not intended to impact benefits programs, a brief outage in the Medicaid payment system heightened concerns and confusion over the program's future under his administration. Meanwhile, Trump's nominee to head the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., lambasted high medical costs during his confirmation hearing, and seemed to pin the blame on government-run programs. He claimed Americans don't like Medicaid and most would prefer to be on private insurance plans.

Health care generally wasn't the top issue voters considered when casting their votes in November, as their concerns over the economy and immigration propelled Trump back into office. Nonetheless, voters across the political spectrum are broadly unhappy with the state of health care and health insurance. A recent poll from PerryUndem/YouGov dove into how exactly Americans felt about the U.S. health care system and some of the proposed cuts put forth by Republicans.* The results show that Americans share Kennedy's anger at the health care system  39 percent said they were very frustrated and 38 percent said they were somewhat frustrated with the state of the current health care system.

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Unsurprisingly, high costs were a major concern for those surveyed. Seventy-eight percent said health care was currently very or somewhat unaffordable for most people, and 63 percent said it was personally important to them that "something be done soon to make health care more affordable." Nearly half of survey respondents said they have at some point had medical debt from receiving health care services for themselves or a family member, while more than 4 in 10 said they had skipped receiving medical care or prescriptions because of cost. This is despite the fact that the vast majority of Americans now have some kind of health insurance, whether it's private or government-sponsored. (Fifteen percent in the PerryUndem/YouGov survey said they did not currently have coverage, a bit higher than the Census Bureau's estimate of roughly 8 percent of the total population in 2023.)

But while Americans in the survey agreed with Kennedy that health care costs are too high and the health care system needs changes, they decidedly did not agree with where he pointed the blame; government-sponsored health care programs like Medicaid remain widely popular.

In his 2024 campaign, Trump's promises on health care were vague, as he now-famously said in his sole debate with former Vice President Kamala Harris that he had "concepts of a plan." As the details of that plan continue to take shape, Americans will likely be open to changes to a system they see as deeply flawed and too expensive, but Republicans' proposed budget cuts and changes to government-run programs could rub them the wrong way.

Most Americans oppose cuts to Medicaid

To begin with, the government programs on Republicans' chopping block don't have the same low approval as health care in general. Eight in 10 Americans had a favorable view of Medicaid (which was additionally described in the survey as "a joint federal and state health care program that covers low-income families and children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with disabilities"). Contrary to Kennedy's claim that Americans dislike Medicaid and would prefer to be on private insurance, approval of the program was even higher (around 90 percent) among those who were or had previously been enrolled in it. This is in line with other surveys that have found Americans generally approve of the Medicaid program.

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When asked whether funding for Medicaid should increase, decrease or remain the same, Americans decisively favored continuing or increasing program funding: Forty-nine percent said funding should be increased, and 40 percent said funding should be kept at current levels, while only 12 percent said it should be decreased.

Of course, Republicans haven't proposed across-the-board cuts to Medicaid, but instead a wide range of targeted cuts or program restrictions that would reduce overall program spending and limit who is eligible to enroll. The survey asked how Americans felt about some of those specific changes and found that most were net unpopular with Americans, though a large share also remained undecided.

One of the most high-impact options floated by House Republicans is establishing per-capita caps on the amount the federal government pays per person enrolled in Medicaid. That idea was supported by only 21 percent of Americans and opposed by 53 percent. Even among Republicans, slightly more opposed the cuts than supported them (36 percent to 35 percent). Support was lower for a potential reduction in funding to the 41 states (and Washington, D.C.) that expanded Medicaid eligibility under the Affordable Care Act, which could remove eligibility for millions of those enrolled in the program: 18 percent supported and 55 percent opposed those funding cuts, and once again opposition still outweighed support among Republicans (36 percent to 31 percent). And the numbers were even less favorable for a general proposal to remove protections that guarantee Medicaid coverage to certain populations, like low-income pregnant women and disabled Americans.

One GOP proposal that could be popular, though, is requiring Medicaid recipients to prove they are employed in order to keep their benefits: 38 percent overall said they would support it, compared to 35 percent who were opposed. And it was notably more popular among Republicans, with 57 percent in favor and 18 percent opposed. Republicans have long advocated for work requirements for many public benefit programs, and Arkansas even enacted a Medicaid work requirement in 2018  it was struck down by a federal judge shortly thereafter, though Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders plans to try again under the new administration.

The ACA has grown in popularity

Beyond expanding Medicaid eligibility to millions of lower-income Americans, the Affordable Care Act made sweeping changes to health insurance access, including by making it illegal for health insurance companies to refuse to cover preexisting conditions, requiring them to allow children to stay on their parents' plans until the age of 26 and opening state-level health care insurance marketplaces to allow people to buy plans with government subsidies.

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Republicans have tried dozens of times since the Affordable Care Act was passed in 2010 to repeal it. After the latest failed attempt during his first term, Donald Trump has distanced himself from his earlier promises to do so, as have Republicans as a whole. Rather than fully repeal the law, though, Republicans' proposed budget cuts are among the ways they could scale it back or reduce its effectiveness, including by forcing states to trim coverage due to reduced funding, or simply by doing nothing: a Biden-era law that extended tax credits for individuals to buy insurance plans on their state ACA marketplaces is set to end in 2025.

Pivoting away from a full ACA repeal is probably politically wise for Republicans, as the law has actually gained popularity in the more than 10 years since it went into effect. Seventy-three percent of those surveyed had a favorable opinion of the law, including 52 percent of Republicans. At the start of the survey, 32 percent of respondents said they'd support repealing the law, while 44 percent opposed a repeal. After completing the full survey that described specific provisions of the ACA, though, the share of respondents who favored repealing it dropped slightly, to 28 percent. The biggest change was among Republicans, 59 percent of whom initially said they supported a repeal, compared to 49 percent later in the survey.

Even fewer Americans supported repealing popular aspects of the law that Republicans have previously tried to target, with only 25 percent in favor and 47 percent opposed to a proposal to let health care plans that offer reduced benefits into the marketplace, a change previously made by the first Trump administration but repealed by President Joe Biden  and potentially something in line with Kennedy's calls to expand affordable private options. Other changes that were included in the GOP's last attempt to kill the ACA were even less popular: around 7 in 10 Americans opposed changes that would allow insurance companies to "charge sicker people more for their health insurance or deny them coverage" or to "charge women more than men for their health insurance." Meanwhile, half of Americans said Congress should extend the expiring individual tax credits toward health insurance, while only 16 percent said Congress should end them to reduce government costs. (The question wording noted that these credits "made health coverage more affordable for more than 19 million people.")

Perhaps most tellingly when it comes to Americans' support for government-sponsored health care programs, a majority of Americans, 55 percent, said they would somewhat or strongly support a government-sponsored plan that could compete with commercial insurance plans  an idea that rose to prominence when it was championed by progressive Democrats and ultimately backed by President Barack Obama in the debates over what became the Affordable Care Act. Commonly referred to as "the public option" at the time, the idea was ultimately scrapped by Democrats to win over independent Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman, whose support they needed to pass the law along party lines. Since then, the idea of giving Americans access to a government-sponsored plan  whether through a new government program or by allowing all Americans to buy into Medicaid regardless of income  is still backed by many Democrats, but has mostly faded from public debate.

The idea remains very popular among Democratic voters, though, and seems to have a substantial base of support among Republicans as well: 71 percent of Democrats and 45 percent of Republicans said they would strongly or somewhat support a government-sponsored health plan. And perhaps because it wasn't actively proposed or opposed during the 2024 campaign, very few voters were against the idea, while many were undecided: only 13 percent of respondents opposed it, while 32 neither supported nor opposed. That undecided number was particularly high among Republican and independent voters, more than one-third of whom said they would neither support nor oppose the plan.

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***

That last point illustrates a common theme in this survey: Many Republicans haven't decided how they feel about some of the health care questions that may be central to the coming debate on government spending.

While Democrats in the poll were fairly united in their opposition to proposed changes to federal health care spending and programs, Republicans often had divided opinions, and on certain questions, many had no opinion at all. For example, 38 percent said they neither supported nor opposed cutting Medicaid spending by reducing block grants to states, 33 percent neither supported nor opposed reducing funding to Medicaid expansion states and 30 percent said the same about per capita funding caps.

Similarly, around 29 percent of Republicans said they neither supported nor opposed repealing the Affordable Care Act  and the number is a bit higher among 2024 Trump voters, 32 percent.

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Overall, this could signal a "wait and see" approach among Republicans and Trump supporters. The nitty-gritty debate over whether or what health care provisions Republicans may propose cuts to is only just beginning. But even if health care wasn't a top priority for these voters in deciding their votes in 2024, their opinions are likely to solidify as the debate continues. Republicans seem to have their work cut out for them when it comes to winning over public opinion.

Footnote

*This was a national survey conducted Dec. 13 to 23, 2024, among 1,269 adults 18 and older.

Why Republicans' proposed health care cuts could be politically risky originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
With the conclusion of 'Utkarsh Odisha - Make in Odisha Conclave 2025', state's deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida and Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari highlighted how multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between the government and investors. Odisha Deputy CM, Pravati Parida told ANI that MoUs worth Rs 8,153 crore regarding the tourism sector were signed on the second day of the conclave. A total of 121 projects have been discussed to develop all sectors of tourism, modifying various subsidies given for the sector and also looking at temple weddings in the state. "MoUs worth Rs 8,153 crore, were signed today, covering 121 projects to develop all sectors of tourism... As per the advice of the panellists, we are planning to modify the subsidies that the Odisha government used to give (for tourism). We were not paying attention to temple weddings before. Odisha will work on it as well," DyCM Parida told ANI. Meanwhile, state minister Suresh Pujari mentioned that a total of 54 MoUs have been signed concerning industries of food processing, petrochemicals, and heirlooms and textiles. "Investors of national importance have joined the conclave. 54 MoUs have been signed which include a steel plant in Keonjhar and industries of food processing, petrochemicals, and heirlooms and textiles. This conclave will be a turning point for the development of Odisha," he told ANI. Further praising the infrastructural development in the state, he added how land water and air connectivity, along with power have been provided to facilitate investors. "We have made a one-window system so land, water, road and railway connectivity, ports, and power are made available to successfully launch any industry. We will leave no stone unturned for facilitating the investors so they invest huge amounts in Odisha and generate employment opportunities for the youth in Odisha," he added. Utkarsh Odisha Conclave, was organised in Bhubaneswar. It was the flagship Global Investment Summit of the state government and aims to position the state as the anchor of the Purvodaya vision as well as a leading investment destination and industrial hub in India. The conclave was held from January 28 to 29. (ANI)
(Bloomberg) -- President Donald Trumps directives to shrink the federal workforce by next week seeks to make good on his campaign pledge to root out federal workers who arent loyal to him and remake the government in his own image.

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The reality to get government workers to agree to buyouts is more complicated and could have effects that reverberate far beyond the nations capital.

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The federal government is a massive, sprawling bureaucracy with nearly 2.3 million civilian employees and a presence in all 50 states. Its programs touch everything from water cleanliness to air travel safety to lunch programs in elementary schools.

The White House expects 10% of government employees to take the offer to resign their posts by Feb. 6 and keep their paychecks and benefits through the end of September. But data indicate that many workers may not consider that a good deal, and will be incentivized to stay because of their pensions and other benefits.

Federal positions are also synonymous with job stability and come with good benefits and a pension  perks that will likely last far longer than Trumps four years in office. Average salaries are nearly $106,400, well above the average nationwide pay of roughly $64,000.

The Trump administration has sought to cast doubt on the longevity of federal work, suggesting that more cuts could come for those who opt to not take the buyout offer.

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US INSIGHT: What Trumps Federal-Employee Buyout Means for Jobs

Pushing federal workers to the exit mimics a move Trump adviser Elon Musk made when he took over the social media platform then known as Twitter. The billionaire  now in charge of the White Houses federal efficiency efforts  culled his companys workforce from roughly 8,000 down to about 1,500, a massive reduction thats unlikely to be replicated to scale in the public sector.

The Office of Personnel Management said it didnt yet have any data on employees who had accepted or expressed interest in the offer.

Whos In

Many of the largest portions of the federal workforce  namely those connected to the military  arent even eligible to leave. The order specifically exempts jobs connected to the armed forces, postal service, national security and border enforcement. It also leaves a caveat for agencies to designate specific jobs as ineligible for the buyout program.

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Among eligible agencies, workers are concentrated in the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Justice, comprising about about 26.5% of federal workers.

Ready to Retire?

More than four in 10 full-time permanent federal employees are age 50 and older, according to March 2024 data from the Office of Personnel Management. And more than 150,000 employees have worked for the government for 30 years or more.

Despite a workforce that is older on average than in the private sector, workers arent retiring in large numbers. An average of 62,000 federal workers have retired each year over the past decade, according to data provided by the US Office of Personnel Management.

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But the number of federal employees who become eligible to retire early is far higher, dwarfing the projected exits. Within just two years, some 298,000 federal workers will become retirement eligible, almost three times the number of workers projected to leave.

By 2029, the retirement-eligible workforce will balloon to more than 606,000 federal employees. The Trump administration could pressure thousands of these eligible federal workers to take an early exit, potentially turbo-charging efforts to reshape the federal workforce.

Pension Perks

There are reasons why workers might want to stay on despite the incentives that come with early retirement offers. Federal pensions are based on the number of years of service and salary level. Leaving the government sooner than planned could mean missing out on higher-earning years, which would bring the pension value down.

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Remote Work

Trump and Musk have also said remote work is an impetus for the buyout offers. The president has excoriated the prevalence of work-from-home throughout federal agencies. Data from the Office of Management and Budget show that about 10% of the workforce is permanently remote  including disabled workers with a documented accommodation, military spouses and those where the nature of the work is mobile.

Federal telework guidelines long predate the national emergency that Trump declared in March 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. Under the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010, agencies were required to adopt remote work policies that encouraged many employees to work from home.

Musk and Trump have also said they want to cull the federal workforce because its grown too bloated. US government employment has fallen considerably over the past few decades. It currently only represents about 1.5% of overall jobs in America.

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CLEVELAND (WJW)  FOX 8s own Wayne Dawson is sharing his journey through cancer, describing it as both a fight and a test of faith. The longtime morning show anchor has been open about his battle, providing updates to viewers and receiving an outpouring of support from Northeast Ohio.

Follow updates on Waynes recovery

Dawson was first diagnosed after discovering a small abnormality in his mouth. Initially dismissed as minor, it was later confirmed to be cancer following a biopsy. Though doctors initially believed they had removed all of it without the need for radiation or chemotherapy, a later surgery revealed otherwise.

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They were gonna put the post in during that surgery, and they saw my cancer, Dawson said. They thought they had it last time.

FOX 8 photo Wayne Dawson latest update on cancer fight Photo courtesy Wayne Dawson Wayne Dawson FOX 8 photo FOX 8 photo WJW Photo Wayne Dawson, Hometown series FOX 8 Photo WJW photo Waynes Wake Up Call (Courtesy: Wayne Dawson)

The diagnosis led him to undergo 33 rounds of radiation and six rounds of chemotherapy. Despite the grueling process, Dawson remains steadfast in his determination.

FOX 8 anchors Stefani Schaefer and Kristi Capel visited Wayne at home.

Wayne Dawson overwhelmed by support during cancer journey

Its a fight, he said. Some days you feel really, really good, and the next day, you dont have a lot of energy. But I just keep pushing through.

Dawson said his faith has been a cornerstone of his battle, helping him navigate the emotional and physical toll of treatment.

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It made me really wrestle with my faith, he admitted. I asked God, Why me? And He put it in my spirit that He wants me to show Northeast Ohio how to deal with suffering.

Through it all, Dawson has continued to connect with viewers, using social media as an outlet for transparency and motivation.

People say Im brave for sharing my journey, but its kind of like therapy for me, he said. Im a broadcasterthats what we do.

Its a fight, but you got to stay strong: Wayne Dawson gives update on cancer battle

The Cleveland community has rallied behind him, sending letters, cards, and messages of encouragement. Dawson credits this support, along with his faith, for keeping him strong.

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For anyone going through something, just hold on, he said. Have faith in Godwhether youre Christian, Muslim, or Jewish, faith will help you through. And if you dont make it, theres a belief that theres something beyond this life.

As he continues his treatment, Dawson remains hopeful.

In the end, were going to win any kind of battle, he said. And in the end, Im going to beat cancer one way or another.

Dawson is expected to complete his treatments in February.

You can make a donation to the American Cancer Society in Waynes name by clicking here, or you can call 1-800-277-2345.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  On Monday, the Office of Management and Budget issued memorandum M-25-13, directing federal agencies to temporarily pause the obligation and disbursement of federal financial assistance programs. This pause was intended to allow the administration to review these programs to ensure alignment with President Trumps executive orders and policy priorities.

The memorandum specified that the pause would take effect on Tuesday. It excluded assistance provided directly to individuals, such as Social Security and Medicare benefits. However, the broad scope of the directive led to confusion and concern among grant recipients and federal agencies.

White House budget office rescinds federal funding freeze memo

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The OMB rescinded the memorandum in response to legal challenges and a temporary stay in a federal court. The rescission was intended to clarify federal policy and address confusion. Despite the rescission, the executive orders related to funding reviews remain in effect and will continue to be implemented.

Although the memorandum has been rescinded, it could go back into effect, affecting hundreds of people here in Texas.

Paris Ward, executive director of the Wichita Falls Housing Authority, said they receive the majority of their funding from federal funds and are losing those funds in the freeze. She said their funding goes towards their day-to-day operations, capital, and brick-and-mortar and that if the funds were to be reinstated, their clients would not be immediately affected.

With the freeze, the Housing Authority, it wouldnt mean that we would close our doors tomorrow. Absolutely not, Ward said. But it would impact us a great deal. Those funds, we draw down to sustain ourselves.

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Ward said they have over 600 households that depend on federal funds and around 40 employees and contractors who are paid through those funds. She said that while they have reserves to keep them afloat, a long-term freeze is a scary thought.

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Update 10:23 a.m.: President Donald Trump says there are no survivors of the crash.

KANSAS (KSNT)  Officials say 28 bodies have been recovered after an American Airlines flight collided mid-air with an Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter causing both to crash into the Potomac River in Washington D.C. on Wednesday night.

The Black Hawk helicopter was based out of Fort Belvoir, Va., U.S. Army officials told DC News Now. The helicopter had three military members on board.

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Very personal: Sen. Moran lobbied for direct Wichita flight

Officials say 27 bodies from the American Airlines flight and one body from the military helicopter have been recovered. 60 people were on the airplane with four crew members. There were three soldiers on the helicopter.

Officials say they do not believe there are any survivors which would make the crash the deadliest in nearly 24 years.

The Skating Club of Boston confirmed six of the crash victims were family and members of the club including two coaches from Russia.

Several passengers on board the flight were figure skaters. The Kremlin confirmed that Russian figure skaters Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, as well as other Russian nationals, were also on the plane.

The flight was estimated at being 400 feet off the ground and traveling at about 140 miles per hour when it suffered a rapid loss of altitude over the Potomac River, according to data from its radio transponder.

Flight conditions were clear at the time of the collision.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said he has grounded the Army battalion involved in the crash.

Some Kansas lawmakers in Washington D.C. have issued statements after the crash. My heart goes out to all who are affected by this tragedy, Kansas second district representative Derek Schmidt said.

Officials say theyre switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation.

The deadliest recent crash was in 2009 near Buffalo, New York. All 45 passengers and the four crew members were killed when the Bombardier DHC-8 propeller plane crashed into a house, according to the Associated Press.

What are the deadliest plane crashes in US history?

I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives last night and extend my deepest condolences to the victims families and loved ones. I have been in constant communication with federal, state, and local officials overnight and want to thank the over 300 first responders from across the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area for their response efforts. I will issue a flag order today to acknowledge this devastating event and tragic loss of lives. Governor Laura Kelly

American Airlines released the following statement:

Were aware of reports that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) has been involved in an incident. We will provide information as it becomes available. American Airlines statement

Trump holds briefing on plane crash near DC, suggests DEI programs contributed

President Donald Trump issued the following response: I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.

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At noon, a prayer service hosted by the Greater Wichita Ministerial League will be held at City Hall, 455 N. Main, in the Wichita City Council Chambers. You can call the American Airlines toll-free number at 800-679-8215 to find out if your loved ones were on the flight.

For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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BOSTON, Mass. (SHNS)Massachusetts health and environmental agencies on Wednesday offered fresh warnings about widespread bird flu suspected of killing wildlife and domestic poultry, asking people to report dead and sick birds and avoid contact with them, and keep cats and domestic birds indoors.

Officials said 500 to 1,000 wild bird deaths had been reported around the state, as well as a 30-bird flock of domestic poultry in Plymouth County. The wild birds are tough to estimate, according to state ornithologist Andrew Vitz of MassWildlife, because some go unreported and others are reported more than once.

State officials issue guidance on bird flu

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Surveillance testing of individual dead birds indicates the virus is widespread in the state among our wild water birds, Vitz said on a press call with public health and agriculture officials.

Cases are mostly located from Greater Boston down to southeast Massachusetts, with lower numbers in central Massachusetts and the Connecticut River Valley, he said.

Officials said risk to humans remains low, but the states public health veterinarian said pet cats are very susceptible to the bird flu and can become seriously ill.

While there have not been any cases of people getting infected just through contact with wild birds, DPH is joining our other state agencies in advising people and pets to stay away from sick and dead wild birds, said Dr. Catherine Brown of DPH, the state epidemiologist.

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Last week, state officials said the bird flu outbreak was likely responsible for the deaths of more than 60 Canada geese, swans and other birds in Plymouth. Nationwide, Brown said, the flu has struck millions of wild birds, 145 million domestic birds, and 943 herds of dairy cattle.

The current strain of the avian influenza H5N1 virus arrived in the United States in late 2021 and Massachusetts has seen periodic outbreaks since then, according to Vitz.

Hundreds of dead bird reports in January indicate the largest outbreak in terms of the impacts of the number of individual birds and the geographic distribution in the state, he said. He added that were not sure whats going on, why were seeing this bigger outbreak today.

The ornithologist added that some evidence from Southern Ontario indicate cases are now declining.

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As the nation has seen mounting bird flu cases, a trend visible to consumers looking to buy increasingly scarce and expensive eggs, there has been less data flowing from the federal government down to state authorities.

President Donald Trumps administration on Jan. 21 ordered an immediate pause on external communications from U.S. Health and Human Services agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control, the AP reported. The freeze is in place until Feb. 1, a total of less than two weeks.

While the current pause on certain communication from federal government is disappointing, a two-week pause is unlikely to result in a significant decrease in our ability to understand and track avian flu in Massachusetts, Brown said.

Brown said DPH has a biweekly meeting about avian flu with other Northeast states that helps maintain situational awareness. She added that information-sharing is also aided by professional organizations like the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists and the Association of Public Health Labs.

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Egg prices are skyrocketing around the U.S. because of case spikes at large egg-laying operations. There have not been any cases among commercial flocks in Massachusetts, said Agricultural Commissioner Ashley Randle.

Pasteurization kills the virus, Randle added, so consumers are not seeing an increase in dairy prices, and both dairy and meat products are safe to consume. Massachusetts tests its milk supply for the bird flu and has found 100 percent negative results on licensed dairy farms around the state since last August, she said.

State officials urged people to not touch sick or dead birds, keep pets away from wildlife, and report suspected cases promptly. Wild birds can be reported to MassWildlife at mass.gov/reportbirds. Domestic cases such as chickens can be reported to the the Department of Agricultural Resources at (617) 626-1795 or mass.gov/reportpoultry.

The virus very rarely infects humans, Brown said. Across the U.S., 67 people have tested positive and the cases were generally very mild, although one person died, she said. There have been no confirmed human cases in Massachusetts.

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People with flu-like symptoms, particularly with conjunctivitis, should flag for their doctor if they have been in contact with sick or dead animals. They can also call the Department of Public Health at (617) 983-6800.

I want to stress that right now, at the Department of Public Health, we feel like awareness is the right approach, as opposed to alarm, Brown said.

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HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WHLT)  William Carey Universitys (WCU) College of Osteopathic Medicine will partner with a non-profit organization to help military retirees of special operations forces units enter medical school.

WCU officials said the organization, called Special Operations Forces to School of Medicine (SOFtoSOM), fosters the transition of these highly skilled veterans to post-military careers in medicine.

Under the agreement, SOFtoSOM retirees who meet specific criteria, including an MCAT score of 500 and a science GPA of 3.60, are guaranteed an interview when they apply to the WCU College of Osteopathic Medicine.

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Jacks partners with Laurel School District for free library

This partnership reflects our commitment to serving those who have served us. By creating clear pathways for veterans to enter the field of medicine, we are not only enhancing the diversity of our future healthcare providers but also strengthening the healthcare system as a whole, said Dr. Italo Subbarao, dean of the WCU College of Osteopathic Medicine.

The new agreement also ensures guaranteed acceptance for qualified applicants into WCUs one-year Masters Degree in Biomedical Science program. SOFtoSOM Scholars who complete this masters program with a grade point average of at least 3.50 will be guaranteed an interview with the WCU College of Osteopathic Medicine.

SOFtoSOM students can also apply for scholarships to attend an in-person summer course to help them prepare for the MCAT, further enhancing their chances of acceptance.

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A funeral was held Saturday to honor the life of Patty Jung Williams, the wife of U.S. Rep. Roger Williams, R-Austin. Williams represents the 25th Congressional District, which includes Johnson County.

Patty Williams passed after a long battle with brain cancer, and her husband shared the news of her death on his social media pages.

It is with a heavy heart that I announce that on Jan. 17, 2025, my beloved wife of 41 years Patty Jung Williams went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, he wrote. Patty was an extraordinary businesswoman, philanthropist and partner, but mostly I will remember her as a loving mother to our two beautiful daughters and the greatest CoCo anyone could ask for to our two amazing granddaughters.

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Ever the patriot, Patty loved our country and was a fierce voice for causes that matter most to her. While today may mark the end of her journey here on this earth, her spirit and resolve will live on in all of us as we carry her flame daily. Thank you for your prayers for our family during this difficult time.

During Tuesdays Johnson County Republican Womens meeting, members shared their condolences for the family.

Roger is a big friend of the Republican Women, and Patty has been, too, JCRW President Elaine Wilmore said. Shes just been ill the last couple of years. Its been very hard on Roger, and he has been so faithful. Hes a good man.

Verlie Edwards, the curator for Roger Williams personal museum, thanked the club.

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I just want to let you know how much we, not only as his staff, but his family, ask for your prayers to continue for them, and we appreciate all your support, she said. Its been a tough two weeks for us.

The Patty and Roger Williams Glioblastoma Multiforme Cancer Research Fund has been established at the Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University, and Wilmore urged members to consider contributing.

If you would like to contribute to that, Im sure that the Williams family would appreciate it very much, she said. Its not a contribution to the Republican Women. Its a contribution to Duke Universitys research fund in Pattys name.

In July, Roger Williams introduced a resolution expressing support for the designation of July 17, 2024, as Glioblastoma Awareness Day. The resolution increases glioblastoma awareness, which is critical to research and treatment advancements and expresses support for those battling this disease.

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Awareness is crucial in the ongoing fight against glioblastoma, he said. This resolution brings hope to patients and their families as they fight this devastating disease. Together, we will continue to build on the progress we have made as we search for a cure to end this disease.

In 2023, there were about 14,490 new cases of glioblastoma diagnosed in the United States.

Glioblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor, accounting for almost half of all primary malignant brain tumors.

Williams served as the president of the Roger Williams Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep & Ram in Weatherford, and was an active member of Willow Park Baptist Church, where she spent two years of treatment writing several inspirational songs and poems, two of which were recorded by Sonny and Jolie Burgess of Cleburne.

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Prior to entering the automobile industry, she worked in the hotel hospitality business under her father in Fort Worth, and was the sales manager for Hyatt Hotels and a director of sales for state associations for AMFAC Hotels/DFW Airport.

In 1995, Texas Gov. George W. Bush appointed her to the Automobile Theft Prevention Authority, and then she was elected as the first female chairman. Gov. Rick Perry appointed her to serve as a public member/director of the State Bar of Texas in 2002.

Williams was involved in several area organizations, including the Better Business Bureau of Fort Worth and Tarrant County, where she became the first female president of the board; Jewel Charity Ball; Tarrant Area Food Bank; Texas Women for the Arts; Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, Steering Women for Business (affiliate of Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo); Fort Worth Council for Life; National Multiple Sclerosis Society; Austin College Presidents Council; Weatherford Wags and Saving Hope Animal Rescue.

She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Roger Williams; children, Jaclyn J.J. Williams Contreras and husband, Eric; Sabrina Williams Speirs and husband, Jesse; grandchildren, Clara Contreras and Emmy Mac Speirs, all of Willow Park; sister, Susan Davis and husband, Greg of Cedar Park; and many devoted nieces and nephews.
WINDBER, Pa.  Windber police are searching for a man who allegedly scammed a woman for cash under the belief the money was needed to bail her grandson out of jail.

Investigators are urging the public to contact local law enforcement before they consider giving money to strangers.

The Windber woman was contacted Tuesday by a man who claimed her grandson had been involved in a vehicle accident in Johnstown and needed bail money, Windber police Chief Andy Frear said.

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"Believing it was him, she provided the money," Frear said, adding that it involved a larger amount of cash.

A short time later, a man arrived outside the woman's home driving a gold or tan sport utility vehicle, Frear said. The man was Black, dressed in dark clothing and had his hair in braided cornrows, police said.

Frear said the man remained inside his newer-model SUV, and the woman handed him the money before he drove off.

Police are asking anyone with information that can assist police in solving the crime to contact them at 814-467-8383.

Frear also reminded the public to be wary of scam attempts and to contact police before handing over or wiring money to callers. In recent years, scammers have often targeted older people, claiming they need to resolve an urgent issue or that a loved one needs help.

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"In these situations ... call the police," Frear said, adding that police officers can answer questions about the criminal justice system, including bail procedures and where to go to pay fines.

Scams change frequently, and Frear said police are asking the public to be vigilant.
A right-wing priest was booted from his church after trying to imitate the controversial salute Elon Musk performed at an inaugural rally for President Donald Trump last week.

Speaking at the National Pro-Life Summit in Washington D.C. last weekend, Father Calvin Robinsona religious leader connected to United Kingdoms far-right movement, according to The Daily Mail warns in his address that this is the last stand for Christendom.

He cautions, Its make or break time. The whole of the old world is crumbling. Every country in Europe is embracing death. America as far as I can see is the only country fighting for life.

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As Robinson capped off his speech, he raised his arm to mimic Musks controversial Inauguration Day gesture, which many have likened to the Nazi salute.

Father Calvin Robinson finished his remarks at the National Pro-Life Summit by throwing an Elon Musk salute, much to the delight of the crowd. pic.twitter.com/cAE9VyTsl1  Right Wing Watch (@RightWingWatch) January 29, 2025

The viral moment was shared on X by the progressive advocacy group Right Wing Watch and has racked up 1.3 million views.

Robinson was a priest with the Anglican Catholic Church, not associated with the Roman Catholic church, which holds to traditional Christian morals, according to its official website.

The Church addressed Robinsons gesture in a statement posted on its homepage that declared that his association with the ACC has been revoked.

Today I received hundreds of nasty calls, texts, voicemails and emails today from very bitter, angry, vile leftists.



They are often the very thing they accuse you of.



I am not a Nazi. But I forgive you of your ignorance.



My heart goes out to you! pic.twitter.com/6n2oufaMbw  Calvin Robinson (@calvinrobinson) January 29, 2025

While we cannot say what was in Mr. Robinsons heart when he did this, his action appears to have been an attempt to curry favor with certain elements of the American political right by provoking its opposition, writes the Church. Mr. Robinson had been warned that online trolling and other such actions (whether in service of the left or right) are incompatible with a priestly vocation and was told to desist.

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They add, Clearly, he has not, and as such, his license in this Church has been revoked. He is no longer serving as a priest in the ACC.

Like Musks salute, Robinsons was criticized and compared to the Sieg Heil used in Nazi Germany as the video was shared widely on X. Addressing the video in a Wednesday tweet, Robinson alleged that he received hundreds of nasty calls, texts, voicemails and emails from very bitter, angry, vile leftists.

They are often the very thing they accuse you of, wrote Robinson. I am not a Nazi. But I forgive you of your ignorance.

He added with a salute emoji, My heart goes out to you! 

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Robinson followed up with a lengthy statement posted on X Wednesday night, explaining that his joke intended to mock hysterical liberals who called Elon Musk a Nazi for quite clearly showing the audience his heart was with them.

My attempt at dry wit, in that typical British way, was not a joke at the expense of WWII, nor an admission of my membership in the Nationalist Socialist Party, he said. That would be an incredibly ignorant and bad faith assumption to make. The responses are very telling, though. The people who understand, cheer - those who have eyes to see. The people who do not want to understand, reach for their pitchforks.
A right-wing priest has had his license in the Anglo Catholic Church revoked after mimicking Elon Musks controversial salute while addressing a pro-life convention.

Father Calvin Robinson, 39, spoke at the National Pro-Life Summit in Washington D.C. last weekend where he claimed that the U.S. is the only country fighting for life.

Robinson concluded his speech by thumping his chest and raising his right hand to the sky. My heart goes out to you, he said with a wry smile as he exited the stage.

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The priests actions  and remarks  appeared to emulate those made by Musk who, at Donald Trumps post-inauguration rally on January 20, beat his chest and shot his right hand  twice  uttering the same phrase. Musk denies his gesture was a Sieg Heil, or had Nazi connotations.

Addressing a viral video of his remarks on Wednesday, Robinson tweeted he received a raft of nasty calls, texts, voicemails and emails from very bitter, angry, vile leftists.

My heart goes out to you, he repeated along with a salute emoji.

Father Calvin Robinson has faced backlash after mimicking Elon Musk's salute at the National Pro-Life Summit in Washington, DC on the weekend (X/National Pro-Life Summit)

Mr. Robinson had been warned that online trolling and other such actions (whether in service of the left or right) are incompatible with a priestly vocation and was told to desist, the church wrote in a notice on its website on Wednesday.

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Clearly, he has not, and as such, his license in this Church has been revoked. He is no longer serving as a priest in the ACC.

On Thursday, Robinson, who is from Nottinghamshire in England, reduced his actions to a joke that was poorly taken by hysterical liberals.

My attempt at dry wit, in that typical British way, was not a joke at the expense of WWII, nor an admission of my membership in the Nationalist Socialist Party, he tweeted.

Whether a silly old cleric like me makes a poor joke is irrelevant. Do not be swayed and distracted by the enemy whispering in your ears. Focus on the light. All human life is sacred. Imago Dei.

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk gestures as he speaks during the inaugural parade in Washington, DC, on 20 January, 2025 (Getty Images)

Robinson has been colloquially branded Britains conspiracy theorist cleric.

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After studying theology at St Stephens House in Oxford, he hoped to become a deacon for the Church of England but his application was unsuccessful. He continues to trash the church as being weak, and cowardly.

Robinson become a firm fixture in the UKs far-right movement and bills himself online as a lead spokesperson for the right-wing populist party UKIP, which was formerly led by Trump loyalist and Reform U.K. leader, Nigel Farage.

Robinson, who describes his background as half Afro-Caribbean and half English, previously derided the Black Lives Matter movement as clearly a con.

On his Substack, Robinson condemned same-sex marriage as sacramental sodomy, urging homosexuals to repent!

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I have no doubt some of you will consider me a bigot, a homophobe. But I am neither of those things, he added in a post from early 2023.

He believes that Muslims  which he refers to as Mohammedans  are trying to take over the U.K. and that its citizens should fight back.

Robinson is friends with incarcerated far-right agitator and founder of the now-defunct English Defence League, Tommy Robinson, whom he describes as a patriot, persecuted for being a working-class hero.

Musk recently ruffled feathers in the U.K. for lobbying for Tommy Robinsons release from prison, while he serves an 18-month sentence for admitting to contempt of court during a libel case involving Syrian refugee schoolboy, Jamal Hijazi.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has expressed gratitude to the King George's Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow after it introduced a gold medal in his name for meritorious students. In a post on social media, CM Manik Saha said, "Nostalgic moment for me. King George's Medical University, Lucknow, my alma mater, has instituted a Gold Medal in my name for meritorious students excelling in Dental Sciences," "I thank the entire KGMU fraternity for this honour," he added. In the letter from professor Ranjit Kumar Patil, it said that the "Chief Minister of Tripura (Shri Manik Saha) Gold Medal" will be awarded to top students annually. "I would like to respectfully inform you that on November 26, 2024, on the occasion of your visit to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of the Faculty of Dental Sciences, your inspiration and contributions to the institution greatly impressed us," it said. "Following this, the Vice Chancellor of King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, announced the introduction of the "Chief Minister of Tripura (Shri Manik Saha) Gold Medal" for the postgraduate student securing the highest marks in the field of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, to be awarded during the university's convocation ceremony," the letter added. Meanwhile, Tripura Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu said that the state is a remarkable tourist destination, and it is growing rapidly in terms of connectivity and infrastructure. It has been over a year since Indra Sena Reddy Nallu assumed office as the Governor of the state. Nallu, who has travelled across all eight districts and visited even the most remote villages, shared his experiences and observations about Tripura in a recent statement. "Tripura is a place of immense beauty and peacefulness," he remarked. "Many visitors are often surprised by its scenic landscapes, as there is a common misconception that the state is always covered in snow due to its location in the Northeast and its proximity to international borders. However, Tripura is a fantastic tourist destination, and it is growing rapidly in terms of connectivity and infrastructure," he said. (ANI)
THURSDAY, 1/30/2025, 1:53 p.m.

TOMAH, Wis. (WFRV)Police have finished their investigation of a middle school in western Wisconsin, which is no longer on hold.

Officials say that Tomah Middle School is no longer on a hold. Police finished its investigation and no weapons were reportedly found in the building.

The release mentioned that there is no known threat to any students or faculty. Students have reportedly returned to their classrooms.

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No additional details were provided.

ORIGINAL: Middle school in Wisconsin put on a hold after bullet was found in a bathroom, police investigating

THURSDAY, 1/30/2025, 12:49 p.m.

TOMAH, Wis. (WFRV)  Authorities in western Wisconsin say they are investigating an incident at a middle school after a bullet was found in a bathroom.

According to the Tomah Police Department, Tomah Middle School was on a hold after a bullet was found in a bathroom. Police said they were on site to investigate the incident.

Officials described a hold as when students and faculty stay in their rooms with classroom activities ongoing.

U.S. Coast Guard warns fishers of hazardous ice conditions on Sturgeon Bay, vessel traffic

As of 12:25 p.m., the school was still on a Hold status. There was no additional information provided.

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Local 5 will continue to update this story as more details are released.

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Maybe you havent seen Selena Gomezs now-deleted Instagram Story video, posted on January 7the one captioned Im sorry with a Mexican flag emoji. In it, she cries in clear emotional distress over her hurt for whats happening to immigrants amid Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE)s ramped-up deportations at the direction of the new administration. All my people are being attacked, the children. I dont understand. Im so sorry; I wish I could do something but I cant. She ended her message by saying, I dont know what to do. Ill try everything, I promise.

I couldnt have related to the video more. Whats happening right now in the United States is extremely triggering to me, the daughter of two Ecuadorian immigrants. During President Donald Trumps first week in office, he signed multiple executive orders on immigration. One of which seeks to end birthright citizenship . A right that grants citizenship to children born in the U.S., regardless of their parents legal status. A right that makes me a citizen of this country. Fortunately, this executive order was temporarily blocked by a federal district judge. Trump has also authorized ICE officers to enter hospitals, schools, and churchesplaces where people have the right to feel safeto deport people. Just this week, a substitute teacher in Texas admitted that he wrote to ICE and asked them to visit the school where he works because it has many students who dont even speak English. As a fellow ESL kid, this one hurt. The overall climate this has created leaves me in a state of constant suspense and fearlike a helpless child, alone, and unheard. Seeing those sentiments reflected in a celebrity eased some of my feelings of isolation.

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But evidently not everyone feels the same way. The reaction to her video was so intense, she deleted it entirely, only adding a follow-up story that read, Apparently its not ok to show empathy to people. Internet commenters took to X, formerly known as Twitter, and various comment sections on other platforms to call for Selena herself to be deported, deem her performative, or say that because shes a billionaire, she can do something about it herself.

Sam Parker, a man known for losing a Utah senate seat, tweeted, Deport Selena Gomez. In response, Selena wrote on her Instagram Story, Oh Mr. Parker, Mr. Parker Thanks for the laugh and the threat. Talk show host Piers Morgan chimed in, tweeting, Posting yourself weeping over illegal immigrant criminals being deported is a new level of absurd celebrity narcissism.

Despite what these personalities and anonymous trolls might say, Selenas message is helpful. It helped me. Selena is currently the third-most-followed person on Instagram. Her video provided comfort to millions of fans who are immigrants or know immigrants and feel scared right now. It reminded us that we are not alone during this time when our country is so divided and certain people are so emboldened with hate. And even though it is scary to think that a billionaire like Selena feels like they dont have resources or power to stop whats happening, it is comforting to know that were all in the same place with this right now. No matter how successful you become, you can still feel small sometimesand thats okay.

Selena is one of the only celebrities who has spoken about the mass deportations in the country. Shutting her down is exactly what the far right wantsand her progressive message is being lost when it should be replicated. It makes other celebrities and people like me question if they should speak up for fear of the same backlash.

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Well, I refuse to be silent. I refuse to agree with the far rights idea that all immigrants are criminals. My family, friends, and neighbors are proof that it isnt true. And this is why Selenas message hits so close to me. I, too, cried for my people. You might see it as performative or think it should have stayed in the drafts, but to me, it felt raw.

My heart breaks for the people who dont feel secure in an environment that is so unforgiving. Families are being broken, children are being removed from their parents, spouses are being separated, and students are being pulled out of school. Who are we to tell someone like Selena Gomez that her feelings about such obvious tragedies are not valid? As some people in this country sharpen their pitchforks, its important to remember that softness and caring can have even more of an impact than hate. Empathy is a powerful tool and we cant forget to use it or look down on it, especially at a grand scale. So with that, me and my people will continue to, in the words of Selena, kill them with kindness.



Its important to know your rights regardless of your immigration status. Below are some organizations that are here to help.

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Jan. 29Western North Carolina's Congressman, U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards, has been asked by President Trump to help overhaul the Federal Emergency Management Agency, thanks to his appointment to a newly created FEMA task force.

Edwards, who represents the 15 westernmost counties and a portion of Polk, was charged with the task three days after he accompanied the President on a tour of Western North Carolina to view the destruction of Hurricane Helene and recovery efforts.

"It is an honor to be named by President Trump to the FEMA task force to fix how this broken agency works," Edwards said in a news release. "After being on the ground throughout the Hurricane Helene response, it's clear that an overhaul of FEMA is necessary to more effectively and efficiently respond to natural disasters. I look forward to lending the insights I've gained so that our nation will be fully prepared to prevent and respond to future disasters, and to save lives."

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The task force was established to thoroughly review FEMA and provide recommendations to the president on ways to improve and make changes that will better serve the interest of the United States and promote the nation's resilience. It will be led by Michael Whatley, chairman of the Republican National Committee, and includes U.S. Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-5th) and U.S. Congressman Tim Moore (R-14th).

The night before boarding Air Force One to accompany President Donald Trump on a tour of flood-ravaged areas in Western North Carolina, U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards spoke with The Mountaineer about disaster relief and how Congressional budget-cutting efforts would dovetail with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE.)

Edwards has visited most of the heavily impacted communities in Western North Carolina, beginning the day following Helene's onslaught.

Elimination or Reform?

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During the presidential visit last week, Trump suggested FEMA should possibly be eliminated. Though he has tried to distance himself from Project 2025, a blueprint created by a number of conservatives suggesting specific actions to streamline the U.S. government, that suggestion is part of the proposal.

The President echoed other talking points in Project 2025 suggesting significant changes within the Department of Homeland Security, the umbrella agency for FEMA. The document's language states:

"The bloated DHS bureaucracy and budget, along with the wrong priorities, provide real opportunities for a conservative Administration to cut billions in spending and limit government's role in Americans' lives. These opportunities include privatizing TSA screening and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program, reforming FEMA emergency spending to shift the majority of preparedness and response costs to states and localities instead of the federal government, eliminating most of DHS's grant programs, and removing all unions in the department for national security purposes."

In a statement issued after Trump's visit, however, Edwards showed support for making changes at FEMA and looked forward to working with President Trump to do just that.

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"I will continue to fight for every dollar that is needed to help WNC rebuild and look forward to working with President Trump and my House colleagues to fix FEMA so that our nation is fully prepared to respond to future disasters," Edwards said.

Disaster funding

The N.C. Congressional delegation, including the three now on the FEMA task force, was instrumental in the $110 billion December appropriation for disaster recovery in the states struck by Hurricanes Helene and Milton four months ago. Edwards credits the resiliency and cooperation of people in Western North Carolina for the remarkable progress shown so far, even before most of the federal funding has been dispersed.

Edwards said it is too early to determine whether enough funds were set aside for recovery from Helene or whether the money was directed to the right places.

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"Some of the rules are still being written that determine what entities can apply, and funds are being distributed to various federal agencies," Edwards said.

Faster response

One thing Edwards said he is determined to ensure is that WNC residents have a much faster route to recovery than those in Eastern North Carolina experienced following Hurricane Matthew, which happened nine years ago.

"My office will be constantly engaged in how quickly we can get these funds into the hands of people who need it," he said. "My team is very focused on keeping our ear to the ground and pushing buttons in D.C. to accelerate our rebuild."

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Edwards said he has fought to ensure those who are in FEMA transitional housing receive a 21-day advance notice of their benefit being terminated. He has offered his constituent services personnel to help troubleshoot for WNC residents who have trouble contacting FEMA directly.

New FEMA leadershipThe Congressman has also talked with Cameron Hamilton, the interim FEMA director, about changes that needed to be made to better serve the residents of WNC and others grappling with disaster recovery, he said

The former Navy SEAL was open to listening, according to Edwards, and scheduled a 90-minute meeting to hear of the experiences the Congressman and his staff have had in disaster communities and to make sure the disaster funding rolls out smoothly.

"He seems to be a very customer-centric public servant," Edwards said of Hamilton. "Under President Trump, he will be a great asset to revamping an agency that is desperate for much-needed changes."

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Though Trump has discussed the possible elimination of FEMA, that does not mean the government will abandon those who have been hit by natural disaster, Edwards added.

"I never said anything about this being the end of disaster funding," Edwards said, and noted the recent events with California wildfires ensure the issue will be revisited.
MORGAN COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT)  A woman was arrested in California after being wanted for a stolen identity charge in Morgan County.

The Morgan County Sheriffs Office said that Christine Ann Collier, 45, was located in El Dorado County, California and detained as a Fugitive from Justice on January 19.

According to MCSO, Collier was wanted in Morgan County for failing to appear on the charge of identity theft.

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Collier was then extradited back to Alabama and booked into the Morgan County Jail on January 28. She is being held without bond.

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Waco, Tx (FOX 44)  A 19th District Court jury has delivered a guilty verdict and a life sentence for a 47-year-old China Spring woman accused of abusing her step daughter over a six-year period.

Maricella Garcia had been tried on two separate counts of injury to a child, accused of injuring, withholding food and making the girl live outside in a shed.

McLennan County District Attorney Josh Tetens said, Devine intervention lead us to today where a child who suffered horrific trauma and torture watched as a jury sentenced her abuser to life in prison four years to the day of when she was rescued. Nothing compares to the wholly unnecessary abuse of innocent children and our office will continue to seek maximum sentences to those who do such harm. We are grateful for the jury sending this message to abusers throughout the county, you will be held responsible and face the consequences.

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DA Tetens credited several people with helping make the conviction possible, saying, Our team is grateful to be among the dedicated professionals who stood between a truly evil perpetrator and this courageous child. That group of professionals includes teachers, counselors, law enforcement officers, doctors, nurses, prosecutors, and victim advocates. To any child who is secretly suffering, these heroes are waiting to listen, and to protect.

Former Robinson ISD staff member charged with inappropriate conduct with student

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Jessica Washington and Will Hix who offered the following statement:

Honored doesnt begin to describe the feeling of getting to tell this courageous young womans story. Her nightmare is over, and the jurors of McLennan county have once again delivered justice.

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Jail records also indicated there was an immigration hold placed on her.

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A 26-year-old woman who was aboard the PSA Airlines flight that collided with a military helicopter on Wednesday texted her husband minutes before their scheduled landing in Washington, D.C.

Her husband, Hamaad Raza, revealed her text in an interview with CBS affiliate station WUSA 9.

Were landing in 20, her text read. Raza responded, but not all of his messages were delivered.

Thats when I realized something might be up, he said.

.@WUSA9 -- the CBS affiliate in the D.C. market --interviews Hamaad Raza, a man who says his WIFE was *ON* the American Airlines plane that collided with a Blackhawk helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River:



"I'm just praying that somebody's pulling her out of the river pic.twitter.com/91c6Vlw8SG  Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) January 30, 2025

Raza appeared distraught as he waited with a relative for updates near the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

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He said his wife went to Wichita, Kansas for work and was always afraid of flying.

Im just praying that somebodys pulling her out of the river right now as we speak, Raza said. Thats all I can pray for.

Raza said he had not received any updates from American Airlines, which owns PSA, and only learned about the incident through social media.

Dozens are feared dead after the passenger plane collided midair with a Black Hawk army helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River near the Reagan Airport around 9 p.m.

Emergency personnel are scouring the river late into the night to see if any of the 67 people involved in the crash are still alive.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A woman was hospitalized Wednesday after Tampa police said she was attacked by a large pit bull.

Officers with the Tampa Police Department said they responded to a call regarding a dog attack on East Mulberry Drive around 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 29.

Family of slain Florida reporter sues media company over his death

When police arrived, they said the dog was still actively attacking the woman.

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Officers said they tried to use pepper spray to get the pit bull off the woman, but the dog would not release its grip.

One officer then shot the dog to stop the attack, the police department reported.

The woman was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries.

Authorities said Hillsborough Animal Control was called to remove the pit bull. Animal Control officers also took in another dog that police said appeared to have been attacked by the pit bull.

No further information was immediately available.

This is a developing story. Stay up to date on the latest from News Channel 8 on-air and on the go with the free WFLA News Channel 8 mobile app.

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CANTON, Ohio (WJW)  The Canton Fire Department is investigating after a woman was hospitalized and a dog was killed in a house fire Wednesday afternoon.

Canton firefighters responded to a burning home in the 600 block of Union Ave. SW around 1 p.m.

When they got there, firefighters found heavy flames shooting up from the back of the two-story house.

Courtesy of Canton Fire Department Courtesy of Canton Fire Department

Two women and a man were getting out of the home when fire crews arrived. According to fire officials, one woman was taken to Aultman Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

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Suspect robs local U.S. Postal worker

Residents were able to pull two birds and a dog from the home, but firefighters learned that other animals were still inside.

Firefighters found and rescued another dog from the fire. The dog, suffering from burns and smoke inhalation, was taken by a family friend to a veterinarian.

Police looking for suspect who robbed local gas station

Two cats were found alive after the flames were extinguished, but one dog died in the fire.

Courtesy of Canton Fire Department

According to the Canton Fire Department, the home suffered substantial damage and will likely need to be destroyed. The Red Cross is working with the family at this time.

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According to a Friday press release from the Canton Fire Department, the cause of the fire was determined to bean unattended candle on the dresser in a garage that a woman was living in.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Killeen, Tx (FOX 44)  Killeen police report a woman was critically injured early Thursday morning when she was struck by a car.

Police got the call at 2:48 a.m. about the crash near Central Texas Expressway and Weldon Way.

Paramedics took the woman to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Temple.

Police said the preliminary investigation indicates that a blue Kia two-door car was traveling eastbound in the 400 block of E Central Texas Expressway when it struck the pedestrian, who was reportedly standing in the outside lane. The driver stopped and called 9-1-1 to report the incident.

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During the investigation, officers arrested the 29-year-old female driver at the scene for Driving While Intoxicated and outstanding warrants.

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A woman and two children were fatally stabbed in a New Jersey basement apartment overnight in an incident Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop is calling an act of domestic violence.

This was a terrible triple homicide that occurred last night related to domestic violence, he said in an online statement Thursday. Woman and two children aged 5 and 9 deceased and then the male actor tried to stab himself.

The suspect, who hasnt been named, is in custody. Chaplains and social workers are reportedly assisting the victims family members and neighbors.

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This is just such horrible and sad news, the mayor said.

Police entered the apartment around.1 a.m. after spotting a broken window. Inside they found four people unconscious, according to ABC News. The relationship between the victims and the person taken into custody isnt immediately clear.

The Hudson County Prosecutors Office confirmed Thursday morning that the Homicide Unit is working with police to investigate a domestic situation in which two children and a woman died.

The City of Jersey City reported only two 2025 homicides prior to the overnight stabbings in The Heights neighborhood west of Hoboken.



This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
In the run-up to the February 5 Delhi Assembly polls, Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Nitin Gadkari had campaigned in Delhi's Matiala Assembly constituency. He emphasised on Wednesday the infrastructure push from the Union government for Delhi. He also appealed to the public to elect a BJP government in Delhi. Gadkari pointed out that modern infrastructure is being built rapidly in Delhi at a cost of Rs 65 thousand crore. "Addressed a public meeting in support of the young BJP candidate from Matiala Assembly, Mr. Sandeep Bjpadv ji, for the Delhi Assembly election campaign," Gadkari said in a post on X. "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi ji, modern infrastructure is being built rapidly in Delhi at a cost of Rs 65 thousand crores. This will free Delhi from traffic problems and pollution. Appealed to the public to form a BJP government in Delhi to further increase the pace of Delhi's development with West Delhi MP K. J. Shekhawat ji and BJP," the Union Minister added. Voting for Delhi Assembly polls will be held on February 5. The BJP is mounting a vigorous campaign to reclaim power in Delhi after 26 years. In the previous two elections, held in 2020 and 2015, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) saw a resounding victory. The national capital is all set for a three-way contest between the ruling AAP, the main Opposition BJP and Congress. Meanwhile, the poll battle in Delhi has heated up after BJP leaders attacked the Aam Aadmi Party, alleging that the party wants to "buy the democratic rights of the public" after a vehicle with a Punjab-registered number was found containing AAP pamphlets and multiple liquor bottles and cash near Delhi's Punjab Bhawan. On Wednesday night, the Tilak Marg police station received information of a suspicious vehicle with a 'PB' number registration and 'Punjab sarkar' written on it parked near Punjab Bhavan. Upon inspection, the vehicle had various pamphlets of the Aam Aadmi Party, multiple liquor bottles and cash in lakhs, according to Delhi Police. "The AAP is in power in Punjab and bundles of notes and liquor have been recovered from the vehicle. Arvind Kejriwal has been exposed in the run-up to the Delhi elections and he wants to buy the democratic rights of the public. The public of Delhi will give them a befitting reply," BJP's Kalkaji Assembly constituency, Ramesh Bidhuri, told ANI. However, the Punjab government has issued a clarification that the number plate on the vehicle is "forged and fake" and refuted any allegations of the car being connected to the state government. According to the state government, "the vehicle is registered in the name of Maj. Anubhav Shivpuri, who was posted in Army Dental College, Pathankot, three years back and is a permanent resident of Khadki, Maharashtra." (ANI)
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  A new phase of immigration crackdown became law on Wednesday.

President Donald Trump signed the Laken Riley Act, allowing for the detention of migrants accused of crimes before conviction. As the president inked that legislation, more arrests were being made. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported 1,016 arrests nationwide on Wednesday, with more than 4,500 people detained during the crackdown.

New completion date set for Woodbury County LEC

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As sheriff, Chad Sheehan is Woodbury Countys top law enforcement officer. He told KCAU 9 that the county has an intergovernmental agreement with both the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) and ICE, but right now, only USMS prisoners at being held at the county jail.

Sheehan says his office has the ultimate approval of which prisoners are housed. To date, he says his office has not been contacted by ICE officials.

Its not because we dont want to cooperate with the federal government. We will., Sheehan said. But for our purposes, housing [USMS] inmates, its just easier because of all the inspections and stuff that comes along with housing the ICE inmates.

Eventually, Sheehan says he expects Woodbury County to get hold requests from federal ICE officials. But for now, that hasnt happened. He says ICE raids appear to be taking place in large metropolitan cities where pockets of violent and more serious criminals are located.

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Sioux City man pleads guilty to armed robbery

As those continue to get cleaned up, theyll continue to move to areas that havent been looked at yet, Sheehan said. One would be wise, I think, to assume that that would sweep across the country, so I would assume they will be in contact, because as they have more and more taken into custody, they will need the bed space.

KCAU 9 was told that the Woodbury County jail currently houses just under 300 prisoners. The jail has a capacity of around 500.

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DALLASTOWN, Pa. (WHTM)  A 100-year-old veteran in York County received his Purple Heart 80 years later.

The Purple Heart means quite a bit, Sergeant Harold Bud Pressel told abc27 News. But I wasnt sure Id get it.

The World War II Veteran received the medal Wednesday at the American Legion Post 605 in Dallastown.

They didnt have the records, Pressel said of the delay.

Regarding the ceremony, this was a big surprise, Pressel said. So many people and then have the general present it, that was even bigger.

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Pressel grew up in York and enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force in 1943.

And by early 1945 was also serving on the B-24 as a tail-gunner, Major General David B. Lyons, Commander of the 15th Air Force based out of Sumter, South Carolina, said.

On Feb. 7, 1945, Pressel was on his third combat mission. His B-24 Liberator was shot down after a bombing run in Germany. He bailed from the aircraft and when he landed, he ruptured his left ear and was captured.

There were some four or five Hungarian young guys came over and got me and picked me up, Pressel said. They really treated me good. They were nice young men.

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Though, Pressel said they took my watch and I didnt get that back.

A second Purple Heart was presented to the grandchildren of the late Major Richard Olsen.

Though they never met in many ways, Major Olsen and Sergeant Pressels experiences are remarkably similar and it is fitting that we can honor them both here today, Lyons said.

Olsen grew up in Chicago and enlisted in the Army.

On June 13, 1944, just a week after D-Day, he was flying his 15th combat mission, a bombing raid on Munich.

His plane was shot down by German fighters and he spent 11 months in the same Prisoner of War camp as Pressel.

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Both were liberated on April 29, 1945.

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Pressel turns 101 on Feb. 3.

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Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is President Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services despite his reputation for spreading misinformation on important health topics, including raw milk, antidepressants and especiallyand perhaps most dangerouslyvaccines.

That said, thanks to confirmation hearings, we've been hearing a lot of his voice lately. And a lot of people are asking the same thing: "Why does RFK Jr.'s voice sound like that?"

Related: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Net Worth in 2025 and How Rich He Got Off of Vaccine Misinformation

What Is Wrong With Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Voice?

Kennedy has a legitimate medical issue causing his voice to sound raspy, and hearing him talk about it is actually quite sad.

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"I feel sorry for the people who have to listen to me," Kennedy told The Los Angeles Times in April 2024. "My voice doesn't really get tired. It just sounds terrible. But the injury is neurological, so actually the more I use the voice the stronger it tends to get. If I could sound better, I would."

Kennedy suffers from spasmodic dysphonia, a neurological condition that causes the muscles controlling the vocal cords to have involuntary spasms. According to Cleveland Clinic, those spasms can make the voice sound raspy, gravelly, hoarse, shaky or like it's breaking, with a lot of indeliberate vibrato.

Related: These Are the Only Vaccine Side Effects You Should Actually Worry About, According to Infectious Disease Expertsand None of Them Are Autism

Why Does RFK Jr.'s Voice Sound Raspy?

The cause of spasmodic dysphonia isn't known, and research is still being done to see which specific areas of the brain are affected in patients who have it.

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The condition typically manifests around midlife for most patients and is more commonly diagnosed in women. About 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with the condition, but the actual figures may be higher because of undiagnosed cases.

If you ask Kennedy about the cause, however, his culprit is the usual suspect for almost everything he discusses publicly: Vaccines. However, experts in dysphonia aren't so quick to pin it on any one cause.

"We just dont know what brings it on," Dr. Michael Johns, MD, director of the USC Voice Center and an authority on spasmodic dysphonia, told The Los Angeles Times. "Intubation, emotional trauma, physical trauma, infections and vaccinations are all things that are incredibly common. And it's very hard to pin causation on something that is so common when this is a condition that is so rare."

Related: Doctors Are Begging People Over 50 To Get This Vaccine Before January Ends

How Is Dysphonia Treated?

While as of now dysphonia can't be cured, there are treatments available to mitigate symptoms. According to Dysphonia International, Botox injections can help some patients, while others may benefit from surgery. While vocal therapy won't cure the condition, it may help some dysphonia patients speak more clearly and efficiently.

Up Next:

Related: Dr. Oz's Net Worth and What He May Do for Medicare and Medicaid
Updated at 2:23 p.m. ET on January 30, 2025

Donald Trump spent decades in business gleefully suing and angrily being sued by his adversaries in civil court. But since winning reelection, he has suddenly posted a remarkable string of legal victories as litigants rush to settle their cases. Mark Zuckerberg is the latest. According to two people briefed on the agreement who requested anonymity to discuss the arrangement, Meta will spend $25 million on damages and legal fees, a remarkable turn of events that coincided with other demonstrations by Zuckerberg of new fealty toward Trump.

The Meta settlement follows a flurry of other legal developments. On November 20, 2024, lawyers for Trump and for Elon Musks company X filed a joint letter to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco without press release or fanfare. That court was expected to rule on the legal merits of a set of 2021 lawsuits that Trump had filed against X, Facebook, and YouTube, alleging that the companies had unlawfully removed his social-media accounts under government pressure weeks after the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

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Oral arguments in 2023 had gone poorly for Trump, and many legal observers saw little hope for him. As recently as August 2024, nearly two years after Musk took over the company formerly known as Twitter, X had filed a brief with the Ninth Circuit arguing that Trumps case lacked merit and that it had been properly dismissed by a lower court.

[Read: Why Trump wont stop suing the media and losing]

Now, the attorneys told the court in the November letter, no ruling would be needed in the case. We write to advise the court that the parties are actively discussing a potential settlement, read the joint letter, which was also signed by lawyers for Trumps co-plaintiffs.

The attorneys did not explain the sudden shift in strategy. The merits of the case had not changed, but the broader context had: The litigants were no longer adversaries, and the plaintiff was about to become president of the United States. Musk had just spent more than $250 million to help elect Trump, moved into his Palm Beach property, accepted a position as a transition adviser, and was celebrating his new nicknamefirst buddy. The day before the letter was filed, Trump had appeared in South Texas with Musk to watch the launch of Musks latest Starship rocket.

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In seeking to settle with Trump, X, it turned out, was at the start of a trend. A series of litigants that have fought the newly reinstated president in courtin some cases for yearshave now lined up to negotiate. ABC News and its parent company, Disney, settled with Trump in December.

Metas CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, who had been threatened with jail by Trump as recently as September, traveled to Mar-a-Lago on January 10 to negotiate a settlement with Trump in the Facebook case, which named Zuckerberg personally as a defendant.The Wall Street Journal reported today that $22 million will go to fund Trumps presidential library, and the rest will go to legal fees and the other plaintiffs. We dont have any comment or guidance to offer, the Meta spokesperson Andy Stone told me in a text message, before confirming the $25 million settlement.

These agreements stand to give the most litigious president in American history symbolic victories for himself and financial victories for his legacy. The settlement negotiations raise the question of whether Trump is using his new powers to bully his legal opponents into submission, and whether the litigants are seeking to purchase favor as they try to navigate the many regulatory threats from his new government.

Neither X nor the presidents legal team has publicly disclosed the terms of their settlement discussions with Trump, or even confirmed whether the cases have been settled. Ari Holtzblatt, the attorney for X who filed the settlement notice in the Ninth Circuit, declined to comment when reached by phone. The White House did not respond to a request for comment.

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Multiple co-plaintiffs with Trump, who filed his 2021 case as class-action lawsuits, also declined to comment this week when reached by The Atlantic. No comment at this time, Jennifer Horton, a Michigan schoolteacher who lost her Facebook account after posts that were flagged for COVID misinformation, wrote to me in a text message. Check back with me later in week. I cant talk right now, the radio host Wayne Allyn Root, who lost his Twitter account, wrote in an email.

[Paul Rosenzweig: Its not amateur hour anymore]

Trump based his 2021 legal crusade against the social-media giants on the assertion that they banned his accounts because of government pressure, in violation of the First Amendment. His co-plaintiffs, including the feminist writer Naomi Wolf, have claimed substantial financial harmat least $1 million, in Wolfs casefrom having their own accounts banned. The companies have argued that Trump has failed to show clear evidence that their decisions were directly dictated by a government power. Trumps argument also has been complicated by the fact that he ran the federal executive branch at the time that his accounts were shut down; Joe Biden was still president-elect.

Ironically, some legal observers argue that Trump might now be committing the very sin that he accused Democrats of perpetrating against himusing the power of his incoming presidency to pressure private companies to take actions for his personal benefit. They worry that the companies are agreeing to settlements less from fear that they would lose in court than fear that they would win.

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Trump may be doing what he claimed Biden was doing, but he never really did, Eric Goldman, a law professor at Santa Clara University who has been tracking the X and Meta cases, told me. If there is a cash settlement, it is because its just a staggering economic transaction to buy influence.

The precedent for such legal surrender was established late last year by ABC News, which Trump sued for defamation; the case concerned comments by the network host George Stephanopoulos that Trump had been found liable for rape, when a New York court had found him liable for sexual abuse under state lawthough the judge later clarified that the behavior in question was commonly considered rape in other contexts. ABC News struck a settlement with Trump in mid-December that sent $15 million from its parent company, Disney, to help build his future presidential library and paid $1 million in legal fees, shocking First Amendment attorneys. (Attorneys for Disney had concluded that the case posed substantial risk, The New York Times reported, and that the settlement was a small price to pay to resolve it.)

The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this month that the parent company of CBS News, Paramount Global, was considering a settlement with Trump over his $10 billion claim that 60 Minutes illegally interfered with the election by favorably editing an interview with Vice President Kamala Harris. Paramount is in the process of merging with Skydance Media, a deal that would require approval by Trump appointees. We have no comment, the Paramount Global spokesperson Justin Dini told me in a statement.

Trump has also sued Gannett, the owner of The Des Moines Register, alleging consumer fraud for a poll that the Register published before the 2024 election that showed Harris with a lead over Trump in Iowa days before the election. (Trump won the state.) Gannett has signaled that it intends to contest the case in federal court.

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The Founding Fathers, for all their foresight, did not concern themselves with the possibility that a future president might use civil litigation to extract money or fealty. The U.S. criminal code does little to prevent the president, who is exempt from its primary conflict-of-interest provisions, from continuing civil litigation or profiting from court cases once he takes office.

[Read: The strategy behind Trumps policy blitz]

Richard Painter, the chief White House ethics lawyer for President George W. Bush, told me that the current situation gives enormous power to a president who has indicated a willingness to use litigation to get his way. What law prevents him from basically extorting media companies? Absolutely no law at all, Painter said. These suits are going to settle. It is not just the money he is getting from it. We are going to have the media be cowed by the president of the United States.

The Trump case against YouTube and Sundar Pichai, the CEO of its parent company, Google, filed in 2021 with the X and Meta cases, has been lying dormant in a Northern California courtroom since December 2023, pending the outcome of the Ninth Circuit appeal of the case against X.

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Musks decision to settle before an opinion now opens the possibility that the YouTube case will be revived unless that company, too, seeks a settlement. Jose Castaneda, a spokesperson for Google, declined this week to comment on the companys legal strategy.

This article originally misdescribed Trumps co-plaintiffs as co-defendants.

Article originally published at The Atlantic
Nineteen people gave been charged for their roles in a Milwaukee area drug trafficking operation, authorities announced Wednesday.

A 60-count criminal complaint was issued in Milwaukee County charging them with manufacturing and delivery of fentanyl, heroin and cocaine. Also included in the criminal complaint are charges of second-degree reckless endangerment, possession of a firearm by a felon, conspiracy to commit delivery of cocaine and fentanyl, bail jumping, possession of narcotics and maintaining a drug trafficking place.

Milwaukee District Attorney Kent Lovern said the document is sealed and will likely remain sealed during the duration of the case, unless the court decides otherwise.

Milwaukee District Attorney Kent Lovern speaks about charges in a long-term narcotics investigation during a during press conference Wednesday in West Allis.

"At this point, because  a lot of the mechanics of the operation are contained within the criminal complaint, we're not allowed to (say more)," Lovern said, adding more information will come out as the case advances through the court system.

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The West Allis Police Department, along with the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation and the Milwaukee County District Attorney Office, announced Wednesday afternoon at the police department that 14 of the 19 people have thus far been arrested.

A search warrant executed on the morning of Jan. 29, which resulted in the arrest of 14 people in the operation

During the morning of Jan. 29, 11 residential search warrants and one business search warrant were executed in Milwaukee, West Allis, Wauwatosa, Cudahy and Brown Deer. Twelve firearms  one with a modified switch to create a full-automatic weapon  as well as 1 kilogram of cocaine and a 3D printer with a ghost gun were discovered during the raid.

West Allis Police Chief Patrick Mitchell did not disclose the search warrant locations, citing the case being under investigation, but did note that one location was a cellular phone service store in West Allis.

The South Shore SWAT team, Saint Francis Police Department, Milwaukee County Sheriffs Office, United States Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, Germantown Police Department and the Wisconsin State Patrol assisted in these search warrants and arrests operations.

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The value of the items confiscated during the raids was not released by officials.

Of the 14 people arrested, only 11 have been thus far charged:

Thomas M. Brown, 41, Milwaukee

Steven Gruetzmacher, 42, East Troy

Mohammad Mahmood, 34, Milwaukee

Pamela M. Malvick, 49, Germantown

Ladarius D. Marshall, 32, Milwaukee

John K. McKay Jr., 25, Milwaukee

Koriayon J. McKay, 22, Milwaukee

Joshua D. Patton, 29, Milwaukee

Terrion L. Pierce, 21, Wauwatosa

Todd L. Seidl, 47, Cudahy

Malik R. Taylor, 29, Milwaukee

Five more people connected to the case have not yet been arrested.

Two connected to the case were murdered Dec. 23 in Milwaukee by the 19th suspect in the drug operation case

Two more people involved in the drug trafficking investigation, Deontay Long and Rodney Walls, were killed during a double homicide Dec. 23 in Milwaukee.

Because of this investigation, another suspect in the drug operation case, Valentin Santana, 27, of Milwaukee, was quickly identified as the suspect in the deaths.

After the double-murder, Santana was located near South 100th Street and West Oklahoma Avenue in West Allis, During a traffic stop, Santana fled from officers, resulting in a 9-mile police pursuit. Santana was arrested after he crashed and took off on foot, police say.

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Valentin has been in custody since Dec. 24, according to online court records.

Drug investigation begins after a traffic stop

Mitchell said the investigation began during a routine traffic stop in June 2023 in West Allis. A police officer found drugs and contacted the West Allis drug unit.

"Everything you see today, starts with that traffic stop," Mitchell said.

The drug dealing that occurred between the individuals is what linked all 19 people together in the trafficking case, Mitchell said. He said more than 1,000 hours were spent investigating this case.

Between 2000 to 2020, more than 10,000 Wisconsinites lost their lives due to opioid overdose

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul speaks about charges in a long-term narcotics investigation during a during press conference Wednesday in West Allis.

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul said from 2000 to 2020 more than 10,000 Wisconsinites lost their lives to an opioid overdose, but noted numbers are decreasing across the country.

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"Nationally for the first time in decades, there has been an decrease in overdose deaths, and just recently there was information reported about the second consecutive year of reduced overdose deaths in Milwaukee County," Kaul said. "So there is encouraging progress being made, but there's also a lot more progress that needs to be made."

The individuals involved in this case are facing state charges in Milwaukee County, and the case will be prosecuted by the Milwaukee County District Attorneys Office.

Contact Adrienne Davis at amdavis@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @AdriReportss.

This story was updated to add a video.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 19 people charged in Milwaukee County area drug trafficking operation
NEW YORK (PIX11)  The U.S. Department of Justice is discussing the possibility of dropping the corruption case against Mayor Eric Adams, according to reports.

The New York Times is reporting that senior justice department officials under President Donald Trump have had talks with federal prosecutors in Manhattan about the possibility of dropping the case. DOJ officials have also reportedly been engaging in discussions with Adams defense team since President Trump has taken office.

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Political consultant Hank Sheinkopf said its unusual for the DOJ to drop a case.

The previous US attorney lodged this case, Sheinkopf said. Now the new administration, led by Donald Trump, is saying potentially no lets get rid of the case. Is it likely? Or will it be a plea deal that allows the mayor to leave office and frankly go on with his life.

Adams was indicted in September on charges including bribery  accused of accepting luxury travel perks and illegal campaign contributions from foreign nationals in exchange for political favors. The charges stem from a federal investigation into his 2021 mayoral campaign.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York, which is leading the prosecution, has declined to comment on the matter. While Sheinkopf said talk of the case being dropped is pure speculation, he notes that Adams resigning could be a possibility.

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It would not be unlikely that having the case dropped might require him frankly to leave office and to resign, Sheinkopf said. That would not be unusual.

He added, Theres always the opportunity, too, for the local district attorney to not have to comply at all with what the U.S. attorney does and indict the mayor on another charge.

Mayor Adams says he wont publicly criticize President Trump

In recent weeks, Adams has spent time with President Trump including meeting with him at Mar-a-Lago and attending his inauguration last week. The president has indicated being open to pardoning Adams in his corruption case, which heads to trial in April.

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Anything can happen, said Sheinkopf. This resides largely under the control of the prosecutor, and we dont know really what the prosecutor is going to do.

As the future is uncertain for Adams, Sheinkopf believes the case being dropped could boost his chances of being re-elected in November.

It increases the chances that Mayor Adams will run and be re-elected. Why? People will say Wait a second. If they drop the case, theres nothing to it, he said.

PIX11 News reached out to the mayors office for comment and was referred to his attorney, Alex Spiro, in which we are still waiting to hear back.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A man who was shot late Wednesday afternoon in a West Side home drove himself to St. Elizabeth Health Center, reports said.

Police were called about 5 p.m. to a home on North Brockway Avenue for gunfire, but when they arrived, the victim was already on his way to the hospital, reports said.

Chief of Detectives Capt. Jason Simon said the man was shot inside the home. Detectives do have a suspect, he said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has held his first conversation with General Joseph Aoun, Lebanon's newly elected president.

Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter)

Quote: "I held my first conversation with Lebanons President, General Joseph Aoun. I congratulated him on his election and wished stability and security for Lebanon and the entire Middle East.

I thanked Lebanon for supporting Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity. Despite Russias aggression, Ukraine remains a reliable guarantor of global food security. I proposed establishing a food hub in Lebanon to support its people."

Details: The two leaders also discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in the trade and economic sectors.

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(KRON)  A spree of killings across the country, including one in Vallejo, have been linked to a radical online community called the Zizians.

Not much is known about the Zizians, but a non-verified online webpage dedicated to preventing people from joining the group calls it a peculiar online cult that operates in the Bay Area. An investigation by Open Vallejo found that people involved in the recent Vallejo killing and the shooting of a Border Patrol agent in Vermont are possibly connected to the group.

Who are the Zizians?

Open Vallejo reviewed police records, spoke to a person familiar with the group and reviewed years of Internet posts as part of its investigation into the group. It said the Zizians follow a self-described vegan Sith ideology.

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According to SFist, the Zizians appear to be computer-savvy and well-educated, and many or all of them identify as transgender or nonbinary.

The group follows Rationalism, an ideology described by Oxford as the belief that all behaviour, opinions, etc. should be based on reason rather than on emotions or religious beliefs.

Jessica Taylor, a person familiar with the Zizians who was interviewed by Open Vallejo, told the publication that Zizians believe human decisions and their effects are mathematically quantifiable. Veganism and animal rights are a core part of the groups belief, Taylor said.

The Zizians follow a person that goes by Ziz and ran a blog that is now shut down. Open Vallejo said Ziz, whose legal name is Jack LaSota, previously lived at the Vallejo property where the recent murder happened.

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LaSota was named by the San Francisco Chronicle as one of four people arrested for protesting a Berkeley nonprofit in Sonoma County in 2019. The protestors were allegedly wearing black robes and Guy Fawkes masks as they barricaded off an area where the nonprofit was holding an event.

The website that warns people about the Zizians contains an in-depth description of their alleged fundamental beliefs, and the Open Vallejo piece contains information as well.

Connection to Vallejo homicide

Maximillian Bentley Snyder of Kirkland, Wash. was arrested on Saturday in connection with a fatal stabbing at the intersection of Lemon and Third streets in Vallejo on Jan 17.

Photo: Vallejo PD

The San Francisco Chronicle reported that Snyder is possibly connected to a group of rationalists, which resembles the Zizians. Open Vallejo said that Snyders social media posts show beliefs that align with those of Zizians though he has not been explicitly tied to the group.

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Open Vallejo reported that 82-year-old Curtis Lind was the victim of the homicide. Vallejo police told Open Vallejo that a suspect wearing a mask and black beanie stabbed Lind to death outside his gated property on Jan. 17.

In 2022, Lind was allegedly stabbed with a sword by people living in box trucks on his property. A blog post on LessWrong claims that Zizians were responsible for the attack. LaSota lived on the property in 2022 but was not arrested in connection with the attack, Open Vallejo reported.

Snyder appears to have taken out a marriage license in Washington states King County with Teresa Youngblut, who was charged with fatally shooting of a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Vermont on Jan. 20. The Associated Press reported that Snyder and Youngblut were in frequent contact. Synder was previously detained in connection to a double-homicide in Pennsylvania.

Teresa Youngblut, who is charged by the FBI in connection to the shooting death of US Border Patrol Agent David Maland, is seen in the office at the Newport City Inn on Jan. 14, 2025 in Newport, Vermont, in this still frame photograph from video released by the inn, who confirmed her identity. (Newport City Inn photograph via AP)

Youngblut and Felix Bauckholt, a German citizen who was also killed in the Vermont shooting, previously lived in duplexes in the same North Carolina neighborhood. The owner of the Airbnb unit rented by Bauckholt reported strange sightings there.

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The thing that struck me the most was that there was a stretcher in the living room. Like, what in the world is going on with these people? he said. The hair on the back of my neck is still up, and I just cant believe its being connected to my Airbnb.

SF Fist said a total of six deaths have been linked to the Zizians, including the double-homicide in Pennsylvania, the shooting on Jan. 20 in Vermont and the stabbing in Vallejo. KRON4 reached out to the Vallejo Police Department and the Solano County District Attorneys Office for more information about the Zizians, and we are awaiting responses.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
In a significant turnaround, as many as 29 naxals of the Kutul area Committee in Chhattisgarh surrendered before Narayanpur SP Prabhat Kumar on Wednesday, officials said. As per the officials, 22 men and 7 women were among the surrendered Naxals. Narayanpur SP, Prabhat Kumar, said that the administration is conducting a movement against Naxalism. He further stated that a social change can be witnessed as an impact of this development work. "We are conducting a movement against Naxalism... Effective operations have been conducted under this and development works have also been done... In the Kutul area, we are witnessing a social change as an impact of this development work. People who were involved in naxal activities are surrendering...29 people who were actively involved in naxal activities have surrendered today. They are affected by the development work," Prabhat Kumar told ANI. Earlier, security forces took control of a Maoist training camp in the core area of PLGA Battalion No. 01 in the dense forests of Bhattiguda, Bijapur district. The camp was left abandoned by the Maoists, who fled during the army''s search operation. The joint operation was carried out by CoBRA units 201, 204, and 210. Security personnel on Tuesday, where security forces stormed their camps and demolished the Naxal martyr memorial. The Naxal''s training camp had tall trees prepared for training purposes, trenches, and various other resources. It also housed permanent barracks and huts used by the Maoists. Officials have called the operation a major blow to Maoist activities in the region and a step towards dismantling their infrastructure. Security forces have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring peace and stability in the region. Meanwhile, a recent encounter in Chhattisgarh''s Gariaband took place where bodies of 16 Naxals were recovered following an encounter with the security forces. The Chhattisgarh Chief Minister highlighted the achievements of the security forces and their success in dealing with the Maoist threat, emphasising the government''s commitment to eliminating Naxalism in the state. The operation, which was started on Sunday, also saw senior cadres of Maoists dead and a large quantity of weapons, including automatic weapons like SLR rifles, recovered. (ANI)
What is the best internet provider in Rochester?

Spectrum is the best internet provider in Rochester, according to CNET experts. The internet service provider offers extensive coverage, low starting prices and fast speeds. However, Spectrum also has massive price increases that kick in after two years of service. Plus, unlike its fiber counterparts, you don't have symmetrical speeds since it's a cable network. So, you'll have to make do with slower upload speeds.

Greenlight has the fastest speeds in Rochester, going all the way to 8,000 megabits per second, and the pricing is surprisingly reasonable. But it currently serves only 24% of the city's homes. For those lucky enough to be in the coverage area, Greenlight is the no-brainer choice. If you want to avoid price hikes and complicated plans, you can opt for a fixed wireless provider like T-Mobile Home Internet. You'll get straightforward pricing with the guarantee that your bill wont increase as long as you remain a customer.

Our methodology

CNET considers speeds, pricing, customer service and overall value to recommend the best internet service in Rochester across a number of categories. Our evaluation includes referencing a proprietary database built over years of reviewing internet services. We validate that against provider information by spot-checking local addresses for service availability. We also do a close read of providers' terms and conditions and, when needed, will call ISPs to verify the details.

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Despite our efforts to find the most recent and accurate information, our process has some limitations you should know about. Pricing and speed data are variable: certain addresses may qualify for different tiers of service, and monthly costs may vary, even within a city. The best way to identify your particular options is to plug your address into a provider's website.

Also, the prices, speed and other information listed above and in the provider cards below may differ from what we found in our research. The cards display the full range of a provider's pricing and speed across the US, according to our database of plan information provided directly by ISPs, while the text is specific to whats available in Rochester. The prices referenced within this article's text come from our research and include applicable discounts for setting up automatic payments each month -- a standard industry offering. Other discounts and promotions might be available as well, for things like signing a term contract or bundling with multiple services.

Visit our full methodology page to understand how we review internet providers.

Best internet in Rochester, New York

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

Other available internet providers in Rochester

Frontier Fiber : Frontier is available in 40% of Rochester, according to the FCC, but most of that is Frontiers slower DSL service, which we wouldnt recommend to anyone. If youre one of the lucky few who can get Frontier Fiber, its worth a look. Youll get fast, symmetrical speeds at a decent price, and prices dont automatically increase after the first year. Coverage is densest in neighborhoods like Lyell Otis, Northland-Lyceum and Irondequoit.

Satellite internet : Three satellite providers cover the entire city of Rochester, but we would only recommend them as a last resort. Plans from HughesNet and Viasat come with stingy data caps, slow speeds and high prices. Starlink is a newer option from SpaceX that offers faster speeds and unlimited data, but equipment costs $349 upfront, and plans start at $120 a month.

Verizon 5G Home Internet: Verizon leverages its cellular network for home internet in Rochester and it's available to 46% of residents, according to the FCC. If you can get it, though, its worth considering. Speeds get up to 1,000Mbps in some areas, and you can get discounts with an eligible Verizon cellphone plan.

Roland Shainidze Photogaphy / Getty Images

Cheap internet options in Rochester

With an average starting price of $46 a month, Rochester has a number of cheap internet plans to choose from. There are six plans available in the area for $50 or less, which is more than most cities. That said, Spectrums plans increase significantly after one or two years, so it might be worth opting for a slightly more expensive plan from the start.

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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

How to find internet deals and promotions in Rochester

The best internet deals and the top promotions in Rochester depend on what discounts are available during that period. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.

Rochester internet providers such as Spectrum may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Many, however, including T-Mobile and Verizon, run the same standard pricing year-round.

For a more extensive list of deals, check out our guide on the best internet deals.

How fast is Rochester broadband?

Rochester has some of the fastest broadband plans youll find anywhere in the country, but theyre not available everywhere in the city. Of Rochester's residents, 37% have access to fiber internet from Frontier or Greenlight. Both offer symmetrical speeds up to 5,000Mbps. If you cant get a fiber provider, you can still access gig speeds through Spectrum or Verizon.

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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

Whats a good internet speed?

Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you're looking for an internet plan that can accommodate video conferencing, streaming video or gaming, you'll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here's an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines -- and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.

For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.

0 to 5Mbps allows you to tackle the basics -- browsing the internet, sending and receiving email, streaming low-quality video.

5 to 40Mbps gives you higher-quality video streaming and video conferencing.

40 to 100Mbps should give one person sufficient bandwidth to satisfy the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming.

100 to 500Mbps allows one to two people to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities like video conferencing, streaming and online gaming.

500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more people to engage in high-bandwidth activities like video conferencing, streaming and online gaming all at the same time.

How CNET chose the best internet providers in Rochester

Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, its impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. So whats our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.

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But it doesnt end there. We go to the FCCs website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISPs service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of the time of publication.

Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:

Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds? Do customers get decent value for what theyre paying? Are customers happy with their service?

While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to yes on all three are the ones we recommend. When it comes to selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, though we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds, and also take into account real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports. (Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.)

Whats the final word on internet providers in Rochester?

Most Rochester residents will only have access to one or two good options for home internet. With broad coverage and fast speeds, Spectrum is our choice for the best internet provider overall. Just be aware of the steep price increases after two years. Greenlight Networks fiber internet plans are the best value in the city, but theyre only available to around 1 in 5 residents. T-Mobile Home Internet is another good option for smaller households that dont need a ton of speed, and its available to most houses in Rochester.

Internet providers in Rochester FAQs

What is the best internet service provider in Rochester?

Spectrum is the best internet provider for most people in Rochester, with widespread coverage, fast speeds and low starting prices. The main downsides are low upload speeds and price increases after two years. Fiber internet from Greenlight Networks offers better value than Spectrum, but its only available to 24% of Rochester residents.

Is fiber internet available in Rochester?

Yes, fiber internet is available from Greenlight Networks and Frontier in Rochester. Overall, 37% of the city has access to fiber.

Who is the cheapest internet provider in Rochester?

Spectrum is the cheapest internet provider in Rochester, with plans starting at $25 a month.

Which internet provider in Rochester offers the fastest plan?

Frontier Fiber and Greenlight Networks offer the fastest plans in Rochester, with Greenlight's fastest plan offering symmetrical speeds going up to 8,000Mbps.
What is the best internet provider in South Dakota?

According to CNET, Midco is the best internet service provider overall for most households in South Dakota. The internet service provider offers affordable and widely available options along with a solid customer service reputation. That being said, Midco service isnt available everywhere in South Dakota, so Bluepeak or Golden West are also solid picks, depending on whats available in your area.

The cheapest wired internet in South Dakota comes from Midco's $29 introductory deal for its 250 megabits per second plan, though you may find the starting price is higher in some locations. The fastest internet speed in South Dakota is 5,000Mbps (five gigabits per second) from Bluepeak and Midco, but it's found only within their limited fiber footprints. You can also consider T-Mobile, Verizon and Starlink's plans (starting at $50). Keep in mind that there are more ISPs in South Dakota than we've included in this guide. You may find smaller providers and local cooperatives that provide broadband to specific parts of the state.

Our methodology

CNET considers speeds, pricing, customer service and overall value to recommend the best internet service in South Dakota across several categories. Our evaluation includes referencing a proprietary database built over years of reviewing internet services. We validate that against provider information by spot-checking local addresses for service availability. We also do a close read of providers' terms and conditions and, when needed, will call ISPs to verify the details.

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Despite our efforts to find the most recent and accurate information, our process has some limitations you should know about. Pricing and speed data are variable: certain addresses may qualify for different service tiers, and monthly costs may vary, even within a city. The best way to identify your options is to plug your address into a provider's website.

Also, the prices, speed and other information listed above and in the provider cards below may differ from what we found in our research. The cards display the full range of a provider's pricing and speed across the US, according to our database of plan information provided directly by ISPs. At the same time, the text is specific to what's available in South Dakota. The prices referenced within this article's text come from our research and include applicable discounts for setting up automatic payments each month, a standard industry offering. Discounts and promotions might also be available for signing a term contract or bundling multiple services.

To learn more about how we review internet providers, visit our full methodology page.

Best internet in South Dakota

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

Rural internet options in South Dakota

Celerity Internet : Celerity started in the Spearfish area and expanded its fixed wireless network from there. It now covers broad areas around Deadwood and Rapid City and across the central-eastern region of the state. Plans start at $55 per month for 25Mbps and go up to $105 monthly for 100Mbps with a one-year contract. There are no data caps. Celerity also provides fiber to Prairie Haven Estates in Piedmont. Heres how fixed wireless compares to other types of internet connections.

CenturyLink : CenturyLinks old-school DSL network reaches around Rapid City and Pierre and covers some eastern parts of the state. It may be the only wired option for some rural homes. Theres one plan at $55 per month with an optional $15 per month equipment lease. Speeds, however, may be slow. If youre lucky, you may be able to get up to 100Mbps, or you may qualify for only 3Mbps. CenturyLinks sibling Quantum Fiber service is available in very limited areas, but youre not likely to find it if you live in the boonies.

GigFire : Fixed wireless and fiber ISP GigFire services a chunk of far-east South Dakota, including parts of Huron, Watertown, Brookings and Madison. Fixed wireless plans for rural areas run $70 per month for 150Mbps downloads with no contracts, no data caps and Wi-Fi gear included. Standard installation is $99. GigFire has been expanding its fiber-to-the-home offerings with speeds up to 2,000Mbps, but rural residents are more likely to connect via fixed wireless.

Interlakes Wireless : Interlakes Wireless in Chester offers a $55-per-month fixed wireless residential plan with download speeds up to 100Mbps. Data is unlimited. Installation costs $200. Service reaches Lake Madison, Lake Herman, Lake Brant and surrounding rural areas.

Leap Communications : Leap focuses on the South Dakota plains. Fixed wireless plans range from 10 to 100Mbps at monthly prices of $45 to $115. There are no contracts or data caps. Leap has been pushing to bring fiber to its service area to provide a faster alternative to its fixed wireless network.

Rise Broadband : Rise specializes in rural fixed wireless internet with typical download speeds ranging from 25 to 100Mbps. Speed levels will vary with your location. For example, Rise offers a $55-per-month 25Mbps plan with unlimited data to some addresses near Sioux Falls. You may be able to find a free equipment rental and installation deal.

Santel Communications : Residents of small towns from Wolsey down to Tripp can check in with Santel for fast fiber hookups. Pricing is a bit higher than youll find in the cities but worthwhile for the reliability and symmetrical speeds. Plans start at $90 per month for 250Mbps and top out at $120 for 1,000Mbps. Wi-Fi gear is included.

Venture Communications : Venture started as a telephone company focusing on rural central and northeast South Dakota. It now offers fiber internet to various small towns where you might be surprised to find such fast broadband. Prices range from $69 for 100Mbps service to $121 for 1,000Mbps. There are no data caps.

Satellite internet: While local and regional ISPs have done a valiant job of connecting some of the more remote towns and communities in South Dakota, there are still places that may not be able to access adequate broadband from wired or fixed wireless connections. Thats where satellite from Starlink, Viasat and HughesNet comes in. Prices can be high, and speeds may be variable, but it may also be your best shot at getting online from a remote home.

Stefano Salvetti/Getty Images

Internet breakdown by city in South Dakota

Its hard to cover the broadband options of a state like South Dakota and give individual cities the attention they deserve. Thats why we also compile lists of the best internet providers in cities across the US, including those in South Dakota. We tackle details such as internet connection types, max speeds, cheapest providers and more. Check back later if you dont find the city youre looking for below. Were working to add more cities every week.

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Cheap internet options in South Dakota

While Midcos prices can vary depending on location, some customers may be able to get its $29-per-month 250Mbps plan for either cable or fiber. Starting prices vary depending on your location and any special offers that may be in effect. I recently spotted a limited-time Midco deal of $23 monthly for 250Mbps. Fiber is preferable due to the symmetrical upload speed. Thats a decent bargain for that speed level, but keep in mind that pricing will increase to $65 per month after the introductory period.

Verizon or T-Mobile phone customers can look into bundling plans to get a discount on home internet, bringing prices down as low as $35 per month with Verizon or $30 per month with T-Mobile. However, South Dakota doesnt have the greatest 5G coverage across the state, so you may have trouble finding an open slot for 5G home internet service.

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

How to find internet deals and promotions in South Dakota

The best internet deals and top promotions in South Dakota depend on what discounts are available during a given period. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.

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South Dakota internet providers, such as Midco, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Others, including CenturyLink, Quantum Fiber and T-Mobile Home Internet, tend to run the same standard pricing year-round.

For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals.

How fast is South Dakota broadband?

South Dakotas broadband prospects are a mixed bag. A recent Ookla speed test ranking of states placed South Dakota 35th with a median download speed of 189Mbps. That doesnt tell the whole story, though. City dwellers are likely to have gig cable (and even 5-gig fiber in some places) as an option, but there are also quite a few small towns with fiber networks. Regional and local ISPs deliver fiber up to 5,000Mbps in some spots, including rural areas where you might not expect to find such fast connections. Golden West is an ISP to look for if youre shopping for internet in a rural community.

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

Whats a good internet speed?

Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you're looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you'll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here's an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines -- and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.

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For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.

0 to 5Mbps allows you to tackle the basics of browsing the internet, sending and receiving email, streaming low-quality video.

5 to 40Mbps gives you higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing.

40 to 100Mbps should give one user sufficient bandwidth to satisfy the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming.

100 to 500Mbps allows one to two users to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities like videoconferencing, streaming and gaming.

500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more users to engage in high-bandwidth activities at the same time.

How CNET chose the best internet providers in South Dakota

Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it's impractical to personally test every internet service provider in a given city. So what's our approach? For starters, we tap into a proprietary pricing, availability and speed database that draws from our own historical ISP data, partner data and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.

But it doesn't end there. We use the FCC's website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP's service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication.

Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:

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Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?

Do customers get decent value for what they're paying?

Are customers happy with their service?

While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to yes on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, though we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports. (Disclaimer: Ookla is owned by Ziff Davis, the same parent company as CNET.)

To explore our process in more depth, visit our page on how we test ISPs.

Whats the final word on internet providers in South Dakota?

Your best choice for an ISP in South Dakota depends on your location and which networks reach your home. Midco is a top contender due to its wide availability and triple-threat approach to providing cable, fiber and fixed wireless coverage. That helps it reach various places, from cities to rural districts. Pricing is reasonable, and you may luck out with a very affordable $29-per-month introductory deal. But dont sleep on Bluepeak as an option. Like Midco, Bluepeak offers fiber up to 5,000Mbps in some areas.

Some rural and small-town residents may be able to get online via fast fiber connections, thanks to local and regional ISPs that specialize in serving those communities. Look for DSL or fixed wireless options if fiber doesn't work out. As a last resort, check into satellite internet for homes outside the coverage zones of other ISPs.

Internet providers in South Dakota FAQ

Who is the cheapest internet provider in South Dakota?

Midcos $29-per-month introductory deal for 250Mbps service in some areas is about as cheap as youll find for wired internet plans in the state. Bargain hunters can look to bundle an eligible Verizon or T-Mobile phone plan with a 5G home internet plan for substantial savings.

Which internet provider in South Dakota offers the fastest plan?

Midco and Bluepeak both vie for the fastest plans in South Dakota, with 5,000Mbps fiber speeds in some areas.

Is fiber internet available in South Dakota?

Pockets of fiber are scattered throughout South Dakota. There is limited availability of Quantum Fiber service. You'll also find some fiber from Bluepeak and Midco with speeds up to 5,000Mbps. Some towns have their own fiber networks available, like Swiftel Communications in Brookings. Limited areas in southeastern South Dakota can connect via regional ISP Alliance Communications. Check with Venture Communications if you live in central or northeastern South Dakota. In the state's southern half, look to Golden West for fiber service in a wide selection of smaller towns.

What internet provider has the best coverage in South Dakota?

The FCC National Broadband Map shows Midcos combination of cable, fiber and fixed wireless networks reaches nearly 59% of South Dakota homes. The ISPs fiber offering isnt as widespread as its cable and fixed wireless networks. Rural residents are most likely to use the fixed wireless option.
BJP's West Bengal president Sukanta Majumdar on Wednesday, condemned the maligning of the victim's family in the RG Kar rape-murder case, stating he will visit them to show support. Mazumdar also alleged that evidence was destroyed during the initial 5-day investigation by Kolkata police, compromising the delivery of justice. "It is shameful to malign the family. That is why I will go to their house and meet them... For 5 days, when Kolkata police were investigating the case, evidence was destroyed because of which the kind of justice that should have been given was not given," he said. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the parents of the victim in Kolkata's RG Kar rape and murder case withdrew their plea before the Supreme Court on Wednesday, seeking a fresh investigation into the incident. The plea was filed by the victim's parents as an Intervention Application (IA) in the suo motu case, which had been registered by the top court in August last year, a few days after the infamous incident took place. After considering the submissions made in the affidavit filed before it, the Court warned the senior counsel to be cautious with her arguments, as there is already a conviction against the sole accused (now convict) Sanjoy Roy in the case. The Court suggested that Senior Advocate Karuna Nundy withdraw the plea and file a fresh one, noting that the original plea had been filed by the victim's parents before the trial and conviction. On January 20, a Sealdah Civil and Criminal Court convicted and sentenced Sanjoy Roy to life imprisonment for the rape and murder of the victim in the RG Kar rape and murder case. After the trial court's decision, there has been an uproar, especially among doctors and medical workers, who are calling for Roy to be awarded the death penalty for his gruesome act. There are also calls for reinvestigation into the matter, as concerns have been raised regarding the manner in which the investigation was conducted. (ANI)
BJP's West Bengal president Sukanta Majumdar criticized Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, challenging her to find someone who thinks Gangasagar is better than Maha Kumbh. He highlighted the massive difference in attendance, with Maha Kumbh attracting 1 crore people in a day, compared to Gangasagar's less than 1 crore visitors. Majumdar urged leaders to support the people during the disaster rather than politicizing the issue. "I challenge Mamata Banerjee that if anyone who has visited Gangasagar, says that it is better than Maha Kumbh, then I will believe her. Not even 1 crore people attended Gangasagar Mela, whereas 1 crore people visited Maha Kumbh in a day... They should stand with the people at this time of disaster and not politicise this matter..," he said. On Wednesday, TMC Chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee extended her condolences to the families who lost loved ones in the stampede at Mahakumbh. She highlighted the importance of proper management at such events by citing the successful organization of the Gangasagar Mela, emphasizing that care and planning are essential for the safety of pilgrims. "I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh, which has claimed at least 15 innocent lives. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved pilgrim families. My learning from our Gangasagar Mela is that planning and care must be maximal in matters relating to pilgrims' lives in vast assemblies of people. Prayers for the departed souls," she posted on X. This comes after a stampede-like situation arose at Mahakumbh in the early hours of Wednesday, resulting in several injuries. As per the latest update, at least 30 people were killed and 60 injured in the pre-dawn stampede on Wednesday at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Kumbh, Vaibhav Krishna said. He said twenty-five bodies have been identified. The incident occurred as millions of devotees gathered at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers to take a holy dip on the auspicious occasion of Mauni Amavasya, which also marks the day of the Second Shahi Snan. Uttar Pradesh government has announced financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh for the families of the deceased. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also ordered a judicial inquiry and said that a judicial committee will submit its report to the state government within a time limit. "A three-member judicial commission will be headed by Justice Harsh Kumar, former DG VK Gupta and retired IAS DK Singh. We have been monitoring the entire incident from the CM's, Chief Secretary and DGP's control rooms throughout the day," he said. To monitor the situation of Maha Kumbh, Chief Minister Yogi has postponed his visit to Delhi for the election campaign. (ANI)
State lawmakers are considering making it a traffic violation to operate a vehicle in Arizona with an animal on the drivers lap. The violation would come with a fine. Do you agree?

You voted:
Satoraljaujhely's Bridge of National Unity with a length of 723 metres has received a World Guinness World Record Certificate, Peter Szamosvolgyi, the mayor of the town in north-eastern Hungary said.

The bridge, opened in June last year, spans the Majuskut Valley at a height of 84 metres and can hold 300 people at a time.



The mayor told a local press conference that it attracted over 300,000 visitors by the end of 2024. "The aim is to double that figure," Szamosvolgyi added.



Presenting the certificate, Guinness World Records official adjudicator Anouk de Timary congratulated Satoraljaujhely on the achievement, saying that the Guinness Record Certificate had been given in recognition of "an important and special architectural solution".



The Bridge of National Unity is two metres longer than the previous Guinness record-holder as the world's longest span pedestrian suspension bridge, she said.



Source:

MTI - The Hungarian News Agency, founded in 1881.

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Councillors of the opposition Tisza Party's group in the Budapest city assembly have stated under their oath of office that they would serve the interests of Budapest residents with their every decision, the leader of the party said on Wednesday, adding the party wanted to clearly express that it would not assist with "cheating them".

In a statement, Peter Magyar said that "it wasn't the first time that the representatives of [ruling] Fidesz, [opposition] DK and the Socialist and Parbeszed parties colluded and voted against the interests of the capital's residents", making reference to a vote in the municipal assembly concerning the Rakosrendezo key development area project.



"Thanks to the roll-call vote initiated by our party the whole country could witness how the entire Fidesz group and Alexandra Szentkiralyi, its leader, betrayed Budapest's residents and every Hungarian citizen," Magyar said.



The party's councillors on Wednesday voted in favour of a resolution expressing the metropolitan council's intention to exercise its pre-emption rights over the Rakosrendezo development area.



Budapest city council expresses intent to exercise pre-emption rights over Rakosrendezo area



The Budapest city assembly on Wednesday passed a resolution expressing the metropolitan councils intention to exercise its pre-emption rights over the citys Rakosrendezo development area.



The proposal submitted by Gergely Karacsony, the mayor of Budapest, was approved with 23 votes in favour and 10 votes against cast by the city councillors of the ruling Fidesz-Christian Democrats.



Under the resolution, the city assembly calls on the head of Budapest utility company BKM to exercise its pre-emption rights in connection with the agreement concluded on Jan 16, 2025 between the Hungarian state and Eagle Hills Hungary over the sale of the Rakosrendezo development area in Budapests 14th district.



The city councillors have appointed Karacsony to develop in cooperation with BKM "an urban development and business concept for the utilisation of the properties covered in the purchase agreement that complies with the relevant regulations and resolutions of the Metropolitan Assembly".



The proposal noted that the state sold the Rakosrendezo development area to Eagle Hills for a net 51 billion forints without calling a tender, with the purchase price due to be paid by 2039. It, however, notes that once the buyer pays 25 percent of the whole purchase price it obtains ownership rights over properties on the plot.



In the purchase agreement the Hungarian state informed the buyer that BKM has pre-emption rights when it came to the purchase of a property.



Meanwhile, at the initiative of David Vitezy, the leader of the Podmaniczky Movement group in the city assembly, the councillors declared in a document that they reject and condemn that the purchase agreement signed by the government had ignored the city assemblys earlier resolution on the areas development concept.



The purchase agreement sets as a condition the creation of a green area no larger in size than 10 percent of the entire plot, the construction of a parking lot for a large number of cars and the construction of an up to 500-metre high office building.



The metropolitan assembly also established that the investment project planned by the Hungarian government and the UAE-based investor in its current form ran counter to the preservation of Budapest's built heritage and the maintenance of its world heritage status, and in all to the interests of Budapest residents.



Addressing the debate, Karacsony called it "a historic challenge to ensure quality living in the capital in the coming decades" which, he said, required quality housing areas and green areas.



"Budapest does not need to be remembered in history as a city that allowed the construction of central Europe's tallest building, as one that attracted another 3 million tourists to visit it for the purpose of spending time here as if in Dubai" the mayor said, adding that "the government's sweetheart project" did not have "a single element not running counter to the interests of Budapest and the country as a whole".



"The contract that the Hungarian state concluded with the Arab investors is about nothing more than how to sell Hungary's most valuable land without a competitive bidding process," Karacsony said.



He said the city of Budapest had drafted its concept dubbed "Park City" in 2019. "The Rakosrendezo development project is about teaching the city and the country how to make use of plots that used to be owned once by the state rail company," he said. "It is not an exaggeration to say that the future of Budapest depends on it."



Fidesz group leader Alexandra Szentkiralyi said Karacsony wanted to develop the area in question "without even having completed the handkerchief-sized area that would be City Hall Park in five years".



She said Karacsony had not done anything with the Rakosrendezo area either in his first term as Budapest mayor or before that as the mayor of the 14th district, but was trying to block the development of the area now that there was an investor to do it.



Szentkiralyi said it would be preferable if the Rakosrendezo area was redeveloped by an investor instead of from public funds, arguing that the construction work would create thousands of jobs and opportunities for Hungarian SMEs.



David Vitezy said the clean-up of the area "would have been the states job", adding that it was up to "Budapest residents and not Arab investors or [Construction Minister] Janos Lazar" to decide how the city should be developed.



He said the question was whether the city should be developed in public ownership and in line with the interests of the public and whether the citys sovereignty and the interests of its residents could be enforced.



Balazs Balogh of the opposition Tisza Party said "the Arab ruler has been given a blank check" while the opinion of Budapest residents and the city assembly was being ignored, adding that no one other than [ruling] Fidesz supported the project.



Karacsony: Rakosrendezo project raises issues of autonomy, sovereignty



The planned development project at Budapest's Rakosrendezo area raises issues of sovereignty and autonomy, Mayor Gergely Karacsony told the municipal assembly.



Ahead of a vote whether the city should excercise its pre-emption rights and purchase the area, the mayor said "the Rakosrendezo cause" would determine "if such a major project at such an important area of the city is implemented in line with the will of local residents ... or in a completely different way."



Meanwhile, the mayor said a recent ruling concerning the city's "solidarity tax" to be paid to the central budget also had a direct impact on the city's autonomy and freedom.



"There is no free, self-sustaining city without resources that it can use freely and independently," Karacsony said. He said that under the ruling, collecting over 28 billion forints [EUR 68.6m] from the city's accounts in 2023 had been illegitimate.



Meanwhile, Szijjarto: Hungary, UAE committed to cooperation



Hungary and the United Arab Emirates have affirmed their commitment to expanding a cooperation based on mutual respect, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto said in a statement issued by his ministry.



Speaking in Abu Dhabi, Szijjarto said bilateral economic ties had developed dynamically, with trade between the countries reaching half a billion dollars in 2024. He added that the sides had agreed to expand their cooperation to new areas, too.



Partnerships between Hungarian and UAE businesses are starting in the areas of crude and gas production as well as renewables, and both sides want to establish closer cooperation in the areas of banking, digital industry, telecommunications and the defence industry, he said. Cooperation in the food industry is expected to expand, too, he added.



Szijjarto said the European Union could benefit from a closer cooperation with the Gulf Region in light of the region's marked improvement in competitiveness, even as the EU's competitiveness had declined.



He noted that efforts to reach a broad free trade agreement between the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council had been unsuccessful and pressed for the start of negotiations on a separate free trade agreement with the UAE.



Szijjarto acknowledged the UAE's stabilising role in the region and other parts of the world and pointed to its important part in the global fight against terrorism. He said the sides had affirmed their commitment to cooperating on initiatives to achieve peace and resolve armed conflicts.



Hungary signs MoU with UAE's EDGE Group on defence industry cooperation



Defence Minister Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky signed a memorandum of understanding with the United Arab Emirates' EDGE Group on cooperation in defence industry R+D+I in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, his ministry said.



Szalay-Bobrovniczky noted that he had discussed the possibility of defence industry cooperation with Mohammed Fadel Al Mazrouei, the UAE's minister of state for defence, in the spring.



"We're stepping up the cooperation we started then, with the EDGE Group, one of the world's leading defence industry companies," he said.



A contract was also signed with EDGE Group on the supply of CARACAL sniper rifles.



Szalay-Bobrovniczky acknowledged the UAE's increasingly active role in contributing to international military and security cooperation, including in the Sahel Region.



Source:

MTI - The Hungarian News Agency, founded in 1881.

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The grand two-day Utkarsh Odisha - Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 concluded on Wednesday with MoUs worth Rs 12.89 Lakh crores and investment received across 16 diverse sectors being signed. President of Corporate Affairs and Projects Balasore Alloys Ltd, Vaibhav Jaywant expressed his enthusiasm for the Utkarsh Odisha - Make in Odisha Conclave 2025, stating that it has provided the industry with the momentum it needs to grow. "This is a very good conclave which has given the industry the wings to fly...This is the right time to invest...The Central government and state government have been very cooperative with our company...We always believe in the able leadership of PM Modi...We have signed MoUs worth Rs 17,000 crore for our ultra-mega copper project in the Balasore district...," he said. The event culminated with the valedictory session by the Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, at Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar. The event witnessed an unprecedented gathering of industry leaders, global delegates, investors, and policymakers. CM Majhi said, "By inaugurating this conclave himself, PM Narendra Modi has extended his unwavering support to Odisha. The Prime Minister in his message to global industries has said that 'Odisha is the best. Odisha is now an excellent place for investment.' I therefore personally express my gratitude to the Prime Minister, and extend my sincere thanks on behalf of the four and a half crore people of Odisha." "The Prime Minister was himself present and gave his guarantee (Modi Ki Guarantee) for investments in Odisha. He has extended absolute support to us in making a Sammurddh Odisha by 2036 and making it a growth engine of 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. In a double-engine government, he has played the role expected of him. This has taken us closer to the goal of becoming one of the top five economies of the country," he added. The conclave witnessed an overwhelming response, with a total of 145 investment-related Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) being signed, paving the way for transformative industrial projects and partnerships in Odisha. (ANI)
New Delhi: The Indian automotive sector, which contributes approximately 7 per cent to the countrys GDP, is likely to see 70 per cent workforce expansion in the second half of FY25, a report showed on Thursday. The automotive sector is experiencing a net employment change of 8.5 per cent, with hiring momentum fuelled by growing consumer interest in electric vehicles (EVs), premium models, and high-tech, connected automobiles, said the report by TeamLease Services, Indias premier staffing solutions company.

This surge in demand is compelling companies to ramp up EV production and integrate advanced technologies, creating a robust demand for specialised roles such as robotics experts, software engineers, and supply chain managers. A significant 70 per cent of employers in the sector plan to expand their workforce, showcasing the industry's growth trajectory and its pivotal role in the Indian economy.

The geographical distribution of hiring trends reveals that Chennai (63 per cent), Mumbai (62 per cent), and Delhi (61 per cent) are the leading cities for workforce expansion in existing roles. For new job opportunities, Gurgaon took the lead, with 19 per cent of employers indicating expansion, followed closely by Mumbai, Indore, and Coimbatore, each at 15 per cent, according to the report.

The automotive sector is witnessing a shift as it adapts to changing consumer preferences and technological advancements. The focus on EVs, connected vehicles, and premium models has redefined the industry's growth narrative and talent requirements, said Subburathinam P, Chief Operating Officer, TeamLease Services.

Companies are investing in specialized skill sets like IoT, AI and Analytics while optimizing existing resources to stay competitive. This dynamic interplay between innovation and workforce strategy positions the sector as a key driver of Indias economic and employment growth, he mentioned. By function, engineering roles dominate hiring intent at 66 per cent, followed by sales (60 per cent) and information and communication technology (ICT) roles (56 per cent).

A significant 82 per cent of employers in the sector are extending working hours to meet seasonal demand rather than solely expanding their workforce. This approach reflects a conscious effort to balance productivity with cost efficiency, particularly in a sector marked by rapid technological advancements and shifting market dynamics, said the report.
CBSE Exams 2025: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that its annual psycho-social counselling will begin on February 1, 2025, and continue until April 4, 2025. This initiative is designed to help Class 10 and 12 students manage exam stress as they prepare for their theory exams, which start on February 15, 2025. The free counseling service will be conducted in two phasesbefore, during, and after the examsto provide continuous support to students throughout this period.

Here are the key features of the psycho-social counselling session and how it helps students:

24/7 Toll-Free IVRS Support

Students can call the toll-free number 1800-11-8004 anytime for help. The service is available round the clock in Hindi and English. It provides exam tips, time management strategies, stress relief advice, and answers to common questions.

Expert Counselling from Professionals

A team of 66 trained professionals, including principals, counsellors, special educators, and psychologists, will offer guidance. 51 counsellors from India and 15 experts from Nepal, Japan, Qatar, Oman, and the UAE will assist students. Students can access this personalized counselling service from Monday to Saturday, between 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM.

Online Mental Health Resources

Bilingual podcasts and video resources on stress management, exam preparation, and mental well-being will be available. Students can access these materials on the CBSE official website (cbse.gov.in).

Since 1998, the board has been dedicated to providing psycho-social counselling to support Class X and XII students during their important exam period.
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Amid the political row over the murder of a sarpanch, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Thursday asked NCP workers in Beed district not to get involved in extortion attempts targeting development projects.

Asking his party workers to maintain a "clean character", the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief said political interference will not be tolerated in the administration.

His remarks come against the backdrop of the arrest of Walmik Karad, a close associate of state NCP minister Dhananjay Munde, in an extortion case linked to the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh in Beed district.

The opposition has been demanding Munde's ouster in the wake of the arrest of his associate and to facilitate an impartial probe into the murder of Deshmukh.

Pawar arrived in Beed on Thursday morning, his first visit since becoming the district guardian minister.

Addressing a gathering of NCP workers, he said, "Maintain a clean character. Everybody should take care not to mingle with the wrong people. Our image among the people here (in Beed) should be good."

"No political interference will be tolerated in the administrative works and no one should ask for extortion money in development works," Pawar said.

The deputy CM said if he comes to know about such activities, he will not spare anyone and invoke the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against the guilty.

"I can take any sort of action. I have already told (Chief Minister) Devendra Fadnavis that when I am taking this responsibility (as guardian minister of Beed), everyone should co-operate with me," he said.

Pawar also warned those brandishing guns in the public.

"I am also going to tell the (police) department that if someone is found showing a revolver or firing in the air, their licenses should be cancelled. I will not tolerate reels (short videos on social media) with weapons. Law will be equal for all, because a change should happen and people should feel the change," he said.

On his plans for Beed district's development, Pawar said he will take decisions on matters which fall under his purview and will discuss with the CM the issues which are under his jurisdiction.

"But while doing this, I will also consult the public representatives and the two ministers - Dhananjay Munde and Panakaja Munde (both cousins and hailing from Beed)," Pawar said.

The NCP leader further said he will help everyone, including those in the opposition.

Massajog village sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh was abducted, tortured and murdered on December 9, 2024, for allegedly trying to stop an extortion bid targeting an energy firm in Beed.

Seven persons have been arrested in the murder case, including NCPs former tehsil chief Vishnu Chate.

Chate allegedly demanded Rs 2 crore from an energy company that had installed a windmill in the district and threatened to stop their operations if their demands were not met, police earlier said.

Deshmukh had tried to intervene and stop the extortion, leading to his abduction, torture and murder on December 9, following which an FIR was registered against seven persons, including Chate.
New Delhi: BJP ally Janata Dal (United) has sought an extension in the tenure of the Joint Parliamentary Committee scrutinising the bills proposing simultaneous elections, while its another partner, LJP (Ram Vilas), has demanded a "special industrial package" for Bihar. At the all-party meeting, sources said, JD(U) leader Sanjay Jha called for an extension in the tenure of the JPC, which was asked to submit its report by the first day of the last week of the Budget Session.

The party said it sought the extension as the committee has met only once and that such an important piece of legislation will require wide consultation. Jha is a member of the 39-member committee formed to discuss what is often referred to as a One-Nation, One-Election (ONOE) proposal. The panel headed by BJP MP P P Chaudhary is scheduled to hold its second meeting on Friday.

Jha also wanted Parliament to discuss India's current position in Artificial Intelligence as he pointed out the waves that the Chinese upstart DeepSeek has created in the field, so far dominated by US firms. With its claim of being a low cost AI foundational model at par with its world class rivals in performance, DeepSeek's sudden emergence has threatened the domination of western firms, especially OpenAI, and asserted the growing strength of China in the field.

At the meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) MP Arun Bharti highlighted the huge gap between Bihar's per capita income with the national average, pitching for a special industrial package for the state. He told reporters that his party had sought the Centre's financial assistance for Bihar to increase the size of its economy. Another issue he raised was the "piling up" of vacancies in reserved category jobs for the reason of "not fit for selection" (NFS). The government should bring a law to fill up the vacancies in a time-bound manner, Bharti added.
Mahakumbh Stampede: At least 30 people were killed and 60 injured in a deadly stampede on early Wednesday morning in Maha Kkmbh. A stampede broke out at the Sangam nose around 2 AM, when religious fervor was at its peak.

The area was packed with pilgrims, leaving no space for those exiting after taking a holy dip in Triveni on auspicious Mauni Amavasya. Everything looked normal untill it was not, eyewitnesses describing hearing loud sirens of Ambulance as it rushed to the scene. Soon the Mantra chants started fading away in loud screams.

As per authorities, the injured and deceased were taken to Central Hospital at Mahakumbh Nagar. All 13 Akharas postponed their scheduled holy baths and entry with grand procession was called off.

Barricades Collapsed; Women And Children Crushed

"The incident took place due to the pressure of the crowd. The crowd broke barricades and jumped to the other side, crushing those waiting there. Over 90 injured were rushed to the hospital, of whom 30 died," said Maha Kumbh DIG Vaibhav Krishna in a press conference, hours after the chaos.

Barricades placed for crowd control in the Maha Kumbh Mela collapsed due to heavy jostling, leading to a stampede in the akhara and mela areas, DIG Krishna said.

As the barricades gave way, pilgrims waiting for the holy dip during brahm muhurt fell, triggering chaos. Women and children were among those crushed in the crowd.

Krishna further said that 25 of the deceased have been identified. Four of them are from Karnataka and one each from Assam and Gujarat. Of the injured, 36 are receiving treatment at the hospital, while the rest have been discharged to their families.

There Was No Escape

Eyewitnesses shared heart-wrenching accounts of the tragedy, describing the sheer chaos that unfolded at the Sangam. One survivor, Sarojini, a devotee from Karnataka, recalled the moment to PTI: "We came in a batch of 60, split across two buses, and I was with eight others in my group. Suddenly, there was pushing, and we got trapped. People fell all around us, and the crowd was completely out of control." Her voice trembling, she added, "There was no way to escape. The pushing was relentless, from every direction."

A man while talking to Zee news TV said, "The crowd was out of control. I saw 3-4 people die in front of me."

A Madhya Pradesh man shared how his mother was injured and rushed to the hospital amidst the turmoil. Meanwhile, a middle-aged couple from Meghalaya walked away, tears in their eyes, their voices shaking as they described their terrifying experience in the crush of the crowd.

Another woman, speaking from the hospital, tearfully recounted how her child was injured in the chaos. "There was nowhere to go," she said. "People who shoved us were laughing while we pleaded with them, begging for mercy for our children."

Of the deceased, four are from Karnataka and one each from Assam and Gujarat.

CM Yogi Reviews Safety Arrangements

The incident prompted swift action from the authorities, with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordering a judicial inquiry to investigate the cause, led by retired judge Harsh Kumar, former DGP VK Gupta, and retired IAS officer DK Singh. Additionally, Yogi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives in the stampede.Authorities issued strict guidelines for crowd control, traffic flow, and inter-department coordination.

To strengthen arrangements, he ordered the deployment of Ashish Goyal, former Divisional Commissioner of Prayagraj during Kumbh 2019, and Bhanu Goswami, ex-Vice Chairman of ADA, an official statement said.

Adityanath directed the chief secretary and DGP to conduct a full review of the Maha Kumbh Mela arrangements on Thursday. "Every aspect of security and public convenience must be examined to ensure smooth arrangements for Basant Panchami," he said.

After the stampede, the Amrit snan, the traditional bathing ritual of the akharas, was postponed but resumed later in the afternoon. Meanwhile, devotees continued bathing at the densely packed Sangam and other less crowded ghats along the Ganges.
Agartala: Assam Rifles, in coordination with police, conducted a joint operation and seized and destroyed ganja (marijuana) plantations worth around Rs 6 crore in Tripura, officials said on Thursday.

A defence spokesman said that the para-military troops and Tripura Police personnel in their joint operation at Batadhala in Sepahijala district on Wednesday afternoon seized ganja (marijuana) worth Rs 5.35 crore and destroyed 15,000 marijuana saplings valued at Rs 60 lakh.

The spokesman said that acting on credible intelligence, the joint team swiftly executed the operation, dealing a significant blow to illegal drug cultivation and smuggling networks in the area, which is not far away from the India-Bangladesh border.

The seized marijuana was handed over to the police for further legal proceedings, while the illicit plantation was destroyed on-site to prevent its further exploitation.

This successful operation highlights Assam Rifles continued efforts in combating drug trafficking and maintaining law and order, an official statement said.

It said that the Assam Rifles, in close coordination with law enforcement agencies, remains committed to safeguarding the region from the menace of illicit drugs.

A police official said that they are looking for the marijuana cultivators.

In Tripura, illegal marijuana and in Manipur poppy cultivation is taking place in hill areas and these are being smuggled outside the region for making drugs. Often the security forces destroyed the marijuana and poppy cultivations as part of their efforts to curb the illegal drug trade.

Besides, various drugs, especially heroin and highly addictive methamphetamine tablets are often smuggled into the northeastern states of India from Myanmar, which shares a 1,643 km-long unfenced border with four northeastern states -- Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Manipur (398 km), Nagaland (215 km) and Mizoram (510 km).
With the Delhi elections less than a week away, the political parties have intensified their campaigning. As the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are locked in a fierce verbal and legal battle over the allegations, the Congress has accused the AAP and the BJP of fooling people. Amid this, the BJP has gone the AAP and Congress way in distributing guarantee cards.

The Congress party has distributed guarantee cards to women promising Rs 1 lakh every year to the woman head of every poor family in the run up to the Lok Sabha polls. The AAP and TMC did the same in the Goa assembly polls and now the AAP promised and distributed similar certificates to women of Delhi promising Rs 2,100 every month. Now, the BJP is following a similar strategy.

#WATCH | On behalf of BJP MLA candidate Harish Khurana, BJP workers in the Moti Nagar Assembly constituency distribute certificates to women assuring them of Rs 2500 allowance under the party's proposed Mahila Samridhi Yojna once the party comes to power in Delhi



BJP leader pic.twitter.com/TuGLN958ZZ  ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2025

On behalf of BJP candidate Harish Khurana, the BJP workers in the Moti Nagar Assembly constituency are distributing certificates to women assuring them of Rs 2,500 allowance under the party's proposed Mahila Samridhi Yojna once the party comes to power in Delhi.

These guarantee cards have become popular among the political parties and the AAP-TMC can be credited as a pioneer for this campaign tactics. Experts believe that the guarantee cards help political parties make direct connections with the voters compared to verbal promises/speeches. The voters often take these guarantee cards with them and this serves as a reminder for them as to for which party they want to vote in the polls, they said.

The 70 assembly seats of Delhi will go to the polls in a single phase on February 5 while the counting of votes will be held on February 8. The AAP has been ruling the national capital since 2013 barring the one year of the President's Rule in 2014. The BJP is looking to make a comeback after over 27 years while the Congress is trying to make its way to power in Delhi after 12 years.
New Delhi: Congress leader Pramod Tiwari on Thursday sharply criticised both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), calling their political antics mere "drama" over the Yamuna water while neglecting critical issues affecting Delhi.

Tiwari's remarks came after a series of political exchanges, particularly around the quality of water flowing into the Yamuna River from Haryana.

Kejriwal recently stated that Haryana was releasing water with ammonia into the Yamuna, which was poisoning the river. The statement led to a political furore in the national Capital.

Tiwari emphasised, "Instead of indulging in such drama, they should focus on the real issues, such as the state of the roads, the availability of clean drinking water, and how to deal with waterlogging in the city. They must explain why pollution keeps increasing, and why no water treatment plants were installed after former Delhi Chief Minister late Sheila Dikshits tenure."

Tiwari criticised both parties for failing to address these pressing issues.

"Both the BJP and AAP need to explain why pollution levels are soaring and why the water treatment infrastructure has not been developed. Since Sheila Dikshits time, there have been no new plants," Tiwari added.

On the ongoing political storm regarding the Yamuna water, Tiwari referenced a recent challenge by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha had dared Kejriwal to drink water from the Yamuna, adding that he would "meet him in the hospital afterwards."

He also weighed in on the recent controversy involving a vehicle from Punjab found with cash, alcohol, and AAP materials. The BJP has alleged that Punjab money and liquor were being used in the Delhi elections.

"The Punjab government is claiming that the number plate is fake. Both parties are lying to the public. They want the focus to remain on these distractions instead of addressing real issues," Tiwari said.

Earlier on Wednesday Delhi Police registered a case after a vehicle labelled "Punjab government" was found near Punjab Bhavan on Copernicus Marg, with cash, liquor and AAP pamphlets in it, an official said.

In response to the tragic stampede during the Maha Kumbh at the Sangam in Uttar Pradesh in which 30 people were killed, Tiwari held BJP leaders responsible for the chaos.

"The stampede at the Sangam was not an accident but a result of mismanagement. BJP ministers and leaders turned it into a tourist spot, causing unnecessary chaos. It was clear from the way they were acting, that many were more interested in taking photos and enjoying a picnic than ensuring safety," he concluded.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 77th death anniversary, stating that his ideas of Satya, Ahimsa, Sarvodaya and Sarvadharma Sambhava continue to light our path. Taking to X, Kharge said, "The greatest help you can give me is to banish fear from your hearts." ~ Mahatma Gandhi. On Martyrs' Day, we pay our deepest respects to Bapu -- the guiding light of our nation. His ideas of Satya, Ahimsa, Sarvodaya and Sarvadharma Sambhava continue to light our path. We must commit to fighting against those who want to destroy his ideals of equality and upliftment for all. Let's protect India's unity in diversity and ensure justice and equality for everyone." https://x.com/kharge/status/1884797693706358956 India observes Martyrs' Day every year on January 30 to mark the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and to honour his contribution towards the freedom of the country. O this occasion of Martyrs' Day, the National Archives of India (NAI) and the National Gandhi Museum (NGM) in collaboration with the National Film Archives of India, and Prasar Bharati Archives has announced a special exhibition titled "Journey of the Mahatma: Through His Own Documents". The exhibition will be inaugurated by Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, grand-daughter of Mahatma Gandhi and Chairman, National Gandhi Museum today at 3.00 pm in the Exhibition Hall of the National Gandhi Museum, Rajghat, New Delhi, according to an official release. This carefully curated exhibition traces the transformative journey of Mahatma Gandhi, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the life and legacy of the Father of the Nation. Through a combination of rare photographs, official documents, audio recordings, videos clippings, and personal correspondences, the exhibition provides a vivid portrayal of Gandhi's path from his early life in Porbandar to his pivotal role in India's independence movement. The exhibition comprises 30 panels showcasing Mahatma's life journey and few significant events such as his education in England, his formative years in South Africa, and his leadership during key milestones in India's freedom struggle, including the Champaran Satyagraha, Dandi March, and the Quit India Movement. It also highlights his work for social justice, communal harmony, and untouchability eradication, along with his final efforts to maintain peace during Partition and his enduring legacy after independence. This exhibition brings together a rich collection of archival material that captures Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolence, justice, and peace. The exhibition will be opened for public view for a limited time. All citizens, students, historians, and Gandhi enthusiasts are invited to experience this tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and gain a deeper understanding of his life and legacy. On January 30, 1948, Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse at Gandhi Smriti in Birla's house, months after India's independence. (ANI)
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved the indigenous procurement of ammunition worth 10,200 crore for the Indian Army's Pinaka multi-launch rocket system, marking another major step toward self-reliance in the Defence manufacturing sector, senior officials confirmed.

The deal includes two major procurements:

High-explosive pre-fragmented ammunition worth approximately 5,700 crore

Area denial munitions costing around 4,500 crore

The high-explosive pre-fragmented rockets come with an extended range of 45 km, while the area denial munitions have a striking distance of 37 km and are designed to saturate battlefields with anti-tank and anti-personnel mines.

The manufacturing order will be split between Munitions India Limited (MIL), Pune, and a private sector company, further strengthening public-private collaboration in Defence production.

MIL is one of the seven Defence companies carved out from the Ordnance Factory Board in 2021 as part of the Indian governments push for efficiency and competitiveness in the sector. The six other companies created under the same reform include Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited, India Optel Limited, Troop Comforts Limited, Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited, Gliders India Limited, and Yantra India Limited.

This latest 10,200 crore procurement follows closely after the Defence Ministrys 1,561 crore contract with Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF), Avadi, to supply 47 T-72 bridge-laying tanks for faster movement of mechanized forces in battle zones. HVF is a unit of Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited, one of the seven restructured Defence firms.

Additionally, on January 16, the Defence Ministry signed a 2,960 crore contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited for the supply of Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM) for the Indian Navy. The MRSAM system is already a standard feature on multiple Indian Naval ships and is expected to be integrated into most future warships.

With these successive contracts, India is ramping up its indigenous Defence production, which has surpassed 1.25 lakh crore annually. The country is also actively exporting Defence equipment to over 100 nations, with a target to achieve 50,000 crore in Defence exports, as per official data from the Defence Ministry.
New Delhi: AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday criticised the Election Commission's decision to dismiss his Yamuna poison plea for lack of evidence, claiming that CEC Rajiv Kumar is favouring the BJP as he is looking for a post-retirement job.

Addressing a media conference, the former Delhi Chief Minister raised doubts over the rejection of his plea by the ECI, indirectly blaming the poll panel for favouring rivals, the BJP and the Congress.

CEC Rajiv Kumar is scheduled to retire on February 28 after a three-year stint in the election body.

"The ECI is indulging in politics and ignoring the glaring violation of the model election code. It cant see the distribution of bedsheets and money taking place. We have complained about the violations, but CEC Rajiv Kumar is not acting as he is looking for a post-retirement job," he said.

"I want to tell Rajiv Kumar ji that history will never forgive him for the damage he has caused to an institution like the Election Commission," Kejriwal said.

His outburst against the CEC came within hours of the poll panel expressing dissatisfaction over Kejriwal's reply on the Yamuna 'poison' issue, saying that "no factual, legal matrix with evidence has been provided to support his statement".

Speaking to media persons, Kejriwal admitted that the level of ammonia in the river water has now come down to 3 ppm from 7 ppm till a few days back, but alleged politics was being done over the issue over the past few weeks under which the ammonia level was raised by Haryana.

He said he is sending four bottles of the "contaminated water" to BJP and Congress leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah, Delhi unit chief Virendra Sachdeva, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini (all BJP) and Rahul Gandhi.

"These water bottles have chlorinated water from the river which had high levels of ammonia and is unsafe. I challenge the leaders from other parties to drink this," he said, calling CM Sainis recent visit to the Yamuna bank in Delhi and drinking its water a "gimmick".

He said the water flowing into Delhi from Haryana had high levels of ammonia  up to 7 ppm  which could have caused irreversible damage to organs if it had been used in the DJB treatment plant.

"Letting raw water with 8 ppm ammonia get chlorinated at Delhi Jal Board treatment plants would have converted it into poison," he said, adding that the four bottles containing samples of this type of water with high ammonia with chlorine are being sent to BJP and Congress leaders.

The AAP national Convenor said Chief Minister Atishi had called her Haryana counterpart Saini several times over the past few weeks to request him to check the high ammonia level in Yamuna water but he made hollow promises and later refused to take her calls.

Refusing to be cowed down by threats of rival leaders to file cases against him or put him in jail over the Yamuna poison issue, Kejriwal said: "I will not let poisoned water flow into Delhi taps. I am not afraid of going to jail."

Safe drinking water and cleaning of Yamuna are key issues on which the ruling AAP is facing heat from rivals BJP and Congress ahead of the February 5 Assembly election, whose result will be declared on February 8.

Kejriwals Yamuna poison claims appear to be an attempt to shift the blame for Delhis water woes to Haryana and rival BJP which, in turn, has blamed the AAP for its failure to deliver on its promises of clean Yamuna and 24X7 safe water supply in the city.
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Bhopal: A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan allegedly shot his wife dead before killing himself in his rented flat in Bhopal's Misrod area, police said on Thursday.

The incident occurred on Wednesday-Thursday intervening night at Green Park colony.

The CRPF jawan was identified as Ravikant Verma. The officials said that he dialled the police control room and informed them that he had shot his wife, Renu Verma around 1.30 a.m. on Wednesday.

Upon receiving information, a team from Misrod police station rushed to the spot and found the CRPF jawan and his wife lying in a pool of blood in their house.

The couple were living with their two children -- a six-year-old son and a two-and-a-half-year-old daughter.

Upon arrival, officers found the two children weeping in one room, while the blood-stained bodies of 35-year-old Ravikant Verma and 32-year-old Renu Verma lay in another.

A service revolver was found near the bodies.

Police said the preliminary investigations suggest that the CRPF jawan first shot his wife dead before turning the revolver on himself. Both bodies have been sent for post-mortem at AIIMS Bhopal.

Neighbours, who rushed to the house after hearing gunshots, told the police that the couple often had loud arguments. However, it remains unclear what led to the fatal incident.

While the CRPF camp is located in the Bangrasiya area, Ravikant Verma had been living with his family in a rented house in Green Park colony, a nearby residential area in the Misrod area.

"We have received information that a CRPF jawan killed his wife and later shot himself from his service revolver. A police investigation is underway," Bhopal Police Commissioner Harinarayanchari Mishra told IANS.

The police said the reason behind the incident was yet to be ascertained. Relatives and neighbours of the couple were being questioned.

Police said they will seek cooperation from the CRPF camp located in the Bangrasiya area.
New Delhi: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday urged Delhi voters to ensure that their ballot is not "wasted" and to support the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.

Yadav, who participated in a roadshow in Kirari alongside former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, predicted a BJP rout, saying, "The BJP is going to be swept clean by AAP's 'jhadu' (broom).

Addressing the crowd, Yadav urged Delhiites to unite against the BJP, stating, "I appeal to people to come together to defeat the BJP. Your vote should not be wasted; to defeat the BJP, every vote should go to AAP."

He also praised AAPs governance, particularly in the sectors of education and healthcare, and highlighted the benefits of schemes related to electricity and water bill concessions.

"Do you want to lose these schemes?" Yadav asked the public, pointing out that even BJP leaders have assured voters that they wont scrap AAPs welfare programs. "They are scared of these schemes," he added.

Despite being a key ally in the INDIA bloc, Yadav did not mention the Congress, which is also in the race for Delhi. His silence on the Congress suggests the complex dynamics within the opposition alliance, particularly in the national capital, where AAP and Congress are both vying for dominance.
The Indian Army has once again thwarted Pakistans attempt to infiltrate terrorists into Indian territory. On Thursday, Army troops foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Khari Karmara area of Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir, security officials said.

Alert troops detected the movement of heavily armed terrorists attempting to cross over from the Pakistani side, triggering a gunfight. According to officials, at least two terrorists were reportedly killed in the gunfire.

Reinforcements have been deployed, and a search operation is underway in the dense forested area.

The infiltration attempt occurred amid heightened border security following intelligence reports of possible incursions. Sources indicate that security forces have been conducting search operations in Doda and Kathua in Jammu after receiving inputs about militants moving into these areas from higher reaches.
OnPay, a payroll and HR solutions company from Atlanta, has raised over $100 million, including a $63 million Series B round led by Carrick Capital Partners, along with AB Private Credit Investors and MC Credit Partners. This funding opens up new growth opportunities for the company. Baden Bower, one of the best PR firms, offers ideas to help OnPay enhance its presence and make the most of this achievement, including insights on how to get featured in Forbes to intensify its success story.

Communicating the Impact of OnPays Funding

Securing funding is just the first step. Sharing the story effectively and engaging with the right audience are equally important. "This success creates an opportunity to show what makes OnPay a standout in payroll and HR services," says AJ Ignacio, CEO of Baden Bower.

To reinforce OnPays story, Baden Bower suggests promoting webinar campaigns to showcase its unique solutions and future growth plans. These webinars could include insights from company leaders, clients, and even industry experts, offering an engaging platform for highlighting OnPays success and vision.

Baden Bower can use its media connections with outlets like Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Business Insider to present OnPays story effectively. It recommends focusing on strategies to get articles written about you to make sure OnPays success reaches a wider audience. Feature articles and interviews with company leaders can show the value OnPay brings to its clients and establish its place in the industry.

It could also help OnPay build its reputation by encouraging its executives to take part in interviews, write opinion pieces, and participate in discussions. This would help the company maintain visibility well beyond the initial funding announcement.

Standing Apart in Payroll and HR

In a crowded industry, being distinctive is essential. Baden Bower could assist OnPay in developing a messaging strategy that emphasizes its strengths, such as its commitment to serving small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with integrated HR tools.

Its media placements in major news outlets could focus on how OnPay meets the specific needs of SMBs. Publishing client success stories, industry insights, and helpful guides would demonstrate how OnPay solves real-world problems and strengthens connections with both customers and investors.

Building Trust Through Clear Messaging

As businesses become increasingly concerned about data security, OnPay has an opportunity to show how it prioritizes privacy. Baden Bower suggests creating straightforward educational materials to explain how OnPay protects sensitive information.

Events like panels with industry experts or media briefings could help clarify the companys technical safeguards. Transparent communication on these topics could foster confidence and establish OnPay as a reliable option for businesses.

Keeping the Momentum Going

Following such a major funding round, clear and consistent updates are vital for keeping investors engaged. Baden Bower proposes structured updates that cover progress, accomplishments, and upcoming objectives.

Public relations efforts could focus on highlighting smaller wins, such as product launches or new partnerships. Sharing these stories keeps the narrative fresh and emphasizes the companys forward movement.

Strategic Communication for Long-Term Success

Baden Bowers insights offer OnPay actionable strategies to maintain growth and keep its success on track. From raising its profile in trusted media outlets to promoting trust through thoughtful communication, the firm offers a thoughtful plan.

Clear messaging and a strong communication framework can help OnPay make a lasting impact in payroll and HR solutions.

Disclaimer- (This article is part of IndiaDotCom Pvt Lts consumer connect initiative, a paid publication programme. IDPL claims no editorial involvement and assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the article.)
Kerala Lottery Results Thursday 30-01-2025 LIVE: The Kerala Lottery Department, on behalf of the Keralan government, announces the "Karunya KN-558" Lucky Draw Result today Karunya KN-558, January 30, 2025. The draw will be held at Gorky Bhavan near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram. The Kerala Lottery Result 2025 for "Karunya KN-558" will feature 12 series, with changes in series possible each week. A total of 108 lakh tickets are available for purchase weekly. The ticket prices may vary. Check the Karunya KN-558 results right here to see if youre the first-place winner of 80 Lakhs. Stay tuned to this website for the live update of Kerala Lottery Karunya KN-558 results today.

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New Delhi: The Congress on Thursday paid tributes to the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary and described him as an "ideology which never dies."

In a post on social media platform X, the Congress also said that till the time a single person who believes in truth and non-violence is alive, Mahatma Gandhi will be alive.

Highlighting that scientist Albert Einstein respected Bapu a lot, the Congress shared a quote by him for the great leader, "Generations to come, will scarce believe, that such a man as this one, ever in flesh and blood walked upon this Earth."

The Congress further shared that "Bapu's principles teach us to follow the path of justice and equality".

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge paid floral tributes to the great leader at the Gandhi Memorial, Raj Ghat.

Sharing a video message about Mahatma Gandhi on social media, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi said: "The British tried to threaten him. He was fearless. He was imprisoned. Three bullets were pumped into his chest, still, he was not frightened."

"On one side, you have Mahatma Gandhi, while on the other, you have Nathuram Godse. On one side, a brave, humble and simple man, but the man who believed in the future and India, propagated non-violence and searched for the truth, while on the other side, Godse, violent, angry, unable to face the reality of his own life.

"The reason he shot Mahatma Gandhi was that he could not face his life. So he had to take out his anger on somebody and he chose to take out his anger on the man who represented the essence of India," the LoP said.

"Mahatma Gandhi is not only a man but the soul of India and is alive in every Indian," LoP Rahul Gandhi wrote on X.

"The power of truth, non-violence and fearlessness can shake the roots of even the biggest empire  the entire world takes inspiration from his ideals. Hundreds of salutations to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma, our Bapu on his Martyrdom Day," his post in Hindi read.

Terming Mahatma Gandhi as the nation's guiding light, Congress President Kharge said "his ideas of 'Satya', 'Ahimsa', 'Sarvodaya' and 'Sarva Dharma' 'Sambhava' continue to light our path".

Giving a call to protect the country's unity in diversity and ensuring justice and equality for everyone, Kharge said: "We must commit to fighting against those who want to destroy his ideals of equality and upliftment for all."
Widow Ranjani Kumari faced an unimaginable tragedy when she lost her 21-year-old daughter, Sonam, in a deadly stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in northern India on Wednesday, January 29. The pre-dawn chaos turned into a nightmare for Kumari, who could do nothing to save her daughter in the midst of the surging crowd.

Recalling the heartbreaking moment, Kumari said her daughter screamed, "Mother, save me!" but she was helplessly trapped in the overwhelming rush of devotees. As the crowd pressed forward, Sonam was crushed and lost her life. Overcome with grief, Kumari traveled to Motilal Nehru Medical College morgue in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, to collect her daughter's body.

Kumaris life had already been filled with struggles. Her husband had passed away 12 years ago due to a heart attack, leaving her to raise their three daughters alone. Despite the hardships, she worked tirelessly to provide for them and had high hopes for Sonam, her eldest daughter, who she believed would have a bright future.

The stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela, a massive six-week Hindu festival, resulted in the deaths of dozens of people. Tens of millions had gathered to take a holy dip in the sacred river waters when the tragedy unfolded. At the local hospital, Reuters counted at least 39 bodies in the morgue, with more victims continuing to arrive even 12 hours after the incident.

As distraught families lined up outside the morgue to identify their loved ones, anger and frustration grew. Many grieving relatives demanded accountability from authorities and political leaders, questioning the management of the massive gathering. The disaster has sparked widespread calls for action to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Advisory issued for all pilgrims

On Tuesday, ahead of the expected large gathering of pilgrims, Mela authorities issued an advisory urging devotees to follow crowd management guidelines for their safety and convenience.

Pilgrims were instructed to use designated lanes while heading to Sangam Ghat, remain in their assigned lanes while approaching the bathing area, and avoid staying at the ghats after taking the holy dip. To ensure smooth movement, they were advised to proceed directly to parking areas or their destinations without delay.

Visitors were also reminded to stay patient at barricades and pontoon bridges, avoiding any rushing or pushing to prevent accidents.

UP CM Yogi Adityanaths statement

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath assured that the situation is under control, though the crowd remains large. He urged devotees to take their holy dip at the nearest ghats instead of insisting on reaching the Sangam Nose. He also advised citizens not to believe in any rumours.

The Maha Kumbh, held once every 12 years, began on January 13 and will continue until February 26.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 77th death anniversary. Taking to X, PM Modi said, "Tributes to Pujya Bapu on his Punya Tithi. His ideals motivate us to build a developed India. I also pay tributes to all those martyred for our nation and recall their service as well as sacrifices." Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary. Shah stated that his thoughts towards cleanliness, self-reliance and empowerment of rural India will continue to inspire the countrymen. "On behalf of the grateful nation, I pay my tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, the leading figure of the Indian freedom movement, who popularised the Indian values of truth, non-violence and fight against injustice across the world, on his death anniversary. Mahatma Gandhi strengthened the freedom movement by binding the country in the thread of unity. His thoughts towards cleanliness, self-reliance and empowerment of rural India will continue to inspire the countrymen," Shah posted on X. https://x.com/AmitShah/status/1884795191942693300 India observes Martyrs'' Day every year on January 30 to mark the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and to honour his contribution towards the freedom of the country. O this occasion of Martyrs'' Day, the National Archives of India (NAI) and the National Gandhi Museum (NGM) in collaboration with the National Film Archives of India, and Prasar Bharati Archives has announced a special exhibition titled "Journey of the Mahatma: Through His Own Documents". The exhibition will be inaugurated by Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, grand-daughter of Mahatma Gandhi and Chairman, National Gandhi Museum today at 3.00 pm in the Exhibition Hall of the National Gandhi Museum, Rajghat, New Delhi, according to an official release. This carefully curated exhibition traces the transformative journey of Mahatma Gandhi, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the life and legacy of the Father of the Nation. Through a combination of rare photographs, official documents, audio recordings, videos clippings, and personal correspondences, the exhibition provides a vivid portrayal of Gandhi''s path from his early life in Porbandar to his pivotal role in India''s independence movement. The exhibition comprises 30 panels showcasing Mahatma''s life journey and few significant events such as his education in England, his formative years in South Africa, and his leadership during key milestones in India''s freedom struggle, including the Champaran Satyagraha, Dandi March, and the Quit India Movement. It also highlights his work for social justice, communal harmony, and untouchability eradication, along with his final efforts to maintain peace during Partition and his enduring legacy after independence. This exhibition brings together a rich collection of archival material that captures Gandhi''s philosophy of nonviolence, justice, and peace. The exhibition will be opened for public view for a limited time. All citizens, students, historians, and Gandhi enthusiasts are invited to experience this tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and gain a deeper understanding of his life and legacy. On January 30, 1948, Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse at Gandhi Smriti in Birla''s house, months after India''s independence. (ANI)
Korba: A court here has sentenced to life Madhya Pradesh former deputy chief minister Pyarelal Kanwar's son Harbhajan and his wife for the murder of his younger brother and two other family members in 2021.

Along with the couple, the court on Wednesday also sentenced three others to life imprisonment in connection with the crime, which was the fallout of a property dispute.

Harish Kanwar (40), his wife Sumitra Kanwar (35) and their daughter Yashika (4) were brutally murdered at their house in Bhaisma village under Urga police station area in Chhattisgarh's Korba district on April 21, 2021.

The assailants attacked them multiple times on head and other body parts with sharp-edged weapons.

Harish Kanwar's throat was chopped into pieces, Additional Public Prosecutor Krishna Kumar Dwivedi said.

District and Additional Sessions Judge (III) Sunil Kumar Nande on Wednesday convicted Harbhajan Singh Kanwar (52), his wife Dhankunwar (39), his brother-in-law Parmeshwar Kanwar (31), and two other persons Ramprasad Mannewar (31) and Surendra Singh Kanwar, Dwivedi said.

They were pronounced guilty under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 302 (murder), 120B (criminal conspiracy), 34 (common intention) and other provisions, he said.

Harbhajan had hatched the conspiracy to kill his brother over property and family disputes, Dwivedi said.

Police used a cell phone message exchanged between the accused Harbhajan and Parmeshwar as a key evidence.

"Gate khula hai, aap log aa jaaiye" was the message sent from Harbhajan's side to Parmeshwar, the prosecutor said.

After Harbhajan, his wife and two daughters went out for a walk in the wee hours of April 21, 2021, Parmeshwar reached the house on a motorcycle with two others and murdered the three persons.

The assailants did not kill Janki Bai, the mother of Harish and Harbhajan, who was present in the house at that time.

Police had arrested Harish's elder brother Harbhajan, his wife, brother-in-law and the two others in connection with the crime.

Pyarelal Kanwar was the deputy CM of the then undivided Madhya Pradesh during Digvijay Singh's government from 1993 to 1998. He died in 2011.
New Delhi: Nobody is above the law in this country, the Supreme Court on Thursday observed in a dispute between a man and his estranged wife, an IPS officer.

Justices B R Gavai, Augustine George Masih and K Vinod Chandran made the remark after the man's counsel raised an apprehension that he would be made to suffer all his life for the estranged wife was an IPS officer.

The bench said the parties should settle their disputes in the interest of justice.

"She is an IPS officer. You are a businessman. Rather than wasting your time in the court, you should settle it. We are here to protect you if there is any victimisation," the bench told the counsel.

"Nobody is above the law in this country," it added.

The counsel said his client and his father were jailed in connection with the cases lodged by the woman.

The counsel alleged the estranged wife gave a wrong declaration that no FIR was registered against her but she faced two FIRs on the day she filled a form at the time of joining the police service.

"You are more interested in ensuring that she loses her job," the bench said.

The counsel said it was for the home ministry to take action if she had made any wrong declaration in her form.

"You are not interested in saving your life. You are interested in ensuring that her career goes. Ultimately, in the process of ruining her life, you will also ruin your life," said the court.

The bench observed it was "very clear" the man wasn't interested in settlement and said, "You are not interested in living your life happily. But you are only interested to ruin somebody else life. It is more than clear to us."

The bench noted it couldn't force a settlement on the parties if they were unwilling and suggested they settled the disputes.

"If you have any apprehensions, we will take care of that in our order," it added.

The lawyers appearing for both the sides said the parties would sit together and try to find an amicable solution to the disputes.

The bench posted the hearing after two weeks.

One of the pleas filed by the woman in the top court challenged the Allahabad High Court's June 2022 verdict.

The high court discharged the parents of the man in a criminal case lodged by the woman.
Sitapur: Congress MP Rakesh Rathore was arrested from his residence here in a rape case on Thursday, a day after the Allahabad High Court rejected his anticipatory bail plea.

Rathore was addressing a press conference when Kotwali Nagar police reached his residence to take him into custody.

An FIR was lodged against Rathore on January 17 on a complaint by a woman who accused him of repeatedly raping her over four years after promising to marry her.

Authorities are continuing their probe into the matter.
New Delhi: AAP leader and MP Raghav Chadha addressed a large public gathering in Rohtas Nagar to campaign for party candidate Sarita Singh. Before beginning his speech, Chadha called for a two-minute silence to honor the victims of the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh stampede tragedy.

Addressing the large gathering of AAP workers and local residents, Chadha asserted that the pace of development under AAP is 500 times faster than other governments. He emphasized that free electricity, education, and healthcare are not just handouts but fundamental rights under the partys welfare model.

The AAP MP further urged the voters to vote for the Arvind Kejriwal-led party and save up to Rs 25,000 per year through various welfare schemes. He described the election as more than just a political contest, calling it a historic chance for Rohtas Nagar residents to drive meaningful change. Chadha also urged voters to assess which candidate had genuinely worked for their welfare over the past five years.

AAP MP questioned the contributions of the current legislator over the past five years and deemed the Sarita Singh as the only appropriate choice. "Now, the choice is yoursdecide who was the better leader and under whose tenure your constituency saw real progress," Chadha said.

AAP MP Raghav Chadha launched a sharp attack on the Centres GST policies, alleging that individuals earning Rs 100 a year end up paying 50-60 in various taxes, yet receive little in return. He claimed that it was the government's responsibility to provide essential services using public funds but accused the BJP-led central government of failing to do so.

Chadha further alleged that the BJP and other parties were misleading the public by dismissing AAPs welfare model as mere "freebies." Questioning their stance, he asked, "Had Arvind Kejriwal not come to power, would Delhi residents have received free electricity, free bus travel for women, quality education, and other benefits?"

The Delhi Assembly elections will take place on February 5, 2025, with the results scheduled to be declared on February 8, 2025.
New Delhi: The world of live music is evolving, and Indian fans are at the forefront of this change. After the massive success of the recent Coldplays live-streamed concerts, music lovers across the country are demanding similar access to performances by Indian legends Arijit Singh and Sonu Nigam. Social media has been buzzing with requests for their concerts to be live-streamed, ensuring that fans who are unable to attend in person can still experience the magic of their performances.

Coldplays recent tour, which was live streamed globally on Disney+ Hotstar, set a new precedent for accessibility in the music industry. Fans from different corners of the world tuned in, breaking geographical barriers and redefining how concerts can be enjoyed. Inspired by this, Indian fans are now urging event organizers and streaming platforms to follow suit for their favorite homegrown artists.

#ColdplayOnHotstar

Dear @DisneyPlusHS Thank you for live streaming this show. Aise hi kabhi #ArijitSingh ka show bhi live stream kr do. @arijitsingh pic.twitter.com/qLoue5h0DT  Navneet Pathak (@NV__Navneet) January 26, 2025

Dear @DisneyPlusHS , the live streaming was magical! Thank you for bringing Coldplay to our screens. Next wish? How about a live stream of @SonuNigamSingh concert? Make it happen! #ColdplayAhmedabad #RepublicDay2025  Akshay Sharma (@iamakshayshar) January 26, 2025

Arijit Singh, known for his soulful voice and chart-topping hits, has a massive fan following not just in India but globally. His concerts are known to sell out within minutes, leaving many fans disappointed. Similarly, Sonu Nigam, a stalwart of the Indian music industry, continues to captivate audiences with his timeless melodies and unparalleled stage presence. Given their immense popularity, fans believe that live streaming of their concerts would allow millions more to partake in their musical journey.

Live events are constantly evolving, and streaming isnt newit has been successful globally for decades. However, in India, it has the potential to complement and elevate the exclusivity of live experiences by creating hybrid formats. Streaming doesnt dilute the magic of attending in person; instead, it allows producers to expand their reach while maintaining the core of live events.

Missed Coldplay Live Stream? Fret not! Relive the magic again on Disney+Hotstar
Mumbai: Ashish Chanchlani, one of Indias most popular YouTubers, recently shared an unpleasant experience he had while shooting with a Bollywood actress. Without revealing her name, Ashish expressed regret over the collaboration, describing the actress as nakchadi (arrogant) and difficult to work with.

During his appearance on The Thugesh Show, Ashish recalled how his brother, Tani, was excitedly shooting behind-the-scenes footage during the project when the actress scolded him. I did a promotional video with an actress once. Obviously, I wont name her. But man, she was such a diva. So much unnecessary attitude and drama. She even scolded my brother, who was just filming BTS content. She snapped at him, saying, Youre shooting in the middle of a scene, huh? She acts all humble in public, or maybe its just her PR doing the job, but she really wasnt like that at all, he shared.

Ashish expressed disappointment at the stark contrast between the actresss public image and her real-life behaviour. However, he added that aside from this incident, most of his experiences working with Bollywood stars had been positive.

Apart from his viral statement, Ashish also made headlines for his impressive physical transformation. In 2023, he revealed that Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan played a key role in inspiring his fitness journey.

Recalling his interaction with SRK, Ashish said the superstar playfully held his belly and advised him, Ashish, please lose some weight. Youll look amazing, I guarantee it. Start hitting the gym today itself. Youre already cute, but its time to get fit. If your life doesnt change, Ill stop giving advice.

Ashish admitted that SRKs words had a deep impact on him. He gave me advice without fat-shaming me, and thats why I love this man, he said.
New Delhi: Rasha Thadani and Raveena Tandon visited their 12th Jyotirlinga, Shri Nageshwar Temple in Gujarat, on Wednesday. In a previous interview, Rasha had expressed her wish to visit the 12th Jyotirlinga this year.

Azaad actress shared a series of peaceful pictures from their visit on Instagram. In the pictures, the mother-daughter duo can be seen offering prayers and pouring milk over the Jyotirlinga.

Have A Look At The Post:

Rasha expressed her gratitude during the visit, saying, "Nageshwar, my 12th Jyotirling, and Dwarkadhish. Feeling blessed and thankful. Har Har Mahadev."

The mother-daughter duo looked stunning, with Raveena wearing a wine-red salwar kameez, while Rasha chose a baby blue anarkali suit for their visit.

Rasha Thadani Opens Up About Wears Bunch Of kala Dhaagas?

Earlier in an interview, Rasha revealed that each black thread on her wrist represents a Jyotirlinga she has visited. During the promotions of her debut film Azaad, the actor also shared her spiritual learning, mentioning that during her childhood, she attended spiritual classes where she studied the Vedas and recited shlokas. She further explained that she listens to spiritual songs every morning to start her day with positivity.

Rasha Thadani and Raveena Tandon are regular visitors to religious places. At the age of 19, Azaad actress Rasha had already visited 11 Jyotirlingas (shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva).

On Work Front, Rasha Thadani made her Bollywood debut with Azaad, opposite Ajay Devgn's nephew Aaman Devgan.

Meanwhile, Raveena Tandon captivated audiences with her performance in Patna Shukla and is set to star in the upcoming comedy-drama Welcome 3, part of the popular Welcome franchise.
Mumbai: Shahid Kapoor has always been private about his personal life, but his past relationships, especially his much-talked-about breakup with Kareena Kapoor Khan, continue to be a topic of interest among fans. In a recent interview, the Deva star got candid about the emotional struggles he faced in love and the lessons he learned from heartbreak.

Speaking on Raj Shamanis podcast, Shahid admitted that there were times when he lost his self-respect while chasing love. Sometimes you love someone so much that when they reject you, you chase them to a degree that you start losing your dignity. You sacrifice your dignity and dont even realize it until much later, when you look back and think, What was I doing? he shared.

The actor further reflected on how these experiences shaped him. He said heartbreak taught him valuable lessons about relationships and helped him understand who he could tolerate and who he couldnt.

Shahid, who is now happily married to Mira Rajput since 2015, has moved past those difficult times. The couple shares two children Misha and Zain, and the actor has often expressed his gratitude for the life he has built with his family. Looking back, he believes everything happened for a reason and that his personal growth through heartbreak ultimately led him to where he is today.
New Delhi: Bollywood actors Pooja Hegde and Shahid Kapoor are looking forward to the big release of 'Deva'. As the film is inching closer to its release date, the stars are busy promoting the mass actioner. During one of the recently held promotional events in the capital, Shahid Kapoor opened up about his co-star Pooja Hegde and admired her ability to establish herself in the film industry all on her own.

Shahid Kapoor said, "She has worked really hard to be where she is. And I put that very high. Everybody is not able to make it on their own. So I really appreciate that about her. Also, the way she dances, she has her own way of doing it. It's very charming the way she dances, and I really enjoy that."

Beyond Shahid Kapoor and Pooja Hegde, 'Deva' also stars Pavail Gulatie in a pivotal role. The recently released trailer offered glimpses into the world of 'Deva'. Directed by ace Malayalam filmmaker Rosshan Andrrews, the film will see Shahid Kapoor playing the role of a police officer, whereas Pooja Hegde will be seen as an investigative journalist 'Diya'. Audiences are in for a delightful treat to witness Pooja Hegde as an alpha female, something that's never seen before. The trailer and 'Bhasad Macha' track gained significant traction from the masses, setting the tone for the film's theatrical release on January 31.
New Delhi: The trailer for the re-release of 'Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha', one of Malayalam cinema's iconic classics, was launched at the AMMA office.

The event saw icons, Mammootty, Mohanlal, and Suresh Gopi unveiling the trailer together. Actors Vineeth Kumar, Jomol, and Ramu, who starred in the film, also attended, along with the children of the late producer P.V. GangadharanShenuga Jayathilak and Sherga Sandeep.

Have A Look At The Post:

Sherga Sandeep shared, 36 years ago, our father released this film. Unfortunately, he passed away last year and couldnt fulfill his dream to re-release it in 4K. In his memory as a tribute, my sisters and I decided to make it happen. Together with M.T. Vasudevan sir, we agreed to re-release the film for todays generation, a true classic made without any special effects or VFX.

She further adds, Mammootty sir was incredibly supportive throughout the entire process. At the trailer launch, we received an outpouring of support from Mammootty sir, Mohanlal sir, and Suresh Gopi sir, for which we are deeply thankful.

Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha was originally released in 1989, The film was a massive hit. Featuring Mammootty, Suresh Gopi, Madhavi, Balan K. Nair, and Captain Raju in key roles, the film was celebrated for its stellar performances and craftsmanship.

The cinematography was handled by K. Ramachandra Babu, with Bombay Ravi composing the music and M.S. Mani editing the film.

Produced by P.V. Gangadharan under Grihalakshmi Productions, Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha was a collaboration between M.T. Vasudevan Nair, director Hariharan, and Mammootty.

The late producers family expressed their wish to reintroduce the film to audiences using modern visual and sound technologies.

Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha received numerous accolades, including National and State Film Awards. Mammootty won the National Award for Best Actor for his exceptional performance, and the film earned recognition for Best Screenplay, Best Production Design, and Best Costume Design, among others. It also won eight Kerala State Film Awards.

Paying tribute to the late writer M.T. Vasudevan Nair, Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha, will be re-released in cinemas in 4K from February 7th.
Over 45.11 lakh pilgrims visited the Mahakumbh till 8 am on Thursday, the Uttar Pradesh Information Department said in a release. More than 10 lakh Kalpwasis are present at the Sangam, while the total number of devotees who took a holy dip at the Sangam on Thursday morning stood at over 55.11 lakh. With this, the total number of devotees who have performed snan at the sacred confluence since the beginning of the Mahakumbh has surpassed 275 million as of January 29 on the occasion of 'Mauni Amavasya'. Authorities have intensified arrangements to ensure smooth crowd management and seamless facilities for the devotees. On Wednesday, a stampede-like situation arose at Mahakumbh in the early hours, resulting in several deaths and injuries. Meanwhile, after a brief halt due to the stampede-like situation, saints continue to arrive, though in smaller processions, at the Triveni Sangam for the second Amrit Snan on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya. At least 30 people were killed and 60 injured in the pre-dawn stampede on Wednesday at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Kumbh, Vaibhav Krishna said. He said twenty-five bodies have been identified. The incident occurred as millions of devotees gathered at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers to take a holy dip on the auspicious occasion of Mauni Amavasya, which also marks the day of the Second Shahi Snan. Uttar Pradesh government has announced financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh for the families of the deceased. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also ordered a judicial inquiry and said that a judicial committee will submit its report to the state government within a time limit. "A three-member judicial commission will be headed by Justice Harsh Kumar, former DG VK Gupta and retired IAS DK Singh. We have been monitoring the entire incident from the CM's, Chief Secretary and DGP's control rooms throughout the day," he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences to the devotees who lost their loved ones in the incident. "The accident that happened in Prayagraj Mahakumbh is extremely sad. My deepest condolences to the devotees who have lost their loved ones in this. Along with this, I wish for the speedy recovery of all the injured. The local administration is engaged in helping the victims in every possible way. In this regard, I have spoken to Chief Minister Yogi ji and I am constantly in touch with the state government," PM Modi said on X. Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his deep sorrow over Wednesday's situation at the Mahakumbh and extended condolences to the families of the victims. In a post on X, Shah mentioned being in regular contact with the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and local authorities to monitor the situation. "I am deeply saddened by the tragic accident that took place at Mahakumbh. I express my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this accident. May God give them the strength to bear this sorrow. The administration is treating the injured in hospitals. I am in constant touch with the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and the local administration," he said. (ANI)
KHAN YOUNIS: Hamas-led militants freed eight hostages on Thursday as part of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, but the chaotic handover of some of the captives, who were shuttled through a rowdy crowd of thousands by masked militants, drew an angry protest from Israel. Israel later began releasing 110 Palestinian prisoners after the swap was initially put on hold by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who demanded that mediators assure the safe exit for hostages going forward. He said later that he had received that commitment.

Hamas released seven of the hostages in front of the destroyed home of its slain leader, Yahya Sinwar, as thousands pressed in. The militant group called it a message of determination", but it triggered the latest in a series of disputes that have sent US and Arab mediators scrambling to patch up the truce.

The ceasefire is aimed at eventually ending the deadliest and most destructive war ever fought between Israel and Hamas, and securing the release of dozens of hostages abducted in the militant group's October 7, 2023, attack that ignited the war. A show of force as hostages are released The first hostage  female soldier Agam Berger, 20  was released after Hamas paraded her in front of a smaller crowd in the heavily destroyed urban Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza.

Hours later, a chaotic scene unfolded at a handover of the other seven in the southern city of Khan Younis. Hundreds of militants from Hamas and the smaller Islamic Jihad group arrived with a convoy, and thousands of people gathered to watch, some from the tilted rooftops of bombed-out buildings.

Footage showed hostage Arbel Yehoud, 29, looking stunned as masked militants hustled her through the shouting crowd, pushing people back. Also released were Gadi Moses, an 80-year-old Israeli man, and five Thai laborers. Both Yehoud and Moses are dual German-Israeli nationals.

Israel identified the Thai hostages released as: Watchara Sriaoun, 33; Pongsak Thaenna, 36; Sathian Suwannakham, 35; Surasak Rumnao, 32; and Bannawat Saethao, 27. Thai officials said they appeared to be in good health. A number of foreign workers were taken along with dozens of Israeli civilians and soldiers during Hamas' attack. Twenty-three Thais were among more than 100 hostages released during a weeklong ceasefire in November 2023. Israel says three Thais remain in captivity, two of whom are believed to be dead.

Yehoud had been at the centre of a dispute earlier this week over the sequence in which the hostages would be released. The United States, Egypt and Qatar, which brokered the ceasefire after a year of tough negotiations, resolved it with an agreement that Yehoud would be released with the others on Thursday.

About 20 friends of Yehoud gathered in southern Israel watched as the tense scene unfolded on live television. Some cried. Others had their hands over their eyes or mouths. The crowd then burst into tears after she was turned over to the Red Cross. Netanyahu condemned the shocking scenes" and called on international mediators to ensure the safety of hostages in future releases.

Ceasefire holds for now but next phase will be harder In the first phase of the ceasefire, Hamas is set to release a total of 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, older adults and sick or wounded men, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Israel says Hamas has confirmed that eight of the hostages to be released in this phase are dead.

A line of white buses carrying Palestinian prisoners set to be released Thursday left Ofer prison in the West Bank and made their way toward Beitunah, near the occupied West Bank City of Ramallah where relatives and celebrations awaited. Among those set to be released from prisons on Thursday is Zakaria Zubeidi, a prominent former militant leader and theater director who took part in a dramatic jailbreak in 2021 before being rearrested days later.

In addition, around 30 people who are serving life sentences after being convicted of deadly attacks against Israelis are set to be freed. Palestinians have cheered the release of the prisoners, who they widely see as heroes who have sacrificed for the cause of ending Israel's decadeslong occupation of lands they want for a future state.

Israeli forces have meanwhile pulled back from most of Gaza, allowing hundreds of thousands of people to return to what remains of their homes and humanitarian groups to surge assistance. The deal calls for Israel and Hamas to negotiate a second phase in which Hamas would release the remaining hostages and the ceasefire would continue indefinitely. The war could resume in early March if an agreement is not reached.

Israel says it is still committed to destroying Hamas, even after the militant group reasserted its rule over Gaza within hours of the truce. A key far-right partner in Netanyahu's coalition is already calling for the war to resume after the ceasefire's first phase. Hamas says it won't release the remaining hostages without an end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Hamas started the war when it sent thousands of fighters storming into Israel. The militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted around 250. Israel's ensuing air and ground war was among the deadliest and most destructive in decades. More than 47,000 Palestinians have been killed, over half of them women and children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not say how many of the dead were militants.

The Israeli military says it killed over 17,000 fighters, without providing evidence, and that it went to great lengths to try to spare civilians. It blames civilian deaths on Hamas because its fighters operate in dense residential neighbourhoods and put military infrastructure near homes, schools and mosques.

The Israeli offensive has transformed entire neighbourhoods into mounds of gray rubble, and it's unclear how or when anything will be rebuilt. Around 90 per cent of Gaza's population has been displaced, often multiple times, with hundreds of thousands of people living in squalid tent camps or shuttered schools.
Jerusalem: Israel has received a list of hostages expected to be released from Hamas captivity in Gaza on Thursday, including three Israeli and five Thai nationals, Israeli sources said.

The list was delivered to mediators by the Palestinian armed group ahead of the expected release of a third batch of hostages, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement.

The office said Israel "accepts" the list, which includes civilian female Arbel Yehud, 29, female soldier Agam Berger, 19, and civilian male Gadi Mozes, 80, Xinhua news agency reported.

Israel's state-owned Kan TV reported that apart from the three Israeli hostages, five Thai nationals, who worked in agriculture in southern Israel and were kidnapped by Hamas in the attack on October 7, 2023, would also be released on Thursday.

Netanyahu's office did not comment on the Thai hostages.

According to Israeli figures, 10 foreign nationals are still being held by Hamas in Gaza, including eight Thais, a Nepali, and a Tanzanian, with at least three of them presumed dead.

The upcoming release is separate from the ceasefire agreement that took effect on January 19, ending more than 15 months of fighting between Israel and Hamas.

It followed a dispute after Hamas released four female soldiers on Saturday, prompting Israel to accuse the group of violating the deal, under which Yehud was supposed to be freed before the soldiers. In response, Israel refused to withdraw forces from the Netzarim Corridor that separates Gaza's north and south.

The dispute was resolved through Qatari mediation. Hamas agreed to release Yehud, Berger, and another hostage on Thursday, ahead of the next scheduled release of three more Israeli captives on Saturday. Israel then approved the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza on Monday morning.
Washington: Meta has agreed to pay USD 25 million to settle a lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump against the company after it suspended his accounts following the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, according to three people familiar with the matter.

It's the latest instance of a large corporation settling litigation with the president, who has threatened retribution on his critics and rivals, and comes as Meta and its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, have joined other large technology companies in trying to ingratiate themselves with the new Trump administration.

The people familiar with the matter spoke on the condition of anonymity Wednesday to discuss the agreement. Two people said that terms of the agreement include USD 22 million going to the nonprofit that will become Trump's future presidential library and the balance going to legal fees and other litigants.
US President Donald Trump on Thursday expressed grief over the tragic plane crash which claimed over 64 lives while blaming the Barack Obama-Joe Biden era policy of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the accident. Trump claimed that the DEI initiatives prioritised policy over safety. The authorities have recovered 28 bodies so far as the search operation continues.

He said that the policy led to hiring of incompetent people in a bid to diversify the workforce. Trump criticized former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, suggesting he hired unqualified people with disabilities and mental health issues for air traffic control jobs. Trump also claimed that the FAA was weakened by diversity hires after being labeled "too white."

During the briefing, Trump argued that his own leadership had prioritised safety over politics. "I put safety first, Obama, Biden and the Democrats put policy first and they put politics at a level that nobody's ever seen. Their policy was horrible and their politics was even worse," Trump said.

Trump called the incident a 'devastating moment' in the nation's history. Acknowledging the impact on families across the United States and abroad, including Russian nationals on board, he assured that efforts would be made to determine the cause of the disaster and prevent such incidents in the future.

Addressing a press briefing on the aviation disaster, Trump said, "Sadly, there are no survivors. This was a dark and excruciating night in our nation's capital and in our nation's history and a tragedy of terrible proportions as we grieve for every precious soul that has been taken from us so suddenly. This is really shaking a lot of people, including people from other nations."

"We had a Russian contingent (on plane), some very talented people. Unfortunately, they were on that plane and we are very sorry about that. We do not know what led to this crash, but we have some very strong opinions and ideas. We will find out how this disaster occurred and we will ensure that nothing like this ever happens again," Trump added.

The US President further affirmed that his administration will set the "highest possible bar" for aviation safety.
Stockholm, Sweden  Salwan Momika, a 38-year-old Iraqi living in Sweden, who gained international attention for burning copies of the Quran, was shot dead in an apartment in Sodertalje, Stockholm, on Wednesday evening, according to reports from AFP and BBC.

Stockholm police confirmed that a man in his 40s was shot dead overnight, and five people were arrested in connection with the killing. While authorities have not officially identified the victim, local media reports indicate that it was Momika, who was reportedly livestreaming on social media at the time of the shooting.

Controversial Quran-Burning Protests

Momika gained notoriety after setting fire to a copy of the Quran outside Stockholm Central Mosque in 2023, an act that sparked violent protests and diplomatic tensions, particularly in Muslim-majority countries. Following his actions, unrest erupted at the Swedish embassy in Baghdad on two occasions, leading to the expulsion of Swedens ambassador amid rising tensions between Sweden and Iraq.

In August 2023, Swedish authorities charged Momika and another individual with "agitation against an ethnic group" on four separate occasions. His verdict was due on Thursday, but the Stockholm District Court postponed the decision following confirmation of his death.

Despite the backlash, the Swedish government initially permitted Momika's Quran-burning protest, citing freedom of speech laws. However, following international condemnation and security concerns, Swedish authorities later announced that they were exploring legal measures to restrict protests involving the burning of religious texts
The victims, Ramesh Madara and Gangamma Madara, both residents of Lakkalakatti village in Gajendragada taluk, were murdered on November 6, 2019, after they married against the wishes of Gangamma''s family.

The court convicted and sentenced to death Shivappa Rathod, Ravikumara Rathod, Ramesh Rathod, and Parasurama Rathod. They were relatives of Gangamma Madara.

The couple''s love story ended tragically when Gangamma''s relatives, opposed to their relationship, carried out the murders. The incident was investigated by the Gajendragada police, who filed a First Information Report (FIR) under sections 427 (mischief causing damage), 449 (house-trespass to commit an offence punishable with death), 302 (murder), and 506(2) (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

According to the police, Ramesh Maadaar (29) and Gangamma (23) were brutally killed by the brothers who threw stones at their heads.

The brothers were enraged after Gangamma married Ramesh who belonged to a Dalit community, the police said. The couple were survived by two children. (ANI)
Family members gathered at the residence of the mother and daughter who died during the Mahakumbh stampede that occurred in the early hours of Wednesday in Prayagaraj. The mother and daughter were among the four people from their district who fell victim to the incident. Dilip Patel, a relative of the deceased, said that his brother called in the morning to inform that his wife and daughter had died in the stampede. "My elder brother, his wife, their daughter, and my mother had gone to Prayagraj. My niece and brother''s wife died during the stampede. My brother called in the morning to inform," he said. A stampede had occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, leading to the killing of 30 and injuring several others. Earlier on Thursday, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Vaibhav Krishna addressed the press and said that 25 bodies have been identified while the rest are yet to be identified. "A total of 30 people have died, unfortunately, in the stampede that took place at the Mahakumbh at Prayagraj. Twenty-five bodies have been identified and the remaining five are yet to be identified," he added. Among the deceased, four are from Karnataka, one from Assam and one from Gujarat, the DIG said, adding that 36 people were being treated at a local medical college. The Uttar Pradesh government has announced financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh for the families of the deceased. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also ordered a judicial inquiry and said that a judicial committee will submit its report to the state government within a time limit. "A three-member judicial commission will be headed by Justice Harsh Kumar, former DG VK Gupta and retired IAS officer DK Singh. We have been monitoring the entire incident from the CM''s, Chief Secretary''s, and DGP''s control rooms throughout the day," he said. To monitor the situation at Mahakumbh, Chief Minister Yogi has postponed his visit to Delhi for the election campaign. Reflecting on the incident, he said that it happened due to heavy crowds and the breaking of barricades. "The incident is heart-wrenching. We express our deepest condolences to all those families who lost their loved ones. We have been in constant touch with the administration since last night," CM Yogi said. Meanwhile, despite a dense layer of fog enveloping Prayagraj on Thursday, a large number of devotees continued to arrive at the ongoing Mahakumbh, marking the significant religious gathering with unwavering devotion. (ANI)
In response to the recent stampede at Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has directed the Chief Secretary and Commissioner of Rewa Division to ensure proper arrangements for the safety of devotees travelling to the Maha Kumbh. CM Yadav emphasized the need for stringent measures at the Madhya Pradesh-Uttar Pradesh border to prevent any untoward incidents during the devotee's visit to Maha Kumbh. Speaking to ANI, the Madhya Pradesh CM expressed his condolences to the people who lost their lives in the stampede at Maha Kumbh. "Yesterday, on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, a tragic incident happened during the 'Sangam Snan'. A lot of people lost their lives. May their soul rest in peace. I received information that of the deceased people, three were from Madhya Pradesh...I request you all to stay safe wherever you all are," he said. CM Yadav is currently on a four-day visit seeking investment opportunities and inviting industrialists to participate in the Global Investors Summit (GIS) to be held in Bhopal on February 24-25. At least 30 people were killed and 60 injured in the pre-dawn stampede on Wednesday at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Kumbh, Vaibhav Krishna said. He said twenty-five bodies have been identified. Among the deceased, four are from Karnataka, one from Assam and one from Gujarat, the DIG said, adding that 36 people were being treated at a local medical college. Uttar Pradesh government has announced financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh for the families of the deceased. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also ordered a judicial inquiry and said that a judicial committee will submit its report to the state government within a time limit. Maha Kumbh, which started on January 13, will continue till February 26. The remaining significant 'snan' dates in Maha Kumbh are February 3 (Basant Panchami--Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri). (ANI)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and other State ministers paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at the Egmore Museum in Chennai on Thursday on his death anniversary. India observes Martyrs' Day every year on January 30 to mark the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and to honour his contribution towards the freedom of the country. On this occasion of Martyrs' Day, the National Archives of India (NAI) and the National Gandhi Museum (NGM) in collaboration with the National Film Archives of India, and Prasar Bharati Archives has announced a special exhibition titled "Journey of the Mahatma: Through His Own Documents". The exhibition will be inaugurated by Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, grand-daughter of Mahatma Gandhi and Chairman, National Gandhi Museum today at 3.00 pm in the Exhibition Hall of the National Gandhi Museum, Rajghat, New Delhi, according to an official release. This carefully curated exhibition traces the transformative journey of Mahatma Gandhi, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the life and legacy of the Father of the Nation. Through a combination of rare photographs, official documents, audio recordings, videos clippings, and personal correspondences, the exhibition provides a vivid portrayal of Gandhi's path from his early life in Porbandar to his pivotal role in India's independence movement. The exhibition comprises 30 panels showcasing Mahatma's life journey and few significant events such as his education in England, his formative years in South Africa, and his leadership during key milestones in India's freedom struggle, including the Champaran Satyagraha, Dandi March, and the Quit India Movement. It also highlights his work for social justice, communal harmony, and untouchability eradication, along with his final efforts to maintain peace during Partition and his enduring legacy after independence. This exhibition brings together a rich collection of archival material that captures Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolence, justice, and peace. The exhibition will be opened for public view for a limited time. All citizens, students, historians, and Gandhi enthusiasts are invited to experience this tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and gain a deeper understanding of his life and legacy. On January 30, 1948, Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse at Gandhi Smriti in Birla's house, months after India's independence. (ANI)
With less than a week left for Delhi assembly polls, Congress candidate from the New Delhi constituency Sandeep Dikshit on Thursday dared Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal for an open debate. The Congress leader said if Kejriwal does not have time, then he is ready to set up a stage outside the AAP leader's residence for the debate. "I have challenged Kejriwal to an open debate; if Kejriwal does not have time, then I am ready to set up a stage outside Kejriwal's residence," Dikshit told ANI. "I (Sandeep Dixit) am ready for a debate outside Jantar Mantar, Kejriwal house or wherever the Aam Aadmi Party is convenient," he added. Taking a swipe at the recent 'poisonous water' controversy, he said that the Election Commission should allow Delhi Police to question Kejriwal on the issue. Kejriwal had alleged that the Haryana government had "poisoned" the water supplied to Delhi, with the intention of causing harm to its residents. Following this, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini visited the banks of the Yamuna River in Delhi's Palla village on Wednesday, where he took a sip of water to counter accusations made by former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. He then attacked AAP for the Punjab Police row, alleging AAP of 'misusing' Punjab's Police everywhere. "...You have been indulging in forgery for the last 10 years... Personnel of Punjab Police are threatening people at Nabha House in Delhi that if they let anyone else besides the AAP campaign, they would lose their jobs. Delhi Police should visit Nabha House and find out why Punjab Police personnel are stationed there and threatening people. You are misusing Punjab Police everywhere..." Sandeep Dikshit told ANI. Notably, on Wednesday night, the Tilak Marg police station received information of a suspicious vehicle with a 'PB' number registration and 'Punjab sarkar' written on it parked near Punjab Bhavan. Upon inspection, the vehicle had various pamphlets of the Aam Aadmi Party, multiple liquor bottles and cash worth lakhs, according to Delhi police. However, the Punjab government issued a clarification that the number plate on the vehicle is "forged and fake" and refuted any allegations of the car being connected to the state government. Sandeep Dikshit is up against AAP's Arvind Kejriwal and BJP's Parvesh Verma from the New Delhi assembly constituency. In the previous two elections, held in 2020 and 2015, the Congress has failed to open its account. Voting for Delhi Assembly polls will be held on February 5. The national capital is all set for a three-way contest between the ruling AAP, the main opposition BJP and Congress. (ANI)
Paying his tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his 77th death anniversary, Lok Sabha LOP and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said that he was not just a person rather he is the soul of India, and is alive in every Indian. Taking to X, Rahul Gandhi said, "Gandhiji is not just a person, he is the soul of India and is alive in every Indian even today. The power of truth, non-violence and fearlessness can shake the roots of even the biggest empire - the entire world takes inspiration from these ideals of his. Hundreds of salutations to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma, our Bapu on his Martyrdom Day." https://x.com/RahulGandhi/status/1884818811750117743 Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi saying that his supreme sacrifice shall remain etched in the collective memory of the nation forever. In a social media post on X, Shivakumar wrote, "Tribute to the great revolutionary and Father of our nation Mahatma Gandhi, on his death anniversary. Today, let us also honour our bravehearts who attained martyrdom in the line of duty, shielding the integrity of our motherland. Your supreme sacrifice shall remain etched in the collective memory of the nation forever.: supreme sacrifice shall remain etched in the collective memory of the nation forever." https://x.com/DKShivakumar/status/1884810585461944634 Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 77th death anniversary. Taking to X, PM Modi said, "Tributes to Pujya Bapu on his Punya Tithi. His ideals motivate us to build a developed India. I also pay tributes to all those martyred for our nation and recall their service as well as sacrifices." Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 77th death anniversary, stating that his ideas of Satya, Ahimsa, Sarvodaya and Sarvadharma Sambhava continue to light our path. India observes Martyrs'' Day every year on January 30 to mark the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and to honour his contribution towards the freedom of the country. On January 30, 1948, Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse at Gandhi Smriti in Birla''s house, months after India''s independence. (ANI)
Zambian president sends Chinese New Year greetings

Xinhua) 11:55, January 30, 2025

LUSAKA, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on Wednesday sent a message of goodwill to Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people on the celebration of the Chinese New Year.

The Zambian president sent his best wishes to his Chinese counterpart and "may our people and our countries prosper in the months ahead."

"The theme of today's Chinese New Year is 'adaptability and renewal.' As we reflect on this moment, it is indeed a time for us to renew our all-weather friendship, for the benefit of the people of Zambia and the People's Republic of China," Hichilema said in a post on his Facebook page.

According to the Chinese lunar calendar, the New Year began on Jan. 29 this year, ushering in the Year of the Snake. The snake is the sixth animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac and represents wisdom, intuition, and strategic growth.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Kou Jie)
Taking to X, PM Modi posted, "Tributes to Pujya Bapu on his Punya Tithi. His ideals motivate us to build a developed India. I also pay tributes to all those martyred for our nation and recall their service as well as sacrifices."

President Droupadi Murmu also paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat, on his death anniversary.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Manohar lal Khattar, MoS Defence Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff, and Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force were also present at the solemn occasion and also paid tribute to 'Father of Nation'.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi also paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at the Gandhi Memorial at Raj Ghat.

India observes Martyrs' Day every year on January 30 to mark the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and to honour his contribution towards the freedom of the country.

On this occasion of Martyrs' Day, the National Archives of India (NAI) and the National Gandhi Museum (NGM) in collaboration with the National Film Archives of India, and Prasar Bharati Archives have announced a special exhibition titled "Journey of the Mahatma: Through His Own Documents".

The exhibition will be inaugurated by Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, grand-daughter of Mahatma Gandhi and Chairman of, the National Gandhi Museum today at 3.00 pm in the Exhibition Hall of the National Gandhi Museum, Rajghat, New Delhi, according to an official release.

This carefully curated exhibition traces the transformative journey of Mahatma Gandhi, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the life and legacy of the Father of the Nation.

Through a combination of rare photographs, official documents, audio recordings, video clippings, and personal correspondences, the exhibition provides a vivid portrayal of Gandhi's path from his early life in Porbandar to his pivotal role in India's independence movement. (ANI)
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, along with Congress leaders, paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi's Vidhana Soudha in Banglore to mark his 77th death anniversary. CM Siddaramaiah was joined by Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti, MLAs, and other dignitaries. Speaking on the occasion, Siddaramaiah reflected on the significance of the day. "Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on January 30 and it's a day of big sorrow. We should respect those ideologies which Mahatma Gandhi left for the country," he said. Siddaramaiah highlighted Gandhi's teachings on tolerance, unity, and equality, stating, "Mahatma Gandhi always taught tolerance with all religions. We are a country which has unity in diversity which Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. BR Ambedkar said in the constitution. No caste or religion is superior or cheap." He emphasized the importance of preserving these values in modern India. The CM then turned to criticize certain political forces, saying, "From the last few years, some anti-constitution, anti-federal system forces are trying to ruin the country. BJP and RSS are making statements that they will make the country one religion, one language, and one culture, which Mahatma Gandhi and Ambedkar opposed." Siddaramaiah continued to criticize BJP and RSS for their stance on the Constitution. "Constitution and federal system must be saved, Congress is fighting for it which is very important and necessary at this point of time," he said. He also accused BJP and RSS of idolizing individuals who played a role in Gandhi's assassination, stating, "BJP and RSS are praising and worshipping the person who killed Mahatma Gandhi." The CM concluded, "This country wouldn't have gotten freedom without Mahatma Gandhi, RSS and BJP people inhumanly killed such a great person." Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 77th death anniversary. Taking to X, PM Modi said, "Tributes to Pujya Bapu on his Punya Tithi. His ideals motivate us to build a developed India. I also pay tributes to all those martyred for our nation and recall their service as well as sacrifices." India observes Martyrs' Day on January 30 to pay tribute to the bravehearts who laid down their lives for the nation's freedom. This day also commemorates the martyrdom of Mahatma Gandhi, who was assassinated on this day. (ANI)
Reacting to Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane's request to "ban burqa at examination centres," Shiv Sena leader Raju Waghmare said that if Burqa is allowed during voting, then there should not be any problem with it during examinations. However, Waghmare asserted that half of Rane's statement is right that the Mahayuti government is not going to tolerate "appeasement politics". Speaking to ANI, Shiv Sena's Raju Waghmare said, "What he has said, half of it is right that the Mahayuti government is not going to tolerate the appeasement politics. But at the same time, if it (Burqa) is allowed for the voting, then I don't think there should be any problem with it during the examinations. I don't think for the students and their studies... we don't think that we should carry on this kind of statement because this land belongs to the thoughts and procedures of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Ambedkar...." On Wednesday, Nitesh Rane wrote a letter to state Education Minister Dada Bhuse, requesting a ban on wearing burqas at examination centres for the 10th and 12th board exams, citing concerns about potential cheating incidents. Advocating for uniformity in rules for Hindu and Muslim students, he stated that the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra, which follows the Hindutva ideology, will not tolerate the politics of appeasement. He added that those who wish to wear the hijab or burqa can do so at home, but not at examination centres. "Our government, which follows Hindutva ideology, will not tolerate the politics of appeasement. The rules that are applicable to Hindu students, the same should apply to Muslim students as well. Those who want to wear a burqa or hijab can wear it at their homes but at the examination centres, they should write their exams like other students," Rane, who is the Minister for Fisheries and Ports in Maharashtra government, told ANI. Meanwhile, Waghmare also reacted to PM Modi's statement 'AAPda walon ki lutiya Yamuna mein hi doobegi' and further slammed the AAP, saying that they have on all counts in Delhi. The Shiv Sena leader said, "AAP has a lot of criticism for their leaders. Their leaders have been to jail, they are having liquor corruption charges and the overall condition of Delhi is bad...On all counts, AAP has been failed in Delhi...So, I guess that's going to happen." (ANI)
Karnataka Minister Krishna Byre Gowda on Thursday said that the bodies of four people who were killed in the stampede at Mahakumbh will be brought to the state this evening. He said that senior officers are coordinating the effort. "IPS officer Hariram Shankar is coordinating the movement of mortal remains of four people from Kumbh Mela, moving in two ambulances towards Delhi. Special DC, Harsha from Belagavi is reaching Delhi. Both will ensure and also fly with the mortal remains to reach Belagavi this evening," Gowda told ANI. "Embalming will be done in Delhi. The 3:20 pm IndiGo flight for the mortal remains and four accompanying family members and officers has also been arranged by the Government of Karnataka. As of now, there is no report of any other injured or hospitalised. However, if directed, the Nodal Officer of Govt of Karnataka, Harshal Boyar, has been asked to take all measures necessary to find out if there are any more injured in any of the hospitals," he added. At least four devotees from Belagavi died in the stampede, confirmed Karnataka Police on Wednesday. Leaders across the political spectrum expressed condolences on the tragic stampede incident, that occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, killing 30 and injuring several others. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Vaibhav Krishna addressed the press and said that 25 bodies have been identified while the rest are yet to be identified. "A total of 30 people have died unfortunately in the stampede that took place at the Mahakumbh at Prayagraj. Twenty-five bodies have been identified and the rest five are yet to be identified," he added. Among the deceased, four are from Karnataka, one from Assam and one from Gujarat, the DIG said, adding that 36 people were being treated at a local medical college. (ANI)
The Anti-Human Trafficking Cell of Thane Police has arrested four women of Bangladeshi origin for illegally residing in the Manor Pada area of Thane West. The arrested individuals have been identified as Shazida Khatoon (38), Shalina Mulla (50), Ratna Khatoon (40), and Reshma Dhali (40). The women were found to be living in India without valid documentation, violating the Passport Act and Foreigners Act, said the police. Acting on a tip-off, the police conducted a raid and apprehended the four individuals. Investigations revealed that they had been residing in the area for an extended period without proper authorization. In addition to the arrests, the police have also booked the landlord of the property, Nitin Kondilkar, under the Foreigners Act. Kondilkar allegedly rented out his house to the women despite being aware of their illegal immigration status. The Thane Police have intensified efforts to crack down on illegal immigration and human trafficking in the region. Further investigations are underway to determine if the arrested individuals were involved in any other unlawful activities. Meanwhile, at least nine Bangladeshi immigrants were arrested from Mumbai's Ghatkopar area for residing illegally in the city, police stated on Wednesday. During the raids conducted on Tuesday as part of a special drive, authorities also discovered three children living with the group. Earlier, on January 22 three Bangladeshi nationals were sentenced to imprisonment and fined by the 8th Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) in Mumbai after being found guilty of illegally entering India and residing with forged documents. The judgment was pronounced by Addl CJM Kanchan Zanwar, based on evidence presented by the Crime Branch of Mumbai Police. According to a release from the Crime Branch of Mumbai Police, the case began on April 24, 2024, when the Criminal Intelligence Squad, under the leadership of Police Station Incharge Milind Kathe, received confidential information about Bangladeshi nationals entering India without proper travel documents. These individuals were alleged to have forged Indian citizenship documents and were residing illegally in Mumbai. (ANI)
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose paid floral tribute to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi on Thursday, marking his death anniversary. The state's minister, Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay, accompanied the governor. "This is a day when the Mahatma made supreme sacrifice for this nation. We are inspired by him. This reminds us that we should live by the ideals and principles of Mahatma Gandhi in the future. This nation has a great future because we were given freedom by the sacrifices made by millions under the initiative of Mahatma Gandhi," the Governor said after paying his tributes. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat. Taking to X, PM Modi posted, "Tributes to Pujya Bapu on his Punya Tithi. His ideals motivate us to build a developed India. I also pay tributes to all those martyred for our nation and recall their service as well as sacrifices." President Droupadi Murmu also paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat, on his death anniversary. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Manohar lal Khattar, MoS Defence Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff, and Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force were also present at the solemn occasion and also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi also paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at the Gandhi Memorial at Raj Ghat. India observes Martyrs' Day every year on January 30 to mark the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and to honour his contribution towards the freedom of the country. On this occasion of Martyrs' Day, the National Archives of India (NAI) and the National Gandhi Museum (NGM) in collaboration with the National Film Archives of India, and Prasar Bharati Archives have announced a special exhibition titled "Journey of the Mahatma: Through His Own Documents". The exhibition will be inaugurated by Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, grand-daughter of Mahatma Gandhi and Chairman of, the National Gandhi Museum in the Exhibition Hall of the National Gandhi Museum, Rajghat, New Delhi, according to an official release. This carefully curated exhibition traces the transformative journey of Mahatma Gandhi, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the life and legacy of the Father of the Nation. Through a combination of rare photographs, official documents, audio recordings, video clippings, and personal correspondences, the exhibition provides a vivid portrayal of Gandhi's path from his early life in Porbandar to his pivotal role in India's independence movement. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from the New Delhi assembly constituency Parvesh Verma on Thursday took a dig at Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), alleging it of 'threatening' people for votes ahead of February 5 assembly polls. Verma also targeted AAP over a vehicle seized from outside Delhi's Punjab Bhawan allegedly with alcohol, cash, and AAP campaign material. Verma claimed that thousands of people of AAP have come from Punjab and they have entered mohallas. "...I think that in the next 4-5 days, Delhi's security will be under threat. Thousands of people of AAP have come from Punjab. They do not campaign for elections. They have entered mohallas. There are vehicles from Punjab with 'Government of Punjab' written on them. The vehicle seized had the same words written on it, though it was a private vehicle," Verma said, addressing a press conference. Demanding an investigation into such vehicles, he said, "I have filed a complaint with the Delhi Police and Election Commission to take prompt action over this. All such vehicles, especially those moving in the New Delhi assembly constituency, should be checked. The criminal record of the occupants of these vehicles should also be checked." He stated that AAP and Arvind Kejriwal are losing elections. So, they are rattled and have been lying to the people of Delhi for the last week. "For the first time, people are being threatened in elections...Arvind Kejriwal is scared and he is lying to the people of Delhi in an attempt to save his government," the former Lok Sabha MP added. The remark comes after the Tilak Marg police station received information of a suspicious vehicle with a 'PB' number registration and 'Punjab sarkar' written on it parked near Punjab Bhavan. Upon inspection, the vehicle had various pamphlets of the Aam Aadmi Party, multiple liquor bottles and cash worth lakhs, according to Delhi police. However, the Punjab government issued a clarification that the number plate on the vehicle is "forged and fake" and refuted any allegations of the car being connected to the state government. Parvesh Verma is up against AAP's Arvind Kejriwal and Congress' Sandeep Dikshit from the New Delhi assembly constituency. In the previous two elections, held in 2020 and 2015, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) saw a resounding victory. The national capital is all set for a three-way contest between the ruling AAP, the main opposition BJP and Congress. (ANI)
An all-party meeting has commenced at the Parliament Annexe building in New Delhi ahead of the Budget session of the Parliament. The meeting is chaired by Union Ministers Rajnath Singh, Kiren Rijiju, JP Nadda, Arjun Ram Meghwal and L Murugan. Leaders from the different political parties, including Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh, K Suresh and Gaurav Gogoi and TMC MPs Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Derek O'Brien are present in this meeting. Along with them, RSP MP NK Premachandran, BJD MP Sasmit Patra, DMK MP TR Baalu, SP MP Ram Gopal Yadav, JMM MP Mahua Maji and several other MPs are present in the meeting. Before the commencement of the meeting, RSP MP NK Premachandran said that this is a routine meeting which is conducted before the parliamentary session, adding that the opposition is ready to have a smooth functioning of the Parliament. "The budget session starts tomorrow, so it is the usual practice of having an all-party meeting...The opposition is ready to have a smooth functioning of the Parliament if the government cooperates. But the government has to take the initiative for this...We are planning to raise so many issues including the economic slowdown, price rise, unemployment..." Premachandran told ANI. The budget session of Parliament will begin on January 31 and, according to schedule, will end on April 4. The budget will be presented on February 1. President Droupadi Murmu will address the joint sitting of both houses of Parliament on January 31. Parliament will have an inter-session break from February 14, and the two Houses will resume their sittings on March 10. On Monday, the Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Kiren Rijiju announced that the government has called an all-party meeting on January 30. On the upcoming Budget session of Parliament, Rijiju told ANI, "On 31st January, the Budget session of Parliament will start. Before it, on 30th January, we have called an all-party meeting." (ANI)
In a joint operation, the Assam Rifles and Mizoram Police recovered a large cache of explosives in the general area of Khankawn, Champhai, on January 29. Acting on specific intelligence regarding the movement of explosives, the security forces established a Mobile Vehicle Check Post on the Aizawl-Zokhawthar road (NH-6). said Assam Rifles. During the operation, a vehicle was intercepted and thoroughly searched, leading to the recovery of 4,450 electric detonators. One individual was apprehended in connection with the seizure. The detained person and the recovered items have been handed over to the Mizoram Police for further investigation. On January 19, Indian Army, Assam Rifles, Manipur Police, and other security forces recovered 35 weapons, ammunition, and warlike stores in a series of joint operations. The recoveries were made from various districts in Manipur, including Thoubal, Tengnoupal, Bishnupur, Churchandpur, Imphal West, Noney, Jiribam, and Kakching. "On January 19, acting on specific intelligence, the Indian Army, in coordination with Assam Rifles and Manipur Police launched a joint operation in Lungkhongjang ridge North of Bungte Chiru village in Bishnupur district and recovered one modified sniper rifle, five 9 mm pistols, two single barrel rifles, grenades, ammunition and war like stores," as per a Pro Defence Guwahati release. Similarly, on January 20, based on specific inputs, Indian Army launched another operation in near Khuga river and fringes of Dampi Ridge located at border areas of Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts in collaboration with CRPF and Manipur Police and recovered one 9mm Sub Machine Gun, one .303 rifle, one pistol, one single barrel breach loaded gun, one country made mortar, one grenade launcher, grenades ammunition and war like stores. "In Tengnoupal district, Assam Rifles on receiving specific intelligence of attempts of infiltration on January 20, along the Indo-Myanmar Borde near Yangoupokpi, laid ambushes along the likely infiltration route and apprehended a cadre. On questioning the arrested individual stated his affiliation with the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL)," the release read. An intelligence-based operation of presence of arms and ammunition launched by Assam Rifles in general area Maohing, Noney District on January 20, resulted in the recovery of a 9mm country-made pistol, one .303 rifle, one improvised projectile launcher, grenades, ammunition and war like stores. "On January 23, intelligence-based joint operations were conducted by Assam Rifles and Manipur Police in general area of Ngamukhong Fungi Ching (Leingangpokpi) in Thoubal District, which resulted in recovery of one country-made pistol, one single-bore country-made rifle, ten No. 36 hand grenades ammunition and war like stores," the release read. On the same day, Assam Rifles, in a joint operation with Manipur Police including Commando Teams, launched in the area between Heirok and Wangjing in Thoubal district, apprehended two KCP(PWG) cadres along with two 9mm pistols, ammunition and war-like stores. "In the Jiribam district a cordon and search operation launched by Assam Rifles and Manipur Police in the general area between Zairawn and Uchatol in Jiribam district on January 23-25 resulted in the recovery of one carbine, one single barrel gun, grenades and ammunition," the release read. (ANI)
BJP candidate from Bijwasan, Kailash Gahlot on Thursday slammed the AAP government for failing to address the water crisis in Delhi, despite repeated promises in 2015 and 2020 assembly polls. Speaking to ANI, Gahlot questioned the governance model of AAP, pointing to the lack of progress in providing water connections to every household and the persistent water scarcity in areas like Bijwasan, Najafgarh, Mehrauli, and Palam. "I want to ask AAP and Arvind Kejriwal which model of governance they have given to Delhi. It is a matter of shame, not only for Delhi but for the entire nation. AAP promised in 2015 to give water connection to every house in Delhi and then made the same promise in 2020. Now, we are in 2025, and people are facing the same water crisis. This situation is not only in Bijwasan but there is a huge water problem everywhere in Najafgarh, Mehrauli, and Palam," he said. "As per the reports of the Delhi government, 40% of the water is being wasted. You should tell what steps they have taken to stop water wastage," Gahlot added. The BJP leader also said that whenever they (AAP) are not able to do any work, they start blaming others. "Be it the central government, LG or the adjoining states. This time the people of Delhi have made up their minds andthe BJP government is going to be formed here," he said. The Delhi Assembly elections will take place on February 5, with the vote counting set for February 8. As the election date approaches, the contest has heated up, with the Bharatiya Janata Party, Congress, and the ruling Aam Aadmi Party all vying for victory. In the 2020 elections, AAP won 62 out of the 70 seats, while BJP secured just 8 seats. Congress, which ruled Delhi for 15 consecutive years, has struggled in recent polls, failing to secure any seats. (ANI)
Gaza City, Gaza (PANA) - Israeli legislation banning the UN agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA, is due to enter into force in the coming hours, bringing fundamental changes to its operations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, according to the agency and Palestinians they serve in Gaza who spoke with UN News on Wednesday
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday, launched a scathing attack on the BJP and the Uttar Pradesh government over Prayagraj's Kumbh Mela management, alleging severe lapses that led to casualties on Thursday. Speaking on the stampede-like situation at the religious gathering, Raut said, "This is a yog that occurs once every 144 years. The administration and the government knew there would be a massive crowd, yet they engaged in political marketing by claiming that 10 to 20 crore people would attend daily." He further criticised the presence of political dignitaries in Mahakumbh. "At such times, VIPs should stay away. The entire area was shut down for a day each for the Defence Minister, Home Minister, and other Central Ministers. This led to a chaotic situation," he said. He further alleged that there was "no system in place, no ambulances, no medical facilities," adding that "several Mahamandaleshwars suggested handing over the arrangements to the army." Raut also alleged that Mahakumbh was "politicized for propaganda," which ultimately resulted in increased fatalities." He stated that the Yogi government is responsible for the chaotic situation at the Mahakumbh. "The count of injured hasn't been done yet; many people are missing, including many women. Who is responsible for this? The central government is responsible. The Yogi government of Uttar Pradesh is responsible," he said. Raut also raised concerns over the allocation of funds for the event, claiming, "The budget for the Kumbh Mela was Rs10,000 crore, but reports suggest less than Rs1,000 crore was spent." This comes after a stampede-like situation arose at Mahakumbh in the early hours of Wednesday, resulting in several injuries. As per the latest update, at least 30 people were killed and 60 injured in the pre-dawn stampede on Wednesday at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Kumbh, Vaibhav Krishna said. He said twenty-five bodies have been identified. The incident occurred as millions of devotees gathered at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers to take a holy dip on the auspicious occasion of Mauni Amavasya, which also marks the day of the Second Shahi Snan. Uttar Pradesh government has announced financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh for the families of the deceased. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also ordered a judicial inquiry and said that a judicial committee will submit its report to the state government within a time limit. (ANI)
Governor of Andhra Pradesh S Abdul Nazeer paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his 77th death anniversary observed as Martyrs Day, by offering flowers to his portrait at a programme held in Durbar Hall at Raj Bhavan here on Thursday. Speaking on the occasion, Governor Nazeer has said that Mahatma Gandhi played a pivotal role in leading the freedom movement through his philosophy of non-violence, Satyagraha and civil disobedience. Mahatma Gandhi's life and ideals will always inspire the entire humanity, said the Governor. M Hari Jawaharlal, Secretary to Governor and other officers and staff members of Raj Bhavan attended the programme. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat in Delhi. Taking to X, PM Modi posted, "Tributes to Pujya Bapu on his Punya Tithi. His ideals motivate us to build a developed India. I also pay tributes to all those martyred for our nation and recall their service as well as sacrifices." President Droupadi Murmu also paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat, on his death anniversary. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Manohar lal Khattar, MoS Defence Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff, and Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force were also present at the solemn occasion and also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi also paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at the Gandhi Memorial at Raj Ghat. India observes Martyrs' Day every year on January 30 to mark the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and to honour his contribution towards the freedom of the country. On this occasion of Martyrs' Day, the National Archives of India (NAI) and the National Gandhi Museum (NGM) in collaboration with the National Film Archives of India, and Prasar Bharati Archives have announced a special exhibition titled "Journey of the Mahatma: Through His Own Documents". The exhibition will be inaugurated by Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, grand-daughter of Mahatma Gandhi and Chairman of, the National Gandhi Museum in the Exhibition Hall of the National Gandhi Museum, Rajghat, New Delhi, according to an official release. This carefully curated exhibition traces the transformative journey of Mahatma Gandhi, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the life and legacy of the Father of the Nation. Through a combination of rare photographs, official documents, audio recordings, video clippings, and personal correspondences, the exhibition provides a vivid portrayal of Gandhi's path from his early life in Porbandar to his pivotal role in India's independence movement. (ANI)
DGP Prashant Kumar and Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh on Thursday, arrived in Prayagraj to inspect the stampede that occurred on 29 January on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya. They will also oversee the security arrangements ahead of the third Amrit Snan scheduled for 3 February on the occasion of Vasant Panchami. DIG, Vaibhav Krishna announced that authorities are gearing up for the upcoming Amrit Snan on Vasant Panchami, strengthening duties and reopening all bridges due to reduced crowds. "We are making arrangements for the upcoming Amrit Snan on Vasant Panchami and the movement of pilgrims. Keeping that in mind, duties are being strengthened... We have reopened all the bridges because the crowd has reduced. Before Vasant Panchami, we will work according to our Zonal Plan... Just like no VIP movement was allowed on 29 January, no VIP movement will be allowed on 3 February... Our personnel are geared up for crowd management," he said. This comes after a stampede-like situation arose at Mahakumbh in the early hours of Wednesday, resulting in several injuries. As per the latest update, at least 30 people were killed and 60 injured in the pre-dawn stampede on Wednesday at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Kumbh, Vaibhav Krishna said. He said twenty-five bodies have been identified. The incident occurred as millions of devotees gathered at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers to take a holy dip on the auspicious occasion of Mauni Amavasya, which also marks the day of the Second Shahi Snan. Uttar Pradesh government has announced financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh for the families of the deceased. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also ordered a judicial inquiry and said that a judicial committee will submit its report to the state government within a time limit. "A three-member judicial commission will be headed by Justice Harsh Kumar, former DG VK Gupta and retired IAS DK Singh. We have been monitoring the entire incident from the CM's, Chief Secretary and DGP's control rooms throughout the day," he said. To monitor the situation of Maha Kumbh, Chief Minister Yogi has postponed his visit to Delhi for the election campaign. (ANI)
The theft occurred on January 25 aboard the Chennai Express, when Rajesh Jain, a gold merchant from Rajahmundry, reported the theft of his cash bag and the GRP swiftly tracked down the suspects within three days.

GRP Deputy Superintendent of Police, Ratna Raju, shared that the police acted swiftly by deploying three teams to trace the suspects. Within just three days, the GRP successfully arrested three individuals involved in the crime, including the mastermind, Sai Krishna, on January 28.

The investigation revealed that the gang had employed a clever modus operando to commit the crime. The police were able to recover the entire stolen amount of Rs 64 lakhs from the gang.

Meanwhile, a brazen theft occurred in Andhra Pradesh's Ananthapuramu district on January 23, where a gang of four men looted three houses near the national highway in Rajahamsa Villas in the district, according to the police.

The thieves made off with gold, silver, and cash worth lakhs, with one victim claiming a staggering loss of Rs 3 crore. Police have launched an investigation using CCTV footage and are working to apprehend the culprits.

According to Circle Inspector Sainath, the thieves targeted a government employee's house, making off with 3 tulas of gold, 1 kg of silver, and Rs 65,000 in cash. They also stole other tiny gold ornaments.

The owner of one of the other two houses Siva Reddy, claimed that the thieves stole a staggering Rs 3 crore worth of cash and ornaments. (ANI)
On the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary, Congress leaders in Himachal Pradesh gathered at the Ridge in Shimla to honor his legacy. The event saw the presence of Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania and Pradesh Congress President Pratibha Singh, along with other local leaders at the Ridge, the heart of Shimla, who gathered to honour Mahatma Gandhi's legacy. Speaking to journalists, Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania reflected on Gandhi's principles and the tragic circumstances of his assassination. "As we know, on this day, Mahatma Gandhi sacrificed his life. He was a worshipper of truth, integrity, and non-violence, and he dedicated his entire life to upholding these principles. Though foreign forces could not take Mahatma Gandhi's life, the unfortunate reality was that a man from our own nation shot him dead. Even in his last moments, he left us with a message uttering 'Hey Ram' as he breathed his last, for he was a devout Sanatani and deeply rooted in Hinduism," Pathania said. He further emphasized that January 30 is observed nationwide as Martyrs' Day in Gandhi's honour. He also acknowledged the sacrifices of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev, who were hanged in March for their role in the freedom struggle. "We also remember Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev, who laid down their lives for the country. May the blessings of Mahatma Gandhi from heaven continue to guide our nation and society towards progress," he added. On the sidelines of the event, Speaker Pathania also provided an update on the upcoming Himachal Pradesh Budget Session, announcing that it is likely to be held in the first week of March with an expected duration of 18 to 20 sittings. During the event, Pradesh Congress Chief Pratibha Singh also addressed the media, highlighting Gandhi's role in India's freedom movement. "Today, we remember Mahatma Gandhi with great reverence. He made the ultimate sacrifice for the country's independence and inspired countless people to follow the path of non-violence in pursuit of their goals. On this solemn day, as we mark his martyrdom, we offer our heartfelt tributes to Bapu," she said. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday chaired a review meeting on the implementation of three new criminal laws in Gujarat with state Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The Home Minister discussed in detail about the progress on the implementation of the three new laws--the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) that replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act, respectively. In the review meeting, the Home Minister assessed the Gujarat's preparedness for implementing these laws in step by step. Shah suggested that the Chief Minister of Guarat should review the progress of implementing the three new laws monthly, the Chief Secretary every 15 days, and the Director General of Police (DGP) weekly, along with officials from all relevant departments. He also directed the DGP to sensitize all police personnel, emphasizing that delivering timely justice should be their top priority. The meeting reviewed the implementation and current status of various new provisions related to police, prisons, courts, prosecution, and forensics in Gujarat. Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, chief secretary Raj Kumar and Director General of Police Vikas Sahay also attended the meeting along with other senior officers of the state. Director General of BPR&D, the Director General of NCRB, and several senior officials from the Union Home Ministry and the state government attended the meeting. During the discussion in the meeting, Union Home Minister noted that the essence of the three new criminal laws lies in the provision of delivering justice within three years, from the filing of an FIR till the verdict comes from Supreme Court. Appreciating the efforts made so far by the Gujarat government in implementing the new criminal laws, the Home Minister emphasized the need for their 100 per cent implementation in the state at the earliest. Shah mentioned that before registering cases under sections related to terrorism and organized crime, senior police officials should examine whether the case qualifies for the application of those sections. He emphasized that any misuse of these legal provisions would undermine the sanctity of the new criminal laws. The Minister emphasized the need for continuous monitoring of conversion of ZERO FIRs into regular FIRs. He also suggested establishing a system to enable the transfer of FIRs between two states through CCTNS (Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems). Shah also stressed upon ensuring the availability of more than one forensic science mobile van in every district. Additionally, he underlined the importance of constructing an adequate number of cubicles in hospitals and jails to facilitate evidence recording through video conferencing. He stated that in cases related to national security, trial in absentia should be initiated against fugitives who have been absconding from the country for a long time. The Minister mentioned that the Indian Civil Security Code includes provisions for Trial in Absentia, enabling action against such fugitive offenders. He also urged the state government to ensure that funds allocated under ICJS (Inter-operable Criminal Justice System) are utilized strictly in accordance with the standards set by the Central government. The Home Minister stated that the police should provide information about individuals detained for interrogation on an electronic dashboard. "Additionally, details of seizure lists and cases sent to courts should also be made available on the dashboard," directed Shah. He directed the state's DGP to ensure continuous monitoring of these matters. (ANI)
After BJP registered victory in the Chandigarh Mayoral elections, Chandigarh BJP vice president and husband of newly-elected Mayor, Devinder Singh Babla expressed his happiness stating that they were confident of their win. "We were confident that this will indeed happen," Devinder Singh Babla told ANI. Hitting out at the current Mayor and Aam Aadmi Party councillor Kuldeep Kumar, Babla accused him of committing corruption. He said, "Mayor Kuldeep Kumar made up for everything else that remained, he showed that he was looting the Corporation...We will get that inquired...Their Councillors saw how they were behaved with, and then they voted for us..." Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today registered its victory in the Chandigarh Mayoral Elections by winning 19 votes against the 17 votes of the AAP-Congress alliance. This comes ahead of the Delhi assembly polls where the poll battle has been intensified between AAP, BJP and Congress. In this election, BJP candidate Harpreet Kaur Babla emerged victorious over the Aam Aadmi Party candidate Prem Lata. There are a total of 36 votes in the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation, which includes the vote of 35 councillors and one Member of Parliament (MP) from the territory. A total of 19 votes was needed for the majority. The voting for the post of Mayor of Chandigarh Municipal Corporation started at around 11 am. During the voting, three councillors of the AAP-Congress alliance cross-voted against Prem Lata, carving a path of victory for the BJP. Moments before the commencement of the election, an FIR was also registered against former mayor and AAP councillor Kuldeep Kumar and his brother-in-law Rahul Chanalia on charges of corruption. This case is related to the alleged bribe in the recruitment of sanitation workers on a contract basis in the Municipal Corporation. The complainant Ravi Birla lodged a complaint on the SSP window on Tuesday, in which he alleged that Kuldeep Kumar's brother-in-law Rahul took a bribe of Rs 1 lakh in the name of a job as a sanitation worker, but did not give the job. According to Ravi, he had paid Rs 75,000 through online mediums and Rs 30,000 in cash. He has also presented 15 recordings and screenshots of online transactions in support of his complaint. The crime branch of Chandigarh Police registered an FIR within 24 hours, which further heated up the election atmosphere. (ANI)
Delhi Minister and AAP candidate from the Greater Kailash Assembly seat, Saurabh Bharadwaj, on Thursday, dared Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to drink water from drain number 6, which is allegedly releasing toxic industrial waste into the Yamuna River. He's even offered to give Saini 1 litre of water from the drain, saying, "...The people of the country are not fools. Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini should come to drain number 6, which is releasing toxic industrial waste in Yamuna from Haryana. I will give him 1 litre of water from that drain. He should drink that water and show the people..." Bharadwaj told ANI. This comes after Saini took a sip of Yamuna water to counter accusations made by Arvind Kejriwal that the Haryana government had "poisoned" the water supplied to Delhi. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini visited the banks of the Yamuna River in Delhi's Palla village on Wednesday, where he took a sip of water to counter accusations made by former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Kejriwal has accused the Haryana government of intentionally polluting the water, while Saini has dismissed these claims as "unfortunate" and politically motivated. Speaking to reporters, he said, "An unfortunate statement by Arvind Kejriwal was given to create fear in the minds of people for his political benefits."Saini further stressed, "Today, I have come here to the banks of the River Yamuna and took a sip of water from Yamuna. He said that the BJP government of Haryana has poisoned the Yamuna River. He spoke about mass genocide." (ANI)
Senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Gyanendra Pratap Singh, commonly known as GP Singh, took charge as the new Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on Thursday. The 1991 batch Indian Police Service officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, Singh assumed charge, taking over from officiating chief and Special Director General of the force Vitul Kumar, at CRPF Headquarters. He was appointed Director General of the CRPF by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet on January 18, 2025, with his tenure effective from the date he assumed charge. Singh's term with continue until his superannuation on November 30, 2027. Before his appointment, Singh held various key positions in law enforcement, including serving as the Director General of Assam Police. Over the years, he has played a crucial role in counter-insurgency operations, policing reforms, and maintaining law and order. As the new head of the CRPF, India's largest paramilitary force, Singh will be responsible for overseeing its operations across the country, including counter-terrorism, internal security, and law enforcement duties in conflict-prone regions. His leadership arrives at a time when the CRPF continues to play a vital role in national security and counter-insurgency efforts. Born on November 8, 1967, in Uttar Pradesh's Aligarh, Singh completed his schooling and higher education in Lucknow, earning both B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees. After completing his training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad, Singh began his career in Assam in 1992, a period marked by significant insurgency in the Northeast. He served as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Sonitpur, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) in Rangia, and ASP in Nalbari, contributing actively to counter-insurgency operations in Lower Assam. Singh held pivotal positions such as Superintendent of Police (SP) in Jorhat, Guwahati, and Barpeta. Notably, under his leadership, Jorhat conducted successful counter-insurgency operations without Army assistance. In 2002, he joined the Special Protection Group (SPG) in New Delhi, where he was responsible for the security of Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh. From 2013 to 2019, Singh served as Inspector General (IG) in the NIA, overseeing investigations into significant cases such as the Samjhauta, Malegaon, Ajmer Sharif, and Mecca Masjid bombings, as well as attacks on Indian military personnel in Pulwama, Uri, and Pathankot. He also led efforts to dismantle terrorist financing networks in Jammu and Kashmir. In December 2019, amid protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act, Singh was repatriated to Assam as Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) for Law and Order. He later served as Director of the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau and led the Rhino Protection Task Force. In February 2023, he was appointed as the Director General of Police (DGP) of Assam. (ANI)
The accused passenger arrived from Kuala Lumpur on Air Asia flight AK-023 on Wednesday and was caught during inepction, officials said.

According to an AIU officer, "In Trichy airport, one male passenger arriving from Kuala Lumpur by Air Asia flight No. AK-023 on Wednesday and seized one gold piece of 24 karat purity weighing 1141.000 grams valued Rs 94,53,185."

"The gold was extracted from paste-like materials concealed in his rectum," the official added.

Further investigation is underway in the case. (ANI)
Gaza City, Gaza (PANA) - UN Palestine refugee agency UNRWA on Thursday upheld its commitment to support millions across the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) as Israels order for it to cease operations went into effect
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) to take immediate action for the effective control of forest fire incidents in the state's highly sensitive districts, as per a release. The orders were issued in preparation for the upcoming forest fire season in 2025. As part of these efforts, ten senior officers from the Forest Department have been nominated as nodal officers of the districts to strengthen the coordination with the resources available as per the requirement and other line departments at the district level, a statement from the release stated. In advance of the forest fire season, the Uttarakhand Forest Department has issued an office order to appoint nodal officers before the forest fire season, due to which the preparations being made in forest fire management and district-level control and will be reviewed by the concerned nodal officer before the forest fire season. During the forest fire season, action can be taken to strengthen the management, effective control, monitoring, cooperation and coordination at the district level of forest fire incidents in the forest divisions. Along with this, to increase community participation in forest fire control and management, the Forest Department of Uttarakhand has been conducting research on-field personnel, SEA and the Forest Fire Management Committees to replicate the 'Sheetalakhet' model in all the divisions of the state under the Almora Forest Division. So far, exposure visits have been made to 20 teams from 15 forest divisions, in which a total of 970 personnel/Forest Panchayat Sarpanch etc. were present. (ANI)
Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Sasmit Patra on Thursday accused the BJP-led government at the Centre of not fulfilling the demand for special category status for Odisha, saying the ruling party at the Centre had made this promise it in its 2014 election manifesto. Patra accused the BJP of "backtracking" on its promise and said it is not being fulfilled even as there is a "double-engine" government. Speaking with ANI after an all-party meeting held ahead of Parliament's budget session, the BJD MP said his party will also raise issues of price rise and unemployment. He said BJD chief Naveen Patnaik had asked the parliamentary party members to strongly take up the demand for special category status for Odisha. "This has been a longstanding demand for the last two decades. BJD, people of Odisha and Naveen Patnaikji have been demanding it. BJP in its 2014 election manifesto had specified that they will ensure special category status for Odisha. Today, they are in power in Delhi (at Centre) and in Odisha, why is the special category status not coming? BJD will very strongly demand special category status for the state of Odisha....Today, the question arises as to why is the BJP backtracking from that commitment," he said. He also said that the party will raise issues concerning farmers. "They are in distress. Patnaikji had met farmers who suffered losses due to unseasonal rains," Patra said. BJP came to power in Odisha last year after ousting the BJD government led by Naveen Patnaik. An all-party meeting was held at the Parliament Annexe building in New Delhi ahead of the Budget session of Parliament which commences on Friday. Leaders from different political parties, including Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh, K Suresh and Gaurav Gogoi and TMC's Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Derek O'Brien attended the meeting. RSP's NK Premachandran DMK's TR Baalu, Samajwadi Party's Ram Gopal Yadav, and JMM's Mahua Maji were among those present. President Droupadi Murmu will address the joint sitting of both houses of Parliament on January 31. The union budget will be presented on February 1. (ANI)
The bodies of four devotees from Belagavi who died in Maha Kumbh stampede in Prayagraj on Wednesday will be transported from Prayagraj to Delhi and then airlifted to Belagavi, said Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mohammad Roshan on Thursday. Speaking to reporters, DC Roshan expressed the district's sorrow over the tragic incident, stating, "The incident that occurred in Prayagraj yesterday has deeply saddened all of us. Yesterday night, the district administration of Belagavi district as well as the government of Karnataka has taken steps to coordinate with the district administration of Prayagraj to shift the dead bodies to the district." "The decision was taken late last night to shift the deceased from Prayagraj to Delhi and then airlift the bodies from Delhi to Belagavi...We have made parallel arrangements in the city to do the post-mortem and other procedures in Belagavi," he added. Earlier in the day, Karnataka Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said that senior officers are overseeing the efforts to bring back the bodies. "IPS officer Hariram Shankar is coordinating the movement of mortal remains of four people from Kumbh Mela, moving in two ambulances towards Delhi. Special DC, Harsha from Belagavi is reaching Delhi. Both will ensure and also fly with the mortal remains to reach Belagavi this evening," Gowda told ANI. "The 3:20 pm IndiGo flight for the mortal remains and four accompanying family members and officers has also been arranged by the Government of Karnataka. As of now, there is no report of any other injured or hospitalised. However, if directed, the Nodal Officer of Govt of Karnataka, Harshal Boyar, has been asked to take all measures necessary to find out if there are any more injured in any of the hospitals," he added. The tragic stampede occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, claiming 30 lives and injuring several others, prompting an outpouring of condolences from political leaders. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Vaibhav Krishna addressed the press and said that 25 bodies have been identified while the rest are yet to be identified. "A total of 30 people have died unfortunately in the stampede that took place at the Mahakumbh at Prayagraj. Twenty-five bodies have been identified and the rest five are yet to be identified," he added. Among the deceased, four are from Karnataka, one from Assam and one from Gujarat, the DIG said, adding that 36 people were being treated at a local medical college. (ANI)
Amid electioneering for Delhi polls, Chief Minister Atishi on Thursday claimed that Delhi Police had reached Kapurthala House, where Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stays during his visits to the national capital, but sources in Election Commission said that no such raid has been conducted. Returning Officer OP Pandey said they received a complaint about money distribution. "We have to dispose of the complaint in 100 minutes. Our FST had come here which was not allowed to enter. I have come here to request them to let us enter along with a cameraperson. We will come back after an enquiry. The complaint of money distribution was received on the cVIGIL app," Pandey told reporters outside Kapurthala House when asked about the purpose of the visit. He said any citizen can make such a complaint. Atishi earlier alleged that Aam Aadmi Party was being targeted and said people will give their reply during polling on February 5. "Delhi Police has reached to raid Bhagwant Mann's house in Delhi. BJP people are distributing money, shoes, bedsheets in broad daylight - this is not visible. Instead, they reach to raid the residence of an elected Chief Minister. Wow BJP! Delhi people will give the answer on the 5th," Atishi posted on X. EC sources said no raid has been conducted at Kapurthala House. "The Election Commission of India has not conducted any raid on the Delhi residence of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Kapurthala House," an EC source said. Electioneering for Delhi polls has seen sharp attacks by BJP, AAP and Congress at each other. AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Congress, accusing the party of "collaborating" with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to ensure AAP's defeat in the polls. "Congress is not contesting elections in Delhi to win, but they are collaborating with the BJP so that AAP loses," Kejriwal said in a video address. Referring to his recent meeting with Congress supporters, the former Delhi Chief Minister claimed that Congress lost the Haryana elections despite having a strong chance of winning, due to internal conflicts within the party. "A few days ago, some people came to meet me, who were supporters of Congress since inception. Even though they said they would vote for Congress, they were also disappointed. They told me that Congress leaders are involved in infighting. They lost the Haryana elections that were in their corner," Kejriwal said.Appealing to Congress supporters to vote for AAP, he said that Congress leaders never speak against BJP leaders but constantly slam AAP. He also claimed that if the BJP comes to power, they will discontinue the welfare schemes introduced by the AAP government in Delhi. BJP has said that it will continue the schemes and has made a slew of promises in its election manifesto for Delhi polls. (ANI)
Amid the growing backlog of cases, the Supreme Court on Thursday relaxed the conditions for High Courts to recommend the appointment of retired judges on an ad hoc basis. CJI Sanjiv Khana, Justice BR Gavai and Justice Surya Kant stated that each High Court may appoint two to five judges, with the total number of appointees not exceeding 10 per cent of the court's total strength. The ad hoc judges will sit on a bench presided over by a sitting judge of the High Court and decide pending criminal appeals, the CJI-led three-judge Bench clarified. "We further observe that each HC may appoint ad hoc judges by taking recourse to Article 224A (the Constitution of India) the appointment of judges between two to five in number but not exceeding 10 per cent of the sanctioned strength. The ad hoc judges will sit in a bench presided over by a sitting judge of the High Court and decide pending criminal appeals", the Court noted in its order. The Court was hearing a plea filed by a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Lok Prahari, which had sought a resolution to the problem of pendency of cases in various High Courts. After noting the submissions in the matter, the Court observed that there is a rapid increase in the number of pending cases in almost all the High Courts of the country, and it passed the aforesaid directions. "The recent data, as per the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG), indicates that there has been an increase in pendency levels in almost all High Courts. More than 62 lakhs cases are pending before the High Courts in India as of 25-01-2025, of which more than 18,20,000 are criminal cases and more than 44,000 are civil cases", the Court observed. The Court had in April 2021 directed that vacancies for appointments of ad hoc judges should not be made if more than 80 per cent of the total strength of judges in High Courts is already either recommended or working. However, following today's hearing, the Court relaxed the aforesaid restriction and proceeded to direct that High Courts may appoint ad hoc judges regardless of the number of vacancies available. Such appointments shall not exceed a maximum limit of 10 per cent of the total strength of the High Court, it clarified. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday directed Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to ensure the implementation of the three new criminal laws in all commissionerates of the state by April 30, 2025, and across the entire state on the earliest. Amit Shah issued the directive while chairing a review meeting on the implementation of the three new criminal laws in Gujarat in the presence of the Gujarat Chief Minister here in the national capital. The meeting extensively discussed the progress on the implementation of the three new laws--the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)--which replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act, respectively. The meeting reviewed the implementation and present status of various new provisions relating to police, jail, courts, prosecution and forensics in Gujarat. During the discussion, the Home Minister said that the essence of the three new criminal laws introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi lies in the provision of delivering justice within three years, from the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) till the Supreme Court's verdict in any case. Appreciating the work done so far by the Gujarat government in implementing the new criminal laws, Shah said that "the Gujarat government should ensure the implementation of the new criminal laws in all commissionerates by April 30, 2025, and across the entire state at the earliest." He said it should be reviewed monthly by the Chief Minister of Gujarat, fortnightly by the State Home Minister and weekly at the level of Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) and Director General of Police. Shah stated that Gujarat has commendably achieved timely filing of charge sheets in over 92 per cent of cases involving sentences of more than 10 years. He emphasized that for the remaining cases, a review should be conducted to ensure the utilization of the provision in the Act that allows seeking permission from the court. The Home Minister said that Gujarat has done a commendable job in converting Zero FIRs into 100 per cent regular FIRs. He emphasized the need to establish a system where FIRs can be transferred between two states through the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS). He also suggested that Gujarat should adopt CCTNS 2.0. Regarding the provision of electronic evidence in the new laws, the Home Minister mentioned that the state's Home and Health Departments should hold meetings to ensure that post-mortem and other medical reports from hospitals are received electronically. Shah also emphasized the need to establish a system for recording evidence via video conferencing in prisons, government hospitals, banks, forensic science laboratories (FSL), and other premises. He said that there should be a video conferencing cubicle for every court in the prisons. Home Minister said that the police should provide the details of people detained for questioning on the electronic dashboard, along with the seizure list and the cases to be forwarded to the courts. He also directed the state Director General of Police for continuous monitoring of these cases. Shah asked to increase the network connectivity speed in police stations to 30 Mbps over the prescribed standards. The Home Minister said that the state government should issue circulars to ensure that provisions of organised crime, terrorism, and mob lynching, are not misused. For this, strict provisions should be made for permission from the highest level. He highlighted that the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) includes a provision for Trial in Absentia, which allows legal action against absconding criminals. He emphasized that a Trial in Absentia should be initiated against fugitives who have been evading the country for a long time in cases related to national security. The Home Minister emphasized ensuring the availability of at least two forensic science mobile vans in every district. He also stated that efforts should be made to ensure that all 12 kits used in mobile forensic vans are manufactured in India. Shah said that other states should also adopt Gujarat's initiative of Forensic Crime Manager. He emphasized the need to clear pending forensic cases through a special campaign. Highlighting the importance of forensic experts, he urged for the prompt recruitment of vacant positions in the forensic department. Home Minister stated that the Gujarat High Court issued directives on January 22, 2025, for all subordinate courts to implement e-processes, which is a commendable initiative. He emphasized that other states should also make efforts in this direction. Shah further urged for the prompt recruitment of vacant positions in the directorate of prosecution. He also stressed that judicial officers should be included in training programs, and training sessions should be conducted in coordination with judicial academies. The meeting was attended by Gujarat's Minister of State for Home, the Union Home Secretary, Gujarat's Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, the Director General of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), and several senior officials from the Union Home Ministry and the state government. (ANI)
The Gujarat Biodiversity Board has officially declared the 'Inland Mangrove Guneri' site in Guneri village, Lakhpat taluka, Kutch district, as Gujarat's first-ever 'Biodiversity Heritage Site', according to the state government. The announcement, made under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Forest and Environment Minister Mulubhai Bera, The goal is to preserve this unique mangrove ecosystem, which thrives in a rare non-tidal environment, enhancing the region's ecological importance. Kutch, known for its vibrant tourism and natural heritage, has achieved another milestone. Under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and the dedicated efforts of Forest and Environment Minister Mulubhai Bera, along with Minister of State Mukesh Patel, the Gujarat Biodiversity Board has officially designated a 32.78-hectare area in Guneri village, Lakhpat taluka, as the state's first 'Biodiversity Heritage Site', read a statement by the Gujarat government. This recognition not only bolsters Kutch's ecological identity but also contributes to biodiversity conservation. In a significant step towards the conservation and promotion of biodiversity, the Gujarat Biodiversity Board, under the Forest and Environment Department, has designated the 'Inland Mangrove Guneri' site in, Lakhpat taluka of Kutch district, as Gujarat's first 'Biodiversity Heritage Site', read the statement. Mangroves are typically found along coastlines where tidal waters flow in and out every 24 hours, creating a constantly swampy, muddy environment. However, the mangroves at Guneri, located 45 km from the Arabian Sea and 4 km from Kori Creek, present a rare ecological phenomenon. Unlike conventional mangrove ecosystems, this site does not receive tidal water inflow and lacks muddy or swampy conditions. Instead, the mangroves here flourish across a flat terrain spanning 32.78 hectares, resembling a dense forest--making it a unique and significant natural habitat. The statement said, "It is crucial for people to understand the unique significance of mangroves, which spread like a forest across flat land. To ensure their conservation and enhancement, the Gujarat Government, acting on the recommendation of the Gujarat Biodiversity Board, has officially declared the "Inland Mangrove Guneri" site in Lakhpat taluka, Kutch district, as Gujarat's first "Biodiversity Heritage Site" (BHS). Through the Gujarat Biodiversity Board's management plan, the site's flora and fauna will be protected and nurtured. The Gujarat government remains committed to preserving biodiversity while upholding the rights and special privileges of local communities. As part of this initiative capacity-building training programs will be conducted for residents, forest department personnel, and indigenous forest communities to enhance their role in biodiversity conservation and promotion as stated in the official notification issued by the Forest and Environment Department. (ANI)
On the death anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, on Thursday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami paid tribute to the martyrs by observing two minutes of silence at Uttarakhand Sadan, New Delhi. At the Secretariat in Dehradun, in the presence of Chief Secretary Radha Raturi, all officers also paid tribute to the martyrs by observing a two-minute silence. Remembering the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the Indian freedom struggle, a two-minute silence was observed in all the districts at 11:00 am and the martyrs were saluted. Meanwhile, Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary was observed across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat in Delhi. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi posted, "Tributes to Pujya Bapu on his Punya Tithi. His ideals motivate us to build a developed India. I also pay tribute to all those martyred for our nation and recall their service as well as sacrifices." President Droupadi Murmu also paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat on his death anniversary. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Manohar Lal Khattar, MoS Defence Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff, and Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force were also present at the solemn occasion and also paid tribute to the 'Father of the Nation.' Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi also paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at the Gandhi Memorial at Raj Ghat. India observes Martyrs' Day every year on January 30 to mark the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and to honour his contribution towards the freedom of the country. On this occasion, the National Archives of India (NAI) and the National Gandhi Museum (NGM), in collaboration with the National Film Archives of India and Prasar Bharati Archives, announced a special exhibition titled "Journey of the Mahatma: Through His Own Documents." (ANI)
The Delhi High Court on Thursday sought the response of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on the interim bail plea of Baramulla MP Rashid Engineer, who has been in Tihar Jail in connection with the Jammu and Kashmir terror-funding case, to attend the Parliament's Budget session. The Bench of Justice Vikas Mahajan noted that the NIA counsel had submitted that they needed time to take instructions on the matter. Engineer has sought interim bail from January 31 to April 5, aligning with the Parliament's session schedule. The first part of the Parliament's Budget session will begin on January 31, with the Union Budget scheduled for February 1, and will conclude on February 13. The second part of the session is set to commence on March 10 and will conclude on April 5, 2024. The counsel for Rashid Engineer submitted that his entire constituency cannot go unrepresented for a long period, as he was not granted interim bail during the last session. He also pointed out that his regular bail application has been pending since September 2024. However, the counsel for the NIA pointed out that the issue regarding whether the NIA court can hear cases involving MPs and MLAs is still pending. The High Court registry has approached the Supreme Court for clarification. Recently, the Delhi High Court issued notice to the NIA on Engineer's plea, which sought directions from the High Court to the trial court judge to expedite a decision on his pending regular bail application or to adjudicate the matter. Engineer moved the High Court after Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Chander Jit Singh, the special judge assigned to NIA cases, declined to rule on his bail application on December 23. The judge stated that the court only had the authority to hear miscellaneous applications, not bail petitions. Previously, the district judge returned the case to the ASJ court after a request from the ASJ to transfer the matter to a designated court for lawmakers, given Rashid Engineer's status as an MP. This transfer request was made with the consent of both the accused and the prosecuting agency, the NIA. The district judge's decision came after noting that the issue of court jurisdiction was still pending before the Delhi High Court. Until the High Court rules on jurisdiction, the ASJ court will continue to hear the case. Both Rashid's counsel and the NIA had agreed to keep the matter in the current court. In addition to the NIA's case, the special judge had suggested moving a related money laundering case and Rashid's regular bail application to the court designated for lawmakers. Rashid Engineer recently surrendered at Tihar Jail after his interim bail expired. This is related to the 2017 Jammu and Kashmir terror funding case currently being investigated by the NIA. Rashid was arrested in August 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). During his incarceration, he filed his nomination for the 2024 parliamentary elections from jail and won by a margin of 204,000 votes, defeating former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. In 2022, the NIA Court at Patiala House Court ordered the framing of charges against Rashid Engineer and several other key figures, including Hafiz Saeed, Syed Salahuddin, Yasin Malik, Shabbir Shah, Masrat Alam, Zahoor Ahmed Watali, Bitta Karate, Aftab Ahmed Shah, Avtar Ahmed Shah, Naeem Khan, and Bashir Ahmed Butt (also known as Peer Saifullah). The charges are part of an ongoing investigation into terror funding in Jammu and Kashmir, where the National Investigation Agency (NIA) alleges that various militant organisations, such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Hizbul Mujahideen, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and JKLF, collaborated with Pakistan's intelligence agency, ISI, to orchestrate attacks on civilians and security forces in the region. The NIA's investigation claims that in 1993, the All Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC) was formed to further separatist activities, with funding channeled through hawala and other covert methods. Hafiz Saeed, along with Hurriyat leaders, is accused of using these illicit funds to fuel unrest in Jammu and Kashmir, targeting security forces, inciting violence, burning schools, and damaging public property. The agency contends that these operations were designed to destabilise the region and promote terrorism under the guise of political resistance. (ANI)
Congress candidate from Kalkaji, Alka Lamba, expressed confidence in winning the seat in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections in 2025 on Thursday. Lamba criticised the water supply in Kalkaji, saying residents often go without water for days, and when it arrives, it's contaminated. She also hit back at former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's claim about Haryana poisoning the Yamuna, arguing that it shows his fear of losing the election over water issues. In a conversation with ANI she said, " I believe that the first seat Congress is going to win in Delhi will be the Kalkaji assembly constituency; this is my hard work...people have only one word to say: 'change'...the first issue is drinking water; the houses here don't get water for 4 consecutive days and when the water comes, it is filled with dirt." "Atishi knows that heavy water bills are coming...Kejriwal is saying that the Haryana government has mixed poison in the Yamuna River and they wanted to kill the people of Delhi...an educated (former) CM is using this kind of language because he knows that he is going to lose elections in Delhi because of the water issue," she added. Meanwhile, earlier in the day, Arvind Kejriwal launched a scathing attack on the Congress, accusing the party of "collaborating" with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to ensure AAP's defeat in the polls. "Congress is not contesting elections in Delhi to win, but they are collaborating with the BJP so that AAP loses," Kejriwal said in a video address. Referring to his recent meeting with Congress supporters, the former Delhi Chief Minister claimed that Congress lost the Haryana elections despite having a strong chance of winning due to internal conflicts within the party. "A few days ago, some people came to meet me who were supporters of Congress since its inception. Even though they said they would vote for Congress, they were also disappointed. They told me that Congress leaders are involved in infighting. They lost the Haryana elections that were in their corner," Kejriwal said. The Delhi polls are scheduled for February 5 and the results will be announced on 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)
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Aam Aadmi Party candidate from the Jangpura assembly constituency, Manish Sisodia, on Tuesday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party government in Haryana of being responsible for the deteriorating water quality in the Yamuna River. Asking BJP to take accountability of the issue, Sisodia questioned why BJP is trying to feed poisonous water to Delhi residents. "The poisonous water is coming from Haryana to Delhi. BJP should come forward and take responsibility for the issue (Yamuna River issue)...as they have their government in Haryana... Why are they trying to feed poisonous water to the people of Delhi? Sisodia told ANI. Earlier, Delhi Minister and AAP candidate from the Greater Kailash Assembly seat, Saurabh Bharadwaj, also challenged Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to drink water from drain number 6, which is allegedly releasing toxic industrial waste into the Yamuna River. Meanwhile, Sisodia, along with Samajwadi Party MP Iqra Hasan, visited Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah in Delhi on Thursday. The former Delhi Deputy CM highlighted the works done by AAP government in Delhi, and also emphasised that Samajwadi Party is supporting the party in the Delhi elections. "AAP has worked for the people of Delhi...On one hand, there are people who have looted the people of Delhi and on the other hand, we are there who have given medical, education and several other facilities to the people...The Samajwadi Party is supporting the AAP party and Akhilesh Yadav is doing rallies with Arvind Kejriwal," he said. SP leader Iqra Hasan also slammed the Uttar Pradesh government over the Maha Kumbh stampede, alleging poor crowd management. Speaking with ANI, Hasan said, "The government should take responsibility for the incident that took place...There were no proper arrangements for the crowd that arrived there...The government always runs away from their responsibilities." As the assembly elections inch closer, the poll battle in the national capital has also intensified, with the three parties--AAP, BJP, and Congress--levelling allegations against each other. Delhi will go for polls in a single phase on February 5, while the counting of votes will take place on 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 seat. In contrast, the AAP dominated the 2020 assembly elections by winning 62 out of 70 seats while the BJP got only eight seats. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Kumar Nishad expressed his sorrow over the tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj on Thursday, offering condolences to the victims and their families, assuring that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had ordered a probe into the matter. Sanjay Kumar Nishad acknowledged that people from various states attended the event and emphasised the need for both the state government and opposition to collaborate in preventing such incidents in the future. Speaking with ANI, UP minister Nishad said, "This is a tragic incident. We are sad about what happened...CM has ordered a probe into this... Opposition will make their statements but UP is a big state and people from other states are also coming (for the event)... Both the state government and the opposition together need to work to ensure such incidents don't repeat. On Wednesday, during a press conference, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Kumbh, Vaibhav Krishna, said, "A total of 30 people have died, unfortunately, in the stampede that took place at the Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj. Twenty-five bodies have been identified and the remaining five are yet to be identified." The DIG also stated that among the deceased, four were from Karnataka, one from Assam, and one from Gujarat. Additionally, 36 people were receiving treatment at a local medical college. The Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, is taking place in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, 2025. According to tradition, pilgrims gather at the Sangam--the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the now-extinct Saraswati rivers--to take a holy dip, which is believed to absolve sins and grant moksha (liberation). The remaining significant 'snan' dates in Maha Kumbh are February 3 (Basant Panchami--Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri). (ANI)
PM Modi was also seen interacting with people present at Gandhi Smriti to attend the prayer meeting.

Earlier on Thursday, the Prime Minister paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 77th death anniversary.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi said, "Tributes to Pujya Bapu on his Punya Tithi. His ideals motivate us to build a developed India. I also pay tributes to all those martyred for our nation and recall their service as well as sacrifices."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary, stating that his thoughts towards cleanliness, self-reliance and empowerment of rural India will continue to inspire the people of the nation.

"On behalf of the grateful nation, I pay my tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, the leading figure of the Indian freedom movement, who popularised the Indian values of truth, non-violence and fight against injustice across the world, on his death anniversary. Mahatma Gandhi strengthened the freedom movement by binding the country in the thread of unity. His thoughts towards cleanliness, self-reliance and empowerment of rural India will continue to inspire the countrymen," Shah posted on X.

Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar town of Gujarat, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, known as Mahatma Gandhi, was a pioneer of non-violent resistance and played a key role in the Indian freedom struggle against British colonial rule.

On January 30, 1948, Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse at Gandhi Smriti in Birla's house, just months after India's independence. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday while addressing a public meeting in the Rohini Assembly constituency ahead of the upcoming Delhi elections, took a jibe at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of being involved in various corruption scandals, despite claiming to be "Kattar Imaandar." "Kejriwal has claimed to be honest and refers to himself as 'Kattar Imaandar' but over the years, he alongside his party has been involved in scams totalling thousands of crores. He was also a part of the liquor scam and was involved in a scam of Rs 2,84,000 related to the Jal Board. He was also a part of a scam of Rs 5,400 which was related to ration distribution. The list of the scams goes on and on..." he further added. Furthermore, he said that removing AAP-da meant answering the corruption of 10 years of AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal. Shah further emphasised that the upcoming election provided an opportunity for Delhi voters to rid the capital of Kejriwal and AAP's governance and bring in a "double-engine" government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. "Removing AAP-da means answering the corruption of 10 years of Arvind Kejriwal. On February 5, the people of Delhi have a chance to remove AAP from Delhi and form a double-engine government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi..." Shah said addressing the rally. Shah also accused the AAP government of turning Delhi into a "garbage dump" and promised that under BJP's rule, the city would be cleaned and beautified. He further criticised Kejriwal for blocking the Rs 5 lakh medical insurance coverage for Delhi residents under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. "For 10 years, AAP turned the whole of Delhi into a garbage dump. These people keep making excuses. Delhi will become beautiful, mountains of garbage will disappear, roads and streets will be cleaned..." he further added. "AAP promised to double the number of hospital rooms. Instead, they blocked Rs 5 lakh medical insurance coverage of the Delhi residents under the Ayushman scheme. Help us win Delhi, and we will ensure you receive Rs 10 lakh in medical coverage..." he added. He also called AAP a "party of lies and deceit," accusing Kejriwal of making false promises. "AAP means lies and deceit. They promised to close down the liquor shops in residential areas. Instead of closing, Kejriwal opened liquor shops near mandirs and schools... Kejriwal was a part of liquor scams worth crores, and hence he was jailed..." he further added. Shah raised questions about the toxic water issue in the Yamuna River, questioning Kejriwal's claims about "poisoned" water and demanding to know which poison had been mixed and where it had been tested. "They say that BJP people have mixed poison in the Yamuna water from Haryana to trouble the people of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, which poison have you mixed? In which laboratory did you get it tested? You are saying that you have stopped the poisoned water... but villages are still getting flooded. Tell me, has any village in Delhi been flooded though...?" he questioned. The Delhi Assembly elections are scheduled for February 5, with results set to be announced on February 8. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) aims to reclaim power in Delhi after nearly 27 years, while the AAP, which dominated the 2015 and 2020 elections, seeks to retain its stronghold in the capital. (ANI)
The Punjab Police on Thursday arrested two operatives and recovered two grenades and one pistol along with live catridges following a brief exchange of fire, as per the Director General of Punjab (DGP) Police. The arrest was made after the police received secret information. The arrested have been identified as Robinjeet Singh an Harpreet Sing and belonged to the Satta Naushehra Gang. Taking to social media X, DGP in a post wrote "Acting swiftly on secret information, 2 operatives (Robinjeet Singh & Harpreet Singh of USA-based Gurdev Singh and Canada-based terrorist Lakhbir, Satta Naushehra Gang apprehended after brief exchange of fire, and recovered 2 grenades and 1 pistol along with live cartridges." As per the DGP, when the police made an attempt to apprehend the accused, they were attacked. To this, the police acted in self defense after which the accused suffered injuries. Both accused have been admitted to the Civil Hospital. "When police team tried to apprehend them they attacked police team and tried to flee from the spot, in-response the police acted in self-defense, during which both accused sustained injuries. They have been admitted to the Civil Hospital, where they are reported to be in stable condition," the post further read. A First Information Report has been registered by the police. Further investigations are underway to establish the backward and forward linkages. "An FIR has been registered by Tarn TaranPolice. Further investigations are ongoing to establish backward and forward linkages," the post further read. On January 28, the Punjab Police's SSOC Amritsar dismantled a Pakistan-ISI-backed narco-terrorism network. The module, operated by USA-based Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passian and notorious drug smuggler Sarwan Bhola, was involved in the attack on the Gumtala Police Post in Amritsar with a hand grenade. Two individuals connected to the operation have been arrested, according to Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on Tuesday. (ANI)
Andhra Pradesh Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh on Thursday launched a new initiative, 'Mana Mitra,' aimed at providing civil services to citizens via WhatsApp. The launch took place at Lokesh's residence in Undavalli, Amaravati, according to a release. The state government has allotted an official WhatsApp number for this. Speaking on the occasion, Minister Nara Lokesh said, "I have done a 3,132 km padayatra called the "Yuvagalam" padayatra. This idea started from the Yuvagalam padayatra. You will understand if you watch my speeches. These days at the press of a button, we are watching a movie, food is delivered, and a cab is coming. The question arose as to why the government does not come to the people. I said that day that I was accepting that challenge. That is why WhatsApp Governance is being launched with the slogan 'Mana Mitra', government in the hands of the people, governance in the hands of the people, ours is the people's government." Lokesh further said that he got an opportunity during the padayatra to know the problems faced by the people. "During my padayatra, I got an opportunity to know directly the problems faced by the people. From the time I got off the bus in the morning and started the padayatra until I got back on the bus, I was with the people, activists, and leaders. I listened to their problems. I met farmers, women, students, and people from caste backgrounds. They all asked the same thing. Why do we have to take the caste certificate so many times? Why do we have to go to the authorities again for the income certificate? Why can't we pay the power bill seamlessly? Why do we have to take the ticket only after boarding the bus? They asked me repeatedly whether we shouldn't take it in advance..." he said. Further, he added that the flaws in the system should be corrected. "During the last five years of rule, certificates were not issued. I thought that the flaws in the system should be corrected. It started with the idea that no one should have to worry about certificates. Every house has a smartphone in their pocket. 60% of people have a smartphone. They all install WhatsApp. I thought of working with WhatsApp during the Yuvagalam Padayatra. I met and spoke to Meta India Head Sandhya. Nowhere in the world have so many services been brought through a single platform. Not even in terms of government. They asked if you could do it. On October 22 last year, an agreement was signed with Meta in Delhi. That day, I accepted the challenge. It was said that we would launch it by December. We are launching it three months and 9 days after the MoU..." he further added. Talking about the Whatsapp Governance system, he said that 36 departments would be connected and 161 civil services would be made available in the first phase. "36 departments will have to be connected to WhatsApp Governance. This is a very complicated task. In the first phase, we are making 161 civil services available. In the second phase, we will start 360 civil services. WhatsApp Governance is the bridge between the government and the people. The public government takes the responsibility of providing certificates in real-time. When certificates are provided, there will be a special QR code on them. If you scan that QR code, the link will go to the AP government website. With this, there will be no room for fake certificates," he said. Furthermore, he added that blockchain technology would be brought soon and several other services had been brought through number selection. "We have also decided to bring blockchain technology soon. Now, we have brought many services along with revenue, municipal, and endowment services through number selection. In the second phase, we will also implement it through AI bot and voice. We are the first state in the world to implement WhatsApp governance. There is a need to improve this further. There is still a lot to learn. We will correct the shortcomings and make it even better. We are also taking information from all departments in real-time governance and codifying it. We will create a data lake and provide seamless services. Our team has worked tirelessly for the last three months. We have been testing for the last 15 days. I understand that we need to make more improvements. This is a journey. We will make it an ideal product in six months. We will make all the services available. Even if we keep the promise of the padayatra. People will see how much change will come in six months," he said. Meta India Vice President and Head Sandhya Devanathan said, "It is a great pleasure to be among you today. "Mana Mitra" WhatsApp services are being launched. WhatsApp plays a prominent role in everyone's life. We will provide 161 civic services to everyone through our friends. We have created WhatsApp governance to make it easy for people to use. We have worked hard for WhatsApp governance services. We will make Mana Mitra even better together with the AP government." WhatsApp Director and India Head Ravi Garg said, "We are working with many state governments across the country. However, there is no place where all types of services are provided on a single platform. We will further develop our Mitra WhatsApp Governance and make more services available." Mr. Garg said that people can easily access civic services by typing "Hi". He said that currently 161 types of services are being made available. Bhaskar Katamaneni, Secretary, IT, Electronics and Communication Department, RTGS CEO K. Dinesh and others participated in this program. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ten years in power as a turning point in India's history, asserting that it marks the end of one era and the beginning of another. Speaking at the launch of the book Indian Renaissance: The Modi Decade, Shah stated that the transformative changes brought by Modi's leadership would be recognized even by his harshest critics. Shah further asserted that when India's history is written, Modi's decade of governance will be inscribed in golden letters. The statement comes as the Modi government highlights its achievements over the past ten years, ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. "Ten years of PM Modi... will truly mark the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. Whenever the history of India will be written, even Modiji's 10 years of rule will have to be written in golden letters by his harshest critics, this is my firm belief," Shah said. In his speech, Shah highlighted India's transformation over the past decade, noting the nation's economic progress, social reforms, successful response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the various welfare schemes implemented for the people. Shah also underlined that the Modi government has reshaped India's political, economic, and social landscape, propelling the nation to the world's fifth-largest economy from 11th place in 2014. He stated that India's history will need to be divided into three key phases: before and after Independence, before and after the Emergency, and before and after the Modi era. The Home Minister also conveyed that Modi's leadership had ushered in a transformative period, comparable to some of the most defining moments in India's past. He expressed his confidence that even Modi's critics would eventually recognise the significance of his decade in power. The event, attended by political leaders, intellectuals, and scholars, offered a moment of reflection on the policies, reforms, and visions that have defined India's trajectory over the past ten years. (ANI)
Punjab's Bharatiya Janata Punjab (BJP) President Sunil Jakhar on Thursday lashed out at Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for not taking action regarding the vandalism of a statue of BR Ambedkar in Amritsar He further accused Mann of only focusing on protecting the AAP government in Punjab "Bhagwant Mann does not care about the insult of Babasaheb Ambedkar but only cares about saving AAP's government in Punjab. BR Ambedkar's statue is not just a statue, it is an ideology of the creator of the Constitution... He is the faith of not only the Scheduled castes but the entire nation," he said. This comes after a youth on Republic Day vandalised the life-size statue of Ambedkar in Amritsar by climbing atop it and striking it with a hammer. A video of the incident had gone viral on social media. Jakhar further accused Mann of misleading the people of Punjab, questioning how the state government could have allowed such an act. "This is not a small deed, you are misleading the people of Punjab. How could the government of Punjab bend before the extremists... Bhagwant Mann has lost the right to put photos of Babasaheb Ambedkar and Shaheed Bhagat Singh..." he said. On Tuesday, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal sought an apology from the AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal after the incident. "Kejriwal ji should apologise to the nation. There is an AAP government in Punjab and the statue of Baba Saheb Ambedkar was vandalised in front of everyone. He should apologise," said Meghwal while talking to media on Tuesday. On January 27, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva also accused the Punjab government of complicity in the act, stating that such a heinous incident could not have occurred without the consent of the state government. Speaking to ANI, Sachdeva demanded CM Mann's resignation and an apology. "Without the consent of the government, without the consent of Arvind Kejriwal, such a heinous act could not happen. They have insulted Dalits--the whole of India. Bhagwant Mann should resign and all of them should apologise immediately," he said. (ANI)
The arrested individuals, Dhanesh Ram Dhruw alias Guru Jee and Ramswarup Markam, were associates of Naxal members and were actively involved in providing logistical support to the perpetrators of the IED explosion, which took place on November 17, 2023, in Badegobra village of Gariyaband district in Chhattisgarh during the state assembly polls.

An Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) head constable was martyred in the blast, which was triggered by the assailants when the polling team, accompanied by security personnel, was returning from village Badegobra after completing the voting process.

According to NIA investigations,the attack was planned by Naxal central committee members Ganesh Uikey and Manoj, and special zonal committee ember Satyam Gawade, following the terrorist outfit's call for the boycott of the assembly polls in the state. The explosion was carried out by cadres of Gobra Dalam of Naxals with the support of OGWs from Badegobra and Chhotegobra villages.

The case, initially registered at Mainpur police station, was taken over by the NIA on February 22 last year. In December 2024, the agency filed a chargesheet against 10 accused in the case, with further investigations ongoing. (ANI)
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday expressed confidence that Delhi would vote out the Aam Admi Party (AAP) and said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will come to power in the national capital. The BJP leader further accused the AAP of "corruption" and "lying" Maharashtra CM campaigned for BJP candidate Praveen Nimesh, who is contesting for the Gokal Pur Assembly seat. "Delhi has made up its mind. The people of Delhi are going to go with BJP. The women of Delhi are going to bring about the change in Delhi. The sisters of Delhi have decided to keep the fake Kejriwal government at home and bring the BJP government. A BJP government will come to power in Delhi under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Fadnavis told reporters here. Fadnavis further accused Kejriwal of betraying social activist Anna Hazare, claiming he sidestepped the latter to sit on the Chief Ministerial seat. "The people of Delhi have seen Arvind Kejriwal's rule for ten years. When Arvind Kejriwal came to Delhi, he came holding the hand and finger of Anna Hazare and saying that corruption has to be eradicated. Delhi has to be decorated, he came saying such things. I don't know when he pushed Anna Hazare also and came and sat on the Delhi seat (CM seat). I am from Maharashtra, and I always meet Anna Hazare, who says that if there has to be the most dishonest person in the country, it would be Kejriwal," he said. "If a competition of lying and corruption is held in the Olympics, Arvind Kejriwal and the leaders of the AAP party will take all the gold medals...," the BJP leader further added. As the Delhi assembly elections approach, the political battle has intensified with allegations flying between the three major parties: AAP, BJP, and Congress. Delhi will vote in a single phase on February 5, with vote counting scheduled for February 8. The Congress, which ruled Delhi for 15 consecutive years, has faced setbacks in the last two elections, failing to secure any seats. In contrast, AAP dominated the 2020 assembly elections, winning 62 out of 70 seats, while the BJP managed only eight. (ANI)
The two-day "National Conference on Good Governance," commenced in Gandhinagar on Thursday, with Union Minister of State for the Department of Science and Technology Jitendra Singh and Finance Minister of Gujarat Kanubhai Desai inaugurating the event. During the inaugural ceremony, the dignitaries launched the 'Minimum Government, Maximum Governance e-Journal' and the 'State Collaborative Initiative Portal,' as announced by the Gujarat Chief Minister's Office. During the event, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed his gratitude to the Government of Gujarat for successfully organising the conference. He referred to Gujarat as a reliable model state for good governance and emphasised that there is no better option in the country for hosting seminars or conferences focused on governance and administrative excellence. He noted that in the 1990s, the only venue for national conferences in Gujarat was IIM Ahmedabad. However, today, under the visionary leadership of PM Narendra Modi, Gujarat has become a hub for hosting numerous international-level conferences. He noted that, after taking office as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inspired the idea of organizing the National Conference on Good Governance in various states, said the release. As a result, this conference has been successfully held across the country. However, Gujarat stands out as the only state that consistently hosts multiple international and national-level conferences. The state is not only a leader in infrastructure development but also a benchmark in e-governance. Gujarat has been at the forefront of developing various digital services, including online platforms, portals, and dashboards, setting an example for others nationwide. To realize the Prime Minister's core principle of 'Minimum Government, Maximum Governance,' the Government of India is working with complete transparency, placing citizens at the centre and leveraging technology to its fullest potential, added the release. Additionally, through its zero-tolerance policy against corruption and timely execution of initiatives, the government is ensuring that citizens experience the essence of 'Minimum Government, Maximum Governance,' the Union Minister stated. In this context, he also presented several examples to illustrate the impact of these efforts. Also, he provided a detailed overview of key initiatives undertaken by the Government of India, including CPGRAMS, the Online RTI Portal, Employment Fairs, Facial Recognition Technology, Mission Karmayogi, and Chintan Shibir. He also urged delegates from various states to engage in thoughtful discussions and deliberations to further promote good governance in the interest of citizens, the release mentioned. Gujarat's Finance Minister, Kanubhai Desai, emphasized the importance of good governance as the foundation of a developed society. He highlighted that the Government of Gujarat is devoted to implementing governance reforms, promoting transparency, enhancing efficiency, and empowering citizens. As a result of these initiatives, Gujarat has achieved a leading position in the Ease of Doing Business rankings. In the pursuit of building Viksit Bharat, the Gujarat model has emerged as a framework for proactive, responsive, and accountable governance. He stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always emphasized that good governance is not just a policy but a tradition rooted in efficiency, accountability, and administrative transparency that ultimately benefits citizens, the release said. The main objective of the government is to ensure that public services are delivered in an efficient, transparent, and easily accessible way. As the then Chief Minister of Gujarat and now PM Modi implemented several reforms to improve good governance in the state. Continuing this vision, the Gujarat government, under Chief Minister Patel's leadership, is now implementing real-time monitoring of various public service processes. This initiative aims to ensure faster, more efficient, and transparent service delivery to citizens. He stated that the Gujarat Government is well-prepared to utilize databases, data management, AI-driven solutions, and citizen-centric services. The government is continuously working to ensure real-time service delivery through digital governance. With these reforms, the citizens of the state will be able to access quick, paperless services anytime and from anywhere. As part of its e-governance and good governance initiatives, several online portals are currently operational, including e-Sarkar, the Karmayogi Application, Digital Gujarat, IFMS, i-Khedut, Vishwas, and Swagat, the release said. The Secretary of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) of the Government of India, V. Srinivas, stated that both the central and state governments are increasingly prioritising the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology in promoting good governance for the public benefit. Under the guidance of the Prime Minister, Gujarat has received the highest number of 'PM Awards' for best practices in the field of good governance, including initiatives such as the Vidya Samiksha Kendra, Swachh Bharat Mission, and the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. He also praised the 'Swagat' online platform, launched in 2003, as an exemplary model of good governance, said the release. This two-day conference will include six plenary sessions, during which various departments of the Government of Gujarat will showcase their best practices in good governance. Over 100 representatives from 28 states across India will participate, facilitating discussions on effective governance systems that extend beyond Gujarat. The Secretary expressed gratitude to the Government of Gujarat for its excellent and successful organization of the conference, the release mentioned. The Additional Chief Secretary of the General Administration Department, Kamal Dayani, emphasised the importance of e-governance for effective governance. All government offices in Gujarat have adopted e-governance by leveraging technology and moving away from manual processes. In today's fast-paced technological era, citizens expect quicker services, and the state government is responding by delivering more efficient and prompt services through the use of various technologies, including Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain. Departments such as Finance and Revenue in Gujarat are actively working to enhance services for citizens, thereby playing a vital role in promoting good governance, the release said. The Principal Secretary of the Science and Technology Department of Gujarat, Mona Khandare provided a comprehensive overview of various governance initiatives implemented in the state under the digital vision of the then Chief Minister and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These initiatives, including e-Gram and the GSWAN network, have played a significant role in advancing digital governance. She emphasized that Gujarat has effectively leveraged digital technology to enhance citizen services and public infrastructure, said the release. At the conclusion of the programme, Tushaba Shinde, Director of DARPG, expressed gratitude. Meanwhile, Smt. Sarita Chauhan, Joint Secretary of DARPG, Dr S.N. Tripathi, Director General of the Indian Institute of Public Administration, along with senior officials from the Government of India, the Government of Gujarat, and various other states, were present at the event, added the release. Jitendra Singh was impressed during his visit to Gujarat, where he toured the country's first Financial-Tech City, GIFT City. During the visit, Hasmukh Adhia, Chairman of GIFT City and Chief Advisor to the Chief Minister, provided the Union Minister with a detailed briefing on the objectives of GIFT City, its available facilities, investment opportunities, and its single-window system. After gaining insights and witnessing the newly established AI Center of Excellence at GIFT City, the Union Minister expressed his appreciation and extended his congratulations to the Government of Gujarat, the release mentioned. (ANI)
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday launched a strong attack on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal during a campaign for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, saying that former Delhi CM had promised that he would clean the Yamuna river and would take a dip in it along with his cabinet. Speaking at a rally in Balbir Nagar, Maharashtra CM Fadnavis targets Arvind Kejriwal over Yamuna pollution. "Arvind Kejriwal had promised that he would clean the Yamuna river and take a dip in it along with his cabinet and ask for votes. But the Yamuna water is even more dirty than earlier...Arvind Kejriwal ji abhi apne cabinet ke saath chullu bhar paani mein dubki maaro aur Delhi se alvida ho jao... this is what the people of Delhi are saying to you...." he said. While campaigning for BJP candidate Praveen Nimesh in the Gokal Pur Assembly seat, Fadnavis expressed confidence that the BJP would emerge victorious in the national capital. "Delhi has made up its mind. The people of Delhi are going to go with BJP. The women of Delhi are going to bring about the change in Delhi. The sisters of Delhi have decided to keep the fake Kejriwal government at home and bring the BJP government. A BJP government will come to power in Delhi under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Fadnavis told reporters here. Fadnavis further accused Kejriwal of betraying social activist Anna Hazare, claiming he sidestepped the latter to sit on the Chief Ministerial seat. "The people of Delhi have seen Arvind Kejriwal's rule for ten years. When Arvind Kejriwal came to Delhi, he came holding the hand and finger of Anna Hazare and saying that corruption has to be eradicated. Delhi has to be decorated, he came saying such things. I don't know when he pushed Anna Hazare also and came and sat on the Delhi seat (CM seat). I am from Maharashtra, and I always meet Anna Hazare, who says that if there has to be the most dishonest person in the country, it would be Kejriwal," he said. "If a competition of lying and corruption is held in the Olympics, Arvind Kejriwal and the leaders of the AAP party will take all the gold medals...," the BJP leader further added. As the Delhi assembly elections approach, the political battle has intensified with allegations flying between the three major parties: AAP, BJP, and Congress. Delhi will vote in a single phase on February 5, with vote counting scheduled for February 8. The Congress, which ruled Delhi for 15 consecutive years, has faced setbacks in the last two elections, failing to secure any seats. In contrast, AAP dominated the 2020 assembly elections, winning 62 out of 70 seats, while the BJP managed only eight. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah came out heavily against the Aam Aadmi Party ahead of the assembly elections, accusing the Delhi government of opening liquor shops near schools, temples, gurudwaras in the nation capital. Levelling plethora of allegations against AAP, Shah alleged a liquor scam of Rs 1200 crore, water board scam of Rs 28,400 crore and a school classroom scam of Rs 1,300 crore. "They had said that we will fight against corruption. Kejriwal had promised to make Delhi alcohol free but you opened liquor shops near schools, temples, gurudwaras," Shah said addressing a public meeting in the New Delhi assembly constituency. "They did a liquor scam of Rs 1,200 crore, a water board scam of Rs 28,400 crore...a school classroom scam of Rs 1,300 crore...List is so long that if I keep on reading then the day for the victory parade of Parvesh Verma will come but the list won't end. They came with the promise of ending corruption but they adopted corruption itself," he added. The Home Minister was campaigning for BJP candidate Parvesh Verma from the seat and urged voters to make Verma win, adding that it will lead to a change in government automatically. "This is the time to get rid of the AAP-DA government that has lied, deceived and cheated for 10 years. If you make Pravesh Verma win, Kejriwal's government will change automatically," said Shah. Attacking AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal Shah said, "I have never seen in my life a person who lies so much and deceives so much (like Kejriwal). He (Kejriwal) had said that we would not form a political party, but we formed a party. He had said that he would put Sheila Dikshit in jail for corruption, but when he fell short of seats, he went straight to the lap of Congress and became the Chief Minister. He had sworn on his children that he would not buy a car or a bungalow, but he built a palace worth Rs 51 crore for himself." The Delhi Assembly elections are scheduled for February 5, with results set to be announced on February 8. The Bharatiya Janata Party aims to reclaim power in Delhi after nearly 27 years, while the AAP, which dominated the 2015 and 2020 elections, seeks to retain its stronghold in the capital. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday attended the launch of the book "Indian Renaissance: The Modi Decade", where he shared his thoughts on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and the historic events that have shaped the nation, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Shah was speaking at the book launch on Thursday when he said that PM Modi stands out as the second leader after former PM Lal Bahadur Shastri who has garnered immense trust and wholehearted support from the people of the nation. "I was astonished when Modi Ji announced the Janta Curfew during the Covid outbreak. He urged people to stay indoors as a measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Remarkably, the entire nation adhered to his appeal. After Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji, Modi Ji stands out as the second leader who has garnered immense trust and wholehearted support from the people..." Highlighting the works done during PM Modi's regime in the last decade HM said, "10 years of PM Modi... will truly mark the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. Whenever the history of India will be written, even Modiji's 10 years of rule will have to be written in golden letters by his harshest critics, this is my firm belief," he added. "10 years ago this country was known for policy paralysis, now it is known for politics of performance. Casteism, nepotism and appeasement... these three evils had destroyed our democracy, Modi ji worked to establish the politics of performance in 10 years," he added. Retorting to PM Modi's vision of Making India a developed nation Shah said, "The country should remember with pride the achievements it has made in any period of 75 years and Modi Ji told the people of the country that India will become a fully developed nation in 2047 and today the country has started on the journey towards 2047." Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs of India Manohar Lal was also present at the book launch event. (ANI)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, while addressing a public meeting in West Vinod Nagar on Thursday, campaigned in support of BJP candidate Ravindra Singh Negi from the Patparganj assembly constituency in the Delhi elections. He said Negi has worked on issues such as waterlogging and other public concerns, which has made the AAP government uneasy. "Ravindra Singh Negi has done a lot of work in this area, whether it is the problem of waterlogging or many issues of public concern, that is why the AAP da government is afraid of them. I have full faith that if you people give Ravindra Negi a chance, he will make this assembly an ideal assembly," he said. He further stated, "For 27 years, Congress and Aam Aadmi Party ruled Delhi, but no one spoke about the overall development of the city. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working for the welfare of all people by considering Antyodaya as the principle of his life, the Aam Aadmi Party ruled Delhi with corruption and appeasement as its priorities." CM Dhami alleged that Delhi's former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who supports Rohingyas, refers to those coming to Delhi from UP, Bihar, and Uttarakhand as outsiders. He claimed that Kejriwal, who promised cleanliness and a better education system, misused the public's hard-earned money. He further accused AAP of launching a liquor scheme under the guise of opening schools in localities. He said former Patparganj MLA Manish Sisodia did not undertake any development work in the area, leading to his exit from the constituency in this election. Dhami also alleged that Kejriwal prioritizes personal comfort over public interest, stating that the funds meant for Delhi's development were instead used to build a Sheeshmahal. He asserted that in this election, the people of Delhi have decided to oust parties like Congress and AAP, which he accused of engaging in politics of falsehoods and corruption. As the assembly elections inch closer, the poll battle in the national capital has also intensified, with the three parties--AAP, BJP, and Congress--levelling allegations against each other. Delhi will go for polls in a single phase on February 5, while the counting of votes will take place on February 8. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) aims to reclaim power in Delhi after nearly 27 years, while the AAP, which dominated the 2015 and 2020 elections, seeks to retain its stronghold in the capital. (ANI)
Bageshwar Dham Chief Dhirendra Krishna Shastri has urged political leaders to avoid making political statements in light of the tragic stampede that occurred during the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. Expressing his concern, Shastri prayed to Hanuman ji to grant wisdom to those commenting on the incident, emphasising that there should be no politics played on such a tragic event. Speaking to ANI, Shastri said, "...We pray to Hanuman ji to give good sense to those making political statements on the incident...There should be no politics on corpses...The situation was controlled immediately...Appeal to devotees to stay alert and disciplined." Meanwhile, spiritual leader Swami Kailashanand Giri also commented on the incident, stating, "Yesterday we saw that Yogi Adityanath was very emotional...I also spoke to him after a long time on the phone...I think only a Sanatani can have such feelings. And Yogi ji is a sadhu...There should be a judicial investigation into the matter..." On Thursday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh visited the Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital in Prayagraj to meet those injured in a stampede that occurred during the Maha Kumbh. The ongoing Maha Kumbh, one of the largest gatherings in the world, witnessed a stampede that occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, claiming 30 lives and injuring several others, prompting an outpouring of condolences from political leaders. "36 injured people are admitted here... All are being treated very well and arrangements have been made for the attendants who are with them," Singh told reporters. UP Chief Secretary further said, "These (injured) people belong to different places like Deoria, Delhi and Bihar, and said their families have been informed. "No one is in serious condition but some of them have sustained fractures; it will take up to 3 weeks for them to recover; there are 2-3 such cases." The incident occurred as millions of devotees gathered at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers to take a holy dip on the auspicious occasion of Mauni Amavasya, which also marks the day of the Second Shahi Snan. Maha Kumbh will continue till February 26. The remaining significant 'snan' dates in Maha Kumbh are February 3 (Basant Panchami--Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri). (ANI)
The budget session of Parliament will commence on Friday with the government outlining its legislative agenda including the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 and the opposition parties pressing on issues of their concern including price rise and unemployment. The budget session will commence with President Droupadi Murmu addressing joint sitting of the two Houses. The Economic Survey will also be tabled on Friday ahead of the presentation of the Union Budget on Saturday. After the all-party meeting convened by the government, Congress leader Pramod Tiwari accused the government of failing on the economic front. "Congress expressed concern that the BJP government is systematically killing constitutional values and traditions...We expressed concern over the manner in which the incident occurred in the Kumbh Mela. We are seeing that now the date of independence of the country is also being changed by the Chief of the RSS. Not only this, we also expressed concern over the insult of Babasaheb Ambedkar by Home Minister Amit Shah... Gandhi ji was assassinated on this day but this government is killing him every day and promoting the principles of Godse," he alleged. "The Waqf Board meeting was held as if all the decisions were already written... The committee that has been formed for One Nation One Election deliberately has 2 fewer members of the opposition and 2 more members of the ruling party, it makes it seem that all the preparations are already done. We also discussed how the government has completely failed on the economic front... The government is not concerned about Manipur," he added. BJD MP Sasmit Patra said the party will press for special category status for Odisha. "There were very critical issues that were raised by the BJD today in the all-party meeting right before the Budget session. Party President Naveen Patnaik advised and directed the BJD parliamentary party to strongly take up the issue of demanding special category status for the state of Odisha. This has been a long-standing demand. In 2014, the BJP in its election manifesto had specified on its first page of the manifesto that if they came to power, they would ensure special category status for the state of Odisha," he said. "They say they are a double-engine government. They are in Delhi. They are in Odisha. So, therefore, why is the special category status not coming in? So BJD will very strongly demand special category status for the state of Odisha," he added. The all-party meeting was chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and attended by 52 leaders from 36 political parties including union ministers. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said that tentatively 16 items of legislative business and three items of financial business have been identified for being taken up during this session. The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs also stated that the Government is prepared and ready to discuss any other important issue on the floor of the Houses as per rules of both Houses. The legislative agenda of the government includes Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024, the Boilers Bill, 2024, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024 and the Finance Bill, 2025 The two Houses will take up discussion and voting on Demands for Grants for the year 2025-26 and introduction, consideration and passing of the related Appropriation Bill. There will be discussion and voting on Second and Final Batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants for the year 2024-25 and introduction, consideration and passing/return of the related appropriation bill. There will also be discussion and voting on Demands for Excess Grants for the year 2021-22 and introduction, consideration and passing/return of the related appropriation bill. Rijiju said with the Rajya Sabha Chairman and Lok Sabha Speaker, the Business Advisory Committees will decide the duration of discussions on the President's address and the budget discussion. He said Parliament will not function on February 5 due to Delhi polls. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that at the all-party meeting, the opposition members expressed their strong protest of the way Joint Parliamentary Committee on Waqf Bill functioned. "In the traditional pre-session All-Party meeting this morning, all Opposition leaders have expressed their strongest protest on how the JPC on the Wakf Amendment Bill was made to function. It has made a complete mockery of all parliamentary traditions and practices. Such committees used to be a force to be reckoned with - now they have been reduced to be a farce to be reckoned with," Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X. "Since the establishment of the Standing Committees in the mid-1990s, Parliament has followed a One MP, One Standing Committee rule. Now there are 26 BJP MPs who are members of 2 Standing Committees. This shows how the Duo are seeking to control the Standing Committees," he added. The first part of budget session will continue till February 13 and the two Houses will again meet on March 10 after recess with the session concluding on April 4. (ANI)
Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel, HD Kumaraswamy, on Thursday said that the Visakha Steel Plant will not be privatised and that the plant will be revived. Union Minister Kumaraswamy said that a special package has been announced to take the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant on the path of profit. Kumaraswamy met with representatives of the Visakha Steel Plant and discussed the use of the special package for the steel plant. Later, Kumaraswamy spoke to the media along with Minister of State for Steel Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, State Minister Satyakumar Yadav, MPs Bharat, Kalisetti Appalanaidu, and MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao. Kumaraswamy assured that the interests of the workers will not be disturbed and the problems will be resolved within 3 months and revealed that he will work to resolve the problems of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant and that the third furnace will also be started in June. He said that Andhra Pradesh MPs have explained the plight of the Visakhapatnam steel industry and that after becoming the Union Minister, he conducted many reviews on the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. Kumaraswamy said that they have set a target of achieving 300 million tonnes of steel production across the country by 2030. "The state is currently second in steel production in the world, reminded that about 30 people have died for the establishment of the Visakhapatnam steel industry. The production of the Visakhapatnam steel industry was good in the beginning. The Visakhapatnam steel industry was performing well till 2013-14 and achieved Navratna status in 2013," said Kumaraswamy. Adding further, Kumaraswamy said that in 2014-15, it was decided to increase steel production in the Visakhapatnam steel industry, and since the decision to increase production was made, it has been in losses. Kumaraswamy said that a proposal has been made to disinvest in the Visakhapatnam steel industry in 2021. He clarified that the Visakhapatnam steel plant will not be privatised and the plant will be renovated. He revealed that the Visakhapatnam steel plant currently has a debt of Rs 35 thousand crores and explained that a special package has been announced for the steel plant due to the efforts of Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu. Minister of State for Steel Srinivasa Varma said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's goal is to make steel production in the country to 300 million tons. He said that a special package has been announced to take the Visakhapatnam steel plant to the path of profits and added that the special package has been received due to the efforts of CM Chandrababu and Kumaraswamy. (ANI)
Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, condemned the killing of a number of international peacekeeping forces deployed in the region.

Furthermore, Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan affirmed the need to maintain the stability, security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the DRC, and the importance of adhering to the ceasefire agreement signed between the DRC and Rwanda last August.

Sheikh Shakhboot underlined the necessity of committing to a diplomatic solution to build bridges of trust and secure a sustainable peace and security across the African continent that achieves the aspirations of the continent's peoples for peace, stability and prosperity. (ANI/WAM)
A 15-year-old girl was shot dead by her father and maternal uncle over TikTok videos in an alleged honour killing in Pakistan's Quetta, ARY News reported. The father of the 15-year-old Hira was enraged over his daughter's social media presence on TikTok and ordered her to stop making videos. However, when the daughter refused to obey, he hatched a plan with the girl's maternal uncle to kill his daughter. The police officials stated that Anwarul-Haq had shifted to America with his wife and children several years ago. He came to Pakistan with her daughter Hira on January 15 while his wife and two other daughters remained in the US. The police confirmed that the murder was premeditated, as Anwarul-Haq hatched the plot with Tayyab Ali. The police have arrested both the accused who confessed the killing, ARY News reported. The case has been transferred to the Serious Crime Investigation Wing for further inquiry. Meanwhile, TikTok remains unavailable on Apple and Google app stores in the United States as US President Donald Trump vouched to approve the app on the condition that the US will own 50 per cent of it. Trump stated, "We need to save TikTok because we have to save a lot of jobs. We don't want to give our business to China... I agreed to approve TikTok on the condition that the USA will own 50 per cent of TikTok..." Tesla CEO Elon Musk hailed US President-Elect Donald Trump's decision to not ban Chinese social media app TikTok. Musk believed TikTok ban went against freedom of speech. He, however, flagged off an imbalance, stating that though TikTok is allowed to operate in the US, X is banned in China. In a post on X, he said, "I have been against a TikTok ban for a long time, because it goes against freedom of speech. That said, the current situation where TikTok is allowed to operate in America, but X is not allowed to operate in China is unbalanced. Something needs to change." Earlier on April 19, Musk had opposed the ban on TikTok, even though he said the ban would have benefitted X. "In my opinion, TikTok should not be banned in the USA, even though such a ban may benefit the X platform. Doing so would be contrary to freedom of speech and expression. It is not what America stands for." (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, during his visit to Japan, emphasised the importance of attracting investment to create employment opportunities for Indian youth. "I am on a visit to Japan for employment opportunities for the youth and especially for increasing the investment... Under the leadership of PM Modi, India is developing. Regarding this, every state must increase investment opportunities in their region. It will not only increase the GDP but also the employment opportunities for the youth," he said. In Kobe, CM Yadav paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary at the Gandhi Statue in India Club. "I have paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary. His whole life was dedicated to the people of the country... He earned respect for the way he lived his life from Africa to India. He contributed to the freedom struggle of India... His life will always be an example of an ideal life for us," he said. Continuing his engagements in Tokyo, CM Yadav met with Nitori Holdings Co Ltd President and COO Toshiyuki Shirai to discuss investment in Madhya Pradesh's furniture and textile sectors. He invited the Japanese delegation to expand business in the state, highlighting its strong industrial base. Shirai responded positively, saying, "It was their pleasure to learn about Madhya Pradesh" and expressed optimism about the business opportunities available. He also noted that Nitori had already opened its first Indian store on December 20, 2024. CM Yadav also held talks with the Uniqlo Chairman, where discussions focused on expanding the company's presence in India, particularly in cotton cultivation. The chairman stated that Uniqlo was "looking at scouting more talented Indian IT professionals for the global Uniqlo skill force." CM Yadav assured the company of full state support, emphasising Madhya Pradesh's role in "Farm to Foreign" trends in textiles and inviting the chairman to the Global Investor Summit in Bhopal. Additionally, CM Yadav met with Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) Chairman Susumu Kataoka and his delegation, encouraging them to establish a JETRO office in Madhya Pradesh. His visit underscored the state's commitment to strengthening economic ties with Japan and creating new business and employment opportunities. Earlier, in his interaction with diaspora members, MP CM Yadav said, "Indians are like sugar in milk. They add sweetness and mix seamlessly wherever they go. We connect with the feeling of welfare in whichever country Indians go". "You have found a way a made a path. The future generations will benefit from what you have created," he added. He brought to attention the significant changes which have come in India in the last 10 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and highlighted that during his visits now, people become very happy and festive. The Madhya Pradesh CM further highlighted PM Modi's vision for the country and said India wants to progress as a 'Vishwaguru' in the world.He said that just like how a "guru" lights the path, the diaspora is present in the "country of sun", referring to Japan. Highlighting similarities between India and Japan, CM Yadav said that it is through these similarities and culture that India and Japan find each other closer. Drawing comparisons with the previous regimes, Mohan Yadav said while Madhya Pradesh had only 5 medical colleges under Congress, in 20 years of BJP government, the rise has risen to 30, and will further reach 50. MP CM Yadav has engaged in a series of high-level meetings with business leaders, government officials, and investors during his visit to Japan. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has expressed sorrow over the stampede that took place during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, resulting in several deaths. Yadav said, "Yesterday, on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, a tragic incident happened during the 'Sangam Snan'. A lot of people lost their lives. May their soul rest in peace." The CM confirmed that three of the deceased were from Madhya Pradesh. "I received information that of the deceased people, 3 were from Madhya Pradesh," Yadav said. He also urged people to take precautions, stating, "I request you all to stay safe wherever you all are..." CM Yadav is currently on a four-day visit seeking investment opportunities and inviting industrialists to participate in the Global Investors Summit (GIS) to be held in Bhopal on February 24-25. Meanwhile continuing his engagements in Tokyo, CM Yadav met with Nitori Holdings Co Ltd President and COO Toshiyuki Shirai to discuss investment in Madhya Pradesh's furniture and textile sectors. In Kobe, CM Yadav also paid his tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary at the Gandhi Statue in India Club. CM Yadav also held talks with the Uniqlo Chairman, where discussions focused on expanding the company's presence in India, particularly in cotton cultivation. The chairman stated that Uniqlo was "looking at scouting more talented Indian IT professionals for the global Uniqlo skill force." He also met with Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) Chairman Susumu Kataoka and his delegation, encouraging them to establish a JETRO office in Madhya Pradesh. The Madhya Pradesh CM also highlighted PM Modi's vision for the country and said India wants to progress as a 'Vishwaguru' in the world. He said that just like how a "guru" lights the path, the diaspora is present in the "country of sun", referring to Japan. Addressing the similarities between India and Japan, CM Yadav said that it is through these similarities and cultures that India and Japan find each other closer. Drawing comparisons with the previous regimes, Mohan Yadav said while Madhya Pradesh had only 5 medical colleges under Congress, in 20 years of the BJP government, the rise has risen to 30, and will further reach 50. (ANI)
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) on Thursday reported heightened Chinese military activity near its territory. "6 PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 3 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. 3 PRC balloons were detected during this timeframe," posted MND on X. The growing presence of Chinese military forces near Taiwan has prompted renewed concerns about Beijing's intentions in the region. https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1884768493549015104 Chinese activity around Taiwan has been steadily increasing, with numerous incursions into its Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). The median line, once regarded as an unofficial boundary, has been crossed more frequently by Chinese aircraft, signalling a shift in Beijing's stance toward Taiwan. The detection of three PRC balloons during this period adds another layer of concern, raising questions about the scope of China's surveillance and reconnaissance operations. Taiwan's defence forces remain vigilant, monitoring and responding to these ongoing developments. This recent incident follows a broader pattern of escalating Chinese military operations, heightening worries about the stability of the region. Beijing's growing air and naval presence near Taiwan is seen as an effort to exert control over the island. Despite repeated objections from Taiwan and the international community, China maintains its stance that Taiwan is an inseparable part of its territory, asserting that it will not rule out the use of force to achieve reunification. This continuous escalation has sparked growing fears of potential conflict in the Taiwan Strait, which could destabilize the entire region. Earlier on Saturday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio raised concerns over Beijing's actions toward Taiwan in a phone call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. Focus Taiwan reported, citing the US Department of State, that Rubio emphasised 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," according to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce. Bruce also quoted Rubio as stating that the US will pursue a relationship with Beijing that "advances US interests and puts the American people first." This marked Rubio's first phone call as Secretary of State with Wang. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump's pick for Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) director, Kash Patel, will appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee for confirmation hearing on Thursday (local time) for what is expected to be a fiery and contentious hearing, Politico reported. Senate Democrats have been battle-testing their message with the hope that it might break through. A few weeks ago, Democrats turned attorney general nominee Pam Bondi's confirmation hearing into a practice round for Patel's questioning. Democrats repeatedly brought up Patel, asking Bondi to give response to various statements made by Trump's pick for FBI director over the years, including about his plans to go after members of the "Executive Branch Deep State," according to Politico report. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, a Democratic member of the Judiciary Committee, said, "There's immense amounts of material for him to explain." He called Patel "dangerously unqualified" and "dangerously partisan by his own terms." Patel, who is a staunch Trump loyalist, has served in his previous administration as well. During the first Trump administration, Kash Patel served as chief of staff at the Department of Defense and as a senior National Security Council staffer. As an aide with the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Patel maneuvered to discredit the probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Patel will invariably face tough questions regarding some of the posts he shared on his social media account, including potentially his peddling of so-called vaccine detoxification supplements. One picture which shows Kash Patel throwing an object with Senator Adam Schiff's face on it out of a catapult has already drawn attention of Senate Judiciary Democrats, according to Politico report. Democrat lawmaker Schiff, who led the first impeachment inquiry into Trump while a member of the House, is now a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. In the committee meeting on Wednesday to advance Bondi's nomination, Shelton Whitehouse mentioned about a video reposted by Patel of an AI-generated version of himself taking a chainsaw to the likenesses of Schiff and former Representative Liz Cheney, who served as one of two GOP members on the now-disbanded House committee charged with investigating the January 6, 2021 attacks on the Capitol. Senate Judiciary Democrats have told acting attorney general, James R McHenry III, to provide relevant materials on Patel which is mentioned in a report from former special counsel Jack Smith about Trump's alleged mishandling of classified documents. Kash Patel had been called to testify in the probe and was granted immunity, Politico reported. In a letter to McHenry, the Democratic senators wrote, "The Committee cannot adequately fulfill its constitutional duty without reviewing details in the report of Mr. Patel's testimony under oath, which is necessary to evaluate Mr. Patel's truthfulness, trustworthiness, and regard for the protection of classified information." Earlier in December, Trump nominated Kash Patel to serve as the next Director of FBI. In a post on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump announced Patel's nomination, highlighting his distinguished career in various government roles. These include serving as Chief of Staff at the Department of Defense, Deputy Director of National Intelligence, and Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council during Trump's first term as President. Trump praised Patel for his work in investigating the so-called "Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax," calling him an "America First" fighter who has spent his career exposing corruption, defending justice, and protecting the American people. "I am proud to announce that Kashyap 'Kash' Patel will serve as the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Kash is a brilliant lawyer, investigator, and 'America First' fighter who has spent his career exposing corruption, defending justice, and protecting the American people. He played a pivotal role in uncovering the 'Russia, Russia, Russia' hoax, standing as an advocate for truth, accountability, and the Constitution. Kash did an incredible job during my first term, where he served as Chief of Staff at the Department of Defense, Deputy Director of National Intelligence, and Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council. Kash has also tried over 60 jury trials," Trump stated. Trump further tasked Patel to address critical issues such as rising crime rates, criminal gangs, and human and drug trafficking across the US border. He also underlined that Patel would work under Attorney General Pam Bondi to restore the FBI's core motto: Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity. "This FBI will end the growing crime epidemic in America, dismantle migrant criminal gangs, and stop the evil scourge of human and drug trafficking across the border," Trump stated, adding that "Kash will work under our great Attorney General, Pam Bondi, to restore Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity to the FBI." (ANI)
US President Donald Trump's pick for Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, on Thursday, will face what could be the toughest confirmation hearing of any of his top nominees as Democrats and some Republicans have been preparing to question Gabbard about her visit to Syria in 2017, her statements in support of Russia and her concerns regarding domestic surveillance powers, The Washington Post reported. According to two congressional officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss Trump's nominee, said her approval by the Senate Intelligence Committee to be director of national intelligence is far from assured. A Senate aide said, "She definitely doesn't have the votes right now" to advance out of the intelligence committee." The panel comprises nine Republican and eight Democratic members, implying a single Republican "no" vote could hinder Gabbard's chances, The Washington Post reported. Gabbard, who is a former Army Reserve lieutenant colonel, Democratic congresswoman and presidential candidate in 2020 who turned Republican last year, has at times called the tens of thousands of intelligence personnel she would oversee as members of "deep state." She has also raised questions over the US intelligence findings on the former Syrian regime's use of chemical weapons on its own people, and has echoed Kremlin's views about the cause of Russia launching war in Ukraine. Democrats, led by committee vice chair Senator Mark R Warner, are expected to ask Gabbard about her visit to Syria in 2017, where she met then-Syrian President Bashar al-Assad while he was placed under sanctions by the US and accused of widespread human rights abuses. Some Republicans, including Senator Susan Collins, have concerns regarding Gabbard's past opposition to a powerful intelligence surveillance tool under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Gabbard, who had cited privacy concerns regarding the powers, has recently not opposed the program, which US security officials consider important in combating terrorism, weapons proliferation and drug trafficking. Showcasing the uneasy state of her nomination, Senate Republicans have spoken about several unorthodox ways to push it through. Under one scenario, according to another congressional official, the committee would not follow past practice and vote on Gabbard in public instead of behind closed doors. Alternately, the committee could advance her nomination to the full Senate floor without voting on it. It is not clear whether committee chairman Senator Tom Cotton would give his nod to either way. Gabbard has strong support among Trump's allies, who consider her as an independent thinker who will bring needed change to US spy agencies that, they believe, have tried to undermine Trump and have repeatedly misread world events. As she prepared for the confirmation hearing, Tulsi Gabbard has won over some initial skeptics. Robert O' Brien, who served as Trump's national security adviser during the final part of his first term and has been briefing Gabbard in recent weeks, said, "I was concerned about her because she ran for president as a left-wing Democrat, but I think she listens -- which is unusual for a politician -- she asks great questions that go to the heart of the issue and she's a total patriot." According to him, Gabbard has embraced Trump's 'America First' national security agenda. O'Brien and several other former intelligence and security officials who served in mostly Republican administrations on Monday wrote a letter to Tom Cotton and Warner urging Gabbard's confirmation, The Washington Post reported. Ahead of the hearing, Gabbard has been preparing for it and has visited the Northern Virginia headquarters of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and met several times with President Joe Biden's Director of National Intelligence (DNI), Avril Haines, according to Gabbard spokeswoman Alexa Henning, The Washington Post reported. Henning said Tulsi Gabbard has spoken to others who served in the role, including Ric Grenell, John Negroponte and John Ratcliffe, who is now Trump's CIA director. She said Gabbard has met with all Republican members of the Intelligence Committee and some Democrats. While serving as director of national intelligence, Gabbard would coordinate the work of 18 intelligence agencies and bureaus. The intelligence chief has authority over the roughly USD 100 billion annual intelligence budget, holds powers to declassify US secrets and is considered US President's top intelligence adviser. The DNI does not have direct control over daily operations at the CIA or other agencies. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, on the third day of his visit to Japan, reached Kobe and met with the Indian diaspora in the city. He also extended invitations to them for Global Investors Summit (GIS) scheduled to be held next month in Bhopal. The GIS will take place on February 24 and 25, in Madhya Pradesh's capital Bhopal. The two-day program will be organized aiming to highlight the investment climate and industrial infrastructure of Madhya Pradesh, offering numerous opportunities for potential collaborations. CM Yadav said, "I have come to Kobe to meet people of Indian origin and I have invited them to the Global Investors Summit. It gives me immense satisfaction and pride to see the progress of Indians here. They are not only doing their business here but also lifting the honours of Indians. I extend my greetings to them." "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, all the state governments in the country are playing an important role in strengthening the economy of the nation. In such a situation, India has become the centre of attention in terms of global investment. I am happy that the Madhya Pradesh government is making an attractive policy in all the sectors for investment," he added. Highlighting the strength of Madhya Pradesh, the Chief Minister said that MP is a state where on one hand, diamonds and gold are being discovered in mines, and on the other hand, iron and aluminium are also being mined. "Madhya Pradesh is working on various opportunities of investment in all the areas, including ready-made garments, tourism, health, education, IT, even in Space Technology. I am happy that after the success of Regional Industry Conclaves held in different divisions of Madhya Pradesh, when we are heading towards the Global Investors Summit, we are receiving quite good investment proposals across the globe," he added. "Many big industrialists from Japan have expressed their interest in investing in Madhya Pradesh. I invite everyone to visit MP not only for investment but also for friendship and explore tourism. Madhya Pradesh has conserved its forests and wildlife creatures and it is the most attractive wildlife state," the CM said. Earlier today, CM Mohan Yadav emphasised the importance of attracting investment to create employment opportunities for Indian youth. "I am on a visit to Japan for employment opportunities for the youth and especially for increasing the investment... Under the leadership of PM Modi, India is developing. Regarding this, every state must increase investment opportunities in their region. It will not only increase the GDP but also the employment opportunities for the youth," he said. Earlier on Thursday, in his interaction with diaspora CM Yadav said, "Indians are like sugar in milk. They add sweetness and mix seamlessly wherever they go. We connect with the feeling of welfare in whichever country Indians go". "You have found a way a made a path. The future generations will benefit from what you have created," he added. He brought to attention the significant changes which have come in India in the last 10 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and highlighted that during his visits now, people become very happy and festive. The Madhya Pradesh CM further highlighted PM Modi's vision for the country and said India wants to progress as a 'Vishwaguru' in the world. He said that just like how a "guru" lights the path, the diaspora is present in the "country of sun", referring to Japan. Highlighting similarities between India and Japan, CM Yadav said that it is through these similarities and culture that India and Japan find each other closer. CM Yadav is on a four-day visit to Japan from January 28 seeking investment opportunities and inviting industrialists to participate in the Global Investors Summit (GIS). (ANI)
India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, spoke at Hansraj College, New Delhi, about his unexpected journey into politics, his thoughts on India's development, and his views on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership style. Coming from a family of bureaucrats, Jaishankar never envisioned a political career, but his shift was catalysed by Modi, whom he credits for inspiring his transition into the political sphere. "I never thought I would be in politics one day. My father was a bureaucrat, and my brother is also in the service. We were basically a service family. It was because of Modi that I made the shift into politics," Jaishankar shared. He recounted how PM Modi's request to join the political arena was delivered in a manner that "only had one answer," compelling Jaishankar to take the plunge into politics. His previous career as a senior bureaucrat in India's Ministry of External Affairs laid the foundation for his current role, but the political shift was a significant change. Jaishankar also reflected on his professional relationship with the late Sushma Swaraj, the former External Affairs Minister. He described the role of a secretary in a ministry, stating, "The secretary is the person who explains the functioning of democracy to the minister, while the minister is the one to shape policy. It's a crucial junction where both perspectives come together, and I had a very good equation with Sushma Swaraj." Jaishankar appreciated the collaboration they shared and highlighted Swaraj's leadership, which he found effective for the smooth running of the ministry. When discussing the concept of "Viksit Bharat" (developed India), Jaishankar emphasised the critical role of youth in the nation's future. "Without youth, there is no Viksit Bharat," he remarked, stressing that India's earlier development model had failed to keep pace with other Asian countries. Nations like Japan, Korea, and China had moved ahead due to their modern approaches to governance and policy. "Earlier, the development model was not right," Jaishankar noted, pointing to the need for a more forward-thinking mindset in India's bureaucracy. He went on to highlight the importance of Delhi, the nation's capital, in setting the standards for India's development. "Viksit Rajdhani, Viksit Delhi, is central to Vikasit Bharat," he asserted. According to Jaishankar, Delhi should not just serve as a political hub, but as a model city reflecting India's goals for the future. The message of a modern, developed India must come from the capital and then radiate across the country. Jaishankar's thoughts on U.S. President Donald Trump were also candid. While acknowledging that Trump is an American nationalist, Jaishankar expressed confidence in the stability of the India-U.S. relationship. "Trump is an American nationalist. He thinks our ties with the U.S. are good. There is nothing negative about us," Jaishankar said. Despite occasional differences, he is optimistic that the two countries will continue to strengthen their relationship. On the subject of working with Prime Minister Modi, Jaishankar spoke highly of his leadership style, describing him as a "tough" and "motivational" boss. "I like him as a boss because he is tough. He is guided by what the country requires," Jaishankar explained. He also noted that Modi gives his team the freedom to execute their work. Jaishankar cited the successful evacuation of Indians from Ukraine as a prime example of Modi's leadership, emphasising that it was not just about giving orders, but about motivating the team to work diligently. "You have to motivate the team so that people don't feel that they are doing things because someone told them to," Jaishankar added. Reflecting on the last decade, Jaishankar concluded by noting that the vision of a "Viksit Bharat" has become deeply embedded in the nation's development strategy. "In the last 10 years, the idea of Vikasit Bharat has been set inside us," he said, underscoring the importance of building a modern, developed India in the coming years. (ANI)
A conference held at the House of Commons on January 29, 2025, drew attention to the ongoing human rights abuses in Sindh and Balochistan. Organised by the Asian Human Rights Forum (AHRF) in partnership with the World Sindh Congress (WSC) and the Baloch Human Rights Council (BHRC), the session was hosted by British MP Bob Blackman and attracted human rights advocates and community members from across the globe. Bob Blackman opened the session by reaffirming Britain's strong commitment to human rights worldwide. Expressing concern over the misuse of British aid, Blackman referenced the AHRF brochure that detailed disturbing human rights transgressions in Pakistan. "We must ensure that aid given to Pakistan supports its people, not fuels their oppression," he said, calling for a thorough review of Pakistan's human rights record. Hidayatullah Bhutto of the WSC provided an in-depth look at the systematic exploitation of Sindh. He highlighted how Pakistan's military unlawfully took control of agricultural land under the guise of corporate farming, depriving Sindhis of their rightful resources. Bhutto also condemned the ongoing erosion of Sindhi civil, political, and cultural rights. Khursheed Karim from the BHRC focused on the severe situation in Balochistan, describing the grim reality of mass disappearances and the discovery of mass graves linked to the Pakistani military. Karim also spoke of the exploitation of Balochistan's natural resources, contrasting this with the area's lack of basic services such as healthcare and education. AHRF Executive Director Arif Aajakia expressed his gratitude to Bob Blackman for hosting the important event. Aajakia reflected on his personal connection to Sindh and described the dire state of Karachi, a city that was once a thriving cosmopolitan hub but is now suffering from deteriorating infrastructure, a lack of safe drinking water, and no mass transit system. "Since 1991, Pakistan Rangers, a regular battalion of the Pakistan Army, have been stationed in Karachi, effectively ruling Sindh," he said, underscoring the extent of military overreach in the region. Aajakia also criticised Pakistan's use of foreign aid, claiming it funds human rights violations instead of development. "Our government must pressure Pakistan to protect its citizens' fundamental rights," he stated. He emphasised the need for urgent international action, pointing to the widespread lack of municipal services and the military's involvement in land grabs across Sindh and Balochistan. The conference concluded with a unanimous vote of gratitude to Bob Blackman and a call for the British government to exert pressure on Pakistan to restore the human rights of its citizens. The event served as both a call for justice for the oppressed people of Sindh and Balochistan and a stark reminder of the continuing abuses they endure. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has expressed confidence in the stability of India-US ties, stressing that the bilateral ties are "good" and Prime Minister Narendra Modi shares "good" personal relations with US President Donald Trump. During an interaction with students of Hansraj College, New Delhi on 'Youth for a Viksit Bharat' on Thursday, Jaishankar called Trump an "American nationalist" and he expected that he will change many things. He also recalled his recent visit to US to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Donald Trump. When asked whether he sees Trump as a friend or a threat to India's interests, Jaishankar said, "I have just returned after being his guest. I attended his (Trump's) swearing-in ceremony. I was given good treatment. This also has a message. But, seriously, I would call him an American nationalist. He thinks what needs to be done for America and because America for past 80 years has taken responsibility for whole world and he thinks unnecessarily we spent money on many things, we should not have done. We should have instead focused on the American people. Our issue today is, our relations with America are good. Modiji's personal relations with Trump is good. When I look, what are their policies, there is nothing country to country that is negative about us. I am quite confident that, yes, he will change many things. Sometimes, we say out of syllabus and it is fully out of syllabus." "We will have to conduct foreign policy out of syllabus and if you can conduct foreign policy out of syllabus, you know, I think it will work well. But, overall, he (Trump) visited India in 2020 and he has very good impressions about that visit. I have heard that he even today when he talks about visiting abroad, he refers to his India visit, saying I visited India, I was welcomed there with respect. So, these things matter. But, even interest wise, I feel there there may be some few issues where we may think a little bit differently, but in many areas, there will be, you know, at an country to country, there is lot which is in our shared interest," he added. When discussing the concept of "Viksit Bharat" (developed India), Jaishankar emphasised the critical role of youth in the nation's future. "Without youth, there is no Viksit Bharat," he remarked, stressing that India's earlier development model had failed to keep pace with other Asian countries. Nations like Japan, Korea, and China had moved ahead due to their modern approaches to governance and policy. "Earlier, the development model was not right," Jaishankar noted, pointing to the need for a more forward-thinking mindset in India's bureaucracy. He went on to highlight the importance of Delhi, the nation's capital, in setting the standards for India's development. "Viksit Rajdhani, Viksit Delhi, is central to Vikasit Bharat," he asserted. On the subject of working with PM Modi, Jaishankar spoke highly of his leadership style, describing him as a "tough" and "motivational" boss. "I like him as a boss because he is tough. He is guided by what the country requires," Jaishankar explained. He also noted that Modi gives his team the freedom to execute their work. Jaishankar cited the successful evacuation of Indians from Ukraine as a prime example of Modi's leadership, emphasising that it was not just about giving orders, but about motivating the team to work diligently. "You have to motivate the team so that people don't feel that they are doing things because someone told them to," Jaishankar added. (ANI)
Human rights activist Mahrang Baloch has revealed that security forces abducted 15-year-old Ans Ahmed from Khuzdar. In a tweet, she stated that the child was severely abused before being taken. She has called on Khuzdar residents to join a peaceful sit-in protest demanding his immediate and safe release. https://x.com/MahrangBaloch_/status/1884802705274912835 The latest wave of enforced disappearances in Balochistan has drawn sharp condemnation from Paank, a Baloch human rights organisation. In a post on X, Paank described the abductions as an assault on the foundation of Baloch society and "a serious violation of human rights." The organisation reported that on January 26, 2025, security forces forcibly took three individuals--Naik Saal, son of Dad Bakhsh, Wajo, brother of Dad Bakhsh, and Doda, son of Saki Dad--from Tump, Kech. https://x.com/paank_bnm/status/1884849619848552901 On January 29, three more individuals were abducted under similar circumstances. Paank identified them as Anas s/o Ahmed from Ismailabad, Khuzdar, along with Khair Jan s/o Bayaan and Niaz Ahmed s/o Zareef from Zeerkani Jahoo, Awaran. The disappearances have plunged families across Balochistan into despair, underscoring a persistent pattern of state-led brutality. Both Paank and Mahrang Baloch have urged global human rights organisations and governments to hold Pakistan accountable, demand an end to enforced disappearances, and push for transparency and justice. Earlier, the extrajudicial killing of Pindok, son of Somar, by Pakistani security forces in Mazarabad, Mashkai, Awaran district, was met with fierce condemnation from Paank. The organisation stated that Pindok, along with two others, Shoaib and Ayoub, was abducted on January 14, 2025, and later subjected to execution. "On January 25, however, Pindok's body was handed over to his family," Paank revealed. The case highlights the widespread human rights violations in Balochistan, including extrajudicial executions, torture, and enforced disappearances. (ANI)
Six Indian fishermen who were detained in Sri Lanka have been released and returned to Chennai. Upon their arrival, they were received by Fisheries Department officials, marking the latest instance in the ongoing tensions between Indian fishermen and the Sri Lankan authorities. The release follows a troubling incident in the Jaffna Sea, where two Indian fishermen from Karaikal sustained injuries after the Sri Lankan Navy allegedly opened fire. According to the Rameswaram Fisherman Association (RFA), the two were part of a 13-member group that had set out in two boats near Parutthura beach. As they were fishing, a Sri Lankan Navy patrol intercepted their vessels. In an attempt to flee, the fishermen turned their boat toward Indian waters while two Sri Lankan officers remained on board. This prompted the Sri Lankan patrol to open fire, injuring two Indian fishermen, who were later taken to Jaffna Teaching Hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, the remaining crew members were handed over to local police, with Sri Lanka's Department of Aquatic Resources reportedly denying responsibility for the arrests. India had lodged strong protest against firing by the Sri Lankan Navy. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had also summoned the Sri Lankan Acting High Commissioner in Delhi to lodge a protest over the incident. Such confrontations over disputed fishing rights in the Palk Strait have been recurring, leading to frequent detentions of Indian fishermen. These incidents have prompted ongoing diplomatic efforts by both the Indian central and Tamil Nadu governments to secure their release. Just recently, 41 Indian fishermen detained by the Sri Lankan Navy were repatriated to Chennai. Among them, 35 from Ramanathapuram had been arrested near Katchatheevu on September 8, 2024, for alleged cross-border fishing. Their release was facilitated through diplomatic intervention. Additionally, on January 16, 15 Indian fishermen detained in 2024 were freed and returned to Chennai. This group included eight fishermen arrested near Mannar Island on September 27 and 12 from Nagapattinam who had been detained on November 11. In another significant effort, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) oversaw the repatriation of 95 Indian fishermen from Bangladesh on January 5, along with four fishing boats. Amid these ongoing disputes, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has urged External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to take immediate diplomatic measures to secure the release of detained fishermen and their boats. Stressing the need for a lasting resolution, he called for sustained efforts to safeguard fishermen's livelihoods and prevent future confrontations. (ANI)
Leading journalistic bodies from around the world have opposed recent amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), which became law after Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari's approval on Wednesday, Dawn reported. In a statement, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) said, "The amendments to Pakistan's draconian PECA represent a transparent attempt to further tighten control over digital expression and internet freedom under the guise of curbing misinformation." The IFJ stressed that the legislation threatens journalists, activists, and the public's right to information, as it extends government jurisdiction online, broadens censorship powers, and imposes penalties for vaguely defined offenses. The organisation urged President Zardari to reject the bill and ensure that the "constitutional right to freedom of expression is upheld." Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) president Afzal Butt said it was 'very unfortunate' that Pakistan President did not listen to repeated calls made by the journalist bodies, who expressed concerns on the Peca amendments, according to the Dawn report. Media advocacy group, Reporters Without Borders (RSF), has said that censorship and social media blocking in Pakistan indicates a "very disturbing decline in press freedom in the country." Meanwhile, Media Diversity Institute (MDI) also slammed the government over increased control over the press and internet, stating that it has "resulted in uncertainty, a climate of fear, and discomfort among the masses." The Forum for Digital Rights and Democracy (FDRD), a group representing Pakistani civil society, academia, journalists, private companies, development organizations, and rights groups, expressed alarm over the PECA amendments, which were passed by Parliament without stakeholder consultation. According to the forum, the lack of consultative process not only raises questions over the legitimacy of the law but also risks unintended harm to free speech and dissent which are essential components of democracy. Amnesty International, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and digital rights activists have already made similar statements, Dawn reported. Earlier, media workers continued to hold protest against the Peca law and staged a demonstration outside the National Press Club. Leaders of the journalistic bodies expressed disappointment over Zardari's decision to give nod to the Peca amendments as he had promised that he would never sign the law. Pakistan President signed the Peca law after the Parliamentary Reporters Association (PRA) announcement that Zardari had assured them that he would not give his approval to the law, adding that this was conveyed to them by JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, according to the report. The statement issued by PRA said, "The president, at the request of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, has halted the bill for some time till PRA Pakistan sends its suggestions." According to the statement, PRA delegation met JUI-F chief after which he contacted Zardari. (ANI)
Stop Uyghur Genocide Executive Director Rahima Mahmut has called for urgent action to address the presence of forced labour in UK supply chains. Speaking before the UK Parliament's Human Rights Committee, Mahmut highlighted mounting evidence linking forced labour in China to various industries, particularly cotton production. "Due to the mounting evidence that the Chinese government is using forced labour in the production of cotton and many different industries, that led the World Uyghur Congress to take legal action," Mahmut said. She underscored that almost all products originating from the Uyghur region--referred to by many as East Turkestan--are tainted by slave labour. "Therefore, we believe this inquiry is extremely important," she added as posted by UK Parliament Human Rights Committee on X. https://x.com/HumanRightsCtte/status/1883832326482022808 Her testimony has sparked widespread calls for action, with Campaign for Uyghurs amplifying her plea. In a post on X, the organisation stated: "Important call from Rahima Mahmut, Executive Director of Stop Uyghur Genocide, before the UK Parliament Human Rights Committee on investigating Uyghur forced labour in the UK supply chain. Strong action must be taken to prevent complicity in forced labour." https://x.com/CUyghurs/status/1884617883009138724 In response to the post shared by UK Parliament Human Rights Committee on X, Campaign for Uyghurs Executive Director, Rushan Abbas, stated, "Echoing @MahmutRahima. There is undeniable evidence linking cotton, tomatoes, solar panels, and many other industries to Uyghur forced labor. It's time for the UK to take a stand, hold perpetrators accountable, and protect its market from being complicit in human rights abuses." https://x.com/RushanAbbas/status/1884623349910847760 Last Year, the UK Court of Appeal ruled that the UK National crime Agency's failure to investigate the importation of cotton made using Uyghur forced labour from China was illegal. This decision, obtained by the World Uyghur Congress (WUC) and the Global Legal Action Network (GLAN), marked a turning point for UK merchants. The ruling underscored the legal risks faced by businesses importing goods made using forced labour. According to the court's decision, companies that import commodities knowingly linked to illegal activities, such as Uyghur forced labour, could face prosecution under the Proceeds of Crime Act. For the first time, supply chains involved in the genocide of Uyghur and other Turkic peoples in Xinjiang, China, were successfully disrupted. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, on the third day of his visit to Japan, visited Sysmex Corporation office, a leading company in the health sector, in Kobe on Thursday. During the visit, CM Yadav held a meeting with key officials of Sysmex Corporation and discussed expansion and collaboration in the healthcare sector, especially under the manufacturing of medical equipment. Additionally, the Chief Minister also invited them to the Global Investors Summit (GIS) scheduled to be held in Madhya Pradesh's capital Bhopal next month on February 24-25. "I had a productive discussion with Mr. Toni Sumaki, Mr. Eisuke Kobayashi, and Mr. Akamatsu of Sysmex, medical equipment manufacturers. Sysmex, a global leader in in-vitro diagnostics (IVD) and hematology, has had a strong presence in India since 1993, with manufacturing facilities in Baddi, Gujarat and Sanand," stated CM Yadav in a post on X. He further added, "Our discussion centered on expanding innovation and collaboration in the healthcare sector, especially under the manufacturing of medical equipment. I also invited them to the Global Investors Summit 2025." During the meeting, Toni Sumaki gave a presentation of the company in which highlighted their strength and recognised Madhya Pradesh as an important partner. Sumaki also showcased their projects and product portfolio like surgical support robots, regenerative medicine, cellular therapy, life science, clinical chemistry, immunochemistry, hemostasis, FCM, urinary analysis and hematology. He further stressed Sysmex strength, highlighting offices in Germany, Singapore, China amongst others. He also emphasised their presence in India and shared information about their plants in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat. Meanwhile, CM Mohan Yadav spoke on global investment patterns and welcomed opportunities to collaborate with the Madhya Pradesh government in the field of health. He also highlighted the opportunity to invest in research and development, academia collaboration, testing, skilling, AI, manufacturing amongst other things in Madhya Pradesh, stressing it is a good place to invest. Furthermore, the Chief Minister talked about the available facilities, pointing out about the subsidies, good labour and about the connectivity present in Madhya Pradesh. He also invited them to participate in the Global Investor Summit. The GIS will take place on February 24 and 25, in Bhopal. The two-day program will be organized aiming to highlight the investment climate and industrial infrastructure of Madhya Pradesh, offering numerous opportunities for potential collaborations. It will serve as a platform for global leaders, industrialists, and experts to share insights on emerging markets and trends, and to explore ways to leverage the investment potential of Madhya Pradesh. CM Yadav is currently on a four-day visit to Japan from January 28 seeking investment opportunities and inviting industrialists to participate in the Global Investors Summit (GIS). (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav held a discussion on Thursday with senior executives of Sysmex, a global manufacturer of in-vitro diagnostics (IVD) and hematology equipment. During the meeting, Yadav spoke about the importance of expanding innovation and collaboration in the healthcare sector. He also invited the company to participate in the upcoming Global Investors Summit 2025. Sharing a post on X (formerly Twitter), Yadav wrote, "I had a productive discussion with Mr. Toni Sumaki, Eisuke Kobayashi, and Akamatsu of Sysmex, medical equipment manufacturers. Sysmex, a global leader in in-vitro diagnostics (IVD) and hematology, has had a strong presence in India since 1993, with manufacturing facilities in Baddi, Gujarat and Sanand." "Our discussion centered on expanding innovation and collaboration in the healthcare sector, especially under the manufacturing of medical equipment. I also invited them to the Global Investors Summit 2025," the post added. https://x.com/DrMohanYadav51/status/1884893307341242789 Meanwhile, on the third day of his visit to Japan, Yadav reached Kobe and met with the Indian diaspora in the city. He also extended invitations to them for the Global Investors Summit (GIS) scheduled to be held next month in Bhopal. The GIS will take place on February 24 and 25, in Madhya Pradesh's capital, Bhopal. The two-day programme will be organised aiming to highlight the investment climate and industrial infrastructure of Madhya Pradesh, offering numerous opportunities for potential collaborations. CM Yadav said, "I have come to Kobe to meet people of Indian origin and I have invited them to the Global Investors Summit. It gives me immense satisfaction and pride to see the progress of Indians here. They are not only doing their business here but also lifting the honours of Indians. I extend my greetings to them." "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, all the state governments in the country are playing an important role in strengthening the economy of the nation. In such a situation, India has become the centre of attention in terms of global investment. I am happy that the Madhya Pradesh government is making an attractive policy in all the sectors for investment," he added. (ANI)
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed willingness to resume talks with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and offered to constitute a parliamentary committee to address ongoing issues, The Express Tribune reported. During the federal cabinet meeting, Sharif recalled earlier talks with PTI, which started with the formation of a committee after PTI's offer. He said that Imran Khan-founded party had submitted written demands through National Assembly Speaker, which the government was expected to respond to in writing. However, PTI cancelled the scheduled meeting on January 28. Shehbaz Sharif stressed that it was logical to respond to the written demands in writing. He recounted that after the elections in 2018, when the opposition entered Parliament with black armbands, Pakistan's then-PM Imran Khan had initiated constituting a parliamentary committee to probe concerns related to election. He said that PTI never constituted a judicial commission but rather a committee, according to The Express Tribune report. Pakistan PM called on PTI to resume talks and work together to form a new committee to probe elections held in 2018 and 2024 and bring out the facts. Earlier on Wednesday, PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Khan accused the government of deliberately avoiding dialogue and ignoring the party's demand for the establishment of a judicial commission, The Express Tribune reported. Speaking to reporters outside Rawalpindi Kacheri on Wednesday, he stated that PTI had formally requested the government to establish a judicial commission to address their key concerns. However, the government did not respond to their demand. He said, "They did not want talks to take place or lead to a resolution."He accused the authorities of deliberately delaying the talks. He claimed, "We presented our demands, but the government took no serious steps. If they were sincere, they would have provided a timely response." Gohar Ali Khan added that officials had promised to respond by January 28 in a committee room. However, he stated that PTI was not given details regarding the decision in advance. He emphasized that the Imran Khan-founded party initiated the dialogue process despite facing political pressure. Pakistan National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq had invited PTI and government representatives for the fourth round of talks on Tuesday. However, PTI representatives did not attend the meeting. Later, the Pakistan government announced that its negotiation committee would wait until January 31, and if PTI changes its decision to end the talks, the process could restart. Talks between the government and the opposition began in December to address political tensions. Since then, the two sides have met thrice, Express Tribune reported. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav arrived in Japan's Osaka on Thursday, where he visited the Panasonic Energy facility and met with the company representatives to discuss potential investment opportunities in Madhya Pradesh. During the meeting, CM Yadav briefed the Panasonic Energy team, who specialise in making advanced batteries, regarding Madhya Pradesh's robust infrastructure, specialised industrial parks and skilled workforce. He also extended an invitation for them to attent the Global Investors Summit (GSI), scheduled to be held in Bhopal on February 24-25. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mohan Yadav stated, "Osaka, Japan: On the third day of my Japan tour, I arrived in Osaka, where I toured the Panasonic Energy facility and held a meeting with company representatives to discuss investment opportunities in Madhya Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh is poised to become a leading investment hub by fostering innovation in the energy sector. I briefed the Panasonic Energy team, who specialize in manufacturing advanced batteries, about the state's robust infrastructure, specialized industrial parks, and skilled workforce. I also extended an invitation to them to attend the Global Investors Summit 2025." https://x.com/drmohanyadav51/status/1884912511519994274 Earlier in the day, CM Mohan Yadav offered floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at India Club in Kobe. In a post on X, India's Consulate General in Osaka stated, "Hon'ble Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Mohan Yadav offered floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at India Club in Kobe, Japan on the occasion of Martrys' Day." MP CM Mohan Yadav also visited Sysmex Corporation office, a leading company in the health sector, in Kobe. During the visit, CM Yadav held a meeting with key officials of Sysmex Corporation and discussed expansion and collaboration in the healthcare sector, especially under the manufacturing of medical equipment. He also invited them to participate in the upcoming Global Investors Summit. "I had a productive discussion with Mr. Toni Sumaki, Mr. Eisuke Kobayashi, and Mr. Akamatsu of Sysmex, medical equipment manufacturers. Sysmex, a global leader in in-vitro diagnostics (IVD) and hematology, has had a strong presence in India since 1993, with manufacturing facilities in Baddi, Gujarat and Sanand," stated CM Yadav in a post on X. He further added, "Our discussion centered on expanding innovation and collaboration in the healthcare sector, especially under the manufacturing of medical equipment. I also invited them to the Global Investors Summit 2025." During the meeting, Toni Sumaki gave a presentation of the company in which highlighted their strength and recognised Madhya Pradesh as an important partner. Sumaki also showcased their projects and product portfolio like surgical support robots, regenerative medicine, cellular therapy, life science, clinical chemistry, immunochemistry, hemostasis, FCM, urinary analysis and hematology. He also emphasised their presence in India and shared information about their plants in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat. CM Yadav is currently on a four-day visit to Japan from January 28 seeking investment opportunities and inviting industrialists to participate in the Global Investors Summit set to be held next month. The two-day program will be organized aiming to highlight the investment climate and industrial infrastructure of Madhya Pradesh, offering numerous opportunities for potential collaborations. (ANI)
Syria has entered a transitional phase with its de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, appointed as President, Al Jazeera reported, citing the state-run news agency SANA. Al-Sharaa has been given the authority to establish a temporary legislative body that will function until a new constitution is implemented. The announcement was made by Hassan Abdel Ghani, the spokesperson for the newly established military operations sector of Syria's interim government. "We announce the appointment of Commander Ahmad al-Sharaa as head of state during the transitional period. He will assume the duties of the president of the Syrian Arab Republic and represent the country in international forums," Ghani had said in a statement on Wednesday, CNN reported. He added, "The president is authorised to form a temporary legislative council for the transitional phase, which will carry out its duties until a permanent constitution is enacted and put into effect." Ghani also declared the dissolution of all armed factions within the country, stating they would be integrated into state institutions. "All military factions are dissolved ... and integrated into state institutions," the state news agency quoted Abdel Ghani as saying. He also announced "the dissolution of the defunct regime's army" and security agencies, as well as the Baath party, which ruled Syria for decades, Al Jazeera reported. Al-Sharaa has committed to overseeing a political transition that includes organising a national conference, forming an inclusive government, and eventually holding elections--a process he estimated could take up to four years. He has also proposed the establishment of a unified national military and security apparatus. Al-Sharaa became a Syrian "foreign fighter" in his early 20s, crossing into Iraq to fight the Americans when they invaded the country in the spring of 2003. That eventually landed him in the notorious US-run Iraqi prison, Camp Bucca. Freed from Camp Bucca, he crossed back into Syria and started fighting against the Assad regime, according to CNN. Earlier on November 27, 2024, Syria's armed opposition led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) launched a large-scale offensive against government forces in the provinces of Aleppo and Idlib. By December 7, President Bashar Assad's opponents had seized several major cities, including Aleppo, Hama, Daraa, and Homs. On December 8, they entered Damascus, forcing the army to withdraw from the capital subsequently Assad resigned and left the country. It led to the end of more than 50 years of the al-Assad family's iron-fist rule over Syria. (ANI)
It took one hour to transfer Gadi Moses and Arbel Yehud from a Palestinian Islamic Jihad vehicle to Red Cross vehicles, and another hour till the Red Cross was able to depart.

Hamas insisted on handing over the two on the grounds of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar''s demolished home. Hamas also insisted that Moses and Yehud make their way on foot the Red Cross vehicles, despite the distance and crowd.

"I view with great severity the horrifying scenes during the release of our hostages," Netanyahu said in a statement. "This is further proof of the unimaginable cruelty of the Hamas terrorist organization. I demand that the mediators ensure that such horrific scenes do not occur again, and to guarantee the safety of our hostages."

"Whoever dares to harm our hostages - may his blood be on his head," Netanyahu added. (ANI/TPS)
The Chairman of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), Dr Naseem Baloch, paid tribute to Dr Mannan Baloch on the ninth anniversary of his martyrdom, honouring his significant contributions to the Baloch freedom struggle. Along with Dr Mannan Baloch, the BNM's secretary general at the time, Babu Nauroz, Hanif Baloch, Ashraf Baloch, and Sajid Jan were martyred by Pakistani forces in Mastung on January 30, 2016, the BNM stated in a post on X. Dr Naseem Baloch emphasised that Dr Mannan Baloch was a courageous leader and a key figure in the Baloch national movement's intellectual foundation. "He was not just a political leader but an ideological pillar of our struggle. His voice for Baloch freedom was so powerful that it became intolerable to Pakistan, which silenced it with the power of the gun," he stated in the post. Dr Mannan Baloch made the challenging decision to resist even though he was a doctor with the choice to live a luxurious life. "His ideology and struggle did not allow him to be a silent spectator. He stood firm for freedom, justice, and national dignity until his last breath, ultimately sacrificing his life for the cause," Naseem Baloch added. Dr Naseem further condemned the Pakistani government's deliberate targeting of leaders like Dr. Mannan, claiming that his murder was part of a broader campaign of extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, and the genocide of the Baloch people. "Dr. Mannan's death was not an isolated incident; it was a calculated attempt to crush the Baloch resistance. Yet, his martyrdom has only fortified our movement," he said. The BNM Chairman described Dr. Mannan Baloch's death as a pivotal moment that renewed the spirit of the struggle, inspiring a new generation to take up the cause with unwavering resolve. "The blood of our martyrs has nourished the roots of our resistance. Dr Mannan's dream of an independent Balochistan is not just an idea it is a promise that will one day become a reality," he added. Dr Naseem concluded his message by reaffirming the BNM's commitment to the cause, stating that Dr Mannan's ideology lives on in the consciousness of every Baloch who resists oppression. "We will prove that his sacrifice was not in vain. His legacy continues to guide us in our fight for freedom, dignity, and sovereignty" the post added further. (ANI)


Nadda hits back at Kejriwal, shares break-up of high ammonia levels at Delhis entry and exit Union Minister and BJP National President J.P. Nadda on Thursday blasted the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over its claim that the Yamuna River was being "poisoned" by the Haryana government. Nadda shared an infographic showing pollution levels rising sharply after the river enters Delhi, accusing the AAP government of negligence and failed governance.



AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal had alleged that the BJP was "poisoning" Delhi's water supply to create chaos ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. He said that the people of Delhi get drinking water from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, but the Haryana government has "mixed poison" in the water coming to Delhi from the Yamuna. He claimed that it was only due to the vigilance of Delhi Jal Board engineers that this water was stopped.



Reacting to this, Nadda posted on X, "AAP-Da's blame game on Yamuna pollution exposes its inefficiency and failed governance. For over 10 years, Arvind Kejriwal government has delivered nothing but corruption, lies, and hollow promises. Despite receiving Rs 8,500 crores from the Central Government, no meaningful work has been done to clean the river."



Citing pollution data, Nadda wrote that the infographic from Info in Data showed how pollution spikes as soon as the Yamuna enters Delhi.



"The infographic from Infoindata shows how pollution spikes as soon as the Yamuna enters Delhi. Instead of taking responsibility, AAP-Da government has started spreading fear among people for political gains. Arvind Kejriwal should apologise to the people of Haryana and Delhi for his statement," he added.



The infographic, citing the Central Pollution Control Board and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, highlighted the rise in Biochemical Oxygen Demand and ammonia levels along the Yamuna's course through Delhi.



The entry point at Palla had BOD at 2 mg/l and ammonia at 5.5 mg/l. At Wazirabad, BOD rose to 7 mg/l, then spiked to 47 mg/l at ISBT Bridge, and stood at 44 mg/l at Okhla Barrage. The exit point at Asgarpur showed BOD at 85 mg/l and ammonia at 56.1 mg/l. Higher BOD indicates lower water quality, while ammonia is a severe water pollutant affecting aquatic life and human health.



The Election Commission of India has also expressed dissatisfaction with Kejriwals response regarding the Yamuna water claims. The ECI noted that he had not provided any factual, legal matrix with evidence to support his statement.



The Commission had sought an explanation from Kejriwal following complaints from BJP and Congress candidate Sandeep Dikshit from the New Delhi Assembly constituency.



In his reply, Kejriwal stated that it was undisputed that there was 7 ppm ammonia in Yamuna water and that a Delhi Jal Board letter admitted toxicity was 700 per cent higher than the permissible limit.



He blamed Haryana for the crisis, saying that the root cause identified by the DJB letter was the indiscriminate discharge of industrial waste by Haryana. He argued that the Delhi government had no role in this, as Haryana is an upper-riparian state.



As the Delhi elections draw closer, the Yamuna water controversy has turned into a major political battleground between AAP and BJP, with both parties blaming each other for the city's water crisis.




Chuchart Kanpai, a Thai attorney, has petitioned for the release of 42 Uyghur men who have been detained in Thailand for over ten years. The men were arrested on immigration charges in 2013 while escaping alleged persecution in China. They are members of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, a predominantly Muslim minority community, according to a report published by Radio Free Asia. In his appeal filed with a Thai court on Thursday, Chuchart stressed the prolonged length of the Uyghurs' detention and contended that their lengthy imprisonment has been illegal. "They spent more than ten years in prison, from 2013 to 2025. "They completed the sentence," Chuchart said in the petition, as per a copy stated by RFA. The petition was filed as human rights organizations became more concerned that the arrested Uyghurs might be sent to China, where they would be at serious risk of torture and other atrocities as reported by RFA. Thai authorities have been forcing the detainees to complete paperwork that could lead to their deportation, according to a report by the advocacy group Justice for All as quoted by RFA. Last week, however, a representative of the Thai government denied these allegations, claiming that Thailand had "no policy" to deport the Uyghurs and brushing off worries of forced repatriation, RFA said. The Uyghur minority's predicament has garnered international attention, and UN experts have urged Thailand to refrain from deporting any of the inmates that would put them in danger. In China, Uyghurs have been accused of widespread repression, forced labour, and mass detentions in internment camps all of which the Chinese government denies highlighted RFA. RFA reported that in his appeal, Chuchart demands that the 42 Uyghurs be released immediately, claiming that their prolonged confinement is illegal. The case will be heard by the Thai court on February 17 and witnesses from groups like the World Uyghur Congress are anticipated to testify. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, during his visit to Japan, participated in an interactive session on investment opportunities in Madhya Pradesh, held in Osaka. Addressing industrialists and investors, he highlighted the state's potential and invited them to be part of its growth story. Underlining, Madhya Pradesh's world-class infrastructure, investor-friendly policies, and special incentive schemes, he highlighted the state's emergence as a key hub for industries such as tourism, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, mining, dairy, and food processing. Sharing a post on X, Yadav wrote, "During the visit to Japan, I had the opportunity to participate in the Interactive Session on Investment Opportunities in Madhya Pradesh held in Osaka. I engaged with industrialists and investors, highlighting the immense potential Madhya Pradesh offers and inviting them to be part of our state's growth story." "With world-class infrastructure, investor-friendly policies, and special incentive schemes, Madhya Pradesh stands out as a premier global investment destination. We are rapidly emerging as a key hub for sectors such as tourism, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, mining, dairy, and food processing. Our unwavering commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment ensures seamless investment opportunities and sustainable growth for all stakeholders," the post added. https://x.com/DrMohanYadav51/status/1884960019562537114 On Thursday, the third day of his four-day visit to Japan, Yadav said,"Japan seems to be India's lost brother. Japan and India have many similarities. Be it the Surya Narayan culture here or the paths shown by Gautam Buddha, they are seen equally in both the countries. Seeing the closeness between these two countries, it can also be said that India and Japan are two separated brothers. India and Japan have had good relations in every period and era." Earlier in the day, Yadav also visited the Panasonic Energy facility and met with the company representatives to discuss potential investment opportunities in Madhya Pradesh. During the meeting, CM Yadav briefed the Panasonic Energy team, who specialise in making advanced batteries, regarding Madhya Pradesh's robust infrastructure, specialised industrial parks and skilled workforce. He also extended an invitation for them to attent the Global Investors Summit (GSI), scheduled to be held in Bhopal on February 24-25. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, reached Kobe on the third day of his Japan visit, during which he interacted with the Indian diaspora and visited Sysmex Corporation office, a leading company in the health sector, in the city. CM Yadav, while speaking to the Indian diaspora, invited them for Global Investors Summit (GIS) scheduled to be held in Bhopal next month on February 24-25. Highlighting the potential of Madhya Pradesh, CM Yadav said on one hand, diamonds and gold are being discovered while on the other hand, iron and aluminium are also being mined. "I have come to Kobe to meet people of Indian origin and I have invited them to the Global Investors Summit. It gives me immense satisfaction and pride to see the progress of Indians here...India has become the centre of attention in terms of global investment... Madhya Pradesh is the state where, on one hand, diamonds and gold are being discovered in mines, and on the other hand, iron and aluminium are also being mined," CM Yadav said. Earlier on Wednesday, in his interaction with the Indian diaspora CM Yadav said, "Indians are like sugar in milk. They add sweetness and mix seamlessly wherever they go. We connect with the feeling of welfare in whichever country Indians go". "You have found a way to make a path. The future generations will benefit from what you have created," he added. He brought to attention the significant changes which have come in India in the last 10 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and highlighted that during his visits now, people become very happy and festive. The Madhya Pradesh CM further highlighted PM Modi's vision for the country and said India wants to progress as a 'Vishwaguru' in the world. He said that just like how a "guru" lights the path, the diaspora is present in the "country of sun", referring to Japan. Highlighting similarities between India and Japan, CM Yadav said that it is through these similarities and culture that India and Japan find each other closer. CM Mohan Yadav also offered floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at India Club in Kobe on Thursday on his death anniversary. "Today, I paid floral tribute to the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary at his statue in Kobe, city of Japan. The ideal life of Bapu will always inspire us to serve the nation and society," CM Yadav said in a post on X. During his visit to Sysmex Corporation office, CM Yadav held a meeting with key officials of the company and discussed collaboration in the healthcare sector, especially under the manufacturing of medical equipment. He extended invitations to them to participate in the GIS as well. "I had a productive discussion with Mr. Toni Sumaki, Mr. Eisuke Kobayashi, and Mr. Akamatsu of Sysmex, medical equipment manufacturers. Sysmex, a global leader in in-vitro diagnostics (IVD) and hematology, has had a strong presence in India since 1993, with manufacturing facilities in Baddi, Gujarat and Sanand," stated CM Yadav in a post on X. He added, "Our discussion centered on expanding innovation and collaboration in the healthcare sector, especially under the manufacturing of medical equipment. I also invited them to the Global Investors Summit 2025." During the meeting, Toni Sumaki gave a presentation of the company in which highlighted their strength and recognised Madhya Pradesh as an important partner. Sumaki also showcased their projects and product portfolio like surgical support robots, regenerative medicine, cellular therapy, life science, clinical chemistry, immunochemistry, hemostasis, FCM, urinary analysis and hematology. He further stressed Sysmex strength, highlighting offices in Germany, Singapore, China amongst others. He also emphasised their presence in India and shared information about their plants in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat. Additionally, CM Yadav reached Osaka, where he visited the Panasonic Energy office and held a meeting with company representatives to discuss investment opportunities in Madhya Pradesh. During the meeting, CM Yadav also briefed Panasonic Energy team about Madhya Pradesh's strength, infrastructure, specialized industrial parks, and skilled workforce. He invited them too for the Global Investors Summit. "On the third day of my Japan tour, I arrived in Osaka, where I toured the Panasonic Energy facility and held a meeting with company representatives to discuss investment opportunities in Madhya Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh is poised to become a leading investment hub by fostering innovation in the energy sector. I briefed the Panasonic Energy team, who specialize in manufacturing advanced batteries, about the state's robust infrastructure, specialized industrial parks, and skilled workforce. I also extended an invitation to them to attend the Global Investors Summit 2025," CM Yadav said in a post on X. In the meeting, the Chief Minister also mentioned about the company's presence in Pithampur, Dhar district (near Indore) since the year 1989 and stressed about the favorable industrial environment of Madhya Pradesh. The company has invested Rs 60 crore in Madhya Pradesh and it is manufacturing state-of-the-art batteries for industrial use and electric vehicles (EVs). The Madhya Pradesh CM highlighted that the state has a conducive environment for automobile and related industries. Panasonic Energy's presence in Pithampur is a perfect example for industrial development. Pithampur Industrial Area, with Asia's largest automotive testing track and world-class industrial infrastructure, is an ideal location for advanced manufacturing. He further emphasised that special financial assistance is provided for medical devices and the healthcare sector under the state's industrial policy. The Chief Minister proposed to Panasonic Energy to expand its unit in Pithampur for energy storage and sustainable battery manufacturing. He discussed investment in Electric Vehicles (EV) and high performance battery manufacturing. He also suggested setting up a Research and Development Centre to promote innovation and local capabilities and invited to make new investments for battery and other products in other sectors like electronics, electricals etc. Furthermore, the CM assured to provide all possible support to Panasonic Energy to invest in Madhya Pradesh and set up facilities. He invited the representatives of Panasonic Energy for the Global Investor Summit (GIS) and to visit cultural and historical importance places of Madhya Pradesh like Sanchi. Additionally, he mentioned that the Madhya Pradesh government is moving towards a long-term and strong partnership with Panasonic Energy. The GIS will take place on February 24 and 25, in Bhopal. The two-day program will be organized aiming to highlight the investment climate and industrial infrastructure of Madhya Pradesh, offering numerous opportunities for potential collaborations. It will serve as a platform for global leaders, industrialists, and experts to share insights on emerging markets and trends, and to explore ways to leverage the investment potential of Madhya Pradesh. CM Yadav is currently on a four-day visit to Japan from January 28 seeking investment opportunities and inviting industrialists to participate in the Global Investors Summit. (ANI)
From dancing Shamans, carrying out a parade of Buddhist monks to raising a big cut out of the hissing snake, Nepal's indigenous Tamang community on Thursday celebrated Sonam Lhoshar- the year of the snake with grandeur and fanfare. The Tibeto-Burman ethnic group of Nepal, Tamang, constitutes about 5.6 per cent of the population the Himalayan nation as per the 2021 census. The residents of high-lying areas follow the Manjushree calendar as per which the 2861st year started from Thursday. "Lhoshar is a special festival of the Tamang community. From today, the year of the snake has started. The literal translation of Lho-shar means New Year. The new year of the Tamang community has started from today. We not only celebrate this festival by gathering here in Tundikhel but also in our home. The main motive to come here is to gather at a place, exchange greetings and celebrate it together spreading the message that Tamang's celebrate this festival," Keshav Tamang, one of the reveler who gathered for celebration in Kathmandu told ANI. Sonam Lhosar festival is celebrated every year on the occasion of Magh Shukla Pratipada with various programs. The festival is divided into 12 categories namely rat, cow, tiger, rabbit, dragon (cloud), snake, horse, sheep, monkey, bird, dog and pig. The indigenous Tamang Community this year is celebrating the year of Snake. The festival is specially celebrated in different districts of Bagmati region where Tamang community is predominant. 'Lho' means year and 'Sar' means new or fresh if translated, and the word 'Sonam' refers to the Tamang people in Nepal. Thus the festival 'Sonam Lhosar' is the New Year event, according to the calendar followed by the Tamang people. In this festival, the houses and neighborhood are kept clean, holy clothes are hoisted and pooja is conducted by worshiping Lord Buddha. The Lama and Gurus gather, and dances are performed in the Tamang community. On the day of the New Year, people take blessings from monks and elders for their progress, prosperity and happiness. The events are followed by extensive feasts. Meat of pigs, ducks, chickens and sweet desserts are prepared for family gatherings. (ANI)
Hours after delaying the scheduled release of 110 Palestinian prisoners in protest of the chaotic scenes during the handover of hostages in Khan Younis, Israel confirmed receiving security assurance from the mediators of the ongoing ceasefire-hostage deal. Israel, while delaying the release, had asserted that the prisoners won''t be freed until the "safe passage" of the hostages is "guaranteed in the next releases." "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, together with Defense Minister Israel Katz, has ordered that the release of the terrorists slated to be released today be delayed until the safe exit of our hostages in the next phases is assured. Israel demands that the mediators see to this," the Israel PM Office said in a statement. https://x.com/IsraeliPM/status/1884952474039038188 Around an hour later, the Israel PM Office confirmed that the mediators have assured them of the safe exit for its hostages who are to be released in the subsequent phases. "Pursuant to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu''s demand, the mediators have conveyed a commitment, according to which the safe exit of our hostages who are due to be released in the next phases has been assured," the statement read. "Israel insists that the lessons be learned and that strict care be taken in the next phases regarding the safe return of our hostages," it added. https://x.com/IsraeliPM/status/1884970126526562485 This comes after chaotic scenes were witnessed during hostage release. Arbel Yehoud was forced to walk from an Islamic Jihad vehicle to the Red Cross vehicle through a heaving mob of jeering onlookers, as reported by Times of Israel. The vehicles struggled to inch its way through the large crowd of onlookers a,mid wailing sirens. Hundreds of heavily armed, masked gunmen also surround the vehicles, pushing away the onlookers. Meanwhile, the Israel Defence Force (IDF) shared the details of five Thai and two Israeli prisoners who released as part of the ceasefire-hostage deal. In a post on X, IDF noted, "Gad Moshe Mozes, Arbel Yehoud and the five Thai nationals--Thenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakhan, Sriaoun Watchara, Seathao Bannawat, and Rumnao Surasak--have taken off aboard IAF helicopters and are making their way to the hospitals. Gad and Arbel will be reunited with their families and receive medical treatment at the hospital. The five Thai nationals will receive medical treatment and will be accompanied by Thai government officials at the hospital." https://x.com/IDF/status/1884972673169789288 The IDF also shared visuals of the released people coming back to Israel on X. https://x.com/IDF/status/1884967404624613789 https://x.com/IDF/status/1884979604508549493 On October 7, 2023, Hamas 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)
The meeting, which took place in Al Ain, discussed key topics and initiatives aimed at advancing the UAE's comprehensive and sustainable development across various sectors.

Discussions also focused on accelerating efforts to realise the leadership's vision for the future and ensure continued growth and long-term prosperity.

The meeting was attended by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group; and Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications and Director General of the Dubai Crown Prince's Office. (ANI/WAM)
Speaking in Geneva today, Turk stated that the UN Human Rights Office has supported countries, national institutions, regional bodies, the broader UN system, and the private sector in improving their performance by integrating human rights into their work.

He highlighted that up to 2,000 personnel operating in 92 countries carried out approximately 11,000 human rights monitoring missions and observed nearly 1,000 trials. He added that 95 partners, including 67 UN member states, contributed to the office's efforts and expressed hope for their continued commitment in 2025.

Turk noted that the office will strengthen these essential efforts by bringing together governments, civil society, the private sector, philanthropic organisations, the scientific community, and academia, among others.

He pointed out that while the office also sought USD 500 million last year, only USD 269 million was raised- four per cent less than in 2023. Turk emphasised that human rights are a low-cost, high-impact investment, crucial for mobilising people towards peace, security, sustainable development, and fostering social cohesion based on the contributions of every individual. (ANI/WAM)
Tulsi Gabbard, US President Donald Trump's pick for Director of National Intelligence, exuded confidence that she she will bring "laser-like focus" back into the intelligence leadership. During the confirmation hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday, Gabbard also criticised the previous Biden administration citing examples of how intelligence was "weaponised and politicised". She opened her speech by expressing condolences and prayers over the air crash. "I'm honoured and grateful to President Trump for his trust and confidence in nominating me to serve our country as Director of National Intelligence, at a time when trust in the intelligence community is unfortunately at an all-time low," Gabbard said in her remarks. "For too long, faulty or weaponised intelligence has led to costly failures and the undermining of our national security and god given freedoms enshrined in the constitution", she added. She said that if confirmed she will bring "laser-like focus" in the leadership to the intelligence community. Criticising the US operation in Iraq citing a "total fabrication" and a "complete failure of intelligence", she said, "This disastrous decision led to the deaths of tens of thousands of American soldiers, millions of people in the Middle East and mass migration, destabilisation, undermining of the security and stability of our European allies, the rise of ISIS, strengthening of Al Qaeda and other Islamist Jihadist groups and strengthening Iran." She also highlighted how Donald Trump's election as the US President saw the politicisation of the FBI and other intelligence agencies to "undermine his presidency and falsely portray him as a puppet of Putin". Gabbard also alleged that Title 1 of FISA was obtained 'illegally' to spy on Trump campaign advisor Carter Page. Title I of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) governs the targeting of foreign powers or agents of foreign powers for electronic surveillance by the US government. Mentioning the Hunter Biden laptop case, she said, "Biden campaign advisor Tony Blinken was the impetus for the 51 senior intelligence officials dismissing Hunter Biden's laptop as disinformation specifically to help Biden win the election". Gabbard also mentioned about the FBI being used under the Biden administration to survey on Catholics attending traditional Latin mass. She further highlighted how just 24 hours after criticising Kamala Harris and her nomination, Gabbard was "placed on a secret domestic terror watchlist". "President trump's re-election is a clear mandate from the American people to break this cycle of failure, and the weaponisation and politicisation of the intelligence community and begin to restore trust in those who have been charged with the critical task of securing the nation," Gabbard stated. Gabbard, is a former Army Reserve lieutenant colonel, Democratic congresswoman and presidential candidate in 2020 who turned Republican last year, has at times called the tens of thousands of intelligence personnel she would oversee as members of "deep state." She has also raised questions over the US intelligence findings on the former Syrian regime's use of chemical weapons on its own people, and has echoed Kremlin's views about the cause of Russia launching war in Ukraine. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, who is on a four-day visit to Japan to seek investment for the state, said that he has received offers from Japanese investors. CM Yadav attended an interactive session in Osaka on the investment opportunities in Madhya Pradesh and invited the industrialist to participate in the Global Inverstors Summit scheduled to be held in Bhopal on February 24 and 25. Following the session, Yadav told ANI that he has received "good response" from the Japanese investors and have received offers as well. "We have come here to invite investors, we are doing roadshows in different cities of Japan, along with Indian investors, we are speaking to Japanese investors as well. I am glad that we are getting a good response from everywhere. I am glad that we are being heard regarding every sector and we are getting offers as well," Yadav said. In addition, Director General of Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) Kobe, Hideki Sho said that Madhya Pradesh has a variety of potential for all kinds of industries. "My impression is very positive, CM gave a very strong message to the Japanese potential investors. Now we understand that your state (Madhya Pradesh) has a variety of potential, all kinds of industries from mining, energy, pharmaceutical. Many Japanese companies have received a very positive impression from CM's presentation," Sho said. Chief Director of JETRO Kobe, Emi Teshima, noting the medical industry of Madhya Pradesh, said that the state has very promising investment area. "India is a very important country for Japan and this state is a very promising investment area. This state is famous for the medical industry and Kobe is also famous for the medical industry so maybe in the future they will have a good relationship in the medical industry," Teshima said. Earlier in the day, CM Yadav interacted with the Indian diaspora and visited Sysmex Corporation office, a leading company in the health sector, in the city. Highlighting the potential of Madhya Pradesh, CM Yadav said on one hand, diamonds and gold are being discovered while on the other hand, iron and aluminium are also being mined. "I have come to Kobe to meet people of Indian origin and I have invited them to the Global Investors Summit. It gives me immense satisfaction and pride to see the progress of Indians here...India has become the centre of attention in terms of global investment... Madhya Pradesh is the state where, on one hand, diamonds and gold are being discovered in mines, and on the other hand, iron and aluminium are also being mined," CM Yadav said. Earlier on Wednesday, in his interaction with the Indian diaspora CM Yadav said, "Indians are like sugar in milk. They add sweetness and mix seamlessly wherever they go. We connect with the feeling of welfare in whichever country Indians go". "You have found a way to make a path. The future generations will benefit from what you have created," he added. He brought to attention the significant changes that have come in India in the last 10 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and highlighted that during his visits now, people become very happy and festive. The Madhya Pradesh CM further highlighted PM Modi's vision for the country and said India wants to progress as a 'Vishwaguru' in the world. He said that just like how a "guru" lights the path, the diaspora is present in the "country of sun", referring to Japan. Highlighting similarities between India and Japan, CM Yadav said that it is through these similarities and culture that India and Japan find each other closer. Additionally, CM Yadav reached Osaka, where he visited the Panasonic Energy office and held a meeting with company representatives to discuss investment opportunities in Madhya Pradesh. During the meeting, CM Yadav also briefed Panasonic Energy team about Madhya Pradesh's strength, infrastructure, specialized industrial parks, and skilled workforce. He invited them too for the Global Investors Summit. "On the third day of my Japan tour, I arrived in Osaka, where I toured the Panasonic Energy facility and held a meeting with company representatives to discuss investment opportunities in Madhya Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh is poised to become a leading investment hub by fostering innovation in the energy sector. I briefed the Panasonic Energy team, who specialize in manufacturing advanced batteries, about the state's robust infrastructure, specialized industrial parks, and skilled workforce. I also extended an invitation to them to attend the Global Investors Summit 2025," CM Yadav said in a post on X. The Global Investors Summit will take place on February 24 and 25, in Bhopal. The two-day program will be organized aiming to highlight the investment climate and industrial infrastructure of Madhya Pradesh, offering numerous opportunities for potential collaborations. (ANI)
Israel released 110 Palestinian prisoners after receiving security assurance from the mediators of the ongoing ceasefire-hostage deal, following the chaotic scenes in Khan Younis during the handover of Israeli and Thai hostages. According to Al Jazeera, Israel released the Palestinian prisoners after Israeli military confirmed the release of three Israelis, one male and two female, and five Thailand nationals. Earlier, Israel had delayed the release of Palestinian prisoners and had asserted that the prisoners won''t be freed until the "safe passage" of the hostages is "guaranteed in the next releases." "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, together with Defense Minister Israel Katz, has ordered that the release of the terrorists slated to be released today be delayed until the safe exit of our hostages in the next phases is assured. Israel demands that the mediators see to this," the Israel PM Office said in a statement. Around an hour later, the Israel PM Office confirmed that the mediators have assured them of the safe exit for its hostages who are to be released in the subsequent phases. "Pursuant to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu''s demand, the mediators have conveyed a commitment, according to which the safe exit of our hostages who are due to be released in the next phases has been assured," the statement read. "Israel insists that the lessons be learned and that strict care be taken in the next phases regarding the safe return of our hostages," it added. Chaotic scenes were witnessed during hostage release. Israeli hostage Arbel Yehoud, was forced to walk from an Islamic Jihad vehicle to the Red Cross vehicle through a heaving mob of jeering onlookers, as reported by Times of Israel. The vehicles struggled to inch its way through the large crowd of onlookers a,mid wailing sirens. Hundreds of heavily armed, masked gunmen also surround the vehicles, pushing away the onlookers. On October 7, 2023, Hamas 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)
San Francisco police seized gambling machines, more than $30,000, suspected narcotics and more than 80 suspected stolen items in a raid of three Tenderloin businesses Tuesday. Provided by San Francisco Police Department

San Francisco police on Tuesday raided three Tenderloin businesses that allegedly operated as illegal casinos, resulting in the seizure of equipment, money, drugs and stolen property as well as the arrest of four men.

At approximately 4:26 p.m., police raided three sites on the 400 block of Ellis Street and the 300 block of Jones Street, officials from the San Francisco Police Department said. Officers seized several illegal gambling machines, more than $30,000, suspected narcotics and more than 80 items believed to have been stolen through organized retail theft.

Officers arrested four San Francisco residents on suspicion of crimes related to participating in and permitting illegal gambling and cited 11 people for misdemeanors, police said.

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San Francisco police seized gambling machines, more than $30,000, suspected narcotics and more than 80 suspected stolen items in a raid of three Tenderloin businesses Tuesday. Provided by San Francisco Police Department

Hicham Haddaj, 25, Donald Redmond-Hayes, 22, Matthew Satawake, 34, and Jaime Gomez-Macias, 38, were all booked into jail on suspicion of participating in illegal gambling and a host of other alleged crimes, police said.

Haddaj and Gomez-Macias are also suspected of operating or maintaining a drug house, receiving stolen property and knowingly permitting illegal gaming or gambling, police said. Haddaj was booked on additional charges of possession of methamphetamine for sale and resisting arrest. Redmond-Hayes is also suspected of false impersonation and possessing a controlled substance and sedatives for sale.

San Francisco police seized gambling machines, more than $30,000, suspected narcotics and more than 80 suspected stolen items in a raid of three Tenderloin businesses Tuesday. Provided by San Francisco Police Department San Francisco police seized gambling machines, more than $30,000, suspected narcotics and more than 80 suspected stolen items in a raid of three Tenderloin businesses Tuesday. Provided by San Francisco Police Department

All four were in custody Wednesday evening, jail records showed. Haddaj and Gomez-Macias were being held on no bail status, while Redmond-Hayes was being held on $10,000 bail and Satawake on $50,500 bail.

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South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster gave his eighth 'State of the State' address Wednesday night, with proposals that included tax reforms, increased pay for teachers and first responders, the reconfiguration of two statewide mental health departments, and disaster relief.

The longest-serving governor in Palmetto State history spoke for just over 50 minutes before a joint session of the General Assembly and guests in Columbia about the state's successes, challenges, and opportunities in 2024. The Republican governor highlighted the third-best performance of capital investments in the state's history, at about $8.2 billion and $1.8 billion in unexpected revenue.

McMaster recognized several Upstate companies, AFL and Keurig Dr. Pepper in Spartanburg County; EnerSys and Magna in Greenville County, for their investments in the state.

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster speaking during the Michelin Legacy 50th Celebration in 2024.

He declared the state of South Carolina in "superior fiscal shape" due to government savings and non-spending methods but kept his speech focused on the priorities of 2025 and beyond.

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"We're doing great, but we've got work to do in a number of places," McMaster said. "We've got some decisions to make."

Following his address, state Sen. Margie Bright Matthews of Colleton County gave the Democratic response. She raised questions about a $1.8 billion discrepancy in the state treasury that led to resignations and a Securities Exchange Commission investigation, encouraged taxpayer dollars to be invested in public education instead of school choice efforts, and applauded lawmaker bipartisan efforts to bring jobs to the state.

Here are 10 takeaways from McMaster's speech.

Funds Blundered: South Carolina State auditor submits resignation to Gov. McMaster, accounting errors

Cut personal income state taxes in South Carolina

In 2022, McMaster signed a law reducing personal state income taxes from 7 to 6.2 percent over five years. During Wednesday's address, he said South Carolina's booming economy had helped accelerate the tax cuts in just three years.

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Because of those successes, McMaster proposed reducing personal state income taxes from 6.2 percent to 6 percent, eventually ending the statewide tax.

"We should not stop at 6 percent... until we can eliminate the personal income tax for our people, all together," he said.

McMaster estimated that the 0.2 percent reduction would save South Carolina residents $193.5 million per year.

Proposed changes to statewide disaster relief

McMaster recounted the massive effects of Tropical Storm Helene on South Carolina, including damage to nearly 6,300 homes and $621 million in agricultural damages across the 20 million acres of state jurisdiction.

He noted that as of Jan. 29, there were about 441,000 applications to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In the future, he would like to circumvent the disaster relief process further, proposing a $150 million appropriation to create a "South Carolina Public Assistance Program" administered by the South Carolina Emergency Management Division.

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This state grant program would allow local government, public utilities, charities, and nonprofit agencies to apply for state disaster recovery funds denied by the federal government or those that did not meet FEMA thresholds for damage reimbursement.

"That's how we take care of our people," he said of the proposed changes.

Consolidation of two statewide mental health agencies

McMaster proposed reviewing and funding the state's behavioral health delivery systems. He described a fragmented and confusing process that people seeking services must navigate while others in need are never treated or fall through the cracks because the agencies responsible for helping don't collaborate or communicate.

"We must fix this," he said, recommending consolidating the Department of Mental Health and Department of Disabilities and Special Needs as cabinet-level agencies accountable to the governor.

Newly proposed neurological health center in South Carolina

He also proposed lawmakers assist in funding a new neuro-health rehabilitation center with 80 beds for critical care and 32 beds for neurological rehabilitation. The newly constructed health facility would be managed by the Department of Health & Human Services and operated by the University of South Carolina.

Chelsey Troutman of Bushy Creek Elementary School accepts the 2024-25 Teacher of the Year awarded by superintendent Dr. Burke Royster of Greenville County Schools on stage at Greenville Convention Center on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024.

In the Upstate: Greenville County School Board votes to replace grass fields with turf despite objections

Increase minimum salaries for teachers

Eight years ago, the state's minimum starting teacher salary average was $30,113, which was below the Southeast average. McMaster said the goal was to raise the average salary to $50,000 by 2026.

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The governor said the starting minimum salary now stands at $47,000, which exceeds the Southeast average. He said teacher salaries increased by 56.1 percent, higher than in Georgia and North Carolina.

To stay competitive and attract the "best and brightest," McMaster recommended lawmakers increase the minimum salary for teachers in the state to $50,000 this year.

"Educating our children is the most important thing we do," he said.

Funding for school choice

In addition, McMaster vouched for continuing investments in K-4 programs, stating that state-funded, low-income households enrolled in the programs have been shown to produce students who excel with the necessary skills to learn.

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He asked lawmakers to help him establish an "Education Scholarship Trust Fund Bill," requesting $30 million to help low-income families choose the education and environments that best suit their children. He asked that the bill address last year's state Supreme Court ruling that public money could not be used to pay for private education.

Debit cards for Education Lottery tickets

McMaster proposed to allow debit card purchases of South Carolina Education Lottery tickets as the statewide lottery commission estimates debit card purchases would generate an additional $52 million that could be used for education purposes.

Safety resource officers in schools

According to McMaster, integrating safety resource officers into all 1,284 public schools is a top priority. He said there are 177 schools in the state without the officers.

He proposed that the state's Department of Public Safety fund and administer an SRO grant program by the year's end to ensure parents' safety and comfort.

Continued freeze on South Carolina public college tuition

For the sixth consecutive year, the governor requested a freeze on tuition for in-state students who attend public colleges, universities, and other higher learning institutions in South Carolina. In exchange, the schools would receive metric-based appropriation and incentives.

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Roadway Safety: Statewide and county DUI totals have improved since COVID; how much is too much to drink?

In addition, for the fourth straight year, $80 million is expected to support college students at public institutions who qualify for federal Pell grants. Private, independent, and historically Black colleges and universities would receive an additional $20 million in tuition assistance.

Proposed increases for law enforcement, prisons

The governor proposed $14.5 million in pay raises for hiring new officers across South Carolina. He recommended a $2,000 state income tax credit for every active duty first responder employed by a public entity, totaling around $43 million in tax relief.

McMaster's executive budget recommends the South Carolina Department of Corrections receive a new appropriation of $43.2 million for cell phone and contraband confiscation, increase correction officers, deferred maintenance, and medical and mental health at the 21 prisons across the state.

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He also mentioned providing additional funding to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division to increase dog fighting prevention efforts.

For a full breakdown of McMaster's speech, go to the S.C. Governor's Office website.

 A.J. Jackson covers business, the food & dining scene and downtown culture for The Greenville News. Contact him by email at ajackson@gannett.com, and follow him on X (formally Twitter) @ajhappened. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. Sign up today for a digital subscription.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: McMaster calls for teacher, first responders pay hike; 10 takeaways
Gov. Andy Beshear reported U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has not made any requests of assistance from Kentucky amid the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration.

But should any requests come through, he said Thursday, they will be "looked at and evaluated."

Since taking office earlier this month, President Donald Trump has announced sweeping measures aimed at immigration, including ending birthright citizenship for some children and deputizing several justice department agencies to help ICE with immigration enforcement.

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"Any request we're going to look at it," Beshear said at his weekly Team Kentucky press conference. "Certainly there are instances where, if we know of somebody who has broken the law, that has committed a violent offense, and that's somebody that we would normally work, whether it's with immigration or just regular law enforcement, to apprehend and make our community safer."

He added he would want to evaluate "anything and everything and try to do what's best for the people of Kentucky."

"At the end of the day, my approach is that border security is national security," Beshear said. "We must enforce our immigration laws, but also understanding that many of these people are fleeing violence and oppression, and we ought to be recognizing that while we are enforcing our immigration laws."

Last year, ahead of Trump taking office, Beshear said he wanted to see the president's "mass deportation plans" before making any type of comment.

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"We'll see what we're asked to do," Beshear said in November. "Certainly anything that we're asked to do will have to be ultimately legal under both federal and state law.

Beshear expresses support for FEMA

Trump has also said he will likely get rid of FEMA, the main federal agency that responds to natural disasters.

Beshear said while changes need to be made in the agency, "FEMA is an organization that needs to continue."

"What FEMA does is ensure that one group that's out there can do all the training and have the personnel to process applications for help from multiple states and from tens of thousands of individuals," Beshear said. "If FEMA was dissolved, every state would have to do that on its own because that work is required under statute."

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Kentucky has experience multiple disasters, including tornadoes and flash flooding, that has required federal assistance in recent years.

According to FEMA's website, the organization approved more than$40.4 million in direct assistance to individual Kentucky survivors as of 2022.

Reach reporter Hannah Pinski at hpinski@courier-journal.com or follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @hannahpinski.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Gov. Andy Beshear says ICE has not requested assistance from Kentucky
A Mississippi man is among the victims killed in a Wednesday evening crash involving a commercial airliner and a Black Hawk helicopter in Washington, D.C.

Multiple news outlets, including the Macon Beacon, are reporting the death of Andrew Eaves, a Black Hawk pilot. The Beacon said Eaves is a Noxubee County native.

Eaves' wife, Carrie Eaves, shared the news in a post on Facebook.

"We ask that you pray for our family and friends and for all the other families that are suffering today," she wrote.

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None of the people on the airplane or the helicopter survived the crash.

The crash occurred just before 8 p.m. Wednesday when American Airlines Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, attempted to land and collided in midair with the Black Hawk helicopter. The passenger plane, with 64 people aboard, and the helicopter, carrying three soldiers, fell into the Potomac River, USA TODAY reported.

Army officials announced Wednesday that recovery efforts are ongoing while the National Transportation Safety Board leads the investigation into the crash.

Our deepest condolences go out to all the families and friends impacted during this tragedy, and we will support them through this difficult time," Maj. Gen. Trevor J. Bredenkamp, commander Joint Task Force-National Capital Region/U.S. Army Military District of Washington said in a news release. "Our top priority is to assist in the recovery efforts, while fully cooperating with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and other investigative agencies to determine the cause of this tragic incident.

The Army said the Black Hawk, from the 12th Aviation Battalion, Davison Army Airfield in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, was on a training mission when it collided with the American Airlines jet.

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This is the second major tragedy for Mississippi in the past month. On Jan. 1, two people from Mississippi were killed in a terrorist attack during a New Year's celebration in New Orleans' French Quarter.

New Year's Day: Mississippi teen killed in New Orleans terrorist attack remembered by family, friends

New Year's Day: Friends share memories of New Orleans terror attack victim Matthew Tenedorio from Mississippi

This is a developing story that may be updated.

Lici Beveridge is a reporter for the Hattiesburg American and Clarion Ledger. Contact her at lbeveridge@gannett.com. Follow her on X @licibev or Facebook at facebook.com/licibeveridge.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: DC plane crash: Mississippi man on helicopter killed in jet collision
It was painful for me to watch Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at his Senate confirmation hearing. Not simply because it was unsettling to watch his inability to answer basic questions about the workings of Medicare and Medicaid, or because of how he sought to explain away his denials of many publicly stated positions, or because his past crusades have endangered the safety of countless children even as he seeks to lead the nations health department.

For me, it was personal. It took me back to another Senate hearing more than half a century ago: on my first day at work in the office of his father, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy.

The New York Democrat had invited me to watch him at a hearing on how the still-new federal education law was working. For most liberals, the passage of that law was an achievement to be celebrated. Kennedy had a different focus. What, he asked of the top federal education official, was happening with the money? Why are the achievement statistics of Black kids between the third and sixth grade dropping? And why was it, he asked, that when I go into the ghetto, one of the things people dislike most is the public education system?

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It was an introduction to an inquiring, skeptical mind that was the essence of who RFK was. He simply was not satisfied with the lazy answers to policy questions. He was something other than a traditional liberal, worried about the excessive size and scope of government, convinced that the public welfare system was disserving its recipients, skeptical that more money for schools would be useful without fundamental structural change. The contrast with his sons embrace of baseless and debunked theories could not be more stark.



There was another aspect of Kennedys mindset that was painfully absent in the testimony of his son: his sincerity.

At his confirmation hearing Wednesday, again and again, the younger Kennedy simply would not accept the many on-the-record comments from his past: full endorsement of abortion rights (Every abortion is a tragedy, he repeatedly recited by rote), constant warnings about the deleterious impact of vaccines (News reports have claimed that Im anti-vaccine or anti-industry. I am neither.), and even comparing the CDC to Nazi death camps (I dont believe that I ever compared the CDC to Nazi death camps. I support the CDC, he said.).

The refusal to simply acknowledge his past views was the highlight of his appearance.

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Bu contrast, when it came to the most contentious issue of the late 1960s, the elder Kennedy was unflinching about his past. This is what he said when he broke with President Lyndon Johnson over the Vietnam War:

I was involved in many of the early decisions on Vietnam, decisions that helped set us on our present path.  I am willing to bear my share of the responsibility, before history and before my fellow citizens. But past error is no excuse for its own perpetuation. All men make mistakes, Sophocles said, but a good man yields when he knows his course is wrong, and repairs the evil. The only sin is pride.

This acknowledgment may well have been impossible for RFK Jr.

The contrast between his full-throated previous support for abortion rights as solely a womans choice and the position of his potential boss, Donald Trump, is so stark that the only answer would have been for Kennedy to say something like: I want to run the Department of Health and Human Services and turn my health care views into policy, so I will completely put aside my views on abortion and follow the views of the president. That would have had the virtue of honesty, but it was apparently a bridge too far.

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None of this is to paint the late Robert F. Kennedy as a saint. He was fully capable of playing hardball politics, hesitant about directly challenging Johnson on Vietnam, torn between appealing to traditional politics and a newer coalition.

But as I watched the younger Kennedys performance, I could not help but have one unhappy conclusion: Sometimes the apple does fall very, very far from the tree.
Restaurants throughout the Gulf Coast are serving imported shrimp but telling their customers they're feasting on fresh crustaceans fished in the Gulf of Mexico, a series of new studies found.

SeaD Consulting, a food safety technology company, tested shrimp from randomly chosen restaurants in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Biloxi, Mississippi; Galveston, Texas; and Tampa Bay, Florida. Researchers found a significant number of the restaurants were passing off their shrimp as locally sourced, even though they were grown on foreign farms and imported to the U.S.

The cities with the highest "shrimp fraud rate" were Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg, Florida, at 96%, according to SeaD Consulting. Only two of the 44 restaurants sampled were serving authentic shrimp from the Gulf of Mexico, a study found.

A batch of wild caught Gulf of Mexico shrimp sits on a sorting table on shrimper Keo Nguyens boat at a dock east of Lake Borgne prior to bringing it to a seafood market Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023.

The tests in other cities yielded similar results. In Biloxi, 82% of the restaurants "were defrauding consumers about what they were buying," SeaD said. In Galveston, 59% of the 44 restaurants it sampled served imported shrimp while claiming they were caught locally. In Baton Rouge, researchers sampled menu items at 24 restaurants and found nearly 30%  more than 1 in 4  were misrepresented.

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Consumers come to the coast expecting the finest, freshest Gulf seafood, but what theyre being served often falls far short of that, said Erin Williams, chief operations officer of SeaD Consulting. This isnt just about mislabeling; its about eroding consumer trust, undercutting local businesses, and threatening the livelihood of hardworking Gulf shrimpers.

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As restaurants deceive customers, shrimpers are struggling to compete

The consulting company behind the research says the rampant misrepresentation hurts not only customers  who are put at higher risk of consuming tainted food  but also harms local fishermen struggling to compete with the low cost of imported shrimp from countries like India, Vietnam and Ecuador.

About 90% of shrimp consumed in the United States is imported, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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John Williams, the executive director of the Southern Shrimp Alliance, a Florida-based advocacy group that represents shrimpers in multiple states, said in a statement that Family-owned shrimp businesses operating out of the Port of Tampa are struggling to survive while local restaurants bamboozle customers into thinking locally caught shrimp are being served."

"If restaurants wish to serve shrimp from countries associated with labor abuses, environmental harms, and banned antibiotic use, that is their choice. But be honest and let consumers choose what they eat," he said.

Some states are cracking down on shrimp mislabeling

The consulting company and groups advocating for fishermen have pushed state legislators to crack down on the mislabeling of seafood, especially shrimp, at restaurants. So far, Alabama and Louisiana are leading the charge to stamp out the misrepresentation and protect the bottom line of local shrimpers.

Earlier this month, a new law went into effect in Louisiana requiring restaurants selling imported shrimp to include a notice on their menus telling customers the shrimp is imported and listing the country of origin. A similar law went into effect in Alabama in October.

Development of new genetic test led to recent studies

The studies were made possible with the development of a genetic test created by researchers at Florida State University and SeaD, which owns the patent on what it calls the RIGHTTest in partnership with the university.

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To detect authenticity, a test strip is placed into a DNA sample solution and examined for the presence of a gene specific to Atlantic white shrimp, which are particularly prone to substitution.

The new test, which can detect raw and cooked species, knocked down a typically five-day process to as little as two hours, according to Florida State University. It also cut out the need to send samples to a testing lab for DNA extraction and analysis. Instead, the new test is much more affordable and can provide on-site results at restaurants and markets.

Curious about where your shrimp is from? Ask

SeaD Consulting and fishermen advocacy groups encourage tourists and locals to eat at restaurants that serve authentic shrimp from the Gulf of Mexico.

However, finding out what restaurants are honestly serving shrimp from the Gulf is challenging. As processed shrimp is often peeled it can be difficult even for experts to discern shrimp species based on physical characteristics alone.

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When you peel the shrimp, they look similar, Prashant Singh, an assistant professor at FSU who assisted in developing the shrimp species test, said in a statement.

SeaD Consulting advises people to ask where their shrimp is from and support stronger regulations against the mislabeling of seafood.

"Dont be afraid to ask your server for proof that the shrimp is locally caught, such as seeing the box it came in restaurants should be proud to show where their seafood comes from," the company said in a statement.

(This story was updated to add additional information.)

Contributing: Wade Tatangelo, USA TODAY NETWORK

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Shrimp fraud' found to be rampant at Gulf Coast restaurants
San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe called the alleged staging of crimes in order to qualify for victim immigration visas particularly offensive in light of the tense immigration times we are living in. Gabrielle Lurie/Special to The Chronicle

A group of Bay Area residents appeared in court Wednesday on charges that they allegedly staged crimes in order to qualify for victim immigration visas.

In December, prosecutors filed charges of felony conspiracy and submitting a false police report against San Francisco and Redwood City residents Rickson Ivan Rodriguez-Contreras, 32, Victor Canoruiz, 45, Huritzy Gomez-Quiroz, 47, Ramon Ramirez-Mendez, 45, and Orbelina Carranza-Quintanilla, 47, according to San Mateo District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe. The defendants pleaded not guilty, except for Carranza-Quintanilla, who is at large and wanted by authorities on a $50,000 arrest warrant, Wagstaffe said. On Wednesday, a judge granted a motion to postpone the case and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for March 26.

Prosecutors said the alleged scheme played out on Sept. 16, 2024, when Gomez-Quiroz and Ramirez-Mendez, who are husband and wife, allegedly went to an ATM in Daly City and pretended they had been robbed. Later that day, Carranza-Quintanilla allegedly arranged to be the victim of a fraudulent robbery and carjacking at a Wells Fargo ATM in Redwood City, prosecutors said. Rodriguez-Contreras and Canoruiz are accused of helping arrange the allegedly phony crimes.

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The defendants called 911 and reported the allegedly false crimes in order to apply for federal U visas, but police became suspicious and uncovered the alleged conspiracy, prosecutors said.

U visas allow non-immigrants to remain in the country for four years if they are victims of certain crimes and law enforcement or government officials deem their presence helpful for the investigation of those crimes, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Robbery and carjacking are not listed as crimes that qualify for the program.

In a statement, Wagstaffe called the alleged crimes particularly offensive in light of the tense immigration times we are living in.

To attempt to commit this type of fraud not only is criminal in nature, he added, it is an affront to all the victims of crime who deserve the assistance of the U-Visa process and follow the rules.

The defendants could face up to five years in state prison if convicted of the alleged crimes, Wagstaffe said.

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Jan 30 (News On Japan) - A Japanese man has successfully traversed the African continent over seven monthswhile pulling a rickshaw.

In Cape Town, South Africa, the atmosphere was festive as crowds gathered in celebration. At the center of it all was a Japanese traveler, Suzuki, who had just accomplished a remarkable feat.

"I am currently attempting a world record by traveling across the continent. I started in Kenya, and the total distance covered was 6,400 kilometers," Suzuki explained.

His extraordinary seven-month journey, pulling a rickshaw across Africa, gained widespread attention on social media. By the time he reached his goal, large crowds had gathered to cheer him on, turning the moment into a grand celebration.

When asked why he embarked on such a journey, Suzuki said, "I was just looking to earn some money while traveling the world. I happened to take a part-time job pulling a rickshaw, and I started to enjoy it. Then, I also wanted to travel, so I figured combining the two would be even more fun. Before buying a plane ticket, I ended up buying a rickshaw instead," he said with a laugh.

Traveling across Africa also meant encountering wildlife up close. Suzuki recalled one particularly frightening experience: "Wild elephants can be very dangerous. One time, I saw an elephant crossing ahead of me, and it turned in my direction. I thought it was about to charge at me, but instead, it suddenly dashed away. Still, having it that close was terrifying."

Having just completed his journey, Suzuki is already setting his sights on his next challenge. "Next, I plan to travel across South America. I want people to enjoy my journey, and I hope it inspires them to take on their own challenges or find motivation in what I do," he said.

Source: TBS
OSAKA, Jan 30 (News On Japan) - The hydrogen fuel cell ship "Mahoroba," designed to connect central Osaka with the Expo venue in Yumeshima in approximately 60 minutes, was unveiled to the media ahead of its commercial launch during the Expo period.

Developed by Iwatani Corporation, "Mahoroba" operates by generating electricity through a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen from the air, propelling its motor without emitting carbon dioxide, making it an environmentally friendly choice.

The vessel can accommodate up to 150 passengers and will operate three days a week, transporting visitors between Osaka's Nakanoshima and the Expo site in around 60 minutes. This marks the first time a hydrogen fuel cell ship will be commercially operated in Japan.

Yuichi Sano, Director of Iwatani Corporation's Hydrogen Division, stated, "The ship offers a remarkably quiet environment with no vibrations or odors, enhancing the excitement of traveling to the Expo."

Details regarding ticket prices and purchasing methods are expected to be announced shortly.

Source: 
SAPPORO, Jan 31 (News On Japan) - A major international eSports tournament has kicked off in Sapporo, drawing significant attention as a potential economic boost for the city. The five-day event, held at the Daiwa House Plemist Dome in Toyohira Ward, is expected to attract around 30,000 spectators.

The tournament, which marks the first of its kind in Asia, features the popular online battle game Apex Legends, where 40 teams120 players in totalfrom five global regions compete in a three-player squad format. This fourth edition of the tournament follows previous events in the U.S. and U.K., with a total prize pool exceeding 200 million yen ($2 million).

"The energy in the venue keeps rising," said a visitor from Tokyo. "It's amazing to see so many people here on a weekday morning," added a spectator from Saitama.

With most tickets already sold out for the remaining days, the event underscores the growing popularity of eSports. Japans eSports market reached 12.5 billion yen in 2022 and is projected to exceed 21 billion yen by 2025.

Catering to this growing demographic, some hotels are now specifically targeting eSports fans. At Villa Koshido, guests can access high-performance gaming PCs 24 hours a day, with dedicated racing simulation rooms offering an immersive experience. "We even provide premium beds for those who want to game until they doze off," said Makoto Ota, the hotel's general manager. The facility, which has seen full occupancy throughout the event, also offers large group rooms designed for team training camps.

Sapporo has long been associated with the gaming industry, with Hudson Soft, a pioneer in Japans video game market, originating from the city in the 1980s. More recently, Sega established a development hub in Sapporo in 2022, and the city is now home to over 70 gaming-related companies, making it Japans third-largest gaming hub after Tokyo and Osaka.

Sapporo Mayor Katsuhiro Akimoto welcomed the citys emerging role in eSports. "Im delighted to see Sapporo becoming known as a hub for eSports," he said.

For the Daiwa House Plemist Dome, which has been grappling with a deficit exceeding 6.5 billion yen, the event represents a potential turning point. "This is a milestone for the venue," said Kinya Honma, executive director of the Hokkaido eSports Association. "Its a great opportunity that could pave the way for future growth."

Whether eSports will take root in Sapporo remains to be seen. But for now, the global tournament is bringing renewed energyand financial hopeto the city's struggling venue.

Source: UHB
An ambitious reforms plan for the African Union (AU) was laid out during a high-level meeting of African heads of state and governments on Monday (27 January), focusing on boosting peace, security, and financial independence to transform the continent into a powerhouse of development and stability.

The landmark retreat of the extended bureau of the AU institutional reforms, which was held in Kenyas capital Nairobi, was chaired the host countrys president William Ruto who is a strong advocate for the reform in the intergovernmental organization. The participating leaders that included presidents of Comoros, Guinea Bissau, Ghana, Ethiopia and also the AU chairman, identified key priority areas, including the operationalization of the Africa Court of Justice to enhance conflict resolution on the continent. President Ruto said that a five-member committee will be set up to drive the implementation of the already agreed reforms of the different agencies, institutions and organs.

We agreed that for a continent with as much potential as Africa, with a population of 1.4 billion people, with the highest resources of energy and natural resources, with the demographic dividend being the youngest continent, a continent that will probably have 25% of the worlds workforce in the next 20 years or 25 years, Ruto said. He noted that it was necessary for Africa Union to reimagine, rethink, reorganize our peace and security architecture. The meeting took place as conflicts across Africa have intensified recently, contributing to a worsening humanitarian situation. With the ongoing conflicts and growing insecurity causing Africa to lose $18 billion annually, the Kenyan leader called for urgent revitalization of the AUs peace and security framework.
NASA to return stranded astronauts "as soon as practical"

Xinhua) 12:08, January 30, 2025

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- NASA said on Wednesday it is working with SpaceX to safely return the agency's stranded astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore back home "as soon as practical."

"NASA and SpaceX are expeditiously working to safely return the agency's SpaceX Crew-9 astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore as soon as practical, while also preparing for the launch of Crew-10 to complete a handover between expeditions," NASA said on X.

NASA and SpaceX are targeting no earlier than late March 2025 to launch Crew-10 to the International Space Station (ISS).

The agency's SpaceX Crew-9 mission with NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov will return to Earth following the arrival of Crew-10 to the orbital laboratory.

Williams and Wilmore have been stuck in space since June last year due to technical problems of Boeing's Starliner which took them to ISS.

NASA's previous plan was to get them back in February. But the new launch schedule of Crew-10 meant the two astronauts will stay in space at least one more month.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Kou Jie)
Too Short performs in Oakland in May 2024. The rapper shared two videos on social media following the fatal shooting of his older brother in East Oakland. Colin Peck/Special to the Chronicle

Rapper Too Short has shared an emotional reaction to his older brothers death, and it seems like hes using music to help process his grief.

The Oakland rapper posted two tearful videos from his car to social media on Thursday, Jan. 30, a day after his brother, Wayne Shaw, was fatally shot in East Oakland.

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During the first, hes sitting silently in a moving car, blasting the 1977 track Angel by funk band Ohio Players and bopping his head to the beat. Dressed in a black and gray zip-up hoodie, he lifts his sunglasses to wipe his eyes.

The caption reads, Real Tears.

In the second video he is listening to Ohio Players 1972 track Pain, maintaining his quiet, reserved composure.

Aint really replying to a lot of texts or answering calls right now. I cant, he captioned it.

The comment sections of both posts were flooded with supportive messages, many offering their condolences and sending love his way.

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Thank you for embracing this emotional and showing us its ok to hurt publicly, wrote Oakland rapper Mistah F.A.B. (@fabbydavisjr1).

Music is the best remedy for a broken heart, wrote @piscesbrwn.

Too Short performs at the BottleRock Napa Valley music festival in May 2022. On Thursday, the Bay Area rapper shared two wordless, emotional videos on social media following the fatal shooting of his older brother in East Oakland. Jungho Kim/Special to the Chronicle

Shaw was shot on a sidewalk around 7 a.m. after multiple suspects attempted to ram a vehicle through the front door of an apparent cannabis business Wednesday, Jan. 29, according to Oakland police. He reportedly walked out to confront the suspects, who then shot him as they fled. He died later that day after being taken to a hospital by paramedics.

Detectives searched the area for surveillance video and possible witnesses after the shooting, but as of Thursday morning, the Oakland Police Department has not indicated any arrests have been made.

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West Africas political landscape shifted dramatically Wednesday as Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso officially walked away from ECOWAS, marking the first exodus in the blocs nearly 50-year history. The move sent shockwaves through a region already grappling with political instability and security challenges.

ECOWAS, long considered West Africas premier political and economic powerhouse, now faces its biggest test since its 1975 founding. The departing nations, united under their newly-formed Alliance of Sahel States, have effectively redrawn the regions political map.

Behind this unprecedented split lies a complex web of military coups, regional tensions, and shifting international alliances. After seizing power through coups  Mali in 2020, Burkina Faso in 2022, and Niger last July  these nations bristled under ECOWAS sanctions and pressure to restore civilian rule.

Instead of bending to regional demands, the three nations charted a different course, expelling French forces and embracing Russian support in their fight against jihadist insurgencies. Yet, ECOWAS isnt burning bridges  the bloc is keeping its doors open, allowing continued use of ECOWAS passports and maintaining trade privileges.

Regional analysts worry this split could undermine democracy-building efforts and further destabilize an already fragile region. For many West Africans, its a stark reminder of how far their dream of regional unity has unraveled.
Emergency response units search the crash site of the American Airlines plane on the Potomac River after the plane crashed into an Army helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport. Photo: Getty Images

While landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday shortly before 9 p.m., American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter and crashed into the icy Potomac River. The jet carried 64 passengers and crew, while the helicopter carried three soldiers. Authorities currently believe there were no survivors. The collision marks the first fatal crash of a U.S. carrier since 2009, when a Colgan Air regional jet crashed while landing in Buffalo, New York, killing all 49 aboard.

The American Airlines jet had departed from Wichita, Kansas, and was on a normal approach to Reagans runway 33, flying at an altitude of approximately 300 feet over the Potomac when it struck the helicopter, which was flying from north to south over the river. Shortly before the collision, air-traffic control asked the helicopters pilot if he had the airliner in sight, according to audio of the exchange posted to LiveATC.net. During a press conference on Thursday morning, officials said that they did not know why the helicopter had flown into the path of the jet, which was carrying American and Russian figure skaters.

Appearing at a press conference Thursday morning, the newly confirmed secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, insisted that both aircraft had been following standard routes. This was not unusual, Duffy said. Everything was standard in the lead-up to the crash.

However, route maps of the area published by the FAA for use by helicopter pilots show that helicopters are supposed to remain below 200 feet and hug the eastern shore of the Potomac. The last data point reported by the planes automatic position-reporting system showed it at an altitude of 275 feet and a quarter-mile from the eastern bank, suggesting that it was the Black Hawk that had been in the wrong place at the wrong time.

That idea was echoed by President Trump at a Thursday press conference in which he said that the people in the helicopter shouldve seen where they were going.

Midair collisions involving airliners, while a major potential hazard of civil aviation, are extremely rare. There was one such accident in 1956, when two airliners collided over the Grand Canyon, that led to the establishment of the modern air-traffic control system. The system has proven remarkably effective, with no collisions involving airliners in decades. But it has begun showing its cracks lately. In 2023, the New York Times reported that numerous examples of near misses had occurred at airports throughout the U.S.

Aviation safety is an unglamorous, even plodding business that requires meticulous attention to establishing and following regular procedure. Every single part on each aircraft is meticulously itemized and tracked; flight crew follow written checklists for every single procedure, from start-up and taxi to landing and shutdown. If a required piece of equipment is missing, or a pilot has gone one minute past his or her allotted duty time, a flight has to be scrubbed. The end result of all this hard work, if everything goes as planned, is literally a nonevent  an absence of tragedy that is easy to take for granted.

Several countervailing forces push back against such efforts, including pressure for airlines to operate more profitably and for passengers to have cheaper and more convenient flights. Safe operation is particularly a challenge at Reagan, a small airport very close to the Washington city center whose users include a large number of people with considerable power over the aviation system itself. Members of Congress have pressured the FAA to increase the number of flights operating in and out of the airport, despite agency concerns that Reagan could not safely handle the traffic. The flight that crashed was conducting a route added last year as a result of pressure from Kansas senator Jerry Moran, a Republican. I know that flight, Ive flown it many times myself, Moran said at a press conference on Thursday morning. I lobbied American Airlines to begin having a direct, nonstop flight service to DCA.

The FAAs ongoing safety efforts are also under assault from the incoming Trump administrations burn-it-down approach to governance. On January 20, FAA administrator Mike Whitaker resigned, reportedly because he had been asked to do so by Elon Musk, who is also behind a sweeping effort to encourage across-the-board resignation of civil servants. The next day Trump eliminated the Aviation Security Advisory Committee, which had advised the TSA on airline safety.

At this point, its not even clear what Republicans agenda will mean for the FAA. Its easy to declare that the government does nothing to benefit the people of the U.S. But one of the things its tasked with is making sure that planes dont collide with one another. As the saying goes, fuck around and find out. The crash puts us unambiguously in the find out stage of the process.
Photo-Illustration: Intelligencer; Photos: Politico, Getty Images

As Donald Trumps second term comes into focus, most news organizations are snapping up the most experienced reporters in D.C. to bolster their political coverage. Politico, however, is putting its flagship product, Playbook  the newsletter that markets itself as the unofficial guide to official Washington  in the hands of an unconventional choice: a foreigner.

Its been just over a week since Jack Blanchard took over Politicos early-morning newsletter, which reaches 300,000 subscribers and in theory provides the ultimate insider intel. But the 45-year-old Brit was still processing his visa when he made his debut on Inauguration Day. He has been charmingly open about his newbie status, writing of the wave of Trump pardons, It probably shouldnt take a Brit to tell you that none of this is remotely normal. At all. Still, that hasnt stopped the knives from coming out in Washingtons famously vicious press corps. Its really strange that they brought a Brit in to explain U.S. politics to people who know it best, a former top Politico editor said. Its like Washington for dummies.

John Harris, the editor-in-chief of Politico, doesnt seem worried. Hes both a foreigner coming to Washington with fresh and curious eyes and, in some profound sense, hes a native, he said. He inhales politics. The drama, the interplay of people and ideas, jostling for influence  thats his native language. And Blanchard knows it will take some convincing to win over Playbooks highly exclusive, highly demanding readership. Im planning on working on becoming an insider while Im here, Blanchard told me.

Politicos email tip sheet has driven the Beltway day since early 2007, when Mike Allen would distill the news of the nations capital into bite-size tidbits that became a must-read for lawmakers and journalists alike. Over the years, as Playbook has evolved into a revenue driver for Politico, the franchise has expanded, with afternoon and evening editions as well as Playbooks in other places, from California and Florida to Paris and Berlin. The D.C. newsletter has changed hands a few times with relative success, though in recent years it has faced stiff competition from nimble upstarts  including Punchbowl News, founded by former Playbook writers Jake Sherman and Anna Palmer  that have launched insider-focused newsletters of their own. This fall, when two of Playbooks three writers stepped away  Ryan Lizza took a leave of absence and Rachael Bade became a columnist and bureau chief  Playbook seemed destined for its next incarnation.

Politico hired Blanchard  a 20-year veteran of the Lobby, as the press corps in Westminster is known  in 2017 to found the London edition of Playbook, which he ran for three years before eventually taking over the entire U.K. operation. Harris said Blanchard understands the magic of Playbook, which is giving the audience a sense that they feel like theyre actually listening to a person that they know. Blanchard produced, I think, the best Playbook that we had globally, said Harris. It just had Westminster by the throat.

He added, I felt that he would delight in the vast carnival of Washington, and that people would delight in reading his perspective. Blanchard jumped at the chance. My first love for Politico was always Playbook, he said. Having Blanchard at the helm would also be a way for Politico to differentiate itself from its rivals. There was a feeling internally that it was a good moment to bring in a slightly outside voice, a slightly fresh point of view, at such a big moment of change, Blanchard told me. Im always going to be a slight outsider looking in here as a Brit in Washington.

Its not like Blanchard is a total newcomer. He studied American history at university, he said, and has followed American politics incredibly closely from afar my whole adult life. He has also been to D.C. multiple times. Ive been on numerous White House trips with British prime ministers, where you spend a few days here, but Ive never done a really intensive period of covering it like this, he said.

There is an inevitable learning curve that hasnt gone unnoticed by Playbook readers, who are naturally obsessed with the minutiae of Washington. One of the biggest things to watch last Tuesday was a private meeting between Senate Majority Leader John Thune, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and Trump about the presidents legislative agenda. Punchbowl devoted some 800 words to the meeting at the top of its morning newsletter; Politicos congressional newsletter also led with news of the meeting. But in Playbook, Blanchard seemed unsure whether the meeting would happen at all. There was some suggestion Trump would also hold more intimate talks with just Johnson and Thune, but lets see how the day pans out, Blanchard wrote.

No one will remember this in the long run, but thats what people need to know who read Playbook, said one Politico staffer of the oversight. If you look at these newsletters side by side, its like a game of inches. And this is the kind of nuance that hes going to constantly miss. Since Blanchard took over, the staffer continued, the feedback I keep getting is this is the gee-whiz view of Washington. Which could be a really interesting way to cover Washington  as a letter back home about how bizarre this is  but thats not his audience. There have also been a number of corrections in Playbook since Blanchard took over, including misstating Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumers title and misspelling Billy Ray Cyruss name.

There is a sense that Blanchards hire represents the globalization of Politico at the expense of its roots in Washington. Now backed by German conglomerate Axel Springer, Politico is endeavoring to compete not only in the narrow arena of Capitol Hill but also on the world stage. Harris sees Playbook as the front porch of Politico and thinks its authors should be both ambassadors to the outside world and ambassadors to the world of Politico more so than they have in the past. It became kind of an island, he added. When I asked whether that means being less scoopy  Blanchards Playbook so far has been mostly aggregation  Harris dismissed the idea, saying he considers it a kind of navigators guide for the day ahead. Blanchard insisted that Playbook must remain a real insiders tip sheet.

The change at Playbook comes amid internal frustration around new editorial leadership in Rosslyn and a notable talent drain, all of which has raised further questions about Politicos standing in Washington, as the upstarts nibble at its heels and Establishment institutions like The Atlantic rapidly expand. Some see Blanchards appointment as yet another move away from the provocative, punch-throwing style that Politico helped pioneer. It hasnt been relevant in years, said one media executive. And theyve somehow made it less relevant by hiring an author who is essentially a political tourist. This guy doesnt even have basic knowledge of how American government and politics works.

But for all the venom coming Blanchards way, that doesnt mean his version of Playbook cant work. I dont see anything wrong with an unconventional pick, embedded with very experienced Washington-based journalists who can help shape the approach, another Politico staffer said. Eugene Daniels, who had been co-writing the newsletter alongside Lizza and Bade, will continue to contribute as Politicos chief Playbook correspondent.

Blanchard is looking forward to the adventure. People say how welcoming America is to people when they arrive. That has been my experience absolutely in spades, he said, both here at Politico with all my colleagues, but just generally  out in the street, you go to a party, you go to a drugstore, whatever. Everyone wants to talk to me about my accent, where Im from. Theyre pleased to see me here, and thats really nice.
Chuck Schumer jumps on the funding freeze with both feet. Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

This week the Trump administration set off chaos nationwide when it temporarily paused all federal grants and loans pending a review of which programs comply with Donald Trumps policy edicts. The order came down in an unexpected memo issued by the Office of Management and Budget on Monday.

Now OMB has rescinded the memo without comment just as suddenly, less than a day after its implementation was halted by a federal judge. Adding to the pervasive confusion, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt immediately insisted on Wednesday that the funding freeze was still on because Trumps executive orders on DEI and other prohibited policies remained in place. But theres no way this actually gets implemented without someone, somewhere, identifying exactly whats being frozen. So for the moment, its safe to say the funding freeze is off.

Why did Team Trump back off this particular initiative so quickly? Its easy to say the administration was responding to D.C. district judge Loren AliKhans injunction halting the freeze. But then again, the administration (and particularly OMB director nominee Russell Vought) has been spoiling for a court fight over the constitutionality of the Impoundment Control Act that the proposed freeze so obviously violated. Surely something else was wrong with the freeze, aside from the incredible degree of chaos associated with its rollout, requiring multiple clarifications of which agencies and programs it affected (which may have been a feature rather than a bug to the initiatives government-hating designers). According to the New York Times, the original OMB memo, despite its unprecedented nature and sweeping scope, wasnt even vetted by senior White House officials like alleged policy overlord Stephen Miller.

Democrats have been quick to claim that they helped generate a public backlash to the funding freeze that forced the administration to reverse direction, as Punchbowl News explained even before the OMB memo was rescinded:

A Monday night memo from the Office of Management and Budget ordering a freeze in federal grant and loan programs sent congressional Republicans scrambling and helped Democrats rally behind a clear anti-Trump message. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer blasted Trump as lawless, destructive, cruel.

D.C. senator Patty Murray, the top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, warned that thousands of federal programs could be impacted, including veterans, law enforcement and firefighters, suicide hotlines, military aid to foreign allies, and more 

During a Senate Democratic Caucus lunch on Tuesday, Schumer urged his colleagues to make the freeze relatable to their constituents back home, a clear play for the messaging upper hand. Schumer also plans on doing several local TV interviews today.

In other words, the funding freeze looks like a clear misstep for an administration and a Republican Party that were walking very tall after the 47th presidents first week in office, giving Democrats a rare perceived win. More broadly, it suggests that once the real-life implications of Trumps agenda (including his assaults on federal spending and the deep state) are understood, his public support is going to drop like Wile E. Coyote with an anvil in his paws. If that doesnt bother Trump or his disruptive sidekick, Elon Musk, it could bother some of the GOP members of Congress expected to implement the legislative elements of the MAGA to-do list for 2025.

Its far too early, however, to imagine that the chaos machine humming along at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue will fall silent even for a moment. OMB could very well issue a new funding-freeze memo the minute the injunction stopping the original one expires next week. If that doesnt happen, there could be new presidential executive orders (like the ones that suspended certain foreign-aid programs and energy subsidies) and, eventually, congressional legislation. Democrats and Trump-skeptical Republicans will need to stay on their toes to keep up with this administrations schemes and its willingness to shatter norms.

But its true that the electorate that lifted Trump to the White House for the second time almost surely wasnt voting to sharply cut, if not terminate, the host of popular federal programs that appeared to be under the gun when OMB issued its funding freeze memo. Sooner or later the malice and the fiscal math that led to this and other efforts to destroy big areas of domestic governance will become hard to deny and impossible to rescind. And at that point there really may be political hell to pay.
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Elon Musks unlikely new lair. Photo: Sarah Silbiger/The Washington Post/Getty Images

In the latest episode of what MAGA nihilist Steve Bannon joyfully predicted would be Days of Thunder from the new Trump administration, on Tuesday the United States Office of Personnel Management offered all federal employees a buyout offer wrapped in menacing threats. It came on the heels of a directive eliminating the remote-work arrangements many federal employees had developed with their managers amid the COVID pandemic. Thus, the buyout was presented as a way for workers unable or unwilling to return to work (suggesting work done remotely isnt work at all) to keep getting paid until September 30, so long as they resigned by February 6. But its very clear the buyout is actually part of a broader mission shared by Elon Musk at the new Department of Government Efficiency, and by Office of Management and Budget director nominee Russell Vought. Both men have expressed their desire to demolish the federal workforce as weve known it since the late-19th-century era of civil-service reforms.

Without question, the buyout offer is the carrot combined with the stick of various unfriendly administration plans for federal employees. Trump issued an executive order reclassifying tens of thousands of positions into political appointments with no civil-service protections. The Republican-controlled Congress is expected to make deep spending cuts to pay for Trumps agenda of tax cuts and mass deportation, and whatever Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency cooks up to redeem its promises of trillions of dollars in federal-spending savings. The buyout message itself, sent out via email in a way that made many recipients wonder if they were being spammed or phished, echoes multiple calls from MAGA-land for massive purges of deep state operatives who dont loyally support the new commander-in-chief. It reads:

The federal workforce should be comprised of employees who are reliable, loyal, trustworthy, and who strive for excellence in their daily work. Employees will be subject to enhanced standards of suitability and conduct as we move forward. Employees who engage in unlawful behavior or other misconduct will be prioritized for appropriate investigation and discipline, including termination.

The email also confirmed the suspicion that the buyout was inspired by, and perhaps planned by, Elon Musk. Wired recently reported that OPM has become a landing site in the federal government for many Musk acolytes. His influence was particularly reflected in recent OPM directives that federal employees inform on fellow workers who supported suddenly illegal DEI efforts (DEI being a major Musk obsession). Then the buyout initiative arrived, looking very familiar to Musk-watchers, as Business Insider explained:

The parallels to Elon Musks tumultuous takeover of Twitter, now X, are impossible to ignore. In 2022, the tech billionaire sent a similar email to Twitter employees asking them to commit to an extremely hardcore schedule or leave. The subject line was A fork in the road  the same metaphor referenced by the Trump administration on Tuesday.

These are bets that aggressive workforce cuts, relentless productivity demands, and a culture of loyalty and long hours can reshape institutions. The question is whether Musks playbook for Twitter can work for the U.S. government.

Many reject the idea that Musks playbook for Twitter actually worked for Twitter. A summary from The Verge about the experience of Twitter workers and users after the Tesla/SpaceX CEO took it over is a pretty good reflection of sentiment at the time:

Buttons break, functions disappear, power users flee, site errors abound: Twitter fell apart faster than even the pessimists anticipated. By the time we arrived on the scene, the damage was already irreversible: Many of the tweets that made Twitter so iconic were already deleted, removed, or made private. It happened so quickly, we could barely comprehend what it was that we actually lost.

Its hard to determine at this point whether it was these reductions in functionality or Musks reorientation of the platforms politics that led to the widespread abandonment of X by users (one estimate is that it has shed 7 million users since 2022, with the brand value declining from $5.7 billion to $673 million). And even if you consider Musks X makeover a success, its unclear if its replicable in the federal government. The Trump administration cannot, to be clear, emulate the 80 percent staff cuts that Musk imposed on X. In either case, running off employees with threats and buyouts doesnt lend itself to the sort of careful restructuring of an enterprise, public or private, that even some Democrats believe the federal government needs. There are also numerous questions about the legality of the buyout (and other drastic personnel-management steps by Team Trump).

From the point of view of federal employees looking down the barrel of potential firings and radical new demands for political loyalty, the buyout may look tempting. But it could be a bad bet on a shaky promise, as political scientist Don Moynihan bluntly warned:

We have not seen confirmation from the Office of Management and Budget that the offer will be honored. If this is Elons employees making a DOGE play, not coordinated with OMB or even other parts of OPM, the offer may be as credible as a random Musk tweet.

Trump has a reputation for reneging on payments to people who worked for him. Musk is also being sued by former executives and employees for failing to honor their Twitter compensation packages. These are not honorable men, bound by their word.

Its also kind of a lose-lose proposition. If the Trump-Musk plan for using buyouts to slash the federal payroll fails to attract a sufficient number of resignations, it will have created a lot of chaos for no good reason. If it does work, the country will be dealing with a gutted public sector that will require a careful rebuilding over a long period of time. Unfortunately, unless the courts step in, federal employees have just over a week to make a potentially life-changing decision on their futures, with taxpaying Americans being mere bystanders in a grim game of intimidation sponsored by the unelected edgelord Musk and his presidential enabler.
Photo: Yuki Iwamura/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Former New Jersey senator Bob Menendez, who resigned in the wake of his conviction on federal bribery charges last year, was sentenced to 11 years in prison on Wednesday.

Federal prosecutors alleged that Menendez used his influential role leading the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to act on the behalf of the Egyptian government and to aid a pair of businessmen in their dealings. In return, Menendez and his wife Nadine Menendez received hundreds of dollars in bribes, both in cash and gold bars, as well as a Mercedes-Benz convertible. The former senator had previously evaded conviction on federal corruption charges years prior after a jury failed to come to an agreement in the governments case in 2017, resulting in a mistrial.

In the immediate aftermath of his indictment, Menendez was defiant, rejecting calls from his Democratic colleagues to resign from office and proclaiming his innocence. But before his sentence was handed down on Wednesday, Menendez addressed the court in emotional and tearful remarks. Other than family, I have lost everything I ever cared about, he said, per CNN. For someone who spent his entire life in public service, every day Im awake is a punishment.

However, Menendez took a different tone outside the courtroom, telling reporters that the entire legal process was a political witch hunt and that he plans to appeal his verdict. The lifelong Democrat also name-checked President Donald Trump, potentially signaling his openness for a future pardon. President Trump is right. This process is political, and its corrupted to the core. I hope President Trump cleans up the cesspool and restores the integrity to the system, he said.

Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, the two New Jersey businessmen who were convicted last year of bribing the senator, were also sentenced Wednesday. Daibes received seven years in prison and was ordered to pay a $1.75 million fine, while Hana got an eight-year sentence and was fined $1.3 million. Nadine Menendez, who was charged alongside her husband, is set to stand trial in March. Her trial was initially postponed in order for her to undergo treatment for breast cancer.
Photo: Tierney L. Cross/Bloomberg/Getty Images

The most damaging question for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on the first day of his confirmation hearings to be secretary of Health and Human Services wasnt about his anti-vaccine views or past embrace of conspiracy theories. It was about how Medicare and Medicaid work. After pointed questions from Democrats, he seemed relaxed when Republican Bill Cassidy, an unprepossessing physician from Louisiana, took his turn.

Kennedy had no suggestions for how to reform the programs outside vague ideas about telemedicine and AI and seemed to believe that people on Medicaid pay both premiums and deductibles  not the case for almost anyone using the program. Needless to say, if confirmed, he would oversee both programs, which are used by over 100 million Americans, along with the entire public-health infrastructure of the United States. Botching these answers was potentially dangerous, given Cassidy has been long considered a potential swing vote on the nomination.

It was a particularly noteworthy moment in what was an unusual confirmation hearing. After all, even for Washington in 2025, the politics of Kennedys nomination to lead the Department of Health and Human Services are weird. A scion of a Democratic political dynasty whos spent much of his career as an advocate for left-wing causes, ranging from environmental protection to the false claim that John Kerry was the victim of election fraud in 2004, is now a leading avatar of Donald Trumps MAGA movement.

The room was packed, mostly with Kennedy supporters who hooted and hollered throughout the hearings. Even his guests, seated directly behind him, joined in. One sneered after a pointed question from Virginia Democrat Mark Warner, saying What a little penis head, while others booed at the very mention of the Gates Foundation. The critics in the audience included doctors in white coats and Hawaii governor Josh Green, who had flown halfway across the world to express his opposition. Green, a doctor, had been involved in treating a 2019 measles outbreak in American Samoa that was fueled in part by Kennedys anti-vaccine rhetoric and killed 83 people.

Kennedys migration to the MAGA world started during the pandemic. A longtime conspiracy monger about vaccines, he became one of the most prominent opponents of the COVID vaccine, going so far as to say the hazards of being unvaccinated in the U.S. were worse that those faced by Anne Frank when hiding from the Nazis. In 2023, he launched a primary challenge against Joe Biden as a Democrat, but it quickly failed, and he switched to run as an independent before eventually endorsing Trump in the final months of the campaign; his slogan Make America Healthy Again appealed to a tranche of voters who otherwise might have been skeptical of Trump. His nomination to head HHS was his reward.

The list of reasons for Republicans to vote against Kennedys nomination is long. They range from his vaccine skepticism to his past support of abortion rights and beyond: The Wall Street Journals editorial board has warned against his confirmation, calling him a tool of trial lawyers, while the New York Posts editorial page skewered him as a radical left lunatic who is anti-energy, a big time taxer and completely incoherent about our nations health.

Democrats repeatedly grilled Kennedy on his past support for abortion rights in an effort to expose further daylight between the former Democrat and his new ideological compatriots on the right. He repeatedly said he would follow Trumps lead and dodged a more fulsome answer, simply repeating the mantra that every abortion is a tragedy.

There were also pointed examinations of Kennedys past statements. Michael Bennet of Colorado simply read Kennedys own quotes and asked him, for example, if he had said COVID was genetically engineered to target Blacks and whites but spare Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people. Kennedy, who made the comments at what the Post called at the time a raucous booze and fart filled dinner, insisted he was merely citing a study. (The study did not come to those conclusions). Bennet also asked Kennedy about his claim that exposure to pesticides causes children to become transgender, which Kennedy outright denied saying, despite the fact that, when the remarks were first reported, a spokesperson said Kennedy was just calling for more research into the topic.

There was a somewhat absurd moment when Bernie Sanders quizzed Kennedy about anti-vaccine onesies sold by Childrens Health Defense, the anti-vaccine nonprofit group he founded. The Vermont senator thundered, Are you supportive of these onesies? in tones that that would been appropriate for Joe McCarthy asking if a witness was now or had ever been a member of the Communist Party. Even here, Kennedy dodged.

Despite all of this scrutiny, Kennedy appears to be on track for nomination. Assuming every Democrat votes against his nomination, he can lose support from three Republican senators and still be confirmed. Following the hearing, Vice-President J.D. Vance, who would break such a tie in the Senate, tweeted, To reject their confirmation is to reject the idea that President Trump decides his cabinet.

Kennedy will face another day of questions on Thursday before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, which may be harder for Kennedy: It includes two of the most centrist Republicans in the Senate  Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine, both of whom have frequently broken with Trump  and its chair is Bill Cassidy.

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Tyler Daly was cooking dinner on Christmas Eve when he got a call from his mother Kelly Daly that turned his world upside down.

He collapsed when he learned that his 18-year-old sister Madison Daly and his 19-year-old stepsister Kayden Lynch were killed in a Christmas Eve shooting at their Beulah home in the 100 block of Lee Road 2113. Jalen Dashawn Holmes, 18, was charged with murder in the shooting.

The family said the victims were more than stepsisters. They were best friends that did everything together.

"When someone dies of cancer or something like they're really old, you can try to prepare yourself mentally. You can be like, 'I know this person's going to pass, and I'm gonna have to tell myself how to deal with it'," Daly said. "Nobody ever expects to get a call that your sisters were murdered."

Tyler Daly, 27, is one of three siblings from his mom and dad Chris Daly. He's a brother to Madison Daly and 26-year-old Zach Daly.

Tyler Daly said they had a difficult childhood and that their dad "was quite awful to us kids." His siblings spent several stints in the Department of Children and Family Services system.

They're originally from Massachusetts, but Tyler Daly currently lives in New Hampshire with his wife Helen and their daughter Corinne.

Through that difficult time, Tyler Daly said he took on a parental role in a sense and took Madison Daly under his wing. After his mom divorced his dad, she met Tim Lynch.

While the two are not married, Tyler Daly said they have become one big family. Tim Lynch and Kelly Daly have twin daughters together. Much of Tyler Daly's family including his grandmother, Kelly Daly, Tim Lynch and other Lynch family members moved to Alabama several years ago.

Tyler Daly sees Kayden Lynch  Tim Lynch's daughter as his stepsister. He's also close with his stepbrother Tyler Lynch, Tim Lynch's son.

Tyler Daly said his difficult upbringing made it hard for him to welcome the new family at first, but he was able to find a strong relationship with Kayden Lynch.

"We had kind of just been around together for so long that I loved her just as much. We all saw each other as family," Tyler Daly said. "I know that Kayden and Maddie specifically had had some issues, but they had grown probably the strongest bond with each other. They had really become extremely close friends."

A harsh healing process

Tyler Daly said he and his mom had been talking on the phone about Madison Daly maybe an hour before the shooting, specifically about Madison Daly's 2-year-old daughter Nevaeh. Tyler Daly said as he is working through the grief. He is filled with regret and wishes he had said something on the call, like telling his mom to go wake up Madison Daly. Still, he knows there is nothing he could have done.

He said Madison Daly and Kayden Lynch both faced their own challenges in their personal lives. Madison Daly became a mother at a young age and Kayden wasn't spending time around the "right people." For Madison Daly, he said that when she was out of DCFS and became pregnant, she moved to New Hampshire to have her child there.

That brought Madison Daly to Nellie Deblois, Tyler's mother-in-law. Deblois said she met Madison Daly at Tyler and Helen Daly's wedding when Madison was just 12 or 13 years old. Then some time later, Tyler Daly told her that Madison Daly was pregnant. Deblois offered to let Madison live with them. She said it was an easy decision.

"I so admired that she chose to have the baby as a Christian. I'm just a very compassionate person. I empathetically was just thinking, 'How would I feel if I was 15 and I was pregnant and needed to be in a place where no one was judging me and needed to be at a place where I felt safe and respected?' I knew I could offer her that," Deblois said.

Deblois said she and her husband became Madison's guardians to put her on her husband's insurance, and they set it up so Madison could attend high school during the time she was with them. Deblois said the majority of Madison's pregnancy she was with them in New Hampshire. She described Madison as intuitive, smart and someone that saw through people's "crap," and saw the truth in things.

Deblois thinks of Madison as another daughter, and she was in the delivery room when Madison gave birth. She said she was surprised when Madison asked her to cut the cord.

"When you're there walking a woman through, any person through, the most amazing period of life, which is pregnancy and birth, there is the closest you get with that person. I always saw Maddie wanting to improve herself," Deblois said. "She wanted to be the first person in her family to go to college...She just was very motivated by wanting to have a better lifestyle for her daughter."

Deblois at home when she got the call from her daughter Helen  Tyler Daly's wife  telling her that Tyler Daly needed her right now. Deblois said they spent time in each other's arms crying and that this is the hardest death she has ever had to deal with.

Deblois said shortly after Nevaeh was born, Madison decided to return to Alabama. Deblois said they had stayed in touch in the years since and that Madison Daly was recently accepted to a Catholic college for single mothers in Nebraska.

"I totally believe that if this didn't happen she would have gone to college next summer or next fall, 100%....She wanted to be a psychologist, if you can believe that," Deblois said. "She had really a horrible experience of one foster family, and she just wanted to get herself in a place where her daughter would never be in those such situations ever. I just saw her as a great mom."

Tyler Daly said one of the hardest parts is seeing how much Madison worked to be a good parent to Nevaeh, and now she is gone.

"Watching my sister try to find the strength to better her life and then losing it. It's hard, even at my age. It's really hard to look at this and not feel like you can't trust anything. Like the world's just out for you in a weird way," Tyler said. "Dealing with that because of how sudden it is, because of how just awful and brutal. It's really difficult to try to even explain to you how I'm able to handle it."

Tyler Daly said the holidays made the entire situation more difficult. He had to be happy for his daughter as Christmas approached, even after receiving such devasting news.

"We're trying to have a good Christmas for our children," Tyler Daly said. "We didn't want to have to ruin it. For me and my step brother Tyler with his kids, too, we had said that it was probably one of the most difficult things that we've ever had to do is to put on a strong face for our family during Christmas."

Tyler said his daughter does not fully understand what has happened yet and in some ways they do not either. It has been a very harsh healing process for him.

Siblings faced many of the same challenges

When looking back, some of his best memories of Madison were the quieter moments of them hanging out. Because she was in the DCFS system often, there were many moments where they visited her in the system.

Tyler Daly said they often talked about music, and the first memory that came to mind was when Madison Daly was pretty young and came into his room with a boom box to sing a song. Tyler Daly said he was very young at the time as well. He remembers that he started laughing, because her singing was more like yelling at points. He feels bad about laughing, but he feels it was a cute moment when looking back.

"When she went to our wedding, I remember she sort of sheepishly asked my wife if she could dye her hair," he said. "I remember my wife saying that it kind of put into perspective how young she is, and even though she's had to become, sort of hardened through the life we've had, that deep down, she was just a little girl."

Tyler said that those little moments were big for a family that went through a lot of dark times over the years.

"As for Kayden, it kind of goes the same way. When she came into our lives, she kind of just connected straight to the same family dynamic. So any memories that I could try to pull up that sound fun or like a sweet memory is really just us hanging out," he said. "Just seeing them able to enjoy themselves, when we're doing something that isn't having us all angry at each other, just little things like that."

GoFundMe accounts collectively brought in over $15K

Tyler Daly said the family does not have a lot of money, and he was not even sure if he could afford to drive down to Alabama for the funeral, which he said will be more like a celebration of life for Madison and Kayden.

On Christmas, he had the idea of starting a GoFundMe and brought the idea to his mom. The idea was to help cover the expenses that come with cremations and funeral, so that Kelly Daly and Tim Lynch would not have to face the financial burden alone. There was also a personal reason that he wanted to step up.

"I kind of felt it in me because I felt so helpless in this. When something like this happens, you're like, 'I don't know how to deal with my emotions or anything.' I felt like if I was able to set up something to be able to raise money, it would just help me feel better that I was able to give that support," Tyler Daly said.

He said he started the GoFundMe on Christmas, while Tim's sister Kathleen Kirby started one as well. Both fundraisers have been disabled to receive new donations. Tyler Daly's GoFundMe raised $8,495, and Kirby's has raised $6,515.

"I wasn't really expecting to have this level of support. It's helped a lot, at least for me, to feel like a lot of people care about this," Tyler said. "A lot of my family members keep telling me that they are constantly checking the GoFundMe. Not just me, but so that they can see it and be amazed at how much support people are showing for both of them. They were loved so much."

Tyler Daly said a portion of the money raised will be put toward Madison's daughter for when she turns 18. Tyler Daly said he hopes people know how loved Madison Daly and Kayden Lynch were and how their lives were cut short.

"For this kid to go and not just take away a sister and a daughter, but to also take away a mother...A little girl is left without her mom because of this. I guess it feels important to me to note the immense loss here and how they deserve so much better and wanted better for themselves," he said.
For those of my era, shopping with a side of lunch was all about the mall food court. But the stories my Aunt Jackie would tell about San Francisco retail were far more glamorous. As a young woman in the 40s and 50s, she would take the streetcar down to Union Square  in proper hat and gloves, it goes without saying  to visit the department stores and have a spot of lunch. She did her Christmas shopping in person at Macys until her 80s, and when she died, her closet was sprinkled with pieces from I. Magnin.

Theres no turning back the clock on how we shop, but Amazon hasnt yet figured out how to outsource eating. And so even if you havent set foot in a department store in 20 years, I am here to exhort you to go eat at the Rotunda, located on Neiman Marcus fourth floor. An opulent salon de the for ladies who lunch, it is both a slice of a disappearing prim Old San Francisco and, confoundingly, home to one of the citys best burgers.

Chef Erik Harrelson arranges the tower served during tea service at the Rotunda, left. The martini is classic and cold, top right. Servers check in on diners, bottom right. Photos by Jessica Christian/The Chronicle From top: Chef Erik Harrelson arranges the tower served during tea service at the Rotunda. The martini is classic and cold. Servers check in on diners. Photos by Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

If you are the type of well coiffed grande dame who attends charity galas, you already know about the Rotunda. If you are the type of gay who enjoys eavesdropping on said ladies while sipping a martini, you also know about the Rotunda, and may I join you? But I did not know about the Rotunda, at least until a friend recommended we meet there for lunch.

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I was skeptical. I love a camp experience as much as the next person, but in my role, I cant waste meals on mediocre Cobbs and sorbet, the type of fare I assumed I would find at a luxury department store at noon on a Friday. Scanning the menu, my suspicions appeared to be confirmed. Two soups. An entire salad section. Caviar service.

But hold up  that soup. Around the holidays, the Rotunda serves a porcini and chestnut soup ($14) punctuated by finely diced roasted apples that add unexpected texture. It was a touch heavy on the truffle oil drizzle, but otherwise delectable, not some sad sack bisque trucked in from a corporate kitchen. Was the Rotunda serving real food?

A server brings popovers for diners, left. They come with a side of pink strawberry butter, right. Photos by Jessica Christian/The Chronicle A server brings popovers for diners, above. They come with a side of pink strawberry butter, below. Photos by Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

Under the leadership of executive chef Erik Harrelson, who took the reins in 2021, it is. His path was that of a typical young, ambitious chef; thats his hand with the knuckle tattoo daintily rearranging a macaron. But after a couple decades working in demanding restaurants under Gary Danko and Daniel Patterson, he wanted some stability, a career path, a job that didnt require nights. He took an interview at Neiman Marcus and was immediately struck by the grandeur of the Rotunda.

The building itself is not particularly lovely. Writing in the New York Times in 1983, architecture critic Paul Goldberger called it an awkward intrusion into San Francisco, one of this citys most conspicuous architectural mistakes. Neiman Marcus had demolished the old City of Paris department store, which had stood on the southeast corner of Union Square since 1909. Preservationists, however, had strong-armed them into keeping the spectacular 55-by-36-foot stained glass skylight, which depicts the ship that brought lace and Cognac from France to San Francisco in the 19th century. It casts a golden Belle Epoque glow on the Rotundas patrons, who are seated in concentric circles overlooking the ground floor of the department store and out onto Union Square. The booths where you sit if you want to be seen face inwards, like prisoners cells in a panopticon.

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Left: The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus is seen on Dec. 19, 2024, with all of its stained glass opulence. (Photo by Jessica Christian/The Chronicle) Right: The same scene, but City of Paris on November 21, 1971. (Photo by Vincent Maggiora/San Francisco Chronicle) Above: The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus is seen on Dec. 19, 2024, with all of its stained glass opulence. (Photo by Jessica Christian/The Chronicle) Below: The same scene, but City of Paris on November 21, 1971. (Photo by Vincent Maggiora/San Francisco Chronicle)

The menu is under Harrelsons control, but there are some nonnegotiables. Every meal at a Neiman Marcus restaurant starts with a complimentary demitasse of rich and clear chicken consomme, a tradition that began with Helen Corbitt, the chef who ran the Zodiac Room at the Dallas flagship store in the 50s and 60s. Neiman Marcus president Stanley Marcus called her the Balenciaga of food. Also gratis are bulbous, airy popovers with pastel strawberry butter, a little girls luncheon fantasy.

The freebies are a welcome touch, softening the blow of a $28 shrimp cocktail  thats $5.60 per shrimp  and a $28 chop salad. A market research firm must have determined $28 to be a non-adversarial price, since that is also how much the burger will set you back.

That burger is out of place at the Rotunda, a restaurant that serves a very fun high tea ($59) to women wearing Aunt Jackie-approved hats. With two patties, gooey American cheese, lashings of homemade pink sauce, tomato, lettuce, and grilled and chopped onions, this is not a polite hamburger sandwich to be nibbled daintily, pinkies up. It is sloppy, and it is wonderful. Harrselson describes it as a sort of cheeseburger chimera, a mashup of an In-N-Out Double Double and a Big Mac, and it is best accompanied by an afternoon martini, which the bartenders at the Rotunda do very well. Somewhere, pearls are being clutched.

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The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus is located on the corner of Geary and Stockton streets, near Union Square. The restaurant is known to draw shoppers and ladies who lunch, but MacKenzie Chung Fegan says any burger lover should eat there. Photos by Jessica Christian/The Chronicle The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus is located on the corner of Geary and Stockton streets, near Union Square. The restaurant is known to draw shoppers and ladies who lunch, but MacKenzie Chung Fegan says any burger lover should eat there. Photos by Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

For dessert, there is indeed sorbet, one perfect sphere in a frosty crystal coupe ($12). You could stop there if you were slimming for a gala, but there is also Neiman Marcus Texas-sized chocolate chip cookie ($8), larger than an oil barons palm. Lore has it that a shopper in Dallas was so taken with her cookie that she asked for the recipe, for which she readily agreed to pay two fifty. When her bill arrived, she was shocked to see a charge for $250. The story is the stuff of chain mail, but the cookie, with a hint of espresso powder and Guittard chocolate, is a good one. Ask and your server will give you a recipe card for free.

Theres an elevator on the Geary side of the building that will take you from the Rotunda right down to street level, but as I left afternoon tea, I decided to wend my way down the three escalators. The floors were eerily quiet, like something out of a zombie movie. Im not telling you to go down to the ladies department and buy some hose. But I do think you should book a table at the Rotunda sooner rather than later.

Reach MacKenzie Chung Fegan: MacKenzieChung.Fegan@sfchronicle.com

The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus

Level Four, 150 Stockton St., San Francisco. stores.neimanmarcus.com/restaurants/SanFrancisco/CA/1012-R-1/TheRotunda

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Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; reservations required for afternoon tea, which is served beginning at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, 2:30 p.m. every other day

Accessibility: Elevator access from street level on Geary; no outdoor seating

Noise level: Quiet to moderate

Meal for two, without drinks: $84-$125

What to order: Burger and fries ($28); martini ($18); afternoon tea ($59)

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Meat-free options: Mushroom soup ($14); vegetarian/vegan burger available

Drinks: Full bar with classic and specialty cocktails, beer and wine; youll see flutes of Champagne and pots of tea on most tables
Venezuela has the largest proven oil reserves on Earth, but its energy prowess is as much about quality as quantity. Refineries on the US Gulf Coast process Venezuelan crude by the hundreds of thousands of barrels per day. Volumes hit a six-year high in December, according to Kpler, reaching approximately 300 kbd  a 150 kbd year-on-year increase.

The Gulf Coast, or PADD 3, is crucial to the United States energy supremacy. If flows of Venezuelan crude to the region were disrupted, refiners like Chevron and Valero would have to shift to lower-quality, less reliable suppliersan undesirable prospect.

Indeed, production in Mexico remains lackluster, while the erection of trade barriers in North America would curtail Canadian imports. Confirming the point, Kpler predicts that the Gulf would face severe shortages if Venezuelan crude imports fell by 200 kbd this year. These metrics support the case for a US-Venezuela detente.

While relations between President Nicolas Maduro and the Republican Party have historically been strained, each side is ultimately motivated by the economic necessity of the northward flow of Venezuelan crude. The inauguration and spate of Executive Orders that followed have consumed the US media cycle, but the prospects of detente have not been completely dimmed. President Trump certainly gave himself plenty of room to push back against the hawks in his party when he quipped that his administration would probably halt the import of Venezuelan crude.

Related: Ukraine Drones Hit Second Russian Oil Refinery in Less Than a Week

As with prospective tariffs on the United States trade partners near and far, the new President is not allowing himself to be hemmed in by precise policy prescriptions. Trumps mission objective, as often stated, is a new golden age; he knows disrupting Americas energy ecosystem would be prohibitive.

The administration is also cautious of any association with former President Bidens failed Latin America policy. Biden was credited for freezing sanctions on Venezuelas energy sector in October 2023 under the Barbados Agreement, only to reimpose them in April of last year, succumbing to proponents of regime change. With Maduro as powerful as ever, this proved an illusion.

Imports from Venezuela have at least continued under special license agreements secured by majors like Chevron, but the South American nations extraordinary potential remains untapped. President Trump is said to fully recognize this potential. Ever interested in confounding elite expectations with a grand bargain, he will surely be tempted to lock in crucial supplies to the Gulf.

The alternativea halt on Venezuelan importswould be a blow to US economic stability and the broader well-being of the Western Hemisphere.

Cast out, Maduro would have every incentive to further deepen his ties with the United States antagonists.

Cheap Venezuelan crude would bolster the economic performance of BRICS, the non-aligned bloc. And if Venezuela could no longer import refined products from the United States, then it too would turn to new suppliers.

Iran, a leading producer of condensates, would be more than willing.

Such an outcome would surely be viewed by Trump and those in his circle as an unacceptable violation of the Monroe Doctrine, which demands that outside powers must not interfere in the Western Hemisphere.

Trumps recent statements on the sovereign status of Greenland and the management of the Panama Canal are very much in line with this standpoint.

As such, the new President will be wary of hamstringing the US energy industry to the benefit of Russia, China, and Iran, regardless of anti-Venezuelan sentiment in his cabinet.

Re-engagement with Venezuela based on mutually beneficial trade termsspecifically, the exchange of much-needed crude oil for much-needed US dollarsis surely the best path forward.

By Cyril Widdershoven for Oilprice.com

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If approved, the deal would make ScottishPower the second-largest distribution network operator in the UK.

The CMA is concerned about the potential impact on competition in the UK energy sector.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating Iberdrola's 2.1bn acquisition of Electricity North West.

The competition watchdog has launched a probe into a 2.1bn deal to takeover Electricity North West by the owner of ScottishPower.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is looking into the deal which was first announced by Iberdrola in August last year.

The watchdog said it was investigating whether the deal may affect competition in the sector and will decide by 27 March whether to refer the acquisition for an in-depth probe.

Interested parties have until 12 February to submit their comments.

If no competition issues are raised, the deal will see Iberdrola add a large chunk of North West Englands power grid to its network.

Iberdrola agreed to buy 88 per cent of North West Electricity Networks  which trades as Electricity North West (ENW) and operates the grid from Carlisle down to Manchester and Merseyside.

ENW distributes electricity to almost five million people and has more than 37,000 miles (60,000km) of electricity distribution networks, which will be operated by ScottishPower after the deal.

The Glasgow-based firm will overtake SSE as the second largest distribution network operator in the UK behind National Grid, serving about 12 million people  just under six million homes  across southern Scotland, northern England and parts of Wales.

Distribution network operators (DNOs) are licensed companies that own and operate the network of towers, transformers, cables and meters that carry electricity from the main transmission grid to large geographical areas, such as Manchester or Merseyside.

Before the deal, there were 14 licensed DNOs across Great Britain, owned by six different parent groups.

As well as running power networks, ScottishPower is an energy supplier to 4.2 million customers and it operates offshore and onshore wind farms across the UK. The ENW deal does not affect its retail supply or generation arms.

Iberdrola and a consortium of investors, led by Japans Kansai Electric Power, which will retain 12% of ENWs capital, have signed a shareholders agreement to collaborate on a long-term basis.

The ENW deal makes the UK the market in which Iberdrola has the biggest stake in terms of assets, followed by the United States.

By City AM

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Alberta is seeking ways to improve the return rates of its wealth fund and boost its size considerably, from about C$24.3 billion now to some C$250 billion, or $173 billion, Bloomberg has reported.

The purpose, per the report, is reducing the provinces dependence on oil and gas revenues because this dependence makes Alberta susceptible to the highs and lows of global energy markets, which can change rapidly and unpredictably, according to the provincial government.

To that end, the government of Alberta has set up a new corporation to manage the wealth fund and seek new investment opportunities that would boost returns. Per brand new legislation, the fund will also reinvest all of its returns instead of distributing them to the province.

When the royalties dry up or start to become significantly smaller, the only tool a government has is to seek more revenue through the tax base, Alberta Finance Minister Nate Horner told Bloomberg in an interview.

By being diligent and allowing this to grow, by the time we get to C$250 billion, well have the ability to use this in an annual way to help offset revenue needs within government.

Alberta receives over a quarter of its revenues from the oil and gas industry, with the total amount for this budget year estimated at some C$20.3 billion, or around $14 billion. That appears to be an uncomfortably high degree of dependence on oil and gas revenues for the provincial government.

The Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund currently has an annual rate of return of 7%, which is not too shabby at all, but the government of the province wants to boost this to 9% by 2050. For context, as provided by Bloomberg, Norways sovereign wealth fund has an annual return rate of 6.3%, and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authoritythe UAEs sovereign wealth fundhas returned an average of 6.8% over the past 30 years.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has approved government non-interference in monetary policy and the pricing strategy of state-run oil giant Petrobras (NYSE:PBR). According to the leftist president, his government will also consider additional fiscal measures if needed during the year amid the countrys surging public debt. Petrobras shares tanked in 2022 after the House of Congress voted to make it easier for politicians to take roles at state-run firms. Petrobras has been at the center of a major corruption scandal over the past decade, due in large part to political appointments in its senior management.

Last year, Petrobras lowered capital expenditure (capex) for 2025 to $17 billion from an earlier estimate of $21 billion. According to the company, the lower capex is more realistic and in line with its financial wherewithal. In its latest strategic plan, Petrobras plans to invest $102 billion in the 2024-2028 period, good for a 31% increase over the previous plan amid pressure from President Lula for the firm to ramp up investments in a bid to prop up the country's economy and generate local jobs. Still, Petrobras saw output from its refineries hit an all-time high in 2024 thanks to record production of gasoline and S-10 diesel. Petrobras reported that gasoline output totaled 24.4 billion liters, eclipsing the previous record of 24.2 billion liters posted in 2014 while diesel production reached 26.3 billion liters. The companys annual refinery utilization rate was 93.2% last year, up from 92% in 2023.

Previously, global research and consultancy group Wood Mackenzie predicted that Brazils private oil companies will increase oil production by 75% from 1.22 mb/d to 2.12 mb/d by 2030. According to WoodMac, international oil companies such as Shell Plc (NYSE:SHEL), Equinor ASA, (NYSE:EQNR), TotalEnergies SE (NYSE:TTE), Repsol Sinopec Brasil S.A. and Petrogal will be among the top producers thanks to their partnership with Petrobras in the pre-salt and fields under development.

Overall, Brazil's oil and gas production has hit the highest level ever, with oil output increasing 18.6% Y/Y to 3.51 million barrels per day while natural gas production grew 13.6% Y/Y to 154.08 million cubic meters per day.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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Potential buyers from India, Japan, and Kuwait have already launched talks with U.S. LNG exporters to purchase more of the super-chilled fuel from America amid the tariff threats of President Donald Trump, Bloomberg reported on Thursday, quoting sources familiar with the discussions.

Since winning the U.S. presidential election in November, President Trump has threatened to slap tariffs on countries that dont buy more U.S. energy and with which the U.S. has large trade deficits.

This has prompted energy officials and company executives from countries in Asia and the Middle East to seek talks with U.S. exporters to procure more LNG from America.

Some discussions started shortly after the November 5 election, according to Bloombergs anonymous sources.

China, however, hasnt sought deals as it is pushed away by the tariff threats, the sources said.

China is the worlds biggest importer of LNG.

The second- and third-biggest LNG importers, Japan and South Korea, respectively, are looking to buy more U.S. LNG.

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 last week.

Japan is looking to increase its energy security with diverse sources of supply and could face steeper competition from fellow Asian importer South Korea, as well as from Europe.

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 earlier this month.

Meanwhile, Europe this winter has been drawing a lot of spot U.S. LNG cargoes away from Asia, as European prices are higher than those in northeast Asia and Europe scrambles for supply with a colder winter, fast-depleting gas levels in storage, and the end of the Russian gas transit via Ukraine.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Canada will not let the oil-producing province of Alberta suffer the biggest blow of any Canadian retaliatory tariffs in response to potential U.S. import levies, said Jonathan Wilkinson, Canadian Energy and Natural Resources Minister.

The potential tit-for-tat tariffs have created concern that Alberta, the oil heartland of Canada, would be hurt by possible restrictions on Canadian crude oil exports to the United States.

Canada has reportedly drafted a list of U.S. goods worth about US$105 billion that it could tax with tariffs if President Donald Trump moves to impose tariffs on imports from Canada.

Canadas federal government has threatened to restrict crude oil exports in response to Trumps idea of imposing tariffs on Canadian imports.

But Alberta has said it would not support restricting oil exports to the U.S.

Federal government officials continue to publicly and privately float the idea of cutting off energy supply to the U.S. and imposing export tariffs on Alberta energy and other products to the United States, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith wrote in a post on X earlier this month.

Alberta will simply not agree to export tariffs on our energy or other products, nor do we support a ban on exports of these same products.

On Wednesday, Canadas federal energy minister Wilkinson said in an X post I know some folks in Alberta are worried that a Canadian response to potential U.S. tariffs could unfairly hurt Albertans. So I flew to Alberta to make one thing very clear: we will not let that happen.

Wilkinson added, No one province or territory will be favoured or penalized over another.

Speaking to reporters he also said, If there is pain, Quebec will feel it, Ontario will feel it, the west will feel it, Atlantic Canada will feel it.

You cannot single out the west. It has to be something that is going to be fair, Wilkinson noted.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Some European Union officials have endorsed an idea to restart Russian pipeline gas supply to the EU as part of a possible peace deal for Ukraine, sources with knowledge of the talks have told the Financial Times.

Russian pipeline gas supply via Ukraine stopped on January 1, 2025, after Ukraine refused to negotiate an extension to the transit deal.

At 0500 GMT on New Years Day, Russian gas giant Gazprom halted pipeline deliveries, and the last remaining EU members that were still receiving gas from Russia via Ukraine until December 31  Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary  lost this source of supply.

Hungary continues to receive Russian gas via the TurkStream gas pipeline via Turkey and the Balkans, while Austria and Slovakia have arranged to have natural gas from other sources supplied.

Now the idea to resume Russian gas flows, reportedly endorsed by some EU officials from Hungary and Germany, has created a backlash among other EU officials and among Ukraines staunchest allies in the bloc. The talks have also caused concern and confusion among U.S. LNG developers and exporters who are preparing to boost their sales to Europe, according to FTs sources.

The proponents of a return to Russian gas as part of a peace deal in Ukraine argue that Russian supply would help lower energy costs in the EU that have been burdening households and depressing industrial production since 2022.

However, the idea of reviving gas supply from Russia is being met with strong resistance from other EU officials who argue that Putin shouldnt be given leeway to increase Moscows energy revenues and restore energy supply and security leverage over Europe.

An EU official furious with the idea of letting Russia sell its gas in Europe again told the FT Its madness.

How stupid could we be to even think about that as an option? the official added.

Talks about this idea have emerged as some EU members are also pushing for a ban on imports of Russian LNG amid soaring imports in the bloc in recent months.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Russia pumped 2.8% lower volumes of crude oil and condensate in 2024 from a year earlier, while its natural gas production rose by 7.6%, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak wrote on Thursday in the energy ministrys in-house magazine.

Last year, Russian oil production stood at 516 million tons, said Novak, who is Russias top oil official and represents the country at the OPEC+ talks and meetings.

The production volumes were equivalent to about 10.32 million barrels per day (bpd). This was down by 2.8% from 2023, as Russia has been reducing supply as part of the OPEC+ deal to tackle the oversupply on the market.

Russia, alongside fellow non-OPEC producer Kazakhstan and OPECs second-largest producer, Iraq, still have work to do to compensate for the lack of compliance with the OPEC+ quotas from previous years and months.

Russia has submitted a compensation plan to OPEC envisaging Moscow mostly compensating for its overproduction in the months of March to September due to the more challenging conditions in the winter.

Commenting on Russias oil production and the OPEC+ deal, Novak wrote in the article that the OPEC+ agreement has a positive effect on the Russian federal budget revenues.

In the natural gas segment, Russias production rose by 7.6% on the year to 685 billion cubic meters (bcm) in 2024. Pipeline gas exports increased by 15.6% and LNG exports rose by 4% last year compared to 2023, Novak said.

The higher pipeline gas exports were the result of the increased Russian gas deliveries to China, where Gazproms flows via the Power of Siberia pipeline reached full capacity at the end of last year.

Moscow classified oil and gas production and export data after the invasion of Ukraine and the sanctions and embargoes that the West imposed on Russian oil in an effort to reduce Putins revenues.

In light of the latest U.S. sanctions on its oil exports, Russia is said to have been reshuffling tankers to prioritize shipments to China, which has become Moscows top crude oil buyer alongside India.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Jeremy Retornaz learned to make cider in Normandy, France. How hes applying those French techniques to apples grown in the heirloom orchards of Sebastopol. Dan Hernandez/The Chronicle

The orchard at the end of Madsen Lane in Sebastopol looks feral. Its apple trees, planted in the 1950s, are sparse; the gaping yards between them make it clear that many have died. Woodpeckers have bored into surviving trees, and the ground is littered with cavernous coyote holes. When Jeremy Retornaz began farming the site in 2023, the trees hadnt been pruned in several years, and many keeled over to one side, their branches overloaded with fruit.

But this tumbledown orchard is yielding beautiful ciders for Retornazs new label, Onirique. These trees are pretty torn apart, he said. But the trees are still producing.

The ciders of Onirique, which means dreamlike in French, are fresh and exuberant. Theyre young  Retornazs first vintage was 2023, and he likes them unaged. Their vibrancy comes not so much from their carbonation, which is relatively low compared to most ciders, as from their pure, clean distillation of apple flavor. The main component should be apple-ness, Retornaz said.

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The Onirique ciders, from left: Gravenstein, Recolte Automnale and Recolte Hivernale. Dan Hernandez/The Chronicle

The 28-year-old joins a vibrant community of craft cider makers in west Sonoma County, which was apple country long before it became Wine Country. Although most of the heirloom orchards in and around Sebastopol have been converted into Pinot Noir vineyards, there remains a devoted contingent of high-quality cideries working with their fruit, like Tilted Shed, Ethic, Horse & Plow and Eye.

Oniriques unique proposition is to impose on Sebastopols heirloom apples the methods that Retornaz learned while working in Normandy, France  arguably the worlds most important cider-producing region. He embraces qualities that characterize many Normand ciders: a pronounced bitterness, a little residual sugar and the layers of flavors that can result from a traditional fermentation technique. And he eschews some of the trends that have become common in American craft cider, like blending apples with wine grapes or aging in oak barrels.

His French friends, he said, would not consider the apple varieties at his Sebastopol orchard  like Gravenstein, King, Jonathan, Golden Delicious and Rhode Island Greening  to be proper cider varieties. But thats what makes them exciting to Retornaz. I decided to prove to them, to prove to myself, that we could take these Normand techniques and apply them to unremarkable apples.

Retornaz prunes an apple tree. When he first started caring for this orchard in 2023, it had not been tended in several years. Dan Hernandez/The Chronicle

Wine, not cider, was a driving force for most of Retornazs life. He grew up in Marin County with French parents; his father, Bernard Retornaz, was the president of Louis Latour Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of the famous French wine company. When he attended Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo, he enrolled in the wine and viticulture program.

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After graduating in 2019, Retornaz moved to France to work for Louis Latour. But he wanted to escape the dreary Burgundy winters, and so he decided on a whim, he said, to cold-email cider producers in Normandy. A small family farm, Domaine Cinq Autels, agreed to hire him for the 2020 harvest.

It was a low-tech operation, Retornaz said, with no hot water and no real sanitation regimen in the cellar. They were a farm that happened to make cider, he said. He introduced some modern cleaning practices and secured a U.S. importer. They, in turn, taught him the art of Normand cider making.

When Retornaz moved back to California in 2022, he got a job at Twin Hills Vineyard in Sebastopol. Though it had hired him in a winemaking role, Twin Hills let Retornaz take over cider production for the 3 acres of apple trees on its property. That gave him the confidence to start Onirique the following year. (He still has a day job as a winemaker at Ross Road Custom Crush.)

The abandoned orchard on Madsen Lane was around the corner from Twin Hills, and Retornaz had his eye on it. The owner worked out a deal with Retornaz: If he took responsibility for the farming, he could take the fruit for free.

Jeremy Retornaz opens a bottle of his 2023 Recolte Automnale, his driest cider, with a pair of pruning loppers. Dan Hernandez/The Chronicle

Its roughly 120 trees, scattered over 11 acres, yield 60% of the apples that Onirique currently needs. Retornaz forages many of the rest from crabapple trees along Bodega Highway, or from trees he and his girlfriend, Allison Connor, find in cemeteries. He supplements those with bittersweet apple varieties from an orchard in Kenwood. He plans to plant more trees at the Madsen Lane orchard this spring.

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Unlike some apple farmers, who prize pristine-looking fruit that will be delivered to larger processors, Retornaz isnt hung up on the initial aesthetics. I love when the apples have some disease, blotch, scab, he said.

Retornazs approach to cider making is indebted to both Californian and French traditions, but it also rejects fundamental tenets of each. In his view, many California producers treat cider as if it were high-end white wine: fermenting and aging in barrel, adding nutrients to hasten along the fermentation, letting it go completely dry. But Retornaz dislikes the influence of oak and isnt afraid of some residual sugar  a controversial stance in sugar-averse California. A touch of lingering sweetness in ciders, he said, is what gives them depth and balance.

He also employs a Normand technique called keeving, which is relatively unusual among American cideries. The purpose of keeving is to stress and starve the yeast during a fermentation by removing pectin and other nitrogen-rich components that the yeast like to eat. Ideally, keeving slows down the fermentation process, which some believe can result in more complexity in the finished cider. Normand cideries achieve keeving by adding an enzyme and a special kind of salt, but Retornaz didnt have access to those French products, so he has tried using table salt. (His French employer, he said, would probably not consider this ersatz method to be keeving at all.)

Retornaz looks after an 11-acre orchard in Sebastopol that was planted in the 1950s. In exchange, he gets to harvest the apples for free. Dan Hernandez/The Chronicle

Yet it wouldnt be accurate to call the Onirique ciders Normandy-style either. Retornaz dislikes the sediment that crowds the bottom of many Normand bottles; he gets rid of that by filtering. And his ciders certainly show none of the funkiness that many Americans may associate with traditional European versions. That funk is often the result of the spoilage yeast brettanomyces, which can live in old cellars  a very different environment from the crystal-clean winery where Retornaz works. That rusticity is not authentic to anywhere that I could make cider here, he said.

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Oniriques three ciders are distinct from each other. Retornaz makes a varietal from 100% Gravenstein apples, which is juicy and tart, and a touch of residual sugar gives it some fleshiness. Recolte Hivernale, which is floral and richly textured, sees the longest fermentation and is composed of about 5% pears. Recolte Automnale is savory, with a satisfyingly tannic bite; unlike the other two, it isnt keeved, and it is fully dry. Retornaz considers Automnale to be his friendliest offering to American palates, and Hivernale to be his most Normand-inspired  and, in his view, his best.
The leadership of the Pa Ayo Fasanmi-led Afenifere on Tuesday met with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The group, led by Pa Ayo Fasanmi, called for true federalism to address the challenges facing the country.

They also made four other requests cutting across security, education, youth employment and power supply.

The five demands of the Afenifere leaders were enumerated in a prepared speech read by Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, where they demanded for true federalism to address the challenges facing the country.

Those who attended the meeting were Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Segun Osoba, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, Sen. Adedayo Adeyeye, Chief Kemi Nelson, Laoye Tomori, Solomon Akindele, Elder Yemi Alade, Mutiu Are, among others.

The speech read: We seriously recommend clinging to the spirit and letters of our federal constitution. This is one sure way of achieving the desired goals of unity even in diversity, mutual respect, tolerance and giving true meaning to the opening phrase of our constitution that is, we the people.

We will be a greater nation if we sincerely practice true federalism, think and act as Nigerians rather than as champions of the smaller units we were born into. Our big size is an asset worthy of preservation.

Good examples of big size, hard work and prudent spending are the USA, China and India. It is not with violence or hate speeches but with mutual trust, self-respect and tolerance that we will speedily achieve the lofty destiny of the great country, Nigeria.
Jason Charles, seen in 2023 at the Berkeley winery he occupied at the time, is closing down the business he founded in 2013, Vinca Minor Winery. Salgu Wissmath/The Chronicle

A highly regarded Bay Area winery is ceasing production after 12 years in business.

Winemaker Jason Charles is winding down his Vinca Minor Winery, he said. The 2024 vintage was his last.

Although California wine is experiencing an industry-wide slump, Charles insisted the move was driven by personal motivations, not market forces. He wants to return to the career he was pursuing before he entered the wine industry: photography.

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I feel at peace with everything Ive done in wine, Charles said. But Ive always had this dream of shooting photography and really taking that dive back into photojournalism.

Vinca Minor, the scientific name for periwinkle, was known for its focus on Carignan, a red grape variety that was widely planted in California in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Charles sought out surviving older vineyards, mainly in Mendocino Countys Redwood Valley. He was attracted to the history of these vines, he said, and the fact that many of them are farmed organically.

Charles made a range of Carignans over the years, including rose. Although they were made in a refreshing, low-alcohol style, Charles also had a knack for emphasizing the grapes potential for a serious, structured red. You can easily make a glou glou wine out of Carignan, he told the Chronicle in 2019, but I think Carignan can really age.

The winery had undergone some major changes in the last couple of years. Spurred by the challenging 2020 harvest, in which many grapes were unusable due to wildfire smoke, Charles experimented with blending grapes with pears, and he created a new brand for these experimental bottlings, Moonland. He later abandoned the grape-pear hybrid approach and shifted the Moonland brand into a line of canned wines.

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Last spring, Vinca Minor moved out of the winery and tasting room in West Berkeley it had occupied for five years. (Tessier Winery moved in.) Charles had outgrown the small space, he said, and moved all of Vinca Minors production to a facility in Sonoma. He saw the Sonoma relocation as key to scale up Moonland.

But his photography dreams kept nagging at him, he said. In his 20s, Charles had lived in New York and worked as a photojournalist and commercial photographer, and he absolutely loved it.

Like many New York creatives, Charles got a side job in hospitality, which is how he fell for wine. The restaurant job spurred him to move out to California to work a harvest season. Charles started at Napa Valleys Chateau Boswell, then at a winery in Bordeaux, before launching Vinca Minor in 2013.

Many of the Vinca Minor wines from the 2024 vintage are still in barrel, unfinished; he likely wont bottle them until the fall. There will still be Vinca and Moonland wines in the market for about 18 more months, he said.

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Vinca Minor is not the only notable California winery to shut down during the last year. Revered Sonoma County Zinfandel producer Carlisle Winery announced last summer that it would be closing its doors. In Napa Valley, two brands that had attempted to court millennials and Generation Z, Tarpon Cellars and Brendel Wines, also went out of business.




Benjamin Okoronkwos burial announcement

A 43-year-old Nigerian Bolt driver, Benjamin Okoronkwo, will be laid to rest on Friday, August 30, in his hometown, Okposi, Ohaozara Local Government of Ebonyi State.

Okoronkwo was shot dead in his car by unknown assailants at about 3 a.m on August 3, in South Africa. Information gathered showed that the deceased is survived by two children and a pregnant wife.

Spokesperson of the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa, Sunny-Wenike Douglas, who confirmed the death of the Nigerian, said Simeon was a Bolt driver who was killed almost immediately after dropping off his clients in a part of the city.

Simeons death comes few weeks after a Nigerian insurance officer, Mrs Obianuju Ndubuisi-Chukwu, was murdered in South Africa while attending a conference there. Also a Nigerian teenager, Dennis Chinonso Obiaju, was also shot dead in Johannesburg by suspected armed robbers on July 20th.

Read the full statement from NICASA below:

NIGERIAN CITIZENS ASSOCIATION SOUTH AFRICA (NICASA)

DEATH NOTICE!!

The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa received with sadness and regrettably announce the tragic death of a national Late Mr Benjamin Simeon, 43years old and a native of Okposi in Ebonyi State, who was allegedly shot by yet to be unidentified gunmen around the wee hours of today the 3/08/2019 at Verona and High Street in the south of Johannesburg.

Late Mr Benjamin Simeon until his death was a Taxify driver and survived by a pregnant wife, who also is from the same community with him and has two other children from the same wife.

At arrival at the deceased residence, the NICASA representative led by the PRO met with the inlaw of the deceased Mr Emeka Isaac, also from Okposi in Ebonyi State and other of his kinsmen from Ebonyi, friends and well-wishers.

It was learnt that the deceased transports workers who close late shifts at night, under a prearranged pick up plan and was just on one of such trips when he was shot twice almost immediately after dropping off his clients.

Mr Emeka Isaac who is married to the deceaseds sister said he had got a call at around 3:00am from an unknown office number which he didnt pick, and thereafter a call from the wife of the deceased alerting him of her husbands unanswered phone, which led to several calls been made.

Finally, someone who was earlier called by the police informed him of the deceased having some likely issues with the police, the phone number of the police was forwarded to him and he only got the sad news after calling the phone number of the police.

The remains of the deceased were taken by the paramedics that arrived the crime scene in company of the SAPS and has since been deposited at the Johannesburg mortuary after the deceased was confirmed dead.

The deceaseds vehicle and phone were recovered and handed over to Mr Emeka Isaac (the inlaw).

We got in contact with the detective in charge of the case who confirmed the case of murder was opened at the Moffatview SAPS and we have received the case number and direct contact of the investigating police officer.

We will furnish same to the appropriate authorities for further action.

We shall follow up with the case to ensure that the killers are arrested and justice is served.

We pray for God to grant the family, friends kinsmen comfort at this difficult time, and them the strength to bear the loss. while calling on all to remain vigilant in their dealings with one another.

Sunny-Wenike Douglas

PRO NICASA
According to a report by Saturday Punch, a policewoman with the Lagos State Police Command identified simply as Yemisi is in the eye of the storm after a housewife, Atinuke Odeleye, accused her of assault.

It was learnt that the incident, which occurred on Tuesday evening in the Igando area of the state where the couple resides, marked the height of a running battle between Atinuke and the policewoman.

It was gathered that the mother of two sustained an injury on the forehead in the process.

A Saturday Punch correspondent who spoke with the parties involved in the issue got different accounts of the incident.

In her narrative, Atinuke, 38, said she discovered that her husband, Abiodun Odeleye, was having extra-marital affairs with Yemisi sometime in March 2019 after she saw text messages they exchanged with each other on his phone.

The woman explained that she called Yemisi on the phone and warned her to desist from dating Abiodun, but she ignored her warning.

Atinuke stated, She started threatening me on the phone. I went to report her at the Igando Police Station on Saturday, September 7. I gave them a picture she and my husband took together. When they called her on the phone, she said she was on duty and promised to come to the station later. I learnt she later went there and told them that she was pregnant for my husband.

In the evening, she came to my house with a bottle and threatened to kill me. I went back to the police station to report her, but they did not do anything. On Tuesday evening around 10pm, she came to my house again to attack me. She hit me on the forehead with an object and destroyed my phone. I didnt bother to report the assault to the police because they did not act on my complaint.

But Yemisi, who spoke to our correspondent on Friday, debunked Atinukes allegations against her, claiming that she is Abioduns second wife.

The policewoman, who is in her late 30s, also denied attacking Atinuke, adding that the woman came to attack her at Abioduns brothers house in Igando.

She said, Her husband married me as his second wife and I know his family. We have done introduction and I am pregnant for him. Why would I break something on her head? There was a day a relation of our husband called both of us to settle our differences, she slapped me three times there. I didnt do anything so that people would not say I am using my position as a police officer to cheat her.

That Tuesday evening, I visited our husbands elder brother around Igando and she came to attack me there. She wanted to tear my clothes. I didnt do anything because I am not supposed to fight in public. I was surprised when she said I injured her. Maybe she used something to injure herself to blackmail me. Anywhere she sees me, she wants to fight me but I always avoid her. I didnt destroy her phone.

The man at the centre of the crisis, Abiodun, told City Round that Yemisi is his girlfriend, but said she was not pregnant for him.

Abiodun, an estate agent and a road transport union official, said Yemisi had visited him at a shop within his vicinity when his wife saw her.

The 40-year-old man said a fight ensued when Atinuke wanted to snap the policewoman with her phone, adding that his wifes head hit something during the scuffle.

He said, She (Yemisi) is not my wife; she is my girlfriend and she is not pregnant for me. We just have to settle everything amicably. She didnt come to our house that evening as my wife claimed. My wife saw us where we sat and came to sit beside us.

After some minutes, she stood up to leave and brought out her phone to snap her. She challenged her for snapping her and it led to the fight. It was when they were fighting that my wifes head hit something. I have warned her (Yemisi) not to come to our vicinity again.

The spokesperson for the police in the state, DSP Bala Elkana promised to get back to our correspondent with comments on the incident but he had yet to do so as of press time.
A 32-year-old man has shot and killed five people for making too much noise in front of his house in Russia, as the country is under a stay-at-home orders imposed amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Russian man was said to have used a hunting rifle to kill the five persons after he felt disturbed by their loud talking under his windows.

The shootings occurred at around 10 p.m. local time on Saturday evening in the small town of Yelatma, 200 km (120 miles) southeast of the capital, Moscow.

In a statement on Sunday, the police confirmed that the man had shot at a group of four men and a woman from his balcony after he complained to them about their noise which turned into a dispute.

They all died of their injuries on the spot, the police said in a statement.

The unnamed suspect was arrested near his house and is being investigated. His apartment was searched and the weapon seized.
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike says that all those politicising their coronavirus (COVID-19) test results should also make public their HIV Status.

The governor stated this on Friday, April 17, 2020, while addressing a press conference at Government House in Port Harcourt.

Wike accused governors of politicising the COVID-19 pandemic by announcing the test results of patients so as to attract Nigerians.

We were the first state to close down borders before other states followed and started doing publicity, he said. Everything is politicised in Nigeria. Governors, commissioners will go for a test and will tell the world they are positive /negative to attract publicity but nobody has gone for an HIV test to declare their status. Everything we publicise to attract Nigerians. Testing negative has become news now. For us in Rivers state, this thing is immaterial. There are states that have been singled out to be punished. In Abuja, a trailer was mobbed but if it was in Rivers State there would have been headlines that the state is not safe. All those politicising COVID-19, saying they tested Positive and now Negative, they should also make public their HIV Status.

The governor, who also lamented about the non-compliance of government companies to lockdown orders, said he is fully prepared for legal battle against ExxonMobil.

Governor Wike vowed that he would prosecute ExxonMobil for flouting the coronavirus lockdown order, by bringing in 22 persons into the state without authorisation.
By Taxpayers Association of Oregon

OregonWatchdog.com

Oregon U.S. Senator Ron Wyden grilled Trump Health Department nominee RFK Jr. during the Senate confirmation hearings this week. Do note, that RFK Jr. was on Obamas short list for Health Secretary back in the day.

Senator Wyden accused RFK Jr. of opposing all vaccines and that the measles disease has been minimized by him. RFK Jr. said his statements were taken out of context.

Here is the 7-minute video.


By Taxpayers Association of Oregon

OregonWatchdog.com

One of the best ideas to help with Oregons sprawling homeless is a program called Ground Score, which employs homeless people to pickup trash. What an idea. Both the City of Portland and one local business district pay for the service.

Needless to say, Portland finds itself with a $100 million hole and plans to cut this program as well as graffiti removal.

This is so tragic. As for graffiti, if you do not remove it, you will get more.

So curious how an $8 billion dollar Portland budget has no money for trash and graffiti removal.

 Was this helpful? If so, Contribute online at OregonWatchdog.com (learn about a Charitable Tax Deduction or Political Tax Credit options to promote liberty).
REPUBLICAN LEADER CALLS FOR ACCOUNTABILITY AFTER NATIONAL REPORT SHOWS OREGON STUDENTS FALLING BEHIND

By House Republican Leader Christine Drazan

SALEM, Ore.  A report released Wednesday from The National Assessment for Educational Progress paints a bleak picture of student performance in Oregon schools. The data shows that Oregons fourth and eighth graders scored in the bottom half of all states in math and reading proficiency.

As these test scores show, public schools continue to fail thousands of Oregon students, said House Republican Leader Christine Drazan (R-Canby). We urgently need more options for students and their families to succeed.

On Wednesday, President Trump signed an executive order directing the Department of Education to support school choice alternatives such as charter schools and private school tuition assistance.

President Trumps executive order is a welcome first step here in Oregon, said Drazan. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Legislature to implement a policy that will get Oregon schools back on the right track, she concluded.

Nearly half of fourth graders who took the assessment last year scored below basic in reading. This is worse than the national average of 41%. In math, about one-third of fourth graders tested below basic. This is worse than the national average of 24%. Among eighth graders who tested, 35% scored below basic in reading, and 45% scored below basic in math.

The report also shows that students who identified as economically disadvantaged scored significantly lower than their peers in reading and in math, and these performance gaps remains relatively unchanged since 1998 and 2000, respectively.
Rooted in the murky waters of ponds and lakes, the lotus flower is a testament to the power of resilience and transformation. As it rises above the surface, untainted by the mud from which it emerges, the lotus symbolizes the human capacity to overcome adversity and achieve spiritual enlightenment. This remarkable ability to thrive in the face of challenge has made the lotus a revered icon in Eastern philosophies and religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism.

The Lotus in Ancient Cultures

In ancient Egypt, the lotus was closely associated with the sun god Ra and the concept of rebirth. The hieroglyphic symbol for the lotus, known as "Sesen," was believed to represent the regenerative powers of the universe. The Egyptian Book of the Dead even suggests that a deceased person could be transformed into a lotus flower, further emphasizing the plant's deep connection to the cycle of life and death.

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Similarly, in Chinese and Taoist traditions, the lotus is seen as a embodiment of the harmonious balance between the feminine (yin) and masculine (yang) energies. Its ability to rise from the water without being tainted by it is a powerful metaphor for the pursuit of spiritual purity and detachment from the material world.

The Lotus in Buddhism and Hinduism

The lotus flower holds an especially prominent place in the belief systems of Buddhism and Hinduism. In Buddhism, the lotus is one of the "Eight Auspicious Symbols," representing the spiritual potential of the human mind to overcome the mud of ignorance and blossom into enlightenment. The different colored lotuses are associated with various aspects of the Buddha's teachings, such as the white lotus signifying mental and spiritual purity, and the blue lotus representing wisdom and control over the senses.

In Hinduism, the lotus is closely linked to several deities, including Brahma, the creator, and Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and fortune. The lotus is often depicted as the seat or throne of these deities, symbolizing their divine nature and the human aspiration to attain spiritual perfection.
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Junghwan Kim helped lead a project that grew out of collaborative efforts with Technology-enhanced Learning and Online Strategies at Virginia Tech to better understand how to integrate generative artificial intelligence effectively into university practices. Credit: Max Esterhuizen for Virginia Tech.

A Virginia Tech study found that while generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, Google's Gemini, and Microsoft's Copilot are gaining traction in higher education, significant gaps in usage and attitudes persist.

"This study provides empirical evidence about how Virginia Tech students and faculty use generative AI tools in their academic activities," said Junghwan Kim, assistant professor in the Department of Geography and co-lead on the study. "Knowing this is crucial for creating informed policies at the university level to regulate and guide the use of AI in education. Without such data, policy decisions could lack a strong foundation."

One of the main findings is that as of 2023, generative AI usage among students and faculty was relatively low. For instance, about 70% of students reported using AI tools less than once a week. Another significant finding was the difference in usage between STEM and non-STEM students. The findings show that STEM students were more comfortable and frequent users of generative AI compared to their non-STEM peers.

The study highlights an "AI divide," particularly between STEM and non-STEM students. Bridging this gap is crucial as AI skills become increasingly important. According to Kim, offering educational programs or resources to help non-STEM students feel more comfortable with AI could be beneficial.

"This research is important because it provides empirical data about the actual adoption and impact of generative AI tools in higher education, moving beyond speculation to concrete evidence that can inform policy decisions," said Dale Pike, associate vice provost for technology-enhanced learning and co-chair of the university's AI Working Group.

"The study reveals significant disparities in AI usage and comfort levels across disciplines and demographics, highlighting potential inequities that need addressing as these tools become increasingly integral to academic work."

This research helps identify key areas where institutions need to develop thoughtful policies and support systems to ensure AI enhances learning outcomes.

The research was published recently in Innovative Higher Education and also included Michelle Klopfer, a postdoctoral associate in engineering education at Virginia Tech.

This project grew out of collaborative efforts with Technology-enhanced Learning and Online Strategies at Virginia Tech to better understand how to integrate generative AI effectively into university practices.

Students found generative AI easier and more enjoyable to use than faculty, and STEM students are more positive about its utility compared to non-STEM students. Male STEM students are the most frequent users, while female non-STEM students use it the least.

There was a difference in perception among students and faculty, however. According to the study, students believe generative AI can enhance academic performance. Faculty, on the other hand, view academic performance more holistically and are concerned about potential over-reliance on AI affecting deeper learning.

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What all groups agreed on, though, is the need for clear university policies regarding ethical use of AI in higher education.

Regarding university policy development, Virginia Tech is taking a nuanced approach to generative AI guidance that reflects the diverse ways these tools are used across academic disciplines and contexts. Rather than developing a single overarching policy, the university is carefully evaluating existing policies and working to provide specific guidance that addresses different use cases and their associated considerations.

"The rapidly evolving nature of generative AI means we need to be both thoughtful and adaptable in our approach," Pike said. "We expect to release initial guidance this semester that will help faculty and students make informed decisions about AI use while maintaining academic integrity and promoting innovation in teaching and learning."

This guidance will build on existing academic policies while providing additional clarity around generative AI applications in areas such as research, coursework, and administrative tasks. Faculty will retain significant autonomy in determining appropriate AI use for their specific courses and disciplines, supported by university-level frameworks for ethical implementation.

"Our next steps will focus on collaborating with university leaders to develop clear, inclusive policies that guide the ethical and effective use of generative AI," Klopfer said.

"We also aim to design training programs and resources to help both students and facultyespecially those in non-STEM disciplinesgain confidence in using AI tools. By prioritizing equity and fostering AI literacy, we can ensure these technologies enhance learning for everyone without compromising critical thinking or deep understanding."

More information: Junghwan Kim et al, Examining Faculty and Student Perceptions of Generative AI in University Courses, Innovative Higher Education (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s10755-024-09774-w
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Kampala Capital City Authority staff installing low cost air quality sensors near a school in Kampala city on 16 January. The monitoring system is helping target interventions to reduce emissions. Credit: Kampala Capital City Authority

Air quality monitors powered by artificial intelligence (AI) are being deployed in Uganda's capital city in efforts to drive down pollution-related illnesses, especially among vulnerable populations.

Kampala currently ranks among Africa's most polluted cities, according to the IQAir index, with average levels of particulate matter almost eight times higher than those recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

There were more than 7,250 air pollution-related deaths in the city over the last four years, researchers estimate.

The mounting problem, fueled by rapid urban growth and rising numbers of vehicle users, prompted Ugandan authorities to install more than 65 sensors, each costing US$150, throughout Kampala.

Officials say they can now identify pollution hotspots and respond quickly to areas where air quality reaches dangerous levels.

Alex Ndyabakira, head of air quality monitoring at Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), told SciDev.Net that the technology, put into action for the first time this month, uses an AI Air Quality Index with color-coding to identify the most polluted areas easily.

"Unfortunately, 5 million people are at risk," Ndyabakira said.

"But with real-time data, we now make immediate decisions after seeing which areas have poor quality air."

The system, according to Ndyabakira, has already triggered several targeted interventions, including traffic management policies and public health initiatives.

"We have advocated for the use of a train in the Eastern route, which was highly polluted during the morning and evening, to reduce the emissions from cars on that route," said Ndyabakira.

In other efforts to clean up its act, the city has also implemented laws prohibiting smoking in public places and is encouraging the use of renewable energy, especially for cooking.

Pollution-related diseases

Air pollution is a major cause of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), contributing up to a third of deaths in Uganda, according to the WHO.

"This is why we are exploring all possible measures to address this public health threat  acting now with informed data," Frank Mugabe, NCDs officer at Uganda's Ministry of Health, told SciDev.Net.

He said there had been a significant number of hospital admissions for NCDs in the past year, including cases of diabetes, asthma in children, and heart conditions.

The Ministry of Health allocates 17% of its annual budget to NCDs and 60% of this is spent on prevention, said Mugabe.

Jane Ruth Aceng, Uganda's health minister, says fighting any disease requires real-time data and that the new air-monitoring technology will simplify processes.

"We need to knowwhat the burden is to advocate more effective actions," Aceng said.

Regional crisis

The 2024 air pollution index of selected cities in Africa highlighted Egypt, Ghana and Nigeria as the most polluted countries in Africa, reflecting a growing crisis across the continent.

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Sumi Mehta, vice president of climate and environmental health at Vital Strategies, an international non-profit that works with governments to improve health policies, says 90% of people in Sub-Saharan Africa breathe unhealthy air.

"They are at risk of heart diseases, asthma, cancers, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases," she said, adding that the most polluting sectors in Africa are household energy, transport, solid waste and land use.

She said making data available helps policymakers make the right decisions on public health.

Until recently, limited data on air quality in Sub-Saharan Africa, meant that clean air had not been prioritized as a public health concern, says Mehta.

"This is a major and emerging public health challenge, but with technological advancement and innovation, air quality monitoring is no longer expensive and cumbersome," she added.

She said Kampala's approach to tackling air pollution replicates initiatives in other cities like Jakarta in Indonesia, Fortaleza in Brazil, and Bucharest in Romania, which are investing in clean air for both health and climate benefits.

Provided by SciDev.Net
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Vessel supported by two rams, 2600 to 2500 BCE, object number 1989.281.3. Credit: Gift of Norbert Schimmel Trust, 1989, open access Met Museum.

Sheep have been intertwined with human livelihoods for over 11,000 years. As well as meat, their domestication led to humans being nourished by their protein-rich milk and clothed by warm, water-resistant fabrics made from their wool.

Now, an international and interdisciplinary team of researchers led by geneticists from Trinity College Dublin and zooarchaeologists from LMU Munich and the Bavarian State Collections of Natural History (SNSB) has deciphered the prehistoric cultural trajectory of this species by analyzing 118 genomes recovered from archaeological bones dating across 12 millennia and stretching from Mongolia to Ireland.

The findings are published in the journal Science.

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The earliest sheep-herding village in the sample, Askl Hoyuk in central Turkiye, has genomes that seem ancestral to later populations in the wider region, confirming an origin in captures of wild mouflon over 11,000 years ago in the western part of the northern Fertile Crescent.

By 8,000 years ago, in the earliest European sheep populations, the team found evidence that farmers were deliberately selecting their flocksin particular for the genes coding for coat color. Along with a similar signal in goats, this is the earliest evidence for human molding of another animal's biology and shows that early herders, like today's farmers, were interested in the beautiful and unusual in their animals.

Scottish Blackface from Applecross, Scotland - a common sheep breed of the British Isles. This breed is represented in the panel of modern reference genomes. Credit: J. Peters, LMU/SNSB

Specifically, the main gene the team found evidence of selection near was one known as "KIT," which is associated with white coat color in a range of livestock.

Also, by that time, the earliest domestic sheep genomes from Europe and further east in Iran and Central Asia had diverged from each other. However, this separation did not last as people translocated sheep from eastern populations to the west.

First, in parallel with human cultural influences spreading out from the early cities of Mesopotamia, we see sheep genomes moving west within the Fertile Crescent around 7,000 years ago.

Second, the rise of pastoralist peoples in the Eurasian steppes and their westward spread some 5,000 years ago profoundly transformed ancestral European human populations and their culture. This process changed the makeup of human populations, for example, altering the ancestry of British peoples by around 90%, and introduced the Indo-European language ancestor of the tongues spoken across the continent today.

Today's descendants of the first domestic sheep of Central Anatolia. Credit: N. Pollath, SNSB.

From the dataset used in this study it now seems that this massive migration was fueled by sheep herding and exploitation of lifetime products, including milk and probably cheese, as it is around the same time that sheep ancestries were also changed. Consequently, by the Bronze Age, herds had about half their ancestry from a source in the Eurasian steppe.

Dr. Kevin Daly, Ad Astra Assistant Professor at UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science and an Adjunct Assistant Professor in Trinity's School of Genetics and Microbiology, is the first author on the research.

He said, "One of our most striking discoveries was a major prehistoric sheep migration from the Eurasian steppes into Europe during the Bronze Age. This parallels what we know about human migrations during the same period, suggesting that when people moved, they brought their flocks with them."

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Dan Bradley, leader of the research and Professor of Population Genetics in Trinity's School of Genetics and Microbiology, said, "This research demonstrates how the relationship between humans and sheep has evolved over millennia. From the early days of domestication through to the development of wool as a crucial textile resource, sheep have played a vital role in human cultural and economic development."

Joris Peters, co-corresponding author, Professor of Paleoanatomy, Domestication Research and the History of Veterinary Medicine at LMU Munich and Director of the State Collection for Paleoanatomy Munich (SNSB-SPM), said, "Our study, while convincingly reconciling morphological and genomic evidence of the geographic origin of domestic sheep, clearly illustrates that further transdisciplinary research is needed to clarify the patterns of dispersal and selection of the many landraces occurring today in Eurasia and Africa."

More information: Kevin G. Daly et al, Ancient genomics and the origin, dispersal, and development of domestic sheep, Science (2025). DOI: 10.1126/science.adn2094. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adn2094 Journal information: Science
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

In a major setback in the fight against gender-based violence, Argentinian President Javier Milei's government has announced it will repeal the crime of femicide from the penal code.

In a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos last week, Milei dismissed femicide laws as a product of "woke" culture and called "radical feminism" a distortion of the concept of equality.

Repealing the law could have a ripple effect across the region, encouraging other countries to weaken their legal protections. This would be devastating for women and girls across Latin America.

Efforts to end violence against women and girls must remain a priorityin Argentina and around the world.

In 2023 alone, an estimated 85,000 women and girls were intentionally killed worldwide. Of these, 60% were murdered by an intimate partner or family members.

This equates to one woman or girl killed every ten minutes at the hands of someone they know and likely trusted.

Why femicide laws are important

Femicide is broadly defined as the gender-based killing of women or girls, typically due to misogyny, discrimination or intimate partner violence. It differs from other homicides due to its roots in systemic gender inequality and the intent to exert control or punishment over women.

At least 18 of the 33 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have adopted femicide laws since 2007.

Before these laws were enacted, the killing of women and girls were treated under the broad category of homicide in many of these countries, with a focus on intent rather than the gendered nature of the crime.

These broader laws fail to recognize how inequality, abuse and power dynamics often fuel violence against women. They often render patterns of abuse invisible.

Femicide laws sought to change that. They explicitly recognize when women are killed because of their gender and acknowledge these crimes as part of a broader pattern of violence rooted in inequality.

These laws have often been introduced in response to public outrage following the killing of women and an acknowledgement of widespread inaction by authorities.

This has been seen as a vital step toward justice, particularly in a region where violence against women has long been treated with relative impunity.

What countries have a femicide law?

The laws vary significantly across Latin America.

In Chile, for example, femicide applies to killings by a current or former partner.

In Costa Rica, it had been similarly limited to include only killings involving a victim and perpetrator who are married or related by common law. Reforms in 2021 expanded the law to apply in other contexts.

Ecuador, by contrast, defines femicide more broadly, focusing on power dynamics and the gendered nature of the crime, regardless of the relationship between the victim and perpetrator.

In Argentina, femicide is an aggravated form of homicide, defined as a murder committed by a man against a woman in the context of gender-based violence.

Countries beyond Latin America have been slower to adopt specific femicide laws, despite advocacy efforts for them to follow suit. In recent years, Croatia, Malta and Cyprus have all introduced specific femicide laws.

The effectiveness of femicide laws continues to be the subject of debate. There have been few comprehensive evaluations of their impact.

A 2024 report on Mexico's femicide law highlighted that legislation alone will not prevent gender-related killings.

The report also noted that, in practice, femicide laws often focus predominantly on killings committed by intimate partners or family members. While this focus is critical, it has inadvertently led to the under-reporting and invisibility of femicides occurring in other contexts.

These include the killing of older women and deaths linked to female genital mutilation and organized crime. The killing of Indigenous women also continues to be unreported and under-investigated.

Such recognized limits do not support the repeal of femicide laws but rather underline the need for more effective implementation and embedding of these laws in society.

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The benefit of femicide laws

While challenges remain in implementation and enforcement, femicide laws have brought critical change in countries where violence against women has long been ignored. By explicitly acknowledging gender, power and control as a factor in these killings, the laws send a powerful message that this violence requires targeted solutions.

In several countries, for example, the introduction of femicide laws has led to the creation of specialized police units, judicial training programs and harsher penalties for these acts of violence.

Femicide laws have also improved data collection. With these laws in place, governments can better understand the scope of the issue and direct resources towards evidence-based prevention, early intervention and response mechanisms.

Without such laws, these crimes are not tracked or are misclassified.

Beyond the legal and systemic benefits, femicide laws have driven cultural change and public awareness. They have elevated the discourse on gender-related killings and reinforced the urgent need for systemic change to protect women and girls.

A step backward

Repealing Argentina's femicide law would risk undoing years of progress. It would make these crimes less visible and send a message that tackling the crisis of violence against women and girls is not a priority. This can have a direct impact on dissuading victims from seeking justice and emboldening perpetrators.

Femicide laws represent more than legal protections. They are a commitment to accountability in societies where women's lives have too often been disregarded.

This is not "woke." It is a matter of justice, safety and human rights.

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Bangladeshi scientists are probing the deaths of more than 80 turtles found washed up on the beach over the past week, a government marine research institute said Thursday.

Olive ridley sea turtles are a relatively small and abundant species found in tropical waters the world over and can live for up to 50 years in the wild.

But their numbers are declining and they have periodically been victim to mass die-off events, including earlier this month in nearby southern India.

More than 80 percent of the turtles discovered along the coast were females coming ashore to lay eggs, Mohammad Shimul Bhuiyan at the Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute told AFP.

"We need more time to determine the cause," he added.

Sharif Uddin, a scientist at Malaysia-based marine research organization WorldFish, said the likely culprit was overfishing and the use of sea-sweeping trawler nets.

"Turtles float on the water to breathe, but once they get entangled in fishing nets, they remain underwater for too long and suffocate," he rold AFP.

"It's tragic that they come here to reproduce and end up dying."

Abid Hossain of the Bangladesh Marine Fisheries Association said that a disruption to the turtle population risked severe damage to local marine ecology.

"Last year, the marine catch was halved due to an increase in jellyfish in the seawater," he told AFP.

"Turtles eat jellyfish, which helps fish larvae survive. If we want to sustain our fish stocks, we need to save the turtles."

 2025 AFP
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The state of Chhattisgarh in India's tribal heartland has been the epicenter of a violent conflict for more than 30 years. This struggle has pit a Maoist-inspired group called the Naxalites, who are fighting for the rights of marginalized tribal communities, against the Indian government, which has deployed security forces to suppress the insurgency. More than 11,600 people have been killed in the conflict since 2000.

At the same time, Chhattisgarh is also grappling with the pressures of rapid industrialization. Large-scale mining and infrastructure projects are threatening both the land and livelihoods of the state's indigenous (or Adivasi in Sanskrit) communities.

Around 44% of the region's land area is covered by dense forests. These forests are home to vital plant and animal species such as Mahua and Sal trees. However, these forests are being damaged. Trees are being ravaged by gunfire, animals are being killed by explosions, and the fragile ecosystem that sustains people and wildlife in Chhattisgarh is gradually crumbling.

Soni Sori, an Adivasi activist, has shared images with me that have been taken by Adivasis in the forests of Chhattisgarh. The photos highlight the damage being caused by gunfire, explosions and shelling.

Bullets tear through bark, while explosions strip it away, leaving trees vulnerable to pests and disease. Shrapnel and shock waves from blasts also sever branches or trunks, which further weakens the trees and causes long-term damage.

The destruction of Mahua and Sal trees has had a particularly devastating impact on women from Adivasi communities.

The Mahua tree, which is often called the "tree of life" by locals, provides an essential lifeline for many Adivasi women. Its flowers are fermented to make alcohol, which offers a crucial source of income when it is sold in local markets.

When men are drawn into Naxal movements or caught in the state's counterinsurgency efforts, women often step in and use the income from Mahua flowers and oil to fund their children's education, sustain their families, and repay debts.

In the town of Dantewada in southern Chhattisgarh, locals even hold a special ceremony where they "marry" the Mahua tree, honoring its life-sustaining role in their community.

Sal trees, which form much of Chhattisgarh's forest cover, play a crucial role in stabilizing the soil. Their loss leads to erosion and increases the risk of floods and landslides. Climate change, and the increasingly erratic rainfall it brings, has compounded these risks.

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The loss of essential resources like Mahua trees will only exacerbate food insecurity and economic hardship, pushing Adivasis further into poverty. The average annual income of Adivasi households in Chhattisgarh was just 53,610 (around 505) in 2022well below the national agricultural household average of 122,616.

The conflict in Chhattisgarh is also harming the region's wildlife. In December, a female sloth bear was killed by an improvised explosive device planted by Maoist rebels in the forests of Dantewada. The bear's two orphaned cubs starved to death shortly after.

This was the first recorded death of a wild animal from such an explosion in Bastar district, though livestock and pets have been victims of similar blasts in the past.

One month earlier, in central Chhattisgarh's Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve, a five-year-old elephant calf sustained critical injuries from a suspected bomb explosion. These incidents reflect a disturbing pattern within the conflict, where wildlife is becoming a victim of the violence.

March of industrialization

Industrialization has exacerbated these challenges. Chhattisgarh is rich in mineral resources. Between 2023 and 2024, the state produced nearly 50 million tonnes of limestone, 44 million tonnes of iron ore, and over 1 million tonnes of bauxite. However, widespread mining is fueling further deforestation and environmental degradation.

Between 2001 and 2023, the state lost 53,500 hectares of forest, with large-scale mining operations contributing significantly to the loss. In the Hasdeo region of northern Chhattisgarh, the Parsa East Kete Basen coal mine has led to the felling of almost 82,000 trees, spread across two phases of mining. Between 2012 and 2018, 50,000 trees were felled, with more than 31,800 more trees cut down since then.

With continued political support for mineral extraction, government approvals, and the involvement of commercial mining giants, more deforestation is expected over the coming years.

This deforestation is, unsurprisingly, harming the region's wildlife. The latest census by the National Tiger Conservation Authority, which was carried out in 2022, revealed a sharp and alarming decline in Chhattisgarh's tiger population.

At that time, there were only 17 tigers remaining in the statea dramatic fall from 46 in 2014. Conservationists fear that the figure could now be even lower, as the situation continues to deteriorate.

This decline is largely due to habitat destruction. But it has probably been made worse by the Maoist insurgency in regions such as northern Chhattisgarh, which is home to the Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, as well as the Indravati Tiger Reserve in the south-western part of the state.

The insurgency has hindered conservation efforts. The use of explosives in the forests disrupts the behavior of tigers, while also making it more difficult for conservationists to monitor and protect them.

What was once a lush and bio-diverse environment is rapidly becoming a wasteland. But the loss of these trees and wildlife in Chhattisgarh represents more than simply the depletion of natural resources. It symbolizes the erosion of culture, identity, and a way of life for Chhattisgarh's Indigenous people.

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Have you ever wondered how Australia's many Indigenous languages relate to one another and how far back the connections go?

The Australian continent has been settled by Indigenous people for at least 50,000 years, but just how old are the languages spoken today and where did they originate? Our research provides some answers to these questionsand the answers throw up new and interesting puzzles.

There is a long-standing proposal that all the Indigenous languages of continental Australia come from one language, called Proto-Australian. This hypothesis is based on observations, going back to the 19th century, that many Indigenous languages show similarities in grammar and vocabulary.

However, without proper testing, it is not possible to know whether these similarities are best explained as inheritances from a single ancestor language or in some other way, such as borrowing, which would not require a single ancestor language.

Our recent researchthe first evaluation of the Proto-Australian hypothesisshows it is supported. Proto-Australian was most likely spoken about 6,000 years ago in the Top End of the Northern Territory. When it spread across mainland Australia, it displaced all the other languages spoken before.

One big question is how this spread took place. Language spread is usually associated with population movements or economic and technological change. But there is no clear evidence for population movement or economic and technological change in the past 10,000 years.

This suggests we need to develop new models of how language spreads, and of Australian prehistory.

Language families

Relationships between languages are established by finding similar or shared words. Languages that share similar forms are members of a language family; languages that do not share those forms are not part of that family.

Language families can be grouped into hierarchies of mother and daughter language families. Within Australia, Proto-Pama-Nyungan (PPN), one of the daughter families of Proto-Australian is much more widespread than the others. It occupies 90% of the continent.

The other daughter languages of Proto-Australian are called Non-Pama-Nyungan (NPN). Some of these form small families. Others, with no close relatives, are isolates.

The area with the most isolates has the greatest diversity. Within Australia, that area is the Top End. As a general principle, the area with the greatest diversity is the most likely homeland for a proto-language. Therefore, the Top End is the most likely homeland for Proto-Australian.

Though there is considerable diversity, we find similar words across both Proto-Pama-Nyungan and Non-Pama-Nyungan. In Proto-Pama-Nyungan, for example, the word for hand is marla. In Non-Pama-Nyungan languages, we find several variations:

Amurdak: mara

Bardi: marla

Gajirrabeng: marla

Ganggalida: marl

Gija: marla

Gooniyandi: marla

Kayardild: marl

Lardil: marl

Ngandi: mar

Nyulnyul: marl

Yawuru: marla

Finding similarities does not provide exact timelines for when the proto-language was spoken as a single language, but there are no reliable examples dating back more than 10,000 years.

Diversification is an inherent feature of language. With sufficient time, all similarities will be lost. Given that the continent has been continuously occupied for at least 50,000 years, the prediction is that there would be many unrelated languages across Australia.

This prediction is borne out in two critical cases: Tasmania, which separated from the mainland 14,000 years ago, and the Tiwi Islands, which separated 6,000 years ago, thereby preventing language spread to either of these islands after these dates.

Neither the Tasmanian nor Tiwi languages are related to the mainland languages. This accords with the prediction from standard rates of language diversification that similarities should be lost.

Standard rates of diversification predict there should be many unrelated languages on the mainland. But this is not the case. This means that Proto-Australian must have spread continent-wide after the separation of the Tiwi Islands.

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A big question

Why and how one language spread with such success is a big question. Accompanying language spread, there would usually be evidence of social change. This social change might be population increase or movement; it might be economic or technological change. But there is no direct evidence for this.

Hypotheses about population movements can be evaluated against genetic studies, while hypotheses about population increase or economic and technological change can be evaluated against the archaeological record.

There is considerable variation in the genetics literature, but no suggestion of significant changes in the last 10,000 years.

One theory is that there was a single founding population, which differentiated between 33,000 and 10,000 years ago, with gene flow from the north-east to much of the rest of the continent during the last 10,000 years.

Another theory proposes a founding group at 50,000 years ago, which spread rapidly to all coastal areas by 45,000 years ago. This rapid spread was followed by ongoing in-situ diversification, with no evidence for significant population movements.

Yet another theory proposes divergence 26,00035,000 years ago, with little evidence of migration.

There are also differing interpretations of the archaeological record. Variation in climate may have had effects on population levels, with significant increases during the last 10,000 years. But while the evidence supports significant fluctuations in land use over the last 10,000 years in various regions, it has also been argued that the evidence does not generally support either synchronized continent-wide fluctuations or unidirectional change.

The one example of a continent-wide change that offered an economic advantage was the introduction of the dingo 4,0008,000 years ago. But it is very unlikely that one economic change would lead to continent-wide language replacement. Further, dingoes are native to the Tiwi Islands, suggesting that the spread of the dingo does not correlate with the spread of Proto-Australian.

A final puzzle is that language spread does not automatically lead to a total eclipse of pre-existing languages. In Europe, where Indo-European languages spread through trade and military might, some languages from before that time are still aroundBasque and Sami, for example. There are also traces of older languages in words and place names.

But in mainland Australia, there are only languages that are daughter languages of Proto-Australian. That is quite unusual. Therefore, we have a good question, but no good answers, which means our models need revision.

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Vast areas of the UK's peatlands are likely to be unsuitable for peat accumulation by 206180 due to climate change. Credit: Dr. Dan Bebber

The UK's peatlands face an uncertain future amid the escalating impacts of climate change. Peatlands are critical ecosystems for carbon storage and biodiversity, containing more carbon than all the world's forests despite covering just 3% of the global land surface.

But new research reveals that vast areas of the UK's peatlands, including the Flow Country UNESCO World Heritage Site, are likely to be unsuitable for peat accumulation by 206180 due to climate change.

The researchers urge a shift in conservation strategies, with the findings highlighting significant regional differences.

The work appears in the Journal of Applied Ecology.

Western Scotland has emerged as a stronghold for peatlands, making it an urgent priority area for conservation efforts.

Using advanced bioclimatic models, the study projects substantial reductions in areas suitable for peat accumulation across the UK, with the Flow Country, Dartmoor, and the Peak District particularly at risk. Even under moderate emissions reductions, many of these landscapes may no longer sustain the conditions necessary for peat formation.

However, western Scotland is projected to retain areas that remain suitable for peatlands, underscoring its importance in future conservation and restoration efforts.

Lead researcher Professor Dan Bebber, from the University of Exeter, said, "Our findings reveal a stark north-south divide. While western Scotland is likely to remain suitable for peatland, much of England's peatlands, including Dartmoor and the Peak District, are projected to lose their viability."

The Flow Country in northern Scotland, which contains one of the largest expanses of blanket bog in the world, is particularly vulnerable. Under a high-emissions scenario (RCP8.5), up to 97% of its peatland may become unsuitable for sustained peat formation.

The study also highlights an increase of 4482% in desiccation events affecting sphagnum moss, a critical component of peat ecosystems, potentially leading to widespread moss die-offs and fundamental changes in the landscape.

Professor Angela Gallego-Sala, co-author and an expert on peatland and climate interactions, said, "Peatlands are vital carbon sinks, storing more carbon than all the world's forests combined. The projected losses of suitable climate in England and parts of Scotland mean that our restoration efforts must adapt and alternative strategies be considered where restoration may not yield the desired effects because of climate change effects."

The study serves as a wake-up call to policymakers and conservationists about the challenges of managing peatlands in a changing climate.

Co-author Dr. Jonathan Ritson, from the University of Manchester, said, "Although our research suggests an uncertain future for peatlands in England, this is also a wake-up call for how much urgent work is needed if we want them to survive under future climate."

The researchers stress the importance of combining global efforts to reduce emissions with localized strategies to adapt land management practices and safeguard ecosystems.

The University of Derby's Dr. Kirsten Lees, who is also co-author of the report, added, "Peatland resilience is an important area of research, as these ecosystems store vast amounts of carbon alongside providing a range of other services. Restoration of areas which are in poor condition is key to protecting these carbon stores. Our research shows that future changes in climate are a vital consideration when planning restoration projects, to ensure that work is targeted towards areas where peatlands can thrive."
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The SENSEI detector at SNOLAB. Left: Two CCD modules in their copper tray. Middle: Copper CCD box and trays deployed inside the vessel. Right: Closed SENSEI vacuum vessel, before installing the outer copper, lead, and poly-water shields. Credit: Prakruth Adari et al

Detecting dark matter particles and understanding their underlying physics is a long-standing research goal for many researchers worldwide. Dark matter searches have been aimed at detecting different possible signals that could be associated with the presence of these elusive particles or with their interaction with regular matter.

A promising technology for conducting dark matter searches is the SENSEI (Sub-Electron Noise Skipper-CCD experimental instrument) detector, a highly sensitive imaging sensor located at the SNOLAB research facility in Canada.

The research group analyzing data collected by this detector, dubbed the SENSEI collaboration, have published the results of their first search for sub-GeV dark matter at SNOLAB in the journal Physical Review Letters.

"The primary objective of our recent paper was to search for dark matter particle candidates with a mass below the proton, which we refer to as 'sub-GeV dark matter,' since the mass of the proton is about 1 GeV," Rouven Essig, co-author of the paper, told Phys.org.

"The results we presented came after several years of effort in which the SENSEI collaboration improved the sensitivity of their detectors to sub-GeV dark matter and reduced the impact of other types of events, which mimic dark matter events (i.e., 'backgrounds'). This is the first SENSEI study utilizing data collected at SNOLAB, one of the world's deepest laboratories, situated over 2 km underground in Sudbury, Canada."

Bringing the SENSEI detector to the underground SNOLAB in Canada was a long-standing goal for Essig and his colleagues, as the collection of data in this location could allow them to advance their search for sub-GeV dark matter. Like other dark matter candidates, sub-GeV dark matter is believed to interact weakly with ordinary matter, which would make it incredibly difficult to detect.

"SENSEI uses ultrasensitive silicon 'Skipper Charge Coupled Devices' (Skipper CCDs), which allow us to search for dark matter particles that scatter off an electron in the silicon," said Kelly Stifter, co-author of the paper.

"Such a scatter would release only a small number of electrons (approximately 1-10) from the silicon atoms in one of the pixels in the Skipper CCD. The revolutionary advance afforded by the Skipper CCD (when compared to an ordinary CCD) occurred in 2017 and allows us to measure precisely the number of electrons in each of the millions of pixels across the device. "

Via ultrasensitive Skipper CCDs, the SENSEI detector allows researchers to search for sub-GeV dark matter with high sensitivity. The detector's first experimental run at SNOLAB and the subsequent analysis of collected data allowed researchers to set unprecedented constraints on the interactions of this dark matter candidate with electrons and nuclei.

"We obtained the first dark matter search results with a Skipper-CCD in 2018, and several others over the next few years," explained Javier Tiffenberg, co-author of the paper.

"Notably, these experiments were run near the surface of the Earth, which is inundated with cosmic rays that can occasionally mimic events that look like dark matter. Our PRL paper presents our collaboration's first result obtained with an experiment that is being operated at SNOLAB, which is deep underground and well shielded."

Photo showing the inner parts of the SENSEI detector. Credit: SENSEI collaboration.

The experimental run that gathered the data analyzed by the researchers as part of this recent study was performed over a 7-month period, spanning from 2022 to 2023.

To set new constraints on sub-GeV dark matter interacting with electrons and nuclei, the SENSEI collaboration specifically measured the number of events picked up by the detector that contained one or more electrons, which allowed them to set limits on the dark matter particles that could create these events.

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"One of our goals for future work is to use more Skipper-CCDs so that we can detect more dark matter particles," said Sho Uemura, co-author of the paper.

"We have now shown that we can operate an array of Skipper-CCDs and continue to improve their performance over our previous results with a single Skipper-CCD. Our understanding of background events, and our ability to remove them from the data, is keeping pace with the increased detector size."

The paper by the SENSEI collaboration could inform future efforts aimed at detecting dark matter, potentially leading to even more sensitive searches for sub-GeV dark matter particles.

The researchers are now planning to further enhance the sensitivity of the detector, which may contribute to the detection of these elusive particles or could allow them to set even more stringent constraints on their interactions with ordinary matter.

"We are confident that we can further reduce the backgrounds in our Skipper-CCDs, and we also plan to increase the number of Skipper-CCDs that we operate," said Ana Botti, co-author of the paper. "Both will improve the sensitivity of our detector to dark matter."

A key aspect of the research efforts by the SENSEI collaboration involves understanding how new high-sensitivity sensors are best operated, maximizing their potential for detecting dark matter-related signals. This is because detector effects (e.g., dark counts or spurious charges) produced without particles interacting, can often dominate the background signals collected while trying to pick up rare events, such as dark matter interactions,

"As Skipper CCDs are a new technology, there is no instruction manual for their use," added Botti.

"Developing strategies to reduce these rates and mitigate their impact on the analysis has been crucial for the continuous improvement of SENSEI's results. We are also considering developing new technologies similar to the Skipper-CCD for light-dark matter detection to improve sensitivity further.

"It is worth mentioning that our work in SENSEI has positioned us at the forefront of this technology development, with applications that have extended beyond particle physics to fields such as astronomy and quantum imaging."

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Dry season climate effects on apparent bird survival. Credit: Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adq8086

A team of environmental scientists from the Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazonia, Michigan Technologic University and the University of Oregon has found a link between rising global temperatures and the decline in bird populations in remote areas around the world. In their study published in the journal Science Advances, the group tracked birds living in extremely remote forested areas and compared their findings against detailed climate data.

As human populations have grown over the centuries, the population of most other animals has decreasedthis has been especially pronounced with birds. Prior research has shown that bird populations have been reduced virtually everywhereeven in remote places seemingly untouched by human encroachment.

Over the past two decades, researchers working in remote parts of the Amazon, for example, have found bird populations falling steadily, with some even going extinct. For many years, scientists have been baffled by the lack of a clear cause. In this new effort, the research team, working mostly in Brazil, has found a correlation between increasing global temperatures and declines in bird populations.

The work involved tracing bird population statistics compiled by other researchers working on the Biological Dynamics of Forest Fragments Project in Brazil over several decades, and comparing those numbers with climate data collected for the area covering the same time period.

The researchers found that as temperatures in the area rose, changes occurred to a variety of plants and animals, resulting in an environment less supportive of birds. The new drier seasons, they found, have reduced survivability in 24 of 29 bird species in affected areas. They also found that a change in average global temperatures of just 1C led to a reduced average survivability of birds in the area by 63%.

They note that birds are particularly sensitive to changes in their environment because they build nests, lay eggs and forage for food for their young. Slight changes in temperature can lead to timing problems for birdsif the food they seek for their young, for example, has come and gone by the time their young hatch, the nestlings will starve, leading to a steadily declining population over time.

More information: Jared D. Wolfe et al, Climate change aggravates bird mortality in pristine tropical forests, Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adq8086 Journal information: Science Advances

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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

The productivity of cacao trees decreases with time, forcing farmers to renew their plantations by either cutting down the old trees or establishing a new crop elsewhere. Frequently, new plantations are established in areas of the forest that are thinned out to accommodate new, young cacao trees. However, this comes with high economic and ecological costs. An alternative approach is to graft highly productive and native cultivars onto the existing older cacao trees.

An international team led by scientists of the University of Gottingen found that cacao grafting is a useful measure to rejuvenate cacao plants, increasing their yield and profits with minimal impact on biodiversity. The results were published in the Journal of Applied Ecology.

Cacao grafting consists of implanting a shoot from a promising variety into an adult cacao tree. By making use of the adult root system, grafting young and fresh branches completely replaces the old tree crown in a short time period. This approach has long been used for many crops, but its consequences for cacao production and biodiversity had never been simultaneously tested.

Researchers from the universities of Gottingen and Wurzburg in Germany, with the organization Bioversity International worked with local farmers in Peru to assess this. The technique focused on grafting high-yielding genotypes from the very highly valued, native variety Cacao Blanco de Piura.

"These native varieties have already increased crop yield by 45% after just two years," says Dr. Carolina Ocampo-Ariza, at Gottingen University's Agroecology group, who led the research. "This is great news for the production of fine flavor cocoa. It shows the value of grafting as a method to improve yields in a short time."

In the first six months after grafting, the researchers monitored the diversity of arthropodsfor instance, spiders, mites and insects.

Researcher Sophie Muller holding a beating cone for the collection of arthropods on cacao plants. Credit: Denise Bertleff

"We were afraid that arthropods on the young grafts would be less diverse, because the old voluminous tree crown, including many branches, had been replaced," says Sophie Muller, former MSc student at Gottingen University and co-leader of the research, "but we actually found that, after a small decline in diversity, especially of predatory arthropods, the community quickly recovered in just six months."

This recovery is particularly good news for the control of insect pests in cacao agroforests, since predatory arthropods may prevent pest outbreaks.

"Our study demonstrates that grafting is a sustainable alternative which rejuvenates old cacao crops. This prevents the expansion of the agricultural frontier into tropical forests," says co-author Professor Teja Tscharntke, Gottingen University.

More information: Carolina OcampoAriza et al, Cacao grafting increases crop yield without compromising biodiversity, Journal of Applied Ecology (2025). DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.14851 Journal information: Journal of Applied Ecology
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An aerial image of the study site in Kaktovik Lagoon of northern Alaska. Credit: Nathan Sonderman

A relatively small amount of groundwater trickling through Alaska's tundra is releasing huge quantities of carbon into the ocean, where it can contribute to climate change, according to new research out of The University of Texas at Austin.

Researchers have learned that although the groundwater only makes up a fraction of the water discharged to the sea, it's liberating an estimated 230 tons of organic carbon per day along the almost 2,000-kilometer coastline of the Beaufort Sea in summer. This quantity of carbon is on par with what free-flowing rivers in the area release during summer months.

"This study shows that there are humongous amounts of organic carbon and carbon dioxide released via fresh groundwater discharge in summer," said Cansu Demir, who led the research while she was completing her doctoral degree at the UT Jackson School of Geosciences. She is now a postdoctoral research associate at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

The research is published in Geophysical Research Letters.

As the tundra continues to thaw and the flow of submarine groundwater ratchets up, Demir said that the outflow of carbon from shore to sea could effectively make ocean surface waters a carbon source to the atmosphere. The CO 2 released via groundwater could also contribute to ocean acidification.

Micaela Pedrazas (left) and Cansu Demir (right) install a piezometer along the beach of Kaktovik Lagoon. Credit: Bayani Cardenas / Jackson School of Geosciences

The study is the first to use direct observations to show that fresh water is being discharged into the submarine environment of the ocean where the coast meets the sea. Before this research, the existence of fresh submarine groundwater discharge in this area of the Arctic was thought to be very limited, Demir said.

The study is also the first to isolate freshwaterwhich could be made up of rainwater, snow melt, thawed shallow ground ice, and potentially some permafrost thawfrom the total groundwater discharge. Previous studies of groundwater discharge in the Artic included recirculated saltwater, which seeped into the ground from the coast.

Using direct observations, numerical modeling, thermal and hydraulic techniques, researchers found that during the summer, fresh groundwater entering the Beaufort Sea north of Alaska is equal to 37% of the total discharge from three major rivers in that area. This volume of water is surprisingly high, according to Demir, who said it's comparable to fresh groundwater discharge amounts in the temperate regions of lower latitudes. Although the volume of groundwater is proportionally small to the overall river flow, it holds a comparable amount of carbon.

"In that small amount of water, that groundwater carries almost the same amount of organic carbon and nitrogen as rivers," she said.

Emily Bristol samples groundwater through a piezometer in Simpson Lagoon. Credit: Tyson McKinney / Jackson School of Geosciences

Groundwater travels beneath the surface through soils and sediments as it makes its way to the coast, picking up organic matter, inorganic matter, and nutrients on its journey. When it interacts with permafrost, it can receive especially large volumes of carbon. Permafrost is akin to a subterranean estuaryholding large volumes of water and organic matter. When the ice melts and becomes part of the groundwater flow, it can bring a huge quantity of carbon along with it.

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"The Arctic coast is changing in front of our eyes," said Bayani Cardenas, a co-author of this study and professor at the Jackson School's Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. "As permafrost thaws, it turns into coastal and submarine aquifers. Even without this thawing, our studies are among the first to directly show the existence of such aquifers."

In addition to contributing to global climate change, this huge influx of carbon and nitrogen could have major impacts on Arctic coastal ecology, Demir said. For example, ocean acidification could lead to increased vulnerability of some of the organisms that live on and under the seafloor, such as crustaceans, clams, and snails.

As permafrost continues to thaw under climate change, the amount of freshwater making its way to the sea underground will potentially increase, delivering even more greenhouse gases into coastal waters.

More information: Cansu Demir et al, Coastal SupraPermafrost Aquifers of the Arctic and Their Significant Groundwater, Carbon, and Nitrogen Fluxes, Geophysical Research Letters (2024). DOI: 10.1029/2024GL109142 Journal information: Geophysical Research Letters
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Photographs of the life stages of Dira clytus clytus taken during its rearing. a) adult. b) eggs. c, d) newly hatched larva (dorsal and lateral views). e) first instar larva (3 days old). f) first instar larva preparing to molt (9 days old). g, h) second instar larva (dorsal and lateral views). i) third instar larva. j) fourth instar larva. k, l) fifth instar larva (dorsal and lateral views). m) fifth instar larvae huddling together in a big group. n) pre-pupal form. o, p) pupa (lateral and ventral views). Credit: African Invertebrates (2025). DOI: 10.3897/AfrInvertebr.66.138082

A recent study published in the open-access journal African Invertebrates provides insights into the life history and behavior of the endemic Cape Autumn widow butterfly (Dira clytus), a species endemic to South Africa.

In the study, Silvia Mecenero of the Lepidopterists' Society of Africa and Stephen Kirkman of Nelson Mandela University examined the species' developmental stages and responses to environmental conditions, with implications for conservation efforts.

By rearing the subspecies Dira clytus clytus in controlled conditions, the researchers documented the butterfly's complete life cycle, from egg to adult. Two distinct pupation and adult emergence phases were identified over a period of a few months, influenced by cold temperatures, suggesting that environmental cues play a role in triggering these developmental events. The fact that two broods were found in a matter of months is interesting, because in the wild this species breeds only once a year.

The findings indicate that Dira clytus clytus could show some phenological plasticity in its response to climate change, by changing its timing of pupation and the number of broods within a year. Such flexibility may not always be beneficial to butterflies, as shifts in phenology could lead to mismatches with the availability of their host plants. However, Dira clytus clytus is a generalist that feeds on a variety of grasses and may therefore be more adaptable to changes in its phenology.

The study was published as part of a commemorative collection of articles published in honor of the late ecologist Prof. Stefan H. Foord.

More information: Silvia Mecenero et al, Life history and behavioural observations during the rearing of Dira clytus clytus (Linnaeus, 1764) (Insecta, Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae), with notes on implications for climate change adaptation, African Invertebrates (2025). DOI: 10.3897/AfrInvertebr.66.138082
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Step-by-step workflow of our proposed pipeline. Each step is described in detail in the text of III-B. Credit: arXiv (2024). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2412.09832

Finding patterns and reducing noise in large, complex datasets generated by the gravitational wave-detecting LIGO facility just got easier, thanks to the work of scientists at the University of California, Riverside.

The UCR researchers presented a paper at a recent IEEE big-data workshop, demonstrating a new, unsupervised machine learning approach to find new patterns in the auxiliary channel data of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory, or LIGO. The technology is also potentially applicable to large scale particle accelerator experiments and large complex industrial systems.

LIGO is a facility that detects gravitational wavestransient disturbances in the fabric of spacetime itself, generated by the acceleration of massive bodies. It was the first to detect such waves from merging black holes, confirming a key part of Einstein's Theory of Relativity.

LIGO has two widely-separated 4-km-long interferometersin Hanford, Washington, and Livingston, Louisianathat work together to detect gravitational waves by employing high-power laser beams. The discoveries these detectors make offer a new way to observe the universe and address questions about the nature of black holes, cosmology, and the densest states of matter in the universe.

Each of the two LIGO detectors records thousands of data streams, or channels, which make up the output of environmental sensors located at the detector sites.

"The machine learning approach we developed in close collaboration with LIGO commissioners and stakeholders identifies patterns in data entirely on its own," said Jonathan Richardson, an assistant professor of physics and astronomy who leads the UCR LIGO group.

"We find that it recovers the environmental 'states' known to the operators at the LIGO detector sites extremely well, with no human input at all. This opens the door to a powerful new experimental tool we can use to help localize noise couplings and directly guide future improvements to the detectors."

Richardson explained that the LIGO detectors are extremely sensitive to any type of external disturbance. Ground motion and any type of vibrational motionfrom the wind to ocean waves striking the coast of Greenland or the Pacificcan affect the sensitivity of the experiment and the data quality, resulting in "glitches" or periods of increased noise bursts, he said.

"Monitoring the environmental conditions is continuously done at the sites," he said. "LIGO has more than 100,000 auxiliary channels with seismometers and accelerometers sensing the environment where the interferometers are located. The tool we developed can identify different environmental states of interest, such as earthquakes, microseisms, and anthropogenic noise, across a number of carefully selected and curated sensing channels."

Vagelis Papalexakis, an associate professor of computer science and engineering who holds the Ross Family Chair in Computer Science, presented the team's paper, titled "Multivariate Time Series Clustering for Environmental State Characterization of Ground-Based Gravitational-Wave Detectors," at the IEEE's 5th International Workshop on Big Data & AI Tools, Models, and Use Cases for Innovative Scientific Discovery that took place last month in Washington, D.C. The work is published on the arXiv preprint server.

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"The way our machine learning approach works is that we take a model tasked with identifying patterns in a dataset and we let the model find patterns on its own," Papalexakis said. "The tool was able to identify the same patterns that very closely correspond to the physically meaningful environmental states that are already known to human operators and commissioners at the LIGO sites."

Papalexakis added that the team had worked with the LIGO Scientific Collaboration to secure the release of a very large dataset that pertains to the analysis reported in the research paper. This data release allows the research community to not only validate the team's results but also develop new algorithms that seek to identify patterns in the data.

"We have identified a fascinating link between external environmental noise and the presence of certain types of glitches that corrupt the quality of the data," Papalexakis said. "This discovery has the potential to help eliminate or prevent the occurrence of such noise."

The team organized and worked through all the LIGO channels for about a year. Richardson noted that the data release was a major undertaking.

"Our team spearheaded this release on behalf of the whole LIGO Scientific Collaboration, which has about 3,200 members," he said. "This is the first of these particular types of datasets and we think it's going to have a large impact in the machine learning and the computer science community."

Richardson explained that the tool the team developed can take information from signals from numerous heterogeneous sensors that are measuring different disturbances around the LIGO sites. The tool can distill the information into a single state, he said, that can then be used to search for time series associations of when noise problems occurred in the LIGO detectors and correlate them with the sites' environmental states at those times.

"If you can identify the patterns, you can make physical changes to the detectorreplace components, for example," he said. "The hope is that our tool can shed light on physical noise coupling pathways that allow for actionable experimental changes to be made to the LIGO detectors. Our long-term goal is for this tool to be used to detect new associations and new forms of environmental states associated with unknown noise problems in the interferometers."

Pooyan Goodarzi, a doctoral student working with Richardson and a co-author on the paper, emphasized the importance of releasing the dataset publicly.

"Typically, such data tend to be proprietary," he said. "We managed, nonetheless, to release a large-scale dataset that we hope results in more interdisciplinary research in data science and machine learning."

Richardson, Papalexakis, and Goodarzi were joined in the research by Rutuja Gurav, a doctoral student working with Papalexakis; Isaac Kelly, a summer undergraduate REU student; Anamaria Effler of the LIGO Livingston Observatory; and Barry Barish, a UCR distinguished professor in physics and astronomy.

More information: Rutuja Gurav et al, Multivariate Time Series Clustering for Environmental State Characterization of Ground-Based Gravitational-Wave Detectors, arXiv (2024). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2412.09832 Journal information: arXiv
San Francisco will soon begin using cameras at dozens of streets and intersections to enforce speeding laws in the city. Leah Millis/The Chronicle 2016

Regarding S.F.s speed cameras are coming soon, but the city wants drivers to adjust their behavior now (San Francisco, SFChronicle.com, Jan. 27): Shannon Hake of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency says this about ads to warn drivers about speed cameras: Its a little cute, a little playful.

Speeding drivers cause many accidents, injuries and fatalities; this is not cute or playful and shouldnt be treated that way if the city wants people to take it seriously.

Hake also says the cameras are about boosting public safety rather than a crackdown on reckless drivers. Cracking down on reckless drivers is a good thing that would also help public safety.

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The city wants people to know exactly where the cameras are. This tells people to go ahead and speed to their hearts content everyplace else.

This ad campaign is entirely self-defeating.

Larry Schorr, San Francisco

Billboards are warning about San Franciscos new speed cameras. The cameras are expected to go live in March. Rachel Swan / The Chronicle

Defend Prop 12

Regarding Trump Cabinet nominee says shell work to kill California pork law (Politics, SFChronicle.com, Jan. 28): In 2018, Californians voted decisively for Proposition 12, a landmark animal welfare law that set basic, humane standards for farm animals.

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The idea was simple: Pigs shouldnt be crammed into cages so small they cant even turn around. It wasnt just voters who agreed  major food companies like McDonalds, Burger King and Wendys have moved away from suppliers that use these cruel confinement practices. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of Prop 12 in 2023.

President Donald Trumps nominee for secretary of agriculture, Brooke Rollins, has signaled her intent to prioritize pork industry lobbyists over the will of California voters.

We need our representatives from California to stand up to this attack on our collective voice. This fight isnt just about animal welfare  its about democracy.

California has led the way in passing humane, forward-thinking policies. Now we need our leaders to defend them.

Christopher Laganiere, San Francisco

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Fit to serve

President Donald Trumps order to ban transgender people from the military asserts that because they are trans, they are not fit for duty. This has no basis in fact.

Many of those affected by this ban are functioning as well as any other military member. Otherwise, we would certainly have heard about the high percentage of transgender service members who are not cutting it.

The ban is simply an excuse to get rid of people who Trump and others like him dont like.

Todd Bever, San Francisco

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Wheres the humanity?

Now that we are getting reports about the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement under President Donald Trump, we should familiarize ourselves with those doing this work.

The ICE website states the basic qualifications for deportation agents, including U.S. citizenship and eligibility to carry a firearm. All good, but what isnt mentioned is how they view the people they deport, whether they are impervious to the tears of a man being forced from his family or the screams of his children as he is taken away.

According to the Immigrant Defense Project website, the agents often use ruses to invade peoples homes, to trick people into getting captured. This suggests a kind of hunting that requires a taste for cruelty and a willingness to ignore peoples humanity.

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I want to believe that ICE is doing its best, but such reports indicate strong-arm tactics being deployed to rid us of people Trump calls vermin, most of whom are innocent people looking for a better life.

We must all decide if this is the ideal version of the America we love.

Teri Shikany, Danville

S. Korea upholds democracy

The citizens of South Korea and their courts must be commended for standing up to the tyrannical imposition of martial law by President Yoon Suk Yeol and his defense minister.

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

Yoon has been impeached and now imprisoned while awaiting trial. Koreans value democracy. This is something we Americans must embody in this moment.

With all branches and agencies of the U.S. government now beholden to a similar delusional leader, we must have the courage to resist what looks like, smells like and surely is fascism.
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

In an age when home offices, hybrid work arrangements and blurred boundaries between work and personal life are the norm, a recently established narrative is intensifying: the integration of spirituality into business.

This idea involves deliberately incorporating personal values and meaningful purpose into all aspects of organizational lifefrom individual expression to workplace practices and corporate identity. It's an approach that seeks to cultivate environments where employees can find deeper meaning in their work while contributing to both economic and social progress, as my past research in the Journal of Business Ethics shows.

Spirituality in business transcends traditional management methods by acknowledging the inner lives of workers, promoting their personal growth and fostering genuine community connections. According to a 2016 interview with Eileen Fisher, the founder and then CEO of a $450-million fashion brand, company meetings opened with the ring of a meditation bell followed by a minute of silence. Fisher said the practice allows employees "to get in touch with what they're there for and what matters to them and show up a little differently" and has contributed to the company's recognized leadership in sustainability and women's advocacy.

But are all corporate efforts like these genuine attempts to foster well-being, or can they instead be strategies to rebrand productivity demands?

Spiritual well-being in business

The incorporation of spirituality into the workplace represents a shift in how businesses approach leadership, employee well-being and corporate culture.

Take ice-cream maker Ben & Jerry's partnership with Greyston Bakery, a leader in social enterprise. Under their "linked prosperity" model, Ben & Jerry's sources all brownies for its Chocolate Fudge Brownie flavor from Greyston, which operates with an "open hiring" policy that does not require a background check for applicants and provides "help with child care, housing and ESL (English as a second language) classes." The partnership shows how valuing human dignity and community empowerment can reshape conventional business practices into drivers of social change.

Spiritual integration manifests in plenty of other ways, too. Morning gatherings can become spaces for shared reflection rather than mere status updates. Dedicated quiet rooms can offer sanctuary for contemplation or prayer. Through mentorship relationships and community service initiatives, workplaces can evolve into environments where individuals can explore deeper questions about purpose. US outdoor clothing company Patagonia describes how it offers paid environmental internships and flexible policies that enable employees to align their work lives with how they see their authentic selves. These offerings reflect the idea that while people come to work to earn a living, they stay and thrive when work nourishes their spirit.

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The trend of integrating spirituality into the workplace taps into the practical wisdom of spiritual traditions, honed over millennia, to foster attributes like mindfulness, compassion and interconnectedness. But despite its benefits, integrationor lip service to itrisks becoming a convenient excuse for businesses to shift the responsibility for stress and burn-out onto employees instead of addressing systemic issues.

The rise and fall of WeWork illustrates this phenomenon. As documented in both Hulu's "WeWork: or the Making and Breaking of a $47 Billion Unicorn" and Apple TV+'s dramatic series "WeCrashed," the workspace company masterfully leveraged spiritual rhetoric to attract young professionals. While the company promoted meditation spaces and wellness initiatives, these benefits masked issues including unsustainable work expectations, questionable management practices and a sexual assault claim. The disconnect between WeWork's offerings and operational reality demonstrates how companies can appropriate spiritual practices only as a veneer.

When suits start talking spirit

When McKinsey & Company, a US management consulting firm that epitomizes corporate pragmatism, releases a podcast titled "Beyond 9 to 5: The power of spiritual health in the workplace," it is clear that spirituality in business has moved beyond the fringe.

McKinsey's global survey of 41,000 respondents, detailed in their May 2024 report "In search of self and something bigger: A spiritual health exploration," found that spiritual health matters deeply to employees. But does this data reflect a genuine commitment to spirituality, or is it just a reflection of its currency in the corporate world?

After almost half a century of research on spirituality in business, it has become a mature field. The Academy of Management, "an association for management and organizational scholars," recognized Management, Spirituality, and Religion as a Division, " [reflecting] a broad range of member interests." Still, the corporate world's interest is raising eyebrows: the suspicion remains that spirituality is merely being repackaged as a tool for enhancing productivity. In his 2019 book "McMindfulness: How Mindfulness Became the New Capitalist Spirituality," Ronald Purser illustrates this concern through Google's "Search Inside Yourself" program. While marketed as a path to employee wellness, the initiative exemplifies how meditation and mindfulness can be transformed into performance-enhancement tools, asking workers to develop "resilience" rather than addressing the root causes of workplace stress.

The whole self at work

The concept of bringing one's "whole self" to worka cornerstone of the Industry 5.0 concept promoted by the European Commissionemphasizes employee authenticity. The idea of spirituality in the workplace intertwines with the idea of authentic self-expression, encompassing the recognition of one's beliefs, values and quest for deeper meaning. These are dimensions historically excluded from professional settings. The idea is to create an environment where people can align their deepest motivations with their work.

While this ideal is noble in concept, it also raises complex questions about which aspects of our "whole selves" are appropriate to bring into the workplace. In 2015, the US Supreme Court ruled in favor of a job applicant whom the clothing company Abercrombie & Fitch refused to hire because her hijab conflicted with its dress code. Delta Airlines' uniform policy revision last July illuminates the ongoing complexity of the issue. Following a controversy that began when a passenger made a social media post describing two flight attendants' Palestinian flag pinswhich were permitted under existing policyas "Hamas badges," the airline banned all national flag pins except US ones.

Juggling multiple selves

The promise of integrating our identities more seamlessly instead of compartmentalizing them features in the Apple TV series Severance. The show presents a dystopian take on work-life balance in which employees surgically separate their work and personal memories, inviting us to reflect on the identities we balance in our professional and personal lives. The character of Mark Scout, whose "innie" (work self) develops genuine connections with colleagues like Helly, demonstrates how even artificially separated selves seek authentic relationships and meaning. However, when these connections begin to flourish, employer Lumon Industries' harsh punishments and control mechanisms kick insuggesting that true workplace innovation and collaboration can only emerge when we're allowed to bring our whole, unsevered selves to work.

By acknowledging and nurturing the various aspects of our personalities, we might attain new levels of connection in the workplace. But could the integration of spirituality and work lead to an environment where employees are perpetually "on"? A risk lies in creating a culture where work infiltrates every aspect of life, leaving no true respite. The very practices meant to nurture the spirit could paradoxically become tools that further blur the boundaries between professional obligations and personal renewal. A constant connection to work erodes personal boundaries, which can lead to stress and dissatisfaction that spills over into personal life. Addressing this "shadow side" is essential if we are to answer the question "Do you believe in life after work?" with a resounding yes.

A balanced approach

The integration of spirituality into business requires genuine commitment. While spiritual practices can bring multiple benefits, they must emerge from authentic values rather than serving as a quick fix for systemic issues.

Since the 1980s, when major corporations first explored Eastern spirituality, workplace spirituality has evolved into a $7.9 billion meditation market. But as companies invest in meditation apps and mindfulness programs, they often fail to address the root causes of workplace stress and burn-out. Today, well-intentioned apps like CHILL Anywhere risk functioning as band-aids that place the burden of stress management on employees, instead of examining issues like unrealistic workloads, inadequate compensation, toxic leadership or prejudice.

Instrumentalizing spiritual practices into productivity tools fundamentally misses the point: true spirituality in business requires organizations to critically examine and transform the structural conditions that create employee suffering in the first place. Until companies commit to addressing these foundational issues, meditation rooms and mindfulness apps will remain superficial solutions that enable rather than challenge harmful workplace dynamics.

The future workplace should aim to harmonize profit and purpose, recognizing that employee well-being is integral to long-term success. Spirituality in business manifests when organizations commit to both business excellence and human flourishingaddressing foundational concerns while nurturing deeper meaning and purpose. Only then can the promise of bringing our whole selves to work become a reality worth believing in.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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This multi-camera system tracks dairy cows using location data instead of image features, ensuring more reliable health monitoring and barn management. Credit: Yota Yamamoto / Tokyo University of Science

As dairy farmers dwindle every year, the demand for high-quality milk remains steadfast, driving a surge in dairy farming. Although this shift improves efficiency, it makes managing the health of individual cows more challenging.

Effective health management has thereby become a critical issue in the dairy industry. Early detection of abnormalities, swift diagnosis, prevention of disease spread, and maintaining proper breeding cycles are essential for desirable and stable milk production.

While there are invasive methods, like using mechanical devices attached to dairy cows for health monitoring, non-intrusive and non-contact techniques are preferred. These methods are less stressful for the cows, as they do not require any physical attachments, making them more suitable for everyday use on farms.

These include advanced deep learning methods, such as camera-based tracking and image analysis. This approach is based on the idea that dairy cows often exhibit unusual behaviors and movement patterns due to illness, diseases, the estrus cycle, stress, or anxiety.

By tracking individual movements using camerassuch as walking patterns, visits to feeding stations, and water consumption frequencyfarmers can analyze cow behavior, enabling early prediction of diseases or health issues.

A team of researchers from Tokyo University of Science (TUS), Japan, led by Assistant Professor Yota Yamamoto from the Department of Information and Computer Technology, Faculty of Engineering, along with Mr. Kazuhiro Akizawa, Mr. Shunpei Aou, and Professor Yukinobu Taniguchi, has developed a novel location-based method using a multi-camera system to track cows across an entire barn.

Their findings are published in Computers and Electronics in Agriculture.

The proposed method for tracking dairy cows in barns relies on location information rather than complicated image patterns. Dr. Yamamoto explains the advancements of their technique, "This is the first attempt to track dairy cows across an entire barn using multi-camera systems.

"While previous studies have used multiple cameras to track different species of cows, each camera typically tracks cows individually, often the same cow as a different one across cameras. Although some methods enable consistent tracking across cameras, they have been limited to two or three cameras covering only a portion of the barn."

The system relies on overlapping camera views to accurately and consistently track dairy cows as they move from one camera to another, enabling seamless tracking across multiple cameras.

By carefully managing the number of cameras and their fields of view, the system can minimize the negative effects of obstacles like walls or pillars, which can cause fragmented camera overlaps in barns with complex layouts. This approach overcomes common challenges, such as the cows' speckled fur patterns and distortions caused by camera lenses, which often make traditional tracking methods less accurate.

In tests using video footage of cows moving closely together in a barn, this method achieved about 90% accuracy in tracking the cows, measured through Multi-Object Tracking Accuracy, and around 80% Identification F1 score for identifying each individual cow. This marks a significant improvement over conventional methods, which struggled with accuracy, especially in crowded or complex barn environments.

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It also performs well in different situations, whether the cows are moving slowly or standing still, and also addressed the challenge of cows lying down by adjusting the cow height parameter to 0.9 meters, lower than a standing cow's height. This adjustment improved tracking accuracy despite posture changes.

"This method enables optimal management and round-the-clock health monitoring of dairy cows, ensuring high-quality milk production at a reasonable price," says Dr. Yamamoto. In the future, the team plans to automate the camera setup process to simplify and speed up the installation of the system in various barns.

They also aim to enhance the system's ability to detect dairy cows that may be showing signs of illness or other health issues, helping farmers monitor and manage the health of their herds more efficiently.

More information: Yota Yamamoto et al, Entire-barn dairy cow tracking framework for multi-camera systems, Computers and Electronics in Agriculture (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.compag.2024.109668
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Proposed schematics of the interaction between an enveloped virus and titanate nanoparticles (gray color indicates phospholipids, yellow and brown indicate different kinds of membrane proteins). Credit: Bjorn Greijer

A new way to neutralize coronavirus and other membrane-surrounded viruses has been discovered by researchers from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and the University of Tartu. Certain mineral nanoparticles were found to damage the membrane of the virus, making it less able to enter human cells. The mode of action that is demonstrated has not been discussed in previous research. The technology works at room temperature and also in the dark, offering a range of benefits for disinfecting surfaces, air and water.

"Using this new knowledge, it should be easy to create surfaces with antiviral properties by simply spraying them with aqueous solutions of suitable nanoparticles and letting them dry. It should also be easy to design cost-effective filters to purify contaminated air and water," says Professor Vadim Kessler from SLU who led the work published in Nanoscale.

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The recent COVID-19 pandemic has led to an intense search for new types of treatments and disinfection methods that can be used in outbreaks of viral diseases of this type. One area that has received much attention is nanotechnology, as tiny particles of certain metals and metal oxides have been shown to have anti-viral properties.

Now, researchers from SLU and the University of Tartu in Estonia have studied the outcome when certain types of mineral nanoparticles come into contact with a coronavirus, and they discovered a mode of action that has not been proposed before.

"We now understand what properties such particles need to have to be effective against the coronavirus, and this is a very important step forward," says Kessler.

Coronaviruses belong to a type of virus that has an outer envelope, a lipid membrane. It turned out that nanoparticles of sand minerals such as titanium oxide bind very strongly to phospholipids in this membrane. This damages the membrane and leads to the release of viral genetic material, thereby making the virus less able to infect cells.

A major advantage is that this happens at room temperature and that it does not require any kind of activation. Previously, it was believed that mineral nanoparticles could only destroy viruses by producing so-called reactive oxygen species, which would require illumination with UV light.

The study thus suggests that surfaces coated with titanium nanoparticles can destroy enveloped viruses such as coronaviruses and influenza viruses without needing to be activated by UV light, and thus can work in dark spaces. Other small metal oxides that bind strongly to phospholipids, such as iron and aluminum oxides, could work in the same way. Another possible application could be to purify contaminated water in emergencies by adding a nanopreparation and allowing the resulting gel to settle.

"The particles we produce are not dangerous to the human body," adds Angela Ivask, who is Professor of Genetics at the University of Tartu. "We have tested them on several cell lines to assure this."

More information: Bjorn Greijer et al, Molecular mechanisms behind the anti corona virus activity of small metal oxide nanoparticles, Nanoscale (2025). DOI: 10.1039/D4NR03730H Journal information: Nanoscale

Provided by Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU)
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Credit: RDNE Stock project from Pexels

The U.S. government gives other nations US$68 billion of foreign assistance annuallymore than any other country. Over half of this sum is managed by the U.S. Agency for International Development, including funds for programs aimed at fighting hunger and disease outbreaks, providing humanitarian relief in war zones, and supporting other lifesaving programs such as the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.

President Donald Trump suspended most U.S. foreign aid on Jan. 20, 2025, the day he took office for the second time. The next day, Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a stop-work order that for 90 days halted foreign aid funding disbursements by agencies like USAID.

A week later, dozens of senior USAID officials were put on leave after the Trump administration reportedly accused them of trying to "circumvent" the aid freeze. The Office of Management and Budget is now pausing and evaluating all foreign aid to see whether it adheres to the Trump administration's policies and priorities.

I'm a scholar of foreign aid who researches what happens to the U.S. government's local partners in the countries receiving this assistance when funding flows are interrupted. Most of these partners are local nonprofits that build schools, vaccinate children, respond to emergencies and provide other key goods and services. These organizations often rely on foreign funding.

A 'reckless' move

Aid to Egypt and Israel was spared, along with some emergency food aid. The U.S. later waived the stop-work order for the distribution of lifesaving medicines.

Nearly all of the other aid programs remained on hold as of Jan. 29, 2025.

Many development professionals criticized the freeze, highlighting the disruption it will cause in many countries. A senior USAID official issued an anonymous statement calling it "reckless."

InterAction, the largest coalition of international nongovernmental organizations in the U.S., called the halt contrary to U.S. global leadership and values.

Of the $35 billion to $40 billion in aid that USAID distributes annually, $22 billion is delivered through grants and contracts with international organizations to implement programs. These can be further subcontracted to local partners in recipient countries.

When this aid is frozen, scaled back or cut off altogether, these local partners scramble to fill in the gaps.

The State Department manages the rest of the $68 billion in annual U.S. foreign aid, along with other agencies, such as the Peace Corps.

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How local nonprofits respond and adapt

While sudden disruptions to foreign aid are always destabilizing, research shows that aid flows have fluctuated since 1960, growing more volatile over the years. My research partners and I have found that these disruptions harm local service providers, although many of them manage to carry on their work.

Over the years, I have conducted hundreds of interviews with international nongovernmental organizations and these nonprofits' local partners across Latin America, Africa and Asia about their services and funding sources. I study the strategies those development and humanitarian assistance groups follow when aid gets halted. These four are the most common.

1. Shift to national or local government funding

In many cases, national and local governments end up supporting groups that previously relied on foreign aid, filling the void.

An educational program spearheaded by a local Ecuadorian nonprofit, Desarrollo y Autogestion, called Accelerated Basic Cycle is one example. This program targets young people who have been out of school for more than three years. It allows them to finish elementary schoolknown as the "basic cycle" in Ecuadorin one year to then enter high school. First supported in part by funding from foreign governments, it transitioned to being fully funded by Ecuador's government and then became an official government program run by the country's ministry of education.

2. Earn income

Local nonprofits can also earn income by charging fees for their services or selling goods, which allows them to fulfill their missions while generating some much-needed cash.

For example, SEND Ghana is a development organization that has promoted good governance and equality in Ghana since its founding in 1998. In 2009, SEND Ghana created a for-profit subsidiary called SENDFiNGO that administers microfinance programs and credit unions. That subsidiary now helps fund SEND Ghana's work.

Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee and the Grameen Bank, which is also in Bangladesh, use this approach too.

3. Tap local philanthropy

Networks such as Worldwide Initiatives for Grantmaker Support and Global Fund for Community Foundations have emerged to promote local philanthropy around the world. They press governments to adopt policies that encourage local philanthropy. This kind of giving has become easier to do thanks to the emergence of crowdfunding platforms.

Still, complex tax systems and the lack of incentives for giving in many countries that receive foreign aid are persistent challenges. Some governments have stepped in. India's corporate social responsibility law, enacted in 2014, boosted charitable incentives. For example, it requires 2% of corporate profits to go to social initiatives in India.

4. Obtain support from diaspora communities

Diasporas are people who live outside of their countries of origin, or where their families came from, but maintain strong ties to places they consider to be their homeland.

Local nonprofits around the globe are leveraging diaspora communities' desire to contribute to economic development in their countries of origin. In Colombia, for example, Fundacion Carla Cristina, a nongovernmental organization, runs nursery schools and provides meals to low-income children.

It gets some of its funding from diaspora-led nonprofits in the U.S., such as the New England Association for Colombian Children, which is based outside of Boston, and Give To Colombia in Miami.

A push for the locals to do more

Trump's stop-work order coincided with a resurgence of a localization push that's currently influencing foreign aid from many countries.

With localization, nations providing foreign aid seek to increase the role of local authorities and organizations in development and humanitarian assistance. USAID has been a leading proponent of localization.

I believe that the abruptness of the stop-work order is likely to disrupt many development projects. These projects include support to Ukrainian aid groups that provide emergency humanitarian assistance and projects serving meals to children who don't get enough to eat.

To be sure, sometimes there are good reasons for aid to be halted. But when that happens, sound and responsible donor exit strategies are essential to avoid the loss of important local services.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

University of Toronto Scarborough researchers have directly linked population decline in polar bears living in Western Hudson Bay to shrinking sea ice caused by climate change.

The researchers developed a model that finds population decline is the result of the bears not getting enough energy, and that's due to a lack of food caused by shorter hunting seasons on dwindling sea ice.

"A loss of sea ice means bears spend less time hunting seals and more time fasting on land," says Louise Archer, a U of T Scarborough postdoc and lead author of the study.

"This negatively affects the bears' energy balance, leading to reduced reproduction, cub survival and, ultimately, population decline."

The paper is published in the journal Science.

The "bio-energetic" model developed by the researchers tracks the amount of energy the bears are currently getting from hunting seals and the amount of energy they need in order to grow and reproduce. What's unique about the model is that it follows the full lifecycle of individual polar bearsfrom cub to adulthoodand compares it to four decades of monitoring data from the Western Hudson Bay polar bear population between 1979 and 2021.

During this period, the polar bear population in this region has declined by nearly 50%. The monitoring data shows the average size of polar bears is also in decline. The body mass of adult females has dropped by 39kg (86lbs) and one-year-old cubs by 26kg (47lbs) over a 37-year period.

The researchers' model provides a close match to the monitoring data, meaning it provides an accurate assessment of what is happening and will continue to happen to the polar bear population if it keeps experiencing sea ice loss and a greater amount of time in energy deficit.

"Our model goes one step further than saying there's a correlation between declining sea ice and population decline," says Peter Molnar, an associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at U of T Scarborough and co-author of the study.

"It provides a mechanism that shows what happens when there is less ice, less feeding time and less energy overall. When we run the numbers, we get a near one-to-one match to what we're seeing in real life."

Polar bear moms and cubs are particularly vulnerable

The researchers, who include co-authors from Environment and Climate Change Canada, noted that cubs face the brunt of these climate-induced challenges.

Archer says that shorter hunting periods result in mothers producing less milk, which jeopardizes cub survival. The cubs face reduced survival rates during their first fasting period if they fail to gain enough weight.

Mothers are also having fewer cubs. Monitoring data shows cub litter sizes have dropped 11% compared to almost 40 years ago, and mothers are keeping their cubs longer because they aren't strong enough to live on their own.

"It's pretty simplethe survival of cubs directly impacts the survival of the population," says Archer.

Broader applications for the model

Western Hudson Bay has long been considered a bellwether for polar bear populations globally, and as the Arctic warms at a rate four times faster than the global average, the researchers warn of similar declines in other polar bear populations.

"This is one of the southernmost populations of polar bears, and it's been monitored for a long time, so we have very good data to work with," says Molnar, who is an expert on how global warming impacts large mammals.

"There's every reason to believe what is happening to polar bears in this region will also happen to polar bears in other regions, based on projected sea ice loss trajectories. This model basically describes their future."

More information: Louise C. Archer, Energetic constraints drive the decline of a sentinel polar bear population, Science (2025). DOI: 10.1126/science.adp3752. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adp3752 Journal information: Science
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Research recently published in the Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis reveals that politically connected companies were significantly more likely to receive valuable exemptions from the tariffs imposed on U.S. imports from China during the Trump administration.

The authors, Veljko Fotak (SUNY Buffalo), Grace Lee (Fordham University), William Megginson (University of Oklahoma), and Jesus Salas, associate professor of finance (Lehigh University), found that companies that made substantial investments in political connections to Republicans prior to and during the beginning of the Trump administration were more likely to secure exemptions for products otherwise subject to tariffs.

Conversely, companies that made contributions to Democratic politicians had decreased odds of tariff exemption approval.

"Our findings reveal that politicians not only use exemptions to reward their supporters, but also withhold exemptions to punish supporters of their opponents," Salas said. "The tariff exemption grant process functioned as a very effective spoils system, allowing the administration of the day to reward its political friends and punish its enemies."

The tariffs and exemption process

Enacted in 2018, the "Section 301" tariffs increased the cost of a wide range of goods imported from China by an average of about 20%. Announced as retaliation to Chinese trade policies that were seen as harmful to U.S. business interests, the tariffs initially covered $34 billion worth of goods and were expanded over a period of 14 months to cover approximately $550 billion in imports.

The U.S. government created a system for companies to request an exemption from tariffs. The government considered the following factors when adjudicating the exemption applications:

Whether tariffs would impose significant harm on American business interests

Whether substitute products were available outside China

Whether the products were "strategically important" to China

According to the researchers, the Section 301 exemption process was unusual in being administered completely by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), without Congressional oversight and without an appeal process.

This process stood in contrast to other programs, including those for steel and aluminum tariffs that were also implemented in 2018. Exemptions for the steel and aluminum tariffs were administered with greater transparency under the watch of a Commerce Department Inspector General and with Congressional oversight.

Unlike the Section 301 tariffs, the researchers found no significant relation between companies' political activity and exemption decisions regarding the steel and aluminum tariffs.

Political influence and 'quid pro quo'

The study analyzed 7,015 applications for exemptions filed with the USTR, political activity data from the nonpartisan research group OpenSecrets and business information from the Compustat database to determine the extent to which lobbying and campaign contributions influenced tariff exemption outcomes.

A clear theme emerged: Spending to build political connections was a good investment for U.S. companiesif you spend it on the right candidates. A longstanding puzzle in the literature on political contributions has been understanding why firms don't donate more. Results from the study, Salas said, suggest that contributions to the wrong party could harm firms.

Of the exemption applications reviewed, only 1,022 (14.5%) were approved. Researchers found that, in addition to submitting persuasive applications in conformity with the guidelines, companies could increase their odds by investing more in lobbying.

Among companies in the dataset, a one standard deviation increase in lobbying expenditures boosted approval chances by 2.15 percentage points.

Companies that had previously contributed to Republican candidates via their Political Action Committees (PACs) improved their odds even more. A one standard deviation increase in contributions to Republicans raised the likelihood of exemption approval by 3.94 percentage points. Conversely, the same increase in contributions to Democrats decreased approval odds by 3.4 percentage points.

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Given that roughly just one in seven applications were approved, these advantages were substantial.

According to the authors, political connections generally yield benefits through two channels: helping companies navigate regulations (the "information channel") and rewarding firms for their political support (the "quid pro quo channel"). Identifying why firms specifically benefit from contributions is of the utmost importance, they said.

"While our findings linking lobbying expenditures with a higher probability of approval are consistent with both channels, our findings linking contributions to the party in power to a higher chance of approval and contributions to the opposition to a lower chance are strongly indicative of quid pro quo arrangements," Salas said.

"While there is ample evidence in the broader literature that firms benefit from their political connectionswith quid-pro-quo arrangements on both sides of the political aislethis study is the first to document punishment for supporting the opposition."

According to OpenSecrets, U.S. companies spent over $3 billion on lobbying in 2016, in addition to funneling hundreds of millions of dollars to political campaigns via PACs. In 2024, lobbying expenditures totaled more than $4 billion.

Researchers also examined other forms of political influence, including personal campaign contributions by company executives and donations to influential representatives, such as those on finance and leadership committees. Both of those actions further enhanced the likelihood of securing exemptions.

However, employing former government officials as directors, a la the "revolving door" between the corporate world and the federal bureaucracy, did not have a significant impact.

While political connections played a substantial role in exemption decisions, the authors noted that the stated criteria were not entirely disregarded, and applications that met the criteria were more likely to be approved.

Economic impact and market reactions

Economists with political leanings on either side of the aisle tend to oppose tariffs because they often lead to retaliatory measures, higher prices and economic losses. Past studies cited by the authors document that tariffs have a strong negative effect on the U.S. economy, leading to monthly real income losses of $1.4 billion and a net economic loss of $7.2 billion.

But companies that received exemptions from the China tariffs benefited greatly. The study found that announcements about exemptions were linked to abnormal returns of approximately 55 basis points in stock prices within the five-day window around the announcement.

For a median company in the sample, one with a market capitalization of $10 billion, this reaction represented a valuation increase of about $51 million.

"The biggest surprise to us was that the U.S. government was punishing firms that contribute to Democrats," Salas said. "There is plenty of evidence that political connections are valuable to firms. The finding that the government could be vindictive to supporters of the opposition was very surprising to us."

More information: Veljko Fotak et al, The Political Economy of Tariff Exemption Grants, Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis (2025). DOI: 10.1017/S0022109024000437
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Queen conch, a large marine snail, in the sand in The Bahamas. Credit: Shedd Aquarium/Sam Cejtin

A new article published in the journal Oryx examines the efficacy and perception of queen conch (Aliger gigas) conservation aquaculturecultivating aquatic organisms to manage or replenish natural populations. In particular, the paper evaluates conservation aquaculture as a viable strategy to enhance fisheries production and rebuild declining, overexploited populations.

The paper asserts that queen conch aquaculture is useful for scientific inquiry, community engagement and education, but if species recovery is the goal, then an interdisciplinary approach to restoration should focus more broadly on managing natural populations. Above all, protecting natural breeding aggregations of conch should be prioritized for species recovery and the ancillary benefits to marine ecosystems and human livelihoods.

"The culture of queen conch from eggs to the juvenile stage has been perfected through decades of research in laboratory and hatchery settings, and land-based culture remains an essential tool for understanding the biology of this important species," said Dr. Allan Stoner, chief scientist at Community Conch and senior author on the paper. "However, because of high natural mortality, no field release of cultured conch has resulted in successful repopulation to date."

The lifecycle of queen conch, in which most animals naturally perish, creates a significant barrier that aquaculture has yet to overcome. The paper uses examples that enumerate and illustrate the challenge.

Credit: Shedd Aquarium

Based on a review of past studies, 4,000 juveniles would have to be released for a single individual conch to survive to adulthood. The authors then estimated the number of adult conchs harvested annually in a typical industrial fishery and determined that to offset only 10% of the catch would require releasing 2.8 billion juvenile conchs annually. This feat across the broader Caribbean is unrealistic and staggering.

The sheer magnitude of animals that would have to be raised for repopulation makes aquaculture ecologically and economically unfeasible as a significant source of replenishment to reverse the impacts of long-term overharvest. Proactive fisheries policies that sustain natural reproduction are a more realistic and cost-effective means of replenishing depleted conch populations.

"There's no single, simple solution for ensuring a sustained harvest of queen conch, so we need a holistic approach to conservation and sustainable management that benefits the species, the fishery and the planet," said Dr. Andy Kough, research biologist at Shedd Aquarium and lead author.

"We suggest using strategically linked marine protected areas that allow adult aggregations to replenish other areas. We also need more informed fishery policies that include education and outreach, so communities understand what the data shows us and ultimately support common-sense policies."

Credit: Shedd Aquarium

The paper emphasizes that conch aquaculture should be encouraged as a means of furthering scientific knowledge, inspiring local conservation ethos and increasing community support, while also being realistic about its limitations for repopulation efforts.

Ultimately, the study provides an unbiased perspective on the opportunities and limitations of queen conch aquaculture, so governments, environmental organizations and aquaculture practitioners can set objectives for the conservation management of the species.

The authors include a variety of conch researchers representing eight institutions, including government, academic and non-profit conservation organizations.

More information: Andrew Kough et al, Queen conch aquaculture remains a conservation symbol and is not yet a fisheries solution, Oryx (2025). DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324001443 For more information about Shedd Aquarium's ongoing queen conch research efforts, visit the website. Journal information: Oryx

Provided by Shedd Aquarium
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Credit: RDNE Stock project from Pexels

US student test scores in reading and math remain below pre-pandemic levels as a worrying gap continues to widen between high and low performers, officials said Wednesday.

The biennial tests of American fourth and eighth graderscorrelating roughly to ages nine and 13, respectivelyshowed improvements in 2024 for some students, but a steady decline for the lowest 10 percent.

"The most concerning pattern within our distribution is for our lowest performing students," Peggy Carr, head of the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), told a press briefing.

She said that while the gap between high and low performers had further split across subjects and ages, eighth grade math scores saw its widest difference since the assessment began.

The tests were administered in early 2024 to some 235,000 fourth graders and 230,000 eighth graders.

The last tests in 2022 sparked alarm, as they showed a significant across-the-board drop in scores from 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic forced most US classes to move online.

The length of pandemic school closures quickly became a heated political debate, and ramifications on student performance continue to cause concern.

Data released Wednesday showed average fourth grade math scores improved marginally in 2024, while the top 25 percent of performers had returned to 2019 levels.

Eighth graders, who would have been in elementary school during the pandemic closures, saw average math scores hold steady below 2019-levelsbut while top performers increased marginally, the bottom 10 percent dropped significantly.

Reading scores fell for both eighth and fourth graders, the latter of whom would have begun school after the height of the pandemic.

"The continued declines since the pandemic suggest we're facing complex challenges that cannot be fully explained by the impact of COVID-19," said NCES associate commissioner Daniel McGrath in a statement.

The proportion of eighth graders failing a benchmark reading test was the highest since figures first were collected in 1992, while only one state out of 50, Louisiana, had better reading performance for primary school students than before the pandemic.

"I think it obviously comes to mind that we should be looking at what social media and the rise of the screen-based childhood is doing for reading habits and reading skills," Martin West, a member of the testing board and Harvard education professor, told the press briefing.

The pandemic schools closures prompted fierce political debate in the United States, with Democrats generally more cautious in ending so-called remote learning, while Republicans sought to quickly return students to in-person classes.

Bill Cassidy, the top Republican on the Senate education committee, blasted the former administration of Democratic president Joe Biden and vice president Kamala Harris for the falling scores.

"The most vulnerable children were hurt the most. This will be the failed legacy of the Biden-Harris education policy," he said in a statement.

 2025 AFP
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Real- and momentum-space characterization of the WSe 2 /MoS 2 heterostructure and working principle of the ultrafast dark-field momentum microscope. Credit: Nature Photonics (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41566-024-01568-y

How can the latest technology, such as solar cells, be improved? An international research team led by the University of Gottingen is helping to find answers to questions like this with a new technique. For the first time, the formation of tiny, difficult-to-detect particlesknown as dark excitonscan be tracked precisely in time and space. These invisible carriers of energy will play a key role in future solar cells, LEDs and detectors. The results are published in Nature Photonics.

Dark excitons are tiny pairs made up of one electron together with the hole it leaves behind when it is excited. They carry energy but cannot emit light (hence the name "dark"). One way to visualize an exciton is to imagine a balloon (representing the electron) that flies away and leaves behind an empty space (the hole) to which it remains connected by a force known as a Coulomb interaction. Researchers talk about "particle states" that are difficult to detect but are particularly important in atomically thin, two-dimensional structures in special semiconductor compounds.

In an earlier publication, the research group led by Professor Stefan Mathias from the Faculty of Physics at the University of Gottingen was able to show how these dark excitons are created in an unimaginably short time and describe their dynamics with the help of quantum mechanical theory.

In the current study, the team has now developed a new technique known as "Ultrafast Dark-field Momentum Microscopy," and used it for the first time. This enabled them to show how dark excitons are formed in a special material made of tungsten diselenide (WSe) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS)and in an astonishing time, lasting just 55 femtoseconds measured with a precise resolution of 480 nanometers.

"This method enabled us to measure the dynamics of charge carriers very precisely," explains first author Dr. David Schmitt, also from Gottingen University's Faculty of Physics.

"The results provide a fundamental insight into how the properties of the sample influence the movement of the charge carriers. This means that this technique can be used in the future to specifically improve the quality and therefore also the efficiency of solar cells, for example." Dr. Marcel Reutzel, Junior Research Group Leader in Mathias' research group, adds. "This means that this technique can be used not only for these specially designed systems, but also for research into new types of materials."

More information: David Schmitt et al, Ultrafast nano-imaging of dark excitons, Nature Photonics (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41566-024-01568-y Journal information: Nature Photonics
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Researchers have shown that plumes of wildfire smoke can carry contaminants hundreds of kilometers, leaving a toxic and lingering footprint which has the potential to be re-released into the environment.

The frequency and severity of wildfires is expected to continue increasing due to climate change. In recent weeks, catastrophic wildfires have devastated Los Angeles, scorching tens of thousands of acres.

Canada's 2023 wildfire season was the most destructive ever recorded, with an estimated 18.5 million hectares burned. The 2024 season was the second worst on record, with more than 5 million hectares burned according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, which tracks national statistics.

Wildfire events may become an increasingly dominant and troubling source of pollution in urban areas, say researchers.

Wildfire smoke features a complex mixture of pollutants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a class of carcinogenic compounds that can also cause mutations in nature. PAHs are produced whenever incomplete combustion occurs, including when wood burns.

In the new study, published today in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, researchers at McMaster University report the potential impact of PAHs extends far downwind of wildfires, even hundreds of kilometers.

"This study was motivated by the large increase in wildfire frequency and severity in Western Canada," explains Iris Chan, a graduate student in the Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology and lead author of the study. "There is a great deal of public awareness and research on air quality related to North American wildfires, but the long-term impact of smoke drifting into cities is virtually unknown."

Researchers Sarah Styler (left) and Iris Chan say wildfire events may become an increasingly dominant and troubling source of pollution in urban areas. Credit: McMaster University

Urban landscapes are dominated by impermeable structures and surfaces such as buildings and roads, she explains. Over time, these surfaces accumulate what is known as "urban grime," a buildup of deposited particles and other chemical compounds that can hold and re-release pollutants such as PAHs.

For this study, researchers enlisted volunteers in Kamloops and Calgary to collect samples in their backyards from August to November 2021.

They set out specially designed kits containing glass beads, which mimic impervious urban surfaces like windows. The samples were regularly collected and analyzed at McMaster.

The team looked for correlations between surface-grime PAHs and evidence of fire activity in measurements of local air quality such as carbon monoxide and fine particulate matter.

In the Calgary samples, researchers found toxin levels nearly doubled when smoke from fires in neighboring Saskatchewan arrived from about 500 kilometers away. There were no other large-scale pollution events in Calgary at that time, suggesting the increase was linked.

In Kamloops, they pinpointed a sharp increase in toxins even when there were no significant wildfire events in the region. Based on the specific composition of samples, researchers concluded the uptick was due to a hyper-local burn, likely a neighborhood campfire.

"We should be mindful that the minor things people do every day, like using their barbeque or having a campfire in the backyard, can have a significant and long-lasting impact on their local environment," says Sarah Styler, who supervised the study and holds the Canada Research Chair in Atmospheric Chemistry at McMaster.

The accumulation problem grows worse when there isn't sufficient rainfall to wash away the grimy buildup. A reservoir of toxins can, in principle, grow for long periods.

"We would then expect precipitation to release pollutants into stormwater runoff, with the potential for adverse consequences for downstream water bodies, sediments and aquatic life," says Styler.

The team is currently following up by analyzing samples from multiple cities in Canada and the United States collected during the 2022 wildfire season. Additionally, they have recently begun a pilot project with Environment Hamilton to collect and analyze dust and grime samples in city neighborhoods to determine how much is falling in different areas and what it might contain.

More information: Iris Chan et al, Wildfire Smoke Contributions to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Loadings in Western Canadian Urban Surface Grime, Environmental Science & Technology (2025). DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c09630 Journal information: Environmental Science & Technology
Since the 1960s, doctors in the U.S. and around the world have routinely performed surgery to standardize the bodies of infants and children so that they are aligned with social gender norms. Boy_Anupong/Getty Images 2020

In the face of anti-trans legislation sweeping the country over the past four years, California stepped up to protect trans people and in particular trans youth. In 2022, the state became the first in the nation to create a sanctuary for transgender youth seeking gender-affirming medical care.

But with President Donald Trump issuing an anti-trans executive order on his first day in office, California will need to bolster its legal efforts to protect these vulnerable youths further. Nowhere is that protection more lacking than for intersex kids at birth and in early childhood.

Intersex children are born with chromosomes, gonads, hormone function or internal or external sex organs that dont match typical social expectations of males or females. Since the 1960s, doctors in the U.S. and around the world have routinely performed surgery to standardize the bodies of infants and children so that they are aligned with social gender norms. The protocol was developed largely on the unproven recommendations of a single psychologist and has been carried out countless times since on intersex children long before they are old enough to decide for themselves whether they want the procedures.

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These irreversible nonconsensual surgeries are medically unnecessary to perform at such a young age, and as research has shown, carry a significant risk of trauma and other forms of lifelong harm, including a loss of sexual function, incontinence, chronic pain, scarring and early-onset osteoporosis. As a 2017 paper by three former U.S. surgeons general concluded, In short, surgeries whose purpose is to ensure physical and psychological health too often lead to the opposite result. In the waning days of the Biden administration, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services acknowledged as much, publishing a landmark report on intersex health equity that called for an end to the practice. However, given Trumps declaration that there are only two genders, its unlikely there will be any federal protections against the practice.

Once again, California and the Bay Area have a chance to lead.

The Bay Area has an important place in the history of intersex activism in the United States. This includes when Bo Laurent founded the Intersex Society of North America in Sonoma County in 1993, receiving letters from people across the country who had experienced medical trauma and wanted to get to the root of the truth about their bodies and their lives.

In 2005, the San Francisco Human Rights Commission conducted an investigation and hearing on intersex issues, concluding that  normalizing interventions done without the patients informed consent are inherent human rights abuses. This report resonated worldwide.

At a state level, the California Legislature passed a resolution in 2018 introduced by state Sen. Scott Wiener that recognized the intersex community and the human rights violations they endure. Californias state Legislature became the first in the U.S. officially acknowledged the harm that intersex people suffered at the hands of the medical system. Yet, even a nonbinding resolution  simply recognizing these surgeries as part of the intersex communitys struggle  was an uphill battle for Wiener. Surgeons from across California traveled to Sacramento to testify against the resolution while making egregious claims, like asserting that removing a childs clitoris helps them become a functioning member of society.

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So what else can be done to protect these children?

Currently, no hospitals in California have publicly committed to stopping medically unnecessary nonconsensual surgeries on intersex children. It doesnt have to be this way. Childrens hospitals in Chicago and Boston have pledged to stop the surgeries. The New York City public hospital system banned performing unnecessary or medically premature operations before the patient can decide  offering a model for how California hospitals, and especially those in the Bay Area, could support intersex justice.

The good news is that California has taken some positive steps. In 2017, Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill that introduced a third option on birth certificates. It mandated that any Californian could change their legal gender without undergoing medical procedures or verification.

But if our hospitals are still carrying out these procedures on infants and children who are unable to have their say in what is done to their bodies, having a third option on a state document after a doctor has already altered body parts, doesnt really solve the core problem.

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

Globally, the momentum to end these nonconsensual surgeries is surging. Over 50 evaluations by United Nations human rights treaty bodies in different countries have concluded that nonconsensual surgeries to alter the sex characteristics of people born with intersex traits are human rights violations. Parts of Australia and India , and some countries, including Malta , Greece and Spain have passed bans on nonconsensual surgeries, while the U.N. Human Rights Council passed its first resolution on the issue last year. A growing list of medical associations and experts have spoken in favor of ending nonconsensual surgeries.

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San Francisco must rehire two city employees who left their jobs after refusing to be vaccinated against the coronavirus for religious reasons, a federal appeals court ruled Thursday. Amy Osborne/Special to The Chronicle

San Francisco must rehire two city employees who left their jobs after refusing to be vaccinated against the coronavirus for religious reasons, a federal appeals court ruled Thursday.

Selina Keene and Melody Fountila were longtime employees of San Franciscos Human Resources Agency, where they worked on job training and employment plans for low-income residents. They retired from their jobs after the city required all 35,000 of its employees to be vaccinated against the coronavirus by Nov. 29, 2021.

The women said they were Christians who believed the government-approved vaccine was developed from aborted fetuses, which they would not inject into their bodies. Scientists say the vaccine contains no fetal cells, although fetal cells in a laboratory were used in testing the product.

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Nevertheless, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said, Vaccine mandates like the one (San Francisco) was attempting to impose presented a crisis of conscience for many people of faith.

Forcing individuals to choose between their faith and their livelihood imposes an obvious and substantial burden on religion, the three-judge panel wrote. Because of the citys mandate, the court said, the women were forced to choose between their religious beliefs and their careers.

The court ordered U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White of Oakland, who had previously dismissed the womens lawsuit, to require San Francisco to rehire them on the conditions the women had previously proposed: either allowing them to work remotely, or returning them to their offices with whatever protective measures the city requires for other workers.

The city withdrew its vaccine mandate in August 2023, so it will face no hardships by rehiring the women, the court said.

The panel consisted of Judges Consuelo Callahan, appointed by President George W. Bush, Patrick Bumatay, appointed by President Donald Trump, and Susan Bolton, a U.S. District Court judge from Arizona appointed by President Bill Clinton.

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The ruling comes three months after a U.S. District Court jury, in a separate case, awarded $7.8 million in damages to six former Bay Area Rapid Transit District employees who cited religious reasons for rejecting BARTs mandate of coronavirus vaccinations.

A lawyer for the two San Francisco employees said they were looking forward to returning to work.

My clients had (and still have) religious objections to taking a vaccine derived from aborted, ie, murdered, children, said Russell Davis, an attorney with the Pacific Justice Institute, a conservative nonprofit that also represented the former BART employees. They were working remotely prior to the vaccine mandate and could have continued working remotely. But for the City's violation of my clients rights and its heavy handed insistence on getting vaccinated, this lawsuit would never have happened.

The city is facing about 20 similar lawsuits from other former employees, Davis said.

We are disappointed by the ruling and are evaluating any potential next steps, said Jen Kwart, spokesperson for City Attorney David Chiu. The city could ask the full appeals court to order a new hearing before an 11-judge panel.

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Around 100 people gathered in the Dahl Arts Center Tuesday night to weigh in on potential vacation rental regulations in Rapid City. The topic is infused with questions about property rights, housing accessibility, parking and the preservation of residential areas within the city.

Today is just the opportunity for people to come and see where we are, ask questions, share their opinions, said Kevin Maher, Rapid City Council president and the alderman representing Ward 3. Maher owns a short-term rental outside Rapid City.

The city formed a committee last year to discuss an ordinance, and the open house acted as an educational forum and a space to collect public input.

The online survey is available on the city's website, rcgov.org, through Feb. 5. The feedback from Tuesday evening and the survey will inform the development of a proposed ordinance planned for introduction this spring.

We wanted to set up a forum to allow the community to come in and talk about individual components of what an ordinance might look like, said Vicki Fisher, community development director.

Poster boards lined the John T. Vucurevich Event Center covering several topics: the current state licensing requirements; potential city zoning and housing types; occupant limits and parking; and city and neighborhood saturation.

City staff and other stakeholders manned the stations and gathered feedback and answered questions. Sticky notes with comments from the public answering questions about the pros and cons of various regulations speckled blank spaces on the boards.

In response to a question on whether vacation rental locations should be public, one note stated it would cause the rentals to be an instant target for burglary, theft. Another argued it is not a public right to know who is staying in a home, another stated that long-term rentals are more of a nuisance than short-term rentals and asked why short-term rentals are singled out.

No, they are still privately owned. The public shouldnt have access to that info. (More than they do already), read one note.

In response to a question about potentially limiting the number of vacation homes allowed in the city, notes encouraged the city to let the market handle it, referencing property rights.

Others wrote that limits have pros: Vacation homes raise home prices, impact local schools and take away from the sense of community."

There are approximately 600 to 900 vacation rental listings in Rapid City  about 2.8% of the citys housing stock. The state defines a vacation home as any home, cabin, or similar building that is rented, leased or furnished in its entirety to the public on a daily or weekly basis for more than 14 days in a calendar year and is not occupied by an owner or manager during the time of rental. Bed and breakfasts are not counted as a vacation rental.

Joslyn Konenkamp of Rapid City said she came out to learn about the various proposals and options.

"I wanted to understand about just all of the zoning and housing and the restrictions that are being dropped, what they're thinking. So just information today," said Konenkamp, who said she owns rentals.

The state currently requires vacation rentals to obtain a license from the South Dakota Department of Health. The dwellings are inspected prior to licensure and annually. A new license is required when ownership or location changes. The owner must maintain a guest list and provide notice of any construction or building alterations.

Over 90% of the ones in Rapid City are not licensed with the state, so that's a problem, Maher said. One of the things we will require is  you (have) to register in Rapid and you need to have a state license.

According to one of the posters at the event, the citys goal is to allow the rentals and apply regulations that balance community interests.

Peter Schmid, local landlord and member of the city's vacation rental ordinance committee, said it's not a problem worth devoting time to.

I just get concerned when the city starts extending its reach into private property, Schmid said. ...Home prices have risen all over the country, not just in tourist areas, but we are a tourist area and Airbnbs have increased the pie of tourism, and I don't know why they're trying to limit this.

Fisher said residents in the community that live adjacent to a vacation homes have had some unfortunate experiences and contact the city about that.

"We're concerned about the Airbnb situation," meeting attendee Scott Eccarius of Rapid City said. He noted a home in his neighborhood recently became a rental. "If nothing else, there should be a notification to the neighborhood that this has changed from a home to a hotel."

Eccarius said, "I don't think they should be allowed in in residential neighborhoods," and expressed concerns about safety.

Hotels have regulations, he said.

"They're not built on West Boulevard, they're not built in specific neighborhoods," Eccarius said. "And they're also designated commercial."

Under the parking and occupancy section of the open house, a couple of residents wrote they have experienced parking issues in their neighborhood due to vacation rentals. Others said the city already has parking regulations, and it does not need to add more.

The city is also gathering feedback on whether it should limit the rentals by neighborhood and what zones they should be allowed to operate in.

Some residents said the rentals should be allowed anywhere that long-term rentals are allowed while others wrote they should be allowed anywhere hotels are allowed.

"Transient people at VRBO's destroy neighborhood continuity," another wrote.

VRBO and AirBnb are the two primary platforms used to find vacation rentals in the area.
A demonstrator waves a Palestinian flag during a rally at the student encampment in White Plaza in Stanford University on May 12, 2024. President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order vowing to fight antisemitism and threatened to track down and deport noncitizens who protested on college campuses against the war in Gaza and cancel their student visas. Manuel Orbegozo/Special to the Chronicle President Donald Trump speaks Wednesday at the White House. He is threatening to cancel student visas of pro-Palestinian protesters as he issues an executive order targeting antisemitism. Evan Vucci/Associated Press

An executive order signed by President Donald Trump on Wednesday vows to fight antisemitism, particularly on college campuses, while urging universities to report activities by noncitizen students and employees that could lead to their deportation if federal officials consider those activities to be unacceptable.

In an accompanying fact sheet, Trump also threatens to track down and deport noncitizens who participated in last years demonstrations against the war in Gaza  which he calls pro-jihadist protests  and to cancel their student visas.

To all the resident aliens who joined in the pro-jihadist protests, we put you on notice: come 2025, we will find you, and we will deport you. I will also quickly cancel the student visas of all Hamas sympathizers on college campuses, which have been infested with radicalism like never before, Trump said in the fact sheet.

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Many thousands of students across the country spent much of the previous academic year protesting the war in Gaza, describing themselves as pro-Palestinian protesters or anti-Zionist, meaning opposition to Israel as a Jewish state.

California saw protests and tent encampments throughout the year at universities up and down the state  including at UC Berkeley, Stanford and San Francisco State. Overall, police arrested hundreds of students at UCLA, UC Santa Cruz, UC Irvine and Cal Poly Humboldt.

On Wednesday, Muslim civil rights groups reacted angrily to Trumps executive order and the fact sheet that was widely circulated but not posted on the White House website.

In a statement, the Council on American-Islamic Relations accused the Trump administration of attacking free speech and dismissing Palestinian suffering under the guise of combatting antisemitism.

More than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israel-Hamas war that began when Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing an estimated 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. A tenuous ceasefire has been in place since Jan. 19.

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Trump portrays himself in the fact sheet as the best friend Jewish Americans have ever had in the White House.

Reaction among Jews on Wednesday ranged from alarm at being used as pawns for Trump, to a sense of relief at the prospect of tamping down antisemitism, reports of which have risen around the world since the Hamas attack on Israel in 2023.

Combating antisemitism requires a whole-of-government approach, and we are eager to see every federal agency and department take concrete measures to address this scourge, Jonathan Greenblatt, national director of the Anti-Defamation League, said in a statement.

Other Jewish groups, however, support Palestinian rights in Israel and have sought to clarify reports of antisemitism that they say often conflate true anti-Jewish discrimination with criticism of the Israeli government that has waged the devastating war in Gaza.

As Jews we refuse to be pawns in the far-Rights authoritarian takeover, Stefanie Fox, executive director of Jewish Voice for Peace, said in a statement that accused Trump of being in league with white supremacists who represent the greatest threat to American Jews.

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Both Jewish Voice for Peace and CAIR, the Muslim civil rights group, defended student activists who protested against the war in Gaza.

Trumps threat to deport noncitizen antiwar protesters is a dishonest, overbroad and unenforceable attempt to smear college students who protested against the Israeli governments genocidal war on Gaza in overwhelmingly peaceful ways, CAIR said in its statement.

Trumps executive order follows a year in which House Republicans pushed university leaders to aggressively crack down on pro-Palestinian protesters and halt what they have labeled antisemitic college chaos.

Conservative members of Congress spent months grilling university presidents in tense hearings meant to expose their complaints of a liberal bias in academia. In August, right-wing members of Congress opened an investigation into alleged antisemitism at UCSF, even threatening the medical centers right to participate in Medicare and Medicaid.

On Wednesday, Judith Butler, a well-known author and UC Berkeley professor of comparative literature, told the Chronicle that the Trump administration and supporters are overly broad in their definition of antisemitism.

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It is hardly antisemitic to protest against Israeli state violence  valuing every life as precarious and valuable is a Jewish thing to do, said Butler, who serves on the academic council of Jewish Voice for Peace. Antisemitism should surely be opposed, as should every other racism, but to use the charge of antisemitism to silence and punish those who hold critical and dissenting views is an abuse of the term.

Butler added that threatening to gather information about and potentially deport students sends a chilling message to all members of universities that their legitimate actions and affiliation are being surveilled and gathered for possible punitive action.

Other Jewish groups expressed support for Trumps order  but were split on his plan to deport protesters.

The American Jewish Committee welcomes the Trump Administrations commitment to vigorously combat antisemitism vigorously, using all available and appropriate legal tools, to prosecute, remove, or otherwise hold to account the perpetrators of unlawful antisemitic harassment and violence, Teresa Drenick, the group deputy director in Northern California, said in a statement.

But other parts of the executive order could be interpreted to threaten certain ethnic groups and violate their civil liberties, Drenick said.

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The Anti-Defamation League expressed no such concern.

The ADL supports holding those accountable who harass, intimidate, or attack Jewish students, faculty and staff on college campuses, the groups statement said, noting that increased enforcement has helped reduce such incidents.
Supporters rally outside the Supreme Court in December as the justices hear a case regarding a Tennessee law banning gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth. Executive orders issued this week target gender-affirming care and how schools treat students who identify as transgender. Jacquelyn Martin/Associated Press 2024

President Donald Trumps order to end federal support for gender-affirming care for minors wouldnt affect laws like Californias that allow care, like puberty blockers and hormone therapy, for transgender youths. But the order, if upheld by the courts, might cut off federal funding for medical care the state has approved.

A separate order issued Wednesday threatens to revoke federal funding for schools where teachers refer to transgender children by their preferred name or pronoun, or allow them to use the bathroom that corresponds with their gender identity.

Trump said in his inaugural speech last week that, under his governments official policy, there are only two genders, male and female, as determined at birth. On Tuesday, he issued an executive order declaring that his administration will not fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support the so-called transition of a child from one sex to another.

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Federal agencies that fund hospitals, medical schools and other health care institutions must make sure those institutions end the chemical and surgical mutilation of children, Trump said. He ordered federal education officials to issue rules that would require transgender students to use restrooms that corresponded with their gender at birth and, to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law, cut off funding to schools that refused to notify parents of their childs transgender status.

The order seeking to punish schools that acknowledge a childs gender identity could conflict with a California law that forbids schools from requiring teachers to inform parents that a child identifies as transgender, unless the child consents. That law is being challenged in court.

Trump also said he would end child-abusive practices by so-called sanctuary states that facilitate stripping custody from parents who support the healthy development of their children.

California is a sanctuary state for transgender youths who enter California to receive care that is forbidden in their home state. Its laws shield parents, and their doctors, from being forced to return to their home state and face criminal prosecution for treatment they received in California. A bill passed by the Legislature in 2023 would have allowed a court to consider a childs gender identity when making custody determinations, but it was vetoed by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Our goal was to protect trans kids and their families and medical providers from being criminalized by laws in other states, said state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, author of the sanctuary law, SB107, that took effect in 2023. These are kids who are just trying to be who they are, and parents supporting them.  Its despicable, what Trump is doing.

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California law also requires health facilities and insurers to enable minors to receive puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgery, if approved by their physicians. It is one of a series of state laws passed in the last decade to protect transgender youths, including their access to gender-neutral restrooms and the use of neutral language on drivers licenses and other official documents.

The Supreme Court, meanwhile, is due to rule by this summer on the constitutionality of a Tennessee law banning gender-affirming treatment for youths under 18. At a hearing in December, the justices appeared to be divided on the issue, which applies to similar laws in 23 other states affecting more than 110,000 minors.

That ruling could also apply to Trumps order. But regardless of the outcome, it would not affect the authority of a state such as California to provide medical care to its residents.

Executive orders  cannot change California and other states strong policies supporting trans youth and the health care they need, Shawn Meerkamper, managing attorney at the Transgender Law Center in Oakland, told the Chronicle. We should call this what it is: a strategy designed to sow division and instability.

But California has no control over federal funding for Medicaid, called Medi-Cal in the state. The U.S. government pays nearly 70% of that funding, and states provide the rest.

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After Congress passed the Hyde Amendment, a law that took effect in 1980 and eliminated Medicaid funding for abortions for low-income women, the California Supreme Court ruled in 1982 that the California Constitution required state funding for Medi-Cal abortions.

Trump proclaimed his support for the Hyde Amendment on Tuesday and said the same restrictions should apply to federal funding for transgender care.

His goal  is to intimidate health care providers into not providing care, Wiener said.

Courts have yet to rule on the issues raised by Trumps order, however, and the constitutional standards are likely to be affected by the Supreme Courts decision in the Tennessee case. California filed arguments urging the court to overturn the Tennessee law.

Trumps order on transgender health care for minors was denounced Wednesday by Chase Strangio, an American Civil Liberties Union attorney who argued against the Tennessee law at last months Supreme Court hearing, becoming the first openly transgender attorney to appear before the court.

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President Trump has shown a clear determination to drive transgender people out of public life while attempting to control our families, our bodies, and our lives, Strangio said. We will not allow this dangerous, sweeping and unconstitutional order to stand.

The presidents action was praised by Liberty Counsel, a conservative nonprofit that has opposed LGBT interests since it was founded in 1989.

This commonsense executive order will help stop the horrible atrocities on children caused by the false gender ideology, said Mat Staver, Liberty Counsels founder and chairman. Through this order the federal government can now return to sound science and promote treating these mental health issues with proven psychiatric therapies to heal rather than harm.

Now, it is up to legislatures to pass laws that protect children from medical mutilation, Staver said.

While three of the current Supreme Court justices were appointed by Trump, one of them is Neil Gorsuch, author of the courts 6-3 ruling in 2020 that said a federal law against sex discrimination in employment barred discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

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Dive tourist dies on Costa Maya excursion off Xcalak

Costa Maya, Q.R.  An American tourist died while diving in Costa Maya waters Tuesday. The woman, reported to be 75, was with her daughter at the time of the accident.

Both women were part of a dive excursion off the coast of Xcalak, a remote community south of Mahahual. They were both in the water when the captain of their boat noticed they were having problems.

Jose N, tour manager of the dive boat Sharon, dove in and was able to save one of the women. The mother, identified as American Linda Dee N, 75, was found floating and unresponsive.

Emergency services was requested and the boat met by authorities. Both women were rushed back to land where medical personnel from the Navy were waiting. Naval paramedics confirmed that the 75 year old woman had died.

An autopsy will confirm the womans official cause of death.
Riviera Maya pedestrian hit twice dies in highway accident

Riviera Maya, Q.R.  A pedestrian was killed in a Riviera Maya highway pedestrian accident Wednesday morning. The unidentified pedestrian was crossing the highway heading west near Punta Venado, approximately 18 kilometers south of Playa del Carmen, when they were struck by a van.

The impact from the van threw the pedestrian into the oncoming lane where they were run over by a second vehicle. Police were at the scene of the Riviera Maya highway accident shortly after 7:30 a.m.

Both drivers involved in the accident stopped at the scene. The van, who first hit the pedestrian, was heading south when he came upon the pedestrian running across the highway. The driver of the second vehicle involved ended up leaving the road and coming to a stop in highway vegetation.

Civil Protection paramedics confirmed the death of the pedestrian. National Guard Highways cordoned off the area while both drivers were interviewed and the vehicles towed. The deceased has not been named.
Three charged with extorting PDC Fifth Avenue business

Playa del Carmen, Q.R.  Three men are facing official charges of extortion against a PDC Fifth Avenue business. Carlos Alberto N, Leonel N and Benito N have been accused of extorting a local businessman on January 23, 2025.

According to police, Carlos Alberto N, Leonel N and Benito N were charged when they went to a commercial establishment located on Fifth Avenue and 32nd Street in the Centro neighborhood where they ordered the workers to get the manager.

When they refused, Carlos Alberto N handed a phone to an employee where he received a phone call from a person of unknown identity, who demanded that he allow them to sell drugs in the establishment.

In addition, he also requested the amount of 40,000 pesos per month for the so-called floor rights, police said in a statement.

After a former complaint was filed, police began the corresponding investigation which lead to their arrest and subsequent charges. A judge has ordered all three remain in custody during their trials.
Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai speaks at a Google event in Mountain View in May. Googles parent company confirmed Thursday that it has rolled out a voluntary exit program for certain employees in its product teams who may not align with the divisions goals or are struggling with hybrid work requirements or their roles. Jeff Chiu/Associated Press The Google campus in Mountain View. The Bay Area tech giant confirmed Thursday that it has rolled out a voluntary exit program for certain employees in its product teams who may not align with the divisions goals or are struggling with hybrid work requirements or their roles. Aric Crabb/TNS

Google confirmed Thursday that it has rolled out a voluntary exit program for certain employees in its product teams who may not align with the divisions goals or are struggling with hybrid work requirements or their roles.

Theres tremendous momentum on this team and with so much important work ahead, we want everyone to be deeply committed to our mission and focused on building great products, with speed and efficiency, Google said in a statement to the Chronicle.

Google to rename Gulf of Mexico on maps following Trumps executive orders

following Trumps executive orders Google investing $13 million in effort to spot wildfires earlier with satellites and AI

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The buyout offer follows last years merger of Googles Pixel hardware and Android software divisions, forming the new Platforms & Devices group. The division includes teams working on Android, Pixel, Chrome, Google Photos, Google One, Fitbit, Nest and related products.

Rick Osterloh, Googles senior vice president, communicated the details in a memo to employees.

The voluntary exit program is available to U.S.-based employees in the Platforms & Devices division. However, it does not apply to employees in other Google divisions such as Search or AI, nor does it affect international teams.

The offer is part of Googles ongoing effort to streamline its workforce after integrating its hardware and software teams. Osterloh noted that employees had asked about the possibility of voluntary exits after the merger.

We wanted to offer this program in advance, addressing feedback from previous layoffs where we didnt provide an option for people to leave willingly, Osterloh wrote in the memo, as first reported by 9to5Google.

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Employees who participate will receive a severance package, though further details on the terms have not been disclosed.

Google emphasized that the buyout offer is not tied to immediate changes in the product roadmap, signaling that there are no planned shifts in priorities for the divisions key products. There is no indication that this move signals another round of mass layoffs.
SIOUX CITY  Observing Jessica Bino on a monitor while she sat alone in an interview room, Sioux City Police Det. Mike Sitzman saw her trying to yell through the walls to her mother in an adjacent room and appearing to have a hard time calming down.

"She appeared to be angry and very loud," Sitzman said.

By the time Sitzman entered the room, Bino had fallen asleep. She was easily awakened and then spoke with detectives for approximately two hours. She may have been a little sleepy, but she followed along with questioning about what had happened inside an apartment at 607 Virginia St., where her grandmother Suzette Occhibone had been beaten and stabbed to death hours earlier.

"She was much more calm. She was able to carry on a conversation," Sitzman testified Thursday, the third and final day of Bino's trial.

Bino, 33, has pleaded not guilty in Woodbury County District Court of first-degree murder for the Oct. 26, 2023, death of Occhibone. Bino and her mother, Angela Bino, who also lived in the apartment, both were arrested in the hours after the investigation began.

Defense attorney Brendan Kelly has filed an intoxication defense in Jessica Bino's case.

Sitzman and fellow officer Nathan Niehus, who was present while Jessica Bino was questioned, both said they did not think she was intoxicated.

"When we were in the room, she appeared almost stone-faced," Niehus said. "She did not appear to be intoxicated."

Asked during defense cross examination if police administered blood or breath tests to Bino that night, Niehus said no.

An officer who encountered Jessica and Angela Bino more than five hours before police were called to their apartment to investigate Occhibone's death previously testified he believed both were intoxicated when he met with him. Several officers who responded to the apartment later that night testified during the trial that, based upon their observations and encounters with Jessica and Angela Bino, they did not believe they were intoxicated.

Police went to the apartment after a neighbor called 911 to report Jessica and Angela Bino were trying to load Occhibone's body into the trunk of her car. When police arrived, they found Occhibone's body, covered with blankets, on the ground near the rear passenger door, her body cold and stiff. Investigators later learned Angela and Jessica Bino were to be evicted from the apartment in five days.

After Woodbury County Attorney James Loomis rested his case, Kelly called one witness, police Det. Tyler Hemingson, whom Kelly questioned about statements a minor who lived in a next-door apartment gave to police. The minor previously testified he had heard some loud noises and voices that sounded like arguing. Hemingson confirmed that's what the minor told him that night.

Kelly did not call anyone to testify about Bino's condition the night Occhibone was killed, and Bino did not testify. After attending the first day of her trial Tuesday, Bino asked not to be present for the remainder of it.

Occhibone suffered eight stab and cutting wounds to her face and neck and numerous blunt-force trauma wounds to her head, face and torso. Among her injuries were a punctured lung, trachea and esophagus, a broken nose, skull fracture and two broken facial bones. A medical examiner testified any combination of those wounds could have been fatal. He determined her death was caused by sharp-force and blunt-force injuries.

Sioux City Police crime scene investigator Jasmine Gray-McLane on Thursday reviewed dozens of photos she took at the apartment, including a hammer and scissors found in the bedrooms, a knife found in a kitchen trash can and a broken glass candlestick found in a living room trash can.

Evidence previously entered showed Occhibone's blood was on all four items, and Jessica Bino's DNA was on the hammer and scissors. The knife had a DNA mixture from two people, but the sample was too weak to determine whose DNA it was.

Closing arguments in the case will be submitted in writing by March 14. District Judge Steven Andreasen, who will decide the case after Bino previously waived her right to a jury trial, then will review the evidence and schedule a hearing once he's reached a verdict.

If found guilty of first-degree murder, Bino would face a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole.

Angela Bino, 60, has pleaded not guilty of first-degree murder. She is scheduled to stand trial in March.
The world of Freida McFaddens thrillers is full of people and lives that at first seem perfect: rich and devastatingly handsome husbands, their well-groomed and achingly beautiful wives, enormous penthouses and mansions. Also, leather sofas. So many leather sofas! McFaddens best-known novel, The Housemaid, begins with an unidentified narrator wondering if the police detective heading upstairs to find a gruesome scene in the attic has taken a moment to envy the swank burnt-caramel Italian leather sofa on which she sits.

Once you get the hang of McFaddens formula, youll realize that the person narrating that opening scene is almost never the novels heroine, the person who will narrate most of the rest of the book. McFaddenthe pseudonym of a Boston physicianhas sold more than 6 million copies of her 23 thrillers, beginning as a self-publisher before turning over that task to the independent publishing house SourceBooks, so shes got it down. To set the hook, McFaddens thrillers typically begin in carnage, with a corpse, an arrest, a killer creeping toward the narrator in the dark. Then they roll back to the beginning of the story, a few days or weeks or months earlier, to explain how something so grisly and dramatic could have happened to a person who is either utterly ordinary (a maid, a high school teacher, a nurse) or else apparently perfect. In either case, the novels heroine will also have a big secret that shell allude to darkly for many chapters before finally spilling the beans.

As with any very successful slice of pop culture, its tempting to read a lot of social significance into the success of McFaddens thrillers. Whether they will bear much scrutiny is another matter. Unlike, say, Colleen Hoover, a bestseller-list juggernaut who crams every conceivable crowd-pleasing device into her novels, McFadden doesnt do spice or jerk tears. You wont find her enthusiastswho, according to the New York Times, call themselves McFansposting TikTok videos of themselves weeping or fanning their smut-flushed faces with one of her books. Instead, they record themselves gaping at one of her novels last few pages in astonishment. As an author, McFadden really only does one thing: Shes a twist machine.

Machine is the operative term, because McFadden cranks out novelseach uncannily close to 350 pages in lengthwith the efficiency of a factory. (While also, somehow, still working as a doctor treating brain disorders.) In addition to her latest, The Crash, which was released this week, shell be publishing The Tenant in May. After that, who knows? The year will still be young. Unsurprisingly, McFadden books feel more engineered than written, with surfaces as smooth and featureless as the fancy stainless steel appliances in her rich baddies kitchens. Her fiction has no atmosphere, no images, no texture. Even when her characterswho are almost always blondhave a backstory, its insubstantial. At the beginning of The Housemaid, Millie, the title character, is a few months out after serving a 10-year prison sentence. Yet, despite prison being what most of us consider a fairly memorable experience, she never mentions a single recollection from the preceding decade: no one she met inside, no skills learned, nothing of what it was like to be confined, not even the food. Her past is a vacuum.

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Or, rather, its a device. Millies record, and the difficulty she has finding employment because of it, forces her to stick with a job anyone else would quit within a week. She works as a live-in housekeeper for the Winchesters, a fabulously rich Long Island family. Nina Winchester is impossible and unstable, blaming Millie for messes Nina has made herself, accusing her of nonsensical transgressions and running down her work. By contrast, Ninas husband, Andrew, is handsome and kind, stepping in to help Millie out whenever Ninas demands get too onerous.

Related From Slate The Presumed Innocent Sequel Is Here. I Have a Verdict. Read More

One rule of thumb with McFaddens thrillers: Everyone turns out to be the opposite of what the author initially leads you to believe they are. (Be forewarned: The following will contain spoilers.) Nina isnt jealous of Millies growing attraction to Andrew; shes actually trying to palm her husband off on the maid because hes a controlling sadist who periodically locks her in a room without food or water. Conversely, in that novels sequel The Housemaids Secret, Millie tries to rescue an abused wife, but the woman is actually conniving to trick Millie into killing her rich (and utterly blameless) husband before he gives all their money to charity and divorces her. Vulnerable invalids are in fact sinister manipulators, while chirpy brides and best friends are revealed to be sociopathic murderers.

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The Crash, McFaddens new novel, abides by this rule, delivering a midbook twist that the practiced McFadden reader can see coming a mile away, and a preposterous late-book twist that feels especially gratuitous. The main charactereight months pregnant by one of the many evil, heartless rich people who stalk McFaddens fictionis rescued from a car accident in a blizzard by a couple who stash her in a hospital bed in their basement. She thinks the husband is abusive and behind the wifes reluctance to transport her to a hospital, but in fact the wife, driven mad by her own inability to conceive a child, plans to deliver, then steal, the baby. When the heroine finally escapes with the aid of the husband, she learns from the police that someone had tampered with her car. This turns out to be her own brother, a minor character who has only ever seemed deeply concerned for her, until he is caught again trying to kill her so that he can do a business deal with the evil rich guy who fathered her child.

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Every time I see someone on TikTok presenting a stack of a dozen McFadden novels shes read and offering to rank them for the viewer, I wonder how she did it. How did she not get bored by fiction whose only purpose is to trick you into being surprised at the endfiction that gets less and less surprising the more of it you read? Unlike the clever, elaborate puzzles devised by, say, Agatha Christie, McFaddens thrillers are so bare-bones she cant afford much in the way of red herrings or misdirection. The good guys are the bad guys, and the bad guys are the good guys. Obviously, both of the dewy newlyweds stranded in a big old Westchester mansion that once belonged to a famous therapist will turn out to be her former patients, and homicidal ones at that.

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True, McFadden doesnt seem to command the same passionate loyalty that Hoover does. Even those who profess to enjoy her books tend to qualify their enthusiasm. Her books are like Lifetime movies. Its just a guilty pleasure, one Redditor posted, almost apologetically, in a McFadden thread replete with ambivalence about her thrillers. Others have complained that McFaddens books are plagiarizedby which they dont mean the traditional definition of the term, a word-for-word presentation of another writers work as ones own. Instead, these readers believe that McFadden has lifted her premises and twists from other books: The Housemaid turns on a device close to that of Liv Constantines The Last Mrs. Parrish, while McFaddens The Teacher too nearly resembles Kate Elizabeth Russells My Dark Vanessa, and McFaddens The Wife Upstairs seems like a rip-off of Colleen Hoovers Verity (which itself, in my opinion at least, seems overly indebted to Gillian Flynns Gone Girl).

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These complaints, though, are less about McFaddens work in particular and more the symptoms of a genre, the domestic thriller, reaching a stage of creative exhaustion. There are only so many ways that husbands and other family members can deceive and double-cross the heroines of such stories. In McFaddens thrillers, these familiar devices get regurgitated, capitalizing on a readership whose obsession with perfect facadesthat is, with a flawless performance of conventional femininityis matched only by its desire to see that performance ripped up and proven a lie. One day, perhaps, readers will finally lose their appetite for this particular flavor of schadenfreude. But until they do, McFadden will never tire of serving it to them.
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On Wednesday night, an American Airlines regional jet collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter over D.C., en route to DCA airport. More than 60 people are feared dead in the crash, including passengers, crew, and service members aboard the helicopter, which would make it the deadliest aviation disaster in the United States in a quarter century.

It marks the first major crisis of the nascent Trump presidency, and one with particularly bad optics for the president. In his war with the administrative state and in his determination to gore federal spending, Trump had already fired the heads of the Transportation Security Administration and the Coast Guard and gutted a key aviation safety advisory committee, all just 10 days before the crash. As the Daily Beast reported, Federal Aviation Administration head Michael Whitaker stepped down on Jan. 20, after Elon Musk, the spear tip of Trumps cost cutting spree, demanded that he quit.

Its a truism that its bad form to politicize a tragedy, and Democrats have often abided that concept. Not surprisingly, Trump entered Thursdays presser, his first public comments on the crash, raring to blame it on his enemies, real and imagined. Getting out in front of those facts, Trump called for a moment of silence, and then immediately began to assail Democrats, before essentially concluding that diverse hiring initiatives (DEI) were the real culprit to blame for this tragedy.

The public address was full of political invective. Trump began by going after Joe Biden, accusing the former president of changing nebulous aviation safety and hiring standards to lower than ever before.

I put safety first. Obama, Biden and the Democrats put policy first, Trump said. They put politics at a level nobodys ever seen  their policy was horrible and their politics was even worse.

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Next up was former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Hes a disaster  disaster as a mayor, and a disaster now, Trump said, adding Hes just got a good line of bullshita surprisingly blunt insult even for Trump. Run it right into the ground with his diversity.

From there, Trump pivoted to the next culprit: DEI. I do want to point out various articles, he said, and began leafing through news stories to read bad-faith headlines about diversity and inclusion hiring practices for air traffic control, the federal aviation authority, and more.

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It was almost unbelievable to hearunbelievable, even, to the president, who himself admitted, we dont know that necessarily its even the controllers fault. In fact, no evidence was presented that the air traffic controllers, the American Airlines pilot, or the driver of the Army helicopter was a diversity hire.

It just could have been, he said, defending his undeniably irrelevant and shamelessly political explanation. Never let the facts get in the way of a good story.

After reading several Fox News headlines, Trump showed off the integrated nature of his new administration by handing the microphone to two separate members of his Fox News Cabinet, recently confirmed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

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Duffy praised Trump for his exemplary leadership, and then assured the American public that what happened yesterday shouldnt have happened, a sentiment most Americans probably didnt need explained to them. When Americans take off in airplanes they should expect to land at their destination. That didnt happen yesterday. Duffy then suggested it could be DEI.

Hegseths turn at the lectern also featured praise of Trump, but had a little more substance. His short statement indicated that it was likely the Army helicopter that was at fault, given the available facts, but that DEI definitely might have been involved. That admission made Trumps anti-DEI screed look even more ridiculous, though it didnt slow him down at all. Vice President J.D. Vance came in to quickly ensure that even if there was no clear DEI, the general atmosphere of DEI could have worn down the nondiversity hires who seemed to be at fault here.

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How could diversity have something to do with this crash? asked one of the journalists in the press pool, after Trump returned to the podium. Because I have common sense, answered the president.

Pete Buttigieg, the Democratic former transportation secretary, fired back immediately, tweeting:

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Despicable. As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying. We put safety first, drove down close calls, grew Air Traffic Control, and had zero commercial airline crash fatalities out of millions of flights on our watch. President Trump now oversees the military and the FAA. One of his first acts was to fire and suspend some of the key personnel who helped keep our skies safe. Time for the President to show actual leadership and explain what he will do to prevent this from happening again.

But other Democrats have been slow to respond. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer went for a gentle tsking, tweeting that President Trumps news conference on the heartbreaking, horrific accident at DCA was full of conspiracy theories that [turn] your stomach.

And outlandish as Republican talking pointsand politicization of this tragedyseem, the difference in message discipline and opportunism between Trump and his Democratic opponents is perhaps the starkest thing of all. Democratic leadership has been playing possum with Trump in the first weeks of his new administration, seemingly afraid of being accused of excessive politicization of his executive orders or Cabinet nominees. (In fact, after Duffys inspired comments, Trump made sure to mention that Democrats had voted for his confirmation.)

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But why? Being accused of thin political opportunism is not a concern Trump has ever abided by, and that attitude is core to his political success. Its part of the reason he has steamrolled Democrats at every turn in the early days and weeks of his second stint in the White House. And if Democratic Party members thought he might go easy on them in exchange, the presser made clear that there will be no such reward for playing nice.

The implausible emphasis on DEI as the source of all the worlds ills, meanwhile, has already reached laughable levels, proof of how little the administration actually has to offer the American public as it pursues its deep spending cuts. If Democrats are paying attention to Trump, or learning from him, they will use it as an opportunity to go on the offensive.
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President Donald Trump began his second term with a wave of shock and awe, pumping out explosive executive orders so quickly that neither the media nor the public could keep up. For a full week, the strategy mostly succeeded. Then it blew up in his face. The administrations effort on Tuesday to freeze trillions of dollars in government spending set off mass chaos throughout the countrynot the kind of chaos that this president seeks to foment and exploit, but the kind that undermines his broader goals and leads to an embarrassing course reversal. The disastrous episode illustrates how his administrations haste and incompetence can still sabotage its own agenda through terrible lawyering that wont hold up in court. It confirms that Trumps biggest legal vulnerability is still, after all these years, the sheer ineptitude that underlies so many of his most expansive and malicious schemes.

Early reporting already paints a clear, devastating picture of the unforced errors that led to Tuesdays catastrophe. It was, in some ways, a perfect storm of overweening ambition and lack of preparation at the Office of Management and Budget, which imposed the funding freeze in a cryptic two-page memo. Confidential OMB documents obtained by HuffPost reveal that the agency intended to tee up a fight over the presidents authority to impound, or rescind, money appropriated by Congress. Impoundment is prohibited by federal statute and likely unconstitutional as well. Yet the documents lay out a plot to use executive orders to impound funds, then seek legal precedent affirming the presidents constitutional prerogative to unilaterally withhold appropriations. Trump promised to do exactly that during the campaign, as have his nominees to lead the agency.

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Tuesdays spending freeze seems to have been the agencys first attempt to set up a test case that would, if successful, massively expand Trumps power over the federal budget. But there was a problem: Russell Vought, the presidents nominee for OMB director, has not yet been confirmed. More than anyone else, Vought has laid the groundwork for a legal showdown over impoundment. (In 2019, as acting OMB director, he played a major role in the administrations refusal to disburse Ukraine aida brazenly illegal impoundment that led to Trumps first impeachment for attempting to extort Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky into launching an investigation of Joe Biden.) With Vought not yet back at the helm, the agency lacked a Senate-confirmed leader who could engineer and defend an impoundment with the best possible odds of holding up in court.

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So, according to the New York Times, the job fell upon Mark Paoletta, OMBs Trump-appointed general counsel and a longtime conservative operative. It might be more accurate to say that Paoletta took the task upon himselfbecause he reportedly failed to secure approval from the White House at any stage of the process. Paoletta is an experienced lawyer, but a reckless and controversial one, even on the right. He served as OMBs general counsel during Trumps first term too; in that position, he worked with Vought to withhold Ukraine aid, then actively misled congressional investigators probing the scandal. His cynical disregard for the law drew bipartisan criticism, and the presidents legal team blocked him from joining the group during the first impeachment trial.

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In recent years, Paolettas most prominent role has been as chief defender of Clarence and Ginni Thomas. He guided Thomas through his confirmation battle in 1991 and has remained close to the family since; he even appears in the notorious painting of Thomas hanging out with Harlan Crow and Leonard Leo, a work displayed in the justices foyer. Paoletta represented Ginni Thomas when she was interviewed by the Jan. 6 committee because of her efforts to push Republican lawmakers to overturn the 2020 election. And he took on the mantle of Clarence Thomas chief defender after the justices multiple ethics scandals came to light in 2023.

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It seems fair to assume that after the time Paoletta has spent on the sidelines, his aptitude for operating the machinery of state has grown rusty. The budget-freeze memo that he allegedly wrote was baffling from start to finishunreasoned, hopelessly vague, yet sweeping in its demand for an immediate halt to appropriations. It reads not as the careful work of a scrupulous lawyer but as the fever dream of an inebriated anarchist unleashing years of pent-up fury all at once. Paoletta was so arrogantly confident of his handiwork that he reportedly unleashed it without even consulting White House staff secretary Will Scharf or deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller. The administration was, by all accounts, blindsided by the sudden suspension of innumerable federal grants and programs.

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To make matters worse, Paoletta currently has no checks at OMB. The agencys former leadership, appointed by Biden, resigned when Trump took office, and the president named Matthew Vaeth as acting director. According to his LinkedIn profile, Vaeth previously served as the assistant director of the Legislative Reference Division, a relatively small office within OMB that conveys the administrations position on legislative proposals to Congress. Trumps appointment of acting directors on Jan. 20 was notoriously messy. For instance, his aides listed the wrong person as acting director of the FBI on the White House website; when they realized the mistake, they simply switched plans, keeping the person theyd mistakenly identified and bumping the one they had actually chosen. Trumps team appeared to prioritize the elevation of midlevel apparatchiks who would sign whatever the White House put in front of them. It evidently found such a person in Vaeth, who dutifully affixed his name to Tuesdays memoeven though it was reportedly Paoletta who wrote the misbegotten document.

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(Rachel Cauley, an OMB spokesperson, told the Atlantic Wednesday that Trumps appointees had nothing to do with the confidential document that laid out the impoundment plan. Cauley, its worth noting, was previously a spokesperson at the conservative Center for Renewing Americawhere Paoletta served as a senior fellow, churning out defenses of impoundment that do not withstand scrutiny.)

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This sloppy process looks bad to the public. But it looks even worse in court. Judges despise slapdash work of this sort and can get offended when government officials ask them to uphold it in the face of obvious deficiencies. Federal agencies are legally required to undertake their missions with due deliberation and candor; the prohibition against arbitrary and capricious policymaking lies at the heart of administrative law. The courts obligation to invalidate unreasoned or dishonest rules and regulations dovetails with a deeper hostility, shared by most judges, of lazy lawyering and shoddy work product. It was therefore no surprise that one district court judge blocked the OMB memo Wednesday, citing its egregious and expansive consequences. Another district court judge also looks poised to freeze it, though he sought clarity on Wednesday from state attorneys general who had sued the Trump administration over what such a freeze might look like after OMB rescinded the original memo with explanation. (White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt promptly denied that a rescission had occurred.)

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Trump ran into this problem over and over again in his first term at every level of the judiciary. He suffered two major defeats at the Supreme Court because his administration cut corners and assumed that the justices would look the other way. Yes, todays high court is more conservative. But there is probably still a limit to what Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett will swallow. And in the meantime, Trump will flail in the lower courts, which can keep his orders on ice for a while before SCOTUS steps in. When the Justice Department seeks an emergency stay of an injunction, the bar for Supreme Court intervention is quite high, and the justices must balance the equities to determine whether the governments claimed harm is severe enough to justify stepping in. Roberts and Barrett may be less sympathetic toward the governments purported injury when it is defending a policy that obviously originated as lawless slop before being spruced up by mercenary lawyers.

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The best that can be said of the Trump administrations approach is that it tests the limits of what courts will allow. During his first term, for instance, Trump famously put out two iterations of the Muslim ban that failed in court before crafting a third iteration that (barely) survived SCOTUS review. But repeated lower-court defeats help cement a narrative that he is abusing his powers and cruising for defeat. And at least five justices on the Supreme Court may grow weary of his administrations constantly pushing the outer limits of their tolerance. It is always a tactical mistake for presidents to assume they have SCOTUS in their pocket. This weeks OMB debacle indicates that Trump and his allies may learn that painful lesson much sooner than they think.
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On Wednesday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on antisemitism. A White House fact sheet, obtained by reporters ahead of the order, proclaimed that Immediate action will be taken by the Department of Justice to protect law and order, quell pro-Hamas vandalism and intimidation, and investigate and punish anti-Jewish racism in leftist, anti-American colleges and universities. Trump also vowed, To all the resident aliens who joined in the pro-jihadist protests, we put you on notice: come 2025, we will find you, and we will deport you. I will also quickly cancel the student visas of all Hamas sympathizers on college campuses, which have been infested with radicalism like never before.

In other words, Trumps plan to fight antisemitism is to use the powers of the U.S. government to go after universities, and to deport people, including students, who are here on visas if the protests in which they are participating are deemed to be sympathetic to Hamas.

Democrats who speak out against this may well be accused of antisemitism, supporting terrorism, or being soft on national security. They need to speak and act out against it anyway.

We have, unfortunately, seen that this is a tall order for many. We have seen that some Democrats were all too ready to rush to paint universities as hotbeds of antisemitism; to back legislation that would give the executive branch the power to go after nonprofits by describing them as supportive of terrorism (a term that, as we have seen in the United States and around the world, is all too open to political manipulation); and to falsely condemn peaceful protesters as violent.

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That needs to change. Its not only students who are under threat. The president is conducting an all-out assault on liberal democracywhat Perry Bacon Jr. at the Washington Post called a full-scale war against modern liberalism, freezing federal funding, halting foreign aid, further restricting immigration, halting initiatives to promote diversity and accessibility, and attacking transgender rights. This executive order, in its attack on institutions of higher learning and on the constitutional right to free assembly, needs to be understood in that context. You dont support liberal democracy if you also support the Trump administrations crackdown on universities and his planned deportation of students, and if you do support the latter, you may find that you soon no longer have the luxury of living in the former.

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All of this would be true even if the administration appeared sincere in its desire to fight antisemitism. Unfortunately, it seems open to doing this only insofar as fighting antisemitism means going after critics of Israel, particularly on college campuses, and not if it involves, say, addressing the rampant antisemitic conspiracy theories within our own building.

During Trumps first week in office, Elon Musk, his head of government efficiency who has joined the president at various meetings with foreign leaders, twice performed what looked an awful lot like a Nazi salute at a victory rally while thanking voters for saving civilization; dashed off some Nazi puns on X, his social media platform; and told supporters at a rally for Germanys far-right AfD party that Germans should move beyond guilt about their past.

Related From Slate Trumps Order to Create a U.S. Version of Iron Dome Makes No Damn Sense Read More

Further, while Trump did not comment this week on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, his Defense Intelligence Agency did reportedly circulate a memo saying that observance for Mays Day of Remembrance would be paused, along with those for things like Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Black History Month, and Womens Equality Day. Wednesday and Thursday saw hearings for his health secretary nominee, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who, in 2023, suggested that COVID was engineered to spare Ashkenazi Jews (along with Chinese people). This is before we get to the president himself, who has repeatedly pushed conspiracies about George Soros, the Jewish Hungarian-born billionaire philanthropist, and has said that there is something wrong with Jews who do not support him politically. In his first week in office, Trump also pardoned accused white supremacists and antisemites, including members of the neofascist Proud Boys, who were involved in storming the Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021.

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All this is to say that the president is not threatening college students to actually fight the very real problem of antisemitism or to protect Jews. He is using Jewish fear and the threat of antisemitism to attack civil rights, minorities, and democracy itself while allowing antisemitism in his own administration to fester. Jewish groups have spoken out against the executive order, including the anti-occupation group IfNotNow, progressive Jewish group Bend the Arc, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, and Nexus, which works to combat antisemitism and protect free speech (and with which, disclosure, I work as a fellow; it had no oversight on this piece). These groups have, accurately, called the order not only counterproductive to the fight against antisemitismwhich will be won through education and working across difference and not by deporting studentsbut also antidemocratic. Its good that they have said something.

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But everyone should. Everyone, and particularly every elected Democrat, should work and speak out against Trumps plans even if they dont agree with everything, or even anything, that Jewish Voice for Peace or Students for Justice in Palestine says. They should speak out even if they dont think its fair that students protest against Israel and not, say, Russia and China, or if they think its wrong to encourage boycotts of Israeli goods or cultural products, or if they dont believe that there are interpretations of from the river to the sea that are not antisemitic.

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They should do sothey need to do sobecause the point of having free speech and assembly as constitutional guarantees isnt to ensure that only people who agree with you can speak out and assemble. Nor is the point of higher education to learn only what you want to know. Politicians and ordinary Americans must oppose this action because if the people with whom you disagree dont have the right to speak out against government policy without fear of retribution from the most powerful people in the country, that right no longer exists.

And so I hope that every Democrat speaks out for these universities, these professors, these students. They should do so even when it gets hard and politically uncomfortable. And they should remember that when you speak out for someone elses right to protest without fear of political persecution in a democracy, youre not only doing it for them. Youre doing it for yourself.
The Meadowlands is historically known as a track where favourites can be vulnerable, the result of its mile circumference, competitive fast-paced racing and big 10-horse fields, but lately, even those who love it when bombs drop near the Jersey swamp must be a little surprised at how prolific these horses have been of late.

The last three race cards at The Big M (Jan. 18, Jan. 24 and Jan. 25) have produced a big handful of eye-popping results. The list of horses paying $50 or more over that span follows.

Saturday, Jan. 18:

Race 1, Captain Marvel, 36-1 odds, paying $74.60 to win

Race 6, Genius Man, 74-1, $150.60

Race 11, Lava Field, 46-1, $95.60

In addition, 82-1 shot Spirit Of Truth won race two, but returned $42.60 after being part of the first triple dead heat in track history

Friday, Jan. 24:

Race 1, Heartlandbanysbro, 76-1, $154.40

Race 2, Rockinwiththebest, 27-1, $57.40 (Daily Double paid $4,637.40)

Race 5, Second Bruiser, 44-1, $90.20

Race 7, Corsini A, 55-1, $112.80

Saturday, Jan. 25:

Race 9, Sling Shock, 72-1, $146.40

Race 12, Spirit Of Truth, 56-1, $115.40

That 42-race span resulted in nine winners paying more than $50 (21 per cent) and five that returned more than $100 (12 per cent). Ironically, chalk players werent left out in the cold, as favourites still managed to win 18 times, a track-typical 43 per cent. Over the span, the average win price was a hefty $31.83.

We tend to have our share of big-priced winners, commented Jason Settlemoir, Meadowlands Chief Operating Officer and General Manager. Its not very often we go through a streak like this, but when we do, it creates a lot of excitement for our fan base. And on Friday, the longshot winners created a big carryover. Something our fans always go for in a big way.

Fridays fireworks festival led to a carryover of $28,744, which motivated bettors to pour an astonishing $183,943 of new money into the 20-cent Pick-5 pool for a grand total of $212,687.

Unlike the Friday night sequence that created the carryover, winners' odds on Saturday were a more reasonable 6-1, 17-1, 3-2, 13-1 and 1-5. There were 66 winning tickets exchanged for $2,787.26 after the Ron Burke-trained, Yannick Gingras-driven Antognoni S scored as the heavy public choice in the payoff leg (race five), ending what turned out to be a de facto Pick-4 for those who singled the 1-5 public choice.

There were no winning tickets sold on the 20-cent Pick-6 last Saturday, creating a carryover of $5,153 for when racing resumes on Friday. The Pick-6 is offered on races eight through 13. The Meadowlands offers free program pages for every race on its website at playmeadowlands.com.

During the months of January and February, live racing will be conducted every Friday and Saturday with a first-race post time of 6:20 p.m. The live Racing from The Meadowlands pre-game show begins at 5:45 p.m.

There is a new face joining the Big M TV team as Joe Romanelli will handle interviews from the back paddock beginning Friday night. Recently, Romanelli, 25, served as the track announcer at Freehold Raceway and brings an energetic love of the sport as he embarks on his new position. Before the start of the program, Romanelli will be introduced to the simulcast viewers in an interview with Dave Little on set at approximately 5:50 p.m.

One of The Meadowlands more popular promotions is the Chili Cook-Off, and the winter edition of the tasty treat takes place on Saturday, Feb. 1. There will be prizes for Homestyle Chili, Red Chili, Peoples Choice Chili, Best Booth and Salsa.

(With files from Meadowlands Racetrack)
Roger Plante Jr. scored the 3,000th win of his driving career when he steered five-year-old pacing mare Killer Waves to a victory on Wednesday, Jan. 29 at Rosecroft Raceway.

Plante landed on top with the favoured Downbytheseaside-I Kill Time mare after a contested :27 first quarter and cruised through middle panels of :57.1 and 1:26.2 en route to the 1:56.3 victory in the evening's sixth race, a $5,714 first-level conditioned pace for fillies and mares. They won by 1-1/4 lengths over Beach Boutique (William Carter) with Ea Casualty Loss (Russell Foster) completing the top three.

Killer Waves, a nine-time winner after her successful season's debut, is trained by Eli Scott Jr. and owned Leonard Hubbard of Cambridge, Maryland. She paid $4.20 to win.

A native of New Hampshire, the 57-year-old Plante logged his first career start in 1984. Since 2001, he has been a mainstay in the Delmarva region and he has driven the winners of more than $27 million in his career.

Sent off at 3-5 in her return to Rosecroft, Phoenix Rising stole soft fractions and kept pocket rival Bluebird Ina a length at bay to win the night's featured $16,429 Mares Open Handicap Pace.

Frank Milby gunned the five-year-old Movie Idol-Scarlet Pandemic mare to the top through a :27.1 first quarter and the pair then coasted through middle splits of :58 and 1:26.2 while Bluebird Ina (William Carter) drafted from the pocket. Turning for home, Phoenix Rising had plenty in reserve to parry a mild challenge from Bluebird Ina and win in 1:55.2. Dice Dice Baby (Roger Plante Jr.) finished third after stalking the top pair the entire mile.

Trainer Franklin Gannon III co-owns 18-time winner Phoenix Rising with Elizabeth Gannon. The winner paid $3.20.

Plante and Milby both recorded driving triples on the 12-race card.

Amateur driver Steven Robinson earned his 100th career driving victory when Awesome Times Two ($3.20) posted a 3-3/4-length, 1:59.2 win over Moneyorroses (Adrian Wisher Jr.) in the $6,429 Mid-Atlantic Drivers Club pace. The 59-year-old Robinson, who also trains a small stable, first lined up behind the gate in 1994 and has driven off and on in the three decades since, primarily in amateur events.

The 50-cent Jackpot Hi-5, in race 10, returned $3,984.10 to one player with the winning combination of 5-2-8-6-9.

Live harness racing returns to Rosecroft on Monday, Feb. 3 with first post at 7:15 p.m.

(With files from Rosecroft Raceway)
A local Washington Republican lawmaker is looking to capitalize on a Monday ruling in King County Superior Court upholding the last legislative sessions parental rights bill.

A newly proposed bill by Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, aims to provide more rights for parents regarding their childrens medical procedures, just as a judge dismissed a May parental rights bill lawsuit, which argued Initiative 2081 undermines other state laws protecting students rights to privacy, health care and education.

Part of the law, stemming from the Republican-backed initiative, was placed on hold in June by the King County court. However, a Friday hearing sided with the defendants, according to a press release from the ACLU of Washington, who, along with Legal Voice and QLaw Foundation of Washington, filed the suit on behalf of seven nonprofits, two individuals and the South Whidbey School District.

The cases dismissal was filed Monday.

What the ruling really establishes is that the Washington Parents Bill of Rights is good law, Walsh said Wednesday.

Initiative 2081 explains information a parent of Washington public school students can access, including public school records, school curriculum and notifications of medical services. The June ruling temporarily blocked parents access to their childrens medical and mental health records.

Opponents of the law are now turning to legislative solutions. Two bills proposed in the current legislative session, House Bill 1296 and Senate Bill 5181, aim to amend the law to limit which student records are available to parents.

Walsh said he expects those bills to be difficult to pass, and that they would potentially face legal challenges of their own if they were passed.

This is a fight were not backing down from, he said.

Walsh, who is also the state Republican party chairperson, is currently working on another parents rights bill, this time to change when minors can independently consent to medical procedures, despite critics suggesting it could put teens at risk.

Walshs proposal

House Bill 1176 aims to raise the age at which minors can consent to certain medical procedures without parental permission in what Walsh says is an attempt to safeguard parental rights and improve health outcomes for young people.

If Walshs new bill passes, the age would raise for independent consent for care related to sexually transmitted diseases and inpatient treatment for mental health issues or substance use disorder. It also prevents parents or legal guardians from being held financially responsible if their child receives abortion services without their consent, and prevents state funds from being used to pay for those services unless the childs life is in imminent danger.

Currently, state law allows minors to receive mental health and substance use treatment without parental consent if they are at least 13 years old, and STD treatment if they are at least 14. Abortion care is available without parental consent at any age.

In some cases, minors who do not meet the age requirement can still consent to their own care if the doctor determines that they are mature enough to understand the consequences or if they meet certain other conditions. This rule, called the mature minor doctrine, was first established by a 1967 Washington Supreme Court case.

Walsh said that while he believes the rule is well-intentioned, he thinks it has led to worse health outcomes for minors who benefit from it. The proposed bill would prevent the mature minor doctrine from taking effect in situations where it conflicts with the bills age requirements.

Theres a vast difference in the maturity, emotional IQ and intelligent IQ of a person between 13 and 17, he said.

The data

Walsh said that negative mental health, suicidal ideation and drug use among teens has increased since the mature minor doctrine was implemented, although he did not cite a specific source for that information.

According to the state healthy youth survey, the percentage of students in grades six-12 who reported that they had ever seriously considered suicide increased by around 7% between 2010 and 2018.

However, that percentage started to drop in 2021. In 2023, the percentage of eighth-12th graders who reported contemplating suicide was around 6% lower than in 2018.

Drug use, including marijuana, increased among eighth and 10th graders in the county between 2021 and 2023, according to the same survey, but remains lower than in 2018.

These numbers mirror national patterns, suggesting that individual state laws may not be to blame. The Centers for Disease Control reported in 2024 that the percentage of high school students nationwide who have considered or attempted suicide has been increasing since 2013, although it also noted a drop between 2021 and 2023.

Parental rights

Under the current system in Washington, minors do not need to give a reason for excluding their parents from medical decisions if they are old enough to independently consent, and do not have to prove that the parents are abusive or otherwise harmful to their health.

Walsh argues that this is unfair to parents who are not abusive.

The parents can be perfectly supportive of the child and still be cut out of a childs life, he said. Thats wrong.

Rep. Joel McEntire, R-Cathlamet, said Republicans are continuing to focus on parental rights in response to what he called a movement to push parents out of decisions in schools and doctors offices.

Its jumping higher on the priority list all the time, because we have an administration now that probably sees things our way, he said.

McEntire represents the 19th District, which includes Longview and Kelso, along with Walsh, but was not involved in filing the bill.

Jim Coffee, CEO of Cowlitz Family Health Center, said that some teens seek out care without involving their parents not because they dont want to, but because they cant. For example, a homeless teen who is couch surfing with friends might not have a parent available to get permission from.

We see a lot of those kids, Coffee said.

Cowlitz Family Health Center is a nonprofit clinic based in Longview that first opened in 1970 as a way to provide family planning and health services to low-income Cowlitz County residents. Today, they see a number of teens for both physical and mental health care, Coffee said.

Currently, we do follow the law and allow kids 14 and older to seek care without parental permission, but were always hoping they involve their parents, he said.

Coffee said he is concerned Walshs bill would create a barrier for teens looking for help with family planning and similar services.

According to the CDC study, around 20% of high school students reported being sexually active in 2023. However, only half of those students said they used a condom during their last encounter, and less than 10% were tested for HIV or other sexually-transmitted diseases.
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Credit: University of Glasgow

A landmark development led by researchers from the University of Glasgow could help create a new generation of diamond-based transistors for use in high-power electronics.

Their new diamond transistor overcomes the limitations of previous developments in the technology to create a device much closer to being of practical use across a range of industries that rely on high power systems.

The team have found a new way to use diamond as the basis of a transistor that remains switched off by defaulta development crucial for ensuring safety in devices that carry a large amount of electrical current when switched on.

Diamond has an inherent property known as a wide band gap, meaning it is capable of handling much higher voltages than siliconthe material the majority of transistors are made frombefore electrically breaking down. In power electronic applications, that means that transistors made from materials such as diamond can withstand significantly higher voltages and deliver higher power than Si transistors.

The team's diamond transistor could find applications in sectors where large voltages are required and efficiency is highly valued, like power grids or electric vehicles.

Professor David Moran, of the University of Glasgow's James Watt School of Engineering, led the research team with partners from RMIT University in Australia and Princeton University in the U.S. Their research is published in the journal Advanced Electronic Materials.

Professor Moran said, "Transistors are essentially switches that control electrical current. Devices like computers or smartphones use billions of tiny silicon-based transistors that draw small amounts of power, but power electronics use much fewer switches at significantly higher power levels.

"The challenge for power electronics is that the design of the switch needs to be capable of staying firmly switched off when it's not in use to ensure it meets safety standards, but it must also deliver very high power when turned on.

"Previous state-of-the-art diamond transistors have generally been good at one at the expense of the otherswitches which were good at staying off but not so good at providing current on demand, or vice-versa. What we've been able to do is engineer a diamond transistor which is good at both, which is a significant development."

At the University of Glasgow's James Watt Nanofabrication Center, the team used surface chemistry techniques to improve the performance of diamond, coating it in hydrogen atoms followed by layers of aluminum oxide.

Their diamond transistor requires 6 volts to switch on, more than twice the voltage compared to previous diamond transistors, while still delivering high current when activated.

They also improved how efficiently charge moves through the device, achieving twice the performance compared to traditional diamond transistors. In practical terms, this means electrical charge can move more freely through the device, improving its efficiency.

When switched off, the device's resistance is high enough that it measures below the noise floor of the team's equipment in the lab, meaning almost zero current leaks through when it's supposed to be off, a crucial safety feature for high-power applications.

Professor Moran added, "These are really encouraging results, which bring diamond transistors much closer to achieving their potential than ever before. The production cost for diamond is surprisingly low for a material that many people associate with luxury goods, but there are still challenges to be addressed before diamond transistors are ready to be scaled up by the manufacturing industry. We hope that our research will help drive forward the adoption of diamond transistors across industries in the years to come."

More information: Chunlin Qu et al, Extreme EnhancementMode Operation Accumulation Channel HydrogenTerminated Diamond FETs with Vth < 6 V and High onCurrent, Advanced Electronic Materials (2025). DOI: 10.1002/aelm.202400770
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Theoretical and computational frameworks of Delphi. Credit: Nature Machine Intelligence (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s42256-024-00969-6.

Advanced artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including LLM-based conversational agents such as ChatGPT, have become increasingly widespread. These tools are now used by countless individuals worldwide for both professional and personal purposes.

Some users are now also asking AI agents to answer everyday questions, some of which could have ethical and moral nuances. Providing these agents with the ability to discern between what is generally considered 'right' and 'wrong', so that they can be programmed to only provide ethical and morally sound responses, is thus of the utmost importance.

Researchers at the University of Washington, the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence and other institutes in the United States recently carried out an experiment exploring the possibility of equipping AI agents with a machine equivalent of human moral judgment.

In a paper, published in Nature Machine Intelligence, they introduce a new computational model called Delphi, which was used to explore the strengths and limitations of machine-based morality.

"As society adopts increasingly powerful AI systems for pervasive use, there are growing concerns about machine moralityor lack thereof," Liwei Jiang, first author of the paper, told Tech Xplore.

"Millions of users already rely upon the outputs of AI systems, such as chatbots, as decision aids. Meanwhile, AI researchers continue to grapple with the challenge of aligning these systems with human morality and values. Fully approximating human morality with machines presents a formidable challenge, as humanity has not settled with conclusions of human morality for centuries and will likely never reach a consensus."

The key objective of the recent work by Jiang and her colleagues was to investigate the possibilities and challenges associated with instilling human moral values into machines. This led to the establishment of the Delphi project, a research effort aimed at teaching an AI agent to predict people's moral judgment, by training it on a crowdsourced moral textbook.

"Delphi, the model we developed, demonstrates a notable capability to generate on-target predictions over nuanced and complicated situations, suggesting the promising effect of bottom-up approaches," said Jiang.

"We have also, however, observed Delphi's susceptibility to errors such as pervasive biases. As proposed by John Rawls, these types of biases can be overcome through a hybrid approach that 'works from both ends'introducing top-down constraints to complement bottom-up knowledge."

The broader mission of the Delphi project is to inspire more research groups to conduct multi-disciplinary studies aimed at developing more inclusive, ethically-informed and socially-aware AI systems. To do this, Jiang and her colleagues developed Delphi, a computational model that was trained to predict the moral judgments of humans in various everyday situations.

"Delphi is trained on the Commonsense Norm Bank (Norm Bank), a compilation of 1.7 million descriptive human moral judgments of everyday situations," explained Jiang. "The backbone of Delphi is Unicorn, a multi-task commonsense reasoning model trained across a suite of commonsense QA benchmarks."

Moral judgments are deeply rooted in commonsense knowledge about how the world works and what is or is not deemed acceptable. The researchers thus decided to build the model using the code underlying Unicorn, a state-of-the-art universal commonsense reasoning model.

"For example, judging whether or not it is allowable to ask a child to touch an electric socket with a coin requires physical commonsense knowledge about the dangers of touching a live wire," said Jiang. "The Unicorn model approaches these kinds of problems, building on Google's T5-11B (i.e., the T5 model with 11 billion parameters), a pre-trained neural language model based on the transformer architecture."

Delphi shows robust ability to generalize to unseen situations beyond the Norm Bank, and adjust its judgment against changing contexts. The colors of labels indicate Delphi's classification results (green, positive; gray, neutral; red, negative). Textual labels come from Delphi's open-text responses. Credit: Nature Machine Intelligence (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s42256-024-00969-6.

The Delphi model's interface resembles that of ChatGPT and other conversational agents. Users simply type a query, and the model will process it and output an answer. This query could be formulated as a statement (e.g., "Women cannot be scientists"), a description of an everyday situation (e.g. "Driving a friend to the airport") or a question regarding the moral implications of a specific situation (e.g., "Can I drive a friend to the airport without a license?").

"In response to a user's query, Delphi produces a simple yes/no answer (e.g., 'No, women can be scientists'), or free-form response, which is intended to capture richer nuances of moral judgments," explained Jiang.

"For example, for the question: 'driving your friend to the airport without bringing your license,' Delphi responds with 'it's irresponsible,' while for the query 'Can you drive your friend to the airport in the morning?' Delphi responds: 'it's considerate.'"

Jiang and her colleagues assessed the moral judgment of Delphi by asking it a vast number of queries and observing the responses it provided. Interestingly, they found that the model was generally able to provide responses that reflected human moral values, generalizing well across different situations and scenarios.

"The most notable contribution of the Delphi project to me was that through this first substantial empirical study of teaching machines human morality, we have sparked substantial follow-up works across research fields in machine morality," said Jiang. "We are very appreciative of facilitating progress in making socially responsible AI, especially AI applications permeating into lives of global users."

Delphi was made publicly available and has since been used by researchers to improve or test the moral judgment of AI agents in various settings. For instance, one study explored its ability to avoid harmful actions in a text-based game environment and another explored its potential for improving the safety of dialog agents, while other works by Jiang's research team evaluated its ability to detect hate speech and to generate ethically-informed texts.

"It is important to note that Delphi is still a research prototype and is certainly not ready to serve as an authoritative guide for day-to-day human ethical decision-making," said Jiang.

"It is an experiment meant to explore the possibilities and limits of human-machine collaboration in the ethical domain. Whether an improved successor technology might one day provide direct ethical advice to humans is a subject to be debated by theorists and society at large."

The Delphi project yielded interesting results that could inspire the future development of AI agents. Jiang and her colleagues hope that their efforts will encourage other researchers worldwide to also work towards improving the moral judgment and ethical reasoning capabilities of computational models.

"One of the major challenges of human morality is that it's neither monolithic nor static," said Jiang.

"As societies differ in norms and evolve over time, a robust AI system should be sensitive to this value relativism and pluralism. We have started a rich, major emerging line of AI research on 'pluralistic value alignment' dedicated to tackling the challenge of enriching the diversity of value representations in AI systems."

After the paper about the Delphi project was published, Jiang and her colleagues carried out another study aimed at constructing evaluation datasets or methods for revealing the cultural inadequacy of AI models. Their future research could gather new insight that could further contribute to the advancement and improvement of AI agents.

"Enriching AI representation towards the diverse population across the globe is an open, unsolved, independent grand challenge, and we're actively working on approaching this goal," added Jiang.

More information: Liwei Jiang et al, Investigating machine moral judgement through the Delphi experiment, Nature Machine Intelligence (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s42256-024-00969-6. Yu Ying Chiu et al, CulturalBench: a Robust, Diverse and Challenging Benchmark on Measuring the (Lack of) Cultural Knowledge of LLMs, arXiv (2024). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2410.02677 Journal information: Nature Machine Intelligence , arXiv

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Adding the noble gas xenon when manufacturing digital memories enables a more even material coating even in small cavities. This is shown by Professor Henrik Pedersen and his research group at Linkoping University. Credit: Olov Planthaber

The electronics of the future can be made even smaller and more efficient by getting more memory cells to fit in less space. One way to achieve this is by adding the noble gas xenon when manufacturing digital memories.

This has been demonstrated by researchers at Linkoping University in a study published in Nature Communications. This technology enables a more even material coating even in small cavities.

Twenty-five years ago, a camera memory card could hold 64 megabytes of information. Today, the same physical size memory card can hold 4 terabytesover 60,000 times more information.

An electronic storage space, such as a memory card, is created by alternating hundreds of thin layers of an electrically conductive and an insulating material. A multitude of very small holes are then etched through the layers. Finally, the holes are filled with a conductive material. This is done by using a technique in which vapors of various substances are used to create thin material layers.

At each point where the three different materials meet in the holes, memory cells are created. Together, the memory cells form a digital memory. The more meeting points, the more information can be stored in memory. This means that more layers with thinner and more holes lead to more memory cells. But this also makes it harder to fill the hole.

"The problem is getting the material into the holes and coating the surface inside the hole evenly. You don't want more material at the opening of the holeit clogs the opening, and you can't fill the rest of the hole. The molecules that carry the atoms for the material must be able to get all the way to the bottom," says Henrik Pedersen, professor of inorganic chemistry at Linkoping University.

To understand the challenge, the holes to be filled can be compared with the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa in Dubai, at 828 meters. The holes to be filled are 100 nanometers in diameter and 10,000 nanometers deep, i.e. the ratio is 100 to 1. If this applied to Burj Khalifa, the building would be only eight meters wide at its base.

What the researchers at Linkoping University have now done is to add a heavy noble gas, xenon, during the actual coating process, which means that the thickness of the material at the bottom of a hole equals that at the top.

The most common way to do this is to lower the temperature. This slows down the chemical reactions, but also often results in the material having poorer properties. By adding xenon, the researchers were able to use high enough temperatures to achieve really good material quality.

"We don't yet know exactly how this actually works. We believe that the xenon gas helps 'push' the molecules into the hole. This was a genius move by my doctoral student Arun Haridas Choolakkal. He had studied some basic formulas for how gases move and put forward the hypothesis that this should work. Together we set up a number of experiments to test it, and it worked," says Pedersen.

The researchers patented the technology and then sold the patent to a company in Finland that has now applied for patents in several countries.

"This was a way to keep the patent alive and the company in question has the resources to develop it further. I think this technology has a good chance of becoming the industry standard," says Pedersen.

More information: Arun Haridas Choolakkal et al, Competitive co-diffusion as a route to enhanced step coverage in chemical vapor deposition, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-55007-1 Journal information: Nature Communications
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The German union IG Metall reached an agreement with Volkswagen on a cost-cutting plan to avoid forced redundancies at Europe's largest carmaker's production sites in Germany.

The EU promised Thursday an "action plan" to help the bloc's beleaguered auto sector as it faces mounting pressure to ease green targets for an industry beset by Chinese competition.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen held talks with industry leaders in Brussels in a show of support for a sector that employs 13 million people and accounts for about seven percent of Europe's GDPamid a broader push to revive the continent's competitiveness.

"The European automotive industry is at a pivotal moment, and we acknowledge the challenges it faces. That is why we are acting swiftly to address them," von der Leyen said.

The so-called "strategic dialogue" brought together carmakers, suppliers, civil society groups and trade unionschaired by the European Commission president who pledged an "action plan" by early March.

Representatives of 22 industry players including Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes and Renault, participated in the meeting, the commission said.

The talks saw car industry representatives launch a "big attack" on emission standards set by Brusselsand related fines, said William Todts, executive director of clean transport advocacy group T&E, who was in attendance.

"They don't want to pay the penalties. They want to make changes to 2035," he said referring to the EU's ambitious target to phase out the sale of fossil fuel-burning cars within the next decade.

"They made very little proposals on how to actually stimulate the market for electric vehicles in Europe, and I thought that was disappointing".

The get-together came as the commission embarks on a pro-business shift, with firms complaining its former focus on climate and business ethics has led to excessive regulations.

On Wednesday, it unveiled a blueprint to revamp the bloc's economic model, amid worries that low productivity, high energy prices, weak investments and other ills are leaving the EU behind the United States and China.

The car industry has been plunged into crisis by high manufacturing costs, a stuttering switch to electric vehicles (EV) and increased Chinese competition.

Announcements of possible job cuts have multiplied. Volkswagen plans to axe 35,000 positions across its German locations by 2030.

Volkswagen and other European carmakers have struggled with the switch to electric vehicles as they face rising competition from China.

Emissions fines

Carmakers have been calling for "flexibility" on the steep emission fines they could face in 2025something the bloc's new growth blueprint said should be in the cards.

"Penalizing immediately the industry financially is not a good idea, because the industry is in trouble and... has to restructure itself, which will cost a lot of money," said Patrick Koller, CEO of French parts producer Forvia ahead of the meeting.

He later described the talkswhich lasted more than three hoursas "positive", adding that while no promises were made, the early March deadline showed the commission wanted to "move quickly".

About 16 percent of the planet-warming carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) gas released into the atmosphere in Europe comes from cars' exhaust pipes, the EU says.

As of this year carmakers have to lower the average CO 2 emitted by all newly sold vehicles by 15 percent from 2021 levels or pay a penaltywith tougher cuts down the road.

The idea is to incentivize firms to increase the share of EVs, hybrids and small vehicles they sell compared to, for instance, diesel-guzzling SUVs.

Some manufacturers complain that is proving harder than expected as consumers have yet to warm to EVs, which have higher upfront costs and lack an established used-vehicle market.

But critics say lifting the fines would unfairly penalize producers who have invested to comply.

Sales and tariffs

A senior EU official said incentives for businesses to buy electric fleets are an option.

Improving a patchy charging network, loosening China's grip on battery production and requiring vehicles be mostly made with parts manufactured in Europe were among other ideas discussed on Thursday, according to sources in attendance.

EV sales slid 1.3 percent in Europe last year, accounting for 13.6 percent of all sales, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), an industry group.

Of those, EU data shows 14 percent were Chinese electric cars by mid-2024, a rapidly growing share.

Brussels has imposed extra import tariffs on China-made electric vehicles of up to 35.3 percent after concluding Beijing's state support was unfairly undercutting European automakers.

 2025 AFP
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The smartphone apps DeepSeek page is seen on a smartphone screen in Beijing, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong, File

Italy's data protection authority on Thursday blocked access to the Chinese AI application DeepSeek to protect users' data and announced an investigation into the companies behind the chatbot.

The authority, called Garante, expressed dissatisfaction with DeepSeek's response to its initial query about what personal data is collected, where it is stored and how users are notified.

"Contrary to the authority's findings, the companies declared that they do not operate in Italy, and that European legislation does not apply to them,'' the statement said, noting that the app had been downloaded by millions of people around the globe in just a few days.

DeepSeek's new chatbot has raised the stakes in the AI technology race, rattling markets and catching up with American generative AI leaders at a fraction of the cost.

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Lithuanian GHG emissions (CO 2 eq.) by sector (excl. LULUCF) in 2020. Credit: Sustainability (2024). DOI: 10.3390/su162210018

The world is experiencing more frequent and intense heat waves, floods, hurricanes, and wildfires due to rising greenhouse gas emissions. The energy sector is one of the largest contributors to climate change, yet it also plays a crucial role in the strategies needed to mitigate and adapt to its effects, contributing to the achievement of ambitious climate goals.

In this global context, Lithuania is undergoing a significant energy transformation as it moves toward a more sustainable and independent future.

By aligning its energy policies with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the country is not only addressing its domestic challenges but also contributing to the broader fight against climate change. This determined effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, and strengthen energy security demonstrates how even small nations can make a meaningful impact on global sustainability efforts.

"Simple actions are important. Even small changes can help reduce environmental impacts, while awareness of the current state of energy and climate policy can have a significant effect on how we adapt and try to act accordingly to achieve these shared goals," says Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) junior researcher Alexandra Maria Alonso Soto.

Progress surpasses EU average

The Sustainable Development Goals aim to end poverty, protect the planet and achieve peace and prosperity by 2030. KTU researchers decided to focus on three of these goals and investigate how climate change mitigation policies are being applied in the energy sector.

"Affordable and clean energy, sustainable cities and communities, as well as climate action, were our focus," says KTU Ph.D. student Alonso Soto.

To achieve these goals, Lithuania has had to manage significant energy transitions, such as the closure of the Ignalina nuclear power plant in 2009, which led to a major transformation of the Lithuanian energy sector. "After the plant stopped its operation, the country became dependent on energy imports of both electricity and natural gas, mostly from Russia," says KTU researcher.

In response, Lithuania prioritized strengthening the country's energy security and energy independence. Investments in high-voltage grid interconnections with neighboring countries and a growing focus on renewable energy sources like wind and solar power have been central to this strategy.

By investing in renewable energy and reducing dependency on imported fuels, Lithuania is not only enhancing energy security but also advancing the global goals of clean energy and climate action.

Recent progress has been notable. Lithuania not only reached the European Union's (EU) 2020 renewable energy target of 20% by 2014, but in 2022, the share of renewable energy in total energy consumption grew almost to 30%, exceeding the EU average.

As for 2023, according to the Lithuanian Ministry of Energy, 70% of all electricity produced in the country came from renewable energy sources, underlining the commitment to reduce import dependency.

Once awareness is settled, actions will follow

Despite the right path, there are still many challenges that prevent Lithuania from achieving its sustainable energy goals. KTU researcher Alonso Soto mentions some: dependence on biomass and fossil fuels, limited diversification of energy sources, insufficient policy alignment and implementation, and social and economic barriers.

"Lithuania has made a great progress in increasing its renewable energy share, but biomass is a big contributor to air pollution and carbon emissions. While other renewable energy sources such as wind power are being developed, it is still in early stages compared to biomass," she says.

In terms of policy alignment, while Lithuania adopted ambitious targets under the National Energy Independence Strategies and the National Energy and Climate Plan, there are still gaps in the coordination and implementation as well as a lack of monitoring and evaluation of these policies.

According to Alonso Soto, social acceptance of energy policies such as building stock renovation can also be a barrier due to public reluctance or lack of budget to implement the measures.

"Many Lithuanians, especially the elderly, cannot afford to renovate their homes, and some others still do not understand the benefits that such an upgrade would bring in terms of money savings, not to mention environmental impact," explains Alonso Soto, a Ph.D. student at KTU Institute of Environmental Engineering.

In her opinion, reinforcing educational campaigns is the action the government could take to increase public engagement and awareness: "Citizens need to get involved, understand the policies, be aware of the benefits these could bring to their lives. Once the knowledge and awareness are settled within the population's mindsets, actions will follow."

The article, "Exploring the Interplay Between Energy Policies and Sustainable Development Goals Within Lithuania's Energy Sector: A Critical Review," was published in Sustainability Journal.

More information: Alexandra Alonso Soto et al, Exploring the Interplay Between Energy Policies and Sustainable Development Goals Within Lithuania's Energy Sector: A Critical Review, Sustainability (2024). DOI: 10.3390/su162210018
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Based on the technical requirements, the OPED system varies and combines around 50 design parameters simultaneously and compares the simulated powertrains with the manufacturers' priorities. Credit: FTG - TU Graz

The development of vehicle components is a lengthy and therefore very costly process. Researchers at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) have developed a method that can shorten the development phase of the powertrain of battery electric vehicles by several months.

A team led by Martin Hofstetter from the Institute of Automotive Engineering is combining simulation models of components with evolutionary optimization algorithms. Their work was presented at the CTI Symposium.

This AI system automatically optimizes the entire powertrainfrom the power electronics to the electric machine through to the transmissionin line with the manufacturer's technical requirements, taking into account targets such as production costs, efficiency and package space requirements in the vehicle.

The OPED (Optimization of Electric Drives) software solution was developed at TU Graz and is the result of almost ten years of research. It is already being used successfully by a renowned Austrian automotive supplier.

The starting point for automatic optimization is the input of the technical requirements that the powertrain must fulfill: these include the power output, the minimum service life, the maximum speed to be achieved and the maximum space available in the vehicle.

"Electric drives consist of a large number of components that can be designed very differently in order to fulfill the desired requirements," explains Martin Hofstetter.

"If I make a small change to the electric machine, it has an effect on the transmission and the power electronics. So it's extremely complex to make optimal decisions."

An additional difficulty is that there is no one perfect solution for a powertrain, as the priorities of the manufacturers also play a role. These could be production costs, the weight and volume of the powertrain or energy efficiency.

One day instead of several months

The OPED software solution makes it possible to significantly reduce this complexity. Based on the technical requirements, the software varies and combines around 50 design parameters simultaneously and compares the simulated powertrains with the manufacturers' priorities.

Bad variants are dropped, better ones are further optimized. After several hundred thousand calculation and simulation cycles, OPED finds solutions that come closest to the manufacturers' priorities. They can then select from a manageable number of variants those that they would like to develop and implement in detail.

"What engineers would need months to do without AI support takes about a day with OPED," says Martin Hofstetter. "This allows the development teams to focus on top-level decisions instead of investing their limited time in manual calculation and simulation work."

Optimization for an entire vehicle platform

The OPED system can also be flexibly expanded. As an optimization criterion, the researchers have added the CO 2 emissions generated during the use of the powertrain as well as its production across the entire supply chain. This means that sustainability is already taken into account in the early development phase.

As a recent innovation, Dominik Lechleitner has succeeded in extending OPED for the optimization of electric powertrains for an entire vehicle platform as part of his doctoral thesis. The method helps to find optimal components that can be used as carry-over parts in the powertrains of different models of a platform in order to save development and production costs.

Dominik Lechleitner (left) and Martin Hofstetter from the Institute of Automotive Engineering at TU Graz discuss the results of an OPED calculation. Credit: Sophie Ortmeier

"The OPED approach can be used for a wide variety of product developments," explains Martin Hofstetter, "and we are happy to work with new industrial partners to adapt it to their challenges and goals."

Martin Hofstetter and Dominik Lechleitner were awarded the VDI Prize 2024 by the Association of German Engineers for their development. Martin Hofstetter also received the Kamm-Jante Medal of the Scientific Society for Automotive and Engine Technology (WKM) and the 1st Prize of the Vehicle Association Anniversary Foundation, awarded by the Austrian Economic Chamber's Automotive Industry Association.

More information: Lechleitner, D., et al. Minimising Scope 3 Emissions by Electric Powertrain Design Optimization. Proceedings of the CTI Symposium (2024) graz.elsevierpure.com/en/publi  rtrain-design-optimi
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Approaches to regulating artificial intelligence (AI), from creation to deployment and use in practice, vary internationally. Daryl Lim, Penn State Dickinson Law associate dean for research and innovation, H. Laddie Montague Jr. Chair in Law and Penn State Institute for Computational and Data Sciences (ICDS) co-hire, has proposed an "equity by design" framework to better govern the technology and protect marginalized communities from potential harm in an article published on Jan. 27 in the Duke Technology Law Review.

According to Lim, responsibly governing AI is crucial to maximizing the benefits and minimizing the potential harmswhich disproportionally impact underrepresented individualsof these systems. Governance frameworks help align AI development with societal values and ethical standards within specific regions while also assisting with regulatory compliance and promoting standardization across the industry.

Lim, who is also a consultative member of the United Nations Secretary General's High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence, also addressed this need and how socially responsible AI governance may impact marginalized communities in the published article.

Lim spoke about AI governance and his proposed framework in the following Q&A.

What does socially responsible AI mean? Why is it important?

Being socially responsible with AI means developing, deploying and using AI technologies in ethical, transparent and beneficial ways. This ensures that AI systems respect human rights, uphold fairness and do not perpetuate biases or discrimination. This responsibility extends to accountability, privacy protection, inclusivity and environmental considerations.

It's important because AI has a significant impact on individuals and communities. By prioritizing social responsibility, we can mitigate risks such as discrimination, biases and privacy invasions, build public trust and ensure that AI technologies can contribute positively to the world. By incorporating social responsibility into AI governance, we can foster innovation while protecting the rights and interests of all stakeholders.

How would you explain the 'equity by design' approach to AI governance?

Equity by design means we should embed equity principles throughout the AI lifecycle in the context of justice and how AI affects marginalized communities. AI has the potential to improve access to justice, particularly for marginalized groups. If someone who may not speak English is looking for assistance and has access to a smartphone with chatbot accessibility, they can input questions in their native language and get generalized information that they need to get started.

There are also risks such as perpetuating biases and increasing inequality, which I call the algorithmic divide. In this case, the algorithmic divide refers to the disparities in access to AI technologies and education about these tools. This includes differences between individuals, organizations or countries in their ability to develop, implement and benefit from AI advancements. We also need to be aware of biases that can be introduced, even unintentionally, by the data that these systems are trained with or by the people training the systems.

What is the goal of this approach to AI governance?

The overarching goal of this work is to shift the focus from reactive to proactive governance by proposing an equity-centered approach that includes transparency and tailored regulation. The article seeks to address the structural biases in AI systems and the limitations of existing frameworks, advocating for a comprehensive strategy that balances innovation with robust safeguards. The research explores how AI can both improve access to justice and entrench biases. This approach aims to provide a roadmap for policy makers and legal scholars to navigate the complexities of AI while ensuring that technological advancements align with broader society values of equity and the rule of law.

What are some solutions to suggest to further achieve an equitable approach to AI?

The solution, in part, lies in equity audits. How do we, by design, make sure that before an algorithm is released there are checks and balances with the people who are creating the system? People that pick the data may be biased, and that may entrench inequalities, whether the bias manifests itself through racial bias, gender bias or geographical bias. A solution could be hiring a wide group of people with awareness of different biases and who can call out unconscious biases or having third parties look at how systems are implemented and provide feedback to improve outcomes.

The article also looks at the normative impact on the rule of law, which in this case involves assessing whether our current legal frameworks adequately address these challenges or if reforms are necessary to uphold the rule of law in the age of AI. Emerging technologies like AI can influence fundamental principles and values that underpin our legal system. This includes considerations of fairness, justice, transparency and accountability. AI technologies can challenge existing legal norms by introducing new complexities into decision-making processes, potentially affecting how laws are interpreted and applied.

What observations further demonstrate the importance of an equity-centered approach to AI governance?

In September, the "Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence" was signed by the United States and European Union (EU). This AI treaty was a major milestone in establishing a global framework to ensure that AI systems respect human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The treaty specifies a risk-based approach, requiring more oversight of high-risk AI applications in sensitive sectors such as health care and criminal justice.

The treaty also details how different areasspecifically the U.S., the EU, China and Singaporehave different approaches to AI governance. The U.S. is more market-based; the EU is rights-based; China follows a command economy model and Singapore follows a soft law model, which serves as a framework rather than enforceable regulatory obligations. The treaty emphasizes the importance of global collaboration to address challenges across AI governance approaches.

My proposed framework embeds the principles of justice, equity and inclusivity throughout AI's lifecycle, which aligns with the overarching goals of the treaty. While the equity by design framework does not focus on post-implementation protections, it emphasizes that AI should advance human rights for marginalized communities, and that there should be more transparent and protective audits.

More information: Determinants of Socially Responsible AI Governance, dltr.law.duke.edu/2025/01/27/d  sible-ai-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:

The same principles that allow sharks to swim through water could help airplanes travel faster and more efficiently. Credit: Stefanie Goodwiller/University Marketing and Communications

The same flow dynamics that allow sharks to swim easily through Earth's oceans could also allow humans to fly faster through the air, according to a University of Mississippi professor. His research aims to prove it.

Wen Wu, assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Ole Miss, plans to improve air flow dynamics for flight, potentially reducing energy consumption while making air travel more efficient.

"Sharks are special because their dermal denticles are different from the scales of the other fish," Wu said.

Wu will partner with Louis Cattafesta, the John G. and Jane E. Olin Endowed Department Chair in mechanical, materials and aerospace engineering at the Illinois Institute of Technology, on the study.

"We have a concept that is based on shark skin that, based on some preliminary simulations, can lead to drag reduction in a way that was not previously considered," Cattafesta said.

Shark skin is made up of hundreds of millions of scalescalled denticlesthat are shaped like a three-toed dinosaur track. The curved bottom of the "foot" faces outward, while a cylindrical column at the base anchors the denticle to the shark's body.

The outward shape of denticles was long believed to reduce drag, helping sharks swim faster to catch their prey. This belief was so prevalent that every Olympic swimmer in 2016 used swimsuits designed with the ridge-like top of the shark denticles in mind.

"Actually, when researchers really study shark skin, it does not show any improvement on drag in common flow conditions," Wu said. "So why did the swimming suit work? It turns out that if you take a piece of that fabric and put it in the test facility, it does not reduce drag.

"But it's really tight, so the swimming suit covers the full body and squeezes the body of the swimmer, making it more streamlined and meanwhile promoting blood circulation.

"Then how does this work for sharks? People have started to focus on another significant drag-producing phenomena in fluid mechanics, which is flow separation."

Shark bodies taper from head to tail, and as streams of water travel over that narrowing surface, they do not cling to the shark's body. Instead, the flow of water tends to detach from the body. During maneuver, this detached flow may create a swirling stream of water near the surface of the body.

Wu found that a backward flow of water slips under the top crown of the denticles and pushes against their cylindrical base, effectively using the water's force to propel the shark forward. He published a paper on this discovery in the Journal of Fluid Mechanics in December.

Integrating this design into airplanes, ships and other crafts could reduce the amount of energy used while improving aerodynamics, Cattafesta said.

"If you can reduce drag by even a fraction of a percent, you can have tremendous savings in energy costs associated with flying an aircraft," he said. "Then there's the added beneficial effect that you'll have reduced emissions and climate impact."

Wu will lead numerical simulations of how denticle-inspired materials perform in different wind conditions, and Cattafesta will perform experiments based on the results of those simulations.

"If we're going to optimize this, then we have to know what size the denticles have to be, the spacing of the necks, all of those details that we need for advanced manufacturing technology," Wu said.

"We're going to develop surface coatings or add-ons structures based on the findings from denticles, improve them to exceed the biological limit of sharks and optimize them so that we can maximize the subsurface reverse flow and use it in cars, airplanes or even the bodies of athletes."

More information: Benjamin S. Savino et al, Thrust generation by shark denticles, Journal of Fluid Mechanics (2024). DOI: 10.1017/jfm.2024.978 Journal information: Journal of Fluid Mechanics
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:

Almost 80 percent of cars made in the UK last year were exported, mostly to the European Union, according to industry data.

Britain's vehicle production slid below one million units last year as the sector transitions to electric cars, an industry body said Thursday as it warned over US President Donald Trump's tariff threats.

Factories producing mainly foreign-owned brands, including from Japanese giant Nissan and Indian-owned Jaguar Land Rover, turned out a total 905,233 vehicles, down 11.8 percent on 2023, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

"Multiple factors impacted car volumes, with the end of production for some long-running models as factories retooled for EVs, weakness in key global markets, and a slowdown in the transition to electrification amid tough economic conditions," SMMT added in a statement.

Output is forecast to decline further this year to 839,000 units before returning to above one million vehicles in 2028, it added.

"This is, however, dependent on global car and van market demand improving, positive economic conditions and greater consumer confidenceand the delivery of the competitive conditions necessary to ensure zero-emission model launches stay on track," the SMMT noted.

Almost 80 percent of cars made in the UK last year were exported, mostly to the European Union, according to its data.

Production of battery electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles together declined more than one fifth but still accounted for over one third of total UK output.

Trump tariffs

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes expressed confidence in the outlook as long as the sector benefits from "industrial and trade strategies that deliver the competitive conditions essential for growth amidst an increasingly protectionist global environment".

"With new, exciting models and battery production on the horizon, the potential for growth is clear," he added.

The SMMT recently reported that the UK car industry sold a record number of all-electric vehicles in 2024but still fell short of the Labour government's mandated targets.

Across the Atlantic, Trump wasted no time in taking aim at electric vehicles following his inauguration last week.

His executive order on "Unleashing American Energy" included steps to ensure a "level" playing field for gasoline-powered motors and halt federal funding to build new EV charging stations.

Hawes expressed concern over potential tariffs imposed on the car sector by Trump.

"We are concerned... about rising trade tensions and potential application of tariffs," he told journalists on the eve of the production report.

"What we are seeing is increasingly protectionist noises... In terms of the US, tariffs is Donald Trump's favorite word."

Hawes said the United States was "an important market" for luxury vehicles, such as UK-produced Bentley and Rolls-Royce cars.

While that allowed for "a greater opportunity to absorb any potential tariffs... we would hope to avoid any", he added.

 2025 AFP
First Horizon (NYSE:FHN  Get Free Report) and Oak Ridge Financial Services (OTCMKTS:BKOR  Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, earnings, institutional ownership, profitability, valuation, dividends and risk.

Profitability

This table compares First Horizon and Oak Ridge Financial Services net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

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Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets First Horizon 15.38% 10.10% 1.07% Oak Ridge Financial Services 13.99% N/A N/A

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares First Horizon and Oak Ridge Financial Servicess top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio First Horizon $5.03 billion 2.27 $775.00 million $1.36 15.86 Oak Ridge Financial Services $35.36 million 1.64 $5.74 million $2.04 10.27

Institutional and Insider Ownership

First Horizon has higher revenue and earnings than Oak Ridge Financial Services. Oak Ridge Financial Services is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than First Horizon, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

80.3% of First Horizon shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 4.2% of Oak Ridge Financial Services shares are held by institutional investors. 0.9% of First Horizon shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 25.6% of Oak Ridge Financial Services shares are held 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.

Volatility & Risk

First Horizon has a beta of 0.92, meaning that its share price is 8% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Oak Ridge Financial Services has a beta of 0.36, meaning that its share price is 64% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Dividends

First Horizon pays an annual dividend of $0.60 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.8%. Oak Ridge Financial Services pays an annual dividend of $0.48 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.3%. First Horizon pays out 44.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Oak Ridge Financial Services pays out 23.5% 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

This is a summary of current ratings and target prices for First Horizon and Oak Ridge Financial Services, as reported by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score First Horizon 0 6 8 0 2.57 Oak Ridge Financial Services 0 0 0 0 0.00

First Horizon presently has a consensus price target of $22.04, suggesting a potential upside of 2.14%. Given First Horizons stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe First Horizon is more favorable than Oak Ridge Financial Services.

Summary

First Horizon beats Oak Ridge Financial Services on 13 of the 16 factors compared between the two stocks.

About First Horizon

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First Horizon Corporation operates as the bank holding company for First Horizon Bank that provides various financial services. The company operates through Regional Banking and Specialty Banking segments. It offers general banking services for consumers, businesses, financial institutions, and governments. The company also accepts deposits; provides underwriting services for bank-eligible securities and other fixed-income securities by financial subsidiaries; sells loans and derivatives; financial planning; and offers investment and financial advisory services. In addition, it offers mortgage banking; loan syndications; brokerage services; commercial and business banking for business enterprises, consumer banking, and private client and wealth management services; capital markets, professional commercial real estate, mortgage warehouse and asset-based lending, franchise and equipment finance, tax credit finance, energy and healthcare finance, asset management, and corporate and correspondent banking services. Further, the company provides transaction processing services including check clearing services and remittance processing, credit cards, investment, and sale of mutual fund and retail insurances, as well as trust, fiduciary, and agency services. First Horizon Corporation was founded in 1864 and is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee.

About Oak Ridge Financial Services

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Oak Ridge Financial Services, Inc. operates as a bank holding company for Bank of Oak Ridge that provides various banking products and services for individuals and businesses. It offers checking, savings, and money market accounts; overdrafts; auto, home equity, mortgage, business term, and business SBA loans; business lines of credit; credit cards; and online and mobile banking products and services. The company also provides health savings accounts, identity theft protection, wealth management, cash management, and remote deposit capture services; and auto, home, small business, renters, life, boat and watercraft, classic car, motorcycle, flood, pet, and umbrella insurance products. It operates through a network of branches in Oak Ridge, Greensboro, and Summerfield, North Carolina. The company was founded in 2000 and is based in Oak Ridge, North Carolina.

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Ballston Spa Bancorp, Inc. (OTCMKTS:BSPA  Get Free Report)s stock price dropped 0% during trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as $58.15 and last traded at $58.15. Approximately 700 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, The stock had previously closed at $58.16.

Ballston Spa Bancorp Stock Performance

The businesss 50-day moving average price is $58.07 and its 200 day moving average price is $56.33.

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Ballston Spa Bancorp Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 2nd. Investors of record on Monday, December 2nd were given a $0.33 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 2nd. This represents a $1.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.27%.

Ballston Spa Bancorp Company Profile

Ballston Spa Bancorp, Inc operates as a holding company for Ballston Spa National Bank that provides a range of banking, financing, fiduciary, brokerage, and other financial services to corporate, municipal, and individual customers in the United States. It offers checking, money market, savings, health savings, and individual retirement accounts, as well as certificates of deposit; loan products, such as mortgage and home construction, improvement, and equity loans, auto, boat, RV, personal, commercial, and small business loans, as well as lines of credit and government programs; and debits and credit cards.

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Canadian Critical Minerals Inc. (OTCMKTS:RIINF  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest during the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 76,600 shares, an increase of 94.4% from the December 31st total of 39,400 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 305,200 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.3 days.

Canadian Critical Minerals Trading Down 9.7 %

RIINF traded down $0.00 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $0.03. The companys stock had a trading volume of 43,750 shares, compared to its average volume of 167,579. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $0.03 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $0.03. The firm has a market cap of $8.37 million, a P/E ratio of 2.80 and a beta of 0.67. Canadian Critical Minerals has a 52-week low of $0.02 and a 52-week high of $0.05.

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Canadian Critical Minerals Company Profile

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Canadian Critical Minerals Inc, an exploration stage company, acquires, develops, and explores for mineral properties primarily in Canada. The company explores for gold, copper, nickel, platinum, palladium, and silver deposits. Its principal project is the 100% owned Bull River Mine located in the Cranbrook, British Colombia; and the Thierry project that covers approximately 4,700 hectares located in the west of Pickle Lake, Ontario.

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Core Laboratories (NYSE:CLB  Get Free Report) updated its first quarter 2025 earnings guidance on Wednesday. The company provided earnings per share guidance of 0.120-0.160 for the period, compared to the consensus earnings per share estimate of 0.210. The company issued revenue guidance of $121.0 million-$127.0 million, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $131.7 million.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on CLB shares. StockNews.com raised shares of Core Laboratories from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, November 7th. Citigroup reduced their price objective on Core Laboratories from $15.00 to $14.00 and set a sell rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 31st. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and three have issued a hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $17.00.

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Core Laboratories Stock Performance

Shares of CLB stock traded down $0.01 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $18.52. 364,199 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 271,050. The company has a current ratio of 2.48, a quick ratio of 1.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55. The stock has a market capitalization of $869.42 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.49, a P/E/G ratio of 1.14 and a beta of 2.39. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $19.04 and a 200 day simple moving average of $19.50. Core Laboratories has a 52-week low of $13.82 and a 52-week high of $25.13.

Core Laboratories (NYSE:CLB  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 29th. The oil and gas company reported $0.23 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.23. Core Laboratories had a return on equity of 15.84% and a net margin of 5.83%. Research analysts predict that Core Laboratories will post 0.8 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Core Laboratories Company Profile

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Core Laboratories Inc provides reservoir description and production enhancement services and products to the oil and gas industry in the United States, and internationally. It operates through Reservoir Description and Production Enhancement segments. The Reservoir Description segment includes the characterization of petroleum reservoir rock and reservoir fluid samples to enhance production and improve recovery of crude oil and gas from its clients' reservoirs.

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Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund (NYSEAMERICAN:EVM  Get Free Report) saw a significant increase in short interest during the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 53,800 shares, an increase of 123.2% from the December 31st total of 24,100 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 83,500 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.6 days.

Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund Stock Down 0.4 %

Shares of NYSEAMERICAN EVM traded down $0.04 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $9.40. 16,580 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 57,310. Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund has a 52 week low of $9.08 and a 52 week high of $9.81.

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Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund is a close-ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by Eaton Vance Management. The fund invests in the fixed income market of United States. It invests primarily in high grade municipal obligations comprising of various industries, such as general obligations, hospital, electric utilities, transportation, water and sewer, public education, and private education.

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Edgewater Wireless Systems Inc. (CVE:YFI  Get Free Report) shares rose 35.7% during trading on Monday . The company traded as high as C$0.10 and last traded at C$0.10. Approximately 300,485 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 43% from the average daily volume of 209,852 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.07.

Edgewater Wireless Systems Trading Down 6.3 %

The company has a market cap of C$14.80 million, a PE ratio of -4.00 and a beta of 2.05. The firm has a 50 day moving average of C$0.06 and a two-hundred day moving average of C$0.05.

Edgewater Wireless Systems Company Profile

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Edgewater Wireless Systems Inc develops and commercializes technologies and intellectual property for the wireless communications market in North America. The company provides IP Licensing, Wi-Fi spectrum slicing solutions, dual channel Wi-Fi; wireless access points and associated peripheral equipment and support services; and PowerZoning, a channel power control product for multi-channel single radio Wi-Fi networks.

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Shares of Exxon Mobil Co. (NYSE:XOM  Get Free Report) rose 0.3% during trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $109.90 and last traded at $108.96. Approximately 3,953,003 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 73% from the average daily volume of 14,530,875 shares. The stock had previously closed at $108.66.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on the stock. BNP Paribas lowered shares of Exxon Mobil from a neutral rating to an underperform rating and set a $105.00 target price for the company. in a research report on Wednesday, October 9th. BMO Capital Markets increased their price objective on shares of Exxon Mobil from $127.00 to $130.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Friday, October 4th. Scotiabank raised Exxon Mobil from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $129.00 to $145.00 in a report on Thursday, October 10th. Bank of America began coverage on Exxon Mobil in a research note on Thursday, October 17th. They set a neutral rating and a $124.00 price target for the company. Finally, Morgan Stanley reduced their price objective on Exxon Mobil from $142.00 to $140.00 in a research note on Thursday, October 31st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating, ten have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $128.84.

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Exxon Mobil Trading Up 0.6 %

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13, a quick ratio of 1.01 and a current ratio of 1.35. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $111.14 and a 200-day moving average of $115.38. The company has a market cap of $477.69 billion, a PE ratio of 13.54, a PEG ratio of 2.86 and a beta of 0.91.

Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 1st. The oil and gas company reported $1.92 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.91 by $0.01. Exxon Mobil had a net margin of 9.61% and a return on equity of 14.73%. The firm had revenue of $90.02 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $93.98 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $2.27 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down .8% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Exxon Mobil Co. will post 7.77 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Exxon Mobil Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 10th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 14th were paid a dividend of $0.99 per share. This represents a $3.96 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.64%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 14th. This is an increase from Exxon Mobils previous quarterly dividend of $0.95. Exxon Mobils payout ratio is currently 49.32%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Exxon Mobil

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. FMR LLC lifted its holdings in Exxon Mobil by 0.3% during the third quarter. FMR LLC now owns 151,863,649 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $17,801,457,000 after buying an additional 395,218 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Exxon Mobil by 1.8% in the 3rd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 92,194,981 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $10,777,735,000 after purchasing an additional 1,622,064 shares in the last quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. grew its stake in Exxon Mobil by 16.3% during the 3rd quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 31,522,556 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $3,936,929,000 after buying an additional 4,415,012 shares during the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. increased its position in Exxon Mobil by 0.5% during the 3rd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 31,160,117 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $3,652,589,000 after buying an additional 146,374 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Fisher Asset Management LLC raised its stake in Exxon Mobil by 3.4% in the third quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 29,197,557 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $3,422,538,000 after buying an additional 949,875 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 61.80% of the companys stock.

About Exxon Mobil

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Exxon Mobil Corporation engages in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas in the United States and internationally. It operates through Upstream, Energy Products, Chemical Products, and Specialty Products segments. The Upstream segment explores for and produces crude oil and natural gas.

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General Dynamics (NYSE:GD  Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY 2025 earnings guidance on Wednesday morning. The company provided EPS guidance of 14.750-14.850 for the period, compared to the consensus EPS estimate of 13.700. The company issued revenue guidance of $50.3 billion-$50.3 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $47.3 billion.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research firms recently commented on GD. Vertical Research cut shares of General Dynamics from a buy rating to a hold rating and cut their target price for the company from $352.00 to $290.00 in a research note on Monday, January 6th. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price objective on shares of General Dynamics from $295.00 to $279.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, January 8th. Royal Bank of Canada downgraded General Dynamics from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and decreased their target price for the stock from $330.00 to $290.00 in a research report on Thursday, December 19th. Susquehanna cut their price target on General Dynamics from $330.00 to $315.00 and set a positive rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, January 8th. Finally, Barclays reduced their price objective on General Dynamics from $330.00 to $305.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, January 6th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have given a hold rating, eight have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $303.28.

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General Dynamics Trading Down 4.2 %

Shares of General Dynamics stock traded down $11.05 during trading on Wednesday, reaching $251.52. 3,497,333 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,739,628. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $268.57 and a 200-day moving average price of $287.48. The firm has a market capitalization of $69.16 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.16, a P/E/G ratio of 1.43 and a beta of 0.61. The company has a quick ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 1.32 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. General Dynamics has a twelve month low of $247.01 and a twelve month high of $316.90.

General Dynamics (NYSE:GD  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 29th. The aerospace company reported $4.15 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $4.29 by ($0.14). General Dynamics had a net margin of 7.90% and a return on equity of 16.59%. Sell-side analysts anticipate that General Dynamics will post 13.66 EPS for the current fiscal year.

General Dynamics Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 7th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 17th will be given a dividend of $1.42 per share. This represents a $5.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.26%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 17th. General Dynamicss dividend payout ratio is 43.26%.

General Dynamics announced that its board has initiated a stock buyback plan on Wednesday, December 4th that permits the company to repurchase 10,000,000 outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization permits the aerospace company to reacquire shares of its stock through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are often a sign that the companys board of directors believes its stock is undervalued.

Insider Activity

In other General Dynamics news, VP Christopher J. Brady sold 5,540 shares of General Dynamics stock in a transaction on Friday, November 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $280.91, for a total value of $1,556,241.40. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 20,296 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,701,349.36. The trade was a 21.44 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Corporate insiders own 1.52% of the companys stock.

About General Dynamics

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General Dynamics Corporation operates as an aerospace and defense company worldwide. It operates through four segments: Aerospace, Marine Systems, Combat Systems, and Technologies. The Aerospace segment produces and sells business jets; and offers aircraft maintenance and repair, management, aircraft-on-ground support and completion, charter, staffing, and fixed-base operator services.

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Gouverneur Bancorp, Inc. (OTCMKTS:GOVB  Get Free Report) was the target of a significant drop in short interest during the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 100 shares, a drop of 50.0% from the December 31st total of 200 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 600 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.2 days.

Gouverneur Bancorp Stock Up 0.8 %

Shares of GOVB traded up $0.10 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $12.40. The stock had a trading volume of 6,716 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,358. Gouverneur Bancorp has a fifty-two week low of $9.50 and a fifty-two week high of $13.50. The company has a market cap of $13.76 million, a PE ratio of 24.31 and a beta of 0.57. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $12.43 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $11.25.

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Gouverneur Bancorp (OTCMKTS:GOVB  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, January 24th. The financial services provider reported $0.15 earnings per share for the quarter.

About Gouverneur Bancorp

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.

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Paragon 28, Inc. (NYSE:FNA  Get Free Report) major shareholder Mvm Partners, Llc sold 27,142 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, January 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $11.62, for a total transaction of $315,390.04. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 10,313,841 shares in the company, valued at $119,846,832.42. This trade represents a 0.26 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Large shareholders that own at least 10% of a companys stock are required to disclose their sales and purchases with the SEC.

Mvm Partners, Llc also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Thursday, January 23rd, Mvm Partners, Llc sold 20,136 shares of Paragon 28 stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $11.63, for a total transaction of $234,181.68.

On Wednesday, December 4th, Mvm Partners, Llc sold 18,109 shares of Paragon 28 stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $10.14, for a total transaction of $183,625.26.

On Wednesday, November 27th, Mvm Partners, Llc sold 4,256 shares of Paragon 28 stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $10.00, for a total value of $42,560.00.

On Monday, November 25th, Mvm Partners, Llc sold 10,835 shares of Paragon 28 stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $10.09, for a total value of $109,325.15.

On Friday, November 22nd, Mvm Partners, Llc sold 72,133 shares of Paragon 28 stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $10.16, for a total value of $732,871.28.

On Wednesday, November 20th, Mvm Partners, Llc sold 147,581 shares of Paragon 28 stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $10.28, for a total transaction of $1,517,132.68.

Paragon 28 Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:FNA traded up $1.00 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $13.00. 20,936,722 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,695,401. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.79, a quick ratio of 1.60 and a current ratio of 3.50. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $10.48 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $8.35. Paragon 28, Inc. has a 52 week low of $4.65 and a 52 week high of $14.79. The company has a market cap of $1.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -17.56 and a beta of 1.50.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Paragon 28 ( NYSE:FNA Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 12th. The company reported ($0.15) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.16) by $0.01. Paragon 28 had a negative net margin of 25.31% and a negative return on equity of 37.90%. The firm had revenue of $62.30 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $60.58 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted ($0.10) earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 18.0% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Paragon 28, Inc. will post -0.64 EPS for the current fiscal year.

A number of research firms have issued reports on FNA. Canaccord Genuity Group reissued a hold rating on shares of Paragon 28 in a research note on Wednesday. William Blair lowered Paragon 28 from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a report on Wednesday. Stephens upgraded Paragon 28 to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, December 2nd. Finally, Needham & Company LLC reissued a hold rating and set a $13.00 price target on shares of Paragon 28 in a report on Wednesday. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, two have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Paragon 28 presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $15.60.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on FNA

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Paragon 28

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Intech Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Paragon 28 in the third quarter worth $70,000. Ballentine Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Paragon 28 during the 3rd quarter worth about $91,000. Creative Planning acquired a new position in shares of Paragon 28 in the 3rd quarter valued at about $91,000. Hsbc Holdings PLC purchased a new stake in shares of Paragon 28 in the second quarter worth approximately $104,000. Finally, Commerce Bank boosted its holdings in shares of Paragon 28 by 28.5% during the third quarter. Commerce Bank now owns 18,350 shares of the companys stock worth $123,000 after purchasing an additional 4,075 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 63.57% of the companys stock.

About Paragon 28

(Get Free Report)

Paragon 28, Inc develops, distributes, and sells foot and ankle surgical systems in the United States and internationally. It offers plating systems, including gorilla plating systems, such as lisfranc, lapidus, lateral column, calcaneus slide, and naviculocuneiform (NC) fusion plating systems; baby gorilla plate-specific screws, navicular fracture plates, and 5th metatarsal hook plates; and silverback plating systems.

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Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (OTCMKTS:JAPSY  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decline in short interest in the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 12,000 shares, a decline of 65.5% from the December 31st total of 34,800 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 155,600 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days.

Japan Airlines Stock Down 0.3 %

OTCMKTS:JAPSY traded down $0.03 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $8.11. 23,040 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 99,080. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.86, a quick ratio of 1.28 and a current ratio of 1.34. Japan Airlines has a 52 week low of $7.27 and a 52 week high of $9.82. The firms 50 day moving average is $7.97 and its two-hundred day moving average is $8.06.

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Japan Airlines (OTCMKTS:JAPSY  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, November 1st. The company reported $0.28 EPS for the quarter. Japan Airlines had a return on equity of 9.30% and a net margin of 5.08%. The firm had revenue of $3.21 billion for the quarter. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Japan Airlines will post 0.8 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

About Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines Co, Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, provides scheduled and non-scheduled air transport services in Japan, Asia, Oceania, North America, and Europe. The company operates through Air Transportation and Other segments. It offers passenger, ground handling, cargo and mail handling, and maintenance services.

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Income Opportunity Realty Investors, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:IOR  Get Free Report) was the target of a large increase in short interest during the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 1,400 shares, an increase of 133.3% from the December 31st total of 600 shares. Approximately 0.3% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 800 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.8 days.

Income Opportunity Realty Investors Price Performance

IOR stock traded down $0.25 on Wednesday, hitting $17.60. The companys stock had a trading volume of 454 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,466. The company has a market cap of $71.63 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.05 and a beta of 0.16. Income Opportunity Realty Investors has a 1 year low of $13.99 and a 1 year high of $19.00.

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Income Opportunity Realty Investors (NYSEAMERICAN:IOR  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 7th. The financial services provider reported $0.29 EPS for the quarter.

Income Opportunity Realty Investors Company Profile

Income Opportunity Realty Investors, Inc, a Dallas-based real estate investment company, currently holds a portfolio of notes receivable. The Company invests in real estate through direct equity ownership and partnerships.

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Swiss Re AG (OTCMKTS:SSREY  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant drop in short interest during the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 7,800 shares, a drop of 67.8% from the December 31st total of 24,200 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 48,300 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.2 days.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities research analysts recently commented on the company. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded Swiss Re from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, December 13th. Hsbc Global Res downgraded Swiss Re from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 22nd. UBS Group upgraded shares of Swiss Re from a strong sell rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, November 11th. Berenberg Bank raised shares of Swiss Re to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, November 11th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upgraded shares of Swiss Re from a moderate sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 20th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Swiss Re currently has an average rating of Buy.

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Swiss Re Stock Performance

About Swiss Re

Shares of Swiss Re stock traded down $0.10 during trading on Wednesday, hitting $38.66. 18,633 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 22,913. Swiss Re has a 52-week low of $26.66 and a 52-week high of $39.35. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $36.82 and its 200 day simple moving average is $34.23.

(Get Free Report)

Swiss Re AG, together with its subsidiaries, provides wholesale reinsurance, insurance, other insurance-based forms of risk transfer, and other insurance-related services worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Property & Casualty Reinsurance, Life & Health Reinsurance, and Corporate Solutions.

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VanEck Indonesia Index ETF (NYSEARCA:IDX  Get Free Report) traded down 0.1% during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as low as $14.97 and last traded at $15.06. 13,334 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 15% from the average session volume of 15,758 shares. The stock had previously closed at $15.07.

VanEck Indonesia Index ETF Stock Down 0.3 %

The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $15.46 and a 200 day simple moving average of $16.67. The company has a market capitalization of $25.33 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.00 and a beta of 0.61.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On VanEck Indonesia Index ETF

A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in IDX. Primoris Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of VanEck Indonesia Index ETF in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $1,669,000. Flow Traders U.S. LLC bought a new stake in VanEck Indonesia Index ETF in the third quarter worth about $1,026,000. Finally, Jane Street Group LLC grew its stake in shares of VanEck Indonesia Index ETF by 23.2% in the 3rd quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 35,923 shares of the companys stock worth $652,000 after purchasing an additional 6,756 shares during the last quarter.

About VanEck Indonesia Index ETF

The Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF (IDX) seeks, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the Market Vectors Indonesia Index (the Index). The Index provides exposure to publicly traded companies that are domiciled and primarily listed in Indonesia, or that generate at least 50% of their revenues in Indonesia.

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Crews Bank & Trust acquired a new stake in shares of Kinder Morgan, Inc. (NYSE:KMI  Free Report) during the 4th quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm acquired 23,746 shares of the pipeline companys stock, valued at approximately $651,000.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in KMI. Barclays PLC grew its stake in Kinder Morgan by 39.9% in the third quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 8,186,207 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $180,833,000 after acquiring an additional 2,334,273 shares during the period. National Bank of Canada FI lifted its stake in shares of Kinder Morgan by 295.5% in the third quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 2,937,055 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $64,879,000 after buying an additional 2,194,489 shares in the last quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Kinder Morgan by 1,849.7% in the 3rd quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 2,164,637 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $47,817,000 after acquiring an additional 2,053,612 shares during the last quarter. Retirement Systems of Alabama lifted its position in Kinder Morgan by 295.2% in the 3rd quarter. Retirement Systems of Alabama now owns 1,683,356 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $37,185,000 after acquiring an additional 1,257,428 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Assenagon Asset Management S.A. raised its stake in shares of Kinder Morgan by 30.3% in the third quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 4,007,857 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $88,534,000 after purchasing an additional 932,469 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 62.52% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, Director Amy W. Chronis bought 2,241 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 5th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $24.89 per share, with a total value of $55,778.49. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now owns 23,995 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $597,235.55. This represents a 10.30 % increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, President Thomas A. Martin sold 18,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $27.34, for a total value of $492,120.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the president now directly owns 879,652 shares in the company, valued at $24,049,685.68. This trade represents a 2.01 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 55,121 shares of company stock valued at $1,497,000 over the last ninety days. Company insiders own 12.64% of the companys stock.

Kinder Morgan Price Performance

Shares of Kinder Morgan stock opened at $27.63 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $61.38 billion, a PE ratio of 23.55, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.13 and a beta of 0.94. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $28.01 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $24.60. The company has a quick ratio of 0.35, a current ratio of 0.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.95. Kinder Morgan, Inc. has a 12-month low of $16.47 and a 12-month high of $31.48.

Kinder Morgan (NYSE:KMI  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 22nd. The pipeline company reported $0.32 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.33 by ($0.01). Kinder Morgan had a return on equity of 8.10% and a net margin of 17.31%. As a group, equities analysts expect that Kinder Morgan, Inc. will post 1.27 EPS for the current year.

Kinder Morgan Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, February 18th. Stockholders of record on Monday, February 3rd will be paid a $0.2875 dividend. This represents a $1.15 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.16%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, February 3rd. Kinder Morgans payout ratio is presently 98.29%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

KMI has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Barclays increased their price target on Kinder Morgan from $27.00 to $31.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Thursday, January 16th. Scotiabank initiated coverage on shares of Kinder Morgan in a report on Friday, January 10th. They set a sector perform rating and a $26.00 price target on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on shares of Kinder Morgan from $30.00 to $33.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, January 23rd. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price target on Kinder Morgan from $24.00 to $26.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 22nd. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price objective on Kinder Morgan from $26.00 to $29.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 26th. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $29.14.

View Our Latest Analysis on Kinder Morgan

Kinder Morgan Company Profile

(Free Report)

Kinder Morgan, Inc operates as an energy infrastructure company primarily in North America. The company operates through Natural Gas Pipelines, Products Pipelines, Terminals, and CO2 segments. The Natural Gas Pipelines segment owns and operates interstate and intrastate natural gas pipeline, and storage systems; natural gas gathering systems and natural gas processing and treating facilities; natural gas liquids fractionation facilities and transportation systems; and liquefied natural gas gasification, liquefaction, and storage facilities.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding KMI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Kinder Morgan, Inc. (NYSE:KMI  Free Report).

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Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:AIT  Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, January 29th,RTT News reports. Investors of record on Friday, February 14th will be given a dividend of 0.46 per share by the industrial products company on Friday, February 28th. This represents a $1.84 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.72%. This is an increase from Applied Industrial Technologiess previous quarterly dividend of $0.37.

Applied Industrial Technologies has increased its dividend payment by an average of 3.9% annually over the last three years and has increased its dividend annually for the last 15 consecutive years. Applied Industrial Technologies has a dividend payout ratio of 13.9% indicating that its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Equities research analysts expect Applied Industrial Technologies to earn $10.59 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $1.48 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 14.0%.

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Applied Industrial Technologies Stock Up 1.1 %

Applied Industrial Technologies stock opened at $254.88 on Thursday. Applied Industrial Technologies has a fifty-two week low of $176.32 and a fifty-two week high of $282.98. The stock has a market cap of $9.80 billion, a PE ratio of 26.01, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.59 and a beta of 1.08. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $257.71 and its 200 day simple moving average is $232.80. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a quick ratio of 2.74 and a current ratio of 3.78.

Insider Buying and Selling

Applied Industrial Technologies ( NYSE:AIT Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 29th. The industrial products company reported $2.39 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.21 by $0.18. Applied Industrial Technologies had a net margin of 8.57% and a return on equity of 22.68%. Research analysts predict that Applied Industrial Technologies will post 9.77 EPS for the current fiscal year.

In other Applied Industrial Technologies news, VP Warren E. Hoffner III sold 4,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $281.64, for a total value of $1,126,560.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now owns 55,709 shares of the companys stock, valued at $15,689,882.76. The trade was a 6.70 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Director Mary Dean Hall sold 2,200 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $275.08, for a total transaction of $605,176.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 3,462 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $952,326.96. This represents a 38.86 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.67% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several analysts have commented on the stock. Loop Capital lifted their price objective on shares of Applied Industrial Technologies from $230.00 to $270.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, October 28th. Robert W. Baird lifted their price objective on shares of Applied Industrial Technologies from $210.00 to $250.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 16th. Bank of America raised shares of Applied Industrial Technologies from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lifted their price objective for the stock from $285.00 to $315.00 in a research report on Tuesday, November 26th. KeyCorp lifted their price objective on shares of Applied Industrial Technologies from $275.00 to $325.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 3rd. Finally, Mizuho initiated coverage on shares of Applied Industrial Technologies in a research report on Tuesday, October 22nd. They issued an outperform rating and a $285.00 price target on the stock. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Applied Industrial Technologies has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $285.71.

Read Our Latest Research Report on Applied Industrial Technologies

Applied Industrial Technologies Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc distributes industrial motion, power, control, and automation technology solutions in North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. It operates in two segments, Service Center Based Distribution, and Engineered Solutions. The company distributes bearings, power transmission products, engineered fluid power components and systems, specialty flow control solutions, advanced automation products, industrial rubber products, linear motion components, automation solutions, tools, safety products, oilfield supplies, and other industrial and maintenance supplies; and motors, belting, drives, couplings, pumps, hydraulic and pneumatic components, filtration supplies, valves, fittings, process instrumentation, actuators, and hoses, filtration supplies, as well as other related supplies for general operational needs of customers' machinery and equipment.

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PulteGroup (NYSE:PHM  Free Report) had its price objective reduced by Bank of America from $135.00 to $134.00 in a research note issued to investors on Monday morning,Benzinga reports. They currently have a buy rating on the construction companys stock.

Several other brokerages have also recently issued reports on PHM. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price target on PulteGroup from $165.00 to $140.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, December 17th. Evercore ISI dropped their target price on PulteGroup from $198.00 to $195.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 23rd. UBS Group upgraded PulteGroup from a neutral rating to a buy rating and dropped their target price for the stock from $154.00 to $148.00 in a research report on Wednesday, January 8th. BTIG Research boosted their target price on PulteGroup from $139.00 to $156.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 23rd. Finally, Citigroup dropped their target price on PulteGroup from $146.00 to $119.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, January 6th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $142.29.

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PulteGroup Stock Performance

PulteGroup Increases Dividend

Shares of PHM stock opened at $112.90 on Monday. The stock has a market capitalization of $23.15 billion, a PE ratio of 8.33, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.46 and a beta of 1.67. PulteGroup has a 52-week low of $100.24 and a 52-week high of $149.47. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $118.53 and its 200 day moving average price is $127.58. The company has a quick ratio of 0.73, a current ratio of 0.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 3rd. Investors of record on Tuesday, December 17th were paid a $0.22 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, December 17th. This represents a $0.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.78%. This is a positive change from PulteGroups previous quarterly dividend of $0.20. PulteGroups dividend payout ratio is presently 6.49%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On PulteGroup

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Fortitude Family Office LLC raised its holdings in PulteGroup by 115.1% in the 3rd quarter. Fortitude Family Office LLC now owns 185 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $27,000 after acquiring an additional 99 shares during the last quarter. Transcendent Capital Group LLC acquired a new position in PulteGroup in the 3rd quarter valued at $29,000. Hager Investment Management Services LLC acquired a new position in PulteGroup in the 4th quarter valued at $29,000. JNBA Financial Advisors acquired a new position in PulteGroup in the 3rd quarter valued at $43,000. Finally, Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. raised its holdings in PulteGroup by 1,059.3% in the 3rd quarter. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. now owns 313 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $45,000 after acquiring an additional 286 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 89.90% of the companys stock.

PulteGroup Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

PulteGroup, Inc, through its subsidiaries, primarily engages in the homebuilding business in the United States. It acquires and develops land primarily for residential purposes; and constructs housing on such land. The company also offers various home designs, including single-family detached, townhomes, condominiums, and duplexes under the Centex, Pulte Homes, Del Webb, DiVosta Homes, John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods, and American West brand names.

Further Reading

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Manning & Napier Advisors LLC reduced its stake in shares of Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ  Free Report) (TSE:CNQ) by 3.6% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 143,856 shares of the oil and gas producers stock after selling 5,356 shares during the period. Manning & Napier Advisors LLCs holdings in Canadian Natural Resources were worth $4,441,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the stock. Sei Investments Co. lifted its stake in Canadian Natural Resources by 119.1% in the second quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 29,774 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $1,060,000 after acquiring an additional 16,182 shares during the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Canadian Natural Resources in the 2nd quarter valued at $276,000. Creative Planning boosted its holdings in Canadian Natural Resources by 104.8% in the second quarter. Creative Planning now owns 79,497 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $2,830,000 after purchasing an additional 40,672 shares in the last quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. increased its position in Canadian Natural Resources by 132.9% during the second quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 59,459 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $2,117,000 after buying an additional 33,930 shares during the last quarter. Finally, NewEdge Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Canadian Natural Resources by 311.5% during the second quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 34,699 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $1,235,000 after buying an additional 26,266 shares in the last quarter. 74.03% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Separately, Desjardins upgraded Canadian Natural Resources from a hold rating to a moderate buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 8th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold.

Canadian Natural Resources Price Performance

Shares of Canadian Natural Resources stock opened at $30.70 on Thursday. Canadian Natural Resources Limited has a 1-year low of $29.23 and a 1-year high of $41.29. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $31.84 and a 200-day simple moving average of $33.75. The company has a current ratio of 0.84, a quick ratio of 0.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21. The stock has a market capitalization of $64.56 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.92 and a beta of 1.46.

Canadian Natural Resources (NYSE:CNQ  Get Free Report) (TSE:CNQ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 31st. The oil and gas producer reported $0.97 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.67 by $0.30. The firm had revenue of $7.62 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.40 billion. Canadian Natural Resources had a return on equity of 20.07% and a net margin of 18.45%. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.96 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Canadian Natural Resources Limited will post 2.44 earnings per share for the current year.

Canadian Natural Resources Company Profile

(Free Report)

Canadian Natural Resources Limited acquires, explores for, develops, produces, markets, and sells crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs). The company offers light and medium crude oil, primary heavy crude oil, Pelican Lake heavy crude oil, bitumen (thermal oil), and synthetic crude oil (SCO).

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China Yuchai International Limited (NYSE:CYD  Get Free Report) saw a significant growth in short interest in January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 30,500 shares, a growth of 498.0% from the December 31st total of 5,100 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 35,100 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.9 days. Currently, 0.2% of the shares of the company are short sold.

China Yuchai International Price Performance

NYSE CYD opened at $11.05 on Thursday. China Yuchai International has a 52-week low of $7.95 and a 52-week high of $13.05. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $9.89 and a 200 day moving average price of $10.62.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On China Yuchai International

Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. raised its stake in shares of China Yuchai International by 2.2% during the third quarter. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. now owns 86,891 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,102,000 after purchasing an additional 1,842 shares during the period. Brandes Investment Partners LP grew its holdings in China Yuchai International by 4.2% during the 2nd quarter. Brandes Investment Partners LP now owns 1,293,521 shares of the companys stock valued at $11,771,000 after purchasing an additional 51,953 shares in the last quarter. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. purchased a new stake in China Yuchai International during the 3rd quarter worth $43,000. Shah Capital Management lifted its holdings in China Yuchai International by 3.0% in the 4th quarter. Shah Capital Management now owns 4,345,471 shares of the companys stock worth $41,412,000 after buying an additional 128,509 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Verity Asset Management Inc. boosted its position in China Yuchai International by 19.5% in the 4th quarter. Verity Asset Management Inc. now owns 24,648 shares of the companys stock valued at $235,000 after buying an additional 4,029 shares during the last quarter.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, StockNews.com lowered shares of China Yuchai International from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 12th.

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About China Yuchai International

(Get Free Report)

China Yuchai International Limited, through its subsidiaries, manufactures, assembles, and sells diesel and natural gas engines for trucks, buses and passenger vehicles, marine, industrial, construction, agriculture, and generator set applications in the Peoples Republic of China and internationally.

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DMC Group LLC increased its position in Valero Energy Co. (NYSE:VLO  Free Report) by 7.5% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 4,332 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after buying an additional 304 shares during the quarter. DMC Group LLCs holdings in Valero Energy were worth $531,000 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. Creative Planning boosted its holdings in shares of Valero Energy by 10.7% during the second quarter. Creative Planning now owns 81,476 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $12,772,000 after purchasing an additional 7,849 shares during the period. NewEdge Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Valero Energy by 9.5% in the 2nd quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 26,606 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $4,171,000 after buying an additional 2,317 shares during the last quarter. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. increased its stake in shares of Valero Energy by 16.4% during the second quarter. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 13,344 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $2,092,000 after buying an additional 1,880 shares during the period. Cetera Investment Advisers raised its holdings in shares of Valero Energy by 4.8% during the second quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 116,120 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $18,203,000 after acquiring an additional 5,295 shares in the last quarter. Finally, New Century Financial Group LLC purchased a new stake in Valero Energy in the second quarter worth $255,000. 78.69% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

VLO has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Scotiabank reduced their price objective on shares of Valero Energy from $173.00 to $141.00 and set a sector outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 10th. Mizuho reduced their price target on shares of Valero Energy from $165.00 to $158.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, January 8th. BMO Capital Markets lowered their price objective on shares of Valero Energy from $175.00 to $165.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 4th. Citigroup reduced their target price on Valero Energy from $192.00 to $176.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Friday, October 25th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their target price on Valero Energy from $172.00 to $151.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 2nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating, ten have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $154.54.

Valero Energy Trading Up 0.9 %

Valero Energy stock opened at $139.44 on Thursday. Valero Energy Co. has a 12 month low of $116.84 and a 12 month high of $184.79. The company has a market capitalization of $44.14 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.51, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.81 and a beta of 1.42. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $131.15 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $137.71. The company has a current ratio of 1.57, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35.

Valero Energy (NYSE:VLO  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 30th. The oil and gas company reported $0.64 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.14 by $0.50. Valero Energy had a net margin of 2.74% and a return on equity of 13.07%. As a group, equities analysts predict that Valero Energy Co. will post 7.93 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Valero Energy Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 3rd. Investors of record on Thursday, January 30th will be given a dividend of $1.13 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 30th. This represents a $4.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.24%. This is an increase from Valero Energys previous quarterly dividend of $1.07. Valero Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 38.39%.

About Valero Energy

(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.

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F & M Bank (OTCMKTS:FMBM  Get Free Report) announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday. The financial services provider reported $0.64 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, Zacks reports. F & M Bank had a return on equity of 6.69% and a net margin of 7.48%.

F & M Bank Stock Down 0.2 %

Shares of F & M Bank stock traded down $0.03 during trading on Thursday, reaching $19.92. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,560 shares, compared to its average volume of 786. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $20.10 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $21.08. The company has a quick ratio of 0.72, a current ratio of 0.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08. F & M Bank has a 1-year low of $15.15 and a 1-year high of $23.84. The company has a market cap of $70.32 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.69 and a beta of 0.37.

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F & M Bank Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 28th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 14th will be paid a $0.26 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 14th. This represents a $1.04 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.22%. F & M Banks dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 66.24%.

About F & M Bank

F & M Bank Corp. operates as the bank holding company for Farmers & Merchants Bank that provides financial products and services to consumers and businesses in Virginia. The company offers commercial and individual demand and time deposit accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, internet and mobile banking services, and drive-in banking services.

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Forsta AP Fonden decreased its holdings in shares of The Bank of Nova Scotia (NYSE:BNS  Free Report) (TSE:BNS) by 6.2% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 330,900 shares of the banks stock after selling 21,800 shares during the quarter. Forsta AP Fondens holdings in Bank of Nova Scotia were worth $17,760,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the business. Toronto Dominion Bank lifted its holdings in Bank of Nova Scotia by 9.6% in the 3rd quarter. Toronto Dominion Bank now owns 24,990,868 shares of the banks stock worth $1,361,752,000 after purchasing an additional 2,195,604 shares during the last quarter. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund raised its position in shares of Bank of Nova Scotia by 24.9% in the third quarter. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund now owns 11,757,961 shares of the banks stock valued at $640,624,000 after purchasing an additional 2,346,995 shares during the period. CIBC Asset Management Inc lifted its stake in shares of Bank of Nova Scotia by 2.4% in the third quarter. CIBC Asset Management Inc now owns 10,074,518 shares of the banks stock worth $550,729,000 after buying an additional 240,803 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Bank of Nova Scotia by 10.3% during the 3rd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 5,640,471 shares of the banks stock worth $310,817,000 after buying an additional 524,496 shares during the period. Finally, BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp grew its stake in Bank of Nova Scotia by 260.1% in the 3rd quarter. BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp now owns 5,480,486 shares of the banks stock valued at $298,575,000 after buying an additional 3,958,580 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 49.13% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research analysts have weighed in on BNS shares. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their target price on shares of Bank of Nova Scotia from $65.00 to $74.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 4th. Canaccord Genuity Group raised Bank of Nova Scotia from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 19th. Canaccord Genuity Group raised Bank of Nova Scotia from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, November 19th. Bank of America upgraded Bank of Nova Scotia from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, November 19th. Finally, TD Securities raised shares of Bank of Nova Scotia from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, November 4th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating, five have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $72.00.

Bank of Nova Scotia Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE BNS opened at $51.96 on Thursday. The firm has a market capitalization of $64.71 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.03, a PEG ratio of 1.16 and a beta of 1.08. The Bank of Nova Scotia has a one year low of $43.67 and a one year high of $57.07. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $53.88 and a 200 day simple moving average of $51.73. The company has a current ratio of 1.03, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.59.

Bank of Nova Scotia Cuts Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 29th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, January 7th were paid a $0.7535 dividend. This represents a $3.01 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.80%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, January 7th. Bank of Nova Scotias dividend payout ratio is 68.29%.

Bank of Nova Scotia Company Profile

(Free Report)

The Bank of Nova Scotia provides various banking products and services in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Colombia, the Caribbean and Central America, and internationally. It operates through Canadian Banking, International Banking, Global Wealth Management, and Global Banking and Markets segments.

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Franco-Nevada Co. (TSE:FNV  Get Free Report) (NYSE:FNV) shares reached a new 52-week high during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as C$193.94 and last traded at C$193.82, with a volume of 17870 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at C$189.13.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

FNV has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. UBS Group upgraded Franco-Nevada to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, November 18th. Canaccord Genuity Group reduced their price target on Franco-Nevada from C$198.00 to C$190.00 and set a strong-buy rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, November 18th. CIBC boosted their price target on Franco-Nevada from C$235.00 to C$245.00 in a research report on Monday, December 2nd. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price target on Franco-Nevada from C$200.00 to C$215.00 in a research report on Monday, October 21st. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, five have given a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of C$190.80.

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View Our Latest Stock Analysis on FNV

Franco-Nevada Stock Performance

The firm has a fifty day moving average price of C$175.49 and a 200 day moving average price of C$172.47. The firm has a market capitalization of C$37.91 billion, a PE ratio of -47.02, a P/E/G ratio of 5.00 and a beta of 0.68. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.63, a current ratio of 29.11 and a quick ratio of 23.26.

Franco-Nevada (TSE:FNV  Get Free Report) (NYSE:FNV) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 6th. The company reported C$1.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of C$1.15 by C($0.06). Franco-Nevada had a negative return on equity of 9.32% and a negative net margin of 51.92%. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.22 earnings per share. Research analysts anticipate that Franco-Nevada Co. will post 3.1114111 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Franco-Nevada Cuts Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 19th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 5th were given a $0.487 dividend. This represents a $1.95 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.99%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 5th. Franco-Nevadas payout ratio is currently -46.30%.

Franco-Nevada Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Franco-Nevada Corporation operates as a gold-focused royalty and streaming company in South America, Central America, Mexico, the United States, Canada, and internationally. It operates through Mining and Energy segments. The company manages its portfolio with a focus on precious metals, such as gold, silver, and platinum group metals; and engages in the sale of crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids through a third-party marketing agent.

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Franklin Resources (NYSE:BEN  Get Free Report) will likely be announcing its earnings results before the market opens on Friday, January 31st. Analysts expect the company to announce earnings of $0.56 per share and revenue of $2.49 billion for the quarter. Persons interested in registering for the companys earnings conference call can do so using this link.

Franklin Resources (NYSE:BEN  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Monday, November 4th. The closed-end fund reported $0.59 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.60 by ($0.01). The firm had revenue of $2.21 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.70 billion. Franklin Resources had a net margin of 5.48% and a return on equity of 9.62%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 11.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.84 EPS. On average, analysts expect Franklin Resources to post $2 EPS for the current fiscal year and $3 EPS for the next fiscal year.

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Franklin Resources Price Performance

Shares of BEN opened at $20.07 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $10.52 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.34, a P/E/G ratio of 1.28 and a beta of 1.41. Franklin Resources has a twelve month low of $18.83 and a twelve month high of $28.61. The company has a 50 day moving average of $20.92 and a 200-day moving average of $21.03. The company has a quick ratio of 1.63, a current ratio of 1.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.92.

Franklin Resources Increases Dividend

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 10th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 30th were issued a $0.32 dividend. This is a boost from Franklin Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $0.31. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 30th. This represents a $1.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.38%. Franklin Resourcess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 148.84%.

A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on BEN shares. Evercore ISI dropped their price objective on Franklin Resources from $20.00 to $19.00 and set an underperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 4th. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of Franklin Resources from a sell rating to a neutral rating and upped their price objective for the company from $21.00 to $22.00 in a report on Monday, January 6th. Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on shares of Franklin Resources from $18.00 to $19.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Friday, December 20th. Barclays lowered their target price on Franklin Resources from $21.00 to $19.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, January 17th. Finally, TD Cowen reduced their price target on Franklin Resources from $20.00 to $18.50 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, November 5th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and eight have assigned a hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Franklin Resources currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $20.18.

View Our Latest Report on Franklin Resources

Franklin Resources Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Franklin Resources, Inc is a publicly owned asset management holding company. Through its subsidiaries, the firm provides its services to individuals, institutions, pension plans, trusts, and partnerships. It launches equity, fixed income, balanced, and multi-asset mutual funds through its subsidiaries.

Further Reading

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Hantz Financial Services Inc. lessened its position in The Bank of New York Mellon Co. (NYSE:BK  Free Report) by 3.1% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 70,822 shares of the banks stock after selling 2,261 shares during the quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc.s holdings in Bank of New York Mellon were worth $5,441,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. FMR LLC increased its stake in Bank of New York Mellon by 78.6% in the 3rd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 19,338,722 shares of the banks stock valued at $1,389,680,000 after purchasing an additional 8,512,404 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its holdings in 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 acquiring an additional 3,142,869 shares during the last quarter. Zacks Investment Management acquired a new position in Bank of New York Mellon in the third quarter valued at $62,589,000. State Street Corp lifted its stake in shares of Bank of New York Mellon by 2.0% during the third quarter. State Street Corp now owns 33,313,594 shares of the banks stock worth $2,393,915,000 after purchasing an additional 659,096 shares in the last quarter. Finally, National Bank of Canada FI increased its position in shares of Bank of New York Mellon by 248.3% during the third 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. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 85.31% of the companys stock.

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Bank of New York Mellon Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:BK opened at $86.14 on Thursday. The companys 50 day moving average price is $79.85 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $73.59. The Bank of New York Mellon Co. has a 12-month low of $52.64 and a 12-month high of $87.70. The firm has a market cap of $62.63 billion, a PE ratio of 14.83, a PEG ratio of 0.96 and a beta of 1.08. The company has a quick ratio of 0.70, a current ratio of 0.69 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83.

Bank of New York Mellon Announces Dividend

Bank of New York Mellon ( NYSE:BK Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 15th. The bank reported $1.72 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.54 by $0.18. The business 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 quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.28 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that The Bank of New York Mellon Co. will post 6.86 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 7th. Shareholders of record on Monday, January 27th will be issued a $0.47 dividend. This represents a $1.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.18%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, January 27th. Bank of New York Mellons payout ratio is 32.36%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities analysts have issued reports on BK shares. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods increased their price target on Bank of New York Mellon from $87.00 to $96.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 3rd. Wolfe Research lowered Bank of New York Mellon from an outperform rating to a peer perform rating in a report on Friday, January 3rd. StockNews.com upgraded Bank of New York Mellon from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday. Citigroup increased their price objective on Bank of New York Mellon from $75.00 to $82.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday, November 25th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their target price on 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. Five 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.com, Bank of New York Mellon presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $88.00.

Get Our Latest Report on BK

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.

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Highland Capital Management LLC decreased its stake in Molson Coors Beverage (NYSE:TAP  Free Report) by 1.9% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 71,920 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,430 shares during the period. Highland Capital Management LLCs holdings in Molson Coors Beverage were worth $4,122,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in TAP. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans increased its holdings in Molson Coors Beverage by 253.3% during the 2nd quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 26,677 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,356,000 after acquiring an additional 19,127 shares in the last quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board increased its holdings in Molson Coors Beverage by 72.1% during the 2nd quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board now owns 6,365 shares of the companys stock valued at $324,000 after acquiring an additional 2,667 shares in the last quarter. MBB Public Markets I LLC purchased a new position in Molson Coors Beverage during the 2nd quarter valued at about $656,000. Millennium Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 541.4% during the second quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 765,150 shares of the companys stock worth $38,893,000 after buying an additional 645,847 shares in the last quarter. Finally, The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company grew its holdings in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 7.4% during the second quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 146,029 shares of the companys stock worth $7,423,000 after buying an additional 10,014 shares in the last quarter. 78.46% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of brokerages have recently commented on TAP. UBS Group lowered their price target on shares of Molson Coors Beverage from $60.00 to $58.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Thursday, January 16th. Bank of America raised shares of Molson Coors Beverage from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lifted their price target for the company from $57.00 to $70.00 in a research report on Friday, December 6th. Hsbc Global Res cut shares of Molson Coors Beverage from a hold rating to a moderate sell rating in a research report on Friday, November 8th. Barclays reduced their price target on shares of Molson Coors Beverage from $51.00 to $48.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, January 17th. Finally, StockNews.com raised shares of Molson Coors Beverage from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, January 25th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $61.79.

Molson Coors Beverage Stock Up 0.3 %

Molson Coors Beverage stock opened at $55.07 on Thursday. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $58.04 and a 200-day simple moving average of $56.19. The firm has a market capitalization of $11.35 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.40, a P/E/G ratio of 2.04 and a beta of 0.86. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46, a quick ratio of 0.74 and a current ratio of 0.99. Molson Coors Beverage has a one year low of $49.19 and a one year high of $69.18.

Molson Coors Beverage (NYSE:TAP  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 7th. The company reported $1.80 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.67 by $0.13. The business had revenue of $3.04 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.13 billion. Molson Coors Beverage had a net margin of 6.78% and a return on equity of 9.24%. The companys quarterly revenue was down 7.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.92 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts expect that Molson Coors Beverage will post 5.79 earnings per share for the current year.

Molson Coors Beverage Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 20th. Investors of record on Friday, December 6th were issued a $0.44 dividend. This represents a $1.76 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.20%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 6th. Molson Coors Beverages payout ratio is currently 39.64%.

Molson Coors Beverage Company Profile

(Free Report)

Molson Coors Beverage Company manufactures, markets, and sells beer and other malt beverage products under various brands in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. The company offers flavored malt beverages including hard seltzers, craft, spirits and energy, and ready to drink beverages.

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January 29, 2025: As much as China wants to conquer Taiwan and absorb the tiny Island state and its 24 million people, that is not likely to happen even though China has 1.2 billion people and the largest navy in the world. China lacks the experience to carry out such an operation and the Americans have pledged to aid in the defense of Taiwan.

This is nothing new. Twenty five years ago China was making plans to capture Taiwan. Back then China was very open in telling the world that it wanted Taiwan to be part of China again. A lot of this was pure nationalism, but the fact that Taiwan is one of the most advanced industrialized nations in the world also had something to do with it. Taiwan, a thriving democracy that has ruled itself for fifty years, has refused all offers of voluntary reunification.

So what is China up to? Quite a lot, it turns out. When China fired missiles into the waters off Taiwan, that made the news. Most of China's bellicose press releases got some play as well. There were news reports about the missile bases being built on the Chinese coast opposite Taiwan, as well as the new warplanes bought from Russia and the additional air bases and anti-aircraft units established near Taiwan. China was building nuclear submarines and new surface warships. The army and air force were training more frequently.

What you didn't hear much about was the diplomatic campaign China pursued. For years, China was using bribes and threats to get nations to break diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Until quite recently, Taiwan claimed to be the legitimate government of China. Many nations went along with this, as China was a bankrupt totalitarian state until economic reforms in the 1980s  1990s industrialized China for the first time ever. Once China began to grow economically, it offered lucrative trade deals, as well as outright bribes, to get nations to cut off diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Why go to all this trouble? Well, if you are going to try and conquer Taiwan, you don't want a lot of commotion worldwide by nations upset with this naked aggression. If you have most of the world's nations agreeing with you that Taiwan is not an independent nation, but rather a renegade province, then there won't be much support for American intervention.

America has always been the major obstacle to China's trying to take Taiwan by force. China's diplomatic campaign to isolate Taiwan makes it more likely that America would have to go it alone in defending Taiwan. And China is well aware that U.S. policy has increasingly been one of only undertaking military action with a lot of allies along for the ride (even if American troops are doing most of the work). China also makes no secret of its increasingly capable weapons. China bluntly announced that it now had nuclear missiles that could reach the western U.S. Or, as one Chinese general was heard saying (openly), "does America want to trade Los Angeles for Taiwan?" We'll never know if the threat is real, but the mere existence of such a threat creates a debate in America if China ever does move on Taiwan. This could slow down the American military response, and that might make the difference between victory and defeat.

China has been using its diplomatic weapon in other ways. Fences have been mended with neighbors and trade increased. While treaties with neighbors are nice, what really keeps them on your side is the fear of losing trade deals. Local unemployment is more important than missiles falling on Taiwan. Vietnam, both Koreas, Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia and Russia have all been schmoozed, bribed and encouraged to be nice to China, and ignore anything that might happen in Taiwan.

And then there are the Taiwanese themselves. There is a small minority that would like to be part of China again. But some 80 percent of the population wants nothing to do with unification, at least as long as the communist party is still running China. And most of those, mainly the ethnic Taiwanese, want nothing to do with China, ever. That's another point the Chinese take great pains to avoid, that before the defeated Nationalists descended on the island in the late 1940s, Taiwan was populated by a separate ethnic group. And these people still comprise the majority of the population. Taiwan is a democracy, and the ethnic Taiwanese want nothing to do with the Chinese. And they have a case. For most of the last few thousand years, China has largely ignored Taiwan and left it to fend for itself. The Taiwanese never had much chance to be Chinese, because they were only part of China now and then when the Chinese forced their way in for one reason or another. But the Chinese have addressed that problem as well by offering a carrot and a stick. The carrot is Hong Kong, where the Chinese have largely kept their pledge to allow local customs and government once Chinese rule replaced the British. The stick is the threat of a destructive military campaign to retake the island. Even if the Chinese fail, much of Taiwan's wealth would be destroyed, and many of its inhabitants killed or injured. So the implicit offer is; become Chinese and little will change. Refuse us and we will destroy all that you hold dear.

While on the surface it appears that the Chinese have established a perfect plan for taking back Taiwan, one must not forget what the Taiwanese are doing to avoid this, and the emerging US strategy of blockading China to force it give Taiwan back if they ever do take it or, better, to destroy the Chinese Communist Party outright. Taiwan is a major economic power, particularly in electronics. Despite Chinese threats to trash the place, Taiwan has convinced some of its customers that Taiwan can defend itself. Lately, Taiwan has been making noises about creating a nuclear deterrent. Taiwan is one of those nations that possesses all the resources and skills to design and build its own nuclear weapons. Longer term, many Taiwanese believe that democracy will soon come to China, a process that they have convinced themselves the communists have unleashed and even encouraged. Once China is democratic, it is felt that an economic, and then political, union can be worked out.

But for many Chinese leaders, it has become a matter of personal, and national pride to take back Taiwan sooner, rather than later. That was in 2000, now its 2025 and China still threaten and plans to take Taiwan by force. Though in 2023 Chinese President Xi made the awful discovery that his underlings had stolen the money which was supposed to have been spent on developing the military means of conquering Taiwan. It will take years more to fix this disaster, assuming that is even possible.

Back then Taiwan announced that it was developing missiles and electronic devices to defeat the increasing number of modern weapons purportedly being acquired by China. Taiwan has increased its inventory of weapons since 2000. Taiwan also realized that what made them safe from Chinese attack was the high risk of failure and the realization that even if China did take Taiwan they would be confronted with massive disruption to their economy and economic sanctions imposed by the major trading nations, especially the United States. Chinese forces have not been in a war since 1953, and that was a ground war in Korea that ended in a stalemate. China suffered over half a million casualties. In 1979 there was a brief battle on the Vietnamese border and the battle-hardened Vietnamese repulsed a Chinese attack. China suffered over 20,000 casualties, declared victory and lost all interest in fighting the Vietnamese again.

Getting beaten trying to invade Vietnam was survivable. A failed invasion of Taiwan would losses of ships, aircraft, lots of military personnel and any doubts that China is not ready to wage a modern war. Better to threaten Taiwan with a potential invasion that to try to invade and reveal how weak the Chinese military actually is.
Intrepid Potash, Inc. (NYSE:IPI  Get Free Report) major shareholder Robert P. Jornayvaz III sold 27,484 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $26.78, for a total transaction of $736,021.52. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 56,987 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,526,111.86. The trade was a 32.54 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. Large shareholders that own at least 10% of a companys stock are required to disclose their transactions with the SEC.

Intrepid Potash Stock Performance

NYSE IPI opened at $27.06 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of $356.04 million, a PE ratio of -8.08 and a beta of 2.23. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $25.04 and a 200-day moving average of $24.68. Intrepid Potash, Inc. has a 52-week low of $17.52 and a 52-week high of $29.75.

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Intrepid Potash (NYSE:IPI  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 4th. The basic materials company reported ($0.14) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.11 by ($0.25). Intrepid Potash had a negative return on equity of 1.32% and a negative net margin of 16.86%. The company had revenue of $57.55 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $42.57 million. During the same quarter last year, the business earned ($0.53) earnings per share. As a group, analysts predict that Intrepid Potash, Inc. will post -0.17 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Trading of Intrepid Potash

Analyst Ratings Changes

Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its position in Intrepid Potash by 0.8% during the 3rd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 231,594 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $5,560,000 after buying an additional 1,732 shares during the period. Glenorchy Capital Ltd increased its position in Intrepid Potash by 95.7% during the third quarter. Glenorchy Capital Ltd now owns 62,214 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $1,493,000 after acquiring an additional 30,425 shares during the period. Barclays PLC raised its stake in Intrepid Potash by 282.6% in the 3rd quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 14,350 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $344,000 after purchasing an additional 10,599 shares in the last quarter. Pinnacle Associates Ltd. bought a new stake in Intrepid Potash in the 3rd quarter valued at about $3,100,000. Finally, The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company acquired a new position in shares of Intrepid Potash during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $602,000. 56.13% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

A number of equities analysts have weighed in on the company. UBS Group boosted their price target on Intrepid Potash from $19.00 to $21.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a research report on Tuesday. StockNews.com raised Intrepid Potash from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, November 6th.

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About Intrepid Potash

(Get Free Report)

Intrepid Potash, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the extraction and production of the potash in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Potash, Trio, and Oilfield Solutions. The company offers muriate of potash for various markets, such as agricultural market as a fertilizer input; the industrial market as a component in drilling and fracturing fluids for oil and gas wells, as well as an input to other industrial processes; and the animal feed market as a nutrient supplement.

Further Reading

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Invesco Advantage Municipal Income Trust II (NYSEAMERICAN:VKI  Get Free Report) saw a large decline in short interest during the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 47,700 shares, a decline of 58.2% from the December 31st total of 114,200 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 164,200 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.3 days.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Stifel Financial Corp raised its holdings in shares of Invesco Advantage Municipal Income Trust II by 58.4% during the 3rd quarter. Stifel Financial Corp now owns 154,291 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,436,000 after acquiring an additional 56,874 shares during the period. Indiana Trust & Investment Management Co raised its holdings in shares of Invesco Advantage Municipal Income Trust II by 1.2% during the 3rd quarter. Indiana Trust & Investment Management Co now owns 121,091 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,127,000 after acquiring an additional 1,475 shares during the period. XTX Topco Ltd purchased a new position in shares of Invesco Advantage Municipal Income Trust II during the 2nd quarter worth $106,000. Larson Financial Group LLC raised its holdings in Invesco Advantage Municipal Income Trust II by 232.4% in the 3rd quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 11,300 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $105,000 after buying an additional 7,900 shares during the period. Finally, FSA Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in Invesco Advantage Municipal Income Trust II in the 3rd quarter valued at about $28,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 27.52% of the companys stock.

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Invesco Advantage Municipal Income Trust II Stock Up 0.1 %

VKI traded up $0.01 on Thursday, hitting $8.85. 123,250 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 149,976. Invesco Advantage Municipal Income Trust II has a fifty-two week low of $8.14 and a fifty-two week high of $9.42.

Invesco Advantage Municipal Income Trust II Dividend Announcement

Invesco Advantage Municipal Income Trust II Company Profile

The business also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 31st. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 17th will be issued a dividend of $0.0559 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 17th. This represents a $0.67 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 7.58%.

(Get Free Report)

Invesco Advantage Municipal Income Trust II is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched by Invesco Ltd. The fund is co-managed by Invesco Advisers, Inc, INVESCO Asset Management (Japan) Limited, INVESCO Asset Management Deutschland GmbH, INVESCO Asset Management Limited, Invesco Canada Ltd., Invesco Hong Kong Limited, and INVESCO Senior Secured Management, Inc It invests in the fixed income markets of the United States.

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Levi Strauss & Co. (NYSE:LEVI  Get Free Report) gapped down prior to trading on Thursday after Telsey Advisory Group lowered their price target on the stock from $26.00 to $23.00. The stock had previously closed at $18.09, but opened at $17.00. Telsey Advisory Group currently has an outperform rating on the stock. Levi Strauss & Co. shares last traded at $17.34, with a volume of 1,172,348 shares trading hands.

A number of other analysts have also recently weighed in on the company. Guggenheim reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $23.00 price objective on shares of Levi Strauss & Co. in a research report on Friday, January 24th. Morgan Stanley decreased their price target on Levi Strauss & Co. from $18.00 to $17.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price target on shares of Levi Strauss & Co. from $20.00 to $17.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday. Barclays reduced their price objective on shares of Levi Strauss & Co. from $24.00 to $22.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday. Finally, Citigroup dropped their price objective on shares of Levi Strauss & Co. from $21.00 to $19.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Friday, January 17th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $21.36.

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Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Levi Strauss & Co.

Insiders Place Their Bets

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Levi Strauss & Co.

In other Levi Strauss & Co. news, Director David A. Friedman sold 4,166 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, January 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $18.00, for a total value of $74,988.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 104,178 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,875,204. This trade represents a 3.85 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink . 3.14% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Sei Investments Co. lifted its stake in shares of Levi Strauss & Co. by 8.5% in the second quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 228,913 shares of the blue-jean makers stock worth $4,413,000 after acquiring an additional 17,889 shares in the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC grew its holdings in Levi Strauss & Co. by 2,083.0% during the 2nd quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 1,923,206 shares of the blue-jean makers stock worth $37,079,000 after acquiring an additional 1,835,107 shares in the last quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company increased its position in shares of Levi Strauss & Co. by 6,794.9% in the 2nd quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 1,244,873 shares of the blue-jean makers stock worth $24,001,000 after purchasing an additional 1,226,818 shares during the last quarter. Quarry LP acquired a new stake in shares of Levi Strauss & Co. during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $56,000. Finally, Point72 Asset Management L.P. bought a new position in Levi Strauss & Co. during the second quarter worth $8,552,000. 69.14% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Levi Strauss & Co. Stock Down 2.2 %

The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $17.46 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $18.17. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54, a current ratio of 1.41 and a quick ratio of 0.76. The company has a market capitalization of $7.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 46.06, a PEG ratio of 0.97 and a beta of 1.16.

Levi Strauss & Co. (NYSE:LEVI  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 29th. The blue-jean maker reported $0.50 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.48 by $0.02. Levi Strauss & Co. had a net margin of 2.52% and a return on equity of 24.43%. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Levi Strauss & Co. will post 1.23 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

About Levi Strauss & Co.

(Get Free Report)

Levi Strauss & Co engages in the design, marketing, and sale of apparel products. The company offers jeans, casual and dress pants, tops, shorts, skirts, jackets, footwear, and related accessories. It operates through the following geographical segments: Americas, Europe, and Asia. The company was founded by Levi Strauss in 1853 and is headquartered in San Francisco, CA.

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Manning & Napier Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG  Free Report) by 89.2% during the 4th quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 53,132 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after purchasing an additional 25,056 shares during the quarter. Manning & Napier Advisors LLCs holdings in EOG Resources were worth $6,513,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other large investors have also bought and sold shares of EOG. Northwest Investment Counselors LLC bought a new position in shares of EOG Resources in the third quarter worth approximately $26,000. Decker Retirement Planning Inc. purchased a new stake in EOG Resources during the 4th quarter valued at $27,000. Eastern Bank bought a new stake in EOG Resources in the 3rd quarter worth $28,000. Capital Performance Advisors LLP purchased a new position in shares of EOG Resources in the third quarter valued at about $31,000. Finally, HM Payson & Co. raised its stake in shares of EOG Resources by 203.7% during the third quarter. HM Payson & Co. now owns 328 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $40,000 after acquiring an additional 220 shares during the last quarter. 89.91% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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EOG Resources Stock Down 0.0 %

EOG stock opened at $130.23 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 2.07, a current ratio of 2.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. The business has a 50 day moving average of $128.82 and a 200 day moving average of $127.41. EOG Resources, Inc. has a twelve month low of $108.94 and a twelve month high of $139.67. The firm has a market cap of $73.25 billion, a PE ratio of 10.49, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.68 and a beta of 1.29.

EOG Resources ( NYSE:EOG Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 7th. The energy exploration company reported $2.89 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.73 by $0.16. The firm had revenue of $5.97 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.03 billion. EOG Resources had a return on equity of 23.77% and a net margin of 29.18%. During the same period last year, the company earned $3.44 earnings per share. On average, research analysts forecast that EOG Resources, Inc. will post 11.45 EPS for the current fiscal year.

EOG Resources announced that its Board of Directors has approved a share repurchase program on Thursday, November 7th that authorizes the company to repurchase $5.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the energy exploration company to repurchase up to 7% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase programs are usually a sign that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued.

EOG Resources Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 31st. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 17th will be paid a $0.975 dividend. This represents a $3.90 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.99%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 17th. This is an increase from EOG Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $0.91. EOG Resourcess dividend payout ratio is currently 31.40%.

Insider Activity

In other EOG Resources news, COO Jeffrey R. Leitzell sold 4,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 31st. The stock was 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. This trade represents a 8.56 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Director Janet F. Clark sold 568 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $135.33, for a total value of $76,867.44. Following the completion of the transaction, 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 disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.20% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several analysts recently issued reports on EOG shares. Royal Bank of Canada reissued a sector perform rating and issued a $150.00 target price on shares of EOG Resources in a research note on Monday, January 6th. Bank of America reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $144.00 price objective (down from $151.00) on shares of EOG Resources in a research report on Monday, January 13th. Raymond James upped their target price on EOG Resources from $167.00 to $175.00 and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, January 23rd. Scotiabank cut their price target on shares of EOG Resources from $150.00 to $140.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 10th. Finally, Mizuho decreased their price objective on shares of EOG Resources from $156.00 to $148.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Monday, December 16th. Thirteen research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $143.90.

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EOG Resources 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.

Further Reading

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Mastercard (NYSE:MA  Get Free Report) issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday. The credit services provider reported $3.82 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.71 by $0.11, Zacks reports. Mastercard had a net margin of 45.26% and a return on equity of 178.27%.

Mastercard Stock Performance

Shares of Mastercard stock traded up $26.08 on Thursday, reaching $574.88. 2,393,588 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,576,199. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.36, a quick ratio of 1.29 and a current ratio of 1.29. The companys 50-day moving average is $526.58 and its two-hundred day moving average is $499.80. The firm has a market cap of $527.64 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 43.49, a P/E/G ratio of 2.10 and a beta of 1.10. Mastercard has a 1-year low of $428.86 and a 1-year high of $576.56.

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Mastercard Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 7th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, January 9th will be issued a dividend of $0.76 per share. This represents a $3.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.53%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 10th. This is an increase from Mastercards previous quarterly dividend of $0.66. Mastercards dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 23.00%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities research analysts have recently issued reports on MA shares. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their price objective on shares of Mastercard from $510.00 to $580.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, November 1st. TD Cowen increased their price objective on shares of Mastercard from $533.00 to $567.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, November 15th. Susquehanna increased their price objective on shares of Mastercard from $540.00 to $605.00 and gave the stock a positive rating in a research report on Friday, November 1st. BMO Capital Markets increased their price objective on shares of Mastercard from $550.00 to $565.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, November 14th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reissued an outperform rating and issued a $572.00 price objective on shares of Mastercard in a research report on Thursday, November 14th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twenty-two have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Mastercard currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $567.29.

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Mastercard announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a share repurchase program on Tuesday, December 17th that authorizes the company to buyback $12.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the credit services provider to purchase up to 2.5% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback programs are often a sign that the companys management believes its shares are undervalued.

About Mastercard

(Get 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.

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Meritage Homes (NYSE:MTH  Get Free Report) issued its earnings results on Wednesday. The construction company reported $4.72 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.55 by $0.17, Zacks reports. Meritage Homes had a return on equity of 16.89% and a net margin of 12.63%.

Meritage Homes Stock Down 2.5 %

MTH stock opened at $78.83 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $5.70 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.14 and a beta of 1.87. Meritage Homes has a 52 week low of $73.05 and a 52 week high of $106.99. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $86.21 and a 200-day simple moving average of $92.55. The company has a quick ratio of 1.75, a current ratio of 1.75 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26.

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Meritage Homes Cuts Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 31st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 17th were issued a dividend of $0.375 per share. This represents a $1.50 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.90%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, December 17th. Meritage Homess payout ratio is 13.58%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several analysts have recently commented on MTH shares. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Meritage Homes from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Saturday, January 11th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $98.50 price target (down from $110.00) on shares of Meritage Homes in a report on Friday, December 13th. Raymond James lowered Meritage Homes from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research note on Thursday, November 7th. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered their target price on Meritage Homes from $117.50 to $100.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, January 14th. Finally, UBS Group reduced their price target on Meritage Homes from $126.00 to $118.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, January 8th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Meritage Homes presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $107.38.

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Meritage Homes Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Meritage Homes Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, designs and builds single-family attached and detached homes in the United States. The company operates through two segments, Homebuilding and Financial Services. It acquires and develops land; and constructs, markets, and sells homes for entry-level and first move-up buyers in Arizona, California, Colorado, Utah, Texas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

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New England Research & Management Inc. bought a new position in Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV  Free Report) during the 4th quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund bought 18,075 shares of the airlines stock, valued at approximately $608,000.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. AQR Capital Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Southwest Airlines by 36.5% in the second quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 329,366 shares of the airlines stock worth $9,305,000 after buying an additional 88,106 shares during the period. APG Asset Management N.V. raised its stake in shares of Southwest Airlines by 235.1% in the second quarter. APG Asset Management N.V. now owns 24,943 shares of the airlines stock worth $666,000 after buying an additional 17,500 shares during the period. Creative Planning raised its stake in shares of Southwest Airlines by 5.4% in the second quarter. Creative Planning now owns 265,150 shares of the airlines stock worth $7,586,000 after buying an additional 13,525 shares during the period. KPP Advisory Services LLC raised its stake in shares of Southwest Airlines by 12.0% in the second quarter. KPP Advisory Services LLC now owns 9,586 shares of the airlines stock worth $274,000 after buying an additional 1,029 shares during the period. Finally, Clearbridge Investments LLC bought a new position in shares of Southwest Airlines in the second quarter worth about $609,000. 80.82% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Transactions at Southwest Airlines

In other news, insider Linda B. Rutherford sold 3,849 shares of Southwest Airlines stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $34.40, for a total value of $132,405.60. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 89,376 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,074,534.40. The trade was a 4.13 % 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. Company insiders own 0.33% of the companys stock.

Southwest Airlines Trading Down 0.3 %

Southwest Airlines Announces Dividend

NYSE:LUV opened at $31.77 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.83, a current ratio of 0.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $33.01 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $30.39. Southwest Airlines Co. has a 1 year low of $23.58 and a 1 year high of $36.12.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 16th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, December 26th were issued a $0.18 dividend. This represents a $0.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.27%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 26th. Southwest Airliness dividend payout ratio (DPR) is -1,028.57%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

LUV has been the topic of several recent research reports. Bank of America reaffirmed an underperform rating and issued a $31.00 price objective (down previously from $33.00) on shares of Southwest Airlines in a research note on Friday, January 17th. StockNews.com raised Southwest Airlines from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, October 28th. Jefferies Financial Group raised Southwest Airlines from an underperform rating to a hold rating and lifted their target price for the company from $24.00 to $32.00 in a research note on Wednesday, October 9th. UBS Group lifted their target price on Southwest Airlines from $27.00 to $29.00 and gave the company a sell rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 7th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reissued an overweight rating and set a $42.00 target price on shares of Southwest Airlines in a research note on Wednesday, December 11th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $32.31.

Read Our Latest Analysis on Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines Profile

(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.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LUV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV  Free Report).

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Northland Power Inc. (TSE:NPI  Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week low on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as C$16.91 and last traded at C$17.38, with a volume of 1836617 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at C$17.52.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of analysts have weighed in on NPI shares. National Bankshares cut their price objective on shares of Northland Power from C$35.00 to C$34.00 in a report on Wednesday, January 15th. Raymond James upgraded shares of Northland Power to a moderate buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 15th. Finally, CIBC decreased their price objective on shares of Northland Power from C$31.00 to C$29.00 in a research note on Wednesday, January 8th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of C$29.71.

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Northland Power Stock Performance

Northland Power Dividend Announcement

The company has a market capitalization of C$4.34 billion, a PE ratio of 70.21, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.71 and a beta of 0.47. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is C$18.72 and its 200-day simple moving average is C$21.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 166.53, a quick ratio of 1.23 and a current ratio of 0.86.

The business also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, February 18th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, February 18th will be paid a dividend of $0.10 per share. This represents a $1.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 7.12%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 31st. Northland Powers dividend payout ratio is currently 500.00%.

Northland Power Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Northland Power Inc, an independent power producer, develops, builds, owns, and operates clean and green power projects in Canada, Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Colombia, and internationally. The company produces electricity from renewable resources, such as wind and solar, as well as natural gas for sale under power purchase agreements and other revenue arrangements.

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OppFi Inc. (NYSE:OPFI  Get Free Report)s share price was up 11.2% during trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $13.59 and last traded at $13.89. 610,159 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 75% from the average session volume of 2,399,724 shares. The stock had previously closed at $12.49.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Separately, Northland Securities upped their price objective on OppFi from $8.00 to $10.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, December 13th.

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Get Our Latest Analysis on OppFi

OppFi Trading Down 0.3 %

The stock has a market cap of $1.19 billion, a P/E ratio of 86.47 and a beta of 1.45. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $8.71 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $6.13.

OppFi (NYSE:OPFI  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 7th. The company reported $0.33 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.21 by $0.12. The company had revenue of $136.59 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $128.94 million. OppFi had a return on equity of 35.04% and a net margin of 1.40%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.16 EPS. Sell-side analysts predict that OppFi Inc. will post 0.86 earnings per share for the current year.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other OppFi news, Director Jocelyn Moore sold 23,149 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $6.70, for a total transaction of $155,098.30. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 99,072 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $663,782.40. This represents a 18.94 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, Director David Vennettilli sold 22,301 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $7.68, for a total transaction of $171,271.68. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 121,524 shares in the company, valued at $933,304.32. This trade represents a 15.51 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 145,450 shares of company stock valued at $971,370. 84.00% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On OppFi

A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Quadrature Capital Ltd bought a new position in shares of OppFi during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $60,000. Brendel Financial Advisors LLC bought a new position in OppFi during the third quarter worth $105,000. Jane Street Group LLC boosted its stake in OppFi by 28.9% during the third quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 25,842 shares of the companys stock worth $122,000 after acquiring an additional 5,795 shares in the last quarter. XTX Topco Ltd acquired a new stake in OppFi in the third quarter worth $136,000. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its stake in OppFi by 271.7% in the third quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 36,585 shares of the companys stock valued at $173,000 after purchasing an additional 26,742 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 7.10% of the companys stock.

OppFi Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

OppFi Inc operates a cialty finance platform that allows banks to offer credit access. Its platform facilitates the OppLoans, an installment loan product; SalaryTap, a payroll deduction secured installment loan product; and OppFi Card, a credit card product. OppFi Inc was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

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PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund III (NYSE:PZC  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant growth in short interest during the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 15,300 shares, a growth of 173.2% from the December 31st total of 5,600 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 76,400 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days.

PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund III Stock Performance

Shares of PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund III stock traded up $0.04 during trading on Wednesday, reaching $6.76. 149,970 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 88,143. The stocks fifty day moving average is $6.90 and its 200 day moving average is $7.18. PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund III has a 1 year low of $6.60 and a 1 year high of $7.90.

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PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund III Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 3rd. Shareholders of record on Monday, January 13th will be given a $0.0295 dividend. This represents a $0.35 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.24%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, January 13th.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund III

About PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund III

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Intellectus Partners LLC grew its position in shares of PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund III by 7.1% during the 3rd quarter. Intellectus Partners LLC now owns 37,500 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $282,000 after acquiring an additional 2,500 shares during the period. Golden State Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund III during the 4th quarter valued at $29,000. Farther Finance Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund III during the 3rd quarter valued at $38,000. Conrad Siegel Investment Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in shares of PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund III during the 4th quarter valued at $80,000. Finally, Landscape Capital Management L.L.C. lifted its stake in shares of PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund III by 15.8% during the 3rd quarter. Landscape Capital Management L.L.C. now owns 100,858 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $756,000 after buying an additional 13,750 shares in the last quarter.

(Get Free Report)

PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund III is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by Allianz Global Investors Fund Management LLC. It is co-managed by Pacific Investment Management Company LLC. The fund invests in fixed income markets. It seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors.

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January 30, 2025: Russian leader Vladimir Putin has frequently mentioned his regrets that the Soviet Union is gone and his desire to restore the Soviet state. Putin went on to explain that once he conquers Ukraine and absorbs it into Russia, portions of Ukraine will be added to existing Russian provinces. Putin intends to exterminate Ukraine completely. Russia has already been moving Ukrainian civilians it controls or has kidnapped from Ukraine since the 2022 war began, to different parts of Russia where it will be easier to exterminate Ukrainian culture over a few generations. Russians will then be moved into the territory formerly occupied by those Ukrainians to make those areas very Russian.

There is also a plan for Russia to conquer and occupy portions of Poland and Romania that Russia points out were part of Russia at one time and are overdue for reunification with Mother Russia.

This is unlikely because Poland and Romania are members of NATO, an organization formed in 1949 to protect its members from Russian aggression by mandating that if one NATO member is attacked by Russia, then all NATO members will respond as if they had been attacked. Russia has denounced NATO repeatedly and threatened to ignore it but has never actually attacked a NATO member. The NATO alliance members represent half the world GDP and nearly half of the worlds combat power. Russia attacking NATO would be suicidal, but so was the Russia invading Ukraine. Three years after the invasion the Russian army was depleted and demoralized. Over half a million dead and disabled has led to increasing desertions and spontaneous surrenders to the Ukrainians.

How bad is it? So bad that Russia has to spend millions of dollars to hire 12,000 North Korean soldiers. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has a million man army and is willing to part with half of it if the Russians can afford it. The first 12,ooo North Koreans are expected to be gone by March due to death, disablement, or desertion. Russia is running out of cash and its sanctioned economy limps along on scraps because war needs had priority. Putin is undismayed and vows to press on with his plan to rebuild the Soviet Union.

Another reason Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 was because Ukraine was negotiating with NATO to become a member. Ukraine was also about to become a member of the EU, European economic union. If Ukraine belonged to the EU, Ukraine would be less likely to trade with Russia because EU membership enables Ukraine to do nearly all its trade with EU members. This includes EU ally the United States, which has the largest and most diverse economy in the world.

According to Russian leaders, most of Ukraine once belonged to Russia and those areas were not called Ukraine. This ignores the fact that the Soviet Union succeeded in its 1945 demand that Ukraine be made a UN member as a country independent of Russia. According to NATO and most other nations in the world, Ukraine became independent, as did a dozen other portions of the Soviet Union when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.

Many Russians, including former Soviet era KGB officer Vladimir Putin, feel the collapse of the Soviet Union was a tragic event that Putin believes must be reversed. If Putin can conquer and absorb Ukraine back into Russia, that will be the beginning of a Soviet Union revival. Putin will then go after the other now independent former Soviet States and ask or demand that they rejoin the Soviet Union. Belarus is the only one of those former Soviet states that might do so willingly. The other former Soviet states say they will fight, like Ukraine did, to resist becoming part of Russia once more.

But then there is Crimea, which is a special case and a separate problem for Russia, Ukraine and the Crimeans. In the 1990s Russia claimed that Crimeans had voted to become an independent Crimean state that wanted to eventually merge with Russia. Crimea was independent in the 1990s, something Crimeans voted for. Ukraine objected and in 1995 seized control of Crimea. Since the 18th century Crimea had belonged to the Russian Czarist Empire, then the Soviet Union and, with the dissolution of the Soviet Union, became part of an independent Ukraine.

When Crimea became part of Ukraine, the Russians and Ukrainians negotiated a lease arrangement so that the Russian Black Sea Fleet could maintain its major naval base of Sevastopol in Crimea. This meant that there was a large Russian military presence in Crimea legally and that made many Ukrainians nervous because those Russian troops could enable Russia to take control of Crimea by force, which they did in 2014 and still control the area in 2025. Ukraine still wants to reclaim Crimea and halted the flow of essential fresh water from Ukraine to Crimea in 2014. One reason for the 2022 Russian invasion was to seize Ukrainian controlled areas near Crimea and restore the flow of fresh water to Crimea. The Crimean situation complicates any efforts to make peace between Russia and Ukraine. Most Crimeans back Russia in the current Ukraine war because they consider Russia the lesser of two evils. That is an exception among neighbors of Russia that once belonged to the Soviet Union. Except for Crimea, no other former part of the Soviet Union wants to rejoin the Union.

Putin sees this reluctance to rejoin a new Soviet Union as an obstacle he can overcome if he has enough soldiers and weapons. Because of the losses in Ukraine, and the rearmament plans of the other former Soviet areas, Putins plans are stalled for now. Putin still wants it all even if the all wants nothing to do with him.
Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE:AIT  Get Free Report) had its price objective raised by equities researchers at Robert W. Baird from $250.00 to $275.00 in a research note issued on Thursday,Benzinga reports. The firm presently has an outperform rating on the industrial products companys stock. Robert W. Bairds target price would indicate a potential upside of 4.93% from the stocks current price.

Other analysts have also recently issued reports about the stock. StockNews.com cut shares of Applied Industrial Technologies from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, January 23rd. Mizuho assumed coverage on Applied Industrial Technologies in a report on Tuesday, October 22nd. They set an outperform rating and a $285.00 target price for the company. KeyCorp increased their price objective on Applied Industrial Technologies from $275.00 to $325.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 3rd. Bank of America upgraded shares of Applied Industrial Technologies from a neutral rating to a buy rating and increased their price target for the stock from $285.00 to $315.00 in a research report on Tuesday, November 26th. Finally, Loop Capital raised their target price on Applied Industrial Technologies from $230.00 to $270.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, October 28th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Applied Industrial Technologies currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $291.43.

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Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on AIT

Applied Industrial Technologies Price Performance

Shares of AIT traded up $7.61 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $262.07. The stock had a trading volume of 65,868 shares, compared to its average volume of 329,098. Applied Industrial Technologies has a 12 month low of $176.32 and a 12 month high of $282.98. The companys 50-day moving average is $257.49 and its two-hundred day moving average is $232.96. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a quick ratio of 2.74 and a current ratio of 3.78. The stock has a market capitalization of $10.08 billion, a PE ratio of 26.77, a PEG ratio of 3.59 and a beta of 1.08.

Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE:AIT  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 29th. The industrial products company reported $2.39 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.21 by $0.18. Applied Industrial Technologies had a return on equity of 22.68% and a net margin of 8.57%. Research analysts expect that Applied Industrial Technologies will post 9.77 EPS for the current year.

Insider Transactions at Applied Industrial Technologies

In other news, VP Warren E. Hoffner III sold 4,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $281.64, for a total value of $1,126,560.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now owns 55,709 shares in the company, valued at approximately $15,689,882.76. This represents a 6.70 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, Director Mary Dean Hall sold 2,200 shares of Applied Industrial Technologies stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $275.08, for a total value of $605,176.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 3,462 shares in the company, valued at $952,326.96. This trade represents a 38.86 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 1.67% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Applied Industrial Technologies

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Zurich Insurance Group Ltd FI purchased a new stake in shares of Applied Industrial Technologies during the third quarter worth about $84,139,000. Westfield Capital Management Co. LP purchased a new stake in shares of Applied Industrial Technologies during the third quarter worth about $32,233,000. Fiera Capital Corp lifted its stake in shares of Applied Industrial Technologies by 456.3% in the third quarter. Fiera Capital Corp now owns 130,895 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $29,207,000 after acquiring an additional 107,365 shares in the last quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in Applied Industrial Technologies in the third quarter valued at about $213,590,000. Finally, Eagle Asset Management Inc. purchased a new stake in Applied Industrial Technologies during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $13,034,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 93.52% of the companys stock.

Applied Industrial Technologies Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc distributes industrial motion, power, control, and automation technology solutions in North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. It operates in two segments, Service Center Based Distribution, and Engineered Solutions. The company distributes bearings, power transmission products, engineered fluid power components and systems, specialty flow control solutions, advanced automation products, industrial rubber products, linear motion components, automation solutions, tools, safety products, oilfield supplies, and other industrial and maintenance supplies; and motors, belting, drives, couplings, pumps, hydraulic and pneumatic components, filtration supplies, valves, fittings, process instrumentation, actuators, and hoses, filtration supplies, as well as other related supplies for general operational needs of customers' machinery and equipment.

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AstraZeneca PLC (OTCMKTS:AZNCF  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest during the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 127,400 shares, an increase of 116.7% from the December 31st total of 58,800 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 8,500 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 15.0 days.

AstraZeneca Price Performance

AZNCF traded up $2.11 during trading on Thursday, reaching $139.32. 2,041 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,024. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $133.25 and a 200 day moving average of $147.08. AstraZeneca has a 52 week low of $118.16 and a 52 week high of $175.00.

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Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A hedge fund recently bought a new stake in AstraZeneca stock. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of AstraZeneca PLC (OTCMKTS:AZNCF  Free Report) in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 1,001 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $156,000. 40.87% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca PLC, a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the discovery, development, manufacture, and commercialization of prescription medicines. The company's marketed products include Tagrisso, Imfinzi, Lynparza, Calquence, Enhertu, Orpathys, Truqap, Zoladex, Faslodex, Farxiga, Brilinta, Lokelma, Roxadustat, Andexxa, Crestor, Seloken, Onglyza, Bydureon, Fasenra, Breztri, Symbicort, Saphnelo, Tezspire, Pulmicort, Bevespi, and Daliresp for cardiovascular, renal, metabolism, and oncology.

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STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM  Get Free Report) released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday. The semiconductor producer reported $0.37 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.35 by $0.02, Zacks reports. STMicroelectronics had a return on equity of 13.29% and a net margin of 16.11%. STMicroelectronics updated its Q1 2025 guidance to EPS.

STMicroelectronics Stock Down 10.7 %

NYSE STM traded down $2.64 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $22.10. 4,613,908 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 6,136,714. The stock has a market capitalization of $19.96 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.11, a P/E/G ratio of 4.48 and a beta of 1.52. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12, a quick ratio of 2.16 and a current ratio of 2.84. STMicroelectronics has a twelve month low of $21.96 and a twelve month high of $49.05. The businesss 50-day moving average is $25.37 and its 200-day moving average is $28.32.

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STMicroelectronics Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, April 1st. Investors of record on Tuesday, March 25th will be given a dividend of $0.09 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 25th. This represents a $0.36 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.63%. STMicroelectronicss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 12.76%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities research analysts have issued reports on the company. Barclays downgraded STMicroelectronics from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating in a report on Wednesday, January 22nd. Susquehanna restated a positive rating and issued a $33.00 price target on shares of STMicroelectronics in a report on Thursday, November 21st. Morgan Stanley downgraded STMicroelectronics from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating in a report on Monday, November 4th. BNP Paribas started coverage on STMicroelectronics in a research report on Tuesday, December 3rd. They set a neutral rating and a $28.00 price objective for the company. Finally, Robert W. Baird reduced their price objective on STMicroelectronics from $35.00 to $30.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Friday, November 1st. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating, five have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $34.11.

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STMicroelectronics Company Profile

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STMicroelectronics N.V., together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, and sells semiconductor products in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, and the Asia Pacific. The company operates through Automotive and Discrete Group; Analog, MEMS and Sensors Group; and Microcontrollers and Digital ICs Group segments.

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StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Hess (NYSE:HES  Free Report) in a report published on Wednesday. The brokerage issued a hold rating on the oil and gas producers stock.

Several other equities analysts have also recently commented on HES. UBS Group upped their price target on Hess from $173.00 to $185.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, December 3rd. Susquehanna raised their price objective on shares of Hess from $149.00 to $154.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, October 18th. Pickering Energy Partners raised shares of Hess to a hold rating in a report on Friday, January 3rd. Citigroup boosted their price target on shares of Hess from $145.00 to $163.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, December 6th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company raised Hess from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and increased their target price for the company from $151.00 to $193.00 in a research note on Monday, December 9th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Hess has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $170.50.

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View Our Latest Analysis on HES

Hess Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:HES opened at $145.12 on Wednesday. The company has a market cap of $44.71 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.91 and a beta of 1.18. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $140.98 and a 200 day moving average price of $139.39. The company has a quick ratio of 1.13, a current ratio of 1.26 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.75. Hess has a twelve month low of $123.79 and a twelve month high of $163.98.

Hess (NYSE:HES  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, January 29th. The oil and gas producer reported $1.76 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.44 by $0.32. Hess had a net margin of 20.58% and a return on equity of 27.41%. Research analysts predict that Hess will post 9.51 earnings per share for the current year.

Hess Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 31st. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 16th were issued a $0.50 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 16th. This represents a $2.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.38%. Hesss payout ratio is 23.31%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Hess news, SVP Geurt G. Schoonman sold 6,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $141.91, for a total transaction of $851,460.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 27,581 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,914,019.71. The trade was a 17.87 % 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 the SEC website. Also, CEO John B. Hess sold 92,894 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $147.80, for a total transaction of $13,729,733.20. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 229,465 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $33,914,927. This trade represents a 28.82 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 314,370 shares of company stock valued at $45,856,309 over the last ninety days. 9.76% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Trading of Hess

Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans raised its holdings in shares of Hess by 22.4% in the second quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 13,739 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $2,027,000 after purchasing an additional 2,515 shares during the last quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp grew its stake in Hess by 2.4% in the 2nd quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 27,553 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $4,065,000 after buying an additional 654 shares in the last quarter. Algert Global LLC boosted its stake in Hess by 53.0% in the 2nd quarter. Algert Global LLC now owns 2,920 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $431,000 after purchasing an additional 1,011 shares during the period. Creative Planning increased its holdings in Hess by 3.4% during the 2nd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 19,128 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $2,822,000 after acquiring an additional 633 shares during the period. Finally, Truist Financial Corp grew its stake in Hess by 47.1% in the 2nd quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 20,333 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $2,999,000 after buying an additional 6,508 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 88.51% of the companys stock.

Hess Company Profile

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Hess Corporation, an exploration and production company, explores, develops, produces, purchases, transports, and sells crude oil, natural gas liquids (NGLs), and natural gas. The company operates in two segments, Exploration and Production, and Midstream. It conducts production operations primarily in the United States, Guyana, the Malaysia/Thailand Joint Development Area, and Malaysia; and exploration activities principally offshore Guyana, the U.S.

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Stonegate Investment Group LLC decreased its holdings in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP  Free Report) (TSE:CP) by 9.2% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 2,877 shares of the transportation companys stock after selling 291 shares during the period. Stonegate Investment Group LLCs holdings in Canadian Pacific Kansas City were worth $208,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in CP. National Bank of Canada FI raised its position in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 84.4% during the 3rd quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 2,945,383 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $251,778,000 after acquiring an additional 1,348,474 shares during the last quarter. BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp grew its holdings in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 36.6% in the 3rd quarter. BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp now owns 2,869,584 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $245,403,000 after buying an additional 769,202 shares during the period. Point72 Asset Management L.P. acquired a new position in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City in the 3rd quarter valued at $63,179,000. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec grew its holdings in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 39.2% in the 3rd quarter. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec now owns 2,010,385 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $172,132,000 after buying an additional 565,783 shares during the period. Finally, Franklin Resources Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 9.7% in the 3rd quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 6,096,341 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $501,219,000 after buying an additional 537,418 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 72.20% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

CP has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Citigroup decreased their price target on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $98.00 to $91.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, November 12th. Sanford C. Bernstein decreased their price target on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $91.98 to $91.25 and set a market perform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 9th. StockNews.com lowered shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Wednesday, December 25th. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their price target on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $82.00 to $76.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Thursday, January 16th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price target on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $92.00 to $90.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, January 7th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $92.63.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE CP opened at $78.66 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42, a quick ratio of 0.46 and a current ratio of 0.53. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $75.15 and a 200 day moving average price of $79.05. The stock has a market capitalization of $73.44 billion, a PE ratio of 28.09, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.01 and a beta of 0.96. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited has a 52 week low of $70.89 and a 52 week high of $91.58.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (NYSE:CP  Get Free Report) (TSE:CP) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 29th. The transportation company reported $0.92 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.66 by $0.26. Canadian Pacific Kansas City had a return on equity of 8.78% and a net margin of 24.50%. Analysts predict that Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited will post 3 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Profile

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Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates a transcontinental freight railway in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The company transports bulk commodities, including grain, coal, potash, fertilizers, and sulphur; merchandise freight, such as forest products, energy, chemicals and plastics, metals, minerals, consumer products, and automotive; and intermodal traffic comprising retail goods in overseas containers.

Further Reading

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Colton Groome Financial Advisors LLC cut its position in shares of The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO  Free Report) by 7.2% in the 4th quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 4,280 shares of the companys stock after selling 333 shares during the period. Colton Groome Financial Advisors LLCs holdings in Coca-Cola were worth $266,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of KO. Quarry LP purchased a new position in Coca-Cola in the second quarter valued at about $27,000. Hara Capital LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Coca-Cola during the 3rd quarter valued at about $35,000. E Fund Management Hong Kong Co. Ltd. acquired a new position in Coca-Cola during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $36,000. Retirement Wealth Solutions LLC purchased a new position in Coca-Cola in the 4th quarter worth approximately $37,000. Finally, MidAtlantic Capital Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Coca-Cola in the third quarter valued at approximately $43,000. 70.26% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Coca-Cola Trading Up 1.4 %

Shares of NYSE KO opened at $63.71 on Thursday. The Coca-Cola Company has a 12-month low of $57.93 and a 12-month high of $73.53. The company has a market cap of $274.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.32, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.38 and a beta of 0.61. The company has a current ratio of 1.06, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.53. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $62.65 and its 200 day simple moving average is $66.41.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Piper Sandler decreased their target price on shares of Coca-Cola from $74.00 to $73.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, January 23rd. TD Cowen upgraded Coca-Cola from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $75.00 target price for the company in a research note on Wednesday, January 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price target on Coca-Cola from $75.00 to $70.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday. Truist Financial raised their price objective on Coca-Cola from $70.00 to $80.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 16th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded Coca-Cola from a hold rating to a buy rating and increased their target price for the company from $68.00 to $70.00 in a research note on Thursday, December 12th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, sixteen have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $72.13.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on KO

Insider Activity at Coca-Cola

In other Coca-Cola news, CEO James Quincey sold 100,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $64.03, for a total transaction of $6,403,000.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 342,546 shares in the company, valued at approximately $21,933,220.38. The trade was a 22.60 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. 0.97% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Coca-Cola Profile

(Free Report)

The Coca-Cola Company, a beverage company, manufactures, markets, and sells various nonalcoholic beverages worldwide. The company provides sparkling soft drinks, sparkling flavors; water, sports, coffee, and tea; juice, value-added dairy, and plant-based beverages; and other beverages. It also offers beverage concentrates and syrups, as well as fountain syrups to fountain retailers, such as restaurants and convenience stores.

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Capital Investment Advisory Services LLC raised its holdings in shares of The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO  Free Report) by 3.0% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 37,397 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,081 shares during the period. Capital Investment Advisory Services LLCs holdings in Coca-Cola were worth $2,328,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in KO. FMR LLC raised its stake in shares of Coca-Cola by 13.7% in the 3rd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 92,961,376 shares of the companys stock worth $6,680,205,000 after buying an additional 11,206,995 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its holdings in Coca-Cola by 14.5% in the 3rd quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 31,615,428 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,271,885,000 after acquiring an additional 4,013,996 shares during the last quarter. B. Metzler seel. Sohn & Co. Holding AG bought a new stake in shares of Coca-Cola in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $269,382,000. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its position in shares of Coca-Cola by 3.3% during the third quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 92,957,028 shares of the companys stock worth $6,664,005,000 after purchasing an additional 2,966,964 shares during the period. Finally, Pathway Financial Advisers LLC boosted its position in shares of Coca-Cola by 7,006.8% in the 3rd quarter. Pathway Financial Advisers LLC now owns 2,478,487 shares of the companys stock valued at $178,104,000 after purchasing an additional 2,443,612 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 70.26% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In other Coca-Cola news, CEO James Quincey sold 100,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $64.03, for a total transaction of $6,403,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 342,546 shares in the company, valued at $21,933,220.38. This represents a 22.60 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.97% of the companys stock.

Coca-Cola Price Performance

Analyst Ratings Changes

NYSE KO opened at $62.86 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $270.77 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.97, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.38 and a beta of 0.61. The stocks 50-day moving average is $62.65 and its two-hundred day moving average is $66.41. The Coca-Cola Company has a fifty-two week low of $57.93 and a fifty-two week high of $73.53. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.53, a current ratio of 1.06 and a quick ratio of 0.90.

A number of analysts have commented on the stock. Morgan Stanley reduced their price objective on shares of Coca-Cola from $78.00 to $76.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 24th. Barclays decreased their price objective on shares of Coca-Cola from $73.00 to $66.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, January 17th. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their target price on Coca-Cola from $75.00 to $70.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, January 7th. Piper Sandler lowered their price target on Coca-Cola from $74.00 to $73.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, January 23rd. Finally, TD Cowen raised Coca-Cola from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $75.00 price objective for the company in a research note on Wednesday, January 8th. Two 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. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $72.13.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Coca-Cola

About Coca-Cola

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The Coca-Cola Company, a beverage company, manufactures, markets, and sells various nonalcoholic beverages worldwide. The company provides sparkling soft drinks, sparkling flavors; water, sports, coffee, and tea; juice, value-added dairy, and plant-based beverages; and other beverages. It also offers beverage concentrates and syrups, as well as fountain syrups to fountain retailers, such as restaurants and convenience stores.

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The Container Store Group, Inc., a leading retailer specializing in organizing solutions, has successfully concluded its financial restructuring process, emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. With the U.S. Bankruptcy Court confirming its Plan of Reorganization on January 24, 2025, the company has met its objectives, including refinancing short-term debt, reducing long-term debt obligations, securing new financing, and modifying its asset-backed lending facility.

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During the restructuring process, The Container Store continued its operations seamlessly, honoring commitments to employees, vendors, and customers. The company has transitioned into a privately held entity owned by supportive lenders, now equipped with a strengthened balance sheet poised for growth.

CEO Satish Malhotra expressed optimism about the future, emphasizing a renewed focus on evolving its business strategies, enhancing product offerings, and improving customer experiences. He acknowledged the dedication of employees, vendor partners, customers, and new owners throughout the restructuring process.

The companys successful restructuring marks a pivotal moment in its journey towards strategic growth. With a refocused business model, The Container Store is committed to delivering high-quality custom spaces, organizing solutions, and in-home services to its customers.

For further details on The Container Stores Chapter 11 case and emergence from restructuring, interested parties may visit the companys dedicated website at www.futureforcontainerstore.com. Additional information is available on the Verita Global website (www.veritaglobal.net/thecontainerstore) or through the Companys claims agent, Verita, reachable at (888) 251-3046 for toll-free U.S. and Canada calls or (310) 751-2615 for international calls.

The Container Store received legal counsel from Latham & Watkins LLP, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, financial advisory from Houlihan Lokey, FTI Consulting, and real estate guidance from A&G Realty. The companys Term Loan Lenders advisory team comprised Paul Hastings LLP, Greenhill & Co., and AlixPartners.

The Container Stores dedication to providing organizing solutions began in 1978, offering a unique range of custom spaces, organizing solutions, and in-home services. With over 100 national locations and an extensive online store, the retailer features exclusive custom space lines and a diverse product portfolio for various home organization needs.

For more information on The Container Stores products, services, and locations, visit www.containerstore.com. To stay updated, follow The Container Store on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.

The Container Stores press release regarding its successful completion of the financial restructuring is available for further review on the companys website. Please note that the content of this press release should be considered furnished and not filed under Section 18 of the Exchange Act, nor incorporated by reference into any Securities Act or Exchange Act filing.

This article was generated by an automated content engine and was reviewed by a human editor prior to publication. For additional information, read The Container Store Groups 8K filing here.

The Container Store Group Company Profile

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The Container Store Group, Inc operates as a specialty retailer of organizing solutions, custom spaces, and in-home organizing services in the United States. The company operates in two segments, The Container Store and Elfa. Its stores provide custom space offerings; countertop, cosmetic and jewelry, shower and bathtub, drawer organizers, and cabinet storage products; closets that includes shoe storage, hangers, drawer organizers, boxes and bins, hanging storage bags, garment racks, jewelry storage, and bedding.

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